China's PLA Guard of Honor joins Victory Day parade rehearsal in Moscow

08:56, May 01, 2025 By Yuan Meng, Li Mingqi, Zhang Wenjie ( People's Daily Online

The first rehearsal for the upcoming Victory Day military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War II), was held in Moscow, Russia, on April 29, 2025. The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army participated in the rehearsal on Red Square.

(Cui Wenzhe, as an intern, also contributed to this video.)

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Kou Jie)
China launches special crackdown on abuse of AI technology

Xinhua) 10:20, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
This years Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) results have revealed a concerning learning gap among primary school students, Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath has said.

Speaking at a recognition ceremony for the top five performers in the 2025 SEA yesterday at the ministrys head office in Port of Spain, Dowlath said the data will be analysed for better performance moving forward.
The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the afternoon breezes are doing their best to hold off the sure-to-come heat here in Tucson.

Ahh, spring!

What better time to rediscover poetry  and discover a poet who may speak directly to you. Here are some recent collections that caught the eye of Cameron Quan and Estella Gonzalez, both volunteers with the Tucson Festival of Books:

Blue Corn Tongue by Amber McCrary is a bright, irreverent, heartfelt collection of poems celebrating the love between a Dine woman and an Oodham man  with all the complications that entail in a modern world. Blue corn symbolizes the connection between the physical and the spiritual. Traveling from the Colorado Plateau to the Sonoran Desert, McCrary  herself Dine  looks at the plants, places and people who have made her the person she is today.

Portrait of the Artist as a Brown Man by Jose Hernandez Diaz explores the Mexican American experience in Los Angeles, at once joyful and wary due to the prejudice and ridicule many Latinos feel every day. Scheduled for release on May 13, Portrait of the Artist is a warm, thoughtful ode to a community now as diverse as the city around it.

You Are Here is an anthology of poems edited by Ada Limon, the first Latina Poet Laureate of the United States. Published in partnership with the Library of Congress in April, You Are Here invites 50 modern poets to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. Contributors include Joy Harjo, Rigoberto Gonzalez, Jericho Brown, Diane Seuss and Alberto Rios.

Moon Mirrored Indivisible is the latest collection from Farid Matuk, director of the graduate program in creative writing at the University of Arizona. Drawing upon his own life experiences, Matuk reflects on place and power. Each of the books four sections explore how we might one day form a collective of people rather than self-interested groups.

Las Horas Imposibles/The Impossible Hours by Octavio Quintanilla is a collection presented in Spanish with English translation. In it, Quintanilla uses our southern border as a metaphor for the line that separates violence from harmony, longing from love, heartbreak from joy. The second half of the book is one long poem, a letter to a former lover who will never know all of the poets true feelings.

mother by m.s. RedCherries was a finalist for last years National Book Award in Poetry. Using both poetry and prose, RedCherries tells an unforgettable story of an Indigenous child taken from her home and raised by non-Indigenous parents. Much of the book looks at the childs search for self. The poet then expands the lens to study a much broader topic, the Indigenous search for identity in modern America.

Cowboy Park by Eduardo Martinez-Leyva is a collection of autobiographical poems that reflect on Martinez-Leyvas life in El Paso. In it, the poet pays tribute to the people, culture and traditions that shaped him, along with the slights and indignities that often scar. Among the big life moments was the detention and deportation of his brother. This was Martinez-Leyvas debut collection.

YOU by Rosa Alcala tracks the journey between girlhood and middle age, scouring the poets memory to identify those moments  both good and bad  that redirected yet moved it forward. From daughterhood to motherhood, Alcala chronicles the fears, tears and joy she encountered along the way.

Mojave Ghost by Forrest Gander takes us  the hard way  to his birthplace in the Mojave Desert: Barstow, California. A trained biologist, Gander walked much of the 800-mile San Andreas Fault to the town of his birth. Along the way, he ruminates about external and internal landscapes, recalling moments both physical and spiritual that got him from there to here and back again.

Alt-Nature by Saretta Morgan explores desert streams and desert dreams, a collection of poems written during the five years Morgan lived in the Sonoran and Mohave deserts. She finds beauty in the sand, but also sees the horrors created by government policies that now make the desert so hostile to so many.
IBTs 40th birthday isnt until Nov. 16, but preparations for a blowout celebration featuring a nationally known entertainer are already here.

So far, the bars first billboard is up at West Grant Road and North Stone Avenue, advertising the biggest party the popular gay bar has ever hosted.

On the bars birthday weekend, Nov. 15-16, IBTs will throw a weekend of celebrations, including an appearance by a notable national level entertainer.

IBTs opened on Nov. 16, 1985, in the height of the AIDS crisis and eight years after the city launched its Pride parade and events.

When Michael Kramkowski took over the gay bar IBTs, located at 616 N. Fourth Ave., in 2004, he never thought he would still be running it more than two decades later.

I always loved IBTs for what it was, even before I had the opportunity to buy it, Michael said. It meant a place for me to go and have fun, not worrying about other people who had a problem with who I was.

When he bought the bar, Michael became responsible for continuing IBTs mission and legacy as a place for anybody, he said.

We have an audience of 21- to 70-year-olds: IBTs is a place for gays, lesbians and trans and anybody who wants to come in and feel safe and comfortable, he explained.

Under his leadership, Kramkowski, who met his husband, Alvaro Kramkowski, at the bar, has earned a number of local awards.

Alvaro started washing dishes at the bar in 2003 when he was 20 years old.

Later on I bartended, and I got inspired by the movie Party Monster so I started throwing parties for the bar, he said.

He is now the bars manager-promoter and organizes events that include guests from RuPauls Drag Race and the popular karaoke nights that gained recognition from all around Tucson.

For the 40th anniversary, Alvaro is planning to go above and beyond.

Our anniversary will be one week after Tucson Pride, Alvaro said. We are planning a whole weekend of celebration with a special guest.

IBTs now stands as one of the oldest bars on Fourth Avenue, surviving four decades and the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. In 1985, they were one of the few bars for the gay community.

That time period was very different, said Alvaro, who is raising two young sons with Michael. We had a president who wouldnt even say the word gay. People were stigmatized and associated with AIDS or HIV, which made it even more difficult for them to come out.

In recent years, he has seen a positive attitude shift toward the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, there is less stigma around being gay, Alvaro said. The biggest change I see is that more people are accepted. When I was in high school, gay people were always made fun of.

Because of the internet and social media, gay bars over the years have disappeared in some communities. But Alvaro said IBTs has no such plans. Instead, it will expand its footprint when it takes over a space next door.

We have redone most of the bar at this point, Michael said. But since we are still growing, we will be expanding even more in the next couple of years, almost doubling the size of the bar.

IBTs success is our success, Alvaro said. It is our bread and butter; it feeds our kids and ourselves. Our plan is to be here as long as possible.
St. Marys Hospital is celebrating its 145th year in Tucson.

Carondelet Health Network on Wednesday revealed Legacy Wall, an art installation of photos and history.

This is an exciting moment for Carondelet Health Network associates and leadership. Were very proud of carrying on the work of the Seven Sisters of St. Joseph Of Carondelet who brought Carondelet St. Marys Hospital  the first hospital in the state  into existence, Monica Vargas-Mahar, the market chief executive officer, said in a written statement.

Their fortitude in working to help those in Tucson gain medical treatment is truly inspiring.

A news release cited some notable moments for the hospital over the years:

April 24, 1880, Carondelet St. Marys Hospital officially opened to serve the fast-growing Tucson region  with a population of just over 7,000.

St. Marys School of Nursing graduated its first class in 1918.

In 1941, the first use of nuclear medicine in Arizona was performed when Carondelet St. Marys Hospitals doctors used a radioactive isotope to diagnose and treat a thyroid disorder.

In 1959, Carondelet St. Marys Hospital acquired a heart-lung machine, and surgeons performed Arizonas first open heart surgery on an 8-year-old girl.

In 1980, Carondelet St. Marys Hospital was one of the first hospitals in the United States to open a hospice unit.

Last year, the hospital and El Rio Health partnered to expand access for comprehensive behavioral health services. And also in 2024, the hospital was the first in Tucson to invest in the da Vinci 5 medical robot for use in surgeries.
A former border agent assigned to the Interstate-19 checkpoint south of Tucson has been convicted of fraud, federal prosecutors say.

Jorge J. Jimenez, 54, of Rio Rico, was working at the checkpoint between July and October 2024, where he performed vehicle inspections. Jimenez conspired with at least two individuals in Mexico to allow load vehicles to pass through his assigned checkpoint lane without inspection, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Arizona.

In exchange for his help, Jimenez expected to receive half of the $40,000 that the conspirators were paid for getting five load vehicles through the checkpoint, the release said.

Jimenez was convicted on April 25 after a 10-day federal court trial in Tucson.

He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced July 9 by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez, the release said.

Securing the southern border requires an effective law enforcement force, held to the highest standard of integrity, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine, is quoted as saying in the news release. Mr. Jimenez forgot his oath and put his community in danger for his own gain.
PHOENIX  Health professionals say mixed messaging from top officials along with widespread misinformation is contributing to declining vaccination rates, particularly in rural counties where health care access is already limited.

For a person whos not trained in medicine, science, or public health, its a confusing mix of messages they receive, and they dont have any good way to sort it out, said Dr. Doug Campos-Outcalt, a physician and public health expert at the University of Arizonas College of Medicine.

Adding to the mix of confusing messages are Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s anti-vaccine statements, which have alarmed public health experts.

Before, anti-vaccinations were sort of the minority group within society. . . . This is government leaders expressing significant doubts and concerns about the safety and efficiency of vaccines, said James Hodge, professor of law at Arizona State Universitys Sandra Day OConnor College of Law.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention canceled $11.4 billion in COVID-related funds for state and local departments, affecting vaccine services and over a dozen clinics in Pima County.

The county was working with community-based organizations and libraries to distribute COVID tests and provide outreach events before the cancellation.

According to Pima County Public Health Director Theresa Cullen, the county received two grants in 2021 that were supposed to last through the summer of 2026, the National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities and COV4Equity, which addressed vaccine equity.

If you pull federal funds for vaccines, parents cant afford these things. Millions of children each year in the United States get vaccinated for preventable conditions solely because the vaccines are free, largely because the federal government has the resources to provide that, Hodge said.

The county used the grant funds for more than just vaccination efforts.

We were doing lots of different stuff with this grant, all of which had been approved by the CDC, obviously a tie to COVID, but far beyond, Cullen said.

The health disparities grant funding helped identify groups that could be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, such as those with chronic disease or 65 and older, by providing health education and increasing insurance enrollment. The closure of the vaccine equity grant will impact vaccine clinics, education and outreach, especially for those in rural communities.

Gila, Navajo, Mohave, and Yavapai counties in Arizona have lower vaccination rates than Gaines County in Texas, which has been experiencing a measles outbreak. Maricopa and Pima counties maintained a 90% rate for MMR vaccinations, in the 2022-2023 school year.

Nationally, the CDC confirmed 884 measles cases as of April 24.

Vaccination rates have declined significantly, especially among young children. Last school year, approximately 280,000 schoolchildren nationally were not vaccinated against measles, according to Kaiser.

The CDC collected data from state and local immunization programs and found that less than 93% of kindergarteners have been vaccinated with all state-required vaccines in the 2023-2024 school year. This was down from 95% in the 2019-2020 pre-pandemic school year and below coverage levels from the past decade.

A CDC report shows that 8.5% of Arizonas kindergartners skipped required vaccinations through exemptions last school year. In Arizona, parents need to submit a personal beliefs form to their childs school to opt out of vaccination. The data included homeschooled children to a limited extent.

We already have one of the easiest exemption processes for school kids, but it doesnt seem like thats enough anymore, said Ashley Chambers, executive director of Arizona Families for Vaccines, a nonprofit that works with legislators and an array of other groups to boost confidence in vaccines. When we look at the national trend, we like to say that the anti-vaccine movement doesnt take their toys and go home. What I mean by that is they get what they want, and then next year they go further.

The organization focuses on educating Arizona lawmakers rather than the general public. Brandi Giles is a registered nurse who spearheads immunization education efforts at the nonprofit.

I definitely saw more deaths than one human would normally see. I saw mothers and sons pass away, husbands and wives pass away, young mothers who never got to hold their babies, Giles said, recalling her experience as an ICU nurse during COVID and witnessing the severe consequences of vaccine hesitancy.
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Network 10 has completed its acquisition of WIN Networks Northern New South Wales television licence and has commenced operating the licence.

The licence ensures channels 10, 10 Bold Drama and 10 Peach Comedy will continue to be broadcast into Newcastle, Taree, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Lismore, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast.

The production and broadcast of local news updates in the Northern Rivers, Tamworth, Taree, Newcastle and Gold Coast also remains.

WIN offloading its Northern New South Wales television licence also paves the way for WIN media mogul Bruce Gordon to convert equity swaps in Nine held with Macquarie Group into shares, potentially making him its largest shareholder.

Andrew Lancaster, CEO of the WIN Corporation recently said: WINs strategic focus is on Nine and it no longer makes sense for us to own the 10 Northern NSW business. As an industry we should be looking to make the buying of advertising easier for our clients and this transaction should help do that.

In December 2024 Network 10 also announced it had signed an agreement for the acquisition of Southern Cross Media Group Limiteds television licences in Queensland, southern New South Wales and Victoria.
Disney will celebrate May The Fourth Be With You! with a fan event in Sydney and the opening of a Lego exhibition in Melbourne.

Sydney:

Date: Sunday, 4th May

Time: 11:00am  5:00pm

Location: Corner Pitt Street Mall and Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Some things to look out for on the day:

+ Character appearances from local fan groups

+ Exclusive activations and photo opportunities

+ Jedi Experience: fledgling Padawans are invited to train like the Jedi and learn the ways of the Force

+ Grogu Cutest in the Galaxy photo opportunity

+ TIE-fighter: Join the dark side as you grab a photo with our life-size replica TIE-fighter

+ Cantina Band: Enjoy live music from a galaxy far, far away

+ Star Wars Unlimited: Exclusive Star Wars trading cards. Witness live demos and have a chance to join the fun

+ LEGO make and take zone

+ Cosplay competitions for kids and adults, with special prize giveaways.

Melbourne:

LEGO Star Wars Exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

This world-first exhibition brings two of the worlds most beloved brands together with renowned LEGO Certified Professional Ryan Brickman McNaught at the controls.

May the bricks be with you! Embark on an epic hands-on and immersive journey through the galaxys first LEGO Star Wars exhibition.

Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld also premieres on Disney+ this Sunday.
Magi Pictures has acquired the rights to bestselling novel Khaki Town by author Judy Nunn who has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide.

Gold Coast Magi Pictures is an independent film and television production company founded by screenwriter Shirley Pierce and director Michael Rymer.

Set in 1942 Townsville, North Queensland, this murder mystery unveils a dynamic yet little-known chapter of wartime history when Australia became the strategic headquarters for the Pacific War. The story unfolds as hundreds of thousands of American troops flood into Queensland, creating an explosive situation when African American soldiers  still bound by Jim Crow segregation laws -found themselves in a country shaped by the White Australia policys racial exclusionary principles.

This unlikely intersection of two nations discriminatory systems becomes the canvas for murder, taboo connections, and a struggle for dignity beyond the battlefield.

This story grabbed me from the first page because its not just history  its a gripping thriller that happens to expose truths were still confronting today, says Pierce.

Audiences will be drawn into this murder mystery set against an explosive backdrop where American and Australian racial attitudes collide. Its got everything  danger, prohibited affairs, shocking revelations  while shining a light on a chapter of history that eerily mirrors headlines were still seeing now.

Queensland isnt just our backyard, its practically a character in this explosive story, says Magi co-founder Michael Rymer (Angel Baby, Queen of the Damned, Battlestar Galactica, Deadline Gallipoli). Well be taking viewers to the streets where these events unfolded  military compounds where cultural tensions simmered, dance halls where clandestine entanglements were formed, and shadowy corners where murder was plotted. This setting offers a cinematic experience that combines historical authenticity with edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Im delighted that Magi Pictures has acquired Khaki Town, says Nunn. Michael and Shirleys American film backgrounds and their understanding of the complex racial dynamics at play in this story, combined with their Queensland connection, makes them the perfect team to bring this important story to the screen.

Judys millions of readers across the globe have been asking for years to see her characters come to life on screen, added Beverley Cousins, Fiction Publisher at Penguin Random House Australia. Khaki Town is the perfect novel to make that leap -its vivid characters, emotional depth, and high-stakes drama are tailor-made for visual storytelling.

Were thrilled that Magi Pictures will be bringing this intriguing story to life, allowing fans to experience the tension and passion of Judys world in an entirely new way while introducing these unforgettable characters to a whole new audience.

Magi currently has four series and three feature films in late-stage development, with Khaki Town set to begin development in May.
Aamirah Thayibah, TwoCircles.net

New Delhi: Behind a frayed curtain, a modest and dimly lit room in a narrow alley in Old Delhi houses a treasure trove of art. Canvases lie stacked, paint bottles rest on the floor and a 71-year-old artist is hunched over his latest creation. This is painter Kafeel Ahmads world.

Popularly known as Painter Kafeel, he is crouched on a low stool, his gaze fixed on a half-finished signboard that will soon be sent abroad.

This one is going to the Netherlands, he says, with his fingers tracing the vibrant and swirling typography on the canvas, which pulses with colour.

At a time when glossy, mass-produced vinyl prints are replacing Indias once-iconic hand-painted street art, Painter Kafeels work remains steadfast and reminds craftsmanship and soul that traditional sign painting embodies. His journey from a small-town boy at Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh to an internationally recognised artist, showcases his determination to stay true to his art in an increasingly digital world. Born in a small town of Anola, Kafeels early life was far removed from the buzz of Indias bustling capital. His days were simple  school in the morning, afternoons spent helping at his fathers general store and evenings watching and observing the canvas work of his neighbour, Shabir Raza Khan, a local painter.

In school, my teachers always pushed me to improve my handwriting in Urdu and Hindi. Soon, I was the best in my class, recalls Kafeel recalls in nostalgic voice.

It was his father who recognised his potential and handed him his first job, which was writing neat labels for the jars in the family store.

I wrote labels for saunf (fennel seeds), dhaniya (coriander), zeera (cumin) and sugar candies, he smilingly says.

Word of his near-perfect handwriting spread, and it was Khan, the neighbourhood artist, who gave him his first set of paints and a brush  sparking the passion that would become his lifes work.

I spent hours just watching the paint. When I finally picked up the brush, it felt like an extension of myself, he remembers.

However, by 1980, Kafeels circumstances had changed. His father was no more, his familys business had crumbled and with no support from his elder brother, he packed his bags, took Rs 500 and cycled to Delhi with nothing but his paints and a dream.

Not having family support was not easy. But looking back, they did right by me  I found what I was truly passionate about: painting, he says.

Delhi became Kafeels canvas in those early years. Decorated with tassels and a sign that read Painter Kafeel  Artist (Urdu, Hindi, English), his bicycle took him from one end of the city to the other.

I cycled from Jamnapar (Trans Yamuna Region or Northeast Delhi) to Purani Dilli (Old Delhi), looking for shopkeepers who needed signs, Kafeel remembers. Summers were his busiest time, with cold drink stalls, new businesses and weddings all requiring his artistic touch.

Painter Kafeel soon became a well-known name in the city. His hand-painted signs adorned shopfronts, billboards and cold drink advertisements across the city.

Kafeel refined his craft under the guidance of Meena Bazaars Painter Faiz. For 19 years, he apprenticed under him before opening his own studio in Matia Mahal.

The 2000s brought a slow yet noticeable shift. With the rise of air-conditioned malls and the proliferation of vinyl banners and flex boards, the charming and handcrafted signboards of Delhi were slowly being replaced by cheaper and shinier alternatives.

It was obvious. These new boards were faster and cheaper than paying an artist, Kafeel says with a note of sadness.

However, just as it seemed the old craft was fading into obscurity, he crossed paths with Hanif Qureshi, a street artist and documentarian. The latter was working on HandpaintedType  a project to document traditional sign painters across India. Kafeels bold and angular Devanagari script stood out.

Hanif bhai had a special eye. If he chose me, that had to mean something, he says, chuckling.

Through HandpaintedType, Kafeels unique font was digitised and eventually licensed by global giants like Google, Forbes and Starbucks. Once confined to the narrow lanes of Delhi, his work now reached across the globe  from Paris to Perth.

Before the project, a signboard commission might have earned Kafeel a few hundred rupees. Now, international clients pay anywhere from Rs 7,000 upwards, with his most recent commission selling for Rs 17,000 (around 200 US dollars).

There is a real appreciation for typography abroad. People who want quality still know where to look, Kafeel says.

In a corner of his small studio, a desktop computer sits covered in dust. Kafeel briefly experimented with digital tools and realised that nothing compares to the feeling of a paintbrush in his hand.

It just does not feel the same when I do not touch my work, he says, holding up a canvas to the light. The eyes of a painted portrait glisten, as though they are alive.

My goal has always been to create something extraordinary. I do not want to imitate others. I want my work to be worth imitating, Kafeel adds with a smile.

Despite his attachment to traditional methods, he has found a way to blend the old and the new. A black tripod stands ready next to his current project, showing his growing Instagram following. Time-lapse videos of his painting process now bring him orders from all over the world.

For a while, my son handled my Instagram. But I prefer doing it myself as he is terrible at spelling the captions, he laughs.

As he moves carefully among the scattered canvases and jars of paint, Kafeel pauses to wipe his hands on a rag. Outside, the typical noise of Old Delhi  motorcycles honking, vendors calling  fill the air, but inside, Kafeel remains focused on his work. The brush strokes are steady, the colours vibrant.

He knows he is part of a vanishing world. Many of the painters he once worked alongside have passed away, and others have laid down their brushes. The younger generation, he observes, has turned to modern careers in gleaming cities.

However, Kafeel remains hopeful.

I believe the need for artists will never disappear. There will always be quality art for those who seek it, he says.

On his latest canvas, the curves of Hindi and Urdu letters take shape, their outlines drawn in black ink. The piece reads Hanif Qureshi, with the dates 12 October 1982  22 September 2024 beneath it. It is Kafeels tribute to his dear friend and mentor, the one who helped bring the two artists together.

A fresh roll of canvas waits in another corner of the room, with its edges nailed to a frame. Another project begins. For Painter Kafeel, the art of staying relevant is just a brushstroke away.
Lessons from Drug Cartels for Arab Rulers Dealing Israel

The drug dealers who operate in an illegal field have taken a stance that shows real action can be more effective than any diplomatic statements at Arab summits

Sunday October 6, 2024 1:14 PM , Dr. Muhammad Turki Bani Salama

In light of the ongoing brutal Israeli aggression on Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, the Arab and Islamic media arenas are crowded with official statements of condemnation and denunciation yet the situation remains the same.

These expressions of concern and repeated warnings have become, in essence, part of a farcical and repetitive political play that does not provide any tangible support or actual assistance to the afflicted peoples. Rather, they are empty words to alleviate popular pressures without any actual intention to take effective steps on the ground.

It is ironic these Arab and Islamic countries do not miss an opportunity to declare their support for Palestine and Lebanon at international forums. They are content with a monotonous diplomatic theatrical performance of statements of condemnation and warning without taking any real steps on the ground.

This is despite the number of dead, wounded and displaced who are increasing daily. These countries, especially the ones that normalized ties with Israel, are not even bothering to sever relations with the Jewish state, or even think of imposing any significant economic sanctions on the entity.

On the contrary, some of these countries have increased the volume of trade and economic exchange with Israel since the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa Flood battle last October, as if they fear upsetting their new trading partner, at the same time continuing to present themselves to the world as protectors of Arab, Islamic and humanitarian principles and values.

This blatant contradiction between political rhetoric and action on the ground cannot but arouse the astonishment of the Arab and Islamic peoples. How can these countries claim to adhere to the values of Arabism, Islam and humanity, while they turn a blind eye to Israeli violations against the Arab populations of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen?

How can this support and the hollow words be considered real solidarity? The Arab people are asking:

Where are the actions that reflect these resonant statements on the ground?

What is even more bizarre in this absurd scene is that even the drug dealers in the Maghreb have taken a more serious stance than these Arab states countries. By their decision to stop drug smuggling to Israel, they have demonstrated a greater understanding of effective action than many of the nations leaders.

Those who operate in an illegal field have taken a stance that shows real action can be more effective than any diplomatic statements at Arab summits. If only Arab leaders would learn a lesson from the drug dealers on how to provide support, relief to the distressed and rescue the oppressed.

As for banking on international law and the international community to stop the Israeli aggression, it is a losing bet by all standards. Israel is fully supported by the West, led by the Zionist United States, the head of the snake, and which no longer hides its explicit loyalty to the Zionist project.

While Washington sings the praises of human rights on every occasion, it adopts double-standard policies, turns a blind eye to the flagrant violations of Arab rights, and supplies Israel on a daily basis the latest lethal weapons to continue its aggression against the Arab people without deterrence.

Relying on the Security Council or the United Nations for justice and/or to stop the aggression is just an illusion and a mirage, closer to waiting for the impossible, because these institutions have proven time and again, they are unable to take any serious position when it comes to Israel.

So the fundamental question here is: Will the Arabs continue to play the role of spectators or will they decide to take serious positions to protect themselves and their interests first before thinking about protecting the rights of the peoples of Palestine and Lebanon?

And can the Arabs ever go beyond mere statements and take actual steps that restore balance in the face of Israeli arrogance? Or have the Arabs left history, geography and the entire political equation, and no benefit can be expected of them?

Only the coming days will reveal the answer but what is for certain now is the Arabs can no longer tolerate more empty promises and hollow statements. They are waiting for real action that embody a strong political will capable of bringing about change.

In the end, the aggression continues, and with it the official Arab and international silence remains, at a time when the suffering of the Arabs in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere increases.

These people have no choice but to resist, without expecting someone to appear in this lunatic world to take bold positions and truly stand for justice and humanity, in the face of the Zionist-American barbarism, brutal aggression and ongoing injustice.

[The writer, Dr. Muhammad Turki Bani Salama, is a Jordanian academic and a full professor who contributed this opinion in Arabic to Raialyoum.com . This article is a translated and edited version by Dr Marwan Asmar for the crossfirearabia.com website.]

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HA NOI  The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) recently raised concerns regarding the Value Added Tax (VAT) framework concerning mineral resources and exports.

As the Ministry of Finance seeks opinions to refine the draft decree implementing specific provisions of the VAT Law, the business community is calling for critical revisions to enhance competitiveness and reduce operational costs.

Currently, the VAT regulations do not differentiate between unprocessed and processed mineral resources.

This approach fails to acknowledge the economic realities of different products, thereby increasing the tax burden on businesses.

Companies are required to account for the full VAT input as a business expense, potentially diminishing the international competitiveness of Vietnamese exports.

VCCI highlights that the existing classification system, which uses Harmonised System (HS) codes, inadequately groups all products under a single code, ignoring the distinctions between raw and processed materials.

Many businesses propose that the drafting authorities include certain principles that should not apply to other products or industrial products certified by competent authorities.

In cases where products are exempt from export tax, meaning they do not fall under restricted or non-encouraged export categories, these products should also benefit from the standard VAT policy.

Businesses argue that the taxation of export-related services is not adequately addressed.

Services related to sourcing goods for export, which are inherently cross-border, face potential double taxation under the current framework. This could inflate costs for foreign investors and diminish Viet Nams attractiveness as a trade partner.

Additionally, the draft regulations concerning VAT rates for goods exported to duty-free zones lack clarity.

Numerous businesses contend that ambiguous language creates risks and compliance challenges.

A clearer definition of goods directly serving export production is essential, and requiring documentation such as contracts and customs declarations could streamline compliance and reduce misunderstandings.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams labour market has made significant strides, growing in scale and quality as it embraces modernisation, sustainability and deeper global integration, driven by proactive government policies.

Through targeted measures, including more job-matching programmes, employment fairs and job creation loans, the Government has effectively connected provinces rich in human resources with key economic hubs. These have ensured a stable workforce for industrial parks, export processing zones and major economic areas.

According to the National Statistics Office, Viet Nams labour market in 2024 regained its pre-pandemic momentum. The workforce aged 15 and above reached nearly 53 million, up by over 575,000 from 2023, with 51.9 million employed, a 1.1 per cent increase. The unemployment rate dropped to 2.24 per cent.

Moreover, over 700,000 Vietnamese workers are employed abroad under contractual agreements, contributing US$3.5-4 billion in annual remittances.

The Party and State are committed to further strengthening the labour market through strategic reforms, including improved coordination of employment, social, and unemployment insurance policies, and accelerated digital transformation.

A national labour and employment database, integrated with the population database, is being developed to enhance public employment services.

Viet Nam is also refining its legal framework for vocational skills, labour relations and wage systems to meet domestic and international demands. Robust state oversight ensures labour organisations operate within their mandates, safeguarding political stability and public order.

Looking to 20262030, the Government aims to modernise the labour structure by reducing informal employment and expanding sustainable job opportunities. Social policy credit programmes will be scaled up to support vulnerable groups, including the poor, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those impacted by natural disasters, pandemics or climate change.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnamese Government has reduced the preferential import tariff on liquefied natural gas (LNG) from 5 per cent to 2 per cent under Decree No. 73/2025/N-CP, issued on March 31. The move marks a key step in accelerating the countrys shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.

Boost for LNG investors

Nguyen Quoc Thap, Chairman of the Viet Nam Petroleum Association, said the lower tariff would provide strong incentives for investors in the LNG value chain, from importers like PV GAS to power producers such as PV Power and end users.

The decision also signals the Governments intent to refine energy policy by balancing the interests of the State, investors and consumers. A more investor-friendly framework is expected to encourage development of LNG infrastructure, including terminals, storage, regasification facilities and LNG-fuelled power plants.

Under Power Development Plan VIII, Viet Nam aims to build 23 gas-fired power projects by 2030, of which 10 using domestic gas, with total capacity of 7,900 MW and 13 relying on imported LNG with a combined capacity of 22,400 MW.

These projects will play a vital role in increasing national power supply and advancing Viet Nams 2050 net-zero emissions target. The Nhon Trach 3 Power Plant, the first LNG-to-power plant using imported gas, was connected to the national grid in February and is set to begin commercial operations in July.

Developed by PV Power, a Petrovietnam subsidiary, its workload saw 96 per cent completed along with the Nhon Trach 4 plant. Both are expected to be fully operational in 2025. To ensure a stable, long-term fuel supply, PV GAS and PV Power have signed a 25-year LNG supply agreement for the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 plants.

As domestic gas reserves decline, PV GAS, currently Viet Nams only long-term LNG supplier, is accelerating investment in import terminals to maintain supply for both electricity generation and industry. The tariff cut is expected to help lower input costs for LNG power and benefit consumers.

Policy gaps remain

While the tariff reduction is a welcome step, more comprehensive reforms are needed, said Thap. A unified regulatory framework covering investment, infrastructure, imports, and LNG trading is essential to achieve national energy security and long-term sustainability goals.

Echoing this, a PV GAS representative pointed to persistent policy challenges, such as the absence of a guaranteed purchase volume, unclear rules for passing LNG prices through to electricity prices, and vague cost regulations.

These hurdles complicate project planning, output pricing, and commercial negotiations throughout the LNG value chain.

PV Power also highlighted difficulties in accessing international financing, as imported LNG remains a new investment model in Viet Nam.

To secure foreign loans, projects typically need minimum purchase guarantees (70-80 per cent), a price pass-through mechanism similar to that for domestic gas, and clear access to land and transmission infrastructure.

Petrovietnam also stressed that LNG-to-power should not be treated like traditional power sources in the competitive electricity market, as long-term LNG contracts are needed to ensure stable supply and reduce costs.

Legal reforms to support energy transition

To advance clean energy goals, the Viet Nam Petroleum Association has called for revisions to a wide range of laws, including those on electricity, environmental protection (especially carbon emissions accounting), taxation, marine resources, investment, procurement, construction and land.

It also recommends aligning electricity market development with Power Development Plan VIII, building integrated LNG infrastructure clusters (terminals, power plants and industrial zones), and expanding transmission networks for both domestic use and export, particularly for LNG-based power.

The association further urged updates to the organisational and financial regulations for state-owned energy firms, such as Petrovietnam and EVN.  VNS
MEKONG DELTA - As April rolls in, bringing with it memories of the countrys historic milestones, the Khmer people in Southern Viet Nam, especially in Bac Lieu, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang provinces, join fellow citizens across the nation in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

For the Khmer community, this is more than just a commemoration, it is a moment to reflect on the profound transformation of their homeland.

Fifty years of transformation and growth

Fifty years after reunification, the once-remote Khmer hamlets, or phum soc, have witnessed remarkable changes. What were once isolated, underdeveloped rural areas are now dynamic communities filled with the promise of prosperity.

The development journey of the Khmer people mirrors the larger story of Viet Nams post-war growth, a journey marked by strong leadership, thoughtful policy, and the resilience of the people.

Bac Lieu, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang are among the provinces with the largest Khmer populations.

In Bac Lieu alone, over 17,000 Khmer households represent 7.6 per cent of the population. In Tra Vinh and Soc Trang, Khmer communities account for over 30 per cent of the local population, forming a vibrant cultural and social component of these regions.

Recognising the importance of ethnic solidarity and development, local governments have prioritised ethnic affairs as both a moral responsibility and a strategic approach to inclusive growth.

According to Pham Van Thieu, chairman of the Bac Lieu Peoples Committee, the province has steadily implemented policies tailored for ethnic minorities, aligning them with broader socio-economic goals.

These efforts have led to visible improvements in both the material and spiritual life of the Khmer people.

Roads, schools, healthcare centres, and cultural institutions have all been expanded and modernised.

Government support and local determination

From 2021 to 2024 alone, Bac Lieu allocated VN160 billion (US$6.3 million) toward the National Target Programne on Sustainable Poverty Reduction.

Through diversified livelihood support programmes and enhanced agricultural practices, the average income of Khmer rice-farming households increased by 20 per cent compared to 2021.

The poverty rate among ethnic minority households has also dropped significantly, from 2,329 households in 2021 to only 258 today, representing just 1.39 per cent of the Khmer population.

In Tra Vinh, similar programmes have been implemented, including microcredit initiatives, vocational training, and support for traditional crafts.

Soc Trang, meanwhile, has launched infrastructure projects aimed at improving rural connectivity and access to education for Khmer students. These investments have helped bridge gaps between ethnic communities and mainstream development.

Infrastructure development has played a crucial role in these changes.

Across these provinces, paved roads, stable electricity, clean water, and well-equipped schools are becoming common sights in Khmer villages.

Thirteen out of fourteen communes with significant Khmer populations in Bac Lieu have now met all criteria for new rural status.

Annual cultural and socio-economic development plans are increasingly integrating ethnic identity, empowering local Khmer leaders and enhancing community participation.

The success of these initiatives in one province has often become a model for replication in neighbouring ones.

Change seen in every village

In phum soc across the region, change is evident in both landscape and livelihood.

Concrete roads now replace muddy trails, and electricity brightens homes that were once in the dark. Basic infrastructure, including electricity, clean water, schools, and clinics, is no longer a distant dream, but a daily reality for thousands of Khmer families.

Danh Cao, a resident of Kos Thum Hamlet in Ninh Thanh Loi commune in Bac Lieu, recalls the hardships of the past: We used to travel by canoe; getting to school or accessing healthcare was difficult. Now, with electricity, roads, schools, and clinics in place, life has changed for the better. His words capture the sentiment of many Khmer villagers.

In Tra Vinhs Cau Ngang district, where a high percentage of Khmer people reside, new schools have been built near temples to facilitate both secular and religious education.

In Soc Trang, local Khmer farmers are integrating modern techniques in shrimp farming and rice cultivation, increasing productivity while preserving traditional knowledge.

Culture preserved, spirit strengthened

Alongside economic development, cultural preservation has also been a focus.

Programmes to uphold and promote Khmer traditions, through festivals, temples, language, and education, are helping maintain a strong sense of identity within the community.

Pagodas remain not only spiritual centres but also cultural hubs, where tradition and modern life blend harmoniously.

Venerable Tang Sa Vong, vice president of the provincial Association for Patriotic Monks and Abbot of Buppharam Pagoda in Cai Gia Chot, Bac Lieu, expressed his joy at the provinces achievements: Under the leadership of the Party and State, our lives have improved in every wayfrom politics to economy to culture.

In Soc Trang and Tra Vinh, monasteries play a key role in community organisation, education, and charity.

Local monks are active in promoting environmental awareness, youth education, and social harmony.

Government policies on religious freedom and ethnic equality have empowered these institutions to become full partners in regional development.

Support for cultural institutions and Khmer education is another cornerstone of the inclusive approach.

Bilingual education and the teaching of Khmer language in primary schools have become more prevalent.

Traditional music, dance, and religious festivals are supported at both grassroots and provincial levels.

A new face for Khmer villages

Returning to Khmer villages today, one can easily see the sweeping changes.

In places like Ninh Thanh Loi in Bac Lieu, Cau Ke in Tra Vinh, and My Tu in Soc Trang, once known for poverty and isolation, the scene is now one of productivity and growth.

Formerly wild marshlands are now productive rice fields and shrimp farms.

Concrete roads stretch through what were once impassable paths.

Bright, spacious schools and ornately renovated pagodas add to the beauty and functionality of the landscape.

Families no longer need to send children far for education. Basic healthcare is accessible. Cultural events are celebrated with renewed vigor and participation.

The Khmer community has embraced innovation in agriculture, small business, and education.

More and more young people are pursuing higher education, returning to their roots with knowledge to share and contribute to the community's growth.

Women are stepping into leadership roles, actively shaping the economic and social development of their villages.

Looking ahead with confidence

Today, the Khmer communities in Bac Lieu, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang stand as symbols of resilience, unity, and faith in the nations path.

Their journey from hardship to hope is a testament to the effectiveness of inclusive development policies and the strength of grassroots efforts.

What once were war-torn, poverty-stricken villages are now vibrant communities with strong foundations for the future.

Fifty years after the Liberation of the South, the Khmer people continue to walk alongside the nation, confident in the Partys leadership, contributing with heart and hands to the building of a prosperous, civilised, and culturally rich Viet Nam.

Their story is not just about overcoming adversity, it is about shaping a future in which tradition and progress go hand in hand.

In the blooming rice fields and rising schools, in the laughter of children and the chanting from temples, the spirit of a homeland renewed is vividly alive.

The Khmer peoples journey over the past half-century exemplifies what can be achieved when inclusive policies meet determination and unity.

With continued support and their own unwavering efforts, the Khmer communities of Southern Viet Nam will keep writing new chapters of growth, harmony, and hopesteadily advancing alongside the nation on its path of development and integration. - VNS
HA NOI  Phu Tho Province will be commemorating Prince Lang Lieu -- the seventh Hung King -- with a special incense offering ceremony while aiming to set a record for the 100 largest offerings in Viet Nam on May 7 at the Duu Lau Communal House in Viet Tri City.

The commemoration is an annual activity of the city's Duu Lau Ward to pay tribute to one of the legendary founders of the nation.

It cultivates patriotism among the people and promotes traditional values, good ethics, a hard-working spirit, creativity, courage, and resilience among the locals.

Organisers will reenact the ritual of making offerings from the Hung Kings' time, giving people opportunities to learn about traditional culture and ancient worship.

Prince Lang Lieu or Hung Chieu Vuong was the most outstanding son among the princes of Hung Huy Vuong. He was helped by a God to make banh chung (square rice cake) and banh giay (round glutinous rice cake) that so pleased his father he was passed the throne to become the seventh Hung King.

"The event aims to honour Vietnamese traditional cultural values and preserve and promote the value of intangible cultural heritage and Hung King worship in particular," said Phan Quoc Khanh, chairman of Duu Lau Ward People's Committee.

The event, jointly organised by Masan Consumer and the Vietnamese Chefs Federation, along with related agencies and units, is expected to welcome over 500 delegates, artisans, and renowned chefs from across the nation, as well as numerous visitors.

During the ceremony there will be a special culinary display - 100 of the largest elaborate trays of offerings with chung and giay cakes symbolising the earth and sky, respectively.

The trays are a way for the Vietnamese chefs' to commemorate Lang Lieu as the celebrated founder of the cooking profession. While preparing the cakes they will showcase their individual techniques and skills and honour different types of cuisine representing localities across the country.

But locals, visitors and artisans can also take part in the cake making process, adding their experience and stories about the origin of these two national dishes.

Organisers hope this activity will not only preserve customs and arouse national pride, but also create a joyful and united community atmosphere.

A music and dance programme will be organised featuring local artists and artisans with diverse performances including Xoan singing - a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Organisers believe that their event will help people, especially international friends, understand better the culture, cuisine and history of Viet Nam and Phu Tho. VNS
HA NOI  Precious photos taken by two former war correspondents from Vietnam News Agency, preserved for half a century, have been donated to the National Archive Centre III on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and National Reunification.

War correspondents inh Quang Thanh and Tran Mai Huong are among the journalists who followed the liberation troops into HCM City, then known as Sai Gon. Both were present at the Independence Palace on the historic day of April 30, 1975.

They have donated nearly a hundred photos that vividly depict the diverse scenes of the Vietnamese people's resistance against America to the National Archives Centre III. These photos authentically reflect the harsh realities of war and bombardment, but above all, they showcase the patriotic spirit, courage and determination of the Vietnamese military and civilians, from the front line and back to the support lines.

One of the most notable photos captures the image of a tank from the liberation forces entering the Independence Palace on April 30, by journalist Tran Mai Huong, which has become a sacred symbol of the victory day.

Tran Viet Hoa, director of the centre, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the journalists for preserving and entrusting these valuable photos to the centre. She noted that the photos, alongside the collections of documents and photographs being preserved at the centre, held significant meaning, contributing to a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of many major events in the country, including the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

A veteran journalist and colleague of the two reporters, Ngo Minh ao, also presented portraits to the war correspondents, serving as a special gift from him to his fellow journalists on this momentous occasion for the nation. VNS
LONDON  An oil painting by Vu Cao am, one of the most influential artists in Viet Nam in the 20th century, will go under the hammer at London's Sloane Street Auctions on May 2.

The oil painting, titled "Property of a Lady of Title," will be the first Vietnamese artwork to be auctioned at this distinguished auction house. It was on display at a solo exhibition of am in London in 1960, hosted by the prominent Frost & Reed Gallery.

Born in 1908 in Ha Noi to a well-off family, the fifth of fourteen children, the artist was influenced by French culture from a very young age, as his father, Vu inh Thi (1864- 1930), was a scholar and had an in-depth knowledge of French culture.

A graduate of the Hanoi College of Fine Arts, am was taught by French painters Victor Tardieu and Joseph Inguimberty. In 1931, he travelled to Paris on a scholarship to further his studies at the Ecole de Louvre. In 1949, he relocated with his family to southern France, where the local environment as well as the influence of his neighbour Chagall, who lived just a kilometre away, is evident in his later paintings, such as the present one.

Daniel Hunt, Sloane Street Auctions Founder and CEO, said Vietnamese art is gaining global recognition, having grown steadily for 20 years or more. Artists from the Indochina period, such as Vu Cao am, are especially highly regarded as their works grow in popularity and value.

The London-based Sloane Street Auctions specialises in auctioning old master drawings and paintings, European furniture and works of art, impressionist art, modern and contemporary art, and photography.

Not only showing interest in Vietnamese art, Sloane Street Auctions also joins efforts to help unfortunate children in Viet Nam through supporting Facing the World, a UK-registered charity which has operated in Viet Nam since 2007 to provide medical treatment for children born with craniofacial defects.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee o Van Chien has expressed deep gratitude to international friends for their unwavering support and solidarity with Viet Nam during its struggle for national liberation and the ongoing journey of national development.

Speaking at a meeting with a 100-member international delegation in HCM City on Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975  April 30, 2025), Chien emphasised that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people have always treasured the noble spirit of international solidarity shown by global supporters.

These friendships, formed in the most difficult years of our nations history, are etched in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, he said. They are not only memories of the past but a foundation for future cooperation, peace, and mutual understanding.

The international guests represent numerous organisations that supported Viet Nam during the resistance wars and in the years of national reconstruction. They include the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), the PhilippineViet Nam Solidarity Committee, the US-based Fund for Reconciliation and Development (FRD), Veterans for Peace (VFP), the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and others from India, France, Hungary, Japan, and more.

Chien noted that the 50 years since reunification and nearly four decades of oi moi (Renewal) have seen Viet Nam achieve remarkable progress in economic growth, political stability, and global integration.

These achievements, he said, are evidence of the correctness of Viet Nams development path under the leadership of the Communist Party, guided by socialist orientation.

In a time of global uncertainty and conflict, he reaffirmed Viet Nams steadfast commitment to peace, sovereignty, and respect for international law.

Viet Nam values the principles of the United Nations Charter and opposes all forms of force or interference in the internal affairs of other countries, Chien said. We seek to resolve disputes through peaceful means and work with all nations to promote a fair, sustainable, and peaceful international order.

He also called on international partners, particularly the United States, to continue supporting Viet Nam in addressing the legacies of war. Let us leave the past behind and look forward to a better future built on reconciliation and cooperation, he said.

International solidarity

The meeting was filled with warm emotions and moving recollections. Delegates reflected on their decades-long bonds with Viet Nam and the significance of the April 30 victory, not just for the Vietnamese people but for global movements against war and oppression.

Alicia Corredera Morales, Head of Asia and Oceania at ICAP, recalled the exact moment she heard the news of the liberation in 1975 while studying at the University of Ha Noi. The room burst into joyful tears and hugs, she said. We knew that Viet Nam was one, united and free.

John McAuliff, Executive Director of the FRD, who arrived in Ha Noi on April 30, 1975, was a vocal participant in the American anti-war movement. Since then, he has visited Viet Nam more than 50 times and played a key role in humanitarian projects and reconciliation efforts.

He acknowledged that while the US government reacted negatively to the end of the war, the American public largely celebrated the cessation of bloodshed. Who could have imagined then that our two nations would become comprehensive strategic partners? he asked. Viet Nams transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

Cristine Ebro, from the PhilippinesViet Nam Solidarity Committee, highlighted the far-reaching impact of Viet Nams victory.

It inspired anti-dictatorship and pro-sovereignty movements in the Philippines, including the toppling of the Marcos regime in 1986 and the closure of US military bases in 1991.

She also emphasised how Viet Nams resistance became a global symbol of anti-imperialism. Universities, streets, and workplaces around the world echoed with chants of support for Viet Nam, she said.

A future rooted in unity

Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, pledged that Viet Nam would continue to nurture and expand its people-to-people diplomacy.

The spirit of solidarity that helped us win the past must now become a force for peace and development in the 21st century, he said.

During their stay, the international delegates visited the War Remnants Museum, met with peace activist and former diplomat Ton Nu Thi Ninh, attended the commemorative ceremony, and joined a reception hosted by the HCM City Peoples Committee.

As the event concluded, delegates expressed their admiration for Viet Nams progress and voiced optimism for the countrys future. Viet Nam today stands as a beacon of resilience, peace, and international friendship, said McAuliff.

Chien echoed the sentiment in his closing remarks: Our shared history of solidarity and struggle has given birth to enduring partnerships. Let us continue walking this path  together  in pursuit of peace, justice, and prosperity for all.  VNS
KHANH HOA 

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has called on all sectors, social organisations, businesses, and families to welcome pardoned individuals with open arms and support their reintegration into society, free from stigma and discrimination.

Binh made the appeal on Thursday morning at a ceremony held by the Department of Police for the Management of Detention Camps, Compulsory Education Facilities, and Reformatory Schools under the Ministry of Public Security. The event, held at A2 Prison in Dien Lam Commune, Dien Khanh District, Khanh Hoa Province, announced the Presidents decision on this years special amnesty and issued amnesty certificates to the pardoned individuals.

Binh, who also serves as Chair of the Amnesty Advisory Council, said that following the signing of the 2025 amnesty decision by the President, the council worked closely with relevant ministries and agencies to complete the necessary procedures thoroughly and promptly.

The review process for eligible candidates was conducted with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to the law, ensuring that qualified prisoners could be granted early release and return to their families and communities.

According to official figures, a total of 8,056 inmates have been granted early release under this years amnesty, including 69 prisoners from A2 Prison.

Binh noted that nearly 40 rounds of amnesty have been carried out over the past 80 years, enabling hundreds of thousands of inmates to reintegrate into their communities.

Since 2009 alone, more than 90,000 prisoners have been granted early release under presidential amnesties.

All inmates  regardless of gender, religion, nationality, age, or occupation  are entitled to equal consideration, provided they meet the legal requirements, he added.

In recent times, the ministry, in coordination with relevant agencies, has ensured that procedures at detention centres and correctional facilities nationwide were conducted rigorously and transparently.

This allowed the timely submission of the proposed amnesty list to the President ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30).

On behalf of the Government and the council, he expressed appreciation for the efforts of the ministry and its coordinating agencies.

Speaking on behalf of those released, oan Phi Dung, formerly held at A2 Prison, expressed deep gratitude to the Party and State for their compassionate policies.

He pledged to abide by the law, respect local authorities, lead an honest life, and avoid reoffending.

He also vowed to contribute positively to maintaining local security and order.

Also on Thursday, the Police Departments of Ha Noi and Lai Chau Province held ceremonies to announce the 2025 Amnesty Decision for 152 inmates who had shown genuine remorse and efforts to reform.

In Ha Noi, Prisons No. 1 and No. 2 released 139 inmates under this round of amnesty.

To support reintegration, the citys Police Department provided financial assistance and new clothing to those released.

Local police have been instructed to work with community leaders and local authorities to facilitate reintegration efforts, with the aim of helping the pardoned individuals become productive, law-abiding citizens.

Meanwhile, in the mountainous province of Lai Chau, a ceremony was held for 13 inmates granted early release on Thursday.

The move reflects the Party and States commitment to leniency and compassion in criminal justice.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Khoang Van Thuong, Deputy Director of the provincial Police Department, said the amnesty programme exemplifies the Party and States humanitarian approach.  VNS
HA NOI  Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will pay a state visit to Viet Nam and attend the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations (Vesak 2025) from May 4-6.

The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong, according to an announcement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Themed Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development, Vesak 2025 is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6-8.

The event is expected to attract over 2,700 participants, including about 1,250 international delegates from 85 countries and territories, who are Buddhist dignitaries, followers, and scholars.

Vesak 2025 is set to promote the image of Viet Nam as a peaceful, hospitable, united, and harmonious nation to the international community, and HCM City as a dynamic, creative, and prosperous metropolis, Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Vice President of the VBSs Executive Council and Chairman of the VBSs Information and Communications Committee, said at a recent press briefing.

It also demonstrates the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State in respecting and ensuring freedom of belief and religion, he said.

The event aims to enhance exchanges and friendship between the Vietnamese people and international friends, and affirm Viet Nams position and responsibility to the UN and the international community.  VNS
BINH DUONG  A ceremony was held in the southern province of Binh Duong on May 1 to see off the Chinese, Lao and Cambodian military delegations after they successfully completed their mission of participating in the parade in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025).

Accepting the invitations of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, from April 19- 20, the delegations of the Lao People's Army, the Royal Cambodian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army arrived in the province to practice and prepare for the parade.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Colonel Nguyen inh Chuan, Political Commissar of the provincial Military Command, said that Binh Duong Province was honoured to be assigned to arrange accommodation and training for the foreign delegations. With the spirit of hospitality and thoughtfulness, Binh Duong organised many exchange activities and training ground support to encourage the soldiers' spirit, further tightening the international military-civilian relationship.

At the parade, the military formations of China, Laos and Cambodia left a strong impression. The Lao military formation marched in unison, demonstrating a high sense of discipline; the Chinese delegation was solemn with 118 soldiers of the Honour Guard while the Cambodian delegation left their mark with their closeness and friendliness, conveying the spirit of solidarity and friendship with every step.

Colonel Sompheng Keosira, head of the Lao delegation, said that it was an honour and pride for them to march together with the Vietnamese, Chinese and Cambodian forces for the first time at such a grand celebration.

At the farewell ceremony, leaders of the Binh Duong provincial Military Command sincerely thanked the three delegations for their participation in the parade, which contributed to the events success and spread the message of peace, solidarity and close friendship between Viet Nam and the friend countries. VNS
HAVANA  Major Cuban newspapers have run special articles reviewing the heroic history of the Viet Namese people, and affirming the steadfast solidarity between Cuba and Viet Nam as Viet Nam celebrates the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025).

The daily Juventud Rebelde (Rebel Youth) - a newspaper of the Young Communist League - described Viet Nams victory on April 30, 1975 as a brilliant epic and highlighted President Ho Chi Minh affirmed that Viet Nam is one, the Vietnamese people are one  and that day, that aspiration came true.

The newspaper also recalled the great sacrifices of the Vietnamese people, noting more than 7.6 million tonnes of bombs and ammunition were dropped on the country, Agent Orange has destroyed the environment, and nearly 4 million people sacrificed their lives to regain the countrys independence.

In the article entitled Viet Nam es un ejemplo para los revolucionarios y para los pueblos del mundo" (Viet Nam is an example for revolutionaries and peoples around the world), Granma  the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba  pointed out that half a century ago, Viet Nam proved to the US imperialists that no military power could subdue the will of a united nation.

Granma vividly recreated the images of farmers holding guns, teenagers fighting the enemy with bamboo traps, or women using hornets as weapons. The newspaper affirmed that Viet Nams victory was not only a defeat for imperialism, but also a driving force for the national liberation movement across the world.

Both newspapers devoted many pages to writing about the special solidarity between the two nations. Juventud Rebelde recalled President Fidel Castros historic visit to the liberated area of Quang Tri in 1973, when he raised the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Viet Nam and declared: For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to devote its blood!.

The newspapers quoted Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long as saying: The image of Fidel amid the rain of bombs and bullets has become an immortal symbol of friendship.

In an interview with Cubadebate, Long emphasised that the April 30 victory was not the end, but the beginning of the journey to build a peaceful, unified and prosperous Viet Nam.

The Ambassador also shared details about the grand celebration in HCM City, with the presence of a Cuban delegation led by Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa.

Cuban readers also expressed their deep admiration after reading the articles. Francisco Rivero, an elderly reader, emotionally recounted that on the morning of April 30, 1975 (Cuba time), he was on his way to work when someone got on the bus and shouted: Saigon is liberated!. Then all the passengers rushed out onto the street, heading towards the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam in Havana to celebrate the victory. What a memorable day! Greetings to our brother Viet Nam!.

The newspapers all praised Viet Nams achievements in socio-economic development. Granma quoted the World Banks report as stating that Viet Nam expects GDP growth of 6.8 per cent in 2025, making it one of the most dynamic economies in the region.

The article emphasised the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the strength of national unity as the key to success.

In the article Viet Nam is one, the Vietnamese people are one, the Juventud Rebelde newspaper affirmed Cuba always go together with Viet Nam.

Today, Viet Nam, the Vietnamese people, are a solid bloc in terms of strength, steadfastness, determination and intelligence in the face of the challenges of the times, constantly developing, enhancing economic potential for the happiness of all people, always remembering and implementing the last wish of President Ho Chi Minh: 'The entire Party and the entire people unite and strive to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic and prosperous Viet Nam and make a worthy contribution to the world revolutionary cause', Juventud Rebelde emphasised.  VNS
PHNOM PENH  Gen. Sao Sokha, Commander of the Gendarmerie and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), has praised the enduring historical traditions of the Vietnamese people as a driving force behind their historic victory on April 30, 1975, which liberated the South of Viet Nam and reunified the nation.

Talking with the Viet Nam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters based in Phnom Penh, Sao Sokha described Viet Nam as a nation defined by diligence, resilience, a profound love for peace, and an unwavering dedication to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. These qualities, he stressed, were important factors in securing the landmark triumph that not only reshaped Viet Nam but also inspired the global struggle for national independence.

Reflecting on Viet Nams past, he noted that the countrys territory was once exploited by foreign powers as a battlefield for ideological and political competition, as well as a testing ground for advanced weaponry.

Today, Viet Nam has emerged as a meeting point for peace-loving nations around the world, he said, highlighting its growing role as a venue for reconciliation and a platform for addressing critical global challenges.

Commenting on the involvement of Cambodian gendarmes in the military parade held in HCM City on April 30, Sao Sokha described it as a great honour. He said the large-scale celebration, which featured military representatives from various nations, transcended diplomatic formality. It was a powerful political statement, showcasing the strength of the Viet Nam Peoples Army, the nation, and its people, he remarked.  VNS
HA NOI - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed an official dispatch requesting expedited construction of Lao Cai  Ha Noi  Hai Phong railway.

The official dispatch was sent to the Ministers of Construction, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Environment, and Finance, Secretaries of the provincial/municipal Party Committee and Chairpersons of the provincial/municipal Peoples Committees of Ha Noi, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong.

The Minister of Construction was asked to work closely with local authorities to hasten land clearance, compensation, resettlement, site surveys, and the drafting of a feasibility study, which must be completed by June 2025, setting the stage for the project's groundbreaking on December 19, 2025.

To meet this timeline, the minister must direct project management boards and consulting units to mobilise additional personnel. Teams will work around the clock, including holidays and weekends, to simultaneously prepare, appraise, and approve the feasibility study, detailed construction designs, bidding documents, and other essential procedures.

The minister was required to promptly finalise the National Assembly's draft resolution on special mechanisms and policies to support railway development. The draft must be submitted to the legislatures upcoming 9th meeting for review and reported to the Government by May 5.

The Chairpersons of the above provincial/municipal Peoples Committees must urgently establish local steering committees for land clearance by May 5. These committees, led by the respective Secretaries of the provincial/municipal Party Committees, will oversee the completion of compensation, resettlement, and the feasibility study by August 2025.

Other specific tasks were assigned to relevant ministers and localities to support the projects progress. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha will directly oversee the project and address any arising obstacles. VN
HA NOI  A new training range for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) has recently been inaugurated in Ha Nois outlying district of Ba vi, marking another step in the US and Viet Nams decades-long effort to heal the scars of war.

The facility was funded by the Office of Defence Cooperation (ODC) under the US Embassy in Viet Nam, and delivered to the Viet Nam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), as part of Viet Nams National Mine Action Programme for the 20102025 period, which seeks to address the deadly legacy of unexploded bombs and mines left from the war.

The two-hectare range broke ground in July 2024, supported by a grant of over US$700,000 from the US Government. It has classrooms, kitchen and sanitation blocks, assembly zones, mine detection and disposal areas, parking spaces, internal roads, and a calibration zone for mine clearance equipment.

Designed to meet the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), the range aims to enhance Viet Nams capacity to safely clear unexploded ordnance (UXO). It is also expected to transform VNMAC into a fully capable national hub for mine action training, enabling more effective training and operations.

The inauguration held special significance, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties and following the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc E. Knapper said since 1993, the US has provided a total of $234 million for Viet Nams UXO clearance, dioxin remediation at a Nang and Bien Hoa airports, and support to people with disabilities. He praised the contributions of the Vietnamese Government and non-governmental organisations, including Norwegian Peoples Aid and PeaceTrees Viet Nam, which have worked alongside local partners like the Quang Tri Mine Action Centre.

This facility is a testament to the two nations shared commitment to peace and security, reinforcing Viet Nams role as a proactive, responsible member of the international community, he said, adding that the project reflects closer bilateral defence ties, fulfilling a key component of the 20232028 defence cooperation plan focused on UXO remediation.

Maj. Gen. Lance Okamura, Deputy Commanding General for the US Army Pacific (USARPAC), called the facilitys opening a major milestone in the ongoing humanitarian mine action programme, and the result of years of meticulous planning.  VNS
By Thuy Hang

At a bookstore on Ha Nois renowned inh Le book street, a young man in distinctive glasses immerses himself in books about Viet Nams ancient bronze drums  the sacred cultural artefacts dating back to more than 20 centuries ago.

He isnt a historian or an antique restoration expert. Hes tattoo artist Hung Xu, who has made a name for himself in tattoo communities with intricate designs inspired by traditional motifs carved into ancient bronze drums.

Before pursuing tattooing, Hung Xu  real name Le Quang Hung  worked at a travel company and co-founded a bar with friends. Neither job was art-related, despite his long-standing passion for drawing, especially manga, since childhood. His journey took an unexpected turn after he got an ink by a former bartender he had once hired, who had since become a tattooist.

Social prejudice

Hung opened a tattoo studio called HandXam (pronounced Handsome) for his former employee in 2015. It was there that he first became engaged in tattooingat a time when tattoos in Viet Nam were still heavily stigmatised and commonly associated with criminal gangs.

The more I practised, the more passionate I became. I couldnt stop thinking about tattooswhether I was eating, going out, or heading to bed. I even developed a professional habit of discreetly observing peoples tattoos, Hung said.

By 2018, he left his job in tourism to become a full-time tattooist, determined to challenge social prejudices.

I believe tattoos are more than just body arttheyre fashion accessories that enhance appearance and express personality, he said.

Determined to shift public perception and promote tattoos as an art form, Hung committed himself to mastering the craft, focusing on safety and hygiene for his clients.

In 2019, leveraging his experience as a tour guide, he embarked on a tattoo tour across Viet Nam by motorbike, travelling from Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai to Hoi An, a Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. He announced the journey on Facebook, attracting clients at every stopdrawn not only to his skill but also to his storytelling.

Im thrilled to see more Vietnamese embracing tattoos. People now walk proudly with some ink. That shows social attitudes are changing, he said.

Inspiration during the pandemic

Hung began noticing that many foreign clients admired bronze drum tattoos, prompting him to reflect on their cultural value. Some friends, before moving abroad, had also asked for getting some antique designs.

This made me realise how valuable our cultural traditions aresomething we often only fully appreciate when were far from home, he said. One of my earliest tattoos features a bronze drum motif, and my fascination has only grown since.

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced HandXam Studio to close for an extended period, Hung used the time to deepen his research. He immersed himself in books and documents about the sacred drums and began incorporating their motifs into his workquickly attracting attention online.

During the pandemic, people slowed down and reflected. Many began to reconnect with national pride and cultural identity. My ancient bronze drum-inspired tattoos seemed to resonate with them, he said.

Although he wasnt originally an expert on bronze drums, Hung can now speak confidently about themtheir historical evolution, regional differences, and symbolic meanings. His studio holds a wide-ranging collection of related books.

Any Vietnamese-language book on bronze drumsyoull probably find it here, he said with a smile.

Connecting heritage through inks

Hung cant recall how many clients he has worked with, but they come from around the world. Many are young people of Vietnamese descent adopted by foreign families who want to reconnect with their roots.

One such client is Simon Phuong Ghilarducci, a 23-year-old firefighter from Portland, Oregon, USA. Adopted as an infant from Binh Duong Province, he struggled with questions about his origins. After high school, he worked and saved to visit Viet Nam.

In 2024, he finally made the journey. To commemorate it, he had his first tattoo by Hungthe whole decorative patterns on the batter head of the Vietnamese bronze drum on his right shoulder. For Ghilarducci, who also goes by the Vietnamese name Chien, the tattoo strengthens his connection to his birth origin and affirms his identity.

.

He has recently returned for a second tattoo, this time on his chest. But instead of an appointment at the studio, Hungalso an avid motorcyclisttook him on a road trip northwards to Bac Kan Province, allowing Chien to integrate with the land and culture more deeply.

Other clients have had similar experiences. Frenchwoman Sophie Schaefer, of Vietnamese descent, chose a bronze drum tattoo to mark her own cultural journey. Vietnamese-American IT engineer Justin Chau spent hours at the studio receiving a design from Hungand later returned with a meaningful gift: a book on bronze drums from the Museum of History in Ha Noi.

Recognising the power of tattoos as a bridge between cultural identity and self-expression, Hung has made it his lifelong mission to promote Vietnamese heritage through his artistry.

In celebration of his efforts, he was invited to participate in the "Ford Territory  Exploring the Mekong Delta, Heritage in Motion" journey, which brought together individuals dedicated to preserving Vietnamese traditions.

Tattoos by Hung Xu can be viewed on Instagram at @hxu.handxamtattoo or on Facebook at 'Trong ong by HXu'. VNS
On the morning of April 30, in a jubilant and proud atmosphere shared by millions across the country, a grand celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification took place in Ho Chi Minh City.

Along Le Duan Boulevard and several key roads in District 1, tens of thousands of citizens and visitors gathered early to immerse themselves in the solemn and heroic spirit of this historic moment.

Fifty-four young men and women, representing the unwavering unity of Vietnams 54 ethnic groups, a bond forged over millennia of nation-building and defence, proudly stood as a symbol of the extraordinary strength that brought about the great Spring Victory of 1975

Waving high in the wind, the flags of the Communist Party and the national flag represented ideals, unwavering belief in victory, and the steadfast leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, a testament to the strength of national solidarity

President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader, founder, national liberation hero, and cultural icon, remains the beloved Father of Vietnams armed forces. It was he who charted the course, illuminated the path, and directly led the Vietnamese revolution through successive victories, culminating in the historic Spring Offensive of 1975, which liberated the south and reunified the nation

The Spring Victory of 1975 marked a glorious chapter in the grand saga of Vietnams national defence and development. It fulfilled a historic mission: liberating the south, reunifying the country, and ushering in a new era, one of independence, unity, and the shared goal of building a prosperous, strong, democratic, just, and civilised socialist Vietnam

Over more than 80 years of struggle and triumph, the Vietnam People's Army has grown from nothing to a powerful force, maturing through battles, overcoming every invader, and emerging ever stronger

Fifty years ago, in those historic April days, five major army corps, in concert with armed forces and mass political movements, surged into Saigon from all directions, striking at the heart of the enemy stronghold. Their joint efforts brought about the final collapse of the Saigon regime, making the 1975 Spring Victory

The formation of elite paratroopers in the parade revived the image of highly trained special operations forces, tasked with airborne assaults, deep infiltration, and strategic missions. These soldiers wore tactical helmets with mounted flashlights and eye protection, armed with STV-215 rifles, and equipped with ultra-shortwave radios

Vietnams peacekeeping forces have fulfilled their missions with distinction at conflict hotspots in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Abyei, and at the United Nations headquarters, leaving behind not only professional excellence but also goodwill and admiration, elevating Vietnams stature on the international stage

Mounted police forces from the Mobile Public Security Command have also proven their capability through patrolling and ceremonial appearances at key cities, tourist sites, major national events, and international gatherings

The commemoration and parade marking the 50th anniversary of National Reunification not only honoured the monumental significance of the historic April 30, 1975 victory, but also reignited the spirit of unity and resilience that underpinned Vietnams fight for independence, freedom, and national unity.

Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate 50th anniversary of national reunification Ho Chi Minh City is planning a series of art, cultural, and historical events for the 50th anniversary of the national reunification.

Ho Chi Minh City: A modern urban metropolis after 50 years of reunification Fifty years after national reunification, Ho Chi Minh City has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as Vietnams leading economic and cultural hub. The citys urban landscape has become increasingly modern, symbolised by iconic structures such as the Thu Thiem Tunnel, Landmark 81, Metro Line 1, the Thu Thiem New Urban Area and many more.

Symbols of Ho Chi Minh City beneath the "Wings of Steel" On April 25, the Air Defence  Air Force Service launched helicopter training flights over Ho Chi Minh City, featuring a powerful display of the national and party flags soaring across the sky.

HCM City bans vehicles on Nguyen Hue Street on April 30 HCM City will ban all vehicles between 6pm and 10pm on Nguyen Hue Street on Reunification Day, April 30.
A developer hopes the homes built in his subdivision near Buena Vista Park will be attainable for most first-time Waco homebuyers, but he says the citys standard lot-size rules would stand in the way.

The Waco Plan Commission in a 6-1 vote last week recommended the city approve preliminary Planned Unit Development zoning for Larry Jacksons 11-acre Hilltop Heights Addition on Madera Drive. The proposed PUD would allow 40-foot lot widths and 63 single-family homes, while the 50-foot minimum lot width under the lands R-1B zoning would limit the subdivision to 46 homes, Jackson said.

Fewer homes would mean higher prices, he said.

When he develops a subdivision of homes, Jackson said he runs the water and sewer utilities, puts in streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks before builders put in the first foundations for new homes. For Hilltop Heights, a detention pond, two brick entry signs and, if the PUD is approved, a sidewalk extending into Buena Vista Park also would be part of his preconstruction costs that will be essentially the same regardless of how many lots are allowed.

If I build with 50-foot wide lots, I can only get 46 homes, and when I spread all those preconstruction costs across 46 homes, I have to price them higher than 40% of first-time homebuyers can afford, Jackson said.

Plan commission member Chase Smith asked whether the smaller lot sizes would make the project more economically feasible.

Working men and women who may have just finished a college degree or a technical certificate at TSTC and (are) in their first job, buying a home is their first step toward building generational wealth, Jackson said. They should be able to afford to buy a home close to where they work.

The Texas Real Estate Research Centers Housing Affordability Index shows, from the second quarter of 2022 through the end of last year, first-time homebuyers in McLennan County with the areas median household income likely would not have qualified for a loan on a median-price home with a 20% down payment. The index shows a prospective homebuyer in that situation would make just enough to qualify as of the first quarter of this year.

Jackson said newly built homes in the Waco area often sell for about $250,000, but with smaller lots, his builder would be able to put up quality, site-built homes with three bedrooms and two bathrooms at a price many more first-time buyers could afford.

Buying that first home is when people begin to build generational wealth, and that is so important, Jackson said in an interview after the meeting. I want to do everything I can with my builder and the cities where I do developments, to make a site-built good quality home affordable to first-time buyers.

He has previously developed neighborhoods in Waco, College Station and the Houston area. One of his Waco subdivisions covering 150 acres, Lakes at University Parks, received PUD zoning and features 40-foot lot widths.

In general, PUD zoning can include standards on lot size, street layout, building design or property-use types tailored to a particular development. PUDs allow developers flexibility from standard zoning categories and provide an opportunity for the city to include specific requirements, whether for public amenities or efforts to mitigate the impact of new development on neighbors.

Taylor Allen, who cast the sole dissenting vote during the plan commissions April 22 meeting, said later in an interview he is not necessarily opposed to the proposed Hilltop Heights PUD but was not ready to approve it based on the information he had.

I wanted more information on the quality of the development before I would vote to approve it, Allen said. I didnt want to disapprove. I wanted to table it and give him more time to come back to us with information.

I wanted to see flexibility to enhance. I wanted to see larger lots, more traditional sized.

During the meeting, Allen said he remains unconvinced the homes planned have enough variation in their appearance from the street. He also said PUDs typically include some type of amenity, whether green space, play equipment, a pool, walking trails or something else, and asked Jackson what amenity his subdivision would bring.

Jackson said he could build a walking trail around the detention pond in the subdivision, where it would sit on private land and only be open to homeowners in the neighborhood.

But Clint (Peters, the citys director of planning services) brought me this idea and its really a good one because now its open to everyone, Jackson said. I build a sidewalk that would run from inside the subdivision, out past the vacant lot, past the ballfield, past the pond, way into Buena Vista Park, and join it up with the walking trail in there near the play equipment. Then I have made Buena Vista Park more accessible to everyone. Thats an amenity that benefits the whole city, the whole area.

During the interview after the meeting, Allen said he does not see the benefit of amenities in the proposed PUD, other than trying to bring homes to that part of town at a more affordable price. He also suggested rezoning the land under another standard category, rather than approving a PUD, might be a better way to allow for a more dense subdivision.

Asked whether simply building homes likely to be affordable to first-time buyers is considered an amenity, Peters said the city must adjust to the market.

Providing opportunities for a variety of housing types including homes aimed at first-time buyers can absolutely qualify as an urban amenity in the broader context of Wacos growth, Peters said by email.

Peters also said a PUD offers more opportunities than a standard rezoning would.

While R-2 or multifamily zoning would allow smaller lot widths consistent with what the developer is proposing, Planned Unit Development zoning provides greater assurances that the project will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, Peters said.

The preliminary concept PUD the plan commission approved will go to the city council for consideration. If it is approved, Jackson and city planners would finalize a full PUD plan, which would need to receive separate approval from the plan commission, then city council.
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WATERLOO  A new private school will soon take over the building that currently houses Waterloo Christian.

Dozens of signs outside of 1307 W. Ridgeway Ave. promote Diamond Star Academy. The secular K-8 school will focus on science-based and social-emotional learning.

Waterloo Christian is moving to the former Cedar Falls High School and will be renamed Cedar Ridge Christian School.

Akif Aydin, the schools founder, bought the building for $3.2 million at the end of March. Soon after, he hired his principal, John Baskurt. Aydin said he tried to form the school a few years with the passage of Educational Savings Accounts, but the accreditation process took time.

Unlike the other private schools in the Cedar Valley, Diamond Star Academy is not religious.

We are respectful to all cultures and religions, definitely, but we are not going to build a religious school here, we are going to be offering a quality of rigorous education and value-based (learning), Baskurt said. We are going to focus on the whole child.

The schools website said the whole child philosophy is based on educating children through personalized, inclusive and project-based learning enriched by STEAM  or science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Baskurt has been a teacher, principal and district director for Harmony Public Schools in Texas. The school is a network of 56 campuses across the state, which teaches children from PreK to 12th grade, with focuses in math and science.

He hired Josh Olson as an assistant principal. Olsen recently moved back to the area to take care of his mother, but taught math in Arizona for 17 years.

In public education, sometimes it seems like the kid is just another number, you know, theyre just another seat in the chair, he said. I think our approach is reaching each child, finding out what their needs are and then catering their education that way.

As for Aydin, he earned his masters degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Florida State University, and his doctorate in economics from Clemson University. He has also worked in public charter schools in South Carolina and Florida.

He said he was drawn to Iowa after the passage of private school vouchers, which provides families with taxpayer funding to go into a savings account for children.

The Diamond Star Academy signs tout free tuition. Children who receive an ESA will be given $7,826 for the 2025-26 school year, which is the same amount of per-pupil funding given to public school districts. The funds can be used for tuition, fees and other qualified education expenses.

Diamond Star Academy also requires a $250 application fee.

Im very pro-choice for parents, Aydin said. I believe this increases the quality of education and brings more competition to education and competition almost always helps increase quality.

The ESA application window for the upcoming school year ends on June 30.

Baskurt said at the district he worked at in Texas, not escalating punishment for students with minor behavior issues resulted in less referrals to the administration office. He wants to adjust adults approaches to the childs behavior, rather than fix the student.

When a kid doesnt know how to count, we teach math. If a child doesnt know how to read, we teach ELA or English, he said. But if a child doesnt know how to behave, usually we tend to punish.  So that means as an educator, we have a role to teach.

He said the administration will also focus on its adults.

When I take care of the social, emotional well-being of adults, theyre going to take care of the kids, he continued.

With the top administrators being math and science focused, STEAM will be incorporated into the curriculum. Baskurt said since the world is utilizing more and more technology, children need to know their capabilities.

The biggest thing I see is that kids are saying, what am I gonna do with this information?  I can easily make money on YouTube, he said. Yeah, they can make money easily in it, but I want them to understand science.

Baskurt said he hopes the school to one day have 200 to 250 children. This year, he plans to hire about 20 to 25 staff members, with at least 17 of those being teachers.

Students who apply will go through a screening that includes measuring their reading, writing and math levels. Open houses will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on May 3, 10, 17 and 24.

The schools first day is Aug. 21.
Chesterfield County, Virginia, police touted a series of stings last year targeting local massage parlors they believed were connected to a multinational sex trafficking ring.

As sex trafficking victims face coercion, rape in illicit parlors, little is done for justice Trafficking cases can be complex, leading some jurisdictions to take shortcuts by arresting or disciplining the women for prostitution, which experts say is punishing the victims without solving the problem.

But a review by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team found the operations in the county resulted in charges mostly against spa workers  the apparent victims of the trafficking  and not the ring's leaders.

Prosecutors filed only minor charges against the workers  many of which were later dismissed  and the efforts failed to shut down several businesses for months.

Its but one example of a national trend identified in a sweeping Lee Public Service Journalism Team investigation showing victims of human trafficking are often the only ones held accountable for the crimes  that is, if law enforcement takes any action at all.

Advocates against human trafficking criticized Chesterfield police for arresting the victims instead of the perpetrators of trafficking. Its a problem Chesterfield officials acknowledge.

In 2024, Chesterfield police arrested 21 women working at 13 massage parlors across the county. Police said the women were illegally selling sexual services to customers as part of a broader sex trafficking scheme.

But prosecutors filed no charges for human trafficking or any other felony in those cases and instead filed only misdemeanor charges against the spa workers and one woman who is listed as owner of one of the spas. Many of those charges were later dropped or dismissed, and at least three businesses remained open.

Of the 21 spa workers arrested, prosecutors never charged three women. In nine other cases, the women had their charges either dropped or dismissed. Five workers pleaded guilty only to minor permit or license violations. One worker pleaded guilty to prostitution. She paid a $100 fine plus court costs.

Only one case resulted in a conviction on a single charge of prostitution. That woman, a Chinese immigrant who owned two of the raided businesses, was given a 30-day suspended jail sentence.

Of the two cases still pending, none involve felony charges.

There are an estimated 16,800 illicit massage parlors nationwide, outnumbering McDonald's restaurants. However, a Lee Enterprises investigation found that few jurisdictions are doing anything to protect the women working in these parlors from being exploited.

Advocates argue that arresting these women is an outdated and ineffective approach. Often, the women simply move to a new location and learn to fear law enforcement.

Chesterfield County is arresting a bunch of victims and calling it a massage parlor shut down. That's ridiculous, said Rochelle Keyhan, who used to prosecute sex traffickers in Philadelphia and now trains police on the practical methods for shutting these businesses down. That's almost, in my opinion, the opposite of enforcement because what you just did was empower all of the traffickers and further disempower the victims, and it would have been better if you did nothing.

Law enforcement officials in cities such as Waco, Texas and Denver have made more successful efforts to shut down illicit massage parlors by arresting wealthy business owners rather than victims. Officials were even able to secure stiff prison sentences in some cases.

But those are exceptions to the rule.

The old-school methodology of doing (stings) would be to arrest everybody for prostitution and lock them up, and then call it a day, said Joseph Scaramucchi, who led the investigation of massage parlors in Waco. The problem with that is, its not going to close the business down, right? The owner is not paying the piper for anything.

Scaramucchis department focused on pursuing racketeering and money laundering charges against business owners. That process yielded more severe sentences for traffickers compared to typical prostitution-related charges.

One Chesterfield vice and narcotics detective, Jonathan Lombardo, acknowledged that arresting victims doesn't stop trafficking.

Its a lot of times a game of Whack-a-Mole, Lombardo said. Well shut one down, theyll pop back up, or that same one will be open with a new owner.

Global ring behind trafficking, police say

Much of the nations commercial sex trafficking is tied to a multinational organized crime ring with a global presence, according to Lombardo, who is also a member of Virginias and the FBIs human trafficking task forces.

The network exploits Chinese women saddled with debt who come to the U.S.  often through Flushing, New York. These women usually pay brokers tens of thousands of dollars for visas and airline tickets and arrive in the U.S. with limited English skills and few work options. Misleading ads entice women to work in illegal massage parlors.

More often than not, what we found there's always somebody bigger, not just the person running the actual day-to-day business, Lombardo said. There's always somebody behind that.

It is so complex that it makes what most people think of when they think of organized crime look  simple.

But there were no human trafficking charges filed in Chesterfield last year. Only one person was arrested in Chesterfield for human trafficking, according to data from Virginia State Police. That arrest was unrelated to the massage parlor arrests, and no charges were filed against that person.

The lack of human trafficking charges is a problem nationwide.

FBI data from local police departments show that only seven percent of human trafficking offenses led to arrests from 2021 to 2023  1,344 arrests for 19,225 reported offenses.

Chesterfield police said they lack the resources to crack down on organized crime because these complex cases cross jurisdictional boundaries. Lombardo said the few successful prosecutions in other cities have required federal assistance.

Most of the problems we run into are we work for a local agency in a state, and very few times are anybody higher up actually doing anything in Virginia, meaning that those involved in organized crime dont put their names on any local businesses, he said. To build that larger case requires a lot more than a local agency can often do by themselves.

Police in other jurisdictions have the same problem. Doug Gilmer, a former HSI investigator, said the FBI has stopped investigating illicit massage parlors, leaving the labor-intensive, painstaking work to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency can only handle so many cases.

Fearful victims often wont cooperate

A key reason for the lack of trafficking prosecutions related to illicit massage parlors is that the victims often dont cooperate with police.

In Chesterfield, most  if not all  of the women who were arrested were victims. Ed Pierpont, lieutenant of Chesterfield polices special investigations unit, said the ultimate goal isnt to punish victims of trafficking.

If the person is actually a victim of sex trafficking or labor trafficking,  that kind of negates the prosecutorial piece because we start focusing on how we can help them, he said.

So why charge victims in the first place? Lombardo explained that the hope is that the charges convince the women to identify traffickers.

First and foremost, (we) recognize that these people might be victims, Lombardo said  which means they will receive help regardless of whether they share information.

But I think we would be remiss if we just looked at that. Our whole goal is to climb the ladder (and) use this person below to get to the next level.

Women arrested in the Chesterfield County massage parlor crackdown were sent to a nonprofit victims organization called Safe Harbor for assistance. Even Safe Harbor employees are conflicted about whether arresting the women is a good idea.

We really don't want the people that are getting essentially used and abused to get criminal records, said Anne Lee Dabney, who worked directly with the women in Chesterfield. I mean, that's just not going to be helpful for them, right?

For some women being trafficked, the counseling is effective. But women from China face unique challenges, Dabney said, because they are dealing with organized crime, cultural issues and fear of law enforcement.

My hesitancy is, I don't want anything on their record to affect them, Dabney said. There's a lot of shame that comes with that.

Dabney said when the trafficking victims photos are released by law enforcement and splashed in the news, screenshots get back to friends and family in China on the social media app WeChat, and it can be very shameful.

Police acknowledged that sending the women to Safe Harbor didnt lead to them cooperating with the investigation.

Very rarely do these women  open up, Piepont said. There are many reasons for that. They may fear retaliation by their traffickers, he said, and they may distrust law enforcement.

Catherine Gray, assistant commonwealths attorney for Chesterfield, attributed the lack of local trafficking charges to that fear and distrust.

The goal is to build cases against the people who are bringing the women here, Gray told The Richmond Times-Dispatch. Wed like to start moving up the chain and identifying traffickers.

But many victims just arent ready to cooperate, Gray said.

Candidly, Im sure we have encountered victims of human trafficking, but for various reasons, they  were scared to ask for help, she said. She called the struggle to secure trafficking charges frustrating.

Theres nothing we can really do about the fact that a lot of women oftentimes want to come in and just plead (guilty) instead of asking for services, she said. Its heartbreaking. Were here to help, we want to help.

One woman, arrested at gunpoint, denies the charges

Xiuwen Zhang  a Chinese immigrant and state-licensed massage therapist who owns XF Massage at the Midlothian Station shopping center in Chesterfield, Virginia  said she deeply distrusts the police. She adamantly denied the allegations against her, and said she is not a victim of trafficking.

Zhang was arrested by Chesterfield police at gunpoint while at work in June. She was subsequently charged with prostitution and living or residing in a place of prostitution.

Speaking with The Times-Dispatch, Zhang said she would never offer sex acts for pay  and claimed an undercover detective asked her to perform illicit deeds. She also said that neither she nor any of the employees who have worked there are victims of human trafficking.

Im a good person, Zhang said, sitting in the dimly lit, lavender oil-scented room where she was arrested and recounting the events to The Times-Dispatch.

Zhang said on the afternoon of her arrest, she had momentarily turned her back on a client, who unbeknownst to her was an undercover detective with Chesterfield police. When she turned back around, he was naked, she said.

I said no, no! Put your clothes back on! Zhang told The Times-Dispatch. Pierpont refuted that claim, and said officials have recorded evidence of Zhang soliciting illicit acts for pay.

Minutes later, police officers stormed the massage parlor, guns drawn and pointed at her head, Zhang said. Zhang  a 56-year-old immigrant from China married to an American citizen  said she feared for her life.

I thought I was going to die, she said through Googles translation tool.

Then, the officers disabled her video surveillance cameras and seized cash from her desk drawer.

Pierponts version of events is much different.

I can 100% say her (story) is inaccurate, he said. Our detectives are not allowed to solicit illegal behavior  an act that could run afoul of state and federal entrapment laws.

Instead, he said detectives wait until sex acts are suggested, either verbally or through gestures  or by touch(ing) the privates area.

Theyre usually covered up, Pierpont said of the detectives. He declined to disclose the audio tape he said proves Zhang made the first move.

Pierpont did acknowledge that police had drawn their weapons and turned off Zhangs video feed during the arrest. Both choices, he said, were questions of safety.

For the officers going in, thats a normal procedure for us because we dont know who else is in there, he said of the guns. Its not that we thought she was a bad person; its just the unknown.

He added that officers disabled the cameras so that Zhang and others would not see them coming. As for the seizure of the cash, Pierpont said it was an act of civil asset forfeiture. Shell get her money back if a judge rules it was not earned illegally.

In March, Zhang was found guilty on one count of prostitution. Chesterfield police revoked her local massage permit.

While she is still state-licensed for now and could appeal the decision or practice in another locality, she said the publicity surrounding her arrest has already destroyed her reputation, brought her client list to nearly zero and destroyed her livelihood.

I need to eat, she said. But now, I worry that I (will not) eat.

She said she feels targeted by Chesterfield authorities because she is Chinese.

Americans are so nice, so friendly, she said through the translation tool. But the police, the courts, I do not trust them.

Some of the businesses are still open. Why?

Zhangs XF Massage is one of at least three massage parlors that functioned for almost a year after employee arrests.

The other two businesses were Sunshine Health Massage  also owned by Zhang, and located at 255 Wadsworth Drive  and QF Massage at 9821 Chester Road. QF Massage is still open.

Asked why some of the locations had remained operational, Pierpont said the Chesterfield police department does not have the authority under state law to instantly and unilaterally shut down a business.

That involves a judge, Pierpont said.

Under state code, the circuit court can dissolve a corporation when its directors or those in control of the corporation have acted, are acting, or will act in a manner that is illegal, oppressive, or fraudulent.

But just a conviction of one of the massage therapists operating without a license or  soliciting sex is not enough for a judge to close a business down, Pierpont said, and other governmental agencies need to petition a judge to take that action.

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

For example, the Chesterfield Health District, which Pierpont said is involved in local oversight of massage parlors to ensure compliance with health-related code, could present evidence to a judge asking for a particular business to be shuttered if the agency believes it presents a threat to public health.

A spokesperson for the Chesterfield Health District, referring to county code, said the agency is only empowered to enforce violations of sanitary and maintenance regulations. Criminal code enforcement does not fall under the province of local health officials, the spokesperson said.

Some of the businesses have ceased functioning without court intervention, Pierpont said. Those were closed after the county attorneys office in 2021 issued letters to the owners of the businesses indicating that the properties were the site of a criminal enterprise.

That worked in a few cases, Pierpont said, but in many others, attorneys for the property owners wanted concrete evidence before intervening.

And we just didnt have that at the time, he said.

Midlothian Station, the complex that hosted XF Massage, is managed by Commonwealth Commercial. Midlothian Center, the complex that hosted Sunshine Health Massage, is managed by Thalhimer. Centralia Crossing, the complex that hosted QF Massage, is managed by CBRE.

Representatives for each of the three companies did not respond to requests for comment.

Who regulates massage parlors?

Under both state law and county code, Chesterfield massage parlors and their employees must clear multiple bars to operate legally.

First, each massage therapist must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Health Professions after completing a state-certified minimum 500-hour training program and passing an exam from the states Board of Nursing.

Alternatively, the massage therapist can present a valid license from another U.S. state or territory or a foreign country for consideration.

At least nine of the women arrested by Chesterfield police were authorized massage therapists in Virginia, records show, although the actual number may be higher for massage therapists whose name spellings vary across state licensing records and court documents.

Once licensed by the state, each massage therapist must obtain a massage permit through Chesterfield police. Applications are reviewed by the chief of police, who weighs applicants against the state codes requirements.

Those permits must be renewed every three years. Massage therapists must consent to background checks and fingerprinting. Then each parlor must obtain a business license through the countys office of the revenue commissioner.

Of the six guilty pleas secured by Chesterfield prosecutors, five were for violating one or more of the licensing and permitting requirements. Only one woman pleaded guilty to prostitution, which is a misdemeanor in Virginia.

In response to questions regarding licensure for the illicit massage businesses, Commissioner of the Revenue Jenefer Hughes said each of the businesses had previously provided her office with valid massage permits when applying for a business license, which is valid for 12 months.

The permit must be submitted each year when the business license is renewed, Hughes told The Times-Dispatch. If (Chesterfield police) subsequently revokes the required permit, we will revoke the business license.

A Chesterfield police spokesperson did not immediately respond when asked if the department planned to rescind massage permits for the involved employees.

Theres no actual plan

Human trafficking in massage parlors and other businesses has been a known issue for years, Lombardo said, and its impact is certainly not limited to Chesterfield.

Chesterfield police began in-depth investigations in 2018, and Pierpoint said its been a lot of trial and error to get to this point. A big shift came in the fall of 2023 when the county tightened its ordinances on massage parlors.

The updated rules included the local massage permit application process, photo identification cards for authorized massage therapists in the county, narrower operating hours for massage parlors and a requirement for each business to keep a register of its employees.

The amended ordinance also allowed Chesterfield prosecutors to pursue both civil action and criminal prosecution against individuals and businesses who do not comply.

In September 2023 remarks urging Chesterfields Board of Supervisors to adopt the ordinance changes, Jeffrey Katz, then Chesterfield police chief, said it would make it easier for law enforcement to track and crack down on wrongdoing.

We will have the ability to revoke the license and shut the place down, Katz said at the time. We need to regulate this commerce so that when a community member goes to get a therapeutic massage, thats what theyre getting.

Pierpont said the new rules have proven game-changing. However, during a Chesterfield Board of Supervisors meeting in June, Roxana Paduretu, a Chesterfield massage therapist, described enforcement as inconsistent and unfair, saying the county is not doing enough to intervene.

There is no actual plan for how this ordinance will be implemented, Paduretu said. There are brothels that pretend to be massage clinics that employ willing and/or unwilling sex workers, (and) the only way  the Board of Nurses can act is if the local police department apprehends a licensed person performing an illegal act and secures a guilty plea or conviction.

It should be a well-oiled mechanism in which all the wheels are working together, she said. Instead, the local police department apprehends some people breaking the law, and they are either not prosecuted  or receive a slap on the wrist.

Paduretu added that it is ridiculous and outrageous  (that) law-abiding, small businesses owners are being forced to abide by this county regulation  a regulation she said caused panic and chaos among the community when it was implemented.

Meanwhile, criminals are allowed to walk out of the courtroom with impunity, she said.

This is not working, and we have to repeal it, she concluded to substantial applause.

'Up in smoke'

Xiuwen Zhangs husband, Paul McGowan, agreed that the ordinance is dysfunctional and unjust  but for different reasons.

In March, we got this certified letter saying youre in violation of Chesterfield County ordinance blah blah blah, youre illegal, if you dont get these permits within 30 days youll be shut down, McGowan, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime Chesterfield resident, recalled.

It was a very threatening letter, he said, and it came out of nowhere, because nobody had informed the couple of the rule changes.

In his September 2023 comments to the Board of Supervisors, Katz said police had worked and would continue to work with massage parlor owners and employees so that the ordinance changes would not ambush them.

Theyd warned some of these businesses that they deemed legitimate  i.e., white, American, McGowan said. But weve never been made aware of any complaints against (Zhang).

Pierpont categorically denied that Chesterfield police targets Asian American business owners. McGowan remains unconvinced.

Chinese people come here, and they sacrifice a lot just to get here, McGowan said of his spouse. And Xiuwen is very law-abiding, very aware of the law.

Im considering a civil lawsuit, McGowan said. We have this raid that happens, and in the few days following it, articles are all over  the news. You Google search her name, and shes associated with human trafficking.

The couple received a written notice from the Virginia Department of Health Professions enforcement division and a lease termination letter from the company landlord  all before Zhangs case even went to court.

As for the recording that allegedly proves Zhang offered to perform sex acts on an undercover detective? McGowan said it clearly shows Zhang rejecting, saying no.

But McGowan couldnt provide a copy of the tape because Chesterfield police wouldnt release it to him or his wife.

Zhangs hearing before the state licensing board is in May. McGowan fears the body will revoke her license and permanently jeopardize her career.
Calls for parents to protect young people against cancer with HPV vaccination

This article is old - Published: Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Public health officials are urging parents and guardians to protect young people against HPV related cancers by ensuring they take up the offer of a vaccine in school.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus in the UK, and it is estimated that 8 out of 10 people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

However some variants of the virus  particularly types 16 and 18  are considered more high-risk.

This are linked to cervical cancer, head and neck cancers, and other cancers of the genitals and anus.

But since its introduction in 2008, the vaccine has helped reduce the cervical cancer rates.

Most HPV infections dont show any symptoms and for most people, the virus will clear from the body naturally without causing harm, Chris Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales.

However, in some cases it can lead to cell changes that may develop into cancer, or cause genital warts

The HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective single-dose vaccine that is offered to all children at 12 to 13 years of age, or school year 8.

It provides long-lasting protection against HPV and the cancers it can cause.

Rhian Griffiths was just 25 when she died from cervical cancer. At the time there was no vaccination against HPV as part of the routine immunisation schedule for Wales.

Her parents are now urging families to protect their children by ensuring they take up the HPV vaccine when offered.

Her dad Wayne, said: Rhian didnt want to be forgotten and she never will be.

If hearing her story encourages even one person to get vaccinated or attend a screening, it could save a life and spare another family the pain we have been through.

Dont be unsure  whats stopping you? There are no disadvantages, and it could save your life. Anything that can reduce your risk of cancer is worth it.

They have raised over 1 million in Rhians memory to support cancer services across South Wales.

How to get the vaccine

In schools across Wales the HPV vaccine is being offered to all year 8 pupils, and to those who may have previously missed their vaccination.

Young people who dont attend school, or who have missed their HPV vaccination in school will be given opportunities to receive the vaccine, either in school, community vaccination centres or through their GP.

If you are concerned that your child has missed any of their vaccinations, you can also contact their school nurse, immunisation team or GP to discuss how to get the missed vaccines and ensure they are protected as soon as possible.

Some HPV-related cancers are more common in men than women, yet despite this, boys are less likely to get their HPV vaccine than girls.

This year presents a renewed opportunity for parents and guardians of both boys and girls to ensure their children have the best protection against future HPV related cancers, as efforts continue to meet the Welsh Governments 90 per cent vaccination target.

Young people remain eligible to receive the HPV vaccine up until their 25th birthday.

For boys, the catch up is for those born after 1 September 2006.

Graham Brown, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: The HPV vaccine is a highly effective vaccine that provides long-lasting protection against HPV and the cancers it can cause.

Even if youve had the HPV vaccine, it is still important to attend cervical screening appointments.

The vaccine protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer but doesnt protect against all types.

Getting the HPV vaccine and attending your screening appointments, when invited, offers the best protection from HPV related cancers in the future.

Chris Johnson added: Its important that parents and guardians understand the benefits of the HPV vaccine and how it can help protect their children later in life.

Were urging them to make sure their child takes up the vaccine when offered, to help protect them from HPV-related cancer in the future.

More information is available at: HPV- Public Health Wales.
Digital Voice switchover concerns raised in Senedd

This article is old - Published: Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Concerns over a switch to digital telephony systems have been raised in Cardiff Bay, echoing local worries.

The Digital Voice programme is a UK wide programme which will see all landlines moved over from analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines to broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lines. The programme has been led by the telecoms industry to replace the antiquated and increasingly unreliable PSTN network.

In 2022 Wrexham councillors expressed concerns at the roll out, where it was noted after a power outage, when they convert the phones they dont seem to tell the customer that they now need a digital phone, and then if theres no electricity, they have no phone. Mobile services were also out due to Storm Arwen as backup power to mobile masts ran down.

An action was taken by Wrexham Council in 2022, but no public update has appeared.

As we previously reported the warning of a possible problem following storms appears to have taken place around 30 miles to the east of Wrexham in Nantwich, with a surreal situation where a council was confident in saying they were currently not aware of any requests for assistance from our residents  however a councillor has said that was because residents had no way of letting anybody know.

One resident has been in touch last week to say a letter from BT had indicated they were due an upgrade to Digital Voice, however after calling the firm a stop on the order was made and the change has been postponed for another six months. The reader was clear they had not placed an order, and it had been automatically generated by BT, despite communications making out they had created it.

Now the issue has made it to the Senedd floor yesterday with Paul Davies MS requesting a statement from the Welsh Government regarding digital connectivity, asking, Particularly in light of the ongoing switch from analogue to digital telephone systems. As you know, large parts of my constituency are rural and coastal, meaning that mobile coverage can often be limited.

Indeed, during the storms we experienced last year, there were parts of Pembrokeshire that lost power for several hours, and, in some cases, several days. Many constituents were isolated, which is particularly troubling for vulnerable residents who rely on telephone services to contact people and services.

As the shift to digital services continues, there are understandable concerns from people who live in areas where mobile connectivity and power reliability are uncertain. Reliable connection networks are essential, and people must feel that they arent at any further risk during an emergency because of the switch to digital telephone services. Therefore, given that the Welsh Government has responsibility for community safety, and some powers in relation to emergency services, Id be grateful if we could have a statement on how its ensuring that communities in Wales are reliably connected so that in the event of any emergency, residents are able to contact their loved ones, and, of course, vital emergency services.

Jane Hutt MS replied,  Thank you for that really important question, and I will seek to respond to it. I wont be able to fully respond to it today, because this covers a range of responsibilities within and outside the Welsh Government as well. But I think your points are very relevant in terms of that switch to digital connectivity and the issues about power reliability and what this means for community safety.

Also, part of my responsibility, as you know, is to promote digital inclusion, and this particularly affects older people. In fact, I was meeting with the Older Peoples Commissioner for Wales yesterday and this is an issue that we discussed.

So, I will certainly take this back and seek a way to bring back to the Senedd an update on this situation.
First minister criticised over betrayal of Welsh steel workers

This article is old - Published: Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Wales first minister came under fire over the Labour UK Governments decision to step in to save Scunthorpe steelworks after failing to do the same in Port Talbot.

Eluned Morgan stressed the two steelworks were in different situations after UK ministers took control of the Chinese-owned British Steel site in Scunthorpe this month.

Giving a statement on April 29, she told the Senedd: The situation  was very different not only in terms of the global context but also  the relationship and intention of Tata Steel.

Baroness Morgan rejected never credible suggestions the Labour UK Government should have persuaded Tata to reopen a deal initially negotiated by Conservative ministers.

On calls to take control of the Port Talbot plant, the first minister said: That would have been unrealistic and unworkable because of the opposition from Tata.

Legal conflict

Baroness Morgan added: It would have led to prolonged legal conflict with the company, to the possible accelerated shut down of the remaining blast furnace and Tata could have withdrawn its contribution of 700m to the construction of the electric arc furnace.

The Labour politician said construction of the electric arc furnace would begin this summer, with green steel set to provide a more sustainable and brighter future.

But Darren Millar, whose request for the Senedd to be recalled from Easter recess to discuss the issue was rejected, questioned the differing approaches in Wales and England.

The leader of the Conservative Senedd group said: People are upset, understandably, and furious about the fact there seems to be a completely different attitude towards Welsh steel.

He claimed Labour MPs promised the earth to steelworkers before last years general election only to U-turn on pledges which turned out to be complete works of fiction.

Double standards

Criticising warm words and the Welsh Governments weak strategy, Mr Millar warned Wales could miss out on a fair share from a 2.5bn fund for the steel sector.

Baroness Morgan replied: I cant believe Im getting lectures from the Tories, who had all the opportunities to step in  to do something constructive  and didnt.

The first minister claimed Tory UK ministers would not pick up the phone to her predecessor, saying she has pressed Labour colleagues to ringfence part of the 2.5bn fund for Wales.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth criticised the first minister for mocking his partys calls for nationalisation of the Port Talbot steelworks.

A pipedream she called it patronisingly, which has become something of a trade for this first minister, he said, accusing Labour of blatant double standards at Wales expense.

Betrayal

Claiming Labour has abandoned workers, he told Senedd members: After this betrayal, we need cast-iron assurances that the UK Governments investment in Scunthorpe in no way compromises the promises made to Port Talbot.

Baroness Morgan said: It always fascinates me that nationalists want to nationalise but they want England to pay  this week you want to nationalise steel, last week  Holyhead port.

Labours Mike Hedges, a former steelworker, backed the first minister: This is not a battle between Port Talbot and Scunthorpe even though some people are trying to make it such.

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds said: The UKs emergency action confirmed what many of us here in Wales had feared: that our workers are second-class citizens.

Baroness Morgan, who met steelworkers in Port Talbot on Friday, pledged to move heaven and earth to secure the future of Welsh steel through a fair and just transition.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Welsh Government sets out plans for new laws on homelessness and greyhound racing ban

This article is old - Published: Thursday, May 1st, 2025

The Welsh Government set out plans to introduce laws on homelessness, building safety, environmental governance, greyhound racing and visitor accommodation.

Julie James (pictured), who is counsel general, the Welsh Governments chief legal adviser, updated the Senedd on ministers plans for new laws with only a year to go until the next election.

Ms James told the Senedd a bill would be introduced to make homelessness support more accessible and person-centred, helping people find long-term housing quickly.

She said the Welsh Government would bring forward a long-awaited environmental governance bill, establishing a new governance body and setting biodiversity targets.

Giving a statement on the legislative programme on April 29, Ms James said a law would also be drafted centred on the accountability of Senedd members.

Legislative logjam

The bill would introduce a system of recall, giving voters the opportunity to remove misbehaving politicians between elections, and seek to address deliberate deception.

With plans to bring in a tourism tax already afoot, the Welsh Government will also introduce a new licensing system for accommodation providers to set safety standards.

The counsel general said ministers would legislate to ban greyhound racing, fulfilling a commitment made as part of a 100m budget deal with the Liberal Democrats.

She stated a bill would also be brought forward to fundamentally reform building safety, with another aimed at modernising and simplifying planning law.

The former solicitor suggested proposals for reform of taxis and the devolved tribunal system would be squeezed out due to a legislative logjam ahead of the next election.

Out of ideas

Tom Giffard, the Conservatives shadow counsel general, accused the Welsh Government of being out of ideas and delivering everything but the peoples priorities.

Mr Giffard criticised long NHS waiting lists and ministers record on the Welsh economy, with the highest unemployment rate and lowest take-home pay in the UK.

He said: What has been the Welsh Governments response to this? Introducing 20mph  limits up and down Wales  and creating 36 new and costly Senedd politicians.

The Tory said the Scottish Government has introduced 58 bills since 2021, including 15 in 2024 alone, with Welsh ministers lagging on 17 during this Senedd term

He asked: What on earth has this Welsh Government been doing?

Patronising

Accusing her opposite number of failing to listen, Ms James responded: Well, that was really amusing, thank you very much, its always nice to be cheered up on a Tuesday  yes, I am absolutely being patronising, Im responding to the patronising speech I just heard.

Describing plans for a homelessness bill as the most radical anywhere in western Europe, she said: They very idea that thats not innovative, new and progressive is for the birds.

Heledd Fychan, for Plaid Cymru, warned of instability within the Welsh Government  with Wales having had three different first ministers in little over a year.

The Senedd member expressed concerns about ministers shelving plans to overhaul council tax and create a more gender-equal Senedd.

Warning of gaps in environmental governance since Brexit, with Wales lagging the rest of the UK, Ms Fychan welcomed plans to leapfrog the other nations.

Worst-possible scenario

Pressed about tribunal reform being ditched, Ms James said ministers expect to publish a draft bill before the May 2026 election but we wont have time to get it through the Senedd.

She told the Senedd the draft bill would be ready to go for an incoming Welsh Government: Its not where Id have liked to have been but its not the worst-possible scenario.

Conservative Mark Isherwood raised his backbench British Sign Language bill, introduced after he won a ballot, calling for assurances that legislative time will be made available.

Ms James replied: It isnt  in my statement today because its not a government bill  its your bill  but the government will absolutely work with you to make sure it goes through.

Her predecessor Mick Antoniw, who resigned last year, criticised the opposition for failing to put forward many  if any  of their own ideas for legislation in response to the statement.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
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.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Reno sub-office has arrested a Mexican man in Reno who was convicted of sexual assault and kidnapping.

It was announced on a post on X from ICEs Salt Lake City office.

ICE says 32-year-old Luis Gomez will be deported as soon as possible.

He was convicted of sexual assault with use of a deadly weapon and kidnapping.
A Reno man will serve 56 years in prison after pleading guilty in two cases involving sex and drug trafficking.

The Washoe County District Attorney says 31-year-old Matthew Edwards pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a child (8-20 years) and luring, attempt use of a minor in a sexual portrayal; sales of a controlled substance; and felon in possession of a firearm (14-36 years).

HEAT Detectives began investigating Edwards in early 2023 after he initiated an online conversation with a detectives social media account, in which the detective pretended to be a juvenile.

MAY 24, 2023:

Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Detectives and Regional Narcotics Unit (RNU) have arrested a Reno man on sex and drug charges.

HEAT Detectives began investigating 29-year-old Matthew Edwards in early 2023 after he initiated an online conversation with a detectives social media account, in which the detective portrays a juvenile. Edwards encouraged, who he thought was a 15-year-old girl, to send him illicit photos and videos, along with planning to meet to engage in sexual activity. As a result of their investigation, HEAT Detectives arrested Edwards for multiple offenses related to crimes against children.

Additionally, RNU Detectives began a concurrent investigation into Edwards for illicit narcotics sales in the Reno/Sparks area. In April of 2023, RNU Detectives secured a search warrant for Edwards apartment and subsequently arrested Edwards for narcotics offenses along with firearm related charges.
Living in the Bay Area means that our average, everyday views are some of the best in the world.

Here are five of our favorite short hikes with spectacular vistas along the way.

Lands End Trail, San Francisco



Been talking about doing this one for a while and still haven't made it out to the northwest corner of San Francisco? Bite the bullet and head to Lands End this weekend, where four miles of beautiful, well-maintained trails offer views of China Beach, Sutro Baths, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The hike isn't strenuous at all, so it's a good place to bring family. Learn more.

Inside Tip: While you're on the Coastal Trail, look for a turnoff to Mile Rock Beach.

The view of SF from Angel Island (Courtesy of @angelislandstatepark)

Angel Island, San Francisco



The largest landmass in the Bay, Angel Island is a short ferry ride from SF and full of hiking trails and campsitesnot to mention spectacular views of the city. Hike the five-mile perimeter loop, which gets you a 360-degree look around the bay and takes you to the top of Mt. Livermore, the highest point on Angel Island. Learn more.

Inside Tip: Enjoying island life? Reserve a campsite and stay overnight to see San Francisco all lit up.





Muir Beach Overlook, Marin

It takes no time at all to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Beach, and the sunset that awaits you at the overlook make the jaunt worth your while. The overlook is set a mile north of the main beach; park in the nearby lot, walk five minutes, and you're thereso, definitely more view than hike on this one. On a clear day, you'll be able to see miles up and down the coastline and all the way to the Farallon Islands. Be sure to bring layers; it quickly gets chilly when the sun goes down. Learn more.

Inside Tip: From December through spring, thousands of gray whales migrate from their Arctic feeding grounds down to Baja, Californiaand they hug the California coastline the entire way. From the overlook there's a good chance you'll see some passing by.

Mount Diablo in the East Bay (Courtesy of @savemountdiablo/Brit Hutchinson)

Mount Diablo, East Bay



The climb up Mt. Diablo is a significantly more challenging than some of the other hikes here. At 3,849 feet tall, this is the East Bay's highest peak, and the trail leading up to its summit is 6.8 miles longwhich, of course, leaves another 6.8 miles for you on the way down. Bring hiking boots, lots of water, and snacks, and know that your effort will be rewarded with spectacular views once you get to the top. Learn more.

Inside Tip: Grab beers to go at Walnut Creek's L Beercafe & Bottle Shop(1541 Giammona Dr.).





Tank Hill, San Francisco

Want the views of Twin Peaks without the crowds of tourists? Then Tank Hill is for you. Tucked away in Cole Valley, Tank Hill is something of a hidden gemit's hard to find unless you know it's there. Drive to the eastern dead end of Belgrave Avenue and follow the small path up to the 650-foot summit, where you'll get views spanning from the Marin Headlands to the southern end of the East Bay. Learn more.

Inside Tip: There's only one bench up there but more than enough space to spread out a picnic blanket. Grab supplies at the market on Cole Street and lunch alfresco.
What are you doing this summer? my younger brother Mark asked in a phone call, his voice giddy with excitement. Never mind, Ill tell you what youre doing. You and I are going to London to watch freaking Star Wars.

This June, he told me, the British Film Institute will host a screening of the original Star Wars  the version that first played to audiences in 1977, before George Lucas decided to update it and add a bunch of unnecessary CGI. Its one of the few original Technicolor prints still in existence, and the first time its had a proper theatrical showing in nearly 50 years.

Members only

This is exhilarating news for those of us of a certain age: the Gen Xers who grew up with Star Wars and its first two sequels. Finally, the defining movie of our youth as it was always meant to be seen, with clunky special effects created by hand, and Han Solo shooting first.

That sounds great, I told Mark. Im just  Im not sure I can afford that.

My brother and I have always been close, but our lives as adults couldnt be more different. He runs a successful hedge fund with assets in the billions. Im a journalist living paycheck to paycheck. Hes got two homes, a goat farm and an office in Miami. I rent a small three-bedroom apartment in the suburbs, and my office is our local coffee shop.

But if theres one thing we continue to have in common, its our obsession with Star Wars. In fact, the older Ive become, the more Ive started to appreciate the life lessons of George Lucas fictional universe.

Weeks after seeing "The Empire Strikes Back," the author (Chewbacca in jeans), his brother and a few neighborhood friends began shooting The Empire Strikes Back (Again). AARP (Courtesy the author, Shutterstock)

Sooner or later, we all turn into Yoda

I watched The Empire Strikes Back again recently  for work, as I reminded my wife  and realized Im starting to identify with different characters now. I feel a kinship with Yoda, not just because hes 900 years old, but because hes clearly annoyed by Lukes impatience. Yodas entire plotline is basically this: Please calm down, try to focus on your schoolwork, stop thinking only about your friends, and sit down with me for a nice dinner.

That is exactly what its like to live with a teenager.

Even Darth Vader is more sympathetic once you hit middle age. Hes a slave to his job, spending every waking hour at the office and dropping everything any time his boss calls. Hes got some health concerns, like respiratory issues  his helmet is basically a fancy CPAP machine. Darth just wants his kids to visit and maybe take an interest in his life, but every time they do, theyre like, Noooo! Noooo!

Again, that is exactly what its like to live with a teenager.


Experienced Mining Executive Joins Board

Perth, May 1, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Horizon Minerals Limited ( ASX:HRZ ) is pleased to advise that Mr Rob (Robert) Waugh, has agreed to join the Horizon Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1 May 2025.



Rob has more than 35 years' experience in the resources sector with the majority in gold and base metals. Rob has held senior exploration management roles at WMC Resources Limited (WMC) and BHP Billiton Limited (BHP), prior to his role as Managing Director of Musgrave Minerals Limited which culminated in the $200M acquisition by Ramelius Resources Limited in late 2023.



Rob has had significant exploration success over his career, including being part of the team that discovered the Break of Day, White Heat and Big Sky gold deposits at Cue Western Australia, the Nebo-Babel Ni-Cu deposit in the West Musgrave region of WA, the Cobbler gold deposit at Norseman WA and the Duke Batman and Honeypot uranium deposits in Queensland.



Rob holds a Bachelor of Science (Geology) from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Science (Mineral Economics) from the Western Australian School of Mines. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He is currently Non-Executive Chair of Caprice Resources Limited and a Non-Executive Director of Future Battery Minerals Limited.



Commenting on the Board appointment, Horizon Non-Executive Chair Mr Ashok Parekh said:



"We are delighted to welcome a leader of Rob's standing to the Horizon Board as we embark on significant drilling programs to grow our 1.8Moz resource base and look for new discoveries within our extensive land holding in the WA Goldfields. We are confident Rob will bring experience, wisdom and valuable insights to this exciting growth phase for the Company."





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.

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Earlier this month the government launched its National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Cyber Governance Code of Practice, providing organisations with clear guidance and best practice on managing cyber risks. Stuart Leach, partner, RSM UK said: These recent attacks on retailers serve as a warning to pensions trustees to continuously assess and tighten up their cyber security measures. Pensions trustee boards are accountable for effective governance, cyber controls, resilience, and importantly robust plans to respond effectively to cyber incidents. The first line of defence against cyberattacks is often employees, so its important to also ensure staff are regularly trained and educated on cyber risks and how to spot attempts to access systems via increasingly sophisticated phishing emails (e.g. ClickFix Phish), or links to bogus websites. We welcome the governments recent Code of Practice which supports businesses in governing their cyber risks to enhance operational resilience. With increasing geo-political tensions and highly sophisticated cyber criminals now operating on an industrial scale, motivated by financial gain and destabilisation, the threat landscape will only increase, with broader targeting across industries. This raises a question of whether the current voluntary code goes far enough? The Cyber Governance Code of Practice states that half (50%) of businesses and two thirds (66%) of high-income charities experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months, with the prevalence of attacks being even higher amongst medium businesses (70%) and large businesses (74%)*. This serves as a stark reminder to pensions trustees that theres more to be done to improve cyber resilience and keep pace with new emerging threats.


The key findings from the research were: Many people in under pensioned groups experience lower standards of living in retirement as a result of labour market inequalities during working life.  Employment rates overall have decreased. Underpensioned groups continue to have lower rates of employment and higher rates of part-time employment, compared to the population average. The employment rate of people with a disability is at 54%, around 28% points lower than people without a disability at 82%.

 In addition to lower levels of labour market participation, under pensioned groups have lower than average incomes. The gap between womens average incomes and the population average is 18%.

 Inequalities in housing also contribute to the under pensioned gap. Levels of homeownership are lower among under pensioned groups, and many will still be renting throughout later life. This will result in higher housing costs, which will further erode their already low retirement incomes.

 As well as labour market inequalities, people in under pensioned groups face inequalities specifically related to pension provision and entitlement. Although eligibility for automatic enrolment is at the same level as the population average when ethnic minority groups are considered in combination, there is significant variation in eligibility across different groups. For example, 96% of employees from an Indian background are eligible for automatic enrolment, whereas only 65% of Bangladeshi employees are eligible. When in employment, people with a disability are 5% less likely to be eligible for automatic enrolment than the population average, and, given significantly lower employment rates, pension participation is much lower overall. John Adams, Senior Policy Analyst at the PPI said: This years Underpensioned report builds upon the foundation of previous years, allowing us to start to view ongoing trends as well as monitoring recent the levels of access to pension savings for different groups. In the current report People with disabilities continue to be some of the people most likely to be under pensioned. People from ethnic minority backgrounds have very diverse outcomes, some ethnic minorities are significantly under pensioned compared to the general population, whereas others are much less likely to be employees or have income levels that enable them to be automatically enrolled into pension savings. The Underpensioned Index
Mercedes-Benz US International plant in Vance, Ala., in an undated shot provided by the company.

Mercedes-Benz on Thursday announced it will begin production of a new vehicle at its Tuscaloosa County plant, beginning in 2027.

The company provided few details about the nature of the vehicle, which it referred to as a core segment vehicle, beyond statements that the move would further enhance the importance of its Alabama operations within the global company.

Mercedes-Benz made the announcement a day after it suspended its financial forecasts for 2025, citing the uncertainty caused by the Trump Administrations auto tariffs on foreign-built cars and parts.

Mercedes-Benz recorded a 1% sales bump in the first quarter while its global sales were down 7% in the first quarter of the year.

In recent weeks, Mercedes executives have spoken about extra capacity at the Tuscaloosa County plant as a way to blunt some of the impact from the tariffs.

I just got off the phone with Mercedes-Benz North America CEO Jason Hoff, and the news is clear: Alabama is the place to lead.



Their decision to launch production of a new core vehicle in Tuscaloosa shows global companies have confidence in our state and workforce. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/XhSAWB6snl  Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) May 1, 2025

Mercedes faced a particular dilemma, in that the powertrain for its vehicles is made in Europe, according to Autoblog.

Tuscaloosa has been a key hub for Mercedes-Benz vehicles for almost 30 years, Mercedes Chairman Ola Kallenius said.

Its a natural step to bring a further model to Alabama as part of a strategy to deepen our commitment to the United States, a market, which has been our home for more than a century.

Since 1997, the Tuscaloosa County plant has made more than 4.5 million vehicles, with around 260,000 vehicles last year. About 60% of its annual output is exported to global markets.

The Tuscaloosa plant is home to the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, and Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUVs, as well as the EQE SUV, EQS SUV, and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, for all global markets.

During its time in Alabama, Mercedes has invested roughly $7 billion here, including $1.2 billion since 2017 to produce electric vehicles and batteries at its Bibb County plant.

We are getting even closer to the U.S. customer by localizing a core segment model in Tuscaloosa, strengthening our ties to the North American market where a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles including the GLE and GLS models have their roots, Jason Hoff, CEO Mercedes-Benz North America, said.

Today, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) employs more than 6,000 people and about 60,000 jobs with regional suppliers, including 200 located in Alabama.
3,000 fentanly pills were recovered following a traffic stop, chase, and crash in Dale County on April 30, 2025. (Special to AL.com)

A traffic stop in south Alabama Wednesday turned into a chase, crash and the seizure of 3,000 fentanyl pills.

A Dale County sheriffs deputy was on patrol shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Highway 231 when he spotted a Dodge Charger with an equipment violation.

Sheriff Mason Bynum said the deputy initiated a traffic stop on Highway 231 near Highway 51.

The driver  identified as 38-year-old Cornelius Cooper of Ozark  initially pulled over but then sped away as the deputy got out of his patrol car.

A pursuit ensued, reaching speeds up to 100 mph on the highway.

Cooper, the sheriff said, tried to turn onto Highway 123 but misjudged the turn, causing his vehicle to go down an embankment.

With the vehicle still moving, Cooper bailed and fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, Bynum said, Cooper was seen throwing a bag into the woods.

A deputy deployed his Taser and captured Cooper without further incident.

Deputies recovered the bag that Cooper was seen throwing into the woods. Inside, they found approximately 3,000 pills believed to be fentanyl.

Cooper faces charges of felony attempting to elude and drug trafficking. Additionally, he has several warrants for his arrest from the Dothan Police Department.

He is currently held in Dale County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.

The Ozark Police Department and the Coffee County Sheriffs Office assisted in the incident.

I commend our deputies for their proactive work in getting these drugs off the street, Bynum said. We will continue aggressive enforcement efforts to make sure these and other dangerous drugs do not end up in the wrong hands.
A Hueytown woman is facing charges in two Alabama counties as part of an investigation into contraband smuggling at state prisons.

Dominique Moses, 40, was arrested Wednesday on multiple charges out of Jefferson and Limestone counties, the Alabama Department of Corrections announced Thursday.

ADOC officials said the investigation began April 16 and led to a search warrant on Wednesday at Moses Hueytown home. Details about the circumstance leading up to the raid were not released.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys SWAT team assisted in the search warrant.

Seized in the raid were 462 grams  roughly a pound - methamphetamine and 530 grams of marijuana. s

In Jefferson County, Moses is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime and first-degree possession of marijuana.

Moses is charged in Limestone County with trafficking methamphetamine, two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and promoting prison contraband.

She was booked in the Jefferson County jail Wednesdays and remains held on bonds totaling $170,000.

ADOC officials said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could follow.
Traci Pittman Kegley vanished from central Alabama in 1998, her toddler daughter found alone in Kegley's Geo Storm. She has never been heard from again. (Central Alabama Crime Stoppers)

Its been more than 27 years since a 30-year-old Alabama woman vanished, her toddler found alone and unharmed in her car, and investigators are not giving up hope of solving the mystery.

Traci Pittman Kegley left her home in Eclectic on April 26, 1998, to go to the Maness BP Convenience Store on the corner of U.S. 231 North and Redland Road in Wetumpka. She had her 2-year-old daughter with her.

At 9 a.m. the following day, Kegleys 1993 Geo Storm was found abandoned on Old Georgia Road across from the T&H Grocery.

Kegleys daughter was found inside the vehicle, along with the womans purse and identification.

Despite multiple, massive searches, Kegley was never seen or heard from again.

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers on Thursday announced an increase in the reward from the case for a total of $15,000 - $10,000 from the governors office and $5,000 from Crime Stoppers.

Her family believed she was probably the victim of a crime given that they dont believe she would leave her child in the car alone.

Kegley had separated from her husband earlier that year, and her divorce was made final 16 days prior to her disappearance.

Traci Pittman Kegley vanished from central Alabama in 1998, her toddler daughter found alone in Kegley's Geo Storm. She has never been heard from again. (Central Alabama Crime Stoppers)

She was living with her mother at the time and was due to start a new job at a dental office in Montgomery the day after she went missing.

On Feb. 25, 2018, a search warrant was executed in Elmore County, based on information from confidential sources received from Crime Stoppers, leading law enforcement to believe evidence may be found pertaining to the missing persons case from 1998.

A search of about 300 acres of property in eastern Elmore County was said at the time to have turned up potential evidence, but no information about that evidence followed.

Multiple agencies carried out the search including SBI, AEMA, SW Panhandle Search and Rescue K9, sheriffs offices from Elmore, Lee, Tallapoosa, Autauga, Blount and Chilton counties, and police departments from Opelika, Prattville, Wetumpka and Auburn, among others.

Crime Stoppers Executive Director Tony Garrett said Crime Stoppers would pay out its portion within 30 days of an arrest.

Previously, a $10,000 was offered by Kegleys parents, and $4,000 from an anonymous donor. Garrett said could not confirm if these rewards are still active.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP (833-251-7867).
A dispute over the admissibility of evidence has indefinitely delayed the attempted murder trial for a former Alabama nurse practitioner and her husband in the alleged abuse and neglect of their young adopted daughter.

Kala Blakely, 42, and her husband, Bartley Blakely, 45, were arrested in 2021 and later indicted for attempted murder.

The couple is accused of attempting to intentionally cause the death of the 12-year-old girl by restricting food which caused acute malnutrition and/or withholding medical care and/or depriving victim of necessities of life and/or hitting her.

The girl, adopted from Colombia, was removed from their care. The couple has three biological sons.

At the time of her arrest, Kala Blakely ran a family health clinic Moody.

Her attorneys have previously called the charges ridiculous and said they looked forward to a jury hearing the facts instead of the false narrative they say has been portrayed so far.

The joint trial was set to begin April 21, but attorneys for the couple filed a motion to suppress some digital evidence  including thousands of text messages between the couple that they say were illegally obtained.

Prosecutors contend the evidence is vital to the case.

The case is being prosecuted by deputy district attorneys Lauren Breland, Ashley Mims Patterson, Charissa Henrichs and Demario Thornton.

Kala Blakely is represented by attorneys John Lentine, Christopher Daniel and Wendell Sheffield. Bartley Blakely is represented by attorney Scott Brower.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kandice Pickett, on the day jury selection was set to begin, granted the defense attorneys request to suppress the evidence.

That trial was stayed while the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office determined its next steps.

Prosecutors are now appealing the judges decision to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

The adopted daughter, who did not speak English, had only been with the family for a short time.

Court records state she had several health issues that may or may not have been disclosed by the adoption agency.

In January 2021, the girl was taken to Childrens of Alabama with a severe infection. She was sent home for 10 days of intense antibiotic treatment via a PICC line.

When the family did not return for a follow-up visit, hospital staff called the parents and learned the child had not been treated, court records content.

When Kala Blakely took the child back to the hospital, records state, the child had several serious physical injuries. She told hospital staff that the child was throwing tantrums and running into walls.

A doctor disputed that explanation, records show, and also said the girl was severely malnourished.

A DHR worker reported the incident to Trussville police, which launched an investigation.

A police detective spoke with hospital nurses who reported that Kala Blakely made a number of comments such as, I regret adopting her, and shes made our a life a living hell and I see why her mother abandoned her, court records contend.

Additionally, Kala Blakely refused access to an English to Spanish/Spanish to English language interpreter as well as sedation, saying that she is going to have to deal with the pain, records state.

In October 2021, an investigator with the district attorneys office was reviewing jail phone calls between the couple.

On the calls, Investigator Justin Bowlin wrote, Bartley Blakely told his wife he had started to delete her social media pages.

Based on that conversation, Bowlin sought and obtained a search warrant on the Blakely home and multiple electronic devices belonging to both couples were recovered.

The search warrant was carried out Oct. 29, 2021.

That warrant stated that that once items were seized, Bowlin would apply for a second warrant to forensically search particular items for digital evidence  both live and deleted.

That second search warrant was not sought.

Four days before the trial was set to begin, a hearing was held on the defense teams motion to suppress the evidence.

Prosecutors said the original search warrant sought to seize, examine and search, the digital devices collected and therefore did not require a second search warrant.

The hearing was continued to April 21, the day jury selection was to begin.

The investigator testified that he believed the search warrant as initially written allowed a forensic examination, and said he did not realize there was an issue with the search warrant until the motion to suppress was filed.

The hearing ended at 12:15 p.m. and by 1:01 p.m., Pickett ruled she would not allow the evidence to be presented at trial and said jurying selection would begin at 12:15 p.m.

In her ruling suppressing the evidence, the judge said the first search warrant only allowed for seizure of the electronic devices and rendering them safe until a second search warrant was obtained, which did not happen.

Pickett noted there was no intention by the investigator to violate the rights of the defendants.

Prosecutors requested more time to determine how to move forward and were given until 2:30 p.m., records show.

They asked for the trial to be continued, which the judge denied and called the case for trial.

Prosecutors said they were not prepared to move forward until they explored pretrial appeal options, and eventually the judge granted a stay until April 29.

However, the court made it clear that if the state did not appeal by that date, the court would dismiss the case and would allow arguments as to whether to dismiss the case with or without prejudice, records show.

Dismissing with prejudice means a case is permanently closed. Dismissing a case without prejudice means the same charges could be brought again.

On Tuesday, prosecutors notified the judge they had filed the formal appeal, which puts the case on hold until a ruling from the higher court.

A status hearing is set for November.
Woodrow Washington III, a grandson of Archibald's Bar-B-Q founders George and Betty Archibald, is opening an Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ in Birmingham. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Woodrow Washington III was about 12 years old when his grandfather, George Archibald Sr., put him to work splitting the wood that would flavor those hickory-kissed ribs at Alabamas legendary Archibalds Bar-B-Q joint in Northport.

My granddaddy used to fool us a little bit because he never paid us for busting wood, Washington remembers. It was like a game for us: Who can bust the wood the quickest? Who can bust it with one hit?

And at the end, hed give us a Grapico drink and a barbecue sandwich.

Forty years later, the 52-year-old Washington continues the family tradition that his late grandfather and late grandmother, Betty Archibald, started in 1962 in a white cinderblock shack tucked behind their red-brick Northport home on what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

While he and his siblings keep the fires burning at the original Archibalds Bar-B-Q, Washington also owns Archibald & Woodrows BBQ, which he started on Greensboro Avenue in Tuscaloosa more than 20 years ago.

And this Friday, hell open a Birmingham location of Archibald & Woodrows BBQ in the former Rib-It-Up barbecue space at 830 First Ave. North downtown.

Its the Archibalds barbecue familys first venture outside their home turf of Tuscaloosa County.

Just getting the opportunity to spread the wings a little bit, something your grandparents started in 1962, and bringing this brand to a nice, great city like Birmingham, Washington says of their expansion into the Magic City.

A lot of our business comes from people coming down from Birmingham to eat with us, he adds. It will be good to be up here and hopefully gain a whole lot of new customers.

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ is opening May 2, 2025, in the former Rib-It-Up space at 830 First Ave. North in Birmingham. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Where it all started

From the social media response after Washington revealed in March that Archibald & Woodrows was coming soon, it appears Birmingham is equally thrilled about having them here.

The City of Birmingham is invested, too.

Earlier this week, the Birmingham City Council approved a five-year revenue-sharing agreement and a two-year hiring incentive agreement with Archibald and Woodrow Enterprises that includes up to $185,000 in incentives for the restaurant.

Washington says he has invested about $80,000 in renovating the Rib-It-Up building (including interior and exterior painting, some structural improvements and new signage) and in hiring about 20 employees.

The restaurant will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The dining room will close 30 minutes earlier each night, but the restaurant will remain open for to-go orders.

In addition to Archibalds famous ribs and pork, the menu will include smoked chicken, smoked wings, fried catfish, fried whiting, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, french fries, fried okra and banana pudding.

Weve added wings, fish and other vegetables, Washington says, but our base is ribs and pork, where it all started.

A sign inside the new Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ pays homage to the building's previous occupant, Rib-It-Up, which closed in 2024 after 32 years in business. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Till death do us part

Along with his older brother, Tray Washington, and big sister, Lashawn Washington Humphrey, Washington is the third generation in the Archibalds barbecue family.

Tray and Lashawn spend much of their time at the original Archibalds in Northport, while Woodrow focuses on Archibald & Woodrows, both the Tuscaloosa location and the new one in Birmingham.

But they all have each others backs and bounce around between restaurants.

Its still all a circle, Washington says, still all in the same family.

After serving 20 combined years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve and another 20 years with the Tuscaloosa Fire Department -- from which he retired as a captain a decade ago -- Washington, who also serves as the president pro tempore of the Northport City Council, tells people that he has retired twice.

But nobody retires from the barbecue business, especially in his family.

For me, being able to carry this legacy on is big, he says. A lot of people can retire, but in the restaurant business, its till death do us part.

My grandparents passed, and my uncle (George Archibald Jr.) passed, but they all worked until they couldnt work anymore, he adds. My mom (Paulette Washington, George Sr. and Betty Archibalds daughter) still plays a part. She takes care of the bills and helps with the barbecue sauce because she wants to be active in it.

So, Washington reiterates, its till death do us part.

The Archibald's Bar-B-Q story began in this cinderblock building in Northport in 1962. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Both names will live

The story behind the Woodrow in Archibald & Woodrows BBQ goes back to Washingtons father, Woodrow Washington Jr., who also owned a barbecue joint, Woodrows Barbecue, which he opened in Northport in 1984. It closed several years ago.

When I got out of the military, out of active duty, I helped my dad at Woodrows, the younger Washington says. I helped him, and I helped my grandparents, my mom and my uncle (at Archibalds).

So, in 2002, when he opened a place of his own, Woodrow Washington III put the two names together and called it Archibald & Woodrows BBQ to honor both sides of his family.

For me, it was tying in both restaurants together to leave a family legacy, he says. Now both names will live for as long as Im working, my brothers working, and the next generation (is working).

One notable difference between the two, though, is that the ribs at the original Archibalds are grilled fast and furious over a hot bed of hickory coals in an open pit, while those at Archibald & Woodrows are cooked lower and slower, also using hickory wood, in a smoker.

(Adding a brick pit was not an option when he opened the Tuscaloosa Archibald & Woodrows, Washington says. We couldnt build a pit onto the building, he says, so the next best thing was to use a smoker.)

The good news for fans of the original Archibalds is that the Birmingham location also has an open brick pit, which Washington inherited from the buildings longtime former occupant, Rib-It-Up.

In a previous incarnation, the Rib-It-Up building was also home to Old Plantation Barbecue for several decades.

So that pit is well-seasoned.

Just knowing that we have that pit here was the selling point for me, he says. So were gonna cook in an open pit, just how we do it in Northport.

Rodney Dixon, the general manager of the new Birmingham location of Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ, tends to a rack of Boston butts in the restaurant's well-seasoned brick pit. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Cooked with love

Those hickory-fired ribs are complemented with a thin, vinegar-based, mustard-flecked barbecue sauce that Betty Archibald concocted in her kitchen decades ago.

Its cooked with love, Washington says, not giving away any secrets behind the sauce. Thats the main recipe that we hold tight to is the love part. My grandmother created that, and we havent changed it.

One thing that has changed, though, is that Woodrow Washington IIIs days of busting wood, as he calls it, are long gone.

He burns through several truckloads of hickory every week, but these days, he pays a supplier to do the hard work.

And it costs him way more than a Grapico and a barbecue sandwich.

Thats about the biggest expense we have, he says. Thats worse than the power bill.

The new Birmingham location of Archibald & Woodrows BBQ will open Friday at 830 First Ave. North downtown. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Monday at 3 p.m. For more information, go here.
Stephen A. Smiths appearance Monday on General Hospital was received the way you would think by his First Take colleagues.

Ryan Clark, Louis Riddick and Chris Russo and the First Take audience were treated to a screening of Smiths performance during the broadcast.

How many times did you rehearse that? Riddick asked.

None. First take baby. I remember my lines, Smith replied.

But why did you hit the nurse with the I need to see some I.D.? Ryan Clark asked.

Thats right, Smith said. She was pretending to be a nurse trying to kill my boss. I had to take her out. I was tipped off because we found somebody in the closet. We knew it wasnt a nurse, but we just had to make sure.

Smith revealed he will also make a guest spot on NBCs Law and Order on May 8.

This dude, bro, Clark said of the news. Acting, First Take, producing. Hes gonna be our next president. A lot going on.

I expect your vote, Smith joked.

Smith has a recurring role as Brick, who works in surveillance for the Corinthos family. In the April 28 episode, he killed an assassin who posed as a nurse who was attempting to kill his boss.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
The former finance director for Homewood, Robert Winston Burgett, who pleaded guilty Oct. 23 to embezzlement of nearly $1 million from the city, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to three federal charges of wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Burgett to 37 months in federal prison and 36 months supervised release. He was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture was ordered.The government has been seeking forfeiture of $947,059.46, the amount he was accused of embezzling.

Burgett, 64, was released on bond to report by noon on June 25 to begin serving his sentence.

Defense attorney Tommy Spina argued for a lesser sentence, noting that Burgett had lost $582,000 of his own money in an investment scam, which resulted in a sense of desperation that was an underlying basis for his desperate actions.

We feel the sentence was fair and appropriate, Spina said. Robert has expressed his remorse for what he did. However, Homewood has more problems than just Robert Burgett that need addressing.

A state audit released Jan. 10 cited the city of Homewood for a lack of or ineffective management oversight of city finances that led to the embezzlement.

The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts reports that lack of oversight provided an opportunity for unauthorized expenditures.

Homewood officials say the city was the to first to uncover suspicious movements of city funds after Burgett retired as finance director in March 2024 and immediately reported them to local, state and federal authorities.

According to the audit, Burgett attempted to embezzle more than $1.8 million, but succeeded in embezzling $947,059.46.

The city has responded to the audit with a statement outlining its actions to correct policies and practices that allowed the theft to occur.

The city of Homewood has reviewed the Limited Special Review by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts of the citys financial system concerning both the use of city credit cards and a separate fraudulent misappropriation of funds by a former city employee, it said. The city was the first to discover both issues and quickly began taking steps to improve Homewoods oversight of its accounting system.

Insurance has covered $500,000 of the more than $947,000 that Burgett illegally transferred into his personal accounts. The city is working to recover additional monies, officials said.

The FBI and the Homewood Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.
A nationally recognized retail store that had been operating in south Alabama for six generations is set to close soon, according to an announcement from the business.

Located in Mobile at 4213 Halls Mill Rd, Robert Moore and Company Christmas Town, is closing after over 50 years of business. Owned by Robert Moore, the store opened in 1976 as a florist shop but transformed into one of the biggest Christmas stores in the South.

The store has expanded to sell top brand name items for Christmas and additional holidays. These items include collectibles, gifts, toys, nativities and more.

Larry Heard has been at the helm of the company after Moore died in 2019. Heard, 68, told AL.com that he has worked with the company since he was 21 and felt it was time shut it down primarily due to his age.

Ive gotten old, Heard said. Im now almost 70 years old, and you know, with a lot of the things that were having to battle with, getting the merchandise here, ordering the merchandise, and being told that some of its not going to come, that connects the other work that has come, all those things are factors that have just led to this decision. But the biggest one is, Im getting old.

As part of the stores permanent closure, a going out of business sale will be conducted to help get rid of the goods available at their 18,000 square foot showroom.

The sale will launch privately by invitation on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. before opening to the public on May 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Customers looking for additional information or to sign up for sales alerts and updates can visit the stores website here.

Heard said it was an honor for him and Moore to have worked for the community, or what he deemed his extended family. for so many years.

It has been mine and Mr. Moores privilege to work for you our extended family and Im going to miss all the relationships Ive built over the years, Heard said. I know God has a plan, so please look at our final goodbye as a joyful new beginning.
Lulu Gribbin, 15, has been in treatment and rehabilitation since a shark attack on June 7. She'll be welcomed home to Mountain Brook on Aug. 24, 2024. Instagram/lulug.strong

Alabama is making waves as it moves to become the first state in the U.S. with an Amber Alert-style system for shark attacks, after the state Senate unanimously passed legislation on Thursday.

The bill, HB437dubbed Lulus Lawnow heads to Gov. Kay Ivey, who says shes ready to make it official and sign it into law.

Lulus Law has received final passage by the Alabama Legislature and now heads to my desk, Ivey said in a post on X, shortly after the Senate approved Lulus Law by unanimous vote. Im ready to sign it into law and keep Alabamas beaches even safer.

Despite bipartisan support, Democratic lawmakers pushed to broaden the alert system. Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, proposed an amendment that would trigger alerts for confirmed spottings of sharksnot just attacks.

Figures, who pushed to have the bill amended, said she wanted to add extra protection to avoid any similar attacks like the one that occurred to Lulu Gribbin last June off Rosemary Beach in Florida.

Gribbin is the Mountain Brook teen who was bitten by a shark and lost her right leg and left hand, and who has served as the inspiration behind the nations first shark alert system. The attack occurred about 100 miles east of the Alabama state line, and about two hours after another shark attack happened a few miles away.

I think if we can prevent a shark from biting the first person so nothing happens to what happened to (Gribbin), then weve done everything we can, Figures said while urging for consideration of her amendment.

Gribbin, at the Statehouse last month, spoke in favor of the legislation before the Alabama House unanimously approved it.

Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, said that previous legislation had considered a broader approach that would have allowed for an Amber Alert if a shark was spotted within the vicinity of a beach. He said that issuing Amber Alerts for simply spotting sharks was a step too far.

My suggestion is we implement this, see how it goes, and if we need to refine it in the future, Roberts said.

Alabama State Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the State House in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp

Figures wanted to defend her amendment and have it voted on, but was not allowed to speak by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, who was filling in as the Senate President Pro Tem at the time. Givhan said that Figures amendment was non-debatable.

Figures, frustrated with not being allowed to continue, responded, Well, that goes to say Republicans dont want to protect our beaches in this great state of Alabama by at least allowing (an Amber Alert) for the sighting of sharks. If you come to Alabama beaches, well let everyone know there are sharks in the water once they have bitten (someone) and lost a limb or more.

She later told AL.com that her amendment would have required the alert to go off whenever someone like a lifeguard or marine police -- an official authority -- spotted a shark, not just someone from the public who may misidentify one.

The previous legislation introduced this spring, in the form of HB198, would have set off the alert whenever there was a report of a shark spotted close to a shoreline, or if one was believed to be posing an imminent danger to anyone.

Related content: Shark alert system in Alabama: How will it work without causing beach panic?

The concern with the original bill from officials was that sharks could be misidentified or their proximity to a shoreline miscalculated, triggering unnecessary alerts.

The approved legislation only allows for the Amber Alert once there is an unprovoked shark attack of someone within close proximity to a shoreline or coastline.

It remains unclear whether the Amber Alert will be issued if there is a shark attack in Florida.

If the alert is concentrated on attacks off the Alabama coast, it is unlikely to go off. According to the International Shark Attack file administered by the Florida Museum of Natural History, there have only been 10 confirmed shark attacks in Alabama waters along the states 53 coast miles over the past 187 years. Florida, with over 1,350 miles of coastline, has the highest at 942.

Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said he also wanted the legislation changed to allow for the alerts if there was a confirmed shark spotting. He also said he was concerned that even with the new warning, people will still get into the water.

Singleton cited that visitors will often ignore beach warning flags and still enter the water even if there are double red flags flying, which instructs beachgoers that the waters are closed.

Im for this and whatever will help save someones life, Singleton said, calling the alert another tool in the toolbox.

He added, I wish people would start thinking for themselves. Even an Amber Alert wont help people who just dont want to adhere to the warnings at the beach.

The legislation establishes the system for Mobile and Baldwin counties through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

IPAWS is an integrated gateway through which an authorized public safety entity a local emergency management agency may alert the public to emergencies such as a wildfire or an AMBER alert for a missing child.

The alerts can be geofenced, which means the alerts will be confined to a restricted geographic area such as the beaches.

The legislation also says the development and implementation of the alert system would be through a committee of experts and agencies. They include, among others, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the EMAs in Mobile and Baldwin counties, and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Alabama system, once implemented, could also serve as a model for other coastal states like Florida. Few areas of the country have any kind of system for alerting the public about sharks. Hawaii state officials maintain a real-time shark incident map. In Cape Cod, Mass., there are beach warning flags that warn of shark sightings.
Flames rise from a Delta Air Lines airplane Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Orlando International Airport, in Orlando, Fla. (Dylan Wallace via AP) AP

A Delta Air Lines airplane caught fire on Monday before it was supposed to take off at a central Florida airport, forcing the evacuation of passengers, airport officials said.

There were no reports of any injuries during the fire on the plane at Orlando International Airport, Delta said in a statement.

A recent spate of aviation disasters and close calls in the U.S. has stoked fears about air travel, though flying remains a safe way to travel.

On-the-ground accidents included a plane that crashed and flipped over upon landing in Toronto and a Japan Airlines plane that clipped a parked Delta plane while it was taxiing at the Seattle airport. An American Airlines plane caught fire in Denver last month.

The engine fire broke out late Monday morning on Delta Air Lines Flight 1213 while the plane was at the ramp before a scheduled departure from Orlando to Atlanta, airport officials said on social media.

The passengers were evacuated, and the airports rescue and firefighting team responded, the airports statement said.

The Airbus A330 aircraft had 282 customers, 10 flight attendants and two pilots, according to Delta.

Delta flight crews followed procedures to evacuate the passenger cabin when flames in the tailpipe of one of the aircrafts two engines were observed, Delta said in a statement.

Maintenance teams will examine the aircraft in an effort to determine the cause of the fire, Delta said.
Anniston Mayor Jack Draper announced his resignation Thursday, to take effect at the close of business Friday.

Draper, elected in 2016, said it has been an honor to serve in the office, and that he came to the decision after much prayer and reflection.

I am proud of and thankful for the work we have done, he said. When I was reelected in 2020, I anticipated that my term would end as of November 4, 2024. In the spring of 2021, state legislation added one year to our terms. Thus, I didnt think that I would be mayor at this point in time anyway.

Draper said he needs to focus on my family, health and career.

That focus needs to begin now. I am at peace that this is the best decision for my family and me. I pray and believe that Anniston will continue to move forward, he said.

Annistons vice mayor is Ward Three Councilwoman Ciara Smith. The council unanimously selected Smith, 26, to the position in 2020. Smith is a graduate of Spelman College and Jacksonville State University.

The council is expected to make a statement soon.
The Rev. William Norwood preached from the pulpit of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Ensley, where he was pastor for 72 years. (File/The Birmingham News/Jeff Roberts) bn

The Rev. William M. Norwood, who served as pastor of an Ensley church for 72 years, will be buried Thursday on what would have been his 99th birthday.

Norwood, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at 1329 Avenue G, died on April 24. He was 98.

Outside the church, Norwood was known for wearing a white hat. For him, it symbolized being one of the good guys.

A pastor cant only preach with words, said Norwood. His life must be his sermon.

In a 2003 interview talking about his 50th anniversary as pastor, Norwood, then in his late seventies, refused to reveal his age. His obituary says he was born on May 1, 1926. His burial was scheduled for the afternoon on what would have been his 99th birthday, May 1, at Elmwood Cemetery.

Norwood deflected attention from himself as a pastor, saying it shouldnt be focused anywhere other than God. There are no stars in our church, he said. We honor nobody but Christ.

In 1964, Norwood oversaw the construction of a sanctuary at 1400 Ave. H in Ensley. During the heyday of the steel mills, the area was known as Little Italy, a heavily Italian neighborhood. Now its predominantly Black. His church had 600-plus members.

Times keep on changing, Norwood said. When I first came here, the mill was booming.

Norwood, a Greene County native and Eutaw High School graduate, started preaching to sharecroppers as a teenager in the 1940s. He served as a traveling preacher at country churches in Alabamas Black Belt. He earned a bachelors degree from Selma University, which also gave him an honorary doctorate.

Norwood often said he wouldnt retire from the pulpit until he died. This church called me for life, he said.

He became pastor of Macedonia in the summer of 1953.

In 1960, he preached at a series of revivals in Nigeria.

Thats been my life focus - soul-saving, Norwood said.

Soon after, thousands were killed in a tribal uprising, he said. Many of them never would have known Christ, if he hadnt gone to preach in Africa, Norwood said.

During the civil rights era, Norwood said he intentionally avoided political rallies or demonstrations so he could continue to preach in churches located in areas that were Ku Klux Klan strongholds. Im a prophet, not a politician, he said. Ive never been involved in politics. That wasnt my mission.

He said he raised money and offered financial support for civil rights activism, but he preferred to continue his personal emphasis on saving souls rather than changing laws.

You cant legislate attitudes and love for people, Norwood said. Its got to happen in the heart.

Macedonias outreach efforts in Ensley included a food pantry at the church. The church also bought the defunct Moore School next door, spent $600,000 renovating it and turned it into a rescue mission to help the homeless, also offering tutoring and summer camps.

In his sermons, Norwood maintained his country preaching style, with old-fashioned whooping and built-in pauses for call and response from the congregation.

My supreme task has been preaching, Norwood said. Thats what the Lord anointed me to do.
In a rare twist, a rural hospital in Alabama could soon reopen under new ownership.

A judge in Clarke County on Wednesday approved the sale of Thomasville Regional Medical Center, the hospital that suspended operations last September.

We have always envisioned something special for our city, said Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day. Rural hospitals face challenges throughout the country. We believe that with new ownership and some key partnerships we have an opportunity to create something special here in Thomasville.

In announcing the closure last fall, the hospital cited staffing shortages and issues caused by the COVID pandemic.

In September, North Avenue Capital, a Florida bank, filed a complaint in Clarke County Circuit Court to foreclose on the property after the hospital defaulted on about $40 million in loans.

The proceeds of the sale will partly go toward repaying that debt, though the sale price is well below the amount owed, according to court records.

The hospital property has been in receivership since October so its assets wouldnt lose value and a new operator for the facility could be identified.

After nine entities expressed interest, the hospital property will be sold to Prestige Thomasville LLC, an affiliated company formed by JMF Solutions, a telecommunications company based in Baldwin County, Day said in a Facebook post. Both Day and the Health Care Authority were extremely involved in vetting potential purchasers.

Day called it the first major step toward reopening the hospital. Thats unusual in Alabama, where seven rural hospitals have closed since 2011 and 22 are at an immediate risk of closing, according to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

The new buyers said they are still discussing closing terms, but they expect to close on the sale in June and open a new acute care hospital shortly thereafter.

It is clear to me that Thomasville is a special place that serves a large and vibrant rural community. This Hospital and medical facilities property is vital to the community, and we are blessed to be a part of it, said Mike Francis, Prestige Thomasvilles principal officer.

In a statement, Prestige Thomasville said they expect many of the employees that previously worked at the Thomasville hospital will return.

The Thomasville community has a commitment to excellence, which we fully intend to uphold, Francis said in a statement. The passion my team has experienced with the citys leadership, especially regarding healthcare, is contagious and inspiring. We want to be part of that! We truly believe our team and Thomasville have an opportunity to create a new model for rural healthcare.
Two bingo halls accused of illegal gambling were raided on Wednesday by the Alabama Attorney Generals office.

According to WBRC, both raids occurred in Jefferson County, at halls located in Lipscomb and Pinson Valley Parkway.

According to the report, 130 machines were seized at the Lipscomb location and the Attorney Generals office said the hall was operating without a license.

Another 100 machines were seized at the hall on Pinson Valley Parkway.

Efforts to reach the attorney generals office were not immediately successful.
Supporters of the move to regionalize the Birmingham Water Works Board and give more power to suburban areas are declaring victory after lawmakers in the state passed the final bill to expand membership of the board and end Birminghams dominance over the utility.

The changes are hailed as a miracle by some and a nightmare by others.

State Rep. Jim Carns, R-Vestavia Hills, who carried the legislation in the House of Representatives, called the law, the miracle on Goat Hill, a pun of the classic film title Miracle on 34th Street.

Meanwhile, Rep. Juandalynn Givan, whose district includes Birmingham, offered her own movie title: I call it Psycho in the City and I call it Nightmare in the City, she said.

Still unclear is what the changes will mean for water works customers spread across five counties including rates and customer service.

The bill goes into effect once signed by Gov. Kay Ivey signs it into law. New board members will then be appointed within 20 days.

And thats all assuming that a lawsuit doesnt slow down the process.

The new law changes the structure of the Birmingham Water Works Board, creating a seven-member authority dominated by appointees from outside the city of Birmingham and reducing citys seats to two.

The Republican-sponsored bill from Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook easily passed both houses of the GOP-dominated legislature.

However, the restructuring of the board continues to ignite partisan-charged embers around the Birmingham area where urban and suburban political interests collide.

Reactions

The law delivers the most significant changes to the states largest water utility since it was expanded a decade ago to create new seats for members from Blount and Shelby Counties.

My concern is for the Birmingham ratepayers, said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodin in a written statement Thursday afternoon. This bill is not in their best interest. The city does not own the water works nor operate it but the passage of this legislation clearly weakens the voice of a major portion of the utilitys ratepayers.

Woodfin noted that he has criticized members of the water works board in the past, but said improvements were being made.

That momentum has now been halted by this power grab from state lawmakers in Montgomery who clearly did not consider the best interest of our residents, he said.

Givan, who is also a candidate for Birmingham mayor in the election this August, found a rare moment of solidarity with Woodfin, whose job she wants. She called the new law a blatant overreach  a takeover of an authority that rightfully belongs to the City of Birmingham and its residents.

This move is not only absurd, it is dangerous, and its long-term consequences could be devastating in ways we may never fully recover from, she said in a statement.

Givan also chided Birminghams city leadership, accusing them of not fighting hard enough against the legislation.

I also cannot help but express my disappointment that more of Birminghams leadership did not publicly and forcefully join this fight when it mattered most, Givan said. Our unity could have made a difference.

Despite the criticism from some, others like former state representative Paul DeMarco, say the change is welcomed.

Its been a long time coming and 20 years in the making with all the efforts toward reform, said DeMarco, adding that customers complained when he was in office about rising water rates and unreliable customer service.

I could not be more pleased that we are making the changes that we need to make to the water board, he said.

Citing year-over-year increases in rates over time, DeMarco said the new board will need to stop annual increases if they want to be successful.

Water works officials over the years have countered those arguments with the contention that those annual increases are partially dictated by bond debt and the utilitys long-term repayment plan.

George Munchus, a former longtime water works board member, said he was disappointed for the city to lose its dominance on the board, but he is not surprised.

Munchus, who often clashed with his board cohorts, said the board members themselves created an environment that spawned widespread outrage.

For example, he cited a now rescinded speakers policy that reduced time to two minutes along with other restrictions.

This current board has created a hostile environment for the general public to speak with unfettered comments, he said of the policy that was reversed after public outcry.

Munchus even called the original policy too restrictive.

It has a chilling effect on people, he said. Many people have told me they dont want to go there to speak because they dont feel welcomed.

Restructuring the board composition might be the beginning of other more serious concerns, warned Natalie Davis, professor emerita of political science at the former Birmingham-Southern College and a Birmingham political observer.

Any Birmingham resident ought to be a little nervous, Davis told AL.com. Birmingham will pool the most money into the system, but will they get a return on their participation?

Davis said a new board dominated by suburban areas might have less consideration in case of crisis based on who is in leadership.

There may be a time when there may be water shortages, in which case, will Birminghams representation be fair? she asked.

Longtime Birmingham attorney and political insider Emory Anthony agreed.

Birmingham city leaders have a responsibility to fight the new law in court, Anthony said.

Some people believe the city leadership was late to the party as far as speaking out against this new direction with the water works, Anthony said. I would hope that the city of Birmingham would authorize their legal department to take legal action.

Anthony, who has previously worked on legal cases with activists challenging action to seize assets of the utility, said the citys chief attorney should challenge the constitutionality of the law.

Thats the appropriate step at this point, Anthony said.

Woodfins office did not answer AL.com questions regarding possible litigation.
This is an opinion column

Mail that letter. Send that email. Make that phone call. At a certain stage in a persons life, these reminders should be written on a paper and hung on the refrigerator, so that the people in the house see them each day. Or else, it could be too late.

Its a long way from Huntsville, Alabama to Dublin, Ireland, but I connected the two places this week, even though the recipient of the letter I wrote couldnt read it. The nursing home staff told me theyd send it to her children.

An email from an online friend sent me an important address a year ago, and I filed it away and forgot about it, until I learned that Mrs. Jo Cruite, my homestay host, as they call it over there, died a little more than a year ago.

Thirty-five years ago I took a summer writing class in Dublin. My program director had arranged for me to stay at Mr. and Mrs. Cruites bed and breakfast. (And oh, what a breakfast! I was full all day.) I think they call it the Irish Fry-hundreds of calories on each quarter of the plate, and plenty more where that came from.

When my sister who was still in the U.S. decided to join me, Mrs. Cruite said that was fine; she could stay in my room. She had plenty of other guests: An Italian priest who sang in the shower; a honeymoon couple from Spain who surely wanted some privacy but didnt get it; a student nurse from Iceland, and others I cant remember.

We all crowded around the table for our one communal meal (breakfast), and the Cruites adult children filled our plates and cups. Some of them were students in universities and some were working at jobs. One of them sang James Taylors version of I Come From Alabama With a Banjo on My Knee to make us feel at home.

Like all Irish people Ive met, and I admit to stereotyping, Mrs. Cruite had the gift of gab, and made everyone feel at home, even though it was her home. Long before GPS, she handed out maps of Dublin; the country of Ireland; train schedules, and bus routes. She also handed out advice: There was a drunk that rode the local bus each morning and each evening. Hed be drunk by the late afternoon run and we should not get into a conversation with him because hed talk our ears off and wed miss our stop. We took her adviceshe was right.

Mrs. Cruites sense of humor was evident and necessary for her line of work. She told funny stories about never asking her husband John to do chores or repairs, since his main talent was falling off ladders. He was a harness maker by trade. This was a trade still viable in Dublin, so she said shed call on him if she ever needed a harness.

On our last day in her home, she gave my sister and me an embroidered Irish linen handkerchief to remember her by and to remember our stay in her home. The Cruite family members must know that their mother exhibited those virtues were all supposed to live by, including welcoming the stranger. Im one stranger who never forgot her kindness, and Im sure Im one of many.

Contact Beth Thames at bethmthames@gmail.com
Huntsville, Madison and the Madison County Commission are splitting the cost for a $2.8 million project on Slaughter Road. Scott Turner/AL.com

The cities of Huntsville and Madison, and the Madison County Commission are combining for a nearly $2.8 million project that will ease congestion on a stretch of Slaughter Road.

Thats because the stretch of the road between Old Madison Pike and U.S. 72 is partly in Huntsville, partly in Madison and partly in an unincorporated area of Madison County that is seeing a large amount of residential and commercial development, Madison County Commissioner Steve Haraway said during a forum recently hosted by Huntsville City Council President John Meredith.

Haraway said he and Meredith have had discussions over the past few years about what to do about the issues involving the road, which is in both of their districts. They also met with Madison City Councilwoman Ranae Bartlett to discuss what to do about the road.

We decided we had to get an engineering firm to do an analysis to determine what the issues were with that road, Haraway said. After they went and did the analysis, we determined that the road was going to have to be five-laned at some point.

Haraway said the three government entities received an estimate of between $35 million and $40 million for such a project.

At that time, we did not have the funding in place to do a project of that size, he said. What we decided to do was have the engineering firm identify the problem areas on that road that runs north and south on the east side of my district.

The engineering firm found Castle Drive was the intersection that had the highest number of accidents along the road. Eastview Drive was the intersection with the most backup.

The Huntsville-Madison-Madison County road project is expected to ease the backup problems at the Slaughter Road-Eastview Drive intersection. Scott Turner/AL.com

We got together and came up with a way to fund improvements at Castle Drive, and that section will be widened from just south of (U.S.) 72 to just past Carter Drive, Haraway said.

At Eastview, a right turn lane will be added to the southbound lane, and a left turn lane will be added on the northbound lane.

On the northbound lane, the current turn lane at Eastview can only accommodate about three cars, Haraway said. When a fourth car attempts to enter, it backs up into the through lane, causing significant traffic delays, he said.

Right-of-way acquisition has already been completed. Haraway said the utility agencies are in the process of relocating the utility infrastructure. Construction is expected to start in the fall, with completion expected in the fall of 2026.

Grayson Carter & Son Contracting of Athens was awarded the contract for the project, which will also include a new traffic signal.

The three jurisdictions, the city of Huntsville, the city of Madison and Madison County are all equal partners in this, Meredith said. Were splitting it financially.  I think the folks who utilize Slaughter Road once we make these improvements are going to be happy that their three different entities of government were able to solve a problem that has been needed to be solved for quite a while.

The good part about the way were going to do it is that were going to pay for it and not have to borrow money through a state agency or a federal agency, Haraway added. That will keep the process moving much quicker.
Downtown Huntsville. Inc., has unveiled its summer lineup of events, including activities around the Madison County Courthouse Square. Scott Turner/AL.com

Vibrant, creative and full of energy.

That is how Rob Buddo, president and CEO of Downtown Huntsville, Inc., describes the events planned this summer in the heart of the Rocket City.

Our 2025 summer event lineup reflects what makes downtown Huntsville so special  a vibrant community that comes together to celebrate creativity, culture, and connection, Buddo said. These events not only create lasting memories but also help drive business activity, support our local entrepreneurs, and continue building a downtown that everyone can be proud of.

Food trucks, art for sale, and music will be found around the Madison Courthouse Square and Campus 805, leading into the downtown Gateway. Downtown Huntsville Inc., unveiled its summer lineup on Thursday.

Downtown Huntsville, Inc., is hoping its summer lineup will drive up business downtown. Scott Turner/AL.com

The events include:

The Moonlight Market

The Moonlight Market will be held on the second Fridays from May to October from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Courthouse Square.

Formerly known as The Art Walks, the Moonlight Market is Downtown Huntsvilles newest Friday night event. The free event will feature over 40 local artisan vendors, live music and a DJ transition filling the square.

Redstone Federal Credit Union is the events sponsor.

805 After Five Free Concert Series

Every third Thursday of each month from May through October, 805 After Five offers an eclectic lineup that organizers believe highlights Huntsvilles creative spirit while showcasing national and regional artists to local audiences at Campus 805s Butler Green Park.

Were so excited about the lineup of talent well have out to Campus 805 each month, said Matt Mandrella, Huntsville Music Officer. 805 After Five is a perfect example of how Huntsvilles creative community is collaborating together to help grow our music scene and diversify our cultural landscape.

The 2025 season kicks off on May 15 with Alabamas own Lamont Landers, known for his soulful, Southern-infused sound.

Also featured will be New Orleans ensemble The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (June 19), blues star Eddie 9V (July 17), indie rock act Bully (August 21), viral saxophone act Saxsquatch (September 18) and a finale performance by Grateful Dead tribute band The Stolen Faces (October 16).

In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy local artisan vendors, food trucks, interactive activities and craft beverages from Straight to Ale and Yellowhammer Brewing. Free onsite parking is available, and guests are encouraged to carpool, bike or use rideshare services.

The event is free and will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information visit: www.805afterfive.com .

Downtown Food Truck Rallies

The free Downtown Food Truck Rallies will be held every third Friday from May to October from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Huntsvilles favorite food trucks will all be in one place, set against the backdrop of Big Spring Park and live music. Each month brings a new theme, with food trucks crafting special dishes inspired by a featured ingredient or concept. Eventgoers can vote for their favorite food truck each month, adding a fun, competitive twist. Other unique activities and pop-up experiences tied to each theme will also be featured.

The rallies will be sponsored by Meta and GFiber.
A bill to expand the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles from three members to five and make other changes to the board narrowly won approval in a House committee on Thursday, putting it one step from final passage.

The House Judiciary Committee, on an 8-7 vote, approved SB324 by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville.

The vote came after the committee heard opposition to the bill from the Alabama attorney generals office, the victims advocacy group VOCAL, and Walker County District Attorney Bill Adair, who spoke about his fathers murder more than 40 years ago.

Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb urged the committee to pass the bill.

Cobb and former Jefferson County Circuit Teresa Pulliam are leaders of Redemption Earned, an organization they say helps people who have spent decades behind bars and shown that they have reformed their lives and are good candidates for release.

Much of the commentary was about Alabamas percentage rate of paroles granted, which dropped to single digits a couple of years ago and has since gone up, and hardships placed on victims to attend parole hearings.

Chambliss stressed that his bill was not intended to change parole rates but to create a more effective board and improve the Legislatures oversight.

Chambliss, who chairs the Legislatures prison oversight committee, said the parole board took more than a year to respond to specific questions from the prison oversight committee and did so only after the attorney generals office intervened.

Under current law, the three members of the board are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

SB324, in addition to expanding the board to five, would specify that board members cannot begin their term until Senate confirmation. It would change the date of terms to align with legislative sessions to ensure that the Senate can evaluate the appointees.

It would also provide that the board would pick its own chairman. Under current law, the governor picks which of the three board members is chair.

Chambliss said he believes a five-member board would be better suited to making parole decisions. He said the current system, with the governor appointing the chair of a three-member board, vests too much of the boards authority and influence in one person.

AL.com spent last year delving into Alabamas parole system , which all but stopped releasing eligible prisoners in 2023.

Read more: Denied: Alabamas broken parole system

The parole rate in 2023 was 8%  despite the parole boards own criteria showing about 80% of the eligible inmates should be let out.

Chambliss said that was one of the main problems with the current board - that it follows its own guidelines in parole decisions only 20% of the time.

The senator also said the board has not followed the law that requires it to update those guidelines, which are intended to be a tool to help evaluate suitability for parole.

Chambliss said the board should follow the guidelines or change them, as they are mandated to do by law.

Katherine Robertson, chief counsel for Attorney General Steve Marshall, noted that the Legislature changed the law a few years ago to say that the boards paramount duty is to promote public safety.

Right now our in-custody prison population is about 85% violent, Robertson said. So the candidates coming up for parole dont make it easy for them to find a lot of people to parole.

Robertson urged the committee to reject Chambliss bill.

No board, commission, no judge is going to be perfect, Robertson said. Theyre not going to satisfy all stakeholders all the time.

But when we told them that their paramount duty is public safety, I dont think anybody can argue that they have failed in that. And so for that reason, we think they deserve our support.

Cobb, founder of Redemption Earned, said the organization supports keeping dangerous violent offenders behind bars but wants fair assessments for those who have done what they should to earn consideration for parole.

Judges sentence based on parole, Cobb said. Thats the law. They basically tell folks, You do everything you can, get your GED, go to SAP (drug treatment), and stay away from drugs and get your education and get a skill and put a record together, and youre going to get parole.

Cobb said Redemption Earned tries to help incarcerated people who are old or not in good health, generally those who have been in prison 25 years or more or are age 65 and older.

Unlike what other folks say - that we just want to get people out of jail - nothing could be further from the truth, Cobb said.

We want the state to stop wasting money holding individuals who have proven that they are no longer the same person when they were convicted and that either their health or prison record demonstrates that it would be almost impossible to reoffend.

Adair said the man who murdered his father in 1981 received a life sentence.

But Adair said he learned that after two years of that sentence, the perpetrator was not spending his days in prison but was working on the prison systems cattle farm in west Alabama.

Adair said he tried to get an appointment with Gov. George Wallace, who was in his last term, but only received a letter from the governor that said an inmate convicted of murder tended to be a good trusty.

Our state luckily has come far enough today that that kind of thinking is not out there, Adair said.

Adair said the hardships on victims attending parole hearings must be taken into consideration.

My family had to come down here time after time after time and put through hell because we werent part of the system, Adair said.

I saw my granddaddy, I saw my aunts and uncles, their lives deteriorate because they had to come down here and relive this after we had just gone through a trial.

Chambliss said a section of his bill was intended to spare victims and their families from repeated parole hearings in cases of violent crimes when parole is all but certain to be denied.

It says inmates serving a sentence for a violent, Class A felony could have to wait up to 10 years between parole hearings. Under current law, the maximum wait is five years.

Chambliss told the Judiciary Committee that it is important for the Legislature to let state agencies know they cannot ignore the oversight role of lawmakers and requirements in the law, such as the parole guidelines.

A lot of state agencies are watching right now, Chambliss said. And if this committee allows this agency to not follow they law, theyre going to do the same thing.

Wednesdays approval by the Judiciary Committee puts SB324 in position for a vote in the House as early as next Tuesday. It has already passed the Senate.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump participate in the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday, April 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

A lions share of American adults believe government agencies should use polygraph examinations to root out government employees who leak information to the media, according to a poll released Wednesday.

The Economist/YouGov poll was conducted after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly threatened polygraphs for suspected leakers.

While the survey did not specifically poll on Hegseths use of polygraphs, a plurality of respondents -- 40% -- said they approve of government agencies using polygraph tests to investigate leaks of information to the media.

Another 30% said they disapprove of agencies using lie detectors and the remaining 30% werent sure.

Meanwhile, 45% of the 5,081 US adults surveyed said they believe polygraphs sometimes label people who are lying as being truthful.

Another 13% said lie detectors often label lying participants as truthful and 19% said polygraphs rarely label liars as being truthful. Two percent said never and 21% were unsure.

Conversely, 43% said polygraphs sometimes label people telling the truth as liars. Another 21% said rarely and 12% said often. About 21% were unsure and 3% said polygraphs never label a truthful person as a liar.

A vast majority of respondents -- 67% -- said they could only pass a lie detector test if they were telling the truth.

About 1 in 5 were unsure if they could pass a polygraph while 8% said they could pass even if they were lying. The remaining 6% said they could not pass a polygraph under any circumstances.

The Pentagon has been investigating leaks since last month after the media reported Elon Musk was set to visit the building.

If this effort results in information identifying a party responsible for an unauthorized disclosure, then such information will be referred to the appropriate criminal entity for criminal prosecution, according to a memo from Hegseths chief of staff, the Associated Press reported.

Hegseth has also blamed Pentagon leaks for undermining him, including a New York Times report that he released Yemen attack plans in a group text that included his wife, brother and personal attorney.

That revelation came a month after Hegseth was found to use the same group chat app -- Signal -- to divulge the plans in a text with Vice President JD Vance and other officials. A reporter from the Atlantic magazine was included in the group chat.

During a bizarre interview on Fox & Friends last week, Hegseth railed against the leakers.

Once a leaker, always a leaker, often a leaker, Hegseth said. I dont have time for leakers. I dont have time for the hoax press that peddles old stories from disgruntled employees.

Hegseth has denied sharing war plans or disseminating confidential information, blaming the scandals on those trying to get at President Trump and his agenda.

What was shared over Signal  then and now, however you characterize it  was informal, unclassified, coordination," Hegseth said.

The defense secretary has received the backing of President Donald Trump as NPR reported the White House was looking into replacing Hegseth amid the scandals.
The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday voted 66-27 to pass a contentious bill that takes control of the Birmingham Water Works Board from the city of Birmingham and makes it a regional board governed by several counties.

The vote came after two hours of debate. The bill now awaits Gov. Kay Iveys signature.

Republican lawmakers from the Birmingham suburbs sponsored the bill, which was opposed by Democratic representatives from the city.

Birmingham controls six of the nine seats on the current board.

The bill, by Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, replaces that system with what the sponsor said would be a seven-member board.

The Birmingham mayor, Birmingham City Council, and Jefferson County Commission will each have one appointment.

The governor will have one appointment, and that person will be a resident of Jefferson County.

Shelby County and Blount County will each have one appointment.

The lieutenant governor will have one appointment with no residency requirement.

The bill adds some qualifications for board members, including requirements for backgrounds in business, finance, and, for one slot on the board, engineering.

Roberts and supporters of the bill said the goal was to create a professional board that would improve service and put customers first.

But Democrats and members of the BWWB say the bill wrongly takes control that should remain with Birmingham. They said more than 90% of BWWBs customers live in Jefferson County, and more than 40% live in Birmingham.

Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, opened Thursdays debate by saying the bill undermines the lawmakers elected to represent Jefferson County and the people they represent.

The bill was proposed as a statewide measure, which meant the Republican majority, which holds three-fourths of the seats in the House and Senate, decided the fate of the bill.

Rafferty said it should have been a local bill, giving lawmakers from Jefferson County more influence about whether it would pass.

Rafferty also said the bill could not be considered without acknowledging the elephant in the room - that Birmingham is a majority Black city surrounded by predominantly white suburbs and the citys history of racial division.

Rep. Jim Carns, R-Vestavia Hills, who sponsored the bill in the House, said problems with the BWWB are well known.

This is an attempt to correct some of the problems, Carns said.

Carns said the goal was better service, lower rates, and long-term stability.

The BWWB ranked last among 21 mid-size water systems in the South in residential customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.

Carns called the bill the miracle on Goat Hill because it had passed the Senate 30-0 after negotiations that changed the original version of the bill, which called for a five-member board.

Six of the eight Democratic senators in the Senate, including two from Birmingham, voted for the bill.

But on Thursday in the House, Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, said the bill wrongfully abolishes a duly appointed board.

Givan disputed claims that the BWWB and the systems management have been incompetent.

Givan said lawmakers have taken no similar action against other utilities that have had problems.

It is a taking, Givan said. I dont care how you look at it. It is a taking.

Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Birmingham, said he wore a black suit because it was a sad day for Birmingham.

Sellers read information about the scope of the BWWB system and the boards strong ratings on water quality.

Sellers proposed an amendment that would have prohibited state elected officials or former legislators from serving on the board, among other changes.

Carns opposed the amendment, and the House rejected it 71-28.

Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Birmingham, proposed an amendment to remove Blount Countys appointment on the board and reassign that seat to Birmingham.

The House voted the amendment down, 70-28.

Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, told Carns the new BWWB should include a seat for St. Clair County, which is served by the BWWB. He described the fast growth of St. Clair County and said it should have a voice on the regional board.

The BWWB serves customers in five counties - Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker.

We need representation for the money were paying, Hill said.

Hill proposed an amendment to give St. Clair a seat on the board. Carns opposed it, and the House rejected it 54-38.

Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham, asked Carns what was the motivation for the bill.

Carns said it came in response to complaints from BWWB customers.

Carns said one goal is to stop the BWWB from hiring lobbyists and a public relations firm under expensive contracts.

Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said those contracts did not cause high rates for BWWB customers.

Were not trying to take Alabama Power because theyve got a lot of lobbyists, Moore said.

Carns said there was no prohibition in the bill on the new board hiring lobbyists or a PR firm.

Moore said the biggest factor in driving up bills was the cost of the bankruptcy of the Jefferson County sewer system.

Their debt was so astronomical it made national news, Moore said.

Moore said Carns had not sat down with her and others who represent Birmingham to talk about problems with the BWWB.

Moore said there is no guarantee that the bill and the new board would result in lower rates.

Rep. Kelvin Datcher, D-Birmingham, reiterated what he said was the justification for the citys control of the board, saying that 92% customers are in Jefferson County and 41% are in Birmingham.

Datcher said Shelby County has 6%, St. Clair County has 1.7%, and Blount County has only 592 customers.

Its a sad day for this thought of regional cooperation everybody wants to talk about, Datcher said.

Everyone wants us to work together. But right here today what happened is undemocratic and it absolutely, absolutely destroys the opportunity to continue to work together as a region.

Sellers said the BWWB has had its challenges but has made strong improvements.

Sellers said he believes the Jefferson County delegation could have agreed to some revisions to the BWWB, such as adding qualifications for board members, that could have been included in a local bill.

He said the decision to involve the entire Legislature in what should have been a local issue could have repercussions.

What about the other delegations that have local matters? Sellers said. The precedent that was set today, I think will spill over into the rest of those.

Roberts, the Senate sponsor, has said the bill needed to be a statewide bill because if affected five counties served by the BWWB.

Givan, who is running for mayor of Birmingham, issued a statement after the bill passed.

Today marks a deeply disappointing moment for the City of Birmingham as the Municipal Appointing Authority and for the thousands of ratepayers who rely on the Birmingham Water Works Board, Givan said.

The passage of House Bill 330 represents a blatant overreach  a takeover of an authority that rightfully belongs to the City of Birmingham and its residents. This move is not only absurd, it is dangerous, and its long-term consequences could be devastating in ways we may never fully recover from.

Though this was not the outcome we wanted, I remain steadfast in my commitment to the people of Birmingham. I will continue to be a voice for our community and to advocate for transparency, equity, and the local authority that our city deserves.

Mayor Randall Woodfin also issued a statement about the bill, saying his concerns are for the Birmingham ratepayers.

This bill is not in their best interest, Woodfin said. The city does not own the water works nor operate it but the passage of this legislation clearly weakens the voice of a major portion of the utilitys ratepayers.

While I have raised concerns about BWWB over the years, the current board has taken steps to improve. That momentum has now been halted by this power grab from state lawmakers in Montgomery who clearly did not consider the best interest of our residents.
This is a guest opinion column

In Alabama, we build things to lastfamily farms in the Tennessee Valley, ships in Mobile, and automobiles in Vance. That same grit drives our excitement for a once-in-a-generation chance to bring fiber-optic internet to every corner of our state. Federal and state funds through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program have us on the cusp of reliable, high-speed broadband for all. But a Congressional billthe so-called SPEED for BEAD Actthreatens to derail this dream. As a telecommunications worker from rural Baldwin County, Im urging Governor Kay Ivey and Alabamas leaders to fight this bill and protect our states future.

For too long, small businesses in places like Atmore and students in Ashland have struggled with spotty, unreliable internet. Slow connections choke economic growth, limit online learning, and hinder access to telemedicine in Wilcox County. The BEAD program empowers Alabama to roll out fiber-optic broadbandfast, durable, and future-proof. Governor Iveys broadband team, working with the Alabama Digital Expansion Division, has crafted a meticulous plan to connect rural counties and urban hubs alike. This isnt just about internet; its about leveling the playing field for every Alabamian, from Athens to Dauphin Island.

The SPEED for BEAD Act claims to accelerate progress, but its a shortcut to nowhere. It would force Alabama to rewrite its carefully designed broadband plans, stalling projects for months, if not years. Rural communities, already underserved, would face the longest delays, deepening the digital divide. This isnt speedits a bureaucratic dead end that risks squandering federal funds and public trust.

Worse, the bill pushes satellite internet as a primary solution. Im all for exploring new technologies, but satellites are no match for Alabamas needs. They deliver sluggish upload speeds5 to 20 Mbps at bestbarely sufficient for a Zoom call, let alone data-heavy applications like precision agriculture or telehealth diagnostics. Satellite performance degrades as more users log on, and their hardware burns out in roughly five years, requiring costly replacements. Fiber, by contrast, lasts 30 years or more, with speeds that scale as technology advancesno new cables needed. Why gamble on fleeting space junk when we can invest in infrastructure as enduring as Mobiles Bankhead Tunnel?

Jobs are another casualty of this bill. Fiber projects create high-quality, local employmentlaying cables, maintaining networks, and training technicians. BEADs rules allow Alabama to prioritize fair wages and hometown hiring, fostering careers that sustain communities. The SPEED bill scraps these protections, opening the door to low-wage, out-of-state contractors wholl disappear once the jobs done. Thats not Alabamas way. Governor Ivey has championed workforce development, from manufacturing to tech, and she wont let Washington shortchange our workers.

The bills tech-neutral label is deceptive. By prioritizing satellites, even where fiber is more cost-effective and reliable, it creates a two-tier system: fast, dependable internet for Birmingham and Montgomery, but second-rate service for Greene County and Crenshaw County. Our farmers need robust connections to access online markets. Our students deserve seamless access to virtual classrooms. Our rural clinics rely on telehealth to save lives. Equal access isnt negotiableits essential.

Governor Iveys fiber-first vision is Alabamas shot at infrastructure that rivals the legacy of our states greatest projects. Satellites may supplement connectivity in the most remote areas, but theyre no substitute for fibers reliability and longevity. Our Congressional delegation must reject the SPEED for BEAD Act and support Alabamas plan. Public funds should build lasting jobs, bridge the digital divide, and connect every Alabamian. Governor Ivey, youve led on rural broadband with clarity and resolvekeep Alabama on the path to a connected, prosperous future. Our state is counting on you.

Jason James, a lifelong resident of South Baldwin, lives in Summerdale and serves as the Alabama Legislative & Political Director for the Communications Workers of America.
President Donald Trump speaks about investing in America in the Cross Hall of the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

As he asked imams to help lead the crowd in prayer at a White House event on Thursday, President Donald Trumps mind drifted to the 2024 campaign trail, when he met with Muslim religious leaders in Michigan.

I love them. They were great, by the way, the president told the crowd as he commemorated the National Day of Prayer before going into an odd anecdote.

They said, we dont want to die. I said, you want to die? They said, we dont want to die I said, what about the 38 [sic] virgins? They say, thats nonsense, we dont know anything about it, Trump said.

And we won the state of Michigan  and we had tremendous support," the president said.

Trump on imams: "I said, 'Do you want to die?' They said, 'We don't want to die.' I said, 'What about the 38 virgins?' They said, 'That's nonsense! We don't know anything about it.' And we won the state of Michigan." pic.twitter.com/f5q2Bh7EMC  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 1, 2025

Trump appeared to be referencing the extremist Islam idea that martyrs will receive 72 virgins in heaven if they commit jihad.

But the notion has been dismissed by mainstream followers of Islam.

Its true there are virgins in heaven but those who harm Gods creatures will never smell them, said Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the grand mufti of Australia and New Zealand, in 2019. Those who have bad intentions towards others wont see the shadow of those virgins. Heaven is not a nightclub open for anyone. Its only accessible for those who benefit others regardless of their race or background.
U.S. tariff tsunami wrecks disproportionate havoc on African economies

Xinhua) 10:29, May 01, 2025

ADDIS ABABA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Lesotho, a small southern African country and one of the world's least developed countries, is facing grave concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent "reciprocal tariff" on it.

The move threatens Lesotho's economy, which is heavily dependent on textile exports.

The U.S. tariff policy has triggered widespread criticism and caused economic turmoil worldwide. For Africa, home to 33 of the world's 46 least developed countries, the impact poses a significant threat to their development and industrialization.

Most African economies are still in the early stage of development, with limited diversification and resilience to external risk, especially given their reliance on exports.

Being subject to high "reciprocal tariffs" in a limited trade with the United States is making their economies more vulnerable, revealing the disproportionate impact of the U.S. tariff policy.

Critics, including U.S. media, have called the U.S. "trade loss theory" untenable and absurd, saying Lesothans spend only 3 U.S. dollars per person a year on U.S. goods and services, not because they are taking advantage of the country, but because they have no money.

Carlos Lopes, former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said Lesotho exports over 50 percent of its garment products to the United States, adding that the tariffs will inflict severe pain on its garment processing industry, a key economic pillar, leading to declining exports, factory shutdowns and massive job cuts.

Noting that African economies have worked hard to integrate into global value chains under the framework of a rules-based international trading system, Lopes said that countries such as Madagascar, Lesotho and Kenya "find themselves penalized," as they have developed export-oriented sectors such as apparel, textiles, light manufacturing and agro-processing, all of which are highly vulnerable to tariff shocks.

Newcomers in the lower rungs of industrialization, after years of donor-supported economic liberalization, are being blindsided by a tariff measure that was applied without regard for development levels, he added.

South Africa's automotive sector, which accounts for 22 percent of its total exports to the United States, is among those hardest hit by separate tariffs on foreign-made cars.

U.S. tariffs will have a series of negative economic impacts on African countries. Falling export earnings lead to a reduction in foreign exchange reserves, placing downward pressure on national currencies. The depreciation, in turn, makes imports more expensive, driving up the cost of living in affected countries.

Meanwhile, African countries' ability to pay debts will also be hampered due to declining export earnings and worsening economic outlooks, possibly triggering sovereign credit crises, and further weakening the ability of governments to fund development projects.

The potential impact goes further beyond immediate trade disruptions. U.S. tariffs create difficulty for African enterprises to accumulate the capital needed for technological upgrading and industrial transformation through exports. As a result, Africa's industrialization process is being hindered, constraining it at the lower end of the global value chain.

Balew Demissie, a senior consultant at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia, warned that although Ethiopia is implementing an import substitution strategy, it has yet to import key mechanical equipment to make it happen. The depreciation of its currency will undoubtedly increase costs and hinder its efforts to move up the industrial chain.

Facing uncertain U.S. trade policies, African countries are actively embracing the African Continental Free Trade Area deal, which aims to promote intra-African trade and investment by eliminating internal tariff barriers, establishing regional value chains, achieving economies of scale, and enhancing Africa's standing in the global trade landscape. By now, 47 out of the 55 members of the African Union have ratified the agreement.

The World Bank estimates that by 2035, this agreement is expected to help lift 30 million Africans out of extreme poverty, raise Africa's total income by 450 billion dollars, and increase the continent's exports by nearly 29 percent.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
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

President Donald Trump was asked about his aggressiveness in going after Harvard Universitys funding while phoning in to a NewsNation town hall Wednesday night.

The president, in his answer to co-moderator Stephen A. Smith, attempted to tie his support in the Black community to his stance on Harvard.

Well, I say this: we had riots in Harlem, and frankly, if you look at whats gone on -- and people from Harlem went up, and they protested, Stephen, and they protested very strongly against Harvard. They happened to be on my side, Trump said.

You know, I got a very high Black vote. You know that. Very, very high Black vote. It was a very great compliment, Steve. I did criminal justice reform, I did opportunity zones for one of the greatest economic deals ever for the Black and Hispanic community. I got tremendous -- they agree with what Im doing with respect to Harvard.

Harvard gets $4, $5 billion a year from the United States government in the form of grants, Trump continued. And they have $53 billion, and yet they dont treat the people right. They take foreign students -- nobody knows where they come from -- and they viciously hate our country. And Im saying if were going to give them grant money, we want people in that school thats gonna love our country, not people that are gonna hate our country.

The Trump administration has frozen $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard, according to the Associated Press.

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 sued April 21 after getting letters from the Trump administration calling for broad changes to government and leadership and to the universitys admissions policies.

The administration also demanded the university audit views of diversity on campus and stop recognizing some student clubs. It has argued universities allowed antisemitism to go unchecked at campus protests last year against Israels war in Gaza.

Theyre running a bad operation up there, and we got to get to the bottom of it, the president went on to say at the town hall. On top of that, they said they wanna teach their students remedial mathematics ... and you say, well, Harvards supposed to be so great, why do they have to have remedial -- thats basic, very simple mathematics. So, were looking into Harvard ...

Smith noted that he graduated from Winston-Salem State University, a historically Black college, and commended the president on his contributions to HBCUs.

But, Smith said, there is a concern, however, that with all the things going on, in this day and time, that there will be a cut in federal contributions to HBCUs.

Trump said HBCUs should not at all be concerned that his administration would cut support to those institutions.

I saved them, Stephen, the president said. They were going out of business. They came to me ... and I took care of them. I took care of the Black colleges and historically Black -- HBCUs -- you know better than anybody.

And, by the way, they love Trump, the president said to laughter.

Youre giving them money, interjected co-moderator Chris Cuomo.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl presides over a meeting of the executive board of the Alabama Public Library Service. Wahl, who represents the 5th Congressional District, is chair of the board. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

This is a guest opinion column

Leadership matters  and nowhere is that more evident than in the recent events surrounding the Alabamas Public Library Service. In an age when too many public institutions have bowed the knee to radical woke agendas, Alabama is blessed to have leaders like John Wahl who are willing to stand in the gap to protect our children and our values. As Chairman of the APLS Board, John Wahl has been a bold and principled advocate for families, for common sense, and the future of Alabamas libraries.

As an avid reader and the mother of children who are both well-read and published authors, libraries have always been important to me. I know how valuable they are to communities  especially for children, students, and seniors who rely on them for education and new opportunities. Thats why its so important that Alabamas libraries stay focused on serving the people of our state, not on pushing a divisive social agenda.

Recent APLS code changes made sure that the people of Alabama were put first by requiring that all sexually explicit and inappropriate books be moved out of library youth sections. This was not a decision the board made lightly. It followed a 90-day public comment period, which included a six-hour public hearing and 6,475 letters received from across the state. The overwhelming majority of those who commented supported the code changes or wanted them stronger in protecting children.

After debate and consideration of all the facts, the APLS Board rejected the openly Marxist agenda promoted by the American Library Association and stood with the people of Alabama in protecting our children. This victory for common sense would not have been possible without the leadership and groundwork laid by Chairman Wahl. The current APLS Board has always focused on ensuring that all families feel welcome in our libraries, and that libraries remain a useful and successful part of our communities.

Thats why sustainable funding has been another top priority for APLS. No matter how passionate a librarian may be or how valuable the programs, libraries simply cannot thrive without the resources they need. Alabama libraries are fortunate to have Chairman Wahl working to secure funding for them. As a member of both the APLS Board and the Etowah County library board, I believe this critical issue has been overlooked by many in the press and within library systems.

Last year, funding for Alabama libraries was cut after members of the State Legislature lost trust in the direction libraries were headed. Since the new code changes and John Wahls election as Chairman of the APLS Board, state library funding has stabilized. This years education budget includes guaranteed replacement funding for critical grants in case Alabama libraries lose any federal support. No other state library board in the nation has achieved this level of financial security for its public libraries.

And the new changes at the APLS dont stop at funding. We also listened closely to feedback from local libraries about how federal grants are awarded  and when we saw room for improvement, the APLS Board didnt hesitate to act. That kind of openness and flexibility is rare in government, and its another reason Chairman Wahls leadership should be appreciated by local libraries.

Transparency has also seen remarkable improvement in recent months. From live streaming board meetings, to publishing minutes online, to posting agendas in advance  the APLS Board is working to build a culture of trust that allows Alabamians to engage with their library system like never before.

Those who attempt to sow confusion or discord only hurt our local libraries further. Some have tried to suggest that the term sexually explicit is vague or open to interpretation  and therefore, sexually explicit books should remain in youth sections. That argument completely falls apart when you consider the clear legal definition provided to all Alabama libraries following the recent code changes. This definition, drawn directly from 18 U.S.C.  2256 and Alabama Code  13A-12-200.1, outlines the following as sexually explicit content:

a. Sexual intercourse, including genital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, or oral-anal, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex;

b. Sexual excitement;

c. Nudity;

d. Bestiality;

e. Masturbation;

f. Sadistic or masochistic abuse; or

g. Lascivious exhibition of the anus, genital or pubic area of any person; and predominantly appeals to the prurient interest of minors 17 years and younger.

The standard is clear. Alabama libraries have well-defined guidelines on how to comply with state code and protect the most innocent members of our communities. Its time to move forward together, putting the people of Alabama first and upholding the values we were appointed to represent.

Far-left groups have desperately tried to distort the facts, falsely accusing Chairman Wahl and the entire Board of attacking libraries. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, far from hurting libraries, the new policies and code changes have actually helped restore public confidence. Theyve made more families feel welcome, strengthened open debate on important issues, and opened the door to even greater funding opportunities by demonstrating that Alabama libraries are committed to serving all residents responsibly.

Many people know John Wahl as a nationally recognized lepidopterist (butterfly farmer) or as the current Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Republican National Committee for the Southern Region. But its his work as Chairman of the APLS that I believe deserves special recognition.

Thanks to his national relationships, tireless work ethic, and genuine love for Alabama, our libraries are stronger, better protected, and better funded. Under his leadership, the APLS Board has worked to preserve the true mission of public libraries: to serve all citizens  especially children  in a safe, welcoming environment, free from inappropriate and sexually explicit content.

Amy Minton is an APLS Board Member and Etowah County Public Library Board Member.
State lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation that will allow the Alabama Farmers Federation to sell health care plans to their members that can bypass federal requirements and turn people away for preexisting conditions.

The Alabama Senate voted 30-2 for the bill. The legislation now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature.

The bill would allow the Alabama Farmers Federation (Alfa) to sell health plans to farmers and anyone else who joins the organization. The bill specifies that the plans, even though they would provide benefits to pay for medical visits, hospitalizations, and other costs, are not classified as health insurance.

The plans would not have to comply with the Affordable Care Act requirements and could deny coverage to people because of preexisting conditions.

Republican Sen. Arthur Orr said the proposal provides an option for people who want to participate.

Folks, for me this is a freedom of contract issue. This is for individuals and an organization being able to engage in a contract for health care and the government has no role, or a very limited role in that, Orr said.

Orr said 11 other states including Tennessee and Iowa have similar laws in place.

Similar legislation passed the Missouri Senate in March and is now pending in its House, with two weeks remaining in the legislative session.

Missouri Republican Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer on Thursday touted the legislation as a common sense health care solution for organizations such as the Missouri Farm Bureau, which is backing the effort.

It will be especially valuable for rural families who are self-employed in Missouri  small business owners who have been struggling with skyrocketing premiums, Luetkemeyer said.

Supporters said the bill provides a needed and less expensive option to farmers and others who are struggling with high health care costs. Opponents argued the plans will skirt federal requirements and create an unlevel playing field by allowing the group to refuse to sell plans to people with expensive medical conditions something that traditional insurance plans cannot do.

Senate Democrats unsuccessfully pushed for amendments that would require Alfa to accept people with preexisting conditions and to give the Alabama Department of Insurance oversight over the plans.

Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton said the changes would ensure farmers get a health plan that will really benefit them.

We need to protect people on their preexisting conditions. These farmers work in dangerous conditions on a daily basis. Every farmer handles chemicals on a daily basis, Singleton said.

Orr countered that people will leave the plan if they are unhappy with the coverage. People who enroll would be required to sign a notice that the benefits are not provided through an insurance policy.

Republican Sen. Jack Williams said farmers are struggling with insurance costs on top of the other financial pressures of running a farm. He said his 27-year-old grandson pays $2,400 monthly to buy insurance for his family.

If we dont do something to help our young farmers out, were not going to have any because they have to go to work somewhere else just to get insurance, Williams said.

Lawmakers earlier added several changes to the bill they said were aimed at boosting protections for consumers. Any monetary cap on benefits could not be less than $2 million per enrollee. The plans, while they could deny coverage to new applicants because of their health history, could not kick people off the plan or increase premiums because of an illness or medical event. People who have access to employer-sponsored plans would be ineligible to buy the plans.
President Donald Trump speaks about investing in America in the Cross Hall of the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

This is an opinion column

When I heard President Trump would speak at the University of Alabamas graduation exercises, the first thing that came to my mind was disgraced President Richard Nixon.

Weird, right? No. Not when you think about it.

The 1974 Alabama Nixon Visit

President Richard Nixon visit to Huntsville in 1974. Sits next to Alabama Gov. George Wallace. (The Huntsville Times) The Huntsville Times

I well remember the media hype of Nixons Honor America rally in Huntsville on Feb. 18, 1974, an event co-hosted by Governor George Wallace.

At the time, Nixon was an embattled president struggling through the 1972 election Watergate debacle.

Five months after the Alabama visit, Nixon asked Wallace to lobby Alabamas congressional delegation for votes against impeachment. When Wallace declined, Nixon placed the White House phone down and told his Chief of Staff Alexander Haig, Well, Al, there goes the presidency.

Two weeks later, Richard Nixon resigned as president.

Nixon & Trump Similarities

Although there are notable differences between President Richard Nixon and President Donald Trump, there are also striking similarities.

Impeachment

Both Nixon and Trump were impeached (Trump twice).

Neither Nixon nor Trump was convicted in the Senate. Nixon resigned before the Senate impeachment vote. Although a majority of senators in Trump impeachments cast guilty votes, neither impeachment mustered the required 2/3s Senate supermajority vote, so Trump was not convicted.

Crime & Criminals

Nixon did, and Trump does, too, often refuse to obey the law.

Nixon committed felony obstruction of justice (the principal impeachment charge) but was not prosecuted and convicted because of a President Gerald Ford pardon.

A jury found Trump guilty of felony business fraud.

Nixon had, and Trump has, way too many close associations with criminals.

With Nixon it was John Mitchell (Nixon U.S. Attorney General; convicted of felony conspiracy, obstruction of justice and perjury); Charles Colson (Nixon White House counsel; convicted of felony obstruction of justice); G. Gordon Liddy (Nixon campaign general counsel; convicted of felony burglary, wiretapping and conspiracy), E. Howard Hunt (Nixon White House staffer; convicted of felony burglary, wiretapping and conspiracy); Bernard Baker (Nixon White House staffer; convicted of felony burglary, wiretapping and conspiracy); James McCord (Nixon campaign staffer; convicted of felony burglary, wiretapping and conspiracy), and others.

With Trump its been Michael Cohen (Trumps personal attorney; convicted of felony campaign violations and lying to Congress); Roger Stone (Trump personal friend and campaign adviser; convicted of witness tampering, lying to Congress, obstruction of a proceeding); Allen Weisselberg (Trump business executive; convicted of perjury and tax evasion); Elliott Broidy (Major Trump fund-raiser; convicted of felony foreign lobbying violations); Paul Manafort (Trump 2016 campaign manager; convicted of felony tax and bank fraud); Peter Navarro (Trump White House staffer; convicted of contempt of Congress); George Papadopoulos (Trump 2016 campaign security adviser; convicted of lying to the FBI); Steve Bannon (Trump White House staffer; convicted of contempt of Congress); and many others.

While no one is guilty by mere association, we must also be mindful of the old adage that wheres theres smoke, theres fire. These all-too-frequent criminal associations are troubling.

Bad Public Opinion

Nixon suffered from, and Trump faces, bad, deteriorating public opinion.

Nixons popularity was horrific (back in the 1970s, criminal activity apparently meant a lot more to Americans than it did in the 1990s with Bill Clintons felony perjury or does now with Donald Trumps business fraud conviction).

When Nixon visited Alabama, his polling was 63% un favorable to 27% favorable. Nixons 36-point net negative unfavorable rating is likely the worst in history.

While Trumps polling is much better than Nixons, Nixons bad polling had leveled out while Trumps bad polling is still deteriorating. Trump likely has yet to hit bottom.

Trumps job approval has plummeted from Januarys net positive 6.2% favorable rating to a net negative 7% un favorable rating. A precipitous 13.2-point drop in just 3+ months is bad. Real bad.

Alabama to the Rescue

Both Nixon and Trump picked Alabama to reverse their flagging presidencies because Alabama was one of their most supportive states.

Nixon beat George McGovern by a 47-point margin (72.4%-25.5%) in Alabama, the best of any Republican presidential candidate in Alabama history.

Trump beat Kamala Harris by a 31-point margin (65%-34%) in Alabama, not as dominating as Nixon but still very good.

Trump Going Forward

The story on President Nixon is written.

The story on President Trump is unfolding and hopefully becomes better because, if Trump has a successful presidency, that means America and Republicans are better off.

Republicans cannot afford for Trump to fail like Nixon because of the resulting impact on future elections and Americas future.

In the 1970s, Nixons failures became a Democrat blunt instrument used to hammer Republicans. Republicans got stomped in the 1974 mid-term elections and lost the White House to a bumbling Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Similarly, a failing President Trump first term contributed to the GOP losing the House in 2018 and the House, Senate, and White House in 2020. That empowered House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and President Joe Biden. All anathemas to Republicans.

Neither Republicans nor America can afford a repeat in the next mid-term and presidential elections. But that is exactly what we will get unless Trump changes his ways.

President Trump has time to learn from past mistakes and do better.

To do that, President Trump must remember that America is a Republic, that a president is not all-powerful, and that lasting change in a Republic is rarely made by the fanfare of executive orders that expire with a presidents term (assuming they are not first stricken by courts for violating existing law).

In a Republic, lasting change is made by cobbling together alliances to create new laws that are both consistent with a presidents agenda and deny Leftist courts a statutory basis for adverse orders.

Time will tell whether Trumps Alabama visit gives Trump a rebound Alabama denied Nixon.

Time will also tell whether Trump will change his ways to give America the honorable and competent presidency it needs and deserves.

Mo Brooks served on the House Armed Services Committee for 12 years and the Foreign Affairs Committee for 6 years. Brooks graduated from Duke University in 3 years with a double major in political science and economics (highest honors in economics).
Alabama State Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, speaks on the Senate floor on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the State House in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp

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.

Shelnutt made his unhappiness at the prospect clear.

More from Alabama Reflector

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Oh, yeah, this is causing category 5 moonbattery

President Trump orders Corporation for Public Broadcasting to end federal funding for NPR and PBS

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to end federal funding for Americas two biggest public broadcasters, which have faced a series of attacks from the White House and Republican lawmakers accusing them of biased reporting.

The order instructs the CPBs board to terminate direct funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service to the maximum extent allowed by law and shall decline to provide future funding. It also orders the board to take steps to minimize or eliminate indirect funding to NPR and PBS.

Theexecutive order also directs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to investigate NPR and PBS for possible employment discrimination, and it instructs the heads of all other federal agencies to identify and terminate any direct or indirect funding of the media organizations, as allowed by the law.

The order follows previous attacks on the public broadcasters by the Trump administration and prominent Republicans.

Each year, the CPB disperses $535 million in taxpayer funds to public radio and TV stations nationwide, stations provide free and universal access to educational shows, emergency alerts and a wide array of news and cultural content.

Republicans have been attacking both stations long before Trump won back in 2016, as they are a government funded propaganda arm of the Democratic Party and ever Progressive idea there is. Here are two Americans commenting about NPR at Quora

I listen to NPR all the time because its a great source of current event news (pretty much the only one on my drive to work) and has no ads. To me though, the liberal bias is pretty obvious. If you dont see it, its because they are simply confirming your own biases. One thing that comes to mind immediately is that every 3rd story is about transgender or other identity politics issue. Im not saying all these stories are completely one sided, but the selection of topics itself is skewed. They cant even review TV shows, or new seasons, without talking about the fraction of minority, gay, transgender characters. These are not things that non-liberals care or think much about. A hugely disproportionate number of stories also end up blaming whatever problem they are talking about on climate change. I see it coming and roll my eyes every time. Science Friday seems to circle around to what to do about climate deniers every few months.

Of course it does. When I was younger, my college friends and I called it National Pinko Radio. And we loved it!

As someone who has listened to NPR for decades, I can assure you that NPR indeed has a liberal bias. NPRs biases show up in their reporting, in their interview subjects, and most of all in their story selection. Given their largely liberal audience and overwhelmingly liberal reporting and editorial staff, it would be amazing if they didnt have a liberal bias.

I remember NPR being far left all the way back in my college days in the 80s. Let me reverse this: if NPR was akin to Breitbart or The Blaze, would Democrats be trying to pull government funding? Of course they would. Would they be saying that the government should not be funding propaganda with taxpayer appropriations? Of course they would. And PBS has gone pure Woke, as well. Having drag queens on programing for children, gays and lesbians for Sesame Street (there shouldnt be any sexuality of any type on childrens shows), raaaaacism, reparations, every Progressive agenda.

It was a mistake creating this back in 1970, its not what the government should be doing, having broadcasts with government propaganda. If liberals want to give their own money to the two, have at it.

Congress specifically set up the corporation as a private entity to afford maximum protection from extraneous interference and control, according to a law passed in 1967. The legislation expressly forbids the government from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over educational television or radio broadcasting.










English News Smart border port keeps China-Vietnam trade flowing nonstop

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 29 Avril 2025



"Once completed, the port will enable 24/7 customs clearance," said Shi Lei, deputy director of Youyiguan Customs. "Goods will be able to travel from Nanning in Guangxi to Bac Giang or Bac Ninh in Vietnam within 24 hours - making round-the-clock cross-border trade a reality."

By Li Weijun, People's Daily On a recent spring morning at Youyiguan Port, known as Friendship Pass, on the China-Vietnam border in Pingxiang city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, a steady stream of trucks lined up at the border crossing, ferrying tropical fruits into China and hauling machinery and electronics to Vietnam. The scene is brisk, efficient - and increasingly automated.



Friendship Pass, one of the largest and most efficient land border crossings between China and Vietnam, is undergoing a high-tech overhaul. The site is being transformed into China's first cross-border smart port, with the Chinese section scheduled to commence pilot operations later this year.



Roughly 1,500 vehicles now pass through the port each day. Once the upgrade is completed on both sides, clearance capacity is expected to multiply, strengthening trade links between China and ASEAN and deepening regional economic integration.



For Vietnamese truck driver Nguyen, the changes are already evident. "I just roll down my window for fingerprint and facial scans - the process typically takes about 45 seconds," he said. Nguyen regularly transports fruits from Vietnam to distribution centers in China. The streamlined clearance process now enable him to make up to 30 round trips per month. "I hope to see even more Vietnamese fruits exported to China," he said. "Faster clearance means more deliveries - and higher earnings."



At a bonded warehouse near Friendship Pass, run by the Guangxi branch of Fuliankang Cross-Border Logistics, shipments of high-value electronic components arrive from Chinese factories, bound for assembly lines in Vietnam. With a few taps on his phone, warehouse manager Li Zhen pulls up real-time customs data. "The Smart Youyiguan app allows us to submit declarations in advance and track clearance in real time," he said. "It has drastically reduced processing times."



In 2024, the company's exports via Friendship Pass surged to $240 million more than doubling the previous year's total.



The gains reflect a broader digital transformation underway at the port. Since 2022, Youyiguan Customs has rolled out a range of digital systems - including a smart logistics management platform, an intelligent inspection assistance system, and a smart quarantine processing system - all aimed at reducing delays and improving throughput.



In the first two months of this year, trade at the port recorded double-digit growth, giving China's foreign trade a strong start.



The smart logistics management platform allows for real-time tracking from the moment a cargo manifest is submitted, using BeiDou satellite positioning and video surveillance to streamline dispatching. Meanwhile, the intelligent inspection assistance system uses display screens and geomagnetic sensors to monitor traffic flow and assign inspection bays automatically - cutting wait times by 20 percent and increasing turnover efficiency by 35 percent.



The quarantine process has also been fully digitized. From vehicle queuing and fumigation scheduling to gas concentration monitoring and report submission, the smart quarantine processing system now saves an average of 3.5 hours per shipment.



"Import clearance for a fruit container previously took six hours," said Lu Qiujing, a business manager at a Guangxi-based fruit importer. "Now it can be done in as little as three. That means less spoilage and quicker delivery to market."



The China-Vietnam cross-border smart port project at Friendship Pass represents a major investment in regional trade infrastructure, with a total outlay of 1.062 billion yuan ($145.49 million). It integrates advanced technologies such as satellite navigation, 5G technology, AI-driven transport vehicles, and large-scale automated cargo-handling machinery, along with smart inspection systems and a centralized command platform - all engineered to sustain uninterrupted, 24/7 operations.



The Chinese segment of the project has been largely complete and is now in system integration and testing phases, with trial runs scheduled to begin within the year.



"Once completed, the port will enable 24/7 customs clearance," said Shi Lei, deputy director of Youyiguan Customs. "Goods will be able to travel from Nanning in Guangxi to Bac Giang or Bac Ninh in Vietnam within 24 hours - making round-the-clock cross-border trade a reality."



Vietnamese authorities, for their part, approved their smart port development plan on August 17, 2024. Construction on the Vietnamese side is now in full swing.



Wei Zhaohui, director of the Guangxi International Expo Affairs Bureau, called the project not only a major step forward in enhancing port clearance capacity and expanding trade between the two countries, but also a model for promoting trade and investment liberalization across the broader China-ASEAN region.



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)










English News Turning immune cells into cancer's worst enemy: China's CAR-T revolution

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 29 Avril 2025



In early March 2024, Mr. Zhou, a 63-year-old resident of Shanghai, returned to a hospital for what would become his third fight against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. But this time, he was not relying on the chemotherapy and targeted therapy that had defined his previous treatments. Instead, he placed his hopes in a new frontier of precision treatment: CAR-T cell therapy.

Short for chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy, CAR-T is a rapidly evolving form of immunotherapy that reimagines cancer treatment - not by attacking tumors directly, but by supercharging the body's own immune defenses.

At the heart of this approach are T cells - the immune system's frontline soldiers. These white blood cells spring into action when the body encounters infections or tumors, working to defend against threats. CAR-T therapy takes that natural defense and amplifies it, genetically reprogramming the T cells into precision-targeting cancer killers. The secret lies in the "CAR," or chimeric antigen receptor - a custom-built molecule added to the T cells that enables them to recognize and lock onto cancer cells with uncanny accuracy.

In Zhou's case, his blood was drawn and sent to a manufacturing facility operated by JW Therapeutics in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. There, his T cells underwent a series of complex steps designed to turn them into cancer-fighting powerhouses.

The process began with isolating and cryopreserving the T cells at temperatures below minus 130 degrees Celsius to preserve their original activity. When ready, the frozen cells were thawed and genetically modified using a viral vector that introduced the CAR - a molecular homing device for cancer. But a single engineered cell isn't enough. These modified cells were expanded into bioreactors to create an army of at least 100 million. After rigorous purification, concentration, and quality control, Zhou's customized therapy was complete and ready for delivery.

Three weeks later, he received a call: the infusion was ready. Transported under strict temperature control, the CAR-T cells were thawed and delivered back into Zhou's bloodstream.

The results were almost immediate. Zhou developed a mild fever - a common side effect of the immune response triggered by the therapy - and soon noticed his swollen lymph nodes shrinking. A month later, follow-up scans brought good news: complete remission. The engineered T cells had not only cleared cancer, but were now standing sentry within his immume system, guarding against its return.

"We're continuing to push our research forward so more patients can access and benefit from this treatment," said Xia Zhen, executive director of clinical development at JW Therapeutics.

Globally, more than a dozen CAR-T therapies have received regulatory approval. In patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, responses rate hover around 80 percent. Of those, 40 percent to 60 percent have gone on to survive five years or more - offering real hope for a potential cure.

Shanghai, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a hub for next-generation biotechnologies. With supportive policies and investment in life sciences, the city is unlocking innovation in cell therapy and aims to make breakthroughs like CAR-T more accessible to the patients who need them most.

By Ji Juesu, People's Daily In early March 2024, Mr. Zhou, a 63-year-old resident of Shanghai, returned to a hospital for what would become his third fight against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. But this time, he was not relying on the chemotherapy and targeted therapy that had defined his previous treatments. Instead, he placed his hopes in a new frontier of precision treatment: CAR-T cell therapy.



Short for chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy, CAR-T is a rapidly evolving form of immunotherapy that reimagines cancer treatment - not by attacking tumors directly, but by supercharging the body's own immune defenses.



At the heart of this approach are T cells - the immune system's frontline soldiers. These white blood cells spring into action when the body encounters infections or tumors, working to defend against threats. CAR-T therapy takes that natural defense and amplifies it, genetically reprogramming the T cells into precision-targeting cancer killers. The secret lies in the "CAR," or chimeric antigen receptor - a custom-built molecule added to the T cells that enables them to recognize and lock onto cancer cells with uncanny accuracy.



In Zhou's case, his blood was drawn and sent to a manufacturing facility operated by JW Therapeutics in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. There, his T cells underwent a series of complex steps designed to turn them into cancer-fighting powerhouses.



The process began with isolating and cryopreserving the T cells at temperatures below minus 130 degrees Celsius to preserve their original activity. When ready, the frozen cells were thawed and genetically modified using a viral vector that introduced the CAR - a molecular homing device for cancer. But a single engineered cell isn't enough. These modified cells were expanded into bioreactors to create an army of at least 100 million. After rigorous purification, concentration, and quality control, Zhou's customized therapy was complete and ready for delivery.



Three weeks later, he received a call: the infusion was ready. Transported under strict temperature control, the CAR-T cells were thawed and delivered back into Zhou's bloodstream.



The results were almost immediate. Zhou developed a mild fever - a common side effect of the immune response triggered by the therapy - and soon noticed his swollen lymph nodes shrinking. A month later, follow-up scans brought good news: complete remission. The engineered T cells had not only cleared cancer, but were now standing sentry within his immume system, guarding against its return.



"We're continuing to push our research forward so more patients can access and benefit from this treatment," said Xia Zhen, executive director of clinical development at JW Therapeutics.



Globally, more than a dozen CAR-T therapies have received regulatory approval. In patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, responses rate hover around 80 percent. Of those, 40 percent to 60 percent have gone on to survive five years or more - offering real hope for a potential cure.



Shanghai, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a hub for next-generation biotechnologies. With supportive policies and investment in life sciences, the city is unlocking innovation in cell therapy and aims to make breakthroughs like CAR-T more accessible to the patients who need them most.



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)
The Athenian democracy fell to Sparta in 404 B.C. That disaster was not inevitable; it was the result of a series of poor decisions, themselves the result of greed and self-interest on the part of various factions.

Had the Athenians not followed the advice of a charismatic but rash leader, Alcibiades (whom they then exiled, driving him to the other side, where he served as an adviser before returning to Athens to unleash further mischief), they might not have sent their fleet to Syracuse, where it was destroyed. Nor would they have built the wall that protected the city  for a short while  but also walled themselves off from their lucrative silver mines and agricultural fields. Had they not walled themselves into crowded conditions, the plague that ravaged Athens in the last years of the Peloponnesian War might have been less severe. If they had not alienated their allies with their arrogance and burdensome taxation, they might not have driven some of them into the Spartan camp, hastening their own isolation and defeat.

In the end, nothing could save the Athenian democracy from itself. There was too much of the arrogance of a great power; too much willingness to follow the lead of impetuous leaders; too much risk, including military actions far from home; too much economic and class division; and there was not the wise conservatism that makes provision for unforeseen events, such as the decimating plague that struck Athens in 430 B.C., continuing until 426, reducing available manpower and upsetting the social order.

History doesnt repeat, but it rhymes. Under Obama and Biden, Americas military power has been undermined as funds were unwisely shifted to social justice and environmental programs. Under Biden, illegal immigration and government spending surged, both to unsustainable levels. Under Biden, America distanced itself from some of its most important allies, including Israel, Britain, and Saudi Arabia. Under Biden, Americas lack of strength emboldened our enemies, leading to the outbreak of war on two fronts and potential wars on others for which we are unprepared. The parallels are many and sobering.

Still, American decline is not inevitable. Yes, there are negative forces at work: divisiveness as progressives become more and more intransigent (now declaring no less than AOC their most popular leader), a selfish and corrupt populace, and the softening effects of affluence.

But still its not too late: America can rouse itself and return to greatness, and to the national security and purpose that go with it. As we near the tipping point of national debt and loss of military strength, we can return to health by making sacrifices to restore ourselves. Across-the-board cuts of 10 percent in government spending (except for military), combined with DOGE cuts, would bring budgets into balance. Elimination of entire departments and agencies would be enough to do so. No one, except the bureaucrats who work there, would miss it if a hundred agencies were shuttered. What do Education, Commerce, Job Corps, Teacher Corps, public television and radio, HUD, and a hundred others do for me, except make taxes higher and life more expensive?

In the event of war, much greater sacrifices would be needed than shuttering agencies. Rationing, longer work hours, and less consumption would all be necessary. Plus it would be necessary to accept the loss of young lives on a scale perhaps not seen since WWII. The willingness of the public to accept losses in blood and treasure is a requirement of greatness.

As in ancient Greece, there will be surprises. There has already been an attack of COVID, whether that was deliberate or not, but certainly arising in a Chinese lab. There will be another war, another financial crisis, another housing crisis, further division in our peoples. They will appear to come out of nowhere; they will surprise what has become an aging and complacent population.

One essential factor is our ability to stand up to China, something we can only do by forcing a fair trade agreement. To do so will require sacrifice: higher prices on goods imported from China and perhaps temporary shortages of some goods. That doesnt sound like a good deal, but it is nothing if it will prevent a shooting war by weakening China economically and militarily.

After Athens fell to Sparta, Athens was occupied by its enemy, and it never returned to the greatness it had once enjoyed. America can remain the dominant country it is only if we work together and sacrifice on behalf of the nation. Specifically, this means giving up benefits of questionable value and shifting funds to defense. It means that the federal budget must be balanced so as to bring about fiscal strength. That means closing entire departments and numerous agencies. The left will protest that Trump is killing women and children  the oldest progressive canard in the book  but cuts in meaningless services are a small price to pay for the nations survival.

There is no reason why American democracy should fall. A republic, if you can keep it, Benjamin Franklin said to Elizabeth Powel when asked about our form of government. Prior generations have done a magnificent job of keeping it, but liberals who whine about the deportation of a criminal alien to El Salvador, where he is already a citizen, are undermining our republic just as surely as those who attack it from outside. Americans need to unite in support of mass deportations of illegals, and they need to restore safe cities, free of gangs.

For weeks Democrats used the buzzword chaos to attack Trump. What could be more chaotic than demanding the return of an illegal alien in mid-air, or even after he had reached his homeland, where he was jailed for criminal activity?

Athens fell because of divisions between landowners and city-dwellers, between those who would fund the military and those who hesitated, between those who were corrupt and those who were not or who were corrupt in other ways. A republic can be preserved only through unity and a sense of purpose. It may take a crisis to see whether those qualities exist in America. There are too many who care more about Minecraft or Crash4, or about their hair color or next vacation, than about our nations defense and the sound fiscal policies that make defense possible.

Our Founders had read history, especially the history of ancient Greece and Rome, and they knew that the survival of a republic depends, above all, on the virtue of its people. Virtue involves self-responsibility, willingness to sacrifice, and strength in the face of obstacles. One can only hope that Americans are more virtuous, in that sense, than they seem at this moment.

Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011).

Image: Pashi via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Whatever you think of tariffs, it should be clear that now is not the time to introduce more uncertainty into agricultural markets. The Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S. 1326)  recently introduced in the United State Senate  would do exactly that, giving foreign adversaries like China an even bigger chokehold on American agricultural production while harming producers and principles of state sovereignty in the process.

S. 1326 is the latest iteration of 2023s Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act. It would create a private right of action for anyone affected by another states agricultural regulation to bring suit and invalidate it.

S. 1326, like EATS before it, is largely targeted at laws like Californias Proposition 12 and Massachusettss Question 3, which set animal welfare standards for certain animal products (like pork) sold in the state. Over a dozen other states  including Florida, Michigan, Oregon, Maine, Arizona and Colorado  have similar statutes addressing animal confinement and farm practices.

Proponents of S. 1326 have characterized such laws as part of a war on breakfast. Their solution: introducing legislation that could nullify more than 1,000 state-level agriculture laws that support our economies and feed our people.

Soon after Proposition 12s passage in 2018, the National Pork Producers Council brought suit against California  with the fight eventually reaching the Supreme Court. Writing in support of the Golden State, Justice Gorsuch said: While the Constitution addresses many weighty issues, the type of pork chops California merchants may sell is not on that list.

Whatever you think of these laws, they fall well within the states reserved powers under the U.S. Constitution. They were democratically approved by voters, who are allowed to promulgate statutes regulating their own health and safety and reflecting their own ethical standards. We either believe in states rights or we dont. But outside groups have not given up the fight, pushing bills like EATS and S. 1326 to create a legal backdoor for overturning the will of the American people.

The elephant in the room amidst all this discourse is Smithfield Foods, Americas largest pork producer, which is owned by a Chinese holding company that operates in coordination with the Chinese government. As such, the timing of S.1326s introduction  April 8, 2025  could not have been more darkly ironic. Its the same day that China and the U.S. entered into an all-out trade war.

As the Chinese attack us from the outside, do we really want to give them an internal mechanism to also invalidate state laws they dont like?

Then theres the issue of stability. Proposition 12, which mandates that pigs raised for food have enough space to turn around during their pitiable lives, passed nearly seven years ago. Companies have largely adapted to Californias new requirements  including more than 230 out-of-state distributors and even large producers like Tyson Foods, JBS and, yes, Smithfield. Why, then, the need to create a vague, catchall mechanism to overturn not just state pork laws, but any state agriculture law? And do we really want to tell farmers that have retrofitted their operations to conform with new state requirements that their investments are worthless?

Add to that the fact that the USDA recently cancelled two programs giving food banks and schools funding to purchase from small farmers and ranchers. Passing S. 1326 will kill whatever competitive advantage these producers  who are more likely to employ traditional husbandry practices  have left. It will lead to even more consolidation in the food industry and more power for the biggest players. The administration is already considering a farm bailout, which cost taxpayers $23 billion the last time we did it. Creating new mechanisms to disrupt entrenched state regulations is a good way to make ever more handouts a necessity.

While criticizing California, no one in Congress seems to be up in arms about new laws banning entire categories of innovative food products, or other state-level food restrictions that come from the right, not the left. In Alabama and Florida, legislatures have banned lab-cultivated meat before it even hits the market. Setting animal welfare requirements is one thing  banning a perfectly viable product in order to protect in-state producers is an actual interstate commerce violation.

The fact is that every single state has laws regulating their agricultural industries  from invasive pest protections to safety inspections and sanitization requirements. S. 1326 could easily be weaponized to go after any such law that companies with the financial means deem inconvenient. Its an affront to federalism, and a clear indication of the inherent unseriousness of this proposal.

The last time legislation like this had any momentum, more than 1,200 farms came out against it. Sixteen House Republicans signed a letter expressing dire concern that it would provide [China-owned Smithfield] with a mechanism to bypass state-level laws and rapidly acquire even more American land and pork industry assets with no restraints at all.

The only thing thats changed: foreign powers like China are now even more of a threat than they were in 2023. In the absence of a trade war, overturning states ability to regulate their agriculture industries was a bad idea. Today, its unconscionable.

John Cleveland is a senior fellow with Wilberforce Institute. Marty Irby is president of Competitive Markets Action and secretary at the Organization for Competitive Markets.

Image: Free to use via Pexels.
From Wikimedia Commons: The Last Stand of the 44th Regiment at Gundamuck, 1842 (William Barnes Wollen, 1898)

It has happened before that empires looking ever so powerful and indestructible have collapsed in a short time  the unforeseen consequence of internal decline or external aggression.

In a matter of decades, mainstream politicians and opinion leaders in the news media, leaving aside die-hard revolutionaries on the margins, have broken down the British self-image. The empire has long since been dismantled. What remained, however, was a civilized nation with proud traditions, a rich culture, and exemplary institutions. That has all changed.

Nowadays, pride in cultural heritage is condemned as bigotry. Moreover, institutions previously representing civilization at its best (e.g. legislature, judiciary, police) have become corrupt. We have before us a country, a pitiful shadow of itself, where unimaginable numbers of aliens are gradually displacing the natives from their hometowns. It is a country invaded by an alien ideology with hostile intentions. Intolerant and supremacist, it continues to spread, increasing its power over legislators in London and civil servants throughout the state apparatus.

Religiously legitimized molestation (i.e. sexual-slavery jihad) of British children, a tragedy involving tens of thousands of rape victims across the country, is a monument to the collapse of both civil society and government. A historical watershed. The perpetrators, Muslim men, set up a secret network for the purpose, but were long spared detection and arrest for political reasons. Meanwhile, inquiries into the political-administrative responsibility have been sabotaged. When public institutions designed to maintain law and order degenerate and cease to function, civilization is nearing its end. Remarkably, the British, otherwise coolheaded, have allowed themselves to be enslaved with their eyes wide open, descending into anarchy.

Both members of the so-called progressive elite and the Muslim faith rejoice that London, the English capital since the twelfth century, is now an international city. Put another way: London belongs no longer to the British. Tellingly, the mayor is another Muslim.

It is frowned upon to wave national flags in public. British girls are warned against tempting Muslim men by dressing like whores. Implicitly, if they ignore well-intentioned advice and behave frivolously, they are responsible for the consequences themselves. Likewise, British men are discouraged from wearing military uniforms in public inasmuch as they challenge Muslim men by dressing like crusaders. Accordingly, they have only themselves to blame for vile attacks.

The British have become alienated. Despised by the political establishment and frustrated by everyday surroundings rapidly changing beyond recognition, they no longer feel at home in Britain. Their country has been taken from them by (a) a narcissistic-spoiled, nationally detached aristocracy, whose aspirations are limited to high-profile careers in bureaucratic organizations, and (b) a Muslim diaspora, growing by the day, that is colonizing their isles and reducing them to dhimmis (e.g. sex slaves).

Without any display of honorable resistance, accepting unreason at face value, disregarding justice, and tolerating the intolerable, the British nation is renouncing the basics of liberty. Its division looks like the unexpected fortune of its conquerors. It is evidently willing to deny what it once stood for and submit to its new masters. This modern tragedy in the heart of Western civilization follows the pattern from other Christian countries conquered by Muslims since the Middle Ages.

As the British become a minority in their own country, divided along ethnic lines into communities, a spoil for warring tribes and clans, the high-trust society is dying out. The transformation of an orderly, prosperous society with unifying values into a dystopian gangland, prompted by demographic shifts, is referred to as Lebanonization. Home turns into a battleground for those willing to fight for total dominance, whatever their geographical origin.

The very same Britain that resisted the macabre temptations of the French Revolution and prevented systematized sadism from devouring the whole of Europe under Nazism has collapsed morally. It shows no will to survive. Seduced by masochistic tales of victims and oppressors, embracing idiocy, it is prepared to surrender to Islamism without a fight.

The battle for ideological dominance is taking place on several fronts. Since the interwar years, British architects, identifying as a revolutionary avant-garde, have done everything in their power to eradicate traces of a thousand-year-old Christian tradition with roots in antiquity. And what have they given to the present as compensation? Nothing. On ideological grounds, they have waged war against the architectural-aesthetic heritage, exposed as a symbol of Western civilization, and left a wasteland without shelter for those with a craving for homeliness, beauty, and grandeur.

There was once a distinct British idiom in architecture. This applied to the vernacular as well as the monumental. Today, by contrast, cities appear aesthetically impoverished. Vandalism by modern architects against the building stock is comparable to war damage carried out with the specific purpose of demoralizing and oppressing the victims. Sharing the same cynicism as Russians, who have recently bombed Ukrainian cities, indiscriminately destroying residential buildings and churches, Germans unleashed the Blitz during WWII. What followed next was the uncompromising campaign of architectural schools, ideologically inflamed, against visible remnants from a time when functionality and beauty were equivalent (integrated) standards in architecture.

In the past, you always knew that you were somewhere in Britain, at home, wherever you stopped and looked around. From all sides, styles and materials spoke to you in a familiar way. Today, it is different. The familiar is gone. Instead, you are surrounded by something so poor in aesthetics that it could be anywhere in the world. The built environment, deprived of recognizable characteristics, has become genderless. Aesthetics are dead. And together with beauty the feeling of belonging somewhere in the world and of being worth something as a human being.

The brave voices that go against the tide and try to call out the national spirit are publicly mocked and prosecuted. Established news outlets (e.g. the BBC) collaborate with panels of favored opinion leaders to discredit (and cancel) those who warn of growing ethno-social division  and the prospect of civil war. A favorite stigma is the accusation of being right-wing. Anybody unfortunate enough to be stigmatized in this way is considered an outlaw deserving special attention from the authorities.

The same law enforcement and the same courts that deny justice to children abused by rape gangs, turning a blind eye to jihadist conspiracies in general, are busy cracking down on citizens who express their anti-jihad opinions on social media.

Both police officers and judges behave like cowards. However, Britain was once a model of sensible regulation, fair trials, and civilized (and unarmed) policing. How did it get to this point? Not long ago, Britain outshone its neighbors on the continent, the epitome of political stability (conservatism), civility, and the rule of law.

Neither the courts nor the police fulfill their social duties anymore (e.g. handling cases of criminal enrichment). The general impression of ethnic division, moral decline, and national defeat undermines trust. Institutional corruption, partly owing to infiltration by persons with divided loyalties, affects everybody from top to bottom  posing a personal dilemma. It is as if those, who should stand guard over law and order, have lost faith in society and acquiesced, convincing themselves that they cannot resist the course of history: governance based on Sharia. Accordingly, they feel compelled to adopt an opportunistic approach and avoid confrontations with their future rulers.

In public spaces, some rules apply to Jews and Christians, limiting their freedom to hang around and display symbols deemed provocative (e.g. the kippah), others  enforced as friendly guidance  to Muslims. This social phenomenon, which sadly captures the current decline of Britain, goes by the name two-tier policing. It is well suited to revealing a morally compromised society on the brink of civil war.

It is equally surprising and disturbing that so few scholars in higher education have stood up against the ongoing decline of culture. The attack on reason and morality under the nihilistic psychosis of wokeism and identity politics should have sparked an uproar. The truth is, however, that professors and students have been among the first to be subdued by targeted campaigns of the Marxist-Islamist alliance.

The United Kingdom, spearhead of Western civilization, has lost faith in itself and resigned itself to suicide.
Big sections of the European electric grid had a blackout recently. First reports blamed a frequency dip due to a lack of spinning reserve. When frequency gets too low, automatic electrical breakers open, isolating sections of loads and the transmission grid. The power plants can only safely operate within a narrow frequency range (pumps spin too slowly, etc), and they too will isolate and trip to protect themselves from damage.

The classic grid can be imagined as a broad network of spinning gyroscopes, all electrically synchronized to the same frequency. Electric loads try to drag the frequency down and suck energy out of the spinning gyroscopes while power sources add energy to the gyroscopes to maintain the frequency. The power sources are controlled by governors that increase or decrease power input via throttles as necessary. The whole system is finely tuned with governors scattered across the system assigned specific sensitivities called droop.

The original governor by James Watt  they are electronic today.

To operate a stable, reliable grid, one depends on the sizes of the various gyroscopesspecifically, their rotational inertia. Generally, the more the better, as lots of rotating inertia makes for a stable grid with less demands on the governors and their power sources to maintain frequency.

But solar panels have no rotational inertia and windmills far less than the giant hunks of rapidly spinning steel and copper in regular power plants. Nor do they have governors in the usual sense, although they can dump power if the frequency gets too high.

So, if you have too much power coming from power sources that can make no contribution to the rotational inertia, the grids responsiveness is reduced, and things can get iffy quickly if the clouds cover the sun or the wind goes calm.

Nuclear power plants are typically some of the most powerful units on a grid and contribute a great deal of rotational inertia due to the huge sizes of their turbines and generators. But they are also some of the most sensitive to frequency disturbances, so theyll trip off the grid if frequency dips below (or exceeds) their tight specifications. When that happens, the grid loses further stability with the disconnection of both rotational inertia and power input.

Before the craze for electric system deregulation swept the planet in the late 1990s and early 2000s, most grids were tightly integrated under the single authority of one power company. As they were accountable for reliable service to their customers through political oversight of governmental regulatory bodies (often directly elected), they ensured that their grids and their interconnections to neighboring grids worked well together. The customers picked up the needed and justified expenses through their electric bills.

But what happens when the grid collapses and a connected nuclear power plant trips off-line, a condition called loss of offsite power? Redundant emergency diesel generators automatically start and restore enough internal electrical power to keep the reactor and associated equipment safe, usually within 10 to 20 seconds. The grid operators, once theyve handled the immediate crisis, will then try to restore off-site power to the nuclear plant as a matter of priority, but only enough to maintain the plant in a safe shutdown condition.

To restart the nuclear power plant is another matter, which usually occurs near the end of the grid restoration process. Thats because a reactor needs only 5 to 10 MW to maintain a safe shutdown, but to restart the whole power plant requires hours of heat-up and inspection time, and more critically, maybe 150 MW to start all the huge pumps needed. Historically, it can take 4 or 5 days to bring nukes back online following a grid collapse.

Before deregulation, it was a bit more common to see a feature called net load rejection. A plant with this feature could go indefinitely from 100% output to the grid to disconnected while still operating all its internal equipment, called hotel loads, producing power independent of the grid (hydroelectric plants are still good at this). This was a key scenario in the 1977 science fiction classic Lucifers Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.

When the grid was ready to receive power from the plant, the reactor could ramp up, reconnect, and help restore grid-wide loads. With net load rejection, a nuclear plant would no longer be a burden on grid restoration but a powerful asset for the system.

Few plants have this feature anymore. Why? Because it can add $50 to $100 million to the cost of a new plant (plus some extra maintenance and testing), there is no longer an organization willing to pay for it. No grid regulator requires it, nor does the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Independent power producers are not accountable for grid stability. Californias Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant had this feature, and it may have been the inspiration for Niven and Pournell, who were writing as Diablo Canyon was under construction.

Responsible commentators (two examples here and here) have been warning for decades that assigning more capacity to renewables was a recipe for grid instability. Europe just showed us how this plays out. And as we build new nuclear power plants, adding $50 million to the construction cost might be something we need to seriously consider, if only to accommodate the demonstrated downsides of renewables.

The author is a degreed nuclear engineer with an MBA with 50+ years of experience in the electric power industry and a long-time advocate within the industry for net load rejection for nukes. He can be contacted at Somsel (at) yahoo dot com.
From the outset of forming our country, our Founders were determined to keep religion as a foundational element, given that many people had left their homes in Britain to be able to practice their religions as they chose. The goal was not for the government to reject faith, but for it to be prevented from dictating doctrine.

But over the years, the Left has distorted the meaning of separation of church and state (a phrase thats not written into the Constitution) and now the country feels obligated to ban religion from every nook and cranny. How did a country founded in part by the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment find itself dominated by secularism?

The Danbury Baptist Association was one of the first organizations in 1802 to ask Thomas Jefferson about the protections of their religious practice. Here, in part, is Jeffersons reply:

I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between Church and State, Jefferson said. The metaphor of a wall of separation was not intended to say that religion should not influence opinion on government issues. Rather, it was used to affirm free religious practice for citizens.

The First Amendment was written to ensure that Congress would not create legislation beyond civil matters, again prohibiting the creation of a state religion:

The First Amendment prevents congress from creating or establishing a religion, and thereby prevents the power of the government from expanding beyond civil matters. The First Amendment also protects peoples right to worship however they choose, or to not worship at all. Protecting peoples right to decide what is right for themselves without government interference is a key foundation (and result) of our democracy.

What evidence do we have that the Founders were determined to prevent a single religion from becoming a state religion? Because they told us so:

The Congressional Record (required by the Constitution in Art. i, Sec. 5,  3) contains all the official words and acts that occur in congressional chambers. Those records therefore include the discussion of the ninety Founders in the first federal Congress who, from June 8 to September 25, 1789, framed the First Amendment. In those lengthy discussions that spanned months, the Founders repeatedly explained that they were seeking to prevent what they had experienced under Great Britain: the legal establishment by the national government of a single religious denomination in exclusion of all others (whether Catholic, Anglican, or any other). Very simply, their oft-repeated intent was that Congress could not officially establish any one denomination in America; or, in the wording proposed by James Madison, nor shall any national religion be established.

However, preventing a dominant state-controlled faith did not mean that the Founders wished to erase religion from public life or from peoples values. George Washington, before he left the Presidency, insisted religion being included in the public square:

In his famous Farewell Address,  Washington reminded Americans that religious teachings and values must never be removed from politics and public policy, declaring: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable [inseparable] supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happinessthese firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.

The Supreme Court allowed the state to intrude, in a very limited fashion, into how religion in America is practiced, provided it stayed out of the core doctrines of traditional biblical faiths:

Commonwealth v. Nesbit and Lindenmuller v. The People identified actions into whichif perpetrated in the name of religionthe government did have legitimate reason to intrude. Those activities included human sacrifice, polygamy, bigamy, concubinage, incest, infanticide, patricide, advocation and promotion of immorality, etc. Such acts, even if perpetrated in the name of religion, would be stopped by the government since, as the Court had explained, they were subversive of good order and were overt acts against peace. However, the government was never to interfere with traditional religious practices outlined in the Books of the Law and the Gospelwhether public prayer, the use of the Scriptures, public acknowledgements of God, etc.

By 1980, though, in Stone v. Graham, the Supreme Court was actively removing religion from the public square:

Stone v. Graham, case in which the U.S. Supreme Court on November 17, 1980, ruled (54) that a Kentucky statute requiring school officials to post a copy of the Ten Commandments (purchased with private contributions) on a wall in every public classroom violated the First Amendments establishment clause, which is commonly interpreted as a separation of church and state. . [snip] The Supreme Court held that the Kentucky statute violated the first part of the so-called Lemon test. The court rejected arguments that the notation on the bottom of the Ten Commandments was sufficient to indicate the secular purpose of the posting. Moreover, the court was of the opinion that the posting of the Ten Commandments was clearly religious and not educational. The Commandments were not part of the curriculum, and the court maintained that the state was instead encouraging students to read, meditate upon, and perhaps venerate and obey the Commandments, which is a violation of the establishment clause. The court considered it to be irrelevant that the copies were bought with private funds, because displaying the Commandments demonstrated official state support of their message.

Thus, the highest court in the land committed a shocking error in how it interpreted the First Amendment, for it abandoned completely the Founders expressed belief that the biblical faiths were essential to Americas existence. Even though the SCOTUS decision was a pitiful interpretation of the Separation Clause, which only prohibited the establishment of a state religion, they sent a clear message that religion and its values should not appear anywhere near our citizenry.

Someone must challenge this decision and rectify this injustice. Our country is desperately in need of revitalizing our spiritual and religious climate, and our important institutions should support that effort.

Public domain.
As part of touting Trumps huge success in blocking fentanyl from crossing Americas southern border, Pam Bondi stated both (1) that the administration has seized fentanyl in quantities that are enough to kill almost 80% of Americans and (2) that all sorts of less toxic street drugs are laced with fentanyl, making them deadly. Leftists instantly seized upon how it sounded as if she said that Trump had saved 249 million people in 100 days.

That was to be expected. But the same attack came from Jonah Goldberg, a one-time conservative. Goldbergs response illustrates the danger Trump faces from the faux right, which claims to be conservative but long ago abandoned those principles in favor of its overwhelming hatred for Donald Trump. For these NeverTrumpers, immured in their high-end D.C. and Manhattan neighborhoods, getting Trump is significantly more important than saving Americans from the joint depredations of China and Mexico.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. It has legitimate medical uses, but even minute quantities can be deadly. In 2022, the last year for which there is full data, almost 74,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses. By contrast, in that same year, around 21,000 died from gun crime. The difference in risk to Americans is striking.

Almost none of this fentanyl is domestically manufactured. Instead, its manufactured in Mexico, using ingredients that come from China. Some might call this an act of war. After all, what were seeing is Americas primary geopolitical opponent deliberately taking steps that it knows will kill tens of thousands of Americans annually. And of course, its not just the dead. Countless tens of thousands more lives are destroyed through addictions, whether directly or indirectly (e.g., children with addicted parents or communities ravaged by fentanyl addiction):

The Kensington neighborhood in Northeast Philly looks like San Fran... Fentanyl Zombies, homelessness, mental health crisis.... Where did all the fentanyl come from? BETWEEN the open borders and Big Pharma, it's all Dems and Rinos.... pic.twitter.com/8aLZegryRg  Z (@ZRebirth369) January 8, 2024

Fentanyl problems arent limited to completely dysfunctional addicts in broken communities. Instead, the news is rife with stories of ordinary Americans dying from taking what they thought were non-lethal illicit drugs.

In February, four people in Lake Tahoe died from fentanyl-laced cocaine. The dealer was spared first-degree murder charges because even he didnt realize what he was selling, and he had tried to save his customers from death. Meanwhile, American teenagers are dying regularly because they buy counterfeit prescription pills for safe highs, only to ingest deadly amounts of fentanyl.

It's not a coincidence that so much of the drug smuggling news is from 2022, which was when Joe Bidens open border was at full flow. When you have the Border Patrol dealing with 10,000-12,000 illegal aliens daily, screening them for being drug mules is difficult. Add in the fact that the cartels control large parts of the border on the Mexico side and, until recently, were conducting illegal immigration on a mass scale, and you can see where it becomes impossible to stop the drug flow.

Trump, though, quickly controlled the border. Suddenly, we went from 15,000 illegal entries per day to 178. When you control the border, you capture illicit drugs and cut off future attempts at smuggling them in. It was this success that Pam Bondi has boasted about:

Today is Fentanyl Awareness day. In President Trumps first 100 days weve seized over 22 million fentanyl laced pills, saving over 119 Million lives.



We are fighting relentlessly for the families of loved ones lost, for those whose lives are at risk, and for the soul of our pic.twitter.com/nQLnN0nipn  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 29, 2025 In another press briefing, she made a similar claim, although she spoke of even more illegal drug seizures and said that doing so had saved 258 million lives, adding that American children die daily from fentanyl laced drugs: "Are you ready for this, media?" -- Bondi turns to the press and credits Trump for saving "258 million lives" pic.twitter.com/L3XbZySl9h  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2025 In another press briefing, she made a similar claim, although she spoke of even more illegal drug seizures and said that doing so had saved 258 million lives, adding that American children die daily from fentanyl laced drugs:

For anyone paying attention over the last few years, while Bondi spoke inartfully, conflating a few points, it was clear what she was trying to say. Regarding the lives saved, its routine when state or federal governments seize fentanyl shipments for them to explain the horrors it prevented by saying that it was enough fentanyl to kill X million Americans. (See, e.g., here and here.) And indeed, its a legitimate terrorism threat that these vast amounts of fentanyl could be aerosolized or introduced into water supplies.

Bondi, quite obviously, was also speaking about all those illicit drugs that are laced with fentanyl (see above), elevating them from merely stupid and self-destructive to completely deadly.

But of course, thats not how the Trump haters chose to interpret it. As Rolling Stone states, Pam Bondi Flatters Trump With Claim That 75% of America Would Be Dead if Not For Him.

Thats what one expects from leftists.

But where the real damage comes from is from those who portray themselves as righteous conservatives. Exhibit A is Jonah Goldberg, once one of the wittiest members of the conservative cocktail party circuit during the Bush II and Obama administrations.

His columns were always a delight, but Trump broke him. Now, he is someone who claims to be conservative but will always embrace a leftist cause if it means getting Trump. Hes Groucho Marx, without the humor, and with more destructive intent.

And so it was that Goldberg ignored Bondis obvious meaning and went for the disingenuous snark:

I cant even describe how absurd this is. My only sincere question is whether she knows its stupid nonsense or not. If she thinks this is true, thats disturbing. If shes just brazenly bs-ing thats also disturbing. pic.twitter.com/zhtuWRy4Pu  Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) April 30, 2025

Since the phrase Fifth Columnist originated during the 1930s Spanish Civil War, weve understood that the deadliest enemy often isnt necessarily the open one, arrayed against on the battlefield. Instead, its that fifth column, working from within to undermine a movement. The RINOs and NeverTrumpers are Americas Fifth Columnists, parading around in the uniform of conservatism, but doing their best, through snark, disinformation, and deliberate stupidity, to elevate the Democrats to permanent power.

Image: X screen grab.
While the enthusiasm among Israelis for President Donald J. Trumps Middle East policies has remained high, there are certainly some recent developments that might cause some wonderment, if not concern in Jerusalem.

Trumps bombastic threat to unleash hell on Hamas-controlled Gaza, if the Israeli hostages are not returned turned out to be empty. Fifty-nine Israeli hostages (living and dead) are still being held in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. Now the Trump administration and its hapless envoy Steven Witkoff are negotiating with the radical and oppressive Iranian regime, dealing with its nuclear disarmament.

Among many Israelis, and particularly within sections of the political right of center, the election of Donald Trump was received with immense joy. The prevailing feeling was that the Republican victory will help Israel deal with its many enemies seeking its destruction, especially Iran.

Though still hoping that their trust in Trump will be actualized, Israelis should have listened carefully to Trumps victory speech, when he emphatically said that he will not start new wars but finish them. This is perhaps why he sent Witkoff to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas and why Hamas released some Israeli hostages in February 2025.

Trump also dispatched Witkoff to Russia and Ukraine to help bring about a ceasefire and, ultimately, an anticipated peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

Trump is using the carrot and stick strategy. Regarding Iran, he is hoping to convince the ayatollahs to negotiate a deal that would end the Iranian race for a nuclear bomb, and in exchange (the carrot), the U.S. would help restore the disastrous Iranian economy. Trumps businessman thinking is centered on business deals; however, the consequences might be strengthening the ayatollahs stranglehold on the Iranian people while removing regime change from the equation.

The stick in this case was the credible threats Trump made to use the military option if Iran continues to reject a deal for nuclear disarmament. The U.S. has moved two aircraft carrier task forces to the Middle East area and has positioned B-2 advanced bombers in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, within striking distance of Iran.

The initial response of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Trumps negotiation offers was negative. They refused direct talks with the U.S.; however, the show of force displayed by Trump left them little room to maneuver.

The Ayatollah Khamenei regime can live with economic sanctions, but the Iranian people may not. The ayatollahs regime doesnt seem to care that much as long as it survives. Military action by the U.S. threatens the survival of the regime, and thus Tehran will put taqiyyah (dissimulation and deception) on high gear, certain that it will successfully deceive the naive American negotiators.

President Trump may not understand that the Iranians are seeking to buy time. Tehran will seek to exhaust the Americans into giving it the best possible deal, and the Iranians might even agree to temporarily shelve their nuclear program, knowing full well that time is on their side. Trump will not be in the White House forever, and they can wait out Trump for a more pliable U.S. president and then go full speed ahead for a bomb. They will have all the tools and facilities in storage, and it wont take long for them to acquire a bomb.

The current negotiations, headed by Witkoff, whom the Iranians will do all they can to bamboozle with their charm and flexibility, are bound to underwhelm. Witkoff, a real estate maven, is ignorant of Middle Eastern ways and of the Persian mind in particular. This offers the Iranians a golden opportunity to preserve their oppressive regime. Moreover, the negotiation with the Americans buys the Iranian regime quiet on the home front, and it presents the regime (hated by the majority of Iranians) as taking serious steps to improve the economy and remove the U.S. sanctions.

The Iranian regime may temporarily reduce its enrichment to a low level of 3.67, demanded initially by Witkoff, while being able to preserve its vital security interests, including the preservation of its nuclear program, albeit reduced in scope. The total dismantling of Irans nuclear program is Americas primary interest in the negotiations, yet for the Islamic Republic of Iran, the nuclear program, and ultimately a nuclear bomb, guarantees the regimes survival.

The Iranians will not do what the Libyan dictator Gaddafi did in 2003, when he voluntarily dismantled his nuclear program. They remember that in 2011, the West helped Libyan rebels topple the Gaddafi regime, and he was subsequently murdered. So ultimately, perhaps in two months, the deal or game will end, with Iran either getting a deal that is a bit harsher than the JCPOA but livable or, hopefully, Trump realizing that dealing with Iran is not another business deal and finally resorting to the military option.

It is hard to contemplate Trump initiating military action against Iran after promising to end wars and not start them. He has not experienced running a serious war situation, and the prosperity he promised to the American people will not happen with an expensive war. The alternative, however, is a nuclear Iran led by a fanatical regime that believes in an Islamic Armageddon that will usher in the arrival of the hidden imam.

With long-range missiles in the hands of the mullahs, and a nuclear bomb to boot, Iran is an existential threat not only to Israel, but to America and the entire world.

Israelis are still hoping that President Trump will recognize the threat from the current Iranian regime, and that ultimately only regime change in Iran might bring relative peace to the Middle East and beyond. Destroying Irans nuclear facilities might accomplish that.

Image via Pixabay.
An abuser will spook his victim, then prey on her fears to manipulate and control her. Having been stripped of any sense of individual confidence and self-worth, the victim may see her abuser as her protector. Here we have something akin to mass formation psychosis or Stockholm Syndrome.

Losing any sense of self-worth and worn down to the point of submission, many of the abused will then do and say what meets with the abuser's approval. Critical thinking skills are erased and the victim will blindly conform to authority. They will do what they are told when they are told without question.

This psychological dysfunction not only applies to individuals in relationships, but also to citizens and their governments.

During COVID, Canadians were subjected to mandated vaccines (which were ineffective) and were denied their right to travel, attend religious services, work, visit friends and family, and go to restaurants, gyms, and bars. Children were denied their right to attend school and likely suffered two years of intellectual (and probably psychosocial) delay. People who had social gatherings in their own homes were snitched on by neighbors. People had to wear masks which were useless, given that the gaps in these masks were one thousand to five thousand times the size of a COVID virus. They were nevertheless an effective means of control. After all, if you can get someone to wear a face diaper, what cant you get them to do? Adding insult to injury, polls indicated that most people supported this tyranny. They were only too happy to subordinate personal freedom for some false notion of state mandated security and safety. And all this for a virus that was not fatal for children and young adults and had an overall survival of 99.75% -- or was it 99.8%?

Woe to those who had the courage to fight back. Members of the Freedom Convoy had their bank accounts frozen and their trucks impounded. They were subjected to hefty fines, arrests, imprisonment, and, for good measure, they were roughed up by our state-sanctioned police forces. Right to peaceful protest was denied in a so-called free and democratic society, and too many cheered this on. They believed without question what government and authoritarian health bureaucrats told them. Doctors and nurses with the courage to challenge the prevailing orthodoxy were fired and stripped of their licenses. Alcohol and drug abuse, excessive weight gain, social isolation, depression, suicide, and suicidal ideation all spiked. The economy tanked and money was printed hand over fist, but there was never input from farmers, small business people, economists, and accountants. And at no time did our Liberal government hold the People's Republic of China to account for deliberately spreading this virus to the world by continuing to allow flights in and out of Wuhan.

Fast forward to Canada in early 2025, and President Trump's troll about Canada becoming the 51st state. Liberals, under new leadership, pounced by convincing many Canadians that the United States was an existential threat. People were spooked and fears were exploited for political gain. Contrary to even a scintilla of common sense, many genuinely believed that Donald Trump was going to annex us, and, only Mark Carney could save us. All this despite Pierre Poilievre's professed patriotism and his constructive proposal to drill baby drill and get pipelines to both coasts, so as to expand our fossil fuel markets to Europe and Asia and make us less dependent on the American market. By contrast, Carney promised the Quebec government that he would respect their demand that there be no Energy East pipeline to the Atlantic coast, and he committed himself to Bill C-69, which restricts fossil fuel exports to Asia. Oil and natural gas would lessen Asia's dependence on coal and be a win for the environment.

One wonders about people who take jokes, metaphors, figures of speech, and snarky sarcasm literally. Is it low intelligence? Mental illness? Both? Neither? It is a personality flaw to be sure.

In any event, the abused remain with their abuser, who has a renewed mandate to carry on with tyranny, censorship, a soft on crime catch-and-release policy, fiscal profligacy, and economic incompetence. The ship and crew responsible for the past nine-and-a-half years remain. The only change? Captain Hook replaced Peter Pan.

Image: AT Via Magic Studio
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The same government that allows improperly vetted (read: unvetted) illegal aliens (some of whom are no doubt violent criminals and terrorists) to board planes and fly across our nation with zero proof of identity is now harassing married women who are attempting to comply with the REAL ID deadline, which is almost upon us.

According to Fox News reporter Ashley J. DiMella, if youre a woman and youve had the audacity to live out traditional values and remain married to one husband for the last fifty years, you can expect problemsserious problems. If you dont have your original marriage certificate and you took your husbands namegood luck Chuck.

DiMella details the troubles of Dorothy Ballone, nee Hotchkiss, calling a logistical nightmare:

The nonagenarian has been working since February to track down the authentic document since being turned down on her first trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York. I found online all the documents that I would need, my Social Security [card], my birth certificate. A couple of things stating where you live, like your utility bill and your bank statement, stuff like that  and your marriage license, said Ballone.

Ballone had brought her name-changed social security card, her birth certificate, and multiple documents affirming her address to the DMV to get her REAL ID, but since she only had a copy of her marriage license from August of 1958 (an incredible 67 years ago), she was turned away and sent on a wild goose chase across a number of organizations, including multiple government agencies and the church who married her, trying to track it down. Eventually she didbut the DMV still rejected it. (Shes reportedly now working with her local representative and an assistant state commissioner.)

Hey, cant be too careful with little, ninety-year old grandmothers! Since profiling is also racist and prejudicial, Dotty from Rochester is just as much a potential threat as the Afghan Muhammadjust kidding, Dotty is worse, because shes an American citizengasp! The horror! Muhammad from Afghanistan is a refugee, a cultural asset, and a future doctor or engineerso he can fly no problem.

Alsowhere the heck is Trump on this? Why is REAL ID even being allowed to take effect? Obviously Kamala as president was about as unthinkable as it gets, but Im growing increasingly disillusioned.

Wheres the largest deportation operation in history that I voted for? Were at lower numbers Obummer.

Why did I still have to fork over an income tax? The yearly penalty I pay for being productive and holding down a job?

What is going on at the DOJ? We still dont have the Epstein files, which Pam Bondi promised us were sitting on her desk, and the FBI building is somehow, still staffedif you recall, Kash Patel toughly quipped while talking on a podcast (I think it was Bongino), that on Day One hed shut down the headquarters and turn it into a museum for the Deep State. In fact, under his leadership, there have been new hires, more spending, building updates and expansions, and promotions for lawyers who prosecuted the J6 patriots.

The government that apparently threw away the instructions on how to get to the moon (the official story as to why were re-figuring out how to return) thinks it has the license to make our lives hell over record-keeping.

Image: Public domain.
Over much of the past century, China, Japan, and South Korea have been bitter enemies. In the 1930s, the Japanese military gained control and mobilized the country for war. The rationale used to justify the war was Allied restrictions on raw materials essential for industrialization. But the famous Japanese economic historian Yasukitchie Yasuba refuted these claims, documenting that Japan had access to these raw materials through trade. Unfortunately, the Japanese generals won this argument and launched the most destructive war in human history.

After World War Two, Japan recovered to become a powerhouse in international trade. Large financial and industrial conglomerates (Zaibatsu) dominated Japanese industrialization from the Meiji Era until the end of World War Two, and Japan returned to this export-led economic growth model. China and South Korea followed Japans lead in pursuing export-led economic growth in the postWorld War Two period. As they became more integrated into the global economy, they also experienced industrialization and rapid economic growth.

The Trump administration has launched a new trade war, not unlike that during the Great Depression, when the U.S. imposed the Smoot-Hawley tariffs. The U.S. will impose a 10% across-the-board tariff on all imports. The tariffs imposed on some countries are even higher  Japan 24%, South Korea 25%. A major target in this trade war is China, which now faces an additional tariff of 34% on top of the initial 20%.

The trade war launched by the Trump administration will lead to beggar thy neighbor policies in other countries, just as they did during the Great Depression. To the extent that other countries retaliate with higher tariffs, this will diminish global trade even further. The WTO estimates that the Trump tariffs will reduce global merchandise trade by 1%. The outcome of this trade war will be retardation in economic growth that will negatively impact incomes and standards of living, especially in the developing world.

China, Japan, and South Korea have much to lose from the trade war. China will be especially hard hit by the tariffs imposed on its exports to the U.S. So it is not surprising that these countries are exploring ways to secure and expand their own trading relationships. They have made significant progress in expanding trade through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

In 2012, China, Japan, and South Korea initiated discussion of a trilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Not much progress was made in these discussions, but the tariff increases announced by the Trump administration have given new impetus to these negotiations. In the past week, Japan hosted trade ministers from China and South Korea to discuss trade relationships, including the triangular FTA. Initial discussions focused on securing supply chains among the three countries. Japan and South Korea are dependent on semiconductor raw materials from China, and China is interested in importing chip products from Japan and South Kora. Trilateral trade negotiations should ease restrictions on their trade, even if they do not lead to an FTA.

The trilateral trade negotiations between China, Japan, and South Korea set an important precedent for other countries, and especially the U.S. Not much progress has been made in multilateral trade negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) in recent years, but plurilateral trade agreements have allowed countries to reduce barriers to trade and investment. By focusing on industries where there is room for agreement, as China, Japan, and South Korea have in their negotiations, countries can secure supply chains and market access.

Over the past century, China, Japan, and South Kora have suffered from catastrophic wars, and they continue to have territorial disputes. But this has not prevented these countries from expanding trade and investment in mutually beneficial ways. Even though military conflict looms large in north Asia, this threat has not prevented these countries from expanding their trade ties.

Japan and South Korea, two of our best trading partners, now question their close trading ties to the U.S. As the U.S. abandons its role in promoting free trade and investment, we should expect other countries to negotiate trade agreements that exclude the U.S.

Trump has proposed that Canada become the 51st state and that the U.S. annex Greenland and the Panama Canal. It is not clear how serious these proposals are, but foreign countries are not taking any chances. They are pursuing bilateral and plurilateral trade agreements to protect their sovereignty as well as their trading relationships. The trade war is a threat to peace as well as global economic growth.

Barry W. Poulson is professor emeritus at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and on the board of the Prosperity for US Foundation. William Owens is a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is on the board of the Prosperity for US Foundation.

Image via Pxfuel.
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As long as youre queer and have depressionor youre one of Epsteins clients, or a Member of Congress, or an illegal alien, or a progressive activistyoure essentially entitled to commit whatever crimes, and terrorize whoever you want, without the threat of punitive consequences. At least, thats how the legal system, specifically the judiciary and the prosecutors, have been approaching lawlessness as of late.

Heres the latest, an example of beyond Twilight Zone politics: Elizabeth Weibel at Breitbart News reported yesterday that nineteen-year-old Owen McIntire, a suspected arsonist who allegedly used Molotov cocktails to firebomb a Kansas City, Missouri Tesla dealership, lighting two Cybertrucks and a couple of charging stations on fire, received a get-out-of-jail-free card because hes a trannyand hes got depressionand he cant focus.

Yes, seriously:

McIntires lawyers also argued that he be released, noting his medical and mental health needs. McIntire has reportedly been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, and gender dysphoria, according to court records.

(Im no doctor, but with a roughly 50% suicide rate in the trans world, both before and after transitioning, perhaps we ought to consider that the queerness and depression just *might* be linked?)

And, Judge Jessice Hedges concurredMcIntire is a good kid who loves his community:

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges agreed that Owen McIntire, 19, a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston, should be released after McIntires lawyers argued he be released, noting that he has no criminal record and that he has strong ties to his community in Missouri, according to KMBC News.

(Remind me to start a campaign to rid the judiciary of women next.)

My money is on McIntire being one of the paid vandalizers/goons on Soross or USAIDs books.

Were so committed to preventing ANYONE from rooting out and eliminating bureaucratic waste, that we will burn anything and everything to the ground just as long as were getting our agreed upon daily rate.

Image from Grok.
Its easy to laugh at the black American woman who allegedly moved to Ghana to escape racism, only to be confronted with giant spiders, grinding poverty, and the expectation that you pay your energy bills. However, the reality is that, if the video is legit, she made this disastrous move because leftist race hustlers sold her on the lie that America is a racist hellhole and Africa a black utopia. The hustlers havent moved, though, preferring vast wealth in America, while she really is living in hell.

For decades, leftists, especially black leftists, have been telling the masses that America is a country grounded in racism, so much so that no reform will change it. It is systemically racist, with every white person guilty of overt racism or the even more insidious microaggressions that destroy black peoples ability to thrive.

Just recently, Michelle Obama, wife of a two-term United States president, one of the wealthiest black women in the world, and someone who just wont shut up, whined about the horror of her unheard life:

Michelle Obama says black women dont complain enough because they havent been given permission to do that.



Could've fooled me pic.twitter.com/PsNVIUKhVq  Sara Rose  (@saras76) April 23, 2025

This wasnt surprising, given that Michelle also thought she was subject to a racist experience when short people like me asked her, a tall person, to grab something from the top shelf at the grocery store. For Americas elite and powerful black leftists, everything is racism, just as, to a hammer, everything is a nail. Yet, despite all the complaints about the hell they experience every day, none of these powerful blacks leave.

Race hustlers like Barack and Michelle Obama, Oprah, Al Sharpton, Eli Mystel, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ibram X. Kendi, and Nikole Hannah-Jones, have made bank, extending to the tens of millions or even the billions, by telling American blacks that the disappointments in their livespoverty, crime, drug addictionhave nothing to do with personal behavior, and everything to do with the horrors of black life in America. By making this argumentthat is, by denying blacks agencythey also deny blacks the ability to change.

And thats how you get this really tragic (although also laughable) video of a woman who claims that she moved to Africa to escape Americas racism:

Obese woman says she moved to Ghana to escape fictional White racism. Now she is coming back because of the:



"big ass lizards"

"bullshit sand"

"bullshit not having no snacks"

"old malnourished cow" pic.twitter.com/vNMdgSWTvU  National Conservative (@NatCon2022) April 29, 2025

A woman who says she moved from America to Ghana is now begging to come back to the US of A, after it turns out setting up shop in a third-world African nation rife with corruption and poverty wasnt all it was cracked up to be. I would rather go back to America and deal with racism in America before I sit here in Africa and deal with the bulls*** bribery, the bulls** fraud, the bulls** scams, the bulls** too expensive, the bulls** not having no snacks, the bulls** not having no food, the bulls** electricity, the bulls** hot water, the bulls**whats that shit called? Coming down? The bulls** animals outside the house, it's big ass spiders, it's big-ass lizards, all colors you aint never seen before, all in the f***ing room with you, sleeping in the room with you, the woman popped off in a video posted to social media. She also cited the "bulls*** sand" "bulls*** not having no snacks," as well as the fact that if she forgets to pay the electric bill in the U.S., she can still get her lights turned back on instantly, but that it takes hours if not days in Ghana. Im really trying to wrap my head around it. How are Americans coming to Africa and being happy? Please comment down below. Because for me, Im ready to go, she went on. I wanna take my businesses back to America. I wanna open up shop back in America, she said, saying she dreams of opening up her own dentistry back here.

We dont actually know the videos provenance, so it could be a con, but it certainly touches upon the reality of life in Africa versus the dystopian fantasy of life in America that leftist race hustlers foist on naive blacks.

If this woman, assuming shes legit, had been exposed to information outside of the intellectual ghetto leftists have created, she would never have left America. For example, theres Keith Richburgs brilliant Out Of America: A Black Man Confronts Africa, in which he describes the thrill of having been appointed as the Washington Posts African bureau chief only to discover that Africa is a desperately impoverished, corrupt, and dangerous continent:

I am terrified of Africa. I dont want to be from this place. In my darkest heart here on this pitch black African night, I am quietly celebrating the passage of my ancestor who made it out. [snip] Had my ancestor not made it out of here, I might have ended up there in that crowd, smiling gleefully, while a man with a cleaver cuts off the hands of a thief. Or maybe I would have been one of those bodies, arms and legs bound together, washing over the waterfall in Tanzania. Or maybe my son would have been set ablaze by soldiers. Or I would be limping now from the torture I received in some rancid police cell. And then maybe I would be thinking: How lucky those black Americans are! Its been said time and again that nothing makes you appreciate your own country like traveling away from it, and America has been like that for me. I see the flaws, I curse the intolerance, I recoil from the racial and ethnic tensions. And I become infuriated at the often mindless political debate that to me never seems to cut deeper than the crispest sound bite. But even with all thatmaybe because of itI recognize that its the only place I truly belong. Its home. (Richburg, Keith B.. Out Of America pp. 233, 235.)

Or perhaps she might have read Kim du Toits powerful essay entitled Let Africa Sink. He explains that, in a way, Africa is just a catapult for every person toward early and awful death:

In Africa, life is cheap. There are so many ways to die in Africa that death is far more commonplace than in the West. You can die from so many things: snakebite, insect bite, wild animal attack, disease, starvation, food poisoning the list goes on and on. At one time, crocodiles accounted for more deaths in sub-Saharan Africa than gunfire, for example. Now add the usual human tragedy (murder, assault, warfare and the rest), and you can begin to understand why the life expectancy for an African is low  in fact, horrifyingly low, if you remove White Africans from the statistics (they tend to be more urbanized, and more Western in behavior and outlook). Finally, if you add the horrifying spread of AIDS into the equation, anyone born in sub-Saharan Africa this century will be lucky to reach age forty. [snip] The prognosis is bleak, because none of this mayhem shows any sign of ending. The conclusions are equally bleak, because, quite frankly, there is no answer to Africas problems, no solution that hasnt been tried before, and failed. Just go to the CIA World Fact Book, pick any of the African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi etc.), and compare the statistics to any Western country (eg. Portugal, Italy, Spain, Ireland). The disparities are appalling  and its going to get worse, not better. It has certainly got worse since 1960, when most African countries achieved independence. We, and by this I mean the West, have tried many ways to help Africa. All such attempts have failed. Charity is no answer. Money simply gets appropriated by the first, or second, or third person to touch it (17 countries saw a decline in real per capita GNP between 1970 and 1999, despite receiving well over $100 billion in World Bank assistance). Food isnt distributed. This happens either because there is no transportation infrastructure (bad), or the local leader deliberately withholds the supplies to starve people into submission (worse). Materiel is broken, stolen or sold off for a fraction of its worth. The result of decades of foreign aid has resulted in a continental infrastructure which, if one excludes South Africa, couldnt support Pittsburgh.

Its true that, as Thomas Sowell explains in one of his books (this one or this one), Africa has some serious geographic hurdles, not the least of which is that it has almost no good ports. Rivers either dont run to the ocean reliably, or the coast abruptly falls off into steep cliffs.

Also, as Jared Diamond wrote in Guns, Germs, and Steel, Africa had a natural dearth of domesticable animals. (None of those animals you see in nature documentaries, even if they look like horses or cows, can be domesticated.) Theres a reason mankind left Africa tens of thousands of years ago.

And of course, had this woman read the headlines, she would have one African nation after another destroyed by communism, racial, and sectarian (i.e., Muslim) violence. But she knew none of this. She only knew what the race hustlers told her, and now shes trapped in the kind of pre-modern poverty that no longer exists in America.

So, while the video is open to ridicule, I believe that this woman is more to be pitied than censured.

Image: X screen grab.
When Apple first previewed Apple Intelligence, it promised to offer a lot. Unfortunately, the company has failed to deliver advanced AI features. While the Cupertino tech giant has pushed a few AI features with recent updates, they are, frankly, quite basic. Its clear for now that Apple is far behind Google in the AI race. That being said, Apple is serious about AI, which is why it is talking about a deal with Google to bring Gemini to Apple devices, while it continues to work on Apple Intelligence.

Google hopes the AI deal will finalize so it can add Gemini to Apple devices

According to Reuters, Google and Apple have been in talks for an AI partnership for about a year. However, there werent many details about these talks in the news until yesterday. During a recent federal antitrust trial, Googles CEO, Sundar Pichai, revealed that both companies are getting ready to integrate Gemini into Apple Intelligence.

If the agreement finalizes, you can hear about it at the WWDC 2025 event, alongside the iOS 19 announcement. Apples struggle with Apple Intelligence is all over the news. The company recently shuffled its team to hire a new Siri head to get things going and push a much-awaited update to its digital assistant without further delays.

On the other hand, Googles Gemini AI is far ahead of what Apple offers via Apple Intelligence. With Googles help, Apple hopes to bring AI features on Apple devices up to par with competitors.

Gemini is one of the top AI models in the market

Its worth noting that Apple isnt giving up on Apple Intelligence just yet. Once available, Gemini will be there on iPhone as an option; it wont replace the existing AI features. Google Gemini is currently one of the popular AI models in the market, with ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Llama among the competitors. In February, a few reports hinted that Apple is partnering with Alibaba after rejecting DeepSeek for the China AI launch.
Samsung is one of the smartphone companies that decided early on to invest in mobile AI as a business model for growth. Their collaboration with Google likely helped them take that path. Both companies are pioneers in implementing AI in phones and tablets. Samsung will continue its focus on AI in future products like the Galaxy Tab S11 series, as they recently confirmed. Wearables will also have significant prominence, they said.

Today, Samsung disclosed its quarterly earnings for Q1 2025 to analysts on a call. The quarter appears to have been positive for the company regarding mobile device earnings. Samsung reported a 21.7% increase in net income, thanks largely to sales of the Galaxy S25 series. Were talking about approximately $5.75 billion in profits.

The Galaxy Tab S11 series will focus on AI; next-gen Galaxy Watch devices will be redesigned

The South Korean giant also teased what we can expect from future products. Samsung mentioned the Galaxy Tab S11 lineup, stating that it will be focused on AI. The company will likely develop new exclusive features enabled by the tablets unique large-screen form factor.

Additionally, Samsung revealed that the upcoming Galaxy Watch series will get a redesign. Sadly, there are no further official details about what this redesign will bring. According to a recent report, Samsung will bring back the Classic model for the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. This is great news for fans of the rotating bezel. It will be interesting to see what Samsung has in store for its next smartwatches.

Both the Galaxy Tab S11 series and the Galaxy Watch 8 series are expected to arrive sometime in H2 2025. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic have already been spotted by certifying bodies, confirming their model numbers. Theres no information yet on their tech specs or the improvements theyll bring. However, well likely see new features based on artificial intelligence.

Recently, Samsung also highlighted its expansion into new product categories. The company will launch its first Android XR headset this year in collaboration with Google.
The launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge may have just been confirmed by Samsung unofficially, thanks to the leak of a new teaser for an upcoming event. This also isnt the first time the launch of Samsungs extra-thin phone has come up. Initially, Samsung was supposed to launch the phone in April, but the launch was reportedly delayed. It was then rumored more than once to be arriving in May, with launch in South Korea happening on May 13, and at the end of the month for the US.

Todays new teaser image seems to line up with that, at least for the initial full reveal date. Even though Samsung revealed the Galaxy S25 Edge earlier this year, it hasnt talked about the majority specs or new features. All the company has really done is show off the official design at Unpacked. That should be changing in a few weeks, however.

As mentioned earlier, the date of May 13 being the launch date for Samsungs upcoming phone isnt really new information. However, so far, this date has only come to light through rumors and reports. A leaked image from Evan Blass on X indicates that those reports were correct. So, it looks like Samsung will reveal and possibly launch the Galaxy S25 Edge in just a couple of weeks.

The image, which you can see below, says Beyond Slim, suggesting this is a teaser for the Galaxy S25 Edge  Samsungs slimmest phone so far. Its also accompanied by a date. The date is in Italian and reads 13 maggio 2025, or May 13, 2025, in English. So there you have it. Samsungs trademark design for these kinds of promotional images lists the date of May 13 and seems to be hiding a slim device.

The phone should arrive before June

Regardless of whether the US is part of a May 13 launch date or not, it should arrive before June if the launch date information is accurate. There are conflicting rumors about it launching on May 13 and on May 30. So its still not quite clear what Samsung plans to do for its launch strategy.

At least one report suggests Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy S25 Edge in Korea first. So, maybe the company will simply show it off completely in all regions on May 13. While staggering the launch region by region. In either case, the phone seems to be right around the corner.
The biggest fear for tech fans regarding Trumps tariffs is the potential impact they will have on the price of their favorite products. Unfortunately, weve already seen a few cases where this has happened. For example, the OnePlus Watch 3 is now slightly pricier in the US. Now, Samsung is warning about the potential impact of tariffs on its products in the US.

Samsung recently held an earnings call. The company disclosed its financial results for Q1 2025 to analysts and reporters, revealing some interesting details. The firm confirmed that sales of the Galaxy S25 series have been a hit. The company also teased what we can expect for its flagship tablets and smartwatches this year. Basically, AI implementation will continue to be a major focus.

Samsung projects reduced demand for its products

Samsungs chief financial officer Soon-cheol Park also said during the earnings call that ongoing uncertainty surrounding US tariff policies continues to pose a potential risk of demand slowdown. The company projects that the tariff effects of recent US measures will impact demand for its products. This will particularly affect the AI chips Samsung sells to China. Samsung was earning healthy revenue by shipping AI chips authorized by the Washington administration to China. However, the updated trade restrictions will prevent it from continuing to do so.

Potentially more expensive devices

The executive also expects an increase in the prices of key components for its products. This includes the components for the companys main smartphones. The increase in costs will directly impact their profit margins, forcing them to increase the prices of their products in the US due to Trumps tariffs. It remains to be seen how much the price of the South Korean giants devices increases. Samsung must find price tags that allow it to maintain acceptable profit margins while not alienating millions of potential buyers.

In addition to smartphones, the US tariffs could increase the price of Samsung TVs. Potentially, the tariffs could also affect other home appliances. The impact of the tariffs on product prices will also depend largely on the actions taken by the current Washington administration on tariffs in the coming weeks.

Some key products could maintain their price

According to a recent report, Samsung will announce the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 this year. The wearable could have the same launch price as the current generation. If the report is true, Samsung could still maintain prices on key products to some extent. Perhaps the company is willing to absorb some of the impact of the tariffs on certain devices in order not to lose potential sales.
The launch date of the XR headset from Samsung has been a hot topic of late, with what now appears to be a confirmation from Samsung that it will be launching in 2025. Samsungs first XR device, a headset that it has termed Project Moohan internally, runs on Googles upcoming Android XR platform. Google will seemingly be talking about the launch of the first Android XR device at its annual I/O event that happens in May.

Neither Google nor Samsung explicitly mentions Project Moohan by name. However, what they do say paints a pretty clear picture of what to expect. In Googles I/O schedule, theres a session dedicated to Android XR, and in it, Google explains that it will be talking about essential knowledge for the public launch of Android XR later this year. This, at the very least, signifies that there will be an Android XR device launching in 2025. What suggests it might be Samsungs Project Moohan headset are previous rumors that it would launch this year. And now that appears to be confirmed.

Its worth reiterating that Samsung doesnt specifically mention Project Moohan or an official name for it. However, its latest earnings call highlights the exploration of a new product segment. Specifically, XR.

In H2 2025, the MX Business will strengthen its foldable lineup by offering a differentiated AI user experience. In addition, the Business will launch new ecosystem products with enhanced AI and health capabilities, and explore new product segments such as XR, the company says.

Again, while Samsung doesnt mention Project Moohan or an exact launch date, its not hard to deduce what is being discussed. Samsung is seemingly working on only one XR product at the moment. That would be Project Moohhan. The XR headset that its partnering with Google to make. In exploring the new XR product segment later this year, Samsung is almost certainly referencing a hardware launch.

H2 refers to the second half of the year

This is the other key detail that signifies Samsung is looking to launch an XR device near the end of the year. H2 refers to the second half of the year. Where the use of the label Q2 refers to the second quarter.

Of course, the second half of the year begins in July, so, technically, Samsung could launch an XR device anytime between July and the end of December. Having said that, it seems more likely that the headset will be coming later in the year than in July. Samsung may not even launch the headset in the Summer. It may, however, show off more of it at its upcoming Unpacked, which does happen during the Summer. So even if it doesnt launch the headset this early, it might at least give out more details about it.
Texas has become a key hub for multiple big tech companies. Both domestic and foreign firms have established gigantic plants in the area. This economic activity has generated billions, and Samsung is among the top names here. Samsungs US chip facilities generated around $19.8 billion for the Texas economy in 2024 alone, even amid the difficult situation in its semiconductor branch.

Samsung has been investing in establishing plants in Texas for decades. More specifically, the companys first investments date back to 1996. The company currently has two campuses in Austin and began construction of another in Taylor in 2022. Operating expenses for the two factories on the Austin campus alone have cost the company around $18 billion. These figures reflect the significant impact the South Korean giant has had on the growth of the local economy.

Samsungs US chip facilities contributed $19.8 billion to the Texas economy last year

Now, Samsung has shared its 2024 Economic Impact Report. This is a financial report prepared by third-party auditors. The document reflects the contributions that Samsungs US chip facilities have had in the state of Texas. It also considers the ongoing construction of the new factory in Taylor.

According to the report, the Texas economy benefited from $19.8 billion generated by the firms chip plants. This resulted in approximately 38,498 jobs and $2.6 billion in wage payments. Its noteworthy that the report considers both the plants direct activity and the indirect activity generated. The list includes campus visitors, payments to truck drivers for suppliers, and compensation to direct and indirect workers.

The report adds that the companies economic activity also generated $220.5 million in revenue for the corresponding taxing districts, $2.9 billion for area suppliers, and $236.3 million in local products/services.

Upcoming company investments in Texas

Samsung plans to invest more than $37 billion to increase its presence in the area. The decision now seems even smarter considering Trumps tariffs. The US presidents policies offer concessions to companies that invest in the country to create jobs and help the economy grow. The plant under construction in Taylor, Texas, alone will require an investment of approximately $17 billion. This will result in $12 billion in benefits for the construction sector and more than 3,500 direct jobs.
Googles newest budget phone just launchedbut you can already score one of the best Pixel deals of the year. Right now, Amazon is offering the brand-new Google Pixel 9a for $499, and theyre throwing in a $100 Amazon gift card for free. That effectively brings the price down to $399, making it one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on Googles powerful AI features.

The Pixel 9a might be a midrange phone, but its built with premium smarts. It runs on the Tensor G3 chipthe same processor found in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Probringing Googles latest AI tools like Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Circle to Search, and Live Translate. It also comes with seven years of software updates, putting it far ahead of most phones at this price point.

Youll also get the signature Pixel camera quality, with Googles computational photography turning out sharp, vibrant photos even in challenging lighting. The 6.1-inch OLED display looks great, the phone feels compact and sturdy in the hand, and its unlocked for use on all major U.S. carriers.

Google Pixel 9a + $100 Amazon Gift Card  $499 This is Googles latest Pixel device, and it starts at just $499. However, Amazon is bundling a $100 gift card for free. Perfect for picking up a case or two, as well as a charger  since theres not one in the box. Expires May 10, 2025 Buy From Buy at Amazon

What Youre Getting:

Google Pixel 9a (128 GB, Unlocked)  $499

Free $100 Amazon Gift Card included automatically

No rebate, no codegift card ships with your device

Valid 5/1/2025 through 5/10/2025

If youre looking for a reliable Android phone that doesnt break the bankbut still keeps pace with more expensive flagshipsthe Pixel 9a is a smart buy. And with a $100 gift card in the mix, its hard to pass up.
If Apple wants to escape Trumps tariffs, the best thing it can do is bring iPhone manufacturing to the US. Right now, Apple relies heavily on China to produce the iPhone. During a recent interview with CNBC, Trumps Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Apple CEO Tim Cook told him that robots are the key to bringing iPhone production stateside.

Robots to make iPhones in the US

More specifically, Cook says that Apple needs access to robots with arms that can manage the scale and precision required to manufacture its iPhones. I need to have the robotic arms to do it at a scale and precision that would allow me to bring it here.

This is a slight change in tone compared to what Apples leaders have said about US manufacturing in the past. For instance, Cook had previously stated that countries like China have a concentration of skilled labor that Apple needs to manufacture its iPhones. This is a similar sentiment that Apples late co-founder Steve Jobs also expressed.

Cook was quoted as saying, The reason is because of the skill, the quantity of skill in one location, and the type of skill it is. Like the products we do require really advanced tooling, and the precision that you have to have in tooling and working with the materials we do are state of the art. And the tooling skill is very deep here.

Possible in theory, but is it practical?

This doesnt mean that Apple cant bring iPhone manufacturing to the US. Its just that maybe the US manufacturing scene isnt equipped to meet Apples demands. Of course, Apple could invest time and money into building factories and production plants in the US. But thats not something that will happen overnight.

It will take Apple years and a lot of money to make it happen. It could also impact the overall cost of the iPhone. American workers will most likely demand a higher wage. It will definitely be more than what Apple pays its factory workers in countries like China, India, and Brazil. Will that actually happen? That remains to be seen.

So far, Apple has been lucky enough to escape Trumps tariffs (for now). However, the company isnt waiting around to see what happens. Last we heard, Apple plans to shift most of its US iPhone production from China to India.
As many of you know, Google is in the middle of a remedies trial, following its defeat in the search dominance case last year. Were following along with whats happening at the trial, and the latest info is quite interesting. Googles CEO, Sundar Pichai, took the stand and basically said that DOJs antitrust remedies would mean the destruction of Google Search.

Is the destruction of Google Search coming? Google CEO criticizes the DOJs plan

Its not exactly a secret that the Department of Justice (DOJ) wants Google to divest Chrome. It seems that as one of the crucial steps to breaking Googles search monopoly. That move has been talked about far and wide, and a number of parties showed interest in Chrome. That includes OpenAI, Perplexity, Yahoo, and more.

In addition to that, the DOJ also wants Google not to make search engine agreements like the one it has with Apple, and to share critical portions of its search data with competitors at a marginal cost. That includes how it ranks search results and query understanding information.

Sundar Pichai said that such remedies would basically be the end of Google Search. Pichai said, according to The New York Times, that if Google had to share data, it would likely stop investing in search.

These remedies would prevent Google from innovating Google Search, says CEO

He said: The combination of all the remedies, I think, makes it unviable to invest in R&D the way we have for the past three decades, to continue to innovate and build Google search.

Pichai added that the data sharing requirement would be a de facto divestiture of Googles intellectual property. That would allow other companies to completely reverse engineer, end-to-end, every aspect of [Googles] technology stack. He also referred to that demand by the DOJ as extraordinary and far-reaching.

Googles CEO also indicated that the company wants to be able to make deals like the one with Apple. He did say Google will keep them non-exclusive, and they can be renegotiated on an annual basis. He noted its upcoming deals with Apple and OpenAI as examples. As a reminder, Google wants to add Gemini to the iPhone, to Apple Intelligence, basically.

Prior to the trial, Google said that it would appeal, which was known after the initial trial ended. The appeal is coming after Judge Amit Mehta makes a decision, which is expected by August. If we count in Googles appeal, this case could go on for quite some time before everything is finalized.
When you think of smart rings, you might think of the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Samsung has excellent branding and reputation, so its not hard to see why this is what most people think about. However, before Samsung, there was Oura. Ouras smart rings have since been copied by its competitors. But now it looks like Oura is getting justice for that in a trade case in the US.

Oura getting justice

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled in favor of Oura. The ITCs ruling says that Ouras competitors, namely Ultrahuman and RingConn have infringed upon key Oura patents for its smart rings. This implies that the US could ban the sale of these companies products unless they successfully appeal the ITCs ruling.

While it might be hard to argue that some products are direct copies of another, Ultrahuman and RingConn didnt help their cause. For example, Ultrahuman was actually caught faking evidence. The company claimed it had a US manufacturing plant in Texas. However, later investigations revealed that it had simply photoshopped its logos onto a third-party facility. The firm also altered internal documents to mimic the appearance of domestic production.

This led to the judge presiding over the case to call Ultrahumans CEO not credible, while slamming the companys lack of truthfulness. RingConns CEO also admitted under oath that the company had studied Ouras rings.

Oura issued a statement on the ruling of its trade case in the US, saying, Were happy with the initial determination, which validates our position and the strength of our patents in the U.S. The initial determination is subject to review by the full Commission in the coming months, and were optimistic that the Commission will make a similar determination that Ouras inventions and patents are being infringed upon by foreign competitors.

Rise in smart rings

For the longest time, smartwatches and fitness trackers were the wearables of choice for many. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch continue to be extremely popular. However, smart rings are a great alternative. Theyre smaller and less intrusive compared to smartwatches. Furthermore, the lack of a display means that battery life is generally better.

Its perfect for those who want to track their fitness but want something more discreet. Samsungs arrival on the scene probably helped boost the categorys popularity. We heard that Samsung is planning a successor to the Galaxy Ring soon.
If Trumps tariffs go into effect, they will affect countries and companies all around the world. They will impact China the most. Currently, the tariffs against imported Chinese goods stand at a staggering 145%. This is why more companies are looking to shift production away from China. This might include Samsung, where, according to Trump, he heard the Korean tech giant is planning massive production facilities in the US.

Samsung bringing production to the US?

Speaking during a meeting at the White House, Trump told reporters he heard about Samsungs plan for building production facilities in the US. He was quoted as saying, I heard Samsung is now, because of tariffs, they are going to build massive facilities in the United States. If we didnt do the tariffs, they wouldnt be doing that. He brought up Samsung again during another event with business leaders.

Even Samsung whose name isnt mentioned here, but I heard that they announced this morning that theyre going to be building a very big plant because they want to be able to beat the tariffs. Its the only way to beat them.

Samsung hasnt confirmed anything yet. However, the company did say that it is considering relocating the production of some of its TVs and home appliances to minimize the impact of the tariffs. Manufacturing those could be significantly easier compared to its mobile products, which are smaller and more complex.

Samsung will need access to skilled labor and certain types of equipment. This is the same reason Apple has stated over the years why it has continued to rely on China. It isnt so much about the cheaper labor (which were sure plays a role) as the concentrated amount of skilled labor in the country.

More companies coming to the US

Samsung is not alone in considering moving some of its production to the US. Other foreign companies, such as TSMC, are also looking to step up their presence in the US. However, these changes will not happen overnight. Setting up production facilities, training staff, and scaling things up to meet demand will probably take years.

However, its not a bad idea for companies to diversify their supply chains. Trumps tariffs are definitely a good motivator.
Customers shop electronics at an Apple store on 14 April in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Apples second-quarter financials came in slightly higher than Wall Streets expectations on Thursday.

The tech giant reported revenue of $95.4bn, up more than 4% over last year, and earnings per share of $1.65, up more than 7%. Analysts had predicted revenue of $94.5bn and earnings of $1.62. The company, worth $3.2tn, has beaten Wall Streets expectations for the previous four quarters.

Investors have been keeping their eyes on Apple as it prepared to report its financial results . The tech giant has been working to calm nervous analysts after Donald Trump levied sweeping tariffs on countries around the world that are likely to complicate supply chains for consumer electronics. Since the beginning of the year, Apples stock has slumped 16%.

During a call with investors on Thursday, Apples CEO, Tim Cook, said that he expects the tariffs to add $900m to its costs for the upcoming quarter that ends in June. Thats assuming, he said, that the global tariff rates dont change again. Cook declined to speculate further into the future, saying: Im not sure what will happen with the tariffs  Its very difficult to predict beyond June.

In after-hours trading, the companys stock dropped by more than 4%, likely due to the tariff news and its services division reporting revenue that missed Wall Streets expectations, despite growth over last year. The division covers iCloud subscriptions and revenue from various licensing deals. Sales in China also missed estimates.

Cook remained positive, however, saying that the company was reporting strong quarterly results and were very engaged on the tariff discussions.

Related: White House insists iPhones will be US-made  but Apple calls it a non-starter

The iPhone maker is heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing for its phones, tablets and laptops. Days after Trump instituted soaring tariffs on China, at one point as high as 245%, the president said he would make an exception for consumer electronics.

Cook spoke to senior White House officials around this time, according to the Washington Post. It was after these conversations that Trump announced his exception for consumer electronics. Apples stock rose 7% in the days after the announcement.

However, it is unclear how lasting the reprieve may be. Howard Lutnick, the US commerce secretary, has called the exemption temporary, and even Trump later said on social media that theres been no exception.

The president has repeatedly said he wants to see more manufacturing in the US. In February, he met with Cook to discuss investing in US manufacturing. Hes going to start building, Trump said after the meeting. Very big numbers  you have to speak to him. I assume theyre going to announce it at some point.

JP Morgan estimates costs would skyrocket for Apple if it moves production to the US, saying in a note this week that it could drive a 30% price increase in the near-term, assuming a 20% tariff on China. JP Morgan and other analysts have said Apple could continue to move more of its manufacturing to India, which only faces a 10% tariff.

Related: $2,150 for an iPhone? Trump tariffs are category 5 price storm

Apple chartered jets to airlift some $2bn worth of iPhones from India to the US earlier this month to boost inventory in anticipation of price hikes from Trumps tariffs and panic-buying by worried consumers. This comes as investors have expressed concerned about decreasing iPhone sales in China, the worlds biggest smartphone market. During its last earnings in January, Apple reported that iPhone sales fell by 11.1% in China in the first quarter and missed Wall Streets expectations for iPhone revenue.

Cook said during the investor call that China would continue to be a major manufacturer for the company, but that for the June quarter India would be producing more iPhones for Apple and Vietnam would make more iPads and Macs. The existing tariffs that apply to Apple today depend on products country of origin, he said. India and Vietnam have lower tariffs than China.

In the short term, analysts say the tariff confusion could benefit Apple as people rush to buy more of its products in fear that prices will rise. What remains to be seen in the longer term is how much of any increased cost will be passed on to consumers, said Dipanjan Chatterjee, principal analyst for Forrester, and if [consumers] will absorb these price increases without pulling back on demand for Apple products.
The BBC has announced a range of programming along with a new documentary series to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Live Aid.

Live Aid At 40 will reveal the behind-the-scenes story of the charity concerts organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, featuring exclusive interviews with the Irish singer, former US president George Bush and Bono.

The show will also look at the events legacy when it airs in July on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure at Wembley Stadium (Ian West/PA)

Emma Hindley, BBC commissioning editor, said: The series takes the audience on an irresistible and entertaining ride through the 40 years since the biggest live concert ever was shown on TV.

Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with an array of stars of rock and pop, Live Aid At 40 revels in the music, unravels the politics and explores the legacy of Live Aid.

Also featuring on the channel in July will be Live Aid The Concert (working title), which will give viewers a chance to relive more than six-and-a-half hours of extended highlights on the BBC for the first time since 1985.

On the 40th anniversary on Saturday July 13, BBC Radio 2 will air Live Aid  The Fans Story, introduced by Radio 2s Paul Gambaccini, who will speak about his involvement on the day, while listeners will also hear from the likes of Status Quos Francis Rossi and Rob Halford of Judas Priest.

Fans who were there on the day will also have their say on the radio special, speaking about how they travelled from different parts of the UK to be at Wembley on that day, recalling the pre-internet world of gigging.

The Making Of Do They Know Its Christmas, which was broadcast on BBC Four in November 2024, is also now available on BBC iPlayer.

The Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia aimed to raise money for the Ethiopian famine, with the likes of David Bowie, Queen and Sir Elton John all performing.
Bill Blatch at a Sauternes tasting in 2024. He was a bridge between Bordeaux wine houses and their followers around the world for 40 years Photograph: none

My brother, Bill Blatch, who has died aged 76 of a heart attack, devoted himself joyfully to the wine trade in Bordeaux for 40 years, selling across the world and supplying the influential Southwold annual tastings for the UK wine trade, which he organised each year with the London traders Farr Vintners.

Bill  described as the wine whisperer of Bordeaux  made Sauternes his life, and played an important role as a bridge between Bordeaux wine houses and their many followers in the UK and the US. Never pretentious, he had the habit of decanting fine vintages into plastic cola bottles he carried around for the job, most memorably a 1964 Moet that he produced for a Masters of Wine meeting. He relished his American road trips promoting his beloved petits chateaux.

Born in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, Bill was the son of Pamela (nee Beachcroft), a Wren in the second world war, and John Blatch, later company secretary to the fishmonger business Mac Fisheries. He boarded at Bradfield college, Berkshire, then spent a year teaching in France.

An early entrant into the wine trade, he worked for a period with Stowells wine merchants in Gerrards Cross before starting a modern languages degree at Magdalen College, Oxford in 1967. Beginning a pattern throughout his life of generosity and conviviality, he befriended his college cellar master, who recognised his palate early on.

Bill could not resist the allure of France. In 1973 he married Tita Marsan, a Frenchwoman, and the following year they set up home in Bordeaux, where Bill became an established wine personality. He qualified as a master of wine and worked for two different wine merchants before founding his own business, Vintex, in 1982.

After selling the company in 2006, he established an online business, Bordeaux Gold, specialising in Barsac and Sauternes. This is where he is best remembered, working with his beloved Sauternes, about which he was incredibly knowledgable; in 2014 he was made a Chevalier de LOrdre Nationale du Merite for his services to the wine trade.

Two of Bills great passions were fishing and scuba diving. He loved his annual expedition into the Canadian wilderness, setting up camp at various rugged locations, where he fished and lived off the land, once unexpectedly shooting the rapids in Hudson Bay. Bill had a huge and varied cohort of friends, one of whom described him as a joy to be with, remembering his incredible wealth of stories and information. Bills life ended doing what he loved, watching the fishes and swimming among them while snorkelling off Tahiti.

He is survived by Tita, his nephew, Adam, and me.
The body of a 16-year-old boy has been found in a lake in Nottingham as police warned of the dangers of open water amid a warm spell across the UK.

Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park at around 5.20pm on Wednesday after the boy got into difficulty while swimming.

Nottinghamshire Police said his body was found shortly before 8pm the same day.

Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with forecasters predicting temperatures could hit 30C.

The force said the boys family have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Chief Inspector David Mather said: While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water  regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.

As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that  particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Tom Staples added: This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water. We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

The London Fire Brigade previously urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.

The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday  making it the warmest day of the year so far.

The previous high was 24.5C in St Jamess Park, London, on Monday, which reached 24.7C on Tuesday.

Temperatures are expected to ease by Friday, and Saturday will bring cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK.
Gerry Adams has told a court that a BBC response to his complaint over an allegation that he had sanctioned the murder of an informer was absolutely insulting.

The former MP and Sinn Fein leader is continuing to give evidence in his libel case against the broadcaster at the High Court in Dublin.

Mr Adams told the court on Thursday that the BBC had doubled down on its story after he had challenged it in 2016.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Gerry Adams was giving evidence at the High Court in Dublin (Arthur Carron/PA)

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

Mr Adams entered the witness box for a third day where he faced further questioning from his counsel, Declan Doyle SC.

Mr Doyle began by reading several letters from Mr Adams and the BBCs legal teams which had been issued in the months after the Spotlight programme was broadcast and before legal action was launched.

Mr Adams lawyers had written to the BBC seeking an apology and damages.

In the letters, the barrister said that the BBC had denied that the meaning of their programme was that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson.

But the letters from Mr Adams lawyers insisted the sting of the broadcast was the allegation he had given the green light for the murder.

In the Spotlight programme, which was shown in court earlier this week, an interview with an anonymous source known as Martin alleged Mr Adams sanctioned the killing.

The court heard that a letter from Mr Adams solicitors said: We remain extremely concerned; is it the case that the BBC stand over the allegation?

The interview was contrived in such a way that the anonymous source was not challenged in any way.

The BBC responded by stating that it had complied with editorial guidelines in making the Spotlight programme.

Asked if he had been satisfied with the response from the BBC after his lawyers had raised a complaint, Mr Adams told the court patently not.

Adam Smyth, director for BBC Northern Ireland, outside the High Court in Dublin (Arthur Carron/PA)

He said: The BBC doubled down on the allegation.

He said he had attempted to get the matter resolved without it coming to court.

Mr Adams pointed out that an article remained on the BBC website with the headline Gerry Adams sanctioned Denis Donaldson killing'.

The former Sinn Fein president said there had been all manner of tittle-tattle and gossip in the months after the Spotlight programme.

He told the court he had instructed his solicitors to resolve the matter.

Mr Doyle said there were three main points in the BBC legal correspondence to Mr Adams  that the programme did not carry the meaning that he had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson, that it was responsible journalism and that it had complied with BBC editorial guidelines.

Mr Adams said: The headline on the website was very clear.

The barrister asked him what he felt about the BBC response to his complaint.

He said: Absolutely insulting, absolutely arrogant, this is a public broadcaster.

The public pay for all of this.

Gerry Adams is expected to be cross-examined on Friday (Arthur Carron/PA)

Mr Adams added: They just dismissed it (the complaint), it was offensive, it was insulting and it is what has all of us here today.

Mr Adams was then asked to read a statement he had released on the day of the murder of Mr Donaldson in 2006 when he condemned the killing.

In the statement, Mr Adams said the security services had ruthlessly used Denis Donaldson to collapse the democratic process and that it was clear those who murdered him are against the peace process.

The judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens then told the jury that some legal issues would be dealt with before the BBC barristers began their cross-examination of Mr Adams.

The arguments relate to the admissibility of evidence.

Mr Adams is expected to be cross-examined on Friday.

The case is expected to last four weeks.

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 Irish parliament for nine years until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.
Trumpet of Patriots Senate candidate Harold Fong, whose name appears on unsolicited text messages from the party, said he had authorised the messages but had not personally sent them. Photograph: Aap Image/AAP

Australians have been infuriated this election cycle, yet again, by a deluge of unsolicited text messages from a political party associated with Clive Palmer.

You dont need to be welcomed to your own country, 3% home loans Vote 1 Trumpet of Patriots, some of the texts read.

The messages have been authorised by a H Fong for Trumpet of Patriots  Palmers latest venture  but who is the man behind the texts?

On the partys website, Harry Fong is described as Trumpet of Patriots lead Senate candidate for Queensland and a highly respected barrister with extensive experience in criminal law, civil litigation [and] dispute resolution.

For too long, Australians have been trapped under a political duopoly where Labor and Liberal make backroom deals that serve themselves rather than the people, the website says.

Related: Why am I getting Trumpet of Patriots spam text messages? Are they legal  and can I stop them?

Fed-up Australians found barrister Harry Fong listed on the Queensland Bar website, and documented their efforts on social media to flood the listed mobile number with messages of their own.

The website entry has been removed in recent days, website archives show, and on Wednesday the number didnt ring.

In an email response to Guardian Australia, Fong said the flurry of text messages had unfortunately killed the battery of my mobile. He confirmed he had authorised the messages but had not personally sent them.

I did not send out the Trumpet of Patriots messages (that is the misconception of everyone), he said.

Questioned on whether the party uses an auto-number generator to send the texts, Fong said that was beyond my knowledge. And as to why his name was used to authorise the messages, he said he didnt know why. [Maybe] because my name is shorter than the rest, he speculated.

In 2020, Fong gave an interview to the Lunching with Lawyers podcast, in which he described meeting Palmer as a law student at the University of Queensland.

I got to like Clive. He was very political at that time and he was the one who got me into the public defenders office, Fong said on the podcast. And I coined the phrase Clive alive in 75 because  75 is when he got kicked out and he started doing real estate. Now hes a multimillionaire.

During the episode, Fong also said Clive had asked him to run for the Senate  an invitation he said he knocked back at the time due to political differences.

Related: Australian election 2025 mini and micro party guide: how to avoid a Senate vote you might regret

I did get asked to run for the Senate again by Clive, he said. I declined, primarily because my values and Clives values may not necessarily be the same.

I respect him as a person. I respect his ideas in many respects but I have some principles that I must stick by. And so ultimately, Im very much a social democrat, Liberal, Labor person.

Asked about those comments, Fong told Guardian Australia he knew Palmer well.

We dont always agree but with respect to our party policies they are very sound, he said, pointing to stances that include dramatically reducing immigration and respecting the flag  Many Aussies fought for that liberty.

My party, and I, are not racists, Fong said. I am a fourth generation Australian of Chinese descent. One side came here in 1872, the other side came earlier. It is extraordinary that people still call me Chinese. Two of my uncles fought for Australia in World War 2.

Some text messages suggest I am a racist because I support the Australian flag. I do think the Welcome to Country ceremony is overused.

Ultimately, the Trumpet of Patriots texts are completely legal  Australian political parties are exempt from privacy laws and anti-spam rules.

Palmers latest venture has churned through about $4.5m on Google ads during the election period, according to the Populares AdTracker, and is the third-highest spender on Facebook behind only the Labor party and Australian Electoral Commission.

The Bar Association of Queensland did not return a request for comment about why Fongs listing had been removed from its website. Fong told Guardian Australia it had been removed temporarily.
Jack Draper will overtake Novak Djokovic and make his top-five debut after demolishing Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open.

Draper needed just 77 minutes to see off Italian Arnaldi, who beat Djokovic 6-0 6-4 in the second round, with a stunning first set seeing him lose only 10 points.

The British number one is the only top-10 player remaining in the mens tournament and is now just two matches away from claiming a second Masters 1000 title in two months.

Jack's been on the attack this tournament  Draper dominates Arnaldi to clinch his top 5 debut come Monday!#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/HzmdjkG8EC  Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 1, 2025

Drapers rapid rise to the very top of the mens game kicked off with the Indian Wells title in March and has accelerated on clay, which has been considered his weakest surface.

Having brushed aside Tommy Paul in the last 16, the power of Draper was simply too much for Arnaldi in the opening set, which lasted just 25 minutes.

The Italian offered significantly more resistance in the second set but still did not create a break point, enabling Draper to set up a semi-final against 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who dispatched lucky loser Gabriel Diallo 6-4 6-3.

I feel stronger every time I play, said Draper to Sky Sports. The last couple of years coming onto the clay I felt against these guys Id always be the one on the back foot and Id always be the one defending.

       @jackdraper0 dominates Arnaldi (6-0, 6-4) to reach his maiden #MMOPEN semifinals without dropping a single set. Brilliant run! @atptour | @ATPTour_ES pic.twitter.com/s823hi6VL2  #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 1, 2025

The next part of my game was just getting strong, getting more capable physically to do the things I know I can do and bully these guys.

I feel like Ive been doing everything in all areas pretty well, Im just excited to keep on going, keep on working hard and hopefully it keeps on coming together.

While Draper is brimming with confidence, Iga Swiatek appears to be in something of a crisis with less than a month to go until the French Open.

The defending champion successfully recovered from losing the opening set 6-0 against Madison Keys on Wednesday but was all at sea in a 6-1 6-1 defeat by Coco Gauff in the womens semi-finals.

Swiatek, who has not won a title since Roland Garros last year, looked ill at ease throughout, was given a rare warning for an audible obscenity and appeared to be struggling to hold back tears.

There were jeers from some of the crowd late in the match as Swiatek sprayed balls well out of court, and the Pole walked off with head bowed after just 65 minutes.

I feel like I havent been moving well and the tennis was also on and off for most of the tournament, she told reporters in Madrid.

Today everything kind of collapsed tennis wise. I wish I would have moved better. I know how I can move and usually I didnt have to think about it much but for the last weeks it hasnt been that easy.

Iga Swiatek leaves the court (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Having won 11 of her first 12 meetings with Gauff, many of them one-sided encounters, Swiatek has now lost three in a row, with this the first time the American has got the better of her on clay.

Maybe it wasnt her best level today but I think I kind of forced her into some awkward positions, said Gauff in her on-court interview. Im really happy with how I played today.

Victory in the final over Aryna Sabalenka, who advanced by beating Elina Svitolina 6-3 7-5, would see Gauff overtake Swiatek into second place in the rankings.

The other mens semi-final will pit Casper Ruud, who saw off Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-5, against Francisco Cerundolo, who ended the run of Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik.
King Charles ahosted a reception at Buckingham Palace on 30 April to celebrate the charitable work being undertaken by local and national cancer charities and support organisations. (Getty Images) (YUI MOK via Getty Images)

In a personal address to various cancer charities this week, King Charles has shared a heartfelt message of thanks, hope and determination, reflecting on his own cancer journey and those of the 390,000 people who receive a diagnosis in the UK each year.

As well as acknowledging the "extraordinary work" carried out by the organisations he and the Queen are patrons of, Charles reflected that by being "one of those statistics" himself, he has a "deeper appreciation" and the experience has "reinforced what I have long observed during these visits  that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion".

He then concluded with a poignant message to those who "may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow, or at any point in the future", stating: "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: 'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.' I am so very grateful for all that you do."

Here, we take a look at the monarch's health updates and what he has said of his cancer journey since being diagnosed in February 2024.

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in April this year. (Getty Images) (Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)

Diagnosis and early stages

Although the Palace initially issued a statement on 17 January 2024, outlining that the King was to undergo a "corrective procedure" and treatment for an enlarged prostate, it was later announced on 5 February that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. They did not specify the type of cancer he had been diagnosed with, but suspended his public engagements as a result.

After much speculation and conspiracy theories, it was revealed by Kate, the Princess of Wales, via video message in March, that she, too, had been diagnosed with cancer and was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy  which she said she completed in September 2024, with the release of a new video.

A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales



As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.



The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024

While the Palace did not provide much more detail on the King's health, Prince William later thanked the public for their well-wishes during an appearance on 7 February, stating: "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!"

The next day, Queen Camilla also shared 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".

First message from the King

On 10 February 2024, King Charles then issued his first statement on his health, saying: "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."

He attended a church service with Camilla on the Sandringham Estate the next day.

Commonwealth Day

The King then shared a pre-recorded message for Commonwealth Day on 11 March, in which he again thanked the public for their "wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes."

On 26 April, it was then confirmed by the Palace that Charles would gradually be returning to his official duties.

Chemotherapy and treatment side-effects

During a visit with British Army veteran Aaron Mappleback on 13 May last year, the King briefly touched on the treatment he had been receiving. Mappleback shared how he himself underwent chemo in 2023 for testicular cancer, and how it had left him with no sense of taste, before the King replied that he had experienced the same side-effect of the treatment.

Ahead of his tour of Australia, the Palace said in October that it was "working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour programme for next year", before in December it was reported that the King would continue his treatment in the new year.

Christmas Day speech

In his annual Christmas message, King Charles not only spoke about the summer riots that plagued the UK following the Southport attack, he discussed the 80th anniversary of D-Day, modern-day conflicts and his visit to the South Pacific with the Queen.

He also took the opportunity to thank the medical staff who had helped him and his family "through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed", adding: "I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement."

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Lupe Fiasco performs on stage. Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images

What does it mean to record outside, not just rap outside like a cypher, but actually record outside with the intention of completing a full song completely written and inspired outdoors? rapper Lupe Fiasco mused while discussing his latest project, Ghotiing (pronounced fishing). What are the limitations and constraints? What do you have to prepare to go into that environment? Onlookers, insects, the weather, noise, any kind of distraction.

En plein air rapping, as Fiasco calls it  after the school of painting that was popularized by Impressionists like Monet and Renoir  involves going to a promising location and fishing for lyrics and beats. He has been fine-turning the practice ever since he came on as a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the 2022-23 academic year  ghotiing throughout MIT, in Los Angeles, and elsewhere, while also teaching it to his students. Its a practice that Ive been using and playing with and working through for the past few years, he said.

Related: Tragedy to transcendence: Alice Coltrane exhibit honors jazz legends sonic and spiritual legacy

Fiasco has just released the first project of this site-specific rapping via the MIT List Visual Arts Centers website. The nine-track effort (seven of which are currently available) is a cohesive collection of music with a distinct jazz flavor that feels like a throwback to the Native Tongues era of hip-hop. For Fiasco, these tracks are an emanation of the environment that he fished them from. The goal is to have a certain level of ownership of the space by being completely aware of all the objects that are around it, said Fiasco, and how these objects are affecting or influencing, consciously or unconsciously, your experiences.

To celebrate the release, Fiasco will be holding a concert on 2 May as a culmination of the Artfinity festival.

Sonically and lyrically, theres a certain kind of beguiling simplicity to these tracks, with lines that tend to be short and filled with internal rhymes. Theres a sense that the Chicago rapper is more after sound than sense, as in the triplet: Filling up the staircase / Airspace tethered to the pear tastes / Electron share shape.

Elsewhere, Fiasco plays with the everydayness of the MIT campus, as when rapping about a giant steel sculpture made by Alexander Calder: Tourists on their summer trips give it OKs like the number six / Walk around alongside or up under it / Or ignore it / Like cant see the trees, cause the forests / Or adore it / And explore it. As the rapper shared, the mundanity is very much the point.

One of my key creative functions is decorating the mundane, finding the profound narratives or insights in the mundane, he said. You can see that tradition from Kick, Push, which was about skateboarding. For me it was very mundane, it was a toy. It was like, make a song about this toy. I try to look for the things that people perceive to be mundane and unpack the profound things that are within it.

Ghotiing required Fiasco to solve the many technical challenges raised by site-specific recording. According to him, it could make for awkward moments to be channeling hip-hop inspiration in public environments where anyone might intervene. Being a veteran performer helped, as did putting on his ghotiing uniform  usually an MIT jacket  to let people know he was up to something and to give space. Surprisingly, Fiasco said that being a celebrity didnt pose much of an issue for him.

People dont really care, he said. Theres a certain kind of, Oh thats Lupe, or Thats Professor Lupe, hes a dope-ass dude. That has its own kind of reputation. Sometimes people sneak out like, Yo, lemme get a selfie, but for the most part, in terms of ghotiing, people dont really care.

As for creating beats, Fiasco enlisted AI for assistance  he primarily used Suno, a generative AI program founded in Cambridge, MA, that specializes in making music. You get people to make beats, and theyll probably make one beat for months. You cant really do that when you got the battery on your laptop running down and the suns going down and its getting cold. Fiasco worked by putting the artificial intelligence (AI)-generated beats through an editing process, going through dozens of generations of the same beat to get one that was of interest.

Fiasco situated AI on a spectrum of the many different tools that musicians have created and adapted for themselves. Its like if the saxophone player made the saxophone  which is rare, but real, he said. My students can write their own music production software, which is akin to someone like Havoc from Mobb Deep, right, who makes the beats and raps over his own beats. So I see that tradition as just as valid as going into the lab and making the AI that will sit and train the data.

Fiascos intention to exhaust the potential of a particular place, as well as to embrace everything uncontrollable about recording outside in order to make his compositions more creative, brings to mind the French writing collective the Oulipo, or Workshop of Potential Literature. That group embraced constraint in writing as a means of inspiring creative freedom and would often work in situ as Fiasco does. Its a group that the rapper knows well, assigning their literature to students in the course he teaches at MIT, as well as making it a part of the entry exam to his Society of Spoken Art (SOSA) guild of rappers.

One of the mandatory readings in my class is Raymond Queneaus Exercises in Style, one of the leaders of the Oulipo school, he told me. And then also, one of the tests that people take to get into SOSA is A Void, the book thats written without the letter e. So that same approach to heavily constrained writing is embedded in the process.

Ultimately, the Chicago rapper has big goals for his work with higher education. He wants to approach rap in a way akin to how linguists have approached the study of language, breaking it down into discrete chunks that can be analyzed, and putting it through formal rigor. One day, hed love to see programs at prestigious universities make the sorts of things hes pioneering as part of a whole hip-hop curriculum.

Maybe one day there will be a graduate program, and theres a hip-hop degree, and Im teaching the rap portion of it. The hope is that rap gets put into a space where people can take it and run with it in a very deep academic way. Maybe eventually you can become a tenured professor in the rap department at MIT.
A police officer rides a motorcycle next to protesters in New York on Thursday. Photograph: Julius Constantine Motal/The Guardian

Protesters rallied nationwide on Thursday in support of workers and immigrants rights in the latest round of demonstrations against Donald Trump and his administration.

May Day, commemorated as international workers day, comes after two massive days of protests in April  5 Aprils hands off rallies and 19 Aprils day of action  drew millions to the streets across the country.

The 1 May protests were supported by hundreds of organizations and set to take place in nearly 1,000 cities, organizers said, with a focus on rallying against the Trump administration and billionaire profiteers. Turnout was predicted to be lower than the previous two April protests because 1 May is a weekday, but tens of thousands were expected to turn out. Cities across the US from New York to Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska, saw major demonstrations.

Related: Trump 100 days: after tepid start, protest movements  and Democrats  find footing

This is a war on working people  and we will not stand down, a website for the national day of action says. Theyre defunding our schools, privatizing public services, attacking unions, and targeting immigrant families with fear and violence. Working people built this nation and we know how to take care of each other. We wont back down  we will never stop fighting for our families and the rights and freedoms that propel opportunity and a better life for all Americans. Their time is up.

A map of May Day protests showed several major metro areas had more than one rally planned. A coalition of groups in Los Angeles started the day with an early morning rally, then a program and march to show solidarity with the citys workers and immigrants. In New York, protests were planned throughout the day.

Protesters turned out in New York to support workers, immigrants and others under attack by the Trump administration. Some of those attending the New York rally spoke against Columbia Universitys capitulation to Trumps demands.

Today, we saw lots of new people who are getting energized and activated. The Trump administration is clearly coming for all of these rights that weve won, and all of us are taking up the task to fight back, said Saidi Moseley, 25, an education coordinator and one of the organizers of the May Day march in Union Square.

Betsy Waters held a sign saying due process for all. The 67-year-old retiree who volunteers full-time said she had come to several marches. I feel that we have to be out here. We have to be out here making a stand as much as we can, Waters said. So I am out here making a stand, saying that what is happening in our country is just not right.

Lydia Howrilka, a 25-year-old librarian from Queens, was holding a only you can stop fascism sign. I am standing in solidarity with my immigrant brothers and sisters in New York. I am standing in defense of democracy, Howrilka said.

Grant Miner, one of a handful of speakers at the New York rally, was abruptly expelled by Columbia University in March for participating in pro-Palestinian protests.

Im trying to speak out about the things that are affecting my workers, which include the ongoing cuts to higher education, as well as the targeting of students for student protests, which are two very big issues facing our workplace reality, said Miner, who also serves as president of UAW 2710, the Student Workers of Columbia union.

As Trump surpassed 100 days in office, a period filled with slashing and burning of the federal government and democratic norms, a resistance has taken shape, growing in size since February. People have started to organize in larger numbers to pressure Democrats to stand up more strongly to Trump.

Trumps approval ratings have fallen from positive to negative, with more people disapproving of him than approving. The focus on workers and immigrants comes as Trump has fired a host of federal workers and his administration has ramped up deportations, including of people who the courts have said were not supposed to be deported.

Related: A trickle to a tidal wave: behind the Trump protest movement that launched on Reddit

Everyone deserves respect and dignity, no matter who they are, where they were born, or what language they speak, the May Day protest website says. Immigrants are workers, and workers are immigrants. Our fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and dignity on the job is the same fight for immigrant justice.

Organizers behind the May Day protest in Washington DC said they expected to see up to 3,000 people join the rally in the nations capital to demand safety on the job, legal protections and an end to unjust deportations.

Were seeing people abducted off the streets every day in some of the most violent and cruel ways. Were seeing people like Kilmar Abrego Garcia  and hes only one story. His story is not unusual, said Cathryn Jackson, the public policy director at Casa, a group that provides critical services to immigrant and working-class families.

Abrego Garcias wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, was expected to speak at Thursdays rally as she continues to fight for her husband to be released from prison in El Salvador and to be returned to the US.

Hundreds and hundreds of people are being deported to some of the worst prisons across the country with no due process, Jackson said. This rally today is about solidarity. Its about saying no matter what the Trump administration tries to do, we are determined to fight back.

Also among the speakers scheduled to address the Washington rally was Maria del Carmen Castellon, whose husband, Miguel Luna, died in the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore last year.

The story of Luna and the five other construction workers who died during the tragedy is symbolic, Jackson said. The six men were all construction workers originally from Latin American countries.

This is the story of men working in the middle of the night while all of us were sleeping, getting the roads together, doing the work that many people dont want to do, Jackson continued. We are literally physically building this country, and then being treated the way we are in return.

Delia Ramirez, a Democratic representative of Illinois, addressed the crowd in Franklin Park as the proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants.

Today on International Workers Day, we are united, Ramirez said. Were united because we understand that this president wants to silence us. He wants to divide us, pit us against each other. But we are not going to be silenced.

The Trump administration knows that the only thing that will stop fascism is mobilization, she continued, acknowledging that there will be really hard days ahead. But as long as you keep organizing, I can amplify that voice and continue to stand up to fascism.

Jorge Mujica, the strategic organizer for Arise Chicago and an organizer of the citys May Day protest, said on Democracy Now that the Trump administration miscalculated completely by targeting so many constituencies in its first 100 days.

They are attacking everybody at the same time, and that [has] enabled us to gather a really broad coalition with labor unions, with federal workers, with students, with teachers at universities, and every other community and put together this event on May Day, Mujica said.
A childrens rights campaigner has warned over ministers evangelical backing for the use of technology in the classroom as she highlighted the risks to pupils welfare and education.

Filmmaker Baroness Kidron told Parliament that pupils were being wrapped in a world of digital products that normalised screen time over human interaction with no proof of the benefits.

The independent crossbencher, who has championed childrens online safety, also signalled her support for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools, arguing that legally binding rules rather than current Government guidance would relieve pressure on teachers.

Lady Kidron made her comments as peers debated the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which proposes wide-ranging measures, from increased support for care leavers to free breakfast clubs in primary schools and a new register of all home-schooled children in England.

It would also curb the freedoms of academy schools, including a requirement to follow the national curriculum.

Schools in England were given non-statutory Government guidance in February last year intended to stop the use of phones during the school day.

But urging a stronger stance to improve childrens welfare, Lady Kidron said: One of the easiest and cheapest things we could do is give them a break from the well-documented intrusions of digital tech whilst at school.

She added: Evidence that I will bring  is showing that restrictions are helpful to school communities not only for learning but for peace in the school community and for friendship and human flourishing.

The current guidance, which is excellent, puts pressure on teachers that statutory rules could relieve.

Lady Kidron went on: But while ministers are slow on smartphones they are increasingly evangelical about bringing EdTech (education technology) into the classroom.

Although recognising such tech could benefit children with disabilities or special needs, she argued there was no such evidence for many youngsters.

Lady Kidron said: There is no oversight, no pedagogical criteria, no understanding of its efficacy, no proof of learning outcomes.

Some tech is wonderful, some is benign, some we know is in our schools stealing childrens data and stealing their opportunity to learn.

And yet we are rapidly wrapping pupils in a world of digital products that isolate and normalise screen over human with no proof of the benefits.

She went on: There are many wonderful uses of technology but we have to make sure that schools are a place of privacy, safety and learning for our children.

Earlier, Tory frontbencher the Earl of Effingham noted the failure of the Bill to introduce a ban on smartphones in schools.

Efforts have been made by some schools to ban smartphones (Alamy/PA)

He said: Although the previous governments guidance to schools on banning smartphones was a positive first step, it is not enough. Only 11% of schools have an effective ban in place.

Scores of scientific studies have linked both better mental health and school attainment to removing smartphones from classrooms.

We recognise that this is not universally welcomed by headteachers, but we are most concerned that, in this case, we should use the precautionary principle when dealing with the mental health of children.

He was also deeply critical of the proposed changes to academies arguing they undo the progress made during the last two decades.

The Conservative peer added: Academies have been at the forefront of fostering innovation in our school system. They have led the turnaround of some of the most challenging schools in this country.

Introducing the Bill, education minister Baroness Smith of Malvern said: This Bill is a charter of common sense, providing a core guarantee of quality education in every school, no matter where you live.

She added: By addressing the systemic barriers that too often hold our children back, we have a unique opportunity through this Bill to create a more equitable and successful environment, where all young people have the chance to achieve and thrive.
The brother of a Scot detained in India since 2017 has said now is the moment of truth for the Foreign Secretary to push for his release.

Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, was arrested while in India for his wedding and has been held by authorities since, despite being acquitted of all charges in a case in the Punjab region of the country in March.

He still faces charges at a federal level, which his supporters  who claim an initial confession was as a result of torture  fear could take years to come to a conclusion.

On Thursday, supporters say, Indias Supreme Court failed to issue a ruling on a petition for bail.

Mr Johals brother Gurpreet Singh Johal will meet with David Lammy next week to discuss the case, as more than 100 MPs and peers signed a letter to the Foreign Secretary calling for all diplomatic efforts to be used to ensure his return home.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Gurpreet said: Im glad the Foreign Secretary is meeting me again, as it shows he recognises that this is a make-or-break moment for Jagtar.

The case against my brother has been tested in court and rejected, but the Indian authorities will keep him in prison for decades if the UK Government doesnt act to secure his release.

Weve seen that today at the Supreme Court  just the latest in an endless series of delays. This is the moment of truth for David Lammy: will he live up to his promises, or will he fail Jagtar like the last six foreign secretaries did?

The Foreign Secretary will meet with Mr Johals family next week (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The letter, spearheaded by Mr Johals local MP Douglas McAllister, was signed by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and senior Tory MP David Davis, and urged the Foreign Secretary to intervene.

The UK Government, following Jagtars acquittal, should be using all diplomatic efforts at this critical stage to ensure Jagtar Singh Johal is released on bail as soon as possible, pending the discontinuation of the other outstanding cases, the letter said.

The time has now come to act quickly and decisively. With the acquittal, we now have an opportunity to hold urgent diplomatic discussions with your Indian counterparts.

Taking urgent steps now during this window of opportunity will reassure all those lobbying us on Jagtars behalf that we are doing all we can to secure his immediate release and return to the UK, and therefore reunited with his family as soon as possible.

Mr McAllister added: The failure to grant bail to my constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, serves to demonstrate the need for greater urgency by the Foreign Secretary and the UK Government to secure my constituents immediate release and his return to his family in West Dunbartonshire.

I will be advising the Foreign Secretary when we meet next week of the strength of feeling across both houses that now is the time to act.

Mr Johal wrote about alleged human rights abuses of Sikhs by the Indian government while living in the UK and was accused of financially supporting terror attacks in Punjab, which he denies.

An FCDO spokesperson said: We welcome the recent progress in the case.

The UK Government remains committed to working for faster progress on Jagtars case, and the FCDO continue to work to support Mr Johal and his family.
The picturesque waterfall made famous by Broadchurch, which is to be barred from public viewing - Rachel Baker/BNPS

The new owners of a countryside estate will ban public access to a waterfall made famous in Broadchurch.

Since featuring as a crime scene in the ITV drama in 2017, the Littlebredy lake and waterfall in the Bridehead Estate in Dorset has attracted thousands of visitors.

Public access to the waterfall and lake has been granted for the last 65 years but will come to an end in June after the estate was sold for 30 million.

New signs displayed on the estate read: Public notice, permissive access into the Bridehead Amenity Grounds will be withdrawn as of Monday June 2 2025.

Rachel Baker, a Dorset landscape photographer, said: Littlebredy is one of those hidden gems of Dorset that has been enjoyed by photographers and local people for years.



The previous estate owners allowed the public to access part of its grounds, including the lake and waterfall, for as long as I can remember.

Even with public access, the site has always been a quiet and beautiful place to visit.

Mark Burbidge, another local amateur photographer, said: I was really disappointed to hear the access was being removed.

This particular spot with the autumn colours of the overhanging tree and the cascading water is a photographers dream to capture in all of its autumnal glory.

The Littlebredy cottages on the Bridehead Estate in Dorset - Rachel Baker/BNPS

The grounds of the 18th century, Grade II listed house, featured as a crime scene in the third series of Broadchurch after a character was raped there during a birthday party.

Later scenes showed the series detectives, played by David Tennant and Olivia Colman, investigating the crime against the backdrop of the mossy waterfall.

The estates previous owner, Sir Philip Williams, 74, said he was told by a location manager that the shows writer Chris Chibnall, who is from nearby Bridport, knew the estate and wanted to film there.

The estate was bought by Sir Philips ancestor Robert Williams, a banker from London, in about 1797 and became the familys main residence after 1825.

The 2,000 acre estate, including the 32 property village of Littlebredy, was bought by Belport, a private equity firm, on behalf of a wealthy client last autumn.

A spokesman for the company said they were not in a position to comment at this stage but all options are being considered.

Dorset council confirmed there is no public right of way to access the waterfall on the estate and the landowner retains the right to withdraw public access at any time.
A group of possible migrants brought into Dover on May 1 - Gareth Fuller/PA

Channel migrant crossings have broken a second record in a week, passing 11,000 arrivals so far this year.

Home Office figures showed that 294 migrants made the journey in five boats on Wednesday, bringing the provisional total for the year to date to 11,074.

It is the earliest point in the calendar year that the 11,000 milestone has been reached. It was not passed until June 6 in 2024 and June 23 in 2023.

The disclosure comes just days after arrivals passed 10,000 in record time. Some 473 migrants arrived on Monday, which brought the cumulative total for 2025 to 10,358. This was the earliest point the 10,000 milestone had been reached. It was not achieved until May 24 in 2024 and June 17 in 2023.

The arrivals for 2025 - 1,436 in four days bringing the total to 11,074 - are 46 per cent higher than the number recorded at this point last year (7,567) and 86 per cent higher than the same point in 2023 (5,946).

The rate of migrant Channel crossings under Sir Keir Starmer has been higher than under any of his Conservative predecessors, bar Liz Truss.

The early surge this year has not only been fuelled by better weather and calmer seas, but also people-smugglers cramming more migrants into each dinghy.

The average count comes to 55 per craft under Sir Keir  considerably more than the 48 during Rishi Sunaks tenure, and more than double the 26 under Boris Johnson.

The Home Office suggests this is partly owing to it being the victim of its own success in disrupting the supply chain of rigid-hulled inflatable boats across Europe, alongside the police stopping launches.

A boat bringing in possible migrants to Dover on May 1 - Gareth Fuller/PA

The shortages of boats because of police interceptions before they reach the northern French coast means people-smuggling gangs have crammed more migrants into fewer boats to maintain their profits.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: Keir Starmer has absolutely no control over who is coming into this country  the people crossing the Channel are mainly young men, some of whom are criminals and extremists.

Labours claim that they are smashing the gangs is a sick joke  everyone can see they have absolutely no plan to stop these crossings.

The only way to stop this madness is to promptly remove those arriving to a location outside Europe, like Rwanda. But Labour cancelled the Rwanda deterrent before it had even started.

Keir Starmer is too weak and does not have the will to fix this. The Labour Government has surrendered our borders to the people smugglers.

Electoral test

The latest figures came as voters headed to the polls in local elections on Thursday in Labours first electoral test since taking power last July.

Since the general election, the Government has announced plans to crack down on people smuggling across the Channel, including by handing counter terror-style powers to enforcement agencies.

A Home Office spokesman said: We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.

The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.

Thats why this Government is investing in border security, increasing returns to their highest levels for more than half a decade, and imposing a major crackdown on illegal working to end the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.

We have already secured agreement from the French to deploy a new elite unit of officers at the coast, launch a specialist intelligence unit, increase police numbers and introduce new powers for the French authorities to intervene in shallow waters.

We are introducing tougher enforcement powers with new legislation and intensifying our collaboration with France and other countries who face the same challenges by exploring fresh and innovative measures to dismantle the business models of the criminal smuggling gangs.
Viscount Suirdale, as he then was, in 1962 with another Perdio product: the Portorama portable television - Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The 8th Earl of Donoughmore, who has died aged 97, was a doctor turned businessman who helped develop the Perdio transistor radio into a feature of the Swinging Sixties.

Viscount Mick Suirdale, as he then was, bought a 65 per cent share in the fledgling Perdio company (the name was a contraction of personal radio) which had been founded in 1956 by a former RAF pilot, Derek Willmott  who adopted newly available transistor technology rather than the bulkier valves of earlier radios to develop a series of stylish models including the Piccadilly (The Mightiest Midget of Them All!) and, in 1961, the Pall Mall.

Floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1962, Perdio flourished as hand-held transistors became all the rage, not least for youngsters tuning to emerging pirate pop-music stations; it also launched the Portorama portable television set. But the acquisition of a large new factory at Sunderland, combined with incursions of cheap competition from the Far East, drove the company into loss and, in 1965, voluntary liquidation.

Perdios Spinney model - Science & Society Picture Library

Its assets were in due course acquired by Dansette, a brand best-known for portable record-players, which continued selling Hong Kong-made Perdio radios until the early 1970s. Meanwhile, the fate of the original company gave rise to a leading case in corporate law, Hely-Hutchinson vs Brayhead, which ended in victory for Suirdale.

During a failed rescue takeover of Perdio by a company called Brayhead, the chairman of Brayhead  a Mr Richards, who was in the habit of making financial commitments and telling his board afterwards  had guaranteed repayment of debts and losses to Suirdale. But when Suirdale subsequently sued for the money, Brayhead refused to pay on the grounds that Richards had no authority to offer the guarantees in the first place.

After the High Court found in Suirdales favour, Brayhead appealed; but in 1968 the Master of the Rolls Lord Denning ruled definitively that because Brayheads board had allowed Richards to act as he did, actual authority had been established and the commitments stood.

Mick Donoughmore at home, 1991 - courtesy of family

Richard Michael John Hely Hutchinson, always known as Mick or Micky, was born on August 8 1927 into an Anglo-Irish dynasty whose earldom was created in 1800 for Richard Hely-Hutchinson (1756-1825), an Irish parliamentarian and governor of Tipperary.

When Mick was 21, he inherited the courtesy title of Viscount Suirdale as the elder of two sons (with a younger sister) of Col John Hely-Hutchinson, who was briefly MP for Peterborough during the Second World War before succeeding as 7th Earl in 1948. His wife Jean, nee Hotham, had been in charge of the Red Cross in the East End of London throughout the war, working with Edwina Mountbatten, and was appointed MBE in 1947.

Both parents were kidnapped by the IRA in June 1974 from Knocklofty, their estate at Clonmel in Ireland, but released five days later in Dublins Phoenix Park, thanks to an intervention by the Catholic Church.

During the war, Mick had been sent to America and educated at Groton School in Massachusetts, a happy experience. He never forgot the warm welcome he, his siblings and his cousins received in America. His parents, not realising that the North Atlantic was still full of U-boats, brought him back to Britain in 1943 in a convoy that was heavily attacked, with many ships sunk as he stood on the deck of his own  which was not hit.

With his first wife Sheila in 1992 - courtesy of family

He finished his education at Winchester, which he loathed, before studying medicine at New College, Oxford. He undertook the clinical phase of his training at St Marys Paddington and went on to do National Service as a medical officer. After finishing his work with the soldiers in the mornings, he would help impoverished women in childbirth in the afternoons and evenings. Later he became a registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at Westminster Hospital.

To supplement his doctors salary, he became increasingly involved in business. Starting in property investment, he switched to full-time involvement in Perdio and later moved first to Belgium and then to Paris, working in consumer goods (including jam and preserves) for the international conglomerate WR Grace & Co before setting up an investment firm with his business partner Warren Heller.

Having inherited the earldom on his fathers death in 1981, he moved back to Britain with his first wife Sheila to buy and renovate a manor house at Bampton in Oxfordshire. He sat in the House of Lords (as Viscount Hutchinson in the peerage of the United Kingdom) until hereditary peers were largely excluded in 1999, interesting himself principally in health matters. He also became vice-president of St Lukes Hospital in Oxford.

With his second wife Meg in 2007 - courtesy of family

As chairman of Bamptons parish council, Donoughmores contributions to the village included raising funds to create the recreation ground and its fine pavilion, and to replace the roof of St Marys church.

His filly Ruby Tiger (owned in partnership with the jockey-turned-sculptor Philip Blacker and his wife) won the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood as well as races in France, Germany, Canada and the United States, while his gelding Cyrian (owned with his son Tim) won the Northumberland Plate, known as the Pitmans Derby.

A fine fisherman and shot, Mick Donoughmore was admired for his analytical mind as well as his generosity and courtesy. In 1951 he married Sheila, nee Parsons, with whom he had four sons, of whom the first, John, Viscount Suirdale, born in 1952, succeeds as 9th Earl.

The second, Tim, became a well-known publisher, setting up his own business Headline Publishing (later Hodder Headline) in 1986 with his father as chairman. The third son Nicholas became a noted Dorset-based artist.

After Sheilas death in 1999, Mick Donoughmore married in 2001 Meg (Margaret) Morgan, nee Stonehouse, who survives him with his sons.

Lord Donoughmore, born August 8 1927, died April 25 2025
Police contain an anti-English Defence League demonstration in Leeds in 2009

Senior officers in West Yorkshire Police intervened to ensure that an ethnic minority candidate who failed her interview was given the job, according to leaked documents seen by The Telegraph.

The female officer was initially rejected but eventually given a post after her case was taken up by the forces chief officer team, which includes Chief Constable John Robins.

To get around her failure, West Yorkshire Police then scrapped interviews for officers transferring to the force, the documents show.

The move will increase pressure on the force, one of the UKs largest, which has already been accused of prioritising ethnic minority candidates with appalling racist hiring practices.

West Yorkshire Police used the policy change to offer jobs to six other ethnic minority officers who had failed their interviews or had been rejected from shortlists in the previous eight months.

Eight white officers who had been rejected at the interview stage were also offered jobs as a consequence.

One email seen by The Telegraph shows that the female candidate was allowed to join before pre-employment checks were carried out on the orders of the chief officer team.

Lost the plot

A senior officer involved in recruitment made an official complaint to the police watchdog.

An insider told The Telegraph: West Yorkshire Police have lost the plot in becoming obsessed by race. It cant be right that officers who failed interviews were then given jobs.

But West Yorkshire Police said a complaint that the police constable had been given favourable treatment had been investigated thoroughly and no evidence had been found to support the allegations.

The force is under scrutiny after The Telegraph first disclosed that white British applicants are being temporarily blocked from jobs as new recruits to boost diversity.

A whistleblower complained to this newspaper that white candidates were being discriminated against illegally to increase the proportion of officers from under-represented groups, a claim the force denies.

Last month, Chief Constable Robins said that he stood by previous comments where he said that he wanted discrimination against white candidates to be legal.

The documents seen by The Telegraph show that the female police officer was initially blocked from transferring to West Yorkshire Police while she was still on a two-year probationary period at another force.

A police officer in charge of sifting applicants refused her transfer as she is still in her probationary period, but was slapped down and told he had misunderstood the policy.

In an email, sent by a senior officer in the forces HR department, the officer wrote: This is incorrect and as long as transferees have served 12 months in their current force, they can transfer to us.

The officer then explained that the case had come to the attention of Dept Chief Constable Russ Foster, who was appointed to the post in 2019. He has since become chief constable of another force.

The email read: Unfortunately, this transferee is who DCC Foster is taking a personal interest in so Im sure there will be something coming my way to explain why this has happened.

I know this was done with good intentions, but we must make sure we are aware of force policy (which Ive attached) as that dictates the rules for transferees.

It added: Can you make sure an A* level of service is given to this transferee and she is progressed through the system please.

Eleven days later, a chief inspector involved in recruitment circulated another email to more junior colleagues, requesting that the case be monitored with some extra attention to ensure it gets through without any further hiccups.

The applicant was then called for an interview, which took place three weeks later.

The interview notes seen by The Telegraph show that she scored one E, four Ds and one C on her answers to the six set questions.

Sources inside the force said that officers generally needed As and Bs to secure a job. An E indicates no answer given or answer irrelevant, while a D represents some good points but below an acceptable level.

In the interviewers conclusions, the sergeant wrote: The candidate seemed to have prepared answers which they ultimately attempted to force into the interview questions instead of working within the parameters of the question.

The notes went on: There were good aspects to the answers at times, but it was felt that some of the answers lacked the experience to provide comprehensive examples.

He also raised concerns that she had referred to a historic online police resources platform that was no longer in use.

The interviewer did praise the candidate for her manner, which was described as excellent.

Transfer interviews scrapped

A month later, West Yorkshire Police appears to have rewritten its policy to scrap interviews for transferees. The force decided it would no longer ask questions about competency  known as the CVF, short for competency and values framework.

In an email sent on Oct 17 2022, Ch Insp Jonathan Aldred, who was working in the forces HR department, issued an update on transferee shortlisting and interview.

He wrote: Basically, we are removing the CVF measure from the application and as such, all who apply will be onboarded and there is no interview. All pre-employment checks are done as normal, and these are the only criteria which a candidate can fail on.

In a second email sent by Ch Insp Aldred on the same day, he said every effort is to be made to put the female police officer on the next available induction course.

He also said that the chief officer team  which comprises the chief constable, his deputy and six assistant chief constables  had signed off NOT completing all the required pre-employment checks prior to her joining [West Yorkshire Police].

The chief inspector then said Maam Riley  a reference to Kate Riley, the assistant chief constable at the time  wishes to be informed ASAP. The solution to getting the candidate on the induction course was to remove a white female officer and put her on another course a fortnight later.

The policy changes had a wider bearing on the recruitment of ethnic minority officers, coming from other forces.

A policy document seen by The Telegraph shows that the force realised that by scrapping interviews, it could hire more ethnic minority staff.

West Yorkshire Police analysed applications to transfer from 236 candidates over a 34-month period and found a disproportionate number of ethnic minority officers had been rejected  at 26 per cent compared with 7.7 per cent of white candidates.

The policy document continued: There is very little risk to taking candidates from other forces, provided the necessary pre-employment checks are completed.

The document stated: Additionally: for those officers who, since the beginning of the calendar year, have been rejected because of shortlisting or on interview, these should be recontacted and invited to join (subject to the completion of pre-employment checks). This is because of the recent change in [West Yorkshire Polices] stance on recruiting transferees. This group totals 14, of whom 6 are EM [ethnic minority].

That means eight white officers who failed interviews were also offered jobs.

West Yorkshire Police said that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog, had declined to investigate, but that a subsequent internal inquiry had absolved the force of wrongdoing.

In a statement, the force said: A report was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) relating to the transfer of a serving officer to West Yorkshire Police. The IOPC deemed this did not meet their threshold for investigation, and the matter was passed to West Yorkshire Polices professional standards directorate for local investigation in November 2023.

This claim has been thoroughly investigated, and no evidence has been found to support allegations that this applicant had been given favourable treatment.

Our interview requirement for transferees was removed in October 2022. Due to this being a change in policy, it required involvement and agreement from senior officers in the organisation. The change was communicated to a total of 14 officers who had previously expressed an interest in joining the organisation in that calendar year.
Teachers could be trained to combat sexual violence against girls - Digital Vision

Every school could appoint a teacher to tackle violence against girls under plans being considered by ministers.

The move follows research by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) which found one in eight (13 per cent) of 4,700 secondary teachers surveyed had reported a child sexually assaulting another pupil at their school in the past term.

That equates to just over 3,000 of the 233,000 teachers in secondary schools in England and Wales.

The charity, which was set up with a 200 million endowment from the Home Office, recommended that every school should appoint a lead teacher to tackle violence against women and girls.

It said evidence showed that school initiatives to combat sexual violence  such as lessons, awareness campaigns and training  could reduce dating and relationship violence by an average of 17 per cent.

A government source indicated the proposal was being considered ahead of Labour publishing its strategy on violence against women and girls this summer. Labour has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

It comes amid growing concern about the scale of sexual violence and misogyny among teenagers, which academics have blamed on the influence of social media and figures such as Andrew Tate.

It was highlighted in the Netflix drama Adolescence which portrayed a 13-year-old boy killing a classmate after being radicalised by misogyny online.

Previous research by the YEF, based on 10,000 teenagers, found nearly half (49 per cent) of 13- 17-year-olds in a romantic relationship that year experienced violent or controlling behaviour  equivalent to 464,345 children in England and Wales, or one in eight teenagers.

Jon Yates, chief executive of the YEF, said: Netflixs Adolescence has shone a much-needed spotlight on the toxic influences boys are growing up with. Its time to act.

Research shows that lessons on healthy relationships can make a real difference. The Labour government has the opportunity to make a bold statement that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.

Over the past decade, schools have led the charge in breaking down the stigma around mental health and providing crucial support for young people. With the right resources, training and leadership, they can have a similar transformative impact in tackling violence against women and girls.

Yet the latest research, published on Thursday, found many teachers felt ill-equipped to tackle the problem.

The surveys of up to 6,000 staff by TeacherTapp, suggested more than half (55 per cent) of secondary school teachers said they lacked the confidence or expertise to deliver personal, social and health education (PSHE) to children.

Nearly a third (31 per cent) of secondary teachers who taught PSHE had never received training to deliver these subjects while 45 per cent said they lacked confidence in teaching how to intervene if someone witnessed a sexual assault

The charity urged the Government to invest 1 million to pilot the creation of lead teachers to tackle violence against women and girls across 50 schools and colleges.

They would be responsible for drawing up school-wide strategies, improving PHSE lessons, bringing in specialist external providers and training other staff members.

The Government should then be prepared to invest 35 million in England and 2 million in Wales to scale up the initiative if shown to be successful.
migrants crossing channel

Benefits claims by refugee households have increased by 33 per cent in a year, government figures show.

The amount of Universal Credit paid to households with at least one claimant who is a refugee rose to 1.1 billion in 2024, an increase of a third from 828 million in 2023.

Migration experts attributed the increase  the first time it has passed 1 billion  to a surge in the number of asylum seekers being granted refugee status.

It comes as record numbers of migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats.

Foreign nationals become eligible for Universal Credit and other benefits on the same terms as British citizens once they are granted indefinite leave to remain or refugee status.

The figures will put further pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, who is planning a migration crackdown that is due to be announced later this month.

Reform UK and the Conservatives have called for a tougher approach on immigration ahead of Thursdays by-election in Runcorn and local elections, at which Labour and the Tories are expected to suffer huge losses.

Meanwhile, ministers are facing a backbench rebellion over the proposed 5 billion benefit cuts announced by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Spring Statement.

A senior Labour MP warned that backbench MPs would struggle to back the proposed benefits cuts for vulnerable British families when so much of the money had been handed to migrants, many of whom had arrived in the UK legally.

Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Middleton South and a former leader of Manchester city council, told The Telegraph: This data is an indication of part of the cost of a failure to control our borders.

Later this year, Labour MPs will be asked to vote to cut benefits. The Governments failure to control this budget on immigration will make that decision much more difficult for many Labour MPs.

Mr Stringer earlier this week urged the Government to renegotiate or change the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which has been blamed for hampering the Home Offices ability to deport foreign criminals and illegal migrants.

Neil OBrien, a former minister who extracted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data through freedom of information laws, said the small boats crisis, which was partly fuelling the exploding bill for taxpayers, would only be fixed if the UK quit the ECHR.

None of this will be fixed until we exit from this thicket of human rights law which leads to illegal immigrants being prioritised over British people who have paid in all their lives, he said.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, claimed Labours loss of border control and record illegal immigrant numbers crossing the channel this year was costing taxpayers billions.

People who enter the country illegally should be rapidly returned to their country of origin, or a safe third country such as Rwanda. That way, illegal immigrants wont end up costing taxpayers billions, he said.

However, a government source said: The Tories left the asylum system in chaos. On their watch, small boat crossings went from a few hundred in 2018 to a record of over 45,000 crossings in 2022.

A Labour government is fixing the Tories mess, going after the criminal smuggling gangs who were able to take root right along our border over the last six years.

We are also getting a grip of the welfare system, which the Tories broke, by putting new support in place to get people back to work and put the finances on a more sustainable footing.

The Government is forecast to spend 75.8 billion on Universal Credit in 2025-26, up from 65 billion in the previous year. The total is set to hit 89 billion by the end of the decade.

According to the DWP, the proportion accounted for by refugee households rose from 1.7 per cent in 2023 to 1.8 per cent in 2024.

The costs are likely to increase as the Government faces record numbers of migrants crossing the Channel.

On Thursday, the total passed 11,000 for the year  the earliest in a calendar year the milestone has been reached since the first small boats arrived seven years ago. Numbers are up this year by more than 40 per cent on 2024.

It comes as approvals of asylum claims have hit the highest level since records began nearly 40 years ago with more than 110,000 applications granted in 2023 and 2024.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is drawing up a new common sense legal framework to end the ad hoc decisions by immigration judges that have seen illegal migrants and foreign criminals exploit the ECHR Article 8 right to a family life to avoid being deported from the UK.

Madeleine Sumption, director of Oxford Universitys Migration Observatory, cited the large increase in the number of people with refugee permission due to the efforts to reduce the backlog and an 11 per cent uprating in individual payments for the rise.

Between December 2022 and December 2023, the number of people with refugee permission increased by 86 per cent, she said.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: Like generations of refugees before them, the refugees we work with are determined to give back to the communities that have welcomed them, work and play their part in British life.

Having either just arrived on a government scheme or been stuck in the asylum system and not allowed to work while waiting for a decision, people will often need some help while they find a job that pays enough to move off Universal Credit.

The Government has been right to unblock the asylum process so that decisions were able to be made again.

They also need a clear strategy on integration, so that refugees are quickly able to play a full role in their communities and stand on their own two feet.

A DWP spokesman said: The application process is thorough, and illegal migrants with no immigration status cannot receive Universal Credit.

Asylum seekers can only receive Universal Credit payments once they have been granted refugee status.

He said the Government was committed to reviewing Universal Credit to ensure it tackled poverty, made work pay and incentivised people back into jobs.

Labour market reforms aimed to drive up employment and opportunity and grow the economy.
Yostin Andres Mosquera is on trial for murder at the Old Bailey - CHP

A male porn star tried to transfer 4,000 to his bank account after killing a couple, a court heard.

Yostin Andres Mosquera is accused of killing Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, before dumping their chopped-up bodies in suitcases on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

A jury watched footage of Mosquera grappling and then killing Mr Alfonso in a frenzied stabbing at the couples flat in Shepherds Bush, west London, on July 8 last year.

The footage, also capturing the sound of someone struggling to breath, was watched in silence by Old Bailey jurors.

The defendant appears to say, You like it? as he stabs Mr Alfonso to death.

Mosquera admits the manslaughter of Mr Alfonso by way of loss of self-control but denies both charges of murder. The prosecution claims he was in complete control of his strategic and premeditated actions.

Prosecutors said that Mosquera killed Mr Longworth and later Mr Alfonso in their flat and then set about trying to steal from them.

Paul Longworth, left, and Albert Alfonso were killed at their south London flat last July - Metropolitan Police

Deanna Heer KC previously said: Paul Longworth had been attacked with a hammer to the back of his head, suffering repeated blows, which shattered his skull.

Albert Alfonso had been repeatedly stabbed, suffering multiple wounds to his torso, his body, and his face and to his neck. None of that is in dispute.

Mr Alfonsos death was captured on four cameras that were mounted in his bedroom to record sex sessions. Mosquera, 35, is seen singing and dancing in the aftermath of the attack.

Mr Justice Bennathan had previously warned the jury it is not an easy watch and the added soundtrack that was played on Thursday potentially heightens any distress.

On Thursday Ms Heer told the jury: He takes hold of Mr Alfonsos chin with his left hand and pulls Mr Alfonsos head back, and then with his right hand, in which he is holding the knife, he stabs him.

She added: Mr Alfonso gets to his feet and tries to defend himself.

They then fall to the floor, and Mr Mosquera gets on top of Mr Alfonso. Mr Alfonso manages to stand up while Mr Mosquera has him in a headlock.

Sounds can be heard along with Mosquera appearing to say in English, Do you like?.

Pc Nick Swire, commenting on the CCTV footage said: You can see Mosquera apply a knife to Mr Alfonso and blood is seen to flow down his chest ... this is the start of the frenzied stabbing to the torso and the chest.

The men, who are both naked, are seen struggling with each other and wrestling to the ground.

Mr Swire stated that at one point you can hear a change in the sound of breathing as Mr Alfonsos body goes limp and he loses consciousness.

The footage ends with Mr Alfonso on the ground and, Mr Swire said, there is significant blood flowing from the neck area to the floor.

Seen singing a song in Spanish

Mosquera is then seen singing a song in Spanish and dancing, before sitting down to look at a computer.

The court heard examination of the computer showed Mosquera created a PowerPoint of the couples banking information, accessed a spreadsheet which contained their passwords for online banking and attempted to access Mr Alfonsos different accounts to transfer money  including trying to send 4,000 to his own account in Colombia.

He made several cash withdrawals from Mr Alfonsos different bank accounts, obtaining at least 900 before the transactions started to be declined, the court was told.

At about 11.30pm on July 10, a cyclist making his way across the Clifton Suspension Bridge spotted Mosquera standing next to a large red suitcase and stopped to see if he was OK, thinking he was a tourist, jurors heard.

The witness also saw a large silver trunk a few yards away from the defendant before Mosquera told him the luggage contained car parts.

Ms Heer said: In fact, the suitcases contained the decapitated and dismembered bodies of Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso, which the defendant had transported to Bristol from their home in London where they had been killed two days before.

The prosecution alleges Mosquera took the suitcases to the landmark to dispose of them but the jury heard he was questioned by the cyclist and bridge staff who noticed that something was leaking from the suitcase, before abandoning both items and running away.

The police were called and officers discovered the cases contained body parts.

Police searched the Scotts Road address on the label of the silver trunk before finding Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworths decapitated heads, as well as other body parts, in a chest freezer at their flat, the court heard.

The case continues.
Russell Brand moved his family to the United States last year - Leon Neal/Getty Images

Russell Brand is accused of indecently assaulting a woman by grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a mens lavatory, court documents show.

The 49-year-old has been charged with five sexual offences, including the rape of a woman in Bournemouth in 1999 and the oral rape of another in 2004.

Brand, who lives in the US, is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Friday.

It is currently unclear whether the comedian-turned-podcaster will return for the hearing, but in a video on Wednesday he said that he was heading to the UK for what I am assured will be a simple formality.

He added: I am absolutely open to and welcome the opportunity to defend myself because my innocence is indefatigable.

He said that fingers crossed he would be back live streaming his daily show on Monday.

Five charges relating to four women

Brand was charged last month with one count of rape, indecent assault and oral rape, as well as two counts of sexual assault, relating to four women.

He was also issued with a court summons.

Court documents that lay out the details of the charges show Brand is accused of indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 by grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a male toilet.

He is also alleged to have sexually assaulted another woman in Westminster, London in 2004 by touching her breasts without her consent. He is also accused of orally raping the woman that same year.

The comedian is further alleged to have raped a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area, and sexually assaulted another woman between 2004 and 2005 in Westminster.

The police began an investigation into Brands alleged wrongdoing in September 2023 after The Sunday Times and Channel 4s Dispatches published an investigation into allegations about his treatment of women.

Addressing his 11.3 million followers on X after the charges were revealed last month, Brand rejected the allegations, saying he was never a rapist, and that he has never engaged in non-consensual activity.

He said: Ive always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had a wife and family I was a fool, man.

I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord... I have never engaged in non consensual activity, I pray you can see that by looking in my eyes.

Last month, he was seen on the stage of a music event hosted by Brandon Lake, an American Christian singer, at the Riviera Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina.

He moved his family to a $1 million bungalow in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida in 2024 and is regularly seen at the weekend farmers market, near the beach and in the town square.

The beach town, nicknamed the The Hamptons of the South, is a popular choice for celebrities, with its 300-plus homes, lush gardens and sugar-white beaches.

A controversial career

Brand emerged as a break-out television personality in the mid-2000s and became one of the most popular comedy stars on Channel 4.

In April 2006, he was given his own show on BBC Radio 2 that attracted a listenership of 400,000 people.

Two years later, he was forced to resign after he and Jonathan Ross, the BBC presenter, recorded live on air a series of lewd phone messages for the Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs, then aged 78, about his granddaughter.

In recent years, he has reinvented himself as an anti-woke political podcaster, amassing millions of online followers tuning in to hear his conspiracy theories on the alternative video platform Rumble.

Last year, Brand announced that he had been baptised and had embraced Christianity.

Before moving to the US, Brand lived in a 3.3 million house on the banks of the Thames with his wife, Laura Gallacher, 37, and their three children.

He had travelled regularly to the US while building an online following among supporters of Donald Trump.

Brand has endorsed Mr Trump in videos on his social media platforms and was pictured attending the US presidents inauguration in January.
A thinktank is calling for every secondary school in England and Wales to appoint a relationship violence prevention lead. Photograph: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

A thinktank is calling for schools to appoint relationship violence prevention leaders, modelled on the success of mental health coordinators, as teachers say they are ill-equipped to advise on the complex issues involved.

A study by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), supported by the Home Office, wants young teenagers in England and Wales to be taught relationship violence prevention lessons, aimed at tackling emotional, physical and sexual violence, psychological abuse, stalking and harassment.

While schools in England have had statutory guidance on teaching relationships, sex and health education since 2020, Jon Yates, YEFs chief executive, said too many pupils were still not receiving teaching on how to recognise healthy and unhealthy relationships or how to get out of damaging relationships.

Related: Girls in England feel less safe at school than they did pre-Covid, survey finds

As a first step, the YEF is recommending a pilot scheme to give secondary schools 8,000 for a violence against women and girls lead, for training or external support, and to ensure that relationship lessons are upgraded.

One of the big challenges around implementation, in delivering these lessons across schools, is convincing teachers that theyre needed, that this happens to children, and we need to focus on it, Yates said.

But schools can often be a bit nervous about advertising that theyre doing these sessions. They dont want to advertise to prospective parents that they might have a problem with relationship violence. But the point is, this is everywhere.

Research by the YEF found nearly a third of teachers taking RSHE classes said they had never received any training, while more than a quarter said they were not confident teaching children how to leave an unhealthy relationship. Almost half said they struggled to explain how to intervene if children witness a sexual assault.

Lucy Emmerson, the chief executive of the Sex Education Forum, said its research found that only 50% of young people said their RSHE lessons were good or very good, despite recent improvements in the curriculum.

Were finding that some topics like puberty are covered really well, young people say its done really well, and to some extent topics like consent. But topics like pornography and power imbalances in relationships, these are the kind of topics that young people very often say are inadequately covered or not covered at all, Emmerson said.

Thats often where parents say its different from what they encountered as a child  they might remember their sex education being quite technical, quite focused on puberty and biology and not so much on what does it feel like? How do I manage my feelings? How do I deal with rejection? How can I understand whats going on here?

The topics include how to recognise the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and how to get help if needed, which Emmerson said were vital building skills for friendships as well as personal or sexual relationships. But the difficulty remained in getting the training and investment needed for teachers.

To do those so-called trickier topics really well, teachers need to be confident in this subject area, they need to be able to hold high-quality and open discussions with pupils and not just fact-based teaching around it, Emmerson said.

Children and young people benefit hugely from the skills of listening to each other, to empathise, to respect each other and to negotiate and understand their emotions and express them. Its not just learning some facts, its learning how to behave and respond.
A plastic bag sheeting over Ikeas front door split to reveal scores of cheering yellow-clad staff members waving Swedish and British flags - Matt Alexander/PA

Ikea hired a pro-Palestine drag queen to help open its flagship store in central London.

The worlds largest furniture retailer put on a show as it unveiled its three-floor shop in Oxford Street on Thursday morning.

As customers browsed the usual complement of crockery, soft furnishings and cabinets, they were greeted by a DJ blasting dance classics, a saxophonist playing the blues, and a moustachioed drag queen known as Carrot proudly displaying a Palestine flag badge.

Wearing a ginger wig, a denim trouser suit, and a transgender sticker, Carrot welcomed people to the bedding section. The drag queen told a Telegraph reporter: Welcome to my bedroom.

Previous social media posts by Carrot have expressed strong support of Palestine and accused Israel of carrying out a genocide.

Jesper Brodin, the chief executive of Ikea, at the opening of the store in London - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph

Companies have previously been criticised for allowing employees to wear Palestine badges in the workplace.

Earlier this year, Currys was forced to scrap staff name badges featuring Palestinian flags after complaints they were causing distress for Jewish customers.

A spokesman for Ikea said: We have worked with a number of Londoners to help shape our product offering and roomsets at Ikea Oxford Street and we invited all those involved to help us celebrate todays launch.

The Londoners who helped design our curated shops in the Oxford Street store are not Ikea co-workers and their political views are personal to them.

Carrot was approached for comment by The Telegraph.

The Swedish company has opened its new store on the site of the former Topshop flagship just off Oxford Circus.

At 10am, after a countdown by Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, a plastic bag sheeting over the front door split to reveal scores of cheering yellow-clad staff members waving Swedish and British flags.

Louis Jackson, 31, was second in line in a queue that snaked along the shopfront and around into a makeshift airport-style queue area on the adjoining Great Portland Street.

It was very overwhelming being welcomed into the shop like that, said Mr Jackson, who left with a 2.95 salmon wrap. I actually cried because, really, Ive never been into a store that had so many people welcoming you like a family.

Christian Grigore, 36, was first in a line, having arrived just before dawn from his home in Stratford, east London.

The self-employed IT worker made his way straight to the cafeteria for a breakfast of the flatpack giants famous meatballs.

Im starving, he said as he brandished an Ikea-branded water bottle, umbrella and bag handed out to shield queuers from the unseasonably warm 20C morning sun.

Shoppers in the queue were given umbrellas as temperatures reached 20C - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph

But in the end, the early risers efforts counted for nothing when a throng of half a dozen Londoners jumped the queue and rushed into the shop as soon as it opened.

As cheers erupted from the queue and a crowd on Oxford Streets central reservation, security guards proved unable to stop those who barged in, as yellow-shirted staff members pleaded for them to stop.

Inside the shop, laid out over three floors reaching deep underground, matters soon took on an atmosphere of the surreal.

As a DJ blasted deafening dance classics and shop assistants ditched shelf-stacking for body popping, three ladies of the St Johns Ambulance pottered about  seemingly there to rescue any exhausted shoppers stranded in its subterranean depths.

While it is but a shadow of the chains sprawling out-of-town locations, there was still plenty of choice on offer in a remarkably convenient location for boxed-up city dwellers.

Shoppers were having their photograph taken next to a gigantic 4ft-high meatball, while next door a saxophonist played the blues surrounded by six kitchens.

In the childrens area, the sounds of the jungle squawked through a loudspeaker over soft toy snakes, sharks and monkeys piled high like a Peta activists worst nightmare.

This Ikea really does have everything.
Julie and Peter Maxsteds anniversary ended up more like a crime scene than the loved-up holiday they had pictured

As the Prince and Princess of Wales mark their wedding anniversary with a romantic return to the Isle of Mull, its worth remembering that, for most of us, such elegant celebrations remain firmly in the realm of fantasy. More often, anniversaries are marked by misjudged surprises, ill-timed arguments, or if youre really unlucky, a can of beans!

From camping catastrophes and name-mangling greeting cards to the woman who tumbled down an airport escalator while her husband worried about missing the flight, these are the real-life tales of anniversaries gone gloriously awry.

Because, as any long-married couple will tell you, enduring love isnt built on candlelit dinners and grand gestures  its forged in the shared disasters, the questionable gifts, and the ability to laugh (eventually) when it all goes spectacularly wrong.

He gave me a tin of beans

Our tenth wedding anniversary was the tin one, and because we got married in Cornwall  famous for its tin mines  I went all out and had a whisky decanter engraved, complete with a tin stopper and filled it with his favourite single malt. He handed me a tin of beans. He thought it was hilarious. We did laugh about it later, but in the moment, I definitely questioned my life choices.

 Susan, 67, journalist

It was the FA Cup final

I booked what I thought was the perfect romantic anniversary break  a remote weekend away in the Spanish mountains with no WiFi, no TV, just peace and tapas. What I didnt realise was that Arsenal were in the FA Cup final. And he really wanted to watch it  with a few beers. So instead of long walks and candlelit dinners, we spent the weekend hunting down a bar with a working TV. We finally found one full of expats, where he got progressively more drunk and shouty while I nursed a mineral water. I wasnt best pleased.

 Jane, 52, editor

He blindfolded me for my big surprise

For our 25th wedding anniversary  silver, no less  my husband said he was planning a surprise. I wasnt allowed to know where we were going, and he made a big deal of it, even blindfolding me in the car. Naturally, I packed lingerie and a nice frock, expecting a romantic hotel or a fancy dinner. We arrived at... Brands Hatch. For the motor racing. I spent the day in heels and a black dress. He had the time of his life. Me? Not so much. To be honest, Im still not over it.

 Amanda, 56, communications manager

M for Murder

I knew my marriage was over on our 15th wedding anniversary. I made a fuss, took my wife out to dinner, really tried to mark the occasion. Halfway through the meal, she looked at me, completely deadpan, and said: Fifteen years? People get less for murder. There was a strange look in her eye. I actually felt rather chilled. We split up six months later.

 Peter, 61, retired

Love, gaffer tape and hypothermia

Gilly and Steve Grist were ill-prepared for their anniversary camping trip  leaving their dog traumatised

To celebrate our anniversary, we decided to recreate the magic of our honeymoon by returning to our beloved campsite in Silverdale, in the Lake District. Wed even splashed out on a pre-loved tent. So excited were we that we forgot a few key items  like a mattress pump. And cutlery. And, thinking August would be balmy, we packed a double duvet instead of proper sleeping bags. Hubby got to work putting up the tent while I supervised with our ageing dog. Spirits were high until the central arch pole snapped along with his mood. After some gaffer tape and a lot of swearing, the tent was technically up. But as night fell and the temperature dropped, we ended up shivering on the cold, wet ground. The dog was traumatised. Eventually, we gave up, bundled into the car, wedged the dog between us, and slept until dawn. We packed up and drove home the next morning. We have decided our camping days are over.

 Gillian Grist, 62, artist

A midnight wedding, a millennium and a grave mistake

Charlie and I got married at midnight on New Years Eve 1999 on a beach in Kerala, India. Planning it was chaotic  visa issues, cultural quirks, and a six-friend wedding committee  but we pulled it off. Or so I thought. When I arrived at the tiny hilltop church, our Indian friend looked grave: Im sorry. Weve had to cancel the wedding. Someone died. I nodded, stunned  only for him to grin. Just joking about the cancellation! However, he wasnt joking about the funeral that was happening in the church right after our wedding. Moments later, we passed the actual body lying on the ground, which was wrapped in a white shroud. As we left, our friend Adam fell into the open grave. He was fine. Shaken, muddy  but fine. We ended the night with elephants, fireworks, and a sense that if we could handle this, we could handle anything. Every wedding anniversary, we celebrate not just our marriage  but life, death, and the wild, unpredictable dance between the two.

 Alice Taylor, 57, EverGreen yoga teacher

He wrote her name, not mine

On our first wedding anniversary, my husband gave me a lovely card  well, almost. He accidentally wrote his ex-wifes name in it. I stared at it in disbelief. He looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him. I wasnt sure whether to laugh, cry or laminate it for the divorce lawyer. Weve been married for 20 years now and Ive almost forgiven him.

 Fiona, 48, teacher

Our wedding day barely registers

For Judith and her husband, the actual wedding day was preceded by rum punch and picking flowers

Wedding anniversaries are a tricky subject at Woods Towers because I literally have no idea of the date. My guesstimate would be somewhere between the ninth and the 16th of November 2000, but I do understand commemorating such occasions is normally an exact science.

To explain; my husband and I got married after 11 years of togetherness, so for both of us, the date that really matters is April 1 1989, when he asked me out. And yes, weve heard every joke imaginable. By comparison, then, asking for my hand in marriage didnt feel nearly as significant and as for our Big Day, truthfully, it barely registered.

We were married on a hillside in St Lucia. There was no family, no guests. The ceremony was an informal affair; the groom had spent the morning in an outdoor jacuzzi necking rum punch while I traipsed around the edge of the rainforest, picking tiny white flowers to weave through my hair. Yes, really. Its the way forward, ladies.

Anyway, this year is our 25th anniversary, so we will have to celebrate, if only to enable our daughters to dress up. In fact, I should probably make a note of it on the calendar  but I see my husband has beaten me to it. Oh, look, its apparently November 2. Who knew?

 Judith Woods, Telegraph columnist

He held my hand and I realised I didnt love him

I got married when I was 21 and my husband was ten years older than me. I didnt change my name and he always had a problem with it. Then, on our third anniversary, he took me out for dinner, got all serious and insisted that I change my name to his. I always had explained that I didnt want to change my name because Im a feminist and I didnt believe in the patriarchy. I even refused to wear a wedding ring. But as I sat across from him in the restaurant that night, I realised I just didnt love him, and I think deep down he knew. In the restaurant, he got angry, all red in the face and sweaty and I felt repulsed. We eventually divorced. I went on to marry again and I took my husbands name and wore a ring. But I will never forget that awful night.

 Mary, 63, bookseller

I was bleeding on the floor but he didnt want to miss our flight

We were off to Barcelona for our 30th wedding anniversary  romance, sangria, the works. Instead, I fell down the escalator at Gatwick. Blood everywhere, proper drama. I was lying on the floor with a leg like a crime scene, and my husbands only concern? Missing the flight. Can you walk? he asked, like we were late for a meeting. I still have the scars to remember it by.

 Julie Maxted, 63, hotel owner

She thought Id forgotten  so she got drunk

For our first wedding anniversary, I planned a surprise party at home with a few close friends who were at the wedding. My then-wife thought Id forgotten and decided to punish me by going out drinking instead. She finally rocked up at 11pm  absolutely trollied and spoiling for a fight. She threw up on the patio and raged in front of everyone. It was so embarrassing. We split up two years later.

 Tom, 45, events manager

He thought a robot hoover was romantic

For our 60th wedding anniversary, my husband was so excited about the gift hed got me. He was really into gadgets. It cost a fortune, he said proudly, handing over a robot hoover. A hoover. For our 60th anniversary! Its our diamond anniversary, I raged. The clues right there. I didnt speak to him for days.

 Christina, 82, retired
A prescription at a pharmacy

NHS patients will be prescribed weight-loss jabs at pharmacies as part of Britains war on obesity.

Health officials are poised to announce trials to significantly widen access to the revolutionary injections. They will allow NHS patients to get the jabs directly from pharmacies after a short consultation. Currently pharmacies are only offering such services to people who pay for a private prescription.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has previously set out plans for tight rationing of the jabs, with just one in 10 overweight people who are eligible able to get them on the NHS.

That came despite Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, saying the new class of medication could have a monumental impact on Britains productivity and cut worklessness.

Research suggests more than half a million people are buying weight-loss injections privately, amid the slow rollout of the drugs through specialist NHS clinics, which have long waits.

Health officials have wanted GPs to prescribe them. However, the rollout via family doctors, who already have high workloads, has been slow.

One senior Whitehall source said the programme aimed to find new ways to accelerate rollout of the medication. A health source said that pharmacies would be key to rolling out jabs on a mass scale.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is expected to announce plans to try new ways to prescribe and monitor use of the medication. A spokesman would not confirm the details.

It comes as pharmacists are being given more powers to prescribe medication such as antibiotics for minor ailments like urinary infections and earache under Mr Streetings plans to cut NHS waiting lists.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care told The Telegraph: As the government shifts the NHS from sickness to prevention, we will be looking across the board at how these drugs can be made available to more people who can benefit from them.

The NHS is already tackling obesity in innovative ways, including through community care models and digital technologies, to help deliver these drugs as part of a rounded package of care.

Help with host of diseases

The jabs have been found to set back the tide of a host of diseases, cutting heart deaths by a fifth.

Wholesale figures show 500,000 adults have been prescribed the anti-obesity medications Mounjaro and Wegovy, but around 95 per cent of people taking the drugs, which have only been available for a year, are sourcing them privately online.

It is feared the surge in internet purchases is being fuelled by social media adverts illegally touting the injections.

Nice had recommended the medication for 3.4 million people  those with a BMI of at least 35 and a weight-related health problem.

But last December it said it had taken the difficult decision to restrict the jabs to just 220,000 patients over the next three years, accounting for only around one in ten of those eligible.

The drug semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic for the treatment of type two diabetes, and Wegovy for weight loss, is only available on the NHS for slimming purposes via specialist clinics.

Nice recommended that GPs should be able to prescribe Mounjaro, made by Lilly, and dubbed the King Kong of weight-loss jabs, but the rollout has been slow to get off the ground.

The game-changing medication has been described by experts as the fountain of youth after trials found it could turn back the clock on a host of diseases.

The class of medications, which work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to repress appetite and make people feel fuller more quickly, have been found to have improved conditions including high blood pressure and heart and kidney disease, with promise also shown in the treatment of Alzheimers disease.

The new trials, which involve a multi-million pound deal with Lilly, aim to accelerate their use.

Exciting opportunity

Dr Kate McCullough, NHS Englands national speciality adviser for obesity, has previously said that providing the drugs via pharmacies was an exciting opportunity with programmes likely to focus on areas with greatest clinical need.

Last year she said: Community pharmacies already provide a range of care  some pharmacists who will go through, for example, your blood pressure medication with you and manage that. But its still early days and pharmacists prescribing weight-loss injections is one of several potential models that NHS England is exploring  and ultimately it will be down to each local integrated care board to consider. The exciting thing here is that its pretty much uncharted territory.

Prof Jason Halford, from the European Association for the Study of Obesity, said: I welcome efforts to increase availability of these drugs, and pharmacies could certainly play a part in that.

The concern is getting enough support. People need close monitoring, psychological support and advice on nutrition.

Potentially this is certainly work that pharmacies could expand into, but these are powerful drugs and they do have side effects. I would definitely welcome efforts to trial new ways to roll out the drugs.

While the injections have been found to have a dramatic impact on a range of health problems, there are also concerns that the medication has been misused by those who lie about their weight in order to get beach body ready.

In recent months, health officials have made a series of attempts to close such loopholes, by insisting on more checks.

It comes amid reports that the World Health Organisation is gearing up to officially endorse weight-loss drugs to tackle obesity in adults for the first time.

The U-turn was revealed in a leaked memo seen by Reuters, after the agency previously said it could not recommend the drugs because there was not enough data on their long-term effects.

The recommendation, which could also mean the drugs would be added to their essential medicines list, may make them more widely available globally.
Following his death in 2021 at the age of 78, Alan Lorenz left his estate to Sheila Caruana, his partner - Champion News

The death of a weight-loss shakes tycoon has triggered an inheritance feud between his lover and siblings.

Alan Lorenz became a multimillionaire after giving up his legal career to work for Herbalife, a California health drinks company.

Following his death in 2021, aged 78, his 6.4 million estate was left to his Maltese partner, Sheila Caruana, who had entered into a civil partnership with him just weeks earlier.

But the will is at the centre of a court fight, with his siblings, Robert Lorenz, 81, Anthony Lorenz, 77, and Vanessa Manasseh, 79, claiming a half-share.

The case reached the Court of Appeal this week where the three siblings claimed that Mr Lorenz had an abhorrence for paying tax and only left his estate to his partner so he could avoid inheritance tax.

They argued Mr Lorenz had created a secret trust under which Ms Caruana was trusted to hand half of the estate to his siblings.

But Ms Caruana is fighting their claim on the basis that Mr Lorenz left her with no binding obligation to give his family anything at all.

During previous hearings, the court heard that Charterhouse-educated Mr Lorenz gave up his career as a divorce lawyer to join Herbalife in 1984, rising to become a senior member.

Mr Lorenz began his relationship with Ms Caruana in about 2012.

Anthony Lorenz, Vanessa Manasseh and Robert Lorenz are claiming a half-share of their brothers estate - Champion News



His previous wills left his siblings a share of his estate, but he made a new will in 2020 which left everything to his partner.

After his death, Robert Lorenz, backed by his siblings, brought the familys claim to court, claiming Mr Lorenz had a history of aggressive tax avoidance and indeed an abhorrence of paying tax.

They claimed Mr Lorenz was close to all of his siblings and believed that Ms Caruana was 100 per cent honourable and would give half his money to his family.

In June, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith dismissed the familys claim, finding there was no realistic prospect of establishing that Mr Lorenz had created a secret trust benefiting his siblings.

In an appeal against the decision on Wednesday, Richard Wilson KC argued the judge was plainly wrong to dismiss the claim.

He said: Roberts claim is that Alan gave oral instructions to Sheila on how to deal with the residuary estate and that those instructions gave rise to a secret trust.

There is clear evidence that instructions were given.

The evidence is clear that there was at the very least some form of obligation on Sheila to make gifts to Alans siblings in accordance with his settled and consistent intention to make provision for them.

Alan Lorenz was said to have had a longstanding desire to avoid paying tax where possible - Champion News

For Ms Caruana, barrister Penelope Reed KC said the appeal should be dismissed.

Alan had a longstanding desire to avoid tax where possible and consistently went to some effort to do so  even living abroad for decades, she said.

When faced with the choice of having control over the gifting of his assets to any family members and having to pay inheritance tax, he chose with barely any hesitation to avoid the tax, accepting the uncertainty and lack of control.

Once the proposition is accepted, as it has been by all parties, that Alans overriding intention was the avoidance of tax, Alan simply could not have achieved that aim by leaving his estate on a binding secret trust.

His goal was incompatible with an intention to create a secret trust, and was solely consistent with his estate going to Sheila beneficially.

The judges reserved judgment on the appeal until a later date.
A woman who suffered a stroke at the age of 24 has described how she was able to sing before she could speak during her recovery.

Summer Clarke, now 26, was given a 10% chance to live, with her family told to say their goodbyes when she suffered a spontaneous brain haemorrhage.

Ms Clarke from Denton, Manchester, survived after being put into an induced coma, but had severe complications including needing to read and walk again.

But she could sing her favourite songs, word for word, before she could even recognise her own mother.

Ms Clarke is not alone, a new poll by the Stroke Association has revealed 35% of stroke survivors are able to sing better than speak in the weeks and months after their stroke.

The survey of 1,000 people who have had a stroke found 33% lost the ability to speak after a stroke.

Summer Clarke had a stroke when she was 24 (handout/PA)

Some 26% said they could sing or hum before they could talk at all.

And 61% said music helped improve their communication skills after their stroke, with half (51%) saying it helped their memory.

The Stroke Association said research suggests singing can enhance communication and speech for people with aphasia  a language and communication disability, which leaves people struggling to speak, read, write or understand language.

Ms Clarke is backing a new campaign by the charity Sing4Stroke.

Two years ago she was enjoying an afternoon with friends when she experienced severe pains in her head and was violently unwell.

She was rushed to hospital where it was discovered she had a brain haemorrhage and she was put on life support.

Summer Clarke could sing songs word for word before she could recognise her own mother after a stroke (handout/PA)

He mother Linda Clarke said: The doctors did a draining procedure but the pressure on her brain was immense. I was told that she might have 48 hours to live and we should maybe say our goodbyes.

She was given a 10% chance of survival  it was terrifying.

But two weeks after being put in an induced coma, Ms Clarke started to move a little finger.

She was taken out of a coma and started to breathe again on her own.

But this was just the start of her nine-month stint in hospital and Ms Clarke needed to learn to read and walk again.

It was like being a baby again, I had to learn everything from scratch, she said.

During the recovery process, it was found Ms Clarke could sing her favourite songs before she could perform many other tasks.

Her mother said: Summer suffered with so many cognitive problems but singing just came naturally to her. She could sing to music when she came out of the coma. She would start by miming songs and then she could sing anything on her playlist.

She said her daughters favourite song during recovery was Proud Mary by Tina Turner.

Ms Clarke, who worked as cabin crew for British Airways before her stroke, added: Anything we played I remembered the lyrics to, even if I didnt recognise my own mum, it was all very strange.

Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: Singing can be a powerful tool in stroke recovery for those who experience communication difficulties.

Because music and singing are processed in a different part of the brain to spoken language, some people with communication problems find that they can sing easily, even though speaking is difficult.

The charity has launched a new campaign urging people to raise money by singing.

There are now over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, and this number is growing, said Ms Bouverie.

The impact of a stroke can be completely life-altering. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke, but to do this we need your support.
The Princess Royal receives a bouquet of flowers from a young boy at the English Rural Housing Association AGM - Matt Pereira/Matt Pereira Photography

The Princess Royal has said that the UK needs a a coherent national programme to support the building of affordable rural housing.

Princess Anne, the patron of the non-profit organisation English Rural, said that a longer-term vision was needed when building homes for the future.

She told the charitys national conference on affordable rural housing that rural communities needed better transport and logistics, noting there was a whole lot of work to be done to support scaling up the delivery of homes and jobs across the countryside.

The Government has announced plans to to grow the housing stock in Britain by building 1.5 million homes over the course of this Parliament.

But the proposals put forward by Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, are already under threat, with almost three in four councils expected to scrap or postpone plans to build more council homes.

Ms Rayner has said that she will aim to create the next generation of new towns while slashing housing targets in major cities including London, Bristol and Birmingham.

The Princess says there is a whole lot of work to be done to support scaling up the delivery of homes and jobs across the countryside - Matt Pereira/Matt Pereira Photography

This has prompted warnings from council leaders that it will significantly worsen life for rural residents, whose roads and GP services are already gridlocked and oversubscribed.

So-called grey belt land is also being targeted, although this is only expected to happen where golden rules drawn up by the Government are met.

Ecologists have warned that as many as 10,000 jobs could be cut if Labour rips up planning laws in favour of building more homes in the countryside.

Villages in the greenbelt are also being stripped of existing protections against excessive development.

According to English Rural, waiting lists for affordable housing in rural areas increased by 20 per cent between 2020 and 2023, compared with 14 per cent in urban areas.

In the countryside, this equated to an additional 34,021 people on waiting lists, rising from 171,171 to 205,192. During the same period, only 7,005 new homes for social rent were completed in these areas.

The Princess has long been outspoken on the lack of sufficient affordable rural homes, a problem she has said has got worse in recent years thanks to high property values, increased aspirations to live in the countryside and limited development of new homes.

Speaking at the conference in London on Wednesday, she said that a long-term view, not a short-term view was required when building such housing.

These things are not going to happen quickly, she said. They need patience thats often hard to come by, and loads of partnerships, to achieve those lasting results that will continue.

The Princess admitted she had been astonished when a builder on one rural housing project told her the properties were built to last just 60 years.

Most of these houses in villages have been there for a lot longer, she said. Theyve been part of the psyche of that village and its important that they [the new homes] reflect that.

We do need a slightly long-term vision, I think, in terms of building for the future, and in a way that perhaps we have not done before.

The Princess Royal is the patron of English Rural, a non-profit that works to build and manage affordable housing in the countryside - Matt Pereira/Matt Pereira Photography

The Princess expressed a cautious hope that policymakers recognised that rural areas required different funding models and planning assumptions to urban areas.

She said that her own home, Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, was 270 years old, joking that the builders had got it right in installing underfloor heating in the form of fireplaces in the cellar.

The Princess said that lessons should be learnt from older houses and what makes them successful. We need to supply them better, she added.

Logistics are absolutely key to making rural communities work well, and we need to do that better, the Princess said.

Those houses allow you to plan for the future. They are the bedrock of sustainable, thriving rural communities. And there is potential for more businesses and to employ more people.

The Princess says lessons should be learnt from older housing when building new homes to last - Matt Pereira/Matt Pereira Photography

Affordable housing is not just a nice idea that gives people a start. Its a fundamental requirement which has a huge benefit over a much wider group of people.

The Princess added: We must now ensure these local efforts are backed by a coherent national programme. We know from experience that areas vary hugely in terms of their need, but also access.

Who are the local partners? Is the Church in a position that it can help more in some areas than it can in others? Probably. Others trusts and foundations. [Theres] a whole lot of work that needs to be done to allow those collaborations to take part.

Hopefully, learning those lessons will support a scaled up delivery across the countryside.

The Princess has long been a vocal advocate for the collaborative efforts to deliver affordable housing between organisations such as English Rural, local authorities, parish councils and community groups.

She hailed the rural housing enablers that she said were invaluable in understanding what will make a difference, asking the right questions and making the right connections.
The Guardian and reporting partners have gathered testimonies of former detainees detailing severe torture in Russias Taganrog prison. Photograph: Yandex maps

Ukrainian and Russian civil society leaders have called for the unconditional release of thousands of Ukrainian civilians being held in Russian captivity, pushing for world leaders to make it a central part of any peace deal.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Kyiv-based Centre for Civil Liberties, which won the 2022 Nobel peace prize, said most of the discussion on ending the conflict, led by Donald Trumps administration, focused solely on territories and potential security guarantees.

Its a huge problem that we lose the human dimension in this political process. Only with solving the human dimension can we find a path to sustainable peace, she said.

On Tuesday, the Guardian and its reporting partners launched the Viktoriia project, an investigation into the death of the Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna in Russian custody, as well as a report on the systemic torture and mistreatment of thousands of civilian detainees seized by Russian occupying forces.

The European Commission on Wednesday condemned the killing, with foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper saying it showed life under occupation remains a constant threat to Ukrainians.

Jan Braathu, the media freedom representative for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, said he was appalled by the evidence emerging in Roshchynas case. A preliminary autopsy suggests she was tortured before she died, and her brain and other body parts were removed in order to conceal the cause of death.

In a statement, Braathu said her treatment was a breach of international law, including the Geneva conventions and the UN conventions against torture  to which Russia is a signatory. I condemn these grave abuses by the Russian Federation, he said.

The Ukrainian parliaments commissioner for human rights, Dmytro Lubinets, said that as of April 2024 the number of people registered as having disappeared stood at 16,000, but that calculating an exact total was impossible.

Those detained are often socially and politically active people Russia fears may resist occupation, as well as former military personnel or Ukrainian government officials. Some are simply in the wrong place in the wrong time and are pulled into a nightmare of torture and mistreatment.

Prisoners are often held incommunicado, without charge or access to legal support, and are not allowed to send and receive letters. Their fate is one of the lesser-reported aspects of Russias war on Ukraine.

The Guardian and its reporting partners, in a collaboration led by the French newsroom Forbidden Stories, have gathered testimonies from former detainees at one of the most notorious holding facilities, Taganrog pre-trial detention facility No 2. They show civilians and prisoners of war are being subjected to severe food rationing, with little or no medical care, and that torture including electric shocks, physical and sexual violence and waterboarding is meted out by Russian guards.

When you hear about the conditions and the torture, there is a clear understanding that some of these people have no chance to be alive by the time the political process has ended, said Matviichuk.

Trump met the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the sidelines of the popes funeral in Rome on Saturday, while his envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday. Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine were very close to a deal and has said he wants the two sides to meet soon.

A draft of the supposed US peace plan, published last week by Reuters, covers territory, economic issues and security guarantees, but says nothing about prisoners.

Karyna Malakhova-Diachuk, the co-founder of an organisation that brings together the families of civilian detainees, said she was hoping that the freeing of these prisoners would come before a deal on territories and other elements that the US wants to nail down on the way to a lasting peace.

First, there should be an agreement to bring all the people home, and only after that they should start other negotiations. Otherwise everything will stay frozen on this issue, she said.

During the first year of the war, civilians were frequently included in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine but it is now rare. Malakhova-Diachuks organisation comprises relatives of 380 detainees, and she said there had been no releases for more than a year of those linked to the group.

The emotional toll on relatives was hard to express, she said, adding that the horror stories to emerge from Russian prisons made the waiting and uncertainty all the more painful. You see the PoWs return and they tell these horrific stories of torture and injuries and the things that happen there and there is just nothing you can do.

A minority have been charged and given long prison terms for terrorism and other crimes, which could present further obstacles if Russia claims they are convicted criminals and so cannot be part of a deal.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a Zelenskyy aide, said that civilian detainees, along with prisoners of war and the Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia, would be a key part of Ukraines demands in any peace deal. He added that even those who had been given prison terms in Russia should be freed as part of a peace deal.

These courts have no legal weight for us. We dont consider these people to be convicted of anything. And we will do everything for our citizens to be returned to Ukraine, he said.

The human dimension has been absent from most of the western countries public messaging around the push for a peace deal, with the focus instead on territories and security guarantees.

Weve heard nothing at all from Trump. We are knocking on different doors of different governments, said Oleg Orlov, head of the Russian human rights organisation Memorial, which was also awarded the 2022 Nobel peace prize.

Memorial and the Centre for Civil Liberties are two of about 50 Ukrainian and Russian organisations that have created a campaign called People First, which calls for the freeing of all prisoners of war, civilian detainees and Ukrainian children taken to Russia, at an early stage in the peace process.

While the all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war is a normal part of the end of military hostilities, the mechanism to free civilians is less clear. Russia should let them go without any conditions, but it will be very hard to achieve this, said Orlov.

He said one solution could be for Ukraine to free citizens it had arrested on charges of collaboration with Russian occupying forces and offer them passage to Russia. You cant swap civilians, but there could be a possibility of a simultaneous freeing of these people with detained Ukrainian civilians, he said.
Feminists

If anything signals the dawn of a dystopian age, its surely the launch this week of Britains first male-only publisher. Conduit Books is planning to tackle the marginalisation of male writers in the female-dominated industry. Predictably, its launch has been met with liberal derision. But in truth it is a serious warning sign that something has gone deeply wrong. While the movement for female equality has made great strides since the Suffragettes, we should admit it is now going too far  and is feeding male resentment.

After a series of momentous victories  from securing the vote to abortion rights and the outlaw of marital rape  the feminist movement is now overcorrecting. And it is becoming grotesquely hypocritical in the process.

While the worlds of finance, tech and science are lambasted for their failure to recruit more women, it is customary to openly fete the purging of men in the creative arts. In publishing insiders admit the word is out that there are agents who just dont bother taking on men. The theatre director Kate Gilchrists proposal for a year-long ban on staging the works of white male writers at the Soho Theatre captures the zeitgeist.

Nobody complains on hearing women are dominating a particular industry. Nobody questions when high-flying female executives promote other women, while male counterparts are heavily scrutinised by their HR overseers if there is the faintest whiff of unconscious bias. Too often women are speedily elevated at the expense of equally competent male colleagues.

But what we might term toxic femininity is proving bad for business. Gripped by groupthink, the top publishing houses have lost their edge. It is the smaller independents which are snapping up the talented male writers who go on to win prizes like the Booker and the Pulitzer. Fixated with identity politics, the world of literature has almost completely ceased to produce works that have mass appeal. While the British state of the nation novel has died a death, bookstores are cluttered with woke pulp that is lucky to sell a few hundred copies.

Publishing is not the only female-dominated industry that is failing. As male teachers flee the sector, boys are underperforming. Social care is in crisis, with dire shortage of male staff meaning elderly men suffer the indignity of being washed and dressed by caregivers of the opposite sex. The HR industry has an excessive focus on fighting culture wars through staff networks rather than tackling the flatlining of worker productivity. As one care industry expert confessed to me: If you google social care then you basically get women in lilac uniforms delivering cups of tea to old men.

Then theres the female-dominated marketing industry, which is failing to target men in ways that resonate with their experience. As Fernando Desouches, the managing director of ad agency BBD Perfect Storm told me:

We have made huge progress with how we advertise to women. But our approach to men is still quite narrow and materialistic. The way we build male aspiration is adding pressure to men in the same way female beauty was (and maybe still is) hurting womens confidence. The data shows that the way we are portraying men doesnt resonate with them. They are an underexploited growth opportunity for brands.

Toxic femininity is not only bad for industry but society. 19th-century feminist pushed for a more equal world, in which people are judged by their character, not biology. But the movement has gone far beyond its original purpose, and now actively pits the sexes against each other. Too many women believe they must engage in zero-sum wars for resources, status and respect.

But a backlash against the war on men is now underway. Polling shows that more than half of men think the promotion of womens equality has gone too far. Women might be tempted to retort that these men are surely hallucinating, for it is still a mans world. Thanks to the motherhood penalty men still earn more than women. They still dominate board rooms. Yet the men who increasingly feel theyre living in a womans world do have a point. Women aged 22-39 are paid more than men, and girls outperform them in school on almost every metric.

Female-only fiefdoms are allowing women to subtly build the world in their own image. The pro-female slant to publishing means that the most promoted, and thus powerful, writers are increasingly likely to be women. With women dominating HR, all workplaces are becoming increasingly feminised. The push towards hybrid working, for instance, seems to be shaped by female preferences, with some research suggesting that men fear its impact on their promotion prospects. According to the ONS, men who work part-time are paid less per hour than women.

Resentment is building up most notably among Gen Z males. It is hardly surprising that young men are getting sucked into incel societies when you consider how mainstream society mocks and marginalises them. It is little wonder that teenage boys become enraptured with online misogynists inspired by Andrew Tate, given the dearth of male role models and authors writing intelligently about the trials of coming of age, J D Salinger style.

It is no great shock that adolescent men are embracing these nastily sexist archetypes, when the male caricatures that they are bombarded with by advertisers are nastily misandrist  by the own admission of industry insiders, oscillating between the comedy buffoon who doesnt know how to turn on the washing machine or the Stoic provider.

And it is little wonder that men from working class backgrounds feel like they have no prospects, when the biggest sources of mass employment in the post-industrial era, such as social care, are again hyper feminised.

There are many who are keen to interpret the growing tensions between the sexes as a problem of toxic masculinity. When the crisis is framed in this way, the temptation is to simply double down on the feminist cause while demanding ever more robust safeguards to protect women from male anger. Labours latest calls for a teacher in every school to tackle violence against girls is typical of this attitude.

Perhaps worst of all, the relentless negativity towards men is distracting us from the real issues still facing women in Britain today: the rise in domestic violence, the reported increase in FGM. By broadening the problem to encompass all men, we are not confronting the truly menacing few.

Feminism has overreached. The consequences are proving dangerous and divisive. We ignore this at our peril.
The high security facility located at a US Army base in Fort Detrick, Maryland, was once the centre of the US biological weapons program - Alex Wong/Getty Images

A top-secret US research facility that studies Sars-CoV-2, Ebola and other deadly pathogens has been shut down by the Trump administration amid safety concerns.

The Integrated Research Facility (IRL)  which is located at a US Army base in Fort Detrick, Maryland  was told by email to stop all experimental work by 5pm on April 29 and its director was placed on administrative leave.

The high security facility, which was once the centre of the US biological weapons program, is believed by many in China to have sparked the Covid-19 pandemic.

Only yesterday, China released a paper claiming the US was behind the pandemic, reported Reuters.

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, the paper said.

Until Tuesday, when its doors were locked, the lab at Fort Detrick conducted research for the prevention and treatment of high consequence diseases including Ebola, Sars-Cov-2 Lassa fever, Marburg and Eastern equine encephalitis.

Bradley Moss, the communications director for the US National Institutes for Health (NIH), told WIRED magazine that the lab had been closed amid safety concerns.

NIH has implemented a research pause  referred to as a safety stand-down  at the Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick. This decision follows identification and documentation of personnel issues involving contract staff that compromised the facilitys safety culture, prompting this research pause, he said.

During the stand-down, no research will be conducted, and access will be limited to essential personnel only, to safeguard the facility and its resources.

An email seen by WIRED, further revealed that the facilitys director had been placed on administrative leave, while the freezers in the facilitys biosafety-level-4 (BSL4) labs padlocked shut.

There are only around a dozen BSL4 labs in North America studying the worlds most dangerous diseases, but the IRF facility is also one of just a handful globally that is able to perform medical imaging on animals infected with high consequence diseases.

It has 168 employees and is part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases  which Dr Anthony Fauci led for 38 years.

In August 2019, its germ research operations were temporarily shut down following serious safety violations  an unfortunate fact that has enabled the Chinese authorities to magnify un-evidenced conspiracy theories about the labs role in the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the consensus among scientists globally is that Covid-19 most probably had natural origins, a leak from a high security lab remains a possibility.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and its labs have been under scrutiny since Robert F Kennedy, President Donald Trumps controversial pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, assumed office.

The department has since announced that 10,000 people would lose their jobs  including those at the NIH, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention  as Mr Trump and Elon Musks attempt to reduce government spending.

But there are concerns that overnight funding cuts could be a major setback for research.

Wilful vandalism of research programmes

The sustained attacks on collaborative US biomedical science and public health are already destroying disease surveillance systems and game-changing clinical trials that will result in avoidable deaths and morbidities for years to come in some of the poorest countries, said Prof Stuart Neil, head of the department of infectious diseases at Kings College London.

These arent on-off switches that you restore with a flick of a finger if someone on high changes their minds. This is wilful vandalism of research and treatment programmes that have taken years to establish  things that you could legitimately say made America great, he told the Telegraph.

This week, Nature also reported that an upcoming NIH policy will at least temporarily stop funding to laboratories and hospitals outside the US. While the final text has not yet been agreed, it could have major ramifications on international partnerships.

In 2023, about 15 per cent of NIH grants had at least one foreign component  mostly in the UK, Canada, Germany and Australia  on projects ranging from cancer to Aids, Ebola to child health.

These decisions will have tragic consequences, Prof Francis Collins, who led the NIH for 12 years, told Nature.

He added that when combined with the dismantling of USAID  which also funded research into diseases including malaria and tuberculosis  it means more children and adults in low-income countries will now lose their lives because of research that didnt get done.

The Telegraph has contacted Mr Holbrook and the NIH press office.

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Linda McMahon listens to Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Photograph: Samuel Corum/UPI/Rex/Shutterstock

The Trump administration has ramped up efforts to exploit civil rights laws to target diversity and equity initiatives on US campuses by characterizing them as discriminatory.

These efforts escalated this week when the Department of Education escalated its attack against Harvard University, announcing an investigation of the law school over what it claims are discriminatory practices at the schools student-run journal, the Harvard Law Review. The investigation is one of dozens the administration has launched on the basis of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits federally funded programs from discriminating on the basis of race, color and national origin.

Linda McMahon, the education secretary, has described the investigation as part of the administrations effort to reorient civil rights enforcement to ensure all students are protected from illegal discrimination. But civil rights advocates have denounced them as vague, probably unlawful and a betrayal of the spirit of the civil rights protections they purport to invoke.

Related: White House opens inquiry into Chicago school program aimed at helping Black students

What were witnessing is an administration that is working very hard to turn civil rights laws against the people trying to faithfully implement them, said Maya Wiley, the president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Its really an effort to say, If you dont do what we tell you, we will turn our considerable power against you.

The Civil Rights Act, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, was a landmark achievement of the civil rights movement that sought to transform a country deeply segregated on the basis of race into one where all had access to equal opportunity. While it led to historic transformations in American society, it was also immediately met with conservative backlash. Today, rightwing activists are fighting to weaken the law, which they view as an antiwhite weapon.

Since coming into office, Trump has issued a barrage of measures aimed at reshaping US higher education, largely through an array of executive actions banning diversity initiatives and freezing billions in public research funds for institutions that dont align with administration priorities. Last week, the administration announced that colleges and universities would no longer be eligible to receive federal National Institutes of Health grants if they boycotted Israel or operated any diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Civil rights investigations like the one against Harvard Law School are another tool. The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, which announced the investigation jointly, maintain that the school violated civil rights law when one editor at the journal suggested fast-tracking consideration of an article because the author was a minority and another editor flagged as concerning that four of five people who sought to reply to an article about police reform were white men.

In recent weeks, the administration has also announced investigations into 45 public and private universities that it has accused of partnering with an organization called The PhD Project, which works to increase the numbers of students of color in doctoral programs. (The group said in a statement that this year they opened applications to anyone who shares their vision.) It also launched investigations into six other universities over what it says are impermissible race-based scholarships and one university for allegedly administering a program that segregates students on the basis of race.

Sixty universities are also under investigation over alleged Title VI violations relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination, and several others are facing investigations under Title IX  which prohibits sex-based discrimination  over allegations that policies supporting transgender students violate that prohibition.

Last week, the administration also announced a Title VI investigation into the New York department of education over a controversy surrounding the Massapequa school districts Chiefs mascot  a reference to Native Americans widely viewed as racist. The federal government says it is assessing whether the states threat to withhold funding to the district if it does not eliminate the mascot constitutes discrimination on the basis of race and national origin. 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, McMahon said in a statement.

On Tuesday, the department announced yet another Title VI investigation into Chicago public schools over a program designed to support Black children, arguing that it seeks to allocate additional resources to favored students on the basis of race.

For longtime civil rights advocates, the administrations moves mark a troubling backslide and subversion of hard-won victories.

The Trump administrations all-out attack on diversity initiatives was buoyed by a 2023 ruling by the US supreme court against Harvard and the University of North Carolina, which ended affirmative action practices at US universities, ruling that they violated the constitutions equal protection clause.

While acknowledging that the ruling addressed admissions decisions, the Trump administration claims that the supreme courts holding applies more broadly.

At its core, the test is simple, the education department wrote in letters it sent to dozens of universities in February. If an educational institution treats a person of one race differently than it treats another person because of that persons race, the educational institution violates the law.

Critics say that is an improper, overly broad interpretation that the right has wielded to attack all kinds of equity initiatives.

Isaac Kamola, a political science professor at Trinity College whose research focuses on conservative efforts to undermine higher education, said that the Trump administration was weaponizing the supreme court decision in an effort to redefine all campus efforts to address racial inequality as violations of the Civil Rights Act.

The decision was about admissions practices, it did not say that diversity didnt matter or that diversity was unlawful, echoed Wiley, noting that what has been dubbed DEI is actually a diverse set of practices aiming to promote equity. What this administration is doing essentially is taking one supreme court opinion about college admissions and trying to turn it into a sword against everything it doesnt like, whether its lawful or not.

Harvard, where Barack Obama was the first Black leader of the Law Review journal the administration is now investigating, has long been a prime target for the rights attacks on higher education. In April, the administration froze $2.9bn in federal funds to the university over allegations of antisemitism, and threatened to cut several more and to revoke the universitys tax-exempt status. Harvard has sued the administration in response  the first university to do so  setting off an escalating battle with the federal government.

This investigation also exemplifies a new era of federal overreach, a tactic to pressure Harvards independence. It mirrors a disturbing trend of weaponizing civil rights inquiries, not to redress historic wrongs, but as retribution against institutions like Harvard for defying political will, said Michael Williams, a co-founder of the Coalition for a Diverse Harvard, an alumni group established in response to the affirmative action litigation.

Americans recognize this perversion of civil rights traditions; we will not turn our backs on the hard-fought gains from the civil rights era.
The opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale in a steel dock at the Ugandan military court in Makindye, Kampala, in December 2024. Photograph: Abubaker Lubowa/Reuters

Ugandan opposition politicians have accused the president, Yoweri Museveni, of attempting to quash dissent by prosecuting opponents on politically motivated charges in military courts in the run-up to presidential and legislative elections next year.

The government is pushing to introduce a law to allow military tribunals to try civilians despite a supreme court ban on the practice.

In November, the opposition politician Kizza Besigye was detained in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside his aide Obeid Lutale and taken to Kampala where they were charged before a military tribunal with offences including illegal possession of firearms, threatening national security, and later treachery, which carries the death penalty. His lawyers say the charges are politically motivated.

Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime opponent of Museveni, is one of more than 1,000 civilians, including activists and other politicians, who have been charged in military courts since 2002.

In January, Ugandas supreme court ruled that trying civilians in military courts was unconstitutional and ordered the transfer of trials involving civilians to ordinary courts. Museveni rejected the ruling as the wrong decision and vowed to continue using military courts.

After a 10-day hunger strike by Besigye in February, authorities moved his trial to a civilian court. But the Uganda Law Society says the government has not transferred other peoples cases.

In the latest twist, the government is planning to introduce a law to allow military tribunals to try civilians for some offences. Norbert Mao, the minister for justice and constitutional affairs, told parliament on 17 April that the draft legislation was awaiting cabinet approval before introduction in parliament.

Paul Mwiru, a politician with Bobi Wines National Unity Platform party, said Musevenis administration was using state institutions to instil fear and had made the judicial system to be inclined in its favour.

Mwiru, a former MP, was charged in a civilian court with treason in 2018 alongside Wine and 31 other people for allegedly throwing stones at Musevenis motorcade during chaos at a byelection campaign. Mwiru said people who went through botched court processes come back weakened. Their case was adjourned indefinitely after about two years.

He said amending the law to allow military prosecution of civilians would allow the government to charge you and arraign you in the court if they have a disagreement with you.

Uganda will go to the polls in January 2026 in what will be a seventh election featuring Museveni.

The events of the past few months have turned the spotlight on what critics deem intolerance and authoritarianism by Musevenis administration and ignited fears of an election that may not be free and fair. Sooner rather than later, theyll be able to arrest any of us. If they want to deny you the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, they can do that, said Mwiru, who plans to contest for a parliamentary seat again next year.

Related: Bobi Wine to run for president in Ugandas 2026 election if I am still alive and not in jail

November was not the first time Besigye, a former army colonel, had been tried in a military court. In 2005, four years after retiring from the military and running for the first time as a presidential candidate, he was charged with terrorism and possession of firearms.

Other civilians who have been prosecuted in military courts include Wine, the musician-turned-politician who has said he will stand again next year, former opposition MP Michael Kabaziguruka and Besigyes lawyer Eron Kiiza. The list also includes opposition supporters, as well as other political opponents and government critics.

Critics say repression extends to civilian courts too, with dissidents and government critics charged there being subjected to lengthy trials, denial of bail and detentions without trial. Besigye and Lutale were this month denied bail for their case. They remain in custody.

Government and military spokespeople have been approached for comment. Museveni has repeatedly defended using military courts for civilians, saying it was necessary for the east African countrys peace and stability. He claims civilian courts were failing to convict those accused of violent crimes.

Trials of civilians in military court go back to 2002 when Museveni created an autonomous, ad-hoc law enforcement unit to combat armed crime in reaction to the alleged failure of the civilian judicial system to prosecute and punish crimes. Later, in 2005, the state amended legislation regulating the military to create a legal framework to allow the military to court martial civilians.

Human rights activists say the practice is unjust and unlawful and frequently violates the right of accused people to a fair trial.

In many instances over the years, Ugandan courts have ruled against the practice, but the process has continued. The latest ruling by the supreme court, arising from Kabazigurukas challenge of his trial in military court in 2016, is a litmus test.

The government is fighting back with the planned introduction of the draft law that Mao, the justice minister, told lawmakers would define exceptional circumstances under which a civilian may be subject to military law.

Museveni became president in 1986 after leading rebels in a six-year guerilla war to remove President Milton Obote. He led the country to economic growth and democratic change after years of political decay.

But critics say judicial independence has eroded in the country over the years. They have also condemned his long stay in office using what they say are strongman tactics to extend it indefinitely, including by amending the constitution twice to remain in power.

The Museveni administrations military roots influence the governments operations, said Gerald Walulya, a senior lecturer at Makerere University in Kampala and a political analyst. Because of their background as a government that came to power through a military kind of route, they tend to approach every aspect in a military manner, he said.

Mwambutsya Ndebesa, a historian, said Uganda was experiencing the curse of liberation, which he said made leaders feel entitled to power. Those who have liberated people from repressive regimes in Africa have taken it upon themselves that they are entitled to rule, he said.

Ndebesa said the administration was weaponising the justice system for political ends to suppress political dissent, and that suppression had a chilling effect of creating fear in the political space.

The purpose is not only to suppress that very individual, but also to send a message to the political sphere. he added.
The UK welcomes the signing of an economic deal between the US and Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary said.

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.

Ukraines economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed both parties had signed the deal, writing on X: Thanks to the leadership and agreements between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessant and I signed the agreement between Ukraine and the United States to establish the United StatesUkraine-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.

I thank everyone who contributed to this Agreement and helped make it stronger. This document is capable of delivering success for both our countries  Ukraine and the United States.

Thanks to the leadership and agreements between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessant and I signed the agreement between Ukraine and the United States to establish the United StatesUkraine-Ukraine Reconstruction pic.twitter.com/SOoeLv3HJw  Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) April 30, 2025

God bless Ukraine and God bless the United States of America.

In a post on X early on Thursday, David Lammy said: The UK welcomes steps taken by the US and Ukraine to sign an economic partnership.

The UKs support for Ukraine remains steadfast. With our 100-year partnership, we are deepening economic and security ties for the future generations of both of our countries.

US 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, mobilise American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraines investment climate and accelerate Ukraines economic recovery.

Speaking on Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump told the NewsNation programme the deal, in theory, means that the US will get more from Ukraine than it contributed.

I wanted to be protected, he said, adding that he did not want to be looking foolish by not getting money back for the investment.

The development comes after Mr Lammy said Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meeting at Pope Franciss funeral was indicative of the effort being put in to secure a peace deal for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky talk during a bilateral meeting in the garden of The Villa Wolkonsky in Rome, Italy (Marco M Mantovani/PA)

The US and Ukrainian presidents were pictured in discussion at the Vatican over the weekend, having both travelled to Rome for the service.

The meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky on Saturday was the first since their fraught White House encounter earlier this year.

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.

Mr Lammy said: 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.
Excavators mine rare earth materials on Ukrainian soil in February in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine. The US and Ukraine have signed a deal to share mineral resources as part of US investment in the country to bolster its defenses against Russian invasion. Photograph: Libkos/Getty Images

The US and Kyiv have signed an agreement to share profits and royalties from the future sale of Ukrainian minerals and rare earths, sealing a deal that Donald Trump has said will provide an economic incentive for the US to continue to invest in Ukraines defense and its reconstruction after he brokers a peace deal with Russia.

The minerals deal, which has been the subject of tense negotiations for months and nearly fell through hours before it was signed, will establish a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund that the Trump administration has said will begin to repay an estimated $175bn in aid provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the war.

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, said Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, in a statement.

Related: Cautious optimism in Ukraine over minerals deal with Trump

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. 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.

Ukraines first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, confirmed in a social media post that she had signed the agreement on Wednesday. Together with the United States, we are creating the fund that will attract global investment into our country, she wrote. The deal still needs to be approved by Ukraines parliament.

Ukrainian officials have divulged details of the agreement which they portrayed as equitable and allowing Ukraine to maintain control over its natural resources.

The Ukrainian prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, said that the fund would be split 50-50 with between the US and Ukraine and give each side equal voting rights.

Ukraine would retain full control over its mineral resources, infrastructure and natural resources, he said, and would relate only to new investments, meaning that the deal would not provide for any debt obligations against Ukraine, a key concern for Kyiv. The deal would ensure revenue by establishing contracts on a take-or-pay basis, Shmyhal added.

Shmyhal on Wednesday described the deal as truly a good, equal and beneficial international agreement on joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine.

Critics of the deal had said the White House is seeking to take advantage of Ukraine by linking future aid to the embattled nation to a giveaway of the revenues from its resources. The final terms were far less onerous for Ukraine than those proposed initially by Bessent in February, which included a clause that the US would control 100% of the revenues from the fund.

On Wednesday, Trump said a US presence on the ground would benefit Ukraine. The American presence will, I think, keep a lot of bad actors out of the country or certainly out of the area where were doing the digging, he said at a cabinet meeting.

Speaking at a town hall with NewsNation after the deal had been signed, Trump said he told Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a recent meeting at the Vatican that signing the deal would be a very good thing because Russia is much bigger and much stronger.

Asked whether the minerals deal was going to inhibit Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump said well, it could.

UK foreign secretary David Lammy welcomed the agreement in a post on X, adding that the UKs support for Ukraine remains steadfast.

It was unclear up until the last moment whether the US and Ukraine would manage to sign the deal, with Washington reportedly pressuring Ukraine to sign additional agreements, including on the structure of the investment fund, or to go back home. That followed months of strained negotiations during which the US regularly delivered last-minute ultimatums while cutting off aid and other support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

Ukraines prime minister earlier had said he expected the country to sign the minerals deal with the US in the next 24 hours but reports emerged that Washington was insisting Kyiv sign three deals in total.

The Financial Times said Bessents team had told Svyrydenko, who was reportedly en route to Washington DC, to be ready to sign all agreements, or go back home.

Bessent later said the US was ready to sign though Ukraine had made some last-minute changes.

Reuters reported that Ukraine believed the two supplementary agreements  reportedly on an investment fund and a technical document  required more work.

The idea behind the deal was originally proposed by Ukraine, looking for ways to offer economic opportunities that might entice Trump to back the country. But Kyiv was blindsided in January when Trumps team delivered a document that would essentially involve handing over the countrys mineral wealth with little by way of return.

Since then, there have been various attempts to revise and revisit the terms of the deal, as well as a planned signing ceremony that was aborted after a disastrous meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House in February.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Ukrainian justice ministry had hired US law firm Hogan Lovells to advise on the negotiations over the deal, according to filings with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act registry.

In a post on Facebook, Ukraines first deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko gave further details of the fund, which she said would attract global investment.

She confirmed that Ukraine would retain full ownership of resources on our territory and in territorial waters belong to Ukraine. It is the Ukrainian state that determines where and what to extract, she said.

There would be no changes to ownership of state-owned companies, she said, they will continue to belong to Ukraine. That included companies such as Ukrnafta, Ukraines largest oil producer, and nuclear energy producer Energoatom.

Income would come from new licences for critical materials and oil and gas projects, not from projects which had already begun, she said.

Related: Russia continues to strike Ukraine after Trump questions Putins commitment to peace

Income and contributions to the fund would not be taxed in the US or Ukraine, she said, to make investments yield the greatest results and technology transfer and development were a key part of the agreement.

Washington would contribute to the fund, she said. 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.

Ukraine holds some 5% of the worlds mineral resources and rare earths, according to various estimates. But work has not yet started on tapping many of the resources and many sites are in territory now controlled by Russian forces.

Razom for Ukraine, a US non-profit that provides medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and advocates for US assistance, welcomed the deal, and encouraged the Trump administration to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the invasion.

We encourage the Trump administration to build on the momentum of this economic agreement by forcing Putin to the table through sanctions, seizing Russias state assets to aid Ukraine, and giving Ukraine the tools it needs to defend itself, Mykola Murskyj, the director of advocacy for Razom, said in a statement.
People with an armed forces veteran card can use it as photo ID for the first time in Thursdays elections in England, following a change in the law.

There are only certain kinds of photo identification that will be accepted at polling stations and voters without the correct ID will be turned away.

A passport, driving licence photocard or blue badge are all valid, as is an older persons bus pass.

The veteran card is now also accepted, after the rules on photo ID were updated in October 2024.

The card is a formal recognition of military service and can be used by veterans to get easier access to support from the NHS, charities and local authorities.

Niki Nixon, director of communications at the Electoral Commission, told the PA news agency: This year, for the first time, the list of acceptable voter ID will include the armed forces veteran card.

This means you can show your veteran card at polling stations in order to vote.

Everyone voting at a polling station on Thursday will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper, so were encouraging all voters to check they have a form of ID they can use.

The full list of acceptable ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

If youve lost your ID, you can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on your behalf.

You will need to contact your council to arrange this before 5pm on election day, and the person you appoint will need their own accepted form of photo ID.

Photo ID rules were brought in as part of the Elections Act 2022 and were first enforced in England in 2023 and across Britain at the 2024 general election.

Voters in Northern Ireland have been required to show ID at elections since 2003.

A report by the Electoral Commission estimated that 0.08% of people who tried to vote at a polling station at the 2024 general election were not issued with a ballot paper because they did not have an accepted form of ID  the equivalent of one in 1,200 voters, or around 16,000 people across Britain.

Some 23 local authorities in England are holding elections on Thursday, with a total of 1,641 council seats up for grabs.

Elections are also taking place for four regional mayors and two local mayors, while voters in the constituency of Runcorn & Helsby will choose a new MP.

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.
Ali Redmond

A new month is here, and we cant wait to try out these delicious recipes! Start off the month of May with tasty options for every meal of the day. Whether you decide to make fruity smoothies like our Watermelon-Peach Smoothie or refreshing salads like our Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad with Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette, there are plenty of flavorful dishes to last the entire month.

Watermelon-Peach Smoothie

Ali Redmond

Made with ripe watermelon and frozen peaches, this smoothie bursts with fruity flavor without the need for added sugar. Use frozen peaches from a bag or freeze your own ripe, in-season peaches for the best sweet and fruity flavor.

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Roasted Sesame-Chile Cabbage Salad

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Tossed with toasted sesame seeds and scallions, this dish transforms simple cabbage into a vibrant side dish. The nutty richness of toasted sesame oil, the heat of chile flakes and a splash of rice vinegar combine to create the perfect balance of flavors.

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Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad with Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette

Ali Redmond

Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado create a delicious contrast in this easy salad. Tossed with a zesty lemon-shallot vinaigrette, this salad is bright, tangy and perfectly balanced.

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Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken & Rice Casserole

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

This creamy lemon-dill chicken and rice casserole is pure comfort in a bowl, bursting with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and dill. Tender chicken and brown rice make it a satisfying, cozy dish everyone will love.

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Carrot-Cucumber Salad

Photographer: Brie Goldman Food Stylist: Annie Probst Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Carrot salads are refreshing, and this onewith cucumber, red onion and a zesty cilantro-chile vinaigretteis sure to become a new favorite. Its excellent served with grilled fish.

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Crispy Sheet-Pan Black Bean Tacos

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

Baked to crispy perfection on your trusty sheet pan, these tacos are packed with seasoned black beans and melty cheese and served with a creamy chipotle crema, making them a fuss-free meal the whole family will love!

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Cauliflower alla Vodka

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen

This cauliflower alla vodka is the plant-based meal you need right now! Cauliflower soaks up the creamy vodka sauce beautifully, making it a satisfying alternative to pasta.

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Arroz con Habichuelas Guisadas

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Arroz con Habichuelas Guisadas is a classic Puerto Rican dish celebrated for its rich, comforting flavors. The beans are stewed in an aromatic broth that gets its flavor from recaito and herbs like culantro and cilantro. Served over tender white rice, its a hearty and warming meal.

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Simple Carrot & Cabbage Salad

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

This simple carrot-and-cabbage salad is crisp and refreshing. Its tossed in a light vinaigrette made with lemon, honey and Dijon mustard, allowing the natural sweetness of the carrots and the crunch of the cabbage to shine.

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Roasted Beets with Mustard Vinaigrette

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen

Packed with flavor, this is a delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of beets with a tangy, zesty kick. For a more substantial meal, add grilled or roasted chicken, or turn it into a vibrant salad and serve it over a bed of peppery arugula.

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Roasted Cabbage-Steak Spanakopita Melts

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Giovana Vazquez , Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

These roasted cabbage-steak spanakopita melts are a fun, melty spin on the classic Greek dish. Each cabbage steak is topped with a creamy spinach mixture before hitting the broiler. We love the savory flavor that smoked Cheddar cheese adds to the dish.

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Ranch-Roasted Cauliflower

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Giovana Vazquez, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

Ranch-roasted cauliflower is a bold, flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cauliflower combined with an herb-packed coating. Garlic, onion and dill add a savory punch, while a squeeze of lemon adds a brighter flavor, if you prefer.

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No-Cook Chickpea, Beet & Quinoa Salad

Ali Redmond

This easy, no-cook chickpea salad comes together in minutes. Look for precooked beets in the produce section of the grocery store. With a bright lemony-garlic dressing, this salad is the perfect side to accompany grilled chicken or roasted salmon.

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Sheet-Pan Chicken & Broccoli

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist; Joshua Hoggle

This sheet-pan miso-garlic chicken and broccoli dinner is low in calories, but high in protein to keep you satisfied, a key combination if youre trying to lose weight.

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High-Fiber Chai Energy Balls

Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

These chai energy balls are the ultimate snackpacked with flavor, fiber and just the right amount of natural sweetness. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom and ginger, these bite-size snacks deliver chai-like vibes in every bite.

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Spiced Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ali Redmond

These roasted sweet potatoes are pleasantly spiced with a subtle kick of heat from Aleppo pepper and smoked paprika. Serve these spiced potatoes as a side dish for roasted chicken or use them in a breakfast hash.

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Passion Fruit Oatmeal Cakes

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

These fiber-packed oatmeal cakes are bursting with tropical passion fruit flavora delightful balance of tangy, sweet and slightly floral notes that will instantly brighten your morning.

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Roasted Potato Tzatziki Bowls

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Crispy, golden roasted potatoes are the centerpiece of these tasty bowls, accompanied by a tangy, herb-packed tzatziki sauce at the base. Loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onion with a side of chickpeas, these bowls deliver big on flavor and nutrition.

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Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Updated May 1, 2025 at 2:35 AM

Two people died at Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah after they fell from a viewing area, police said, according to local news reports.

According to a press release from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office shared by local news, tourists spotted the bodies of two people on April 29. The bodies were seen below Inspiration Point inside the park.

Police said they currently do not know how the two people fell, but believe they had crossed over safety railings either late on April 28 or early April 29, ABC4 reported.

According to ABC4, the two people were identified by officials as 45-year-old Matthew Nannen and 58-year-old Bailee Crane.

Officials said that the two people were living in a U-Haul rental but were last known to be permanent Florida residents before traveling to Utah "after spending a significant amount of time in Arizona."

Neither the Garfield County Sheriff's Office nor the National Park Service immediately returned USA TODAYs request for comment on April 30.

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah, about 140 miles east of St. George, Utah.

Other recent deaths at Bryce Canyon National Park

In June 2024, a 78-year-old ranger, Tom Lorig, died due to injuries he sustained after he tripped and fell while on duty.

Tom Lorig was working with park visitors, directing them to a shuttle bus at Bryce Canyons annual Astronomy Festival, when he fell and struck his head on a large rock, the National Park Service said in a news release.

A visitor found Lorig unresponsive and immediately alerted a law enforcement ranger. Park rangers, medically trained bystanders, and local EMS personnel provided Lorig with initial lifesaving care but were unable to revive him, NPS said.

In 2023, Jeanne Roblez Howell, 64, an Arizona teacher considered "an experienced and enthusiastic hiker," was found dead in Campbell Canyon, after being missing for days.

Contributing: Saman Shafiq and Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY

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: 2 people found dead at Bryce Canyon National Park: Reports
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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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

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.

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."

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
The Missouri River and the skyline of Omaha, Neb.

Authorities believe they have recovered the bodies of three girls who disappeared after they went on a fishing trip last month on the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska.

Lah Tray Moo, 18, Laiana Green, 18, and Eh Cress Moo, 11, were out on the water and reported missing on April 15, NBC affiliate WOWT reported. It reported that they were with a 13-year-old relative who was unharmed.

Authorities said one of the girls slipped into the river and the others went into the water to try to rescue her.

Lah Tray Moo's body was found Saturday by a bystander at NP Dodge Park. An Omaha police representative confirmed to NBC News that her body has been positively identified.

Battalion Chief Coby Werner told WOWT at the time that the discovery could help recovery teams find the two other girls.

"The indication is that maybe the girls are still up in this area," Werner said. "But with the way the river flows, you just never know, so were going to continue, were going to focus up here tomorrow, but well also continue to search down river, as well, just in case."

The Omaha Fire Department confirmed Wednesday on Facebook that two more bodies were recovered in the river Tuesday night.

Eh Cress Moo would have turned 12 years old on April 22.

Autopsies were still underway to confirm their identities, the police department said, but they are presumed to be the two other missing girls.

"We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the fire department wrote on Facebook. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead."

A GoFundMe campaign to help the Moo family cover funeral expenses asked for prayers and support as they handle the "devastating loss."

"This is a nightmare for our family as we have to go through this tragedy," the campaign wrote. "Were grateful for everyone who has been there for us in this difficult time."
Authorities have found a 10-year-old Texas girl who was reported missing on April 30, and the man she was with has been charged with kidnapping.

The girl was reported missing out of Hamlin, about 46 miles northwest of Abilene, and an AMBER Alert was issued for her, according to officials. She was found around 11:30 a.m. on May 1, Hamlin Police Chief Jay Strong told USA TODAY during a phone call.

"It has been a long 40 hours, but this is like winning the World Series," Strong said. "She is safe. She is healthy. She's being checked out by medical, and we're just striving to get her reunited with her family."

Strong said the girl was with a family friend who is not related to her. The man, 43-year-old Terry Jeter, left with the girl on April 30 and was supposed to return home around 8 p.m., but did not. Her parents called police a few hours later. Authorities issued an AMBER Alert around 6 a.m. on May 1 and by 11:30 a.m., she was found safe, Strong said.

Chief Strong said Jeter has been charged with kidnapping.

Finding the girl was a joint effort made up of more than 5 agencies, including the Jones County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, Strong said.

More news: 3.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Utah; no damage or injuries reported

More on the AMBER Alert program

The AMBER Alert program is operated within the Office of Justice Programs. It was created in 1996 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The program name, AMBER, stands for Americas Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. The acronym is a tribute to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped while riding her bike in Arlington, Texas, and murdered.

Since then, other states have created their own AMBER Alert systems.

As of Dec. 31, 2024, 1,268 children have been successfully found through the AMBER Alert program, and 226 children have been rescued due to wireless emergency alerts.

This article has been updated to include new information.

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: Skylar Beach: AMBER Alert canceled for Texas girl after she was found safe
Billy Eichner is trading the street for the screen.

The Billy on the Street comedian, 46, opened up about working with longtime pal Will Ferrell in their first movie together while chatting exclusively with Parade amid his partnership with Truly Hard Seltzer for their new Unruly Lemonade line.

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"I'm very excited. It's a new comedy called Judgment Day, though I think they might be changing that, I'm not sure. But I'm very excited about it," Eichner tells Parade. "I start shooting that next week in Atlanta [with] Will Ferrell, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Bobby Cannavale. It's a really fun cast, a lot of people."

He continues: "It's a very fun premise. Will Ferrell plays a daytime TV court show judge, like a Judge Judy type of judge, and is very beloved and famous for his show, and I play his bailiff. So I think it'll be really fun."

As for how he prepped for his role, Eichner jokes to Parade that he "did an enormous amount of research."

"I actually was curious about where the bailiffs on court TV shows come from. So I did look into that. I know a lot more about Judge Judy's bailiffs than most people," he says before adding: "Will Ferrell's the best. He's done a bunch of Billy on the Street [episodes] with me. He's always awesome."

Billy EichnerCourtesy of Truly Unruly

Eichner goes on to tell Parade that partnering with Truly for their new Unruly Lemonade line, which features four new flavors (Bumpin Blue Razz, OG Original, Punched-Up Pineapple and Wild Pink) and boasts an 8% ABV, was an easy "yes" for him. Last week, the Emmy-nominated comedian hopped around New York City to deliver his signature unruly comedy to unsuspecting New Yorkers. He also invited a group of lucky fans to attend the private after party at Off the Wagon.

Related: Will Ferrell Is Barely Recognizable in New Video Shared by Son Magnus

"We started off in Washington Square Park, and I kind of moved around [like] Billy on the Street. What you see is what you get," he says. "We literally just walk around, and I have no idea where we're going to go. We're doing all of it on the fly. It's completely spontaneous. We ended up wandering up from Washington Square Park towards Chelsea, which is where we've shot a lot of Billy on the Street over the years, and we hit Union Square."

He adds: "But what was fun is that Washington Square Park is actually the place where I shot the very first Billy on the Street video ever 20 years ago, literally because I'm older than I look. And so it was a very full-circle, fun moment."

See the full video of Eichner's day with Truly Unruly Lemonade below:
Allrecipes / Stocksy

Like the Rocky Mountains and the Denver Broncos, green chile, also known as chile verde, is a Colorado icon. Its a fiery, hearty, soupy dish made from green chile peppers. Its usually served as a stew, but its also often ladled over fries, enchiladas, hamburgers, and burritos. The best way to eat green chile is with a burrito, smotheredhands down, says Victoria Soliz, an Allrecipes associate social media editor who grew up in Greeley, a town in northern Colorado. Maybe it's because that's the main way I've consumed green chile, but I just think it adds a whole new flavor profile to an otherwise lackluster burrito.

Soliz's affection for green-chile-smothered breakfast burritos is shared by many Coloradans, as evidenced by the presence of the dish at restaurants, taquerias, cafes, and other dining establishments across the state. Lets dig into what makes green chile so special and why it deserves a spot on your breakfast or brunch table, too.

What Is Colorado Green Chile?

Colorado green chile is a dish commonly made with Pueblo or Hatch peppers grown in Pueblo, Colorado, or the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, respectively. The chile peppers are charred over an open flame and simmered with pork, onions, garlic, and various spices such as cumin, oregano, and ground coriander. Because the specialty is a symbol of local pride, every green-chile-loving household has its own recipe, leading to several variations.

For example, some stews are enriched with tomatillos or cilantro, while others are studded with potatoes and tomatoes. Green chile also isnt always green and can range from brown to red in color. The heat level also depends on the types of chile peppers used in the recipe, while the consistency varies from chunky (unpureed) to gloppy and gravy-like (likely thickened with flour or corn starch). I've had so many different types of green chile, but my favorite has to be thick and green, and I'm partial to spicy, but I like mild as well, Soliz says. I also prefer pork, but vegetarian is good too!

While Coloradans definitely disagree on what green chile should look and taste like, most wont deny that it's an absolute must-have with any type of breakfast burrito. It has to be completely drenched, says Soliz. I'm talking at least two cups of chile on my burrito!

LICreate / Getty Images

History of Colorado Green Chile

Colorado and New Mexico have long been in a culinary dispute about which state grows the best green chilesthe key ingredient in the namesake dish. Nobody knows when chiles were first grown in the Centennial States Arkansas River Valley, but the crop might have been brought north by Mexican traders and settlers in the 1840s. While Colorados chile-growing community is still much smaller than New Mexicos, many fans of its Pueblo chile (also called Mirasol and Mosco peppers) say that its meatier and more flavorful than New Mexicos Hatch.

Every September, the peak of chile harvest season is celebrated at the Chile and Frijoles Festival in the city of Pueblo, where the smell of roasted peppers wafts through town and vendors sell a bounty of dishes featuring the ingredient, including plates of rellenos, burgers, and burritos smothered in green chile. However, the dish is served year-round, and Coloradans often stock up on chiles in the late summer and fall to freeze for their favorite recipes.

How to Make Colorado Green Chile

My friend and avid home cook Callie Sumlin always has green chile in her freezer. She keeps it frozen into cubes that are the perfect portion for smothering an individual burrito. Her favorite recipe comes from Top Chef champion Hosea Rosenberg, a New Mexico native, chef, and founder of Blackbelly and Santo restaurants in Boulder, Colorado.

As a born and raised Coloradan, green chile is the epitome of comfort food to me, Sumlin says. I make a variation of this recipe every year in late summer when the roasted chile stands pop up all over Denver. The addition of fresh oregano and lots of lime juice keeps the dish bright, and cooking the pork in stock first makes for a super flavorful base.

Rosenberg serves the pork green chile as a stew on Blackbellys lunch menu, but Sumlin likes devouring it for breakfast over a burrito stuffed with eggs, chorizo, and cheese.

To me, this is the perfect dish for late summer and early fall when temperatures are starting to drop and the chile harvest is in full swing, she says, but I love making a double batch and keeping easy-to-reheat portions of green chile in my freezer so I can smother burritos and eat it by the bowl all winter long.

Heres how to make it at home.

Chef Hosea Rosenbergs Pork Green Chile Potato Stew

This serves about 16 peopleperfect for a big party. It can also be reduced in size by dividing the ingredients equally. Sumlin likes to use pure ground chile powder, available at Mexican grocery stores and sold by many roadside chile stands in Coloradobut shes also used the common chile powder mix in the stew, which adds great flavor, too.



Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 7 hours



Ingredients

2.5 pounds pork butt, large dice

1 gallon chicken stock

1/2 of a yellow onion

4 celery stalks

1 carrot split

4 whole cloves of garlic

1/2 cup canola oil

3 cups yellow onion, diced

1/2 cup garlic, minced

1/2 tablespoon hot chile powder

1/4 tablespoon cumin

1/2 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoons salt

1.25 pounds hot green chiles

1.25 pounds medium green chiles

1/8 cup oregano, fresh chopped

1/4 cup jalapeno, diced small (no seeds)

1/2 cup lime juice

2.5 pounds fingerling potatoes, cut into small chunks



Directions

Place pork butt, chicken stock, onion, celery, carrot and garlic in a large pot and simmer for at least 4 hours to overnight. Let cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Bring stock back to a boil. Remove pork and reserve. Strain stock through chinoise. In a large pot, saute onions and garlic until soft. Add spices and cook for 2 minutes. Add strained stock and bring back to a simmer. Add pork, chiles, oregano, jalapeno, lime, and potatoes and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Potatoes should still be al dente. Add more seasoning, if you desire, and serve.

Reprinted with permission from Chef Hosea Rosenberg.



More Colorado Green Chile Recipes

Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
Heidy Sanchez, who has been living in Tampa, Fla., with her husband, Carlos Valle, and their daughter, was detained and later deported during a routine ICE check-in.

Heidy Sanchez was so distraught that she got on the rooftop of a house in Havana to get Wi-Fi connection and send her daughter a bedtime lullaby via WhatsApp.

The Tampa-area mother was deported to Cuba last week without her 17-month-old U.S.-citizen daughter, who has a history of seizures and was still being breastfed, she and her lawyers told NBC News.

My daughter tells me over the phone, Come, mama. And when she cries, she just keeps saying, Mama, mama, mama. Its overwhelming ... I cant even sleep at night, Sanchez said by phone from Havana.

Sanchezs case illustrates the stepped-up pace of deportations of immigrants who dont have criminal charges or convictions, even though President Donald Trump said during his election campaign the focus would be on deporting violent criminals.

Heidy Sanchez with her daughter.

Sanchezs deportation occurred around the time two other mothers were deported to Honduras with their U.S. citizen children, including one with stage 4 cancer. In those two cases, attorneys have said the mothers wanted their children to stay in the U.S. but were not allowed to make the arrangements.

In the case of Sanchez, she said everything happened very fast. They never gave me the option to take my daughter, said Sanchez. Her attorneys said the same.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment on the case, but the administration has said in previous comments that deported parents have been given the choice to take their children or not.

Sanchez said her daughter starting having seizures three months ago and is seeing a neurologist in the Tampa area. Her daughters bedtime routine consisted of breastfeeding, lullabies and then sleeping together in bed.

Now her daughter just cries, Sanchez and her husband, Carlos Valle, said in separate interviews. Valle, who's a naturalized U.S. citizen, remains in Tampa with their child.

Sanchez was scheduled to check in at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Tampa on April 30, but her appointment was bumped up, her Miami-based attorney, Claudia Canizares, said.

Sanchez went to the appointment with her daughter and Canizares associate in Tampa, while Valle, Sanchezs husband, waited outside because he was not allowed in the room.

At the appointment Sanchez was informed she was being detained and she needed to arrange for someone to pick up her child. According to Sanchez and the attorneys, Sanchez started crying, saying she couldnt leave her baby. The officers told her the child could visit her in Cuba.

Heidy Sanchez and her daughter.

The child was handed to the attorney who was in the room and she carried her outside to her father. According to the attorneys, the officers didnt let Sanchez say goodbye to her husband or give the baby to him. When Valle asked if he could say goodbye, they told him no and said he had to leave.

Valle said he does his best to console his daughter. He has reached out to members of Congress seeking help to bring Sanchez home.

Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla. sent a letter to Trump, which was shared with NBC News, asking for the return of Sanchez to the U.S.

Valle will meet with Castors office on Friday.

The office of Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., responded with a letter, viewed by NBC News, which stated that our office is unable to assist you in this legal matter and suggested Valle speak with a private attorney.

Canizares said she was given the run-around when she found out Sanchez had been detained on Tuesday and was working to file a stay of removal on humanitarian grounds so she wouldnt be deported.

Its very taxing and very overwhelming, Canizares said, adding she couldnt contact Sanchez or confirm her exact whereabouts. She said when her firm went to file documents on Thursday she was told Sanchez had already been removed from the country, though she thinks she was still there and deported later.

Its very scary because we have rule of law, and as an attorney I have to abide by those rules, said Canizares. But if the government is not abiding by those rules, then what can I do?

Sanchez applied for U.S. asylum in 2019 during Trumps first administration. Under his Migrant Protection Protocols, asylum-seekers had to wait in Mexico for their hearings in U.S. immigration court.

Heidy Sanchez said she worries most about her daughter, as "she's the most affected one."

Sanchez said she missed her scheduled hearing in the U.S. because at the time she was required to wait in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she said it was too dangerous to cross the international bridge at 4 a.m. Because of her missed hearing, she was ordered deported in absentia. But she later went to the port of entry and was allowed into the U.S.; she was placed in detention for nine months and later released under ICE supervision with regular check-ins.

Sanchezs husband is a naturalized U.S. citizen who is also from Cuba. He was in the process of trying to get Sanchez a green card.

Canizares is considering requesting humanitarian parole for Sanchez, though she acknowledged its going to be a stretch, because she has an order of removal that's already been executed. Other processes being considered are complex and could take years.

The only thing we are asking for is to be reunited once again, said Sanchez. Were not asking for money. Were not asking for food ... our daughter is suffering. She is the most affected one and that scares us. We hope this message reaches the pertinent people.
The estranged husband of an Australian woman accused of triple murder with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington told a court on Thursday he declined an invitation to the lunch because he felt uncomfortable about it. The jury also heard that the woman invited her guests over to tell them she had cancer  but prosecutors said she did not actually have the disease.

Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with three murders  of the parents and aunt of her estranged husband. She is also charged with one attempted murder.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all counts, with her defense saying the fatal beef-and-pastry meal, laced with death cap mushrooms, was the result of "a terrible accident."

On the second day of a trial that has drawn global attention, the accused woman's husband, Simon Patterson, described seeing his parents in the hospital after they had been poisoned.

"Dad was substantially worse than mum. He was really struggling," he told the court.

"He was lying on his side, he was hunched," Simon Patterson said, adding that his father's face was "really discolored."

"He wasn't right inside, he was feeling pain," he said.

Erin Patterson looks on in Melbourne, Australia, April 15, 2025. / Credit: James Ross/AP

Simon Patterson had been invited to the lunch in late July 2023 at his wife's home in the sedate Victoria state farm village of Leongatha. But he told the court he declined, texting her that he was "uncomfortable" with the invitation.

She urged him to reconsider, saying she had cooked a "special meal" and spent a "small fortune" on beef eye fillet.

"I hope you will change your mind," said her text, read to the court. "I hope to see you there."

Woman claimed she had cancer, prosecutors say

Erin Patterson had invited the guests under the guise of telling them about a health issue, the court heard.

Simon Patterson did not turn up to the lunch but his parents, Don and Gail Patterson, did, along with his aunt Heather Wilkinson and her husband, local pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Within days, Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson were dead. Ian Wilkinson, the pastor, survived after nearly two months in the hospital.

During the lunch gathering, Erin Patterson said she had cancer and asked for advice about how to tell her two children, crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers has told the court. Medical tests later found no evidence she had the disease, according to the prosecutor.

The four guests developed diarrhea and vomiting within 12 hours of the meal and were raced to the hospital. They were diagnosed by treating doctors with poisoning by death cap mushrooms.

At the hospital, Simon Patterson said his father informed him of his wife's claimed cancer diagnosis, of which he had not previously heard.

His parents were "really strong" in encouraging the couple to resolve their marital issues, he said.

Simon Patterson told the court his wife "got along well" with her father-in-law as they "shared a love of knowledge and learning and an interest in the world."

"I think she loved his gentle nature," he said.

Simon Patterson and his wife separated in 2015 but maintained a good friendship, even going on holiday with their children together.

By 2022, things had become tense and conversations were mostly limited to logistics involving the children, he said.

Erin Patterson was a "devoted mother" to their children and supported their involvement in a variety of activities, her husband said.

The prosecutor says she deliberately poisoned her guests and avoided consuming the death caps herself.

Instead, it is alleged, she pretended to be suffering from similar symptoms to cover up that she had not eaten the mushrooms.

A police officer and dog investigate at the property of Erin Patterson in Leongatha, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. / Credit: James Ross/AAP Image via AP

While the jury might wonder about the reason, "motive is not something that has to be proven by the prosecution," Rogers said at the outset of the trial.

Erin Patterson's lawyer, Colin Mandy, told the court the poisoning was a "tragedy and a terrible accident." She ate the same meal with death cap mushrooms but did not fall as sick as her guests, Mandy said.

Patterson is being tried in the Latrobe Valley Law Courts in Morwell, south of Melbourne. Justice Christopher Beale urged the jury to "dispassionately" weigh the evidence in the case, using their heads and not their hearts, the BBC reported.

The trial is expected to last about six weeks.

Poisonous mushrooms

Police say the symptoms of the four sickened family members were consistent with poisoning from wild amanita phalloides, known as death cap mushrooms.

Death cap mushrooms sprout freely throughout wet, warm parts of Australia and are easily mistaken for edible varieties. They reportedly taste sweeter than other types of mushrooms but possess potent toxins that slowly poison the liver and kidneys.

Death caps are responsible for 90% of lethal mushroom poisoning globally, the BBC reported. In 2020, a spate of poisonings in Victoria killed one person and hospitalized seven others.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that Erin Patterson had written in a statement that she had cooked a Beef Wellington steak dish for the lunch using mushrooms bought from a major supermarket chain and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery store. She wrote that she had also eaten the meal and later suffered stomach pains and diarrhea.

Her children, who were not present at the lunch, ate some of the leftover beef Wellington the next day, the BBC reported. The mushrooms had been scraped off the dish as they do not like them, she said.

Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

Sneak peek: The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard

Extended interview: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on deportations involving children and more
Credit - Christine Dong

On May 1, Gold House unveiled its annual A100 List, recognizing the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders across industries. See the full list here.

Earl Ninsom has always strived to highlight interesting flavors and textures in his Thai dishesunique from those he saw popularized in their Americanized forms at Thai restaurants across the United States.

At Portland, Ore.s Langbaan, Ninsoms most critically acclaimed restaurant, the menu changes every couple of months. Each new dish attempts to honor the traditional Thai cooking Ninsom grew up with in Bangkokas well as the Thai cooking he didnt grow up with, from diverse regions of the country.

This spring, the restaurants five-course tasting menu centers on Thai street food, and features skewers plated in a beautiful one-bite fashion, as well as a catfish dish featuring spicy fresno peppers and sweet coconut cream.

Ninsom uses seasonal fruits and vegetables from the Portland area, infusing the sweet with the spicy, matching the herbaceous with the sour. In this way, Langbaan is quintessentially Thaibut also quintessentially of the Pacific Northwest.

Opened in 2014, Langbaan is certainly Ninsoms most praised restaurant among critics, earning acclaim as both the first Portland restaurant and the first Thai restaurant to be awarded the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. But Ninsom has developed and co-owns seven Thai restaurants in Portland, curating exciting menus, each spotlighting a different style of regional Thai cooking.

There are the two locations for Hat Yai, Ninsoms affordable and casual walk-in spot, which features fried chicken curry roti, paying homage to the food of southern Thailand, where his father was born. Theres also 2020 James Beard Award finalist Eem, a Thai barbeque and cocktails joint that he co-owns with two other people, which has earned a reputation for its distinctive Thai-style Texas barbecue flavors.

Christine Dong

Phuket Cafe is inspired by the energy of Bangkok, where Ninsom was born, but its creative spins span continents with Chinese, Malaysian, Muslim, and American influences. Yaowarat, named for Bangkoks Chinatown, and PaaDee, which literally translates to bring good things, include comfort foods that remind Ninsom of his childhood memories in Thailand.

And hidden inside Phuket cafe a few nights a week is the intimate 24-seat Langbaan. Ninsom credits his most acclaimed establishment with reinvigorating his love of developing restaurants.

If you come every two months, you actually get a whole new experience of eating food from an area you never heard of, Ninsom says. We do an intense amount of research  and once the team nails one menu, they push forward and are already thinking about the next. When asked why he thinks Langbaan in particular has resonated widely with casual restaurant goers and critics alike, Ninsom says that its the uniqueness. He remembers when he invited a local chef to come try Langbaan before it opened, and the chef said, Oh, there's nothing like this in the country. Ninsom then knew he hit the jackpot.

A dish from Ninsom's Phuket Cafe Christine Dong

And while each of his restaurants offers a different experience to visitors, Ninsom ensures that his employees across locations are inspired by one singular motto: Be a positive force for gooddon't settle!

Hes quick to spotlight the importance of developing a good work environment for both his front and back of houseand how important it is to reject the work-until-you-drop stereotypical attitudes of the restaurant business. Ninsom knows what it's like to experience burnout. At the first restaurant he developed with his family in Portland, he remembers working six and a half days a week, with no vacation, for a year and a half. In order to run a successful business, he says, employees must be paid well, have benefits, and not be overworked. And he hopes this approach to being a restaurateur inspires Thai communitiesboth in and outside of Portlandto pursue the industry as well.

We go out and eat and have fun, having a good time in Thailand, he says. Why not just do the same thing here?

Contact us at letters@time.com.
December is more than half a year away, but President Donald Trump just acknowledged that it could be tighter for families this holiday season.

"Somebody said, 'Oh, the shelves are gonna be open,'" Trump told reporters Wednesday. "Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more."

But what does that actually mean?

Economists worry Trumps sweeping tariffs will drive up prices and lead to shortages  two things that could make buying gifts and preparing for the holidays more difficult.

Reaction to Trumps on-again off-again tariffs have rocked the stock market, consumer confidence, and GDP, but their impact on the costs and availability of goods has yet to be fully felt. On Wednesday, Trump appeared to acknowledge the tariffs will force consumers to cut back.

Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from most countries on April 2. Although he later announced a 90-day pause on some of them, orders on imports to the U.S. have declined, according to James Knightley, chief international economist at Dutch bank ING.

An April report released by Apollo Global Management lays out a timeline explaining when consumers could begin to feel the tariffs' effects. The report estimates it takes 20 to 40 days for a containership to reach U.S. ports and one to 10 days for goods to travel to cities. It predicts by the middle of May, containerships to U.S. ports will come to a stop and by late May, consumers will start to see empty shelves.

But will shelves really be vacant and how expensive will products be? Heres what we know now:

More: Is America's economic slip temporary? Trump, Biden allies divided over GDP report

'Pandemic-like shortages' if nothing changes

Whether U.S. consumers will face shortages depends largely on what happens over the next few weeks.

Trump said the 145% tariff on goods imported from China will eventually come down substantially and his administration says it is negotiating with dozens of other countries over tariffs.

Robert Handfield, professor of supply chain management at North Carolina State University, doesnt think we will see empty shelves for a month or two.

But issues could arise if Trump doesnt pivot soon.

Shortages arent imminent, but we could see some in the months ahead, Knightley said.

Major retailers including representatives from Walmart and Target met with Trump on April 21 to discuss how tariffs would affect their imports.

There has been reporting that the leadership of those companies told the president that by mid-May they would be running out of inventory and Americans would need to prepare for pandemic-like shortages if policy did not adjust, said Michael ORourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading.

ORourke said that appeared to be a reason why Trump said he might act to lower tariffs on goods imported from China shortly after the meeting.

Steve Blitz, chief U.S. economist at GlobalData, said in an investor note that the empty cupboards tale is simply nonsense. He said sellers make money by turning their inventory into cash, and called businesses deciding to hold no inventory business malpractice.

Handfield said Walmart and Target took in a lot of advance shipments when they saw the tariffs coming.

Their warehouses are full of product because they planned ahead, Handfield said. When theyre depleting inventory and need to restock, thats where problems are, potentially.

Toys are seen at "Child's Play Toys" store in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2025. Nearly 100 days into President Donald Trump's White House return, US businesses are scrambling to adjust to fast-changing trade policies. The $40 billion toy industry, which heavily relies on production in China, is hard hit, companies tell AFP. Duncan's entire product range is designed and developed in the United States, chief executive of Duncan Toys Company Josh Staph said, but it makes almost all the toys in China. (Photo by ANNE LEBRETON/AFP via Getty Images)

Will prices go up?

Trumps comments Wednesday addressed the toy industry, which could be one of the hardest hit by tariffs. As much as 75% of toys sold in the U.S. are imported from China, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department.

But Handfield says just about everything will be affected.

Shoes, apparel, toys, Handfield said. Kitchen appliances and knick knacks, baskets, storage, almost everythings made in China.

Without a pivot in trade policy, Knightley said people are likely to start noticing price hikes when its time for back-to-school or Black Friday shopping.

Some prices have already increased. In the three weeks following Trumps April 2 announcement, Amazon prices rose 4.2% on 50 products, according to a sample conducted by MoffettNathanson Research, an equity research firm. Prices on the same products at Walmart and Wayfair had risen 2% and 1.3%, respectively.

ORourke noted that the major retailors meeting with the president came only a few weeks after Walmart executives said the company remained confident about its business strategy despite the new tariff environment. Walmart Chief Financial Officer John Rainey reminded investors on April 9 that more than two-thirds of what it sells is made in the U.S.

CEOs will paint a bleak picture for the president, but it is not a great look to tell your investors a notably different story at roughly the same time, ORourke said.

For those who were hoping to get a jump on holiday gifts by shopping on Amazon Prime Day in mid-July, tariffs are also causing some sellers to rethink their participation.

Reuters reported some third-party sellers who previously offered goods made in China during the premier online shopping day are considering reducing the amount of discounted merchandise theyll offer this year or sitting out the event entirely.

Contributing: Medora Lee and Andrea Riquier

Reach Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her on X @rachelbarber_

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will tariffs cause shortages and high prices?
By Emma Farge and John Shiffman

GENEVA/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United Nations is considering a massive overhaul that would merge major departments and shift resources across the globe, according to an internal memo prepared by senior officials tasked with reforming the world body.

The high-level review comes as U.N. agencies scramble to cope with the fallout from U.S. foreign aid cuts under President Donald Trump that have gutted humanitarian agencies.

The six-page document, marked "strictly confidential" and reviewed by Reuters, contains a list of what it terms "suggestions" that would consolidate dozens of U.N. agencies into four primary departments: peace and security, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, and human rights.

Under one option, for example, operational aspects of the World Food Programme, the U.N. children's agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.N. refugee agency would be merged into a single humanitarian entity, it said.

The memo contains a range of suggestions, some large, some small, some speculative, which, if all adopted, would represent the most sweeping reforms in decades.

It suggests merging the U.N. AIDS agency into the WHO, and reducing the need for up to six translators at meetings. Another suggestion proposes merging the World Trade Organization - which is not a U.N. entity - with U.N. development agencies.

One official familiar with the memo called it a starting point.

But the language of the internal self-assessment appears to confirm what both supporters and critics of the global body have long said: that the U.N. needs streamlining. In a series of observations, the memo refers to "overlapping mandates", "inefficient use of resources", "fragmentation and duplication" and notes a bloating of senior positions.

It describes "systemic challenges" the U.N. faces, problems exacerbated as the General Assembly continues to add missions and programs. "Increased mandates, often without clear exit strategies, and complexities have led to significant overlaps, inefficiencies and increased costs," the document said.

The memo was prepared by a task force appointed in March by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who said at the time the body needed to make itself more cost-effective.

The task force, considering long-term structural changes, is in addition to shorter-term cost-cutting efforts. Some diplomats have described the effort as a proactive step to help forestall deeper U.S. cuts.

"The memo is the result of an exercise to generate ideas and thoughts from senior officials on how to achieve the Secretary General's vision," said Guterres' spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres has long called for U.N. reform. During a meeting with Trump in 2017, the Secretary General told the U.S. President that the world body was saddled with "fragmented structures, byzantine procedures, endless red tape."

But it is now facing one of the greatest financial crises in its 80-year history. At the start of the year, the United States, by far the U.N.'s largest donor, was already about $1.5 billion in arrears in mandatory payments for the regular budget and $1.2 billion in arrears for peacekeeping.

Since Trump took office in January, he has cut billions of dollars more in foreign assistance as part of his "America First" foreign policy.

CUTS AND GEOPOLITICAL SHIFTS

The task force memo does not mention any country by name, but notes starkly that "geopolitical shifts and substantial reductions in foreign aid budget are challenging the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Organization."

Among the impacts: the U.N. humanitarian office, which faces a $58 million shortfall, has cut 20% of its staff. UNICEF projects its budget will shrink by 20% and the U.N. migration agency expects a 30% budget drop, affecting 6,000 jobs.

The cuts are "having an immediate, devastating impact," Bob Rae, the Canadian ambassador and president of the U.N.'s Economic and Social Council, said on Monday.

"What's happening is terrible - we're cutting rations in refugee camps," Rae said.

The memo also suggests relocating some U.N. staff from more expensive cities to lower-cost locales, and merging operations in Rome. Another shorter internal memo sent to senior U.N. officials last week and seen by Reuters told them to prepare by May 16 a list of jobs that could be performed outside New York or Geneva.

"We must take bold and immediate steps to improve the way we work, maximizing efficiency while reducing costs," said the second memo. Hundreds of U.N. staff protested job losses in Geneva on May 1.

Staff directly supporting the U.N. General Assembly and the Security Council in New York would remain, the first memo said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge and John Shiffman, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, are on opposite ends of the debate over the state and local tax deduction.

WASHINGTON  Republicans are at loggerheads over the fate of a controversial tax deduction that is critical to winning enough votes in the House to pass President Donald Trumps legislative agenda.

After a week of meetings and discussions, Republicans still havent settled on how to handle the state and local tax deduction, also known as SALT, which allows filers to deduct up to $10,000 in taxes paid to state and local governments. Before the House adjourned for the week on Thursday, GOP lawmakers on opposite ends of the spectrum continued to snipe over whether to raise that $10,000 maximum imposed by the 2017 Trump tax cuts.

Pro-SALT Republicans insist its not enough to lift the cap to $15,000 for individuals and $30,000 for married couples. Party leaders are looking at a higher cap, nixing the marriage penalty and potentially an income threshold to limit the deduction to the middle class, according to lawmakers and sources with knowledge of the talks.

There is no consensus in the GOPs narrow House majority. It is a sensitive topic after several Republicans in high-tax areas lost their re-election races in 2018 after backing the 2017 tax law that imposed the $10,000 cap. A new crop of GOP lawmakers has since won re-election by promising to raise that cap, but doing so would be expensive and complicate the rest of the bill, which also seeks to boost funding for immigration enforcement and the military, as well as raise the debt limit.

SALT is one of many contentious issues in the package, but it is the most unique. Many Republicans  across ideological lines  care little about the deduction and would be content to avoid expanding it. But there is no path to passing a bill without catering to the roughly dozen Republicans in New York, New Jersey and California who have made it a red line.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., the only SALT Caucus member who serves on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, said she had briefed her fellow committee members Thursday morning about negotiations following a SALT-focused meeting a day earlier with Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

While there is no deal on numbers yet, Malliotakis said discussions include limiting the SALT deduction to families making less than $400,000 per year. She said the new cap could be boosted to slightly higher than $25,000.

There is general consensus that we have no interest in supporting millionaires and billionaires, and this needs to be targeted relief for middle class families, Malliotakis, who represents Staten Island and part of Brooklyn, told reporters. Thats what this comes down to  what number can provide the most relief for middle class families that is acceptable to other members of the conference.

She said the issue wouldnt be resolved this week, but sounded optimistic that they will ultimately get something real approved by the committee.

We are going over all of the menu of options, Malliotakis said, and eventually we will get to the right number.

If Trumps tax cuts expire, the SALT cap would reset to infinity, at a cost of $1.2 trillion over a decade, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a Washington research group that advocates for lower deficits. GOP leaders want to contain the price tag of any SALT policy to make room for other priorities.

The Ways and Means Committee still hasnt released the text of its bill or scheduled a hearing to vote on sending it to the floor, although House GOP leaders want it to happen next week to stick to their schedule of passing the entire package out of the chamber by Memorial Day.

Democrats are guaranteed to attack SALT limits imposed by Republicans as an attempt to raise taxes on residents of blue states, which hold enough swing districts to decide control of the House.

I dont think theres any magic number where its not a fertile attack line for Democrats, so at a certain point SALT members just have to take yes for an answer, said Liam Donovan, a lobbyist and former GOP aide, who said the cap is likely to end up above $10,000 but well short of the $100,000 pro-SALT members appear to want.

To me, the best way to indemnify yourself politically is to make the number as big as possible but with an income phase-out, he said. Hard to attack Republicans if you cant claim it hurts middle class families. The poster child is ostensibly the cop or firefighter who has a big property tax bill, which is a relatively cheap and easy problem to fix.

Conservative Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said he opposes the SALT deduction and criticized his colleagues for pushing it.

We shouldnt have such high local taxes and the federal government shouldnt subsidize it. So Im not all that interested in hearing about my blue-state colleagues complaining about it, Roy said, while adding that hes only willing to accept a higher SALT cap if it is offset with spending cuts.

You have to figure out how to get a deal done. So if the math adds up and were doing enough on the spending restraint side and the tax policy works out and SALT goes up a little, whatever, well work it out, Roy told reporters. I just dont support that policy.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who represents a competitive district outside New York City, is demanding a higher SALT deduction, noting that his state gives more to the federal government than it takes, unlike many red states.

Its an issue of fairness. For my colleagues that talk about bad blue-state policies, the fact is New York is a donor state. Many of my colleagues from red states actually get more money from the federal government than tax revenue that is sent to the federal government, Lawler, who is considering a run for governor of New York, told reporters. So if we want to talk about subsidies, then we can talk about subsidies, but the fact is that New Yorkers need tax relief. Thats what Im fighting for in this bill.

Lawlers colleague, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is also weighing a run for governor and has been talking up SALT recently. That could make her another difficult vote for Johnson.

Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., who represents a Long Island district that was hit hard by the 2017 GOP laws SALT cap, said this week that boosting the deduction is essential to winning his support for the reconciliation package.

Im all in on the SALT provision, LaLota told reporters. My folks didnt just send me here for my great good looks. They sent me here to fight for SALT, and I intend to win that fight.
Miriam Haley arrives at Manhattan criminal court in New York on Thursday to testify against Harvey Weinstein.

Harvey Weinsteins defense team on Thursday deployed a pit bull lawyer with a history of defending notorious men to try and poke holes in the testimony of a former Project Runway production assistant who has accused the Hollywood mogul of sexually assaulting her twice.

When Miriam Haley took the stand for the third day, defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean, who is known for representing accused sex predators Bill Cosby and R. Kelly, grilled her about the jet-setting lifestyle that gave her access to celebrities like Weinstein.

During her questioning, Bonjean got Haley to say that she didnt give reporters a complete picture of her complicated relationship with Weinstein after she first came forward with allegations that the Hollywood heavyweight had performed forcible oral sex on her in June 2006 and then, a month later, raped her.

I told the part that was relevant, Haley said when Bonjean asked if she had told the press about friendly email exchanges she had with Weinstein over the years following the alleged 2006 assault.

A key detail in Haleys testimony on Wednesday was that she had had her period during the time Weinstein allegedly assaulted her in 2006. During questioning from Bonjean, Haley said that she didnt remember exactly when she got her period in 2006 after the defense attorney showed Haley her calendar, where the former assistant sometimes tracked the start date of her period by writing P.

Haley testified that there was no P indicated in the months of January, February and April but there was something in March that may be a P. She said she didnt always remember to add it to her calendar and that she skipped her period some months, adding that she doesnt have a clear memory of her cycle from that year.

Bonjean focused on this detail a day after Haley, in graphic detail, told the court Weinstein was not deterred during the first alleged assault when she told him she was having her period.

Haley is expected to field more questions from Bonjean about the alleged assaults when court resumes on Friday.

Weinstein is on trial again after the New York State Court of Appeals last year overturned his landmark 2020 conviction for sexually abusing young women which defined the #MeToo movement and helped turn the Oscar-winning producer into a pariah.

Bonjean was enlisted to be part of Weinsteins defense team partly because she helped get Cosbys conviction for aggravated indecent assault overturned in 2021. But after Friday, Bonjean will no longer be representing Weinstein because she has to appear in a Brooklyn court next week for another case she is defending.

Weinstein is charged with one count of engaging in a criminal sex act in connection with Haleys allegations that he forcibly performed oral sex on her in June 2006. He is also charged with one count of third-degree rape for allegedly assaulting actress Jessica Mann in 2013.

Both women were part of Weinsteins first trial and Mann is also expected to testify in his retrial.

New to the retrial is an additional charge of engaging in a first-degree criminal sexual act for the alleged assault of a Polish former model named Kaja Sokola.

Sokola claimed in a lawsuit that she was 16 when Weinstein in 2006 performed oral sex on her without her consent at a Manhattan hotel. She, too, is expected to testify at Weinsteins retrial.

Weinstein, 73, has denied assaulting Haley, Mann and Sokola.

Prosecutors contend that Weinstein used his Hollywood clout to prey on young women like Haley who were searching for jobs in the TV and film industry  and to silence them after the alleged assaults.

Haley, whose testimony at the retrial has largely been a reprise of the testimony she provided in 2020, has already testified that she reached out to Weinstein because she wanted his help finding a job. She has also testified that she did not report the assaults to the police or cut ties to Weinstein immediately after the assaults because she feared what he would do to her professionally.

But, under questioning from Bonjean, Haley acknowledged that Weinstein was not the first producer she tapped for job connections. She recounted that she had previously worked for British film and theater producer Michael White, and that, through White, Haley met numerous A-listers like rock stars Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney, as well as actor Jack Nicholson.

Weinsteins lead attorney, Arthur Aidala, has insisted from the start of the retrial that his clients sexual encounters with the accusers were transactional and consensual.
Michelle Mercogliano/Facebook Michelle Mercogliano

Michelle Mercogliano is facing 63 felony charges after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student

Authorities also claim that she provided the teen with marijuana

After learning of the investigation, Mercogliano was immediately placed on leave from the Conestoga High School where she taught

A Pennsylvania high school teacher is accused of sexually abusing a student and for also allegedly providing the minor marijuana.

Michelle Mercogliano is facing 63 felony charges, including multiple counts of unlawful contact with a minor and possession with intent to distribute, according to court records reviewed by PEOPLE.

The Chester County District Attorneys Office and Tredyffrin Township Police Department allege that Mercogliano, who was a teacher at Conestoga High School at the time, began having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student in February. They also claim she provided the teen with marijuana  all of which the police learned about earlier this week before launching an investigation into the allegations.

Although Mercogliano, 35, has not yet been arrested, she is cooperating and arranging a time to turn herself in, per a release the district's office posted to Facebook on Wednesday, April 30.

Parents and students should be able to trust their teachers, District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement. The Defendant broke the law and destroyed that trust. It will not be tolerated.

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.

Citing a criminal complaint, ABC affiliate WPVI reported that the student said he had sex with Mercogliano approximately 12 times and that the majority of the encounters occurred in the home of the teachers parents.

The criminal complaint also reportedly alleges that Mercogliano used Snapchat to communicate with the student.

In a statement shared by the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, Superintendent Richard Gusick said Mercogliano was immediately placed on leave and that she no longer has access to school property.

Ms. Mercogliano began teaching at Conestoga this past fall, Gusick said. She was a teacher at Hillside Elementary School from 2019 to 2024 and a paraprofessional at Hillside Elementary and Valley Forge Elementary Schools from 2014 to 2018. We have no information at this time to indicate that the criminal investigation involves other students.

Read the original article on People
Severe weather and flash flooding continue to threaten much of the central and eastern U.S. on Thursday, disrupting Americans' travel plans.

More than 900 flights were halted across the U.S. on Wednesday, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport hit the hardest with more than 700 of those cancellations. So far on Thursday, over 200 flights are canceled.

PHOTO: This photo provided by the Lexington Fire Department shows flooding in Lexington, Okla., April 30, 2025. (Trenton Mitchell/Lexington Fire Department via AP)

On Thursday, the worst of the severe weather will focus on two areas: one is Oklahoma City to Dallas to Alexandria, Louisiana, and the second is Nashville, Tennessee, to Louisville, Kentucky, to Charleston, West Virginia, to Cleveland to Pittsburgh.

PHOTO: Severe Weather Outlook - Thursday Map (ABC News)

PHOTO: This photo provided by the Lexington Fire Department shows flooding in Lexington, Okla., April 30, 2025. (Trenton Mitchell/Lexington Fire Department via AP)

The primary threats for both areas will be damaging wind gusts and large hail. Tornadoes are possible from Nashville to Pittsburgh.

The storms will begin around noon and end by Thursday night.

Flash flooding will also be a concern Thursday from Texas to New York, with the worst flooding forecast for Oklahoma and the Pittsburgh area.

PHOTO: Flash Flood Threat - Thursday & Thursday Night Map (ABC News)

Just driving down the road in an airboat. Trooper Shaun Vann #937 has one of our airboats in Skiatook closely monitoring flooding along Bird Creek. With water levels rising, our team is prepared with watercraft to assist anyone in need. #turnarounddontdrown pic.twitter.com/hXgQ7lhlPN  OK Highway Patrol/DPS (@OHPDPS) April 30, 2025

MORE: 3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood

On Friday, the severe weather and flash flood threats will be confined to the south-central Plains.

The severe weather will focus on Texas, where large hail and damaging wind gusts are expected.

For flash flooding, the highest threat area will stretch from Texas to Mississippi, including the cities of San Antonio; Dallas; Ada, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; Jackson, Mississippi; and Shreveport, Louisiana.

PHOTO: Flash Flood Threat - Friday Map (ABC News)

Hundreds of flights canceled amid severe weather, flash flooding threats originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Jussie Smollett at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago in 2019.

The city of Chicago and former Empire actor Jussie Smollett have reached a settlement six years after the city sued the TV star.

The city sued Smollett in April 2019, three months after he claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood.

However, police and city officials later said he orchestrated the hoax hate crime against himself. The city's suit accused him of submitting a false police report on Jan. 29, 2019, saying he knew his attackers and planned the attack, and it sought $130,000 in expenses spent on the police investigation.

Smollett had filed a countersuit denying that he orchestrated the attack, and he denied making a false police report.

On Monday, the city and Smollett told the court they have settled but need more time to finalize documentation.

The details of the settlement were not disclosed.

A status hearing set for this week has been reset for May 29, according to the court docket.

The Chicago Department of Law and an attorney for Smollett did not respond to requests for comment.

Back in January 2019, Smollett reported to police he was the victim of a hate crime and that he was attacked because he is Black and gay. Two men  brothers Ola and Abimbola Osundairo  were arrested. Police later said Smollett had recruited the brothers to help him stage the attack.

Smollett was arrested in February 2019, and the following month a grand jury indicted him on suspicion of filing a false police report. Then Cook County State Attorney Kimberly Foxx dropped the charges later.

A special prosecutor revived the case, and in February 2020 Smollett was charged with six disorderly conduct counts, leading to a trial.

In December 2021, he was found guilty on five of the six counts. He was sentenced in 2022 to 150 days in jail and 30 months probation.

In that trial, the Osundairo brothers said that Smollett hired them to stage an attack as a ploy for public attention and that they were paid with a $3,500 check. Smollett argued that the check was written for personal training services and denied the claims that he staged the attack.

The Illinois Supreme Court overturned that conviction last November over prosecutorial issues. The state Supreme Court found that Smollett should not have been charged after he entered a nonprosecution agreement with the Cook County States Attorneys Office.
Crocodile with open mouth  Audrey Snider-Bell/Shutterstock.com

Surfing has become an increasingly popular sport, particularly in recent years. According to STAB Magazine, surfing lineups have grown by an estimated 35% since COVID-19. Surfer Today states that there are 23 million surfers worldwide, though some estimates put that number as high as 35 million. One concern about surfing might be sharks, but have you ever considered that there could be crocodiles in the waters as well? Here are some of the worlds most crocodile-populated waters where surfers catch their waves.

Australia

Australia has recorded around 44 fatal crocodile attacks since 1969. ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock.com

The hot location for surfing in Australia is Byron Bay, which is celebrated for its stunning beaches and vibrant surf culture. Interestingly, the country is home to an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 saltwater crocodiles, primarily concentrated in the northern regions. Since 1969, there have been 44 fatal attacks attributed to these crocodiles, with most incidents occurring in the north of half of Australia. This geographical distribution is somewhat reassuring for surfers because it means that the southern areas, including Byron Bay, are generally safer for those looking to catch some waves while enjoying the beautiful beach.

Costa Rica

American crocodiles live in this Costa Rican river. imageBROKER.com/Shutterstock.com

First up is Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, from 1990 to 2017, there were 99 documented interactions between humans and crocodiles, with 27 resulting in fatalities. A couple of great surf places in Costa Rica are Playa Grande and Playa Hermosa. These destinations are not far from the Tarcoles River Bridge, which is also known as Crocodile Bridge. The most common type of crocodile in this region is the American crocodile. American crocodiles are known for their large size but are generally less aggressive toward humans than other crocodile species.

El Salvador

El Salvador is home to the American crocodile. iStock.com/SteveByland

In El Salvador, crocodiles are primarily found in mangrove swamps and estuaries, with the American crocodile being the predominant species in the region. Popular surfing destinations such as El Tunco and La Bocana are renowned for their intense waves. Attacks on humans are extremely rare in El Salvador. There have been at least two documented crocodile attacks in El Salvador in recent years, including one fatality in 2019. But as always, surfers and beachgoers are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings and respect local wildlife, helping ensure a safe and enjoyable experience along El Salvadors coastline.

Guatemala

Morelets crocodile is native to freshwater habitats in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Michal Sloviak/Shutterstock.com

In Guatemala, the Morelets crocodile is responsible for a notable number of attacks on humans. Also known as the Mexican crocodile or Belize crocodile, this modest-sized crocodilian is primarily found in the Atlantic regions of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. In addition to Morelets crocodile, Guatemala is also home to American crocodiles, which inhabit various coastal areas. The presence of crocodiles necessitates caution, especially in popular surfing spots like Monterrico and El Paredon. These beaches attract surfers with their consistent waves and beautiful scenery, but visitors need to remain aware of their surroundings and respect local wildlife.

Indonesia

Saltwater crocodiles are well-adapted to both saltwater and freshwater environments. Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.com

As reported by the Associated Press in 2024, Indonesia experienced 179 crocodile attacks with 92 fatalities, the highest number reported globally for that year. Some of the most popular surf destinations are Sorake Beach in Nias, and Canggu and Uluwatu in Bali. Indonesia and its provinces have several crocodile species, with the most notable being the saltwater crocodile. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest and among the most aggressive crocodile species, found in coastal and estuarine areas of northern Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.

Nicaragua

The American crocodile is found in both fresh and saltwater environments. Bram Smits/Shutterstock.com

While Nicaragua has a relatively low number of crocodile attacks, incidents do still occur. In recent years, there have been at least three documented crocodile attacks in Nicaragua, including at least one fatality. The most popular surf spots in Nicaragua are San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas, Popoyo, and Playa Colorado. These areas are not just known for their excellent waves but also for their proximity to habitats where American crocodiles are found. These reptiles can be encountered throughout the country, especially near river mouths and estuaries that connect to the ocean. Surfers should remain vigilant and informed about their surroundings, as the presence of crocodiles, even in areas known for surfing, can pose unexpected risks.

Oaxaca

The local communities in Oaxaca have implemented conservation measures to protect the crocodiles. Photostock by Leonardo Em/Shutterstock.com

Crocodiles are present in Oaxaca, particularly along the coast, where the American crocodile is the most commonly found species. There have been 16 attacks and two fatalities. Like other locations, these reptiles inhabit lagoons, mangrove areas, and even some beaches, providing a vital role in the local ecosystem. In regions like Barra de la Cruz and Puerto Escondido, which are popular surfing destinations, awareness of crocodile presence is essential for beachgoers and surfers alike. While encounters with crocodiles are relatively rare, the proximity of their habitats to surfing spots necessitates caution.

Panama

The American crocodile has a temperament that ranks in the middle range among all crocodilian species. Albert Casals/Shutterstock.com

Panama boasts several renowned surfing destinations, including Bocas del Toro, Playa Venao, and Santa Catalina, each offering unique waves and breathtaking scenery. However, the American crocodile is prevalent in the region alongside these beautiful surf spots. There are not a lot of statistics about how many crocodile attacks happen each year. These reptiles can often be found in coastal areas, estuaries, and mangroves, which play a vital role in the local ecosystem. Surfing enthusiasts should remain aware of their surroundings and understand the presence of these powerful creatures.

South Africa

The Nile crocodile is the main species responsible for attacks in South Africa. Martin Mecnarowski/Shutterstock.com

Crocodile attacks in South Africa, while relatively rare, can be severe. According to local authorities, parents were told to keep children away from rivers where crocs and hippos reside and to approach water bodies with caution. This warning is especially important for the Nile crocodile, native to the region, which is responsible for most incidents, often targeting individuals who venture too close to the waters edge, whether for surfing, fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenery. Some of the popular surf locations are Kosi Bay, St. Lucia, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where the Nile crocodile is prevalent.

Sri Lanka

The mugger crocodile is a medium-sized broad-snouted crocodile. Milan Zygmunt/Shutterstock.com

According to Species Conservation, approximately 10 to 20 people are killed annually, and around 50 individuals are attacked by crocodiles in Sri Lanka. The country is home to both mugger crocodiles and saltwater crocodiles. The mugger crocodile is a medium-sized, broad-snouted species commonly found in freshwater lagoons, while saltwater crocodiles inhabit coastal areas and the ocean. One of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka is Arugam Bay, renowned for its excellent waves and incredible views.

Conclusion

While surfing offers exciting ocean experiences and provides a deep connection to nature, awareness of local wildlife is crucial, especially in crocodile-populated areas. By staying informed, surfing in groups, and maintaining vigilance in the water, surfers can minimize risks and fully enjoy their time on the waves. With respect for the natural environment and a cautious approach, you can confidently chase the surf in some of the most beautiful and wild locations around the globe.

The post The Most Croc-Infested Surfing Destinations in the World appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Solano County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Patricia Ann Hertel went missing in 1981. Her remains have just been identified.

A California womans remains have been identified more than four decades after some of her bones were found on the south shore of Simmons Island, authorities said.

The identification of Patricia Ann Hertel's remains, which was announced in a press release by the Solano County Sheriffs Office on Friday, April 25, brings some resolution to her familys years-long search for answers.

On Aug. 8, 1981, Hertel, then 39, went out on a fishing boat with her boyfriend in Suisun Bay when they encountered bad weather. When they didnt return, authorities launched a search, discovering her boyfriend's body and the sunken vessel several days later. Hertel was never found and authorities presumed she had drowned.

Related: 15-Year-Old Boy Found Dead After Canoe Overturns in Lake: 'Worst Nightmare Come True'

Google Maps The location where Hertel's remains were found more than 40 years ago.

Almost two years later, on May 14, 1983, partial skeletal remains were found on the island near a private duck hunting club, which is more than 60 miles northeast of San Francisco.

Investigators initially believed the remains belonged to an adult male, but despite continued efforts to determine "the identity and circumstances surrounding the death, the decedent was ultimately laid to rest without being identified."

Forty years later, in July 2023, the body was exhumed as part of the Doe Cold Case Project and the case was reopened.

This time, a DNA test proved that the remains were actually female, which then led to a 15-month long investigation into the deceased's identity. Through forensic genetic genealogy, additional DNA testing and other advanced methodologies, the Solano County Coroners Office was finally able to solve the decades-old mystery and determine the remains belonged to Hertel.

Related: Man Goes Missing While Driving to Visit His Dying Grandma. Weeks Later, Hes Found Dead

We offer our deepest condolences for their loss, the sheriffs office said of Hertels family members, who helped in the investigation. We hope this identification brings them a measure of closure.

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.

While Hertel's remains have been identified, the sheriff's office said that her missing persons case remains open as not all of her remains have been recovered.

Authorities did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional comment.

Read the original article on People
This undated photo provided by CASA, an immigrant advocacy organization, in April 2025, shows Kilmar Abrego Garcia. - CASA/AP

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have been directly in touch about the detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the US mistakenly deported to El Salvadors notorious megaprison, according to multiple sources familiar with the previously undisclosed discussions.

A US official also told CNN the Trump administration has been working closely with El Salvador and asked for Abrego Garcias return but insisted that Bukele has made clear that hes not returning him to the US, citing an Oval Office meeting between Bukele and President Donald Trump this month.

It is unclear what the goal of the discussions was, however, as multiple officials told CNN the Trump administration is not seeking to return Abrego Garcia to the US or grant him any additional due process in either country.

The secretive seven-day pause in Abrego Garcias court case last week arose because a diplomatic resolution had become a possibility, according to other sources familiar with the matter. That pause expires Wednesday afternoon, a federal judge ruled.

Abrego Garcia has been moved from CECOT, officially known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, to another facility in El Salvador, but there have otherwise been few public developments in the high-stakes case.

At a Cabinet meeting Wednesday at the White House, Rubio said he will never tell if he has been in touch with Bukele.

I would never tell you that, Rubio responded to reporter who asked about a possible return of Abrego Garcia.

And you know who else Ill never tell? A judge, Rubio added, saying it was because the conduct of our foreign policy belongs to the president of the United States and the executive branch, not some judge.

Abrego Garcia had previously been living in the US, and a judge years ago found he could be deported to anywhere but his home country of El Salvador because his life would be at risk there. The Trump administration acknowledged its mistake in court but has since argued its legal ability to send him to El Salvador has changed because he is allegedly a member of the gang MS-13, though it has produced little evidence to back up this claim.

Trump said in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday that he could tell El Salvador to send Abrego Garcia back to the US but will not. Multiple courts have said the Trump administration appears to be ignoring the judges orders to facilitate Abrego Garcias return from the prison.

Earlier this month the Supreme Court ordered that the government needed to take steps to facilitate his release from custody but sent his case back down to the lower court for further clarification on how that could be effectuated. The high courts ambiguous ruling, which did not directly order his return to the United States, has provided the administration cover to allow Garcia to remain in El Salvador.

Its still not clear what the possibilities might be for Abrego Garcia if there were a diplomatic deal. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the Trump administration sent a diplomatic note to officials in El Salvador to inquire about releasing him, and Bukele said no.

A source familiar with the proceedings said the Justice Department is not seeking to return Abrego Garcia to the US at this time. If he were to return, the administration likely would attempt to process him and deport him again.

The Justice Department is also not expected to provide any additional due process to Garcia in El Salvador through a remote hearing or other means, according to the source.

The diplomatic effort the sources referred to also may be an attempt to take the temperature down politically and legally in a case where even Trump backers have criticized the White House for depriving Abrego Garcia of due process before he was mistakenly deported.

Trump, in his comments on Tuesday, pointed to the lawyers taking the lead with Abrego Garcia  indicating his intention to be removed from the political fight.

Im not the one making this decision, Trump told ABC News. The president also said that government lawyers do not want to help bring Abrego Garcia back to the US.

And Bukele has made clear he has no plans to send Abrego Garcia out of El Salvador, especially back to the US.

I hope youre not suggesting that I smuggle a terrorist into the United States, Bukele said earlier this month. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course Im not going to do it. The question is preposterous.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Justice Department lawyers in court previously have said they would take steps domestically to aid in Abrego Garcias return if El Salvador would release him. Bondi said the US would be willing to send a plane, for instance.

But Judge Paula Xinis, who has handled his case in court for more than a month now and received an endorsement on her orders from Supreme Court, has said that was not enough.

Judge orders discovery to restart

Shortly after Xinis called out the Trump administration and Justice Department for wrongly interpreting her orders, forward movement in the court proceeding was paused and moved into confidential proceedings. That was when the diplomatic resolution was still a possibility, the sources told CNN.

But a new request this week from the Justice Department to further pause the case prompted Xinis to refuse to do so on Wednesday morning. Instead, the judge put the administration back on the clock to respond to questions about Abrego Garcias detention in El Salvador and prior removal proceedings by this Friday.

Up to six administration officials may also be interviewed under oath by Abrego Garcias lawyers by next week, the judge said. At least one of those depositions took place last week, according to a source familiar with the case.

Abrego Garcias attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, told CNN that over the next week, through discovery, were going to be able get to the bottom of this and were going to figure out who is telling him not to make that phone call, referring to Trump.

Sandoval-Moshenberg said that last week, Judge Xinis appeared satisfied with the administrations request to pause discovery, seeing it as being made in good faith. Shes not falling for nonsense, he said.

The attorney declined to comment on Wednesdays closed-door proceedings and whether they were prompted by Trumps comments to ABC News.

It is clear that some person, or persons within the US government, is actively blocking other persons within the US government from complying with the judges order, and now were going to figure out who that is, he said.

CNNs Devan Cole and Kylie Atwood contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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FILE - The Waupun Correctional Institution is seen June 5, 2024, in Waupan, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The mother of an inmate who died of dehydration and malnutrition at Wisconsin's oldest maximum security prison last year has filed a federal lawsuit, marking the fourth action brought by relatives of inmates who have died at the troubled institution since 2023.

Donald Maier's mother, Jeanette Maier, filed her lawsuit Monday in federal court in Milwaukee alleging her son was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment at Waupun Correctional Institution. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and names state Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy, former Waupun Warden Randall Hepp and multiple Waupun staffers as defendants.

Corrections spokesperson Kevin Hoffman declined to comment, saying the agency typically doesn't speak publicly about pending litigation. Hepp's attorney, Michael Steinle, didn't return an email Thursday.

Donald Maier, 62, was found dead in his cell in February 2024 at Waupun. The Dodge County medical examiner determined he died of dehydration and failure to thrive due to malnutrition. Investigators found that guards had repeatedly shut off the water to his cell during the week leading up to Maier's death after he flooded his cell, according to court documents.

Jeanette Maier's lawsuit alleges that Waupun staff failed to document the water shut-offs in violation of prison protocol, didn't tell him when the water was back on and didn't offer to get him any water themselves. He also didn't receive medication at Waupun, even though the state Corrections Department had designated him as suffering from a serious mental illness, according to the lawsuit.

The filing also alleges that staff shortages at Waupun have left workers exhausted and extra shifts have left them resentful of inmates who need help.

Waupun opened in 1854, making it Wisconsin's oldest maximum security prison. It's been plagued by a litany of problems in recent years.

Inmates filed a federal class-action lawsuit in October 2023 alleging inhumane conditions at the prison, but dropped it in August 2024 after a judge found eight of 10 plaintiff inmates hadn't exhausted an internal complaint process.

Seven inmates, including Maier, have died at the prison since 2023. Family members of three of them  Cameron Williams, Dean Hoffman and Tyshun Lemons  filed federal lawsuits last year. Those case are still pending.

Williams was found dead of a stroke in his cell in October 2023. His mother alleges no one helped him, even though he'd been throwing up blood and begging to go to the emergency room for head pain in the days before he died.

Hoffmann killed himself at the prison in June 2023. His daughter contends he went weeks without seeing any mental health care providers due to a lockdown and received medication only sporadically.

Lemons died of a fentanyl overdose at the prison in October 2023. His sister maintains that Corrections failed to prevent illegal drugs from entering the prison.

Federal investigators have been probing alleged smuggling at Waupun. The investigation has netted at least one former employee who pleaded guilty to smuggling cellphones and drugs in exchange for money.

Hepp, the former warden, was charged in June with felony misconduct in connection with Maier's death after investigators concluded that he failed to ensure his staff followed policy. He pleaded no contest Monday to a misdemeanor count of violating laws governing state or county institutions in a deal with prosecutors and walked away with a $500 fine.

Eight Waupun staffers were charged in June with abuse or misconduct in connection with either Maier or Williams' death. Charges have been dismissed against one of them and another was fined $250. The remaining cases are pending.
The European Union has banned the use of bisphenol A (BPA) (AFP via Getty Images)

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.

BPA is widely used to strengthen plastic in baby bottles

Other banned compounds include:

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 were 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.

Various physical, chemical and biological systems are capable of removing up to 95 per cent 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.

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:

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.

Gumersindo Feijoo Costa, Catedratico de Ingenieria Quimica. Centro de Excelencia CRETUS de la Red CiGUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
By Jonathan Stempel

OMAHA, Nebraska (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people will descend on Omaha, Nebraska, to attend the annual shareholder weekend for billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

Buffett, 94, is expected to answer shareholder questions over four and a half hours at Berkshire's annual meeting on Saturday.

Vice Chairman Greg Abel, 62, who is expected to succeed Buffett as chief executive, will join him. Vice Chairman Ajit Jain, 73, will join for two and a half hours.

The meeting will be broadcast on CNBC and livestreamed on cnbc.com.

Here are some facts about Buffett and Berkshire.

BUFFETT'S LIFE

*Personal life

Warren Edward Buffett was born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Columbia Business School.

Buffett has been married to Astrid Menks since 2006. His first wife Susan Thompson Buffett died in 2004, and he had three children with her: Susan, Howard and Peter. Susan Buffett and Howard Buffett are Berkshire directors.

Buffett likes steaks and enjoys candies from See's, which Berkshire owns. He estimates that one-fourth of his calories come from Coca-Cola, a longtime Berkshire investment.

*Net worth

$166.4 billion as of April 30, ranking fifth worldwide, according to Forbes. Elon Musk, the head of Tesla and adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, ranked first.

Buffett owned 14.4% of Berkshire and held a 30.4% voting stake in the company as of March 5.

*How Buffett took charge of Berkshire

In 1965, Buffett was a shareholder in Berkshire, then a struggling New England textile company. He agreed to sell back his shares for $11.50 each, but management provided a term sheet that showed $11.375. Buffett was angered, and decided to buy all the shares he could. He won control of Berkshire on May 10, 1965, and began building his conglomerate. Though the textile business closed in 1985, Buffett kept the Berkshire name.

*Philanthropy

Buffett has since 2006 donated about $43.3 billion to the Gates Foundation and $15.1 billion to four family charities. His three children will distribute his Berkshire holdings, which account for about 99.5% of Buffett's wealth, after his death, and must decide unanimously on each commitment. Donations to the Gates Foundation will stop after Buffett dies.

*Home

Buffett has lived since 1958 in the same house on a well-trafficked Omaha street, where he primarily works. He paid $31,500 for it. Built in 1921, the five-bedroom, 2-1/2-bath, 6,500-square-foot home on 0.72 acres was assessed at $1,224,500 in 2025. Annual taxes are $20,457. (Source: Douglas County, Nebraska)

*Famous Buffett quote

"Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless." - Sept. 4, 1991 congressional testimony about Salomon Inc, where Buffett became interim chairman to restore order after a Treasury auction bidding scandal.

FACTS ABOUT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

*Leadership

Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer; Greg Abel and Ajit Jain, vice chairmen; Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, investment managers.

Abel and Jain have day-to-day oversight of Berkshire's non-insurance and insurance units, respectively. Combs and Weschler handle some stock investments. Buffett handles major capital allocations and investments.

*Portfolio

Berkshire Hathaway owns 189 operating businesses and dozens of stocks.

*Major stock investments

Apple was Berkshire's largest stock holding at the end of 2024, even though Berkshire sold 600 million shares during the year. Berkshire also has multi-billion dollar stakes in many other U.S. companies, and stakes close to 10% in Japan's five largest trading houses.

*Financials

Berkshire Hathaway posted record operating profit for the third straight calendar year in 2024, helped by its insurance businesses.

*Stock price

Through April 30, Berkshire shares were up 18% this year while the Standard & Poor's was down 5%, as new U.S. tariffs and recession worries rattled markets. The conglomerate had a market value of $1.15 trillion.

Between 1965 and 2024, Berkshire's stock price posted a compounded annual gain of 19.9%. It outperformed the S&P, which rose 10.4% annually, including dividends (pre-tax).

* Some of Berkshire's operating businesses

Alleghany, Benjamin Moore, Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, BNSF, Borsheims Fine Jewelry, Brooks, Business Wire, Clayton Homes, Duracell, Forest River, Fruit of the Loom, Geico, General Re, HomeServices of America, IMC International Metalworking, International Dairy Queen, Jazwares, Johns Manville, Lubrizol, Marmon, McLane, National Indemnity, Nebraska Furniture Mart, NetJets, Oriental Trading, Pampered Chef, Pilot Travel Centers, Precision Castparts, See's Candies, Shaw Industries

*Select acquisitions

See's Candies, $25 million (1972); Geico, $2.3 billion (1996); Dairy Queen, $590 million (1998); General Re, $15.9 billion (1998); NetJets, $725 million (1998); Clayton Homes, $1.7 billion (2003); PacifiCorp, $5.1 billion (2006); Iscar, $6.1 billion (2006-2013); Marmon, $8.9 billion (2008-2014); Burlington Northern Santa Fe, $26.5 billion (2010); Lubrizol, $9 billion (2011); NV Energy, $5.6 billion (2013); H.J. Heinz, $12.1 billion (majority stake, 2013; now part of Kraft Heinz); Van Tuyl (now Berkshire Hathaway Automotive), $4.1 billion (2015); Precision Castparts, $32.1 billion (2016); Duracell, $2.9 billion (2016); Pilot Travel Centers, $13.6 billion (2017-2024); Alleghany, $11.5 billion (2022). (Sources: Barclays, Berkshire)

*Employees

Berkshire employs 392,396 people. Its main office has 27, including Buffett.

*Annual meeting attendance:

12 (1965), about 24 (1979), 1,000 (1986), 4,100 (1995), 13,000 (2000), 21,000 (2005), 42,000 (2015, Buffett's 50th anniversary running Berkshire). (Sources: Omaha World-Herald, Berkshire, Reuters)

*Succession

Buffett has not publicly signaled any plans to retire. Abel is expected to become CEO when Buffett retires, cannot continue or dies. Combs, who has been Geico's chief executive since 2020, and Weschler may succeed Buffett as chief investment officer, though Buffett said at Berkshire's 2024 annual meeting that Abel could fill that role. Buffett's eldest son, Howard, is expected to become non-executive chairman.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in Omaha, Nebraska, editing by Deepa Babington)
By Shivam Patel and Tanvi Mehta

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's foreign minister said he has told Secretary of State Marco Rubio that perpetrators of the deadly attack in Kashmir last week should be brought to justice, as the U.S. sought to calm tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

The U.S. said Rubio discussed the strained ties between the two neighbours in separate telephone calls on Wednesday, urging them to work with each other to "de-escalate tensions."

He expressed support to India in combating extremism and urged Pakistan to cooperate in probing the attack that killed 26 people, the State Department said.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in a post on X that he told Rubio "perpetrators, backers and planners" of the April 22 attack "must be brought to justice".

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the U.S. to press India to "dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly," according to a statement from his office.

Islamist assailants attacked a meadow teeming with tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam area last week, segregated men, asked their names and shot Hindus at close range, officials and survivors said. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

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.

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan, although each controls only a part of the Himalayan region. They have fought two wars over Kashmir and New Delhi accuses Pakistan of supporting and funding an anti-government uprising in Indian Kashmir that started in 1989 but has now waned.

Pakistan says it only offers diplomatic and moral support to a Kashmiri demand for self-determination.

The old rivals have taken measures against each other since the Pahalgam attack, with India putting a critical river water sharing treaty in abeyance. Both have closed their airspace to each others' airlines.

Troops from the two sides have exchanged small arms fire across their frontier for the past seven nights, but no casualties have been reported so far, India has said.

Pakistan did not respond to a request for comment.

The United Nations has asked both countries to avoid confrontation. China, a key player in the region, had earlier this week urged them to exercise restraint.

The head of the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir called for international mediation and said his administration was preparing a humanitarian response in case of further escalation.

India's navy issued warnings for several firing drills in the Arabian Sea off the coasts of Maharashtra and Gujarat states. Gujarat shares a border with Pakistan.

The navy did not respond to a request for comment on the warnings.

Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his military chiefs that they have the freedom to decide the country's response to the Pahalgam attack, a government source said. Pakistan says military action by India was imminent.

(Reporting by Shivam Patel and Tanvi Mehta; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
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.

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.

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)
By Ernest Scheyder

(Reuters) -A U.S. government-created artificial intelligence program that aims to predict the supply and price of critical minerals has been transferred to the control of a non-profit organization that is helping miners and manufacturers strike supply deals.

Launched in late 2023 by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Open Price Exploration for National Security AI metals program is an attempt to counter China's sweeping control of the critical minerals sector, as Reuters reported last year

Now, more than 30 mining companies, manufacturers and investors - including auto giant Volkswagen - have joined the Critical Minerals Forum non-profit and will be its first users, according to Rob Strayer, a former U.S. diplomat and the organization's president.

"Everyone in the critical minerals sector is looking for more price transparency," said Seth Goldstein, a lithium industry analyst with Morningstar. "Any tool like the CMF that could help would be welcome."

Other members include copper miner South32, rare earths producer MP Materials and defense contractor RTX. The CMF held its first meeting with members in November. The privatization and CMF's membership have not previously been reported.

Armed with the AI model, the CMF aims to help manufacturers curb their reliance on China by signing more metal supply deals with Western mines, according to more than two dozen industry consultants, purchasing agents, analysts, regulators and investors who told Reuters the program reflects one of the boldest efforts to date to transform the ways certain metals are bought and sold.

The goal is for the AI model to calculate what a metal should cost when labor, processing and other costs are factored in - and Chinese market manipulation is factored out - and thus give buyer and seller confidence in a deal's economics.

Some deals with the CMF are beginning to take shape. Nevada officials this week said they would work with the CMF and its AI model to help attract copper smelting to the state. The U.S. has only two copper smelters and as such imports nearly half of its demand for the red metal.

The program has already faced skepticism over whether it can achieve the goal of transforming the long-established ways metals are bought and sold.

Yet it is aimed less at heavily traded metals - such as aluminum - and toward lightly traded metals or metals that see heavy overproduction from some in an attempt to sway market pricing.

For example, the CMF model could help manufacturers forecast available nickel supplies in 2028 if the U.S. were to impose a 100% tariff on that metal from Indonesia, the top global producer.

That data that could help a manufacturer determine whether to invest in a U.S. nickel mine or agree to buy its future production, a step that would help obtain financing for a mine's construction.

In such a scenario, the nickel buyer would use the AI model's data to negotiate a long-term deal for guaranteed supply, regardless of whether Chinese miners boost production and drive down market prices, as they have done in recent years.

The CMF's aim with the AI model does assume that a buyer would be comfortable paying more than the market price for a metal if supply were guaranteed.

CHINA SQUEEZE

The CMF's entrance into the complex metals markets comes as Beijing restricts critical minerals exports, the very kind of market interference that the CMF officials said underscores the need to build more U.S. mines and processing facilities to power the energy transition.

Prices on the London Metal Exchange and other futures exchanges for nickel, cobalt and some other battery metals have been dominated in recent years by overproduction from Chinese miners operating at a loss in Indonesia and Congo to boost market share.

Many niche-but-essential battery minerals on which Beijing has imposed export controls are not traded or lightly traded, including rare earths - a group of 17 metals used to make magnets that turn power into motion - as well as germanium and gallium.

In response to a request for comment about the CMF, the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., said that China manages its exports of rare earths in accordance with rules from the World Trade Organization.

"China will continue to work with other countries to jointly undertake the responsibility of global rare earths supply," said embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu.

Volkswagen and some other CMF members said they see the CMF as helping boost visibility into what can be an opaque critical minerals supply chain. MP Materials and RTX did not respond to requests for comment.

U.S. President Donald Trump has already ordered his administration to work with private developers to boost U.S. crucial minerals production, a step that could be aided by the data CMF aims to provide markets, program officials said. The president has also launched a study into potential tariffs on all U.S. minerals imports.

Drawing on its government connections, the CMF aims to connect mining projects with potential investors and manufacturers needing more-secure metals supply, said Strayer.

Massachusetts-based rare earths processing startup Phoenix Tailings hopes the CMF can help create U.S.-based prices for minerals tied to actual production costs, said CEO Nick Myers.

Phoenix aims to use data from the CMF as negotiating leverage with potential customers, including manufacturers that are themselves CMF members, Myers said. "In a sector that is opaque, it is one of the tools to get more information," Myers said.

Not all market observers are convinced that the CMF's AI model is revolutionary.

"I've tried to politely say I think this is worthless," said Ian Lange, who teaches mining economics at the Colorado School of Mines. Lange contrasted the goals of the Pentagon's AI model with the much-larger and more-complex global oil market.

"Can we predict the price of oil better now than five years ago? The answer is no. Machine learning doesn't help," Lange said.

'ENCOURAGE MORE VISIBILITY'

The Pentagon's AI model is being trained using more than 70 mining-related data sets and aims to guide investment decisions out for at least 15 years based on how unexpected market shocks - export restrictions, for example - could affect the production or price of a metal.

FactSet, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and other pricing providers are supplying data, as is the U.S. Commerce Department, officials said.

It is access to analysis of that data - some of which is not public - that the CMF says it believes sets the Pentagon's AI program apart from ChatGPT or other AI programs.

And that data is the CMF's biggest cost, part of the reason why the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will fund it for the next few years while the CMF determines whether to charge all members or create a tiered structure with basic members getting free access and others paying for more granular data, officials said.

S&P Global, AI developer Charles River Analytics, and software firm Exiger with price reporting agency partner Metal Miner have developed the model, according to the Pentagon.

S&P Global declined to comment. Charles River Analytics did not respond to a request for comment. Exiger said it believes its data can help forecast a material's cost and availability and boost supply chain visibility.

The CMF has been organized as a nonprofit trade association with a board of directors comprised of its members. Its staffing is small - fewer than 10 employees - and its annual budget is not disclosed.

DARPA does not have a representative on the CMF board, but is funding the program through at least 2029 and plans to transfer the AI model's intellectual property to the CMF by the beginning of 2027, officials said.

There are no plans to make the CMF a for-profit entity, although there may be charges in the future for access to more detailed data sets, officials said.

The CMF is launching a campaign to attract more members - especially from the semiconductor, aviation and defense industries - and offering free membership for the next 14 months while the Pentagon funds data collection, Strayer said.

Foreign governments are also studying whether to join the CMF and use its data, including copper-rich Zambia and cobalt-rich Democratic Republic of Congo, CMF officials said, adding they aim to make the program international in scope to boost metals market transparency.

The Zambian and DRC embassies in Washington, D.C., did not respond to requests for comment.

As Western miners begin to demand green premiums for their metals, those new agreements increasingly require the very market intelligence the CMF model aims to provide.

"Any mechanism that can give you better modeling of markets is obviously enormously valuable," said Brian Menell, CEO of TechMet, a mining investor and CMF member.

The AI model introduces another variable for the LME to contend with, especially as the exchange is struggling as rivals in Chicago and Shanghai try to take market share for some niche battery metals.

The LME declined to comment.

(Reporting by Ernest Scheyder; Editing by Veronica Brown and Claudia Parsons)
By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Unlike U.S. President Donald Trump, who has lost no opportunity to demolish his predecessor's policies, the new Catholic pontiff will not summarily slash and burn Pope Francis' legacy, even if he is a conservative, experts and Church officials say.

"It's not like the U.S. government where the president comes in and replaces the entire cabinet," said Rev. Thomas Reese, commentator for Religion News Service and author of "Inside the Vatican", a benchmark book on the Church organisation.

"There is a built-in inertia of the institution."

The new pope will be elected at a conclave that starts next week, and will take immediate charge of the Vatican, one of the world's few remaining absolute monarchies.

But change comes slowly in the 2,000-year-old Church and, at least at first, will be more of style than substance.

All Vatican senior officials, appointed for five-year terms, serve at the pleasure of the reigning pope and, when he dies, almost all of them have to "cease to exercise" their roles. However, a new pontiff usually rolls over existing mandates.

It took Pope John Paul II, who was elected in 1978, about seven years to replace all the top officials at the Vatican, also known as the Roman Curia.

Perhaps more important in the early phases of the papacy are the signals the new pope may send through gestures, phrases or off-the-cuff remarks, who he decides to meet, or not meet, and which groups he decides to address first.

While Pope Francis did not change Church doctrine on homosexuality - the Church teaches that same-sex acts are sinful but same-sex attraction is not - his famous remark "who am I to judge?", made less than five months into his papacy, set the tone for a more welcoming Church.

It also sparked a conservative backlash that lasted throughout his 12-year reign.

Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, a conservative whom Francis fired as head of the Vatican's doctrinal department and who will take part in the conclave, said he believed Francis overstretched himself and tried to be too many things to too many people, creating confusion among the faithful.

"What is important is that the (next) pope be the universal pastor of the Church and not everybody's personal parish priest," Mueller told Reuters.

He said the next pope should quickly send signals that he was ready to "reject the great agenda of the LGBT and globalist lobby to destroy matrimony and the family as we know it".

NOT SO FAST

Cardinal Lars Anders Arborelius, a progressive prelate from Sweden who will also take part in the conclave, acknowledged that "not everyone is so open and so welcoming" as Francis was.

If the next pope is conservative, Arborelius told Reuters, "he will not be able to change Francis documents, but issue his own writings on various social issues that can differ in interpretation" of Church law. That takes time.

The most important way a new pope can change the Church is through the appointment of bishops, spread out across the world. But those changes also often need years.

Popes do not fire bishops unless they have committed a serious offence. They must wait until someone dies or reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75 for a chance to appoint a successor. It is similar to a U.S. president having to wait sometimes years for a vacancy on the Supreme Court.

After his election in 1978, John Paul II started changing the theological make-up of the world's bishops, which he thought had moved in too liberal a direction since the end of the reforming Second Vatican Council in 1965.

His successor, Pope Benedict XVI, continued that trend.

Francis moved the pendulum the other way, and also appointed more than 80% of the cardinals who will choose his successor. But it was a gradual process.

The number of cardinal electors under the age of 80 who will enter the conclave next week to elect the new pope stands at 133. Two others are eligible but will not participate for health reasons.

The total of 135 cardinal electors is already 15 over the traditional maximum of 120, a limit which each pope since John Paul has breached.

It will take at least a year for the number to fall back to or below 120. It is unknown if the new pope will respect the limit, but previous pontiffs have moved slowly in naming new cardinals.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; additional reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Alex Richardson)
Mother and son Caroline and Tom are racing other teams across China to India on this years Race Across the World (BBC/Studio Lambert)

Race Across the World has wrapped up for another year, with Wednesdays final episode concluding with four teams competing to be the first to reach the southernmost tip of India.

Over the past eight weeks, the teams navigated themselves through a line-up of destinations from China to India, trekking across the foothills of the Himalayas, stopping in bustling cities like Shangri-La, Delhi and Mumbai, as well as ticking off two wonders of the modern world at the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.

The first episode, which aired on 23 April, introduced us to five intrepid duos who set off on the 14,000km race that took 51 days to complete.

Among the teams are brothers Brian and Melvin, mother and son Caroline and Tom, sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, young Welsh couple Fin and Sioned and the unlikely duo of previously married couple-turned-friends Yin and Gaz.

This year, the teams trekked across China, Nepal and India. The pairs travelled through towns, cities and rural areas with a limited budget and resources carried in backpacks, making decisions as to what transport they would use, which route to take, where they would sleep and how much to spend.

After launching the race at the Great Wall of China, the teams ticked off seven checkpoints, before setting their sights on being the first to reach the final destination at Kanniyakumari in India.

While we will have to wait another year for the next season of Race Across the World, heres a summary of the locations our teams navigated as we look back on the colossal journey undertaken.

The start

The Great Wall of China

This years teams kicked off their journey at the Great Wall of China (Getty/iStock)

The race began at the Great Wall of China, overlooking the village of Huanghuacheng, around 80km north of Chinas capital, Beijing. A fitting start for such a long trek, the walk across the entire Great Wall would certainly compete for an extensive journey in itself, stretching over 21,000km. One of the new seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China, is the largest manmade project that represents over two thousand years of Chinese history. The series of fortifications starts in the east at Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province to the west.

Checkpoint one

Huangling, China

Huangling in China is known for drying out chillis and other crops on rooftops (Getty/iStock)

Around 2,000km to the south of the Great Wall is the first checkpoint, Huangling in the Jiangxi province, which has nestled on the slopes of Huayi Mountains for over 500 years. This community is famous for its Hui-style architecture and drying chillies on rooftops, creating a colourful birds-eye view. This picturesque village, dotted with historical buildings and ancient sites, is surrounded by a scenic spread of lush greenery across the mountain slopes. The town is six centuries old, but lay in a dilapidated state until 16 years ago, when it transformed into a rural tourist hotspot. The teams were told to reach Huangling via cable car, then alight to cross the Leixin Suspension Bridge before finally checking into the Huangling Shaiqiu Hotel.

Checkpoint two

Sanya, China

The 108m-tall Guanyin of Nanshan is situated just off the coast of Sanya (Getty/iStock)

In the second episode, the five teams prepare to leave Huangling for a 2,700km journey to the city of Sanya, on the southern tip of Hainan Island. Along the way, the teams stopped at different places from glitzy cities to deep rural gems, including the cosmopolitan city of Xiamen on the coast, the Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin, and the ancient town of Fenghuang. After traversing much of southeastern China, the leg ends with Sanya, one of Chinas most southerly cities. Sanya attracts much of the wealthy elite in China due to its tropical climate, but as a result of this weather, it is also prone to monsoon storms. The city has several beaches along its coastal areas, including Dadonghai Bay and Yalong Bay, while one of its most impressive cultural landmarks is the Nanshan Temple. The temple is dominated by a statue of Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion and stands taller than the Statue of Liberty, as its three connected portraits look out while standing on an artificial islet. The Yazhou Ancient City, Yalong Tropical Paradise Forest Park and Wuzhizhou are also among other popular places to visit in Sanya.

Checkpoint three

Shangri-La, China

Shangri-La was named after the fictional paradise in 2001 (Getty/iStock)

Departing Sanya, the teams this week travelled through southwest China, stopping in key transport hubs such as Kunming and Nanning, spotting monkeys in Guizhou, and visiting the worlds largest musical fountain in the sustainability-driven city of Liuzhou. The goal is to reach Shangri-La, a city on the edge of the Tibetan plateau in the heart of the Hengduan mountain range. The city was known for centuries as Zhongdian, but in 2001 it was renamed after the fictional utopia described in James Hiltons Lost Horizon in an effort to entice more tourists. The city has a cultural heritage that blends Chinese and Tibetan, as seen through its architecture, such as Yunnans largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Songzanlin Monastery, and its mix of vibrant courtyard-style homes and temples. Shangri-La also attracts visitors each year to its annual horse racing festival, usually held in June.

Checkpoint four

Varanasi, India

The sacred city of Varanasi (Getty/iStock)

As the Himalayas separating Shangri-La from India present a gargantuan challenge capable of humbling even the worlds most fearless adventurers, the remaining four teams were flown to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu to restart their race. Set in a valley surrounded by mountains, this bustling city is home to traffic-jammed alleyways, historic cultural sites, seven Unesco World Heritage Sites and the picturesque and peaceful Garden of Dreams. Checkpoint four is Varanasi, one of the worlds oldest continuously inhabited cities and a site of profound spiritual importance. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, its a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, as well as Buddhists and Jains. Home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu sites in India and the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfront ghats, Varanasi is a frenetic and unforgettable city that marks our intrepid travellers fourth checkpoint.

Checkpoint five

McLeod Ganj, India

Dalai Lama Temple, Tsuglagkhang Complex, one of the many religious sites in McLeod Ganj (Getty/iStock)

After reaching Varanasi, Indias spiritual capital, the racers discovered their next checkpoint would be McCleod Ganj, a journey that would take them 1,500km northwest. The highly elevated town, known as a hill station, is home to the 14th Dalai Lama and has a large Tibetan community after he and many others sought refuge here in 1959 after an uprising against the Chinese in Tibet. This story is told in the Tibet Museum in McLeod Ganj, which puts on exhibitions showcasing Tibets history, culture and situation in the present in exile. The town also draws thousands of visitors coming in search of blessings and Buddhist wisdom, as well as domestic travellers looking to avoid soaring temperatures. To get there, the Race Across the World teams needed to traverse one of the most populated areas on Earth, before climbing nearly 7,000 feet into the foothills of the Himalayas within the district of Himachal Pradesh. The area was named after Donald Friell McLeod, who was a Lieutenant Governor during British colonial rule in India. The Himalayan town has lots of scenic viewpoints over the foothills, including areas such as Triund and the Naddi View Point, while colourful houses, monasteries and temples are dotted across the hillside.

Checkpoint six

Sasan Gir, India

Gir National Park is home to free-roaming Asiatic lions (Getty/iStock)

The sixth checkpoint saw teams travelling a colossal 1,900km to the south of India, heading through the countrys largest state, Rajasthan, the Great Indian Desert and colourful cities such as Amritsar, Jodhpur and Pushkar. The teams were aiming for Sasan Gir, gateway to the Gir National Park, a wildlife destination with large stretches of grassland and the last remaining natural habitat of the endangered Asiatic lion. The park is also home to 40 species of mammals and 425 bird species, with crocodiles, jackals, eagles and owls often seen roaming. However, the park mainly attracts visitors from all over the world to spot the lions on their safari and tour packages. This is due to Gir National Park in Gujarat being the only place in the world, aside from Africa, where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. The small Sasan Gir village, home to the Maldhari and Siddi communities, also has plenty of hotels and resorts to stay in near the national park. The park has 1,412 square metres of dry deciduous forest, and stays very hot all year round, with its lowest temperature 28C in the winter, and highs of 39C in the summer.

Checkpoint seven

Panaji

The baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church is the centrepiece of Panaji (Getty/iStock)

For the penultimate checkpoint, the teams trekked 1,500km south of Sasan Gir to Panaji, the capital of Indias smallest state, Goa. After passing through destinations such as Vadodara, vineyards in Igatpuri and the countrys largest city, Mumbai, the pairs reached the coastal city made up of palm-fringed beaches and colourful streets. Until 1961, the city was under Portuguese colonial rule, with echoes of this heritage still woven through its red-tiled roof buildings, baroque architecture and Goan-Portuguese bakeries selling custard tarts. One notable baroque construction is the towering Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church, with its bright white facade standing out in a sea of bold buildings and vibrant street art. The city now attracts millions of tourists each year, drawing a young crowd to Goas relaxed beach scene and creatives to its public art, collectives, art festivals and galleries. Panaji also sits on the banks of the Mandovi River, which flows out into the Arabian Sea and has coastal hotspots such as Bamolim Bay and Miramar, attracting beachgoers. The small Olive Ridley sea turtle has been seen nesting at Panajis beaches, and Galgibaga, further down the coast, has a protected area to help the nesting turtles.

The end

Kanniyakumari, India

Famous for its sunrise and sunset, the final destination this series is Kanniyakumari, the southernmost point in mainland India (Getty/iStock)

To become Race Across the World champions and win a prize of 20,000, the teams had to reach the town of Kanniyakumari first. Located on the southernmost tip of India and a popular pilgrimage point, Kanniyakumari sits at the converging point of three major bodies of water, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Alongside its sublime coastal views, the town is filled with historic monuments, such as the 95-foot-tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, as well as temples, churches and waterfalls. However, one of its major pulls is being the location for some of the best sunrise and sunset spectacles in the country, as its geography allows for witnessing both, appearing as if the Sun rises and then drops back below the horizon line.

Catch up on this years season on BBC iPlayer

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
Russia has begun the construction of its first road bridge to North Korea over the Tumen river on the border, marking rapidly advancing bilateral ties with the isolated regional ally.

The construction marks the first ever bridge for cars and motor vehicles crossing between Russia and North Korea and is a significant milestone in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday as he attended the groundbreaking ceremony in a video conference.

The bridge will span 4.7km (2.9 miles)  including the approach roads leading to it  with 424m inside Russia and 581m inside North Korea, reported Russias Tass news agency. The bridge on its own is one km long and seven metres wide with two lanes for moving traffic, and worth more than $111m (83m), according to the Russian prime ministers decree from February.

Russia has claimed the bridge, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will expand cross-border travel of people, tourism, and circulation of commodities. The bridge is likely to have a capacity to process 300 vehicles and 2,850 people per day.

North Korea and Russia are already connected by a railway bridge and the two isolated nations agreed in June 2024 to construct a bridge for automobiles over the Tumen river, which runs along North Koreas borders with Russia and China.

"This is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relations," Mr Mishustin said, according to Tass. "We are creating a reliable basis for closer cooperation between our two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue, he said.

Satellite imagery taken on 28 April shows construction site and equipment gathered around Tumen river on both  Russian and North Korean sides  with a nearby helipad also spotted in the area (Planet Labs PBC)

North Korean premier Pak Thae Song and Mr Mishustin were in attendance as the crew on respective sides held a ground-breaking ceremony in their border cities.

North Korea is publicly supporting Russian president Vladimir Putins war efforts in Ukraine by using all means, including tens of thousands of troops, military aid, and ammunition.

In October 2023, satellite images showed increased freight railcar traffic between Russia and North Korea in likely signs of Kim Kong Un supplying Mr Putin with arms and munitions.

The first Russia-North Korea car bridge to span Tumen river is now underconstruction (The Independent)

With the latest roadway connection announced on Wednesday, war monitors have said the connecting bridge will aid North Koreas further military involvement in Russias war in Ukraine.

Russia and North Korea will likely use the bridge for material transportation as the two states strengthen their cooperation, said The Institute for the Study of War in its latest assessment.

Mr Pak said the bridges construction would be remembered as a historic monument in bilateral ties. The announcement came just days after North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to Russia to help it reclaim parts of the Kursk region that Ukraine forces seized in a stunning incursion last year.

North Korea's premier Pak Thae Song joins Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin via video-conferencing to attend a ground-breaking ceremony for a new road bridge spanning the Tumen River that will link North Korea to Russia, in Pyongyang, (via Reuters)

Last week, in his first such acknowledgement, Mr Putin thanked North Korea for its involvement in the Ukraine war and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers.

North Korea has sent about 15,000 soldiers to Russia, and 4,700 of them have been killed or wounded, according to South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS). Experts have said Russia has paid back North Korea by supplying it with air defence missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches.
By Valerie Volcovici

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. private sector delegation, led by a former Trump administration official, is set to visit Greenland this week to explore investment opportunities in the Arctic island's vast natural resources.

U.S. interest in Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, has increased since Donald Trump took office in January, causing political tension with Copenhagen. Trump has refused to rule out taking Greenland by military force if Denmark won't sell it.

This visit marks the first by a private sector delegation to the Arctic island since the election of Jens-Frederik Nielsen of the pro-business Demokratiit Party as its premier.

The delegation includes representatives from mining firms Critical Metals Corp, Cogency Power, American Renewable Metals and Refacture.

Drew Horn, CEO of GreenMet and former chief of staff for the Office of International Affairs at the Department of Energy during the first Trump administration, will lead the group.

"I'm not trying to do anything crazy like orchestrate a purchase or acquisition of Greenland by the United States," Horn told Reuters.

"We're looking simply to do traditional private sector business development," he said, adding that he is representing a consortium that includes established institutional investors including Cerberus Capital Management and Cantor Fitzgerald.

The trip will happen just days after a visit by Denmark's King Frederik, a symbolic gesture underlining unity between Greenland and its former colonial ruler.

Last week, during a visit to Copenhagen, Premier Nielsen affirmed ties with Denmark and called for greater respect from the U.S.

Greenland, with substantial mineral deposits potentially worth trillions of dollars, has a mining sector dominated by Australian, Canadian, and British firms, with limited U.S. investment.

Horn said he believes that capitalization and legitimate private sector growth will facilitate greater collaboration in an independent Greenland backed by U.S. private development.

The delegation plans to visit the Tanbreez mining deposit, one of the world's largest rare earths deposits.

Horn said he believes Greenland's openness to private sector investment will bolster its independence and ensure a viable business model.

The delegation will also visit Copenhagen at the beginning and end of the Greenland trip.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Scott Rodgerson | Unsplash

(The Center Square)  According to OKeefe Media Group, the Glenview Police sent a detective to an undercover journalists home after a hidden camera investigation into former State Farm executive Haden Kirkpatrick, citing a possible violation of Illinois eavesdropping law.

Glenview police spokesman David Just told The Center Square theres an ongoing investigation and that no arrests have been made. OMGs James OKeefe made a social media post and urged Cook County defense attorneys to contact him.

The vice president of State Farm was fired from State Farm for what he said on hidden camera, said OKeefe. This is apparently over the Illinois eavesdropping law, the anti-recording law, but we recorded this in a place where there's no expectation of privacy.

Kirkpatrick was fired after an undercover video revealed his discussion of State Farms rate hike strategy in response to the Southern California wildfires. The company quickly confirmed his termination, stating his remarks were inaccurate and didnt reflect its views on the wildfires.

Kirkpatrick criticized California wildfire victims saying, People want to build in areas ... for their ego. But its also a [expletive] desert, and confirmed State Farms calculated exit from the states insurance market, citing a potential $5 billion shortfall.

Were overexposed here, Kirkpatrick said. So were going to cancel these policies.

The journalist has declined to submit a statement, and OMG is preparing a legal response while requesting answers from the Glenview Police Department.

This is a First Amendment issue. They're trying to intimidate my team, said OKeefe.

OMG said the Glenview Police Departments attempt to question an undercover journalist is a retaliatory act against constitutionally protected journalism and a threat to press freedom.

They're trying to scare our undercover journalists. We will have the backs of our reporters. We did not break the law. There's nothing wrong with what we did, said OKeefe.

According to OMG, the detective that visited the reporters office has reportedly never charged this statute before, and is expected to explain its application to the states attorney.

OMG said the criminal complaint lodged cites a state law that makes it illegal to record someones private conversation without their consent. It applies to conversations that happen where the people involved expect privacy, such as in their homes or certain private settings.

This is a powerful insurance company. The vice president of [Innovation and Venture Capital at] State Farm filed a complaint, but we're going to have your backs, undercover journalists.I'm going to have your back no matter what, said OKeefe.

Violators of this eavesdropping law face a low-level felony charge.
Chicago Transit Authority Photo by Saketh on Unsplash Photo by Saketh on Unsplash

(The Center Square)  Elected officials around the state are keeping a close eye on public transit negotiations at the Illinois Capitol.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson both lobbied for more funding while visiting Springfield Wednesday.

My team, working with the Chicago Transit Authority, has been very clear about the importance of ensuring that the region that generates 87% in ridership has to receive its fair share in funding, Johnson said.

Preckwinkle said transportation legislation is her priority this legislative session.

Northeastern Illinois is the economic engine of the state of Illinois, and a well-functioning public transportation system is essential to our economic growth and vibrancy, Preckwinkle said.

The Chicago Democrat said she would like transit governance to be more streamlined.

Dozens of appointing entities doesnt make sense to us. We also believe, if were going to get state support for this, that the governor should have some appointments on our transit boards, Preckwinkle said.

Preckwinkle thanked state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Ram Villivallam, D-Chicago, for their work on transit legislation.

State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said lawmakers are close to agreed language on governance. DeWitte said it appears that current transit boards would stay in place under a newly-empowered Regional Transit Authority board.

I think if we can get governance resolved, get the $770 million fiscal cliff resolved this session, and I think it can be done before the end of May, we can deal with the bigger problem down the road of how do we make the system better, DeWitte said.

According to DeWitte, Illinois needs a $1.5 billion revenue stream to create the type of mass transit system people want.

When asked about Johnsons push for more funding in Chicago, DeWitte said suburban areas generate almost as much RTA revenue as the city does.
The question gets asked a lot: Whats the best bar in Miami?

North Americas 50 Best Bars has an answer  and its a familiar refrain.

At a ceremony in Vancouver, B.C. on Tuesday, the organization that ranks the worlds most innovative places to drink named Miamis Cafe La Trova to its top 50 list for 2025.

The collaboration of master cantinero Julio Cabrera and chef Michelle Bernstein, the Cuban spot on Calle Ocho in Little Havana always finds its way on the prestigious list (it was no. 13 this year). The spot, which opened in 2019, is known for its classic Cuban cocktails, bites and lively music as well as its ability to draw both locals and tourists.

50 Best Bars calls Cafe La Trova a joyous celebration of Cuban hospitality.

Stepping into the space, youre instantly transported to the Caribbean through sight and taste, the guide writes. The bar team adheres to the traditional (and theatrical) cantinero style created by Constantine Ribalaigua at Havanas legendary El Floridita. Typically, the bartenders are busy throwing Hotel Nacionals (rum, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice) through the air or dramatically shaking Daiquiri Clasico (rum, lime juice, sugar). Yet, the dinner jacket-uniformed staff also find time to pick up maracas and play along with the house Son Cubano band.

Vice Versa, the Italian apertivo bar in downtown Miami, was named one of the top 100 Bars in North America.

A few other Miami-area bars made the top 100 list as well, including downtowns aperitivo spot ViceVersa (56), which was recently added to the 2025 Michelin Guide.

Others were the Champagne Bar at The Surf Club in Surfside (61); Bar Kaiju at The Citadel in Miami (77); and Swizzle Rum Bar and Drinkery in Miami Beach (78).

The best bar in North America, according to the guide, is Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City.
Countries race to recruit U.S. scientists disillusioned by Trump policies

Xinhua) 10:35, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
Ralph Smith

So, you have a hankering for Mexican food and you're ready to cook up some enchiladas. But before you begin, you'll want to pour yourself a festive drink. Everyone knows that you have two options when it comes to Mexican spirits: tequila versus mezcal. But what exactly is the difference?

You may have heard that tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcal is considered tequila. Confused? Don't worry, this guide will break it down for you. Learn about how tequila and mezcal are made, what to look for when shopping for a bottle, and the best ways to use them. So, whether you're making a classic tequila cocktail or Ree Drummond's Oklahoma Prairie Fire, you'll be prepared for taco night.

First, here's a little history lesson about tequila and mezcal. Before either of these spirits, there was "pulque," which was a naturally fermented, milky drink made from agave that was often considered sacred by the ancient Aztecs. According to Liquor.com, when the Spanish invaded Mexico in the 1500s, they used that same agave plant for distillation to create what is now known as mezcal. Soon after, blue agave plants were used to create tequila.

So, though it all may sound like they come from the same plant and therefore must be the same thing, there is actually a big difference between mezcal and tequila.



What Is Mezcal?

Mezcal is made from the heart of the agave plant known as the "pina." It's made in a traditional way that includes cooking the pina in an underground pit. This helps give the drink its distinct smoky flavor. If you like bold, assertive cocktails with a fiery kick, then give mezcal a try in your next cocktail recipe.

Besides for the flavor, one of the main differences between mezcal and tequila is that mezcal can also be made from various types of agave, while tequila can only be made from the blue agave. Most of the mezcal production today is in Mexican state of Oaxaca.

Ralph Smith

What Is Tequila?

Tequila is often referred to as a type of mezcal because it's also made from the agave plant. However, this time around, only one type of agave can be used: the blue Weber agave. When shopping for the best bottles of tequila, look for 100 percent agave tequilathis is the purest form. Another restriction that's given to tequila is where its produced. Most tequila is produced in Jalisco, Mexico. Though the flavor tends to be more neutral compared to mezcal, tequila can still have various complex flavors, especially when aged.



What Are the Different Types of Mezcal?

Mezcal is separated into three categories, based on their methods of production: mezcal (industrial), mezcal artesanal (from a specific region with a particular method like pit ovens), and mezcal ancestral (traditional harvesting with clay pot distillation). Producers will often refer to the type of agave plant used rather than age. While there are more than 20 varieties used in mezcal production, here are a few of the more common ones you'll find:

Espadin is the most common agave used. Upwards of 90 percent of mezcal production uses this variety, and its the most similar to tequila.

Tobala is a rare variety that takes ten to 15 years to mature, so it's a bit pricier with an earthier flavor.

Arroqueno is another rare variety that can take up to 25 years to mature. The result is more a more floral, complex profile.

Tepeztate can also take up to 25 years to mature with more intense, spicier notes.

Cuishe is from a wild, tree-like agave plant that produces a more vegetal notes.

What Are the Different Types of Tequila?

When determining what type of tequila to use, you can choose from different types of tequila based on how long they've been aged.

Blanco or Silver tequila is often clear and only aged for less than two months.

Reposado will be more gold in color with a two-month minimum for aging.

Joven is a mix of the clear tequila and an aged tequila that also has a golden color.

Anjeo is aged for at least one year and has a distinctly dark color. For an even darker and richer option, look for bottles labelled extra anjeo.

How Are Mezcal and Tequila Different in Flavor?

Every type of mezcal and tequila will have their own flavor profiles (much like any other spirit, wine, or beer). But the most noticeable difference on the your palate will be the distinct robust flavor of roasted agave in mezcal, which most people will describe as "smoky." Of course, each kind will vary in intensity, but it is the most noticeable distinguishing feature.

Can You Substitute Mezcal for Tequila?

Both mezcal and tequila are great options for pairing with traditional Mexican dishes or even Tex-Mex dishes for that matter. They can even be easily used interchangeably for most drinks as long as you're aware of the flavor difference. If you want to try swapping in mezcal for tequila in a classic margarita or a simple ranch water, just be prepared for a burst of smoky flavor.



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Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is trying to shepherd a bill for President Donald Trump's legislative agenda by Memorial Day.

WASHINGTON  Republicans are already hitting some snags as they begin the work of crafting a bill for President Donald Trumps sweeping domestic policy agenda. And they havent even made some of their hardest decisions yet.

Fresh off a two-week recess, House committees have begun marking up their respective pieces of the package, which aims to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts, boost funding for immigration enforcement and the military, and increase the debt ceiling. In their hunt for steep savings to pay for it all, Republicans are starting with some of the lowest-hanging fruit when it comes to spending cuts.

But that process has already sparked some skirmishes among Republican lawmakers, offering a preview of the bigger intraparty fights  such as whether to slash funding for anti-poverty programs like Medicaid  that are still to come.

Follow live politics coverage here

Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, on Wednesday was forced at the eleventh hour to yank a provision out of his panels portion of the package that would have created a new $20 annual fee on nearly all passenger vehicles after conservatives revolted.

Separately, on the Judiciary Committee, a push by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., to codify Trumps proposal of a gold card visa for wealthy foreigners was rejected by conservatives opposed to expanding visa programs.

And on the Education and Workforce Committee, Chairman Tim Walberg, R-Mich., on Tuesday pushed through an overhaul of student loan programs that would cut $351 billion in federal spending, drawing criticisms from Democrats. The most contentious part of that overhaul, Walberg said, is a risk-sharing provision that would make colleges, universities and trade schools partially responsible for unpaid student loan balances.

All the committees are making tough decisions, and were gonna build this bill, said Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives on Capitol Hill.

After passing their budget framework for Trumps one big beautiful bill earlier this month, House Republicans are now trying to fill out the details.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he thinks the House can cobble together all the separate pieces and send the package to the Senate by Memorial Day  an ambitious but not impossible deadline. But it means Republican leaders, committee chairpeople and rank-and-file members are now having the politically tricky conversations about how to pay for the bill and what might get cut.

And every House Republicans opinion matters in the process because of the party's fragile 220-213 majority.

Just about every step of the way has been difficult with a small majority, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., told reporters, adding that hes also had a lot of conversations with senators as well to make sure both chambers are on the same page.

Perhaps the trickiest issue Republicans still need to resolve is how to handle potential Medicaid cuts, which vulnerable and moderate Republicans have strongly warned against.

The Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the program and is responsible for finding a whopping $880 billion in cuts for the bill, is planning to hold a markup on May 7, but has to finalize its portion of the package. The committees chairman has been meeting with members from all across the ideological spectrum as they try to find a solution.

But even smaller, less innocuous issues can trip up the entire process. The vehicle fee was an example of an issue that unexpectedly blew up at the last minute. Graves, the Transportation Committee chairman, had included the provision in his panels package to help meet the committees so-called "reconciliation" instructions, which dictate what each panel is required to cut or allowed to spend.

Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., the former chair of the hard-right Freedom Caucus, offered an amendment to kill it as conservatives disparaged it as a car tax. Graves team checked in with committee members to gauge support for the fee, two Republican sources said, but it became clear there was too much opposition and Graves made the call Tuesday night to pull it from the package.

The committee was then forced to find other ways to hit its saving goals. The package will now boost an annual fee for electric vehicles to $250, up from the originally proposed $200, as well as reduce funding for air traffic control modernization to $12.5 billion, down from the initial $15 billion that was proposed.

EV owners have not been paying anything into the highway trust fund and justifiably, now they will, said Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, who opposed the $20 passenger car fee. Im very glad there wont be any fees on gasoline driven vehicles whose owners and drivers have already been paying their fair share into the highway trust fund through the federal gasoline tax.

Another GOP spat emerged on the Judiciary Committee over visas. Issa, a senior member of the panel, had hoped to include in Wednesdays committees markup Trumps idea to sell $5 million gold card visas that would offer immigrants legal permanent residency and a path to citizenship.

Issa argued the proposal could bring in at least an additional $150 billion to pay for the bill. But Issa said another member of the panel, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the far-right Freedom Caucus, effectively vetoed the idea.

I got screwed out of the gold card because a few of our members wouldnt go along with having an expansion of revenue related to visas, EB-5 and H-1, Issa said in an interview Wednesday. The presidents point [is] that we should be able to generate revenue by bringing the investors in to invest, and we have a program that brings in very little by comparison. But Chip killed it.

I would be voting for reconciliation, Issa added, but I would be disappointed when its left out.

On Thursday, Roy said he had a private conversation with Issa but would not divulge any details. He added that he wasn't the only Republican who opposed the gold card idea.

"Darrell and I are good friends, and we agree on a lot of the problems, the EB-5 and everything else," Roy told reporters. "I'm not gonna talk about private conversations, but let's just say a lot of people had problems with with that proposal."

A Judiciary Committee spokesman suggested that Republicans still could revisit the gold card issue.

"We are working hand-in-glove with the White House and totally support President Trump's agenda," spokesman Russell Dye said in a statement Wednesday.

These types of decisions, however, are the easy ones. The hard ones will need to be resolved in the coming days and weeks. On Wednesday afternoon, Johnson hosted a meeting with Republicans from blue states like New York, New Jersey and California who are aggressively pushing to raise the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction in the package.

The House Ways and Means Committee, where that issue will be decided, will likely meet sometime next week.

"It was a lively discussion but we're still far away from a deal," Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., said as he left the nearly hourlong SALT meeting. "I want to ensure we make whole as many of our middle class families as possible."

On Medicaid, Republicans facing tough re-election fights in the 2026 midterm elections are worried its not mathematically possible to achieve their spending targets without a steep cut to Medicaid, citing estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Republican leaders have said they only want to target waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicaid system. Leaving a meeting with House Republicans on Wednesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the chair of the Budget Committee, reiterated that the GOP wants to impose work requirements for Medicaid eligibility to raise the revenue needed to fund Trumps agenda.

The whole idea of using Medicaid to help able-bodied people who could be working, most Americans will say no to, Graham said. Medicaid was designed to help poor people and disabled people  We got a chance to fix it. And if we fail, I think well pay a heavy price.
Officials attend a ceremony for a new road bridge spanning the Tumen that will link North Korea to Russia - KCNA/via Reuters

North Korea and Russia have started building a bridge that will be the first road link between the two countries.

Satellite images showed that work has begun on both banks of the Tumen, a river close to the Russian border town of Khasan.

Mikhail Mishustin, the Russian prime minister, took part in an opening ceremony via a video link, with Kremlin media quoting him as saying that the project will be a big milestone for Russian-Korean relations.

The bridge symbolises our comment intention to strengthen neighbourly relations, to boost trans-regional cooperation, Mr Mishustin said.

Moscow and Pyongyang are rapidly ramping up military and economic cooperation, with the hermit kingdom this week confirming for the first time that it had sent troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine.

Sacred mission

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, said that the deployment was a sacred mission for further consolidating as firm as a rock relations between the internationally isolated states.

According to Russian state media, the new bridge will be a little over a half a mile long and construction will take 18 months to complete.

It will stand about 400yd downstream from a railway bridge that has served as the two nations only land link since 1959.

The construction of the road bridge will contribute to laying an eternal foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and put on track comprehensive new development, said Pak Thae-song, the vice-chairman of the ruling Workers Party of Korea.

The bridge will greatly increase the flow of goods across the border, as well as enabling North Korea to send additional troops and equipment to support the units already fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

It is widely believed that Moscow has paid for that support by sending military technology to North Korea.

Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, attends the ceremony alongside Kim Kyong-jun, North Koreas land and environment protection minister - KCNA/via Reuters

On Friday, Pyongyang launched the 4,500-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, with state media saying that tests of its weapons systems were conducted this week. The warship is understood to be armed with cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and a 127mm bow gun.

Analysts in South Korea said that many of the vessels systems  including its advanced missiles, radar and integrated air defences  closely resemble Russian designs.

Vladimir Putin and Kim signed a comprehensive strategic treaty in June 2024 that Pyongyang has cited to justify its commitment of troops to the war in Ukraine.

On Monday, Dmitry Peskov, Putins spokesman, said that Russia would provide military assistance to North Korea should it be needed.

On Wednesday, South Korean intelligence reported that about 600 North Korean troops fighting for Russia have been killed and more than 4,000 injured.

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Studio CP - Getty Images

There are many factors that influence how long we live. We know exercising and eating healthy can contribute to a long lifespan, but sharing a drink with your significant other? That wasn't at the top of our list.

A 2023 study published in the scientific journal The Gerontologist found that couples who have the same drinking habits and throw back a few together at happy hour are more likely to live longer.

The studys lead author, Dr. Kira S. Birditt, a University of Michigan research professor, was inspired by a theory called "the drinking partnership," which suggests that couples with similar drinking habits also have healthier marriages . Her 2023 study builds on her existing research from 2016.

"We're not sure why this is happening," Dr. Birditt told Reuters regarding her 2016 findings. "But it could be that couples that do more leisure time activities together have better marital quality."

The 2023 study analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study , which surveys a representative sample of Americans over 50 every two years. Participants were asked whether they had consumed any alcohol in the past three months, and couples were categorized based on whether both, one, or neither partner drank. The results showed that couples who reported drinking alcohol within the last three months had better survival rates than couples in which only one or neither partner drank.

You might be wondering how these findings make sense when there's also a lot of research revealing the negative effects of alcohol consumption. Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory warned of the cancer risk linked to drinking alcohol .

While the reasons behind Dr. Birditt's findings are still being explored, they suggest that shared habits  even something as simple as enjoying a drink together  may contribute to both relationship satisfaction and longevity.

"The study points more to social connection than the alcohol itself," Dr. Raj Dasgupta , Chief Medical Advisor for Garage Gym Reviews, tells Delish. "When both partners share a habit  good or bad  it can strengthen their relationship, which may help with longevity and stress."

But, Dr. Dasgupta (who was not involved in the study) adds, this benefit doesn't "cancel out" the risks associated with alcohol.

"Shared drinking might make you feel more connected in the short term, but the long-term health impact of alcohol doesnt change based on whether your partner joins you," he says.

In an article on the University of Michigans website, Dr. Birditt said her team dont know why a couple that drinks might have longer lives, but the findings highlight how spouses can influence each others health. When couples share similar drinking habits, it may reflect greater compatibility in their lifestyles, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Weve also found in other studies that couples who drink together tend to have better relationship quality, and it might be because it increases intimacy, Birditt said.

Looking ahead, she says future research should look at the implications of couples' drinking patterns for both daily marital quality and physical health outcomes.

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The Greig Street Bridge appears over River Ness in Inverness, Scotland, on March 31, 2025. (Albert Stumm via AP)

INVERNESS, Scotland (AP)  As we crossed the Kessock Bridge into the rolling hills outside Inverness, green fields of early-spring barley still had months to grow until harvest. The grain will be sent to a nearby malting factory and eventually made into whisky at some of Scotlands 150-plus distilleries.

Interspersed among the barley fields were yellow rows of flowering rapeseed, used to make cooking oil, and herds of grazing sheep that seemed to outnumber people.

It was a tableau I thought would have been the same for a thousand years. But rapeseed only started to be planted in the 1970s, and at one point there were a lot more people than sheep, said my guide, Cath Findlay.

During the tumultuous hundred years of the Highland Clearance, landowners kicked out most of the tenants and replaced them with sheep, which were more valuable to them than people, Findlay said.

At the time, the British government were fighting all over the world, and they needed wool for uniforms and meat for their soldiers, she said. So in much of the Highlands, we see that its hilly, and theres lots of sheep.

The history lesson resonated because it was obvious throughout my week in Scotland that the past is very much present. But Inverness and its environs are hardly stuck in the past.

Small, but thriving

Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands, a rugged, windswept region of northwest Scotland. The small but thriving city, one of the fastest-growing in the United Kingdom, is best known as the jumping-off point for mystical monster hunters attracted by the legend of Loch Ness.

In recent years, however, its carving out an international identity beyond whisky, Nessie and tartan plaid, though there still is plenty of that too.

The center of town can be crossed on foot in a leisurely 15 minutes. Overlooking a cliff at one end, the red sandstone Inverness Castle was covered in scaffolding when I visited this spring. A renovation to turn it into an interactive attraction focused on stories of the Highlands is expected to finish this year.

Right in the center is the recently refurbished Victorian Market, a once bustling hall that was on the verge of closing anyway when the COVID lockdown arrived.

Town leaders took advantage of the moment to breathe new life into it. The market now includes a mix of craft stores, cafes, jewelry shops, barbers and one remaining butcher (try their meat pies, which Findlay said are better than homemade).

The seafood market was replaced with a lively food hall, with the acclaimed Bad Girls Bakery as its first tenant. Following soon were innovative but affordable seafood at The Redshank, pulled meat at Ollies Pops, vegan at Salt N Fire, and more.

Now, there is live music every day and 75,000 people pass through the market during busier weeks  nearly the size of the population of the entire city.

It was dead as a doornail, and now its the beating heart of the town, Findlay said.

Just up Church Street, the main drag, The Walrus and Corkscrew opened soon after as the towns only wine bar. And nearby at Black Isle Bar, wood-fired pizzas come paired with one of 24 organic beers that the owners brew on their own farm just outside town.

A story with your meal

In the nearby village of Beauly, the Downright Gabbler guesthouse has four suites and a full-time storyteller.

Garry Coutts and his wife, Jane Cumming, opened with a small dining room and their daughter Kristy as chef. Its not a restaurant, exactly, but they hold several themed events each week that combine Coutts encyclopedic knowledge of Scottish history and legend with their daughters modern take on traditional dishes.

Among the events is the regularly held Highland Banquet, six courses that trace the regions people from prehistory to modern times. Venison carpaccio with pickled blackberries, for instance, was inspired by hunter-gatherers, although Coutts noted they ate much more seafood and foraged vegetables than deer.

Theyre very difficult to catch, Coutts quipped. They run away!

The courses unfolded with stories peppered throughout, ranging from some illegal origins of Johnnie Walkers whisky blends to the couples distaste for Las Vegas. Also on the table was a deck of cards, each printed with the name of a prominent Scot to be drawn at random for a story told on the fly.

I pulled Alexander Graham Bell, who likely holds the record for having the most challenges from competitors for patent infringement, Coutts said.

Its amazing the number of Americans that come in here and tell me hes not Scottish, he said.

If you go

Where to stay: Lodgings include the Ness Walk Hotel, a modern, five-star property a 20-minute walk from the center, and the Heathmount Hotel, a cozy, independent, three-star option within a 10-minute walk of Church Street.

Travelers tip: For such a small town, there is a shocking amount of live music. Performers attract crowds at Hootananny and The Highlander every night, and most nights at MacGregors, among other spots. First, stop into The Malt Room for a whisky flight chosen from their list of 350 single-malts.

Find more information on visitscotland.com.

___

In a story published May 1, 2025, about Inverness, Scotland, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of a bridge. Its the Kessock Bridge, not the Keswick Bridge.

___

EDITORS NOTE: Albert Stumm writes about travel, food and wellness. Find his work at https://www.albertstumm.com
Sen. Rand Paul has been among the most outspoken Republican critics of President Donald Trump's tariff agenda.

WASHINGTON  A bipartisan measure that sought to undo the sweeping tariffs President Donald Trump imposed on most countries this month failed in the GOP-led Senate on Wednesday.

The vote ended in a tie, 49-49, with three Republicans  Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  joining all Democrats present in support of the resolution, which was designed to terminate the national emergency Trump declared to implement his global tariffs.

Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., who voiced support for the measure, were absent for the vote. It needed a simple majority to pass.

Paul and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., used a legislative procedure to force a vote in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.

Later Wednesday evening, the Senate voted 50-49  with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote  to table a Democratic motion that would allow them to force another vote next week on the tariffs resolution.

Follow live politics coverage here

Even if it passed, the resolution most likely wouldn't have been taken up in the GOP-controlled House. Republicans there recently voted to add a hurdle for lawmakers seeking to quickly take up resolutions related to Trump's tariff authority. The White House also said Tuesday that Trump would veto the resolution if it reached his desk.

In a 51-48 vote in early April, the Senate approved a similar but more limited resolution that aimed to block the U.S. tariffs on Canada. The three Republicans who joined with Democrats on Wednesday, along with McConnell, voted for that measure, too, offering a rare rebuke of Trump.

On the day most took effect this month, Trump abruptly announced that he would pause higher targeted tariffs for most countries for 90 days to allow for negotiations. Meanwhile, Trump raised tariffs on China to 145%.

The vote came the day the Commerce Department revealed that the U.S. economy contracted 0.3% in the first quarter of the year, a development that Trump and White House officials tried to downplay. In response, Trump told the public to "BE PATIENT!!!" on Truth Social.

Trump administration officials have repeatedly claimed in recent days that they've been making progress in negotiations to reach trade deals with some of the countries that have faced higher U.S. tariffs. But they haven't disclosed any details, and they have dodged questions about when exactly announcements could be made about agreements reached.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill on Tuesday that countries are calling him to negotiate trade deals and that he is optimistic they will settle with several of them in the next few weeks, according to two senators who attended the meeting with Greer and Vance.

Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., criticized the senators who forced a vote Wednesday, saying it's wasting time.

They know its not going to go anywhere. They know its not going to become law, Barrasso told NBC News on Tuesday. All theyre trying to do is slow down the process, preventing us from getting more members of the presidents leadership team confirmed and in place.

Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., also announced a bill targeting Trump's tariffs. Rather than halt them immediately, the measure would make the tariffs expire after 60 days unless Congress voted to explicitly approve them.

I think the only thing that keeps us from growing bigger is that sort of the Grassley bill is an off-ramp for people who want to symbolically oppose the tariffs but dont want to, in reality, stop them, Paul said. And they might want to, but theyre not willing to vote to stop them.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who faces a tough re-election race next year, said he continues to work with Grassley on his legislation, but he didn't support the measure from Paul and Wyden.

Its a political exercise, Tillis said. It has no hope in them in the House, and I dont do messaging bills.
Odis Sneed appealed to the public for leads in the unsolved killing of his granddaughter, Lanai Dees, who was fatally shot in her car last November in Westmont. (Matthew Ormseth / Los Angeles Times)

Authorities appealed to the public Thursday for leads in the unsolved 2024 killing of a 21-year-old woman who was gunned down in a South Los Angeles alley.

Lanai Dees was driving her white Mercedes Benz in an alley off Century Boulevard in the Westmont neighborhood at 12:40 a.m. on Nov. 17 when someone in a passing dark-colored SUV opened fire, Lt. Steven De Jong of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

Dees, fatally wounded, crashed into a concrete staircase in the alley, De Jong said.

At a news conference Thursday near where Dees died, De Jong said the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors was offering a $10,000 reward for leads.

"We believe someone in the community holds key information about this homicide," the lieutenant said, flanked by members of Dees' family.

Read more:Witness says he killed for the Aryan Brotherhood, divulges secrets of L.A.'s underworld

Her mother, Dahlin Dees, said Dees was studying to become a nurse and described her as "the light of our family."

The "cowards" who killed her daughter "just took it and dimmed it," she said. "It's hard to walk past her room every day and know she won't come out and say, 'Good morning, Mom. I love you, Mom.'"

Dees' grandfather, Odis Sneed, said if such a killing had occurred in the Watts of his childhood, "the hood would not let this get away. Somebody would come forward and say something."

"The street knows who did it," he said. "If you know something and don't say anything about it, that means you're in agreement. If you don't say something, that means you're OK with a 21-year-old child being gunned down in the street like a dog."

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is also offering a $15,000 reward for information about the homicide of Raejonette Morgan. On July 2, 2024, the 22-year-old was shot to death in her white Mercedes Benz on Vermont Avenue, about two miles from where Dees was killed.

De Jong said detectives do not believe the two killings are related. He asked that anyone with information contact homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia - Courtesy Jennifer Vasquez

The Trump administration this week continued digging in on its claim that symbols tattooed on the fingers of Kilmar Abrego Garcia  a cross, a skull, a smiley face and a marijuana leaf  are proof that the man they wrongly deported to El Salvador is a member of MS-13.

But gang experts disagree, telling CNN that the tattoos alone are not proof of membership in the gang.

I see a bunch of symbols that could be interpreted any number of ways, Jorja Leap, a University of California, Los Angeles professor who has served as an expert gang witness in court, told CNN.

There is nothing in those tattoos that is definitively gang representative.

As part of its ever-evolving efforts to demonstrate Abrego Garcias alleged association with the notorious transnational criminal organization, which the Salvadoran nationals family and attorneys deny, the White House posted a picture on social media earlier this month of President Donald Trump holding a picture of Abrego Garcias finger tattoos while seated at his desk in the Oval Office.

Above and below the tattoos appeared to be digitally added annotations: Above the cannabis leaf is the letter M. Below it is the word marijuana. The smiley face is framed by the letter S and the word smile. The cross lies between the number of 1 and the word cross, while the skull is bookended by the number of 3 and word skull.

Other pictures of Abrego Garcias hand show just the symbols are tattooed, without letters, numbers or words.

A close up of an image posted on X by El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele of US Sen. Chris Van Hollen meeting with Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, shows that Abrego Garcia does not have "MS-13" tattooed on his hand. - Nayib Bukele/X

But in his interview with ABC on Tuesday to mark the 100th day of his second term, Trump appeared to indicate that he either didnt know the picture he held was digitally altered, or didnt care.

On his knuckles, he had MS-13, the president told ABCs Terry Moran. The journalist tried correcting the president. Trump waved the attempt off.

Dont do that, Trump interrupted. It says M, S, 1, 3. Trump scoffed when Moran said the letters were photoshopped onto the image.

An attorney for Abrego Garcia said in a statement: None of the material being cited publicly has been introduced in court.

The government should bring him back and give him a full and fair trial in front of the same immigration judge who heard the case in 2019, said Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, referencing the judge who ordered Abrego Garcia not be deported to El Salvador.

Asked on Wednesday whether it is the White Houses position that those exact numbers and letters are tattooed onto Abrego Garcias hand, a spokesperson did not directly answer.

Ask any law or immigration enforcement official whos been on the ground about Kilmar Abrego Garcias tattoos: theyre MS-13, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement.

But experts with years of experience studying the gang tell CNN they disagree.

These are definitely NOT MS-13 tattoos, Thomas Ward, a University of Southern California professor who spent years embedded with MS-13 researching the gang, and is the author of an ethnography that studies MS-13, said in an email.

Those tattoos do not prove that hes a member of MS-13, said Susan Phillips, a Pitzer College professor who has studied gangs and written a book on gang graffiti.

While some gangs will opt for more low-profile or ambiguous means of identifying members to evade detection from law enforcement or rival gang members, MS-13 tattoos, according to Leap, arent exactly subtle. They are used to market the gangs brutality.

MS-13 members have tattoos that say MS-13, Leap said. Theyre not head-scratchers; theyre billboards. Theres no ambiguity.

For some members, especially children or teenagers that fall into gang life, the tattoos are used almost as brands to symbolize the gangs ownership over the person with the ink, she added.

The leadership wanted to be known as this brutal, lethal, take-no-prisoners gang, she said. So, the use of tattoos is part of that overall culture of defiance, while other gangs will say, Lets go more low profile.

In this photo posted to Truth Social made on April 21, President Donald Trump poses with what appears to be a digitally altered image of Kilmar Abrego Garcias knuckles, where the letters MS-13 have been added above Garcias existing tattoos. - President Donald Trump/Truth Social

During a 2019 arrest, Abrego Garcia was wearing a Chicago Bulls hat and a hoodie with the motif see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil, which the administration said was also indicative of his membership in a gang. Leap said the Bulls hat can carry some gang connotations, but she added: I cant emphasize this enough  it is not definitive.

Phillips, the Pitzer College professor, said other contextual information needs to be considered before the tattoos could imply association with or membership of a gang. The fact that Abrego Garcia was a father, actively worked as a day laborer and had no criminal convictions in the United States are all factors that lead me to believe that this is not an active gang member by any stretch of the imagination.

Tattoos, Phillips said, are really a public symbol for other gang members to see.

And so, its important that its visible and public, and that you can tell at a glance who is what  who might be an enemy, who might be an ally, she said. Thats why tattoos are so public. Its for the purposes of identification within a very dangerous world.

Ward, the USC professor, agreed: MS gang members are proud of their membership in the gang and dont want/need to hide it behind some cryptic message, he wrote.

I think the key thing is that you cannot judge this, Phillips said. We cannot be judging this. This should be judged in the court of law here in the United States.

In this case, the image of Trump with the pictures is more powerful than the meaning of the tattoos itself, the professor added.

This story was updated to include comment from Abrego Garcias lawyer.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
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When summer hits and its too hot to move, nothing refreshes like a glass of homebrewed tepache. Fermented typically from pineapple peels, piloncillo (raw, unrefined sugar), and spices, this vibrant, lightly effervescent drink couldnt be easier to make.

Tepaches alcohol content hovers around 2-3%, occasionally more or less, depending on factors like fermentation time and the sugar content of the fruit. Often, its only slightly more potent than your favorite kombucha brands. And, for the sustainably minded and zero-waste champions out there, tepache puts a dent in kitchen waste and beats tossing rinds in the compost.

A word to the wise, however. Like mole or chilorio, to brew tepache takes time. Prepare for a few days of fermenting, longer if the temperature drops, before you can pour your first glass. But if you plan ahead and gather the proper ingredients, a flavor-rich treat awaits.



Related: This Company Puts Tepache, Mexicos 3,000-Year-Old Fermented Pineapple Beverage in Easy Reach of U.S. Consumers

What are the origins of tepache?

Emmanuel Casasola and Kevin Rodriguez, co-founders of Puro Tepache in San Antonio, describe tepache as a native Mexican soda that originated in pre-Columbian Mexico.

Mexicos indigenous, pre-Columbian population produced tepache for millennia. Mesoamericans used corn to brew tepache, which derives from the Nahuatl word tepiatl, which means drink made from corn.

Pineapple came a little later, courtesy of trade routes that emerged between Central and South American tribes toward the end of the first century B.C. The fruits naturally high sugar levels make it ideal for fermentation. Cinnamon, a staple in a multitude of Mexican recipes, and sugarcane, the starting point for piloncillo, arrived with the Spanish.

How to make tepache

The most basic versions of tepache call for just three ingredients: pineapple peels, piloncillo, and water, although most recipes add a cinnamon stick.

Piloncillo (or panela) is raw, whole cane sugar made from boiling and evaporating sugarcane juice, with the resulting sucrose often molded into a cone shape. It lends a rich flavor that ranges from smoky caramel and molasses to rum and coffee. While brown sugar also works fine, piloncillo introduces greater depth and complexity to tepache.

When making tepache, look for ripe-to-very ripe organic pineapples. Riper fruit contains more natural sugars that will help spur fermentation and, because the peels are included, organic pineapples mean less potential residue from synthetic pesticides ending up in your brew.

Related: Pineapple Cordial

Pineapple skins teem with wild yeast and bacteria just waiting to transform sugars into alcohol, so theres no need for additional brewer's yeast. These ever-present microorganisms are the unsung heroes of tepache.

To make tepache, place the pineapple skins and any extra pieces of pineapple flesh into a large, clean glass jar. Add the piloncillo, then fill the jar with enough water to cover the peels, which will help reduce the risk of molding. Finally, stir well, cover the jar with a clean cloth, then wait for fermentation to begin. Casasola stresses that its important to allow the batch to breathe. Also, if possible, weigh down the pineapple rinds to ensure that surface contaminants dont grow on your tepache, he says.

Stir the mixture daily.

How long does tepache take to ferment?

In most cases, says Rodriguez, it can take a few days for tepache to ferment, depending on the temperature in your kitchen and the microflora levels on the rinds. Once tiny bubbles start to fizz atop the surface, give it a taste. If [the tepache is] too sweet, let it ferment longer, he says. If its starting to sour, you can stop the fermentation.

Once youre happy with the flavor, the tepache is ready to drink. Strain it into a clean glass container and store it in the refrigerator.

Dont allow tepache to ferment for too long. Left to its own devices, tepache will turn into vinegar. If this happens, all is not lost  pineapple vinegar shines in dressings and marinades.



What does tepache taste like?

Although often likened to kombucha, tepache tastes remarkably different. Lightly sweet with a flavor somewhere between a juicy pineapple and fruit vinegar, tepache boasts a pleasant, yeasty beer note layered over a hint of buttery caramel. Its complex, refreshing, and ideal for when temperatures get warm.







Tepache homebrewing tips

Across Mexico, tepache variations may include additional ingredients that complement pineapple and piloncillo.

Add spices: Cinnamon sticks are favored by many, but don't sleep on cloves, peppercorns, star anise, and fresh ginger. Lightly toast whole spices in a dry pan to coax out their flavorful aromatic oils.

Change up the fruits: Tropical fruits like guava, tamarind, prickly pear, and mango also yield gorgeous summery vibes. But seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and apples work beautifully, too. If you opt for mango, avoid using the fruit's peels as they contain urushiol, the chemical culprit behind poison ivy and poison oak rashes. Reach for mango puree or juice instead, and add it to your pineapple-rind base.

Introduce chiles: Marry sweet with heat by using chile powder or fresh chiles like jalapenos to give tepache a spicy kick. Sliced, skin-on ginger brings a different yet tasty type of heat.

Use as a cocktail mixer: While many like to sip this low-alcohol beverage on its own, tepache makes a brilliant mixer. It brings a fruity, vinegar-like flavor reminiscent of a shrub. We've tried various recipes that include tequila, mezcal, rum, and whiskey, says Casasola. My favorite way to drink it is with tequila and lime. Simple, and so refreshing.







Read the original article on Food & Wine
The Department of Education will not renew $1 billion in mental health funding for schools, citing concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the contracts.

The funding came from a bipartisan gun violence bill signed by former President Biden that gave schools the money to hire mental health workers and counselors for students.

These grants are intended to improve American students mental health by funding additional mental health professionals in schools and on campuses. Instead, under the deeply flawed priorities of the Biden Administration, grant recipients used the funding to implement race-based actions like recruiting quotas in ways that have nothing to do with mental health and could hurt the very students the grants are supposed to help, said Madi Biedermann, deputy assistant secretary for communications at the Education Department.

We owe it to American families to ensure that tax-payer dollars are supporting evidence-based practices that are truly focused on improving students mental health, she added.

The news was first reported by Christopher Rufo, a conservative activist, on the social platform X, including excerpts of the grant documents, which list goals to hire a certain number of minority and diverse counselors for schools.

Rufo alleged the grants were being used to advance left-wing racialism and discrimination. No more slush fund for activists under the guise of mental health.

In a notice to members of Congress obtained by The Associated Press, the Department of Education said it would support the mental health of students in other ways.

The Department plans to re-envision and re-compete its mental health program funds to more effectively support students behavioral health needs, the notice said.

The move comes as the Education Department has cut millions in education research funding over alleged DEI efforts.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court sided with the federal agency in allowing millions of dollars of grants to be blocked to teacher preparation programs that the Education Department said included certain DEI efforts.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A person looks at a military plane bringing deported migrants from the US in January. - Josue Decavele/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Trump administration has discussed with Libya and Rwanda the possibility of sending migrants who have criminal records and are in the United States to those two countries, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.

The proposals mark a dramatic escalation in the administrations push to deter people journeying to the United States and remove some of those already here to countries thousands of miles away, some of which have checkered pasts. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January directing top officials to facilitate international cooperation and agreements to send asylum seekers elsewhere.

In addition to sending migrants with criminal records, Trump officials are also hoping to enter formal negotiations with Libya to strike a so-called safe third country agreement, which would allow the US to send asylum seekers apprehended at the US border to Libya, according to one of the sources. No decision has been made yet, and its unclear which nationalities would be eligible.

A State Department spokesperson said they do not discuss the details of diplomatic communications. The spokesperson added that the department is working globally to implement the Trump Administrations immigration policies.

CNN reached out to a representative for Libyan Gen. Saddam Haftar, who was in Washington for talks with officials this week, for comment. The State Department and a Libyan official said his meetings were not about deportations.

The meetings with the Libyan delegation in Washington this week were not about deportations, a department spokesperson said.

A Libyan official told CNN: Deporting migrants to Libya was never discussed. This did not happen. Everything we talked about was as published on the official agenda.

Trump officials have previously tried to strike safe third country agreements with countries in the Western hemisphere to ease the burden on the US asylum system and stem migration to the United States. The Trump administration has also moved to expand cooperation to include working with countries to detain people removed from the United States, including most recently with El Salvador.

Multiple sources said the State Department is in talks with other countries about taking migrants, in addition to Libya and Rwanda.

I say this unapologetically, we are actively searching for other countries to take people from third countries, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a Cabinet meeting Wednesday.

We are working with other countries to say, We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries  will you do that as a favor to us? And the further away from America, the better, so they cant come back across the border, he said.

The State Department has discussed the proposal to send migrants to the North African country with Libyans, according to one of the sources.

One piece of potential leverage for the US in any talks is the likelihood of another travel ban against visitors from several countries, which the Trump administration has teased but not yet released. Libya was included in the ban during Trumps first term.

A United Nations report in 2024 pointed to years of human rights violations in Libya and concerns over a lack of accountability for the violations. Rights groups and U.N. agencies have also for years documented systematic abuse of migrants in Libya including allegations of forced labor, beatings, rapes and torture.

There have also been conversations as recently as this week between the US and Rwanda to advance a plan to use the country for third-party deportations of undocumented immigrants in the US, sources familiar with the matter said.

Rwanda and the US are discussing a possible agreement where Rwanda would accept migrants with criminal records who have served their sentence in the US already. The cost structure is still being finessed, though sources said it would likely be higher per person than the overall cost per person of deportees to El Salvador because Rwanda would not put the people in prison.

Rwanda would instead take them into society and provide some social support to them, such as a stipend and assistance with finding a job locally, sources said. The plan could take weeks to come together and would be used more on an ad hoc basis.

The conversation with Rwanda began in the early days of the Trump administration when there was a diplomatic note sent by the Trump administration to many countries around the world to gauge any interest in working on deportations of illegal migrants in the US. Rwanda signaled that they would be open to such conversations, sources said.

In March, one person was deported from the US to Rwanda, a transfer that was seen as a model that could work on a bigger scale, sources said. The person was a refugee from Iraq, Omar Abdulsattar Ameen.

The concept isnt new for Rwanda, given an agreement that the country struck with the United Kingdom in 2022 to deport asylum seekers in the UK to Rwanda. But the plan was engulfed by legal troubles and last year it was discontinued by the newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the scheme a gimmick.

The removal of third-country migrants to Libya and Rwanda is likely to face legal challenges. Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting people to countries other than their own without first providing notice and an opportunity to contest it.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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The American-Israeli families of hostages held by Hamas see President Trumps trip to Saudi Arabia in mid-May as an opportunity to break through nearly two months of stalemate between Hamas and Israel and eventually bring their loved ones home after nearly 600 days in captivity.

And they say its time for Trump to pressure Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to strike a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. Trump is chasing a major diplomatic breakthrough in brokering ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, but Riyadh is holding back over Israels insistence on continuing the war.

I believe the president is a very tough person, and he should be tough with the enemies, and with the friends as well  and the friends, Im talking about Israel, said Adi Alexander, whose 21-year-old son Edan is one of five Americans held hostage by Hamas.

Two weeks ago, the Alexanders received rare proof that Edan is alive, appearing in a Hamas propaganda video, pleading for his life and release.

Yael Alexander, Edans mother, said her son looked like a shadow of himself. She had not seen him since Oct. 2, 2023, less than a week before Hamass terrorist attack on the country where approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, although only about 24 are believed to be alive. Four of the Americans are confirmed dead.

Really, I have this hope and Im praying a lot that President Trump and his team can do it, can make it happen, Yael Alexander told a small group of journalists in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

Im also going to be in Israel around May 12 when hes going to be in the region, Im really hoping to get the phone call, Hey Yael, get on a plane youre coming back with Edan to New Jersey.

Trump is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to May 16.

Trump has reveled in his success in securing the release of Americans abroad. The Trump administration says it has negotiated the freedom of at least 26 Americans imprisoned in countries including Afghanistan, Russia and Venezuela.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday announced the administration had secured the release of an American detained in Belarus.

But efforts to free Edan, and the bodies of four other Americans held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, have hit a wall.

In January, Trump helped push over the finish line President Bidens ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which lasted for six weeks. The first phase of the three-phase deal provided for the release of 33 women, children, civilian men over the age of 50, and those deemed humanitarian cases. Hamas also released five Thai nationals not included in the deal.

But efforts to move to a second phase unraveled in March, with Israel and Hamas accusing the others of violating the terms of the deal and the Trump administration failing to provide a workable new option.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy for negotiations to free the hostages, also holds responsibility for negotiating with Russia over its war in Ukraine, and with Iran over its nuclear program.

In March, Witkoff proposed extending the first phase of the deal to allow for more hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but Hamas rejected it for failing to move toward a more permanent end to the war.

Alexander said Witkoff is in communication with the families nearly every day, and they are in touch with Adam Boehler, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, at least once a week.

Boehler engaged in direct talks with Hamas in March and said the U.S.-designated terrorist group proposed a five-to-10-year truce with Israel in exchange for releasing all the hostages. But his talks with Hamas angered members of Netanyahus fragile governing coalition, who advocate focusing on the military operation in Gaza over a deal to free the hostages.

Adi Alexander said Boehlers March talks marked the closest point to getting Edan released, and said since then theres no clear strategy. In April, Boehler said that fighting could end immediately if Hamas released the hostages, but a top aide to Netanyahu said the war is likely to go on for another year.

Ronen Neutra, wearing a piece of duct tape with 572 written on it, marking the days of captivity for his son Omer, said the hostages can not wait even one more day.

And were asking ourselves, do we want to be here next year, again, waiting for our loved ones? Knowing that they are dying there, they are tortured, they are starved and some of the remains may disappear under the rubble? he said.

We are calling for action now. There is an opportunity and were speaking directly to President Trump and saying we trust your leadership, we know you care and we want you to put the pressure and do whatever it takes to bring our loved ones, the five Americans and the other 54 hostages they all have to return home.

The Alexanders were in Washington along with Neutra and his wife Orna Neutra, and Ruby and Hagit Chen, whos son Itay was killed on Oct. 7, his body still held by Hamas. Their meetings in Washington coincided with Israels Memorial Day, an emotional day remembering fallen soldiers and those killed amid war and terrorism.

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.
By Andrew Chung, John Kruzel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to intervene in its bid to strip temporary protected status for more than 300,000 Venezuelan migrants, a move that would clear the way for their deportation from the United States.

The Justice Department asked the justices to put on hold a federal judge's order that halted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to terminate the temporary legal status that previously was granted to some Venezuelans.

"So long as the order is in effect, (Noem) must permit hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan nationals to remain in the country, notwithstanding her reasoned determination that doing so is 'contrary to the national interest,'" Justice Department lawyers wrote in court papers.

The Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, humanitarian program is available to people who cannot return safely to their home country due to natural disaster, armed conflict or other extraordinary event.

The administration's request came in a lawsuit by a group that includes several Venezuelans living in the United States and the National TPS Alliance, which advocates for immigrants who have been granted temporary protected status.

The Supreme Court directed the challengers to respond to the administration's request by May 8.

The lawsuit challenged Noem's decision in February to terminate one portion of the TPS designation for Venezuela, reversing an action by the U.S. government under Trump's Democratic predecessor Joe Biden to extend the temporary protections for nationals of the South American country. Those protections had been in place since 2021.

Justice Department lawyers in their Supreme Court filing said the lower court had "wrested control of the nation's immigration policy away from the Executive Branch."

"The court's order contravenes fundamental Executive Branch prerogatives and indefinitely delays sensitive policy decisions in an area of immigration policy that Congress recognized must be flexible, fast-paced, and discretionary," they wrote.

The move to end TPS for Venezuelans is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown.

U.S. District Judge Edward Chen in San Francisco blocked the administration's move to end the protections for the Venezuelans, saying Noem's actions appear to have been predicated on "negative stereotypes" by insinuating the migrants were criminals.

"Generalization of criminality to the Venezuelan TPS population as a whole is baseless and smacks of racism predicated on generalized false stereotypes," Chen wrote, adding that Venezuelan TPS holders were more likely to hold bachelor's degrees than American citizens and less likely to commit crimes than the general U.S. population.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on April 18 declined the administration's request to pause the judge's order.

The case is separate from the legal fight over Trump's deportations of Venezuelan migrants under a 1798 law historically used only in wartime.

The Supreme Court on April 7 placed limits on how deportations under the Alien Enemies Act may occur even as the legality of that law's use for this purpose is being contested. The justices required that detainees receive notice "within a reasonable time and in such a manner" to challenge the legality of their removal.

The Supreme Court on April 19 temporarily barred the administration from deporting the migrants under the Alien Enemies Act after their lawyers said the government was set to remove the men from a Texas detention center without judicial review in violation of the Supreme Court's prior order.

The administration has accused those Venezuelan migrants of being members of a Venezuelan gang that the State Department has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Lawyers and family members of the migrants have disputed that allegation.

The administration has sent deportees to El Salvador, where they are being detained in that country's maximum-security anti-terrorism prison under a deal in which the United States is paying President Nayib Bukele's government $6 million.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York and John Kruzel in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  The two teams suing NASCAR asked a judge to dismiss the sanctioning body's counterclaim in court Wednesday.

In a 20-page filing in district court in North Carolina, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports opposed NASCAR's motion to amend its original counterclaim. The teams argued that the need to amend the counterclaim further demonstrates the weakness of NASCARs arguments, calling them an attempt by NASCAR to distract and shift attention away from its own unlawful, monopolistic actions.

NASCAR's counterclaim singled out Michael Jordan's longtime business manager, Curtis Polk. Jordan is co-owner of 23XI Racing.

The legal battle began after more than two years of negotiations on new charter agreements  NASCARs equivalent of a franchise model  and the 30-page filing contends that Polk willfully violated antitrust laws by orchestrating anticompetitive collective conduct in connection with the most recent charter agreements.

23XI and Front Row were the only two organizations out of 15 that refused to sign the new agreements, which were presented to the teams last September in a take-it-or-leave-it offer a mere 48 hours before the start of NASCARs playoffs.

The charters were fought for by the teams ahead of the 2016 season and twice have been extended. The latest extension is for seven years to match the current media rights deal and guarantee 36 of the 40 spots in each weeks field to the teams that hold the charters, as well as other financial incentives. 23XI and Front Row refused to sign and sued, alleging NASCAR and the France family that owns the stock car series are a monopoly.

NASCAR already has lost one round in court in which the two teams have been recognized as chartered organizations for the 2025 season as the legal dispute winds through the courts. NASCAR has also appealed a judge's rejection of its motion to dismiss the case.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
The Covid vaccines are updated each fall to target the circulating strain.

The anticipated rollout of updated Covid vaccines this fall might be at risk after a change by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in how vaccines are tested, experts say.

Under the change by Kennedy, according to an HHS spokesperson, all new vaccines will need to go through placebo-controlled clinical trials  where some people get the actual shot and others get something inactive, like a saline shot  to compare the results.

Running trials that include a placebo group is already routine for most new vaccines.

The original Covid vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, approved in late 2020, went through placebo-controlled trials. But as the virus continued to mutate and the vaccines needed to be updated to match the circulating strain, drugmakers moved to a flu vaccine-like model  using smaller studies to test how well the updated shots triggered an immune response against the variant in question.

Like the annual flu shot, the updated Covid vaccines werent treated as entirely new products, since they still used the same formula, with just a tweak to what strain the vaccine would be targeting. The mRNA Covid vaccines were designed so that this change would be particularly easy to make, in the event the shots needed to be quickly updated.

Quickly, in this case, turns out to be several months. In order to have enough Covid doses ready to go for the fall, vaccine-makers are told what strain to target in the spring.

The Food and Drug Administrations vaccine advisory committee is expected to meet in May or June to make a recommendation on which strains should be included in the next round of shots. A person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said the FDA had planned to schedule a meeting for May 22. An HHS spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting date.

If the FDA deems Pfizers and Modernas updated vaccines new products, requiring fresh trials, its extremely unlikely the doses would be ready for the fall, experts said.

Dr. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the FDA's vaccine advisory committee, said the change would almost certainly delay the rollout of the updated shots from Pfizer and Moderna by months, as it would take time for the drugmakers to design the new trials and enroll participants.

That would only be the start  the drugmakers would then have to run the actual trial, which would take several months on its own, at minimum, and analyze the results.

Even the Covid vaccines  which were hailed as the most successful government science program because of how quickly they were developed, according to Dr. Alex Greninger, a professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at UW Medicine in Seattle  still took at least about six months to run their Phase 3 trials.

The HHS spokesperson didnt directly respond to a question about whether the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines would require new clinical trials.

However, the spokesperson said in a statement that FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary has indicated that significant updates to existing vaccines  such as those addressing seasonal strain changes or antigenic drift  may be considered new products requiring additional clinical evaluation.

As weve said before, trials from four years ago conducted in people without natural immunity no longer suffice, the spokesperson said. A four-year-old trial is also not a blank check for new vaccines each year without clinical trial data, they said, adding that the flu shot would be exempt from the new rule, because it has been tried and tested for more than 80 years.

The FDA has already delayed the approval of Novavaxs updated Covid vaccine, requiring the company to carry out a new clinical trial because the strain included in the shot differs from what was originally authorized.

Vaccine experts panned the new requirements.

Its unethical, Offit said, noting that its generally frowned upon in the scientific community to give someone a placebo when an approved product already exists that can protect them.

Dr. Stanley Plotkin, a pediatrician who played a key role in developing the rubella vaccine, said the move would make no sense.

What would be reasonable is to compare the old vaccine with the new vaccine to see whether the new vaccine gives better immunologic responses, Plotkin said. We have vaccines against Covid, where we have pretty concrete ideas as to what works and what doesnt work. We know theyre not perfect, but we have vaccines we know work.

Spokespeople for Pfizer and Moderna did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Former government officials have said HHS, under Kennedy, was moving to slow-walk vaccine approvals, including by imposing new regulatory hurdles on drugmakers, such as changing the requirements for approval or seeking additional clinical trial data.

Vaccine experts also fear the rule change is part of a broader effort by Kennedy to sow distrust in vaccines and limit public access to them.

The goal is to make vaccines more onerous to make, more onerous to test by bringing up these sort of false safety concerns or false efficacy concerns, Offit said.

Dr. Sean OLeary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, said the change is unlikely to affect brand-new vaccines. But it could have major implications for vaccines that may require updates besides Covid  like those for RSV  since placebo trials are costly and take significantly more time to conduct.

Its really not feasible, and would lead to lots of hospitalizations and deaths, OLeary said.

Plotkin added that vaccines being developed for infections that are incurable, like HIV, may also be at risk.

Suppose you wanted to develop a new HIV vaccine? he asked. Would you do a placebo-controlled trial in that situation? I mean exposing children to a disease which is very serious without offering them anything.
DUBAI (Reuters) -A fourth round of talks between the United States and Iran, which had been due to take place in Rome on Saturday, has been postponed and a new date will be set "depending on the U.S. approach", a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday.

"U.S. sanctions on Iran during the nuclear talks are not helping the sides to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomacy," the official told Reuters.

"Depending on the U.S. approach, the date of the next round of talks will be announced."

Oman, which mediated earlier sessions of the U.S.-Iran talks, said on Thursday the next round of nuclear discussions provisionally planned for May 3 would be rescheduled for "logistical reasons".

However, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the United States had never confirmed its participation in the fourth round of talks in Rome.

The source said the timing and venue of the next round of talks have yet to be confirmed but are expected in the near future.

Earlier on Thursday, Iran accused the U.S. of "contradictory behaviour and provocative statements" after Washington warned Tehran of consequences for backing Yemen's Houthis and imposed new oil-related sanctions on it in the midst of nuclear talks.

Separately, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would continue to engage "seriously and resolutely" in result-oriented negotiations with the U.S., state media reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump , who has threatened to attack Iran if diplomacy fails, has signalled confidence in clinching a new pact with the Islamic Republic that would block Tehran's path to a nuclear bomb.

Trump, who has restored a "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran since February, ditched a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers in 2018 during his first term and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran.

Iran has far exceeded the 2015 agreement's curbs on its uranium enrichment since the U.S. exited the pact and European countries share Washington's concern that Tehran could seek an atomic bomb. Iran says its programme is peaceful.

Iran and three European powers - Britain, France and Germany - were scheduled to meet in Rome on Friday to improve strained ties over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme during this time of high-stakes talks between Tehran and Washington, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday.

However, the senior Iranian official who spoke to Reuters said on Thursday that it was now "not certain" whether Friday's meeting would go ahead.

On Wednesday, Washington imposed sanctions on entities it accused of involvement in the illicit trade of Iranian oil and petrochemicals.

Separately, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that it would face consequences for supporting the Houthis, who control northern Yemen and have attacked ships in the Red Sea in what the group says is solidarity with the Palestinians.

Washington has been bombing the Houthis intensively since mid-March, hitting more than 1,000 targets. Tehran says the Houthis act independently.

(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, and Brendan O'Brien, Katharine Jackson in Washington, Editing by William Maclean and Gareth Jones)
In 2023, two people died after contracting salmonella from precut cantaloupe. In that outbreak, 99 people across 32 states were infected, and 45 were hospitalized. wulingyun via Getty Images

Considering all the times youve eaten food in your life so far, youve probably got a pretty good track record for avoiding stuff that will make you sick. But if youve ever been unfortunate enough to get food poisoning, you can probably recite all the gory details, even after all these years. You might have been lucky to get by with just fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps or diarrhea, but each year, many people experience food-related organ failure, coma or even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every year about 1 in 6 Americans get sick from a foodborne illness, which also hospitalizes about 128,000 and kills 3,000.

Food safety lawyers represent people who have become ill due to foodborne illnesses, and they sometimes advise food businesses about regulatory compliance. Some of their largest cases have been the Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak in 1993, in which undercooked hamburgers sickened more than 700 people and killed four children. A more recent example happened at several Chipotle locations between 2015 and 2018, when 1,100 people became sick from E. coli, salmonella and norovirus.

If your daily work is all about the harm that food has caused clients, it has to be a challenge to trust the food you eat. With a food safety system that seems increasingly under assault, we checked in with people who know how serious foodborne illnesses can be.

Lem Garcia, a personal injury attorney in California, has, in his words, seen it all when it comes to food-related incidents. One client bit into a burrito and found a screw hidden inside, he said. Another sipped on a blended drink and discovered a plastic fork that had been pureed into the mix. But the most harrowing case, Garcia said, involved a client who swallowed a wire that was concealed in a fish burrito. It lodged in their digestive tract and required emergency surgery to remove, he said.

Garcia doesnt tell these stories to elicit a gross-out moment. Theyre real examples about real dangers that can cause serious physical and emotional harm, and theyre a reminder that food safety isnt something to take lightly, he said.

My job has turned me into the most cautious diner youll ever meet, Garcia said. Ive seen the worst-case scenarios, so I dont eat mindlessly anymore. I take small bites, chew slowly and inspect every forkful before it goes in my mouth. He ruefully conceded, Im that person at the table.

Another member of the Careful Plate Club is Jory Lange, a food safety attorney in Houston, who said, After over 20 years of practice, I tell people that Im a terrible person to have lunch with. The work I do has a huge impact on the food I eat or dont eat.

Heather Bustos, a partner at Texas-based Bustos Law Group, a regulatory compliance firm, said she stays on top of the situation at work and at home. In my personal life, I try to ensure everything is properly stored and labeled. I tend to avoid raw foods that are likely to have the most contamination risk, like spinach and melons. I also keep up with FDA recall notices, which are in my inbox almost daily.

Heres What They Wont Eat

Food safety attorney Bill Marler put it this way: I make a mental distinction between things that might kill you quickly and things that might kill you long term. Ill bend toward ordering a pizza at a restaurant. The chances of a pizza killing you are pretty low.

We gathered a list of the foods that these attorneys will never risk eating. Their top three are below, but other items mentioned include raw oysters (an increasing hazard on a warming planet), raw milk, unpasteurized juice, undercooked hamburger or other meat, raw or undercooked eggs and even hotel waffle batter dispensers. (No way, said personal injury lawyer Mark Hirsch. Warm, stagnant batter is a breeding ground for foodborne illness.)

Potentially dangerous varieties of sprouts include alfalfa (seen here), mung bean, clover and radish sprouts, all of which can be contaminated with E. coli, listeria or salmonella through a bacterial contamination of their seeds. NoDerog via Getty Images

1. Sprouts

Just stay away from sprouts, Marler said. Theyve been one of the leading causes of really large-scale outbreaks around the world, and there is no foolproof way, at least yet, to determine if theyre contaminated.

Lange also cautioned against eating sprouts: The bacteria usually begin right from the seed, he explained. The scary part of this is that there is no guaranteed way to eliminate the bacteria in the growth stage or by washing. Jimmy Johns alone has so many outbreaks linked to sprouts that some stores removed them from their menus.

The potentially dangerous varieties include alfalfa, mung bean, clover and radish sprouts, all of which can be contaminated with E. coli, listeria or salmonella through a bacterial contamination of their seeds. Ive seen situations where eating infected sprouts resulted in lasting kidney damage, Hirsch said.

There have been too many outbreaks to not pay attention to the risk of sprout contamination, Marler concluded. Those are products that I just dont eat at all.

2. Sushi buffet

This is a hard pass for me, Garcia said. Raw fish sitting out for hours is a bacteria playground.

Hirsch also skips the buffet line, saying, Ive seen many examples of food illness due to inadequately preserved seafood. Temperature control is essential, and restaurants dont often have safe controls for temps.

There are some context clues you can use to eat sushi safely. The more upscale the setting, the more likely (probably) that the raw fish youre eating is safe. But an all-you-can-eat hoedown in which value is the calling card? Be careful.

As Marler put it, I wouldnt buy a sushi roll from the 7-Eleven, but I wouldnt say no to a good piece of sushi at a good, sit-down sushi restaurant.

3. Prewashed or precut produce

Since fruits and vegetables are so healthy, its hard to believe they could ever make you sick, but it is a serious issue. In 2023, two people died after contracting salmonella from precut cantaloupes. In that outbreak, 99 people across 32 states were infected, and 45 were hospitalized.

The biggest issue with this risk is that removing fruits protective skin exposes the flesh to bacteria and pathogens that can cause foodborne illness. There are other vulnerabilities, too. The more a food is handled, the more likely it is to become contaminated along the way, Marler said. Think of all the hands it took to bring those precut pineapple slices to your grocery store and youll begin to understand the danger. Fruit seems like such a safe choice, but the risks of precut options are real.

When it comes to precut fruit, Garcia said, You have no idea how long its been sitting or the conditions in which it was prepared.

Listeria thrives in packed fruit, Hirsch said. Ive represented clients who got very sick after eating it.

Its dangerous to buy precut foods, and its also dangerous to buy prewashed ones and then eat them right from the bag. Instead, consider buying the whole head of lettuce, for example, and washing it when you get home. Bustos said, I recommend that consumers always wash their produce, since there are a lot of bad bugs out there.

I avoid bagged spinach or lettuce thats prewashed as much as I can, Marler said. In my view, its safer to buy a bunch of spinach or lettuce and wash it yourself.

Convenience is great, but sometimes I think it isnt worth the risk of getting salmonella.

Be Careful, But Dont Freak Out

If youre feeling totally freaked out, remember that these people know the worst and still manage to eat enough to keep themselves healthy and nourished. Food is one of lifes great joys, but a little mindfulness can go a long way in keeping it safe and enjoyable, Hirsch said. No meal is worth a trip to the ER.

Staying safe with food can be tricky, especially when U.S. food standards are not as high as consumers likely think they are, Bustos said. I recommend signing up for the Food and Drug Administration list of recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts. And when youre shopping, choose brands that have rigorous standards or high-level third-party certifications, which can be a safer choice.

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Virginias Republican nominee for lieutenant governor says he is facing a coup from members of his own party  including Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Conservative radio host John Reid said the governor called him April 25, urging him to exit the 2025 race, after GOP researchers found a now-deleted social media account sharing Reids name, containing sexually explicit photos of men.

Reid has denied any affiliation with the account.

And he says the push to oust him is due to him being openly gay.

What happened today is another coordinated assassination attempt against me to force the first openly gay candidate off of a Virginia statewide ticket, Reid said in a video posted online April 25. Its shameful, and I wont back down.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 22: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin attends the National Governors Association Evening Dinner and Reception in the East Room of the White House on February 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump is hosting the governors in Washington for the annual National Governors Association meetings. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)

Local news site The Richmonder was first to report the news of Youngkins call to Reid.

Reid has dug in his heels, saying he is staying in the race and is prepared to fight back.

Im not going anywhere, he said in a video on April 27. Except to get back on the campaign trail, win this election and take these people to court.

Who is John Reid?

Reid, a Richmond-area talk radio host and former news anchor, announced his campaign for lieutenant governor in January, his first ever bid for any office.

In an interview with the Washington Blade, he said he came out publicly as a gay man in the late 1990s.

After his only opponent in the GOP primary, Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity, dropped out of the race due to health concerns following heart surgery in March, Reid became the official Republican nominee on April 21.

On X that day, Youngkin said he "spoke with John tonight and know he is ready to work with (other GOP nominees) to keep Virginia the best state for business, to back the blue, and to stand strong for parents.

Reid is the first openly gay person from either party to be nominated for statewide office in Virginia. If he wins in November, he would be the states first openly gay lieutenant governor.

Graphics explain: LGBTQ representation in government is growing but still disproportionate

Im not going anywhere

Days after locking down the nomination, Reid received the call from the governor to leave the race.

Hours after getting off the phone, he stood between framed photos of Youngkin and current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, speaking directly to the camera.

Ive been openly gay for 30 plus years. I've not broken the law. Ive told the truth about who I am for years, Reid said in a 5-minute video posted to social media April 25.

He added, Am I really expected to answer every twisted intrusive question about my previous relationships, every person I ever had sex with, every dating app I was ever on? Must I share my gay Tinder profile?

Since then, officials from Youngkins major fundraising PAC Spirit of Virginia have continued attacks on Reid, he said in another video posted to social media April 27.

Mar 5, 2024; Arlington, Virginia, USA; Voters at Glebe Elementary School in Arlington, VA as voters take to the polls on Super Tuesday in Virginia. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

And on April 28, Reids lawyer, Charlie Spies, sent Matthew Moran, executive director of Spirit of Virginia, a cease and desist letter.

In a meeting on Sunday, April 27, 2025 you made clear that you only intend to stop sharing smears again Mr. Reid if he drops out of the race, and if he stays in the race, you intend to continue attacking and smearing him, Spies wrote. You literally said him getting out of the race is the only way it stops.

A spokesperson for Spirit of Virginia did not return USA TODAYs request for comment.

Moran's counsel responded in a letter to Spies April 30, saying the allegations that he had defamed Reid were "utterly irresponsible" and "unfounded."

"The facts, evidence, and witnesses would demonstrate that Mr. Moran never attempted to extort, coerce, or pressure Mr. Reid directly or indirectly," attorney George Terwilliger III wrote, "but rather as a seasoned professional endeavored to provide sound advice regarding the viability of Mr. Reid's candidacy to someone he counted as a friend."

In closing his letter, Moran's lawyer said he hoped to "de-escalate the situation" and asked Reid's representation to "kindly let me know if you are amenable to scheduling a call where we might further discuss the matter."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gay Lt. Gov. candidate rebuffs Youngkin's calls to leave race
Jon Pierre Lasseigne/AP Pamela Smart takes the oath before sitting in the witness stand in Rockingham County Superior Court on March 18, 1991 in Exeter, NH.

Pamela Smart was at the center of one of the most high-profile crime stories of the 1990s after her husband, Gregg Smart, was slain at the hands of a boy with whom she was in a sexual relationship.

Gregg, a 24-year-old insurance agent, was found dead in the couples New Hampshire condo on May 1, 1990. He had been shot in the head.

As police investigated the crime, they began to focus on his 22-year-old wife, Pamela Smart. She was a media coordinator at a nearby school, and investigators soon learned that she had been engaging in a sexual relationship with an underage student, William Billy Flynn.

The teenager admitted at trial that he was the gunman, but maintained that he did it at the direction of Smart  an allegation she has denied. Flynn pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Smart. She was then convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and two other crimes in 1991.

It took me many years to see my own responsibility, Smart told PEOPLE in a prison interview in 2014. It was easy to blame everybody else  the judge, the jury, the media. Even though I didnt want my husband killed and didnt pull the trigger, my bad behavior helped load the gun."

Smart's case went on to inspire the 1992 book To Die For, which was later adapted into a movie starring Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix.

Heres everything to know about Pamela Smart, the murder of her husband in 1990 and where she is now.

Who is Pamela Smart?

Susanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Pamela Smart stands trial on charges of being an accomplice to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder at the Rockingham Superior County Court on March 11, 1991 in Exeter, NH.

Pamela A. Smart (nee Wojas) was born in Coral Gables, Fla., on Aug. 16, 1967. She lived in Miami until her family moved to New Hampshire when she was in eighth grade, per Oxygen.

In high school, Smart was a cheerleader and an honors student. She attended Florida State University, where she studied communications and had a college radio show, according to the Crime Library.

In 1986, Smart met Gregg, and they bonded over their mutual love of metal music. The pair lived together in Florida during Smarts senior year, moving back to New Hampshire after she graduated. They bought a condo together in Derry and were wed in 1989.

At the time of her husbands death, Smart was employed as a media coordinator at Winnacunnet Regional High School.

How was Pamela Smarts husband, Gregg Smart, killed?

Tom Landers/The Boston Globe via Getty Pamela Smart enters the courtroom for the verdict in her trial at the Rockingham County Superior Court on March 22, 1991 in Exeter, N.H.

Gregg Smart was found dead in his and Smart's Derry condo on May 1, 1990.

Police said that Flynn, a teenager Smart was having a sexual relationship with, forced Gregg to kneel down in the apartment foyer. His friend, Patrick Pete Randall, restrained Gregg and held a knife to his throat, per WMUR9. Flynn then shot Gregg in the head with a hollow-point bullet.

Two other friends, Vance J.R. Lattime Jr. and Raymond Fowler, were also enlisted to help Flynn with Greggs murder.

Prior to her arrest, Smart said in a television interview that Gregg must have been shot by "some jerk, some drug addict person looking for a quick 10 bucks," according to The New York Times.

Why did Billy Flynn kill Pamela Smart's husband?

Jim Cole/AP William Flynn testifies how he shot Gregory Smart in the head and killed him on March 13, 1991 in court in Exeter, NH.

Flynn was a 15-year-old sophomore at the high school where Smart worked. The two met working on the drug awareness program Project Self-Esteem and began having sex. Smart was 22 at the time.

She has acknowledged that her illegal relationship with Flynn was wrong, telling PEOPLEs Steve Helling in a 2016 jailhouse interview for Murder Made Me Famous that she was constantly punishing herself for it.

I knew better, and I did it anyway, she said.

Flynn later admitted to being the gunman. He has always claimed he shot Gregg because Smart directed him to do so, as she feared a divorce would cause her to lose everything. Smart has maintained her innocence, saying she never told Flynn to kill her husband.

I feel like even though I didnt tell him to kill Gregg and even though I didnt give him the gun, I feel like I put the bullets in there by having this relationship, Smart told Helling. Does that make me responsible for his death? In my mind, yeah. A lot. Am I legally culpable? No. But do I blame myself? I do all the time. And thats really hard to live with.

Who was convicted of the murder of Gregg Smart?

Mark Wilson/The Boston Globe via Getty Pamela Smart during a press conference.

Smart was arrested on Aug. 1, 1990. Flynn, Randall and Lattime all pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Smart. Fowler  who sat in a nearby car during the murder  pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and attempted burglary.

A fifth teenager, Cecelia Pierce, Smarts intern at the high school, cooperated with the police in supplying evidence, including recorded conversations with Smart. In one, Smart reportedly said that if one of the teenage boys hadnt bragged about the crime, "this would have been the perfect murder," per The New York Times.

Smart has always asserted her innocence, claiming that Flynn acted in retaliation after she ended their sexual encounters to work on her marriage. She also disputed portrayals that she was a calculating woman who was after her husbands $140,000 life insurance and wanted to avoid a messy divorce.

Flynn and Randall were sentenced to life in prison with a possibility of parole, while Smart was sentenced to life with no chance of parole for conspiracy to commit murder, being an accomplice to first-degree murder and witness tampering.

"I feel like a victim of this brutal media blitz," Smart told The Boston Globe in 1991. "Because of all the media attention, the public's opinion of me was one of guilt. The jurors came from the public, and to say the media didn't at least have some kind of subliminal effect on them is the most preposterous notion I have ever heard. The fact that they were not sequestered right from the start blows me away."

Randall and Flynn were released on lifetime parole on the same day in 2015, while Fowler was released in 2003 and Lattime in 2005.

If I didnt get involved with Bill Flynn, then my husband would probably still be alive, and thats something I have to live with, Smart told PEOPLE in 2014. But the person who murdered him is getting out while Im stuck in here for the rest of my life, and that just doesnt seem fair.

That year, Greggs brother Dean told PEOPLE that Smarts conviction and sentence were just.

We all believed that these boys would never have done this on their own, he said. I believe the sentence was fair.

Where is Pamela Smart now?

Courtesy of HBO Pamela Smart in HBO's documentary 'Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart'.

Smart has been behind bars since her 1990 arrest and has tried to appeal her conviction for decades. After being incarcerated in New Hampshire, she was transferred in 1993 to the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in Westchester County, N.Y., per The New York Times.

Smart told The Boston Globe in 1991 that she didnt expect to spend the rest of her life in prison. "I thought there were two options: I would be found not guilty or there would be a hung jury," she told the outlet. "I never conceived this would become a reality."

In prison, Smart earned a doctorate degree in ministry and three masters degrees, became an ordained minister and has tutored her fellow inmates, according to PBS.

Each day thats in front of us is an opportunity to do something with our lives, wherever we are, Smart told PEOPLE in 2014.

She has maintained that she did not know Flynn was going to kill her husband. In a 2021 appeal, however, she took responsibility for Greggs death and apologized to his family, saying, Im to blame.

"I regret that it took me so long to apologize to the Smart family, my own family, and everyone else," she said in a recorded statement in December 2021. "But I think that I wasn't at a place where I was willing to own that or face that. I was young and selfish and I wasn't thinking about the consequences of what I was doing."

In April 2022, PEOPLE confirmed that Smart was denied the sentence reduction. A New Hampshire state council rejected her request in a 5-0 vote.

In the state's response, Jeffery Strelzin, associate attorney general, wrote that Smart had told a false narrative for over 30 years and her apology "does not mean that she has truly changed and fully acknowledged all the crimes she committed as an accomplice and conspirator in her husband's murder, and the perpetrator of witness tampering.

Smart doubled down on the admission of responsibility in a June 2024 statement, per PBS.

Read the original article on People
A woman has sued American Airlines, claiming she was sexually assaulted on a domestic flight last year by a man previously reported to the airline for sexual abuse allegations.

Barbara Morgan, of California, says she was sexually assaulted on a April 24, 2024, red-eye flight from San Francisco to Dallas, according to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California last week.

The suit accuses American Airlines of putting profits over passenger safety and that her alleged assailant, Cherian Abraham, was allowed to fly even though the airline had a notice of a 2023 sexual assault charge against him, the suit said.

American Airlines planes at a terminal at LaGuardia airport in New York City on April 30, 2025.

Even after reporting the assault, Morgan said she was left traumatized when the airline allegedly ignored her and victim-blamed her.

An attorney for Abraham did not immediately respond to NBC News request for comment. American Airlines said Thursday that Abraham will no longer be allowed to fly with the airline.

"The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority. We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation," the airline said in a statement.

The suit states that Morgan took the flight for a trip to celebrate her sons new job and home in Dallas.

She was placed in a middle seat next to Abraham, who was "previously reported to American Airlines for allegations of sexual abuse against a female passenger," according to a news release by her attorneys, Romanucci & Blandin.

He allegedly sexually assaulted her during the flight as the cabin lights were dimmed and she yelled at him to "stop" twice, the lawsuit says.

However, no American Airlines employee intervened or made an effort to investigate the incident. It unfolded as most passengers were asleep, wearing headphones, or were unaware of the assault, the lawsuit says.

She reported the abuse as soon as she got off the plane and pointed out her assailant, the lawsuit says. But instead of getting help, she felt rebuffed.

"The American Airlines gate agent engaged in victim-blaming, questioning why Plaintiff had not taken further action to report the assault during the flight," the lawsuit says.

Morgan explained that she was scared he'd retaliate against her, that it was challenging to report the assault while confined to her seat and that she was afraid the plane might be rerouted, potentially angering other passengers, the lawsuit says.

The gate agent stated that there was nothing they could do and advised Morgan to file a complaint on their website. The lawsuit states that she made the complaint on the same day and received a generic response indicating that someone would follow up, but no one did.

On April 30, 2024, she submitted a complaint to the Director of Customer Relations, Vice President of Reservations and Service Recovery, and the CEO of American Airlines. She again received an automated response, but "no meaningful engagement or support," according to the lawsuit.

In May, a representative of American Airlines contacted Morgan by phone, and the representative allegedly again "shifted blame onto her for not reporting it while still in the air," the lawsuit says.

Morgan only learned that Abraham had prior reports of sexual violence on an American Airlines flight when the FBI contacted her and said he was charged, her attorneys said.

In March this year, Abraham was charged with one federal count of abusive sexual contact out of the Western District of Washington "for his subsequent sexual assault of another American Airlines female passenger," the lawsuit said. That unwanted touching incident unfolded on March 18.

The charge referenced previous sexual assaults on flights by Abraham, including Morgan's, and noted the first report was made in 2023 before Morgan's flight.

Morgan's lawsuit was filed against American Airlines and Abraham. It accuses the airline of negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fraudulent concealment. It also accuses Abraham of sexual battery, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

"The FBI and American Airlines passengers have repeatedly warned the airline that inflight sexual assaults are occurring on American Airlines flightsand American Airlines has had every opportunity to take those warnings seriously. Instead, theyve turned a blind eye, leaving passengers vulnerable at 30,000 feet. This isnt just a failure of policy; its a failure of basic responsibility," Patrick J. Driscoll, an attorney for Morgan, said in a Wednesday statement.

Driscoll added: "American Airlines must stop ignoring the alarm bells and take immediate, decisive action to protect its passengers like Barbara Morgan."
Cyber security services provider Penten has completed its merger with the UK-based Amiosec to form PentenAmio, providing secure mobile communications, AI-enabled cyber defence and electronic deception technologies.

Announced in October last year, the combined business has 300 security-cleared professionals and sovereign facilities in Australia and the UK, with a focus on government and military organisations.

ARN understands there were no redundancies as part of the merger.

Prior to the merger, Penten developed its own security solutions and was a distributor, integrator and support services provider in Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) for Amiosec.

The combined business will generate more than $125 million in annual revenue with high growth rates and strong gross profit and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margins, the company said.

Headlining the new business will be Penten and Amiosec founders Matthew Wilson and Adrian Cunningham, respectively, as executive co-chairs.
Multimedia Technology (MMT) has signed an exclusive Australian distribution agreement with PICO Business to offer its virtual reality (VR) solutions across the country.

Under the agreement, MMT will provide the VR headset and software vendors solutions in the Australian market, which have been designed to meet demand for immersive VR technology in professional environments.

This includes its PICO 4 Ultra Enterprise headset, which offers VR and mixed reality (MR) capabilities and includes the Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 Processor and Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

The agreement also sees MMT support PICOs partner program, which includes tailored solutions, resources, pricing and technical support to businesses and developers.

MMT purchasing manager Mark Eichler said the distributors relationship with PICO reflects its commitment to expanding its portfolio of emerging technologies.

PICOs advanced offerings  particularly their Business Suite Solutions with no licensing fees  set them apart from competing professional VR headsets, providing a compelling value proposition for diverse sectors including healthcare, logistics and education, he said.
by Joseph Masilamany

The first cardinal from the bustling Southeast Asian city-state, he leads a lively and missionary Church with humility, clarity and a heart open to dialogue in an increasingly secularised world. At the synod, he highlighted the spiritual weariness that often afflicts societies that are only apparently successful.

Singapore (AsiaNews)  In the bustling, modern metropolis of Singapore, where gleaming skyscrapers rise above vibrant neighbourhoods, the Catholic Church has found a steady and compassionate leader in Cardinal William Goh. As the first-ever cardinal from the island nation, he stands as a powerful symbol of faiths enduring relevance in an increasingly secular world.

With some 395,000 Catholics, the Catholic Church in Singapore is one of the most dynamic and vital in Southeast Asia where Cardinal William Goh holds court as its shepherd.

Born on 25 June 1957, William Goh Seng Chye grew up in a modest Catholic family. He discerned his vocation early and pursued his education at the College General in Penang and the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary in Singapore. He was ordained a priest on 1 May 1985, by Archbishop Gregory Yong.

In his early pastoral work, he served faithfully in parishes, where his sincerity and pastoral care made a deep impression on those he served.

Keen to deepen his understanding of theology, he later studied in Rome, where he earned a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).

That Roman sojourn would significantly shape his theological insight and pastoral approach. On his return, he served as a seminary lecturer, spiritual director, and eventually rector. He also became vicar general of the archdiocese, known for his clear preaching and thoughtful leadership.

His appointment as Archbishop of Singapore came on 29 May 2013, when Pope Francis chose him to succeed Archbishop Nicholas Chia. Taking the motto Ut Vivant  That they may live  from the Gospel of John, he signalled his pastoral priority: to build a Church fully alive in Christ.

As Archbishop, he called Catholics not only to personal holiness but to evangelise courageously in society, workplaces, and families. On 27 August 2022, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals, a historic moment for the Singapore Church and for Asia. With this appointment, the pope affirmed not only his leadership but also the growing importance of Asia in the life of the universal Church.

At the 2023 Synod on Synodality in Rome, Cardinal Goh became a strong voice for the Church in Asia. He urged the global Church to renew itself through deeper listening, discernment, and lay involvement, especially in urbanised settings like Singapore, where priests often serve in highly demanding environments.

Drawing from his own context, he highlighted the spiritual fatigue that often afflicts materially successful societies. He spoke of a need to minister not just to minds, but to hearts  to create spaces where mercy and truth meet, and where people feel welcomed and understood. His words reflected the balance he has long modelled: doctrinal faithfulness paired with pastoral tenderness.

In 2021, he led the Church in Singapore through a significant milestone  the bicentenary celebration of the Catholic faiths presence in the country. Catholic200SG, as it was known, marked 200 years since the arrival of Catholic missionaries in 1821. But Cardinal Goh was clear that it should not be merely a nostalgic commemoration. Instead, he cast the celebration as a moment of spiritual renewal and missionary recommitment.

Through rallies, online novenas, parish events, and exhibitions, the Catholic community came alive with a renewed sense of purpose. He called the faithful to be missionary disciples, not just Sunday Catholics. The time has come, he declared at the closing Mass, for Singapore Catholics to rise, go forth, and witness boldly.

One of the defining hallmarks of Cardinal Gohs episcopate has been his commitment to interfaith harmony. In Singapore, where various religions coexist within a delicate social fabric, he has emerged as a trusted and respectful voice for the Catholic Church. He is an active member of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore and has cultivated warm relationships with leaders of other faiths  Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Taoists alike.

He believes that religious dialogue must be rooted in both authenticity and humility. He frequently speaks on the sacredness of the family, the importance of moral preparation, and the shared responsibility of all religions to build a compassionate and just society. His approach  firm in principle, yet never antagonistic  has earned him deep respect both within and beyond the Church.

Under his leadership, the Archdiocese of Singapore has quietly but steadily advanced its mission.

A renewed pastoral vision is being implemented, with strong focus on youth training, outreach to disengaged Catholics, digital evangelisation, and clergy development. Cardinal Goh is known among his clergy as a fatherly figure  approachable, prayerful, and deeply grounded. His homilies often challenge believers to embrace the Gospel fully, resisting both mediocrity and spiritual complacency. He emphasises the need for authenticity, reminding Catholics that evangelisation begins not with words, but with lives that radiate Christ.

Even as a cardinal serving the universal Church, William Goh remains close to his flock. He lives simply, avoids public fanfare, and walks with the people  listening more than speaking, encouraging more than commanding. In an age of noise and confusion, he offers something quietly powerful: a witness of integrity, humility, and hope.

As the Church faces new questions  about secularism, AI, bioethics, and declining faith  Cardinal Gohs leadership is proving to be both timely and timeless. His deep prayer life, intellectual clarity, and pastoral wisdom make him one of the most respected Church leaders in Asia today.

In him, Singapore has not only gained a cardinal but a shepherd who bridges the ancient faith with the urgent needs of our age  a pastor who embodies the words of his motto: That they may live.
by Lisa Bongiovanni

The ILO reports a 10 per cent drop in informal work in Vietnam, but many complain that workers in large, export-oriented companies still suffer from job insecurity and lower wages. Manufacturing employs some 17 million people. Set to come into force on 1 July 2025, Vietnams new trade union law remains controversial.

Milan (AsiaNews)  The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has dedicated one of its latest reports to the issue of combating the informal economy in the Asia-Pacific region, presenting and developing some of the innovative approaches adopted by different countries.

The general picture that emerges highlights some positive results, but also a slow process of change still affected by the recent pandemic.

The situation appears to be different in Vietnam. As the country marks the 50th anniversary of its reunification and the end of the American war, the rate of informality has decreased by approximately a 10 percentage point over the past decade.

This result should represent a victory for both the government and ordinary people, who in principle enjoy greater protection. However, if the local labour market is examined more closely, a much more complex picture emerges.

The labour market in Vietnam is divided into two main sectors: agriculture and manufacturing, with estimated 17 million people is employed in the latter, this according to the Washington Post.

According to Vietnam Briefing, employment in this sector increased from 18 per cent to 23 per cent between 2017 and 2023. In contrast, employment in the agriculture dropped from 40 per cent to 33 per cent over the same period.

By cross-referencing the findings in the report with these changes, it is reasonable to assume that the decline in informal employment is linked to this labour shift.

Agriculture is traditionally characterised by unregulated forms of employment, while manufacturing is dominated by large foreign companies, which, in order to operate in the country, are required to comply with labour regulations, including the formal hiring of employees.

Yet, are there real improvements in the working life of Vietnamese people and do formal contracts necessarily equate with more dignified conditions?

In fact, international associations have frequently complained about the country's manufacturing plants, a sign that better labour standards in Vietnam, as in many other countries in Southeast Asia, need more than cracking down on the informal sector. Action on formal regulations is also required.

It is well known that most of the companies that have invested in the country have been attracted by low production costs. Labour in Vietnam is cheap because the minimum wage guaranteed by law is below the necessary minimum.

Formally, the country is divided into regions and a guaranteed minimum wage in each. Region 1 (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) has a minimum monthly wage of 4,680,000 VND (about US$ 202), while in Region 2 (surrounding rural areas), it drops to 4,160,000 VND (US$ 179).

By contrast, the average cost of living, excluding housing, tops 11,500,000 VND (US$ 475), an imbalance that violates Convention No. 131 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which requires states to guarantee sufficient wages for a decent standard of living.

At the same time, job insecurity is widespread. Due to fluctuations in demand, employers hire fewer employees, to avoid overstaffing during periods of low demand, which would result in a higher cost.

When demand is high, however, these workers are forced to work overtime; if they refuse, they lose their jobs. This violates ILO Convention on Working Time (Industry) of 1919 (No. 1), which establishes a maximum limit of 48 hours per week as an international standard.

Finally, the lack of bargaining power represents yet another violation of workers' rights. In fact, in Vietnam, independent unions are not recognised in law. Existing unions are controlled by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and depend on employers for wages and benefits and consequently have no incentive to protect workers.

However, something might be changing. In order to continue trading with its main partners, United States and the European Union (along with China), Vietnam is now forced to adapt its domestic legislation.

A new law on trade unions comes into effect on 1 July 2025, and represents a small step forward, even if it does not address certain structural issues in Vietnams trade union system, most notably, it does not allow the creation of truly independent trade unions, an essential condition to uphold international labour standards.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) remains under government control and closely aligned with the interests of the CPV rather than those of workers.

Raising further suspicions about the actual desire for change is the arrest in April 2024 of Nguyen Van Binh and Vu Minh Tien, two senior officials with the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour and the VGCL who had fought for greater labour reforms and trade union independence.

According to Human Rights Watch, the government continues to describe independent labour organisations as hostile forces opposed to the Party and a source of social disorder.

It should also be added that US President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs risks provoking changes in Vietnamese trade strategies. If Vietnam shifts further towards China and most Asian countries, it will not likely adhere to the highest international standards in workers' rights.

That said, it is hard to predict developments in Vietnams labour markets against a background that is still very much in a flux.
by Melani Manel Perera

Highly appreciated by Benedict XVI, the archbishop of Sri Lankas capital has held several posts in the Vatican, including that of secretary of the Dicastery for the liturgy. In recent years, he has accompanied the travails of his country, tirelessly asking for justice for the victims of the Easter 2019 massacres.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is a veteran cardinal. Highly appreciated by Pope Benedict XVI, he has held several positions in the Vatican and at the age of 77 still serves as the archbishop of Colombo.

The Sri Lankan prelate is also well known outside Sri Lanka for his very strong doctrinal positions, but also for his long-standing call for justice on behalf of the victims and survivors of the massacres that took place in churches and hotels on Easter Sunday, 21 April 2019, which saw almost 300 people killed, one of the darkest days in the country's recent history.

Born on 15 November 1947 in Polgahawela, in what was then British Ceylon, he was ordained a priest personally by Pope Paul VI during the Jubilee of 1975. Card Ranjith says that his vocation was born from the example of a French missionary priest assigned to his parish.

The future cardinal studied in Rome, earning a degree in theology from the Pontifical Urban College and a licentiate from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in 1978, followed by a post-doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

After returning home, he served as a priest in Kalutara, and started Holy Cross College, an educational establishment that provides free education to disadvantaged children, transforming the lives of many students from poor backgrounds. During that time, he was very close to the fisher folks he served in the Western Province.

Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Colombo in 1991, alongside Archbishop Nicholas Fernando. In that period, he also chaired the doctrinal commission that brought before what was still called the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith led by then Card Joseph Ratzinger the case of theologian Tissa Balasuriya, founder of the Centre for Society and Religion who was accused him of questioning original sin and the divinity of Christ in his works and supporting female ordination.

John Paul II appointed him in 1995 as the first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Ratnapura, and then called him to Rome in 2001 to serve as adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. In 2004 he was appointed apostolic nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor, becoming the first Sri Lankan to lead a nunciature.

With the election of Benedict XVI he was recalled to Rome to be the secretary of the Congregation, now Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. During his tenure, he strongly promoted liturgical discipline and fidelity to the tradition of the Church. He believed that receiving communion in the hand was an illegitimate practice, never foreseen by the Second Vatican Council.

He criticised bishops who did not promptly make provision for the celebration of the Latin Mass when Pope Benedict authorised it in 2006, calling it a "rebellion against the Pope." Recently, he banned priests in his archdiocese from allowing girls and young women to serve at the altar, saying that male altar boys are one of the main sources of vocations to the priesthood.

In 2009 Benedict XVI appointed him archbishop of Colombo, elevating him to the cardinalate in the consistory of 20 November 2010, which allowed him to take part in the conclave that elected Francis.

Sri Lankans recognise Card Malcolm Ranjith as a Catholic religious leader who lives in a fraternity with and feels for Muslims and Tamil, while promoting harmony and brotherhood with Buddhist religious leaders and believers in Sri Lanka, a Buddhist country.

He always says that If Buddhism is protected, then other religions will be protected. Therefore, we must protect the Buddhist brotherhood and the Buddhist culture in this country.

One of its most significant and most explicit missions in recent years has been the quest for justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, demanding transparency and accountability from the Sri Lankan government.

He has criticised political leaders and institutions for failing to properly investigate and prosecute those responsible, acting as a moral voice and advocate for the affected families. He also had the opportunity to bring 40 Easter Sunday survivors to an audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican.

He has worked to promote peace and unity in multi-religious Sri Lanka, especially after decades of civil war. He has participated in interfaith talks, called for national unity, and condemned extremism and communal violence, promoting reconciliation between different ethnic and religious groups.

In 2019 when Sinhala Catholics, in anger and hatred, were about to attack Muslims identified as the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday massacre, he worked hard to stop them and snuff out feelings of revenge with actions appreciated by all.

Cardinal Ranjith has also been an outspoken advocate of political reforms in Sri Lanka. He recently renewed his call for the promulgation of a new constitution that limits the powers of the head of state, ensuring that the office holder can serve the people without indulging in power and perks.

Likewise, he also slammed the proposed online safety law, arguing that it restricts citizens freedoms and undermines democracy.
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George Clooney "couldn't be more proud" of his Tony Award nomination.

George Clooney is proud of his Tony Award nomination

The 63-year-old actor made his Broadway debut in 'Good Night, and Good Luck' and has been recognised with a place on the shortlist for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play category for the upcoming theatre awards, while the production - which he co-wrote with Grant Heslov - hs also up for Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Costume Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play and Best Sound Design of a Play..

George - who faces Best Actor competition from Cole Escola ('Oh, Mary!'), Jon Michael Hill ('Purpose'), Daniel Dae Kim ('Yellow Face'), Harry Lennix ('Purpose') and Louis McCartney ('Stranger Things: The First Shadow') - said in a statement: "Its a thrill to have 5 nominations for this play. For everyone involved, this has been an incredible experience. I couldnt be more proud or feel more lucky."

Daniel, whose nod for 'Yellow Face' also makes him a first time nominee, has been left "shocked, surprised and deeply meaningful" by the recognition.

He said in his own statement: "I am shocked, surprised and deeply honored by this recognition. To receive my first Tony nomination alongside Francis Jue and David Henry Hwang for a role that explores Asian American identity is incredibly special, and learning that I am the first Asian American to be nominated in this category makes it even more meaningful.

"I couldnt be prouder of our show and the people I was lucky enough to collaborate with, especially David, Leigh Silverman, our cast and crew, and the Roundabout Theater. At a time when the arts are imperiled, its even more important that we remember the value of theatre and the power of the artists making it. Thank you to the American Theater Wing for believing that Yellow Face, and my work, is worthy of a place in this cherished community."

And Louis, who has reprised his role as Henry Creel in 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' on Broadway after first playing the part in London's West End, feels "so blessed".

He said: "So, so thankful. Thank you to the Tony nominators and to everyone who worked on 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow'.

"Thank you to SFP, Netflix, Kate Trefry and our amazing directors, Steven Daldry and Justin Martin. I feel so blessed to be welcomed into the Broadway community. So lucky and super excited. Thank you."

Meanwhile, Mia Farrow "burst into tears" when she found out she'd been nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for 'The Roommate'.

She said: "Honestly, I didnt expect this! I burst into tears.

"I wish my mom were here  she would have been so proud of me. Im so overwhelmed with gratitude to be among these nominees, as this is just the best community in the world. Im still in the oh my god, oh my god, oh my god mode!"

The other nominees in the category are Laura Donnelly ('The Hills of California'), LaTanya Richardson Jackson ('Purpose'), Sadie Sink ('John Proctor is the Villain'), and Sarah Snook ('The Picture of Dorian Gray').

The 78th annual Tony Awards will take place on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and will be hosted by 'Wicked' actress Cynthia Erivo, who previously won a Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical Tony for her starring role as Celie in the musical revival of 'The Color Purple'.

The Tony Awards will stream on Paramount+ and air live on CBS.
The Armenian government endorsed in January a bill declaring the start of a process of Armenia's accession to the European Union and pushed it through the countrys parliament three months later. Government officials have stressed that it does not amount to an EU membership bid. It remains unclear what Yerevan is planning to do next.

In an interview with RFE/RL, the EUs Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos declined to say whether Brussels would welcome such a bid.

What happened in the Armenian parliament shows that the effectiveness of the EU is higher than it used to be, she said. There are two conditions under which a country can apply: it has to be a state and it has to be a European state. We havent got the [membership] application yet, but then we will see.

Russia has repeatedly warned that Armenias continued efforts to join the EU are incompatible with its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a Russian-led trade bloc. It has said that the South Caucasus nation risks losing its tariff-free access to Russias vast market and having to pay much more for Russian natural gas and foodstuffs.

A senior Russian Foreign Ministry official, Mikael Agasandian, reiterated those warnings in an interview with RIA Novosti news agency published on Thursday.

The law on the beginning of the EU accession process adopted in the republic on April 4 has a declarative nature and does not currently suggest any concrete actions that question Armenia's membership in the EEU, Agasandian said. However, it is obvious that at a certain stage of such a rapprochement, the demands of Brussels - an inevitable part of the European path - will come into conflict with Yerevan's commitments within the framework of the Union. We are talking about spheres such as customs, customs-tariff and technical regulation, trade policy, sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

In the event that Yerevan still takes steps contrary to EEU law -- which, as we expect, will not happen) -- and, in other words, in fact, violates the [founding] EEU treaty, we have the necessary international legal mechanisms to protect the interests of the other member states, he said.

Russia accounted for over 41 percent of Armenias foreign trade last year, compared with the EUs 7.7 percent share.
1 May 2025 15:23 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

At todays session of the Baku Military Court, video footage was presented suggesting Davit Ishkhanyan had blocked Azerbaijani soldiers during the 1992 battles for Shusha, Azernews reports.

The video, reportedly produced by Armenians, claims that Ishkhanyan and his group acted under the orders of Monte Melkonyan to prevent Azerbaijani forces from advancing toward Khojavend, with the ultimate goal of protecting the occupation of Shusha. It states that on May 15, 1992, group commander Armen Avokyan was killed during fighting, and Ishkhanyan was appointed his successor.

However, the accused dismissed the claims, calling the footage propaganda. Ishkhanyan stated the video was filmed in early 2020, ahead of the so-called parliamentary and presidential elections held by the separatist regime in the then-occupied Azerbaijani territories. The purpose of this was propaganda. I was walking with a cane at that time. Even if I wanted to, I could not physically participate there, he said.

The trial forms part of a broader legal process against Armenian nationals accused of grave violations of international law, including war crimes, genocide, terrorism, and the illegal seizure and retention of Azerbaijani territories.
1 May 2025 13:58 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

In a time when energy diplomacy often conjures images of oil tankers and pipelines, Azerbaijan is offering a new chapterone written not in crude oil but in steel and silicon. The South Caucasus nation, historically seen through the prism of its oil reserves, is quietly engineering a shift that could redefine its economic identity and strengthen transatlantic ties: a surge in non-oil exports, particularly to the United States.

Over the last five years, Azerbaijans non-oil exports to the U.S. have grown at an impressive pace. While energy still dominates bilateral discussions, the United States now ranks among Azerbaijans top seven non-oil export destinations. This statistic may seem unremarkable in isolation, but it represents a subtle and important pivot in Azerbaijans trade architectureone that carries geopolitical as well as economic weight.

Central to this evolving relationship is the strategic cooperation in industrial production. A recent visit by the U.S. Embassys Economic Affairs team to Sumgayits Baku Steel Company reveals not just diplomacy in motion but a deliberate deepening of mutual interest. There, American officials examined the production of seamless steel pipes used in the oil and gas sectorpipes that are increasingly exported to the United States and deployed across the American energy landscape, from drilling fields to transportation networks.

These are not merely raw materials; they are highly engineered products embedded with technological sophistication and significant added value. Their journey from the Caspian to the American Midwest tells a story of industrial integration and trust.

Beyond pipes, ferroalloysessential inputs in steel productionare also becoming a key pillar of Azerbaijans export portfolio. Facilities like Baku Non Ferrous and Foundry Company, also in Sumgayit, have adopted Italian technology to manufacture ferrosilicon and ferrosilicomanganese on a commercial scale. These ferroalloys are already feeding American steel mills, quietly becoming part of the material DNA of U.S. infrastructure.

The symbolism here should not be lost. In an era where de-risking supply chains and reducing dependency on geopolitical rivals are top priorities for Western economies, Azerbaijan presents itself as a stable, business-friendly alternative. A Muslim-majority country with strong ties to both the East and West, Azerbaijan is uniquely positioned to bridge global trade divides. Its decision to invest in high-value manufacturing and enter advanced supply chains reflects foresightand a desire to be seen as more than just a fossil fuel state.

The benefits of this diversification are not one-sided. For Azerbaijan, the expansion of non-oil exports is crucial for long-term economic stability. The volatility of global oil prices has long haunted petro-economies, and Azerbaijan is no exception. By cultivating sectors like metallurgy and advanced manufacturing, Baku is not only boosting GDP but also creating sustainable jobs and embedding itself into global production networks.

For the United States, the relationship offers both practical and strategic gains. Reliable, quality inputs for domestic industry are in short supply, especially those not linked to geopolitical adversaries. Tapping into Azerbaijans manufacturing base helps diversify sourcing while supporting a partner that shares American interests in regional stability and open trade.

Yet, the partnership must go further. Visa challenges for Azerbaijani exporters and technical personnel still complicate smoother cooperation. Likewise, financial frameworks for bilateral investment need strengthening. If Washington is serious about building a resilient and diversified global trade ecosystem, then now is the time to investdiplomatically, commercially, and politicallyin partners like Azerbaijan.

As U.S. companies explore new frontiers for investment, they should take note of Sumgayit. Once known primarily as a Soviet-era chemical hub, the city is emerging as a showcase for post-oil Azerbaijan: a place where foundries hum with global ambition and factory floors are designed for export, not just domestic consumption.

A nations transformation rarely arrives all at once, and Azerbaijans journey is far from complete. But if there is one lesson from recent developments, its that industrial steel can sometimes build stronger bridges than oil ever could.
1 May 2025 16:49 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

For over 70 years, the Jammu and Kashmir conflict has served as a fault line for serial wars in South Asia. Now, it is attracting a new cast of geopolitical players, reinvigorating an unresolved crisis with global implications.

At its core, the roots of the conflict are deceptively simple. Following the collapse of British colonial rule, a newly independent India struggled to define its identity within the region. In doing so, it projected instability outward, adversely affecting its neighbours. The first war between India and Pakistan broke out in 194748 over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Though the fighting eventually ceased, the underlying issue was never resolvedsetting the stage for decades of confrontation.

The conflict is fundamentally fueled by religious and ethnic fault lines. Its origins predate even independence, simmering under colonial rule. But after partition, the Indian state began implementing policies that exacerbated these divides. Because Jammu and Kashmir holds both strategic and touristic value, India launched a campaign to suppress the regions Pakistani-leaning population, beginning with the marginalisation of the local Muslim community. Over time, these policies evolved into more systematic social engineering, fragmenting Muslim communities through caste-based segregation. The situation has reached such a critical point that today, the wealthy constitute merely 1% of the population in the region, yet they control more than 58% of the nation's wealth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through his increasingly unbalanced and exclusionary policies, is rapidly losing credibility, not only across the region but throughout India as a whole. Since coming to power in 2014, Modi has seen a sharp decline in support over the past decade. This is largely due to the persistence of a political agenda that remains deeply rooted in the anti-Muslim and ethnically divisive policies reminiscent of the 1960s-era government.

Indias distinct demographic structure compared to Pakistan created fertile ground for such manipulation. By the 1960s, Pakistan had little choice but to respond with military force to counter India's increasingly coercive and expansionist tactics. Despite efforts to elevate the issue to the United Nations, India refused to step back from its occupation-driven policies.

The conflict deepened when China entered the fray.

In 1962, a month-long war erupted between China and India, creating a temporary power vacuum in the region. Sensing an opportunity, Pakistan mobilised its resources in an effort to liberate Kashmir. India, weakened and wary of losing control, engaged in provocations on multiple fronts to regain the upper hand. In 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, a military initiative that could have resolved the Kashmir conflict once and for all. But external interference once again froze the conflict in place.

Kashmir, nuclear escalation, and China's shadow

The 1970s brought major shifts to Pakistan. External meddling in its political system and foreign-backed uprisings diverted national attention. India, bolstered by its foreign allies, used the moment to try to shelve the Kashmir issue entirely.

The 1970 general elections were a turning point. Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans Awami League won a democratic majority but was blocked from assuming power by the West Pakistani elite. This led to massive unrest, and Pakistan responded with a brutal crackdownOperation Searchlight in March 1971plunging the country into chaos. Pro-India political factions within Pakistan exploited the crisis, deepening the internal fracture.

Thus, the 1965 war cemented Kashmir as the perpetual flashpoint between India and Pakistan. And the 1971 warculminating in the creation of Bangladeshmarked the most significant geopolitical upheaval in South Asian history, permanently altering Pakistans territorial map.

India, ever opportunistic, maintained the regional tempo of tension with the backing of outside powers. Granting independence to part of Pakistan's territory gave New Delhi both symbolic and strategic leverage. The creation of Bangladesh not only intensified Indo-Pakistani hostility but also set off a regional arms race, culminating in nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan in 1998.

Today, the Kashmir dispute lies at the razors edge of a nuclear crisis. Rising tensions create openings for global powers to manipulate the situation to their advantage. Many experts argue that the West now favours India, not just to counter Pakistan, but with an eye on Chinas potential involvement, echoing the dynamics of the 1962 conflict.

Renewed role in US-China rivalry

Regardless of scale, wars inevitably cast long shadowseven on states not directly involved. The United States' sharp reactions to developments in South Asia are no accident. Washington, long frustrated by trade imbalances with Beijing, sees regional instability as a tool to weaken China's influence. The recent agreement on shipment of 26 Rafale fighter jets from France to India and growing Western overtures to the Modi government have turned India into a regional proxyif not a full-fledged catalystfor broader strategic aims.

India may not be able to stand alone against China militarily, but it does not have to. Western powers are not necessarily betting on India to winthey are betting on China being drawn into the fray. For the US, China's involvement in a regional conflict could relieve some of the pressure from the larger US-China rivalry.

The nuclear threat between India and Pakistan is currently in question, but if China is drawn into the conflict, it could trigger a catastrophic escalation. History teaches us that when giants clash, the resulting fire engulfs the surroundings. Today, Chinas direct friction with India in the region suggests that we are moving dangerously close to such a scenario.
1 May 2025 21:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Finally, seeing the endorsement of the deal on rare earth between the US and Ukraine, many who believe in democratic values and are committed to the territorial integrity of countries breathe sighs of relief. Needless to say, the capacity of Ukraine to withstand Russian aggression will determine the future of the world. Unfortunately, due to the mismanagement of previous Ukrainian presidents, who collaborated with the Kremlin, the countrys defense capacity was crippled and it became totally dependent on foreign aid. Despite Zelenskys best efforts, some remnants of the former regimes managed to find their way into the current government.

Being well aware of the situation, Trump demanded a guarantee from Kyiv after ascending to power. The first time Kyiv and Washington tried to sign an agreement on February 28, 2025, the meeting ended in a spat that frustrated many who were eager to see democracy prevail over aggression. Unfoundedly, many threw the US government under the bus. However, Azerbaijanis were among the few nations in the world who grasped the meaning of the deal proposed by Donald Trump and the fears of the Ukrainians about potential future Russian attacks. It is not because we are the smartest nation on Earth, but because we had to go through the same difficulties that Ukraine is facing today. Like Ukraine, Azerbaijan was subjected to aggression from its neighbour, and 20 per cent of its territory was invaded. Even worse, under the pressure of the Armenian lobbies, the countries in the West, which today support Ukraine and speak about the territorial integrity of nations, stood with the aggressor.

Swallowing a bitter pill, Azerbaijan ceased the war with Armenia and signed a deal with leading oil companies to export its oil, left over from Russian exploitation. Britain and the US companies took the lion's share of the deal, which is called the "Agreement of the Century." In contrast, Azerbaijan got 20 per cent.

Many believe that this deal became the guarantee for Azerbaijan and played the role of a cushion against the economic crisis. Thanks to this deal, foreign investment and foreign currency flooded the country, and soon Azerbaijans military budget exceeded the Armenian state budget. Finally, after thirty years, Azerbaijan was able to liberate its invaded territories and incarcerate several separatist leaders. Today, Armenia is running around like a headless chicken, begging for assistance from various countries, such as Iran, India, France, and more.

The fears of the Ukrainians are understandable. However, they should not forget that Russia is a country doomed to further dissolution. Compare countries backed by Russia with those backed by the US. Take Armenia or Bashar Assads Syria, for example. Both of them imploded. All regimes supported by Russia are stumbling one by one. Sooner or later, this process will reach the Kremlin as well.

Taking a break and liaising with the US will boost the economy of Ukraine. Cooperating with American companies is equivalent to gaining an American guarantee against any potential attacks. The rare earth agreement will flood not only foreign investment and currency into Ukraine, but also new technology and know-how. Besides, Ukraine has a large defence industry potential and human capital. It is crystal clear that, in the wake of a peace agreement, Ukraine will become one of the biggest weapons manufacturers and exporters. In addition, Ukraine is famous for its agricultural products. Long story short, Ukraine has everything to surpass Russia in the near future. Seeing Russian migrants working on Ukrainian pig farms in the near future is not a dream but a reality. The world once witnessed this when the Berlin Wall was demolished, and then Russian citizens filled the streets of NATO countries, from Turkiye to Canada, to seek jobs. Unfortunately, Russia did not learn a lesson from that situation and blindly stuck to its previous customs, which means the world will witness the same situation  the proverbial history repeats itself.
1 May 2025 10:22 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan exported apples worth $19.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period last year, Azernews reports, citing the April edition of the Export Review published by the Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication.

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1 May 2025 13:35 (UTC+04:00)

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The United Kingdom continues to be Azerbaijans largest foreign investor, with total investments exceeding $37 billion, according to Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov during the 7th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation held in London, Azernews reports.

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Martin Scorsese is producing a documentary about Pope Francis featuring his final on-camera interview.

Martin Scorsese spoke to Pope Francis before his death for a new documentary

The legendary filmmaker - known for his work on the likes of 'Taxi Driver, 'Goodfellas', 'The Irishman' and 'Gangs of New York' - will honour the late pontiff, who died on Easter Monday (21.04.25) aged 88 after suffering a stroke.

Scorsese has been working new feature-length documentary and cultural project 'Aldeas - a New Story', which was developed by the late Pope's Scholas Occurrentes educational programme.

The film will include Francis' final in-depth interview for cinema, which was shot exclusively for the piece.

The project focuses on the pope's belief in that creativity is sacred, combining education, community building and film production.

In a statement before his death, he said: "Aldeas is an extremely poetic and very constructive project because it goes to the roots of what human life is, human sociability, human conflicts the essence of a lifes journey.

Meanwhile, Scorsese highlighted the importance of communication and "sharing the stories of who we are".

He added: Now, more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to one another cross-culturally.

"One of the best ways to accomplish this is by sharing the stories of who we are, reflected from our personal lives and experiences.

"It helps us understand and value how each of us sees the world.

"It was important to Pope Francis for people across the globe to exchange ideas with respect while also preserving their cultural identity, and cinema is the best medium to do that.

The documentary will feature short narrative films from Gambia, Italy and Indonesia.

'Aldeas - a New Story' will combine the short films, behind the scenes footage and unseen conversations between Francis and Scorsese.

The film and the Scholas Occurrentes' Aldeas project are funded independently by global sponsors and donors, which means all proceeds will be reinvested into growing the iniative.
1 May 2025 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Aziz Gasimov

Within the framework of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to China, the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the brother-city relationship between the city of Nakhchivan and Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, holds significant political, economic, and cultural importance. This notable event can be regarded as an important step in deepening the existing strategic cooperation between China and Azerbaijan at the local level.

The geopolitical position of Nakhchivan, located at the borders of Iran, Turkiye, and Armenia, makes it an important transit and connectivity centre in the Caucasus. At the same time, Urumqi, as the central city of western China, holds a special place in the "Belt and Road" initiative, serving as a key gateway to Central Asia. In this context, the establishment of official relations between the two cities lays the foundation for building of new opportunities in transportation, trade, and cultural exchange.

As part of the Nakhchivan-Urumqi brother-city relationship, there are vast opportunities for joint projects. This cooperation can be not only economic but also humanitarian in nature. For example, through student and faculty exchanges between higher education institutions, joint scientific research initiatives, the teaching of the Chinese language, and cultural events such as cultural days, mutual cooperation between the two regions can be strengthened.

On the other hand, when these relations are evaluated in a broader regional context and linked to strategic transportation projects such as the Zangezur Corridor, the geoeconomic significance of the "brotherhood" increases. In light of China's support for the Central Corridor and its interest in the Zangezur route, the bridge established between Urumqi and Nakhchivan could enable the formation of a new logistical route along this corridor. This route could become part of a major transportation network following the BeijingUrumqiNakhchivanTurkeyEurope sequence.

At the same time, the cultural affinity between Uyghur and Azerbaijani Turks also strengthens the spiritual foundations of this cooperation. In its approach to the Uyghur issue, Azerbaijan maintains a thoughtful and balanced stance within the framework of its partnership with China, which positively impacts the continuation of cooperation between the two countries.

In conclusion, the brother-city ties established between Nakhchivan and Urumqi carry strategic significance not only for bilateral relations between the two cities but also for advancing ChinaAzerbaijan relations on a broader and more dynamic platform. Should this initiative be consistently transformed into concrete projects, Nakhchivan has the potential to become one of the key regional partners of China. In turn, this would further reinforce Azerbaijans position on the global transportation map as well.

---

Aziz Gasimov isa member of the Nakhchivan Supreme Assembly (Parliament).
1 May 2025 17:38 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijans external and public debt levels remain stable and manageable, with a gradual decline in the external debt-to-GDP ratio forecasted over the coming years, according to the International Monetary Funds (IMF) latest outlook on Middle East and Central Asian economies, Azernews reports.

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30 April 2025 23:58 (UTC+04:00)

On April 30, a concert featuring the Baku Chamber Orchestra, students of the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, and young pianists from the Simurg project was held in the Grand Hall of the Academy.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, and Arzu Aliyeva attended the concert.

The event featured the participation of the Artistic Director of the Baku Chamber Orchestra and Rector of the Baku Music Academy, People's Artist and Professor Farhad Badalbeyli, along with the orchestras Principal Conductor, Honored Artist Fuad Ibrahimov. The program was met with great interest.

Students and young performers presented works by both Azerbaijani and international composers.
1 May 2025 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has met with the outstanding theater and film actress, State Prize laureate, People's Artist Shafiga Mammadova, Azernews reports.

The meeting, organized on the occasion of the artist's 80th anniversary, was also attended by well-known representatives of the film community.

Welcoming the film figures, the Culture Minister Adil Karimli drew attention to the significant contribution that People's Artist Shafiga Mammadova made to the development of the Azerbaijan culture. He emphasised that the artist has won the sympathy of several generations of viewers with the colorful images she has brought to life on stage and screen.

The Minister said that Shafiga Mammadova's unique art has always been highly appreciated by our state, and she has been awarded the highest awards of the republic. It was noted that by the Decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on March 29 of this year, the actress was awarded the Istiglal Order, and the head of state personally presented this highest award to the artist.

Congratulating the artist on his jubilee, Adil Karimli presented her with the Ministry's Honorary Decree.

Shafiga Mammadova expressed her gratitude to the head of state for the high value placed on her creativity.

Stating that the cinema sector is one of the most important directions of culture, the minister noted that President Ilham Aliyev pays attention to the development of all spheres of culture, including the cinema industry. The approval of the "State Program on the Development of Azerbaijani Cinema for 2008-2018" by the Decree of the Head of State dated August 4, 2008, and the establishment of the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan under the Ministry of Culture by the Decree dated April 20, 2022 are a vivid manifestation of the attention and care shown to this area.

The Minister informed about the appointment of the head of the Cinema Agency and said that Rashad Azizov, who previously served as the head of the Creative Industries and Digital Development Department of the Ministry of Culture, will fulfill this position.

It was noted that Rashad Azizov closely participated in the implementation of a number of projects on cultural and creative industries implemented by the Ministry of Culture in recent years, as well as the Baku Cinema Breeze International Film Festival and the Eastern Countries Film Industry Market. He also played an active role in organizing the activities of the Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries (Creative Center) established by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

Adil Karimli also spoke about the film project competitions held with the support of the Culture Ministry and the Cinema Agency a in recent years, the films filmed, and invited representatives of the film community to cooperate more closely with the agency.

During the conversation, an exchange of views was held on the current state of the film industry, implemented and planned projects.

At the end, commemorative photos were taken.
1 May 2025 23:03 (UTC+04:00)

The public hearing of the criminal case involving Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and othersaccused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes including the planning and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijancontinued on May 1.

Azernews reports that the session was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev also presiding (alternate judge Gunel Samedova). All the accused were provided with interpreters in their native languages and defense lawyers.

The session was attended by the accused, their defense lawyers, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, and prosecutors representing the state.

Judge Zeynal Agayev first introduced Zeynab Salamova, who would serve as the English interpreter for the trial materials presented in English.

The judge introduced the court panel, interpreters, and other procedural figures to victims participating for the first time and explained their rights and responsibilities as provided by law.

A video was shown at the hearing depicting accused Arkadi Ghukasyan in Shusha immediately after its occupation.

During the examination of the footage, Tugay Rahimli, assistant to the Prosecutor General for special tasks, confirmed the video was recorded right after Shusha's occupation and posed questions to Ghukasyan.

In his response, Ghukasyan identified the people accompanying him in Shusha: The man in civilian clothes in the middle is the driver. Behind me, wearing a suit, is Oleg Isayan. In the background, I recognized Armen Isagulov. The second is Zori Balayan. The man in civilian clothes is Vasili Atajanyan. Now Bishop Pargev is approaching where the driver stood... I dont recognize the others. Apparently, they are military personnel.

Another video was shown involving the accused Davit Ishkhanyan, showing him and his group blocking Azerbaijani troops attempting to stop the occupation of Shusha.

The video claims that under orders from Monte Melkonian, Ishkhanyan and his group blocked Azerbaijani advances from the Khojavend direction to prevent Shusha's defense. It stated that on May 15, 1992, group commander Armen Avokyan was killed, and Ishkhanyan was appointed in his place.

In response to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, Ishkhanyan denied the video's accuracy, claiming it was propaganda filmed in early 2020 during the so-called parliamentary and presidential elections in the then-occupied territories. It was for propaganda. I was walking with a cane at the time. Even if I wanted to, I physically couldnt have participated, he said.

Footage of an interview with accused Arayik Harutyunyan was also presented and examined. In the film, Harutyunyan discusses a platoon commanders role in battles at Karkijahan, Malibeyli, and others.

Harutyunyan claimed he did not participate in those battles and was studying at the Agricultural Institute in Yerevan at the time. He admitted he made such claims in 2020 during the election campaign of the so-called regime to avoid doubts about his war record: I prepared documents with witnesses claiming I participated in battles. That information was meant to reflect my supposed wartime service. I got that information from friends and my brothers diary. If not, my service would have been questioned in the 2020 elections. But in reality, I was a student then.

Answering his lawyer, Harutyunyan said he moved to Karabakh permanently in late August or early September 1993.

In his statement to prosecutors, Harutyunyan also confirmed that individuals who led the Shusha operation also took part in the occupation of Lachin. Referring to previously presented video, he named Samvel Babayan, Seyran Ohanyan, Valeri Chitchyan, Arkadi Karapetyan, and others, noting that he knew all of them except Valeri Chitchyan.

Whats said in the film is accurate. They participated not only in Shusha but also in the Lachin operation. The Shusha operation was the first unified offensive, which continued from May 17 to 19, he said.

Harutyunyan also confirmed that Zori Balayan frequently visited Karabakh and met with all senior figures.

Documents were presented concerning various crimes committed before the occupation of Qaradagl village, including the downing of an Azerbaijani helicopter.

These crimes included attacks by Armenians on Qaradagl in 19891991, the killing and mutilation of Azerbaijani civilians, burning of bodies, looting of the village, theft of livestock, and firing on civilian buses resulting in deaths and injuries.

The court also examined protocols regarding the downing of a helicopter on November 20, 1991, in Qaraknd. All 22 on board were killed. A criminal case was launched the same day by the Khankendi Military Prosecutors Office. At the scene, weapons belonging to Mahammad Asadov, Ismat Gayibov, Igor Plavsky, Nikolay Zhinkin, and a Panasonic 450 AJ camera belonging to cameraman Fakhreddin Shahbazov were missing.

A section was read from Markar Melkonyans book My Brothers Road, which stated: By 5 PM, Armenian forces had achieved their objectives. One Armenian and two Azerbaijanis were killed, and 48 were taken prisoner and loaded onto a truck.

The book also described an Armenian soldier known as Shram Edo pouring gasoline on several wounded Azerbaijani soldiers and burning them alive. When Monte reached the trench on the village outskirts, it had become a slaughterhouse, it reads.

Victims of these events later testified in court.

Victim Seyyur Naghiyev said he was born in Qaradagl, recognized accused Davit Ishkhanyan, and said he was from a neighboring village. He testified that before the 1992 occupation, Armenian forces repeatedly attacked the village, killed civilians, burned houses, and looted livestock.

From February 1517, 1992, Qaradagl was surrounded and attacked from all directions, including by mercenaries. Naghiyev stated that attacks began as early as 1989.

He listed relatives killed during the occupation: Eldar Dadasov, Aftandil Naghiyev, Ugur Dadasov, Mikayil Dadasov, Manaf Dadasov... and others. Everyone killed in Qaradagl was family. Some remain missing.

He said he was taken hostage and brought to Khankendi, where they endured severe torture in freezing weather. He was later released through mediation by Allahverdi Baghirov.

He added that the attacking forces were commanded by Manvel Yeghiazaryan of the Arabo battalion. The court showed Yeghiazaryans photo, and Naghiyev confirmed his identity.

Another victim, Vidadi Huseynov, testified that attacks on Azerbaijanis began in 1988. They attacked buses, burned civilians alive, and looted property. They tied Azerbaijanis to trees and shot them, he said.

He added that during the February 1992 assault, the village held 118 civilianswomen, children, and the elderly. Around 400500 armed Armenians attacked, including fighters from Armenia and foreign mercenaries. On February 17, the village fell.

Ilgar Huseynov testified that he was taken hostage, transported in trucks, and witnessed 33 people being executed in a place called Beylik Bagi. They shot 33 people there. I and the rest were taken to Khankendi, he said. He endured torture and was released 45 days later in a prisoner exchange.

Victim Amiraslan Guliyev confirmed the February 17 attack from four directions. Over 30 hostages were taken from vehicles and executed; their bodies were dumped into a pit. Others were tortured in Khankendi.

Bakhshayesh Huseynov testified that he too was taken hostage and tortured in Khankendi: They pierced our bodies. He was held for 56 days.

Shamkhal Shirinov testified that Qaradagl was regularly shelled in 19911992. During the siege, the village lost contact with the outside world and suffered severe food shortages. He was taken hostage and torturedhis teeth were pulled out, and he was beaten and injured multiple times.

The next court session is scheduled for May 2.

It is noted that the crimes were committed under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, its officials, military forces, and illegal armed groups, with centralized coordination, orders, instructions, material support, and supervisionincluding by Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, and others.
1 May 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Chinese Humanoid Robot Adam Breaks New Ground in Natural Gait with AI, Azernews reports.

Chinese company PNDbotics has unveiled a groundbreaking humanoid robot named Adam, which is quickly becoming one of the most remarkable achievements in modern robotics. Standing at 1.6 meters tall and weighing 60 kilograms, Adam displays an unprecedented level of fluid movementsomething even the most advanced robots have struggled to achieve until now.

Thanks to the integration of Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms, Adam can adapt to changing environmental conditions in real-time, adjusting its step, speed, and balance when traversing challenging and uneven surfaces. This is a major advancement in robotic locomotion, as Adam can seamlessly modify its movements to suit a variety of terrainswhether smooth, rocky, or unevenshowing a level of flexibility and stability previously unmatched.

What sets Adam apart is its ability to learn. Unlike many of its competitors, such as the well-known Atlas robot from Boston Dynamics, Adam is not confined to rigid, predefined algorithms. Instead, it observes human behavior, improves its skills in a simulated environment, and gradually becomes more confident and stable in its movements. This learning approach allows Adam to perform intricate maneuvers that require high coordination, with an agility and adaptability that rivals human movement.

Adams design incorporates 25 high-torque actuators and a biometric torso that mimics human anatomy. Its modular architecture not only simplifies maintenance and upgrades but also allows for future-proofing as the technology evolves. The control system is powered by an Intel i7 processor, with a real-time network architecture that provides an instant response to external stimuli, enabling smooth and agile interactions with its environment.

The developers also placed a strong emphasis on energy efficiency. Thanks to the RL algorithms, Adams movement is not only more natural but also more efficient. The algorithms reduce strain on its mechanical components, leading to less wear and tear. As a result, the robot can operate for extended periods without the need for frequent recharging, which significantly prolongs its operational life and reduces the need for maintenance.

PNDbotics highlighted that Adams potential applications are vast. The robot could be deployed in a variety of fields, from rescue operations during natural disasters to assisting people with disabilities, and even maintaining equipment at remote or hazardous sites. The company's approach addresses many of the limitations faced by traditional robotics, opening up the possibility for more affordable, reliable, and intelligent machines capable of working alongside humans in complex and dynamic environments.

What makes Adam even more interesting is its ability to integrate with future AI advancements. As RL algorithms evolve, Adam could be enhanced to perform even more complex tasks, potentially making it a key player in industries such as healthcare, logistics, and even space exploration, where adaptability and resilience in unpredictable conditions are essential. With its blend of AI, biomechanics, and energy efficiency, Adam could redefine what humanoid robots are capable of, setting the stage for a future where robots and humans collaborate seamlessly.
1 May 2025 05:36 (UTC+04:00)

Interpol has rejected Bosnias request to issue an international arrest notice for Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska, and parliament speaker Nenad Stevandic, both accused of undermining Bosnias constitutional order. The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed that Interpol declined to revisit its earlier decision against issuing the "red notice," which would have prompted global law enforcement agencies to detain the suspects.

Dodik, a long-time political figure in the Serb-led entity within Bosnia, and Stevandic are being investigated alongside Republika Srpska Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic for alleged secessionist activities. This follows their refusal to adhere to directives from Bosnias international overseer, for which Dodik was sentenced in February to a one-year prison term and barred from holding public office for six years.

In defiance, Dodik has prohibited Bosnias federal authorities from operating in Republika Srpska. The legal action has yet to result in arrests due to concerns about destabilizing the region. Attempts by federal police to detain Dodik last week failed when local Serb police intervened.

Despite the arrest warrant issued in March, Dodik has continued international travel, visiting Serbia, Israel, and Russia. He is expected to return to Moscow on May 9 for Victory Day celebrations.
1 May 2025 09:31 (UTC+04:00)

Despite the Trump administrations public insistence that Beijing must make the first move in resolving the escalating tariff war, signs have emerged that Washington has quietly sought to re-establish contact. According to a Chinese state-linked social media account often used to signal official thinking, the U.S. has recently reached out through informal channels to explore the possibility of trade negotiations.

The post, shared by Yuyuantantian, an account tied to China Central Television, emphasized that Washington appears more eager to de-escalate, citing mounting political and economic pressure in the U.S. Though lacking details, the revelation contrasts sharply with President Trumps portrayal of a patient and confident stance, suggesting the White House may be recalibrating its approach behind closed doors.

While Mr. Trump reiterated on April 30 that President Xi Jinping must initiate talks, claiming confidence that a conversation will eventually take place, the Chinese side appears unmoved. Yuyuantantian stated that China would not engage until the U.S. demonstrated meaningful measures, indicating that Beijing remains cautious and deliberate in its strategy.

The urgency in Washington may be tied to recent economic indicators. Government data revealed that the U.S. economy contracted in early 2025the first time since 2022due in part to a front-loaded import surge and weakening consumer activity following the imposition of steep tariffs. Meanwhile, consumers are beginning to feel the impact, as prices rise on goods sourced from China, undermining Mr. Trumps narrative that Beijing would shoulder the cost of his 145 percent tariff hike.

The developments underscore the fragile nature of U.S.-China relations as both sides engage in high-stakes maneuvering. While Beijing maintains a reserved public posture, the Biden administrationor its successormay face increased pressure to recalibrate its trade approach amid signs of domestic economic fallout.

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1 May 2025 12:49 (UTC+04:00)

In March 2025, Turkiye's foreign trade turnover reached $54.025 billion, according to data released by the Turkish Ministry of Trade.

The ministry stated that Turkiyes exports rose by 3.4 percent compared to the same month in 2024, reaching $23.415 billion. Imports also showed a modest increase of 2.2 percent, totaling $30.610 billion.

For the first quarter of 2025, Turkiye's total foreign trade volume amounted to $153.134 billion, marking a continued trend of growth compared to the same period in the previous year.

Between January and March 2025, exports increased by 2.5 percent year-on-year to $65.323 billion. Meanwhile, imports saw a 4.5 percent rise, reaching $87.811 billion.

The ministry also provided a summary of last years figures. In 2024, Turkiye's total foreign trade turnover reached $606.055 billion. During the year, exports climbed by 2.4 percent to $261.855 billion, while imports declined by 5 percent to $344.020 billion.
1 May 2025 22:46 (UTC+04:00)

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense held its weekly press briefing, addressing a range of topics from regional threats to international cooperation. Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk also commented on the recent provocations by the Greek Cypriot Administration against the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Rear Admiral Akturk stated that deliberate and conscious hate speech and actions against Turkish Cypriots have recently intensified. It is evident that hostility towards Turks is being fueled and that efforts are being made to revive the EOKA terrorist mentality. We reiterate that we will never compromise on our national rights and interests, he said.

Syria Policy and Dam Control Discussions

Ministry sources provided updates on the situation in Syria:

Turkeys core priority remains Syrias territorial integrity and political unity. Any demands for autonomy or statements in that direction threaten Syrias sovereignty and regional stability. We do not and will not consent to the fragmentation of Syria or the disruption of its unitary structure. As the Syrian Interim Government shares this stance, we firmly oppose any form of decentralized or autonomous governance.

Regarding the Tishrin Dam, Syrias resources and infrastructure belong to the Syrian people. Discussions regarding the dams transfer are ongoing with the Syrian Interim Government, the Ministry of Defense, and relevant regional actors. This process is being closely coordinated and monitored.

Clarification on Arms Aid Allegations

In response to allegations that Turkey sent six planes full of weapons to Pakistan, the Ministry dismissed the claims.

The claim that Turkey sent six planes of weapons to Pakistan is false. A Turkish transport aircraft merely landed in Pakistan for refueling before continuing on its route. We urge the public not to trust speculative reports that do not come from official sources.

We are closely monitoring rising tensions between Pakistan and India with serious concern. Verbal and military escalations pose risks not just to regional populations but also to global stability. Turkey supports Pakistans legitimate security concerns and urges all parties to seek peaceful resolutions in accordance with international law.

Cyprus and the TRNC: Rising Provocations

The Ministry reiterated its support for Turkish Cypriots in light of recent hostilities by the Greek Cypriot Administration:

We aim to maintain the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas as regions of peace and prosperity, yet we will never compromise on our national rights. Increasing hate speech and EOKA-like provocations threaten Turkish Cypriots rights and safety. These developments further validate the necessity of a two-state solution in Cyprus. As a guarantor state, Turkey will continue to uphold peace and security in the region as mandated by international law.

U.S.-Turkey High-Level Defense Talks

Ministry sources also commented on the TurkeyU.S. High-Level Defense Group Meeting, held in Ankara on April 28, 2025:

The meeting was attended by delegations led by Major General Ilkay Altndag of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense and Katherine Thompson, U.S. Deputy Undersecretary for International Security Affairs. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, advancing strategic partnership, and addressing regional and global security issues. The next meeting will be hosted by the United States in 2026.

Clarification on 'Agent' Terminology in Court Filing

Responding to questions regarding the use of the term "agent" in a court filing, the Ministry clarified:

The term referred to is administrative agent, a legal designation for public officials performing duties on behalf of the state or administrative bodies. This includes civil servants, judges, prosecutors, military personnel, and academics.

Security and Border Protection Updates

Rear Admiral Akturk also shared updates on border security and counter-terrorism efforts:

Our Armed Forces continue to operate with determination to ensure national defense and security. Last week, three PKK terrorists surrenderedone from northern Iraq and two discovered in a cave.

At our borders, 104 individuals were apprehended, including one affiliated with a terrorist organization, and 1,893 were prevented from illegal entry. Since January 1, 1,666 individuals have been caught and 27,507 have been prevented from illegal border crossings.

As part of ongoing tunnel clearance operations in Syrian regions since January 8, 85 km of tunnels have been destroyed in the Tel Rifaat region and 95 km in Manbij.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has rejected a last minute plea deal.

Diddy has rejected a plea deal

The 'I'll Be Missing You' hitmaker is preparing to stand trial for sex crimes and during a pre-trial hearing in New York on Thursday (01.05.25), it was confirmed that jury selection will begin as scheduled on 5 May after the Bad Boy Records founder confirmed he wouldn't sign an agreement offered by prosecutors.

According to MailOnline, the specific terms of the deal were not read out but prosecutors said Combs would have spent less time in jail if he accepted it than if he is found guilty at trial.

The 55-year-old rapper'lawyer Marc Agnifilo told the court that he and Diddy had discussed the agreement with him and had "came to a decision" together.

Judge Arun Subramanian then asked Combs to stand and confirm if he had read the offer.

He replied: "I have, your honour."

The judge then asked if he had "rejected the plea offer" and he confirmed: "Yes I did, your honour."

The court heard prospective jurors will be separated into groups of 50, with the first being held in a courtroom in New York's federal court. They will answer detailed questions from lawyers from both sides and Combs will be present, though if any would-be juror needs to discuss a sensitive matter, it will be dealt with in private conference at the judge's bench.

The judge also warned lawyer Lisa Bloom, who is representing accuser Dawn Richard, over her recent comments to the media, with Combs' lawyer having objected to her "very disturbing" remarks.

Judge Subramanian said all lawyers in the case must "adhere to their obligations under the rules of professional conduct" and vowed to "take appropriate action" if anyone breached the rules this close to trial because he would "not tolerate anything that would impair the defendant's right to a jury trial."

Earlier this week, the judge agreed Diddy can ditch prison-issue clothes for when the jury selection begins and for the remainder of the case, but set certain conditions.

He ruled: "The defendant Sean Combs, Inmate # 37452-054, will be permitted to receive non-prison clothing at the MDC to wear for his trial scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.

"He is permitted to have up to five button down shirts, up to five pairs of pants, up to five sweaters, up to five pairs of socks, and up to two pairs of shoes without laces to wear to court."

Diddy has denied the allegations against him but has been held without bail since his arrest in September 2024.
1 May 2025 23:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

North Korea and Russia have begun the construction of their first road link, marking a significant milestone in the growing ties between the two countries. The announcement hailed the building of a bridge over a border river as a key development that will enhance bilateral relations, Azernews reports.

Russias Tass news agency reported on Wednesday that the bridge, which will span 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), is expected to take approximately 1.5 years to complete. North Koreas Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) emphasized that the bridge will facilitate increased cross-border travel, tourism, and the circulation of goods.

Relations between the two countries have been strengthening in recent years, with North Korea providing ammunition and troops to support Russias ongoing war in Ukraine.

Currently, there is one railway bridge and air service connecting the two nations. In June 2024, North Korea and Russia agreed to build a bridge for automobiles over the Tumen River, which forms the border between North Korea, Russia, and China.

On Thursday, the two countries held a simultaneous groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge in their respective border cities, as reported by their state media outlets. North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin participated in the ceremony via video link.

Pak stated that the bridges construction would be remembered as a historic monument in the history of bilateral relations, as reported by KCNA.

Russian Prime Minister Mishustin called the project a significant milestone for Russian-North Korean relations, adding, We are laying a solid foundation for closer cooperation between our two countries, creating a road for open and fruitful dialogue.

In a notable development earlier this week, North Korea confirmed, for the first time, that it had deployed combat troops to Russia to assist in reclaiming parts of the Kursk region, which had been seized by Ukrainian forces during a bold incursion last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to North Korea, vowing not to forget the sacrifices made by North Korean soldiers.

According to a South Korean intelligence report shared with lawmakers on Wednesday, North Korea has sent around 15,000 soldiers to Russia, with 4,700 casualties, including deaths and injuries. In return for supplying conventional arms, Russia has provided North Korea with air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones, and technology for spy satellite launches, as detailed in the South Korean assessment.

The construction of this new bridge is not just a symbol of growing diplomatic ties but also a strategic move that could have far-reaching implications for regional security and trade. As North Korea and Russia deepen their cooperation, particularly in military support, the geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia and beyond are likely to evolve, potentially affecting both U.S. and international responses to their alliance. This infrastructure project could also pave the way for further economic collaboration, with Russia looking to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, especially amid ongoing Western sanctions.
Cosla has offered workers less than half of what the union had wanted (Jane Barlow/PA)

Tens of thousands of council workers will be balloted on strike action from Thursday in what a union is calling the biggest vote of its kind in years.
Scroll down for the full list of winners, lots of photos and videos from the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank

The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025 are taking place at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast. Photo: Stephen Hamilton

Lifetime Achievement award winner Alan Armstrong from Almac pictured with Mark Crimmins from awards sponsor Ulster Bank and Margaret Canning, Belfast Telegraph Business Editor

Lifetime Achievement award winner Alan Armstrong from Almac pictured with Ed McCann, Director of Publishing Operations at Mediahuis Ireland and Jenda McSwiggin, Head of Growth Operations NI at award sponsor NatWest Cushon

Encirc picks up the Outstanding Business of the Year award at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank

Encirc picks up the Outstanding Business of the Year award at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank

A rural company has been recognised as Northern Irelands Outstanding Business of the Year while the CEO of pharma firm Almac has won the Lifetime Achievement accolade at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank.

The celebration on Thursday drew around 500 businesspeople and was attended by Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald.

A total of 19 winners were recognised at the prestigious event, which marked its 25th anniversary at a glittering ceremony hosted by BBC journalist Mark Simpson at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast.

Encirc picks up the Outstanding Business of the Year award at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank

Highlights: Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025

Co Fermanagh company Encirc, a manufacturer of glass bottles with nearly 1,500 staff, was the Outstanding Business of the Year.

Almac boss Alan Armstrong has helped grow the Craigavon-based manufacturer into a global business employing around 6,500 people.

The remaining category winners included Woodside Logistics Group as Family Business of the Year, with Hammy Obikoya named Young Businessperson of the Year.

Mark Crimmins, head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, said: Once again, the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank was a fantastic showcase for our local business community and highlighted the breadth of talent, resilience and innovation of business owners across the region.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, you should be very proud of your achievements, and we look forward to following your continued achievements in the future.

On behalf of Ulster Bank, Id like to thank our partners at the Belfast Telegraph for delivering such a great event and to everyone who made the awards such a fantastic celebration of local business success.

Eoin Brannigan, Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life editor in chief, added: We were delighted to host the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards on the 25th anniversary of the most prestigious event of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Congratulations to all our winners, and in particular Alan Armstrong of Almac for his Lifetime Achievement award, and Encirc for their win as Outstanding Business of the Year.

Thank you to Ulster Bank for their support as headline sponsor, and to all our category supporters.

Economy Minister Dr Archibald said: It is great to be part of this celebration of the achievements of our business community.

These achievements are all the more remarkable given the economic challenges faced over recent years.

I congratulate all the winners and nominees for helping to showcase the ambition, innovation and resilience that our local business community demonstrates each day.

Remarking on Mr Armstrongs award, the judging panel, chaired by Clare Guinness, chief executive of Belfast Chamber, said: The judges were delighted to nominate him for this award.

His principles are second to none and he has grown Almac to such a significant global company  but stayed true to the legacy left by founder Sir Allen McClay.

And the judges praised Encirc as a company that demonstrated perpetual innovation, agility and adaptability, was strong on employee engagement, has a strong sustainability story, and was clear on their business objectives and goals as well as success metrics and proof points.

The company is a very worthy winner of our 2025 Belfast Telegraph Outstanding Business of the Year in partnership with Ulster Bank, the judging panel added.

Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025: The winners interviews

Here are all the winners and how they were announced at the awards ceremony:
Sheryl Crow "felt very afraid" when an armed man broke into her barn after her Tesla protest.

Sheryl Crow was 'afraid' after the break-in at her home

In February, the 63-year-old musician posted a vide of herself saying goodbye to her Tesla as the vehicle was towed away after Elon Musk has named a senior advisor to President Donald Trump.

Speaking about the fallout, she told Variety: "This feels different, because when I came out against Walmart carrying guns [in a 1996 song], not everybody was armed  and certainly I didnt live in Tennessee, where everybody is armed.

"So yeah, there was a moment where I actually really felt very afraid: A man got on my property, in my barn, who was armed.

"It doesnt feel safe when youre dealing with people who are so committed.

Despite the scary situation, the 'Soak Up The Sun' hitmaker admitted she would still post the same video again if she had the chance.

Sheryl added: I cant help it. I feel like Im fighting for my kids. Also, thats the way I was raised.

"There have been times when it hasnt really been fun, but I follow my Atticus Finch dad; Im very similar to him if I see something that seems unfair, you know?

Meanwhile, Sheryl is still "so vigilant about climate change", which goes back to her own upbringing.

She recalled: My parents said, You need to leave the campground nicer than you found it, and we always did.

"When we camped, we picked up trash that wasnt ours, and when I take my kids to the beach, we all three pick up peoples cigarette butts or plastic bottles."

She argued that the earth "is being disregarded, particular by [the Trump] administration", and she is backing national advocacy group Natural Resources Defense Council.

She said: Lets face it: I may not be here to see my kids teach their kids how to leave the campground nicer than they found it.

"And who knows what the campgrounds gonna be like when they get it. That concerns me.
NI woman rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars in her career 'Plan B': 'What was I doing with my life?

As part of our Meaning of Life series, Shelley Lowry, who runs a talent management company in Portadown and Belfast, speaks about following instincts and why NI is a powerhouse for creative talent

Shelley Lowry

Aine Toner Thu 1 May 2025 at 07:41

Rubbing shoulders with the creme de la creme of Hollywood and encouraging the best of rising local talent is all in a days work for Shelley Lowry.
Airline and holiday package company Jet2 have confirmed they are expanding their portfolio of city break destinations from Belfast International Airport with packages to Murcia and Salzburg.

The company said packages to the south-eastern Spanish destination of Murcia have now been put on sale all year-round from Belfast International Airport, with trips to the Austrian city of Salzburg available for the winter season 25/26 from December onwards.

Those looking for the sun of Spain can reach Murcia via flights to Alicante Airport from Belfast, with city breaks available to book now and all year-round for summer 25, winter 25/26 and summer 26.

They describe the destination as being jam-packed with charm, culture and cosmopolitan vibes and offering lovely plazas, beautiful architecture and cosy tapas bars offering delicious local cuisine.

Meanwhile, city break packages are available to book to the Austrian city from 20th December 2025 to 21st March 2026 from Belfast International Airport, with weekly Saturday services operating during this time.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: We are seeing strong demand for city breaks for this year and next, so we have responded by expanding our Jet2CityBreaks portfolio.

"The introduction of Murcia as a new city break destination from Belfast International Airport, as well as putting packages on sale to Salzburg means we are offering customers and independent travel agents a fantastic selection of cultural hotspots to choose from.

"As the largest operator of European city breaks, we know that todays announcement will be welcome news to customers looking to enjoy a city break escape no matter what time of the year.

Jet2 plane stock image.

Watch: Thunder storm rumbles over north Belfast

For further information on Jet2s city breaks visit: www.jet2holidays.com/city-breaks
Arlo Kilpatrick, 21, also took a photograph of himself outside the victims home and disclosed that he had written more than 30 love songs for her, a judge was told.
A Co Antrim woman who admitted assaulting three social workers, making threats to kill them and to petrol bomb their homes, as well as damaging her solicitors offices with a baseball bat, was handed a ten-month jail sentence today.

Jailing Sarah Beech at Ballymena Magistrates Court, District Judge Nigel Broderick told the 33-year-old that these are obviously extremely serious matters and were aggravated by the fact that she attacked socials workers who were at a court location performing their public duties.
If the box office was dropping, hed do something outrageous so that people would go and buy tickets: Actor Jared Harris on his father Richards legacy
Principal Grace Anderson called rumours circulating online about male staff extremely unfair

A school principal has branded comments concerning male members of staff which began circulating on social media as extremely unfair.

Magherafelt High School asked pupils to refrain from wearing tight leggings for an upcoming non-uniform day.

That led some on social media to speculate it was because the items of clothing were a distraction to male staff.

Principal Grace Anderson addressed the issue in a letter to parents on Wednesday.

She said that in a school assembly on Tuesday she had encouraged students to be mindful that what they wear out with their friends when socialising, is not always appropriate in a formal setting like school.

She wrote that male colleagues were the subject of defamatory comments over the matter and that not one of them ever initiated this or behaved in any way to deserve such a tirade, calling the episode extremely unfair.

It was also clarified that no male members of staff commented on any aspect of this at any stage.

The letter stated that the matter has been very distressing for all concerned, and also suggested that guidelines around what clothing is acceptable on non-uniform days are an excellent suggestion.

Mrs Anderson assured parents: There are no safeguarding concerns around any members of staff at Magherafelt High School, male or female, and my communication with our children was intended to ensure that they were more mindful about dressing appropriately in a formal setting such as school.

She added that she believed it is important to teach young people about dignified presentation and how we dress differently in different settings.

Later in the letter, the principal stated that clothing on non-uniform days should be suitable for a school environment and reflect the dignity of the student, going on to say that Items that are overly revealing (e.g very short shorts/skirts, crop tops, low-cut tops or skin tight clothing including leggings) are not acceptable.

In reference to the non-uniform day, she added: Our goal is to create a day where students can express themselves while maintaining a sense of decorum and respect for themselves and others.

Magherafelt High School has been contacted for comment.
Former plans for the Mourne Gateway gondola project have now been scrapped, but the new plans have yet to be released to the public

The National Trust has confirmed that no lease will be given to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to build a gondola on Thomas Quarry.

The area was earmarked for the proposed site where a gondola was planned to be constructed.

The Mourne Gateway project is estimated to cost as much as 50m, with 30m of that coming from the Belfast City Regional Deal.

Newry, Mourne and Down District council has committed to contributing 14m plus any additional costs.

The proposed plans envisaged a visitor centre and gondola experience in the Thomas Quarry area of the mountain range.

This plan, however, will no longer be going forward.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Trust, which owns the land on Thomas Quarry, said: With the known existing recreational and other pressures on the protected areas, as a conservation charity we cannot support a project of this scale that would be inviting substantial visitor numbers into fragile and threatened areas of the Mourne landscape and therefore we will not be considering a lease at Thomas Quarry.

They added that they have informed council and the Department for the Economy of their position.

We will continue to work with the council and others to consider alternative projects with significantly less risk and environmental impact.

They reiterated that they had consistently expressed serious concerns over the project and that they had never endorsed it.

This is, however, the first time the charity has made their stance clear on the project.

It is understood that Arup, the projects consultancy team, revealed new designs to elected representatives at a behind-closed-doors meeting on February 24.

The council agreed in October last year to appoint a specialist consultant to provide professional input into the project during the feasibility, design development, procurement and construction stage. The cost of this position to ratepayers remains unknown.

Around 200 people attended a public meeting about the development last month.

It was organised by SOD (Save Our Donard) Off, which is also behind the upcoming parade in Newcastle.

The March to save Donard will set off from Down Road in the town at midday on Saturday, May 10.

Protesters will make their way down Main Street before dispersing at the entrance to Donard Park  the proposed gondola starting point  by 1pm.
17-year-old was found heavily intoxicated in nightclub, NISCC committee is told

A social worker who admitted breaching professional boundaries in her dealings with a vulnerable 17-year-old has been sanctioned.

Northern Trust employee Stephanie May Donaldson invited the teen to her baby shower at her mothers home and later failed to take steps to safeguard the girl when made aware she was in a nightclub and heavily intoxicated.
Noinin has arrived at Blair Drummond from Co Cork in Ireland (Andrew Milligan/PA)

An endangered Rothschilds giraffe has been welcomed to a safari park in Scotland in a bid to boost breeding.

Noinin, a seven-year-old female, arrived at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling on Thursday.

The 16ft giraffe travelled from Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork, Ireland, in a special transporter, with a three-hour ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead, followed by a 337-mile road trip north.

Noinin was moved in a large transporter from Co Cork in Ireland (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Noinin will be introduced to Sifa, a Rothschilds giraffe who arrived at Blair Drummond in 2023 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme, in a bid to create genetic diversity in the breeding programme.

The species has seen a dramatic population decline of 30% since the 1980s, with less than 2,000 remaining in the wild, according to zoologists.

Noinin will be integrated into the giraffe herd as part of a carefully managed breeding programme aimed at supporting the survival of the species, and will live in a mixed species habitat.

Keepers hope Noinin will breed with Sifa, a Rothschilds who arrived at Blair Drummond in 2023 (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The pair are hoped to contribute to preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of Rothschilds giraffes.

Kristine Fennessy Alexander, animal collection manager at Blair Drummond, said: Were thrilled to welcome Noinin to the park.

Rothschilds giraffes are facing significant challenges in the wild, and breeding programmes like this one are essential in helping secure the future of the species.

Noinin has already begun exploring her new surroundings, and we are excited for her and Sifa to hopefully form a successful breeding pair.
The creation of a senior housing role who is paid a gold-plated salary is a daft idea, a Sinn Fein TD has said.

The housing delivery unit is being created to tackle silos in increasing the supply of homes, but the government had made no decision on personnel or their salaries, the Tanaiste said.

The Government is expected to appoint the chief executive of the National Asset Management Agency (Nama), Brendan McDonagh, to lead the new unit.

It has been reported in recent weeks that he could be seconded into the role and retain his Nama salary of around 430,000 euros.

This has put pressure on the Government over its housing strategy, particularly from the opposition who questioned the high salary.

Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said it was embarrassing that the Government was prepared to pay someone half a million euros to take on the Housing Ministers duties.

430,000 euro, thats the off-the-wall salary that your Government is planning to pay the new housing tsar to come in and basically job share with the Housing Minister James Browne, Mr Doherty said during Leaders Questions on Thursday.

He said Mr Browne himself had described the role of the housing tsar as being responsible for rapid responses and unlocking housing delivery with the help of experts.

Tanaiste, does the Housing Minister not realise that thats his job that hes describing? Thats his actual job. Its farcical stuff.

He told the Dail that claims that the mad-cap, gold-plated salary would not cost additional public funds as Mr McDonagh is being seconded from Nama appears not to be true.

He said that as Nama is due to be wound down this year, Mr McDonagh is due to return to the NTMA, where he was seconded from, at a significantly reduced salary.

Tanaiste and Fine Gael minister Simon Harris said one of the key issues with housing construction was silos between sectors.

The Cabinet sub-committee on housing is due to meet on Thursday and a new housing plan is due by the summer recess, Mr Harris said.

He said the Housing Commission said that a Housing Delivery Oversight Executive was essential to address the systemic reset required in the housing sector.

The Commissions report said this body would be legislatively empowered to remove obstacles to housing delivery and would drive coordination across legislation, regulation, and administrative practices.

Mr Harris also said he was surprised at Sinn Feins opposition to the suggestion because its election manifesto proposed an office that would do exactly what we now want to do.

Mr Doherty interrupted to say no housing tsar to which Mr Harris said theres no housing tsar for us either, which prompted laughter from the Sinn Fein benches.

We havent made any decisions in relation to personnel or pay. No decisions at all, and let me say this  process matters in relation to all of those issues.

The overriding objective wont be personality. The overriding objective will be getting the job done.

Mr Doherty said who are you trying to fool by claiming there is no housing tsar in our plan.

The idea that youre blindsided in relation to this is just nonsense. Yous are proposing a housing tsar, yous are proposing a salary of 430,000 euro. Thats what was on the table, on the cards here.

Mr Harris replied that the housing minister brought forward a proposal to the cabinet begin setting up an office to break down silos in relation to housing.

The only decision the Government of Ireland took this week was in relation to that.

Now that the Government of Ireland has done that, we will now decide how best to populate the office, process matters, I want to understand the processes followed in relation to key personnel, and then we will address all of those matters and put this together.

Of course, people who do a job will be paid a salary, but this isnt about personalities.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik called the role a housing tsar with a Russian oligarch price tag and a fixer in chief.

Its interesting to hear you and Fine Gael colleagues distancing yourselves from this, and indeed, I think people will be glad to hear that youve just said no decision has been made yet on how to populate this new office, she said.
Tom Cruise always eats a massive breakfast before doing any daredevil stunts.

Tom Cruise at the Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part One UK premiere

The 62-year-old Hollywood legend famously hanged off a military plane in the opening scene of 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation', and has done numerous jaw-dropping aerial sequences in the film series where he plays Mission Force agent Ethan Hunt.

Cruise has now revealed that he has to be fuelled with energy before he does his stunts and he'll eat "almost a dozen" eggs with bacon and sausages and down several cups of coffee before the cameras start rolling.

In an interview with PEOPLE magazine's 'Mission: Impossible' issue, he said: "I actually eat a massive breakfast

The amount of energy it takes - I train so hard for that wing-walking.

"Ill eat, like, sausage and almost a dozen eggs and bacon and toast and coffee and fluids.

"Oh, Im eating! Picture: Its cold up there. Were at high altitude. My body is burning a lot.

Despite Tom dubbing the opening stunt to the 2015 flick as one of the least-safe stunts, his late mom Mary Pfeiffer is glad she did not know about it before she saw the footage.

She said: "Oh, honey, Im so glad you didnt fill me in on that one beforehand."

In the eighth instalment of the critically acclaimed series, 'Mission: Impossible  The Final Reckoning' - which is released in May - the 'Top Gun' icon experienced what it was like to spin inside a washing machine as the crew built a tank to shoot a submarine interior that tilted and spun 360 degrees.

Tom - who was wearing a SCUBA mark - breathed in his own carbon dioxide but he did not need to worry as the pilot had trained for carbon dioxide build-up for when he earned his wings in 1994.

The Oscar-nominated actor explained: Youre not going to feel as connected with the character if I went with a regular mask and a thing in my mouth to breathe.

Luckily when youre flying jets you train for hypoxia and for carbon dioxide build-up. You start to be able to perceive your body and how its reacting so that I knew when to stop.

Cruise - who was inspired to do stunts after seeing footage of wing-walkers as a child - has said he "loves" making the movies, even if it does mean dicing with death.

He said: I love making movies. Its not what I do. Its who I am.
Tensions are high on the border between India and Pakistan (KM Chaudary/AP)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio called senior officials in India and Pakistan in an effort to defuse the crisis that followed last weeks deadly attack in Kashmir, the State Department said.

Mr Rubio urged Pakistans prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Indian foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to de-escalate tensions on Wednesday.

India has vowed to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack, which Islamabad denies.

The nuclear-armed rivals have since expelled each others diplomats and citizens, ordered the border shut and closed their airspace to each other. New Delhi has suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad.

Pakistani paramilitary soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint in Wagah, a joint border crossing point on the Pakistan and India border, near Lahore, Pakistan (KM Chaudary/AP)

Soldiers on each side have also exchanged fire along their de facto border, driving tensions between India and Pakistan to their highest point in recent years.

The region of Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. The two countries have fought two wars and one limited conflict over the Himalayan territory.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Mr Rubio in his call with Mr Jaishankar expressed sorrow over last weeks massacre.

He also reaffirmed the US commitment to co-operation with India against terrorism, Bruce said.

Mr Jaishankar on Thursday said he discussed the last weeks massacre in Indian-controlled Kashmirs Pahalgam, in which 26 tourists, mostly Hindu men, were killed, with Mr Rubio, adding that perpetrators, backers and planners of the attack must be brought to justice.

Mr Rubio also spoke to Mr Sharif on Wednesday evening and emphasised the need for both sides to continue working together for peace and stability in south Asia, according to a Pakistani statement.

It said Mr Sharif rejected the Indian allegations and urged the US to impress upon India to dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly.

Public anger has swelled in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the attackers to the ends of the earth.

A Pakistani minister has said that Pakistan has credible intelligence that India is planning to attack it within days.

Indian and Pakistani troops have exchanged fire over the past six nights, with each side blaming the other for firing first.

The Indian army in a statement on Thursday said it responded to unprovoked small arms fire from Pakistan in the Kupwara, Uri and Akhnoor sectors of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The previous day, Pakistans state-run media said Indian forces had violated the ceasefire agreement along the line of control by initiating fire with heavy weapons on troops in the Mandal sector of Pakistan-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.
Donald Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to Ukraines rare earth materials as a condition for continuing US support in the war (Alex Brandon/AP/PA)

Ukraine and the US have announced an economic deal after Donald Trump called for Kyiv to compensate Washington for billions of dollars in assistance to help repel Russias 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, mobilise American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraines investment climate and accelerate Ukraines economic recovery.

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.

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.

Mr 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.

Mr 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.
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The quick answer to "What does the Bible say about the pope?" is, "Not much!"

Perhaps surprisingly, to some, the Bible does not contain the word "pope." The office of the pope emerged as a structure in the Church during the early centuries of the Christian era. But the fact that the Bible does not mention "the pope" is not the end of the story.

Apostles

The New Testament clearly demonstrates the development of offices and authorities in the earliest days of the Church. Jesus Himself appointed apostles. Luke 6:13 relates that Jesus selected twelve of his "disciples" to be "apostles."

After Jesus' death and resurrection, these apostles (except for Judas Iscariot, of course) were recognized as leaders in the Church.

Other Church Officials

Acts 6:1-6 describes another "office" within the Church. When a dispute arose about the daily distribution of food among the widows of the Church, the apostles directed the Church to select seven men to oversee this ministry. The apostles recognized a difference of responsibilities among the offices: "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tableswe will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:2-4). The apostles focused on "prayer and the ministry of the word"; these other men oversaw the "compassionate ministry" of the Church.

Another term used for a leader or "official" in the early Church is the Greek word episkopos, which is often translated "overseer."

Paul uses this term in Philippians 1:1  directing his letter to "the overseers and deacons" of the church in Philippi. He also used that term to refer to leaders in the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:28), as well as in his letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:2-7) and Titus (Titus 1:5-9).

Historical Development

Interestingly, the King James Version translates the word episkopos as "bishop" in Paul's letters referenced above. That's important to the subject at hand because the pope is the "Bishop of Rome." In the early centuries of Church history, the churches in major cities or areas were overseen by a bishop. As time went on and the Church spread, the bishops would gather to discuss matters of theological importance, such as the adoption of the canon of Scripture or the acceptance of a creed.

As is the case with most human endeavors, a "pecking order" started to develop among the bishops. Bishops of larger, more important cities exercised more authority. In turn, other bishops began to recognize that authority as extending to the Church as a whole. Not surprisingly, the importance of the city of Rome in secular matters translated to the bishop of Rome in Church issues. Accordingly, the Bishop of Rome  who came to be known as the "pope"  was recognized as "first among equals."

Part of this status related to the idea that the pope was the successor to Saint Peter, who was traditionally considered to be the first bishop of Rome. Given Peter's prominence among the apostles (so the reasoning goes), his successors must have similar prominence. Jesus' statement that He would build His church "upon this rock" (Matthew 16:18) was applied to Peter and thus to those who followed him. Finally, Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:19 that "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" was also applied to Peter, further cementing the claim to authority for the bishop of Rome.

Paul's Teaching Regarding Bishops

As noted above, Paul uses the word episkopos to refer to those in authority over churches. While the King James Version translates the term "bishop," more modern translations use either "overseer" or "elder." In fact, the NASB uses both in its translation of Titus 1:5-9:

For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion, for the overseer must be beyond reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, nor greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

Obviously, given the development of the practice and theology of the Roman Catholic Church, several of Paul's qualifications no longer apply to the pope (or any bishop). Since Catholic priests are not married, they cannot be "the husband of one wife" nor "have children who believe." However, the rest of Paul's list ought to be true of anyone who bears the title of "bishop" (or any other badge of church authority, for that matter).

So, what are these qualifications? In addition to the broad statement that an overseer should be "beyond reproach as God's steward," such leaders should not:

Be accused of indecent behavior or rebellion

Be self-willed nor quick-tempered

Bully others

Be greedy for money

Paul also lists positive qualifications; the overseer should:

Be hospitable

Love what is good

Be self-controlled, righteous, holy, and disciplined

Hold firmly the faithful word

Be able to exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it

What Does the Bible Say About the Pope?

While Scripture does not specifically mention the pope, Paul's letters set forth suggested qualifications for those who serve as "overseers" in the Church. Since the pope is the Bishop of Rome, he clearly qualifies as an "overseer" in the Roman Catholic Church. Accordingly, Paul's list of spiritual qualifications should be evident in the pope (or in any other Church leader).

Obviously, in the two millennia of Church history, the practice and structure of the Church have changed considerably. After a thousand years, the Church divided into East (Orthodox) and West (Roman Catholic); about 500 years later, the Protestant Reformation led to the development of many more churches. Each group of churches (generally known as a denomination) has its own structure of leaders and governance. While they may differ in how they interpret the biblical standards, church leaders should all reflect those values.

So what does the Bible say about the pope? It says the same things about every church leader. Any leader in any Christian church ought to be holy and righteous, an example for others, and able to teach and defend the faith!

Rick Rice has served as pastor of Traverse City Church of the Nazarene since August 1999. He is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (B.A.), Notre Dame Law School (J.D.), and Trinity Theological Seminary (D.Min.). Rick and his wife, Jill, have three adult children: Allen, David (Brianna), and MacKenzie. Rick enjoys cycling, golf, hiking, and sunshine. He has written for NCM Magazine and is currently writing a blog on various topics related to spiritual formation, "My Journey," for Patheos.
The Regional Act 250 Commission visited the former Southern Vermont College campus Thursday as part of its review of plans for a high-end resort on the site. A public hearing followed in Bennington. Shown are Alan Weissman, left, and Michael Cohen, right, from the development firm, and in the center, John Cassella, Don Miller and Devon Fuller, the commissioners reviewing the application.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials and engineers explained Wednesday night in a public session at Herberg Middle School that the Reach 5A cleanup and restoration wont look like that initial stretch due to differences in the river geology, lower levels of contamination as the river moves south, and lessons learned from the first 2 miles of cleanup from Newell Street to Pomeroy Avenue 20 years ago.
This is not red vs. blue or liberal vs. conservative. This is about whether the following words mean anything to you: separation of powers, due process, equal justice, free speech, government by and for the people.
Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a candidate in the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary, speaks during a March 24 news conference outside of City Hall in New York City. Mamdani announced that he is halting fundraising efforts after his campaign raised more than $8 million, the spending cap for the upcoming June primary.
The Berkshire Flyer  a train service connecting New York City to Berkshire County for weekend excursions  is ready to roll again this summer. Were always up for more rail transit offerings for the Berkshires and all those who wish to visit here, though a later projected arrival time might not fly with the target ridership. Thats an unfortunate setback for the Flyer, but this inconvenient reality should prompt supporters of the concept to think outside the box  and inside the bus lane.

Berkshire Flyer riders can board a train at Penn Station on Friday afternoon and deboard in Pittsfield that evening for a weekend in the Berkshires before a return trip to NYC on Sunday. Theoretically, its a win-win for tourists and travelers seeking access to the Berkshire landscape, which in turn benefits from the economic activity. Still, it must be noted that many riders who took advantage of the pilot, while happy to be in the Berkshires, expressed a desire for a less-rigid schedule.

This year, that schedule will be even tighter. Ongoing infrastructure work in New York City will reduce the number of daily trains from New York City to Albany-Rensselaer, which in turn will delay the Berkshire Flyers estimated arrival time in Pittsfield until 9 p.m. every Friday night. That would sharply reduce the available activities for Berkshire visitors on the evening they arrive, and since the return train leaves Pittsfield in the early afternoon on Sundays, the Flyer would look more like a glorified day-trip with extra lodging considerations than a weekend getaway opportunity.

This less than ideal development isnt the fault of any of the Berkshire Flyers boosters; the East River Tunnel rehabilitation project and Amtraks adjustments to it are out of our control. For those who want to see prospects for rail access for the Berkshires survive and thrive, its time to be both audacious and realistic in attempts to preserve those prospects. Were encouraged to hear that key supporters of the Flyer are floating the idea of bus service connecting the Berkshires to Albany-Rensselaer, the station that the Flyer must pass through to get to Pittsfield. While hopping off the train and onto a bus for the last leg of the Flyer journey would compromise one-stop convenience, it also could be more reliable and timely than having to wait for the train to make it all the way to Pittsfield late on a Friday night.

And if buses can go between Albany-Rensselaer and Pittsfield, perhaps they could go between Albany-Rensselaer and North Adams, too. Art aficionados in NYC might prefer a more direct route to the region thats home to The Clark or Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. A train to Albany-Rensselaer and then a bus direct to Northern Berkshire would be more efficient than a train to Pittsfield via Albany-Rensselaer followed by a bus ride or some other transit from Pittsfield to North Adams. Plus, this could better spread the benefits of and enthusiasm for the Flyer throughout the county.

Our Opinion: Wassaic shuttle a welcome effort to bolster Berkshire transit connections A Great Barrington-to-Wassaic shuttle will improve Berkshire travel connections, and it is doable and cost efficient. We can't wait to see those wheels turn.

While were talking buses, we think the Flyers complications underscore our previous arguments for consideration of high-quality bus service connecting Berkshire County to Wassaic, N.Y. The train station in Wassaic offers a more direct connection to New York City on a route carrying multiple trains per day, offering more flexible travel schedules than one set weekend round trip. It would seem relatively inexpensive and easy to pursue robust bus or shuttle connections between South County and Wassaic, N.Y., which is only about a 45-minute ride from Great Barrington. And if thats successful, why not an extended connection to Central or even Northern Berkshire County to give NYC travelers to the Berkshires (and vice versa) more options? Given the proximity and route efficiency of NYC to Wassaic, even a bus ride to Pittsfield (or beyond) could take the same time or even less than the Flyer.

All of this is not to say we should abandon all hope for the Flyer because of this summers setback, but it should spur local leaders to get busy  and creative  about what local connective transit can do to raise the regions realistic rail access prospects.
An Uber driver in Ohio was arrested Monday on drug trafficking charges while wearing a T-shirt that read "Retired Drug Dealer."

Robert Rose, 47, was driving an Uber passenger when he allegedly mentioned he possessed a false-bottom aerosol can filled with methamphetamine inside the vehicle. The passenger then texted 911 about the incident, according to 19 News.

The following day, police identified Rose's vehicle and pulled him over. Officials found 24 grams of meth inside the false-bottom aerosol can and four pills as well as drug paraphernalia, including a meth pipe, digital scale, packaging baggies and three cell phones.

Rose was charged with drug trafficking, possession of felony drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is scheduled to appear in front of a grand jury on July 2.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
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Shashvi Remedies secures Rs10 lakh grant from Maharashtra State Innovation Society

May 01, 2025 | Thursday | News

Recognised by the Government of Maharashtra for patented innovation in breast cancer treatment

image credit- shutterstock

Mumbai-based Shashvi Remedies, a pioneer in healthcare innovation, has received a grant of Rs ten lakh for international patents from the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSINS) under the Government of Maharashtra's Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SDED).

This acknowledgement is the demonstration of Shashvi Remedies persistent endeavour to identify pharma solutions for critical cancer disease that contributes to making a difference.

With breast cancer affecting over 670,000 women worldwide each year and one woman diagnosed every four minutes in India, the need for breakthrough treatments has never been more urgent. Shashvi Remedies patented innovation offers new hope by targeting and eliminating cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue, representing a major step forward in patient-centered treatment options.

As the global pharmaceutical industry braces for the upcoming patent cliff of 2030, which will see the expiration of several major drug patents, Shashvis patented innovation is poised to capture attention.

Industry analysts predict that pharmaceutical giants will be investing heavily in patented oncology solutions, with over $500 billion in reserves for acquisitions and pipeline growth. Shashvis patented breast cancer treatment is a highly valuable asset, with both Indian and global pharmaceutical companies recognizing its potential.

A recent example of this trend is the acquisition of a US-based R&D firm by a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, securing a derma-oncology product for approximately $355 milliondemonstrating the industrys keen interest in breakthrough, early-stage oncology solutions.
Redcliffe Labs appoints Dr Prashant Nag as Chief Operating & Medical Officer

May 01, 2025 | Thursday | News

A recognised expert in molecular biology, human genetics, hemoglobinopathies, and lab medicine

Redcliffe Labs, India's fastest-growing omnichannel diagnostics service provider, has announced the appointment of Dr Prashant Nag as its Chief Operating & Medical Officer (COMO).

With two decades of experience in diagnostic operations, pathology, and clinical strategy, Dr Nags vision aligns seamlessly with Redcliffe's purpose to give India its right to Quality Diagnostics. At Redcliffe Labs, he will spearhead clinical operations, supply chain, quality governance, regulatory compliance, and medical innovation, reinforcing the companys commitment to delivering high-quality diagnostic services.

Dr Nag, an esteemed alumnus of AIIMS Delhi, where he completed his senior residency in Laboratory Medicine, holds an MD in Pathology from the Government Medical College, Surat. His illustrious career includes pivotal roles in Indias top diagnostic networks across the country, leading nationwide operations, ensuring quality standards across NABL and CAP-accredited labs, optimizing the supply chain, and managing a workforce of phlebotomists. Dr Nag also championed the training and management of technical staff, including pathologists, microbiologists, biochemists, and phlebotomists, building a culture of excellence and precision.

A recognised expert in molecular biology, human genetics, hemoglobinopathies, and lab medicine, Dr Nag has authored several international publications, contributing significantly to the global diagnostics landscape. His appointment marks a milestone in Redcliffe Labs journey to strengthen its clinical leadership and expand its footprint across India.
China's small commodities hub working to attract global talent

Xinhua) 10:40, May 01, 2025

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."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
A 29-year-old tourist was hospitalized after being attacked by a crocodile he mistook for a statue while trying to take selfies inside a zoo enclosure.

The shocking incident occurred on Monday at the Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands and was caught on camera by an onlooker. The video shows the man climbing over a chain-link fence and stepping into shallow water, smiling and pulling out his phone to poseunaware that the 15-foot female crocodile, Lalay, was real, The New York Post reported.

Without warning, the crocodile lunges at the man, biting his arm. The footage captures the man screaming in pain as the reptile locks her jaws around him. She then grabs his thigh and begins a death rolla violent spinning move crocodiles use to dismember their prey.

The man was reportedly trapped in the enclosure for about 30 minutes before help arrived. Lalay's handler managed to free him by striking the crocodile on the head with a piece of cement, causing her to release her grip.

First responders wrapped the man's arm and thigh in cloth to slow the bleeding before transporting him to a hospital, where he received more than 50 stitches.

Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga of the Siay Municipal Police told local media, "The tourist was walking around the area, then he saw the crocodile, which he thought was just a plastic fixture. He climbed the fence and entered the enclosure, and the crocodile attacked him."

He added, "This kind of behavior is very dangerous. Nobody should ever enter an animal's enclosure at the zoo. He put other people's lives at risk and he is very lucky to have survived."

Zoo officials have not yet commented on whether safety measures will be reviewed following the incident.
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A candy-pink model of The Grand Budapest Hotel is among more than 600 objects that will be included in a Wes Anderson exhibition in London.

The Design Museum has collaborated with the US filmmaker for the retrospective, which includes a curated collection of original props, costumes and behind-the-scenes insights, including items from the directors personal collection.

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Anderson, who celebrates his 56th birthday on Thursday, is known for his distinct style and celebrated films including Fantastic Mr Fox, The French Dispatch and 2014s The Grand Budapest Hotel.

The model of The Grand Budapest Hotel (Thierry Stefanopoulos/La Cinematheque francaise/PA)

The comedy film, which won Oscars for production and costume design, follows M Gustave, played by Ralph Fiennes, who works at a beautiful mountainside resort in Europe during the 20th century.

The new exhibition will follow a broadly chronological survey of his career, with each section dedicated to one of his films.

Highlights include the vending machines from Asteroid City, the Fendi coat worn by Gwyneth Paltrows character in The Royal Tenenbaums, and the original stop motion puppets used to depict the sea creatures in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.

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Dozens of costumes will also go on display including Benicio del Toros costume as Moses Rosenthaler in The French Dispatch as well as outfits worn by Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Schwartzman, Ben Stiller, Tilda Swinton and Owen Wilson.

An area of the retrospective will be dedicated to Andersons stop motion films, which include Fantastic Mr Fox and Isle Of Dogs.

As well as finished props and sets, the exhibition will also show work-in-progress materials that demonstrate the film-making techniques used by the director in his work.

A collection of his handwritten notebooks, which show the inspirations behind his films and characters, and ideas for scripts and scenes, will also be shown.

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A Richie Tenenbaum poster (Richard Round-Turner/Design Museum/PA)

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.

Hes an utterly compelling creator of cinematic worlds, whose singular vision and attention to detail are underpinned by an acute understanding of design and craftsmanship, which is why the Design Museum is the perfect location for this landmark retrospective.

The museum opened an exhibition on director Tim Burton in 2024 which included Jenna Ortegas viral Wednesday dress and Michelle Pfeiffers Catwoman suit.

Wes Anderson: The Archives is produced by the Design Museum, London in collaboration with La Cinematheque francaise.

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The exhibition opens on November 21st, 2025.
Tanaiste Simon Harris and boy band stars Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden will be among the guests on Friday night's edition of The Late Late Show.

Fine Gael leader Mr Harris will appear on RTE's flagship chat show to discuss some of the most pressing issues on the political agenda  from Irelands stance on neutrality to the countrys approach to defence and the ongoing threat of a trade war.

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He will also reflect on his time as taoiseach, marking his place in history as the youngest leader in the history of the State.

Boy band stars Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden  also known as Boyzlife  will speak with host Patrick Kielty about their careers and the journey that brought them together on stage.

Entertainment Brian McFadden says Louis Walsh came across a bit... Read More

They will reflect on life in two of the worlds biggest boy bands, Boyzone and Westlife, what it was like being managed by Louis Walsh and navigating the music industry in their early 20s.

Also appearing on Friday night's show will be 2fm presenter Lottie Ryan, who will reflect on the 15th anniversary of the death of her father, broadcaster Gerry Ryan.

Finally, as the Grand Ole Opry marks its 100th anniversary, The Late Late Show will feature a tribute with a special performance from three of Irelands brightest young country stars  Claudia Buckley, David James and Gerry Guthrie  singing a timeless classic.

The Late Late Show airs at 9.35pm on Friday on RTE One and RTE Player.
Gerry Adams has told the High Court the BBCs response to his complaint over a television broadcast was absolutely insulting and absolutely arrogant.

Mr Adams claims a BBC Spotlight programme and related article published in 2016 defamed him by falsely accusing him of sanctioning the 2006 killing of MI5 agent Mr Donaldson. The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams.

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On Thursday, the third day of a civil trial hearing into Mr Adams defamation action, Declan Doyle SC read to the court correspondence between Mr Adams and the BBCs solicitors following the broadcast of the programme.

Letters sent by Mr Adamss solicitors, Johnsons, asked for certain undertakings, an apology and compensation.

One letter said the BBCs inclusion of references to Mr Adams was motivated by malice and an effort to boost viewing figures, not responsible journalism.

Johnsons said that the sting of the Spotlight programme was that Mr Adams had the final say on the murder of Denis Donaldson. This spurious allegation was presented to viewers unchallenged, the letter said.

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In letters sent in response to Mr Adams solicitors, the BBC said it followed its editorial guidelines, and that it constituted responsible journalism in the public interest.

It noted that Mr Adams denial of the allegations was included in the programme, and that the programme drew no conclusions.

The BBC refused reliefs sought by Mr Adams.

In the witness box, Mr Adams said the BBC doubled down on the allegations. He said the broadcasters response to his complaint about the programme was absolutely insulting, absolutely arrogant.

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It was offensive, it was insulting, and it has all of us here today, he said.

Mr Doyle also read into the court record a statement issued by Mr Adams in the immediate aftermath of Mr Donaldsons killing.

Mr Adams condemned the shooting.

I want to dissociate Sinn Fein and all republicans who support the peace process from this killing, the statement read.

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On Wednesday, Mr Adams said he considered Mr Donaldson a victim of the conflict in the North, and said he was viewed as expendable by his British security service handlers.

Personally, I think Denis Donaldson was a victim of the conflict. I dont see any other way of describing it, Mr Adams said.

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 the Spotlight programme was an attempted hatchet job, and that he was astonished at the poor journalism involved in the programme when he first viewed it.

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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 run for four weeks.

Mr Adams has at all times denied any involvement in Mr Donaldsons death, for which dissident republicans claimed responsibility in 2009. He claims all allegations connecting him or the IRA to the death are attempts to discredit republicans.

After a break for lunch, Mr Justice Alexander Owens excused the jury until Friday morning to allow for legal argument.
The creation of a senior housing role who is paid a gold-plated salary is a daft idea, a Sinn Fein TD has said.

The housing delivery unit is being created to tackle silos in increasing the supply of homes, but the government had made no decision on personnel or their salaries, the Tanaiste said.

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The Government is expected to appoint the chief executive of the National Asset Management Agency (Nama), Brendan McDonagh, to lead the new unit.

It has been reported in recent weeks that he could be seconded into the role and retain his Nama salary of around 430,000.

This has put pressure on the Government over its housing strategy, particularly from the opposition who questioned the high salary.

Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said it was embarrassing that the Government was prepared to pay someone 500,000 to take on the Housing Ministers duties.

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430,000, thats the off-the-wall salary that your Government is planning to pay the new housing tsar to come in and basically job share with the Housing Minister James Browne, Mr Doherty said during Leaders Questions on Thursday.

He said Mr Browne himself had described the role of the housing tsar as being responsible for rapid responses and unlocking housing delivery with the help of experts.

Tanaiste, does the Housing Minister not realise that thats his job that hes describing? Thats his actual job. Its farcical stuff.

He told the Dail that claims that the mad-cap, gold-plated salary would not cost additional public funds as Mr McDonagh is being seconded from Nama appears not to be true.

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He said that as Nama is due to be wound down this year, Mr McDonagh is due to return to the NTMA, where he was seconded from, at a significantly reduced salary.

Tanaiste and Fine Gael minister Simon Harris said one of the key issues with housing construction was silos between sectors.

The Cabinet sub-committee on housing is due to meet on Thursday and a new housing plan is due by the summer recess, Mr Harris said.

He said the Housing Commission said that a Housing Delivery Oversight Executive was essential to address the systemic reset required in the housing sector.

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The Commissions report said this body would be legislatively empowered to remove obstacles to housing delivery and would drive coordination across legislation, regulation, and administrative practices.

Mr Harris also said he was surprised at Sinn Feins opposition to the suggestion because its election manifesto proposed an office that would do exactly what we now want to do.

Mr Doherty interrupted to say no housing tsar to which Mr Harris said theres no housing tsar for us either, which prompted laughter from the Sinn Fein benches.

We havent made any decisions in relation to personnel or pay. No decisions at all, and let me say this  process matters in relation to all of those issues.

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The overriding objective wont be personality. The overriding objective will be getting the job done.

Mr Doherty said who are you trying to fool by claiming there is no housing tsar in our plan.

The idea that youre blindsided in relation to this is just nonsense. Yous are proposing a housing tsar, yous are proposing a salary of 430,000. Thats what was on the table, on the cards here.

Mr Harris replied that the housing minister brought forward a proposal to the cabinet begin setting up an office to break down silos in relation to housing.

The only decision the Government of Ireland took this week was in relation to that.

Now that the Government of Ireland has done that, we will now decide how best to populate the office, process matters, I want to understand the processes followed in relation to key personnel, and then we will address all of those matters and put this together.

Of course, people who do a job will be paid a salary, but this isnt about personalities.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik called the role a housing tsar with a Russian oligarch price tag and a fixer in chief.

Its interesting to hear you and Fine Gael colleagues distancing yourselves from this, and indeed, I think people will be glad to hear that youve just said no decision has been made yet on how to populate this new office, she said.
A jury have watched footage of a tearful Richard Satchwell making a televised appeal for his wife Tina to come home, telling her "Nobody is mad at you, just ring the guards, let people know you're alright", months after the State argues he murdered her and buried her in a shallow grave beneath their Cork home.

The jury has now finished viewing a total of 14 video clips of the accused making media appeals and statements about his wife Tina's disappearance.

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Mr Satchwell told 'TV3 News' viewers (now Virgin Media News) in July 2017  four months after his wife disappeared  that he was "innocent of any wrongdoing", when asked whether he was an innocent man.

The British truck driver also told the TV3 interviewer on that date: "One day my wife will turn back up or she will get in touch with gardai, one way or another it will all come out and in time will prove I've done nothing wrong".

The Leicester native also said on 'Cork's Red FM' in March 2018 that he had served time in prison for "what they call social welfare fraud" and that he would "sooner be in jail than where I am now". He said he asked his wife not to come to see him in Cork prison as it wasn't an environment he would like her to be in.

The Central Criminal Court jury has heard that on March 24th, 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.

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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.

Mr Satchwell (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 19th and March 20th, 2017, both dates inclusive.

The first media interview played today was with Paul Byrne from TV3 News on July 14th, 2017, where Mr Satchwell said he knew his wife better than anybody, adding: "I probably know her better than myself."

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In the interview, the accused said he had been with his wife for 28 years and "never lifted a finger to her" during that time.

He added: "If I was asked to take a lie detector test I'd take one, my house was searched with my knowledge and gardai didn't find anything to suggest anything untoward".

The next interview was a media appeal from RTE's Crimecall broadcast on July 25th, 2017, where Mr Satchwell can be seen crying and appealing for Tina to come home. "Nobody is mad at you, the pets are missing you, just ring the guards, let people know you're alright," he said.

Another interview played to the jury was with TV3 News from November 20, 2017, where the accused said Tina had "been my life since meeting her".

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Asked by interviewer Paul Byrne what he had to say to those who believed he may have harmed his wife in some way, the accused replied: "Never once in 30 years that we have been together have I laid a finger on her, most I've done is loving the bones off her".

When asked if he had killed Tina, Mr Satchwell said he had "never laid a finger" on her.

In footage from Prime Time Investigates broadcast on RTE on January 25th, 2018, Mr Satchwell showed interviewer Barry Cummins a bottle of Cava he had bought for his and Tina's 25th wedding anniversary, some months previously, which was unopened.

"It's like I'm walking outside looking in on my old life, it's totally heartbreaking," remarked the accused.

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Mr Satchwell can also be seen in the television interview sitting in a car with Mr Cummins and showing him where he had proposed to Tina in Youghal in October 1989.

Asked whether he had any idea what had happened on the day Tina went missing in March 2017, Mr Satchwell said: "She obviously felt she needed a break, to get her thoughts together, to get her head straight".

The accused was asked what it was like being in Youghal with Tina missing and Mr Satchwell described it as "very lonely because I've built my life around her and when that's gone I have nothing".

He remarked that he found the press very misleading and that they "twist everything".

Mr Satchwell said he did not believe Tina was dead and he "truly believed" she was out there somewhere and could be found.

When asked what his message to Tina was, Mr Satchwell said: "I want you to get in touch...I believe somebody out there that does know where she is because she didn't get up and leave without some help from somebody".

The accused went on to say: "If someone tried attacking her she would pick the nearest thing up and whack them with it. That the type of person she is, she wouldn't be a pushover".

The next media interview played to the jury was with TV3 News on March 7th, 2018 at Mitchell's Wood in Castlemartyr, when a garda search was taking place.

Asked how difficult it was to go to the woods that day, Mr Satchwell said he felt sick driving down from Youghal that morning and he was "praying and hoping" the search came to nothing. When asked about the "one thing" that was "racing through" his mind, Mr Satchwell said that his wife "could be behind them barriers".

In another media interview on Ireland AM on March 8th, 2018, the accused said he didn't feel he was a suspect in his wife's disappearance and that he believed Tina was still alive. "I have to as I'm not strong enough to go down the other".

Mr Satchwell said any person who had helped his wife get out of Youghal should be "ashamed" of themselves. He said he thought someone had helped Tina as he could not see any way she could have gotten away from Youghal.

In another radio interview on CRY104FM in Youghal from March 10th, 2018, the accused said there was "no way" anyone would lay a finger on his wife "without walking away with some damage". He said if his wife walked in the door he would throw his arms around her and "collapse on the floor with relief".

Asked about his feelings should the "worst case scenario" happen and he found out Tina "had passed", Mr Satchwell said: "I'd be no more, I'd be no good to anybody".

In an interview with Neil Prendeville on Red FM in Cork on March 12th, 2018, the accused said if Tina came home his arms would go around her, there would be tears and he would make her a cup of tea, make sure she wasn't hungry, let her take a bath and then contact the gardai and her family.

Ireland Gardai suspicious 'something untoward' happened to... Read More

He said he would be an "emotional wreck" if he was told "something" turned up in Mitchell's Wood.

In another interview on Prime Time on March 16th, 2018, Mr Satchwell said he believed there was "somebody out there knows where she is". Commenting on the search at Mitchell's Wood, the accused said Tina wouldn't even "go near a strange woods with me".

He went on to say his arms had only ever held Tina in a loving manner. He said every special occasion that arose he bought presents and cards "and they are there to open when she comes back".

The trial continues on Tuesday before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of five men and seven women.
A man who made up to 20 attempts to slash and stab another man in a frenzied knife attack which occurred in broad daylight in front of shoppers and young girls in Cork city centre has been jailed for three and a half years.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that the victim in the case Gavin Sheehan (38) had to undergo emergency surgency on his upper back following the attack on September 6th, 2024.

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Aaron Bohane (25) of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Mr Sheehan at Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork city centre on September 6th, 2024. He also pleaded guilty to producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury  namely a bladed object.

Det Garda Conor Cronin said that Bohane acted like the attack was a badge of honour. He said that the injured party was walking along Oliver Plunkett Street short after 5pm on September 6th, 2024.

He stated that Mr Bohane was in a doorway on the street while a man with him was acting as a lookout. The look out gave Aaron Bohane a gesture.

Mr Bohane then removed a silver-coloured knife from the waistband of his pants and viciously assaulted Mr Sheehan from behind. Over the course of just 16 seconds he attempted to stab and slash him Sheehan up to twenty times.

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His accomplice then struck Sheehan over the head with a glass bottle. The injured party sustained serious lacerations to his head, arms and back and was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment. He required surgery as the lacerations exposed muscle on his back.

Mr Sheehan was initially treated for his injuries at the scene by a third year medical student who went to his assistance after he rushed in to the nearby Bean and Leaf cafe covered in blood.

Det Garda Cronin told Judge Helen Boyle that the busy city centre street was awash with members of the public during the attack.

He (Bohane) showed a complete disregard for public safety. There was a trail of blood going in to Bean and Leaf. People had never seen anything like this before.

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Det Garda Cronin said that the attack was witnessed by amongst others a mother with her small baby and two fourteen year old schoolgirls.

One witness told gardai that it looked like the pair were wrestling on the ground. Judge Boyle was shown CCTV of the incident including footage of a seriously injured Sheehan running in to the cafe looking for help.

Mr Bohane was arrested the day after the attack. He made admissions to gardai. However, he insisted that Sheehan had made threats to the mother of his child.

Det Garda Cronin said that Bohane was originally from Ballincollig in Co Cork and had worked in construction in the UK. He has four previous convictions for district court offences such as intoxication. He has never been before the circuit court.

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Mr Sheehan has fully recovered from his injuries. A victim impact statement was handed in to Judge Boyle for her consideration in relation to sentencing.

Niamh Stewart, BL, representing Mr Bohane said that her client did not have a history of violence. Ms Stewart said that the injured party in the case was known to gardai. She said that the attack occurred after a threat was made to the mother of Mr Bohanes child.

However, Ms Stewart said that her client was extremely remorseful for his out of character actions. She added that he was homeless at the time and using drugs. She urged Judge Boyle to give him (Bohane) a chance and light at the end of the tunnel.

Ireland Man who took racehorse is 'perilously' close to be... Read More

Judge Boyle said that it was a completely outrageous attack on a sunny Autumnal day when citizens and visitors to Cork were relaxing and having coffee and eating ice creams.

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She said that attack was premeditated, targeted and cowardly in nature. She praised the medical student who had come to the aid of the injured party. Judge Boyle said that there was no evidence that any threat had been made to Bohane.

You have some purported motive but there is no evidence of that. Even if there was you should have reported it to An Garda Siochana.

Judge Boyle jailed Bohane for 4.5 years suspending the last 12 months of the sentence.
A planning application has been lodged for a brand new shop in the Co Donegal village of Creeslough where 10 people lost their lives in a tragic blast in 2022.

The village currently only has one general store which was erected in the wake of the tragedy.

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Creeslough's original shop was the Applegreen Service Station which was completely destroyed in the huge blast.

Controversy erupted recently after planning was granted by Donegal County Council to Vivo Shell Ltd for a redeveloped service station on the same site on which the huge blast occurred.

A number of families of those who were killed or injured in the tragedy have now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanala.

Ten people died after the explosion at the Creeslough service station

They claim the redeveloped site is disrespectful to their deceased loved ones.

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They say they are also challenging the granting of planning on grounds of trauma and because a criminal case into the cause of the huge explosion is still ongoing.

The families claim the construction of a new building on the same site as the one on which they perished is an insult to their memories.

The proposed new plan includes the erection of 10 steel pillars to remember those who died.

But the families claim that this is "incredibly insensitive, cruel, callous and cold" as many of the dead were killed by steel and concrete.

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Now a new application has been lodged by a local businessman to construct a new shop on a new site at the opposite end of the village.

The proposed shop, on the village's Main Street, is opposite the temporary, prefabricated building which was erected in the wake of the October 7th, 2022 blast.

The proposed new shop is also close to the local church, school and HSE Centre.

The new two-storey building will consist of a convenience store, a deli and kitchen, an off-licence, staff area, external toilets, fuel storage area and car parking.

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Emergency services at the scene of the explosion at Applegreen service station in 2022. Photo: PA

The applicant is local resident and businessman Conrad Gibbons.

Mr Gibbons said it has always been his intention to develop this site, given its prime location in the centre of Creeslough village.

Ireland Families of Creeslough victims lodge objection to... Read More

He added that locals have encouraged him to develop the site for almost 20 years now.

Work on a greenfield site on which the proposed new store would be built has already commenced with a number of trees cleared in recent weeks.

A decision on the appeal by the Creeslough families to An Bord Pleanala over the Applegreen Service Station site is expected to be delivered within 18 weeks of the appeal being lodged which was on March 10th last.

Ten people lost their lives in the Creeslough explosion on the afternoon of October 7th, 2022, including Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; Catherine O'Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; Jessica Gallagher; Martin McGill; James O'Flaherty; Martina Martin; Hugh Kelly; and 14-year-old Leona Harper.
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".

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.
Details of two Christian Brothers who were senior leaders over the space of two decades, managing the congregations assets and are now convicted child sexual abusers are revealed in a new RTE Investigates documentary.

The documentary will air on Thursday night on RTE One and RTE Player.

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Victims representatives say they are deeply concerned following discoveries by RTE Investigates that child abusers inside the religious congregation were at the heart of its leadership, managing its financial and business affairs in recent decades.

The hour-long documentary by RTE Investigates reporter Rita O'Reilly also examines what the Christian Brothers order owns, how it handled property and school lands.

Br Martin OFlaherty (73) was jailed for historical child sexual abuse in six successive trials over the last three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court the latest, last month, when he was sentenced to five years on 15 counts of indecent assault on seven boys at Kilkenny CBS Primary School between 1976 and 1981.

OFlaherty was a senior member of the Christian Brothers leadership for Ireland, England and Europe in the 12 years from 2002 to 2014.

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He was a founding member of the trustee company that manages the congregations assets and was a trustee of its English properties until December 2019, over a year after he was formally questioned by gardai, RTE Investigates has discovered.

He remains a trustee listed on the deeds of other congregation properties in Ireland, including Christian Brother retained lands at Monkstown CBC, where he was involved in a legal change to the propertys deed in 2022, over a year after he was charged with indecent assault.

After last years Scoping Inquiry predicted a vast scale of historical child sexual abuse in Irish schools, and recommended redress for victims, the Christian Brothers stood out, with the largest number of schools and the highest number of allegations.

As part of a wide-ranging investigation into Christian Brothers assets and abusers, RTE Investigates has uncovered hundreds of property transactions by trustees who hold assets in trust for the beneficial ownership of the congregation.

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It has established that the Christian Brothers ran a total portfolio of over 800 properties since 1990. Senior Brothers, acting as trustees, held, sold, or transferred the 800 properties on behalf of the congregation over the past 35 years.

The Christian Brothers still own at least 270 properties, while the trustees sold or transferred some 530 other properties over those years.

Another senior Brother who was part of the leadership and involved in the trusteeship of congregation assets, has also been convicted for historical child sexual abuse. He cannot be named for legal reasons.

He controlled a project that received significant monies from a special Children at Risk fund established under the Department of Education as part of the response to revelations of clerical child sexual abuse in the 1990s.

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He was also involved in decisions on the Christian Brothers approach to civil cases taken by child sexual abuse victims in the courts.

Child abuse survivor and victims advocate, Damian OFarrell was at the forefront of a campaign in response to the Brothers leaderships use of legal tactics against victims in the courts.

In response to Thursday's findings said: Now we know that there was two people in the leadership that have convictions. Were they behind some of that direction, you know, that disdain for victims."

To date, the state has funded the bulk of redress for abuse in residential industrial schools - many of them managed by the Christian Brothers - and for limited redress for survivors of Magdalen Laundries.

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Dr James Gallen, Associate Professor at the School of Law & Government in Dublin City University, said the bill for redress for historical child sexual abuse in day and boarding schools is expected to be billions.

He cited a Central Statistics Office survey estimating that when a Government-promised Commission of Inquiry is held, there might be as much as 41,000 men and women, affected by sexual abuse in day schools.

John Boland, one of a group of victims of a then Christian Brother teacher, Sean Drummond, at Creagh Lane CBS national school in the late 1960s, said that they believe the Christian Brothers holds all the power in the courts.

A survivor of Christian Brother abuse and victims advocate, Damian OFarrell, who successfully campaigned for the Freedom of Drogheda granted to former Christian Brother leader Br Edmund Garvey in 1997 to be disregarded in 2023, said he believed the Christian Brothers has taken a step backwards since the Ryan Commission report into institutional child sexual abuse.

They haven't moved, I would say they're worse since the time of the Ryan Report and since the time of the industrial school redress scheme, he said.

In response to tonights RTE Investigates, the Christian Brothers said it reiterated ...our apology for the physical and sexual abuse that occurred in many former CBS schools and stated that they cannot comment on individuals, not least as some remain subject to ongoing legal processes.

Watch RTE Investigates: Christian Brothers, The Assets, The Abusers on Thursday, May 1st, at 9:35pm on RTE One and RTE Player.
A variety of stories feature on Thursday's front pages, from courts to politics.

The Irish Times lead with Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf warning that US tariffs are a major risk for Ireland, the family of missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine who gardai believe was a victim of homicide, saying they are "absolutely heartbroken" , and RTE writing down 3.6 million on a partly abandoned IT project.

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The Irish Examiner lead with the family of missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine issuing an appeal for information, the Taoiseach describing an intervention by the legal team that represented "Grace" in a commission of investigation as "very worrying", a child being admitted to a psychiatric unit after vaping, and a 56 per cent jump in Irish women emigrating since 2020.

The Echo lead with a councillor highlighting the risks of HHC, a legal product that has some of the same properties as cannabis, a story about the body of a man being recovered from the River Lee, and a story about the trial of Robert Satchwell, who is accused of allegedly murdering his wife.

The Irish Independent lead with the owners of a church being ordered to pay 14,400 to a man who alleged his teenage daughter defamed him during a baptism that was livestreamed on Facebook.

The Irish Daily Star lead with Michael Gaine's wife issuing an appeal for information on her husband's disappearance, which has now been upgraded to a homicide investigation.

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The Irish Daily Mail lead with the outgoing boss of Nama, Brendan McDonagh, allegedly facing a pay cut if he is not appointed the Government's new housing tsar.

The Belfast Telegraph lead with Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill saying that Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn's decision to challenge a High Court ruling over the murder of Sean Brown is "cruel and inhumane".

The Irish Daily Mirror and The Herald both lead with the trial of Robert Satchwell who is accused of allegedly murdering his wife Tina.
Former vice president Kamala Harris used a high-profile speech on Wednesday to criticise President Donald Trump amid speculation she will mount another presidential campaign or opt to run for California governor.

In her most extensive public remarks since her election defeat, Ms Harris said she is inspired by Americans fighting Mr Trumps agenda despite threats to their freedom or livelihood.

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Instead of an administration working to advance Americas highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals, Ms Harris said a day after Mr Trump reached 100 days in office.

Before Wednesday, she had barely mentioned the president by name since she conceded defeat to him in November.





In a 15-minute speech, she spoke to the anxiety and confusion which have gripped many of her supporters since Mr Trump took office, but discouraged despair.

They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others, she said.

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But what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing thats contagious. Courage is contagious.

Mr Trump went after his former rival in a campaign-style rally on Tuesday marking his 100th day in office, sarcastically calling her a great border czar and a great candidate as he repeated some of the lines he routinely delivered during the campaign.

Ms Harris cautioned Americans against viewing Mr Trumps administration as merely chaotic, casting it instead as a high-velocity event and the culmination of extensive work on the right to remake government.

A vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making, she said. An agenda to slash public education. An agenda to shrink government and then privatise its services. All while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest among us.

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Ms Harris chose a friendly audience for her return to the political arena, addressing the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, an organisation which recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office and grew in part from her own run for San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s.

The former vice president is ramping up her public presence as Democrats nationally search for a path forwards after Novembers election, in which Republicans also won control of Congress.

While a slate of high-profile Democrats  from governors to businessmen  seek leadership roles within the party, she retains unique influence and would reshape any future race she chooses to enter.



President Donald Trump speaks about investing in America in the Cross Hall of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

She praised Democrats who have been especially prolific in criticising Mr Trump, name-dropping senators Cory Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders, along with representatives Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Frost and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

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But she did not take a stand in one of her partys central divides, neither calling for mass mobilisation like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker or questioning Democratic positioning on key issues like California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Im not here tonight to offer all the answers, she said. But I am here to say this: You are not alone and we are all in this together.

But she warned that things will probably get worse before they get better.

The one check, the one balance, the one power that must not fail is the voice of the people, she said.

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Ms Harris, a former state attorney general and US senator from California, has not discouraged speculation she might enter the race to replace the term-limited Mr Newsom, himself a potential contender for president. And she has not ruled out another run for the White House.

She did not address her future on Wednesday.

She continues to fundraise, using a joint committee that includes Harris for President, the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties. The Harris Victory Fund reported having about 4.5 million dollars (3.4 million) on hand at the end of March, according to federal records.
Harvey Weinsteins lawyers got their turn to question a woman who alleges the one-time Hollywood heavyweight held her down on a bed and forced oral sex on her nearly two decades ago.

Miriam Haley, giving evidence for a third day at Weinsteins retrial, was grilled about her decision to hire a lawyer and go public with her allegations as the #MeToo movement exploded in October 2017.

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Witness Mimi Haley has been questioned by lawyers for Harvey Weinstein (Michael M Santiago/AP)

Defence attorney Jennifer Bonjean sparred with Ms Haley over the details of her early statements to the press about the alleged assault, getting her to admit that she didnt give interviewers a full picture of her relationship with Weinstein.

Ms Haley denied Ms Bonjeans suggestion that she went public in hopes of suing Weinstein, but acknowledged she later filed a lawsuit and received a settlement of about 475,000 dollars (357,815).

Weinstein, 73, has pleaded not guilty and denies sexually assaulting anyone.

His lawyers have argued that all of his accusers consented to sexual encounters with him in hopes of getting work in show business.

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Ms Haley, the first of three accusers expected to testify, said on Wednesday that she maintained contact with Weinstein for more than a year after the alleged assault she says happened at his Manhattan apartment in July 2006.

Ms Haley testified that she flew to Los Angeles on Weinsteins dime a day after the alleged assault, and a few weeks later agreed to meet him at a Manhattan hotel. She said she had expected to talk in the lobby, but was instead directed to his room, where he pulled her into bed for sex.

Harvey Weinstein appears in state court in Manhattan for his retrial (Curtis Means/Pool Photo via AP)

Even after that, Ms Haley testified, she kept in touch  sometimes calling Weinstein and sending emails signed Lots of love to him and his assistant over the next few months and years.

She insisted she was looking for a professional opportunity and was never interested in a romantic or sexual relationship with him.

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Ms Bonjean pointed out that when Ms Haley went public, she didnt mention her subsequent sexual encounter with Weinstein, nor their continued contact.

You told the press only part of the story, correct? Ms Bonjean asked.

I told the part that was relevant to what I was trying to share, Ms Haley said.

Ms Bonjean noted that Ms Haley didnt report her allegations to police until June 2018, but held a press conference with lawyer Gloria Allred just days after she first saw media reports about other women accusing Weinstein of wrongdoing.

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Ms Bonjean asked if Ms Haley had been trying to send a message to Weinstein.

I wasnt really thinking about Mr Weinstein in that press conference, Ms Haley responded, adding that she spoke out to support other accusers who had also done so.

Ms Bonjean will step away from Weinsteins defence team after she finishes questioning Ms Haley, as another case she is working on is going to trial in Brooklyn next week.

Witness Mimi Haley alleges that Weinstein held her down on a bed and forced oral sex on her (Michael M. Santiago/Pool Photo via AP)

On Wednesday, under questioning by a prosecutor, Ms Haley recalled the alleged 2006 assault as a friendly, professional meeting at Weinsteins apartment that he turned into the unthinkable.

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She said he ignored her pleas of: No, no  its not going to happen.

Afterwards, she felt shocked, disgusted and humiliated. She and two of her friends testified that she soon told them that Weinstein had sexually assaulted her.

Ms Haley, who has also gone by the name Mimi Haleyi, is the first of Weinsteins accusers to give evidence at his rape retrial.

She is reprising her testimony from his first trial in 2020 after his conviction was overturned last year, albeit with some details that werent heard before.

On Wednesday, she recalled Weinstein had asked her: Dont you think were much closer now? after either the alleged assault or a subsequent occasion when she says she had unwanted, but not forced, sex with him.

Ms Haley was briefly a production assistant on the Weinstein-produced Project Runway and had a series of interactions with him that were sometimes inappropriate and suggestive, but other times professional and polite, she told jurors.

Weinsteins retrial includes charges related to Ms Haley and another accuser from the original trial, Jessica Mann.

Ms Mann alleges that Weinstein raped her in 2013. Hes also being tried, for the first time, on an allegation of forcing oral sex on former model Kaja Sokola in 2006.

Ms Mann and Ms Sokola are also expected to give evidence.

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.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened Iran will pay the consequence of supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The US has been conducting strikes targeting rebels since March 15, while the British military confirmed on Wednesday it had launched an attack against the group.

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The strikes have drawn controversy in the United States over Mr Hegseths use of the unclassified Signal messaging app to post sensitive details about the attacks.

Early on Thursday, he directly threatened Iran in a message on the social platform X.





Message to IRAN:



We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing.



You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 1, 2025

Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing, he wrote.

You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

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The US 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 UK Defence 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 kilometres) 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.

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The Houthis reported several strikes around Yemens capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. Other strikes hit around Saada.

The joint UK-US strike follows an alleged US airstrike on Monday which hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The US 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 US campaign.

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.
A federal judge has denied the US governments request to release a jailed former FBI informant who made up a story about president Joe Biden and his son Hunter accepting bribes, which became central to Republicans impeachment effort.

The decision, issued on Wednesday by US District Judge Otis Wright in Los Angeles, comes weeks after a new prosecutor reassigned to Alexander Smirnovs case jointly filed a motion with his lawyers asking for his release while he appeals his conviction.

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In the motion, the US government had said it would review its theory of the case.

In his written order, the judge said Smirnov is still a flight risk, even if prosecutors say they will review his case.



Former president Joe Biden, centre, and his wife Jill arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The fact remains that Smirnov has been convicted and sentenced to seventy-two months in prison, providing ample incentive to flee, he said.

Smirnov, 44, was sentenced in January after pleading guilty to tax evasion and lying to the FBI about the phony bribery scheme, which was described by the previous prosecutors assigned to the case as an effort to influence the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

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His lawyers, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, told The Associated Press in a text they will appeal the judges decision and continue to advocate for Mr Smirnovs release. The US Attorneys Office in Los Angeles declined to comment.

Smirnov had been originally prosecuted by former Justice Department special counsel David Weiss, who resigned in January days before President Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term.

Smirnov has been in custody since February 2024. He was arrested at the Las Vegas airport after returning to the US from overseas.

The dual US and Israeli citizen falsely claimed to his FBI handler that around 2015, executives from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had paid then-vice president Biden and his son five million dollars(3.75 million) apiece.

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The explosive claim in 2020 came after Smirnov expressed bias about Mr Biden as a presidential candidate, according to prosecutors at the time. In reality, investigators found Smirnov had only routine business dealings with Burisma starting in 2017  after Mr Bidens term as vice president.

Authorities said Smirnovs false claim set off a firestorm in Congress when it resurfaced years later as part of the House impeachment inquiry into Mr Biden, who won the presidency over Mr Trump in 2020. The Biden administration dismissed the impeachment effort as a stunt.

Mr Weiss also brought gun and tax charges against Hunter Biden, who was supposed to be sentenced in December after being convicted at a trial in the gun case and pleading guilty to tax charges. But he was pardoned by his father, who said he believed raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.
North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road link with the construction of a bridge over a border river hailed as a major development which will further expand their ties.

Russias Tass news agency reported on Wednesday that the bridge would be one kilometre long and its construction is expected to take one-and-a-half years, and North Koreas Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the bridge would expand cross-border travel of people, tourism and circulation of commodities.

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Relations and exchange programmes between the two countries have been flourishing in recent years with North Korea supplying ammunition and troops to support Russias war against Ukraine.



Officials from North Korea and Russia stand in front of a monument to mark a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a bridge between the two countries, in Rason Municipality, North Korea (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

One railway bridge and air service already connect North Korea and Russia and in June 2024, the two countries agreed to construct a bridge for road vehicles over the Tumen River, which runs along North Koreas borders with Russia and China.

On Thursday, North Korea and Russia simultaneously held a ground-breaking ceremony for the bridges construction in their respective border cities, according to the two countries state media agencies.

The agencies said North Korean premier Pak Thae Song and Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin attended the ceremony via video links.

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Mr Pak said the bridges construction would be remembered as a historic monument in bilateral ties, KCNA reported on Thursday.

This is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relation, Mr Mishustin said, according to Tass. We are creating a reliable basis for closer cooperation between our two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue.

On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to Russia to help it reclaim parts of the Kursk region which Ukraine forces seized last year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers for Russia.

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According to a South Korean government intelligence assessment shared with lawmakers on Wednesday, North Korea has sent about 15,000 soldiers to Russia and 4,700 of them have been killed or wounded.

In return for North Koreas supply of conventional arms, Russia has given it air defence missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches, according to the South Korean assessment.
Planned negotiations between Iran and the United States this weekend over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program have been postponed, Oman announced on Thursday.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi made the announcement in a post on the social platform X.

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For logistical reasons we are rescheduling the US Iran meeting provisionally planned for Saturday May 3rd, he wrote. New dates will be announced when mutually agreed.

Mr Al-Busaidi, who has mediated the talks through three rounds so far, did not elaborate.

Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei issued a statement describing the talks as being postponed at the request of Omans foreign minister.

He said Iran remains committed to reaching a fair and lasting agreement.

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Meanwhile, a person familiar with the US negotiators said that America had never confirmed its participation in a fourth round of talks in Rome.

However, the person said the US expected the talks to occur in the near future.

The talks Saturday were to be held in Rome, which soon will see the Vatican begin the conclave on Wednesday to pick a new pope after the death of Pope Francis.

Two other rounds of talks have been held in Muscat, the capital of Oman.

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The talks seek to limit Irans nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the US has imposed on the Islamic Republic closing in on a half-century of enmity.

The negotiations have been led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

US 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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Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers did limit Tehrans program. However, Mr Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018, setting in motion years of attacks and tensions.

The wider Middle East also remains on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the US continues an airstrike campaign, called Operation Rough Rider, that has been targeting Yemens Houthi rebels, who long have been backed by Iran.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth issued a warning to Iran over the rebels.

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Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing, he wrote. You know very well what the US Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

Last Saturdays round of talks, which included experts drilling down into the details of a possible deal, also took place as an explosion rocked an Iranian port, killing at least 70 people and injuring more than 1,000 others.
From Tokyo to Turin, Taipei to Paris, tens of thousands marched in May Day rallies that spotlighted growing anger over US President Donald Trumps aggressive tariff agenda and fears of global economic turmoil.

In France, union leaders condemned the Trumpisation of world politics.

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In Italy, protesters paraded a puppet of the American president through the streets of Turin.

And in Germany, unionists warned that extended workdays and anti-immigrant rhetoric were eroding hard-won labour protections.



Members of the Korean confederation of trade unions gather to attend a rally on May Day in Seoul (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

In Bern, Switzerland, thousands marched behind banners denouncing fascism and war  part of a wider backlash against the global surge of hard-right politics.

In France, protests included appearances by far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and also reflected simmering anger over US military and trade influence in Europe  a theme echoed in speeches condemning Washingtons role in global instability.

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The holiday, also known as International Workers Day or Labour Day, honours the struggles and achievements of workers and the labour movement.

Rallies are expected across the United States as well, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia.

Across multiple countries, Mr Trumps agenda was cited as a source of concern.

In the United States, organisers said their message this year focused on fighting Mr Trumps approach targeting immigrants, federal workers and diversity initiatives.

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Taiwanese workers shout slogans during a May Day rally in Taipei (Chiang Ying-ying/AP)

In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te referenced new US tariffs under Mr Trump as he promoted a proposed spending bill aimed at stabilising the job market and supporting livelihoods.

In the Philippines, protest leader Mong Palatino warned that tariff wars and policies of Trump threatened local industries.

In Japan, Mr Trumps image loomed over the day quite literally, as a truck in the Tokyo march carried a doll made to resemble him.

There, participants demands ranged from higher wages and gender equality to health care, disaster relief, a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

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Under overcast skies in Taipei, about 2,500 Taiwanese union members began a march at the presidential office, representing sectors from fisheries to telecommunications. Protesters warned that Mr Trumps tariffs could cost jobs.

In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers marched near the presidential palace, where police blocked access with barricades.

Protesters demanded higher wages and stronger protections for local jobs and businesses.

In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto greeted thousands of workers who cheered him in Jakartas National Monument Park.

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The government that I lead will work as hard as possible to eliminate poverty from Indonesia, Mr Subianto told the crowd.

Los Angeles is expected to host one of the worlds largest May Day events this year, and a banner there summarised the days theme: One Struggle, One Fight  Workers Unite.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to depart the administration just weeks after it was revealed he added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.

The move marks the first major staff shakeup of President Donald Trumps second term.

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Mr Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen.



Mike Waltz was criticised after it was revealed he added a journalist to a private group chat on Signal that contained confidential military information (Alex Brandon/AP)

A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, has also targeted Mr Waltz, telling Mr Trump in a recent Oval Office conversation that he needs to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the Make America Great Again agenda.

Mr Waltzs deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to depart, according to people familiar with the matter.

The National Security Council did not respond do a request for comment.

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Mr Waltz, who served in the House representing Florida for three terms before his elevation to the White House, is the most prominent senior administration official to depart since Mr Trump returned to the White House.

In his second term, the Republican president had been looking to avoid the tumult of his first four years in office, during which he cycled through four national security advisers, four White House chiefs of staff and two secretaries of state.

The Signal chain also showed that defence secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop.

Mr Waltz had previously taken full responsibility for building the message chain and administration officials described the episode as a mistake but one that caused Americans no harm.

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Right-wing activist Laura Loomer appeared to take credit for Mike Waltz departure (Ted Shaffrey/AP)

Mr Waltz maintained that he was not sure how Mr Goldberg ended up in the messaging chain, and insisted he did not know the journalist.

Mr Trump and the White House  which insisted that no classified information was shared on the text chain  have stood by Mr Waltz publicly throughout the episode.

But the embattled national security adviser was also under siege from personalities such as Ms Loomer, who had been complaining to administration officials that she had been excluded from the vetting process for National Security Council aides.

In her view, Mr Waltz relied too much on neocons  referring to hawkish neoconservatives within the Republican Party  as well as others who Ms Loomer argued were not-Maga-enough types.

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Mr Waltz was on television as late as Thursday morning, promoting the administrations agreement with Kyiv that would allow the US to access Ukraines critical minerals and other natural resources.

As reports began to circulate that Mr Waltz could be leaving the administration, Ms Loomer appeared to take credit in a post on the social media site X, writing: SCALP.

Hopefully, the rest of the people who were set to be fired but were given promotions at the NSC under Waltz also depart, she wrote in another post.

Ms Loomer had taken a similar victory lap when several other NSC officials were dismissed last month one day after she met with Mr Trump.

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Those firings included Brian Walsh, a director for intelligence; Thomas Boodry, a senior director for legislative affairs; and David Feith, a senior director for technology and national security, as well as other lower-ranking aides.
The biggest beneficiary of Media Watchs take-down of Kim Williams on Monday was the ABCs new managing director.

Hugh Marks was handed a serendipitous free-kick by the programs new host Linton Besser and his team, winning points by backing his journalists publicly and ensuring everyone, including Williams, knows that theres a new sheriff in town.

Williams is alleged to have intervened on a number of occasions on behalf of comedian Austen Tayshus (real name Sandy Gutman), helping him secure a number of interviews on the ABCs regional radio network, which in turn promoted his touring shows.

ABC chair Kim Williams (left) and ABC managing director Hugh Marks. Credit: Monique Westermann

Media Watch reported that in August, Gutman called Williams, an old acquaintance of his, claiming he had been turned down for interviews because he was Jewish. On two occasions, Williams helped overturn local editorial decisions not to host Gutman.
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 Have you ever walked the streets of Melbourne and wondered what it was like before the roads, the skyscrapers, the cement-covered creeks? How the land of the Kulin people appeared in pre-colonial times? Artist Brett Leavy, a Kooma man from Queensland, has gone beyond wondering. Raking through sources old and new  colonial diaries, historic artworks, archival records, CSIRO soil maps, Geoscience Australia data  he has re-imagined the pre-colonial landscape, resurrected the trees, the streams, the waterfalls, the rocks, the animals and people. The result is Virtual Narrm, a nine-hour, photo-realistic animation, which follows a day in the life of traditional owners the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, from sunrise to sunset. The timeframe draws attention to how the Wurunjderi saw the land, orienting themselves in relation to the sun. Using cutting-edge technology, Leavy winds back the centuries  Im building a time machine, he tells me when we meet. Watching Leavys animation stirred mixed emotions; on the one hand, the thrill of seeing the beauty of the land in its original state, on the other, a deep sense of loss. Leavy has captured the moment before the Wurundjeris world was catastrophically changed. He has set his work in 1834, the year before British settlers landed on the north bank of the Yarra. Brett Leavy reimagines a pre-colonial Melbourne in Virtual Narrm, a nine-hour animation commissioned for 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art. Leavys is the first artwork people will see when they enter the momentous exhibition 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art, which relaunches the University of Melbournes Potter Museum of Art after a six-year closure and extensive redevelopment. Leavys 32-screen animation, commissioned for the exhibition and created with the input of Wurundjeri elders, extends 11 metres across the Potters new foyer. The only other artwork in the space is Mandy Nicholsons Possum Skin Cloak (2012). We start from Narrm, says Indigenous art specialist Judith Ryan when we meet at the Potter. We begin by establishing the traditional custodians and their rightful place and honouring them and taking Narrm back to how it was in 1834. With Ryan are her co-curators, the formidable Indigenous leader and academic Marcia Langton, and their younger colleague, Eastern Arrernte woman Shanysa McConville, who is working on her first exhibition with what she describes as the dream team.

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Years in the planning, this vast exhibition features more than 400 artworks, extending geographically from Lutruwita/Tasmania to Zenadeth Kes/Torres Strait, and spanning in time from the 1800s, when anthropologist Walter Baldwin Spencer was collecting bark paintings in Western Arnhem Land amid the frontier wars, to the present, with high-tech works such as Leavys. The exhibitions ironic title points to its avowedly anti-colonial stance; its central idea is that this is art, and has been for some 65,000 years. In the accompanying book, Langton points to archaeological digs that took place at Madjedbebe, a remote rock shelter in Kakadu, in 2012 and 2015; paint created from ochre mixed with reflective powders made from ground mica was dated to about 65,000 years ago. So thats how long there has been art in this country, Langton says. And yet not recognised as art, classified as primitive, classified as material culture by anthropologists and archaeologists. Emphasising that this is art may seem strange or even redundant at a time when Indigenous art is celebrated nationally and internationally. In Victoria alone right now, it is the focus of exhibitions at the TarraWarra Biennial (We Are Eagles), and the Heide Museum of Modern Art (Blak In-Justice). From left, Marcia Langton, Judith Ryan and Shanysa McConville have curated an ambitious exhibition charting 65,000 years of Indigenous art. Credit: Wayne Taylor Such recognition is very recent, says Langton. When James Mollison [founding director of the National Gallery of Australia] went to Arnhem Land in 1981, and declared this is art, it was the first time that anybody from the world of fine art recognised our design traditions as art.

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Langton began working on the exhibition a decade ago, after the Potters chair, Peter Jopling, asked her to curate an exhibition of the University of Melbournes collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works. And I immediately said yes, not realising that I was dedicating the next 10 years of my life to this, she says. Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara, born 1976), Seven Sistas story, 2021. Credit: Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin She started by searching the universitys large and dispersed archive of Indigenous art, which includes important collections such as those of Baldwin Spencer, the universitys foundation chair of biology; ethnologist Leonhard Adams, who collected Anindilyakwa bark paintings from Groote Eylandt in the 1940s; and anthropologist Donald Thomson, who collected artworks, weavings and cultural objects from north-east Arnhem Land in the 1930s and 40s. But Langton also found that there were major gaps in the universitys holdings  no contemporary works from Arnhem Land or the Kimberley, no Western Desert paintings, nothing from the Torres Strait or Tasmania. Betty Muffler (Pitjantjatjara, born 1945), Maringka Burton (Pitjantjatjara, born 1950), Ngangkari Ngura (Healing Country), 2022. Credit: The University of Melbourne Art Collection It had been collected randomly, by anthropologists or private collectors  so you have a bit of this and a bit of that, and nothing of that, and notably, apart from woven works in the Thomson collection, no works by women. Nothing! Nothing! Langton says, showing her trademark passion. (Thomson did not list the names of the women weavers.)

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Langton set about filling the gaps, increasing the representation of women artists and trying to find a masterwork from each genre, movement, period, approaching her art curator friends to help build an exhibition worthy of its title. And at some point Id heard that Judith had retired from the NGV, Langton says. So I thought, beauty, this is what I need. I need Judith, because the job was becoming too massive and really required an expert curator who knows how to borrow works from institutions, public galleries, private lenders and there isnt anybody else in the country who has the knowledge of Indigenous art that Judith has and weve been a team ever since. Ryan, previously the NGVs senior curator of Indigenous art, is now Senior Curator, Art Museums, at the University of Melbourne. The many Indigenous artists she has worked with over the years include Swan Hill-born sculptor Lorraine Connelly-Northey, one of seven artists commissioned to create new works for this exhibition. Lorraine Connelly-Northey was commissioned to create a new work for the Potter exhibition. Credit: Janie Barrett Of course youre going to go in when Judiths asking you, says Connelly-Northey by phone from her home just outside of Albury, on Waradgerie country, her mothers traditional land. Nobody says no to Judith. Well, I dont. Connelly-Northey is known for her contemporary interpretations of traditional bush bags, which she makes from scrap metal scavenged from around Swan Hill. For this exhibition, shes shaped rusted bits of discarded farm equipment  a cone-shaped seed harvester, a studded water pipe, a circular piece of dimpled tin  into three large bush-bags, almost two metres high. Scouting for the right material can mean travelling thousands of kilometres, but this time she got lucky and found what she needed in a matter of months. Things fell into my hands when I was travelling  so that was really exciting, she says.

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Connelly-Northeys sculptures will be shown alongside other contemporary and cultural objects made by women, including the Tjanpi Desert Weavers large-scale installation of the Seven Sisters ancestral story, on loan from the NGA. Loading The exhibition spans the beautiful to the brutal; from wondrous linocuts, dance machines, and paintings about cultural astronomy, such as Nyapanyapa Yunupius Garak  night sky (2020), to the horrors of the Australian wars and dark chapters of the universitys own past. A section of the exhibition, off-limits to children, exposes the scientific racism (eugenics) that occurred at the university during the early 20th century under the direction of Richard Berry, professor of anatomy, who readily accepted Indigenous remains from infamous grave robber George Murray Black. Photographs, letters, instruments, receipts and other documents from this time will be displayed alongside works by contemporary artists responding to these distressing acts, including Brook Garru Andrew, Julie Dowling, Yhonnie Scarce and Judy Watson. Colonial paintings by non-Indigenous artists are also included, such as E. Phillips Foxs Landing of Captain Cook at Botany Bay, 1770, on loan from the NGV. The moment I saw it, I said: What are we doing with that ugly thing? Langton says. Ryan persuaded her that it was important to include the painting, which depicts the British firing at Gweagal men defending their country with spears. Minimini Numalkiyiya Mamarika (Anindilyakwa, c. 19001972) Macassan prau with three figures, waves and sea creatures, c. 194145. Credit: The University of Melbourne Art Collection

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The network begins its rolling coverage proper at 5pm, anchored by Peter Overton and Ally Langdon, while Nines political editor, Charles Croucher, will also be on hand to offer analysis. Meanwhile, Sarah Abo will be with Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses camp, while Karl Stefanovic will be embedded with Opposition Leader Peter Duttons camp. Ally Langdon and Peter Overton will head up Nines election day coverage. Unique selling point: The return of Christopher I fixed it, Im a fixer Pyne. Safe to say Australian politics is a poorer place without Pynes memorable one-liners, so its a coup that Nine will have him on the desk. Not in front of a TV to watch it all unfold? Follow our live federal election coverage and expert analysis here. And use our interactive map to find your electorate and candidates  and to help you see how close the election will be in your area.

Network Ten, Australia Decides Once again, Sandra Sully, she of the golden tonsils, has been entrusted to helm Tens coverage alongside national affairs editor Hugh Riminton and network political editor Ashleigh Raper. Joining the Ten anchors will be a revolving door of political heavy-hitters, with Ten banking on fireworks between teal independent Kylea Tink MP, Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, Senator Jacqui Lambie and the Nationals David Littleproud. Clancy Overell and Errol Parker of the Betoota Advocate will help Ten connect to the all-important young demographic. Unique selling point: Ten has historically been the free-to-air network that loves The Youth, so theyre smart to rope in The Betoota Advocates Errol Parker and Clancy Overell to join the broadcast live from Betoota HQ.

Channel Seven, Australia Decides We love a confident broadcaster, and before even a vote has been cast, Channel Seven is making a huge call: theyre promising to call the election first. According to Sevens press release, they will utilise cutting-edge technology to deliver up-to-the-minute results. Sadly, this doesnt refer to the Cash Cow in a cupboard tallying ballots. Instead, Seven will use the 7NEWS Power Board, a state-of-the-art, touch-screen technology made famous by CNNs John King during the most recent US presidential election. The Power Board can fast-track pre-poll and postal votes, providing viewers with an early indication of how the public is leaning. CNNs chief national correspondent John King using the Screen of Dreams that Channel Seven will employ on election night. Veteran reporters Michael Usher and Natalie Barr will steer the ship alongside veteran 7NEWS political editor Mark Riley.

Unique selling point: Seven has booked Clive Palmer to appear on air, so someone can ask him on national TV to stop sending so many text messages. Loading SBS While other networks focus on bells and whistles, SBS is doing what it does best: Solid But Sensible. Their coverage will begin at 6.30pm, anchored by World News presenter Janice Petersen, with chief political correspondent Anna Henderson as featured guest. Unique selling point: NITV coverage will focus on the Northern Territory as Australias most significant Indigenous constituency and interview First Nations voters at polling booths around the country.

Sky News, Australia Decides For those who cant get enough of early polling numbers, Sky News has you covered from sunup to sundown. Things kick off at 6am with Peter Stefanovic hosting First Edition: Australia Decides, then continue to the evening. Kieran Gilbert will host Skys evening coverage alongside a panel that includes Peta Credlin, Andrew Clennell, Chris Uhlmann, Murray Watt, Joel Fitzgibbon and Sky News chief election analyst Tom Connell. Expect regular crosses to Sharri Markson and Paul Murray at Liberal HQ and Chris Kenny and Laura Jayes at Labor HQ, providing on-the-ground reactions as results come in. Barnaby Joyce keeps talking on the phone after falling off a planter box last year. Credit: Nine Unique selling point: Barnaby Joyce is joining Skys coverage, which means something hilarious is likely.

ABC, Australia Votes Props to ABC for slightly altering the name of their coverage and opting for Australia Votes instead of Australia Decides. And while Australia will indeed be voting, Australia will also be crying (#AustraliaCries), with analyst Antony Green crunching the numbers for the final time after announcing his retirement from the role following more than three decades of elections. This will be Antony Greens last election broadcast. Credit: Peter Rae Primary coverage starts at 6pm, and its an all-star line-up, like the Avengers of Ultimo. Were talking David Speers, Sarah Ferguson, Annabel Crabb and Laura Tingle, along with Bridget Brennan, who will interview candidates from across the country. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Coalition senator James McGrath will also provide insights throughout the night.
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 In 1982, Helen Caldicott, one of Australias most prominent anti-nuclear campaigners, spent an hour with Ronald Reagan at the White House, warning the then-president about the dangers of nuclear. I came out of that saying I thought, because Im a physician, that he had impending Alzheimers, Caldicott, now 86, says. Which he did. Caldicott fears Australias memory is also faltering. From her home in regional NSW, Caldicott says people have forgotten that period where anti-nuclear activism was a key cause of the left and nuclear safety fears ran high. Helen Caldicott was one of Australias most prominent anti-nuclear campaigners. Credit: Sylvia Liber As Australians prepare to cast a vote in an election which could have huge implications for the countrys energy future, nuclear proponents dismiss Caldicotts fears as outdated. But they are still lurking in the debate as an unspoken question over the Coalitions policy to build seven nuclear plants nationally to offset the decline of coal power and help Australia reach net zero emissions by 2050.

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When asked if nuclear energy production was a safety risk to Australians in April, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dodged the question and said the main reason for the concern was about the economy. His government, in lockstep with the Coalition, is investing billions in a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact. At the final leaders debate on April 27, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the governments endorsement of AUKUS proved nuclear power was not dangerous. Who in his or her right mind would sign up to a nuclear submarine and put our sailors onto the submarine thinking that there was a concern about safety? he said on Channel Seven. But in recent weeks, Dutton has avoided drawing attention to his nuclear policy, and Labor has attacked him over not visiting the sites of the Coalitions proposed reactors. The issue was dragged onto centre stage this week as anti-nuclear protesters disrupted a Dutton campaign event and press conference  and their theatrics largely played on the fears people have around nuclear safety. Anti-nuclear protesters also turned up. Credit: James Brickwood

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If Dutton were to form government, safety could come to the fore again because it would need to overturn the federal ban on nuclear energy, implemented in 1999 by John Howard in a deal with the Greens. Despite the dangers being dismissed by Labor and the Coalition, Caldicott remains concerned about nuclear waste being improperly stored in Australia and contaminating water supplies  or even a Chernobyl-like reactor meltdown. Its not being discussed at all, which is amazing to me, Caldicott says. People are very ignorant. Kirsty Braybon, a nuclear law expert and adjunct professor at the University of Adelaide, says those in Caldicotts camp have misconceptions of the dangers. Kirsty Braybon at a nuclear laboratory in Belgium. Credit: Kirsty Braybon All energy sources ... have some sort of risks, says Braybon, arguing these dangers can be mitigated. Nuclear waste can be stored underground, and Australias low frequency of earthquakes means an accident like that seen at Fukushima in 2011 couldnt happen. So the one thing the nuclear industry does really, really, really well, is it learns from all of its mistakes, Braybon says.

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Fears regarding nuclear radiation are also overblown, she says. Last year, Braybon travelled to a nuclear waste facility, a nuclear lab, a power plant and an armed nuclear submarine while pregnant. Id build a nuclear waste facility on my property if I could. It would make me a lot of money, says Braybon, who lives on 25 acres in the Adelaide Hills. The World Nuclear Association reports that the US navys nuclear fleet has never experienced an accident in its 50-year history. The Lucas Heights nuclear medical facility in Sydneys south has operated effectively for decades and has recorded only minor safety breaches. Inside Lucas Heights nuclear medical facility. Credit: James Brickwood Emeritus professor of the Australian National University Ken Baldwin says nuclear energy is safe, with stringent regulations preventing accidents and underground depositories able to safely store high-level nuclear waste (though the worlds first such facility in Finland is not yet operational). The Coalition has previously said it plans to temporarily store spent fuel on site before moving it to the same location as waste from the AUKUS nuclear submarines will be kept. We [Australia] would make sure that we manage both the safety of nuclear power generation and the waste storage in a very responsible manner because we are a well-governed country, says Baldwin.

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Director of Nuclear Innovation Centre at UNSW Edward Obbard says nuclear energy is one of the safest ways to generate electricity and has a death rate far lower than coal, oil, gas and hydropower, based on accidents and pollution. Obbard says the reactor meltdown at Chernobyl in 1986 is not relevant to Australia because it occurred in a previous reactor design. People disproportionately remember the impacts of the three reactor meltdowns at Fukushima, he says, when the more significant destruction, and 20,000 deaths, were caused by a 14-metre tsunami and a 9.0-magnitude earthquake. Loading Some people fear nuclear because it can capture our imagination so terribly, he says. But UNSW associate professor Mark Disendorf says the fears are valid. He says earthquakes are common in the Hunter Valley  the site of one proposed reactor  and is concerned by a German government study that has shown proximity to a nuclear power plant increased the likelihood of leukemia for children under five. He says that the argument that Australias stringent safety regulations and access to modern technology would make it immune to the dangers was invalid because Australia has so little experience. In a statement, the Australian governments primary authority for radiation protection and nuclear safety says nuclear power plants are designed to be safe and have significantly improved their operations in recent decades, but cannot be considered entirely risk-free.

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Its not unusual to hear that nightlife is dying, as bars and clubs across Australia shut down. Gen Z and Millennials often bear the brunt of the blame for this. But perhaps, as Ntahilaja writes, todays youth (the loneliest generation) desire connection and fun just as much as their predecessors. The environments in which this happens just look a little different. Last month, Fatboy Slim played an impromptu show to a packed crowd in a Melbourne fish and chip shop and many gyms and fitness studios now resemble nightclubs, with neon lights and the kind of music youd expect to hear at a music festival. Everywhere, it seems, is a club  except the club. Gwythers cafe raves are just one of many events on Maple Social Clubs calendar, including dinner parties and pickleball, but all have the same ethos: social connection, fun and accessibility. She says one of the most common questions she is asked is whether its okay to come alone to an event.

I reckon we probably are about 50/50 of people coming solo versus people coming with friends, but I found that a lot of people who come solo to one will come together to the next event, she says. Loading Romantic connection is part of it too  Gwyther and Connor are developing a dating app. Theyre not singles events, theyre free community events. But really we see it as finding the right people that we would want on our platform, says Gwyther. In the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Cremorne, a different kind of experience marrying coffee and music has emerged.

On Air, founded by Deyon Murphy, 33, and Francesca Poci, 26, is a permanent cafe where you can grab a morning latte alongside live DJ sets and radio shows. We thought, what could be the most Melbourne idea we could do? And we thought coffee and DJs, says Murphy, who previously worked in the music industry. So remove the alcohol element, remove the club element and make it something that people can come and enjoy every weekend and leave feeling full and not hungover. DJ Sammy Good Times playing a set for early people enjoying their morning coffee at On Air cafe in Melbourne. Credit: Justin McManus Murphy is careful to differentiate On Air from the heaving, caffeine-fuelled dance floors that have become popular on social media platforms like TikTok  although he acknowledges the trend has helped propel the business into the zeitgeist.

We never wanted it to be a rave. We wanted it to be like a listening lounge or an experience, so people can come and discover different sounds and different artists in Melbourne. Loading They chose Cremorne, which has been referred to as the Silicone Valley of Melbourne for its proximity to young professionals. Our key demographic are young creative entrepreneurs really, and thats why we run the fashion series [a video series of interviews with Australian fashion designers they post on social media], and were going to run a series on health entrepreneurs. Thats the sort of people that were trying to tie in to what were doing, says Murphy. Indeed, Murphy hopes for On Air is for it to become bigger than just a cafe. Their artists are featured on a YouTube channel, while Murphy hopes to eventually develop a record label as part of the business.

Its about finding our community, he says. Melbournes Mix&Matcha:AM team, from left to right: DJ Shwads, Tanya Mohan, Isabelle Tan and Winzwen Tan. Tanya Mohan, 26, co-founded Mix&Matcha:AM earlier this year after witnessing the explosion of coffee clubs overseas. At the time when we were planning this, no one had done it in Melbourne and Australia, and so we decided to bring it down here. Mohan, alongside friends Winzwen Tan, DJ Shwads and Isabelle Tan held their first Coffee Meets Matcha Party, in collaboration with Singapore-based coffee club beans&beats, at the end of April.

Ive got a passion for music and my co-founders [Tan] got a passion for making coffees and matchas, and so he specialises in that, she says. Loading The response, Mohan says, has been huge. Weve grown really quickly since launching and it hasnt even been a month, but its been overwhelmingly positive, she says. Like Gwyther and Murphy, she thinks people her age are tired of traditional nightclub spaces.
After almost a decade servicing Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, Cathay Pacific Cargos Boeing 747s will instead fly in and out of Brisbane from next month.

The first of Cathays weekly Boeing 747-800 freighter flights landed in what was then known as Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport in November, 2016. At the time, then-Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio said the flights would open up Asian markets to agricultural businesses across the Darling Downs.

Those weekly flights, with a capacity of up to 135 tonnes each flight, will instead service Brisbane from June 17.

A Cathay Pacific Cargo 747 at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Credit: Wellcamp Airport

We are excited to be bringing Brisbane into our weekly freighter operation and offering suppliers the opportunity to quickly and seamlessly transport their shipments to Hong Kong and beyond from the states capital, Cathay south-west Pacific regional general manager Frosti Lau said.

The flights, a shared service with Sydney and Melbourne airports, will arrive Tuesdays at 7.10pm and depart at 8.40pm.

Current Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said it was disappointing for the region to lose the link, but remained optimistic about Wellcamps potential for local industry.

The Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport continues to offer boundless opportunities for connecting our region with domestic and international markets, he said.
Peter Dutton has called on voters to judge the Albanese governments record rather than his own performance on the campaign trail even as he launches a last-ditch blitz of marginal electorates.

This election really is a referendum, not about the election campaign, but about the last three years of government, he said at a morning press conference in his seat of Dickson in outer Brisbane before heading south to Tasmania for the afternoon.

Peter Dutton, pictured at Ag Fest in Tasmania on Thursday, wants to be seen as a builder rather than being judged on his campaign. Credit: James Brickwood

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, meanwhile, began his own six-state, two-day blitz in Perth before heading to Adelaide and on to Brisbane, where he will spend the day campaigning on Friday morning in seats Labor is trying to win from the Greens and Liberals.

Duttons day did not begin well, with questions from the travelling media over his prospects of remaining leader if the Coalition does not form government at the May 3 election.
Its kind of just brought me on to the mentality that, well, I dont actually have to vote for them and I think my vote will be better suited going with a minor, independent party. Im going to vote for the Greens in this election after all. Jacquie McLean, 39, lives in the marginal NSW seat of Gilmore. The single parent, who had ruled out voting for Labor, has changed her mind after being unimpressed by Liberal campaign material. Credit: Wolter Peeters Borbas is not alone in reassessing his political allegiances. Across the country, voters are weighing their discontent against practicality as they prepare to cast their ballots. In the marginal seat of Gilmore, 39-year-old social assistance worker Jacquie McLean described the challenges she was facing as a single parent in West Nowra. Initially ruling out Labor due to disappointment with her local MP, she ultimately changed her mind after reviewing campaign materials, concluding that Labor was the better of two bad options. The only thing thats been popping up in the ads is [Peter] Dutton. And I think from watching those, its deterred me away from him, she said. Anthony Albanese, I suppose, has tried to save the economy.

For Marlee Conlan, 29, a high school music teacher from Woodend in the Victorian electorate of McEwen, the decision is just as complicated. Like many, shes uninspired by the two major parties. Ive just kind of lost faith in the big two parties. Im probably aiming for a hung parliament, if anything, because ... if I had to choose from the big two, Id definitely be leading towards Labor, but I dont think theyre the best option, to be honest, she said. Marlee Conlan, 29, is a high school music teacher from Woodend in the electorate of McEwen. Credit: Justin McManus Im putting Legalise Cannabis Party first, not necessarily because of the legalise cannabis [aspect], but like, literally everything else ... cost of living, housing, energy, education, climate, health, integrity. Conlans sentiment reflects the broader trend in electorates across the country where voters are searching for alternatives that align with personal values and pressing concerns of everyday Australians.

Meanwhile, in Tuesdays latest Resolve Political Monitor conducted for this masthead by Resolve Strategic, Australians have given Labor a clear lead over the Coalition putting the government ahead by 53 to 47 per cent in two-party terms despite new signs of pressure on its primary vote. Loading The exclusive results show that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has cemented his lead over Dutton as preferred prime minister  ahead by 47 to 31 per cent  in a dramatic turnaround from surveys in January and February showing that voters had swung to the opposition leader. The results show that support for the Greens has risen 1 per cent to 14 per cent and Pauline Hansons One Nation has risen by the same amount to 7 per cent. Support for independent candidates has fallen in national terms since the last Resolve survey two weeks ago, but it is stronger in NSW, Victoria and Queensland when compared with surveys taken at the last election.

The undecided voters we interviewed were recruited and provided an incentive through Resolve Strategic. They were screened to ensure they lived in the seats that could help decide the 2025 election outcome, were not fully committed in their vote choice, and did not work in an occupation that would give them special insight into the election. Heres what they said. Anna Deakin, 22 Anna Deakin, 22 lives in Queenslands Griffith electorate. Griffith electorate in Queensland, nursing assistant, student and retail worker. Voting stance: Voted early, preferencing the Greens.

Its been interesting to see the ads change with the Liberal campaign. Ive seen a lot more to do with the cost of living and bringing fuel prices down, when previously  I hadnt seen any of that. I ended up doing it [voting] early, the other day  I feel like there has been an exponential increase in the number of campaigners outside of the voting centres, which was really interesting to see. Scott Reeves, 59 Scott Reeves lives in the seat of Robertson in NSW. Lives in Kariong in the electorate of Robertson, NSW. TAFE teacher, home owner who lives with partner and adult children. Voting stance: Undecided at the start of the campaign and is considering an independent candidate or Labor.

[Peter Dutton] came out and made two fairly significant policy statements and then backed out of them completely  if youve had four years to prepare for an election, it doesnt fill you full of confidence. Theyve both come out with very similar takes on housing. Having worked in that industry for most of my life  we dont have the ability to meet any of the targets either party are talking about. Theres just not enough tradesmen. Id rather see [tax] go to some purpose rather than give it back to me. If you dont want it, then dont tax me. But if youre going to tax me, then use it. Use it for something that benefits my kids, my grandkids, my great-grandkids in the future. Steven Kater, 63 Lives in Bondi in NSWs Wentworth electorate, business owner, single.

Voting stance: formerly Liberal voter, will preference One Nation, then Liberal. I still like  Pauline Hanson. I havent changed in that view. Because I just think these people are Australians. They seem like they know whats going on  whoever gets in, theyll pressurise them to be very careful of normal Australian people. Steven Kater will be voting for One Nation. It could be a hung parliament. And what Im worried about, and it did come out of when I was watching the [leaders] debate  Mr Dutton did say to Mr Albanese, will the Greens give you the first vote? Im worried about small business, with the tax cuts  I would have liked to see talk ... about Israel and Gaza, what theyre going to do there because thats still very [important] and Ukraine too.

Tony Cheng, 48 Brisbane, Queensland, Lives in Summer Hill, lawyer, single (mortgage-holder), shares home with parents. Tony Cheng, 48, is still undecided. Voting stance: still undecided. The promises of the election platforms and commitments they were putting out there  if youre really stuck in that middle  thats probably popping the whole thing up  youre not really getting much from it  other than the fuel excise, I suppose. Its not like in the last six months [Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton] suddenly stepped up to become a person that we dont know they are  their presentation and the level of confidence that they instil in all of us that hasnt changed. I might as well flip a coin on the day. Theres news in the lead-up, so theres time. Ill just go in and look a bit closer at what their policy platforms are, and maybe make a judgment on that.

Kenneth Ralston, 31 Kenneth Ralston has not changed his mind and will be voting Liberal. Lives in Berwick in the Victorian electorate of Bruce. Single, car parts salesman. Voting status: Likely Liberal voter, which he has always leant towards. I still sort of feel leaning towards Liberal, but I do feel Liberals maybe made a bit of a mess of it since we probably last spoke a few weeks ago ... and I feel a bit stuck with it. Youre not going to fix everything by spending more and overspending ... youre not going to get anywhere. You need to cut it. You need to reduce it.

Adrian Hill, 50 Lives in Croydon North in Victorian electorate of Deakin. Technical manager for a chemical manufacturing company. Adrian Hill will be voting for an independent. Voting status: Will vote local independent after leaning Liberal earlier in the campaign. If I was to go for either of the majors, I would have now switched. I would go for Albanese. However, the reality is ... neither of them are getting my vote. I suppose Ive done a little more research on my local candidate ... Michael Sukkar, and Ive been less than impressed with him during the course of this election campaign ... and as much as I could easily go for a major or put someone else there, I think an independent is the right thing to do.

George Semertzidis, 57 George Smertzidis says for him the biggest issues would be housing affordability and cost of living. Lives in Victorias McEwen electorate. Textiles director, married. Voting stance: Originally keen on independents, remains unsure. I want to vote for an independent or the minor parties because weve been 15 years in politics without bipartisan support. When it matters, we dont get that bipartisan support and I feel that independents might close that gap and force the major parties to come to the table on issues that are important to the country.

John Nolan, 55 John Nolan changed his mind. Lives in the Chisholm electorate in Victoria, is a single, warehouse storeman. Voting stance: Originally leaned towards Dutton, has voted for Albanese. I really do like strong leaders but I think Albaneses more calming and I like what he wants to do better than what Dutton wants to do. Theyre both good leaders in their own way and I dont know if Australias ready for a change that probably Dutton will give us.

Andy Hannan, 42 Andy Hannan will be voting for an independent. Lives in NSWs Bradfield electorate. Building manager. Voting stance: intends to vote for independent candidate Nicolette Boele, ALP second, Greens third, will be postal voting. Theres a lot more visibility in the streets. Theres more posters, more people at pedestrian zones, transport hubs  I think weve had some like information leaflets, as well, come through the mail. Overall, I think its pretty positive. It seems to be just like I remember from previous political campaigns, theres a lot of promises and money thrown around, and I think for me, where Im at the stage of my life, thats good. Theres a lot on offer for me from the main political parties.
Its the final sprint before we head to the polls on Saturday: Anthony Albanese is pulling beers in Fremantle and Peter Duttons putting his faith in Perths rich-listers.

Will popular premiers sway your vote? Is the seat of Forrest going round the twist?

Running Mates is your weekly guide to the Federal election on May 3.

Understand the policies and promises before you vote, and hear informed opinions from journalists on the campaign trail. Nine News, WAtoday, the Australian Financial Review and 6PR combine to bring you digestible weekly analysis.
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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Warning: Graphic content

London: A Ukrainian journalist was tortured and killed while in Russian custody, according to a damning investigation, marking the first confirmed death of a Ukrainian reporter in Russian hands since its full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The body of 27-year-old Viktoriia Roshchyna was returned to Ukraine in February, nearly five months after Russian authorities said she had died during a prison transfer. A forensic examination found signs of brutal torture and mutilation, raising fresh accusations of war crimes by Russian forces occupying parts of south-eastern Ukraine.

A colleague holds a photograph of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna during an event in her memory in Kyiv. Credit: AFP

Roshchyna disappeared in August 2023 after travelling to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region to investigate the detention and torture of civilians.
As prices continue to edge higher and housing demand remains resilient across both capital cities and regional areas, apartment owners looking to make the leap to a house may find their best opportunities in suburbs where the price gap between units and houses is surprisingly narrow.
Gambling Help in Tennessee: What to Expect from Counseling

Gambling begins as an entertaining pastime for many people, yet it develops into an addictive problem that destroys personal relationships and financial security and generates psychological distress. Professional help exists to assist those who detect problem gambling behaviors within their family members or themselves in Tennessee. Getting a clearer outlook on counseling and treatment programs enables people to begin their recovery journey more easily after recognizing their need for help.

What to Expect During Counseling

The initial sessions within treatment primarily concentrate on evaluation procedures. A counselor will:

Discuss your gambling history.

Identify triggers and high-risk situations.

Professional counselors will investigate fundamental problems, which include anxiety tendencies and depression symptoms, as well as exposure to traumatic experiences.

The professional will help you develop an individualized treatment approach that fits your needs.

The primary objective goes beyond gambling cessation since the main purpose involves developing a life full of wellbeing and fulfillment. The discussion will address the improvement of coping techniques, together with partnership work, monetary management skills, and stress management methods.

Types of Gambling Treatment Available in Tennessee

Gambling help in Tennessee provides multiple resources, such as treatment facilities for those dealing with gambling addiction. Several primary options are available for gambling treatment in Tennessee.

1. Free Counseling Services

Residents of Tennessee can access free gambling treatment through funding from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Achieving contact with qualified professionals will provide the opportunity to receive a recommendation for gambling counselors who specialize in treating gambling addiction.

Counseling often includes:

Individual therapy sessions

Family counseling

Group therapy

Financial counseling support

2. Outpatient Treatment Programs

You can participate in outpatient programs by staying at home while attending day-daily therapy appointments. These programs often combine:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) creates positive transformation by modifying unsafe gambling actions, together with problematic thoughts.

Skills training to manage urges

Stress and anger management

Relapse prevention planning

People who need to balance their treatment and workforce, as well as family obligations, benefit most from outpatient programs.

3. Inpatient and Residential Programs

Some extreme gambling cases could use inpatient treatment that requires patients to reside in treatment facilities for determined periods, but such programs tend to be less frequent. These programs offer:

Intensive therapy

24-hour supervision

Structured daily schedules

Individuals recovering from addiction receive important assistance from other people going through their recovery process. Your physician, along with your counselor, must evaluate whether this treatment level matches your needs.

4. Support Groups

Large numbers of Gamblers Anonymous programs exist throughout the state of Tennessee. The gamblers' recovery program based on Alcoholics Anonymous provides a 12-step treatment combined with a peer support structure for gambling recovery.

The recovery process becomes stronger when people receive professional therapy alongside peer support group participation.

A feeling of loneliness often affects people with gambling addiction, while treatment options are available. The treatment programs in Tennessee operate as a complete support system for every stage of recovery from initial contact through recreation of a stable, happy life. The decision to seek help today will transform the reality for both you and someone you love.
Navigating the world of investments can often feel like choosing between distinct paths, each with its own terrain, challenges, and potential rewards. Two prominent routes, particularly in alternative assets like private equity and real estate, are direct investing and fund investing. While both aim to generate returns, they differ significantly in terms of control, required expertise, time commitment, risk profile, and fee structures. Understanding these differences is crucial for investors seeking to align their strategy with their resources, goals, and risk tolerance.

This article will delve into the characteristics of direct and fund investments, outlining their respective pros and cons to help you determine which approach might be the better fit for your investment journey.

What is Direct Investing?

Direct investing involves putting your capital directly into a specific asset or company. Instead of pooling your money with other investors under the management of a third party, you are the one selecting, vetting, and often managing the investment. Examples range from buying shares in a specific publicly traded company to acquiring a rental property, providing seed funding to a startup, or participating in the acquisition of an established private business. Platforms like Capital Pad, an independent sponsor resource, can put you in touch with various investment opportunities.

Pros of Direct Investing:

 Greater Control: You have the final say on which specific assets or companies to invest in. Depending on the investment size and structure, you might also have significant influence over the asset's management or the company's strategic direction (e.g., through board seats).

 Transparency: You have direct visibility into the investment's operations, performance, and financials. There are fewer layers between you and the underlying asset.

 Potential for Higher Returns: By cutting out intermediary fund managers and their associated fees, successful direct investments can potentially yield higher net returns.

 Direct Connection: Investing directly, especially in private businesses or real estate, can provide a deeper connection to and understanding of the asset you own.

Cons of Direct Investing:

 Significant Time Commitment: Sourcing, evaluating (due diligence), negotiating, and managing direct investments requires substantial time and effort.

 Requires Expertise: Successfully identifying promising opportunities and assessing risks demands considerable industry knowledge, financial acumen, and analytical skills.

 Higher Concentration Risk: Investing directly often means putting larger sums into fewer assets, increasing the impact if one investment underperforms. Diversification is harder to achieve without substantial capital.

 Sourcing Difficulty: Finding high-quality direct investment opportunities, particularly in private markets, can be challenging and often relies on extensive personal networks or specialized platforms.

What is Fund Investing?

Fund investing involves pooling your capital with that of other investors into a fund managed by a professional investment firm (the General Partner or GP). This manager then uses the collective capital to invest in a portfolio of assets according to a specific strategy (e.g., venture capital, private equity buyouts, real estate development, hedge fund strategies). Investors (Limited Partners or LPs) typically have little to no say in the day-to-day investment decisions.

Pros of Fund Investing:

 Professional Management: You benefit from the expertise, resources, and network of experienced fund managers dedicated to sourcing, managing, and exiting investments.

 Diversification: Funds typically invest in multiple assets, spreading risk across various companies, industries, or geographies within the fund's mandate.

 Access: Funds can provide access to deals or markets that might be inaccessible to individual direct investors due to size, complexity, or relationships.

 Reduced Time Commitment: Once the initial due diligence on the fund manager is complete and capital is committed, the ongoing time requirement for the investor is significantly lower compared to direct investing.

Cons of Fund Investing:

 Fees: Fund managers charge fees, typically a management fee (e.g., 1-2% of assets or committed capital annually) and carried interest or "carry" (a share of the profits, often 20%, usually above a certain return threshold or hurdle rate). These fees reduce the net returns to investors.

 Less Control: Investors delegate investment decisions entirely to the fund manager. You invest in the manager's strategy and capabilities, not in specific pre-identified assets.

 Potential Lower Net Returns: While gross returns might be high, the layering of fees can sometimes result in lower net returns compared to a highly successful direct investment.

 Lock-up Periods: Many alternative investment funds require capital to be committed for long periods (e.g., 5-10 years or more), offering limited liquidity.

 Manager Risk: Investment performance is heavily dependent on the skill, integrity, and consistency of the fund manager.

Both direct investing and fund investing offer viable paths to building wealth, particularly in alternative asset classes. Direct investing appeals to those with the time, expertise, and desire for control, offering potentially higher returns and greater transparency but demanding significant effort and accepting higher concentration risk. Fund investing provides diversification, professional management, and convenience, making it accessible to a broader range of investors, but comes with fees, less control, and reliance on the manager's skill.

Increasingly, hybrid models and platforms are emerging, blurring the lines and offering new ways to access specific deal types. Ultimately, the right choice depends on a clear-eyed assessment of your own goals, risk tolerance, available resources (time, expertise, capital), and desired level of involvement. By understanding the fundamental trade-offs, you can make a more informed decision and select the investment strategy that best aligns with your journey.
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - The Kenyan police has declared the shooting to death of Charles Ong'ondo Were, a three-term Member of Parliament, on Wednesday a premeditated murder and launched investigations
Une veritable confusion regne autour de lavenir de Mike Waltz, conseiller a la securite nationale du president americain Donald Trump, a appris cameroun24.

Alors que la chaine Fox News annoncait son limogeage ainsi que celui de son adjoint Alex Wong, le journaliste Barak Ravid, correspondant dAxios, affirme que Waltz est toujours en poste, selon ses sources a la Maison-Blanche.



Le dossier est particulierement sensible, car il intervient dans un climat de fortes tensions internes a ladministration Trump, minee par une serie de fuites dinformations classifiees et de scandales qui destabilisent la securite nationale americaine.

Une affaire de messagerie cryptee a lorigine de laffaire

Selon Fox News, les departs de Waltz et Wong seraient lies a un incident survenu via lapplication de messagerie cryptee Signal. Un utilisateur identifie sous le nom de Mike Waltz aurait tente de rejoindre un groupe de discussion prive du redacteur en chef du media The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg. Ce dernier a revele les faits dans un article publie le 24 mars, provoquant un tolle a Washington.



Cette tentative, jugee suspecte par les services de securite, aurait precipite la decision de Trump. Mais selon des sources de CBS News, la Maison-Blanche aurait volontairement temporise lannonce pour donner limpression dune reorganisation interne planifiee, plutot que dune reaction impulsive a une fuite.

Pressions internes au sein du mouvement MAGA

Dapres le Financial Times, des pressions internes de la part du clan MAGA (Make America Great Again) auraient ete exercees depuis des semaines pour obtenir la tete de Waltz. Le president Trump aurait longtemps hesite, craignant que son eviction ne soit interpretee comme une concession aux medias ou a lopinion publique.



Interrogee sur laffaire, la porte-parole du Departement dEtat, Tammy Bruce, na ni confirme ni infirme le depart de Mike Waltz, affirmant simplement que ?le pays ne manque pas de talents? pour pallier un eventuel vide.

Fuites a repetition : une menace pour ladministration Trump

La directrice du renseignement national, Tulsi Gabbard, a pour sa part revele que 11 nouveaux cas de fuites dinformations classifiees font actuellement lobjet denquetes criminelles. Elle a precise avoir deja transmis trois dossiers aux autorites competentes la semaine derniere.



Dans le meme temps, elle a souligne que son service, autrefois critique pour sa lourdeur administrative, a ete reduit de 25%, ce qui a permis deconomiser 150 millions de dollars, avec des coupes supplementaires de 2,6 milliards a venir.

Une administration fragilisee

Ces dernieres semaines, ladministration Trump fait face a une serie de departs forces dans les hautes spheres du pouvoir. Plusieurs hauts responsables du ministere de la Defense ont ete remercies, dont Colin Carroll, Darin Selnick, Dan Caldwell et John Elliott, tous cites dans des affaires de fuites ou de mauvaise gestion.



? Entre guerre dinfluence en interne, perte de controle sur les informations sensibles, et climat de defiance, ladministration Trump montre des signes de fragilite a lapproche de la presidentielle americaine de novembre.

?? White House Confusion: Mike Waltz Reportedly Still in Office Despite Dismissal Rumors

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the status of Mike Waltz, U.S. National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump. While Fox News reported that both Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were dismissed on May 1, journalist Barak Ravid of Axios contradicted that claim, stating that Waltz remains in office according to a senior White House official.



This revelation comes amid an increasingly tense climate within the Trump administration, rocked by classified information leaks and internal power struggles.

Signal Messaging Scandal Sparks Controversy

According to Fox News, the reported dismissal of Waltz and Wong is linked to a messaging scandal involving Signal, an encrypted chat app. A user posing as "Mike Waltz" allegedly attempted to join a private chat with The Atlantics editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, who later published an expose on March 24.



The incident has raised serious security concerns and may have influenced the presidents decision, though CBS News reports that Trump delayed the announcement intentionally to present the move as part of a broader reorganization, rather than a reaction to media pressure.

MAGA Allies Allegedly Pushed for Waltzs Exit

According to the Financial Times, key figures in the MAGA movementTrumps political basehad been lobbying for Waltzs removal well before the Signal episode. The president reportedly hesitated, wary of giving the impression that he was yielding to outside pressure.



During an interview with Fox News, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm or deny Waltzs dismissal but assured the public that the U.S. government has no shortage of talent to fill any vacancy if needed.

National Intelligence on High Alert Over Leaks

In a separate development, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced that 11 new suspects are under investigation for unauthorized leaks of classified material to the media. "Last week alone, I referred three criminal cases related to illegal leaks for investigation," she stated during a cabinet meeting.



Gabbard also revealed that her department has undergone significant restructuring, slashing its size by 25% and saving $150 million. Additional cost-cutting measures amounting to $2.6 billion are reportedly in the pipeline.

A Strained Administration

The Trump administration has recently seen a string of high-profile dismissals, particularly in the Department of Defense. Officials such as Colin Carroll, Darin Selnick, Dan Caldwell, and John Elliott have all left their posts following internal disputes and leak scandals.



? As the U.S. heads into a pivotal election year, the Trump White House appears increasingly vulnerable to internal instability and national security breaches.

Ange NGO
Le Produit Interieur Brut (PIB) des Etats-Unis sest contracte de 0,3% en glissement annuel au premier trimestre 2025, marquant la premiere recession de leconomie americaine en trois ans, selon les estimations preliminaires du Departement du Commerce, a appris cameroun24.



Ce recul intervient dans un contexte tendu sur le plan commercial. Laugmentation des importations, conjuguee a la reduction des depenses publiques, pese lourdement sur leconomie americaine. En ligne de mire : les droits de douane imposes par ladministration Trump sur les produits de 185 pays et territoires. Ces nouvelles taxes douanieres, entrees en vigueur debut avril, visent a "corriger les desequilibres", selon Washington, mais provoquent en realite une onde de choc sur le commerce mondial.

Lombre dune guerre commerciale planetaire

Face a cette offensive economique, la Chine hausse le ton. Depuis Rio de Janeiro, ou se tenait une reunion ministerielle elargie des Brics, le chef de la diplomatie chinoise Wang Yi a declare que Pekin etait prete a se battre jusquau bout si les Etats-Unis persistaient dans la voie de l'escalade tarifaire.



 La Chine defend non seulement sa dignite nationale, mais aussi le brillant avenir du monde , a martele Wang Yi, avant dajouter :

 Si vous insistez pour vous battre, nous nous battrons jusquau bout ; si vous etes prets a dialoguer, nous devons nous respecter mutuellement en tant quegaux. 



Selon lui, les BRICS doivent aujourdhui jouer un role de contrepoids a lhegemonie unipolaire, en protegeant le multilateralisme, le systeme commercial international et une gouvernance mondiale plus equitable.

Trump muscle sa politique commerciale

Dans une demarche sans precedent, le president americain Donald Trump a annonce le 2 avril une serie de droits de douane universels de 10%, etendus a la majorite des partenaires commerciaux des Etats-Unis, a lexception notable de la Russie. Ces droits sont effectifs depuis le 5 avril, tandis que certains tarifs "individuels" sont entres en vigueur le 9 avril. Une pause temporaire de 90 jours a ete annoncee pour certains pays, dans le cadre de negociations commerciales en cours.



A ce jour, le total des droits de douane americains sur les produits chinois atteint 145%, tandis que Pekin a replique avec des taxes pouvant aller jusqua 125% sur les marchandises americaines, a partir du 12 avril.

Perspectives revues a la baisse

Le Fonds Monetaire International (FMI), prenant acte de ces tensions commerciales croissantes, a abaisse ses previsions de croissance pour les Etats-Unis a 1,8% en 2025 et 1,7% en 2026. Une deceleration nette, comparee a la performance de 2,8% enregistree en 2024.



Cet affrontement economique entre deux superpuissances  Etats-Unis et Chine  pourrait redessiner lequilibre du commerce mondial, avec des consequences jusque dans les economies africaines interconnectees.



U.S. Economy Shrinks in Early 2025 as Trumps Tariffs Trigger Trade Tensions, China Vows to Fight Back

The United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 0.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first economic decline in three years, according to preliminary estimates from the U.S. Department of Commerce.



This slowdown is largely attributed to a decline in public spending and a surge in imports, driven by the tariff policies of President Donald Trumps administration. In an effort to protect American industries, Trumps government imposed sweeping tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories.

A Brewing Global Trade War

The ripple effects of this protectionist strategy are now being felt across the global economy. In response, China has issued a strong warning, vowing to fight back with equal force if the United States persists in its tariff war.



Speaking at the BRICS ministerial meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared:



If you insist on fighting, we will fight to the end. If you are willing to dialogue, then we must respect each other as equals.



Wang emphasized that China is not only defending its national dignity but also the future of global cooperation. He called on BRICS nations to uphold multilateral trade norms, promote a fairer global governance system, and reject what he described as unipolar hegemony.



The key question is: Do we accept a world dominated by one superpower, or do we support a multipolar world that is fair and balanced?, Wang asked.

Trumps Tariff Blitz

On April 2nd, President Trump announced a universal 10% tariff on imports from 185 countries, with Russia notably excluded from the list. These universal tariffs came into effect on April 5th, followed by country-specific tariffs on April 9th. Trump has temporarily suspended additional reciprocal tariffs for 90 days on select countries to allow time for ongoing trade negotiations.



The result: the total U.S. tariff burden on Chinese goods has surged to 145%, while China has retaliated with tariffs of up to 125% on American products, effective April 12th.

IMF Cuts U.S. Growth Forecasts

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reacted to the situation by revising its U.S. growth projections downwardnow forecasting 1.8% growth in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026, compared to 2.8% growth in 2024.



As tensions escalate between the worlds two largest economies, the international communityincluding Africawatches closely. For many developing nations, the consequences of this trade war could go far beyond tariff numbers, reshaping investment flows, commodity prices, and diplomatic alliances.



Ange NGO
Friday, April 25, 2025 at 10:03PM

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Meta laid off an unspecified number of employees within its Reality Labs division, which focuses on hardware and virtual reality. The layoffs impacted teams within its Oculus Studio, a.k.a. virtual reality gaming division, and Supernatural, a.k.a. the VR fitness app it acquired. The move is part of the company's broader restructuring effort within the division. It also follows a larger round of job cuts earlier this year, which also affected the Reality Labs team.

Meta's Chief Technology Officer and Reality Labs chief, Andrew Bosworth, described in a memo obtained by Business Insider that 2025 is a "critical" year for the division's metaverse ambitions. And you'll see this in the 495 open positions within Reality Labs, which affected employees can apply for. Those who do not find a new role within Meta will have a termination date of May 23, 2025.

Meta has also reorganized the leadership within Reality Labs, with its Chief Operating Officer Javier Olivan now overseeing the division. It indicates a greater focus the company is putting on the area.

SOURCE
New York, US (PANA) The United Nations has warned that Sudan is sliding deeper into catastrophe, with growing famine and surging violence  particularly in North Darfur  driving mass displacement and an alarming rise in civilian deaths
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The foundation work on the new meca-clay plant of Schwenk Deutschland in Allmendingen, Germany, was completed in mid-April  four months ahead of schedule, according to thyssenkrupp Polysius. The equipment supplier attributes this to favourable winter weather and outstanding teamwork with its partners.

Our innovative integrated plant and civil design approach has truly shined, delivering greater flexibility, reliable deadlines, and significant cost savings. As we move forward, infrastructure works will wrap up by the end of May, setting the stage for an early construction site mobilisation in June, said thyssenkrupp Polysius.

The development of our core equipment, including the cutting-edge activation bead mill, is progressing smoothly. Assembly kicks off in mid-June, thanks to our close collaboration with our suppliers, the company added.

The meca-clay plant in Allmendingen is based on al all-electricity clay activation process jointly developed by thyssenkrupp Polysius and Schwenk Zement.

thyssenkrupp Polysius expects to hand over the plant in the spring of next year.
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Cement demand in Spain grew by 10.4 per cent YoY to 1,215,778t in March 2025, according to the national cement association, Oficemen. Cement exports from Spain edged up by 0.8 per cent YoY to 423,712t.

Our analysis shows that last month's result was influenced by the calendar effect, with fewer holidays than last year, when Easter was celebrated in March. In fact, the average daily consumption figure, which only includes working days, reflects a flat growth of -0.1 per cent. Furthermore, the rainfall effect has not significantly impacted the consumption comparison, as March 2024 was also one of the wettest in recent decades, according to the AEMET (Mexico City Institute of Statistics and Cities), explains Aniceto Zaragoza, CEO of Oficemen.

In the first quarter of 2025, domestic cement consumption increased to 3.588Mt, up 7.8 per cent YoY. However, exports slipped by 2.4 per cent YoY to 1.07Mt.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed concern about recent political and security developments and warned against the risk of escalating unilateral actions by political and security actors
A Bosnian man testified in Chattanooga Federal Court on Wednesday that Sead Miljkovic tortured him during a civil war in their home country three decades ago.

Emir Pehlic said Miljkovic, who came to the U.S. in 1999 and has been living in East Ridge under an assumed last name, beat him with the butt of a rifle and later pushed his head down on a fixed bayonet.

Miljkovic was a member of the security force of the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB) that was engaged in a brother-against-brother, neighbor-against-neighbor civil conflict.

Pehlic said the incidents happened at the Stari Grad medieval castle overlooking the town of Velika Kladusa after Pehlic was captured on March 18, 1995.

The witness said he was taken to an improvised prison in an old agricultural metal building with a concrete floor and was immediately beaten there, leaving a scar on his lip. He said he was given over 100 lashes with a baton and had bruises all over his body. He said the captives had to run through a "cordon" of guards, where they were repeatedly struck.

He said prisoners had to sleep on the concrete floor or wooden pallets in freezing weather and only got one meal a day.

He said he was imprisoned in two different locations, and guards took him and other inmates to Stari Grad on work details during the day.

At the old fort he spotted Miljkovic as a supervising guard. He said, "I felt relief because I thought he was going to help me" noting they were old school mates. He said, instead, "My blackest thoughts were coming true."

He said Miljkovic caught him talking with a guard, who he said had asked him questions about himself. He said Miljkovic grabbed the guard's rifle and began beating him (Pehlic) with it.

Pehlic said on a later occasion he was taken to a small house by Miljkovic and two guards. He said at the time, "My thought was that I never was going to see my little daughter again."

He said one guard bent him over a wooden chair and began striking him in the shoulders, chest and head with a heavy object. He said, "All of them were laughing."

The witness told the local jury that one of the guards put a fixed bayonet on the chair, and Miljkovic forced his head down on the point of the blade. Attorney Bryan Hoss noted that Pehlic had not mentioned the bayonet incident in earlier reports and in a 2023 version said Miljkovic just stood off to the side and did not intervene. Pehlic said he now remembers that he could see the two guards out of the corner of his eye, so it must have been Miljkovic holding him down.

Pehlic denied that he was making the charges to get compensation. He said, "You could not pay me enough for what I went through."

He said he came 5,600 miles to testify "so this offense never, ever happens to anybody else."

Nijaz Suljanovic said he was captured around the same time as Pehlic and was with him at the various internment camps. He also went on the work details to Stari Grad. He said he noticed that several of the guards were from his hometown and were former classmates.

He said the Stari Grad guards would "hit each one of us on the hands" with wooden sticks and would make them lift heavy stones.

The witness said he was standing nearby when Miljkovic took the rifle from the guard and began hitting Pehlic in the back three or more times. He said Pehlic "screamed out in pain. He lost his balance and almost fell. Later, he showed me the dark bruises on his back."

Suljanovic was also nearby when Pehlic was taken into the house by Miljkovic and the two guards. He said, "I could hear the moans and the groans and the screams of pain."

Pehlic and Suljanovic were among those freed during the liberation of Aug. 7, 1995.

Ibro Nuhanovic, who is listed as the second victim, is set to testify later.
UTC on Tuesday and Wednesday hosted its finalists to succeed UTC's retiring Chancellor Steven Angle. There are two candidates.

Dr. Alysson Satterlund from UC San Diego was in Tuesday and met with representative groups of faculty, staff, students and key community leaders. She held a public forum on campus.

Dr. Lori Mann Bruce visited on Wednesday and also held a public forum on campus. Dr. Bruce is currently the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Tennessee Technological University.

About the candidates:

Dr. Satterlund serves as the vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life at UC San Diego, where she provides executive-level leadership and strategic oversight for a comprehensive portfolio focused on student well-being, engagement and success. Since joining the university in 2018, she has advanced initiatives supporting campus-wide equity and inclusion, student-centered services, community partnerships and public arts engagement. As the universitys chief student affairs officer, she provides oversight to collaborative and cross-cutting initiatives, services, programs and policies for a student-centered experience for a diverse and growing university community.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Satterlund has served in higher education leadership roles for nearly 30 years. She began her professional journey while an undergraduate and masters student at CSU Chico, where she worked in campus services and discovered her passion for student development. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Bruce serves as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Tennessee Technological University, where she leads academic operations, research and scholarship, and strategic planning. Under her leadership, Tennessee Tech achieved a perfect academic program quality score from the statethe first university to do so in over 40 yearsand significantly expanded its academic offerings, launching multiple new bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. programs aligned with workforce needs.

Dr. Bruce has led the faculty through growth in research funding and scholarship, increasing extramural awards from $16 million to over $46 million annually. During her tenure as provost, campus infrastructure projects have totaled over $350 million, including the construction of multiple new buildings for science and engineering. A champion of faculty development, she launched the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence and led a university-wide compensation study that improved faculty and staff salaries.

Previously, she served as associate vice president and dean of the Graduate School at Mississippi State University and held college-level leadership roles in engineering and research. Dr. Bruce holds a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering and has extensive experience in crisis leadership, fundraising, academic planning and research administration.
The State Review Board will meet on Friday, May 16 to examine Tennessee's proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning at 9 a.m. (CDT), the meeting will be held at the Tennessee Historical Commission, 2941 Lebanon Pike in Nashville, as well as virtually. Meeting information will be available on the THC State Review Board webpage The Board will vote on four nominations from across the state.Those nominations that are found to meet the criteria will be sent for final approval to the National Register of Historic Places at the U.S. Department of the Interior.The nominations are: Omohundro Water Filtration Complex District (Additional Documentation), Davidson County; Old Stone Creamery, Maury County; Ralphs Donut Shop, Putnam County; and Earles Drug Store, Sullivan County.The State Review Board is composed of 12 people with backgrounds in American history, architecture, archaeology or related fields. It also includes members representing the public. The National Register program was authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.The Tennessee Historical Commission administers the program in Tennessee.The public is invited to attend the meeting.For additional information, contact Rebecca Schmitt with the Tennessee Historical Commission at 615-770-1086, or at National.Register@tn.gov. For more information about the Tennessee Historical Commission, visit http://www.tnhistoricalcommission.org/.
Baby African Elephant Little Foot travels with her familial herd through the unforgiving Namib Desert in Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D photo by K2 Studios Baby African Elephant Little Foot travels with her familial herd through the unforgiving Namib Desert in Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D photo by K2 Studios In addition to African Elephants, Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D showcases a host of other African wildlife, from Lions and Giraffes to Baboons and Gazelles photo by K2 Studios In addition to African Elephants, Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D showcases a host of other African wildlife, from Lions and Giraffes to Baboons and Gazelles photo by K2 Studios The Namib Desert, the setting of Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D, is one of the oldest and driest deserts on Earth, with maximum annual rainfall of less than 3.5 inches photo by K2 Studios Previous Next

The newest film at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater showcases Earths largest land animal on Chattanoogas biggest screen.



Officials said, "Reaching as much as 13 feet tall and weighing in at a scale-torturing 15,000 pounds, the African Elephant makes basically every other animal look tiny by comparison.



"Despite its enormous size, even the largest land animal on Earth can be humbled by conditions in Africas Namib Desert. This harsh environment is inarguably one of the most-unforgivingly arid environments on the planet with annual rainfall of less than 3.5 inches per year.

By comparison, thats just 6 percent of the 55 inches of rain Chattanooga receives annually."On Wednesday, May 7, the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater will host a new giant-screen release exploring the enormous residents of this most-unlikely place in Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D. The film focuses on the harrowing, inspiring journey of a baby elephant named Little Foot and her herd as they employ time-tested strategies to survive in a captivating landscape that seems set against them at every turn."The second we started having a look at the location, we knew it was destined for the giant screen, the filmmakers said. The landscape is so epic, wide and vast. Its something a television just cant capture; you need to be in an arena that matches that world."Voiced by Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts (The Impossible, 21 Grams), Elephants 3D showcases the remarkable intelligence and resilience of these towering mammals, whose instinctual behavior offers tremendous benefit to many species with which they share their desert home," officials said.Elephants are a keystone species in Africa, a species that is so important that if you take it out, the entire ecosystem could struggle to survive, says Laura Roddy, the education manager at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TEST).A 3,000-acre property in Hohenwald, Tn., the sanctuary serves as a kind of retirement community for older elephants previously in human care. Currently, a dozen African and Asian Elephants live at TEST, where they exhibit the same natural behaviors seen in the giant-screen film, Ms. Roddy said.One of the roles of an elephant is pushing down large trees, she said. The elephants eat the greenery and things like that off of the pushed-down trees, but then the trees break down and become really nutrient-rich soil.That gives space for grasses to grow that other animals on the savanna depend on, such as gazelles, zebras and antelopes as well as predators that use them for cover."Elephants benefit their entire ecosystem, but Elephants 3D really homes in on the most crucial resource relied upon by every Elephant, from infants like Little Foot to the most-seasoned matriarchs: their family," officials said.People who have been interacting with them (elephants) for thousands of years realize theyre not like other animals. Theyre extremely emotionally intelligent, more so probably than humans, the filmmakers said. They take really good care of their elders, spend a lot of time nurturing and protecting each other.Officials said, "Audiences will feel anxious and heartened, in turns, as they follow Little Foot as she learns the ways of life in the desert from her family on a thrilling journey to a distant watering hole. Along the way, they encounter a host of other animals living out their own unlikely lives in the Namib, from lions and giraffes to baboons and gazelles."To celebrate the launch of Elephants, the IMAX 3D Theater will host a special 6:30 p.m. premiere screening on Wednesday, May 7. At 7:15 p.m., Ms. Roddy and other TEST staff members will speak to the audience and host a post-film Q&A session.Elephants 3D will begin daily screenings on Friday, May 9. On Saturday, May 31, the IMAX 3D Theater will host a special screening of the film for guests with sensory processing needs or sensitivity. This one-time, 2D presentation will offer an inclusive viewing environment through dimmed lighting and reduced volume.To learn more about Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D or to purchase advance tickets, visit tnaqua.org/imax/elephants/

View the trailer for Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D at https://youtu.be/VpsEBQyNfmo?si=frB0fThmhuJQ8Nn6.



In a recent episode of The Podcast Aquatic, the Aquariums official podcast, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessees education manager, Ms. Roddy, chatted about working with elephants in the Volunteer State and how to help elephants safe worldwide. Listen at open.spotify.com/episode/0E9dY0GmAxxJldhQFVWBzk?si=eIVjJEXUQ3eAyqUUZUX9TA.
A man who was captured early in the Bosnian civil war three decades ago said he was terrorized by a man who fled Bosnia and landed in East Ridge.

Ibro Nuhanovic, testifying in Chattanooga Federal Court, said Sead Miljkovic beat him several times and hurled a heavy industrial tire down a hill toward him. He said the incidents happened while he was on a work detail at the medieval Stari Grad castle in northwest Bosnia.

Miljkovic is charged with three counts of inflicting torture on prisoners under his supervision as well as passport fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

Nuhanovic, who is now a construction worker in his home country, said he joined the Bosnian Army when it was fighting Serbia. He said the fighting spread when attempts were made to set up the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB). Miljkovic had joined the APZB.

Nuhanovic said he was captured by the APZB on Dec. 9, 1994 and placed under "conditions meant for animals and not for humans." He and other prisoners were housed in agricultural buildings. He said they were made to sleep on the concrete floor and were beaten by guards.

He said, "We were transferred from one prison camp to another so the Red Cross could not locate us." Finally, he said he was able to gain a coveted Red Cross card after a site visit, and the conditions improved a little.

Nuhanovic said he and other Bosnian Army prisoners would be loaded on trucks and taken up to the castle, where Miljkovic appeared to be in charge of the guards. He said upon their first arrival "we were beaten - that was our welcome."

At the time, he said he had lost much weight, his long hair and beard were full of lice, and the clothing he still had on from when he was captured was coming apart. He said, "I was disgusting."

He said Miljkovic would require the prisoners to push wheelbarrows loaded with sandbags up a steep hill while running without tilting the load. He said, "It was impossible to do," and the weakened prisoners were beaten whenever they failed the task.

The witness said, "We were beaten on the arms, legs, face." He said he lost many teeth and had bruises all over. "I felt like a corpse," he told the jury.

He said Miljkovic, when he hurled the tire, told him to be sure to catch it. He said he got to one side and stopped the tire with his shoulder, injuring it. He said when the tire was coming, "I thought it's going to kill me. It could knock out a truck - let alone me."

He said a kind overseer found out about the incident and chided Miljkovic for it. He said he was given a visit by a doctor, who only gave him some pills. He said some of his fellow prisoners pulled the shoulder back into place.

Nuhanovic said Miljkovic would require the prisoners to fight one another. He said he always wound up facing a larger, stronger man. Once, he said he was put against "an absolute giant of a man. Even the guards were afraid of him." He said he was told to hit the giant first, and he hit him lightly. He said Miljkovic then gave him a blow, saying that is how it should be done.

At one point, the witness said he went into one of the houses by the castle and took some stale bread that had been thrown out. He said he was beaten again when caught with the bread.

He said when there was news of a battle that the APZB had lost, the prisoners were made to pay by being forced to lie on their stomachs and endure 20 strikes.

A man who was a former APZB prisoner and who has lived in the U.S. for 27 years told of being nearby when the first victim in the case was taken into a house by Miljkovic and two guards after Miljkovic had called him out. He said, "I could hear the screams coming out of that house. "

He added, "You hope and pray to God that your name will not be called next."

He said the prisoner who had been called into the house emerged with his face injured and bruises all over his body.
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No home, no health: Cherokee Nation, others working to provide shelter and more
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.
Photo Credit: Dr. Robert Jeffress' Facebook Page

Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, suggested to Christians that the End Times should not invoke fear; rather, they should inspire hope and joy, according to The Christian Post.

In a recent interview with CP, Jeffress discussed his latest book, Jesus Revealed in the End Times: Hope for Today from the One Who Holds Our Future, which was released in March.

Jeffress expressed his desire to shift focus away from chaotic signssuch as wars, disasters, and economic turmoiland encourage Christians to concentrate on the central figure of prophecy: Jesus Christ.

I had been preaching and writing about prophecy for the last 40 years, he explained. And though every approach I'd ever used focused on the events of the End Times  the rapture, the tribulation, the millennium  I found among Christians two distinct responses: some loved it, but others were scared out of their minds. I wrote this book to remind people that, in the end, its not about events. Its about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jeffress emphasized that the Bible's prophetic promises are intended to comfort and uplift believers, stating, It's something not to be afraid of if you're a Christian.

Jesus promised to be a friend to those who followed Him and trusted in Him. He said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. That's why we don't have to dread the End Times. Christ is going to be with us every step of the way.

Central to Jesus Revealed in the End Times is the depiction of Jesus not only as Messiah and Savior but also as King, Judge, Friend, and Lord. Jeffress noted that the book of Revelation, which means unveiling, is about revealing the fullness of who Jesus is. We will see Jesus as He really is, he said, adding, and that should fill believers with anticipation, not fear.

He commented on the importance of passing on truth to future generations, warning, If we don't pass on the truth to the next generation, it doesn't threaten God's plan. But it does threaten the survival of our nation and world.

Jeffress also distinguished between the last days and the "End Times," noting that, from a premillennialist perspective, while the End Times begin with the rapture and the tribulation, humanity has been living in the "last days" for 2,000 years. Whether Christ comes back in 10 years, 100 years, or 1,000 years, your end and my end is coming very quickly. And thats why we need to be ready.

He also believes that Jesus Revealed in the End Times can serve as a powerful evangelistic tool. Everybody is interested in the End Times, even non-Christians, he noted. They look at the world and think its spinning out of control. This book points people to the only way to know Jesus, and that is through faith in Him.  I encourage people to engage in 'book evangelism'  giving copies of this or other Christ-centered books to point people to salvation.

He views the proliferation of various media platforms as a sign that the Gospel is reaching the ends of the Earth and fulfilling prophecy, stating, This is Gods way of getting His Word out to as many people as possible before His soon return.

Reflecting on his role as an evangelical leader, Jeffress, who prayed over President Trump in oval office last month, urged Christians not to become complacent. This is no time to let up, he warned. We've been given a window of opportunity, not to rest, but to work all the more diligently for the Kingdom. We're not waiting for something terrible to happen. We're waiting for Someone wonderful to come.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Chris Robert

Scottish schools have been mandated to provide gender-segregated toilets following a legal case initiated by concerned parents against the Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

The Earlston Primary School, recently opened in the Scottish Borders, had initially included only gender-neutral toilets on its premises. A complaint filed by parents Sean Stratford and Leigh Hurley, whose son had previously attended the school, was initially dismissed.

However, in a subsequent hearing at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, the SBC admitted that it has a legal obligation to provide gender-segregated toilets.

According to the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967, schools are required to have 50/50 toilet provisions for boys and girls.

Acknowledging the validity of the parents' concerns, the SBC did not contest the issue in court.

Rosie Walker, the legal representative for the parents, stated, This case will have far-reaching implications. She also noted that all Scottish schools should now be reviewing their current toilet arrangements to ensure compliance with regulations, as reported by the BBC.

Walker further emphasized that the ruling, in conjunction with a recent Supreme Court decision determining that the legal definition of woman is based on biological sex, highlights the importance of protecting sex-based rights and single-sex spaces.

Following the Supreme Court judgment, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his agreement with the biological reality of sex, shifting from his previous stance that men could be women and women could be men.
During a Sunday service on April 27, 2025, Bishop T.D. Jakes announced that he is passing leadership of The Potter's House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, to his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and son-in-law Toure Roberts. | Screenshot: YouTube/ The Potters House of Dallas

Bishop T.D. Jakes announced during a church service on Sunday that he is handing over the leadership of The Potter's House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, to his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and son-in-law Toure Roberts.

I cannot afford, especially after November, to risk something happening to me and you be sheep without a shepherd, Jakes, who suffered a heart attack in last November shared with his congregation at the end of his sermon.

He emphasized the importance of transitioning leadership, stating, I cannot afford to let all the work of all the saints, living and dead, to hold this so tight so long that I wither away. So I'm suggesting to you, I'm recommending to you, that you receive Pastor Toure and Pastor Sarah.

Jakes explained that his daughter and son-in-law are not merely replacing him but have long been part of the church's fabric: Not because they're kin but because ... they've immersed themselves into the DNA of this church for years. Sat quiet, preached. He added, What you didn't know from November forward, they've been running the church anyway.

During his address, Jakes conveyed that if they take over the church's leadership, they may extend me. He expressed hope to formalize the leadership transition by the church's anniversary later this year, allowing him to focus on other community initiatives. There's some things I want to do in the community before I get too old to do it, and the clock is ticking, he noted.

In terms of future involvement, he remarked, There's some ways that I want to prepare us for the days ahead that I can't do it completely from the pulpit. Every now and then I think they'll let me preach, but there's some work in the vineyard that needs to be done.

Jakes is expected to remain as chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, where he also announced the transition in a press release. For nearly 50 years, Ive had the honor of connecting with and serving the local and global community as a pastor, global faith leader and unwavering truth teller, he stated in the announcement.

He added, Elevating Pastor Toure and Pastor Sarah as the new senior pastors of The Potters House, we will honor our rich history while embracing a future that demands innovative ministry for the coming age.

This elevation is not a departure but a rebirth. I will never stop preaching and will continue to minister. This moment isnt an ending, its an expansion. We are not only passing a mantle; we are multiplying impact. Leadership is not static, it is dynamic. It demands the courage to evolve.
Home News Over 10% of women experienced adverse health effects after taking abortion pill: Report

A new report is calling on the Trump administration to reinstate safety protocols for prescribing abortion pill in light of new data showing that more than 10% of women who took the drug experienced adverse health effects.

The Ethics and Public Policy Center released a report Monday titled The Abortion Pill Harms Women: Insurance Data Reveals One in Ten Patients Experiences a Serious Adverse Event. The report is based on an analysis of data from an all-payer insurance claims database that includes 865,727 prescribed mifepristone-induced abortions from 2017 to 2023.

The number of mifepristone abortions examined by the Ethics and Public Policy Center is significantly higher than the 30,966 participants included in clinical trials of the abortion pill, also known as mifepristone, cited by the Food and Drug Administration as well as the drugs manufacturer. While FDA clinical trials found that 0.5% of women who took the abortion pill experienced adverse events, a much larger percentage of women included in the Ethics and Public Policy Center analysis (10.93%) experienced adverse events.

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Overall, the Ethics and Public Policy Center measured the number of adverse events experienced by women who took the abortion pill at 94,605. This figure reflects that some women experience multiple adverse health events after taking the abortion pill. Therefore, the total listed for each type of adverse event does not add up to the overall total.

The most commonly reported adverse event fell into the category of other abortion-specific complications, experienced by 5.68% of the women who took mifepristone. Other serious complications with rates of greater than 1% were emergency room visits (4.73%), hemorrhages (3.31%), surgical abortions (2.84%) and infection (1.34%). Less common adverse events were hospitalization (0.66%), ectopic pregnancies (0.35%), other life-threatening adverse events (0.22%), transfusion (0.15%) and sepsis (0.10%).

Pro-life groups pointed to the results of the report as evidence that stronger protections are needed to prevent women from experiencing adverse effects of the abortion pill. As statistics in the report noted, use of the abortion pill has skyrocketed since its approval by the FDA in 2000. Mifepristone abortions now constitute two-thirds of all pregnancy terminations in the United States.

In a statement on Monday, National Right to Life Director of Education and Research Randall OBannon asserted, Every time pro-lifers want to challenge safety claims made about the abortion pill mifepristone, abortion advocates and their loyal media allies like to quote the claim of the drugs official label from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that clinical studies showed Serious adverse reactions were reported in <0.5% of women.

New data taken from the field show figures are twenty-two times that. OBannon added, referring to the report. Women are told that the complication rate for chemical abortions is minimal but hemorrhage, infection and failure to identify rupturing ectopic pregnancies are the realities.

Tracking these complications became more difficult in 2016 when the FDA decided that medical personnel and facilities only need to report deaths  not the complications arising from the use of the abortion pill mifepristone, OBannon concluded.

Marjorie Dannenfelser of the pro-life advocacy group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America offered similar analysis of the report in a statement provided to The Christian Post.

Dannenfelser characterized the report as a direct repudiation of the claim that abortion drugs are safer than Tylenol and part of a growing body of evidence finding that these risky drugs are much more dangerous than advertised. She insisted that the harm to women and girls as well as their unborn children simply cant be ignored.

Even in the corporate media, reports have surfaced of at least three women dying in recent years after drug-induced abortions, Dannenfelser stated. All three deaths occurred after [former President Joe] Bidens FDA removed critical safety protections for women and girls, including the requirement to see a doctor in person  making the deadly drugs widely available by mail-order to abusers and traffickers who assault and poison their victims.

Looming large in the report as well as the reactions to it from pro-life activists is a call for the FDA to reinstate the safety precautions in place when mifepristone was first approved in 2000, known as the risk evaluation mitigation strategies. The report documented how the risk evaluation mitigation strategies were rolled back in both 2016 and 2023, during the two most recent Democratic presidential administrations.

In a previous interview with CP, a representative with Physicians for Life said that when mifepristone first came out, the FDA had a protocol for it to be used through seven weeks, or 49 days from conception.

Because many abortion clinics in the U.S. were ignoring the FDAs protocol and using the drug in chemical abortions up to 60 days, states began passing regulations saying they had to follow the FDAs protocol. At the time, then-President Obama made the FDA change it to 60 days to coincide with what the abortion providers were doing.

The report explicitly calls for requiring three in-person visits to a doctor before a person can be prescribed mifepristone, limiting the ability to prescribe the drug exclusively to doctors, requiring the drug to be dispensed at a medical clinic, requiring reporting of all adverse events resulting from taking the abortion pill and not just deaths, and limiting the use of the abortion pill to women who are no more than seven weeks pregnant.

During his confirmation hearing to serve as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assured Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., that he would look into safety issues regarding the abortion pill.

Kennedy later told Fox News that President Donald Trump asked him to study the safety of the abortion pill. Shortly after winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump maintained that he had no intention to limit access to the abortion pill while stressing that he could change his mind in the future.

More recently, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said last week that he had no plans to take action on the abortion pill while clarifying that if the data suggests something or tells us that theres a real signal, we cant promise were not going to act on that data.
Home News 3 Democrats want their names removed from resolution seeking to impeach Trump, again

Three Democrat members of the United States House of Representatives have asked to be removed from a resolution seeking to impeach President Donald Trump for a third time.

Earlier this week, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., introduced articles of impeachment against Trump, with a few of his colleagues initially co-sponsoring his proposal.

However, Democratic Reps. Kweisi Mfume of Maryland, Robin Kelly of Illinois and Jerry Nadler of New York asked on Tuesday to be removed from the impeachment resolution, The Hill reported.

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Spokespeople for Mfume and Kelly told The Hill that they had asked to be removed because the resolution did not have the official backing of House Democratic leadership.

As a result of the removals, the lone remaining co-sponsor for the resolution was Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., though Thanedar remained committed to advancing the articles.

On Monday, Thanedar announced his intention to introduce a resolution attempting to impeach Trump, with seven articles claiming that Trump had engaged in various unconstitutional actions.

These included allegations of obstruction of justice, usurpation of appropriations power, abuse of trade powers, First Amendment violations, unlawful creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, bribery and corruption and tyrannical overreach.

Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that he is unfit to serve as President and represents a clear and present danger to our nations constitution and our democracy, said Thanedar in a statement.

His unlawful actions have subverted the justice system, violated the separation of powers, and placed personal power and self-interest above public service. We cannot wait for more damage to be done. Congress must act."

However, Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said at a press conference that Democrat leadership had no intention of pursuing impeachment.

Impeachment is, at times, a tool that can be used. This president is no stranger to that; hes been impeached twice, Aguilar told reporters in the Capitol, The Hill reported.

But we dont have any confidence that House and Senate Republicans would do their jobs. And so this is not an exercise that were willing to undertake.

Trump was impeached twice during his first term in office, with the Republican president surviving both attempts to throw him out of office via largely party-line votes.

The first vote was held in February 2020, when the Senate narrowly voted down two articles of impeachment alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress over Trumps alleged efforts to have Ukraine investigate Hunter Bidens business dealings with Burisma.

Although some viewed these alleged actions and the administrations purported mistreatment of a whistleblower as unlawful, neither article of impeachment received a Senate majority vote.

In January 2021, Trump made history as the first president to be impeached twice, as the House voted to impeach him on the allegation of committing an incitement of insurrection after a group of his supporters stormed the Capitol building after a speech at the Ellipse where he called on the crowd to peacefully protest the certification of the 2020 election results.

The following month, the Senate failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority to find Trump guilty, with 57 senators voting to convict him, while 43 senators voted to acquit him.
Home News Billy Graham chaplains deploy to Vancouver to provide spiritual care after fatal car-ramming attack

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team have been deployed to provide emotional and spiritual care following a deadly car-ramming attack that killed 11 people, including a young girl, during the Filipino Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver.

The incident occurred Saturday night. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada confirmed that dozens more were injured and that a suspect is in custody.

Vancouver police identified the driver as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, who faces eight counts of second-degree murder. More charges are anticipated, and Lo remains in custody.

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Weve seen this happen throughout the world  it has never happened to us here and it has absolutely shaken our entire community to the core, said Sergeant Steve Addison in a public update.

In the coming days as we learn more about the victims in this horrific attack, the trauma is going to increase. Its going to get harder before it gets easier.

In response, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Mobile Ministry Center has been stationed at the site, offering a space for prayer, rest and support for community members and first responders. Crisis-trained chaplains are on hand to minister to those affected.

The Lapu Lapu festival celebrates the Filipino community in Vancouver. Founded on April 27, 2023, the popular event includes live performances, cultural displays, and traditional food. The car attack happened just as the festival had been ending.

This is heartbreaking news that what should have been a time of celebration and community has turned into a senseless attack and loss of so many lives, said Holly Lafont, manager of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.

We want the families of those killed and injured to know that they are not alone. Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team will be there to provide comfort and prayer in Jesus name to the community that has been devastated by this horrific attack.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada asked for prayers for the families affected and for all those experiencing grief and loss in the aftermath.

Pray for Gods comforting presence in the days ahead, the group said.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home News Churches sue Trump admin. over ICE raids in houses of worship

A group of churches, along with a nonprofit and an interfaith group, have filed a complaint against the Trump administration over allowing immigration raids in houses of worship.

The complaint was filed Monday in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, Eugene Division, and accuses the Administration of violating the churches First Amendment rights.

Longstanding federal policy under both Republican and Democratic administrations has consistently affirmed the importance of protecting havens  such as houses of worship, schools, health care clinics, social services and community-based organizations, and other public places where adults and children gather  from immigration enforcement activity except in limited circumstances, stated the lawsuit.

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Defendants policy is unconstitutional and unlawful. It violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. It injures the Plaintiff organizations missions, their core activities, and their constituents.

Plaintiffs include Augustana Lutheran Church of Portland, Oregon; Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish of San Diego, California; Floridas Westminster Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, Florida; Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste of Woodburn, Oregon; and the Interfaith Council of San Francisco, California.

Named defendants include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and CBP Acting Commissioner Pete R. Flores.

In an emailed statement to The Christian Post, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, We are protecting our schools [and] places of worship by preventing criminal aliens and gang members from exploiting these locations and taking safe haven there because these criminals knew law enforcement couldnt go inside under the Biden Administration."



"DHSs directive gives our law enforcement the ability to do their jobs. Our officers use discretion. Officers would need secondary supervisor approval before any action can be taken in locations such as a church or a school. We expect these to be extremely rare.

In January, DHS announced the rescinding of a policy enacted in 2011 during the Obama administration that barred immigration law enforcement operations in "sensitive" areas, including churches and schools.

"Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest," stated DHS at the time. "The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense."

"The Biden-Harris Administration abused the humanitarian parole program to indiscriminately allow 1.5 million migrants to enter our country. This was all stopped on day one of the Trump Administration. This action will return the humanitarian parole program to its original purpose of looking at migrants on a case-by-case basis."

A group of about two dozen religious groups and denominations filed a complaint against DHS, CBP and ICE in February, alleging that the rescinding of the policy violated religious freedom.

Earlier this month, however, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich for the District of Columbia, a Trump appointee, ruled against their request for a preliminary injunction, writing that such raids on churches were rare and thus did not present a burden to the plaintiffs.

"Since the policy rescission took effect over 10 weeks ago, only one enforcement action has taken place at the hundreds of plaintiffs' member congregations," Friedrich wrote.

"The plaintiffs can point to only three instances since January 20, 2025, where any immigration enforcement action has taken place in or near any place of worship anywhere in the country, even under the current administration's more vigorous immigration priorities and increased."
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.
Home News 'Avengers' star Jeremy Renner describes moment he died after tragic accident: 'Exhilarating peace'

Jeremy Renner recently opened up about the harrowing snowplow accident that nearly claimed his life in January 2023 and reflected on what he believes was a moment of death and the peace he felt in those final seconds.

The 54-year-old Avengers actor, who broke more than 30 bones after being crushed by a 14,000-pound snowplow while attempting to save his nephew at his Nevada home, recounts the experience in his new memoir, My Next Breath.

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 wrote. 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.

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In an interview with Us Weekly, Renner elaborated on what he described as a near-death experience. I could see my lifetime. I could see everything all at once, he said, noting his heart rate dropped to 18 beats per minute.

In death there was no time, no time at all, yet it was also all time and forever, he said, describing exhilarating peace and a constantly connected, beautiful and fantastic energy. He recalled a space without form or structure, no time, place, or space, and nothing to see, except a kind of electric, two-way vision made from strands of that inconceivable energy.

Renner said he felt a force urging him not to let go, which brought him back into his body.

The actor has spoken candidly about the accident in recent months. In an interview with People, he described the writing process as healing.

Writing about it has been very emotionally cathartic to have to go word by word through it all again, he said. I dont not talk about it. Its part of my life every day, and its always a wonderful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, and how fragile the body is and how badass it is at recovery.

Im not haunted by the incident  not too often anyway  by the images, the sounds, he added. But I am reminded of my new reality, and its wonderfully positive. I didnt die.

According to the statistics, near-death experiences (NDEs) are reported by about 17% of those who nearly die.

Some Christian leaders acknowledge that NDEs can be powerful and potentially real experiences, but caution believers to evaluate them against Scripture.

In a recent interview with The Christian Post, John Burke, pastor of Gateway Church, a multisite church based in Austin, Texas, and author ofImagine the God of Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Revelation and the Love You've Always Wanted, said that while studying near-death experiences, he discovered a striking commonality among them all: Every individual, regardless of their religious background, experiences the God of the Bible.

I interviewed 70 people on every continent and found that they all encountered the same God; it didn't matter their culture, ethnicity or religious background. God is the God of all nations, Burke told CP.

The pastor said that NDEs are God's "new global apologetic," intended to affirm His existence, the reality of the afterlife and His desire for a relationship with every person.

They all say, I never wanted to leave His presence and of all the beauty I experienced, all of these great reunions with people I love who've gone on before me, nothing could compare to just being in this presence, Burke said.

He clarified that while every individual encounters the God of the Bible during an NDE, he is not suggesting they will end up in Heaven. Burke said he doesn't believe these people are experiencing an entrance into eternity or a tunnel of death, rather, theyre encountering something in between.

This can confuse some Christians, he said. But I like to remind them that the Apostle Paul was not a believer in Jesus. He was arresting Christians and having them jailed and killed when the same God of brilliant light appeared to him on the Damascus Road in Acts 9. When Paul asks, Who are you, Lord? He says, I'm Jesus. But Jesus didn't tell him what to do, and He didn't explain the message of the Gospel to him.

I believe God is saying to the world, I'm real. Heaven is real. Hell is real. And I love every person from every nation; I want you to be my child through what I did through Jesus, so you can turn your heart back to me and be made right with me.
Home News Police arrest Christians violently assaulted in Hindu mob attack on church

NEW DELHI  A Christian charged under Indias anti-conversion law after Hindu nationalists attacked a church is seeking anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court of India.

Rajesh Sharma said his plea for anticipatory bail was rejected in Chhattisgarh states lower and high courts. Sharma and the others were booked after a mob of 70 to 100 hardline Hindus led by members of the Hindu nationalist Bajarang Dal cut the electrical power of the 120-member Church of God in Raipur and attacked them during their March 9 worship service.

The mob was accompanied by few policemen, and they attacked in the presence of police who stood there as mere spectators, as they were very few in numbers, said 66-year-old Senior Pastor Praveen Lawrence of the Church of God in Raipur.

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The Hindu mob shouted slogans like Jai Jai Shri Ram [Praise lord Rama], Stop conversions and Get rid of those carrying out conversions, including derogatory words in Hindi not included in these translations.

Vandalizing cars and two-wheelers belonging to church members, the mob struck the vehicles with church chairs, broke surveillance cameras and then assaulted four Christians who sustained injuries, including two women, Pastor Lawrence said.

They really tried very hard to break open the church door. They damaged the walls supporting the door attempting to get inside, Vipin Lawrence, 38, junior pastor and son of Pastor Lawrence, told Morning Star News. If they would have succeeded, many Christians would have been assaulted and wounded, besides the entire infrastructure inside the church that would have gotten damaged.

The mob assaulted the Christians as some members of the congregation came out the church hall to speak to them. The Hindu men beat the Christian men and Hindu women attacked the Christian women.

They hit us with chairs, long wooden sticks, fists, shoes and slippers, said Vipin Lawrence, whose forehead was wounded.

The mob seized him while he was speaking to them and hit him with wooden sticks and fists, besides kicking him; one of them was wearing something on his hand that was sharp, Vipin Lawrence said.

Someone hit me on the head with a wooden stick, and there was darkness before my eyes, he said. I did not know where I was standing. A church member pulled me out of the mob and the police took us inside the church to prevent further injuries.

Abhishek Samson was assaulted and attacked with a sharp object; he was unsure if it was a knife or a sharp plastic object. He sustained a deep cut below his chest near a rib.

The mob beat a 45-year-old woman repeatedly with footwear. A 24-year-old young woman was manhandled and sustained a muscle pull after she was yanked by her arm, and the assault left her thumb bleeding.

We dont resort to violent means and did not retaliate, said Pastor Lawrence. The police were our witnesses, and the catastrophe took place in the presence of the police.

He added that the mob was still attacking even after police reinforcements arrived. Eventually officers were able to rescue all church members, including many who had secured themselves inside the church hall.

The mob shattered car windshields, damaged a TV, camera, washbasin, water dispenser, faucets, pots, helmets, footwear that congregation members had removed before entering the hall and vandalized motorcycles and scooters with wooden sticks.

Officers escorted Vipin Lawrence and 50 church members through the frenzied mob to the local police station in a police van. Officers interrogating them also asked their addresses, names, religion and identification before releasing them at 8:30 p.m.

A large crowd of more than 100 Hindu extremists gathered outside the police station demanding arrests.

As each Christian emerged, the mob would surround them, hurl insults at them and verbally abuse them, said Vipin Lawrence. We faced extensive harassment both from the Hindu extremists and from the police.

Sharma, Abhishek Samson, Priyesh Kumar and Munna Guard, the watchman of the church premises, were named in First Information Report (FIR) No. 78, filed by Manish Verma in Amanaka police station in Raipur District on March 9. They were charged under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which prohibits criminal intimidation, insulting religious beliefs, voluntarily causing hurt, obscene acts and defiling a place of worship, and under the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act of 1968 prohibiting religious conversion by force or allurement.

Rajesh Sharma is neither a member of our church, nor was he present in the church on the day of the attack, yet he has been named in the FIR, said Vipin Lawrence.

The Christians planned to proceed with anticipatory bail applications one at a time, so that the other three will apply only after Sharma obtains a favorable court order, explained the junior pastor.

Sudden objection

The church had worshiped without incident or objection for 18 years after Pastor Lawrence constructed the church building in 2007, he said.

Tensions began after a colony meeting on Feb. 23, when Hindus proposed to build a temple in the common area near the church site. The church had converted a portion of its land into a play area for the children of the colony.

Representatives of the five to seven Christian households in the colony consented to the Hindu temple construction but suggested it should be built an appropriate distance from the church so that the worship sounds would not interfere with each other.

We do not want the Christian functions like Christmas and weddings to cause any kind of disturbance to the Hindu neighborhood worshiping in the temple, Pastor Lawrence told the community.

According to the senior pastor, another Christian at the meeting said, It would hurt religious sentiments if a dog were to carry a chicken bone from the church premises and accidentally drop it near the temple. It could be perceived as Christians having eaten and purposely thrown the bone towards the temple, causing misunderstanding and disrupting the peace and harmony amongst the community.

Some people at the meeting shared these comments with Hindu nationalists from outside the colony, who came and misrepresented the words as, The Christians will eat chicken and throw the bone towards the Hindu temple and defile the Hindu temple, Vipin Lawrence said.

In the weeks following the March 9 attack, residents constructed the Hindu temple in a common area that was intended for use by all the colony residents, Vipin Lawrence said.

On Good Friday, Hindus played loud Hindu worship songs during the church service, causing significant disruption not only to the church service but to the entire colony residents as well, he said.

On the same day the Christians were charged, Vipin Lawrence filed a counter- complaint at the Amanaka police station under FIR No. 79 against four identified attackers in addition to unidentified assailants.

No arrests have been made on either side based on the complaints.

A lower court denied Sharmas anticipatory bail plea, and on April 9 the High Court rejected it.

We plan to move to the Supreme Court this week, Vipin Lawrence said on Tuesday (April 29). Based on Rajeshs bail, we will apply for the others in the lower court.

Christian support organization Open Doors ranks India 11th on its 2025 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. India stood at 31st place in 2013 but has steadily fallen in the rankings since Narendra Modi came to power as prime minister.

Religious rights advocates point to the hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist BJP, which they say has emboldened Hindu extremists in India since Modi took power in May 2014.

This article was originally published at Morning Star News
Home News Southern Baptist Convention membership declines; baptisms, attendance are up: report

The Southern Baptist Convention has witnessed another year of membership decline but has also seen worship attendance and baptisms increase, according to a recent report.

According to a report released Wednesday on the Annual Church Profile compiled by Lifeway Research, the SBC had approximately 12.72 million members in 2024, a 2% decline from the approximately 12.98 million reported for 2023.

However, the SBC saw 250,643 baptisms in 2024, which was about 10% more than the 226,919 that occurred in 2023, itself a rise from 2022, when the nation's largest Protestant denomination reported fewer than 200,000 baptisms.

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Also, an average of over 4.3 million people worshiped weekly in SBC congregations, with over 2.5 million being involved in small group Bible study on a weekly basis. Both numbers were around 5% higher than what was reported for 2023.

Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, said in a statement quoted in the Lifeway Research report that Southern Baptists love to focus on evangelism, and these ACP numbers back that up.

We rejoice that God is using Southern Baptist churches to reach people with the gospel, said Iorg. We celebrate the upward trends in baptisms that we havent seen in the past 30 years. These ACP results help us see that God is at work among Southern Baptists.

The SBC also reported having 30 fewer member congregations, dropping from 46,906 in 2023 to 46,876 in 2024. This decline included both churches that had closed and churches that were no longer affiliated with the convention.

This loss of member congregations is also considerably less than the drop in 2023, when the convention saw 292 congregations either close down or end their affiliation with the SBC.

As with most religious groups in the United States, the SBC has seen declines in membership and the number of congregations in recent years. This is partially attributed to some churches opting to leave the denomination because they want to allow women to serve as pastors. In recent years, some churches have been ousted for elevating women to the office of pastor, which goes against the Baptist Faith & Message.

In 2023, SBC leadership removed the prominent California megachurch Saddleback Church from membership for having a woman serve as teaching pastor.

Additionally, as part of its efforts to combat sexual abuse among its ranks, the SBC has disfellowshipped seven churches since 2022 over their alleged failure to properly handle abuse allegations.
Home News UMC top court says church trustees can't stop pastors from officiating same-sex weddings

The United Methodist Church's highest court has ruled that pastors, not trustees, have the final say on whether clergy can officiate a same-sex wedding on church property.

The United Methodist Judicial Council issued Decision Number 1516 last Friday, centering on whether trustees could stop a pastor from officiating a same-sex wedding on their church property.

The ruling, which came in response to a request for a declaratory decision from the Arkansas Annual Conference, noted that while UMC law "gives authority to a local church board of trustees for the supervision, oversight, and care of all real property owned by the local church," the "authority over the use of the building has limits."

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"Pastors have the authority to decide whether they will perform the religious marriage service of a couple, and they cannot be prevented from or interfered with when using any of the property of the local church for such a service," stated the Judicial Council.

"Similarly, the pastor cannot be required to use church facilities to perform a religious marriage service. If a pastor does not wish to perform a certain marriage ceremony (in the discretion of the pastor), the local trustees cannot require them to do so."

Judicial Council members Molly Hlekani Mwayera, yvind Helliesen and Jonathan Ulanday were absent, according to the decision text. Timothy Bruster, the first clergy alternate, participated in the decision.

At the UMC General Conference last year, delegates voted overwhelmingly to remove the denomination's longstanding prohibition on the blessing of same-sex unions.

The change came after over 7,500 congregations disaffiliated from the UMC over the years-long debate over the issue, as they took issue with some progressive denominational leaders not enforcing the UMC Book of Discipline's former language against homosexuality. Most churches that left have joined the theologically conservative Global Methodist Church, while others have become nondenominational congregations.

Last year's decision allows UMC pastors and regional bodies to prohibit same-sex weddings, with many congregations retaining the previous rules.

For example, Highland Park United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas, a prominent congregation that former President George W. Bush is known to attend, announced shortly after the General Conference that it would not allow same-sex weddings on their property.

In a video posted last May, Highland Park UMC Senior Pastor Rev. Paul Rasmussen said the changes were "neither an invitation nor a mandate for us to change from the church that we have always been."

"For 108 years, through 13 different senior ministers, Highland Park has always maintained the traditional definition and understanding of Christian marriage when it comes to weddings within our worship facilities," he said. "We are going to continue to uphold the traditional definition of marriage in our worship venues."

Rasmussen also said that clergy could perform same-sex weddings at other venues in the community "based on their conscience," stating that "we have always been a big tent centrist church."
Home News William Barber, activists arrested for demonstrating against budget proposal in US Capitol

Rev. William Barber II and other progressive Christian activists were arrested at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., while protesting the proposed Republican-led congressional budget.

Barber, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, writer and preacher Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and St. Francis Springs Prayer Center Director Steve Swayne held a prayer rally near a monument celebrating the women's suffrage movement on Monday.

The three took issue with the proposed budget before Congress, which they contend includes damaging cuts to various necessary federal welfare programs that millions of Americans rely on.

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Shortly after they began praying out loud, several Capitol police surrounded the individuals, expelled others in the rotunda and then detained the three activists.

A spokesperson for the Capitol Police told The News & Observer that the three were detained "for demonstrating inside the Congressional Buildings, which is not allowed in any form, to include but not limited to sitting, kneeling, group praying, singing, chanting, etc."

"In this case, they started praying quietly and then began to pray out loud," continued the spokesperson. "That is when we gave them multiple warnings to stop or they would be arrested. Three people didn't stop."

The spokesperson told the newspaper that there were other places on Capitol Hill where they could have lawfully assembled and noted that the penalty would be a fine.

Barber, a former NAACP leader, and Wilson-Hartgrove confirmed their release in a statement posted to their shared blog on Tuesday. The reason for their demonstration in the Capitol on Monday, they said, is because they are "Christian preachers" and "public theologians" who are called to speak out.

They contend that $1.5 trillion can't be cut from the budget without "slashing Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, Head Start, Section 8, and other life-saving and life-sustaining programs."

"When someone dies from poverty and a lack of healthcare, we cannot lie and say, 'God called them home.' We have to tell the truth. They died because we live in a society that has chosen not to care for them," they stated.

"If we know the people are being robbed by a budget that will take from the most vulnerable to give tax breaks to the rich, it is our duty to relocate our ministry to where these life and death decisions are being made."

They added that they "appreciate the Capitol police and have prayed with them and for them." They also thank officers for their service and "have reassured them that our objection is not to them doing their job."

"We came to the Capitol rotunda to pray for representatives who currently support this immoral budget to see the danger of policy that kills and choose life. We came believing that God can take out a heart of stone and give anyone a heart of flesh," said Barber and Wilson-Hartgrove.

"That is why we chose to pray in the Capitol rotunda yesterday. And that is the prayer we hope to embody with a growing and expanding moral movement in this nation until 'justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'"

Barber garnered national attention in 2013 for his weekly "Moral Monday" protests outside the North Carolina Legislature over issues he had with various policy proposals.

He has served as co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, which in 2019 hosted a "Moral Action Congress" in Washington, D.C., where nine leading Democratic 2020 presidential hopefuls, including former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, gave remarks.

The Poor People's Campaign led the "Mass Poor People's & Low-Wage Workers' Assembly and Moral March on Washington" in June 2022.

In June 2023, Barber retired from ministry to focus more on political activism. He preached a retirement sermon at Greenleaf Christian Church of Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he had served as pastor since 1993.

Barber has often supported left-leaning causes, such as abortion, and is a strong critic of President Donald Trump.

Suffering from a severe type of arthritis known as ankylosing spondylitis since he was in his 20s, Barber said in his retirement the sermon that "God does His best work with cripples."

"Every main character that you heard, read from 2 Corinthians to Isaiah to Matthew to Samuel, is crippled, broken, handicapped," said Barber at the time. "Is that your story, too?"

"Somewhere in this room, there's not a person in here that does not have some crippling reality, some brokenness, some handicap. And yet, when you read the texts, in some ways, their stories testify to the glory of God."
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 Charity named for first black female Episcopal priest loses $330K federal grant

A nonprofit named for the first black female Episcopal Church priest has announced that it has lost a multi-year grant from the federal government worth approximately $330,000.

The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, a progressive nonprofit based in Durham, North Carolina, named after the first black female ordained by the Episcopal Church, was the recipient of a grant authorized last year from the Institute for Museum and Library Services Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program.

A spokesperson directed The Christian Post to a statement from earlier this month stating that the organization was informed the grant was terminated.

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The grant supported a staff position, the creation of exhibitions, educational curriculum and other programs, according to the nonprofit.

"It is clear that the federal government is making a targeted, intentional effort to erase the histories and contributions of Black people, queer people, women, and other marginalized groups from the historical record," said Pauli Murray Center Executive Director Angela Thorpe Mason.

"These attacks are confirmation that our work to tell the truth and offer complex and rich stories that spark folks to engage in contemporary social justice work, is valuable, impactful, and necessary."

The grant termination notice cited President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14238, titled "Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy."

Signed in March, EO 14238 stipulates that "the non-statutory components and functions" of specific "governmental entities," among them the Institute for Museum and Library Services, "shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law."

"[T]he Director of the Office of Management and Budget or the head of any executive department or agency charged with reviewing grant requests by such entities shall, to the extent consistent with applicable law and except insofar as necessary to effectuate an expected termination, reject funding requests for such governmental entities to the extent they are inconsistent with this order," continued EO 14238.

According to the center, the funding was part of over $7.2 million awarded to North Carolina institutions, which included funding to uplift "African American history, art, and culture" and support "public history, public education, organizational capacity building, and economic development via cultural heritage tourism."

This is not the first time the Pauli Murray Center and the federal government have been at odds. The nonprofit recently accused the National Park Service of erasing Murray's biography from their website and omitting references to her LGBT identification elsewhere.

In a March statement, the center said that the federal government disabled "at least one webpage, and scrubbed language related to Murray's transgender and queer identities on others, on the National Park Service (NPS) website."

While the center's statement doesn't clarify from which webpages language was altered, the NPS page for the Pauli Murray Family Home states that Murray "struggled with her sexual identity and sexual orientation" and "later found loving same-sex relationships foundational to her life." The NPS page on the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice in Durham also states that she "struggled with their gender and scholars have suggested they identified as transgender."

An NPS spokesperson told CP at the time that the agency was implementing two orders on the issue of gender ideology, one being Trump's "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" executive order, which officially declares that there are only two sexes.

"Agencies shall remove all statements, policies, regulations, forms, communications, or other internal and external messages that promote or otherwise inculcate gender ideology, and shall cease issuing such statements, policies, regulations, forms, communications or other messages," noted one provision of the order.

"Agency forms that require an individual's sex shall list male or female, and shall not request gender identity. Agencies shall take all necessary steps, as permitted by law, to end the Federal funding of gender ideology."
Home News Dad of Texas woman killed over a Mercedes calls for suspect to 'remain behind bars permanently'

The father of a Texas woman killed after a man she was with allegedly reached out to touch a Mercedes after a night out says his daughters accused killer must stay behind bars permanently.

Houston-area real estate agent Ashlee Long, 28, was killed on April 5 in downtown Dallas, according to Fox 4 in Houston.

An arrest warrant affidavit cited by FOX4 states Long was with an unidentified male companion who brushed his hand along the side of a passing Mercedes. The vehicles passenger  identified as Kendrick Finch  exited the car with a gun in his hand, followed by the man who was with Long reaching into her purse to pull out a firearm.

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At that point, according to police, Finch, 34, shot both Long and the man. Long later died from her injuries, while the man was treated and released.

Finch surrendered to authorities on April 18 after police put out his mugshot on social media. He was arrested and charged with murder.

According to FOX 4, Finchs criminal record includes burglary and narcotics charges. He remains jailed in Dallas County on a $500,000 bond.

Henry Long, the father of the victim, released a statement mourning the death of his daughter and calling for Finch to stay in jail.

Ashlees life mattered. And so does justice, Long wrote on Facebook Monday. Kendrick Finch must remain behind bars  permanently.

He made the choice to kill. He should not be given the opportunity to walk free and make that choice again.

Long said the the pain of losing a child is "indescribable."

"But to lose her this way  to gun violence at the hands of a stranger  is a trauma no family should have to endure," he wrote. "Kendrick Finch made the choice to take her life. He didnt just end her future  he shattered the lives of everyone who loved her."

Long urged supporters to contact authorities to keep the gunman Kendrick Finch and other criminals locked up in prison with no parole, in a potential reference to the release last week of a suspect accused of killing 17-year-old Frisco high school student Austin Metcalf.

Karmelo Anthony of Frisco Centennial High School, who faces a felony murder charge in Metcalfs death, was released from jail after his $1 million bond was reduced to $250,000 by Collin County Judge Angela Tucker.

May 7th Kendrick Finch has an opportunity to go before the judge to lower his bond, Long wrote. Right now it is set at $500K. He should have [a] higher bond. Please help us from allowing this to happen.
Home Opinion National Day of Prayer offers something radical this May 1

I need protection. Thats what President Trump told me again while I was at the White House recently, and he was talking about prayer.

Elected leaders at the highest level can have so many people ready to serve them  staff, administration officials  it's an army of people at their command. But because as the president of Intercessors for America, I also have an entire army of spiritual warriors at the ready, also to serve our nation, but in a different capacity. And there are millions of people of faith who are stepping up to serve in that prayer army.

But today, on National Day of Prayer, that army expands. People are engaged to pray over our nation and leaders in greater numbers when it might not be their daily habit. We as a nation are answering our calling to not just be the beacon on a hill, but also to intercede and listen to the voice of God and His will for our leaders and government. It takes ALL of us to participate in government, and through intercession, we can step in and stand in the gap for those tasked with making decisions for our communities, our state, and our nation.

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We live in an age where division often seems to define us more than unity. Political tensions boil over, social media fuels outrage, and real human connections are too often replaced by reactionary soundbites. In this environment, a national call to prayer offers something radical: unity in prayer to the One who brings the peace that passes all understanding.

The National Day of Prayer serves as a rare common ground. In a time when many are quick to define themselves by what theyre against, this day invites us to define ourselves by what we hope for and who we hope in. Imagine the power of a country where millions simultaneously pray for healing, peace, reconciliation, and strength  not just for themselves, but for their neighbors, their communities, and even those they may disagree with.

We like to say at our office that when an authentic move of God happens, we cannot keep up with it. And I know my staff would be quick to testify to examples of that being true. Let the National Day of Prayer be your first day of trying to keep up with Gods goodness, let it be the day you open the conversation and hear about all the things God has for you, your family, and our country.

Critics argue that religion should remain separate from government, but the National Day of Prayer doesn't belong to a church  it belongs to the people. It belongs to you, reader.

In a world increasingly full of noise, the National Day of Prayer offers stillness. In a society often marked by loneliness, it offers solidarity. And in a culture dominated by instant gratification, it offers timeless grounding in Gods voice and His word.

Step out today. Join in the prayers of millions of people of faith on behalf of our nation and pour out to the God of hope. Our country and our leaders need a fresh wind of prayer to fuel the challenges that face us as a nation. And then, watch Him move as He fills our nation with His blessings.
China revises law to strengthen infectious disease prevention, control

Xinhua) 11:06, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
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Home Opinion Pope Francis, my worst Protestant nightmare

The era of Francis is over, and it is time to start the postmortems on his tenure.



Throughout his time as pope, Roman Catholic critics of Francis typically prefaced their remarks with an acknowledgment of his strengths: his care for the poor, his stand on abortion, his clarity on transgenderism. He was certainly solid on these matters, as one would expect any Christian with a basic catechetical knowledge of the faith to be. Yes, one might say, the pope was Catholic. But in other areas, he was more problematic.

Intellectually, he was always going to be lackluster compared to his two predecessors. Its hard to measure up to the author of Love and Responsibility and a man who could discuss the problems of European culture with Jurgen Habermas. But this should have prompted Francis to place the intellectual project of Catholicism into the hands of serious thinkers. Instead, he appointed Victor Manuel Fernandez to head the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The position once held by Joseph Ratzinger, scholar of patristics and author of The Spirit of the Liturgy, is now held by the author of Heal Me with Your Mouth and Mystical Passion, which includes lurid ramblings about the theological significance of orgasms. It is as if Aquinas had been succeeded by Johann Tetzel.

Franciss equivocal actions, or lack thereof, in the matter of Marko Rupnik were disturbing. Rupnik, the producer of what can best be described as creepy religious kitsch, stands accused of the most lurid sexual crimes. Expelled from the Jesuits in 2023, he was still officially listed as advisor to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in 2024. Intentional or accidental? Neither speaks of a leadership concerned overmuch with the victims.

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Francis made little secret of his disdain for conservative U.S. Catholic bishops, promoting instead the cause of those who most faithfully represent the spirit of the age. Archbishop Charles Chaputs work for the people of Philadelphia, his writings for the wider Christian world, and his role in hosting the World Meeting of Families in 2015 should easily have merited a cardinals hat. It never came, and Francis accepted without hesitation his pro forma letter of resignation on his 75th birthday.

Archbishop Cordileone tried for years to gently persuade Nancy Pelosi not to support abortion, but to no avail. Finally, in 2022, he told her she would be barred from receiving Communion in the archdiocese of San Francisco. The archbishop was simply fulfilling his pastoral duty to care for his flock  and in this case, to care for the soul of someone who advocates for the destruction of innocent lives. Francis was happy to help in this situation. Sadly, though, his aid went to Pelosi, not the archbishop. He gave her the sacrament himself while she was visiting the Vatican. No doubt this reassured her that her evil was of no consequence to her or the unborn victims of her political ambitions. In the aftermath, I saw Archbishop Cordileone being interviewed at a conference. He refused to criticize the popes clear subversion of his authority. That is the mark of a Christian gentleman who understands how his churchs authority structure works and who cares for the souls under his care.

Franciss love of creating chaos for his fellow priests was obvious. His recent comment that all religions are paths to God, and the confusion surrounding the translation of the text, is but one example. Then there were the constant sound bites that caused such trouble. At first, these seemed to be the inevitable concomitants of an elderly pope governing in an era of social media that he could not possibly understand. And yet over time, the persistence of the gaffes made them look more intentional and less pardonable.

Then there was the matter of blessings for same-sex couples  or, to be more precise, for those individuals in same-sex relationships. The fine distinction sowed more chaos and empowered those looking to shift the Catholic Churchs teaching in a progressive direction. It was perhaps appropriate that the first Jesuit pope reminded us of where the term Jesuitical originated.

Then there was the big sellout to the Chinese Communist Party. What a confusion of Church and state it is to allow the secular magistrate a role in choosing a bishop. But when that secular magistrate is a party with blood  Christian and otherwise  on its unrepentant hands, the problem is not merely a confusion of powers; it is an insult to everyone who has sacrificed, often in extreme ways, to oppose such criminals.

While China enjoyed a special deal, Franciss constant carping at America and Americans grew tiresome. His recent letter to the U.S. bishops, in which he criticized the Trump administrations policy on illegal immigration, was emblematic of his attitude of sanctimonious hypocrisy. Just a few months before, Vatican City had implemented its own draconian laws relative to unwelcome foreign intruders.

As a confessional Protestant, there is perhaps one decision Francis made that I should approve: restricting the Latin Mass. The need for vernacular liturgy was a standard part of Reformation Protestant policy. But even here, there was a problem. The Protestant Reformers liturgical changes were driven by a specific theology of the Word and its connection to salvation and sacraments. Catholicisms theology of the sacraments is different and does not require liturgy in the vernacular. The popes move therefore, lacked any obvious doctrinal motivation. One can only speculate as to his motives, but it appeared to be a liberal assault on traditional Catholicism. Francis was thus my own worst Protestant nightmare: an authoritarian Roman pope driving a liberal Protestant agenda, a leader who embodied the worst of all possible Christian worlds.

Time will tell whether the next pope will follow in Franciss footsteps and permit the continuation of liberal Protestant policies. Its up to the men who will be gathering in the Sistine Chapel in the coming weeks. As a Catholic friend once said to me about the last papal election, the Holy Spirit never errs. But, he added, the same cannot be said for the College of Cardinals.

Originally published at First Things.
Small language models (SLMs) are giving CIOs greater opportunities to develop specialized, business-specific AI applications that are less expensive to run than those reliant on general-purpose large language models (LLMs).

By 2027, smaller, context-specific models will outpace their counterparts with usage volume at least three times more than those of LLMs, according to a recent report from Gartner, which also claims LLM response accuracy declines for tasks requiring specific business context.

The variety of tasks in business workflows and the need for greater accuracy are driving the shift towards specialized models fine-tuned on specific functions or domain data, says Sumit Agarwal, an analyst at Gartner who helped author the report. These smaller, task-specific models provide quicker responses and use less computational power, reducing operational and maintenance costs.
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Last year, after a US district court judge found that Google had illegally monopolized the market for online search, the Department of Justice and state attorneys general proposed a range of remedies, including requiring Google to divest from its Web browser, Chrome. With over 66 percent of the global browser market, Chrome far outpaces competitors like Apples Safari (which has around 18 percent of the market) and Microsofts Edge (5 percent); in turn, this dominance reinforces the supremacy of its default search engine, Google Search, which commands nearly 90 percent of the worldwide search market. (Mathew Ingram wrote about the various antitrust cases facing Google and other tech titans in this newsletter last week.)

This week, during the second week of the remedy phase of the trial, the Department of Justice said that Googles search monopoly gives it an unfair advantage in artificial intelligence development. Prosecutors argued that the companys ability to leverage its vast user data repository and extensive search index to train its AI tools reinforces its dominance and creates barriers to competition. As such, the government is pursuing structural remedies that could prevent Google from consolidating power in the emerging AI sector, including potential mandates to share search data with competitors. Google, for its part, argues that the AI market is already highly competitive and that its rivals are thriving without access to its proprietary data.

Regulatory pressure is only one of the forces challenging Googles long-standing dominance in this areathe rapid rise of generative AI has sparked renewed innovation and competition in the browser and search markets, which had long been seen as stagnant. Browser developers are racing to integrate AI-driven features aimed at improving personalization, efficiency, and user engagement, including personalized search results, smart content recommendations, real-time translation, automated summaries, and enhanced security features. Microsofts Edge now features Copilot, the companys AI assistant; the Brave browser released an AI assistant called Leo; Firefox recently added support for third-party chatbots; and Apple has integrated Apple Intelligence summaries into Safari. Opera, which launched its Aria AI assistant in 2023, recently previewed a new agentic tool called Browser Operator, which can independently perform browsing tasks on users behalf; the Browser Company is developing its own agentic browser called Dia.

AI companies, meanwhile, are eyeing the browser market. In November, shortly after integrating real-time Web search into its chatbot, OpenAI was reported to be looking into developing a browser that integrates its chatbot and search capabilities, potentially in partnership with e-commerce platforms; as Inc.s Kit Eaton noted, such a move would help the company retain users within its ecosystem and open new monetization avenues via subscriptions or ads, all while placing ChatGPT at the centers of users online experiences. In February, Perplexity announced plans to launch its own browser, Comet, which is set for release next month. On the TBPN podcast last week, Aravind Srinivas, Perplexitys CEO, explained that one of the motivations behind building a browser is the ability to collect richer behavioral data to support ad-targeting: We plan to use all the context to build a better user profile, and maybe, you know, through our discover feed we could show some ads there.

These companies arent exclusively eyeing the development route: this week, OpenAI, Perplexity, and Yahoo have all expressed interest in acquiring Chrome, should Google be forced to divest it. (DuckDuckGos CEO said that that company wouldnt be able to afford it.) A browser with Chromes reach would be immensely valuable for any company aiming to scale its search operations. As Brian Provost, the general manager of Yahoo Search, testified this week, approximately 60 percent of user queries originate from a browsers search bar. Buying Chrome would not only make an AI company significantly more visible, but would also give it a staggering amount of data to train its models, Futurisms Noor Al-Sibai wrote.

Yet the rush to embed AI into browsers and search tools seems to ignore serious concerns about the impact of this technology on information quality. At least one browser, Vivaldi, is holding out on the trend, explicitly rejecting AI integration due to concerns about accuracy, ethics, and environmental impact. Large language models are essentially confident-sounding lying machines with a penchant to occasionally disclose private data or plagiarise existing work, Julien Picalausa, a software developer at Vivaldi, wrote in a blog post. As such, it does not feel right to bundle any such solution into Vivaldi. In research I have conducted with my Tow Center colleague Aisvarya Chandrasekar, weve found that generative search tools often fail to reliably cite their sources and frequently deliver inaccurate information with unwarranted confidence. There are countless instances of chatbots producing questionable outputs; last week, social media users shared amusing examples of Googles AI Overviews confidently explaining fake idioms like you cant lick a badger twice. Worse still, these systems remain vulnerable to manipulation. An investigation published in March by NewsGuard found that major AI chatbots repeated false claims promulgated by a pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign.

Generative AI tools also appear to be cannibalizing traditional Web traffic. A recent study by Ahrefs, a provider of SEO tools, found that Googles AI Overviews reduce click-through rates to top-ranked websites by more than 34 percent. The growing popularity of search summarization tools could have severe economic consequences for publishers, including news companies, that depend on search traffic for advertising revenue. (Earlier this year, the education technology company Chegg sued Google, claiming that its AI-generated summaries of search results had substantially reduced its site traffic and revenue.) Publishers have also raised alarm about the significant increase in the volume of requests being driven by bots that scrape websites to collect data that goes into training generative AI models. Last month, Wikimedia published a post highlighting how automated requests for its content have grown exponentially, without sufficient attribution, causing a significant load on the underlying infrastructure that keeps our sites available for everyone.

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Some observers, like Scott Rosenberg of Axios, are drawing parallels between this moment and the browser wars that took place in the nineties between Microsoft and Netscape. Although Microsoft won that initial battle with its Internet Explorer browserprompting a landmark antitrust lawsuitit eventually lost ground to more innovative challengers like Mozilla and Chrome. Techs platform shifts may feel high-velocity, Rosenberg wrote, but they take a long time to unfoldand you should never feel too sure you know who is going to own the future. Change is surely afoot, though. Alissa Cooper, the executive director of a tech research and policy center at Georgetown University, told NPR this week that, no matter the outcome of the Google remedy trial, it will be having some kind of impact on AI.



Other notable stories:

All this week, CJR is running a series of pieces, on our website and in this newsletter, on the fog of news and propaganda that has marked the first hundred days of Donald Trumps second term as president. This morning, Jack Herrera reports on how journalists have struggled to cover Trumps push to offshore his migrant detention regime. Before this year, reporters already struggled to cover the vast, hard-to-access archipelago of immigrant detention centers across the US. That chain of jails now stretches deep into Latin America, Herrera writes. Since Trump began speeding up the deportation of migrants alleged to be gang members without due process under an old wartime law, the time between arrest and deportation has sometimes been just hours, Herrera adds, which makes press access to these deportees a near impossibility.

As we noted in yesterdays newsletter, lawyers for Trump and Paramount entered mediation yesterday in a bid to resolve a lawsuit that Trump filed against CBS, which Paramount owns, last year; according to the Wall Street Journal, however, the two sides appear to be far apart, with Trump wanting more money than Paramount initially seems willing to offer, as well as an apology. On Truth Social yesterday, Trump accused CBS of perpetrating one of the most egregious illegalities in Broadcast History, and also hinted that he might sue the New York Times for (accurately) reporting that many legal experts view Trumps case as baseless. Meanwhile, Puck reports that Paramounts owner asked CBS to delay sensitive reporting on Trump while a corporate merger goes through.

Over the weekend, a huge explosion rocked a port in Iran, killing dozens of people; then, on Tuesday, an explosion at a munitions factory in the country killed at least one person. Iranian officials have blamed the port explosion on improperly stored cargo, rather than foreign sabotage, but according to The Guardians Patrick Wintour and Deepa Parent, journalists who have attempted to investigate the incidents have faced repression. Suspicion of cover-ups is rife, Wintour and Parent wrote on Tuesday, and the filing of criminal charges against media outlets and activists by the Tehran prosecutors office has caused journalists in Iran to voice concern about press freedom.

In March, Joakim Medin, a Swedish journalist working for a newspaper in Denmark, flew to Turkey to cover unfolding mass protests against the regime of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the increasingly authoritarian president, only to be detained at the airport and charged with insulting Erdogan and belonging to a terrorist group (seemingly over photos that editors picked to accompany articles Medin wrote). Yesterday, a court handed Medin a suspended sentence on the first charge; the court ordered his release, but he will stay behind bars for now, pending resolution of the second charge. Agence France-Presse has more.

And the White House launched a new feature on its website, WHWire, that highlights positive stories about the administration and looks uncannily like the Drudge Report. The latter site soon mocked the former, splashing headlines like IT TAKES AN ENTIRE WEST WING TO COMPETE WITH DRUDGE and TRUMP LAUNCHING HIS OWN DRUDGE REPORTUSING TAXPAYER DOLLARS! Matt Drudge, the eponymous founder, who has soured on Trump, quipped that he is considering a $1 trillion lawsuit!
Spains grid operator denied on Wednesday dependence on solar power was to blame for the countrys worst blackout, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez came under increasing pressure to explain what went wrong.

With life returning to normal after a power outage that halted trains, shut airports and trapped people in lifts, Sanchezs opponents pointed the finger at low investment in a system that increasingly relies on intermittent solar and wind power.

Sanchez has announced a government investigation and said he was seeking answers from private energy companies that feed power into the grid. He also said he has not ruled out a cyber attack, although this has been dismissed by part-state-owned grid operator REE.

Spanish authorities are still dealing with the political fall-out from deadly floods in the east and south of the country that killed more than 220 people.

REE, which is headed by former Socialist minister Beatriz Corredor, has narrowed down the source of the outage to two separate incidents of loss of generation in substations in southwestern Spain, but says it has yet to identify their exact location and that it is too early to explain what caused them.

In an interview with Cadena SER radio, Corredor said on Wednesday it was wrong to blame the outage on Spains high share of renewable energy.

These technologies are already stable and they have systems that allow them to operate as a conventional generation system without any safety issues, she said, adding she was not considering resigning.

Just before the system crashed, solar energy accounted for 53% of electricity production, wind for almost 11% and nuclear and gas for 15%, according to REE data.

The share of renewables as a source of electricity production in Spain has grown to 56% in 2024 from 43% a decade earlier, according to REE. Spain is targeting 81% by 2030.

Energy Minister Sara Aagesen said the government had given power companies a deadline of late on Wednesday to provide data for every millisecond during those five seconds when the system on Monday experienced a huge loss of generation, triggering a disconnection from the rest of Europe.

One problem on Monday was that there was not enough backstop stable power, such as gas and nuclear, to handle the sudden fall of power generation, an industry source said.

The problem wasnt so much the massive entry of renewables, rather the lack of synchronous generation, the source said.

Political opponents said Sanchez was taking too long to explain the blackout, and suggested he was covering up for failings at REE.

Since REE has ruled out the possibility of a cyber attack, we can only point to the malfunctioning of REE, which has state investment and therefore its leaders are appointed by the government, Miguel Tellado, a parliamentary spokesperson for the opposition conservative Peoples Party, said in an interview on RTVE.

He called for an independent investigation to be conducted by Spains parliament rather than the government probe Sanchez has announced.

REE itself warned in May 2024 of the risks of a major outage. Renewable sources are spread across the countrys territory and connect to substations that were not designed to handle high volumes of generation, it said in a report.

To withstand sudden oscillations in frequency, the grid needs to invest in load-shedding relays to act as shock absorbers when theres a plunge in generation, REE said.

Spains government said it had asked private energy companies for maximum collaboration and transparency to help identify the cause of the outage.

Ignacio Sanchez Galan, executive chairman of Spains largest energy company Iberdrola, said the companys operations were not at fault and it was REE that should clarify the reasons for the blackout.

The outage could have been caused by a lack of supply from stable sources such as gas, nuclear or hydropower on the day and an excess of unstable sources such as sun and wind that caused a disparity when there was a drop in demand, Jorge Sanz, former president of the Commission of Experts on Energy Transition Scenarios, told TVE.

This caused transport networks to disconnect as a precaution and triggered a collapse of the grid, he said.

The government expects private and public investment of some 52 billion euros through 2030 to upgrade the power grid so it can handle the surge in demand from data centers and electric vehicles. Aelec, the utility lobby, has said that is not enough.

Jordi Sevilla, REEs chair until 2020, wrote in an opinion piece in Cinco Dias newspaper that the government was moving too fast to decommission nuclear power plants that can provide stable generation to offset the peaks and troughs of intermittent renewable energy.

(Reporting by Latona, Lombardi and Laing in Madrid; Writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Peter Graff and Barbara Lewis)
Los Angeles County officials this week approved a $4 billion payout to settle nearly 7,000 claims of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities since 1959.

The agreement reached on April 4 far surpasses a $2.6 billion settlement reached in 2022 with the Boy Scouts of America that was the largest aggregate sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history at the time.

The county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the deal that settles lawsuits filed by thousands of people who alleged they were mistreated and sexually abused in foster care and juvenile detention facilities.

The plaintiffs were able to sue because of a California law that took effect in 2020 and suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse victims to bring cases for three years.

While no amount of money can erase the horrors that they endured, this agreement acknowledges the profound harm inflicted on thousands of children over the course of decades, Adam Slater, one of the plaintiffs attorneys, said in a statement Tuesday.

Many of the claims involved the MacLaren Childrens Center, which was closed in 2003. The facility, which was intended to be a safe space for children awaiting placement in foster homes, opened in 1961 and was overseen by probation officials until it was placed under the countys Department of Children and Family Services in 1976.

One man said he was sexually abused by a physician at the facility when he was 8 years old, while another said he was assaulted by a male staff member in a bathroom when he was 5. Children were routinely placed in solitary confinement, drugged and restrained in chairs at the facility, according to court papers filed by plaintiffs.

On behalf of the County, I apologize wholeheartedly to everyone who was harmed by these reprehensible acts, Fesia Davenport, the countys chief executive, said in an April statement.

Approval of the massive payout by Los Angeles County comes at a time when the nations largest county  home to about 10 million residents  is facing a tightening bind of financial obligations on its $49 billion annual budget.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Many businesses lack the resources and business acumen necessary to thrive in their fields, which places them at a strict disadvantage in highly competitive markets. Private equity (PE) backing can be advantageous for such companies, giving them the financial resources and strategic expertise to enhance their operations, facilitate rapid growth, implement cost-cutting measures, and make strategic acquisitions.

These abilities can help businesses outperform their competitors even in extremely challenging market environments. Furthermore, being backed by a PE firm allows companies to implement a potentially more profitable long-term strategy compared to public market investments that tend to prioritize short-term gains.

As the President and CEO of the PE firm, Westbridge Capital Ltd., Michael Meekins has a keen insight into the value that PE provides to companies competing in crowded business sectors. His extensive experience in finance has given him a thorough understanding of why PE-backed businesses thrive in the face of stiff competition.

Benefits of Private Equity in Competitive Markets

Private equity provides businesses with access to substantial capital, allowing them to expand, invest in innovation, and strengthen their market position. Just as importantly, PE enables businesses to weather economic downturns and navigate credit negotiations effectively, both of which can be very advantageous in competitive markets.

Let's take a closer look at how PE can help companies outperform their competitors:

Enhancing Business Resilience

Research from the University of Glasgow and the University of Leeds found that during the pandemic, PE-backed firms outperformed industry peers in sales, employment, and earnings. These companies not only survived but thrived, increasing growth despite economic collapse.

These findings suggest that private equity support enables faster restructuring and reduces bankruptcy risk. Furthermore, PE-backed firms liquidate up to 20% less often than non-PE-backed counterparts, resulting in more stable long-term outcomes.

Securing Better Credit Terms

PE-backed firms proved more agile than non-PE peers, benefiting from investor support in navigating financial challenges. This is because private equity backers can use their networks and expertise to negotiate with creditors more effectively, avoiding lengthy court proceedings.

Research from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors found that PE-backed firms secured better lending terms and were more likely to restructure rather than liquidate. This highlights private equity's role in ensuring favorable financial outcomes and providing businesses with critical stability during economic uncertainty.

Fostering Sustained Growth and Financial Resilience

Private investment drives long-term growth, improving operations, market share, and productivity even after investors exit. Researchers at the University of Leeds reveal that PE-backed firms continue outperforming non-PE peers, with lasting gains in efficiency and performance.

Increased productivity amply demonstrates private equity's enduring impact. By enhancing competitiveness and resilience, private investment leaves businesses stronger than before, ensuring they are well-positioned for sustained success in their industries long after private equity involvement ends.

Leveraging Growth in a Competitive Field

Michael Meekins' extensive experience in the financial sector has given him a unique insight into how PE backing enables businesses to thrive even in a highly competitive business environment. From increasing resilience to giving companies the ability to weather economic difficulties, these strategic investments provide a solid foundation for long-term success.
This photo illustration created on Jan. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C., shows an image of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and an image of the Meta logo.

Chinese online retailers have cut back their spending on Facebook and Instagram ads in reaction to President Donald Trump's tough trade policy with the country.

Meta's finance chief Susan Li said Wednesday that "Asia-based e-commerce exporters" have reduced their spending with the social media company. It's likely those firms did so as they prepare for the de minimis trade loophole ending this Friday, Li said during a first-quarter earnings call.

"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.

Trump in early April signed an executive order to end the de minimis trade exemptions for Chinese imports, which benefited online retailers like Temu and Shein. Analysts have said they believe that Temu and Shein make up the bulk of Meta's 2024 China-related sales of $18.35 billion.

Meta's advertising sales in the Asia-Pacific region reached $8.22 billion for the first quarter, the company said. That was below Wall Street projections of $8.42 billion.

Li said that Meta's second-quarter revenue would be in the range of $42.5 billion to $45.5 billion, which was in line with analysts expectations of $44.03 billion.

"It's very early, hard to know how things will play out over the quarter, and certainly, harder to know that for the rest of the year," Li said.

The comments echo what Google said last week during its earnings call, warning that it expects headwinds to its advertising business, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region. Similarly, Snap on Tuesday said it had "experienced headwinds to start the current quarter."
In this handout photo released via the official social media channels of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) meets with U.S. President Donald Trump (L) during Pope Francis' funeral at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, in Vatican City, Vatican, on April 26, 2025.

The White House announced Wednesday night that it signed an economic partnership with Ukraine that includes an agreement on the ownership and extraction of natural resources from the war-torn nation.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the agreement, established as the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, will allow the U.S. to "invest alongside Ukraine" to unlock its growth assets and ultimately accelerate its economic recovery.

"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 centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term," Bessent said. "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."

"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," he added.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's economy minister, provided more details on the minerals deal outlined in the agreement, first noting in a post on X that "it is the Ukrainian state that determines what and where to extract" and that "subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership."

Ukraine and the U.S. will jointly manage and maintain co-ownership of the investment fund, with neither side holding a dominant vote, Svyrydenko said. It will be financed by new Ukrainian oil, gas and critical mineral licenses, with 50% of all revenue from the licenses going toward the fund.

Svyrydenko indicated in her post that the U.S. will also contribute to the fund, through it is unclear exactly how much.




Growing up in Detroit, Nicole Brewer didn't know that she wanted to live abroad, but she had a pretty good idea that she wanted to travel. Her first inspiration: Catherine C. Blackwell, a pioneer in African and African-American studies and the namesake of Brewer's middle school. "She would come and tell us stories about her travels," Brewer, 43, tells CNBC Make It. "I was like, Mozambique  that sounds like a beautiful country  so that curiosity about travel was sparked at a young age." Mozambique is still on Brewer's list  and given her track record, there's a pretty good chance she'll get there eventually. Brewer first moved abroad in 2008 and has resided in Nizwa, Oman, since 2012. She says the Middle East has served as a perfect home base for the two big trips she takes every year, which have included vacations in Europe, Namibia, Seychelles and, most recently, Bali. But Brewer is hardly a member of the jet set, earning about $44,000 a year between her job teaching English as a second language at a local university and her side hustles. Here's how she makes her travel-heavy lifestyle work.

She keeps expenses low

Brewer's January spending is, in some ways, a perfect encapsulation of her lifestyle in Oman. Of the $4,128 dollars she spent that month, $2,630 went toward her trip to Bali. The remainder -- $1,498  is closer to what Brewer spends in a typical month and is well below what she brings in, tax-free, from her teaching job.

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How does she keep the budget so tight? A very low cost of living certainly helps. Brewer pays about $650 a month for a furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment that's just a short walk from her workplace. Utilities, such as power, water and Wi-Fi, are included. "The only thing I pay for outside of that would be my cell phone bill," Brewer says. That comes to $10 a month. She only spends about $70 or $80 a week on groceries, and goes out for occasional dinners with friends, who have a rotation when it comes to picking up the bill. Insurance, a major line item in many American budgets, is covered by her employer. At $277, cab fare came in as the fourth-largest spending category in her January budget. That may seem like a lot  until you realize it's her primary mode of transportation. The 90-minute trip to Muscat, Oman's capital, typically runs Brewer about $40. "I don't think I'd be able to do that back in the States," she says.

Working to travel

By keeping her expenses low, Brewer is able to save up to fund her wanderlust. Her primary job makes life easy on that front, too. While Brewer is paid year round, school isn't in session for two months out of the year. "I have two months of paid holiday," she says. "When I travel, like in the summer or winter break, I'm still paid my monthly income." Brewer also has enough time for a few side hustles, working as a travel advisor, blogger and freelance writer. All told, her side gigs brought in about $3,400 in 2024, enough to help fund Brewer's favorite hobby. "Some of the income that I made on planning trips for others was income that I used for my travel," she says.

Brewer pays $650 a month for a furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment. Kedar Sonigra for CNBC Make It
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged.

Japan's central bank held its policy rate at 0.5% Thursday, for a second straight meeting, as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs weighed on the country's economic outlook.

The move was in line with expectations of economists polled by Reuters. It comes at a time of heightened global trade tensions as the U.S. pressures countries to sign business deals under threats of reciprocal tariffs.

Japan's headline inflation has stayed above the BOJ's 2% target for 36 straight months. This has given the central bank room to raise rates as it seeks to normalize its monetary policy on the back of a virtuous cycle of wage and price growth. Trump tariffs, however, have complicated plans to raise rates.

In its policy decision, the central bank highlighted that it will continue to raise its policy rate "if our economic and price forecasts are realised."

It also flagged that Japan's growth is likely to moderate due to a slowdown in other economies and a decline in domestic corporate profits.

Meanwhile, the central bank expects inflation to range between 2-2.5% in fiscal year 2025 and 1.5 to 2% in fiscal year 2026. CPI is likely to come in around 2% in fiscal year 2027, it added in a statement on its policy decision.

Japan's fiscal year runs from April to March. The country is scheduled to release fiscal first-quarter GDP numbers on May 16.

The Japanese economy grew 1.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2024, while full-year GDP growth slowed to 0.1%, a sharp fall from the 1.5% growth seen in 2023.

"The timing for underlying inflation to converge toward 2% has been pushed back somewhat. But that doesn't mean the timing of further rate hikes will automatically be delayed by the same margin," Bank of Japan Governor Kazo Ueda said at a post-meeting conference.

However, Ueda cautioned that drastic changes to tariff policies would affect the central bank's monetary policy outlook.

He also noted that while the recent tariff developments will weigh on Japan's economy, it can be expected that "such downward pressure to recede thereafter, as overseas economies resume a moderate recovery."

The BOJ's latest decision comes after trade discussions between Washington and Tokyo two weeks ago reportedly did not lead to a breakthrough.

The Nikkei 225 rose 0.54% as at 12.30 p.m. Japanese time following the decision, while the broad-based Topix index added 0.23%.

Meanwhile, the yen weakened 0.29% to trade at 143.49 against the U.S. dollar.
Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Thursday: JPMorgan reiterates Qualcomm as overweight JPMorgan says the chip giant is resilient following earnings on Wednesday. "Qualcomm delivered robust results against +an otherwise challenging backdrop for the smartphone market helped not only by robust content growth in Android premium smartphones but also strong results in both IoT and Automotive." Truist upgrades ServiceNow to buy from hold Investors should buy the dip in ServiceNow, the firm said Thursday. "We are upgrading our rating to Buy from Hold on ServiceNow shares, as we believe that the company will continue to consolidate the enterprise IT stack, leveraging AI and macro uncertainty to strengthen their relative positioning versus other vendors across the landscape." Bank of America reiterates Microsoft as buy Bank of America says the tech giant remains a top pick at the firm following earnings. " Microsoft reported strong Q3 results and outlook, led by Azure." JPMorgan upgrades Camping World to overweight from neutral JPMorgan upgraded the RV company following earnings and says investors should buy the dip. "We are upgrading shares of Camping World Holdings to Overweight from Neutral after the shares declined -14.4% Wednesday vs. the S & P 500 +0.1%, seemingly in reaction (in our view, overreaction) to a softer trend to 1Q Average Selling Prices despite numerous other aspects of the firm's performance indicating the beginning stages of an expected sharp profit pivot driven by largely idiosyncratic factors remains on track." Redburn Atlantic Equities downgrades Procter & Gamble to neutral from buy The Wall Street firm says it sees limited upside for shares right now. "P & G will remain defensive with entrenched market positions, a strong track record on productivity and a solid balance sheet, but the case for absolute upside is limited." Bank of America reiterates Meta as buy Bank of America says Meta has a "long-term foundation for AI growth" following earnings on Wednesday. "We see Meta as relatively well positioned in a soft macro with multiple usage drivers and an Al-driven platform that is driving improved ad performance vs peers." JPMorgan upgrades Silgan to overweight from neutral JPMorgan says the consumer goods packaging company is well positioned. "We expect Silgan to report a strong earnings year in 2025 despite generally weak economic conditions. Silgan's 2024 metal can results were pushed lower by weather conditions that disrupted the canned fruit and vegetable packing season." Goldman Sachs adds Johnson & Johnson to the conviction list Goldman Sachs added the stock to its conviction list and said it has a robust pipeline. " JNJ is a stable, defensive grower with the industry's strongest balance sheet allowing for continued high-ROIC investments in the Innovative Medicines segment to augment revenue growth." JPMorgan upgrades Western Digital to overweight from neutral JPMorgan resumed coverage of the stock and upgraded Western Digital following earnings citing solid artificial intelligence demand. "For the Jun-Qtr, the team guided revenues to $2.45B (up 7% Q/Q), above consensus, and the team suggested that it is not seeing any direct impacts from tariffs, albeit WDC is baking in some level of conservatism in its Jun-Qtr revenue outlook to account for some potential demand headwinds in enterprise/consumer/retail due to tariff/trade-related dynamics." Baird upgrades Caterpillar to neutral from underperform Baird says it sees an improving backdrop for the Caterpillar . "Going forward, we see some positive signs including better than expected dealer inventories, more resilient demand (admittedly, pre-tariff but still better than peers) and a prudent approach to price vs. cost management in dealing with tariffs. We would look to use any additional pressure from a macro/recessionary reset to get even more constructive on the stock." UBS reiterates Tesla as sell UBS said it would be a "watershed moment" following the news of a report that Tesla could be considering a new CEO. "If the report is true, and if Tesla were to install a new CEO, it would be a watershed moment for the company. There is no denying Musk's vision, leadership and contribution to the automotive industry." JPMorgan adds Netflix to the monthly focus list JPMorgan says it sees more upside for shares of Netflix. "NFLX has established itself as the clear leader in global streaming & is on the pathway to becoming global TV...Advertising Upfronts in May should serve as a positive catalyst to shares." HSBC downgrades UPS to hold from buy HSBC downgraded the stock following earnings, citing reduced demand. "We believe tariff uncertainties will remain an overhang on UPS' short-term demand outlook and share price." Raymond James upgrades Humana to outperform from market perform Raymond James says it sees margin upside for Humana. "The upgrade is less about the quarter and more about an improving backdrop for in MA [medicare advantage] where we see upside to margins over the next 2 years driven by flattening cost trend, an improving rate environment, and more conservative bids." Wells Fargo reiterates Apple as overweight Wells Fargo says it is standing by the stock ahead of earnings Thursday afternoon despite a Judge's ruling on Wednesday that Apple violated a court order to allow for App Store competition. "[Wednesday] Apple shares are coming under pressure following a CA judge ruling that Apple has violated a US court order to allow for greater competition for app downloads and payment methods in the company's App Store." Goldman Sachs reiterates Wingstop as buy Goldman Sachs says the restaurant company has "best-in-class" economics following earnings on Wednesday. "Wingstop is leaning into technology initiatives, noting that historically the company operated with paper kitchen tickets and limited back-of-house technology integration." Morgan Stanley reiterates Disney as overweight The firm lowered its price target on Disney to $110 per share from $130. "With shares down 20% YTD, the net result is an attractive risk/reward, but one that may take time to play out as the market looks for visibility into the degree - if any - a weaker macro impacts earnings." Deutsche Bank reiterates Robinhood as buy Deutsche Bank said in a note Thursday that Robinhood's earnings report shows it has "strong platform growth." "Reiterate Buy Rating & Raising PT to $54 from $50." Oppenheimer upgrades Caterpillar to outperform from perform The firm says the machinery stock is resilient following earnings. "While the global macro outlook is likely to remain a near-term overhang, CAT's better than feared quarter highlighted relative resiliency of the demand and margin outlook." Barclays reiterates Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices as overweight Barclays says fears over the Trump administration's chip export control restrictions are overdone for Nvidia and AMD. "There has been incremental news flow in recent days regarding the Trump administration's potential desire to re-write AI semiconductor export policy, but we would point out NVDA's and AMD's recent press releases writing down remaining China inventory as indications that neither company plans to service the China AI market any longer, and thus should be less of a risk to numbers going forward."
People walk through the hallways at Equinix Data Center in Ashburn, Virginia, on May 9, 2024.

Data center demand is not slowing down in the world's largest market centered in northern Virginia, executives at Dominion Energy said Thursday.

Dominion provides electricity in Loudoun County, nicknamed "Data Center Alley" because it hosts the largest cluster of data centers in the world. The utility works closely with the Big Tech companies that are investing tens of billions of dollars in data centers as they train artificial intelligence models.

"We have not observed any evidence of slowing demand from data center customers across our service area," Dominion's chief financial officer, Steven Ridge, told analysts on the company's first-quarter earnings call.

Wall Street has speculated that the tech sector might pull back investment in data centers as President Donald Trump's tariffs make it more difficult to source parts and raise the risk of a recession. The emergence of China's DeepSeek AI lab sparked a sell-off of power stocks earlier this year as investors worried that its model is more energy efficient.

Dominion has 40 gigawatts of data center capacity in various stages of contracting, Ridge said. Data center customers have not paused spending on new projects in Dominion's service area and they have not shown any concerns about economic uncertainty, Dominion CEO Robert Blue said.

"We're seeing continued appetite for additional data center capacity in our service territory," Blue said. "They want to go fast, they always want to go fast. That's their business, that's always been their business. We've been effective at serving them thus far. I don't see any reason why that's going to change in the future," he said.

Executives with Amazon and Nvidia said last week at an energy conference in Oklahoma City that data center demand is not slowing. Dominion shares rose about 1% in Thursday trading as the utility maintained its full-year operating earnings guidance of $3.28 to $3.52 per share.
CEO of Eli Lilly and Company David Ricks speaks at the Economic Club of New York on March 12, 2024 in New York City.

Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks on Thursday said the drugmaker can help "respond" to national security concerns around cheaper essential medicines as pharmaceutical-specific tariffs loom.

The Trump administration has opened a Section 232 investigation into how importing certain drugs into the U.S. affects national security  a move widely seen as a prelude to initiating tariffs on pharmaceuticals. It is unclear what those levies will look like and whether they will target branded or older generic drugs, the latter of which are largely made overseas in countries like India and China.

"Bringing that capacity back, so in case of emergency, we have the stock, we have the supply  that's a valid thing," Ricks said in an interview with CNBC, referring to those older drugs. He spoke after Eli Lilly reported first-quarter earnings and 2025 guidance, which did not include estimated effects of the potential pharmaceutical tariffs.

He said national security concerns around those medications are "valid."

But he added: "Do I think tariffs are the answer to that? I'm not so sure personally."

"We would be happy to talk to this administration or national security people about how we could respond to such a crisis," he said. "We have capacities to bring to bear there, and we're happy to help the country if we're in need."

Older generic drugs account for about 90% of the medicines prescribed in the U.S. Many are critical for hospital care, including antibiotics and vasopressors, or medications that raise blood pressure.

Ricks noted that those essential drugs are "not easy to make, but they're cheap, and they've been driven out of our country due to cost and other damaging policies."

However, some health experts previously told CNBC that tariffs on generic drugs, which have far lower profit margins than branded medications, could force some generic drugmakers to leave the U.S. market altogether. That could lead to or exacerbate shortages of certain generic drugs in the U.S., such as sterile injectable drugs commonly used in hospitals.

Rick's comments come as drugmakers brace for President Donald Trump's planned pharmaceutical tariffs, which aim to boost domestic manufacturing. Those tariff threats are already fueling a new wave of U.S. manufacturing investments from the pharmaceutical industry.

That includes Eli Lilly, which in February announced it will invest at least $27 billion to build four new production sites in the U.S.

On Thursday, Ricks said tariffs may not be needed after the industry's moves to reshore manufacturing.

"I think that actually the threat of tariffs is already bringing back critical supply chains into important industries, chips and pharma," Ricks said. "So do we need to enact [tariffs?] I'm not so sure."

He added that Eli Lilly wants to see permanent lower tax rates in the U.S., particularly 15% for domestic production. Ricks said lower taxes drove many drugmakers to manufacture in "low-tax islands like Ireland, Singapore and in Switzerland, and that can come back if there's an economic incentive."

That echoes the sentiment of Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla's comments on Tuesday. Though Bourla argued that uncertainty around tariffs is deterring the company from making U.S. investments in manufacturing and research and development.
Nvidia blasted Anthropic Thursday in a rare public clash over artificial intelligence policy with U.S. chip export restrictions set to take effect.

"American firms should focus on innovation and rise to the challenge, rather than tell tall tales that large, heavy, and sensitive electronics are somehow smuggled in 'baby bumps' or 'alongside live lobsters,' " a spokesperson for Nvidia said.

Anthropic, the AI startup backed by billions from Amazon , argued for tighter controls and enforcement, saying in a blog post Wednesday that Chinese smuggling tactics involved chips hidden in "prosthetic baby bumps" and "packed alongside live lobsters."

Chip restrictions from former President Joe Biden's term, called the "AI Diffusion Rule," are set to take effect May 15. The rule puts global export controls on advanced AI chips and model weights to prevent rival nations like China from gaining ground in an escalating AI arms race.

President Donald Trump is reportedly working on updating these restrictions, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already contentious policy.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has made tens of billions of dollars in recent years from his stake in the chipmaker, but he's getting his first salary increase in a decade.

Huang's base salary rose to $1.5 million, a 49% increase from 2024, according to a proxy filing with the SEC on Thursday. His variable cash also went up by $1 million, or 50%, from the 2024 fiscal year. Stock awards grew to $38.8 million, bringing total pay to $49.9 million.

The compensation committee "believed this was appropriate in consideration of internal pay equity with the base salaries" of other top executives, the filing said, and "it represented Mr. Huang's first base salary increase in 10 years."

Nvidia is in the midst of a boom that's turned it into one of the most valuable companies in the world, thanks to its graphics processing units (GPUs) that power the most powerful artificial intelligence models and workloads. Revenue in the 2025 fiscal year jumped 114% to $130.5 billion, the company reported in February.

The company's stock price increased more than ninefold between the end of 2022 and the end of last year. Huang's roughly 3.5% stake is currently worth about $94 billion.

Huang's 2025 pay also included $3.5 million in residential security and consultation fees and driver services, the company said in the filing. In the previous year, residential security and consultation fees for Huang totaled $2.2 million.

Google in a recent filing said it paid $8.27 million for CEO Sundar Pichai's personal security and travel, representing a 22% increase from the year prior.

WATCH: Nvidia-Anthropic feud
Earth and minerals are loaded onto trucks at an open-pit mine near the frontline, despite the threat of bombing by Russian invading forces on February 26, 2025 in Donetsk Region, Ukraine.

The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a long-awaited minerals deal, providing Washington with preferential access to Kyiv's natural resources in exchange for the formation of a reconstruction investment fund.

The highly anticipated agreement, long coveted by U.S. President Donald Trump, comes after months of tense negotiations and more than three years since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said Wednesday that the economic partnership would allow the two countries to invest together to accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery and help to "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 centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term," Bessent said in a statement.

Since his inauguration in January, Trump has pushed for a minerals deal with Ukraine, saying an agreement to jointly develop and monetize Kyiv's deposits of rare earths, critical minerals, oil, gas and other natural resources would act, effectively, as compensation for U.S. aid to Ukraine throughout the war with Russia.
Drew Johnson and Christina Jones on the Plaza at SC State observing the partial solar eclipse in April 2024. Photos courtesy of Dr. Donald Walter.

Christina Jones, Sophia Papa and Andrew Johnson will receive their bachelor's degrees on Friday, May 9.

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  From nuclear medicine to outer space, three South Carolina State University physics majors are wrapping up their degrees with research experiences that span atoms and galaxies.

Christina Jones and Sophia Papa focused on medical physics, while Andrew Drew Johnson concentrated on computational physics and astrophysics. All three will graduate Friday, May 9, with Bachelor of Science degrees  Jones and Papa through SC States medical physics option, and Johnson with a physics major customized for data science applications.

Christina Jones and Sophia Papa and at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University. Jones and Papa conducted research with Dr. Ram Yadav, an experimental nuclear physicist. They spent the summer of 2024 at Michigan State Universitys Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, a state-of-the-art center for nuclear research.

It was a really great experience, said Papa, who hails from Maryland. Our first day there, we got a tour around the laser beam. It was so massive that the beam occupied one room, passed through the ceiling of the hallway, and all the way to the other room across from it.

Papa enlisted in the Army as a combat medic in her junior year and has worked part time for a local EMS company. After graduation, she will move from the enlisted ranks to become an active-duty officer through the SC State Army ROTC Bulldog Battalion.

Medical physics research on a national stage

Jones, of York, South Carolina, was the lead author on a research poster she presented virtually at a national meeting of the American Physical Society. She will pursue certification in nuclear medicine technology at Midlands Technical College this fall, with plans to either enter the workforce or continue in graduate school.

When coming to SC State, my goal with majoring in medical physics was to be in a program that allowed me to get experience, so once it was time to graduate, I would be exposed to multiple avenues in medical physics that will allow me to start my career, she said. I have studied radiochemistry, nuclear physics, and health physics and greatly appreciate SC State Universitys physics program and professors for helping me.

I would tell future medical physics majors to do internships, shadow researchers, and go to conferences to get the exposure and experience that will help you in the long run, Jones said.

Astrophysics with the worlds largest digital camera

An Orangeburg resident, Johnson worked with SC States Dr. Jennifer Cash, a computational astrophysicist, and Dr. Donald Walter, an observational astrophysicist, on a research project involving Clemson University, Villanova University, and the University of the Virgin Islands.

His work centered on massive datasets expected from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, home to the worlds largest digital camera. The telescope will produce 20 terabytes of data each night over the next decade. The instrument is the size of a small car and is attached to a new telescope on a mountaintop in Chile.

Under Cashs direction, Johnson learned Python programming and helped test algorithms to manage the observatorys 3-gigapixel images. Though he hasnt settled on a specific path, his experience positions him well for a wide range of careers in science and technology.

SC States Spring Commencement will be conducted Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on campus.

The SC State Physics Program is housed in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, a unit of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Transportation.

For more information about the Physics Program, visit https://scsu.edu/academics/programs/physics.php or contact Dr. Donald Walter at dwalter@scsu.edu or 803-533-3773.
Passengers board an aircraft, operated by Ryanair Holdings, on the tarmac at London Stansted Airport, in Stansted, U.K., on Nov. 6, 2023.

Ryanair on Thursday threatened to cancel orders for hundreds of Boeing aircraft if a U.S.-led tariff war leads to materially higher prices, and said it could look at alternative suppliers, including Chinese planemaker COMAC.

The threat by Europe's largest low-cost carrier and one of Boeing's biggest customers was the latest sign of a potential reordering of the global aerospace industry if U.S. President Donald Trump does not exempt the sector from his tariff plans.

But with COMAC not yet certified in Europe and Boeing's main rival Airbus saying it is sold out through the rest of the decade, Ryanair may find it hard to follow through on its threat, one industry source said.

In a letter to a senior U.S. lawmaker, Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary said Trump's tariffs could threaten 330 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that his airline has on order, which have a list price of more than $30 billion.

"If the U.S. government proceeds with its ill-judged plan to impose tariffs, and if these tariffs materially affect the price of Boeing aircraft exports to Europe, then we would certainly reassess both our current Boeing orders, and the possibility of placing those orders elsewhere," O'Leary said.

The letter, seen by Reuters, was a response to a warning by U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, about the security implications of Ryanair following through on an earlier suggestion it might consider a COMAC order.

Boeing was not immediately available for comment.
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Microsoft  The tech giant jumped nearly 9% after beating Wall Street's earnings and revenue expectations driven by its Azure cloud business. Microsoft issued strong guidance for the year. Meta Platforms  Shares popped 6% after the social media company reported first-quarter earnings of $6.43 per share on revenue of $42.31 billion. This beat analysts' expectations of $5.28 per share on $41.40 billion in revenue, according to LSEG. On reports that Meta would be boosting its artificial intelligence spending, other semiconductor stocks such as Nvidia, Marvell Technology, Broadcom and Advanced Micro Devices rose in unison. Qualcomm  Shares slipped 5% after the chipmaker forecast revenue for its current quarter that was slightly below expectations . The stock fell despite Qualcomm posting a fiscal-second quarter earnings and revenue beat, and its chip sales showing strong year-over-year growth. Align Technology  The orthodontics manufacturer climbed 8% after posting first-quarter adjusted earnings and revenue that topped FactSet consensus. Align also guided for full-year revenue growth of between 3.5% and 5.5%, which exceeded the 2.4% analysts had penciled in. CVS Health  The pharmacy retailer climbed 8% after reporting first-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.25 per share, which exceeded the $1.70 per share analysts polled by LSEG had expected. The company's $94.59 billion in revenue also topped the expected $93.64 billion. Additionally, CVS hiked its full-year earnings guidance. General Motors  The automaker popped 3% despite cutting its 2025 forecast, citing mounting pressures from President Donald Trump's tariffs. General Motors now expects adjusted earnings before interest and taxes for the year to come in between $10 billion and $12.5 billion. Previously, it had guided for between $13.7 billion and $15.7 billion. Amazon  Shares rose 4% after the e-commerce giant announced plans to spend $4 billion by the end of 2026 in expanding its small-town delivery network in rural America. Robinhood  Shares of the financial services platform jumped 4% after the company topped Wall Street's first-quarter estimates. Robinhood earned 37 cents per share on revenue of $927 billion, while analysts polled by LSEG called for 33 cents per share in earnings on $923 million in revenue. McDonald's  The fast-food stock dipped 1% after first-quarter results showed the largest decline in U.S. same-store sales since 2020. McDonald's reported $5.96 billion in revenue, below the $6.09 billion expected by analysts, according to LSEG. U.S. same-store sales were down 3.6% year over year. Eli Lilly  Shares of the pharmaceutical giant slid more than 4% after Eli Lilly cut its full-year profit guidance because of charges related to a cancer treatment deal, though its first-quarter revenue and earnings beat estimates on surging demand for weight loss and diabetes drugs. The company forecasts adjusted fiscal 2025 earnings to come in between $20.78 and $22.28 per share, lower than the previous guidance of $22.50 to $24 per share. Tesla  Shares were up nearly 1% following Tesla's denial of a Wall Street Journal report that the company's board was seeking a replacement for CEO Elon Musk. The electric vehicle maker's stock shed as much as 3% overnight after the report said board members had reached out to executive search firms to start the process. Apple  Shares slipped 2% after a judge ruled that the company willfully violated a 2021 court order from the Epic Games case regarding App Store fees. Apple had lied to the court, according to the court filing, which held the company in contempt. Wayfair  Shares of the home furnishings retailer jumped more than 6% after first-quarter results beat expectations on the top and bottom lines. Wayfair reported adjusted earnings of 10 cents per share on $2.73 billion of revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG were looking for a loss of 22 cents per share on $2.71 billion in revenue. Wayfair's gross profit and free cash flow metrics also improved year over year.  CNBC's Michelle Fox, Hakyung Kim, Spencer Kimball, Sarah Min, Jesse Pound and Pia Singh contributed reporting.
President Donald Trump said Thursday any country or person that buys oil or petrochemicals from Iran will not be allowed to do any business with the U.S.

U.S. crude oil futures rose $1.03, or 1.77%, to close at $59.24 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent gained $1.07, or 1.75%, to settle at $62.13. Iran is one of the biggest oil producers in OPEC.

"Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions," Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. "They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form."

Trump in February ordered a "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran that aims to completely shut down the Islamic Republic's oil exports. The president accused Iran in remarks at the White House Thursday of financing militant groups throughout the Middle East.

Trump also initiated negotiations with Iran in Oman in April over its nuclear program. He said in February that he wants to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. Tehran has denied it is seeking such a weapon. The president said in February he would prefer to reach a deal with Iran. During his first term, Trump pulled the U.S. out of the nuclear agreement negotiated with Iran by President Barack Obama.

Trump's comments are clearly directed at China, which is importing more than 1 million barrels per day from Iran, said Scott Modell, CEO of consulting firm Rapidan Energy. Modell said U.S. sanctions are unlikely to have an impact on Iranian oil flowing to China unless the White House targets Beijing's state-owned enterprises and infrastructure.

The president's statements "don't signify a change in the administration's drive to reach a new deal with Iran but rather underscore Trump's belief in negotiating through strength," Modell, a former CIA officer, told CNBC.

Trump in early April imposed what he calls "secondary tariffs" on any country that buys oil from Venezuela, another OPEC member.
National Security Advisor Michael Waltz looks at his phone as he prepares for a TV interview at the White House on May 01, 2025 in Washington, DC. This week marks the first 100 days of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term.

National security advisor Mike Waltz is leaving his post in the Trump administration on the heels of controversy over his creation of a Signal messaging app group that was used to discuss U.S. military plans in March.

President Donald Trump confirmed Waltz's departure in a social media post hours after media outlets reported that the advisor was being ousted.

Trump said he would nominate Waltz as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would serve as interim national security advisor until the post could be filled.

Deputy national security advisor Alex Wong is also expected to leave his job, according to three sources who spoke to NBC News about the two exits on Thursday.

Waltz was conspicuously absent from a Rose Garden event at the White House marking the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. Many other senior Trump administration officials were in attendance.

The Signal group that Waltz created inadvertently included The Atlantic's editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, who reported details of messages exchanged between high-level Trump administration officials.

The group's other members were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Goldberg reported that the texts ended with Hegseth on March 15 detailing plans that "included precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing" of attacks on Houthi forces in Yemen, which were launched within hours of those texts.

Waltz, 51, is the first major official to leave the White House since the beginning of Trump's second term in January.

Trump earlier this week told The Atlantic that Waltz's job was secure.
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz checks his mobile phone while attending a cabinet meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 30, 2025.

Timestamps visible on the threads indicate they were active as recently as Tuesday or the morning of Wednesday, the day of the Cabinet meeting.

Other users' names in the photo are partially obscured by Waltz's hand, but appear to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio, director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East and his de facto Russia-Ukraine negotiator.

It also shows Waltz in active conversation with at least six other users, including one identified as "JD Vance"  the vice president.

A photo taken by Reuters' Evelyn Hockstein during a Cabinet meeting Wednesday shows Waltz holding his phone below the table, with the encrypted-texting app open and visible.

Former White House national security advisor Mike Waltz and other Trump officials appear to be communicating on a modified version of Signal , despite President Donald Trump discouraging use of the messaging app in the wake of the leak controversy dubbed " Signalgate ."

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz checks his mobile phone while attending a cabinet meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 30, 2025.

Asked for comment, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told CNBC, "As we have said many times, Signal is an approved app for government use and is loaded on government phones."

White House communications director Steven Cheung echoed that statement on X: "Signal is an approved app that is loaded onto our government phones. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

But the app Waltz was using to speak with other officials appeared to be a version of Signal with modifications.

The PIN verification message visible in Hockstein's photo is different than what normally appears on the Signal app. The altered PIN message suggests Waltz is using software from a company called TeleMessage, which adds an archiving capability to cloned versions of messaging apps, the tech news site 404 Media first reported.

TeleMessage is known in software engineering terms as a "fork" of Signal, meaning it copies parts of the app and makes adjustments to other parts of its code, NBC News reported.

TeleMessage markets itself as a way for government agencies and businesses to adhere to records retention laws by instantly making backup copies of chats. That feature could address one facet of the Signalgate controversy, which involved questions about whether officials' private chats were being deleted.

But 404 Media also reported that TeleMessage could undermine Signal's end-to-end encryption  which protects the privacy of messages  because "the messages can be later retrieved after being stored somewhere else."

A Signal spokesperson told NBC, "We cannot guarantee the privacy or security properties of unofficial versions of Signal."

TeleMessage was founded in 1999 in Israel and maintains an office there, according to NBC. Its co-founder and current CEO, Guy Levit, previously served as "head of the planning and development of one of the [Israel Defense Forces'] Intelligence elite technical units," according to TeleMessage's website.

TeleMessage was acquired last year by the Oregon-based company Smarsh. Tom Padgett, Smarsh's president for enterprise business, told NBC in an interview, "We merely help our customers adhere to regulations."

Padgett also declined to say whether the photo taken Wednesday showed Waltz using TeleMessage. "I can neither confirm nor deny. And I know you understand that," he told NBC.

The White House and Signal did not immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment on the reporting.

The use of Signal by top Trump administration officials  including Waltz  earlier this year to discuss pending military strikes triggered one of the biggest controversies so far in Trump's second term.

In mid-March, Waltz was part of a thread with Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others in which the group discussed forthcoming airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, to the thread.
The U.S House of Representatives voted Thursday to bar California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 that has been adopted by 11 other states.

The House backed legislation to repeal a waiver granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under former President Joe Biden in December, allowing California to mandate at least 80% electric vehicles by 2035. Major automakers had urged the action, saying the rules are not feasible. California says the rules are essential to cut pollution and contends the vote is illegal.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the program reduces pollution and is critical to competing with China on EVs. "Big polluters and the right-wing propaganda machine have succeeded in buying off the Republican Party," Newsom said.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors , Toyota , Volkswagen , Hyundai and other major automakers had warned car companies could be "forced to substantially reduce the number of overall vehicles for sale to inflate their proportion of electric vehicles sales."

The group's CEO John Bozzella called the vote a "welcome  and targeted  action by the House to prevent the inevitable jobs and manufacturing fallout from these unachievable regulations."

The California Air Resources Board rules have been adopted by another 11 states, including New York, Massachusetts and Oregon accounting for about 40% of the U.S. auto market.

The U.S. House separately on Wednesday voted to rescind the EPA's 2023 approval of California's plans to require a rising number of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and a waiver issued in December under former President Biden for California's "Omnibus" low-NOx regulation for heavy-duty highway and off-road vehicles and engines.

One issue remains whether Congress has the power to revoke any of the waivers using the Congressional Review Act. In March, the Government Accountability Office said the waivers cannot be repealed under the CRA, which only requires a majority of the U.S. Senate.

California's rules require 35% of light-duty vehicles in the 2026 model year to be zero-emission models. Automakers say it is impossible for them to meet that figure given current EV sales, which are 10% or lower in some states adopting the rules. California says EVs must hit 68% of new vehicle sales by 2030.

The U.S. Transportation Department is separately moving to undo aggressive fuel economy rules adopted by Biden.
Continued uncertainty will likely force the S & P 500 to retest the lows seen last month, according to Wells Fargo. "We keep getting the absolutely rational question: 'Have we seen the bottom in stocks?' As much as we would like to boldly answer that question with a resounding 'yes!' that just isn't the case," Wells Fargo Investment Institute senior global market strategist Scott Wren said in a note published Wednesday. "Tariff and growth concerns are the main market drivers right now, but there will likely be a few other issues that result in road bumps in the months ahead." The S & P 500, which captures roughly 80% of the value of all U.S. stocks, is on track to recover its steep losses sparked by President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariff announcement in early April. Stocks are higher so far on Thursday , underpinned by strong earnings reports from technology titans Meta Platforms and Microsoft. After slumping more than 13% in just five days less than a month ago, the S & P 500 is now down a little more than 4% in 2025. The president's efforts to reshape 80 years of postwar U.S. trade policy saw the S & P 500 reach a low of roughly 4,835 on April 7, pushing the index into a brief bear market, or a decline of 20% or more from its record high reached in February. "We wouldn't be surprised if the SPX retested its lows as additional uncertainties create headwinds," Wren said. .SPX YTD mountain The S & P 500 in 2025. One issue that could weigh on stocks in coming months, apart from trade, includes potential roadblocks in pushing Republican budget legislation through Congress by Memorial Day. While Wren noted that a fully fleshed out trade agreement with Europe or China could be a tailwind for the S & P 500 in the near term, history also suggests that such a deal will take more time than the White House is letting on. No such trade agreements have been made between the U.S. and its global trading partners. Earlier this week, China flat out denied statements from both Trump and members of his administration that suggested the U.S. and Beijing were engaged in talks to forge a deal. "We think in the nearer term the SPX could spend a lot of time in a relatively wide range from 5,000 to 5,500," Wren said. "The SPX has been just above the top end of that range the last couple trading days, but it seems a catalyst will be needed to push the market noticeably higher." While Wren forecasts uncertainty will continue, he suggested using the market's recent revival to reallocate investments toward sectors such as information technology, communications services, financials and energy. In bonds, he said he's partial to intermediate-length fixed income instruments with maturities between three and seven years. Correction: The S & P 500 hit a low of 4,835 on April 7. A previous version misstated the figure.
The US on Thursday said it supports Indias right right to defend itself and its fight against terrorism as American Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dialled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.Singh told Hegseth that Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism, and destabilising the region.The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism, the defence minister said during the conversation, according to an official readout.Hegseth said the US stands in solidarity with India and supports Indias right to defend itself, Singhs office said in a social media post."He reiterated the strong support of the US government in Indias fight against terrorism," it said."The defence minister told the US Secretary of Defence that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations," the readout issued by the defence ministry said."Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism, and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism," the ministry quoted Singh as saying.It is important for the global community to "explicitly and unequivocally" condemn and "call out" such heinous acts of terrorism, he said.The ministry said Hegseth called up Singh to express his sympathies and condolences for the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives in the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack.
Comvita Limited (NZX: CVT ) today announces that Non-Executive Director Luke Bunt has retired from the Board of Directors, effective 31 May 2025.

Luke re-joined the Board in September 2024. Prior to that, Luke served as a Board member between July 2014 and September 2023.

Comvita Board Chair Bridget Coates commented, I want to thank Luke for his uniquely valuable contributions to the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee during the past year. We are all grateful to Luke for his deep capital markets experience and for his wise counsel to the Board. We wish him all the best in retirement.

For more information, please contact:

Brett Hewlett | Comvita

Mobile: +64 21 740160

Email: Brett.hewlett@comvita.com

ENDS.

Background information

Comvita (NZX: CVT ) was founded in 1974/5, with a purpose to heal and protect the world through the natural power of the hive. With a team of 400+ people globally, united with more than 1.6 billion bees, we are the global market leader in Manuka honey and bee consumer goods. Seeking to understand, but never to alter, we test and verify all our bee-product ingredients are of the highest quality in our own government-recognised and accredited laboratory. We are growing scientific knowledge on Manuka trees, the many benefits of Manuka honey and propolis and bee welfare. We have planted millions of native trees, improving our natural ecosystems and biodiversity, and mitigating climate change in conjunction with our focus on carbon emissions reduction, while helping ensure the supply of high quality Manuka honey. In 2023 Comvita was certified B Corp, a global community of like-minded companies that strive to balance profit with purpose, seeking to use business as a force for good. Comvita has operations in Australia, China, North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe  and of course, Aotearoa New Zealand, where our bees are thriving.

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Susan Tormoen, an 89-year-old Colorado Springs artist, was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 30, only a few years after discovering her love for painting. The diagnosis didn't stop her, though it slowed her ability to create for a few years. Her new solo exhibit, "Susan Tormoen: Fun with Oil and Pastel," opens Friday at Cottonwood Center for the Arts.
I want to shrink him and keep him in my pocket and carry him with me everywhere

Contrary to The Waitress historical aversion to Its Always Sunny in Philadelphias resident Rat King  or as she put it, I have mace  there are a whole host of reasons to love Charlie Day. Just ask the cast members of Mythic Quest, who all apparently found themselves crushing on their Season Four guest star.

Alanna Ubach and Elisha Henig, who respectively played mother and son duo, Shannon and streamer Pootie Shoe on the Apple TV+ series, recently revealed how their adoration for Day runs in their on-screen family, detailing just how much they enjoyed working with him  and in Ubachs case, how they want to add him to her jewelery box. I just love him so much, she spilled during a recent sit-down with Collider.

I want to shrink him and keep him in my pocket and carry him with me everywhere, Ubach continued, noting how shed also like to shrink his wife, who is, coincidentally, Waitress actress Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and wear her as a little trinket on my necklace. They're wonderful people, and hes just such a fun hang. Thats always important.

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Though Henig remained silent on whether hed like to sport mini versions of Day and Ellis like some sort of sitcom trophy hunter, the young actor did offer a few superlatives of his own, dubbing his recent scene partner as not only one of his childhood comic icons but also as one of the most professional comedians in the industry.

He manages to make everything funny so instantly, the actor said of Day, who played his on-screen manager in the episode Rebrand. Hes really so impressive and scary to act opposite, but really fun.

This attraction to Day  who created Mythic Quest alongside Megan Ganz and his Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-star Rob McElhenney  doesnt just stop at professional reverence either. Its also a testament to how the actor drove a hard bargain when it came to green-lighting his own on-screen appearance, a trait Ubach described as sexy.

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You have to drive a hard bargain, or else I wont know how sexy you are or could be, she quipped. I think thats very important.

The Euphoria star wasnt alone in getting turned on by Days sensibilities: The whole cast apparently felt this way, according to Henig. I respect it, he echoed. We were all wildly attracted to him on set.

And who can blame them? Grab a ticket and get in line  behind Ellis and Days on-screen ex, heiress Ruby Taft, of course.
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.
Banning James Corden has more benefits than simply the joy of banning James Corden, according to restaurateur Keith McNally. Publicly humiliating the former late-night comic also vaulted McNally into the social media stratosphere.

Heres a reminder of what happened back in October 2022: McNally 86ed Corden from future visits to his New York restaurant, Balthazar, as punishment for the funny mans treatment of my staff over multiple visits. In a lengthy Instagram post, McNally accused Corden of being extremely nasty to a manager, yelling like crazy at a server and earning the dishonor of being the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers since the restaurant opened 25 years ago.

In the aftermath of terrible publicity and Instagram vitriol, Corden apologized on national television. While he explained his side of the story, Corden confessed that the truth is I made a rude comment. And it was wrong. It was an unnecessary comment. It was ungracious to the server.

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After the mea culpa, McNally immediately rescinded the ban from his restaurants.

But before you give McNally too much credit for stepping up for his staff (as hed previously told Page Six), he acknowledges in his new book, I Regret Almost Everything, that the public rebuke was really a scheme to gain Instagram followers, as reported by People. By exposing Cordens abuse, it appeared as though I was defending a principle, McNally confessed, when all I was doing was seeking the approval of my young Balthazar staff.

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The post, in which McNally called out Corden as a tiny Cretin of a man, blew up, earning the owner tens of thousands of followers. McNally knew he had hit the jackpot.

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Corden called me four times the day the post came out, each time asking me to please delete it. On the last call he sounded desperate, McNally writes in his book. Relishing my hold over someone so famous, I told him I wouldnt delete it. Like a little dictator, I was intoxicated with the power Id received.

McNally admits he didnt see either of the incidents he described in the post, taking his staffs word about Cordens abusive acts. To be fair, Corden acknowledged that hed behaved badly.

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From there, McNally flip-flops back and forth on his feelings about the incident. On the one hand, it now seems monstrous that I didnt consider the humiliation I was subjecting Corden to, McNally explains. Im not suggesting Corden didnt deserve the backlash from my post. (The bastard probably did.) Im just saying I didnt see the incident I wrote about that, to some degree, jeopardized his career.

On the other hand, McNally calls Corden a gift from heaven  the Balthazar owner had previously struggled to make traction on social media until his accusations garnered him a new legion of followers.

Kudos to McNally, I guess, for coming clean about his less-than-scrupulous intentions. The incident is yet another that proves, at the end of the day, everyone is a wanker.
Elon Musk claims that comedy is legal now thanks to his takeover of both Twitter the U.S. government, so I guess that the courts will categorize his latest attempt to be likable as a mere crime against humanity.

In the craft of comedy writing, traditional wisdom dictates that it is best not to add unnecessary elements on top of a jokes central idea that will overcrowd the bit and make it land flat. Considering that the DOGE don is, himself, an unnecessary element who foisted himself atop the human race, it comes as no surprise that Musk will gleefully break the Dont put a hat on a hat rule with the same shit-eating grin that he wears whenever he violates federal law in order to take away some retirees Social Security benefits or fire an entire team of nuclear safety inspectors.

During a cabinet meeting earlier this week, the controversial Tesla CEO and unelected Treasury raider made headlines for showing up with excess headwear. Musk eagerly waited for President Trump to notice his attire so that he could tell a joke that he clearly rehearsed to a room full of sycophants whom he would presumably fire if they didn't laugh, cracking, They say I wear a lot of hats. And, as you can see, its true  even my hat has a hat.

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And here we thought that Musks only hat was his own ass.

Despite his obsession with the comedy culture wars, Musk has a long history of failing to understand even the most basic principles of making people laugh. Before he became the Trump administrations most powerful shadow government official, Musk publicly feuded with the satirical video game news site Hard Drive after they called him out for repeatedly reposting their content with their watermark cropped out in order to trick loser nerds into thinking he knew one damn thing about either gaming or comedy.

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Then, of course, there was Musk's disastrous appearance on Saturday Night Live back in 2021 where his god-awful and visibly uncomfortable impression of Wario drew some of the worst reviews for a hosting gig in the past decade. Musk even pitched a sketch that would have allowed him to expose his penis onstage, possibly because he thought there would be a bunch of flight attendants in the live studio audience.

Now, as he is busy dismantling the government and diverting our tax dollars directly into his coffers, Musk still finds the time to remind America that hes the most desperately unfunny despot weve ever had. Somehow, Musk didnt learn his lesson about attempting to be a comedian when he was booed so hard at Dave Chappelle's show that his employees thought he would kill himself.
Exam fee: US$575, members; US$760, non-members

Why its on our list: CISA is a highly regarded certification with strong industry recognition. It appears frequently on industry lists, and 45,775 job postings explicitly seek candidates with this credential. With over 151,000 certified professionals, CISA offers a vast networking pool of auditors and security experts and an average salary of $155,362.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

If CRISC and CISA represent specialty certifications for the midcareer analyst, CISSP is a generalist cert, a logical progression from Security+ for someone whos been around for a while. Advanced-level analysts interested in getting CISSP certified will need to know all the ins and outs of security and risk management, asset security, operations, security assessment and testing, and more. Offered by ISC2, the CISSP certification requires five years of full-time experience in at least two of its eight domains. The exam is adaptive, ranging from 100 to 150 questions, including multiple-choice and drag-and-drop formats. Candidates who pass at 100 questions have demonstrated mastery across all domains.

Exam fee: US$749

Training fees: US$248.75, online self-paced training; US$720, online instructor-led bootcamp; and learners can inquire for pricing details on instructor-led classroom training

Why its on our list: If youre looking for a job, earning a CISSP can help you stand out. With over 70,082 job postings explicitly seeking this certification and an average salary of $168,060, it ranks as the most in-demand security credential and is frequently highlighted on industry lists.

The certification I get questions about the most is the CISSP, says Tim Bandos, CISO at Digital Guardian. I do believe this certification is a hot one, given its reputation in the cybersecurity industry. Beyond its career benefits, CISSP boasts a strong professional network of 91,765 certified professionals. It provides a broad foundation in cybersecurity, and professionals can further specialize within the ISC2 ecosystem through certifications such as the CCSP for cloud security.

For more, see CISSP certification: Requirements, training, exam, and cost.

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

CRISC certification centers on risk analysis and management. Candidates need to know how to balance the likelihood of a risk happening against the potential damage that would ensue if it does. Overall, the goal is to help understand an organizations tolerance for risk, categorize it, and quantify it. As ISACA, the organization that offers the cert, puts it, youll be aiming for a career where you build a well-defined, agile risk-management program, based on best practices to identify, analyze, evaluate, assess, prioritize and respond to risks. This is an area of security analysis that offers a promotion path to the top of the org chart  but its not for beginners, as CRISC requires three years of experience across two of four domains. The exam features 150 multiple-choice questions, testing IT risk management and control implementation skills.

Exam fee: $50 application fee, $575 (ISACA members) / $760 (non-members)

Training fee: ISACA offers four resources: online review course, US$895; annual subscription to question bank, US$399; print or digital review manual, US$139; discounts available for ISACA members

Why its on our list: CRISC is the most cited certification focused explicitly on IT risk management and mitigation. Often pursued after CISA, CRISC commands the highest average salary among ISACA certifications at $165,890 and an average pay premium of 10%. With a strong community of 30,000 certified professionals, it is a top choice for those specializing in risk and control.

For more, see CRISC certification: Exam, requirements, training, potential salary.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security

Cisco offers a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification that focuses on security concepts and architecture, user and device security, network security, assurance, and cloud application management. While there are no prerequisites for the CCNP, in Ciscos leveling professional-level certifications such as this one are meant to build on associate-level certifications. Cisco advises that most candidates in the certification have between three to five years of experience in network security. By demonstrating expertise with this credential, graduates can succeed in numerous roles, including security engineer, security analyst, and network security engineer. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam before its expiration or by taking continuing education credits.

Training fees: Professionals can avail of instructor-led training from Cisco and accredited partners (prices vary), or a US$6,000 annual subscription to Cisco U All Access, which provides learning pathways for professional-level certifications.

Exam fees: Professionals must take a core exam for US$400, plus one of seven exams for a concentration area for US$300.

Why its on our list: As with AWS in cloud computing, Cisco is the undisputed leader in computer networking, holding an even greater market share at 76%. For security professionals seeking a vendor-specific certification in networking, Cisco certifications open doors. Additionally, Cisco offers a progressive learning curve: Professionals can start with an associate-level certification, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)  which has a straightforward pass-or-fail exam  before advancing to the CCNP. Professionals with the CCNP earn an impressive average salary of $168,159.

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

CompTIAs Advanced Security Practitioner, which is being rebranded SecurityX, spans four domains: security architecture, operations, engineering and cryptography, and governance, risk, and compliance. The program is ideal for advanced cybersecurity professionals, such as senior security engineers or architects who wish to progress toward better lateral or vertical opportunities, including CISO. The current 165-minute exam, set to expire on CASPs rebranding to SecurityX, consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Certificate holders must renew every three years with 75 continuing education units (CEUs) from CompTIAs Continuing Education program. The certification carries a significant industry cache: It was developed in partnership with Target, GDIT, RICOH, and ExxonMobil and is approved by the Department of Defense to meet 8140.03M requirements. While there are no enforced prerequisites, CompTIA recommends 10 years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in security.

Exam and training fees: US$509, exam; US$955, exam, study guide, exam practice, and retake; US$1,485, exam, study guide, exam practice, retake, and on-demand content and hands-on lab training

Why its on our list: CASP+ recommends several certifications as prior experience, including Security+. Professionals can use Security+ as a stepping stone to CASP+, earning two blue-chip certifications in succession. Among CompTIAs most respected credentials, CASP+ ranked as the second most frequently cited after Security+, highlighting its strong industry recognition.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification teaches risk analysis and automation across five domains: security concepts, operations, architecture, program management, and threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. Numerous enterprises have contributed to the development of Security+, including Microsoft, Deloitte, and Zoom. The Security+ cert opens up varied opportunities, including network security analyst, penetration tester, and security architect. The 90-minute exam consists of a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions; candidates must score 750 on a scale of 900. Certificate holders must renew the cert by taking 50 CEUs through CompTIAs Continuing Education program within three years. Note: CompTIA will likely retire the exam by 2026.

Training and exam fees: US$404, exam; US$581, exam, retake, study guide; US$1,111, exam, retake, study guide, hands-on lab training, exam prep, e-learning

Why its on our list: CompTIA Security+ is a highly respected cert, tying with ISACAs CISM for the most mentions on industry lists. With 63,260 job postings explicitly seeking Security+ as a qualification and a large alumni base of 265,992 certified professionals  comparable to a large university  it provides strong job demand and a built-in professional network for career growth.

For more, see CompTIA Security+: Prerequisites, objectives, and cost.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

The GIAC Security Essentials certification offers a curriculum comparable to CompTIA Security+. Topics covered include everything from cryptography and the cloud to incident handling and endpoint security. GSEC is suited for security administrators, forensic analysts, and penetration testers who have an IT background but need to validate their knowledge as a practitioner. Candidates must score 73% or more on the four-hour, 106-question exam, which can be administered with a proctor online or onsite. Professionals must take the 36 continuing professional education credits within four years to renew GSEC, a standard consistent for all GIAC certs.

Training fees: On-demand and in-person options priced at local rates

Exam fees: US$999; retakes, US$899

Why its on our list: GIAC is one of the most respected certifying bodies in cybersecurity, with 36,878 job listings explicitly seeking a Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). Out of all GIAC certifications, the GSEC certification was the most frequently cited. As a practitioner certification in the GIAC ecosystem, GSEC provides a strong knowledge base, making it an excellent starting point for a successful cybersecurity career. While not an official prerequisite, GSEC can also provide foundational knowledge for GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA), GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA), and GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM), each of which offers an average pay premium of 10%.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP+)

To earn the OffSec Certified Professional certification, candidates must complete the affiliated course, Penetration Testing with Kali Linux, and pass the subsequent exam. The course covers 10 modules, including information gathering, vulnerability scanning, client-side attacks, and fixing exploits. Certificate holders will have shown mastery of penetration testing methodologies ideal for new roles, such as ethical hacker, incident responder, or threat hunter. The OSCP exam is hands-on; test-takers must compromise systems within a lab environment.

OffSec does not enforce prerequisites but recommends candidates be familiar with TCP/IP networking, scripting in Bash and Python, and Linux and Windows, which they can learn through its Network Penetration Testing Essentials Learning Path.

Training and exam fees: US$1,749, Kali Linux course plus exam

Why its on the list: After the C|EH, OSCP+ was the second most frequently cited OffSec certification on industry lists. As of Nov. 1, 2024, OSCP was rebranded to OSCP+ to reflect a more rigorous exam format. The new 24-hour hands-on assessment requires candidates to exploit a vulnerability in a lab environment, followed by an additional 24 hours to submit a comprehensive penetration testing report. The exam also now includes an updated Active Directory (AD) section with an assumed compromise scenario. Penetration Testing with Kali Linux is also recommended preparation for PEN-300: Advanced Evasion Techniques and Breaching Defenses  one of three courses required for the Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) certification, which offers an average pay premium of 11%.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The ISC(2) SSCP certification covers seven domains: security concepts, access control, incident response, cryptography, network security, systems and application security, and risk identification, monitoring, and analysis. It is ideal for various professionals, including security analysts, systems engineers, network analysts, database administrators, and security consultants. The three-hour exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions; candidates must earn 700 out of 1,000 points to pass and undergo a process validating their professional experience. Those who earn the SSCP must abide by ISC(2) s code of ethics and pay an annual maintenance fee that supports the organization and its initiatives, including its members-only network of cybersecurity pros.

To qualify, the SSCP requires one year of experience. Those without the experience requirement can bypass it with a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science or a related subject.

Training fees: Free, exam outline, flashcards, a practice quiz, and a study app; US$90 for 90-day access to on-demand training

Exam fee: Varies by country (US$249 for candidates in North and South America)

Why its on our list: SSCP is often featured on industry lists and is a strong foundation for those pursuing CISSP or CCSP.
The war in Ukraine has prompted a resurgence in activity by the notorious Russian APT28/Fancy Bear group, the French ANSSI cybersecurity agency has said.

According to a brief report published by the agency this week, Targeting and Compromise of French Entities Using the APT28 Intrusion Set, the group now aggressively targets the networks of government organizations and companies connected to Ukraines allies, including France.

Since 2021, the group has targeted specific industrial sectors including aerospace, financial services, think tanks and research, local government, and government ministries.
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.
There will be plenty of backslapping among the highly paid executives of Drax, Britains biggest power station, at todays AGM held in the shadow of St Pauls Cathedral.

Some of the biggest fund managers in the City will also be there, celebrating how Draxs record 1.1billion profits have benefited them.

You might expect me, a fellow fund manager, to toast the occasion. But I will not be joining in. For the vast Drax power plant in Yorkshire is at the heart of the most egregious environmental scandal, the Big Lie of British energy policy.

Why? Drax used to be a coal power station. But it switched from burning coal to burning wood pellets  the most dirty and primitive source of energy.

Supposedly, this produces renewable electricity and eliminates carbon emissions even though the carbon footprint here is up to twice that of coal, according to scientists, when transportation and production of pellets is taken into account.

A grotesque sham because, incredibly, none of Draxs increased carbon emissions are included in Britains accounts. They are deemed to be emitted in North America  even though the wood is burnt in Yorkshire.

On top of that accounting sleight of hand, there is the pretence that trees chopped down instantly regrow and are therefore renewable. In truth, this takes decades  decades our climate cannot wait. It is hideously expensive, and one reason why, as Tony Blair put it on Tuesday, current UK energy policy is doomed to fail.

Since the changeover from coal, Drax has burned the equivalent of 300million trees at its Yorkshire power station. We are all furious about the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree. So what should you feel about 300million trees, many of them from primeval forests? And, remember, you have been forced to pay Drax 6billion in green subsidies for this travesty.

The vast Drax power plant in Yorkshire is at the heart of the most egregious environmental scandal, the Big Lie of British energy policy, writes Louis Bacon

Even more absurd is that every single tree is imported, in diesel-powered freighters. Mostly all the way from North America.

Where is the energy security in that? Such security is on all of our minds after the blackouts in Spain this week  and a month ago at Heathrow. Drax makes a mockery of the Governments slogan of homegrown, clean energy.

The company is by far the UKs largest emitter of CO2. Not that youll hear that at the AGM today. The outfit boasts of enabling a zero- carbon future and constant, tireless action to benefit climate, nature and people.

This is nonsense: Drax is the greatest greenwashing scandal in Britain.

I have been fighting its destruction for years, not least because many of the trees come from near my home on the Cape Fear River in Carolina. I watch the cargo ships plying the wood, commencing a 4,000-mile trip to Yorkshire. It is beyond madness.

Drax claims to care about the environment, but its real motivation is money. Its CEO, Will Gardiner, paid himself 5million a year while his company has destroyed large swathes of forest. His company is a rapist of nature.

The fund managers glad-handing him today need to realise how bad this looks. The true scale of this outrage became apparent three years ago, when BBC Panorama revealed that virgin forests in Canada were being cut down by Drax.

They got away with it for so many years because of the appalling failures of regulator Ofgem. It signed off Draxs claims that its wood was from sustainable forests, allowing your green subsidies to keep rolling in.

This so-called watchdog even failed to get its act together after the Panorama revelations.

Ed Miliband risks being remembered as the Burn, Baby, Burn Energy Secretary who left gaping wounds in some of the worlds great forests

It was only after seeing whistleblower evidence about what was going on that Ofgem fined Drax. The fine was just 25million  paltry given the billions it gets from the public for this charade.

From my experience in the financial world, if any bank or fund was doing anything remotely close to Draxs capture of its regulator, its bald-faced lying to investors about sustainability and double-dealing, that firm would have been prosecuted.

In charging vast sums for destroying irreplaceable primary forests (which Drax denies doing), the firm has sucked cash away from genuine renewables.

As for Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, he was the architect of this disastrous policy back in 2008 when he headed the climate change department. He decided to ramp up the burning of wood at Drax, promising that the trees would be sustainable.

But in February, an energy minister admitted in the Commons that Drax had been allowed to burn unsustainable biomass year after year with officials letting Drax do whatever it wanted.

Since the changeover from coal, Drax has burned the equivalent of 300million trees at its Yorkshire plant

Miliband risks being remembered as the Burn, Baby, Burn energy secretary who left gaping wounds in some of the worlds great forests. He is trying to persuade Parliament that Drax should be allowed to burn trees for another four years  and have a 13 per cent hike in its subsidies.

Many brave employees within Drax have helped expose the scandal. Principal among them is the top whistleblower Rowaa Ahmar, in charge of the companys relationship with Government until she was sacked.

I have been proud to support Rowaas legal case. During her employment tribunal, she claimed Drax was telling officials that its wood was sustainable while its lawyers were admitting in internal emails that it was not.

One prize that eluded Rowaa was a KPMG report revealing where Draxs trees come from. A judge decided to allow Drax to continue to squelch that report.

But last week the Commons all-powerful Public Accounts Committee came out with its own devastating report into the scandal, saying that it has no confidence in government plans to extend the subsidies Drax gets for another four years.

It found the biomass companies had been marking their own homework in terms of compliance, that no regulatory body knew whether the wood was actually sustainable and that Drax was not value for money.

In addition, the committee said Parliament must see that secret KPMG report. The cover-up must end  the public have a right to know what is happening to billions of their money.

It is time for Parliament to question Mr Gardiner about his rapacious company and for Ofgem to salvage whats left of its reputation by reopening its investigation into Drax. Ed Miliband has no good reason not to pause his plans to extend the duplicitous subsidies.

The Big Lie that Draxs wood-burning is sustainable, green and carbon neutral has been exposed. It is a lie that shames the British Government and creates disbelief about their claims to be global leaders in tackling climate change.

Louis Bacon is an environmental philanthropist who won Americas most prestigious conservation award by the Audubon Society. He runs Moore Capital Management.
Forty-eight hours before todays local elections and an important by-election, Sir Tony Blair dropped a well-aimed bomb straight into Sir Keir Starmers high command.

Ignore the subsequent declarations of both sides that they are on the same page as far as Net Zero is concerned. They arent. Sir Tony knew exactly what he was doing. He is trying to save Starmer from himself.

More particularly, he wants to save him from energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband, whose extreme policies threaten to sink this Government and cause untold damage to the British economy.

Blair didnt mention Miliband by name in the foreword to a report published by his own institute. But what he wrote amounts to an attack on almost everything that Miliband is doing in his relentless drive towards Net Zero  and a plea to Starmer to stop him before he does too much damage.

Will the PM listen? He would be mad not to. Starmer is an extremely unpopular leader whose party lags behind Reform in many polls. It may well lose the hitherto impregnable Labour seat of Runcorn and Helsby to Nigel Farages party.

In stark contrast, Blair comfortably won three general elections on the trot for Labour, a feat unequalled by any of the partys other leaders. Whatever one thinks of the man  and I have often criticised him  he is indubitably an extraordinarily successful politician.

Blair didnt mention Miliband by name in the foreword to a report published by his own institute. But what he wrote amounts to an attack on almost everything that Miliband is doing in his relentless drive towards Net Zero, writes Stephen Glover

Sir Tony knew exactly what he was doing. He is trying to save Starmer from himself, writes Glover

That success largely comes from understanding the fears, anxieties and hopes of what may be called Middle Britain. This entails thinking about a much wider group of people than Labours core voters.

So if Sir Keir Starmer has any sense he will take seriously what his predecessor says. Blairs key point is that people should not be asked to make financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal.

Blair means that while Ed Miliband is imposing his hair-shirt policies on an already hard-pressed and highly taxed nation, much of the rest of the world is merrily increasing carbon emissions.

He points out: In 2024 [alone] China initiated construction on 95 gigawatts of new coal-fired energy, which is almost as much as the total current energy output from coal of all of Europe put together.

Meanwhile, India recently announced they had reached the milestone of one billion tonnes of coal production in a single year. Sir Tony could have added that the Indian minister of coal and mines recently celebrated this achievement as an historic milestone.

Most people are probably aware that Britain has already reduced its carbon emissions by more than almost any other country. They may also know that the UK is responsible for less than one per cent of global greenhouse gases.

Why should people make painful economic sacrifices when those in India, China and Trumps America are making few, if any? The argument that other nations are following our self-denying example is palpably untrue. If these countries bother to notice what we are doing, they are probably laughing in disbelief.

Sir Tony plainly doesnt reject Net Zero or the reality of climate change. He is simply saying that existing draconian policies are irrational and doomed to fail because people can see they dont make any sense.

If Sir Keir Starmer has any sense he will take seriously what his predecessor says. Blairs key point is that people should not be asked to make financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal, writes Glover

Most people are probably aware that Britain has already reduced its carbon emissions by more than almost any other country. They may also know that the UK is responsible for less than one per cent of global greenhouse gases, says Glover

If Starmer refuses to take any notice of these warnings from a far superior politician, I believe we can say with confidence that he will be signing his own prime ministerial death warrant.

Starmer, as Ive argued before, is a man of few fixed beliefs. He is certainly not an ideologue. It is his misfortune  and it may turn out to be our tragedy  that he has fallen under the control of a man who is not merely an ideologue but also a zealot.

I mean Edward Samuel Miliband, aka Red Ed. He is the true son of his Marxist father, Ralph. Many of the hardcore Marxist beliefs espoused by Miliband Sr have been dropped by Ed.

But what remains, and is applied unflinchingly to Net Zero, is the determination to pursue a policy at all costs, even if it is opposed by public opinion. Peoples qualms and reservations dont matter. What counts is dogma. It is absolute and cannot be challenged.

So Ed Miliband has been allowed by Starmer to do some very extreme, and actually nonsensical, things. There are about 23 million gas boilers in the UK, most of which will require gas for years, if not decades, to come.

Yet Miliband has banned all future exploration for gas in the North Sea, as well as for oil. We will have to import gas more expensively from regimes that may be unreliable or capricious. What kind of madness is that?

Our obdurate climate change secretary has placed his faith in renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power, which, along with pylons, will desecrate the countryside. Even with more nuclear power  when that eventually comes on stream  renewables arent going to supply all our needs. Under Miliband, as in Spain and Portugal earlier this week, the lights may go out.

What kind of man concretes over fracking sites so that they can never be used to extract shale gas? What kind of man vetoes a coal mine at Whitehaven in Cumbria which could have supplied steelworks that will now have to rely on foreign imports? A bigot, and a foolish one at that.

Ed Miliband has been allowed by Starmer to do some very extreme, and actually nonsensical, things. There are about 23 million gas boilers in the UK, most of which will require gas for years, if not decades, to come, writes Glover

Milibands punitive policies will force many consumers to buy imported Chinese electric vehicles, which are cheaper than British-made or European ones. Meanwhile, British motor manufacturers will be fined if they dont produce enough electric cars.

The man is an extremist. He sees the end and doesnt care about the means. Apart from his father, the political thinker who most influenced Miliband was probably the hard Left, and ideologically rigid, Tony Benn.

The teenage Ed made Benns tea during a stint of work experience. Before he delivered his maiden speech in the Commons in 2005, he turned to his old mentor to help him write it.

Will Sir Keir Starmer allow this deluded fanatic to ruin his already enfeebled administration, beset as it is with problems such as a marooned economy and soaring illegal immigration? Unless he is checked, Ed Miliband could constitute the fatal blow.

Perhaps the PM is restrained by his friendship with Miliband, who as party leader encouraged him in 2013 to stand for Parliament. The two men are near neighbours in north London and have seen a lot of each other over the years.

Maybe Sir Keir holds back because he knows Ed Miliband is popular among party activists. In a recent survey of more than 2,000 Labour members, he had the highest approval rating of any Cabinet minister.

But the country, including many Labour voters, takes a completely different view. Sir Keir has a choice. He can continue to support the climate change secretary, and watch as this intransigent man frustrates economic growth while alienating millions of people.

Or he can listen to Tony Blair who, despite his enormous wealth and apparent detachment from the lives of ordinary people, is far closer to public opinion. If the Government wants to have any sort of future, and if this country is ever going to recover, Ed Miliband must be sacked before the lights go out.
Parliamentarian of the week was a Labour hereditary, Lord Berkeley, who on Monday creaked to his feet to ask about Whitehall's 'farming road map'.

Some ministerial non-entity had said this road map would 'deliver a thriving farming sector' for the next 25 years.

The 18th Baron Berkeley, 85: 'Why is it called a road map?' The question earned laughter from some quarters but dirty looks from others, who thought he was being facetiously unhelpful to the ruling caste.

The ministerial non-entity froze. Didn't know what to say. She eventually whinnied 'answers on a postcard please'.

Our political class is hated. Why? The answer lies partly in that rural 'road map'. Our rulers have turned the English language into mush.

Farming is not the only road map. There is a gov.uk road map, a nuclear road map, a transforming infrastructure performance road map, a digital and data road map, a research and development road map, a natural capital road map, a cybersecurity licensing road map and a design for life road map.

Some road maps have their own 'task forces', creating dead metaphors within dead metaphors.

The Commons yesterday opened with business minister Gareth Thomas announcing 'a series of roadshows' to increase exports.

The Commons yesterday opened with business minister Gareth Thomas announcing 'a series of roadshows' to increase exports

Business minister Gareth Thomas speaking to MPs in the House of Commons

Roadshow is a cousin of road map. Officials mint these expressions in the hope of making some drab initiative sound whizzo. Any glamour once associated from Radio One roadshows in the 1970s has long faded. 'Roadshow' is now stale. It tickles no interest.

Kirsteen Sullivan (Lab, Bathgate & Linlithgow) said she had held a 'business roundtable' in her constituency. Did we instantly picture some gathering of chivalrous souls, as it was in the olden days of King Arthur's round table? No.

Roundtable is another expression that has become as worn as an autumn flip-flop. Mr Thomas dutifully echoed the phrase, evincing no joy. He stood at a slight stoop, his voice flat.

Poor Gareth has been in the Commons since 1997 and is no fool. He was a minister of state (middle-ranking position) in Gordon Brown's government; 15 years later he is merely an under-secretary (junior position) in the same department.

Quiet humiliation has been swallowed with pitiful gratitude. So it was that, after half a lifetime in the Commons, he found himself on a sunny May Day morn at the despatch box spouting civil service-ese.

Why not resist? Why not rip up that briefing note and write something more interesting? But that would be dangerous.

The Blob would mark you down as a free-thinker. And so Mr Thomas spoke, in the same lifeless tone, about the government's coming 're-set' with the European Union.

Re-set: the metaphor once crackled with life, stirring associations of broken shin bones being painfully realigned. But the Starmerites have said 're-set' so often that it no longer creates energy. The reason they say it is that they want to be opaque.

Starmerites have said 're-set' so often that it no longer creates energy. The reason they say it is that they want to be opaque

They do not want us becoming too curious about their negotiations with Brussels.

Mr Thomas, in the same energised tone, moved on to 'banking hubs' and 'growth hubs'. Any decent secretary of state should ban his or her department from naming anything a 'hub'.

Energy minister Sarah Jones, another 2nd XI player, was soon saying that 'our industrial strategy has identified eight key growth-driving sectors that will be the arrowhead of our economic success.'

That 'arrowhead', in different hands, could have worked. But she read it listlessly. The words just merged like flakes of Ready Brek in a sea of skimmed milk.

Further dull-isms followed: guidelines, datasets, frameworks, drivers, toolkits. A cemetery of cliches.

Final thing to report is that in the Lords, Labour backbenchers made rumbling noises about the Equality and Human Rights Commission, whose chairman, Lady Falkner (Crossbencher), was swift to accept the Supreme Court's recent ruling on trans rights.

Lefties are furious with her. Complaints were led yesterday by a smouldering Lady Levitt. Who she? Sir Keir Starmer's ex-sidekick at the crown prosecution service. Piccolo mondo. Lady Falkner has shown independence of mind. She won't last.
This week finally sees Ikea's 450million UK flagship store - delayed twice - go from flatpack to fabulous on London's busiest shopping street.

After a series of setbacks, including a leaky basement, the Swedish homeware goliath's Oxford Street opens on Thursday, inviting customers to browse 6,000 products over three floors that span 5,800 square metres.

Alongside bestsellers such as the 55 Billy bookcase, there's three 'curated shops' created by Londoners. Those 85p hotdogs? Hungry shoppers can find them in a 130-seat Swedish deli, which will serve up Ikea's other signature dishes, including meatballs and Daim cake.

The glamorous superstore is a far cry from the global brand's first venture in the UK - an outpost in Warrington that opened in 1987 and wooed students with its cut-price cookware and featured a Volvo in one of its showrooms, along with the slogan: 'The 70mph kitchen - you can take this kitchen home today!'

While the brand, founded in the Swedish west coast town of Amhult in 1943, remains unapologetically low-cost...the decades have been more than kind to some of the products that have featured in the catalogues over the decades.

Now deemed vintage classics with a cult following amongst interior fans, they can sell for thousands - often up to 50 times their orginal selling price.

Furniture sold between the 1950s and the 1990s are considered the biggest collectors' items - with the bold designs of the 1970s the brand's golden era in the re-sale market.

In 2023, a collection of 122 secondhand products - including mirrors, lights and tableware - made 32,00 at an auction in Stockholm.

This week sees Ikea's flagship store - which spans 5,800 square metres - open on London's Oxford Street - after two major delays

The colourful three-floor outlet will sell around 6,000 products - some of which could become future vintage classics. Vintage Ikea products can sell for up to 50 times more than what they sold for - with the 1970s the brand's apparent golden era

Two years ago, this striking red 'Impala' sofa, which would have sold for 107 in the early Seventies made 1,700 at auction in Sweden

This Karin Mobring Model Diana Cognac Sling Lounge Chair is currently on sale on retro interiors site Vinterior for 3,881

A striking red 'Impala' sofa, which would have sold for 107 in the early Seventies made 1,700.

Why was it so lusted after? It was designed by Gillis Lundgren, the man who created some of Ikea's most famous products - including the Billy bookcase.

Designer collaborations have sparked the biggest price rises; this week on retro pre-loved interiors website Vinterior, a Karin Mobring Diana Cognac Sling Lounge Chair is selling in Munich for 3,881.

Form suggests that the items rung through the till at Ikea in Oxford Street this week will see the same price spiral in future decades - so it's worth taking care of what you buy.

Here's some of the brand's most-sought after pieces for current vintage buyers...

THE VILBERT CHAIR

The Vilbert chair was designed by futuristic Danish designer Verner Panton and released by Ikea in 1994. They were originally priced at 56. A pair is currently on sale on Vinted for 2,000

The colourful chair may not be the most comfortable to sit on - but their sharp angles have made them a collectors item within just two decades of their release

Some of the most sought-after pieces are ones that flopped when they were first released, like the colourful Vilbert chair designed by futuristic Danish designer Verner Panton and released in 1994.

The sharp-angled designs were largely considered a flop in the mid-90s with shoppers put off by the uncomfortable-looking seats.

However, while it failed to garner interest at the time, the Vilbert is now considered to be highly desirable. Why? Because the lack of love for them meant only 3,000 were made - effectively making them a limited edition.

Now they regularly sell on pre-loved and vintage furniture platforms for around 35 times their original value - a set of six sold for 9,000 in 2018.

THE ENTRETI SHELF

Made from metal and real wood, the Entreti has remained one of the brand's most popular shelving designs, with Niels Gammelgaard first creating it in the late 70s - with versions appearing again in the 80s, 90s and noughties

Not as popular, or as affordable as the humble Billy when it first arrived in 1978, the modular Enetri shelf, featuring real wood and a metal frame, now commands huge returns in the vintage market.

Designed by Niels Gammelgaard, it was a frequent sight in stores in the 1990s and was initially described as a 'Moment' shelf before later becoming the Entreti - and then later still becoming the 'Guide' shelf.

The good news is, shoppers can still get a version of it in store, under the name Byakorre - but it's the vintage versions that are most wanted, with an original costing around 1,100 on pre-loved sites.

THE DUETT LIGHT

Vintage Duett Hanging Lights in Orange, Yellow, and Red by Bent Gantzel Boysen for Ikea, available on Pamono for 516. A single light originally sold for 6 in the 1970s

Vintage Duett Hanging Lights in Orange, Yellow, and Red by Bent Gantzel Boysen for Ikea, available on Pamono for 516. A single light originally sold for 6 in the 1970s

A set of three Duett hanging lights would have set you back 18 if you were buying them in an Ikea in the early 1970s.

Constructed of six stacked cones in red, green, blue or monochrome, the quirky Duett pendant lights were created by Bent Gantzel Boysen. Good condition examples now fetch between 400 and 600.

A set of two in orange, yellow and red is currently on sale on Vinterior for 1,361.

THE GIRLS GO INTO THE RING PRINT

Lars Norrman's 'The girls go in the ring' was made for Ikea in 1972 and was recently sold for 290

The print originally sold in Ikea stores for just 2

Think Ikea's art section is all about generic seascapes and tourist cities? You'd mostly be right - but there's one print that's outshined all others, and is currently selling online for 650

A print named The Girls Go in the Ring, which was made for IKEA in 1972, sold for mere pounds when it first went on sale - but its famous artist, Lars Norrman, has seen it age incredibly well.

THE IMPALA CHAIR

This chair known as Impala was designed for Ikea to sell at between 40-80 and launched in 1972

The impala armchair (pictured); the couch version transformed into a sofabed

A super cool Seventies design with low-slung seats and a curvy chrome frame, the Impala armchair was the brainchild of Gillis Lundgren in 1972.

The Ikea catalogue that year described the chairs and sofas as 'an amazing piece with its soft, rounded, cosy lines.'

It also highlighted the 'very low' price and the sofa version's ability to transform into a bed.

More than five decades on, the brand might love the design even more. Two years ago, a red 'Impala' sofa, which would have sold for 107 in the early Seventies, made 1,700 at auction in Sweden.

LIMITED RUN TIGER RUG

The thousand pound tiger! A limited edition 2016 design by Walter Van Beirendonck is currently on sale for 1,812 in France

The playful design is described as postmodern and was part of a limited edition set of designs by Belgian fashion star Van Beirendonck

At first glance, this rug looks like it belongs in a playroom - and it sold for under 10 when it was sold less than 10 years ago.

However, Walter Van Beirendonck's design, released in 2016, is currently selling for 1,812 in Strasbourg, France.

Described as 'postmodern', the design was part of a limited series by the Belgian fashion star that also included bed linen.

ERIK WORTS DINING TABLE

Made in Sweden from Swedish pine, this Scandinavian Modern table was designed by Erik Wrts and sold in the 1970s

Amongst the miles of MDF, pricier materials do occasionally make it into IKEA's range.

This dining table crafted from Scandinavian solid pine was made in the brand's homeland and was designed by Swedish designer Erik Wrts. It launched in stores in the 1970s and sells for well over 2,000.

A recent table in good condition was offered for 2,685.83 on 1st Dibs website.

THE MAGNUS ELEBACK LAMP

Height of cool: a black ceramic lamp with green apple lampshade first went on sale in the 1970s...and is now worth around 1,000

Proving that the 1970s was the golden era for Ikea is another designer collab. This table lamp by Magnus Eleback appeared in stores during the decade.

Made from black ceramic, with an apple green acrylic original lampshade, it currently has a resale value of around 1,000.

THE CAVELLI ARMCHAIR

A 20 Bengt Ruda Cavelli armchair, launched in 1959, sold in 2022 for 15,500 at auction

The brand described the striking armchair as 'an aristocrat of the 1960s' when it launched

The Cavelli armchair, which was created by Ikea's first-ever in-house designer Bengt Ruda, is another guaranteed big hitter in today's vintage market.

The chair was sold in Ikea stores at a modest price when it made its debut in the 1970s - but the unique design has become highly coveted.

One went under the hammer at a recent auction in Stockholm for 14,000.

When the design launched, the 1959 IKEA catalogue described it as 'a bold construction', saying: 'Cavelli will get noticed in your home  and indeed admired.

'No expense has been spared and no stone left unturned to make Cavelli an aristocrat of the 1960s.'

THE SKOPA CHAIR

A pair of Skopaa armchairs, designed by Ole Gjerlov-Knudsen and Torben Lind, once sold for 6 but have also seen their value soar in recent years

Ikea was playful with plastic in the late 60s, telling customers: 'Admire the design and colour, buy and enjoy!'

Bold and with an extraordinary design, the Skopa lounge chair sold for just 6 when it first launched in the 1970s, after being designed by Danish designers Ole Gjerlv-Knudsen and Torben Lind in 1969.

The 1974 IKEA catalogue describes the plastic its crafted from, writing: 'IKEA began using plastic in earnest several years ago. And today, were well advanced. Here, plastic is not an expensive innovation. Admire the design and colour, buy and enjoy!'

A single chair with a matching table is currently on sale on Vinterior for 833.
by Austin Bay April 30, 2025

On April 28, a critical "instability" disrupted electrical power grids in Spain, Portugal and parts of France. Extensive blackouts lasted for hours.

Initial reports speculated over-reliance on intermittent wind and solar electrical technologies share part of the blame.

Whatever the cause, the widespread power loss in three first-world nations is another lesson in the vulnerability of modern energy and communication systems.

Electrical grids, communication systems and, frankly, all computer-controlled systems are vulnerable malware and malgear attacks.

Everyone with a smartphone understands malware, the cybersecurity portmanteau for "malicious software." Malware code can sabotage, spy upon, seize control of or even destroy a digital information device.

In 2020, the U.S. State, Justice and Commerce Departments concluded Communist China's enormous Huawei corporation presented a systemic threat to America and its allies. Huawei's 5G "next generation" wireless communication systems were designed to connect cellphones, the internet, the internet of things -- essentially, all things digital. Huawei has tried to position itself as the world's biggest supplier of telecommunications equipment, with the goal of dominating global and regional communications infrastructure and international digital systems.

Justice Department argued Huawei's equipment forwarded Beijing's global espionage efforts.

In an August 2020 essay, I wrote that Huawei malgear does more than spy: "During the Cold War, 'dual-use' indicated a weapon system could deliver conventional or nuclear weapons ... Huawei systems are a Trojan horse Beijing can use to launch an intercontinental digital attack. Remember, a 5G system can connect the 'internet of things,' handy things like an automatic garage door or a remote temperature control. But it can also connect things like the 'supervisory control and data acquisition' (SCADA) systems controlling a nuclear power plant or a dam's floodgates."

Could it shut down half a continent's electrical grid? Reasonable question.

In the 21st century, Communist China perfected not just how to wage a multidimensional war to weaken and destroy America while avoiding a shooting war, but how to wage a sophisticated form of Unified Action Warfare against the entire world. The term "military-civil fusion strategy" is used to describe Beijing's operation. That works, too.

An example of Chinese military-civil fusion: In 2020, the U.S. accused the Chinese of subsidizing Huawei sales of suspect malgear. Subsidies undercut real civil competitors attempting to sell equally good or superior technology.

In December 2024, Ryan C. Berg of the Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote an article documenting the Chinese Communist Party's penetration of Latin America. Thanks to the Trump Administration, media have noticed China's Panama Canal shenanigans. But Panama is only one military-civil fusion attack in Central and South America. Exhibit A may be the "$3.5 billion deepwater megaport in Chancay, just north of Lima." The port trims "shipping times for agricultural and mineral commodities by about 10 days." OK, that sounds high minded. However, Chancay has the "potential for dual use. The berths at the port are wide enough for the People's Liberation Army to dock naval vessels, something that has raised the concerns of the U.S. Southern Command."

China built the port of Gwadar, Pakistan, ostensibly to improve Pakistan's commercial port facilities. India says Gwadar is a Chinese Indian Ocean naval base hidden in plain sight. India is right.

Janes Intelligence Briefing recently reported (April 2025) that "the US government has raised concerns over the potential for China to exploit commercial infrastructure (built by China) for military purposes. COSCO Shipping (the Chinese company building Chancay) was identified ... as a Chinese military supply company, and the exclusive access to the new port raises concerns over the potential dual-use nature of the port and the ability of the Chinese military to have a presence in the Western Hemisphere."

On April 25, 2025, Gordon Chang of the Gatestone Institute wrote that the CCP "runs a unitary state and demands absolute obedience from all parties in society. Businesses and state research institutions may operate as separate entities and may have separate controlling institutions, but they are not separate ... All Chinese entities should, therefore, be treated as one single organization."

Unified action directed by the CCP -- to wage war on the world.
When one suspects their partner might be cheating, checking for suspicious messages might be the first port of call.

However, London-based private investigator Aaron Bond of detective agency Bond Rees has revealed that there is an often more revealing app people should check first.

Instead of heading straight to WhatsApp, the notes app, or camera roll, Bond has urged concerned spouses to check the supermarket loyalty scheme apps, such as Tesco's Clubcard.

He told The Mirror, 'While most people think of text messaging and call logs as the obvious signs of cheating, there are often other signs that can uncover and paint a larger picture'.

Bond said that while most people would never consider browsing the receipts of their partner's Clubcard use, it can be incredibly revealing.

The private detective, who has helped people catch their unfaithful partners for over 15 years, said there are 'digital signals' to weed out white lies from suspecting cheaters.

Supermarket loyalty cards, used to help shoppers save cash and earn rewards, are rarely thought of as a place to stash secrets.

Indeed, few shoppers are aware that apps are even tracking them.

Private detective Aaron Bond has revealed the app that might help spouses catch an unfaithful partner (stock image)

However, according to the private investigator, the often-overlooked loyalty apps contain all manner of data that could help pick out a cheater.

'Clubcard data is limited, but it does tell you a date and location, which is easily accessible if you log into your account,' he said.

For example, if an individual is dubious about what their partner has really been up to, they can verify their location and purchases made using the app.

'If your partner claims they were working or out with friends, but the account shows they made a purchase in a completely different area, then it's a clear red flag,' Bond explained.

While Clubcards can't offer a definitive answer as to whether someone is being unfaithful, monitoring historic purchases and spending habits to line up with a suspicious partner's alleged activity can help reveal whether they are lying about what they're up to.

Additionally, Tesco Clubcards also show a customer's favourite or most frequently purchased items.

So regular Champagne, heart-shaped chocolate, or even meal deals for two buyers could be in a secret romance if those purchases never made it back home.

The app also recommends items that the customer has previously purchased, so if strange items are cropping up under their account name, it could be a clue they are spending cash on someone else, Bond explained.

While it doesn't necessarily mean a partner is definitely cheating, using the app to detect their purchases can indicate whether they are being truthful about their whereabouts

Using the app to detect their purchases can indicate whether they are truthful about their whereabouts.

Bond pointed out that 'technology doesn't lie' and can help weed out infidelity.

Speaking to the publication, the private investigator recalled one incident in which someone found proof their husband had been cheating on them after they browsed their Clubcard use.

The wife was suspicious when she spotted several Clubcard notifications that showed her husband shopping at a store in the next town over.

Her husband, meanwhile, had claimed at the time that he had been working a late shift.

Immediately suspicious, she began to monitor his behaviour on the app and soon picked up on several questionable purchases, including luxury skincare products and wine, neither of which he appeared to be using.

Deeper investigations then revealed that her husband had been cheating on her for more than two years.

It comes after one psychotherapist revealed four easy-to-miss signs a spouse may be engaging in an affair.

According Bhavna Raithatha, the lesser-known red flags are more than just subtle behavioural changes.

The first is that they don't appear to go off you.

It's often believed a cheater would lose all interest in having sex  given they're having it elsewhere. But this isn't always the case.

She said guilty partners will often have a higher libido and this often finds its way being directed to their original spouse.

Another reason is if they are glued to their phone or becoming snappy or short-tempered.

She said the latter is usually to do with them being 'distant and detached' and lashing out as a result.

The third on her list was 'gaslighting'. She said that affairs frequently bring out this type of insidious behaviour in the cheater.

They are simply projecting their guilt on to you, she explained.

'They want to sow the seed of doubt in front of everyone. They're gathering a crowd, drip feeding them lies. People who are witnesses start getting that seed of doubt, even if they know you.

'You then don't know what they're saying about you, behind your back and what they're then telling their friends.'
Tina Nash has a recurrent nightmare in which she comes face to face with Shane Jenkin, the ex-boyfriend who blinded her. Hes telling me hes coming out of prison and in my dream I have forgiven him. I could fall back in love with him.

She is on the brink of taking him back when she wakes, heart pounding, horrified that even now her mind can play tricks on her. Im screaming, sweating, struggling to breathe, thinking I am being attacked.

In April 2012, Jenkin was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of six years. The case was so atrocious the police officer investigating it described it as the most shocking he had encountered.

Twelve months earlier during a 12-hour assault, Jenkin gouged out Tinas eyes with his fingers, rendering her blind.

Truro Crown Court heard it was one of the worst cases of domestic abuse the UK had ever seen. The one solace for Tina, now 44, who had been subjected to a tyranny of abuse during their 20-month relationship, was the belief that Jenkin, 45, would never be freed. Indeed, he has made a total of seven failed bids for parole  in each case he was deemed too dangerous.

In February, however, after 13 years in high-security jails and psychiatric hospitals, he was moved to an open prison  often used to prepare prisoners for release.

Tina has been told that as early as this summer, he will be allowed to walk the streets unsupervised, look for work and visit family.

The life Tina has painstakingly tried to rebuild has crumbled, her disbelief compounded by fear for her life. Im terrified. He could be stood right behind me in a shop and I wouldnt have a clue because he blinded me. I know he wishes hed killed me that night because then there would have been no witnesses.

Tina Nash had her eyes gouged out by her then-boyfriend in 2011

I feel very scared for my safety, the Parole Board has said he is vengeful and Ive heard from people on his landing [prison wing] he couldnt stop talking about me. Ive been warned the first thing hes going to do is come straight for me.

Tina, who wrote a memoir about her experiences and has become a passionate campaigner for fellow victims, is talking over Zoom from her two-bedroom home in Cornwall, the location of which the Mail isnt revealing for her security.

She hopes public outrage will force the Ministry of Justice to review its decision  a supporters petition calling for this has nearly 25,000 signatures so far.

I didnt expect to be speaking about this so many years later, says Tina, but I have to try and keep myself safe.

She sits next to her beloved dog Marley and wears a crystal necklace, a testament to a spirituality she draws strength from. Her younger son, Liam, 17, has helped her connect to our video call. Her older son, Ben, 27, a shop manager, lives nearby.

They are my world, she says. Without them, Id have had nothing to live for. Being blind has felt like being buried alive. I feel suffocated.

Four years after the attack she had glass eyes fitted, which means her blindness isnt immediately obvious. Technology enables her to send text messages and shop online. Yet the scars of her ordeal run deep.

She is too scared of being attacked again to leave her house alone and has yet to meet up with many friends she knew before losing her sight.

In 2009, Tina had been a confident single 29-year-old mum who dreamed of training as a nurse. She met Jenkin in a nightclub in Penzance that August.

He already had a conviction for assaulting a man but Tina found him charming and charismatic.

They bonded over a shared love of music and Jenkin took things slowly, waiting three months before telling Tina he loved her as they lay in bed one evening.

He was caring towards her children and filled his flat with Christmas decorations because Tina loved the festivities. He homed in on what I held dear, she says.

Perpetrator Shane Jenkin with Tina in the same year as the attack

That New Years Eve, after the pair lost each other at a nightclub and Tina finally found Jenkin at the entrance, he called her a f***ing slut.

She recalls: He spat at me, pulled my hair and pushed me on to the pavement so hard my head smacked against the ground. I was devastated, confused, heartbroken.

Yet when Jenkin turned up four days later, acting as if they were still a couple, Tina forgave him. I thought I must have done something wrong, she says. While Jenkin didnt apologise, he quickly became loving again, says Tina. Wed go for walks on the beach and watch DVDs.

Only much later would she realise Jenkin had groomed her to tolerate his violence. After the nightclub incident he attacked her again in April 2010 after Tina found out hed been with another woman.

I said, How dare you? she recalls. Jenkin punched her in the face then threw her down the stairs.

I thought my neck was nearly broken as my face skidded along the carpet at the bottom, says Tina, who staggered outside for help.

A neighbour called the police and Jenkin was arrested. But he was released on bail and returned to Tinas house the next day.

I was too petrified not to let him in, says Tina. I said, Why did you beat me up? He replied, I didnt. Are you setting me up?

I was confused, in shock. I couldnt work out what was true. I hated what hed done, but I still loved him and I was intimidated.

Jenkin persuaded Tina to retract her statement and tell police shed had an accident.

He made me believe he was the victim, she says. Police had enough evidence to prosecute without Tinas statement and the case went to court. He blamed me for that and beat me again.

Jenkin was let off with a restraining order. But by now in a tangled web of abuse and dependence, Tina stayed in the relationship.

There are fears Jenkin could be released as early as this summer, leaving him able to attack his ex-partner once again

A pattern emerged in which hed break the order, get arrested, be imprisoned for a week then break the order again.

In between jail sentences he continued to hurt her. He worked out I wouldnt open the door when my face was bruised so he made sure to punch me in the face, forcing me to isolate myself. I lost my family and friends. They warned me but felt there was nothing more they could do, and I ended up covering for him. He started to control me until I didnt know who I was.

Jenkin brainwashed Tina into believing it was the two of them against the rest of the world.

He made me feel we were in this together. I was scared social services would take my children from me. I didnt want the police being called.

In April 2011, five weeks after another prison stint for breaching his restraining order and beating Tina, Jenkin had promised her a fresh start. But one night she heard him offer his prescription sleeping pills to a neighbour.

Worried, she gently tried to remonstrate. I gave him a look as if to say, No, she recalls. Then I went to bed.

Her next memory is being naked save for a bra around her waist, Jenkin on top of her with his hands around her neck. Police believe he had strangled Tina into unconsciousness so he could gouge out her eyes. He also broke her nose and jaw. He was trying to kill me. I was making weird guttural noises and passing in and out of consciousness.

She managed to get away from Jenkin enough for him to loosen his grip on her neck.

I said, Shane, Im sorry, I love you, to calm him down. He said, Your eyes are hanging out of your head. Youre blind. Youre never going to see your kids again, and its all your fault.

It was only then Tina computed she couldnt see. I brought my hand up to my cheek and my eyeball was hanging down... she breaks off during our call, in tears.

Jenkin dropped her into a bath full of cold water. Shock had protected me from pain but suddenly it felt as if there were red hot pokers in my eyes.

He kept saying this was all my fault  that if I hadnt argued with him, none of this would have happened. He dragged her naked into the living room, where he kept her prisoner all night. I tried to stay calm, concentrating on the kids asleep upstairs... and I tried to keep quiet so they wouldnt wake, says Tina. The next morning Jenkin let her call Liams father who rushed to the house.

Jenkin fled and was arrested four days later. Tina was admitted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital where she spent three weeks.

The force of his attack was so great doctors could see Jenkins nail marks in her eye sockets. He also broke her nose and jaw.

Her left eye was immediately removed but it would be months before they confirmed she would get no sight back in her right eye.

I thought Id have to rely on people to take me to the toilet, to spoon-feed me. I was devastated. I didnt feel human. I wanted to die, for the nurses to kill me, recalls Tina, who forced herself to put on a brave face when her children visited a fortnight later.

Aged three, Liam didnt understand what had happened and wasnt daunted by his mother wearing sunglasses covering temporary rubber eyeballs: He came running straight to my bed. But at 13, Ben, whod been told his mum had been attacked by Jenkin, was very scared, says Tina.

He sat down next to me, shaking. I took my glasses off to show him I was still here, still me, and told him the police had got Shane. This reassured him.

After three weeks in hospital, Tina spent four months living with her sister and best friend as she acclimatised to her blindness. Ben became protective, insisting he push his mother in the wheelchair, and Liam also learned to help. On a cocktail of painkillers, sedatives, sleeping tablets and antidepressants, she says, I slept a lot that first year.

In April 2012, Jenkin admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Truro Crown Court. He was sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of six years.

The minimum sentence was so low because he changed his plea from attempted murder to GBH with intent, says Tina. I was angry. The case shocked the nation and propelled Tina into the spotlight.

Her memoir, Out Of The Darkness, was published that October, and she became a campaigner for a domestic violence charity.

But she went on to suffer a breakdown. For years I sat on my sofa. I could barely speak. I didnt want to see anyone. I begged my doctor to section me.

Panic attacks all day and all night left her struggling to breathe, which turned into crippling anxiety about dying.

In 2016, she finally got counselling. More helpful was her relationship with a builder introduced to her by friends that year.

They were together two years before separating amicably. I realised what a normal relationship was like.

Ben continued to live with Tina while Liam was raised by his dad.

She is heartbroken she hasnt seen her children grow up, instead having to make do with listening to them talk about their favourite computer games and imagining their faces.

It was in November last year that Tina was aghast to be told of the decision to move Jenkin to an open prison. They said a parole hearing had found he was showing empathy to his victims.

She insists any empathy Jenkin has demonstrated is fake: Psychopaths mimic peoples reactions. I dont think he knows what empathy feels like.

Her nightmares are compounded by flashbacks at the prospect of his potential release. Ill suddenly zone out. Im being thrown down the stairs, nearly breaking my neck. Its as if Im actually there.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: This was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with Ms Nash. All prisoners, including those serving life sentences, must pass a robust risk assessment before any move to open conditions and we do not hesitate to move them back to closed prisons if they break the rules. Which is of scant comfort.

Shane making progress lessens my progress, she says. And its hard to see whats fair about that.

Find out more about Tina's petition at change.org/p/stop-serial-violent-offender-shane-jenkin-being-released
The Princess of Waless newly bronde hair has caused something of a frenzy among royal watchers this week.

Kates brunette locks already looked subtly lighter when she returned from a half-term family holiday on the Caribbean island of Mustique in February.

But on Tuesday, her 14th wedding anniversary, during a trip with husband Prince William to the Isle of Mull, she was photographed with her hair appearing markedly lighter  somewhere between a blonde and the chestnut brown were used to.

Its certainly a dramatic departure. But as we head into summer, this light and fresh look could be your own cue to call in the colourist.

It certainly looks as though the princess has paid a post-holiday visit to her favourite hairdresser, Mario Charalambous, at Richard Wards London salon.

Client confidentiality of course prevents Richard from commenting. But his firm advice to any of us who have basked in the sun during this weeks mini spring heatwave  or perhaps enjoyed an Easter getaway  is to pay a professional to finish off the work those rays started, just as Kate appears to have done.

Right now the sun were getting here is strong enough to have lifted your colour the same way it does when you go abroad, says Richard.

This is great if youre looking for a few free, natural-looking highlights. But the sun will never create anything as precise as your hairdresser can achieve.

The Princess of Wales's newly bronde hair has caused something of a frenzy among royal watchers this week when she was photographed on the Isle of Mull with her husband

Those powerful rays will miss bits out, and could also lift your colour to a shade youre not wild about.

Richard says he often advises clients to make their next colour appointment for after a foreign holiday as opposed to before they leave.

Clients insist they want their hair looking perfect before they go away, which I totally get, he explains. But being in the sun will always lift even freshly applied colour to some extent, as well as changing your skin tone, so you definitely need something in the diary for after you get back.

That way your hairdresser can focus on enhancing whatever look you bring home with you. And then you can enjoy the results for the whole summer.

So, what exactly should we be asking our hairdressers for?

Assess what you do and dont like about what the sun has done to your hair, suggests Richard. You need to tackle any damage caused and then embrace and enhance anything positive achieved.

Of course, all of this will largely depend on what shade you expose to the sunshine in the first place.

Lighter shades might find their colour has been lifted to a startling or brassy-looking blonde, which is a problem brunettes such as Princess Catherine dont have to contend with.

Its certainly a dramatic departure from the chestnut brown we are used to (pictured in January 2025), Rachel Halliwell writes

Yellowy hues need cleaning up first with a blue toner that will neutralise them, says Richard.

This deposits blue pigment that then cools down the yellow or orange undertones, which might be all you need to look naturally and pleasingly sun-kissed.

If you want to take it further, opt for more highlights that will make your hair seem really bright and fresh.

Sometimes, though, the sun can leave your colour feeling too stripped back. The solution? Ask your hairdresser to place darker shades of blonde across your whole head.

Meanwhile, for brunettes, the focus is more on going lighter without losing the natural-looking lift the sun has provided.

The temptation here might be to go for a full head of highlights, but that could look really harsh, advises Richard.

Instead, we use a clever combination of reverse highlights and a technique called back shadowing.

Reverse highlights is a form of balayage that involves taking the lighter colour the sun has given you through the ends of the hair, as opposed to the crown.

Shadowing means putting in darker, caramel tones throughout the body of the hair, but also at the roots, which softens the hairline and makes it look as though your hair has always been this way.

You want your hairdresser to also pick out any areas that the sun missed, and lighten those to match, Richard adds.

Whatever your hair shade, the balayage trend that was huge last year and saw people really embracing the boho, sun-kissed look, is going to be your friend again this summer if you want perfect yet natural-looking hair whatever the sun tries to do to it.
The Prince and Princess of Wales had a surprise encounter with a comedy legend on their wedding anniversary trip.

Ruby Wax, 72, spotted the royals on the Isle of Iona, in Scotland, after they had travelled there to meet the local community and learn about their way of life.

Pictures show the couple beaming at a camera as they stand on each side of the American-British comedian.

The pair had spent their 14th wedding anniversary carrying out engagements in nearby Mull before they boarded the 10-minute public CalMac ferry to Iona.

They spent more than two hours there, 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.

Wax had been waiting to catch the boat in the opposite direction, where she was doing a silent retreat, when she bumped into the royals.

She joked that she had broken a vow of silence to greet them saying: 'It's funny because I'm on a retreat there.

The Prince and Princess of Wale s had a surprise encounter with a comedy legend on their wedding anniversary trip. Ruby Wax , 72, spotted the royals on the Isle of Iona, in Scotland, after they had travelled there to meet the local community and learn about their way of life. Pictured: The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay pose for a picture with Ruby Wax

The pair had spent their 14th wedding anniversary carrying out engagements in nearby Mull before they boarded the 10-minute public CalMac ferry to Iona

The couple beamed on their royal visit

The royasl visited the Ardura Community Forest to meet and learn more about the Mull and Iona Ranger Service who play a hugely important part in protecting and championing the local environment. Pictured: Kate looks through some binoculars

'And I thought, "Why are they interrupting my silent retreat? I mean, you could break the silent retreat for this". '

She said of meeting 42-year-old William: 'I didn't realise he was so good looking. He looks like his mother.'

Earlier William and Kate were welcomed by a small crowd when they arrived at the small port of Fionnphort, where the CalMac ferry to the island was waiting.

After greeting the well-wishers who lined the pier, the couple spoke with ferry staff, asking them about the challenges of running services, particularly in bad weather.

William and Kate, 43, have celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary during their visit to the Inner Hebrides.

They started their second and final day there yesterday by visiting the Ardura Community Forest, a haven for local families on the Isle of Mull.

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 forest.

The princess 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 told one father about the importance of communities: 'That's what we've lost, the ability to come together and know your neighbour,' and he went on to say: 'You can get lost in the cities.'

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 forest

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.'

The couple were there to meet and learn more about the Mull and Iona Ranger Service who play a hugely important part in protecting and championing the local environment.

Kate described the island as 'an amazing place to be on our anniversary'.

The Ardura Acorns is one of the only early-years outdoor learning play groups on the island. It undertakes seasonal outdoor play, focusing on nature and wildlife including following trails, den building and storytelling.
A registered veterinary nurse has posted an urgent warning to dog owners, cautioning them against playing fetch with their dogs by throwing them a stick.

Jade, who regularly shares pet information videos via her TikTok account Jade The Vet Nurse, shared a one-minute video this week detailing why the common dog play game could be dangerous for furry friends.

In the video, which has been viewed over 50,000 times, Jade admitted that she commonly sees pet owners finding sticks on the ground to throw for their dogs to chase and retrieve.

Despite the activity being commonplace, Jade warned that the seemingly innocent dog activity could have dangerous and devastating health consequences for a dog.

'I'm afraid to say sticks can actually be very dangerous for your dogs and they are not a suitable toy for your dog's to play with,' Jade said.

The animal expert explained that a thrown stick could inadvertently wind up landing with one end of the stick pushed into the ground while the opposite end stick points upright in the air.

'What happens is your dog comes running towards it at a really high speed, they use their mouth to grab it and basically [the end of the stick] can go through the roof of their mouth,' Jade explained.

'It can [even] enter their brain, which will be fatal.'

Although dog's commonly love activities that involved chasing and chewing sticks, a registered pet nurse has issued a new caution advising against the activity. 'They are not a suitable toy for your dog's to play with,' Jade said.

Beyond chasing games, Jade also warned that even allowing your dog to chew on a stick has the potential to cause them serious health issues.

The registered vet nurse explained that stick chewing can result in 'trauma' to the dog's mouth and tongue areas, while also opening them up to the possibility of getting 'splinters that get stuck all the way along esophagus and stomach to their intestines'.

In serious cases, the vet added that this could even require surgery to remove any lodged stick pieces.

An Australian vet nurse previously took to Instagram to share a similar message regarding the dangers of throwing sticks to dogs.

Tess Nolan, from Queensland, previously shared a TikTok video calling out the five things that she as a dog owner would never do with her own dog.

The vet nurse and practice manager, who has a Boston Terrier named Daphne, explained in her video that throwing sticks for her dog to chase is one of five common acts she avoids.

Tess explained in the video, which was viewed more than 236,800 times, that many vets warn against dog owners playing fetch with sticks  and she would therefore never do it.

President of the British Veterinary Association Sean Wensley told The Guardian most vets are familiar with 'the very serious, potentially life threatening injuries that can be caused by throwing sticks for dogs'.

Vet nurse Tess Nolan (pictured), from Queensland, previously shared a TikTok video detailing the five things she would never do with her dog - including throwing sticks for her dog to chase

Tess works as a vet nurse, practice manager and business owner and has a Boston Terrier named Daphne (pictured)

He said 'of course' not every dog who chases a stick will be fatally injured but they can be.

Sean said, the most common injuries occur when: 'the dog is running typically at a pace after it, and the stick is forced down the dog's throat  it's essentially impaled on that stick.'

He said some dogs have even been put down due to stick injuries and fatal infections.

Critical Care Specialist, Dr. Erin McGowan, from Blue Pearl Vet previously told Daily Mail: 'We see stick related injuries all the time through the ER. Sticks are dangerous to play with and anytime I see an owner throwing a stick for a dog to chase I cringe a little.'

In Tess' video, the remainder of the five acts that she lists as things she would never do as a dog owner included leaving her dog in a car, walking her dog off leash near a busy road, leaving them home alone with a collar on and taking them to a dog park.

While the reasoning behind most of these rules was fairly self-explanatory, the animal expert explained the last controversial point in more detail.

Tess said: 'The most dog fights or incidences that we see come straight from the dog park'.
Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong has revealed the Sydney restaurant that she's visited repeatedly - and it has a surprisingly affordable menu.

The Australian food icon recently spoke to Gourmet Traveller about the top ten restaurant dining gems located around the Western Sydney area.

And one of the chef's stand out picks was Parramatta restaurant, Temasek.

Kwong, 55, told the Australian food publication that she's been a repeat-customer at the authentic Singaporean-Malay institution for many years.

Her go-do dishes at Temasek are their signature Singapura Laksas along with their Haianaese Chicken Rice, which Kwong described as 'legendary'.

Both of Kwong's top pick menu choices are surprisingly well-priced.

Temasek's Singapura Laksas start at $25.80 and are available in six different varieties.

Diners can choose the laksa with either chicken, prawns, fishcake, vegetables, seafood, or a chicken and prawn combo.

Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong, 55, revealed her top Western Sydney dining picks - including the well-priced Temasek restaurant in Parramatta

Temasek is a Sydney food institution that has been serving up their signature Singapura Laksas (starting price from $25.80) and Hainanese Chicken Rice (priced at $23) for over thirty years.

Meanwhile, the Hainanese Chicken Rice is even more affordable at $23 for a generous serve.

The dish is described on the menu as 'a succulent tender boneless chicken served with flavoured rice, soup, chilli & soy sauce'.

Bigger groups of diners could also consider ordering the Hainanese chicken in a half or full size. A whole Hainaese chicken, which can be served steamed or fried, is $62, while a half chicken is $32.

Temasek has been a renowned Western Sydney dining spot for decades after being originally founded in 1992.

The restaurant has changed location at points over the years, but Kwong explained in her recent interview that the feel of the restaurant remains unchanged.

The Aussie chef, who is currently working as an associate for Sydney's Powerhouse museum, said she recently re-visited the dining venue after its most recent relocation.

Temasek is now located on George Street in the heart of Parramatta.

'[T]hey managed to maintain the essence and flavour of the Temasek we all love, which is an enormous achievement,' commended Kwong.

Temasek has recently relocated to a new location on George Street in Parramatta

Temasek was previously praised by revered SMH Good Food critique Terry Durack, who described it as one of the rare restaurants in Sydney to offer 'value with a capital V'.

In his 2024 review, the food critic noted that many of the restaurant's most popular dishes, including Kwong's picks in the Singapura Laksa and Hainanese chicken rice along with other stalwarts like Nasi Goreng haven't 'changed much since it opened in 1992'.

Kwong's other top dining picks around the Western Sydney area also included the likes of Gebran Lebanese Cuisine in Mount Lewis and Sri Lankan restaurant Chef Ceylon in Toongabbie.

Much to the disappointment of fans, Kwong announced the closure of her own restaurant, Lucky Kwong, in June 2024 after being open for 24 years.

Kwong's other top dining picks around the Western Sydney area also included the likes of Gebran Lebanese Cuisine in Mount Lewis and Sri Lankan restaurant Chef Ceylon in Toongabbie

'At the end of June, I'm hanging up my restauranteur hat in order to make space for that which has become closest to my heart,' she began in a sombre Instagram post.

'I'd like to step into the next phase of my practice. Through the lens of food and interconnectedness, I wish to place my energy into helping share other people's stories.'

Her famed restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Everleigh was renowned for its diverse menu, featuring many delicacies such as crispy skin duck and saltbush cakes.

Kwong rose to fame in 2003 with her ABC TV series Kylie Kwong: Heart and Soul, a show that thrust her restaurant into the national spotlight and had customers queuing around the block.

She also made a guest appearance on MasterChef in 2012, appearing in the show's fourth season.
With temperatures set to reach a sweltering 27 degrees in some parts of the UK today, many will be looking for ways to keep their families protected during the heatwave.

While most responsible adults know to slather their children in sun cream before sending them outside, fewer may be clued up on how to take care of their furry friends during the hot weather.

Dog owners across the country have been urged to take precautions to ensure their pets are kept safe and healthy in during the unseasonably hot conditions.

Experts have warned dog owners to avoid taking their pets out during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm, and to never leave the house without water.

Alison Thomas, Senior Vet Surgeon at the Blue Cross Hospital, told The Mirror: 'While we enjoy the sunshine and warm weather, its important to make sure our pets are kept safe.

'They can overheat very quickly, and this can sometimes be extremely dangerous - even fatal,' the vet pointed out.

Issuing her expert advice to owners, Alison first instructed them to only take walks during the cooler periods of the day, such as early in the morning or later in the evening.

This way, pet parents are more likely to avoid the peak hours of beating sunshine.

Dog owners across the country have been urged to take precautions to ensure their pets are kept safe and healthy in during the unseasonably hot conditions

With temperatures set to reach a sweltering 27 degrees in some parts of the UK today, many will be looking for ways to keep their families protected during the heatwave

But this doesn't mean owners should simply leave their dogs to their own devices. The charity said that it is essential pups are kept stimulated indoors - especially with more active breeds.

If owners are unsure as to whether the temperature has reached a safe enough level to brave an evening stroll, Alison pointed to one easy five-second test that will immediately determine whether it's safe to walk.

Using the 'five-second test', owners can check whether pavements are too hot for dogs paws.

The method is simple, Alison explained. 'Simply take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the pavement.

'If its too hot for you to stand there for five seconds, its too hot for your dog,' she asserted.

In addition to overheating paws, The Blue Cross vet encouraged owners to be aware of their pooch's particular skin needs - since light-coloured or sparse coats are at greater risk of sunburn.

To remedy the risk of a sun-scorched pups, owners can use a pet-safe sun cream or use a light-weight t-shirt to cover sensitive or skin-exposed areas.

If owners are unsure as to whether the temperature has reached a safe enough level to brave an evening stroll, Alison pointed to one easy five-second test that will immediately determine whether it's safe to walk

The Blue Cross also urged pet owners to look out for key symptoms of heatstroke in dogs and to act accordingly should their dog fall victim to the condition.

Signs to look out for include racing heart rate, signs of confusion and dizziness, excessive panting and hot body temperature.

In the case of a dog having been afflicted by heatstroke, Alison advised owners to aim to lower their body temperature gradually and to never use ice-cold water.

She said owners should immediately contact a vet, explaining that they may even be asked to head straight to the clinic to seek treatment.

They may also be given steps to carry out from home instead.

Owners should also take additional measures if they are taking their canine friends out in the car.

The charity advised owners to ensure they plan their travel in advance and aim to avoid any sort of car time during the hottest points of the day.

Dogs should never be left in a parked vehicle as heat can build rapidly without owners knowing.

They even warned that just 20 minutes in a car could kill a dog - even if the windows are down.

The RSPCA warned that the dogs most at risk of heatstroke are those with health conditions, flat-faced breeds like pugs or bulldogs, and dogs with thick coats like German Shepherds.

Experts from the charity encouraged owners to opt for shady locations for their daily walk, and ensure they are carrying a water dispenser to they can keep their pip hydrated every 15 to 20 minutes.

Additionally, it's better to choice grassy routes than those that rely on pavements, since they are more prone to heating up in the sun.
Fans have been left distraught after finding out their beloved sweet is the latest victim in the cyber attack which has targeted Marks & Spencer.

Shoppers were shocked to see the favourite Percy Pig gummy sweets were nowhere to be found on supermarket shelves after the brand was crippled by attacks to their online systems.

The cyber attacks, which has been linked to notorious teenage hacking gang Scattered Spider, has left the high street giant reeling.

The supermarket has been forced to halt online sales for at least five days - with its share prices plummeting by more than 500m.

The ransomware hack against M&S is understood to have locked down many of the retailer's systems including its supply of Percy Pigs.

According to The Sun, signs next to the empty shelves, which displayed just a few veggie and low-sugar varieties of the sweets, read: 'Please bear with us while we fix some technical issues affecting product availability.'

Loyal M&S customers buy 16 million bags of the sweet treats a year and took to social media to share their anger at not being able to get their hands on any.

One posted online: 'Lads, s**t just got real.'

Fans have been left distraught after finding out their favourite sweet is the latest victim in the cyber attack which has targeted Marks & Spencer

Another said: 'This isn't just a cyber attack  it's an M&S cyber attack.'

An M&S spokesperson said: 'Nothing will stop Percy! While he's on most of our shelves, he's very popular and we're working hard to make sure he's on a shelf in every store.'

M&S has faced a week of mayhem following the cyber attack over the Easter weekend.

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 the bank holiday.

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 face disruption.

Julius Cerniauskas, chief executive of web intelligence experts Oxylabs, feared other firms could soon be targeted by hackers seeking to cause similar cyberspace chaos.

'Following the M&S cyber attack and the potential involvement of hacking group, Scattered Spider, all major UK retailers will be seriously worried if they'll be tangled in the web next,' he warned.

'The impact on the M&S share price shows the damage these attacks can do and will have many corporate retailers working day and night to ensure they do not suffer a similar fate.

'Ransomware gangs typically target companies like Marks & Spencer with the aim of causing maximum disruption to force a quick payout. By freezing critical systems, criminals create chaos for both customers and the business - affecting online orders, payments, and store operations.

Shoppers were shocked to see the popular Percy Pig Pig sweets were nowhere to be found on supermarket shelves after the brand was crippled by attacks to their online systems

M&S supplies across the board have been affected by the cyber attack which has been linked to a teenage hacking gang

Signs next to the empty shelves read: 'Please bear with us while we fix some technical issues affecting product availability.'

'Their goal is simple: the greater the disruption, the greater the pressure on the company to pay the ransom.

'While it appears M&S has regained some control, preventing the situation from escalating further will depend on thorough system cleansing, patching vulnerabilities, and ensuring no backdoors have been left behind by the attackers.'

Experts say criminal outfits like the Scattered Spiders pose a 'sophisticated threat' to the public and to businesses worldwide.

Such cyber hackers typically demand up to 10million in ransom for returning full access to firms, say industry sources.

No arrests have been made over the M&S hack, a Met spokesman confirmed, adding: 'Detectives from the Met's cyber crime unit are investigating. Inquiries continue.'

Detectives have been working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre and data watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Marks & Spencer would not share details last night nor speculate on the culprit or confirm whether it has paid a ransom. In hacks such as this, criminals typically infiltrate an IT system, freeze it and demand payment from companies.

It's believed ransomware called DragonForce may have been used in the attack on M&S, which has cost the retailer millions in lost sales and lower share prices.
This is the adorable moment Prince William helped a little girl give Kate some flowers during their visit to the Isle of Mull this week.

The Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary with a trip to the Scottish island, where they visited the picturesque town of Tobermory.

The couple visited Aros community centre - which has partnered with their Royal Foundation - as well as a artisan market with island produce, before a lengthy walkabout by the main seafront road.

One little girl called Iris, aged around six and dressed in a party dress, shyly told the Prince she wanted to give her flowers to the Princess instead.

Prince William was all too happy to make her dream come true, directing her through the crowds and parting security so she could walk over to Catherine and hand-deliver them.

'Would you like to give these to Catherine?' William could be heard asking, crouching down to speak to the girl and admire the flowers she'd brought.

The young girl's dad, standing behind in a grey T-shirt, answered for her and nodded, saying 'she was hoping to give them to Catherine'.

William soon got to work, guiding the girl through the crowd and telling her to 'head over that side'.

This is the adorable moment Prince William helped a little girl give some flowers to Kate during their visit to the Isle of Mull this week

After guiding Iris through the crowd, her dream came true and she was able to give her bouquet to the princess

Moments later, the delighted young royal fan got to meet the princess, who complimented her floral dress and matching nails.

Kate said, 'I saw you when we went in! I wanted to come and see you, thank you so much!'

The mother-of-three then asked to shake her hand and gushed: 'Look at your beautiful dress! It's lovely, isn't it? It's very nature inspired.'

After admiring her nail varnish she said: 'Thank you for coming to say hello. Nice to meet you!'

Royal fans were delighted by the sweet interaction, which was posted on X/Twitter, with one person writing: 'They are so sooo good with the public, specially with kids.'

Others said: 'Aww they are just the best!!! I have no doubts that little girl and her family will never forget this moment';

'This is SO sweet. And this why we all love them. They are real, authentic, have people skills, & respectful';

'I LOVE (as do most people) the way Catherine gets down to the kids' level. Talks to them earnestly and doesn't treat them like well... little kids. She is so respectful of them and their parents. She's a national treasure for sure!!!'

Kate gushed over her dress and nails as they had a sweet conversation

She and her husband Prince William looked as loved up as ever as they celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary

The couple were handed dozens of bunches of flowers, and stopped for the occasional group photo with fans young and old.

Prince William teased a handful of people about sneaking in for a second chat or photograph, telling them: 'Hang on, I've shaken your hand already! And you...and you! I'm very good with faces.'

The casual walkabout saw people milling around, with William asking 'how are things' to members of the public from bikers to local chefs and a 16-year-old bagpiper who had turned out to welcome them by playing Flower of Scotland and Scotland the Brave.

The Lord and Lady of the Isles - as they are known in the region, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay arrived wearing matching tweed jackets as they began a packed two-day trip to the Inner Hebrides.

Kate, 43, was glowing as she stepped out in a smart 549 herringbone blazer from Holland Cooper as she arrived at the iconic 18th Century fishing port with its brightly-coloured houses, made famous by the hit children's show Balamory.

She added hiking boots, skinny jeans and a light blue shirt - while subtly paying tribute to William with a 6,000 Cartier Ballon Bleu stainless steel watch, thought to have been a gift from her husband on their third wedding anniversary in 2014.

The mother-of-three also wore her Kiki McDonough Pear Drop earrings and paid tribute to her children with a necklace by Daniella Draper with the letters G, C and L - representing Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, who recently turned seven.

Her brunette locks glistened in the sunlight with what appeared to be new blonde highlights for the summer - on a rare day of warm weather on the Scottish island.

Meanwhile, Prince William, 42, opted to match with his wife in a checked grey blazer, jeans and brown suede shoes, while appearing to share her good humour.

The Princess of Wales's hair appeared a few shades lighter - perhaps having added blonde highlights for the summer - during a visit to the Isle of Mull

The romantic picture was posted on the couple's official Kensington Royal social media accounts and showed the Prince and Princess of Wales lovingly holding each other as they enjoyed a quiet moment at dusk in Tobermory

Catherine and William visited an artisan market in Tobermory on the island, which saw glorious weather for the royal visit

They soon put on a loved-up display, with Kate joking with her husband while placing a hand on his back as they walked together.

A crowd of around 300 plus cheering locals and tourists awaited William and Kate, who flew in by helicopter, bagpipes playing at their car approached the local community centre in Tobermory.

It made for a very romantic getaway, with William and Kate renting an isolated self-catering cottage for two during the visit - 14 years after they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

The couple began the trip with a visit to the Aros community centre, built in the 19th century and home to events from wedding receptions to pantos, yoga classes and ceilidhs. It is being renovated thanks to a partnership with their Royal Foundation.

Kate and William waved to the crowds as they walked over to be greeted by Morven Summers, Chair of the Aros Hall Committee, and social influencer, interior designer and local resident Banjo Beale.

The royals were seen laughing as they visited the soft play area inside the hall and were gifted a bouquet of flowers in a timely move for their anniversary.

Reminiscing with locals about a private visit they made as students to the island 20 years ago, the Princess also said she still has two watercolour paintings she bought in the town hanging in a bedroom at home.

And they spoke about the three children they have had since their last trip: their love of soft play, and how the Princess visited the Waitrose cafe with baby Prince George for lack of any local mother and baby groups on Anglesey to take him to then.

Kate and William sampled some whiskey at a Whey-based spirit holder's stall

The Prince and Princess were gifted a bouquet of flowers as they visited the soft play area at the Aros Hall community hub

Kate, the 'children's princess', smiled and laughed as she chatted with a mother and her daughter

The Prince and Princess spent more than an hour walking through the small town's harbour front road, shaking hands and taking photographs with locals and holidaymakers.

The Prince said he could always confirm whether he had visited a place before because he is usually asked to sign the visitors' book, joking that he may have had 'one or two ciders' during his long weekend on Mull as a student.

The Princess spent a long time talking to a holidaymaker who introduced himself to her as 'from one cancer survivor to another' and played with toddlers and babies at a new soft play their Royal Foundation has funded.

Before they retired for a private evening together, William and Kate cooked haggis on a barbecue and joined a community feast.

The couple were wowed by Croft 3 on Isle of Mull, a small holding that serves up locally sourced food in its restaurant.

They also marvelled at several Hebridean sheep and revealed they took George, Charlotte and Louis lambing during Covid era.

The couple were shown two of the restaurant and sustainable farm's black ewes and lambs.

Later on Tuesday, Kate and William released a new photograph to mark their 14th anniversary.

The Princess of Wales looked overjoyed to be back in Scotland today as she visited the town of Tobermory on her 14th wedding anniversary with William

Kate also made a sweet nod to her children with a personalised necklace from Daniella Draper with their initials on

Kate showed off her creative side as she painted a detail on a mural in a soft play area

The pair - known as Lord and Lady of the Isles in the region - travelled into the Ardura Community Forest on the second day of their visit

The romantic picture was posted on the couple's official Kensington Royal social media accounts and showed the Prince and Princess of Wales lovingly holding each other as they enjoyed a quiet moment at dusk in Tobermory.

'Wonderful to be back on the Isle of Mull,' the caption read. 'Thank you to everyone for such a warm welcome.'

The message included a heart emoji and was signed 'W & C' for William and Catherine.

On the second day of their visit on Wednesday, they took a walk through the woods and beamed as they met a group of delighted children.

The couple, who walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, do not normally celebrate personal anniversaries in public but when the trip came up, sources say, thought 'why not?'

Aides say they have a 'deep love' for Scotland having met and fallen in love at St Andrew's University and are delighted to be back on Mull, where as revealed by the Mail today they enjoyed a secret holiday together as student and even took part in a water bomb fight with locals.

The couple are both more at home in the countryside than anywhere else, making it the perfect way, say sources, for them to also celebrate their first wedding anniversary since Catherine revealed she was in remission from cancer.

The couple have endured what William last autumn described as a 'brutal' year, making their time away even more precious.

The Prince and Princess visited the stunning town of Tobermory, famed for featuring in children's hit Balamory

She waved to crowds who had turned out to greet her, while modelling a stunning herringbone blazer

William and Kate  who first crossed paths at the University of St Andrews in 2001  are spending their anniversary north of the border. (Pictured: The royals' 2011 wedding)

A royal source explained that the tourism industry contributes 'significantly to the economy of the Isles', which see hundreds of thousands of people visit every year, adding that the Prince and Princess are looking forward to 'showing their support for the islands with their stay'.

The source said: 'For The Duke and Duchess, this visit is all about the power of communities, and highlighting that by building stronger and better-connected communities we can perhaps build a steady path to more loving and compassionate society.

'What we will see on their visit to the Inner Hebrides is that we can learn powerful lessons from ways of life on Mull and Iona, specifically about how we reconnect with each other.

'The simpler way of life that these island communities enjoy, steeped in nature and built on strong person to person connections, offers a powerful model for transforming our own health and wellbeing, and in turn the communities within which we live.'

The trip is a rare joint public outing for the couple, who have three children - George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, seven - since Kate underwent preventative chemotherapy for cancer, for which she is now in remission.

'Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart,' William, who as heir holds the title Lord of the Isles, said back in 2021.

'George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us... We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland.'

In September, the Princess revealed she finished her course of 'preventative chemotherapy' and shared it reminded her and her husband to 'reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.'

The princess' personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shot last summer.

It shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children  and kissing.

Some six months earlier, Kate released another emotional video where she revealed that she was undergoing treatment for cancer but also gave an insight to her relationship with her husband.

She said the diagnosis came as a 'huge shock' to both her and William, adding that they were doing 'all they can' to process it both as a couple but also as a 'young family.'
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa has revealed the reason behind her husband Grand Duke Henri's shock decision to abdicate the Luxembourg throne.

The monarch, 70, made the announcement in December during what will now be considered his last ever annual Christmas broadcast, bringing his 24-year reign to an end.

His son, Prince Guillaume, 43, will officially take the throne from October - and has already assumed many of his father's duties in recent months.

He will be the second European monarch to step down in recent years. In January 2024, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decoded to give up the throne after 52 years, with her son Frederik taking over as King.

In an exclusive interview given to HELLO! Magazine at her impressive home in Berg Castle, the Grand Duchess has revealed the real reasons behind the change in plan.

She said that, unlike other monarchies, abdication is a tradition in the Luxembourg royal family.

"It's a family tradition that goes back to Henri's grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte,' the Duchess explained.

'Then his father Jean did the same. What is special and doesn't exist in other monarchies is the transition period we have, which makes things smoother.'

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa has revealed the reason behind her husband Grand Duke Henri's shock decision to abdicate the Luxembourg throne. Pictured together in 2018

In 2000, Grand Duke Henri took to the throne when his father, Grand Duke Jean abdicated.

Duchess Maria Teresa added: 'So the abdication isn't something radical. After reigning for 25 years, at our age and with such a well-prepared heir, we're able to pass on the baton and enjoy some rest.'

She said that there will be a one-year transition period as the reins are handed over, with the Grand Duke remaining as head of state but delegating some of his powers.

In October, the royal couple will retire to the Fischbach Estate to make way for their heirs, Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie.

The Duchess herself, who has been married to the Duke for 44 years, grew up in Cuba but was forced to flee due to the Castro revolution in 1959. The couple share five children: Guillaume, Felix, Louis, Alexandra and Sebastien.

Unlike other monarchies, Luxembourg is helmed by a Grand Duke, rather than a king or queen.

The current house is Nassau-Weilburg, dating back to a family pact in 1783.

During the broadcast in December, the outgoing Grand Duke said he was 'proud' to have served his country for a quarter of a century.

Grand Duke Henri, 70, announced he would be stepping down in his Christmas broadcast (pictured)

The Grand Duke will be handing the reins over to his son, Prince Guillaume, in October (pictured together in 2022)

Grand Duke Henri (second from left), with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa (left), and Guillaume (second from right) with his wife, Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg (right)

The Duke and Duchess attended the funeral of Pope Francis last weekend

He said: 'It has been a period during which Luxembourg has undergone great changes, and I am proud to have been able to, together with the Grand Duchess, walk this path with you.'

While explaining that 'the Grand Duke is above political parties and does not interfere in political debates,' he said, 'nothing prevents me from speaking out when the fundamental interests of the country and its citizens are at stake.'

He continued: 'This is what I have strived to do over the past 25 years, paying particular attention from the outset to the diversity of our population, the need for coexistence, and sustainability in all areas of our society, so that we can leave our children a healthier country.'

Henri had hinted at stepping down in June this year when he announced his son would become Lieutenant-Representant.

After the announcement, the Grand Duke appeared very moved and kissed his son whilst the room applauded.

According to the official Palace website, 'designation of the Lieutenant-Representative traditionally occurs in the process of change of reign'.

'This is the beginning of a next chapter for our monarchy,' Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden told local media at the time.

While the move over the summer on the country's National Day came as a shock to the public, Frieden said it had been mulled behind closed doors for a while.

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg is pictured with his son, Prince Guillaume and his grandson, Prince Charles in 2020

Different country, same story: King Frederik, Queen Mary and Queen Margrethe of Denmark pictured in May - Frederik was made monarch after Queen Margrethe of Denmark abdicated

'We have been talking about it for some time, and I think that on the national holiday it was the right moment, because the Grand Duke is the symbol of our nation,' he said.

Grand Duke Henri is the eldest son of the five children of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte and took to the throne in 2000, after his father abdicated following a 36-year reign.

Following his birthday last year, he admitted that he 'intends to retire at some point' in an interview with French publication La Libre.

'All this is planned in family consultation. I find that it is very important to give young people a perspective.'

'There are plans, it will happen,' the Grand Duke continued.

Last year, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decided to give up the throne after 52 years, making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January.

In a statement revealing the news, the former Danish monarch said: 'I have decided that now is the right time.

'The 14th January 2024 - 52 years after I followed my beloved father - I will step back as the Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son the Crown Prince Frederik.'
UN Ethiopia family celebrates Chinese Language Day

Xinhua) 11:26, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
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 budget-bakery will roll out the pasta dish as part of its summer menu

Greggs has revealed it is adding a popular trial food item to its summer menu, with taste testers having previously described it as 'unreal'.

The bakery has announced it will be rolling out its highly sought-after Mac and Cheese across UK branches - with more than 1,750 locations set to stock the dish by the end of July.

The new product features freshly cooked pasta combined with a decadent sauce made from a blend of cheddar and red Leicester cheese and topped with a delicious ciabatta crumb.

The cheese-packed pasta dish was first launched in Manchester stores in November 2024 as part of a trial to test out new menu items. First impressions from foodies were positive, with dozens hailing its 'incredible' flavour.

The pre-prepared pasta first hit shelves in 10 different shops across the northern city, where it proved a hit among customers.

Following its initial success, Greggs later expanded to a number a further 300 shops across the country.

Of the chain's 2,600 eateries, more than half are set to make the scrumptious pasta a permanent feature of their menus.

The Mac and Cheese quickly became a hit among foodies who rushed to snaffle up the cheesy treat before it was briefly swept from shelves at the end of it's trial.

Greggs has revealed it is adding a popular trial food item to its summer menu, with taste testers having previously described it as 'unreal'

The budget-bakery has announced that it will be rolling out its highly sought-after Mac and Cheese across UK branches - with more than 1,750 locations set to stock the dish by the end of July

Included as part of the bakery's new summer menu, the creamy pasta will be available to purchase as a single item for 4.55, or can be scooped up with a drink as part of a meal for 5.75.

Describing the dish, the budget bakery described: 'Baked fresh in shops every day, Greggs' Mac & Cheese consists of delicious pasta smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with a soul-comforting blend of Cheddar and Red Leicester, a crunchy layer of ciabatta breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of parsley to form a divine golden crumb.

When it was first rolled out across Manchester outlets, foodies left rave reviews of the decadent cheesy dinner.

In a video posted to its social media accounts in February earlier this year, Greggs received three million views and thousands of comments, with fans hailing the scrumptious new offering.

The bakery captioned the viral video: 'New love triangle just dropped. You, Greggs, Mac & Cheese.'

Alongside other videos posted by mac and cheese devotees, dozens were awe-struck by the new find with one writing: 'Oh my gosh I need that mac and cheese.'

'Tried it a few days ago and omg it is great. Wowie,' a second said.

'Oh wow that looks insane,' another wrote.

Initial taste testers left rave reviews for when the product was first rolled out

'This looks unreal,' one remarked.

'Wowzers, this looks stunning,' one person wrote.

'My jaw dropped. I'm running to Greggs first thing tomorrow,' another person commented.

Another satisfied taster said: 'I bought one for the first time today and I enjoyed it, so I'm going to get another tomorrow and a triple chocolate doughnut.'

However - not everyone was as impressed by the new offering, with some remarking on the price-tag and others suspecting it would be 'dry' from sitting under the instore hot-lights.

One perturbed tester wrote: 'It's absolutely disgusting had it yesterday! 4.55 as well it was all stuck together slip.'

Another clip posted by the social media influencer, Carmie Sellitto, amassed a whopping 1.5 million views from viewers.

Despite having sampled some of the nation's most expensive and sought-after foods, the food influencer had only positive things to say about Greggs' pasta dish.

'Wow! I actually ate this so quickly I couldn't take a second to breathe, I was so excited!' he said in the video.

The Mac & Cheese will expand from its current 300 shops to over 1,750 locations nationwide by July's end.

Those keen to get their hands of the dish can also order via Click+Collect on the Greggs App, which is free to download.
Dara Huang - the ex-fiancee of Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - has made a wry comment about her dating life following the news that she has split from her former partner.

The 42-year-old Chinese American architect, who now lives in Chelsea, was previously dating London-based financier Filippos Kodellas de la Morena in 2020, the Daily Mail's Richard Eden revealed.

However, it has since come to light that the pair went their separate ways because the investor last month 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.

Dara appears not to have taken the news too heavily and is back on London's dating scene, making a humorous comment to apparently confirm this.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Dara wrote, 'Just a small note for all you single ladies out there.

'Go to Mayfair on a Friday at around 5 pm because it's 99 per cent men flooding pubs'.

She accompanied the comment with a photograph of a London pub brimming with punters enjoying a pint in the sunshine.

It was first revealed that Dara was dating Filippos in 2020 - the same year that Beatrice and Edo tied the knot.

Architect Dara Huang (pictured) appears to have made a humorous remark about her dating life on Instagram following the news that her ex-partner is engaged

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 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.

However, the relationship came to an end, and the investor announced his engagement to his new parter, Sofia.

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.

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.

Taking to Instagram, Dara made a 'small note for all you single ladies out there' to visit Mayfair pubs at 5 pm because 'it's 99 per cent men flooding' them (pictured)

Dara Huang - the ex-fiancee of Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - split from her new partner. Pictured with her son Wolfie

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.

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.

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

Dara, who was born in Florida to Taiwanese parents, has worked for celebrities including Margot Robbie and 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.

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.

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'

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.

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.

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'

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.'

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.

Princess Beatrice and Edo announced they had welcomed a daughter, Athena, in January (pictured)

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.
Prince William has wished a centenarian a happy birthday as she reaches her 100-year milestone after charming her on a visit to her care home in March.

The Prince of Wales, 42, met Christina at the Deidre Knight Centre, an adult day care centre in Angus, two months ago.

The father-of-three privately dropped into the organisation, which supports adults and older people who are affected by a degree of physical or mental disability and are experiencing social isolation, during his recent trip to Aberdeen.

William posted a sweet message on the Wales' official X/Twitter page to mark Christina's spectacular milestone.

William wrote: 'Happy 100th Birthday, Chris! It was a pleasure meeting Christina Charlton during a recent visit to the Deidre Knight Centre in Forfar, Angus.

'Yesterday she celebrated her 100th birthday! We hope you had a wonderful day!'

He posted two sweet images alongside the message, which included one of him and Christina smiling and laughing together.

The future King also posted a picture of Christina that was taken on her special day on Wednesday, featuring the centenarian wearing a glitzy gold sash that read: '100 and fabulous.'

The Prince of Wales, 42, met Christina, who he calls Chris for short, at the Deidre Knight Centre, an adult day care centre in Angus

The future King also posted a picture of Christina that was taken on her special day on Wednesday, featuring the centenarian wearing a glitzy gold sash that read: '100 and fabulous'

The beaming pensioner was also wearing a silver tiara and posted alongside several birthday balloons and a big pink sign that said: 'Happy 100th birthday.'

He then wrote another tweet in the thread and penned: 'Thank you to the incredible carers and support workers whose compassion and dedication creates such a warm, supportive community at Deidre Knight,' along with posting a video.

Their youngest client is 28 years old and their oldest member is Christina, aged 100.

The short collection of clips showed William greeting Christina by shaking her hand along with the pair laughing together while in conversation.

The heir to the throne was also filmed chatting to a man in the centre who went in to hug the Prince and was met with open arms from William, with the pair sharing a heartfelt embrace.

Both the Prince and Princess of Wales are known for breaking royal protocol when it comes to royal visits by allowing people they meet to hug them.

The rules surrounding touching the Royal Family has historically been so strict that a simple breach like a hand on the back was enough to spark outrage.

There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but many chose to observe traditions, which is to bow or curtsy.

The short collection of clips showed William greeting Christina by shaking her hand along with the pair laughing together while in conversation

Prince William and Christina were beaming as they chatted in the day care centre in March

The heir to the throne was also filmed chatting to a man in the centre who went in to hug the Prince and was met with open arms from William, with the pair sharing a heartfelt embrace

However, the Waleses are known for being much more approachable than some older members of The Firm.

This post on X, formerly known as Twitter, comes as William and Kate continue exploring the Isle of Mull.

The Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary with a trip to the Scottish island, where they visited the picturesque town of Tobermory.

The couple visited Aros community centre - which has partnered with their Royal Foundation - as well as a artisan market with island produce, before a lengthy walkabout by the main seafront road.

One little girl called Iris, aged around six and dressed in a party dress, shyly told the Prince she wanted to give her flowers to the Princess instead.

Prince William was all too happy to make her dream come true, directing her through the crowds and parting security so she could walk over to Catherine and hand-deliver them.

'Would you like to give these to Catherine?' William could be heard asking, crouching down to speak to the girl and admire the flowers she'd brought.

The young girl's father, standing behind in a grey T-shirt, answered for her and nodded, saying 'she was hoping to give them to Catherine'.

She and her husband Prince William looked as loved up as ever as they celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary

William and Kate  who first crossed paths at the University of St Andrews in 2001  are spending their anniversary north of the border. (Pictured: The royals' 2011 wedding)

Kate and William sampled some whiskey at a Whey-based spirit holder's stall

William soon got to work, guiding the girl through the crowd and telling her to 'head over that side'.

Moments later, the delighted young royal fan got to meet the princess, who complimented her floral dress and matching nails.

Kate said, 'I saw you when we went in! I wanted to come and see you, thank you so much!'

The mother-of-three then asked to shake her hand and gushed: 'Look at your beautiful dress! It's lovely, isn't it? It's very nature inspired.'

After admiring her nail varnish she said: 'Thank you for coming to say hello. Nice to meet you!'

Royal fans were delighted by the sweet interaction, which was posted on X/Twitter, with one person writing: 'They are so sooo good with the public, specially with kids.'

Others said: 'Aww they are just the best!!! I have no doubts that little girl and her family will never forget this moment';

'This is SO sweet. And this why we all love them. They are real, authentic, have people skills, & respectful';

'I LOVE (as do most people) the way Catherine gets down to the kids' level. Talks to them earnestly and doesn't treat them like well... little kids. She is so respectful of them and their parents. She's a national treasure for sure!!!'

The Prince and Princess were gifted a bouquet of flowers as they visited the soft play area at the Aros Hall community hub

The romantic picture was posted on the couple's official Kensington Royal social media accounts and showed the Prince and Princess of Wales lovingly holding each other as they enjoyed a quiet moment at dusk in Tobermory

The couple were handed dozens of bunches of flowers, and stopped for the occasional group photo with fans young and old.

Prince William teased a handful of people about sneaking in for a second chat or photograph, telling them: 'Hang on, I've shaken your hand already! And you...and you! I'm very good with faces.'

The casual walkabout saw people milling around, with William asking 'how are things' to members of the public from bikers to local chefs and a 16-year-old bagpiper who had turned out to welcome them by playing Flower of Scotland and Scotland the Brave.

The Lord and Lady of the Isles - as they are known in the region, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay arrived wearing matching tweed jackets as they began a packed two-day trip to the Inner Hebrides.

Kate, 43, was glowing as she stepped out in a smart 549 herringbone blazer from Holland Cooper as she arrived at the iconic 18th Century fishing port with its brightly-coloured houses, made famous by the hit children's show Balamory.

She added hiking boots, skinny jeans and a light blue shirt - while subtly paying tribute to William with a 6,000 Cartier Ballon Bleu stainless steel watch, thought to have been a gift from her husband on their third wedding anniversary in 2014.
A wedding is almost always an expensive undertaking, but one savvy bride has revealed how she saved thousands of pounds on her wedding gown.

Alice Bolster, 30, from London, who has been buying secondhand for most of her life, urged brides-to-be to check Vinted before splurging on a high-end dress after she found her 'dream' Vivienne Westwood gown on the resale app.

Not only did it fit her like an 'absolute glove', the dress was heavily discounted from its original price - down to 2,500 from 6,000.

Alice said she also gave her bridesmaids 30 each to find a secondhand outfit for her wedding - with most finding their dresses on the popular secondhand fashion app.

Explaining that she has always loved pre-loved fashion, Alice shared that she had her heart set on getting a secondhand wedding dress from the second she started planning her wedding.

Alice, who married her now-husband George Bolster last June, spent a long time curating a Pinterest board of antique and vintage style ideas while hunting for her perfect gown.

She ended up buying a secondhand 700 Charlie Brear dress - originally worth 2,200 - from a charity bridal store but still wasn't sure it was 'the one'.

In the meantime, Alice continued to look on Vinted and couldn't believe it when she found a her 'dream' Vivienne Westwood dress that retails for around 5,000 to 6,000 when new.

A wedding is almost always an expensive undertaking, but one savvy bride has revealed how she saved thousands on her 'dream' Vivienne Westwood gown. Pictured: Alice Bolser and her now-husband George Bolster on their wedding day

Alice on her wedding day in the Vivienne Westwood gown she managed to score for 2,500 - down from 6,000

Alice grew up with her mum, Ruth Darby, 63, who advocated for secondhand and vintage fashion while she was growing up. She is pictured here looking radiant in her Westwood bridal dress

She couldn't believe her luck when the seller agreed to sell Alice the dress for 2,500 - meaning she got a 3,500 discount.

The graphic designer from Teddington said: 'I never felt it was an option to get a new wedding dress. It wouldn't have felt authentic. I would have felt guilty.

'I clicked on wedding dresses and put in the brand in as Vivienne Westwood and this one came up for 2,800

'I thought "Oh my god, I love it so much".

'I messaged asking about measurements and asked "Would you do it for 2,500?"' Alice continued. 'It's literally my dream dress. It just fit like an absolute glove.

'It was meant to be.'

Alice grew up with her mum, Ruth Darby, 63, who advocated for secondhand and vintage fashion while she was growing up.

'She'd be grumpy with me if I had an ASOS order arrive,' Alice esxpained, referring to the fast fashion retail giant.

Alice also gave her bridesmaids 30 to buy their dresses for her wedding on the resale app

Alice's bridesmaids all picked their outfits from Vinted

Alice now shops primarily pre-loved herself and her wardrobe is 95 per cent secondhand - comprising finds from car boot sales, charity shops, and Vinted and Depop.

In October 2021, she set up her own business We Go Full Circle where she sells vintage pieces she finds and styles.

When her now-husband, George, also 30, a consultant, proposed in June 2023, Alice knew she wanted to find a secondhand wedding dress.

Alice set herself a top budget of 2,500 to 3,000 but initially struggled to find the ideal dress for anything less than 4,000.

'I kept torturing myself looking on Vinted,' she continued, until she stumbled upon the Vivienne Westwood design last January - six months before her and George's wedding.

She said: 'I knew I loved it. I had a vision.

'It fit perfectly,' Alice continued, adding, 'It was quite a steal.'

Alice's mum, who works in Oxfam, wore a 1920s vintage blouse and green satin trousers that she already owned for the ceremony.

Alice now shops primarily pre-loved herself and her wardrobe is 95 per cent secondhand - comprising finds from car boot sales, charity shops, and Vinted and Depop

Her dad, Andrew Darby, 65, a retired accountant, wore a suit he has had since the 1990s.

Reflecting on wearing the wedding dress for her vows, Alice said: 'It just felt like it was the one - the one I dreamed of.

'It made me feel special and beautiful.'

Alice is now looking into renting her dress so others can wear it - but hasn't quite made up her mind yet.

The resale app isn't just great for scoring big discounts on premium and one-of-a-kind designer buys; Vinted can also help users rake in thousands of pounds by selling garments from their own closets.

Chloe Chandler, who is from the UK, often shares Vinted fashion hauls she has bought with her 18,000 TikTok followers - and she has also had a lot of success selling on the app.

Chloe, who has over 500 five-star reviews, revealed she buys and sells on the pre-loved clothing app every day and has made 4,415.34.

Offering up some advice for those who want a quick sale, the 24-year-old highlighted the importance of updating your bio with a picture so people trust you are legitimate.

Alice's girlfriends on the bride's big day last June

When transacting on Vinted, she explained, it's crucial to check the account you're buying or selling to because of the rise in the number of 'spam accounts' on the app.

She said: 'The first thing that you shouldn't be doing on Vinted is not checking accounts.

'I call this "account vetting" and if I'm buying or selling to somebody, I will go to their account and check their reviews, check their bio, check everything that there is to do with their account.

'If something feels a little bit dodgy, then I just either don't buy from them or I don't sell to them,' Chloe continued.

Meanwhile she also claimed spraying perfume on your clothes before posting them is a big mistake.

'I'm such a strong believer that you should just leave the item, don't do anything with it like that because people have allergies, people have sensory issues, some people might not like the smell of your perfume,' she shared.

'It's also a waste of your own perfume as well, don't waste your nice perfume on your Vinted items, just leave it, honestly.

'And if you think your item smells, warn the buyer. I would much rather somebody say that to me than absolutely drown it in perfume.'

Meanwhile, another pro Vinted seller, Hannah Bevington - who has made 6,000 from the app - urged fellow users not to undervalue the price of their items, while sharing her own tips to maximise earnings.

In a clip posted on TikTok, she said that, despite the app's reputation for cheap sells, you must know the value of your item and price it accordingly.

'Stop selling things for 10 on Vinted,' Hannah said.

'Even my friends do this. They'll have an item which is worth something like 40 and they list it for a tenner.

'What will happen is someone will offer them 8 because the person who's buying the item thinks 'oh, they're just selling it for a tenner and clearly desperate for money'.'

Vinted has a feature that allows buyers to make an offer of up to 40 per cent less than the original asking price.

This means that pricing items according to their value, and even leaving some wiggle room to accept lower offers, will pay off.

'You should only be accepting offers that are ten to 15 per cent of what you put it on for,' Hannah said, urging buyers to be patient.

'If they don't buy it, that's okay. Sometimes it can take months for certain items to go but people will pay it - trust me.'

Although the difference in price could seem marginal, it could amount to an extra few hundred pounds by the end of the year.
Prince William told one of the most badly injured servicemen to survive the Iraq war that he was in awe of the heroism of our armed forces

He joined his father, King Charles, and step-mother, Queen Camilla, for a rare joint engagement at Windsor Castle, a reception for members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.

The Victoria Cross is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy, irrespective of rank.

The George Cross, instituted by King George VI in 1940, which may also be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.

The King is patron of the association, following in the footsteps of his late mother and grandmother.

After posing for group photographs in St Georges Hall, the royal trio spent time with the VC & GC holders, and members of their families, as well as representatives of posthumously awarded recipients, in the Grand Reception Room.

Founded in 1956, the VC & GC Association provides support to the living holders and their families, restore - and in some cases, create - graves and memorials associated with VC & GC holders, and educate the public on the two awards.

The reception is held every four years.

King Charles appeared in good spirits as he spoke to guests at a Windsor Castle reception for members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association today

The King is patron of the association, following in the footsteps of his late mother and grandmother. He is seen here greeting attendees

Prince William (right) joined his father, King Charles, and step-mother, Queen Camilla, (both not pictured) for the reception that marked a rare joint engagement

The King and his son both spoke to Major Peter Norton GC, a triple amputee.

He lost both legs and an arm, with his remaining limb badly injured, after stepping on an IED in 2005 while serving as a commander of weapons intelligence unit in the Royal Logistics Corp.

He told William that had there been the same medical practices in 2005 that there were in 2010, he would probably still be walking.

But I am not bitter, he said. What is normal? Im spread across three continents (in reference to both his immediate injures and amputations that took place later as a result of them). 

Theres not a lot I can say to that. I am in awe. Of all of you, said the prince. This is my first parade with the VC and GCs and I am just in awe of you. The stories. 

He also praised Major Nortons wife, Kate, saying: You have clearly found happiness. It takes two people to make that happen.

Do you remember it at all? Were you one of the most severely injured? They must have learnt a lot since then.

The King also spoke at length to Major Norton, praising his bravery and dedication since the incident.

After posing for group photographs in St Georges Hall, the royal trio spent time with the VC & GC holders, and members of their families, as well as representatives of posthumously awarded recipients, in the Grand Reception Room

And he laughed as Kate Norton-Hewins, who is six foot tall, gestured to her husband's wheelchair and said it was lucky she had met him before he was injured as he would have been far too short for me.

Wonderful, just wonderful, the king smiled.

Speaking afterwards Major Norton said he had been due to receive his GC from the late Queen Elizabeth in 2006 but it was one of those rare occasions that she was ill after suffering a bad back.

He instead received his award from Princess Anne who told him: I am so glad, I never get to give these out! She was my corp Colonel-in-Chief.

He said, remarkably matter-of-fact, of his injuries: It is what it is. We always thought we could go at any time. Most of us thought we would either survive of get killed. You could consider it an advantage. 

He currently lectures, among other things, in explosive ordinance engineering.

He said of the Royal Family: They are so good at what they do. They are professionals. I worked as chairman of the association for eight years with the late Queen and she knew every one of us, everything about us. She was just amazing. They make it so easy. King Charles is exactly the same.

Other guests included Jonhson Beharry, awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for gallantry.

The King and his son both spoke to Major Peter Norton GC, a triple amputee.

Major Peter Norton told William that had there been the same medical practices in 2005 that there were in 2010, he would probably still be walking.

The oldest member of the association present was Keith Payne, 92, awarded the VC in Vietnam after saving 40 men under heavy mortar fire, who had flown over especially from Australia for the occasion.

Payne received his VC from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Yacht, Britannia in Brisbane in April 1970.

It was one of 27 medals he received during a distinguished military career.

He said: Its a wonderful occasion. I have met all the Royal Family over the years, so many times in fact that when someone tried to introduce me to Queen Elizabeth she said: Oh you dont need to do that, Mr Payne and I know each other very well!

Earlier in the day, the King and Queen hosted Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia for a special tree planting at Windsor tonight.

The Swedish Oak is a gift from the Scandinavian sovereign to celebrate the British royals coronation in May 2023 - two years on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Prince William yesterday returned to the UK following a very special two-day trip to the Isle of Mull and Iona, accompanied by the Princess of Wales. The first day of their visit to the Scottish island coincided with the royal couple's 14th wedding anniversary.

Today's reception for the Victoria and George Cross Association comes one day after the King issued a moving message about his 'frightening' cancer diagnosis on Wednesday.

Prince William yesterday returned to the UK following a very special two-day trip to the Isle of Mull and Iona, accompanied by the Princess of Wales. The future King is seen here talking to members of the Victoria and George Cross Association; he has served as its President since 2024

Queen Camilla in conversation with Keith Payne, 92, the oldest member of the association. He was awarded the VC in Vietnam after saving 40 men under heavy mortar fire, who had flown over especially from Australia for the occasion

In what has been described as Charles' most 'personal' statement about being diagnosed with the illness, the monarch 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's 'poignant' words were addressed to fellow sufferers, as they attended a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Charles to recognise the incredible work of community-based cancer organisations last evening.

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 from Charles' desk has added significance given that his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer within weeks of his own diagnosis last year and underwent preventative chemotherapy.

In his message, Charles thanked those who so selflessly work to provide care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year - as well as those working to treat the diseases and raise funds for research.

Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones, he wrote.

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 continued.

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.

Today's reception for the Victoria and George Cross Association comes one day after the King (centre) issued a moving message about his 'frightening' cancer diagnosis on Wednesday

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.
The 2025 Met Gala is only days away, and while some celebs are confirming their attendance with behind-the-scenes glimpses of their outfits, Hailey Bieber sparked speculation with a more subtle 'announcement.'

Bieber, who gave birth to her first child back in August 2024, recently stepped out in New York City wearing a vintage Gucci dress.

To the untrained eye, this is just a baby blue Gucci by Tom Ford dress.

But to those dedicated to the fashion world, this is the exact same 1998 Gucci dress that Anna Wintour - also known as the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine - wore back in the same year it was released.

Aside from being head of Vogue, Wintour is also one of the famed co-chairs of the Met Gala.

Bieber's stylist, Dani Michelle, shared a picture of Wintour wearing the dress on her Instagram stories, captioning it 'icons only.'

To modernize the outfit, Bieber accessorized with nude strappy heels, sunglasses, and a tan clutch.

She also, of course, was sporting a phone case by Rhode - her very own beauty brand.

Hailey Bieber stepped out in a 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford dress days before the 2025 Met Gala

The gown was previously worn by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour in 1998

And though this seems to be a confident announcement of Bieber's attendance, fans are still skeptical considering she hasn't gone to the event since 2022.

There's heavy speculation that her brief absence from the Met Galas was due to the bullying she was rumored to have endured during the 2021 event.

It was rumored that Bieber was crying on the 2021 Met Gala red carpet when she attended with husband Justin Bieber.

The 'crying' was said to be brought on by fans heckling Bieber, chanting Selena Gomez's name at her.

In fact, Bieber was allegedly so 'upset' that she kept her sunglasses on the entire night.

Bieber, who later appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast revealed that while the chanting definitely bothered her, she wasn't exactly crying.

'I felt like I had something in my eye,' she said to Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper in an attempt to dismiss the speculation.

And as for the sunglasses, she said it was always meant to be part of her look.

The nod to Wintour seems to be a subtle nod at Bieber's upcoming attendance at the 2025 Met Gala

Though she did note that the chanting she heard was 'disrespectful' to her and her relationship.

But Bieber said she had a mantra that helped keep her grounded: 'Another day, another negative slay,' she told Cooper.

Despite the drama and speculation, it seems like Bieber could be back to take on the Met Gala red carpet once again.

The only question that remains is will she take on the red carpet in another Gucci ensemble?
As April came to a close, Ivanka Trump shared a few snaps of family fun throughout the past month.

In one picture, her eight-year-old son Theo had climbed beneath President Donald Trump's desk to poke his head out through a door at the front.

The cheeky black-and-white photo also featured a smiling Trump, 78, who sat behind the desk in the Oval Office wearing his signature Make America Great Again cap.

Ivanka's picture was a recreation of an iconic, historic picture of President John F. Kennedy and his son, John. F. Kennedy Jr., who was also playing beneath the desk.

The original picture was taken by Alan Stanley Tretick who was a Look magazine photojournalist that often captured moments of Kennedy and his family.

Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was not a fan of having pictures of her children taken for the sake of politics, but she wasn't at the White House at the time, per Irish Star.

In October 1963, JFK invited Tretick into the Oval Office for a family session while grieving the loss of a prematurely born child.

The desk in the picture is known as the 'Resolute desk' and it is made from the oak timbers of the British ship H.M.S. Resolute and was given as a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes from Queen Victoria in 1880, per The White House Historical Association.

In one picture, Ivanka's eight-year-old son Theo had climbed beneath President Donald Trump's desk to poke his head out through a door at the front

The picture was a recreation of an iconic, historic picture of President John F. Kennedy and his son, John. F. Kennedy Jr., who was also playing beneath the desk

Every president has used the desk except Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Ford.

It wasn't always in the Oval Office either - it was first used in the President's Office on the Second Floor of the Residence from 1880 to 1902.

In 1945, the desk's rear kneehole was fitted with a panel carved with the Presidential Coat-of-Arms, and President Harry S. Truman was the first to sit at the new version.

It was first used in the Oval Office after JFK requested it.

There is a brass plaque on the desk that explains the history of its creation from the breaking of the ship to it being gifted to President Hayes.

In another recent post, Ivanka shared a heartwarming video of Theo as he sat perched behind a piano.

Theo, who was dressed in a smart off-white suit, masterfully played an original song on the historic instrument as grandfather Donald Trump affectionately watched on.

'Theo debuting his first original composition for Grandpa last night at The White House,' Ivanka wrote to caption the performance.

As April came to a close, Ivanka shared a few snaps of family fun throughout the past month

He was playing a Steinway grand piano that was presented to FDR in 1938 by Theodore Steinway, per The White House Historical Association.

It has gold leaf decorations representing 'five musical forms indigenous of America,' including a New England barn dance, a cowboy playing his guitar, the Virginia reel, two black field hands - one clapping and one dancing - and an Indian ceremonial dance.

The grand piano also has three mahogany legs carved as American eagles.

It has stood in the entrance hall to the White House since 1989 and is often played by members of the Marine Band during social functions.
Cities in the eastern half of the US may be rife with sexually transmitted infections, a new analysis shows.

Innerbody Research, a medical website run by a team of scientists, examined CDC's 2023 data for rates of STIs across America and found the 10 cities with the highest rate of infections, with Detroit, Michigan, topping the list.

The Midwestern city had about 1,500 infections per 100,000 residents in 2023, jumping eight places from the previous year's report.

It was followed by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Montgomery, Alabama, in second and third place.

While many top cities have consistently been ranked in the website's analysis, a surprising place has made its debut.

Washington, DC - the nation's capital and home to the White House - was ranked in seventh place for the first time due to modern-day dating trends and new social constructs, experts say.

Memphis, Tennessee; Baltimore, Maryland and New Orleans, Louisiana, made up fourth, fifth and sixth places, respectively.

For the first time ever, the team named Detroit City as the metro area with the highest overall STI rates across the country

Washington DC was found to have a rate of 1,334 overall STI cases per 100,000 people as of 2023.

Broken down, there were 22,738 cases of chlamydia, 6,450 cases of gonorrhea, 489 cases of syphilis and 593 cases of HIV.

The city, where reports suggest it takes having a net worth of over $2million to feel wealthy, has reportedly seen an uptick of cases among younger generations.

According to Shenell Williams-Davis, a sexual health coordinator with Marys Center Public Health Outreach Services in DC, new dating trends and relationship structures may be to blame.

She told The Washington Informer: 'The doors of [varied sexual preferences] have opened up, and a lot of people are starting to experience [a multitude of things].

'It's no longer just one-on-one [sexual relationships], but [people experiencing multiple partner relationships].

'So that brings the issue where I may treat three people, but where are the other two in the group, or I can treat three, but where are the other four people? This [creates a breeding ground] for reinfection.'

Despite making up only a quarter of the population, young people between 15 to 24 years old account up for about half of new STIs every year

Years of rising rates of STIs has culminated in what experts call a public health crisis, driven by decreased condom usage and poor sex education.

Detroit saw 20,830 cases of chlamydia, 7,983 cases of gonorrhea, 628 cases of syphilis and 386 cases of HIV.

Across the US, Chlamydia is the most common STI, with 492.2 cases per 100,000 people as of 2023.

And the rate is increasing, mostly driven by a recent uptick in the number of seniors citizens contracting chlamydia due to increased sexual activity in later life, limited sexual health education, low condom use and the misconception that STIs don't affect older adults.

It is often called a 'silent infection' as many people experience no symptoms but if they do appear, they can be mild and may not show up for several weeks after exposure - making it easier to spread as people keep having unprotected sex without knowing they are suffering from the illness.

Common symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, abdominal tenderness, pain during intercourse, irregular bleeding, and fever.

Untreated chlamydia can lead to several long-term complications, primarily affecting reproductive health, including infertility and ectopic pregnancy in women.

Meanwhile, Gonorrhea cases fell for a second year in 2024, declining seven percent from 2022 to below pre-pandemic levels due to an increased availability of at-home STI kits.

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Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. And while the infection can usually be easily treated, some strains are resistant to commonly used antibiotics - making them harder to clear.

Syphilis has increased by one percent nationwide and the rise - while small - is worrying public health officials, as the disease can advance to damage the brain, nerves, eyes, and heart if it goes untreated.

It is most commonly reported among 30- to 34-year-olds, a slightly older group compared to other infections due to peak sexual activity during those years.

Symptoms begin with small open sores on the genitals, mouth, or rectum, as well as enlarged lymph nodes.

In the second stage, a skin rash develops, as well as genitals sores, fever, muscle and joint pain, vision changes, and loss of appetite.

When the infection advances further, it can inflame and damage heart valves and slowly degrade the brain, causing personality changes, memory loss, difficulty making decisions, and strokes.

While most of the illnesses can be cured with a round of antibiotics and abstinence from sex, HIV can attack the body's immune system and lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Once infected with HIV, there is no effective cure currently and proper medical care to control the virus is required. In the US, approximately 8,000 people die each year from HIV-related illnesses.

Washington DC was found to have 1,334 overall STI cases per 100,000 people

People, particularly young people, are using condoms less regularly. They went from the top contraceptive tool for 75 percent of men in 2011 to 42 percent of men by 2021.

Despite making up only a quarter of the population, young people between 15 to 24 years old account up for about half of new STIs every year.

About one in 100 US adults has an STI, including over 209,000 cases of syphilis, over 600,000 cases of gonorrhea, and over 1.6million cases of chlamydia, according to the CDC.

However, there are some positive signs that a decade-long rise could be plateauing and even turning a corner. There were 2.4million sexually transmitted infections in 2023, a two percent decline from 2022.

Eric Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Innerbody Research, SAID: 'The number one thing that an individual can do to help address this issue is to get tested more frequently.

'What we've found is that people don't realize how important it is to get tested regularly, because many STDs are manageable if they are caught early. Many of them are curable. But you can't manage and you can't cure what you don't know.'
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are sending dozens of Americans to the hospital every day with potentially life-threatening side effects.

Researchers at the CDC found there were 25,000 visits between 2022 and 2023 - about 68 per day - for symptoms related to semaglutide, the main ingredient in the drugs.

The most common complaints were nausea, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complications such as vomiting and abdominal pain.

Other side effects sending people to the hospital were hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), allergic reactions and medication errors - such as people taking more of the drug than prescribed.

The researchers did not detail the extent of people's side effects nor if there were any deaths related to semaglutide, but DailyMail.com has spoken to victims who began suffering from hearing loss, uncontrollable bowel movements, hair loss, vision loss, pancreatitis and depression after starting the medications.

The CDC report found majority of the ED visits - 80 percent - occurred in 2023 as the use of semaglutide medications soared. It is estimated about 13 percent of Americans - 33million people - have ever tried at least one weight-loss drug.

The come amid growing concern about adverse side effects, and the researchers are urging doctors to do a better job at educating patients regarding use and side effects of semaglutide, as well as help manage their use of any other medications they are on before starting Ozempic or Wegovy.

Dawn Heidlebaugh (pictured), a mother-of-four from Ohio, said taking Ozempic left her feeling suicidal

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The CDC researchers analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-Cooperative Adverse Drug Event Surveillance Project (NEISS-CADES).

The database keeps track of drug-related adverse events reported to a nationally representative sample of emergency departments in the US.

Based on 551 documented cases, the study estimated 24,499 ED visits were due to semaglutide use between 2022 and 2023.

Of those, 70 percent were for GI symptoms, including 58 percent for nausea and vomiting, 25 percent with abdominal pain and 12 percent with diarrhea.

Seventeen percent of ED visits were because of low blood sugar and six percent of people were experiencing an allergic reaction to the drug.

Nine percent of the visits involved medication error.

Among the visits to the ED, about one-third of people with low blood sugar and 15 percent of people with GI symptoms were admitted to the hospital for closer observation.

The study did not reveal if any deaths related to the medications occurred.

Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and constipation are listed as common side effects of Ozempic.

More severe side effects listed include thyroid tumors, changes in vision, pancreatitis, low blood sugar, dehydration and kidney complications, allergic reactions, food or liquid getting into the lungs and gallbladder complications.

After being resigned to being obese, Brad Roberts couldn't believe it when he lost 24lbs in a month on weight loss drugs. However, in a shocking turn of events, the 44-year-old father-of-four and his wife Stacey are suing the doctor who prescribed him the weight loss drugs

In addition to these, Wegovy also lists depression or suicidal thoughts, kidney failure, and increased heart rate as side effects.

In one lawsuit, Ozempic user Brad Roberts claims the drug caused debilitating joint and muscle pain, as well as severe stomachaches that confined him to his bed for 18 hours a day.

Other claims in the lawsuit include that he has trouble walking and suffers from memory loss, vision problems and issues communicating.

In one of the court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Dr Yadira Lockard, a psychologist who has served as Roberts' therapist since January 2015, describes his deterioration after he was allegedly 'dangerously' overmedicated with weight loss drugs.

She said she noticed a concerning change in his behavior about a year into his weight loss and eventually his condition deteriorated until he no longer had 'the mental capacity to make life decisions of any particular consequence to himself or on behalf of his family.'

Additionally, the FDA has received hundreds of reports of suicidal thoughts and depression from patients on weight loss medications since 2010, as well as 36 deaths 'by suicide or suspected suicide.'

As of 2023, 265 reports of suicidal thoughts and depression among people on weight-loss drugs had been received by the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), Reuters reported, though instances of suicidal thoughts on the drugs are unverified.

A DailyMail.com investigation last year revealed dozens of patients were suing Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, claiming they experienced extreme side effects they were not warned about.

Most of the patients claim they suffered from gastroparesis - stomach paralysis. The condition, which can be life-threatening, causes a build-up of food in the gut and symptoms include nausea, vomiting and severe pain.

Brea Hand, 23, told DailyMail.com she required five hospital visits before doctors diagnosed her with gastroparesis, which was allegedly caused by Ozempic

DailyMail.com reviewed more than a dozen lawsuits filed between November 2023 and January 2024 by patients who were diagnosed with gastroparesis after using Ozempic and Wegovy, including some who suffered 'life-threatening' bowel injuries and now face lifelong consequences.

In one case, a woman who used Ozempic and Mounjaro claims she was diagnosed with gastroparesis, which caused her to vomit so much some of her teeth feel out.

In another, a woman was diagnosed with a 'life-threatening bowel injury' after using Ozempic and underwent surgery that lasted nearly nine hours. Doctors said she would be in pain 'for the rest of her life' and 'will never have a solid bowel movement again.'

While the number of semaglutide-related hospital visits is concerning, it is on par with visits for side effects from other drugs.

A 2021 study found roughly six in 1,000 Americans visit the ED every year due to medication-related complications and a 2022 study found over-the-counter cough or cold medications cause about 27,000 ED visits in the US every year.
While it might appear like just another sleepy border town, Rio Grande City in southern Texas has a dark secret.

The community of just over 15,000 residents has one of the highest dementia rates in America.

One in four people here over the age of 65 have it compared to around one in 10 nationally.

And that is probably only the 'tip of the iceberg', according to Dr Gladys Maestre, director of a dedicated dementia and Alzheimer's research program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

She told the Daily Mail the number of sufferers is likely 'much, much higher', as many people don't have health insurance and cases therefore go unreported.

Residents in the city and the surrounding Starr County area say that almost everyone has someone in their family impacted by the condition, which causes loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities.

Dr Maestre: 'Access to health is difficult in the area, so I believe we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. I have also seen so many people aged around 50 already sick.

'The only way to give accurate estimations is by doing an epidemiological study, door by door in this case.

While it might appear a sleepy border town with an interesting history, Rio Grande City in southern Texas has a dark secret. The low laying community of just over 15,000 residents has one of the highest dementia rates in America, at around 25 percent

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Asked what is behind the staggering number of dementia patients in Starr County, Dr Maestre says poverty is one big factor.

The region has a poverty rate of around 30 percent, which is more than double the national average of just under 12 percent.

Experts believe lower wages and disadvantaged neighborhoods can put people at a greater risk of dementia due to various factors including poorer air quality, a greater reliance on cars or bus transportation over walking, fewer social interactions and more stress.

But Dr Maestre says she believes that pollutants in the area are another big contributor.

She identifies a handful of toxins that have been found in the water supply and in the town's old houses, many of which date back to the early and mid 19th century.

These include arsenic which has been linked to reduced memory and intellectual abilities in children and adolescents, and cadmium, which is a carcinogen released into the environment through industrial and agricultural activities, known for contributing to the development of dementia.

Another factor Dr Maestre highlights is the extreme heat in south Texas.

A growing body of research has indicated a link between extreme heat and an increased risk of dementia-related deaths and hospitalizations, particularly among older adults.

One study of over three million Medicare patients in New England found that temperature increases of 1.5C (2.7F) led to a 12 per cent rise in hospital admissions for dementia sufferers.

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation explains that heat can trigger dementia because 'prolonged exposure to the hot summer sun can place too much stress on the body, which negatively impacts cognitive function.'

Dr James Falcon has been working with his physician father Antonio to lead more research into the problems plaguing Starr County

Earlier this month it emerged that the remains of an 84-year-old Maria Soprano had been found in the city of Roma in Starr County after her family reported her missing. Authorities confirmed that she suffered from dementia and Alzheimer's

In Starr County, temperatures range from an average minimum of 44F in January to an average maximum of 99F in July, while the average annual temperature is 74F.

There is another factor creating a 'perfect storm' for dementia, says the doctor.

The region is also heavily Hispanic and this demographic group is 1.5 times more likely to be affected by dementia.

While the exact reasons for this disparity are still being investigated, research suggests several factors may contribute, including cardiovascular disease, socioeconomic status, and potential genetic predispositions.

Along with Dr Maestre, another leading dementia specialist in the region is Dr James Falcon, who has been working with his physician father Antonio to lead more research into the problems plaguing Starr County.

The former soldier, who served in Afghanistan before returning to Rio Grande City, previously told Today: 'There isn't a single one of us that works here [in the clinic] that doesn't know somebody personally that has been affected by this.

'For a while growing up we were the poorest county in the country, that's the reality of where we live.

'Working here in the clinic, there isn't a day that goes by where we don't see somebody with some kind of memory loss.

'A lot of people are early in the course of their disease [but] you see pretty advanced patients.'

The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that 459,000 Texans have been diagnosed with Alzheimers, around 12 percent of the states population over the age of 65

In Starr County, temperatures range from an average minimum of 44F in January to an average maximum of 99F in July, while the average annual temperature is 74F

Mayra Garza, who has been helping as a volunteer at the Falcon's El Faro Health and Therapeutics clinic in Rio Grande City on Alzheimer's research, explains that it is an issue close to her heart.

She told this website: 'My family has been highly impacted by this Alzheimer's disease, both my parents have / had it.

'It is important to understand why this is impacting me and my family.'

Earlier this month it emerged that the remains of an 84-year-old woman suffering from dementia had been found in the city of Roma in Starr County after her family reported her missing.

Authorities confirmed that Maria Soprano suffered from dementia and Alzheimer's, which may have contributed to her becoming disoriented and lost.

Dr Maestre told this website that urgent action needs to be taken to prevent such devastating events from happening.

She concludes: 'I think this is a perfect storm, where environmental issues and adverse early life experiences come together to make the brain more vulnerable.

'When I say life experiences I mean not only pollutants, I mean extreme heat, and a car-centric environment.

'To make progress, we need more research on what is going on, and more infrastructure for care and prevention.'

Last week the Texas House passed a Senate bill that would create a $3 billion Texas research fund for dementia.

The Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, if it goes ahead, would issue grants for research and encourage collaboration among universities, medical institutions and other experts.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that 459,000 Texans have been diagnosed with Alzheimers, around 12 percent of the states population over the age of 65.

Common symptoms include forgetfulness, irritability, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word and being confused about time and place.
Samsung is gearing up for a major 2025 refresh, with a redesigned Galaxy Watch, upgraded foldable phones, and more big announcements on the horizon. The tech giant appears poised to push boundaries across its wearable and mobile lineups, according to a report by 9to5Google (via Seeking Alpha and SammyGuru).

Samsung is Going All-Out on Latest Teaser

The Korean company's Q1 2025 earnings call detailed many upcoming devices that are yet to be introduced and slated for this year. The latest earnings call had Samsung going all-out with what it has to offer for this year, as more devices and innovations are coming later in the year for all to enjoy.

However, apart from the many devices that are scheduled for their 2025 drop, one of the most important takeaways from this earnings call is the hint behind the upcoming improvements to its mobile devices, particularly the foldables.

New Galaxy Watch, Foldables, and More

The plan is for upcoming revamp for the Galaxy Watch later this year, slated to feature an "innovative design" for a new version of the wearable. While Samsung did not dive deep into its specifics, it is unclear if it will be a new hardware look, or a software change.

On the other hand, the biggest tease here is its foldable. According to Samsung, there are enhancements made for the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip coming later this year. However, there is another device that the company hinted at, centering on an "affordable" smartphone which highly matches the rumors behind the Galaxy Z Flip FE.

Finally, the company also talked about an "entry-level model" for its earbuds, and it may be referring to a new Galaxy Buds FE model to succeed the first one.

Samsung's Upcoming Devices This 2025

While Samsung went ahead of many tech companies earlier this year with the release of its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S25 series, the South Korean tech giant is not yet done with its wave of innovation for this year. It is known that the Galaxy Watch wearable from Samsung is released later in each annual cycle, with the company usually setting it up for the Summer season.

On the wearables front, Samsung is also expected to debut upgraded Galaxy earbuds later this year.

However, one of the biggest launches remaining for Samsung this year is the arrival of its next generation of foldable devices, including both the Galaxy Z Fold7, as well as the Galaxy Z Flip7 which are expected to bring improvements compared to last year. That being said, there are also rumors about Samsung's upcoming release of the "G Fold" smartphone which features a tri-fold device that is looking to rival Huawei's.

Samsung has the entire calendar year mapped out for the many releases of the company, centering on the latest innovations for these devices, and 2025 is still unfolding with the many upcoming techs from the company.
British scientists have used the tissue of a living human brain to mimic the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in a study which will boost the search for a cure.

The team from the University of Edinburgh used the healthy brain tissue from living NHS patients and exposed it to a protein linked to Alzheimer's, from patients who passed away from it.

In a stunning scientific leap, researchers unlocked a rare chance to watch dementia take hold in human brain cells and experts believe this game-changing method could fast-track drug testing and crank up the odds of finally finding a cure.

The study involved using tiny fragments of healthy brain tissue from cancer patients while they underwent routine surgery to remove tumours at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Once the pieces were collected, they were put into glass bottles with oxygenated artificial spinal fluid and taken into labs where they were sliced into thin pieces, less than a third of a millimetre thick and were kept in incubators to replicate the body temperature.

Scientists then took the deadly amyloid beta straight from the brains of Alzheimers victims and unleashed it on healthy brain tissue in the lab and watched as the disease developed.

It was found that the brain did not try to repair the damage caused by the toxic protein, and even small changes were enough to disrupt brain cells.

The team from the University of Edinburgh used the healthy brain tissue from living NHS patients and exposed it to a protein linked to Alzheimer's, from patients who passed away from it.

The team from the University of Edinburgh used the healthy brain tissue from living NHS patients and exposed it to a protein linked to Alzheimer's, from patients who passed away from it. Pictured: Stock image

This will help scientists in their race to find a cure to the disease, and according to the leader of the experiment, it is bringing the scientific community 'one step closer' to finding a cure for it.

Dr Claire Durrant said: 'We believe this tool could help accelerate findings from the lab into patients, bringing us one step closer to a world free from the heartbreak of dementia.

'These findings are a testament to the incredible support of my funders and the hard work of my team members Dr Robert McGeachan and Dr Soraya Meftah, who led on the experiments.'

Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, founder of Race Against Dementia, which has supported Dr Durrants laboratory since 2019 said: 'Its a horrendous reality that as things stand, one in three people born today, will die with dementia.

'Someone develops dementia every three seconds  and we still dont have a cure. I created Race Against Dementia to challenge this awful disease in the fullest sense.

'Our collaboration across industries allows us to think more keenly and faster, and the breakthrough that we have achieved shows what is possible when science moves faster, with new tools and fresh thinking.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron of Race Against Dementia, meets with Dr Soraya Meftah during a visit to Edinburgh Neuroscience to hear about the work of Race Against Dementia

'Our unique program is enabling us to test potential treatments which are bringing us closer to a world without dementia. I am sure that for you, like me, that cannot happen soon enough.'

Professor Tara Spires-Jones, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh said: 'This important work by Dr Durrants team brings a new tool to scientists toolbox to better understand Alzheimers disease and how to treat it.

'The use of living human tissue samples generously donated by people undergoing surgery to remove brain tumours allows scientists to probe how living human brain reacts to toxic proteins produced in Alzheimers, and in future will allow testing of whether new treatments are effective in human brain.

'This cutting-edge study is an example of how the UK Dementia Research Institute is at the forefront of global efforts to understand and treat Alzheimers.'
Tins of baked beans, tuna and soup could be teaming with a gruesome bacteria that leads to paralysis and death, a hygiene expert has warned.

Many of the cans we have lurking in the back of the cupboard feature 'red flag' signs like dents, rust and spurting liquid when opened.

These are all indicators that the food may be contaminated with harmful bacteria including C botulinum, which can cause a life-threatening condition where toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis.

C botulinum most commonly occurs with tinned food that is improperly preserved.

In the past, the bacteria has been linked to cans of vegetable soup, fish and beans.

Paul Jackson, director at waste specialist firm, NRC, advises shoppers to inspect tins before they buy them.

He told the Mirror: 'Food from a can with a shallow dent is generally safe to eat if there are no other signs of damage.

'Deep dents in food cans are a major red flag though.'

To avoid this potentially life-threatening illness, consumers are advised to store tinned good properly, away from direct sunlight

This is because deep dents can cause micro-fractures, which allow bacteria to enter and infect the contents.

While the bacteria themselves are not harmful, when deprived of oxygen, such as in closed cans or tins, they can produce highly poisonous toxins.

When someone eats food containing the toxins, they can become extremely ill with the paralysing condition, known as botulism.

Depending on the exact type, some will initially experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation.

But without treatment, the infection will attack the nervous system, getting into the nerves, brain and spinal cord, eventually causing paralysis that spreads down the body from the head to the legs, the NHS warns.

Symptoms can include drooping eyelids, blurred or doubled vision, facial muscle weakness, breathing difficulties an difficulty swallowing.

An estimated 10 per cent of cases result in death, according to the NHS.

As well as deep dents, Mr Jackson cautions against eating from cans that are rusty, which may be a sign of similarly dangerous bacteria overgrowth.

'Rust on a can is a concern as it can weaken the metal and contaminate the contents. Even minor rust spots can indicate the food inside may no longer be safe to eat', Mr Jackson warned.

In a separate instance of botulism, Claudia Albuquerque Celada (left) and Doralice Goes (right) were both infected with the bacteria and became paralyzed after eating contaminated food

'A visibly bulging can is also a clear sign of trouble', he added.

'This bulging is typically due to gas build-up from bacterial activity inside the can, showing the food is spoiled and not safe to eat. Be sure to throw away bulging cans to reduce risk of contamination.'

Finally, Mr Jackson advised people to throw away any cans that spurt liquid or give of a foul smell when opened.

'If a can spurts liquid when you open it, this could be due to gas build-up from microbial growth.

'This affects the taste and the quality of the food but also poses a serious health risk, so be careful.'

Mr Jackson suggests storing tinned goods in a cupboard away from the sink, where temperatures are likely to fluctuate and create conditions where bacteria will thrive.

He said: 'Extremely cold temperatures can cause cans to burst, potentially leading to air and moisture seeping in, which can then lead to rust and potential contamination.

'Keeping tinned foods in a stable, moderate climate helps to preserve their longevity and safety.'

It is also good to be aware of expiry dates for different food groups.

'High-acid foods like tomatoes generally maintain their quality for about 18 months after the use-by date due to their acidity, which helps preserve them.

'In contrast, low-acid foods, such as meats and vegetables, can retain their peak freshness for two to five years after the use-by date, provided they are stored properly.'

One victim of botulism is 23 year-old Claudia de Albuquerque Celada who, in 2023, found herself fighting for her life after eating tinned soup.

Ms Celada, who is originally from Brazil but lives in Colorado, developed botulism as a result of the contaminated contents of the tin.

Ms Albuquerque became ill around 15 days after eating the food and within 24 hours, her entire body was paralysed.

In a separate instance of botulism, Doralice Goes was paralysed after eating pesto contaminated with C botulinum.

Ms Goes remained in the hospital for about a year while she learned to walk again.
The World Health Organization is gearing up to officially endorse weight-loss drugs to tackle obesity in adults for the first time.

The U-turn was revealed in a leaked memo seen by Reuters, after the agency previously said it could not recommend the drugs because there was not enough data on their long-term effects.

The recommendation, which could also see the drugs added to their essential medicines list, may make the drugs more widely available globally.

With more than two in five US adults battling obesity and over a billion people worldwide grappling with the condition, the WHO is calling for urgent action.

But obesity drugs  also called glucagon-like peptide-1s  are not without risks, and have also been linked to a string of concerning side effects.

Estimates also suggest they may have hospitalized about 70 Americans every day last year after becoming wildly popular for their promise of triggering weight loss with little more than a weekly injection.

The agency is also demanding action to make the drugs available in low- and middle-income countries, where there is also an obesity epidemic.

But it raises concerns about the costs, at more than $1,000 per month, which officials said made them inaccessible to many.

Pictured above is a woman injecting herself with Ozempic. Stock photo

The above map shows the obesity rate by state in the US in 2024. The estimates are from the CDC

The WHO's conditional recommendation will be officially released in August as part of new guidelines on treating obesity. It is also working on separate guidelines for children and adolescents.

Separately, WHO experts will also meet next week to decide whether to include the weight loss drugs in the agency's essential medicines list - both to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The WHO's essential medicines list is a catalogue of the drugs that should be available in all functioning health systems.

The list includes 635 medicines, which also already includes insulin for treating diabetes and metformin, which can help the body use its own insulin.

The list can help make drugs more widely available, as experts say happened in 2002 when HIV drugs were included.

In 2023, the experts decided against adding obesity drugs to the list, with WHO saying more evidence was needed on their long-term clinical benefit.

However, in the new memo recommending their use as a treatment, the agency says it supports including them on the list this time round.

Still, the WHO also raises concerns over the cost of the drugs and calls for longer-term studies on cost-effectiveness 'across all settings, including LMICs' (low- and middle-income countries).

'The same mechanisms that are used in large-scale medicine access programmes may need to be adopted,' to improve access, the WHO adds, such as tiered pricing or pooled procurement.

But it also notes that the active ingredient in one of the newer drugs, semaglutide  used in Novo's Wegovy  comes off patent in some markets next year.

Several companies are planning to launch cheaper generic versions of the drugs then.

Liraglutide, the active ingredient in the older generation of drugs, is already available as a lower-cost generic drug, with products approved in the U.S. and Europe, the memo adds.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, and Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro and Zepbound, did not immediately comment on the news.
A doctor is calling for a 'pause' on a common medical test given to millions of people each year after research found it could be contributing to America's cancer crisis.

Computerized tomography (CT) scans can be life-saving tests, used to diagnose and monitor diseases like cancer and bone injuries, as well as to assist in surgeries and evaluate the effectiveness of certain treatments.

However, experts say they are sometimes overprescribed and performed unnecessarily, potentially because of money-making opportunities for the hospitals, as the tests are very expensive (costing as much as $6,800 per scan), or out of doctors' fears of missing a diagnosis and being sued.

There are about 93million CT scans performed annually - a number on the rise - but there is little to no regulation of the scanners and radiation levels emitted can vary widely machine to machine.

A recent research has linked CT scans to cancer, estimating the scans performed in 2023 alone could contribute to more than 100,000 cancer cases.

Now, Dr David Johnson, professor of medicine and chief of gastroenterology at Eastern Virginia Medical School, is urging doctors to reevaluate if CT scans are really in their patients' best interests or if they are simply 'easy and convenient.'

He said: 'My plea is to hit the pause button on ordering CT scans just because you think its easy and convenient. Ask whether its really in the best interest of the patient.'

While Dr Johnson acknowledges that 'CT scans are a wonderful technology,' he adds that doctors 'may want to consider potential alternatives.'

CT scans are used to diagnose and monitor cancers and bone injuries

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Speaking in a video for Medscape, Dr Johnson said: 'CT scans are a wonderful technology. Theres no doubt of that. However, we may want to consider potential alternatives.

'We may also want to ask ourselves whether these scans are the best tools we have and ultimately whether they will change patient management.'

CT scans, which use ionizing radiation to create detailed images of the body, are not the only imaging tool doctors have at their disposal. They are best used for imaging of bones, soft tissues and organs and are frequently used for detecting tumors, fractures and blood clots.

However, Dr Johnson noted the FDA has recognized ionizing radiation as a carcinogen.

Dr David Johnson is urging doctors to reevaluate if CT scans are really in their patients' best interests

X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are similar scans.

An x-ray also uses radiation - though a lower dose - to produce images of the body, but those images are less detailed.

While CT scans produce 3-dimensional images, x-rays only produce 2-dimensional images.

MRIs use no radiation.

Instead, the machines use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissue and organs.

However, they are more expensive than CT scans (costing as much as $12,000 per scan) and take longer, which can prove fatal if images are needed right away in an emergency.

While an MRI can take between 30 and 60 minutes, a CT scan only takes about 15 minutes.

Dr Johnson first raised concerns about CT scans and cancer risk in a 2009 opinion piece published in the journal Nature.

He wrote: 'Unfortunately, there is little cognizance among health-care providers (or their patients) about the relative latent cancer risks associated with repetitive exposure to ionizing radiation.

'Given the exposure of a relatively high proportion of the population to these tests, it is incumbent on healthcare providers to have an improved understanding of these risks and discuss them accordingly with their patients.

'The risks and benefits of these tests should be carefully analyzed and radiation exposure risk assessment should be conducted as part of the selection of diagnostic and screening tests.'

The above shows the estimated percent lifetime risk of death from cancer that is attributable to the radiation from a single CT scan of the head

The above shows the estimated percent lifetime risk of death from cancer that is attributable to the radiation from a single CT scan of the abdomen

That same year, researchers estimated high doses of radiation from CT scans were responsible for two percent of all cancers (roughly 30,000) per year.

However, recent research estimated 'CT-associated cancer could eventually account for five percent of all new cancer diagnoses annually.'

Last month, a study by California researchers estimated that, over the lifetime of the millions of people receiving CT scans, about 103,000 radiation-induced cancers from the scans are projected to result from tests done in 2023 alone.

Dr Johnson said in the video that the findings 'were quite striking.'

The researchers warned CT machines emit unsafe levels of radiation that can fuel the formation of tumors.

The highest number of projected cancer cases in adults was linked to CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis, followed closely by chest CTs.

Across all patients, the most frequently associated cancers were lung, colon, leukemia, and bladder cancers.

Among female patients specifically, breast cancer emerged as the second most common type.

Dr Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a professor at the University of California-San Francisco medical school, is one of the authors of the new research.

In her new research, the team found the three most common cancers observed in exposed patients were lung cancer - 22,400 cases - colon cancer - 8,700 cases- and leukemia - 7,900 cases.

The above graph shows the number of CT scans performed in millions (right axis and blue lines) and the incidence of cancer per 1,000 CT scans (left axis and black lines)

The above graph shows the projected number of CT-induced cancers by body region exposed to the scan in adults

Estimated radiation-induced cancer risks were higher in children, despite adults receiving more CTs.

Men and women experienced CT-related cancers at about the same rate across all ages and number of scans.

Cancer risk related to CT exposure was highest in people in the 60s and lowest for children under 10 years old.

Dr Smith-Bindman previously told NBC: 'Its unfathomable. We keep doing more and more CTs, and the doses keep going up.'

She said between two machines, one could be exposing patients to 10 to 15 times higher radiation doses than the other.

She added: 'There is very large variation and the doses vary by an order of magnitude  tenfold, not 10 percent different  for patients seen for the same clinical problem.

Radiation exposure is measured in millisieverts (mSv), which measures the amount of radiation absorbed by the body.

People are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day from their background environment or through things like flying.

For example, a roundtrip flight between New York and Tokyo exposes a person to 0.19 mSv. An x-ray of the stomach emits 0.6 mSv.

The 2009 study looked at the radiation dose associated with the 11 most common types of CT scans performed on 1,119 adult patients in 2008.

The above graph shows the projected number of CT-induced cancers by body region exposed to the scan in kids

Radiation exposure varied widely. Average doses ranged from 2 mSv for a head CT to 31 mSv for an abdominal and pelvic CT.

However, the researchers found the amount of radiation emitted by CT scanners varied widely across the four hospitals they collected data from - with a 13-fold difference between the highest and lowest doses for each scan type.

In an attempt to tackle the problem, new Medicare regulations effective this year will require hospitals and imaging centers to collect and share information about the radiation emitted by their scanners.

The regulations also require a more careful inspection of the dosing, quality and necessity of CT scans.

The new rules, issued in the final weeks of the Biden administration, are being rolled out over three years in hospitals and outpatient clinics and providers could face fines if they do not comply, beginning in 2027.

The Trump administration has not commented on its plans to follow, revise or reverse the new policies.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is targeting big toothpaste brands who he alleges are using dangerous levels of fluoride in their products.

Paxton, a close ally of President Trump and supporter of the Make America Healthy Again movement, has issued legal demands to Colgate and Procter & Gamble, the maker of Crest, accusing them of misleading marketing that targets children and could pose risks to brain development and IQ.

Paxton is compelling the companies to turn over internal documents, respond to written questions, and provide oral testimony as part of a probe into deceptive business practices.

'Toothpaste manufacturers must follow state law to ensure they aren't putting Texas families in danger through false, misleading, or deceptive marketing,' Paxton said Thursday.

'[The investigation] will help my office uncover any potential wrongdoing. As this investigation continues, I will take aggressive action against any corporation that puts our children's health at risk.'

Toothpastes marketed to kids  often featuring characters like Bluey and Disney Princesses  are staples on store shelves, designed to encourage early dental hygiene.

But Paxton argues these playful designs and fruity flavors mislead parents into overusing fluoride, despite ADA guidelines recommending no more than a pea-sized amount.

Paxton's effort come amid a growing movement of officials pushing to eliminate fluoride from drinking water, citing mounting research linking long-term overexposure to issues like reduced IQ and thyroid dysfunction.

Texas AG Ken Paxton, a Trump ally, sent legal demands to Colgate and Crest (Procter & Gamble), accusing them of misleading ads for fluoride toothpaste that could risk children's IQ scores

Paxton's office cited a 2024 meta-analysis by the Department of Health and Human Services  frequently referenced by current HHS head Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  which linked fluoride exposure to neurological issues, particularly in children.

The review found that drinking water with fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/L was associated with an average IQ drop of up to five points.

It marked the first time a federal agency concluded, with 'moderate confidence,' that fluoride may impact intelligence.

Health secretary RFK Jr. said during a cabinet meeting: 'The more you get, the stupider you are  and we need smart kids in this country.'

Critics, including the CDC and American Dental Association, pushed back, citing flaws in the studies and no population-wide IQ decline in fluoridated communities.

Many of the studies failed to control for factors like lead exposure, malnutrition, and socioeconomic status.

The CDC recommends just a rice-sized smear of toothpaste for children under three.

At the same time, the ADA advises no more than a pea-sized amount for ages three to six, 'because of the well-known acute and long-term risks associated with fluoride overdose,' according to Paxton.

Toothpaste manufacturers, the AG alleged, are aware of this, yet they market their products in a way that encourages children and their parents to use excessive amounts of toothpaste.

Paxton said marketing tactics, coupled with flavors other than mint that appeal to children, mislead parents into using more fluoride than is recommended  no more than a pea-sized amount, according to the American Dental Association

A pea-sized dot of toothpaste contains typically contains fluoride in the range of 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million - the concentration recommended by the FDA and the ADA for cavity prevention. This equates to roughly 0.25 to 0.375 mg of fluoride per use.

Using more than the recommended amount over a long period of time may cause fluorosis, which causes white flecks, spots, or lines to appear on the enamel of the teeth.

The AG issued a CID to force Colgate and Proctor&Gamble (maker of Crest) to hand over documents, answer written questions, and provide testimony in a deceptive marketing probe

The EPA and HHS announced in April that they would reconvene a panel of public health and prevention experts to review scientific information regarding the potential health risks associated with fluoride in drinking water.

Administrator Lee Zeldin said at the time: 'Without prejudging any outcomes, when this evaluation is completed, we will have an updated foundational scientific evaluation that will inform the agency's future steps.'

The EPA sets limits on the levels of fluoride permitted in drinking water.

At the same time, the content in toothpaste falls under the purview of the FDA, currently headed by Dr Marty Makary, another fluoride skeptic.

Utah became the first state to ban local governments from adding fluoride to drinking water, which takes effect this month.

Most Texans drink fluoridated water through the state's public water systems, though some communities such as College Station, have stopped adding the chemical altogether.

In College Station, local officials voted to stop adding it in 2015.

In 2018, researchers at the nearby Texas A&M University concluded that childhood cavities increased by 27 percent in poorer communities over that three-year period.

Fluoride helps prevent cavities from forming by promoting the reabsorption of minerals like calcium and phosphate, which rebuilds weakened enamel.

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It also blocks the production of acid by cavity-causing bacteria, which slows down tooth decay.

It is one of the most proven and cost-effective ways to prevent cavities, especially for people who lack regular access to a dentist due to distance or cost.

Fluoride toothpaste has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent.
The founder of conservative news website Drudge Report said that he's mulling a $1 trillion lawsuit against the Trump administration after it launched its own aggregation site that looks suspiciously similar.

The White House Wire, launched on Wednesday, includes a collection of positive stories about Trump as he continues his barrage of attacks on mainstream media.

The site, which features pro-Trump stories from the White House itself and right-leaning outlets like Fox News and Daily Caller, has the same look as Drudge Report - boasting large, all-caps headlines at the top of the page.

'I'm considering a $1 trillion lawsuit!' Drudge Report creator Matt Drudge told Status News, in what the publication called a sarcastic 'jab at Trumps habit of filing outlandish legal claims against the media.'

The Drudge Report met the moment by blaring out its own headlines in large type.

'TRUMP LAUNCHING HIS OWN DRUDGE REPORT USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS!' read one.

'IT TAKES AN ENTIRE WEST WING TO COMPETE WITH DRUDGE' read another.

'It's a place for supporters of the president's agenda to get the real news all in one place,' a White House official anonymously told Axios of the new site.

The White House has launched its own news aggregation site to spotlight positive stories about President Donald Trump

Noticeably similar to the politically conservative Drudge Report, the new site was revealed Wednesday

It is 'part of the Trump administration's effort to provide transparency and institute policies that put America first,' the official added.

It also represents Trump's latest effort to circumvent mainstream media, after going after legacy new organizations ranging from ABC News to the Associated Press.

On Wednesday, Trump hinted that The New York Times could be his next target, after suing CBS and ABC, from which he scored a $16 million settlement.

He has also launched probes into NBC, PBS, and NPR, while punishing mainstream outlets like the Associated Press by excluding its journalists from the White House press pool.

The Drudge Report, meanwhile launched in 1995. Within 13 years, its traffic surpassed that of The New York Times.

Following Trump's first win in 2016, the president referred to Drudge as a 'great gentleman' and even hosted him at the White House.

However, the Drudge Report became increasingly critical of Trump, growing more oppositional through the years.

Drudge Report founder Matt Drudge joked that he's he's mulling a $1 trillion lawsuit in response

A recent Drudge Report headline in response to the launch

White House Wire represents Trump's latest attempt to circumvent mainstream media

Former Fox News contributor Dan Bongino launched his own Drudge ripoff, The Bongino Report, in retaliation to the shift.

The site insisted it would be 100 percent pro-Trump.

'Drudge has abandoned you,' Bongino tweeted at the time

'We never will.'
Shari Redstone, the owner of Paramount, CBS's parent company, allegedly asked the network's chief executive if it was possible to delay running sensitive stories about President Donald Trump on 60 Minutes, according to explosive report by Puck News.

Redstone's apparent reticence to have journalists criticize Trump coincides with the lawsuit he filed last year for what he claims was a deceptively-edited interview 60 Minutes did with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election.

It also coincides with her deep desire to sell off her controlling share of Paramount and have the roughly $8 billion deal be approved by the FCC, which is now controlled by Trump by virtue of him occupying the Oval Office.

Leaders at Paramount, including Redstone, support settling with Trump and paying him as much as $20 million, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Redstone has wanted to sell Paramount since at least April last year, when it was reported that David Ellison's Skydance Media was among the leading contenders to buy the media behemoth.

The deal with Ellison, son of Oracle founder and CEO Larry Ellison, needs to be approved by July 6, or else another 90-day extension will be triggered by the FCC, prolonging the process.

This is why Redstone asked George Cheeks, the CEO of CBS, if there was any way he could postpone 60 Minutes stories that were critical of Trump until after the Skydance merger went through, according to Puck.

It's unclear exactly when she made this request, but this news comes as longtime 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens resigned in frustration over 'losing his journalistic independence.'

Shari Redstone allegedly asked George Cheeks, the CEO of CBS, if there was any way he could postpone 60 Minutes stories that were critical of President Donald Trump until after the Skydance merger went through, according to Puck News

Redstone's request comes as Trump is suing Paramount over what he claims is a deceptively edited Kamala Harris election interview by 60 Minutes. Trump also holds direct control over the FCC, which has to sign off on the Skydance-Paramount merger

In his memo to staff, Owens complained about being rendered unable 'to make independent decisions based on what was right for "60 Minutes," right for the audience.'

'So, having defended this show - and what we stand for - from every angle, over time with everything I could,' he continued. 'I am stepping aside so the show can move forward.'

Sources have previously told DailyMail.com that Owens - who started at CBS as a summer intern in 1988 - was 'feeling the pressure' from Redstone because of the Trump lawsuit against Paramount.

Veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley addressed the situation live on the most recent episode this past Sunday, condemning Paramount corporate bigwigs for allegedly getting involved in the minutia of news coverage.

'Bill resigned Tuesday. It was hard on him and hard on us, but he did it for us - and you,' Pelley told viewers. 'Our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger. The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.'

'No one here is happy about it.' Pelley revealed about the extra supervision that corporate leaders are imposing. He also noted noting how in quitting, Owens proved he was 'the right person to lead 60 Minutes all along.'

'None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires,' he added.

The unexpected commentary was a rare glimpse into the internal battles at 60 Minutes, an institution that has built its reputation on fearless reporting for nearly six decades.

Redstone's willingness to exert control over CBS's journalism is also influenced by her distaste for certain stories that have been run on the Israel-Gaza conflict that weren't sufficiently fair to Israel, according to Puck (Pictured: Rising smoke from a May 1 Israeli strike on Gaza)

Redstone's position was made clear when she weighed in on Tony Dokoupil's tense September interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates about the issue

Redstone's willingness to exert control over CBS's journalism is also influenced by her distaste for certain stories that have been run on the Israel-Gaza conflict that weren't sufficiently fair to Israel, according to Puck.

Shari Redstone is Jewish, and in the weeks after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, she told The Hollywood Reporter that she was 'not doing well.'

Sources told Puck that she feels more emboldened to bring down the hammer on 60 Minutes because of its coverage of the war in Gaza she feels was inadequate.

Redstone's position was made clear when she weighed in on Tony Dokoupil's tense September interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Dokoupil repeatedly pressed the author on why he hadn't included pro-Israel voices in his recent book about his summer 2023 visit to the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Dokoupil apologized to staff for his behavior and was reprimanded by CBS News's chief executive Wendy McMahon. Redstone criticized McMahon and personally called Dokoupil to say she stood by him.

She was also reportedly furious with a 60 Minutes report in January that delved into America's role in supplying munitions to Israel.

Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis on October 7, most of them civilians. The Israel Defense Force has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians in its ensuing military campaigns, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

'Being pissed off about the Gaza stuff gives her moral permission to get involved,' an anonymous source familiar with the situation told Puck.
Bill Maher declared Donald Trump's first 100 days a 's**tshow' despite spending one of them at the White House having what he called a cordial dinner with the president.

The liberal comic made headlines describing the meeting with Trump, despite being longtime enemies who publicly lambasted each other.

However, Maher said in an op-ed that even given the nice time he had with Trump, Kid Rock and Dana White, the opening months of his presidency have not been good.

'In a word: s**tshow,' he told The Free Press.

Maher reaffirmed that he meant what he said when he tried not to be hysterical about every little thing, saying he's 'not going to pre-hate anything.

'But after 100 days, there are probably 100 things to legitimately hate,' he said, before stating a lengthy list of grievances toward the president.

He called DOGE 'inefficient,' said the president was 'disappearing people,' getting into fights with judges, cutting aid money that was 'killing people overseas' and caused a market collapse.

'And I want to emphasize: None of my disapproval for any of this comes from reflexive Republican opposition. On all these issues, its just objectively bad. And they know that, too,' Maher concluded.

Bill Maher declared Donald Trump's first 100 days a 's**tshow' despite spending one of them at the White House having what he called a cordial dinner with the president

The liberal comic made headlines describing the meeting with Trump, despite being longtime enemies who publicly lambasted each other

Maher has attacked Trump on his HBO show dating back over a decade, when the two were involved in a lawsuit over Maher claiming the president's father was an orangutan.

On a recent show, he took time out exclusively to 'give you my book report on my visit to the White House,' which saw him have dinner with Trump and UFC owner Dana White.

The lefty comedian confirmed the meeting had been arranged by musician and Trump fan Kid Rock, who also attended: 'Because we share a belief that there's gotta be something better than hurling insults at each other from 3,000 miles away.'

He slammed those who saw the event as some kind of important diplomacy meeting.

'For all the people who treated this like it was some sort of summit meeting, you're ridiculous. Like I was gonna sign a treaty or something? I'm a f***ing comedian, I have no power! He's the most powerful leader in the world, I'm not the leader of anything,' Maher said.

The comic did say that he wanted to represent 'a contingent of centrist-minded people who believe there's got to be a better way of running this country than hating each other every minute.'

He confirmed that Trump was a 'different' person than he'd seen in the public eye over the last decade and even the night before, when the president publicly wondered if the meeting was even a good idea.

'The guy I met is not the person who, the night before, s***-tweeted a bunch of nasty crap about how he thought this dinner was a bad idea, and what a deranged asshole I was.'

However, Maher said in an op-ed that even given the nice time he had with Trump, Kid Rock and Dana White, the opening months of his presidency have not been good

Maher reaffirmed that he meant what he said when he tried not to be hysterical about every little thing, saying he's 'not going to pre-hate anything

'He's much more self-aware than he lets on in public,' Maher added.

Perhaps most striking to Maher was that Trump 'laughed' and has a sense of humor about himself.

'First good sign, before I left for the capital, I had my staff collect and print out this list of almost 60 different insulting epithets that the president said about me,' Maher said.

'I brought this to the White House because I wanted him to sign it, which he did with good humor,' he added.

He joked about how the hoards of MAGA haters must be hating this: 'I know as I say that, millions of liberal sphincters just tightened.'

'I'm gonna report what happened and you decide. If that's not enough pure Trump hate for you, I don't give a f***,' Maher said unapologetically.

He said that the president did not ask him for his support and when he gifted Maher several Trump hats, he didn't ask him to take a photograph wearing them.

Maher has been attacked by the left, including a scathing New York Times op-ed by comedy legend Larry David comparing the meeting to sitting down with Hitler.

'I knew I couldn't change his views, but we need to talk to the other side  even if it has invaded and annexed other countries and committed unspeakable crimes against humanity,' David wrote, comparing meeting Trump now to meeting Hitler in 1939.

Maher finally responded to David in an interview with Piers Morgan and he said David was insulting to Holocaust victims.

'I just think it's kind of insulting to six million dead Jews, you know, like that should kind of be in its own place in history. And I know people can say, well, we're just comparing it in this way. Well, it's an argument you kind of lost just to start it,' Maher said.

Maher added that while 'nobody has been harder' on Trump than he has, references to Hitler need to remain separate because he 'is the GOAT of evil.'

'So, you know, did I think that was appropriate? No, but people have the right to disagree.'

Morgan attempted to add fuel to the fire by suggesting that David has been silent about the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and rising antisemitism in America.

Maher noted that 'that is an interesting irony' but added that he hopes things can be repaired between himself and the Seinfeld co-creator, despite admitting the op-ed 'wasn't my favourite moment of our friendship.'

'I don't want to make this constantly personal with me and Larry. I mean, we might be friends again. I don't know, you know, I can be. I mean, I can take a shot, and I also can absolutely take it when people disagree with me,' he said.

'That's not exactly the way I would have done it. But, you know, I again, let's, let's go to the irony. Let's go back to what my original thing was. There's got to be a better way than hurling insults and not talking to people. So, if I could talk to Trump, I could talk to Larry David too.'
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.
London Stock Exchange Group has suffered a rebellion over pay.

At the companys AGM, 30 per cent of shareholders voted against plans to raise the pay of chief executive David Schwimmer from 5.1million to 7.8million this year.

It came as the group reported a strong start to the year as it cashed in on market volatility.

The company, which runs the London Stock Exchange, said first quarter income rose 7.8 per cent to 2.3billion with its markets division enjoying 13.5 per cent growth.

But shares fell 2.3 per cent, or 265p, to 11,360p.
British engineering giant Rolls-Royce hailed a strong start to the year despite the turmoil triggered by Donald Trumps trade war.

At the annual meeting with shareholders in Derby, chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic said global tariff increases have created a degree of uncertainty for the industry.

But he said the FTSE 100 engine maker will offset the impact of the levies through the mitigating actions we are taking including tweaks to its supply chain to avoid the most punishing tariffs.

Shares rose 1.7 per cent, or 12.8p, to 787p, and are up more than eightfold since Erginbilgic took the helm in 2023 and launched a major turnaround.

The trade war between the worlds two biggest economies, which has seen President Trump impose taxes of up to 145 per cent on Chinese goods and Beijing hit back with a 125 per cent levy, has shocked the global supply chain.

Rolls, which builds engines for Airbus planes and the Boeing 787, has substantial manufacturing facilities in the US, in addition to Derby, its power systems business in Germany, and a facility in China.

Turbo powered: Rolls-Royce chief exec Tufan Erginbilgic said 'global tariff increases have created a degree of uncertainty for the industry'

It said it was on course for profit of between 2.7billion and 2.9billion  despite tariffs and the supply chain challenges.

Erginbilgic, whose plan includes cutting 2,500 jobs, said: Our transformation is progressing strongly and we continue to expand the earnings and cash potential.

We are creating a more resilient and agile Rolls-Royce. As a result, we have had a strong start to the year.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: Rolls is one of the most vulnerable UK-listed companies to US tariffs because of its involvement in aircraft parts, a key export to the States.

Had the tariff tantrum happened five years ago, Rolls might have struggled to cope given the business was weak.

Having been nursed back to full health, it now stands a much better chance of coping with tariff pressures.

Investors are taking unchanged guidance to be a massive win.

The fact Rolls is sticking with previous earnings and cash flow expectations has prompted another leg-up for the share price.
The 67-year-old will step down from the role by the end of the year but continue as a strategic adviser as a successor is sought.

Tucker was the first external candidate brought in to chair the bank when appointed in 2017  and is nearing the nine-year maximum term under the UK corporate governance code.

The announcement came ahead of todays annual general meeting of the group and just days after first-quarter results showed a 25 per cent fall in profits as HSBC sounded the alarm over uncertainty caused by the trade war.

Names in the frame to replace Tucker are said to include current board member Jamie Forese, the former president of Americas Citigroup.

It is the latest upheaval at HSBC, where chief executive Georges Elhedery  in charge since September  has already embarked on a drive to slash staff costs.

At the same time, it is dividing its operations between eastern and western divisions, and has axed much of its investment banking business including in the UK, Europe and the US.

Tough at the top: HSBC chairman Sir Mark Tucker will step down from the role by the end of the year but continue as a strategic adviser as a successor is sought

Previously chief executive of Asian insurer AIA, Tucker oversaw thousands of job cuts as HSBC shrank its presence in western markets such as the US, Canada and France in favour of a shift to Asia.

And he has had to navigate geopolitical tension between the West and China.

HSBCs HQ is in London but it was founded in Hong Kong, the base that provides most of its earnings. That left Tucker in the firing line between East and West.

Notably, HSBC was criticised in 2020 by Mike Pompeo, the then US secretary of state, for backing Hong Kongs repressive national security law.

It has also had to fend off a revolt by Chinese insurer Ping An, a big shareholder, which tried to force it to separate out the more profitable Asian operation.

Tucker worked alongside four chief executives. Stuart Gulliver was in charge when he joined in 2017. Gullivers successor John Flint was ousted by Tucker after less than 18 months. He was succeeded by Noel Quinn, who retired last year.
March was a month of housing market mania, as buyers raced to save thousands by completing their purchase before stamp duty went up on 1 April.

Now the figures are in, revealing just how many sneaked in under the wire.

His Majestys Revenue and Customs says the number of property transactions more than doubled, rising by 104 per cent compared to the previous year.

That is an astounding jump. Predictably, it looks set to be followed by a slump, as the demand tap is all but turned off and the flow of buyers looking to make their move slows to a trickle.

Already, Nationwide has reported that house prices fell by 0.6 per cent in April.

There were similar cliff edges in March, June and September 2021, as the Government phased out the stamp duty cut it put in place to stimulate the market during the pandemic.

Is it right that the Government can create this artificial boom and bust by tinkering with the tax levers? And would it be better to keep the cheaper rates or scrap stamp duty  once voted Britains second most-hated tax, after inheritance  altogether?

Peaks and troughs: This HMRC data shows how property sales have spiked each time a stamp duty incentive was about to be taken away

No tax is popular, but many of the arguments against high stamp duty are sensible.

The first goes like this: people should be encouraged to move house when they want or need to.

This is good for the economy. Housebuilders will build more, as theyll be confident the homes will sell. It is also good for the myriad businesses that rely on people moving house, from decorators to sofa shops and bubble wrap makers.

Spending a few thousand pounds on stamp duty might not sound like a deal-breaker, but in a country where housing is so unaffordable, budgets are tight and a tax cut can make all the difference.

> Stamp duty calculator: How much would you pay to move home?

Its particularly true for first-time buyers, who are already throwing everything at mustering up a deposit.

Higher mortgage rates have only made this tougher. While they dont pay if the home costs less than 300,000, the average house price is edging precariously close to that level.

And with more buying later in life (the average first-time buyer's age is 32) and wanting a home that can accommodate a family straight away - i.e., a more expensive one - rather than trading up the ladder, increasing numbers will be dragged into the net.

Scrapping the tax for first-time buyers would be a good look for a Labour government that is keen to install them in its much-vaunted 1.5million new homes.

But the tax also discourages downsizers, who are vital to a healthy housing market because they free up larger homes for growing families.

One of the reasons politicians dont want to axe stamp duty is because it looks as if they are helping middle-class city-dwellers pay less tax on their pricey homes. Londoners paid 39 per cent of all stamp duty in 2023-24.

Staying put: In such an unaffordable housing market, even a small amount of stamp duty can stop people wanting to move - eventually leading to more people living in unsuitable homes

But while house prices have climbed, stamp duty thresholds have stayed the same since 2014  meaning buyers of modest homes around the country are increasingly getting sucked in.

Ten years ago, a buyer of the average-priced home at around 194,000 would have paid 1,380. Today, theyd pay 3,537 - a 156 per cent rise.

We also charge a lot more than other countries. Here, buyers pay between 5 per cent and 12 per cent on different slices of their homes value. Buyers in France pay 5.8 per cent regardless of price, while Italians pay 2 per cent. In the US, they pay nothing.

Another bugbear is that, because stamp duty is paid by the buyer, but based on the value of the home they have only just acquired, it is essentially a tax on the previous owners gains.

How much is stamp duty worth to the Government?

The thing standing in the way of reform, of course, is the amount the Treasury pockets from the tax.

For the 2023-24 financial year, it made 14.8billion from stamp taxes in England and Northern Ireland.

This went up to 18.3 billion in 2024-25, partly driven by the last-minute rush ahead of the stamp duty rise but also a rise in stamp duty for landlords and second home owners from October 2024.

Moderate money maker: This shows how much the Treasury received in stamp taxes over time

The Treasury made more in that year than 2018-19, the last year when things were normal, when it took 15.6bn.

Comparisons are hard due to the many other factors influencing the housing market - but this suggests that receipts from stamp duty can increase, even if it is charged at a lower rate, because more people will move, and therefore pay.

It is a moderate money spinner for the Treasury, making less than fuel duty (24.7billion of a total 857billion total tax take in 2024-25) and more than alcohol duty (12.7billion) and inheritance tax (8.2 billion)  but it is set to balloon in the next few years.

By the 2029-30 financial year, the Office for Budget Responsibility thinks it will make 26.5billion, off the back of increased housebuilding and rising house prices.

With such a rise on the table for essentially doing nothing, perhaps Rachel Reeves wont see fit to make any changes.

But by cutting the rate for good, she could not only create more movement in our bunged up housing market, but also remove the temptation for future governments to give it an unhealthy sugar rush with these time-limited cuts.

Stop the stamp duty rollercoaster  the country wants to get off.
Frustrated pensioners who were shortchanged at 66 because their state pension top-ups payments had vanished have hit out at the 'terrible' and 'troublesome' service.

A retired lecturer from the West Midlands, whose 900 top-up went missing for nearly a year, says: 'I think my position and that of many others, who are probably in a worse situation, is truly disgusting.'

And a retired policeman, who lives in Spain, says he made a series of costly phone calls to HMRC and Department for Work and Pensions before handing over nearly 2,400 last autumn, well before his 66th birthday.

'You can guess my disappointment in February this year when I did not receive the full state pension - it is approximately 32 per week short,' he told us.

This is Money has covered numerous cases of lost state pension top-up payments - including one saga lasting three years - and readers' struggles to persuade government staff to help find their money.

People's concerns intensify if they reach 66 and start receiving the wrong state pension.

State pension top-ups: HMRC is responsible for maintaining NI records and processing contributions, and DWP for revising forecasts or payments after purchases

DWP and HMRC, which run the top-ups system between them, have received a huge rush of new payments in recent months as savers sought to beat a crunch 5 April deadline.

A deal to buy voluntary state pension top-ups going back to 2006/07 has now ended - although you can still backdate for the past six years.

In the cases of missing cash we highlight today, a 66-year-old academic from Worcestershire says he bought three years of voluntary contributions, but one year paid for last May was not processed.

He found it 'stressful and frustrating' when a series of letters to the Government went unanswered - even after he turned 66 last December.

He told us: 'I have been reading your articles about the terrible service provided by HMRC for National Insurance pension top-ups for well over two years now, and nothing seems to change.

'The letters were special delivery and have all been delivered. I have never received any reply. The phone service is terrible and I have given up on this.'

After we flagged his case to DWP and HMRC, a spokesman responded: 'We've written to Mr [redacted] to apologise and confirm his payment has been allocated. As he's already in receipt of a state pension we will backdate the arrears so he doesn't miss out.'

In the case of the former policeman who is an expat in Spain, he told us that he began the process of buying top-ups well ahead of his 66th birthday.

But despite making his payment last October, when his state pension arrived in February it was short of what he was owed.

'I have lost interest on the lump sum, which I assume is earning money for the Treasury sitting in a bank account somewhere,' he says.

'I have found the staff I have dealt with to be very helpful and polite. It is getting through to them in the first place that is troublesome, and navigating whether I should be talking to HMRC or Pensions.'

Are YOU in the state pension top-ups backlog? Are you chasing a top-ups payment? Or did you put in a callback request to DWP? If you have paid and heard nothing more, or you are still waiting for a call, write and tell us your story at pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk.

In a third case, a 59-year-old retired energy broker who lives in Cyprus paid nearly 9,600 in October last year to top up his state pension.

He was told by a government staff member that processing time was 31 weeks, and says: 'I can't believe it would take seven or eight months to allocate cash once it's been paid.'

'I've tried calling numerous times but never get through to them and just get put on hold in the queue for hours on end racking up huge phone bills from abroad.

'As this is such a large amount I thought it would have been allocated before now as it's been over five months, rather than still sitting in the HMRC contributions account no doubt earning them considerable interest at my expense.'

Regarding the two latter cases, a Government spokesman says: 'We have allocated these customers' payments to their NI records and are sorry for the delay they faced.

'Customers already in receipt of a state pension who make top-ups will have any arrears backdated to when they made their payments.'

Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb says: 'Whilst I'm delighted that This is Money has helped to resolve matters for these readers, it should not have to reach this stage.

'What is needed is much better communication by HMRC and DWP with those who have paid voluntary contributions, and a once-and-done approach whereby NI records are updated and state pensions recalculated in a single process.'

Webb, who is a partner at LCP and This is Money's retirement columnist, adds: 'All of this would greatly improve the service provided to taxpayers and would also cost the government less in time taken answering calls from people forced to keep ringing up to find out what on earth is going on.'

Should YOU buy top-ups to increase your state pension? Buying top-ups can give a generous boost to retirement income if you buy the correct years on your record. This is Money's guide to buying state pension top-ups explains the cost and offers six golden rules on deciding if you should fill gaps by Steve Webb.

What do you need to know about buying top-ups

The Government provided the following information about buying state pension top-ups.

- The majority of payments made by people using the online check your state pension forecast service will show on their National Insurance records within five working days.

- Some payments may require manual processing, and these are being completed in around eight weeks. More complex cases including international payments requiring further checks can take longer to resolve depending on individual circumstances.

- DWP is experiencing high demand and will update customer pensions as quickly as possible. Customers will have arrears backdated to when they made payment to HMRC.

- People can now only pay voluntary contributions for the past six years. The deadline is 5 April each year. More information can be found on Gov.uk.

- Those who completed the callback request form before the 5 April deadline because they wanted to make voluntary contributions for between 2006 and 2018 will hear back from DWP in the coming weeks.

- People who live outside of the UK and are below state pension age should contact the Future Pension Centre to request a state pension forecast. The number to call from outside the UK is +44 (0)191 218 3600.

- Those overseas who are at, or within six months of reaching state pension age, need to contact the International Pension Centre by email using the online enquiry form.

- Once they have established if it is beneficial to make voluntary NI contributions, people overseas can apply online using the CF83 application form on Gov.uk.

- Before paying they must contact HMRC to obtain an 18-digit reference number to make their voluntary payment and specify the years they are paying for. The number to call for overseas customers is +44 (0)191 203 7010. The NI helpline is open Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.
View the full results of the 2025 local elections with MailOnline's maps and charts.

Nigel Farage's Reform has routed the Tories and Labour in their backyards, securing a swathe of big authorities for the first time because of a Conservative collapse.

Labour's worst fears were also realised as Durham, regarded as the spiritual home of the labour movement, fell after a century under the party's control.

Reform also sensationally seized Runcorn and Helsby from Labour by just six votes, in the narrowest by-election win in modern British history.

Polls were held in 23 areas across England to elect more than 1,600 new councillors, while six mayoral contests also took place.

Runcorn and Helsby was the only constituency selecting a new MP.

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GLOSSARY

Conservative: Con

Labour: Lab

Independent/Other: Ind

Liberal Democrat: LD

Green Party: Grn

Reform UK: Ref

Workers Party of Britain: WPB

Mebyon Kernow: Meb

Ratepayers or Residents: RA

British Democratic Party: BDP

No description: ND

Social Democratic Party: SDP

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition: TUSC

Yorkshire Party: Yorks

No overall control: NOC

Nothing Prior: New

Rejoin EU: Rjn

English Democrat: ED

Liberal: Lib

Monster Raving Loony Party: MRLP

English Constitution Party: ECP

Volt: Volt
Schools are paying thousands of pounds for AI software which teachers can use to set pupils homework and give them points based on their behaviour, MailOnline can reveal.

The government-approved software, called Team Satchel, boasts that it is 'giving teachers their weekends and evenings back'.

Its website is littered with high scoring reviews, including three from the same teacher in the space of four months, and claims to be used in a third of secondary schools in Britain.

Some secondary schools could be splashing out as much as 27,000 to have the management information system for three years, according to a pricing document.

As well as setting homework, staff can give or take points away from students depending on their behaviour where they are placed on a virtual 'leaderboard' for teachers to view.

'The ability to assign both positive and negative points to students, from the front of the class, means recognition is timely and supports positive reinforcements ,' the website reads.

But furious campaigners fear it will lead to 'algorithm-based' learning and mark the end of 'inspirational' teaching.

The 'AI revolution in the classroom' is being driven by the Labour government which in March committed 45 million of taxpayers' money into beefing up internet connectivity in schools.

Naimish Gohil (pictured) is the founder of Team Satchel and says he wants his tech firm to become 'synonymous with education'

Research carried out by the National Literacy Trust found two in five teachers had used generative AI in 2024 to create lesson content

Chris McGovern, chair of Campaign for Real Education, told MailOnline the software would 'provide employment protection for lazy and incompetent teachers'.

'Reliance on AI may have some administrative advantages but it will mark the end of inspirational teaching,' he said.

'Teaching will become algorithm-based and formulaic. It's going to be "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" and "Hello, Mr Deadly-Dull Robot".

'The growing use of such software by schools points to a desolate, depressing and dehumanised experience of learning for pupils.

'Dangerously, it will feed children's harmful addiction to digital technology at a time when they are suffering from a mental health crisis. Schools need to focus as much on "Mind Change" as they do on "Climate Change".

'According to The Children's Society we already have the unhappiest children in Europe. Schools should be encouraging kids to be less reliant on digital technology not strengthening its grip on them.'

Parenting group UsForThem has recently launched its Put The Brakes on EdTech campaign, which calls on secondary schools to suspend the use of pupil-facing technology.

Co-founder of parenting group UsForThem Molly Kingsley told MailOnline that 'tech such as this might well save teachers time but it's disingenuous to pretend that it is in pupils' bests interests'

Retired headteacher Chris McGovern (pictured), chair of Campaign for Real Education, said the software would 'provide employment protection for lazy and incompetent teachers'

Co-founder Molly Kingsley told MailOnline that 'tech such as this might well save teachers time but it's disingenuous to pretend that it is in pupils' bests interests'.

She said: 'The core purpose of teaching should be to encourage children to think critically and for themselves, but how can pupils be expected to do this if teachers are actively avoiding doing the same?

'The insertion of tech into the pupil-teacher relationship further erodes the bond between teacher and child and comes at just a moment that children are disengaging from the school system in record numbers.

'In addition, practice indicates that ed tech in general and AI enhanced ed tech in particular presents a whole series of concerns about data and privacy issues which schools are ill equipped to deal with.

'The vast majority of parents would prefer homework to be set by an involved and engaged teacher using nothing more sophisticated than pen and paper.'

Team Satchel was founded in 2011 by vegetarian Naimish Gohil, a former assistant headteacher at the then named Henry Compton Boys School in London and software engineer.

Britain's 'strictest headteacher' Katharine Birbalsingh (pictured in January 2023) has long voiced opposition against the use of AI in schools

He told the Tech Talks podcast six years ago he wanted his company to become 'synonymous with education'.

'Our job is to serve the school leaders and decision makers to help schools, because if we can help them and provide them with solutions to help them run schools better then that is naturally going to cascade down to teachers, students, and parents,' he said.

James Bore, managing director of cybersecurity consultancy, Bores, has warned schools about using AI in education.

He told MailOnline: 'While everyone's very excited about AI, I cannot stress enough how important it is to recognise that most of the AI out there has absolutely no understanding.

'It is, to simplify, a very powerful predictive autocorrect - a language engine. There is no understanding of that language, there is no distinction between truth and fiction.

'AI, LLMs, can be a powerful tool, and can even be useful, but they cannot be relied upon to be accurate and so any use of them to educate must come with safeguards and human fact-checking to avoid hallucinations.'

The Department for Education said AI would help teachers focus on face-to-face teaching rather than time spent on 'burdensome marking and admin'.

But Britain's 'strictest headteacher' Katharine Birbalsingh has long voiced opposition against it.

The head of Michaela Community School in Brent, north London, warned in February it would 'dumb down lessons'.

The 52-year-old said: 'Your brain remembers stuff if you write it down, if you read it.

'The reason why our children are so literate and so articulate is because they do loads of reading and writing in the classroom.

In a letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (pictured), GMB national officer Stacey Booth warned that its members had 'expressed multiple concerns about the use of genAI' in schools

'If you're on a screen, you're just not going to learn as much and the business of being on a screen actually dumbs you down, so that is devastating for kids that come from more challenging backgrounds.

'We strongly advise our families not to give them smartphones at all, so obviously smartphones aren't allowed in school, but we actually advise them just not to give them smartphones at all.'

Research carried out by the National Literacy Trust found two in five teachers had used generative AI in 2024 to create lesson content.

The rise of AI led the GMB union this week to warn ministers that the technology was 'dehumanising' schools.

In a letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the union's national officer Stacey Booth warned that its members had 'expressed multiple concerns about the use of genAI'.

This included 'cheating and plagiarism, privacy, data security and online safety to the loss of human touch in education'.

Ms Booth said: 'In particular, members concerns about the dehumanisation of certain areas of education remind us that the increase of technology in schools may lead to a devaluing of the tangible aspects of education, like the social and emotional development that schools support, and the workers who do this.

'This work must not be forgotten in the drive to introduce new technologies and genAI into education.'

MailOnline has contacted Team Satchel for comment.
Each time China sends its warplanes and navy vessels to encircle Taiwan in alarming war games, the world is forced to confront the chilling prospect of a blockade or even full-blown invasion of the vital island nation.

But further south, there is a second conflict brewing between China and another key ally of the United States - the Philippines.

Under authoritarian President Xi Jinping, Beijing has continued to expand its reach into the South China Sea's strategically vital and resource-rich waters bordered by several Southeast Asian nations.

Each of these countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam, all lay claim to different parts of the sea and a litany of small islands, shoals and reefs adrift within it.

But China insists it should own virtually the entire sea and its strategic outposts, including swathes of territory within the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) off the shores of all its island neighbours.

On Monday, the Philippines rejected China's claim to Sandy Cay - a group of three sandbars less than 200 kilometres off the Philippine coast - after a Chinese state-owned newspaper last week published images of coast guard officers holding up a Chinese flag there.

That prompted the Philippines' coast guard, along with a navy and maritime police team, to land on the sandbars and unfurl the Philippines flag, a move that was in turn harshly condemned and branded 'illegal' by Beijing.

But this is just the latest in a long line of disputes which are growing ever more frequent and intense.

Now, fears are mounting that a protracted spat could descend into an armed conflict between China and the US-allied Philippines - a scenario which could hasten a regional or even global fallout.

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Philippine coast guard and military personnel holding a Philippine flag during an inter-agency maritime operation in Sandy Cay on Sunday

Four officers posing with a Chinese flag on the Sandy Cay reef's white surface, in what state media described as a 'vow of sovereignty and jurisdiction'

Chinese and Filipino coast guard ships collide in disputed waters as both countries engage in tit-for-tat squabble over who is to blame for crash

The Philippines recently accused a Chinese coast guard ship of hitting a Philippine coast guard vessel with a military-grade laser

The Sandy Cay reef lies near Thitu Island, or Pag-asa, where the Philippines stations troops and maintains a coast guard monitoring base

At the heart of the tensions between China and the Philippines lies a scattering of rocks, shoals, reefs and atolls across the South China Sea, most notably the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, over which both countries assert sovereignty.

The Philippines bases its claims on proximity and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), under which most of the contested features lie within its EEZ.

China, meanwhile, claims almost the entire sea via its so-called 'nine-dash line', a sweeping boundary drawn on a map in the 1940s that has no legal basis under international law.

That illegality was confirmed in 2016, when a Hague-based tribunal ruled overwhelmingly in favour of the Philippines, declaring China's claims invalid.

Dr Gregory Poling, Director of the Southeast Asia Programme at the CSIS think tank, said: 'The very existence of the Nine-Dash Line, I think, is an affront to these countries... China is imposing the idea that these waters are disputed on smaller countries, where everybody else gets 200 miles, the Chinese get 1,000 miles.'

But instead of pulling back, China has only looked to expand its presence since the ruling, militarising several natural and artificial islands - including Scarborough Shoal - and deploying coast guard ships and naval vessels to patrol the contested waters.

As a result, Chinese and Philippine military and civilian vessels have routinely come to blows in the South China Sea as of late.

These clashes, several of which have resulted in injuries to crew and damaged vessels amid ramming attacks, the use of water cannons and even lasers, are stoking tensions as the Philippines defies what it views as Beijing's policy of imperialist expansion and disregard for territorial sovereignty.

In August, a Philippine coast guard vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, sustained significant damage when it was repeatedly rammed by a Chinese ship close to Sabina Shoal, about 130 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan, which is part of the hotly contested Spratly Islands.

The shoal is well within the internationally recognised EEZ of the Philippines.

Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine coast guard said the Magbanua dropped its anchor just off the coast of the Shoal and said it would not withdraw from the region 'despite the harassment, bullying activities and escalatory action of the Chinese coast guard'.

Video released by the Philippine coast guard appeared to clearly show the Magbanua being rammed by a Chinese coast guard ship, even as Beijing claimed the Philippine vessel had altered its path and pursued a collision course.

Close to Sabina Shoal lies the Second Thomas Shoal, where a small Philippine military detachment is stationed.

This outpost has become a litmus test of Philippine resolve and Chinese intent as Beijing's ships hassle Philippine vessels conducting supply runs to and from the shoal.

In February 2023, the Philippines accused a Chinese coast guard ship of hitting a coast guard boat with a military-grade laser.

Manila said the laser temporarily blinded some of its crew in the disputed South China Sea, calling it a 'blatant' violation of Manila's sovereign rights.

The Chinese ship also manoeuvred dangerously close, about 450 feet, to block the Philippine patrol vessel BRP Malapascua from approaching Second Thomas Shoal.

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The Chinese coast guard slammed the Philippine ship as they claimed that they manoeuvred and 'deliberately collided' with their boat 'in an unprofessional and dangerous manner'

This photo taken on September 20, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship (back) shadowing Philippine fishing boats anchored near the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal

This satellite image shows the Second Thomas Shoal, located in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea

A Chinese coast guard shoots water cannons at a Philippine boat in the South China sea

In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast Guard ship, right, uses its water cannons on a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel

Philippine and Chinese coast guards armed with axes and batons clash in disputed waters

Then in December of that year, another video shared by the Philippine coast guard showed Chinese ships blasting powerful water cannons at much smaller Philippine vessels off Scarborough Shoal.

Scarborough Shoal is 240 kilometres west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometres from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan, but China in 2012 assumed control of the territory in a blatant land grab.

Chinese state television said the country's coast guard had used 'control measures in accordance with the law' against the Philippine vessels that had 'intruded' into waters around the shoal.

These incidents, in which Chinese vessels seek to intimidate or attack Philippine vessels without resorting to overt military force, have been characterised as a cornerstone of Beijing's 'grey-zone tactics' to expand its influence in the South China Sea.

'By resorting to an array of grey zone tactics, Beijing aims to progressively eat away at the status quo in the South China Sea while staying under the threshold of crisis,' said Dr Euan Graham, an expert in Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

'Through the skilful coordinated use of assets... grey zone tactics have already enabled Beijing to exert effective control over large tracts of the South China Sea... If China succeeds in dominating the South China Sea, it is likely to dominate Southeast Asia at large, as well as gaining strategic leverage over the major maritime economies of Northeast Asia,' he said in a policy paper for the Prospect Foundation.

Philippine military chief, General Brawner, center, and Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, right, Commander of the AFP's Western Command poses for pictures during their visit with Filipino marines and navy personnel stationed aboard the long-marooned BRP Sierra Madre at the Second Thomas Shoal

An aircraft identified by the Philippine Coast Guard as Chinese Navy helicopter (L) flies near the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) plane during an aerial reconnaissance flight at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on February 18, 2025

An aerial view shows a Philippine Navy vessel that has been grounded since 1999 to assert their nation's sovereignty over the Second Thomas Shoal, a remote South China Sea a reef also claimed by China

China's President Xi Jinping attends the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 11, 2025

At first glance, the fervent competition over a small collection of reefs, sandbars and uninhabited spits of land adrift in a huge sea may seem unwarranted.

But the South China Sea is one of the worlds most important trade arteries through which more than $2 trillion in trade flows on an annual basis.

It is also believed to contain vast, untapped reserves of oil and natural gas, and the waters surrounding many of the shoals, atolls and reefs are crucial for fishing, an industry that supports millions of livelihoods in the Philippines alone.

Establishing a strong military presence and maritime infrastructure at key locations in the South China Sea is therefore a priority for China and its export-based, resource-hungry economy.

Control of the sea also allows Beijing to challenge the United States' role as regional security guarantor.

America has made a concerted effort to strike security alliances with members of the 'first island chain', a ring of territories running from Japan to the Philippines, to form a natural barrier against Chinese military expansion into the Pacific.

The Philippines, along with Taiwan, is a key part of this chain and the US has ramped up joint patrols and military aid to the Philippines while expanding access to Philippine bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Western-aligned allies Japan and Australia have also increased naval cooperation with the Philippines as part of the united front to deter China.
Donald Trump's address to Parliament looks set to get the green light amid signs a revolt by MPs has stalled.

Keir Starmer invited the US President for a State Visit as part of his charm offensive during a trip to the White House in February.

Some MPs and peers have mounted a bid to stop him giving a speech to both Houses. A petition opposing the idea has also received tens of thousands of signatures.

However, a Commons motion demanding a ban has been endorsed by just 19 MPs since it was tabled a week ago.

In contrast, similar motions in 2017 and 2019 were backed by 206 and 106 respectively - including current ministers such as David Lammy.

One senior MP told MailOnline that the campaign to prevent the speech did not appear to be 'getting anywhere'.

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is seen as unlikely to reject a request unless there is a groundswell of anger among MPs.

The Commons Speaker, the Lord Speaker and the Lord Great Chamberlain - represented by Black Rod - are the three 'gatekeepers' who have to agree to such an address.

Keir Starmer invited Donald Trump for a second State Visit as part of his charm offensive during a trip to the White House in February (pictured)

The US president has suggested the King, who he called his 'friend' and will formally host the state visit, is looking at 'setting a date for September' (pictured in 2019)

A Commons motion demanding a ban on Mr Trump addressing Parliament has gained just 19 signatures since it was tabled a week ago

Former President Barack Obama gave a speech in Westminster Hall in 2011

Mr Trump was previously controversially barred from making a speech at Westminster by former Speaker John Bercow.

Mr Bercow said in 2017 that it was 'an earned honour', not an 'automatic right'.

Barack Obama gave a speech in 2011, although Joe Biden did not during his state visit more recently.

Tory former Cabinet minister Julian Smith told MailOnline: 'The idea that Parliament should have sought to stop President Trump's ability to speak to MPs directly is a joke.

'He has won an historic election, he is both dynamic and controversial, and surely the role of an MP is first and foremost to engage and to ensure the UK is best positioned to support the Government to continue the great relationship that we have with the United States.'

Concerns emerged about Mr Trump's visit after his bruising clash with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office.

The administration has also suggested annexing Canada and Greenland, criticised free speech in Europe and caused global chaos by slapping punitive tariffs on imports.

A petition on the Change.uk website insisting it would be 'completely inappropriate' for Mr Trump to address Parliament has received more than 46,000 signatures.

And YouGov research last month found 63 per cent of Brits were opposed.

Mr Trump said earlier this month that his 'friend' King Charles is looking at setting a date in September for his the visit.

It is understood a formal request for Mr Trump to address both Houses has yet to be made.

A Parliament spokesman said last week: 'Should a request be made to address the Houses of Parliament, it will be considered in the usual way. Any decision would be made by Speakers of both Houses.'

During his first spell in the White House, Mr Trump visited both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth II

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A top professor has warned Australians will battle Covid outbreaks 'indefinitely', as the country reaches the five-year anniversary of the onset of the pandemic.

Variant LP.8.1 was identified as the main cause of large outbreaks overseas in late 2024 and early 2025, and was responsible for three in five Covid cases in the UK in March.

In February, the World Health Organisation identified the strain as one of two increasing on a global scale, though the risk to public health was classified as low.

While the variant does not appear to cause worse symptoms than its predecessors, recent testing has found it could be more contagious.

Several factors have sparked an explosion in cases according to associate professor James Trauer, a respiratory and public health physician from Monash University.

'Immunity wanes pretty substantially over three to six months, [but] also the virus evolves,' he told Daily Mail Australia this week.

The associate professor said the immunity people developed from previous Covid infections will not fully protect them against LP.8.1.

'We're going to see Covid epidemics indefinitely for many years into the future because immunity does wane fairly rapidly,' he said.

Australians are bracing for an explosion of Covid cases this winter as the fifth anniversary for the pandemic passes (pictured, Sydney's CBD)

Covid samples are seen being tested in a NSW Health pathology lab in Sydney's east

What can Australians do?

Prof Trauer said the best protection for people, particularly those who are immunocompromised or vulnerable to Covid, is through vaccination.

'The most recent vaccines are likely to be the most protective against the [variant] that's around at the moment,' he said.

But he added that Australians 'don't need to panic or worry about it the way we did when Covid first emerged'.

'It's a totally different kettle of fish,' he said.

Who needs to get a Covid vaccine?

For young, healthy people, particularly those without symptoms, the physician said there is no reason to change daily behaviour.

'If you do have symptoms, then also be conscious of that and and don't go into situations where you could infect somebody who is elderly or at higher risk,' he said.

The best way for people to be protected against Covid is by receiving a vaccine, a respiratory and public health physician has recommended (pictured, medical staff in Melbourne in 2020)

However, people at risk - specifically the elderly and people living with immuno-suppressive conditions - do need to take action.

'They should absolutely be keeping an eye on vaccine recommendations and getting those most recent vaccines,' Prof Trauer said.

When is the best time to get a Covid vaccine?

As of April 9, the Australian Department of Health recorded 941,700 vaccine doses had been administered to people aged 18 and over in the previous six months.

'Now is the time to get vaccinated because all these vaccines are currently available from GPs,' Prof Trauer urged.

Anyone aged 75 or over is recommended by the government to receive a vaccination for Covid every six months.

Australians between 65 and 74 years old have been recommended an annual dose, but they are also eligible to receive one every six months.

Those aged 18 to 64 years old are eligible for a free dose annually.

But, for those under 64 who are immunocompromised, the once-a-year vaccine is recommended and the group are eligible for a dose every six months.

The vaccines are not recommended or required for children generally.

However, those five-year-old and upwards, who are immunocompromised, are eligible for the annual dose.

The concern around soaring Covid cases this winter comes after warnings that flu season could be the worst on record for Australia (stock image)

Can I get a Covid and flu shot at the same time?

Australians have been warned the upcoming flu season could be the worst on record after the US and UK were hit with soaring influenza cases.

'It seems possible we will get a significant Covid epidemic over the next couple of months that could coincide with flu and RSV epidemics,' Mr Trauer said.

Australians can get Covid and flu vaccines on the same day, which Associate Professor Trauer said was a matter of convenience.

'[It's] a good way to get more people vaccinated ahead of winter,' he said.

'We know that fewer people will get vaccinated if the process is less convenient.'

Covid vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.

You can get Covid vaccines from a range of vaccination providers which can be found on the Healthdirect website.
Jewish community leaders have condemned neo-Nazis for distributing vile antisemitic leaflets in Melbourne just days before the federal election.

Residents in Caulfield - a suburb with one of Australia's largest Jewish populations -received pamphlets mimicking Liberal Party campaign material.

The fake brochures featured a doctored party logo, replacing the Australian flag with an Israel one.

'Israel First: Australia doesn't need to defend itself,' the material read.

'Abolish Free Speech: Criticising Jews is another holocaust.

'Jail Anti-Semites: Making Jews feel safe is all that matters.

'Give Jews Free Money: Jews are doing it tough and need our charity.'

The material claimed to be 'authorised by Joel Davis, National Socialist Network, Melbourne', one of Australia's most notorious neo-Nazi groups.

Materials imitating Liberal Party pamphlets were spread, mocking the party's support of Israel's war efforts

Neo-Nazi Joel Davis was seen in Melbourne distributing the flyers in Kew, alongside two people imitating Orthodox Jews.

He was seen in Melbourne distributing the flyers in Kew, alongside two people dressed up as Orthodox Jews.

'Great policy delivered by the Liberal Party  great policies,' he said.

'Israel first, Australia doesn't need to defend itself; why would Australia need to defend itself.'

Bystanders appeared visibly uncomfortable as they hurried past.

Robert Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Jewish Association, condemned the letters.

'Members of the Jewish community contacted us in shock after receiving these hateful flyers,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'The flyer appears to be an attempt to impersonate and harm the Liberal Party.

'There is absolutely no place for Nazis and antisemitism in Australia.

Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory said the pamphlets left Melbourne's Jewish community 'in shock'

'The attempt to mock the Liberal party because of its strong stand against antisemitism and in support of Israel's war against terrorism will backfire.

'These Nazis recognise that Australians would never vote for them if they ran in the election, so they creep around at night printing and spreading hateful flyers.'

Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich said antisemitism has become increasingly aimed at anyone 'who dares to stand alongside the Jewish community'.

'This is not about religion, it's about exclusion,' he said.

'It's about marking people as 'other.' It's about enforcing a perverse ideology through fear. This is not just an attack on Jews. It's an attack on democracy itself.'

A spokesman for the AEC said commission had reviewed the pamphlets.

'We have reviewed the flyer to see if the authorisation statement met the requirements of the Electoral Act,' he said.

'It appears that may not be the case and we will be following the process for authorisations compliance as we are with many matters during the voting period.'

A spokesman previously said the commission was taking the matter seriously after the pamphlets were referred to them.

'While the AEC understands that the content of these flyers will evoke a strong emotional reaction, it is imperative that we stick to our legal role  and the Electoral Act is clear that the AEC is not able to make determinations about the content of electoral communications.

'In saying this, there may be other bodies that could have an interest under separate legislation given the nature of the content.

'While the Electoral Act doesn't prohibit the use of a political party's logo, there may be other potential legal remedies that would fall outside of electoral laws.'
Nestled among the towering hills of southwestern China lies Chongqing - one of the country's largest and most dystopian cities, which also produces more than half of the world's laptops.

Boasting a population of 32 million people, and stretching across 31,815 square miles, Chongqing is considered to be one of the world's most surveilled cities in the world.

Earlier this year, authorities installed 27,900 surveillance cameras and 245 sensors as part of a comprehensive 'grid' surveillance plan to keep tabs on its residents, Radio Free Asia reported.

For years, the city has been part of the 'Sharp Eyes' pilot scheme to tackle crime, with the city's surveillance system closely monitoring every aspect of its inhabitants' in an attempt to minimise dissent.

Neighbourhood committees tasked with monitoring the activities of Chongqing's locals have been likened to some of the world's most significant intelligence networks.

Critics have long warned that such widespread surveillance in the Chinese megacity violates citizens' rights to privacy - but despite this, chances of westerners knowing much about Chongqing are relatively low.

Situated in southeast China near the source of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has a rich history that stretches back over 3,000 years.

But it is only in the past forty years that it has been transformed from a small village to the megacity it is today.

The futuristic Chinese city of Chongqing is known to be one of the most surveilled in the world

It is also known for producing more than half of the world's laptops

The entirety of the city is built on multiple levels

Dubbed China's 'Cyberpunk city', Chongqing has also emerged as a major hub for laptop production and the overall electronic information industry.

The city was placed on the global stage after computer hardware company HP set up its base for laptop production there in 2009.

Other information companies have since followed suit, with firms like Foxconn, Quanta Computer, Lenovo and Asus, setting up successful operations in the Chinese megacity.

Driven by big data and artificial intelligence development, Chongqing has become an emblem of the fastest urban revolution on the planet.

The sky-high futuristic city - filled with giant buildings, multi-level highways and a metro system that barrels through residential buildings - has sparked intrigue on social media in recent years, however.

With trains that whizz through apartment blocks and makeshift towns located inside skyscrapers, Chongqing is being touted as the most futuristic city in the world - but also the most dizzying.

'In Chongqing, we never know which floor we're on,' said TikToker Hugh Chongqing in a video that has amassed a staggering 3.2 million likes.

'It looks like I'm on normal square: the street is over there. But if we go there [to the edge] now we're on the 22nd floor.

The sky-high futuristic city has sparked intrigue on social media in recent years

The city was placed on the global stage after computer hardware company HP set up its base for laptop production there in 2009

The city is enshrouded by a thick layer of fog for over 100 days of the year

With trains that whizz through apartment blocks and makeshift towns located inside skyscrapers, Chongqing is being touted as the most futuristic city in the world - but also the most dizzying

TikToker Hugh Chongqing shared a video showing just how confusing it can be to visit the city

The city has sparked intrigue in recent years after videos showing its mind-boggling layout emerged on social media platforms

The city is also so built up, that it now has its own microclimate

Driven by big data and artificial intelligence development, Chongqing has become an emblem of the fastest urban revolution on the planet

view of the U-shaped overpass near the confluence of the Wujiang River and the Yangtze River, with the Shibangou Yangtze River Bridge visible in the distance, on October 15, 2024 in Chongqing, China

'But if we use the elevator on the square, it says we're on the 12th floor. Then we take the elevator to the eighth floor, walk through this garage, and then we will be on the street. Go inside the building on the right, it says we're on the 13th floor.'

The video shows just how confusing it can be to visit Chongqing, and highlights how map apps will take you to where you're going - only for you to realise you're ten storeys too low or high.

But the gigantic megacity - which covers an area the size of Austria - is so dense that swathes of its population are reported to be living in darkness.

The entirety of the city is built on multiple levels, and as local influencer Jackson Lu explained in a TikTok video - 'sunlight is a luxury' for those living in Chongqing's lower floors.

Passengers stand on an escalator at Hongtudi Subway Station which is 60 meters underground, of Line 6, in Chongqing Deepest subway station, Hongtudi, which is 60 meters underground, of Line 6, in Chongqing, China

The city is also so built up, that it now has its own microclimate - bringing about humidity and sweltering temperatures of up to 40C degrees

Sky bridge called Crystal located in Chongqing, which stretched 984 feet in length

Citizens visit the Zhongshuge Bookstore on January 29, 2019 in Chongqing, China

Darkness for the city's inhabitants is exacerbated by the fact it is enshrouded by a thick layer of fog for over 100 days of the year.

Travel influencer Janet Newenham, who visited the city recently, also described seeing underground bunkers - which were built during WW2 - everywhere.

The city is also so built up, that it now has its own microclimate - bringing about humidity and sweltering temperatures of up to 40C degrees.
Voters are heading to the polls across England today in 23 council elections, six mayoral contests, and one parliamentary by-election.

Polling stations are open between 7am and 10pm as voters choose more than 1,600 councillors, half-a-dozen regional mayors, and a new MP for Runcorn and Helsby.

It is the first big test for Britain's political parties since last July's general election, at which Labour secured a landslide win.

Expectations of success for Sir Keir Starmer's party this time around have been dramatically reduced, following the PM's bumpy start to life in Downing Street.

Meanwhile, the Tories - facing their first set of elections under new leader Kemi Badenoch - are hoping to stage a recovery from last summer's historic defeat.

But both Labour and the Tories are facing a recent surge in support for Reform UK, while a strong showing is also expected from the Liberal Democrats and Greens.

Nigel Farage's party are expected to be the big winners from Thursday's council contests with some pollsters suggesting Reform could scoop more than 500 seats.

Reform are also the bookies' favourites to win the parliamentary by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, triggered by the resignation of ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury.

And, in what would represent a stunning night of success, polls have signalled Reform will win mayoral contests in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire.

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Sir Keir Starmer is expecting a tough night as voters go to the polls nearly 10 months after he became PM

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has also admitted her party are in for a 'very difficult' set of elections

Both Labour and the Conservatives are facing a recent surge in support for Nigel Farage's Reform UK

Where are council elections taking place?

Elections are taking place on Thursday for 14 county councils, eight unitary authorities and one metropolitan district.

The Tories are defending nearly 1,000 seats, Labour around 285, and the Liberal Democrats just over 200.

What about mayoral elections?

The six mayoral elections are taking place in:

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

West of England

Greater Lincolnshire

Hull and East Yorkshire

Doncaster

North Tyneside

Labour are defending the mayoralties in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Doncaster, and North Tyneside.

But both Hull and East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire are newly-created mayoralties.

Dan Norris won the West of England mayoralty for Labour in 2021.

He was suspended by the party last month after being arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.

The Tories defending a large number of council seats they won in May 2021 - at a time when they were enjoying a spike in popularity under then-PM Boris Johnson

Why are voters choosing a new Runcorn and Helsby MP?

The parliamentary by-election in Runcorn and Helsby was triggered by Mike Amesbury's resignation from the House of Commons.

It came after he was jailed for 10 weeks for punching a constituent while drunk in Frodsham, Cheshire, last October.

Amesbury spent three nights in HMP Altcourse, Merseyside, in February before successfully appealing his sentence.

He won Runcorn and Helsby for Labour at July's general election with a 14,696-vote majority.

Reform came second to Labour in the Cheshire constituency last summer, while the Tories came third - more than 900 votes behind Reform.

What do I need to vote?

Voters are being urged to remember their ID when they go to polling stations on Thursday, which they will need to show before they can receive a ballot paper.

Accepted forms of ID include:

A UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport

A UK or EEA drivers' licence

Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card

An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card

The free Voter Authority Certificate.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Niki Nixon, director of communications at the Electoral Commission, said: 'If you're going along to your polling station to vote on Thursday, don't forget your photo ID, you'll need to show it before you can be given your ballot paper.

'Check you have it with you before heading to the polling station, so that you don't have to return later in the day.

'If you lose your ID, or your Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time, you can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on your behalf.

'You will need to contact your council to arrange this before 5pm on election day, and the person you appoint will need their own acceptable photo ID.'

How are the Tories expected to perform?

Mrs Badenoch has admitted her party are in for a 'very difficult' set of elections, with the Tories defending a large number of seats they won in May 2021.

This was when the Conservatives were enjoying a spike in popularity under then-PM Boris Johnson in the wake of the Covid vaccine roll out.

A spokesman for the Tory leader said: 'We're working hard for every vote  she has now visited every single county that has councils up for election.'

But, the spokesman added: 'We've got to recognise that we are coming off a historic high in 2021 when we won two-thirds of the seats that were up for election, so as the Leader of the Opposition has said, there is going to be a correction.'

Lord Robert Hayward, a Conservative peer and top pollster, said he expects the Tories to lose between 475 to 525 councillors.

He suggested many of these Tory losses would be to Reform and, to a lesser extent, to the Liberal Democrats.

Sir Ed Davey's Liberal Democrats could also benefit from disillusionment among voters with Labour and the Tories

What about Labour?

Sir Keir is also expecting a tough night as voters go to the polls nearly 10 months after he became PM.

Luke Tryl, UK director of More In Common, said Labour are 'likely to lose seats' but could limit their losses to around 20 seats of fewer on a 'good night'.

'The areas up for election this year are not ones where Labour is traditionally strong,' he added.

'A bad night sees them win only 160 seats, down 140 on 2021 - or around 120 accounting for seat reductions.'

A bigger blow for Sir Keir could be the loss of Runcorn and Helsby to Reform, which would deepen fears of the threat posed by Mr Farage's party.

The PM has not been on the doorstep ahead of the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, but allies pointed to his campaigning in the local contests around England.

Asked if Sir Keir had been asked to stay away from the campaign in Runcorn, a Labour spokesman said: 'The PM has been campaigning throughout this period across the country.'

The spokesman said Sir Keir had acknowledged 'the elections will be tough' as local contests were 'always challenging for incumbent governments and these council elections are in Tory heartlands'.

'But, of course, we're fighting for every vote and making clear that Labour is the only party delivering change after 14 years of chaos and decline,' he added.

And how about Reform UK and the Lib Dems?

Reform UK could scoop more than 500 council seats on Thursday, according to Mr Tryl, with likely successes in areas such as Doncaster, Kent and Durham.

'One prediction we make with confidence is their gains will be in the hundreds of seats,' the pollster said.

Mr Tryl also said that Reform should win Runcorn and Helsby by-election if their polling figures are correct.

'In general and given where we are with national polling we would expect that if Reform are matching their current national voting intention that they should take the Runcorn by-election,' he said.

The pollster added that the Lib Dems and Greens could also benefit from disillusionment among voters with Labour and the Tories - traditionally the two main parties.

'A good night for the LIb Dems sees them make gains of more than 170,' he said. 'A good night for the Greens sees them double their number of seats or more.'
Locals in a sleepy village besieged by 'feral' children who have threatened to attack business owners with acid and plastic knives and poured water over customers say the mayhem has spread to another parade of shops.

Hoo in Medway, Kent, has seen a recent surge in anti-social behaviour - with fed-up shopkeepers this week opening up to MailOnline about how it is plaguing their businesses.

One newsagents claimed it receives daily threats of violence from the yobs - with the anger exploding when staff ask to see their IDs when they try to buy cigarettes and vapes.

The mayhem has left pensioners too terrified to venture out at night, with some fearing they will be jumped by the school-aged delinquents when the sun goes down.

Now MailOnline can reveal how gangs of youths are also running amok at another parade of shops just half a mile away.

They have been accused of stealing from convenience stores and fighting in the streets late at night.

And three months ago one particularly violent incident reportedly saw a teenager slashed in the face with a pair of scissors.

Police were called to the Premier Express store on the Knights Road parade of shops at about 11.30pm on Monday, February 3.

'Unruly yobs' are seen acting anti-socially outside a village shop in Medway, Kent in CCTV footage

MailOnline can reveal how gangs of youths are also running amok at another parade of shops just half a mile away (pictured)

Pictured: A general view of Hoo High Street which has seen problems with anti-social behaviour

The boy was taken to hospital with facial injuries but was discharged a short while later.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and an investigation is continuing.

The parade of shops has two convenience stores, a hairdressers, a pharmacy, funeral parlour, a Chinese takeaway and a kebab shop.

A mother of two, who lives nearby and only gave her name as 'Jan' for fear of being targeted by the yobs said: 'There are issues all the time with youngsters running amok.

'Some of them are only 14 years old yet they can be out in the streets until nearly midnight.

'They are a pain in the a*** a lot of the time, shouting, swearing, stealing from the corner shop and riding their bikes dangerously in the road.

'Three months ago, though, there was a serious incident outside the Premier store in which one of the youngsters was slashed by a pair of scissors.

Yobs have been accused of stealing from convenience stores and fighting in the streets late at night. Pictured are some children accused of acting anti-socially

Julie Evans, 65, (pictured) who runs the Five Bells pub in the centre of the beleaguered village, said: 'They're kids at the end of the day, that's all they are'

Pictured: A convenience store on Hoo High Street where locals have complained of 'feral' youths running amok

Susan Chell, 78, said: 'I definitely don't go out at night anymore, I don't open my door to anyone once the sun has gone down'

It comes as owners of a sleepy village shop besieged by 'feral' children who have threatened to spray them with acid and bomb their store have said a police clampdown is finally starting to work.

The family-run business, which has been operating for nearly 20 years, says it has seen a surge in anti-social behaviour in recent months, which has only got worse.

One of the owners said: 'There was an incident about a year ago where one of them sprayed me with liquid - it turned out to be water but they said it was acid, and you never know what they have in those bottles.

'People have definitely got more aggressive, I notice it most when I ask them for ID.

'If they come in and try to buy cigarettes or vapes or whatever, obviously I have to check them, but they get angry, mouthing off.

'They have said racist insults to us, threatened to bomb the place, burn it down, smash the windows in, told us they're going to come get us after work.

'Everyone working here has experienced something like that at least once.'

The unruly rabble - some whom appear to be in their tweens - have been seen heckling workers while others hurl water at staff from outside.

Others have reportedly acted in a more sinister way, with workers saying one youth threatened someone with a plastic knife, sparking fears a real blade could soon be used if the groups are not quickly deterred.

The shopkeepers, who wished to remain anonymous, previously accused Kent Police of not doing enough to tackle the problem plaguing the streets of Hoo.

The mayhem has left pensioners too terrified to venture at night, with some fearing they will be jumped by the school-aged delinquents when the sun goes down (general view)

Pictured: Julie Evans, 65, who runs the Five Bells pub in the centre of the beleaguered village

Staff at the shop in Hoo claim they receive daily verbal abuse from the yobs and say they have had display stands thrown at them as the initial threats of violence grows more real (Pictured: A view of Hoo's high street)

However, now they have said that police have stepped up patrols - and the heightened presences of officers was having an effect.

The shopkeeper added: 'We only let two kids in at a time, and if it's a troublesome kid we just let one in.

'We try to never have less than two staff members here at a time.

'It's us and the Spar, then there's a parade of shops up the road who are always having problems but they never report it.

'We tell them all the time, you need to report it so the incidents are logged, but they don't listen.

'It was pretty bad over Easter, and I imagine it will be again during the summer holidays, but we have had a local police officer around which may have helped a bit, we haven't seen them for a couple weeks.

The other owner added: 'This is a small community, so we will usually try and go to the parents directly if we know their kid has been in here and caused problems.

'Some parents are okay, some are like 'not my problem'.

'We got in touch with all the local schools, sent them videos of what happened, and they pretty much all got back to us straight away.

A family-run business, which has been operating for nearly 20 years in the village, has faced a surge in anti-social behaviour in recent months. Pictured are some children accused of acting anti-socially

Pictured: A general view of Hoo High Street that has been affected by anti-social behaviour

Julie Evans is seen outside of her pub the Five Bells in Hoo

'It's just worrying because we have older customers who now won't come out during the school holidays anymore because they're scared something is going to happen.

'They'll just restrict themselves to when the kids are in school, which is no life.'

Last year, CCTV footage from the store captured a disgruntled customer who was allegedly refused service after previously throwing bags of sweets and display stands at the owner before fleeing.

'Another time, someone was caught stealing multiple times from this shop,' the owners added.

'One day he tried to come in, and we saw him before he came to the door so we pushed him out. He rang the police and said we assaulted him, and officers actually came out.'

Keith Ferguson, 51, a local barber, has had some dealings with the troublesome yobs.

He said: 'The main thing I had with them was six months ago, they came and banged on this big window.

'I went out there and told them to stop because it was stupid, if that had broken and someone had been killed it would be such a stupid way to go to prison.

'Then after that they found it like a game, so they kept coming and tapping, and I basically had to say to help 'look, stop or I will actually have to call the police' and they did stop.

Pictured is a group of youths who were seen on CCTV acting antisocially

A general view of Hoo High Street which locals say is being terrorised by feral youths

Picture shows a pair of shops in the sleepy village of Hoo which has been affected by the behaviour

'A camera was put in about two years ago and that does stop kids congregating in big groups here - but I think they just go to the park instead.'

When asked if they had ever faced any issues with groups of teenagers at the store Keith mentioned, the owner said they never have problems with them.

But, a local pensioner, Susan Chell, 78, said: 'I definitely don't go out at night anymore, I don't open my door to anyone once the sun has gone down.

'It's got worse over the years, it never used to be like that. I think it's all this housing they're building - lots of people coming down from London.'

Elizabeth Reed, 70, who works in a flower shop, said: 'The kids mainly seem to behave but when they're on their scooters there could be two or three on one, doing wheelies - someone is going to get killed.

'We tried to report it and the police said they'd do extra patrols, but we've never seen them.'

Another member of the public, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, said: 'When my husband was alive he was always worried about the big groups.

Following the most recent incident on April 12, the force says officers attended and enquiries were completed, including speaking to witnesses

Independent Councillor Ron Sands, 72, told MailOnline that the lack of policing in the area meant the yobs would continue to 'push the boundaries'

'I haven't seen anything myself but they do come here to sit at the park, and I have heard about bad behaviour.'

But, there are some members of the community attempting to give local kids something better to do with their time.

Julie Evans, 65, who runs the Five Bells pub in the centre of the beleaguered village, said: 'They're kids at the end of the day, that's all they are.

'There are bad apples in every generation. But it doesn't help that they don't have anything to do.

'I see them hanging out on the grass, but they never cause any damage and I think sometimes it's been blown out of proportion.

'But, I do think they need something better to do with their time, so I started a darts club for them.

'We have a couple of age groups and honestly, you should see them, they all think they're the next Luke Littler - and some of them are.

'One of the nine-year-olds who comes down is unbeatable, he's so good.

'I even have adults who play in the grown up darts competition on Thursdays come and teach them.

'It's 2, we give them free juice and it keeps them busy - and honestly, if they keep it up, they could be the next Luke Littler.

A spokesman for Kent Police said it had received reports of anti-social behaviour involving young people at the business and that an investigation is underway (Pictured: Hoo High Street)

'I think instead of complaining about the kids hanging around you have to give them something to do that's productive.'

Independent Councillor Ron Sands, 72, previously told MailOnline the lack of policing in the area meant the yobs would continue to 'push the boundaries'.

He said: 'The majority of the children in the village are really good kids and quite polite. They just get on with being children.

'I'm not 100 per cent sure if this group are actually from our village or a neighbouring one, but they have come in and are trying to make some statement. They think they are untouchable at this moment in time.'

Mr Sands, who has lived in Hoo his entire life, says he has pushed for police to increase their presence in the area, otherwise he fears people 'may take it into their own hands'.

A spokesman for Spar UK told MailOnline: 'We take the safety of our team members and shoppers very seriously and are aware of a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour that have been reported at our store in Hoo, Kent.

'We have been working with the local authorities to report these issues and ensure we are able to provide a safe and welcoming environment to serve the local community.'

A spokesman for Kent Police said it had received reports of anti-social behaviour involving young people at the business and that an investigation is underway.

Following the most recent incident on April 12, the force says officers attended and enquiries were completed, including speaking to witnesses.

They also reviewed CCTV after a group of children entered the store and allegedly threw liquid from a plastic bottle.

The District Commander for Medway, Chief Inspector Garry Cook, said: Antisocial behaviour is committed by a minority of people, but can have a wide-reaching impact on a community, including local businesses.

We have received concerns about children behaving in a disorderly manner in the rural village of Hoo. Our neighbourhood policing model means we have additional police officers and PCSOs who are focused on these local issues and can respond swiftly and effectively to protect the public.

An investigation is underway into a business that has reportedly been targeted. Officers are working with schools and youth groups to identify those responsible. Parents of children involved in the disorder can expect to be visited by their beat constables who will be considering a range of enforcement options.

At the same time, our neighbourhood team has conducted additional patrols and enforcement activity in the area, whilst stopping and searching suspects and executing search warrants at addresses connected to drug supply and criminal activity. This will continue until residents advise us their quality of life has returned to normal.

A SPAR UK spokesperson said: 'At SPAR UK we take the safety of our team members and shoppers very seriously and are aware of a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour that have been reported at our store in Hoo, Kent.

'We have been working with the local authorities to report these issues and ensure we are able to provide a safe and welcoming environment to serve the local community.'
The death of a parachutist during a skydive is being investigated amid fears that she may have deliberately taken her own life, its understood.

Jade Damarell, 32, a highly experienced skydiver who had safely accomplished more than 400 previous jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the weekend.

Ms Damarell, a married marketing manager, lost her life while parachuting with Sky High Skydiving in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday morning.

Police and emergency services were called to nearby Wreford's Farm, where she landed, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Initial reports had assumed Jades death was a tragic accident.

But last night SkyHigh Skydiving issued a statement saying that her death is suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'.

A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 involving a valued member of our community.

The death of a parachutist during a skydive is being investigated amid fears that she may have deliberately taken her own life, its understood. Jade Damarell (pictured) died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the weekend

Ms Damarell, a marketing manager, lost her life while parachuting with Sky High Skydiving in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday morning. Pictured: Ms Damarell skydiving on a previous occasion

Initial reports had assumed Jades death was a tragic accident. But last night SkyHigh Skydiving issued a statement saying that her death is suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. Pictured: Ms Damarell (left) with her mother

'All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.

'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss.

'At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.'

The centre added: 'If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.'

Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances .

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson confirmed: 'A woman sadly died following a skydiving incident near Peterlee.

'Police officers and colleagues from the ambulance service were called to the incident in Shotton Colliery at around 10.30am on Sunday.

'Sadly, a woman in her 30s was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.'

Police and emergency services were called to nearby Wreford's Farm, where she landed, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: Ms Damarell (right) and her mother

A friend of Ms Damarell, from Shotton, Co Durham, said: 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year'

A friend of Ms Damarell, from Shotton, Co Durham, said: 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community.

'She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.'

One person is believed to have witnessed the horror.

A file has been passed to the coroner and an inquest into Ms Damarell's death will be opened in due course.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'We were called to an incident at Shotton Colliery in County Durham on Sunday 27 April at 10:17.

'We dispatched one ambulance crew and one specialist paramedic to the incident.'

Wreford Farm released a statement via Facebook, which read: 'Tragically, last Sunday 27/4/25 a woman lost her life after a parachute incident/accident, please join us in saying a prayer for her and her family, we ask the Lord to accept her into the kingdom of heaven and strength to her family.

'We ask for our own and farms privacy for this deeply upsetting matter to be respected. God bless.'

It is the third skydiving fatality in the Peterlee area since 2016.

Sam Cornwell died during a jump at the South West Industrial Estate in April 2024.

And in September 2016, 49-year-old Pamela Gower, from Hebburn, died during a charity skydive at Peterlee Parachute Centre.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
As Mrs Bill Gates, one half of one of the world's wealthiest couples, Melinda had long stood in the shadows  a quiet, stoic support to her powerhouse husband and a stolid promoter of their shared philanthropic causes.

What a difference a divorce makes.

Because suddenly Melinda French Gates is everywhere  on the cover of People and on the sofas of TV chat shows. Sheathed in body-con dresses, her hair newly honeyed while pushing her new book 'The Next Day'... and giving a masterclass in revenge in the process.

The 60-year-old, who ended her 27-year marriage to Microsoft founder Bill Gates in 2021 has ostensibly pitched her much anticipated book as a 'coping with change' handbook.

But let's get real, it's also a score-settling memoir in which she drip feeds disses on her allegedly errant ex, reminding us of Bill's betrayals and inadequacies in column inches that make it clear - life without him has never been so good.

From reminiscences over the tech titan's association with Jeffrey Epstein, to his admitted affair with a former Microsoft colleague, it seems this eternal do-gooder is subtly channeling her inner Mean Girl.

Appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert two weeks ago, Melinda reflected on her marriage to the man she met after joining Microsoft as a multimedia product developer in 1987.

'I learned that to have a trusted relationship, which is what I wanted in the marriage, both partners have to be honest with one another,' she said. 'And if you can't, you can't have intimacy and you can't have trust. So, in the end, I had to go.'

Suddenly Melinda French Gates is everywhere  on the cover of People and on the sofas of TV chat shows. Sheathed in body-con dresses, her hair newly honeyed while pushing her new book 'The Next Day'... and giving a masterclass in revenge in the process.

The 60-year-old, who ended her 27-year marriage to Microsoft founder Bill Gates in 2021 has ostensibly pitched her much anticipated book as a 'coping with change' handbook. (Melinda and Bill Gates are pictured in 2018).

From reminiscences over the tech titan's association with Jeffrey Epstein , to his admitted affair with a former Microsoft colleague, it seems this eternal do-gooder is subtly channeling her inner mean girl. (The pair are pictured in 1998).

Yes, weak, devious, disappointing Bill. The snide barbs of a woman scorned? Not really - more a shrewd takedown from a women reborn. Looking sleek and strong, with a new younger man on her arm and the moral high ground beneath her feet, Martyr Melinda is on a roll.

Not surprisingly her ex-husband's association with Epstein looms large. Gates first met with the convicted pedophile in 2011 and saw him several times  spending time at his Manhattan townhouse on at least three occasions - apparently to discuss global health initiatives.

They are meetings Gates has since described as a, 'huge mistake.'

By contrast Melinda, keen to highlight her superior judgement, met him 'exactly one time,' in 2013 at his New York home, an encounter she subsequently said left her, 'unsettled.'

She's touched on this before. Speaking to Gayle King on CBS This Morning in 2022 she said, 'I regretted it the second I walked in the door. He was abhorrent. He was evil personified. My heart breaks for these women.'

But apparently Melinda's of a mind that, if it's worth saying once, it's worth saying again and then committing to the pages of your memoir just for good measure.

Of course, the usually discreet mother of three, who co-chaired the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation  the world's second largest charitable organization - is only talking about the divorce because it would be 'inauthentic not to,' in a book that's all about change and transitions.

Quite. Especially when there's so much material.

Appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert two weeks ago, Melinda reflected on her marriage to the man she met after joining Microsoft as a multimedia product developer in 1987.

The usually discreet mother of three is only talking about the divorce because it would be 'inauthentic not to,' in a book that's all about change and transitions. (Pictured: Bill and Melinda are pictured with their three kids, Phoebe, Jennifer and Rory).

There's relish in revelations that she dumped a 'sad and upset' Bill over burgers in their usual restaurant. Elsewhere, the man at heart of the digital revolution is reduced to a gormless gump.

His failings are many; from a wedding cake-cutting faux pas - instead of cutting one piece and feeding it to his bride, 'like every other groom in history,' Melinda writes, Bill thought he had to cut a piece for everyone - to leaving her at the hospital to return to the office as she went into labor with their first child, only to reappear later, reeking of burgers. Well, at least it wasn't perfume.

'It made me feel nauseous,' the Dallas native recalls in her book, before the final sting, 'I spent most of that magical day cheerfully alone.' Ouch.

Yes, French Gates has mastered the art of the restrained rebuke. When asked to comment on reports that Bill had been unfaithful during the marriage, she replied pointedly that that was one for Bill to answer.

Then there's that intriguing, 'We're friendly, not friends,' summary of the pair's current relations. It perhaps explains why she left their joint foundation last year to focus on Pivotal Ventures, the women's rights focused philanthropic and investment firm she founded in 2015.

But the real slam dunk is new boyfriend Philip Vaughn, a craft beer entrepreneur with whom she was first pictured in New York last autumn.

'It's pretty great,' a beaming Melinda told Stephen Colbert, while basking in audience applause and, no doubt, the satisfaction of another perfectly pitched punch.

You see, at 48, Vaughn is a significantly younger upgrade on creaky Gates (turning 70 this year) but far removed from the cougar/carer dynamic of toyboy collectors like Madonna and Cher with himbos young enough to be their grandsons.

So where does all this leave Bill? While Melinda's post-divorce new chapter is framed as a thriving rebirth of learning, the world's fourth richest man is full of regrets.

There's relish in revelations that French Gates (pictured here with her daughter Phoebe) dumped a 'sad and upset' Bill over burgers in their usual restaurant. Elsewhere, the man at heart of the digital revolution is reduced to a gormless gump.

But the real slam dunk is new boyfriend Philip Vaughn (pictured with French Gates), a craft beer entrepreneur with whom she was first pictured in New York last autumn.

Speaking to Savannah Guthrie on TODAY back in 2022, Gates wearily agreed to 'making mistakes.' He also revealed how the last of his three children  22-year-old Phoebe, younger sister to Rory, 25 and Jennifer, 30 - was leaving home and leaving him with a 'big empty nest,' an allusion to Xanadu 2.0, the 66,000 square foot complex in Medina, Washington, he'd be rattling around in.

Interestingly, Bill was stumped when asked what he had learned from the divorce and still seemed to be clinging to the crumbs of his former union.

'I feel lucky to have that with her,' he said of their joint charitable organization - the one which Melinda would leave two years later.

He has since 'moved on' - albeit with 60-something philanthropist and Melinda clone, Paula Hurd, the widow of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd.

Meanwhile, Melinda is finding joy in listening to songbirds, which is always easy to do when your main concern is how to give away your $30.2 billion fortune.

It's the sort of wholesome observation people expect from a woman who seems to be more focused on social justice than flaunting the latest label.

But, by biding her time, Melinda has shown there's more to her than meets the eye and proved that in the long game of post break-up one upmanship she's the winner.
A little girl is fighting massive injuries in hospital after she was almost killed when a car that took the lives of four other people plowed into her.

Ella Orsi, seven, was at the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, when a Jeep smashed through the wall about 3.20pm on Monday.

Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both seven, Ainsley Grace Johnson, eight, and Rylee Britton, 18, died and six other children were injured.

Ella was one of the most badly hurt, suffering facial fractures, a broken jaw, damaged teeth, brain swelling, and brain bleeding.

The junior dancer, who was in the same class at Studio M Dance Centre as Ainsley, is recovering in the PICU - heavily medicated with a tube helping her breathe.

Family friend Casey Sitko said Ella had so far avoided needing brain surgery, but would need plastic surgery to repair her face, starting later this week.

'Ella has been responsive and communicating by squeezing her parents hands. She opened her eyes briefly [on Tuesday],' she said.

'Ella is an absolute joy to be around. She loves to have fun, make jokes, and laugh! Her smile is infectious, and we can't wait to see it again.'

Ella Orsi, 7, was at the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois , when a Jeep smashed through the wall

Ella was one of the most badly hurt, suffering facial fractures, a broken jaw, damaged teeth, brain swelling, and brain bleeding

Sitko raised $56,000 for Ella's recovery and a separate page attracted $188,000 for all the victims of the crash.

Marianne Akers was behind the wheel of the black Jeep when it rammed straight through a field in front of the building, then through one wall and out the other.

Akers, 44, was filmed in handcuffs, with her hair in a messy bun and wearing a dark grey T-shirt. She was uninjured despite crashing through a wall.

But police said she was taken to a local hospital for evaluation with toxicology results still pending, and was not under arrest.

'Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation,' Illinois State Police said.

The Chatham Police Department debunked rampant social media rumors that Akers was drunk and failed a field sobriety test after the crash.

'This is not true. Please stop sharing this,' the department's Facebook page commented on a post claiming Akers was arrested for a suspected DUI.

Akers was a food service worker at Chatham Elementary School and is a mother of two children - a teenage boy and girl.

She now works for the Illinois Department of Transportation's Bureau of Business Services, and was at the Illinois State Police from June 2006 to August 2018.

ISP, which is investigating the crash, said Akers was not an officer or investigator, and no one she worked with was still there.

Ainsley Johnson, 7, was killed when she was run over by a car that crashed into her after school program in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday

Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, was also killed along with another little girl, and an 18-year-old woman

School food service worker Marianne Akers was behind the wheel of a car that plowed through an after-school program and killed three young kids and a teen

Ainsley's grandfather Galen Johnson mourned her online with a photo of her in an adorable fancy dress outfit.

'Words alone cannot express the pain we in the Johnson family are feeling with the loss of granddaughter Ainsley Grace Johnson. Love you "Squirt!"' he wrote.

Ainsley was a dancer at Studio M Dance Centre, where her teacher Mariah Clark promised to always remember her.

'Ainsley brought so much light and joy into my class, she always gave me a little hip-hop tude and I lived for it,' she said.

'Her smile was so bright, her personality was already so big at such a young age, and she danced like she meant it. I will forever keep Ainsley in my heart.'

Ainsley's obituary announced her funeral would be on Friday afternoon at Springfield First United Methodist Church in Springfield, Illinois.

'Ainsley was a lover of music and would often sing along to any song she heard. She would even take her dads airpods while he was out mowing the grass to listen along with him,' it read.

'She also loved art, make up, swimming, boating, and spending time at the lake. Ainsley always looked forward to vacations with her family and knowing she could spend her moms money on things she wanted.'

Britton, who was soon to study English and secondary education at Iowa University, was one of the high school seniors who helped run the program.

She was a senior at Glenwood High School and like many of the student staff, planned to be a teacher.

'One of my favorite things about her was how she was unconditionally nice to everyone,' a classmate said.

'She was super intelligent and always made people laugh.'

Akers, 44, was filmed in handcuffs, with her hair in a messy bun and wearing a dark grey T-shirt, but police said she was taken to a local hospital for evaluation with toxicology results still pending, and was not under arrest

Ainsley's grandfather Galen Johnson mourned her online with a photo of her in an adorable fancy dress outfit (left). Alma is pictured right with her brother

Rylee Britton, 18, was one of the high school seniors who helped run the program and was killed along with the three children

A memorial for Britton featuring her senior class photo

Three of the victims were hit by the Jeep as they stood outside the building, while the fourth person who died was inside the building, police said.

The six injured children were rushed to hospital, including one with injuries so severe they had to be airlifted for treatment.

'Postmortem procedures done today indicate that they all died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the incident,' Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said.

Akers is understood to have crashed her car into the east side of the school facility with such force that it burst out the other side seconds later.

'The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but this does not appear to be a targeted attack,' Illinois State Police said.

The program is designed for school-aged children and is run by college students and 'very mature' high school seniors - most of whom have ambitions themselves of one day becoming educators.

A fundraiser for the victims and their families has already attracted more than $75,000 in donations.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his horror on Monday afternoon, writing: 'Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time.

'Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them.

'Let's wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.'

The car drove straight through the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday about 3.20pm

Akers' damaged black Jeep after it was pulled out of the building

Devastated locals recalled the moment their neighbors, friends, and loved ones learned of the tragedy and rushed to the scene.

'Watching people you know sprint past your house, not knowing if their children are safe, is a gut-wrenching experience. My heart aches for everyone,' one wrote.

Employees and volunteers at the local blood bank, Impact Life, urged locals to give blood this week, as they drained much of their stockpile helping victims of the crash.

'After the tragic events today the blood bank is running low, please if your able go donate,' one woman wrote.

Another said: 'I work at the Blood Center, and we had to pack up so much of our supply for this, so please if you can donate blood, platelets, any of it, go do it.'

Illinois Senator Doris Turner said she was 'heartbroken' by the tragedy.

'When we drop our kids off in the morning, we should always have the utmost belief that they will come home safely at the end of the day,' she wrote.

'For some families, that belief was shaken today following the tragedy at YNOT in Chatham.

YNOT is a summer and after school camp offering three hours of care for busy parents with little ones

Akers is understood to have crashed her car into the east side of the school facility with such force that it burst out the other side seconds later

Madison Foster, 10, points out the flowers and plush bunny she left for the victims

'I am heartbroken - there truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling and will feel for days, weeks and months to come.

'I want to thank the first responders, law enforcement and volunteers.'

The local Chick-Fil-A has offered all first responders a free meal on Monday and Tuesday in response to the tragedy.

YNOT, which stands for Youth Needing Other Things, is a summer and after school camp offering three hours of care for busy parents with little ones.

The Chatham Baptist Church has become the makeshift reunification point for families who have children at YNOT.
It was the week before Christmas, and within the gilded walls of his Florida palace, one man was giddy with delight.

'EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!' boasted Donald Trump, hours after dining with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Bezos, the second richest person in the world, had made the Mar-a-Lago pilgrimage with his fiancee Lauren Sanchez. Midway through their evening, Elon Musk, the richest, joined their table.

President-elect Trump was basking in the glow of acceptance.

Fast forward four months, and the picture is less rosy. Bezos and Sanchez's much-hyped wedding is now but weeks away. The happy couple have reportedly repaid Trump's Mar-a-Lago welcome and invited him to their upcoming Venice extravaganza this June.

But for richer or poorer, will President Trump show up? Bezos and Trump's own bizarre 'bromance' appears to be on the rocks.

As the 100-day milestone of Trump's second term approached, the president was effusive on Monday, telling The Atlantic that Bezos is '100 percent. He's been great.'

But on Tuesday, the 100th day itself, a report emerged suggesting that the world's largest online retailer, Amazon, would begin displaying the additional costs that Trump's raging tariff war has layered on top of the products they sold.

Leavitt said Amazon's decision to disclose tariff-incurred costs on product listings is 'a hostile and political act.'

Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez (left) attended the president's inauguration in January.

The White House erupted: Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary, called the move 'a hostile and political act' and a furious Trump picked up the phone. Bezos managed to calm the allegedly 'p*ssed' president, explaining that the reporting was wrong.

Trump, suitably soothed, said later that afternoon that Bezos 'solved the problem very quickly' and 'did the right thing', adding: 'He's a good guy. I've gotten to know him over the last couple of years, and he's done a fantastic job. I appreciated what he did.'

Yet a lingering sense remains that this awkward new alliance could be over well before the Bezos-Sanchez armada sails into Italy.

Bezos, 61, was never a political animal. He has described himself as a libertarian and has donated to both Democrats and Republicans. He also reportedly dislikes DC schmoozing, sees glad-handing as a waste of his time, and rarely votes.

However, the $200billion-man bought The Washington Post in 2013 for $250million, placing him in the center of the political arena  and instigating his first public clash with future president.

During the 2016 presidential election, despite Bezos's insistence that he was not involved in the editorial decisions of the paper, Trump refused to accept that he could be so detached and held Bezos personally responsible for their aggressive reporting.

'The @washingtonpost, which loses a fortune, is owned by @JeffBezos for purposes of keeping taxes down at his no profit company, @amazon,' Trump tweeted in December 2015.

Bezos responded.

'Finally trashed by @realDonaldTrump,' he replied. 'Will still reserve him a seat on the Blue Origin rocket. #sendDonaldtospace.'

He may have come to regret that glib response.

Bezos's pained expression in December 2016, as he was summoned to Trump Tower with other tech leaders, spoke volumes.

'Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com. Super excited about the possibilities; this could be the innovation administration,' he said, as Trump went around the table asking some of the most famous men in human history to introduce themselves.

Amazon will reportedly start to display the additional costs incurred by Trump's tariffs.

Bezos (right) attended an American Technology Council roundtable in the White House in 2017. Here, he is pictured speaking with Trump (left) and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (center).

Bezos, the second richest person in the world, had made the Mar-a-Lago pilgrimage with his fiancee Lauren Sanchez . Midway through their evening, Elon Musk, the richest, joined their table.

But Bezos's civility only accomplished so much.

In July 2017, when Anthony Scaramucci was appointed White House director of communications, Trump's resentment was apparent, writes Dana Mattioli in The Everything War: Amazon's Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power. Scaramucci told her Trump called him into the Oval Office and asked point blank: 'Can we break up Amazon? I hate this son of a b***h Jeff Bezos and I hate the Washington Post.'

The following year Trump scapegoated Amazon for the postal service's faltering finances, and when Bezos's affair with Sanchez was revealed in January 2019 in the National Enquirer, Trump gleefully mocked 'Jeff Bozo.'

Perhaps, Bezos breathed a sigh of relief as Trump grudgingly departed Washington after the 2020 election. But if the business magnate was comforted it was short-lived. For Joe Biden, champion of unions and critic of tech monopolies, was little warmer to Bezos than his predecessor.

Jay Carney, Barack Obama's ex-press secretary and a former Biden aide, who became Amazon's communications chief on leaving the White House in 2016, was reduced to begging Biden's staff for an invite to a roundtable, Mattioli writes.

But for Bezos, the tide had truly turned by July 2024. Mattioli reveals that was the moment he picked up the phone to his former arch enemy, to encourage him to name former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his vice president.

Burgum had founded an accountancy software company which was bought by Microsoft in 2001 for $1.1 billion in stock, after which he became a senior vice president at Microsoft and a competitor and friend of Jeff Bezos at the tech rival Amazon.

Trump ignored Bezos's advice on vice presidents, but the olive branch was well received. And the thaw began in earnest.

By the time of the 2024 election, Bezos's newspaper had controversially  and abruptly  ended its policy of endorsing presidential candidates (historically, Democratic presidential candidates) and when Trump's victory was announced, Bezos leapt on social media to praise the president's 'extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory'.

Mattioli called Bezos's 'complete 180' astonishing.

'It's as dramatic as any we've seen in corporate America,' she told the Daily Mail. 'Bezos was so apolitical he didn't want to waste his time meeting members of Congress.

Sanchez and Bezos, pictured speaking with Elon Musk (left), attended a Trump-hosted candlelit dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, in January.

Steve Anderson, author of 'The Bezos Letters,' said it was unlikely for Trump to attend the lovebirds' wedding.

But Mattioli, who spoke to 600 sources for her book, said those who know Bezos describe him as extremely pragmatic.

'He's a very difficult boss, demanding, and not so nice,' she said. 'But he also knows how to turn on the charm and ingratiate himself with people.'

In this he is certainly assisted by his bride-to-be.

In 2020, Sanchez, now 55, also began to reconsider Trumpworld: she asked Trump's former campaign chief Kellyanne Conway on advice for dealing with the media. 'Please, have you looked in the mirror?' Conway reportedly replied. 'People are jealous of you.'

Fast-forward to June 2024 and Sanchez struck up a friendship with Ivanka Trump, 43, after they both attended Kim Kardashian's birthday party in Beverly Hills.

They're now neighbors on the exclusive Indian Creek island in Miami. Bezos and Sanchez own three of the 40 lots in the gated compound, worth $237 million, and announced in 2023 they were abandoning Seattle and making Miami their permanent home.

Sanchez is also friends with Bettina Anderson, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr: Anderson lavished praise on Sanchez after her much-mocked space jaunt with Katy Perry, calling her 'my incredible friend'.

And the ties are inter-generational: next year Sanchez's son Evan Whitesell, 18, will start at the University of Miami alongside Kai Trump, Don Jr's daughter.

Does all this mean that Trump's presence at the wedding is likely?

Don't bet on it, says Steve Anderson, author of 'The Bezos Letters.' In wedding planning, as in politics, eight weeks is a very long time.

'Bezos and Trump are very different in their approaches, but they both understand the power of decisive action,' said Anderson. 'I think rather than the two men being allies, they are two leaders who can find common ground when necessary. I suspect they are not friends.'

Though, he cautioned, 'I wouldn't be surprised if other incidents like this came up.'
FBI agents who were photographed kneeling during a Washington DC protest in the wake of George Floyd's 2020 death have been reassigned.

The female agents from the now infamous photo are now in supervisory positions, which many inside the bureau view as a demotion, according to the New York Times.

At least four had been in senior roles, including in counterterrorism, counterintelligence and cybercrimes, when they learned in recent days they would be reassigned, the Washington Post reports.

Insiders told CNN the FBI offered no explanation for changing their roles to less coveted positions.

But the change comes amid a broader effort by President Donald Trump's new FBI Director Kash Patel to root out what the president has called 'woke' and politicized elements within the bureau.

Some who worked on criminal cases against Trump and led field offices across the country have reportedly also been removed from their positions, often without any reason, according to the Washington Post.

The FBI has declined to comment on the staffing changes, citing its policy against discussing personnel matters.

FBI agents who were photographed kneeling during a Washington DC protest in the wake of George Floyd 's 2020 death have been reassigned

Yet some former FBI officials told CNN they worry that the recent staff changes are a sign that the bureau is bypassing its regular disciplinary process - as the agents have previously been found to have done nothing wrong.

'This notion that the bureau would go after these people, it's just disgusting,' a former official told CNN.

The agents in question had been based in DC when former police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on George Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes as he cried out that he couldn't breathe.

The viral incident sparked mass protests across the country that at times turned violent and left cities vandalized.

As the protests continued, Trump - who was in his first term in office - urged then-Attorney General Bill Barr to regain control of the streets.

Barr, in turn, ordered the FBI and other agencies to help with crowd control and to protect federal monuments.

But FBI agents are not generally trained to do crowd control, and deploying them to face off against the demonstrators raised concerns about a possible deadly confrontation.

The change comes amid a broader effort by President Donald Trump's new FBI Director Kash Patel to root out what the president has called ' woke ' and politicized elements within the bureau

On the day of the kneeling photo, some of the agents recalled a recent incident in which National Guard soldiers handled a similar confrontation and decided to take a knee in an effort to de-escalate tensions.

The plan worked, and the protesters moved on.

But when the picture was published, some of the agents were ostracized and personally attacked by their peers, according to CNN.

Some senior officials at the agency even believed the women involved put themselves and their team at a tactical disadvantage.

Top officials then reviewed the incident, and ultimately found that no disciplinary action was necessary 'because there was no violation of policy that they could point to.'

The infamous photo came amid nationwide protests in the wake of the police-involved killing of George Floyd in 2020

At times, the protests became violent and resulted in vandalism

'What the bureau asked those agents to do is go out on foot patrol, something they were never trained to do. They were asked to be police officers,' a former official told CNN.

'In no way were they making a political statement.'

A 2024 report from the Department of Justice's inspector general also found that the FBI deployments to protect the monuments 'lacked adequate planning' and 'failed to provide sufficient guidance to personnel regarding their mission and legal authorities.'

It also said that 'by sending armed agents to respond to civil unrest for which they lacked the proper training or equipment, created safety and security risks for the agents and the public.'
Claimed he would be fined $880 for sleeping in car

A homeless tradesman has demanded the government do more to combat Australia's housing crisis during a passionate rant about how the country is going backwards.

Queensland man Jeremy has been sleeping in his car for over two months while trying to find an affordable rental home on the Gold Coast.

In a video shared to TikTok, Jeremy said he could not afford to pay $450 to $500 for a room each week and had to run the risk of being fined $880 for sleeping in his car.

He slammed the housing crisis as an 'absolute joke' and took aim at the government for allowing hundreds of thousands of migrants into the country, creating a mismatch between supply and demand for housing, sending prices soaring.

'This housing crisis in Australia has become an absolute joke,' Jeremy said.

'The government needs to do something. I know there's been over 650,000 people come into this country this year.

'We've got no houses, we've got nowhere to put anyone.'

Jeremy said he ran the risk of a hefty fine every time he slept in his car as it is in breach of the Gold Coast City Council's illegal camping laws.

Gold Coast man Jeremy (pictured) said Australia has 'gone to s**t' after he was threatened with a $880 fine for sleeping in his car while he struggles with homelessness

It is illegal to sleep overnight in a vehicle parked in a public space including on roads, at parks or at the beach in Queensland, however there are no federal Australian laws that make it illegal to sleep in a car.

Those found camping illegally or sleeping in their vehicles on roads or at parks are initially asked to move on and given a small green card with details about the offence.

The initial fine for unauthorised camping is a $322.60 fine, but increases to $806 for each adult inside a vehicle for repeat offenders.

Jeremy said he can 'sleep on the ground, but not in my car'.

'I'm not even allowed to stay in my fricken car otherwise I get an $880 fine,' he said.

'I've got nowhere to go. I've had the police and council turn up, and they rock up together by the way, so you can't say nothing back or you get fricken arrested.'

'What bulls**t is this? Australia has gone to s**t.'

The City of Gold Coast Council told Daily Mail Australia it works in conjunction with Queensland Government Agencies to deal with illegal camping and homelessness.

Jeremy said he was told that he could sleep on the ground but not in his car, as sleeping in his vehicle would breach the council's unauthorised camping laws

'Individuals found to be illegally camping or who are experiencing homelessness are educated about appropriate places to sleep and are asked to move on,' it said.

'Repeat offenders may be issued a fine which can be extended to each adult in the vehicle. It is illegal to camp or sleep on roads or parks on the Gold Coast, including in a vehicle, which can carry a fine of $806 (five penalty units).'

The council advised those struggling with homelessness to seek support from the state government through the Department of Housing and Public Works.

It said it was working with relevant agencies to address the longer term consequences of persons experiencing homelessness.

But Jeremy claimed the government didn't care about the plight of everyday Aussies.

'Australia is now c**p. It's really fricken c**p and the government doesn't give a s**t. More people need to stand up against this s**t,' he said.

'I'm having a hard time. I don't know how many more Australians are having a hard time. My life's not fricken great at the moment.

'Not much I can do about it, just keep going to work. Everything is so fricken expensive. How is everyone living? Are you happy with this crap?

'All these politicians are making so much money, they don't give a s**t about us.'

The frustrated worker took aim at the government for exasperating the country's housing crisis by allowing thousands of migrants into Australia (pictured, a homeless person in Sydney)

Many viewers agreed with Jeremy, with one spending 80 per cent of their income on rent and the rest on the 'out of control' cost of living affecting groceries, bills and petrol.

'It's a disgrace and it is f***ed that you are expected to sleep on the ground. The councils, the state govts and federal govt are to blame for zero housing and then they punish citizens for being homeless,' they wrote.

'So the government cause this problem then go capitalise by fining the people that they let down... Well done Australian Government,' a second person said.

A third person chimed: 'I'm homeless too mate, living in a tent at a camping ground which is $10 a day. I struggle to pay for food and fuel. Worst of all both Liberal and Labour parties caused this and do nothing to fix it'.

A fourth added: 'People living on bread & 2 min noodles. Bet these politicians are eating their steaks and sleeping in their beds. They don't care'.

The housing crisis has been a hot topic as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton campaign for the upcoming election.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government's answer to the national housing shortage crisis was to focus on increasing supply in a pre-election interview

Mr Albanese clashed with ABC host Sarah Ferguson during a pre-election interview on 7.30 on Monday as he was grilled about Labor's housing policy.

He said the Labor government's answer to the national housing shortage crisis was to focus on increasing supply. Ms Ferguson questioned whether this would lead to drop in house prices, which Mr Albanese refuted.

'I'm looking for people to have access to good quality housing, to have the security in life that comes from having a secure roof over your head,' he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Dutton has announced a radical new housing plan.

He declared, that under a Coalition government, first-home buyers would be able to claim interest repayments as a tax deduction, on up to $650,000 of a mortgage, provided it is a brand-new property.

For the first time ever in Australia, owner-occupiers who buy a home as their primary residence would be able to claim mortgage repayments as a tax deduction.

Owner-occupiers would also be spared from having to pay any capital gains tax when they sold their principal place of residence.

Mr Dutton has vowed, that under a Coalition government, first-home buyers would be able to claim interest repayments as a tax deduction, on up to $650,000 of a mortgage, provided it is a brand-new property (the Opposition leader is pictured on Wednesday)

Both Mr Dutton and Mr Albanese are vying to secure 76 seats for their respective parties in order to govern in their own right in the 150-seat parliament.

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.

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 has not been seen in any other poll.

Labor remains the likely winner of the election, albeit with a likelihood it will need the backing of minor parites on he cro.

Mr Dutton assured his supporters that the Coalition could still win the federal election despite the unfavourable polling results. The coalition needs to gain 21 seats to secure a majority, a figure its leaders insist is still achievable.
A jogger who was caught swimming in a stranger's backyard pool several times over three months said he believed the property was a display home.

Matt, 34, was filmed on CCTV taking a dip at the home on Refinery Parade at New Farm, in Brisbane, after one of his running sessions around the neighbourhood.

Homeowner Holly Stevens shared footage online with Matt seen looking through the windows before taking his shoes and T-shirt off and going for a swim.

'We've had a man repeatedly trespassing on our property in New Farm - using our pool and breaking in through the front entrance,' she wrote.

'This has happened multiple times and is becoming increasingly concerning.'

Queensland Police issued Matt with a caution after he decided to go to the cops when he saw the footage online.

Matt said he believed the property was a 'display home' and told Channel Seven's Sunrise on Thursday he didn't see any signs of anyone living inside it.

'I had no idea,' he said.

Matt, 34, was filmed on CCTV taking a dip at the home on Refinery Parade at New Farm, in Brisbane, after his neighbourhood run

'It was immaculate. When I looked inside I thought, "This house is beautiful." There was like, you know, it is a stunning house.'

Matt said he had been feeling 'hot' after his run and needed something to cool down.

He tried to look for an outdoor facility like a shower, but found a pool instead.

'They didn't have an outdoor shower, so there was nothing I could have done about it,' he explained.

'I had to make the most of it and jump in how I was. Lucky I wasn't nude or anything like that.

'I was just hot and I saw the pool, and I just thought I would go for a swim.'

As the footage of the incident went viral, Matt said friends and family quickly recognised him and reached out.

'I was lying in bed and my phone started going off and I just had a look and it is my mate saying, "Mate, what are you doing?"' he said.

Homeowner Holly Stevens shared footage online with Matt seen looking through the windows before taking his shoes and T-shirt off and going for a swim

Matt admitted the incident looked 'dodgy' after he saw the footage and decided to go to the cops thinking he was in 'big trouble'.

He now hopes to contact the homeowners and offer an apology, although they have declined to speak with him so far.

'Hopefully we can put this behind us and go for a swim somewhere, or, I don't know, go for a drink,' he said.

A Queensland Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the issue had begun in January.

'A man has been dealt with by way of adult caution after he allegedly trespassed on a property between January 19 and April 25, in New Farm,' he said.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Ms Stevens for comment.
Deported 'MS-13 gangster' Kilmar Abrego Garcia has won the sympathy of liberals and Democrats around America after shock claims he was wrongfully sent to El Salvador alongside more than 200 hardened criminals.

But Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem delivered a hard truth to his fans on Wednesday: even if Abrego Garcia was brought back to the United States, she'd turn him around and send him straight home.

'He is an El Salvador citizen,' she told CBS. '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.'

The Trump administration initially accepted it had made a mistake in deporting Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father-of-three who arrived in the US more than a decade ago. An immigration judge previously ruled it would be unsafe for him to return.

But since then it has doubled down on its initial position that he has ties to MS-13 dating back to at least 2019, when a court document stated he'd been identified by a 'past and proven reliable source' as an 'active member' of the gang.

Beyond that, Noem and the administration argue that given he is now in his home country, he is 'not under our control.'

In response to an order from US District Judge Paula Xinis demanding the government facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the United States, Noem said: 'This individual is not under the United States of America's jurisdiction and he is not one of our citizens.

Deported 'MS-13 gangster' Kilmar Abrego Garcia has won the sympathy of liberals and Democrats around America after shock claims he was wrongfully sent to El Salvador alongside more than 200 hardened criminals

He was among 238 suspected gang members sent to the hellish CECOT prison in El Salvador

'He is home in his home country. And that's up to that country to decide what to do.'

Xinis accused the administration of making 'no meaningful effort to comply' with her orders on the case, which included asking for more information about the allegations.

'President Trump and his administration has adhered to the court and respects the court and its decisions,' Noem said.

On Wednesday night, Trump repeatedly maintained in an interview with ABC's Terry Moran that Abrego Garcia had M-S-1-3 tattooed on his hand.

Trump had posted multiple times showing knuckle tattoos, but Moran told him the actual M-S-1-3 letters and numbers had simply been photoshopped onto the image above Abrego Garcia's actual tattoos as a code to decipher them.

'Terry. Do you want me to show the picture?' Trump asks. 'He's got MS-13 on his knuckles, okay?'

Moran responds that he saw the picture, claims to 'agree to disagree again' before Trump asks if he thinks it was photoshop.

'He did have tattoos that can be interpreted that way. I'm not an expert on them,' Moran said, speaking of the actual tattoos on Garcia's knuckles.

Moran cited a photo Trump had posted multiple times showing knuckle tattoos on Garcia - who remains imprisoned in his native El Salvador. Moran said the actual MS13 was superimposed on the picture to decipher what his actual tattoos meant

Trump refuses, insisting: 'He had MS as clear as you can be. Not ''interpreted.'' This is why people no longer believe the news, because it's fake news.'

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has maintained he does not 'have the power' to send Abrego Garcia back to the United States.

Abrego Garcia was granted 'withholding of removal' status in 2019 after a judge determined his claims that he would be persecuted if her returned to El Salvador were legitimate.

While Abrego Garcia's lawyers have insisted he has never been convicted of a crime and has no criminal record, in May 2021 his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura got a restraining order against him and claimed he repeatedly beat her.

She wrote in one document: 'At this point, I am afraid to be close to him. I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he (has) left me'.

In a statement released after the allegations were made public, Vasquez said she had sought the restraining order 'out of caution' because of her previous experience with domestic violence.

She said: 'Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling. Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed.'

In 2022, he was suspected of human trafficking after police conducting a traffic stop found eight men in the back of his car.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem delivered a hard truth to his fans on Wednesday: even if Abrego Garcia was brought back to the United States, she'd turn him around and send him straight home

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has also maintained he does not 'have the power' to send Abrego Garcia back to the United States, despite the efforts of Democrats like Senator Chris Van Hollen (pictured together) and orders from judges

The Trump administration initially accepted it had made a mistake in deporting Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father-of-three who arrived in the US more than a decade ago. An immigration judge previously ruled it would be unsafe for him to return

He claimed they were construction workers he was driving interstate for his boss, but none of the men had luggage with them and they all listed Abrego Garcia's home address as their own.

Ultimately, he was not arrested and was allowed to continue on his journey.

Abrego Garcia's current deportation saga began when he was pulled over by immigration officers on March 12, 2025 and was told his immigration status had changed.

Within days he was on a plane to El Salvador and his family recognized him in CECOT from media images which showed off distinctive tattoos on his arm.
Diddy can dress to impress the jury at his upcoming sex trafficking trial after a judge ruled he could wear his own clothes.

The disgraced hip hop mogul can ditch the prison issue, tan colored top and pants next week when jury selection begins and for the remainder of the case.

But the judge set certain conditions on Diddy, who has designed his own clothing range and once won a prestigious fashion industry award.

He can only have up to five pairs of pants, shirts and socks and only two pairs of shoes - with no laces.

There was no mention of jewelry so Diddy may be able to bring the bling if he wanted.

Diddy, 55, whose real name is Sean Combs, denies sex trafficking and other charges.

Jury selection at the federal court in New York is due to begin on May 5th and opening statements on May 12th.

Diddy's lawyers made the application for him to wear clothes other than those from the grim Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is being held, to Judge Arun Subramanian.

In his ruling, the judge said: 'The defendant Sean Combs, Inmate # 37452-054, will be permitted to receive non-prison clothing at the MDC to wear for his trial scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 55, can dress to impress the jury at his upcoming sex trafficking trial after a judge ruled he could wear his own clothes. Pictured: Diddy stands as he is arraigned on a superseding indictment ahead of his May trial on sex trafficking charges on March 14

Diddy's lawyers made the application for him to wear clothes other than those from the grim Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is being held, to Judge Arun Subramanian

The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where Diddy is in custody in Brooklyn, New York

'He is permitted to have up to five button down shirts, up to five pairs of pants, up to five sweaters, up to five pairs of socks, and up to two pairs of shoes without laces to wear to court'.

Before his fall from grace Diddy was considered one of the most fashionable men on the planet.

His high point came in 2004 when he won the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for his own fashion line, Sean John, which came to prominence in the 'Bad Boy' era in the 1990s and was worn by Paris Hilton and Rihanna among others.

A feature in Vogue magazine in 2019 to mark Diddy's 50th birthday said it was 'hard to overstate the sartorial impact' he had in the fashion world.

The article said that celebrities like Cardi B and Kanye West owe their success in part to Diddy who 'stormed the gates 20 years earlier, introducing the establishment to the dominant sound of youth culture and a brash aesthetic, turning the concept of luxury on its head with an inclusive viewpoint and extroverted swagger'.

Diddy himself said that his style could be traced back to growing up in Harlem.

He said: 'Coming from Harlem, your style is everything; you can't compromise on your style. So, I didn't compromise; I was going to be straight to the point. They would feel the confidence, and they would start shooting because I was in a light phase. I was shining real bright, my energy, and just the overall frequency and vibration'.

Before his fall from grace Diddy was considered one of the most fashionable men on the planet. Pictured: Sean Combs arrives for the 2018 Met Gala on May 7, 2018, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

Diddy has already made one major change to his appearance since his arrest: he has allowed his hair to go gray and white. Pictured: Combs sits at the defense table during his pretrial conference next to Teny Geragos, member of his defense team on April 25

Diddy denies sex trafficking and other charges. Pictured: The Real White Party presented by Sean 'Diddy' Combs at the Combs' East Hampton estate on September 2, 2007

Diddy has already made one major change to his appearance since his arrest: he has allowed his hair to go gray and white.

He shocked the court earlier this year by appearing without his customary black hairstyle, with the gray making him look significantly older.

At a hearing last week Diddy's lawyers suggested their defense will be that he was a swinger but not a rapist.

Attorney Marc Agnifilo said that his client may have thought his behavior was 'appropriate' but others did not.

Prosecutors say that Diddy drugged and sexually assaulted numerous women and engaged in a decades-long racketeering operation to keep it quiet.
Shocking footage has captured the moment a man drove his Jeep off a jetty after allegedly robbing a female driver and ramming a police car.

Western Australian Police allege the 32-year-old drove a red Jeep Wrangler onto the Claremont Jetty in Perth about 10am on Wednesday.

The man's mother watched on as cops attempted to negotiate with the driver who repeatedly revved his car and yelled at officers and passersby, 9News reported.

Police allege the driver had earlier stolen something from a woman inside a car on Walter Street in Claremont while carrying a tyre iron.

Dozens of officers swarmed the jetty including negotiators, tactical response officers and a canine squad while a helicopter hovered overhead.

Police had blocked the exit of the jetty, prompting the man to allegedly ram his Jeep into their cars.

The stand-off came to a head when the man drove forward, sending his Jeep plunging into the Swan River.

Footage captured the man emerging from the half-sunken wreck and standing on the upturned Jeep as cops swarmed onto the jetty.

A man drove his Jeep off the side of a jetty after allegedly robbing a female driver and ramming a police car in a dramatic stand-off

The driver was lifted from the water by tactical response officers before being admitted to hospital under police guard

He made a desperate attempt to escape by diving back into the water.

The man was detained moments later and was seen being carried facedown along the jetty by tactical response officers.

He was admitted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital under police guard.

A North Metropolitan Health Service spokesman confirmed he was soon discharged.

Police charged the 32-year-old with one count each of armed robbery and criminal damage or destruction of property.

He was due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court later Thursday.
An Aussie driver has sparked debate after sharing a video of a roadside drug and alcohol test conducted by a police officer who was not wearing gloves.

The video posted to TikTok this week, which has over one million views, shows the officer instructing the driver on the proper way to do the test.

After taking an alcohol reading with a breathalyser, the officer then handed the driver a plastic swab to test for drugs.

'I require specimen of your saliva for a roadside saliva test. Wipe the pads along your tongue, back to the front three times, and hand the device back to me,' he said.

The video showed the officer completing both tests - which the driver later said returned negative results - without wearing gloves.

Viewers questioned whether this could potentially contaminate the test and affect their outcome.

'Cop not wearing gloves, the test will be inadmissible in court,' one person wrote.

'He wasn't wearing gloves, you can dispute it if they are not wearing clean gloves,' a second agreed.

After taking a reading to detect alcohol using a breathalyser device the officer then handed the driver a plastic swab to test for drugs - without wearing gloves (pictured)

However the initial roadside test is not used for court purposes, according to the Queensland Law Handbook.

'A roadside breath or saliva test is intended to be only an approximate test, and a positive reading provides the basis for a reasonable suspicion to be formed by police that the person has committed an offence,' the handbook states.

'This permits police to detain or transport the person for the purpose of a further breath and saliva analysis test or blood test, either at the scene or another location.'

The secondary test must be done by a different police officer or, in the case of a blood test, a medical professional.

'Once the analysis is completed, the operator is required to fill out in duplicate a certificate stating the result of the analysis and various other particulars,' it states.

'One copy is given to the officer who made the request and the other to the driver.'

With a second positive drug test, a sample is also then sent to a lab for a third test.

The tests can detect methylamphetamine, MDMA, THC (cannabis), and cocaine.

Viewers questioned whether the officer's lack of gloves would affect the integrity of the tests (pictured, a random breath test operation in Sydney)

Drivers who return a positive result can be charged with either of two offences; driving with a relevant drug present or the more serious driving under the influence of liquor or a drug, in which the driver was clearly impaired.

Both have penalties which include fines and drivers licence disqualifications, along with jail terms for serious or repeat offences.

It is unclear whether Queensland Police requires gloves to be worn by officers in either of the two roadside tests.

The standard operating procedures for NSW Police state that it is a requirement to avoid contamination, according to the guidelines.

'Under no circumstances will oral fluid or equipment used to obtain oral fluid samples be handled by police without wearing protective latex or nitrile gloves,' it states.

'Police must change protective latex gloves during tests.'

It is also a requirement in WA.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Queensland Police for further clarification.
'It is in the hundreds' replied Jade when asked how many members of a grooming gang in High Wycombe had abused her.

She is just one of scores of women across the UK who are victims of vile groups made up of mostly British-Pakistani men.

She was speaking to Anna Hall on her 90-minute documentary Groomed: A National Scandal on Channel 4, which followed five victims who had bravely told their story of grooming, sexual assault and rape and the hands of their abusers.

It also shed light on two women who began investigations into the scandal more than a decade ago and how their investigations were stopped in their tracks.

Jade was one of two victims who waived their anonymity to appear in the film in person.

Alongside fellow victim Chantelle, they told their stories of the men who took advantage of them when they were teenagers.

Jade met her abusers after she moved out of her mother's home to go and live with her father, who she described as an alcoholic and 'raging heroin addict'

It was her father's drug dealers who would invite her to parties and offer her a place to stay.

Survivor Jade remains a convicted sex offender and cannot join her own children on school trips

She said the men would get her drunk and 'make me feel special'.

Jade was placed into care when she was 14 years old. She remained in contact with the men who continued to invite her to parties.

In her interview, she showed Anna evidence of how the grooming started - hundreds of messages inviting her to various parties, which then turned into asking for sexual favours.

She said: 'I have gone home with black eyes, ran up the road naked to try and get away and they have picked me up.'

Asked by Anna how many men abused her, she replied: 'It is in the hundreds, but I try not to go there.'

In 2009, police became concerned about Jade after she had continuously gone missing from her home. They placed her on a police protection warning, which would force officers to investigate if she were missing again.

A few weeks later, Jade and a friend attended one of the parties. She told Anna she woke up to police surrounding her.

Jade was arrested and subsequently convicted for inciting sexual activity on a minor.

In her 90-minute film Groomed: A National Scandal, investigative reporter Anna Hall spoke to victims of grooming gangs, including Jade and Chantelle (pictured)

Less than a month after police had put her under a protection order, she had been arrested on grooming charges. She had turned from a victim to a criminal in the eyes of the law.

She served 14 months and was placed on the sex offenders' register, leaving her unable to have contact with people under 18  even though she was under 18 herself.

To this day, Jade remains a convicted sex offender. Her abusers have never faced criminal charges.

She said: 'He is still walking free, having a happy life with his wife and kids.

'I have never been able to experience a school trip with my kids because they do a CRB check. They still class me as a sex offender.'

A report that identified more than 300 young women at risk from Asian grooming gangs in Rotherham was blasted as 'toxic' by the Home Office.

Youth worker Jayne Senior helped author the report, having initially been tasked to investigate what was then known as 'child prostitutes'.

Asked by Hall whether the report's allegations were ignored because the perpetrators were 'overwhelmingly British-Pakistani'.

Senior replied: 'I was told on more than one occasion that I needed to stop rocking the multicultural boat. We were talking about children that were being exploited, trafficked, tortured, raped.'

Anna Hall spoke to five victims of grooming gangs as well as two women who were silenced in their investigations into the vile criminals

The documentary also followed Detective Constable Maggie Oliver, who in 2003 was tasked with heading up Operation Augusta - a police operation into grooming gangs in Manchester.

Their investigation found perpetrators of grooming were almost exclusively Asian adult males associated with the restaurant trade and their crimes ranged from assault, to rape and manslaughter.

In 2004, she met with survivor Steph - one of 57 victims identified in the operation.

While on a car ride together, Steph had spotted a car she recognised as belonging to her abuser. A man who had imprisoned and raped her in a flat in Manchester for two days.

She then saw him get out of the familiar car, too.

Maggie returned to the station and searched the man's car on the police database. She was then contacted by internal investigations, who asked why she had searched the man's vehicle.

In a shocking revelation, she was told her team could not continue to investigate the man, as he was a serving police officer who was under investigation.

Later that year, Maggie had to take compassionate leave due to her husband's illness. When she returned in 2005, Operation Augusta had been shut down.

Survivor Chantelle was groomed and raped by a gang in Manchester from age 11

It was a decision that Greater Manchester Police came to later apologise for and has now made efforts to contact victims who were previously identified.

Many believe that vile grooming gangs are a ghost of the past, however the film also featured an account from Scarlett, who was still being exploited by a gang just two years ago.

In 2022 she was trafficked for sex across the country, in Wolverhampton, Bradford, Birmingham and Dudley.

Concerned for her welfare, Scarlett's father Marlon had his daughter taken into care.

However, this did not stop her from becoming a target of the groups who exploited her.

In the bedroom of her Tameside care home, she was instructed to cut crack cocaine for the gang and distribute it to buyers.

Her father said: 'This was a care home which Tameside children's services instructed us to go to and paid for.'

Chantelle, now in her 30s, is another survivor who gave her real name and appeared on screen.

Chantelle was targeted by a grooming gang in Manchester when she was 11 years old

Alongside her brothers and sisters, she was moved into care age eight.

By age 11, they were moved to Manchester, where she said men began appearing outside the children's home.

She began what she believed was a relationship with a man aged in his 20s while she was at least nine years her senior.

He asked her to perform oral sex on himself and other men in his car.

Chantelle said her abuser gave her gifts of an expensive ring, clothes and a mobile phone.

When she bravely went to the police to tell them about the sexual abuse she had suffered, they confiscated her phone and ring. Police said Chantelle was a child prostitute and was putting herself at risk.

To this day, Chantelle's abusers have never been charged.

As previously reported, the film also shone a light on protestors who have denounced grooming gang trials as racist.

Campaigners have said that convicted offenders have been wrongly accused

The organiser of a group called Fighting For Fair Trials, who says many offenders have been wrongly imprisoned, has now condemned the derogatory phrases used by others in online chats.

But Samira Khan told MailOnline that supporters were justified in speaking out against girls and young women they feel have made up claims about alleged predators.

She was speaking as a new Channel 4 documentary was released.

One video clip included in the programme shows her convicted rapist brother Irfan Khan complaining about being behind bars - saying it was 'unfair', although he was not heard calling women names.

Exchanges recorded from chats during TikTok livestreams include comments such as 'The Rochdale thing is a lie. There were no grooming gangs.'

One woman is heard saying, 'The judge was a number one idiot', before a man comments: 'The minute you've been charged, you're guilty.'

Another woman quoted says: 'People get less for murder. Most of these "victims"  not all of them again, most of them  are absolute liars.'

Comments shown written in a private WhatsApp group accessed by the Channel 4 documentary makers include 'Accuser is not a victim', 'She's a known prostitute', 'Sick cow' and 'These lying b****es'.

Other remarks include 'Dirty stinking f***ing dog' and 'They talk s***'.

Samira Khan, who leads the campaign group Fighting For Fair Trials, told MailOnline she disapproved of derogatory comments posted online.

She said: 'The group has used abusive words online, I agree with that.

'The thing is, I can't be sat 24/7 on my phone going through what people are saying - I can't control what comes out of everyone's mouths.

'Just the way some of the victims are angry, what do you think these families are feeling - are they not allowed to show their emotions, say how they're feeling, if some of these girls are recruiting other girls to come forward?'

Talking of grooming gang abuse, she added: 'I'm not saying it doesn't happen - it does happen and it shouldn't happen.'

Among those jailed is Samira Khan's brother Irfan Khan, 37, from Batley in West Yorkshire, who was last year sentenced to 12 years in prison, with a five-year extended licence, for three offences of rape and making threats to kill.

He was part of a group of more than 20 sexual predators locked up last year for a total of 346 years after eight young girls in West Yorkshire were raped, abused and trafficked across 13 years.

Messages posted online from the group suggested that victims of grooming gangs were 'liars'

The programme suggests that Irfan Khan could have broken prison rules by having a mobile phone - but his sister told MailOnline this was not the case.

She said her brother had called her mobile from a prison landline, coincidentally at a time when she was taking part in the live broadcast and so he could be heard.

Ms Khan is heard telling fellow viewers: 'Hey, my brothers on the line  he wants to talk to you guys.'

After a fellow participant asks, 'Is that Irfan?', she replies: 'Yeah, he's on the phone.'

Irfan Khan is then heard being asked by another man, 'Howre you doing, bro, you good?'

The convicted offender responds by saying: 'I'm all right, man  how are you?

Since Ive been inside there's been so many come inside all of a sudden  it's been like a domino. Half of Dewsburys inside.

'And it's really unfair  you know, its just unfair. Ive done nothing wrong and I've sat here for 15 months.'

Tameside council said its safeguarding work around CSE was positively highlighted by Ofsted but that it recognised it still had more to do.

It said it was working to provide the best possible service to keep children safe and that it welcomed feedback from families.
A new Gruffalo book is in the works - more than two decades after the original was published.

Best-selling author Julia Donaldson is collaborating with German illustrator Axel Scheffler to bring another version of the children's classic to life.

The new picture story - so far untitled - is due to hit the shelves in September 2026.

Donaldson hopes the book will rival the success of its predecessors, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which are among the most popular children's titles in the world.

The first stories have taken the literary world by storm ever since they were published in 1999 and 2004 respectively.

Both have been translated into 107 languages or dialects with The Gruffalo selling 3.2m copies to date, and The Gruffalo's Child 2.1m copies.

The new book 'sees the return of much-loved characters in a fresh and exciting adventure that has all the hallmarks of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic,' according to the book's publisher Macmillan.

'It's always a challenge to write a sequel,' Donaldson said in a statement.

A new Gruffalo book is in the works - more than two decades after the original was published

Seasoned best-selling author Julia Donaldson (pictured) is collaborating with Axel Scheffler to bring another version of the children's classic to life

'Five years elapsed between publication of The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, and now it will be more than 20 between The Gruffalo's Child and the third book.

'I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn't think how to develop it.

'It was only when the NLT, whose work I'm very impressed by, used the first two books as part of their Early Words Matter programme that I was spurred on to get my idea out of the cupboard and see once and for all if I could turn it into a really satisfying story.

'To my surprise, I managed to do just that!'



Axel Scheffler said: 'Never say never  a lesson learned for me who, whenever asked, denied the possibility of another visit to the deep dark wood.

'Till one day out of the blue there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not!'

Axel Scheffler's first collaboration with Donaldson was a picture book about an unhappy elderly lady who brings a group of farmyard animals into her small home, A Squash and a Squeeze, published in 1993.

Since then they have have published more than 30 books together, the most famous being the Gruffalo titles.
Pete Hegseth was accused of having another Signal chat open where he texted details of U.S. military strikes, this time to one that included his wife and a close friend and former Fox News colleague.

Reports of Signal chat groups used to detail strategy by the Pentagon have put DOD under fire in recent weeks, with an investigation forcing out several top staffers, all of whom have questioned the probe.

A second group made the news for containing Hegseth's wife, former Fox News producer Jennifer Rauchet, his brother and his personal attorney.

Now, a third chat has been revealed that included his wife, Pentagon Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell and fellow former Fox producer Tami Radabaugh.

The Washington Post reported that Radabaugh and Rauchet are close friends, while a locked Instagram page lists her bio as a deputy assistant to Hegseth for strategic engagement.

Similar to Hegseth's brother and attorney, even if Radabaugh does work at the Pentagon, it's unclear if its needed for her to be on a need to know basis regarding military strikes.

Radabaugh worked with the Hegseths at Fox from 2016 onward, working on Fox & Friends.

She left Fox in 2023 to start a faith-based media company called State of Grace Media.

Pete Hegseth (pictured left) was accused of having another Signal chat open where he texted details of U.S. military strikes, this time to one that included his wife (pictured right) and a close friend and former Fox News colleague

Athird chat has been revealed that included Hegseth's wife, Pentagon Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell and fellow former Fox producer Tami Radabaugh (pictured)

The story largely focuses on Rauchet, Hegseth's third wife, and her influence despite having no official job at the Pentagon.

Rauchet is reportedly very focused on the media appearances Hegseth makes and projecting a positive image of her husband in the job.

'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,' a Pentagon source told the Post.

She has met with Trump administration officials to discuss appointments and endorsed candidates for jobs within the Pentagon.

'Secretary Hegseth has delivered more victories to the DoD in 100 days than most Secretaries have in four years. We are focused on RESULTS,' Kingsley Wilson, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said in a statement.

Radabaugh did respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

It comes after multiple reports of leaked group chats via the private messaging service has made the most noise of any department in the second Trump administration and put Secretary Hegseth under fire.

The Defense Secretary has been furious about leaks in the department, telling Fox News 'I don't have time for leakers' or the 'hoax press that peddles old stories from disgruntled employees.'

Radabaugh worked with the Hegseths at Fox from 2016 onward, going from an executive producer of Fox & Friends to vice president of Fox Nation

Rauchet, Hegseth's third wife, reportedly has heavy influence on her husband despite having no official job at the Pentagon

'Disgruntled former employees are peddling things to try to save their a**,' he said.

Among the leaks were details of his trip to the Panama Canal and a China briefing with Elon Musk that was ultimately canceled personally by President Trump himself according to reports.

Former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot published an op-ed in Politico claiming that the first month of Hegseth's leadership was 'a month of total chaos' and warned that his days were numbered in the Pentagon.

Hegseth was dismissive of Ullyot's op-ed, pointing to unprofessional behavior.

'Anybody that knows John knows why we let him go. We did a lot of favors for John. He did some good work up front, then he was moved along,' he told Fox News.

Hegseth acknowledged that the investigation was disruptive as it pointed at longtime advisors but reasserted he was committed to stopping the leaks.

'It led to some unfortunate places, people I have known for quite some time. But it's not my job to protect them. It's my job to protect national security, the president of the United States, and let the investigation go where it is,' he said.

He vowed to remain in his job as long as he continued to have the president's support.

A locked Instagram page lists Radabaugh's bio as a deputy assistant to Hegseth for strategic engagement

Similar to Hegseth's brother and attorney, even if Radabaugh (pictured right) does work at the Pentagon, it's unclear if its needed for her to be on a need to know basis regarding military strikes

'I haven't blinked, and I won't blink because this job is too big and too important for the American people and I'm grateful for every opportunity the president has given me,' he said.

The leak investigation at the Pentagon began on March 21 when Hegseth's chief of staff Kasper ordered the probe.

The probe included military operational plans for the Panama canal, a second carrier headed to the Red Sea, the pausing the collection of intelligence to Ukraine, and the leak that Elon Musk's would meet with Hegseth about the U.S. war plans for China, an official told Politico.

Kasper said the probe would examine 'recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information' and said polygraphs would be used.

'The use of polygraphs in the execution of this investigation will be in accordance with applicable law and policy,' he wrote. 'This investigation will commence immediately and culminate in a report to the Secretary of Defense.'

He noted that 'information identifying a party responsible for an unauthorized disclosure' would be referred for criminal prosecution.'

Kasper ordered the probe one day after the New York Times reported the Pentagon set up a briefing with Elon Musk on a potential war with China.

Caldwell played a critical role as an adviser to Hegseth.

He was the staff member designated as Hegseth's point person in the Signal messaging chat that top Trump administration national security officials, including the defense secretary, used to convey plans for a military strike against Houthi militants in Yemen.

The chat, set up by national security adviser Michael Waltz, included a number of Cabinet members and came to light because Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was accidentally added to the group.

Caldwell and Hegseth have a longtime friendship, going back to Hegseth's time as the head of Concerned Veterans for America, a nonprofit. Caldwell worked at CVA beginning in 2013 as policy director and later as executive director.

Additionally, Caldwell was by Hegseth's side on Capitol Hill as the former Fox News host fought to keep his nomination alive during questions about his treatment of women.

Selnick also performed the duties of the under secretary of Defense for personnel and readiness. He served in the White House and the Department of Veterans Affairs in the first Trump administration.

And he also has ties to Concerned Veterans for America, where he served as a senior adviser.

All three suspended aides are close in age and share the same isolationist view of foreign policy. That view is also shared by Vice President J.D. Vance and Don Trump Jr., the president's oldest son.
Erin Patterson first mentioned the lunch which ultimately turned fatal about July 16, the jury has been told.

'She (Erin) was keen for it (the lunch) to be without the kids,' her estranged husband Simon Patterson said on the witness stand.

'It was about this "serious matter"; I was a bit reluctant.'

However, Mr Patterson said it 'sounded OK, though'.

He said Erin asked him: 'Are you going to put that in your diary in your phone?'

Mr Patterson said he discussed the lunch with his parents and Ian and Heather Wilkinson.

'They (Heather and Ian) were intrigued about why they were invited,' Mr Patterson told the jury.

He said he and his father discussed the lunch and the mystery cancer lump Erin claimed she had.

He later called his parents to say he would not be attending before telling Erin in a text message (pictured below).

'Sorry I feel too uncomfortable about coming to lunch with you, mum, dad, Heather and Ian tomorrow but am happy to talk about your health and implications of that at another time,' Mr Patterson wrote.

'If you'd like to discuss on the phone just let me know.'

Erin responded: 'That's really disappointing. I've spent many hours this week preparing lunch for tomorrow which has been exhausting in light of the issues I'm facing and spent a small fortune on beef eye filet to make beef Wellingtons because I wanted it to be a special meal as I may not be able to host a lunch like this again for some time.

'It's important to me that you're all there tomorrow, and that I can have the conversations that I need to have.
Coalition Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has unleashed on Foreign Minister Penny Wong for suggesting that the defeated Voice proposal will be revived and is inevitable.

Senator 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.'

Sen 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.'

Price, the Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, said on Thursday that Sen Wong's comments showed 'utter disrespect' to voters.

'That there is a kick in the guts, and it demonstrates just how deceitful Labor are,' Ms Price told 2GB's Ben Fordham.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, said on Thursday that Ms Wong's comments showed 'utter disrespect' to Aussies

Ms 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

'Labor don't respect the outcome, they don't respect the will of the Australian people, because deep down, as Penny said, "it's inevitable" - she still believes in it.

'And they've never been straightforward any time I've asked them during Senate estimates what they're doing about their commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Sen Nampinja Price said $27million still sits in a contingency account to implement a body of Aboriginal self-governance, enshrined in the Constitution and operating in parallel to federal and state governments to steer policies on matters affecting indigenous people.

'That tells me they absolutely have plans for things like the Makarrata Commission... It's still all on the table,' Ms Price said.

'This is utter disrespect to the Australian people for Penny to then say after the fact that it's dead.

'Well, it's dead to the Australian people - it's not dead to Labor.'

Ms Price, the daughter of Aboriginal community leader Bess Price, is the Country Liberal Party's Senator for the Northern Territory and played a major role in opposing the 2023 Voice referendum.

In addition to her role as Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Peter Dutton has said that if elected he would put her in charge of a new government efficiency portfolio similar to the one headed by Elon Musk in Donald Trump's administration.

Ms Price caused controversy earlier this month when she used the phrase 'Make Australia Great Again,' a localised version of Trump's signature line, at a time when many were angered by the US President's imposition of tariffs on Australian imports.
Massive queues have formed at the airport in New Zealand's capital after 140km/h winds and torrential rain grounded flights and sparked travel chaos.

MetService issued a rare 'red' warning for Wellington on Thursday, flagging torrential rain and severe gales with damaging gusts.

Flights to and from the city are expected to be impacted for several days.

'All flights in and out of Wellington Airport this afternoon and evening have been cancelled,' a spokesperson for the airport said.

'Severe winds are expected to peak in Wellington this afternoon before easing this evening. Disruptions are likely to continue for the coming days so please check with your airline for specific flight information.'

They said there is the possible exception of QF163 from Sydney which is scheduled to land at 11:55pm local time.

Air New Zealand, Jetstar and Sounds Air have cancelled all flights for the remainder of the day.

New Zealand's other major airports at Christchurch and Auckland are operating as usual.

Passengers queued at Jetstar desks in Wellington Airport as all flights were grounded on Thursday due to severe weather including 140 km/h winds (the long queues are pictured)

An 'orange' heavy rain warning has been issued by MetService across large parts of the east New Zealand coast, with a rare 'red level' in Wellington (a map is pictured)

However flights from those cities to Wellington were cancelled on Thursday.

Footage obtained by The New Zealand Herald shows crowds of Jetstar passengers at Wellington Airport with passengers snaking down the hall of the departures area.

The airline thanked passengers for 'their understanding and patience' in a statement.

'The safety of customers, crew and airport staff is our number one priority,' it said.

'We have contacted affected customers by SMS with options including alternative flights, a free move up to 7 days, or a voucher to the value of their untravelled flights.'

The Wellington council warned residents to stay indoors if possible and take extra care if they have to travel.

'Wellington City Council is aware of multiple trees that have blown down across the city this morning,' a statement said on social media.

Wellington City Council said Moa Point Road was closed due to waves and debris

Selwyn District Council, on the east coast of the South Island, also declared a local state of emergency on Thursday morning due to the severe weather

It said the coastal Moa Point Road had been closed between the southern runway and Spruce Goose cafe due to waves and debris covering the roadway.

An 'orange' heavy rain warning has been issued by MetService from Wairarapa, south of Masterton on the North Island.

It stretches down to Canterbury on the South Island, including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

Selwyn District Council, covering an area on the east coast of the South Island, also declared a local state of emergency on Thursday morning due to severe weather.

Multiple schools across the district were closed and the council warned that there was significant flooding on several roads.
Hampstead Heath Ladies' Pond will not ban trans women in wake of the Supreme Court's landmark biological sex ruling.

The women-only pool yesterday doubled down on its inclusive gender policy despite the unanimous judgement in recent weeks that trans women are not legally female.

It comes amid a row dating back to 2017 when the Mail on Sunday revealed the City of London Corporation had agreed to allow trans women to use the pool and female changing rooms.

And in 2019, the local authority caused further controversy when it adopted a 'self-ID policy' - despite the objections from women who said they felt 'unsafe' as a result.

Gender critical feminists have since campaigned to 'reclaim' the pond, which is Britain's sole women-only natural bathing pool.

However, the City of London Corporation confirmed on Wednesday it would keep its current gender policy in place while it considers the implications of the Supreme Court ruling, The Telegraph has reported.

The decision has been blasted by feminist campaigners as 'invasive, discriminatory and unlawful'.

Prominent barrister Sarah Vine KC warned the ponds should now describe themselves as mixed sex and that the current labels could expose the corporation to legal challenge.

Hampstead Heath Ladies' Pond will not ban trans women in wake of the Supreme Court's landmark biological sex ruling (file photo)

A feminist activist, Venice Allan (pictured), became the first woman to be banned from an historic association representing users of the North London pond

Gender critical feminists have campaigned to 'reclaim' the pond, which is Britain's sole women-only natural bathing pool

She said: 'Any continued description of two of the ponds as 'men's' and 'ladies' will expose the Corporation to discrimination claims.'

Venice Allan, 49, said female-only spaces were needed for 'safety, privacy and dignity'.

'It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that the Corporation is trying to fudge this,' she added.

Ms Allan last year became the first woman to be banned from an historic association representing users of the North London pond after she objected to biological males being permitted entry.

She was told in an email from the Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association (KLPA) in May that her membership had been revoked because of her views.

Speaking at an AGM in March last year, Ms Allan said: 'When the inevitable happens as a result of your trans inclusive policy that the majority of women, and, so I am told, two men, have voted for today, and a man that you're so inclusive of attacks or rapes a girl, I want you to remember you voted for that.

'I hope that you wake up in the middle of the night and remember that you made that act of male violence in a sacred woman's space possible.'

Picture shows Kenwood Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath, North London

Members of 'Man Friday' disrupt the men only bathing session at Hampstead Heath Pools in a protest over the gender policy in 2018

She told the Mail on Sunday afterwards: 'I'm not banned from the pond, but the ban means I can no longer vote on any of the rules.

'More importantly banning me sends a message  just a year before we celebrate a 100 years of this iconic women's space  that women who object to men using the pool are not welcome.'

The KLPA is a voluntary organisation of women who 'care' about Hampstead ladies' pond and represent the view of its users to the City of London Corporation, who are in charge of administering the beauty spot.

Ms Allan said she was given seven days to appeal or her annual membership fee would be donated to the Royal National Lifeguard Institution.

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said that its policy was not 'unlawful'.

'These accusations are completely false. The City Corporation is compliant with existing UK law,' they said.

'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.'

MailOnline has contacted the local authority for further comment.
A homeless man who allegedly assaulted an elderly woman has lashed out at a magistrate in court.

Sean Lloyd McLachlan, 39, was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly beat the 92-year-old woman in Williamstown, Melbourne, at about 12.20pm outside a Coles supermarket.

Police allege he beat the woman about the head before she fell to the ground and lost consciousness.

Members of the public restrained McLachlan until police could arrive.

Detectives later charged McLachlan with intentionally causing injury.

McLachlan appeared on his own in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Magistrate Bernard FitzGerald asked if McLachlan had talked to a lawyer.

McLachlan muttered a soft 'yes', but Magistrate FitzGerald did not hear him, and he asked again.

A Melbourne man allegedly approached an elderly lady before striking her on Wednesday

Sean Lloyd McLachlan, 39, was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly beat the 92-year-old woman in Williamstown, Melbourne

'I just said I've already f***ing spoken (to a lawyer). Are you deaf? Are your ears painted on,' McLachlan said, the Herald Sun reported.

Magistrate FitzGerald asked what McLachlan had hoped to achieve in the courtroom on Thursday.

'F*** off,' McLachlan said.

The 39-year-old did not apply for bail, and the matter was adjourned for a week with the court allowing him time to arrange legal representation.

He will reappear in court on May 8.

Footage, allegedly depicting the incident, captured the moment the man struck the elderly woman and threw her to the ground.

Further vision, too distressing for publication, appeared to show him throwing her to the ground and dragging her along the footpath.

The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the alleged attack

She suffered a concussion and upper body injuries in the alleged attack and was taken to Western Hospital in Footscray before she was discharged on Thursday morning.

The woman has been left 'very distressed' by the incident.

'I wish to thank all those who have been so caring of me,' she said in a statement.

'I remember nothing of the actual incident but when I woke up I was surrounded by the police and ambulance and caring onlookers.

'I wish to thank everyone for their concern.

'I'm pleased to go home as I have a loving family and supportive friends.'

McLachlan has no fixed address but was known to police in Footscray, Melbourne and Williamstown.
Tesla made a brutal move to oust Elon Musk amid a cratering stock price and negative press from his controversial moves in the Trump administration.

The electric car company opened a search to find a new leader after Musk spent the past two decades as CEO, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The revelation came as Donald Trump praised Musk for his work with DOGE but said he may want 'to get back home to his cars.'

However, his cars may not have been there for him when he got back had he not announced his early May departure from the White House.

Musk had been asked by the board to make the public statement promising he would head back to his day job or face losing it.

The CEO did not push back and announced he would be devoting 'far more of my time to Tesla.'

The electric car maker sought the advice of multiple executive search firms to begin the process of succeeding Musk.

It's unclear exactly how far they got on their search or if they're still looking to replace him but anonymous sources said that they had decided on a particular firm to conduct the search.

Also unknown is whether or not Musk knew anything about the search or his status within the company, which is also searching for an independent director whether Musk remains CEO or not.

The automaker's first-quarter profits cratered 71 percent, with the EV giant pulling in $409 million compared to $1.4 billion during the same stretch last year.

Tesla began a search to replace CEO Elon Musk amid stock turmoil and negative press from the 'First Buddy' serving as head of the Department of Government Efficiency

The new report comes out the same day Donald Trump praised Musk for his work with DOGE but may want 'to get back home to his cars'

Wall Street expected a better performance  and investors are clearly growing uneasy with the once-dominant EV brand.

The company's stock price has shed nearly 40 percent of its value since January (though, it has regained some momentum after the earnings release) when Musk started serving as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and being spotted everywhere with Donald Trump.

Tesla's first quarter earnings conference call allowed investors to ask what they wanted of the CEO and it was clear there was only one thing on their minds.

One asked: 'Can Elon please provide some reassurance that at some point soon he will be done with DOGE and politics? Many Tesla shareholders wish he would reprioritize the majority of his time and effort to engineering.'

'Starting probably in next month, in May, my time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly,' Musk said on the call.

However, he still plans to put in one to two days per week still helping out with DOGE, he claimed.

But 'starting next month, I'll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla.'

Musk admitted that his forays into politics have likely damaged his company for the time being, though he added that the global economy was also to blame.

Tesla Motors Elon Musk speaks at the Tesla Giga Texas manufacturing "Cyber Rodeo" grand opening party in Austin

Trump (pictured right) thanked Musk for a work and said he's welcome to stay for as long as he wants in a Cabinet meeting

'This dynamic, along with changing political sentiment, could have a meaningful impact on demand for our products in the near-term,' he said.

The vibe shift around Tesla, once a crown jewel for liberal Americans, is very real.

The company sold huge amounts of electrified vehicles to tech and environmentally-minded consumers.

Tesla is largely credited for the rise in popularity of EVs, which represent over nine percent of new vehicle sales in the US annually.

But Musk has catapulted himself into right wing politics, spending millions on President Donald Trump's campaign and backing hard-right candidates in Europe.

That political pivot has turned off many of the progressive and centrist buyers who once lined up for Teslas.

Angry consumers and activists have responded with impassioned, sometimes fiery, protests at Tesla dealerships.

And, Tesla's sales have tanked.

Elon Musk (pictured lower left) says hell dedicate more time to Tesla and his role as 'First Buddy' will 'drop significantly' starting in May after the company reported a breathtaking downfall in first quarter profits

Tesla Takedown, an organization that advocates for free speech rights at the dealership protests, took victory for the revenue and sales downfalls.

'Today's earnings report sends a very clear message: the Tesla Takedown grassroots pressure is beginning to hit Tesla where it hurts,' the organization said.

'The company's bottom line.'

Despite the hit, Tesla remains the top-selling EV brand in the US and the most valuable automaker in the world by market capitalization.

But investors are worried Musk is losing focus on what made Tesla a juggernaut: building innovative vehicles.

Tesla's best-sellers  the Model Y and Model 3  just received some style updates. The Cybertruck, which launched in late 2023, has quickly become the best-selling electric pickup in the US.

But the model lineup is getting old. Global competitors, including Chinese brands BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Zeekr, have massively upgraded their battery capacity and interior tech.

BYD just launched a car that it claims can charge the battery in a third of the time a Tesla takes.

Tesla Takedown, an organization that advocates for free speech rights at the dealership protests, took victory for the revenue and sales downfalls

Some American brands are closing the gap too.

Rivian's newest EVs beat Tesla's driving range by nearly 100 miles. Hyundai and Kia are offering lower starting prices than the Model Y.

Even legacy giant GM has leveled up its EV game with massive, well-powered EVs and value offerings like the $35,000 Chevy Equinox EV.

In its earnings report, Tesla blamed shifting trade policies from President Trump and a shaky global supply chain for its struggles.

'Uncertainty in the automotive and energy markets continues to increase as rapidly evolving trade policy adversely impacts the global supply chain and cost structure of Tesla and our peers,' the company reported in its earnings.

The stock increases are largely attributed to the company's forward-looking plans.

Tesla has been developing robots and autonomous vehicle technology that it believes will soon hit the road.

The company also said affordable vehicles, which have been teased for several years 'remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025.'

Tesla warned that the value cars will feature 'less cost reduction' than previously expected because of supply constraints.

Musk promised a $25,000 electric vehicle in September 2020. He has since called the plans 'pointless' and 'silly.'
A Kentucky father grabbed his gun after allegedly discovering a naked man on the floor of his 13-year-old daughter's bedroom.

Horrified by the sight, the father chased the intruder out of his Florence home, firing warning shots as the 20-year-old suspect fled the scene.

The father, whose name is being withheld to protect his daughter's identity, called 911 after the incident, telling deputies he 'awoke in the night and heard noises coming from his 13-year-old daughter's room,' according to a release from the Boone County Sheriff's Office.

'After telling the suspect that he was calling the police, the father went downstairs and soon retrieved a handgun,' the release stated. 'The suspect pushed past the father and then ran out the front door.'

At that point, the father allegedly fired three rounds 'into the ground near the front porch of the residence.'

Deputies arrived shortly after midnight on April 28 and began searching the area.

They soon located the suspect's abandoned car nearby and identified the owner as Parker Kramer, a 20-year-old from Louisville.

After being shown a photo from the vehicle's driver's license, the father confirmed Kramer was the man he'd seen in his daughter's room.

Parker Kramer, a 20-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, was arrested on April 28 on a burglary charge after he was discovered sans clothes inside the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl

Major Philip Ridgell of the Boone County Sheriff's Department

Several hours later, around 2:30 am, a police drone eventually located Kramer, reportedly still without pants, near Mt. Zion Road and I-75.

He was arrested on a burglary charge, according to Major Philip Ridgell of the sheriff's department.

During questioning, Kramer allegedly admitted he had driven 90 miles from Louisville to meet the underaged girl.

Ridgell said the two had not connected through any online platform, but rather through 'family ties to the region.'

The pair first met in person two weeks earlier and exchanged phone numbers, Ridgell told the New York Post.

Following his arrest, Kramer allegedly 'made admissions which led to additional rape and sodomy charges,' the release said.

As a result, he now faces two counts of second-degree rape and one count of second-degree sodomy in addition to burglary.

A police drone eventually located Kramer, reportedly still without pants, near Mt. Zion Road and I-75. Pictured: A police officer pilots a DJI Matrice M300 drone (UAV)

Kramer is being held at the Boone County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond. Pictured: Boone County Sheriff's vehicle

'This is a wild one,' Ridgell remarked.

Kramer is being held at the Boone County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 5, where a judge will decide whether to send the case to a grand jury.

At his arraignment, Kramer indicated he plans to hire private counsel, though his attorney could not be immediately reached for comment, according to the Post.
READ MORE: RecipeTin Eats plagiarism scandal takes another turn as another author comes forward

Luke Mangan weighed into saga with his own claims

Online baking sensation Brooke Bellamy has locked down her social media amid a furious backlash over the plagiarism row which has blown up around her.

Cookbook author and blogger Nagi Maehashi sparked a firestorm when she alleged the former travel blogger-turned-baker copied two of her recipes for caramel slice, and baklava.

In the wake of the blockbuster claims, other chefs and authors have also now come forward with similar allegations.

US-based baker Sally McKenney of Sally's Baking Addiction fame claimed on Instagram that Bellamy had also copied her vanilla cake recipe after Ms Maehashi reached out to alert her about it.

'Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit  especially in a best-selling cookbook,' McKenney said.

Pregnant mother-of-one Bellamy rejected the claim, posting to Instagram that her book 'Bake with Brooki' is made up of recipes 'created over many years'.

She has denied the plagiarism allegations and insisted she has been making the caramel slice recipe since 2016, reposting a snap of the creation she made at that time.

Bellamy has now bunkered down at her $3.6million three-bedroom home in Brisbane and issued a plea for privacy as she turned her personal Instagram account to private after trolls flooded her pages with savage attacks over the row.

Brooke Bellamy (pictured) owns the popular Brooki Bakehouse in Brisbane

Nagi Maehashi (above) accused Bellamy of 'profiting' from the alleged plagiarised recipes

Brooke Bellamy set her personal Instagram account private following the plagiarism allegations

'The past 24 hours have been extremely overwhelming,' she said in a statement.

'I 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.'

Penguin has also denied the allegations, saying via their lawyers: 'Our client respectfully rejects your client's allegations and confirms that the recipes in [Bake with Brooki] were written by Brooke Bellamy', according to Maehashi.

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan joined the furore but turned the tables and accused RecipeTin Eats of not crediting him properly for one of his dishes.

He said that while Maehashi 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 added a link to his website.

'I couldn't say off the top of my head whether she did reach out and ask permission or not, but I would have thought, in general, you would contact the person whose recipe it was,' he said.

Celebrity chef Luke Mangan (pictured) has accused Maehashi of not crediting him appropriately for a butter chicken recipe she had used online and in her book

Bellamy has now bunkered down at her $3.6million three-bedroom home in Brisbane (a postie is pictured at the home attempting to make a delivery without an answer at the door)

'All of my recipes in my (seven) books are copyrighted, we own them, they are our intellectual property.'

Maehashi adapted Mangan's butter chicken recipe - adding salt and a low-fat cream option - and referenced the chef in a footnote online.

Mangan was not mentioned in the print copy but it did feature a QR code linking to the online credited version.

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'.

Things took a further twist on Wednesday after Bellamy was dumped as an ambassador for a federal government-funded girls business program over the row.

She was due to be announced as an VIP figurehead for the Academy for Enterprising Girls.

'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 The Daily Telegraph.

Bellamy (above) denied earlier allegations of recipe theft from Maehashi

Bellamy has been accused of stealing recipes for her bestselling cookbook Bake With Brooki

'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.'

Both Penguin and Bellamy strenuously deny the allegations.

'I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years,' 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.

'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.'

Maehashi has since countered with a internet webarchive screenshot showing her same recipe from April 29, 2016.

While Bellamy insisted she did not copy the recipes, she 'immediately offered to remove both from future reprints to prevent further aggravation'.

Maehashi (pictured) accused Bellamy of stealing her caramel slice and baklava recipes

In Maehashi's Instagram post, she accused Bellamy of 'profiting' from the allegedly plagiarised recipes.

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.'

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.

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) has also accused Bellamy of stealing her vanilla cake recipe

Her Bake With Brooki is a bestselling cookbook published by Penguin in October last year and retails for $49.99.

Maehashi and 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.
Furious insiders within the Trump administration have blasted his longtime friend and envoy to the Middle East a 'bumbling f***ing idiot' for his approach to negotiations with Russia.

Former real estate attorney Steve Witkoff met with Russia's Vladimir Putin on Friday amid continuing negotiations about the end of the Ukrainian invasion.

In breaking longstanding diplomatic tradition, Witkoff attended the meeting solo, without any advisors or even a translator to help him get through the discussion.

While Putin does understand and occasionally speak English, Witkoff does not speak Russian. According to the NY Post, he has reportedly occasionally relied on Kremlin translators to pass on Putin's message to him accurately.

While Witkoff was the solo American representative at the meeting, Putin brought along with him aide Yury Ushakov and the head of Moscow's sovereign wealth fund, Kirill Dmitriev.

'Nice guy, but a bumbling f***ing idiot,' one member of the first Trump administration told the publication.

'He should not be doing this alone.'

And amid reports Witkoff arrived without a translator, Ukrainian-Estonian translator Jaanika Merilo said: 'It is IMPOSSIBLE to have negotiations when you do not trust the translator.

Former real estate attorney Steve Witkoff met with Russia's Vladimir Putin on Friday amid continuing negotiations about the end of the Ukrainian invasion

In breaking longstanding diplomatic tradition, Trump's longtime friend and envoy Witkoff attended the meeting solo, without any advisors or even a translator to help him get through the discussion

'Witkoff does not speak Russian, and he cannot verify what is being translated. It is crucial that every nuance is translated correctly and in the context.

'No politician goes to negotiations to hostile environment, what Russia is supposed to be, without his own translator. You do, if you really trust the other party. Or unless you are not competent. Unless you don't care. Beats me but something is off.'

John Hardie, director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracy's Russia program, added that Witkoff would have benefited from bringing along a team to such a high-stakes meeting.

'Anybody engaging in these kinds of talks with Putin would benefit from having experienced Russia hands on his or her team and bringing them along to meetings with the Kremlin,' he said.

Trump is trying to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine in an effort to bring an end to the three-year conflict.

He struck a deal with Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky this week which will provide the US 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 push by Trump for Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion.

Insiders are also concerned that Witkoff is spreading himself too thin with his role.

While Putin does understand and occasionally speak English, Witkoff does not speak Russian

Retired Army Lt. Gen Keith Kellogg was initially appointed 'special envoy for Ukraine and Russia' but by mid-March, his title had been changed to 'special envoy for Ukraine' (pictured with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky)

When he was handed the Middle East portfolio, he was initially focusing on the Israel-Palestine crisis and striking a deal with Iran over its nuclear weapons capabilities.

He successfully negotiated a two-month ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, but efforts to extend the deal were curtailed in March.

While Witkoff was praised for his efforts, critics said he was too willing to trust the word of the terror group and lacked the diplomatic experience to realize when he was being duped.

Shiri Fein-Grossman, the former Head of Regional Affairs at the Israel National Security Council, said: 'His assumption that actors like Hamas or Iran are primarily motivated by a desire to live  and can therefore be reasoned with through direct engagement  reflects a dangerous misunderstanding of their long-term ideological goals.'

'We have to understand our enemies through their lens, not ours. Hamas and Iran are autocratic regimes driven by deep-rooted ideologies, not short-term interests.'

His work with Iran is also high-stakes and considered crucial to the safety and security of the Middle East, prompting some to question why negotiations with Russia have also been added to his workload.

Retired Army Lt. Gen Keith Kellogg was initially appointed 'special envoy for Ukraine and Russia' when Trump returned to the White House on January 20.

By mid-March, his title had been changed to 'special envoy for Ukraine' while Witkoff was given permission to negotiate directly with Moscow - essentially splitting the work of negotiating with both leaders between the two men.

Zelensky recently accused Witkoff of 'adopting the strategy of the Russian side.'

Retired Army Lt. Gen Keith Kellogg was initially appointed 'special envoy for Ukraine and Russia' when Trump returned to the White House on January 20 (pictured together)

The White House has responded to the Witkoff criticism to insist he and Trump are likeminded in their approach to 'stopping the killing and advancing peace through strength'

'Consciously or not, he is spreading Russian narratives,' he said.

Witkoff was called out for appearing to repeat Russian talking points about the war with little scrutiny, including Russia's insistence that the war centers around the annexation of four regions.

'They're Russian-speaking,' Witkoff said in March. 'There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.'

Critics argue that Ukrainian speakers were either driven out of the regions or ordered to speak only in Russian, and that the referenda took place under Kremlin troops.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly defended Witkoff, arguing: 'Steve Witkoff has done incredible work securing the release of Americans detained abroad, like Marc Fogel, while leaving behind a massive business enterprise to serve his country.

'Like President Trump, he is focused on stopping the killing and advancing peace through strength.'
One of the major Las Vegas hotel chains has announced a major change to its properties as international travelers avoid the United States.

MGM Resorts International announced over the weekend that it is shutting down its in-person concierge services at six of its properties along the infamous Strip, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

In an email issued by a company representative, the concierge desks at MGM Grand, The Signature, New York-New York, Mandalay Bay, Park MGM and Vdara were to close as of April 28.

There would be no changes to operations at ARIA Resort and Casino, Bellagio and Casino and the Cosmopolitan of Los Vegas, and concierge calls to MGM Resorts will be routed to ARIA and Bellagio.

In total, 34 employees are losing their jobs in what the company has called 'streamlining.'

About half of them have now found new positions within the company, while the other half have been given transitional support, according to News 3 LV.

Company executives insist the cutbacks are meant to meet 'evolving guest preferences' as demand for in-person services are declining - and are not the result of any budget cuts.

In fact, on Wednesday, CEO Bill Hornbuckle announced that MGM Resorts International had a 'solid' performance from its Vegas resorts in the first quarter, according to KLAS.

MGM Resorts International announced over the weekend that it is shutting down its in-person concierge services at six of its properties along the infamous Strip

It comes as Sin City is experiencing a decline in international visitors who are wary about visiting the US during the Trump administration

Speaking of the change to the concierge desk, Hornbuckle suggested in an earnings call on Wednesday that the company is looking to use more AI-assistance.

'In the front end of our business, we're beginning to see more and more digital interaction, whether it's concierge or call centers, people calling down for "I want a pillow for my room,"' he explained.

'And so the digital interface, which is probably carrying 80 percent of the traffic now, at least intentionally and ultimately a small spattering we're going to get more and more into this of AI, is proving to be very productive.

'And so we're going to continue down that track.'

But the change comes after a damning report by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority found that Sin City welcomed just 3.39 million visitors last month, down nearly eight percent from 3.68 million in February.

It also found that 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 - though Hornbuckle suggested part of the decline is due to the fact that the city hosted the Super Bowl last year.

The New York-New York Hotel and Casino is one of the properties that has gotten rid of its in-person concierge service

The change, which went into effect on Monday, also affects The Signature at MGM Grand

In total, 34 employees are losing their jobs in what the company has called 'streamlining'

Yet a similar 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, and road traffic dipped by 3.1 percent, according to the LVCVA.

The decline in international tourism could now cost the US economy almost $90billion, Bloomberg reports.

The article quoted a Canadian family who is shunning the US in the wake of punitive tariffs and inflammatory remarks by President Trump.

Other tourists have also canceled their 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.

The British government has since 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.

Tourists have canceled their trips to the US amid fears they could be caught up in President Trump's immigration crackdown

Research firm Tourism Economics ultimately 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, but revised its numbers late last month due to '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.'
An Aussie tourist has shared a dire warning after claiming to have almost fallen victim to a scam in Bali.

Footage was posted to TikTok on Tuesday showing a man at a currency exchange booth trying to exchange $100AUD to Indonesian Rupiah.

The tourist counted the bills to make sure he was given the right amount before putting them down and telling the Balinese worker to leave them alone.

The worker then picked up the bills and began recounting them in front of the tourist before appearing to slide some back behind the counter.

The Aussie tourist was onto him immediately.

'You just dropped it behind the counter bro, it's enough,' he said before walking away.

The Aussie urged other tourists to be vigilant.

'This is not the first time it's happened. I kept saying leave the bills there after I'd counted them, but he kept handling the cash,' he said.

A worker in Bali was not quick enough to fool and Aussie who saw him slide money away

The video was viewed two million times with other Aussies saying they had seen it before.

'They have been doing this exact scam for 25 years,' one person wrote.

'Oldest scam in Bali, go to a reputable money changer, not a backyard hack,' another said.

But many Aussies couldn't find anything wrong with the video, saying they didn't see the worker drop the money behind the counter.

'I genuinely didn't see anything happen,' one wrote.

'I've watched it many times on slow and even zoomed in but can't see a thing,' another said.

What happened was the staffer counted the money in front of the tourist and swiped as many notes as they could onto a hidden desk below, before handing back the cash.

They attempted to trick the customer by continually counting or touching the cash to confuse and distract the tourist in order to short-change them.

Recently, a Bali money exchange teller was confronted by a tourist after she allegedly scammed the foreigner

'The video does not capture (it) well, but he slipped it down then was about to count again in front of him before he got called out,' one person wrote.

'When he picks up the bills you can clearly see a couple bills are by his pinky finger, when he brought it close to him, he slides them down behind the counter,' another said.

Tourists have been told to count their money out again before leaving a money exchange store.

Last year, a woman confronted a kiosk worker after realising she'd been short-changed one million Indonesian Rupieh ($93AUD) in Sanur, south-east Bali.

'Sorry, you give me one mil' less, not enough. You give me four not five', she said.

Local news source the Bali Sun said tourists needed to search for up-to-date licenses from kiosks or conduct their money exchanges at official places like banks.

Travel Money Group said Aussies should purchase a travel card before they left for Bali.

'Particularly in Bali, where cash is king, the safest option is to use a trusted foreign exchange provider before you leave Australia,' Travel Money Group general manager Scott Mccullough said.
A whirlwind five-week election race will end with democracy sausages, colourful corflutes of eager candidates and last-minute campaigners outside polling stations.

An estimated 12million Australians are expected to head to the polls on Saturday to have their say on the next federal government.

Voting is compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over, with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) threatening a $20 penalty for those who don't cast their vote.

The fee jumps to $222 and could even mean a court date if the fine is left unpaid.

A record-breaking 2.395million voters have already cast their ballots - 400,000 more people than this time in 2022.

Tools such as 'Build a Ballot' are designed to help voters calculate their 'match level' with local candidates.

Daily Mail Australia has provided this comprehensive guide to ensure your voting experiences goes as smoothly as possible.

Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over and around 12 million people are expected to head to the polling centres in the federal election (stock image)

Among the 7,000 polling places across Australia, 1,890 will have a sausage sizzle (pictured)

When and where can I vote?

You can vote at any polling place in your state or territory on election day, the AEC has said. There are also designated interstate voting centres.

Polling places, which open from 8am to 6pm, are usually at local schools, churches, community halls and public buildings.

There are over 7,000 polling places and Australians can find their closest centre by checking the AEC website.

Of this number, 1,890 will have a sausage sizzle - also known on election day as 'democracy sausage' - for voters, according to the democracysausage.org map.

What do I bring?

Nothing. A volunteer at the centre will ask for a voter's name and address before giving them a ballot paper.

The AEC told the Herald Sun that phones are allowed in the voting booth for those making a call or wanting to use Google.

But filming or taking photos of AEC staff, voters, people's votes, the electoral roll or certified lists is not allowed.

Pets are allowed in booths, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese bringing his dog Toto to the polls in 2022.

Centres which forbid dogs on the premises may have restrictions.

You can vote at any polling place in your state or territory on election day, the AEC has said. There are also designated interstate voting centres (pictured, voters in 2019)

Pets are not forbidden from polling booths either, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heading to vote with his dog Toto on election day in 2022 (pictured)

What do I wear?

There is no dress code for voters but restrictions on campaigning outside polling centres (no closer that six metres) can impact clothing.

'If a voter wears a pin, shirt or hat with a campaign slogan into the polling place, casts their vote and leaves then it may not be considered as campaigning,' an AEC statement said in 2023.

'However, when inside a polling venue a problem could arise if a voter is seen talking about the material or gesturing towards it.'

The commission suggests avoiding potential issues by not wearing campaign material into a polling place, or to at least bring along a piece of clothing to cover up.

How do I vote?

The AEC has stated that how someone votes is their decision and, while candidates or campaigners might offer a 'how to vote' cards, it remains the individual's choice.

On arrival at the centre, voters will be handed two ballot papers by a volunteer: a small green one for the House of Representatives and large white one for the Senate.

Federal elections use a preferential voting system where voters must mark a preference for every candidate on the green paper and mark a preference for a designated number on the white.

People must not identify themselves on the ballot, this includes avoiding writing a name, initials or signing the paper - otherwise it cannot be counted.

Failure to vote in the upcoming Federal Election may lead to a $20 administrative penalty and the AEC will send a letter with instructions on how to pay it (pictured, Sydney voters in 2023)

Campaigning is forbidden within six metres of a polling centre, the AEC has said (stock image)

What happens if I don't vote?

Failure to vote in the upcoming Federal Election may lead to a $20 administrative penalty and the AEC will send a letter with instructions on how to pay it.

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.

A person can advise the commission of the reason will be reviewed, along with any specific circumstances.

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.

Emma Louise 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.

The same year, 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.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the public political arena on Wednesday, delivering a critical speech berating President Donald Trump but also urging Democrats to find inspiration from elephants at the San Diego Zoo.

The failed presidential candidate took the stage at Emerge 20th anniversary gala at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco to deliver the keynote speech that began late in the evening.

'It's good to be home!' Harris laughed as she took the stage.

But she soon got to work, criticizing Trump for his agenda, particularly his tariffs.

'Instead of the administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing a wholesale abandonment of those ideals,' she said.

Harris singled out Trump for leveling 'reckless tariffs' on foreign countries, accusing him of creating 'the biggest manmade economic crisis in modern presidential history' asserting that tariffs 'hurt workers and families' and raised costs for Americans.

Trump's agenda, she said, was 'not lowering costs' and 'not making life more affordable' and 'not what they promised.'

She noted that the Trump administration was counting on the fact that fear was 'contagious.'

Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a keynote address during the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala at the Palace Hotel

'They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others, but what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing that is contagious. Courage is contagious,' she said.

She also urged Democrats to find courage in the video of the San Diego Zoo elephants who responded to a recent earthquake by circling around each other.

'As soon as they felt the earth shaking beneath their feet, they got in a circle and stood next to each other to protect the most vulnerable,' she said. 'Think about it. What a powerful metaphor.'

Harris cautioned Democrats from dismissing Trump's efforts as 'chaos.'

'Understand what we are in fact witnessing is a high velocity event, where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making,'

She urged Americans to stand against the administration with courage.

United States President Donald J Trump makes remarks during a cabinet meeting

Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala

'What we are experiencing right now is exactly what they envisioned for America, right now we are living in their vision for America, but this is not a vision that American's want.'

She praised people who protested the president's agenda, including his deportation orders.

'It is not okay to detain and disappear American citizens or anyone without due process,' she said.

Harris only spoke for about 15 minutes, but it was the crowning moment for the event that helped raise money for female political candidates.

The event featured female candidate Mallory McMorrow, who is running of the Michigan Senate and Abigail Spanberger who is running for Governor of Virginia.

The major fundraiser for the organization cost up to $50,000 for a sponsor ticket, but also charged $25 for fans to watch a livestream of the failed presidential candidate.

Harris return to the public stage raises questions about the next step of her political career as she weighs whether or not she wants to run for Governor of California in 2026.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is term limited from running again and is already eying the 2028 presidential race.

Democrats are also watching Harris to see if she wants to run again for president in 2028, as she feels she did not have enough time to be fully competitive in her failed 2024 campaign.
Donald Trump told a town hall audience what exactly happened between himself and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in their face-to-face meeting at the Vatican.

The president gave the details behind the iconic photo of the two world leaders during a NewsNation town hall Wednesday night moderated by Chris Cuomo, Stephen A. Smith and Bill O'Reilly.

O'Reilly wanted to know what was happening during the first confrontation between Trump and Zelensky since their disastrous blow-up at the White House in February.

With a newly-signed deal for U.S. access to Ukraine's natural resources in his back pocket, Trump gave a glimpse into his deal-making discussion with Zelensky.

'I was telling him that it's a very good thing if we can produce a deal that you sign it, because Russia is much bigger and much stronger,' Trump said.

He claimed that the Russians are 'just chugging forward' and called them 'a big, strong country' though 'not nearly as strong as the United States.'

O'Reilly then wanted to know if he felt the new deal with Ukraine would prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from advancing further into the country.

'It could, but the reason I did that is because we're in for $350billion,' he said, citing the massive amounts of military aid given to the Ukrainians by Joe Biden.

Donald Trump told a town hall audience what exactly happened between himself and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in their now-iconic face-to-face meeting at the Vatican

With a newly-signed deal for U.S. access to Ukraine's natural resources in his back pocket, Trump let people in on his deal-making attempt with Zelensky

Trump signaled that the deal was a chance for the United States to get its investments back from a costly military campaign.

'They have great rare earth, meaning certain materials, minerals, it's a big asset they have,' he said.

He added that the minerals the U.S. gets access to could be worth more than the military aid.

'I didn't want to be out there and look foolish. This is not my war, it's Biden's warn. I want to stop this.'

According to reports, while they did speak about the minerals deal, Zelensky also pushed Trump to take a harder line with 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.

The president phoned into a NewsNation town hall Wednesday night moderated by Chris Cuomo, Stephen A. Smith and Bill O'Reilly

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

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.

The minerals 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Ukraine's 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.

It is not currently clear how long Trump will hold up his more critical stance towards Russia.

Tuesday 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.
A Liberal candidate described an Iraqi refugee who was convicted of masturbating in front of a minor on a train as a 'team player' in a character reference for an appeal against his rejected Australian citizenship application.

Carmen Lazar, the Coalition hopeful in the seat of McMahon in western Sydney, is a former Labor councillor who fell out with the party after energy minister Chris Bowen, and current McMahon MP, backed another candidate in the 2023 NSW state election.

Ms Lazar, an Order of Australia recipient and prominent member of the Assyrian-Australian community, appeared alongside Peter Dutton at a press conference last month where the Opposition Leader claimed she was doing a 'fantastic job'.

It was in Ms Lazar's role as program manager at the Assyrian Australian Association that she penned a character reference in 2021 for a man who can only legally be identified by the pseudonym TKQS.

At the time he was a 30-year-old Iraqi refugee who had first arrived in Australia in December 2013 with ambitions to be a police officer.

But he had his application for Australian citizenship rejected in June 2021 because a delegate for the Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke found he was not of good character.

In addition to an extensive history of driving offences, the man had a conviction for committing an act of indecency with a minor.

According to a police facts sheet, he boarded a train on April 17, 2018, where he sat a row behind a minor and started masturbating.

Carmen Lazar (pictured), the Coalition candidate for the seat of McMahon in western Sydney , is a former Labor councillor who fell out with the party after Chris Bowen, the energy minister and incumbent McMahon MP, backed another candidate in the 2023 NSW state election

Ms Lazar, an Order of Australia recipient and prominent member of the Assyrian-Australian community, appeared alongside Peter Dutton at a press conference last month where the Opposition Leader claimed she was doing a 'fantastic job'

He continued to do so for 15 minutes and whilst looking in the direction of the victim,' the Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision on his rejected citizenship application states.

The victim left the train carriage and saw the Applicants penis. The Applicant smiled at the victim as she left the train and when she was standing on the platform.

He was convicted of committing an act of indecency with a person 16 years or over and sentenced to an 18-month Community Correction Order.

Yet, when his application for Australian citizenship was rejected in 2021, Ms Lazar provided a character reference for his appeal.

It noted that she had known the man since December 2013 when he was a volunteer at the Assyrian Australian Association.

She (Ms Lazar) writes that he was a reliable "team player" during his time as a volunteer, the published decision adds.

Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Lazar to ask if she knew about his offending before she wrote the reference for him.

This publication also inquired whether Ms Lazar took steps to learn why his citizen application had been refused.

But it was in Ms Lazar's role as program manager at the Assyrian Australian Association that she penned a character reference in 2021 for a man - who can only legally be identified by the pseudonym TKQS - who had been convicted of a sickening sex offence

Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Lazar to ask if she knew about his offending before she wrote the reference for him

A spokesperson for the Coalition campaign said 'Carmen is well known for her work with refugees'.

'This would have been one of more than one hundred people she assisted,' they added.

'So again, we cannot comment on a matter where the person's identity is suppressed.'

At his original sentencing, TKQS told Liverpool Local Court it was 'not until I was arrested for these offences that it truly hit me that something was terribly wrong with me.'

'To this day, I struggle to understand why I did behave in such a disgusting way,' he told the court.

He claimed he was in a 'dark place' and was stressed by his mother's illness.

During his appeal against his rejected citizenship, he also claimed he was suffering from PTSD after being kidnapped as a child in Syria, where he lived for a time.

'I do it (masturbate) when I'm really stressed and I have too much in my mind. I want to relax and to have a good time,' he told the tribunal.

It also emerged during his failed appeal that in 2017 he had received a speeding ticket and falsely nominated another person as being behind the wheel.

He was fined $250 for the speeding offence and $5,000 for the false nomination, reduced to $2,000 on appeal.

He told the tribunal he had done this due to an 'ingrained fear of police based on the reputation and actions of law enforcement officers in my homeland of Iraq and Syria, where corruption, graft, racism and violence was endemic among the police forces'.

Tribunal member Shane Evans said he 'accept(s) the Applicant appreciates how much distress and discomfort his offending caused to the victim'.

But he was critical of his attempts to explain his driving offences.

Ms Lazar uses to serve as a Labor councillor for Fairfield City Council before her falling out with the party

She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2014 for her contribution to the Assyrian community (Ms Lazar is pictured with Liberal Senator Dave Sharma)

'His argument that his actions were driven by a deep mistrust of law enforcement is not supported by evidence and contrary to his previously stated ambition to become a police officer,' Mr Evans stated.

Ultimately, his appeal against his rejected citizenship application was rejected on Huly 5, 2022.

'The Applicants individual offences are not insignificant and his driving record and the nature of the 2017 offence indicate a disregard for the law,' Mr Evans added.

'I have taken into account the Applicants positive character references, traumatic background and the other good qualities.

'The Applicants expression of remorse is acknowledged but afforded limited weight given his obfuscation of the 2017 offending including his initial claim to the Tribunal that he had done nothing wrong.'

Ms Lazar used to serve as a Labor councillor for Fairfield City Council before her falling out with the party.

She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2014 for her contribution to the Assyrian community.

'Carmen Lazar is often the first point of contact to offer help and support to new migrants in the area,' an article by the Assyrian International News Agency reported at the time.

Ms Lazar and incumbent MP Chris Bowen are also competing against independent Matt Camenzuli, who was touted to unseat the Labor frontbencher in a recent poll.

However, Daily Mail Australia revealed serious doubts about the poll's efficacy.

The poll said it was 'conducting local research to understand what matters most to McMahon voters' yet people from neighbouring electorates received it too, as did others from as far away as the NSW Central Coast.

A video showed that Mr Camenzuli's name appeared to be 'pre-ticked' as a favoured candidate, meaning respondents would actively have to untick his name to choose someone else.

Daily Mail Australia approached Compass, the company behind the poll, for comment on the video.

A spokesperson for Mr Bowen claimed the poll was a 'desperate grab for attention'.
Parents of children who attend a Catholic school are furious after the principal sent out a suggestive letter about who to vote for in Saturday's election.

The letter was sent from the principal of Marist Sion College in Warragul, southeast of Melbourne, located in the marginal Liberal seat of Monash.

In the message, school principal Lisa Harkin said she wanted to 'share some important information for you to consider as you make your voting decision'.

'Catholic schools play a vital role in Victoria's education system with our sector educating one in five Victorian students,' Ms Harkin said.

'Australian Government recurrent and capital funding is critical to ensuring that our students have access to the quality learning and teaching programs and facilities that they need to achieve their full potential.

'In Monash there are 3,899 students across 12 schools in the electorate from 2,599 families.'

Ms Harkin continued: 'All students and families in Catholic schools in Monash should be able to have confidence in ongoing federal support for their choice to access a high-quality Catholic education.

'The Liberal National Coalition has committed to continuing current funding arrangements for Catholic schools into the future.

School principal Lisa Harkin (pictured) said she wanted to 'share some important information for you to consider as you make your voting decision'

The letter was sent to parents with children at Marist Sion College in Warragul, southeast of Melbourne , located in the electorate of Monash

'The Catholic sector has written to the Independents running in Monash and we have not received a response.

'Please take this letter into consideration ahead of the federal election and thank you for your ongoing support of our college.'

One parent of the school, Sarah, told the ABC's Raf Epstein the letter had made her feel 'really uneasy'.

'I think it raises some really important questions about the role of schools in political matters,' she said.

'The school should be a place that advocates and models teaching and learning how to think critically about politics, as opposed to telling the school community what to think or who to vote for.'

Bruce Phillips, Chief Strategy Officer at the body behind the letter, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, defended the move.

'Our schools have a right to inform parents around the positions of candidates on funding, because it is a really important issue,' he said.

Mr Phillips said he knew Labor also supported ongoing funding but the authority focussed on the 'main candidates because we think that's the information that's most relevant'.

Anthony Albanese said in his view, schools should not be sending letters to parents suggesting who they should vote for.

'What we want and what we've provided for is free and fair funding for every school,' Mr Albanese said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Marist Sion College for comment.
A quick-thinking US Navy sailor was able to narrowly escape a fighter jet just moments before it fell into the Red Sea on Monday.

The unidentified sailor was inside the cockpit of an F/A-18 fighter jet, estimated to cost about $60 million, when it slipped off the hanger deck of the USS Harry S. Truman, Business Insider reports.

Navy officials have previously said the move crew 'lost control' of the Super Hornet fighter jet and that one sailor was injured in the incident.

But on Wednesday, a US defense official revealed that the sailor - who was slightly injured - bailed out of the cockpit as soon as it became clear that the fighter jet was going to go overboard.

Yet it remains unclear how much time past between the sailor escaping the plane and it falling into the water.

The defense official noted that it is standard procedure for a sailor to be in the jet's cockpit when the aircraft is being moved in case the crew needs to use the emergency brake or steer.

Fighter jets are routinely towed around the hangar deck to park them where they are needed for any flight operations or other work. It is unclear whether there will be an effort to recover the jet, which was a part of Strike Fighter Squadron 136.

The incident remains under investigation.

An F/A-18 fighter jet, like the one pictured, fell into the Red Sea on Monday

Navy sailors were moving the fighter jet atop the USS Harry S. Truman when it fell off the hangar deck

The USS Truman has been deployed to the Middle East for months and was recently involved in stepped-up military operations against the Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

U.S. Central Command has said that the military has conducted daily strikes, which have been done by fighter jets, bombers, ships and drones.

The Truman's deployment has already been extended once by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by about a month, and on Sunday, US airstrikes in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa killed at least eight people, according to Houthi rebels.

Blood stains, bodies, and children's toys were seen among the rubble in the Bani Al Harith district in a video released by the Islamic extremist military group.

The Houths' al-Masirah satellite news channel reported that eight people were killed in the strike, something not immediately acknowledged by Health Ministry officials.

Strikes also hit Yemen's Amran and Saada governorates during the night, the Houthis added. Two others were killed on Sunday, the Houthis said.

Assessing the toll of the month-old US airstrike campaign has been difficult because the military hasnt released specific information about the attacks, including what was targeted and how many people were killed.

The Houthis, meanwhile, strictly control access to attacked areas and dont publish complete information on the strikes, many of which likely have targeted military and security sites.

Houthi rebels have said airstrikes overnight on Sunday killed at least eight people

The American military has acknowledged carrying out more than 800 individual strikes from March 15 until April 15 as part of 'Operation Roughrider'

The airstrikes appears to mark the latest escalation in the military campaign launched by Donald Trump last month as he seeks to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program.

The American military has acknowledged carrying out more than 800 individual strikes from March 15 until April 15 as part of 'Operation Roughrider'.

In a statement, the US military's Central Command said the operation has 'killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders'.

They include top Houthi members associated with its missile and drone program, though they were not identified.

'Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis,' the Central Command statement said.

'The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime.'

'We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region,' it added.

The US is targeting the Houthis because of the group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, and on Israel.

The Houthis also are the last militant group in Irans self-described 'Axis of Resistance' that is capable of regularly attacking Israel.
A political commentator and influencer who was granted access to the White House 'new media' press briefing has been dubbed 'MAGA Malfoy' for his striking white blond hair.

Link Lauren was called on by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and asked her to comment on the work-life balance for working parents under Trump.

He asked: 'You're a very high-profile young mother who seems to juggle and balance it all beautifully. What advice do you have to young parents out there who are starting their careers having kids, building families, and trying to find that balance?'

The question earned praise from Leavitt, but has since been overshadowed on X by commentators discussing his appearance.

Most are drawing comparisons to Harry Potter character Draco Malfoy, who plays the school bully and one of the main trio's nemeses throughout the series.

The villain is known for his bleach blonde hair, similar to Lauren's.

'Draco didn't get the redemption arc in this universe I fear,' one wrote, while another asked: 'Is anyone surprised Draco Malfoy became a MAGA influencer?'

'He speaks in Parseltongue but it's just trickle-down economics,' a third shocked onlooker joked.

Link Lauren was called on by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and asked her to comment on the work-life balance for working parents under Trump

Most are drawing comparisons to Harry Potter character Draco Malfoy, who plays the school bully and one of the main trio's nemeses throughout the series

Lauren has leaned into the Malfoy comparisons in the past, sharing a photo in 2019 of himself captioned: 'I'm telling my kids I'm Draco Malfoy.'

Although in 2020 he openly criticized writer JK Rowling, who has sparked mass division for her opinions on transgender issues.

He wrote: 'JK Rowling wrote a couple books about some kids who went to boarding school and played with wands. Humble yourself, sis!'

Lauren is part of the new wave of media Trump has empowered to join the White House press pack and is launching a podcast under Megyn Kelly's media umbrella.

He served as Robert F Kennedy's political advisor before he bowed out of the race and endorsed Trump in exchange for a senior appointment in his administration.

Ultimately, he was named Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Lauren then went on to posting political commentary on X and TikTok and has built a loyal following of more than 100,000 people by sharing his right-leaning views.

Speaking outside the White House this week, he told fellow influencer Annie Frey he was in Washington 'by the grace of Karoline Leavitt and all the incredible people who work for her.'

Lauren said he doesn't agree with sentiment among other influencers to replace legacy media outlets entirely with his peers, but urged publications to embrace new media and influencers in an effort to ensure balance and impartiality

Lauren has leaned into the Malfoy comparisons in the past, sharing this photo in 2019 of himself captioned: 'I'm telling my kids I'm Draco Malfoy'

The question earned praise from Leavitt (pictured), but has since been overshadowed on X by commentators discussing his appearance

'I don't even know if I'm in the pool,' he said, adding, 'I don't know the difference between this pool, the travel pool, the swimming pool.

'They've been kind and gracious to invite me and I'm grateful to be here, and it's a privilege to be here.'

Lauren said he doesn't agree with sentiment among other influencers to replace legacy media outlets entirely with his peers, but urged publications to embrace new media and influencers in an effort to ensure balance and impartiality.

'There are a lot of new media folks who go online and say legacy media folks need to be kicked out... I think you need a cornucopia of voices.

'I want MSNBC here, I want CNN here, but I also want Bannon's War Room, I want new people, I want to be here.

'That's that dialogue and that push and pull and tension and relief that we need to get fair coverage here in the White House.'
The son of a top magistrate has been hit with more than 100 new child sex offences against nine children just weeks after his dramatic arrest.

Cooper Mitchell Bamberry, 22, the son of Queensland magistrate Mark Bamberry, was arrested at his home in Helensvale on March 13.

Bamberry was charged with alleged offences against one child under the age of 16.

The charges included four counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16, two counts of engaging in penile intercourse with a child under 16, and one count each of grooming child under 16, involving a child in making exploitation material, and distributing child exploitation material.

Bamberry was on Thursday charged with another 119 offences against nine children.

The additional charges are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged child abuse and grooming incidents.

Theses include multiple counts of using internet to procure children under 16, procure young person etc. for carnal knowledge, carnal knowledge with or of children under 16, indecent treatment of children under 16, involving child in making child exploitation material and unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassing or abuse.

Bamberry was denied bail and is set to reappear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 8.

Cooper Mitchell Bamberry, 22, has been hit with another 119 child sex offences

Queensland Police said investigations are still ongoing in a statement on Thursday.

Bamberry's father founded the Gold Coast law firm Bamberry Lawyers which has been operational for 12 years.

Mark Bamberry was appointed as a magistrate to Southport Magistrates Court in 2022 after more than 20 years as a lawyer working in criminal law, traffic law, commercial and property law.

He presided over cases including that of former Gold Coast City Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden who was charged in 2024 with murdering his stepfather.

Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120

Or call 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help
One of the fastest meteor showers of the year is nearly upon us, astronomers say.

Up to 50 'shooting stars' per hour will streak through the night sky when the Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks in early May.

Eta Aquarids are known for their impressive speed, traveling at about 66 kilometres per second (238,000 kph or 148,000mph) into Earth's atmosphere.

To find them, stargazers are advised to look southwards towards the constellation Aquarius between midnight and dawn.

They can be seen with the naked eye so there's no need for binoculars or a telescope, though you will need to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark.

The meteors are best viewed in Australia because they rise to about 50 degrees in the sky, which is the best angle from which to view the shooting stars.

Here's what you need to know about the Eta Aquarids shower, which takes place between April 19 and May 28, but is expected to peak in Australian skies between May 5 and 7.

How to view the Eta Aquarids meteor shower?

To view the Eta Aquarids find an area well away from city lights or street lights.

'Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair - lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible,' NASA says.

Eta Aquariids are known for their speed - traveling at about 148,000 mph (238,000 kph) into Earth's atmosphere. They are named after the constellation Aquarius as they fall from that point in the sky and specifically the star Eta Aquarii

A composite taken over three nights using two cameras, of the Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower in 2013

Because meteors can be quite faint, keen astronomers need to get away from metropolitan areas.

'As with almost every shower, try and find a wide open space, as far from city lights as possible and fill your view with as much of the night sky as possible,' said Dr Greg Brown, public astronomy officer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Do not worry if they are not instantly visible; Nasa says it takes about 30 minutes in the dark for your eyes to adapt and you will begin to see the meteors.

Be patient  the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.

Cloud cover can often spoil any chances of seeing meteor showers.

What time is the Eta Aquarids meteor shower?

To view the comets, look up in the early mornings, right before dawn. NASA suggests trying to see the show between 3am and 5am your local time in an area away from city lights.

Other interesting things about Eta Aquarids

Eta Aquariids are named after the constellation Aquarius as they fall from that point in the sky  specifically the star Eta Aquarii.

An image of an Eta Aquarid meteor from the NASA All Sky Fireball Network station in Tullahoma, Tennessee, in May 2013

The Eta Aquarids peak during early May each year. Eta Aquarid meteors are known for their speed. These meteors are fast, traveling at about 66 km/s into Earth's atmosphere

The cosmic display is the result of Earth passing through a cloud of debris left behind by Halley's Comet during its last journey through the inner solar system in 1986.

'If the Earth passes through the comet's orbit any material deposited by the comet could become meteors or shooting stars in the sky,' said Don Pollacco, a physics professor at the University of Warwick.

'These bodies are usually the size of dust particles but when they fall into the Earth's atmosphere, they are traveling so fast that they are vapourised.

'Along the path that the dust particle travels, the gas molecules are superheated and give out light  this is a meteor.

'We don't actually see the dust, instead its vapourised effects on the molecules.'

As the Earth is crossing the comet orbit, the meteors seem to be coming from the same direction  a point in the sky known as the radiant.
The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli will face trial on charges of conducting an unlawful lottery over a promotion in which the major prize was a house from the reality show The Block or $3million in cash.

Melbourne-based Portelli, 35, is charged with nine counts of conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery in South Australia.

His business Xclusive Tech Pty Ltd, which trades under the name LMCT+, has also been charged with 10 counts of the same offence.

Portelli appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday via audio link for a pre-trial conference.

The charges, instigated by SA's Consumer and Business Services, allege Portelli's business did not hold a licence to conduct the lotteries in SA.

Portelli's company offers members subscriptions to a 'rewards club' that includes entries to win cars and properties.

Under SA law, any trade promotion lotteries with prizes exceeding $5000 need a licence to operate and entries must be free of charge.

'The major prize for the lottery was a property situated in Gisborne in the state of Victoria, as seen on the Australian television show The Block, or a cash prize of $3 million,' court documents said.

Adrian Portelli (pictured) will face trial on charges of conducting an unlawful lottery over a promotion in which the major prize was a house from the reality show or $3million cash

The Block billionaire, 35, is charged with nine counts of conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery in South Australia

Winning the prize 'involved an element of chance' but the defendant 'did not hold a licence to conduct the lottery in South Australia'.

Chief Magistrate Mary-Louise Hribal said given Portelli's legal team was travelling from interstate and the complexity of the matter, 'I'll ask that it has a special listing and some priority'.

Prosecutors asked for 'basic AVL facilities' to play videos at the trial, while defence counsel said it would call two witnesses to give evidence.

Judge Hribal has listed a trial for September 4 to 5.

If convicted on all charges, Portelli and his company could face a maximum penalty of $190,000.

The high-profile businessman has denied charges of conducting an unlawful lottery.

He has previously dismissed the South Australian authorities as 'cowboys' and offered to 'call it even' with them.

'It's a maximum penalty of $190,000. I'll round it up to $200,000,' he has said.

Portelli (pictured) is facing nine counts of conducting or assisting in the conduct of an unlawful lottery in South Australia. He denies all of the charges

Less than a week after the charges were filed against him, Portelli made headlines for giving away $150,000 worth of Coles vouchers to 1,000 Sydneysiders.

And just hours after Daily Mail Australia revealed the prosecution, he held a lavish bash at his multimillion dollar penthouse in Melbourne's CBD on Thursday night.

No expense was spared at the party, with the event featuring go-go dancers and famous Aussie DJ Havana Brown.

Portelli made much of his fortune through LMCT+ which has more than 300,000 customers who pay a subscription fee, with options ranging from $20 to a $100 a month.

Subscribers get discounts from partners such as Amazon and Elite Supplements - although the website only releases the details to people who sign up.

The main attraction is the company's monthly lottery draws for cash, cars and homes. The last draw, on November 24, resulted in $1million going to one subscriber.

The more a subscriber pays, the more 'accumulating entries' they're given in each draw.

Portelli gained fame as the 'Lambo Guy' in 2022, after arriving at a house auction for The Block in a yellow Lamborghini. In the 2024 series of the reality show, he spent $15.03 million to acquire all five homes on offer.
The closest confidante of Virginia Giuffre said Prince Andrew's accuser appeared to have found her calling in life as she designed a refuge to be built on her farm, only to then suddenly die at her own hand.

Having seemed to have finally found peace surrounded by nature in rural Australia, the 41-year-old locked in builders to construct a safe haven for domestic violence victims and rescued animals.

Her 'mother figure' Cheryl Myers, had been employed as Giuffre's carer for more than a year and was by her side throughout her 'messy divorce' proceedings as well as the school bus crash controversy in the weeks before her death.

Ms Myers says she loved Giuffre 'like a daughter' and will never get over losing the woman whose accusations of being sexually trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to Prince Andrew and others had rocked the world.

'She loved her mum, but I showed her another side while the mother wasn't there. I was a mother figure, we became more than a carer relationship,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I left her with a family member the night before, we kissed and hugged goodbye at the door as usual and then I got a call on Friday night.

'Like the rest of the world, I don't know how and I don't know why.

'She was happy, her mental state was there, she was strong but also I can understand.'

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

Prince Andrew has always denied the allegations but reportedly paid her millions to settle a lawsuit over her claims against him.

The famous photo of the teenage girl then known as Virginia Roberts with Prince Andrew and Epstein's now jailed associate Ghislaine Maxwell lent weight to her accusations of being trafficked to Prince Andrew when she was just 17.

The Royal has always denied the allegations but reportedly paid her millions to settle a lawsuit over her claims against him.

Giuffre took her own life last week at her farmhouse in Neergabby, north of Perth, after the 'toll of abuse... became unbearable', according to her family.

'She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking,' her loved ones said in a statement after her body was discovered.

Giuffre and Ms Myer's shared love of animals drew them together as they ran the $1.3million hobby farm.

Ms Myers cherishes the private memories of a woman who was more than just that famed whistleblower.

'She loved to lay on the grass and watch the stars at night, she didn't believe in shooting kangaroos, and she fed the foxes too.

'The kangaroos used to come right up to her and she kept all the fruit on the trees for them.

'She was happy on the farm, it was her lifelong dream that abused woman and animals would have somewhere to feel safe like she did.'

Virginia Giuffre had grand plans for her picturesque farm (above)

Cheryl Myers will now cherish the side to Virginia Giuffre that was not widely known.

Cheryl Myers hopes her close friend's legacy will be continued

But despite finding solace in her new life away from the headlines and the trauma of her teenage years, Giuffre was not totally at peace.

She had become estranged from her three children, who were not even able to visit her during her most recent hospital stay or even text her, due to strict court orders.

The devastating situation meant that she had not seen or heard from them in the lead up to her death.

'She was a really good mother, she was an exceptional mother and she loved her children,' Ms Myers said.

'Of course she found that separation so hard to deal with.'

Giuffre's death came just weeks after she said on social media she only had four days to live following a car crash, together with pictures of her bruised and battered in a hospital bed.

When it emerged that the accident was a very minor one, and she was discharged from hospital days later, seemingly unscathed, many questioned her honesty.

Some went as far as the say it cast doubt upon what she had said about her association with Epstein and her accusations against Prince Andrew.

After being discharged from hospital days later, seemingly unscathed, Giuffre faced backlash with many questioning her trustworthiness especially around her accusations against Prince Andrew.

She had a whirlwind romance with martial arts instructor Robert Giuffre and they married within a week in 2002

Describing her dear friend as 'kind and generous,' Cheryl Myers went on to share many precious moments she will hold dear.

'She did not lie about anything, I can say that with complete conviction,' Ms Myers said.

'Everything she said was true and how it was put to her at the hospital, that's all true.

'I haven't even fixed my car, I was so concerned about Virginia and everything that was happening. I just put her first.'

Describing her dear friend as 'kind and generous,' Ms Myers went on to share many precious moments she will hold dear.

'She was always giving people tips and buying people things, she would go shopping and fill the trolley with things for me and I'd take them out when she wasn't looking,' she said.

'I didn't need things from her, she didn't need things from me, but she was so loved.

'Virginia was psychic and she was into the number 11 and we would look at each other and she would say "what's the time?" and it would be 11 minutes past three.

'Then later again at 11 minutes past six she would say the same - 11 is an angel number and she was very spiritual.

While she was separated from her husband, Robert Giuffre, the pair were not officially divorced.

It is not known how Giuffre's estate will now be divided or if she even had a will.

While she was separated from her husband, Robert Giuffre, the pair were not officially divorced.

Giuffre escaped Epstein's clutches after meeting her husband-to-be while on a massage 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

Ms Myers says she has been left grief stricken by her death but holds hope that Giuffre's legacy and work with survivors will be continued.

'It's what she would have wanted, absolutely no doubt in my mind about that,' she said.

'I don't think I'm going to recover from this now, I lost my husband not long ago and she filled that gap - I didn't pick her, she picked me.

'I don't know where she is or had the chance to say my goodbyes. That's been very hard for me to deal with.'

For confidential 24-7 support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Here is the full timetable for expected results in the local, mayoral and parliamentary by-election on Friday.

We will bring you all the latest results plus reaction throughout the day.

2am

Results are due around this time for two of the mayoral contests.

North Tyneside is one of Labour's north-east heartlands and the party's candidate Karen Clark is favourite to win, though a low turnout may mean the result is closer than expected.

The West of England mayor could be a tight race between Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens; Labour's chances may be affected by the outgoing mayor, Dan Norris, being suspended from the party after he was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences.

3am

Counting should be over in the Runcorn & Helsby by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of the previous MP, Mike Amesbury, after he was given a suspended prison sentence for punching a man in a street in Frodsham, Cheshire.

The result this time is expected to be much closer, with Reform hoping to pull off a shock win.

3.30am

Greater Lincolnshire is one of two new mayoral positions being contested for the first time and is likely to be a two-horse race between the Conservatives and Reform.

The Tories have picked the leader of North Lincolnshire council Rob Waltham, while the Reform candidate is former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns.

5am

The result of the Doncaster mayoral election is due, with Labour's Ros Jones hoping for a fourth term in office.

7am

A full set of council results should be in for Northumberland, which is currently run by a Conservative minority administration.

Labour is the main opposition and will hope to improve its standing, though Reform and independent candidates could also make gains, ensuring the council remains in no overall control.

9am

Ballot papers will start to be counted around this time for the remaining two mayoral contests in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and Hull & East Yorkshire.

Counting will also get under way in those local authorities that did not begin overnight.

1pm

The full result is due for Durham council, where Labour is currently the largest party but does not have a majority and has been shut out of power for the past four years by a multi-party coalition that includes the Tories, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and various independents.

Labour will hope to regain full control, but is facing an added challenge this time from Reform.

1.45pm

The Tories could see their tiny majority vanish in Lancashire, where Labour, Reform and independent candidates are all hoping to make advances.

2.30pm

The result is due for the new Hull & East Yorkshire mayor.

The Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems all enjoy support in different parts of this region, while Reform has picked former boxer and Olympic medallist Luke Campbell as its candidate.

3pm

The pace begins to pick up with three councils due to finish declaring.

Doncaster is the only local authority Labour is defending at these elections, but the party faces a big threat from Reform, which is treating the council as a top target.

The Tories are likely to see their numbers cut in both Buckinghamshire and Leicestershire, but could well remain the largest party on both councils.

The result is also due for the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough mayor, which was won by Labour's Nik Johnson in 2021 but he is not standing this time, and where both the Tories and Lib Dems fancy their chances.

4pm

The losses could start to mount for the Conservatives.

The Lib Dems are hoping to replace the Tories as the largest party in Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire and could make major gains on both councils.

In Shropshire the Conservatives may lose power thanks to a challenge from the Lib Dems, Labour and smaller parties, though they could hang on in Staffordshire where they have a large majority.

4.30pm

Labour did well in the county of Derbyshire at the general election and is hoping to pick up seats on the council this year.

With the Lib Dems and Reform also eyeing gains, the Tories may lose overall control.

5pm

A string of results could bring more gloom for the Conservatives.

Reform is threatening to eat into the Tories' large presence in Lincolnshire and North Northamptonshire, while the Conservatives' tiny majority in Nottinghamshire is likely to evaporate in the face of challenges from Reform, Labour and local independents.

The Lib Dems hope to chip away at the Tory numbers in Warwickshire and do well enough in Oxfordshire to take majority control.

In Worcestershire, the story could be one of multiple parties gaining at the Conservatives' expense, particularly the Greens and Reform.

6pm

More Tory losses may come in Cornwall, where the party has minority control of the council but faces twin threats from the Liberal Democrats and independents.

The Lib Dems are also hoping to wipe out the Conservatives' majority in Devon and make gains at the Tories' expense in Wiltshire.

In Cambridgeshire, the Lib Dems are currently the largest party but do not have a majority and will be keen to improve their position.

7pm

The final results are due from Kent and West Northamptonshire: two councils where the Tories currently have a majority but where they face challenges from more than one party.
Tesco shoppers were left stunned after spotting black-clad military personnel abseiling at speed from several helicopters as they practised secret drop drills in a military exercise.

Footage shows the moment two dark blue and white helicopters appeared metres from the supermarket in Baguley, Manchester, this week.

Ropes were dropped from both choppers before six figures, wearing black clothing bearing a similarity to military fatigues, rappelled down them and onto a nearby roof.

The figures then pulled the ropes from the helicopters, allowing them to fly off at speed in expert fashion.

Experts suggested the footage could show a training exercise used by SAS soldiers - the Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.

The choppers themselves also had no tail numbers on them - a classic sign that they are likely owned by the special forces.

Similar incidents have previously been spotted in other areas of the country, including in Wrexham and Salford.

Just a day before the choppers were spotted in Baguley, a similar scene unfolded in Media City in Salford, where the BBC now films much of its output.

Tesco shoppers were left stunned on Monday after sporting black-clad figures abseiling at speed from several helicopters - in an apparent military exercise in Baguley, Manchester

Ropes were dropped from both choppers before six figures, wearing black clothing bearing a similarity to military fatigues, took it in turns to abseil down them and onto a nearby roof

Military helicopters were seen circling overhead before at least one landed on the roof of a car park at around 11.30pm.

There were also reports of individuals 'roping down'.

A witness told MEN: 'We had three or four Blue Thunder helicopters circling around Media City and landing on the car park next to Premier Inn.

'Quite unexpected in the middle of the night. There was also a lot of crew with gear on and ropes.'

Blue Thunder is the nickname given to the Eurocopter Dauphin II helicopters, which is used by the SAS.

Onlookers identified the helicopters seen in Baguley to also be Eurocopter Dauphin II aircraft.

On the same night as the Salford choppers were seen, the same type of aircraft was also spotted over Wrexham, Wales.

Witnesses described how the helicopters were flying low late in the evening, with all lights turned off.

At the time, there were no public or private aircraft recorded on flight trackers.

Footage shows the moment two dark blue and white helicopters appeared metres from the supermarket in Baguley, Manchester, this week

The helicopters - said to be Eurocopter Dauphin IIs - then flew off at speed

The Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin, a fast twin-engine helicopter, apparently modified for rapid insertion and extraction of special forces.

Multiple arms of the UK military have been taking part in high-profile training exercises in recent weeks and months, as global tensions, such as those seen in the Ukraine war, rise.

On April 2, one of Royal Navy's most fearsome warships was unleashed in a rare display of military power.

HMS Dauntless let loose with almost every weapon system at the ship's disposal to destroy swarms of drones during a high-octane live-fire drill off the Welsh coast.

The 1 billion Type 45 vessel and her 190-strong crew fended off attack after attack from unmanned aircraft and boats as they raced towards it.

Helicopters armed with missiles blasted aircraft out of the sky, while ferocious machine guns on the ship, able to spew thousands of rounds a minutes, ripped into mock suicide drones.

The action was part of the final round of drills before Dauntless joins a major deployment to Asia in the coming weeks protecting one of Britain's two 3 billion aircraft carriers.

The voyage could take the carrier strike group through dangerous waters in the Red Sea - and into the sights of Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have threatened to blast warships with their Iranian-made missiles and drones.

It means the heavily-armed destroyer - which is a critical part of the defensive shield protecting HMS Prince of Wales - may come under attack for real.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.

In a previous statement, a spokesperson said: 'UK military personnel train in a variety of locations to ensure they are ready for a broad spectrum of scenarios.'
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Britain sweltered through the hottest ever start to May today with temperatures set to hit 30C (86F) at the earliest point of the year on record.

The Met Office confirmed that with the Kew Gardens in London hitting 28.0C (82.4F) this afternoon and 'still climbing', today is officially the hottest May Day ever. It beat the previous all-time high for May 1 of 27.4C (81.3F) at Lossiemouth in Moray in 1990.

Today marks the UK's hottest day of 2025 so far for the fourth consecutive day, after highs of 26.7C (80.1F), 24.9C (76.8F) and 24.5C (76.1F) for the past three days.

Students from the University of St Andrews made the most of the warm conditions at sunrise to part in the traditional May Day Dip on the East Sands in the Fife town.

Plunging into the North Sea at dawn on the first day of May is said to promote good luck in exams - with hundreds seen excitedly running into the water this morning.

Elsewhere, Morris dancers welcomed the start of the month as celebrations took place across the country to mark the arrival of May Day. Festivals dating back hundreds of years traditionally take place at what is seen as the beginning of summer.

But tragedy struck in Nottingham where a body has been found in the search for a 16-year-old boy who went missing while swimming at Colwick Country Park.

Very warm weather continues tomorrow with 26C (79F) highs before temperatures drop this weekend with 19C (66F) on Saturday and 16C (61F) on Sunday.

Bank Holiday Monday will also be significantly cooler with highs of just 14C (57F) before next Tuesday and Wednesday get up to only 15C (59F) or 16C (61F).

It is good news for hayfever sufferers after the Met Office imposed a 'very high' pollen warning for all of southern England, the Midlands and Wales today. This is replaced by a 'high' warning tomorrow, 'medium' on Saturday and 'low' on Sunday.

People photograph their ice creams during warm weather at St James's Park in London today

Students from the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional May Day Dip today

People enjoy the beach at Broadstairs in Kent this afternoon during the hot weather

People enjoy the warm weather on the beach at Southend-on-Sea in Essex this afternoon

A group enjoy the sunshine while on a punting trip on the River Cam in Cambridgeshire today

Met Office meteorologist Michael Silverstone said temperatures today could climb further to '29C or even 30C'.

He added: '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.'

UK temperature records Warmest day of the year so far : Current high is 28.0C (82.4F) at Kew Gardens in London today

: Current high is 28.0C (82.4F) at Kew Gardens in London today Previous temperature record for May 1 : 27.4C (81.3F) at Lossiemouth in 1990

: 27.4C (81.3F) at Lossiemouth in 1990 Highest recorded May temperature : Camden Square in London with 32.8C (91.0F) on May 22, 1922

: Camden Square in London with 32.8C (91.0F) on May 22, 1922 If 30C (86F) is recorded today : Earliest point in the year in which that temperature has been reached, in Met Office records back to 1860 Advertisement

Temperatures are about 7C to 13C above the average for early May.

The highest ever recorded temperature in May was 32.8C (91.0F) on May 22, 1922, in London.

The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C (80.1F) yesterday in Wisley, Surrey, - making it the warmest day of the year so far.

That came after temperatures hit 24.9C (76.8F) on Tuesday in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire; and 24.5C (76.1F) on Monday at St James's Park in London.

Despite the soaring temperatures, the all-time April high of 29.4C (84.9F) at Camden Square in London in 1949 was not broken.

But some farmers have been struggling with the unseasonably hot weather  including Andy Barr, who owns an 800-acre farm in Kent where he grows barley, wheat, beans and rapeseed.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'We're having to do things in the fields very early and later in the evening to try and cope with the hot weather.'

Mr Barr also said it also makes the crops 'very stressed', adding; 'We [farmers] like nice boring weather. We like 21C, sunny and a bit of rain at night  not extremes.'

Meanwhile the Met Office has ruled out a heatwave this week.

Horticulturalist Liam Anderson tends to the borders along Wisteria Walk at RHS Wisley today

Kate Gibbs enjoys the morning sunshine at her beach hut in Folkestone, Kent, today

Students from the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional May Day Dip today

People enjoy the warmth today after the Beltane celebrations at Glastonbury Chalice Well, where they observe a modern interpretation of the ancient Celtic pagan fertility rite of spring

Rowers at Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire today take advantage of the calm conditions

Hundreds of students run into the water on the East Sands in St Andrews, Fife, this morning

A runner enjoys the morning sunshine alongside the beach huts in Folkestone, Kent, today

People enjoy the beach at Broadstairs in Kent this afternoon during the hot weather

Students from the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional May Day Dip today

A couple relax in the warm weather on the beach in Margate, Kent, this afternoon

People punt on the River Cam in Cambridge today during the very warm weather

People relax in the sunshine on the grass at St James's Park in London this afternoon

Paddleboarders on the North Sea at Cullercoats Bay on North Tyneside today

Mr Silverstone said it looks 'unlikely' the UK will reach a heatwave - which is defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the 'heatwave threshold', which varies across the country.

The threshold is 25C for most of the UK, rising to 28C in London.

'Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South, though, with temperatures either today or Friday only just failing to exceed the required threshold,' Mr Silverstone said.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.

Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: '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 water's edge, it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water.'

People relax in the sunshine on the grass at St James's Park in London this afternoon

A jogger and a cyclist make their way along Southend-on-Sea seafront in Essex this morning

Crowds of tourists enjoy the sunshine at Parliament Square in Westminster this afternoon

People relax in the sunshine on the grass at St James's Park in London this afternoon

Hook Eagle Morris dancers in Hook, Hampshire, this morning as they see in the May Day dawn

People relax in the sunshine on the grass at St James's Park in London this afternoon

Hundreds of students go into the water on the East Sands in St Andrews, Fife, this morning

People go for a walk in the woods in the early morning sunshine in Dunsden, Oxfordshire, today

Union Jack flags on display along the seafront in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, this morning

Joggers running in the bright morning sunshine on Wimbledon Common in London today

Early morning mist across a field in Eton this morning with views of Windsor Castle

A gull catches a newt at sunrise as warm weather continues at Richmond Park in London today

The sun rises behind The Shard skyscraper in London today as warm weather continues

Sunrise in Dunsden, Oxfordshire, today on what is set to be the warmest day of the year so far

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) offered similar warnings.

Gabbi Batchelor, water safety education manager at RNLI, said: 'If you are planning on swimming at a lifeguarded beach, we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards.

'If you get into trouble in the water, float to live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.'

Fire services also warned the warm weather means there is a 'heightened' risk of grass and wildfires which can spread more easily during the dry spell.

And the NHS also reported that searches for hay fever advice had doubled from Monday to yesterday.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: 'While I'm sure most people will be delighted to be able to enjoy the warmth and sunshine at this time of year, the warm weather brings an increase in the pollen count that can cause discomfort for hay fever sufferers.

'Most people will be able to manage their symptoms with medication that is available off the shelf from community pharmacies and supermarkets, and the NHS website has more advice on how to deal with the discomfort.'

Meanwhile RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: 'Breakdowns are expected to soar over the next few days, as temperatures in many parts do the same.

'We're 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.

'Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there's a serious risk of engine overheating.'

Yesterday, trains were delayed in areas of London, Berkshire and Yorkshire because of the hot weather.

Great Western Railway said fewer trains could run between London Paddington and Reading because of a speed restriction brought in due to 'high track temperatures'.

The same problem impacted TransPennine Express services between Malton and York stations in North Yorkshire, and Stalybridge and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire.

It comes ahead of the May Day bank holiday, with Britons being warned to avoid driving tomorrow amid fears of road chaos as motorists plan a million more leisure trips by car this year.

The worst jams tomorrow are expected in the late afternoon and evening when holiday and commuter traffic combine  with motorists urged to travel before 10am.

Experts at the RAC also encouraged drivers to take to the roads before 11am or after 3pm if they are travelling on the Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday.

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Some 17million motorists are set to hit the roads between Friday and Monday, with traffic hotspots expected to include the A720 Edinburgh bypass towards Dreghorn.

The M25 clockwise from the South Mimms interchange to Essex could see delays of 40 minutes from 4pm on Friday as commuter traffic combines with holiday trips.

And the M5 southbound is expected to see delays of a similar duration from 7pm between the J15 Almondsbury interchange at Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater.

Some 22million working Brits have booked annual leave around the May bank holidays, according to data from the latest Virgin Media O2 Business Movers Index.

The firm also said 41 per cent of UK workers admitted to having called in sick at some stage to take advantage of a sunny day off.

The retailer Lakeland said it had seen significant increases in sales over the past week for ice cream makers, barbecues, pizza ovens and outdoor airers and pegs.

Ice cream makers are up by 248 per cent week on week, while barbecue sales are up by 1,535 per cent in the same time. Pizza oven sales are up by 105 per cent too, while outdoor drying products are up by 244 per cent.

Meanwhile Toolstation reported sales of lawnmowers increased by 136 per cent over the last week, while hedge trimmers rose by 76 per cent week on week. Watering cans are up by 109 per cent.

UK records sunniest April on record as temperatures soar into May

April was the sunniest on record for the UK, with unusually warm temperatures and dry weather setting the stage for a scorching start to May.

Provisional Met Office figures show the country recorded its brightest April since records began in 1910, with England seeing its sunniest ever, and the other home nations their second sunniest.

It was also the UK's third warmest April on record, with a mean temperature of 9.6C - 1.7C above the long-term average.

The Met Office said high pressure over the UK for much of the month led to cloud-free skies, strong sunshine and below-average rainfall.

Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: 'The sun is as strong at this time of year as it is in August.

'Under high pressure, the air tends to sink, get compressed, and warm up - so it's fair to say this latest period of very warm weather has been 'home-grown'.'

Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle said: 'It is quite unusual for temperatures to hit 25C fairly widely in April. The last time was in 2018, and before that April 2011.'

Rainfall was well below average for most of the UK last month, with just 56 per cent of expected totals recorded.

Tyne and Wear had its second driest April on record, with only 7 per cent of its usual rainfall.

With March also breaking sunshine records in England, the UK has now had its warmest and brightest start to spring since records began in the 19th century.
An Aussie tenant claims they and their flatmate have been 'held hostage' by their landlord after forking out a year's rent in advance.

The renters from Victoria, who shared their story anonymously on Facebook group Dont Rent Me are now in a difficult position after the landlord advised they want to sell up.

Before signing the lease, the landlord assured the tenants they had no intentions of selling the property in the next year but subsequently had a change of heart four months in.

The median rent for a house is $580 per week in Melbourne, which is more than $30,000 a year.

'After paying 12 months' rent in advance, my landlord notified us of her intention to sell the property,' the renter fumed.

The renters told the landlord they couldn't remain as tenants during the sales process and requested a refund of the unused rent before issuing a vacate notice with more than a month's notice.

'We both work demanding jobs, we work from home, I have an auto immune disease while treating it with immune suppressant which can cause complications if exposed to germs and so constant inspections would disrupt our lives and health,' they said.

The renter said the landlord told them she 'didn't have the funds' and would only be reimbursed the remaining rent until after the property was sold.

A Victorian renter who paid 12 months of rent in advance has been advised by their landlord four months into the lease that they now want to sell (stock image)

Landlords can conduct no more than two one hour sales inspections a week while the property is tenanted and must give written notice (stock image)

Inspections were initially paused on the property but when the landlord began 'pushing' for them again, the tenants refused.

The ongoing dispute has caused 'severe emotional and physical distress' for the tenants.

'All I want is to move, secure a property, and get on with my life. But instead, I feel held hostage in a home I've already overpaid for,' they added.

'I've done everything right. I paid up front. I gave notice. I was respectful and patient. Why am I being punished for that? This is not just unfair, it's inhumane.'

Aussies commented on the post urging the tent to seek advice from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CVA) and Tenants Victoria.

Others suggested escalating the dispute to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

'I'd apply for an emergency hearing at your state-based tribunal, asking for your rent to be returned within a fair notice period for both parties (60 days?) and one inspection per month within that time, given your health concerns,' one wrote.

'Offering a reasonable option will make it more likely to be found in your favour.'

The landlord told the tenant they wouldn't be able to pay back the money until she had sold the property (stock image of potential buyers at an open inspection)

A real estate property manager added: 'The agent shouldve advised against the [tenant] doing this [] Very poor form of the agency. While the agency does work for the owner, they have a duty of care to the tenant and an ethical responsibility.'

Landlords can't ask for more than one month's rent in advance in Victoria if the rent is less than $900 per week.

There is no limit on how much rent tenants can voluntarily pay in advance.

Victorian rents can usually end a fixed-term agreement early if the owner is selling up but need to give at least 14 days notice.

Landlords can conduct no more than two one hour sales inspections a week while the property is tenanted and must give written notice.

Tenants cannot refuse entry for sales inspections if the correct process has been followed.
Israel declared a national emergency as the largest wildfires in the country's history continued to rage out of control.

The Fire and Rescue Service's Jerusalem District commander said firefighters had a long way to go before they could contain the blazes, which started near Mesilat Zion, west of Jerusalem, yesterday morning.

Shmulik Friedman said conditions could get even worse due to strong winds which could reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour.

'We are amidst a very large wildfire, maybe the largest there has ever been in this country,' he said last night.

'Regarding our activity, it will continue for a very long time. We are far from having control.'

Footage shows thick smoke billowing above highways as motorists abandoned their vehicles while the military has also deployed troops to help.

Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency reported that hundreds of civilians were at risk from the wildfires, and that it had already treated 23 people.

Friedman said that the cause was still unknown, and that emergency services were 'not yet dealing with this'.

Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency reported that hundreds of civilians were at risk from the wildfires, and that it had already treated 23 people

Footage shows thick smoke billowing above highways as motorists abandoned their vehicles

The Fire and Rescue Service's Jerusalem District commander said conditions could get even worse due to strong winds

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a similar tone, saying that the 'priority right now is defending Jerusalem.'

He added: 'We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines.

'We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one.

'This wave of fires is a threat to human life, to communities  and to Jerusalem. This is not just a fire in the field, it is a national danger.'

Israel Katz, the defence minister, said in a statement: 'We are facing a national emergency, and all available forces must be mobilised to save lives and bring the fires under control.'

And fire chief Eyal Caspi warned at a press conference that 'our aircraft can't do anything right now due to the weather conditions... Our goal is to save lives'.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said he had held phone calls with counterparts from Argentina, France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Azerbaijan and North Macedonia, to request aerial assistance in dealing with the wildfires.

But experts have said that Israeli leaders have failed to prepare for wildfires after major blazes in both 2016 and 2021.

Dov Ganem, chairman of the Israel Fire and Air Rescue Association, told the Walla news site that he had been warning for 18 years about the state's lack of preparedness for massive fires.

He said he had long pushed for advanced aerial firefighting but had not been acknowledged.

Dov Ganem, chairman of the Israel Fire and Air Rescue Association, told the Walla news site that he had been warning for 18 years about the state's lack of preparedness for massive fires

He said he had long pushed for advanced aerial firefighting

Israel Katz, the defence minister, said in a statement: 'We are facing a national emergency, and all available forces must be mobilised to save lives and bring the fires under control'

Tomer Lotan, who served as the Director General of the Ministry of Internal Security from 2021 to 2022, said he had drawn up plans to purchase Blackhawk helicopters aimed at bolstering the firefighters' aerial forces but was blocked.

'I tried my best to explain that these were firefighting helicopters that were supposed to upgrade Israel's air capabilities,' he wrote yesterday.

'Of course, it was like talking to a wall. The false arguments have stalled the Blackhawks project  and prevented us from being here today, two and a half years later, with a vital boost to the fight against the giant fires.'

Generally, experts say wildfires are encouraged by an abundance of dry vegetation and strong winds, and are usually sparked by negligence or arson.

Israeli police have reportedly arrested three suspects in connection to the wildfires, though authorities have said it is too early to determine the cause of the initial blaze.

There has also been concern within Israel over what appear to be celebratory posts across social media around the incident.

Messages circulating on Facebook, Telegram and TikTok show some users hailing the wildfires as a divine act.

Experts say wildfires are encouraged by an abundance of dry vegetation and strong winds, and are usually sparked by negligence or arson

Israeli police have reportedly arrested three suspects in connection to the wildfires, though authorities have said it is too early to determine the cause of the initial blaze

One wrote: 'We ask God to protect our people and our land. May these fires confuse the occupiers and their embattled settlers.'

Another account said: 'May God burn them as they burned the people of Gaza and their tents.'

Zvi Sukkot, a far-right lawmaker, wrote to Netanyahu to ask him to order a curfew and impose a lockdown on Palestinian villages in the West Bank.

'There is a real concern, based on past experience, that Palestinians will try to ignite more fires in Judea and Samaria and throughout Israel,' he said.

'To prevent such occurrences, a curfew must be imposed immediately on Judea and Samaria, and a blockade must be imposed on the Palestinian villages.'
Russia launched a devastating drone attack on Ukraine overnight, causing deaths, injuries and mass evacuations after Kyiv and Washington finally agreed to an historic minerals deal.

At least two people were killed and 15 injured as military drones descended on the port city of Odesa, the Ukrainian emergency services said, adding that high-rise buildings, residential homes, a supermarket and a school were damaged in the attack.

Ukraine's armed forces reported that Russia attacked into Thursday with five ballistic missiles and 170 drones nationwide, many of which were shot down.

Explosions were heard in the city of Sumy and air raid warnings were triggered in several places including Sumy, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia.

Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, reacted to the news by calling for a 'complete ceasefire' early Thursday in a post on Telegram.

'We must push for it together with the US,' he wrote.

The strike came as the United States and Ukraine on Wednesday signed a minerals deal in Washington that US President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid.

Ukraine has accepted the minerals accord as a way to secure long-term investment from the United States, as Trump aims to drastically scale back US security commitments around the world.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev painted the deal as a concession, saying Trump has 'finally broken the Kyiv regime into paying for American aid'.

But the American statement on the deal notably bore a tougher line than usual in condemning Russian aggression, assuring that no supporters of the 'Russian war machine' would be allowed to benefit from their investment in Ukraine.

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine in this handout picture released May 1, 2025

Putin's strikes came as Kyiv and Washington agreed to an historic minerals deal

A Ukrainian firefighter extinguishing a fire at the site of a Russian drone attack in Kyiv, May 1

Announcing the deal in Washington, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it showed 'both sides' commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in 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.

'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.'

The Treasury statement notably mentioned Russia's 'full-scale invasion' of Ukraine - diverging from the Trump administration's usual formulation of a 'conflict' for which Kyiv bears a large degree of responsibility.

In Kyiv, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said the agreement was 'good, equal and beneficial.'

Shmygal said the two countries would establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund with each side having equal voting rights and Ukraine would retain 'full control over its subsoil, infrastructure and natural resources.'

Meeting a key concern for Kyiv, he said Ukraine would not be asked to pay back any 'debt' for billions of dollars in US support since Russia invaded in February 2022.

'The fund's profits will be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine,' he said.

Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the deal would finance mineral and oil and gas projects as well as 'related infrastructure or processing.'

Trump had originally sought $500 billion in mineral wealth - around four times what the United States has contributed to Ukraine since the war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant (L) and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signing an agreement to establish the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, in Washington, DC, USA, 30 April 2025

Ukrainian emergency services said two people have died and 15 have been injured in Odesa

Drone strikes, as pictured in Kyiv, continued overnight across the country

Trump has balked at offering security guarantees to Ukraine and has rejected its aspiration to join NATO.

But he said on Wednesday that a US presence on the ground would benefit Ukraine.

'The American presence will, I think, keep a lot of bad actors out of the country or certainly out of the area where we're doing the digging,' Trump said at a cabinet meeting.

Speaking later at a town hall with NewsNation, Trump said he told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a recent meeting at the Vatican that signing the deal would be a 'very good thing' because 'Russia is much bigger and much stronger.'

Asked whether the minerals deal is going to 'inhibit' Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Trump said 'well, it could.'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday threatened giving up on mediation unless the two sides come forward with 'concrete proposals.'

Since starting his second term, 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.

Backed by the international community, Zelensky has ruled out any formal concession to Russia of Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula seized in 2014.

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.

A view shows the site of the Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa

President Trump (L) and President Zelensky (R) meet at the Vatican on Saturday

The meeting was recognised by both sides as being productive - after the falling out at the White House in February (pictured)

Trump did suggest earlier this week he thought Ukraine was ready to 'give up' Crimea after their meeting on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday.

'Oh, I think so,' the U.S. president told reporters in New Jersey, asked whether he thought the his Ukrainian counterpart was ready to 'give up' the territory.

The US leader said that during their talks at St. Peter's Basilica they had 'briefly' discussed the fate of the Black Sea peninsula.

Zelensky hailed the recent summit as a 'good meeting...that has the potential to become historic', while the Washington said it was 'very productive'.

But the Ukrainian leader has otherwise remained steadfast on his position on Crimea.

Crimea has been a sticking point in negotiations. The strategic peninsula was given to the Ukrainian SSR in 1954 - before Putin illegally annexed it in 2014.

Russia said this week it was ready to negotiate with Ukraine - but said recognition of Moscow's claims over five Ukrainian regions including Crimea were 'imperative' to resolving the conflict.

Experts warn Trump's peace plan, which includes recognising Russian authority over Crimea, would require constitutional changes and could amount to treason.

'It doesn't mean anything,' said Oleksandr Merezkho, a lawmaker with Zelenskyy's party. 'We will never recognize Crimea as part of Russia.'

A Ukrainian tank crew of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade fire a round from a Leopard 2A4 tank during a field training exercise at an undisclosed location, on April 30, 2025

A woman reacts in grief following a Russian drone attack that struck the city of Dnipro, Ukraine overnight on April 30, 2025

Tankers of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade training at a training ground in Donetsk region, Ukraine on April 28, 2025

Zelensky echoed the sentiment over the weekend, rejecting any suggestion his country would hand over the region to Moscow.

Speaking to reporters, he said: 'Our position is unchanged: only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide which territories are Ukrainian.

'The Constitution of Ukraine states that all temporarily occupied territories are temporarily occupied. They all belong to Ukraine, to the Ukrainian people,' he said.

'Ukraine will not legally recognize any temporarily occupied territories. I think this is an absolutely fair position.

'It is legal not only from the point of view of the Constitution of Ukraine, but also from the point of view of international law.'

As well as undermining Ukrainian sovereignty, potentially amounting to treason and stranding Ukrainian nationals, a concession would set an uneasy precedent for rogue states looking to illegally annex territory through force.

Kyiv has reiterated its desire to end the gruelling war in Ukraine, but warns it must have security guarantees to avoid Russia reopening the conflict at a later date.
The lover of a British health drinks tycoon who 'abhorred paying tax' is in a court battle with his siblings over his multi-million-pound fortune.

Maltese national Sheila Caruana, 59, was left Alan Lorenz's entire estate when he died in 2021 aged 78.

The couple had entered into a civil partnership just weeks before his death.

But now his three siblings - Robert Lorenz, 81, Anthony Lorenz, 77, and Vanessa Manasseh, 79 - want half of the fortune claiming it was only given to Ms Caruana to avoid having to pay inheritance tax.

Former divorce lawyer Mr Lorenz became a multimillionaire after giving up his legal career to sell weight-loss shakes through controversial nutritional supplements group Herbalife.

Mr Lorenz joined the company in 1984, rising to become a senior member and building a fortune which, by the time he died, included a 3.5m Maltese property, a 4m home in Mayfair, 8.8m in the bank and 2.1m worth of rights relating to Herbalife.

Yesterday, the case reached the Court of Appeal, where Mr Lorenz's siblings argued that their brother had trusted Ms Caruana to 'do right' by his family and split the estate with them.

They argue he had created a 'secret trust' under which she would inherit all his wealth, but be trusted to hand half of it to his siblings.

Maltese national Sheila Caruana, 59, (right) was left Alan Lorenz's (left) multi-million-pound estate when he died in 2021 aged 78

His three siblings - Anthony Lorenz, 77, (left), Vanessa Manasseh, 79 (centre), Robert Lorenz, 81, (right) - want half of the fortune claiming it was only given to Ms Caruana to avoid having to pay inheritance tax

But Ms Caruana is fighting their claim on the basis that he left her with no binding obligation to give his family anything at all.

The case first reached court in December 2023 when a judge refused Ms Caruana's application to dismiss Robert's claim, but returned last June when another judge did dismiss it after an appeal.

The siblings are now fighting on, with Robert challenging the ruling at the Court of Appeal before Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, Lord Justice Zacaroli and Mr Justice Cobb.

During previous hearings, the court heard that Charterhouse-educated Mr Lorenz died a multimillionaire after making his riches selling health drinks.

Herbalife is a worldwide 'direct-selling' company, founded in 1980 to sell weight loss shakes, but expanding to produce other nutritional products, which it sells in over 90 worldwide countries.

Founded in 1980 in the US, Herbalife has attracted controversy, having been forced to deny claims of having a 'pyramid' type sales structure.

The company agreed to 'fundamentally restructure' its business in the US, and pay $200 million as part of a 2016 settlement of a US Federal Trade Commission case.

Mr Lorenz began his relationship with fellow Herbalife member Ms Caruana around 2012, but as there was a 23-year age gap between them was keen to begin tax planning for his old age.

Mr Lorenz began his relationship with fellow Herbalife member Ms Caruana around 2012

Although previous wills left his siblings a share, in 2020 he made a new will, leaving everything to Ms Caruana, with whom he then formed a civil partnership so that she would not have to pay inheritance tax.

The family's claim was brought to court by Robert Lorenz, backed by his siblings, claiming that their brother had 'a history of aggressive tax avoidance and indeed an abhorrence of paying tax.'

Mr Lorenz was 'close' to all of his siblings, they continued, and there was no evidence he changed his mind and intended to cut them out, believing that Ms Caruana was '100 per cent honourable' and would follow his wishes, giving half his money to his family.

In a statement to the court, Ms Caruana denied any such trust, stating: 'At no time did he say that there would be any restrictions on my use of the assets. Neither did he give me instructions to deal with the assets he was leaving in a particular way.'

Last June, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith dismissed Robert's claim, finding there was no realistic prospect of establishing that Mr Lorenz had created a 'secret trust' benefiting his siblings.

She found that Robert had not established 'certainty' of what property the alleged trust related to or who its beneficiaries should be.

But appealing yesterday, Richard Wilson KC argued that the judge was 'plainly wrong' to dismiss Robert's claim on the basis that there was no realistic prospect of establishing a secret trust due to the uncertainty of what assets the alleged trust was over and who exactly the beneficiaries would be.

'Robert's pleaded case is that the subject matter of the secret trust was half of the residuary estate, consistent with Alan's previous wills, which had left half of his residuary estate to his siblings,' he told the appeal judges.

Anthony Lorenz is pictured here outside the High Court. The siblings argue that their brother had trusted Ms Caruana to 'do right' by his family and split the estate with them

'There is no inherent uncertainty in that claim to justify granting summary judgment.'

He continued: 'Robert's claim is that Alan gave oral instructions to Sheila on how to deal with the residuary estate and that those instructions gave rise to a secret trust.

'There is clear evidence that instructions were given.

'The evidence is clear that there was at the very least some form of obligation on Sheila to make gifts to Alan's siblings in accordance with his settled and consistent intention to make provision for them.'

Urging the judges to allow the appeal and for Robert's claim against Ms Caruana to go ahead, he added: 'The question for the court to determine at trial is whether the obligation that was undoubtedly imposed extends beyond a moral obligation and amounts to a legally enforceable obligation giving rise to a secret trust.'

Ms Caruana's barrister Penelope Reed KC said the appeal should be dismissed, as Mr Lorenz had only ever expressed 'unspecified wishes' about what she should give to his family after his death.

His focus had been on avoiding inheritance tax, and to create a binding obligation on Ms Caruana to gift certain sums to his siblings would defeat that purpose, she said.

'It is common ground between the parties that Alan's overwhelming motivation was to avoid his estate being subject to inheritance tax, a goal that was impossible with the imposition of a secret trust and consistent only with leaving his estate to Sheila outright,' she argued.

'While Alan did express wishes for Sheila to benefit his family, Alan giving his estate to Sheila absolutely, with a view to her making gifts to his family, does not create a binding trust.

'Alan had a longstanding desire to avoid tax where possible and consistently went to some effort to do so - even living abroad for decades.

'When faced with the choice of having control over the gifting of his assets to any family members and having to pay inheritance tax, he chose with barely any hesitation to avoid the tax, accepting the uncertainty and lack of control.

'Once the proposition is accepted, as it has been by all parties, that Alan's overriding intention was the avoidance of tax, Alan simply could not have achieved that aim by leaving his estate on a binding secret trust.

'His goal was incompatible with an intention to create a secret trust, and was solely consistent with the his estate going to Sheila beneficially.'

The judges reserved judgment on the appeal until a later date.
Syria is on the brink of erupting into chaos, after Israel bombed pro-government forces following a series of Islamist attacks on Druze minority groups.

The nation, now run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) following the fall of murderous dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime late last year, was hit by at least four Israeli missile strikes that targeted security personnel in the Druze town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya last night.

The strikes came after sectarian clashes left more than 70 dead in two days and Israel warned against attacks targeting the Druze minority that have left them terrified of being massacred.

'We're in extreme panic and fear because of the indiscriminate shelling, which is forcing most of us to stay totally shuttered inside our homes,' said Elias Hanna, who lives on the edge of Sahnaya.

'We're worried that the massacres of the coast will repeat themselves near Sahnaya against the Druze,' he said.

Syrian Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri on Thursday condemned what he called a 'genocidal campaign' against his people, after two days of deadly sectarian clashes.

In a statement, Hijri described the violence in Jaramana and Sahnaya, near Damascus, as an 'unjustifiable genocidal campaign' and urged immediate intervention by 'international forces to maintain peace and prevent the continuation of these crimes'.

The sectarian violence and Israel's intervention present huge challenges to the Islamist authorities who overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, and follow massacres last month in Syria's Alawite heartland on the Mediterranean coast.

Syria is on the brink of erupting into chaos, after Israel bombed pro-government forces following a series of Islamist attacks on Druze minority groups

Druze men demonstrate in solidarity with the Syrian Druze community near the border barrier in the village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights on April 30, 2025

Members of Syria's security forces deploy during an operation in the edge of the town of Sahnaya, south of Damascus, Wednesday April 30, 2025

United Nations special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen condemned the violence as 'unacceptable' and expressed alarm at 'the potential for further escalation of an extremely fragile situation'.

State news agency SANA reported 'Israeli occupation strikes on the vicinity' of Ashrafieh Sahnaya, southwest of the nation's capital.

Deadly sectarian clashes erupted overnight in Sahnaya, which is home to many Druze and Christians.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six Druze fighters were killed in the clashes while the interior ministry reported 16 General Security personnel killed after 'outlaw groups' attacked government positions and checkpoints.

The governor of the Damascus countryside, Amer al-Sheikh, later said one member of the security forces and a resident of Sahnaya were killed in the Israeli strike.

He added that most members of the 'outlawed groups' were arrested and that security had been restored in Sahnaya.

The previous night, eight Druze fighters and nine gunmen linked to the authorities were killed in Jaramana, a mainly Druze and Christian suburb southeast of the capital, the Observatory said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military had carried out a 'warning action', striking 'an extremist group preparing to attack the Druze population' in Sahnaya.

'A stern message was conveyed to the Syrian regime - Israel expects them to act to prevent harm to the Druze community,' said a statement from Netanyahu's office.

Israel had previously warned Syria's Islamist rulers against harming the Druze, who are also present in Lebanon and Israel.

The Israeli military said Wednesday it had ordered troops to 'prepare to strike' Syrian government targets 'should the violence against Druze communities continue'.

Members of Syria's security forces deploy in an area near the Syrian capital Damascus on April 30, 2025, amid deadly sectarian clashes

Members of Syria's security forces deploy as a sniper fires during an operation on the outskirts of the town of Sharaya, south of Damascus, Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Members of Syria's security forces deploy in an area near the Syrian capital Damascus on April 30, 2025

In a later statement, the Israeli military said that three Syrian Druze were 'evacuated from Syria to receive medical treatment in Israel'.

Syria's foreign ministry meanwhile vowed to 'protect all components' of society, including the Druze, and expressed its rejection of 'foreign interference'.

Druze communities have reportedly already begun taking up arms to defend their homes from attackers.

Syrian estate agent Fahd Haidar shuttered his business and got out his rifle to defend his hometown of Jaramana when it came under attack this week by Islamists loyal to the new government.

Fourteen years after former ruler Bashar al-Assad's bloody suppression of pro-democracy protests triggered a devastating civil war, Haidar said he feared a return to 'chaos', a slide into a 'quagmire of grievances that will affect every Syrian'.

He appealed to the new authorities, who took over after Assad's ouster in December, to step back from the brink and find 'radical solutions' to rein in 'uncontrolled gangs' like those who attacked his mainly Druze and Christian hometown this week.

In Jaramana, Druze leaders reached a deal with government representatives on Tuesday evening to put a halt to the fighting.

On Wednesday morning, an AFP correspondent saw hundreds of armed Druze, some of them just boys, deployed across the town.

The strikes came after sectarian clashes left nearly 40 dead in two days and Israel warned against attacks targeting the Druze minority

Members of Syria's security forces deploy in the town of Sahnaya, south of Damascus, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Syria's foreign ministry meanwhile vowed to 'protect all components' of society, including the Druze

Behind mounds of earth piled up as improvised defences, Druze fighters handed out weapons and ammunition.

'For the past two days, the people of Jaramana have been on a war footing,' said local activist Rabii Mondher.

'Everybody is scared - of war... of coming under siege, of a new assault and new martyrs.'

Like many residents in the confessionally mixed town, Mondher said he hoped 'peace will be restored... because we have no choice but to live together'.

Mounir Baaker lost his nephew Riadh in this week's clashes.

'We don't take an eye for an eye,' he said tearfully, as he received the condolences of friends and neighbours.

'Jaramana is not used to this,' he went on, holding up a photograph of his slain nephew, who was among a number of young Druze men from the town who signed up to join the new security forces after Assad's ouster.

'We're brought up to be tolerant, not to strike back and not to attack anyone, whoever they are,' he said. 'But we defend ourselves if we are attacked.'
Avid shoppers are finally filing into the much awaited new Ikea store on Oxford Street after queuing for hours for its grand opening today.

The twice delayed 450 million shop is being seen by retail and council bosses as a crucial part of restoring Oxford Street to its former glory as one of the world's premier shopping destinations.

It has taken over the former Topshop base in the capital to open a three-floor outlet selling around 6,000 products, of which 3,500 can be carried away by customers immediately, and the rest ordered for home delivery, click and collect or collection off site from lockers and other pick-up points.

Pictures of the opening show staff, in yellow and blue tops, cheering and waving the flags of the UK and Sweden to greet shoppers as the walk in.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan was also there to cut the ribbon and officially open the shops door for the first time. He smiled alongside staff surrounded by balloons.

However there has already been some skepticism over how customers are going to transport their goods home, as there is no parking.

So you will need to be able to carry away what you buy - meaning the 3500 items sold in the store weigh less than 15kg and are no more than 150cm in length.

It is the second UK high street store for the company - the first opened in Hammersmith in 2022 - which it described as a 'milestone' in a strategy to expand its presence in city centres with smaller formats, increasing accessibility for customers.

Another city centre store, in central Brighton, is set to open this summer, followed by three smaller stores in Chester, Harlow and Norwich this year.

The company said it had further specific areas of interest including in London, the Midlands and the North West, but no new locations to confirm yet.

Avid shoppers are finally filing into the much awaited new Ikea store on Oxford Street after queuing for hours for its grand opening today

The twice delayed 450 million shop is being seen by retail and council bosses as a crucial part of restoring Oxford Street to its former glory as one of the world's premier shopping destinations

It has taken over the former Topshop base in the capital to open a three-floor outlet selling around 6,000 products, of which 3,500 can be carried away by customers immediately

Pictures of the opening show staff, in yellow and blue tops, cheering and waving the flags of the UK and Sweden to greet shoppers as the walk in

Excited shoppers can be seen coming into and leaving the new flagship megastore

However there has already been some skepticism over how customers are going to transport their goods home, as there is no parking

Sadiq Khan cuts the blue ribbon to open the new shop

People are queuing up ahead of the grand opening at 10am today

Shoppers wave flags of the UK and Sweden handed out

Long queues built up ahead of the 10am door opening at 214 Oxford Street

Some shoppers held yellow and blue umbrellas to protect them from the sun while they waited

In a global first for the firm, the store will feature a live studio with broadcasting capabilities enabling it to host events such as cooking demonstrations

In a global first for the firm, the store will feature a live studio with broadcasting capabilities enabling it to host events such as cooking demonstrations.

It will also have a Re-Shop and Re-Use section where customers can buy second-hand and discontinued Ikea products.

A 130-seat Swedish deli will allow visitors to dine 'affordably' in the city centre on dishes including hot dogs from 85p and meatballs or plantballs starting at 4.95, with takeaway options also available.

How do you get your items home? The three-floor outlet will sell around 6,000 products, of which 3,500 can be carried away by customers immediately. The rest can be ordered for home delivery, click and collect or collection off site from lockers and other pick-up points. However is no parking available on site, so all the 3500 items sold in the store weigh less than 15kg and are no more than 150cm in length. Advertisement

The area has become blighted by crime and homelessness in recent years having fallen into disrepair with empty shops, littered streets and falling visitor numbers - with poor quality US 'candy stores' and souvenir shops at the centre of concerns.

Major retailers to have closed in recent years in addition to Topshop have included House of Fraser, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams.

Problems reached a peak in August 2023 when West End stores were forced to lower their shutters and lock customers inside after large groups of mainly young men responded to a call on TikTok to join a 'Oxford Circus JD robbery'.

But the area was boosted when HMV reopened its old flagship store in November 2023, and Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan now wants to pedestrianise 0.7 miles of the street as part of the regeneration despite warnings this could make it a crime-ridden 'no-go area'.

Ikea said its 'roomsets' - the spaces in all of its stores that show complete rooms put together - have been created with 'real people' who live in London.

They include set-ups for working from home and running a small business, inspiration for properties with period features, ideas for basement rooms with little natural light, and designs for balconies.

A black cab with a sofa chair and lamp tied to the top drives around London calling people to the new shop

Avid shoppers have already started queuing outside Ikea's new flagship shop on Oxford Street ahead of their grand opening today

Sadiq Khan cuts the ribbon alongside staff in yellow tops to open the new store

Pictures from earlier this morning show lovers of the Swedish brand sat on the floor ahead of the grand opening

In a global first for the firm, the store will feature a live studio with broadcasting capabilities enabling it to host events such as cooking demonstrations

A 130-seat Swedish deli will allow visitors to dine 'affordably' in the city centre on dishes including hot dogs from 85p and meatballs or plantballs starting at 4.95, with takeaway options also available

The new Ikea opens up on Oxford street, 10am this morning

The three-floor 62,400 sq ft (5,800 sq m) outlet will sell around 6,000 products, of which 3,500 can be carried away by customers immediately, and will be open daily from 10am until 8pm

The store is seen by retail and council bosses as a crucial part of restoring Oxford Street to its former glory as one of the world's premier shopping destinations

Peter Jelkeby, chief executive and chief sustainability officer of Ikea UK, said: 'We continue to dedicate our energy to our UK expansion plans and investing heavily to become more accessible.

'To complement our existing stores, we are laser-focused on continuing to innovate to reach more customers, with a network of new, smaller stores that offer different experiences, as well as new services that meet all of our customers' needs - no matter where they live.'

The firm described its new location as at the 'heart of one of the world's most dynamic shopping streets'.

Ingka Investment, the investment arm of the retail group, bought the Grade II listed building at 214 Oxford Street after Topshop owner Arcadia fell into administration.

Tolga Oncu, Ingka retail manager, said: 'Adding Oxford Street to the Ikea map is a special moment for us.

Ikea said its 'roomsets' - the spaces in all of its stores that show complete rooms put together - have been created with 'real people' who live in London

They include set-ups for working from home and running a small business, inspiration for properties with period features, ideas for basement rooms with little natural light, and designs for balconies

It is the second UK high street store for the company - the first opened in Hammersmith in 2022 - which it described as a 'milestone' in a strategy to expand its presence in city centres

Inside London's newest Ikea store which is set to open in Oxford Street on Thursday at the former Topshop store - three years after the company bought the site

A 130-seat Swedish deli will allow visitors to dine 'affordably' in the city centre on dishes including hot dogs from 85p and meatballs or plantballs starting at 4.95, with takeaway options also available

The store will span three floors of the seven-storey building, comprising the ground and two lower ground floors

Ingka Investment, the investment arm of the retail group, bought the Grade II listed building at 214 Oxford Street after Topshop owner Arcadia fell into administration

The firm described its new location as at the 'heart of one of the world's most dynamic shopping streets'

Products that aren't available to take away on the day can be ordered for home delivery, click and collect or collection off site from lockers and other pick-up points

It will also have a Re-Shop and Re-Use section (not pictured here) where customers can buy second-hand and discontinued Ikea products

kea said it received 3,730 applications in just five days for the 150 jobs at the store when it began recruiting earlier this year

The store's opening is seen as a crucial part of the revival of Oxford Street, which suffered a slump in visitor numbers during the Covid pandemic

Ikea was founded in Sweden in 1943, and opened its first UK store in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1987  before its first London store in Wembley one year later

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: 'It's fantastic news that Ikea is opening a new flagship store on Oxford Street. It's a huge vote of confidence in London, in our economy and in our plans to rejuvenate Oxford Street and unlock its true potential'

Tolga Oncu, Ingka retail manager, said: 'Adding Oxford Street to the Ikea map is a special moment for us.

'This store, on one of the busiest and most well-known streets in the world, exemplifies our ambition to innovate our retail presence and bring Ikea to where our customers live, work, and socialise.

'Offering our well-designed and affordable products to more people in city centres across the globe remains our way forward.'

The store's opening is seen as a crucial part of the revival of Oxford Street, which suffered a slump in visitor numbers during the Covid pandemic, leading to sites sitting vacant and the opening of a string of American sweet shops.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: 'It's fantastic news that Ikea is opening a new flagship store on Oxford Street.

'It's a huge vote of confidence in London, in our economy and in our plans to rejuvenate Oxford Street and unlock its true potential.

'Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world and we want to give it a new lease of life.

DECEMBER 2009: The flagship Topshop store opened in 1994 to much fanfare. It closed its doors for good in 2021

APRIL 2014: Crowds outside Topshop on Oxford Street waiting for model Kate Moss to arrive

NOVEMBER 2020: People walk past the closed Topshop on Oxford Street during the pandemic

OCTOBER 2021: People walk past 214 Oxford Street after Topshop's flagship store was closed

APRIL 2006: Crowds of shoppers rush down the escalators at the Topshop store on Oxford Circus

FEBRUARY 2021: A woman wearing a face mask walks past the closed Topshop store in Oxford Street during England's third national lockdown of the Covid pandemic

'This involves attracting brilliant companies like Ikea, which will help to create new jobs and increase footfall.

'We have developed bold proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street and to establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

'The consultation on these plans closes on May 2 so I encourage everyone to have their say.'

Ikea was founded in Sweden in 1943, and opened its first UK store in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1987  before its first London store in Wembley one year later.
The slaughter of more than two dozen Indian tourists holidaying in the meadows of the Baisaran valley by alleged Pakistani Islamist gunmen has left two nuclear-armed powers edging closer to the brink of a potentially cataclysmic conflict.

The April 22 shooting, in which assailants reportedly singled out anyone who could not recite Islamic verses for execution, constitutes the worst massacre of civilians in India since the Mumbai bombings in 2008.

It also represents a 'massive intelligence failure' on the part of India's security services and 'cannot go unpunished', especially amid public outrage and demand for action, according to many Indian analysts.

Bilateral relations are now 'arguably at their lowest point in decades, just short of war', according to Dr Manali Kumar, Indian national identity and foreign policy expert at the University of St. Gallen.

But any overt military attack would likely draw an equally harsh response from Pakistan - a scenario that could prove extremely costly and quickly push both parties beyond the point of no return.

The armed forces of India, one of the world's largest economies and its most populous nation, far outstrip those of Pakistan on paper. India maintains an active army of more than 1.2 million, plus another 250,000 servicemen in the navy and air force, compared to Pakistan's total of less than 700,000.

Yet defence experts warn that Islamabad's military capabilities are still 'in the same order of magnitude' as those of Delhi and are robust enough to 'inflict significant damage and cause massive casualties'.

Pakistan, unlike India, does not need to dedicate significant military resources to monitor China.

And although both powers boast somewhat comparable nuclear arsenals of around 170 warheads each, according to the Arms Control Association, India maintains a 'no first use' nuclear doctrine. Pakistan has no such qualms about launching first.

Researchers warned in 2019 that a nuclear conflict in such a heavily populated part of the world could leave 125 million people dead in a matter of days.

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India launches its Agni-5 nuclear capable long range missile

The UN urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to show 'maximum restraint'

The body of Adil Hussain Shah, who was killed in the April 22 shooting, is carried for burial

Indian authorities claim the killing spree on April 22 was perpetrated by Pakistani nationals associated with the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) - or the 'Army of the Righteous' - a Salafi-Islamist outfit also responsible for the devastation in Mumbai 17 years ago.

Islamabad has resolutely denied any involvement in the attacks and warned it would respond swiftly to any Indian military manoeuvres launched 'on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations'.

LeT is widely suspected of having links with Pakistan's Inter-Services-Intelligence (ISI) agency, sparking fears Delhi could well justify a military operation across the de facto border between India and Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

This boundary, now known as the Line of Control (LoC), was established in 1949 after the United Nations brokered a ceasefire between newly independent India and Pakistan, who went to war over Kashmir following the British partition of India in 1947.

Thousands of people died in the conflict before the UN ceasefire came into effect and several flare-ups have erupted since, with casualties mounting each time.

Analysts are split over what a potential Indian operation would look like - whether Delhi would launch an incursion into Pakistan-administered Kashmir or take the bolder tack of striking undisputed Pakistani territory, for example, by attacking suspected LeT targets.

But today, any major military clash between India and Pakistan would unfold beneath the looming spectre of a possible nuclear clash.

Researchers have already laid out a hauntingly detailed account of the havoc a nuclear conflict would wreak on the civilian populations of both nations and beyond.

Their article, published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in 2019, reported that a nuclear war would 'kill tens of millions of people immediately and would create enormous environmental impacts, causing famines that affect millions  or even billions  around the world'.

'The direct effects of this nuclear exchange would be horrible; the authors estimate that 50 to 125 million people would die, depending on whether the weapons used had yields of 15, 50, or 100 kilotons,' the article read.

'The ramifications for Indian and Pakistani society would be major and long-lasting, with many major cities largely destroyed and uninhabitable.

'Smoke and radioactive particles would 'spread globally within weeks... cooling the global surface, reducing precipitation and threatening mass starvation'.

Pakistan's information minister yesterday claimed 'credible intelligence' suggested India could begin its military operation within two days.

The statement by Attaullah Tarar came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met with army and security chiefs, giving the military 'complete operational freedom' to respond to the attack, a senior government source said.

However, Indian analysts have pointed out that Delhi will have to consider the potential consequences of any armed response for its wider objectives on the international stage - namely, to cement India's status as an influential global power, and a responsible, stable leader of South Asia in line with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi met yesterday with army and security chiefs

A policeman searches the car of a commuter along a street in Srinagar on April 30, 2025

'In a conventional military action-reaction scenario, it is hard for even a stronger military to emerge as a clear winner,' said Happymon Jacob, Indian foreign policy expert and associate professor of disarmament studies at the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

'A military action-reaction spiral with Pakistan, laden with escalatory potential, will take Delhi's political and diplomatic attention away from its global objectives.

'India has successfully managed to de-hyphenate itself from Pakistan in the eyes of the international community,' he wrote in a column for The Hindustan Times, adding that nuclear fears and concerns about military escalation in the subcontinent would erode that decades-long progress.

Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Chair of the Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament and former member of India's National Security Council's Advisory Board, called for a strong response to the atrocity by New Delhi.

'Condemnation (of the April 22 shooting) is necessary but insufficient... Pakistan has too often acted without paying a proportionate cost. That must change,' he told The Hindu, claiming that the attack fits Pakistani strategy of 'inflict pain on India, sow uncertainty in Kashmir... under a thin veil of deniability'.

But he went on to add that Delhi's response cannot afford to be rash, advocating for a long-term, calculated and systematic deterrence strategy that stops short of overt military clashes.

'Deterrence... is the imposition of credible, visible, and cumulative costs that alter the behaviour of the adversary over time.

'This includes sustained efforts to diplomatically isolate Pakistan on platforms where it seeks legitimacy; the careful reconsideration of trade and water-sharing mechanisms that Pakistan depends on; and the expansion of covert and intelligence-based capabilities to disrupt terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC).'

Though no major military offensives have been launched at the time of writing, both sides have dramatically ramped up their military readiness amid daily skirmishes across the LoC and unleashed a raft of diplomatic punishments.

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 full-scale armed engagement.

Indian tourists are pictured in Pahalgam south of Srinagar on April 29, 2025

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Dr Kumar told MailOnline: '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.

But even if a significant military conflict is avoided, the events of April 22 will have a debilitating impact on India-Pakistan relations and exacerbate tensions between Hindu and Muslim populations.

Dr Kumar added: 'Continued militarisation and political hardening pose significant domestic risks for India's internal security. A major concern is the worsening hate and communal tension against Muslims across India... and crucially, the condition of the Kashmiri people is severely impacted.

'The intensified security crackdown, economic ruin, and erosion of civil liberties following the attack further deteriorate their already contested 'normalcy', fuelling alienation and grievances and posing long-term challenges to peace within Indian-administered Kashmir.

'Driven by ideology and a disregard for human life, terrorist activity in Kashmir tragically impacts Kashmiris and Muslims across India more than anyone else, and makes any kind of peaceful resolution of the dispute between India and Pakistan even harder to achieve.'

The international community has roundly called for cooler heads to prevail and warned against escalation in Kashmir, though the US has declared it stands in solidarity with India and supports Delhi's right to defend itself.

But India's commitment to handling its affairs with Pakistan internally means global players will likely have little sway on how the saga plays out.
The husband of an Australian woman accused of murdering her in-laws with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington told a court on Thursday how his father was 'hunched' in pain just moments before he died.

On the second day of a trial that has gripped the world, the accused woman's husband Simon Patterson, described seeing his parents in hospital after they had been poisoned.

'Dad was substantially worse than mum. He was really struggling,' he told the court.

'He was lying on his side, he was hunched', Mr Patterson said, adding that his father's face was 'really discoloured'.

'He wasn't right inside, he was feeling pain'.

Mr Patterson entered the witness box on Thursday to give evidence against his former wife Erin Patterson.

It is the first time Simon has laid eyes on his estranged wife in person since her arrest over the alleged murder of his parents in 2023.

Ms 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 a pastry dish during a lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.

Erin Patterson as she appeared in court on Monday

A smiling Simon Patterson appears at the Latrobe Valley law courts on Thursday

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

Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only attendee to survive the lunch, with Ms Patterson also charged with attempted murder over his alleged poisoning.

Mr Patterson said he had been invited to the lunch in late July 2023 at his wife's home in the sedate Victoria state farm village of Leongatha.

But he told the court he declined, texting his estranged wife that he was 'uncomfortable' with the invitation.

She urged him to reconsider, saying she had cooked a 'special meal' and spent a 'small fortune' on beef eye fillet for the meal.

Ms Patterson had invited the guests under the guise of telling them she had a health issue to relate, the court heard.

Mr Patterson did not turn up to lunch but his parents, Don and Gail Patterson, did, along with his aunt Heather Wilkinson and her husband, local pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Within days, Don, Gail and Heather were dead.

During the lunch gathering, Ms Patterson said she had cancer and asked for advice about how to tell her two children, the court heard.

Medical tests later found no evidence she had the disease, according to the prosecutor.

At hospital, Mr Patterson said his father informed him of Patterson's claimed cancer diagnosis, which he had not previously heard of.

His parents were 'really strong' in encouraging the couple to resolve their marital issues, Simon said.

Dressed in pink, Patterson showed no emotion as Simon entered the witness box.

The pair locked eyes briefly before Patterson began to give his evidence.

Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Her husband spent the early part of Thursday answering questions about his family and how he came to meet and then separate from Ms Patterson.

He called his estranged wife 'witty and quite intelligent' before telling the court she had held a position as an air-traffic controller at Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine.

Simon Patterson entered court with his media cohort Jessica O'Donnell

Simon Patterson will be cross examined by his wife's legal team (pictured)

A general view of the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court is seen in Morwell, south of Melbourne, on April 30, 2025

Erin Patterson has heard the full extent of the allegations against her in court

He explained how Ms Patterson had enjoyed educating herself, studying pet science, law and science.

When asked if Ms Patterson liked to invite people over to the family home, Simon said it was 'very rare'.

Mr Patterson became emotional when asked about the breakdown of his relationship, asking for tissues and struggling to answer questions.

'It's good to be friends with the person you're married too ... it was really important to me that, sorry can I have some tissues please,' he said.

'Did you continue to care for her,' Dr Rogers asked.

'Yes,' he replied.

Mr Patterson claimed while the couple remained friendly during separation, things changed when he made the decision to change his relationship status on his tax return.

He had been dropping off the kids at his wife's Leongatha home when she allegedly came out and asked to have a chat.

The jury heard Ms Patterson jumped in the passenger side of Simon's car.

'She discovered that my tax return for the previous year for the first time noted we were separated,' Mr Patterson told the court.

His wife told him the move would impact the family tax benefit the couple had previously enjoyed and she was obliged to now claim child support.

'She was upset about it,' Mr Patterson said.

On July 16, during a church service, Ms Patterson allegedly asked her in-laws over for lunch, the court heard previously.

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'.

Those issues were Ms Patterson's false claims that she had ovarian cancer.

The court heard each of Ms Patterson's guests were initially confused about the invitation and wondered what the purpose was.

Mr Patterson pulled out at last minute because he 'felt uncomfortable' - a move which allegedly annoyed his estranged wife.

Ms Patterson texted 'she was disappointed' as she'd put in a lot of effort for the 'special meal'.

The court heard Ms Patterson told her estranged husband it was important everyone attended.

In opening the prosecution case, Dr Nanette Rogers claimed that, while separated, the pair had initially enjoyed a 'friendly relationship'.

Despite separating in 2015, Mr Patterson had remained hopeful they would reunite someday, Dr Rogers said.

The pair had communicated regularly via the Signal messaging app up until 2022 when Mr Patterson noticed a change.

Dr Rogers told the jury Ms Patterson expressed concern when Mr Patterson listed himself as separated on his tax return.

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She also wanted child support and the school fees paid.

The court heard Ms Patterson changed the children's school without consulting Simon.

In closing her opening address on Wednesday, Dr Rogers told the jury a motive was not necessary for members to convict Ms 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 Ms 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 Ms 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.

Ms 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.'
This is the moment police raid an Oxford Street candy store and find a secret section leading to an underground tunnel where two staff fled after police were alerted to a tourist who was charged 899 for two bags of sweets.

Westminster Council and the Metropolitan Police organised a raid on the US style sweet shop after an unhappy tourist complained after being charged nearly a grand for two packets of sweets.

The disgruntled customer later secured a refund for the 899 when they returned with officers to the shop on 399A Oxford street on the weekend of April 12-13.

But when cops returned on April 25 to raid the shop, they shockingly discovered a hidden part of the store, tucked away behind a camouflaged wall adorned with bags in the basement.

Bodycam footage shows a covert part of the store rammed with thousands of alleged thousands of alleged counterfeit items, totalling to a 'street value' of around 80,000.

Whilst extensively patrolling the scene, the officer discovered a secret tunnel from which two shop assistants fled, avoiding capture, according to the Evening Standard.

The raid is understood to be the largest impounded haul of suspected fake and unsafe goods on Oxford Street so far.

The thousands of items included American food, cigarettes, single use vapes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco and travel adaptors as well as power banks.

The store on Oxford Street where the 899 sweets were sold to the unhappy tourist at 399A Oxford Street, according to Westminster City Council

Countless seized cigarettes tucked away in a drawer, and found during a raid on April 25

The cigarettes were not in the legally required plain packaging and were missing the graphic 'deterrent' images which appear on tobacco.

The pirated products seized included well-known brands such as Marlboro and Benson & Hedges.

Top Gun cigarettes were also seized which is a Chinese 'copy' brand increasingly showing up in the UK.

Elsewhere, the single use vapes included products which claimed to be 'zero nicotine' but then had nicotine displayed on their list of ingredients.

Other vapes claimed 'puff' counts as high as 20,000 with tank sizes four to five times the legal 2ml limit.

Councillor Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: 'We have known for a long time that US candy stores rip off customers, but charging 900 for two packets of sweets is a new low, even for the unscrupulous people who run these rackets

'Our job is to protect people who visit the West End from being exploited and continuing raids and court appearances will ensure life is sour for the rogue US sweet shop trade.

'Hopefully, the fall in the number of US candy and souvenir shops means the tide is going out on this tatty trade.'

Singe use vapes that were impounded following the discovery on Oxford Street

Alleged counterfeit cigarettes on a shelf discovered during the raid on the sweet shop

It comes as the number of mixed candy and souvenir stores on Oxford Street has declined from 40 to 18 since the pandemic, as of March 2025.

MailOnline understands the raid took place at two stores at 399A and 399B on the busy London street.

Trading standards officers have seized more than 1 million in fake and unsafe goods over the past two years.

Westminster City Council has led a series of successful court actions against candy and souvenir stores to recover unpaid business rates.
A 16-year-old boy whose body was recovered after he went swimming in a lake in Nottingham has been named locally as Valentine Ikechukwu.

The teenager was a college student originally from America who came to the UK at the age of 15, according to friends paying tribute at the scene today.

Valentine went missing yesterday while swimming during the hot weather at a lake in Colwick Country Park.

His friends described the horrifying moment they realised the teenager was struggling - before his head disappeared below the water.

Emergency services were called at 5.20pm to reports a boy had got into difficulty in the water.

His body was discovered just before 8pm after a rescue operation involving a police underwater search team, assisted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Detectives said the boy's family had been told of his death and were being supported by specially-trained officers. The incident happened in 25C (77F) weather.

This afternoon, a large group of friends of the boy arrived at the scene to pay tribute to him.

They laid flowers and tied balloons to a pontoon close to where Valentine entered the water.

Valentine Ikechukwu, 16, has been named locally as the boy whose body was recovered from a lake in Nottingham after he got into trouble while swimming in the hot weather

Valentine's friends have described the horrifying moment they realised he was in trouble and watched as his head disappeared below the water's surface

The boy died while swimming in a lake at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham, pictured today

Emergency services at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham after a body was found yesterday

One told how Valentine came to the lake with friends intending to enjoy an afternoon playing in the water.

But the trip turned to tragedy when Valentine - who apparently could not swim - slipped beneath the surface and couldn't be found.

The boy, who didn't want to be named, said: 'He was my best friend. I have been crying all night and haven't been able to sleep. I wish we hadn't come here.

'We came down on our bikes because it was so nice. We decided to go in the water and were playing rock, paper, scissors to decide who went in first.

'Then I went in, but it was so cold. We were just going in waist deep. We went out a bit further and Valentine came next to me, and that is when it all went down.

'He went under the water, and everyone thought it was a joke at first. But then someone shouted, "He's drowning". He was trying to keep his head above water.

'I felt him arms around my waist but then he lost his strength and slipped down. That was the last I saw of him - his head going under.

'Everyone was diving down trying to find him, but we couldn't. Someone phoned 999 and it only took them about five minutes to arrive, but it felt like hours.

'It's so unfair. I've been told he couldn't actuallt swim, but said he could so he could come out with us. If I had known, I would have told him to not come in, or stay in the shallow bit where it was safe.'

Valentine is thought to have lived in Manchester with his family, and travelled to Nottingham to attend college, staying with friends and in hotels.

A multi-agency response led a search for the boy at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham

Celine Uzohuo Grima, 18, who met Valentine in college before the pair became friends, said: 'He was a lovely guy. He cared about a lot of people, He was the life of the party and it is so sad that he has gone so soon.

'He loved basketball, he loved music, and he loved his friends. He saw me as his older sister. He will be missed by so many.'

It comes amid warnings over open-water swimming after a 32 per cent rise in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year in London.

Izaiah Smith, 15, died after getting into difficulty in a lake at Beckenham Place Park in South East London on April 2; while Kaliyah Coa, 11, died after entering the River Thames near a causeway in Woolwich on March 31. Her body was found on April 13.

Announcing the death in Colwick Country Park, Chief Inspector David Mather of Nottinghamshire Police said today: 'Emergency services have sadly recovered the body of a teenage boy from the lake, despite the best efforts of rescue teams.

'This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

'While work is now underway to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water - regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.

'As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that - particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.'

Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park in Nottingham at 5.20pm yesterday

The boy's death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.

The tragedy took place in Colwick Country Park, a beauty spot featuring a series of lakes around three miles from the centre of Nottingham that is popular with walkers, dog owners, cyclists and fishermen.

The park's West Lake, where the boy was discovered is a designated bathing spot where open water swimming sessions regularly take place.

However, locals said it was also frequented outside of the classes by young people, especially in warm weather.

There are a number of 'no swimming' signs dotted around the lake warning of the dangers of cold water shock, hidden debris, and its depth.

A cafe worker, who didn't want to be named, said: 'I was just closing up when I saw all the emergency services arrive. It was a really huge response. There were two boys who had been in the water, the other just seemed to be in shock afterwards.

'I think it was him who raised the alarm. Once the fire bridge and ambulances left and the police scuba divers took over, you knew it would be a sad outcome unfortunately.

'It is such a tragedy. Kids come from all over the city to swim here in the summer or when it's hot, they can bike down or get the bus and there is really easy access to the lake.

The scene at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham following the discovery last night

'It has been happening for years, and it's quite surprising that this is the first time someone has died. It looks really picturesque and tempting, but people don't realise how cold the water is.

'The open water swimmers all wear wetsuits, so they can deal with, but a young boy just in swimming shorts or whatever would really struggle.

'The swim club displays the water temperature, and I think last time I noticed it it was just 14C. I imagine that could easily cause someone difficulties.'

Ian Warren, 55, who was walking his dog around the lake, said: 'I come here every day, and it is bedlam at times in the summer with all the teenagers.

'They drink, have bonfires and barbecues, swim in the lake. They are just kids so they either aren't aware of the risks, or think they are invincible.

'There are loads of signs up but I suppose they just ignore them. I have heard some people are blaming the council, which owns the park, and say they should have lifeguards - but what more can they do?

'I have been coming here for years and years, and kids have always swam here. Something like this was bound to happen sooner or later.'

Walker Jane Roberts, 64, added: 'My children would come and swim here when they were younger. I think with social media these days teenagers will see a picture of a beautiful posted lake on Instagram or whatever and think, 'Oh, that looks nice, why don't we go for a swim?'

'But they just don't understand the dangers. Even a strong swimmer can be overcome by extreme cold, especially on a really hot day like yesterday.

A file photo of Colwick Country Park in Nottingham, where the boy died while swimming

'I have been told the police and fire service were here really quickly, but sadly it was too late. Once someone is under the surface there isn't much anyone can. There is such a small window to save them.

'There are loads of signs up warning people not to swim, but other than physically stopping them from going in the water, I am not sure what else the authorities can do?

'Perhaps they saw the open water swimming cabins and the jetty and thought it would be perfectly safe, I don't know? But those are experienced open water swimmers who are used to the cold.

'This seems to happen up and down the country every time we have a hot spell. It's so sad.'

Tom Staples, group manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'Despite the tireless efforts of all the emergency services involved, we are deeply saddened to confirm that the body of a 16-year-old boy has been recovered at Colwick Country Park.

'On behalf of the service, and personally, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the boy's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

'This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water. We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

'Safety information and guidance are available on our website, and we encourage the public to familiarise themselves with it to help prevent future tragedies.'

Met Office data shows the top temperature for Nottingham yesterday afternoon was 25C (77F). The overall UK high was 26.7C (80.1F) at Wisley in Surrey.

Izaiah Smith (left), 15, died after getting into difficulty in a lake at Beckenham Place Park in South East London on April 2; while Kaliyah Coa (right), 11, died after she entered the River Thames near Barge House Causeway in Woolwich on March 31. Her body was found on April 13

Kaliyah Coa went missing near Barge House Causeway (pictured) in East London on March 31

Councillor Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council's executive member for carbon reduction, leisure and culture, added: 'This is an absolutely tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young person who has sadly died.

'We will be working with Notts Police and Notts Fire and Rescue Service to understand the full circumstances of what happened but we join with them in highlighting the extreme dangers that open water such as lakes, rivers, quarries or canals can present.

'As the current warm spell continues and as we approach the summer season we urge people to follow the guidance at Colwick park and other sites and not enter the water unless as part of properly supervised open water swimming sessions.'

Separately, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.

Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: '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 water's edge, it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water.'

Today is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with forecasters predicting temperatures could hit 30C (86F) at the earliest point on record.

The UK could face the warmest start to May on record, with Met Office meteorologist Michael Silverstone saying temperatures could climb to '29C or even 30C'.

He added: '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.'

Despite the soaring temperatures, the Met Office has ruled out a heatwave this week.

Mr Silverstone said it looks 'unlikely' the UK will reach a heatwave - which is defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the 'heatwave threshold', which varies across the country.

The threshold is 25C (77F) for most of the UK, rising to 28C (82F) in London.

'Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South, though, with temperatures either today or Friday only just failing to exceed the required threshold,' Mr Silverstone said.

Temperatures are expected to ease by tomorrow, and Saturday will bring cooler conditions of 14C (57F) to 18C (64F) across the UK.
The final words of the pilot flying a British aircraft that crashed into the Tenerife mountains and killed 146 are haunting people 45 years on.

The three pilots on board had years of experience under their belts but the rugged terrain and poor weather around the airport made it a notoriously difficult place to land.

Only three years before the Dan-Air flight 1008 crashed, the worst aviation disaster in history tragically took place at Tenerife North when two planes collided on the run way, killing 583 people - partly due to poor visibility.

But in 1980, a change in wind direction forced Captain Arthur Whelan, 50, First Officer Michael Firth, 33, and Flight Engineer Raymond Carey, 33, to alter their landing plan and come in from the opposite side.

A tragic miscommunication in instructions then left the pilots asking one minute and six seconds before the crash 'bloody strange hold, isn't it?'.

As they dropped below the safe height of 14,500ft for the mountains, one pilot responded 'it doesn't parallel with the runway or anything'.

Having taken off from Manchester earlier that morning, the flight experienced no difficulty on the journey over the continent.

With winds typically coming across the Atlantic to the west, on April 25 1980 there was a change in direction, forcing the popular airliner to come in using the opposite runway.

The final words of the pilot flying a British aircraft that crashed into the Tenerife mountains and killed 146 is haunting people 45 years on

Debris was scattered across the mountain range and the tail section careened onwards for several hundred metres before plummeting into a ravine

There was not a single body that was found intact and most remains could not be identified

Another aircraft was ahead of the doomed flight and controller Justo Camin, 34, could see they were dangerously close to colliding mid-air.

He had to tell each flight how to fly along a predetermined route thanks to a lack of radar but improvised a holding pattern for the Dan Air flight.

Flight 1008 was told to enter a left-hand holding pattern and continue to make turns until the other flight was out of the way: 'Roger, the er, standard holding pattern overhead Foxtrot Papa is inbound heading one five zero, turn to the left, call you back shortly.'

But this is where Mr Camin's instructions proved fatal - he had meant to say 'turns' rather than 'turn' and had sent the plane onto a collision course.

So Captain Wheelan only made one small turn instead of the 150 degrees required for the holding pattern, heading straight for the mountain side invisible through the fog.

The recording from the cockpit shows the team begin to get uneasy and experts believe if they had asked the air controller to clarify the instructions there might have been time to veer themselves off their path to destruction.

Mr Camin, thinking the plane is over the sea, tells Flight 1008 that they can continue descending another 1,000ft, expecting them to slowly come in over the runway.

Captain Whelan says to his cop-pilot: 'I don't like that.'

The plane headed straight for the mountain - invisible in the fog - after a miscommunication in instructions from the air controller

At 5,450ft, the plane was only 92ft from the summit and it obliterated instantly

He responds: 'They want us to keep going more round, don't they?'

Seconds later, the automatic ground alarm begins blaring 'pull up, pull up!'

Captain Whelan quickly turns into a sharp right instead of pulling up as co-pilot Firth suggests other routes after reading the charts.

Flight engineer Carey tells them 'let's get out of here' as Captain Whelan continues turning to the right as they continued to lose 300ft of altitude.

This was the last chance for the plane to save itself from its tragic fate.

The flight engineer begins shouting 'bank angle, bank angle!' before the CVR cuts out as the plan slams headlong into La Esperanza.

Debris was scattered across the mountain range and the tail section careened onwards for several hundred metres before plummeting into a ravine.

There was not a single body that was found intact and most remains could not be identified.

Captain Wheelan's wallet was found among the rubble of the crash

At 5,450ft, the plane was only 92ft from the summit and it obliterated instantly.

Spanish investigators tried to pin all the blame on the Dan-Air crew despite admitting fault with the controller's instructions while the Brits argued Mr Camin should have used a published holding pattern that kept flights at 7,000ft and realised earlier there was a problem with between the separation of the two planes.

They did acknowledge however that the Dan-Air crew should have queried the controllers instructions or requested clarification.

After the tragedy, a standardised procedure for all flight operations was established as well as the need for clear communication between pilots and air traffic controllers that is repeated.

Dan-Air, which has popular during the 60s and 70s, was able to recover from the disaster before it was taken over by British Airways in 1992.
The Police believed 'beyond doubt' that the Loch Ness Monster existed and tried to protect it from a harpoon-wielding mob, an unearthed report has revealed.

Documents from 1938 - five years after the first photo purporting to show the rumoured beast was taken - detail efforts by the authorities to safeguard Nessie.

According to a letter written by Invernessshire Constabulary chief constable William Fraser, two individuals were attempting to capture Nessie 'dead or alive' using a harpoon gun.

He added: 'That there is some strange creature in Loch Ness seems now beyond doubt, but that the Police have any power to protect it is very doubtful.'

The officer went on to detail how he warned that the beast should be left alone.

The documents were uncovered by Kenny Welsh, a member of The Loch Ness Centre, in Drumnadrochit, Scotland.

They pile further intrigue onto what has been a global obsession for decades.

The first photo purporting to show Nessie was taken in November 1933, by Scottish man Hugh Gray.

The Police believed 'beyond doubt' that the Loch Ness Monster existed and tried to protect it from a harpoon-wielding mob, an unearthed report has revealed

On a sunny day in November 1933, Scottish man Hugh Gray took a picture that would spark a global obsession. He later described what he saw in Loch Ness, near Inverness, as an 'object of considerable dimensions'

He later described what he saw in Loch Ness, near Inverness, as an 'object of considerable dimensions'.

Gray's photo came after another man, Loch Ness water bailiff and part-time journalist Alex Campbell, reported on the sighting of an 'enormous creature with the body of a whale rolling in the water in the loch' earlier in 1933.

Fraser's letter read: 'It has now come to my notice that a Mr Peter Kent and Miss Marion Stirling, both of London, are determined to catch the Monster dead or alive.

'Mr Peter Kent visited Fort Augustus on Friday, 12 August and was seen there by my Officer stationed at Fort Augustus.

'To whom he stated that he was having a special harpoon gun made and that he was to return with some twenty experienced men on the 22 of August for the purpose of hunting the Monster down.

'That there is some strange creature in Loch Ness seems now beyond doubt, but that the Police have any power to protect it is very doubtful.

'I have, however, caused Mr Peter Kent to be warned of the desirability of having the creature left alone, but whether my warning will have the desired effect or not remains to be seen.'

The documents were uncovered by Kenny Welsh, a member of The Loch Ness Centre, in Drumnadrochit, Scotland

In 1934, a picture taken by London physician Robert Kenneth Wilson captured the world's attention. It showed what appeared to be a beast rearing its head out of the water. It was later exposed as a hoax

Mr Welsh discovered the fascinating police report while doing some research.

'I love the 1938 police report - it's a piece of the jigsaw that makes up the story of Loch Ness and our elusive monster,' he told news website What's The Jam.

'It offers a rare glimpse into how even the police believed there might be something in the water.'

Nagina Ishaq, general manager of The Loch Ness Centre, said: 'It's fascinating to see the historical local support for Nessie's protection from potential poachers.

'The dedication to ensuring its safety is something that resonates strongly with us here at the Centre.

Lachlan Stuart's photograph in 1951 photo showed three humps poking out of the surface of the loch

'As we continue our search, we are committed to doing so in a way that is non-invasive and respectful of the creature and its environment.

'With advancements in technology, such as ROVs, we aim to carry out the search for Nessie in the safest and most careful way possible, ensuring that future generations can experience the wonder of Loch Ness for years to come.'

Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration, added: 'The 1938 police report is a rare moment where the mystery of Loch Ness crosses into official record.

'It reminds us that even authorities couldn't ignore what people claimed to see.'

The Nessie mystery could date as far back as 565AD, when Irish missionary Saint Columba was recorded to have encountered a strange water monster in the River Ness, which feeds the famous loch.

According to his centuries-old biography, the water beast had slain one man and attacked another when it fled in terror after Saint Columba made the sign of the cross and ordered it back.
A Trumpet of Patriots volunteer has been punched and kicked by a cyclist in a sickening attack at a pre-polling booth ahead of Saturday's election.

The shocking attack unfolded at a pre-polling centre at a Pakenham church, in Melbourne's south-east on Thursday morning.

Footage showed the man confronting the volunteer who was wearing a yellow T-shirt and hat in support of Clive Palmer's political party before assaulting him.

'We are built on multiculturalism,' the cyclist yelled.

'These ads  aren't what Australia is about. This is not uniting Australia, this is dividing Australia. This party is a scam.'

The violence unfolded in front of shocked voters waiting in line.

'Cut it out!' the man filming can be heard shouting.

'I've got you on camera. You struck first.'

Just in: A Trumpet of Patriots volunteer has been punched and kicked at Melbourne Pre-Poll Booth. Video taken by bystanders shows the man was opposed TOP's plan to cut mass immigration by record levels in Australia. The man can be heard yelling Australia was built on pic.twitter.com/P8iWERZJ7f  Rukshan Fernando (@therealrukshan) May 1, 2025

A cyclist kicked and punched a Trumpet of Patriots volunteer at a pre-polling booth in Melbourne on Thursday

A woman off-camera can be heard telling everyone to calm down as tempers threatened to escalate.

Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.

'No one required medical treatment. A vehicle was also damaged. The exact circumstances are being investigated,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

No arrests or charges have yet been laid.

Right-wing political commentator Rukshan Fernado shared the footage to social media and claimed the cyclist returned to the pre-polling booth after he was questioned by police.

The cyclist reportedly asked volunteers if he could make a donation to charity as an apology for his actions.

Trumpet of Patriots party leader Suellen Wrightson has since condemned the attack.

'Today's act of violence against a polling booth volunteer is appalling. Democracy is a contest of ideas that political participants present to the Australian people,' she wrote on X.

Trumpet of Patriots party leader Suellen Wrightson (pictured) branded the incident 'appalling'

'All Australians are entitled to be safe when participating in an election supporting a party they believe will grow and shape the nation they love.

'I can confirm the victim is currently receiving medical support. Love will always conquer hate.'

Senator for Victoria Ralph Babet added: 'Australia is standing on the edge of political chaos. The left has spiraled into extremism, their actions increasingly aggressive and intolerant.'

'They lack the ability to reason or engage with anyone whose views fall outside their narrow world view. Their rhetoric and actions have become dangerous, pushing us closer to a tipping point.'

The senator warned of the possibility of 'civil unrest' as a result of 'political and social division' being 'at an all-time high'.

'This isn't alarmism - it's the reality we face if we don't resist the left,' Senator Babet added.

Senator for Victoria Ralph Babet (pictured left with party founder Clive Palmer and Ms Wrightson) condemned the attack

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Trumpet of Patriots for comment.

The latest saga comes after the party inundated millions of Australian voters last week with text messages.

The party sent about 17 million text messages and received 8000 complaints.
Spanish authorities ignored five years of expert warnings that boosting renewable energy production would leave the power grid vulnerable, according to reports.

In September 2020, technicians from Red Electrica (REE), which operates the Spanish electricity grid, laid down a series of 'essential' proposals to avoid 'unacceptable' imbalances or disruptions to power.

But the measures have either not been implemented or have been phased in very gradually - while green energy production has been ramped up.

Two months ago they also warned that the use of renewable energy risked 'disconnections' in the system, with the reduction of nuclear or gas-produced power increasing the risk of 'operational incidents'.

The revelations, first reported in El Mundo, come in light of Spain's historic nationwide blackout on Monday.

The cause of the disaster, which also affected Portugal and France, has not yet been confirmed, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez launching a probe into the incident.

But Sanchez has been criticised for failing to safeguard the nation due to his pursuit of renewable energy production and his plans to phase out nuclear power in Spain by 2035.

REE warned last year that there was a 'short term risk' of 'generation disconnections' due to green energy integration.

Travellers covered with Red Cross blankets bedded down on the floor of Atocha train station in Madrid during the energy outage on Monday

People shop for groceries using their phone as flashlight during a widespread power outage that struck Spain and Portugal around midday on Monday

In September 2020, technicians from Red Electrica (REE), which operates the Spanish electrcity grid, laid down a series of 'essential' proposals to avoid 'unacceptable' imbalances or disruptions to power

Sanchez has been criticised for failing to safeguard the nation due to his pursuit of renewable energy production

Their annual report warned that the closure of coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants could lead to a 'reduction in the firm capacity and balancing capabilities of the electrical system, as well as its strength and inertia.'

'This could increase the risk of operational incidents that could affect the company's supply and reputation,' they added.

And in January the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) said: 'At times, voltages in the transmission grid have reached maximum values close to the thresholds permitted by regulations, even exceeding them at specific times.'

Sanchez yesterday vowed to get to the 'bottom of this matter' and claimed nuclear energy would not have prevented the disaster.

'The necessary reforms and measures will be implemented to ensure this doesn't happen again,' he said.

'We will demand appropriate accountability from all private operators.

'With greater dependence on this energy, the recovery would have been much slower.

'There was nuclear generation operating just before the system collapsed, and it was shut down like the rest of the technologies. Therefore, nuclear generation was no more resilient than other sources of generation.'

Sanchez yesterday vowed to get to the 'bottom of this matter' and claimed nuclear energy would not have prevented the disaster

He said: 'The necessary reforms and measures will be implemented to ensure this doesn't happen again'

But he was accused of covering up both the government's and REE's failures by Alfredo Garcia, a telecommunications engineer and nuclear reactor operator.

'What nuclear power plants do is provide stability to the electrical grid,' he told Antena 3.

'There was a very high renewable production [at the time of the blackout], which are plants that do not provide stability to the grid in the face of these fluctuations.

'With more inertia, that accident would have been more unlikely.

'He [Sanchez] clearly lied in this case , or he was very poorly informed and they lied to him. We don't know exactly where the lie comes from, but that is a lie , and I can say that from experience.'

Miguel Tellado, a parliamentary spokesperson for the opposition conservative People's Party, added: 'Since REE has ruled out the possibility of a cyber attack, we can only point to the malfunctioning of REE, which has state investment and therefore its leaders are appointed by the government.'

REE, which is headed by former Socialist minister Beatriz Corredor, narrowed down the source of the outage to two separate incidents of loss of generation in substations in southwestern Spain, but says it has yet to identify their exact location and that it is too early to explain what caused them.

REE, which is headed by former Socialist minister Beatriz Corredor, narrowed down the source of the outage to two separate incidents of loss of generation in substations in southwestern Spain

REE has yet to identify their exact location and that it is too early to explain what caused them

In an interview with Cadena SER radio, Corredor said it was wrong to blame the outage on Spain's high share of renewable energy.

'These technologies are already stable and they have systems that allow them to operate as a conventional generation system without any safety issues,' she said, adding she was not considering resigning.

Major outages across Spain and Portugal on Monday caused widespread disruption, grounding flights and halting trains as phone lines and internet were cut off.

As many as 205 flights leaving Spanish airports were cancelled on Monday, with dozens more diverted to other airports, as swathes of the country ground to a halt.

In Portugal, 185 departures were put off, and 187 cancelled.

Just before the system crashed, solar energy accounted for 53 per cent of electricity production, wind for almost 11 per cent and nuclear and gas for 15 per cent, according to REE data.

Antonio Turiel, an energy expert at the state-owned Spanish National Research Council, told Onda Vasca radio station on Tuesday that the fundamental problem was the grid's instability.

'A lot of renewable energy has been integrated without the responsive stabilisation systems that should have been in place,' he said, adding that vulnerabilities stemmed from 'the unplanned and haphazard integration of a host of renewable systems'.

Jordi Sevilla, REE's chair until 2020, wrote in an opinion piece in Cinco Dias newspaper that the government was moving too fast to decommission nuclear power plants that can provide stable generation to offset the peaks and troughs of intermittent renewable energy.

Major outages across Spain and Portugal on Monday caused widespread disruption, grounding flights and halting trains as phone lines and internet were cut off

As many as 205 flights leaving Spanish airports were cancelled on Monday, with dozens more diverted to other airports

Professor Furong Li, from the University of Bath's Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering said: 'As renewable energy sources increasingly replace traditional synchronous generationsuch as coal and gasthis shift introduces significant challenges in maintaining power system stability.

'One key issue is the reduction of system inertia, which makes the grid more sensitive to disturbances and introduces new phenomena that we are not yet fully equipped to understand, predict, or manage.

'These challenges are part of the evolving reality of low-carbon energy systems. Reduced inertia makes power systems more dynamic and vulnerable to instability, prompting operators to adopt faster, alternative methods of maintaining grid security.'
A paddleboard instructor who led four people to their deaths in a swollen river was previously sacked as a police officer after committing insurance fraud.

Nerys Lloyd was jailed for 10 years and six months after four people died on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in October 2021.

The 39-year-old had organised a stand-up paddleboarding tour on the river despite 'extremely hazardous conditions' and weather warnings in place.

The weekend outing ended in tragedy when paddleboarders Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, Andrea Powell, 41, and co-instructor Paul O'Dwyer, 42, all died after they were dragged over the raging water on the weir.

Following her sentencing earlier this month, it has emerged that Ms Lloyd was previously sacked from her role as a firearms officer at South Wales Police for a fraudulent insurance claim.

In January 2022, at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing, Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan found that Lloyd had breached professional behaviour standards and should be dismissed.

Lloyd had made a fraudulent police insurance claim over the cost of repair to her car.

While the repairs to her car cost in the region of 16 to 20 the subsequent insurance claim made by PC Lloyd was for 577.55, the hearing conclusion document said.

Former police officer Nerys Lloyd (pictured), 39, was jailed after leading four people to their deaths in a swollen river

Health worker Nicola Wheatley (left) and her co-instructor Paul O'Dwyer (right) died in the tragedy

Morgan Rogers (left), 24, and Andrea Powell (right) also drowned in the flooded weir

South Wales Police released the previously unpublished details of the misconduct investigation and insurance fraud now that the criminal case against Lloyd, from Aberavon, has concluded.

Lloyd was said to have 'admitted her wrongdoing and immediately apologised for her behaviour, stating it was an error of judgement.'

The matter was reported to South Wales Police and Lloyd was then subject of a formal caution for the criminal offence of fraud by false representation contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006, in October 2021. Lloyd repaid the money.

This was just two weeks before the tragedy on the River Cleddau which saw Nicola Wheatley, Morgan Rogers, Paul O'Dwyer and Andrea Powell lose their lives.

Horrifyingly the party were dragged over the 4ft weir and sucked into the churning torrent - trapped by the equivalent of nearly two tonnes of water crossing a one-metre-wide section every second.

Photographs from the scene showed the large weir with a fish ramp in the middle 'only slightly wider than the width of a paddleboard' and a concrete landing platform to the side.

Images taken a day after the tragedy show the foaming, swollen water at the bottom of the weir - in stark contrast to the calm condition of the river when Lloyd carried out a reconnaissance visit weeks earlier.

Lloyd was able to navigate herself down the fish ramp on her board before 'one by one' each of the seven others were swept over the face of the weir and fell off their paddleboards, the court heard.

Lloyd was jailed for 10 years and six months at Swansea Crown Court earlier this month

Lloyd (pictured) organised the weekend paddleboard outing on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest in October 2021

Picture of the weir where Lloyd guided the tragic paddleboarders over during low flow conditions

Earlier this month Lloyd pleaded guilty to four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act in March, and was sentenced by Mrs Justice Dame Mary Stacey at Swansea Crown Court.

Handing Lloyd a 10-year and six-month sentence, the judge told Lloyd: 'I accept you are desperately sorry for what happened that day.

'Your life has also been massively impacted. But being sorry for what happened is different from remorse.'

Lloyd showed no emotion as her sentence was read out, only nodding at the judge and mouthing 'thank you'.
Meghan Markle has been ribbed for making the school run with a nanny on hand sound 'akin to climbing Everest and curing cancer at the summit'.

Working parents have lampooned the Duchess of Sussex for her earnest description of her morning routine with Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

Meghan also revealed she has used an 'amazing' nanny for five years - who steps in when she has early meetings - after she admitted 'juggling' work and motherhood had been 'very overwhelming'.

The former Suits star, 43, told her friend Jamie Kern Lima that she wakes at 6.30am and after getting the children dressed, fed and to their two different schools, she isn't back at her 11million Montecito mansion until two-and-half hours after getting up.

'I know. That's morning. That's the morning', she said breathlessly.

But commentator and journalist Will Kingston joked as he shared the clip: 'Meghan describes the basic duties of parenting as if they are akin to climbing Everest and curing cancer at the summit'.

While some have derided those who have been unkind about her morning routine - urging critics to 'leave her alone' - it has also been the source of mirth for some mothers and fathers with schoolchildren, and jobs, themselves.

One working mum said frankly: 'That's the routine of all mums'. Another questioned how long Meghan's routine was and said: 'I have 4 kids. Never used a nanny. I'd prepare there lunchboxes the night before. It took 30 min to get them ready for school, 5 min to drive them there'.

A third said: 'Does she not realise this is standard for most working women?'

Meghan appeared on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast in an episode released on Monday - and revealed her morning routine

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie and daughter Lilibet in December 2021

Meghan revealed her morning routine on Jamie Kern Lima's podcast, released earlier this week.

She joked that instead of meditating each day she much prefers doing lunchboxes for the children along with a note hidden inside.

Speaking on to her friend Ms Kern Lima on her podcast, she described getting up at 6.30am, listening to Archie and Lilibet on monitors while getting ready before getting them ready for school.

Meghan joked that 'I wish I could say I woke up and meditated' and said: 'I get up at 6.30am. 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.

'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.'

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

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'.

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.'
Drinkers face another hike in the cost of alcohol under plans for a ramping-up of the SNPs controversial minimum pricing policy.

Experts are calling for regular automatic increases to the levy - which would kick in without the need for government approval each time it was raised.

More than 70 organisations are also demanding that the Scottish Government use the year before the Scottish election in May 2026 to prioritise increasing early detection and treatment of liver disease.

Shocking figures last year showed Scotlands alcohol death toll had hit a 15-year high, with fatalities rising for the fourth year in a row - despite the SNPs existing minimum pricing policy, which came into effect in 2018.

Last night Scottish Tory alcohol spokesman Annie Wells said: The SNPs minimum unit pricing policy is a blunt instrument to tackle the complex and deeply concerning problem of rising alcohol deaths.

This call for ministers to automatically hike alcohol prices further without proper scrutiny would only punish responsible drinkers even more amid a global cost-of-living crisis.

Minimum unit pricing has failed to deliver the promised reductions in alcohol deaths or addiction, yet the SNP appear wedded to it.

Figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) showed 1,277 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded in 2023 - an average of more than three per day.

Scots drinkers are already hit by the SNP 's minimum pricing policy

The organisations backing radical measures to crack down on alcohol misuse include Alcohol Focus Scotland, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the Royal College of General Practitioners, and the Royal College of Nursing.

The experts warn that alcohol is linked to over 100 illnesses including cancer, heart disease and liver disease.

A new report signed by the charities and professional bodies involved, ahead of John Swinneys programme for government next Thursday (MAY 6), calls for the introduction of automatic uprating of the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol to optimise the effectiveness of the policy in saving and improving lives.

This would involve automatically raising the price within agreed limits, and Alcohol Focus Scotland said it was considering different proposals available based on evidence of what worked best.

Under the current policy, the initial price was 50p per unit of alcohol - but last year this was hiked to 65p.

The proposed changes could mean the minimum price being adjusted annually - and once in place it would rise automatically without the need for any further approval by parliament or ministers.

Scots are already paying up to 67 per cent more for alcohol than drinkers south of the Border, as well as paying the highest income taxes in the UK.

Prior to the hike in the minimum price to 65p, a 12.5 per cent volume bottle of wine could not be sold for less than 4.69 but this rose last year by 1.40 to 6.09, while the lowest price of a standard bottle of blended whisky soared from 14 to 18.20.

The new report is also calling for reform the system for licensing off-trade and online sales to firstly cap and then reduce off-trade availability of alcohol.

It also demands a restriction of alcohol marketing, including advertising outdoors, in public spaces and sport and event sponsorships, as well as displays in shops.

And experts want to mandate the provision of health-related information, including health warnings, on alcohol products.

Last night Laura Mahon, acting chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: For too long, we have seen deaths from alcohol continue to rise.

We need concrete measures to prevent this - time is running out for this Government to demonstrate genuine results, so together with partners, weve provided a roadmap for delivery.

Now we need to see clear leadership and investment.

Earlier detection of liver damage is essential because of its life-saving potential.

A number of these initiatives are already happening at a local level and could be scaled up and enable people with serious or potentially life-threatening alcohol problems to be identified sooner and supported more effectively, reducing their risk of experiencing further harm.

Charities want more action from the Scottish Government to tackle rising alcohol deaths but critics say pushing prices up even more will punish responsible drinkers

It is also crucial that we consider the bigger picture. People dont just become unwell overnight.

We are continually being fed the message that alcohol has an essential role in our lives, normalising drinking and influencing our consumption habits.

We need to challenge this with well evidenced and cost-effective prevention measures adopted as part of a robust strategy for now and into the future.

The experts warned that alcohol acts as a drag on the Scottish economy, costing an estimated 10billion per year, including an annual 700million bill for our NHS, 1.2billion in lost productivity costs, and a further 1billion through alcohol-related crime.

The Scottish Government is developing a refreshed strategic approach that responds to the alcohol and drugs crisis.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: We remain focused on reducing alcohol-related harm and deaths.

Early detection of liver disease is a priority which is being delivered by the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery.

Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives and likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions.
Donald Trump will be US president for a third term, his former adviser Steve Bannon has predicted.

He also suggested that Mr Trump was seeking to avoid 'kinetic war' with China by showing Beijing 'respect' and seeking 'some sort of accommodation'.

In an interview with the Mail's David Patrikarakos for his podcast, Apocalypse Now?, Mr Bannon forecast that the president would find a way of running for a third term, and would win.

America's constitution restricts presidents to a maximum of two terms in office  but Mr Trump has said he is 'not joking' about wanting a further four years in the White House.

The Trump Organisation is selling red caps that read 'Trump 2028' in an apparent reference to the next US presidential election.

Listen to 'Apocalypse Now?' wherever you get your podcasts. Listen now

Donald Trump will be US president for a third term, his former adviser Steve Bannon has predicted. Listen now

Steve Bannon: 'On the afternoon of the 20th January of 2029, Trump's going be in the White House signing executive orders.' Listen now

Mr Bannon served as a key strategist to Mr Trump for his 2016 presidential campaign. Listen now

And when asked in an interview in March about the possibility of seeking a third term, Mr Trump said: 'There are methods which you could do it.'

Responding to a question from Mr Patrikarakos about whether he thought this was realistic, Mr Bannon said: 'Yes, President Trump is going to be eligible, is going to run again, and will win again.

'And I will tell you, on the afternoon of the 20th January of 2029, he's going be in the White House signing executive orders.'

Mr Bannon served as a key strategist to Mr Trump for his 2016 presidential campaign. He served a four-month jail term last year for defying a congressional subpoena from the committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. He now has a daily live podcast called Bannons War Room.

The former Trump adviser told the podcast he was certain that Joe Biden 'stole' the 2020 election.

He said: 'The whole reason he came back and ran again was his burning conviction that he had won in 2020, it had been stolen

'His inner group and our audience - almost to a person, I think it's almost 100 per cent - believe strongly to the core of their being that the 2020 election was stolen.'

Mr Bannon also spoke of his dislike for Elon Musk, the tech billionaire who helped to bankroll Mr Trump's election campaign and is now heading the Department of Government Efficiency, known as Doge.

He dismissed the Tesla chief executive as a 'techno-feudalist' who was part of a group of Silicon Valley oligarchs who had created 'an apartheid state'.

Steve Bannon: 'We don't trust the oligarchs. The oligarchs are all progressives, including Elon Musk.' Listen now

Mr Bannon attacked the Chinese Communist Party, describing it as an 'illegitimate dictatorship'. Listen now

The former Trump adviser told the podcast he was certain that Joe Biden 'stole' the 2020 election. Listen now

Mr Bannon said: 'Remember, we are anti-oligarch, because we don't trust the oligarchs. The oligarchs are all progressives, including Elon Musk. They were all progressive.

'They're all progressive in their outlook. They've just come to President Trump because he's a winner.'

He also criticised as 'very dangerous' Mr Musk's 'transhumanist' work  referring to enhancing humans through technology - on implanting microchips in brains through his company NeuraLink.

Elsewhere in the podcast interview Mr Bannon attacked the Chinese Communist Party, describing it as an 'illegitimate dictatorship' that is 'worse than the Bolsheviks, worse than the Nazis'.

He defended the president's approach towards China amid fears that Beijing is plotting to invade Taiwan  which it regards as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland - by 2027.

He said: 'President Trump is trying to balance to make sure that we don't slide into a kinetic war with the Chinese Communist Party, either in the South China Sea or around the Straits of Taiwan.

'And so I think President Trump's doing what a world leader and the leader of the free world and the president of United States and our commander-in-chief should do - to show the guys respect and try to make sure that we can get some sort of accommodation.'

But Mr Bannon spoke of his love of ordinary Chinese people, saying: 'The basic common man and woman in China are spectacular people, fantastic people, and I think have a very close bond to the citizens of the United States.'

Search for 'Apocalypse Now?' with special guest Steve Bannon, wherever you get your podcasts.
Forensic experts have made a breakthrough in the case of a horror Easter egg poisoning that killed two young children in Brazil.

Tests have revealed that the box of luxury mini eggs consumed by Luis Fernando, 7, and his sister Evelyn Fernanda, 13, were contaminated with rat poison.

Police believe that Jordelia Pereira Barbosa, 36, had intended for the chocolates to be laced and delivered to her ex-husband's new girlfriend last month.

But the new partner, 32-year-old Mirian Lira Silva, shared the chocolates with her children on April 16, before they fell sick and died.

Mirian is still fighting for her life in hospital, left seriously unwell after consuming some of the chocolates.

Experts said the chocolates had been laced with 'chumbinho', a banned rodenticide often used illegally in Brazil.

Maranhao Secretary of Public Security Mauricio Martins said: 'The evidence suggests that the crime was motivated by revenge, by jealousy, considering that the perpetrator's ex-husband is currently the partner or boyfriend of the victim, who was poisoned along with her two children.'

Barbosa remains in custody at the Sao Luis Women's Rehabilitation Prison Unit, after being hauled off an intercity bus apparently during her return home from a stay in Imperatriz, where her former partner's family are based, some 200 miles away.

Jordelia Pereira Barbosa is accused of buying, spiking and sending the chocolate to her former partner's new girlfriend

Mirian shared the chocolates she had received with her children, before they fell ill and died

The chocolate eggs were reportedly delivered by a motorcycle courier with a note which read: 'With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter.'

Luis died just hours after consuming the chocolates, on April 16.

Evelyn died of multiple organ failure on April 22, after a five-day fight for life in a hospital intensive care unit in Imperatriz.

Police believe Barbosa had deliberately poisoned the chocolates before sending them to her ex's new partner.

They were taken to her home by a motorcycle courier, reportedly accompanied with a note which read: 'With love, to Mirian Lira. Happy Easter.'

After the delivery, Mirian received an anonymous call asking if she had received the package.

Police reportedly found purchase receipts and spoke to Barbosa's ex-partner as part of their investigation, who was said to have indicated that his ex might be involved.

Officers also seized two wigs, receipts, cards, scissors, a saw knife and what appeared to be drugs, per Imperatriz murder squad police.

Cops shared CCTV footage they said showed Barbosa shopping for chocolate eggs while wearing a black wig to cover her dyed blonde hair and dark sunglasses.

At the counter she is seen holding the box of luxury eggs and starts rummaging through her bag to find a payment card to use.

In a statement at the Santa Ines Regional Police Station, Barbosa reportedly admitted having bought the chocolate, but denied having added poison.

An autopsy on victim Luis by the Imperatriz's Legal Medical Institute is expected to prove poisoning as the cause of death.

Cops also shared CCTV footage they said showed Barbosa shopping for chocolate eggs while wearing a black wig to cover her dyed blonde hair and dark sunglasses

Police released pictures of materials seized from Jordelia Pereira Barbosa

CCTV footage appears to show Barbosa in a hotel in Imperatriz, the city where her ex-boyfriend's family are based

Over Christmas, a family in Brazil was struck down after being served a cake laced with arsenic, horrifying the nation.

Zeli Silva Dos Anjos, 61, who baked the traditional Brazilian festive treat, was among seven people who attended a pre Christmas annual party on December 23 - but only four survived.

Mrs Anjos was among those who fell ill and ended up in critical condition hospital. She said she was 'horrified by guilt' after serving the cake.

Deise Moura dos Anjos, 42, was remanded in prison on January 6 on suspicion of three murders and three attempted murders.

She protested her innocence but police branded her an alleged 'serial killer' after her arrest.

In a shocking twist, she was was found lifeless in her cell at a women's prison in Guaiba on the outskirts of the southern city of Porto Alegre in February.

Police chiefs said at the time they were treating the death as a suicide and sources at a regional emergency response service said she appeared to have hanged herself.
This is the dramatic moment angry Spaniards called for a crazed British driver to be killed after he was slapped in the face by police following a 'Fast and Furious'-style car chase in Spain's Costa Blanca.

Footage shows the unnamed 49-year-old man being pinned down by Spanish Guardia Civil as stunned bystanders crowd around the dramatic scene.

One police officer can be seen smacking the Brit's face and telling him to shut up as he tries to protest his arrest.

'Cover his head and kill him', one irate local is heard saying in the background.

A separate clip shows the British man being yanked to his feet and dragged away in a near-foetal position with his hands cuffed behind his back ad his legs pinned togther.

'Son of a b***h'. a distressed woman yells, as the detainee stares defiantly at the angry crowd surrounding him.

The Brit was arrested for alleged reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs after heading the wrong way up the A-7 motorway for more than six miles as police chased him - before speeding through the Costa Blanca town of Alcoy.

Footage of his crazed drive, which ended when he smashed into parked cars in a main road in Alcoy, showed him speeding past an astonished Spanish motorist and veering onto the wrong side of the road in a red Honda Civic hatchback.

A Brit was slapped in the face by Spanish police after he was chased down and arrested for speeding in the wrong direction up a Costa Blance motorway

Footage shows the unnamed 49-year-old man being pinned down by Spanish Guardia Civil

The Brit was arrested for alleged reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs after heading the wrong way up the A-7 motorway for more than six miles

Motorists were put in danger during the police chase as he sped through built-up areas across roundabouts and down narrow streets.

Miraculously no-one was injured during the pursuit.

But one of the videos that emerged overnight showed a cop asking for help for a female colleague who appeared to have been injured as the arrest was carried out.

The incident started unfolding around 6pm yesterday when local police were alerted to the fact a driver was speeding the wrong way up the motorway towards Valencia.

The footage of the chase showed him driving onto the wrong side of N-340 dual carriageway in the municipality of Muro and speeding towards Alcoy, near Benidorm.

Cops from other forces, including local town hall-employed officers and the National Police, were called on to assist and try to stop him as he reached the town.

Guardia Civil traffic officers from Benidorm are now preparing a report for a local court.

It was not immediately clear today whether the arrested man had already appeared before an investigating judge, who will be tasked with deciding whether to remand him in custody or release him on bail.

Motorists were put in danger during the police chase

The incident started unfolding around 6pm yesterday when local police were alerted to the fact a driver was speeding the wrong way up the motorway towards Valencia.

Cops from other forces, including local town hall-employed officers and the National Police, were called on to assist and try to stop him

No information has yet come out on whether the detainee owned the vehicle he was driving, or whether he was living in the local area.

Alcoy Town Hall's Security Councillor Raul Llopis said: 'Luckily no-one was injured and the damage was just material damage to cars that were hit.'
For years, flat-pack fans across the UK have been proudly talking about their latest IKEA purchases whether it's a Billy bookcase or a Malm chest of drawers.

But it turns out we've all been getting it completely wrong.

CEO Jesper Brodin was speaking on Sky News following the grand opening of the flatpack giants new 450million flagship Oxford Street store.

He joked: 'I will allow you to say whatever you like, but it is true that the right Swedish spelling would be 'eh-kay-ah'.

'I'm going to say that when the founder, who was 16 years old when he founded the company and he went to the register and he didn't have an idea for the name of the company so then they took his initials: Ingvar Kamprad.

'So that is 'ee' in Swedish 'eye' in English. Elmtaryd, the farm he was from, and Agunnaryd, was the county.

'So Ikea is basically the man himself and where he came from.'

The pronunciation drama comes as IKEA opens the doors to its much-anticipated Oxford Street store today.

The twice delayed 450 million shop is being seen by retail and council bosses as a crucial part of restoring Oxford Street to its former glory as one of the world's premier shopping destinations.

CEO Jesper Brodin was speaking on Sky News following the grand opening of the flatpack giants new 450million flagship Oxford Street store

He joked: 'I will allow you to say whatever you like, but it is true that the right Swedish spelling would be 'eh-kay-ah'

The twice delayed 450 million shop is being seen by retail and council bosses as a crucial part of restoring Oxford Street to its former glory as one of the world's premier shopping destinations

It has taken over the former Topshop base in the capital to open a three-floor outlet selling around 6,000 products, of which 3,500 can be carried away by customers immediately, and the rest ordered for home delivery, click and collect or collection off site from lockers and other pick-up points.

Pictures of the opening show staff, in yellow and blue tops, cheering and waving the flags of the UK and Sweden to greet shoppers as the walk in.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan was also there to cut the ribbon and officially open the shops door for the first time. He smiled alongside staff surrounded by balloons.

However there has already been some skepticism over how customers are going to transport their goods home, as there is no parking.

So you will need to be able to carry away what you buy - meaning the 3500 items sold in the store weigh less than 15kg and are no more than 150cm in length.

Avid shoppers are finally filing into the much awaited new Ikea store on Oxford Street after queuing for hours for its grand opening today

However there has already been some skepticism over how customers are going to transport their goods home, as there is no parking

Sadiq Khan cuts the blue ribbon to open the new shop

People are queuing up ahead of the grand opening at 10am today

It is the second UK high street store for the company - the first opened in Hammersmith in 2022 - which it described as a 'milestone' in a strategy to expand its presence in city centres with smaller formats, increasing accessibility for customers.

Another city centre store, in central Brighton, is set to open this summer, followed by three smaller stores in Chester, Harlow and Norwich this year.

The company said it had further specific areas of interest including in London, the Midlands and the North West, but no new locations to confirm yet.

Ingvar Feodor Kamprad was born in Pjatteryd, Sweden, on March 30, 1926, the son of modest farmers.

He was dyslexic but unusually bright and, aged five, was already a budding tycoon, selling matchboxes, Christmas cards, pens, wall hangings and berries hed picked in the forests.

He founded Ikea when he was just 16 by using money his father gave him as a reward for trying so hard, despite his dyslexia, to register it.

Soon he was advertising in newspapers, selling furniture by mail order and sending it to the station on the milk cart.

By 1953, he had a showroom, but in 1956, when he saw delivery men removing a tables legs to transport it more easily, he had his flat-pack brainwave and everything changed.

Ingvar Feodor Kamprad was born in Pjatteryd, Sweden, on March 30, 1926, the son of modest farmers

He founded Ikea when he was just 16 by using money his father gave him as a reward for trying so hard, despite his dyslexia, to register it

Ikea took off like a rocket. Meanwhile, his first marriage, to Kerstin Wadling, foundered after ten years and, in 1963, he married Margaretha Sennert, with whom he had three sons, Peter, Jonas, and Mathias.

By the Sixties there were Ikeas all over Scandinavia. When rivals tried to organise a boycott by his suppliers, he moved to Poland for materials and manufacturers and cut costs further.

After that, the Ikea revolution was unstoppable. The first U.S. Ikea  near Philadelphia  opened in 1986. A year later came the first British store, in Warrington (by the end of 2018, there will be 22 UK stores). Russia and China followed.

So next time you're browsing flat-pack furniture or picking up a new lamp, remember: it's Ee-kay-uh!
Nigel Farage has claimed the NHS should not be funded through general taxation as he bemoaned how Brits are getting 'worse bang for the buck than any other country'.

The Reform UK leader, speaking ahead of today's local elections, said the health service in its current form 'is not working' as he suggested 'the rich' should pay more.

Mr Farage also hit back at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's repeated claim that Reform wants to charge for using the NHS, which he branded 'a Labour lie'.

'I want it free at the point of delivery, but it's how we get there,' he added.

But Labour, who are facing a stern challenge from Reform in many areas of the country, doubled down on their attacks against Mr Farage following his latest comments.

As voters went to the polls across England, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Wake up. Nigel Farage and his Reform Party are a threat to the NHS. Vote Labour.'

In an interview with Sky News, Mr Farage was grilled over his previous claim that Britain should learn from France in the way it funds its health service.

France uses an public insurance system to cover a major portion of medical bills, funded by tax contributions from salary deductions.

Nigel Farage has claimed the NHS should not be funded through general taxation as he bemoaned how Brits are getting 'worse bang for the buck than any other country'

The Reform UK leader, speaking ahead of today's local elections, said the health service in its current form 'is not working' as he suggested 'the rich' should pay more

But many in France also use private top-up insurance to cover themselves for the remainder of medical fees.

Asked about Sir Keir's claim that Reform wants to charge to use the NHS, Mr Farage said: 'It's a Labour lie. This is the Labour lie machine. I have never said anything of the kind.'

The Reform leader was also quizzed about his comments to a newspaper last year, in which he said 'there's a lesson' in the French model and that 'if you can afford it, you pay; if you can't, you don't'.

Mr Farage replied: 'Well if Labour are upset that the rich might have to pay for health care? I find that a very odd position for it to be in.'

Pressed on whether he still wanted the NHS to be funded through general taxation, the Reform leader added: 'No, I do not want it funded through general taxation. It doesn't work. It's not working.

'We're getting worse bang for the buck than any other country, particularly out of those European neighbours. I want it free at the point of delivery, but it's how we get there.

'I'll tell you something - where Starmer is out of touch and Labour are out of touch on this as many other issues - most people out there in the real world know the NHS isn't working.'
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has been accused of being drunk as she made her return to the political arena on Wednesday night.

In her first speech after losing out on the presidency, she took the stage at the Emerge 20th anniversary gala in the Palace Hotel, San Francisco.

As part of her speech, she urged Democrats to find courage in the video of the San Diego zoo elephants who responded to a recent earthquake by grouping together.

She said: 'As soon as they felt the earth shaking beneath their feet, they got in a circle and stood next to each other to protect the most vulnerable.

'Think about it. What a powerful metaphor.'

After clips of her mentioning the zoo ended up on social media, users started questioning if Harris had been under the influence at the time.

One person commented: 'Thank you thank you to the staff that allowed Kamala Harris to give her "big" speech tonight drunk as a mofo.

'You cleverly not only put her political aspirations down in a merciful death, you also saved all of us from immeasurable misery.'

In her first speech after losing out on the presidency on Wednesday night , she took the stage at the Emerge 20th anniversary gala in the Palace Hotel, San Francisco

As part of her speech, she urged Democrats to find courage in the video of the San Diego zoo elephants who responded to a recent earthquake by grouping together

Another added: 'She's back: Did anyone actually pay to see this train wreck? Drunk, fake or high? You pick it! At least Kamala Harris has been worrying about elephants. Wow.'

One other said: 'If you're wondering if Kamala Harris still sounds drunk and cringe, she does.'

Harris was all laughs as she also told the audience that 'it's good to be home', before soon getting to work criticizing President Donald Trump.

'Instead of the administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing a wholesale abandonment of those ideals,' she said.

She singled out Trump for leveling 'reckless tariffs' on foreign nations, and accused him of 'the biggest manmade economic crisis in modern presidential history.'

Harris asserted that his economic plans had 'hurt workers and families' and raised costs for Americans.

Trump's agenda, she said, was 'not lowering costs' and 'not making life more affordable' and 'not what they promised.'

She noted that the Trump administration was counting on the fact that fear was 'contagious.'

Social media users believe Harris may have been drunk by the time she took to the stage on Wednesday night

She singled out President Trump, seen here on Wednesday, and accused him of 'the biggest manmade economic crisis in modern presidential history.'

'They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others, but what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing that is contagious. Courage is contagious,' she said.

Harris cautioned Democrats from dismissing Trump's efforts as 'chaos.'

'Understand what we are in fact witnessing is a high velocity event, where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making,'

She urged Americans to stand against the administration with courage.

Harris only spoke for about 15 minutes, but it was the crowning moment for the event that helped raise money for female political candidates.

The event featured female candidate Mallory McMorrow, who is running of the Michigan Senate and Abigail Spanberger who is running for Governor of Virginia.

The major fundraiser for the organization cost up to $50,000 for a sponsor ticket, but also charged $25 for fans to watch a livestream of the failed presidential candidate.

Harris return to the public stage raises questions about the next step of her political career as she weighs whether or not she wants to run for Governor of California in 2026.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is term limited from running again and is already eying the 2028 presidential race.

Democrats are also watching Harris to see if she wants to run again for president in 2028, as she feels she did not have enough time to be fully competitive in her failed 2024 campaign.
An argument between The View's Ana Navarro and a black conservative pundit turned vicious on Wednesday, forcing CNN to abruptly go to a commercial break.

Navarro and Shermichael Singleton got into a shouting match as they discussed the case of undocumented migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration.

'If you come in illegally, you have to leave. Americans are tired of that. We don't have unlimited resources... we have to care for our own people,' Singleton said.

'Theres a hell of a lot of Americans, other than black people who were brought here as slaves, who came to this country illegally,' Navarro replied.

But Singleton appears to have misheard Navarro and became furious at what he called a comparison between undocumented migrants and African Americans who are the descendants of slaves.

'They are not the same as Black people who were brought here against our will!' he shouted. 'They decide to walk their way across the border, there is a big difference!'

Phillips then chimed in to tell Singleton, 'I think you actually misheard what she said.'

Navarro added: 'You think I would say something like that after advocating for black people my entire life?'

Ana Navarro and Shermichael Singleton got into a shouting match as they discussed the case of undocumented migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia

'Theres a hell of a lot of Americans, other than Black people who were brought here as slaves, who came to this country illegally,' Navarro said on CNN

Singleton appears to have misheard Navarro and became furious at what he called a comparison between undocumented migrants and African Americans

But the argument continued to escalate, with Singleton sarcastically replying: 'Great. Congratulations. Last time I checked, Im black. Youre not, okay.'

Navarro fought back: 'That's right. I'm Latino and my people are being racially profiled.'

'Do I have to remind you the history of my people? Do you really wanna go there?' an agitated Singleton continued.

That's when Phillips cut in to their shouting match and sent the cameras to commercial break.

The case of Obrego Garcia has been dividing the nation as Democrats demand he be brought back to Maryland and Republicans want him to stay in El Salvador, despite court orders saying he must return to the US.

President Trump has said he 'could' bring Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador if he wanted to. But he insists the 29-year-old Salvadoran, who had been living in Maryland and is married to an American citizen, is a member of the violent MS-13 gang and the kind of person who should not be allowed to live in the United States.

The Republican administration is dug in on its contention that the government should not have to repatriate Abrego Garcia. The Supreme Court has said the administration must work to bring back him back.

For weeks, officials alternated between admitting that Abrego Garcia was deported in error and arguing that the U.S. has no more power in the matter because he is now in El Salvador.

Phillips cut in to their shouting match and sent the cameras to commercial break

Deported 'MS-13 gangster' Kilmar Abrego Garcia has won the sympathy of liberals and Democrats around America after shock claims he was wrongfully sent to El Salvador alongside more than 200 hardened criminals

Moran cited a photo Trump had posted multiple times showing knuckle tattoos on Garcia - who remains imprisoned in his native El Salvador. Moran said the actual MS13 was superimposed on the picture to decipher what his actual tattoos meant

But Trump, told during an ABC News interview Tuesday marking his 100th day in office that he could use the telephone on his Oval Office desk to call El Salvadors president and ask him to return Abrego Garcia, replied, 'I could.'

'And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that,' Trump said.

Police in Maryland had identified Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 gang member in 2019 based off his tattoos, Chicago Bulls hoodie and the word of a criminal informant. But Abrego Garcia was never charged. His attorneys say the informant claimed Abrego Garcia was in an MS-13 chapter in New York, where hes never lived.

The gang identification by local police prompted the Trump administration to expel Abrego Garcia in March to an infamous El Salvador prison. But the deportation violated a U.S. immigration judges order in 2019 that protected him from being sent to El Salvador.

Abrego Garcia had demonstrated to the immigration court that he likely faced persecution by local Salvadoran gangs that terrorized him and his family, court records state. He fled to the U.S. at 16 and lived in Maryland for about 14 years, working construction, getting married and raising three kids.

Xinis ordered the Trump administration to return him nearly a month ago, on April 4. The Supreme Court ruled April 10 that the administration must work to bring him back.
The BBC have been branded 'exploitative ghouls' for using an AI Agatha Christie to flog a 79 course for wannabe crime novelists.

The Death on the Nile writer, who died in 1976 aged 85, has been brought back to life in digital form with the power of artificial intelligence.

AI Agatha offers a two-and-a-half-hour crime writing course split over eleven lessons including story structure, plot twists and the art of suspense.

The course is available on BBC Maestro, the corporations subscription-based, e-learning platform run by its commercial arm, for 79.

The website states: Want to write the perfect crime story? In this once-in-a-lifetime course  created in collaboration with Agatha Christies family and built entirely on her own words about the craft  let the Queen of Crime Fiction herself show you how.

But it has been met with a furious backlash from writers who argue that real life authors could be put out of work.

Author Christopher Edge wrote online: 'This feels like a slippery slope and, at a time of declining author incomes, worrying to think we now have to compete with long-dead authors for these opportunities.

'I previously led a children's fiction course, but would they have wanted me if they could've had Roald Dahl instead?'

The BBC have been branded 'exploitative ghouls' for using an AI Agatha Christie to flog a 79 course for wannabe crime novelists

The Death on the Nile writer, who died in 1976 aged 85, has been brought back to life in digital form with the power of artificial intelligence

AI Agatha offers a two-and-a-half-hour crime writing course split over eleven lessons including story structure, plot twists and the art of suspense

While writer So Mayer said: 'Every single person involved in this charlatanry, which is no different from Ouija boards, fake mediums and all the cons of spiritualism, should be deeply ashamed of themselves.

What a bunch of exploitative ghouls. They could have hired probs 500 underemployed crime writers to teach small classes for what they spent on this.'

Ali Trotta said: 'This is unspeakably gross and creepy. And her family and everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves.'

Another online critic branded it dystopian, while another added: How utterly disrespectful. How could you think any artist would be okay with you frankensteining their work together in this AI slop and then selling it on subscription? Read the room BBC. I hope those who contributed to this abomination have a hard look in the mirror.

Christie, who has sold over two billion novels worldwide, has been played by the actress, Vivien Keene, and CGI effects have been used to modify her face and voice to create the AI Agatha, with the permission of her estate and the novelists family.

Keene said: This role was unlike any other in my 44 years of acting. The process required me to study the few existing clips of Agatha very closely, capturing her subtle mannerisms and expressions.

Her writing lessons are based on a various sources including her writings and archival interviews and curated by the leading Christie scholars Dr Mark Aldridge, Michelle Kazmer, Gray Robert Brown and Jamie Bernthal-Hooker.

Aldridge said: We meticulously pieced together Agatha Christies own words from her letters, interviews and writings. Witnessing her insights come to life has been a profoundly moving experience.

The course has been met with a furious backlash from writers who argue that real life authors could be put out of work

Death on the Nile writer Agatha Christie has sold over two billion novels worldwide

James Prichard, Christies great-grandson and chief executive of Agatha Christie Limited, said that he and his father had learnt a lot from the lessons.

He added: The team of academics and researchers that BBC Maestro has assembled have extracted from a number of her writings an extraordinary array of her views and opinions on how to write.

Through this course, you truly will receive a lesson in crafting a masterful mystery, in Agathas very own words.

Other BBC Maestro teachers, include living authors Julia Donaldson, Lee Child and Harlan Coben but if AI Agatha is a success then it is understood that they could potentially resurrect other authors like JRR Tolkien and Jane Austen.

Michael Levine, BBC Maestros chief executive, said the course delivered by AI Agatha was as valuable as those delivered by the living writers.

Levine said: The courses tell people that even authors who are at the top of their game struggle and fail. And there is something inspirational about hearing that even an all-time great like Agatha Christie was influenced by Conan Doyle.

BBC Maestro was established to offer the next generation of talent a way to get started, to learn, not from teachers, but from those who have done it themselves. As an 11-year-old boy reading Why Didnt they Ask Evans? I could never have imagined that one day, Id be watching Agatha Christie teaching me how she did it.

A spokesperson for the BBC said: 'BBC Studios is incredibly proud of what BBC Maestro has accomplished with this hugely innovative Agatha Christie Writing Course that has the full support of the Christie Estate.'
A Holocaust survivor has called out fraudsters who 'stole my life story' after her emotional memoir retelling her experience at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen was rewritten by AI fraudsters and sold online.

Renee Salt, born in Zdunska Wola, Poland and now living in north London, was aged just 10 when she was forcibly removed from her home and hauled from one ghetto to another before witnessing horrific mass murders at two Nazi death camps.

Barely alive by the time she was liberated in 1945, Renee suffered the heart-breaking losses of both her parents and her beloved younger sister, as well as 200 extended family members.

It took eight decades before Renee could finally tell her story with the recent publication of A Mother's Promise, co-written with journalist Kate Thompson.

But Renee and Thompson were left horrified after learning the bestseller - which involved hours of interviews and copious research over 18 months - had been run through an AI tool and rewritten in a matter of 'mere moments'.

To add to their insult, the fake versions have been seemingly written under pen names that are 'blatantly anti-Semitic', according to both Thompson and the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

The charity additionally warned the incident should sound alarm bells around protecting Holocaust testimony and said AI versions 'put the integrity of the past at risk.'

Despairing at the news, Renee emotionally told MailOnline: 'They have stolen my life story. I just don't believe it - it's outrageous.'

Holocaust survivor Renee Salt has called out AI fraudsters who 'stole my life story' after they rewrote her emotional memoir, A Mother's Promise, co-authored with Kate Thompson

To add to their insult, the fake versions have been seemingly written under pen names that are 'blatantly anti-Semitic'. Pictured: Renee spoke to MailOnline earlier this year before the launch of her book, A Mother's Promise

Thompson, a journalist and author from Surrey, explained she first noticed a book being sold on Amazon and Goodreads under the barely-disguised title, 'Renee Salt memoir: A Mother's Promise: A Holocaust survivor's story of love, loss and unbreakable hope' by author Jude Williams, just days after the authentic version was published in February.

After making a complaint to both platforms, the book disappeared shortly afterwards on Amazon, but remained on Goodreads.

Thompson was told the platform was looking further into her claim, adding that 'copyright protections do not extend to the title of a given work and only cover your own particular expression of an idea.'

Goodreads had felt there was no clear infringement of copyright laws, because the AI version had shuffled the sequence of original text - and therefore it was not 'plagiarised' - while there was also nothing to stop other authors using the same title.

After pursuing the matter again, Goodreads removed the book, but it was at this point Thompson realised a second AI version had appeared on both platforms.

This time the book had been called, 'From Darkness To Light: The Remarkable Journey of Holocaust Survivor Renee Salt', by author Penny Pincher.

Thompson was outraged that Renee's memoir had now been copied twice by AI using author names that she believes have 'an anti-Semitic slant'.

'Jude is German for Jew. Under the Nazi regime, Jewish people were forced to wear identifiers such as Star of David armbands or badges with the word 'Jude' on it.

'The 'Jude' badge was used to stigmatise, humiliate and persecute Jewish people. It also facilitated their deportation to ghettos, concentration and extermination camps across the Reich.

'Why did the author give themselves the pseudonym 'Jude'?

Renee, pictured as a teenager just after the Second World War, endured life in two ghettos before being taken off to Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen

Renee, pictured with Prince William at a meeting last year, never spoke about her ordeal - which saw the heartbreaking loss of her parents and sister - until her later years

Angered by the situation, Thompson decided to pen an open letter to 'Jude' earlier this week - prior to discovering the existence of the Penny Pincher version - to vent her anger at their actions.

In the heartfelt letter, she wrote: 'I spent most of 2024 travelling across Europe, visiting the sites of former concentration camps and ghettoes, standing inside gas chambers and barracks, clambering down rickety steps into old basements, trawling through prisoner records, listening to testimonies and watching footage that I will never be able to unsee.

'When I wasn't travelling and researching, I was sitting with Renee listening as her past burst out, an unfiltered gush of history that at times threatened to overwhelm her.

'I learnt that her trauma was a living thing. On many occasions, she would sit and weep, and I would hold her hand in silence, for what words of comfort could I possibly offer?

'You, 'Jude', were spared all that messy, human emotion. Because it took you the work of mere moments to copy the book title, input it into ChatGPT and reproduce a copy.'

She continued: 'I had no way to explain to Renee that all our hard work, the trauma she heroically relived, her very personal story, was fair game for anyone with a reasonable knowledge of AI and what books were selling well on Amazon.

'Creaming profit off the hard work of a 95-year-old who escaped the gas chambers is about as low as it is possible to get.'

Speaking to MailOnline, Thompson described the AI copies as 'creative leeching' and said: 'I think it's just diabolical - to take a Holocaust survivor's testimony for your own profit is beyond reprehensible. It's about as low as humanity can go.

Thompson was horrified to see her co-written memoir had been taken by AI fraudsters, rewritten and sold on Amazon and Goodreads under 'blatantly anti-Semitic' pen names

The authentic book cover of the memoir, which was published in hardback in February

'I just feel quite despairing that as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, there are people out there thinking this is acceptable behaviour.

I wonder whether 'Jude' or 'Penny Pincher' have ever been to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, or Bergen-Belsen?

'Have they educated themselves about the Holocaust?

'Do they even understand what they're doing and how offensive it is to people who perished in the Holocaust and for the last survivors?

'I spent most of 2024 travelling across Europe, visiting the sites of former concentration camps and ghettoes, standing inside gas chambers and barracks, trawling through prisoner records, listening to testimonies and watching footage that I will never be able to unsee.

'It took 18 months of exhaustive research and multiple drafts to write A Mother's Promise and came at a high cost to Renee as she was forced to relive every detail of her trauma and grief. '

''Jude' reproduced it after a few clicks, at a fraction of the cost, financially, physically, mentally and emotionally.'

Following her open letter, Thompson said she was contacted by another author who said her books had also been copied by AI fraudsters and sold on Amazon.

She told Thompson this was becoming a more regular occurrence within non-fiction titles, with the onus being placed on the authors themselves to flag any pirated versions.

Renee, pictured as a teenager in Paris after the war, lost her parents and her younger sister

Renee's father Szaja (right), a chief accountant for a prominent textiles firm, disembarked from the train at Auschwitz and was never seen again; her mother Sala (left) was by Renee's side until they were liberated. She died just a few days later

'Apparently this has been going on for a while now. There needs to be stronger policy and practise in place at Amazon, alongside broader legislation, new literacy and critical thinking skills around AI. All of which would help us to become better and more savvy consumers of AI products.

'I suspect this is probably just the tip of the iceberg.'

As a case in point, while the Penny Pincher version of Renee's memoir has now been taken down, other titles by the 'author' remain, which are also apparently copies of bestselling history books.

MailOnline has found Pincher's title, Beneath the Floorboards: The Untold Truth Behind the 10 Rillington Place Murders, to be an AI version of Kate Summerscale's book, The Peepshow: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place.

Summerscale's book came out in hardback on 3 October 2024. Pincher's version was published just days later on 19 October 2024.

Reviews on the Pincher version describe it as 'a very shoddy piece of work written in haste' and 'a poorly written book with incorrect information'.

Aside from being poorly composed however, Holocaust advocates have warned that the rewriting of memoirs like Renee's amounts to 'revisionism' and 'a distortion of the past'.

Karen Pollock, chief executive of HET said: 'To see Renee's painful experience of the Holocaust rewritten by AI under blatantly anti-Semitic pen-names is disgusting.

MailOnline has found other titles remain on Amazon by 'Penny Pincher' which are apparent AI copies of other non-fiction bestsellers

Reviews on the Pincher version of Kate Summerscale's bestselling book describe it as 'a very shoddy piece of work written in haste' and 'a poorly written book with incorrect information'

'These fake versions and abuse of her testimony put the integrity of the past at risk.

'This is an insidious form of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial, causes distress to Holocaust survivors and sets alarm bells ringing for all of us whose greatest fear is the distortion of the past.

'Renee Salt was just a child when she endured unimaginable horrors in the Nazi ghettos and death camps. She and her family, and the 6 million murdered by the Nazis, were targeted simply because they were Jewish.

'At the age of 95, having spent years sharing her testimony in schools, Renee decided to share her powerful story with the world in A Mother's Promise.

'We owe it to Renee and to all who survived the heinous crimes of the Nazis to uphold the truth of the past.'

After being contacted by MailOnline, Amazon confirmed the fake Renee memoirs were no longer for sale on its platform and said all publishers are required to follow content guidelines and the terms and conditions of its service.

A spokesperson said: 'We have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for sale, and we have proactive and reactive methods that help us detect content that violates our guidelines, whether AI-generated or not.

A leading Holocaust charity has warned 'these fake versions and abuse of Renee's testimony put the integrity of the past at risk', Pictured: Bergen Belsen in the weeks after liberation

Renee with Charles Salt, her second cousin and by coincidence, a British military policeman sent to Bergen Belsen after the camp's liberation. The couple later went on to marry

'We invest significant time and resources to ensure our guidelines are followed, and remove books that do not adhere to those guidelines.

'We aim to provide the best possible shopping, reading, and publishing experience, and we are constantly evaluating developments that impact that experience, which includes the rapid evolution and expansion of generative AI tools.

'We continue to enhance our protections against non-compliant content, and our process and guidelines will keep evolving as we see changes in publishing.'

MailOnline has also contacted Goodreads and Orion Publishing Group for comment.
Around 500 civil servants being axed by the Cabinet Office are set to get payoffs averaging 50,000 each.

Mandarins from the department revealed the scale of the bill as they gave evidence to MPs this week.

The equivalent of 540 full-time staff are expected to depart in a first wave of 'voluntary exits', as the government scrambles to cut running costs.

Chief operating officer Sarah Harrison told the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee that 27million had been budgeted for the layoffs.

Ms Harrison said the cost of another 600-700 proposed job cuts was not yet clear, although she stressed managers wanted as many as possible to be voluntary rather than redundancies.

'We would want to seek to redeploy those staff as much as possible to opportunities that may exist across other government departments,' she said.

Your browser does not support iframes.

'Some of those will leave as a matter of natural turnover, and some of them of course will secure some of those voluntary exit routes that we've described.

'We want to avoid if we possibly can redundancy.'

Voluntary exit payments are calculated in line with the generous Civil Service Compensation Scheme, she said.

Criteria include the grade of job and length of service.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ordered departments to cut their admin budgets - such as for HR, policy advice and office management - by 15 per cent.

That is equivalent to 2.2billion a year by 2029-30, with an initial target of saving 1.5billion by 2028-29.

Unions have already warned that move could mean 50,000 jobs going - rather than the 10,000 Ms Reeves has suggested.

Even that scale of reduction would still leave the civil service much bigger than it was in the year of the Brexit referendum.

Ms Reeves told MPs at the Spring Statement that she wanted to make the state 'leaner and more agile'.

A total of 548,000 people were employed as of the end of last year.

A Government spokesman said: 'This investment will save taxpayers money, helping to deliver annual savings of 110million by 2028-2029 by cutting roles.

'We are creating a more strategic, specialist, and smaller Cabinet Office to better serve the public, delivering our Plan for Change to rebuild public services with more teachers in classrooms, extra hospital appointments and police back on the beat.'

Chief operating officer Sarah Harrison told the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee that 27million had been budgeted for the layoffs

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ordered departments to cut their admin budgets - such as for HR, policy advice and office management - by 15 per cent

That was up 2 per cent year-on-year from 535,000 in December 2023, and up a fifth from 453,000 in December 2019, just before the start of the pandemic.

Headcount had fallen as low as 416,000 in June 2016, the month of the EU referendum.

Since that date the total has risen steadily.

The latest headcount of 548,000 is nearly a third higher than it was in 2016, an increase of 132,000.

Of the 548,000, nearly 441,400 are full-time roles and the remainder are part-time positions.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have marked Israel's Independence Day by sending their 'thoughts and prayers' to Hamas hostages held in Gaza.

The husband and wife penned a moving letter to President Isaac Herzog to celebrate Israel's 77th Independence Day, offering him their 'best wishes' in the year ahead.

Charles and Camilla congratulated the country on the 'auspicious occasion' alongside a powerful message of solidarity and concern for the hostages still held in Gaza.

The letter, signed by the King, read: 'We are all too aware of the immense pain and suffering still being endured by those who remain hostage in Gaza.

'Our special thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families, as well as with all those whose lives have been so dreadfully devastated by this conflict.'

He added: 'It is my profound hope that they are able to return home to their loved ones and that there is peace in the region.

'My wife and I convey our best wishes to you and to all your countrymen for the year ahead.'

President Herzog welcomed the message with deep appreciation as he gave an address at the official Independence Day event at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.

King Charles and Queen Camilla (pictured) have marked Israel's Independence Day by sending their 'thoughts and prayers' to Hamas hostages held in Gaza

The husband and wife penned a moving letter to President Isaac Herzog (pictured) to celebrate Israel's 77th Independence Day

The letter, signed by the King, congratulated the country on the 'auspicious occasion' alongside a powerful message of solidarity and concern for the hostages still held in Gaza

President Herzog said: 'Even on our national holiday  and especially on our national holiday  we cannot celebrate independence with a whole heart when our brothers and sisters are not with us. Israel as a nation long for them, for their freedom.'

Israel continues its efforts to secure the release of the 59 hostages held in brutal captivity now for 572 days by Hamas since the terror organisation's mass terror attack against communities in the south of Israel, on October 7, 2023.

Charles' letter comes less than a day after he issued his own personally-penned message describing the 'daunting' and 'frightening' experience of being told he had 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.

Charles's daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer within weeks of his own last year and underwent preventative chemotherapy.

King Charles speaks to guests during a reception in Buckingham Palace, London, on Wednesday

King Charles speaks with Alistair and Heather James, the parents of the late broadcaster Deborah James, during a reception in Buckingham Palace

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)

In his message Charles 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.

'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 family's deepest admiration and gratitude.'
Uganda's admission as BRICS partner a key milestone: FM

Xinhua) 11:27, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
Authorities in Texas have found a 10-year-old girl who they said was abducted by a man on a motorcycle.

An amber alert had been issued on Thursday morning as cops hunted for Skylar Beach, she had been last seen on Tuesday night in Hamlin.

After the alert being up for several hours, the Stonewall County Sheriff's Office confirmed to KTAB that Beach had been found safe.

Officers would only confirm that she had been found and was alive, they believed she had been traveling on a black 2002 Suzuki motorbike with the Texas plate 138A4V.

They described her as last wearing a navy blue shirt, pink shorts and red Converse sneakers.

The suspect in the case is Terry Jeter, 43, who was spotted last in a black shirt and blue jeans.

Officials in Texas are hunting for Skylar Beach who was last seen on Tuesday night in the 500 block of Northwest Avenue G in Hamlin

The suspect in the case is Terry Jeter, 43, who was spotted last in a black shirt and blue jeans

According to police scanner traffic heard by the outlet, Jeter was also located. Officials have yet to comment on if he has been taken into custody.

Law officials told Fox that Beach was in grave or immediate danger before she was found.
A drink driver who mowed down a tourist at a UK seaside resort and left her with extensive life-changing injuries has been jailed.

Stephen Walkinshaw, 44, was driving his Jaguar F-Pace in Blackpool while he was over the prescribed alcohol limit when he crashed into a woman, who was on holiday with her partner.

Shocking footage shows Walkinshaw, who had spent all afternoon in the pub, travelling at around 30mph on the tram tracks that run through the seaside resort at around 11.30pm.

The woman, who is in her 40s, suffered extensive life-changing lower limb injuries that require ongoing treatment.

In a statement, she said the collision on September 29, 2023, had changed both her and her family's life and that she still suffers from both physical and mental pain.

Walkinshaw, of Congleton, Cheshire, suffered significant damage to his vehicle but failed to stop at the scene and continued driving along the tram tracks.

The vehicle was then spotted by a police officer, who was unaware of the collision, and after a brief pursuit he was stopped and arrested.

Walkinshaw admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed at Preston Crown Court for three years last week.

Stephen Walkinshaw, 44, (pictured) was driving his Jaguar F-Pace in Blackpool while he was over the prescribed alcohol limit when he crashed into a woman on holiday

Shocking footage shows Walkinshaw, who had spent all afternoon in the pub, travelling at around 30mph on the tram tacks that run through the seaside resort at around 11.30pm

Walkinshaw, of Congleton, Cheshire, failed to stop at the scene and continued driving along the tram tracks but was later stopped by officers and arrested

He will also be banned from driving for seven years, after he is released from prison.

Sergeant Dan Gunn, of Lancashire Police, said: 'My thoughts today are first and foremost with the victim of this horrendous collision.

'She suffered some significant injuries which require ongoing treatment, and the collision has had a huge impact on her and her family.

'I hope that this result gives her some closure and enables her to focus on her ongoing recovery.

'Walkinshaw was both over the drink drive limit and driving in an area restricted for trams when he ran down the victim and to compound his offending he failed to stop at the scene.

'I welcome this sentence which is a result of the quality and strength of the prosecution case, and my thanks go to all those involved in the investigation.'
Disturbing video captured the revolting act of a beggar accused of raping a man on a New York City subway after he committed the despicable crime.

Police are frantically searching for the unidentified man who forced the 27-year-old to perform a lewd act on Saturday around 4:15am, according to the NYPD.

The northbound 1 train where the heinous incident occurred was empty other than the attacker and victim.

Police said the suspect allegedly made sexual comments and demanded money from the man before raping him as the train approached the Christopher Street station.

In footage shared by the NYPD, the culprit was seen calmly walking past a passenger, disgustingly bringing his hands to his face and sniffing them.

He exited the train at Christopher Street and the man he assaulted rushed to the train's conductor to tell them what happened, a spokesperson for the NYPD told DailyMail.com.

The police were then notified and the man was taken to the hospital.

NYPD Crimestoppers are calling upon the community to help identify the predator, who was last seen wearing white sneakers, a blue shirt and blue pants.

Police are frantically searching for the unidentified man (pictured) who forced the 27-year-old to perform a led act on Saturday around 4:15am, according to the NYPD

The northbound 1 train where the heinous incident occurred was empty other than the attacker and victim (pictured)

The agency is offering up to a $3,500 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest.

This gut-wrenching attack comes after a man has been accused of raping a dead body on the R train.

Felix Rojas, 44, turned himself a few days ago and was charged with rape for the April 8 incident near the Whitehall Street station.

The victim was identified as 37-year-old Jorge Gonzalez, who mysteriously died on the train before he was assaulted.

Gonzalez, who boarded the train around 8pm on April 8, reportedly passed out after smoking a cigarette he had been handed by a woman.

The sexual assault unfolded when Rojas allegedly got on the R train about three hours later.

He first made contact with the dead man around 11:20pm and robbed him before allegedly assaulting him 25 minutes later.

Surveillance footage seen by police reportedly shows the 44-year-old man having sex with the corpse then leaving the train.

In footage shared by the NYPD, the culprit was seen calmly walking past a passenger, disgustingly bringing his hands to his face and sniffing them (pictured)

The suspect exited the train at Christopher Street (pictured) and the man he assaulted rushed to the train's conductor to tell them what happened

Police said another passenger rifled through Gonzalez's pockets and stole from him before his body was finally found by a conductor.

In an April 3 press release, the NYPD boasted about the city's 'historic crime reductions' during the first quarter of 2025.

Police said subway crime was down to the second-lowest level in 27 years, with major crime dropping about 18 percent.

'The women and men of the NYPD are driving record-breaking reductions in crime and violence,' NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said.

However, weekly crime data shared by the city reveals there was a 25 percent increase in transit crimes in the last full week of April compared to the same period in 2024.

Last year, there were 32 crimes on public transportation in late-April. This year, there were 40.

Comparing the entire month of April to the same period last year, there was a nine percent MTA crime increase.

NYPD Crimestoppers are calling upon the community's help in identifying the predator, who was last seen wearing white sneakers, a blue shirt and blue pants (pictured)

NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch (pictured) has claimed violent crimes across the city are decreasing and she is working to ensure people feel safe on the subway

In April 2024, there were 134 reported incidents, while there were 146 complaints last month.

Tisch addressed growing safety concerns on NYC transit systems, specifically subways, at the start of the year.

'I want to be very clear, subways will allows be a bellwether for the perception of public safety in New York City. Declining crime numbers are significant,' she said at a press conference.

'But we still must do more because people don't feel safe on our subways. Effective this week, I've directed that we move more than 200 officers onto the trains to do specialty train patrol.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the MTA for comment.
Americans have overwhelming favorites when it comes to figures in President Donald Trump's inner circle and among his Cabinet, according to Daily Mail/J.L. Partners polling.

Nearly half of registered voters  45 percent  in the latest survey have a very or somewhat favorable view of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Meanwhile, 39 percent have an unfavorable opinion of the Health and Human Services Secretary.

Of those included in the perspective poll, Secretary of State Marco Rubio came in a distant second, three-points in the positive among those who have a very favorable and very unfavorable view of Trump's top diplomatic official.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also had a three-point positive approval, but only 24 percent very or somewhat favorable rating compared to a combined 22 percent unfavorable view.

A whopping 34 percent of respondents said they had never heard of Trump's top spokeswoman.

Melania Trump, 55, steals that show in the Daily Mail poll with 30 percent having a very favorable view of the first lady and 15 percent more expressing their somewhat positive perspective on the president's wife.

Americans weighed-in on their favorability of those within President Donald Trump's inner circle in a new Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earning the highest marks among all Cabinet members included in the latest polling with a 45 percent favorability

Only 32 percent of respondents say they have a very or somewhat unfavorable view of Melania.

'First buddy' Elon Musk, who attends Cabinet meetings but is not an official member of the group, is underwater in the polling among 1,006 registered voters.

The DOGE boss and Tesla billionaire has a 15-point disadvantage when it comes to favorability.

A whopping 53 percent of poll respondents have an unfavorable view of Musk, and only 38 percent have a favorable perspective of the SpaceX and X CEO.

Trump held another meeting with his Cabinet on Wednesday  the 100th day of his non-consecutive second term.

The poll released this week from Daily Mail and J.L. Partners showed Trump at his lowest-yet approval rating since reentering the Oval Office.

The president's approval fell nine points from 54 percent on April 17 - when his popularity was at a record high - to 45 percent this week.

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First Lady Melania Trump stole the show in the latest polling earning a 13-point advantage of those who have a favorable opinion of her and those who do not

Elon Musk, though not an official member of the Cabinet, attends the meetings and is a close confidant of President Trump. His favorability, however, remains way underwater as he leads DOGE layoffs and cut backs

The decline is universal with voters increasingly concerned by issues that were critical to Trump's victory over Kamala Harris in the presidential election  rising prices and the economy.

Six in ten say the economy is bad or getting worse, including 49 percent of Republicans. Many believe food, and their favorite products, are getting more expensive.

Perhaps more surprising than his other Cabinet Secretaries is Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's above-water rating at a one percent advantage for favorable versus unfavorable view.

Despite increasing controversy over the administration's trade and economic policies, Bessent still has a 18 percent favorability versus 17 percent unfavorability. The vast majority at 40 percent have never heard of the Treasury Secretary's name and another 26 percent say they have no opinion of him.
Former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz broke his silence after Trump ousted him from the Cabinet... but then gave him a top new job in his administration.

'Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation,' he wrote on X.

Earlier Thursday, Daily Mail confirmed Trump fired Waltz from the National Security Council along with Alex Wong, his deputy, after negative fallout from a Signal chat scandal.

Waltz had accidentally added a journalist to a highly sensitive group chat about Houthis bombing plans in Yemen.

But just hours later, Trump appointed Waltz to the coveted U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations position that was recently vacated.

This Daily Mail live blog is now closed.
A married special-education teacher in Pennsylvania is facing over 60 charges after allegedly bringing a student to her parents' home and having sex with him about a dozen times.

Michelle Mercogliano, 35, was charged on Wednesday after the 16-year-old victim's family contacted police.

Mercogliano, a special-ed teacher at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, faces 63 charges including Institutional Sexual Assault and the Corruption of Minors.

She's also accused of providing medical marijuana to the teen, the Chester County District Attorney said.

Mercogliano began a sexual relationship with the boy in February, according to a criminal complaint from the Tredyffrin Township Police Department.

The boy's father provided to police some marijuana packaging he found in his son's closet with Mercogliano's name on the label, according to the affidavit.

'The [victim] disclosed that after school he would walk from Conestoga High School to the... apartment complex where Mercogliano would pick him up in the back parking lot and drive to his home, to her parents' residence, or drive him to the Sunnyside Marijuana Dispensary in Phoenixville,' court documents obtained by ABC News stated.

The investigation began after the victim told his sister of his relationship with Mercogliano and the sibling then informed the boy's parents.

Michelle Mercogliano, 35, was charged on Wednesday after the 16-year-old boy's family contacted police. She faces 63 charges after allegedly having sex with the boy about 12 times, often after her parents' home

Mercogliano was a relatively new teacher at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania and had only started working there last fall, the superintendent said

The pair allegedly had sex about 12 times, the victim told police, and often in Mercogliano's parents' home in Wayne, according to the complaint.

Mercogliano was also said to have provided the boy with pot about 15 times.

She allegedly communicated with him through Snapchat 'as to go undetected,' or via text message.

The teacher lists herself as married on her Facebook page.

Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Superintendent Richard Gusick said in a statement to the Philadelphia Inquirer that Mercogliano was placed on leave on Tuesday and does not currently have access to school property.

'We have no information at this time to indicate that the criminal investigation involves other students, he said, adding that the district is 'deeply troubled by these allegations.'

'The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive school environment for all students,' the statement said.

According to the superintendent, Mercogliano was a relatively new teacher to the high school and had only started working there last fall.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said: 'Parents and students should be able to trust their teachers. The Defendant broke the law and destroyed that trust. It will not be tolerated.'

The boy was also said to have been provided with marijuana by Mercogliano around 15 times. She allegedly communicated with him through snapchat 'as to go undetected,' or via text message

Mercogliano worked at Hillside Elementary School from 2019 to 2024, according to the district. She had worked as a paraprofessional at Hillside Elementary and Valley Forge Elementary Schools from 2014 to 2018.

'The calculated actions by this Defendant are shocking and disturbing,' Tredyffrin Township Police Department Police Chief Michael Beaty said.

'We are here to support the victim and his family as we collectively work to rebuild the trust damaged by her criminal endeavors.'

Mercogliano has not yet been arrested, but the Chester County District Attorney's Office said she had been 'cooperative and arranging an appropriate time to turn herself in via her attorney.'
A baffled young woman has turned to the internet for answers after she received a letter from her local MP celebrating her 21st birthday.

The woman wasn't sure what to think when she received an unexpected birthday card from Colin Boyce, the Coalition MP for the federal seat of Flynn in central Queensland.

She received it in the mail this week - just days out from Saturday's federal election.

'Does anyone else think this is weird? Received this the day before my 21st, no one else I know has seen or heard of this,' the woman posted on Reddit.

The signed card read: 'Happy Birthday. Congratulations on your 21st birthday. Turning 21 has always been a significant event for young Australians as much for what it recognises as for what it expects.

'I am confident that this milestone will be the continuance of a life well and truly lived.'

The post was inundated with possible explanations.

'Every MP has access to the electoral roll (and therefore all their constituents dates of birth). Some send out birthday cards on special occasions,' one commented.

The young constituent was left baffled by an unexpected birthday card (pictured)

The card was sent by federal Flynn MP Colin Boyce (pictured with his wife Terri)

'Although if I remember my local member sent me a letter that tried to get me to vote for them.

'This seems more like a nice gesture than that letter.'

Nationals MP Mr Boyce is seeking to be re-elected for a second term in Canberra, having previously served as a local state MP.

Other Aussies who commented on the woman's Reddit post recalled receiving similar cards from their local MP on milestone birthdays.

Another Queenslander shared a photo of a personalised 30th birthday card they received from federal Longman MP Terry Young.

The handwritten card congratulated the recipient on 'reaching this milestone on this journey we call life'.

Mr Young praised the 'greatest area, in the greatest country on earth', before wishing their constituent all the best for the future.

The card also came with a factsheet about 1991 - the recipient's birth year.

Mr Boyce (pictured with fellow Coalition MP Jacinta Price) sent the birthday card just days out from the federal election

The average price of a postage stamp, notable international and Australian events, and the country's top selling car were among the facts listed.

Another added: 'I got a handwritten one from Terry for my 21st (so did my sister) and for our 18ths we both got printed letters with stats about our birth years.'

A third commented: 'I've gotten something similar from my local member. It was a fact sheet that had a ton of fun facts about my birth year. Was honestly interesting.'

Others assured the woman it was a common thing.

'My dad got one from his MP for his 80th. Kind of a regular thing I gathered,' one wrote.

Several recalled receiving a 21st birthday card from their local MP - Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

'Turning 21 has always been a significant event for young Australians as much for what it recognises as for what it expect,' Colin Boyce wrote

But some questioned Mr Boyce's intentions.

'Why can't MPs do something useful, rather than spending tax collected on junk mail?' one wrote.

Another added: 'Seems a total waste of money to me.'

A third sarcastically wrote: 'Lucky for you, your birthday was during an election. After the election, you'll get nothing.'
On April 29, Gretchen Whitmer got hugged.

Not just hugged  enfolded, absorbed, and publicly enveloped by Donald J. Trump himself, in the full glare of the national press, on the windblown tarmac of Selfridge Air National Guard Base in the governor's home state of Michigan.

For those who've been tracking Whitmer's political rise, it was an image so jarringly discordant, so excruciatingly misaligned with her persona as a polished, careful Democratic leader, that it instantly fried the political circuits of left-leaning social media.

And yet then something strange happened.

Nothing.

No widespread condemnation. No chorus of progressive outrage. No 'I've lost all respect' op-eds from cultural commentators. No Larry David New York Times think-piece titled 'I Hugged Hitler.'

Not even a snarky tweet from Rob Reiner.

The collective reaction from many corners of the left was less outrage and more shrug emoji. And that silence, that quiet, is as loud and complicated as the occasion itself.

On April 29, Gretchen Whitmer got hugged. Not just huggedenfolded, absorbed, and publicly enveloped by Donald J. Trump himself, in the full glare of the national press, on the windblown tarmac of Selfridge Air National Guard Base in the governor's home state of Michigan .

For those who've been tracking Whitmer's political rise, it was an image so jarringly discordant, so excruciatingly misaligned with her persona as a polished, careful Democratic leader, that it instantly fried the political circuits of left-leaning social media.

Whitmer herself tried to play the moment down, telling the Associated Press about her close encounter of the cuddle kind with the man her party says is a threat to the nation, 'I was the first one he greeted. We 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.'

Indeed, she should be. Trump has agreed to station 20 of America's new F-15EX fighter jets at Selfridge  a federal commitment that comes with the promise of scores of high-skilled jobs that can inject an estimated $100 million into a state's economy.

But let's rewind.

For The Hug  the exclamation point of a full day of political theater as Trump barnstormed the Wolverine State  was only the second beat in what is now the high wire gauntlet that some Democrats are forced to walk in the age of Trump.

Can a loyal Democratic leader, especially one with the loftiest of political ambitions, dare share a hug, a stage, a screen, with Democratic Enemy Number One, Donald Trump? Even if the Maven of Mar-a-Lago is indeed the president, a person with whom every political leader of every political stripe should  practically, professionally, logically, and logistically  do business?

Yes, is, of course, the proper answer, but yes is highly risky when America's partisan chasm is as wide as the Antarctic Polar Desert.

And the president is not one to let such a moment to pass with discretion. While Trump may be exceptionally gracious to, say, a random guest dining at one of his clubs, or a star-struck young family of tourists visiting the White House, or an open-minded commentator willing to meet for honest conversation, the president shows zero mercy when an adversary slips in his path.

'I was the first one he greeted. We 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,' Whitmer (pictured) said of the hug.

Can a loyal Democratic leader, especially one with the loftiest political ambitions, dare share a hug, a stage, a screen, with Democratic Enemy Number One, Donald Trump? (Pictured: Gretchen Whitmer and Donald Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base).

Make no mistake: Trump will inflict as much political pain as possible on them, and will do it with a smile.

Three weeks ago, on April 9, Governor Whitmer flew to Washington for White House meetings, seeking federal support for various Michigan projects, including the expansion of Selfridge.

There an unsuspecting Whitmer  ill-served by her staff  was summoned to the Oval Office for a patented Trump photo-op during which he signed executive orders targeting some of his political enemies.

Whitmer was clearly uncomfortable at the prospect of standing by in the Oval Office while Trump executed the kind of action that Democrats consider vile.

She squirmed visibly and looked mortified as Trump acknowledged her in front of the White House press pool and spoke about her favorably.

Then, in a vain attempt to defy space and time, she tried to make her physical presence undetectable to the human eye by holding a blue manila folder in front of her face as cameras snapped away. Instead, she got as a souvenir of her trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue one of the most humiliating photographs in recent memory, and an indelible political moment that will live on longer than a barrelful of nuclear waste.

Trump, for his part, was smirking across the room like a seven-year-old wiseacre who had pulled off a successful prank.

Then came the Trump-Whitmer tarmac encounter on Tuesday.

After jauntily bestowing the new military largess upon her state, the president called Whitmer to the microphone. The governor strove to maintain her dignity and partisan cred as she mumbled through a few words about the windfall for Michigan, and clumsily avoided giving the president any of the credit.

But she was unable to avoid that presidential hug.

And maybe it's the start of a beautiful friendship. Or, at least, a more pragmatic approach to political interplay.

Some Democrats, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, regard Trump only as an irredeemable villain who serves oligarchs, flouts fundamental American values, and drags the country into the dust. They wouldn't touch Trump with a hundred-foot pole, let alone hug him.

Yet other Blues, such as Whitmer and California Governor Gavin Newsom, toggle between sharp criticism of Trump and recognition that a civil, working relationship with the man in the Oval Office is not just professionally mature but politically expedient, ensuring that federal dollars continue to flow to their states.

Some Democrats, such as AOC and Bernie Sanders, regard Trump only as an irredeemable villain who serves oligarchs, flouts fundamental American values, and drags the country into the dust. They wouldn't touch Trump with a hundred-foot pole, let alone hug him.

So far, Whitmer has escaped much condemnation for The Hug. There's been no takedown from The Atlantic, zilch from the 'civility is complicity' brigade that scorched Bill Maher for recounting his pleasant dinner at the Trump White House.

We'll see how long that lasts.

If the term-limited Whitmer can navigate this two-track maze, staying on good terms with the imperious MAGA leader while placating the wound-licking left, then that blue folder and the tarmac embrace could be White House stepping stones for Whitmer rather than active mines.

The Democrat with the highest odds of being nominated for president in 2028 and winning 270 electoral votes just might be the one who figures out how to reckon with Trump going forward.

Trump is keenly interested in presidential politics generally and specifically in the contest to succeed him. Even term-limited himself, Trump will certainly be less bystander and more manic and active participant, eager to meddle in the Democratic nomination fight whenever he can.

For her part, Whitmer lost some early rounds, to be sure, but perhaps those were just the awkward growing pains that will lead to a broader, brighter political future.

Mark Halperin is the editor-in-chief and host of the interactive live video platform 2WAY and the host of the video podcast 'Next Up' on the Megyn Kelly network.
A judge has issued a damning response to Bryan Kohberger's latest bid to dodge the firing squad if he is convicted of the brutal stabbing murders of four University of Idaho students.

Kohberger is due to go on trial this August charged with the murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen in a crime that shocked the nation.

The four students were all slaughtered in a horror knife attack in the early hours of November 13, 2022, inside an off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.

The 30-year-old criminology PhD student, who was living just over the state border while studying at Washington State University, is facing the death penalty if convicted.

With his high-profile trial looming, Kohberger's defense has made a string of moves to try to get capital punishment taken off the table.

Now, in a new court order this week, Judge Steven Hippler struck down his latest attempt and blasted Kohberger's complaints that the prosecution failed to hand over evidence in a timely and accessible manner as 'hollow.'

'Defendant's complaints of being unable to meaningfully review the discovery ring hollow,' the judge wrote.

'Defendant has been receiving discovery in the same manner for over two years.'

An Idaho judge has issued a damning response to Bryan Kohberger 's latest bid to dodge the firing squad

Dismissing the idea that there had been any misconduct by prosecutors, the judge pointed out that Kohberger had 'asked for "everything" and "everything" is what he received.'

'Defendant cannot demand everything under the sun and then complain about the weight of all the planets,' he scolded the defense.

The damning ruling marks the latest blow to Kohberger's defense strategy, coming after the judge last week denied a separate request to strike the death penalty due to his recent autism diagnosis.

The defense claimed his demeanor due to his diagnosis would place him at a greater risk of being sentenced to death - arguing that every move Kohberger makes is scrutinized and claiming he has been presented in the media as 'evil' and 'soulless.'

The state pushed back, arguing that the precedents previously set to strike the death penalty are for intellectual disabilities - which autism is not.

Judge Hippler ruled that Kohberger's diagnosis can be used as a mitigating factor at his sentencing but does not mean the death penalty should be removed from the case.

This week's ruling now marks the 13th time that the judge has dismissed Kohberger's efforts to stop a jury from potentially sending him to death row.

In the defense's latest move, Kohberger had accused the state of lengthy delays in handing over evidence in the case.

The legal team also argued that, when it had received the discovery, it found it to be 'voluminous and unorganized', leaving them unable to prepare properly for trial.

As a result, the defense claimed Kohberger's rights had been violated and asked the judge to strike the death penalty and impose 'organizational requirements' on the state to help with the review of evidence.

Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (left) were found dead in the same bed in Mogen's room on the third floor. Young couple Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (right) were found dead in her room on the second floor

The off-campus student home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where the murders took place

Prosecutors pushed back on the allegations, arguing the state had complied with all discovery obligations.

The judge sided with the state and pointed out that Kohberger's team has had more two years to prepare for trial, since his arrest back on December 30, 2022 - just six weeks on from the murders.

'While Defendant is currently incarcerated, he has a robust defense team and has not faced time constraints given his speedy trial waiver, with this case well over two years old,' the judge wrote.

'Defendant has had nearly as much time as the State to review discovery... this is not a situation where the State has had the benefit of years-long investigation compared to defendant who has mere months to review the investigative material.'

Judge Hippler also appeared to scold the defense team, pointing out that lead attorney Anne Taylor has chosen to take on another capital murder trial while claiming her team does not have the capacity to effectively prepare for Kohberger's.

In the more than two years since his arrest, Kohberger 'has not once sought remedy from this Court to regulate discovery, such as requiring the State to provide discovery in a different format,' the judge wrote.

'He has not sought additional resources... to hire additional staff to review discovery or obtain litigation document control software to help organize and sort the evidence.

'His lead counsel insisted that she be allowed to take on second high-profile capital case despite the voluminous discovery in this case.'

Bryan Kohberger snapped this creepy selfie six hours after the brutal Moscow murders

Pictured: the firing squad chair in the execution chamber at the Utah State Prison. Kohberger could face the firing squad

Taylor, he added, has 'indicated that her practice is to personally review all the discovery herself.'

'These actions are not indicative of an overburdened defense team,' the judge wrote.

'In fact, it is evident Defendant has been able to capably navigate the discovery given his more than robust motion practice, the scope and breadth of the experts retained and the disclosures filed.'

The family of Goncalves appeared to celebrate the judge's ruling Wednesday, writing on their Facebook page: 'Thank you, Judge Hippler!!! Without you, I feel like we would still be years away from trial.'

Goncalves' father Steve Goncalves has previously made it clear the family welcomes the death penalty in the case - and the possibility of the use of firing squad.

Firing squad became an alternative method of execution in Idaho last year, amid a shortage of lethal injection drugs.

But it is not the primary execution method and so no inmate has been put to death since it was introduced.

Republican state lawmaker Bruce Skaug has since put forward a bill to change that and Steve Goncalves said earlier this year he is personally pushing to help get it over the line.

Left to right: Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke

I'll be that person to stand in front of the camera and drum up some support, he told NewsNation in February.

He added: There's no reason to have capital punishment if this isn't the case for it.'

The latest court order comes after the defense and prosecution went head-to-head on April 9 in a high-stakes hearing about the key evidence in the case.

Both during the hearing and in the weeks since, the judge has made several rulings which have shaped what jurors will see and hear at the trial.

The orders have overall been blows to Kohberger's case, ruling that jurors will hear that harrowing 911 call made by the victims surviving roommates and see their panicked texts after one of them saw the masked killer inside their home.

Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke were also inside the home at 1122 King Road at the time of the murders but escaped unscathed.

Mortensen saw a man in a mask and wearing all black walk past her bedroom door on the second floor at around 4am, court documents show.

Following a series of frantic messages and calls to Funke and the other roommates - none of whom responded - she ran down to the Funke's bedroom on the first floor.

Kernodle and Chapin were dead in Kernodle's room on the second floor, while Goncalves and Mogen were dead in Mogen's bed on the third floor.

Just before midday, the two survivors and their friends discovered the bloodbath and called 911.

As the sole survivor who came face-to-face with the masked killer inside the home, Mortensen's testimony is expected to be crucial at trial.

As well as the 911 call and text messages, the judge has also ruled against Kohberger in allowing Mortensen to describe the man inside her home using the term 'bushy eyebrows.'

Prosecutors plan to show jurors a chilling selfie of Kohberger giving a thumbs up to the camera just six hours on from the murders as evidence of his eyebrows.

In another ruling, the judge also ruled that jurors will be able to see Kohberger's Amazon shopping history.

Prosecutors say his shopping history reveals he bought a Ka-Bar knife, sheath and sharpener from Amazon back in March 2022.

A Ka-Bar leather knife sheath was left behind by the killer next to Mogen's lifeless body.

Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen together. A Ka-Bar leather knife sheath was left behind by the killer next to Mogen's lifeless body

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin together. Kernodle lived in the student home with Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen

DNA found on the sheath came back a match to Kohberger. The murder weapon itself has never been found.

Kohberger was arrested around six weeks on from the slayings at his family home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and charged with the four murders.

As well as the DNA evidence and eyewitness testimony, prosecutors say Kohberger's white Hyundai Elantra also matches the car seen leaving the crime scene at the time of the murders and that his cellphone records indicate he may have stalked the King Road home at least a dozen times in the lead-up to the murders.

Kohberger is next due in court in mid-may for a pre-trial hearing.
A Labour minister today swiped that Britain's Brexit trade policies were based on 'post-imperial delusion' as he hinted at a major reset of relations with the EU.

Douglas Alexander told MPs the Government was 'consciously pursuing a trade agenda based on data' in an attack on the previous Tory administration.

He said 'the data is pretty devastating in terms of the damage that was done by the way that Brexit was implemented by our predecessors'.

Mr Alexander, who backed Remain and was previously a trade minister in Sir Tony Blair's Labour government, warned UK firms had been 'buried under red tape' since Brexit.

The trade minister added that the Government is looking to rebuild relationships across Europe and to find areas which are 'transparently win-win'.

His remarks will be viewed as a sign that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to make big concessions to Brussels as he chases an ambitious post-Brexit 'reset'.

After the 2016 EU referendum, the Conservatives opted for looser ties with Brussels in order to have the freedom to strike free trade deals with countries across the world - such as Commonwealth nations like Australia and India, as well as the US.

Sir Keir has publicly insisted it's a 'false choice' between aligning with Donald Trump's US and the EU.

But there have been recent warnings that Labour's bid to agree a veterinary deal with the EU could put at risk other potential trade deals, such as with America.

Douglas Alexander told MPs the Government was 'consciously pursuing a trade agenda based on data' in an attack on the previous Tory administration

It will be viewed as a sign that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to make big concessions to Brussels as he chases an ambitious post-Brexit 'reset'

The PM is hoping to agree the outline of his 'reset' at a UK-EU summit on 19 May.

It has been reported that ministers are trying to agree a trade deal with the US before that summit, amid fears the UK's rapprochement with Brussels could irritate Mr Trump.

During business and trade questions in the Commons this morning, Mr Alexander was urged by Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary to make the most of the UK's summit with the EU.

Mr Alexander told Mr MacCleary the Government was looking to rebuild relationships across Europe, and added the Government was looking to find areas which are 'transparently win-win'.

He added: 'I'd be inclined to wait for the summit before declaiming it as a disaster.'

Liberal Democrat trade spokesman Clive Jones said new regulations that businesses were required to follow since Brexit had produced enough paperwork to wrap around the world 15 billion times.

Mr Alexander replied: 'We are consciously pursuing a trade agenda based on data, not post-imperial delusion, and regrettably the data is pretty devastating in terms of the damage that was done by the way that Brexit was implemented by our predecessors.'

He said an Aston University study showed small and medium-sized exporting businesses had been 'buried under red tape' since Brexit.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisted the Government was not 'seeking to pick between one market or another' when it came to the EU and the US.

He said he wanted to 'push back on anyone attempting to put the case that the decisions that we make have to be based on either the EU, or the US, or any other partner being our principal partner.

Mr Reynolds added: 'The role for the UK is to position ourselves in this very challenging world with a genuine, strategic advantage because we do things that improve our trading relationship with the EU, we secure this US deal, we secure the deals with India, with the Gulf and other key markets, and are pragmatic about where the UK's national interest lies.

'I'm absolutely confident that it's possible and desirable.'

Asked if the PM agreed with Mr Alexander that Britain's Brexit trade policies were based on 'post-imperial delusion', a No10 spokesman said: 'The PM has been very clear that we can do better than the botched deal that was brought home by the former government.

'We have made it very clear we'll be defined by putting more money into the pockets of working people and providing Britain with long term security and stability.

'And you can see that in the partnerships that we're building around the world, whether that's with the EU, US, India or the Gulf states.

'We're not rejoining the EU, we won't reopen the arguments of the past.

'But as the Prime Minister has said himself, a better partnership with the EU can unlock benefits for British people and businesses, reducing trade barriers, driving growth and keeping us safe in an increasingly dangerous world.

'This constructive engagement will continue ahead of the UK-EU summit next month.'
Jurors have heard the harrowing screams of a man being stabbed to death during sex with a porn star accused of killing him and his lover in a plot to steal their money.

Colombian national Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, is on trial over two deaths in Shepherd's Bush, west London - and is said to have left body parts in suitcases at the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

In the footage played at Mosquera's Old Bailey trial today, Mr Alfonso, 65, is heard attempting to fight him off but is unable to do so before losing consciousness.

Mosquera was then heard singing as he put the body of Mr Alfonso on plastic sheeting before immediately going to the computer in the bedroom of the home in Shepherd's Bush, west London, shared by the victim and his partner Paul Longworth.

Prosecutors say Mr Longworth, 71, had likely already been killed by Mosquera with hammer blows to the back of the head before the sex session, the Old Bailey heard.

Porn actor Mosquera then cut up the bodies and put the dismembered heads of Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth into a chest freezer.

Other parts of their bodies were found in two suitcases on Clifton Suspension Bridge on July 10.

The footage of the killing was deemed too grisly for the jury and they heard only the audio track as a police officer gave a description of the film.

Mosquera (left) is pictured alongside Albert Alfonso (centre) and Paul Longworth (right)

Yostin Andres Mosquera (pictured) faces trial for the murders of Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, on July 8 last year

A court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Yostin Andres Mosquera (right) in the dock today

Mosquera had been staying at the couple's home on Scotts Road, Shepherd's Bush, west London, where the couple's decapitated heads were found.

Today jurors heard evidence from PC Nick Swire of the Major Investigations Team, who spoke of the 'frenzied stabbing' and described the moments in which Mr Alfonso lost his life.

In film, Mosquera could be seen holding a knife to Mr Alfonso's chest and stabbing him, the Old Bailey was told.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC said: 'They then fall onto the floor where Mr Mosquera is able to get on top of Mr Aalfonso, Mosquera is heard to shout in English, "You like it?"

'Mr Mosquera is seen to stab him multiple times in the chest area.'

PC Swire told the court: 'From my view, I see the right hand of Mosquera applying the knife to the throat area of Mr Alfonso, and blood is seen to flow down the chest, this is the point of incision.'

The grappling then followed, in which Mosquera is said to have been seen stabbing his victim several further times, as Mr Alfonso continues to scream.

The officer described Mosquera cutting Mr Alfonso in an 'almost sawing motion to the chest area'.

Mosquera has been charged with two counts of murder after remains of Albert Alfonso (left), 62, and Paul Longworth (right), 71, were found in Bristol and London

Mosquera was arrested days after police were alerted to a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge (pictured) where police found two suitcases of human remains

Yostin Mosquera and his interpreter are depicted yesterday in a court drawing at the Old Bailey

Mr Alfonso's body can be seen going limp on the floor, when Mosquera begins to sing and dance - before placing Mr Alfonso on a plastic sheet, then heading straight to the computer in the bedroom.

Ms Heer asked PC Swire: 'Do you hear a change in the sound of his (Mr Alfonso's) breathing from this point on?'

The officer replied: 'Yes. His body goes limp, he loses consciousness.'

Mr Alfonso was said to have a 'predilection for extreme sex', which he filmed and posted on a porn site, where Mosquera also posted videos under the name 'I am black master'.

Mosquera had been invited to the UK to go sightseeing and the couple had also holidayed with him in Colombia.

Mr Longworth was Irish and Mr Alfonso was originally from France but had obtained British citizenship.

Jurors were also today told that webcam footage taken at 10.50pm on the day of the killing shows Mosquera pressing buttons on the webcam and it turning off.

The webcam is later switched back on with footage showing Mosquera, now dressed in trousers and a black jacket, searching in Mr Alfonsos desk drawers before using a phone he picks up.

Mosquera is accused of murdering Paul Longworth (left) and Albert Alfonso (right)

CCTV footage shows Mosquera then leaving the flat and heading towards an alleyway, the court heard - with Ms Heer saying there was evidence he used a cashpoint at that time.

Webcam footage shows him returning to the computer desk, removing a wad of money from his pocket before being heard counting the notes off camera, the court was told.

CCTV footage from the next day showed a van arriving at the flat, with two men then getting a chest freezer out of the van and carry it into the property in Scotts Road.

Fil m then showed Mosquera going to The Central Bar, a local Wetherspoon pub, and ordering a pint.

Then, on July 10 last year at 1.19pm, Mosquera was seen on CCTV through the flat's window, wearing white overalls, before leaving the flat then returning at 2.09pm with a large red suitcase.

Later that day CCTV showed the arrival of a red van, which Ms Heer said was driven by Julio Romero who would take Mosquera to Bristol.

The two men can be seen carrying the silver trunk suitcase together out of the flat and loading it into the van using a trolley.

Mosquera, of no fixed address, admits one count of manslaughter but denies the murders of both Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth.

The trial continues.
The White House could soon impose 'bone-crushing' sanctions on Russia and punitive tariffs on countries that buy their oil and gas if Moscow fail to seriously engage in peace talks with Ukraine.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, has claimed he has enough support for his bill that aims to force Vladimir Putin's into talks with Kyiv.

The proposal - announced on the same day that Ukraine and the US signed a minerals deal - would see a 500 per cent tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas or uranium if Putin fails to come to the negotiating table.

Trump has been keen to broker a permanent peace deal between Russia and Ukraine since taking office in January, even if it means Kyiv giving up territory.

'The goal is to help the president,' the South Carolina Senator said, adding that the measures were 'bone-crushing'.

'He talked about being frustrated.

'I want a negotiated end to the war, honorably and just.

'I think Trump's the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senate's view that we see the primary bad guy being Russia.'

Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, has claimed he has enough support for his bill that aims to force Vladimir Putin's into talks with Kyiv

The proposal - announced on the same day that Ukraine and the US signed a minerals deal - would see a 500 per cent tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian products

Trump has been keen to broker a permanent peace deal between Russia and Ukraine since taking office in January

Putin, he said, 'would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump, so this bill is a tool in President Trump's toolbox.

'When President Trump believes that we've reached an impasse, then watch for action.

'Most members of the Senate believe that Putin has been resistant to finding a negotiated solution to the war, and has been brazen and barbaric in his actions against Ukraine.

'By co-sponsoring this bill I think a senator is making a pretty clear statement that they see Russia as the greatest offender here.'

Named the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, the sanctions would be introduced on Russia if Moscow refuses to negotiate a peace agreement, violates a peace agreement or invades Ukraine again in the future.

Graham predicted that his bill will have at least 67 co-sponsors from the Senate by the end of the week - enough to override a potential Presidential veto if Trump is against the plan.

The list of current supporters is evenly divided between senators from both the Democrats and Republicans and notably includes Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Support has been boosted in recent weeks following Russian attacks on civlian populations in Ukraine, he suggested.

Graham's office said that the tariffs would likely have the largest impact on India, China and Iran. It could also affect some European partners who still buy Russian goods.

Putin 'would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump, so this bill is a tool in President Trump's toolbox', according to Graham

Trump has so far avoided introducing any punitive measures against Russia despite the continuing assault on Ukraine

The US-Ukraine deal signed today will provide Washington with privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraine's natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas

Moscow accounted for 17 per cent of gas and 18 per cent of liquefied-natural-gas imports to the European Union in 2024.

The US-Ukraine deal signed today will provide Washington with privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraine's natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas.

It will also involve establishing a 'Reconstruction Investment Fund' for Ukraine, to spur Kyiv's economic recovery.

Trump has so far avoided introducing any punitive measures against Russia despite the continuing assault on Ukraine.

After Russia killed 12 civilians in Kyiv last month, the US President called the attack 'not necessary' and 'very bad timing,' appealing directly to Putin with 'Vladimir, Stop!' - but did not outline any consequences.
President Donald Trump will fire Mike Waltz as his national security adviser in the first ousting of a cabinet secretary in this administration, the Daily Mail confirmed.

It comes weeks after Waltz unwittingly added a journalist to a highly sensitive group chat on the Signal app detailing bomb strike plans against Houthis in Yemen.

The mistake quickly devolved into the biggest scandal of Trump's second term so far and left the president grappling with negative press fallout.

A source told the Daily Mail that Waltz's departure is expected and Trump will likely announce it very soon.

Speculation mounted that he could be replaced by Trump's current special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has held several meetings with Vladimir Putin.

Journalist Mark Halperin first reported on his 2Way YouTube show that there was 'unhappiness throughout the national security establishment' with Waltz and his deputy national security adviser Alex Wong due to the Signal breach of security.

'This has to do about competence, not ideology,' he said.

Halperin specified that the timing was uncertain, noting that the president had not settled on a replacement.

'I do believe he has made up his mind, but he could change his mind,' he said.

National Security Adviser Michael Waltz looks at his phone as he prepares for a TV interview at the White House on Thursday immediately before his firing

US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz at the White House

Waltz participated in a Cabinet meeting hosted by Trump on Wednesday, one day before his ouster

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council did not respond to a Daily Mail request for comment.

Waltz appeared in an interview on Fox and Friends Thursday morning, giving no indication that he was about to lose his job.

He trumpeted the completion of a rare minerals deal with Ukraine as 'good for the American taxpayer' and 'good for Ukraine' to help it grow their economic development and security.

It is unclear why Waltz was fired or the timing of the breaking news.

Walz was caught by photographers checking his Signal account during the president's cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz checks his mobile phone while attending a cabinet meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is seen checking his signal account during a cabinet meeting

Waltz also participated in a Cabinet meeting hosted by Trump on Wednesday.

He had kept his job despite the 'Signalgate' scandal in March.

Waltz was responsible for mistakenly adding Atlantic editor Jeffery Goldberg to a Signal chat with 17 high-ranking officials about military strikes in Yemen.

Goldberg published the digital messages in full at The Atlantic, leading to weeks of negative news coverage of the administration and calling into question Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's leadership.

U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz (L) listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz speaks during a television interview at the White House,

Trump did not fire Waltz at the time, partially because he did not want to give Goldberg the satisfaction.

But Waltz suffered public humiliation from the scandal especially after his embarrassing Fox News interview in which he tried to to explain the mistake.

It also damaged his reputation in the West Wing.

Waltz took responsibility for the mistake, but struggled to explain how Goldberg's number was in his phone to begin with, even as he stressed that he had never spoken to him before.

'Well, if you have somebody else's contact and then it, and then somehow it gets sucked in,' he said to Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

Trump gave Waltz a less than enthusiastic endorsement in an interview with The Atlantic last week.

'Waltz is fine. I mean, he's here. He just left this office,' Trump said. 'He's fine. He was beat up also.'

Waltz's ouster takes place after journalist and Trump loyalist Laura Loomer met with the president in early April to share information she had about members on his national security council staff.

Several people were fired from the National Security council after the president's meeting with Loomer, but Trump said his decision was not a result of her reporting.

'Laura Loomer is a great patriot. She's a very strong person,' Trump said. 'She's been in the party a long time, she's done a good job,' he later added.

Loomer revealed to journalist Tara Palmeri that she wanted to play an old video for the president of Waltz trashing Trump when he first ran for president.

'It's something I personally can't stomach,' Waltz said in the video, urging viewers to 'stop Trump now.'
A national two-minute silence will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Government has announced.

Government buildings and departments will remember and thank those who fought with a silence at 12 noon next Thursday, May 8.

Other organisations are invited to follow suit, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.

VE Day commemorations will start on the May bank holiday on Monday May 5.

The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags and there will be a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace and an RAF flypast over London.

On May 8 - exactly 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe - there will be a party at Horse Guards Parade shown live on BBC One.

Pubs and bars have been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary.

Venues in England and Wales which usually close at 11pm will be able to keep serving for an extra two hours to celebrate.

A national two-minute silence will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Government has announced. Above: Prime Minister Winston Churchill addresses crowds from the balcony of the Ministry of Health on May 8, 1945

Members of the armed forces are seen saluting during a service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on May 8, 2020

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has encouraged the public to get involved, saying the planned celebrations are a 'chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations'.

The number of military veterans who fought in the war continues to dwindle as time advances.

One of them, 99-year-old RAF veteran Dennis Bishop, said he will be remembering friends 'who didn't make it like I did'.

The former leading aircraftsman, who saw active service in France, Belgium, Germany and Africa, visited RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Wednesday as it prepares for the VE Day flypast on Monday.

Mr Bishop was presented with gifts by the crew of an Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft - one of several contemporary aircraft flying in formation with their Second World War predecessors in the flypast.

Speaking at the loading ramp of the aircraft, Mr Bishop told the PA news agency: 'There should be VE Days for other countries, and they should all start getting together and not beating each other, but coming together.

'For me, it's important to remember some of the poor devils who didn't make it like I did, because there are two or three old friends of mine that didn't make it.'

Meanwhile, figures show that more than 50,000 children have connected with a Second World War veteran by mail ahead of VE Day.

Second World War RAF veteran Dennis Bishop, 99, said he will be remembering friends 'who didn't make it like I did'. The former leading aircraftsman, who saw active service in France, Belgium, Germany and Africa, visited RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Wednesday as it prepares for the VE Day flypast on Monday

A happy group marches down a London street on VE Day, May 8, 1945

Pubs and bars have been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary. Above: Barrels of beer are prepared for VE Day celebrations, 1945

Together Coalition, which organises the VE Mail programme, said 1,300 schools and youth organisations had requested a letter from a veteran setting out their wartime experience and what it means to them 80 years later.

Children participating in the programme have then written back to the veteran with their own reflections.

Together Coalition said on Thursday that participating veterans had started to receive 'mail bags full of responses from schoolchildren' via the Royal Mail who are supporting the initiative.

Bombardier Tom Jones, a 103-year-old veteran, said victory in the Second World War 'protected democracy and our country for our whole lifetime'.

The veteran, who recently visited the James Brindley School in Manchester, added: 'The victory meant the world to us at the time - but the values are as relevant today as they were then.

'With fewer surviving veterans still with us, VE Mail is a major opportunity to pass the baton of memory and of meaning to the next generation.'
Elon Musk reflected on his 100 days in government service, which included playing video games in his West Wing office, sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom, raiding the White House freezer for Haagen-Dazs, and radically reshaping the size and scope of the federal government.

'In the grand scheme of things, I think we've been effective. Not as effective as Id like. I think we could be more effective,' Musk said in an interview with reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. 'But we've made progress.'

He called his Department of Government Efficiency a way of life and compared himself to Buddha, arguing his direct involvement isn't needed for the work to continue.

'Is Buddha needed for Buddhism?' he said, according to The Washington Post. 'Was it not stronger after he passed away?'

Musk is cutting back on his role at DOGE to focus on his own business interests  a decision that came after Telsa saw a drop in profits.

'The amount of time that it's necessary for me to spend here is much less,' he said. 'And I can return to primarily running my companies, which do need me.'

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is cutting back on his government work to focus on his private business

But Musk will still be in Washington a few days a week and will keep his office in the West Wing.

The richest man in the world called President Donald Trump a 'good friend' and described staying over in the White House residence.

'The president is  I guess we're good friends,' Musk said, 'And we'll be on Air Force One or Marine One. And then he's like, 'Hey, do you want to stay over?' I'm like, 'Sure.'

He emphasized it was Trump who invited him and not him asking for a bed.

'I didn't request it to be clear,' Musk said.

He also revealed Trump is a great host who would give him tips, like how to call down stairs to the White House kitchens and request a late night snack.

'He'll actually call, like, late at night and say, 'Oh, by the way, make sure you get some ice cream from the kitchen,' Musk said.

He admitted he demolished an entire container of carmel Haagen-Dazs on one of those occasions.

'It was epic. I mean, don't tell RFK,' he said, in reference to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. 'This stuff is amazing. I ate a whole tub of it, added three pounds in one night.'

But when asked for the exact number of nights he stayed in the Lincoln bedroom, Musk demurred, according to Fox News: 'I don't know if I should say the number more than once.'

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk with a Tesla on the South Lawn of the White House

Elon Musk, son X and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office

In his comments to reporters, Musk provided the most detailed overview of DOGE yet.

He claimed his controversial agency had saved the federal government $160 billion  but that's far short of the $2 trillion goal he set last year.

Musk said he could see his team hitting the $1 trillion in savings.

He also noted his group - which is about 100 people - had cut about 1% of the federal workforce, or 20,000 people.

But his work also has been subject to numerous lawsuits. Protests against him have taken place around the country. His Tesla dealerships - and the electric cars themselves - have been attacked.

His group's access to sensitive government data has raised questions about privacy. Musk's government contracts and his access to the departments that issue them has raised questions about conflict of interest.

And Democratic lawmakers are tallying the federal funds approved by Congress that DOGE has blocked, setting up a constitutional struggle between two branches of government.

Musk shrugged it off.

'It's sort of, how much pain is the Cabinet and the Congress willing to take?' he said. 'It can be done, but it requires dealing with a lot of complaints.'

The billionaire, who spent roughly a quarter billion dollars to help Trump win the White House, became a part of the administration from the start. And he's been a near constant presence at the president's side.

He joined Trump in the Oval Office, on Air Force One, and dinners on the patio of Mar-a-Lago, sometimes with his young son X at his side.

Musk pitched the initiative to cut the federal government and Trump approved it, signing an executive order on his first day in office to establish the agency.

Musk and his team hit the ground running but kept their work shrouded behind closed doors, only announcing things when they were done: such as the end of such agencies of USAID.

DOGE was set up to terminate on July 4, 2026. But Musk said it could stay in existence until 2028, which would be the end of Trump's second term in office.

'I think so,' he said of DOGE being extended, according to Axios. 'It's up to the president.'

He said the job was mostly fun but he didn't enjoy the personal attacks or the attacks on his Tesla dealership.

'It's like 60 percent fun, 70 percent fun. Depends on the week,' he said. 'Being attacked relentlessly is not super fun. Seeing cars burning is not fun.'

Protesters hold up signs during the nationwide 'Hands Off!' protest against President Donald Trump and his advisor, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, in downtown Los Angeles on April 5

Elon Musk boarding Air Force One

Musk's work has made him a national caricature. He's been mocked on Saturday Night Live, vilified on the floor of Congress, and endlessly mocked online.

But he's kept his sense of humor

And he reminded reporters that the title of his group - DOGE - started as a meme coin.

'Doesn't the absurdity of that seem, like are we in a simulation here? Or what's going on?' he said laughing, per Bloomberg. 'Doesn't it seem absurd?'

He noted his DOGE team found 'hundreds of thousands' of fraud cases and have referred some of those cases to the Justice Department, including 57 cases of voter fraud, from 'a very small sample of states.'

He is personally prioritizing which cases went to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

'How many can the DOJ actually prosecute?' Musk asked. 'They can't go after that many people. So, then we're trying to find the cases that seem to be the most fair cut.'

Musk is not completely going away.

He plans to spend a day or two per week working on DOGE matters and 'every other week' in Washington as he turns his attention back to Tesla, his electric car company.

He declined to say who would lead the department in his stead.

'It's a way of life, like Buddhism,' Musk said. 'You wouldn't ask who would lead Buddhism.'

But he plans to keep his West Wing office, which he described as small and with no view.

It does have a massive computer monitor where Musk played video games including Diablo and 'Pathfinder.'

The advantage, he said, was he was out of the reach of any would-be assassins.

'It has a view of nothing. It has a window, but all you see is the HVAC unit,' he said. 'Which is fine. It's harder to shoot me there  there's not a good line of sight. I like my comically tiny office upstairs.'

Elon Musk and his son X arrive to a New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago

Elon Musk at a campaign rally with Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election

Musk argued his presence wasn't needed as much since DOGE was better established, arguing the first few months of the administration were like a startup but now the agency has found its rhythm.

'Now, we're getting more of a rhythm, and so the amount of time that it's necessary for me to spend here is much less, and I can return to primarily running my companies - which they need me,' he said.

Musk made enemies during his time in the administration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duff - in particular - had clashed with Musk over cuts to their workforces.

But Musk said it happens.

'We are making as much progress as we can there's a lot of inertia in the government So, it's like, it's not easy. This is, this is a way to make a lot of enemies and not that many friends,' he said, according to ABC News.

And he downplayed reports of clashes with specific Cabinet members.

'At times, there will be some disagreements with the cabinet, but I'd say the relationship with the cabinet is extremely good,' he said. 'And you see that from the cabinet meeting this morning... the cabinet credited DOGE would make great progress.'

Musk joined Trump's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. But it had the feel of a goodbye party with officials who had clashed with Musk praising his work, cracking jokes and engaging in awkward laughter.

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.

Trump also praised Musk as he made 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.
A private investigator believes as many as 15 people could be questioned over the disappearance of news anchor Jodi Huisentruit, who vanished 30 years ago.

Renewed interest in the case has been sparked after a 2017 search warrant involving a person of interest in the case, John Vansice, was partially unsealed on Monday.

Speaking with WOWT, private investigator Steve Ridge said the newly released details on the case could bring a solution to the mystery.

According to Ridge, the information in the search warrant has narrowed down his own probe, believing that several people could be taking in for questioning.

He said: 'I have developed a list of people who I believe should be brought in for testimony. At a minimum its 9 people and at a maximum its 15.

'I do think that there is enough evidence, circumstantial in nature, that people could be indicted and people could be convicted.

'It has been only in the last three months that two more people have surfaced that I think are critical to the equation and one in particular that I think has some important first hand information about the case.'

Ridge is calling for a grand jury to look into the case and decide if there is enough evidence to charge anyone with a crime.

Huisentruit, seen here celebrating her birthday weeks before she disappeared, disappeared in June of 1996 from the parking lot of her Mason City, Iowa, apartment building

John Vansice, pictured here, denied any involvement in Jodi's disappearance. He died in December

Huisentruit, 27, was abducted from the parking lot of her Mason City, Iowa, apartment complex as she made her way to work on June 27, 1995.

Evidence found at the scene pointed to signs of a struggle, but no traces of Huisentruit have been yielded since, and no arrests have ever been made.

Vansice, a friend of Huisentruit's who was more than 20 years her senior, is one of the only known persons of interest to be identified by Mason City PD.

The documents released this week revealed that cops had placed trackers on two vehicles belonging to him in March 2017.

That was after he had been subpoenaed by a grand jury to provide his DNA, fingerprints and palm prints to the FBI, which he complied with.

Investigators have never disclosed what prompted them to track Vansices movements and declined to comment on speculation that they were looking for information that may lead them to Huisentruits body.

Data from the search warrant shows that Vansice was tracked between March 2-5, 2017, as he drove from Baxter, Iowa, to his home in Phoenix, Arizona, passing through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico on the way.

Only part of the search warrant has been unsealed. A judge ruled in March that a supporting affidavit that contained sensitive details about the investigation - including information about evidence gathered at the crime scene - should remain sealed indefinitely.

John Vansice is one of the only known persons of interest investigated by police, he is seen here alongside Jodi

When police officers arrived at her address to conduct a welfare check, items belonging to her were found strewn around her car including this red heeled shoe

A partial palm print found on Jodi's car has never been identified, it is seen here being towed

Prosecutors and the Huisentruit family had opposed making the contents of the affidavit public, voicing concern that it could harm the 30-year-old investigation, which remains active.

Cerro Gordo County Attorney Carlyle Dalen argued in court last month that releasing the information in the affidavit would taint its corroborative value because potential suspects would know what information to hide and what information not to hide.

The information that has been disclosed appears unremarkable, but it raises new questions about Vansice and why he was being re-examined by police after 22 years.

He landed on investigators radar almost instantly after he turned up at the crime scene on the morning Huisentruit was reported missing and told police he was likely the last known person to have seen her alive.

Vansice, who was 49 at the time, denied any wrongdoing but said theyd spent the prior evening together watching a videotape of a surprise birthday party hed thrown for Huisentruit earlier that month.

Vansice agreed to take a polygraph test a week after Huisentruit vanished and passed. He also voluntarily supplied DNA, fingerprints, and palmprints.

Despite his cooperation, it appears police have never been able to conclusively rule him out as a suspect.

The investigation into Jodi's disappearance remains active and ongoing

Billboards still stand in Mason City in the hope they prompt a memory or lead that lands a long-awaited breakthrough

Vansice denied any wrongdoing but said theyd spent the prior evening together, Huisentruit's apartment complex is seen here

Grand jury proceedings are confidential, and because the jurors did not vote to indict, the basis for subpoenaing Vansice in 2017 is not clear.

In a 2018 interview, Police Chief Jeff Brinkley told CBS News that investigators didnt get any useful information from the search warrant on Vansices vehicles.

Vansice left Mason City after her disappearance and stopped taking interviews with the media. He died in December last year following a battle with Alzheimers.

Vansice last spoke about Huisentruit in 2019, breaking years of silence in a statement issued through Ridge in which he emphatically denied any involvement in her disappearance and said hed been living in a suspended hell for 25 years.

Vansice, a seed salesman, befriended Huisentruit in what appeared to be a turbulent time in his life.

He had recently divorced and been ordered to install a breathalyzer device in his van following a series of arrests for drunken driving.

Vansice used to live at the same apartment complex as Huisentruit, but he first met her at a bar after offering to buy her a drink.

Friends of Huisentruits have previously speculated that Vansice may have had romantic feelings for the young, blonde anchor that werent reciprocated.

Her best friend, Tammy Baker, told The Daily Mail she once questioned Huisentruit about the nature of her and Vansices relationship, but the anchor denied any romantic entanglement.

I know there was a lot of conjecture about John Vansice and their relationship, and whether he was jealous, said Baker.

So I asked her at one point, I said, Are you and John a thing? Youre spending a lot of time together.

And she goes, Oh no, no, no. We're just really good friends. And I asked him the same question.

'I said, Are you interested in Jodi? And he said he thought of her as a daughter, and he wanted to protect her.

On the morning of her disappearance, Huisentruit had spoken with her producer at KIMT News who called her around 4AM after she was late for work.

An hour later, she was still nowhere to be seen at the station and was due on air within the hour to anchor her morning show DayBreak.

Police were called to conduct a welfare check at her apartment complex after she still hadnt shown up by 7:13am - and the concern soon gave way to dread.

Her new red Mazda Miata was still parked out front, but strewn around it were several of her personal items, including a bent car key, a hairdryer, a pair of red shoes and a can of hairspray.

Muddied drag marks and a partial palm print found on the car indicated signs of a struggle.

But where Huisentruit was taken, and by whom, are questions that remain unanswered almost 30 years later.
The father of one of Jeffrey Epstein's late victims has cast doubt on claims that she died by suicide.

Sky Roberts, the father of Virginia Giuffre, who lost her life last Friday, said that 'somebody got to her'.

Giuffre, 41, was one of the most outspoken accusers of convicted sex offenders Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

She alleged they trafficked her to the Duke of York when she was 17, which Prince Andrew has strenuously denied.

She died at her farm in Western Australia last week, with police saying that the 'early indication is the death is not suspicious'.

But in a dramatic intervention, Roberts, who said he met Epstein and saw the photo of his daughter with Prince Andrew before it entered the public domain, said there was 'no way' she took her own life.

He told Piers Morgan Uncensored: 'First of all, I couldn't even believe it. I mean, I started crying right away. I'm still crying.

'I can't believe that this is happening. It just, it's impossible.

Sky Roberts, the father of Virginia Giuffre , who lost her life last Friday, said that 'somebody got to her'

Roberts, who said he met Epstein and saw the photo of his daughter with Prince Andrew before it entered the public domain, said there was 'no way' she took her own life

Giuffre died at her farm in Western Australia last week, with police saying that the 'early indication is the death is not suspicious'

'And then for them to say that she committed suicide, there's no way that she did. Somebody got to her.'

Giuffre, he claimed, 'had too much to live for' and was already 'helping a lot of other young girls that were feeling the pain of what goes on with people like that'.

Relatives of Giuffre said in a statement last week that she had lost her life 'after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking'.

They also released an handwritten letter which they claimed she wrote before her death, which said 'battle lines are drawn' and urged people to 'stand together to fight for the future of victims'.

The mother of three, who said she was injured in a car accident a few weeks prior to being discovered unresponsive by police, had been living with her family in North Perth, Australia.

She said she became a victim of sex trafficking when she was a teenager, and met Maxwell in 2000.

From then on, she claimed she was introduced to American financier Epstein and alleged years of abuse by him and his associates.

This included Prince Andrew, she said. The two reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 on the basis that the royal did not admit liability.

Roberts said that he had seen the infamous picture of Giuffre with the Prince years before it became public knowledge.

Giuffre said she became a victim of sex trafficking when she was a teenager, and met Maxwell in 2000

She claimed she was introduced to American financier Epstein (R) and alleged years of abuse by him and his associates

Roberts said that he had seen the infamous picture of Giuffre with the Prince years before it became public knowledge

'Virginia sent the original picture, so I know it wasn't faked, but the original picture of Prince Andrew and her with Ghislaine Maxwell in the background, so I know that's true that she did,' he added.

'She was there with him.'

Contrary to the legal agreement, he takes the view that the settlement 'admits guilt' on Prince Andrew's part, adding: 'When you pay somebody off like that, just, when Jeffrey Epstein paid, when Maxwell paid, it's admitting guilt.

'I mean, why would he spend 12 or 15 million to give to her?

'I don't care for him at all. I mean, he's a, I guess, a powerful royal figure, and he just thinks he can do what he wants to do.

'As someone who actually got out of a bad situation and made a good situation out of it, that she was helping a lot of other young girls that were feeling the pain of what goes on with people like that.

'I think she's strong, very strong, and that's why I don't think she committed suicide. She had too much to live for. She had her foundation.'

Roberts said he 'believed everything' Giuffre said about the abuse claims and was 'really angry' when he found out Epstein was involved.

Giuffre, he claimed, 'had too much to live for' and was already 'helping a lot of other young girls that were feeling the pain of what goes on with people like that'

Giuffre, 41, was one of the most outspoken accusers of convicted sex offenders Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

But he was later told the billionaire had threatened that if she said anything 'he has the power to do anything he wanted' to her family, he told the show.

Epstein took his own life in prison in 2019, where he was being held awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

He was previously convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the US for her role in Epstein's trafficking and abuse.
A female city council member for a Minnesota town is brazenly appealing the suspension of her in-home day care license after a three-year-old boy ingested methamphetamine the same day he was in her custody.

Pam Bakken serves on the city council of South St. Paul, a small town in the Twin Cities area, and was referred for prosecution after police investigated what happened to the young boy in December 2024.

The Lakeville Police Department, not the South St. Paul police, investigated the incident to prevent any conflicts of interest given Bakken's seat on the council.

On December 6, the boy was dropped off at Bakken's day care at 7:10am before being taken to a local pre-school at 8:25am, according to police.

After he was returned to the day care at 11:30am, staff said he was acting out of character and was 'very talkative, fidgety and had a hard time focusing.'

He vomited after he was served lunch. Victoria Kane, the boy's mother, came to pick him up after she was notified.

The boy, still acting strange, then went to a local hospital, where he tested positive for meth and other amphetamines, according to police.

'He didn't stop talking the whole time as we sat in the ER room in a bed. He just talked and talked and talked,' Kane told FOX 9. 'My son says that he ate onion crumbs off of the floor at [Bakken's] house and we figured out that's what meth looks like.'

South St. Paul City Council Member Pam Bakken is appealing Minnesota's decision to indefinitely revoke her in-home day care license after police said a three-year-old ingested meth at her home

Victoria Kane, the boy's mother, explained that her son ate what to him looked like 'onion crumbs' off a rug in a bathroom in Bakken's home. Shortly after, he vomited, was taken to a hospital and tested positive for meth

Police said the boy ate these so-called 'crumbs' off a rug in a bathroom in Bakken's home.

Within 72 hours, Bakken's at-home day care was shut down and her license was temporarily revoked by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. On March 4, her license was indefinitely suspended.

Despite the test results showing the boy had meth in his system, Bakken is appealing this decision and is due to appear for a contested case hearing on July 31 at 9:30am in Hastings.

This comes as Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena declined to pursue charges, saying that the state wouldn't be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bakken was at fault, had intent or was reckless.

Keena's office said there were questions about the timeframe in which the boy's meth symptoms presented themselves, with poison control experts saying they appeared faster than normal.

'The state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the child ingested meth while at Ms. Bakken's day care given the timing of the onset of symptoms. In general, symptoms like what the child displayed  talkativeness, restlessness and vomiting  would be expected to occur within one to three hours after ingesting meth,' read the Tuesday statement from Dakota County Attorney's Office.

It continued: 'Even assuming the child ingested meth while at the day care, the state is unable to prove that Ms. Bakken knew it was present in her home and that she intentionally or recklessly allowed the child to be placed in a situation likely to harm the child's health, or that she deprived the child necessary supervision appropriate to his age.'

Keena stated that Bakken's day care license remains suspended based on the report from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which claimed children being cared for at her home were 'at an imminent risk of harm.'

Bakken's home (pictured) is where she ran her day care. She was accused of failing to 'complete a background study for a household member,' something day cares are legally required to do in Minnesota

After it became public that a child had allegedly eaten meth at her house, South St. Paul residents packed a February 18 city council meeting (Pictured: Resident Joan Hutter telling Bakken to resign)

Married couple Molly and Tyler Fehrman separately addressed Bakken at the meeting, but both of them called for her to step down

A March 4 letter sent to Bakken from the Department of Human Services, which informed her that her license was indefinitely suspended, also accused her of failing to 'complete a background study for a household member.'

It's not clear who in Bakken's home is being referenced, but day care centers in Minnesota are legally required to perform background checks on anyone who comes in contact with children.

Given the development that Bakken won't face criminal charges, it seems she may be able to hold onto her seat on the city council. Her current term expires on January 1, 2029.

After news of the meth ingestion went public, South St. Paul residents packed a February 18 city council meeting, with many of them calling on her to immediately resign.

At times, Bakken was seen crying as her constituents ruthlessly tore into her for what they believed was her irresponsibility and recklessness.

'Pam, I can't imagine being up there and hearing all the things that you're hearing. You know what happened, you're a mom, flip it around,' Joan Hutter told her. 'You're going to have to step down.'

Married couple Molly and Tyler Fehrman separately addressed Bakken at the meeting, but both of them called for her to step down.

'My question is this, Pam. How can we trust you to make good decisions, to exercise good judgment in managing the things facing our city when you can't even manage what takes place inside your own home?' Molly Fehrman said.

Supporters of Bakken also showed up to defend her, with one friend of hers (pictured) bizarrely saying, 'I wish I had another son that could marry [Bakken's] daughter.' The man, who identified himself as a pastor, said the city council member 'didn't make an error on purpose'

The anger against Bakken materialized into a recall effort that was accepted by the South St. Paul city clerk on April 11. The group that organized the recall suspended 'all operations' after it was announced no charges would be filed

Supporters of Bakken also showed up to defend her, with one friend of hers bizarrely saying, 'I wish I had another son that could marry [Bakken's] daughter.' The man, who identified himself as a pastor, said the city council member 'didn't make an error on purpose.'

The anger against Bakken materialized into a recall effort. In order for a recall to be successful and trigger and special election, the petition needs to get verified signatures from 25 percent of the population that voted in the last municipal election.

In South St. Paul, the magic number was 2,763 signatures. The group behind the recall, the Committee to Recall Bakken, was successful in getting those signatures and on April 11, the city clerk accepted the petition.

However, since the county attorney declined to file charges, the committee announced it would be 'suspending all operations.'

'While we still believe that the information contained in the Minnesota DHS investigation report is important and valid - the countys press release includes statements that directly conflict with that report,' the committee said.

'Given the sensitive nature of this process, the Recall Bakken committee is immediately suspending all operations,' the committee said.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, the committee expressed that its belief that Bakken should still resign even though she wasn't charged.

'We still believe that it is in the best interest of the people of South St. Paul that she immediately resign from her seat on council,' the committee said Thursday.

'We do not believe that Pam is a bad person - but, instead, that she made some very poor decisions that made it possible for a three year old boy to ingest a dangerous illicit substance while in her care.

'Her subsequent attempts to hide this information and gaslight our community - as well as her willful breach of her oath of office - should absolutely and unequivocally result in her resignation. Our community deserves better.'

DailyMail.com also approached Bakken, the rest of the South St. Paul City Council, and City Administrator Ryan Garcia for comment.
An abuse survivor fiercely confronted her evil adoptive mother who tortured and killed her seven-year-old sister.

Gina Emmanuel, 56, of Florida will spend the rest of her life in prison for murdering one of her three adopted children, Samayah Emmanuel, in 2018.

On April 15, the former Miami nurse was found guilty of Samayah's untimely death and inflicting excruciating harm on all of the children in her care - sisters aged six, seven and 12.

When Emmanuel was finally sentenced on Wednesday, one of those victims, Ayanna Gordon, had a harsh send-off sentiment for the cold-hearted killer, who remained emotionless throughout the trial.

'Dont do the crime, if you can't do the time. I am letting God take this wheel,' the 18-year-old said, addressing Emmanuel during the hearing.

'And with that being said I wish you well in hell,' she asserted before walking away from the Miami-Dade courtroom podium - referencing a viral quote from American rapper Cardi B.

The trial detailed the cruel abuse the kids were subjected to, including forcing them to eat human feces, scorching their hands on the stove, restraining them to chairs and starving them, NBC Miami reported.

When Samayah died, she was battered and scarred from head to toe, 'from her face, down to her neck, down to her chest, abdomen, back, both arms, and both legs,' retired medical examiner Dr. Emma Lew told jurors.

Gina Emmanuel (pictured), 56, of Florida will spend the rest of her life in prison for murdering one of her three adopted children

Ayanna Gordon (pictured), 18, had a harsh send-off sentiment for the cold-hearted killer, who remained emotionless throughout the trial

Samayah Emmanuel (pictured), 7, died from pneumonia in 2018 after being abused by Emmanuel for several months

She was being cared for by a babysitter when she was found unresponsive in her bed.

The young girl had been sick for several days with a cold, but authorities said it progressed into pneumonia.

Investigators noted her body was severely malnourished and that she was covered in bruises, burns and open wounds.

They also believed Emmanuel forced her to drink bleach and made her stand with her arms outstretched for long periods - which Gordon demonstrated while testifying in court.

'If I ever have children, I won't make the same mistake she did,' Gordon told NBC after the sentencing.

Offering another dig at the disgraceful adoptive mother, the confident teen said: 'She said she was a tough cookie. I'm tougher.'

On April 16, a day after Emmanuel was convicted, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, applauded Gordon, who was 12 when her sister died, for her bravery.

'If I ever have children, I won't make the same mistake she did,' Gordon (pictured) told NBC after the sentencing

On April 15, the former Miami nurse was found guilty of Samayah's untimely death and inflicting excruciating harm on all of the children in her care - sisters aged six, seven and 12 (pictured)

'No one could ever imagine that a trained nurse would beat, torture, and starve Samaya and her 2 adopted sisters,' Fernandez said.

Robert Gordon, Gordon's grandfather, also took to the stand to air out his grievances with Emmanuel.

'I forgive you, for what you did. However, I can't forget. I wish I can inflict the pain that you did to my grandkids everyday,' he said.

'I wish I can beat you within an inch of your life everyday.'

Emmanuel never apologized to Gordon during the trial, which did not come as a surprise to her.

'She knew what she did. She's guilty,' she told NBC Miami, expressing relief that this harrowing chapter of her life is now behind her as she plans on attending college in the fall.

The Carbi B 'I wish you well' quote comes from a Facebook Watch episode titled 'Cardi Tried Holistic Healing.'

Emmanuel (pictured) remained emotionless throughout the trial as her former adopted daughter shared her thoughts

Gordon quoted Cardi B (pictured) while confronting the killer for the last time in a Florida courtroom

While working on an exercise about forgiveness with spiritual guide Sah D'Simone, the famed was urged to let do of an animosity she feels towards people who have wronged her.

Both flinging paint on a large canvas, D'Simone said: 'Regardless of how much pain these people have caused us, "I wish you well."'

'I wish you well...in hell!' Cardi B said before chuckling.
A Michigan mom and dad have been killed after they were mown down at a bus stop, leaving their five children orphaned.

Kwasi Agbottah, 43, and Elizabeth Agbottah, 41, died after an SUV driven by Dejah Latre Berry plowed into them, Detroit Police Department said.

The couple were on their way to get groceries on Friday when Berry allegedly lost control of her vehicle and slammed into the devoted parents. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.

Berry, 33, continued along the stretch 'at high speed' after ploughing through the bus stop before slamming into another vehicle at a gas station pump along the road, police said.

She is now facing two counts of reckless driving causing death and driving with a suspended license causing death.

The Agbottahs were beloved members of their community, where they were well known for their missionary work.

They leave behind their five sons, who range in age from two to 15-years-old.

'Elizabeth and Kwasi lived a humble but rich life full of service, fellowship, and creativity,' a tribute on their GoFundMe states.

Kwasi Agbottah, 43, and Elizabeth Agbottah, 41, were killed when a driver plowed into them at a bus stop

The tragedy has orphaned their five sons, who range in age from two to fifteen-years-old

'Above all, Elizabeth and Kwasi were committed, intentional parents who fostered in their children a love of community, discipleship, and caring for Gods creation.

'We know their legacy  of service, education, faith, and radical generosity  lives on through their sons, their writing and music, and in the countless lives they touched.'

The couple met as youth counselors for Bay Shore Ministries Summer youth program in East Palo Alto, California.

Their passion for education and service took them across the country and then finally back to Detroit where they had been living and working since 2019.

Kwasi's best friend Michael Krauter paid tribute to the late father and his wife.

'Kwasis humility is an example. Elizabeths joy infectious,' he wrote. 'There was never a short story with either of them, always long with all the details - but we never cared because their stories were better than ours.

'And when they spoke to us, or spit, or rhymed, or sang, or read, or sat in quiet-you grew us closer to God by pouring into us the words of Christ and the Scriptures.

Dejah Latre Berry, 33, has been charged in connection with the deaths

The couple were at a Detroit bus stop on their way to get groceries when Berry plowed into them on Friday, prosecutors said

'Their pride in the privilege of getting to be parents and raising sons was overflowing. They loved you and were so proud of you boys.

'They honored and loved their parents, siblings, and family - it was always on their lips.'

Berry was arraigned on Monday and had her bond set at $50,000. Her next court date is May 7.

If convicted, she the offenses are punishable by 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Scottish Government has been told to 'hang its head in shame' after Sir Rod Stewart paid for the autism diagnosis of a four-year-old child.

The musician stepped to help youngster Iain Gregori, who is nonverbal and has waited three years for a diagnosis.

Michael was first told Iain could be autistic when he was just one-year-old and has been waiting for an appointment ever since.

His case was raised by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar at First Minister's Questions on Thursday, as he accused John Swinney of 'letting Scotland down'.

The Glasgow MSP claimed Iain had been left in an NHS 'black hole' as he had been unable to access vital support for his condition without an official diagnosis.

Sir Rod, who was knighted in 2016 for his services to music and charity, was made aware of Iain's situation following a report by the Daily Record.

The rockstar said his team would work to find a private specialist in London or in Scotland to provide a diagnosis and he would cover the costs.

He told the Record: 'I'm trying to get the lad to a private specialist which I'll have my people find in either. All his mum and dad have to do is get a referral letter to whoever that specialist turns out to be. Of course, all the costs will be down to me.'

Iain Gregori, who is nonverbal, is pictured with his mother and father. Sir Rod Stewart paid for his autism diagnosis after the youngster waited for three years for an appointment

The rocker (pictured) said his team would work to find a private specialist in London or in Scotland to provide a diagnosis and he would cover the costs

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar pictured at First Minister's Questions on Thursday, where he highlighted Iain's case and accused John Swinney of 'letting Scotland down'

Mr Sarwar told Holyrood today how Michael said the Scottish Government 'should now hang their heads in shame, as they have let Scotland down'.

The Labour leader added: 'When speaking of his son, he said 'everyone is saying Iain needs this diagnosis, he is autistic, everyone is sure of it, but at the same time he needs an official diagnosis to get the resources he needs'.

'Rod Stewart heard this heartbreaking story and stepped in to pay for Iain's diagnosis.

'Others won't be as lucky - why, on John Swinney's watch, do young people have to rely on the charity of a rock star to get the treatment they need?'

Responding, the First Minister stressed that an official diagnosis is not required to begin accessing support.

'It is absolutely critical that I make that point to Parliament today,' he said.

'Because there are other pathways that are available, other than diagnosis for ADHD or a neurodiversity condition which enables young people to attract the support that will assist them in meeting the challenges that they face.'

He stressed the importance that 'parents can be reassured that there is support available to meet the needs of individual young people'.

'The Government is taking a range of interventions where we're expanding mental health support or supporting the development of community interventions and we are working to make sure that young people get that support at the earliest possible opportunity.'
The number of Channel small boat migrants reaching Britain last month was more than double last Aprils total, as the running tally for this year passed 11,000.

Home Office figures published today showed there were 4,432 arrivals in April compared with 2,132 the same month last year, a 108 per cent increase.

The total number to have reached British soil by small boat since start of this year now stands at 11,074.

It is the earliest stage in any calendar year since the start of the Channel crisis in 2018 that the 11,000 milestone has been reached.

In 2022  which went on to see the record annual total so far  the 11,000 point was hit on June 16.

The following year it was June 24 and last year saw the landmark passed on June 6.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Labour of 'surrendering control of our borders'.

One of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's first actions after entering power was scrapping the Conservatives' Rwanda asylum scheme, which was designed to deter migrants crossing from northern France in the first place.

A Border Force catamaran brings small boat migrants into Dover earlier today after the latest small boat incident in the Channel

Instead, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said she will bolster law enforcement measures to 'smash the gangs' which traffick migrants to Britain for huge fees.

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However, Tory frontbencher Mr Philp said: 'Keir Starmer has totally lost control of our borders.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused PM Sir Keir Starmer of 'surrendering control of our borders'

'His claim to be "smashing the gangs" is just a sick joke.

'He has no plan to get this under control, and anyone who can get into a dinghy - mostly young men, some of whom are criminals or extremists - is allowed into the country.'

Migrants disembark from a Border Force catamaran at the Port of Dover today

He added: 'Keir Starmer has surrendered control of our borders.

'The only way this madness will end is if those arriving are immediately removed to a location outside Europe, such as Rwanda.

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'But Keir Starmer, a human rights lawyer at heart, is too wek to do that.'

There were scores of further arrivals at Dover today as Border Force vessels intercepted at least one dinghy mid-Channel.

The vessel brought in a group of what appeared to be mainly men into the port in Kent in the morning.

Migrants intercepted mid-Channel are seen in orange lifejackets as they disembark at Dover

People smugglers are continuing to take advantage of good weather to push migrant boats across the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The Home Office confirmed 294 migrants reached the UK yesterday, after 1,142 arrived over the previous three days.

The Border Force vessel intercepted at least one dinghy in the middle of the Channel earlier today and took scores of migrants to Dover

A Home Office spokesman said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.

'The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.

One of PM Sir Keir Starmer's first acts in office was scrapping the Tories' Rwanda asylum deal

'That is why this government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage.

'Through international intelligence sharing under our Border Security Command, enhanced enforcement operations in Northern France and tougher legislation in the Border Security and Asylum Bill, we are strengthening international partnerships and boosting our ability to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal gangs whilst strengthening the security of our borders.'

In further evidence of this year's rocketing number of arrivals, April 2022 saw just 2,143 arrivals compared with this April's 4,432. The figure was 2,153 in April 2023.
Two 18-year-olds appeared in court today accused of swatting  by allegedly making hoax calls to American and Canadian police.

Dylan Ash, from Warrington, Cheshire, and Kieron Ellison, from St Helens, Merseyside, are both charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice in Canada and the USA between October 2022 and June 2023.

They appeared in person for a ten-minute hearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today.

A third person, Liam White, 22, from Western-super-Mare in Somerset, appeared via video link.

Swatting involves making a hoax call to the emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.

The trio were charged after a joint investigation by Merseyside Police and US law enforcement, including the FBI.

According to police it relates to an internet-based group which allegedly 'planned, advertised and carried out calls to emergency services and internet celebrities reporting fabricated serious, life-threatening incidents, "active shooter threats" to prompt an emergency response.'

Ash  dressed in a white shirt, tie, black trousers and trainers  and Ellison, wearing a grey T-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and trainers, were supported by family members.

White wore sunglasses on his head during the brief hearing.

The trio only spoke to confirm their names, addresses and ages and did not enter pleas.

Dylan Ash, 18, from Warrington, Cheshire, outside Liverpool Magistrates Court today where he faced charges involving alleged 'swatting'

Kieron Ellison, 18, from St Helens, Merseyside, pictured outside court today - he is accused of conspiring to pervert the course of justice in Canada and the USA over alleged 'swatting' incidents

White and Ash are charged with three counts of conspiring together and with others to do a series of acts tending or intending to pervert the course of justice.

Ellison is charged with two counts of conspiring together and with others to do a series of acts tending or intending to pervert the course of justice.

District Judge James Clarke granted all three bail to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on May 29.

Ash and Ellison were subject to bail conditions including not to use social media sites including Discord, Telegram and X, the court heard.

White was told not to contact the other two defendants.

Announcing the charges yesterday, Detective Sergeant Steve Frame said: 'The charges are the culmination of an extensive investigation by Merseyside Police working with US law enforcement, including the FBI.

'They relate to the online activities of an internet-based group between October 2022 and April 2023, which planned, advertised and carried out calls to emergency services and internet celebrities reporting fabricated serious, life-threatening incidents, "active shooter threats" to prompt an emergency response.'

Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter Terrorism Division, said: 'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these three defendants are now active and that they have the right to a fair trial.

'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'
A Florida woman was arrested for allegedly having sex with an underage boy that she met at a funeral, according to police.

Ayla Gonzalez Salinas, 20, was taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a young boy multiple times in December 2024.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said she first met the child in November at a funeral before they started messaging each other on social media, an affidavit obtained by WPEC stated.

Although the age of the victim was redacted in the report, the allegations against Gonzalez detailed that he was between 12 and 16 years old, according to records.

Gonzalez was arrested after authorities were notified of the alleged relationship in January.

During the investigation, detectives uncovered that the pair 'agreed they should get their 'story' straight' in their messages, records showed.

Their messages also indicated that their alleged inappropriate relationship was initiated by the minor. They also revealed how many times they met, per the affidavit.

She was charged with seven counts of lewd or lascivious battery of a victim.

Ayla Gonzalez Salinas, 20, was taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a young boy multiple times in December 2024

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said she first met the child in November at a funeral before they started messaging each other on social media,

Gonzalez was booked into Palm Beach County jail, but was released on bond Wednesday, jail records reviewed by DailyMail.com showed.

In the state of Florida, the charge of lewd and lascivious battery of a victim is punishable to a maximum of 15 years behind bars, according to Flaherty & Merrifield Criminal Defense.

Another Florida woman, Alexis Von Yates, 34, was arrested last July for allegedly raping her 15-year-old stepson.

Newly released details revealed that Von Yates - a former nurse - claimed she did so because the child looked just like his lineman dad.

She was overheard making the sick comparison by her alleged victim after her husband Frank walked in on her raping his son, a police report stated.

'(The victim) overheard the suspect telling (his) father she was sorry, saying the child victim looks like his father when he was younger,' a report detailing an interview with the boy said.

Disgustingly, the day after Von Yates is said to have told the boy she did not realize 'how big' his privates were, adding: 'It looked like his father's penis with younger skin.'

Von Yates was arrested last summer and charged with sexual battery on the boy, who was three years under the Florida age of consent. She was banned from working as a nurse in Florida last week.

She was charged with seven counts of lewd or lascivious battery of a victim. Gonzalez was booked into Palm Beach County jail, but was released on bond Wednesday

In an arrest warrant that outlines the assault in extremely graphic detail, the boy told investigators how Von Yates had begun raping him and that they'd heard the garage door open.

But the boy says they did not stop, with Frank Von Yates then walking in and shouting 'What the f**k' is going on?' at the sight of his wife raping his son, it's claimed.

He is then said to have begun throwing objects, before branding Von Yates a 'c***' and a 'child predator.'

The boy - who told police he was a virgin when Von Yates attacked him - also claimed she'd made a sordid joke about him watching 'step-mom pornos' the week before the attack.
French police clashed with May Day demonstrators today as the nation marked its most symbolic public holiday.

Riot cops were seen detaining people as protesters launched smoke flares and marched in their thousands.

In Paris, rioters threw firecrackers and projectiles towards armed police, who responded with tear gas.

Other dramatic footage from France shows officers beating demonstrators with batons.

The traditional May 1 demonstrations, which mark International Workers' Day, have spread worldwide as a venue to fight any economic injustices as well as other causes such as peace and women's rights.

The protests also came days after hundreds gathered to demonstrate against Islamophobia after a Muslim man was stabbed to death at a mosque in southern France.

In France, only essential services, such as hospitals, public transport, energy supply, cafes, hotels and restaurants, are allowed to open today.

Any staff member who is working must be paid double, according to the law.

Riot police officers detain a protester during a May Day (Labour Day) rally, marking International Workers' Day, in Nantes

Other dramatic footage from France shows officers beating demonstrators with batons

CRS riot police officers charge to disperse protesters during a May Day (Labour Day) rally, marking International Workers' Day, in Nantes

A protester is sprayed with water from a water cannon as he sends fireworks to riot police during a May Day (Labour Day) rally, marking International Workers' Day, in Nantes

A protestor stands with her arms raised in front of CRS riot police officers during a May Day (Labour Day) rally

Processions of workers took place in major cities such as Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, and Nantes this morning, with the rally in Paris beginning in the early afternoon.

Authorities are anticipating between 100,000 and 150,000 demonstrators nationwide, including an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 in Paris. In 2024, 121,000 people participated in the demonstrations.

But French media reported today that more than 300,000 people took part in the marches, including 100,000 in the capital.

This year, there was no common front of French trade unions, however, with the French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT) choosing not to rally with more left-wing organisations.

The CGT union, which counted some 260 rallies in France, has called for a 'festive and combative' May Day.

But the police response to some of the demonstrations has drawn criticism from French politicians.

Socialist Party parliamentary leader Boris Vallaud condemned what he described as 'serious and unacceptable violence' against party activists and officials during a May Day march in Paris, vowing to take legal action.

'Serious and unacceptable violence. These agitators are enemies of workers and of the left. Full support to the injured comrades,' Vallaud wrote on X, saying he would refer the matter to the public prosecutor.

Separately, Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella spoke at a separate May Day meeting held by the National Rally party.

Authorities are anticipating between 100,000 and 150,000 demonstrators nationwide, including an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 in Paris

But French media reported today that more than 300,000 people took part in the marches, including 100,000 in the capital

The police response to some of the demonstrations has drawn criticism from French politicians

A demonstrator holds a smoke flare, as people attend the traditional May Day labour union march in Paris

The CGT union, which counted some 260 rallies in France, called for a 'festive and combative' May Day

The origins of May Day stretch back to 1886, when a worker rally in Chicago , in the US, turned deadly

Socialist Party parliamentary leader Boris Vallaud condemned what he described as 'serious and unacceptable violence' against party activists and officials during a May Day march in Paris

Founder of French left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) party Jean-Luc Melenchon delivers a speech during a May Day (Labour Day) rally, marking International Workers' Day, in Paris

The origins of May Day stretch back to 1886, when a worker rally in Chicago, in the US, turned deadly.

Several labour activists were convicted of conspiracy to incite violence among other charges, with four hanged.

Unions later recommended that the workers be honored every year on May 1.

In France, a political row over whether businesses should be allowed to open on the public holiday has continued to split workers.

The issue resurfaced after five bakers in the western Vendee region were taken to court for making staff work on on May Day last year. They were acquitted last week.

'Until now, we've always worked on 1 May without any problems,' Dominique Anract, president of the national bakery and pastry union, told FranceInfo radio.

According to the bakers' union, closing on May 1 could cost the baking sector upwards of 70 million euros, as sales on this day tend to be 25 percent higher than on other public holidays.

While many bakeries traditionally open on public holidays, May Day is the exception.

CGT leader Sophie Binet said: 'There are 364 other days to open. We can survive one day without a baguette. It's very important that this day stays a holiday with no work.'
The Trump administration has dropped charges against a South Dakota ranching family who were accused of stealing federal land.

Charles and Heather Maude were embroiled in a bitter dispute with the Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), which claimed the couple had stolen 25 acres of grassland.

They were charged last year under the Biden-headed USDA, which accused them of unlawfully using the plot to graze their cattle.

The couple are fifth generation ranchers whose family had owned the plot since 1910, well beyond the Forest Service's inception. They maintained they had done nothing wrong.

'When this hit, it hit at the heart and soul of this place,' Heather said at a press conference announcing the dismissal of charges.

'When this unnecessary grievance came to our family we knew we were innocent of any wrongdoing and sought to find a resolution and that was not forthcoming from the other side.'

The couple were operating Maude Hog and Cattle without issue until March 29 last year, when they received a complaint about a no hunting sign on their property.

The dispute revealed that a fence was blocking access to Buffalo Gap National Grasslands which led to the couple accepting a USDA survey of their boundaries.

The Trump administration has dropped charges against South Dakota ranchers Heather and Charles Maude

The couple were facing criminal charges over allegations they stole 25 acres of federal grasslands and used it to graze cattle

When an alleged discrepancy was discovered, the Biden-led USDA aggressively pursued charges instead of trying to resolve it in line with their 'good neighbor' policy.

The Maudes, of Caputa, were separately served grand jury indictments of alleged theft of government property on June 24, 2024.

They were stunned when Forest Service Special Agent Travis Lunders showed up at their door unannounced, armed, and in full tactical gear, according to Cowboy State Daily.

Due to their separate indictments, the couple were not allowed to discuss the case with each other and had to fork out for separate legal fees.

The couple's troubles even made their way up to Congress' Natural Resources Committee after Senator Mike Rounds wrote a letter to former US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack.

'This action represents a direct conflict to an agreed-upon plan, wherein the landowners were working cooperatively with the USFS to resolve the issue,' he told his fellow politician, according to Western Livestock Journal (WLJ).

If convicted they faced up to ten years in jail and a $250,000 fine each.

But they are now working to put the ordeal behind them.

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is dropping charges which were brought in under the Biden administration

The couple's dispute with the Forest Service started on March 29, when they were told to remove a 'no hunting' sign from one of the post that mark off the government's property

The Maude family had a lease agreement with USFS for around 60 years, where the fence placement was acknowledged each time

'Thanks to the leadership and the unequivocal and bold leadership of President Trump and his directive to put Americans first, we have the pleasure to announce that the criminal prosecution of the Maudes is now over,' USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

'They will not be driven from their home. They will not be jailed. They will not be fined. And their children will grow up with the mother and the father they love and who love them.'

Charles' family has been ranching since 1907 when Thomas Maude purchased the land, according to the family's website.

Charles purchased some of the land in 2002 at the age of 17 and a year later, when his grandfather died, he purchased the rest with the help of his parents.
A college freshman died after falling from a balcony on campus, but her father has now shared images of the mystery man she was last seen with as he seeks answers about her death.

Liz Hamel, 18, was last seen alive on Valentine's Day as she and her friends at the University of California Santa Barbara celebrated at dinner together.

Hamel left the restaurant with a young man her friends had never met before, as reported by KIRO 7. That man has also not been seen since.

Less than 30 minutes later, she plunged several feet from a three-story breezeway on the UCSB campus.

After a student called 911, first responders found Hamel in cardiac arrest. She died six days later.

Hamel's father Alain Hamel held a press conference this week to release the images of the mystery men with his daughter, which police never did, he told KIRO.

'He is the last person that we know of that had contact with Liz,' the heartbroken father told the outlet.

'And just if he has information with respect to her last moments, that could be useful.'

Liz Hamel, 18, was found unconscious after she plunged several feet from a three-story breezeway on the UCSB campus

The student had left a restaurant with a mystery man, seen above, less than 30 minutes before she fell to her death. Her father is asking for help locating him

There's no suggestion the man whose images were shared was with Hamel when she died, or that he did anything wrong.

Alain Hamel is asking the Santa Barbara and UC community for help finding information into what led to the tragic balcony fall.

The college freshman had reportedly spent 'a large part of' the evening of her death with the mystery man.

She left the restaurant with him sometime after 10.06pm and was found unconscious on campus 21 minutes later.

The mystery man is described as white, 'approximately 6-feet tall' with 'dark blond hair.'

He was wearing a light blue Carhartt jeans, a gray Patagonia sweater and 'a carabiner with keys on his right hip.'

The grieving father slammed authorities for not releasing the images to the public as part of their probe.

'I shouldnt be standing here. I should be at home, grieving my daughter and trusting in the institutions that are responsible for this investigation,' Alain Hamel said, as reported by UCSB's student paper, Daily Nexus.

'He is the last person that we know of that had contact with Liz,' the student's heartbroken father said in a press conference this week

The 18-year-old was only in her second semester at the University of California Santa Barbara when she mysteriously died

'But the academic quarter is coming to an end. Students are graduating or leaving campus. Peoples memories fade.

The Hamel family has said they have never met the man before.

Attorney Tyrone Maho of the law firm Maho Prentice, who was with Alain Hamel at the press conference, emphasized they are not 'accusing anyone of wrongdoing.'

'If you are this young man, or you know who he is, we are pleading with you to come forward. If you have any information about that evening, we are pleading with you to come forward,' Maho said.

'If you were on campus that night, or in Isla Vista, or you heard someone talk about this who may know something, please come forward. You may hold important information that can help bring peace to a family that is suffering greatly.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact 805-335-3851.
Harrods has become the latest in a string of major retailers to be targeted by cyber hackers.

The luxury London department store has been trying to fight off the attack after similar incidents in recent days at Marks and Spencer and the Co-op.

One customer reportedly told Sky News he had been unable to make a purchase at Harrods earlier today.

A Harrods spokesperson said: 'We recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems.

'Our seasoned IT security team immediately took proactive steps to keep systems safe, and as a result, we have restricted internet access at our sites today.

'Currently, all sites including our Knightsbridge store, H beauty stores and airport stores remain open to welcome customers.

'Customers can also continue to shop via harrods.com.

Harrods has become the latest in a string of prominent retailers to be targeted by cyber hackers (Stock image)

Scotland Yard detectives are probing the devastating IT meltdown at M&S thought to be caused by teenage hackers, it was reported this week

'We are not asking our customers to do anything differently at this point, and we will continue to provide updates as necessary.'

Harrods is understood to be using specialists to help fix and investigate the problem.

Scotland Yard detectives are probing the devastating IT meltdown at M&S thought to be caused by teenage hackers, it was reported this week.

A shadowy group operating under the name Scattered Spider was previously said to be behind the M&S attack, which has crippled the retailer for more than a week.

Detectives have been working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre and data watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Bosses at the retailer are said to have asked for help from experts at Microsoft as well as cyber security professionals CrowdStrike and Fenix24.
For years, many have wondered what life is like in Vladimir Putin's private Kremlin residence, to which only members of his guarded inner circle are granted access.

But, now the mystery of what lies behind the dictator's front door has finally been solved as he offered the public a first-ever glimpse inside his plush apartment.

In an unprecedented video the Russian leader can be seen chatting to a local journalist outside his home - near his office - before he reveals what's inside.

Putin opens his gold-plated door and says, 'Yes, this is the apartment. As you can see it's not far away,' before he invites the reporter, Zarubin, in.

The pair enter a grand hall adorned with gilded walls, large gold-framed mirrors, gold chandeliers, and exotic-looking plants.

A large portrait of Russian Emperor Alexander III is prominently positioned on a table, and several light-colored sofas sit in the room's centre.

There is also a white grand piano by the window, which Putin claims he rarely manages to play.

For years, many have wondered what life is like inside Vladimir Putin's private residence, to which only members of his guarded inner circle are granted access. But, now the mystery of what lies behind the dictator's front door has finally been solved as he offered the public a first-ever glimpse into his plush Kremlin apartment

In an unprecedented video the Russian leader can be seen chatting to a local journalist outside his home - which is near his office - before he reveals what's inside

Putin opens his gold-plated door and says, 'Yes, this is the apartment. As you can see it's not far away,' before he invites the reporter, named Zarubin, in

The pair enter a grand hall adorned with gilded walls, large gold-framed mirrors, gold chandeliers, and exotic looking plants

In further videos - which are extracts from a longer interview due to come out in Russia on May 4 - Putin also showed Zarubin a dark-wood-lined library, two bedrooms, and a small 'home church.'

Back in March 2023, in an interview for the propaganda program 'Moscow. Kremlin. Putin,' the dictator said that the informal part of negotiations with the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping took place in this apartment.

'We had a working lunch, and then I invited the chairman, as a friend, to move to another room.

'I have an apartment here [in the Kremlin], where I have been spending a lot of time lately, I work here and spend the night very often, so we moved there and, sitting by the fireplace and drinking tea, talked about everything slowly,' Putin said at the time.

The dictator's life of luxury stands in sharp contrast to the suffering endured by his soldiers on the brutal frontlines of Ukraine.

In March British intelligence claimed Russia has suffered the largest troop losses since World War Two during its invasion.

The Ministry of Defence said in its latest intelligence update that up to 250,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since Vladimir Putin began his war in February 2022.

Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin in his office inside the Kremlin

Pictured: President Xi Jinping (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) seen during their talks at the Grand Kremlin Palace, on March 21, 2023

The MoD added that despite the fact that Russia has, in total, 900,000 casualties since invading, 'Putin and the Russian military leadership [is] highly likely to prioritise their military objectives over the lives of Russian soldiers.'

The Kremlin apartment video comes after last year leaked footage revealed Putin has revamped his 1 billion clifftop palace, getting rid of his pole-dancing boudoir and installing a church with a 'throne' for his personal use.

The dictator, 71, was stung when investigative journalists working with Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation (FBK) discovered the gaudy Gelendzhik castle overlooking the Black Sea three years ago.

Amid a scandal over misuse of state funds, the Kremlin claimed it belonged instead to his childhood friend Arkady Rotenburg, 72, who told reporters he was creating a sumptuous 'apart-hotel'.

But Putin-watchers saw this as a smokescreen and a new leak appeared to show the changing tastes of the dictator amid an opulent makeover of the sprawling palace, which includes a 16-storey underground complex built into the cliff-face that has drawn comparisons with a James Bond villain's lair.

The dictator's life of luxury stands in sharp contrast to the suffering endured by his soldiers on the brutal frontlines of Ukraine. Pictured: Ukrainian firegighters extinguishing a fire at the site of a Russian drone attack in Kyiv

In March British intelligence claimed Russia has suffered the largest troop losses since World War Two during its invasion. Pictured: Residents are seen at the site of the apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike

The Kremlin apartment video comes after last year leaked footage revealed he has revamped his 1 billion clifftop palace, getting rid of his pole-dancing boudoir and installing a church with a 'throne' for his personal use. Pictured: Dug into the sprawling countryside of Gelendzhik, Putin's opulent 1billion palace

The dictator, 71, was stung when investigative journalists working with Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation (FBK) discovered the gaudy Gelendzhik castle overlooking the Black Sea three years ago. Last year a new leak appeared to show the changing tastes of the dictator amid an opulent makeover of the sprawling palace

The latest embarrassing disclosures about the palace came as Putin was inaugurated as Russian president for the fifth time following his 'victory' in a March 2024 election widely seen as rigged.

The Russian president's notorious striptease stage and pole-dancing hookah hall, casino, gaming room and 'aqua disco' - for which he was mocked and shamed in the 2021 disclosure - were out.

Commentators speculated the accoutrements were not in keeping with his recent push for Russians to embrace traditional values.

Out, too, was the garish gold ornaments and decorations noted in the previous expose of the palace.

Instead, the property has been furnished with a traditional church complete with its own wooden throne for Putin, along with sacred religious icons and images.

One depicts canonised Prince Vladimir the Great - the same name as Putin, and his historical hero - who more than one thousand years ago was credited with uniting Ukraine and Russia.

Commentators speculated the accoutrements were not in keeping with his recent push for Russians to embrace traditional values. Past renderings shared by Navalny's team show what was described as a private bar

Navalny's team previously shared a photo they claimed showed a strip pole in the house

As part of the new makeover, Putin had a gilded altar installed with decorative marble columns

'This is probably the only room where the name of the real owner of this palace is directly indicated,' said the investigation by outlets FBK - formerly associated with 'murdered' opposition leader Alexei Navalny - and independent Russian outlet Proekt.

Putin's personal church takes centre stage with a gilded altar, marble floor mural, and a wash of dark green patterns on the walls to provide a sensible, sober feel.

It is a world away from previously leaked computer generated images revealing plans for a hookah room in the palace, complete with strip pole and sofas.

Epic paintings of historical war scenes have appeared - showing a heroic Russia, for example at the 1812 Battle of Borodino when Napoleon suffered grievous losses.

One includes part of a prominent Kremlin painting called 'Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword!'
An ex-civil servant has appeared before a court to deny claiming to be a GCHQ intelligence analyst, the Cabinet Office's 'Head of Western Balkans', and a National Crime Agency chief of staff.

Ifthikhar Alam, 25, stood before Westminster Magistrates' Court today and entered not guilty pleas to three counts of fraud by false representation to gain employment.

Alam, formerly a Cabinet Office and National Crime Agency (NCA) employee, denied lying about his employment history between October 14, 2021, and February 4, 2025, by falsely representing he had been employed as an intelligence analyst for GCHQ.

Ifthikhar Alam, 25, pictured, stood before Westminster Magistrates' Court today and entered not guilty pleas to three counts of fraud by false representation to gain employment

Alam, formerly a Cabinet Office and National Crime Agency (NCA) employeen denied lying about his employment history between October 14, 2021, and February 4, 2025

The 25-year-old of Camberwell, south London, also pleaded not guilty to lying about his role and experience gained while working in the Cabinet Office, including about being its 'Head of Western Balkans' between February 25, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

Wearing a white shirt and navy jacket, Alam further denied lying about being chief of staff to the digital, data and technology director and to the technology director and senior manager in the investigatory powers unit for the NCA between January 8 2024 and April 30 2024.

The court was told the allegations concern his application for the role of deputy director at the Joint Maritime Security Centre, a government body which monitors threats around UK waters.

District Judge Annabel Pilling bailed Alam and he will next appear at a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on May 29.
by Kevin Lively

What this country needs is a good war., my Grandfather declared in 2008 while we were gathered at his table in Buffalo with Fox News playing in the background, the TV lit up red with crashing market charts. Its the only thing that will fix the economy he continued. No one pointed out that as these words were spoken, there were, put together, around 200,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, my grandfather was a good man, hard working, pious, and hardly prone to such statements. Yet, like many Americans who lived through the Great Depression, it was also deeply ingrained in his psyche that the event which led to prosperity during his adulthood, the greatness many are eager to return to, was also the bloodiest human driven catastrophe in history, WWII.

This is of course a widely accepted truism among US economists and historians, as the state departments Office of the Historian will tell you. It is also part of the cultural fabric to extol the moral virtues of this particular war, given that it destroyed a regime which essentially defines the modern conception of evil. Of course, as with everything else in history, some of this triumphalist patting ourselves on the back is white-washed. It turns out there was more support in the USA for Nazism before the war than is often remembered, including in the business arrangements of the Bush dynastys progenitor. This should not be too surprising given that leading medical journal editors in the USA were urging that the public be persuaded on moral grounds to adopt similar eugenics policies as the Nazis enforced in the 1930s.

In any case, the other accepted truism about this turn of events is that America, as the victorious industrial superpower, realized that its isolationism had only helped lead to the calamity. Therefore, like it or not, it must shoulder the burden of power, stand against the rising communist threat to make the world safe for democracy, and establish the Pax Americana which we have enjoyed since.

As with any good myth, much of this is true. Modern Germany and Japan are prosperous democracies (mostly) at peace with their neighbors and have undergone an unbelievable cultural transformation away from their Prussian and Bushido imperial pasts. The Marshall plan and the extraordinary decision to forgive subsequent German debts was an inarguable moral good to the starving and bombed populations of Europe. I would even go further and say this was a just reparation for the choice to strategically bomb civilian populations. After entrenching the occupation of Europe and East Asia, and shifting to a quasi-permanent war economy, employment and economic activity did boom throughout the 1950s and 60s, not only in the USA but in the newly allied countries. Indeed, life in western democracies is better for most people most of the time than in our authoritarian counterparts, and we do have freedom of movement, association and speech, mostly. Furthermore, despite what are probably hundreds of close calls with the complete destruction of civilization, we have nonetheless not had a conflict as destructive as WWI or WWII for 80 years.

But, as with any myth, the magnanimity of the protagonists and the nobility of their achievements begin to break down upon closer inspection. Beyond the primacy of our moral imperative as citizens of ostensible democracies, inspection of the reality of the structure of post-war power is timely at this juncture. Given that the oft-cited phrase of Fukuyama seems itself at its own end, we are apparently on the verge of re-starting history. Although a casual glance through the headlines may serve to convince you that point, allow me to contextualize the mood of the defense sector specifically.

The moves towards re-industrialization, especially of of critical supply chains, which were pursued by both the Biden and Trump administrations goes beyond a desire to have us all employed making sneakers by the end of the year. In fact it likely has much more to do with military concerns. After supplying both Ukraine and Israels armies simultaneously, the defense establishment has been in a furor about the capacity for domestic production. Ukraine burned through one years worth of artillery ammunition production in eight weeks and the Center for Strategic and International Studies predicts that the USA would run out of munitions in a conflict with China over Taiwan in one week. Simultaneously the Pentagon has been screaming about the Davidson Window, claiming  based on the testimony of one admiral  that China is preparing for conflict by 2027 and further asserting that their shipbuilding capacity exceeds Americas by 232 times (so long as one generously mixes civilian and military statistics).

Anyone familiar with the usual ploys of the defense sector to stir up business for itself, from the non-existent bomber and missile gaps to Colin Powells (willing or unwitting) lies to the UN will at this point be reaching for a glass of water to wash down the kilos of salt that such statements must be taken with. But there is clearly something to be said for the role of manufacturing capacity to win wars, given that this competitive advantage is widely regarded to be the main reason the US backed allies won the war after the initial advantage of German and Japanese blitzkrieg wore off. For those who scoff at the notion of actually fighting a hot war between nuclear armed powers I would remind you that, rightly or wrongly, credibility in international relations is defined as the capacity to act on threats and that such threats unfortunately seem to form the basis for otherwise civil relations between countries, at least so far as the security planners with actual decision making powers are concerned. So this story is not so much about the actual use of violence between countries actually capable of fighting each other at length, so much as the credible threat of a capacity for violence should a prolonged conflict break out.

One sector of the American business community which is leaping in to grab their share of the nearly $1 trillion proposed defense budget is the dragons hoard of Venture Capital (VC) markets in Silicon Valley. This is, apparently, a relatively novel development which is likely coming from decades of low taxes and outsized capital flow into tech companies and their founders, whose resources far outstrip the R&D spending of traditional defense primary contractors. Jeff Bezos for example has cited the VC sector in the USA as the primary reason why the largest tech firms are essentially all American. Reluctance in the valley to invest in or work for defense contracts such as Google employees striking in 2018 over Project Maven  an AI project for the Pentagon  has been waning and companies willing to step in such as Peter Thiels Palantir have been filling the gap.

Palantir was founded in 2003 and focuses on dual-use AI, trained across economic sectors in order to commoditize large language models such that client companies can attain enterprise autonomy i.e. AI empowered to quasi-independently produce wealth. In the stated philosophy of the outspoken CEO Alex Karp and CTO Shyam Sankar the civilian applications are a subsidy in order to support the primary focus of Palantir which is to power the West to its obvious, innate superiority, through its central client, the US defense department, which is a moral stance since we are at war with China in the form of an AI arms race. Apparently this is a successful strategy as since its public listing in 2024, Palantir has surpassed the market cap of the other five prime defense contractors: Lockheed-Martin, Northrup-Grumman, General Dynamics, RTX and Boeing.

This is according to Sankars screed, The 18 Theses of the Defense Reformation: nail[ed to the] Pentagon Metro entrance not because I hate the Department and my nation, but because I love them profoundly, where he lays out proposals to streamline defense spending and increase innovation. To be clear Im not giving a knee-jerk criticism of this stance, many critiques brought up here, such as cost-plus contracts, are shared by institutions critical of Pentagon spending. However, the exploding number of defense tech companies, and their open enthusiasm for AI integrated lethal systems such as the tech stack that Anduril is developing (I would very strongly encourage you to actually click on this particular link and watch the CEO for a minute or two discussing some of this tech to get a serious idea of what I mean) should be cause for reasoned, rational discussion in public. When VC investors are saying that a potential problem for the defense tech sector is that we will not be able to develop Skynet, which is the goal, then we are well past the point where we should be asking Why are we developing this weaponry? and demanding oversight for how it will actually be deployed in our name.

This brings me back to the questioning of the myth of the Pax Americana I raised before. What was it that really drove US policy planners, senators and presidents to build and maintain a uniquely American system of overseas military bases, at least three times as many as all other countries combined, which by 2021 numbered around 750 spread across 80 countries? By comparison, China, whom I trust you are now dutifully afraid of, has five. If its for supporting democracy then why are at least 45 of our host countries cited as non-democratic and 19 of them considered fully authoritarian? How much peace was there really when during the Korean war, US bombers ran out of targets to strike, maybe up to 3.8 million people were killed in Indochina throughout the US intervention there, tens of thousands were killed and tortured by the CIA backed Contras in Nicauragua throughout the 1980s, up to a half a million children were starved in Iraq through the 1990s by US sanctions, and maybe a million more civilians killed in Iraq during the US occupation? This is only cases where there is direct US intervention, ignoring the long list of US backed coups, dictators and massacres.

Obviously there were atrocities in Soviet Russia, Cambodia, and many, many other places but as a basic moral rule, actors are responsible primarily for their own actions and therefore US citizens, living in an ostensible democracy, should at a minimum be aware of this history and its implications for present and future US foreign policy. Unfortunately we only have sporadically leaked or decades-old declassified documents to go off of, but the story of American hegemony as seen from the planners themselves is much different than that which my and possibly your grandfather may have believed. More on that next time.

***

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The new firebrand boss of a teaching union has indicated he will fight for his job following a legal challenge to his appointment.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT, claimed the outcry over his post was due to a hatchet job by the media and the Tories.

Yesterday, as the union was forced to invite other candidates to run against him, he suggested he will battle to the end for the role.

Mr Wrack, who led the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) for 20 years and has no teaching experience, has been described as overly combative by ministers.

He was also previously accused of downplaying anti-Semitism in the Labour party under the leadership of his ally, Jeremy Corbyn.

However, the Left-wing executive of the union gave him the job unopposed while blocking a second more moderate candidate from running against him.

Earlier this week, the union was forced by lawyers to reopen nominations  meaning Mr Wrack could be usurped if other candidates get enough local branch nominations.

He has now been given the title of acting general secretary, pending the closing of the new nominations period.

The new firebrand boss of a teaching union has indicated he will fight for his job following a legal challenge to his appointment (pictured: NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack)

Matt Wrack (pictured right), general secretary of the NASUWT, claimed the outcry over his post was due to a 'hatchet job' by the media and the Tories

Today, as the union was forced to invite other candidates to run against him, Mr Wrack (pictured) suggested he will battle to the end for the role.

Yesterday, Mr Wrack claimed there was some coordination in the media criticism against him.

He told The Guardian: Its about trying to do a hatchet job on me because they dont want effective trade unionism.

He added former Tory ministers Michael Gove and Damian Green didnt like him after they accused him of being militant and frightening, respectively.

There seems to be quite a determined effort to portray me in a certain way, he added.

The idea that I simply want strikes is ludicrous and, frankly, a bit daft.

During the interview, he also dismissed claims he does not have enough experience to lead a teaching union, saying neither do many secretaries of state or senior civil servants.

And amid speculation that he could stand aside, Mr Wrack said he would remain the official candidate of the unions executive.

This ruling body has the power to nominate their favourite candidate, who can only be challenged if someone else gets the approval of 25 local branches.

The NASUWT had to U-turn on his appointment after lawyers for Neil Butler (pictured at the High Court this week), the unions national officer for Wales, said he was unfairly blocked from running.

Ive simply been informed by the national executive that I remain the nominee of the national executive, he said.

Asked if he had done the right thing by standing despite failing to be re-elected as FBU general secretary, he said: Ive made my decisions. I stand by them.

The process will be what the process will be. And none of the criticisms are going to affect my personal outlook on life or on politics.

In his wide-ranging interview, he also denied he was friends with the Left-wing National Education Unions General Secretary, Daniel Kebede.

And he also denied he had ever downplayed antisemitism, saying: Im not a Zionist but I believe in a two-state solution.

The NASUWT was forced to U-turn on his appointment after lawyers for Neil Butler, the unions national officer for Wales, said he was unfairly blocked from running.

He had been stopped because he was a staffer rather than a member, despite having previously been a teacher member for 30 years.

Now Mr Butler will set about getting the local branch approvals needed for him to force an election against the executives preferred candidate.
A convicted child rapist and his partner who ran a global black market prescription drugs empire which raked in more than 4million were jailed today.

The colossal criminal enterprise masterminded by Christopher Templeman, 38, and 39-year-old Lisa Harper from a rented shipping container in Cumbria operated for almost three years.

At one stage their local post office had to employ two extra staff due to the volume of packages Harper was sending all over the world.

She tried to avoid arousing suspicion by saying she was running a booming pet care business.

After being tipped off by US law enforcement, British police traced the pair - who had attempted to cover their tracks by paying suppliers in cryptocurrency.

They raided warehouses and seized unregulated pharmaceutical drugs weighing hundreds of kilos - including enough diazepam painkillers to supply the whole of NHS England for more than a month.

Today a judge jailed them both, saying the pair were 'drug dealers' who had made 'massive profits'.

City of London Police began a probe amid referrals by US Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies, a court heard today.

In 2021 they followed two suspects to Templeman's address in Carlisle where they dropped off numerous cardboard boxes.

Lisa Harper, 39, left, and partner Christopher Templeman, 38, right, raked in over 4million from a global black market prescription drugs empire

A product list of the black market pharmaceuticals supplied by Lisa Harper and Christopher Templeman from a rented shipping container in Carlisle

When police raided the warehouse they found unregulated pharmaceutical drugs weighing hundreds of kilos - including enough diazepam painkillers to supply the whole of NHS England for more than a month

He was arrested and his devices were examined.

While no drugs were found, boxes of padded envelopes were recovered.

Analysis revealed he was a customer of a London organised crime group and used cryptocurrency to pay suppliers.

In one message Templeman wrote: 'So easy to pay to India etc this way bro and can't be traced.'

They established that he had been illegally offering prescription drugs for sale from the Carlisle Black Market Traders Facebook group and an Instagram page.

In late 2022 Templeman was recalled to prison to serve the remainder of indeterminate sentence imposed in 2009 having raped a child aged 12.

At that stage, Harper took over running the racket for around a fortnight.

In one message she stated: 'I'm boss man's partner. I'm stepping in.

'I'm happy to take your order.'

Officers covertly followed Harper to a 30ft rented shipping container in Carlisle.

'On entering it, the police found a business involving the worldwide supply of unregulated pharmaceutical drugs being run from within,' prosecutor Gerard Rogerson told Carlisle Crown Court today.

'There was a makeshift office, furniture and a gas fire, along with packing supplies and tin foil aimed at defeating customs X-Ray equipment.'

Prescription medication weighed in at 724kg and, a police expert concluded, could be worth over 1.5million.

Much stock originated from genuine India-based pharmaceutical manufacturers  intended for legitimate export, but stolen and redirected to the black market.

Over 18 months she had made daily visits to three Carlisle post offices with huge numbers of pill-laden parcels, spending a staggering 94,000 on postage.

Harper told suspicious staff the packages contained pet products - and that business was so good she had earned enough to consider retiring.

'Such was her regularity as a customer and the volume of her business that the post office had to employ two additional staff just to serve Lisa Harper,' said Mr Rogerson.

Parcels were sent to Qatar, Australia, France, Canada and Norway.

In the shipping container was sufficient diazepam tablets to supply all English NHS prescriptions for 37 days, and enough of anti-anxiety drug pregabalin to cover an area with a population of one million for three months.

Financial enquiries revealed business income in excess of 4.1million over a three-year period.

The court heard that a man aged 19 had died in Scotland in August 2022, from multi-drug toxicity with a cocktail of prescription drugs found in his system.

He had been a very recent customer of the pair's site.

However, Mr Rogerson stressed that nothing outlined by the prosecution 'should be seen as attributing the death directly to Christopher Templeman'.

The pair's makeshift office inside a rented shipping container featured a gas fire, packing supplies and tin foil aimed at defeating customs X-Ray equipment

Jailing Lisa Harper and Christopher Templeman today, a judge said they had been motivated by 'massive, massive profit'

Templeman and Harper both admitted conspiracy to supply class A, B and mainly C controlled drugs  many of them painkillers  and possessing criminal property.

Paul Wood, mitigating for Harper, said: 'They may have been in it together.'

But he argued that she was 'less involved' than Templeman and 'deeply regrets what she has done'.

Judge Michael Fanning said the pair were 'drug dealers' even though they were selling prescription medication.

He added: 'The reason you did so is simple - massive, massive profit.'

Templeman was handed a nine-year prison sentence, and Harper a six-year jail term.

Afterwards Detective Constable Tim Prangnell, from the Cumberland Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: 'The offending of Christoper Templeman and Lisa Harper was vast and far reaching.

'From their base in Carlisle in Cumbria, they distributed industrial volumes of drugs through both postal services and in person.

'These drugs were sent to worldwide destinations, to both other wholesale drug dealers and those individuals caught in their own drug addictions.

'That these were manufactured drugs, designed to be supplied by medically trained and appropriately qualified persons, does not in any way detract from the seriousness of their crimes.

'Cumbria Constabulary recognise the serious risk of harm that the illegal sale of controlled and prescription only medications, such as pregablin, diazepam and tapentadol, present to the wider community, and will robustly investigate and seek the prosecution of anyone engaged in the supply of such drugs.

'We welcome the sentences handed down by the court today, in reflecting the seriousness of the offending, and we will continue working with the Crown Prosecution Service to deprive both defendants of the significant benefits of their illegal trade, much of which has been frozen by the CPS Proceeds of Crime Unit since their arrests.'
Heartless North Carolina men recorded as they set a vulnerable opossum ablaze in a gut-wrenching act of animal cruelty they proudly blasted online.

The disturbing clip that circulated on Facebook last week showed the live animal being doused with fuel before the culprits set it on fire - seemingly amused with what they have done.

After sharing the hard-to-watch footage, horrified viewers began reporting the incident to agencies including the FBI and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission has launched an investigation into the April 24 video that quickly caught traction for all the wrong reasons.

'Thank you to everybody who has contacted Crime Stoppers and sent tips about the animal cruelty incident involving the possum on Facebook,' Charlotte Crime Stoppers wrote on X.

'At this point, we have enough information to move forward, we dont need any more tips. Thank you again for your support.'

Although nothing has been filed yet, authorities say this will likely result in felony charges against the animal abusers.

'It's under investigation, but this is looking like it's going to be a felony matter of animal cruelty, Kristofer Blankenship, a senior officer with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, told WCNC.

Heartless North Carolina men recorded as they set a vulnerable opossum ablaze in a gut-wrenching act of animal cruelty they proudly blasted online

The disturbing clip that circulated on Facebook last week showed the live animal being doused with fuel before the culprits set it on fire

Kristofer Blankenship, a senior officer with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (pictured) said this could lead to felony charges

In the state, animal cruelty is a Class H felony. Class H felonies have a maximum potential sentence of 39 months in prison.

Investigators believe at least three people were involved. Their names have not been released.

Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy declared they will give a $5,000 reward to anyone that has information that will lead to an arrest and charges against those involved, according to FOX 8.

'This isnt just animal cruelty  its a public safety issue,' the animal groups told the outlet.

Although the original video appears to have been taken down from Facebook, a Charlotte man shared an alarming image of the opossum's charred carcass two days after it was uploaded.

He seemingly captioned the post with fake funeral details. It is unconfirmed if he is connected to the incident or not.

He also shared several statements referring to the opossum situation, calling out his followers for reporting the content.

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission has launched an investigation into the April 24 video that quickly caught traction for all the wrong reasons

A man shared an alarming image of the opossum's charred carcass two days after it was uploaded

'Damn The possum Brought All The Police A** Mfs Out I Thought Yall Dont Snitch,' he wrote.

Another man from Charlotte has also been publicly discussing the investigation.

In a series of posts, he wrote: 'They wanna see me with a life sentence over a damn opossum.

'The whole internet in a frenzy over a possum this world bout crazy ash.

'And guess what the police did when they pull up and left?? THEY LEFT THE DAMN POSSUM.'

He also shared a video of the dead animal after it was set on fire, writing 'medium rare come get you some.'

The two men are connected, as they have tagged and interacted with each other on social media.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission for comment.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his team found a dossier that the previous administration was keeping on one of President Donald Trump's top officials.

The public revelation made at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting sparked immediate outrage over those furious over what the claim was former President Joe Biden's 'spy' activity on American citizens and Trump allies.

Rubio said that there was a whole office dedicated within Biden's State Department to monitoring Americans public and social media activity with the purpose of identifying individuals as 'vectors of misinformation.'

'We had an office in the Department of State whose job it was to censor Americans,' Rubio said.

'There's at least one person at this table today who had a dossier in that building of social media posts to identify them as purveyors of disinformation,' he added.

Secretary Rubio did not identify the individual on whom the State Department compiled a dossier  but said they would be informed after the meeting and could share with the public if they felt compelled.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that Biden's State Department had a dossier on at least one of President Donald Trump's top officials

He said Biden's State Department had a whole office dedicated to monitoring Americans' social media activity to identify 'vectors of misinformation'

'I'm not gonna say who it is, I'll leave it up to them.'

Vice President J.D. Vance suggested in jest at Wednesday's meeting that the dossier was like kept on him or 'first buddy' and DOGE boss Elon Musk.

'Was it me or Elon?' he quipped, sparking laughter around the table.

Rubio replied with: 'Well, we are going to turn over these dossiers to the individuals and they'll decide whether they want to disclose it or not.'

While the Cabinet official who was targeted by the issuer is still not known a day after the meeting, there were previous reports claiming the Biden administration was spying on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Additionally, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) claimed in August  three months before the 2024 election  that the former congresswoman and Democrat-turned-independent was on a TSA list that identifies potential flight threats.

'I have been told Mrs. Gabbard has been placed on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) watchlist under a program known as 'Quiet Skies'. I find this profoundly troubling for a number of reasons,' Burchett in the letter last year.

Reports emerged in early August 2024 that whistleblowers with the Federal Air Marshal Service came forward with information claiming Gabbard, who was running for president and later aligned herself with Trump, was enrolled in the TSA's Quiet Skies program.

'Quiet Skies' is a suspected terrorist watchlist that flags these fliers even if they aren't on the 'No Fly' list.

Rubio did not name who the officials was that had a dossier on them in the office, but it's already been reported that Biden's team was spying on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and had her on the TSA 'Quiet Skies' list

A spokesperson for Gabbard did not reply to Daily Mail's request for comment on whether the dossier was in regards to Trump's Director of National Intelligence.

Some on social media expressed their shock over Rubio's disclosure of the secretive office.

'Holy s***,' one wrote, with another adding: 'SHOCKING.'

One user speculated: 'I think every Trump supporter has been censored at some point.'

Another pro-Trump X account wrote 'scary stuff.'

'The Democrats do not care about your Constitutional rights,' the same user added, writing: 'Meanwhile, they were perfectly fine violating US citizen's rights over J6 and ruining lives, simply because they don't agree with your politics.'

'The Constitution only matters when they think it benefits them politically. Don't ever forget that.'
A Florida couple took their elderly cat with them on a hike in Utah, but after ignoring warning signs only one of them made it out alive.

The bodies of Matthew Nannen, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, were discovered Tuesday by park visitors in Bryce Canyon National Park after they fell about 380ft below Inspiration Point, according to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office.

The couple, who appeared to be living out of a U-Haul truck, are believed to have fallen to their deaths on either Monday night or early Tuesday morning, police said.

Although there was a railing at the top of the cliff, police said Nannen and Crane climbed over it. There was also snow in the area that made for slippery conditions.

When their bodies were located, authorities also found a female tabby cat inside a ripped and dirty black soft-sided carrier, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary said.

The cat, who has since been named Mirage, appeared to have fallen with her owners but 'seemed to have weathered the fall fairly well,' the no-kill shelter told the outlet.

When Mirage was brought to the shelter, she was 'matted and a bit sore,' but during her examination she was very friendly.

Judah Battista, the chief sanctuary officer with the shelter, told DailyMail.com Mirage suffered two fractured canines and two fractured ribs from the fall.

A Florida couple, Matthew Nannen, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, tragically died after falling off Inspiration Point at Bryce Canyon National Park with their elderly tabby cat (pictured)

Although there was a railing at the top of the cliff, police said Nannen and Crane climbed over it. There was also snow in the area that made for slippery conditions. (Pictured: File photo of Bryce Canyon National Park)

Right now, the team there is focused on 'getting her well and providing a safe and loving space for Mirage.'

When asked if they would put her up for adoption down the road, Battista said the shelter plans to see if any of the couple's extended family would like to take her in first. If not, they plan to have her adopted.

Video and images shared by the shelter showed several employees taking great care of Mirage and nursing her back to health.

Battista said they have taken animals in before that have been a part of horrible incidents, but the shelter has never seen anything 'quite as dramatic as this.'

Nannen and Crane had just made their way to Utah from Arizona and are permanent residents of Florida, authorities said.

The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

'Detectives are considering all possibilities, but preliminary investigations have not been able to definitively determine the cause of the fall,' the sheriff's office told KUTV.

DailyMail.com contacted the Garfield County Sheriff's Office and Bryce Canyon National Park for more information.

Judah Battista, the chief sanctuary officer with the shelter, told DailyMail.com Mirage (pictured) suffered two fractured canines and two fractured ribs from the fall

When their bodies were located, authorities also found the female tabby cat inside a ripped and dirty black soft-sided carrier (pictured)

Inspiration Point is known to give spectators a 'birds-eye view of the world's largest collection of rock spires called "hoodoos" found within the Bryce Amphitheater,' according to the national park.

News of this tragedy comes just months after a beloved and heavily-pregnant California school teacher died after falling while on a hiking trip in Greece.

Clara Thomann, 33, had been traveling through Plakias, Crete, with her partner Elliott Finn when she fell during a hike and died on December 23.

Thomann, from Santa Barbara, was six months pregnant at the time, according to SFGate. She was also a teacher at the Dos Pueblos High School.

According to The Greek Reporter, she had slipped and tumbled 50 meters down a gorge from a hiking trail near the Preveli Monastery in the Rethymno region.

Video and images shared by the shelter showed several employees taking great care of Mirage and nursing her back to health

When asked if they would put her up for adoption down the road, Battista said the shelter plans to see if any of the couple's extended family would like to take her in first

The outlet reported that she was pronounced brain dead less than a week after the fall, which caused her to suffer major injuries to her skull and chest.

Tragically Thomann lost her unborn child in the fall, with 21 firefighters and rescue teams battling to reach her from what was described as an inaccessible spot.

Her family traveled to the country to visit her before her death, with Veronica Katz writing on her CaringBridge page, seen by SFGate, that she 'loved helping and teaching others.'

According to her social media, she had worked as a physics teacher. Her family have announced they would be donating her organs.
The near-constant Republican infighting in the House of Representatives has opened up a new front.

Speaker Mike Johnson is now defending his flank from New York Republican Elise Stefanik because the New York congresswoman is upset at him for seemingly tanking her nomination to be Trump's ambassador to the United Nations.

The president pulled her bid after consulting with her and the speaker via conference call, a New York Times report details.

Aides close to Stefanik blame Johnson with delaying her nomination, slow-walking the process until her nomination was killed, the report states.

Johnson has publicly aired his stress over the razor-thin House Republican majority. Stefanik staying in the House helps Johnson pad his votes that will certainly come down to a few votes as he works to pass Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' this year.

Losing out on the U.N. role means the Albany native missed her chance, at least for now, to live in the luxurious ambassador's $15 million penthouse residence.

Trump tapped Michael Waltz, who he had just ousted as national security adviser, to be the next ambassador to the U.N. on Thursday.

Waltz vacated his previous Cabinet post after accidentally leaking attack plans targeting the Houthis to a journalist.

Taking her feud public this week, Stefanik publicly slapped down reports indicating that she and the speaker spoke in private about launching a bid for New York governor.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., publicly called out Speaker Mike Johnson this week for incorrectly stating the two had spoken in private about her potential bid for New York governor. Her aides recently told the New York Times that they blame Johnson for tanking her nomination to be Trump's ambassador to the U.N.

Johnson only has a few vote majority in the House, meaning just a few unruly GOP members which pose a threat to getting Trump's legislative agenda passed

Mike Waltz was tapped to be Trump's ambassador to the U.N. on Thursday

'This is not true,' she wrote in response to a report indicating Johnson was 'having conversations' about the governor's race with her.

'I have had no conversations with the Speaker regarding the Governor's race,' she continued.

Stefanik has not yet announced whether she will run for governor.

The speaker reportedly called Stefanik and corrected himself to reporters after the online spat.

Her clear split with Johnson stands in stark contrast to the New Yorker's prior support of the speaker.

The Republicans met on Wednesday to speak in private, Politico reported, with Johnson calling the meeting a 'totally friendly, collegial thing.'

Before she was nominated to the ambassador's role, Stefanik was the number four House Republican, serving as conference chair until the November election.

A staunch Trump ally, Stefanik further ingratiated herself into the president's orbit after eviscerating Ivy League university presidents for allowing antisemitism to spread on campus in the wake of the October 7 attack.

The congresswoman, a Harvard graduate, shared such a fiery exchange with former Harvard president Claudine Gay that the academic, along with several others, would soon opt to resign for their defending anti-Israel demonstrations.

Trump and Stefanik have a warm relationship and the president has invited her to several campaign events

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., smiles as President-elect Donald Trump acknowledges her as House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., applauds, at a meeting with House Republicans in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024

Having achieved a high-profile name for herself in the House, Stefanik relinquished her aspirations for ambassador with Trump's backing.

After dropping her bid the president posted on Truth Social Stefanik would resume her prior leadership role.

But Johnson demurred on restoring her to the post, which prompted a bitter phone call between the two where Johnson tried to placate the congresswoman by admitting he has a lot of members angry at him, the Times reported.

'Im the angriest one,' she shot back, according to the outlet.

After the tense call Johnson appointed the New Yorker as chairwoman of House Republican leadership.

The New Yorker is also far from the only GOP personality Johnson has had to deal with.

The speaker has also gotten into public feuds with the conservative House Freedom Caucus, libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Tenn., firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and more during his tenure.

Johnson, for his part, has likened his job to being a firefighter where he constantly has to put out embers of concern before they brew into a full-blown blaze.
A delusional mother scolded jurors for convicting her son of murder too quickly during a bizarre courtroom outburst.

Valerie Ross moaned to the court after her son Demetrice Ross and his accomplice Brandon Williams were found guilty of murdering Thomas Arnold.

Arnold, 60, was shot and killed while walking on the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile loop around the city, in February of 2022.

Ross and Williams were found guilty on Wednesday of killing Arnold after attempting to rob him, the court heard. They didn't now their victim prior to his brutal murder.

The two will spend the rest of their lives in prison without the possibility of parole, with Ross' mother addressing the jury after their sentencing was handed down.

Valerie Ross turned and faced the jury, saying: 'I believe in my heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, my son Demetrice Ross is innocent.'

She gesticulated dramatically during the bizarre utterance.

Ross also criticized the jury, saying that they did not take enough time to arrive at their decision while vowing to appeal the decision, according to WSBTV.

Williams' mom added: 'I know the truth. I wasn't there, but I know the truth. He's not going to lie to me.'

Thomas Arnold was shot and killed while walking on the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile loop around the city, in February of 2022

Valerie Ross had addressed the court after her son Demetrice Ross and his accomplice Brandon Williams were found guilty of murdering Arnold

Prosecutors had pinned the actual shooting on Williams, the pair were both found guilty on charges of malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm.

Prior to being gunned down, Arnold had spent the evening with friends at a restaurant and had been heading home when he was murdered.

His body was found the next morning near the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Bernina Avenue.

Arnold was a longtime resident of the Poncey-Highland neighborhood, and was known to walk the Beltline.

He was known in the area for his volunteering work and was a keen cyclist. Following his death a white cross and yellow bike were placed in his honor on the Beltline.

His brother-in-law Ronald Gainor spoke on behalf of the family after the trial formerly ended.

Gainor said: 'Its really been tough on my wife. There has not been a day thats gone by that she hasnt thought about this.'

He also described his in-law as being a loving uncle who liked to travel and whitewater rafting, as well as volunteering to help foster dogs.

Ross, blue shirt, and Williams, black jacket, were found guilty on Wednesday of killing Arnold after attempting to rob him

Prosecutors had pinned the actual shooting on Williams, left, the pair were both found guilty on charges of malice murder

In sentencing them to life without parole, Fulton County Judge Craig Schwall said: 'Your repugnant and depraved conduct has earned you the certainty that each of you will perish in prison

'This was a cold and calculated murder. These defendants' conduct was devoid of morality.

'And it was willful and intentional without any concern whatsoever for the value of human life, all human life.'

Williams was first arrested by cops less than a month after the shooting, as they continued to look for Ross, who they arrested a few days later.

The two were seen on surveillance footage alongside another suspect, Ahmir Rosario, who was never arrested and has since died, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Lawyers representing Williams and Ross attempted to pin the shooting on Rosario, and said the prosecution's case was based on a poor investigation.

They also argued that it wasn't an attempted to robbery, noting that Arnold's watch and wallet were still on his person, according to the outlet.

Just a month before the shooting Williams was released from state prison after three years into a 10-year sentence for a burglary. He was to spend 7 years on probation.
A man accused of murdering his wife said if she ever returned home he would make her a cup of tea, run her a bath and contact the police - while her body lay in a shallow grave in their home, a court has heard.

Richard Satchwell, 58, is accused of murdering his wife Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in Co Cork between March 19 and March 20 in 2017.

The jury in his trial has been shown lengthy media interviews he did in the months after she disappeared.

The husband, from Grattan Street in Youghal, denies murdering his wife.

Mrs Satchwell's remains were found buried beneath a concrete floor under a set of stairs in the family home in October 2023.

Mr Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester, formally reported his wife missing on May 11, 2017, weeks after he told police she had left their family home.

He has repeatedly said he believed his wife left because she needed some time on her own.

The jury in his trial at Central Criminal Court in Dublin is being shown 14 broadcast interviews he did in the year after she went missing.

In a lengthy interview with Neil Prendeville of RedFM on March 12, 2018, he told the presenter that if his wife walked through the door of their home, he would welcome her back, make her a cup of tea, run her a bath and contact police.

Richard Satchwell, 58, (centre) is accused of murdering his wife Tina at the home they shared in Co Cork

Tina Satchwell's remains were found buried beneath a concrete floor under a set of stairs in the family home in October 2023

He also said he would leave Youghal and go away for at least a month.

The presenter offered Mr Satchwell the chance to take part in a lie detector test during the show, however he refused saying he had not slept all week and was taking medication.

He also claimed to have promised another journalist to take part in a test as soon as he felt well again.

He said he had nothing to hide about his wife's disappearance and said he tried to keep things 'going as normal' in their home.

Asked if he was angry at her disappearance, Mr Satchwell told the presenter that he was 'disappointed' as he spent his life 'trying to give her everything'.

Mr Satchwell sat in court with his eyes fixed on the floor and his head in his hand as the recordings were played.

During the media interview, recorded almost a year after he told police that she had left their family home, he said he would be 'an emotional wreck' if they found her body, adding that he 'wouldn't last six months'.

He said he prays for her return and sits at home waiting for the phone to ring.

The defendant told the presenter that he served a month in jail following a conviction for welfare fraud, adding that he would rather be back in prison than dealing with Ms Satchwell's disappearance.

Mr Satchwell has repeatedly said he believed his wife left because she needed some time on her own

In an interview with RTE's Prime Time, aired on March 16, 2018, he told presenter Barry Cummins that he only ever held his wife in a 'loving manner'.

'I have bought anniversary, birthday and Christmas presents that I have yet to give her,' he said.

'I have presents and cards that I have kept for her for the day she comes back.'

In an interview with Susan Keogh of Today FM on March 18, 2018, days before the first anniversary of her disappearance, he was asked how he would mark the day.

'Just stay in the house and cry for the day,' he replied.

Earlier, Mr Satchwell said he was 'innocent of any wrongdoing' about the disappearance of his wife, saying he believed she was still alive during media interviews in 2017.

In an interview with RTE's Crimecall, he spoke directly to the camera through tears, begging his wife to come home.

Mr Satchwell also claimed his wife was 'too much in love with herself' to harm herself.

In an interview with Paul Byrne, formerly of Virgin Media News, in late November 2018, Mr Satchwell said he had never 'laid a finger' on his wife, saying the most he had done was holding her tight and 'loving the bones of her'.

Asked if he had killed his wife, he replied: 'Never. I have never laid a finger on her.'

In a separate interview with RTE on July 14, 2017, he described himself as a broken man.

When allegations of wrongdoing were put to him by the journalist, Mr Satchwell protested his innocence, saying he was willing to take a lie detector test.

'I am innocent. I am innocent of any wrongdoing,' he said.

In a separate interview with RTE, Mr Satchwell said he did not think his wife was dead, adding that he believed one day she would come back.

'I believe there is somebody out there who does know where she is,' he said.

Mr Satchwell told Ireland AM on March 8, 2018 that he did not want to think that his wife was dead and was 'not strong enough' to cope with the possibility of that scenario.

He said he 'knows somebody' out there helped his wife leave Youghal.

'They should be ashamed of themselves for the stress they have caused to me and the family,' Mr Satchwell added.

During an appeal to his wife on Crimecall in the months after her disappearance, the truck driver asked her to 'come home', adding that his arms were open and their pets were missing her.

Weeping into the camera, he said he could not go on not knowing what happened to her.

Describing the morning she disappeared, Mr Satchwell claimed he was plastering a wall at the bottom of the stairs when she came down shortly after 9am.

He also told a reporter that his family was upset about their relationship and of his choice to go out with Ms Satchwell.

'They pretty much hate the Irish,' Mr Satchwell added.

In a separate interview, he said his family 'had their reasons' to hate Irish people, stating that 'all we heard about was the IRA' in school.

In a TV interview with Prime Time Investigates in January 2018, he showed the presenter their family pets, including a parrot, Valentine, and two dogs, Ruby and Heidi.

The court also heard Ms Satchwell's voice for the first time after video footage was played during a media appeal, in which she speaks to their now dead parrot, Pearl.

Mr Satchwell tells the reporter that the parrot died in the January before his wife disappeared.

He said they were very upset and 'cried for weeks', and had a post-mortem examination carried out on the parrot.

Mr Satchwell also pointed out an unopened bottle of Cava he had bought her for their 25th anniversary after she disappeared.

The trial continues.
An adorable eight-month-old stray kitten was evicted from the Texas library that sheltered her after a fuming local complained.

The tiny feline named Pepper was kicked out of the Pioneer Memorial Library in Fredericksburg on April 15, reported KENS 5.

Pepper had been residing at the library for an undisclosed amount of time when she was discovered by furious locals who did not want her there.

Community members in a private local Facebook group questioned why a publicly funded library would keep an animal that could trigger patrons' allergies, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

The decision to evict the colorful and seemingly cross-eyed kitty out sparked fierce backlash from animal lovers and thousands signed a petition to get her to stay.

'Pepper, a beloved rescue cat, has brought joy and comfort to Pioneer Memorial Library goers,' one Change.org petition with over 9,000 signatures said.

'Pepper is not just a cat; she's become an essential part of our community. She provides companionship to library goers, fosters a welcoming environment, and encourages younger visitors to engage with the library.'

Despite her supporters' objections, Pepper was officially evicted from the library in a closed door meeting by the Gillespie County Commissioners Court.

Pepper (pictured) had been residing at the library for an undisclosed amount of time when she was discovered by furious locals who did not want her there

The tiny feline was kicked out of the Pioneer Memorial Library (pictured) in Fredericksburg on April 15

Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones told the local news station that library personnel should have sought 'consent' from county leaders before bringing in an animal.

'Regrettably, the presence of the cat in the County Library has now become a divisive issue, pitting members of our community against one another,' Jones said.

'This situation is also now taking away focus and resources from the other important work of conducting the business of the people of Gillespie County.'

The Hill Country SPCA was able to take in Pepper and put the young domestic shorthair up for adoption.

'Once in a quiet corner of the Fredericksburg Public Library, nestled between novels and non-fiction, a small, calico shadow was once stealing hearts one purr at a time,' the shelter said.

'Pepper has become a familiar (and furry) face to local patrons, often found curled up in sunny reading nooks or gently nuzzling visitors for affection.

'Described by library staff as docile, affectionate, and truly stunning, shes the kind of companion who doesnt need to meow loudly to make her presence knownher charm speaks for itself.'

Not long after, Pepper was adopted by Kristen Nelson, her husband, their two daughters and two cats.

Pepper was taken in by the Hill County SPCA and adopted by Kristen Nelson (center), her husband, their two daughters and two cats

Pepper is described as 'docile, affectionate and truly stunning.' Her supporters started a petition to get her to stay that got over 9,000 signatures

'She's super special and precious,' Nelson said. 'I anticipated she would hide and be skittish but she came in ready to play and explore.'

Pepper's new owners said they plan on making a social media account to document her new life.

'While I know many of us wish that Pepper would have been allowed to stay at the library, please know we will take the best care of her and are hopeful to have her remain a fixture in our community,' Nelson said.
President Donald Trump announced a surprise soft landing for Mike Waltz hours after news broke that he was being forced out as national security adviser.

Trump surprisingly declared Waltz as his new pick to be ambassador to the United Nations not long after news broke that the former congressman was being ousted from the top of the National Security Council.

He was fired for his role in the 'Signalgate' scandal after he accidentally added an editor to a highly sensitive group chat about military strikes on the Houthis in Yemen last month.

Trump's previous pick for the U.N., Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., was dropped from consideration due to the Republicans' tiny majority in the House of Representatives.

That opened up a spot for a replacement for the top unofficial Cabinet job based out of New York City.

The president revealed the shocking news on Truth Social after wrapping up a National Day of Prayer event.

Unlike the national security job  which Waltz held as of Thursday morning  the U.N. post requires Senate confirmation.

Republicans could push the nomination through on a simple majority, although Waltz earned some supportive language from Democrats Thursday who weren't expecting his ouster.

Trump's firing of Waltz from heading the National Security Council was the first ousting of a cabinet secretary in this administration, the Daily Mail confirmed.

Marco Rubio, who spoke forcefully at Wednesday's cabinet meeting while refusing to reveal if there are talks to bring back a man mistakenly deported to Venezuela, will take on the security advisor role on a temporary basis.

National Security Adviser Michael Waltz looks at his phone as he prepares for a TV interview at the White House on Thursday immediately before his firing

He is becoming Trump's Mr. Fix It, also serving as acting administrator as U.S.A.I.D. after the administration dismantled the agency.

When Trump fired the national archivist, he made Rubio acting archivist of the National Archives and Records Administration. That gives him a total of four administration jobs, including the one that makes him fourth in line to the presidency.

It comes weeks after Waltz unwittingly added a journalist to a highly sensitive group chat on the Signal app detailing bomb strike plans against Houthis in Yemen.

The mistake quickly devolved into the biggest scandal of Trump's second term so far and left the president grappling with negative press fallout.

Waltz joins an expansive club of national security advisors Trump has replaced or fired. The first was retired Gen. Mike Flynn, followed by H.R. McMaster and John Bolton. The final security advisor of Trump's first term was Robert O'Brien.

'From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first,' Trump wrote in his post, referencing Waltz's service as a Green Beret.

'I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!'

'As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress,' Trump wrote, explaining the decision.

Waltz reposted the president's statement on X.

'Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation,' he said.

Journalist Mark Halperin first reported on his 2Way YouTube show that there was 'unhappiness throughout the national security establishment' with Waltz and his deputy national security adviser Alex Wong due to the Signal breach of security.

'This has to do about competence, not ideology,' he said.

Halperin specified that the timing was uncertain, noting that the president had not settled on a replacement.

'I do believe he has made up his mind, but he could change his mind,' he said.

Check your downtime setting: Waltz could be seen checking his messages during Wednesday's two-hour cabinet meeting

Waltz has kept up lines of communication with Vice President JD Vance and DNI Tulsi Gabbard after the Signal scandal

Trump announced the move shortly after hosting a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden

An attendee kneels in front of the stage as Paula White, senior advisor to the White House Faith Office, leads a prayer next to a sitting U.S. President Donald Trump, during the National Day of Prayer, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 1, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as acting national security advisor

US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz at the White House

Waltz participated in a Cabinet meeting hosted by Trump on Wednesday, one day before his ouster

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council did not respond to a Daily Mail request for comment.

Waltz appeared in an interview on Fox and Friends Thursday morning, giving no indication that he was about to lose his job.

He trumpeted the completion of a rare minerals deal with Ukraine as 'good for the American taxpayer' and 'good for Ukraine' to help it grow their economic development and security.

Waltz also participated in a Cabinet meeting hosted by Trump on Wednesday.

He had kept his job despite the 'Signalgate' scandal in March.

Waltz was responsible for mistakenly adding Atlantic editor Jeffery Goldberg to a Signal chat with 17 high-ranking officials about military strikes in Yemen.

Goldberg published the digital messages in full at The Atlantic, leading to weeks of negative news coverage of the administration and calling into question Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's leadership.

U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz (L) listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz speaks during a television interview at the White House,

Trump did not fire Waltz at the time, partially because he did not want to give Goldberg the satisfaction.

But Waltz suffered public humiliation from the scandal especially after his embarrassing Fox News interview in which he tried to to explain the mistake.

It also damaged his reputation in the West Wing.

Waltz took responsibility for the mistake, but struggled to explain how Goldberg's number was in his phone to begin with, even as he stressed that he had never spoken to him before.

'Well, if you have somebody else's contact and then it, and then somehow it gets sucked in,' he said to Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

Trump gave Waltz a less than enthusiastic endorsement in an interview with The Atlantic last week.

'Waltz is fine. I mean, he's here. He just left this office,' Trump said. 'He's fine. He was beat up also.'

Waltz's ouster takes place after journalist and Trump loyalist Laura Loomer met with the president in early April to share information she had about members on his national security council staff.

'VETTING MATTERS Dont ever forget that,' she wrote, in just one of her triumphal posts.

In another, on the firing of Waltz deputy Alex Wong, she wrote simply: 'SCALP.'

Several people were fired from the National Security council after the president's meeting with Loomer, but Trump said his decision was not a result of her reporting.

'Laura Loomer is a great patriot. She's a very strong person,' Trump said. 'She's been in the party a long time, she's done a good job,' he later added.

Loomer revealed to journalist Tara Palmeri that she wanted to play an old video for the president of Waltz trashing Trump when he first ran for president.

'It's something I personally can't stomach,' Waltz said in the video, urging viewers to 'stop Trump now.'
A driver who crashed into a horsebox killing four animals inside and seriously injured his passenger has avoided jail.

Justin Bower, 48, was driving a 7.5-tonne Mercedes truck when it hit the back of a broken-down horse transporter, which had been heading to a show in Blair Atholl, Perthshire.

Four eventing horses were killed including a nine-year-old stallion named Party Trick, said to be worth more than 1million.

The crash took place on the A9 near Perth, at the top of Cairnie Braes, on August 24, 2021.

Bower, from Rhyl, in Wales, was found guilty of causing serious injury to his co-diver Ashley Vandervis by dangerous driving by a unanimous jury last month

Part of the charge, which alleged he had been driving while holding and using a mobile phone and steering the vehicle with his elbows, was deleted by jurors.

Bower returned to Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court for sentencing.

Defence solicitor Pauline Cullerton said of her client: He accepts full responsibility, although he thought it was careless driving and he accepts the verdict.

Justin Bower was driving a 7.5-tonne Mercedes truck when it hit the back of a broken-down horse transporter

Party Trick, a stallion owned by Nick Gauntlett, was one of four horses killed in the RTA on the A9

He is extremely remorseful for the injuries caused to his colleague. Mr Bower has also suffered and has been diagnosed with PTSD.

She added that he had not driven since the incident and is currently unemployed.

Sheriff Robert More expressed the courts deepest sympathy to the injured passenger and to the owners of the animals.

He described some of the evidence as harrowing and emotional which recalled traumatic events, hurt and loss.

The sheriff said the deletion of the accusation that Bower had been steering with his elbows, was very significant in the sentencing.

He imposed a community payback order with 220 hours of unpaid work and banned Bower from driving for two years and until he passes the extended test.

From the dock, Bower said: I dont wish to drive again.

The court earlier heard Mr Vandervis, 47, was left trapped after the smash and suffered lacerations to his head, two fractured vertebrae, four broken ribs, a broken left wrist and ankle and a broken right leg and ankle.

Eventing horse owner Nick Gauntlett looked on in horror as he watched his prize stallion die

He said he had no recollection of the accident at all.

Party Tricks owner, Nick Gauntlett, 47, told the trial he was driving the horses north to the competition when he was forced to pull over because of an engine issue.

He said hed activated the hazards and placed a makeshift warning about 100 yards along the road to alert oncoming motorists.

But despite his efforts, the lorry hit the back of the horsebox which was still partly protruding into the inside lane with devastating consequences.

Mr Gauntlett, who was standing on a grass verge with his wife, children, two grooms and Sophie Hulme, the owner of the other three horses, said he watched his prized stallion die, adding: You might think it was only a horse, but it was my life.

He said he valued his horse in excess of 1million.

Following the crash, police said two horses had died outright while another two had to be euthanised.

After the trial in April, Mr Vanderviss wife Nathalie posted online hed spent four months in three different hospitals, lost more than three stones in weight and had to learn to walk again.

She fumed: Absolute disgrace the devastation this man [Bower] has caused, the court date was changed four times...taking well over a year to get some sort of closure.

On the day of the crash, Mr Gauntlett, who is based in Chipping Sodbury, in South Gloucestershire, posted on social media: Tough day... maybe an understatement!

My amazing family are fine & that is definitely the main thing, but today we lost Party Trick & 3 of Sophie Hulmes horses.Having broken down just 30min from Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials we sat on the grass verge & watched a lorry plough into our truck.

You dont need the details but we lost all 4 horses on board.

We are obviously all heartbroken.

Yesterday, Mr Gauntlett did not wish to comment on the sentencing.
President Donald Trump's Department of Education is ramping up investigations into public schools in order to weed out any attempts to target students by their race.

The Department's Office for Civil Rights is preparing to announce a Title VI investigation into Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Evanston, Illinois, according to the Trump administration.

A Department of Education official confirmed that the Office of Civil Rights sent the letter to District officials.

'The policies and practices to which the District allegedly subjects students and teachers shocks the conscience. Amid a dismal academic achievement record, the District appears to focus on unlawfully segregating students by race, instructing students to step forward and others to step back on the basis of race, and associating 'whiteness' with the devil. If true, how is this conceivable in America today?,' Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor told the Daily Mail.

The complaints were raised by Dr. Stacy Deemar, a drama teacher teaching in the district represented by the Southeastern Legal Foundation.

Deemar sued District 65 on the grounds of racial discrimination and creating an 'ongoing racially hostile environment' due to their 'race based programming' but it was dismissed by a federal judge in August.

Deemar first raised the complaints to the civil rights division in 2019, but the investigation was suspended days after President Joe Biden took office and dismissed in September 2024.

The complaint, obtained by the Daily Mail, was refiled on April 24th in a memo to the Department of Education and contains multiple examples of training, teaching, and organizing students and faculty by singling them out according to their race.

President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order alongside Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education Craig Trainor

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) prohibits discrimination in schools on the bases of race, color, and national origin in education programs.

If found guilty of a Title VI violation, schools face a loss of federal funding.

The school district was accused of pursuing race-based discriminatory programs for public school students for years, according to the complaint.

In one incident, the school district required staff to acknowledge their racial identity in especially if they were white and treated them accordingly, even physically separating them for training based on their race.

Evidence displayed in the southeastern Legal Foundation complaint

Part of the training programs included 'The Courageous Conversations' program which aggressively pursued the idea of 'white privilege' in the education system.

'Educators must acknowledge White skin privilege and work to develop a deeper understanding of this reality in order to fully examine the cultural implications of Whiteness in schools,' the district wrote.

The complaint was filed on behalf of Dr. Stacy Deemar

Evidence displayed in the southeastern Legal Foundation complaint

Evanston/Skokie School District 65

During staff meetings and trainings, the school district would segregate staff by race in order to address different equity practices based the color of their skin.

The investigation also includes materials and lesson plans describing the idea of the nuclear family as 'whiteness/white supremacy.'

'It [is] important to disrupt the Western nuclear family dynamics as the best/proper way to have a family[.]' one example included in the report reads.

Evidence displayed in the southeastern Legal Foundation complaint

Evidence displayed in the southeastern Legal Foundation complaint

Other documents urged teachers to practice 'equity' while disciplining students to make sure that 'students of color, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students with limited English proficiency' were not 'marginalized' in schools.

Evidence displayed in the southeastern Legal Foundation complaint

One elementary school separated students by race into 'racial affinity' meetings twice a month to discuss 'white privilege, internalized dominance, [and] microaggressions,' the complaint noted.

At another event, students were required to take two steps forward if they were white and non-white student were directed to take two steps back to help teach the concept of 'colorism privilege.'

One lesson instruction book pictured in the report, described 'Whiteness' was a 'bad deal' with the devil.

Evidence displayed in the southeastern Legal Foundation complaint

Whiteness, the image detailed, allowed white people to get 'stolen land, stolen riches, special favors.'

Other materials in the district featured an article warning that even 5-year-old children were 'racially biased' and needed to be reconstructed about racial behavior.

The announcement of the investigation symbolizes President Trump's goal of eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion materials in public schools which became widely implemented after the Black Lives Matter riots in 2019.

The carefully constructed Southeastern Legal Foundation report features 18 pages of material documenting incidents they feel breaking Title VI laws.

'SLF is thankful that the Trump Administration recognizes that enough is enough and, following Dr. Deemar's new OCR complaint, has launched an investigation into unconscionable racial discrimination in District 65 - Evanston, IL,' said Southeastern Legal Foundation Executive Director Kimberly Hermann to the Daily Mail.
A small Nebraska community is demanding change after an autistic nine-year-old escaped school and drowned in a nearby lagoon.

Kendrix Brehmer, a non-verbal third grade student at Northeast Elementary School in the rural town of Lyons, managed to slip away from recess on Monday.

He snuck out of the schoolyard gate and sprinted off before anyone could stop him, superintendent Lindsey Beaudette told his sorrowful father, Matthew Brehmer, over the phone.

Kendrix was still missing when Matthew received the life-altering call, prompting the panicked father to drive his truck throughout the tiny town, which only spans 0.69 square miles and has just over 800 residents.

'Ive never been more afraid in my life,' Matthew recalled to First Alert 6.

About an hour into the search, the child's uncle made the gut-wrenching discovery of his body in the lagoon at Brink Memorial Park, only a few blocks away from the school.

Kendrix was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead shortly after.

'I lost all feeling in my legs. Just collapsed to the ground. Just didnt know what to do with myself at that moment,' Matthew said.

Kendrix Brehmer (pictured), a non-verbal third grade student at Northeast Elementary School in the rural town of Lyons, managed to slip out of recess on Monday

Kendrix (pictured) reportedly snuck out of the schoolyard gate and sprinted off before anyone could stop him

About an hour into the search, the child's uncle made the gut-wrenching discovery of his body in a lagoon at Brink Memorial Park (pictured), only a few blocks away from the school

'I just want answers. I want to know how he got away.'

Beaudette released a statement addressing tragic loss on Tuesday morning: 'Our entire school community is heartbroken.

'We are conducting our own investigation of the incident and cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities as they review the circumstances of the incident.

'Out of respect for the family and the ongoing process, no further information will be shared at this time.'

As Kendrix's parents are left wondering how the vulnerable student was let out of sight long enough to flee the school, the Lyons community has come together to push for the lagoon he died in to be drained.

A petition created by Kendrix's great-aunt Tracy Stromquist urges the Lyons Town Council to get rid of the 'grave threat to the safety of the community's children.'

'No family should have to experience such a devastating loss, and it's imperative we take immediate action to prevent future tragedies,' the petition, which has more than 130 signatures, reads.

Kendrix (pictured with his brother, Sawyer) was rushed to the hospital after he was found and pronounced dead shortly after

Lyons residents have come together to push for the lagoon he died in to be drained (pictured from left to right: Matthew, Sawyer, Kendrix and Crystal)

Northeast Elementary School is investigating how Kendrix was able to escape the schoolyard (pictured)

'We call on the Lyons Mayor and Town Council to take tangible steps toward draining the lagoon without delay.

'The park should be a place of enjoyment and relaxation, not of worry and sorrow.

'By addressing this issue immediately, we can prevent further tragedies and make the community a safer place for everyone.'

Stromquist referenced another Lyons child who drowned in the same lagoon in February 2024, 10-year-old Mason Tiedgen.

Mason's mother, Erin Tiedgen, commented under the petition: 'This is something I've become extremely invested in since it happened to my family last February.

'It still hurts. I can't hardly go to Brink without getting angry at the world for taking my son away from me.'

'I just dont want this to happen to any more kids,' Matthew reiterated to First Alert 6.

'Hes just a special kid. Everybody loved him. And he loved everyone.'

In February 2024, 10-year-old Mason Tiedgen (pictured) died in the same lagoon as Kendrix did

Kendrix father Mathew Brehmer (pictured) said he fell to his knees when his son was found and he hopes this never happens to another child

Kendrix was described as a friendly child with a vivid imagination who loved clocks, Paw Patrol and stuffed animals, according to his obituary.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Lyons Town Council regarding the petition made against the lagoon.

Roughly 830 American children ages 14 and under die from drowning each year, according to Stanford Medicine.

Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional deaths for kids ages one to 4 and 10 to 14.

Aside from fatalities, more than 3,600 children sustain injuries from near-drowning incidents.
It may not seem like the most productive way to study.

But hundreds of students braved the freezing morning waters of the North Sea in a bid to boost their exam marks.

Hordes of University of St Andrews students ran into the sea as the sun rose yesterday morning as part of their traditional May Dip.

They made the plunge in the hope it brings them good luck for their upcoming exams, and the annual dip came the morning after their annual torchlit procession along the towns historic pier.

Hundreds took part in the annual Gaudie Procession on Wednesday, with students walking along the newly reopened 14th century pier which had been closed following storm damage.

Meanwhile thousands made their way to Edinburghs Calton Hill to celebrate the annual Beltane Fire Festival.

Students from St Andrews University take part in the traditional May Day dip into the North Sea

Performers take part in the Beltane Fire Festival, inspired by ancient Celtic and Pagan May day rituals

Students from the University of St Andrews on the East Sands in Fife.

Some found the waters colder than others, and this student doesn't seem to have been having a great time

These students are clearly enjoying themselves on their morning swim

Some more enthused than others: The traditional May Day dip this morning

Last month was Scotlands second sunniest April on record, with the Met Office recording more than double the usual levels for the country

Water scarcity alerts have been issued by the agency for 17 areas amid the dry April which saw less than a third of the months typical rainfall in parts

Sea temperatures in and around St Andrews yesterday were about 9 to 10c, and as the sun rose the air temperature was around 13c

Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far in Scotland, with temperatures soaring to 24.4c.

But yesterday conditions were cooling, reaching 17c in Edinburgh, 14c in Glasgow, and 19c near St Andrews, and are set to be even more mild come the weekend.

Last month was Scotlands second sunniest April on record, with the Met Office recording more than double the usual levels for the country.

But the warm and sunny conditions have taken their toll on water levels, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency issuing a warning for the east coast.

Water scarcity alerts have been issued by the agency for 17 areas amid the dry April which saw less than a third of the months typical rainfall in parts.

The warmest temperature yesterday was 20.9c at Charterhall, Berwickshire.

Sea temperatures in and around St Andrews yesterday were about 9 to 10c, and as the sun rose the air temperature was around 13c.
A military veteran who lost his wife and daughter within 15 months said he finally has justice after an illegal immigrant was snared by ICE.

Texas man Chris Odette, 48, had just lost his wife to breast cancer when their 13-year-old daughter, Chrishia, was killed during a Dallas car crash in 2014.

Rockwall Police Department arrested Mexico native Ramiro Guevara, now 46, at the scene of the collision, and charged him with driving without a license.

ICE has said Guevara was in the country illegally, but stressed that he was not charged in the death of the minor, nor did he serve any jail time.

It's unclear what role Guevara had in the deadly pile-up in which Chrishia was killed. ICE said in a statement that he was 'involved' in the 2014 vehicle accident that 'resulted in the death' of the teenage girl.

Guevera's driving without a license case went to court but it was 'no-billed', meaning jurors decided there was not enough evidence to support criminal charges.

Odette told Fox News he was glad to see Guevara snared by ICE because he felt that his daughter was killed by 'a crime that was 100 percent preventable'.

'My wife died 15 months before my daughter was killed,' the heartbroken father said.

Chrishia (pictured) was 13 when she was killed during a Dallas, Texas car crash in 2014

A military veteran who lost his wife and daughter within 15 months said he feels he finally has justice after an illegal immigrant was snared by ICE (arrest shown above)

Rockwall Police Department arrested Mexico native Ramiro Guevara (pictured), now 46, at the scene of the collision, and charged him with driving without a license

'And then to have my daughter killed, I lost my entire family in the span of 15 months to a disease that couldn't be prevented.

'And then, to a crime that was 100% preventable. I made a promise to my wife before she died that I would take care of my daughter, and I feel like I failed that promise.'

Odette, who now lives in New Hampshire, said he had just dropped his daughter off at a sleepover when he got the devastating news that she had been killed.

He said he had been reluctant to leave his daughter at the friend's home, but they had just moved to Rockwell and she was excited to meet new people.

'I just kept hearing in my head, my late wife saying, 'Don't be so protective, let her enjoy life, let her experience life,'' Odette told Fox.

'So, I took her over. It was about 9 p.m. when I dropped her off.'

According to Fox News, Chrishia had been crossing the street at a crosswalk when she was hit by the car.

Guevara spent 35 minutes in jail before he posted a cash bail. ICE said Border Patrol had intercepted him in 1994 and 2004, and he had returned to Mexico each time.

A military veteran who lost his wife and daughter (both pictured above) within 15 months said he feels he finally has justice after an illegal immigrant was snared by ICE

Texas native Chris Odette (pictured), 48, had recently lost his wife to breast cancer when their 13-year-old daughter, Chrishia, was killed during a Dallas car crash in 2014

However, he was released back into the community after his arrest in 2014, until March this year.

'They said that because he had no drugs or alcohol in his system, there was no proof of negligence in his ability to operate the vehicle,' Odette told Fox.

'So, they wouldn't charge him with any felonies. So, he was basically cleared of any wrongdoing for killing my daughter.'

ICE Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard released a statement about Guevara's arrest in March.

'The arrest and pending removal of this individual serves as a stark reminder that criminal aliens who threaten the public safety of our communities will be found and face justice for their actions,' he said.

'Every day our dedicated special agents, intelligence analysts and law enforcement partners work relentlessly to provide for our common good by targeting those who disregard US immigration laws.'
Former presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has sparked fresh facelift rumors after she was spotted sporting an enviably-taut visage.

The former president and secretary of state stepped out in New York City on Wednesday night after eating at Carota in the city's West Village.

Hillary, 77, looked taut faced and wrinkle free in the new pictures of the two, while Bill looked his 78 years. Bystanders cheered as they left the eatery.

Her new look comes after speculation that she went under the knife before beginning her campaign for the 2016 presidency.

Journalist Edward Klein wrote in his book 'Unlikeable: The Problem with Hillary', that husband Bill had 'wanted her to get a face-lift' before her campaign.

Klein wrote that Bill told her that 'she couldn't do anything about the calendar, but she could do something about the lines and sagging skin on her face'.

She is said to have set up a 'mini-operating room' in their Chappaqua, New York, home as she no had intention of going to a clinic.

Clinton then had work done on her cheeks, eyes, neck and forehead, it is claimed.

Results of a face lift typically last ten years, so it is possible that she has had another one to rejuvenate her skin once more.

Hillary, 77, looked remarkably taut faced and wrinkle free in the new pictures of the two

Bill, 78, looked his years as he left Carota in the West Village on Wednesday night

Klein said in his book that Clinton had her 'cheeks lifted and her wrinkles and lines Botoxed' and had 'work done' on her eyes, neck and forehead.

She took it gradually and didn't have anything drastic done, because she wanted to evaluate the changes as she proceeded,' Klein said, quoting one of Clinton's friends.

He continued: 'If it had started to make her look weird, she would have stopped it immediately. It was a pretty big deal and required multiple visits.'

It's not the first time that Clinton was spotted youthful, after she was seen at an event on Broadway in 2019.

Experts spoke with DailyMail.com back then to say they believe her noticeably smoother complexion could have been down to Botox and a blepharoplasty - the scientific name for an eyelift.

Aesthetic expert Dr Ross Perry said then: 'Hillary Clinton looks fantastic and I would suggest this is down to regular tweakments and procedures over the years, which appears less noticeable than having dramatic work done all in one go.

'Her forehead looks particularly smooth, which would suggest Botox has been administered in the forehead, frown line and around the eye area, as there appears to be minimal crows feet.

Clinton is seen here addressing a press pack in 2020 following a meeting inside the UN headquarters

It's not the first time that Clinton was spotted youthful, after she was seen at an event on Broadway in 2019, seen here

Dr Perry added that he suspected Hillary may have had blepharoplasty, a procedure in which excess skin above the eye is removed.

Aesthetic practitioner Dr Judy Todd said back then: 'There also appears to be slightly more volume in the lips which could also be from a filler.'

Clinton has never addressed the rumors concerning her procedures, but her spokesperson Nick Merrill had previously issued a putdown on Klein's book.

He said: 'Someone should do a book about Ed. They could call it "Bulls**t: The Problem With Anything Ed Klein Writes".'
A millionaire Cape Cod playboy ruined his own life after he was found guilty of raping a woman at his boatyard.

Peter Eastman, the 59-year-old owner of Howard Boats in Barnstable, Massachusetts - about an hour-and-a-half outside of Boston - was convicted Thursday for raping a woman in 2023, according to Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois.

The crime occurred on September 4 of that year at his place of work. The victim reported the rape on September 9 to the Barnstable Police Department.

Eastman, who owns a $1.25 million four-bedroom, five-bath home in West Yarmouth, was taken into custody following the jury's verdict and is currently being held without bail pending his sentencing.

The disgraced entrepreneur, who also owns Alerion Yachts and Eastman Boats, is now required to register as a sex offender following the four-day trial.

This is not his only run-in with the law, as he has charges pending in Barnstable Superior Court and District courts on a slew of charges.

Eastman is facing three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, violation of abuse prevention order, threat to commit a crime, five counts of possessing a large-capacity firearm, and violating a restraining order, according to Gailbois.

Those cases involve a different victim from the case he was just convicted of, WFXT reported.

Peter Eastman, 59, was convicted Thursday for raping a woman on September 4, 2023 at his boatyard Howard Boats

Eastman, who owns a $1.25 million four-bedroom , five-bath home in West Yarmouth (pictured), was taken into custody following the jury's verdict and is currently being held without bail pending his sentencing

Galibois commended the victim of this case 'for her courage and integrity in testifying during the trial.'

'Coming forward to testify in a criminal case is never easy. Her testimony was critical in ensuring that justice was served.'

Eastman graduated with a Master's in business administration from Northeastern University, according to his Facebook page.

His company, Howard Boats, specializes 'in the care of and construction of wooden boats as well as traditional fiberglass boats,' the website detailed.

He acquired Alerion Yachts in January 2020, Sail-World reported.

At the time, he told the outlet that his plan was 'to extend the Alerion brand across new models and a broader size range.'

The disgraced entrepreneur, who also owns Alerion Yachts and Eastman Boats, is now required to register as a sex offender following the four-day trial

He acquired Alerion Yachts in January 2020

'I have loved Alerion Yachts since their inception in 1986. It is the pre-eminent daysailer brand of sailboats world-wide,' Eastman said.

'At the October US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, I could not take my eyes off of the most recent models. I am honored to become the custodian of America's foremost brand of daysailers; Alerion Yachts.'

He is due back in court for his sentencing hearing on May 15.
This is the moment the UK's most venomous snake was seen near a popular beauty spot - as police issue an urgent warning amid an increase in sightings.

The terrifying clip captured by a hiker shows a large adder in the undergrowth on a mountain in Wales on Wednesday morning.

It was filmed by Lorraine Flower while she was out walking on the Blorenge mountain, near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

It comes just two days after South Wales Police urged people to keep their dogs on leads following an increase of adder sightings in the area.

Last month, one of the venomous snakes was spotted swimming amongst the rocks on Wales's 'most Instagrammable hidden beach'.

Lewis Perrin Williams was exploring the scenic Porth Wen in Anglesey when he saw the adder in the water on April 7.

'I was just standing on the beach when I saw it fall down from the undergrowth overhanging a small cliff,' Mr Perrin Williams said.

'That's how it ended up on the beach  I think he might've been a bit sleepy. I found a plank and took him back up to the undergrowth.'

Terrifying footage shows the moment the UK's most venomous snake was seen near a popular beauty spot in Wales

Last month, one of the venomous snakes was spotted swimming amongst the rocks on Wales's 'most Instagrammable hidden beach'

Logan Mathers, 17, was walking the family dog, Donnie (pictured), when an adder shot out and bit the two-year-old Jack Russell on the face

Meanwhile, warnings were also issued after a Jack Russell was killed by an adder bite in Thetford Forest, Suffolk.

'Traumatised' Logan Mathers, 17, was walking the family dog, Donnie, when an adder shot out and bit the two-year-old Jack Russell on the face.

The dog was then taken straight to a vet for treatment while slipping in and out of consciousness.

Urgent medical attention is needed if you are bitten by an adder, although they tend to only be dangerous to the very young, ill or old, according to the Wildlife Trust.

Adders tend to be relatively small, stocky snakes that prefer woodland, heathland and moorland habitats.

They can be identified by their greyish colour if male and reddish-brown colour if female.

Adders have a dark and very distinct zig-zag pattern down its back, and red eyes.

Adders hibernate from October, emerging in the first warm days of March, which is the easiest time of year to find them.
The Maryland city once known as America's murder capital reached a record-breaking drop in homicides.

There were only five homicides in Baltimore throughout April, Mayor Brandon Scott announced on Thursday.

That is the fewest ever recorded in a single month for the city since officials started keeping records in 1970.

Charm City was once home to some of the country's highest crime rates, earning it the title of America's 'murder capital' and a reputation as the crime-ridden city portrayed in HBO's hit series 'The Wire.'

Through the end of April, homicides are down 31.6 percent and nonfatal shootings are down 27.1 percent compared to last year.

The city recorded its lowest homicide rate in nearly 15 years in 2024, with 201 homicides marking a dramatic 12 percent decrease from 2023 and a staggering 41 percent drop from 2021 levels.

'This continued progress is a direct result of our comprehensive violence prevention plan, and all who are working in partnership to reduce violence in Baltimore,' Scott said.

'That includes the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department, the entire community violence intervention ecosystem, the Attorney General, the State's Attorney, and most importantly, the people of Baltimore.

There were only five homicides in Baltimore (pictured) throughout April. The Maryland city was once known as America's murder capital

Mayor Brandon Scott (pictured) announced April had the fewest ever recorded homicides in a single month for the city since officials started keeping records in 1970

'This is progress, but we aren't stopping to celebrate. Five homicides in April is still five too many - and we will continue to use all tools at our disposal to prevent violence and save lives. Baltimore deserves nothing less.'

Maryland as a whole is becoming safer too, with statewide homicides falling from 519 in 2023 to 455 in 2024, while violent crimes plummeted from 1,190 to 891 during the same period.

A recent report from U.S. News & World Report no longer included Baltimore among the most dangerous places in America.

The digital media company released its Most Dangerous Places in the U.S. 2024-2025 list and normally Baltimore would be in the Top 25 but this year it didn't make the cut.

The list is compiled based on a city's murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people.

While Baltimore still ranks among cities with high murder rates per 100,000 people, experts point to major progress.

Karen Herren, executive director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, credits the improvement to a coordinated approach.

'There is not one simple solution to gun violence, or we would have figured it out a long time ago. There are a lot of different pieces, and those pieces have to start working in tandem, which I think is partially what we are seeing,' Herren said to WYPR.

Charm City was once home to some of the country's highest crime rates, earning it a reputation as the crime-ridden city portrayed in HBO's hit series 'The Wire' (pictured)

Baltimore has dramatically reinvented itself with a new identity as an up-and-coming hotspot for luxury hotels and foodie hotspots

The Justice Department has attributed the success in reducing crime to specialized teams focused on firearm crimes and repeat violent offenders.

'I'm very proud of the leadership that this office's public servants have shown in coordinating law enforcement and community efforts throughout Maryland and beyond to protect our nation and promote safer communities,' said former U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron.

'We will continue to be a force-multiplier for the work of our various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and community-based partners.'

Baltimore has dramatically reinvented itself with a new identity as an up-and-coming hotspot for luxury hotels and foodie hotspots.

Where 'The Wire' depicted abandoned row houses and open-air drug markets, visitors today might be more likely to find craft cocktail bars, waterfront developments and Michelin-quality restaurants.

Kelly Harris, a Maryland-based Realtor and real estate investor, has witnessed the city's evolution up close.

'Baltimore's housing market has grown steadily over the last three to five years, with average home prices increasing nearly 20 to 30 percent in key neighborhoods,' Harris told the DailyMail.com.

'Areas like Canton, Federal Hill, and Hampden continue to thrive due to their walkability, cultural appeal, and access to new retail and dining developments,' she explained.
Progressive 'Squad' member Ilhan Omar did not hold back on a reporter when asked a simple question about Democrats pushing back on Donald Trump's immigration policies.

Omar was confronted about the many Democrats, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who have taken trips to El Salvador to visit a suspected MS-13 gangster who was deported by Trump.

'Do you think more of your Democratic colleagues should be traveling to El Salvador to advocate on behalf of [Kilmar] Abrego Garcia?' Daily Caller News Foundation journalist Myles Morell asked the Minnesota Democrat.

Morell filmed his question as Omar, 42, approached the Capitol from the sidewalk.

The congresswoman, who is originally from Somalia, has been an outspoken advocate for migrants since being in Congress.

After recognizing that the journalist was filming, the congresswoman quickly adverted her gaze and retorted: 'I think you should f*** off.'

In recent weeks Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and four House Democrats visited El Salvador to advocate for the migrant who was deported from the U.S.

Democrats have expressed their distaste for the White House's refusal to honor court orders demanding the return of Abrego Garcia, who was deported as a result of an 'administrative error,' the administration has said.

Bewildered with the answer, the reporter asked the progressive to clarify.

'I'm sorry, what, congresswoman?' Morell shot back.

'You should f*** off,' Omar said again. 'Who?' Morell asked again before Omar again said, 'You.'

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., told a reporter to 'f*** off,' on Thursday when asked about Democrats taking trips to Central America to support deported Salvadoran man Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported in March. He is the subject of a case that went all the way up to the Supreme Court, which ordered the White House to return him to the U.S.

'Why me?' Morell asked as the congresswoman walked off.

The back and forth ended with Omar walking off and one of her staffers telling Morell that the 'Squad' member is not taking questions.

The abrasive interaction quickly blew up on X as users weighed in on the contentious interaction.

'So disgraceful coming from a congresswoman that we pay her salary,' one user wrote.

Other's called the tirade an 'embarrassment,' while some noted how Republicans like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Mace have had similar curse-laden blow ups.

'I said what I said,' Omar responded to the Daily Caller's video. 'You and all your miserable trolls can f*** off.'

Abrego Garcia was deported due to law enforcement reports linking him to the Salvadoran gang MS-13.

President Trump has commented at length about he migrant and his legal case, going so far as to hold up images of Abrego Garcia's tattoos in the Oval Office, sure fire proof that the migrant was in the gang, the Republican argues.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., is shown above visiting Abrego Garcia in El Salvador last month

Rep. Robert Garcia and Maxwell Frost take part in a press conference to advocate for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man deported from the U.S. without due process by the Trump administration as an alleged MS-13 gang member and sent to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a maximum-security prison, in San Salvador, El Salvador, April 21, 2025

Jennifer Vasquez (R), wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, addresses a rally calling for the return of her husband on May 1

Abrego Garcia's American wife, Jennifer Vasquez, alleged that her husband violently beat her, according to court documents obtained by Daily Mail last month.

Additional legal filings have indicated that Abrego Garcia hung out with confirmed MS-13 members.

A report out of Tennessee found that the migrant was busted by police for driving a car full of migrants across the country, potentially implicating him in a human smuggling operation.

Though he was apprehended, Abrego Garcia was allowed to walk free despite the suspicious incident.

Trump has said he could return the man but that he does not want to.
The driver of a car that plowed through an after-school program and killed three young kids and a teen may have suffered a medical emergency.

Marianne Akers' black Jeep rammed straight through the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, about 3.20pm on Monday.

Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both seven, Ainsley Grace Johnson, eight, and Rylee Britton, 18, died and six other children were injured.

Akers, 44, tested negative to drugs or alcohol and was not under the influence when she veered off the road 'a substantial distance' away, police said.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said evidence of a medical emergency was so far 'not conclusive' and the investigation was still ongoing.

No decision has been made whether to charge Akers with any crime, but police were 'working as fast as we can', he said.

Investigators will analyze the readings from the Jeep's data recorder to assist in determining what happened.

School food service worker Marianne Akers was behind the wheel of a car that plowed through an after-school program and killed three young kids and a teen

Akers, 44, was filmed in handcuffs, with her hair in a messy bun and wearing a dark grey T-shirt, but police said she was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was not under arrest

Unconfirmed reports from alleged witnesses on social media claimed Akers had a seizure in hospital and had no recollection of the crash, and family friends said she had a diabetic episode.

Akers was filmed at the scene in handcuffs, with her hair in a messy bun and wearing a dark grey T-shirt. She was uninjured despite crashing through a wall.

Police at the time said she was taken to a local hospital for evaluation with toxicology results still pending, and was not under arrest.

'Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation,' Illinois State Police said on Tuesday.

The Chatham Police Department debunked rampant social media rumors that Akers was drunk and failed a field sobriety test after the crash.

'This is not true. Please stop sharing this,' the department's Facebook page commented on a post claiming Akers was arrested for a suspected DUI.

Toxicology results have now confirmed Akers was not under the influence during the crash.

Akers was a food service worker at Chatham Elementary School and is a mother of two children - a teenage boy and girl.

Ainsley Johnson, 7, was killed when she was run over by a car that crashed into her after school program in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday

Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, was also killed along with another little girl, and an 18-year-old woman

Rylee Britton, 18, was one of the high school seniors who helped run the program and was killed along with the three children

She now works for the Illinois Department of Transportation's Bureau of Business Services, and was at the Illinois State Police from June 2006 to August 2018.

ISP, which is investigating the crash, said Akers was not an officer or investigator, and no one she worked with was still there.

Ainsley's grandfather Galen Johnson mourned her online with a photo of her in an adorable fancy dress outfit.

'Words alone cannot express the pain we in the Johnson family are feeling with the loss of granddaughter Ainsley Grace Johnson. Love you "Squirt!"' he wrote.

Ainsley was a dancer at Studio M Dance Centre, where her teacher Mariah Clark promised to always remember her.

'Ainsley brought so much light and joy into my class, she always gave me a little hip-hop tude and I lived for it,' she said.

'Her smile was so bright, her personality was already so big at such a young age, and she danced like she meant it. I will forever keep Ainsley in my heart.'

Britton, who was soon to study English and secondary education at Iowa University, was one of the high school seniors who helped run the program.

She was a senior at Glenwood High School and like many of the student staff, planned to be a teacher.

'One of my favorite things about her was how she was unconditionally nice to everyone,' a classmate said.

'She was super intelligent and always made people laugh.'

A memorial for Britton featuring her senior class photo

Ainsley's grandfather Galen Johnson mourned her online with a photo of her in an adorable fancy dress outfit (left). Alma is pictured right with her brother

Four of the injured children are still in hospital, according to the most recent update from officials.

A friend of one eight-year-old girl's parents said she had numerous pelvic and back fractures.

Ella Orsi, 7, was one of the most badly hurt, suffering facial fractures, a broken jaw, damaged teeth, brain swelling, and brain bleeding.

The junior dancer, who was in the same class at Studio M Dance Centre as Ainsley, is recovering in the PICU - heavily medicated with a tube helping her breathe.

Family friend Casey Sitko said Ella had so far avoided needing brain surgery, but would need plastic surgery to repair her face, starting later this week.

'Ella has been responsive and communicating by squeezing her parents hands. She opened her eyes briefly [on Tuesday],' she said.

'Ella is an absolute joy to be around. She loves to have fun, make jokes, and laugh! Her smile is infectious, and we can't wait to see it again.'

Three of the victims were hit by the Jeep as they stood outside the building, while the fourth person who died was inside the building, police said.

The six injured children were rushed to hospital, including one with injuries so severe they had to be airlifted for treatment.

'Postmortem procedures done today indicate that they all died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the incident,' Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said.

Ella Orsi, 7, is fighting horrific injuries from the crash in hospital

Ella was one of the most badly hurt, suffering facial fractures, a broken jaw, damaged teeth, brain swelling, and brain bleeding

Akers crashed her car into the east side of the facility with such force that it burst out the other side seconds later.

After veering off the road, the car went through a field, it crossed a road, the footpath and YNOT's car park before going through the building. The Jeep then crossed a gravel road and crashed into a pole and fence.

'The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but this does not appear to be a targeted attack,' Illinois State Police said.

The program is designed for school-aged children and is run by college students and 'very mature' high school seniors - most of whom have ambitions themselves of one day becoming educators.

A fundraiser for the victims and their families has already attracted more than $188,000 in donations.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his horror on Monday afternoon, writing: 'Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time.

'Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them.

'Let's wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.'

The car drove straight through the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday about 3.20pm

Akers' damaged black Jeep after it was pulled out of the building

Devastated locals recalled the moment their neighbors, friends, and loved ones learned of the tragedy and rushed to the scene.

'Watching people you know sprint past your house, not knowing if their children are safe, is a gut-wrenching experience. My heart aches for everyone,' one wrote.

Employees and volunteers at the local blood bank, Impact Life, urged locals to give blood this week, as they drained much of their stockpile helping victims of the crash.

'After the tragic events today the blood bank is running low, please if your able go donate,' one woman wrote.

Another said: 'I work at the Blood Center, and we had to pack up so much of our supply for this, so please if you can donate blood, platelets, any of it, go do it.'

Illinois Senator Doris Turner said she was 'heartbroken' by the tragedy.

YNOT is a summer and after school camp offering three hours of care for busy parents with little ones

Akers is understood to have crashed her car into the east side of the school facility with such force that it burst out the other side seconds later

Madison Foster, 10, points out the flowers and plush bunny she left for the victims

'When we drop our kids off in the morning, we should always have the utmost belief that they will come home safely at the end of the day,' she wrote.

'For some families, that belief was shaken today following the tragedy at YNOT in Chatham.

'I am heartbroken - there truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling and will feel for days, weeks and months to come.

'I want to thank the first responders, law enforcement and volunteers.'
A manhunt is underway for a South Carolina hit-and-run driver who ran into an adult and two children Thursday.

Police were called to the scene on Sullivan's Island around 1 p.m. after the suspect driving a sedan struck the victims, reported WCIV.

Isle of Palms Police Department Sgt. Matt Storen said that the driver had struck 'multiple children' near a local church in what investigators believe was an 'intentional' act.

The adult female victim and one of the children were taken to the hospital, while the other kid was treated at the scene and released to parents, according to WCBD.

Police said the child taken to the hospital was released and the adult is expected to be released.

The driver fled on foot and is currently armed with a knife. He is described as a 'heavyset white male, balding with facial hair.'

Cops believe he is still in the area wearing a red shirt and dark shorts. He was last seen on foot on Jasper Boulevard between Station 30 and Station 32 Street.

'Active search is underway in the area of Breach Inlet on Sullivan's Island. White male bald head and a beard last seen wearing a red shirt and shorts. The subject is possibly armed and dangerous,' Isle of Palms Police Department said on social media.

A manhunt is underway for a South Carolina hit-and-run driver who ran into an adult and two children Thursday

Police were called to the scene on Sullivan's Island around 1 p.m. after the suspect driving a sedan struck the victims

Storen said 'quick response' teams were going door-to-door in search of the suspect and are checking easily accessible areas like sheds, trailers, boats and campers.

Sullivan's Island Elementary sent an email to parents releasing kids from school early.

School officials did not allow students to walk or ride the bus home, stating that a legal guardian must pick up each child, according to the local news station.
Labour held on to a previously safe mayoral seat by a whisker today amid signs disaffected voters are flocking to Reform in local elections.

In one of the first major shocks of the night, Labour's Karen Clark won the race to be mayor of North Tyneside, which has been held by the party since its inception in 2002.

But the margin of victory was just 444 votes, ahead of Reform's John Falkenstein in second place and the Tories pushed down to third.

The last time the mayoralty was up for grabs in 2021 the Labour majority was almost 14,000 - although a different voting system was used then.

Nigel Farage's party is expected to be the major winner in elections today as disaffected voters hammer Labour and the Conservatives.

But the Newcastle vote was not among those where they were expected to make much of an impact.

The hard right party is expected to get its hands on real political power for the first time with wins in mayoral and council elections at the expense of Kemi Badenoch's war-weary Tories.

Former Tory minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns is expected to become mayor of Greater Lincolnshire and former Olympic boxer Luke Campbell is in with a chance of winning in Hull and East Yorkshire.

Reform is also expected to win hundreds of council seats, mainly at the expense of the Tories, who are expected to lose up to 500 councillors.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately told BBC Newsnight the party was on course for 'a bit of a battering'.

But the party could also give Sir Keir Starmer a real bloody nose in Labour's first test since the general election, after months in which the government's approval rating has plummeted.

As well as local elections, Reform are the bookies' favourite in a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, a previously safe Labour seat in the North West - though Labour sources believe they may be edging the vote.

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The hard right party is expected to get its hands on real political power for the first time with wins in mayoral and council elections at the expense of Kemi Badenoch's war-weary Tories.

Your browser does not support iframes.

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Reform is also expected to win hundreds of council seats, mainly at the expense of the Tories. But the party could also give Sir Keir Starmer a real bloody nose in Labour's first test since the general election, after months in which the government's approval rating has plummeted.

Mr Farage said he wanted to 'smash the two-party system', adding: 'The two major parties are more fearful of the results tonight than we are.'

Senior Labour sources have also suggested Reform could win Durham Council, which would raise eyebrows as it is an area where the party would expect to do well.

On Sir Keir's left flank, the party's Helen Godwin is also being pushed in the race to become mayor of the West of England by the Green Party's Mary Page.

Reform UK won three of the first five wards declared at Northumberland County Council, with Labour and the Conservatives picking up one each.

It also picked up seats in Norwich and Hartlepool.

Voters are heading to the polls across England today in 23 council elections, six mayoral contests, and one parliamentary by-election.

Up for grabs are more than 1,600 council seats, half-a-dozen regional mayors, and the new MP for Runcorn and Helsby.

It is the first big test for Britain's political parties since last July's general election, at which Labour secured a landslide win.

Results are not expected to start dropping until around 2am, with mayors and the by-election first.

Council votes will come in later on Friday as they will not start being counted until the morning.

The parliamentary by-election in Runcorn and Helsby was triggered by Mike Amesbury's resignation from the House of Commons.

It came after he was jailed for 10 weeks for punching a constituent while drunk in Frodsham, Cheshire, last October.

Amesbury spent three nights in HMP Altcourse, Merseyside, in February before successfully appealing his sentence.

Former Tory minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns is expected to become mayor of Greater Lincolnshire and former Olympic boxer Luke Campbell is in with a chance of winning in Hull and East Yorkshire.

As well as local elections , Reform are the bookies' favourite in a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, a previously safe Labour seat in the North West that could now go either way.

He won Runcorn and Helsby for Labour at July's general election with a 14,696-vote majority.

Reform came second to Labour in the Cheshire constituency last summer, while the Tories came third - more than 900 votes behind Reform.

Labour has the most seats on Durham Council (52 out of 126), but has been shut out of power for the past four years by a multi-party coalition that includes the Tories, the Lib Dems, Greens and various independents.

Before losing control in 2021, Labour had enjoyed a majority in Durham continuously since 1925.

At this election the council is being reduced in size from 126 to 98 seats, which makes the outcome hard to predict. Labour will hope to regain full control, but is facing a new challenge from Reform.

One senior Labour source told MailOnline: 'Durham could be a bigger story than Runcorn. The results were awful last time, I think they will be worse this time. Reform has an outside chance of running the council. Considering we ran the show for 102 years up to 2021 it'll be devastating.'

Labour chairwoman Ellie Reeves struck a cautious note tonight, saying the elections 'were always going to be a challenge', with most being held in Tory areas last contested in 2021.

Meanwhile a Tory spokesman added: 'We also have always been clear that these would be tough elections for the party - defending an incredibly high watermark from 2021 when we took two-thirds of all seats.

'If the 2024 General Election was replicated on today's battleground, we would lose control of almost every single council.

'Labour won a historic supermajority last year in a large number of areas that are facing local elections tonight and it would be reasonable to expect a government with such a commanding presence in Westminster to make serious progress tonight.

'Anything less than this ought to raise serious questions about the direction Labour is taking this country, and about Keir Starmer's own leadership.'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey was optimistic about his party's prospects as polls closed.

'We are expecting to see big gains against the Conservatives in their former Middle England heartlands,' he said.

'Last year the Liberal Democrats won a record number of MPs and became the largest third party in 100 years. Now we are on course for our seventh year of local election gains, making this our best ever winning streak.

'Voters have delivered their verdict on a Conservative Party that broke the country and a Labour government that is too timid to fix it.'
Hundreds of thousands of Scots are at risk of losing their hot water and heating when their electricity meters are switched off next month, it was warned last night.

Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters  which date back to the early 1980s and use radio signals to switch the meter from peak to off-peak prices  are about to be deactivated.

But many householders are struggling to get them replaced in time, sparking fears that they will be left without a hot water supply and functioning heating if their meter is not replaced before the end of June.

Last night there were fears that not enough had been done to prevent widespread confusion and fear, particularly among vulnerable and elderly bill-payers.

Scottish Tory energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: These changes pose a serious risk to elderly and vulnerable customers in particular who could lose access to heating and hot water in a matter of weeks.

Both SNP and Labour ministers should do everything possible to raise awareness of these issues and outline how they will support those who need help transferring to the new system.

By the end of April, more than 430,000 RTS meters still had to be replaced in the UK - with around 135,000 located in Scottish properties.

The reason for the disproportionate number in Scotland is partly due to geography - with a large rural population in areas like the Highlands and Islands, many households are off the mains gas grid and therefore more likely to use electricity for hot water and heating.

Radio Teleswitch Service Meters are controlled by an inbuilt radio which uses signal received through longwave radio broadcast

Energy companies have admitted that current rates of replacement mean it is likely that thousands of RTS meters will not have been upgraded before the technology is switched off.

The RTS system  a feature of older electricity meters which controls heating and hot water - uses a longwave radio frequency to switch between peak and off-peak rates.

But the technology is becoming obsolete and energy companies have a deadline to change their customers meters by June 30.

The number of individual Scots affected by the RTS shambles could run into the hundreds of thousands.

Most homes have standard meters and will not be affected, whether or not they have a smart meter.

More than 1,000 RTS meters are being replaced every day in the UK.

Ned Hammond, deputy director for customers of Energy UK, which represents energy firms, told BBC Radio 4s You And Yours programme that the rate of replacement is rising, but added: Obviously wed need to increase from there significantly still to replace all the meters by the end of June.

Asked whether it is impossible to get every RTS meter switched over by June 30, he said: I wouldnt want to say impossible - but clearly very, very difficult to get to that point.

A modern smart meter does not rely upon radio signals to switch between tariffs

Industry regulator Ofgem has said the risks associated with not having a functioning meter include heating and hot water left continually on or off, electric storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day, possibly leading to higher bills, and the supplier being unable to confirm electricity usage during peak or off-peak times.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to the watchdog and the Government to raise concerns about the pace and communication of the meter replacement effort.

The coalition said the replacement programme is falling dangerously behind schedule, with energy suppliers unable to meet existing targets and thousands of customers - especially in rural Scotland - still without a plan for replacement.

The letter reads: Based on our members conversations with energy suppliers, we estimate that, in Scotland alone, tens of thousands of RTS meters are yet to be addressed, leaving many consumers in limbo.

Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: Our member organisations across the country will continue to do all they can to support the transition and raise awareness of the switch, but urgent action is now required.

According to Ofgem, you may have an 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; you get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, on an Economy 7 tariff.

If you havent been contacted, Ofgem recommends contacting your supplier to arrange the replacement.

Ofgem said householders should beware if someone contacts you claiming you need to pay to change your meter because it is likely to be a scam.

Speaking in March, the Scottish Governments Acting Minister for Climate Action Dr Alasdair Allan said: There is a real and pressing need for suppliers to be made to explain what their workforce plan is to get engineers to premises.

Consideration should also be given to additional enforcement action to reduce no-show instances and to ensure that every household is fitted with a fully functioning meter before the deadline.

Due to the cost of living crisis, it is also unacceptable to expect consumers to pay for expensive re-wiring as a consequence of the RTS switch-off - they should not be confronted with any additional anxieties.

The creation of a fund to support consumers in this position is critical.

While devolved governments do not hold the levers, the Scottish Government will work with Ofgem, the UK Government and industry to raise awareness of the RTS switch-off.

The Scottish Government and the UK Governments Department for Energy Security and Net Zero were contacted for comment.
An idiotic minivan driver caused a multi-car pileup on a major Ohio highway when he missed his exit on Wednesday - before driving away.

Video posted online from the Ohio Department of Transportation shows traffic was moving well on Interstate 71 south near downtown Columbus on Wednesday evening until a red minivan driver made a sudden stop in the center lane at around 5.25pm.

The driver then switched on his turn signal, indicating his desire to cross into the right lane - which was branching off into an exit for Interstate 670 toward Dayton.

Soon, a gray SUV and a white SUV come to a stop behind the stalled red minivan.

But a third vehicle, a van, was apparently unable to stop in time and slammed into the white SUV - which in turn, crashed into the gray one, sending it spinning out of control.

Both SUVs were seen with rear damage in the aftermath and the van stuck out into the left lane - forcing oncoming vehicles to have to maneuver around the crash site.

Meanwhile, the red van that initially stopped drove off into the right lane, crossed into the shoulder and then into the exit lane.

It appeared his vehicle was not damaged in the pile-up.

Traffic was moving well along Interstate 71 outside of Columbus when a red minivan driver suddenly stopped in the center lane

Soon, a gray SUV and a white SUV come to a stop behind the stalled red minivan. But a third vehicle, a gray van, was apparently unable to stop in time

The van rear-ended the white SUV, which in turn, slammed into the car in front of it. The two SUVs were left with rear-end damage, and the van came to a stop in the left lane - forcing cars to maneuver around it

No crash report was available as of Thursday to determine whether the van's driver has been identified or if he ever returned to the crash scene, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

It was also unclear whether the driver of the vehicle would face any charges for causing the crash.

Fortunately, Ohio Department of Transportation spokesman Matt Bruning said no life threatening injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

He shared the video online urging drivers: 'If you miss your exit, do NOT do this. Ever.'

Instead, the official department of transportation X page suggested drivers who miss their exit should drive to the next one and circle around.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Columbus Police for more information.
A home in Marsden Park, in Sydney's north-west, has been sprayed with bullets in a drive-by shooting on Thursday night.

At about 10.45pm on Thursday, police were called to Steeple Place following reports of multiple shots being fired.

About 30 minutes later, a car was found torched at a park on Oramzi Road, in Girrawheen, approximately 20 kilometres away.

Officers from the Cumberland Police Area Command were on the scene with Fire and Rescue NSW crews, who extinguished the blaze.

The vehicle was destroyed and police established crime scenes at both locations and started inquiries into the incidents.

Officers are investigating whether the two incidents were linked and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A propery at Steeple Place in Mrsden Park was hit with bullets on Thursday night
Millions in lost sales, a share price plunge of almost 7 per cent and more than 230 new job-hires frozen.

Those were the horrifying numbers suffered by High Street stalwart M&S this week after the devastating, targeted cyber-attack that left shelves empty, customers frustrated and shareholders furious.

As I write, a raft of experts are trying to discover who was responsible, with suspicion currently falling on a shadowy group called 'Scattered Spider': a loose network of teenage hackers from across Britain and America.

Amid this high-street meltdown, it also emerged on Wednesday that the Co-op has been forced to shut down part of its IT system after discovering an attempted hack. Yesterday Harrods was also targeted by online attackers.

However, the chilling fact is that for every one of these cyber attacks we hear about, dozens of others are unfolding in our midst that remain secret.

Indeed, it emerged this week from the National Cyber Security Centre that 76 per cent of UK businesses reported an attempted cyber attack in the past year.

This is an astonishing figure  and, crucially, my contacts in the security services have told me they are very clear that a huge shift in our working culture has significantly contributed to the risk.

That shift is working from home: a phenomenon forced upon us by the pandemic but that has since become common practice even after Covid has receded.

That shift is working from home: a phenomenon forced upon us by the pandemic but that has since become common practice even after Covid has receded (Stock photo)

Now we are seeing another, altogether more alarming consequence, in the form of staff and businesses' increased exposure to devastating cyber attacks (Stock photo)

Last month, Forbes magazine reported that in Britain 27 per cent of workers now engage in 'hybrid working'  meaning they split their time between home and their workplace  with a full 13 per cent working remotely full time.

It has been a seismic cultural change.

And, while no doubt welcome to those who prefer to work in their pyjamas, it has undoubtedly had damaging effects.

As multiple business leaders have outlined in these pages  this includes a notable decline in productivity. A 2023 report from Stanford University, California found there is up to a 20 per cent reduction in efficiency in those working remotely.

Many others have pointed to the loss in the vital sharing of ideas that unfolds in a communal workspace.

Now we are seeing another, altogether more alarming consequence, in the form of staff and businesses' increased exposure to devastating cyber attacks.

Several details of the M&S attack have yet to emerge.

But it's notable that when the incident happened, the retailer immediately cut off remote access to some of its IT systems to stop the spread of 'ransomware', a specific type of malware that shuts the victim out of their computer and demands money in return for access back.

Several details of the M&S attack have yet to emerge, writes Professor Anthony Glees (Stock photo)

M&S clearly recognised that any staff logging in from home were intrinsically more vulnerable to cyber attack than those in the office.

The reality is that when people work from home  usually on a laptop or phone  they are more likely to be using antiquated software and machinery.

In a domestic setting distractions are far greater, vigilance is reduced and basic security measures such as critical updates are often ignored.

Without the beady eyes of their bosses, the IT department, or even their co-workers upon them, those at home are more likely to visit dodgy sites, from gambling to pornography, that contain malware  software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised access to a computer system.

Once a device is infected, the malware can be introduced to the office system by clever and dedicated hackers.

The 'entry' into your device usually comes by way of an innocent-looking email, perhaps purporting to be from your IT department, or from a shopping website with tempting free orders.

Once you open it, you're asked to click on a link.

In an office, you might turn to your colleague to enquire if they have received the same, but alone at home the temptation to take a look is so much greater.

The dangers are obvious.

And yet, such is the vice-like grip that the alleged 'right' to work from home has exerted on our culture  that even the workers at GCHQ are now entitled to enjoy the practice.

And yet, such is the vice-like grip that the alleged 'right' to work from home has exerted on our culture  that even the workers at GCHQ are now entitled to enjoy the practice

As an expert specialising in intelligence-led security, I would say those two things are a clear contradiction in terms, writes Professor Anthony Glees (Stock photo)

Indeed, the director of the 'cyber command unit' at GCHQ, charged with gathering intelligence and protecting the UK's national security, makes a virtue of it. It's notable that in her online biography Anne Keast-Butler boasts both of her extensive experience in cyber security and her passionate advocacy of flexible working.

As an expert specialising in intelligence-led security, I would say those two things are a clear contradiction in terms. Multiple wi-fi and broadband networks are another Achilles' heel: prior to working from home, an employer had responsibility for just one.

Now, especially in the case of big organisations, devices are connected to hundreds of different networks, expanding any areas of weakness in the process.

Many people do not update their wi-fi systems if they seem to be working and that is where danger lurks: the security measures on older systems are easier to override.

Once they have cracked into the wi-fi, nefarious actors can gain access, intercept data and control the connected devices.

Indeed, not long ago my wife and I learned that the Chinese restaurant near our home was using our rather old system to tune into Chinese television.

The working from home craze also means that many computers and tablets are being carried to and from offices, enabling another risk.

Last month it emerged our MPs and parliamentary staff have had dozens of workplace digital devices stolen from locations including pubs and trains in the past year, with nearly 70 recorded losses of iPads, phones and laptops.

Many people do not update their wi-fi systems if they seem to be working and that is where danger lurks: the security measures on older systems are easier to override (Stock photo)

Certainly all the key data of our lives can now be found on a person's phone and laptop which potentially exposes owners to blackmail. I do not need to spell out the frightening consequences of those devices falling into the wrong hands and the national security crisis that might follow.

And while to date (and as far as we have been told) hackers have not been able to penetrate Britain's defence networks and the systems that maintain our nuclear power stations and electricity substations, it would be naive to think that these are not at risk given the damage already unleashed on other institutions.

The total cost of cyber-crime to the UK economy is estimated to be around 27 billion per year, and the NHS Counter Fraud Authority estimates the total annual loss from all types of fraud (of which cyber attacks play a huge part) to be around 1.3 billion per year.

That is equivalent to the salaries of 40,000 nurses or the purchase of 5,000 ambulances.

Now, I believe we are approaching an inflection point where the people who want to do us harm are more skilled than the people we're paying to protect us.

That in turn calls for a significant response. It means that our leading institutions must invest heavily in sophisticated new software and hardware.

GCHQ, until now almost exclusively a protective organisation, must change into an offensive body to stay one step ahead of our online enemies.

Finally, there needs to be a ban on working from home for companies who play a role in our national economic wellbeing, or our national welfare.

The hackers themselves may be working from their bedrooms, but we must remove the same indulgence from their victims in order to ensure we are not making their evil missions easier.
The last Newspoll of the campaign released on Friday evening showed Labor ahead of the Coalition on a two-party preferred basis 52.5 per cent to 47.5 per cent.

Despite Labor's increased electoral fortunes, its primary vote hasn't received a major uptick as Australians increasingly look to minor parties and independents.

In fact, Australians appear to be deserting both the major parties with their combined vote having fallen to a record low.

The combined vote for the two major parties was 67 per cent beating the previous record low of 68.3 per cent at the last election.

The Greens were up 2 points to 13 per cent and One Nation has seen a surge of support at 8 per cent.

Other independents such as the teals and Clive Palrmer's Trumpet of Patriots were on 12 per cent combined.

Both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have also suffered sharp drops in personal approval ratings in the final weeks of the campaign, according to the Newspoll, with voters viewing them as unfavourable leaders.

In response to the question whether they were satisfied with the job the Opposition leader is doing, 60 per cent of respondents said they were dissatisfied.

While Mr Albanese didn't fare much better with 52 per cent saying they were dissatisfied with his performance.

When asked in the Newspoll who they would vote for if they had to pick one, 51 per cent said Mr Albanese would make the better PM and 35 per cent said Mr Dutton.

Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton earlier in the day made their last-ditch bids to convince Australians why they should lead for the next three years.

'I don't take the Australian people for granted. I'm working my guts out to ensure there's a majority government,' Mr Albanese said on Friday.

With 76 seats needed to form an outright majority, the major parties' tallies have shifted since the last election because of defections to the cross bench and seat redistributions.

Labor holds 78 seats and the coalition 57.

Despite facing dire polling and a surge in early voting, the opposition leader remained confident the Coalition could still pick up seats.

Almost 5.7 million people had cast their vote and more than 1.5 million postal ballots were returned by Thursday night, accounting for about 40 per cent of eligible voters.

Mr Dutton said he expected 'big surprises' on election night.

The Liberal leader is working to defy history with no party having formed government after one term in opposition since 1931.

The polls seem to agree, however, that the record is set to stay.

The Coalition trailed significantly in a seperate seat-by-seat poll released on Thursday by YouGov, predicting it could sink to its lowest seat total since the 1940s.

YouGov predicted Labor was on course for 52.9 per cent of the national two-party preferred vote, ahead of the coalition on 47.1 per cent, with the government picking up 84 seats against the opposition's 47.

Labor's support was slightly less at 51.5 per cent to 48.5 per cent for the coalition on a two-party preferred basis in the final Freshwater Strategy Poll published by The Australian Financial Review on Friday.

It gave Labor 74 seats and the coalition 64.

The opposition's campaign has been littered with missteps and backtracks amid a lack of policy clarity and comparisons between Mr Dutton and US President Donald Trump.

Mr Albanese hit Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania on Friday, while Mr Dutton started in South Australia, where the coalition is looking to win Boothby and sandbag Sturt, before heading to Western Australia to target key seats lost in 2022.

Mr Dutton stood alongside Tangney candidate Howard Ong at a 4WD store in Perth, where he again championed his policies to bring down petrol prices.

Labor won the seat with a 2.8 per cent margin in 2022, following a 12 per cent swing away from the Liberals.

'It's a significant decision for people to make because this is a sliding-doors moment,' Mr Dutton said in Perth.

'I have been coming to WA for 25 years and to watch it at different periods where it's been down ... but when it's booming, when it's racing, it is an exciting place, and it will be racing under a government that I lead.'

The prime minister started the day on the attack in Mr Dutton's Brisbane-based seat of Dickson, which Labor contends is winnable because of its less than two per cent margin but the coalition is confident will be retained.
Labor frontbencher Anika Wells has appeared to suggest a third position on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in as many days, reigniting political tensions over the defeated proposal.

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 which aired on Monday.

'We'll look back on it in ten years' time, and it'll be a bit like marriage equality,' Senator Wong told the 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 Channel Seven leaders' debate on Sunday: 'It's gone... I respect the outcome (of the referendum), we live in a democracy.'

Senator 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.'

But on Thursday the Minister for Aged Care and Sport has suggested that the Voice may continue in another 'form'.

Appearing on the ABCs News Breakfast, Wells was asked directly: 'Voice to Parliament, will it make a comeback do you think at some point?'

Anika Wells (pictured), the Minister for Aged Care and Sport, has suggested that the Voice may continue in another 'form'

Anthony Albanese had previously 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'

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 Ms 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".'
Doubt has been cast over the legislation for assisted dying as a poll suggested most MPs would vote against it.

Since the Bill allowing state support for terminally ill people to end their own lives passed its first hurdle in the Commons last year, concerns have been raised as proposed safeguards were rejected by its architect, Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater.

Many MPs backed it initially only because of the requirement that a High Court judge would have to sign off applications  but this was scrapped in favour of an expert panel.

Now a survey of MPs has for the first time suggested that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will be voted down when it returns to the Commons this month.

The poll of 104 MPs by Whitestone Insight, commissioned by anti-assisted suicide campaign group Care Not Killing, found that 42 planned to vote against it and five said they would abstain.

MP Kim Leadbeater at a press conference at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, to discuss the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

A protester outside the Houses of Parliament in London calling for reform as peers debate the new assisted dying legislation

Only 36 intended to back the Bill, while 13 were undecided and another eight declined to answer.

And only 30 agreed that replacing High Court oversight with a panel gave them more confidence in the Bill, while 41 disagreed.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of Care Not Killing, said: 'This bombshell poll confirms that the more MPs hear about assisted suicide and what it entails, the less likely they are to support changing the law.'

He added MPs clearly recognised removing the High Court from the process 'makes the Bill much less safe' and that it 'would put the lives of vulnerable people at risk' if it passed.
Although she does not undertake official duties, Lady Sarah Chatto is a beloved member of the Royal Family.

Sarah, 61, who is the daughter of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, the 1st Earl of Snowdon, shared a strong bond with her aunt, Queen Elizabeth II.

After Margaret's death, the pair grew closer and the late Queen frequently invited Sarah to her favourite hideaway, Craigowan Lodge, in Aberdeenshire.

Sarah is also believed to have a close relationship with her cousin, King Charles III.

The two are said to enjoy spending leisure time painting together at Balmoral whenever possible.

Although she does not undertake official duties, Lady Sarah Chatto is a much-loved member of the Royal Family

Princess Margaret and Armstrong-Jones, had two children: David, born in 1961, and Sarah, born in 1964.

However, their marriage was marred by infidelity, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1978 after a turbulent two-year separation.

During this difficult time, family holidays at the royal estates of Sandringham and Balmoral provided some comfort for 14-year-old Sarah, who often spent time with cousins Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

Sarah and her brother, David, spent much of their childhood at Kensington Palace, where their parents were a strong influence in their lives.

Lord Snowdon, a renowned society photographer, nurtured their creative talents in art and design, with Sarah and David going on to become an artist and furniture maker, respectively.

Sarah developed a particular passion for landscape painting - an interest she shares with her cousin, King Charles.

After leaving school with an A-level in Art, Sarah studied at the Camberwell School of Art and later the Royal Academy Schools.

Since 1995, she has been exhibiting works of art, under her maiden name - Sarah Armstrong-Jones - at The Redfern Gallery in London.

In a recent show, over three-quarters of Sarah's paintings were sold, most of which were expressive landscapes rendered in bold colours.

She has been honoured with numerous awards, including the Winsor & Newton Prize in 1988 and the Creswick Landscape Prize in 1990.

Sarah is believed to have a close relationship with her cousin, King Charles III. The two are said to enjoy spending leisure time painting together at Balmoral whenever possible

Sarah has strong royal connections, having served as a chief bridesmaid at Princess Anne's 1973 wedding to Mark Phillips and Charles's 1981 nuptials to Princess Diana

Following in her mother's footsteps, Sarah, who is 28th in line to the throne, became vice president of the Royal Ballet in 2004, and its president in 2024

Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, aged nine, with her father Antony Armstrong-Jones, far left, her mother Princess Margaret, centre, the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Andrew, far right, at the Badminton Horse Trials in 1973

Members of the Royal Family attended Sarah's wedding to Daniel Chatto in 1994

Sarah and her family attended Crathie Kirk on the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death in 2023

Like his cousin, King Charles is a talented artist and has become quite a dab hand with watercolours.

Charles has been interested in the artform since he was a young child, and during his youth he painted his parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

In 2022, 79 of the King's watercolour pieces were displayed at Chelsea's Garrison Chapel, marking the first full exhibition of his work in the medium.

The paintings depicted Scottish landscapes, such as the Huna Mill at John O'Groats and Glen Callater near Balmoral, and scenes from the south of France and Tanzania.

In a display panel, Charles said the hobby 'refreshes parts of the soul which other activities can't reach'.

He continued: 'It all requires the most intense concentration and consequently is one of the most relaxing and therapeutic exercises I know.

'In fact, in my case, I find it transports me into another dimension which, quite literally, refreshes parts of the soul which other activities can't reach.'

Sarah has strong royal connections, having served as a chief bridesmaid at Princess Anne's 1973 wedding to Mark Phillips and Charles's 1981 nuptials to Princess Diana. She is also a godmother to their son, Prince Harry.

Additionally, she is a godmother to Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, as well as to Lady Rose Gilman, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Following in her mother's footsteps, Sarah, who is 28th in line to the throne, became president of The Royal Ballet School in June. She had previously served as vice president for 20 years.

Although she maintains a relatively low profile, she is known to attend significant royal events, such as last year's Royal Ascot.

Demonstrating their close relationship, Sarah and her family accompanied the King and Queen to Crathie Kirk on the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death in 2023.

She, along with her husband, Daniel, and their two sons, Samuel and Arthur, were seen walking to and from the service.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales made a stylish visit to the Isle of Mull and, as expected, Kate delivered a series of standout fashion moments.

Below, we break down her outfits from the two-day trip, complete with exact pieces where available - plus high-street alternatives so you can recreate the royal look for less.

Tuesday

Marking their fourteenth wedding anniversary, Kate stepped out in a polished ensemble that struck the perfect balance between elegance and ease.

She debuted a structured blazer by Holland Cooper, layered over a classic linen shirt from one of her favourite high-street labels, Boden.

The look was finished with satin Massimo Dutti trousers and her favourite Chloe combat boots - both previously worn and long sold out.

Adding a personal touch, Kate selected two necklaces from Daniella Draper, each engraved with the initials of her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

A pair of Kiki McDonough blue topaz earrings added a refined sparkle, continuing her long-time love for the British jeweller.

Later in the day, Kate reached for her tortoiseshell sunglasses from Finlay, seen on her twice before.

Wednesday

Kate's sartorial prowess continued on day two, where she embraced a countryside-chic look that combined comfort and polish.

She wore a tweed jacket from Ralph Lauren Collection, layered over a Boden blouse and a soft cashmere jumper by Johnstons of Elgin.

She completed the outfit with G-Star Raw trousers and, once again, her dependable Chloe boots.

Accessories included Finlay's tortoiseshell sunglasses and delicate garnet earrings from Spells of Love - a beloved piece in her jewellery box.

Unsurprisingly, Kate's jacket sparked a shopping frenzy, selling out in multiple sizes soon after her appearance.

The standout design - crafted in Italy from a blend of mulberry silk and linen - boasts a tonal herringbone pattern and timeless tailoring, making it a wardrobe staple.
Many Gen Z Americans and Millennials are suffering from 'house envy,' a growing anger towards others their age who are able to buy a home easily with help from family.

They are fed up with being outbid with all-cash offers from fellow members of their generation and have been forced to resort to desperate measures in order to land a house.

Despite grappling with a rocky market, economic uncertainty, and the aftershocks of Covid-19, both groups want homeownership even if it comes with huge risk.

One Millennial, who is a doctor from Connecticut, says she recently bought a home with help from her family but had a falling out with a friend who was jealous over the purchase.

'I recently bought a home with the help of my family. I'm glad I did given the current low inventory, and it's a home I really like,' Mia Kazanjian told DailyMail.com.

'I was at a party recently at my friend's house shortly after buying my home. She's also a Millennial, a few years older than me. We were catching up and she asked me to show her pictures, which I did.'

After that, Kazanjian says her former friend began asking her questions about her finances, what she planned to do with the extra room, and then mentioned the soaring construction prices.

'It was unending questions. I responded without giving much detail, realizing that my buying this home was only a stressor to her.'

Mia Kazanjian lost a friendship after talking about how her family helped her buy a home

Kazanjian says she wishes she hadn't said anything and never would have imagined that would be the response.

'I texted her to thank her for the party, and I didn't hear back. I invited her to dinner and she said she couldn't make it. I haven't heard from her since.'

Home envy is also a hot topic on Reddit, where Gen Z Americans and Millennials are unloading their anger over mom and pop buys.

'Buys a home fresh out of school, $475k. I know resources come from different places, but it seems like this kind of purchase is almost always funded via mommy and daddy money,' one angry commenter wrote on a Reddit thread.

'You're always cognizant of those who had a leg up in the housing market,' they continued.

'Envy is one of the "seven deadly sins" but it's hard to escape it when you see someone fresh out of school buy a place you could only maybe afford now, after a career of 20 years.'

Others write they are furious with friends who have a leg up, with one commenter saying she resents a pal whose father handed her money for a home.

'My best friend's dad funded the down payment on her condo. She gives me real estate advice as if she had any part in the process,' she wrote on the social media site.

Gen Z and Millennials are suffering from 'house envy' over friends who easily buy homes

They are fed up with being outbid with all cash offers from fellow members of their generation

'Another friend just informed me that aside from her parents' house that she'll inherit, she's about to be given a house from an aunt along with her life savings of 800k. Meanwhile I'm working my hospital job, saving and searching for a livable fixer upper,' the Reddit user continued.

'My parents are living just above the poverty line and are still renting in their late 60s. They have zero savings. All you can do is try your hardest to make smart financial decisions, live beneath your means and hopefully it'll pay off in the end.'

Another person sees the bright side of not inheriting family money, saying she had friends 'who got mom and dad money' for their house but it came at a price.

'But 99 percent of the time family money has strings attached to it and their parents are still controlling them as adults. It doesn't seem that great to me,' she wrote.

Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z (66 percent) and Millennials (65 percent) who haven't bought a home admit they're envious of friends and peers who have, according to a new study by BMO Real Financial Progress Index, which tracks housing data.

A staggering 61 percent of non-homeowners feel less confident in their chances of owning a home today than they did during the height of the pandemic.

More than half say they feel like they've missed the boat entirely.

Known as the Goldilocks effect, over two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials are holding out for the 'just right' moment - specifically, lower mortgage rates.

People are angry that Gen Z and Millennials are having their parents seal the deal for a home

Over 60 percent of both groups say a typical starter home just doesn't cut it anymore.

For those who are set on buying, they are being forced to come up with creative - but sometimes risky - ways to purchase.

Co-buying is one option, but it could go wrong.

More than half of younger non-homeowners say they'd buy a house with friends or family. For 57 percent of Gen Z and 54 percent of Millennials, having a mortgage buddy is preferable to going it alone.

Borrowing from family makes up nearly 60 percent of Gen Z and 57 percent of Millennial homeowners, who say family support was essential to making their purchase happen. But then you're stuck owing back the money on top of a mortgage.

Even if their family didn't cough up cash, many Gen Z Americans remain at home for years after college in order to save.

'They only reason I was able to buy a house in California last year was because I lived with my parents until I was 27. Without some kind of advantage like that, I don't know how anyone could ever pull it off without making 150k plus,' another commenter wrote on Reddit.

In another bold and risky move, some Americans raid their retirement fund.

For Gen Z, 45 percent of prospective buyers consider dipping into their 401(K)s for a down payment. And 55 percent of Gen Z homeowners expect to still be paying off their mortgage post-retirement.

Fixer uppers are another way to go.

A majority of non-homeowners - 63 percent of Gen Z and 65 percent of Millennials - say they're open to buying homes that need serious work, embracing renovation over turnkey homes.

Relocation has also become an option for many.

San Antonio, Texas, for example, has become a hotspot for young Americans due to its affordability and remote work opportunities.

Gen Z have zeroed in on San Antonio, Texas, as an affordable city to buy a home

Charlotte, North Carolina, is another affordable option with most homes priced below $324,000

Gen Z has 56 percent and Millennials have 63 percent of people who say they'd consider moving to another state - or even another country - just to make owning a home real.

Alongside being outbid by members of their own generation who are receiving parental help, Gen Z and Millennials are also being beat out by Baby Boomers, who now make up the largest group of home buyers.

They've benefitted from decades of savings from low mortgage rates and lower home prices, and are locking out younger people with all-cash offers and bigger down payments.

'In a plot twist, Baby Boomers have overtaken millennials  the largest U.S. population  to become the top generation of home buyers,' said Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research.

'What's striking is that boomers are purchasing homes entirely with cash, bypassing financing altogether.'
It's been floating above our planet for more than 50 years.

But a satellite operated by the Soviets is finally set to crash back down to Earth next week  potentially on an inhabited area.

Kosmos 482, an out-of-control Venus space probe, has an estimated reentry date anywhere between May 7 to May 13.

Now, a scientist reveals just how likely it is that someone will be killed by the defunct device, which is about the size of a car.

In a blog post, British-American astronomer Jonathan McDowell said the satellite 'might well survive Earth atmosphere entry and hit the ground'.

'In which case I expect it'll have the usual one-in-several-thousand chance of hitting someone,' he said in his update.

'The vehicle is dense but inert and has no nuclear materials.

'No need for major concern, but you wouldn't want it bashing you on the head.'

A dead Soviet satellite will soon plummet back to Earth uncontrolled, potentially smashing into the planet's surface within the next few weeks (file photo)

The Kosmos 482 mission launched in March 1972 carrying a probe that was supposed to detach and fly all the way to Venus

The Kosmos 482 mission launched in March 1972 carrying a probe that was supposed to detach and fly all the way to Venus.

However, due to an engine malfunction, it failed to properly escape Earth's gravitational pull.

The main body of the spacecraft fell back to Earth in 1981 and likely burned up in the atmosphere, as it has never been recovered.

But its landing capsule, which was ejected into higher orbit during the launch, has remained in space  gradually spiraling lower and lower.

Because the capsule was designed to make it to Venus, it is equipped with a protective heat shield designed to prevent it from burning up.

So this could unintentionally help it to survive the reentry into Earth's atmosphere rather than burning up into fragments  ultimately hitting the surface.

'If this were to cause damage  or worse, to hurt someone  that would be something that the Russian government would be liable for,' McDowell told MailOnline.

When the capsule reenters Earth's atmosphere at 17,000 miles per hour, it will be surrounded by a shock wave and a burning 'fireball' as the atmosphere compresses beneath the force of its fall, McDowell said.

A replica of the Kosmos 482 Soviet spacecraft at the Memorial Museum of Astronautics in Russia

There are about 3,000 dead satellites like Kosmos 482 currently orbiting Earth, according to the ESA. Some of these objects could eventually pose a risk to human safety

What is Kosmos 482? Kosmos 482 was an attempted Venus space probe launched by the Soviets in 1972. It failed to escape low Earth orbit due to a malfunction and the probe has been circulating Earth since. Scientists estimate it will reenter Earth's atmosphere next week - potentially hitting an inhabited area. Advertisement

Friction between the capsule and atmospheric particles will eventually slow its descent to a couple hundred miles per hour, he added.

The capsule was also designed with a parachute system to slow its descent, but McDowell thinks it's 'completely impossible' that it's going to operate.

Therefore it's 'just going to slam into the ground', the expert said, like 'a car falling out of the air at 100 to 200 miles per hour'.

Despite this, the odds of Kosmos 482 actually hitting you or your home are incredibly slim  mostly because the majority of Earth is not covered with people  meaning 'you do not have to lose any sleep over this'.

'If you land something in a random part of the Earth, the chance that it hits a person is about one in 10,000,' the expert said. 'The chance that it hits you is then one in 10 billion  smaller than that.'

Marco Langbroek, an astronomer at TU Delft in the Netherlands, estimates the reentry will occur between May 7-13, but mostly likely the 9th or 10th.

While it's exact point of reentry is unconfirmed, it could come down anywhere between 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south latitude.

'This includes much of south and mid-latitude Europe and Asia, as well as the Americas and the whole of Africa and Australia,' Langbroek said.

This wouldn't be the first time a satellite has crash landed on Earth. In 2019, a Samsung satellite crash landed in a Michigan family's backyard

It wouldn't be the first time that so-called 'space junk' has crash-landed in an inhabited area.

Last year, a mysterious ring of fiery debris from a launch rocket crashed down in a Kenyan village, although fortunately there were no reports of injuries.

And a smartphone-sized chunk of garbage jettisoned from the International Space Station (ISS) failed to burn up during its descent through Earth's atmosphere, falling through the roof of a home in Florida.

Back in 2019, a Samsung satellite crash landed in a Michigan family's backyard, still in an impressive state of preservation.

Dr James Blake, a space debris researcher at the University of Warwick, said there are thousands of active and defunct satellites orbiting the Earth.

'This is a fate that awaits uncontrolled satellites and debris that can no longer counteract the drag forces exerted by the Earth's atmosphere,' he previously told MailOnline.

'Indeed, operators are encouraged to speed up the re-entry of their defunct satellites to keep space clear for future missions.'
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A bipartisan congressional briefing Thursday revealed startling details of a never-before-seen UFO hovering over the US.

Government officials heard from scientists who said they need a larger role in the investigation into UFOs and other strange phenomena the government has been keeping secret.

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, with help from the UAP Disclosure Fund, held the briefing Thursday called 'Understanding UAP: Science, National Security & Innovation.'

It's focused on UFOs (or UAPs, as they're now called) and what the government knows about these unusual sightings.

Luis Elizondo, a former Pentagon official who investigated UAPs before becoming a UFO whistleblower, and Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist, were the main speakers.

They're pushing for the government to release more UAP data and for the development of better ways of detecting these unidentified objects.

The hearing was led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the Republican congresswoman from Florida charged by President Trump with overseeing the disclosure of several classified events, including UFO sightings.
Greece is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations with more than 35 million travellers holidaying there in 2024.

This means that its more popular spots, such as Santorini and Mykonos, tend to get a little overcrowded.

But with over 6,000 islands in Greece, the country has more than enough destinations where you can escape the crowds.

And if you're looking for inspiration, Greece expert and base manager at Sunsail, Claire Shields, has shared her six favourite hidden gems.

Lefkas

Claire describes the island of Lefkas as one of Greece's 'best hidden gems' with 'stunning natural beauty' and 'incredible beaches'.

She reveals: 'Lefkas island has some of the best beaches in the world, like Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. The small villages in the mountain also offer breathtaking sunset views.'

Lefkas is connected to the Greek mainland which means it's only around an hour's drive from Preveza Airport.

Claire describes the island of Lefkas as one of Greece's 'best hidden gems' with 'stunning natural beauty' and 'incredible beaches'

Claire adds: 'For those wanting to explore further afield, Lefkas is a great location as there are many small islands within a short distance that you can visit.'

Meganisi

A small island with 'hidden coves and sea caves', Claire reveals that Meganisi is a great destination for sailing, seafood and snorkelling.

She explains: 'It is one of the few Ionian islands that remain untouched by mass tourism which is why it's such an underrated hidden gem.

'It has a laidback, authentic Greek vibe with fishing villages, traditional family-run tavernas and underground caves to explore.'

The travel expert recommends visiting Papanikolis Cave, which is only accessible by boat.

A small island with 'hidden coves and sea caves', Claire reveals that Meganisi is a great destination for sailing, seafood and snorkelling

Atokos

This 'small uninhabited island' is a must-visit destination, according to Claire.

She adds: 'Untouched nature and limestone cliffs make it a stunning place to visit and ideal for relaxation.

'To the east of the island is One House Bay, where you will find wild pigs roaming around.'

According to Claire, Atokos is an 'ideal' destination if you 'want to feel closer to nature.'

Atokos is a private island but it's open to tourists. Claire explains that the 'small uninhabited island' is a must-visit destination

Kalamos and Kastos

These two 'tiny' and tranquil islands are some of Greece's best hidden gems, according to Claire.

She says: 'Kalamos has a few perfect natural harbours which are calm and protected. Sailing around Kalamos means discovering quiet beaches, sea caves and swimming with no one else around.'

Meanwhile on Kastos, tourists can expect to find 'unspoiled beaches with clear turquoise water'.

Claire explains: 'Home to less than 100 permanent residents, Kastos feels like a floating village. With only one small harbour, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here.'

On Kastos, tourists can expect to find 'unspoiled beaches with clear turquoise water'

Paxos

Claire says: 'One of the least commercial Greek islands set in the Ionian Sea, this island is truly beautiful with scenery that makes it an artist's paradise.

'Its clear aquamarine sea and pebble beaches must be seen to be believed.'

The travel expert explains that Paxos is the 'perfect place to wind down' as 'nothing is done quickly here'.

She suggests grabbing an iced coffee at one of the island's seafront cafes and watching a local fisherman bring in his catch.

The travel expert explains that Paxos is the 'perfect place to wind down' as 'nothing is done quickly here'

Agia Efimia

This 'gorgeous fishing village' on the east of Kefalonia is the perfect holiday destination if you want a 'slower pace of life', says Claire.

She suggests tourists spend the day 'watching beautiful boats entering and leaving the marina'.

Claire adds: 'There are two sets of caves, the Drogarti inland and the Melisani caves, which you can be taken in by a boatman.

'Many describe this as entering Hades itself. The water is dark and inky with turquoise patches where the sun hits.'

This 'gorgeous fishing village' on the east of Kefalonia is the perfect holiday destination if you want a 'slower pace of life', says Claire

And if you're looking for more breathtaking holiday destinations in Greece, why not check out the gorgeous spot that's been described as the 'Maldives of Europe'.

Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete is world-famous because of its pink sand and crystal-clear water.

Its pastel-pink sand gets its colour from Foraminifera, tiny marine creatures which create red-pigmented shells.

Over time, the shells break down and mix with the sand giving it its attractive pink colour.
A Somerset seaside town is hoping to woo in legions of tourists - by offering them the chance to pose with its answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The famous Italian landmark - which leans at an gentle angle of 3.9 degrees - attracts more than five million visitors a year.

However, the medieval stone church tower of St Andrews in Burnham-on-Sea, which is around the same age as Pisa's tower, leans by an incredible 15 degrees, making it more than four times wonkier.

Local tourist chiefs are frustrated that the small Somerset beach town receives a tiny number of visitors compared to Pisa.

To add insult to injury, Burnham has just been called the UK's third worst seaside spot by the Which? organisation.

The Somerset town was given one star for its tourist attractions, food and drink, and shopping, and two stars for its pier (Britain's smallest) and seafront (which features three lighthouses).

The town's visitor centre is dismayed that the survey by the Which? Organisation completely neglected to mention Burnham's hidden claim to international fame: one of the world's most leaning buildings.

The 78ft high church tower was built on sandy shore close to the beach in the 14th century  and has been alarmingly wonky ever since.

The tower at St Andrews in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset leans nearly 11 degrees more than its famous Italian counterpart - and locals hope the low-key medieval church might give the town a tourism boost (Pictured: Simon Heptinstall recreates the classic Pisa photo - in Somerset)

The famous Italian attraction woos in tourists from all over the globe - attracting five million visitors every year. Right: St Andrews in Burnham-on-Sea isn't quite as tall but has an impressive 11 degree lean, compared to Pisa's 3.9 degrees

It looks extraordinary from some angles but is considered stable. The tower is only occasionally open to visitors however.

Manager of Burnham's visitor centre, Ian Jefferies, has climbed the narrow spiral staircase and stood on the top.

He says: 'It's amazing up there. It's so tilted it feels like you're going to fall off.'

A plumb line drop from the tower would be three feet away from the tower at ground level.

Now a visitors heritage trail has been launched in the town using wall-mounted QR codes that provide more information on 31 of its historic landmarks.

Of course, the leaning tower is one of the highlights.

With only 18 reviews on Tripadvisor the Burnham tower is lagging somewhat behind Pisa's rival, which has 24,224 reviews.

Nevertheless, one Somerset visitor describes that 'the tower leans beautifully'.

The pretty stone church is considered an unsung historic landmark by its few visitors.

It contains rare and beautiful marble statues by Sir Christopher Wren.

Despite the spectacular lean, the tower used to function as a lighthouse with a lantern on top warning ships of perilous sandbanks around the entrance to the River Parrett.

Fish & chips, a beautiful beach and the promise of a selfie with what might be Britain's wonkiest tower is in the offing on the Somerset coast

Classic photo op: Pisa's tower has attracted tourists who want to see its famous tilt in person for centuries

In fact, as well as the Leaning Tower of Burnham, the town also has a bizarre collection of lighthouses.

It's picturesque nine-legged 30ft-high wooden one was built in 1832 on offshore tidal flats.

It has been voted one of the world's most beautiful lighthouses.

Another lighthouse is a bizarre round stone cylinder built by a local vicar 300 years ago as part of a seafront house.

The third stands incongruously among suburban houses some way inland  it's 100ft tower is now a private house.

Find out more: burnhaminformation.co.uk
With the weather heating up and the bank holiday on the horizon, many Brits will be planning a trip to seaside.

But while a day at the beach might sound appealing, there are a few spots you'll want to leave off your hitlist.

England's 19 dirtiest beaches have been named and shamed at the second annual 'Brown Flag Awards'.

The team at Holidayparkguru.co.uk looked at the Environmental Agency's summertime water quality data to determine which beaches have failed to make the cleanliness grade.

Brown Flag beaches are those that are rated 'poor' by the Environment Agency due to the amount of bacteria in the water caused by sewage and waste.

Sadly, the number of Brown Flag beaches in England has soared from 13 in 2024 to 19 in 2025, an increase of 46 per cent.

Somerset and Kent have the highest number of Brown Flag beaches, with each county having three beaches on the list.

At the other end of the scale, Northumberland officially has the country's cleanest beaches.

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England's 19 dirtiest beaches have been named and shamed at the second annual 'Brown Flag Awards'. Dymchurch in Kent (above) is on the list

Blackpool North (pictured above) in Lancashire has also been awarded a Brown Flag this year

More than 90 per cent of the county's beaches achieved the highest possible score for water cleanliness.

Dorset, Devon and Cornwall also scored well when it came to cleanliness although each of the counties is also home to a Brown Flag beach.

Lincolnshire and Hampshire are the next cleanest counties.

And only St Mary's Bay in Kent had managed to clean up its act since the last Brown Flag Awards and is no longer on the concern list.

Holidayparkguru.co.uk has said it will be handing out free brown flags, each emblazoned with the poo emoji, to the counties with dirty beaches.

Robbie Lane, a keen sea-swimmer who works at HolidayParkGuru.co.uk, says: 'I would like to extend my sympathies to beaches in Worthing, Lyme Regis and the other newcomers who have given Brown Flag Awards for the first time.

'Commiserations also to Weston Super Mare, Blackpool and other resorts that have retained their "awards", like a stubborn barnacle clinging onto a sewer pipe.

'We had hoped that we'd handing out fewer Brown Flags this year - but the numbers have surged.

Although Cornwall was one of the cleanest counties, Porthluney Beach (pictured above) was given a Brown Flag

Bognor Regis Beach (pictured above) in Sussex is unfortunately on the Brown Flag list this year

Scarborough South Bay (pictured above) is on the Brown Flag list in England

ENGLAND'S BROWN FLAG BEACHES Porthluney, Cornwall Coastguards Beach, Devon Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach, Dorset Southsea East, Hampshire Deal Castle, Kent Dymchurch, Kent Littlestone, Kent Blackpool North, Lancashire St Annes North, Lancashire Heacham, Norfolk Weston Main, Weston Super Mare Sand Bay and Weston Super Mare Uphill Slipway, Somerset Dunster Beach, Somerset Blue Anchor West, Somerset Bognor Regis, Sussex Worthing Beach House, Sussex Tynemouth Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear Littlehaven Beach, Tyne and Wear Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire Bridlington South Beach, East Riding of Yorkshire Source: holidayparkguru.co.uk Advertisement

'Several of the newcomers are newly designated swimming spots whilst others have gone down the pan since last year.

'The good news is that two-thirds of beaches in England are rated as "excellent" for their water quality.

'Do your research this summer and you'll be saying "wish you were here" rather than "wish I'd worn a hazmat suit".

'Let's give a shout out to St Mary's Bay in Kent, which is the only beach in the whole country that managed to wipe away its Brown Flag!'
Amanda Owen has said she is 'suffering sleepless nights' after facing 'daunting and difficult decisions' in her new reality show Our Farm Next Door with ex husband Clive Owen.

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 it has not been easy - the roof of the derelict property had no slates on it at all, leaving the Owen family starting from scratch to make sure it was warm and dry.

Their builder Richard needed Amanda to decide which slates she wanted, asking, '15 or 16 inch wide?' - and pointing to one , saying: 'What we are thinking is this but we need a decision.'

She appeared completely overwhelmed by indecision, replying: 'Oh no, is it up to me?'

The roof of the derelict property had no slates on it at all, leaving the Owen family starting from scratch to make sure it was warm and dry. Pictured: Tuesday's episode

Their builder Richard needed Amanda to decide which slates she wanted, asking, '15 or 16 inch wide?' - and pointing to one , saying: 'What we are thinking is this but we need a decision'. Pictured: Tuesday's episode

She appeared completely overwhelmed by indecision, replying: 'Oh no, is it up to me?'. Pictured: Tuesday's episode

Explaining her decision-making paralysis, she said: 'Trying to get everything all joined up is so difficult. I never realised there was so much planning going into this.

'Richard is brilliant but Richard still has questions that need answering and it's trying to keep everyone happy.

'It's still quite daunting and it still gives me quite a few sleepless nights.'

The builder admitted it was 'quite hard' to put the 'big, heavy slates' on the precarious farmhouse, known as Anty John's and near the Owen family's Ravenseat Farm.

He explained the sheer scale of the project: 'If youre working on a roof where the slates are already there, its a matter of taking them off and pushing them straight back on again.

'But in this case there was nothing on it, theyre all new slates. But it does look lovely when it is done.'

Meanwhile, Clive was facing his second hip operation - and appeared nervous both to have the surgery itself and to be out of action on the farm.

Clive, who split from ex-wife Amanda in 2022 after 22 years of marriage but still co-parents with her, said at one point: 'Tomorrow, I've got to be in the hospital at 7.30 in the morning, got a new hip.

Explaining her decision-making paralysis, she said: 'Trying to get everything all joined up is so difficult. I never realised there was so much planning going into this'. Pictured: Their builder Richard in Tuesday's episode

She added: 'Richard is brilliant but Richard still has questions that need answering and it's trying to keep everyone happy'. Pictured: Tuesday's episode

Amanda said: 'It's still quite daunting and it still gives me quite a few sleepless nights'. Pictured: Richard in Tuesday's episode

'So, yeah, I wouldn't say I'm really looking forward to it but that's what's going to 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.

'Yeah, I mean, you're bound to be nervous, but no, no, I'm alright with it.

'I'll do exactly what they tell me and, next thing, you know, you wake up and it's [done].

'I've had one, you see, so I know the procedure, but no, like it or not, that's what's happening tomorrow.'

After he had his surgery, Amanda muttered he was a 'terrible patient' - he insisted on going out and about on his crutches to make sure his children were looking after the sheep well enough in his absence.

The couple's frank admissions about how they were feeling came in the same episode as a very cheeky joke Amanda made about her ex Clive's difficulties 'getting his leg over'.

It was in reference to the second hip replacement he was about to undergo and how the pain he was in was making it difficult for him to ride a quad bike around their 2000 acre farm.

The couple's frank admissions about how they were feeling came in the same episode (pictured) as a very cheeky joke Amanda made about her ex Clive's difficulties 'getting his leg over'

It was in reference to the second hip replacement he was about to undergo and how the pain he was in was making it difficult for him to ride a quad bike around their 2000 acre farm

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'

And concerned fans pointed out on social media '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.'

It comes as fans' concerns for Amanda grow - once dubbed the UK's most 'authentic' star, her dream life on the farm seems to have derailed in recent years.

She appeared to have the perfect rural life when she shot to fame seven years ago when starring on the Channel 5 show Our Yorkshire Farm alongside ex-husband Clive and their children.

During the pandemic, the show grew ever more popular with viewers captivated by watching her lambing, battling the elements, parenting nine kids and somehow looking naturally beautiful through it all.

It comes as fans' concerns for Amanda (left, with Robert Davies, right, a married web designer with whom she had a five-year affair) grow - once dubbed the UK's most 'authentic' star, her dream life on the farm seems to have derailed in recent years

She appeared to have the perfect rural life when she shot to fame seven years ago when starring on the Channel 5 show Our Yorkshire Farm alongside ex-husband Clive and their children. Pictured: Amanda and Clive with their daughter Raven at her university graduation in York

During the pandemic, the show grew ever more popular with viewers captivated by watching her lambing, battling the elements, parenting nine kids and somehow looking naturally beautiful through it all. Pictured: Amanda and Clive's nine children (L-R) Violet, Clemmy, Reuben, Sidney, Annas, Edith, Miles, Nancy and Raven

Amanda met her husband in 1996 when he was already divorced with two children, after she arrived at his farm as a 21-year-old trainee shepherdess.

They quickly fell in love despite the age gap and had nine children together, with their life on the farm capturing legions of fans.

Springwatch presenter Kate Humble summed up the feelings of fans, by praising Amanda for being 'absolutely authentic' and showing the real life of a 'hard-working woman', who gave up her career as a model for farming life.

But for the Yorkshire Shepherdess, 50, the last few years have been anything but smooth.

From the breakdown of her marriage, a five-year love affair with her married web designer being exposed and her older children fleeing the nest to go to university, the TV star has faced a slew of personal trials and tribulations.

And now, as the second series of the Owen family's new show, Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, hits screens, fans are growing concerned and claiming 'something doesn't seem right' after she acted erratically during an appearance on Lorraine this week.

Appearing on the talk show on Tuesday, Amanda opened up about family life now as she continues to co-parent with Clive, which left worried viewers questioning whether she was okay.

Speaking about her relationship with her ex-husband, Amanda said: 'It's about moving forward. We've got plenty to amuse ourselves. There's space.

Fans are growing concerned and claiming 'something doesn't seem right' after she acted erratically during an appearance on Lorraine this week (pictured)

Appearing on the talk show on Tuesday (pictured), Amanda opened up about family life now as she continues to co-parent with Clive, which left worried viewers questioning whether she was okay

'There's room to get away from each other, if we're being absolutely brutally honest here.

'If we got on like a house on fire we wouldn't be separate would we? But the fact of the matter is, we've got nine children, I think people think we lose track of the fact we do reality, reality comes with its ups and downs.'

Some watching at home took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their concerns.

They wrote: 'Is Amanda ok? Something doesn't seem right #Lorraine' and 'Wow, Amanda is not looking well at all #lorraine.'

Others quipped: 'She doesnt look well' and 'She does not look well & yet Lorraine totally oblivious  or ignoring it.'

The first series of Our Farm Next Door aired in October last year, coming to an emotional end in November.

Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids is available on Channel 4.
28 Years Later fans have been floored by a hidden message in the trailer which leads them to a secret website - solving a mystery they have been asking about for two decades.

The post-apocalyptic horror film, set for release in June, will be the third in the series, after 2002's 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later in 2007.

Nearly three decades after the so-called 'rage virus' escaped a biological weapons laboratory in the UK, decimating human civilisation on the British Isles, a small group have survived hidden away on a tiny island.

But when one of them goes out to explore the mainland, they find some real horrors awaiting them among the infected population.

The follow-up, coming 18 years after the last instalment with Jeremy Renner, got some much-needed hype when fans thought they spotted Cillian Murphy's character return as a zombie in the trailer - which has since been disproven.

Starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes, with original writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle returning, it is now one of the most anticipated releases on the film calendar.

The post-apocalyptic horror film, set for release in June, will be the third in the series, after 2002's 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later in 2007. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

Nearly three decades after the so-called 'rage virus' escaped a biological weapons laboratory in the UK, decimating human civilisation on the British Isles, a small group have survived hidden away on a tiny island. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

But when one of them goes out to explore the mainland, they find some real horrors awaiting them among the infected population. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

Movie buffs have now been gripped by the latest move in the film's increasingly impressive marketing campaign, as reported by Ladbible.

The most recent trailer saw mysterious symbols flash up throughout, on-screen for just a single frame.

Eagle-eyed fans spotted these symbols stood for a secret message, which could be decrypted using the so-called pigpen cypher, a set of geometric shapes which can be used to represent letters.

The message turned out to read 'memento mori', a Latin phrase which means 'remember you must die'.

But keen fans also spotted it was the the password to a secret website they had amazingly managed to find, called RageLeaks.net.

After entering the password, they found two links. The first leads to a short message, reading: 'The virus brought us more than the rage.

'The sorrow, for our lost home. The guilt, for the ones we left behind. The righteous indignation for the secrets being kept from us.

'It's been almost 28 years since the outbreak. And still, not a single shred of truth about what's really going on. They say it's to protect us. It's for our own good. After all this time, what are they still hiding?

But keen fans also spotted it was the the password to a secret website they had amazingly managed to find, called RageLeaks.net (pictured). After entering the password, they found two links

The first leads to a short message (pictured), reading: 'The virus brought us more than the rage. 'The sorrow, for our lost home. The guilt, for the ones we left behind. The righteous indignation for the secrets being kept from us'

The second shows a 'surveillance report' (pictured) on the infection threat level posed by the 'Lindisfarne Commune', the small quarantined island the protagonists live on

A third link, uploaded to the website later, is titled 'Life on Patrol' and shows, once clicked on, an Instagram post (pictured) from a made-up user called 'samiexlovexann' of a selfie of a couple on a boat

'They classify satellite images. They forbid any communication with survivor communities. They suppress rumors and discredit reports that somehow, the infected have adapted.

'They don't want us to see. But we must bear witness. All of us.'

The second shows a 'surveillance report' on the infection threat level posed by the 'Lindisfarne Commune', the small quarantined island the protagonists live on, along with pictures of the community.

A third link, uploaded to the website later, is titled 'Life on Patrol' and shows, once clicked on, an Instagram post from a made-up user called 'samiexlovexann' of a selfie of a couple on a boat.

It is captioned in Swedish - and fans' translation reveals that it reads: 'Carsten was supposed to be back a couple of days ago. Trying not to overthink things, I just miss him so much.'

The made-up Instagram post has two comments on it, also in Swedish.

The first, from a user named 'alexjoman028', says: 'Don't stress, ships have to be quiet all the time. He'll be in touch soon.'

The second comment, from 'mattttingen06', reads: 'It doesn't exactly look like there's a lot of activity there. But sure, let's continue to put resources into the mission.'

The follow-up, coming 18 years after the underwhelming last instalment, with Jeremy Renner , first got much-needed hype when fans thought they spotted Cillian Murphy 's character return as a zombie in the trailer - which has since been disproven. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

Starring Jodie Comer , Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes , with original writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle returning, it is now one of the most anticipated releases on the film calendar. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

Movie buffs have now been gripped by the latest move in the film's increasingly impressive marketing campaign. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

Though the exact meaning of the post and its comments remains mysterious, fans have realised that considered more broadly, it gives a big hint about the upcoming film.

Instagram was created in 2010 - and so if the version of the world represented in the film also has the social media app, fans worked out it means that at least part of Earth's human population must have survived the apocalypse to be able to create it.

This has been a major question for fans of the series up to this point - in the previous two films, the viral outbreak has been seen to mostly affect the UK alone, with the extent of its spread across the planet unknown.

But huge questions were raised when at the end of the last film, 28 Weeks Later, a post-credit scene showed zombies having reached Paris.

Screenwriter Alex Garland has recently weighed in on the fan debate, saying earlier this year that the upcoming film is not 'in conflict' with 2007's 28 Weeks Later.

But he caveated this by saying '"canon" is not a very Danny Boyle word'.

It means Danny, also known for Trainspotting, may deviate from the Parisian references made in the last film in the series, which had a different director, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.

So, how far the virus has spread across the planet really still remains to be seen - though this secret website has dropped some serious hints that parts of the Earth have remained unaffected.

One fan on Reddit (pictured) said the idea that social media exists in the version of the world represented in the film brought quite an amusing thought to mind for them

The most recent trailer saw mysterious symbols flash up throughout, on-screen for just a single frame. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

Eagle-eyed fans spotted these symbols stood for a secret message, which could be decrypted using the so-called pigpen cypher. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

The message turned out to read 'memento mori', a Latin phrase which means 'remember you must die'. Pictured: Trailer for 28 Years Later

One fan on Reddit said the idea that social media exists in the version of the world represented in the film brought quite an amusing thought to mind for them.

They said: 'The part I'm finding interesting is that in this alternate world of the UK being quarantined, Instagram exists, meaning Facebook/YouTube and all other social media will exist too by proxy.

'I'd love to know what conspiracies the Facebook boomers are all spreading and sharing.'

But whatever the secret website's hints really mean remains to be seen - and it will only make fans more excited for the film to release this summer.

The new trailer for 28 Years Later dropped last month - but Cillian Murphy was nowhere to be seen in a major curveball despite the actor being 'teased' for a return.

Speculation was rife about his role in the new movie after he starred as Jim in the 2002 sequel film 28 Days Later, well before he shot to Oscar success.

In March, Danny teased that viewers may get to see Cillian, 48, return after all, in one of the films in the trilogy.

Speaking during Sony's presentation at 2025 CinemaCon, the filmmaker hinted: 'Like all good things in life, you may have to wait a little while for [Cillian] to make his appearance'.

The clip sparked worldwide speculation amongst fans, believing it to be the zombified form of Cillian's character from the first film. Pictured: Cillian Murphy presenting the Best Actor Oscar in March this year

But this theory was quickly shut down when a London art dealer and model revealed he was the one playing the zombie character. Pictured: Cillian as Jim in the 2002 film

When the first trailer for the highly-anticipated film was released in December, fans went wild over one unexpected moment that saw a zombie rise up in a field behind Jodie Comer's character.

The clip sparked worldwide speculation amongst fans, believing it to be the zombified form of Cillian's character from the first film.

But this theory was quickly shut down when a London art dealer and model revealed he was the one playing the zombie character.

Earlier this year, movie producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed Cillian would not be appearing in 28 Years Later - but suggested he could return for a future film.

He told Empire: '[On] this, we wanted him to be involved and he wanted to be involved. He is not in the first film, but Im hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line.'

He added: 'Hes involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.'

28 Years Later will be released in cinemas in June.
A beloved game show is set to return to screens as Carol Vorderman makes an epic TV comeback with Jeremy Vine and Sally Lindsay.

Quiz programme, Celebrity Puzzling, will see a different star join the teams each week and tackle a variety of puzzles and problems.

Hosted by Jeremy Vine, actress Sally Lindsay and broadcaster Carol Vorderman will be team captains on the Channel 5 show.

Celebrity guests include Stephen Bailey, Miles Jupp, Shaun Williamson, Les Dennis, Gareth Malone, John Thomson, Dom Joly, Russell Kane, Melvin Odoom, Paul Sinha, David James, Ore Oduba, Scarlett Moffatt, Dr Ranj Singh, Sam Quek and Rav Wilding.

Carol commented on her new TV role and revealed she 'loves' brainteasers.

'I'm so excited to be a team captain on Celebrity Puzzling,' she said.

A beloved game show is set to return to screens as Carol Vorderman makes an epic TV comeback with Jeremy Vine and Sally Lindsay

Quiz programme, Celebrity Puzzling, will see a different star join the teams each week and tackle a variety of puzzles and problems and will be hosted by Jeremy (pictured)

'Finally, all those years of loving numbers, words and brainteasers are about to pay off! Well, I hope that they are.'

The broadcaster added: 'Joining forces with my brilliant and really good mate Sally Lindsay, and with the ever-clever Jeremy Vine keeping us all in line, it's going to be a battle of brains and I'm going to be fighting all the way, of course!'

Host Jeremy said: 'It's amazing to do a quiz that's so simple and yet feels so fresh in every way.

'Celebrity Puzzling is one of those shows where, from the very first edition, everything fell into place with our amazing 5 team, with Carol and with Sally, and we just had the greatest fun in the studio.

'Not to mention burning through quite a few brain cells as we all tried to solve those beastly puzzles!'

While Sally admitted she was apprehensive at first and shared: 'I was honestly a bit nervous about this challenge as I'm more your general knowledge type but even though it was really competitive at times I surprised myself on some rounds!

'If you love a puzzle you will love this!'

Broadcaster Carol Vorderman (pictured) will be a team captain on the show and commented on her new TV role revealing she 'loves' brainteasers

While actress Sally Lindsay (pictured) admitted she was apprehensive at first about being a team captain

Puzzling first hit screens last year and was hosted by Lucy Worsley before being shelved.

It comes as another game show, Genius Game, premiered on Wednesday and was hosted by David Tennant.

The ITV programme saw players test their intellectual acumen and attempt to win a cash prize.

David took on the role of The Creator in the eight-part reality game series which takes inspiration from a South Korean show.

Celebrity Puzzling is set to air on Channel 5
Victoria Derbyshire revealed that her dad strangled her and dragged her out of bed in the night as she opened up about her abusive childhood on Thursday's instalment of Loose Women.

The journalist, 56, appeared on the panel to talk to Christine Lampard, 46, Coleen Nolan, 60, and Olivia Attwood, 33, in aid of the show's domestic abuse campaign Facing It Together.

Victoria described her childhood as 'very tense' because her father Anthony, who died in 2020 following a stroke, was a 'bully and violent' towards her, her mum Pauline, and her siblings.

Recalling her younger days at home, Victoria said: 'He was vile, frankly.

'He would put his key in the door when he was coming in from work and we would all scatter because we just didnt want to be around, because we were walking on egg shells as we knew he would probably start an argument, or he would be shouting to cause tension.

She added: 'On occasion put my hands around my throat. He would drag me out of bed in the middle of the night to shout at me.'

My abusive dad strangled me and dragged me out of bed in the night to attack me - we'd scatter in terror when he walked through the door, reveals Victoria Derbyshire in tear-jerking Loose Women interview

The journalist, 56, appeared on the panel to talk to Christine Lampard, 46, Coleen Nolan, 60, and Olivia Attwood, 33, in aid of the show's domestic abuse campaign Facing It Together

'Obviously I knew that was not normal, because I had friends with fathers who were not like that.

'But it was relatively normal in our household.'

Describing how it made her feel and how she did not receive support from appropriate services back then, Victoria said: 'I didnt tell a teacher, and not because of shame, it was just that this was the way it is in our house Ive got some of my mums doctors notes [from back then], and she went to the doctors with a broken rib and it says in the doctors notes husband trouble, and that was of the time nobody did anything!'

She continued: 'There was a time my father was hitting my mother, and our phone had been cut off because my father hadnt paid the bill - which I now know was a way of isolating us, which I didnt at the time.

'So I had to run to the police station, which was about two miles away and I was about 13 or 14ish. It took them two hours to come. And when they came, they knocked at the door, they were invited in for a cup of tea by my father and they never spoke to my mum. When you think back, its unreal.'

When asked if she spoke to her family about what they were going through, Victoria confessed that she did with her mum's side of the family.

'We did. I heard your conversation earlier, where you look for light in the dark times, there was a lot of dark humour.

'We'd go to my gran, my mum's sister, those places were of sanctuary, where we would talk, we would laugh,' Victoria said.

'I don't want people to think my childhood was super totally bleak. Because of my mum and her side of the family.'

Asked by Coleen, when did it all end? Victoria responded: 'My mother and father got divorced when I was sixteen, and honestly that was liberation! It was an incredible feeling She fell in love with someone else and thank God she did.

'Together we saved each other. Certainly as I was growing up, I was trying to stand up to him more. I could never match him physically but I would not react in a situation where I knew he would want me to react, but yeah, she met another man who became my step-dad and they got married, and he was like a proper father.'

As she got older she realised that what was going on at home wasn't right.

She described the abhorrent behaviour as 'relatively normal in our household'

Victoria previously spoke out about her abusive childhood back in 2014 and has been open about her experiences ever since

The Facing It Together campaign launched in March 2024 and last month the show marked it's first anniversary with a very powerful special episode

Victoria told the panel: 'I think by a certain age, you know, it's wrong, my best friend's family, they didn't have an abusive parent.'

The broadcaster made headlines back in 2020 when she put the phone number of the national domestic abuse helpline on her arm during an appearance on live TV.

Speaking of her decision, she told the panel: 'When Boris Johnson said in lockdown, stay at home, one of the first things that occurred to me was "Oh my God if you are in a home with an abusive parent or abusive partner, you are literally trapped."

'We saw domestic abuse rates sore in that time.'

'I did a Panorama about it, and our research showed police were receiving calls about domestic abuse during lockdown once every 30 seconds. That is just astonishing, and shocking, and totally not acceptable.'

Revealing how she has made no secret of her fathers behaviour to her sons, Victoria said: 'My father, who is not alive anymore, is their grandfather so obviously we never saw him because why would we?

'So, when they were old enough I would explain the reason that you dont see THAT grandfather is XYZ, and talk to them about it.

'Were a really open family, we do talk about stuff and I think that is a good thing. So they are very aware what domestic abuse is and what coercive control is.'

Many felt touched by Victoria sharing her experience and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts.

One said: 'Caught Victoria Derbyshires interview on #LooseWomen on my lunch break & it mirrored my mums story & the challenges she faced as a girl living with an abusive & violent dad. When he left it was liberation day that bit made me smile.'

It is not the first time that Victoria has spoken about her abusive childhood.

Victoria said back in 2014: 'It was very much us four against him.

'He was aggressive and violent and not loving in any way. Not like a father should be.'

In 2020 she recalled the moment he poured hot soup over her when she was a teen.

Victoria told The Times: 'Once I was sitting eating my tea - tomato soup - in my school uniform. He was shouting at me across the kitchen table.

'I looked up and I didnt say anything. But I was thinking, ''I have complete contempt for you.'' And he could see it in my eyes.

'So he leant across the table and tipped the hot soup all over my school uniform. My way of dealing with that was not to react. Dont scream. Dont cry.'

The publication reported that the media personality and her family did not attend Anthony's funeral.

The Times reported in 2020 that when Anthony was asked about the allegations, he admitted to hitting his ex-wife, but denied hitting his kids.

The Facing It Together campaign launched in March 2024.

Last month the show marked it's first anniversary with a very powerful special episode.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, call Refuge's freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247
A terrified Kim Kardashian has beefed up her already robust security team after her ex-husband Kanye West's unhinged outbursts sparked fears for her safety, the Daily Mail has learned.

The disgraced rapper, 47, has posted a series of shocking messages online in recent weeks - including claims he committed incest with his cousin when he was a child and posts praising Adolf Hitler.

Things worsened on Wednesday when West went berserk in a blistering rant on a live stream, during which he claimed to have been blocked from seeing his kids.

'F*** all these f***** n*****,' West, clad in black, said in the disturbing footage. 'I'mma go get these kids, bro. I'm talking to the lawyers - it gets to the point where I don't lose my f***in' mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids.'

Now a source who's been in the-mother-of-four's inner circle for more than a decade says Kardashian, 44, is taking extra precautions and has hired guards to be with her 24/7.

The reality star has also told relatives to be careful sharing anything about her children online, the source revealed.

On a live stream on Wednesday night, Kanye West went berserk in a blistering rant claiming that he's been blocked from seeing his kids

A terrified Kim Kardashian is beefing up her already robust security team after her ex-husband Kanye West 's unhinged outbursts sparked fears for her safety, the Daily Mail has learned

She has instructed her closest allies not to post about their locations or upload photos or messages that could identify where they might be.

'She's absolutely horrified,' the source told the Daily Mail. 'Like every time things get bad with Kanye, somehow they get worse.'

While the rapper has not made any direct threats towards his ex-wife and their children, he took to X earlier this month to claim that he's being kept away from their nine-year-old son Saint.

'I HAVENT SEEN SAINT THIS YEAR,' he wrote, despite the fact that they were pictured together in January.

West also shares daughters North, 11, and Chicago, six, and son Psalm, five, with Kardashian, who he married in 2014.

They finalized their divorce in 2022 and agreed to joint custody of the kids, but the conflict between them has continued.

Although West has accused Kardashian of not allowing him to see his children, the Daily Mail can confirm that he saw Saint, Chicago and Psalm last week.

The insider says that Kardashian is getting increasingly spooked by West's public posts as she prepares to take the stand in Paris next month to testify about the $10million jewelry heist she was the victim of in 2016.

'The kids have to deal with a lot of things as it is, and now their father is admitting to all of these things publicly,' the insider says.

'At some point, it just gets to be too much. And for Kim, this is too much. She doesn't feel safe right now.'

While those close to the reality star say that she 'never stands in the way' of her children spending time with their father, West claims otherwise on social media.

He previously wrote on X: 'I HAVE TO SUPPRESS THE FACT THAT MY KIDS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM ME AND EVERYONE JUST WATCHES.'

'I need a plan to exercise my rights with my kids,' the rapper also said.

'He is talking about taking action and she doesn't know what he means,' the insider adds. 'What does "exercise my rights" even mean? He has the right to see them when he wants to.'

A source who's been in Kardashian's inner circle for more than a decade says the mother-of-four is taking extra precautions and now has guards with her 24/7

Kanye and North West (in 2022) sporadically spend time together. The rapper hasn't made any direct threats against Kim or his children but has ranted about not seeing them enough

West has posted a series of shocking messages on X, which has made Kardashian nervous for the safety of their kids

Sources say that West's children have a 'complex' relationship with their dad

The last few months have placed increased strain on Kardashian, with West's erratic behavior and the impending criminal trial on the Paris break-in.

When she heads to court she we will have to confront the agony of being robbed by five men disguised as police officers almost a decade ago.

The robbery took a horrific turn when the suspects allegedly bound her arms and legs with zip ties and covered her eyes and mouth with duct tape.

Most of the $10million in jewelry that was taken - including a $4million diamond engagement ring from her then-husband West - was never recovered.

The trial of ten suspects, known as the 'Grandpa robbers', began this week and they face lengthy prison sentences if found guilty.

Yunice Abbas, 72, has already admitted his role in the robbery and even wrote a memoir, titled I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian.

Abbas, who has a criminal history stretching back decades, says he regrets the trauma he caused her.

Kardashian has rarely spoken publicly about the horrifying ordeal. In 2022, she tearfully told David Letterman she feared she would be raped and killed when she was confronted by the armed suspects.

'It's not something she likes to revisit,' says the insider.

'She was terrorized, she was physically tied up and put in a bathtub.

Yunice Abbas, 72, one of the prime suspects in the Kardashian heist, appeared in a Paris court on Monday. He has already admitted his role in the robbery and even wrote a memoir, I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian

West and Kardashian finalized their divorce in 2022 and agreed to joint custody of the kids, but the conflict between them has continued

'She was a young mother who thought that she was never going to see her children again.

'This was the scariest thing that ever happened to her, and it's not a joke.'

Kardashian's attorney has said she's ready to face her attackers in court.

'She is preserving her testimony for the Court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further on it at this stage,' Kardashian's attorney Michael Rhodes said in a statement.

'She has tremendous appreciation and admiration for the French judicial system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities.'

'It's going to be hard for her, but her mom has always been her go-to for this,' the insider says. 'She'll talk this through with her mom and get strength there.

'But it's going to be a weird month for her, that's for sure.'
Comic Amber Ruffin revealed her nixed White House Correspondents' Dinner monologue that she promised would make Donald Trump supporters 'really sad' to Stephen Colbert Monday night.

Ruffin was set to perform at the famed event next month but the association's board unanimously voted to remove her after she said the Trump White House was full of 'murderers.'

The Late Night with Seth Meyers writer doubled down on that critique after her firing, comparing them to 'the Nazis' in The Sound of Music.

She traded Meyers in for CBS' Colbert on Monday - who initially had booked her to recap the festivities - and gave him a sneak peek at her unused material.

'If they didn't 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 warned.

The Colbert crowd was desperately trying to egg Ruffin into sharing exact jokes but the comic refused.

However, she did share with the audience how she was going to end her lengthy routine.

'I was going to end it with like, 'This administration is trying to get you to hate other people. That is not your natural state. Human beings are made to love one another,' she said.

Comic Amber Ruffin (pictured) revealed her nixed White House Correspondents' Dinner monologue that she promised would make Donald Trump supporters 'really sad' to Stephen Colbert Monday night

Ruffin was set to perform at the famed event next month but the association's board unanimously voted to remove her after she said the Trump White House was full of 'murderers'

She accused the Trump White House of having 'got you by convincing you that you're filled with hate, and you absolutely aren't. It's the opposite of what you're made for.'

Ruffin admitted to Colbert: 'Saying that out loud now makes me glad that I got canceled.'

WHCA President Eugene Daniels did not mention Ruffin by name in the memo and said that the board is planning a 're-envisioning of our dinner'.

The move to dismiss Ruffin comes after she spoke about the dinner in a podcast this week with the Daily Beast.

She said on it that the Trump White House is staffed with 'murderers' and described the administration as 'not human beings'.

Taylor Budowich, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, shared a clip of Ruffin on the podcast to his X account and slammed the comic on Friday.

In it, he said: 'This year's WHCA dinner will be hosted by a 2nd rate comedian who is previewing the event by calling this administration 'murderers.''

Budowich continued to quote Ruffin saying the Trump admin shouldn't get to feel like human beings 'because you're not.'

She accused the Trump White House of having 'got you by convincing you that you're filled with hate, and you absolutely aren't. It's the opposite of what you're made for'

President of the White House Correspondents' Association Eugene Daniels (pictured) announced the removal of Ruffin

'What kind of responsible, sensible journalist would attend something like this? More importantly, what kind of company would sponsor such as hate-filled and violence-inspiring event?'

When Daniels had originally announced Ruffin as the main feature, he said in a statement that her 'unique talents are the ideal fit for this current political and cultural climate.'

He added: 'Her perspective will fit right in with the dinner's tradition of honoring the freedom of the press while roasting the most powerful people on all sides of the aisle and the journalists who cover them.'

The annual dinner has taken place since 1921 and is known for entertainers performing who poke fun at politics, often about key players who are in attendance.

President Trump has never actually attended the dinner in office, and he and his staffers have frequently criticized the event and past comedians who performed.

It is unclear if the president will attend, while his press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she would not be in attendance.

Speaking on 'The Sean Spicer Show', she said: 'This is a group of journalists who've been covering the White House for decades.

'They started this organization because the presidents at the time were not doing enough press conferences.

Pro-Palestinian protesters rally outside the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents Dinner

CNN reporters Phil Rucker, Wolf Blitzer, Pamela Brown, Dana Bash, Kaitlan Collins and Jeff Zeleny attend the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner

'I don't think we have that problem anymore under this president.'

Every US president since Calvin Coolidge in 1924 has attended the event at least once, except for Trump.

Presidents from FDR to Obama have used the evening to poke fun at themselves, even as journalists sharpen their critiques.

But Trump's refusal to attend during his first term shattered that precedent, and now Leavitt is following suit, taking a step further to publicly rebuke the WHCA as a 'monetized monopoly.'

She went on to accuse the WHCA of being an 'exclusive group' that has 'not really welcomed other people, new media, independent journalists, with open arms.'

The stripped-down festivities Saturday night were a reflection of the somber tone in Washington at the beginning of Trump's second term, in which he has battled with the press on multiple fronts and wrested from the correspondents' association the power to decide which outlets have the most access to Trump.

Trumps deeper involvement in politics began after then-President Barack Obama roasted the New Yorker's presidential ambitions during the 2011 correspondents' dinner.

He skipped the annual gala during his first term, and his absence had been widely expected this year.

The event, which raises money for journalism scholarships, remains a highlight of the Washington social calendar.

The ballroom at the Washington Hilton was still packed with journalists, newsmakers and even a few celebrities.

Daniels singled out Debra Tice, whose son Austin has not been heard from other than in a video, released weeks after he went missing in Syria in 2012, that showed him blindfolded and held by armed men.

'We've been tested and attacked. But every single day our members get up, they run to the White House - plane, train, automobile - with one mission, holding the powerful accountable,' Daniels said.

He later showed a video of past presidents, from Ronald Reagan to Joe Biden, who addressed the dinner, saying that the association invites the president to demonstrate the importance of a free press in safeguarding democracy.
A Kyle & Jackie O Show star was involved in a 'major car accident' on his way home from work in Sydney, ending up unconscious and upside down in his car.

Sports presenter Cooper Johns, 25, was driving home on Wednesday afternoon when a taxi swerved into his lane, causing his car to lift into the air and flip.

'The cab swerved a little bit into Cooper's lane and Cooper's tyre on the front left side of his Subaru clipped the taxi's tyre and then Cooper's car just lifted into the air and bang onto the roof,' host Kyle Sandilands explained on Thursday morning.

'All pandemonium broke loose... Cooper was rescued and driven away by a listener,' Kyle, 53, added, with Cooper later explaining a listener named John drove him 'six minutes up the road' to his next job on a Sportsbet podcast.

'Is Cooper injured?' host Jackie 'O' Henderson asked.

'Not injured enough not to come to work. He will be coming this morning, but he's got to wait until his mum wakes up to drive him to work,' Kyle said.

A Kyle & Jackie O Show star was involved in a 'major car accident' on their way home from work in Sydney, ending up unconscious and upside down in his car

'But he's not injured at all?' Jackie, 50, pushed.

Kyle and KIIS FM producers explained Cooper is currently suffering from 'whiplash' and a 'concussion' which was 'playing up' on Wednesday night, with Cooper saying he later began vomiting.

They then assured Cooper was only coming into the breakfast radio show studio to give his account of what happened before heading back home to rest.

A short while later, the ex footy star arrived at work.

'I don't really remember how it happened... I'm driving along in my Subaru. It gets me from A to B, usually. Sometimes it has a detour and flips me upside down,' Cooper joked.

He went on to say he has no memory of how the accident first occurred.

'My first memory is just feeling the hit of the tyre. The cops told me they had never seen anything like this because his [the taxi driver] car was not damaged at all. He drove off. He was fine,' Cooper continued.

He said the taxi driver seemed more concerned about getting back to work once the police arrived to secure the scene.

Sports presenter Cooper Johns, 25, was driving home on Wednesday afternoon when a taxi swerved into his lane, causing his car to lift into the air and flip

'The cab swerved a little bit into Cooper's lane and Cooper's tyre on the front left side of his Subaru clipped the taxi's tyre and then Cooper's car just lifted into the air and bang onto the roof,' host Kyle Sandilands explained

'He was a cabbie right? Did he have a fare? The metre is going,' Kyle joked.

'He kept being like, "I have work. I need to go." The cops were like just relax, we need details,' Cooper explained.

The radio star continued: 'I've clipped his wheel... Then I've just flipped. I was in the air. It was like I was in space.

'I felt like Katy Perry... My glove-box and middle compartment opened. Everything was floating in front of me.

'My spare tyre that was in the boot flew into the backseat... I just landed on the concrete and then I was sliding along the concrete on the roof.

'I was sitting in my seat kind of dazed... First instinct was, "Did I just kill someone?" That was the scariest part. I didn't care what happened to me, but if I just hit someone I couldn't deal with that.

'The second thing was, I must have been listening to ABBA. I was listening to Voulez-Vous. My second thought after that was, "S***, I've got to turn the radio off".'

'I reach across to my radio to turn it down because I was like if the coppers come and drag me out of this thing, I do not want Voulez-Vous playing. I was that embarrassed.'

'My first memory is just feeling the hit of the tire. The cops told me they had never seen anything like this because his [the taxi driver] car was not damaged at all. He drove off. He was fine,' Cooper said of the accident

Cooper then managed to get his seatbelt undone and 'just dropped' into the windshield of his upside down car.

Thankfully, the taxi driver managed to help Cooper get his car door open so he could crawl out, noting the traffic had backed up across two lanes behind him.

Cooper quit the NRL at the start of 2024 following stints with the Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles dating back to 2020.

The former five-eighth, who is the son of Rugby League legend Matty Johns and nephew of Andrew Johns, then joined The Kyle and Jackie O Show as a full-time radio producer.
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Ashy Bines has hit back at trolls who have criticised the influencer's current overseas jaunt.

The fitness influencer, 35, is enjoying a Bali getaway with her She Rises podcast co-host Tijana Bundalo.

But followers have slammed Ashy for jetting off to Bali while her husband and two children remain at home.

And Ashy took to Instagram on Thursday to inform her followers that she wasn't interested in living by anyone else's 'rulebook'.

'People will tell you how to live, whats wrong with you and your life, and project their own rules and beliefs onto you,' she began the long-winded post.

'If you live by their rulebook, youll never feel truly happy or free to just be YOU.'

Ashy Bines has hit back at trolls who have criticised the influencer's current overseas jaunt

Ashy then called out some of the criticisms she's received since touching down in Bali and documenting her trip on social media.

'Some comments while Im in Bali include: You should be with your family"; Good mums dont leave their kids behind on a holiday"; Such a selfish mum and partner; Poor Steve having the kids to himself while you relax in Bali"; Mums shouldnt wear that; how embarrassing",' she added.

The mum-of-two then refuted the claim that her trip was unfair on husband Steve Evans and children Taj and Tala.

'Steve is incredibly supportive and a very capable, hands-on father. I refuse to live my life or neglect my own needs because of what others think,' she said.

'I wont put myself last or stop spending time with my friends, going on holiday, or pursuing my passions just because people label me as selfish or a bad mum.'

Rounding out the post, Ashy said that being a mother should not preclude her from doing 'silly TikToks', being sexual, expressing herself and travelling.

Ashy's post received a mixed reaction from fans with many praising the influencer for her forthright response.

'Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and its better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring,' one follower wrote.

The fitness influencer is currently enjoying a Bali getaway with her She Rises podcast co-host Tijana Bundalo. But followers have slammed Ashy for jetting off to Bali while her husband and two children remain at home

Another chimed in with a similar: 'You are Glowing babe!! Keep building & enjoying your best life'.

Others were not so kind, with one follower bringing up earlier criticism of Ashy riding a scooter around Seminyak without a helmet this week.

'Yeah but riding motorbikes without a helmet after 2 brain surgeries is a questionable choice,' one fan suggested.

Replying to the comment, Ashy said her surgeries had nothing to do with her lack of helmet.

'My aneurysm has nothing to do with a bike, when the bikes have the helmets we wear them but not all of them have them. Thanks for caring though,' she wrote.

Ashy has had two brain surgeries over the past 12 months after she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm in June.

Earlier this week, photos of Ashy posted to her social media showed the fitness influencer enjoying the sights of Bali with Tijana.

But the photos also displayed the pair dangerously balancing on the back of a scooter, both not wearing helmets.

'Some comments while Im in Bali include: You should be with your family'; Good mums dont leave their kids behind on a holiday"; Such a selfish mum and partner; Poor Steve having the kids to himself while you relax in Bali"; Mums shouldnt wear that; how embarrassing,' Ashy added

The mum-of-two then refuted the claim that her trip was unfair on husband Steve Evans (pictured) and children Taj and Talia

It comes after photos of Ashy, shared to the Outspoken Podcast Community Facebook page, show Ashy enjoying the sights of Bali with pal and podcast co-host Tijana Bundalo on a scooter without helmets

A second photo also shows Ashy on the back of the scooter without any head protection and beaming broadly.

Commenters slammed Ashy for being irresponsible.

'Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity,' one fan wrote referencing a quite from Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

'Can't be surprised really, a few months ago she and her new bestie decided to hang their half bodies out of a moving car and film themselves in the process.

'Unfortunately Ashy - Peter Pan - Bines will continue to do moronic things until her actions have consequences.'

The angry commenter continued: 'There's genuinely no way that 1 million people are silly enough to actually follow and look up to this almost 40 year old mother of 2 who insists on behaving like a child-free 21-year-old.'

Another jumped in with: 'Ashy Bines. 2x brain surgeries of late, speaks about how grateful she is to survive on a podcast released only yesterday. But... wears no helmet while riding on the back of a motorcycle twice in Bali in the space of 24 hours.

'Why are influencers this dumb? How many people have died or suffered serious injuries doing this?'

Commenters slammed Ashy for being irresponsible

It comes after Ashy shocked her followers in March when she revealed her brain aneurysm diagnosis

Never one to shy away from courting social media controversy, Ashy was also called out back in February for posting a video to TikTok that showed her hanging out of the window of a moving car

Never one to shy away from courting social media controversy, Ashy was also called out in February after posting a video to TikTok that showed her hanging out of the window of a moving car.

It comes after Ashy shocked her followers in March when she revealed her brain aneurysm diagnosis.

She was rushed to hospital after experiencing sudden loss of vision, with surgery being scheduled in July before it was pushed back to August.

Ashy revealed that surgeons removed the first aneurysm, but discovered a second that they were unable to remove in the process.

'I had my surgery, and it went really well. However, when I woke up, they told me the news that they actually found and discovered another aneurysm,' she told her followers in an emotional clip.

'So they treated the original one today, but they couldn't treat the second one, and I will most likely have to have another surgery before the year's out.'

Ashy went under the knife again in January, telling followers at the time: 'Im HOME. Survived my second brain surgery and ready to leave this chapter in the past.

'Grateful for my surgeon, the nurses, my family, friends and community who kept me so strong and supported to get through it all, dont know how Id get through something like that without them!!'
Ryan Reynolds' recent attempt at a fake tan sparked humorous reactions from fans.

The Deadpool star, 48, was spotted giving pal Hugh Jackman, 56, a hug after attending his play with wife Blake Lively, 37, in new York City on Tuesday, but fans couldn't help but notice what appeared to be an awkward fake tan application.

The actor's skin had a distinct orange hue to it, particularly visible on the back of his neck as well as his hands and face.

After photos of Reynolds were shared to the deuxmoi Instagram account, fans couldn't help but point out the fake tan, with one humorously questioning, 'Why is he so orange?'

'Ten layers of spray tan on the back of that neck,' another comment read.

Someone else added: 'Looks like his neck had been daubed with iodine pre-surgery!'

Ryan Reynolds', 48, recent attempt at a fake tan sparked humorous reactions from fans; seen on Tuesday in New York City

The Deadpool star was spotted giving pal Hugh Jackman a hug after attending his play with wife Blake Lively, and fans couldn't help but notice what appeared to be a deep fake tan

'Petition to stop Ryan's spray tans,' yet another fan begged.

A number of fans joked that Ryan's new look might have been inspired by a Friends episode, in which Ross Geller gets an outrageously dark tan.

One simply shared a photo of Ross for comparison.

Meanwhile social media influencer stephwithdadeets joked: 'Maybe he thought, hey everyone loves Ross, he was so funny, so maybe if I channel that, people will love me again.'

Another person wrote: 'Holy orange neck, Deadpool!'

'Ryans orange backside is so cringe I cant even.'

'Tanned pool,' someone else quipped, in reference to his Deadpool character.

'That spray tan is so bad lmao.'

'In the Deadpool universe, he is Hawaiian tropic pool!'

Ryna and Blake made a stylish duo as they were pictured leaving Hugh's play, titled Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Class.

The actor's skin had a distinct orange hue to it, particularly visible on the back of his neck as well as his hands and face

After photos of Reynolds were shared to the deuxmoi Instagram account, fans couldn't help but point out the fake tan, with one humorously questioning, 'Why is he so orange?'

A number of fans joked that Ryan's new look might have been inspired by a Friends episode, in which Ross Geller gets an outrageously dark tan

One simply shared a photo of Ross for comparison

'Petition to stop Ryan's spray tans,' yet another fan begged

'Ten layers of spray tan on the back of that neck,' another comment read

Someone else added: 'Looks like his neck had been daubed with iodine pre-surgery!'

Another person wrote: 'Holy orange neck, Deadpool!'

'Ryans orange backside is so cringe I cant even'

'That spray tan is so bad lmao'

'Tanned pool,' someone else quipped, in reference to his Deadpool character

'In the Deadpool universe, he is Hawaiian tropic pool!'

They paused to greet the actor outside the theater.

Ryan and Hugh  who recently co-starred in Deadpool & Wolverine  shared a warm hug.

Blake and Ryan put on a brave face as they stepped out together following yet another bombshell amid their lawsuit with Justin Baldoni.

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.

The couple - who tied the knot in 2012 - held smiles on their faces as they brushed aside the ongoing legal battle.

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.'

Ryan and Blake made a number of public appearances recently, amid their ongoing legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star/director Justin Baldoni; they are seen April 27 in NYC

Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her in a lawsuit filed in December while Baldoni accused Lively, Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane of defamation and extortion in a $400 million suit filed in February

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, per People.

In the film Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan notably portrayed the character of Nicepool alongside other stars such as Hugh.

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.'

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.'

The paid have been embroiled in an ongoing legal drama with Blake's It Ends With Us co-star Baldoni since last December.

Baldoni (pictured 2024) has denied the allegations from Lively, while Lively, Reynolds and Sloane have denied the accusations made by Baldoni

Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her in a lawsuit filed in December while Baldoni accused Lively, Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane of defamation and extortion in a $400 million suit filed in February.

Baldoni has denied the allegations from Lively, while Lively, Reynolds and Sloane have denied the accusations made by Baldoni.

Baldoni's team has also released a website which includes private communications such as text messages that were included in court filings detailing his interactions with the Hollywood power couple over the making of romantic drama.

He claimed in court filings they made efforts made to usurp and undermine his input as the director of It Ends with Us.
Lady Mary Charteris turned heads as she joined Tigerlily Taylor and Pixie Geldof at a VIP launch party in London on Wednesday night.

The trio were among the high-profile guests celebrating the exclusive opening of Opus - Londons tallest residential tower.

For the occasion, Lady Mary, 38, put on a leggy display in a chic black mini dress paired with a sleek blazer.

She added inches to her slender frame with a pair of heeled suede knee-high boots and pulled her golden locks into an up-do.

The beauty, who posed up a storm on the red carpet before taking to the DJ decks, accessoried with a silver body chain and choker necklace.

Meanwhile, Tigerlily, 30, brought the glamour in a striking blue maxi dress adorned with studded detailing and daring cut-outs.

Lady Mary Charteris turned heads as she joined Tigerlily Taylor and Pixie Geldof at a VIP launch party in London on Wednesday night

The trio were among the high-profile guests celebrating the exclusive opening of Opus - Londons tallest residential tower (pictured Tigerlily and Pixie)

She paired the chic look with white pointed heels and a baby blue mini bag, finishing the ensemble with aviator sunglasses and a radiant smile.

Pixie, 34, also made a stunning appearance as she showed off her incredible figure in a slinky brown slip dress.

She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of ballerina-pink heels and added to her flawless features with a touch of rosy lipstick for a polished finish.

The star-studded event also welcomed familiar faces including Raven Smith, Jack Guinness, and Sophie Ashby.

Later in the evening, Lady Mary brought the house down with a high-energy DJ set as the guests partied into the night.

Lady Mary appeared to be back on fine form after recently opening up about her harrowing experience with a mystery illness that left her bedridden, unable to eat for 10 days and struggling with post-viral depression and anxiety.

The London-based model and aristocrat, whose father is the 13th Earl of Wemyss, shared an emotional video on TikTok last month revealing the mental toll the illness has taken.

'Can I just please tell anyone who gets this illness to be warned that you deal with a serious amount of depression and anxiety in the days post illness,' she said.

For the occasion, Lady Mary, 38, wowed in a chic black mini dress paired with a sleek blazer, flaunting her toned legs

Meanwhile, Tigerlily, 30, brought the glamour in a striking blue maxi dress adorned with studded detailing and daring cut-outs across the stomach and thigh

Pixie, 34, also made a stunning appearance in a slinky brown slip dress that perfectly highlighted her model figure

Pixie pictured with Lady Mary, Raven Smith, and Tigerlily Taylor at the event

Jack Guinness cut a dapper figure at the event in an all black ensemble

Sophie Ashby looked stunning in a black playsuit and burgundy red pumps

Later in the evening, Lady Mary brought the house down with a high-energy DJ set as guests danced late into the night

'I guess the depression is from your body fighting so hard to fight this infection that you're just left depleted of serotonin and dopamine and just the things that regulate your mood.'

Lady Mary - who has a four-year-old daughter, Wilde, with musician husband Robbie Furze - added that she had a meltdown during a recent visit to the doctor, who failed to diagnose her.

'They didn't know what was wrong with me,' she explained. 'We hoped it was flu or COVID, but it wasn't. I banged my head on the wall in the waiting room and just burst into tears.'

The timing couldn't have been worse, as the illness struck just before her birthday.

'I called my husband expecting some sympathy, and he didn't quite understand how upset I was. I was like, I just don't want to be sad I don't want to be ill on my birthday,' she shared.

'You think you're out of the woods of the illness. You think you're feeling better, and then you get mega depressed and feel really alone. So I'm just warning anyone who gets this to be prepared for that symptom.'

The illness itself, she said, was 'a week of absolute hell' with symptoms including a cold, sore throat, headaches, nausea, stabbing pains and no appetite.

'I haven't eaten properly for 10 days,' she added, before reassuring fans that she was on the mend.'

The glitzy event comes after Lady Mary opened up about her harrowing experience with a mystery illness that left her bedridden, unable to eat for 10 days - and struggling with post-viral depression and anxiety

'I haven't eaten properly for 10 days,' she added, before reassuring fans that she was on the mend.
A casting director has responded to the backlash over Margot Robbie, 34, and Jacob Elordi, 27, starring in the remake of Wuthering Heights.

Speaking on a Q&A panel at the Sands film festival in Scotland, Kharmel Cochrane responded to concern about both the Australian actors' ages, and Elordi's ethnicity, by saying there is 'no need to be accurate,' because 'it's just a book'.

The casting veteran said she is currently catching a lot of heat for her work on Emerald Fennell's adaption of the beloved classic novel.

'There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot,' Cochrane said, per Deadline.

'But just wait till you see it, and then you can decide whether you want to shoot me or not. But you really don't need to be accurate. It's just a book.

'That is not based on real life. It's all art.'

A casting director has responded to the backlash over Margot Robbie, 34, (pictured) and Jacob Elordi, 27, starring in the remake of Wuthering Heights.

Speaking on a Q&A panel at the Sands film festival in Scotland, Kharmel Cochrane responded to concern about both the Australian actors' ages, and Elordi's ethnicity, by saying there is 'no need to be accurate,' because 'it's just a book'

'There's definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy,' she continued.

'Wait until you see the set design because that is even more shocking. And there may or may not be a dog collar in it.'

Robbie has already been slammed online for her starring role in the latest version of the acclaimed novel, currently being filmed in the UK.

Some fans of the book have questioned if the 34-year-old star is 'too old' to play fictional heroine Catherine, who is just a teenager.

After a series of snaps of the Barbie actress on set went viral last week, fans took to social media in droves to claim the Hollywood beauty is 'wrong' for the part.

The pictures show Robbie playing the lead character of Catherine, outfitted in a stunning off-the-shoulder wedding dress that featured a voluminous skirt.

She also wears a veil and has her beautiful blonde locks in an artful braid.

Robbie returned to work on the project after giving birth to her first child with her British husband Tom Ackerley last year, and the couple's production company, LuckyChap, is producing the film.

Hollywood casting director Kharmel Cochrane promised an artistic interpretation of the Emily Bronte's classic novel: 'There's definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy,' she said at Sands festival in Scotland

Fans of Wuthering Heights have moaned that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will 'ruin' the Emily Bronte novel adaption because she is 'too old' for Catherine and he is 'not racially ambiguous enough' for Heathcliff

Taking to X fans have moaned that Robbie and her handsome co-star will 'ruin' the 18th century novel by Emily Bronte, which has been filmed many times over the last 100 years.

The original story centers on the upper middle-class Earnshaw family and their turbulent relationship with Heathcliff, an orphaned boy they take in.

News of Elordi's casting in September had already prompted much backlash amongst critics as the brooding central character is described as a 'dark-skinned gypsy' with 'black eyes'.

Heathcliff is also described as 'a little Lascar,' a 19th century term for an Indian sailor, which has also led naysayers to claim Elordi is not 'racially ambiguous' enough.

In a recent interview with IndieWire, the Euphoria star opened up about how he landed the role in the first place - and his answer sparked even more backlash.

'I was really lucky,' he said.

'I was going to take a break for a while, and then Emerald just very simply texted me, and you can't run from that text.'

He added to the publication: 'I'm so, so excited for people to see it.'

The tortured Heathcliff is one of literature's most complex anti-heroes and while he is perceived to be racially ambiguous in the original text, he has been played by white actors, including Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes, and Lawrence Olivier.

The character of Edgar Linton, a wealthy aristocrat who falls in love with and marries Cathy, is played by 36-year-old British Pakistani actor Shazad Latif, while Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau, 45, an American born in Thailand, is set to appear as housekeeper Nelly Dean.

Owen Cooper, the young British actor who has made waves for his debut performance in Netflix's Adolescence, is to play the teenage Heathcliff.

Explaining her unique approach to casting, Cochrane said she never lets her work be dictated by the source material, or a director's vision: 'Years ago, I would get people saying, "did you read the brief?" And I'd say "yeah, and this is my interpretation of it, just like when you can read a book".'

She last paired Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi together on the set of 2023 thriller Saltburn.
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Hugh Jackman has been spotted with 'bestie' Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively despite being warned to 'stay away' from the celebrity couple.

The Australian actor, 56, was seen giving Reynolds a hug after he and Lively attended his play Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Class in New York City on Tuesday.

The Deadpool & Wolverine co-stars shared a warm embrace before the A-list couple got into an awaiting car after the show.

Jackman has been warned by fans to 'stay away' from Reynolds, 48, amid his recent controversies.

Reynolds and Lively, 37, are currently embroiled in a legal and public controversy surrounding the actress' film It Ends With Us.

Lively filed a lawsuit against the film's director Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment as well as a smear campaign.

Hugh Jackman has been spotted with 'bestie' Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively despite being warned to 'stay away' from the celebrity couple

The director then counter-sued the A-List couple, accusing them of defamation. All of the parties dispute the allegations against them.

Many of Jackman's fans took to social media to warn him about Reynolds earlier this week after he shared a photo that showed him huddling close to him and Deadpool and Wolverine producer Shawn Levy.

'You look great together but Ryan is trouble, might wanna stay away from that side for awhile,' one concerned fan offered.

'The more I hear about him and Blake, the more a break is needed if you want to keep your head above water.'

Another chimed in with: 'I agree with you. Was a huge fan of them but after spending time going through the legal filings, the evidence is quite clear.

'Very close to unfollowing HJ as wellvery disappointing that he is co-signing this behaviour.'

A third was more succinct in their critique of Reynolds, offering: 'Very very disappointing that Ryan is such a s*** human being'.

It wasn't all negativity though, with many jumping in to defend Hugh's friendship with Reynolds.

The Australian actor, 56, was seen giving Reynolds a hug after he and Lively (pictured) attended his play Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Class in New York City on Tuesday

The Deadpool & Wolverine costars shared a warm embrace before the A-list couple got into an awaiting car after the show

'Telling someone to drop their friends, when you don't even know anyone in the situation you are talking about...That's pretty messed up,' one commented.

Another summed up the sentiment with: 'Friends don't bail on friends, and if you have any I feel sorry for them. I am sure you're not including the 'court docs' that [Baldoni's lawyer Bryan] Freedman submitted/added that the judge called him out on.

'Blake and Ryan haven't done anything, you are only seeing what Freedman wants you to see.'

The drama with Lively kicked off in December, when she lodged a now infamous lawsuit against Justin, her co-star and director for the movie It Ends With Us.

Her lengthy complaint accuses Baldoni, 41, of multiple instances of sexual harassment and claims he worked to destroy her reputation.

Baldoni countersued both Lively and her husband Ryan for defamation in January.

While all parties deny the allegations against them, the escalating legal fracas has seen Livelys name in particular dragged through the mud.

Fans thought her celebrity friends like Taylor Swift would jump to her defence, but the A-lister has had little support, at least publicly.
Kirsty Gallacher looked sensational on Wednesday as she stepped out in London following her appearance on The Vanessa Feltz Show, where she opened up about her hearing loss and battle with severe tinnitus.

The presenter, 49, stunned in a striking deep blue jumpsuit, featuring a smart collar and a tie belt that accentuated her waistline.

She added a touch of glamour with a pair of golden wedge heels and styled her brunette tresses into a sleek up-do.

Kirsty carried a navy tweed jacket over one arm and held a chic leather handbag along with a garment bag.

The TV star appeared in high spirits as she beamed for the cameras whilst walking down the street.

It comes just moments after she opened up about her ongoing battle with tinnitus and hearing loss, stemming from a benign tumour in her right ear.

Kirsty Gallacher looked sensational on Wednesday as she stepped out in London following her appearance on the Vanessa Feltz Show

During her appeared on Vanessa's show, the 49-year-old presenter discussed the challenges she faces in noisy environments (pictured Vanessa)

The presenter, 49, stunned in a striking deep blue jumpsuit, featuring a smart collar and a tie belt that accentuated her waistline

Speaking on The Vanessa Feltz Show alongside audiologist Dr Gladys Sanda, the presenter discussed the challenges she faces in noisy environments.

She said: 'They have suggested a hearing aid. I'm not there yet, I don't think. I'm managing it fine.

'I do find it upsetting and I sympathise... it's management and sometimes if I'm in an acoustically difficult environment, say I was out for dinner last night, noisy environment, I have to leave sometimes. I get really upset.

'I can't cope with it because I can't hear anyone... I now look at people's lips because my hearing loss is pretty bad in my right ear.'

Kirsty was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma  a benign tumour in the inner ear canal  after experiencing hearing difficulties during rehearsals for GB News in 2021.

Initially fearing a brain tumour, the mother-of-two underwent an MRI scan which confirmed the diagnosis.

Speaking candidly on Loose Women in 2022, she recalled: 'I woke up in the summer one morning and I couldn't hear very well in my right ear. I thought 'it will pop at some point'. It didn't pop. I went on a plane the next week, it didn't pop.

'I went to the doctor and she said 'how long has this been going on?' and I said 'two weeks'. She checked and said you're very healthy, this is an emergency.

She added a touch of glamour with a pair of golden wedge heels and styled her brunette tresses into a sleek updo

Kirsty carried a navy tweed jacket over one arm and held a chic leather handbag along with a garment bag

The TV star appeared in high spirits as she beamed for the cameras whilst walking down the street

'I said 'could it be a tumour?' and she said 'listen, it probably isn't, but you're going to see a consultant tomorrow'.'

'He said 'I'm gonna give you a steroid injection into your eardrum.' I went back the week after, he said it was an MRI scan. They found I had a very small tumour right in the inner ear canal.'

'I had to have an MRI and doctors discovered I had an acoustic neuroma,' she previously said.

'We have to monitor it as I don't want them to operate on it as it's so close to the brain. I have to have targeted radiotherapy for it, so I'm having to think about that and when I will do it.'

The condition has led to severe tinnitus, affecting her sleep and prompting her to step back from her role at GB News.

She wrote on Instagram at the time: 'During the summer I discovered I have a tumour in the inner canal of my right ear. Thankfully, it's benign and not hugely detrimental to my normal life.

'However, the tumour has caused severe tinnitus which makes it very difficult to sleep. Sadly my 3am starts at GB News, compounded by sleep deprivation, are exacerbating my symptoms.'

Despite these challenges, Kirsty remains optimistic.

'I'm fine, I just have to be... I'm very lucky and grateful,' she said. She continues to manage her condition while maintaining her career, including her current role as a presenter on Gold Radio.
Robert De Niro shared support for his transgender daughter Airyn De Niro, a day after she came out as a trans woman.

The Goodfellas star, 81, said he 'loves and supports' Airyn, 29, who is one of his seven children.

'I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter,' the Oscar winner said in a statement to TMZ on Wednesday.

'I don't know what the big deal is ... I love all my children,' the cinema icon added of Airyn, who began hormone therapy last year.

De Niro shares Airyn and her twin brother Julian, 29, with actress Toukie Smith, 72. The pair dated from 1988 to 1996.

His words of support come after Airyn did an extensive interview about her coming out journey to a prominent gay, lesbian and trans magazine.

Robert De Niro, 81, shared support for his transgender daughter Airyn De Niro, 29, a day after she came out as a trans woman; De Niro pictured in 2024 in NYC

The Goodfellas star said he 'loves and supports' Airyn (pictured) who began hormone therapy last year

Airyn discussed how she hopes to serve as a role model for queer women of color creating their own definition of beauty.

She sat down with Them contributor Ava Pauline Emilione at a cafe in Williamsburg, New York, to talk about everything from her favorite video game, to her new pink locks, to growing up as the daughter of one of the world's most famous actors.

'Not only did they get information wrong about meThey just sort of reminded me that people really don't know anything about me,' she began.

She also talked about her parents.

'Obviously no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They wanted it very private,' she said.

'They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.'

She then addressed deciding to begin hormone therapy / transition in November 2024.

'Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success I'm like, you know what? Maybe it's not too late for me,' she noted.

'Maybe I can start.'

And there was a reason she wanted to address her gender identity.

'I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter,' the Oscar winner said in a statement to TMZ on Wednesday; seen with Airyn (bottom left)

'I don't know what the big deal is ... I love all my children,' the cinema icon  who has a total of seven children  added

Airyn (center) discussed her coming out journey and how she hopes to serve as a role model for queer women of color in an interview published on Tuesday

De Niro shares Airyn and her twin brother Julian, 29, with actress Toukie Smith, 72; the former pair pictured with the twins

'There's a difference between being visible and being seen,' Airyn says. 'I've been visible. I don't think I've been seen yet.'

On not feeling accepted by the queer community after coming out as a gay man in high school: '[Gay men were] ruthless and mean. I didn't even fit that beauty standard, which is thin, white, muscular, or just super fit, masculine,' Airyn says.

'I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something growing up: Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough. It was never just, "You're just right, just the way you are."'

Hormone therapy in November 2024 helped.

'I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me,' she says.

'I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.'

On learning to embody joyful, defiant womanhood from her mother: 'Whenever I'm at a family gathering on my dad's side, people would always talk about how much they love my mom and how memorable she was and how happy my dad was when he was with her,' Airyn says.

'I want to be like thatI want to be remembered the way that people remember her.'

Although Airyn (L) has not pursued fame, her twin brother, Julian (center) is a working actor; the twins seen with their famous dad in 2009

Smith and De Niro conceived their twins by in vitro fertilization and they were delivered via surrogate; Airyn and Julian seen as children in 1998

'The way [my mom] would conduct or hold herself, the way that I saw her interact with others in public when I was younger, I see myself emulating that in some way,' Airyn says.

'Whether it's just turning on the charm or not putting on a mask, but wanting to be feminine in a way that's inviting and warm and welcoming.'

She does not like to be called a 'nepo baby.'

'I wasn't brought up having a side part in one of dad's movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path,' Airyn says. 'I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.'

'I had two auditions for this video game, League of Legends,' she shared.

'It's one of the biggest video games I play all the time with friends. I was like, "Oh my God. That'd be so cool. It would be a make-it-or-break-it moment for me." Obviously it didn't happen. I was like, "What's the point?' It's the really big auditions that you're like, "F**k, this could have been life-changing, but it just I wasn't the right fit." And sometimes it's hard to not internalize that.'

And she hopes to be a superstar.

'I want queer people of color and bigger-bodied people to have an Alex Consani. I want queer people of color and bigger-bodied people to have a Hunter Schafer,' she shared.

De Niro dated Toukie, best known for her role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227, from 1988 to 1996; seen with Toukie circa 1990

'A part of me has always wanted to model and sort of follow my mom's footsteps. Honestly, if I could be on the cover of Vogue with her or recreating one of her pictures, that would be a dream come true.'

She also addressed mental health.

'People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support. So I'm hoping I'm able to do that,' she stated, adding, 'The field originally was so catered to white cis hetero men  what they deem as wrong or right or mentally ill or whatever, that is from their lens.'

And she wants people to understand her pain of growing up.

'I wish people saw someone who is trying their hardest to heal from growing up not feeling good about themselves,' she said. '[And] in the process of that, trying to make other people feel good about themselves.'

Smith and De Niro conceived their twins by in vitro fertilization and they were delivered via surrogate.

The former couple began dating after his divorce from Diahnne Abbott. They were together for approximately eight years.

While appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2020, the Hollywood legend spoke candidly about raising his biracial children.

'My children are all half black and I don't have, even me, I take certain things for granted,' De Niro admitted.

He continued: 'When people say that they tell their kids, "Keep your hands [out] when you're stopped by any cops, keep your hands on the steering wheel, don't make a sudden move, don't put your hands below, don't do this," you understand that.'

'That's scary. That has to change,' he stated, referencing the conversation around referring to police brutality following George Floyd's death. 'Anybody who hurts another person for no reason other than self-defense or the defense of other people around shouldn't be doing that job.'

De Niro has a total of seven children with four different women. Most recently, he welcomed Gia, 2, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023 (pictured with Gia)

That same year, De Niro reflected on whether his kids feel pressured to follow in his footsteps.

'For my kids, I tell them, "If you want to be an actor or you want to do this or that, thats fine as long as youre happy,"' he told People. 'Just dont sell yourself short. Thats the most I would say  push yourself a little more and reach for what you really think it is you want to do. Dont be afraid.'

He continued: 'Its important for them to find their own lane.'

De Niro is also the father of daughter Drena, 53, and son Raphael, 48, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Diahnne. The actor is also father to son Elliot, 27, and daughter Helen Grace, 13, with ex-wife, Grace Hightower.

Most recently, he welcomed Gia, 2, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023.
Amy Dowden has revealed the sweet exchange she shared with King Charles and Queen Camilla, following her cancer battle.

His Majesty invited guests, including Amy, to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to recognise the incredible work of community-based cancer organisations.

The Strictly star, 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy before announcing she was cancer-free in February 2024.

Alongside a series of stunning snaps, Amy revealed that the King and Queen asked her about her dancing during their recent meeting.

She shared in the Instagram caption: 'Another very surreal, beautiful evening at Buckingham Palace with their Majesties, The King and Queen. A beautiful reception in recognition of community based cancer support.

'The King and Queen were so kind and even asked how's the dancing going. Was so lovely to meet so many wonderful souls who do so much for the cancer community.

Amy Dowden has revealed the sweet exchange she shared with King Charles and Queen Camilla , following her cancer battle

His Majesty invited guests, including Amy, to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to recognise the incredible work of community-based cancer organisations

'Another honour and privilege to be back at Buckingham Palace this evening. This is a gentle reminder tomorrow is the 1st of May, why not check yourself!

'Early detection can save lives. I will and always will continue to do all I can to raise awareness.'

At the event, the King 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.

The Strictly star, 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy before announcing she was cancer-free in February 2024

Alongside a series of stunning snaps, Amy revealed that the King and Queen asked her about her dancing during their recent meeting

She shared in the Instagram caption: 'Another very surreal, beautiful evening at Buckingham Palace with their Majesties, The King and Queen. A beautiful reception in recognition of community based cancer support'

In his message Charles, 76, took 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.

'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.'

At the event, the King described the 'daunting' and 'frightening' experience of being told you have cancer

He added with added poignancy: 'You have my whole family's 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.
She never puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion.

And Ellie Bamber cut a typically chic figure at the New York premiere of Words Of War held at the Village East Cinema on Wednesday night.

The actress, 28, opted for a light grey Bevza skirt co-ord which highlighted her toned physique.

She boosted her height with pointed black heels and completed the outfit with an oversized matching jacket.

The beauty wore her blonde tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and sported a glowing make-up look.

Words of War is an upcoming biographical drama film about the late Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya.

Ellie Bamber cut a typically chic figure at the New York premiere of Words Of War held at the Village East Cinema on Wednesday night

The actress, 28, opted for a light grey Bevza skirt co-ord which highlighted her toned physique

Directed by James Strong, it is set to star Maxine Peake as Politkovskaya, Jason Isaacs as her husband Alexander Politkovsky, and Ciaran Hinds as her Nobel Peace Prize-winning editor at the Novaya Gazeta, Dmitry Muratov.

Variety reported that Words of War is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters starting on May 2, 2025.

Anna Politkovskaya was one of Russia's most acclaimed journalists and a vocal critic of the Kremlin. She was murdered in 2006.

Ellie will also soon star in an upcoming Kate Moss biopic focusing on her now iconic collaboration with celebrated figurative painter Lucian Freud.

Kate was 28-years old and well established as one of Britain's most successful fashion models when Freud painted her in the nude, an arduous nine-month project carried out at the artist's Holland Park home in 2002.

The painting would be sold privately for 3.5million some three years later, but its waif-like subject and her relationship with Freud will be reenacted for a wider audience in a forthcoming film.

Directed by James Lucas, the appropriately titled Moss & Freud will feature rising star Bamber as the supermodel in what could arguably be her most challenging role to date.

The task at hand is all the more daunting given she was handpicked by Kate, but those charting her career - including the supermodel, a self-confessed fan - will know the role is in safe hands.

She boosted her height with pointed black heels and completed the outfit with an oversized matching jacket

Born in Surrey to investment banker father David and mother Zoe - who now works as her manager - Ellie developed a keen interest in acting from the age of 12 after being inspired by her drama teacher at Hawley Place School, now Hurst Lodge School, in Berkshire.

Mainstream success would soon follow, with the then 15-year-old starring alongside Cold Feet star Hermione Norris and Martin Clunes in 2012 miniseries A Mother's Son.

It would be the first of many carefully chosen TV roles, with Ellie taking another small part in The Musketeers before emerging as a star in her own right with the lead in a 2018 adaptation of Les Miserables.

The actress would play Cosette in an ensemble cast featuring Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily Collins and Derek Jacobi - who reunites with Ellie by playing the enigmatic Freud in her latest film.

By then her personal life was winning as many headlines as her professional endeavors, with Ellie embarking on a relationship with Scottish actor Richard Madden in 2017.

Richard had already established himself as a household name thanks to a prominent role as the ultimately doomed Robb Stark in HBO drama Game Of Thrones.

It was inevitable that the spotlight would intensify as Ellie made sporadic public appearances with the actor during an 18-month romance, during which he enjoyed further success in BBC drama Bodyguard.

Ellie will soon star in an upcoming Kate Moss biopic focusing on her now iconic collaboration with celebrated figurative painter Lucian Freud

By January 2019 her relationship with Richard was over after the couple experienced a rocky patch during which they 'argued every day'.

A source told The Sun: 'They were arguing almost daily towards the end and, despite considering couples therapy, it became evident there were far too many issues that could not be fixed.

Richard is the toast of Hollywood at the moment, and understandably wants to let his hair down.

'Ellie is a bit quieter, and wants to focus purely on her work. It felt like their day-to-day lives were increasingly becoming worlds apart.'
Tyra Banks shocked her fans when she debuted a strikingly different look on the red carpet last week.

The 51-year-old supermodel's face was nearly unrecognizable when she arrived at The Daily Front Row's 9th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

But amid concerns about the apparent changes to her face, the renowned plastic surgeon Dr. David Pincus has weighed in on what Tyra may done to her face in an exclusive conversation with DailyMail.com.

'As a plastic surgeon, I can say Tyra Banks appears to have maintained her natural features beautifully,' Dr. Pincus  who did not examine Banks personally  noted. 'She's always been known for bold, creative makeup looks that dramatically enhance or shift her appearance.'

Banks used particularly heavy makeup at the awards ceremony, raising questions about whether their had been a physical change to her face or if it was just an optical illusion.

But Pincus leaned towards her makeup being the primary reason for her unrecognizable appearance.

Tyra Banks shocked her fans when she debuted a strikingly different visage on the red carpet last week, but now plastic surgeon Dr. David Pincus weighs in on her transformation in an exclusive chat with DailyMail.com

'Tyra Banks appears to have maintained her natural features beautifully,' Dr. Pincus  who did not examine her personally  said. 'She's always been known for bold, creative makeup looks that dramatically enhance or shift her appearance.'; seen April 24 in Beverly Hills

'In these recent photos, she still looks vibrant and unique,' he continued, adding, 'I dont see signs of significant surgical work.'

The cosmetic surgeon noted her ultra-smooth forehead and suggested the catwalk star 'may have had 3060 units of Botox in the forehead to smooth lines and keep the brow area lifted.

Based on examining photos of Banks on the red carpet, Pincus suggested her appearance was heavily influenced by the work of her makeup artist and stylist, rather than a medical professional.

'Overall, this seems more like expert makeup and styling than any major cosmetic intervention,' he said.

Tyra's striking makeup created the impression of an almost bug-eyed visage, which some fans on social media compared to the humanoid extraterrestrial characters peppering the Star Trek universe.

She emphasized her stunning eyes with pale silver eyeshadow, and she sported extra-thick, dark eyebrows that appeared to be drawn with more of an upward curve than she usually favors, which gave her a chillier appearance.

However, she counteracted her edgy eye makeup with some warm blush highlighting her prominent cheekbones.

Tyra rounded out her makeup with light matte pink lipstick for a splash of color that contrasted her otherwise-monochrome ensemble.

Banks may have achieved the look through her striking makeup, including silvery eyeshadow and upward-tilted eyebrows; seen April 24

Banks was spotted in February in Sydney, Australia, with a strikingly different no-makeup look

Just days before her appearance at the Fashion Los Angeles Awards, Tyra displayed a more traditional look when she appeared at an event for the new action film Shadow Force, which stars Kerry Washington.

She sported a tasteful smokey eye that was framed by '60s-chic bangs as part of a honey-blond wig, and she stayed on the '60s theme with a tan trench coat decorated with flower-shaped cut-outs

Tyra showed off a shockingly different look back in February, when she was spotted out in Sydney, Australia, in a rare makeup-free look.

The former Dancing With The Stars host squinted in the sun but showed off her natural complexion without a layer of makeup.

Months earlier, Tyra rocked similarly voluminous curls but a more characteristic made-up face when she attended the reopening of Burberry's 57th Street Store in New York City.

The television star has had a remarkably stable appearance over time  by Hollywood standards  fans have wondered about her seemingly changing appearance over the years on social media.

Last month, some commenters on Instagram thought she looked 'nothing like herself' when she posted photos of herself at Paris Fashion Week.

Tyra's nose was a subject of concern for several fans, with one person suggesting that 'Her nose is almost gone, while another wondered, 'Who's nose she got on?'

Tyra's nose was a subject of concern for several fans, with one person suggesting that 'Her nose is almost gone, while another wondered, 'Who's nose she got on?'; pictured in 2020

Although Tyra hasn't admitted to any recent cosmetic procedures, she admitted in her 2018 memoir Perfect Is Boring that she had had a 'nose job,' though she claimed it was early in her career; pictured in 2014 in Sydney, Australia

'I had bones in my nose that were growing and itching,' the runway star wrote. 'I could breathe fine, but I added cosmetic surgery. I admit it! Fake hair, and I did my nose'; pictured in 2009 in NYC

Although fans thought her nose looked thinner than ever in some of her recent appearances, that may have been due to her expert use of makeup for contouring, which can make one's nose appear dramatically slimmer; pictured in 2005 in NYC

Elsewhere in her memoir, she shared that she didn't care for no-makeup looks that are in vogue with some other models; pictured in 1998 in NYC

Another user thought Banks 'looked angry' now because of alleged changes to her face.

'I cant recognize her as Tyra banks,' another person admitted.

Although Tyra hasn't admitted to any recent cosmetic procedures, she admitted in her 2018 memoir Perfect Is Boring that she had had a 'nose job,' though she claimed it was early in her career.

'I had bones in my nose that were growing and itching,' the runway star wrote. 'I could breathe fine, but I added cosmetic surgery. I admit it! Fake hair, and I did my nose.

'I feel I have a responsibility to tell the truth,' she added.

Although fans thought her nose looked thinner than ever in some of her recent appearances, that may have been due to her expert use of makeup for contouring, which can make one's nose appear dramatically slimmer.

She also doesn't appear to have taken any extended periods of time away from the spotlight, which would have been necessary to allow any swelling accompanying a cosmetic procedure to pass.

Elsewhere in her memoir, she shared that she didn't care for no-makeup looks that are in vogue with some other models.

'We place a lot of emphasis on that,' she wrote. 'As a model, I needed makeup. I dont think theres anything wrong with that. It leveled my playing field.'

She included a playful jab at fellow supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

'Gisele, you dont need it? I do!' Tyra added. 'And were both modeling for Victorias Secret.'
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Jessica Rowe has shared some exciting family news with her fans.

The veteran journalist, 54, took to social media to reveal they had adopted a new kitten, which her husband Peter Overton, 59, is completely smitten with.

She shared a heartwarming photo of Peter kissing the new family addition and captioned it with some hilarious words.

'Say hello to the man who said "no" to getting a third pussycat!! Petee is smitten with our new kitten Diana!' Jessica wrote.

Many of Jess' celebrity friends took to the comment section to gush over the adorable photo.

'She is a sweet angel,' wrote comedian Kirsty Webeck and Samantha Armytage added a laughing emoji.

Jessica Rowe has shared some exciting family news with her fans - and her husband Peter Overton's shock reaction

The news comes after a difficult few months for the power couple, during which Peter was forced to take time off work due to a health scare.

The Nine News veteran was recently forced off air to undergo surgery on his vocal chords after doctors discovered a polyp.

In March, Jess and her teenage daughter Giselle were able to joke about Peter's recent health scare in the face of adversity.

The TV presenter-turned-podcaster told Daily Mail Australia that her husband of 21 years was delighted to be back at work after several months off.

'Peter is good. He's all good,' Jess said, as she and Giselle attended Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon.

'Obviously it was scary at the time. It's nice he's back at work. He's loving being back at work and we're loving having him out of the house.'

Prior to that, Peter said he was terrified by the ordeal because the surgery left him unable to talk for a week.

News of Peter's shock health scare was broken by his wife.

The veteran journalist, 54, took to social media to reveal they had adopted a new kitten, which Peter is completely smitten with

She shared a photo to Instagram of Peter hugging their pet dog and captioned it with some alarming words.

'Peter doesn't do Insta and he wanted me to share some news. He's off work for a little longer at the moment,' she wrote.

'After an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon discovered a polyp on one of his vocal cords, which explains his very raspy voice over the holidays.'

She added Peter had already been in surgery and had to minimise his speaking as part of the recovery process, meaning he wouldn't be able to return to work for some time.

'He was operated on. Part of his recovery is no talking for now (a HUGE challenge for him!!). Hopefully he'll be back to Nine News soonish,' she explained.

Peter described the polyp as 'like a big blister hanging off' his vocal cords. 'I must admit, it scared the living daylights out of me,' he said.

'So I was operated on three days later and they lasered it off. Then I was home... no talking for over a week.'

Jess' eldest daughter Allegra, 18, is currently enjoying a successful modelling career and even starred in last year's Australian Fashion Week.

But it was the TV star's youngest daughter Giselle, 16, who was in the spotlight when she joined her mother at the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy premiere in Sydney in February.

Jessica and Peter are extremely proud and supportive of their daughters, and Jess even helped her eldest Allegra break into the modelling industry.
Paulina Porizkova revealed the part of her body that she has grown to love more at age 60.

As a supermodel, she said she had always been taught to sell a 'vision of beauty inextricably linked to youth' but is now embracing growing older.

She also opened up about the 'best part' of aging in a Harper's Bazaar interview published on Monday  just shortly after she rang in her milestone birthday in a bikini earlier this month.

She talked about her newly rekindled partnership with Estee Lauder  over three decades after she served as the face of the brand in her 20s  and talked about how she wants to now spread the message of positive aging.

And she added that her favorite part of getting older was her hair.

'I love my gray hair,' she admitted to the outlet.

Paulina Porizkova revealed the part of her body that she has grown to love more at age 60; pictured in April 2023

As a supermodel, she said she had always been taught to sell a 'vision of beauty inextricably linked to youth' but is now embracing growing older; pictured in March 2023

'It still requires maintenance, believe it or not,' she continued. 'But I feel very good about my hair.'

The Swedish-American model also discussed the 'best part' of aging overall and explained that it is when 'you finally turn into the person that you were meant to be all along.'

She added: 'And perhaps that's not always a happy finding.

'But I think if you try to live your life with an understanding that other people matter, that connections matter, and that love matters, then you won't be disappointed with who that person is that you truly are.'

She also told the outlet about how old she feels now since she marked her milestone birthday earlier this month.

'Do I feel younger? No. But every year I feel smarter, wiser, and better. So, I guess that makes me 60!'

When asked about what keeps her feeling 'vibrant and youthful,' Porizkova poked fun at her own answer and called herself a 'meme.'

'Hope,' she responded. 'And how do you cultivate hope? Gratitude. I sound like an Instagram meme, but unfortunately, it's kind of true.'

She also opened up about the 'best part' of aging in a Harper's Bazaar interview published on Monday  just shortly after she rang in her milestone birthday in a bikini earlier this month

And she added that her favorite part of getting older was her hair. 'I love my gray hair,' she admitted to the outlet. 'It still requires maintenance, believe it or not,' she continued. 'But I feel very good about my hair'; pictured in January 2023

Porizkova continued: 'Because I've gone through a part of life where I utterly lost hope, I understand what it's like when you're living a life you don't want.'

She continued: 'And it's a horrible feeling. It robs you of everything. So, hope is really the most important thing there is.'

She also brought up a similar message she had shared in her 2022 memoir, No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful.

'Because if you have hope, even that just tomorrow is going to be a better day, then you've got it,' she said.

'And I have hope. I've had hope for a while that tomorrow will be a better day, and now I have the gratitude that it is better every day.'

She also previously talked about another aspect of aging she likes in her post-menopausal years.

The Swedish-American model also discussed the 'best part' of aging overall and explained that it is when 'you finally turn into the person that you were meant to be all along'

'One of the incredible things about aging is that you care less and less about what other people think,' she told People in October 2023.

'You're like, "You know what? I've done my bit. I've been serving everybody else for 50 years  now, it's my turn."'

At the time, she also said that she is sure 'without a doubt that I am the best that I've ever been.'

'Why do I need improvement? I'm in my prime right now,' she continued.

'I'm sorry that you think my wrinkles dismiss me from being in my prime, but as a person, as a fully formed woman at the height of her power, this is it.'
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Chrissie Swan has weighed in on the Nagi Maehashi and Brooke Bellamy plagiarism scandal by cooking up a batch of caramel slices for a taste test.

Food influencer Brooke Bellamy was accused of copying the recipes of the RecipeTin Eats founder in her popular book, Bake With Brooki.

The Nova radio star, 51, baked both Brook and Nagi's recipes and fed them to colleagues to determine which was the superior treat.

In footage shared to social media, Chrissie is seen walking into her radio station with a tray of food containing caramel slices from both Nagi and Brooke.

She then hands Nagi's slice to newsreader Jack Charles, who takes a bite and enthusiastically says: 'Very caramelly!'

Chrissie then gets him to taste Brooke's recipe and Jack immediately reveals which one he preferred: 'Hands down Nagi! Case closed.'

Chrissie Swan (pictured) has weighed in on the Nagi Maehashi and Brooke Bellamy plagiarism scandal by cooking up a batch of caramel slices for a taste test.

'They're exactly the same recipe!' Chrissie cheekily responded.

Bellamy released her debut cook book in October, 2024 after her Brisbane-based store Brooki Bakehouse became a viral sensation on TikTok.

Her 'day in the life' videos were a huge hit as she gained a following of almost four million followers across social media.

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 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'.

Food influencer Brooke (left) was accused of copying the recipes of the RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi (right) in her popular book, Bake With Brooki

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.
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Kyle Sandilands may have threatened to pull The Kyle & Jackie O Show from Melbourne on Wednesday morning, but it seems the shock jock is here to stay following a huge ratings win in the city.

The KIIS FM breakfast radio show, which under-performed in the Victorian capital during its multimillion dollar expansion last year, has had nothing but wins in the 2025 ratings war so far.

After a 0.1 per cent increase in market share during survey one, Sydney's hit duo Kyle, 53, and Jackie 'O' Henderson landed another 0.7 per cent of the Melbourne audience in the GfK survey two, which released on Thursday.

Kyle had told his listeners on Wednesday morning he had no plans to 'super serve Melbourne and ignore our Sydney audience' to increase ratings in the south.

'You either glue on in Melbourne or you [expletive]. One or the other. Here's something I haven't even discussed with Jackie... if we don't rate better by the end of this year, I'm pulling the carpet out,' he threatened.

'I'll just take the show off Melbourne... We're not just going to suck Melbourne off all day, every day.'

Kyle Sandilands, 53, may have threatened to pull The Kyle & Jackie O Show from Melbourne on Wednesday morning, but it seems the shock jock is now here to stay following a huge ratings win in the city

Whether it was Kyle's expletive-filled threat or The Kyle & Jackie O Show's recently successful local broadcast at St Kilda Beach, the Sydney show has now achieved the biggest Breakfast market share growth in the latest survey.

While the show seems to be in a steady incline, now sitting at a 5.8 per cent market share, Kyle and Jackie, 50, still have a long way to go before they reach the top of the scoreboard in Melbourne.

AM still reigns supreme in overall Melbourne breakfast radio with Nine's talkback station 3AW at the top, though the show has taken a hit this survey with a 1.8 per cent drop to 18.8.

Gold 104.3's The Christian O'Connell Show is still barely holding onto the FM Breakfast lead at 10.8, down 0.7.

Meanwhile, Kyle and Jackie's rivals ex-KIIS FM stars Jason 'Jase' Hawkins and Lauren Phillips are fighting to get back into the FM lead with their Nova 100 show, now sitting at 10.2, up 0.1 per cent.

Former number one show Fifi, Fev and Nick at Fox FM has lost yet another point, dropping down to 8.3 from 8.4 last survey in a steady decline.

Triple M's Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus and Rosie and smoothfm 91.5 have switched places, with Triple M dropping by 0.6 to 7.3 as smoothfm slides in with 7.6, up 0.1 per cent.

This leaves Kyle and Jackie to move up a place to 5.8, taking over ABC Melbourne on AM which has dropped by 0.7 to 5.6.

The KIIS FM breakfast radio show, which under-performed in the Victorian capital during its multimillion dollar expansion last year, has had nothing but wins in the 2025 ratings war so far

While the dynamic duo continue to claw their way up the leaderboard in Melbourne, the Sydney juggernauts are still reigning supreme in FM Breakfast in their hometown Sydney, enjoying a market share lead of 12.3 percent.

'Fifty consecutive surveys at number one in Sydney is an extraordinary achievement and a true reflection of Kyle and Jackie O's enduring connection with their audience,' ARN's Chief Content Officer Duncan Campbell said.

'While the show continues to dominate in its home market, we're seeing positive signs in Melbourne, with two consecutive surveys showing strong increases in both awareness and audience.

'This consistent growth since January is clear evidence that our strategy is working. We remain confident in the strength of the brand and the content.'

Kyle and Jackie O took their radio show to Melbourne in a huge multimillion dollar expansion deal last year.

The move triggered the axing of Jase and Lauren's own KIIS FM breakfast show, which Kyle said he was indifferent about.

'No, I don't care. That's why we went for Melbourne, we were like, "We've given this Jase and Lauren on KIIS FM a good run, it can't get over fourth in the radio ratings, so we'll take it",' he told news.com.au at the time.

He added The Kyle & Jackie O Show was moved to Melbourne because it was a 'market in trouble' and their program could help regain listeners.

Sydney's hit duo Kyle, 53, and Jackie 'O' Henderson landed a 0.7 per cent increase of the Melbourne audience in GfK survey two which released on Thursday, but they're still a few spots behind rivals Jason 'Jase' Hawkins and Lauren Phillips

However, Jackie took a different approach, adding that while she didn't like competitors being axed it was the unfortunate reality of the business.

'No one ever wants to move someone out of a job. I wouldn't want that to happen to me. It's a double edged sword, it really is,' she said.

But Kyle and Jackie struggled to capture the Melbourne market in their first year.

In November, Kyle vowed to reduce the graphic sexual content on his KIIS FM radio show in 2025 to appeal to the Melbourne audience more broadly.

In a bid to make a dent in the market, Campbell said Kyle will have to dial back on the 'smut' and inappropriate on-air remarks.

'The sexual content was really a small part of the show,' he told Mumbrella at the time.

'Because it was graphic, it grabbed everyone's attention - but [Kyle's] taken that off, really. It's still sexual content. But not the graphic sexual content that it once was.'

Campbell also told the outlet Kyle 'came to the table' with toning down on the graphic content.

'He agreed to do that, which was a real positive,' he added.

'And, I mean, he wants to win in Melbourne. There's no doubt about that.'

Elsewhere, the CCO also promised their marketing tactics will be 'less brash and unapologetic'.

'We believe, with the removal of the graphic sexual content, the show's much, much easier to listen to now,' he said.

It seems the move has paid off.
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Wellness influencer Ash Ruscoe has given her verdict on a viral lunch item that has taken Sydney by storm.

Huge queues form outside Cross Section in Darlinghurst at lunch time every day, with customers waiting to get their hands on the sell-out chicken Caesar wrap.

For $18 a pop, the gourmet wraps are filled to the brim with shredded chicken, croutons, mixed leaves, Parmesan and Caesar dressing.

Ash took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to inform her 24,000 followers that she had sampled the in-demand item.

Sharing images of the formidable concoction, Ash also shared a shot video in which she offers her take on the popular dish.

Not mincing her words, Ash said that the wrap was definitely worth all the fuss.

Wellness influencer Ash Ruscoe (pictured) has given her take on a viral lunch item that has taken Sydney by storm

'Ok, so everyone asked about that Caesar wrap from Cross Section,' she said. 'It is worth the hype.'

Continuing, Ash said that much of the gushing over the in-demand wrap on social media was well founded.

'I know it's like a viral thing on TikTok but it was honestly the most f***ing delicious wrap ever,' she said. 'I also got it spicy.'

She added that the Caesar wrap wasn't the only thing on the menu that caught her eye.

'They also have like a Brekky wrap which looked insane, sorry, a Brekky burrito, and I would've got that too but I was already a bit full from the wrap,' she said.

'But definitely recommend and this is not a paid ad, I just randomly went.'

And it seems that the greater eating public of Sydney agree with Ash.

Foodies can't get enough of it, with many saying they haven't been able to order one because the wildly popular menu item always sells out by 1pm.

Huge queues form outside Cross Section in Darlinghurst at lunch time every day, with customers waiting to get their hands on the sell-out chicken Caesar wrap

Ash took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to inform her 24,000 followers that she had sampled the in-demand item

A Cross Section employee urged diners to arrive earlier so they don't miss out.

'We're trying our best,' the employee said to one of its customers on social media back in January.

'We can only prep for a certain amount with the three of us. Try and come earlier.'

The eatery is open from 8am to 3pm on weekdays and between 9am and 2pm on Saturdays, with doors closed every Sunday.

The chicken Caesar wrap has been a crowd favourite since launching in October.

Videos have been circulating on social media showing long queues outside the venue with many lining up in the hope of getting a taste of the viral wrap.

'It's absolutely delicious,' one raved.

'Absolutely loved the Caesar wrap, super fresh and filling. I can't wait to come back and try some more sandwiches,' another said.

'I know it's like a viral thing on TikTok but it was honestly the most f***ing delicious wrap ever,' she said

And it seems that the greater eating public of Sydney agree with Ash. Pictured Cross Section in Darlinghurst

'While I'm not big on waiting, it's worth every second,' one revealed.

'The yummiest ever wrap I've had,' another added.

Meanwhile, many diners who have visited the shop are obsessing over the other menu items - including its sandwiches and coffees.

One customer left a glowing five-star review on Google, saying: 'I can't say enough good things about this place - it's an absolute treasure. Let me tell you, the real magic happens with their sandwiches and coffee.

'The sandwiches are next level - every single bite is an explosion of flavour.'

They continued: 'The bread is fresh and perfectly baked, with that satisfying crunch on the outside and soft fluffiness inside.

'The ingredients are incredibly fresh and thoughtfully combined, creating layers of flavours that are simply unforgettable.'
Barry Lee Moe, a hairdresser who works for Jennifer Lopez, thanked the superstar entertainer for helping him arrive home safely after his Jeep exploded.

The two-time Emmy-winner took to Instagram Wednesday to explain to his 16,000 followers the tragic chain of events that led to the I'm Real songstress lending a helping hand.

'My little Jeep caught fire while driving down I-40 near Amarillo, Texas on the legendary Route 66,' the celebrity hair professional said. 'It was a fire so powerful, that it took my jeep, my most treasured personal belongings, and a large portion of my professional kit.

'In less than 30 minutes, I watched a corner of my world disappear before my eyes.

He added: 'Thank you to everyone who came to my rescue in the last 48 hours. I am truly blessed to be surrounded with so much love and I am so grateful for all of you, especially the staff at the @barfieldhotel in Amarillo, who took me in like family and team @jlo and Office Romance, who got me safely home from Texas without question. I love you all.'

Dailymail.com has reached out to Barry Lee Moe, his reps and Lopez's publicist for further comment on the incident.

Barry Lee Moe, a hairdresser who works for Jennifer Lopez, thanked the superstar for helping him arrive home safely after his Jeep exploded

Said the stylist: 'My little Jeep caught fire while driving down I-40 near Amarillo, Texas on the legendary Route 66.' J.Lo pictured in NYC earlier this month

The celebrity stylist, who has worked on shows such as Pam & Tommy, Pose, Welcome to Chippendales and the Netflix Lopez film Atlas, explained the series of horrifying events that unfolded.

'After three months on location, I began my journey home last Saturday morning,' the celeb hairstylist explained. 'For those of you who know me well, I love to drive and traveling cross country has always been exciting for me.

'On Monday, I was halfway home to LA, when my trip abruptly ended.'

The hair professional, who operates out of New York City and Los Angeles, said that he doesn't 'talk about it much publicly, but the last two years have been extremely challenging for' him.

'There were many days I didnt think Id make it and I simply wanted to give up and disappear.

'Instagram can paint a pretty picture of what we think someones life is, but theres always more to the story.'

The celeb stylist has also worked on shows such as Sneaky Pete and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

He said that 'behind all the polished posts and achievements, are sleepless nights, struggles, and tears,' which prompts a need for 'compassion and community more than ever before.'

The two-time Emmy-winner took to Instagram to explain to his 16,000 followers the tragic chain of events that led to the I'm Real songstress lending a helping hand

The charred remains of the Jeep were seen in a subsequent pic on Moe's Instagram page

The celebrity stylist and the superstar entertainer were seen on the Atlas set

He added: 'I think its important to discuss, especially during this time in our industry when so many are still suffering in the wake of the strike and the devastating fires that ravaged our beloved town.'

Moe said that he was 'till processing what happened on Monday' but ultimately 'grateful' he wasn't physically injured in the dangerous incident.

Said the hairstylist: 'Life is so fragile, and to walk away from this incident without injury is truly a miracle. My entire outlook on life has changed for the better and in a strange way, I feel reborn.'

Moe said he 'was given the gift of perspective Monday' and ... 'will never take the little things in life for granted ever again.

He said the key lesson gleaned from the incident was to live in the moment.

'Life is happening right now,' Moe said. 'Embrace the present, live your life with purpose, and LOVE freely & fully, because we only get one chance to do this.'

The If You Had My Love singer, 55, paid homage to another hairdresser she was close with personally and professionally - by the name of Jesus Guerrero - following his death at 34 on February 22.

'It's no surprise your mother gave you the name Jesus. You were gentle and kind and loving, quiet and unassuming, but so powerful, and your presence was felt the minute you walked into any room,' the actress, who's been seen in films such as Selena and Hustlers, said on Instagram in February.

Moe and Lopez pictured in a backstage selfie he uploaded to Instagram

The hair professional, who operates out of New York City and Los Angeles, shared a selfie on Tuesday

Lopez paid memorial to her late associate Jesus Guerrero in an emotional post earlier this year

The Waiting for Tonight singer added, 'You never demanded the spotlight. You never needed to make a sound to be recognized, your heart and your talent did that as effortlessly as your artistry did.'

J.Lo added, 'Ive been having trouble putting the words together the last few days.

'The truth is Im still in shock that such a beautiful young life has come to an end. It seems senseless and unfair. I know your family is brokenhearted as am I and everyone else who knew you.'

The I'm Real artist wrapped things up in saying: 'Your spirit moved on to the next phase beyond this life but I know wherever you are there is beauty and light. And the beauty and light you left here will live on forever. Rest in peace, sweet angel"

Elsewhere, Lopez and ex-husband Ben Affleck have been the focal point of reports that they are clashing over the sale of the Beverly Hills mansion they used to live in.

Lopez - who made headlines Sunday with a social media post - 'thinks they can get more money for the home, so she wants to keep the price as is,' an insider told Us Weekly Saturday.

Affleck feels that due to the circumstances economically - and his desire to move on from the situation - they should sell as soon as they can.

'Ben just wants to get rid of it because their divorce is over and he wants to cut all ties and have it be done,' the source told the outlet.

Affleck and Lopez pictured at This Is Me...Now: A Love Story debut on February 13, 2024 in Hollywood, California

The former couple was pictured at the LACMA Art+Film Gala on November 4, 2023

The source said that at the current time, 'the real estate market is not there and It's not selling.'

Affleck 'just wants it over and to sell it,' the insider said, noting that the Argo actor-director even wants to 'reduce the price' to get it to move quicker.

Affleck and Lopez initially sought to sell the Beverly Hills estate, which they had bought about a year before, in July of 2024.

The former couple asked for $68 million from the home - $8 million more than what they paid for it when they purchased it in June 2023.

Lopez's August 20, 2024 divorce filing came after months of speculation swirling around the relationship between the A-list singer-actress and actor-director.

Lopez filed the documents on the two-year anniversary of their nuptials at Affleck's estate outside of Savannah, Georgia on August 20, 2022.

Lopez and Affleck made headlines in 2021 when they rekindled their romance, nearly 17 years after calling off their original engagement and postponing their September 2003 wedding.
Blake Lively's recent promotional appearance involved public food preparation with her hair down, a choice that might raise eyebrows given a past health investigation for a similar incident.

The Gossip Girl star, 37, was promoting her latest film, Another Simple Favor, with her fellow co-stars in a clip shared to the tooomuchfoood Instagram account on Wednesday.

The actress, who's currently embroiled in an ongoing legal war with former co-star Justin Baldoni, was pictured preparing ravioli in a glamorous black skirt and top.

She wore her long blonde hair in a side ponytail, with no hairnet covering it as she hovered over the pasta.

It comes after Blake's visit to Rise Doughnuts in Wilton, Connecticut, earlier this month sparked a health and safety investigation.

At the time she was called out by fans for the 'disgusting' act of not wearing a hairnet while she baked. A spokesperson for the Wilton Health Department confirmed that the business was under investigation following complaints from customers.

Blake Lively's, 37, recent promotional appearance involved public food preparation with her hair down, a choice that might raise eyebrows given a past health investigation for a similar incident

The actress was pictured preparing ravioli in a glamorous black skirt and top without any head covering

Blake's co-stars Anna Kendrick  who has been the subject of ongoing feud rumors with Lively  Henry Golding and director Paul Feig were also present at the event.

Blake was pictured helping Instagram food content creator Morgan Raum make ravioli.

Since chefs in aprons were visible in the clip, it's hard to tell if Lively's food preparation was spontaneous or planned.

The star's fingers, adorned with gold rings, were bare as she wasn't wearing any gloves.

Blake could be heard guiding Morgan on cutting the ravioli, advising, 'you don't want to push down,' and correcting her again with a 'nope.'

'You're just trying to get these two halves to seal,' she told her.

She then smiled and nodded in approval when Morgan cut the ravioli correctly.

Morgan was later seen creating a cocktail with Anna, Henry and Paul but without Blake.

Towards the end of the clip the stars were seen posing together with the chefs.

The star was promoting her latest film, Another Simple Favor, with her fellow co-stars in a clip shared by food content creator Morgan Raum to Instagram account on Wednesday

She wore her long blonde hair in a side ponytail, with no hairnet covering it as she hovered over the pasta

Since chefs in aprons were visible in the clip, it's hard to tell if Lively's food preparation was spontaneous or planned

Blake's co-stars Anna Kendrick  who has been the subject of ongoing feud rumors with Lively  Henry Golding and director Paul Feig were also present at the event, though they stuck to making cocktails

Morgan was later seen creating a drink with Anna, Henry and Paul but without Blake

Their upcoming film, A Simple Favor sequel, comes out on Prime Video May 1.

It comes after Lively came under fire from furious fans who have lambasted her for an improvised scene she did while filming A Simple Favor in 2018.

The actress is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with her It Ends With Us co-star Justin, after accusing him of sexual harassment and plotting a smear campaign to ruin her reputation.

But in the wake of Justin's counter lawsuit, Blake's behavior on various film sets has come under fire. Earlier this month a clip has emerged that shows a surprising side to Blake's behavior on the set of A Simple Favor, when she confessed that she improvised a scene where she grabbed her co-star Henry's privates.

Earlier this month Lively's sugar-coated PR stunt at a Connecticut doughnut shop sparked an official investigation into the establishment over alleged unsanitary practices.

The It Ends With Us star visited Rise Doughnuts in Wilton where she was called out by fans for the 'disgusting' act of not wearing a hairnet while she baked.

Posting footage from her visit, she wrote: 'Baking with genius food friends and their kitchen mixer the size of a car. This is what my happy place looks like...'

It was later confirmed that the Wilton Health Department received complaints about Lively working in the kitchen without a hairnet, covering, hat, or hair-tie to keep her flaxen mane from shedding all over the $5 craft donuts - and that the business was under investigation.

It's unclear what possible health code violations, sanctions, or fines could be enforced on owners Hugh Mangum and Laura Malone, who only acquired the former pizzeria in 2022.

Rise Doughnuts currently has a 4.5 out of five star rating on Yelp and all new reviews are paused as 'this business is being monitored by Yelp's Support team for content related to media reports.'

Lively's sugar-coated PR stunt at a Connecticut doughnut shop earlier this month sparked an official investigation into the establishment over alleged unsanitary practices

A spokesperson for the Wilton Health Department confirmed that they've received complaints about Blake working in the kitchen without a hairnet

Lively is currently in the midst of a legal war against her It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni (M, pictured in 2024), whom she's accused of sexually harassing her on set

'Is it the practice at this doughnut shop to allow employees handling the food to wear their hair loose & hang a few inches above a tray of doughnuts?' Yelp user J.J. complained in a recent review that got through.

'Why don't your employees have to wear hairnets? This does not seem sanitary.'

Lively is still in the midst of a legal war against her It Ends With Us director Justin, whom she's accused of sexually harassing her on set.

It all began December 20 when Blake filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against the 41-year-old filmmaker for sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of the Sony Pictures drama, and revealed her side to the New York Times.

Justin immediately filed a libel lawsuit for $250M against the New York Times for allegedly biased coverage of Lively's California complaint and she filed a lawsuit against him and his PR team on December 31 for his alleged 'plan to undermine her reputation in retaliation' with a 'vicious smear campaign' in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.

All of the parties deny the allegations against them.
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Nina Palangetic gave her single days a proper send off with a wild Queen of Hearts themed bachelorette party which lasted three days.

The 29-year-old influencer shared a carousel of photos documenting the debauchery of her hen's bender to Instagram on Tuesday.

'Nina The Canteen Lady'who is best known as the Instagram model who filmed herself while driving in 2018put her faith in the structural integrity of a pack of playing cards used as a corset for the festivities.

'My fiance decided not to have a bucks party... So naturally I sent it for the both of us... 3 days in a row... With my psycho mates,' the renowned Sydney party girl captioned her post.

The brunette bombshell announced her engagement to her partner Adrian Garofali in a series of loved-up photos posted in June last year.

The 'gorgeous private dinner' Nina planned to start the night devolved into a rowdy karaoke performance of My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas within 30 minutes.

Nina Palangetic, 29, gave her single days a proper send off with a wild Queen of Hearts themed bachelorette party which lasted three days

The influencer shared a carousel of photos documenting the debauchery of her hen's bender to Instagram on Tuesday

'Nina The Canteen Lady'who is best known as the Instagram model who filmed herself while driving in 2018put her faith in the structural integrity of a pack of playing cards used as a corset for the festivities

'This was half an hour into the gorgeous private dinner I had planned...' she captioned footage from the party which shows some of her friends waving a headless cardboard cut-out of a naked pool boy.

Nina's husband-to-be is a sales representative for Sydney Poolscapes.

From there, the co-founder of Rogue Season Swimwear changed into a more functional denim miniskirt and a plunging V-neck crop top which allowed her to show off her pole dancing skills en route to the club.

She accessorised the look with a plastic princess tiara.

Nina hosted her hen's do at 'the last good strip club in Melbourne', which has come a long way since being the subject of drive by shootings in 2015 and 2016.

Kittens is informally known as the South Melbourne ballet by the AFL stars and socialites who frequent the venue.

The venue revamped its image to tailor towards a refined clientele after winning the 'Best Gentlemens Club' in Australia at the Adult Industry Awards in 2023.

'KITTENS WAS SO FUN,' Nina enthused in all-caps over a photo taken inside the venue.

The co-founder of Rogue Season Swimwear later changed into a more functional denim miniskirt and a plunging V-neck crop top that allowed her to show off her pole dancing skills en route to the club

Nina hosted her hen's do at 'the last good strip club in Melbourne', Kittens

Nina announced her engagement to her partner Adrian Garofali in a series of loved-up photos posted in June last year and looked to be having the time of her life as she celebrated

Her 'psycho friends' in attendance were fellow influencers Georgina Ianosevici, Sedona Findlay, and Patricia 'Torpedo Trish' Hadjiwho crashed her Jeep Cherokee into multiple cars in 2022 while driving three times over the legal alcohol limit.

Nina, who has 38,000 followers on Instagram, has been jokingly bragging online about taking drugs for years.

In September 2020, the Sydney-based model uploaded a photo of herself modelling a skimpy pink crop top and skirt, alongside the caption: 'Didn't look like this when the special K hit in.'

'Special K' is a slang term referring to the illicit party drug ketamine.

In April 2019, she joked on Instagram an M-shaped pendant on her necklace actually referred to the illicit drug MDMAbefore clarifying it was actually the first letter of her real name Mirjana.

And in August the previous year, she also made reference to a line of cocaine when she wrote in the caption of a bikini photo: 'I call this the, "Hi papi can lil [sic] mami have a line look."'

It is not suggested Nina has taken illicit drugs.

She also sparked controversy in February 2018 after brazenly filming herself on Instagram while she was driving.

In her video, the brunette claimed she would punch police in the face if they tried to stop her.

She boasted: 'I've been videoing and driving this whole time but when you're good at something, you're just good at it. Whose gonna stop ya besides the coppers, coppers punch them in the face.'

But less than 24 hours later the model had backtracked into making a public apology.
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Kyle Sandilands has revealed a nightmare ordeal he went through on a recent family vacation.

Earlier this month, the shock jock, 53, was enjoying a relaxing getaway on Thailand's luxe holiday island Koh Samui with wife Tegan Kynaston, 38, and son Otto, two.

However, their idyllic tropical getaway soon turned to horror, the presenter revealed on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Thursday.

Speaking to co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson and resident KIIS medico Dr Sam Hay, Kyle revealed that as he and Tegan sunned themselves on the beach, she became interested in the contents of her navel.

'There was this black thing and she squeezed it and squeezed it and like a core of blackness came out of it and she was grossed out, she was like: 'What's this?' Kyle admitted.

Continuing, Kyle said that the shock substance, which he said was inhuman in appearance, was emanating from an old navel piercing.

Kyle Sandilands has revealed a nightmare ordeal he went through on a recent family vacation. Pictured

'I was looking at it and I was thinking, "Who have I married?"' he said.

'There was sort of an alien coming out of her old hole and it was like a hard stick. I said, "Is that just gunk and filth? What is that s***?'

The topic of conversation proved too much for Jackie who said: 'It's too early for this,' between gasps.

It wasn't the case for Doctor Sam however, who could barely contain his excitement as he explained what the 'alien' substance was.

'It's probably a build-up of oil and dead skin which is part of why it goes black,' he said.

'It would've been in there like a little ball then she's squeezed it out and it's come out like a thick sausage.'

Sensing Sam's dermatological glee, Kyle added: 'Look how excited he looks,' to which the medico replied; 'I would've loved to have squeezed it.'

While there were no images of the couple's gross encounter, Kyle delighted fans by sharing a series of photos on social media, showcasing their family moments against the backdrop of the island's stunning tropical beaches.

Kyle revealed Teagan became quite interested in the contents of an old navel piercing

'There was this black thing and she squeezed it and squeezed it and like a core of blackness came out of it and she was grossed out, she was like: 'what's this?' Kyle admitted

One heartwarming snapshot captured Kyle and his toddler both beaming with joy as they took a break from building sandcastles.

Another charming photo featured Kyle and Tegan, 39, radiantly posing at a beachside resort, completely at ease in their holiday bliss.

In another memorable moment, Kyle was captured lounging on the sandy shores with a drink in hand, cheerfully greeting the camera.

He captioned the gallery with some excited words: 'Hiiii from Ko Samui! #TheSandilands.'

It comes as Kyle and Jackie O's KIIS FM breakfast radio show, which under-performed in the Victorian capital during its multimillion dollar expansion last year, has had nothing but wins in the 2025 ratings war so far.

After a 0.1 per cent increase in market share during survey one, Sydney's hit landed another 0.7 per cent of the Melbourne audience in the GfK survey two which released on Thursday.

Kyle originally told his Victorian listeners on Wednesday morning he had no plans to 'super serve Melbourne and ignore our Sydney audience' to increase ratings in the south.

'You either glue on in Melbourne or you [expletive]. One or the other. Here's something I haven't even discussed with Jackie... if we don't rate better by the end of this year, I'm pulling the carpet out,' he threatened.

'I was looking at it and I was thinking, "Who have I married?"' he said. 'There was sort of an alien coming out of her old hole and it was like a hard stick. I said, "is that just gunk and filth? What is that s***?'

'I'll just take the show off Melbourne... We're not just going to suck Melbourne off all day, every day.'

Whether it was Kyle's expletive-filled threat, or The Kyle & Jackie O Show's recently successful local broadcast at St Kilda Beach, the Sydney show has now achieved the biggest Breakfast market share growth in the latest survey.

While the show seems to be in a steady incline, now sitting at a 5.8 per cent market share, Kyle and Jackie, 50, still have a ways to go before they reach the top of the scoreboard in Melbourne.

AM still reigns supreme in overall Melbourne breakfast radio with Nine's talkback station 3AW, though the show has taken a hit this survey with a 1.8 per cent drop to 18.8.
Danny DeVito proudly posed with his estranged wife Rhea Perlman as they reunited to attend The Alliance for Children's Rights 33rd Annual Champions for Children in Beverly Hills on Wednesday night.

The 80-year-old Taxi alum and the 77-year-old Cheers alum are still legally married to each other despite separating in 2012, getting back together in 2013, and separating for the second time in 2017 after 35 years as husband and wife.

Danny and Rhea were even listed together, rather than as individuals, in the honorary committee list on the Alliance for Children's Rights official website.

It was love at first sight for Perlman, who originally met DeVito in 1971 after watching his performance as a demented stable boy in the off-Broadway play The Shrinking Bride.

The four-time Emmy winner moved into the Oscar-nominated producer's Manhattan apartment two weeks later, and she went on to have a five-episode stint as his Taxi character Louie De Palma's girlfriend Zena Sherman between 1979-1982.

The 5ft former couple went on to have 42-year-old daughter Lucy, 40-year-old daughter Gracie, and 37-year-old son Jake along with two-year-old granddaughter Sinclair and nine-month-old grandson Carmine.

Danny DeVito proudly posed with his estranged wife Rhea Perlman as they reunited to attend The Alliance for Children's Rights 33rd Annual Champions for Children in Beverly Hills on Wednesday night

'We are still married,' Rhea confirmed on the Wiser Than Me podcast in 2023.

'And we are still very good friends and we see each other a lot. And our family is still the most important thing to both of us.'

Perlman cautioned: 'It was very difficult at first. And there were a lot of reasons that we separated, which I'm not gonna go into. But it took time for us to come to this somehow pretty decent understanding and relationship with each other.'

In 2019, Danny told People they were still 'very close' saying: 'We're friends. We're happy. Everybody's happy.'

On Wednesday, the amicable exes hit the Beverly Wilshire stage together to present Ghosted alum Ally Walker and FX chairman John Landgraf with the Champions for Children Award from the foster care organization.

Grammy-winning R&B songstress Andra Day performed a stirring rendition of her 2015 hit Rise Up.

The night served as a mini-reunion for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as DeVito posed alongside creator-star Rob McElhenney and castmate Kaitlin Olson, who served as the charity's co-hosts.

The Emmy-winning actor resumes his role as multi-millionaire Frank Reynolds in the eight-episode 17th season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which premieres July 9 on FXX/Hulu.

Danny also guest-starred as Frank in the January 8th crossover episode of ABC's mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, which was titled 'Volunteers.'

And Rhea was last seen guest-starring as Judy in the March 28th episode of Hulu sitcom Mid-Century Modern as well as a role in Apple TV+ showbiz series The Studio.

The 80-year-old Taxi alum and the 77-year-old Cheers alum are still legally married to each other despite separating in 2012, getting back together in 2013, and separating for the second time in 2017 after 35 years as husband and wife

Danny and Rhea were even listed together, rather than as individuals, in the honorary committee list on the Alliance for Children's Rights official website

It was love at first sight for Perlman, who originally met DeVito in 1971 after watching his performance as a demented stable boy in the off-Broadway play The Shrinking Bride

The four-time Emmy winner moved into the Oscar-nominated producer's Manhattan apartment two weeks later, and she went on to have a five-episode stint as his Taxi character Louie De Palma's girlfriend Zena Sherman between 1979-1982

The 5ft former couple went on to have 42-year-old daughter Lucy, 40-year-old daughter Gracie, and 37-year-old son Jake (pictured in 2011) along with two-year-old granddaughter Sinclair and nine-month-old grandson Carmine

Rhea confirmed on the Wiser Than Me podcast in 2023: 'We are still married. And we are still very good friends and we see each other a lot. And our family is still the most important thing to both of us'

Perlman cautioned: 'It was very difficult at first. And there were a lot of reasons that we separated, which I'm not gonna go into. But it took time for us to come to this somehow pretty decent understanding and relationship with each other'

In 2019, Danny told People they were still 'very close' saying: 'We're friends. We're happy. Everybody's happy'

On Wednesday, the amicable exes hit the Beverly Wilshire stage together to present Ghosted alum Ally Walker (2-R) and FX chairman John Landgraf (R) with the Champions for Children Award from the foster care organization

Grammy-winning R&B songstress Andra Day performed a stirring rendition of her 2015 hit Rise Up

The night served as a mini-reunion for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as DeVito posed alongside creator-star Rob McElhenney (2-R) and castmate Kaitlin Olson (3-R), who served as the charity's co-hosts
Radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson has revealed the breathtaking portrait after being selected as the subject of a finalist piece in this year's prestigious Archibald Prize.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the KIIS FM star, 50, shared a video of the hyperrealistic painting, which captures her in a striking pose wearing an ethereal blue gown with layers of tulle fanning around her like a dream.

The artwork, created by celebrated artist Kelly Maree, is painted on a dramatic black backdrop and features Jackie with her signature blonde locks cascading over one shoulder and an intense, soulful expression on her face.

'One year ago, I was at the Archibald Prize exhibition, standing in front of a painting that completely mesmerised me,' Jackie wrote in a heartfelt caption.

'I couldn't stop looking at it, it wasn't just a painting, it was so much more than that. The artist, Kelly Maree, didn't just capture the incredible likeness of actor Josh Heuston she gave us something deeper his pain, his soul. She made you feel the painting.'

Radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured) has revealed the breathtaking portrait after being selected as the subject of a finalist piece in this year's prestigious Archibald Prize

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the KIIS FM star, 50, shared a video of the hyperrealistic painting, which captures her in a striking pose wearing an ethereal blue gown with layers of tulle fanning around her like a dream

Jackie went on to reveal the serendipitous moment that followed her encounter with Maree's previous work.

'I remember thinking, God, what a dream it would be to have this woman paint me,' she recalled.

'Fast forward a few months, I'm in New York, still talking about that painting with friends, still in my mind. The very next day, an email lands in my inbox. It's from Kelly!!!!! Out of the blue.'

'She wanted to know if I'd be open to being painted for her Archibald next year. You could have knocked me over with a feather. Was this real? What serendipity. Turns out we were drawn to each other.'

The two finally met in Sydney over coffee and quickly formed a creative bond.

'She was every bit as warm and beautiful as her art,' Jackie said.

'A few weeks later, Kelly captured me in a series of moments, each one raw, real, layered. Then she spent the next several months pouring her soul into this piece.'

'To say I'm honoured doesn't even come close. It's truly one of the great highlights of my life to have been chosen as her subject and now to see her once again named a finalist (and rightly so). The level of skill, emotion, and patience this took I'm still in awe.'

Jackie finished the post with a heartfelt thank you to the artist: 'Thank you @kellymaree.artist - you are truly extraordinary'.

The artwork, created by celebrated artist Kelly Maree, is painted on a dramatic black backdrop and features Jackie with her signature blonde locks cascading over one shoulder and an intense, soulful expression on her face

The portrait has quickly drawn admiration online, with fans praising both the emotional depth of the painting and Jackie's vulnerable storytelling.

The Archibald Prize, awarded annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, is one of the country's most esteemed accolades, celebrating portraiture and artistic excellence.

It comes after Jackie hit back after the $5million construction of her 'dream home' inspired fury among her neighbours.

The radio star insisted she was shocked that a neighbour had called her 'disgusting' in a recent interview on the renovations.

'The funny thing is that every neighbour has gone out of their way to say how great my builders are and how thoughtful and considerate they are,' Jackie said on the Kyle and Jackie O radio show this week.

When asked by a producer if she felt bad about the worksite caravans she had parked in the street, Jackie was apologetic.

'It's really unfortunate and I hate that I would ever be putting people out,' she added.

Addressing recent comments from an angry Neighbour, Jackie said to her co-host Kyle Sandilands: 'She did say that we are disgusting, you and I'.

'You can't blame people for thinking we're disgusting,' Kyle joked.

Jackie taken on the ambitious project that will see a complete transformation of an oceanfront Clovelly house she purchased at open auction in March 2023.

It is located in one of Sydney's most sought-after suburbs.
Helena Christensen showed off her amazing figure in a floral midi dress as she arrived at the Dolce & Gabbana store opening in Midtown, New York on Wednesday.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel, 56, looked incredible in the black, green and white figure hugging number which boasted a split up the front.

Helena added inches to her frame in a pair of towering black heels and toted her belongings in a white clutch.

The Danish star wore a glamorous palette of makeup for the evening complete with a swipe of bold red lipstick.

Styling her short brunette tresses swept to one side, she accessorised with a pair of dazzling orange drop earrings.

Helena flashed her gorgeous smile as she headed inside the new store for the star-studded bash.

Helena Christensen showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a floral midi dress as she arrived at the Dolce & Gabbana store opening in Midtown, New York on Wednesday

The former Victoria's Secret Angel, 56, looked incredible in the busty black, green and white figure hugging number which boasted a split up the front

Meanwhile, Grace Elizabeth turned heads in a nude corset style midi dress which showed off her tiny frame.

The Victoria's Secret model, 28, elevated her frame in a pair of matching heels and carried a bold leopard print handbag.

American DJ Diplo dressed to impress in a brown suit which he paired with a matching open collar shirt.

Boyd Holbrook looked loved-up as he posed with his glamorous wife Tatiana Pajkovic, who flashed a black bra under a sheer extreme plunging red dress.

The Sandman star cut a cool figure in a polo shirt, black trousers and studded slip on shoes.

Chloe Flower, 39, made quite the entrance carrying her pet pouch into the bash.

The composer wowed in a white lace suit which she layered over a sheer lingerie bodysuit.

Eva Mock cut an edgy figure for the evening in a black leather sleeveless jacket which he wore over a white tank top.

Helena added inches to her frame in a pair of towering black heels and toted her belongings in a white clutch

Meanwhile Grace Elizabeth turned heads in a nude corset style midi dress which showed off her tiny frame

The Victoria's Secret model, 28, elevated her frame in a pair of matching heels and carried a bold leopard print handbag

American DJ Diplo dressed to impress in a brown suit which he paired with a matching open collar shirt

Boyd Holbrook looked loved-up as he posed with his glamorous wife Tatiana Pajkovic, who flashed a black bra under a sheer extreme plunging red dress

The Sandman star cut a cool figure in a polo shirt, black trousers and studded slip on shoes

Chloe Flower, 39, made quite the entrance carrying her pet pouch into the bash

Eva Mock cut an edgy figure for the evening in a black leather sleeveless jacket which he wore over a white tank top

SKIMS model Olivia Ponton made sure to command attention in a black blazer minidress which she teamed with suspenders and sheer stockings

She beamed as she posed with pal Ella Mendelsohn who flashed her black lingerie under a lace see-through dress and wore matching suspenders and stockings

Hannah Harrell showcased her figure in a black bra and lace mesh skirt

The actor, 28, opted for a pair of coordinated trousers, chunky boots and spiked up his blonde locks.

SKIMS model Olivia Ponton made sure to command attention in a black blazer minidress which she teamed with suspenders and sheer stockings.

She beamed as she posed with pal Ella Mendelsohn who flashed her black lingerie under a lace see-through dress and wore matching suspenders and stockings.

It comes after Helena showed off her age-defying figure in a strapless pink bikini as she posed on a sunny beach earlier this year.

During her jaunt to the beach she cemented her supermodel status by making a makeshift seaweed hat, that she playfully teamed with her swimwear, to look fashionable.

The model shared a string of snaps of herself, including one in which shes seen smiling with her hands on her waist looking into the camera with the seaweed crown.

She captured it in images: Seaweed I did there?

Fans complimented the beautiful and forever young models snaps along with her famous pals, including actress Kate Bosworth, 42, who wrote in the comment section: Magical girl in the most magical place. Christensen replied: Our secret spot.

Helena was accompanied by son Mingus Lucien, 25, her only child with actor Norman Reedus - as they unwound close to the shoreline.

The Danish star welcomed Mingus, who works in the music industry, during a five year relationship with The Walking Dead star Reedus in 1999.
Real Housewives of Sydney star Lisa Oldfield has revealed she was rushed to hospital after suffering a medical emergency, undergoing surgery for a painful bout of perforated diverticulitis.

The 50-year-old reality TV star took to Instagram on Thursday to share a candid selfie from her hospital bed, revealing the shock diagnosis was definitely not how she planned to spend her week.

Wearing a blue surgical cap and nasal oxygen tube, Lisa appeared remarkably composed in the photo, which showed her hooked up to monitoring devices with a blood pressure cuff on her arm.

'I like to plan my week ahead. Perforated diverticulitis was not on my to do list,' she wrote in the caption.

'Thanks Jimmy for getting me seen to and operated on quick smart, my doctor is the best vet on the Northern Beaches,' she added, cheekily comparing her medical team to a vet.

Fans and friends flooded the comment section with well-wishes, with one follower writing, 'That can be very serious Lisa - it killed my dad. So glad you were seen to early.'

Lisa Oldfield (pictured) has revealed she was rushed to hospital after suffering a medical emergency, undergoing surgery for a painful bout of perforated diverticulitis

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

'Wishing you a speedy recovery,' added another, while a third shared, 'Have experienced this!! Extremely painful. Good luck with recovery.'

Perforated diverticulitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where small pockets in the bowel wall become inflamed and infected, sometimes leading to a rupture.

Lisa, who is known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude on RHOS, has not yet revealed how long she'll remain in hospital but appears to be on the mend.

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.
Robert Irwin has finally had his big awards moment - albeit from the comfort of his office.

The wildlife warrior, 21, took to social media on Thursday to celebrate his long-awaited AACTA Award arriving in the post, three months after being crowned Favourite Media Personality.

Dressed in his signature Australia Zoo uniform, the conservationist looked thrilled as he unboxed the prestigious silver statue, beaming from ear to ear as he held it up for fans to see.

'G'day everyone. This is super exciting. I just got back into my office to find this ooh, it's very heavy,' he began in a video shared to Instagram.

'The AACTA Award has arrived in the mail. I couldn't make it to the actual award [ceremony], so they sent it to me, which is really cool,' he continued.

The son of the late Steve Irwin explained he was overseas filming in South Africa at the time of the event, but said the honour still meant a great deal.

Robert Irwin (pictured) has finally had his big awards moment - albeit from the comfort of his office

The wildlife warrior, 21, took to social media on Thursday to celebrate his long-awaited AACTA Award arriving in the post, three months after being crowned Favourite Media Personality

'This is amazing. You get a full little letter and everything,' he said, reading from the included note: 'Congratulations on winning your AACTA Award  Australia's highest screen accolade.'

After carefully peeling away layers of bubble wrap  which he promised to reuse in the name of sustainability  Robert proudly unveiled the sleek, sculptural trophy and cradled it like a prized possession.

'This is my first AACTA Award and I'm so incredibly honoured. Favourite media personality. Look at him! Holy moly  it's a bit of a weapon,' he joked.

'How on earth did they get that on the plane? You've got cleaning instructions and everything!'

He then broke into an impromptu acceptance speech, thanking fans and highlighting the deeper meaning behind the accolade.

'Thank you so much to everyone who voted. Thank you so much, AACTA. This little bloke is gonna take pride of place. I feel like I'm doing my speech!' he grinned.

'Any time I receive any sort of accolade, it means a lot for my message and what I try and achieve I appreciate it personally, but it really means a lot for my wildlife conservation mission and message  which is behind absolutely everything I do.'

'This is a win for conservation. This is Conservation's AACTA Award,' he declared proudly.

Earlier this month, fans of the Irwin family were left swooning after Robert debuted a sexy new photo spread

Robert's post comes days after he was confirmed as the first contestant on the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars US, following his smouldering American ad campaign for Bonds.

His appearance on the competitive dancing series will come a decade after his sister Bindi, 26, won the show in 2015 alongside her dancing partner Derek Hough.

Robert will need to be in peak physical health to successfully compete on the challenging competition.

In 2019, Bindi told The Project about the gruelling physical tasks the contestants face in order to perform well on the show.

'It's such a challenge. I don't think people reality how much work goes on behind the scenes, it's a huge commitment,' she said.

During her time on the US version of the show, Bindi danced in front of a black-and-white portrait of her father, Steve Irwin.

'What I think is so wonderful about Dancing With The Stars is that you get to share your journey and your story,' Bindi said.

Bindi took to social media to share her excitement about her brother appearing on the show.

'Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom. I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved,' she began.

'Can't wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination. Here's to an extraordinary journey ahead.'
Sofia Richie looked incredible as she soaked up the sun during a tropical holiday on Wednesday.

The model, 28, displayed her jaw-dropping figure as she slipped into a blue patterned bikini while relaxing on a deck chair.

The stunner styled her blonde locks into an updo and also sported a pair of red sunglasses as she made the most of her holiday.

Sofia also shared a snap of herself going for a swim along with one of her daughter Eloise on the beach.

In another photo, Sofia posed in a black and pink patterned sundress and a large yellow hat.

In November while appearing on the Therapuss podcast, the daughter of music legend, Lionel Richie, opened up about the joys of motherhood.

Sofia Richie looked incredible as she soaked up the sun during a tropical holiday on Wednesday

Sofia also shared a snap of herself going for a swim

'I've never loved anything more in my life. I'm obsessed with her, shes perfect,' she gushed.

Sofia welcomed baby Eloise in May 2024 with husband Elliot Grainge, 31, a year after they said 'I do' in April 2023.

The little one's middle name, Samantha, serves as a tribute to Elliot's late mother, Samantha Berg, who died tragically young in 2007.

While giving birth to Elliot in 1993, the businessman's mother had an amniotic fluid embolism, resulting in a coma that she remained in until her death.

Sofia and Elliot had been acquaintances for several years before they began dating in early 2021.

They got engaged in 2022 and ultimately said 'I do' in 2023.

She was walked down the aisle by her famous father during her lavish wedding ceremony to the music executive in France.

Back in June, a source close to the couple revealed that they are still 'adjusting' to life as parents.

She posted another photo with her adorable daughter Eloise on the beach

In another photo, Sofia posed in a black and pink patterned sundress and a large yellow hat

'Sofia and Elliot have been on cloud nine since welcoming baby Eloise. They are still adjusting to becoming parents, but it's come fairly natural to both of them,' they told Us Weekly.

The insider also shared that the pair are trying to keep their newborn from the limelight and are reluctant to let others visit.

'Sofia and Elliot haven't let many people over to see the baby, they're both being very protective,' they claimed.

The insider shared that the new mom 'still has that pregnancy glow' and that she 'can't believe' she has a baby.

'It's all very surreal,' the source claimed of the new parents.
Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 to hit Turkish theaters

Xinhua) 13:09, May 01, 2025

ISTANBUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Ne Zha 2, a legendary tale from ancient Chinese mythology brought to life through stunning animation, will premiere in at least 80 cinemas across Turkiye starting May 2, its distributor CGV Mars Distribution told Xinhua on Wednesday.

The film will be presented in Chinese with Turkish and English subtitles to cater to a wider audience.

Ne Zha 2 follows the journey of a rebellious young hero born with extraordinary powers who defies fate and societal rejection to forge his own destiny.

Onur Asa, general manager of CGV Mars Distribution, told Xinhua that the film's striking visuals and universal themes -- such as family, freedom, and self-transcendence -- are expected to resonate strongly with Turkish moviegoers.

According to Asa, the movie reintroduces Chinese mythological narratives through a modern cinematic lens, blending vibrant animation with fast-paced action to deliver an engaging experience for audiences of all ages.

"The visual storytelling and action-packed scenes transcend language barriers, allowing Turkish audiences to fully immerse themselves in the experience," he said, noting that the film offers a rare glimpse into the rich world of Chinese mythology.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
READ MORE: RecipeTin Eats plagiarism scandal takes another turn as another author comes forward

Cookbook author and blogger Nagi Maehashi has taken a stand against 'trolls' who have been attacking Brooke Bellamy amid their plagiarism row.

Maehashi sparked a firestorm when she alleged former travel blogger-turned-baker Bellamy copied two of her recipes for caramel slice, and baklava in her book, Bake with Brooki.

On Thursday the row took a surprise turn when Maehashi posted a video to Instagram betting her fans and supporters to leave Bellamy alone.

'Please stop the trolling' the Australian cook said in the clip.

'Now I know I've made serious allegations, but this does not justify the personal attacks that I've seen online against Brooke Bellamy' she continued.

'I do not support it, and I'm asking you to stop. I know that this is just a very, very small percentage of people online. I know the majority of people are good, fun, normal people.

Cookbook author and blogger Nagi Maehashi (left) has taken a stand against 'trolls' who have been attacking Brooke Bellamy (right) amid their plagiarism row

'You know, share your opinions, have heated debates, support Brookie, support me, disagree with both of us, think we're pathetic, whatever you want, but just keep it respectful, no trolling, no hateful comments.'

Maehashi went on: 'Fundamentally, at the end of the day, we're talking recipes, and this is a business dispute.

'You know, these are legal allegations that I've made against Penguin, a corporate, allegations made by my company.

'So it just, we've gotta be respectful about this, you know, it's the Recipe Tin way.'

It comes after online baking sensation Bellamy locked down her social media amid a furious backlash over the plagiarism row which has blown up around her.

In the wake of the blockbuster claims, other chefs and authors have also now come forward with similar allegations.

US-based baker Sally McKenney of Sally's Baking Addiction fame claimed on Instagram that Bellamy had also copied her vanilla cake recipe after Maehashi reached out to alert her about it.

'Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit  especially in a best-selling cookbook,' McKenney said.

On Thursday the row took a surprise turn when Maehashi posted a video to Instagram betting her fans and supporters to leave Bellamy alone

Maehashi sparked a firestorm when she alleged former travel blogger-turned-baker Bellamy copied two of her recipes for caramel slice, and baklava in her book, Bake with Brooki. Bellamy has denied the allegations

Pregnant mother-of-one Bellamy rejected the claim, posting to Instagram that her book Bake with Brooki is made up of recipes 'created over many years'.

She has denied the plagiarism allegations and insisted she has been making the caramel slice recipe since 2016, re-posting a snap of the creation she made at that time.

Bellamy has now bunkered down at her $3.6million three-bedroom home in Brisbane and issued a plea for privacy as she turned her personal Instagram account to private after trolls flooded her pages with savage attacks over the row.

'The past 24 hours have been extremely overwhelming,' she said in a statement.

'I 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.'

Penguin has also denied the allegations, saying via their lawyers: 'Our client respectfully rejects your client's allegations and confirms that the recipes in [Bake with Brooki] were written by Brooke Bellamy', according to Maehashi.

Please stop the trolling' the Australian cook said. 'Now I know I've made serious allegations, but this does not justify the personal attacks that I've seen online against Brooke Bellamy'

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan joined the furore but turned the tables and accused RecipeTin Eats of not crediting him properly for one of his dishes.

He said that while Maehashi 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 added a link to his website.

'I couldn't say off the top of my head whether she did reach out and ask permission or not, but I would have thought, in general, you would contact the person whose recipe it was,' he said.

'All of my recipes in my (seven) books are copyrighted, we own them, they are our intellectual property.'

Maehashi adapted Mangan's butter chicken recipe - adding salt and a low-fat cream option - and referenced the chef in a footnote online.

Mangan was not mentioned in the print copy but it did feature a QR code linking to the online credited version.

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'.

Things took a further twist on Wednesday after Bellamy was dumped as an ambassador for a federal government-funded girls business program over the row.

Pictured: The bestselling cookbook Bake With Brooki

She was due to be announced as an VIP figurehead for the Academy for Enterprising Girls.

'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 The Daily Telegraph.

'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.'

Both Penguin and Bellamy strenuously deny the allegations.

'I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years,' 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.

'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.'

Maehashi has since countered with a internet webarchive screenshot showing her same recipe from April 29, 2016.

Author Sally McKenney (above) has also accused Bellamy of stealing her vanilla cake recipe

While Bellamy insisted she did not copy the recipes, she 'immediately offered to remove both from future reprints to prevent further aggravation'.

In Maehashi's Instagram post, she accused Bellamy of 'profiting' from the allegedly plagiarised recipes.

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.'

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.

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.

Her Bake With Brooki is a bestselling cookbook published by Penguin in October last year and retails for $49.99.

Maehashi and 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 Too Hot To Handle star has lifted the lid on her terrifying experience with a stalker that forced her to move home.

Speaking on The Viall Files podcast this week, Georgia Hassarati, 27, who finished in third place on the third season of the Netflix show in 2022, opened up on the ordeal with the 'diabolical' person who she claims 'tracked her'.

Georgia explained: 'I dated another person that was the most diabolical person I've ever dated in my life.

'He literally went through my phone in my sleep, hacked my iCloud, got my location and then had tracked me for five months.

'I had no idea. When we stopped speaking, he was turning up to places that I was and making out it was a coincidence.

'Then, one night called me and told me, 'I know you just walked through the front door'.

A Too Hot To Handle star has lifted the lid on her terrifying experience with a stalker that forced her to move home

Speaking on The Viall Files podcast this week, Georgia Hassarati, 27, who finished in third place on the third season of the Netflix show in 2022, opened up on the ordeal with the 'diabolical' person who she claims 'tracked her'

She continued: 'I was like dude, I'm moving. I had an inkling something was going on when he kept turning up to places that I was.

'I was calling my mum like "This sounds really crazy but there's too many coincidences happening, he keeps turning up to places."

'She was like "he's tracking you" so I went through my phone and looked, made sure location was off, family sharing I've heard you can do that, turned that off. I'm like nah I have to be good, this is in my head.

'Then the phone call happened and I like panicked. I go into Apple. They've seen this before so they're like changing all my passwords, telling me what was probably the likely scenario.'

Georgia said: 'I 100% know it. I'm a deep sleeper, he knew my password. I would always fall asleep before him. Sometimes I'd wake up and the vibe would be off and I wouldn't know why.

'It was obivous that he had been snooping and doing stuff. I've never met someone that wanted to put me down so bad.

'We would have arguments and he would look at me and say "We do not compare. I'm here, you're here. You need to know that."

Georgia explained: 'I dated another person that was the most diabolical person I've ever dated in my life'

She said: 'He literally went through my phone in my sleep, hacked my iCloud, got my location and then had tracked me for five months'

It comes after Georgia who was a midwifery student before becoming a reality star, revealed the best ways that people have slid into her DMs in a bid to get to know her.

Speaking on Michael Brunelli and Josh Moss' The Handbags Podcast, the star said she's had guys get really 'creative' with their pick-up lines, which she prefers.

Georgia said one potential love interest sent her furniture emojis as he was trying to 'move into her DMs and life', while another funny guy sent her a puppy emoji with the intro line, 'Sorry, he runs off sometimes.'

'I had a guy once send me all pieces of furniture,' Georgia explained.

'I didn't reply and I was getting all these pieces of furniture and he was like, "Oh don't mind me, just moving into your DMs and your life."

'I was like, that was actually hilarious. I wanted to reply so I said, "Hi." It was creative.'

'Another was a puppy emoji. He was like, "Oh, sorry he runs off sometimes, anyway how are you?"'

'That's a Josh Moss [line]!' Michael quipped.

Georgia rose to fame on Too Hot to Handle's season three and then appeared on Perfect Match.

Georgia rose to fame on Too Hot to Handle's season three and then appeared on Perfect Match

During the premiere of Too Hot to Handle, Georgia kissed three different men during a challenge, before locking lips with female co-star Jaz Holloway in the bedroom.

She held nothing back during the episode, boasting about her sexual prowess during her intro package.

'I flirt with anything and anyone,' she boldly declared.

'I am extremely sexual,' she continued. 'Guys like that, and I think that's why they get super in love with me.'

She later put her seductive powers to good use by consecutively snogging Stevan Ditter, Patrick Mullen and Harry Johnson in front of the entire group.

'The world is my oyster tonight,' she gushed, before going in for the kill.

'I didn't get in with G first, but can I get in with her last?' Stevan said as he waited for his turn.
Laura Harrier and her fiance Sam Jarou have reportedly split after more than four years together.

The Spider-Man Homecoming actress, 35, and her fashion consultant partner had appeared loved-up in social media posts until as recently as January.

But they have now called time on their relationship, according to US Magazine, after confirming their engagement in 2022.

A source told the publication that Laura and Sam's break-up was 'amicable' and they have 'remained friends' since parting ways.

The split comes just a matter of months after Laura made headlines when she was videoed with American actor Shameik Moore, leading to speculation that the pair could have sparked a romance.

Laura Harrier and her fiance Sam Jarou have reportedly split after more than four years together. Pictured in 2022

Sam and Laura met in 2019 but kept their relationship under wraps until 2021, when they were spotted kissing in Monaco. Pictured in June 2024

Shameik had posted a video of him and and Laura in December captioned 'coming soon'.

The BlacKklansman actress took to her social media to hit back at the post, however, claiming it 'annoyed her'.

In a now-deleted TikTok, she said: 'I keep seeing all these videos that Im being tagged in with another actor, and people speculating what that is. Its really annoying me because Im literally engaged, and thats important to me.

'Im in Hollywood, I get it. People do PR stunts, whatever. People like to get attention.'

Sam and Laura met in 2019 but kept their relationship under wraps until 2021, when they were spotted kissing in Monaco.

In September of that year, Laura announced the pair were engaged after a 'simple and sweet' proposal in Paris.

Speaking about her engagement, Laura said she had found 'peace and calm' with Sam, who she called 'the one'.

'It was really simple (the proposal),' she told Cosmopolitan.

After their engagement in 2022, Laura said she had found 'the one' in fashion consultant Sam. Pictured earlier this month

'I never wanted one of those big showy public engagements. that's just not my personality.

In response to how she knew that he was the one for the ultimate collaboration, she answered: 'The cliche of when you know, you know. I never really believed it until that happened to me.

'It's a funny feeling when you just find peace and calm.

'I also really do believe that you need to be ready within yourself before you can find somebody else to be with, which I also always thought was a cliche until I felt secure within myself and the person I am and where I'm at in life.'

Harrier first rose to fame at the age of 17 when she was discovered by a location scout in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

In 2017, she landed her first breakout role alongside British actor Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Homecoming, in which she played his character's love interest.

She also made waves in 2018's BlacKkKlansman, in which she played the role of civil rights activist Patrice Dumas. The role earned her a Black Reel Award and a SAG Award nomination.

Harrier is also an ambassador for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Calvin Klein and Boss.

MailOnline has contacted Laura Harrier's representatives for comment.
Bob Geldof and Midge Ure were back on familiar ground as they reunited to celebrate the forthcoming 40th anniversary of Live Aid on Thursday.

The original two-venue benefit, which lasted for 16 epic hours on July 13 1985, was organised by Geldof and Ure to raise relief funds for Ethiopia as the East African country battled a devastating famine that would claim approximately 300,000 to 1.2 million lives in just two years.

Almost forty years after 72,000 fans converged on London's Wembley Stadium for an epic string of performances from some of the biggest stars of the 1980s, they were back to announce Just for One Day: The Live Aid Musical original cast recording, ahead of its West End run.

Echoing that hot summer's day in 1985, when stars such as David Bowie and Queen mesmerised fans across the world, the sun beat down as Geldof, 73, and Ure, 71, took a trip down memory lane.

Originally launched at London's Old Vic in 2024, Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical details the events leading up to the two concerts, while featuring a series of fictionalised dramatic sub-plots.

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure were back on familiar ground as they reunited to celebrate the forthcoming 40th anniversary of Live Aid

The pair were back at Wembley Stadium on Thursday to announce Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical Original Cast Recording

L-R: Bob Geldof, Adam Ant, Sir Elton John, Gary Kemp, Tony Hadley and Midge Ure attend a Wembley Stadium press conference ahead of Live Aid in 1985

Following a recent two month run at Toronto's Mirvish Theatre, it will open at London's Shaftesbury Theatre from May 15 for a further eight weeks, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Live Aid.

Just seven-months after the 1984 release of Band Aid charity single Do They Know It's Christmas?, Geldof and Ure brought together some of the biggest musical artists of the 1980s for two huge concerts at Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's John F. Kennedy Stadium.

David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney, Status Quo, Sir Elton John and Queen led a lengthy roster of performers in London, while Black Sabbath, Joan Baez, Run D.M.C and The Beach Boys joined a host of stars in Philadelphia.

Watched by an estimated 1.9billion people across the world, the two concerts raised an astonishing 150 million in total for famine relief.

Ahead of the anniversary, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer have announced plans to broadcast Live Aid at 40, revealing the behind-the-scenes story of the 1985 concert that brought the idea of charity to a new generation.

Exclusive interviews include iconic figures such as Bob Geldof, Bono and Sting - along with US President George Bush, President Obasanjo of Nigeria and Birhan Woldu, the woman who as a dying child, became the abiding image of the Wembley concert and the famine.

During an appearance at the ground, Bob quipped to the Sun: 'It doesnt look that sort of different. I expect it to be mega and new and it just looks as crappy as before. Im blue in the face listening to f***ing Freddie Mercury.'

Reflecting on the musical, Midge adds: 'I went in as a jaded rock star expecting cheese. But during the show this jaded rock star had a lump in his throat.

'One song jumped out in particular for me and I was never a big Bob Dylan fan. Blowing In The Wind, the interpretation that theyve done on that was phenomenal.'

The series weaves the back room stories of two gangs of musicians, from the UK and the US with the political stories that both inspired them and brought them to a worldwide audience.

Archive of the performances and back stage of the record and the concert feature Paula Yates, Boy George, Status Quo and George Michael whilst interviews with Nile Rodgers, Lenny Henry, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, Patti LaBelle, Roger Taylor and Brian May are set against the memories of the Ethiopian politicians at the heart of the relief effort, Dawit Giorgis and Berhane Deressa.

Almost forty years after 72,000 fans converged for an epic string of performances from some of the biggest stars of the 1980s, the pair posed for photos on Wembley's hallowed turf

Geldof (L) wore a Breton shirt and jeans for his visit to the stadium, while Ure (R) wore a thick roll-neck sweater, despite the weather pushing thirty degrees

Echoing that legendary summer's day in 1985, the sun beat down on Wembley as Geldof and Ure recalled fond memories of the fund-raising event

Emma Hindley, BBC Commissioning Editor, said: 'The series takes the audience on an irresistible and entertaining ride through the 40 years since the biggest live concert ever was shown on TV.

'Featuring exclusive behind the scenes interviews with an array of stars of rock & pop, Live Aid at 40 revels in the music, unravels the politics and explores the legacy of Live Aid.'

Also coming to BBC Two in July is Live Aid the Concert, a look back at the 16-hour concert in full, with performances from the likes of Madonna, Mick Jagger, Patti LaBelle, Phil Collins, Queen, Spandau Ballet, Sade, Sting, Status Quo, Tina Turner and U2.

Approximately two billion people watched the broadcast in more than 100 countries. Now, for the first time since 1985, BBC Two gives viewers a chance to relive over 6.5 hours of extended highlights of the London and Philadelphia concerts, in addition to backstage footage.

The BBC will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Live Aid with a series of programmes detailing the behind-the-scenes story of the iconic concerts on July 13, 1985

Freddie Mercury's mesmerising performance with Queen at Wembley Stadium is one of the most enduring memories of Live Aid

Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV said: 'This summer were delighted to be giving viewers a chance to relive one of the biggest concerts in history for the first time on TV since it was originally broadcast on the BBC.

'By providing over 6.5 hours of footage that was captured on the day Live Aid took place, we want viewers to feel transported back to 1985, and to enjoy all those classic songs that we all still know and love to this day, as they were performed on that stage.

The Making of Do They Know Its Christmas, which was broadcast on BBC Four in November 2024, is also available for viewers to enjoy on BBC iPlayer.

BBC Radio 2 will be marking the anniversary on Sunday 13th July, exactly 40 years since the concert, as the station broadcasts Live Aid  The Fans Story.

Last November, Ed Sheeran claimed he wasn't asked permission from Band Aid 40 organisers to use his vocals on the a new version of the charity single

The musician originally featured on the 2014 version of the track - spearheaded by Geldof and Ure (pictured in 2004) - alongside the likes of Sting and Harry Styles

Last November, Ed Sheeran claimed he wasn't asked permission from Band Aid 40 organisers to use his vocals on the a new version of their charity single.

The musician originally featured on the 2014 version of the track - spearheaded by Geldof and Ure - alongside the likes of Sting and Harry Styles which aimed to raise money for the Ebola relief efforts.

However, the regarding 2024 Ultimate Mix of the song to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Sheeran has told how he would have denied permission to add his voice to the song had he'd been asked.

Taking to his Instagram stories, the Shape Of You hitmaker re-shared a message from Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, who has been vocal in his criticism of the charity single claiming it 'dehumanises Africans and destroys our pride and identity in the name of charity.'

He wrote: 'My approval wasn't sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.

'A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I'm hoping it's a forward-looking one. Love to all x.'
Strictly Come Dancing producers are reportedly in talks with a huge British dancer and choreographer to join next season's professional line up.

Professional dancer Luke Miller, who has been performing since he was five, has made several appearances as a guest dancer on the show in the last few years.

But he is now believed to be in talks to join the BBC pro dancing team as a permanent member, according to The Sun.

An insider told the publication: 'Luke has so much experience and is already loved by everyone so he seems like a very obvious fit.

'There have been some very big clues recently that haven't gone unnoticed. Everyone thinks it's just a matter of time before Luke is announced.'

The award-winning dancer has joined the team for Strictly experience weekends, which will take place in Warner Hotels across the UK.

Strictly Come Dancing producers are reportedly in talks with a huge British dancer and choreographer to join next season's professional line up

Professional dancer Luke Miller, who has been performing since he was five, has made several appearances as a guest dancer in the last few years

The spin off part of the show are typically billed as a chance for guests to meet the BBC show's well-known professional dancers.

Luke is on the line up alongside Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsakis, Katya Jones and Luba Mushtuk.

In 2024 Luke was asked to join the team to assist with choreography for some routines and is currently working with Kai on his solo tour.

Strictly bosses revealed to the publication the list of pro dancers who would be returning to the show this year.

The list included Katya, Jowita Pryzstal, Kai and 2024's winner Dianne Buswell- who took home the glitterball with celebrity partner Chris McCausland.

Nadiya Bychkova, Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Lauren Oakley, Luba , Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola and Michelle are all also returning for this years season.

During the start of his dancing career, Luke saw huge success including a British, European and World Junior Champion all before the age of 20.

Lukes TV credits and appearances also included The UK National Television Awards and the popular Britains Got Talent making the semi-finals.

But he is now believed to be in talks to join the BBC pro dancing team as a permanent member, according to The Sun

Lukes TV credits and appearances also include The UK National Television Awards and the popular Britains Got Talent making the semi-finals

Further stage credits include being a dancer in Backlash Ballroom 2017/2018, UK Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk 2018 and joined Burn The Floor onboard Norwegian Cruise lines in 2019.

In recent years, the Strictly pro lineup has seen Italian dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni be axed following complaints about their conduct in the training room.

Giovanni faced bullying accusations from former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington while Graziano 'kicked' ex-Love Island star Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

There were also reports of a 'mass cull' with producers keen to revamp the Strictly pro cast.

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said : 'The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.'

As well as the pros taking part in the competition itself, all of them will be taking to the floor each week in group routines.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for a comment.
Former Bachelor star Romy Poulier has revealed she's pregnant with her second child.

The actress, 35, took to Instagram on Thursday to share the exciting news with her followers, announcing that she and her partner Jess Callaghan are expecting 'Baby Callaghan 2.0'.

'Safe to say you are already adored evidence in your brother's happy tears,' she wrote, hinting at an emotional moment during the family's gender reveal celebration.

The video, which she teased fans to watch 'til the end for the gender reveal', was organised with the help of 'uncle Jacky', who received a special shout out for orchestrating the surprise.

'We're feeling so grateful and thrilled,' Romy added, alongside white heart and tearful emojis.

The heartwarming clip showed the couple's eldest son Louis Jack, who was born in January 2024, reacting with joy to the news that he would soon become a big brother.

Former Bachelor star Romy Poulier (left) has revealed she's pregnant with her second child

The actress, 35, took to Instagram on Thursday to share the exciting news with her followers, announcing that she and her partner Jess Callaghan are expecting 'Baby Callaghan 2.0'

The surprise pregnancy comes just over a year after Romy and Jess welcomed Louis into the world.

At the time, the reality TV alum announced his arrival with a sweet photo and gushed: 'Our little Louis Jack Callaghan was born 23/01/24 a few weeks early and much to our surprise!'

'We've never felt so complete as a family until now,' she wrote.

Jess paid tribute to Romy's strength during the birth, writing: 'Even when it didn't go to plan. The moment we met I knew you'd be the best mum in the world and I couldn't have been more right.'

The couple, who have been together for several years, announced their engagement in November 2023 and now appear to be expanding their growing family.

Romy previously made headlines when she announced that she would be changing her identity after getting the 'villain edit' six years ago after becoming one of Australia's most hated women.

Poulier was accused of leading a trio of 'mean girls' and bullying the other contestants on Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins' season in 2018.

She has almost completely changed her identity since then, keeping her name but changing her looks significantly and taking a step back from her acting career.

Romy was infamously accused of leading a trio of 'mean girls' and bullying the other contestants on Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins' (left) season in 2018

She told Stellar her snide remarks about the other women in the mansion were fed to her by producers with the promise they would make her look 'cheeky and fun'

Romy told Stellar she hadn't expected to find love on The Bachelor but had hoped it would be 'a bit of a fun experience'.

Unfortunately, she ended up being portrayed as the ringleader of a group of bullying girls - including jewellery designer Cat Henesey and Labor Party staffer Alisha Aitken-Radburn - but insists the reality was very different to what was shown on TV.

She said her snide remarks about the other women in the mansion were fed to her by producers with the promise they would make her look 'cheeky and fun'.

'It's my fault. That's what I'm most upset about. I never saw myself as an easily manipulated person,' she said.

'At the end of the day it was my behaviour [but] I just wish I'd stuck to my values and morals and said, "F**k you, I'm not saying that."'

Romy revealed she was ashamed of herself and 'felt sick' watching the show on TV, and ended up becoming 'a hermit' afterwards.

She had been a working actress before The Bachelor, even appearing on Home and Away, but stopped auditioning after being labelled the 'villain'.

As the backlash against her reached fever pitch, she even tried to claim producers had hired her as an actress to stir up trouble in the mansion - an allegation Channel 10 strongly denied.
Nepo baby Hannah Einbinder has opened up on Thursday about what her famous parents really think of her following in their footsteps.

Her Hollywood star parents Laraine Newman, 73, and Chad Einbinder, 62, welcomed Hannah in 1995.

Laraine was an original cast member of Saturday Night Live and Chad has starred in a number of films and TV series including, Doctor Dolittle, The Time Traveller's Wife, Tangled and more.

Now Hacks star Hannah, 29, has shared that her parents originally told her not to go into comedy or acting as they believed it doesn't actually matter if your funny or not.

Hannah told Town & Country: 'They kind of discouraged it.

'I was like, "Do you think I could do it?" And my mom was like, "I don't know. You could be really funny, and it actually sometimes doesn't matter."'

Nepo baby Hannah Einbinder has opened up on Thursday about what her famous parents really think of her following in their footsteps

Her Hollywood star parents Laraine Newman, 73, who was an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, and Chad Einbinder, 62, welcomed Hannah in 1995

Despite her parents originally 'discouraging' the career, Hannah has shot to fame for her portrayal of Ava Daniels in hit series Hacks and has bagged herself a Critics' Choice Award and was Emmy and Golden Globe nominated.

Laraine and Chad tied the knot in 1991 and were married 24 years before splitting and in that time also welcomed son Spike, 33.

Also while speaking to the outlet, Hannah insisted she has managed to stay grounded as she opened up about her life outside the spotlight.

She said: 'Im in a sweet spot right now. My life has changed zero in the most tangible, everyday sense. I walk wherever I want to go. I live really small; I have a one-bedroom apartment. I drive a used 2015 Prius.'

Hannah also discussed how the first time she did stand-up was a complete rush and all her 'self-doubt just melted away'.

Hannah is the magazine's latest cover girl and looked stunning in a eye catching green strapless jumpsuit as she posed for photos.

The stunner added a pair of long black leather gloves and a chunky gold necklace.

In another look, the star put on a leggy display in a daring orange gown which boasted a plunging drape neckline and a thigh high split.

Now Hannah has shared that her parents originally told her not to go into comedy or acting as they believed it doesn't actually matter if your funny or not

Hannah told Town & Country: 'They kind of discouraged it. 'I was like, "Do you think I could do it?" And my mom was like, "I don't know. You could be really funny, and it actually sometimes doesn't matter"'

Despite her parents originally 'discouraging' the career, Hannah has shot to fame for her portrayal of Ava Daniels in hit series Hacks and has bagged herself a Critics' Choice Award and was Emmy and Golden Globe nominated

Laraine and Chad tied the knot in 1991 and were married 24 years before splitting and in that time also welcomed son Spike, 33; pictured 2002

Also while speaking to the outlet, Hannah insisted she has managed to stay grounded as she continues to 'live really small' in a 'one-bedroom apartment and drives a used 2015 Prius'

Hannah also discussed how the first time she did stand-up was a complete rush and all her 'self-doubt just melted away'

Hannah looked stunning as she posed for the photo shoot wearing a strapless black dress with long leather gloves and bold chunky gold jewellery

It comes after Hannah's mum Laraine deleted an angry post targeting The Bear after her daughter lost out at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards last September.

'F**. THE. BEAR,' Laraine posted along with numerous exclamation points on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Laraine posted in reaction to Liza Colon-Zayas of The Bear winning for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Hannah was nominated in the same category for her work in the HBO series Hacks.

Laraine then posted: 'I think the Bear is a great show but IMHO it's not a comedy- not even a dark comedy.'

Someone else asked if the original post was necessary and Laraine responded: 'I know. I took it down. Not my best moment.'

Laraine earlier shared her frustration over The Bear being in the same comedy category as Hacks.

'Every time I think about The Bear being in the comedy category for the Emmys I can feel an ulcer developing,' she posted.

While Hannah lost out in her acting category, Hacks did win the final award of the event - Outstanding Comedy Series.

It comes after Hannah's mum Laraine deleted an angry post targeting The Bear after her daughter lost out at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards last September

Hacks also won for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Jean Smart, 73, won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the HBO show.

Meanwhile, Shogun broke the all-time record for a single season of TV with 18 as the show not only earned top honor Outstanding Drama Series but also Outstanding Lead Actress and Actor In A Drama Series for Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, respectively.

When it came to the limited or anthology series categories, it was Netflix smash-hit Baby Reindeer which earned Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series in addition to Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series for Richard Gadd and Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series for Jessica Gunning.

The ceremony was held less than a year after the 75th edition of the show which took place the January before after being moved back from its intended September 2023 date due to the writers and actors strikes.
The New York restaurateur responsible for a blistering social media takedown of James Corden has admitted to having an ulterior motive for the public rebuke.

Balthazar owner Keith McNally won instant notoriety for sharing a post in which he condemned Corden's rude behaviour after the Gavin & Stacey star reduced one of his waiting staff 'to tears' in 2022.

Labelling Corden 'a tiny Cretin of a man' and 'the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers', the outspoken McNally, 74, became something of a cult hero for defending the rights of tip-dependent staff members.

But he has since admitted his motives for publicly highlighting the British star's problematic behaviour on Instagram were not as selfless as they initially seemed.

In an extract from his forthcoming memoir I Regret Almost Everything, McNally reveals he was also motivated by a desire to enhance his social media footprint after previously struggling to attract followers.

Keith McNally, the New York restaurateur responsible for a blistering social media takedown of James Corden has admitted to having an ulterior motive for the public rebuke

McNally won instant notoriety for sharing a post in which he condemned Corden's rude behaviour after the Gavin & Stacey reduced one of his waiting staff 'to tears' in 2022.

The restaurateur owns popular Balthazar restaurant in New York City's Manhattan (pictured)

The telling admission - taken exclusively by People magazine from the Richard E. Grant narrated audiobook - finds McNally claiming he 'hit the jackpot' after his Instagram following dramatically escalated as the post went viral.

He also admitted to feeling an overwhelming sense of power over Corden, 46 - at the time host of The Late Late Show and a huge star in the United States - after the presenter pleaded with him to delete it.

He recalled: 'Corden called me four times the day the post came out, each time asking me to please delete it. On the last call he sounded desperate.

'Relishing my hold over someone so famous, I told him I wouldnt delete it. Like a little dictator, I was intoxicated with the power Id received.'

He added: By exposing Cordens abuse, it appeared as though I was defending a principle, when all I was doing was seeking the approval of my young Balthazar staff.'

Despite blasting the presenter for abusing a server while visiting the restaurant with his wife Julia Carey, McNally admitted he hadn't witnessed the incident, instead relying on the testimony of his staff.

He recalled: 'For someone whos hyperconscious of humiliation since suffering a stroke, it now seems monstrous that I didnt consider the humiliation I was subjecting Corden to.

'Especially as I hadnt personally seen the incident I so vividly described on Instagram.'Im not suggesting Corden didnt deserve the backlash from my post. (The b*****d probably did.)

McNally labelled Corden 'a tiny Cretin of a man' and 'the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers'

The incident took place while Corden was visiting Balthazar with his wife Julia Carey (pictured together) on October 9, 2022

'Im just saying I didnt see the incident I wrote about that, to some degree, jeopardized his career.'

McNally originally banned Corden from his restaurant but then later reversed it after saying he had spoken to the actor on the phone.

He had told how Corden had been rude to his staff several times: berating them over a hair in his food and demanding free drinks during the summer.

The presenter was accused of furiously reprimanding the waiters over an omelette he was unhappy with during a trip to the restaurant on October 9, 2022.

Four hours after announcing the ban to his 87,000 Instagram followers, McNally promptly reversed it, saying he had received a call from Corden apologising.

The fiery restaurateur posted a photo captioned: 'With my daughter, Alice (in black) and her best friend, Margot Paisner, at Balthazar tonight.

'Feeling strange about the James Corden thing. On the one hand, he was definitely abusive to my staff, on the other hand, I feel really sorry for him right now.

'Like most cowards I want it both ways.' He concluded: 'F*** it, I'm going to get drunk.'

Servers prepare tables inside Balthazar, an upscale restaurant in the heart of New York City

McNally has since admitted his motives for publicly highlighting the British star's problematic behaviour on Instagram were not as selfless as they initially seemed

The saga began when McNally, who has a colorful history of booting out celebrities from his exclusive restaurants, claimed Corden behaved badly at his former restaurant, Cafe Luxembourg, on several occasions and left one server 'shaken'.

He said: 'After eating his main course, Corden showed the hair to Balthazar manager G. who was very apologetic.

'Corden was extremely nasty to G, and said: 'Get us another round of drinks this second. And also take care of all of our drinks so far. This way I write any nasty reviews in yelp or anything like that.''

In a second incident McNally claims that Corden was dining with his wife, Julia Carey, at the eatery on October 9 for brunch.

He claimed that Corden asked for a table outside, and Carey ordered an egg yolk omelette with a salad.

The couple complained to the server that there was 'a little bit of egg white mixed with the egg yolk' and sent the dish back.

Four hours after announcing the ban to his 87,000 Instagram followers, McNally promptly reversed it, saying he had received a call from Corden apologising

McNally added: 'The kitchen remade the dish but unfortunately sent it with home fries instead of salad.

'That's when James Corden began yelling like crazy to the server: 'You can't do your job! You can't do your job! Maybe I should go into the kitchen and cook the omelette myself!

'M.K (server) was very apologetic and brought G. (floor manager) over to the table.

'He returned the dish, and after that, everything was fine. He gave them promo Champagne glasses to smooth things out.

'G. said that Corden was pleasant to him but nasty to the server. M.K. was very shaken, but professional that she is, continued to finish her shift.'
Matthew Mcconaughey and his wife Camila Alves let loose for their latest campaign for their brand, Pantalones Organic Tequila, which they launched in the fall of 2023.

While promoting their brand to his 10.5 million Instagram followers on Thursday, the Oscar-winning actor, 55, shared a photo, alongside his spouse, 42, in the middle of a crowded dance floor seemingly without their pants.

'The Official Tequila of Gettin Out of Line,' the Interstellar actor captioned the post, which included pictures and footage of them line dancing.

In an ad for their tequila company, which he shared on social media, Mcconaughey asks: 'What's the recipe for a great night out?'

'Well, start with Pantalones Organic Tequila,' Alves answered.

The father-of-three, then, chimed in: 'Add in some friends and music.'

Matthew Mcconaughey and his wife Camila Alves let loose for their latest campaign for their brand, Pantalones Organic Tequila, which they launched in the fall of 2023

After a few drinks, Mcconaughey raved about reaching the point of 'total disregard for judgement' as footage panned of him and Alves in a state of undress.

Although the video blurred out their underwear, the star included behind-the-scenes images and recordings, which showed the couple were actually wearing nude shorts.

And this isn't the first time the couple has stripped down to promote their liquor line.

Previously campaigns have showed them mowing their lawn, riding motorcycles, grilling and lounging by the pool, all without pants.

The pair launched Pantalones Organic Tequila in October 2023 and make the liquor from from 100% blue Weber agave at a family-owned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.

The couple previously expressed in their brand's press release: 'We're precious about our tequila - not our pants. With the explosion in popularity of tequila, there's a level of snootiness that's crept into the category.

'People now talk about tequila the way they talk about wine. While we're all for being passionate about tequila, we wanted to remind people that, above all, it's meant to be fun.

'That's where the name Pantalones came from and that's why you won't see us wearing any,' it read.

While promoting their brand to his 10.5 million Instagram followers on Thursday, the Oscar-winning actor, 55, shared a photo, alongside his spouse, 42, in the middle of a crowded dance floor seemingly without their pants

Although the video blurred out their underwear, the star included behind-the-scenes images and recordings, which showed that Mcconaughey and Alves were wearing nude shorts

This isn't the first time the couple has stripped down to promote their liquor line; Matthew and Camila seen in June 2024

Previously campaigns have showed them mowing their lawn, riding motorcycles, grilling and lounging by the pool, all without pants (pictured last year)

And per the press release, the brand is is committed to standing up for labor and environmental rights.

It read: 'Pantalones Organic Tequila is born from the earth, nurtured by the hands of fourth generation agave growers, and produced in a certified organic family-owned distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco.'

The release also said: 'Pantalones Organic Tequila is dedicated to creating a positive ripple effect for our earth and communities [and is] already a proud member of one per cent.

'For the Planet, Pantalones Organic Tequila are proud partners with Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization that has spent the last 40 years dedicating itself to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches,' it finished.

The Wedding Planner star and The Confidant actress have been married since 2012 and share three children: sons Levi, 16, Livingston, 12, and daughter Vida, 15.
A Hallmark star has bravely addressed a public gathering just days after his costume designer wife was killed when an Audi SUV rammed into a crowd of festival goers.

Noel Johansen, who is a British citizen and previously lived in London, fought back tears as he spoke about wife Jenifer Darbellay, 50, at the vigil in Vancouver, Canada, for the victims who were killed when a mentally ill driver ploughed into crowds gathered for a festival to honor Filipino heritage.

Eleven were people were killed and dozens were injured after an SUV rammed through a packed street festival marking Lapu Lapu Day at about 8pm on Saturday.

Johansen was also injured, along with his seven-year-old daughter, Darby. His son Ford, 15, also attended the festival.

The actor, who has appeared in Psych, Supernatural, Fargo and The Good Doctor, was on crutches as he addressed Monday's vigils: 'What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because whats inside my heart is broken.

'Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident.

'She never celebrated herself in her life. She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her. So dont be small in life, be big, reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have, and please remember us who went through this.'

Hallmark star Noel Johansen fought back tears as he spoke at a recent vigil in Vancouver, Canada after his wife Jenifer Darbellay died and his seven-year-old daughter were injured in a horrifying attack

Eleven were people were killed and dozens were injured after an SUV (pictured) rammed through a packed street festival Lapu Lapu Day - to honor Filipino heritage - at around 8pm local time on Saturday

Johansen is best known for his work on Hallmark Channel shows and films including: Garage Sale Mystery: All That Glitters, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, Harvest Love, Reunited at Christmas and Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery.

A GoFundMe has been set up by Johansen's friend and business partner Michael Daingerfield has already exceeded the $150K Canadian dollar goal and stands at over $166,000 so far.

'I am literally in shock as I write this - but I want to do something for Noel and his two children Ford, 15, and Darby, 7,' Daingerfield said of his friend and the family.

'This is an incredibly difficult time for Noel, and moving forward with his life is going to feel insurmountable.

'Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice.

Among those who died was Noel's 50-year-old painter wife Jen as he share a snap of her with Associated Press

The couple share 15-year-old son Ford and seven-year-old daughter Darby; Noel and Darby were injured at the festival

'She was not only special to me and my family (wife and kids), but she was special to many other friends and people - giving of herself volunteering on the PAC committee at Sir Alexander Mackenzie, Darby's school.'

Horrifying video and pictures showed utter devastation as mangled bodies were strewn across the road following the crash.

Dazed bystanders could be seen racing away from the scene and from victim to victim as local cops swooped and arrested the driver, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30.

Lo allegedly to have told witnesses he was 'sorry' as he was dragged out of the car.

Lo severe mental breakdown after his brother was murdered last year and his mother then tried to commit suicide.

He is now facing eight counts of second-degree murder and remains in custody.

Authorities have previously said that the suspect was 'known to police in certain circumstances' and was believed to have been suffering from delusions and paranoia prior to the attack.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was 'devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver... We are all mourning with you.'

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, was among the attendees at the event, but left minutes before the vehicle arrived, CTV news said.

The Psych star was on crutches at a vigil for the victims on Monday as he choked back tears while addressing the crowd as he said: 'What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because whats inside my heart is broken. Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident'

He was consoled by a vigil attendee

Noel's teenage son could be seen standing next to him at the sad event

'This is so horrific, I don't even know what to say,' Singh said.

'I was just there, and I just imagine the faces of the kids that I saw smiling and dancing.'

Usually the city parks dump trucks to block streets for festivals but for unknown reasons that didn't happen on Saturday.

The festival had drawn families, children, and neighbors from across Vancouver, many eager to enjoy the warm spring evening, unaware of the horror about to unfold.

Instead, the street became a makeshift triage center as bystanders rushed to provide first aid before paramedics could arrive.

Noel is best known for his work on several Hallmark Channel shows and films including: Garage Sale Mystery: All That Glitters, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, Harvest Love, Reunited at Christmas and Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery; he is seen with Kirsten Robek (left) and Lacey Chabert on set of 2017's All Of My Heart: The Wedding

There was also a GoFundMe set up by Noel's friend and business partner Michael Daingerfield to help Noel and his family which has already exceeded the $150K CAD goal and stands at over $166K so far

Videos posted on social media showed stunned festivalgoers standing beside twisted tents, toppled chairs, and scattered belongings, the aftermath of what should have been an ordinary, joyous community event.

Eyewitness videos from the scene show severe injuries among festival attendees, including reports of a baby trapped under a vehicle, while emergency responders could be seen performing CPR on victims.

A peaceful night of music, food, and celebration in Vancouver turned into unimaginable horror on Saturday evening when a vehicle barreled into a packed street festival, killing many people

Vancouver police secure the scene after a car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival -- April 26, 2025

The 11 dead range in age from just five to 65.

Lo's mental breakdown was believed to have happened when his father died shortly after the family moved into their Vancouver home, according to the Globe and Mail.

His brother, Alexander, 31, was then found murdered inside a home at around 1am on January 28, 2024, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Dwight William Kematch, 39, was arrested at the house and was later charged with second degree murder.

'It pains me deeply to put these words down, but my brother has been taken from us in a senseless act of violence, something we never saw coming,' he wrote at the time.

Meanwhile the driver has been identified as a 30-year-old man who suffered a severe mental breakdown after his brother was murdered last year and his mother then tried to commit suicide as suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, is now facing eight counts of second-degree murder

Alexander Lo, 31, was found murdered inside a home at around 1am on January 28, 2024

'Our reality has abruptly shifted. Despite our disagreements, the harsh truth that he's no longer with us hits me with an overwhelming force.'

'I'm burdened with remorse for not spending more time with him,' Kai-Ji continued. 'I implore you to keep his soul in your thoughts and prayers.'

The fundraiser netted over $9,000 for Alexander's funeral.

But just months later, in August, Kai-Ji was back asking for donations - this time after his mother attempted suicide and ended up in the hospital for a month.

'The unimaginable grief brought upon my mother is something that is worse than my own sadness,' Kai-Ji wrote.

'For she brought him into this world, only for him to leave abruptly, it is a sadness I cannot begin to express.'

'She lost a son already and is on the verge of losing her home. This has driven her to attempt to take her own life,' he shared.

In the aftermath, Lo is said to have had several run-ins with police and health care professionals.

Authorities even showed up to the Lo's house within the last two weeks to ask for security footage, neighbors told the Globe and Mail.

Alexander is pictured with his mother, who tried to take her own life following his murder

They described how they could often hear Lo screaming inside.

'He always was yelling with his mom. I don't know why,' one of the neighbors said.

'He is really nervous,' the neighbor said of Lo. 'Very- always scared of something happening that might hurt him.'

In fact, just hours before Saturday's attack, a family member had even contacted a psych ward, the Sun reports.
Amanda Abbington has doubled down on claims her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice displayed 'bullying' behaviour during their time on the show.

The actress, 51, left the BBC show halfway through its 2023 edition before accusing the professional of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' in July last year.

Giovanni rejected the claims immediately and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld.

Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the corporation issued an apology but the dancer said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour'.

Now Amanda has reiterated her criticism of Giovanni, telling White Wine Question Time: 'I just felt I wasn't being treated fairly in that room.'

In the wake of her accusations, she faced heavy backlash from the public, with the Sherlock star noting that she was subjected to '20 to 30 death threats a day'.

Amanda Abbington has doubled down on claims her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice displayed inappropriate behaviour during their time on the show (pictured in March)

The actress left the contest halfway through its 2023 edition before accusing him of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' (pictured, with Giovanni in September 2023)

Giovanni walked away from his glitzy spot in the dancing competition last spring while the BBC investigated the allegations made towards him by Amanda.

When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment.

The BBC apologised to the former Sherlock actress and also thanked her for coming forward to raise her grievances.

Amanda recently admitted that she's unsure if people still 'like' her anymore as she opened up on her future following the Giovanni bullying row.

She reflected on the aftermath, remarking that she was made out to be the 'villain' in it all, before insisting that she has 'no regrets' about standing up for herself.

While Giovanni's career appears to be back on track, with the dancer having recently won the Italian version of Strictly, Amanda has thrown herself into a somewhat less high-profile role in the play (This Is Not A) Happy Room - playing to a more intimate audience in a theatre behind a north London pub.

She said in a recent Times interview that she looked forward to the future and told how she would love to continue acting and even turn to directing down the line, but she isn't sure of the public opinion of her following the tough period in her life.

Amanda shared: 'I don't know what the industry thinks of me at the moment. I've been immersed in the aftermath of it all for a year.

Giovanni rejected the claims immediately and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld

'I don't know whether I've been cancelled or whether people don't like me any more, but I know I did what I did for the right reasons. I feel good about the future.'

During the chat, she looked back on being in the thick of the furore in which Giovanni accused her of trying to destroy his career.

However, Amanda insisted she was trying to suggest that they have a 'safe space' to 'take five minutes' to ensure they were all 'happy'.

She added: 'The fallout from it wasn't something I was anticipating, but I'm glad I did it, I am. I'm glad that I stood up for myself because it's the first time I've ever really done that.'
David Duchovny is saying goodbye to the Malibu estate hes called home for nearly two decades  and hes asking a whopping $12.5 million for it.

The X-Files star has kept busy over the years, starring in hit shows, movies, launching a podcast, and writing several books, including his 2021 novel Truly Like Lightning.

But one of his favorite passion projects, he says, wasnt onscreen  it was renovating an old train caboose on his Malibu property.

Its one of the things Im most proud of that Ive ever developed in my life, Duchovny told WSJ of the caboose, which includes a living and sleeping area, dining nook, kitchen, bathroom, and even a roof deck. 'Its just an amazing little spot to be in.'

Duchovny, 64, is now putting the caboose  along with his three-bedroom main house  on the market after snapping up the property for $4.75 million in 2016.

The one-acre estate is tucked in Malibus coveted Point Dume neighborhood, just steps from the beach and surrounded by some of Hollywoods biggest names.

David Duchovny is saying goodbye to the Malibu estate hes called home for nearly two decades  and hes asking a whopping $12.5 million for it

The X-Files star has kept busy over the years, starring in hit shows , movies, launching a podcast, and writing several books, including his 2021 novel Truly Like Lightning; (seen in 2024)

He originally rented the property from The X-Files creator Chris Carter when he needed a Los Angeles base.

By 2016, he bought it for $4.75 million.

He razed the existing house, and poured about $7 million into building the roughly 3,580-square-foot modern home.

He shares the home with his girlfriend Monique Pendleberry, 31, and their dogs, Brick and Rookie.

The open-concept main house seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, creating a breezy, relaxed vibe throughout the space.

Outside, theres a sprawling wooden deck, a cozy lounge with built-in heaters, a sparkling lap pool, a sunken firepit, and an outdoor kitchen perfect for entertaining.

Youll also find a Jacuzzi, a cold plunge, and an outdoor shower, making the backyard feel like a private spa retreat.

Inside, custom built-in bookshelves showcase Duchovnys vast personal collection, while the sleek kitchen and bar area are outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances and stylish finishes.

But one of his favorite passion projects, he says, wasnt onscreen  it was renovating an old train caboose on his Malibu property

Its one of the things Im most proud of that Ive ever developed in my life, Duchovny told WSJ of the caboose, which includes a living and sleeping area, dining nook, kitchen, bathroom, and even a roof deck

Duchovny, 64, is now putting the caboose  along with his three-bedroom main house  on the market

He snapped up the property for $4.75 million in 2016

He razed the existing house, and poured about $7 million into building the roughly 3,580-square-foot modern home

The open-concept main house seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, creating a breezy, relaxed vibe throughout the space

The sleek kitchen and bar area are outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances and stylish finishes

Inside, custom built-in bookshelves showcase Duchovnys vast personal collection

Though its not beachfront, the home includes private deeded beach access.

'Spending lazy days at the beach and having this beautiful home to come back to a five-minute walk away, it was kind of like endless summer days, Duchovny said to the outlet. .

The actor, who raised his two kids in Malibu with ex-wife and Madam Secretary star Tea Leoni, said the area holds deep sentimental value.

'I wanted to have continuity for my kids, he shared. This was the L.A. that they knew, and thats why I wanted to keep coming back to Malibu.

With his children now grown, Duchovny says its time to move on.

While he hasnt decided on his next move, he also owns an apartment in New York and a house in Costa Rica.

Though its not beachfront, the home includes private deeded beach access

'Spending lazy days at the beach and having this beautiful home to come back to a five-minute walk away, it was kind of like endless summer days, Duchovny said to the outlet

The actor, who raised his two kids in Malibu with ex-wife and Madam Secretary star Tea Leoni, said the area holds deep sentimental value

'I wanted to have continuity for my kids, he shared, adding, This was the L.A. that they knew, and thats why I wanted to keep coming back to Malibu'

Outside, theres a sprawling wooden deck and a cozy lounge with built-in heaters

A sparkling lap pool, a sunken firepit, and an outdoor kitchen are perfect for entertaining

'Malibu has always been a magical place for me. Ive been naturally drawn to it, and Point Dume, in particular, stands out as a true geographical marvel  a place unlike anywhere else,' Duchovny told People.

But the Southern California town will always have a special place in his heart.

'Malibu has always been a magical place for me. Ive been naturally drawn to it, and Point Dume, in particular, stands out as a true geographical marvel  a place unlike anywhere else,' Duchovny told People.

'Even though it's just 30 minutes from town, it feels like an entirely different world,' he added.

'That sense of wonder first captured me, and my appreciation for it has only grown over time'
Kanye West doubled down on a shock claim about his wife Biance Censori in his latest 'terrible' X post this week - after the couple rekindled their marriage.

The rapper, 47, who went on a wild rant over his custody battle with first wife Kim Kardashian recently, reposted a message from a fan in which he was named 30-year-old Censori's 'master.'

The post - which West shared with a heart - read: 'Every man needs himself a bianca.

'she is a good woman that does whatever ye tells her to do without caring what anyone else has to say, the only thing she cares about is being a subservient extension to her master.'

The message was accompanied with a photo of Censori flashing her chest in a sheer top paired with stockings.

Fans were left in uproar over the message and quickly branded the disgraced rapper 'disgusting' over his remarks.

Kanye West doubled down on a shock claim about his wife Biance Censori in his latest 'terrible' X post this week - after the couple rekindled their marriage - pictured 2024

The rapper, 47, who went on a wild rant over his custody battle with first wife Kim Kardashian recently, reposted a message from a fan in which he was named 30-year-old Censori's 'master' - pictured February 2025

One wrote: 'Master ??? Shes a human being bro.'

Others penned: 'That's terrible Ye, hurts seeing my hero behave this way. Hope you heal and redeem yourself

'Didnt she leave you?

'Can we ask Bianca what she thinks about this ?

'This is how you want your daughters to be?

'Youre literally calling her a slave ?

'Just because most women love money and you have it, no doubt about that, but doesn't mean you have to dehumanize them, you repeating diddy's mistakes.

In February West claimed Censori can't wear anything without his approval as he responded to the backlash over their outrageous Grammys stunt.

The post - which West shared with a heart - read: 'Every man needs himself a bianca... the only thing she cares about is being a subservient extension to her master.'

Fans were left in uproar over the message and quickly branded the disgraced rapper 'disgusting' over his remarks

Bianca shocked the world when she attended the music awards completely naked under a sheer dress, exposing her breasts and genitals.

The stunt made global headlines and many of Kanye's followers were quick to accuse the rapper of being 'abusive' and 'controlling' while using his wife's body 'as clout'.

Addressing the backlash amid a vile anti-Semitic, sexist and homophobic rant, Kanye claimed that he has 'dominion' over Bianca, but insisted he would never force her to wear anything she didn't feel comfortable in.

He tweeted: 'I HAVE DOMINION OVER MY WIFE THIS AINT NO WOKE AS FEMINIST S**T SHES WITH A BILLIONAIRE WHY WOULD SHE LISTEN TO ANY OF YOU DUMB A** BROKE B*****S.

'PEOPLE SAY THE RED CARPET LOOK WAS HER DECISION YES I DONT MAKE HER DO NOTHING SHE DOESNT WANT TO BUT SHE DEFINITELY WOULDNT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IT WITHOUT MY APPROVAL YOU STUPID A** WOKE PAWNS.

'I HAVE NO RESPECT OR EMPATHY FOR ANY ONE LIVING CAUSE NO ONE LIVING CAN F**K WITH ME BUT I DO LOVE SOME PEOPLE AND I GIVE THEM FAVOR. [sic]'

He carried on his rant in the early hours, penning: Anyone who called my wifes Grammy look a stunt is dumb and laaaame yes youuuu.

'She been dressing naked for 2 years. Now all of a sudden its a stunt. Every single b***h on the planet wish they had her bravery body platform and access to money and a husband that supported they personal expression.

'There are a lot of things that had to converge for this moment to happen.'

Since Kanye married Bianca in 2022 fans have expressed concern over her wellbeing, with the Australian architect continuously seen parading around in various states of undress.

During Sunday night's Grammy Awards, Bianca stepped onto the carpet clad in a furry black coat before theatrically dropping the garment and flashing her bare bottom to photographers.

West previously said he had 'dominion' over Bianca after her naked Grammys stunt

Addressing the backlash amid a vile anti-Semitic, sexist and homophobic rant in February, Kanye insisted he would never force her to wear anything she didn't feel comfortable in

He carried on his rant in the early hours as he insisted Bianca's look wasn't a 'stunt'

She turned around to show off her topless chest and lack of underwear while Kanye - nominated in the Best Rap Song category - leered at her nude body during the incident of indecent exposure.

Kanye, who was fully clothed, was seen issuing commands to Bianca.

The pair briefly split earlier this month - with Kanye rapping about being 'dumped' by the Australian architect in a new song.

Prior to reuniting with Bianca, Kanye had been spotted on what appeared to be a solo trip to Japan, where he had been decompressing after fleeing Los Angeles again.
Kimberley Garner cut a stylish figure as she walked her pet pooch down Chelsea's King's Road in London on Thursday afternoon.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 34, who briefly appeared on the show in 2012, looked incredible in a black mini dress that showed off her toned pins.

Kimberley teamed it with a pair of beige Loro Piana loafers and toted her belongings in a stylish cream Chanel bag.

Letting her long blonde locks to fall naturally, Kimberley completed the look with delicate gold jewellery.

The reality star appeared in great spirits as she walked with her phone in hand, soaking up the sunshine alongside her adorable dog.

Her outing comes after Kimberley revealed that she had a new man, handsome trader boyfriend William Claeyssens de Tena, 30 in her life last November.

Kimberley Garner cut a stylish figure as she walked her pet pooch down Chelsea's King's Road in London on Thursday afternoon

The former Made In Chelsea star, 34, who briefly appeared on the show in 2012, looked incredible in a black mini dress that showed off her toned pins

She teamed it with a pair of beige Loro Piana loafers and toted her belongings in a stylish cream Chanel bag

She stepped out with partner William for the first time at the Chain of Hope Gala Ball in November.

Speaking exclusively to the Mail on Sunday, Kimberley confirmed her relationship status, revealing the budding romance was going well, and she was happy.

'We met through friends just last week, so this is our second date,' she added.

Kimberley's beau's Instagram says he divides his time between Marbella and London, and he appears to enjoy the high life - sailing, shooting, and attending events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed being some of his hobbies.

Her date reveal came after recently revealing she had 'just broken up with someone'.

Kimberley's last known romance began in the summer of 2023 when it was revealed that she was going out with financier Andreas Anthis, but the pair broke up in April last year with Kimberley calling it the 'right decision'.

Kimberley was spotted for the first time with Andreas last July, as they packed on the PDA while walking her dog Sasha in London.

The reality star previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan.

Her outing comes after Kimberley revealed that she had a new man, handsome trader boyfriend William Claeyssens de Tena, 30 in her life last November

The reality star previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan back in 2012, and again sparked romance rumours in 2017 as they were seen out together

She also revealed she has bought a new house in Belgravia, London, and was 'excited' to live back in the UK after putting her Miami beach house on the market.

She said it was a decision which was not driven by the presidential race because she was 'happy' with the result.

'I just bought a new property in Belgravia, so I have been working for the last two months and had my head down,' she said. 'This is my first night out in two months.'

'I am selling my flat in America, so I am actually moving my money from the US to London.'

'I love it in America, but I just love British culture  we are fabulous. We have our culture, history, accents.'

'I love our traditions here and feel it is very elegant. It is where I grew up, I went to boarding school here and think it is amazing.'
Paul Walker's daughter Meadow displayed her runway physique in an edgy, topless shoot for Takeaway magazine.

Meadow, 26, displayed her flat abs (and practically bore her nipples) in the sexy shoot that saw her model an array of outfits.

In one sexy yet stylish look, a topless Meadow draped a denim jacket over her bare shoulders with the sleeves strategically covering her cleavage.

She casually shoved a hand into the pockets of her jeans as she struck a relaxed pose in chunky white heels and her hair twisted into a braided ponytail.

Another particularly revealing outfit saw Meadow - who is newly single after her divorce from Louis Thornton-Allan last year - rock a taupe bodysuit with an center cut-out that displayed her slim abs.

The slim top also revealed she was not wearing any bra and displayed her nipples.

Paul Walker's daughter Meadow displayed her runway physique in an edgy, topless shoot for Takeaway magazine

She went topless in a double denim outfit

The topless trend continued in another look that saw Meadow clad in a brown leather jacket, black skirt, and silver jewelry.

In her accompanying interview with the magazine, the model revealed her hopes for a 'very wholesome life' with a 'farm in the countryside.'

'I want to be happy, healthy, and living on a farm in the countryside with animals. I want to have a balanced life and be successful without compromising my personal identity. I want to continue my philanthropic work and modeling and acting, but really I just dream of a very wholesome life surrounded by my friends and family.'

She also opened up about her father, the late Paul Walker.

Meadow was only 15 when her father died in 2013, aged 40, after the car he was traveling in smashed into a concrete lamppost and blew up in flames in California.

A year later, Meadow launched a foundation inspired by her father's passion for the ocean, the Paul Walker Foundation, whose mission is to 'empower the next generation of Ocean Leaders', according to their website.

Meadow has embraced her father's close connection to the sea and feels particularly close to him whenever she is in the water.

'It really stemmed from the fact that the ocean meant a lot to my dad, and a lot of my core memories are with him by the water. I started it when I was 16 with the goal of empowering and providing access to students pursuing marine biology through a scholarship program,' she told the outlet of the foundation.

Elaborating on the 'core memories', she said: 'I grew up in Hawaii, and then we moved to Santa Barbara, so we were always by the ocean. I started swimming and scuba diving when I was really young. My father actually wanted to study marine biology when he was younger.

Walker's sexy looks included an ab and nipple-baring bodysuit

She demonstrated her flexibility as she arched her back

Meadow is the daughter of the late actor Paul Walker and his ex-girlfriend Rebecca Soteros

She flashed a generous amount of skin in one sexy leather look

She displayed her slim abs in a floral cover-up and matching bottoms

'After he passed away, I wanted to continue his legacy, not just of Fast and Furious but his personal interest and passion for the ocean. It was a huge part of our relationship. Whenever I'm in the water, I feel like I'm with him and it is really special.'

Meadow also revealed the advice her father shared with her that has helped keep her grounded.

'When my dad passed away, there was so much attention on me, and I didn't really understand it at all,' she explained.

'He raised me fully outside of the industry and wasn't around when I entered the public eye when I started modeling at 22, but I always remember him telling me to keep my friends and family close. I refuse to Google myself or anything like that because I think it's a trap you can easily fall into.'

Walker seductively tugged at her shirt, showcasing her flat abs

One chic look saw Walker clad in all-white, including a textured mini skirt with sheer tights and Mary Jane heels

The star embraced a more Western style with a floral print dress and leather ankle boots

In May 2023, Meadow told E! that she receives signs from her father, over a decade after his death.

She told the outlet: 'I swear whenever I'm doubting anything or whenever I'm in an argument with someone or anything, I start seeing four and seven everywhere. So I always know that it's him.

'Even yesterday, I was having a moment and then the clock bells started ringing. And I was like, "OK, it's all good, it's gonna be OK."'

In following her famous father's legacy, Meadow landed a small role as a flight attendant in 2023's Furious X.

'For me this is super exciting and he would be amazed that this is happening,' she told the outlet of opportunity.
It was meant to be a gathering designed to bring together some of the leading voices in British theatre.

But at Soho Place in the West End on Wednesday, a proposal to ban staging plays by white male writers for a year nearly stole the show - and divided the room.

The proposal came from director Katie Gilchrist, who presented the idea as part of The Stage's the Future of Theatre conference.

The intention behind the proposal was to challenge existing programming norms in an industry often accused of gatekeeping.

But the idea of a year-long exclusion of works by white male playwrights was met with mixed reactions.

Some saw it as an opportunity to address underrepresentation, while others viewed it as an exclusionary move.

American director, Katie Gilchrist, (pictured) proposed a year-long ban on staging the works of white male writers

Such a ban would include everyone from Christopher Marlowe (left) and William Shakespeare (right) to Ibsen and Pinter

Katie Gilchrist, presented the idea as part of The Stage's Future of Theatre conference

There was no open-floor debate during the conference. Delegates were required to submit questions through an app, with vetted questions submitted in advance to moderators and only the most 'liked' questions being answered.

'It was Stalinesque  very controlling, very woke way of censoring different views of things. It's divisive and alienating,' said one attendee.

Following the proposal, an anonymous delegate asked: 'What about white working-class men? What about disabled/neurodiverse white men? What about trans men?'

The response to this question was: 'As Katie mentioned in her speech, there were no trans writers of any kind being programmed on the West End. Implying trans men will lose out as a result of this idea is a straw man  rising tides raise all boats.' This comment received 11 likes.

Another delegate responded: 'The immediate 'whataboutery' in these comments is exactly why this is important. A brave, big idea, thank you Katie.'

However, not all attendees were in agreement.

One delegate, who requested to remain anonymous for fear of being blacklisted, told MailOnline: 'Banning white male playwrights for a year is idiotic, right-on nonsense.

'The Stage should not have platformed such a divisive idea, especially when around 50% of the room was white and male. What's more alarming is that not one of them spoke out against it for fear of being labelled a 'misogynist'. It's bonkers.'

In the end, Ms Gilchrist's proposal was not adopted.

The idea that gained the most supportreceiving 40% of the votewas to devolve the National Theatre. Actor and director Rob Myles raised the question: 'Labour has made devolution a central policy elsewhere  why not in this industry?'

When asked whether the proposed ban would include Shakespeare or Ibsen, moderator Amanda Parker, a Royal Shakespeare Company board member, 'just laughed.'

All this played out the same week the National Theatre announced its new season -prompting fresh criticism about ideological orthodoxy in British theatre.

'They go on about tolerance, but only want one kind,' said one delegate. 'The theatre world is agenda-driven and resent differing views.'

In response, a spokesperson for The Stage said: 'The description of the day is inaccurate. No debate was restricted  on the contrary, delegates were encouraged throughout the day to share their thoughts and comments.

'The whole conference was a platform for open, generous and lively debate. It also included an extended panel discussion that explored issues of censorship and freedom of expression.

'All six open-sourced presentations put forward as part of our Big Ideas strand were received warmly in the room. A proposal for a devolved National Theatre won an open vote as the conference's favourite proposal of the six.'

The controversy didn't come out of nowhere.

Days before the event, Ms Gilchrist's pitch had already raised eyebrows after it was announced it would be among the final six ideas presented to senior theatre figures.

In her own words, Ms Gilchrist described the idea as 'an invitation for us to critically examine whose voices dominate our stages and what it could mean to shift that balance even for the historical equivalent of an exhale'.

The suggestion would have excluded virtually every foundational playwright of the Western canon - from Shakespeare and Marlowe to Ibsen and Pinter.

Writer Patrick Kidd called the idea 'batty, sexist and divisive', remarking: 'Art should offer opportunities without banning a group of writers. Perhaps she would also like to exclude white men from theatre audiences?'

Ms Gilchrist, who has directed regional productions of Mamma Mia!, Steel Magnolias and Dial M for Murder, was one of two Americans to make the shortlist.

Another finalist, Catherine Russell - general manager of New York's Theater Center -proposed live AI translation of theatre into more than 60 languages.

Last year, former prime minister Rishi Sunak condemned theatres that hosted 'Black Out' performances - nights reserved for black-only audiences - as 'wrong and divisive'.

It comes as ticket buyers attending its upcoming production of Shakespeare's Hamlet have been 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 Rubasingham's inaugural season as artistic director, stars Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera as the Danish prince.

Alongside casting announcements, the theatre 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 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.

Roy Schwartz, a historian and author, told the Mail: 'A trigger warning is meant to alert that something contains potentially distressing material. It's gratuitous to include it in something that's well-known to have mature subject matter, and it's 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.'
Diddy has rejected a last minute plea deal from prosecutors on the eve of his sex crimes trial.

The disgraced hip hop mogul, who appeared in court wearing glasses, confirmed that he did not accept the offer during his pretrial hearing in New York on Thursday.

The specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, but prosecutors said the Bad Boy founder would have faced less prison time if he had accepted it and been found guilty.

Diddy's decision means that his trial will move ahead next week with jury selection scheduled to begin next Monday May 5.

His lawyer Marc Agnifilo told the court that the two had discussed the agreement last week and 'came to a decision' together.

Bespectacled Diddy was asked to stand by Judge Arun Subramanian who asked him if he had read the plea deal offer.

Diddy, pictured in a court sketch in a court hearing on May 1, confirmed he has denied the prosecution's plea deal just days before his trial

The disgraced music mogul, real name Sean Combs, could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on all five criminal counts he faces at trial, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty

'I have, your honor', he said.

When the judge asked if he had 'rejected the plea offer'. Diddy replied: 'Yes I did, your honor'.

Diddy, real name Sean Combs, arrived in court wearing the usual prison issue, a tan-colored top and pants. He will have to wait until Monday to wear his own clothes in front of the jury after the judge recently allowed him to dress up for trial.

Since being locked up at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center following his arrest in September, Combs has grown noticeably grayer and scruffier, and on Thursday appeared in court wearing eyeglasses.

He was holding a black folder filled with documents and hugged his lawyers, fist bumping with one female attorney, Teny Geragos, and exchanging smiles with her.

He waved to a man in the public gallery but nobody from his family was present, unlike previous hearings.

Combs is seen wearing tan prison scrubs alongside his attorneys Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, and Alexandra Shapiro at Thursday's hearing

Diddy had long been known as a major influential figure in the music industry but his reputation has taken a nosedive since being hit with sexual abuse allegations starting in 2023, and then being criminally indicted last September

The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where Diddy is in custody in Brooklyn, New York

He wore his eyeglasses while sifting through the legal documents, reading intently as he flipped through one filing. He also needed them to read something on Geragos' computer when she showed it to him.

Prosecutor Madison Smyser had previously disclosed that Combs had rejected the plea offer at a hearing last week, but Judge Subramanian had indicated that he would ask Diddy to confirm the decision in the May 1 hearing.

The court heard that jury selection will involve prospective jurors being separated into groups of 50 with the first group being held in a courtroom in the federal court in New York.

They will be led one by one into a courtroom on the same floor where they answer detailed questions from lawyers for the defense and prosecution: Diddy will be present.

If any juror who needs to discuss a sensitive matter it will be dealt with by a sidebar, a private conference at the judge's bench that reporters in the courtroom cannot hear.

Judge Subramanian issued a warning to Lisa Bloom, a lawyer who represents Dawn Richard, one of Diddy's accusers, over her recent comments about the case to the BBC.

Diddy's lawyer Teny Geragos said Bloom's comments were 'very disturbing' and intended to bolster her client's credibility.

The judge said that all lawyers including Bloom should 'adhere to their obligations under the rules of professional conduct'.

Combs has grown noticeably grayer and scruffier since being locked up following his arrest in September; pictured April 18

Diddy denies sex trafficking and other charges. Pictured: The Real White Party presented by Sean 'Diddy' Combs at the Combs' East Hampton estate on September 2, 2007

He vowed to 'take appropriate action' if anyone breached those rules and this close to trial he would 'not tolerate anything that would impair the defendant's right to a jury trial'.

The rapper's hearing comes after his legal team had asked the judge to muzzle other attorneys from commenting on the disgraced Bad Boy mogul's case ahead of next week's trial.

In a letter filed Tuesday, Combs' attorneys said despite their prior request for a gag order, several attorneys who represent alleged victims and witnesses continue to muddy the jury pool with 'negative publicity' towards their client.

Combs' team specifically named Douglas Wigdor, who represents Comb's ex Cassie Ventura, for speaking to the media.

'Absent a Court order, we expect the publicity to not only continue, but escalate as trial commences,' they wrote in the letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

'Indeed in recent weeks, lawyers for government witnesses have commented on pretrial litigation and continued to broadcast prejudicial statements.'

They pointed to Wigdor's comments concerning Combs' request to keep the surveillance video of the rapper pulling and dragging Ventura by the hair inside a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016 as she tried to escape.

Earlier this week, a judge allowed the music mogul to wear his own clothes to his trial.

The disgraced hip hop mogul can ditch the prison issue, tan colored top and pants next week when jury selection begins and for the remainder of the case.

But the judge set certain conditions on Diddy, who has designed his own clothing range and once won a prestigious fashion industry award.

He can only have up to five pairs of pants, shirts and socks and only two pairs of shoes - with no laces.

There was no mention of jewelry so Diddy may be able to bring the bling if he wanted.

Diddy, 55, whose real name is Sean Combs, denies sex trafficking and other charges.

Jury selection at the federal court in New York is due to begin on May and opening statements on May 12.

Diddy's lawyers made the application for him to wear clothes other than those from the grim Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is being held, to Judge Arun Subramanian.

In his ruling, the judge said: 'The defendant Sean Combs, Inmate # 37452-054, will be permitted to receive non-prison clothing at the MDC to wear for his trial scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.

'He is permitted to have up to five button down shirts, up to five pairs of pants, up to five sweaters, up to five pairs of socks, and up to two pairs of shoes without laces to wear to court'.

Before his fall from grace Diddy was considered one of the most fashionable men on the planet.

His high point came in 2004 when he won the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for his own fashion line, Sean John, which came to prominence in the 'Bad Boy' era in the 1990s and was worn by Paris Hilton and Rihanna among others.

A feature in Vogue magazine in 2019 to mark Diddy's 50th birthday said it was 'hard to overstate the sartorial impact' he had in the fashion world.
EastEnders star James Bye's son was rushed to hospital with severe vomiting after suffering a nasty fall on a trampoline.

Martin Fowler actor James, 41, shares four children with his wife Victoria - Edward, ten, Louis, eight, Hugo, five, and Rufus, who turns two next month.

And Victoria took to Instagram recently to share that Rufus had ended up very unwell - just a few days after a lovely family holiday.

She had to call 111 in the middle of the night during the half-term break after he fell and landed on his head and was subsequently vomiting.

He was diagnoses with gastroenteritis - often called the 'stomach flu' - instead of concussion, with the rest of the family then catching the same unfortunate bug.

According to the NHS, gastroenteritis is a common inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

EastEnders star James Bye's son was rushed to hospital with severe vomiting after suffering a nasty fall on a trampoline

James' wife Victoria recently took to Instagram to share that she had to call 111 in the middle of the night during the half-term break and he went to A&E - before all the others got the sick bug

It typically manifests with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, but can also include fever, fatigue, and headache.

Sharing the experience on Instagram, she wrote: 'So, it all started earlier this week, when just before bed the boys were outside on the trampoline. And I've said it before, (and I'll say it again) Those trampolines will be the end of me.

'And as I'm watching, somewhat half-heartedly (let's be honest, I'm shattered, it's half term, James is working & there's only so many 'Mummy watch me's' I can take) when Rufus, who was happily playing with a trail of ants (whatever keeps him quiet) suddenly clambered up & in slow motion took a spin, promptly landing on his head.

'After much crying (and frantic checking of doctor Google) he seemed to be ok & calling it a day, I thankfully got them all to bed.

'Cue him waking up a few hours later projectile vomming everywhere. Quick phone call to 111 & to A&E we went.

'12 hours later (and several more voms) the doctor discharged us citing gastroenteritis. Now, it's fair to say I was a tad sceptical about this diagnosis. Especially with her stark warning at how contagious it was.

'Needless to say. I then ate my words. Over the next few days there has been a vom-fest the likes of which I've never seen before. I'm talking up the walls, in the door frame, all over the carpet & bum squits galore.

'Oh, and we were staying at James' folks at the time. With our blind dog who brought his own level of incontinence & then stood in the corner head-butting the wall. It's been a s**t show  literally.

Martin Fowler actor James, 41, shares four children with his wife Victoria: Edward, ten, Louis, eight, Hugo, five, and Rufus, two

He was diagnoses with gastroenteritis - often called the 'stomach flu ' - instead of concussion, with the rest of the family then catching the same unfortunate bug

'And as I write this, (I've just got home - the grandparents waved me off gladly) and I'm now wrapped in a blanket, have sweat out half my body weight (every cloud and all) & haven't managed to keep more than a cuppa down in days!'

A day later she posted an update, saying: 'Hello you lovely lot. Still in the trenches here with this dreaded sickness malarkey thank you honestly for all your get well wishes.

'I'm trying not to complain too much (Well, I am, you can't beat a good moan - nothing James loves more than getting back from rehearsals to a green looking ranty wife & a house full of chaos right?!)'

James recently exited EastEnders and recalled his 'choking sobs' as he filmed his emotional last scene as Martin Fowler.

The beloved character was tragically killed off during the BBC soap's 40th anniversary live episode, having been crushed by a steel beam while rescuing his longtime love Stacey Slater after an explosion at the Queen Vic.

Speaking ahead of his character's funeral, James explained how they had rehearsed the scene so 'nothing could go wrong' for the live show, but he still felt his heart beat through his chest with adrenaline.

The actor told The Mirror: 'At the final rehearsal, I lost it. When Stacey walked away to talk to the paramedic, it was like an out-of-body experience.

'She came back and I had tears pouring down my face. When I spoke again, I didn't think anyone would be able to understand what I was saying through my choking sobs.'

The pair soon recovered and were seen the week after at the Thunderbolts* UK special screening

Admitting that he won't watch his own cremation, which was filmed the month before, he also revealed the strange request made by the crew.

James added: 'If I'm honest, I'd find it a bit weird. The art department were asking for pictures of me to put in the order of service. But I said no. I don't want real photographs of me at my funeral, with my real family cut out.'

After being the first ever baby to be born on the show, Martin was tragically killed following an explosion at the Queen Vic.

Following his heroic attempt to rescue his longtime love Stacey Slater, he was crushed by a falling beam.

At first, it appeared that Martin had been successfully rescued from underneath the beam, but his heart then stopped as firefighters rushed to try and save him.

His ex-wife Stacey was left in floods of tears as Martin died in front of her eyes just moments after he declared his love for her and proposed.

The heartbreaking episode ended with Stacey hugging Martin's lifeless body while her screams could be heard by those waiting outside the Queen Vic for news.
He's taken plenty of rough with rather less of the smooth since being born in Leeds in 1983, fleeing home  and the attentions of an abusive stepfather  aged just 13, thereafter sleeping in shop doorways till, still aged only 15, he landed a job working for legendary chef Marco Pierre White.

But now Jameson Stocks  anointed by White as Britain's next culinary star  is learning that life is full of other hazards, among them letters threatening legal action.

Such, he tells me, has been his reward for denouncing Meghan Markle's Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, as 'forced and fake' and 'painful to watch'.

'I got a lawyer's letter from Netflix after I spoke out against her, warning me,' says Stocks, whose life story so gripped Brad Pitt that he snapped up the rights to turn it into a movie.

Stocks had advised Meghan to steer clear of the kitchen and 'go back to acting', describing her as 'quite a good actress', and insisting that 'people should stick to what they do best'.

He might as well have treated the Netflix bigwigs to a plateful of maggot-ridden meat.

Jameson Stocks, pictured, is learning that life is full of other hazards, among them letters threatening legal action, writes Richard Eden

Such, he tells me, has been his reward for denouncing Meghan Markle's Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, as 'forced and fake' and 'painful to watch', writes Richard Eden

'I proper p**sed them off. Netflix did not like it and came after me,' adds Stocks, characterising the legal letter as 'a load of nonsense'.

If intended to silence him, the missive has abjectly failed.

'I am not taking any notice,' Stocks assures me.

'How can she get all this money from Netflix? I don't think she can cook and I don't think she should be teaching people to cook either.

'What would I cook for her? I would cook something she has done on her TV programme but cook it properly.'

That, alas, seems unlikely, especially now that Stocks has given me his assessment of Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever.

He says: 'Her jam sold out in minutes. I think they probably only had about ten of each product.'

Stocks, who acknowledges that he doesn't make his own, adds: 'I know Lidl do jam for about 15 cheaper.'

Stocks previously claimed to have rejected an offer to work on With Love, Meghan because he feared being 'slammed for being a part of' a 'forced and fake' show.

The chef believes that he made the right choice, blasting the show as 'terrible and painful' to watch - although sources said Stocks was in fact not invited to participate.

'I got a lawyer's letter from Netflix after I spoke out against her, warning me,' says Stocks, whose life story so gripped Brad Pitt that he snapped up the rights to turn it into a movie

But since attacking the show in a GB News interview, Stocks said he 'started getting death threats and all sorts of nasty messages'.

He told the New York Post: 'And I'm thinking to myself, "Christ. I've not gone in on somebody personally here because that's something I do not do and would not do".

'And it's something that's just not [in] my nature, to be honest with you.'

Stocks said he had received 'hundreds and hundreds' of hateful messages, adding: 'I'm just a single dad, and then all of a sudden, I'm getting death threats on me.'

He also insisted that he has 'nothing against Meghan Markle', explaining: 'I never personally attacked Meghan. I never once did that. I never would do that.

'I have absolutely zero interest in anything to try and bring her down. My only thing was I didn't like the show and that was it. It wouldn't matter if it was Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck or Donald Duck. I just didn't like the programme.'

Stocks claimed that he was at New York Fashion Week in February last year when he had a 'casual conversation' with two people from Netflix who wanted him to consult on a mystery lifestyle programme which he thought was Meghan's upcoming series.

He claimed those he met 'were kind of preparing' him for the star and the show to be 'very divisive', but he 'shut it down quite quickly' because it 'just wasn't for me'.

But a Netflix production source claimed that With Love, Meghan was not even in development at the time Stocks said he met with the executives - and also denied the chef was ever approached about the show, which came out on March 4.

It comes after Stocks told GB News that he rejected an offer to work on the show because he was not sure it would be a good series.

Since attacking the show in a GB News interview, Stocks said he 'started getting death threats and all sorts of nasty messages'

He said in that interview: 'I was asked last year by Netflix if I wanted to consult on a lifestyle programme. They didn't go into too much detail about who it was but I already kind of knew anyway.

'I felt like even if she produced a really great programme - which I was quite sceptical of - that I might get a little bit slammed for being a part of it. I didn't like the idea of me showing her how to do something and then it being forced and fake.

'I imagine Netflix would have had two or three consultants - a stylist, for her clothes, to give her ideas for the food.

'If she is going to do something herself, she should do something herself. Netflix is obviously such a huge company, they're going to surround her with quality people to make her look good.

'At the end of the day, they're trying to chase the money. I honestly thought it was terrible. Everything - the music is quite slow, it's quite lethargic, it's quite painful to watch.

'I think she should go back to acting - she's quite a good actress. In real life or on screen. People should stick to what they do best.'

However, some of those who worked on the show have spoken out to say it was 'a lot of fun'.

Director Michael Steed told People: 'Her cooking is pretty spot-on. She's not a chef, and it's definitely not meant to make it seem like she is, but there's just a love of cooking that is palpable.'

A crew member added that Meghan was 'warm', 'approachable' and 'genuine'.

And chef Roy Choi, who appeared on the programme, said about her cooking: 'She was great. This wasn't an act, you know? This is something she truly loves to do. She was very natural in the kitchen. She knows how to welcome people - that's a big part of cooking too.'

A Netflix spokesman later denied that a legal letter had been sent to Mr Stocks.
A Bay Area-based staple of the death metal music genre was gunned down by police in South San Francisco Monday, after a dispute with a neighbor over tree clippings turned violent.

Possessed guitar player Brian Montana, 60, was fatally shot by authorities after he brandished a weapon toward his neighbor, authorities with the South San Francisco Police Department confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle Thursday.

On its Instagram Stories Wednesday, the group Possessed shared an image of the late musician with the caption, 'Rest In Peace Brian Montana.' (The outlet Consequence identified the musician as the man on the left in the photo the band posted as tribute.)

Montana 'fired multiple times at officers using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle,' police said of the incident. 'Officers used patrol cars as cover and returned fire. The suspect was struck and ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.'

Montana used three firearms to shoot at authorities for about 30 minutes, officials said, according to CBS Bay Area.

Authorities told CBS they reported to the 300 block of Arroyo Drive at around 6 p.m. local time after they received a report of an armed man threatening a neighbor.

Possessed guitar player Brian Montana , 60, (left) was fatally shot by authorities after he brandished a weapon toward his neighbor, authorities with the South San Francisco Police Department told the San Francisco Chronicle. The band paid memorial to him on their Instagram

San Francisco authorities sealed off the street with caution tape after the Monday shooting

Montana, who was an early member of the musical group, was described by the newspaper as being 'enraged' over debris from a nearby tree, triggering the deadly exchange, law enforcement told the newspaper.

Police told the station they observed a man - later identified as Montana - firing a weapon at someone in a home.

The shooter, later identified as Montana, was subsequently seen headed to a driveway in the area and camping out behind a parked vehicle and landscaping, police said.

Montana then began firing a trio of weapons - a handgun, shotgun and rifle - at police, according to officials.

Police told the station Montana was unresponsive and pronounced dead after receiving first aid.

Another resident in the neighborhood was injured in the incident, but expected to survive, officials said. No police were hurt in the incident.

The death metal staple Possessed has more than 195,000 Instagram followers, and is currently touring in support of their album Revelations of Oblivion, according to their social media page.

Dailymail.com has reached out to the band via its social media for further comment on Montana's death.

The band recently took to Instagram to hearken a show in Santiago, Chile

Authorities told CBS that the reported to the 300 block of Arroyo Drive at around 6 p.m. local time after they received a report of an armed man threatening a neighbor

Montana is the second band member with Possessed to have been shot.

The police officers who fired their weapons were placed on administrative leave in adhering to official protocols, officials said.

More information, including video and audio of the deadly incident, were expected to be released to the public in the future.

Police told the newspaper that 'the incident is under investigation with the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office.'

Montana had been a guitarist for an earlier incarnation of the band, who rose through the ranks with other notable names such as Metallica, Death Angel and Testament.

Montana is the second band member of Possessed to have been shot: Singer Jeff Becerra was tragically left paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot in 1989.

Becerra was wounded after he was shot by a pair of armed robbers when he went out to purchase a pack of cigarettes, Becerra told The Underground Metal Gamer in 2019, according to Blabbermouth.

The musician, in an April 2019 interview with the outlet, went into detail on the tragic incident that changed his life.

'It wasn't so much of an accident - I got shot by two different guns in a robbery,' Becerra said. 'I was doing concrete construction.'

Montana is the second band member of Possessed to have been shot. Singer Jeff Becerra was tragically left paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot in 1989 by two robbers after he went out to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Pictured in 2019 in Oakland

Becerra was seen onstage at the Oakland Metro Operahouse in 2019

Becerra said after a grueling 13-hour shift he went to the store to purchase cigarettes and was accosted by a pair of men who came 'running up with guns.

'I kind of resisted; I should have just given them the money, but I was f***ed, I was cornered. It's not the first time I had a gun pointed at me and I knew they meant business.'

Becerra told the music outlet he 'kind of foresaw' that he was going to be shot, and put up his hand 'in a defensive mode,' but 'it didn't matter.

'We scuffled, there was no way out of it and I ended up getting shot a couple of times - the first guy pushed a 9-millimeter to my chest,' Becerra told the outlet.

Becerra said, 'It broke through the ribs and shattered the lungs and stuck on in the spine, so I still have a 9-millimeter slug stuck on the vertebrate T3.'

Becerra told the outlet that he has 'been in a wheelchair longer than [he's] been walking,' adding, 'It's my normal.'
Costco is still missing out on the top spot in America's grocery wars, but the battle isn't over yet.

The membership-based warehouse giant is gaining ground on grocery king Walmart.

Walmart now hoovers up one in five dollars spent on groceries in America, according to new data from consumer analytics firm Numerator.

If Sam's Club, Walmart's answer to Costco, is included, then that figure rises to a staggering one in four dollars.

Walmart may be twice the size of its nearest rival Kroger, but it's Costco that rivals are losing their business to.

Costco has been snapping up grocery spending since 2019, increasing its share of the market from 7.6 percent in 2023 to 8.5 percent now, Business Insider reported.

Since Costco focuses on offering bulk quantities of a limited number of products, it it unlikely to ever take up the biggest share of the grocery market, but it is positioned to take more of it.

Costco's focus on value will be a draw for consumers looking to cut back their spending amid an uncertain economy and increased costs from tariffs.

Costco has been snapping up grocery spending since 2019

Costco also sells a wide range of products which tend to have higher margins than groceries, helping to boost the company's bottom line.

Costco's success has also been attributed the success of its Kirkland brand.

'Costco is leveraging the fact that their entire store and organization are a single brand,' industry expert Gary Sankary recently told The Street.

'Watching big boxes cycle through the process of introducing and retiring their owned brand labels every few years to convince customers that new is better, at the same time, is confusing and, in many cases, dilutes their brand.'

'The Kirkland brand quality is not by any means diluted just because it is private label,' retail consultant Robert Amster agreed.

A recent success story is the $13.99 Kirkland 12-pack of Helles-Style Lager that has received rave reviews.

Made by the Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, the German-style lager was released exclusively in Costco in November.

The beer is based on a recipe that won a gold medal at 2023's Great American Beer Festival.

Reddit users praised the Kirkland 12-pack of Helles-Style Lager

Costco's focus on value will be a draw for consumers looking to cut back their spending amid an uncertain economy and increased costs from tariffs

It is now sold in every state except Texas, and a new version will be released annually.

Other Costco products that have received expert approval include the award-winning Kirkland Signature Coastal Cheddar Cheese.

The 15-month-aged cheese, made at a farm on the UK's Dorset coast, costs just $10 for a two-pound block.

Costco members also enjoy a range of perks including access to free hearing screenings, a generous returns policy and much-loved food court deals.

As well as the legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda offering Costco recently reintroduced its hot turkey and provolone sandwich.
Two major airlines have warned that European tourists are avoiding visiting the US this summer.

Air France and Lufthansa reported weaker demand for transatlantic bookings from Europe to the US in the first quarter of the year.

It comes as Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies and border crackdowns are putting tourists off vacationing in America.

'We know there are a lot of customers that are holding back in buying tickets for a little more clarity on... the border, and things like that,' Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith told investors on an earnings call on Wednesday.

Air France saw a 2.4 percent dip in transatlantic bookings from Europeans for travel in May and June compared with the same time last year, The Financial Times reported.

Steven Zaat, the airline's chief financial officer, said that the impact on the airline had been limited as there was more demand for tickets going from the US to Europe.

However, a continued pullback in transatlantic travel could spell major issues for European long-haul airlines which are dependent on the high-margin trips to the US.

Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France all make around 50 percent of their profits from their flights to and from the US, according to analysis from Barclays.

Lufthansa has seen a drop in demand from Europeans travelling to the US this summer

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France, said tourists want more clarity before buying tickets

Lufthansa also reported a weakening in transatlantic bookings as Europeans show hesitancy about visiting the US during the usually busy summer period.

'When it comes to vacation trips to the US, especially from the German, Austrian and Swiss markets, it's easy to imagine conversations around the kitchen table where families are saying, "We don't know yet if we really want to go,"' CEO Carsten Spohr explained on the airline's earnings call on Tuesday.

However, Spohr said he hoped the recent softening in the White House's rhetoric on tariffs would lead to a pick-up in demand later in the year.

'The discussions about tariffs are no longer as heated as they were four weeks ago,' he told analysts.

'That is why we believe that some of these bookings will be recovered in the coming weeks.'

Despite the hopeful note, Lufthansa still plans to pull back its plans to expand the amount of transatlantic flights from 6 percent to 3 percent by the final quarter of the year.

The total number of foreign visitors to the US dropped by 12 percent in March compared to the same time last year, The Financial Times reported.

One of the biggest hits has come from Canadians, many of whom are actively boycotting the US following Trump's aggressive trade policies and threats to annex the country into becoming the '51st state.'

European long-haul airlines are dependent on profits made from transatlantic routes

Canadians are cutting back on trips to the US, and taking vacations elsewhere

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr warned that Europeans are pulling back on US vacations

Palm Springs have put up signs to express their respect for their Canadian visitors

The number of Canadians making trips to the US by car dropped 32 percent in March compared to a year ago, according to Statistics Canada figures.

It marked the third straight month of declines  including a 23 percent plunge from the month before.

Air travel also took a hit, down 13.5 percent in March year-over-year.

Canadians have long been the top international travelers to the US, driving $20.5 billion in spending last year.

Even a 10 percent dip could wipe out $2 billion in economic activity and cost 14,000 jobs, according to the US Travel Association.

Tourist hotspots that rely heavily on Canadian visitors, such as Buffalo, New York and Old Orchard Beach in Maine, will be hit hardest.
A department store has sacked its CEO after an investigation into alleged conflicts of interest.

Kohl's announced that Ashley Buchanan, who has been CEO for six months, was relieved of his duties after the company claims it found evidence he favored certain vendors.

Buchanan made Kohl's enter a 'highly unusual' business deal with a romantic partner, Chandra Holt, the founder of Incredibrew, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The department chain said Buchanan didn't disclose this relationship in accordance with its company policies.

Buchanon's release comes after an independent firm concluded the ex-CEO 'violated company policies by directing the company to engage in vendor transactions.'

The company said the sacking is not attributed to the company's performance, though, the brand is facing some serious headwinds.

Kohl's said the CEO change will not have any impact on business operations. Buchanan has been asked to return part of his signing bonus.

The company replaced the outgoing CEO with Michael Bender, a former Bath & Body Works, PepsiCo, and Walmart executive.

Kohl's shoppers said they wanted to see the company's top bosses take the store in a new direction

'The Board has full confidence in Michael to serve our customers and associates as Interim CEO,' the company said.

News sent the company's stock shooting up. The stock price started at $6.71 this morning, and rose 5.6 percent in the minutes after the announcement.

The stock price has sunk like a rock in the past six months. Kohl's shares lost 60 percent of their value since December.

Kohl's has been struggling for years with dwindling sales numbers and a slate of store closures.

The iconic department store planned to shutter 27 'underperforming' stores and a California fulfillment center this year.

Kohl's operates around 1,150 US stores. The closures impacted less than three percent of the company's national store footprint.

Attempting to entice a new set of customers, Kohl's has replaced some of its fine jewelry bars with big-name brands.

Sephora shops and Toys R Us pop-ups were launched in several locations. But some customers have reacted negatively to the entirely dissimilar product lineups.

Ashley Buchanan, named Kohl's CEO in November 2024, is out

Kohl's has shuttered several 'underperforming' stores this year (stock image)

'Why do I want to see Nike and Eddie Bauer in Kohl's when they are for sale all over the mall?' Adrienne Cestare-Alfano, a 73-year-old shopper for more than two decades, told the Wall Street Journal.

'Undo the last few years of changes and get back to being my store.'

The company has started to cut back on some of its partnerships, including a cancelled relationship with Amazon that allowed Prime shoppers to return unwanted products in their stores.

In 2023, Kohl's also launched its first self-checkout stations and revamped the store's merchandising.

All of these changes haven't resulted in the desired sales successes.

Earlier this year, the company cut its profits forcast, saying it predicted a sales decline between five percent and seven percent.

'A lot of the issues were probably self-inflicted over many years of decisions,' Buchanan said on the last earnings call.

'We have a very loyal customer. When I toured stores, all I heard was how much they love Kohls. And what I realized is were kind of making it hard for them to love us.'
Ford is giving car buyers one more month to lock in employee pricing. After that, prices could take off.

CEO Jim Farley said in an interview with CNN that the automaker is extending its From America, For America discount program through July 4.

The announcement tacks another month onto the sale's initial June 2 expiration.

Shoppers have saved thousands from the discount program. Ford sources told DailyMail.com that the company has seen an increase in foot traffic in the dealerships.

The F-150, Americas best-selling pickup, dropped from a starting price of $37,065 to $34,207 during the promo period.

'I don't know if the other competitors are going to be able to do that,' he said. 'We want to keep our prices competitive and low. We sell some of highest volume vehicles in America.'

After July 4, Farley made no guarantees: 'I'm not going to be specific about our pricing.'

The promotion was rolled out in April, just after President Donald Trump enacted sweeping 25 percent tariffs on all vehicle imports to the US.

Ford's CEO said his company will extend emplpoyee pricing programs for another month

Ford, which assembles more than 80 percent of its vehicles sold in the US at domestic plants, appears better positioned than some competitors under the new rules.

But it isn't immune. Many parts that make up it's American-made vehicles  everything from carpets to fasteners  are often imported, and many are still subject to broad tariffs.

Internal notes sent to Ford dealerships told sellers to prepare for price hikes.

Trump has since taken some u-turns on parts of the automotive tariff policies. As his broader strategy continues to shift, automakers are facing budget and pricing whiplash.

Multiple executives told DailMail.com that the lack of clarity has made it nearly impossible to even price their products. Experts say this is bad news for consumers.

'Bottom line, vehicle prices will increase, no doubt,' Erin Keating,an executive analyst at Cox Automotive, said.

'How each manufacturer responds will be highly dependent on their specific exposure, and as we expect the whole industry to respond with elevated prices, it may not immediately show winners and losers.'

On Thursday morning, executives started to give a peak behind the curtain about how much the tariffs will hurt their bottom lines.

Ford, which builds a majority of its cars in the US, said it is still reliant on global manufacturers to make parts not available for sale in the US

Pricing after the program is likely to shoot up

The discount programs helps drivers save thousands on their vehicles

GM's CEO Mary Barra said tariffs will cost the company an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion in annual income.

'That is what we know now based on the clarity that we were given,' she told CNN.

'We knew we had been working with the administration for several months, working with the President and many members of his administration, so they understood the comlexities of our industry.'

She also avoided questions about the future pricing of GM cars, while highlighting that 80 percent of her company's vehicles are compliant with the USMCA trade agreement that Trump signed in his first administration.

Automakers have responded to Trump's signature economic policies with wildly different approaches.

Volkswagen said it will transparently advertise the cost of tariffs on each car.

The company will list the tariff price on new vehicle stickers next to the cost for added features like heated seats and an upgraded audio system.

Volvo pulled some cars from the US market. Hyundai is continuing investment in its EV facilities in Georgia.

Subaru announced it moved American manufacturing capacity back to Japan and Stellantis said it laid off 900 employees because of the tariff costs.
Cava is set to open between 62 and 66 new US locations and expand to new states this year.

The Mediterranean Chipotle-style restaurant chain confirmed the openings would bring its store count to 367.

Cava has already opened 14 locations this year, its latest being in Marlton, New Jersey, on April 16.

The company has remained tight-lipped on its openings, but a spokesperson told DailyMail.com the chain will expand to Michigan for the first time and add more restaurants in Pennsylvania in 2025.

The chain already opened 58 restaurants last year, including its first locations in South Florida and Indiana.

By 2032, Cava hopes to be operating at least 1,000 restaurants.

The company will release more information on its restaurant openings on its website at a later date.

The news comes after Chipotle suffered a sales slump following its announcement it would open hundreds of new restaurants, including its first location in Mexico.

CAVA is set to open between 62 and 66 new US locations, including its first Michigan restaurant this year

The chain, which serves Mediterranean food, confirmed the openings would bring its store count to 367

The restaurant chain finished off 2024 on a high note after experiencing a significant sales boom.

Cava earned $954.3 million in revenue, a 35.1 percent increase compared to 2023.

'We established Mediterranean as the next major cultural cuisine category, delivered a unique, compelling value proposition to our guests, and as a result, drove exceptional traffic growth,' said CEO Brett Schulman.

'In our first full fiscal year as a public company, Cava generated four consecutive quarters of free cash flow, and, throughout warm hospitality, delivered the human connection people are craving.'

Cava's financial win was expected after Yelp named the chain the top fastest-growing fast food chain in the US.

Its stock price has also risen substantially in the last two years, and its value grew ahead of other popular destinations Sweetgreen and The Cheesecake Factory.

At this rate, analysts predict Cava's revenue will grow 24.1 percent this year.

The chain also started the year strong by announcing its partnership with Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas.

Analysts predict CAVA will experience a 24.1 percent revenue growth this year compared to its 2024 earnings

CAVA announced its partnership with Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas on January 7

Thomas believes the partnership is a 'great fit' and called Cava her 'go-to for delicious meals.'

The collaboration also introduced three new limited-time items: the Spicy Lamb + Avocado Bowl, the Falafel Crunch Bowl, and the Garlic Chicken + Veggie Pita.

All items are still available at participating Cava restaurants nationwide.

The chain also debuted its limited-time Hot Harissa Pita Chips, which will be available until this summer.

'With over 80 percent of Gen Z and Millennials choosing chips as their snack of choice, Cava couldn't resist catering to its fans with a Greek twist on traditional North African harissa,' a spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

'These chips pack a vibrant punchdelivering bold, unexpected heat in every bite.'

Customers can also grab exclusive deals by becoming members of the Cava Rewards loyalty program.
Chipotle has made a very specific request of its staff, and bosses hope it will help the business in an economic downturn.

The Mexican fast-casual has ordered its employees to smile at customers in an effort to boost its hospitality.

'The fact is smiles down the line don't slow us down,' CEO Scott Boatwright told investors during an earnings call on Wednesday.

It comes as consumer sentiment is falling as fears of an imminent recession grow.

Customers are keen to keep their spending in check and are therefore visiting less frequently, Boatwright told analysts.

The brand is performing well on food quality and speed of service, and revenue is up 6.4 percent compared to the same time last year.

However, internal analysis found 'deficiencies' in store's cleanliness, the friendliness of its staff and how restaurants follow up on customers' complaints.

In response Boatwright wants Chipotle to create a 'guest obsessed' culture that keeps customers coming back.

Chipotle is making plans to help offset the effects of an economic downturn

'This includes a friendly smile at tortilla, a heartfelt thank you from our cashier, clean dining rooms and drink stations, and great guest on-site recovery for any issue,' he explained.

Chipotle reported a strong start to the year with revenue reaching $2.9 billion in the first three months of the year.

However, its same-restaurant sales fell 0.4 percent in the same period and transactions fell 2.3 percent, reflecting consumers cutting back on dining out.

The chain plans to lure back repeat diners with a boost to customer experience rather than any cuts to its menu prices.

In fact Boatwright has previously warned that if anything prices would rise following Trump's tariffs.

Boatwright told analysts that the company is already making strides on elevating diners experience.

Refunds as a percentage of sales and the cost of dealing with customer complaints are both down.

The company is also planning to roll out more kitchen equipment to help make order fulfilment more efficient.

CEO Scott Boatwright has ordered Chipotle staff to smile at customers

Customer experience will be a key focus area for the Mexican fast casual

The introduction of produce slicers, dual-sided planchas for cooking chicken and steak, three-pan rice cookers, and dual-vat fryers will begin in 100 locations in the coming months before being rolled out nationwide in the next few years.

In August, Chipotle also introduced the 'autocado' a machine able to peel, stone and cut an avocado for guacamole in 26 seconds.

Meanwhile, a 'digital makeline' portions up salads and bowls based on orders on the app.

'The end goal is to improve the experience for our teams by making tasks easier to execute, more efficient, faster and more consistent while maintaining our high culinary standards,' the CEO explained on Wednesday.

Chipotle's plans are similar to the turnaround efforts at Starbucks.

CEO Brian Niccol, who formerly held the top job at Chipotle, has asked staff to boost customer experience by writing messages on their coffee cups.

However, the plans have already sparked a backlash among baristas who claim it slows down orders and feels 'forced.'
A bench of Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday ordered release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on bail, five months after he was arrested on a charge of defaming the countryas national flag, court officials said.

aThe two-judge bench declared absolute its earlier rule asking authorities why he should not be granted bail,a an official of the High Court said.

The bench comprising Justice Atoar Rahman and Justice Ali Reza granted the bail after the final hearing on their previous rule.

On October 31, a case with Kotwali police station in Chattogram was filed accusing Das and 18 others of disrespecting the Bangladesh national flag.

A former ISKCON leader, Das was arrested at Dhakaas Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25 last year.

A spokesperson for the Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, a Hindu organisation, Das was taken to the court at the southeastern port city of Chattogram, which sent him to jail rejecting his bail petition the next day.

Dasa arrest sparked widespread protests with his followers demonstrating in Dhaka and other places. In the port city, the protest turned violent when assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was hacked to death, hours after Das was sent to jail. The development - less than three months after a mass student-led protest ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 - also emerged as an issue between Bangladesh and India with New Delhi expressing its concern over his detention. After Hasina fled to India, Muhammad Yunus took over as Chief Adviser of the Interim government on August 8.

aThis incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minoritiesa homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,a the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in New Delhi on November 26. aIt is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings,a MEA said and urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities. Earlier, the lawyers of the Hindu community leader had failed to secure bail for him as the lower court in Chattogram denied their petitions.

aThe allegation of disrespecting the national flag is baseless, as it was not a national flag. We informed the court that this case cannot proceed,a top defence counsel Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya told journalists emerging from the court room last time in January.

Bhattacharya, a former deputy attorney general, was leading a team of 11 Supreme Court lawyers to represent Das.

Earlier on December 11, the court rejected a plea seeking advanced hearing of his bail petition by lawyer Rabindra Ghose ruling that it would be heard on the previously fixed date on January 2, 2025.

An associate of Das in his Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, Sawtantra Gauranga Das, earlier said no lawyer stood for the Hindu leader fearing threats and pressure from a apolitically motivated lawyersa groupa. The government prosecutoras death sparked a counter campaign demanding a ban of ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which distanced itself from Das saying he was expelled from the organisation more than six months ago.
Looks like Putin is going to have to watch out where he throws those missiles from now on, because if they hit any civilian US contractors on the ground in Ukraine, theres going to be some serious trouble. No doubt, Putin and his butchers are not happy with this deal being signed, and will most probably do something rash. The signing of the lucrative, and elusive mineral deal with Ukraine is a historic moment that may help to stop the war continuing.

The deal will allow the United States to exploit Ukrainian natural resources, including aluminium, graphite, oil and natural gas. Reconstruction deals have also been signed, and will help the people of Ukraine to regain some form of normality after years of being attacked by the Russians.

On behalf of the Government of Ukraine, I signed the Agreement on the Establishment of a United StatesUkraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment into our country. pic.twitter.com/8ryyAMqW83  Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) April 30, 2025

This is a major coup for Donald J. Trump who has worked tirelessly along with his team to secure a deal amongst an atmosphere of indifference, anger and trickery from the Russian contingent.

Furious Russians

The Russians have replied furiously to the new mineral deal with the United States and Ukraine. Former Russian president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev angrily blasted the deal, and even took a sneaky shot at Donald Trump.

He said: Trump has finally broken the Kiev regime into paying for American aid with minerals, as he deliberately used the Russian spelling of the Ukrainian capital.

Now military supplies will have to be paid for with the national wealth of a disappearing country.

And the US Senate, led by Republicans, is preparing to impose another round of crushing sanctions against us. Lets see how the new administration responds.

Trumps ratings have gone down, and the deep state is putting up fierce resistance.

Significant financial and material support for Ukraine

The mineral deal agreement recognises the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defence of Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

Trump better get the Nobel Peace Prize for this one. He has done more in 100 days than multiple US Presidents have done in their entire careers.

Rare Earth Minerals of Ukraine

Ukraine has deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals identified as critical for modern devices. The country has deposits of rare earths such as lanthanum and cerium, used in TVs and lighting, neodymium, used in wind turbines and lithium for EV batteries, along with erbium.

Ukraine also holds one of Europes largest confirmed reserves of lithium, along with beryllium, manganese, gallium, zirconium, graphite, apatite, fluorite and nickel.

The country also holds large reserves of coal and 20 per cent of the worlds graphite reserves, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and nuclear reactors.

Unfortunately, the Russians now have occupied 40% of Ukraines metal resources, and the largest area of coal resources are concentrated in the East which is now under the control of the invaders.
A protest is set to take place at Belfast High Court to demand a public inquiry into the murder of Bellaghy man Sean Brown.

The news of this protest comes following an announcement from Secretary of State Hilary Benn that the Government will appeal a court ruling that its refusal to hold a public inquiry into the GAA chairmans murder.

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.

Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club, 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.

In a post on Facebook Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club said:

We are inviting everyone to join the Brown Family in protest as we demand a public inquiry into Seans murder

No more delays - time for truth and justice

Aontu Deputy Leader and Representative for East Derry Gemma Brolly also spoke on the upcoming protest saying:

This could have been my father, granda, uncle, neighbour, or yours. Justice delayed is justice denied. Feet on the street!

Mr Browns daughter Siobhan branded the NIOs handling of the announcement on Wednesday as disgraceful.

She said she had not even time to inform her mother about the move before Mr Benn appeared in the media announcing his decision at Westminster.

I hadnt even got the chance to show that letter to my mother whenever Hilary Benn stood in Westminster and gave a press conference, she told BBC Radio Ulster.

She added: Its totally disgraceful. We were distraught at the fact that this information had been released without the family knowing entirely. Yes, some of us had received it (legal letter sent to the familys solicitor), but the rest of us were at work. We didnt get that information straight away and to suddenly hear it being broadcast is disgraceful.

And, again, its just another thing that the Government is trying to do to undermine us as a family and treat us with so much disrespect, which has happened right through the 28 years since my father was murdered.

Mr Browns daughter said the only acceptable way forward for her family was a public inquiry.

Theres obviously very dirty secrets there that the Government wants to keep from us as a family and theyre going out right, taking all action that they possibly can to prevent that information from coming out, she said.
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Up to 150 BT workers at the organisation's city centre building are facing redundancy.

The jobs are expected to be lost in September.

The BT workers were informed of the redundancies on a call on Wednesday morning.

Ninety job losses on one floor alone have been announced.

The BT jobs currently located in its Derry office will be relocated to India and Belfast.

A BT Group spokesperson said the company is going through an ambitious modernisation programme and consolidating buildings within its estate.

The 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 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 per cent 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.

'real blow'

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said that the proposed loss of around 140 jobs at BT in Derry is devastating for the city.

The former SDLP leader said: This is devastating news for BT workers, their families and the broader local economy in Derry. 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.

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin MLA said: The announcement of BTs Derry office closure is a real blow for our city and the workers who have built their lives there. My thoughts are with those now facing deep uncertainty, and urgent action is needed to ensure they receive full support and financial assistance.

This move is part of a wider pattern of centralising jobs in Belfast while communities like Derry are left behind. This is a result of political choices that have failed our region for too long.

We need a joined-up strategy for regional economic growth that delivers good jobs and fair investment across all of Northern Ireland, not just within the Belfast commuter belt.

Sinn Fein MLA Padraig Delargy has described the proposed closure of BT's office in Derry as hugely concerning for the local community.

Mr Delargy said he is requesting a meeting with BT Group to discuss the plans and ensure the company is doing all it can to support the workers impacted.

Its extremely concerning that BT is planning to move jobs out of Derry to Belfast and overseas, the Foyle MLA said. "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.

Aontu representative, Emmet Doyle said: "This is a huge blow to the workers, their families and this City.

"These workers have given in many cases, decades of their lives to BT, and we must use every lever available to protect these jobs in Derry and ensure they stay here in perpetuity.
PICTURED ABOVE: Left to right, Victoria Logan, Cyber Security Communications Delivery Lead, Aflac Northern Ireland, Eamonn Brankin, CyberFirst NI Regional Lead, Mark McCormack, Managing Director, Aflac Northern Ireland, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Sara Lyons, CyberFirst NI Project Manager alongside students from Ballycastle High School and Foyle College.

600 Year 8 girls from 22 schools across Northern Ireland including a cohort from Foyle College, Rainey Endowed School, St Conors College and Thornhill College gathered at ICC Belfast for Empower Girls - a high-energy event designed to spark early interest in cyber security and tech careers.

Hosted by CyberFirst in partnership with Aflac Northern Ireland and more than 50 leading organisations - industry giants, academic institutions, charities, and government bodies - the event gave students a day of hands-on learning, inspiring talks and future focused experiences.

The event aimed to boost representation of women in Northern Irelands tech industry, where women currently make up just 23% of the workforce - despite the sector offering some of the regions fastest-growing career paths.

The event is part of the CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme, delivered by the Belfast Metropolitan College and led by the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre.

Holly McClintock, Lilly Logue and Brook Thompson from Foyle College.

The event was attended by the Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA. The event was sponsored by a range of leading organisations including Aflac Northern Ireland, Amazon Web Services, BBC NI, Bring It On, Check Point, ESO, Fortinet, Instil, Kainos, NI Cyber Security, ICC Belfast and Queens University Belfast.

Speaking at the event, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, highlighted the importance of encouraging more young women to pursue careers in cyber security and technology and said: Todays event highlights some of the exciting and rewarding career opportunities open to young women in cyber security and technology, as well as the industrys commitment to encourage young women to be at the forefront of the next generation of cyber and tech professionals.

"The energy and enthusiasm in the breakout zones was palpable and this event is a reminder of why CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme is so important. It enthuses, encourages and enables young people to develop and explore their passion for technology through cyber security.

"The young women attending todays event will be better informed when it comes to subject choices and the career opportunities available to them.

Rachel Robb and Elli Loughran-Belshaw (Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt)

The day offered early exposure to the possibilities within the tech industry at a pivotal point in students education. It was designed to spark long-term curiosity and interest in cyber security and technology careers.

Two breakout zones stole the spotlight, led by local and global companies delivering workshops, exciting demos, tech career showcases, and hands-on competitions - giving students an unforgettable first step into the world of cyber security and technology.

They also heard from inspiring role models from companies like ASOS, BT, Microsoft, Bazaarvoice and the PSNI, helping bring real-world tech careers to life.

The event was widely praised by students, educators and tech leaders alike, highlighting the importance of creating a more diverse and inclusive future for Northern Irelands tech workforce

Sara Lyons, CyberFirst NI Project Manager, explained the purpose of the event: The second CyberFirst Empower Girls event has been a huge success with over 600 young students from across Northern Ireland engaging with over 50 companies who are shaping the regions future in cyber security. Cyber skills are essential to our future, and we need to develop a diverse talent pipeline where girls see a place for themselves.

Radha Toal and Scarlett Gibson, St Connors College, Kilrea

"This event was an excellent opportunity to showcase whats possible and inspire the next generation of students to choose STEM and pursue a career in this exciting, fast-moving field.

Whether you're an educator, company, or industry professional - there are exciting ways to be part of the CyberFirst movement:

Register your school to gain NCSC recognition and connect with top tech employers.

Join as an Industry Supporter to inspire talent and showcase your companys brand.

Become a CyberFirst Ambassador to mentor and empower future cyber leaders.

Contact cyberfirst@belfastmet.ac.uk for more info and get involved today!

Isobella McDonald and Gracie Carlin, Foyle College
Google and Apple may soon be teaming up on AI. During a court hearing on Wednesday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that the company is close to finalising a deal with Apple to bring its Gemini AI to iPhones. The deal could be finalised by mid-2025, with the rollout expected to be out by the end of this year.

If the deal goes through, Apple users could see Gemini powering certain features of Apple Intelligence, especially helping Siri answer more complex questions. This would work similarly to how Siri can already use OpenAIs ChatGPT for some tasks.

The topic came up during an ongoing antitrust trial. DOJ lawyer Veronica Onyema questioned Pichai about possible plans involving Gemini and Apple. When asked if Google expects to strike a Gemini deal with Apple soon, Pichai responded, Correct. He also shared that he had met with Apple CEO Tim Cook to talk about AI development.

Also read: Google Pixel 9 price drops by Rs 15,000 on Flipkart: Check deal details here

He [Cook] was trying to understand our plans for how were evolving AI technologies, our roadmap, and as part of that, we talked about the Gemini app distribution as well, Pichai said, according to The Verge. He also noted that Cook mentioned Apple would support more third-party AI models on Apple Intelligence later this year.

Also read: Google to host separate Android event ahead of I/O 2025: Timings, how to watch and what to expect

Hints of this partnership have been spotted earlier. In June last year, Apples senior vice president Craig Federighi had said, We want to enable users ultimately to choose the models they want, maybe Google Gemini in the future.

In February, more clues appeared when MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris found references to Google as a model choice in an iOS 18.4 beta version.

Also read: Android 16 release timeline, features and everything else we know so far
Google-owned YouTube plans to invest a whopping Rs 850 crore over the next two years to boost the development of Indian artists, creators, and media companies, said CEO Neal Mohan. Mohan praised Indias growing digital landscape and the international reach of Indian content during his speech at the WAVES summit in Mumbai.

Speaking about the data, Mohan also stated that the content produced in India clocked over 45 billion hours of watch time from global audiences in 2023 alone. He continued stating that YouTube has paid over Rs 21,000 crore to Indian creators, artists and media companies in the last year.

In the coming two years, YouTube will invest over Rs 850 crore to support the growth of Indian creators, artists, and media companies. This isnt merely about numbers  its about creating real impact by opening up countless career and business opportunities for a vibrant and evolving India, said Mohan.

Praising Indias digital landscape and transformation into a creator nation, Mohan also stated that over 100 million channels uploaded content on YouTube in the past year, with more than 15,000 channels surpassing the 1 million subscriber mark  up from 11,000 just months ago.

YouTubes ability to connect a creator anywhere with audiences everywhere has made it a powerful engine of cultural export, and few nations have leveraged this as effectively as India. Today, India isnt just a world leader for film and music  its rapidly becoming what Im excited to call a Creator Nation, said Mohan.

Also read: OnePlus 13s India launch soon: Expected price, features, specifications and more

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, at the WAVES Summit 2025, announced a new institute called the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) to support Indias animation, gaming, and visual effects industry. The government is investing Rs 400 crore, with help from big tech companies like Google and Microsoft. The first centre has opened in Mumbai and more will follow.
Gerry Adams has told a court that a BBC response to his complaint over an allegation that he had sanctioned the murder of an informer was absolutely insulting.

The former MP and Sinn Fein leader is continuing to give evidence in his libel case against the broadcaster at the High Court in Dublin.

Mr Adams told the court on Thursday that the BBC had doubled down on its story after he had challenged it in 2016.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

Mr Adams entered the witness box for a third day where he faced further questioning from his counsel, Declan Doyle SC.

Mr Doyle began by reading several letters from Mr Adams and the BBCs legal teams which had been issued in the months after the Spotlight programme was broadcast and before legal action was launched.

Mr Adams lawyers had written to the BBC seeking an apology and damages.

In the letters, the barrister said that the BBC had denied that the meaning of their programme was that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson.

But the letters from Mr Adams lawyers insisted the sting of the broadcast was the allegation he had given the green light for the murder.

In the Spotlight programme, which was shown in court earlier this week, an interview with an anonymous source known as Martin alleged Mr Adams sanctioned the killing.

The court heard that a letter from Mr Adams solicitors said: We remain extremely concerned; is it the case that the BBC stand over the allegation?

The interview was contrived in such a way that the anonymous source was not challenged in any way.

The BBC responded by stating that it had complied with editorial guidelines in making the Spotlight programme.

Asked if he had been satisfied with the response from the BBC after his lawyers had raised a complaint, Mr Adams told the court patently not.

He said: The BBC doubled down on the allegation.

He said he had attempted to get the matter resolved without it coming to court.

Mr Adams pointed out that an article remained on the BBC website with the headline Gerry Adams sanctioned Denis Donaldson killing'.

The former Sinn Fein president said there had been all manner of tittle-tattle and gossip in the months after the Spotlight programme.

He told the court he had instructed his solicitors to resolve the matter.

Mr Doyle said there were three main points in the BBC legal correspondence to Mr Adams  that the programme did not carry the meaning that he had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson, that it was responsible journalism and that it had complied with BBC editorial guidelines.

Mr Adams said: The headline on the website was very clear.

The barrister asked him what he felt about the BBC response to his complaint.

He said: Absolutely insulting, absolutely arrogant, this is a public broadcaster.

The public pay for all of this.

Mr Adams added: They just dismissed it (the complaint), it was offensive, it was insulting and it is what has all of us here today.

Mr Adams was then asked to read a statement he had released on the day of the murder of Mr Donaldson in 2006 when he condemned the killing.

In the statement, Mr Adams said the security services had ruthlessly used Denis Donaldson to collapse the democratic process and that it was clear those who murdered him are against the peace process.

The judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens then told the jury that some legal issues would be dealt with before the BBC barristers began their cross-examination of Mr Adams.

The arguments relate to the admissibility of evidence.

Mr Adams is expected to be cross-examined on Friday.

The case is expected to last four weeks.

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 Irish parliament for nine years until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.
Former Louth TD Gerry Adams has told a court that a BBC response to his complaint over an allegation that he had sanctioned the murder of an informer was absolutely insulting.

The former TD and Sinn Fein leader is continuing to give evidence in his libel case against the broadcaster at the High Court in Dublin.

Mr Adams told the court on Thursday that the BBC had doubled down on its story after he had challenged it in 2016.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

Mr Adams entered the witness box for a third day where he faced further questioning from his counsel, Declan Doyle SC.

Mr Doyle began by reading several letters from Mr Adams and the BBCs legal teams which had been issued in the months after the Spotlight programme was broadcast and before legal action was launched.

In the letters he said that the BBC had denied that the meaning of their programme was that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson.

But the letters from Mr Adams lawyers insisted the sting of the broadcast was the allegation he had given the green light for the murder.

Asked if he had been satisfied with the response from the BBC after his lawyers had raised complaint, Mr Adams told the court patently not.

He said: The BBC doubled down on the allegation.

Mr Adams pointed out that an article remained on the BBC website with the headline Gerry Adams sanctioned Denis Donaldson killing'.

The former Sinn Fein president said there had been all manner of tittle-tattle and gossip in the months after the Spotlight programme.

He told the court he had instructed his solicitors to resolve the matter.

Mr Doyle said there were three main points in the BBC legal correspondence to Mr Adams  that the programme did not carry the meaning that he had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson, that it was responsible journalism and that it had complied with BBC editorial guidelines.

Mr Adams said: The headline on the website was very clear.

The barrister asked him what he felt about the BBC response to his complaint.

He said: Absolutely insulting, absolutely arrogant, this is a public broadcaster.

The public pay for all of this.

Mr Adams added: They just dismissed it (the complaint), it was offensive, it was insulting.

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Mr Adams was then asked to read a statement he had released on the day of the murder of Mr Donaldson in 2006 when he condemned the killing.

The judge then told the jury that some legal issues would be dealt with before the BBC barristers begin their cross-examination of Mr Adams.

The case is expected to last for four weeks.

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 Louth in the Dail for nine years until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.
Brendan McDonagh has withdrawn his name from consideration to become Irelands housing tsar following criticism.

The announcement came after sharp questioning of a mooted 430,000 euro salary to become chief executive of the Governments new housing activation office.

Earlier, Tanaiste Simon Harris said the housing delivery unit was approved by Cabinet this week, but the Government had made no decision on personnel or their salaries.

FF/FGs latest stunt  a housing czar paid nearly half a million euro to do the job of the Housing Minister! Nobody is buying this farce!  We need real solutions to fix the housing crisis, not more smoke and mirrors.@PearseDoherty pic.twitter.com/iKKMR3SVEP  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) May 1, 2025

The Government had been expected to appoint Mr McDonagh, chief executive of the National Asset Management Agency (Nama), to lead the new unit.

It has been reported in recent weeks that he could be seconded into the role and retain his Nama salary of about 430,000 euros.

This put pressure on the Government over both its housing strategy and perceived use of public funds, particularly from the opposition, who questioned the gold-plated salary.

On Thursday a spokeswoman for Housing Minister James Browne said Mr McDonagh was withdrawing his name but he was honoured to have been approached.

In light of the controversy that has arisen about the role, he has withdrawn himself from consideration. He wishes the new office every success.

Following a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on housing, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Mr Browne released a joint statement.

Housing is the greatest challenge the country faces. The Government is determined to tackle this issue, it said.

The Government has established a new Housing Activation Office to break down silos and drive delivery of housing.

Minister James Browne will now progress setting up the Housing Activation Office and report back to the next Cabinet Committee on Housing following consultation with party leaders on all aspects.

In the wake of Mr McDonaghs withdrawal, Labour housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan accused Mr Browne of utter incompetence from the get go.

He said the position needs to be advertised with a job description and a salary and said that the way in which the new housing unit was being set up was no way to run a country.

The manner in which this nixer was attempted to be rammed through by Fianna Fail beggars belief, he said.

Speaking in the Dail earlier, Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said it was embarrassing that the Government was prepared to pay someone half a million euros to take on the Housing Ministers duties.

Four hundred and thirty thousand euro, thats the off-the-wall salary that your Government is planning to pay the new housing tsar to come in and basically job share with the Housing Minister James Browne, Mr Doherty said during Leaders Questions on Thursday.

He said Mr Browne himself had described the role of the housing tsar as being responsible for rapid responses and unlocking housing delivery with the help of experts.

Tanaiste, does the Housing Minister not realise that thats his job that hes describing? Thats his actual job. Its farcical stuff.

He told the Dail that claims that the mad-cap, gold-plated salary would not cost additional public funds, as Mr McDonagh is being seconded from Nama, appears not to be true.

He said that as Nama is to be wound down this year, Mr McDonagh is to return to the NTMA, from which he was seconded, at a significantly reduced salary.

The Tanaiste said one of the key issues with housing construction was silos between sectors.

The Cabinet sub-committee on housing is due to meet on Thursday and a new housing plan is due by the summer recess, Mr Harris said.

He said the Housing Commission said that a housing delivery oversight executive was essential to address the systemic reset required in the housing sector.

The Commissions report said this body would be legislatively empowered to remove obstacles to housing delivery and would drive co-ordination across legislation, regulation and administrative practices.

Mr Harris also said he was surprised at Sinn Feins opposition to the suggestion because its election manifesto proposed an office that would do exactly what we now want to do.

Mr Doherty interrupted to say no housing tsar, to which Mr Harris said theres no housing tsar for us either, which prompted laughter from the Sinn Fein benches.

We havent made any decisions in relation to personnel or pay. No decisions at all, and let me say this  process matters in relation to all of those issues.

The overriding objective wont be personality. The overriding objective will be getting the job done.

Mr Doherty said who are you trying to fool by claiming there is no housing tsar in our plan.

The idea that youre blindsided in relation to this is just nonsense. You are proposing a housing tsar, you are proposing a salary of 430,000 euro. Thats what was on the table, on the cards here.

Mr Harris replied that the housing minister brought forward a proposal to the cabinet to begin setting up an office to break down silos in relation to housing.

The only decision the Government of Ireland took this week was in relation to that.

Now that the Government of Ireland has done that, we will now decide how best to populate the office, process matters, I want to understand the processes followed in relation to key personnel, and then we will address all of those matters and put this together.

Of course, people who do a job will be paid a salary, but this isnt about personalities.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik called the role a housing tsar with a Russian oligarch price tag and a fixer in chief.

Its interesting to hear you and Fine Gael colleagues distancing yourselves from this and indeed, I think people will be glad to hear that youve just said no decision has been made yet on how to populate this new office, she said.
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.

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.

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.
A Fianna Fail county councillor has critcised the council executive for its response to a motion she brought calling for a suite of measures to safeguard the wellbeing of the animals in the county.

Audrey Buckley, a councillor in the Carrigaline district, had proposed a motion calling for the establishment of a 24-hour animal welfare hotline, regular inspection of animal breeding facilities and public awareness campaigns as a means for the council to demonstrate its commitment to upholding and advancing animal welfare standards, ensuring incidents of animal cruelty and neglect would be reduced.

In a response Cork County Council divisional manager Michael Lynch, said that the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine had the primary responsibility for animal welfare in the country.

Cork County Councils functional responsibilities in this area relate to dog control, including dog licensing, stray dogs, dangerous breeds etc as well as the control of stray horses, Mr Lynch said.

He also said that the department and the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) both operated animal welfare helplines.

Mr Lynch said the councils veterinary inspection staff had transferred to the department since January, and they were responsible for inspection of dog breeding establishments as well as for delivery of awareness campaigns.

Ms Buckley said that while grateful for the clarification, she was disappointed that the council seemed to redirecting her proposal.

Regardless of the division of duties between the Council, DAFM and other agencies, it seems to me that Cork County Council has a duty of care to its constituents in ensuring all animals are treated humanely within its jurisdiction.

She said the situation regarding animal welfare in the county was causing a lot of frustration.
The public are invited to have their say on the development of the docklands as consultation begins on a proposed variation to the current City Development Plan.

The planned variation to the 2022-2028 Cork City Development Plan (CDP) is required to accommodate the Cork Docklands Framework Plans infrastructure delivery, Irelands largest urban regeneration project.

This strategic infrastructure will further enable the construction of 9,000 to 10,000 new homes, as well as public realm and community infrastructure.

The Framework Plan, which will form a new volume of the CDP if adopted, sets out the infrastructure needed to unlock the development capacity of the 147-hectare riverside site, and also contains guidance and design principles for landowners and developers, to ensure the new housing schemes respect the historical and natural features of the location.

Chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie OSullivan, said that the regeneration of the docklands will be transformational for the city.

The framework plan is about implementation and the actual delivery of key enabling infrastructure that will further unlock the docklands opportunity for Cork and for Ireland.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, said it is an exciting time for the city, adding: There have been many plans and conversations over the years regarding the regeneration of Cork Docklands and it is exciting to be at a point where the delivery is becoming reality.

The Cork Docklands Framework Plan aligns overarching policy and strategy into a single plan; while providing a clear vision for the transformation in the built and natural fabric of the docklands.

Cork City Council is inviting the public to have its say on the proposed variation throughout the public consultation period.

There will be two open days across the city during the consultation period where the public can view the draft documents and speak to the project team.

The events will take place on Wednesday, May 7, at the Clayton Hotel, 10 Lapps Quay, and Wednesday, May 14, at Millenium Hall (Cork City Hall), both from 12pm to 8pm. The project team will also be present on Saturday, May 24, at the European Maritime Days to Play on Albert and Kennedy Quays.

The deadline for receipt of all submissions is 5pm, Wednesday, May 28.

Visit: corkcitydevelopmentplan.ie or consult.corkcity.ie.
A young man who was jailed last year for harassing and threatening to kill another teenager breached a court order within a month of his release by sending texts, including one stating: Im out now and Im coming for you, it was alleged on Tuesday.

Detective Garda Pat Connery applied at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to re-enter the sentence, of which one year had been suspended.

Now aged 20, Rory Lally, of Wainsfort, Rochestown, Cork, was remanded in custody until May 20 by Judge Helen Boyle for her colleague, Judge Sinead Behan, to consider the application to activate the suspended portion of the sentence.

Judge Behan had imposed the original sentence of two years, the second year suspended on condition that Lally not contact the victim directly or indirectly.

Det Gda Connery confirmed to prosecution barrister Emmet Boyle that Lally was released from prison on February 24 and that in the two months since he had allegedly breached the order by sending four messages.

The first was allegedly sent to the victim of the harassment at 10.45pm on March 29, stating: I am out now and Im coming for you.

And the most recent was allegedly sent at 6.37pm on Sunday, April 27, after Lally attended the Cork v Tipperary hurling match and drank vodka.

The text, received by the victims father, stated: I am around now. Get [victims name] and sort this s**t out for once and for all.

Rory Lally was in the witness box at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday and told his barrister, Elaine Audley, that a generic tablet, as part of his medication, had caused difficulties and he stopped taking some medication.

However, he said:

I know I shouldnt have done it. I will never ever, ever, ever, ever do it again. I just want to get and do my Leaving Cert. I promise not to be drinking. I know what the concern is, but I just want the chance to prove people wrong.

Last year, he pleaded guilty to harassment of the teenager when she was 17 and he was approximately a year older.

Det Gda Connery said the injured party started communicating with Lally on social media in April 2023, and in June 2023 they met at a concert in Cork.

However, she felt uncomfortable with him and soon afterwards told him by phone to stop calling her. She blocked him on social media.

He ignored this and continued to contact her, causing her such concern that she went to gardai in July 2023 and they told Lally to desist. The messaging continued.

She complained to gardai again in October and they approached him once more and told him to stop contacting her. To get around being blocked by her on social media, he was setting up new accounts and using other numbers.

By November 2023, Rory Lally was telling her he did not care if she contacted gardai and that he would do life in prison. She contacted gardai again in December and he sent voice messages threatening to kill her.

Det Gda Connery went to the young mans home. I told him I was investigating the complaint against him, he said.

While I was in the house, he sent further threatening messages to her.

He said he was obsessed with the injured party. He admitted sending her messages.

He said he would not physically harm her. He had to be brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court on Christmas Eve.

At the sentencing hearing, Ms Audley said the young man comes from a good family and has never previously come to garda attention.

She said that he had difficulties with communication early in his life, but that it was not until secondary school that he became somewhat socially isolated, and this was exacerbated at the ages of 15 and 16 by the covid pandemic.

Ms Audley said Lally had poor insight into how his behaviour would affect others and poor reading of social cues. The barrister said that the defendant accepted that the messages were nasty and inappropriate and that he needed to work through counselling to appreciate the effect of his behaviour on others.

Judge Behan noted, from a victim impact report, the devastating effect this had on the young woman who was harassed, and the fact that she had to have counselling because the experience was so disturbing.
An endangered Rothschilds giraffe has been welcomed to a safari park in Scotland in a bid to boost breeding.

Noinin, a seven-year-old female, arrived at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling today.

Noinin, a 7-year-old female Rothschild's giraffe, is unloaded from her specially designed transporter as she arrives at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling, from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The 16ft giraffe travelled from Fota Wildlife Park in Cork, in a special transporter, with a three-hour ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead, followed by a 337-mile road trip north.

Noinin will be introduced to Sifa, a Rothschilds giraffe who arrived at Blair Drummond in 2023 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme, in a bid to create genetic diversity in the breeding programme.

Noinin, a 7-year-old female Rothschild's giraffe. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The species has seen a dramatic population decline of 30% since the 1980s, with less than 2,000 remaining in the wild, according to zoologists.

Noinin will be integrated into the giraffe herd as part of a carefully managed breeding programme aimed at supporting the survival of the species, and will live in a mixed species habitat.

As part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), Noinin is being introduced to Sifa, a Rothschild's giraffe who arrived at Blair Drummond in 2023. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The pair are hoped to contribute to preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of Rothschilds giraffes.

Kristine Fennessy Alexander, animal collection manager at Blair Drummond, said: Were thrilled to welcome Noinin to the park.

Noinin, a 7-year-old female Rothschild's giraffe, is unloaded from her specially designed transporter as she arrives at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling, from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland.Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Rothschilds giraffes are facing significant challenges in the wild, and breeding programmes like this one are essential in helping secure the future of the species.

Noinin has already begun exploring her new surroundings, and we are excited for her and Sifa to hopefully form a successful breeding pair.
The jury in the trial of Richard Satchwell have viewed further video clips of the accused making media appeals about his wife Tina months after he is alleged to have murdered her and buried her in a shallow grave beneath their Cork home, with the defendant telling TV3 News viewers he never laid a finger on her" when asked whether he had killed her.

Mr Satchwell also told the media outlet that he was "innocent of any wrongdoing", when asked by Paul Byrne of TV3 News in July 2017 whether he was an innocent man.

The UK truck driver also told Mr Byrne on that date: "One day my wife will turn back up or she will get in touch with gardai, one way or another it will all come out and in time will prove I've done nothing wrong".

When Mr Satchwell was asked by Barry Cummins of Prime Time Investigates in January 2018 what his message was to his wife, Mr Satchwell said: "I want you to get in touch... I believe somebody is out there that does know where she is because she didn't get up and leave without some help from somebody".

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.

Mr Satchwell (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.

The trial has heard there are a total of 14 open sourced media clips for the jury to watch.

The first media interview played today was with Paul Byrne from TV3 News from July 14, 2017, where the accused said he had been with his wife for 28 years and had "never lifted a finger to her" during that time.

Mr Satchwell said: "If I was asked to take a lie detector test I'd take one, my house was searched with my knowledge and gardai didn't find anything to suggest anything untoward".

The next interview played was a media appeal from Crimecall on RTE from July 25, 2017, where Mr Satchwell can be seen crying and appealing for Tina to come home.

"Nobody is mad at you, the pets are missing you, just ring the guards, let people know you're alright," he said.

Another media interview played to the jury was again with Paul Byrne of TV3 News from November 20, 2017, where the accused said "never once in 30 years that we have been together have I laid a finger on her, most I've done is loving the bones off her".

When asked if he had killed Tina, Mr Satchwell said he had "never laid a finger" on her.

Mr Satchwell told Barry Cummins of Prime Time Investigates in January 2018 that he did not believe Tina was dead and he "truly believed" she was out there somewhere and could be found.

Another media interview played to the jury was with Paul Byrne of TV3 News on March 7, 2018 at Mitchell's Wood in Castlemartyr, when a garda search was taking place.

Asked how difficult it was to come to the woods that day, Mr Satchwell said he felt sick driving down from Youghal that morning and the "one thing" that was "racing through" his mind was that his wife "could be behind them barriers".

In another radio interview on CRY104FM in Youghal from March 10, 2018, the accused said if his wife walked in the door he would throw his arms around her and "collapse on the floor with relief".

Asked about his feelings should the "worst case scenario" happen and he found out Tina "had passed", Mr Satchwell said: "I'd be no more, I'd be no good to anybody".

The trial continues this afternoon before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of five men and seven women, when media interviews with the accused will continue to be played to the jury.
Cork County Council is inviting musicians from across the region to bring live music to residents in community hospitals and care homes across the county this summer as part of the Healthcare Hoolies concert series.

Now entering its fifth year, the concert series returns with more than 50 concerts scheduled in 30 community hospitals and care home facilities.

Delivered by Cork County Council, and supported by Creative Ireland, the HSE, and Nursing Homes Ireland, this programme aims to bring the joy of live music to older people who may not otherwise have access to cultural experiences.

Performers such as the Cork Pops Orchestra, Down Memory Lane, and The Lounge Bros have previously taken part in the series of concerts.

The feedback on the series has been overwhelmingly positive among residents, their families, friends, and staff, who all have enjoyed the concerts.

The councils arts office is now expanding its panel of musicians and is inviting applications from artists interested in performing in healthcare and other community settings, including schools and libraries.

This initiative is part of a wider effort under the Creative Ireland programme to promote positive ageing and wellbeing through cultural engagement.

The Mayor of the county of Cork Joe Carroll offered his support for the initiative.

Mr Carroll said: We are delighted to bring music to care settings throughout the county.

Music has a powerful impact on wellbeing, and live performances can be especially meaningful for those in care.

These concerts are a highlight of the year for many residents and staff alike.

Cork County Council has delivered concerts in similar settings since 2021, and the local authority said it remains committed to supporting inclusive, enriching experiences for older people in residential care.

Musicians who wish to be considered for this programme should submit their applications by 5pm on Friday, May 16.

Any musicians who are applying are advised to include a cover letter, describing the nature of their performance, links to video or sound files, along with a CV.

Musicians are also advised not to send large MP3 or MP4 files as part of their applications.

To apply or for further information, contact Cork County Councils arts office by emailing creativeireland@corkcoco.ie.
Shoppers, schoolchildren and people relaxing over coffees and ice creams on an afternoon in Cork city were shocked by a violent attack on a man who was stabbed and slashed up to 20 times by a man who acted like the attack was a badge of honour.

Today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, 25-year-old Aaron Bohane of no fixed address and originally from Ballincollig, County Cork was sentenced to four and a half years in prison with the last year suspended by Judge Helen Boyle.

Detective Garda Conor Cronin quoted from witnesses to this afternoon violence that the parties did not seem to care about the many men, women and children in the area at the time on that sunny afternoon.

Judge Helen Boyle said that this was an aggravating factor in the case as were the fact that it was pre-meditated and the cowardly nature of lying in wait for the victim and then attacking him from behind as he walked down the street.

This was a completely outrageous attack on a sunny Friday Autumnal afternoon when citizens and visitors to Cork were relaxing on the street eating ice cream and drinking coffee, she said.

Det Garda Cronin said the injured party was walking along Oliver Plunkett Street shortly after 5pm on September 6. He said that Mr Bohane was in a doorway on the street while a man with him was acting as a lookout.

He gave Aaron Bohane a gesture. Mr Bohane removed a silver-coloured knife from the waistband of his pants and he viciously assaulted the injured party from behind. In the course of 16 seconds he attempted to stab and slash him up to twenty times.

The male with him then struck the injured party over the head with a glass bottle.

The injured party had serious lacerations to his head, arms and back and was taken to Cork University Hospital for surgery, Det Garda Cronin said.

Mr Bohane said the injured party had previously threatened his partner and he acted like the assault was a badge of honour  he showed no remorse, the detective said.

He admitted assault causing harm and producing the bladed weapon.

Niamh Stewart said that Mr Bohane said the injured party threatened the mother of his child. She added that the injured party, Gavin Sheehan, would be known to the guards, adding that she was not taking from from the fact that he suffered injuries.

Mr Bohane has been in custody since September 8 2024. He did not take up High Court bail. He is 25 years of age. He is extremely remorseful. He was homeless at the time and was using drugs. He had mental health issues. This was totally out of character on his previous record.

He was on drugs. He made full admissions to the guards. He has never been before this court before. He tells me he is extremely remorseful and wants that to be conveyed to the injured party, Ms Stewart said.

Judge Boyle said to the accused: You have some purported motive but there is no evidence of that. Even if there was, you should have reported it to An Garda Siochana. I do not accept there was any motive for this attack.

Aaron Bohane pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm to Gavin Sheehan at Oliver Plunkett St, and producing a knife.
Cork city received a much-needed boost in garda numbers yesterday as 25 very special recruits joined the service as gardai for a day during an open day held at Togher Garda Station today in association with the childrens outpatients unit at Cork University Hospital.

Members of Garda units such as the Traffic Corps, Emergency Response Unit, Canine Unit, Public Order Unit came into the station on their day off or before their official shift to give demonstrations to the eager trainees.

Nathan and Ian meet Rex from the Garda Dog Unit. Picture: Larry Cummins.

Events at the station were only a prelude to a full day of adventure for the children, many of whom have challenging health conditions, and who were joined by family members.

Fun

Aaliyah and Sophia Fitzgerald Cambridge, 10-year-old twin sisters from Bishopstown, were having great fun on the Traffic Corps motorbikes, revving the engines and setting the sirens going.

Their mother Sarah said that Aaliyah is attending hospital, and staff made sure Sophia got a chance to come along too.

Trainees larning about crowd control and the work of the Public Order unit. Picture: Larry Cummins.

At the Public Order Unit stand, Lindsay McCaul from Cobh was proud that her son Cayden Dempsey wasnt so keen on taking up the invitation of the red man, a garda clad from head to toe in bright scarlet body armour, to attack with water balloons and a baton.

Hero

Hes a Little Blue Hero as well, she said. Hes really into the gardai.

After going around to the different units, there was an assembly in front of the Garda station for all the new recruits and they then marched down, led by two pipers and a drummer, to the marquee where they received their ID badges and their certificates.

Group photo of Gardai and young trainees before the graduation ceremony. Picture: Larry Cummins.

As Superintendent Finbarr OSullivan of Togher Garda Station presented the certificates, in the presence of Chief Superintendent Tom Myers and Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for the Southern Region Eileen Foster, he paid tribute to the efforts of the new recruits and thanked all those, including the CUH team led by Gillian Kelleher, business manager for CUH Outpatients, and all the gardai who gave up their time to take part.

Hope

Speaking to The Echo, Supt OSullivan said gardai have a lot of interaction with CUH, and the idea of the days events was to give children, as gardai for a day, an immersive opportunity to try out different aspects of policing.

The secondary theme is then to look at garda for life and our concept there is to give hope to the children, said Supt OSullivan.

A lot of them have challenges, theyre young children wondering what is their future, and they see the requirements to join the Gardai, Defence Forces, or emergency services, and we want to say theres hope because weve had gardai who have been injured on duty, and theyre still working, and gardai who joined with challenges. This is about a fun day for today and hope for the future.

After the graduation, Chief Supt Myers described the event as a cause for smiles all around.

We spend a lot of time and energy in community policing, and our community gardai are very involved in all the hospitals  days like today make it all worthwhile, said Chief Supt Myers.

Brothers Logan and Nathan Daly doing some police work. Picture: Larry Cummins.

Im delighted to see weve got 25 new gardai here in Cork city  weve been banging that drum for some time  and, who knows, some of them may well join us, and wed be delighted to have them.

Following the graduation ceremony, the children headed off in a garda motorcade to Cork Harbour for a boat trip, a visit to the Naval Base on Haulbowline, and later on to Cork City Fire Brigade, finishing up with a visit to the courthouse on Anglesea St.
Back in 2009, when the GAA was celebrating its 125th anniversary, the then Association president Christy Cooney of Youghal asked me to serve a three-year term on the National Communications and Awards Committee, based in Croke Park.

Though involved in the GAA since the early 1970s, this was my first ever venture into the running of the GAA outside of my native Cork.

Well, I accepted the invitation and, in truth, I found the experience simply outstanding. In fairness, there was a lot of travelling with meetings in Dublin and Thurles as we made plans for the 125 celebrations.

The particular project I was mainly involved in was to ensure the original seven founders of the GAA in 1884 were properly remembered.

We know for a fact Cusack, Davin, Wyse Power, McCarthy, Bracken, McKay, and Ryan attended the first meeting in Hayes Hotel, Thurles, on November 1, 1884. Evidence points to the fact others were also present and subsequent research by Donal McAnallen and others would indicate that maybe 12 or more attended.

Be that as it may, back in 2009 our task was to ensure the final resting places of the seven, regarded as the founders, were adequately marked and commemorated by suitable marker stones - headstones.

Well, we completed the project, which included the erection of stones on two previously unmarked graves, and the cleaning, re-lettering and refurbishment of the others. For me personally, it was a labour of love because remembering those gone before us is so important.

In the Bible Book of Deuteronomy, it is written: Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen. Yes indeed, those gone before us and their deeds, whether large or small, deserve - indeed, demand - to be preserved in the memory.

It is the poet Rudyard Kipling who is credited with the original use of the phrase lest we forget - which comes from the Bible reference. When our 2009 GAA project was completed, I produced a little booklet outlining our work of remembrance. I called it Lest We Forget - I felt it was important to record for the future the story of our Committees work.

More research remains to be done and is being done - all of which will add to the store of information being built up. The human mind and memory are brilliant, but writing down what we find out is so important. Our past shapes our future and, without those gone before us, we are nothing.

Sometimes, people laugh at me for talking about fourth or third cousins, once - or even twice-removed! An interest in all aspects of history keeps me rooted here in my own place and creates a sense of value from roots which run deep.

Just last week, I knelt by a headstone in a little East Cork country graveyard and wept. This was no new headstone, but it bore a new inscription remembering a historic and tragic event of 191 years ago.

I live in the townland of Garryantaggart and Ballinakilla is on our bounds ditch. The Ryan family live there today, as did their ancestors back in the 1820s and 1830s.

In that townland in December, 1834, the Battle of Gortroe was fought, a bloody and murderous affray in the so-called Tithe War.

Basically, the unjust system of collecting tithes or dues for the upkeep of an alien clergy was resisted boldly all over Ireland. On December 18, 1834, a force of around 120 calvary and foot soldiers gathered at the Widow Ryans farmyard, demanding a payment which she refused.

Several hundred locals and supporters from neighbouring parishes gathered to offer passive resistance. Around noon on that December day, the order was given to the soldiers to Fire. In total, 67 shots were fired with awful consequences. Nine men were shot dead on the spot and three more died of their wounds.

Amazingly, though the fight happened less than a mile away from the local Gortroe cemetery, none of the 12 victims were interred there. They were all buried with their own people in family burial plots in different cemeteries. These included Ballinaltg, Templebodee, Ardnageehy, Templenacarrigga, and Templecurraheen.

It wasnt until 150 years later, in 1984, that a suitable monument was erected to recall the sacrifice of the 12.

Local lore and tradition identified where the victims had been buried - the cemeteries only in most cases, but unfortunately not the actual graves. In December, 1984, wreaths were taken by relatives and others to the cemeteries to remember the fallen 12. Back then, the phrase Lest We Forget was on everyones lips.

Remarkably, after four more decades, two of the victims, brothers John and Michael Collins are now recalled and remembered.

At the time of the Tithe War, the Collins family - their mother was a widow - were living at Hightown, Bartlemy. Like so many other small, tenant farmers of the era, the family moved around to different parts of East Cork. Their ancestral burying place was in Templecurraheen graveyard in the parish of Carrigtwohill. On high ground looking down over Cork harbour, this ancient burial ground is still in use.

Completely overgrown with briars, nettles and scrub, most parts of the graveyard were virtually inaccessible. Local man Michael Finn took on the task of restoring the site.

We all know of the original Reformation, but truly the Reformation of Templecurraheen has been remarkable. Over the last few years, Michael has literally transformed the place. Now completely accessible and weed-free, all the headstones have been read and the inscriptions recorded.

All the work has been done without interfering with the graves or the stones - even the footstones and rough-hewn markers have not been moved. A numbering and lettering index has been compiled which will be of immense benefit to historians and researchers in the future.

A magnificent job of work has been done by Michael and his family and a few helpers.

The partially sunken Collins family headstone was found. Now raised and cleaned, the names of John and Michael Collins have been added -written in stone forever more. In the near future, it is planned to erect an information board outlining the full story of these brave brothers and the others who fell by their side neath a hail of lead.

Back in 1834, Fr Matt Horgan, then PP of Blarney, visited the scene of the Gortroe Massacre. A historian, writer and poet, he was deeply affected by what he saw in and around the haggard of the Widow Ryan. He wrote two long poems in Irish, Widow Ryans Lament and the 22-verse Widow Collins Lament - the opening lines of which are;

I neer till now knew widowed woe

When both my boys at one fell blow

On one red sod, in one dread hour,

Fell slaughtered neath the bullet shower.

Recently during reclamation work on a farm at Hollyhill, Bartlemy, an old rusted bayonet was found. We got it examined and dated by two experts in the field of old and ancient weaponry.

A British army musket which dates back to the 1830s, found recently on a farm at Hollyhill, Bartlemy

Both agreed it was a bayonet from a British Army Brown Bess musket - in use until the late 1830s. It was found yards from the road travelled by the soldiers on their way to and from the farmyard of the Widow Ryan in December, 1834 - the day the Collins brothers died.

Could it have been a bloodied weapon discarded by one of the 29th Regiment that day as they marched back into Fermoy Barracks?

The events of December, 1834, seem a long time ago but, in 2025, we have reminders all around us - lest we forget.
Ellen O'Donoghue

A total of 39 people, including five children, four females and 30 men, were deported from Ireland overnight.

The Justice Minister confirmed they had been sent back to Georgia after receiving, but failing to comply with, deportation orders.

It was the second deportation flight to leave the country this year.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said that the group landed safely in Georgia this morning.

In February, 32 people were deported on a flight to Georgia, which is one of the top countries where people seek asylum in Ireland.

An Garda Siochana confirmed that the children who were removed were all part of family groups.

The individuals were removed on a chartered flight from Dublin Airport, the garda statement also said.

Speaking on the operation, Mr O'Callaghan said that stepping up enforcement and securing Ireland's borders is "a central commitment" of his.

"Swift and fair returns of people whose applications have been refused is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.

If people wish to move to Ireland, they must do so using the appropriate legal pathways. Removal operations send a clear message that our laws are to be respected and underscores this governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system."

He added that there will be further charter operations to ensure a faster and more efficient removal system.

Before a deportation order is made, the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily, this is the preferred option. In addition to enforced removals, my Department is achieving significant increases in the number of people leaving voluntarily, and I am asking those who are given this opportunity to avail of it.

However, Mr O'Callaghan said it is important to note that many members of the Georgian community are in the State legally.

"They contribute to the economy and the cultural and social fabric of our society. They are welcome here, and we thank them for their contribution.

In line with previous operations, the Department of Justice added, the returnees were accompanied on the flight by Garda personnel, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

There are hundreds of thousands of inaccurate entries on the electoral register, the commission tasked with overseeing elections has estimated.

An Coimisiun Toghchain, or the Electoral Commission, said it is deeply concerned about legacy accuracy issues in electoral registers maintained by local authorities across the country.

The commission said it is simply not possible at present to determine exactly how many names are on these registers when they should not be, but its chief executive said it is safe to say that the lists contain hundreds of thousands of inaccurate entries made up of duplicates, dead people and people who have emigrated.

It means that it is also not possible to give accurate estimates on the completeness of electoral registers, which is the percentage of a given population that has actually registered to vote in any local authority.

The first report on Irelands Electoral Registers is published today by @ElecCommIRL



This report assesses the current status of the accuracy and completeness of the registers and how they are managed by Irelands 31 local authorities.https://t.co/zkLCAlOcGs pic.twitter.com/WgAs5P61NG  An Coimisiun Toghchain, The Electoral Commission (@ElecCommIRL) May 1, 2025

This issue goes back decades, with people registered more than once in one or more local authority areas, people who have emigrated and people who have died remaining on the registers.

But Art OLeary, the chief executive of the commission, said there was no evidence to suggest that election integrity had been challenged by the discrepancies.

There were 11 local authorities with registration rates that were more than 100 per cent of the eligible population based on 2024 Central Statistics Office data, indicating widespread inaccuracies.

The worst local authorities by this metric included Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Longford and Monaghan.

Reporters were told that the process of removing a suspected redundant or duplicate name from the register could be lengthy, but that workers in local authorities used a variety of indicators to identify such issues.

This included viewing posts on RIP.ie and listening to local radio death notice services.

The commissions lengthy report comes after the busiest year in the history of the State for elections experienced in 2024, and examines an issue which the body said was much more complex than first anticipated.

At a briefing on Thursday, reporters were also told there were discrepancies across local authorities regarding dedicated funding and resourcing towards maintaining accurate registers.

The commission found that a move away from a system which allowed for third-party registrations to individual responsibilities following the Electoral Reform Act had resulted in legacy issues around duplication of entries.

There are 31 individual registers for voters across the country and only four  the ones associated with Dublin  allow for cross-reference.

Tim Carey and Art OLeary from the Electoral Commission

The Department of Housing is running a scheme  the Local Government Electoral Registration System (LGERS) project  to develop a centralised register for the purpose of analysis.

The project is expected to be significantly advanced by next year.

But the commissions head of electoral operations said LGERS is not going to solve accuracy issues alone and added: There is another body of work required.

Tim Carey, head of electoral operations at the commission, said that the organisation did not know the full extent of the inaccuracies in the register.

Mr Carey said that this was because there was a risk of individual data gaps or discrepancies between the registers maintained by separate local authorities being migrated into the central database.

He said this dark matter on the electoral registers also meant that it was impossible to give estimates of turnout in elections in some local authorities.

The Electoral Commission said there was no magic wand to fix the issues with registers. Photo: Cillian Sherlock/PA

He added that there would continue to be accuracy issues in registers until resourcing of franchise teams in local authorities was addressed.

Mr Carey said there was no plan in some local authorities to manage these issues.

He said there was no magic wand nor fairy dust to fix the issues with registers, adding that it required funding for professional, dedicated staffing.

While there would be a presidential election towards the end of this year, the commission said it was hopeful that the electoral register would be much more accurate by the next expected wave of electoral events in 2029.

Mr OLeary said the future is bright for creating a more accurate register for later elections.

The reports key recommendations set out the need for accuracy audits of each register, a national awareness campaign focused on accurate voter registration, the setting of standards for accuracy, the increase of resources for local authority electoral register functions and increased prioritisation of the registers and multi-annual plans in local authorities.
Rosie Buckley wasnt always a candle-maker, but creativity is in her bones.

I was always a crafter. I always baked, I always cooked, I always made things, says the owner of Holy Grail Candles.

Born in Mayfield, Rosies career as a hairdresser and make-up artist took her to San Francisco, where she owned her own salon.

After almost 20 years in the U.S, she and her family moved to East Cork in 2020.

We were ready, with the political crap going on over there, she says. Trump was in office. I dont want to get into politics, but I just felt there was a big divide happening in America.

Moving back to Ireland felt like returning to her roots.

I was lucky that I was able to go and live in America for 20 years, and then come back and make our lives comfortable here, says Rosie. Im not saying its easy, but I like where Im living now. Its just so beautiful. Things fell into place for me.

Rosie retrained as an SNA, and went back to work in the primary school she went to as a child.

Although she loves her work, she was missing a creative outlet.

I felt I was lacking that when I came back. So I decided, if I was going to be an SNA, then I need more of a creative side as well. So thats when I threw myself into candle-making, she says.

Although shes found her calling, she admits that her early efforts at candle-making needed some work.

I made my first candle and was only delighted with myself - until I realised it smelt like Jif, she laughs.

But she stuck with it and continued refining her process.

It was really about exploring and perfecting things, says Rosie. Im not a perfectionist, but I am a perfectionist with my candles.

These days, the scents of her candles are inspired by meaningful moments and memories.

One is called The Snug, and is inspired by Rosies grandmother. I used to meet her in Henchys, because she worked there for years, and we used to meet in the snug. She smoked Players, she drank whiskey, and her scent was like a whiskey rose tobacco, says Rosie. Even without smelling it, I was able to mix up that scent from my fragrance oils. And when you smell that candle, its her scent.

Making candles brings Rosie joy.

Creativity is like joy and happiness, and just making something that you love and that you want to give away, she says. Its just being able to see things and being clear about things and just being happy with things.

The methodical nature of candle-making has a calming effect on Rosie.

Id be into meditation and just trying to be present, she says. Its a process. You clean out the jars. You centre the wicks. You have to heat the wax to a certain temperature. You have to measure the oil properly. You have to mix it for a certain length of time, and you have to pour.

Her latest candle collection, Keep It Lit, is a collaboration with Orla ORourke of Stable Door Pottery in East Cork. The collection was inspired by the death of Rosies beloved dog, who had travelled back from the States with her. I dont think I grieved as bad with my own father, as the grief I have for my animal. That sounds strange, but thats what kind of brought it to the forefront, she says.

Rosie says she tries to source materials as locally as she can.

The candles in the collection feature a robin as a symbol of remembrance, comfort, and connection.

I do think that with Irish people, even though people pass on, we dont forget them, you know what I mean? We want to remember them. We want to keep them alive. And we believe theyre still around, hence the fact that the robin at the door, we believe thats somebody that has passed.

The intention behind this collection is to give people comfort when they think of loved ones who are no longer with them.

You light the candle and you think about that person, and youre kind of meditating over that person. And it brings comfort knowing that the person is still there. Theyre looking after you, she says.

Sustainability is at the core of Rosies business.

My wicks come from Northern Ireland, my wax comes from Wicklow, my labels come from Cork city, and a lot of them are women-wned businesses, she says.

And my boxes come from a guy up in Mayfield. So Im always sourcing as local as I can, and then I make refills as well.

Rosie likes to give back to charities that do important work in Cork, and has run fundraisers for Pieta House, Cuanlee Refuge and Marymount Hospice. They are charities that are very dear to me, she says.

Rosie is thankful for the life she has built. Im grateful, she says. We have a good life today.

See www.holygrailsoycandles.com or @holygrail.candles on Instagram.
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.

Many drivers may understand feeling sad or frustrated over bugs splattered across the front of the car from regular use. In just a short trip to work and back or to run errands, your car could have countless tiny splatters across the windshield, hood and front bumper. But based on a new report in the UK, a decline in bug splatter on vehicles could be a troubling sign of rapidly declining insect populations.

The report is not the first to consider the so-called windshield phenomenon or windshield anecdote, a term coined by Canadian entomologist John Acorn in 2016. Acorn noted the experience of people driving along their regular routes, yet noticing fewer bug splatters than usual.

The latest 2024 Bugs Matter report, which tapped citizen science survey data from nature conservation charity Buglife, confirmed that this phenomenon had numbers to back it. According to the report, the number of bug splatters on vehicle license plates in the UK has declined 63% since 2021.

The 2024 Bugs Matter citizen science survey results are in, and they paint a concerning picture. Join the fight starting tomorrow, May 1 and download the free mobile app and contribute to our understanding of insect populations.  Full story here: kwtg.uk/3SbUquT #BugsMatter #CitizenScience



[image or embed]  Kent Wildlife Trust (@kentwildlife.bsky.social) April 30, 2025 at 5:59 AM

This huge decrease in insect splats over such a short time is really alarming, Lawrence Ball of the Kent Wildlife Trust said in a statement. Its most likely that we are seeing the compounding effects of both a background rate of decline as well as a short term cycle of decline, perhaps linked to the extreme climate in the UK in recent years.

According to Ball, bug splatters declined 28% in 2022, 44% in 2023, and 8% in 2024. The highest decline from 2021 to 2024 occurred in Scotland, with a 65% drop, followed by Wales with 64% and England with 62%.

While the overall drop since 2021 is concerning, Ball explained that the trend could plateau in the future or reverse, should insect conservation efforts improve and succeed. The decline in bug splatters on vehicles should be a wakeup call to better protect insect populations, the report authors warned.

The latest Bugs Matter data suggests that the abundance of flying insects in our countryside has fallen again, Andrew Whitehouse, head of operations at Buglife, said in a statement. The consequences are potentially far-reaching, not only impacting the health of the natural world, but affecting so many of the essential services that nature provides for us. Human activities continue to have a huge impact on nature, habitat loss and damage, pesticide use, pollution, and climate change all contribute to the decline in insects. Society must heed the warning signs of ecological collapse, and take urgent action to restore nature.

Citizen scientists in the UK are being asked to participate in research for 2025. Participants can fill out their splatometers from May 1 to September 30 via a mobile app.

This is far from the first study to warn of declining insect populations. A study from 2020 showed that insect populations on land were declining by about 9% every decade. Separate research in 2021 showed that light pollution in particular had a profound impact on insects, leading to a 50% decline in moth caterpillar populations in areas of the UK. Again in 2021, scientists compiled several studies proving global decline of insect populations, a phenomenon that has been called the insect apocalypse.
Tariff turmoil prompts cloudy forecasts from U.S. companies for year ahead: report

Xinhua) 13:13, May 01, 2025

NEW YORK, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Uncertainty continues to hang over the latest round of financial results and forecasts for U.S. companies both big and small as they try to navigate a global trade system severely shaken by a shift in U.S. policy, reported The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Tariffs and the stark shift in policy have also shaken consumer and business confidence. The U.S. economy shrank during the first quarter of the year, its first drop in three years. Consumer spending has ramped up, likely an effort to get ahead of tariffs, and companies are pulling back on hiring.

"Stunted consumer spending and weaker employment could further hurt the U.S. economy," noted the report.

Roughly half of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported their latest quarterly financial results, but the focus has been on how they will adjust to tariffs and any change in consumers' behavior. The focus remains blurry for both companies and investors because of the on-again-off-again nature of President Donald Trump's policy, according to the report.

Trump has implemented a range of tariffs on goods from some of the biggest U.S. trading partners and many of those countries have hit back with retaliatory tariffs. At the same time, Trump has pulled back or postponed some tariffs.

"The situation remains unpredictable and that is problematic for companies trying to plan ahead and investors looking for stability," the report added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
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.

An American flag flies amid burned structures at the Altadena Town & Country Club during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California on Jan. 8, 2025. Mario Tama / Getty Images

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to cancel 781 environmental justice grants that were issued under former President Joe Biden, according to a court filing last week that went relatively unnoticed, reported The Washington Post.

The grants had already been awarded to recipients and were twice the number previously believed.

EPA is in the process of sending out the formal termination/cancellation notices to all of the impacted grantees, Daniel Coogan, deputy assistant administrator for infrastructure and extramural resources at the EPA, wrote in the filing. EPA has already sent out formal notices to approximately 377 grantees. For the remaining approximately 404 grantees, EPA plans to issue notices within the next two weeks.

The filing was the first public acknowledgment of just how many grants the EPA had decided to terminate, which included all environmental justice grants.

The agency is currently engaged in court battles over whether or not it violated the law when clawing back the grant funds.

In deciding which of the grants should be continued, Coogan said the EPA conducted an individualized, grant-by-grant review, The Hill reported.

Such a review is required by the EPA before any grants can be canceled, reported The Washington Post.

However, several experts and lawyers expressed concerns that the agency had misled the court and had not actually conducted such a review.

I can tell you from working with many, many of those grantees that the review has never happened, said Jillian Blanchard, vice president of climate change and environmental justice at nonprofit Lawyers for Good Government, which has provided legal assistance free of charge to several grant recipients, as The Washington Post reported.

Theyre claiming to the court that each one of those was done on an individualized basis, even though they havent shown any evidence, and almost none of the grantees has received a termination notice, Blanchard explained.

In response to a request for comment, EPA spokesperson Molly Vaselious said in an email: In keeping with a long-standing practice, EPA does not comment on any current or pending litigation.

The EPAs Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights issued most of the grants. The Trump administration has plans to shut down the office, and officials have informed over 450 employees who were working on diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental justice that they would be reassigned or fired.

The grants would have provided funding for projects to help communities cope with worsening impacts of the climate crisis. Examples of plans to put the money to use in recipients communities are coastal flood protection in Alaska Native villages and sealing homes against wildfire smoke in Washington state.

Local officials said losing the grants will interfere with their ability to keep constituents healthy.

In Hampden County, Massachusetts, the air quality is frequently unhealthy, and over 49,000 adults and children living there suffer from asthma. A three-year EPA grant of nearly $1 million was intended to provide support for environmental public health projects to reduce the risk of asthma.

By canceling these grants for Hampden County, the Trump Administration is undermining our efforts to improve the health of the people of Western Massachusetts, Democratic Governor Maura Healey said last week in a statement, as reported by The Washington Post. This is just their latest attack on the health and well-being of communities across our country.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that Apple violated her own ruling back in 2021 on the lawsuit Epic Games filed against Apple a year before. Now, it's ordering (PDF) Apple to stop collecting commissions on purchases that weren't paid through the App Store effective immediately. In 2021, Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple did not hold an App Store monopoly. However, she also said that the company must allow developers to direct users to other payment systems that would let them bypass the 30 percent commission fee it collects from App Store purchases.

In a legal filing by Epic Games last year, it accused Apple of non-compliance, since it still took a 27 percent cut for purchases made outside the App Store and even showed users pop-up screens warning them that paying outside its own store may not be secure. For members of the iOS Small Business Program, it took a smaller 12 percent commission. But the judge explained in her new ruling that Apple wasn't supposed to collect any fee at all. "Apple sought to maintain a revenue stream worth billions in direct defiance of this courts injunction," she said.

In addition to prohibiting Apple from collecting fees for external purchases, she also barred the company from showing users "scare screens" discouraging them from using third-party payment systems. She prohibited Apple from creating rules that would prevent developers from presenting customers with buttons and links for external payments, as well. Apple said it will pursue an appeal, but that it will comply with the court's orders. "We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court's order and we will appeal," an Apple spokesperson told The New York Times.

In her ruling, Rogers said that the documents Apple submitted last year showed that App Store lead Phil Schiller advocated for the company to stop collecting fees on web links during a 2023 meeting. But Apple's former Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri convinced Tim Cook otherwise. Cook also asked his people to revise the scare screen for web links "to reference the fact that Apples privacy and security standards do not apply to purchases made on the web. Apple knew exactly what it was doing and "at every turn chose the most anticompetitive option," Gonzalez Rogers wrote. Further the company's Vice-President of Finance, Alex Roman, allegedly lied under oath to hide the truth. Thus, the judge has asked the US attorney for the Northern District of California to investigate Apple and Roman for criminal contempt.

In a tweet, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced that it will bring back Fortnite for iOS in the US next week. He also promised to return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide  and to drop any lawsuit covering the issue  if Apple applies a commission-free tax-free payment framework everywhere.
At least two people have come forward and said they were told to take the threats seriously.

Apple has been warning possible victims of spyware attacks, according to several alleged recipients of the messages. At the time of writing there appears to be at least two people who have confirmed theyve been notified by Apple, and that the warning itself says that users in 100 countries have received similar alerts. The company does not offer any specifics as to how many people may have been targeted, or where the attacks are coming from

As reported by TechCrunch , one recipient of the warning message is the Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino, who works for an online news outlet called Fanpage in his native country. The other (as far as we know right now) is Dutch right-wing commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek, who posted screenshots and a video of the alleged warning message on X.

According to Vlaardingerbroek, Apple informed her that it had detected a targeted mercenary spyware attack against her iPhone. The message she says she received said: This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are and what you do. Although its never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning  please take it seriously.

Posting the iMessage with the threat notification I got from @Apple here (4 out of 5 screenshots) pic.twitter.com/sbYWkfMr0A  Eva Vlaardingerbroek (@EvaVlaar) April 30, 2025

The warning does not say where the alleged spyware attack originated, but Vlaardingerbroek claims that Apple used the Israeli cyber-arms company NSO Groups Pegasus software as an example. She goes on to say that the attack, if genuine, is likely an attempt to intimidate and silence her.

Apples official guidelines about threat notifications match the screenshots on Vlaardingerbroeks video, where it also explains that mercenary spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent. The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks. The same guidelines state that targeted users will be notified with an alert at the top of the page when signing into their Apple account, as well as by email and iMessage using the email addresses and phone numbers associated with that account.

Last year, Apple device users in as many as 92 countries were sent spyware attack warnings of a similar nature, and since 2021, individuals in over 150 countries have been contacted. But Apple hasnt given more details on how many people are targeted in such attacks, only the number of countries where it contacted affected users.

If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
Microsoft is dramatically increasing the price of the Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as new games and accessories. As of today, the Series S will start at $380, up from $300, while the Series X will begin at $550, a $100 increase from its previous price. As for the 1TB Series S, it now costs $430, up from $350. Meanwhile, if you want the Series X with disc drive, it will now set you back $600. Lastly, the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition now costs an eye-watering $730.

Additionally, Microsoft says beginning this holiday season "some" new first-party games will release at $80. As a small consolation, if you purchase one of those games through the Xbox Store, it will support Microsoft's Play Anywhere feature, allowing you to play it on PC at no additional cost.

At the same time, the company is increasing the price of nearly all of its first-party and peripherals. Most notably, a core controller will now set you back $65. Microsoft is also increasing pricing in Europe, UK, Australia and many other countries.

"We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development," the company said. "Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players."

Historically, the price of consoles has gone down, not up, mid-generation. In 2002, for instance, Sony cut the price of the PlayStation 2 from $299 to $199. Alongside the system's extensive game library, Sony's aggressive pricing strategy was widely credited for the PS2's runaway success. Similarly, Sony revived the PlayStation 3's fortunes in 2009 with the console's 'Slim' redesign and price cut to $299. The fact Microsoft is now increasing the price of the Xbox Series X/S nearly five years after release is likely to kill whatever little momentum the two consoles had.
Key Takeaways

Environmental Health Perspectives has stopped accepting new studies

Funding concerns have put the journals future at risk

Other top journals may also face cuts under the proposed federal budget

THURSDAY, May 1, 2025 (HealthDay News)  A well-known U.S. science journal focused on environmental health has stopped accepting new studies, raising alarms among researchers who rely on it heavily.

Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), a journal funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced that it would pause new submissions due to concerns over federal funding cuts, The New York Times reported.

The journal, which has been around for more than 50 years, publishes research on how environmental toxins like air pollution and "forever chemicals" affect human health.

It has always been free to read, and the federal funding has enabled authors to publish without charge.

Joel Kaufman, the top editor at EHP, said the pause owed to a "lack of confidence" that contracts needed to keep the journal running  including for copy-editing and editorial software  would be renewed. He didn't comment on the journal's future.

"If the journal is indeed lost, it is a huge loss," Jonathan Levy, chair of environmental health at Boston University, told The Times. "Its reducing the ability for people to have good information that can be used to make good decisions."

EHP is among several journals facing threats under the proposed budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The draft budget suggests cutting support for two other free journals from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Emerging Infectious Diseases and Preventing Chronic Disease.

These journals are key sources of health research. Emerging Infectious Diseases has helped scientists stay on top of global threats like mpox and Marburg virus.

The news is very disheartening, virologist Jason Kindrachuk of the University of Manitoba, told The Times.

The pause dovetails with broader tensions between the federal government and the scientific publishing space.

In recent months, some journals have received letters from federal officials questioning their ethics.

Still, researchers say cutting support for journals like EHP goes against the Trump administration's stated goal of studying chronic disease.

It was among the first "open access" journals, allowing anyone to read its articles for free.

And unlike many journals that charge high publication fees, EHP's government funding made it possible for researchers at small universities to share their work, The Times reported.

There are multiple layers of irony here, Levy said.

More information

The Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England has more about the role of journals.

SOURCE: The New York Times, April 29, 2025

What This Means For You

Federal budget cuts could limit access to trusted, science-based research.
By Ana Kasparian, RealClearInvestigations

May 1, 2025

Smiley Martin should have been behind bars.

A career criminal with a long rap sheet involving firearms, he was given a 10-year sentence in 2018 for punching, dragging and severely beating his girlfriend with a belt. In prison, Martin was found guilty of beating another inmate and engaging in other criminal activity. Nevertheless, he was freed just four years later, thanks to a plea deal that categorized him as a nonviolent offender and a California ballot measure that sharply reduced sentences for good behavior.

Just two months after his release, Martin and several accomplices, including his brother, were arrested for carrying out the worst mass shooting in Sacramentos history  leaving six dead and 12 others injured on April 3, 2022. Martin was charged with three counts of murder and illegal possession of a firearm, including a machine gun. He will not stand trial on those charges, since the 29-year-old died in jail of a drug overdose last September.

Martins life and death have brought attention to the criminal justice reform that helped put him back on the streets: Proposition 57. The ballot measure was sold to the public in 2016 as a way to relieve the states chronically overcrowded prisons by rewarding nonviolent offenders for good behavior by shortening their sentences. It was supposed to be a humanitarian answer to what social justice activists described as an epidemic of mass incarceration. It has instead put tens of thousands of violent offenders such as Martin back on the streets.

Many of them have been rearrested. The latest Recidivism Report from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shows that nearly two thirds (64.2%) of the 34,215 inmates granted early release between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 had been rearrested as of April 2, 2025.

Breaking down the recidivism rate for prisoners within three years of their release, it reported that 22.1% of the release cohort (7,567 individuals) were convicted of a felony offense, and 17.0% (5,828 individuals) were convicted of a misdemeanor offense. The Department of Corrections also reports almost half the inmates granted early release had not earned any credits for good behavior.

Prop 57 critics are not surprised. In the run-up to the 2016 ballot measure  which was approved with the support of 65% of voters  the measures opponents warned that violent criminals like Martin would likely benefit from the initiative.

But they were denounced as scaremongers. When Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert warned that Prop 57 would free perpetrators of domestic violence, then-Gov. Jerry Brown, who was the top proponent for the ballot measure, shot back; Thats a complete red herring, and its very disingenuous of these highly politicized prosecutors to make that claim. Brown assured voters that each inmates crime and behavior in prison would be considered before release was granted.

While supporters of Prop 57 described it as a humane response to a court order, critics say its proponents misrepresented the bill to secure its passage. At a time when President Trump is putting progressive criminal justice organizations in his crosshairs, the troubled history of Prop 57 highlights the challenges of rehabilitating inmates while also reducing prison overcrowding without building more prisons.

Gov. Jerry Brown's Role

The single most aggressive advocate for Prop 57 was former Democratic Gov. Brown, who had to contend with the consequences of a sentencing reform he had signed in 1976 during his first stretch as governor, when tough-on-crime measures were enacted. Now decades later, with Brown governor again, Californias prisons were housing nearly double the capacity of inmates they were built for. Facilities were so severely overcrowded that the U.S. Supreme Court found their conditions violated inmates' Eighth Amendment Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. In May 2011, months following Browns inauguration, the court ruled in a split decision that the state must remedy the issue.

In writing for the five-member majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy argued that the states prison system was stretched so thin that it failed to provide basic medical care, which, as he wrote, was "incompatible with the concept of human dignity and has no place in a civilized society. Citing how one prisoner was dying every week due to deficient medical care, Kennedy declared that the courts "must not shrink from their constitutional obligation to enforce the rights of all persons, including prisoners.

At the prison populations peak in 2006, more than 165,000 inmates were locked up in a system meant to handle 85,000. But budgetary pressures meant that the state legislature wasnt willing to allocate the funding necessary to build more space to house inmates. So, the court ordered them to reduce the prison population by 30,000 inmates in order to limit overcrowding to 137% capacity. While there is no specific constitutional level for overcrowding, the majority opted to give California a little more wiggle room than the 130% capacity recommended by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Brown, eager to get federal oversight off his back, joined the state legislature and sprung into action with the passage of AB109, which transferred inmates from crowded state detention facilities into county jails. But some county jails were riddled with the same problems and lacked the capacity to house an influx of inmates. With resources stretched thin, counties began releasing criminals years before they served their sentences.

By 2014, a Los Angeles Times investigation found more than 13,500 inmates were being released early from county jails each month across the state. Although the public was assured that only those who posed little danger were let go, data shows that some counties completely halted incarceration of those convicted of crimes like domestic violence and child abuse.

The early release of convicted sex offender Sidney DeAvila was one particularly gruesome example of the unintended consequences of AB109. After DeAvila was let out early from San Joaquin County Jail in February 2013, he went on to rape, kill and dismember his 76-year-old grandmother.

Undeterred by the impact AB109 had on public safety, Brown later campaigned for Prop 47, a 2014 ballot measure that was advertised to Californians as simply lowering penalties for nonviolent crimes like petty theft and drug possession. But the public was left in the dark about how the measure would also lower penalties for car thieves, drug traffickers and open-air drug markets.

Nevertheless, Brown began promoting additional reforms aimed at lowering Californias prison population.

Officially known as the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016, Prop 57 would, according to Brown, address the states prison overcrowding problem while keeping communities safe. Brown pitched the measure as an enlightened step that orients the prison toward rehabilitation while appreciating the human capacity for change. All of us learn. Ive learned in 40 years, Brown said at the time. I think prisoners can learn.

But Brown also assured voters there were limits to his progressive vision. He repeatedly noted the ballot measures language that only people convicted of a nonviolent felony offense and sentenced to state prison shall be eligible for parole consideration after completing the full term for his or her primary offense. Brown told the Mercury News newspaper in 2016 thatwe had planned to offer parole to violent offenders, but we took that out.

Brown estimated that only about 1,100 prisoners per year would qualify for the program. Prosecutors who opposed the measure in the run-up to the vote also underestimated the number of beneficiaries when they pegged it at 16,000.

Critics, including some law enforcement groups, district attorneys, and victims advocates, argue that Browns miscalculation was part of an effort to mislead voters about Prop 57s reach. Despite repeated assurances that violent criminals would not qualify for early release under the measure, the legislature's previous crime reclassification efforts meant that only 23 specific crimes  such as murder, rape, arson and carjacking  were considered offenses that would disqualify prisoners from the measures benefits. Many crimes the public would consider violent, including Smiley Martin severely beating his girlfriend, are not included on that list.

Dozens of serious crimes would be considered non-violent for parole purposes, warned CalMatters columnist Dan Walters, including assault with a deadly weapon, soliciting murder, intimidating or harming a crime victim or witness, resisting arrest that injures a police officer, violent elder or child abuse, arson with injury, human trafficking and several forms of manslaughter.

Plea bargains also make some violent criminals eligible for early release. Martin, for example, was originally charged with kidnapping, which is identified as a violent offense in the penal code. But that charge was withdrawn in his deal.

Brown also assured voters that felons who had been convicted of various sexual crimes would not be considered for early release. However, rape of an unconscious person, sex trafficking and even the trafficking of children for sex are not considered violent felonies according to Californias Penal Code. In confirming the deceptive criminal classifications in the state, Attorney General Rob Bonta told CalMatters that these crimes should be discussed and potentially changed under whatever the appropriate means is for Prop 57.

The state legislature agreed with Bonta on the prosecution of child sex predators. Soliciting minors under the age of 16 for sex was considered a misdemeanor in California up until September 2024, when Gov. Gavin Newsom finally signed legislation reclassifying it as a felony with tougher penalties. Previously, soliciting a minor for sex, or paying for it, was simply a misdemeanor punishable by two days in jail and a $10,000 fine.

In 2021, Californias Supreme Court weighed in on Prop 57 and unanimously sided with those who had argued that Brown falsely portrayed the measures reach. In writing the unanimous decision, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye stated that there are portions of [Prop 57s] opponents argument that the [Corrections] Department must concede were correct, including the characterization that individuals convicted of and currently serving sentences for offenses  like assault with a deadly weapon would be eligible for nonviolent offender parole consideration, or that an individual with a prior violent felony conviction for murder would not be excluded from nonviolent offender parole consideration.

The Chief Justice addressed how perpetrators of serious sex crimes were also qualifying for early release under the measure. She wrote that the initiatives language provides no indication that the voters intended to allow the [Corrections] Department to create a wholesale exclusion from parole consideration based on an inmates sex offense convictions when the inmate was convicted of a nonviolent felony.

While the Court didnt mention Gov. Brown by name, his promotion of the ballot measure was subtly cited by the Chief Justice. Had the drafters of Proposition 57, and by extension the voters, intended to exclude inmates from nonviolent offender parole consideration based on prior or current sex offense convictions, the Chief Justice wrote, it would have been a simple matter to say so explicitly.

The courts ruling made little difference, because mere weeks before its decision, voters overwhelmingly rejected another poorly written ballot measure that was supposed to close the violent crime loophole in Prop 57. The measure, known as Proposition 20, sought to alter Prop 57 by denying early release to perpetrators of violent crimes that had not been listed in the California Penal Code.

However, the measure was misleadingly described as limiting access to parole programs established for nonviolent offenders. In other words, there was a fundamental problem with using the word nonviolent to describe the gaps in Prop 57 that the measure sought to remedy. Most voters were unaware that the state penal code listed violent crimes like the rape of a unconscious person as nonviolent offenses. So, they were under the impression that Prop 20 sought to impose harsh punishments for petty crimes, which many in liberal California are against.

Prop 20s timing may have also led to its demise. Voters decided on the measure in the aftermath of George Floyds 2020 murder while in the custody of Minneapolis police and the country was amid what many referred to as a racial reckoning. The country, and especially liberal states like California, were less interested in public safety and more open to criminal justice reforms due to concerns over mass incarceration and what they saw as racist policing.

Credit Where Credit Wasnt Due

Even if voters had been aware that those found guilty of trafficking children or strangling their wives would still be eligible for early release under Prop 57, no one was under the impression that felons would have their sentences cut short without enrolling in rehabilitation programs or earning good behavior credits. However, the latest CDCR report discloses that of the 34,215 inmates who were released early in fiscal year 2019, 13,833 did not earn any enhanced behavior credits to justify a reduction in their prison sentence. Some 44% of those who didnt earn any credits would be convicted of a new crime following their release.

Even more damning is that the CDCRs report concedes that the state released high risk inmates who are more likely to reoffend. Based on the California Static Risk Assessment (CSRA), a tool used to calculate the risk of a parolee committing a new crime, high, moderate, and low-risk individuals recidivate at about 60 percent, 40 percent, and 20 percent, respectively. Yet in fiscal year 2019, approximately 41.2 percent of individuals in the release cohort have a high-risk score according to the CSRA.

Indeed, many of the inmates who were released under Prop 57 in 2019 went on to reoffend and get convicted of new crimes (44.0%). However, there were fewer convictions for those who did earn rehabilitative credits in prison (35.8%).

Of the 39.1% of parolees in fiscal year 2019 who were convicted of other crimes within the first three years of their release, 22.1% were for felonies and 17% for misdemeanors. But only 17.4% of the convicted felons returned to prison. Even so, according to the report, the percentage of individuals returned for crimes against persons increased by 2.9 percentage points, the largest increase of any return type.

While overcrowding was the very issue that led to measures like Prop 57, state officials have shuttered several state prisons in recent years. Four were closed in 2021 alone, and it appears that state officials are intentionally avoiding prison time for convicts because their objective is to close more for fiscal and ideological reasons.

A local Los Angeles publication reported last spring that because of the declining inmate headcount, California can close up to five more of its 33 prisons and eight yards within operating prisons while still complying with a federal court order that caps the systems capacity. According to the Legislative Analysts Office, the state could save up to $1 billion a year by doing so. The cost to the publics safety when theres nowhere to detain perpetrators of violent crimes was not factored into its analysis.

By November 2024, many Californians were fed up. More than 65% of Alameda County voters approved the recall of Oaklands progressive District Attorney Pamela Price. Similarly, Los Angeles denied a second term to D.A. George Gascon, another criminal justice reformer. Gascon was replaced with his tough-on-crime challenger Nathan Hochman. Finally, nearly 70% of voters approved Proposition 36, which would reverse an earlier ballot measure that weakened punishments for certain offenses like shoplifting and drug crimes, including trafficking.

Gov. Gavin Newsom was, and still is, vehemently against Prop 36, citing the financial burden of holding criminals accountable in one of the highest taxed states in the country. Nonetheless, Prop 36 is an unfunded mandate that will set this state back, according to Newsom. After all, if drug traffickers and repeat smash-and-grab thieves are met with harsher punishments like prison time, the spotlight would be on Newsom for preemptively closing the very facilities necessary to serve their sentences.

In a recent interview, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell expressed frustration over serving the public safety demands of the community with less prison space available. While the [District Attorney] will file cases that are now available to us through Prop 36, you still have a jail system that is decreasing in size continuously, McDonnell stated. When I was Sheriff, there were 18,000 beds available [in Los Angeles County]. Its now down to 12,400, he continued. Chief McDonnell argues that the lack of beds is the reason many offenders are back on the streets without the resources or rehabilitation that we would have liked to have seen.

While Gov. Newsom has claimed that he absolutely will implement the will of the voters, following the passage of Prop 36, the state legislature has refused to allocate the funding necessary to implement it. The truth is, even if the states lawmakers provided the money, Californians would still have a mountain to climb with all the various ways the state has chipped away at public safety, including Prop 57, crime reclassifications and prison closures.
(The Center Square)  Detroit-based automaker General Motors told shareholders Thursday that it expects tariffs will cost the company about $4 billion to $5 billion and it lowered its financial guidance for the year.

GM CEO Mary Barra said the company has been in near continuous talks with President Donald Trump's administration since the inauguration in January.

"They have invested the time to understand what it takes to be successful in this capital-intensive and highly competitive global industry, how we can work together to grow American manufacturing, and the importance of companies like GM to communities across the country," she said. "Almost one million people in this country depend on GM for their livelihoods, including our employees, suppliers and dealers."

Barra said the company plans to continue to invest in the U.S., where it has a network of 50 manufacturing plants and parts facilities in 19 states. That includes 11 vehicle assembly plants.

GM has invested $60 billion in U.S. operations over the past five years, Barra said.

"We will continue to grow our investments as we move forward," Barra wrote in a letter to shareholders.

GM cut its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes to between $10 billion and $12.5 billion. That's down from previous guidance of $13.7 billion to $15.7 billion.

"We look forward to maintaining our strong dialogue with the Administration on trade and other policies as they continue to evolve," Barra said. "As you know, there are ongoing discussions with key trade partners that may also have an impact."

She also said the company continues to grow.

"Importantly, GM's business is growing and fundamentally strong as we adapt to the new trade policy environment, further strengthen our supply base, and drive EV profitability," Barra wrote.

Barra declined to say if the company would raise vehicle prices or move production from Mexico to the U.S. She told CNBC on Thursday that the company is working to offset as much of the increased costs from tariffs as possible.
If you are one of the millions of Americans who pollsters say voted for change last November, boy, are you getting it now.

As of this spring, for example, illegal border crossings in the western U.S., according to CBS News, have plunged to a level not seen in at least 25 years. Thats a massive change for Americas usually porous southern border.

Massive change also sums up the Trump administrations tariff policy but complex, arcane and costly might be more accurate.

While its impossible to know the change global trade will undergo because of these tariffs, foreign and domestic markets are passing judgment on the plan every day, and they hate it.

As of April 20, the S&P 500 index, a broad measure of Wall Street sentiment, is down 14% since Inauguration Day. That drop is the stock markets worst start to a presidency in more than a century, reported Politico on April 22.

In late April, the Wall Street Journal ran a headline that confirmed S&Ps tough judgment: Dow Headed for Worst April Since 1932 as Investors Send No Confidence Signal.

Comparing anything to the first year of the Great Depression is never good.

If youre a holder of gold, however, youre not only good; youre, well, golden. Golds per ounce price from Jan. 1 through April 20 rose almost 30% from $2,750 to nearly $3,500. Take that Wall Street.

Surprisingly, ag commodities have held up well despite equity market chaos caused by the often-changing Trump tariff program. For the year, cattle futures are up almost 10%, cotton up 4%, corn up 5%, soybeans up 3% and wheat, the only loser in the bunch, is down a very modest 2.5%.

Why such a muted  and, in fact, strikingly resilient  response to what appears to be bone-rattling change in global trade ag policy and nervous equity markets?

Aaron Smith, an ag economist at the University of California Davis, takes a crack at an explanation in his latest Ag Data Newsweekly column. Despite the fact that new U.S. tariffs on China and Chinas retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. make little economic sense, prices for the biggest ag export to China, soybeans, have basically just yawned at the news.

Thats startling because its not like we sell China a boatload or two of soybeans; think entire fleets.

Soybeans make up about 10% of total U.S. exports to China and about half of its agricultural exports, writes Smith. Indeed, Of the approximately 4.4 billion bushels of soybeans produced by American farmers each year, a quarter are exported to China.

So why is the export-dependent soybeans futures market sleepwalking through todays tariff-riddled spring?

Maybe the time of year has something to do with it, surmises Smith, noting the U.S. soy exports to China peak in the fall after the harvest. China then turns to South America to top its bins until the new U.S. bean crop usually brings abundant supplies and lower prices.

Still, There arent many soybeans being exported to China at the present, so perhaps that explains the muted price response.

If the tariffs persist, Smith concludes, they are likely to have substantial economic costs. Yet, he adds, stepping out on thin limb, so far the soybean market seems underwhelmed.

My bet, he writes as he inches further out into space, is that markets see 125% tariffs as so ridiculous that they will mostly be gone by November.

Hes right; 125% tariffs are ridiculous. Hes also right about another thing; everything could  and likely will  change between now and November.
CANFIELD, Ohio  Growing Traditions 4-H Club met for its monthly meeting on April 6 at St. Michaels Church to discuss cleaning tips and tools recommended for its fair. Members also announced that the club gave over 20 meal kits to Big Reach Center of Hope for its Easter drive.



CANFIELD, Ohio  The Mahoning County Junior Fair Board elected its 2025 officers, including Grace Maltonic, president; Landon Frank, vice president; Cadence Elford, secretary; Grace Ewing, treasurer; Abbie Mellott, assistant secretary-treasurer, and Ashlyn Mason, news reporter.

Members recently helped with the 2025 Quality Assurance Workshops at South Range Schools, the 4-H Sponsored Community Easter Egg Hunt, held at Western Reserve Schools, and The VFW Post 9571 Fish Fry in Ellsworth, Ohio.

Junior Fair board members also signed up to participate in Market Livestock Tagging May 17.

The clubs Junior Fair Board picnic and training event will be May 22 at The Michael Kusalaba Fund of the Youngstown Foundation Event Center and will feature special guests from the Canfield Fair Board and the Canfield Junior Fair Committee.



UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.  Two 4-H volunteers were recognized with 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards by Pennsylvania 4-H and Penn State Extension. Paula Leonhardt was honored with the 2025 the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award, and Kelsey Ziegler received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Leonhardt has been a 4-H volunteer in Venango County for nearly three decades. Despite no longer living in the county, she continues to volunteer. She has volunteered in various positions, including 24 years on the development committee, with more than a decade as president. She currently serves on several smaller committees and continues to help with the 4-H benefit auction and the leadership banquet. Her work on the auction consists of planning menus, coordinating food donations, leading teens and volunteers in the kitchen and securing auctioneers. For the leadership banquet, Leonhardt helps manage everything from food preparation to event promotion and decorating.

She also assists with the 4-H scholarship program, organizing application and interview logistics, recruiting community members to interview youth and helping youth afford to participate in 4-H activities.The Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who have served 10 or more years.

Ziegler, also from Venango County, is involved in both club-level and countrywide 4-H initiatives. She previously served as vice president of the 4-H development committee and helped organize events like the leadership banquet. She also acted at the main leader of the Emlenton Echoes 4-H club, planning meetings, managing finances and assisting members with their projects for four years. Ziegler has worked with Teen Council for five years, assisting roughly 30 youth in organizing programs and outreach across the county. She helps the group strengthen community connections by planning events at local schools and promoting 4-H through hands-on activities.

Currently, she is working on a new afterschool program to reach students who may not otherwise be able to participate in 4-H. The initiative will consist of biweekly workshops on a variety of project topics.

According to her nominator, she is particularly skilled at building confidence in youth. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to 4-H volunteers with fewer than 10 years of service.
SALEM, Ohio  For the Jepsen family, farming is in their blood, and that blood goes beyond borders when it comes to the family farm  a product built from years of sacrifices and hard work.

Dusty Rose Farm, in Amanda, Ohio, is run by Shelly Dee and Jim Jepsen, and their daughters Cheyenne Erb and Sierra Jepsen.Dee, Jim and Cheyenne raise and breed cattle in Ohio, while Sierra coordinates with butchers from her home in Montana. Despite the miles between them, Dusty Rose Farm is the link that keeps the family together.

Once it is in your blood and your DNA, you cant get rid of it, Jim said. You can have other jobs, you can do other things, but when thats what you grew up with, thats your first love, and thats how (the girls) got into the family business.

The beginning

Dee and Jim bought their farm in Fairfield County in 1990, the same year they got married. They named the crop and beef cattle operation after the color dusty rose, which was Dees wedding color. Their farm is about 10 miles south of the farm Jim grew up on.

Jim, who was named Ohios 2024 Master Farmer, had roots in beef cattle going back to his grandfather, although hes the first in his family to farm full-time. He was in 4-H and FFA in high school. He knew he wanted to farm for a living, but his mother made him go to college first, according to a 2024 Farm Progress story on Jim.

So, he went to Ohio State University, which is where he met his future wife, Dee. Jim earned a degree in animal science in 1988 and returned to his familys small farm afterward. He worked an off-farm job for several years before the couple bought what would become Dusty Rose Farm and began farming full-time in 1991.

Dee grew up in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, surrounded by agriculture. Her grandfather ran a small cow-calf operation, with help from her dad and uncle, where they processed their own meat. She spent many weekends and summers helping bale hay and packing meat. From a young age, she knew she wanted to go to school for agriculture, but she wasnt sure what route to take.

Farming was not economically the place to be at that time, and especially if you were a female. My parents didnt understand why I would want to go into an agricultural field. They thought I should just find other pursuits, Dee said.

Despite her parents concerns, she enrolled at OSUs Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster in 1983. There, she became the first female president of the Hoof-n-Hide Livestock Club. She earned her associates degree in 1985.

My dad said at graduation, Well, I hope youre going to go on for school. And I said, Im glad you brought that up, Dad, because Im transferring to Columbus, and Im going to continue in agriculture, Dee said. So, at that point, I think they knew that they lost me to college. They were pretty proud of me, too, I have to admit.

Dee got her bachelors degree in animal science at OSUs main campus in 1989. She went back to get her masters in agricultural education in 1992. During that time, she also worked for OSU doing agricultural safety inspections on farms; this job would influence the trajectory of her career at the university. Dee has worked in the OSU Agricultural Safety and Health Program since then, where she teaches, conducts research and surveys farms to create outreach programs.

The couples strong work ethic has been passed on to their daughters, who have a central role in the business today.

Were very proud of them. Were proud that we can even have this kind of lifestyle and involve them, Dee said. We werent sure we were actually big enough as a family farm to have the whole family involved. We thought maybe wed have to diversify into a whole other industry. But thankfully, we did not have to do that. Were blessed that they even still want to be involved, thats the exciting thing.

Staying close to home

Cheyenne and Sierras journey in agriculture started on the farm, but quickly expanded when they joined 4-H and the Amanda-Clearcreek FFA chapter. Cheyenne, 32, knew she wanted to go into agriculture from a young age.

I was always a daddys girl and always wanted to be outside with my dad farming, helping with caving, moving cattle, Cheyenne said. I saw nothing else for myself. It was just gonna be a matter of what avenue I went with.

Cheyenne enrolled at OSUs ATI in 2011, initially studying landscape design. But quickly, she realized, it wasnt for her. I needed to be in the barn at school and with beef kids, she said. She changed her major to beef production and management and completed two internships. One was in Texas, where she worked on a ranch for a year and a half in the fall of 2013. She also worked with artificial insemination specialists at Select Sires in South Dakota for three months in the summer of 2016.

Cheyenne graduated from OSU in 2017 and worked at the Pickaway Soil and Water Conservation District for two years while working part-time at her familys farm. She began working full-time at the family farm as a herds manager in 2021.

Dusty Rose Farms currently has 160 head of Angus and Angus-cross cattle, and the family farms roughly 1,400 acres of hay, corn, soybeans and wheat. Jim handles the crop side of the business, while Cheyenne takes the reins for the cattle side. She is AI-certified and handles breeding on the farm, in addition to helping her father make hay and mow pastures.

I call myself a professional grass farmer cause were either making hay or mowing pastures or mowing waterways or doing rotational grazing with the cattle, and in summer months, managing the grass, Cheyenne said.

The farm also has a feedlot, which Jim built in the early 90s. Heifers are moved to pasture after weaning and the rest of the cattle remain in the feedlot for roughly 15 to 18 months before they are market-ready. About 15 to 20 head of cattle are committed to the farms freezer beef customers each season, and the remaining cattle go to a packer.

Cheyenne manages the farms feedlot before Sierra takes over the butchering side of the business.

My sister and I always joked, she was the one who was really good at being out with the cattle every single day, feeding the cattle regardless of the weather. She was the one who was going to be raising the critters, and I would be running the business side of things, Sierra said.

Going the distance

While Cheyenne invested in breeding beef cattle, Sierra, 30, took an interest in the meat processing and marketing side of the business. Jim was not surprised by Sierras decision, which blossomed in FFA.

They were in 4-H as soon as they were able, (at) 8 or 9 years old. They showed lambs and beef cattle, but then, when they got into high school and got into FFA thats when they started to (develop) their own interests, their own ideas, their goals and ambitions, Jim said.

Sierra was interested in marketing, participating in FFA public speaking contests and serving as a state FFA officer. She also attended OSU, studying agriculture business in 2012, and completed three internships while in college, working at a Certified Angus Beef farm, a cattle ranch in Montana and a packing plant.

It wasnt until she took a meat science class during her senior year that her passion for the butchering side of beef cattle came to a point. I had a blast buying knives instead of books and learning all the scientific names of muscles, Sierra said.

By the second day of class, Sierra had joined the meat judging team and eventually enrolled in a fifth year to take more meat science classes. Sierra graduated from OSU in 2017, alongside her sister.

That was a great date, Dee said. They graduated the same semester, the same time. It was awesome. We had a two-through OSU party, she laughs.

After graduation, Sierra accepted her dream job running the University of Wyomings Cowboy-Branded Meats Program, focused on meat judging, meat science education and mobile butcher training. Part of the job entailed taking students to meat-packing plants to practice. It was during these visits, which took place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that she envisioned her next job: working for a traveling butcher school.

I would ask the guys and gals running the shop, How are you doing? And their answer was always this excited, Were doing great. Business has never been better. The community has never been more fired up about locally available meat products. However, we are having a hard time finding and retaining skilled labor, Sierra said.

Sierra started looking at butchery classes, but she couldnt find any. There werent opportunities to learn butchery outside of YouTube or to read a book, Sierra said. And thats where my gears started turning.

Sierra went on to pursue a masters degree in meat science at the University of Idaho in 2021, with the goal of becoming a better butcher. To do this, she attended any meat-cutting demonstrations she could.

She graduated from the University of Idaho in the fall 2022, and that December, she started her business, Butcher Solutions LLC, a traveling butcher school and meat science education program that also does industry consultations. Since then, she has taught courses all over the country.

Sierras work for Butcher Solutions also allows her to help out on the family farm back home; she deals with freezer beef by coordinating with butchers and customers.

Jim and Dee were not surprised that Sierra still wanted to be involved in the family, despite the distance, and say she is the best person for the job. She can explain different cuts and answer customer questions on carcass quality, Dee said. Sometimes, Sierra even knows more about the familys customers than her folks back home.

But juggling a business while helping on the farm in Ohio is no easy feat. The experience has made Sierra appreciate the hard work her parents put in when the sisters were growing up  driving the kids to various school clubs, all while running a farm and working full-time jobs on the side.

Jim and Dee are both proud of their daughters, which has led to new ideas and a growing operation. But for the sisters, the pendulum swings both ways.

They just made it look so easy, running the farm and having a full-time job in town. I hope I didnt take if for granted how cool my mom was teaching at Ohio State and how big of an impact she has on Ohio agriculture, Sierra said. My sister and I got every opportunity in agriculture that we ever couldve wanted, just because they made sure that we had every opportunity that we wanted to.

(Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.)
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called for a ban on the use of farrowing crates, which confine female pigs before and after giving birth.

The crates, widely used in commercial farming, restrict the movement of sows in order to prevent piglets from being accidentally crushed.

However, the BVA, along with the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS), argue that the practice negatively impacts the welfare of the sows and limits their ability to engage in natural behaviours.

The call comes after new statistics from the BVAs Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that nearly 75% of vets are concerned about the welfare impacts of farrowing crates.

Farrowing crates, introduced in the 1960s, are designed to limit the sows movement and prevent crushing incidents.

Around 60% of UK sows are kept in these crates from a week before birth until piglets are weaned at around four weeks old.

Despite their intended purpose, farrowing crates are increasingly criticised: 20% of vets are concerned that they prevent sows from performing basic behaviours, such as turning around or moving freely.

Additionally, 9% of veterinarians have concerns that the welfare of the sows is being sacrificed in favour of piglet health.

In response, the BVA and PVS are calling for a ban on farrowing crates in their current form, with the aim of replacing them with systems that prioritise both sow and piglet welfare while ensuring human safety.

They propose a 15-year transition period to implement these changes, during which no new farrowing crates should be introduced unless they are adapted to meet higher welfare standards.

Additionally, the BVA and PVS recommend that the UK government provide adequate funding to support this transition, ensuring that UK producers are not disadvantaged.

They also suggest launching an awareness campaign to inform consumers about the upcoming changes and the transition to more humane farrowing systems.

Finally, they emphasise the importance of support for farmers during the transition period to ensure that they can confidently implement best practices for animal welfare in the new farrowing accommodations.

Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, president of the BVA, said: "Its time for change, and were recommending a transition period of up to fifteen years, backed by sufficient resources, to support producers.

Whilst farrowing crates protect some aspects of the welfare of piglets, this controversial safeguarding method comes at the expense of the sows who are forced to live with restrictions on their natural behaviours and movements for extended periods of time."

Prof Dan Tucker, president of PVS, echoed the need for balanced reform: There is now sufficient research-based evidence to support systems that optimise the balance between the sows needs, piglet health and welfare, and stock keeper safety.

He added that a phased transition would prevent economic shocks and help maintain the UKs high welfare standards.
River campaigners have launched a legal challenge in the High Court against Shropshire Council, seeking to prevent the expansion of a poultry farm in the River Severn catchment area.

The challenge targets the proposed construction of a 230,000-bird facility near Shrewsbury, which campaigners argue is part of a "reckless and unsustainable" rise in "intensive factory farming" in the region.

The case could set a precedent for local authorities across the UK, compelling them to assess the cumulative environmental impacts of new agricultural developments.

River Action, the environmental charity supporting the case, argues that the combined effects of multiple poultry units could lead to "ecological death by a thousand poultry units."

Campaigners are hopeful that the legal action will raise the bar for what authorities must consider before approving similar developments.

The judicial review, being heard at the Cardiff Civil Justice Centre, is supported and funded by River Action and led by local campaigner and advisory board member Dr Alison Caffyn.

She commented on the issue: There are now nearly 65 chickens for every person in Shropshire  and the council is allowing even more.

"We believe huge volumes of chicken muck are leaching into our rivers. They need to call a halt to it.

Ricardo Gama, solicitor at Leigh Day, the firm representing Dr Caffyn, said: This is an important case in establishing the approach which planning authorities need to take.

"Our client believes that the failure by authorities to properly look at the cumulative impacts of the industrial levels of manure and other waste which these developments produce has led to the Wye and Severn river catchments being inundated with waste.

This hearing follows last months landmark judgment in NFU v Herefordshire County Council, which saw the High Court declaring farming manure as a waste.

This move is set to have huge implications, forcing new poultry farms to put in place arrangements for dealing with the volumes of manure that is produced.
The US government talks with India on reciprocal tariffs are going great and the two countries will reach a trade agreement soon, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House recently.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent also said earlier this week that India could be one of the first to sign a trade deal with the United States.

The US government's tariff talks with India are going great and both will reach a trade agreement soon, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House recently. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent also said earlier this week that India could be one of the first to sign a trade deal with the US. This was the second in-person discussion since the February announcement about the talks.

Both the countries agreed in February this year to start work on the first phase of a trade deal, aiming at concluding it by the end of the year and boosting bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Meanwhile, Indias chief negotiator and commerce secretary designate Rajesh Agrawal, along with a team of commerce department officials, held talks with his counterpart in Washington, DC, during April 23-25.

The team discussed the pathway for concluding the first tranche of the mutually beneficial, multi-sector bilateral trade agreement by fall of 2025, including through opportunities for early mutual wins, a statement by the department said.

Both sides had fruitful discussions on wide-ranging subjects covering tariff as well as non-tariff matters.

While productive sectoral expert-level engagements had taken place virtually earlier this month, in-person engagements are planned from May-end.

This was the second in-person discussion between both sides since the announcement in February.

The first such discussions were held in March during assistant US trade representative Brendan Lynchs visit to New Delhi.

The terms of reference finalised by both sides in March for the proposed agreement are likely to include around 19 chapters, covering goods, services, non-tariff barriers, rules of origin, customs facilitation, dispute settlement and regulatory issues.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Vancouver, Canada and Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd (TSXV: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTC Pink: MWSNF) (FSE: MV3.F) ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated April 28, 2025, the Company, Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. and Aitken Mount Capital Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 39 169 972 436) as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners ("JLMs"), together with Jett Capital Advisors, as co-manager (collectively with the JLMs, the "Agents") have agreed to increase the size of its previously announced "best efforts" private placement to an upsized amount of approximately C$143,000,000.

Highlights

Upsized C$143M/AUD$162M private placement received strong demand from existing shareholders and Australian, Canadian and overseas institutional investors.

Upon completion of the capital raise, the Company will be fully funded to deliver the following key milestones in the growth and development of the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia: C$53M for drilling targeted to establish an Inferred Resource by Q1 2027 C$27M for 1 km decline development to accelerate access to mineralization C$4M for a Preliminary Economic Assessment in respect of Sunday Creek C$59M for exploration target expansion, regional exploration along the 12 km mineralized trend, working capital and G&A over three years

Further updates expected as the Company accelerates its growth and development plan with strengthened treasury.

Proposed Placement

The Company has appointed the Agents, to raise approximately C$143M/AUD$162M on a "best efforts basis" by way of a private placement ("Placement") of an aggregate of 31.8M common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of C$4.50 per Common Share and/or Chess Depositary Interests (the "CDIs") at a price of A$5.10 per CDI. The Common Shares and the CDIs offered in connection with the Placement shall collectively be referred to as the "Securities."

The Placement received strong demand from Australian, Canadian, and overseas institutional and other investors as well as existing shareholders.

The issue of the Securities under the Placement will not be subject to shareholder approval and will be made within the Company's placement capacity under Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") listing rule 7.1.

The Securities will rank equally with all other Common Shares and CDIs currently on issue.

The issue price for the CDIs represents an approximate 8.9% discount to the CDIs' last closing price on April 28, 2025 and an approximate 8.3% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price of CDIs traded on ASX prior to the Company entering into a trading halt on April 29, 2025.

The issue price for the Common Shares represents an approximate 4.1% discount to the Common Shares' last closing price on April 29, 2025 and an approximate 5.0% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price of Common Shares traded on ASX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") prior to the Company entering into a trading halt on April 29, 2025.

The issue of the Securities under the Placement is expected to occur on May 6, 2025 (Vancouver) and May 7, 2025 (Australia) for CDIs ("Tranche 1") and on May 14, 2025 for the remaining Common Shares ("Tranche 2"), or on such other dates as the Company and the JLMs may agree. All Securities issued pursuant to the Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing. CDIs issued under the Placement cannot be converted into common shares of the Company for the purpose of trading such shares in Canada until four months have elapsed from the issue date. The Placement is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

The Placement is being made in Australia under an offer to investors who qualify as professional or sophisticated investors under sections 708(8), (10) and (11) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The Placement is being made in Canada by way of private placement in reliance on available exemptions from the prospectus requirements in each of the Provinces of Canada.

The Securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

Southern Cross Gold's President & Chief Executive Officer Michael Hudson said: "This C$143 million/A$162 million capital raise provides Southern Cross Gold with full funding for our strategic Sunday Creek work program, enabling us to both derisk and expand the project.

"We thank our shareholders for their continued support and welcome the new institutional investors who have joined us, all recognizing Sunday Creek's potential as we accelerate its development. This funding allows us to advance our drilling programs, complete permitting for the underground tunnel, which will lead to economic studies. Sunday Creek's antimony component has attracted significant interest given current geopolitical factors, potentially positioning us as a key Western supplier of this critical metal while we focus primarily on developing a high-grade gold project in a tier-one jurisdiction."

Purpose of Capital Raising and Use of Funds

The net proceeds from the Placement are expected to be used for:

C$53M for 207 km of drilling targeted to establish an Inferred Resource by Q1 2027

C$27M for 1 km decline permitting and development to accelerate access to mineralization

C$4M for Preliminary Economic Assessment in respect of Sunday Creek

C$59M for exploration target expansion, regional exploration along the 12 km mineralized trend, working capital and G&A over three years

The Placement aims to strengthen Southern Cross Gold's financial position and execute on the Company's strategic business plan.

At the closing of the Placement, the Company will pay to the Agents a cash commission equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the Placement for orders received outside the President's List. The Company may pay finder's fees on a portion of the President's List consisting of 2.5% commission in cash or common shares.

About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV: SXGC) (ASX: SX2)

Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC, ASX:SX2) controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results from just 77 km of drilling. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 12 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth.

Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing 20% of the in-situ value alongside gold. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defence and semiconductor applications. Southern Cross' inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential.

Technical fundamentals further strengthen the project, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing.

With over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and a large 60 km drill program planned through Q3 2025, SXGC is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction.

- Ends -

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements including without limitation statements related to the closing of the Placement, use of proceeds of the Placement, applicable regulatory and applicable stock exchange approvals. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in Southern Cross Gold's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities (under code SX2). You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by Southern Cross Gold with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for Southern Cross Gold in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www.asx.com.au (under code SX2). Documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) or the Australian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250395

SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.
PALM BEACH, Fla., May 01, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Immigration Fund (USIF), a leading EB-5 Regional Center operator, is proud to announce the addition of Cindy Lee as Vice President of Business Development, Head of South Korea. Based in Seoul, Lee will lead investor relations and business development efforts in South Korea, further strengthening USIF's presence in the region.

Lee brings extensive experience in international recruitment, consulting, and EB-5 investor relations. Prior to joining USIF, she worked at St. George's University, specializing in medical and health science admissions, and spent five years managing EB-5 investor relations at an established EB-5 Regional Center. Her background in both education and investment makes her uniquely positioned to guide South Korean investors through the EB-5 process with expertise and care.

"I am thrilled to join U.S. Immigration Fund and contribute to its global success," said Lee. "South Korean investors are increasingly looking toward the EB-5 program as a pathway to new opportunities in the U.S., and I am excited to help them navigate the process with confidence and clarity."

"We are excited to welcome Cindy Lee to the USIF team," said Nicholas Mastroianni, President & Chief Marketing Officer of U.S. Immigration Fund. "Her deep understanding of investor relations and her proven ability to build strong relationships will be instrumental as we continue to expand in South Korea. Cindy's expertise and leadership will enhance our ability to serve investors and provide them with top-tier EB-5 opportunities."

Since its founding, USIF has helped thousands of families secure U.S. residency through EB-5 investments, successfully funding large-scale real estate projects with billions in capital. With Lee's appointment, USIF aims to expand its reach and continue offering premier service to South Korean investors and families.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Cindy Lee, use the links below.

Book a Consultation with Cindy

Visit our website

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PALM BEACH, Fla., May 01, 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.

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

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) ("Aurania" or the "Company") announces that its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Keith Barron (the "Lender") has agreed to provide a loan of up to US$2,094,500 to the Company to be advanced from time to time in principal amounts as agreed by the parties (the "Loan").

The Loan is unsecured, bears interest at 2% per annum and matures upon notice of from the Lender at any time following twelve months and one day from the date hereof. The proceeds of the Loan will be used to fund the Company's remaining 2024 mineral concession fees in Ecuador, which are due by May 1, 2025.

Dr. Keith Barron is a related party of the Company by virtue of the fact that he is the Chairman, the President and Chief Executive Officer, a promoter and a principal shareholder of the Company, and as a result, each advance and repayment under the Loan constitutes a "Related Party Transaction" for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying upon an exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in respect of the Related Party Transactions, in reliance on Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the Related Party Transaction, collectively, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report related to the Loan more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Loan as required by MI 61-101, as the Company wished to organize the Loan on an expedited basis for sound business reasons.

The Loan was approved by the members of the board of directors of the Company who are independent for purposes of the related party transaction, being all directors other than Dr. Barron. No special committee was established in connection with the Loan, and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto.

Payment of the Company's remaining 2024 mineral concession fees in Ecuador is being processed within standard international banking transactions, with the timeline communicated to and acknowledged by the relevant authorities in Ecuador. Regarding payment of the 2025 concession fees, the Company is in the process of reaching an agreement with the corresponding authorities and expects to reach an agreement in similar terms as was done for the 2024 mineral concession fees. This process may take a couple of months, meanwhile the Company maintains its property in Ecuador in good standing while an agreement is being finalized.

Update on Private Placement Financing

Considering the announcement of this loan, the Company will allow the recommended time for the news to be assimilated and therefore expects to close the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing on or around May 5, 2025.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedarplus.ca, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes Aurania's objectives, goals, future plans or other statements of intent, Aurania's ongoing engagement in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, any potential exploration results or potential mineralization resulting therefrom, Aurania's ongoing exploration focus on The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project, potential additional advances pursuant to the Loan, eventual repayment of the Loan or any part thereof by Aurania, the use by Aurania of funds received pursuant to the Loan, the expectation that upon receipt of the concession fees, the Company's Ecuadorian concessions will continue to be in good standing and that the Company expects to successfully reach an agreement regarding the current year fees. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Aurania, including the assumption that, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices, all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained, including various local government licenses and the market, that the Lender will be able to advance additional funds up to US$2,094,500 pursuant to the Loan, that the Company will be able to successfully negotiate with the applicable Ecuadorian authorities, that the Company's concessions will remain in good standing notwithstanding that the 2024 concession fees may be received after the May 1, 2025 deadline and the 2025 concession fees are subject to negotiations with applicable Ecuadorian authorities and that such negotiations will be successful. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, the payment of the 2024 concessions fees may not be received by the May 1, 2025 deadline or that the Company may not be able to negotiate with the Ecuadorian authorities for the payment for the 2025 concession fees, in which case, immediate payment of the 2025 concession fees may be required and the Company may require equity or debt financing to fund such concession fees, and such financing may not be available on terms favourable to the Company, or at all; the state of the capital markets generally and of the mining markets more particularly, any commodity prices supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel due to war, weather, pandemics or otherwise; a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents; an inability to access financing as needed, including pursuant to the Loan; a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Aurania; a failure to comply with environmental regulations; a weakening of market and industry reliance on precious metals and copper; and. those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+. Aurania cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250405

SOURCE: Aurania Resources Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSXV: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF) ("LithiumBank" or the "Company") a lithium development company focused on lithium-enriched brine projects in Western Canada, announces the voting results from its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting"), held on April 30, 2025.

All resolutions presented to the Shareholders were approved. Each of the resolutions are explained in detail in the Management Information Circular published in connection with the Meeting. It is available for reference on the Company's website www.lithiumbank.ca.

A total of 9,827,931 common shares, representing approximately 19.70% of the Company's outstanding common shares, were voted in person and by proxy at the Meeting. Shareholders voted in favour of:

Reappointing Davidson & Company LLP as auditors of the Company;

Setting the number of directors at five, with the following five nominees elected as directors: Robert Shewchuk, Steven Piepgrass, Christopher Murray, Ekaterina Zotova and Paul Matysek; and

Approving the Re-Pricing of Previously Granted Stock Options.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank shareholders for their participation and continuing support," commented Rob Shewchuk, CEO, LithiumBank.

About LithiumBank Resources Corp.

LithiumBank Resources Corp., is a publicly traded lithium company that is focused on advancing its two flagship projects, Boardwalk and Park Place, in Western Canada. The Company holds 1,855,915 acres of brown-field lithium brine licenses, across three (3) districts in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Company has pilot tested multiple mature Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technologies and is working toward establishing commercial lithium production by a modular approach.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-Looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the Company advancing its portfolio of brine projects; the funding of the Company's work streams; update and upgrade of the current Mineral Resource Estimate at Boardwalk; an initial mineral resource estimate for Park Place and the timing thereof; plans to execute additional sampling campaigns in 2025.

Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof.

Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions 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 plans or expectations include, without limitation, the risk that the Company will not be able to achieve its stated goals; the potential for delays in exploration, development, permitting, and assembly activities at the Company's projects and DLE pilot plant; the Company not being able to advance its portfolio of brine projects; delays in the commissioning of the pilot plant; the Company not being able to fund its work streams; the Company not being able to run DLE pilot plant campaigns as planned, or at all; the DLE pilot plant not being permitted by the City of Calgary when expected, or at all; the results of future pilot test work not meeting the Company's expectations; the Company not being able to extend the well at Boardwalk; the Company not being able to obtain reservoir and brine chemistry data from Boardwalk; the Company not being able to deliver an initial mineral resource estimate for Park Place when planned, or at all; that the brine from the Company's two Alberta projects not being compatible with the exclusive G2L DLE technology; the cyclical nature of the industry in which the Company operates; risks related to global financial markets, including the trading price of the Company's shares and the Company's ability to raise capital may also result in additional and unknown risks or liabilities to the Company.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250422

SOURCE: LithiumBank Resources Corp.
PALM BEACH, Fla., May 01, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Immigration Fund, a leading EB-5 Regional Center operator, is pleased to welcome Kiem Nguyen as Vice President of Business Development, Head of Southeast Asia Market. With over a decade of experience in the EB-5 investment industry, Kiem brings a deep understanding of investor needs and a strategic vision to further expand U.S. Immigration Fund's presence in Southeast Asia.

Born and raised in Vietnam, Kiem moved to the United States as a teenager, where he pursued his education, earning a B.A. in Economics and an MBA in International Business. Having lived and worked in both corporate roles and with the U.S. government, he offers a unique perspective on the immigration and business landscapes in both regions. Over the years, he has successfully guided numerous investors through the EB-5 process, helping families relocate, establish businesses, and build their futures in the U.S.

Kiem's extensive experience includes living in California, Florida, and North Carolina, giving him firsthand insight into the diverse economic and cultural environments that new immigrants encounter. His expertise allows him to provide valuable guidance to families looking to invest, live, work, and grow businesses in the U.S.

In his new role at U.S. Immigration Fund, Kiem will focus on strengthening relationships with investors and partners across Southeast Asia, ensuring they have access to top-tier EB-5 investment opportunities. He is committed to enhancing education and transparency around the EB-5 program, empowering investors with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future.

"I am excited to join U.S. Immigration Fund and work with a team dedicated to excellence in the EB-5 industry," said Kiem. "For many investors in Southeast Asia, EB-5 is not just about immigration-it's about securing better opportunities and a brighter future for their children. I look forward to helping families make informed decisions and achieve their long-term goals."

Ashley Flucas, Chief Strategy Officer & General Counsel of U.S. Immigration Fund, underscores the firm's commitment to investor support: "Kiem Nguyen brings a wealth of experience and an extensive network in the Southeast Asian market, making him an invaluable addition to our team as Vice President of Business Development, Head of South East Asia. His expertise will allow us to further support investors in navigating the EB-5 program with confidence. We look forward to working alongside Kiem as we continue our mission of providing world-class service and opportunities for those seeking to invest in the United States."

Since its founding, U.S. Immigration Fund has helped thousands of families navigate the EB-5 process, successfully funding large-scale real estate projects with billions in investment capital. With Kiem's leadership, U.S. Immigration Fund will continue expanding its global reach, providing exceptional service and investment opportunities to families in Southeast Asia seeking U.S. residency.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Kiem Nguyen, use the links below.

Book a Consultation with Kiem

Visit our website

Photo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676924/Kiem_Nguyen.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586832/5294746/US_Immigration_Fund_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/us-immigration-fund-welcomes-kiem-nguyen-as-vice-president-of-business-development-head-of-southeast-asia-market-302442735.html
Financing increased to $8.0 million with majority funds committed by strategic group

Amended offering consists exclusively of Hold Units

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - GoviEx Uranium Inc. (TSXV: GXU) (OTCQB: GVXXF) ("GoviEx" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release of March 20 and March 28, 2025 in which the Company announced a private placement financing of up to 150,000,000 units for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $7.5 million, the Company is increasing the private placing financing up to 160,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit (the "Issue Price"), for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $8.0 million (the "Offering").

The Company has already received signed subscription agreements exceeding $7 million of the private placement, the majority of which was led by a strategic Zambian group who would like to see the Muntanga Project developed to production.

The Units to be issued under the private placement will be Hold Units only and pursuant to the exemptions under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") including the accredited investor exemption. Hold Units will be subject to the statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

Each Unit will be comprised of one Class A common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at the USD equivalent price of $0.07 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund continued exploration and development activities on the Company's assets, working capital and for general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about May 5, 2025, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

A cash finder's fee up to 6.0% may be paid to arms-length finders for Hold Units placed by a finder in the Offering. Additionally, on the Closing Date, the Company may issue to such finders Warrants of the Company ( "Finder's Warrants") to acquire, in aggregate, a number of Common Shares of the Company equal to up to 3.0% of the aggregate number of Hold Units placed by that finder under the Offering. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at the USD equivalent price of $0.07 per Common Share, exercisable for a period of 18 months following the closing date of the Offering.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities may be offered or sold in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction or an exemption therefrom.

References to "$" in this news release are to Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About GoviEx Uranium Inc.

GoviEx (TSXV: GXU) (OTCQB: GVXXF), is a mineral resource company focused on the exploration and development of uranium properties in Africa. GoviEx's principal objective is to become a significant uranium producer through the continued exploration and development of its mine-permitted Muntanga Project in Zambia.

Disclaimers & Cautionary Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All information and statements other than statements of current or historical facts contained in this news release are forward-looking information.

Forward-Looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in GoviEx's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Information provided in this document is necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material information.

Forward-Looking statements include those with respect to the anticipated quantum, timing and completion of the Offering; receipt of TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering; and the proposed use of the proceeds of the Offering.

Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be achieved. Such assumptions, which may prove incorrect, include the following: (i) receipt of TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering will be obtained; (ii) sufficient subscriptions will be received to complete the entirety of the Offering; (iii) the price of uranium will remain sufficiently high and the costs of advancing the Company's mining projects sufficiently low so as to permit GoviEx to implement its business plans in a profitable manner.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include (i) the Company's failure to complete the Offering in-part or in-full; (ii) inability to make effective use of the proceeds of the Offering; (iii) the failure of the Company's projects, for technical, logistical, labour-relations, or other reasons; (iv) the Company's inability to obtain TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering; (iv) a decrease in the price of uranium below what is necessary to sustain the Company's operations; (v) an increase in the Company's operating costs above what is necessary to sustain its operations; (vi) accidents, labour disputes, or the materialization of similar risks; (vii) a deterioration in capital market conditions that prevents the Company from raising the funds it requires on a timely basis; and (viii) generally, the Company's inability to develop and implement a successful business plan for any reason.

In addition, the factors described or referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024, of GoviEx, which is available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca, should be reviewed in conjunction with the information found in this news release.

Although GoviEx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance, or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances, or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information in this news release will transpire or occur, or, if any of them do so, what benefits that GoviEx will derive therefrom. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and GoviEx disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250414

SOURCE: GoviEx Uranium Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (FSE: D4E) (WKN: A1JQW5) ("Defiance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Armando Vazquez, M.Sc., C.P.G., as Vice President, Operations, effective May 1, 2025.

Mr. Vazquez continues to serve as Senior Consultant at OreQuest Consultants Ltd., where he has been supporting with strategic development and drill targeting for Defiance Silver since 2020, contributing to expanding our resource base and achieving our long-term vision. Mr. Vazquez is a Qualified Person under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and a highly regarded exploration geologist with over 14 years of experience designing and managing grassroots and brownfield exploration programs.

Prior to joining Defiance, Mr. Vazquez led the design and execution of exploration programs to the highest industry standards, including compliance with QA/QC protocols under NI 43-101 and stringent Health and Safety frameworks. His expertise spans a broad range of deposit types-including epithermal, porphyry, orogenic gold, and intrusion-related systems-across key mining jurisdictions such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Finland.

Mr. Vazquez holds a Master of Science in Exploration Geology from the Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter, UK), where he was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship for academic excellence. He also earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Geological Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Chris Wright, Chairman & CEO, commented:

"We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Vazquez to the leadership team at Defiance. His deep technical knowledge, commitment to responsible exploration, and proven ability to manage complex exploration programs will play a critical role in advancing our portfolio and driving long-term value for our shareholders. In his new role, Mr. Vazquez will oversee operational execution across Defiance's projects, including technical planning, exploration strategy, and program delivery."

SHARES FOR SERVICES

The Company previously entered into a non-arm's length administrative services agreement dated May 1, 2023 (the "Agreement"), for services provided by an officer of the Company. As part of the consideration payable by the Company under the Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue that number of Common Shares equal to $1,330 per month (the "Service Shares"), to be issued on a semi-annual basis and pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Agreement was for a term of three months and has automatically renewed in accordance with its terms, terminable by either party providing 30 days' notice of such termination.

The deemed value of the Service Shares to be issued for a particular month, is to be the closing price of the Company's shares on the last trading day of the month.

For services rendered under the Agreement between the period of July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the Company has issued 33,448 Common Shares at a weighted average price of $0.244 per Common Share, extinguishing the accrued debt under the Agreement of $7,980. The transaction was subject to the approval of the TSXV.

The Service Shares issued are subject to a four month hold period, which will expire on a date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance.

No new insiders will be created, nor will any change of control occur, as a result of the issuance of the Service Shares.

As certain insiders are party to the Agreement, it may be considered a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders In Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and the TSXV. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI-61-101 contained in section 5.5 (a) and Section 5.7 (1)(a) as the fair market value of the common shares being issued to insiders in connection with the Service Shares does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

About Defiance Silver Corp.

Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) is an exploration company advancing the district-scale Zacatecas project, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District and the Tepal Gold/Copper Project in Michoacan state, Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring, advancing, and developing several operating mines and advanced resource projects. Defiance's corporate mandate is to advance our projects through capital-efficient exploration focused on resource growth and new mineral discoveries.

On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp.

"Chris Wright"

CEO and Chairman of the Board

Disclaimer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250410

SOURCE: Defiance Silver Corp.
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.



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Lancashire Holdings Ltd - Result of AGM

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 01

LANCASHIRE HOLDINGS LIMITED

1 May 2025

Hamilton, Bermuda

Results of AGM

Lancashire Holdings Limited (the "Company") is pleased to announce the voting results for the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of shareholders held at its Bermuda office on Wednesday 30 April 2025. The meeting considered the twenty resolutions as set out in the AGM Notice dated 28 March 2025; all resolutions considered were duly passed and approved by shareholders casting their votes.

Copies of the resolutions passed as Special Business will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism .

Further details of the AGM results will be available shortly on the Company's website www.lancashiregroup.com .

For further information, please contact:

Lancashire Holdings Limited Christopher Head chris.head@lancashiregroup.com Jelena Bjelanovic jelena.bjelanovic@lancashiregroup.com FTI Consulting +44 20 37271046 Edward Berry Edward.Berry@FTIConsulting.com Tom Blackwell Tom.Blackwell@FTIConsulting.com

About Lancashire

Lancashire, through its operating subsidiaries, is a provider of global specialty insurance and reinsurance products.

Lancashire's common shares trade in the equity shares (commercial companies) category of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol LRE. Lancashire has its head office and registered office at Power House, 7 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority ("BMA") is the Group Supervisor of the Lancashire Group.

For more information, please visit Lancashire's website at www.lancashiregroup.com .

This release contains information which may be of a price sensitive nature that Lancashire is making public in a manner consistent with the UK Market Abuse Regulation and other regulatory obligations. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 07:30 BST on 1 May 2025.

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

ALL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR OTHERWISE SPEAK ONLY AS AT THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. LANCASHIRE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION OR UNDERTAKING (SAVE AS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH ANY LEGAL OR REGULATORY OBLIGATIONS INCLUDING THE RULES OF THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE) TO DISSEMINATE ANY UPDATES OR REVISIONS TO ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT TO REFLECT ANY CHANGES IN THE GROUP'S EXPECTATIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY SUCH STATEMENT IS BASED. ALL SUBSEQUENT WRITTEN AND ORAL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GROUP OR INDIVIDUALS ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP ARE EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY THIS NOTE.
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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Publication of the 2024 annual accounts

Paris, April 30, 2025 at 8:30 p.m.

ODIOT HOLDING (Euronext Access, FR0004152700 - MLODT) announces the publication of its accounts for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, marking a decisive step in the Company's recovery.

The Board of Directors of ODIOT HOLDING, meeting under the chairmanship of Gilles-Emmanuel Trutat, Chairman and CEO, has approved the ODIOT HOLDING accounts for the 2024 financial year.

ODIOT HOLDING's results are presented based on the company accounts, certified by its auditors. The management report and financial report are available on the website www.odiotholding.com, under the Investor Areas section.

The group's accounts have not yet been consolidated. However, the tables below present key information regarding ODIOT HOLDING and its subsidiary ODIOT SAS.

Odiot Holding In millions of euros 2024 2023 2022 Turnover 0 347,223 35,453 Gross operating surplus (656,740) (161,054) (983,023) Net result (3,590,405) (155,908) (11,809,017) Equity (6,217,325) (2,626,920) (2,471,012) Financial debt 4,180,546* 3,166,044 3,208,823

* details of financial debt:

Convertible bonds: 2,961,725 (incorporated into the share capital in the first quarter of 2025)

Partners' current accounts: 1,011,185 (incorporated into the share capital in the first quarter of 2025)

Bank debt: 207,636

Odiot SAS In millions of euros 2024 2023 2022 Turnover 1,127,580 1,501,024 791,610 Gross operating surplus 130 156 66,273 (70,903) Net result 129 133 78,576 36,200 Equity 71,681 (57,453) (136,028) Financial debt 452,438** 485,093 483,613

** including CELT current account of 431,685

General presentation of the Company during the financial year ending December 31, 2024

During the year 2024, changes in shareholding took place:

The capital was held as of December 31, 2023, before the shareholding changes that occurred in 2024, as follows:

- 42.57% by Mr. Louis Petiet

- 12.92% by the company AAA Holding represented by its President Mr. Louis Petiet

- 44.51% of free float

Following the changes in shareholding in 2024, the percentages of holdings as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:

- 63.21% held by the company AMC UPLIFT HIGH YIELD EUROPEAN GROWTH

- 8.01% held by Mr. Louis Petiet

- 28.78% of free float

Following this change in shareholding, the Company's management bodies were overhauled.

The Board of Directors elected Mr. Gilles-Emmanuel Trutat as Chairman of the Company on June 13, 2024 and decided to combine the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on October 17, 2024.

New directors were appointed at the board meeting of June 26, 2024.

New governance:

General manager Mr. Gilles-Emmanuel Trutat Deputy Managing Director Mrs. Laetitia Maffei Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Gilles-Emmanuel Trutat Member of the Board of Directors Mrs. Laetitia Maffei Member of the Board of Directors Mrs. Emilie Thebault Member of the Board of Directors Mr. Yves Pozzo di Borgo Member of the Board of Directors Mr. Thierry Bignet Member of the Board of Directors Mr. Marc Jobert

The new management team was tasked with turning around the company's financial situation and reviewing its strategic priorities. One of the new management's first decisions was to divest unprofitable and/or non-strategic assets and focus on ODIOT SAS subsidiary.

To reflect this new strategy, the Company has changed its name to ODIOT HOLDING, as well as relocated its head office to reduce overhead costs. These changes were approved at the shareholders' general meeting held on July 17, 2024.

The main actions of the new management were as follows:

- The improvement of the Company's finances through the drastic reduction of overheads, the renegotiation of supplier debts and the capitalization of financial debts;

- Obtaining an agreement to spread its bank debt of 207,636 over 24 months (balance of 156,000 as of April 30, 2024).

- The production and publication of the 2022 and 2023 accounts, which had not been done by the previous management;

- The signing of a settlement agreement with JMS CONSULTANCY: ODIOT HOLDING had a debt of 1 million (excluding interest and penalties) to JMS CONSULTANCY since 2020. This unrepaid debt, which was the subject of litigation, was settled by the payment to JMS CONSULTANCY of 150,000 in cash, the sale of all the shares that ODIOT HOLDING held in FINANCIERE MARJOS (Euronext Paris ISIN FR0000060824 - FINM) representing a value of 812,938.68 and the sale of the current account amounting to 218,000 that ODIOT HOLDING held with FINANCIERE MARJOS. On January 14, 2025, the company ODIOT HOLDING, declared to the Financial Markets Authority (AMF) that it had crossed downwards the thresholds of 1/3, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5% of the capital and voting rights of the company FINANCIERE MARJOS;

- The signing of a settlement agreement with AAA HOLDING for the sale of ODIOT JOAILLERIE shares: ODIOT HOLDING sold its stake in ODIOT JOAILLERIE to AAA HOLDING. In exchange, ODIOT JOAILLERIE sold 184,690 shares it held in ODIOT SAS to ODIOT HOLDING. ODIOT JOAILLERIE and AAA HOLDING are no longer authorized to use the name " Odiot " for commercial or corporate purposes;

- The exercise of a transfer contract signed in 2020 with CELT allowing ODIOT HOLDING's stake in ODIOT SAS to be increased from 48% to 52%.

The year 2024 was a year of transition, the objective of which was to carry out an inventory of the company's liabilities and assets, to complete the company's financial restructuring, and to refocus exclusively on ODIOT SAS. A review of ODIOT SAS's financing needs was also carried out in order to build a business development strategy accompanied by a significant investment plan in the workshop (machines, building, personnel).

Business situation and analysis of business developments

The new management has therefore decided to sell the majority of the assets, ODIOT JOAILLERIE, FINANCIERE MARJOS, ECRIN, INDUSTRIELLE FRANCO-ALLEMANDE (IFA), in order to clean up the situation and refocus on ODIOT SAS.

ODIOT is a French luxury brand founded in 1690 and one of the most prestigious goldsmiths since the 18th and 19th centuries. A supplier to the Royal Family, the Empire, and all European courts, it boasts unique expertise in creating exceptional decorative pieces and cutlery made from precious metals (solid silver, vermeil, silver, gold). ODIOT has been appointed by the French state as a Living Heritage Company.

This company has significant growth potential in a market, the ultra-luxury market, which is not experiencing any downward, and whose base is expanding every year with the increase in the number of millionaires in the world. Moreover, with the appreciation of metal prices, ODIOT pieces in solid silver and other precious metals are considered safe havens by its customers.

Following the audit, ODIOT HOLDING began investing in the renovation of the industrial tools and the building as well as in the recruitment of qualified personnel from the end of 2024, and accelerated its support in the first quarter of 2025.

The announced strategy consists of making productive investments at the Bretigny-sur-Orge industrial site, as well as targeted recruitment. A position has been created in Dubai to represent the brand in a strategic area for its development. These investments will streamline production and improve working conditions through the renovation of the industrial facility, the internalization of certain functions (gold and silver baths), and the hiring of qualified employees (goldsmiths). These investments will have an impact on production margins, which will be reflected in ODIOT SAS's 2025 financial statements.

The improvement of the industrial tool will make it possible to meet the growing demand of customers in the ultra-luxury segment. ODIOT's offer allows this clientele to differentiate itself by ordering emblematic pieces of French know-how in the decorative arts, whose success continues not only with traditional customers (royal and government families), but also with new fortunes in emerging countries or those from the technology sector.

Finally, in addition to ODIOT SAS, ODIOT HOLDING holds a 51% stake in WELL ENERGIES; ODIOT HOLDING is also a creditor of WELL ENERGIES for 1,405,382 (excluding interest). This debt has been provisioned at 100% from the 2022 financial year. However, discussions with VERGNET (Euronext Paris ISIN FR001400JXA2 - ALVER), in which WELL ENERGIES holds a stake, were initiated in 2025 in order to recover this debt.

2024 Financial Results

Turnover : 0 compared to 347,223 in 2023, linked to the cessation of VERGNET's service provision activity (see below).

: 0 compared to 347,223 in 2023, linked to the cessation of VERGNET's service provision activity (see below). Operating result : -656,740.

: -656,740. Net result : -3,590,405, mainly impacted by the exceptional result resulting from the depreciation of the 3 million receivable on AAA HOLDING.

Turnover

The service and assistance agreement signed between WELL and VERGNET on October 27, 2022, and its amendment signed on November 18, 2022, provided for annual compensation for Well of 150,000. As this agreement ended in 2023, ODIOT HOLDING (formerly WELL) did not record any revenue in 2024.

From 2025, ODIOT HOLDING plans to generate revenue through the direct sale of ODIOT products, vintage ODIOT products, management fees and subsequently, dividends from its subsidiary.

Financial products and expenses

The financial result is essentially made up of a reversal of a provision, recorded during the previous financial year on ODIOT SAS shares for 450,000.

Operating expenses are higher than those for 2023 because they consist of (a) invoices from service providers, some of which had not been paid since 2021 and for which we regularized the situation in 2024, (b) significant legal and procedural costs of 249,563. It goes without saying that these expenses were generated by the Company's situation and are non-recurring.

Exceptional products and expenses

Exceptional income and expenses include items unrelated to the company's normal business. The decision was made in the 2022 financial year to clean up the accounts with a depreciation amount of 10,922,167.

This year again the exceptional result consists of:

- The depreciation of a receivable from AAA HOLDING for 3 million recorded due to the incorporation into capital of the bond debt of the same amount during the first months of the 2025 financial year;

- The sale of FINANCIERE MARJOS shares for the 2024 fiscal year, together with the transactional compensation, which constitutes an exceptional charge of 297,687;

- Exceptional charges and depreciations, particularly relating to previous financial years, for 383,547.

Events since December 31, 2024

The main events following the closing date concern:

- The acquisition of the ROUGE PULLON brand for 35,000 on February 3, 2025; ROUGE PULLON, whose purpose is to restore goldsmith pieces, carries out an activity complementary to that of ODIOT SAS in the premises of Bretigny-Sur-Orge. This company has also been appointed by the French state as a Living Heritage Company.

- The capital increase of February 4, 2025 for a total amount of 2,157,517.29;

- The capital increase of February 28, 2025 for a total amount of 2,307,020.56;

- The capital increase of April 22, 2025 for a total amount of 442,353.76.

These capital increases were achieved by (a) the conversion of the current accounts of AMC Asset partners Segregated #47IC, of Chairman Gilles-Emmanuel Trutat, and the directors, (b) the conversion of previous bond debts held by Swiss private banks, a Luxembourg fund, and significant individual investors, (c) the contribution of new money by five qualified private investors for an amount of 875,000 .

Following these capital increases, the Company's share capital amounts to 222,672.19, divided into 22,267,219 shares with a nominal value of 0.01, fully paid up and all of the same category.

The funds raised are mainly devoted to investments in the ODIOT subsidiary and in particular to the renovation of the ODIOT industrial building located in Bretigny-sur-Orge, to the acquisition of new dies, particularly for the Compiegne and Demidoff models , and to the acquisition of a laser welding machine. The modernization of the workshop as well as the hiring of 2 people (in addition to the hiring carried out in 2024) out of a total of 7 new hires planned, will make it possible to reduce production lags and improve customer service.

These capital increases allow ODIOT HOLDING to significantly strengthen its equity, even if it still remains negative, and to reduce its financial debt significantly, since there is only a balance of 156,000 remaining with banks.

Future prospects

The year 2024 marks the end of a phase for ODIOT HOLDING with the completion of the financial restructuring phase, characterized by the clearing of accumulated debts and the elimination of loss sources. Following this restructuring process, the company is now in a position to focus its efforts on the strategic development of its subsidiary ODIOT SAS.

Concerning ODIOT SAS, even though 2024 revenue was still modest at 1,127,580, net profit increased significantly to 129,133, representing a net margin after tax of 11.45%. ODIOT SAS's equity returned to positive territory this year, allowing the company to face the future with confidence. The new phase will be structured around targeted investments to support its organic growth. The development strategy aims to sustainably strengthen the subsidiary's financial performance, consolidate its positions in its key markets, and significantly increase its revenue. The order book stood at 1,684,847 at the end of the first quarter, a figure up 49.5% compared to the entire 2024 financial year.

About ODIOT HOLDING

ODIOT HOLDING is the controlling holding company of ODIOT, a French luxury brand founded in 1690, and one of the most prestigious goldsmiths since the 18th and 19th centuries . A supplier to the French royal family, the Empire, and all European courts, it boasts unique expertise in creating exceptional decorative pieces and cutlery in precious metals (solid silver, vermeil, savings, gold). ODIOT is a Living Heritage Company.

Investor Relations Contact: investors@odiotholding.com

Press Relations: odiotholding@aelium.fr

ODIOT HOLDING (Euronext Access, FR0004152700 - MLODT) www.odiotholding.com

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Recognition supports the OneSumX platform delivering high value for client banks

Wolters Kluwer Financial Corporate Compliance has been recognized with two prestigious 2025 A-Team Innovation Awards for excellence in integrated regulatory risk, and financial data management. The awards celebrate innovative projects and teams across the vendor and practitioner communities that leverage new and emerging technologies to deliver high-value solutions for financial institutions.

"The A-team Innovation Awards underscore our commitment to delivering exceptional solutions and an unparalleled customer experience. Our solutions adeptly combine financial, risk, and regulatory metrics with modular and flexible configuration capabilities, ensuring responsiveness to an evolving landscape," said Jeroen Van Doorsselaere, Vice President, Global Product Platform Management, Wolters Kluwer Finance, Risk Regulatory Reporting. "Financial institutions recognize the immense value of our implementation approach and integrated solutions, along with our comprehensive understanding of industry nuances and proven track record of success."

The implementation of Wolters Kluwer's integrated regulatory and risk solutions at Indexo Bank was recognized by A-Team as the Most Innovative Project. Combining OneSumX for Regulatory Reporting and OneSumX for Risk in a fully integrated, SaaS-based setup, the implementation delivers end-to-end compliance with FINREP, COREP, Basel III, and IRRBB. Built for scalability, efficiency, and future growth, the solution supports Indexo Bank's goal to become a financial services group that empowers the people of Latvia to achieve prosperity, providing a solid regulatory and risk foundation to match its expanding business.

Wolters Kluwer was also recognized as the Most Innovative Data Transformation Project for the OneSumX for Finance implementation at a major European bank, which successfully transformed its fragmented finance and risk systems into a unified general ledger and centralized accounting and data hub. OneSumX for Finance established a single source of truth, by integrating financial, contract, counterparty, and reference data, ensuring consistency, and reducing the need for downstream reconciliation while simplifying reporting. It enabled real-time monitoring, daily reconciliation, and improved regulatory compliance while streamlining the system landscape to lower costs and operational complexity.

Finance, Risk, and Regulatory Reporting (FRR) is part of Wolters Kluwer's Financial Corporate Compliance (FCC) division, which provides a wide range of technology-enabled lending, regulatory and investment compliance solutions, corporate services, and legal entity compliance solutions. FRR's award-winning OneSumX suite of solutions supports financial institutions through innovative technology that enables and empowers clients to stay compliant with everchanging regulatory requirements, manage uncertainty through finance and risk management offerings, and drive efficiency.

For more information, please visit: OneSumX Finance, Risk, and Regulatory Reporting.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of 5.9 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501488185/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

David Feider

Associate Director, External Communications

Financial Corporate Compliance

Wolters Kluwer

Office +1 612-246-9454

david.feider@wolterskluwer.com
With Capacity Provided by Allianz, Active Insurance Provider to Offer Innovative Cyber Insurance Solution to Businesses in Denmark, Sweden

Coalition, the world's first Active Insurance provider designed to prevent digital risk before it strikes, today announced the launch of its innovative Active Cyber Insurance in the Nordic region through its subsidiary, Coalition Insurance Solutions, filial af Coalition Insurance Solutions GmbH, Tyskland. Coalition's offerings are available in Denmark as of today, 1 May 2025, and will become available in Sweden on 8 May 2025.

"Businesses within the Nordics will benefit from access to an offering that combines comprehensive insurance with meaningful cybersecurity insights and tools to help them manage and mitigate cyber threats," said Tine Simonsen, Coalition's Head of Insurance, Continental Europe. "As cyber threats grow exponentially globally, preventing digital risk before it strikes has never been more important, and with the entrance of Active Insurance in the region, Coalition aims to provide greater protection for all European businesses."

Coalition offers insurance products in Denmark and Sweden with capacity provided by Allianz Commercial in a multi-year agreement. Coalition's Active Cyber Insurance is available to businesses with up to DKK 7,5bn and SEK 11bn in revenue on a primary basis with no minimum premium requirement. Allianz's current cyber product remains available without any change.

"As our 2025 Allianz Risk Barometer has once again shown, cyber risks are among the greatest threats to companies worldwide-and have been for years. We are now complementing our established cyber product for complex risks of all kinds and multinational requirements with Coalition's offering," said Margaretha Mo, Managing Director, Nordics, at Allianz Commercial. "This allows us to support our customers in Denmark and Sweden even further in managing their cyber risks, quickly identifying damages, and ideally even preventing them altogether."

Coalition's end-to-end platform streamlines the quoting process, allowing brokers to generate bindable quotes in minutes. Coalition also provides extensive training materials and resources to help brokers advise their clients on cyber risk. Coalition's cyber risk management platform, Coalition Control, alerts policyholders about vulnerabilities and cyber threats on an ongoing basis. This continuous monitoring helps businesses identify risks before they lead to cyber incidents. If an incident occurs, Coalition's claims and incident response teams are available to help businesses quickly recover and resume normal operations.

Brokers in Denmark can start quoting now by submitting requests directly to Coalition's expert underwriting team at help@coalitioninc.dk. For more information about Coalition and Active Insurance, visit: https://www.coalitioninc.com/nordics.

Coalition Insurance Solutions, filial af Coalition Insurance Solutions GmbH, Tyskland, is registered in Lyngby, Denmark. Coalition has already hired Jacob Bondorff Skrddergaard as Head of Business Development for the Nordic Region, formerly Head of Nordic Business Development at RiskPoint. Coalition will continue to expand its local workforce in multiple cities. To learn about open positions, visit: https://www.coalitioninc.com/careers.

About Coalition

Coalition is the world's first Active Insurance provider designed to help prevent digital risk before it strikes. By combining comprehensive insurance coverage and cybersecurity tools, Coalition helps businesses manage and mitigate potential cyberattacks. Leveraging its relationships with leading global insurers and capacity providers, including Coalition Insurance Company, Coalition offers Active Insurance products to businesses in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Denmark, and soon in Sweden. Policyholders can receive automated cyber alerts and access expert advice and global third-party risk management tools through Coalition's cyber risk management platform, Coalition Control.

Insurance cover is issued by Coalition Insurance Solutions, filial af Coalition Insurance Solutions GmbH, Tyskland (HRB 133708), a Danish branch registered with the corporate registration number CVR 45116212 ("CIS DK"), cooperating in the Danish market with Allianz Global Corporate Specialty Swedish Branch Office (Business Register Org. nr. 516409-0861)(Insurer), and with respect to the Swedish market on a cross-border and freedom of services basis by Coalition Insurance Solutions GmbH (HRB 133708) ("CIS SE"), cooperating with Allianz Global Corporate Specialty Swedish Branch Office (Business Register Org. nr. 516409-0861). This information with regard to the cyber insurance products provided herein is of a general nature only and does not take into account any person's particular circumstances. All descriptions of coverage are subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the individual policy. Before making a decision (or advising your client), please refer to the relevant applicable policy or contact your broker. CIS DK and CIS SE may receive remuneration from an insurer. See imprint and disclaimers. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Coalition and the Coalition logo are trademarks of Coalition, Inc.

About Allianz Commercial

Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world's largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry, as well as family-owned and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions.

Powered by the employees, financial strength, and network of the world's #1 insurance brand Allianz, as ranked by Interbrand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what's ahead: They trust us to provide a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and multinational services as well as seamless claims handling.

The trade name Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2023, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around 18 billion in gross premium globally.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501795236/en/

Contacts:

Marisa Graves

Communications at Coalition

press@coalitioninc.com
LONDON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bizcap UK - a leading provider of fast, flexible business loans - has achieved a major milestone, recording over 10 million in originations in its biggest month to date, marking back-to-back record months. The news comes as Bizcap prepares to launch its Line of Credit product in the UK-set to roll out to partners in late Q2, with a wider release in early Q3.

The company's UK operation has now surpassed 75 million in total originations since launch, with average deal sizes increasing to 45,000. A significant portion of recent funding has come from returning customers, reflecting a strong level of trust and satisfaction with Bizcap's lending experience.

"We're thrilled with Bizcap UK's best month ever-it's a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust we've built with our clients and partners," said Sasha Berg, Managing Partner - UK. "But this is just the beginning. We're committed to maintaining this momentum and continuing to deliver innovative financial solutions that help UK businesses grow and succeed."

Bizcap's growth has been powered by both broker relationships and strong local partnerships. "Bizcap UK's remarkable performance this month reflects not just our ability to grow but our commitment to being the trusted financial partner for SMEs," Berg added. "We've been fortunate to partner with exceptional brokers and advisers who share our vision for supporting underserved sectors of the business lending space."

To meet increasing demand for flexible, ongoing finance, Bizcap UK will launch its Business Line of Credit product offering up to 300,000 in flexible credit. Brokers interested in early access are encouraged to reach out via partners@bizcap.co.uk or through their Bizcap BDM.

"I have great confidence in the UK market and in our team's ability to deliver outstanding results," said Albert Gahfi, Bizcap UK Co-CEO. "The product-market fit of Bizcap in the UK is clear, and with the launch of our line of credit product, we're poised to make a significant impact. Bizcap UK has the full support of our global teams behind them, ensuring they have the resources, expertise, and innovation needed to succeed."

"Having seen exceptional success with the launch of our line of credit product in markets like New Zealand, Australia, and the US, we're incredibly excited to bring this innovative solution to the UK," Gahfi added. "Demand for flexible financing has been clear in each market, and we're confident that the UK will embrace this product in the same way."

About Bizcap

Bizcap is a global alternative lender supporting SMEs in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and soon Europe. Known for its fast approvals, flexible product suite, and adviser-first model, Bizcap has delivered over $1 billion in business loans globally since its inception in 2019. For more information, visit www.bizcap.co.uk

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bizcap-uk-achieves-record-month-prepares-to-launch-business-line-of-credit-product-302443652.html
Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Gold IRA Companies Bulletin has announced a multi-format approach to reach a larger audience following a recent surge in interest in gold due to its recent price increase. As of this writing, the price of the precious metal has broken through $3,400 per ounce, a new all-time high.

Doug Young, the Founder of Gold IRA Companies Bulletin

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More information is available at https://goldiracompaniescompared.com

Publisher Doug Young has officially made Gold IRA Companies Bulletin multi-format through its news portal, podcast, and YouTube channel, making it more accessible to a broader demographic.

Additional information is available at https://rss.com/podcasts/gold-ira-companies-bulletin

The rise in gold prices in 2024 has continued throughout the first four months of 2025, with new all-time highs being recorded with increasing frequency, partially driven by a sharp downturn in stock prices, which has wiped out trillions of dollars in value. "Many experts expect these bull runs to continue through 2025, pointing to the persistent market risks and instabilities, both geopolitical and financial, that continue to prevail," Mr. Young said.

Gold has historically thrived in times of uncertainty and often moves opposite to the stock market, making it relevant for those saving for the long-term, such as individuals preparing for retirement. One of the ways Americans can own gold is through a gold IRA, which, unlike traditional IRAs, allows owners to invest in tangible assets such as gold, silver, and platinum.

As stock-focused investment instruments like 401(k)s take a massive hit, interest in options that offer more flexibility, such as a gold IRA, grows. According to analysis by Gold IRA Companies Bulletin, this interest should be tempered with qualified information.

Gold IRA Companies Bulletin helps prospective gold IRA investors determine if such an account is suitable for their investment goals and lifestyle. Additionally, the site contains reviews of over 80 gold IRA companies, helping visitors sift through the large number of firms claiming to provide assets and storage for a gold IRA.

Performing these analyses is Mr. Young, who, after two decades of experience in investing and trading, has made it his mission to help novice investors make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Parties interested in opening a gold IRA are encouraged to visit https://www.youtube.com/@goldiracompaniesbulletin

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250321

SOURCE: GYT
The industry veteran brings over 25 years of healthcare marketing expertise in accelerating growth and value for leading pharmaceutical brands

LONDON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Doceree, the world's first global network of physician-only platforms for programmatic messaging, announces the appointment of Karima Sharif as Senior Vice President - Strategic Accounts this April. With over two decades of experience in healthcare media and marketing, Karima joins Doceree to strengthen its strategic partnerships and deliver scalable solutions for pharmaceutical brands and other partners, across its global markets.

A powerhouse in healthcare marketing, Karima is known as the "Fresh Princess of Media." With an unmatched depth of experience across omnichannel strategy, multicultural and inclusive marketing, customer and data segmentation, and full-funnel media execution across both DTC and HCP audiences, she has helped shape the marketing journeys of 100+ pharmaceutical and medical device brands across various therapeutic categories. Her career is highlighted by the impact she's made at agencies such as CMI/WPP, Publicis and IPG MediaBrands, managing multi-million dollar paid media budgets. At Doceree, Karima will use her experience to drive growth, innovation, and value creation for the company's strategic accounts.

Commenting on her new role, Karima Sharif, SVP - Strategic Accounts, Doceree, said, "I'm thrilled to join Doceree at such a pivotal moment in its journey. The company is truly leading change in the healthcare ecosystem by redefining how pharma marketers engage with HCPs through data-driven, platform-first strategies. I look forward to contributing to this incredible mission and driving meaningful impact alongside a team that's shaping the future of healthcare marketing."

Karima's expertise in building and driving meaningful partnerships, while leading high-performing teams and championing diversity and inclusion conversations in the industry, has earned her accolades like In Vivo's 2022 Rising Leader in Healthcare and DTC Perspectives' 2022 Agency Vanguard Award.

"At Doceree, we are committed to elevating HCP-patient conversations by improving how pharmaceutical brands connect with healthcare professionals in the digital world," said Kamya Elawadhi, Chief Client Officer, Doceree. "Karima's deep expertise in media strategy, inclusive messaging, and full-funnel execution will be pivotal in driving stronger outcomes for our partners and enhancing the overall HCP engagement ecosystem."

Karima is a recognized industry leader, with her thoughts featured in Adweek, MM+M, and more, where she's led important conversations around innovation in healthcare marketing and the need for inclusive, equitable campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Her leadership also extends into advocacy, as the cofounder of the Women of Color Affinity Group and former Operating Board President, North America for the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA), and most recently Sherunsit.org-where she has mentored emerging women leaders.

About Doceree:

Leading the way in making HCP-patient conversations richer and more meaningful through patented responsive technology, Doceree addresses both current and emerging challenges for healthcare and life sciences organizations in HCP-patient engagement, particularly where digital and technological advancements play a crucial role. We leverage our patented technology to ensure that HCP-patient conversations and interactions are more meaningful, richer, and outcome-oriented.

Learn more: www.doceree.com.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/doceree-welcomes-karima-sharif-as-svp--strategic-accounts-to-strengthen-global-client-partnerships-302443893.html
On April 26, 2025, SDLG officially inaugurated its Indonesian subsidiary- PT. SDLG INDONESIA MACHINERY in Jakarta, advancing the company's strategic global expansion. Mr. Wen Degang, General Manager of SDLG, delivered the keynote address at the event, joined by Mr. Shi Shengyong, Deputy General Manager and General Manager of the Marketing Company, and Mr. Shi Dong, General Manager of the Asia-Pacific Marketing Company.

The ceremony welcomed more than 300 distinguished guests, including representatives from major Chinese enterprises in Indonesia, leaders from across the business community, strategic partners, and members of the media. The establishment of SDLG Indonesia, based in ASEAN's largest economy, represents a critical milestone in the company's broader internationalization strategy.

Building on 53 Years of Excellence, SDLG Accelerates Southeast Asia Expansion

The event commenced with the screening of The Heavy Trust, a documentary celebrating SDLG's 50th anniversary.

In his remarks, General Manager Mr. Wen emphasized that over the past 53 years, SDLG has maintained consistent growth through technological innovation. Today, SDLG holds a leading position in China's wheel loader market and ranks among the top three excavator brands nationwide. The company has been recognized with multiple international awards, including the China National Quality Award, ANQ Recognition for Excellence in Quality Practice and EFQM Global Excellence Award-making SDLG the only Chinese construction equipment manufacturer to receive this accolade. These achievements underscore the company's global reputation for quality and reliability.

Mr. Wen highlighted the strategic significance of the Indonesian market, noting its annual infrastructure growth rate of over 8% and the strong, growing demand for construction machinery. The launch of SDLG Indonesia signals a new phase of accelerated growth in the Southeast Asian market.

During the ceremony, SDLG Indonesia signed cooperation agreements with seven strategic partners, securing purchase intentions for over 1,100 units across its full range of products, including excavators, wheel loaders, and road rollers. The total value of the agreements exceeded RMB 450 million.

This substantial commitment underscores the Indonesian market's confidence in SDLG's product performance and further strengthens the company's position in the region.

Expanding Presence, Accelerating Growth

The establishment of PT. SDLG INDONESIA MACHINERY represents a pivotal step in advancing the company's global strategy. With deliveries of the newly signed orders underway, SDLG's brand visibility and market share in Indonesia are expected to grow significantly, supporting the company's long-term ambitions in Southeast Asia.

As the celebration marked a new beginning, SDLG reaffirmed its commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality solutions and building strong, collaborative partnerships in the region. The launch in Indonesia signals not only a strategic market breakthrough but also a new chapter in SDLG's global growth narrative.

Media Contact

Organization: Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (SDLG)

Contact Person Name: Jin Zhang

Website: https://www.sdlg.com/

Email: jin.zhang@sdlg.com

City: Linyi City

Country: China

SOURCE: Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (SDLG)

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/sdlg-strengthens-global-strategy-with-grand-opening-of-indonesian-subs-1022163
Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) today held its Annual General Meeting of shareholders ("AGM") at Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3QL. At the AGM, shareholders passed resolutions to: receive the annual report and the financial statements, re-appoint PSH's auditor, authorize the Directors to determine the remuneration of the auditor, re-elect all of the existing Directors with the exception of Tope Lawani and Bronwyn Curtis, elect Jean-Baptiste Wautier, renew PSH's share buyback authority, and permit the disapplication of shareholders' pre-emption rights for any share issuance of 10% or less. All resolutions were passed on a poll.

The specifics of those resolutions can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting and the Supplementary Notice of Annual General Meeting available on the Company's website: https://pershingsquareholdings.com/company-reports/notices-shareholders/.

The results of the proxy voting of PSH's shares are noted in the chart below. A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for or against a resolution. PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited ("VoteCo") voted its Special Voting Share in favour of the resolutions. VoteCo is not permitted to vote on resolutions 4 and 9 which are Specified Matters for purposes of the UK Listing Rules.

Resolution For Against Votes Withheld Resolution 1: To receive the annual report and the financial statements Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 259,181,737 70,738 8,154 Resolution 2: To re-appoint the Company's auditor Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 259,167,691 89,297 3,641 Resolution 3: To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditor Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 259,208,197 43,862 8,570 Resolution 4: To re-elect Halit Coussin as a Director Ordinary Resolution of the holders of Public Shares 77,706,824 792,389 5,224 Resolution 5: Withdrawn Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares N/A N/A N/A Resolution 6: To re-elect Andrew Henton as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 259,147,232 104,110 9,287 Resolution 7: To re-elect Rupert Morley as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 257,662,962 1,588,380 9,287

Resolution 8: To re-elect Charlotte Denton as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 259,146,628 105,130 8,871 Resolution 9: To authorise the Company to buy back shares Special Resolution of the holders of Public Shares 77,649,981 849,396 5,060 Resolution 10: To permit the disapplication of pre-emption rights Special Resolution of all Voting Shares 258,981,979 173,672 104,978 Resolution 11: To elect Jean-Baptiste Wautier as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 259,160,210 85,357 15,062

A copy of the special resolutions passed at the AGM has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

PSH also confirmed today that the next quarterly dividend of $0.1646 per Public Share, as previously announced, is payable as follows:

Record Date Payment Date USD Dividend Per Share DRIP Enrollment Deadline Currency Election Deadline 16/5/2025 20/6/2025 $0.1646 2/6/2025 2/6/2025

A proportionate quarterly dividend will be paid to the Special Voting Share, based on its net asset value.

Shareholders may automatically reinvest cash dividends into PSH Public Shares through a Dividend Reinvestment Programme ("DRIP") whereby shares are purchased in the open market by the administrator of the DRIP. Details about the DRIP are available at https://pershingsquareholdings.com/psh-dividend-information/ and through shareholders' brokers.

Dividends will be paid in US dollars unless a shareholder elects to be paid in GBP. Shareholders electing GBP dividends must do so no later than the Currency Election Deadline. Further details about the currency election are available at Pershing Square Holdings' website https://pershingsquareholdings.com/psh-dividend-information/.

Additional Information

The payment of each dividend is subject to the Company being satisfied that the following conditions are met:

the Company will meet the solvency requirements under Companies (Guernsey) Law, immediately after the payment of the dividend;

the Company's total indebtedness will be less than one-third of the Company's total capitalisation after the payment of the relevant interim dividend.

The decision as to whether PSH pays a dividend in the future will be made by the PSH Board with the consent of the Investment Manager. While PSH intends to pay a quarterly dividend going forward, there is no guarantee that PSH will continue to do so. PSH's Board's decision to pay a dividend should not be interpreted to mean that PSH will be profitable in the future.

About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund.

Category: (PSH:CorporateActions)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501874251/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Camarco

Ed Gascoigne-Pees Julia Tilley +44 (0)20 3781 8339, MediaInquiries@pershingsquareholdings.com
TSX:GWO

Paul Mahon to retire as President & CEO, Board appoints David Harney President and CEO, Great-West Lifeco and The Canada Life Assurance Company effective July 1, 2025

WINNIPEG, MB, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Great-West Lifeco Inc. (TSX: GWO) ("Lifeco", "the company") announced that, effective July 1, Paul Mahon will retire as President & CEO, Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life, and will be succeeded by David Harney. Paul will act as a Senior Advisor until early 2026 to support the transition.

"Paul's contributions to our organization have been extraordinary," said Jeffrey Orr, Chair of Lifeco and Canada Life's Board of Directors. "Under his leadership the company has been repositioned and strengthened, achieving record performance and delivering lasting value for our shareholders. On behalf of the Board, management, colleagues, and all those associated with our companies, I thank him for his leadership, vision, and impact."

Over his 39-year career with the company, including the past 12 years as CEO, Paul provided steady, principled leadership. He's been central in shaping the organization's long-term direction, including putting in place strong, future-focused leadership. Under his guidance, Lifeco successfully repositioned its portfolio of businesses, including the amalgamation of three brands into Canada Life, and the launch and build-out of Empower in the United States. Paul led the company with clarity and compassion during the global pandemic, ensuring the well-being of customers and employees remained a top priority. Paul has also championed a culture of citizenship and impact across Canada Life, helping drive lasting, positive change in our communities.

"It has been an honour to lead Lifeco and work alongside such a dedicated and values driven team," said Paul Mahon. "We've built a strong foundation for the future. Lifeco's management team represents an exceptional combination of strengths including an achievement-oriented and people-centered culture that is driving strong performance across the business. The company is on a path of sustained growth, and I couldn't be more confident in the future."

David Harney's appointment reflects the strength of the company's leadership team, and its commitment to succession planning and talent development. David has been with the organization for over 35 years. He's held a wide range of progressively senior roles reflecting his breadth and capabilities as a leader and business builder. During his time with Irish Life, David led the Corporate Business Division, including leading it through recovery following the global financial crisis. In 2016, he was appointed CEO of Irish Life, where his vision to drive greater integration among Irish Life's business units helped expand the businesses' market presence and deepen customer relationships. In 2020, David was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, Europe for Great-West Lifeco, and in 2024 broadened his responsibiliites to include oversight of Lifeco's reinsurance business.

"David brings a depth of experience, and a proven ability to execute to his new role. He has consistently built strong teams that drive performance", said Mr. Orr. "Our Board looks forward to working closely with David in his new role as we pursue Lifeco's growth strategy, with a clear focus on creating value, and delivering long-term impact."

"David is a strong and natural choice to build on our momentum. I've worked closely with him for over 12 years and seen his ability to drive positive results, time and again," said Mr. Mahon. "His leadership is shaped by his curiosity, focus on deeply understanding the changing needs of customers, and staying ahead of market dynamics to shape strategy. I look forward to supporting him through the transition."

"I'm personally energized by the opportunity to work with our colleagues, customers and partners as we build on the company's solid foundation and tremendous momentum," said David Harney. We have a winning strategy, strength of leadership, and client focused culture that will serve us well as we deepen trusted relationships and drive impact across all our businesses. Thank you to Paul for your leadership and care in guiding the company over the past 12 years."

About Great-West Lifeco Inc.

Great-West Lifeco is a financial services holding company focused on building stronger, more inclusive and financially secure futures. We operate in Canada, the United States and Europe under the brands Canada Life, Empower and Irish Life. Together we provide wealth, retirement, workplace benefits and insurance and risk solutions to our over 40 million customer relationships. As of December 31, 2024, Great-West Lifeco's total client assets exceeded $3 trillion. Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies. To learn more, visit greatwestlifeco.com.

For more information: Media Relations: Tim Oracheski, 204-946-8961, media.relations@canadalife.com

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AI-driven efficiency programs empower global customers, further solidifying Bidgely's leadership in home energy management

Bidgely today announced that its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions have accumulated over 1.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) in energy savings, equivalent to offsetting over 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. Bidgely's 1.5 TWh in energy savings was achieved through the collective efforts of a growing customer base across all fuel types gas, electric, dual fuel and even water leveraging the company's UtilityAI Platform to boost energy efficiency through enhanced customer engagement strategies.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501678330/en/

Bidgely's 1.5 TWh milestone was achieved through its expanding product suite deployed by a growing customer base of gas, electric, dual fuel and water utilities.

This milestone follows Bidgely's rising "Leader" status on Guidehouse Research's latest Home Energy Management (HEM) Leaderboard, which recognized the company's expanding offerings for home energy reports (HERs), time-of-use (TOU) initiatives and managed electric vehicle (EV) charging. According to the report, "the company's dedication to expanding its platform capabilities, reaching new clients, and delivering quality services suggests that it will remain a Leader in the HEMS market for the foreseeable future

The company's customer engagement strategies, including personalized consumption insights, energy profiling and behavioral load shifting, also ranked Bidgely a "Leader" on Guidehouse Research's 2023 Customer Experience and Engagement Analytics leaderboard as well as IDC MarketScape's 2023 and 2021 Customer Engagement Vendor Assessments.

The impact of achieving over 1.5 TWh of energy savings is equal to offsetting CO2 emissions for one year from:

Over 1 billion pounds of coal burned

Nearly 2.5 million barrels of oil consumed

Nearly 121 million gallons of gas consumed

Industry-Leading Home Energy Management and Customer Engagement

Bidgely's patented disaggregation and UtilityAI platform helped utilities like Avista, NV Energy, Pacific Power, PSEG Long Island, Southern California Gas among others unlock real-time energy usage insights from raw meter data to drive smarter energy consumption through a suite of customized solutions, including:

Home Energy Management Program: 360-degree view of household energy use, broken down by appliance and usage patterns.

360-degree view of household energy use, broken down by appliance and usage patterns. Home Energy Reports: Personalized, dollar-based reports with easy-to-understand energy-saving recommendations.

Personalized, dollar-based reports with easy-to-understand energy-saving recommendations. Customer Experience Engagement: Multi-channel customer connection via smart alerts, web portals, and call center staff equipped with one-click consumption analytics.

Combined, these tools created a journey for homeowners to gain new visibility into their highest-impact appliances in order to better focus their energy-saving efforts, i.e. adjusting thermostat settings or upgrading to more efficient appliances.

"This achievement, fueled by our financial strength, continued leadership, and dedication to consistently delivering customer value, is a milestone we are excited to share with the market," said Bidgely CEO Abhay Gupta. "The future of energy isn't just about grids and power-it's about people, resilience and intelligent action. Bidgely is helping create a world where utilities don't just manage demand-they anticipate and shape it."

Beyond Energy Efficiency Driving Greater Savings Through Smart Load Shaping

By strategically evolving and expanding its product suite, Bidgely's 1.5 TWh in energy savings is also a result of empowering utilities to boost enrollment in key load shaping and load shift programs. Bidgely's granular targeting of high-grid-impact customers unlocked the full potential of TOU rates, demand response and managed EV charging for its utility customers, while its recent GenAI integration enhances the accessibility and scalability of these programs.

"Achieving 1.5 TWh is more than a number; it's a demonstration of the future of energy management," said Gautam Aggarwal, chief revenue officer at Bidgely. "The precision and effectiveness of data-driven customer targeting activates unprecedented levels of efficiency and grid stability that will be instrumental for thriving in shifting dynamics of the energy industry."

To learn why utilities are using Bidgely's AI-powered solutions to enhance energy efficiency and customer engagement, download the report: Guidehouse Research Leaderboard: Home Energy Management Systems Providers

About Bidgely

Bidgely is an AI-powered SaaS Company accelerating a clean energy future by enabling energy companies and consumers to make data-driven energy-related decisions. Powered by our unique patented technology, Bidgely's UtilityAI Platform transforms multiple dimensions of customer data such as energy consumption, demographics, and interactions into deeply accurate and actionable consumer energy insights. We leverage these insights to empower each customer with personalized recommendations, tailored to their individual personality and lifestyle, usage attributes, behavioral patterns, purchase propensity, and beyond. From a distributed energy resources (DER) and grid edge perspective, Bidgely is advancing smart meter innovation with data-driven solutions for solar PVs, electric vehicle (EV) detection, EV behavioral load shifting and managed charging, energy theft, short-term load forecasting, grid analytics, and time of use (TOU) rate designs. Bidgely's UtilityAI energy analytics provides deep visibility into generation and consumption for better peak load shaping and grid planning, and delivers targeted recommendations for new value-added products and services. With roots in Silicon Valley, Bidgely has over 16 energy patents, $75M+ in funding, retains 30+ data scientists, and brings a passion for AI to utilities serving residential and commercial customers around the world. For more information, please visit www.bidgely.com or the Bidgely blog at bidgely.com/blog.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501678330/en/

Contacts:

Christine Bennett

Bidgely

press@bidgely.com
RetailTech Breakthrough's prestigious awards program conducts the industry's most comprehensive analysis of standout leaders and technologies driving innovation and shaping the future of retail.

EDITED, the leading global retail intelligence solution, today announced it has been recognized as "Overall RetailTech Company of the Year" for the second consecutive year. The RetailTech Breakthrough Awards program is conducted by RetailTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization that evaluates and recognizes standout retail technology companies, products, and services worldwide.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501915527/en/

EDITED wins "Overall RetailTech Company of the Year" for the 2nd year running.

This year's program received thousands of nominations from more than 14 countries worldwide, reflecting the global momentum and impact of retail technology advancements.

EDITED was selected for its unique, innovative approach to retail intelligence: creating a unified source of truth by connecting competitive, company, and customer data. This ensures retailers' decisions are market-informed, profit-aware, and customer-centric. The platform translates this data into connected, actionable insights using its retail-specific advanced AI technology.

The solution contextualizes vast, diverse data sets to reveal and prioritize opportunities for operational efficiency and enhanced profitability. This contextualized intelligence helps to inform pricing, assortment, and site merchandising strategies. With EDITED, retailers have a holistic view of their business in the context of market dynamics and customer expectations. The platform also optimizes efficiency throughout the product lifecycle with its ability to automate complex processes.

Leveraging LLM and ML, EDITED's solution drives data normalization, product matching, opportunity identification, and automated summary narratives. ML models normalize and categorize competitive data inputs while analyzing product attributes like categories and colors. Generative AI also provides narrative summaries from dashboard data and emerging trends.

"It's an honor to accept the RetailTech Breakthrough award for 'Overall RetailTech Company of the Year' once again in 2025. This recognition underscores our commitment to empowering retailers amidst dynamic industry shifts through enhanced agility, superior customer personalization, and optimized profitability," stated Doug Kofoid, CEO of EDITED. "Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to leveraging our deep retail expertise and advanced AI innovation to provide tailored, actionable intelligence that enables retailers to navigate the market with unmatched speed and precision."

"EDITED provides the unique ability to turn raw data into actionable insights that drive measurable results. Missteps and failures come as a result of making decisions without data, and many large retailers and brands have made terrible business moves because they relied on instinct rather than data analytics that can empower you to be a merchandiser, not a data analyst," said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, RetailTech Breakthrough. "EDITED is setting the stage for a more intelligent, efficient, and customer-centric retail landscape. Their AI-driven solution consolidates competitor, company, and customer data, empowering merchandisers to be market-informed, profit-aware, and customer-centric. As the retail landscape evolves, EDITED is providing retailers with faster, smarter decisions so that they can take action and drive profitability."

About EDITED

EDITED is the world's leading AI-powered retail intelligence platform that empowers brands and retailers with real-time insights and actionable recommendations around assortment, pricing, and site merchandising. We help retailers drive better business outcomes by providing a holistic view that is market-informed, profit-aware, and customer-centric. The world's most successful brands and retailers use EDITED's platform to get closer to their best customers and future-proof their business.

About RetailTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the RetailTech Breakthrough Awards program is the premier awards and recognition platform devoted to honoring excellence in retail technology companies, services and solutions around the world. The RetailTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of retail technology companies and products in categories that include store management, digital displays, checkout automation, workforce tools, smart dressing rooms and more. For more information visit retailtechbreakthrough.com.

Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501915527/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Press@edited.com
Teen mental health has reached a crisis point in the United States. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 3 high school girls reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, and more than 40% of teens report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The need for fast, expert intervention has never been more urgent.

That's where Avel eCare steps in.

As a national leader in telemedicine, Avel eCare provides lifesaving support through two critical programs: Crisis Care, which assists law enforcement and emergency personnel during mental health-related calls, and School Health, a virtual nursing service that allows schools to provide timely care to students.

"Every second counts when responding to a mental health crisis," said Dr. Kelly Rhone, Chief Medical Officer at Avel eCare. "Whether it's in a school nurse's office or a police cruiser, having immediate access to licensed behavioral health professionals can de-escalate a situation, develop a safety plan, and ensure the teen gets the right care at the right time."

Crisis Care: Help at the Push of a Button

In communities across the country, Avel's Crisis Care program is changing the way first responders handle mental health calls. With an iPad mounted in squad cars, officers can instantly connect to licensed behavioral health clinicians. In over 80% of cases, individuals are stabilized and safely remain in their homes, with follow-up care coordinated to ensure ongoing support?.

The result? Fewer unnecessary emergency room visits, reduced pressure on jails and hospitals, and fewer traumatic experiences for young people in crisis.

School Health: A Virtual Safety Net

At the same time, Avel's School Health program supports students directly in schools with virtual access to registered nurses and mental health support staff. This is especially important in financially strapped districts where full-time nurses or counselors may not be available.

Through secure, HIPAA-compliant technology, students experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress can be assessed and supported without leaving school grounds. "We're giving schools the ability to address student needs in real-time," said Mandy Bell, VP of Product Innovation at Avel. "That kind of accessibility can be life-changing."

Proven Impact, Expanding Reach

Programs like these are already seeing measurable success. In Nebraska alone, Avel eCare has supported over 330 patient encounters across 26 EMS agencies, with an average quality rating of 4.7 out of 5 from EMS professionals?NE EMS Overview Document.

As Avel expands its services nationally, the focus remains on delivering care when and where it's needed most. From saving lives in rural communities to supporting students' emotional well-being in school, the message is clear: no teen should have to navigate a mental health crisis alone.

About Avel eCare

With more than 30 years of experience, Avel eCare is one of the largest and most trusted telemedicine providers in the U.S., delivering specialty care across emergency, behavioral health, school, and senior services. Avel's mission is to make expert care accessible-anytime, anywhere.

Media Contact:

Jessica Gaikowski

Director of Marketing and Communications

Avel eCare

media@avelecare.com | 605-553-6523

SOURCE: Avel eCare

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/may-is-teen-mental-health-awareness-month-avel-ecare-provides-crucial-1022122
Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM)(OTC:GGDCF) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Shea CA-CPA, a former Executive and Senior Partner at E&Y has joined Galloper's Board of Directors.

As Managing Partner, Talent at EY, Mr. Shea was a critical member of the Canadian Firm's Executive Committee for more than a decade until his retirement in 2022. EY Canada is an integrated professional services firm with more than 400 partners, 6,500 professionals and revenue more than $1.5 billion.

Amongst other board and senior executive positions, Mr. Shea served on EY's Executive Committee from 2010-2022, he also was a member of EY Americas Talent Executive Committee 2010-2022.

Earlier in his career, in the audit practice, Mr. Shea served the gold mining industry working with the Dome Mines Group which eventually evolved into Barrick Gold Corporation. This experience included working with exploration stage projects, new mine construction (Detour Lake) and acquisitions.

Galloper's CEO, Mr. Hratch Jabrayan, commented: "I am delighted that Stephen has joined our Board as we continue the process of turning Galloper into a leading junior gold company in Newfoundland with our flagship Glover Island asset Importantly, As a Global Client Coordinating and Consulting Partner in the resource sector, Stephen vast experience in EY's integrated client service delivery will bring immense value to Galloper as we strategically move forward with our exploration plans in 2025 and onwards.

Mr. Shea commented: "I am thrilled to be joining an executive group which has the potential and ability to drive this early-stage exciting project forward. I'm looking forward to assisting Hratch and the Galloper team in bringing value to our shareholders."

Mr. Shea has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from University of Toronto, and an MBA from Schulich School of Business, York University and is a graduate of the Senior Leadership Program at Harvard University.

To make room for Mr. Shea on the Galloper Board, Mr. Mark Scott has resigned as a Director of the Company. Galloper thanks Mr. Scott for his contributions as a Director.

Figure 1 - "Four Corners" Mining Region of Western Newfoundland

Investors are cautioned that mineralization on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization at Glover Island or the potential for a resource.

Figure 2 - Glover Island Property Map

Acknowledgment - Newfoundland & Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance Program

Galloper Gold acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

About Galloper Gold Corp.

Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its flagship Glover Island Property, 24 km southeast of Corner Brook, and its Mint Pond prospect in the Gander area. Galloper completed the first diamond drilling program at Glover Island since 2012 in 2024, completing six holes and is preparing for a robust drill program in 2025.

For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan

CEO and Director

Galloper Gold Corp.

Company Contact:

info@gallopergold.com

Tel: 778-655-9266

Investor Relations:

MarketSmart Communications

Tel: 877-261-4466

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Galloper Gold Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/mr.-stephen-shea-former-managing-partner-talent-at-ernst-and-young-joins-galloper-1021215
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Anteros Metals Inc. (CSE: ANT) ("Anteros" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the identification of a near-surface, high-grade, critical-metal-bearing zone at its 100% owned, road-accessible Havens Steady VMS Property ("Havens Steady" or the "Property") in central Newfoundland. AI-assisted 3D modelling of historical drill data has highlighted stacked lenses of zinc-lead-silver-copper mineralization near surface. This newly interpreted target area, termed the NHC Zone, remains largely untested by historical drilling and will be a key focus of upcoming exploration activities. Field validation and further targeting work are planned to support an inaugural mineral resource estimate for the Property.

Located approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Buchans and 17 kilometres from the past-producing Duck Pond Mine, Havens Steady hosts a laterally extensive polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") system. The latest modelling confirms a steeply southeast-dipping main mineralized zone ("MMZ") trending 057, with over 700 metres of drilled strike and multiple open vectors along strike and at depth. Within the MMZ, a shallow, relatively high-grade zone is modelled to exist (Figure 1).

NHC TARGET HIGHLIGHTS:

Shallow High-Grade Zone - A near-surface, high-grade target interpreted from historical data with limited prior drill testing (Table 1).

- A near-surface, high-grade target interpreted from historical data with limited prior drill testing (Table 1). Copper-Rich Feeder Zone - Historic drill intercepts, elevated Cu:Pb+Zn ratios, and silica-chlorite alteration suggest a potential vent-proximal feeder.

- Historic drill intercepts, elevated Cu:Pb+Zn ratios, and silica-chlorite alteration suggest a potential vent-proximal feeder. Shallow Infill Potential - Gaps in historical drill coverage within the MMZ, particularly in areas with thin overburden, present cost-effective opportunities for delineating additional mineralization and supporting future resource evaluation.

- Gaps in historical drill coverage within the MMZ, particularly in areas with thin overburden, present cost-effective opportunities for delineating additional mineralization and supporting future resource evaluation. Improved Surface Access - Recent timber harvesting has improved access to multiple target areas, enabling inaugural trenching and low-cost grade verification in underexplored areas.

- Recent timber harvesting has improved access to multiple target areas, enabling inaugural trenching and low-cost grade verification in underexplored areas. Scalable System in a Proven Critical Mineral District - Havens Steady is situated within a critical mineral belt with strong regional analogues, including past-producing VMS mines.

Table 1: Historical intercepts1 of the NHC Zone

Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Int. (m) Cu % Pb % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t ZnEq2 % HS-88-03 182.00 250.00 68.00 0.09 0.55 1.45 11.80 0.20 3.04 including 182.40 185.00 2.60 0.91 1.32 6.44 45.68 1.99 17.35 and 191.00 192.00 1.00 0.30 3.56 5.98 32.50 0.55 11.79 and 199.70 201.00 1.30 0.20 3.56 4.52 37.80 0.27 9.39 HS09-18 32.25 34.25 2.00 0.02 0.42 2.11 9.02 0.03 2.82 HS09-18 66.30 68.30 2.00 0.10 0.21 2.26 12.65 0.11 3.45 HS09-18 88.31 88.81 0.50 1.19 1.57 9.70 67.50 2.72 24.46 HS09-18 92.30 100.14 7.84 0.86 1.68 3.64 26.22 0.86 10.78 including 97.42 100.14 2.72 2.10 3.60 6.17 56.42 1.82 22.25 HS09-18 126.50 135.50 9.00 0.44 0.89 3.92 31.46 0.21 7.55 HS09-18 153.90 165.20 11.30 0.08 0.62 2.18 19.06 0.08 3.69 including 158.30 161.30 3.00 0.02 1.07 3.93 24.8 0.05 5.63 HS09-20 92.56 103.10 10.54 0.03 0.47 1.23 16.89 0.07 2.38 including 98.06 99.75 1.69 0.14 1.82 4.01 90.39 0.22 9.25 HS09-20 116.30 125.55 9.25 0.11 0.63 1.76 25.25 0.04 3.47 including 123.05 124.55 1.50 0.16 0.89 3.29 42.83 0.07 6.00 HS09-21 98.38 99.87 1.49 1.26 1.98 5.71 87.61 1.99 19.58 HS09-21 133.77 159.15 25.38 0.10 0.52 1.78 13.74 0.09 3.14 including 142.61 146.61 4.00 0.09 1.54 3.24 27.90 0.20 5.98

1Drilled intercepts are historic and may not be representative of true width

2Zinc Equivalent ("ZnEq") calculated using US$4.25/lb Cu, $2500/oz Au, $30/oz Ag, $0.8/lb Pb, and $1.3/lb Zn, and assumes 100% recovery

Figure 1: 3D Model, looking southwest, showing the NHC Zone (red solid)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9885/250378_anteros.jpg

Anteros CEO Trumbull Fisher comments, "The identification of this shallow, high-grade zone adds meaningful scale and near-term potential to the Havens Steady Property. With surface access recently improved and multiple untested vectors emerging, we are well-positioned to advance this system toward resource definition."

NEXT STEPS

Anteros plans to undertake field validation and surface mapping in Q2 2025, followed by refinement of drill targets for Phase I drilling, planned for Q3 2025. Priority targets include the NHC Zone and northeast extensions of the MMZ. The Property is fully permitted for diamond drilling, and the Company intends to leverage provincial critical mineral exploration grants to support 2025 work.

ELECTION OF DIRECTOR

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that at its annual and special shareholder meeting held on April 30, 2025 (the "Meeting"), Ms. Emily Halle was elected as a new director of the Company. Ms. Halle is the Co-founder, Geologist, and Managing Director at Halle Geological Services Ltd, a comprehensive exploration management and consulting company since 2008.

Mr. Wesley Keats did not stand for re-election at the Meeting, however, Mr. Keats will remain an advisor to the Company. The Company would like to thank Mr. Keats for his contributions to the Company and wishes him success in his future endeavour.

In connection with the election of Ms. Halle as a director of the Company, Ms. Halle was granted 300,000 stock options to purchase common shares of the Company exercisable at a price of $0.10 per common share for a period of five (5) years. The common shares issuable upon exercise of the options are subject to a four month hold period from the original date of grant.

ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Havens Steady lies within the Storm Brook Formation of the Red Cross Group in the Exploits Subzone of the Dunnage Zone - a prolific metallogenic belt in central Newfoundland. The Property benefits from existing road infrastructure and proximity to hydroelectric power. The region hosts world class VMS deposits such as the past-producing Duck Pond Mine. The Company cautions that mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Property.

Since acquiring the Property in January 2024, Anteros has completed a comprehensive compilation of historical data, which includes airborne EM, geochemical surveys, and over 15,000 metres of historical drilling. Documented mineralization includes sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and bornite in high-grade polymetallic zones. The known system has a strike length of over a kilometre and remains open at depth. Learn more: www.anterosmetals.com/havens-steady.

QUALIFIED PERSON

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jesse R. Halle, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ABOUT ANTEROS METALS INC.

Anteros is a multimineral junior mining company applying data science and geological expertise to identify and advance critical mineral opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company is currently focused on advancing four key projects across diverse commodities and development horizons. Immediate plans for their flagship Knob Lake Property include bringing the historical Fe-Mn Mineral Resource Estimate into current status as well as commencing baseline environmental and feasibility studies.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,



Chris Morrison

Director

Email: chris@anterosmetals.com | Phone: +1-709-725-6520

Web: www.anterosmetals.com/contact



16 Forest Road, Suite 200

St. John's, NL, Canada

A1X 2B9

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the prospects for development of the Company's mineral properties, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250378

SOURCE: Anteros Metals Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) ("Pineapple" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian mortgage technology and brokerage firm, today announced what it believes is a transformational milestone, official launch of Pineapple+, its fully proprietary, end-to-end broker platform that is expected to eliminate nearly $1 million in annual third-party technology, development and licensing costs while advancing the Company's strategy to streamline operations, accelerate revenue growth, and achieve sustained profitability.

We believe that, Pineapple+ represents a major milestone in the Company's evolution. Developed entirely in-house, Pineapple+ consolidates all primary operational functions including CRM, deal processing, document management, marketing automation, renewals, and business analytics into one seamless and fully owned ecosystem. Selective third-party integrations remain only in specialized areas such as compliance and payroll, ensuring optimized regulatory alignment without compromising independence or control.

As a result of this platform launch, Pineapple has already realized approximately $1 million in annual cost savings through the consolidation of third-party technologies into the Pineapple+ platform. The platform is also expected to materially reduce future development expenditures by centralizing innovation efforts under one scalable infrastructure.

"The launch of Pineapple+ is a transformational moment for our company," said Shubha Dasgupta, CEO of Pineapple Financial. "This platform is not only a testament to our innovation and execution capabilities but a key driver toward achieving sustained profitability. By reducing substantial operational costs and building a flexible foundation for future growth, we have significantly enhanced our financial strength and competitive positioning."

Pineapple has already implemented key components of the Pineapple+ platform and anticipates that associated operational cost savings will be fully reflected beginning in May 2025. This timeline is consistent with the Company's previously communicated objectives to improve operating leverage and support progress toward sustained profitability.

In addition to realized operational savings, Pineapple believes that Pineapple+ is well-positioned to support future revenue growth through several strategic levers:

Driving increased sales volume by enhancing broker productivity and reducing process friction;

Attracting new agent interest through the platform's automation capabilities and advisor-focused tools;

Supporting improved client retention via expanded engagement and relationship management features;

Elevating the end-customer experience to reinforce Pineapple brokers' role as trusted advisors delivering scalable, tech-enabled support.

Pineapple+ also establishes a launchpad for future innovation, unlocking opportunities for advanced AI integrations, predictive analytics, and deeper data intelligence, which we believe will allow the company to continually enhance broker success and operational efficiency.

"Pineapple+ gives us a competitive advantage in a shifting mortgage landscape," added COO Kendall Marin. "It strengthens our value proposition to brokers, partners, and clients, while positioning Pineapple as a fintech innovation leader within Canada's mortgage sector. We are confident this milestone will significantly contribute to our long-term growth and shareholder value."

The full demonstration video for informational purposes of the Pineapple+ platform can be viewed here:



CLICK HERE



About Pineapple Financial

Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) is a leading Canadian mortgage technology and brokerage company focused on delivering the ultimate experience for mortgage brokers, lenders, and clients. Pineapple provides cutting-edge tools, marketing automation, analytics, and proprietary technology designed to simplify and enhance the mortgage process. With a growing national footprint and a commitment to innovation, Pineapple is setting a new standard for excellence in the mortgage industry.

For more information, please visit www.gopineapple.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments.

Related Links:



https://gopineapple.com



http://empoweredbypineapple.com

Investor Relations Contact:



For investor relations inquiries, please contact Pineapple Financial Inc.



ir@gopineapple.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250379

SOURCE: Pineapple Financial Inc.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of its Phase 1 drilling program consisting of a 5,000-meter campaign across two strategic high-potential sectors in St-Bruno-de-Guigues, Quebec. The Company has formally filed for the required drilling permits with Quebec regulatory authorities.

John Karagiannidis, CEO of QIMC, stated, "The launch of our Phase 1 drilling campaign represents an important milestone for QIMC, aligning directly with our strategic objective of defining Quebec as a leading region for natural hydrogen. Our rigorous scientific approach and commitment to operational excellence position us well to unlock substantial value for our shareholders. Additionally, we view Quebec's proactive regulatory stance as highly positive for our industry, providing clarity and support as we pursue responsible and sustainable growth." With the onset of warmer and milder weather conditions, we also eagerly anticipate further data from our eight monitoring and measuring wells, particularly following recently announced significant results that reinforce our clean natural hydrogen model.

The Phase 1 program will consist of strategically planned shallow 30 to 35 degrees stratigraphic drilling reaching vertical depths between 500 and 600 meters. This carefully structured approach aims to maximize geological insights by extensively sampling and documenting local sedimentary rock formations. Key objectives of the drilling include thoroughly characterizing geological features, investigating the local faulting and fracturation systems that lack surface visibility, due to very thick Quaternary overburden, and critically assessing permeability and porosity within fractured geological formations. These fractures are considered essential conduits for the advective migration and accumulation of natural clean hydrogen, significantly enhancing our natural clean hydrogen model of these targeted areas.

"The proven success of our hydrogen model and our unique methodology will be strategically applied with our partners Record Resources, Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp and Blue Tree Energy Group this spring and summer to advance our expanding natural hydrogen portfolio, including our assets in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and our planned initiatives in the United States," concluded Mr. Karagiannidis.

QIMC also wishes to announce the appointment of John Karagiannidis, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Karagiannidis succeeds Jakson Inwentash. The Board of Directors wishes to extend its appreciation to Jakson Inwentash for his dedication and significant contributions as Chairman. John Karagiannidis commented, "I am grateful for the opportunity to assume the role of Chairman and look forward to continuing to guide QIMC toward achieving its strategic objectives. On behalf of the Board and the entire Company, I thank Jakson Inwentash for his valuable service."

About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration, and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Canada's abundant resources. With properties in Ontario and Quebec, QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits, QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the full potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For more information about Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. and its products, please visit www.qimaterials.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

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 Quebec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry 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.

Although Quebec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

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. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. This press release contains forward-looking statements, including the anticipated success and timing of drilling permits and exploration activities. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could materially affect actual results. Investors are advised to consult the detailed disclosures available on SEDAR+.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250399

SOURCE: Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTC Pink: TLOFF) (together with its subsidiaries, "Talon" or the "Company"), the majority owner and operator of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project ("Tamarack Nickel Copper Project") in central Minnesota, is pleased to announce a record grade massive sulphide intercept at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project from drill hole 16TK0250 measuring 8.25 meters grading 23.28% NiEq or 48.87% CuEq.

Figure 1: Photo of drill core from the extension of drill hole 16TK0250 at 707.75 meters depth showing 8.25 meters of massive sulphide grading 12.62% Ni, 13.88% Cu, 0.12% Co and 17.95 g/t PGEs+Au

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/250424_250424_bf8ee671646de84f_001.jpg

Highlights

Further to the Company's press release dated March 26, 2025, assays on the extension of drill hole 16TK0250 confirm a record grade massive sulphide intercept of 8.25 meters grading 12.62% Ni, 13.88% Cu, 17.95g/t PGEs+Au (23.28% NiEq or 48.87% CuEq).

Talon is currently drilling follow up holes to test the Borehole Electromagnetic ("EM") anomaly generated from drill holes 16TK0250, 25TK0552 and 25TK0562 (see Figure 3).

Table 1: Select assay intervals for drill hole 16TK0250

Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Assay NiEq (%) CuEq (%) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pd (g/t) Pt (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 16TK0250 707.77 716.02 8.25 12.62 13.88 0.12 4.70 7.08 6.17 44.31 23.28 48.87 including 712.00 716.02 4.02 14.10 12.95 0.11 6.33 10.04 8.65 45.98 25.25 54.35

*See Table 3 for further technical information

"It is always thrilling to make a discovery, let alone one outside of a resource area, but for it to also be the highest grade intercept ever at Tamarack is just icing on the cake. It's also a great example of how polymetallic deposits can be so impressive. This 8.25 meter intercept would be exciting if it was only the gold values, or the PGE values, or the copper values, or the nickel values, but to have all of them together makes this intercept exceptional," said Brian Golder, Chief Exploration and Operating Officer at Talon.

Background

Since Talon's press release dated February 3, 2025, Talon's in-house exploration team continues with 'Infilling' and 'Outfilling' the Tamarack Resource Area for purposes of completing a feasibility study at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project. This work is in support of Talon's Proposed Action (a highly detailed project description) in its Environmental Assessment Worksheet to support the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.

Historic drill hole 16TK0250 was re-examined and extended from 649 meters depth in order to evaluate a subtle Borehole EM response.

Notably, the intercept is located approximately 150 meters below and 50 meters south of the known massive nickel-copper mineralization within the Tamarack Resource Area (see Figure 2).

Its position below the existing resource is significant, as it may represent a potential pathway or pooling of massive sulphides into a new zone that could be laterally extensive as it's an area with a lack of drilling.

A Borehole EM survey conducted on the extension of drill hole 16TK0250, and drill holes 25TK0552 and 25TK0562 has identified a strong off-hole conductor using the Provus Novaminex system, which is normally a vector to high-grade mineralization (see Figure 3).

Figure 2: Location of the new 8.25m intercept in drill hole 16TK0250 in relation to the Tamarack Resource Area.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/250424_bf8ee671646de84f_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Plan view map at approximately 700 meters depth showing the Provus Novaminex Borehole Electromagnetic ("BHEM") anomaly.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/250424_bf8ee671646de84f_003full.jpg

Lundin Earn-in Agreement Update

Talon and Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin Mining") have extended the exclusivity period until May 31, 2025 as the parties continue to work on the earn-in and related agreements ("Lundin Agreements") pursuant to which Lundin Mining may acquire up to a 70% ownership interest in the Boulderdash and Roland exploration targets, which are in close proximity to Lundin Mining's Eagle Mine and encompass approximately 33,000 acres of minerals rights out of Talon's over 400,000 acre mineral package in Michigan (see the Company's press release from March 5, 2025 for further information).

Talon is beginning to mobilize two of its drill rigs to Boulderdash and expects to begin drilling in mid-May.

QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALIFIED PERSONS

Please see the technical report entitled "November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of November 2, 2022 ("November 2022 Technical Report") prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101")) Brian Thomas (P. Geo), Roger Jackson (P. Geo), Oliver Peters (P. Eng) and Christine Pint (P.G) for information on the QA/QC, data verification, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Nickel Project. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR+ at (www.sedarplus.ca). The laboratory used is ALS Minerals who is independent of the Company.

Lengths are drill intersections and not necessarily true widths. True widths cannot be consistently calculated for comparison purposes between holes because of the irregular shapes of the mineralized zones. Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon. The geological interpretations in this news release are solely those of the Company. The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate.

Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Dr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information.

Where used in this news release:

NiEq% = Ni% + Cu% x $4.00/$8.00 x Cu Recovery/Ni Recovery + Co% x $20.00/$8.00 x Co Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pd Recovery/Ni Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$8.00/22.04 x Au Recovery/Ni Recovery + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$8.00/22.04 x Ag Recovery/Ni Recovery

CuEq% = Cu%+ Ni% x $8.00/$4.00 + Co% x $20.00/$4.00 + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$4.00/22.04 + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$4.00/22.04

For Ni and Cu recoveries, please refer to the formulae in the November 2022 Technical Report. Recovery of Ni to the Cu concentrate was excluded from the NiEq calculation. The following recoveries were used for the other metals: 64.1% for Co, 82.5% for Pt, 69.3% for Pd and 72.6% for Au and Ag.

ABOUT TALON

Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project, and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators, and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Battery Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the US Department of Energy for US$114.8 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Department of Defense awarded Talon a grant of US$20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to future exploration work, including future drilling, assays, geophysics and the results thereof, and the potential expansion of mineralization. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Table 2: Collar Location of Drill Holes 16TK0250, 25TK0552 and 25TK0562

Drill Hole (#) Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (masl) Azm Dip End Depth (m) 16TK0250 490999.3 5168292.8 388.4 167.6 -88.2 1017.1 25TK0552 491049.2 5168344.4 388.0 212.8 -86.1 840.3 25TK0562 490999.3 5168292.8 388.0 109.4 -85.2 916.5

Collar coordinates are UTM Zone 15N, NAD83.

Azimuths and dips are taken from the survey record at collar unless otherwise noted.

Table 3: Assay Table for Drill Hole 16TK0250

Drill Hole (#) From (m) To

(m) Length (m) Assay NiEq (%) CuEq (%) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pd (g/t) Pt (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 16TK0250 707.77 716.02 8.25 12.62 13.88 0.12 4.70 7.08 6.17 44.31 23.28 48.87 including 712.00 716.02 4.02 14.10 12.95 0.11 6.33 10.04 8.65 45.98 25.25 54.35 and 721.82 722.12 0.30 2.22 5.22 0.03 1.61 4.18 3.40 106.00 7.51 15.21

Length refers to drill hole length and not True Width.

True Width is unknown at the time of publication.

All samples were analysed by ALS Minerals. Nickel, copper, and cobalt grades were first analysed by a 4-acid digestion and ICP AES (ME-MS61). Grades reporting greater than 0.25% Ni and/or 0.1% Cu, using ME-MS61, trigger a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES finish (ICP81). Platinum, palladium, and gold are initially analyzed by a 50g fire assay with an ICP-MS finish (PGM-MS24). Any samples reporting >1g/t Pt or Pd trigger an over-limit analysis by ICP-AES finish (PGM-ICP27) and any samples reporting >1g/t Au trigger an over-limit analysis by AAS (Au-AA26).

Table 4: Quick Lithology Log for Drill Holes 25TK0552 and 25TK0562

Drill Hole (#) From (m) To

(m) Length

(m) Quick Log % Sulphides 25TK0552 0 39.62

OB

39.62 417.88

FGO/MZNO Traces 417.88 546.2 128.32 FGO/MZNO 5-30% 546.2 612.43 66.23 CGO 2-15% 612.43 631.87

CGO

631.87 661.49

SED 0.5-6% 661.49 683.94

CGO

683.94 689.11

SED

689.11 840.33

CGO

25TK0562 0 45.46

OB

45.46 414.65

FGO/MZNO Traces 414.65 508.1 93.45 FGO/MZNO 2-8% 508.1 529.72

CGO Traces 529.72 613.71

SED

613.71 681.84

CGO Traces 681.84 719.5 37.66 CGO 2-8% 719.5 820.56

CGO Traces 820.56 916.53

SED



Quick lithology log of drill holes: Overburden (OB) Meta-sedimentary rocks (SED); Coarse-grained Orthocumulate (CGO); Fine-grained Orthocumulate / Mixed Zone (FGO/MZNO).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250424

SOURCE: Talon Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Military Metals Corp. (CSE: MILI) (OTCQB: MILIF) (FSE: QN90) (the "Company" or "MILI"), a company engaged in the exploration of critical minerals, observes the recent reports indicating an agreement between the United States and Ukraine, which management of the Company believes is signaling a pivotal shift in U.S. policy to source critical minerals from European partners. This strategic move underscores the growing importance of securing stable, western supply chains for essential resources like aluminum and graphite, vital for defense, technology, and energy sectors.

"We see this as a transformative moment for the critical minerals sector," said Scott Eldridge, CEO of Military Metals Corp. "The U.S. appears to be prioritizing partnerships with European nations like Ukraine to secure the resources needed for advanced technologies and national defense. However, it leaves the U.S. antimony deficit unresolved as Ukraine does not have any documented antimony deposits. While promising for other minerals, it does not solve the critical antimony shortage facing the U.S. Military Metals is well-positioned in western countries to support this shift, with our focus on developing high-quality mineral assets in stable jurisdictions."

The U.S.-Ukraine deal, announced on April 30, 2025, will, if entered into and approved by Ukraine's parliament, grant the U.S. privileged access to some of Ukraine's abundant natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas. This agreement aligns with the broader geopolitical trend of reducing reliance on non-western sources for critical minerals, a priority for the U.S. as it navigates global supply chain challenges and seeks to bolster economic and security partnerships in Europe.

Investor Relations Engagement Extended

The Company further announces the extension of its agreement related to marketing and investor relations. On January 1, 2025, the Company engaged Tafin GmbH ("Tafin") to provide investor relations services with a focus on the German stock market and the German-speaking investment community in support of the company listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (the "Tafin Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Tafin Agreement, Tafin provides the Company with marketing services, which includes social media management, content creation, distribution, digital marketing, including, but not limited to, the preparation of articles and coverages on multiple financial platforms and newsletters, and translation and distribution of press releases in Germany and any other marketing services as agreed upon by the Company and Tafin (the "Tafin Services"). The Tafin Agreement has been extended by a term of two (2) months commencing on May 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2025. The Company will make a one-time payment to Tafin of EUR 150,000 (CAD$236,160), as consideration for the provision of the Tafin Services. Marco Marquardt is and will continue to provide the Tafin Services to the Company on behalf of Tafin and may be contacted at +49 6128 9792946 or finanzmedien@tafin.gmbh, Rosenweg 28, 65232 Taunusstein, Germany. The Company has not and will not issue any securities to Tafin as compensation. Both Tafin and Marco Marquardt are arm's length to the Company and do not have any interest, direct or indirect, in the Company or its securities nor do they have any right to acquire such an interest.

Military Metals Corp. remains committed to advancing its portfolio of critical mineral projects in Slovakia, and North America, to meet the growing demand for secure, ethically sourced antimony. The Company's strategic vision aligns with the U.S.'s renewed emphasis on European-sourced minerals, fostering resilience and innovation in the global supply chain.

For more information about Military Metals Corp. and its critical minerals initiatives, please visit

www.militarymetalscorp.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/military-metals/

X: https://x.com/militarymetals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564717587797

About Military Metals Corp.

The Company is a British Columbia-based mineral exploration company that is primarily engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties with a focus on antimony.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of DIRECTORS

This news release contains "forward-looking information". Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-Looking information in this news release includes statements related to the entry into of any agreement between the US and Ukraine, as well as the contemplated terms of such agreement, the issuance of any future permits related to critical minerals in Ukraine, approval of the agreement by Ukraine's parliament, and the US's geopolitical strategy evolving towards more cooperation with European partners. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, all of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release.

Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates, or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250427

SOURCE: Military Metals Corp.
Quantillium, a leading provider of standardized financial data, today announced the launch of QuantilliumAPI, a self-service global filing API designed to offer seamless access to comprehensive financial filings. This new service enables users to effortlessly integrate and utilize global financial data within their applications, models, products, and dashboards.

Quantillium currently serves many of the world's largest fundamental and quantitative hedge funds. With the launch of QuantilliumAPI, the company is expanding its mission by providing standardized financial data from over 60 stock exchanges across 58 countries, covering more than 40,000 publicly traded companies.

"QuantilliumAPI addresses a critical need in the financial community for flexible and immediate access to high-quality financial data," said Jacques Blinbaum, founder and CEO of Quantillium. "Our goal is to empower developers - from fintech startups to large financial institutions - by providing the tools they need to build cutting-edge financial solutions quickly and efficiently.

Key Differentiators of QuantilliumAPI:

Comprehensive Content Extraction and Translation : Quantillium extracts full original content into structured fields and translates global filings into English for over 40,000 public companies.

Standardized Sections : Provides 10 standardized sections across global filings, a feature uniquely offered by Quantillium, facilitating efficient comparison and analysis.

Standardized KPIs : Extracts all original KPIs from financial statements and offers 30 standardized KPIs across global Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements, including references and currency details.

No Usage Restrictions: Quantillium imposes no restrictions on data usage, enabling users to build systems or ingest filings for both internal and external applications without limitations.

In addition to these features, Quantillium's data is mapped to security IDs (e.g., tickers, OpenFIGI), is fully point-in-time, updated with an active security master to reflect corporate actions, and accessible via an API (JSON/CSV) with daily updates at midnight UTC.

To support rapid evaluation and integration, developers can begin using QuantilliumAPI immediately through a free sandbox environment. After the initial trial, users can choose from three monthly subscription plans based on API call volume or opt for a flexible on-demand pricing model ideal for one-time projects or occasional use.

Quantillium provides access to over 2.5 million filings spanning 10 years, including:

Financial Filings:

Annual Financial Reports Semi-Annual Financial Reports Quarterly Financial Reports 20-F - Foreign Private Issuers Filings 40-F - Filings from Canadian Foreign Private Issuers 8-K - Current Material Event Filings 8-K Global Equivalent - Material Event Filings from non-U.S. issuers 6-K - Foreign Material Event Filings

Governance Stakeholder Filings:

Proxy Statements: DEF 14A Proxy Circular Notice of Meeting Annual General Meeting AGM Form 3 - Initial Ownership Filing Form 4 - Material Ownership Filing Form 5 - Annual Ownership Filing

Upcoming Launches: QuantilliumSearch and QuantilliumAI

Quantillium also announced that next month it will launch QuantilliumSearch, a new search engine offering intuitive search and download capabilities for filings from 60 exchanges worldwide. Unlike QuantilliumAPI, QuantilliumSearch will provide direct access to financial data through a simplified search interface designed for both analysts and investors.

QuantilliumAI, Quantillium's specialized AI agent, is scheduled to launch in June. Leveraging its extensive financial data library, QuantilliumAI will generate a wide range of AI-powered reports and analysis, using timely information delivered through a core financial AI engine supported by sub-agents trained across global financial, economic, and geopolitical domains.

Developers interested in exploring QuantilliumAPI can sign up for free sandbox access at quantillium.com.

About Quantillium

Quantillium simplifies access to global financial data, offering streamlined solutions for standardized corporate filings from over 60 global stock exchanges and more than 40,000 publicly traded companies. Our platform provides comprehensive data extraction, accurate translations, standardized sections, key financial KPIs, and precise ticker mapping with OpenFigi.

Founded in 2025 by seasoned fintech entrepreneurs with extensive experience serving leading hedge funds, banks, and Fortune 500 corporations, Quantillium is dedicated to delivering financial data with unmatched simplicity, reliability, and scalability. Our mission is to empower financial professionals by transforming complex corporate information into accessible and actionable insights.

Contact Information

Christy Warren

press@quantillium.com

8047612161

SOURCE: Quantillium

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/quantillium-launches-quantilliumapi-empowering-developers-with-in-1022107
Transaction Supports Capital Reallocation and Focus on Core Growth Priorities

Pivotree Inc. (TSXV:PVT) ("Pivotree" or the "Company"), a leader in frictionless commerce solutions, today announced the divestiture of select Warehouse Management System (WMS) assets to Tecsys Inc., a leading provider of supply chain management software.

"While it's difficult to say goodbye to our WMS team and valued customers, I'm confident they are in great hands with Tecsys-a respected Canadian leader in warehouse management technology," said Bill Di Nardo, CEO of Pivotree. "This transaction allows us to focus our resources and capital toward strategic growth initiatives that more closely align with Pivotree's broader customer base."

Transaction Details:

The terms of the Transaction include a total Purchase Price of C$2.7 million, set to be paid at closing. The assets sold in the transaction include customer contracts and Pivotree's proprietary Warehouse Management System software. Tecsys has also retained former Pivotree employees who will transition to support ongoing contract delivery and product development. No finder's fee was paid in connection with the Transaction.

About Tecsys

Tecsys is a global provider of advanced supply chain solutions. With a commitment to innovation and customer success, the company equips organizations with the essential software, technology and expertise needed for operational excellence and competitive advantage. Its cloud solutions serve a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, distribution and converging commerce, across multiple complex, regulated and high-volume markets. Built on the Itopia low-code application platform, Tecsys' offerings include enterprise resource planning, warehouse management, consolidated service management, distribution and transportation management, supply management at the point of use and order management solutions. Tecsys provides critical data insights and control across the supply chain, ensuring that organizations are agile, responsive and scalable.

Tecsys is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TCS. For more about Tecsys and its solutions, please visit www.tecsys.com.

About Pivotree

Pivotree, a leader in frictionless commerce, strategy, design, build, and managing digital Commerce, Data Management, and Supply Chain solutions for over 150 major retailers and branded manufacturers globally. With a portfolio of digital products as well as managed and professional services, Pivotree provides businesses of all sizes with true end-to-end solutions. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices and customers in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, Pivotree is widely recognized for its partnership with top brands across industries. For more information, visit www.pivotree.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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.

For further information, please contact:

Mo Ashoor, Chief Financial Officer

investor@pivotree.com

613-714-4702

Forward-looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to the Company's future financial outlook and anticipated events or results and may include information regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives. Particularly, information regarding the Company's expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which the Company operates is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "outlook", "forecasts", "projects", "prospects", "strategy", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" occur. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. The forward-looking information contained herein includes, but is not limited to, the proposed allocation of the Company's resources and its strategic growth initiatives.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered by the Company to be appropriate and reasonable as of the date of this letter, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions; our ability to execute on our growth strategies; our ability to create and protect unique intellectual property and enter new markets; the impact of changing conditions in the global e-commerce market, including increasing competition and changes in approach in the e-commerce software as a service solution or infrastructure market; our inability to achieve confirmed bookings from our sales pipeline and the risk that customers in our sales pipeline move their business to one of our competitors; changes in the expectations, financial condition and demand of our target markets; changes or increases in the difficulty of avoiding cyber or data security threats, or compliance with data security regulators that may impact our business; our ability to continue to execute accretive acquisitions; our ability to maintain and build our reputation with clients; fluctuations in currency exchange rates and volatility in financial markets; developments and changes in applicable laws and regulations; and such other factors discussed in greater detail under the "Risk Factors" section of the prospectus of the Company dated October 23, 2020 (the "Prospectus").

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in forward-looking information. The opinions, estimates or assumptions referred to above and the risk factors described in the "Risk Factors" section of the prospectus of the Company dated October 23, 2020 should be considered carefully.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes is not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. 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, which speaks only as of the date made. Forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the Company's expectations as of the date of this press release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made), and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Pivotree

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/pivotree-announces-divestiture-of-warehouse-management-assets-to-tecsy-1022108
"The Critical Minerals and ZEO Company"

United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," or the "Company"), (NYSE:UAMY), announced today that management of the Company will participate in the following upcoming investor conferences:

US Critical Materials Supply Chain Virtual Webcast, hosted by Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with a company discussion at 11:00 am ET

Critical Minerals Summit: Accelerating the Mining of U.S. Critical Minerals, presented by Maxim Group LLC, on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, with a company discussion at 3:30 pm ET

When available, the live webcasts will be accessible on USAC's Investor Relations website at https://www.usantimony.com/investors.

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 factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed in the Company's most recent filings, including Form 10-K and Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "pro forma," and other similar words and expressions. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

Contact:

United States Antimony Corp.

4438 W. Lover's Lane, Unit 100

Dallas, TX 75209

Jonathan Miller, VP, Investor Relations

E-Mail: Jmiller@usantimony.com

Phone: 406-606-4117

SOURCE: United States Antimony Corporation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/united-states-antimony-corporation-announces-participation-in-two-upcoming-indust-1022240
New Talent Strategy Focuses on Sales, Expansion, and Incentive Based Roles to Drive Growth

GPO Plus, Inc. (OTCQB: GPOX ), an AI-powered Distributor revolutionizing distribution to gas stations and convenience stores with its innovative technology-driven Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model, today announced the official launch of its Career Portal at jobs.gpoplus.com . As part of GPOX's broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and revenue generation, this platform streamlines the acquisition of high-performing, revenue-driving talent.

The GPOX Career Portal is designed to streamline recruitment and attract high impact, results-driven professionals. Nearly all current openings are directly tied to revenue generation, reflecting GPOX's commitment to building a lean, performance focused sales force. By investing in talent that drives revenue and growth, GPOX is strategically aligning human capital with its mission to enhance financial performance and deliver long-term shareholder value.

"We're not just talking about growth - we're building the team to make it happen," said Brett H. Pojunis , CEO of GPOX. "Our new career portal enables us to scale faster, hire smarter, and bring on top-tier talent who align with our values while driving our mission forward. One of the things I am most proud of is the team we've built and the strong growth oriented corporate culture we've created."

Strategic Value for Investors and the GPOX Community

The launch of the career portal reflects GPOX's commitment to scaling efficiently while maintaining financial discipline . The company is focused on revenue generating hires, not overhead expansion, ensuring that each new team member contributes directly to its operational and financial goals.

For shareholders, the message is clear: GPOX has optimized its operations, as reflected in its most recent quarterly report, which shows 30% lower costs and an 87% margin improvement, and is now entering its growth phase.

"This isn't just a tool for HR - it's a growth engine," said Pojunis. "We've built the infrastructure to scale, and now we're investing in people who will drive revenue and execute on our business growth strategy."

To explore current openings or learn more about working at GPOX, visit jobs.gpoplus.com .

To learn more, visit GPOPlus.com .

Connect with us on social media to view live video updates, content, and general information about GPOX: https://gpoplus.com/social .

About GPOPlus+ (GPOX)

GPOX is an AI-powered Distributor revolutionizing the future of distribution to gas stations and convenience stores with its innovative technology-driven Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model. Our goal is clear and ambitious: "to build the largest nationwide DSD distribution company servicing gas stations, convenience stores, and beyond." Our technology-driven AI network, featuring strategically placed Regional Hubs and Mini Hubs, is designed to optimize efficiency and maximize reach. Central to our operations is our in-house AI technology platform, PRISM+. Designed to streamline the distribution process, PRISM+ supports efficient delivery, inventory management, data analytics, and overall operational excellence, enabling us to reliably and effectively meet the dynamic needs of our partners. Our mission is to consolidate the fragmented market segment managed by numerous regional vendors. Our dedication to excellence is evident in our product selection process, where we align offerings with consumer demand and partner with top-tier vendors and brands, ensuring our portfolio remains diverse and highly profitable. For more information, please visit www.GPOPlus.com .

Information about Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that include statements regarding expected financial performance and growth information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the control of the Company and its officers and managers, and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to; inability to gain or maintain licenses, reliance on unaudited statements, the Company's need for additional funding, governmental regulation of the cannabis industry, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the demand for the Company's products, and other risks that are detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can typically identify these forward-looking statements through use of words such as "may," "will," "can" "anticipate," "assume," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "seek," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "point to," "project," "predict," "could," "intend," "target," "potential," and other similar words and expressions of the future. The Company expresses its expectations, beliefs and projections in good faith and believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, there is no assurance that these expectations, beliefs and projections will prove to have been correct. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to its operations and future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to its proposed operations, including the risk factors set forth herein. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results may vary significantly from those intended, anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or planned. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any favorable forward-looking events discussed herein might not be realized and occur. The Company has no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting GPO Plus, Inc. GPOX, please refer to the Company's recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Company Contacts:

GPOX Shareholder Success Team:

Brett H. Pojunis, CEO

Email: ir@gpoplus.com

Shareholder's Line: 855.935.GPOX (4769)

###

SOURCE: GPO Plus, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/gpoplus-launches-career-portal-to-power-growth-and-accelerate-re-1022164
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to report significant new high-grade gold results from 4,123.8 meters of underground infill and grade control drilling at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji ("Tuvatu"). The drilling is focused on the Zone 5 area of the deposit, which is currently being mined.

Drilling was conducted from two near surface underground drill stations. The Company intersected high-grade mineralized structures in 29 drill holes targeting the UR2 lode down-dip of current underground developments. Most of the drill holes did not exceed 150 m in length and most of the high-grade drill intercepts are located within 50 m of current underground workings. Drill results include multiple bonanza grade gold intercepts over narrow widths, such as 236.00 g/t over 0.4 m, 101.58 g/t over 0.5 m, 102.35 g/t over 0.3 m, 94.23 g/t over 0.3 m, and 89.63 g/t over 0.4 m. Due to the proximity of drill results to existing workings there is a strong probability that these intercepts can be incorporated into the mine plan in the next six to twelve months.

Tuvatu is a high-grade narrow vein alkaline gold deposit and bonanza grade drill results are not uncommon on the project. In January the Company released the highest grade assay ever returned from Zone 5 drilling; 2,749.86 g/t over 0.3 m (see press release dated January 23, 2025). Previous high-grade drill results from Zone 5 include 1,517.79 g/t gold over 0.3 m (see press release dated December 17, 2024), 1,568.55 g/t over 0.3 metres (see press release dated June 5, 2024), and 1,986.23 g/t gold over 0.6 m (see press release dated December 13, 2023).

Highlights of New Drill Results:

236.00 g/t Au over 0.4 m (TGC-0345, from 109.42 m depth)

(TGC-0345, from 109.42 m depth) 25.89 g/t Au over 3.0 m (including 101.58 g/t Au over 0.5 m g/t) (TGC-0359, from 110.7 m depth)

(including 101.58 g/t Au over 0.5 m g/t) (TGC-0359, from 110.7 m depth) 16.85 g/t Au over 3.0 m (including 38.27 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0339, from 104.7 m depth)

(including 38.27 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0339, from 104.7 m depth) 18.26 g/t Au over 2.5 m (including 89.63 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0332, from 67.14 m depth)

(including 89.63 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0332, from 67.14 m depth) 15.36 g/t Au over 2.7 m (including 47.25 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 75.3 m depth)

(including 47.25 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 75.3 m depth) 27.08 g/t Au over 1.5 m (including 94.23 g/t over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 61.7 m depth)

(including 94.23 g/t over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 61.7 m depth) 16.34 g/t Au over 2.3 m (including 23.57 g/t over 0.6 m) (TGC-0335, from 102.1 m depth)

(including 23.57 g/t over 0.6 m) (TGC-0335, from 102.1 m depth) 29.44 g/t Au over 1.3 m (including 102.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0347, from 108.96 m depth)

(including 102.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0347, from 108.96 m depth) 25.96 g/t Au over 1.4 m (including 43.58 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TGC-0343, from 68.9 m depth)

(including 43.58 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TGC-0343, from 68.9 m depth) 14.23 g/t Au over 2.4 m (including 23.37 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0327, from 101.9 m depth)

*Drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. True width not known. See Table 1 for additional data.

Figure 1. Location of the UR2 drilling reported in this news release. Left image: Plan view of the UR2 drilling in relation to the UR2 lode shown in green and other mineralized lodes shown in grey, with Tuvatu underground development shown in red. Yellow dashed square represents the area shown in the right image. Right image: Section view of the UR2 drilling looking West.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/250404_792a212d848f0816_001full.jpg

Zone 5

The Zone 5 area of Tuvatu is located along the main decline and includes the principal north-south and northeast-southwest oriented lodes at Tuvatu, as well as several western lodes. These lodes are steeply dipping structures that converge at approximately 500 m depth to form Zone 500, which is the highest-grade part of the deposit and is interpreted to be a major feeder zone at Tuvatu. The system remains open at depth with the deepest high-grade intersections occurring below 1000 m depth.

The drilling reported in this news release targeted the near-surface portion of the UR2 lode down-dip of current underground developments. The UR2 lode is one of the main north-south oriented lodes at Tuvatu. It has a strike length of approximately 600 m and dips steeply to the east. Mine development is currently taking place along the UR2 lode at the 1100 and 1102 levels of the mine, which are the deepest levels in Zone 5, as well as at the 1134 level of the mine. The drilling reported here was conducted from two underground drill stations; the 1090 drill station and the 1135 drill station. Drilling from the 1090 drill station targeted a 60 m wide section of the UR2 lode between 30 m and 50 m below the 1100 level at the south end of the lode. Drilling from the 1135 drill station targeted a 100 m wide section of the UR2 lode approximately 10 m above and 10 m below the 1102 level in the middle portion of the lode.

The UR2 drill program consists of infill and grade control drilling with the purpose of providing a detailed understanding of the geometry and mineralization of the UR2 lode in advance of mining. Drilling is being conducted on 10 m centers. 29 out of the 32 drill holes reported in this news release intersected high-grade mineralization. Most of the high-grade intervals reported in this release are located within 50 m of underground developments and are anticipated to be included in the mine plan in the next 6 to 12 months. One additional hole (TGC-0311) was drilled to test a deeper portion of the UR2 lode and returned several high-grade intercepts approximately 80 m below the 1102 level. Highlights of the Zone 5 drilling reported here are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. UR2 drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. Oblique view looking down to the NW. The drill holes shown here primarily targeted areas of the UR2 lode scheduled for near-term mining below current underground developments.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/250404_792a212d848f0816_002full.jpg

Note on Composite Grades

The drill holes reported in this news release are oriented approximately perpendicular to mineralization. The reported intercepts therefore approximate the true width of mineralization. Tuvatu consists of high-grade narrow vein mineralization. The headline intercept of 236.00 g/t gold over 0.4 m therefore has an approximate true width of 0.4 m, as reported. The minimum mining width at Tuvatu is approximately 1.5 m. In reporting drillhole intercepts Lion One uses a grade composite cut-off of 3 g/t gold with <1 m internal dilution at <3 g/t. Drill hole intervals that are <3 g/t are below cutoff and are not included in Table 2.

Competent Person's Statement

In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"), Melvyn Levrel, MAIG, Senior Geologist for Lion One Metals, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Lion One Laboratories / QAQC

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods. The Lion One geochemical laboratory is accredited under the IANZ ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard - the international standard for testing and calibration of laboratories.

Diamond drill core samples are logged by Lion One personnel on site. Exploration diamond drill core is split by Lion One personnel on site, with half core samples sent for analysis and the other half core remaining on site. Grade control diamond drill core is whole core assayed. Core samples are delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.

Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 26 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Berukoff, Chairman & President

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information

Table 1. Collar coordinates for drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth TGC-0311 1876383 3920627 128 79.2 -48.5 165.3 TGC-0313 1876384 3920429 94 107.5 -28.3 135.1 TGC-0315 1876384 3920625 128 111.7 -15.9 130.9 TGC-0316 1876384 3920429 94 96.5 -27.8 121.5 TGC-0318 1876383 3920626 128 111.3 -20.2 131.3 TGC-0319 1876384 3920429 94 99.9 -19.8 141.4 TGC-0321 1876384 3920626 128 100.8 -16.4 125.7 TGC-0323 1876384 3920428 94 114.9 -21.0 122.6 TGC-0325 1876384 3920626 128 103.4 -21.9 130.3 TGC-0326 1876384 3920427 94 129.7 -19.9 133.4 TGC-0327 1876384 3920626 128 92.0 -17.0 126.6 TGC-0330 1876384 3920426 94 143.5 -19.9 122.7 TGC-0331 1876384 3920626 128 93.4 -23.0 125.4 TGC-0332 1876384 3920428 94 122.0 -27.7 121.0 TGC-0333 1876384 3920627 128 88.1 -20.9 122.6 TGC-0335 1876384 3920627 128 157.4 0.8 131.6 TGC-0336 1876384 3920429 94 94.9 -22.5 109.7 TGC-0338 1876384 3920429 94 106.3 -22.8 95.8 TGC-0339 1876384 3920627 128 78.4 -19.9 120.0 TGC-0341 1876384 3920428 94 113.4 -25.2 95.6 TGC-0342 1876384 3920627 128 76.0 -14.5 121.3 TGC-0343 1876384 3920429 94 101.1 -25.8 105.0 TGC-0345 1876384 3920627 128 73.9 -22.0 125.7 TGC-0347 1876384 3920627 128 68.7 -20.7 111.5 TGC-0351 1876383 3920628 128 64.0 -18.1 130.0 TGC-0355 1876383 3920628 128 59.4 -17.4 135.0 TGC-0359 1876383 3920628 128 60.8 -9.3 135.0 TGC-0360 1876383 3920628 128 57.0 -11.3 139.0 TGC-0363 1876383 3920628 128 54.7 -16.1 143.3 TGC-0365 1876383 3920628 128 52.9 -11.1 148.0 TGC-0367 1876383 3920628 128 51.3 -17.8 155.6 TGC-0370 1876383 3920628 128 49.5 -13.0 165.9

Table 2. Composite intervals from drillholes reported in this news release (composite grade >3.0 g/t Au, with <1 m internal dilution at <3.0 g/t Au).

Hole ID

From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) TGC-0311

140.1 140.4 0.3 14.59



150.2 151.3 1.1 7.11

including 150.2 150.7 0.5 11.83

and 150.7 151.0 0.3 0.93

and 151.0 151.3 0.3 4.96 TGC-0313

57.3 57.8 0.5 4.92



65.8 66.3 0.5 4.65



74.0 75.6 1.6 5.15

including 74.0 74.4 0.4 5.68

and 74.4 74.9 0.5 0.07

and 74.9 75.2 0.3 2.96

and 75.2 75.6 0.3 13.46



83.2 84.4 1.2 5.16 TGC-0315

95.8 96.2 0.4 3.54 TGC-0316

56.6 58.2 1.6 8.48

including 56.6 56.9 0.3 19.58

and 56.9 57.2 0.3 12.37

and 57.2 57.6 0.4 4.95

and 57.6 58.2 0.6 3.33



60.9 61.2 0.3 9.30



64.2 64.5 0.3 4.96



79.6 80.6 1.0 5.98

including 79.6 79.9 0.3 6.46

and 79.9 80.3 0.4 3.38

and 80.3 80.6 0.3 8.98 TGC-0318

103.6 104.9 1.3 18.03

including 103.6 104.3 0.7 8.71

and 104.3 104.9 0.6 28.90



120.4 120.7 0.3 3.71 TGC-0319

51.8 52.3 0.5 3.51



61.5 61.9 0.4 8.08



66.7 69.0 2.3 4.43

including 66.7 67.1 0.3 3.12

and 67.1 67.4 0.3 0.94

and 67.4 68.0 0.6 0.03

and 68.0 68.5 0.5 11.28

and 68.5 69.0 0.5 5.56



70.3 70.6 0.3 37.50



71.8 73.9 2.1 4.61

including 71.8 72.2 0.4 3.96

and 72.2 72.6 0.4 5.09

and 72.6 73.5 1.0 1.62

and 73.5 73.9 0.3 13.87



90.0 90.3 0.3 4.58 TGC-0321

103.1 103.5 0.4 5.22



106.2 108.1 1.9 4.74

including 106.2 106.6 0.4 4.53

and 106.6 106.9 0.3 6.99

and 106.9 107.2 0.3 1.45

and 107.2 107.8 0.6 5.36

and 107.8 108.1 0.3 4.84 TGC-0323

57.9 59.8 1.9 10.42

including 57.9 58.2 0.3 13.68

and 58.2 58.5 0.3 1.37

and 58.5 58.8 0.3 4.45

and 58.8 59.1 0.3 14.99

and 59.1 59.5 0.4 14.28

and 59.5 59.8 0.3 12.43



64.4 64.7 0.3 4.60



100.5 100.8 0.3 5.98 TGC-0325

110.3 113.5 3.2 3.55

including 110.3 110.9 0.6 4.70

and 110.9 111.5 0.6 0.72

and 111.5 111.8 0.3 3.02

and 111.8 112.1 0.3 7.40

and 112.1 112.5 0.4 5.69

and 112.5 112.9 0.4 0.14

and 112.9 113.2 0.3 0.23

and 113.2 113.5 0.3 8.56 TGC-0326

62.4 62.7 0.3 3.15



64.4 64.8 0.3 3.85



65.5 65.8 0.3 3.58 TGC-0327

101.9 104.3 2.4 14.23

including 101.9 102.2 0.3 3.24

and 102.2 102.7 0.5 2.86

and 102.7 103.0 0.3 8.35

and 103.0 103.3 0.3 20.58

and 103.3 103.7 0.4 23.37

and 103.7 104.3 0.6 22.86 TGC-0330

75.0 75.3 0.3 6.02 TGC-0331

108.2 108.8 0.6 4.17

including 108.2 108.5 0.3 3.15

and 108.5 108.8 0.3 5.19 TGC-0332

67.1 69.6 2.5 18.26

including 67.1 67.4 0.3 12.37

and 67.4 67.8 0.3 <0.01

and 67.8 68.2 0.4 <0.01

and 68.2 68.6 0.4 89.63

and 68.6 68.9 0.3 14.51

and 68.9 69.2 0.3 3.73

and 69.2 69.6 0.4 4.66 TGC-0333

103.5 106.1 2.6 9.22

including 103.5 103.8 0.3 13.88

and 103.8 104.2 0.4 5.02

and 104.2 104.6 0.4 35.43

and 104.6 104.9 0.3 4.41

and 104.9 105.8 0.9 0.58

and 105.8 106.1 0.3 5.96 TGC-0335

102.1 104.4 2.3 16.34

including 102.1 102.6 0.5 21.78

and 102.6 103.2 0.6 23.57

and 103.2 103.8 0.6 17.20

and 103.8 104.4 0.6 3.71 TGC-0336

52.2 52.7 0.6 7.64



56.2 56.9 0.7 11.29

including 56.2 56.6 0.4 3.00

and 56.6 56.9 0.3 21.78



65.0 65.4 0.4 9.40



71.8 72.8 1.0 3.99

including 71.8 72.3 0.5 3.15

and 72.3 72.8 0.5 4.87



76.9 77.8 0.9 8.32

including 76.9 77.2 0.3 15.86

and 77.2 77.8 0.6 4.20



102.0 103.0 1.0 17.90 TGC-0338

54.9 55.5 0.6 3.82



69.1 69.7 0.6 25.89



71.7 72.3 0.6 20.54 TGC-0339

104.7 107.7 3.0 16.85

including 104.7 105.6 0.9 38.27

and 105.6 105.9 0.3 8.93

and 105.9 106.5 0.6 0.16

and 106.5 106.8 0.3 3.92

and 106.8 107.7 0.9 13.49 TGC-0341

63.0 64.0 1.0 5.23

including 63.0 63.3 0.3 3.44

and 63.3 64.0 0.7 6.00



68.5 69.1 0.6 22.78 TGC-0342

104.3 105.0 0.7 13.87 TGC-0343

58.1 58.8 0.7 3.81

including 58.1 58.4 0.3 4.58

and 58.4 58.8 0.4 3.23



60.2 60.5 0.3 4.32



61.7 63.2 1.5 27.08

including 61.7 62.2 0.5 6.69

and 62.2 62.5 0.3 94.23

and 62.5 62.8 0.3 9.85

and 62.8 63.2 0.4 15.14



68.9 70.3 1.4 25.96

including 68.9 69.2 0.3 28.99

and 69.2 69.7 0.5 3.01

and 69.7 70.3 0.6 43.58



75.3 78.0 2.7 15.36

including 75.3 75.6 0.3 47.25

and 75.6 75.9 0.3 13.93

and 75.9 76.2 0.3 2.49

and 76.2 76.7 0.5 0.30

and 76.7 77.0 0.3 6.02

and 77.0 77.3 0.3 13.46

and 77.3 77.7 0.4 14.67

and 77.7 78.0 0.3 35.07 TGC-0345

109.4 109.8 0.4 236.00 TGC-0347

109.0 110.2 1.3 29.44

including 109.0 109.3 0.3 3.65

and 109.3 109.9 0.6 3.95

and 109.9 110.2 0.3 102.35 TGC-0351

111.2 113.0 1.8 4.84

including 111.2 112.4 1.2 5.07

and 112.4 113.0 0.6 4.39 TGC-0359

106.7 107.2 0.5 3.80



110.7 113.7 3.0 25.89

including 110.7 111.0 0.3 3.07

and 111.0 111.5 0.5 26.50

and 111.5 112.0 0.5 101.58

and 112.0 112.5 0.5 5.43

and 112.5 112.9 0.4 6.09

and 112.9 113.2 0.3 10.42

and 113.2 113.7 0.5 8.89 TGC-0360

115.6 116.2 0.6 34.99 TGC-0363

116.8 117.6 0.8 17.46

including 116.8 117.2 0.4 27.33

and 117.2 117.6 0.4 7.58 TGC-0370

109.2 109.5 0.3 3.23

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250404

SOURCE: Lion One Metals Limited
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Entos Pharmaceuticals (Entos), a clinical-stage genetic medicines company headquartered in Edmonton, Canada, with offices in London, UK, and San Diego, USA, will be participating in the 2025 Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference, which will take place on May 5 and 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Dates: Monday May 5, 2025 - Tuesday May 6, 2025 Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM ET Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building

255 Front St W

Toronto, Ontario

M5V 2W6

John Lewis, CEO will be speaking at 11:00 AM ET ON Tuesday, May 6th. Interested parties can register to attend the conference here .

Members of Entos Pharmaceuticals (Entos) management will also be taking meetings from interested investors throughout the day. Take advantage of the opportunity and reach out to the team.

To register for the conference, please follow this link .

About Entos Pharmaceuticals (Entos)

Since its inception in 2016, Entos has been dedicated to advancing next-generation medicines using its proprietary Fusogenix PLV drug delivery system to develop cures and improve the lives of patients and their families. Entos has partnered with global companies, such as Eli Lilly & Co., and biotechnology partners, Oisin Biotechnologies, OncoSenX, and Aegis Life, to accelerate and expand the impact of our platform to advance its therapeutic pipeline for cancer and rare genetic diseases like Congenital Lipodystrophy (CGL), Stargardt Disease, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Entos currently has collaborations with eight other pharma and biotechnology partners who are exploring the Fusogenix PLV Platform for the delivery of nucleic acid cargo to the eye, lung, and muscle, and through systemic administration. We believe that a genetic medicine revolution lies ahead, and our Fusogenix technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes for a wide range of illnesses and previously untreatable diseases.Entos word mark and design logo, Fusogenix, and PLV are registered trademarks of Entos Pharmaceuticals Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About the Conference:

The Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference brings together U.S., Canadian and international investors who are interested in the latest developments in the Canadian healthcare sector. Attendees will have an opportunity to obtain corporate updates from the premier Canadian publicly traded and private companies through presentations and private meetings.

About Bloom Burton & Co.:

Bloom Burton & Co. is a firm dedicated to accelerating returns in the healthcare sector for both investors and companies. Bloom Burton has an experienced team of medical, scientific, industry and capital markets professionals who perform a deep level of diligence, which combined with our creative and entrepreneurial approach, assists our clients in achieving the right monetization events. Bloom Burton and its affiliates provide capital raising, M&A advisory, equity research, strategic advisory, as well as company creation and incubation services. Bloom Burton Securities Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is also a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).

For questions and further information please contact:

SOURCE: Bloom Burton & Co. Inc.
San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Direct Communication Solutions, Inc. (OTC Pink: DCSX) (CSE: DCSI) (FSE: 7QU0) ("DCS" or the "Company"), a leading provider of information technology solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) market, is pleased to announce the posting of its Audited Annual Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the "FY-2024"), along with the corresponding Management Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A") on SEDAR+.

Significant Highlights

Ongoing Transition to SaaS Solutions : Continued executing on our strategy to transition to a SaaS-focused model with an emphasis on high-margin, recurring revenue. Added 1,404 new recurring revenue subscribers, including 402 MiFleet + Vision video telematics subscribers in Q4 of 2024.

: Continued executing on our strategy to transition to a SaaS-focused model with an emphasis on high-margin, recurring revenue. Added 1,404 new recurring revenue subscribers, including 402 MiFleet + Vision video telematics subscribers in Q4 of 2024. Backlog of Customer Purchase Orders: Ended FY 2024 with a strong customer backlog of $3M in customer purchase orders for Smart Hardware products

Ended FY 2024 with a strong customer backlog of $3M in customer purchase orders for Smart Hardware products IoT Project of the Year: First American based company to win the IoT Product of the Year for best IoT Innovation for Asset Protection.

First American based company to win the IoT Product of the Year for best IoT Innovation for Asset Protection. MiFleet + Vision Promotion : Partnered with UScellular on a Q4 2024 video telematics promotion that resulted in record new subscribers.

: Partnered with UScellular on a Q4 2024 video telematics promotion that resulted in record new subscribers. Fuel Dispensing and Audit Solution : Delivered a custom designed IoT solution to manage and audit fuel dispensing for IT&E in Guam for the Guam Port Authority.

: Delivered a custom designed IoT solution to manage and audit fuel dispensing for IT&E in Guam for the Guam Port Authority. IoT Device Approvals: Approved multiple IoT devices on the major cellular network operators to position DCS as a leading provider of IoT solutions to our customers and partners.

Financial Performance

Direct Communication Solutions Inc. reported fiscal year 2024 revenues of $6.4 million (U.S.), compared to $13 million (U.S.) in 2023, representing a 51% year-over-year decrease. This decrease is attributed to our ongoing restructuring to prioritize long term, high-margin recurring SaaS revenue over lower-margin, one-time hardware sales.

The fiscal year 2024 gross profit was $2.2 million (U.S.), compared to $4.4 million (U.S.) in FY 2023, reflecting a 51% decrease. The gross margin stayed constant at 34% in both FY 2024 and FY 2023. The net loss for FY 2024 was $1.76 million (U.S.), a reduction from a net loss of $5.09 million (U.S.) in FY 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2024 was ($2.1 million) (U.S.), compared to ($2.6 million) in FY 2023, marking a 19% improvement.

CEO Commentary

"In 2024, we continued to execute our strategic transition towards long term, high-margin, recurring SaaS revenues based on our industry leading IoT services and solutions," said Chris Bursey, CEO of Direct Communication Solutions. "Our efforts are reflected in the increased SaaS revenues and improved gross margins. We are making significant strides in reducing operating costs while growing our SaaS subscriber base. The strategic partnerships we have forged are set to enhance our IoT solutions and contribute to our ongoing growth."

Board Announcement

Subsequent events after FY- 2024, DCS also announces a change of duties within the Board of Directors. William Espley will assume the title and responsibilities of Chairman of the Board to allow Chris Bursey to fully focus on the key operational position as CEO of the company. Mr. Espley has over forty years of experience in Board positions for public companies in both the U.S. and Canada with an emphasis on finance and investor relations.

About Direct Communication Services Inc.

DCSI is a technology solutions integrator focusing on connecting the Internet of Things. We provide real solutions that solve real problems. Our software applications and scalable cloud services collect and assess business-critical data from all types of assets. DCSI is headquartered in San Diego, California and is publicly traded on the OTCQX ("DCSX"), Canadian Securities Exchange ("DCSI") and Frankfurt Stock Exchange ("7QU0"). For more information, visit www.dcsbusiness.com. DCSI and the DCSI logo are among the trademarks of DCSI in the United States. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements reflecting management's current views of future events and operations. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially. DCS believes that these potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Company's dependence on third-party manufacturers, suppliers, technologies, and infrastructure; risks related to intellectual property; industry risks, including competition, online security, government regulation, and global economic conditions; and the Company's financial position and need for additional funding. Statements in this release should be evaluated in light of these factors. These risk factors and other important factors that could affect our business and financial results are discussed in our Management's Discussion and Analysis, periodic reports, and other public filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and posted with the OTC Disclosure and News Service. DCS undertakes no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250413

SOURCE: Direct Communication Solutions, Inc.
Helping Business Owners Maximize Profit, Efficiency and Value for a Stronger Future in Beverly Hills

Exit Factor, a business consulting franchise that specializes in exit planning for small to mid-sized companies, announced today the opening of its newest location in Beverly Hills, California. Bradley Seelig, a seasoned Wall Street veteran, business value builder, and entrepreneur with over two decades of transformative leadership across global markets, will serve as the owner and operator of Exit Factor of Beverly Hills.

Exit Factor Logo



Joining him in ownership is Hanan Seelig, a hospitality and retail management expert with more than 15 years of executive experience leading operations for upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, and premium retail establishments worldwide.

The Exit Factor program is a proven process with tailored exit plans that safeguard the long-term value of a business now and in the future, no matter the size, and are designed to help owners take control of their business by maximizing profit, efficiency, and value from day one.

"Your business isn't just numbers on a balance sheet -it's early mornings, tough decisions, and personal sacrifices. It's often your legacy, your retirement plan, and your life's work. When you're ready for your next chapter, we'll help you realize your company's full value and secure the exit you deserve - on your terms," said Bradley Seelig, franchise owner. "I see a real need for these programs in Beverly Hills. We want to help address specific concerns and support entrepreneurs in successfully improving their company's efficiency, value, and ultimately, their ability to exit."

The company was founded by best-selling author, speaker, and small-business advocate Jessica Fialkovich. Her passion for helping business owners maximize their company's value, grew from her experience as a business broker and owner of a Transworld Business Advisors franchise. For businesses that were not quite ready to sell or had potential to increase their value prior to listing, Fialkovich developed a program, teaching strategies on ways to build value, profitability, and salability.

"We're very proud of the success Exit Factor has had in helping businesses plan for profitability to ensure business owners maximize their company's value when it's time to sell," Jessica Fialkovich said. "We look forward to bringing Exit Factor of Beverly Hills on board."

Participants in Exit Factor's program earn back an average of $2,700 in exit value for every hour they spend in the program. Within the first year, clients have seen a 25% increase in profit and a 56.7% increase in business value. For those who have decided to sell, the program has helped them achieve successful exits.

About Exit Factor

Exit Factor offers a proven method that helps small to mid-size business owners maximize their company's value. It's among the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants, representing the very best in their industries. Through one-on-one consulting services and online programs, the trusted advisors at Exit Factor teach entrepreneurs how to successfully improve their company's efficiency, value, and ultimately, ability to exit. For more information, visit www.ExitFactor.com and for more information on owning an Exit Factor franchise, visit www.exitfactorfranchise.com .

Contact Information

Bradley Seelig

Owner

beverlyhills.ca@exitfactor.com

310-279-5146

SOURCE: Exit Factor

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/exit-factor-expands-territory-with-new-location-in-beverly-hills-cal-1014736
Emergency Care Partners (ECP) and its Missouri-based partner physician group, Missouri Physician Partners (MPP), have announced an expansion to provide emergency medicine services at Harrison County Community Hospital , beginning May 1st, 2025.

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Jeremiah Yerton, MD, President of Missouri Physician Partners, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Harrison County Community Hospital. Our mission is to provide the highest quality emergency medical care to the people of Harrison County and its surrounding areas."??

Harrison County Community Hospital selected MPP because of its reputation in the Missouri market and the unique partnership model that is offered to physicians. The physician group currently provides emergency medicine services at three other hospitals in Missouri. MPP physicians are board-certified in emergency medicine and are committed to ensuring all patients receive top-notch emergency care.

About Harrison County Community Hospital

Harrison County Community Hospital (HCCH) is a critical access hospital located in Bethany, Missouri, dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of rural northwest Missouri. Our facility is equipped to provide a comprehensive range of medical services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the residents of Harrison County and the surrounding areas. We are committed to enhancing the health and well-being of our community through excellence in patient care, education, and outreach.?

About Missouri Physician Partners (MPP)?

Missouri Physician Partners (MPP) is a physician-centered practice with the primary goal of providing the highest level of patient care to its patients. MPP firmly believes that quality patient care starts with ensuring physicians feel supported, valued, and treated fairly. Harrison County Community Hospital will be one of four critical access hospitals the new group will support in Missouri. To learn more about MPP, visit their website: https://missouriphysicianpartners.com/

About ECP

ECP?is a leading provider of emergency department management services for hospitals across the U.S., with current operations in eight states, treating 1.5 million patient visits annually, and supported by a clinical workforce of 1,000+ physicians and mid-level providers. ECP employs a differentiated model, highlighted by the ability to maintain ownership through its physician partnership. ECP allows local groups to keep branding and clinical autonomy while benefiting from the organization's significant back-office infrastructure. Follow ECP on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and?X.

SOURCE: Emergency Care Partners (ECP)

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/emergency-care-partners-and-missouri-physician-partners-expand-servic-1021424
Sustainability Partners (SP), a Public Benefit Company dedicated to advancing sustainable infrastructure, announced today that it has been awarded a contract from the State of New Mexico for the electrification of over 5,000 fleet vehicles and supporting infrastructure. Through Electric Vehicles as a Service (EVaaS), SP provides a comprehensive, turnkey electrification solution to support New Mexico's zero-emission vehicle adoption and renewable energy goals.?

"As a New Mexican, I am proud to advance our state's electrification efforts, which are essential for protecting and preserving our environment," said Ryan Mast, SP New Mexico's lead infrastructure partner. "Our service model is built to last a lifetime, and together, we can create a healthier and more resilient future for New Mexico and generations to come."

"This innovative business model benefits New Mexicans by expanding electric vehicle infrastructure while saving state money," said New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney. "New Mexico is leading by example when it comes to the adoption of electric vehicles for its fleet."

EVaaS can include any combination of funding, deployment, maintenance, charging station installation, load management, and ongoing support. SP partners with best-in-class vendors to ensure flexibility, transparency, and access to the latest technology - without locking customers into proprietary hardware or software. Notably, the contract also allows New Mexico's public schools and municipalities to procure EVaaS, expanding the impact of this initiative beyond state agencies.

Under this contract,?SP and its vendor partners will conduct a full assessment of New Mexico's vehicle fleet and develop a strategic implementation plan. Additionally, SP will deploy and maintain a robust charging network, offering real-time monitoring and long-term sustainability. SP's?EVaaS model?is unique in that it ensures ongoing maintenance and system upgrades without requiring agencies to own or operate proprietary systems. This provides maximum flexibility and cost savings, empowering the State of New Mexico to accelerate its transition to clean transportation.

"We're honored to support New Mexico in its transition to clean transportation," said John Veech, CEO of SP. "This award strengthens our role as a trusted partner in fleet electrification. We've successfully implemented large-scale projects in Hawai'i and are excited to bring that experience and momentum to New Mexico. Our approach eliminates upfront costs and accelerates implementation timelines, helping the state quickly expand its electric fleet and focus resources where they're needed most - serving the people and communities of New Mexico."

About Sustainability Partners

Sustainability Partners (SP) is a Public Benefit Company that facilitates funding, deployment, and ongoing care of essential infrastructure to help municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals meet their needs. SP can help solve any combination of funding, design, engineering, procurement, installation, and maintenance of essential infrastructure with no upfront costs. Like a utility, SP charges a monthly usage fee based on a month-to-month agreement. Its goal is to establish long-term relationships with its customers and ensure its infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and improving forever.

Learn more about Sustainability Partners .

Contact Information

Maia Rodriguez

mrodriguez@s.partners

(505) 659-8101





SOURCE: Sustainability Partners

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/clean-technology/sustainability-partners-awarded-contract-to-accelerate-statewide-fleet-electrifica-1021896
DUBLIN, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released its Client Trends 2025 report, which features new insights about the interconnectedness of four megatrends - Trade, Technology, Weather and Workforce - driving complexity, volatility and uncertainty for business and society.

"The megatrends of Trade, Technology, Weather and Workforce are creating unprecedented challenges for business leaders, who risk decision paralysis when urgent action is needed," said Greg Case, president and CEO of Aon. "The interconnectedness of these trends means that leaders need access to integrated data and analytics, capabilities and expertise to effectively respond to increasingly linked risk and people issues."

Aon's Client Trends 2025 report draws on the firm's Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise to offer a fresh perspective on how these trends intersect and impact decision making. The analysis looks at specific connection points between the trends, including with:

Trade and Technology: The intersection of Technology and Trade are fuelling innovation that will deliver much-needed efficiencies in global supply chains. However, with new technology comes significant risks that must be properly managed. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in helping move global trade through increasingly complex regulatory challenges, trade laws, privacy regulations and threats from cyber attacks and potential global trade wars.





The intersection of Technology and Trade are fuelling innovation that will deliver much-needed efficiencies in global supply chains. However, with new technology comes significant risks that must be properly managed. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in helping move global trade through increasingly complex regulatory challenges, trade laws, privacy regulations and threats from cyber attacks and potential global trade wars. Technology and Workforce: The integration of AI within human resources functions is reshaping job roles and skill requirements across industries. Organizations are increasingly utilizing AI to optimize processes like talent acquisition and employee engagement. This shift not only enhances efficiency but focuses on upskilling employees to work alongside AI. As companies work to capitalize upon this transformation, are evolving their workforce with the necessary technical and maintaining critical human oversight to drive innovation and effective decision-making.





The integration of AI within human resources functions is reshaping job roles and skill requirements across industries. Organizations are increasingly utilizing AI to optimize processes like talent acquisition and employee engagement. This shift not only enhances efficiency but focuses on upskilling employees to work alongside AI. As companies work to capitalize upon this transformation, are evolving their workforce with the necessary technical and maintaining critical human oversight to drive innovation and effective decision-making. Weather and Workforce: Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and costly. According to Aon's 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, global economic losses in 2024 amounted to $368 billion. At the same time, employers are more concerned than ever about employee wellbeing, retention and productivity. Employees who work outside face health risks from heatwaves, air quality implications from wildfires and more. Not only can weather events affect employee's physical health, their emotional and financial wellbeing may also be at risk.





Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and costly. According to Aon's 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, global economic losses in 2024 amounted to $368 billion. At the same time, employers are more concerned than ever about employee wellbeing, retention and productivity. Employees who work outside face health risks from heatwaves, air quality implications from wildfires and more. Not only can weather events affect employee's physical health, their emotional and financial wellbeing may also be at risk. Weather and Trade: The effects of climate volatility on global trade is another growing risk. This was starkly illustrated by the severe flooding in Spain and its impact on the automotive industry in 2024. Flooding disrupted production and logistics, highlighting the interconnectedness of supply chains and the financial risks posed by extreme weather events. In response, clients are integrating climate risk assessments into their strategic planning and developing diversified supply chains. By understanding and anticipating the impacts of weather-related disruptions, organizations are enhancing their resilience and protecting their trade operations in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Read Aon's Client Trends 2025 report here.

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

mediainquiries@aon.com

Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114

International: +1 312 381 3024

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FRISCO, Texas, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Redwood Software today announced that it received a 2025 SAP Pinnacle Award in the New Partner Application category, which recognizes its outstanding contributions as an SAP partner. SAP presents these awards annually to the top partners that have excelled in developing and growing their partnership with SAP and helping customers run better. Winners and finalists in 24 categories were chosen based on recommendations from SAP, customer feedback, and performance indicators.

"Our premier partner recognition program, the SAP Pinnacle Awards, reflects the outstanding performance and commitment of our partners to deliver customer value, exponential growth, and simplification. The winning partners of this award are recognized for their successful alignment with SAP's business strategy, delivering innovative AI and cloud services and solutions to help businesses succeed," said Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE.

"Winning the prestigious SAP Pinnacle Award two years in a row is a powerful validation that SAP customers trust Redwood's automation fabric solutions to integrate with the latest SAP technologies to achieve mission-critical outcomes and ROI," said Kevin Greene, CEO of Redwood Software. "Our cloud-native platform, RunMyJobs, stands out with the most SAP-certified integrations of any workload automation (WLA) solution. Offering prebuilt templates and connectors, RunMyJobs helps customers maintain a clean core with out-of-the-box support for S/4HANA, RISE, Business Technology Platform (BTP) and Business Data Cloud (BDC), including Integration Suite, Data Services and Datasphere. Earlier this year, we extended our portfolio of connectors for BTP and BDC with the launch of the RunMyJobs Connector for SAP Analytics Cloud . This new connector demonstrates our continued dedication to helping customers unlock powerful data-driven insights and automation."

Redwood and SAP share a trusted partnership built on more than 20 years of co-development, innovation and roadmap alignment. As SAP's #1 recommended WLA solution, customers are empowered to deploy automation fabrics across end-to-end processes, data pipelines, and AI-fully supporting a clean core strategy and eliminating the need for ERP customization. Attendees of SAP Sapphire are invited to learn more and connect with Redwood throughout the event: click here for activities in Orlando, Florida, from Monday, May 19 to Wednesday, May 21, 2025 and click here for activities in Madrid, Spain, from Monday, May 26 to Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

SAP Pinnacle Awards shine a spotlight on distinguished partners to acknowledge their dedication to teamwork, exceptional innovation and capacity to help customers achieve their goals.

About Redwood Software

Redwood Software is the leader in full stack automation fabric solutions for mission-critical business processes. With the first SaaS-based composable automation platform specifically built for ERP, we believe in the transformative power of automation. Our unparalleled solutions empower you to orchestrate, manage and monitor your workflows across any application, service or server - in the cloud or on premises - with confidence and control. Redwood's global team of automation experts and customer success engineers provide solutions and world-class support designed to give you the freedom and time to imagine and define your future. Get out of the weeds and see the forest, with Redwood Software. For more information, visit www.redwood.com . Follow Redwood Software on LinkedIn, @Redwood Software .

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

For more information, press only:

Liz Reilly

lreilly@nextpr.com

Next PR

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NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- David Yurman, America's premier luxury jewelry brand, announces the opening of its newest Miami flagship. Situated in the heart of the Design District, one of the country's most vibrant and artistic neighborhoods, the brand's new flagship serves as a design playground for artists and jewelry devotees.

The boutique's design is a collaborative masterpiece, overseen by President and Chief Creative Officer Evan Yurman with esteemed Italian architect Andrea Tognon, and Consulting Creative Director Bernadette Blanc. Drawing inspiration from the precious metals and stones of the Yurman family's private collection, the construction embodies the essence of the brand's artistry.

"We are thrilled to be opening our new Miami flagship in the center of the art community," says President Evan Yurman. "As a brand founded by two artists, this space reflects our family legacy and shared vision to create beautiful things that inspire us-whether that be our product, store experience, or design. Collaborating with Andrea Tognon and Bernadette Blanc, we believed there was no better location to debut this one-off concept in a neighborhood fueled by artistic fervor and heritage that attracts many of our existing and future consumers."

"We started discussing the project from the perspective of jewelry-cutting the facade from a gigantic volume of stone, fusing the split stone with a metallic paint, resulting in an incredible monolithic vision and presence on the street," said Tognon. The facade is detailed with an impressive, extruded logo, a nod to the brand's Americana core heritage.

Once inside the boutique, guests will find meticulously crafted fixtures made of various stone finishes, resembling precious jewelry insertions. A stepped wall inside is made of vertically cut pieces of granite, moving in a curve, displayed like a necklace. Tributes to the brand's iconic Cable appear throughout the space, as seen in the sculpted handrail at the store entrance, as well as the circular vitrine underneath the staircase. On the second floor, a private salon overlooking the Design District features the brand's Men's, Women's, and High Jewelry collections mixed in with an extraordinary collection of David Yurman's personal artwork and private objects.

Tognon's approach to furniture craftsmanship is rooted in the deconstruction of something to its basic elements and re-envisioning it in a new form, similarly to the way that the brand's signature Cable is constantly reimagined and incorporated in David Yurman designs. As the unifying thread that connects all of the brand's collections, Cable continues to be used in a multitude of innovative and contemporary ways.

The new boutique will feature exclusive styles, inspired by Miami's magnetic atmosphere, landscapes, and tropical sunsets. Featuring bold and semi-precious stones in electric pinks, neon greens, cobalt blue, and fire orange, these dynamic and radiant pieces embody the excitement and vitality of the city.

"The retail world is constantly rethinking itself," says architect Andrea Tognon. "As we collaborated with Evan Yurman on this project, our main goal was innovation coexisting with the brands rich heritage. Working together, we were able to design a classic design ground in which new and existing consumers can feel comfortable exploring."

David Yurman's new Miami flagship had a soft opening March 20 and will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 1. The store is open daily from 11AM-7PM. For more information, visit https://www.davidyurman.com/.

ABOUT DAVID YURMAN:

David Yurman is America's preeminent luxury jewelry company founded in New York City by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife, Sybil, a painter and ceramicist. The two artists set out to fuse their individual creative talents to make beautifully designed objects to wear. Five decades later, led by their son Evan, the house of Yurman is renowned for crafting timeless heirloom jewelry meant to be lived in and worn effortlessly. Designed with innovative artistry and meticulous craftsmanship, collections are inspired by the vibrant energy of New York, as well as classic motifs in art, architecture, history, and nature. The brand's most celebrated sculptural motif is Cable-an iconic, ever-evolving artistic signature. David Yurman jewelry is available on DavidYurman.com and at 49 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and France and at over 300 locations worldwide, through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry and timepiece network of retailers.

MEDIA CONTACT



Nike Communications

davidyurman@nikecomm.com

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LONDON, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tokio Marine HCC International (TMHCCI), a member of the Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC) group of companies based in Houston, Texas, today announced that Thibaud Hervy, previously Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) - Specialty Lines, has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TMHCCI and Simon Button, formerly CUO - London Market, has been promoted to CUO of TMHCCI. These appointments take place with immediate effect subject to regulatory approval.

This news follows the recent announcement of Barry Cook as Deputy CEO of TMHCC. He is one of the London Market's longest-serving CEOs, having spent more than 20 years leading TMHCCI. In handing over the leadership of TMHCCI, Mr. Cook will focus on his new role at TMHCC.

Mr. Hervy joined the business in 1999 as an Underwriter in HCC Global's Financial Lines team, covering France and the Benelux region. Following this, he went on to play a central part in the rollout of the company's underwriting strategy around the world, undertaking a number of senior roles, before being promoted to Managing Director of HCC Global in 2010. Mr. Hervy was appointed CUO - Specialty Lines of TMHCCI in 2014 and has been key to driving the continued development of the business' long-term underwriting and distribution strategies.

Mr. Button takes up the role of CUO of TMHCCI. He joined the company in 2000 and has held several leadership roles across TMHCCI's Property, Marine and Energy underwriting divisions. In his expanded responsibilities, Mr. Button will play a pivotal role in shaping TMHCCI's underwriting strategy as it continues to expand its offerings.

"Barry's impact on our international business cannot be overstated. When he took the helm in 2005, TMHCCI was a small player in London. Today, Barry leaves it a $2.8 billion market leader with an excellent track record of success over decades. He has been instrumental in building a business which continues to set new standards and achieve exceptional results," said Susan Rivera, TMHCC's CEO. "I am delighted to be working even more closely with Barry in his new role, and in Thibaud, we have the ideal candidate to carry on his legacy. As we embark on an exciting new chapter, Thibaud will spearhead our international growth and the expansion of our product suite."

Ms. Rivera added, "I am also delighted to announce Simon's appointment as CUO of our International business. The risk landscape and the needs of our insureds are evolving. Key challenges such as the global transition to more sustainable practices also present significant business opportunities. Thibaud and Simon's expertise will be core to the new offerings we are developing and to achieving new heights of excellence in service and innovation for our clients."

Mr. Cook commented, "I am proud to pass the baton of leadership of TMHCCI to Thibaud and Simon. I have had the pleasure of working with them for decades, and their vision and expertise continue to impress. I am certain that TMHCCI will continue to go from strength to strength under their management."

About Tokio Marine HCC

Tokio Marine HCC is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a premier global company founded in 1879 with a market capitalization of $70 billion as of December 31, 2024. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a leading specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Tokio Marine HCC's major domestic insurance companies have financial strength ratings of 'A+'.

Contact: MHP Group

max.steward@mhpgroup.com

+44 (0)7586 050758
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fashion industry veteran and sustainability expert Liz Hershfield will lead Cotton Council International (CCI), the export promotion arm of the National Cotton Council of America (NCC), as its new Executive Director. Hershfield succeeds Bruce Atherley, who retired at the end of March.

"Strong leadership and innovative strategies are essential to maintaining U.S. cotton's competitive edge," NCC President & CEO Gary Adams said. "Liz is well poised to enhance COTTON USA programs by communicating U.S. cotton's benefits, giving U.S. cotton growers more opportunities to thrive in the complex global market."

Hershfield's specialized expertise in sustainability, global sourcing, product development and end-to-end supply chain strategy, alongside extensive experience with U.S. cotton, will advance CCI in leading the world to cotton's next level through its COTTON USA brand and help drive global U.S. cotton initiatives.

"There's never been a more important time to champion U.S. cotton," Hershfield said. "U.S. cotton has an incredible story to tell-rooted in quality, innovation and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, underscored by trust earned through reliable COTTON USA partnerships.

I'm honored to join the talented team at CCI to bolster growth in demand and preference for U.S. cotton across the global textile supply chain."

Throughout her distinguished career, Hershfield has spearheaded supply chain and sustainability initiatives for globally established brands such as J.Crew, Madewell and Gap Inc. She also founded Green-ish, a consultancy that helps businesses navigate the complexities of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and supply chain management.

Her contributions to sustainable fashion have earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Textile Exchange Ryan Young Climate+ Award for her pioneering regenerative cotton program supporting U.S. cotton farmers. Hershfield was also honored with The Lead's "The Direct 60" award and named to the Rivet 50 Index for her leadership in the denim industry.

In her new role as CCI Executive Director, Hershfield will leverage her vast experience with U.S. cotton and her proven track record in sustainable fashion and supply chain management to globally elevate "The COTTON USA Difference" of superior U.S. cotton plus unrivalled partnership across the global textile supply chain.

About COTTON USA: Cotton Council International (CCI) is a non-profit agricultural trade association that promotes U.S. cotton fiber, yarn and manufactured cotton products around the globe under our COTTON USA brand. With nearly 70 years of experience, our mission is to make U.S. cotton the preferred fiber for mills/manufacturers, brands/retailers and consumers. Our reach extends to more than 50 countries through 20 offices around the world. To learn more, visit: www.cottonusa.org.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Edgemont Gold Corp. (CSE: EDGM) (the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases dated February 20, 2025, March 21, 2025 and April 15, 2025 regarding the proposed acquisition by the Company of all the issued and outstanding common shares of Laiva Gold Inc. ("Laiva") from the shareholders of Laiva (the "Transaction"), the Company and Laiva continue to diligently work towards finalizing and executing the definitive agreement in respect of the Transaction.

The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of the securities referenced in this press release, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to the terms and completion of the Transaction, including the entry into a definitive agreement, the receipt of corporate, regulatory and stock exchange approval in respect of the Transaction, the technical, financial, and business prospects of the Company, its assets and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward looking information or statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information or statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information or statements. 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, the ability to achieve its goals, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward looking information or statements reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties included in in documents filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking information or statements include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms described herein, including obtaining the requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to compete effectively with competitors, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to comply with applicable laws, including environmental laws, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties. The Company does not undertake to update forward looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for

dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250443

SOURCE: Edgemont Gold Corp.
Mercedes-Benz to localize a new vehicle in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, enhancing U.S. footprint

New car, tailored to U.S. customer preferences, to come to Tuscaloosa in 2027

Localization strengthens role of Tuscaloosa within global Mercedes-Benz production network

Tuscaloosa has established itself as the global export hub for Mercedes-Benz SUVs

Mercedes-Benz is set to localize a core segment vehicle in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, deepening its U.S. footprint and underscoring Alabama's role as an important part of the company's global production network. For many years, Mercedes-Benz has exported roughly two-thirds of annual output, making it one of the largest exporters of automobiles from the U.S., contributing to the U.S. trade balance.

"Tuscaloosa has been a key hub for Mercedes-Benz vehicles for almost 30 years. It's a natural step to bring a further model to Alabama as part of a strategy to deepen our commitment to the United States, a market, which has been our home for more than a century."

Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG

The localization of a core segment vehicle follows a pattern of enhancing the Alabama site over the past 30 years. Since 1997, more than 4.5 million vehicles have left the Tuscaloosa plant, with around 260,000 vehicles rolling off the line in 2024 alone. The Tuscaloosa plant is home to the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, and Mercedes-Maybach GLS as well as the EQE SUV, EQS SUV, and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV for all global markets.

Bringing a core segment vehicle to Alabama by 2027 further enhances the company's commitment to the North American market while keeping its local-for-local approach.

"We are getting even closer to the U.S. customer by localizing a core segment model in Tuscaloosa, strengthening our ties to the North American market where a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles including the GLE and GLS models have their roots."

Jason Hoff, CEO Mercedes-Benz North America

Today, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) employs more than 6,000 people and secures an estimated additional 60,0001 jobs with suppliers and service providers in the region, including 200 suppliers located in Alabama.

"With the integration of a further model we're taking a further step in our local-for-local approach, enhancing the integral role of our Tuscaloosa plant within our flexible digital global production network."

Jorg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Production, Quality Supply Chain Management

About Mercedes-Benz in the United States

Mercedes-Benz, with its strong heritage dating back to 1888 in Long Island City, NY, stands as the legacy car brand with the longest representation in the United States. As a major local investor, Mercedes-Benz has committed over USD 10 billion to production, infrastructure, R&D, design, and the dealer network, including USD 7+ billion in our Tuscaloosa, AL, site and USD 560+ million in our Charleston, SC, plant. We proudly support more than 163,000 jobs across the country, including 11,100 direct jobs (of which around 8,000 are in manufacturing) and 28,000 dealership employees. Our nationwide presence spans 385 dealer partners and 24 corporate locations in 13 states.

From an assembly operation standpoint, more than 4.5 million vehicles have left the Tuscaloosa plant over the past 28 years, with roughly sixty percent of annual output exported, making Mercedes-Benz one of the largest exporters of automobiles from the U.S. The USA is also the second largest global market for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. Since 2006, Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV Charleston) has assembled more than 400,000 vans for delivery across North America.

We are working with around 400 suppliers in the United States and are sourcing our local demand for steel and aluminum almost exclusively in the United States.

The Tuscaloosa operation is the global hub for our SUVs (Mercedes-Benz GLE, Mercedes-Benz GLS,Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Mercedes-Maybach GLS as well as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV). Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is making EV infrastructure investments of approximately USD 1.2 billion to expand a high-speed charging network in North America over the next 6-7 years.

In 2024, we sold 324,500 passenger cars and 49,600 vans in the U.S., making the United States the second largest global market for Mercedes-Benz cars and vans.

As a pioneer and relentless innovator, we have filed nearly 100 technology patents in the U.S. and introduced DRIVE PILOT, the first SAE-Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving approved for Nevada and California. Mercedes-Benz is committed to being a good corporate citizen, actively supporting communities with nearly 40,000 hours of company-supported volunteer work in 2024 alone.

Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available at www.mercedes-benz.com and on our LinkedIn channel under Mercedes-Benz AG LinkedIn.

Press information and digital services for journalists and multipliers can be found on our Mercedes-Benz Media online platform at media.mercedes-benz.com.

Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance

Mercedes-Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 175,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Ola Kallenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and G-Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world's largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars. In 2024 it sold around 2,4 million passenger cars and vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes-Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.

Based on estimates from the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) that every direct job in vehicle manufacturing supports 10.1 additional American jobs.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501614025/en/

Contacts:

Melinda Mernovage, +1 248 4825493 melinda.mernovage@mercedes-benz.com

Edward Taylor, +49 176 30941776, edward.taylor@mercedes-benz.com

Felyicia Jerald, +1 205 3944395, felyicia.jerald@mercedes-benz.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) ("LaFleur Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has initiated the permitting process to extract a surface bulk sample from its Swanson Gold Deposit located within a mining lease of the Company's district-scale, Swanson Gold Project, positioned in the prolific Abitibi Gold Belt. The bulk sample material will be processed at the Company's 100%-owned and fully permitted Beacon Gold Mill, located in Val-d'Or, Quebec, and approximately 50 km from Swanson.

If the processed surface bulk sample of mineralized material from Swanson is deemed viable, the intention is to complete a Scoping Study, which will include evaluating the processing of Swanson mineralized material at the Beacon Gold Mill. A Scoping Study would further consider mine design, mining methodology, mining rate and gold production profile, facilities requirements, development schedules, and the overall project economics.

The permitting process at Swanson is a first step in LaFleur's two prong approach as it aims to expand the current resource estimate at the Swanson Gold Project, while in parallel launching operations for the intended gold production revival at Beacon Mill by year end, ideally sourcing mineralized material from Swanson, among other regional deposits. Since the acquisition of both projects in 2024, LaFleur's approach for efficient and effective value creation by consistently meeting key operational milestones, substantiated by a clear path to production, pivots the Company years ahead of other players in the region as it quickly transitions from explorer to producer.

The bulk sample will be taken from a high-potential gold zone identified during exploration work and is a key step toward advancing the project toward a production decision. Historical near-surface drill hole results at Swanson include 4.44 g/t Au over 36.0 m (BAR31-84) and 3.62 g/t Au over 41.0 m (SW-03-07). Because the deposit is situated on a Mining Lease, the permitting process is significantly more streamlined for a larger bulk sample compared to projects located on standard mining claims.

LaFleur Minerals is currently evaluating a bulk sample of approximately 100,000 t with an estimated average grade of 1.89 g/t Au and a total contained gold content of approximately 6,350 oz of gold. This bulk sample represents approximately 3% of the current mineral resource estimate for the Swanson Project.

Paul Teniere, CEO of LaFleur Minerals commented, "We are excited to begin this next step in advancing the Swanson gold deposit and developing a positive cash flow from the bulk sample collected within our mining lease. Combining and leveraging our near-surface Swanson gold deposit and fully permitted Beacon Mill gives us a unique opportunity to assess the project's potential with minimal additional capital investment and to fast-track our development plans in the Abitibi region. With the price of gold having risen exponentially over the past 12 months from USD$2,000 per ounce, to a current record price approaching USD$3,500 per ounce, we are excited to look at generating a positive cash flow in the near term to further our exploration and development work. The Swanson deposit is directly accessible by truck to the Beacon Mill via truck hauling on paved highway. With offsite processing and tailings disposal, the Swanson Gold Deposit could potentially quickly become a low-cost, low-impact, and highly profitable mining operation."

SWANSON BULK SAMPLING DETAILS

The surface bulk sample for the Swanson deposit will be collected on a fully permitted Mining Lease (BM 885) registered with the Quebec government, of which no previous mining has been undertaken on the mining lease. The Swanson mining lease was initially applied and registered for by Agnico-Eagle following a 2009 internal review and Scoping Study based on a gold price of US$779 per ounce and an exchange of 1.10 $C/$US.

Strategically located near established mining communities such as Val-d'Or and existing infrastructure, the Swanson Project benefits from excellent access to roads, power, and a skilled local workforce, significantly reducing costs, logistical and operational hurdles associated with bulk sampling.

The permitting process will be conducted in compliance with all regulatory requirements, and the Company is committed to working closely with government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure a responsible and transparent approach. Prior to collecting the bulk sample, the Company will be submitting a Restoration Plan to the MRNF as well as acquiring Environmental Authorization from the MELCCFP.

Further updates will be provided as the bulk sampling permitting process advances.

BEACON MILL RESTART UPDATE

The Company is in the final stages of developing its restart plan and budget for the Beacon Mill with results expected by the end of April. The Company is also working with its engineering and environmental team to select a geotechnical engineering firm to act as its Engineer of Record (EOR) for the Beacon Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) and to ensure design and construction oversight for the TSF.

SWANSON GOLD PROJECT SUMMARY

The Swanson Gold Project is over 16,000 hectares in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. The Swanson Gold Project covers major structural breaks that hosts the Swanson Gold Deposit, and Bartec, and Jolin gold targets and numerous other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project has had in excess of 36,000 metres of historical diamond drilling, is easily accessible by road with a rail line running through the property, allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, which further enhances its development potential.

The Swanson Gold Deposit hosts:

Indicated Mineral Resource : 2,113,000 t with an average grade of 1.8 g/t gold , containing 123,400 oz of gold .

: Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate : 872,000 t with an average grade of 2.3 g/t gold , containing 64,500 oz of gold .

:

(MRE source: NI 43-101 technical report, effective September 17, 2024, filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile).

The Swanson Gold Project is located within 50 km of the Company's fully-permitted Beacon Gold Mill (Figure 1) , and includes: Jolin target (Au): Historical Mineral Resource Estimate

(source: GESTIM -1996, GM62629 - historical estimate not compliant with NI 43-101)

of the Company's , and includes:

Bartec target (Au): Historical Mineral Resource Estimate.

(source: GESTIM - DV 87-01 - historical estimate not compliant NI 43-101)





Figure 1: Swanson Deposit - 50 km from the Beacon Gold Mill

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/250325_e8dabac634229a2d_001full.jpg

BEACON GOLD MILL SUMMARY

The Beacon Gold Mill is a fully-refurbished, permitted mill capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day (Figure 2 and 3), nestled within the world-renowned Abitibi Gold Belt, a prime area that is host to over 100 historical and operational mines.

The entirely refurbished Beacon Gold Mill was last fully operational in early 2023 when the price of gold was USD$1,800 per ounce and has been under care and maintenance since that time. As gold approaches a record price of USD$3,500 per ounce, the goal of restarting the Beacon Gold Mill in the coming months is an exceptional opportunity for LaFleur Minerals to also target the custom milling of mineralized material from nearby gold deposits that surround the Beacon Mill. LaFleur Minerals demonstrates significant upside potential by ultimately generating revenue at the current elevated gold prices, with the restart of the Beacon Mill targeting a potential annual production scenario of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 ounces of gold based on the current mill capacity. The Company is currently finalizing the restart cost estimates for the Beacon Mill and aims to relaunch production by the end of 2025.





Figure 2: Photo of interior of Beacon Mill currently undergoing detailed inspections for restart

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/250325_e8dabac634229a2d_002full.jpg





Figure 3: Photo of exterior of Beacon Mill in Val-d'Or, Quebec

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/250325_e8dabac634229a2d_003full.jpg

LaFleur Minerals' strategy combines advancing the Swanson Gold Deposit resource estimate, custom milling at the Beacon Gold Mill, and leveraging regional gold deposits and infrastructure to maximize value.

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo., Technical Advisor to the Company and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

About LaFleur Minerals Inc.

LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d'Or, Quebec. Our mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is over 16,000 hectares (160 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road with a rail line running through the property allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. Lafleur Minerals' fully-refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material at Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.

LaFleur Minerals Inc.

1500-1055 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 4N7

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company 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", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250325

SOURCE: LaFleur Minerals Inc.
Hypha Labs, Inc. (OTCQB:FUNI), a pioneer in functional mushroom sciences and the creator of the MicroPearls suite of products, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a cutting-edge High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analytic machine, further enhancing our capabilities in precision measurement and analysis. In a strategic partnership with Lucidity Systems, the Company is also thrilled to announce early access to their newly released variable loop autosampler upgrade, designed to elevate the performance of its already advanced machine.

This collaboration allows Hypha Labs to leverage Lucidity Systems' innovative technology, enabling the Company to exercise its advanced methods and techniques at a higher potency resolution. The new autosampler upgrade will significantly enhance the Company's ability to conduct low granular resolution measurements, which is crucial for its ongoing research and development efforts.

With this upgrade, Hyph Labs will be able to separate peaks more effectively and measure the potencies of the Micropearl active compounds with unprecedented accuracy. This advancement will provide the Company with deeper insights, allowing Hypha Labs to fine tune its research more precisely with the revolutionary Mushroom Accelerator machine. This is a win for customers, allowing the Company to produce a more consistent and highly valued product outcome.

"We are thrilled to partner with Lucidity Systems and gain early access to their latest ground-breaking technology," said John Frailey, CTO at Hypha Labs. "This upgrade will not only enhance our analytical capabilities but also empower us to push the boundaries of our research in the field of mycology."

Hypha Labs remains committed to advancing the science of mushroom cultivation equipment and genetic research to accommodate these advances. The integration of this new HPLC machine and the variable loop autosampler upgrade marks a significant milestone in Hypha's journey to deliver innovative solutions and insights to our customers, clients and partners.

Please add Hypha Labs to your Stockhouse "Watchlist" here:

https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=funi

Join the Company's Stockhouse bullboard here:

https://stockhouse.com/companies/bullboard?symbol=funi

About Hypha Labs, Inc.

The company has developed revolutionary, cutting-edge technology focused on new methods of producing the active ingredients found in a wide array of functional mushrooms using its patent-pending mushroom accelerators. The Company is positioning itself to play an important role in the burgeoning Functional Mushroom industry in addition to being a disruptive force in future and emerging mushroom opportunities. Visit us at HyphaLabs.com.

SAFE HARBOR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward looking statements that are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues related to our financial performance, expected revenue, contracts, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and on the OTC Disclosure & News Service (OTCDNS). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC and/or OTCDNS. Among other matters, the Company may not be able to sustain growth or achieve profitability based upon many factors including but not limited to the risk that we will not be able to find and secure construction contracts and the necessary assets that will enable us to become profitable. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the Company's most recent SEC and/or OTCDNS filings. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our development stage, noting that there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs in both the near and long term. New lines of business in the construction industry may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s), the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time. Words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may," "might," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "aim," "goal," "target," "objective," "likely" or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of this press release. Unless legally required, we undertake no obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise. Hypha Labs has paid Stockhouse $15,000 for six months of market awareness services.

From time to time, the Company may post new and material information on its website or through its social media profiles at the links below:

LN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hypha-labs-inc/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/hyphalabs

IG: https://www.instagram.com/hyphalabsinc/

Twitter: https://x.com/Hypha_Labs

For more information about Hypha Labs visit HyphaLabs.com

For the Company's current Investor Presentation please visit www.HyphaLabs.com/deck

Investor and Media Relations:

Integrity Media Inc.

(888) 216-3595

team@integritymedia.com

SOURCE: Hypha Labs, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/hypha-labs-acquires-state-of-the-art-hplc-analytic-machine-and-partne-1022135
HIGHLIGHTS

Completion of mobilization - including fuel and equipment - in support of the 2025 Exploration Program at the Angilak Uranium Project;

A detailed ground gravity and electromagnetic (EM) survey is now underway, designed to vector in on priority targets along the highly prospective 31 km Rib-Nine Iron Trend;

Rib-Nine Iron Trend (Figure 1):

Extends for an interpreted 31 km under the cover of the Angikuni Basin; Along the western margin, historic drilling by prior operators at the RIB Discovery intersected shallow mineralization (<25m depth) with grades up to 5.6% U3O8 1,2,3 , hosted within graphitic pelitic rocks with Athabasca-style alteration. Two areas proximal to the Rib Discovery will have ground gravity and EM surveys completed prior to drill testing this summer; Inside of the basin, along the northern margin, historical trench sampling at the KU Discovery have returned grades up to 30.7% U3O8 4,5,6 - KU remains untested at depth via diamond drill, ground gravity at KU will aid in vectoring targets which will be tested early this summer; On the eastern margin, historical sampling of surface outcrops near the Nine-Iron Discovery have returned grades up to 30.3% U3O8 5,6 and remain untested at depth by drilling; Numerous similar structural targets have now been identified along this trend, extending under the cover of the Angikuni Basin ; and

The Company anticipates announcing its diamond drill plans for Angilak in the coming weeks.

Troy Boisjoli, CEO commented: "We believe Angilak represents one of the most compelling uranium exploration opportunities in the industry. The Company is extremely excited to kickoff its 2025 Angilak exploration program, after a successful 2024 campaign. During the Company's maiden Angilak program we successfully expanded the envelop of mineralization at the Lac 50 Deposit by drilling 25 step out holes, all of which were mineralized and regionally, identified high-grade Athabasca-style potential of the Angikuni Basin. With mobilization complete and modern geophysics underway, we are advancing toward a high-impact drill program targeting shallow, high-grade uranium along the 31-kilometre Rib-Nine Iron corridor. Our goal is clear: to define the kind of discovery that could redefine the region's importance in the global uranium landscape."

Cliff Revering, VP Exploration added: "In 2024 our technical team was focused on both the expansion of the Lac 50 Deposit with step out drilling and developing a much deeper understanding of the geological potential within the Angikuni Basin. Through extensive data compilation, new data collection and analysis, and interpretation of the regional scale basin architecture and structural controls on mineralization, we believe the Angilak Project has district scale potential to host multiple high-grade uranium deposits. Now that mobilization for our 2025 program is complete, and our first phase of the 2025 exploration program is underway, we are excited to unlock the potential within this emerging uranium district."

ATHA Energy Corp. (TSX.V: SASK)(FRA:X5U)(OTCQB:SASKF) ("ATHA" or the "Company"), holder of the largest uranium exploration portfolio in two of the highest-grade uranium districts globally, is pleased to announce completion of mobilization to its 100%-owned Angilak Uranium Project, Nunavut. The Company also commenced ground gravity and EM surveys at the project that are focused on regional target areas along the 31 km Rib-Nine Iron Trend, which extends beneath the cover of the Angikuni Basin (Figure 1). ATHA's objective of the ground gravity and EM surveys is to vector in on targets to be drilled as part of the Company's 2025 Exploration Program for which drilling is anticipated to commence in early June.

The Angilak Uranium Project is situated within the Angikuni Basin, approximately 225 km southwest of Baker Lake in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut (Figure 1). Numerous historic regional discoveries of uranium mineralization have been made outside of the Lac 50 Deposit area, both within the Angikuni Basin as well as along the Basin margins. The geophysical surveys will focus on defining high priority targets identified across the 31km Rib-Nine Iron Trend, located ~30 km southwest of the Lac 50 Deposit, situated along the western margin of the Angikuni Basin and transecting the Angikuni Basin.

Figure 1: Angilak Project Area and Mapped Mineralized Outcrops, Surface Showings of Uranium and Historic Drilling Results by Prior Operators (see References for Historic Diamond Drilling) *Notes and References for Historic Diamond Drilling assessment reports:

IPrevious operators of the Angilak Project completed 24 diamond drill holes in the Dipole Showing and intersected grades of up to 5.53% U3O8 over 0.5 m 2,3,5,6

IIAlong the western margin, historic drilling (by prior operators) at the RIB Discovery intersected shallow (<25 m depth) mineralization with grades of up to 5.6% U3O8 1,2,3, hosted within graphitic pelitic rocks with Athabasca unconformity style alteration

III Mushroom Lake surface outcrop spans an area of 3 km on surface with historical outcrops samples grading up to 47.8% U3O8 4,5,6

IV Nine-Iron showing with 5 historical diamond drill holes. Intersections of shallow uranium mineralization, grades up to 1.25% U3O8 and historical outcrops with grades up to 30.3% U3O8 5,6

Between 1977 and 1979, Noranda Exploration Company completed 30 diamond drill holes at the Rib Discovery, intersecting Athabasca Basin unconformity-style alteration, structure, and lithologies associated with shallow (<25 m depth) uranium mineralization with grades of up to 5.6% U3O8 hosted within graphitic mylonites 1,2,3. After integrating historic drill results with ATHA's 2024 MMT survey results and the recent structural interpretation completed by SRK, the scale and potential of the Rib-Nine Iron Trend is evident and suggestive that it has potential to host multiple additional unconformity and basement-type uranium mineralized zones along the 31 km trend.

As was typical of 1970 - 1980's Athabasca Basin exploration, the maximum depth of drilling at Rib is ~100 m, ending in what is now considered to be prospective alteration and lithologies. The 2024 MMT survey demonstrated that the prospective conductive horizon extends from surface to depths of more than 1 km, within and along the margins of the Angikuni Basin. The Angilak Project, both within the Angikuni Basin and along its periphery, are compatible with a structural architecture that supports a target-rich environment for discovery of uranium mineralization.

Disclaimer for Historical Drilling and Outcrop Samples

Certain noted technical information provided herein has been derived exclusively and without independent verification from the following reports. Such information is historical in nature and is not considered by the Company to be current. In each case, the reliability of the historical information is considered reasonable by the Company. The historical information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the properties but may not be representative of expected results. Readers should read the entirety of such noted reports to fully understand the nature of the information referenced herein. Samples, including, without limitation, outcrop samples, by their nature, are selective in nature and significant variations may be seen from sample to sample. Accordingly, sample information may not be representative of the true underlying mineralization.

References for Historic Diamond Drilling Results and Surficial Sampling

Papish, N.Z. 1978. 1978 Diamond Drill Report, Keewatin District N.W.T. Yathkyed Lake Area. Noranda Exploration company Assessment Report. March 6, 1979. A copy of such report is available on the website of the Government of Nunavut at https://nunavutgeoscience.ca/en/. Dufresne, M.B., Sim, R. and Davis B., (2013). Technical report And Resource Update for the Angilak Project, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut. Technical Report prepared on behalf of Kivalliq Energy Corporation, March 1st, 2013. A copy of such report is available on the SEDAR+ profile of Kivalliq Energy Corporation at www.sedarplus.com. Dufresne, M.B. and Schoeman, P. (2023). Technical report on the Angilak Project, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut. Technical Report prepared on behalf of ATHA Energy Corp. and Labrador Uranium Inc., January 31st, 2024. A copy of such report is available on the SEDAR+ profile of the Company at www.sedarplus.com. Ward, j., Maynes, A., McNie, E., Forbes, A. and Stacey, J. 2012. Report on 2010 and 2011 Exploration Activity on Kivalliq Corporation's Angilak IOCG-Uranium Property, Keewatin District, Nunavut. Kivalliq Energy Corporation Assessment Report. A copy of such report is available on the website of the Government of Nunavut at https://nunavutgeoscience.ca/en/. Dufresne, M.B., Sim, R. and Davis B., (2013). Technical report And Resource Update for the Angilak Project, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut. Technical Report prepared on behalf of Kivalliq Energy Corporation, March 1st, 2013. Copy of such report is available on the SEDAR+ profile of Kivalliq Energy Corporation at www.sedarplus.com Dufresne, M.B. and Schoeman, P. (2023). Technical report on the Angilak Project, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut. Technical Report prepared on behalf of ATHA Energy Corp. and Labrador Uranium Inc., January 31, 2024. A copy of such report is available on the SEDAR+ profile of the Company at www.sedarplus.com

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Cliff Revering, P.Eng., Vice President, Exploration of ATHA, who is a "qualified person" as defined under National Inst0rument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About ATHA

ATHA is a Canadian mineral company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of uranium assets in the pursuit of a clean energy future. With a strategically balanced portfolio including three 100%-owned post discovery uranium projects (the Angilak Project located in Nunavut, and CMB Discoveries in Labrador, and the newly discovered basement hosted GMZ high-grade uranium discovery located in the Athabasca Basin). In addition, the Company holds the largest cumulative prospective exploration land package (>7 million acres) in two of the world's most prominent basins for uranium discoveries - ATHA is well positioned to drive value. ATHA also holds a 10% carried interest in key Athabasca Basin exploration projects operated by NexGen Energy Ltd. and IsoEnergy Ltd. For more information visit www.athaenergy.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Troy Boisjoli, CEO, ATHA Energy Corp

For more information, please contact:

Troy Boisjoli

Chief Executive Officer

Email: info@athaenergy.com

www.athaenergy.com

Phone: 1-236-521-0526

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. 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". These forward-looking statements or information may relate to ATHA's proposed exploration program, including statements with respect to the expected benefits of ATHA's proposed exploration program, any results that may be derived from ATHA's proposed exploration program, the timing, scope, target locations, parameters, nature, breadth and other information related to ATHA's proposed exploration program, any results that may be derived from the diversification of ATHA's portfolio, the prospects of ATHA's projects, including mineral resources estimates and mineralization of each project, the prospects of ATHA's business plans and any expectations with respect to defining mineral resources or mineral reserves on any of ATHA's projects, and any expectation with respect to any permitting, development or other work that may be required to bring any of the projects into development or production.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that the anticipated benefits of ATHA's proposed exploration program will be realized, that no additional permit or licenses will be required in connection with ATHA's exploration programs, the ability of ATHA to complete its exploration activities as currently expected and on the current anticipated timelines, including ATHA's proposed exploration program, that ATHA will be able to execute on its current plans, that ATHA's proposed explorations will yield results as expected, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although ATHA has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Such statements represent the current view of ATHA with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by ATHA, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: inability of ATHA to realize the benefits anticipated from the exploration and drilling targets described herein or elsewhere; in ability of ATHA to complete current exploration plans as presently anticipated or at all; inability for ATHA to economically realize on the benefits, if any, derived from the exploration program; failure to complete business plans as it currently anticipated; overdiversification of ATHA's portfolio; failure to realize on benefits, if any, of a diversified portfolio; unanticipated changes in market price for ATHA shares; changes to ATHA's current and future business and exploration plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; growth prospects and outlook of the business of ATHA; any impacts of COVID-19 on the business of ATHA and the ability to advance the Company projects and its proposed exploration program; risks inherent in mineral exploration including risks related worker safety, weather and other natural occurrences, accidents, availability of personnel and equipment, and other factors; aboriginal title; failure to obtain regulatory and permitting approvals; no known mineral resources/reserves; reliance on key management and other personnel; competition; changes in laws and regulations; uninsurable risks; delays in governmental and other approvals, community relations; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for uranium; and general economic and political conditions in Canada, Australia and other jurisdictions where ATHA conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the filings of ATHA with the Canadian securities regulators which are available on ATHA's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. ATHA does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: ATHA Energy Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/atha-completes-angilak-mobilization-and-commences-ground-geophysics-to-target-unc-1022150
KUCHING, Malaysia, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For travellers looking to combine elegance and comfort in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing offers an ideal retreat. Located along the picturesque Sarawak River, this landmark property combines timeless charm with contemporary hospitality, ensuring a memorable stay for both leisure and business visitors.

Explore Kuching's Cultural Heart

Situated within a short stroll of Kuching's key attractions, the hotel is a perfect base for discovering the city's cultural and historical treasures. Guests can visit the lively Kuching Waterfront, explore the historic Main Bazaar, or enjoy a walk across the scenic Darul Hana Bridge. The surrounding area features shopping centres, local markets, and artisan boutiques showcasing Sarawak's rich heritage.

Stylish Rooms with Panoramic Views

Offering 241 stylish rooms and suites, the hotel combines comfort and practicality. Many rooms offer panoramic views of the Sarawak River or city skyline. Thoughtful amenities, including premium bedding, fast complimentary Wi-Fi, and generous workspaces, ensure a relaxing and productive stay.

A Memorable Culinary Experience

Embark on a culinary journey at the hotel's renowned restaurants. Majestic Restaurant serves a rich selection of local and international cuisine, while River Palace Cantonese Restaurant presents refined Chinese dishes in an elegant setting. The Puteri Lobby Lounge offers light refreshments in a relaxed and sophisticated environment - perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

Versatile Facilities for Every Occasion

From business meetings to romantic weddings, the Sarawak Chamber Ballroom and the panoramic Windows on Kuching (WOK) venue on the 18th floor provide flexible, modern spaces equipped with the latest technology. For wellness seekers, EDEN Majestic Wellness Centre offers rejuvenating experiences, including the innovative IDUNN Oxygen Bath Therapy.

Experience the spirit of Sarawak at Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing - where contemporary comfort meets authentic Bornean hospitality.

For more information, visit: www.riversidemajestic.com

Contact: +60 82 532 222 | reservations@rmh.my

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676864/riverside_majestic.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/riverside-majestic-hotel-puteri-wing-a-touch-of-elegance-in-the-heart-of-borneo-302444125.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - SOL Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTCQX: CYFRF) (formerly, Cypherpunk Holdings Inc, "Sol Strategies" or the "Company"), a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to investing in and providing infrastructure for the Solana blockchain ecosystem, today announced the closing of the initial USD $20 million closing of its up to USD $500 million convertible note facility (the "Facility"), as previously disclosed in the Company's April 23, 2025 news release, and receipt of an initial USD $20 million tranche of proceeds. The initial USD $20 million of proceeds represent the first portion of the up to USD $500 million facility with ATW Partners, with proceeds being deployed to purchase SOL tokens to be staked on the Company's validators.

Pursuant to the Facility, the Company today issued convertible notes ("Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of USD $20 million as its first tranche (the "Initial Closing"), with additional capacity of up to USD $480 million available in subsequent drawdowns, subject to certain conditions. In this novel structure, interest on the Notes will be paid in SOL, calculated as up to 85% of the staking yield generated by SOL acquired through the facility and staked by SOL Strategies.

The Notes will be convertible into common shares of the Company at the prevailing market price on the date prior to conversion, subject to the terms and conditions of the Notes and the Facility.

The Notes, and the underlying common shares, are to be issued outside of Canada pursuant Ontario Securities Commission Rule 72-503 - Distributions Outside Canada and accordingly the common shares issuable under conversion of the Notes will not be subject to any statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC, is serving as placement agent to SOL Strategies. A finder's fee of 4% of the gross proceeds from the Initial Closing was paid to the placement agent in cash.

About SOL Strategies

SOL Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTCQX: CYFRF) is a Canadian investment company that operates at the forefront of blockchain innovation. Specializing in the Solana ecosystem, the company provides strategic investments and infrastructure solutions to enable the next generation of decentralized applications.

To learn more about SOL Strategies, please visit www.solstrategies.io. A copy of this news release and all the Company's related material documents regarding the Company may be obtained under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements and information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's or the Company's management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and expectations regarding the characteristics, value drivers, and anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans and operations related thereto; the deployment of proceeds; the Company's plans for validator growth and expansion, and the anticipated benefits to the Company's validator operations and SOL purchases. Forward-looking information can also 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 indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved".

The Company cautions that future tranches beyond the initial USD $20 million are subject to certain conditions and there can be no guarantee these conditions will be met or that the full USD $500 million facility will be utilized. There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

The purpose of forward-looking information is to provide the reader with a description of management's expectations, and such forward-looking information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates, and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates, and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

Disclaimer:

SOL Strategies is an independent organization in the Solana ecosystem. SOL Strategies is not affiliated with, owned by, or under common control with Solana Foundation (the "Foundation"), and the Foundation has not entered into any association, partnership, joint venture, employee, or agency relationship with SOL Strategies.

None of the Foundation or its council members, officers, agents or make any representations or warranties, recommendations, endorsements or promises with respect to the accuracy of any statements made, information provided, or action taken by SOL Strategies and expressly disclaim any and all liability arising from or related to any such statements, information or action.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250451

SOURCE: Sol Strategies Inc.
Along with PCI's own robust infrastructure expansions, acquisition furthers CDMO's recent growth in sterile fill-finish, advanced drug delivery systems like prefilled syringes and cartridges, and biologics including high potent assets for antibody-drug conjugates.

PCI Pharma Services ("PCI") a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on innovative biopharma therapies has completed its acquisition of Ajinomoto Althea, Inc. ("Althea"), a US-based sterile fill-finish CDMO and subsidiary of Japan-based Ajinomoto Co., Inc. For PCI, the acquisition is a cornerstone of a multi-year investment strategy spanning facilities in the United States and Europe. In the United States, Althea's assets combine with PCI's existing sterile fill-finish and advanced drug delivery operations to form a world-class, large-scale manufacturing hub in San Diego, complete with state-of-the-art large-scale aseptic facilities for prefilled syringes and cartridges. Among other categories, Althea's campus specializes in customized, scalable oligonucleotides and peptides, supporting PCI's existing manufacturing of complex formulations and lyophilization for a broad range of injectables including nanoparticles, mRNA, MABs, proteins and other biologics.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501652991/en/

PCI Pharma Services enhances US manufacturing of prefilled syringes cartridges through acquisition of Ajinomoto Althea.

Additional information regarding this acquisition is available at a dedicated webpage on PCI's website

The acquisition also adds high potent vial filling with lyophilization, expanding PCI's sterile fill-finish capacity and serving as an expedient entree into the rapidly emerging oncology modality of high potent antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). In fact, the move places PCI among the few US-based CDMOs capable of filling ADCs a category the company initially began building toward earlier this year, with a sophisticated new pharmaceutical development lab for potent and non-potent compounds at its manufacturing Center of Excellence in Bedford, NH. The Bedford sterile fill-finish expansion strategy started with a large investment in a purpose-built facility featuring twin lyophilizers and a state-of-the-art large-scale isolator filling line compliant with Annex 1. That facility will be GMP ready this summer; since the plant's 2022 groundbreaking, PCI has methodically developed aseptic-by-design processes as part of its commitment to providing fully isolated high-volume vial filling and lyophilization solutions.

Considering this, the acquisition is a natural next step in PCI's evolution in advanced drug delivery systems like prefilled syringes, cartridges and autoinjectors. Last year, PCI announced investments exceeding $365 million to support the clinical- and commercial-scale final assembly and packaging of drug-device combination products utilizing advanced delivery systems, with an emphasis on injectable formats. Comprising new and expanded infrastructure in both the United States and Europe, the effort bolsters PCI's ability to manage the full lifespan of DDCs, from sterile drug product development and manufacturing through clinical trial supply, product launch and commercialization.

In the United States, the investment includes two new large-scale facilities at PCI's Rockford, Illinois campus. Building upon the company's successful Philadelphia Biotech Center of Excellence, the facilities will house over 25 dedicated suites with high-speed, multiformat lines for clinical- and commercial-scale assembly and packaging of prefilled syringes, autoinjectors, vials and pen-cartridge combinations, and incorporate extensive ISO-standard product testing capabilities and premium top-load cartoning technology. The campus also comprises capabilities for low- to medium-volume DDC assembly and packaging. Both facilities will be GMP ready in fall 2025.

In Europe, PCI recently acquired a packaging and device assembly facility in Dundalk, Ireland, which provides commercial-scale operations for injectables and oral solid dose products. At its City North Dublin campus, PCI also expanded and constructed a 120,000-sq-ft packaging and device assembly services facility, which is slated to commence operations in summer 2025.

Elsewhere in Europe, as part of an additional $25 million investment in its Leon, Spain facility, PCI is currently incorporating a sophisticated new high-speed filling line for syringes and cartridges. Equipped with isolator technology, the automated line delivers unsurpassed flexibility and reliability for biopharma customers. The effort also includes a recently completed state-of-the-art biologics development lab, further enhancing PCI's upstream capabilities.

Assisted by the Althea acquisition, PCI's goal is to be among the first CDMOs to bring the whole lifespan of advanced drug delivery and drug-device combination products under one corporate roof a journey spanning PCI's clinical trial supply network with cold chain storage solutions straight through launch and commercialization.

"Our pharma customers and the healthcare personnel and patients they serve are the heartbeat behind each stride we've made throughout this ambitious investment plan in sterile fill-finish and advanced drug delivery solutions," said Salim Haffar, CEO of PCI Pharma Services. "Concerning this latest step, Ajinomoto Althea enjoys a longstanding, well-earned reputation for producing novel biologics in various injectable formats. Welcoming Althea's talented professionals into the PCI family strengthens our commitment to turnkey customer partnerships and, ultimately, our dedication to helping improve patient outcomes through life-changing therapies."

About PCI Pharma Services

PCI is a world-leading CDMO, providing clients with integrated end-to-end drug development, manufacturing and packaging capabilities that increase their products' speed to market and opportunities for commercial success. PCI brings the proven experience that comes with more than 90 successful product launches each year and over five decades in the healthcare services business. The company currently has 35 sites across seven countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Spain and Australia), and over 8,000 employees working to bring life-changing therapies to patients.

Leading technology and continued investment enable PCI Pharma Services to address global drug development needs throughout the entire product life cycle from manufacturing capabilities through the clinical trial supply chain and commercialization. Its clients utilize PCI as an extension of their business, and a collaborative partner with the shared goal of improving patients' lives. For more information, visit pci.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501652991/en/

Contacts:

PCI Pharma Services

Christopher Dale, Turchette Agency

(973) 227-8080, ext. 116; cdale@turchette.com
In the 70th edition of Barclays flagship Equity Gilt Study, Barclays Research analysts take stock of the AI revolution and examine the implications labor markets, energy, and global supply chains.

In this year's edition of the Equity Gilt Study, Barclays Research analysts delve into the transformational power of AI, offering a long-term view on how AI-driven disruption and other structural forces are likely to shape the global economy in the years ahead. Beyond the technological shifts, analysts find that AI will accelerate major changes across supply chains, labor markets and the future of work.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501232734/en/

Equity Gilt Study 2025

"AI is already changing many aspects of the modern economy and financial markets and will continue to do so for years to come," says Ajay Rajadhyaksha, Global Chairman of Research. "The end result promises to be fascinating and most likely a net positive for the world at large."

The Geopolitics of Minerals and Minds

Barclays Research highlights the strategic vulnerabilities created by the global reliance on a handful of countries for critical rare earth elements and skilled talent. Barclays analysts warn that this concentration threatens supply chain stability amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and climate-related shocks.

AI and the New Skills Divide

Drawing on eight years of data, Barclays analysts find that while AI's overall effect on employment remains modest, it is already reshaping expectations of skills and tasks, especially in higher-paid, white-collar roles. As adoption accelerates, the potential for broader macroeconomic effects continues to grow.

AI's Market Divide

Barclays analysts argue that the spread of AI could have far-reaching implications for investment returns, drawing parallels to past technological revolutions such as the post-WW2 revolution in durable goods, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the data boom of the 2010s. AI could drive gains in equities, upward pressure on yields across the curve and a moderately stronger dollar.

Deep Impact

The sudden emergence of DeepSeek from China was a "Sputnik moment" for the US and other developed markets, galvanizing a new wave of investment in AI infrastructure. Barclays analysts believe that the capital expenditure arms race has further to run, not least due to the vast computing power needed for emerging, multi-step workloads.

Notes to editors:

Barclays Equity Gilt Study is a flagship annual publication that combines market-leading macro analysis with a unique multi-asset dataset spanning over 100 years. It provides uniquely rich data and commentary on long-term asset returns in the UK and US. Data for the UK goes back to 1899, while the US data, provided by the Center for Research in Security Prices at the University of Chicago, runs from 1925.

About Barclays Investment Bank

Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance. We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading global investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank. Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities. The Investment Bank helps money managers, financial institutions, governments, supranational organisations and corporate clients manage their funding, investing, financing, and strategic and risk management needs. www.barclays.com/ib

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501232734/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts:

Claudia Gilbert-Allen

claudia.gilbertallen@barclays.com

+442077732064
For the 18th straight year, Travel Nurses, Inc. has earned one of the most respected honors in healthcare staffing-the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. This Gold Seal is a nationally recognized symbol of quality and reflects the agency's ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care and clinician support.

In this year's audit, Travel Nurses, Inc. received no findings. This is a rare and notable achievement that highlights the agency's exceptional preparation, precise documentation and operational excellence. Certification with distinction and no findings underscores the organization's role as an industry leader. The agency is not just meeting national standards but setting them.

For the agency's clinicians, the Gold Seal represents trust, safety and quality standards. Clinicians can feel secure knowing they're backed by an agency that operates with transparency, integrity and an unwavering focus on clinician well-being and quality patient outcomes. The agency is well-organized, professional and highly respected by its peers.

"We commend Travel Nurses, Inc. for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served," said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission.

"Receiving this accreditation with no findings is a massive accomplishment," said Cristina Duncan, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operations Officer at Travel Nurses, Inc. "The Joint Commission conducts incredibly thorough reviews. But because we hold ourselves to the highest standards every day, we're always ready. This recognition reflects the strength of our culture and our commitment to excellence in everything we do."

For more information on The Joint Commission and their standards, please visit their website at www.jointcommission.org.

Contact Information

Anna Joy Tamayo

Communications and PR Manager

annajoy@travelnursesinc.com

901-347-0271





SOURCE: Travel Nurses Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/travel-nurses-inc.-is-certified-by-the-joint-commission-for-the-18th-1020577
Get ready for a stunning new destination along the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach! Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach is nearing the completion of a transformative renovation, emerging as the modern Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach. Located just steps away from the iconic sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, this completely redesigned hotel promises an unparalleled coastal experience, offering breathtaking ocean views, sophisticated amenities, and a refreshed, upscale vibe.

Courtyard by Marriott Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach

Newly renovated guest room with ocean views at the Courtyard by Marriott Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach.

"We are thrilled to welcome guests to the newly transformed Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach," said Steve Zunt Director of Sales and Marketing. "This transformational project is all about delivering a sophisticated, upscale experience that remains true to the vibrant, laid-back spirit of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Whether guests visit for business or leisure, the upgraded amenities, now featuring the Seabreeze Poolside Bar, and exceptional dining at The Mast, our newly branded restaurant, will make every stay at Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach unforgettable."

Set for full completion later this month, the extensive renovation encompasses every corner of the property, turning beloved charm into contemporary luxury. Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach will present guests with a fresh, chic identity that perfectly complements the vibrant seaside atmosphere of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

"We're pleased to welcome this renovation as part of the exciting momentum happening along our beachfront," said City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. "Every investment in Fort Lauderdale contributes to the continued growth and improvement of our beach, strengthening our city's position as a world-class destination and driver of economic opportunity."

Highlights of the Transformation Include:

Stunning Poolside Bar & Breathtaking New Sundeck: Dive into beautiful oceanside views, and the ultimate in relaxation at the newly branded and renovated Seabreeze Poolside Bar, featuring a stunning pool deck, cozy firepits, personalized cabanas with cabana service, and refreshing cocktails, all set against panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale Beach. This gorgeous space is available for corporate and social events, meetings, weddings, and other memorable moments.

Modern Coastal Guestrooms: Every guestroom has been redesigned with sleek aesthetics and comfort in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal spectacular views of either Fort Lauderdale Beach or the Intracoastal Waterway, paired with cutting-edge amenities designed to enhance the stay of leisure and business travelers alike.

Stylish Redesigned Public Spaces: The lobby now boasts a redesigned, stylish, modern decor, and inviting spaces ideal for socializing or relaxing with a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the essence of beachside comfort.

Introducing "The Mast" Restaurant: Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach proudly unveils "The Mast," an exciting new dining destination that perfectly blends sophistication with a relaxed coastal vibe. Guests and locals alike can look forward to fresh, locally inspired cuisine served in a beautifully designed, welcoming environment.

Officially debuting its new identity on May 1, 2025, Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach is positioned to become one of Fort Lauderdale Beach's premier upscale oceanfront destinations. For more information or reservations, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, visit www.marriott.com/fllco, or call (954) 524-8733.

About Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach

Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach offers an elevated coastal escape in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, featuring beautifully renovated guestrooms, a sophisticated new pool bar and sundeck, and The Mast restaurant. Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach combines modern luxury with unparalleled ocean views, delivering an unforgettable experience for both leisure and business travelers.

SOURCE: Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/courtyard-fort-lauderdale-beach-unveils-transformative-renovation-rebrands-as-courtyard-by-m-1022206
ABU DHABI, UAE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 Pritzker Prize ceremony, marking a historic first for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East.

As the world's most esteemed recognition in the field of architecture, the Pritzker Architecture Prize honours living architects whose work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision, and commitment. Their contributions must show consistent and significant impact on humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.

Abu Dhabi's selection as the host city marks a new chapter in the UAE capital's cultural journey and further strengthens its role as a convening place for the world's leading creative thinkers. It reflects Abu Dhabi's exceptional and growing contribution to global architectural discourse, with a legacy of bold vision and cultural investment that bridges heritage, innovation, and sustainability.

From the development and restoration of the Cultural Foundation to modern icons like Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 2008), the soon-to-open Zayed National Museum by Lord Norman Foster (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 1999), and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry (Pritzker Prize Laureate, 1989), the emirate has emerged as a global centre for transformative and meaningful architecture. These landmark projects are in line with DCT Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to preserving, promoting, and protecting the emirate's rich cultural heritage while also championing innovation and creativity as drivers of sustainable development and global dialogue.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said: "We are deeply honoured that Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the host city for the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, reflecting the recognition Abu Dhabi has received globally as a cultural centre. By hosting this event, DCT Abu Dhabi is honoured to offer a platform for the exchange of ideas that will shape the cities of tomorrow. This reaffirms Abu Dhabi's long-term vision to place creativity, dialogue, and sustainability at the heart of our development, and our belief in the transformative power of architecture to shape communities and enrich lives."

"Each year, the Pritzker Prize upholds a tradition of hosting the ceremony at architecturally and historically significant venues, ranging across millennia and geographies. In recent years, the UAE's growing presence in the global arts and culture landscape, and openness in supporting the works of international architects provides a backdrop of newness, reflecting the diversity within our mission and the selection of our Laureates and Jurors," explains Tom Pritzker, Chair of The Hyatt Foundation. "As three iconic buildings, each designed by Pritzker Laureates, Jean Nouvel, Norman Foster and Frank Gehry, redefine the skyline of this city, Abu Dhabi lends a natural extension to our program."

The event will coincide with a public panel discussion taking place at the Cultural Foundation on 3 May, led by Liu Jiakun, the 2025 Pritzker Prize Laureate. He will be joined by fellow Laureates Riken Yamamoto (2024), David Chipperfield (2023) and Francis Kere (2022).

Together, these leading voices will explore the role of architecture in celebrating cultural expression reflected in their own practices and the future of the built environment.

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 sectors.

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 abudhabiculture.ae.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2678036/Abu_Dhabi_2025_Pritzker_Architecture_Prize.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/abu-dhabi-selected-to-host-the-2025-pritzker-architecture-prize-ceremony-302444208.html
The certification body is one of only five accredited to provide verification services for FSC EUDR.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 1, 2025 /3BL/ - SCS Global Services, the world's leading third-party certification body, has been accredited to provide verification services under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Regulatory Module to support compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Currently, SCS is accredited to verify EUDR compliance for FSC Chain of Custody certification, with accreditation for Forest Management certification anticipated in the coming months.

The FSC Regulatory Module (FSC-STD-01-004) is a voluntary add-on standard that helps organizations holding or seeking FSC certification to meet the rigorous requirements of the EUDR. It complements existing FSC standards by specifying additional due diligence, risk assessment procedures using FSC's Risk Assessment Framework, and enhanced supply chain transparency measures. Certificate holders both inside and outside the EU can benefit from adding this module to their certificate if their products are sold on the European market.

"SCS is proud to be among the first certification bodies accredited to deliver EUDR services through the FSC framework," said Theodore Brauer, Managing Director, Forestry, SCS Global Services. "This milestone allows us to continue supporting our clients in meeting evolving global market requirements while advancing their sustainability goals."

As part of the verification process, SCS will evaluate an organization's conformity with the FSC Regulatory Module, beginning with a desk-based review before extending certification scope. Once the module is included in the certification scope, companies can make new regulatory FSC claims and pass these through their supply chains in accordance with the module's requirements.

For more information, please visit our Resource Center to download our brochure detailing SCS' EUDR services for the timber industry.

With a proven track record in sustainability certification and supply chain verification, SCS Global Services is committed to helping businesses navigate evolving regulatory landscapes like the EUDR. By offering accredited FSC Regulatory Module services, SCS empowers companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing, enhance market access, and contribute to global efforts to halt deforestation.

Read More

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development, currently celebrating its 40th year of services. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information,?visit?www.SCSGlobalServices.com

For more information about SCS, its programs and services, visit www.scsglobalservices.com

Media Contact

Madhumita Mohan

mmohan@scsglobalservices.com



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SCS Global Services on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: SCS Global Services

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/scs-global-services

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: SCS Global Services

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/scs-global-services-accredited-to-deliver-fsc-r-eudr-regulatory-1022298
Equity InsiderNews Commentary

Issued on behalf of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd.

VANCOUVER, BC, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity InsiderNews Commentary - For those paying attention to gold, experts have begun to weigh in on whether or not the precious metal will hit US$4,000 per ounce in 2025. Billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson, who sees gold near $5,000 by 2028, has signaled that he's ready to reap the rewards from gold mining stocks in this current market, with approximately $840 million invested in the sector currently. Gold miners are on the move, with several recent developments coming out from such players as Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), Melkior Resources Inc. (TSXV: MKR) (OTCPK: MKRIF), Troilus Gold Corp. (TSX: TLG) (OTCQX: CHXMF), New Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: NGD) (TSX: NGD), and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM).

The article continued: Following unchanged US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, gold held its ground above US$3,300, despite some solid selling pressure. Analysts at Morning Star Equity Research continue to tout that the current high gold prices support gold miner stocks, citing that when most miners' share prices fell in the quarter in response to tariffs, gold miners rose.

Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), an emerging East African gold developer, today announced that it's taken a major step forward at its flagship Tembo Project in Tanzania, signing a non-binding Letter of Intent with Nyati Resources to evaluate a potential small-scale gold development partnership.

"We are excited by the potential to leverage existing processing infrastructure and local ore sources to create a scalable gold production platform in Tanzania," said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of Lake Victoria Gold. "This proposed partnership aligns with our strategy of unlocking near-term value while continuing to advance our core exploration assets."

The proposed joint venture would combine mineralized material from LVG's 100%-owned Mining Licences with Nyati's existing 120 tonnes-per-day processing facility and a second 500tpd plant currently under construction. A new special purpose vehicle (SPV) is contemplated as the operating entity, structured to accommodate Tanzania's 16% free carried interest requirement. The agreement also includes an exclusivity period of 60 days for due diligence and final negotiations.

The LOI follows an earlier announcement that LVG was evaluating small-scale development scenarios at Tembo, including joint venture discussions with the operator of a CIP processing facility located within one of the company's four Mining Licences.

The company emphasizes that this initiative remains at an early stage and is not based on a current mineral resource estimate or Feasibility Study, and remains subject to significant technical and economic uncertainties.

"Tembo has always stood out as a project with the potential to deliver both near-term value and long-term discovery upside," said Simon Benstead, Chairman and CFO of Lake Victoria Gold. "Evaluating this small-scale development opportunity allows us to test the system, generate operational insights, and potentially self-fund ongoing exploration. We believe this approach aligns well with our disciplined strategy and our commitment to responsible, phased development in Tanzania."

Located adjacent to Barrick Gold's Bulyanhulu Mine, Tembo has seen over US$28 million in historical exploration, including 50,000 meters of drilling. High-grade targets like Ngula 1, Nyakagwe Village, and Nyakagwe East remain open along strike and at depth.

While Tembo is the long-range flagship, LVG's Imwelo Project is positioned to lead in near-term development. Acquired earlier this year, Imwelo is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti'sGeita Gold Mine. A 2021 pre-feasibility study and existing approvals support a potential near-term path to construction.

Financially, LVG continues to build flexibility. In late 2024, the company signed a non-binding gold prepay term sheet with Monetary Metals for up to 7,000 ounces-potentially providing over US$20 million in non-dilutive capital.

In February, LVG also completed the first tranche of a three-stage strategic investment agreement with Taifa Group, raising C$3.52 million at C$0.22 per share. Richard Reynolds, former CEO of Taifa Mining, has joined LVG's board as part of the partnership.

The company also retains exposure to exploration upside through its 2021 deal with Barrick, which includes up to US$45 million in contingent milestone payments. With early development optionality at Tembo, an advancing construction-stage project at Imwelo, and strong strategic partnerships, Lake Victoria Gold is emerging as a standout name in East Africa's junior gold sector.

With small-scale development plans underway at Tembo, near-term production potential at Imwelo, and upside exposure through its Barrick partnership, Lake Victoria Gold is steadily carving out a strong position in East Africa's emerging gold sector.

CONTINUED Read this and more news for Lake Victoria Gold at:

https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/14/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market include:

Melkior Resources Inc. (TSXV: MKR) (OTCPK: MKRIF) just hit its highest-grade gold result ever at its Carscallen property near Timmins, Ontario-intersecting 77.4 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold over 6.9 meters, including a stunning 1.2 meters at 445 g/t. This new high-grade zone is located in the 1010 South Zone, a newer target area about 1 km from previous drilling success.

"These results, the highest ever at the property, not only demonstrate the continuity of the high-grade vein system along strike and down-dip with the best drill intersections attained to date, but also the potential that Carscallen holds when drilling new zones," said Jim Deluce, Director of Melkior. "The newly discovered bonanza grade mineralization at the 1010 Gold Zone, together with our high-grade gold prospects at Zamzam, Jowsey and Shenkman gold showings, truly attest to the upside potential of the area for significant mineral discoveries."

Troilus Gold Corp. (TSX: TLG) (OTCQX: CHXMF) recently delivered its own record-breaking drill hit in its Southwest Zone, intercepting 2.44 g/t gold equivalent over 56 meters-the best result from this zone in the company's history.

"We are very encouraged by the latest results from the Southwest Zone, which will be the first area mined when production begins," said Justin Reid, CEO of Troilus Gold. "Hole SW-25-688 returned the highest linear-grade intercept drilled to date in this zone, highlighting the continuity of wide, high-grade mineralization in the core of the deposit. Additionally, SW-25-679 encountered strong near-surface grades that could further strengthen the early years of the mine plan. As the campaign progresses, we look forward to sharing more results that continue to improve confidence of the block model, de-risk the early production years, and enhance the overall development plan for the Troilus Project."

Troilus plans to continue drilling into mid-May to define more high-grade pockets and test nearby anomalies with potential for even richer ore.

New Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: NGD) (TSX: NGD) recently posted a solid first quarter, generating $25 million in free cash flow and confirming it's on track to meet full-year production goals.

"The first four months of the year have been exceptionally positive for New Gold in achieving our strategic objectives," said Patrick Godin, President and CEO of New Gold. "We increased our future free cash flow by consolidating our interest in New Afton to 100%. We successfully refinanced and extended our senior notes and extended our credit facility. During the quarter, we also delivered two new Technical Reports outlining strong production profiles with lower costs. Collectively, these milestones are expected to create meaningful value for our shareholders and provide increased financial flexibility and optionality for New Gold moving forward.

The company completed key upgrades at both its Rainy River and New Afton mines, setting the stage for stronger production in the second half of 2025. With higher metal prices, strong copper output, and major debt refinanced, New Gold says it's better positioned for growth than it's been in years.

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) kicked off 2025 with strong gold production, low costs, and record adjusted net income of $770 million. Free cash flow topped $594 million, boosting the company's cash reserves to over $1.1 billion and leaving just $5 million in net debt-effectively debt-free.

"We've had an excellent start to the year with another quarter of strong operating and financial results," said Ammar Al-Joundi, Agnico Eagle's President and CEO of Agnico Eagle Mines. "This performance has allowed us to further strengthen our balance sheet and has positioned us well for the remainder of the year."

Major expansion projects at Canadian Malartic, Detour Lake, and Upper Beaver are all advancing, while exploration drilling continues to return strong gold grades. The company also released its 16th annual Sustainability Report and declared a $0.40 quarterly dividend, underscoring its commitment to both growth and shareholder returns.

Article Source: https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/14/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

CONTACT:

Equity Insider

info@equity-insider.com

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca media corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising from a shareholder of the Company (333,333 unrestricted shares). MIQ has not been paid a fee for Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY") There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Technical information relating to Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Director of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/with-billionaire-capital-flowing-into-gold-gold-mining-stocks-may-be-next-in-line-for-revaluation-302444219.html
Brazilian president meets Chinese FM on closer ties, cooperation

Xinhua) 13:36, May 01, 2025

BRASILIA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday here met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, expressing the willingness to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation.

Lula said that Brazil and China have built strong mutual trust and deepened cooperation across various fields, showing that Brazil's steadfast friendship with China is the right choice and a model for South-South cooperation.

He said that he looks forward to maintaining close high-level exchanges with China, further strengthening economic and trade ties, and expanding the mutually beneficial cooperation in finance, energy and other fields.

China's firm and forceful countermeasures against the "reciprocal tariffs" is admirable, said the Brazilian president, noting that China's just actions have received widespread support while certain country's irresponsible and unilateral practices warrant joint resistance.

Brazil is willing to work with China to advocate free trade, defend international rules, and counter any power overriding international justice, the president added.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Brazil to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for more outcomes in building a China-Brazil community with a shared future.

China will strengthen its cooperation with BRICS and Global South countries, adhere to multilateralism and safeguard international rules, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
HBM Healthcare Investments AG / Key word(s): Monthly Figures

Key Figures 30.04.2025



01.05.2025 / 17:47 CET/CEST



in CHF Performance in % 30.04.2025 MTD FYTD CYTD NAV 233.06 -4.6 -4.6 -7.2 Share Price 179.00 -1.1 -1.1 1.7 Total Net Assets (in million) 1'566 HBM Healthcare Investments AG Bundesplatz 1 CH-6300 Zug - Switzerland Tel. +41 41 710 75 77 hbm@hbmhealthcare.com hbmhealthcare.com Wenn Sie keine Mitteilungen von HBM Healthcare Investments mehr wunschen, konnen Sie diese hier a bbestellen . Should you wish to unsubscribe from all HBM Healthcare Investments news, please unsubscribe here. Disclaimer: This message may contain confidential or privileged Information and is intended only for the use of the addressee named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that you must not use, copy, disclose or take any action based on this message or information herein. If you have received this message by error, please advise the sender immediately and delete this message. This document constitutes marketing material and is intended to be for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or recommendation for transactions. The information does not take into account any personal circumstances and does not qualify as general or personal investment recommendation or advice. Statements regarding the past performance may not be understood as indication for the current or future performance. The value of investments and the income therefrom may fluctuate. A good past performance may possibly not be repeated in the future. It is possible that the investor will not be paid back the full amount invested. Performance data does not take into account any commissions and costs charged when units of the Fund are issued and redeemed. An investment entails risks, which are fully described in the individual offering documents. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources HBM considers to be reliable. HBM cannot guarantee the adequacy, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of or be held responsible or liable for errors of fact regarding such data and information obtained from third parties, and this data may change with market conditions. 10/2024

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - AML Incubator, a leading compliance and regulatory advisory firm, has officially launched AMLI Labs - Startup Support, a new equity-for-services initiative designed to help startups and growth-stage companies build internal compliance departments without the burden of upfront capital. In a move that redefines its namesake mission, AML Incubator now offers hands-on, AML compliance, and operational readiness in exchange for equity - with flexible, case-by-case terms.

AMLI Labs Introduces Founders First Full Compliance Service for Startups in Exchange for Company Equity.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11332/250324_e22236bf44dd3b31_001full.jpg

"Startups today face increasingly complex regulatory expectations at earlier stages than ever before," said Haik Kazarian, Head of Business Development at AML Incubator. "With AMLI Labs, we're extending real infrastructure to the founders who need it most - in the form of operational and AML compliance support that doesn't require writing a cheque."

The Startup Support program provides end-to-end support for startup teams navigating regulatory risk, investor due diligence, and licensing obligations across multiple jurisdictions. It is specifically designed for:

Fintech startups managing payments, wallets or any other financial activity

managing payments, wallets or any other financial activity Crypto and blockchain companies operating in high-risk environments

operating in high-risk environments Regtech ventures aiming to deliver compliance-first solutions in emerging markets

aiming to deliver compliance-first solutions in emerging markets Any startup - regardless of vertical - that is either required by regulators to implement AML/ATF controls or that seeks to proactively strengthen valuation, reduce long-term risk, and build internal infrastructure to deter money laundering and terrorist financing

Under AMLI Labs, selected companies gain access to incorporation assistance, AML frameworks, internal controls, risk assessments, vendor onboarding, and regulatory strategy tailored to jurisdictions and regulators including (Canada) FINTRAC, (E.U.) MiCA, (UAE) ADGM, VARA, (USA) FINCEN, (Australia) AUSTRAC, and (Malta) MFSA. While every engagement is negotiated individually, the minimum commitment is typically one year and includes potential exit strategies that recoup AMLI's service value plus a risk premium.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment as startups face rising pressure from global AML regulators and shifting compliance mandates such as Canada's RPAA reforms, the implementation of MiCA across Europe, the evolving BCSC and OSC registration landscape, and broader FATF scrutiny of digital asset businesses. AML Incubator believes its model is particularly timely for founders who are product- and growth-focused but lack the internal compliance capacity demanded by modern markets.

AMLI Labs does not disclose client names. Participation is by application only and subject to AMLI's internal selection process.

For more information or to apply, visit the program page: https://amlincubator.com/amli-labs

Explore AML Incubator's full range of services: https://amlincubator.com/services

Explore Related Topics:

Top FINTRAC Red Flags for Canadian MSBs in 2025

KYC in Crypto: What It Is and Why It Matters

What Is an AML Risk Assessment?

Understanding the 3 Stages of Money Laundering

Guide to Fraud Scoring: What It Is and How It Works

More Insights on Our Blog

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250324

SOURCE: AML Incubator Ltd.
BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 01

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

01 May 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: 01 May 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 81,734 Lowest price per share (pence) 393.00 Highest price per share (pence) 395.50 Trading venue London Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 81,734 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 394.8482

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 335,548,715 Sterling Shares 40,191,996 Sterling Shares 27,132,086 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares

From 01 May 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 514,228,825.

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
FALL RIVER, MA, NEW YORK, NY, and PROVIDENCE, RI /ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / As climate change accelerates and energy demands continue to increase, innovative solutions to generate sustainable solar power are essential in today's race to lower greenhouse gas emissions and air particle matter for healthier ecosystems. In the State of Rhode Island, local municipalities wrestle with solar permit applications and ordinances that restrict the installation of utility-scale solar systems in landscapes as well as some residential zones. Yet, the State of Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate law, signed on April 21, 2021, establishes the requirements for the State to achieve Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 (1).

Rendering of an integrated Highway Median PV Microgrid system to power Rhode Island Image: E2SOL / By James Reid, Environmental Science Analyst

I was recently captivated by the Rhode Island-based company E2SOL's "Smart Solar Highway" Project when I stumbled upon it on their website during a recent web search. The idea of transforming something as mundane as highway concrete barriers into a source of renewable energy felt like a glimpse into the future-especially knowing that the State is developing Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) stations off our highways under the RI NEVI program funded by the National Transportation Agency (2). That inspiration led me to dive into an independent study exploring how this concept could work in Rhode Island. Why Rhode Island? It is the perfect testing ground. The State is small and densely connected, making it an ideal place to prove the potential of solar-powered highways that can support local power utilities. My goal was to take this innovative concept and see if I could map it onto Rhode Island's highway barriers to create a practical and impactful solution for renewable energy generation in the State without the need to displace pristine landscapes or conflict with local municipal solar permit ordinances.

Background

Highways contribute significantly to carbon emissions from vehicular traffic. Installing solar modules on existing concrete barriers provides us with a dual solution: harnessing renewable energy and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Solar modules in the right-of-way have been conceptualized before. Numerous projects around the world have been carried out, each with its unique traits. Notable examples include France's Wattway , which aimed to install modules into the roadway itself, and Switzerland, which has initiated solar cell installation on highway noise barriers. These projects encountered barriers such as considerable wear and tear and unsafe glare during specific sun lighting periods, respectively. Downregulated efficiency and unsafe conditions for drivers will not be a factor for E2SOL's Smart Solar Highway Project due to design specifications preventing drivers' sightline and direct contact with all solar modules.

Technological Integration and Energy Resilience

A Smart Solar Highway project demonstrates the integration of advanced technology with existing dormant infrastructure to produce renewable energy and improve grid power resiliency. Solar modules would be mounted in series on structural brackets fixed to existing concrete barriers, much like highway lighting poles are mounted in some regions. Rhode Island's 73.2 miles of concrete barriers (approximately 386,542 linear feet) present significant opportunities for solar highway median barrier installations.

If all possible existing concrete median assets are used, a modular system comprising high-wattage solar modules (i.e., 635 watts) with integrated energy storage capability of 1 kilowatt per module projects to generate approximately 65,931 Megawatt Hours (MWh) annually (5). The ability to store 32,965 MWh surplus energy ensures power availability during off-peak hours in the evening or during adverse weather conditions due to New England's weather variability. Modular designs further increase resilience, ensuring uninterrupted energy for critical services like Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) stations, highway lighting, and traffic systems' electrical demands. The estimated energy generation could power approximately 9,307 Rhode Island households annually (3).

RI Suitable Highway Median Concrete Barriers (shown in Violet)

Energy Savings and Reducing Carbon Footprints

The smart solar highway system's energy generation (estimated 65,931 MWh annually) could significantly bolster Rhode Island's renewable energy resources. For context, Rhode Island's total direct electricity demand in 2023 was 222 MWh (4). This project alone could contribute to offsetting 30% of that power demand, significantly reducing dependence on grid-based electricity and other fuel sources (e.g., gas). If this innovative product system were to be implemented, the RI Department of Transportation could offset an estimated 65,931 MWh annually under the RI Net Metering program, helping to achieve cost savings estimated at $14.25M (based on Rhode Island's 2023 average electric retail sales cost of $0.2162/kWh) (4). It could also generate annualized revenue by selling its renewable power to the Utility under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement Program (Tariff Incentive), or it could sell its renewable power to local community residents at a lower cost than private utilities, helping local communities save on their electric cost expenses. Integrating energy storage allows energy export during peak demand periods. It can also deliver power in times of utility power outages from extreme climate events. The scalability of the system into municipalities could provide long-term cost savings and revenue opportunities for municipalities as well.

This Rhode Island Smart Solar Highway system offers the potential to offset 29,104 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) annually. This is equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions from (3):

6,789 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year

7 wind turbines running for a year

29,193 acres of U.S. forests in one year

3,274,868 gallons of gasoline consumed

Impact on Operational Efficiency and Public Image

The Smart Solar Highway system enhances operational efficiency by reducing reliance on external energy supplies and improving resilience during grid disruptions. Critical infrastructure, such as EVC stations and highway lighting, can remain operational even during peak demands or outages.

Implementing such infrastructure also strengthens Rhode Island's public image as a leader in sustainable transportation and clean energy innovation. It aligns with government and public expectations for climate change mitigation while serving as a replicable model for other regions.

Equity and Accessibility

Communities near highways, especially Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs), often experience higher pollution levels and lack access to clean transportation solutions. This project ensures these communities benefit from renewable energy infrastructure, improving overall quality of life and access to clean energy options.

Transportation inequities persist due to the high upfront cost of EVs and limited charging infrastructure in lower-income urban areas. Without targeted investments, these communities remain excluded from the economic, health, and environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Notably, Rhode Island's highway concrete barriers are located within a 4-mile radius of disadvantaged communities in all cases, according to CJEST. As such, the benefits of the Smart Solar Highway project are poised to positively impact a significant portion of Rhode Island's population, with a particular emphasis on EJCs.

Conclusion

The Rhode Island Smart Solar Highway project is more than a technological innovation-it's a visionary step toward a sustainable future. By leveraging existing dormant infrastructure, this initiative offers a scalable solution to address climate change, reduce carbon footprints, and generate renewable energy. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project fosters social equity, enhances energy resilience, and positions Rhode Island as a leader in clean energy and sustainable transportation. Its success could serve as an inspiring model for other states and regions, proving that transformative change is achievable when creativity meets purpose. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, cleaner tomorrow.

Sources

https://climatechange.ri.gov/act-climate NEVI2 - https://energy.ri.gov/transportation/ri-nevi-program/ri-nevi-plan-roadmap https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculatorresults https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/rhodeisland/ NREL PV Watts Model - https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/

About The Author

James Reid Environmental Science Analyst at E2SOL LLC | Senior Environmental Engineering Student at the University of Connecticut

James Reid is an Environmental Science Analyst at E2SOL LLC, where he is committed to advancing energy practices in the transportation sector. Currently, he is also a senior Environmental Engineering student at the University of Connecticut. Upon graduation, Mr. Reid plans to continue his impactful work in the environmental industry, furthering his contributions to sustainable solutions.

Media Contact Information

Anthony Baro

E2SOL LLC

info@e2sol.com

14014892273

https://WWW.E2SOL.COM

SOURCE: E2SOL LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/solar-powered-microgrid-utility-median-barrier-at-rhode-island-h-1022310
Deal fuels next chapter of growth as the brand expands globally and into family-focused essentials

True Classic, the apparel brand transforming everyday basics into better-fitting, better-feeling essentials, announced today a growth investment from 1686 Partners, the Luxembourg-based firm known for backing purpose-driven lifestyle brands. The investment marks the company's first institutional funding round.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501009162/en/

True Classic Pima Cotton Tee

This milestone positions True Classic to accelerate its evolution from a breakout menswear success into a global, omnichannel brand serving the entire family-expanding into new categories, markets, and retail experiences.

"This is more than a capital raise-it's rocket fuel for our mission," said Ben Yahalom, CEO of True Classic. "We started True Classic to solve a simple problem -better basics at a better price-but it's grown into something much bigger. With 1686 Partners, we're scaling with purpose and aiming to redefine how apparel brands connect with people around the world."

Since launching in 2019, True Classic has served over 5 million customers across 190+ countries, becoming one of the fastest-growing apparel brands in the U.S. The brand's rise has been fueled by a relentless focus on fit, value, and story, blending digital-first performance with community-driven storytelling. This year, True Classic will expand its product offering beyond menswear by launching women's and kids' products in H2-meeting the entire family where they live, work, and play. To date, True Classic has donated over $10 million to causes supporting veterans, homelessness, and underserved communities-underscoring its commitment to impact beyond the bottom line.

Beyond capital, 1686 Partners brings a hands-on partnership model and deep operational expertise across supply chain, logistics, and omnichannel retail-key pillars to support True Classic's continued growth and international expansion.

This investment underscores True Classic's commitment to meeting customers wherever they are-online, in-store, and globally-while continuing to elevate the standard for modern wardrobe staples.

Moelis Company served as the exclusive financial advisor to True Classic in connection with the transaction.

About True Classic

Founded in 2019, True Classic is an apparel brand redefining the everyday wardrobe with better fit, comfort, and quality at an accessible price. Driven by a purpose to serve both customers and community, the brand has served over 5 million customers globally and donated more than $10 million to causes aligned with its mission.

About 1686 Partners

1686 Partners is a global investment firm focused on purpose-led consumer brands. 1686 Partners invests in impactful companies focusing on scaling innovations in the consumer space. Its mission is to connect global strategic pioneers and influential families to accelerate the growth of high potential, impact-driven companies, shaping them into the industry leaders of tomorrow. Investing in venture to growth stages, 1686 Partners acts as an accelerator of development, providing the tools, strategy, and network to fast-track its partner companies' success.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501009162/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Bryan Cano

Head of Marketing

media@trueclassic.com
Geneva, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Yesim, a leading provider of global eSIM connectivity solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its latest feature, MultiSIM. This innovative addition empowers users to purchase, manage, and utilize multiple eSIMs within a single account through an integrated and user-friendly interface. Over 1 million users worldwide already trust Yesim for seamless connectivity-MultiSIM continues that tradition of innovation.





Photo by Silvie Lindemann: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-smartphone-on-black-table-top-63690/

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Designed to cater to the needs of frequent travelers, families, corporate teams, and individuals managing multiple destinations, MultiSIM offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience in mobile connectivity.

Key Features of MultiSIM:

Multiple eSIM Purchase: Users can acquire up to 10 eSIMs simultaneously, each with identical plan parameters, including data allocation, duration, and activation settings.

Users can acquire up to 10 eSIMs simultaneously, each with identical plan parameters, including data allocation, duration, and activation settings. Centralized Management: All eSIMs can be managed from a single dashboard, allowing for easy top-ups, archiving, and real-time status monitoring.

All eSIMs can be managed from a single dashboard, allowing for easy top-ups, archiving, and real-time status monitoring. Effortless Sharing: eSIMs can be shared seamlessly with friends, family, or colleagues via QR code, email, or direct share links.

eSIMs can be shared seamlessly with friends, family, or colleagues via QR code, email, or direct share links. Individual Notifications: Users can opt to receive separate notifications for each eSIM, ensuring timely updates and alerts.

MultiSIM by Yesim redefines travel convenience and connectivity management. Whether you're planning a family vacation, coordinating multi-region business trips, or preparing for a multi-stop adventure, MultiSIM enables you to pre-purchase and store multiple eSIMs, ready to activate at your convenience-even offline. With one centralized account accessible via the intuitive Yesim app, managing multiple eSIMs becomes easier than ever. Effortlessly share eSIMs through QR codes or direct links, ideal for families, travel groups, and corporate teams. MultiSIM's built-in smart tools offer unprecedented flexibility, allowing users to rename eSIMs, monitor individual data usage, receive tailored notifications, and benefit from advanced features such as delayed activation and simple top-ups-all easily controlled from a single, organized dashboard.

MultiSIM is compatible with most modern devices equipped with eSIM functionality, including Apple, Android, and Google Pixel smartphones. At launch, the feature supports connectivity across over 200 destinations and regions spanning six continents, encompassing major tourist and business hubs. A comprehensive list of supported countries is available during the plan selection section, as well as through the Yesim app.

Activation of MultiSIM is automatic; the feature becomes available when a user's Yesim account includes more than one eSIM. Designed to operate seamlessly in the background, MultiSIM enhances the user experience without requiring manual configuration. New eSIM order(s), as well as purchasing additional different eSIMs for existing plans, are available through yesim.app at any time.

About Yesim

Founded in 2018 by Dmitry Verbosky and Maxim Pankratov, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Genesis Group AG is a pioneering telecommunications company specializing in eSIM technology and e-commerce solutions through their flagship service, Yesim. The company offers seamless mobile internet access and cellular coverage in over 200 countries, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. Yesim's solutions cater to both individual travelers and corporate clients, providing flexible data plans, virtual phone numbers, and a self-service platform for managing global connectivity. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Yesim continues to redefine the landscape of mobile communication.

For more information, please visit www.yesim.app.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250313

SOURCE: APG
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, has been named the Winner of the April Best Web Design Awards by DesignRush for its exceptional work on the Knockouts Haircuts & Grooming website.

Digital Silk named Winner of the April Best Web Design Awards by DesignRush for its exceptional work on the Knockouts Haircuts & Grooming website



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The winning design showcases Digital Silk's commitment to building high-performing digital experiences tailored to client goals and user behavior. Developed for Knockouts Haircuts & Grooming-a national franchise offering premium grooming for men-the new website features an elevated, modern aesthetic optimized for performance, usability and conversion.

With seamless navigation, dynamic booking functionality and a fresh brand interface, the site captures the brand's unique positioning in the competitive grooming industry.

"This award is a proud moment for our team. Our goal was to create a visually compelling and strategically built platform that reflects Knockouts' bold brand while maximizing user engagement. Being recognized by DesignRush confirms the impact of this work," says Ana Margarida Meira, Partner and Vice President of Client Relations at Digital Silk.

Web Design Is Driving Real Business Outcomes

U.S. companies are increasingly investing in custom website design to stand out in saturated markets and capture user attention quickly. According to a recent study, 94% of first impressions relate to a website's design and usability source, and it takes just 0.05 seconds for users to form an opinion of a brand online.

Digital Silk's design for Knockouts exemplifies how custom visuals, UX-centric layouts and mobile optimization can shape brand perception and drive growth.

Fast Facts About the Award-Winning Website:

Optimized for multi-device performance and SEO

Custom booking system tailored to franchise model

Unique aesthetic blending modern masculinity with high-end grooming

Strategically mapped user journey to increase engagement

To view the winning design, visit DesignRush's Best Designs - April Winners.

About Digital Silk

Digital Silk is a full-service Miami Web Design Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to drive more conversions and digital marketing services to boost awareness and engagement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250484

SOURCE: Digital Silk
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - BELGRAVIA HARTFORD CAPITAL INC. (CSE: BLGV) (OTCQB: BLGVF) (FSE: ECA) ("Belgravia" or the "Company") provides an update regarding its ongoing litigation with PolyNatura Corp., a portfolio company of Cartesian Capital, concerning Belgravia's US $12.2 million royalty tied to water and mineral rights at the Ochoa Project in Lea County, New Mexico.

A recent court-mandated settlement conference was held. While the substance of negotiations remains confidential, the parties are currently evaluating the potential benefits of scheduling an additional session to continue discussions toward a potential resolution.

Belgravia has retained Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., a Miami-based nationally acclaimed boutique commercial litigation firm, to assist in achieving its objectives. The firm has decades of experience handling complex commercial disputes and a proven track record in achieving favorable outcomes and record-setting verdicts in high-stakes business litigation. Mary Nikezic, a partner at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., stated: "We look forward to guiding Belgravia in securing the full value of this significant royalty. Leveraging our firm's extensive experience in complex commercial disputes, our litigation team is fully prepared to support Belgravia in achieving this goal, whether through a negotiated settlement or by obtaining a favorable court judgment."

Belgravia's President and CEO, Mehdi Azodi, added:

"Current market trends and recent policy developments clearly highlight the strategic importance and growing value of Belgravia's royalty interest. Potash prices have significantly strengthened, President Donald Trump and the U.S. government continue to actively promote domestic critical-mineral production, and New Mexico's landmark water legislation has notably increased the strategic relevance of high-quality water assets within the Permian Basin. Belgravia remains resolute in its commitment to securing the entire US $12.2 million royalty for our shareholders."

Belgravia highlights several recent market and policy developments supporting the value of its royalty:

Potash Recognized as a U.S. Critical Mineral: Recent reinstatement underscores strong governmental support for increased domestic production.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production/

Rising Potash Prices: Global market tightening and geopolitical dynamics are driving potash prices higher, enhancing the economic outlook for domestic projects like Ochoa.

Federal Financial Support: The recent US $1.26 billion conditional loan offered by the U.S. Department of Energy to a domestic potash operation signals robust federal backing for potash developments.

https://www.energy.gov/articles/icymi-trump-administration-adds-two-doe-critical-minerals-projects-federal-permitting

New Mexico's Strategic Water Supply Act: Enacted in April 2025, this legislation commits substantial state investment towards water reuse and treatment, significantly increasing the value and strategic importance of water rights such as those associated with the Ochoa Project.

https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2025/04/08/governor-signs-strategic-water-supply-and-environmental-protection-bills-state-acts-to-protect-all-surface-waterbodies-a-targeted-response-to-the-2023-u-s-supreme-court-ruling-that-narrowed-federa/

Belgravia will provide further timely updates as developments occur.

*******************************

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" or to "U.S. persons" (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Belgravia Hartford

Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc. is an investment issuer, listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange, focused on the tech and finance sectors of the worldwide economy. The Company's focus, as set out in its 2018 Investment Policy, specifies cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, media and digital streaming opportunities. Belgravia invests in a portfolio of private and public companies located in jurisdictions governed by the rule of law. It takes a multi-sector investment approach with emphasis on the resources and commodities sector. Belgravia and its investments are considered high risk holdings and it may expose shareholders to significant volatility and losses.

For more information, please visit www.belgraviahartford.com and https://nodevest.io/

Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and 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 include statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the structure of the Investment, anticipated risk mitigation strategies, Dr. Cook's planned appearance on TraderTV, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, changes in market trends, the completion, results and timing of research undertaken by the Company, risks associated with resource assets, the impact of general economic conditions, commodity prices, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory, environmental, and governmental approvals, and the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250485

SOURCE: Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc
KYIV, Ukraine, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 30, 2025 the latest meeting of the Ukrainian side of the Joint Business Cooperation Council between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took place. The council, established under the guidance of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, elected Yuriy Melnyk, Deputy CEO for Sustainable Development at MHP & Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation, Chair of the Ukrainian side.

Yuriy Melnyk is an Honored Worker of Agriculture of Ukraine, a Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, a Senior Research Fellow, and an Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. He has served as Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy, Advisor to the Prime Minister (2005), Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine (2005-2006), and Minister of Agrarian Policy (2006-2010). A distinguished public figure, he has been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine - the highest national honor granted for outstanding service to the country.

This initiative is an important step in deepening bilateral political and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Council aims to foster business cooperation, attract investments, and expand trade opportunities and will act as a business platform for regular business forums, B2B meetings, and trade exhibitions. It will focus on key growth areas and support joint investment projects in agriculture, food processing, IT, energy, and infrastructure. Special attention will be given to supporting Ukrainian exporters access the Saudi market and the Council will also seek to facilitate systematic exchanges of analytics, market trends, and updates on the business environments of both countries.

The creation of the Council marks a significant new stage in strengthening economic ties between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.

During these economically turbulent times it is essential that Ukraine's economic presence in Saudi Arabia continues to grow - a shared task for Ukrainian companies, industry associations, and government institutions. This is the perfect time with Saudi businesses showing growing interest in cooperation with Ukraine, especially in the agricultural, infrastructure, and innovation sectors.

Additional impetus for strengthening business ties came from the recent meeting between the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the importance of promptly resuming the work of the Joint Business Cooperation Council.

The MHP, an international food and agri company with a strong global presence, has extensive experience working with Saudi partners.

MHP Saudi Arabia Trading Company was established in 2021 and currently employs over 60 people, with offices located in Jeddah and Riyadh. In 2023, the company sold nearly 80,000 tonnes of products.

In addition, MHP has a growing partnership with the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), which in 2024 acquired a 12.6% stake in MHP's publicly traded shares.

MHP's successful experience in Saudi Arabia highlights the significant potential for expanding bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries. The company is eager to share its expertise and experience of operating in the Saudi market to other Ukrainian companies.

The Council will also help MHP's efforts to promote a better understanding of Ukraine among Saudi partners - particularly regarding business practices, investment opportunities, and the regulatory environment - whilst building on existing partnerships in agriculture, technology, and innovation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.

"It is a great honor for us to join the business dialogue that is growing between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. As a leading poultry producer in Europe and globally, MHP is ready to share its expertise and experience. We are currently supplying 20% of all poultry imports to Saudi Arabia and know this market well and understand its specifics, given we have been successfully operating there for several years. We firmly believe that strengthening economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia opens significant opportunities for Ukrainian businesses across the entire Middle East region. MHP is determined to continue actively contributing to expanding trade and economic ties and attracting investment for Ukraine," said Yuriy Melnyk, Deputy CEO for Sustainable Development at MHP & Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation, Chair of the Ukrainian side.

MHP's involvement in this initiative is a logical continuation of the company's international growth strategy and its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. The company seeks to leverage its expertise to build long-term business partnerships between the two countries.

About MHP

MHP is a publicly listed (London Stock Exchange) international food and agri company, producing high-quality healthy food products that enhance consumers' lives. The company operates in agriculture, food production, and retail, with manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and South-Eastern Europe, as well as subsidiaries in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other EU countries.

MHP employs over 36,000 people in Ukraine and abroad and is ranked among the top 10 employers in Ukraine, according to Forbes Ukraine. The company exports its products to more than 80 countries worldwide and manages a land bank of 360,000 hectares across 12 regions in Ukraine.

During the full-scale war, MHP sees its mission as supporting the economy and food security of Ukraine. The company is the largest taxpayer in the agricultural sector and is also one of the top 5 largest investors in the country.

As a culinary company, MHP develops over 15 product brands, including Qualiko, Sultanah, ?ssilah, Nasha Ryaba, Apetytna, Lehko!, Bashchynskyi, Skott Smeat, RyabChick, and others.

To ensure that Ukrainians always have access to high-quality and delicious food, the company, together with its partners, develops several retail chains: MeatMarket stores, Fresh Food, Nasha Ryaba and Doner Market restaurants, which offer tasty and safe fast food.

MHP in Ukraine, in collaboration with its strategic partner, the Charitable Foundation MHP - GROMADI, is actively engaged in community development, making communities more desirable places to live, while also supporting those in greatest need.

MHP in Ukraine is fostering the MHP Standing Together program, which provides personalized assistance and comprehensive support to military personnel, veterans, their families, and those awaiting the return of their loved ones from the frontlines.

The founder and CEO of MHP is Ukrainian businessman Yuriy Kosyuk.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mhp-deputy-ceo-to-co-chair-ukrainian-side-of-the-joint-business-cooperation-council-between-ukraine-and-saudi-arabia-302444393.html
The iconic Mucha Museum is proud to announce in the historic building of the Kaunicky palac, Prague, has moved & reopened in its new grand venue in the Kaunicky palac, Prague offering a transformation in payed of history of the celebration of Alfons Mucha, one of the most influential of the Art Nouveau artists and a symbol of national identity to the Czech people.

Originally opened to the public in 1998, the museum is the first in the world entirely dedicated to the works of the much-acclaimed Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha - the collection includes everything from canvases to photographs, illustrations, designs, living, invocative documents, and much more. Citizens of Prague are very proud of this museum, formerly housed in a small and quaint setting, now in its new and very impressive home, which offers a dramatically expanded and re-imagined experience.

"This new home for the Mucha Museum at Kaunicky palac, Prague, is more than a move - it is a bold redefinition of how we present Mucha's legacy to future generations," said a museum spokesperson. "It reflects the scale and spirit of the man whose work shaped not only an artistic era but a national identity."

Located in the center of Prague, the Kaunicky palac offers a graceful and historic backdrop for the appreciation of Mucha's visionary work. Now, visitors can explore all new galleries with original works of art, personal artifacts, archival material, and engaging interactive exhibits showing the artist and the world he inhabited.

New Museum Experience Highlights:

World Premiere of Its Kind: The only one in the world dedicated solely to Alfons Mucha, now with improved facilities and curatorial capacities.

Experience an Immersive Storytelling: Delve into Mucha's life from his Moravian childhood to becoming an international art nouveau sensation in Paris and return to the Czech lands as personification of the nation.

Czech History in Focus: Mucha's art offers an inspiring visual story of the Czech nation's cultural awakening and quest for national identity - an intricate and inseparable part of his work.

Digital Discovery: The museum's official website, Mucha.cz, you can visit as one of the first in a foreign language exhibition, book tickets, access educational materials, and the online gift shop with exclusive prints and collectible items.

Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) is known for his masterful art nouveau iconic poster designs that capture the essence of beauty advertising products - it's probably some of the most exquisite examples of advertising art ever seen. His paintings were an expression of culture and national pride, as well as a medium of political sentiment; nowhere is this more apparent than in The Slav Epic, a collection of large canvases that document the spiritual development of the Slav race.

With the introduction of this beautiful setting within the confines of the Kaunicky palac, Prague, visitors will be able to experience Mucha's work with greater intimacy and depth, and also experience the city of Prague through the eyes of an artist who helped give it a soul.

About Mucha Museum - Mucha.cz is the official online platform for the Alfons Mucha Museum and legacy. It offers access to exhibition details, tickets, digital archives, curated content, and exclusive merchandise, serving as the definitive source for Mucha enthusiasts worldwide.

Media Contact

Organisation: Muchovo muzeum s.r.o.

Contact Person: Daniel Tanner

Website: mucha.cz/en/

office@mucha.cz

SOURCE: Muchovo muzeum

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/mucha-museum-unveils-new-era-at-historic-kaunick%c3%bd-pal%c3%a1c-prague-1022408
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Mayfair Acquisition Corp. (TSXV: MFA.P) ("Mayfair" or the "Company") wishes to provide an update in regard to its March 20, 2025 announcement in which it disclosed its intention to make a securities exchange takeover bid for all of the issued and outstanding shares of Gold Basin Resources Corporation (TSXV: GXX) ("Gold Basin") and Canex Metals Inc. (TSXV: CANX) ("Canex"). Following this announcement the Company immediately began discussing lock-up agreements with Gold Basin and Canex shareholders. Although the Company and its representatives have since had productive discussions with Canex management regarding the proposed takeover, management of Gold Basin has not communicated with the Company at all in respect of the proposed takeover bid.

Shortly following the Company's March 20, 2025 press release, the Company became aware that an Australian based ASX listed company, Helix Resources Limited (ASX: HLX) ("Helix") had entered into an agreement to acquire the White Hills Project which directly adjoins Gold Basin's project in Arizona, in a transaction with companies owned by Gold Basin's CEO Charles Straw and Gold Basin's former Consulting Geologist and Project Manager, Calvin Heron. This transaction was disclosed by way of ASX Announcement on March 28, 2025, and discloses that the Gold Basin related Vendors will receive A$200,000 in cash and A$1.3 million in Helix shares. The CEO of Helix is stated to be Michael Povey who was previously the CEO of Gold Basin and was a director of Gold Basin until October 25, 2024. It is not clear when Mr. Straw and Mr. Heron acquired the White Hills Project but the Company notes that this project was referenced in a November 2022 press release of Gold Basin, as containing 12 exploration targets of interest to Gold Basin.

On April 11, 2025, following receipt of information about the transaction between Mr. Straw, Gold Basin's current CEO, and Helix the Company communicated with Mr. Straw requesting an explanation, noting the apparent conflicts of interest and potential breaches of fiduciary duty on the part of Gold Basin's current and former management. No response has been received.

More recently, on April 28, 2025, Gold Basin issued a press release announcing that Helix, the very Company that Gold Basin's CEO had recently sold properties to, has entered into an earn in Agreement with Gold Basin to acquire a 40% interest and a 1% net smelter royalty in the Gold Basin Project.

In view of the apparent self-dealing and conflicts of interest among Gold Basin and its management, the Company is assessing its alternatives including litigation and regulatory complaints and will advise shareholders of its intention in respect of the proposed takeover bid in due course.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250491

SOURCE: Mayfair Acquisition Corp.
In a landmark decision, law firms Reese Marketos and Berger Montague have secured a $1.64 billion judgment against Janssen Products, LP, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. This judgment stands as one of the largest in the history of the False Claims Act (FCA), underscoring the critical role of whistleblowers in exposing corporate misconduct.

Reese Marketos LLP - Logo



The case centered on allegations that Janssen engaged in unlawful marketing practices for its HIV medications, Prezista and Intelence. Whistleblowers Jessica Penelow and Christine Brancaccio, former sales representatives at Janssen, filed the lawsuit in 2012, accusing the company of promoting these drugs for off-label uses not approved by the FDA. Such practices led to the submission of 159,574 false claims to government healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Berger Montague litigated the case for more than a decade and hired Reese Marketos in 2022 to lead the trial.

After a six-week trial in 2024, the jury awarded $120 million in single damages. Under the FCA, these damages were tripled to $360 million. Additionally, U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi imposed civil penalties of $8,000 per false claim, amounting to approximately $1.28 billion, bringing the total judgment to $1.64 billion.

"This trial required relentless preparation and courtroom advocacy to stay on top of Janssen's never-ending excuses and blame-shifting," said Pete Marketos, partner at Reese Marketos and lead counsel for the whistleblowers at trial. "Beyond bringing well-deserved justice for our clients, this ruling also marks a great day for Medicare and U.S. taxpayers."

The Reese Marketos trial team also included Josh Russ, Andrew Wirmani, Adam Sanderson, and Whitney Wendel. Berger Montague's team comprised Sherrie Savett, Joy Clairmont, Michael Fantini, and William Ellerbe. This case exemplifies the power of the FCA in holding corporations accountable for defrauding government programs and highlights the importance of legal advocacy in protecting public interests.

About Reese Marketos LLP: Reese Marketos is a premier trial firm based in Dallas, Texas, known for taking on high-stakes business disputes, whistleblower cases, and complex commercial litigation. The firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants in cases where the outcome truly matters, delivering exceptional results through meticulous preparation, strategic advocacy, and fearless courtroom representation.

Founded by seasoned trial lawyers, Reese Marketos has built a national reputation for handling cases involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, antitrust, securities, and False Claims Act litigation. The firm's attorneys include accomplished litigators and former federal prosecutors who bring a relentless commitment to justice and a track record of success in jury trials across the country.

Contact Information:

Reese Marketos LLP

750 N. Saint Paul St., Suite 600

Dallas, TX 75201

Phone: 214.382.9810

SOURCE: Reese Marketos LLP

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/reese-marketos-and-berger-montague-secure-historic-1.64-billion-1016088
From fashion-forward to traditional styles, there's a wedding gown for every bride

Essense of Australia is rewriting bridal style with its latest collection, blending timeless romance with contemporary touches. Each gown is a celebration of individuality, offering brides the opportunity to create a look as special as their love story.

M25 ESS D4265

M25 ESS D4265

"Brides are seeking more than just a beautiful wedding dress - they're looking for a gown that speaks to who they are," says Martine Harris, Chief Creative Officer and Head Designer of Essense of Australia. "This collection embraces that desire by introducing new transformative features, like detachable details and striking new fabrics while staying true to the timeless elegance of classic bridal looks."

This season, expect to see basque waists, the structured elegance of corset bodices and fluid A-line designs that flatter every figure. Within this collection, you'll find trend-setting details like a stunning bubble hem skirt, dramatic skirt pickups and a brand-new, soft orchid shade on printed organza.

Explore styles that seamlessly transition from ceremony to celebration, featuring detachable sleeves and overskirts that transform bridal looks from ceremony to aisle. Romantic brides will fall in love with this collection's sweetheart necklines and graceful ballgown silhouettes. Whether it's chic sophistication or simple whimsy, each gown is designed to bring the bride's unique vision to life.

With so many breathtaking wedding gowns to choose from, brides can find a dress that lets them look and feel their most beautiful on their wedding day. The new Essense of Australia collection is now available at a retailer near you, featuring 30 new gowns. Gowns are available in U.S. sizes 2 to 24, with many styles available in the EveryBody/EveryBride collection for U.S. sizes 20 to 36. To view the entire collection or find a store, visit www.essensedesigns.com.

About Essense of Australia

Essense of Australia is a leading international bridal design house and wholesaler that creates and manufactures award-winning gowns for independent bridal retailers throughout the world under labels Stella York , Essense of Australia , Martina Liana , Martina Liana Luxe and All Who Wander , as well as private label collection Oxford Street and bridesmaid label Sorella Vita . The Essense of Australia family of brands can be found at more than 1,000 retailers worldwide including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe.

Contact Information

Brooke Pahura

Director of Marketing Communications

brookep@essensedesigns.com

8165896391

SOURCE: Essense of Australia





SOURCE: Essense of Australia

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/essense-of-australias-new-collection-%22revels-in-romance%22-1022388
A powerful storm system swept across Pennsylvania overnight, bringing damaging winds with speeds over 80 mph, large hail and heavy rainfall. The severe weather caused widespread power outages that are affecting nearly half a million residents, particularly in the Pittsburgh area, and utility providers are working now to restore those areas.

T-Mobile SatCOLT deployment

Network Update

T-Mobile's network in the Pittsburgh area has overlapping coverage, pre-installed backup power at key sites and redundant backhaul routes that are helping to maintain connectivity in the area. Also, our AI-powered Self-Organizing Network (SON) continues to dynamically reroute traffic and optimize performance in real-time to preserve connectivity wherever possible. However, in places where commercial power is down and towers cannot operate as a result of that, some areas have had minor service impacts. Where needed, our network engineering crews are deploying portable generators, refueling generators and deploying SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) and additional equipment.

First Responder & Agency Support

T-Mobile is actively coordinating with first responders and local and state agencies, including the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Emergency Operations Centers for Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, and power providers including Duquesne Light Company to address urgent and ongoing needs.

We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as the situation evolves. Please visit T-Mobile Emergency Response. Follow @TMobileNewson X for the latest updates.

Stay safe, Pittsburgh.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from T-Mobile International AG on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: T-Mobile International AG

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/t-mobile

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: T-Mobile International AG

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/telecommunications/following-powerful-pennsylvania-storms-t%e2%80%91mobile-teams-on-the-ground-providing-su-1022463
Paycom Europe Limited, a subsidiary of Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE: PAYC) ("Paycom"), a leading provider of comprehensive, cloud-based human capital management software, received authorization as a Payment Institution (PI) by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). This license presents future growth opportunities for Paycom across Europe.

Paycom Europe Limited's status as a PI supports the expansion of Paycom's proprietary, single-database payroll software to Ireland as well as other European Economic Area (EEA) Member States, subject to the fulfillment of certain notification requirements. Only 26 companies hold this authorization from CBI.

"This authorization underscores our commitment to upholding the highest regulatory standards of compliance and security in the European market," said Bob Foster, chief financial officer of Paycom. "As Paycom expands its global footprint, we remain dedicated to simplifying and automating complex processes and driving operational efficiency for our clients."

Global payroll companies traditionally rely on third-party integrations to meet the payroll needs of international clients. Paycom's authorization from the CBI permits the company to handle its own payroll processing for clients in EEA Member States, including the use of its automated payroll tool, Beti. The revolutionary payroll experience uses live employee data to self-start payroll each period, automatically finding errors and guiding employees to fix them before payroll submission.

The CBI serves as the competent authority in Ireland for the authorization and supervision of payment institutions under the European Union (Payments Services) Regulations 2018 (PSR). To become an authorized PI, firms must meet several regulatory requirements that demonstrate, amongst other matters, operational viability, financial stability and compliance capability. This authorization demonstrates Paycom's dedication to providing payroll services in a secure and compliant manner.

Paycom currently offers products to organizations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and Ireland. These expansions followed the 2023 launch of Global HCM, allowing companies to manage their entire domestic and international workforce across more than 190 countries and nearly 20 languages and dialects.

To learn more about Paycom's global footprint, visit https://global.paycom.com/.

About Paycom

For over 25 years, Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE: PAYC) has simplified business and employees' lives through easy-to-use HR and payroll technology to empower transparency through direct access to their data. From onboarding and benefits enrollment to talent management and more, Paycom's employee-first technology leverages full-solution automation to streamline processes, drive efficiencies and give employees power over their own HR information, all in a single app. Paycom's single database combines all HR and payroll data in one place, providing a seamless and accurate experience without the errors and inefficiencies associated with integrating multiple systems. Recognized globally for its technology and workplace culture, Paycom serves businesses of all sizes in the U.S. and internationally.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501967011/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Larisha Hunter

media@paycom.com
CHICAGO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed longtime global financial markets executive Craig S. Donohue as the company's new Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, effective May 7, 2025. Mr. Donohue succeeds Fredric Tomczyk who, as previously announced, will step down as CEO and remain on the Board.

Mr. Donohue is a seasoned global derivatives market executive with more than 30 years of experience, including two decades at CME Group where he spent eight years as CEO before departing in 2012. Over the last decade, Mr. Donohue has served as Chairman of the Board at OCC, the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization, where he also spent three years as CEO from 2016 until 2019.

"We are thrilled to welcome Craig to Cboe. His visionary leadership, deep experience, industry relationships, and proven track record in global financial markets make him an excellent individual to take the helm as CEO at Cboe," said William M. Farrow III, Chairman of the Board of Cboe Global Markets. "The Board looks forward to working closely with Craig. We believe his strategic vision and leadership will drive the company towards continued growth and increased value for shareholders."

On his appointment, Mr. Donohue commented, "Cboe is an institution I have long admired, and I am honored to be their next CEO. I am excited to work with the strong team to drive forward our strategic initiatives, enhance our market leadership and build upon the remarkable reputation that Cboe has established over the last five decades as a leading global derivatives market player. Cboe's commitment to innovation, excellence and teamwork aligns with my values and vision and I am thrilled to guide Cboe into its next chapter."

"Craig is a highly accomplished and respected leader in the global derivatives industry, and will no doubt lead Cboe to new heights. He shares Cboe's values and passion for creating a strong corporate culture, delivering best-in-class service to clients and a relentless focus on strategy and execution," said Fredric Tomczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Cboe Global Markets. "I look forward to working closely with him on a seamless transition and going back to my role as a director of the Board."

Mr. Farrow added, "I want to thank Fred for stepping into this position and his leadership as CEO over the last year and a half. I know that he will work closely with Craig to help ensure a smooth and orderly transition."

Upon the effective date of Mr. Donohue's appointment as CEO, Mr. Tomczyk will transition into an advisory role through the end of June 2025.

About Craig S. Donohue

Prior to joining Cboe, Mr. Donohue was Chairman of the Board of Directors at OCC, the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Mr. Donohue joined OCC as Executive Chairman in January 2014 to help lead change across the organization after OCC's designation as a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility by the Financial Stability Oversight Council.

In 2016, he remained at OCC as Executive Chairman and took on the role of Chief Executive Officer for three years. In 2019, Mr. Donohue returned to the role of Executive Chairman. Mr. Donohue transitioned to Chairman of the Board of Directors in January 2024.

Prior to joining OCC, Mr. Donohue spent more than two decades in global financial markets, most recently as CEO of CME Group from January 2004 until May 2012. During that time, Mr. Donohue led the successful completion of more than $20 billion in mergers and acquisitions, including CME's historic merger with the Chicago Board of Trade in 2007 and the acquisition of both the New York Mercantile Exchange and the Commodity Exchange Inc. in 2008.

Mr. Donohue is an active leader in national and local civic and philanthropic efforts. He is a past board member and chairman of the Council for Economic Education. He is also a past board member and chairman of the Executives' Club of Chicago and previously served as a director of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Mr. Donohue holds a Master of Management from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management, a Master of Law in Financial Services Regulation from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, a Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Drake University.

About Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX, across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com .

Media Contacts

Analyst Contact Angela Tu Tim Cave

Kenneth Hill, CFA +1-917-985-1496 +44 (0) 7593-506-719

+1-312-786-7559 atu@cboe.com tcave@cboe.com

khill@cboe.com

Cboe and Cboe Global Markets are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security vulnerabilities and breaches; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel, increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; factors that impact the quality and integrity of our and other applicable indices; our ability to manage our global operations, growth, and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit, counterparty investment, and default risks, associated with operating our clearinghouses; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing our business interests and our regulatory responsibilities; the loss of key customers or a significant reduction in trading or clearing volumes by key customers; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; the accuracy of our estimates and expectations; and litigation risks and other liabilities. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC.

We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cboe-global-markets-appoints-craig-donohue-as-new-ceo-302444555.html
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SIC) (OTCQB: SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its April 25, 2025, news release, the Company has filed documents with the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") seeking conditional approval for its CAD$400,000 non-brokered flow-through private-placement financing (the "FT Financing").

The Company is also seeking approval to close the first tranche of the FT Financing, issuing 6,000,000 common shares at CAD$0.05, for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$300,000.

In connection with the first tranche of the FT Financing, the Company will pay cash finders' fees totalling CAD$18,000 and 360,000 non-transferable broker warrants exercisable at CAD$0.07 for one year as permitted by the policies of the Exchange.

All securities issued pursuant to the FT Financing are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period.

Final approval of the FT Financing is subject to Exchange approval.

The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the flow-through shares (the "FT Shares"), pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada), to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses that qualify as flow-through mining expenditures as both terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) on or before December 31, 2026, and to renounce all of the qualifying expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares.

The Company intends to spend the flow-through proceeds on the Company's exploration projects.

About Sokoman Minerals Corp.

Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company and one of the largest landholders in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's emerging gold district. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100%-owned flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, Crippleback Lake, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland.

In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. For full details of the agreement, please refer to the Company's press release dated October 11, 2023.

Projects optioned with optionee fully vested are:

East Alder Project optioned to Canterra Minerals Inc. (SIC retains shares of CTM plus 1% NSR)

Startrek Project optioned to Thunder Gold (SIC retains shares of TGOL plus 1% NSR)

The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys Projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program during the past few years.

Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com

Twitter: @SokomanMinerals

Facebook: @SokomanMinerals

LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp

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.

Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250516

SOURCE: Sokoman Minerals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Auranova Resources Inc. (the "Company") announces the resignation of Katharine Reid as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately. The Company would like to thank Ms. Reid for her contribution to the Company and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours.

In connection with Ms. Reid's resignation, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Graham Warren as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately.

Mr. Warren is a senior financial executive with over 30 years of experience with emerging and established companies primarily in the mining and oil and gas sectors. Mr. Warren has considerable operations, corporate finance, board and public markets expertise, as well as extensive global experience, including Africa, South America and China. Mr. Warren currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and provides corporate secretarial services to two publicly traded companies, as well, he serves on the board of directors of two TSX Venture Exchange listed companies.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250477

SOURCE: Auranova Resources Inc.
ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ), a leading beverage alcohol company, announced today that Garth Hankinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Jim Sabia, Executive Vice President and President, Beer Division, will participate in a fireside chat at the 2025 Goldman Sachs Global Staples Forum on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in New York, N.Y. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 11:40 a.m. ET and is expected to cover the company's financial metrics, operating performance, strategic business initiatives, and outlook for the future.

A live, listen-only webcast of the presentation will be available on the company's investor relations website at ir.cbrands.comunder the News & Eventssection. When the presentation begins, financial information discussed in the presentation, and reconciliations of reported GAAP financial measures with comparable and other non-GAAP financial measures, will also be available on the company's investor relations website under the Financial Historysection. For anyone unable to participate in the webcast, a replay will be available on the company's investor relations website through the close of business on November 13, 2025.

ABOUT CONSTELLATION BRANDS

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Our mission is to build brands that people love because we believe elevating human connections is Worth Reaching For. It's worth our dedication, hard work, and calculated risks to anticipate market trends and deliver more for our consumers, shareholders, employees, and industry. This dedication is what has driven us to become one of the fastest-growing, large CPG companies in the U.S. at retail, and it drives our pursuit to deliver what's next.

Every day, people reach for our high-end, iconic imported beer brands such as those in the Corona brand family like the flagship Corona Extra, Modelo Especial and the flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas, Pacifico, and Victoria; our fine wine and craft spirits brands, including The Prisoner Wine Company, Robert Mondavi Winery, Casa Noble Tequila, and High West Whiskey; and our premium wine brands such as Kim Crawford.

As an agriculture-based company, we strive to operate in a way that is sustainable and responsible. Our ESG strategy is embedded into our business and we focus on serving as good stewards of the environment, investing in our communities, and promoting responsible beverage alcohol consumption. We believe these aspirations in support of our longer-term business strategy allow us to contribute to a future that is truly Worth Reaching For.

To learn more, visit www.cbrands.comand follow us on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.



MEDIA CONTACTS INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS Amy Martin 585-678-7141 / amy.martin@cbrands.com (mailto:amy.martin@cbrands.com)

Carissa Guzski 315-525-7362 / carissa.guzski@cbrands.com (mailto:carissa.guzski@cbrands.com) Joseph Suarez 773-551-4397 / joseph.suarez@cbrands.com (mailto:joseph.suarez@cbrands.com)

Snehal Shah 847-385-4940 / snehal.shah@cbrands.com (mailto:snehal.shah@cbrands.com)

David Paccapaniccia 585-282-7227 / david.paccapaniccia@cbrands.com (mailto:david.paccapaniccia@cbrands.com)

A downloadable PDF copy of this news release can be found here. http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/2e4955b7-cb93-4437-b1aa-3fd4c849bf6c
Cypher Metaverse Inc. (CSE:CODE) ("Cypher" or the "Company") did not file its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Required Filings") by the filing deadline of April 30, 2025, and as a result is in default of its obligations under Part 4 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations.

As previously announced on April 17, 2025 (the "Announcement"), the Company applied to the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") for a management cease trade order (the "MCTO"), which would restrict all trading in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The BCSC issued the MCTO on May 1, 2025. The MCTO does not generally affect the ability of shareholders who are not insiders of the Company to trade their securities.

The Company has undergone a change of auditor and the board of directors of the Company approved the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as Cypher's new auditor. Cypher and its auditor continue to work diligently toward completing the Required Filings and expect to remedy the default by filing the Required Filings on or before June 30, 2025.

The Company confirms that since the date of the Announcement: (i) there has been no material change to the information set out in the Announcement that has not been generally disclosed; (ii) the Company is satisfying and confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the "alternative information guidelines" under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") and issue bi-weekly default status reports for so long as the delay in filing the Required Filings is continuing, each of which will be issued in the form of a news release; (iii) there has not been any other specified default by the Company under NP 12-203; (iv) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (v) there is no material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. In the event the Company does not file the Required Filings in a timely manner, the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities may impose an issuer cease trade order on the outstanding securities of the Company.

About Cypher Metaverse Inc.

Cypher focuses on identifying and investing in early-stage opportunities across the digital landscape, participating in blockchain projects, including proof of work mining, proof of stake cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance. The Company engages in digital experiences, collectively referred to as "the Metaverse" which include non-fungible token-based gaming experiences.

The Company leverages its strategic relationships to drive innovation and growth, creating new possibilities and opportunities. Further information about Cypher can be found on the Company's website at www.cypher-meta.com, along with its SEDAR+ profile accessible at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words.

More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes (i) expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations; (ii) expectations concerning the MCTO; and (iii) expectations regarding the timing of filing the Required Filings. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company.

Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Cypher's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Cypher's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include: (i) risks and uncertainties associated with the digital currency industry and decentralized finance; (ii) political, economic, regulatory and other uncertainties in respect of digital currencies; and (iii) consumer sentiment towards blockchain technology generally, decrease in the price of other cryptocurrencies.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

George Tsafalas | President & CEO 1 (778) 373-8578 info@cypher-meta.com www.cypher-meta.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release.

SOURCE: Cypher Metaverse Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/cypher-granted-management-cease-trade-order-and-default-status-update-1022402
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Serra Energy Metals Corp. (CSE: SEEM) (OTCQB: ESVNF) ("Serra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated effective May 1, 2025 (the "Amalgamation Agreement") with ROV Investment Partners Corp. ("ROV") and 1536702 B.C. Ltd. ("Subco"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the Company will, by way of a three-cornered amalgamation, acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of ROV, subject to the terms and conditions of the Amalgamation Agreement (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will constitute a "Fundamental Change" of the Company, as defined by the policies of Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").

ROV Investment Partners Corp. is a privately held holding company that holds all of the outstanding share capital of UBERDOC, Inc. ("UBERDOC"), a Delaware corporation involved in the operation of a digital platform that facilitates direct-pay access to medical professionals in the United States.

ROV Investment Partners Corp. is a British Columbia-based investment issuer focused on strategic opportunities in the U.S. healthcare sector. The company specializes in health technology ventures that enhance access to care, with a particular emphasis on site-of-care optimization and value-based service delivery. ROV's flagship asset, UBERDOC, is a U.S.-based healthcare platform that connects patients directly with thousands of specialists across more than 50 fields, offering upfront pricing and expedited access to care.

Summary of the Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, on the closing date of the Transaction, ROV will amalgamate with Subco pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"). The amalgamated entity ("Amalco") will continue as one corporation and will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the Company being referred to on a post-closing basis as the "Resulting Issuer"). ROV shareholders will exchange common shares of ROV ("ROV Shares") for common shares of the Resulting Issuer ("Resulting Issuer Shares") based on an exchange ratio equal to that number of Resulting Issuer Shares for each one ROV Share (the "Exchange Ratio") which results in, upon completion of the Transaction, 11.8% of the Resulting Issuer Shares being held by shareholders of the Company and 88.2% of the Resulting Issuer Shares being held by ROV shareholders. As such, the Transaction will result in a reverse takeover of the Company by the shareholders of ROV upon completion of the Transaction, and the Resulting Issuer's primary business will be the business of UBERDOC. In connection with the Transaction, the Company intends to change its name to "UBERDOC Health Technologies Holding Corp." (the "Name Change") and will reconstitute its board of directors and management team as further described below.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of terms and conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, among other things, ROV having completed the ROV Financing (as defined below), the Company having arranged the Bridge Loan (as defined below), the Company having completed the Divestiture (as defined below), receipt of all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals contemplated in the Amalgamation Agreement, the execution of related transaction documents, and listing approval of the CSE.

The Transaction will constitute a "Fundamental Change", as defined by the policies of CSE, and must be approved by the CSE and the security holders of the Company prior to completion. In accordance with CSE policies, the Company will file a listing statement with the CSE regarding the Transaction, which will include fulsome disclosure of ROV and UBERDOC. The Company will also seek approval of the Transaction at a duly constituted meeting of the Company's shareholders (the "Shareholder Meeting"). In addition, the Transaction must be approved by not less than 662/3% of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders of ROV (the "ROV Meeting"), which will be held to consider, among other things, the Transaction.

Certain securities issued in connection with the Transaction will be subject to escrow requirements of the CSE, mutually agreed upon escrow conditions, and hold periods as required by the CSE and applicable securities laws.

ROV Financing

In connection with the Transaction, ROV intends to undertake a non-brokered private placement of ROV Shares at a price of $0.35 per ROV Share for aggregate gross proceeds of a minimum of $1,000,000 (the "ROV Financing"). The ROV Shares issued as part of the ROV Financing will subsequently be exchanged for Resulting Issuer Shares in accordance with the Exchange Ratio at the time of completion of the Transaction.

In addition to the ROV Financing, ROV may undertake one or more private placement bridge financings on terms mutually agreeable to the Company and ROV (together, the "Interim Financing"), and any securities issuable in connection with the Interim Financing shall be exchanged into Resulting Issuer Shares based on the Exchange Ratio at the time of completion of the Transaction.

Bridge Loan

Upon entry into the Amalgamation Agreement, the Company advanced a working capital loan in connection with the Transaction (the "Bridge Loan") in the amount of $500,000 to ROV, which bears interest at a rate of 7.0% and will be repayable by ROV to the Company within six months from the date of entry into the Amalgamation Agreement.

Divestiture

Prior to completion of the Transaction, the Company will dispose of (i) its Australian subsidiary E79 Resources Pty Ltd. ("E79 Resources"), which holds interests in the Myrtleford and Beaufort projects and is the sole owner of E79 Services Pty Ltd. ("E79 Services"), and (ii) ordinary shares of Advance Metals Limited ("AVM Shares") and any cash derived from the sale of such AVM Shares, in such transaction or transactions, including spinout or assignment, such that E79 Resources and E79 Services will not be subsidiaries of the Company following completion of the Transaction, and AVM Shares and/or proceeds received from the sale of AVM Shares will not be retained by the Company following completion of the Transaction (together, the "Divestiture").

The Divestiture is expected to be conducted as a plan of arrangement that spins out E79 Resources into a new British Columbia company that will hold E79 Resources as an operating subsidiary. The Company will be required to obtain shareholder approval of the Divestiture (if conducted as a plan of arrangement) in accordance with the BCBCA. This shareholder approval will be sought at the Shareholder Meeting.

Board and Management

Upon completion of the Transaction, and subject to the approval of the CSE, current directors and officers of the Company who will no longer be serving in such capacity or capacities following completion of the Transaction will resign and will be replaced by directors and officers determined by ROV, in its sole discretion. The names and titles of the new directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer will be named in a subsequent press release once finalized.

Listing Statement

In connection with the Transaction and pursuant to the requirements of the CSE, the Company will file a listing statement in CSE Form 2A on its CSE issuer page and issuer profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), which will contain details regarding the Transaction, the Company, ROV, UBERDOC and the Resulting Issuer.

Advisory Fee

ROV intends to issue 1,000,000 ROV Shares to Northbay Capital Partners as an advisor's fee in connection with the Transaction (the "NBCAP Fee"). The ROV Shares issued as part of the NBCAP Fee will subsequently be exchanged for Resulting Issuer Shares in accordance with the Exchange Ratio at the time of completion of the Transaction.

Additional Information

All information contained in this press release with respect to ROV and UBERDOC was supplied by ROV, and the Company and its directors and officers have relied on ROV for such information.

Trading in the common shares of the Company is currently halted and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation in connection with the Transaction has been filed with and accepted by the CSE and permission to resume trading has been obtained from the CSE.

None of the securities issued in connection with the Transaction will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

About the Company

Serra Energy Metals Corp. is a publicly traded company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange that is focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of green metal projects, with an emphasis on identifying and investigating exploration targets that are drill-ready and situated near infrastructure.

Forward-Looking Information

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company, ROV and the Resulting Issuer do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) the business plans of the Resulting Issuer, (b) the completion of the ROV Financing, (c) the Transaction (including CSE approval, approval by the Company's shareholders and the closing of the Transaction) and the issuance of securities of the Company to the shareholders of ROV, (d) the listing of the Resulting Issuer on the CSE, (e) the ROV Meeting, (f) the completion of the Divestiture, (g) the Name Change; and (h) the expected composition of the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of the management of ROV and the management of the Company, including, without limitation, that (i) the parties will obtain all necessary corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals and consents required for the completion of the Transaction (including CSE approval), (ii) the ROV Financing will be completed, (iii) the Transaction will be completed on the terms and conditions and within the timeframes expected by each of the Company and ROV, (iv) the Resulting Issuer will be listed on the CSE, as anticipated, (v) the ROV Meeting will be held as expected by ROV, (vi) the Company will complete the Divestiture, (vii) the Resulting Issuer will complete the Name Change, (viii) the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer will be composed of the individuals determined by ROV; and (ix) there will be no adverse changes in applicable regulations or CSE policies that impact the Transaction.

Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company, ROV or the Resulting Issuer to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (A) there can be no assurances that the Company and ROV will obtain all requisite approvals for the Transaction, including the approval of the ROV shareholders, the Company shareholders or the approval of the CSE (which may be conditional upon amendments to the terms of the Transaction), or that the Transaction will be completed on the terms and conditions contained in the Amalgamation Agreement, or at all, (B) there can be no assurances as to the completion of or the actual gross proceeds raised in connection with the ROV Financing or any Interim Financing, (C) the parties and the completion of the Transaction may be adversely impacted by changes in legislation, changes in CSE policies, political instability or general market conditions, (D) the ROV Meeting may not be held within the timeframe expected (E) the directors to be proposed by ROV may refuse to act as directors of the Resulting Issuer, (F) risks relating to the current global trade war, (G) following completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations, or (H) financing may not be available when needed or on terms and conditions acceptable to the Resulting Issuer.

Such forward-looking information represents the best judgment of the management of ROV and the management of the Company based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither the Company, nor ROV, nor any of their representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this press release. Neither the Company, nor ROV, nor any of their representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this press release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250529

SOURCE: Serra Energy Metals Corp.
(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX: TXG) is pleased to announce it has achieved commercial production at the Media Luna mine, concluding the development phase of the Media Luna Project. Amongst other criteria, commercial production is declared when construction is substantially complete, mine and mill throughput have averaged over 40% and 60% of design rates for 30 days, respectively, product is saleable, and metallurgical recoveries have averaged at least 60% of the design recovery levels. Unless otherwise stated, progress and milestones referenced in this press release are as of March 31, 2025.

Jody Kuzenko, President & CEO of Torex, stated:

"I'm proud to announce that we have accomplished one of the last key milestones associated with the Media Luna Project by achieving commercial production. The delivery of Media Luna and our transition to become both a gold and copper producer, substantially within budget and schedule, demonstrates Torex as not only a consistent and reliable operator, but also a company capable of achieving excellence in the execution of major and complex projects.

"Notably, our strong operational performance through the build period, supported by a backdrop of record gold prices, allowed us to accomplish what is largely unheard of in the industry - funding the project almost entirely through the generation of cash from our existing operations at ELG. The modest level of net debt accumulated through the build period will be repaid quickly as the Company pivots to positive free cash flow generation in the middle of 2025.

"Following the safe, successful tie-in of the flotation circuits to the processing plant, the project team is now focused on ramping up the underground mine to the design level of 7,500 tonnes per day ("tpd") by mid-2026, six months ahead of the schedule set out in the Feasibility Study. With underground development ahead of schedule and close to a year of stopes now drilled off, mining rates will steadily increase upon successful completion and commissioning of the paste plant and paste distribution system later this quarter.

"With the Media Luna Project now substantially complete and ramping up to full operations, this will be our last quarterly project update to the market. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our shareholders for your continued trust in Torex to deliver on this massive project as we committed, and to our employees and contractors at Morelos for their unwavering dedication to deliver excellence as we set the foundation for continued growth in Mexico and beyond."

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

As a result of rescheduling the processing plant tie-ins to February 2025 (originally November 2024), expenditures on Media Luna continued to be classed as non-sustaining prior to the declaration of commercial production on April 26, 2025. For accounting purposes, the transition to the production phase will be reflected commencing May 1, 2025. During Q1 2025, $55.5 million was spent on Media Luna. A modest level of non-sustaining capital expenditures will be incurred post the declaration of commercial production, primarily related to completion and commissioning of the paste plant and paste distribution system.

PROJECT COMPLETION

As of the end of Q1 2025, overall construction of Media Luna was 98% complete, up from 94% at the start of the quarter. Underground development/construction sat at 98% complete with the largest outstanding component being the finalization of the tailings and paste distribution lines within the mine. Surface construction was 96% complete at the end of the quarter, with commissioning of the paste plant on track for completion in Q2. First concentrate was produced on March 24th and commercial production has now been achieved.

Table 1: Media Luna Project - Project Completion (April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2025)







Project To Date

Q1 2025 Procurement 100% Engineering 100% Underground development/construction 98% Surface construction (including paste plant) 96% Total Project 98%

Notes to Table

1) Physical progress measured starting as of April 1, 2022; excludes progress made prior to Board approval on March 31, 2022.

2) Project period is defined as April 1, 2022 through declaration of commercial production.

3) Total Project is weighted average based on activity levels.

Underground Development and Construction

Underground development and construction are essentially complete, sitting at 98% at the end of the quarter. Importantly, the Guajes Tunnel conveyor was commissioned during the quarter and has been steadily transporting ore to the processing plant on the north side of the Balsas River (Figure 1).

Significant progress continues to be made on definition drilling, with 51 of the 60 stopes planned to be mined in the 2025 mine plan drilled off, 40 from 2026, and 14 from 2027. Development rates remain above budget with 1,304 metres completed in March compared to a budget of 1,200 metres per month. With paste plant commissioning scheduled to be completed in the second quarter, mining rates are expected to steadily increase through the year and remain on track to achieve the designed rate of 7,500 tpd by mid-2026.

Other notable areas that were completed in the quarter included the electrical connection and commissioning of rock breaker #4 and development of waste pass #2. Key areas that remain outstanding include the installation of the underground paste distribution piping and the remaining underground material handling systems, that will support both Media Luna and EPO.

Figure 1: Commissioning of the Guajes Tunnel conveyor was completed during the quarter. Ore is being transported through the tunnel out of the Guajes Portal for processing on the north side of the Balsas River.





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Surface Construction

At the end of March, surface construction sat at 96% complete, up from 85% at the start of the quarter. Through close coordination between the project and operation teams, the tie-in of the copper and iron sulphide flotation circuits at the processing plant were completed safely and on time. In total, 83 tie-ins were completed and 136 separate systems commissioned. The completion of the tie-in period marked the handover of the new processing facilities to the operations team, resulting in first concentrate production delivered to the on-site storage facility on March 24th (Figure 2) and concentrate shipments from site to the port commencing the first week of April.

The largest components of surface construction that remain outstanding are commissioning of the paste plant and connection of the updated power infrastructure to the national grid. Paste plant construction and commissioning are progressing well. The paste plant filter presses were assembled during the quarter and water testing commenced on the paste plant thickener (Figures 3 and 4). Pipe and instrumentation installation remains a key area for completion ahead of commissioning which is on track to commence over the next several weeks.

Installation of power infrastructure is complete and the energy regulator, Comision Federal de Electricidad ("CFE"), is on site to complete their final checks and commissioning process before the 230 kV transmission line can be tied into the national grid. The tie-in is expected to be completed over the coming weeks, aligned with commissioning of the paste plant.

Other notable surface construction achievements during the quarter included preparation of the base of the Guajes Pit for in-situ tailings disposal, testing of tailings pumping systems to the Guajes thickener, and commissioning of the underground control room for remote operation of the new rock breakers, Guajes conveyor and associated infrastructure.

Figure 2: First concentrate production marked a significant milestone in the completion of the Media Luna Project.





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Figure 3: Paste plant filter installation.





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Figure 4: Paste plant thickener ready for water testing.





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Operational Readiness

In parallel with development and construction activities, the surface and underground operational readiness plan is nearing completion. Commissioning and operational readiness activities for the underground infrastructure, water treatment plant, and flotation circuits were delivered and as the paste plant nears mechanical completion, commissioning and operational readiness deliverables have been finalized to support startup. The operational readiness team continues to develop and advance Standard Operating and Maintenance procedures for the remaining new assets and is tracking to plan at over 91% complete.

The Human Resources, Safety, and Operational teams coordinated the recruitment and training of the final group of employees required to operate the Media Luna mine and the modified process plant. From January 2024 to the end of March 2025, approximately 200 employees were transferred from the ELG Open Pits to the underground mine and more than 160 employees were recruited. The teams also coordinated the redeployment, hiring, and training of just over 110 positions in the processing plant to meet the new operating requirements, all with a key focus on local recruitment.

ABOUT TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC.

Torex Gold Resources Inc. is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development, and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Property (the "Morelos Property"), an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometres southwest of Mexico City.

The Company's principal asset is the Morelos Complex, which includes the producing Media Luna Underground, ELG Underground, and ELG Open Pit mines, the development stage EPO Underground Project, a processing plant, and related infrastructure. Commercial production from the Morelos Complex commenced on April 1, 2016 and an updated Technical Report for the Morelos Complex was released in March 2022.

Torex's key strategic objectives are: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and industry leader in responsible mining. In addition to realizing the full potential of the Morelos Property, the Company is seeking opportunities to acquire assets that enable diversification and deliver value to shareholders.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

QUALIFIED PERSON

The technical and scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Stefanuto, P. Eng, Executive Vice President, Technical Services and Capital Projects of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.

CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements that: the modest level of net debt accumulated through the build period will be repaid quickly as the Company pivots to positive free cash flow generation in the middle of 2025; with underground development ahead of schedule and close to a year of stopes now drilled off, mining rates will steadily increase upon successful completion and commissioning of the paste plant and paste distribution system later this quarter; a modest level of non-sustaining capital expenditures will be incurred post the declaration of commercial production; with paste plant commissioning expected to be completed in the second quarter, mining rates are expected to steadily increase through the year and remain on track to achieve the designed rate of 7,500 tpd by mid-2026 and key strategic objectives are: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and industry leader in responsible mining. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "plan", "strategy", "schedule", "guide", "continue", "future" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur or are "on track" to occur. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties identified in the technical report ("Technical Report") titled ELG Mine Complex Life of Mine Plan and Media Luna Feasibility Study, with an effective date of March 16, 2022, and a filing date of March 31, 2022 and in the Company's annual information form ("AIF") and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments as set out in the Technical Report, AIF and MD&A, 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 the 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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The Technical Report, AIF and MD&A are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and available on the Company's website at www.torexgold.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250452

SOURCE: Torex Gold Resources Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - GoviEx Uranium Inc. (TSXV: GXU) ("GoviEx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, due to significant investor demand, it has upsized its private placement. Further to its news release of 30 April 2025 in which the Company announced a private placement financing of up to 160,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $8.0 million, the Company is now increasing the private placing financing up to 210,000,000 (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit (the "Issue Price"), for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $10.5 million (the "Offering").

The Units to be issued under the private placement will be Hold Units only and pursuant to the exemptions under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") including the accredited investor exemption. Hold Units will be subject to the statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

Each Unit will be comprised of one Class A common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at the USD equivalent price of $0.07 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund continued exploration and development activities on the Company's assets, working capital and for general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about May 5, 2025, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

A cash finder's fee up to 6.0% may be paid to arms-length finders for Hold Units placed by a finder in the Offering. Additionally, on the Closing Date, the Company may issue to such finders Warrants of the Company ("Finder's Warrants") to acquire, in aggregate, a number of Common Shares of the Company equal to up to 3.0% of the aggregate number of Hold Units placed by that finder under the Offering. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at the USD equivalent price of $0.07 per Common Share, exercisable for a period of 18 months following the closing date of the Offering.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities may be offered or sold in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction or an exemption therefrom.

References to "$" in this news release are to Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About GoviEx Uranium Inc.

GoviEx (TSXV: GXU), is a mineral resource company focused on the exploration and development of uranium properties in Africa. GoviEx's principal objective is to become a significant uranium producer through the continued exploration and development of its mine-permitted Muntanga Project in Zambia.

Disclaimers & Cautionary Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All information and statements other than statements of current or historical facts contained in this news release are forward-looking information.

Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in GoviEx's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "should," and similar expressions, are forward- looking statements. Information provided in this document is necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material information.

Forward-looking statements include those with respect to the anticipated quantum, timing and completion of the Offering; receipt of TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering; and the proposed use of the proceeds of the Offering.

Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be achieved. Such assumptions, which may prove incorrect, include the following: (i) receipt of TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering will be obtained; (ii) sufficient subscriptions will be received to complete the entirety of the Offering; (iii) the price of uranium will remain sufficiently high and the costs of advancing the Company's mining projects sufficiently low so as to permit GoviEx to implement its business plans in a profitable manner.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include (i) the Company's failure to complete the Offering in-part or in-full; (ii) inability to make effective use of the proceeds of the Offering; (iii) the failure of the Company's projects, for technical, logistical, labour-relations, or other reasons; (iv) the Company's inability to obtain TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering; (iv) a decrease in the price of uranium below what is necessary to sustain the Company's operations; (v) an increase in the Company's operating costs above what is necessary to sustain its operations; (vi) accidents, labour disputes, or the materialization of similar risks; (vii) a deterioration in capital market conditions that prevents the Company from raising the funds it requires on a timely basis; and (viii) generally, the Company's inability to develop and implement a successful business plan for any reason.

In addition, the factors described or referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024, of GoviEx, which is available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca, should be reviewed in conjunction with the information found in this news release.

Although GoviEx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance, or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances, or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information in this news release will transpire or occur, or, if any of them do so, what benefits that GoviEx will derive therefrom. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and GoviEx disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250538

SOURCE: GoviEx Uranium Inc.
Alleged malfeasance condoned by Canada's financial regulatory agencies, the provincial governments of BC and Ontario, the Government of Canada, CIBC, TD Bank and others including EY, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, Richardson Wealth, Blakes, Torys, BLG and Colson Winterstein

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Following the growing recognition of the damages caused by naked short selling highlighted at the recent Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada ("PDAC") conference in Toronto, the Bockhold Investment Management Committee ("BIM Committee"), on behalf of the clients of BIM Group at CIBC Wood Gundy Park Place, would like to provide an update on our campaign to bring awareness to the loopholes in Canada's self-regulated regime, the impact on public companies and their shareholders and the need for regulatory reform.

In conjunction with recent lawsuits filed by Harrington Global Opportunities Fund Ltd. and Quantum Biopharm Ltd. alleging market manipulation by CIBC, TD Bank and Royal Bank, Murray Bockhold, a former Wood Gundy Investment Advisor has filed a defence in BC Supreme Court in CIBC Wood Gundy v. Murray Bockhold, Vancouver Registry No. S-241997. The defence alleges that CIBC, TD Bank and others have used their Direct Electronic Access ("DEA") and Short Market Exemption ("SME") trading platform to enable illegal market manipulation using algorithms that employ techniques like "spoofing", "baiting" and the creation of counterfeit shares through a delinquent settlement process called a Fail-to-Deliver ("FTD") trade.

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization ("CIRO") and the Ontario Securities Commission acknowledge these techniques are illegal and have issued fines and enforcement against Echelon Wealth Management, Oasis World Trading and CIBC World Markets for illegal market manipulation.

Acting in good faith, BIM, the BIM Committee, Save Canadian Mining and others have made numerous attempts to engage in constructive discussions about regulatory reform which, thus far, have been ignored by all parties. Commenting on the campaign, Katherine Karbownik, a member of the BIM Committee adds, "We, the clients, have been harmed and wonder what credible institution refuses to fully and independently investigate when presented with a serious complaint and the compelling evidence to support it? Despite our repeated appeals to these very institutions that claim to protect us, we've been ignored. Not a scenario to retain or build trust."

The ineffectiveness of enforcement action in Canada's regulatory regime is demonstrated by the recent negligible penalty imposed against TD Bank for money-laundering. On May 2, 2024 Canada's self regulator, FINTRAC, imposed an "administrative monetary penalty" and stated:

"This penalty was imposed for administrative violations committed by The Toronto-Dominion Bank under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and its associated Regulations, and not for criminal offences for money laundering or terrorist activity financing."

On October 10, 2024 the TD Bank plead guilty to money-laundering and the US Department of Justice ("DOJ") disclosure stated:

"By making its services convenient for criminals, TD Bank became one," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Today, TD Bank also became the largest bank in U.S. history to plead guilty to Bank Secrecy Act program failures, and the first US bank in history to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. TD Bank chose profits over compliance with the law - a decision that is now costing the bank billions of dollars in penalties. Let me be clear: our investigation continues, and no individual involved in TD Bank's illegal conduct is off limits."

"First US bank in history to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering." - US Department of Justice

FINTRAC fined TD Bank $9.2 million and made a point of stating there was no criminal malfeasance. Presumably based on the same set of facts, TD pleaded guilty to criminal charges in the US and three regulators fined TD Bank a total of US$3.1 billion and put an asset cap on their growth in the United States for a minimum of 4 years. It is reported that TD's US assets are $434 billion which, assuming 5% annual asset growth, implies an additional fine of US$87 billion.

Commenting on the difference between the enforcement action in Canada versus the United States, BIM Committee member Lorne Pringle stated: "It would appear that all of Canada's regulatory agencies are conflicted and the RCMP are notable by their absence. This reinforces the impression that there is no deterrent to criminal malfeasance in Canada."

The issue of naked short selling resulting in the issuance of counterfeit shares and illegal market manipulation like spoofing affects investors worldwide. In Canada, CIRO reported FTD's in 2023 of $121.9 billion1 or $484 million daily and according to a petition published March 12, 2025 by We The Investors, average daily FTD's, or counterfeit shares, in the US in 2024 were US$2.9 billion or $730.8 billion annually. This $1.15 trillion of selling pressure artificially and illegally manipulates stock prices down and is a direct transfer of wealth from consumers to bank trading desks and hedge funds.

To restore the integrity of North American capital markets and provide adequate consumer protection, CIRO needs to ensure the proposed mandatory close-out amendments issued in their January 9, 2025 bulletin are implemented and take further steps that include:

1) Restore the 'tick test',

2) Rescind the SME trading platform,

3) Require a universal pre-borrow on all short sales,

4) Impose monetary fees or fines for FTD's, and

5) Institute new procedures to ensure mandatory enforcement

Recently, Elon Musk and the DOGE have announced their intention to investigate the SEC for fraud and corruption. The BIM Committee would like to extend an invitation to the DOGE to review the DOJ Case History filed in BC Supreme Court and enforce against the perpetrators for their alleged fraudulent activity which harms US public companies and their shareholders every bit as much as Canadian shareholders.

On Behalf of the BIM Committee, CIBC retail clients and investors worldwide.

CIBC Wood Gundy v. Murray Bockhold, SCBC Vancouver Registry Action No. S-241997

CIBC Wood Gundy v. Murray Bockhold, SCBC Vancouver Registry Action No. S-190711

US Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada Case No. 13-51496-GWZ

Gryphon Gold Corp. v. Waterton Resource Management, Inc. District of Nevada Case No. CV18-01557

1 Calculated by BIM based on data from CIRO, TMX Group, CBOE/NEO and CSE

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250444

SOURCE: Bockhold Investment Management
SYDNEY, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Since first conducting research on consumer attitudes about travelling more sustainably in 2016, Booking.com has surveyed nearly 230,000 travellers in 35 markets. Today, Booking.com released the 10th edition of its annual research exploring consumer attitudes and intentions concerning the social and ecological impact of travel:

Booking.com's new research takes a community-centric lens. Asking respondents not just how they travel but also how they experience inbound visitors where they live, this approach sheds light on the benefits and challenges of tourism from their perspective as both travellers and locals.

For the first time, more than half of Australian travellers (51%) are now conscious of tourism's impact on local communities, as well as the environment.

In 2016, less than half (40%) of Aussie travellers believed they travelled sustainably. By 2025, almost all travellers (91%) said they want to make more sustainable travel choices.

While 62% of Australian travellers feel that tourism has a positive impact overall where they live, they also highlight challenges including traffic, littering, overcrowding and a rising cost of living.

Australians are increasingly committed to supporting the economies of the destinations they visit, with 77% wanting the money they spend to go back to the local community, and 73% wanting to leave places better than when they arrived.

"To ensure that destinations can continue to be enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike, tourism, infrastructure and innovation need to keep pace with travellers' good intent," says Todd Lacey, Regional Manager, Oceania at Booking.com.

"We ultimately want to make it easier for travellers to connect with a more diverse range of local communities across Australia, from far-flung regions to Indigenous tourism operators so we help spread the positive benefits of tourism more broadly."

To download Booking.com's full 2025 research, visit HERE.

About Booking.com:

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com's mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com's marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bookingcoms-2025-sustainable-travel-research-reveals-growing-awareness-of-tourisms-impact-on-communities-302443963.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Pedro Resources Ltd. (CSE: VBN) ("Pedro" or the "Company") wishes to provide an update with respect to the filing its audited annual financial statements for the year end December 31, 2024, the related management discussion and analysis ("MD&A"), and the related management certifications of annual filings (collectively, the "Annual Filings"). The Company did not file the Annual Filings by the prescribed deadline of April 30, 2025. The Company anticipates that the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") will issue the Company a cease trade order in the coming day.

The Company estimates that the Annual Filings will be completed on or before May 30, 2025.

Until the Company has filed the Annual Filings, members of the Company's management and other insiders are subject to an insider trading black-out. The Company confirms that, other than as disclosed in prior press releases and material change reports, there have been no material business developments since the filing of the Company's latest interim financial report.

About Pedro Resources Ltd.

Pedro Resources Ltd. is a Canadian exploration company listed on the CSE focused on mineral exploration and development. The Company is currently advancing a proposed change of business toward the development of biotechnologies for the remediation and reclamation of contaminated soils.

For further information, contact:

On behalf of the Board

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's proposed change of business and the Offering.

The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release.

The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250557

SOURCE: Pedro Resources Ltd.
Earnix, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based dynamic AI platform for Insurance, is to acquire Zelros, a Paris, France based pioneer in Generative AI for insurers and banks.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

By combining Earnixs advanced Predictive AI platform with Zelross GenAI recommendations engine, providers can now present the right offer, at the right price, at the right time. The joint offering provides precise decision-making at scale in regulated environments for pricing and product managers, underwriters, and agents, ultimately resulting in higher conversion rates with better customer engagement and satisfaction.

Both companies bring demonstrated impact in supporting insurers and banks across the globe, including Aviva, AXA, BPCE, IAG, Generali, Matmut, Santander, and Tokio Marine.

Led by Damien Philippon, Co-founder and CEO, Zelros is an InsurTech company whose GenAI-driven recommendation engine is enabling a unique customer and agent experience through hyper-personalized insurance recommendations across channels. Zelros serves some of the worlds largest insurance companies, including AXA, BPCE, Groupe Prevoir, MAIF, and Matmut.

Led by Robin Gilthorpe, CEO, Earnix is a provider of mission-critical, intelligent decisioning across pricing, underwriting, rating, and product personalization. Its fully integrated platform is designed to enable global insurers and banks to unlock value across all facets of the business. Earnix has been innovating for insurers and banks since 2001, with customers in over 35 countries across six continents and offices in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Israel. The company is backed by investors JVP and Insight Partners.

FinSMEs

01/05/2025
Nani and Srinidhi Shetty starrer HIT 3 is raw, violent and will remind you of Marco, Animal and Salaar read more

Star cast: Nani, Srinidhi Shetty, Adil Pala, Rao Ramesh, Brahmaji and Maganti Srinath

Director: Sailesh Kolanu

The first two parts of the HIT universe have been gripping and undoubtedly score high because of its storytelling. Well, HIT 3 or HIT: The Third Case featuring Natural Star promises to take the universe to a notch higher. While the trailer looked massy at its core, lets find out whether it has impressed the cinegoers or not.

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The opening sequence starts with a police function where SP Dhanya Mohan is getting honour posthumously for her bravery while at the same time, SP Arjun Sarkaar of HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) is going to jail.

As he enters the jail, one of the prisoners tries to kill Arjun but another one stops him. He gives him a knife for protection and asks him the reason for coming to jail.

Cut to, SP Arjun tying a person upside down in the middle of a deserted forest above the river or lake and killing him mercilessly by cutting his neck and removing three parts of the body. On the same day, he joins Vizag Police Station as SP.

Interestingly, his team gets the information about the murder in the forest and he reaches them to investigate. As they dont find any traces or pieces of evidence, Arjun tells his team to continue the investigation.

Coming to his personal life, Arjun is a no-nonsense person, who doesnt smile, gets angry easily and has anxiety issues. He doesnt share a good bond with his father (Samuthirakani) because he left him to his grandfather after his mothers demise for the duty.

He gets rejected by several girls during the first meet after connecting on the dating sites due to his judgemental questions and rude behaviour. However, when Mrudula (Srinidhi Shetty) comes to meet him near his office, he is shocked as she tells him that they had a conversation on the matrimony site. He quickly realizes that his father has made his profile on the site and chatted with her. Arjun confesses this thing to Mrudula but she falls for honesty and they start falling for each other.

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On the next day, Arjun gets ready to kill a person in the forest with the same pattern but is attacked by one of her subordinates Varsha. She tells him that right from the time when they reached the crime scene of the earlier murder, she had a doubt on him and thats why kept a tap on him.

However, Arjun ties Varsha, makes his second killing and reveals that the two persons, whom he murdered are criminals and not innocent civilians. He then narrates a flashback story of a few years back, during his posting in Jammu & Kashmir, he comes across a murder with the same pattern as a neck is cut and three parts of the body, which cannot be used for transplantation and are used for hormones secretion.

While he catches the culprit with his strategy, in the fight he also injures other attackers. His senior (Tisca Chopra) says that out of the other 5 people, who are severely injured two are Kashmiri activists and because of that there is a protest against Arjun.

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While one murderer is under captive, a murder with the same pattern takes place in Bihar and the culprit is behind bars. Arjun goes to Bihar and brings the murderer to Srinagar. He brings both murderers face-to-face and tries to remove information.

As one of the murderers dies because of suicide and one of the Kashmiri activists succumb to injuries, Arjun gets transferred to Vizag. After understanding everything, Varsha now wants to help Arjun in getting to know the motive of dark web CKT (Capture, Kill, Torture), who are giving these killing patterns and the mastermind behind it.

Sailesh Kolanus directorial HIT 3 is gripping right from its first frame as something is happening every moment. The film will keep you at the edge of your seat with its compelling narrative and slick storytelling. Despite being a massy survival thriller, the solid twists and turns will surprise you and enhance your musical experience. The action pieces are raw and violent and will remind you of Marco, Animal and Salaar. The film deserves brownie points for its superb camera work by Sanu John Varghese.

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Talking about the performances, Nani carries the role of Arjun Sarkaar with his suave charm, swag and charisma. Right from his small nuances to his action-packed avatar, the Natural Star has ruled every frame. Prateik Babbar as Alpha is menacing while Mradula ignites the screen with her innocent and luminous presence.

In the epic climax, the surprising cameos will make you cheer, whistle and shout. On the whole, HIT 3 is a massy entertainer, which should be watched on the big screen.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

HIT 3 is playing in cinemas
After spending nearly three months at the helm of US President Donald Trumps Doge, Elon Musk is stepping back from his role. While Tesla chief is scaling down his work, he is not entirely quitting. Instead, he will dedicate a day or two each week while shifting his focus back to his floundering businesses read more

Although Elon Musk is stepping back from a full-time presence at the White House, he still plans to dedicate a day or two each week to the Doge. File image/Reuters

When Elon Musk was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), there was a lot of uncertainty about what his appointment would bring to the table. As a special government employee under President Donald Trump, many were unsure what to make of his unexpected role.

Now, after nearly three months at the helm, Musk is stepping back. Hes not quitting, but he wont be running things from up close anymore. Instead, the Tesla chief plans to shift his focus back to his floundering businesses.

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Also read: Musk to step back from Doge as Tesla faces sales slump, profit pressure

From caramel Haagen-Dazs runs at Trumps invitation to blunt admissions that some decisions couldve been better, Musk gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his White House life during a group interview with reporters on Wednesday.

As his 100-day whirlwind in the Trump administration draws to a close, heres a look at what went down at Doge.

Doge is a way of life

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Elon Musk reflected on his time in Washington and gave something of a farewell to President Donald Trumps Cabinet.

Im proud of the incredible work by the Doge team. They take a lot of flak, Musk was quoted by USA Today as saying. These are people that can easily get a high-paying job in the private sector, and in fact, came from high-paying jobs in the private sector.

When asked who might take over Doge once he steps back, Musk kept things vague.

Is Buddha needed for Buddhism? he replied, before repeating a phrase hes clearly grown fond of: Doge is a way of life.

Elon Musk speaks as President Donald Trump holds his first Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, on Wednesday. AP

Although his physical presence at the White House will now be limited, Musk said he plans to keep his comically tiny office on the top floor of the West Wing. According to NBC News, he admitted that he occasionally played video games like Diablo and Path of Exile there on a large monitor connected to his computer.

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Musk, known for crashing on couches while travelling, said Trump, whom he called a good friend, would sometimes invite him to spend the night in the White Houses Lincoln Bedroom, especially after late returns from trips.

Hell actually call late at night and say, Oh, by the way, make sure you get some ice cream from the kitchen, Musk added with a laugh. Dont tell RFK.

Musk wont give up on the $1 trillion goal

Elon Musks ambitious goal to slash $1 trillion from federal spending by the next fiscal year remains on the table; however, he admitted that it would be a long road.

President Trump has supported Musks aggressive cost-cutting agenda, signing executive orders that slashed funding across multiple federal agencies. The Department of Health and Human Services, for example, faces a proposed 30 per cent budget cut, while the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has seen its programmes dismantled.

People hold placards, as the USAID building sits closed to employees after a memo was issued advising agency personnel to work remotely, in Washington. File image/Reuters

While Musk says that Doge has helped the government save over $160 billion, a CBS News analysis revealed that the federal government spent over $200 billion more in the first 100 days of Trumps term compared to the same period the previous year.

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Musk has acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, Its really difficult Its sort of, how much pain is, you know, the Cabinet and this Congress willing to take? Because it can be done, but it requires dealing with a lot of complaints.

Not as effective as I would like

One of Doges most controversial moves under Elon Musks watch has been the massive downsizing of the federal workforce through fork in the road voluntary buyouts and terminations of positions.

So far, around 20,000 workersroughly 1 per centhave been fired, while nearly 80,000 accepted the buyouts, designed to encourage voluntary exits. Doge aides who joined Musk during his recent media interaction said the plan is to eventually reduce the federal workforce by hundreds of thousands.

When asked about what he mightve done differently, Musk didnt use the word regret.

I prefer to refer to them as better decisions could have been made with the benefit of hindsight, he told USA Today. But of course, hindsight is 2020. In the grand scheme of things, I think weve been effective. Not as effective as Id like  I mean, we could be more effective, but weve made progress.

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How Musk plans to manage his Doge role

Although Elon Musk is stepping back from a full-time presence at the White House, he still plans to dedicate a day or two each week to the Doge.

Starting next month, Ill be allocating far more of my time to Tesla, now that the major work of establishing the Department of Government Efficiency is done, Musk said. He added that he plans to keep contributing to Doge for as long as the President would like me to do so, and as long as it is useful.

(File) Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, left, and US President Donald Trump. AP

Musks role as a special government employee has given him the title of senior adviser to the president, allowing him to serve up to 130 calendar days a year.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told the New York Post that even though Musk is pulling back a bit, the work at Doge is far from over.

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, she said.

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With input from agencies
On May 1, 1889, May Day was celebrated for the first time as a labour holiday. Since then, Labour Day has grown into a global event, with millions joining marches, rallies, and other activities to honour workers and demand their rights. Also, on this day in 1931, US President Herbert Hoover officially dedicated the Empire State Building in New York City. Standing at 1,250 feet with 102 floors, it was the tallest skyscraper in the world at the time read more

A march in New York City on May Day, May 1, 1909. Image: Library of Congress

On May 1, 1889, May Day, which had earlier been an event to welcome spring, was celebrated for the first time as a labour holiday. This change was made by the International Socialist Congress. In the United States and Canada, a similar day is held on the first Monday of September and is called Labour Day.

Also, on this day in 1931, the Empire State Building was officially opened in New York City. It remained the tallest building in the world for the next forty years.

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Meanwhile, in 1840, the first adhesive postage stamp in the world, the Penny Black, was used in a public postal system. It showed a side view of Queen Victoria.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

Lets take a look at these events in detail:

May Day is founded

May Day honours the historic efforts and progress made by workers and the labour movement. It is observed in many countries on May 1.

On this day in 1889, an international group of socialist organisations and trade unions chose May 1 as a day to support workers. This was in memory of the Haymarket Riot in Chicago (1886), where a bomb blast killed seven police officers and at least four civilians.

Five years later, US President Grover Cleveland, concerned about the socialist link to Workers Day, passed a law to make Labor Day an official holiday in the United States. However, some states were already observing it on the first Monday of September.

Demonstrators hold signs during a rally celebrating May Day in New York, US. Reuters/File Photo

Since then, Labour Day has become a worldwide event. Millions join marches, rallies and other activities to recognise workers roles and call for their rights.

In many countries, Labour Day is a national holiday. In India, the first Labour Day event was held in Chennai (then called Madras) in 1923 by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

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Two gatherings took place, one at Triplicane Beach and the other near the Madras High Court. At these meetings, a resolution was passed asking the British government to declare May 1 a Labour Day and a public holiday.

Empire State Building is officially opened

On May 1, 1931, US President Herbert Hoover officially dedicated the Empire State Building in New York City.

The building was completed in just over a year. It came in under budget at $40 million and was finished well ahead of schedule. At certain times during construction, the frame rose at a rate of four-and-a-half storeys each week.

John J Raskob and Al Smith were the key figures behind the project.

The project gave work to up to 3,400 people a day. Image: X/Library of Congress

When it was completed, the Empire State Building had 102 storeys and stood at 1,250 feet tall (1,454 feet including the lightning rod). It was the tallest skyscraper in the world at the time.

During the Great Depression, the project gave work to up to 3,400 people a day. Most of them earned good wages, especially considering the hard economic times.

The Empire State Building has also been praised for its efforts in energy conservation. In 2020, it finished a renovation that cut energy use, lowered emissions by around 40 per cent, and improved efficiency.

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In 1972, the World Trade Center in New York became the new tallest building, though it only held the title for a short time. Today, that honour goes to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which reaches 2,716 feet.

Worlds first postage stamp was issued

The Penny Black was the first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was first issued in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840, but could not be used until May 6.

Before this, in 1837, postal charges in Britain were high, confusing, and often unfair. To make things easier, Sir Rowland Hill suggested using a stamp to show that postage had been paid in advance.

At the time, it was common for the person receiving a letter to pay for it. The cost was based on how many sheets were sent and how far the letter had to travel.

Hill chose a simple design that featured the profile of Queen Victoria. Image: Smithsonian National Postal Museum

With the Penny Black, people could send letters weighing up to 14g for a fixed cost of one penny, no matter how far they were going.

Hill chose a simple design that featured the profile of Queen Victoria. He picked black ink for the stamp, which led to its name, the Penny Black.

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Because they were the first stamps ever made, the Penny Black and the Twopenny Blue did not show the name of the country. Even today, British stamps do not include the country name.

Like the first stamps, they always feature a picture of the current monarch.

This Day, That Year

1851: The Great Exhibition began in London inside the Crystal Palace, which was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton.

1941: Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles and widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, had its premiere in New York City.

1960: The Indian state of Maharashtra was formed based on cultural and language differences.

1961: Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize for her well-known novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

1961: The first major hijacking of a plane in the United States took place when a man forced a flight from Miami to Key West to change course and fly to Cuba.

1963: Jim Whittaker, alongside Sherpa climber Nawang Gombu, became the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

2004: The European Union welcomed 10 new member countries - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

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Indias sweeping ban on Pakistani aircraft, following Islamabads closure of its airspace to Indian carriers, is threatening to derail Pakistan International Airlines already troubled privatisation bid. With key Southeast Asian routes disrupted and mounting financial pressure, the future of Pakistans national carrier hangs in the balance as regional tensions take a new turn  in the skies read more

View of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane, taken through a glass panel, at Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan, October 3, 2023. File Image/Reuters

Indias decision to restrict access to its vast airspace for all aircraft linked to Pakistan  including those registered, operated, or leased by Pakistani carriers or the state  has triggered a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two neighbours.

The ban, a direct response to Pakistans earlier airspace closure for Indian airlines, is being widely interpreted as a strategic move with sweeping consequences for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a national carrier already teetering under heavy financial distress.

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The airspace restrictions, which came into effect on April 30 and will continue until at least May 23, are poised to severely disrupt select PIA routes to Southeast Asia and further complicate Islamabads ongoing struggle to privatise the loss-making airline.

The background to this tit-for-tat action lies in the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 individuals were killed.

Pakistans closure of its own airspace to Indian flights came shortly after the attack, a move perceived by analysts as a preventive step to avoid any potential military response from India.

India formally notified aviation authorities through a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions): Indian airspace not available to Pakistan registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Pakistan airlines. These include military flights.

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation later confirmed the scope of the restrictions, stating that no aircraft associated with Pakistan, whether commercial or military, would be permitted to enter Indian airspace.

The move was widely viewed as a non-violent yet effective means to apply economic and political pressure.

How this move has impacted PIA

For PIA, the timing of the Indian restriction could hardly be worse. The airline is currently operating with fewer than 100 aircraft and has been aggressively trying  and failing  to attract investors in its privatisation bid.

The ban immediately affected six to eight of PIAs weekly flights that would typically use Indian airspace en route to destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Seoul.

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According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) summer schedule data, PIA had approvals for:

Four weekly flights between Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur,

Two flights from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur,

And two more between Lahore and Seoul.

These routes, which now require longer and more circuitous paths through Chinese, Laotian and Thai airspace, face significant delays and increased fuel costs.

Flights to Colombo, Dhaka, Bangkok, and Hanoi are also affected as carriers must now detour around Indias vast territorial airspace, adding both time and expense to their journeys.

Although most of PIAs 308 weekly international flights are directed toward West Asia  including countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait  and thus do not usually overfly India, the financial implications of the disrupted Southeast Asian routes are substantial.

Aviation analytics firm Cirium confirms that over 80 percent of PIAs international services operate to West Asia. These routes remain largely unaffected by the ban. However, flights to Southeast Asia now face substantial logistical hurdles and cost implications.

The flights originating from Islamabad to Kuala Lumpur of Pakistan International Airlines, which generally take about 5 hours 30 minutes, will now take 8 hours 30 minutes Any aircraft originating from Pakistan that needs to travel to, say, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka will have to take a longer route over the sea This will lead to increased flying time, increased operating costs, and increased tickets (prices). This will lead to increased turnaround times and a shortage of aircrew. The same aeroplane will have to be rotated back, which will be further delayed This will lead to less utilisation of these aeroplanes, ANI quoted Air Marshal (Retd) Sanjeev Kapoor.

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Adding to the operational strain, PIA also announced on April 30 the suspension of all services to and from Gilgit, Skardu and other northern regions. These remote areas, known for poor road connectivity and difficult terrain, rely heavily on air transport.

The halt in flights has disrupted the movement of passengers and goods and raised concern among residents and tourists alike.

Though the airline has not officially disclosed the reason for the suspension, sources within Pakistans aviation industry suggest it is part of a broader effort to streamline costs amid growing financial pressures.

How PIA is struggling with privatisation

As the ban takes effect, Pakistans latest attempt to privatise PIA enters a critical phase. After two failed efforts in recent years, the government has reopened the bidding process, offering up to 100 per cent ownership and full managerial control to attract serious investors, reported The Economic Times.

The bidding window remains open until June 3, with a final auction expected between October and December 2025.

The first major attempt in October 2024 collapsed after only one bidder  the Blue World City consortium  offered Rs 10 billion, significantly short of the Rs 85.03 billion reserve price set by Pakistans Privatisation Commission.

The offer was Rs 75 billion below expectations and was rejected.

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In response, the government has made several adjustments, reported The Economic Times. A holding company  PIA Holding Company Limited  was created to offload legacy debt and non-core assets. This restructuring brought PIAs liabilities down from Rs 864 billion to around Rs 190 billion.

The remaining liabilities include Rs 148 billion in operational debt and Rs 36 billion in employee-related obligations. Non-core assets worth Rs 20 billion have also been separated from the airlines core operations.

To make the deal more attractive, the government has offered:

Exemption from the 18 per cent General Sales Tax on leased or newly purchased aircraft,

Financial support to improve the airlines balance sheet,

And protection against certain tax and legal claims.

Revised eligibility criteria now allow both airlines and non-airline businesses to participate, provided they meet updated financial benchmarks.

For instance, non-airline bidders must demonstrate at least Rs 200 billion in annual revenue as shown in audited financials from December 2023 or later.

Still, despite the incentives, the government has struggled to generate investor interest. Industry analysts suggest this is due in part to geopolitical uncertainties, poor legacy performance and a lack of confidence in the airlines turnaround prospects.

Also Watch:

Denying Pakistani aircraft access to Indian skies not only inflicts economic costs on an already struggling aviation sector but also illustrates Indias capacity to impose asymmetric penalties without crossing military thresholds.

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With inputs from agencies
India ranks fourth in the Global Firepower Index 2025 with 1.46 million active troops and an $81 billion defence budget, while Pakistan ranks 12th with 660,000 personnel and a $10 billion allocation. India operates 2,229 aircraft, 4,201 tanks and 293 naval vessels  including two aircraft carriers  outmatching Pakistans 1,399 aircraft, 2,627 tanks, and 121 naval assets read more

Indian Army soldiers participate in a mock drill exercise during the Army Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 15, 2016. File Image/Reuters

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

In the aftermath, the Indian government initiated a series of retaliatory measures and strategic recalibrations, while Pakistan has also undertaken parallel steps that have further strained diplomatic ties.

As both nations remain on high military alert, analysts warn that any misstep could push South Asia toward conflict.

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In response to the April 22 attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly authorised the Indian armed forces to independently decide the nature and timing of Indias response.

A detailed comparison of the two countries military strength, defence budgets and nuclear arsenals reveals the scope of their capabilities and the balance of power in the region.

Military size & manpower: India holds the numerical advantage

India significantly outpaces Pakistan in terms of active military personnel, reserves, and paramilitary forces. According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India ranks fourth globally, while Pakistan holds the twelfth position, having fallen from ninth.

India fields approximately 1.46 million active troops with an additional 1.15 million in reserves, alongside 2.5 million paramilitary personnel.

In contrast, Pakistan maintains 654,000 active soldiers, around 500,000 paramilitary forces, and according to another estimate, 291,000 paramilitary police.

This demographic edge is supported by Indias vast population, with nearly 24 million individuals reaching military age annually, compared to 4.8 million in Pakistan. This youthful demographic provides India with a deeper and more sustainable recruitment base for future force expansion.

Defence spending shows a significant divide

A major factor in the disparity between the two militaries lies in their respective defence budgets.

India has allocated approximately 6.81 trillion ($7981 billion) for FY202526, marking a 9.5 per cent increase from the previous year. This places India among the top five global military spenders.

Pakistans defence expenditure, by comparison, is considerably lower, with an estimated allocation of 2.28 trillion ($7.610 billion) for FY202526, reflecting a year-on-year increase of around Rs 159 billion.

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Indias greater financial bandwidth has allowed it to modernise its forces and diversify its procurement sources.

Traditionally reliant on Russia, India has expanded imports from France, Israel and the United States. Domestic production has also risen, including projects involving aircraft carriers, submarines and helicopters.

As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has become the worlds largest arms importer, while reducing its dependence on Russia  from 76 per cent of total imports in 20092013 to 36 per cent between 20192023.

Pakistan, on the other hand, sources a dominant share of its military hardware from China. SIPRI data shows that 82 per cent of Pakistans imports between 20192023 came from China, up from 51 per cent in 20092012.

It also receives advanced systems and drones from Turkey, and has historical procurement ties with France and Russia.

Land forces: Tanks, artillery and mechanised strength

India holds a significant advantage in mechanised warfare platforms.

Its ground force arsenal includes 4,201 tanks, notably the T-90 Bhishma and domestically developed Arjun series, as well as over 148,000 armoured vehicles  roughly three times Pakistans count.

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Pakistan operates around 2,627 tanks and 6,137 armoured fighting vehicles. In the artillery domain, India again leads with 11,225 pieces, in comparison to Pakistans 4,619.

Although Pakistan has a greater number of self-propelled artillery systems, the overall firepower and quantity of Indias land systems afford it greater flexibility in both conventional and hybrid conflict scenarios.

India vs Pakistan on air superiority

Indias air force is larger and better equipped across most parameters. It operates a total of 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighter jets such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale and indigenous Tejas fighters.

Its fleet also comprises 899 helicopters, including attack and utility variants, and six aerial refuelling tankers.

Pakistan, by contrast, operates 1,399 aircraft, which include 328 fighter jets  primarily the F-16 and JF-17 Thunder  and 373 helicopters. Pakistan has four aerial tankers.

However, it surpasses India in the number of military trainer aircraft, with 565 compared to Indias 351, aiding in faster pilot training cycles.

Blue-water vs Green-water capabilities

Indias navy is significantly more capable, both in size and strategic depth. With 293 vessels, including two aircraft carriers  INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant  13 destroyers and 18 submarines, India qualifies as a blue-water navy capable of operating across global maritime zones.

Pakistans naval fleet consists of 121 ships, with no aircraft carriers or destroyers and eight submarines. Its operational focus remains limited to the Arabian Sea, classifying it as a green-water navy primarily suited for coastal defence.

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Indias larger maritime footprint supports its regional dominance in the Indian Ocean and enhances its strategic deterrence against both Pakistan and China.

Nuclear arsenal and missile tech

Both countries are nuclear-armed, with roughly 170 warheads each, as per the Arms Control Association. Indias policy follows a declared No First Use doctrine, while Pakistan retains the right to initiate a nuclear response if deemed necessary.

Indias delivery systems include the Agni series of missiles, with the Agni-V reportedly capable of hitting targets beyond 5,200 km  and up to 8,000 km, according to some assessments.

India is also working on the Agni-VI, which is expected to further extend its intercontinental capabilities.

Pakistans missile arsenal includes the Shaheen-III, with a range of 2,750 km, and reportedly under development to surpass 3,000 km with assistance from foreign allies.

Notably, Pakistan has also fielded the Nasr (Hatf-9) tactical nuclear missile, with a range of 70 km, allowing for battlefield-level nuclear deterrence.

Both nations are working to develop triads for nuclear delivery  via land, air and sea  but India currently leads in range and platform diversity.

Who has the better operational experience

While India holds the numerical and technological upper hand, strategic constraints are not insignificant. A large portion of Indian troops are deployed along its northern border with China, which has been a flashpoint in recent years.

Pakistan, meanwhile, focuses on its western frontier, managing spillover threats from Afghanistan.

Indias military is larger, but it has the strategic challenges of two borders to defend, Bloomberg quoted Harsh Pant, Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation, highlighting the multidimensional demands placed on Indian forces.

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Both nations have invested in surveillance and drone technology. Pakistans military recently claimed to have downed an Indian surveillance drone along the Line of Control (LoC), showing how tactical engagements persist despite broader deterrence.

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Indias superior economy and military infrastructure provide it with a commanding edge across most conventional parameters, while Pakistan relies on tactical nuclear capabilities and asymmetric strategies for deterrence.

Although both countries have modernised their forces since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, the present standoff serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly events can spiral.

With inputs from agencies
Days after the Pahalgam terror attack, India has witnessed several attempts at cyberattacks  websites have been defaced and information has been tried to be harvested. These incidents have been carried out by Pakistan-based hackers. Security experts note that these hacks are a part of Islamabads psychological warfare against New Delhi read more

Wars are not fought only on the battlefield  modern wars are fought online. Heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack on April 22 have bled into cyberspace with hackers engaging in cyberattacks.

Notably, the cyberattacks coincide with Pakistans continuous firing along the Line of Control (LoC)  for seven consecutive days, Islamabad has opened fire along the LoC near Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir.

Experts have warned that such incidents  of hackers defacing webpages and harvesting information  will spike in the days to come, stating that cyberattacks have become extensions of geopolitical strategy.

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As these hacking incidents continue, we take a closer look at whos responsible.

Whats been targeted so far in the cyberattacks?

On April 25, three days after the Pahalgam terror attack, news came in that the website of Indias Army College of Nursing had been hacked. The hackers left an inflammatory message on the Army College of Nursings website.

The message, written in English and Urdu, read: Our religion, customs are miles apart and that makes us stronger The two-nation theory was not just an idea but its the truth We are Muslims, you are Hindus Allah is with us Your religion wont save you, but it will be the cause of your death We are just too superior and powerful.

A view of the hacked homepage of the Army College of Nursing.

The reference to the two-theory nation echoed recent remarks by Pakistani army chief Asim Munir, which is believed to have acted as a catalyst for the Pahalgam terror attack. In his speech, he stated that India and Pakistan are fundamentally different nations.

Days later, the websites of Army Public School Srinagar and Army Public School Ranikhet were hacked, with the homepages of both sites displaying propaganda-laced content. In Srinagars case, a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack was also launched, temporarily taking the website offline. They managed to deface the homepage, and cause DDoS disruptions, but the web managers were able to quickly rectify the issue, an Army source was quoted as saying.

Additionally, there was also an attempted breach of the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database along with efforts to compromise the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation portal.

On Tuesday (April 29), the website of the Rajasthan education department was also hacked with a message pasted on the homepage mocking the Indian adminstration over the 2019 capture of Air Force officer Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan.

The hackers also posted objectionable content regarding the Pahalgam attack. The message read, Pahalgam was no attack  it was an inside job You lit the fire, now brace for the meltdown.

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The message further stated: No borders. No warnings. No mercy The next hit wont be bullets  itll be bytes

Thats not all. Cybersecurity experts have also warned of a malicious PDF file titled Report & Update Regarding Pahalgam Terror Attack.pdf circulating online. The document, according to Economic Times, is linked to phishing domains, including indiadefencedepartment[.]link, which mimics official Indian government websites.

Quick Heals team has also identified pro-Pakistani hacker group APT36 (Transparent Tribe) deploying CrimsonRAT malware through sophisticated phishing attacks along with an RMM tool known as MeshAgent.

In fact, cyber experts have reported a 10-15 per centgrowth in malicious ad placements with Pakistani flags on OTT websites. Cyberattacks are no longer fringe acts of disruption They have become deliberate extensions of geopolitical strategy, Sundareshwar Krishnamurthy, partner and leader - cybersecurity at PwC India, told the Economic Times.

Whos responsible for these cyberattack?

Multiple hacking groups have been found responsible for the recent cyberattacks been perpetrated in India.

For instance, the hacking group, Team Insane PK, claimed responsibility for the defacement of the Indian Army College of Nursing website. This group is believed to have been behind distributed denial of service (DDoS) and other types of cyberattacks on Indian government and other websites, including those of companies and educational institutes.

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They had also targeted Indian government websites ahead of the 2023 G20 summit in India. In fact, a report by Cloudseks threat research team found that Insane Pk carried out approximately 2,450 targeted cyberattacks under #OpIndia days before the G20 summit.

Last year, they became notoriously famous when they hacked the website of renowned fast-food chain, Burger Singh. Team Insane PK not only penetrated Burger Singhs digital defences but also took the opportunity to showcase their mischievous prowess by redesigning the website.

Besides Team Insane PK, the cyber attacks have also been reportedly perpetrated by a group that operates under the moniker, IOK Hacker or the Internet of Khilafah.

Whats behind the cyberattacks?

Indian intelligence agencies have noted that the cyberattacks have been retaliatory and symbolic after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. An official familiar with the matter, was even quoted as saying, These were public-facing platforms. When national defense networks proved impenetrable, they targeted softer, more visible sites.

However, experts have noted that these hacking incidents carry a high value. Thats because these attacks are part of a broader playbook to sow distrust, create panic, and amplify conflict narratives via social media and digital forums.

An Indian paramilitary trooper stands guard as commuters walk along a street in Srinagar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the military operational freedom to respond to a deadly attack in Kashmir that New Delhi has blamed on arch-rival Pakistan. AFP

Authorities note that its a psychological warfare tactic being used by Pakistan, which is attempting to destabilise Indian institutions. Investigations are underway, and steps are being taken to trace the origin and network of the hacker group.

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Experts note that hacking incidents have become a tactic often used by Pakistan against India. For instance, a group known as Transparent Tribe (APT36) has routinely targeted Indian websites, namely military and educational websites.

In 2024, a report by cybersecurity firm BlackBerry found that a Pakistan-based group (believed to be Transparent Tribe) launched espionage campaigns against Indian defence and aerospace organisations. Security firm Seqrite (the enterprise arm of Quick Heal) similarly documented that Transparent Tribe originated in Pakistan and has been targeting Indian government and military entities for the last decade.

But even as these hacking attacks have resulted in no loss of classified information, they do serve a lesson. It reinforces the value of a multi-layered cybersecurity architecture.

Its now only a wait-and-watch game to see what Pakistan resorts to next.

With inputs from agencies
The terrorists behind the April 22 Pahalgam massacre remain at large. They are suspected to be still in the dense forests in south Kashmir. The terrain in the region is adding to their advantage, making it difficult for security forces to nab them read more

The hunt is on for the terrorists of the deadly Pahalgam attack. At least two Pakistan nationals and one resident of south Kashmir were involved in the April 22 massacre that claimed 26 lives, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Indian agencies believe there was a fourth terrorist who remained hidden nearby to provide backup. Now, there are reports that these terrorists are still in the area.

Lets take a closer look.

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What inquiry reveal about Pahalgam attack

The Pahalgam attackers were present in the scenic Baisaran Valley, some five kilometres from Pahalgam, at least two days before the terror attack at the place on April 22.

The interrogation of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) after the carnage revealed that the terrorists had conducted a recce of three other tourist locations, including Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and an amusement park.

However, they did not target these places due to the presence of high security, NDTV reported, citing NIA sources.

Instead, they picked the Baisaran meadow, a place accessible only on a pony ride or on foot. As per India Today sources, two terrorists entered the meadow through the main gate, one was at the exit and the fourth is believed to have been hiding in the surrounding pine forest to give backup.

Three of these terrorists opened fire on the unsuspecting tourists who were enjoying their visit with their loved ones at the picturesque meadow.

The first shots were fired near the exit gate, sparking panic among the tourists who then rushed towards the entrance gate. There, the other two terrorists also opened fire on the tourists.

Reports say the attackers are believed to have had advanced communication equipment that does not require a SIM card and allows for short-range encrypted messaging. They may have used three satellite phones to evade the radar of the Indian security forces before the attack.

Pahalgam terrorists in south Kashmir?

The Pahalgam attackers are still in south Kashmir and have provisions to sustain themselves, National Investigation Agency (NIA) sources told NDTV.

The terrorists can stay hidden in the dense forests as they are self-reliant, carrying food supplies and other essential provisions.

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This allows them to remain in the forested terrain for long without the need for external logistical support.

Why manhunt for Pahalgam terrorists is tough

The terrorists remain out of reach of the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Their possible experience in jungle warfare and the terrain in the region is to their advantage.

Over the last four years, Pakistani nationals trained in jungle warfare and armed with advanced rifles and communication equipment have been spreading terror in Jammu and Kashmir.

We have been fighting terrorism for more than three decades now; this is real guerrilla warfare. We have observed over the last two years that these terrorists have military training, are armed with US-made rifles and have bullet-proof jackets and steel bullets with them, a senior police officer told Indian Express. From their training and weapons, we cant rule out the presence of Pakistani army regulars or retired commissioned officers among them.

These terrorists move in a group of three to four, with at least one member carrying the American-made M4 carbine. The lightweight assault rifle can fire roughly 900 rounds in a minute.

Security personnel stand guard a day after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J&K, April 23, 2025. PTI

The terrorists have also been leveraging topography in their favour. Dense forest cover extends from Kathua in Jammu to south Kashmir in the Valley. These forests are so dense that the visibility is less than 10 meters in some places, as per the Indian Express report. Hashim Musa alias Suleiman, one of the Pakistani terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, is highly trained and adept at surviving in the jungle.

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According to a senior Army officer, terrorists plan their attack in detail. They sometimes plan for months, do reconnaissance before an attack. They plan their escape routes beforehand. Take the example of the Baisaran attack (on tourists). It seems they had calculated the reaction time of the forces. They knew they would have to travel on foot and it would take them an hour, he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The Pahalgam attackers are suspected to be hiding in the upper reaches of Anantnag. A Jammu and Kashmir Police source said that they are using technical evidence and local help to catch the perpetrators, Indian Express reported.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistans spymaster, Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, will also serve as its National Security Adviser (NSA). The post had been vacant since April 2022, when the Imran Khan government collapsed. Malik, a highly respected officer, has been serving as the ISI chief since September last year read more

Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik will hold the dual role as Pakistan's NSA and ISI chief. Image Courtesy: X

Pakistan has a new National Security Adviser (NSA). Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, the head of the countrys spy agency, will serve as the NSA.

This is the first time that a serving chief of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been appointed as the NSA simultaneously. Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik HI(M), DG (I), shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect, Pakistani daily Dawn quoted the notification issued by Cabinet Division on Tuesday (April 29) as saying.

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Malik is succeeding Moeed Yusuf, who was the NSA in 2022.

His dual role comes amid increased tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Lets take a closer look.

Who is Asim Malik?

Asim Malik has experience commanding infantry divisions in Balochistan and an infantry brigade in South Waziristan, two areas that have seen violence for nearly two decades.

The son of Ghulam Muhammad Malik, a three-star general in the 1990s who was known as General GM, the ISI chief earned his Bachelors degree from the University of Balochistan.

Malik is a graduate from two top defence colleges  the Royal College of Defence Studies in London and Fort Leavenworth in the United States, where he authored a thesis on mountain warfare. Criticising the traditional military methods, Malik wrote, Senior leaders consider themselves well-equipped for planning and conducting operations in any kind of environment. This is unfortunately not always true.

After returning to Pakistan, he took training at the Pakistan Military Academy. Malik went on to receive the Sword of Honour for achieving the best performance there.

According to The Hindu report, he trained cadets at the Command and Staff College, Quetta. Malik was the chief instructor at the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad. He earned his doctorate in US-Pakistan relations from the varsity.

In October 2021, Malik was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as the Pakistan Armys adjutant general (AG). He was in charge of military administrative affairs, including legal and disciplinary matters, reported Al Jazeera.

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Maliks tenure as AG coincided with the crackdown on former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Malik became the head of Pakistans premier intelligence agency  the Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)  in September 2024. The first PhD to hold the post, he succeeded Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.

The ISI chief is the second-most powerful person in Pakistans military after the Chief of Army Staff.

Trusted by Pakistan Army chief

ISI chief Malik will now be Pakistans NSA. The position had been vacant since April 2022, when Imran Khans PTI government lost a vote of confidence and collapsed, as per a Dawn report.

As NSA, Malik will be heading the National Security Division, based at the Prime Ministers Secretariat in Islamabad.

Asim Malik is a quiet yet highly respected officer, Retired Lieutenant General Naeem Khalid Lodhi, who served with Maliks father, told Al Jazeera in October 2024.

Even as the AG, he did substantial work for the welfare of retired soldiers, particularly concerning pensions and other related issues, Lodhi said.

According to a former colleague of Malik, his appointment as the ISI chief last year reflected the confidence the Pakistan Army chief, General Asim Munir, has in him. In normal circumstances, with his career trajectory, Malik would have been given command of a corps. But with less than 20 months until his retirement, thats unlikely. His appointment to the ISI underscores the strong confidence Munir has in him, the former general told Al Jazeera at the time.

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Tensions between India-Pak

Asim Maliks appointment as Pakistans NSA comes amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly of tourists, in Kashmir.

After India announced punitive measures against Pakistan in the wake of the tragedy, Pakistan also took tit-for-tat steps. Pakistani troops have continued unprovoked firing on the Indian side along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the past seven nights.

Pakistans ministers have been raising the spectre of military escalation, saying an incursion by India is imminent.

It is at this critical juncture that Malik assumes the post of NSA, who is the chief adviser to the Prime Minister on matters of national security, foreign policy, and strategic affairs.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan has reportedly enhanced security for 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief, who is in imprisonment after being sentenced to 33 years in jail in 2022, is being kept at a densely populated area in Lahore with civilians around. Security personnel from the Pakistan Army have been deployed to protect him. But why? read more

Pakistan has reportedly ramped up security for the terror group Lashkar-i-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed. Fearing that he could be targeted in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the 77-year-old terrorist is being heavily guarded.

Saeed is believed to be the mastermind of the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Kashmir on April 22. The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility for the terror attack, is the offshoot of his LeT.

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Heres how Pakistan is protecting Hafiz Saeed.

Pakistan steps up Hafiz Saeeds security

Pakistan has intensified security near Hafiz Saeeds home in Lahore. As per a Times of India (TOI) report, former commandos from the Special Service Group and additional men have been deployed at his residences, including the one in Mohalla Johar in Lahore.

Saeed, wanted in India for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, is being kept in a densely populated area with civilians around. The house of Saeed, who is in imprisonment in Pakistan, has been converted into a temporary sub-jail, as per TOI.

A Pakistani police officer escorts Hafiz Saeed, left, in Lahore, Pakistan, January 30, 2017. File Photo/AP

Sources told India Today TV that the security of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief has been quadrupled. His security detail includes armed personnel from the Pakistan Armed Forces who protect him round-the-clock.

The compound in his residence is being monitored by drones, and high-resolution CCTV cameras have been installed on roads within a four-kilometre radius.

Citing satellite images and videos, India Today previously reported that there are three main structures at Saeeds compound  a fortified residence, a large mosque and a madrasa that act as his operational base, and a private park.

His security was enhanced shortly after the Pahalgam attack. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has vowed to take revenge for the Pahalgam massacre, threatening to target the LeT founder.

Saeed is wanted in India and the US for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. In 2022, the LeT founder was sentenced to 33 years in jail in two cases of terror financing in Pakistan.

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He was shown to have been arrested in July 2019.

Unexplained killings of terrorists in Pakistan

There have been a number of mysterious killings of terrorists in Pakistan since 2023.

In March this year, Hafiz Saeeds close aide, Abu Qatal, was allegedly shot dead by unknown assailants in the Jhelum district of Pakistans Punjab province. The 43-year-old LeT commander was reported to be Saeeds nephew. Following his murder, the security of the 26/11 plotter was increased.

In March 2024, Sheikh Jameel-ur-Rehman, the self-styled secretary general of the United Jihad Council, was found dead in mysterious circumstances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Abbottabad.

Another dreaded terrorist was killed by unknown assailants in Pakistan. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Shahid Latif, believed to be the mastermind behind the 2016 Pathankot attack, was gunned down in Sialkot in October 2023.

Dawood Malik, a known aide of Indias wanted terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar, was shot dead in North Waziristan by unidentified gunmen days before Latifs killing.

Two motorbike-borne assailants shot dead Maulana Ziaur Rehman in Pakistans Karachi in September 2023. He radicalised youth to take up arms and conduct jihad against India.

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The same month, Abu Qasim Kashmiri was assassinated by unknown men in September 2023 while praying inside the Al-Qudus mosque in Rawalakot. He was believed to be the main plotter of the Dhangri attack in Rajouri district that killed seven and injured another 13.

In August 2023, Sardar Hussain Arain, Hafiz Saeeds associate, was killed in Qazi Ahmad town in Sindhs Shaheed Benazirabad district.

Paramjit Singh Panjwar, a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Lahore in May 2023.

Bashir Ahmad Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam, a close aide of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, was killed at point-blank range by the assailants outside a shop in Rawalpindi in February 2023.

A week later, former Al-Badr Mujahideen commander Syed Khalid Raza was shot dead in Karachi by unknown men on bikes.

In March 2022, Zahoor Mistry, one of the hijackers of Indian Airlines flight IC 814, was killed by two bike-borne assailants in Karachis Akhtar colony.

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With inputs from agencies
As New Delhi-Islamabad tensions heighten following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khans provocative remarks on India have gone viral, sparking widespread outrage. The Pakistan Peoples Party legislator declared that the first brick of the new Babri mosque in Ayodhya would be laid by her countrys armed forces, and army chief Asim Munir will recite the first Azaan read more

Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan is a Pakistani politician currently associated with the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Image courtesy: X

As tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad continue to mount in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, some Pakistani lawmakers appear determined to further stoke the fire.

A video of Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan is now circulating widely on social media, capturing her delivering a fiery and provocative speech in Pakistans Upper House. In the clip, she boldly declares that the first brick of the new Babri mosque in Ayodhya would be laid by her countrys armed forces.

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The comment, which references the Babri mosque demolition in 1992, wasnt a one-off. It came as part of a broader tirade filled with religious overtones and a strong dose of military bravado.

Unsurprisingly, her words have triggered outrage, with many saying that such rhetoric only makes a bad situation worse, especially when it comes to two nuclear-armed neighbours already on edge.

So, who exactly is Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan? And what did she say? Heres a closer look.

The provocative speech

Senator Khan addressed Pakistans Senate with a fiery tone on April 29.

She said, The first 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. She further escalated the tensions by saying, We are not wearing bangles."

The senator then took things a step further, claiming that the region was heading toward the rise of a Muslim-led government in India, one she suggested would be led by Pakistan.

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, she said in Urdu.

The senators speech intensified when she warned India of dire consequences, If any hand reaches toward us, then the symbol of their power, the Red Fort of Delhi, will witness a bloodshed that its walls have never seen, and its ramparts will testify to it for centuries to come, she was quoted as saying in a Times of India report.

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Quoting late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, she added, We have guns, we have arms, we have treesand if the enemy tries anything, we will hang their corpses from our trees.

Despite her strong language, Khan clarified that she did not have any quarrel with Indian citizens, stating, We have no enmity with the people of India.

Later, she claimed that Sikh soldiers would refuse to fight against Pakistan because of the religious significance the country holds for them.

The Sikh army will not attack Pakistan because its the land of Guru Nanak for them, she said.

"Pakistan is all about terrorism, hate, and Islamist extremism.



This is Pakistani Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan.



'Pak Army soldiers will put the first brick at the new Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, and the first Azaan by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. We are not wearing pic.twitter.com/xzL5DQf4eB  Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) April 30, 2025

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Adding to the controversy, she expressed admiration for Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, who is a designated terrorist under Indian law.

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.

Khan wrapped up her speech with a call to arms saying, Our army is not just six or seven lakh soldiers, we have 25 crore people who, when the time comes, will stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces and become soldiers themselves, God willing."

Who is Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan?

Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan is a Pakistani politician currently associated with the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. She holds the position of deputy information secretary within the party and has been a vocal political figure.

She has been serving as a Senator in Pakistans Upper House since March 2021, representing Sindh on a womens reserved seat. Before that, she was a member of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2013.

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sPalwasha Mohammad Zai Khan holds the position of deputy information secretary within the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party. Image courtesy: Pakistan Senate

Palwasha is the niece of Fozia Behram, a seasoned politician and businesswoman. Fozia made history by being the only female member elected to the Punjab Assembly during the 198890 term.

This isnt the first time Pakistani leaders have made provocative remarks about India.

Not long ago, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari made headlines after India decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking at a public rally, the former Foreign Minister hit out at New Delhi, saying, The Indus is ours and will remain ours. Either our water will flow through it, or their (Indians) blood will.

He accused India of unilaterally abandoning the treaty and declared Pakistan as the rightful custodian of the Indus civilisation.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan also took to X recently, stating that while Pakistan prefers peace, its desire for stability shouldnt be mistaken for weakness.

Pakistan has every capability to give a befitting reply to any Indian aggression, as the PTI government, fully supported by a united nation, did in 2019, he said.

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With input from agencies
The United States and Ukraine finally signed off on a deal, which gives Washington access to Kyivs rare earth minerals. This agreement will establish the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. The Ukrainian side has called the newly-agreed treaty equal and a good international deal. But what is the fine print in the agreement? read more

A miner works at the Komsomolets of Donbas coal mine in the settlement of Kirovskoye (Khrestivka) in the Donetsk region, Ukraine. After a delay, the United States and Ukraine have signed an economic partnership agreement that will give Washington access to Kyivs rare earth minerals. File image/AFP

It was a deal that was meant to be signed in February  but a contentious Oval Office meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance saw the deal being derailed.

Now, two months later, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraines First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signed the minerals deal, which will give Washington access to Kyivs rare earth minerals in exchange for establishing an investment fund in Ukraine.

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Announcing the deal in Washington, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it showed both sides commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.

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, Bessent said. 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.

What is the US-Ukraine minerals deal?

Ukraine is a mineral-rich country. It has deposits of 22 of the 50 materials classed as critical by the US Geological Survey. These include rare earth minerals and other materials that are critical to the production of electronics, clean energy technologies and some weapon systems.

An ilmenite open pit mine is seen in a canyon in the central region of Kirovohrad, Ukraine. File image/AP

However, Russias invasion has complicated access to these resources, with reports indicating that Moscow currently occupies up to 40 per cent of Ukraines metal deposits, including key lithium-rich areas.

Moreover, the US-China rivalry has pushed Trump to seek Ukraines minerals. China currently dominates the global supply chain for critical minerals, controlling between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of global rare earth element production and refining.

In such a situation, the US saw it crucial to gain access to Kyivs minerals and hence, the deal was drafted. In February, Trump indicated that he wanted access to Ukraines rare earth materials, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the US has given to war-torn nation.

Then late February, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Donald Trump at the White House to sign the deal. However, talks between the leaders went awry when a heated argument took place, resulting in the Ukrainian president leaving Washington, without reaching an agreement on the deals framework.

Whats in the new equal deal signed between US and Ukraine?

Earlier efforts for a minerals deal between the US and Ukraine were nixed as Zelenskyy insisted that he would not agree to any contract that reclassified aid as debt. The Ukrainian president was also concerned about security guarantees  and whether the US would provide them as part of the deal. Trump initially refused that, saying he wanted Ukraine to sign the agreement first and talk about guarantees later. At that time, Zelenskyy described the draft agreement as asking him to sell his country.

But after much negotiations and discussions, which even saw Trump and Zelenskyy having a sit down at the Vatican before Pope Francis funeral on April 26, the two sides agreed on a deal. This agreement is a modification of a previous offer, in which the US demanded billions in repayment for past funding of Ukraines defence.

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This version of the minerals deal envisions the establishment of a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund that the Trump administration has said will begin to repay an estimated $175 billion in aid provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and Ukraines First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko sign the minerals deal. Image Courtesy: @USTreasury/X

Ukraines first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko in a social media post also confirmed the signing of the minerals deal, saying that together with the United States, we are creating the fund that will attract global investment into our country.

On behalf of the Government of Ukraine, I signed the Agreement on the Establishment of a United StatesUkraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.



Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment into our country. pic.twitter.com/8ryyAMqW83  Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) April 30, 2025

According to the deal inked between the two countries, the fund would be split 50-50 with between the US and Ukraine and give each side equal voting rights. It says that any future US military assistance to Ukraine will count towards the US contribution to the joint fund.

Moreover, the United States, or other entities it designates, will get preferential, but not exclusive, access to new permits, licences and investment opportunities in the field of Ukrainian natural resources. However, existing deals are not covered.

The new minerals deal also mentions that it is the Ukrainian state that determines what and where to extract and that subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership.

Svyrydenko also wrote on X that the accord provides for Washington to contribute to the fund. In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide new assistance  for example air defense systems for Ukraine, she said. Washington, however, has directly addressed this suggestion.

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Its important to note here that the latest version of the minerals deal doesnt provide Ukraine with any concrete US security guarantee. However, it states that Kyiv and Washington affirms a long-term strategic alignment between the two countries and US support for Ukraines security, prosperity, reconstruction, and integration into global economic frameworks.

Following the signing of the deal, Ukraines Prime Minister Denys 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.

What does the deal mean for the Ukraine-Russia war?

The signing of the deal has been hailed by many on both sides, stating that its a positive move amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. Razom for Ukraine, a US non-profit that provides medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, welcomed the deal and even encouraged the Trump administration to now put pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war.

Other experts also noted that the signing of the deal comes at a crucial time of the Russia-Ukraine war. It signals a warming of the Trump administration to Kyiv, a development that comes after the US president made multiple statements accusing Zelenskyy of being a  dictator, and expressing support for Russia maintaining at least some of its territorial gains in Ukraine.

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A woman throws debris out of her flat window in an apartment building which was damaged by a Russian drone strike, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in the town of Kamyanske in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Reuters

Moreover, Trump has signalled that he now believes that Putin is not being genuine in his approach to peace talks. Last Thursday, the US president had said he is not happy after Russia launched its deadliest wave of attacks on Kyiv in nine months, telling President Vladimir Putin to Stop!

Following a deadly aerial attack, Trump had written on social media, I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop! 5m000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the peace deal done!

Later, on Saturday, Trump accused Putin of prolonging the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that Moscow may have no intention of reaching a settlement. 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, through banking or secondary sanctions? Too many people are dying, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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With inputs from agencies
Viktoriia Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist, went on a reporting mission in 2023 in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia. However, the 27-year-old was caught by Russians and was kept in one of the most brutal detention centres, where she was reportedly tortured. When Roshchynas body was repatriated to Ukraine in February it bore numerous signs of torture read more

Roshchyna's colleagues said there was nothing more important in her life than journalism. A freelance journalist, the 27-year-old was respected for her brave frontline reporting on Russias invasion of Ukraine. AFP

She arrived back in Ukraine in a body bag labelled unidentified male.

The body was bruised, broken, and barely recognisable, a tragic contrast to the fearless young woman she once was. But DNA tests confirmed the truth.

It was Viktoriia Roshchyna, a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist who had been missing for months after venturing into Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia. She had been reporting on the illegal detention and torture of Ukrainians, a mission that would ultimately cost her life.

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Her body, which arrived in February, bore numerous signs of torture, according to The Guardian report. Shattered bones, suspected electric burns, head shaven and several organs, namely the brain, eyes and larynx, missing, all pointing to a grotesque attempt to perhaps hide what she endured.

A journalist who had spent years exposing the brutal realities of the Ukrainian war had become one of its darkest tragedies. Heres a closer look at her story.

(Please note the report contains details that readers may find distressing)

Nothing more important than journalism

According to CNN, Roshchynas colleagues said there was nothing more important in her life than journalism. A freelance journalist, she was respected for her brave frontline reporting on Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Known lovingly as Vika by her family, Roshchyna was no stranger to the realities of conflict. Her father was a veteran of the Soviet-Afghan War, and she was just 17 when Russia annexed Crimea. She and her sister grew up in Kryvyi Rih, the same city as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, around 50 km from the Russian advance into southern Ukraine in 2022. Her parents still live there.

She was obsessed with work and uncompromising, said Sevhil Musaieva, editor-in-chief of Ukrainska Pravda, while speaking to The Guardian. She had no life beyond her job, no friends, no partner. But also doing extraordinary work. For her, it was a mission. She was one of the bravest journalists I met in my career.

According to Roshchynas Editor, she was obsessed with work and uncompromising. He said her work was her mission. Image courtesy: Facebook

To protect her sources and herself, Roshchyna took extreme precautions. She used multiple phones, enabled disappearing messages, and wrote her reports in files that would automatically delete. Sometimes, she would vanish for weeks at a time, only to suddenly reappear with new stories.

Her first major brush with danger came in March 2022, when she was reporting from Berdiansk, a city under Russian occupation. She was captured by a soldier and handed over to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Forced to record a propaganda video, she was eventually released after public pressure mounted.

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However, she continued to cross the frontlines. She revealed the harassment faced by workers at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and investigated the shooting of two teenage boys who resisted Russian occupation.

On what would be her final assignment, Roshchyna set out on July 25 2023 in search of so-called black sites, secret locations like basements or factories where FSB agents were allegedly torturing civilians and extracting forced confessions. She was also compiling a list of the officials involved

But somewhere along that path, her mission came to a harrowing end.

Weight dropped to 30 kg, couldnt lift head off pillow

Just days into her reporting trip, Viktoriia Roshchynas father, Volodymyr Roshchyn, began to worry. His daughter had stopped responding to messages.

What followed was a months-long silence, broken only by fragments of information pieced together by her father and the testimonies of three fellow detainees who were held with her in a notorious Russian prison, the pre-trial detention centre Sizo 2 in Taganrog, near the Russian-Ukrainian border.

The Taganrog facility is infamous for its brutal conditions. According to CNN, prisoners there were subjected to both physical and psychological torment. Food was scarce, and medical care was virtually nonexistent.

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One of Roshchynas former cellmates, who was released in September, recalled the chilling details of her capture. Roshchyna believed she had been spotted by a drone. A police car arrived, and she was taken in for questioning. After several days in custody, she was moved to a secret detention site in Melitopol known among detainees as the garages.

Viktoriia Roshchyna was allegedly tortured in a notorious Russian prison, the pre-trial detention centre Sizo 2 in Taganrog, near the Russian-Ukrainian border. Image courtesy: X/@ArtCandee

It was here that the torture began. During interrogations, they used electric shocks  She got stabbed a few times  I saw them on her: arm for sure, leg too  Fresh knife scar  forearm, soft tissue between wrist and elbow. A scar of roughly 3cm, pierced through, the cellmate said. She said one guy, she called him a jerk  was brutal, unhinged.

Following the torture, Roshchyna was transported alone in a Jeep to Taganrog. There, she was held in isolation.

Her mental and physical health deteriorated quickly. She arrived already pumped full of unknown drugs, a second detainee who encountered Roshchyna at Taganrog told the publication. She arrived and she basically started to go crazy.

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We would talk to her but she was lost in her head, eyes terrified, her cellmate recalled. Then, Roshchyna stopped eating altogether. She would lie curled up foetal on the floor behind a curtain near the toilet.

Roshchynas weight reportedly dropped to 30 kg. She could stand up, but only with me helping as she was in such a state that she could not even lift her head off the pillow. I would prop her up and she would grab the top bunk to pull herself upright, her cellmate said.

Her family, till then, had no idea about her whereabouts until nine months later, when Moscow finally admitted it was holding her in detention. Towards the end of August, Roshchyna was allowed to phone home. Her parents were told by the Ukrainian negotiators that she was on a hunger strike.

On the call, Roshchyna was speaking in Russian. I was promised that I would be home in September, she told them. Her father urged her to eat. Then she said her farewells. Well, thats it. Bye, bye. Mom, Dad, I love you.

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Missing from databases

In October, Petro Yatsenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Coordination Centre for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, revealed heartbreaking news. Roshchyna, he said, had died during a transfer from the Taganrog detention facility to Moscow  a move that was supposedly in preparation for her release in a prisoner exchange.

But that exchange never happened. An officer later claimed she hadnt made it to the final list, blaming it on her own fault.

Colleagues of Victoria Roshchyna attend a vigil in Kyiv, on October 11, 2024. AFP

Back home, her father refuses to accept this version of events. He has requested additional examinations and continues to write letters seeking clarity, including to the Taganrog facility itself. However, he has only received two replies from the leksandr Shtoda, the director of Sizo 2. The most recent, sent in January, claimed Roshchyna is not and was not listed in the databases.

In November 2022, Roshchyna opened up on what motivated her as she received an award for courage from the International Womens Media Foundation. Rather than going to Los Angeles, she sent a message in her place, honouring her fellow journalists.

We have remained faithful to our mission, to convey the truth to the world, countering Russian propaganda, she said. Unfortunately, many journalists have died. I want to dedicate this award to them. After all, they died in the fight for the truth, trying to record Russian crimes. I thank them.

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With input from agencies
The trend of Indian children found abandoned at the US borders by authorities has been growing over the past few years. The development comes even as the Donald Trump administration is preparing to further intensify its sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration. But what do we know? Why is this happening? read more

Migrants stand in line to have their papers checked before crossing into the US in Tijuana, Mexico. Reuters

It is well-known that the United States has a problem with illegal immigration.

But did you know that Indian migrants are abandoning their children at US borders with Canada and Mexico?

The trend of children found abandoned at the borders by US authorities has been growing over the past few years.

The development comes even as the Donald Trump administration is preparing to further intensify its sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration.

But what do we know about this trend? Why is this happening? What do experts say?

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Lets take a closer look

What do we know?

According to a report in The Times of India these children are strategically abandoned at the US border with Mexico.

While in most cases the children are between the ages of 12 and 17, sometimes the children can be as young as six.

These unaccompanied minors have nothing on them except a piece of papers with the names and contact information of their parents.

Economic Times quoted data from the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) as showing that 77 Indian minors were found at the US border from October 2024 to February 2025.

Of these 53 were found at the southern border with Mexico, while the rest were apprehended at the US border with Canada.

From 2022 to 2025, at least 1,656 unaccompanied Indian minors were found trying to cross into the US.

The maximum number of children, 730, attempted to do so in FY23.

The year 2024 saw 517 children trying to enter the US, while 409 minors tried to so in 2022.

The year 2021 and 2020 saw 219 and 237 children being arrested at US borders.

Why is this happening?

As per NDTV, experts say that this is part of a broader strategy from Indian families to try to gain residence in the US.

Some say the parents, who are already in the US illegally, send for the children to try to gain asylum.

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One person involved with illegal immigration told The Times of India that these kids are essentially green cards for their illegal immigrant parents.

In most cases, their parents first reach the US illegally and then they send for their children with other illegal immigrants to the US, the individual said. When their children are caught at the borders, they seek refuge for the minors and themselves  which they usually get on humanitarian grounds.

However it can also work the other way around.

They claim asylum on the grounds that their children are already in the US, the individual added.

Immigrants from India wait to board a US Border Patrol bus to be taken for processing after crossing the border from Mexico in Yuma, Arizona. AFP

Others say the children are sent with adults only for them to be abandoned.

These children carry chits in their pockets or bags, which bear the names of their parents and/or guardians. They are then sent to their parents, who may be already living illegally in the US, and given health and education benefits free of cost, the person added.

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As per NDTV, some families in Gujarat have copped to using this strategy.

A couple from Mehsana who moved to the US illegally in 2019 said they sent for their son in the US.

All sources of transport were disrupted because of the pandemic. I told my cousin who was travelling to the US (illegally) in 2022 to bring my child there, who had turned five by then. My cousin did as told and left my son at the border near Texas, where he was spotted by a US security agency officer, the man was quoted as saying.

Such cases seem to be occurring more and more in rural Gujarat  particularly in villages such as Jhulasan and Mokasan.

I knew they were not going to be in danger. They were with my friends and relativesand they were ultimately going to be in the custody of US law agencies.We cant wait till our kids complete their studies in India and then opt for legal ways to enter the US. If they are there already when they are young, they can complete their studies, find a job and earn decent money, a man from Gujarat told the newspaper.

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Cops cannot prevent them because they are not doing anything illegal on Indian soil, an officer from Gujarats Gandhinagar told The Times of India. It is up to the US authorities to take action against the exploitation of children in human smuggling.

Trump immigration crackdown continues

As per The Guardian, the Trump administration is now singling out unaccompanied minors for deportation.

The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly engaging in welfare checks on children who arrived in the US alone  mostly across the US-Mexican border.

The newspaper reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officials are looking for unaccompanied immigrant children across the US.

ICE wants to deport the children or prosecute them or those in the US taking care of them, the newspaper, quoting sources and an Ice document, reported.

As per NPR, in March a judge in California ordered the government to restore legal aid to tens of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children in the US.

This came after the government cancelled a contract with the Acacia Center for Justice  which provides legal representation to unaccompanied migrant children under the age of 18.

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The Court additionally finds that the continued funding of legal representation for unaccompanied children promotes efficiency and fairness within the immigration system, the judge wrote.

With inputs from agencies
Airspace could be weaponised, not for bombing but for escalating the cost of proxy wars on countries using it as a tool of foreign policy. India has retaliated to Pakistans airspace closure but theres more for New Delhi to leverage its geostrategic asset read more

Flights are blocked between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22.

Tempers are flying, but flights are blocked, between India and Pakistan after a bunch of terrorists killed 26 people in the serene meadows of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. The two countries have blocked their respective airspaces to flights emerging from one-anothers territories.

Indias Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the airspace closure applies to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the restriction.

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Why India unleashed its airspace arsenal

Pakistan-backed outfit The Resistance Force, a known offshoot of Islamist terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for killing people, all but one tourists, choosing targets on the basis of their religious identity.

The group retracted its statement but not before Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), took veto-wielding Chinas help to get the mention of TRF dropped from the marquee UN bodys statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan also had its way in getting dropped the Government of India from the final statement with which the UNSC committed originally to work with in combating terrorism.

But Indias allies, especially the United States and France, ensured that the China-Pakistan axis didnt get their way in including disputed while the UNSC condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan and Chinas combined attempt to get the disputed tag to Jammu and Kashmir and thereby peddle the narrative that terrorism in the picturesque valley in Indias northern Union Territory is essentially a local issue was foiled.

India responded with a series of punitive measures against Pakistan after security agencies traced digital footprints of the Pahalgam terror attack across the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan has denied its role in the Pahalgam terror attack but for the record it also denied its involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack of 2008 despite one of the 10 Pakistani gunmen arrested, tried and convicted after a three-layered judicial process in India.

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After the Pahalgam terror attack and Indias punitive measures that included putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, Pakistan suspended all bilateral treaties and also closed its airspace for Indian airlines fearing air strikes by the Indian Air Force (IAF), anticipating military action similar to what India undertook in 2016 and 2019 after Uri and Pulwama terror attacks.

While Pakistans action to close its airspace for Indian operators, as per strategic experts, emanated from its anxiety of being targeted by the IAF, Indias closure of its airspace to Pakistani aircraft shows the strategic use of airspace as a potent geostrategic asset.

However, this move, effective from April 30 to May 23, came as a direct response to Pakistans earlier closure of its airspace to Indian carriers and reflects a broader pattern of leveraging sovereign airspace control in regional power dynamics.

Strategic depth of Indian airspace control

Indias geographic position at the crossroads of major international air routes, including the so-called but historic Kangaroo Route linking Europe, South Asia, and Australia, grants it significant leverage. This route emerged during the times when the British Empire basked in the sun that proverbially never set.

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The vast Indian airspace, extending over four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) and covering critical international corridors, is indispensable for efficient global aviation, especially given the restricted airspace over neighbouring countries such as China, Iran, and Pakistan.

By denying Pakistani aircraft access, India compels them to reroute through longer, costlier paths over China or Sri Lanka, increasing fuel consumption, flight duration, and operational complexity for Pakistani airlines like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), an ailing airline from across the border whose attempts at selling itself off have not attracted any buyers.

Pakistani airlines are not a global favourite transport medium, meaning the financial impetus it needs and wants is not readily coming to it. Indias action further imposes economic pressure on Pakistans already fragile aviation sector, which operates fewer than 100 aircraft compared to the hundreds of widebody jets flying through Indian airspace daily.

Indias airspace closure to have geopolitical and economic implications

The airspace closure serves multiple strategic purposes. It gives a strong diplomatic signal and serves as robust retaliation. It acts as a calibrated punitive measure short of military action, signalling Indias resolve following the Pahalgam attack while avoiding direct conflict escalation.

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It gives India economic leverage as overflight fees and route optimisation are vital revenue and operational factors for airlines. Indias control allows it to impose indirect economic sanctions on Pakistan, affecting its international connectivity and airline profitability.

For long, India has used its airspace to strengthen its soft power and expand regional influence. Control over a major aviation hub enhances Indias soft power, influencing global air traffic flows and fostering dependency among regional and international carriers on Indian airspace.

Why Indias airspace matters to the world

A countrys airspace isnt limited to that nations territorial boundaries. It extends into what is considered as international airspace. Countries have signed agreements to manage airspace beyond their territorial control.

For example, Indias airspace spreads over vast stretches of the Indian Ocean beyond the 12 nautical miles territorial boundary recognised by international conventions. This extended control enhances global commercial aviation routes, especially given the restricted airspace over neighbouring country China, and sanctions on Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia over various issues, making Indian airspace essential for efficient international air travel.

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India has established six Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZs) along its borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China, as well as two in the south. These zones extend beyond its territorial airspace, enabling India to detect and respond to potential aerial threats early, thus projecting power and ensuring regional security.

All inbound aircraft must notify Indian air traffic control 10 minutes before entry, or risk interception by the Indian Air Force.

The relatively few permanent restrictions within Indian airspace  limited mostly to sensitive government buildings, nuclear power plants and military sites  allow for smoother and more flexible air traffic management compared to many neighbouring countries. This openness, combined with Indias large landmass and multiple flight information regions, positions India as a vital hub in global aviation, capable of influencing regional air traffic flow and security.

Against this backdrop, Indias airspace holds critical global significance in terms of geostrategy and for the overall security balance in the Indian Ocean region. India serves as a crucial corridor for international aviation, provides strategic security oversight in a geopolitically sensitive region, and offers a stable, well-managed airspace that supports global trade and connectivity.

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Post-Pahalgam scene

Indias strategic use of its airspace following the Pahalgam terror attack as a punitive retaliatory measure against Pakistan demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of airspace sovereignty as a geostrategic asset.

By leveraging its geographic advantage and the indispensable nature of its air corridors, India effectively imposes economic and diplomatic costs on Pakistan, reinforcing its position in the ongoing regional contest. This episode also underscores the evolving role of airspace control in modern geopolitical strategy, where aviation routes become arenas of influence and power projection.
A 3.5 km emergency airstrip in Shahjahanpur will be the site of take-off and landing drills on Friday, featuring some of the IAFs most advanced fighter and transport aircraft, including the Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage jets, according to a report read more

As India prepares to avenge Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives on April 22, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to carry out a major drill on the under-construction Ganga Expressway in UPs Shahjahanpur on Friday.

According to a News 18 report, a 3.5 km emergency airstrip in Shahjahanpur will be the site of take-off and landing drills on Friday, featuring some of the IAFs most advanced fighter and transport aircraft, including the Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage jets.

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The airshow will also be used to assess the expressways potential as an alternative runway during times of war or national emergencies, added the report.

Notably, this will be the countrys first airstrip specifically designed to support both day and night landings of fighter jets, marking a significant boost to defence preparedness. It will also function as a dedicated training and rehearsal base for the Indian Air Force, reported News 18.

According to the report, citing the district administration, the air show will be conducted in two phases  during the day and at night  to test the strips night landing capabilities. Fighter jets will perform low fly-pasts at an altitude of just one meter, followed by landing and take-off drills. The same sequence will be repeated from 7 pm to 10 pm, added the report.

To ensure comprehensive security, around 250 CCTVs have been installed on both sides of the airstrip. In preparation for the air show, the Indian Air Force has taken over operational control of the airstrip, with personnel from the Air Force and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) coordinating efforts.

Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Minister of State for Cooperation JPS Rathore, senior IAF officials, and local public representatives are expected to attend the event.

Aircraft participating in the exercise include:

Rafale  Equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and long-range Meteor missiles, capable of operating in all weather conditions

SU-30 MKI  A twin-seater multirole fighter jointly developed by India and Russia, capable of carrying long-range missiles like the BrahMos

Mirage-2000  A French-origin aircraft known for deep-strike capabilities and nuclear readiness

MiG-29  A high-speed fighter with advanced maneuverability and radar-evading abilities

Jaguar  Precision strike aircraft designed for ground attack and anti-ship missions

C-130J Super Hercules  A heavy-lift aircraft critical for special forces deployment, disaster relief, and rescue operations

AN-32  A versatile transport aircraft for cargo and troop movement, especially in high-altitude terrains

MI-17 V5  A multi-role helicopter used for search and rescue, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions

With this development, the Ganga Expressway will become the fourth expressway in Uttar Pradesh to feature an emergency airstrip, following similar facilities on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway (Unnao), Purvanchal Expressway (Sultanpur), and Bundelkhand Expressway (near Etawah).

However, it is the first in the state  and the country  to support night landings, significantly boosting the IAFs capability for round-the-clock operations.

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With inputs from agencies
The NIA probe into the Pahalgam terrorist attack has learned that the terrorists involved in the incident recced three other spots, before choosing Baisaran Valley for the attack read more

Sketches of three terrorists, Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha, who are believed to be among those who carried out the attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. NW18

Terrorists involved in the devastating Pahalgam attack recced three other spots for the ambush before picking the Baisaran Valley, a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed. A week after the attack, investigators found that the terrorists were living in the tourist destination in Kashmir two days before they conducted the attack.

According to the information obtained by News18, the agency found that the terrorists plan to attack the three other spots, the Aru Valley, an amusement park, and the Betab Valley, was foiled due to the presence of security forces in the area. The heinous terror attack in the Baisaran Valley led to the death of 26 tourists and caused a row between India and Pakistan.

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A source close to the matter told News18 that the terrorists had been present in the Baisaran Valley two days before the attack on April 22. It was also learned that four overground workers (OGW) had helped the terrorists recce the spots.

The hunt for the terrorists intensifies

Before the revelation of the involvement of OGWs, the authorities recognised 20 OGWs, with some of them arrested in the case. Apart from this, a total of 186 people have been taken into custody and are currently being interrogated by NIA authorities in connection with the attack.

The attack sent shock waves in India, prompting authorities to take stringent measures. As NIA investigates the case, local authorities have demolished several houses that they claimed were linked to terrorists or those who facilitated them.

The wives and other relatives of those killed in the attack later told the media that the terrorists asked for the names and faith of the tourists before shooting them dead. One survivor also claimed that the terrorists asked those who said they belonged to the Muslim community to recite the Kalma.

The survivors said that the terrorists killed Hindus and asked women to narrate what happened to their loved ones to the government. The Resistance Force initially claimed responsibility for the attack but quickly backtracked. It is pertinent to note that TRF is an offshoot branch of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist group based in Pakistan. The hunt for the perpetrators of the attack is underway.

With inputs from agencies.
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

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis remarks during a telephone talk with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, on Sunday are not surprising but rather deplorable. Any Indian can expect such a kind of response from a country like China and its leaders, who have shown animosity towards India for the last seven decades.

As reported in the Chinese mouthpiece, Xinhua, Wang Yi emphasised that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility of the whole world while reaffirming Chinas consistent support for Pakistans firm counterterrorism efforts." He stated, As an ironclad friend and an all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistans legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests." He noted, China advocates for a swift and fair investigation and believes that conflict does not serve the fundamental interests of either India or Pakistan nor does it benefit regional peace and stability. Wang added that China hopes both sides will remain restrained, move toward each other, and work together to de-escalate the situation.

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The same China that condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attacks a day after, on 23 April 2025, changed its colour like a chameleon. Beijing has deliberately done it in the past and continues to do it right now to save its lackey (Pakistan) from Indias wrath. While the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, condemned the terrorist attacks five days ago, their boss, Wang Yi, did a U-turn and, as usual, shed crocodile tears for Pakistan.

For the kind information of leaders like Wang and his country, the dastardly terrorist killing of over two dozen innocent civilians did not happen in Pakistan but in Pahalgam in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the fateful day, 22 April 2025. Hence, the question of extending consistent support to Pakistan for counterterrorism efforts should not arise here. Instead, he should have supported Indias war against the terror ecosystem.

Further, Wang is neither authorised nor qualified to advocate for a swift and fair investigation of the 22/4 attacks. China, a compulsive oppressor and serial human rights offender in the occupied territories of Xinjiang and Tibet, killing and incarcerating millions of innocent civilians in the last seven decades, should stop lecturing others. Instead, Wang should advise, even caution, Pakistan to refrain from the continuous cross-border terrorist activities, or else Islamabad will reap its consequences.

The Pahalgam attack is an utterly inhuman terrorist act, condemned by all across the globe, and it will be dealt with with an iron fist. Both Pakistan and China, or any other nation, must remember that India is capable enough to find the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice. The process has started, and many more stern actions are to follow in the coming times, which our rogue neighbour will remember forever. Pakistan should be prepared for the worst to come.

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Chinese perfidy against India is not new but decades old. Starting from the forcible occupation of Indian territory in the mid-1950s and 1960s (Aksai Chin, Shaksgam Valley, etc.) to a war in 1962 and mindless incursions into Indian territory, both in its eastern and western flanks, China has been trying to torment India left and right. The Chinese attack in Galwan in June 2020 that led to the killing of 20 Indian soldiers is one more example of Chinese treachery.

Beijings unflinching support for Pakistan clearly shows that China, the so-called votary against any form of terrorism, not only harbours terrorists but also supports a terrorist state. For example, in the last 10 years, China has repeatedly blocked Indias listing proposals at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1267 sanctions committee to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Azhar, who was reportedly close to former Taliban leader Mullah Omar and al-Qaeda head Osama Bin Laden, was the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). This group still operates and perpetrates attacks, sometimes using the names Afzal Guru Squad, Al-Murabitoon and Tehreek-al-Furqan. JeM has masterminded several terrorist attacks in India, including the Pulwama attacks in February 2019 that led to the killing of 40 Indian security personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

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Beijing blocked the aforesaid UNSC resolution for the first time in 2009, months after India moved the proposal in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. In 2016, China placed a technical hold on Indias move thrice, first after February 2016, following the terrorist attacks in Pathankot (October 2016). Again, in December 2016, China used its veto power to block Indias bid just a day before its technical hold ended. Following a proposal by the US, the UK and France on 19 January 2017 to designate Azhar as a terrorist, China once again clamped a technical hold and blocked the proposal in November 2017. Beijing repeated the same in March 2019 following the Pulwama attack.

Most recently, China, too, took advantage of being one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, along with Pakistan, which is a non-permanent member of the UNSC right now, to tamper with the original draft of the UNSC condemning the Pahalgam attacks, supported by the US, that called for international cooperation with the Government of India. Due to a Chinese conspiracy, the UNSC changed the language and called for nations to cooperate with relevant authorities.

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Beijing must remember that New Delhi has never interfered in the internal affairs of China but has rather vociferously criticised whenever there have been any terrorist attacks in China. Beijing should mind its own business instead of poking its dirty nose in the internal affairs of a sovereign country like India. It should also not support Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activities across borders.

Further, China must not lose sight of the humility and generosity shown by India six months ago to renew bilateral relations, which, after a four-year hiatus, began during the BRICS Summit in Kazan last October (2024). The Chinese should not forget the colossal economic loss they had to bear during the past four years because of strained ties with India. As a sovereign nation-state and responsible global power, it should campaign against global threats like terrorism.

Mahesh Ranjan Debata teaches at the Center for Inner Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The Pahalgam attack is not merely a local tragedyit is a geopolitical signal. It demonstrates the resilience of proxy violence as an instrument of state policy in the post-Westphalian order read more

The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mainly Hindu tourists, was not merely an isolated incident of extremism but a symptom of a deeper strategic pathology. The attackers, equipped with high-grade weaponry and military-grade intelligence, operated with the sophistication more typical of state-trained operatives than independent extremists. Their origins, later traced to infrastructure in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, raise questions not only about logistics but about state will and strategic intent.

When States Author Terror

The discourse on Pakistans role in regional terrorism is not a new one. It is deeply entrenched in scholarly analysis and policymaking circles alike. Christine Fairs detailed examination of the Pakistan Armys strategic culture in Fighting to the End lays the foundational premise that the Pakistani military, steeped in a revisionist ideology, engages in perpetual competition with India, even when victory is unattainable by conventional standards. Fair asserts that the military views itself as the ideological guardian of the nation-state, sustaining conflict through asymmetric means to bleed India by a thousand cuts. This cultural militarism, far from being rogue or incidental, is embedded in the formal institutional logic of the Pakistani military establishment.

Adding credence to Fairs claims is a theoretical understanding from structural realism. John Mearsheimers offensive realism posits that states in an anarchic international system are perpetually driven by survival and the maximisation of relative power. For a state like Pakistan, which finds itself in a structurally inferior position relative to its eastern neighbour, the sponsorship of violent non-state actors becomes not a deviation but a rational strategy to erode Indian power asymmetrically. Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and other groups are not simply insurgent networks; they are, by this lens, state instruments functioning under plausible deniability. Yet the explanation is not confined to realist logic alone.

Stephen Walts theory of balance of threat allows a finer understanding. Pakistans military may not merely perceive Indian capabilities as threatening, but rather Indias intentionsrooted in a liberal democratic and secular national identitymay appear fundamentally antagonistic to Pakistans ideological foundations. Thus, alliances with violent jihadist networks are sustained not only for tactical gains but for counterbalancing what is seen as an existential cultural and political threat.

The 2025 Pahalgam attack, in which the terrorist group initially claiming responsibilityThe Resistance Frontlater withdrew its statement, reflects the depth of strategic manipulation behind terrorist violence. Forensic data and communication intercepts indicated the use of safehouses linked to state-backed infrastructure. More damning was the revelation that one of the attackers had served in Pakistans paramilitary frontier forces, a common pattern in past attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai siege. This blurring of lines between state and non-state actors is a hallmark of proxy warfareone of the most obfuscating strategies in modern conflict.

Martha Crenshaw, a leading scholar on terrorism, has long argued that terrorism does not emerge in a vacuum but is the product of deliberate political choices. When seen through her framework, the Pakistani states recurrent links to terrorism are not episodic failures of governance but manifestations of calculated political behaviour. The state finds utility in these relationships, and the cost of disassociation appears higher than continued patronage. In this framework, the sponsorship of terrorism becomes an instrument of policy, shaped by political opportunity structures and institutionalised preferences.

The Price of Diplomatic Paralysis

Meanwhile, U.S. Congressional reports have repeatedly flagged Pakistans dual role in the global war on terror. Since 2001, billions of dollars in military assistance were provided with the expectation that Pakistan would assist in neutralising Al-Qaeda and later the Taliban. Yet, reports from 2007 onwards revealed that significant funds were diverted to build up conventional military assets against India. Congressional testimonies from intelligence officials highlighted how the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) maintained links with groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba, allowing them to operate in protected zones in North Waziristan and Punjab.

In light of these findings, the concept of state complicity must be reexamined not as passive negligence but as a form of strategic authorship. The state is not failing to prevent terrorism; it is often instrumentalizing it. This understanding is supported by Michael Doyles notion of illiberal peacewhere authoritarian states may appear externally cooperative while internally sustaining practices that undermine liberal international norms. Pakistan, while formally allied with the U.S. and other Western states, has consistently sustained a domestic-security architecture that shelters and trains violent actors to project influence.

The moral hazard created by international funding and diplomatic leniency has further entrenched Pakistans duality. For decades, global powers have attempted to court Islamabad for geopolitical accessfirst during the Cold War, and more recently during the Afghanistan conflict. This transactional logic has disincentivised meaningful structural reforms. The acknowledgment by Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif last month that the state had historically backed terror outfits, couched in justifications about Cold War exigencies, ironically validates years of international scepticism. However, even this admission has not translated into visible dismantling of terrorist ecosystems.

From a constructivist viewpoint, Pakistans behaviour may also be rooted in its identity formation. As scholars like Alexander Wendt argue, state interests are not merely given but socially constructed. Pakistans identitylargely formed in opposition to Indiamakes the perpetuation of conflict ideologically sustaining. The use of terror as a policy tool is normalised within this context, and terrorist groups are often cloaked in nationalist and religious legitimacy.

The failure of the international community to impose punitive costs on this behaviour has only emboldened its continuation. Indias appeals for global sanctions and diplomatic isolation of Pakistan post-Pahalgam have been met with sympathy but little concrete action. The United Nations Security Council issued a condemnation, yet stopped short of naming Pakistan directly. The United States and United Kingdom called for restraint, but refrained from linking the attack to state complicity despite mounting evidence.

This diplomatic impasse reveals a paradox in international relations: the fear of destabilising a nuclear state often results in the toleration of destabilising behaviour. It is the classic case of what Barry Buzan refers to as a regional security complexwhere insecurity in one state (Pakistan) feeds a persistent chain of reaction in its neighbours (India and Afghanistan), and vice versa. In such an environment, cycles of provocation and retaliation become entrenched, with terrorism serving as both symptom and accelerant.

Yet, the costs are no longer regional. The operational reach of Pakistani-sponsored groups has extended beyond South Asia, with evidence of sleeper cells and financial conduits connecting to networks in Europe and North America. The globalisation of jihadist ideology, often nurtured in Pakistani madrassas and training camps, has created a transnational threat environment.

To address this challenge, the international community must abandon its ambivalence. Tactical responses, such as drone strikes or diplomatic censures, are insufficient in the face of an ideologically entrenched and institutionally embedded practice. What is required is a structural disincentivisation of state support for terrorism: targeted sanctions, conditioned aid, and multilateral diplomatic isolation, coupled with internal reform incentives.

In the end, the 2025 Pahalgam attack is not merely a local tragedyit is a geopolitical signal. It demonstrates the resilience of proxy violence as an instrument of state policy in the post-Westphalian order. It calls for a reimagining of counterterrorism not as the pursuit of individuals, but as a confrontation with institutional complicity and ideological indoctrination. Until such confrontation occurs, terrorism will continue to be less an aberration and more a deliberate instrument of power projection.

Tehmeena Rizvi is a Senior Fellow at Bluekraft Digital Foundation and is pursuing PhD from Bennett University. Her areas of work include Women, Peace, and Security (South-Asia), focusing on the intersection of Gender, Conflict and Religion. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Hackathons are common, but Chinese hacking competitions are different. China has been dominating popular international cybersecurity competitions like Pwn2Own. However, more recently, the country has developed its own hacking contests, essentially withdrawing from international events read more

China is doing everything it can to make a name for itself in the world of technology. That includes hacking into big tech firms by means of friendly competitions in which people participate and report their findings to the government.

Hackathons are common, but Chinese hacking competitions are different. China has been dominating popular international cybersecurity competitions like Pwn2Own. However, more recently, the country has developed its own hacking contests, essentially withdrawing from international events.

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In 2017, Zhou Hongyi, the founder of Chinese cybersecurity giant Qihoo 360, publicly criticised the practice of sharing vulnerability discoveries internationally, arguing that such strategic assets should stay within China. His sentiments, supported by the Chinese government, gave birth to the national hacking competition called the Tianfu Cup. The contest is focused on discovering vulnerabilities in global tech products like Apple iOS, Googles Android, and Microsoft systems.

How is Tianfu Cup different?

According to a report by Bloomberg, a 2018 rule mandates participants of the Tianfu Cup to hand over their findings to the government, instead of the tech companies.

Dakota Cary, a China-focused consultant at the US cybersecurity company SentinelOne, said, In practice, this meant vulnerabilities were passed to the state for use in operations.

This approach effectively turned hacking competitions into a government pipeline for acquiring zero-day vulnerabilities  software flaws unknown to vendors and extremely valuable for cyber-espionage.

US steps into the picture

This practice of acquiring sensitive data from big tech companies has brewed trouble for China in the past.

Recently, a data leak involving files from the Chinese cybersecurity firm i-Soon, posted on GitHub, revealed apparent connections between hacking competitions, the government, and the cyber firms granted access to discovered vulnerabilities.

Several i-Soon employees were charged by US authorities in March, who alleged that they were carrying out cyberattacks at the direction of the Chinese government.

In recent years, Chinas hacking competitions have increasingly shifted focus toward breaching domestic products, including Chinese-made electric vehicles, phones, and security software. This aligns closely with Beijings broader Delete America initiative, aimed at replacing foreign technology with homegrown alternatives and achieving greater self-reliance.
DeepSeek has offered no public timeline for R2. The company has revealed little beyond research papers and model updates, fueling a vacuum of information that has been filled by social media speculation read more

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has dropped a surprise upgrade to its math-focused language model, intensifying speculation around its upcoming next-generation reasoning system known simply as R2.

While the company has remained tight-lipped about the new model, the sudden release of Prover-V2, a 671-billion-parameter model fine-tuned for mathematical proof-solving, has reignited online chatter across developer and investor communities alike.

The new model, based on DeepSeeks V3 foundation, was quietly open-sourced on Wednesday (April 30). It builds on Prover-V1.5, which launched last August and drew interest from academia and competitive math circles.

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While Prover-V2 is not the long-awaited R2, it has been widely interpreted as a key stepping stone. Users on X and Reddit are calling it a math ability upgrade laying the groundwork for what could be the next leap in reasoning-focused LLMs from Chinas most-watched AI startup, South China Morning Post reported.

Founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng as a spinout of his quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, DeepSeek quickly gained global attention with its R1 model, launched in January. R1 stunned the AI world by matching OpenAIs o1-level performance at a fraction of the cost, all while using far fewer resources. That success set expectations sky-high for whatever comes next.

No timeline for R2

However, DeepSeek has offered no public timeline for R2. The company has revealed little beyond research papers and model updates, fuelling a vacuum of information that has been filled by social media speculation. One viral post from a DeepSeek researcher simply announcing Prover-V2 led to a cascade of replies pleading for an R2 release. R2 R2 R2 please, one user wrote.

Even more buzz came from Chinese stock-trading forums like Jiuyangongshe, where rumors of an imminent R2 drop spilled over into Western platforms. A notable US venture capital investor picked up the chatter on X, propelling the news into wider investor circles. Searches for DeepSeek and R2 have spiked on Google Trends over the past week.

Adding to the intrigue, DeepSeek is now quietly ramping up hiring. The company recently posted openings for its first product and design lead, based in either Beijing or Hangzhou. The job description calls for building a next-generation intelligent product experience rooted in LLM tech. The startup is also actively recruiting a chief financial officer and chief operating officer.

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Competition in China rising

This comes just as other major Chinese firms are upping their game. On Tuesday, Alibaba unveiled Qwen3, its latest family of models that the company says outperform DeepSeek-R1 on several metrics. The announcement was seen by some as a shot across the bow, upping the pressure on DeepSeek to deliver a follow-up.

Meanwhile, in the United States, OpenAI recently released o3 and o4-mini, touting them as its most capable models to date. While DeepSeek lacks access to cutting-edge Nvidia chips due to US export restrictions, it has built a reputation for maximising performance on constrained hardware, drawing interest from technologists and policymakers alike.

The launch of Prover-V2 may not be the generational leap that some were hoping for, but it suggests DeepSeek is far from idle. With the company scaling up and hype building fast, the question now is not whether R2 is coming, but how close we are to seeing it in action.
US District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found that Apple willfully violated an injunction she issued at trial, with the company instead creating new barriers to competition with the App Store and even lying to the court in the process read more

A US judge on Wednesday accused Apple of defying an order to loosen its grip on the App Store payment system to the point that criminal charges could be warranted.

US District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found that Apple willfully violated an injunction she issued at trial, with the company instead creating new barriers to competition with the App Store and even lying to the court in the process.

That it thought this court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation, Gonzalez Rogers said in an order allowing Epic Games to enforce the injunction against Apple.

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As always, the cover-up made it worse. For this court, there is no second bite at the apple.

Fortnite-maker Epic launched the case in 2021 aiming to break Apples grip on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of acting like a monopoly in its shop for digital goods or services.

After a trial, Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apples control of the App Store did not amount to a monopoly, but that it must let developers include links to other online venues for buying content or services.

The judge also found at the time that the 30 percent commission Apple charges on App Store sales allowed it supracompetitive operating margins that were anticompetitive, according to the injunction.

Apples response to the trial order included charging a commission on purchases made linking out of its app store, according to the judge.

Apple also imposed new barriers and new requirements including scare screens to dissuade people from buying digital purchases outside of its App Store, the judge concluded.

In the end, Apple sought to maintain a revenue stream worth billions in direct defiance of this courts injunction, Gonzalez Rogers said in the ruling.

In stark contrast to Apples initial in-court testimony, contemporaneous business documents reveal that Apple knew exactly what it was doing and at every turn chose the most anticompetitive option.

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An Apple spokesperson told AFP it strongly disagrees with the judges decision and will appeal to a higher court, but plans to comply.

Apples 15-30 percent junk fees are now just as dead here in the United States of America as they are in Europe under the Digital Markets Act, Epic Games chief executive Tim Sweeney said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Sweeneys post included a peace proposal promising to drop current and future litigation on the matter if Apple extends the courts Apple-tax-free framework worldwide.

The judge called on the US Attorneys office to investigate whether punitive criminal contempt sanctions against Apple are warranted to punish past misconduct and deter future noncompliance.
While headlines have focused on the deals access to Ukraines rare earth elements, several lesser-known aspects reveal deeper layers of this partnership. Here are four key points you might have missed read more

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)

The recently signed minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States, which was months in the making, has garnered a fair bit of attention. The agreement establishes an investment fund that Ukraine hopes will secure US support as the nation continues its fight against Russia three years after the war began.

However, beyond the public declarations of strategic partnership and post-war recovery, the deal contains several lesser-known provisions.

Here are four important but overlooked aspects of the agreement:

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1. Zelenskyy wont pay back anything to Trump

Despite initial suggestions from some quarters in Washington that Ukraine could repay part of its wartime aid through mineral revenues, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly opposed the idea. He reportedly insisted that any suggestion of repayment would amount to turning the cost of survival into a debt burden for future generations.

The final agreement, as confirmed by Kyiv and Washington officials, contains no clause requiring repayment of military or economic assistance provided during the war.

This may frustrate some in the Trump administration who have called for more transactional foreign policy, but it allows Ukraine to protect its economic sovereignty.

2. Its not only about rare earth minerals

Much of the attention surrounding the deal has focused on Ukraines rare earth deposits, which are crucial for high-tech manufacturing and military hardware. However, the agreement covers a far broader range of critical minerals.

Ukraines reserves include large deposits of lithium, graphite, titanium and uranium. These materials are vital to a range of industries including electric vehicles, aerospace, nuclear energy and semiconductors. For the United States, gaining early access to these resources offers a strategic advantage in reducing dependency on China. For Ukraine, it signals a path toward becoming a key supplier in global clean energy and defence supply chains.

3. Trump wont object to Ukraines EU membership

One of the more politically charged questions leading up to the deal was whether closer US-Ukraine economic ties would come with conditions that could complicate Ukraines bid to join the European Union. So far, that concern appears unfounded.

Officials involved in the negotiations say the US made no demands that would contradict Ukraines EU aspirations. In fact, the mineral deal is being described by some analysts as complementary to Ukraines European ambitions, as it helps modernise the countrys industrial base and attract further Western investment. Despite Donald Trumps well-known scepticism of transatlantic alliances, sources say he has raised no objections to Ukraines EU bid in the context of this deal.

4. The US will invest all its profits in Ukraine for the first 10 years

In an unexpected move, the agreement includes a clause committing the United States to reinvest all profits from the mineral partnership back into Ukraine for the first decade. This reinvestment will go toward rebuilding critical infrastructure, modernising mining operations and supporting economic development in war-affected regions.

White House officials have framed this as both a strategic and moral commitment, signalling that US interests in Ukraine are not just extractive but developmental. For Ukraine, it means immediate and tangible benefits from the deal, rather than waiting years for investment returns to materialise.

With inputs from agencies
In a Facebook post, Major General (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman has said that Bangladesh should occupy Indias seven northeast states if it attacks Pakistan in response to Phalagam terror attack read more

A senior official appointed by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has said that Bangladesh should occupy Indias seven northeast states if it attacks Pakistan in response to Phalagam terror attack.

The remark made by Major General (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman 

the chairperson of the National Independent Commission of Inquiry probing the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) massacre  on Facebook comes at a time when Dhakas ties with New Delhi has seen a downturn after ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.

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If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should occupy seven states of North East India. In this regard, I think it is necessary to start a discussion on a joint military system with China, Rahman said in a Facebook post in Bengali on Tuesday.

The post received a like from fellow commission member Shahnawaz Khan Chandan, a former member of the Islamist student organization Islami Chhatra Shibir.

According to a report by The Print, Chandan, currently an assistant professor at Jagannath University in Dhaka, is reportedly someone whom Yunus is said to have placed complete trust in.

The timing of the post is significant, coming amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.

In a series of retaliatory measures, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the Attari post, and downgraded diplomatic ties.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has moved closer to Pakistan following Sheikh Hasinas exit.

The two countries held their first foreign secretary-level talks in nearly 15 years this month in Dhaka, focusing on bilateral and historical issues. The dialogue follows quiet diplomatic overtures, including relaxed visa norms and discussions on 1971-related grievances.

A visit by Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is expected but remains on hold amid rising regional tensions.

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Who is Fazlur Rahman?

Fazlur Rahman, a retired army officer, led the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) during the 2001 border clashes with India, in which 16 BSF personnel were killed. Now elevated to a position equivalent to a Supreme Court appellate division judge, Rahman has pledged to expose the foreign conspiracy behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre.

Claiming the original probe into the BDR mutiny concealed critical truths, Rahman has said, We aim to determine whether any foreign entity was involved in the carnage, hinting at alleged Indian involvement.

His latest remarks are likely to add to growing friction with New Delhi. They come shortly after Yunus, declared in a meeting with Chinese officials that Bangladesh  not India  is the true gateway to South Asia.

The eastern part of India, known as the Seven Sisters, is landlocked. They have no access to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the ocean in this region. This opens up huge possibilities, Yunus said in a video of the meeting that has since gone viral.

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He also added that Bangladesh could act as an extension of the Chinese economybuilding, producing, and marketing goods for China and the world.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan violated the ceasefire for the seventh night in a row on Wednesday, firing unprovoked along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded firmly to the provocation. read more

Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol near the India Pakistan border fencing at Garkhal in Akhnoor, about 35 kilometers west of Jammu, August 13, 2019. File Photo/AP

Pakistan violated the ceasefire for the seventh consecutive night on Wednesday by opening unprovoked fire along the Line of Control near Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded firmly to Pakistans provocations.

This came a day after India warned Pakistan over repeated ceasefire breaches, amid growing tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

India condemned Pakistans unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, as military officials from both sides spoke on the hotline amid rising tensions from the Pahalgam attack.

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Pakistan has been violating the ceasefire since Friday night, with firing on the Indian side of the LoC. The Indian Army has responded appropriately, according to military sources.

The conversation between the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) took place on Tuesday as India considers its response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.

Initially, the ceasefire violations were limited to the LoC. However, the situation escalated when Pakistani forces fired along the International Border in the Pargwal sector of Jammu late Tuesday.

This is a developing story.
The announcement of a new data centre in Finland comes at a time when Europe has been sceptical about TikTok sharing data of European users to the Chinese government read more

A general view of the offices of TikTok, as the site faces an April 5 deadline to reach a deal to find a non-Chinese buyer under threat of being banned from the United States, in Culver City, California, US, April 2, 2025. File Image/Reuters

TikTok has announced the creation of a data centre in Finland, as the video-sharing platform plans to migrate data storage to Europe exclusively for users living in the continent.

The development was told to Reuters by a spokesperson of the company, who said that TikTok will invest 1 billion euros in the project.

This comes at a time when Europe has been sceptical about TikTok sharing data of European users to the Chinese government.

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In 2023, it launched a new data security regime, nicknamed Project Clover, with plans to invest 12 billion euros over 10 years amid growing pressure from lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic.

However, measures like these have not been proven enough for lawmakers in several countries, the European Parliament or the European Commission, many of whom have banned TikTok from official devices due to privacy concerns.

TikTok has called the bans misguided, based on fundamental misconceptions. On its website, TikTok says European user data is stored in a dedicated European data enclave, hosted across data centres in Norway, Ireland, and the US.

Project Clover in Norway was TikToks flagship data centre, which went fully operational in April. The company, which has over 175 million users in Europe, plans to announce more data centres in the coming years, sources said.

Nordic countries have become attractive destinations for data centres for technology companies ranging from Microsoft to Meta as the colder temperatures reduce energy costs, alongside the availability of cheap, emission-free electricity.

More than 20 new data centres are being planned in Finland, amounting to some 13 billion euros in value and 1.3 gigawatts in capacity, Veijo Terho, chairman of the Finnish Data Centre Association, said.

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With inputs from Reuters
The new road bridge, which has been under discussion for years, will be 850 metres (2789 ft) and link up with the Russian highway system. Its construction was agreed during a visit by President Vladimir Putin to North Korea in 2024 read more

Russia has begun the construction of a direct road bridge to North Korea that will be built across the Tumen River, as the two countries forge closer ties in the face of the Ukraine war.

The bridge, which will be completed by mid-2026, is being built near an existing Friendship Bridge, which was commissioned following the Korean War of 1959.

At a ceremony dedicated to the start of the new bridges construction, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said it was a significant event in Russian-North Korean relations, the TASS state news agency reported.

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The significance goes far beyond just an engineering task, Mishustin was quoted as saying. It symbolises our common desire to strengthen friendly, good-neighbourly relations and increase inter-regional cooperation.

How will the bridge connect the 2 countries?

The new road bridge, which has been under discussion for years, will be 850 metres (2789 ft) and link up with the Russian highway system. Its construction was agreed during a visit by President Vladimir Putin to North Korea in 2024.

Plans for the construction of the new bridge were finalised during Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to Pyongyang last year, where he signed an agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership with North Korea.

Mishustin said the bridge will allow entrepreneurs to significantly increase transportation volumes and reduce transportation costs, ensure reliable and stable supplies of various products, which will contribute to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation.

N.Korea hails construction of new bridge

North Korea said the construction of a new bridge linking it to Russia is a significant development of relations between the two countries, state media KCNA reported on Thursday.

It provides a substantial guarantee for laying down and reinforcing important infrastructure for economic cooperation and for vitalising bilateral cooperation including travel of persons, tourism and circulation of commodities, KCNA said.

With inputs from agencies
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, authorities in PoK on Thursday ordered the closure of over 1,000 madrasas, citing concerns over potential Indian military action read more

Pakistan's national flag at the Mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, Pakistan on August 14, 2022. Reuters File

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, authorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Thursday ordered the closure of over 1,000 madrasas, citing concerns over potential Indian military action.

We have announced a 10-day break for all madrassas in Kashmir, AFP quoted Hafiz Nazeer Ahmed, the head of the local religious affairs department, as saying.

India has blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack which left at least 26 people dead.

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The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), initially claimed responsibility but later denied the statement.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian armed forces full operational freedom to act as needed.

According to a Wion report, the emergency service workers in Muzaffarabad are also bracing for a possible attack by India and have begun training schoolchildren on what to do if India attacks.

India has launched a series of strong measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and banning Pakistani nationals from entering the country.

Earlier today, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in a phone conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he was deeply saddened by the deaths caused by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and backed Indias right to defend itself.

According to a statement from the Indian Defence Ministry, Hegseth said that the US stands in solidarity with India and supports Indias right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the US government in Indias fight against terrorism.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate calls with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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During the conversation with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed condolences for the victims of what he called a horrific terrorist attack.

In his call with Sharif, Rubio urged Islamabad to fully cooperate in investigating the unconscionable attack and pressed Pakistan to publicly condemn the incident.

A US State Department statement noted that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to holding terrorists accountable  an expectation the US emphasised Pakistan has yet to fulfill.

With inputs from agencies
Indias airspace ban triggered by renewed tensions has deepened Pakistans aviation crisis jolting its economic ambitions, regional connectivity and the future of its national carrier read more

(File_ Ground staff work beside the state-run Pakistan International Airlines plane preparing to take-off for Paris after the airline resumes direct flights to Europe after EU lifted a four-year ban, at the Islamabad International Airport, in Islamabad, Pakistan on January 10, 2025. AP

Pakistan is a reluctant nation when it comes to learning from past mistakes. Whether reluctant is the right word or whether foolish or short-sighted fits better is a matter of judgement. In the wake of the Pahalgam massacre on April 22, Pakistan was quick to shut its airspace to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines. While symbolically forceful, this move disregards practical economic considerations and reflects a familiar pattern where math and common sense take a back seat to political signalling.

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As Indian airlines are now rerouting to avoid Pakistans airspace, fuel costs and travel times are indeed rising. However, it is Pakistan that faces the heavier economic fallout, primarily due to lost overflight fees. During a similar airspace closure following the Pulwama attack in 2019, Pakistans aviation sector lost nearly $100 million, with daily deficits of around $760,000 from overflight charges, cancelled flights and rerouting complications. The current scenario is poised to follow a comparable trajectory.

The Civil Aviation Authority reported a deficit of Pakistani Rs 8.5 billion (approximately $50 million). Operational challenges faced by PIA during that time only intensified the broader economic strain.

In a retaliatory move, India issued Notice To Airmen (Notam) G0510/25, prohibiting Pakistani aircraft from using Indian airspace. This reciprocal action adds a second layer of economic strain for Pakistan. Historical precedent suggests that the implications could be severe. Following the Balakot strikes in 2019, Pakistan experienced considerable financial pressure as a result of similar airspace restrictions.

Financial strain on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

The prohibition on using Indian airspace poses a particularly severe threat to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a carrier already struggling with financial insolvency. PIA currently operates flights only to Colombo in the Southeast Asian region.

The airline lacks the capacity to serve most regional capitals despite diplomatic efforts to build strategic ties. In 2019, similar restrictions led to daily losses of about $460,000 for PIA, contributing significantly to the broader $100 million aviation sector loss during that time.

Beyond passenger routes, airspace closures have a cascading effect on cargo operations. Rerouted flights lead to delays in the delivery of perishable goods, textiles and industrial commodities potentially resulting in the breach of international contracts. Such disruptions can make Pakistani exports less competitive due to increased transportation costs and logistical inefficiencies.

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The overall downturn in the aviation sector can cause ripple effects throughout the national economy. Reduced airline operations may lead to layoffs, a decline in tourism, and reduced investor confidence.

The compounded pressure on PIA and other aviation entities could necessitate government bailouts, thereby diverting scarce resources from other critical sectors such as health, education and infrastructure.

Diplomatic fallout: Vision East Asia Policy at risk

Pakistans Vision East Asia Policy, launched in the early 2000s, aims to build stronger diplomatic, cultural and economic ties with East and Southeast Asian nations. While Pakistan has historically maintained close relations with China, this initiative seeks to broaden regional outreach to countries like Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

The current airspace restrictions have come at a particularly inopportune time for this policy. The inability to fly through Indian airspace significantly hampers Pakistans ability to maintain and expand trade and diplomatic engagement with Southeast Asia.

Economically, the policys goal of diversification now faces a major setback. Efforts to promote cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges and tourism are also stalling under the weight of logistical complications.

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In recent years, Pakistan had made renewed efforts to revitalise this policy. Initiatives included halal food and defence cooperation with Malaysia and Indonesia and infrastructure discussions with Japan and South Korea.

However, these engagements are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain due to the new restrictions. Even travel to Bangladeshan emerging diplomatic partnernow requires circuitous routes unless the Indian peninsula is circumvented entirely.

Security analyst Muhammad Amir Rana, writing for The Dawn earlier pointed out that Pakistans ties with other South Asian nations are weakening despite shared cultural heritage. The India-Pakistan rivalry has further hampered Pakistans connectivity and people-to-people exchanges with the broader region.

Privatisation and disinvestment woes for PIA

The Indian Natam restricting Pakistani flights could not have come at a worse time for PIAs privatisation efforts. On April 24, the Pakistani government made its third attempt to privatise the airline by inviting domestic and international investors to submit Expressions of Interest for acquiring a 51 per cent to 100 per cent stake in the restructured entity.

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Previous privatisation efforts have failed spectacularly. In October 2024, a lone bid of around US$36 million was submittedfar below the reserve price of $305 million. Buyers cited unresolved taxation issues and PIAs legacy debt as major deterrents.

A second attempt attracted only one bid from the Blue World City consortium, which offered Rs 10 billion, well short of the Pakistani Rs 85.03 billion minimum price set by the Privatisation Commission. Six groups were pre-qualified, but none submitted a competitive offer.

The current airspace restrictions further diminish investor confidence. As potential buyers weigh the challenges of operating a loss-making airline with shrinking regional access and diplomatic uncertainty, PIAs disinvestment prospects appear increasingly bleak.

Operational challenges for Pakistani airlines

According to aviation security trainer Tahir Mehmood, the Pakistani aviation industry faces multiple operational hurdles that hamper growth and efficiency. Limited financial resources prevent airlines from upgrading fleets, conducting proper maintenance or expanding services. This financial weakness leads to deteriorating service quality and reduces competitiveness.

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Moreover, there is a pronounced shortage of skilled professionals across the sector, including pilots, engineers and ground staff. This talent gap affects both reliability and safety.

Outdated infrastructure compounds the issue, with many airports lacking modern facilities such as automated baggage handling and CT-based explosive detection systems. These inadequacies contribute to frequent delays and poor passenger satisfaction.

Additionally, Gulf-based carriers with superior service quality and global connectivity continue to outcompete Pakistani airlines, siphoning off a significant share of international traffic.

Airport operations: Structural deficiencies

Pakistans airports suffer from ageing infrastructure, limited runway capacity and inadequate passenger-handling systems. Out of 42 airports in the country, only 26 are operational. The rest continue to incur maintenance costs without generating revenue, resulting in inefficiencies and wasted resources.

Security concerns, particularly in regions like Balochistan, further complicate airport operations. Political instability deters both domestic and international travel. Attempts to improve airport infrastructure through public-private partnerships have failed due to non-competitive bidding processes and unresolved employee rights, stalling much-needed modernisation projects.

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Comparative regional performance

Pakistans aviation sector continues to lag behind regional peers. In 2023, the country recorded approximately 22 million passengersdwarfed by Indias 176 million during the same period. This disparity highlights the wide gap in aviation infrastructure and market size.

Operational efficiency also varies drastically within Pakistan. Private airlines like Fly Jinnah report on-time performance rates nearing 88 per cent, while PIA lags behind at just over 58 per cent. This inconsistency reflects broader issues in governance and accountability.

Technologically, Pakistani airlines are also falling short. While regional competitors invest in next-generation aircraft and digital innovations, Pakistans carriers struggle to modernise, thereby reducing their appeal in both domestic and international markets.

A compounding crisis

The Indian airspace ban has delivered a devastating blow to Pakistans aviation sector at a time when it can least afford additional strain. Beyond the immediate financial repercussions, the ban exacerbates existing structural inefficiencies, disrupts diplomatic objectives and severely hinders PIAs privatisation efforts.

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While the symbolic politics of airspace closures may serve short-term nationalistic agendas, in the current economic set up, Indias action is more likely to inflict long-term economic and strategic damage on Pakistan.
With Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, a report suggests that the blockade is costing Indian airlines an additional Rs 77 cr on a weekly basis read more

Amid the ongoing tussle between India and Pakistan, a report suggests that Indian airlines are likely to face an additional weekly expense of Rs 77 crore for international flights operated from north Indian cities. The airliners are burdened after Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian aircraft, causing a major hit to the Indian aviation sector.

According to PTI, an analysis of the number of overseas flights and back-of-the-envelope calculations based on increased flight time, and approximate expenses, reflected that the airlines are incurring additional monthly operational costs could be over Rs 306 crore. Pakistan decided to close its airspace in response to the security measures taken by India following the devastating Pahalgam attack.

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The PTI report stated that the alternative flight path is leading to an increase of 1.5 hours in travel time from North Indian cities to the US and Europe. This increase will also raise the cost of flying the aircraft by Rs 29 lakhs in the US. This includes landing and parking charges on account of a technical halt at an airport en route. Similar additional charges are acquired by planes flying to Europe and the Middle East.

As per the analysis, the airlines are incurring a total additional monthly expense of around Rs 307 crore and Rs 77 crore on a weekly basis. The report maintained that these figures are based on rough estimates.

India looks for alternatives

In light of this, top executives of air navigation authorities and airlines in India are huddling up to find a solution. According to The Economic Times, the officials are contemplating plans to decongest the western airspace and find a new flight path as an alternative.

A source close to the matter told the Indian news outlet that officials from the defence, external affairs and civil aviation ministries met to discuss alternatives last week. The authorities asked airliners to examine the feasibility of the route, where an aircraft travelling from Delhi can head to the North of Leh and then fly over the Hind Kush, entering Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, en route to Europe or North America.

This way, India would be able to bypass Pakistan and Afghanistan. In 2021, Air India started flying on a route titled Papa 500 on aeronautical charts. However, that required the aircraft to fly over Pakistani airspace for a short time. In the proposed idea, the aircraft needs to fly further north and even enter Chinese airspace.

Airlines have been asked to check the feasibility of the route, following which the government can reach out to China for permission. This could offer direct access to Europe and the USA without requiring a halt, a government official, aware of the plan, told The Economic Times.

Since the closure of the Pakistani airspace, flights between north India, Europe and North America are flying south, close to Ahmedabad. From there, it heads over the Arabian Sea and goes to Muscat, where it is en route to the destination.

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Indigo noted that the flight to Central Asia had been stopped, and Air India had to take one stop for its flights to the US. During the meeting, airline officials argued that if they went ahead with the proposed plan, it would require additional training for the crew to operate at such a high altitude, and the aircraft should also have more than 22 minutes of oxygen on board due to the high terrain.

With inputs from agencies.
Some hard-liners within the Catholic community are vouching for right-wing candidates like Athanasius Schneider, a bishop in Kazakhstan. Schneider is known for his claim that refugees in Europe are a mass invasion leading to Islamisation read more

Cardinals stand during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. AP

The voting process to choose the next pope will commence next week, and amid this, a bunch of conservative Catholics are pushing for candidates who will be way less liberal than the late Pope Francis was.

Cardinals who were not a fan of Francis for his progressive outlook, some of whom even branded him anti-Christ, are all set to vote for a leader who resonates with them on a more political level. The election process will take place on May 7.

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Concentrate on issues like pro-life, not climate change

Conservative Catholics were not on board with the late Pope Francis stance on issues like same-sex unions, divorce, and immigration.

Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, a German aristocrat and doyenne of the Roman conservative Catholic scene told Politico, The hope is to have a pontificate that concentrates more on Catholic issues, such as pro-life and family, rather than climate change and immigration.

Some hard-liners within the Catholic community are vouching for right-wing candidates like Athanasius Schneider, a bishop in Kazakhstan. Schneider is known for his claim that refugees in Europe are a mass invasion leading to Islamisation.

Nothing like before

This times conclave to pick the next pope is different from the one that happened in 2013, which made Francis the pontiff.

Stephen Schneck, former director of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at the Catholic University of America, told Politico that with the rise of conservative blogs and influencers running campaigns on social media, this years conclave is like nothing Ive seen before.

A gushing flood of analyses, opinions, and actual campaigning by outside groups and influencers is under way," he said.

Leading contenders are growing anxious about what might surface. A video showing Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle  considered one of the top candidates to succeed Francis  singing a karaoke version of John Lennons Imagine was shared by the right-wing site LifeSiteNews. Critics have seized on the lyrics, including Imagine theres no heaven, calling it a surrender to atheism.
One source said Waltzs exit may be linked to a broader reorganisation in the White House and not the Signal chat leak controversy read more

US President Donald Trump has given Secretary of State Marco Rubio the additional responsibility of Interim National Security Advisor, following the announcement that US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, will step down from their positions on Thursday (May 1).

Meanwhile, the president also nominated Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump wrote, I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

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Waltz came under intense scrutiny in March this year after he mistakenly added The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat group meant to discuss plans of a military strike on Houthi targets.

Despite initial denials, Waltz later admitted that classified information had been shared on the chat, triggering a debate in the White House about whether he should step down.

I take full responsibility. I built the group, Waltz said. Its embarrassing. Were going to get to the bottom of it.

Waltz never offered to resign, and Trump didnt ask him to do so at that time.

Trump had later called Waltz a good man and said he had learned a lesson.

One source cited in the US media said Waltzs exit may be linked to a broader reorganisation in the White House and not the Signal chat leak controversy.

According to CNN, Waltz was made clear earlier this week that his time leading the National Security Council had come to an end.

On Wednesday (April 30), when most of Trumps cabinet met again for an event showcasing business investments in the US during his first 100 days in office, Waltz and Wong were noticeably absent. Even though seats with their names were specifically set aside, they didnt show up.

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Fired the wrong guy

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly was quoted by CNN as saying that the Trump administration may have fired the wrong guy as he pointed his fingers at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

I think theyre holding the wrong guy accountable  I think they fired the wrong guy, Kelly said.

Witkoff coming in?

The Independent meanwhile reports that special envoy Steve Witkoff may be welcomed in the White House as Waltzs replacement.

It would be a remarkable rise for the lawyer and New York property builder who became a presidential dealmaker. He had absolutely no background in foreign relations, military matters, or government work before being chosen as Trumps key Middle East peace representative during the time between the 2024 election and Trumps official start in office on January 20th.

(With inputs from agencies)
Local authorities have issued an advisory to citizens to immediately seek shelter if they hear a siren read more

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistans northwestern province, on Thursday (May 1) declared that it will install emergency alert sirens across 29 districts to timely alert civilians in case of a military strike by India. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have increased following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were massacred. Indian agencies hint at the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the attack, which specifically targeted Hindu men.

Pakistan has denied the allegations and has offered to participate in any transparent international probe into the attack.

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The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported that the sirens will help provide people with real-time alerts and warnings.

The emergency sirens are to be installed in high-risk areas to maximise coverage. The move aims to provide real-time alerts and warn the citizens beforehand in the case of an aerial threat, the report said.

Additionally, the Directorate of Civil Defence KP has also issued an advisory to citizens to immediately seek shelter if they hear a siren. People in the region have been warned against going outside and have been told to prioritise the safety of women, children and elderly people.

The general public has been strictly discouraged from engaging in spreading rumours and mocking or misusing the sirens. The measure intends to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens in times of potential conflict, said the APP report.

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country wont initiate any attack on India but warned of a strong response. Earlier, in an unusual middle of the night press conference, Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed they had credible intelligence, indicating India may carry out a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours.

The deadline has already passed and there has not been any military escalation from the Indian side yet.

Earlier, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told news agency Reuters that a military incursion by India was imminent. Pakistan was on high alert but would only use its nuclear weapons if there is a direct threat to our existence, Asif said.

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Top executives of air navigation authorities and Indian airlines are huddling up to find new flight paths as Pakistans closure of its airspace causes loss read more

As Pakistan imposes an airspace blockade, causing major disturbance for Indian airlines, reports are emerging that New Delhi is looking for new flight paths to mitigate the impact of the curbs. The diplomatic row that ensued between India and Pakistan following the devastating Pahalgam attack has led to both nations blocking their airspace for each other.

In light of this, top executives of air navigation authorities and airlines in India are huddling up to find a solution. According to The Economic Times, the officials are contemplating plans to decongest the western airspace and find a new flight path as an alternative.

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Apart from this, the Indian government is also considering approaching the International Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO) to challenge the blockade, arguing that it goes against the 1944 Convention on Civil Aviation. After Pakistan shut its airspace, Indian airliners like Air India and IndiGo were forced to alter multiple routes, leading to escalating fuel expenses and longer journey times.

India explores alternatives

A source close to the matter told The Economic Times that officials from the defence, external affairs and civil aviation ministries met to discuss alternatives last week. The authorities asked airliners to examine the feasibility of the route, where an aircraft travelling from Delhi can head to the North of Leh and then fly over the Hind Kush, entering Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, en route to Europe or North America.

This way, India would be able to bypass Pakistan and Afghanistan. In 2021, Air India started flying on a route, titled Papa 500, on aeronautical charts. However, that required the aircraft to fly over the Pakistani airspace for a short time. In the proposed idea, the aircraft need to fly further north and even enter the Chinese airspace.

Airlines have been asked to check the feasibility of the route, following which the government can reach out to China for permission. This could offer direct access to Europe and the USA without requiring a halt, a government official aware of the plan told The Economic Times.

What is the current arrangement?

Since the closure of the Pakistani airspace, flights between north India, Europe and North America are flying south, close to Ahmedabad. From there, it heads over the Arabian Sea and heads to Muscat en route to the destination.

Indigo noted that the flight to Central Asia had been stopped, and Air India had to take one stop for its flights to the US. During the meeting, Airline officials argued that if they went ahead with the proposed plan, it would require additional training for the crew to operate at such a high altitude, and the aircraft should also have more than 22 minutes of oxygen on board due to the high terrain.

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Air India will have to do a safety feasibility study and fit extra oxygen in the planes for flying the routes. It is a very complex operation, and it will not be allowed without ensuring 100% safety, a government source said.

With inputs from agencies.
Pakistan has heightened Hafiz Saeeds security, fearing a covert strike from India after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. According to the report, he is being sheltered in a densely populated area of Lahore, with former SSG commandos deployed for his protection. read more

Pakistan beefs up Hafiz Saeed's security, shifts him to Lahore's dense civilian locality, says report. Image: PTI file photo

Pakistans ISI and government have increased security for Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, fearing a possible covert operation following the Pahalgam terror attack, The Times of India reported, citing sources.

According to the report, he is being sheltered in a densely populated area of Lahore, with former SSG commandos deployed for his protection.

Saeed has been deliberately placed in a densely populated area of Lahore, surrounded by a mosque, madrassa, and civilian homes, sources told The Times of India.

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Former Special Service Group commandos have been added to his security detail, with additional personnel deployed at his residences, including his home in Lahores Mohalla Johar.

Although officially in prison, Saeeds house has been declared a temporary sub-jail. A control room has been set up to monitor all movements within a one-kilometre radius using CCTV cameras equipped with gesture detection technology.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Seeds Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

He is wanted by both the US and India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and is also held responsible for the recent killings in Pahalgam.

Hafiz Saeed is officially in the custody of the Pakistan government, serving a 46-year sentence after being convicted in seven terror financing cases.

In April 2022, he was sentenced to 31 years in two such cases, on top of a 15-year sentence from 2020 for similar charges. However, the court allowed all sentences to run at the same time. Though shown as arrested since 2019, Saeed has made over two dozen public appearances in the last three years, the most recent one in February.

He moves with heavy security, including former SSG commandos, and is often seen at terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and at camps in Muridke, Bahawalpur, and Rawalakot.

After India revoked Article 370 in 2019, Saeed rebranded Lashkar-e-Taiba as The Resistance Front in 2020.

On Wednesday, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang also threatened retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. Sharing Saeeds photo in a social media post, the gang stated they would target someone of high value to Pakistan.

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The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike, is seen as part of Pakistans ongoing attempts to disrupt peace and development in the region, which had been progressing following the abrogation of Article 370.

Pakistan fears India will launch military response to Pahalgam attack

On Wednesday, Pakistan claimed it had credible intelligence suggesting that India might launch military action within the next 24 to 36 hours in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which it said was carried out by terrorists backed by Pakistans military and intelligence services. It also warned of consequences if such action is taken.

Pakistans Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said in a post on X that India was preparing military action based on false and baseless allegations regarding Pakistans role in the Pahalgam attack.
Ahead of Rajnath-Hegseth talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held a phone call with Indias Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, during which New Delhis top diplomat stressed that perpetrators, backers and planners of the Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice read more

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared Thursday (May 1) that US stood strong with India and its great people following the heinous terrorist attack last week in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam region.

Taking to X, Hegseth wrote, Today, I spoke with Indian Defense Minister Singh to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week. I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people.

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Earlier, Indias defence ministry in a statement said Hegseth supported Indias right to defend itself.

The US stands in solidarity with India and supports Indias right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the US government in Indias fight against terrorism, the statement read.

Tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad have intensified in the aftermath of the attack, with Indian intelligence agencies hinting at the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the massacre.

Pakistans military is still mobilising its forces at the border with India, according to reports. They have reportedly moved anti-aircraft weapons and large guns to the front areas.

On Tuesday, the top military operations officials from India and Pakistan spoke on the phone. Indian defence sources said on Wednesday that they discussed Pakistans unprovoked breaking of the ceasefire agreement. India warned Pakistan not to continue these unprovoked violations by their army along the Line of Control (LOC) and the International Border.

Ahead of Rajnath-Hegseth talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held a phone call with Indias Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, during which New Delhis top diplomat stressed that perpetrators, backers and planners of the Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice.

Rubio earlier held talks with Pakistani side as well, during which he reportedly told Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif of the need to condemn the attack and re-establish direct communications, according to a statement released by the US State Department.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with EAM Jaishankar after a phone conversation with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. read more

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar after a phone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar today. The Secretary 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. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

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The US has encouraged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, reaffirming its commitment to cooperate with New Delhi against terrorism.

US urges Pak to condemn the attack

In his conversation with Sharif, Rubio emphasised the need to condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and urged Pakistani officials to cooperate 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.

Sharif accused India of taking provocative actions, as tensions rose between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Indias provocations would only serve to distract Pakistan from its ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism, particularly from terror groups, Sharif said.

Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike, claimed the lives of at least 26 people, including foreign nationals, and left many others injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), an outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, took responsibility for the attack.

In response, India strongly condemned Pakistan for 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 responded to the measures, announcing it would withdraw from the 1972 Simla Agreement and close the Wagah border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged firm action, vowing to track down the terrorists to the ends of the earth. In response, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that any changes to the Indus Waters Treaty would be regarded as an act of war.

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This conversation happened shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Indias Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar. read more

Indias Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (May 1) talked with the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

This conversation happened shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Indias Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar.

The two sides reportedly discussed the terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed, mostly Hindus.

In their phone conversation, Hegseth told Rajnath Singh how deeply saddened he was by the deaths caused by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and backed Indias right to defend itself.

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According to a statement from the Indian Defense Ministry, Hegseth said that the US stands in solidarity with India and supports Indias right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the US government in Indias fight against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh told Hegseth that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations.

Tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad have intensified in the aftermath of the attack, with Indian intelligence agencies hinting at the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the massacre.

Earlier, a phone call took place between Jaishankar and Rubio, during which the Indian foreign minister stressed that perpetrators, backers and planners of the Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice.

Rubio earlier held talks with Pakistani side as well, during which he reportedly told Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif of the need to condemn the attack and re-establish direct communications, according to a statement released by the US State Department.

Pakistans military is still mobilising its forces at the border with India, according to reports. They have reportedly moved anti-aircraft weapons and large guns to the front areas.

On Tuesday, the top military operations officials from India and Pakistan spoke on the phone. Indian defence sources said on Wednesday that they discussed Pakistans unprovoked breaking of the ceasefire agreement. India warned Pakistan not to continue these unprovoked violations by their army along the Line of Control (LOC) and the International Border.

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External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call that those responsible for last weeks deadly attack in Kashmir must be held accountable. read more

Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 1, 2025

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said he informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a phone conversation, that the perpetrators behind last weeks tragic Pahalgam terror attack must be held accountable and brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the United States urged both India and Pakistan to ease tensions, with Rubio speaking to leaders from both countries on Wednesday.

The US State Department said Secretary Rubio expressed support for India in its fight against extremism and urged Pakistan to cooperate in the investigation into the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan based terrorists killed 26 innocent people, mostly tourists.

Jaishankar said in a post on X that he told Rubio the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack must be brought to justice. Meanwhile, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the US to urge India to dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly.

Last week, Islamist militants attacked a meadow crowded with tourists in the Pahalgam area of Kashmir. According to officials and survivors, the attackers separated the men, asked their names, and shot non-Muslims at close range.

Indias tough measures against Pak

Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, with both sides taking retaliatory steps. Recently, India closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft and suspended the social media accounts of popular Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Amir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar.

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India has taken several strong measures  downgrading diplomatic ties, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing Pakistans diplomatic presence in New Delhi, expelling military officials, and closing the Attari border crossing.

Ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) have now entered a seventh consecutive day. On Wednesday, Pakistan reportedly fired unprovoked shots across the International Border in Jammu and Kashmirs Akhnoor sector.
The Pakistani envoy also urged US President Donald Trump to intervene and help defuse the situation as fear grows of an imminent response by India read more

Islamabads envoy to the United States has said that his nation was not inclined towards a conflict with India as Pakistan was a smaller country. In an interview with Newsweek, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said, We do not want to fight, particularly with a bigger country."

We want peace. It suits our economic agenda; it suits our nationhood. It suits every objective that we have currently. But we want peace with dignity, Sheikh added.

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However, the ambassador warned that Pakistan will die with dignity than survive with indignity if a war was imposed.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are running high in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed, most of them Hindu tourists. While India has not blamed Pakistan officially for the attack, its intelligence agencies believe Pakistani nationals were involved. A massive hunt for the terrorists is currently underway in Kashmir as intelligence sources believe they could still be holed up in the mountainous region.

The US has urged both sides to exercise restraint, with both US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio holding talks with their Indian counterparts on Thursday (May 1) and expressing support to New Delhis fight against terrorism.

According to a statement from the Indian Defense Ministry, Hegseth said that the US stands in solidarity with India and supports Indias right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the US government in Indias fight against terrorism.

Pakistan envoy rakes up nuclear flashpoint rhetoric

In his interview, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh raked up the issue of Kashmir being the worlds highest nuclear flash point, a rhetoric often voiced by Pakistan to attract global attention.

If we have a president who is standing for peace in the world as a pronounced objective during this administration, to establish a legacy as a peacemaker, or as someone who finished wars, defied wars and played a role in de-confliction, resolving the disputes, I dont think there is any higher or flashier flash point, particularly in nuclear terms, as Kashmir, Sheikh said.

The Pakistani envoy then urged US President Donald Trump to intervene and help defuse the situation.

Trump was one of the first world leaders to condemn the attack in Kashmir region; however, he has shown little interest in helping de-escalate the crisis. Last week, Trump said Pakistan and India will get it figured out one way or the other, Im sure of that.

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Pakistans spy chief, Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik, has been given the additional role of National Security Adviser (NSA), according to a report. read more

Pakistans intelligence agency chief, Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik, has been given the additional role of National Security Adviser (NSA), The Express Tribune reported.

His appointment comes at a time of heightened tensions with India following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians.

Malik has served as Director General of the ISI since September 2024. Prior to that, he held the position of Adjutant General at the Pakistan Armys General Headquarters, where he oversaw administrative and disciplinary affairs.

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Notably, it was during his tenure as Adjutant General that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested, triggering widespread protests by his supporters and party workers, according to The Express Tribune.

During his military career, Malik has also commanded army divisions in Balochistan and South Waziristantwo regions long plagued by major security challenges in the southeast of the country.

Appointment comes amid post Pahalgam Terror Attack

Maliks appointment comes amid escalating IndiaPakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, which New Delhi alleges had cross-border links.

The Pahalgam incident, one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, claimed the lives of at least 26 people, including one Nepali national, and injured many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a group affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

Indias strong actions against Pak

Both countries have continued tit-for-tat actions against each other. One of the most recent measures by New Delhi includes closing Indian airspace to Pakistani aircraft and suspending social media accounts of popular Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Amir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar.

Ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) entered their seventh consecutive day on Thursday, with unprovoked small arms fire reported from the Pakistani side of the International Border in Jammu and Kashmirs Akhnoor sector on Wednesday.

In response to the attack, India has 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.

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Pakistan responded by threatening to withdraw from the 1972 Simla Agreement and announced the closure of the Wagah border crossing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed strong retaliation, pledging to pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth. In turn, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that any changes to the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an act of war.
If confirmed, Russian assistance in developing such a vessel would mark a major new phase in military cooperation between the two nations. It would also represent a potential breach of UN sanctions, which prohibit the transfer of weapons-related technology to North Korea read more

South Koreas military has raised fresh concerns about the growing defence ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, suggesting that Russia may have assisted North Korea in building a newly unveiled destroyer-class warship. The development has further fuelled fears about the deepening strategic partnership between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday (May 1), South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung-jun said preliminary assessments indicate the possibility that Russia provided technological or financial support for North Koreas new 5,000-ton vessel, named Choe Hyon.

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Looking at the weapons and equipment that were revealed, we believe that there is a possibility that they received technology, funds or assistance from Russia, Lee said, adding that Seoul was conducting a more detailed analysis of the ship and its systems.

The warship was shown over the weekend during a high-profile unveiling in North Korea. State media reported that Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the first stage of a two-day weapons test, during which he called for the acceleration of nuclear armament for the countrys navy.

While Pyongyang has described the Choe Hyon as being equipped with the most powerful weapons including supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles, experts in South Korea remain skeptical about its immediate deployment potential. Lee cautioned that warships of this size typically take several years to become operational, even after construction is complete.

Although the Choe Hyon has been unveiled, it seems likely that considerably more time will be needed for its [operational] deployment, he said.

If confirmed, Russian assistance in developing such a vessel would mark a significant new phase in military cooperation between the two nations. It would also represent a potential breach of United Nations sanctions, which prohibit the transfer of weapons-related technology to North Korea.

The claims come at a time of visibly warming ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. On Wednesday, Russia and North Korea announced plans to construct their first automobile bridge, calling it a symbol of their expanding relationship. The announcement followed North Koreas confirmation earlier this week that its troops had participated in combat operations in Russias Kursk region, the first such admission after months of intelligence reports by Western and South Korean agencies.

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Those reports have estimated that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers were dispatched last year to assist Russian forces in their attempts to regain territory in the region.

Military analysts say the scale and speed of these developments reflect a calculated shift in both countries foreign policy. For North Korea, the strategic alliance offers critical technological transfers and resources to bolster its naval and missile capabilities. For Russia, a politically isolated Kremlin gains much-needed manpower and diplomatic support amid a prolonged and attritional war in Ukraine.

The prospect of a nuclear-armed North Korean warship, built with Russian support, is likely to intensify security concerns across East Asia.

With inputs from agencies
The first incentive, totalling 25,000 rubles (approximately $300), is aimed at gynaecologists and obstetricians trained in providing psychological counselling to patients contemplating abortion read more

A city in Russia has offered a bonus to doctors and medical practitioners if they successfully change the minds of pregnant women from aborting, as the country tries to reverse the trend of population decline.

The Russian city of Murmansk, which is located in the Arctic Circle, has sent a memo to doctors offering monetary benefits for discouraging their female patients from undergoing abortions.

A total number of 4,298 babies were born in Murmansk between January and October 2024, a decrease of 286 than the previous year, data from local statistics show.

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The first incentive, totalling 25,000 rubles (approximately $300), is aimed at gynaecologists and obstetricians trained in providing psychological counselling to patients contemplating abortion. To receive the payment, doctors must not only persuade the woman to abandon her plans for an abortion before 12 weeks of pregnancy but also oversee her care through to the delivery of the baby.

Under the proposal, doctors from other specialities and certified counsellors without medical degrees would be awarded bonuses of 5,000 rubles (about $60) for successfully persuading a pregnant woman not to proceed with an abortion.

Murmansks Governor Andrey Chibis last year called the population decline in his city a problem and a challenge for the country as a whole and for Murmansk Region in particular.

The document sent to medical practitioners says that the proposal has been made to prevent termination of pregnancy and increase birth rates in the Murmansk Region.

Russia is experiencing a significant demographic crisis, marked by a declining population, historically low birth rates, and increasing mortality. According to Rosstat, Russias population could decrease from approximately 146 million to 138.8 million by 2046 under the baseline forecast, or to 130 million in a more pessimistic scenario.
In South Korea, while the conservative camp scrambles to regroup after Yoon Suk Yeols ouster, the liberal side is dealing with a serious blow delivered by the Supreme Court. Acting President Han Duck-soo and Liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung are at the core of the ruckus read more

South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo and leading politician Lee Jae-myung pictured against the backdrop of the South Korean flag. Agencies

South Koreas volatile political landscape was shaken further on Thursday (May 1) as acting President Han Duck-soo announced his resignation and liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung faced a potential disqualification following a Supreme Court ruling that revived an election law case against him.

In a nationally televised address, Han said he was stepping down to take on a bigger responsibility for the country, a statement widely interpreted as confirmation of his intention to run in the upcoming June 3 presidential election.

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Local media reported that Han will officially launch his campaign on Friday (May 2), positioning himself as a unifying figure for conservatives ahead of the high-stakes snap vote triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Han, who had been serving as prime minister and subsequently assumed the role of acting president after Yoon was removed from office in the wake of a controversial martial law declaration in December, is expected to align with the embattled People Power Party. The conservative bloc has been in disarray since Yoons ouster, and Hans entry into the race could offer the party a chance to consolidate its base against the liberal opposition.

Yet even as the conservative camp scrambles to regroup, the liberal side was dealt a serious blow. South Koreas Supreme Court overturned an earlier ruling that had acquitted Lee Jae-myung of making false statements during a 2022 presidential campaign. The court found that Lees comments were significant enough to mislead voters and warranted a retrial.

Lees statements during his unsuccessful campaign for president in 2022 were deemed false claims concerning matters of sufficient significance to mislead voters in assessing the candidates suitability for public office, the court ruled.

If convicted in the retrial, Lee would face a potential prison sentence or a fine exceeding one million won, which would disqualify him from seeking office for five years. Although Lee can appeal any conviction, legal experts say the retrial is unlikely to conclude before the June election, injecting uncertainty into his candidacy at a critical moment.

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Lee, the former governor of Gyeonggi Province and former opposition leader, has consistently led in public opinion polls, benefitting from a fractured conservative front and lingering disillusionment over Yoons authoritarian tilt. His possible disqualification would dramatically reshape the electoral field just weeks before voters head to the polls.

The dual developments have cast a shadow over the snap election, which was called following one of the most dramatic political collapses in South Koreas recent history. Yoons declaration of martial law on December 3 led to mass protests and parliamentary impeachment, a process that culminated in the Constitutional Court affirming his removal from office in March.

The coming days are expected to clarify the contours of the race, as Han formally enters the fray and the legal battle surrounding Lee intensifies.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump blamed his predecessor Joe Biden after the latest data showed the American economy shrank 0.3 per cent in the first quarter read more

US President Donald Trump's rally to celebrate his first 100 days in office in Michigan. Trump spoke for almost 90 minutes during which he falsely claimed to have won the 2020 presidential election, and danced to "YMCA". Reuters

US President Donald Trump defended his tariffs and blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, shortly after data suggested the American economy shrank 0.3 per cent in the first quarter. On Wednesday, Trump went into damage control mode after the economic forecast cast a harsh light on his first 100 days in the White House.

He went on to bash the Federal Reserve, expressed anger towards what he called unfair trade policies, and blamed the Democrats for the economic hit in the first quarter. You probably saw some numbers today, he said at the start of a Cabinet meeting at the White House. And I have to start by saying, thats Biden; thats not Trump.

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It was an echo of the TruthSocial post he made hours before the meeting. This is Bidens Stock Market, not Trumps. I didnt take over until January 20th. Tariffs will soon start kicking in, and companies are starting to move into the USA in record numbers, the president said in the post.

Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden Overhang. This will take a while and 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!!! he added. Im not taking credit or discredit for the stock market, he said when questioned about only taking credit for the good news and playing the blame game if things go downhill. Im just saying that we inherited a mess," he furthered.

BE PATIENT: Trumps new mantra

He urged Americans to be patient while writing those words in all caps. During the cabinet meeting, Trump suggested that American consumers would have to adapt to his sweeping tariff policy. Somebody said, Oh, the shelves are going to be open, he said. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls. And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple bucks more than they would normally.

On Wednesday morning, the Bureau of Economic Analysis released a new report which showed that the countrys economy shrank in the first three months of 2025. The contraction not only reflected the effect of Trumps policies on the American economy but also made a stark reversal after three years of robust growth.

We have a lot of things going, Trump said during the Cabinet meeting. These are quarterly reports. We took over on January 20th. The tariffs havent kicked in yet," the president exclaimed. However, the bureau maintained that the figures are in part based on the threat of the tariffs, and economists worry that they could get worse once the new duties are in place.

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This is not Joe Bidens economy: Democrats

Meanwhile, the US financial markets also took a hit on Wednesday morning after the forecast was released. While Trump blamed Biden, Democrats rallied in support of the former president, sharing one consistent message.

This is not Joe Bidens economy, Donald, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said. It is your economy. It is the Trump economy. Meanwhile, the US Senate rejected a resolution that demanded the scrapping of tariffs imposed by Trump during the Liberation Day.

The vote was 49-49. Three Republicans  Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine) and Rand Paul (Kentucky)  voted with Democrats for the measure. However, Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), both of whom backed a similar resolution this month to undo Trumps tariffs on Canada, did not vote.

Paul argued that Republican senators who privately disliked Trump would soon start to speak out if the economy continued to weaken. I think if we went through another quarter of negative growth and/or another scare in the marketplace, I think there will be more visible voices against the tariffs, Paul told reporters. As Trump completes 100 days in office, the latest figures beg the question of whether the POTUS economic policies are robust.

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The Trump administration informed the US Congress that it plans to export defence-related products to Ukraine through direct commercial sales (DCS) of $50m or more, according to a report read more

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump appear at a meeting, while they attend the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has approved the first export of American military equipment to Ukraine since assuming the presidency following the signing of the long-anticipated minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv, according to a report.

According to The Guardian report, citing the the Kyiv Post, the Trump administration informed the US Congress that it plans to export defence-related products to Ukraine through direct commercial sales (DCS) of $50m or more.

The notification, issued on Tuesday, came just a day before the minerals agreement was formally signed, added the report.

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I think its significant as a first step of goodwill from Trump after we did what he wanted from us, The Times quoted a source close to the Ukrainian government as saying.

According to the report, the deal covers the sale of military goods, including technical data, as well as certain services.

The US had approved exports of $1.6 billion worth of goods and services to Ukraine through this mechanism without any public announcements between 2015 and 2023.

All DCSs are quiet; they dont get announced publicly like Foreign Military Sales, Kyiv Post quoted Colby Badhwar from the Tochnyi Research Group as saying in Washington.

The news here is basically that it (US arms sales) is continuing, despite everyone predicting that Trump would cut Ukraine off completely, he added.

On 14 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed interest in purchasing 10 US Patriot air defence systems worth $15 billion, noting that European partners were ready to help finance the deal.

Responding to the proposal, President Trump remarked that Zelenskyy had started a war.

Later, on 30 April, Ukraine and the US signed an agreement on mineral resource cooperation.

First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said the deal protects Ukraines national interests and aligns with its path toward European integration.

Key provisions ensure Ukraine retains full ownership and control of its resources, establishes joint management of the fund on a parity basis, and includes no reference to Ukrainian debt.

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With inputs from agencies
The US and Ukraine signed a long-delayed critical minerals deal, marking a new form of support after military aid ended after Trump-Zelenskyy spat at the White House. read more

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)

The United States and Ukraine signed a long-delayed minerals agreement on Wednesday, which the Trump administration described as a new kind of support for Kyiv following the end of US military aid.

This deal will enable Washington access to Kyivs rare earth minerals in exchange for establishing an investment fund in Ukraine.

After tough negotiations, Ukraine said it had secured key interests, including full control over its rare earth mineralsessential for modern technologies and mostly untapped.

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Trump had earlier demanded access to Ukraines mineral resources in return for the billions in US weapons sent during President Bidens time, after Russias invasion over three years ago.

Despite initial reluctance, Ukraine agreed to the deal to attract long-term US investment, as Trump moves to cut back Americas global security commitments.

Announcing the signing of the deal in Washington, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it showed both sides commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in 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.

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.

The Treasury statement notably mentioned Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine  diverging from the Trump administrations usual formulation of a conflict for which Kyiv bears a large degree of responsibility.

In Kyiv, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on national television that the agreement was good, equal and beneficial.

In a post on Telegram, Shmygal said that the two countries would establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund with each side having 50 percent voting rights.

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Ukraine retains full control over its subsoil, infrastructure and natural resources, he said.

Meeting a key concern for Kyiv, he said Ukraine would not be asked to pay back any debt for the billions of dollars in US weapons and other support since Russia invaded in February 2022.

The funds profits will be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine, he said.

Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Facebook that the deal would finance mineral and oil and gas projects as well as related infrastructure or processing.

Trump had originally sought $500 billion in mineral wealth  around four times what the United States has contributed to Ukraine since the war.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris called US President Donald Trump reckless, accusing him of inviting recession with his tariff policy. The remarks came as Harris returned to the national stage after leaving office read more

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris assailed US President Donald Trump over the economy and democracy as she returned to the national stage. Taking potshots at Trumps tariff policies, Harris called the POTUS reckless and accused his administration of inviting recession.

Its an agenda, a narrow, self-serving vision of America where they punish truth-tellers, favour loyalists, cash in on their power and leave everyone to fend for themselves, she said Wednesday night. All while abandoning allies and retreating from the world," she added. The address came just hours after it was revealed that the American economy shrank by 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

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This marked a reversal of the growth the US economy was witnessing for the last three years. In her address, Harris referred to the Trump tariffs as the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history, blaming his policies for the rising cost of household goods, shrinking retirement accounts and a tightening job market.

Interesting timing

Harris addressed a room full of donors in San Francisco on the day the Trump administration completed 100 days in the White House. The city was where the former VP started her political career two decades ago. This was Harriss second public appearance within a week as she mulls whether to run for the Governorship of the state of California next year.

There have been speculations that Harriss team are also vying to run again in 2028, however, there is no confirmation in this regard. Harriss speech was predominantly targeting Trump, with the former VP accusing Trump of not meaningfully improving the lives of everyday people. She also laid out her vision for the Democratic Partys future and even dropped hints about her own political path.

Harris was speaking at the gilded ballroom at the Palace Hotel in downtown San Francisco. She was the keynote speaker at the gala hosted by Emerge America candidate training program that backs Democratic women. She called on Democrats to lock arms in opposing what she referred to as the presidents unconstitutional power grab.

They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. What theyve overlooked is that fear isnt the only thing thats contagious. Courage is contagious," she said, taking jabs at the Republican party. Harris emphasised that the country is entering a constitutional crisis and warned that the checks and balances on which we have historically relied are beginning to buckle.

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With inputs from agencies.
The United States has cleared a proposal to supply critical military hardware and logistic support assets worth $131 million to India, in line with the strategic ties between the two countries read more

Flags of India and the United States. Representative

The United States has cleared a proposal to supply critical military hardware and logistic support assets worth USD 1$31 million to India, in line with the strategic ties between the two countries.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) that operates under the Pentagon has delivered the required certification for the military supplies and notified the US Congress of the possible sale, according to an American readout.

The approval for the supplies came amid the Donald Trump administration pushing New Delhi to increase its military procurement from the US.

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The proposed supplies through the foreign military sale route are linked to the India-US cooperation under the framework of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness programme.

The DSCAs mission is to advance US national security and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to India of Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 131 million, the readout said.

It said India had requested to buy sea-vision software, remote software and analytic support, besides access to sea-vision documentation and other related elements of logistics.

There was no immediate comment from Indian officials on the proposed supplies.

The estimated cost is USD 131 million, the US readout noted.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions, it said.

The US said the proposed sale will improve Indias capability to meet current and future threats by bolstering its maritime domain awareness, analytical capabilities and strategic posture.

India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces, it added.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, it said.

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The principal contractor for the supplies will be Hawkeye 360, located in Herndon, Virginia, the readout said.

There will be no adverse impact on the US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale, it added.
Beijing has made a list of US goods that would be exempted from its 125 per cent tariffs and has been quietly notifying its companies about the development read more

Shipping containers are seen at Pyeongtaek port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Reuters

The United States has been contacting China to chalk out a trade deal to mitigate the effects of Trumps tariffs that have already tossed global markets around.

Chinese state media on Thursday said that Washington was proactively reaching out to China via multiple channels for talks on the tariffs. From a negotiation standpoint, the US is currently the more anxious party, Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese outlet linked to state broadcaster CCTV, said.

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It added that the Trump administration is facing multiple pressures owing to his tariffs. At the same time, Beijing has repeatedly urged the United States to engage in dialogue in a fair, respectful and reciprocal manner.

China creates a list

Meanwhile, Beijing has made a list of US goods that would be exempted from its 125 per cent tariffs and has been quietly notifying its companies about the development, sources have told Reuter__s.

The quiet approach allows Beijing, which has repeatedly said it is willing to fight till the end unless the US lifts its 145 per cent tariffs, to maintain its public messaging while privately taking practical steps to provide concessions.

It is, however, not clear which products have been put on the list as authorities have not made it public yet.

Companies are being privately contacted by authorities and notified of the existence of a list of product classifications that would be exempted from the tariffs, according to one of the sources who works at a drug company selling US-made medicines in China.

Chinas factory output shrinks

Chinas factory activity shrank this month, official data showed Wednesday, with Beijing blaming a sharp shift in the global economy as it fights a mounting trade war with the United States.

The reading for April was down from Marchs 50.5, which was the highest in 12 months, and represented a steeper decline than the 49.7 forecast in a Bloomberg survey.

In April, affected by factors such as a high base from earlier rapid manufacturing growth and a sharp shift in the external environment, the manufacturing PMI fell, NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe said in a statement.

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With inputs from agencies
On September 10, 1976, an Indian Airlines plane, carrying 83 people, became the centre of an unbelievable hijacking. This scary situation didnt end in India; it ended across the border in Pakistan read more

The pilots were ordered to reroute the aircraft to Libya, but there was a problem - fuel. (Source: PTI)

A normal flight from Delhi to Mumbai took a shocking turn and became a major international problem in just a few hours. On September 10, 1976, a plane belonging to Indian Airlines, carrying 83 people, became the centre of an unbelievable hijacking. This scary situation didnt end in India; it ended across the border in Pakistan.

The aeroplane had taken off from Delhis main airport and was flying smoothly towards its destination, Mumbai. Everything seemed okay until six men, who were sitting in different spots on the plane, started giving each other secret signals. Suddenly, everything broke loose at the same time.

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Two of the men with guns pushed their way into where the pilots were, surprising the captain, BN Reddy, and the co-pilot, RS Yadav. The other men showed their weapons and spread out through the plane. People started yelling about a hijack, and everyone on board became very scared.

The hijackers forced the pilots to change their route and fly to Libya. However, they didnt have enough fuel for that long trip. Captain Reddy calmly explained to the hijackers that they only had enough fuel to either go back to Delhi or land in a nearby city like Jaipur.

The hijackers were still determined not to land in India, so they talked again. Captain Reddy saw a small chance and tried to reason with them. He explained that it was technically impossible to reach North Africa without the correct maps, permission from air traffic control, and, most importantly, more fuel.

Finally, the hijackers changed their minds and told the pilots to fly to Karachi, in Pakistan. During this tense change of direction, the pilots managed to secretly send an emergency message to the people in charge of air traffic in Delhi. This alerted the Indian authorities about the crisis happening in the air.

When the Indian Airlines plane landed in Karachi, it stayed on the ground with Pakistani officials watching it. Many hours passed without any news from the hijackers. Meanwhile, back in New Delhi, the Indian government gave a strong warning: if any of the people on the plane were hurt, Pakistan would be held responsible.

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Feeling the pressure, the Pakistani military agreed to help. They came up with a rescue plan that involved tricking the hijackers and acting very carefully. The hijackers felt somewhat safe in Pakistan and became less alert. The Pakistani army offered them food and drinks, which seemed friendly but was part of the plan. The food and drinks had sedatives in them to make them fall asleep.

One by one, the hijackers became unconscious. Once the plane was quiet, Pakistani soldiers quickly went onto the plane and took control. All six hijackers were arrested without anyone firing a shot. They were later identified as terrorists from Kashmir: M Ahsan Rathore, Syed Abdul Hameed Dewani, Abdul Rashid Malik, Syed M Rafiq, Khwaja Ghulam, and Ghulam Rasool.

With the danger gone, the plane was allowed to return to India. On September 11, 1976, the Indian Airlines plane landed safely in Delhi, ending a 24-hour terrifying experience that the passengers would never forget.

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Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing, Hegseth wrote on X read more

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday warned Iran that it will pay the consequences at the time and place of our choosing for supporting the Houthis, even as the US has relaunched talks with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Message to IRAN:



We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing.



You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 1, 2025

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Taking to X, Hegseth wrote, Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

The US and Iran have so far held three rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Gulf state Oman, aimed at sealing a deal that would block Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon but also lift crippling economic sanctions imposed by Washington.

The US and Iranian delegations are again set to meet in Rome on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump, in a post reshared by Pete Hegseth on X, reiterated a March statement holding Iran responsible for Houthi attacks.

Tehran maintains the Houthis operate independently. The group, which controls northern Yemen, has targeted Red Sea shipping in support of Palestinians.

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Since March, the US has launched strikes on over 1,000 Houthi targets. In a show of force, the Pentagon has deployed six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia and stationed two aircraft carriers in West Asia, along with repositioned air defence systems from Asia.

While both sides claim to favour diplomacy, the core dispute  now spanning over two decades  remains unresolved.

Trump, speaking to Time Magazine earlier this month, said a deal with Iran is possible but warned that military action remains on the table if talks fail.

With inputs from agencies
Chinese astronauts back from six-month mission with record-setting space tasks

Xinhua) 09:00, May 01, 2025

The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed 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. The three astronauts are all in good health condition, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui)

JIUQUAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft landed smoothly Wednesday in the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) declaring the mission a success.

By 2:02 p.m., the Shenzhou-19 crew, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, had all left the return capsule. They had spent 183 days in orbit and are all in good health, the CMSA said.

The mission set a world record for the longest single-time extravehicular activities (EVAs), and witnessed two historic milestones, namely, Commander Cai Xuzhe fulfilling the most EVA tasks to date in China and the nation's first female flight engineer aboard the Tiangong space station.

Cai has carried out five EVAs in two spaceflight missions, meaning he has completed more EVAs than any other Chinese astronaut.

"Gazing at the beautiful blue planet countless times in space, I am constantly reminded that this is our shared home, one that we must all work together to protect," said the 48-year-old mission commander, sitting in a chair in front of the capsule.

Astronaut Cai Xuzhe is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Song Lingdong is the first post-90s Chinese astronaut to conduct EVAs.

"We have transformed the dedication and hard work of all the researchers into fruitful scientific achievements," said Song. "We are extremely proud of that."

Wang Haoze is China's first female spaceflight engineer to enter the space station.

"It feels wonderful to be home, to feel the solid ground beneath my feet once again," said Wang. "I am now confident and capable of taking on even more challenging tasks in the future."

The Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, launched in October 2024, separated from the space station combination at 4 a.m. After undocking from Tiangong, the spacecraft executed a fast return mode, said Mao Yongjun, an expert from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

At 12:17 p.m. (Beijing Time), the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the orbital capsule of the Shenzhou-19 spaceship separated from the return capsule.

Then the brake engine ignited, and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule. The return capsule touched down at 1:08 p.m. at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the CMSA said.

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

This return mission featured two technological improvements. Helicopters and search vehicles were equipped with BDS-3 terminals, thus enhancing positioning accuracy and efficiency for ground recovery, Mao said.

According to Mao, a laser meteorological radar was installed near the landing site to obtain detailed wind field data, boosting forecast accuracy from kilometers to within hundreds of meters.

Astronaut Song Lingdong is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Bei He)

LONGEST SPACEWALK

During the mission, the Shenzhou-19 crew completed three EVAs, setting a world duration record of nine hours for single-time EVAs, said CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang at a previous press conference.

The crew successfully resolved an unexpected payload adapter jamming problem during their first EVA, ensuring the success of subsequent experiments, Lin said.

China's Feitian ("Flying in Space") extravehicular suits have demonstrated exceptional reliability, having been used for 19 EVAs since the Shenzhou-12 mission, and the most frequently worn suit has been used 17 times, according to Lin.

Lin said that the space station's robotic arms, which can be connected and "crawl" on the exterior of the space cabins due to their unique designs, enable astronauts to access all EVA areas.

Additionally, the coordination support system between space and ground has been refined to provide robust professional backing for EVA planning, real-time control, cross-system collaboration and emergency response.

Astronaut Wang Haoze is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

RECORD EXPERIMENTS

The Shenzhou-19 crew accomplished multiple scientific firsts aboard the space station.

For the first time globally, they achieved orbital preparation of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates using an all-optical trap, said Lin.

In Tiangong, the crew established the world's first space-based optical lattice platform for quantum simulations, with atomic temperatures cooled to tens of picokelvins, reaching an internationally leading level.

The trio has successfully bred three generations of fruit flies in orbit, collecting over four terabytes of video data documenting their growth, sleep patterns, locomotor activity and reproductive behaviors.

Upon return, researchers on the ground will analyze the samples brought back by Shenzhou-19 to study the effects of microgravity and a hypomagnetic field on living organisms.

They have participated in 88 projects spanning space life science, microgravity, fundamental physics, space materials, space medicine, and new space technologies, achieving notable results, said Lin.

The Shenzhou-19 mission generated over 102 samples of 13 types, which have been returned to Earth for in-depth analysis by scientists. These studies are expected to produce scientific outcomes in fundamental research, new materials, space radiation effects and hypomagnetic biological mechanisms.

A CMSA video clip has revealed the Shenzhou-19 crew conducting an in-orbit trial of a specialized in-cabin robot -- a pipeline inspection system. The astronauts constructed simulated pipelines of varying diameters to assess the robot's mobility, successfully demonstrating its ability to navigate through pipes of different sizes.

The pipeline inspection robot, featuring 23 degrees of freedom, draws biological inspiration from echinoderm animals like starfish and sea cucumbers, mimicking their tube feet with an innovative movement mechanism.

Equipped with an intelligent control system, it processes real-time sensor data to precisely calculate its position and location, enabling navigation through the space station's pipe network while maintaining operational safety in confined spaces.

The crew's work log recorded the human-machine collaborative experiment with an intelligent flying robot "Xiaohang" designed by the Harbin Institute of Technology.

The voice-controlled intelligent robot can assist astronauts with multiple orbital operations, including taking photos, inspections, materials management and product state examination.

During the mission, the Shenzhou-19 crew carried out tests using brainwave experiment device and the data will be used to investigate how gravity impacts the processing of visual motion information and to reveal the cognitive and neural mechanisms of human perception in microgravity.

Last November, the three Chinese astronauts connected with some Bulgarian youth via video links, sharing their space exploration experiences and answering questions about their work and life aboard Tiangong.

In December, an art exhibition themed "I Love My Motherland" took place simultaneously on the space station and in Beijing and Macao. This marked the fourth exhibition aboard Tiangong and the first to occur in both space and on Earth. The exhibition featured 75 artworks selected from over 20,000 submissions by Chinese teenagers.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
On the evening of April 30, the seats of Hefei Grand Theatre were filled to capacity as famed Huangmei opera artist Han Zaifen led the cast in the beloved classic The Female Consort Prince (Nv Fuma). As its timeless melodies and memorable lyrics resounded through the grand auditorium, the audience couldnt help tapping along and softly singing. Thus opened the second season of the Tribute to the Classics  The Resonant Voice of the Phoenix event, part of the Good Operas in Anhui Huangmei Opera Cultural Showcase and Cultural-for-All Consumption Promotion. In 1958, Nv Fuma was first created and premiered by the Anqing Regional Huangmei Opera Troupethe predecessor of todays Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theatre. Later, Huangmei opera master Yan Fengying starred in the play and in its film adaptation, spreading its fame throughout the north and south of the country, and earning it the reputation of a sister piece to The Heavenly Match (Tianxian Pei). Tonights Feng Suzhen was split between rising post-00s talent Wang Chenchen in the first half and veteran Han Zaifen in the second, delighting the audience with a fresh take. This year marks the 95th anniversary of Yan Fengyings birth. By pairing the old to guide the new, we bring Nv Fuma to todays audiencespaying homage to the previous generation while showcasing Huangmei operas vibrant continuity, Han Zaifen remarked with pride. Huainan enthusiast Liu Xiaojiao secured three front-row seats and brought her parents to relive the classic in Hefei. Nv Fuma never grows old, she beamed. With subsidized tickets topping out at just 80, its an absolute steal! Taking advantage of the May Day holiday to tour the provincial capital and catch this benefit performance, she declared, This trip was worth every moment. From Nv Fuma, The Heavenly Match, and The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, to Tang Sheng and Li Niang, West Pavilion Meeting, and Moon in Yili, Season 2 of Good Operas in Anhui assembles troupes from provincial, municipal, and county levels. State-owned and private companies alternate their signature productions; opera masters and young talents showcase their specialties. Over six days and six grand performances, these storied Huangmei operas will accompany citizens and tourists through a festive May Day. Outside the performances, Hefei Grand Theatres cultural market buzzed with activity. Plump Huaining blueberries invited sampling; shelves overflowed with delightful Huangmei operathemed souvenirs; and discounted premium books attracted eager readers. Weve brought the bookstore into the theatre and into the heart of opera fans, explained Jin Yueqing, Marketing Planning Director at Anhui Xinhua Media Cultural Services. Our offerings range from themed publications and bestsellers to childrens literaturesome titles at up to 50% off. Weve also introduced Hefei-inspired cultural products like round fans, fridge magnets, and canvas bags for visitors to take home. Co-hosted by the Anhui Provincial Party Committee Publicity Department, the Departments of Culture & Tourism and Commerce, the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, and the Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Good Operas in Anhui Huangmei Opera Cultural Showcase and Cultural-for-All Consumption Promotion is not only driving cultural consumption but also earning widespread acclaim. Season 2 runs from April 30 through May 5 and spans six key segments: public benefit performances, cultural tourism promotion, cultural markets, benefit screenings, consumption subsidies, and academic symposia, said the head of the Literary & Art (Film) Section at the Provincial Publicity Department. Beyond the Hefei and Anhui Grand Theatres, events will extend to Xinhua Bookstores, cinemas, and scenic spots across the province, inviting tourists to gather in the Jianghuai region over May Day to experience new forms, new venues, and new perks of cultural consumption. Photo by Zhang Dagang, Anhui Daily Source: Anhui Daily
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.
Sat Saturday

95 /64

Plenty of sun. Highs in the mid 90s and lows in the mid 60s.
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.
Senior Mossad spy executed over role in espionage and terrorist operations

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- A senior spy working for the Israeli regime's Mossad spy agency has been executed after being convicted of espionage and supporting terrorist operations in Iran.

According to the Judiciary's media center, the individual, identified as Mohsen Langar-Neshin, was hanged on Wednesday morning following a full legal process, including trial, appeal, and final confirmation of the verdict by Iran's Supreme Court.

He was charged with "moharebeh" (waging war against God) and "corruption on earth" due to his espionage activities for the Israeli regime, which included the assassination of IRGC Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei in Tehran.

According to the Judiciary, Langar-Neshin began working with Mossad in late 2020 and carried out his first mission three months later, after receiving advanced espionage and operational training.

Over two years, he provided broad logistical and technical support for Mossad-linked terror operations inside Iran, including during the assassination of Sayyad Khodaei in Tehran.

Langar-Neshin was also involved in logistical planning for an attack on a Defense Ministry-affiliated industrial center in Isfahan, securing communications tools for Mossad agents, purchasing and modifying vehicles for operational purposes, transferring funds from Israeli officers to agents inside Iran, and renting safe houses across multiple provinces.

The Judiciary said his involvement was confirmed through a range of intelligence and technical evidence, including the use of a secure communication platform known as "Red Windows." The convict reportedly confessed in detail during both preliminary investigations and in court.

Langar-Neshin also met with senior Mossad officers in Georgia and Nepal and received direct assignments.

Despite being highly trained in espionage and covert operations, he was ultimately tracked and arrested by the Intelligence Ministry's operatives, who also dismantled his support network.

4354**9417

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Tolentino: Chinese meddling in PH polls part of long-running plot

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

April 30, 2025, 3:08 pm

MANILA -- Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Wednesday claimed that China's interference in the upcoming Philippine midterm elections is part of a sustained effort to push its agenda through proxy candidates.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Tolentino said the arrest of a Chinese national near the Commission on Elections main office in Manila on Tuesday backs findings during a Senate inquiry he chaired, wherein it showed signs of Beijing's possible espionage activities.

The arrested Chinese national had an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) device, or a telephone eavesdropping equipment being used to intercept mobile phone traffic and for tracking location of mobile phone users.

Tolentino said a similar arrest was made in January, noting that financial documents linked to a Chinese-backed group, InfinitUs, were gathered from the suspects.

"This isn't an isolated case -- they've been doing this for years," he said, accusing Beijing of backing candidates who might repeal pro-sovereignty laws and undermine PH-US defense ties," the lawmaker said.

Tolentino drew parallels with a 194-page Canadian parliamentary report on Chinese election interference and called for tougher laws, including his proposed Counter Foreign Espionage Act.

He also warned of possible diplomatic fallout, including the expulsion of Chinese diplomats, stressing: "What's at stake is our dignity as a nation." (PNA)

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Arrest of Chinese spy 'alarming,' an issue of nat'l security - Palace

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

April 30, 2025, 2:00 pm

MANILA -- Malacanang on Wednesday expressed alarm over the arrest of a Chinese national allegedly carrying surveillance equipment near the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) main office in Manila.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said a thorough investigation is needed following the arrest of another Chinese national suspected of engaging in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the Philippines.

"That is an issue of national security. So, we will just leave it at that. And we will just have an investigation, thorough investigation on that matter," Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

"It's quite alarming and the President has this trust on these intelligence agents that made the operation."

She said the Palace would wait for the results of the investigation on the matter.

The Chinese national, identified as "Tak Hoi Lao" on his Macau-issued passport, was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday, over alleged violations of the espionage law, Data Privacy Act, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Authorities reportedly seized an International Mobile Subscriber Identity or IMSI catcher inside the suspect's vehicle parked outside the Comelec's office in Intramuros.

Asked if President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. plans to summon Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian following the supposed Chinese nationals' espionage operations, Castro said she would defer to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Malacanang earlier ordered the immediate and deeper investigation into China's alleged interference with the Philippines' midterm elections.

This comes after the National Security Council's revelation that there are indicators that China is interfering in the May 12 elections. (PNA)

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Iran executes high-profile Mossad spy behind IRGC colonel's assassination

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 11:16 AM

Iran has executed a high-profile agent of the Israeli Mossad spy agency for his involvement in the 2022 assassination of a member of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in the capital Tehran.

According to a statement published by the public relations office of the Judiciary, the individual, identified as Mohsen Langarneshin, was captured and put on trial over intelligence cooperation and espionage at the behest of the occupying Zionist regime. He was sentenced to death for waging "moharebeh" (war against God), and committing "corruption on earth."

Langarneshin underwent in-depth and thorough legal and criminal proceedings, and the final verdict was upheld by Iran's Supreme Court.

He was hired by Mossad in October 2020, and conducted his first mission for the Israeli spy service in January 2020 after attending various training courses.

The convict worked in close cooperation with senior Israeli officers as well as Mossad agents inside Iran, was responsible for major missions, supported acts of terror and was present at the scene of IRGC Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei's targeted killing.

Khodaei was assassinated in a terrorist attack in Tehran on May 22, 2022 after two motorcyclists shot him five times before fleeing the scene.

He was dismounting his car to enter his home in an eastern neighborhood of the Iranian capital when three bullets hit him in the head and two bullets in the hand.

Langarneshin was convicted on several charges, including logistical, technical and operation support for an attack on an industrial center affiliated with the Iranian Defense Ministry in Isfahan, purchasing instruments and telecommunication equipment for the Mossad operatives in Iran, purchasing vehicles and furnishing them with the necessary equipment for operations, transferring money from the Mossad officers to the operatives inside Iran, and renting safe houses in several provinces.

On several occasions, Langarneshin supplied Mossad agents inside Iran with anonymous SIM cards, mobile phones and portable Internet modems in order to get and keep them in touch with their masters in the Israeli-occupied territories.

He had met with senior Mossad officers twice in Georgia and Nepal to receive instructions for the operations.

Langarneshin had openly confessed to his crimes during all stages of interrogation, prosecution and court proceedings.

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Philippines arrests Chinese man for operating surveillance device near voting agency

China denied any attempt to tamper with Philippine elections.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.05.01

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Philippines has arrested a Chinese man for operating a surveillance device near the offices of its election commission, less than two weeks before the country's midterm polls, adding further strain to relations between the two countries.

Tensions have been rising between Manila and Beijing, fueled by rival flag-raising displays on the disputed Sandy Cay in South China Sea.

"When we made the arrest, that was the third time he had come to Comelec," said Philippine National Bureau of Investigation spokesman Ferdinand Lavin on Wednesday, referring to the country's election commission.

The man, a Macau passport holder, was allegedly using an "IMSI catcher," a device capable of mimicking a cell tower and snatching messages from the air in a 1 to 3 kilometer radius.

The arrested man also visited other locations, including the Philippine Supreme Court, the Philippine Department of Justice and the U.S. embassy, according to Lavin.

China denied any attempt to tamper with Philippine elections.

"We will not and have no interest in interfering in such internal affairs of the Philippines," Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday when asked about the arrest at a news conference.

"We also advise individual politicians in the Philippines not to take the chance to hype up issues related to China, make something out of nothing and seize the opportunity to profit."

On April 3, China said it had detained three Filipinos for espionage, prompting the Philippines to claim it was retaliation for Manila's arrest of five Chinese nationals a week earlier.

The latest arrest came as Manila signed an agreement with New Zealand allowing the deployment of troops on each other's territory, a move aimed at bolstering security in a "deteriorating" strategic environment, and one likely to further antagonize China.

New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins said that the deal reflected a commitment based on understanding "the risks to the international rules-based order."

Both countries had "a real understanding that the strategic environment that we are operating in is deteriorating," Collins said.

Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto said: "There are those who follow international law and there are those who want to redefine it," referring to China's so-called "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea.

Beijing claims nearly the entire sea under its "nine-dash line," a claim rejected by an international tribunal in 2016, which ruled in favor of the Philippines' assertion that China's claims were unlawful.

Despite the ruling, China has continued to assert its presence through patrols, island-building, and militarization, while the Philippines has sought to defend its claims through diplomatic protests and military partnerships.

"We need to deter this kind of unwanted behavior," Teodoro said, adding that Manila and Wellington would work toward "military-to-military training."

The agreement with New Zealand serves as the latest example of the Philippines strengthening defense and diplomatic ties with like-minded partners, as Chinese-Philippine relations continue to be tested by repeated confrontations between their coastguard vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines and Japan pledged on Tuesday to deepen security ties, agreeing to begin talks on a defense pact and enhance intelligence sharing, while jointly opposing efforts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas by force.

Manila is also reportedly in talks with Canada and France to establish potential defense agreements.

Edited by Mike Firn.

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Poland's New National Doctrine: Independence and Belonging Based on Strength

Republic of Poland

25.04.2025

"Under the white-and-red flag, there must be room for every Polish woman and every Polish man," emphasized Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the Special Assembly of MPs and Senators on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesaw the Brave in Gniezno. The Prime Minister announced that Poland is adopting a new national doctrine inspired by the Piast dynasty's strength and courage, exemplified by the coronation of Bolesaw the Brave in 1025. Its key tenets are proud national independence and a rational belonging to the Western community. Poland's strength will rest on three pillars: the region's strongest army, a robust economy, and strong political standing.

The Legacy of Bolesaw the Brave - A Foundation of Polish Identity

The celebrations marking the millennium of Bolesaw the Brave's coronation became a unique opportunity to uncover words, gestures, and events in history that unite all Polesregardless of era or political beliefs.

"Bolesaw the Brave left behind one word with absolute certainty. That word is Poland. (...) We gather here today despite our differences. Because though we may differ in words and matters, those words and matters are less important than this word and this matterthe most important word and the most important matter: Poland," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the ceremony in Gniezno.

Caring for Poland also means asking which directions we should pursue to strengthen its power and potential. The answers we can draw from our past remain relevant today.

1000 Years of Shared Values

This year's commemoration of Bolesaw the Brave's 1025 coronation reminds us of the significance of a decision Poland made a thousand years agothen, as now, choosing to belong to the Western community.

"By placing the crown on his head, Bolesaw the Brave declared that the Kingdom of Poland was joining the Westa West defined as a political, religious, and values-based community. (...) That choice, repeatedly renewed, sometimes questioned by our enemies, sometimes by some within Poland, requires constant effortand remains valid always. This choice between the political East and the West," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Poland in 2025 faces vastly different challenges than those during the reign of its first crowned ruler, but it should still draw on ancestral wisdom. Bolesaw the Brave, guided by the good of the homeland, managed to preserve the country's independence while building its strength through affiliation with the European community.

"This is the lesson of Bolesaw the Brave, who knew how to combine independence and belonging when, through his decision, he fulfilled his father's work and made Poland a sovereign kingdom. At the same time, he consciously made Poland a part of the community of valuesthe West, Europe. He knew how to reconcile, which is something we don't always manage today: independence and belonging, pride and prudence, Poland and Europe," said the Prime Minister.

The choice of Europe paid off for Poland a thousand years agoand continues to pay off today as we are part of the European Union.

Three Pillars of the New National Doctrine

Inspired by Bolesaw the Brave's courage and strength, Poland should now take steps to reinforce itself. The Prime Minister announced in Gniezno the three pillars of the new national doctrine.

"Perhaps today, without unnecessary pomp, it is time to announce a new national doctrinea Piast doctrine. A doctrine based on strength. Not on illusions, not only on dreams or aspirations, but on strength. (...) Independence and belonging based on strength. That is our Piast doctrine," declared Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The first pillar of the Piast doctrine is having the strongest army in the region. This challenge is within reachprovided we approach it with the faith and courage shown by Bolesaw the Brave.

"Our army must be able to repel any threat. (...) And we are ready to build the strongest army in this part of the world. We are doing this together, regardless of views. And we are using the tragic and dramatic experiences of the war raging beyond our border," said the Prime Minister.

The second pillar of Polish strength is the strongest economy in the region. Compared to other countries, we should no longer feel any inferiority. Poland is cementing its place among the absolute leaders of economic growth in Europe. Symbolically, the Warsaw Stock Exchange Index yesterday, for the first time in history, surpassed 100,000 points.

"Today, we are truly one step away from becoming a country admired not only in Europe but across the world: 'Oh, Poland, that's an economic miracle.' That's what generations once dreamed of. (...) Looking at the pace of our development, (...) within a few years we will catch up with the largest economies, such as Germany and Japan," noted the Prime Minister.

The third pillar of the Piast doctrine is Poland's political position in the region and Europe. The government is strengthening international alliances, evidenced by the recently intensified cooperation with the Baltic States and the planned signing of a treaty with France. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining the best possible transatlantic relations and close cooperation with the United Statesour most important ally.

"Few in Europe can say they have built a very strong position in the EU and maintain excellent relations with the United Statesregardless of who governs in Washington. And that is a shared achievement of everyone present here," emphasized Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The new national doctrinebased on strengthensures that Poland will never again be powerless. It is a tribute to past generations and a commitment to those yet to come.

"King Bolesaw! We, the Polish people of the 21st century, say today, on the 1000th anniversary of your coronation, with full voice and full conviction: Your crown shines brightly, and your Kingdom stands strong!" concluded the Prime Minister.

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Poland and U.S. Sign Bridge Agreement for First Nuclear Power Plant

Republic of Poland

28.04.2025

"Polish-American friednship pays off - and will continue to pay off for both sides in the future. One of the most significant expressions of this friendship and cooperation will be the first Polish nuclear power plant," stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. In their presence, the state-owned Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (Polish Nuclear Power Plants) and the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium signed a bridge agreement - EDA (Engineering Development Agreement) - which sets the framework for contiued cooperation on the construction of Poland's first nuclear plant in Pomerania.

Poland's Nuclear Power Plant Development Gains Momentum

The agreement reached between the Polish company and the American consortium is a solid and balanced foundation for continuing their partnership in this strategic project. The Polish State Treasury was further protected by the involvement of the Office of the General Counsel, which had been omitted in the negotiation of the previous design agreement under the former government.

"I won't hide the fact that the Polish side strived to make this agreement more favorable for our interestsbut also for those of our partners. Thanks to this agreement, where we modified 16 key areas, the investment becomes more secure. These guarantees give us all a sense of safety regarding this investment," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk in his statement.

Under the agreement, design work will continue, including efforts to secure necessary administrative decisions, licenses, and permits, as well as more in-depth geological studies at the project site.

"I must say with great satisfaction (...) that with friends, you can negotiate every detailfirmly, but reliably. Because between Poles and Americans, between our representatives who negotiated this agreement, and overall concerning the future of this project, the best possible relationship exists. It is a friendship based on credible and well-thought-out decisions," the Prime Minister added.

The EDA bridge agreement will allow design work to proceed until the European Commission approves public aid for Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe and the final design and construction agreement is signed.

Polish-American Friendship Pays Off for Both Sides

The signed agreement is another step bringing Poland closer to realizing a strategically vital investment. It is also a testament to the strength of Polish-American friendship.

"We concluded these talks with full confidence that Polish-American friendship is not just a slogan. It's something that benefits both sides and will continue to do so. One of the most significant expressions of this friendship and cooperation will be the nuclear power plant up north, in my Kashubia. Work is now moving full speed ahead," said Prime Minister Tusk.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright noted that the project would create tens of thousands of new jobs in both Poland and the United States. He emphasized it would be a truly joint endeavor.

"It will not only result in the construction of a very large nuclear power plant that will supply Poland's economy with energy for years. I also believe it will mark the beginning of long-term cooperation between Poland and the United States in this area. We will build more of these reactors both in Poland and other countries across Europe," he declared.

He also remarked that efforts to bring Poland and the U.S. closer together have been ongoing for years. He recalled that the two countries have been allies since the founding of the United States, and that their relationship is one of the longest and deepest friendships. While history has had its ups and downs, he emphasized, there has never been a division between the Polish and American nations.

Other Areas of Cooperation - Gas and Small Nuclear Reactors

The Polish-American talks also addressed LNG gas cooperation.

"Poland is one of the largest investors in gas infrastructure. We're a major importer of American gas, helping to free Poland and Europe from reliance on Russian supplies. We even discussed possibly securing gas for Ukrainewithout financial lossthrough our Polish-American cooperation," said Donald Tusk.

Talks at the Chancellery also included the future of small modular reactors (SMRs). Here too, Polish-American collaboration may prove highly fruitful.

"Polish-American nuclear energy cooperation is thrivingbetter than ever. And we certainly won't stop with just this investment, whether in energy or beyond," stated the Prime Minister.

Numerous business entities are currently working to develop SMR technology and explore its potential use by Polish industry. The most important of these projects involve the application of American nuclear technology.

Their implementation could complement the state's plans to build large-scale reactors. With ongoing decarbonization and electrification of the economy, demand is high enough to support both nuclear technologies.

Construction of Nuclear Power Plants in Poland

Poland's nuclear energy program envisions the construction of two nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 6-9 GW.

The first nuclear power plant is scheduled to begin operations in 2036, with construction starting in 2028. It will be located in Lubiatowo-Kopalino (Choczewo municipality) in the Pomeranian region. Construction is expected to be completed in 2035, after which testing and regulatory approvals will follow before operation begins. The government has allocated PLN 60.2 billion for the investment.

The investor and operator will be the state-owned company Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (Polish Nuclear Power Plants). The Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium was selected by the previous government as the partner for the first plant.

The EDA bridge agreement signed between Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe and Westinghouse-Bechtel defines the framework for continued cooperation in developing the plant, allowing the design phase to progress.

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Head of State: The True Value of the Three Seas Initiative Lies in the Level of Ambition for the Future of Our Region and Europe

President of the Republic of Bulgaria

29 April 2025 | 17:41

The President addresses the participants in the business forum accompanying the regional initiative

The true value of the Three Seas Initiative lies in the level of ambition for the future of our region and Europe, for the development of trust, cooperation and friendship, and for strengthening our resilience and security, and stimulating business to be more effective in providing services to society. This was stated by the Head of State Rumen Radev within the presidential panel of a business forum accompanying the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Warsaw. This year, the format for developing cooperation and deepening connectivity along the North-South axis celebrates its tenth anniversary. Three Seas unites 13 EU member states: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Romania, and Greece. Strategic partners of the initiative are Germany, the European Commission, the USA and Japan, and associated participating countries are Ukraine and Moldova. The Bulgarian delegation led by the Head of State includes representatives of institutions and Bulgarian companies.

The dynamics of geopolitical processes have proven the importance and strategic potential of the Three Seas Initiative, the president said, recalling the series of crises the world has faced in recent years. All of them have revealed the need for better transport, energy and digital connectivity, as well as stronger regional cooperation - which are at the heart of the initiative, Rumen Radev pointed out.

In his address, the head of state outlined the path of the business forum, which since its establishment in 2017 has developed significant sustainability, a working organisation and management mechanisms. The investment fund, although insufficient in volume, has proven to be a working financial mechanism, President Radev pointed out. He recalled that within the framework of hosting the Three Seas Initiative in Sofia in 2021, the creation of an innovation fund was proposed and pointed to the need to overcome fragmentation and strengthen connectivity in science, research, education and innovation.

According to the President, the key to the development of the regional cooperation format is the long-term vision for investments and more active work with strategic partners and international financial institutions, which will make business more active. Rumen Radev also highlighted the importance of public-private partnership as a key to securing financing for the implementation of all ambitious projects aimed at expanding and improving connectivity in the region.

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Do Not Let Extremists 'Undermine What Remains' of Middle East Peace Process, Secretary-General Tells Security Council Open Debate

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9907th Meeting* (AM & PM)

SC/16052

29 April 2025

Israeli Forces 'Not fighting a War, They Are Erasing a People', Warns Delegate

At a critical juncture in Middle East history, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a stark warning to the Security Council: the prospect of a two-State solution  where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security  is in grave danger of vanishing.

"The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear," Mr. Guterres told the 15-member Council at its open debate on the Middle East. "Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process," he stressed.

Sustainable peace in the Middle East hinges on the establishment of two sovereign States, with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both. The Secretary-General underscored that the erosion of this solution undermines the rights of both peoples and denies Palestinians their legitimate national aspirations  while they continue to live under an Israeli presence deemed unlawful by the International Court of Justice.

Since the 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas, he noted, conditions have "gotten worse on every front". In Gaza, relentless conflict has created "utterly inhumane" living conditions, with civilians repeatedly under fire, confined to shrinking spaces and cut off from vital humanitarian relief.

In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations using heavy weaponry in residential zones, home demolitions, movement restrictions and settlement-expansion are dramatically altering the region's demographic and geographic reality.

"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," said Mr. Guterres. He also condemned continued Palestinian attacks against Israelis both in Israel and the occupied West Bank.

The recent collapse of a temporary ceasefire on 18 March extinguished hopes for de-escalation, the Secretary-General went on to say. Since then, nearly 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel, and hostages remain in captivity under appalling conditions, he said, urging their immediate release.

He further warned of the worsening humanitarian crisis. For nearly two months, Israel has blocked the flow of food, fuel, medicine and commercial goods, leaving over 2 million Gazans in dire need. "Aid is non-negotiable," he said, emphasizing the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Turning to the upcoming High-Level Conference on Gaza in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, he said the meeting presents a crucial opportunity to revitalize international support for peace efforts. Moreover, he emphasized that the Palestinian Authority requires increased political and financial backing to remain viable and effective.

The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine recalled that the Council has adopted binding resolutions to stop the bloodshed. However, there remains a declared punitive siege by Israel to deprive 2 million Palestinians of food, water, medicine and electricity. "There is no shortage of bombs falling on Gaza, but there is an imposed shortage of everything else," he stressed, condemning the use of "starvation as a weapon of war against an entire civilian population". Calling for an immediate ceasefire to be resumed, he recalled that Israeli authorities had recently denied him entry "to my own country that I proudly represent here". Meanwhile, on one side, there is a Palestinian leadership clearly and unequivocally committed to the two-State solution, while on the other is "an Israeli leadership dedicated to its destruction".

He pointed to solutions whereby Hamas would no longer rule Gaza, and transitional governance arrangements would allow the Palestinian Authority to fully assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip. In view of the June conference on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, he called on all States who have yet to do so to recognize the State of Palestine without further delay. "The Palestinian people are in a cage, killed and starved, day after day after day," he stressed, while voicing fear that "the world is growing accustomed to such horrors". A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip should be accompanied by the end of attacks and repression by Israeli occupation forces and settlers across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Citing "another delusional speech two days ago" by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the two-State solution meant the destruction of Israel, he reaffirmed the need for an independent State of Palestine living side by side with Israel. "Fanatical delusions will destroy our region," he stated.

The representative of Israel, criticizing the Council for a narrow focus on the region that misses the "broader forces at play", urged to widen the lens and see the threats that seek to reverse progress through growing violence and extremism. Highlighting a powerful opportunity in Lebanon  where there are public calls for an end to Hizbullah's tyranny  he called for "more than rhetorical" support to Lebanon's Government in reclaiming sovereignty and dismantling the "army of terrorists". He further urged the Council to act before Syria becomes a "permanently fractured State governed by guns" as Iranian-backed forces operate there with impunity". "The one thread connecting the instability" across the region  from Hizbullah in Lebanon to Hamas in Gaza, militias in Iraq and Syria, and the Houthis in Yemen  is Iran, he said, accusing Tehran of constructing a deliberate network of violence. On Iran's nuclear ambition, he stressed: "Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. We will not waver. We will not retreat."

Regarding the war in Gaza, he stated that "Israel did not seek this war  it was forced upon us on 7 October [2023]." With 59 hostages remaining in Gaza, he underscored Israel's duty "to dismantle Hamas's military and governing infrastructure, to ensure Gaza can never again be used as a launchpad for atrocities" and to "first and foremost" bring the hostages home. The only path for peace is for Hamas to release the hostages and lay down the weapons, he said. Therefore, the upcoming High-Level Conference risks "doing more harm than good" by creating false expectations while ignoring the underlying dysfunction of the Palestinian Authority. Instead of amplifying failed approaches, the international community should focus on confronting the radical acts led by Iran and its terror proxies. "We cannot speak of reconstruction without security [...] one cannot claim to stand for peace while legitimizing the forces that slaughtered families in their homes," he said.

In the ensuing open debate, dozens of Member States emphasized that lasting peace in the Middle East hinges on a two-State solution, warned against reaching a point of no return and condemned Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid into the enclave, which is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

"This spiral of destabilization must not lead us into a situation from which we cannot turn back," said Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. Mr. Barrot, whose country is Council President for the month, spoke in his national capacity, stressing the urgent need to achieve a lasting ceasefire, which must include the release of all hostages held by Hamas. "There is only one solution that can achieve a political settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the two-State solution," he said. Barbara Zvokelj, Slovenia's Secretary-General for Foreign and European Affairs, also underscored the need for "more strength to prevent the evaporation of a political solution".

Attempts to annex the Strip, said the delegate from the Russian Federation, cannot be justified by Hamas's refusal to unconditionally release the hostages and risk "dismantling the international legal basis for the Middle East settlement". Urging Israel to reconsider its decision to cease cooperation with UNRWA, he added: "It is totally unacceptable to use humanitarian assistance as a bargaining chip in negotiations."

Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, called the blockade of humanitarian aid and commercial goods since 2 March "a man-made catastrophe". "It is unacceptable that Israel has blocked humanitarian support from entering Gaza for nearly two months, meaning that Palestinians civilians, including 1 million children are facing starvation and death," added Ray Collins, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom.

The representatives of Denmark, Greece and Panama, also echoing several speakers, called for an immediate ceasefire of the Gaza conflict and the release of the 59 hostages still held captive in Gaza. The representative of the Republic of Korea said recent remarks by President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority  demanding that Hamas release all Israeli hostages  draws a clear line between the Authority and Hamas and has a chance to reinvigorate both Israeli and Palestinian commitment towards the two-State solution.

Somalia and Guyana's delegates, along with many others, underscored the plight of humanitarian personnel. "Movement is dangerous for aid workers," said the latter, adding: "We are in effect watching as more and more Palestinians are condemned to die through starvation, bomb or bullet, or disease". The former's speaker stated: "We cannot observe passively as basic survival becomes a luxury for an entire population."

Pakistan's delegate expressed alarm that the assault on Gaza is killing civilians at four times the rate of previous conflicts. In the same vein, Algeria criticized the international community for the absence of collective action and the double standards that have emboldened the occupier to "normalize and even promote the crime of mass expulsion as a strategy". "Israeli occupying forces are not fighting a war; they are erasing a people," he added.

Hamas bears sole responsibility for the war it unleashed on 7 October 2023, said the representative of the United States. And now Hamas is preventing a ceasefire from being concluded  having rejected yet another proposal put forward by her delegation, Qatar and Egypt, that would release hostages and bring calm to Gaza. Instead, that "brutal terrorist organization continues to violently suppress organic protests against its barbaric rule". Calling for the release of all hostages, including five United States citizens, she condemned the insidious violence throughout the Middle East promoted by Iran. Hamas must disarm and be removed from Gaza, she stressed.

Israel must "relinquish its obsession with the delusion of winning by force", said China's delegate. "Violence or force cannot bring about security," he also added, noting that settlement activities in the West Bank violate Security Council resolutions and must cease immediately. Echoing the concerns of several other Member States, he also said that Israel's carving out of a buffer zone raises "serious concern".

Several speakers who have been involved in peace talks stressed the need for both Israel and the State of Palestine to come back to the negotiating table. Qatar's representative condemned the resumption of Israeli aggression against Gaza in violation of the ceasefire agreement facilitated by her Government, Egypt and the United States in January. Egypt's delegate said that an immediate ceasefire is pertinent alongside a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, protection for UN agencies and an end to forced displacement. There is "no point in exchanging accusations", he also said.

Lebanon's representative urged the international community and the Council to "compel Israel to withdraw completely, immediately and unconditionally" from all occupied territories, including five sites in the south and two buffer zones. He also called for Israel to stop attacks on Lebanon's "sovereignty and territorial integrity", including the 27 April strike, and to "release Lebanese prisoners".

Asaad Hasan al-Shaibani, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria, said Israel's repeated air strikes violate Syria's sovereignty. "The pretext that was used to justify such strikes [...] does not stand anymore," he added. Israeli practices against Syria will only encourage groups affiliated with Iran to destabilize Syria. "We will not accept any foreign interference into our country," he stressed.

__________

* The 9906th Meeting was closed.

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Coordinated activation of the National Escape Clause

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

30 April 2025 21:10

Recalling the European Council conclusions on European defence of 6 March 2025, all Member States are committed to the build-up of necessary defence capabilities in the European Union.

The reformed EU economic governance framework allows for Member States to make use of flexibility, where exceptional circumstances outside the control of the Member State have a major impact on the public finances of the Member State concerned, while safeguarding fiscal sustainability over the medium term. As set out by the European Commission in its communication of 19 March, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and its threat to European security constitute such exceptional circumstances and impact public finances through the necessitation of the build-up of defence capabilities.

In this context, the Council has initiated a coordinated request for activation of the national escape clause. So far, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Finland have decided to request the activation of the clause. In other cases, already planned build-up of defence capabilities is also proceeding. The above is without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States.

The clause covers a period of four years and a maximum of 1.5 percent of GDP in flexibility. Member States remain committed to the implementation of the revised economic governance framework also throughout the duration of the activation of the clause.

The use of flexibility will facilitate the transition to necessary higher defence spending at national level in Member States while ensuring debt sustainability. This will contribute substantially to bolstering the security of the European Union and the protection of our citizens while reinforcing its overall defence readiness, reducing its strategic dependencies, addressing its critical capability gaps and strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base accordingly across the Union.

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Six HIMARS Multiple Rocket Launchers Arrive in Estonia

Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI)

30.04.2025

Today, six HIMARS multiple rocket launchers were handed over to the Estonian Defence Forces at Amari Air Base, significantly enhancing Estonia's deep-strike capability. In cooperation with the U.S. task unit "Victory," the Defence Forces have already completed pre-training for the personnel of the rocket artillery battery, and the first live-fire exercises will begin this summer.

"I'm very pleased that Estonia, in cooperation with our largest and most strategically important NATO ally, the United States, has brought our independent defense capability into a completely new era," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur. "The U.S.'s crucial role in both financing the procurement and training our defense personnel confirms once again that Estonia and the United States share a broad and deeply rooted defense partnership based on unwavering trust and common goals," he added.

The arrival of the weapon systems follows three and a half years of work to procure the systems, as well as to establish, staff, and train the unit. "HIMARS is a joint force development project among the three Baltic states, and today we are starting to see that capability take real shape," said Magnus-Valdemar Saar, Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI). "The same systems will soon be delivered to our neighbors Latvia and Lithuania, representing a major leap in the region's defense capabilities, enabling rapid strike effects deep into enemy territory. While defense procurement cooperation among the Baltic states is close, joint programs of this scale are rare, and we're pleased that this cooperation involved the United States and Lockheed Martin," said Saar.

The mobile and combat-proven HIMARS offers modern capabilities, including precision munitions that can support integrated fire missions, striking point or area targets at distances beyond 300 kilometers. Its strong compatibility with NATO and allied systems allows for easy integration and rapid deployment when needed.

"The arrival of HIMARS systems proovides important additional capabilities for fulfilling the division-level tasks of the Defence Forces. Since U.S. HIMARS units are already stationed in Estonia, our soldiers have already undergone training, and now we can move forward with developing and preparing our own HIMARS unit at the division level," commented Major General Indrek Sirel, Commander of the Estonian Division.

The procurement of the six HIMARS units is one of Estonia's largest weapons acquisitions. The ECDI signed the contract with the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in December 2022. "The contract also includes munitions, communication solutions, training, logistics, and lifecycle support. The package features rockets with various ranges," explained Ramil Lipp, Strategic Category Manager (Armaments) at ECDI.

U.S. funding for HIMARS systems is part of a broader security assistance package aimed at strengthening NATO's eastern flank defense capabilities. Overall U.S. security assistance for various defense projects in Estonia tripled in 2022-2024 compared to the previous three years (2019-2021) - from approximately $122 million to $430 million. This support has been used, for example, to replenish large-caliber ammunition stocks, improve communications capabilities, enhance air surveillance, and develop night combat capabilities.

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Arrival of HIMARS reaffirms close defence cooperation between the US and Estonia

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

30.04.2025

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the arrival of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers in Estonia was an important event that illustrates the close defence cooperation between Estonia and the USA and strengthens our military capabilities.

"In the current complicated security situation, strengthening our deterrence and defence posture is one of Estonia's most important priorities. With the arrival of the HIMARS, an important capability gap will be closed and Estonia's defence capability will be strengthened," Tsahkna said.

He added that the acquisition of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers manufactured at the factory of the US company Lockheed Martin and their arrival in Estonia was an example of strong allied relations and very practical cooperation between Estonia and the United States.

"Throughout the years, US security assistance has allowed Estonia to accelerate the strengthening of its defence capabilities, and the acquisition of HIMARS was also completed thanks to US security assistance. At the same time, it is important to remember that for every dollar that the US put into Estonia's security last year, Estonia added another 12 to the defence budget," Tsahkna said. "The close cooperation between Estonia and the United States as NATO Allies in the field of defence will ultimately ensure security on both sides of the Atlantic."

The United States is supporting the Baltic States through the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), funded from the budget of the US Department of Defence and subject to the decisions of the US Congress, and through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme funded by the Department of State.

The funds allocated through the BSI and the FMF are meant to be used for acquiring US defence industry production, services, or training. In addition to the HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, US security assistance has been used to obtain equipment for supporting integrated air and missile defence capabilities, communications systems, night vision equipment, ammunition, including Javelin missiles and large-calibre artillery munitions, maritime situational awareness radars and surveillance systems, and military medical equipment.

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Finland requests activation of national fiscal policy escape clause to boost defence spending

Finnish Government

Ministry of Finance

Publication date 30.4.2025 13.32

Type:Press release

Finland is requesting that the EU activate the national escape clause in the EU's fiscal policy rules in order to increase defence spending. The majority of EU Member States are likely to request activation of the escape clause.

Under the EU's new fiscal policy rules, a Member State can request activation of the national escape clause. Under the escape clause, a Member State may temporarily deviate from the net expenditure path approved by the Council of the European Union.

Activation requires the existence of exceptional circumstances that are outside the control of the Member State and that have a major impact on its public finances. The deviation must not endanger fiscal sustainability over the medium term.

Increased defence expenditure will impact public finances

In a communication published in March, the European Commission proposed that interested Member States could seek coordinated activation of the escape clause for 2025-2028.

According to the Commission, Russia's continued war of aggression against Ukraine is a threat to European security, and increasing defence expenditure will have a major impact on Member States' public finances. The escape clause will facilitate the transition to a higher level of defence spending.

In Finland, the Government has decided that defence appropriations will be raised to at least 3 per cent of GDP by 2029.

Member States remain committed to the implementation of the EU fiscal rules throughout the duration of the activation of the escape clause. It is unclear at this stage whether the activation of the clause would affect the initiation of an excessive deficit procedure for Finland.

Commission assessment in June, Council decision in July

On Wednesday 30 April, the Government decided as part of the General Government Fiscal Plan that Finland will request activation of the escape clause.

The Commission will publish its assessment of the Member States' requests on 4 June. The Council of the European Union will likely decide whether it recommends activating the escape clause on 8 July.

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Iran's U.N. envoy slams world's 'moral and legal failure' to stop Israeli crimes in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has criticized the international community over its "deep moral and legal failure" to prevent the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, caused by Israeli attacks and exacerbated by the support and impunity granted by the United States and its allies.

"Their continued provision of weapons, political backing, and financial support enables Israel to commit further atrocities in grave violation of international law," Amir Saeid Iravani said in an address before the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday.

The following is the complete text of his address:

Thank you, Mr. President.

We speak at a time of deep moral and legal failure. Gaza is enduring a severe humanitarian catastrophe, not solely due to Israeli military actions, but also because of the impunity granted by the United States and some Western countries. Their continued provision of weapons, political backing, and financial support enables Israel to commit further atrocities in grave violation of international law.

The total blockade of food, water, fuel, and medicine imposed on Gaza constitutes collective punishment. It flagrantly violates the Fourth Geneva Convention and amounts to a war crime.

At the same time, illegal settlements are expanding, Palestinians are being forced off their land, their homes demolished, their movement restricted, and subjected to settler attacks. These acts are part of a larger plan to annex land and erase Palestinian presence. Such illegal acts violate international law and Security Council resolutions.

Against this backdrop, I wish to emphasize the following points:

First, Gaza requires an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Priorities must include humanitarian access, aid delivery, and prisoner exchanges.

Second, a permanent ceasefire must be followed by Gaza reconstruction. Reconstruction efforts must respect Palestinians' rights and reject any schemes involving forced displacement or resettlement in third countries. Palestinians must determine their own future, united.

Third, it is time for Palestine to become a full UN member without conditions. Palestine meets all membership criteria. The U.S. veto of Council's resolution ignored the global community's will, which overwhelmingly supported Palestine's membership through a General Assembly resolution with 143 votes in favor.

Fourth, the Palestinian right to self-determination is non-negotiable. Establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital remains the legitimate aspiration of the Palestinian people. It is essential that all Palestinian groups remain united; any division only serves Israel's interests.

Fifth, without ending the occupation and aggression, peace and stability in the region will remain elusive. The Security Council must compel Israel to withdraw its occupying forces from the Palestinian occupied territories, Lebanon, and Syria, and end its ongoing aggression and violations.

Mr. President,

In closing, the main threat to peace and stability in the region comes from the terrorist and destabilizing actions of the Israeli regime and its main sponsor, the United States. The existence of this regime is built on terror, murder, aggression, and occupation. It constantly fuels conflict, undermines regional stability, and violates international law.

Beyond its brutal attacks in Gaza, Israel commits near-daily acts of aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Syria. They are deliberate, systematic, and deeply destabilizing.

Israel continues its aggression and occupation only because of full political, military, and diplomatic support from the United States. If the U.S. stopped its support just today, Israel would be forced to follow international law and respect its obligations.

The Security Council must not stay silent. It must act now, firmly and urgently, to uphold international law, defend the UN Charter, and protect civilians from further harm.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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Israeli atrocities in Gaza are clear example of genocide and war crimes, Iran tells ICJ

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi has called on the international community to act responsibly to stop Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

"The Israeli regime's policies against Palestinians are a clear example of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity," Gharibabadi said in a speech at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Wednesday, the third day of hearings on Israel's humanitarian obligations to Palestinians.

The senior Iranian diplomat warned that "the opportunity to prevent this massive genocide is rapidly disappearing."

He underlined that the ICJ, as the highest legal authority of the United Nations, is once again facing a historic test with regard to the oppressed Palestinian nation. "Despite repeated court orders, the Zionist regime continues its deadly policies and the international community has failed to fulfill its moral and legal obligations," he said.

While expressing grief over the rising death toll in Gaza, Gharibabadi slammed the Israeli regime for the catastrophic conditions in the Palestinian territory. "No aid has entered the region since March 2, 2025, with vital medicines running out, water and electricity networks destroyed, and aid workers targeted," he emphasized.

Citing a report by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other international organizations, the Iranian diplomat said that "Israel's actions, including its deliberate blockade of humanitarian aid, are directly indicative of genocide."

He specifically referred to Article 55 of the Geneva Convention, which obliges the occupier to provide food and medicine to the people in occupied territory.

Gharibabadi then went on to address various instances of human rights violations by the Israeli regime, with widespread massacres of civilians, especially children and women, as well as deliberate destruction of water supply networks, hospitals, and health centers.

"The policies against the Palestinians, including the destruction of vital infrastructure, starving the people, preventing the entry of aid, and imposing unbearable living conditions, are clear examples of genocide according to Article 2 of the Genocide Convention," he added.

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Death toll in Gaza rises to 52,400 as Israeli attacks continue unabated

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

The death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 52,400 as Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the besieged enclave continues unabated, authorities reported on Wednesday.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that 35 more people were killed and 109 others injured in the past 24 hours.

According to the report, 2,308 people have been killed and 5,973 others injured since March 18, when Israel resumed its military assault in violation of a ceasefire.

The ministry also stated that a total of 118,014 people have been injured in Israeli attacks since the war began on October 7, 2023.

2050**4353

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A look at the Defence news 21 - 27 April

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 30-04-2025 | 15:56

The Netherlands is increasingly the target of hybrid attacks that are carried out to disrupt and weaken Dutch society.

In its public annual report on 2024, the Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) states that Russia in particular is becoming more active in carrying out such attacks.

Royal honour for Rob Bauer

Admiral Rob Bauer has been appointed a Knight of the Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau. The decoration was presented to the former Netherlands Chief of Defence at Noordeinde Palace on behalf of King Willem-Alexander. Bauer received the royal honour for his international service as Chair of the NATO Military Committee.

Navy intercepts 3 drug shipments in a week

HNLMS Groningen of the Royal Netherlands Navy recently intercepted 3 drug shipments within a week in the Caribbean. A total of 1,653 kilograms of narcotics was therefore kept off the streets. The interceptions occurred on 4, 5 and 9 April, but were only made known last week.

Military personnel to deploy again to Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Netherlands will again contribute to the EUFOR Althea peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. An infantry company of, at most, 175 service members will deploy to the Balkan country in October for a one-year tour of duty. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence is already filling a number of staff positions at mission headquarters in Sarajevo. This commitment will be extended until and including December 2027.

Caribbean Coast Guard invested heavily in personnel in 2024

Last year, the Caribbean Coast Guard invested heavily in the education and training of its personnel. As stated in the Caribbean Coast Guard 2024 Annual Report, which was published last week, the aim for 2025 is to develop into an organisation that can operate independently 24/7. Around 70 full-time positions will therefore be added to the organisation's workforce.

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UN experts alarmed at illegal deportations from the United States to El Salvador

Press releases

Special Procedures

30 April 2025

GENEVA -- UN human rights experts* today expressed deep concern at the apparently unlawful deportations of over 250 Venezuelan and Salvadoran men - allegedly involved with gangs - from the United States to El Salvador.

"In many cases, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 seems to have been misapplied to deny due process, independent review and court access, contrary to international human rights law. The lack of due process resulted in arbitrary deportation decisions against many people who were reportedly not involved with gangs," the experts said.

"The summary nature of the decisions was clearly inadequate to determine if people were at risk of serious human rights violations in El Salvador," the experts said. The decisions also did not appear to consider the impact on the right to family life and the best interests of children, as well as the distinct impacts of security measures on women's rights.

The international law duty of non-refoulement prohibits deporting any person to a place where there is a substantial risk of arbitrary deprivation of life, torture and/or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, unfair trial or other irreparable harm.

In this context, the experts expressed grave concern about El Salvador's prisons, where there have been reports of deaths, torture and ill-treatment, violence between prisoners and enforced disappearances. Prison conditions are allegedly inhumane, contrary to international standards, with detainees held in overcrowded, boxed cages, without bare necessities such as mattresses, and with inadequate medical care.

"We call on the Salvadoran Government to allow independent monitoring bodies immediate and unfettered access to prisons holding the deportees," the experts said.

They expressed alarm at the unclear legal basis for the detention of the deportees in El Salvador and the lack of effective remedies, including difficulties in accessing legal representation, family visits, consular access and judicial review. "These rights must be immediately guaranteed," the experts said.

"The lack of a clear legal status in El Salvador could further expose the deportees to indefinite and arbitrary detention in the country, and put some Venezuelan detainees at risk of onward refoulement to Venezuela where they could face serious human rights violations, including enforced disappearances," the experts said.

They noted that the deportations and related incommunicado detentions appeared to involve enforced disappearances, contrary to international law. Many detainees were unaware of their destination, their families were not informed of their detention or removal, and the US and Salvadoran authorities have not published the names or legal status of the detainees. Those imprisoned in El Salvador have been denied the right to communicate with and be visited by their family members.

The US and El Salvador have also refused to return individuals found by US courts to have been illegally deported. "We call on both Governments to cooperate to return them to the US, as well as anyone else who was unlawfully deported and wishes to go back," the experts said.

They expressed concern that the legal criteria to apply the Alien Enemies Act have not been met. "There has plainly been no 'invasion' or 'predatory incursion' of the US by any foreign State, as required by the Act. Even if some individuals were gang members, gang activity is a crime, not an act of war. The deportations were thus apparently illegal under US law and were arbitrary and unlawful expulsions under international law," the experts said.

They also expressed concern that the US had abusively designated gangs as "terrorist" organisations, to justify invoking the Alien Enemies Act. "Organised crime is a distinct problem that should be addressed by more appropriate legal frameworks. Falsely stigmatising people as "terrorists" further jeopardises their rights."

"We are alarmed by political attacks on the independence of the US judiciary and the professional role of lawyers in representing their clients in these cases," the experts said. Civil society organisations and human rights defenders advocating on these cases must be protected from any potential reprisals in El Salvador or the US.

"We strongly urge the US Government to stop using the Alien Enemies Act or any other law to summarily deport people. Any deportations should be conducted under regular immigration law and in accordance with international law, including non-refoulement, due process, judicial safeguards and effective remedies," the experts said. "Deportations must stop until these international legal guarantees are respected."

The experts have formally communicated their concerns to the Governments of the United States and El Salvador, along with a non-exhaustive list of more than 100 Venezuelan nationals affected by these deportations, many of whose fate and whereabouts are unknown. Special Procedures mandate holders previously raised concerns about due process and detention in El Salvador in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

*The experts: Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair); Aua Balde, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, Mohammed Al-Obaidi (members), Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstic, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls; Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions; Siobhan Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Cecilia M Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity; Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; Mr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

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Mali: UN experts outraged by reports of summary executions and enforced disappearances

Press releases

Special Procedures

30 April 2025

GENEVA -- UN experts today expressed outrage at the alleged summary execution of several dozen people in Mali, as well as the enforced disappearance of others. They warned that these unlawful killings may amount to war crimes, and that the enforced disappearances may constitute crimes against humanity if they are part of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians.

"We urge Malian authorities to conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into these killings and enforced disappearances, in accordance with international law," the experts said. State failure to investigate constitutes in itself a violation of the right to life.

"Those responsible for unlawful killings and enforced disappearances, whether by direct involvement or complicity, must be prosecuted, and measures must be taken to prevent their recurrence and provide reparation to the victims."

On 12 April 2025, around 100 men, most of whom were from the Peul community, were arrested by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). They were accompanied by military and security personnel recruited by the Russia-based Wagner Group. The arrests took place at a market in Sebabougou, in the Diema cercle of the Kayes region. While some of those arrested were released immediately, approximately 60 others were reportedly taken to the Kwala military camp in the Koulikoro region. According to unconfirmed reports, those arrested were tortured and interrogated about alleged links with "terrorists" at the Kwala military camp. The victims were reportedly whipped during interrogation. Afterwards, military and security personnel recruited by the Wagner Group reportedly took the victims out of the camp and executed them by opening fire. Between 21 and 22 April 2025, several dozen decomposing bodies, suspected to be those arrested in Sebabougou on 12 April 2025, were found scattered on the outskirts of the Kwala military camp by people searching for their relatives.

While the exact death toll is unclear, it is reportedly believed that at least 65 people disappeared or went missing after being arrested in Sebabougou. The experts received a list from credible sources purporting to show the names of 54 alleged male victims. The fate and whereabouts of the victims remain unknown.

In a statement dated 28 April 2025, the Malian Armed Forces confirmed that they had conducted military operations between 11 and 15 April 2025 in several areas, including Sebabougou and Kwala. They added that they had "neutralised" several combatants from "terrorist armed groups".

The experts expressed their solidarity with the families affected by the killings and enforced disappearances. "Malian authorities must ensure that the bodies of the deceased are properly recovered, documented and protected to facilitate reliable identification, and prevent the victims from being classified as missing persons. The bodies must then be handed over respectfully to their families for mourning and final disposal," they said.

They stressed that this process forms an integral part of the international legal obligation to conduct effective investigations and ensure accountability and effective remedies for human rights violations.

"We are deeply troubled by the apparent total impunity and lack of prosecution or prevention of these violations attributed to both Malian defence and security forces, and foreign military and security personnel from the 'Wagner' Group and/or 'Africa Corps'," the experts said.

"Failure to bring alleged perpetrators of human rights violations to justice could undermine public confidence in the armed forces and be exploited by violent extremist groups," they said. "Under the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Governments must address the root causes of violence to effectively combat terrorism, such as impunity, prolonged unresolved conflicts, weak rule of law, human rights violations, discrimination, political exclusion, socio-economic marginalisation, and poor governance."

The experts recalled the statement by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on 23 March 2019. In this statement, the Prosecutor noted that the situation in Mali had been referred to her Office by Malian authorities in 2012, a formal investigation had been opened in 2013, and her Office would continue to closely monitor events in central Mali and other parts of the country. The experts stressed that the ICC could determine whether the Malian State lacks the capacity or will to conduct effective investigations and could expand its current investigation beyond crimes committed in northern Mali in 2012 and 2013, or open a new investigation into crimes under international law committed elsewhere in Mali.

"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," they said.

The experts also recalled recommendations concerning counter-terrorism measures in Mali, including calls on the Government to ensure that military operations are proportionate and non-discriminatory, and comply with international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

The experts are in contact with the Government of Mali, and have reiterated their offer to provide technical assistance on forensic matters.

*The expert: Eduardo Gonzalez, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali ; Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito (Chair-Rapporteur), Ravindran Daniel, Michelle Small, Joana de Deus Pereira, Andres Macias Tolosa, Working Group on the use of mercenaries; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism ; Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde; Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez; and Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances . Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ UN Human Rights, country page - https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/mali

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Pakistani army accuses India of sponsoring terrorism, presents "irrefutable evidence"

People's Daily Online

(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.

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Senator calls for probe on China's alleged seizure of Sandy Cay

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

April 30, 2025, 9:23 pm

MANILA -- Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Wednesday called for an inquiry into the alleged illegal occupation by Chinese coast guard personnel into Sandy Cay, a sandbar within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and just off Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the alleged incursion into the country's territorial waters constitutes a grave threat to national sovereignty.

"The illegal seizure of Sandy Cay is an outrageous assault on Philippine sovereignty," he said through proposed Resolution No. 1347.

"We filed this resolution to galvanize a whole-of-government response and make it clear to the international community that we will not stand down in the face of unlawful acts," he added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada echoed the urgency to verify the situation and defend Philippine maritime rights, saying the resolution would ensure coordinated efforts among government agencies to confirm the facts and take decisive diplomatic and legal action.

"If proven true, this would not only be an act of aggression, but also a deliberate distortion of facts intended to confuse and divide. The Senate must assert its oversight powers to protect our territorial integrity," he said.

The resolution also seeks to compel the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of National Defense, and the National Security Council to report on current measures being undertaken to address the situation and deter future violations.

Sandy Cay lies approximately two nautical miles from Pag-asa Island and has long been considered part of Philippine territory under international law. (PNA)

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PH, New Zealand defense ties elevated via visiting forces pact

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 30, 2025, 6:13 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines and New Zealand have elevated their defense relationship following the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on Wednesday.

This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his counterpart, New Zealand Minister of Defense Judith Collin, following their bilateral meeting at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

"During the meeting, both defense officials emphasized their shared commitment to deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand. They welcomed the signing of the Philippines-New Zealand SOVFA, witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier at the Malacanang Palace," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

The SOVFA provides a legal framework for the entry and presence of military personnel for joint defense activities.

"Secretary Teodoro expressed his appreciation for New Zealand's commitment to working closely with the Philippines on matters of regional peace, stability, most particularly in upholding an international rules-based order," Andolong said.

Collins, for her part, reaffirmed New Zealand's readiness to support the Philippines through robust defense engagement and continued dialogue.

"This reflects the strength of New Zealand's relationship with the Philippines, of which defense is a key element. Our militaries already work well together, and this agreement will create the conditions for even more seamless cooperation in the defense space," she added in her remarks.

Collins also said the SOVFA will ensure that the Philippines and New Zealand can work hand-in-hand with ease particularly when urgent responses are required.

The SOVFA is expected to strengthen interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New Zealand Defence Force, particularly in areas of capacity building, disaster response, and regional security.

"We will increase the pace of our interactions both bilaterally and multilaterally. Thank you also for the opportunities that you have granted our defense establishment to further their education and their exposure to the evolving nature of the defense ecosystem," Teodoro said.

The DND chief, in his remarks, also committed to expediting the internal processes needed to secure its speedy Presidential ratification and Senate concurrence required for the SOVFA.

"We are indeed fortunate to have a partner as, you know, distant to us but as close to us at the same time as New Zealand shoulder-to-shoulder," Teodoro said.

The two defense chiefs also agreed to strengthen defense industry cooperation, capabilities on air and maritime domain awareness, defense supply chain management, and education and training exchanges.

"The signing of the SOVFA marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defense relationship and demonstrates the strong and growing partnership between the two countries," Andolong said. (PNA)

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PH flag raised on Sandy Cay to assert sovereign rights - Palace

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

April 30, 2025, 3:48 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines raised the country's flag on Sandy Cay to assert its sovereign rights over the area, Malacanang said on Wednesday.

This, after the Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine National Police (PNP)-Maritime Group displayed the Philippine flag on Sandy Cay during an inter-agency maritime operation on Monday to counter China's narrative that it had seized the area.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the move was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s promise "not to surrender even a small part of our country."

"Pagpapakita ito na hindi kontrolado ng China Coast Guard ang Pag-asa Cay 2 (This shows that the China Coast Guard does not control Pag-asa Cay 2)," Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

"Muling iginigiit ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at mga katuwang na ahensiya ang kanilang paninindigan na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng bansa, protektahan ang karagatang sakop ng Pilipinas at ipaglaban ang karapatan ng bansa na naaayon sa international law (The Armed Forces of the Philippines and partner agencies reaffirm their commitment to fight for the rights of the country, protect the waters under Philippine jurisdiction and fight for the rights of the country in accordance with international law)," she added.

Sandy Cay, also known as the Pag-asa Cay 2, is one of the sandbars situated west of Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group of the Philippines.

China lays claim on the feature, which it calls Tiexian Jiao.

In 2019, the late Philippine ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said there was a previous consensus between Beijing and Manila to keep the sandbar unoccupied.

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday made a blanket call on countries to refrain from conducting actions that complicate the situation in the South China Sea while negotiations on a binding Code of Conduct on the disputed waters are ongoing. (PNA)

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PH, New Zealand seal visiting forces pact

Philippine News Agency

By Darryl John Esguerra

April 30, 2025, 1:23 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines and New Zealand on Wednesday signed a defense deal that would enable both countries' armed forces to enhance their cooperative activities and conduct joint exercises in each other's territories.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins signed the treaty documents for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) at Malacanang in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The President welcomed Collins and her delegation to the presidential palace and conveyed his gratitude to the New Zealand government for the progress in the two countries' partnership "in the face of all that is happening" not only in the region but in the entire world.

"Those partnerships that we have formed, the agreements that we have made, bilaterally and on a multilateral basis as well, have been extremely important," Marcos said.

The new defense deal aligns with the Philippines' broader strategy to deepen security partnerships with like-minded nations in response to growing assertiveness by China in the West Philippine Sea  part of the vast South China Sea within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone  where recent incidents involving Chinese vessels have raised alarm.

The Philippines has similar defense pacts with the United States and Australia, while another defense deal is being pursued with France.

A commitment to conclude a SOVFA was one of the key outcomes of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to Manila in April 2024.

The new treaty will have to be ratified by the Senate before it comes into force.

On Tuesday, Marcos and visiting Japan Prime Minister agreed to begin negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement that would allow the exchange of logistical support to further deepen security and defense cooperation.

This builds on their Reciprocal Access Agreement  a deal similar in scope to the SOVFA. (PNA)

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Nothing provocative over PH's joint drills with allies - AFP

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 30, 2025, 12:39 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said there is nothing provocative over its holding of joint exercises with its allies within the Philippines' maritime domains.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla issued the statement after China criticized the country's joint patrols with its allies, calling it maritime infringement provocations.

"The AFP stands firm in exercising our sovereign rights within our maritime domain. The conduct of joint exercises and maritime domain awareness operations within our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone is not a provocation it is preparedness," she added.

Padilla also said these joint exercises are deliberate, lawful actions anchored on international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The AFP spokesperson said these actions are solidly rooted in "responsible and forward-looking defense."

Padilla added the Philippines' partnership with long-standing allies like the United States reflect shared values and a collective commitment to safeguarding peace, security, and the rules-based international order.

She said these collaborative efforts reinforce not just military capability but mutual trust and strategic interoperability.

"As emphasized by AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., 'We will assess our readiness in all domains air, land, sea, cyber, information, and the emerging frontier of space through comprehensive exercises that integrate tactical precision with strategic foresight.' To be clear: the Philippines is a sovereign state. No foreign power can dictate how we defend our home or with whom we stand in solidarity," Padilla said.

She also maintained that the AFP remains resolute in its mission to defend and promote a peaceful, secure, and stable region with unity, professionalism, and strategic clarity. (PNA)

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AFP: Multilateral patrols show PH's growing synergy with allies

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 30, 2025, 11:25 am

MANILA -- The successful conduct of the ninth multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) between the Philippines and its allies demonstrates the "growing synergy" between partner nations, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Wednesday.

"The 9th MMCA demonstrates the growing synergy among like-minded partners in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. These exercises are vital in strengthening our collective defense posture and operational readiness," he said in a statement.

He added that this highlights the strategic importance of the MMCA.

He said the activity also reaffirms the AFP's commitment to fostering international cooperation, maintaining maritime security, and safeguarding Philippine sovereignty in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The AFP said the latest MMCA on Tuesday took place in the West Philippine Sea under the operational control of the Northern Luzon Command. Participating in this training event are personnel and assets from the AFP, the Australian Defense Force, and the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

The exercise brought together key maritime and air assets from the three partner nations, showcasing a strong commitment to regional security, interoperability, and cooperation in support of a rules-based international order.

The Philippine deployment included the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), an AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopter, three FA-50PH fighter jets, and Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue platforms.

Meanwhile, Australia deployed the Hobart-class air defense destroyer, HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) while the United States contributed F-16 and F-18 multi-role fighters as well as long-range bomber aircraft.

The ninth MMCA featured a series of integrated operations aimed at improving tactical coordination and combined operational capabilities among the three nations.

These included a communications check exercise, rotary flight operations/vertical replenishment, division tactics, and a photo exercise. Air patrols and an anti-submarine warfare exercise were also conducted, demonstrating multi-domain coordination and shared maritime security objectives. (PNA)

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PH, US military aircraft hold bilateral air patrol over WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 30, 2025, 9:37 am Updated on April 30, 2025, 9:43 am

MANILA -- Fighter and bomber aircraft from the Philippines and the United States conducted a combined air patrol in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, in a statement Tuesday night, said this activity is part of the ninth multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

The PAF deployed three PAF FA-50PH fighter jets for this MMCA while PACAF sent a Rockwell B-1B "Lancer" strategic bomber along with two F-16s "Vipers" and a F-18 multi-role fighter for this mission.

No other details were provided for security reasons.

The B-1B is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.25 and has a crew of four. It has a range of 5,100 nautical miles and could carry a combat load of around 50,000 pounds.

"This cooperative activity aims to strengthen collaboration and enhance interoperability between the AFP and US forces," Castillo said.

With this activity, the PAF reinforces its commitment and operational readiness to support the AFP's mission in safeguarding the country's territory and sovereign rights and promote a secure and stable Indo-Pacific Region. (PNA)

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Yemen attacks USS Carl Vinson, two Israeli targets in latest ops

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 7:26 PM

The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a series of military operations targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea and Israeli military sites in the occupied territories of Yaffa and Asqalan.

The operations carried out with drones were carried out as a response to American aggression against Yemen and the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza.

In a statement, spokesman Yahya Saree said their UAV force executed a military operation targeting the USS Carl Vinson and its accompanying warships in the Arabian Sea using multiple drones.

The statement said this operation followed earlier attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, which forced the carrier to retreat toward the Suez Canal.

According to the statement, the prior operation also resulted in the downing of an F-18 fighter jet, the prevention of an enemy air attack on Yemen.

Also, the Yemeni Army reported a dual operation targeting Israeli military sites.

Saree said they deployed three Yaffa drones to strike "vital military targets" in the Yaffa area and one Yaffa drone to hit another significant target in Asqalan.

The Yemeni Armed Forces' operations come amid heightened tensions in the region. Since mid-March 2025, the US has intensified airstrikes on Yemen, claiming it seeks to deter the country's attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Yemen has imposed a ban on the movement of Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and has repeatedly stressed that all other ships are free to travel in the region.

Yemen has vowed to continue its operations until US aggression ceases and the blockade on Gaza is lifted.

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UNRWA chief rejects 'unsubstantiated claims to undermine' agency

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 6:48 PM

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has rejected the comments by the US legal representative to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as false and unsubstantiated.

In today's ICJ hearing regarding the legal humanitarian obligations of the Israeli regime (as the occupying entity) towards the people of Palestine, the US legal representative said that there were "serious concerns" about UNRWA's impartiality.

In response to today's hearing, Philippe Lazzarini wrote on his X account that "those" who use disinformation as a weapon of war must be held accountable.

"Such claims are threatening the lives & well-being of UNRWA staff across the Gaza Strip & the occupied West Bank," he continued.

"Dehumanizing & polarizing statements further deepen people's suffering. They divert attention from the humanitarian crisis & the immense needs of people impacted by over 1.5 years of systematic destruction of life."

From the beginning of the Gaza war, Israel and the US have launched a major propaganda campaign against the agency and accused its staff members of being "Hamas operatives."

Several independent investigations conducted by the UN have revealed that these claims are completely false.

These investigations, however, have not stopped Israel from attacking the agency's staff members and buildings across Gaza or banning its humanitarian activities in the occupied territories.

The Israeli regime's parliament (Knesset) passed a law in October that banned the agency 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 the agency's ability to operate in Gaza and the occupied territories.

On March 18, the Israeli regime assaulted Gaza and effectively ended its ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

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 the interaction of malnutrition and disease.

The total death toll from the Israeli assault on Gaza since October 7 has risen to 52,400, with 118,000 injured, most of whom are children and women.

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US backs Israel over attacks on UN agencies in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 5:38 PM

The United States has defended Israel for the regime's airstrikes on the United Nations agencies in the besieged Gaza Strip.

US officials said the strikes were potentially lawful.

On the third day of hearings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Wednesday, the US delegation rejected the opinion held by more than 40 nations that Israel has breached international law in the attacks on the UN and international organizations since October 2023.

Josh Simmons from the US State Department legal team told the ICJ that international law "does not impose any unqualified obligations on an occupying power" with respect to humanitarian assistance provided by the UN, international organizations, and third states.

"In the law of occupation, military and humanitarian interests converge," said Simmons, the senior bureau official of the Office of the Legal Adviser at the US Department of State.

Reflecting Israel's view, Simmons questioned the impartiality of UNRWA as a relief provider.

"There are serious concerns about UNRWA's impartiality, including information that Hamas has used UNRWA facilities and that UNRWA staff participated in the October 7 (2023) attack against Israel," said the US official.

Simmons referred to Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which concerns the humanitarian obligations of an occupying power, saying the provision does not impose an absolute duty to permit relief to the population under its control.

The US Department of Justice recently decided that UNRWA was not immune from legal action in the United States.

UNRWA is the primary source of humanitarian support for an estimated 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in occupied Palestine and neighboring countries.

Since October 2023, Israel has killed at least 290 UNRWA staff members and carried out at least 830 attacks on the agency's premises and people sheltering in them.

The third day of hearings at the ICJ is underway, focusing on Israel's obligation to facilitate humanitarian aid in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The US and Hungary are the only two states that have so far defended Israel during the proceedings.

Representatives from several countries, including Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, Britain, Russia, France, and Indonesia, addressed the international court.

Russia's representative warned that Israel's actions in the occupied territories are leading to a crisis of legality and humanity.

He also expressed concern over Israel's renewed military offensive in the West Bank, warning that it risks mirroring the devastating Gaza scenario.

The hearings began on April 28 and will continue until May 2.

Israel is not attending the proceedings, but it has provided a written submission to the ICJ.

The UN top court has previously ordered the Israeli regime to take all necessary measures to prevent genocide in Gaza.

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Iran urges ICJ action to stop Gaza genocide, allow aid deliveries

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 4:19 PM

Tehran has slammed the Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as a clear example of genocide, calling on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the international community to act responsibly to halt the atrocities.

Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, made the call during the third hearing session of the ICJ probe on Israel's obligations toward UN agencies delivering aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

At the beginning of his remarks, Gharibabadi highlighted the stature of the ICJ as the highest legal authority within the United Nations, noting that this international body is once again confronted with a historical test, one that is inextricably linked to the fate of an oppressed nation.

Citing undeniable evidence of genocide in Gaza, the senior diplomat warned that the opportunity to prevent this massive genocide is rapidly slipping away.

"Despite repeated orders from the International Court of Justice, the Zionist regime continues its deadly policies, and the international community has failed in its moral and legal obligations."

Referencing reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other international bodies, Gharibabadi stated that access to humanitarian aid has been completely blocked and that directly constitutes genocide.

Referring to international conventions, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention and the 1907 Hague Convention, the deputy minister stressed that the Israeli regime, as an occupying force, has flagrantly disregarded its binding obligations to provide for the vital needs of civilians.

He specifically mentioned Article 55 of the Geneva Convention, which obliges the occupier to supply food and medicine.

"The Zionist regime has not only failed to abide by these obligations but has also deliberately obstructed the entry of humanitarian aid."

He also referred to investigations by the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice into the actions of the Zionist regime's leaders, noting that sufficient evidence exists to prove the commission of international crimes.

In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, citing the advisory opinion of the ICJ in 2004 on the Israeli separation walls in the West Bank, stressed that all governments and international institutions are obligated to cut off any form of aid to the occupying regime and to make earnest efforts to end the illegal situation prevailing in Palestine.

He stated, "The failure to provide immediate and unobstructed access to humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people clearly constitutes a flagrant violation of the international commitments of states regarding the prevention of genocide."

ICJ judges are holding a week of hearings to formulate an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations toward UN agencies in Gaza. Israel is not attending the proceedings, but it has provided a written submission to the ICJ.

Around 40 nations and organizations, including the League of Arab States, are taking part in the hearings.

The status of UNRWA is central to the hearings. Israel has banned it from operating in the Israeli-occupied territories after accusing some of its staff of assisting Hamas in the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, 2023.

Additionally, Israel has blocked all inflows of international aid vital for the 2.4 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip over the past 60 days.

The UN's top court has already ordered the Israeli regime to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in Gaza.

The International Criminal Court 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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Israel systematically kills Gaza educators, students: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 3:38 PM

The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education says the Israeli regime has killed or wounded an alarmingly high number of educators and students in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The regime has destroyed or severely damaged virtually all the schools and universities in Gaza, the ministry said on Tuesday.

Over 14,640 students have been killed and nearly 23,940 injured since the beginning of the Israeli campaign of genocide on October 7, 2023. Moreover, 724 students have been abducted by the regime, the ministry said.

Additionally, 880 education administrators and teachers have been killed and another 4,247 wounded, it added.

The Israeli regime has severely damaged 352 schools in Gaza, with 111 destroyed. It has also bombed 180 schools of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The ministry said the regime has significantly damaged 20 higher education institutions and destroyed 60 university buildings.

The ministry has said that 788,000 students in Gaza have been unable to attend schools and universities since the beginning of the genocide, and most students suffer from difficult health conditions and psychological trauma.

According to the ministry, there is a clear pattern between Israeli evacuation orders and the demolition of educational buildings.

Since the start of the war, every time a region has been evacuated, the Israeli regime has prioritized the demolition of educational buildings with artillery shelling and bombing.

In several cases, the Israeli regime did not stop at demolition. It has converted schools into detention centers and military barracks, and erased their educational identity.

What has been happening in the enclave is not merely genocide; it has been a deliberate uprooting of all the foundations of life, especially education, the ministry warned.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that the total death toll from the Israeli assault on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has risen to 52,400, with 118,000 injured, most of whom are children and women.

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British jets bomb Yemen in joint aggression with US, Ansarullah leaders vow response

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 3:00 PM

Britain says its fighter jets have carried out airstrikes on Yemen in a joint military operation with the United States, prompting a stern warning from Ansarullah leaders who said the aggression will not go unanswered.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Wednesday that Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s took part in the raid, dropping Paveway IV guided bombs in an area 15 miles south of the capital, Sana'a.

It claimed the fighter jets targeted a cluster of buildings that were used by Yemen's Ansarullah movement to manufacture drones that had targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The British defense secretary, John Healey, said the airstrike came in response to "a persistent threat from the Houthis to freedom of navigation."

"We conducted these strikes, supported by the US, to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and international shipping."

It was the first public acknowledgment by the UK army of a joint airstrike with US forces against Yemen since the Trump administration escalated the attacks on the North African country in March.

Yemen warns of consequences

Ansarullah leaders warned that Britain should "anticipate the consequences of its aggression," according to a statement published by Yemen's al-Masirah television network.

"The British enemy must carefully consider the consequences of its involvement and be prepared to face the repercussions."

Yemen will "respond to this unlawful and unjustified aggression," which came as "part of ongoing Anglo-American efforts to support the Israeli enemy by attempting to block Yemen's support for Palestine, enabling the Israeli enemy to continue its genocide in Gaza."

The Yemeni armed forces have been attacking Israeli and US targets in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians in Gaza since Tel Aviv launched its devastating war on the besieged Palestinian territory in October 2023.

Britain had joined with the US to carry out airstrikes on Yemen between January and May 2024, but has not been directly involved in a new and more intense wave of US strikes under Trump's administration.

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Three dozen Palestinians killed in new Israeli massacre in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 11:35 AM

Nearly three dozen Palestinians, including children, have been killed in Israeli overnight attacks on the Gaza Strip, as the occupying regime continues its genocidal war in the besieged territory.

Medical sources said at least 23 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting multiple areas of the Gaza Strip since dawn on Wednesday.

According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, Israeli airstrikes have left 35 people dead and 109 others injured in the past 24 hours alone.

The death toll from Israel's genocidal war on the besieged territory has now exceeded 52,400, with more than 118,014 others wounded since the genocidal war began in October 2023.

UN warns of deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The World Food Programme (WFP) issued a stark warning over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, amid continued Israeli bombardment and a blockade that has left civilians facing widespread hunger.

"The situation is very difficult in the Gaza Strip and our stocks are running out," a WFP spokeswoman said, adding, "We may see deaths from malnutrition as the crossings remain closed."

The spokeswoman said round 700,000 people had been receiving meals each day, but the UN agency's trucks filled with aid remained stuck at the border, unable to enter due to the continued Israeli closure of crossings.

The Israeli military renewed its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on March 18, killing hundreds of people, injuring many others, and shattering the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the deal on the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian abductees.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has banned aid deliveries into Gaza since March, in a move he said was meant to pressure Hamas into accepting an extension of the first stage of the ceasefire deal, which Israel broke.

Every day, thousands of residents in Gaza, including numerous children, flock to community kitchens in search of food to feed their families.

The WFP announced on Friday that it has dispatched its final remaining supplies of food to various kitchens, as supplies are running low.

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US, Israel lead global increase in military spending in 2024: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 7:05 AM

A report shows global military expenditure surged to a record $2.7 trillion in 2024, marking a 9.4 percent increase over the previous year, with the Israeli regime boosting its military spending by 65 percent to finance its genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

According to new data published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending surged in 2024, with significant spikes in Europe and West Asia due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The top five military spendersthe US, China, Russia, Germany, and Indiamade up 60% of worldwide expenditures. The US alone accounted for $997 billion, representing 37% of the global total, with a major focus on upgrading its military technology and nuclear forces to sustain its strategic edge over rivals like Russia and China.

Europe experienced a notable surge in military expenditures, which rose by 17 percent to reach $693 billion. Germany's military spending grew by 28 percent, totaling $88.5 billion, positioning it as the leading military spender in Western Europe and the fourth-largest globally.

Meanwhile, Ukraine bore the highest military burden worldwide in 2024, with defense costs representing 34 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country's entire tax revenue was allocated to military needs, while social and economic expenditures depended entirely on foreign aid, including $7.7 billion provided by Germany.

In West Asia, military spending increased by 15 percent, reaching $243 billion. The Israeli regime accounted for much of this rise, raising its military expenditure by 65 percent to $46.5 billion amidst ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. As a result, Israel's military burden reached 8.8 percent of its GDP, making it the second highest in the world.

Israel launched the war of genocide in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in retaliation for Israel's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Last January, the Israeli regime was forced to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas given the regime's failure to achieve any of its objectives, including the "elimination" of the Palestinian resistance movement or the release of captives.

In total, 52,365 Palestinians have been killed and 117,905 others injured since October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The US has been the major supporter of Israel in the war against the Gaza Strip.

In February, the United States announced the approval of the sale of more than $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles and related equipment to Israel.

In all, the US has provided the regime with at least $17.9 billion in military aid during its brutal military onslaught.

Also according to the data published by SIPRI, more than 100 nations boosted their military spending in 2024, marking the tenth year in a row of increasing global military expendituresan upward trend that experts anticipate will continue due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Researchers at SIPRI have cautioned that as governments focus more on military securitysometimes at the cost of social and economic initiatives, warning of substantial long-term impacts on societies.

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US aircraft carrier to leave after intense Yemeni strikes: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 1:57 AM

The USS Harry S. Truman, a US Navy aircraft carrier, is reportedly preparing to exit the Red Sea after coming under a series of coordinated missile and drone strikes by Yemen's Armed Forces.

On Tuesday, Yemen's al-Masirah television network cited a source within the country's ministry of defense as saying that the carrier and its accompanying vessels were expected to depart the area imminently.

The source stated, "We do not rule out that the Truman was directly hit in our recent operations, and we expect it to depart the theater of operations at any moment."

The Armed Forces had claimed responsibility for the attacks on Monday, describing them as a response to earlier US airstrikes against Yemen that resulted in civilian casualties.

A statement from the forces detailed a joint operation involving naval units, drones, and missile forces, targeting Truman and its escort ships with cruise and ballistic missiles. The operation forced the vessel to retreat northward in the Red Sea.

In a related development, a US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet warplane fell into the Red Sea from the USS Harry S. Truman during evasive maneuvers to avoid incoming fire.

The jet was being towed on the hangar deck when the ship executed a sharp turn, causing the aircraft and its tow tractor to go overboard.

Upon potential departure, Truman would not be the first American aircraft carrier to leave the region amid determined Yemeni retaliation.

The United States significantly ramped up its deadly aggression against Yemen last month as a means of trying to stop the Yemeni forces' strikes against Israeli- and Israeli-linked targets.

The forces have been staging the operations since October 2023, when the Israeli regime began a heavily-US-backed war of genocide against the Gaza Strip.

They have invariably underlined their resolve to continue targeting US military assets, including naval assets in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, until the aggression against Yemen ceased.

The servicemen have additionally stressed repeatedly that the operations would also continue as long as the Israeli regime kept up the genocide and a simultaneous suffocating siege it has been deploying against Gaza.

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Pakistan says it has 'credible intel' on Indian military strike in next 24 to 36 hours

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 1:33 AM

Pakistan's information minister has said Islamabad had "credible intelligence" indicating that India planned to launch a military strike against the country within "the next 24 to 36 hours."

In a statement on social media platform X, former Twitter, in early Wednesday, Attaullah Tarar accused India of, what he called, trying to use a recent deadly terrorist attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir as a "false pretext" for potential military action against Pakistan.

He warned that any act of aggression would be met with a decisive response, holding India fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region.

The claim followed the attack in the town of Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had also said in an interview with Reuters on Monday that a military strike by India was "imminent." He had stated that while Pakistan was on high alert, it would only consider deploying nuclear weapons if there was a "direct threat to its existence."

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, was the deadliest targeting of civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir in over two decades.

In response to the attack, both countries have taken tit-for-tat measures.

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank and signed in 1960, and closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing. Pakistan has suspended visas issued to Indian nationals and closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held separate discussions with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar earlier, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent any confrontation that could have devastating consequences. Guterres reiterated the UN's commitment to peace and offered support for efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation.

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Russia, China, India Vying For Influence In Afghanistan As Taliban Seeks Legitimacy

By Ray Furlong, Current Time and RFE/RL's Radio Azadi April 30, 2025

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers were shunned by foreign governments after seizing power in 2021, but recently the hard-line militants have notched up some big wins in their diplomatic efforts to forge international ties.

This week, Indian special envoy Anand Prakash was in Kabul for talks with senior Taliban leaders on boosting political and trade links.

That came after Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov hosted a Taliban delegation in Tashkent to talk about a proposed trans-Afghan rail link.

And last week, in the biggest win of all, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations and agreed that ambassadors would be appointed in Kabul and Moscow.

Nobody has formally recognized the Taliban regime, yet. The militant rulers have been broadly criticized for widespread human rights violations, particularly against women and girls.

But things are moving toward their ultimate goal of acceptance in international circles.

"There's a growing feeling that the great powers are starting to compete among themselves to recognize a terrorist organization," Afghan political analyst Fakhim Kukhdomani told RFE/RL's Current Time.

China became the first country to accept a Taliban-appointed ambassador in January 2024. It has been edging talks forward on infrastructure and investment as part of its Belt and Road Initiative.

What Does Russia Want In Afghanistan?

Russia has also been seeking to develop economic interests in Afghanistan, especially in the mining and energy sectors. It did, in fact, keep its embassy in Kabul open, merely downgrading it in name after the Taliban seized power.

"The Russian intelligence services never cut their contacts with Taliban commanders," said Kukhdomani.

On security, Russia's main interest is about combatting the Islamic State-Khorasan group, which claimed responsibility for the deadly Crocus City Hall terrorist attackin March 2024.

Aleksei Zakharov, at the Observer Research Foundation (OSR), a Delhi-based think tank, also says that Russia is pursuing an economic agenda in Afghanistan.

"Russian and Taliban representatives are expected to sign a contract transitioning 50 million cubic meters of LPG (liquified petroleum gas) at the KazanForum in May 2025," he wroteon April 28.

This would be aimed at markets in South and Southeast Asia.

"However, the capacity of the route through Afghanistan and security issues may ultimately limit the agreement's implementation," added Zakharov.

There may be similar issues facing the above-mentioned rail project seeking to create a transit corridor from Russia through Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to Pakistan.

India-Pakistan Tensions On The Rise

The Taliban's relations with its southern neighbor are strained, as Islamabad accuses the Taliban of sheltering militants from Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It said its army had killed 54 fighters "trying to infiltrate" across the border on April 27.

Pakistan has deported some 100,000 Afghan refugees in recent weeks, accusing them of being linked to terrorism and drug smuggling.

These tensions give an added security dynamic to India's attempts to warm ties, as it faces off with Pakistan following the deadly militant attack in Kashmir on April 22.

"India has keenly monitored the fluctuating relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan," Najib Azad, lecturer in global affairs at Wisconsin University, told RFE/RL on April 29.

"[It is] attempting to fill the void and mitigate the anti-Indian sentiments that Pakistan has fostered within the Taliban," added Azad, who was a spokesman for the pre-Taliban Afghan government.

Do Western Countries Talk To The Taliban?

Western powers have been the most strident in distancing themselves from the Taliban, following the withdrawal of their forces in 2021. They have also been the most outspoken in their criticism of the Taliban's human rights abuses.

But here, too, there's movement.

A British government report in March said it was pursuing a policy of "limited and pragmatic" engagement with Taliban officials via its embassy in Qatar.

The incoming German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has called for direct talks with the Taliban leadership to enable deportations of Afghans. A foreign policy spokesman for his Christian Democrats, Juergen Hardt, told RFE/RL in February "the truth is that they are in power."

"There's also the question of recognition," he added.

"I think there should be a common position of the European Union how to handle that. Not yet, but probably under special circumstances."

US officials have already held direct talks. Last month, they were in Kabul to secure the release of Americans held there. In return, Washington lifted the bounties on three members of the Haqqani network, including the Taliban's interior minister.

"It seems to me that Moscow's final decision to remove the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations was taken after Washington removed the bounties," said Afghan political analyst Fakhim Kukhdomani.

Two Americans were released. But there's a way to go. Several are still detained, while the United States still designates both the Taliban and the Haqqani network as terrorist organizations.

Dangers For The Taliban

Former spokesman Najib Azad says there are also risks for the Taliban as it reaches out for better relations with multiple nations.

"The risk lies in allowing global and regional powers to exploit Afghanistan as a battleground for their rivalries, as has been the case over the past fifty years," said.

"Given the Taliban's inability to maintain a balanced political stance with these powers, they risk becoming a catalyst for renewed instability in the region once again."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- taliban-russia-china-india/33400112.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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Pakistan Claims To Have 'Credible Intelligence' Of Imminent Indian Strike

By Reid Standish, Daud Khattak and Pamir Halimzai April 30, 2025

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 Pakistan's 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/india-pakistan-war- nuclear-attack-missile-military-army/33401083.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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Saudi Arabia Expresses Concern Over India-Pakistan Escalation

Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh, April 30, 2025, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed concern over the heightened tensions and continued border fire between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The Kingdom appealed to both nations to de-escalate, avoid further escalation, resolve their disagreements through diplomatic channels, uphold the principles of good neighborliness, and strive for stability and peace for the welfare of their people and region.

-- SPA

13:05 Local Time 10:05 GMT

0020

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Transnistrian Parliament Extends State of Economic Emergency Until June 8

Sputnik News

20250430

TIRASPOL (Sputnik) - Transnistrian lawmakers unanimously supported on Wednesday the decree of Transnistrian President Vadim Krasnoselsky on extending the state of economic emergency by 30 days, until June 8, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

The explanatory note to the decree said that the decision had been made due to the "continuing economic emergency caused by the reduction in gas supplies to the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic, resulting in a severe general economic crisis." The parliament adopted the decree in order to restore the conditions necessary for its existence and meet the basic needs of the population.

The state of economic emergency has been in place in Transnistria since December 11, 2024, and has now been extended for the fifth time. The previous extension took place on April 9.

After Ukraine halted Russian gas transit to Europe on January 1 and Moldova refused to repay its debt to Russian energy giant Gazprom, both Moldova and Transnistria were cut off from Russian gas. While Moldova switched to European supplies, resulting in higher consumer tariffs, Transnistria faced a complete gas blockade. The region experienced rolling blackouts that left apartment buildings without heating or hot water in sub-zero temperatures.

 Sputnik

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Pakistani Information Minister Says India Planning Attack in Next 24-36 Hours

Sputnik News

20250430

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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.

"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.

 Sputnik

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Joint Statement on Efforts to Support Peace in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

April 30, 2025

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the French Republic, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Togo.

Begin Text.

Following the trilateral meeting held in Doha on March 18, 2025, between the Heads of State of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, and the State of Qatar, and in continuation of the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, representatives from the Togolese Republic, the United States of America, France, the State of Qatar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, convened in Doha to reiterate their shared commitment to peace, stability and economic development in the Great Lakes region.

The discussions focused on the efforts to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ongoing dialogue between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd (AFC/M23) movement, and the humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which continues to demand an urgent and coordinated response. The representatives welcomed the joint declaration between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23, facilitated by the State of Qatar, on their commitments to the ceasefire, an urgent priority to facilitate humanitarian assistance. The representatives also agreed on the importance for the future of the region to address through dialogue the root causes of the ongoing crises and the challenges to sustainable peace. The representatives reaffirmed their joint position on the urgent need for the disputing parties to resolve this conflict without delay, taking into consideration African Union and United Nations pertinent resolutions, and in line with commitments to the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.

The representatives commended the progress achieved following the joint EAC-SADC summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025. They welcomed the significant advancements marked by the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Washington D.C. on April 25, 2025, and expressed their readiness to contribute to the ongoing efforts that promote mutual trust, sustainable ceasefire, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, including the efforts by the EAC and SADC under the auspices of the African Union led by His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Togolese Republic and the African Union's appointed mediator in this conflict.

Finally, the representatives expressed their appreciation to the State of Qatar for hosting the discussions, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to continued dialogue and collective action toward a peaceful and stable future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.

End Text.

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Statement on air strike against Houthi military facility in Yemen: 29 April 2025

Royal Air Force participates in operation targeting a Houthi military facility in Yemen.

From: Ministry of Defence

Published 30 April 2025



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 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.

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.



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Defence Secretary Statement to the House of Commons

Oral statement to Parliament

Statement on air strike against Houthi military facility in Yemen

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 30 April 2025

Location: London

Delivered on: 30 April 2025

With permission, Mr Speaker, I wish to make a statement to update the House on the action that we took last night against a Houthi military target.

We did so in collective self-defence and to uphold the freedom of navigation, as Britain has always done.

Mr Speaker, yesterday, UK forces conducted a joint operation with US allies against a Houthi military facility in Yemen.

Our intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings - fifteen miles south of Sanaa - used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Royal Air Force Typhoons FGR4s - with air refuelling support from RAF Voyager tankers - struck a number of these buildings with Paveway 4 precision bombs last night.

This action was limited, it was targeted, it was devised to minimise the risk of civilian life.

Everyone involved from the UK operation has returned to base safely.

And I want to thank, on behalf of the House, all the members of our Armed Forces involved in this operation - and pay tribute to them, for their total professionalism and their courage.

Mr Speaker, yesterday's operation was carried out alongside the US, our closest security ally.

It was conducted in line with both the UN Charter and the established UK policy of this Government and the last.

[political content removed]

Mr Speaker, yesterday's attack aligns with four broad objectives:

One - to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Two - to degrade Houthi capability and prevent future attacks.

Three - to reinforce regional security alongside allies and partners.

And four - to protect our economic security at home.

First thing this morning the Government briefed the Shadow Defence Secretary, the Speakers of both Houses, the Liberal Democrats Defence Spokesperson and the Chair of the House of Commons Defence Committee.

I can tell the House now this afternoon, that our initial assessment is that the planned targets were successfully hit and we have seen no evidence of civilian casualties.

Mr Speaker, since November 2023, the Houthis have waged a campaign of aggression against international shipping in the Red Sea.

To date, there have been over 320 attacks.

These attacks are illegal, deadly and we totally condemn them.

Maritime routes have been disrupted, sailors have been killed, commercial ships hit and sunk.

The Houthis have even targeted aid vessels destined for Yemen itself, as well as military vessels of our allies and partners.

Both Royal and US Navies have been forced into action in the Red Sea and last September I met with the crew of HMS Diamond, who shot down a ballistic missile and drones in self-defence during their deployment in the Red Sea.

Make no mistake, the Houthis act as an agent of instability across the region.

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 increasingly working together against our interests.

So Mr Speaker, I want to be clear:

This government rejects any Houthi claims that attacking ships in the Red Sea is somehow supporting Gaza.

The Houthis were targeting tankers and seizing ships well before the war in Gaza began.

Their attacks since have targeted vessels of all nations.

So hear me when I say:

These attacks do absolutely nothing for the Palestinian people or the push for a lasting peace.

Mr Speaker, an estimated 12% of global trade and 30 per cent of container traffic, passes through the Red Sea every year.

But the Houthi threat has led to a drastic fall.

Levels are 55% down than what they were in November 2023.

The majority of ships now take a 5,000-mile diversion around the Cape of Good Hope, adding a full fortnight to a journey from Asia to Europe and pushing up prices of the goods British people and others rely on.

This cannot continue.

Mr Speaker, in Opposition, I argued that:

"the lion's share of the responsibility for protecting international freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is being shouldered by the Americans, just as the US has been doing across the world now for nearly 80 years."

And since last month, the US has been conducting a sustained campaign targeting the Houthis in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation.

They moved two carriers into the region.

Their recent strikes have destroyed multiple command-and-control centres, air defence systems, advanced weapons manufacturing sites, and advanced weapons storage sites.

The US military say their operations have degraded the effectiveness of the Houthi attack, reporting that ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69% and one-way drone attacks are down by 55%.

Mr Speaker, the US continues to be the UK's closest security ally.

They are stepping up in the Red Sea - we are alongside them.

Yesterday's joint operation builds on the broader support that we have provided to the US in the region in recent months.

That includes, air to air refuelling, the use of our important military base, Diego Garcia, for regional security operations and RAF Typhoons to support the defence of the US Carrier Strike Group - which has been coming under near daily attack now from Houthi missiles and drones.

Mr Speaker, this Government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security.

The UK is now stepping up and encouraging allies to do more to protect our common security, just as we are with last week's deployment of our Carrier Strike Group, starting on an eight-month operation to the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific.

The UK has a long and proud history of taking action to protect freedom of navigation.

This illegal Houthi aggression doesn't just disrupt shipping, it doesn't just destabilise the region, it hits our economy here at home.

And that's why this government took this decision, that's why the UK has taken this action, to help protect freedom of navigation, reinforce regional stability, strengthen economic security for families across the country.

Mr Speaker, we are determined we will keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.





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UNRWA warns against closure of six schools in East Jerusalem

30 April 2025 - The education of 800 students in occupied East Jerusalem is at risk as Israel moves to close their schools next week, a senior official with the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Wednesday.

"It's a grave threat to the right of those children to education," Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs for the West Bank, told UN News.

The development follows two Israeli laws that went into effect in late January which ban UNRWA from operating in its territory and prohibit Israeli authorities from having any contact with the agency.

UNRWA is the largest provider of healthcare, education and other services for nearly six million Palestine refugees across the Middle East, including in war-torn Gaza.

This week the International Court of Justice - the UN's highest court - began hearings to examine Israel's restrictions on the work of the UN and other international organizations in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Mr. Friedrich spoke about how the affected students are anxious over the prospect of being shut out of the classroom. He also underlined UNRWA's commitment to continue to deliver in East Jerusalem "as long as we can."

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Roland Friedrich: Roughly four weeks ago we received notifications from the Israeli Ministry of Education that the three schools we operate in Shu'fat refugee camp and another three schools we operate inside East Jerusalem shall be closed.

We have 800 students in these schools and these children have no adequate access to education beyond these schools. This is very concerning for the children, for their families, and it comes while the school year is still ongoing. So, this is unprecedented. It's a grave threat to the rights of those children to education and it's very concerning particularly because these closure orders are supposed to come into effect on 8 May, which is less than a week from now.

UN News: What other UNRWA programmes are at risk in the West Bank?

Roland Friedrich: I think we have to make a distinction between our work in occupied East Jerusalem, which according to the Israeli legislation is banned, and our work in the rest of the West Bank where, according to Israel, all our work is not banned.

In East Jerusalem we operate, in addition to the six schools with 800 children, two health centres - one in the Old City and another in Shu'fat refugee camp - with roughly 60,000 patients: vulnerable patients who have no adequate access to other health facilities, patients with non-communicable diseases, patients who have West Bank ID who have no access to alternative health facilities, and low-income patients.

We are also responsible for garbage collection in Shu'fat refugee camp, which is on the Palestinian side of the so-called separation barrier.

In addition to that, we also operate a vocational training centre in the north of Jerusalem, also on the Palestinian side of the barrier, with 350 trainees, all from the West Bank.

Our main headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem is in the Sheikh Jarah neighbourhood. We currently cannot operate from it because of continuing security threats: threats to the safety and security of our staff, ongoing attacks against the compound.

We again had an arson attack against these facilities three weeks ago, and continuous destruction of the fence, of cameras, of security infrastructure with high material damage.

So that's a place that's not safe for our staff to work despite the fact that it is a facility protected by the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.

When it comes to the West Bank overall, our operations there largely continue. That means our 90 schools, our 41 health centres, our microfinance installations, continue to operate.

But we do have a severe humanitarian crisis in the northern West Bank due to an ongoing Israeli security forces operation that started in late January and that has led to the displacement of more than 40,000 Palestinian refugees from three refugee camps.

UN News: What messages did you hear from students, parents and teachers during your latest visit to Shu'fat camp? How is the community coping with this uncertainty?

Roland Friedrich: There is anxiety among children. They are worried that they can't continue the school year, which runs until the end of June. They're worried that they will be separated from their friends.

They're worried that they will lose access to education. They are worried that they will have to be placed in education facilities that are maybe very far away or not available at all.

These are free schools, and we teach from grades one to nine. A lot of them are young girls who feel safe there in an appropriate learning environment that they will possibly lose.

Parents are also concerned. UNRWA has been delivering services in that refugee camp since the 1960s, predating Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, so there's a history of UNRWA teaching in that place and an appreciation for the quality of the services we deliver.

Given the fact that all international UN staff have not received visas from the Israeli authorities since late January, it's our local staff on the ground who are taking high risks in continuing to serve their communities.

UN News: In this challenging environment, what steps is UNRWA considering to support the continuity of its services in East Jerusalem?

Roland Friedrich: We've been very clear since these laws against UNRWA entered into effect on 29 January. We've been seeking to live up to our humanitarian commitment, to our mandate to continue to deliver these services to communities in East Jerusalem.

There have been legal efforts by Israeli civil society organizations before the courts against these laws and against these disclosure orders. Some of these proceedings are still pending.

We clearly call upon all actors to respect the obligations under international law, particularly to respect the inviolability of the premises of the United Nations in East Jerusalem.

We are providing these services based on a mandate by the General Assembly.

UNRWA clearly enjoys full privileges and immunities like any other UN agency, and our staff there are taking grave personal risks.

We are assessing the situation on a daily basis. Is it still safe for our staff to operate or not? As a matter of principle, we will be there as long as we can.

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Millions will die from funding cuts, says UN aid chief

30 April 2025 - Lifesaving operations everywhere continue to be shut down by sweeping funding cutbacks which will result in millions of people dying, the UN's top aid official said on Wednesday.

"Cutting funding for those in greatest need is not something to boast about...the impact of aid cuts is that millions die," warned Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.

Speaking from an overcrowded hospital in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan where three or four patients have to share a bed, Mr. Fletcher warned that the financial crisis has already forced UN aid teams to close 400 primary health centres across the country so far.

His warning echoes dire announcements of drastic cost-cutting measures in response to chronic - and now acute - funding shortfalls, including an end to selected aid programmes by numerous UN relief agencies. These include the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and UNAIDS.

Life-or-death call

Back in Afghanistan, the reality of funding cuts continues to play out in its hospitals "where you can see doctors making the most horrific decisions about which lives to save and which lives not to save", Mr. Fletcher said at Mirwais Regional Hospital.

The lack of investment in aid relief has also affected female Afghan health workers whose salaries are being cut by up to two-thirds, Mr. Fletcher continued. The plight of women in the country is well documented and has been condemned by the international community, having deteriorated following numerous prohibitive edicts issued by the de facto authorities who overran Kabul in 2021.

As part of his official visit to Afghanistan, Mr. Fletcher met de facto provincial governor Mullah Shirin Akhund to discuss the need to address Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis. It comes after more than four decades of conflict that have left almost half the population - some 22.9 million people - needing humanitarian assistance to survive.

Women's key role

In earlier talks during his official visit, Mr. Fletcher stressed that development was not possible without girls' education and their full participation in the country's economy.

Amid soaring malnutrition, a lack of basic services and dire economic forecasts, Afghanistan has few resources to cope with the arrival of a growing number of Afghan refugees sent back by neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Iran.

The scale of the pushbacks is enormous, with more than 250,000 Afghans returned in April alone, including 96,000 who were forcibly deported. On Tuesday, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, voiced particular alarm over the fate of women and girls, who face increasing repression under Taliban rule.

While in Kandahar, Mr. Fletcher also visited a reception centre where the UN and humanitarian partners provide support, including health check-ups and cash. He said that the closure of hundreds of health facilities in the region had denied more than three million people access to primary care.

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'Recovery must move ahead' in southern Lebanon, top aid official says

30 April 2025 - The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon has called for greater support to people in the south of the country working to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of last year's hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Imran Riza made the appeal following a visit to Bint Jbeil and Tyre districts on Tuesday.

"What I saw in South Lebanon was both depressing and inspiring. The scale of destruction - to villages, health facilities, and water systems - is disturbing," he said in a statement.

Fighting, ceasefire and escalation

The crisis stems from fighting that erupted between Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Israeli forces following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed some 1,200 people.

Israel launched an incursion into southern Lebanon in late September 2024 and carried out airstrikes across the country that killed thousands and displaced nearly a million people.

Last November, Lebanon and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting.

It called for Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants to withdraw from the south, while the Lebanese military would redeploy to the region to guarantee the peace alongside troops from UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL, who monitor the Blue Line of separation between the two countries.

Since then, ceasefire violations have occurred and violence has escalated, including recent Israeli strikes on areas of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, reportedly targeting Hezbollah.

'No time to lose'

Mr. Riza described the people he met in the south as truly inspiring.

"It's clear they want to return home, rebuild, and restart their productive lives," he said.

"Everyone continues to feel a palpable sense of insecurity. Many still lack basics like water and electricity. Too many are still displaced, their homes flattened."

He said people spoke of their need for peace, safe movement, basic services, and support to rebuild.

"They also shared the trauma they and their children have endured, and the importance of addressing mental health in the wake of what they have lived through," he added.

The Humanitarian Coordinator stressed the critical need for sustained funding to restore water, electricity, healthcare, and education, and to assist people eager to get on with their lives.

"There is no time to lose - recovery must move ahead," he said.

Diplomats reinforce support for UN mission

Meanwhile, diplomats from dozens of countries showed their solidarity with UNIFIL's work in south Lebanon in a visit to the mission's headquarters in Naqoura on Tuesday.

The diplomatic visit included representatives of 38 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Peacekeepers from 47 countries currently serve with UNIFIL, which was established in March 1978 to confirm Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.

Its mandate was most recently defined in Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), which called for a full cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel following their 34-day war on Lebanese territory that year.

An encouraging sign

UNIFIL Head and Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lazaro, welcomed the delegation and noted it would have been impossible to host the diplomats just 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 27 November 2024," he said.

"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 also visited two UNIFIL positions along the Blue Line, near Marwahin and in Labbouneh.

Ambassadors expressed their appreciation for the mission's important work.

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UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza: The war of narratives continue

UNRWA

30 Apr 2025

30 April 2025

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

Circulating unsubstantiated claims to undermine UNRWA: a lifeline for 2 million people is ongoing.

Such claims are threatening the lives and wellbeing of UNRWA staff across the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

Dehumanising and polarising statements further deepen people's suffering. They divert attention from the humanitarian crisis and the immense needs of people impacted by over 1.5 year of a systematic destruction of life.

This is propaganda.

It aims at intimidating and fostering a hostile atmosphere to silence voices showing the ugliness of this brutal war.

Words and statements are a responsibility.

Those using dis-information as a weapon of war must be held accountable.

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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Security Council Extended Mandate of United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2778 (2025)

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9909th Meeting (AM)

SC/16054

30 April 2025

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) by nine days, until 9 May, apparently to allow more time for members to discuss the matter amid escalating tensions in the country.

The short-term technical rollover was unanimously adopted through resolution 2778 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2778 (2025)). It 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 9 July 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 Council determining that "the situation in South Sudan continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region".

The Council held a briefing on the country's situation on 16 April. (See Press Release SC/16043.)

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Trilateral E-7A agreement marks new milestone with KC-46 certification

Published April 30, 2025

By Chase Kohler

412th Test Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- In a historic first, the U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Air Force collaborated to rapidly improve global combat capability while gathering critical test data for future acquisition of the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

This milestone certifies KC-46A Pegasus air-to-air refueling of the RAAF's E-7A Wedgetail, while streamlining U.S. Air Force and RAF E-7 Wedgetail certification efforts. The efforts are part of a broader vision of trilateral collaboration that identifies enhanced operational output through mutual support, shared resources and commonality, ultimately achieving greater operational reliability through efficiencies of scale.

The testing occurred here under the 418th Flight Test Squadron, Global Reach Combined Test Force. Test teams brought together a deployed RAAF E-7A and a KC-46A, marking the tanker's first aerial refueling receiver certification for a unique foreign aircraft type. The RAAF E-7A's ability to receive fuel from the USAF KC-46 fleet increases Australia's combat reach by providing options beyond the traditional KC-135 Stratotanker and RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

While this enhanced combat capability will immediately benefit the Pacific theater, the unique partnership forged during this testing will also pay dividends as both the U.S. Air Force and RAF field their own E-7 Wedgetails in the coming years.

"The RAAF is the original operator of the E-7A aircraft," said Squadron Leader Owen Hamilton, Australian Research and Development Unit flight commander. "We have already tested and overcome many early challenges typical of a new platform. This unique knowledge allows us to guide our allies in the U.K. and U.S. to field their own E-7A Wedgetail capability faster."

Bringing three nations together for testing presented challenges, including understanding the required processes for secure data sharing between the KC-46 and E-7A, two platforms that had never interfaced. Boeing, the mission partner and KC-46 program office, assisted the 418th FLTS with breaking down these barriers.

"Sharing data and understanding how to dissect and utilize the information is just as important as the actual test certification," said Maj. Matthew Daughtery, 418th FLTS global reach test pilot. "There are no benchmarks or precedents for aligning these systems. The U.S. Air Force and RAAF use different rules and nomenclatures. A key part of developmental testing is to find a path to success. Where there's a will, there's a way!"

An RAF representative also participated in the testing, as the RAF will soon operate a variant of the E-7 Wedgetail. This hands-on experience provided critical early exposure as they begin their own flight test campaign.

"This test event reflects the joint collaboration and interoperability between our three nations," said Squadron Leader Angus Lilly, RAF test pilot. "We will soon begin flight testing our own E-7A aircraft, and this early collaboration will help us field our capability more efficiently."

The robust testing over the Mojave Desert signals a new era in networked airborne early warning and control capability. Lessons learned are already informing future test planning as the RAF and U.S. Air Force prepare to transition to E-7 Wedgetail operations.

Further, the KC-46 now has a data baseline for certifying unique foreign aircraft, a shining example of testing efficiency.

"The U.S. is demonstrating the impact of our trilateral engagement through this testing, with the ultimate goal of full interoperability for global defense," said Michael Baker, U.S. Air Force E-7A chief of developmental test. "E-7A interoperability will allow joint forces to focus on the fight, not on aircraft ownership. This also lays a path for future cooperation to enhance the E-7A for the future."The USAF expects to start testing its first E-7A later this decade.

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Navy Awards Contract Modification for Two Additional Virginia-Class Submarines

US Navy

30 April 2025

From Program Executive Office Attack Submarines Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded a two-ship contract modification on the existing Virginia-class submarine Block V contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) for the construction of two FY 2024 Virginia-class submarines.

The award signals the Navy's commitment to maintaining its warfighting advantage in the undersea domain and continues the Virginia-class's teaming arrangement between prime contractor GDEB in Groton, Connecticut, and the major subcontractor Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding, Newport News (HII-NNS) in Newport News, Virginia. To date, the Navy has taken delivery of 24 Virginia-class submarines, with an additional 16 now under contract.

"We recently re-negotiated the planned contract to deliver this critical capability, and appropriately share risk between the Navy and industry," said Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan. "We will be looking at all future contracts with a similar lens to ensure the appropriate level of risk sharing and value to the American taxpayer."

Contract modifications were also awarded to both GDEB and HII-NNS, to increase workforce support and investment across nuclear shipbuilding programs.

"By investing in the nuclear shipbuilding workforcewhich is a national strategic assetwe are working with our industry partners to deliver on this most critical future requirement," said Dr. Brett Seidle, acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition.

"The contract award is the result of a highly coordinated contracting effort across the nuclear shipbuilding enterprise, to promote stability at critical suppliers as the submarine industrial base ramps up to meet a historic increase in demand for submarine production," said Program Executive Officer, Attack Submarines, Rear Adm. Jon Rucker. "We are continuing to work closely with the shipbuilders to improve construction schedules to support the Navy's need for a larger more lethal force."

Capable of performing traditional submarine missions, dominating the littoral battlespace and adapting to future requirements, the Virginia-class submarine satisfies any assigned role well into the 21st century.

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Readout of SECNAV Phelan's Meetings With Republic of Korea (ROK) Acting President and Navy Chief of Staff

US Navy

30 April 2025

On April 30, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Acting President Han Duck-soo and Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Yang Yong-mo to reinforce the ironclad U.S.-ROK alliance and President Trump's agenda that achieves Peace through Strength.

Acting President Han outlined several strategic areas in which the two treaty allies could deepen defense cooperation to strengthen the security posture along the Korean Peninsula, including expanding the U.S.-ROK relationship in high-end technology and shipbuilding. He also recognized growing regional threats, to include increased aggression by the People's Republic of China.

Secretary Phelan affirmed the U.S. Navy's unyielding commitment to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and need for close coordination in times of peace and crisis. Secretary Phelan highlighted the importance of U.S.-Korea-Japan trilateral cooperation, and the strength unification demonstrates to adversaries when standing together.

Secretary Phelan further discussed shipbuilding as a top priority with a recognition of Korean shipyards, HD Hyundai and Hanwha, as industry experts, and encouraged additional investment in U.S. domestic shipyard.

Secretary Phelan is the first Trump Administration official to visit the Republic of Korea in President Trump's second term to engage this critical Treaty Ally.



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USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) arrives in His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde (Faslane), Scotland

US Navy

30 April 2025

From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye

HIS MAJESTY'S NAVAL BASE CLYDE, Scotland -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) arrived in His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde (Faslane), Scotland, April 25, 2025 for a scheduled port visit and to enhance U.S.-U.K relations while building NATO cohesion.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) arrived in His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde (Faslane), Scotland, April 25, 2025 for a scheduled port visit and to enhance U.S.-U.K relations while building NATO cohesion.

The ship's presence is a demonstration of the partnership between the United States and U.K., and its continued commitment to the NATO alliance.

"The United States does not face the challenging international environment alone, ``" said Cmdr. Arturo Trejo, commanding officer of Bulkeley. "Our network of allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic is an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match."

Bulkeley is on patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. She began her current patrol in early April and has sailed from the Atlantic prior to today's port visit.

"Our fourth patrol has been a professionally rewarding experience for this hardworking crew," said Trejo. "I can think of no better opportunity than an initial stop in Scotland to see and experience this majestic country."

The ship is named after Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II and commissioned Dec. 8, 2001. The squadron embarked aboard the Bulkeley are the "Griffins" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79.

For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. Naval Forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

The Bulkeley is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.





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Acting Chief of Naval Operations Strengthens Relations with Industrial Base at Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Summit

US Navy - Press Release

30 April 2025

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby attended the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Summit at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia, April 29.

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby attended the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Summit at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia, April 29.

The visit demonstrates the Navy's commitment to strengthen integration with the industrial base to maintain and modernize shipbuilding and develop and field new capabilities.

Kilby delivered the keynote address at the summit and stressed the importance of partnering with industry and harnessing innovation in the maritime industrial base to deliver and support a lethal naval force.

"I can assure you that ATDM is contributing to a national movement that is making America stronger, safer, and more secure," said Kilby. "The work you're doing matters to our military, our economy, and the future of this country."

Kilby discussed key shipbuilding and maintenance initiatives, including fielding new capabilities such as additive manufacturing.

"In our shipyards, in our manufacturing plants, and in our support organizations, we are reducing maintenance delays, and we are moving faster," said Kilby. "Every time we 3D-print a part that would otherwise take 40 weeks to procure, we are putting more capability back into the field. That is real, measurable readiness."

While at the institute, Kilby also met with industry leaders from Austal USA and toured the National Training Center and the Center for Manufacturing Advancement to review initiatives that include industrial automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

ATDM was established under the direction of the Navy's Maritime Industrial Base Program to train the future workforce and operationalize an innovation hub for advanced manufacturing.

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Raytheon Companies and Nightwing Group to Pay $8.4M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Non-Compliance with Cybersecurity Requirements in Federal Contracts

Thursday, May 1, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Raytheon Company (Raytheon), RTX Corporation, and Nightwing Group LLC, and Nightwing Intelligence Solutions LLC (collectively, Nightwing), have agreed to pay $8.4 million to resolve allegations that Raytheon violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in contracts or subcontracts involving the Department of Defense (DoD). Raytheon is a subsidiary of Arlington, Virginia-based defense contractor RTX Corporation (formerly known as Raytheon Technologies Corporation). In March 2024, RTX Corporation sold its Cybersecurity, Intelligence, and Services business, which since became part of Dulles, Virginia-based Nightwing. The settlement resolves conduct that allegedly occurred between 2015 and 2021, prior to Nightwing's acquisition of the business.

The settlement was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service Cyber Field Office, Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division's Fraud Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office.

"Cyber threats have grown in size and reach in recent years, leaving no room for complacency among those in the public sector, private sector, or even among private citizens," said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. "Government contractors must comply with the cybersecurity rules that govern their performance and be candid about their compliance. This settlement reflects the Government's commitment to pursue contractors that fail to live up to those expectations."

"As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is critical that defense contractors take the required steps to protect sensitive government information from bad actors," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "We will continue our efforts to hold contractors accountable when they fail to honor their DoD cybersecurity commitments."

The settlement resolves allegations that Raytheon and its then-subsidiary Raytheon Cyber Solutions, Inc. (RCSI), failed to implement required cybersecurity controls on an internal development system that was used to perform unclassified work on certain DoD contracts. The United States alleged that Raytheon and RCSI failed to develop and implement a system security plan for the system, as required by DoD cybersecurity regulations, and failed to ensure that the system complied with other cybersecurity requirements contained in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7012 and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-21. FAR 52.204-21 requires federal contractors to apply basic safeguarding requirements to information systems that process or store federal contract information. DFARS 252.204-7012 requires contractors to provide adequate security for information systems that process or store covered defense information. The settlement resolved allegations that Raytheon used its noncompliant internal system to develop, use, or store covered defense information and federal contract information during its performance on 29 DoD contracts and subcontracts.

"The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General, is steadfastly committed to upholding the integrity of all business systems used to process and store defense information," said Special Agent in Charge DeChellis of the DCIS Cyber Field Office. "DCIS, along with our investigative partners, will continue to protect our service members and military technological edge by ensuring defense contractors strictly adhere to their cyber security contractual obligations."

"Failure to implement cybersecurity requirements can have devastating consequences, leaving sensitive DoD data vulnerable to cyber threats and malicious actors," said Special Agent in Charge William Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Procurement Fraud Office, Andrew AFB, Md. "AFOSI, alongside our investigative partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to combat fraud affecting the Department of the Air Force and hold those accountable that fail to properly safeguard sensitive defense information."

"This settlement further demonstrates the resolve of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army," said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division's Fraud Field Office."

"Strict compliance with contractual cybersecurity requirements is of dire importance to adequately safeguard sensitive information from sophisticated adversaries, assure the safety of our warfighters, and maintain our military's competitive edge," said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. "NCIS and our federal partners remain committed to investigating entities that do not responsibly protect critical information entrusted to them."

The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Branson Kenneth Fowler, Sr., a former Director of Engineering with Raytheon, to receive a $1,512,000 share of the settlement amount. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Doe v. Raytheon Co. et al., No. 21-cv-2343 (D.D.C.).

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department's Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the Air Force Materiel Command, AFOSI, DCIS, NCIS, and Army Criminal Investigation Division.

The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darrell Valdez of the District of Columbia and Senior Trial Counsel Kimberly Friday of the Justice Department's Civil Division.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Topic: False Claims Act

Components: Civil Division

USAO - District of Columbia

Press Release Number: 25-454

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Statement by Norway to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Government of Norway

Speech/statement | Date: 01/05/2025

By State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik

On 1 May 2025, Norway made the following statement in the advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice regarding Israel's obligation in relation to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organisations and third states.



INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

ORAL INTERVENTION OF NORWAY

1 May 2025

OBLIGATIONS OF ISRAEL IN RELATION TO THE PRESENCE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS, OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THIRD STATES IN AND IN RELATION TO THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

H.E. Mr. Rolf Einar Fife, Ambassadeur en mission speciale, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway (Parts I and II)

Director-General, Department for Legal Affairs, Kristian Jervell, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway (Part III)

State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway (Part IV)





I. Introduction

President, distinguished Members of the Court, it is an honour for me to appear before this Court in this case on behalf of the Kingdom of Norway.



Our oral intervention will consist of three parts. I will address certain elements of the specific legal framework applicable to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In combination these give rise, with binding force, to obligations of Israel in the precise subject-matter under current consideration by the Court. Director-General Kristian Jervell will thereafter highlight essential obligations. Finally, State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik will set out Norway's submissions as to the suggested conclusions to be drawn, in a context that fully justifies the Court's decision to treat the Request of the General Assembly with urgency and on a priority basis.





II. The Specific Legal Framework

President, distinguished Members of the Court, seldom has an international presence in a territory and, I should add, rarely have the related obligations of key protagonists, been more formally and structurally embedded in a multilateral legal framework than in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.



Three salient facts of significance may both illustrate this and help us structure our understanding of this specific legal framework.



Firstly, when the military occupation started in June 1967 after the Six-Day War, there was an already legally established and significant international presence to support vital needs of displaced local population, and a recognized need for a major international effort to protect and assist vulnerable Palestine refugees.



Secondly, the UN has a particular and long-standing responsibility originating in the Mandate and the 1947 Partition Resolution concerning Palestine. The indisputable right of self-determination for the Palestinian people and the need to devote key efforts to achieve a two-state-solution were early ascertained.



Thirdly, since 1948, the realization of key objectives enshrined in a series of mandates and decisions adopted by the main organs of the UN, has required international assistance consisting of a composite of assisting actors. These include competent international organizations, States and relevant non-governmental organizations and entities, with the UN playing not only a central but also an essential role. It provides necessary relief, support and basic services to the civilian population. It also serves as a facilitator, organizer and catalyst for contributions by other third parties. Heads of UN agencies and other institutions, including key relief providers, have issued statements as to the indispensability, even the "backbone" role, of UNRWA in this context.[1]



All of this is amply documented. Nevertheless, we would be remiss if I did not mention here the appeal made already in 1948 by the UN Mediator on Palestine, Count Folke Bernadotte. Referring to "the desperate urgency"[2] ["extremement urgent"] of the situation, he called for a broad mobilization of relief efforts by the UN and the international community at large. UN organs, specialized agencies, States, and non-governmental actors rose to this appeal. Their swift response, and the subsequent creation of UN coordinating bodies and executive agencies, confirm the scale and magnitude of humanitarian, relief and reintegration challenges. They also confirm, which is of relevance here, the breadth of necessary assisting actors and voluntary contributions by third parties.



Returning to the first point, the duty to respect the described pre-existing international presence and activities appears to have been recognized by Israel in June 1967. Fundamental rules of laws of occupation, notably enshrined in article 43 of the Hague Regulation of 1907, require (i) respect for the law in force in the occupied territory unless absolutely prevented from doing so, and (ii) a duty to administer the territory for the benefit of the local population. Within four days after the ceasefire after the Six-Day War, the so-called Comay-Michelmore exchange of letters thus confirmed that UNRWA would "continue" ["continuera d'apporter"] its assistance to eligible refugees, with "the full cooperation" ["l'entiere cooperation "] of Israeli authorities.[3]



This ensured practical and operational continuity, including respect for pre-existing arrangements and relevant immunities of the UN. Moreover, the juridical status and privileges and immunities of subsidiary bodies of the United Nations do not draw their original strength or legal basis from such an exchange of letters. Israel's obligations in this regard follow, with respect to UN member States, from Article 105, paragraph 1, of the Charter, and are further detailed in the 1946 Convention on the privileges and immunities of the UN. These obligations apply as much in Israel's sovereign territory as in the territory of Palestine.



Turning to the second point, the context and the legal framework applicable to the Occupied Palestinian Territory entail a particular and long-standing responsibility of the United Nations. This has been noted by the Court in its Wall Advisory Opinion and in its July 2024 Advisory Opinion.[4] This was already reflected in the "commitments" made to cooperate with the United Nations in Israel's Declaration of Independence of 14 May 1948.[5] Israel's application for membership in the UN specifically stated that independence had been proclaimed "in pursuance of" ["conformement a"] the 1947 Partition resolution. It added that Israel "unreservedly accepts the obligations of the United Nations Charter and undertakes to honour them from the day when it becomes a Member of the United Nations"[6] ["accepte sans reserve les obligations de la Charte des Nations Unies et s'engage a les honorer a compter du jour ou il deviendra Membre de l'Organisation des Nations Unies"]. In May 1949, General Assembly resolution 273 (III) on admission to membership explicitly referred to Israel's assurances made "in respect of the implementation of the said resolutions"[7] ["en ce qui concerne la mise en uvre desdites resolutions"].



After the vote, Foreign Minister Sharett stated that the aftermath of the 1948 war had "changed some elements" ["modifie certains elements"] in the pattern envisaged in the 1947 Partition Resolution, and that "modifications" ["modifications"] were therefore called for. However, these did not vacate the continued relevance of the framework. He noted that "Israel's organic connection with the United Nations had combined with its own compelling interest in dictating its course of action in international affairs - a course of undivided loyalty to the Charter of the United Nations and of consecration of the cause of peace."[8] ["le lien organique d'Israel avec les Nations Unies s'est combine a son propre interet imperieux a dicter sa ligne de conduite dans les affaires internationales - une ligne de conduite de loyaute sans faille envers la Charte des Nations Unies et de consecration de la cause de la paix."]



In our Written Statement, we have detailed how the specific legal framework applicable to the Occupied Palestinian Territory sets out clear obligations for Israel not only under international humanitarian law, including as regards humanitarian relief schemes under Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, but also under human rights law, refugee law and United Nations law. They combine in requiring duties of cooperation, facilitation, assistance and protection for the international presence to continue the activities mentioned. My brief overview serves as an invitation to consider more in detail the analysis made in our Written Statement in this regard.



As to the third point, the mandates of UN agencies and specialized agencies have indeed not been static. As documented in an overwhelming number of reports, resolutions and agreements provided by the UN Secretariat, and as analyzed in our own Written Statement, the relevant mandates have regularly been not only adopted but also adapted to evolving demands and circumstances. Their international legality is unequivocal.



In a broader sense, we are reminded that international law took a series of decisive legal turns with the creation of the UN, the emergence of new functions of international organizations, and the protection of human dignity and fundamental rights. Moreover, in the context just described a legal framework was established.



Nevertheless, the underpinning, or one may perhaps more accurately say a lynchpin, of our international legal order, rests on legal obligations incurred by States in this regard. Built brick by brick over decades, it depends on their compliance, whether the obligation derives from the UN Charter, other international legal instruments or rules determined on the basis of other valid sources of international law.



In the formulation of the requested legal guidance, Norway would suggest also taking into account work carried out by the International Law Commission as regards the protection of persons in the event of disasters.[9] Its state-of-the-art definition in 2016 of possible "assisting actors" ["acteurs pretant assistance"] may reflect the breadth of scope of relevant categories of institutions actually engaged in relief and support. The Commission's references to the importance of transit are relevant also in this context. It is moreover suggested to take into full account the legal obligations related to self-determination. Further detail will be provided by Director General Jervell.



I would respectfully request the President to now give the floor to him. I thank you for your attention.





III. Obligations relative to the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination

President, distinguished Members of the Court, it is an honour for me to appear before you on behalf of the Kingdom of Norway.



The Request put to the Court makes specific reference to the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. As was observed by the Court in the July 2024 Advisory Opinion, Israel, as the occupying Power in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, has an obligation not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination, including its right to an independent and sovereign State.[10] The Court specifically referred to the obligation to preserve the territorial integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory; to refrain from measures aimed at dispersing the population and undermining its integrity as a people; to respect the right to exercise permanent sovereignty over natural resources; and the right of the Palestinian people to freely determine its political status and to pursue its economic, social and cultural development.[11]



Norway supports the Court's interpretation on these issues as applied to this specific factual context. In the context of the present case, it is, in the perspective of Norway, pertinent to build on those observations and assess what implications that flow from them with regard to the question of obligations concerning international presence in and in relation to the Occupied Territories. I will make two points:



First, there is an interlinkage between the obligations referred to by Ambassador Fife and the obligation not to impede the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.



Hindering the presence and activities of the UN, other international organisations and third States, and thereby the provision of development assistance and humanitarian relief to the local population, constitutes a significant impediment to the Palestinian people's exercise of its right to self-determination. This is so, in the perspective of Norway, because such acts and measures undermine the integrity of the population as a people and because they obstruct the right of the Palestinian people to freely determine its political status and to pursue its economic, social and cultural development.



For similar reasons, acts and measures that obstruct the provision of development assistance and humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people by the UN and its subsidiary organs, constitute separate violations of obligations owed by Israel to the UN, and also constitute a significant impediment to the Palestinian people's exercise of its right to self-determination.



Second, the obligation incumbent on Israel not to impede the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination also entails negative obligations. Israel must refrain from impairing the ability of the representative authorities of the Palestinian Authority or of the State of Palestine to establish, conduct and maintain foreign relations with other international actors, including the United Nations and its specialised agencies, other international organizations and third States, and their representation to Palestine and the Palestinian people in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.



In this regard, the Court observed, in its July 2024 Advisory Opinion, that the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination includes the right to an independent and sovereign State, over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as the right of the Palestinian people to freely determine its political status and to pursue its economic, social and cultural development.



It follows from these observations that the Palestinian people have a right to establish and conduct foreign relations, which is part and parcel of the Palestinians' exercise of their right to freely determine their political future. Israel has a corresponding obligation to respect this right. The conduct of foreign relations constitutes a key element to promote peace and security and develop the welfare of the people concerned. It is a precondition for a successful institution and State building process and integration into the international community. Regard may be had in this respect to the fact that the attributes normally attached to statehood in international law are generally perceived to include not only a population, a territory and a government, but also the capacity to enter into relations with the international community on an independent basis.



Where international relations are established, or sought to be established, based on and in accordance with the free will of the recognised representatives of the Palestinian people, intentional impairment of such relations would, in the view of Norway, constitute a policy and practice that obstruct the right of the Palestinian people freely to determine its political status and to pursue its economic, social and cultural development. As such, those measures would constitute a violation of the obligation to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The same applies to intentional impairment of the possibility for diplomatic representatives to be present in the Occupied Palestinian Territory for the purpose of establishing and maintaining such relations.



Norway is among the 146 of the 193 member States of the UN that have recognised the State of Palestine as an independent State and subject of international law. What is said here concerning the conduct of foreign relations is, however, valid regardless of whether the relations in question are based on a recognition of statehood or whether formal diplomatic relations have been established. This is so because the right to communicate and carry out foreign relations with the international community forms an integral part of the right of the Palestinian people freely to determine its political status and to pursue its economic, social and cultural development.



As regards foreign relations with international organizations, there is a long pedigree of practical evidence to that effect. There is also ample evidence of agreements having been concluded in this regard between the representatives of the Palestinian people and international organizations. As regards the United Nations, reference by way of illustration is here made to the Exchange of Letters concluded in 1994 between UNRWA and the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization for the purpose of facilitating UNRWA to continue to provide assistance to the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and in the remainder of the West Bank.[12]



Mr President, honourable members of the Court, I thank you for your attention and now ask you to give the floor to Mr. Kravik, State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to present the final observations on behalf of Norway.





IV. Submissions

President, Members of the Court, it is an honour to appear before you on behalf of Norway.



I stand before you at a time when the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has descended further into a living nightmare. In Gaza, a blockade of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies has been in place for 60 days. Despite repeated calls on Israel to lift these measures and to facilitate relief, Israel has instead further tightened, rather than eased, the measures. This is both unconscionable and illegal.



In this context, Norway asks the Court to recognize the indispensable role of UNRWA in running infrastructure, healthcare, education, primary assistance and in providing relief to Palestine refugees.



Norway has consistently condemned the heinous attacks of 7 October 2023; we have called for a ceasefire and for the immediate release of all hostages. With the same consistency, however, Norway has also held that Israel, like any UN Member and any State, is bound by its legal obligations.



Against this backdrop, I will make three points: first, Israel's obligations to cooperate with the United Nations and with other States; second, the Palestinian people's right, under the principle of self-determination, to decide freely as to its external relations; and, third, Israel's obligation to permit and facilitate assistance, including to facilitate the unimpeded transit of UNRWA and other UN personnel.



First, Israel has an obligation to cooperate with the United Nations, as set forth in Article 2, paragraph 5, of the Charter. This is a general obligation, not limited to enforcement action taken by the Security Council. In the present context, this means, as the Secretary-General has correctly observed, that Israel is obliged "to give UNRWA every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the relevant decisions of competent organs adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Charter"[13] ["de donner a l'UNRWA pleine assistance dans toute action entreprise par lui conformement aux decisions adoptees sur la question par les organes principaux competents en vertu des dispositions de la Charte"].



Israel's duty to cooperate with other States in solving international problems of a humanitarian character in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, is laid down in Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Charter. That provision is, as is evident from Article 14 of the Charter, legally binding on States. The obligation in Article 1, paragraph 3 is further developed in the Friendly Relations Declaration[14]. It is possible, as Professor Vaughan Lowe has observed, "to establish a legal duty to co-operate in specific legal contexts and to measure a State's compliance with it"10. Norway submits that Israel has, in the specific context of the humanitarian disaster it has created in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, an obligation to cooperate with other States in facilitating the provision of humanitarian and development assistance where such is offered.



To conclude on this point: Israel has obligations under the Charter to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations and third States, the unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. This can be achieved only by lifting the blockade, dramatically increasing the number and capacity of land crossing points and keeping them open.



Second, Israel has an obligation to respect the establishment and conduct of foreign relations by the representatives of the Palestinian people with international organizations and third States. This includes the obligation not to impede the right of Palestine  and its people  to decide freely as to its external relations and the obligation for Israel not to impede Palestine's conduct of its foreign relations, notably Palestine's relations with the United Nations, including UNRWA, other international organizations and third States, and their representation to Palestine and its people in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.



Third and finally, Israel has an obligation to permit and facilitate assistance, including free passage in transit through Israel, of necessary civilian supplies, personnel and equipment, from the United Nations, other international organizations and third States.



Notable in this regard is the codification of customary international law represented by especially Articles 7, 8, and 9 of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel[15], which was adopted by consensus in the General Assembly[16]. The rules of customary international law codified in the Safety Convention oblige Israel to facilitate the unimpeded transit of UNRWA and other UN personnel across its own territory and from one part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory to another.



Norway trusts that the Court, in its advisory opinion, will assist the United Nations, in the furtherance of its permanent responsibility for the former mandated territory of Palestine, and that it will also assist the United Nations, other international organizations and third States in their efforts to realize the right to self-determination for the peoples affected by the conflict, based on the vision of two States living in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.



Mr President, Members of the Court, I have come to the end of Norway's oral statement. I thank you for your attention.

***

[1] See, inter alia, Statement by Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council Mr. Jan Egeland to the Security Council, 28 January 2025, UN Doc. S/PV.9852 and Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, Stop the assault on Palestinians in Gaza and on those trying to help them, 1 November 2025 https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/inter-agency-standing-committee/statement-principals-inter-agency-standing-committee-stop-assault-palestinians-gaza-and-those-trying [accessed 28 April 2025].

[2] Progress report of the United Nations Mediator on Palestine, A/648, p. 52.

[3] Exchange of Letters Between Israel and UNRWA, 14 June 1967, Jerusalem, United Nations, Treaty Series vol. 620, p. 183, Dossier No. N283.

[4] Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Advisory Opinion,

I.C.J. Reports 2004 p.136; Legal Consequences Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, Advisory Opinion, International Court of Justice, 19 July 2024 para. 35.

[5] Declaration of Independence, Provisional Government of Israel, Official Gazette: Number 1; Tel Aviv, 5 Iyar 5708, 14.5.1948 p. 1. English translation available at https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/about/pages/declaration.aspx [accessed 28 April 2025].

[6] UN, Security Council, Doc. S/1093.

[7] UN, General Assembly, Resolution 273 (III), 11 May 1949, preamble.

[8] UN, General Assembly, Doc. PV 207th plenary meeting, 11 May 1949, p. 332.

[9] Yearbook of the International Law Commission, 2016, vol. II, Part Two, p. 25, Draft articles on the

protection of persons in the event of disasters.

[10] Legal Consequences Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, Advisory Opinion, International Court of Justice, 19 July 2024, para. 237.

[11] Ibid., paras 238 - 241.

[12] Exchange of Letters between the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization for the purpose of facilitating UNRWA to continue to provide assistance to the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and in the remainder of the West Bank, 24 June 1994, Dossier No. N286.

[13] Identical letters dated 9 December 2024 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council (A/79/684-S/2024/892); see also Written Statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, para. 186.

[14] Fourth principle, General Assembly resolution 2625 (XXV), 24 October 1970.

[15] Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, 9 December 1994, 2051 UNTS 363.

[16] General Assembly resolution 49/59 of 9 December 1994; cf. Legal Consequences for Stats of the Continued Presence of South Africa in Namibia (South West Africa) notwithstanding Security Council Resolution 276 (1970), Advisory Opinion, I.C.J. Reports 1971, p. 47, para. 94.

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Remarks by PM Netanyahu at the 2025 International Bible Quiz

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Events and Speeches

The 37th Government

01.05.2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today [translated from Hebrew]:

"Minister of Education, Yoav Kisch,



Participants in the Quiz,

Members of the judging panel, and of course, the winners,

Congratulations to you, and well done!

"As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire", it is said in the Book of Psalms [83:14],

As I open my remarks, I wish to give strength to our fire and rescue services, and all other elements who are investing a great deal of effort to contain the fires in the Jerusalem Hills. It is not a simple matter; there are natural disasters, and there are man-made disasters as well. There is hard work to be done.

Our neighbors, who proclaim their love for this land, are prepared, in their propaganda, in their incitement on Palestinian networks, they're saying - burn the land. We do love this land and we protect this land!

I am certain we will successfully rise to this challenge as well. We are making every effort to contain the fire and to restore that which has been damaged.

The poet Uri Zvi Greenberg, of blessed memory, a great friend of my family, passed away on Independence Day 44 years ago. Greenberg wrote in one of his poems: "Zion which stands in the fire and is not burned".

As the bush that was burning in the fire but not consumed, such is our nation. We persevere, we exist, we are victorious, and we continue building our homeland, come hell or high water.

One more thing about victory:

"We have many goals in the war; we wish to return all our hostages. Until today, we have returned 147 living hostages, 196 in total. There are more - up to 24 living, 59 in total. We want to bring back the living and the deceased as well; it's a very important goal. In the war, there is the ultimate goal - and that ultimate goal is the victory over our enemies, and that we will achieve.

Now, a few words with regards to the Bible itself: I wish to tell you, in candor, that for me, the competition is hard. The deliberation is difficult. I am not talking now about the race between the contestants; after all, the contest has been decided.

I am talking about the question: which verse from the Bible is the most fitting to the War of Redemption? That's our war.

Perhaps the one in the Book of Numbers [23:24]: "Behold a people that riseth up as a lioness, and as a lion doth he lift himself up".

After the October 7 attack, we rose on our feet as lions, and retaliated with war on our enemies.

Or, perhaps, a different verse, from the Book of Proverbs [3:31]: "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways" ["oppressor" in Hebrew is homophonous with "man of Hamas"]. I believe this one requires no explanation; they are not to be envied.

There are also other important verses, for example: "Thy children shall come again to their own border", from the Book of Jeremiah [31:17]. We are investing the utmost effort in returning home our sons and daughters, bringing our dear hostages home.

And another one, from the Book of Psalms this time: "I have chosen the way of faith" [119:30]. We have heard it from the lookout soldier Agam Berger, who said: "I have chosen the way of faith, and by way of faith I have returned".

And of course there are the letters that spell the word "oz" [strength]. "Oz" is the number 77, for Israel.

G-d willing, the strength of spirit of our soldiers and commanders will bring us the victory!

So as I said to you: so many beautiful verses - and the competition among them is hard. Which is why I believe it's not a singular choice but a multiple choice. All the verses I mentioned, without exception, are inspiring. They bring more strength and extra drive to our heroes on the battle fronts.

This is the greatness of the Bible: The Bible speaks to every generation. The Bible is the foundation of our existence - a marvelous treasure of spirit, identity and values.

Some weeks ago, I was thrilled to witness the tree planting ceremony, in which trees taken from Kibbutz Be'eri were planted in a new neighborhood that is being constructed in the community of Otniel, in the Hebron Hills. The new neighborhood is named Be'er Elhanan after the hero of Israel, Elhanan Kalmanson, of blessed memory, who saved the lives of many Be'eri residents on the day of the massacre.

Trees brought from the western Negev - planted in the soil of Judea and Samaria. Around them, standing together, embracing each other, kibbutzniks and settlers. There is no greater illustration for the prophecy of Ezekiel [37:17]: "And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand".

This wonderful connection between the Bible and the planting of trees in the Land of Israel - and following the wildfires, we will be planting many more trees throughout the Land - this connection is also a part of our family's heritage, of my wife Sara and I.

My late father-in-law - Sara's father, Shmuel Ben-Artzi, of blessed memory - was in his youth a farmer that made many orchards bloom. At the same time, he was also a fighter in the underground, but the Bible was central to his worldview. He wasn't just an ardent student of the Bible, he was also a great educator. He was a Bible teacher and he established a Bible learning group; he was in Ben-Gurion's first Bible learning group, and he established some of the longest-running Bible learning groups in the history of Israel. He lived the Bible and he was determined to instill the Bible in his students.

One of the students influenced by him was his grandson, our son Avner, who 15 years ago won, at first, the Bible Quiz award for the State of Israel, and then won 3rd place in the International Bible Quiz. We were sitting here, my wife Sara and I, on the edge of our seats, and we were thrilled, as I'm sure many fathers and mothers here were thrilled. It was a moment of exaltation, because here is this book, this foundation, alive in our nation, alive within us, alive within our children and being passed to our grandchildren, something really great.

I would like to share with you that Shmuel Ben-Artzi was born under the name Samuel Hahn. He changed his name to Ben-Artzi ["son of my land"] because of his strong love for our land, for the heritage of our forefathers.

And here I would like to address the young people abroad: may you also become - as Shmuel Ben-Artzi did - the sons and daughters of our land. Come to the Land - because Israel is the home for all of us.

I wish to thank all the participants of the Bible Quiz. I wish to thank you, the judges.

Heartfelt congratulations to the winners.

A joyous Independence Day!"

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Horrors in Sudan know no bounds, warns Turk, urging an end to the conflict

Press releases

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

01 May 2025

From

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk

Location

Geneva

The horror unfolding in Sudan knows no bounds. Just three days ago, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched coordinated attacks from multiple directions on the besieged city of El Fasher and Abu Shouk camp, killing at least 40 civilians. This brings the confirmed number of civilians killed in North Darfur to at least 542 in just the last three weeks. The actual death toll is likely much higher.

My fears are all the greater given the ominous warning by the RSF of "bloodshed" ahead of imminent battles with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their associated armed movements. Everything must be done to protect civilians trapped amid dire conditions in and around El Fasher.

Reports of extrajudicial executions in Khartoum state are also extremely disturbing. Horrific videos circulating on social media show at least 30 men in civilian clothing being rounded up and executed by armed men in RSF uniforms in Al Salha in southern Omdurman. In a subsequent video, an RSF field commander acknowledged the killings. This follows further shocking reports in recent weeks of the extrajudicial execution of dozens of people accused of collaborating with the RSF in southern Khartoum, allegedly committed by the Al Baraa Brigade. Deliberately taking the life of a civilian or anyone no longer directly taking part in hostilities is a war crime.

I have personally alerted both leaders of the RSF and SAF to the catastrophic human rights consequences of this war. These harrowing consequences are a daily, lived reality for millions of Sudanese. It is well past time for this conflict to stop.

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Serbians Mark 6 Months Since Deadly Train Station Collapse That Sparked Mass Protests

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service May 01, 2025

NOVI SAD, Serbia -- On May 1, thousands of Serbians marked six months since the collapse of a railway station canopy that killed 16 people and triggered one of the country's largest protest movements in recent memory.

At precisely 11:52 a.m. -- the moment the canopy collapsed on November 1 --demonstrators stood in silence outside the Novi Sad Railway Station.

Students and others lit candles and laid flowers in memory of the victims.

"Novi Sad remembers," reads a newly erected memorial plaque placed by students on the lawn in front of the station.

"The station building is a reminder of what happens to a nation when corruption creeps into every pore of society," one of the students told a crowd in Novi Sad.

Those attending the solemn gathering then took part in a protest march through central Novi Sad, culminating at the city's Freedom Bridge.

During the march, a serious incident occurred when a vehicle attempted to drive into the crowd.

According to reports, the driver bypassed police guards and sped into a group of protesters.

The car stopped just short of the crowd, and no injuries were reported.

Police arrested two individuals in connection with the incident.

Thousands of protesters also packed the streets of Serbia's capital, Belgrade, as students and five major trade union federations united in one of the largest coordinated May Day demonstrations in recent years, demanding changes to labor laws and greater protections for workers.

Cedanka Antic, the president of the united branch of Serbian trade unions "Nezavisnost,"called on the government to act as soon as possible.

"Together, trade unions and students can achieve this goal," she added.

The protests are part of a broader movement that has gripped Serbia since the fatal collapse of the railway station canopy in November and may be the biggest challenge yet to the increasingly authoritarian rule of President Aleksandar Vucic.

"Corruption and institutional negligence led to the deaths of 16 people. We are outraged that this happened and that no one has been held accountable," said a student who addressed the crowd in Belgrade.

Student protesters have been demonstrating and blocking their university departments for months in opposition to what they say is the crumbling rule of law and systemic corruption under Vucic, the president since 2017 and prime minister for three years before that.

Tens of thousands of people have also taken to the streets to demonstrate in over 200 cities and towns.

The public outcry has rattled Serbia's leadership. In January, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned amid the mounting pressure, though no high-level officials have yet been held accountable for the collapse.

An indictment against 13 suspects for the failures that led to the accident, including former state officials, has not yet been confirmed.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-novi-sad-collapse- anniversary-protests-belgrade-rally/33402170.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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Sudan: UN rights chief appeals for greater protection of civilians in besieged El Fasher

1 May 2025 - More than 500 civilians have been killed in North Darfur state, Sudan, over the past three weeks, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Thursday.

"The horror unfolding in Sudan knows no bounds," Volker Turk said in a statement calling for an end to the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former ally the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), now in its third year.

He noted that three days ago, the RSF launched coordinated attacks from multiple directions on the North Darfur capital El Fasher and nearby Abu Shouk camp, killing at least 40 civilians.

Fear of more bloodshed

This brings the confirmed number of civilians killed in the region to at least 542 in just the last three weeks, he said, although the actual death toll is likely much higher.

"My fears are all the greater given the ominous warning by the RSF of 'bloodshed' ahead of imminent battles with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their associated armed movements," Mr. Turk said.

"Everything must be done to protect civilians trapped amid dire conditions in and around El Fasher."

Stop the fighting

Furthermore, reports of extrajudicial executions in Khartoum state are also extremely disturbing, he added.

The High Commissioner said he has personally alerted both leaders of the RSF and SAF to the catastrophic human rights consequences of the war.

"These harrowing consequences are a daily, lived reality for millions of Sudanese. It is well past time for this conflict to stop," he said.

Diplomatic efforts continue

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, was in Cairo this week where he met with senior Egyptian officials, including Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, to discuss the Sudan crisis.

"They shared the view that an inclusive Sudanese-led political path is needed to restore peace in the country, preserving the unity of Sudan, its sovereignty and territorial integrity," said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, speaking on Thursday in New York.

Mr. Lamamra also exchanged views with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, on coordinating efforts between the UN, the Arab League and concerned multilateral organizations to advance a lasting peace in Sudan.

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Blue Ridge departs Noumea, New Caledonia following port visit

US Navy

01 May 2025

From Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jeremy Graham/USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

NOUMEA, New Caledonia -- The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Noumea, New Caledonia, following a scheduled port visit, April 26 - May 1, 2025.

Noumea is home to the headquarters for the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC), and the port visit allowed the 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge to deepen the bilateral relationship and further strengthen the U.S.-France alliance.

"A special thank you to the people of Noumea for the warm welcome and hospitality," said Capt. Nicholas C. DeLeo, commanding officer, USS Blue Ridge. "France is the United States' oldest treaty ally and this port visit represents our continued friendship. Our shared values and historic warfighting achievements define the U.S.-France alliance as well as our continued support in maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

On multiple days during the visit, Blue Ridge Sailors welcomed members of the FANC and their families for ship tours. The FANC returned the hospitality by hosting tours and events that highlighted the legacy of the U.S.-France alliance in New Caledonia, including a tour of the French naval base in Noumea, a visit to the city's WWII museum, and a remembrance ceremony honoring U.S. veterans at the New Caledonia Freedom memorial.

On the second day of the visit, as Sailors took the opportunity to enjoy the beachfront in Noumea, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, "Shiokaze Winds," performed at the Anse Vata Esplanade.

"It was such an amazing opportunity to perform in front of a live audience right along the beach in Noumea," said Musician 3rd Class Ralph Musni, assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet Band. "The community was inviting and engaged in our performance, and it's always a rewarding feeling to see everyone smiling. They seemed to thoroughly enjoy our team being there."

This port visit marked the first time the Blue Ridge has visited New Caledonia since 2011. It demonstrated the strong partnership between the U.S. Navy and the FANC while highlighting the importance of meaningful exchanges with the people of New Caledonia.

The Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities.





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Readout of Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby Meeting with the Chief of the Swedish Navy Rear Adm. Johan Norlen

US Navy - Press Release

01 May 2025

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby met with the Chief of the Swedish Navy Rear Adm. Johan Norlen at the Pentagon for a formal Head of Navy engagement today.

Chief of Naval Operations Spokesperson Cmdr. Desiree Frame provided the following readout:

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby met with the Chief of the Swedish Navy Rear Adm. Johan Norlen at the Pentagon for a formal Head of Navy engagement today.

The two leaders discussed the progress of Sweden's accession into NATO, insights into Sweden's security framework, and their desire to increase interoperability between the two nations.

Kilby also expressed appreciation for Sweden's ongoing participation in multilateral exercises alongside the United States and NATO including Steadfast Defender and BALTOPS which serve to deepen operational capabilities and uphold regional security in the Atlantic and Baltic regions.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to advancing their navies bilateral relations and increasing operations in the Baltic Sea and within NATO frameworks, in support of a secure and stable Euro-Atlantic area.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 30 April 2025 - Day 1162

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that on 24 April 2025, a Russian military court reportedly sentenced former Major General Ivan Popov, a previous commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA), to five years in a penal colony on charges of large-scale fraud and forgery in office, related to the sale of military construction materials. It also stripped him of his military rank, fined him 800,000 rubles (approximately $9,600), and is reported to have rejected his request to return to the front lines in Ukraine.

Popov was dismissed from his post as commander of the 58th CAA (deployed to the Zaporizhzhia sector in Ukraine) in July 2023 after his private criticism about the competence of the Russian defence leadership's decisions relating to the conduct of the war were publicised. Popov was subsequently arrested in May 2024 on the fraud charges.

Corruption is endemic in the Russian system, with punishment more often applied as a political tool than an attempt to enforce good governance. There is a long history of the Russian regime using corruption charges, real or invented, to remove or punish internal critics or those who have angered more powerful elite figures.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively thwart the Russian enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhaustion across the frontline.

Since the beginning of this day, there have been 177 combat clashes.

Today, the Russian invaders made 91 aviation strikes, using 179 cab. In addition, the Russians have engaged 3186 kamikaze drones and carried out almost six thousand shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian troops stopped two Russian attacks in the area of vovcans ka.

In the Kupyans komu direction, the Russian opponent spent six assaults of the positions of Ukrainian defenders towards Petropavlivka, Glushkivka, Novoosinovoye and Zagrizovoye. Ukrainian defenders have stopped five Russian attacks, another confrontation is still ongoing.

In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian invaders 35 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near the settlements of Novosergiyivka, Nadia, Tverdohlibove, Ridkodub, New, New Peace, Green Valley, Wells and in the direction of Novomikhailivka, Grekivka. So far, 10 clashes remain unfinished.

In the sivers komu direction, the Russian enemy is assaulting the positions of Ukrainian units near the verkhnyokamans kogo. The battle is still on.

Five combat clashes have been recorded in the Kramators komu direction in the areas of Bila Gora, Andriyivka and Chasovoy Yar, one fight is still ongoing.

In the Toretsky direction, Russians nine times attacked the positions of defense forces. The main efforts of the attack were concentrated near Friendship, Dachny, Diliyivka and in the area of Toretsk. Currently, one fight is being sharpened.

In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian Zagarbnytskyi units 81 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of settlements of Stara Mykolaivka, Kalinove, Elizabeth, Lisivka, Kotline, Romin, Dachenskie, Nadiivka, Novooleksandrivka, Kotlyarivka, Troyitske, Bogdanivka, Andriyivka and in the direction of Zora, Malinivka, Myrolyubivka, Gnativka, Oleksandropol, Pokrovska, Novosergiyivka, New Poltavka. There are 12 clashes so far. Aviation strikes suffered Rusin Yar, Malinivka, Zorya, Oleksandro-Kalinove, Nova Poltavka, Green Corner, Yalta, Hrodivka, Peace lover, Fox, Dry Yar, Pokrovsk.

The Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction Ukrainian warriors zkodili 345 invaders, 194 of them - irrevocable. Also destroyed eight combat armored vehicles, three cars, 23 motorcycles, one tank, two BPLA control points, a mortar. Two combat armored cars, seven motorcycles, four units of automobile equipment, one mortar and one Russian cannon were damaged.

In the Novopavlivs komu direction, Russian forces attacked 16 times near Konstantinopol, Privilny, Free Field and in the direction of Odradnogo, Shevchenko and Bagatir. Ukrainian defenders have already stopped 12 enemy attacks, ongoing four confrontations. Novopil suffered air strikes.

In the direction of Gulyaipils komu, Russian forces made aviation strikes on Gulyaipol.

In the Orihiv direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders five times in the areas of Stepovoye, Lobkovoye and Kamiansky.

In the direction of Pridniprov, Russian forces carried out one offensive action, unsuccessful.

In the Kursk direction, units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine within a day repelled 21 attacks of Russian zagarbnikiv, two confrontations are still ongoing. In addition, the Russian enemy launched 12 air strikes using 15 guided bombs and carried out 185 artillery shells to positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, five including from reactive arson systems.

In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly.





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PROTECTING AMERICAN COMMUNITIES FROM CRIMINAL ALIENS

Presidential Actions

Executive Orders

April 28, 2025

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:



Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Federal supremacy with respect to immigration, national security, and foreign policy is axiomatic. The Constitution provides the Federal Government with plenary authority regarding immigration to protect the sovereignty of our Nation and to conduct relations with other nations, who must be able to deal with one national Government on such matters. This power is sometimes contained in specific constitutional provisions: 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." This Federal power over immigration is also an inherent element of national sovereignty.

The prior administration allowed unchecked millions of aliens to illegally enter the United States. The resulting public safety and national security risks are exacerbated by the presence of, and control of territory by, international cartels and other transnational criminal organizations along the southern border, as well as terrorists and other malign actors who intend to harm the United States and the American people. 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 Government's obligation to defend the territorial sovereignty of the United States. Beyond the intolerable national security risks, such nullification efforts often violate Federal criminal laws, including those prohibiting obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), unlawfully harboring or hiring illegal aliens (8 U.S.C. 1324), conspiracy against the United States (18 U.S.C. 371), and conspiracy to impede Federal law enforcement (18 U.S.C. 372). Assisting aliens in violating Federal immigration law could also violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (18 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.). Some measures to assist illegal aliens also necessarily violate Federal laws prohibiting discrimination against Americans in favor of illegal aliens and protecting Americans' civil rights.

It is imperative that the Federal Government restore the enforcement of United States law.

Sec. 2. Designation of "Sanctuary" Jurisdictions. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall publish a list of States and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws (sanctuary jurisdictions). After this initial publication, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall update this list as necessary.

(b) Immediately following each publication under subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify each sanctuary jurisdiction regarding its defiance of Federal immigration law enforcement and any potential violations of Federal criminal law.

Sec. 3. Consequences for Sanctuary Jurisdiction Status. (a) With respect to sanctuary jurisdictions that are designated under section 2(a) of this order, the head of each executive department or agency (agency), in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and as permitted by law, shall identify appropriate Federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions, including grants and contracts, for suspension or termination, as appropriate.

(b) With respect to jurisdictions that remain sanctuary jurisdictions after State or local officials are provided notice of such status under section 2(b) of this order and yet remain in defiance of Federal law, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to end these violations and bring such jurisdictions into compliance with the laws of the United States.

Sec. 4. Preventing Federal Benefits for Aliens in Sanctuary Jurisdictions. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Attorney General, shall develop guidance, rules, or other appropriate mechanisms to ensure appropriate eligibility verification is conducted for individuals receiving Federal public benefits within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. 1611(c) from private entities in a sanctuary jurisdiction, whether such verification is conducted by the private entity or by a governmental entity on its behalf.

Sec. 5. Equal Treatment of Americans. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and appropriate agency heads, shall identify and take appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State and local laws, regulations, policies, and practices favoring aliens over any groups of American citizens that are unlawful, preempted by Federal law, or otherwise unenforceable, including State laws that provide in-State higher education tuition to aliens but not to out-of-State American citizens that may violate 8 U.S.C. 1623 or that favor aliens in criminal charges or sentencing.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) The Department of Justice shall provide funding for this order's publication in the Federal Register.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,

April 28, 2025.

i. the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

ii. the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) The Department of Justice shall provide funding for this order's publication in the Federal Register.





DONALD J. TRUMP





THE WHITE HOUSE,

April 28, 2025.

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China's National Health Commission answers questions on white paper from press

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Apr 30, 2025 05:58 PM

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.

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4th Meeting of India-Egypt Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism (April 30, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

April 30, 2025

The 4th Meeting of the India-Egypt Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held on 30 April 2025 in Cairo. The two delegations were led by Ambassador K. D. Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs of India and Ambassador Walid Al-Fiqi, Director of the Department of Counter Terrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and included representatives of various agencies from both countries.

2. India and Egypt strongly condemned the recent heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam that targeted domestic and international tourists. Egypt reaffirmed its full support for India in confronting all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining the country's security and stability. Both sides agreed to strengthen joint efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides exchanged views on terror threats in their respective countries and regions.

3. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen areas of cooperation to counter new and emerging challenges such as use of technology for terrorist purposes and financing of terrorism, including crypto currencies, unmanned aerial systems and misuse of cyber space by terrorists for spreading terrorist propaganda.

4. The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in anti-money laundering efforts, drug trafficking and organized crime. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in training and capacity building, cyber security, use of AI for counter terrorism, exchange of best practices and information sharing.

5. The two sides also discussed strengthening of multilateral cooperation in counter terrorism including in the United Nations, BRICS, the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and FATF. In this context, both sides exchanged views on how to enhance effectiveness of the GCTF and reiterated the commitment to early finalization and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

6. The next meeting of the Joint Working Group shall be held in India on a mutually convenient date.

New Delhi

April 30, 2025

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CPJ Warns Of Eroding US Press Freedom Under Trump Administration

By RFE/RL April 30, 2025

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 government's 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/cpj-warns-eroding-us- press-freedom-trump-administration/33401487.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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Air Guard units join forces for aerial wildfire suppression training

Published April 30, 2025

By Senior Master Sgt. Paula Macomber

152nd Airlift Wing

NEVADA AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- Military and civilian flight crews wrapped up a week of aerial wildfire suppression training on April 27, concluding the annual Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems spring training at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in southern California.

The training, which ran April 22-27, brought personnel together from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and other federal agencies, along with Airmen from the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Airlift Wing, the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing, the Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing from Colorado and the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing.

The Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems training recertified military C-130 Hercules's aircrews, civilian lead plane pilots and federal and state support personnel to respond to wildfires when commercial air tankers are unavailable.

Col. Catherine Grush, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, praised the longstanding partnership.

"Our citizen Airmen are grateful for the opportunity to work with all agencies involved and to support our neighbors in their times of need," Grush said.

Throughout the exercise, crews completed 84 training sorties, logged nearly 129 flight hours and executed 478 practice water drops, totaling 235,327 gallons. Practice drops were conducted in designated remote areas of the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, where residents may have noticed low-flying aircraft during the week.

The training was extended through April 28 to allow Colorado Springs-based crews additional flight time after weather and aircraft maintenance delayed operations earlier in the week. Aircraft and personnel from Nevada and Wyoming completed their training and returned home April 27, while Colorado crews departed April 28.

The MAFFS units, owned by the Forest Service, can discharge their entire load of up to 3,000 gallons of material to stop fires from spreading in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide, or they can make incremental drops. Once a load is discharged from a MAFFS-equipped aircraft, and the aircraft lands at a tanker base, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes. The modular systems are loaded into the back of military C-130 Hercules aircraft and provide critical surge capacity during peak wildfire activity.

"The MAFFS program is a unique and vital mission and it's a privilege to be part of it," said Lt. Col. Matthew Schwegel, Nevada Air National Guard,152nd Airlift Wing pilot. "Our crews take tremendous pride in being trained, ready, and able to answer the call when the nation needs us."

This year, MAFFS-equipped aircraft were already activated early, supporting firefighting efforts in January on the Palisades and Eaton fires in the Los Angeles area.

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Three Members of a Prolific Chinese Money Laundering Organization Plead Guilty to Laundering Tens of Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

Thursday, May 1, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Two Chinese nationals and a California man, all members of a prolific Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO), pleaded guilty yesterday to money laundering charges involving drug trafficking proceeds.

According to court documents, Maoxuan Xia, 29, of China, Shao Neng Lin, 58, of Baldwin Park, California, and Zhou Yu, 42, of China, were members of the CMLO that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico. Xia was one of the most active members of the Organization, traveling throughout the United States to collect drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposit those illicit funds, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO, such as Lin and Yu.

Xia and Yu each pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and one count of monetary transactions involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Lin pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transactions involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Xia admitted that he was personally responsible for laundering more than $30 million of illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds, in less than two years. Xia further admitted that he knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking. Pursuant to their respective plea agreements, Lin and Yu both admitted that they each received, through the shell company bank accounts that they created and operated for the CMLO, approximately $20 million in illicit funds, including drug trafficking proceeds. Lin and Yu both admitted that the total amount of illicit funds laundered in the conspiracy for which they had actual knowledge and involvement was approximately $40 million.

The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and money laundering counts and a maximum of 10 years in prison on each of the monetary transactions counts. A federal district court judge will determine their respective sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, and Special Agent in Charge Donald "Trey" Eakins of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.

The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.

Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang, Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth, and Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Justice Department's Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alfredo De La Rosa and Seth Johnson for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Topics: Operation Take Back America

Project Safe Neighborhoods

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section

USAO - North Carolina, Western

Press Release Number: 25-451

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US Deports Over 100 Central Asian Nationals With Uzbekistan's Cooperation

By RFE/RL's Uzbek Service May 01, 2025

The United States has deported more than 100 citizens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Tashkent in what Uzbek officials said is part of initiative is aimed at ensuring the rights of its citizens caught in "difficult situations abroad."

The flight from New York to Tashkent was reportedly arranged on April 30 and operated by Uzbekistan Airways. A statement released by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that Uzbekistan funded the operation in full.

The deportations appear to mark the first such deal between the United States and a foreign government since the President Donald Trump took office in January.

"We are talking about citizens who have violated visa requirements or have expired their legal stay in the United States," Ahror Burkhanov, a spokesman for the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, wrote in a social media post.

"The repatriation process will be organized on the basis of humanitarian and legal principles, ensuring the dignified and safe return of citizens," he added, though he did not say how many of those deported on April 30 were Uzbek nationals.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has declared a crackdown on illegal immigration.

Immigration agents have carried out hundreds of raids in various cities with thousands of immigrants arrested.

Many critics say a large number of those deported to third countries are refugees who have been granted protections against returning to their home countries, where they would face persecution or torture.

Demonstrations and pickets have been held against Washington's anti-immigration policy, and a judge handed down a ruling on April 18 that barred the Trump administration from rapidly deporting migrants to countries other than their own without giving them a chance to show they fear being persecuted.

The government has appealed the court ruling.

The DHS said the operation "underscores the deep security cooperation" between the nations and "sets the standard for US alliances."

"We commend Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his leadership in sending a flight to return 131 illegal aliens to their home country," said US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

She added that the Trump administration will continue to work with Uzbekistan on efforts to "enhance mutual security and uphold the rule of law."

Uzbek media reported the Kyrgyz and Kazakh nationals who arrived on the flight to Uzbekistan will continue on to their home countries.

Earlier, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said the repatriation process was organized on the basis of "humanitarian and legal principles."

"It is aimed at ensuring the dignified and safe return of citizens," the ministry said in a statement.

In January this year, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement estimation showed that 975 Uzbeks living in the US as illegal migrants could be deported from the country in the near future.

Following the reports, the NY Times said in February that US authorities had begun deporting Central Asian migrants to Panama and Costa Rica to speed up the process of their removal from the country.

From September 2023 to September 2024, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 572 people to Uzbekistan.

In August 2024, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service published an investigation detailing the plight of hundreds of Uzbek and Kyrgyz migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally from Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-central-asia-deportation- uzbekistan-trump/33402283.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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Kuwait - PATRIOT Post-Deployment Build 8.1

NEWS | April 30, 2025

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-07

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of the PATRIOT Post-Deployment Build 8.1 and related equipment for an estimated cost of $425 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy services, including delivery, installation, and upgrade, for PATRIOT Post-Deployment Build (PDB) 8.1. The following non-MDE items will be included: software development; delivery and support; sustainment maintenance; spare and repair parts; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; integration and test support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $425 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the infrastructure of a major non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future threats by assisting Kuwait in maintaining higher levels of operational readiness while meeting its modernization and professionalization goals. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services 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 Waltham, MA. 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 require the assignment of 3-5 additional U.S. Government or U.S. contractor representatives to travel to Kuwait periodically over an 8-10 year period to assist with maintenance and sustainment operations.

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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Shenzhou-19 return capsule touches down, marking the complete success of space mission

Global Times

By Wang Qi and Zhang Wanshi Published: Apr 30, 2025 01:56 PM

The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft, carrying taikonauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on 13:08 pm on Wednesday, marking the complete success of the mission.

The three taikonauts are in good health, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The Shenzhou-19 was successfully launched on October 30, 2024. During the mission, Chinese taikonauts completed three spacewalks and conducted six payload operations. They set a world record for the longest single spacewalk by a taikonaut  at nine hours  and broke the national record for the most spacewalks performed by a Chinese taikonaut.

According to CMSA, the three taikonauts spent 183 days in orbit, completing tasks such as the installation of space debris protection devices for the space station, multiple cargo transfer missions, and carrying out installation, commissioning, inspection, maintenance, and repair of both internal and external equipment. These efforts contributed valuable data and experience for the station's long-term, stable operation.

While in orbit, the crew, working closely with ground-based researchers, conducted a wide range of space science experiments and tests in fields such as microgravity physics, space materials science, space life sciences, aerospace medicine, and aerospace technology.

Faced with a substantial extravehicular workload, Chinese taikonauts demonstrated outstanding professionalism and technical skill, Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times.

The tasks performed during spacewalks demand exceptional precision and meticulous attention to detail, and successfully completing such extended extravehicular activities is a remarkable achievement, said Wang, "This underscores the formidable teamwork and resilience of the Chinese taikonaut corps."

Wang added that the achievement also reflects China's strong confidence in its spacesuit design and technology, which are engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to the harsh environment of space.

Wang noted the Shenzhou missions have evolved into a highly stable and routine operation. "Many tasks are continuous, with experiments unfinished by Shenzhou-19 seamlessly passed to Shenzhou-20. Completed experiments are returned to Earth, while new experimental equipment is launched, ensuring a smooth transition within a cohesive work team."

As time progresses, such updates may become increasingly routine to the public, said Wang.

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Iran is developing 20 indigenous satellites, head of space agency says

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Hossein Salariyeh says approximately 20 satellites are currently under development through a consortium of state and private companies.

During a visit to the INOTEX 2025 exhibition at Iran's International Innovation Zone on Wednesday, Salariyeh emphasized the critical role of knowledge-based companies in achieving Iran's space objectives.

He said the country's 10-year space program, due to its technical and operational complexity, cannot be realized without private sector involvement.

He said knowledge-based companies have increasingly been involved in space projects over the past three years, adding that private sector engagement is not only strategic but a national necessity to enhance Iran's competitive position globally.

The 14th International Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INOTEX 2025) opened at Tehran's Pardis Technology Park on Tuesday and will run for four days.

This edition of the exhibition will feature more than 500 innovative companies from Iran and other countries. It includes sections such as "INOTEX Pitch" (startup competition), "Main Stage" (inspirational speeches), specialized sessions, mentoring sessions, and an exhibition of technological products.

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Chinese astronauts back from six-month mission with record-setting space tasks

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:00, May 01, 2025

JIUQUAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft landed smoothly Wednesday in the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) declaring the mission a success.

By 2:02 p.m., the Shenzhou-19 crew, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, had all left the return capsule. They had spent 183 days in orbit and are all in good health, the CMSA said.

The mission set a world record for the longest single-time extravehicular activities (EVAs), and witnessed two historic milestones, namely, Commander Cai Xuzhe fulfilling the most EVA tasks to date in China and the nation's first female flight engineer aboard the Tiangong space station.

Cai has carried out five EVAs in two spaceflight missions, meaning he has completed more EVAs than any other Chinese astronaut.

"Gazing at the beautiful blue planet countless times in space, I am constantly reminded that this is our shared home, one that we must all work together to protect," said the 48-year-old mission commander, sitting in a chair in front of the capsule.

Song Lingdong is the first post-90s Chinese astronaut to conduct EVAs.

"We have transformed the dedication and hard work of all the researchers into fruitful scientific achievements," said Song. "We are extremely proud of that."

Wang Haoze is China's first female spaceflight engineer to enter the space station.

"It feels wonderful to be home, to feel the solid ground beneath my feet once again," said Wang. "I am now confident and capable of taking on even more challenging tasks in the future."

The Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, launched in October 2024, separated from the space station combination at 4 a.m. After undocking from Tiangong, the spacecraft executed a fast return mode, said Mao Yongjun, an expert from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

At 12:17 p.m. (Beijing Time), the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the orbital capsule of the Shenzhou-19 spaceship separated from the return capsule.

Then the brake engine ignited, and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule. The return capsule touched down at 1:08 p.m. at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the CMSA said.

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

This return mission featured two technological improvements. Helicopters and search vehicles were equipped with BDS-3 terminals, thus enhancing positioning accuracy and efficiency for ground recovery, Mao said.

According to Mao, a laser meteorological radar was installed near the landing site to obtain detailed wind field data, boosting forecast accuracy from kilometers to within hundreds of meters.

LONGEST SPACEWALK

During the mission, the Shenzhou-19 crew completed three EVAs, setting a world duration record of nine hours for single-time EVAs, said CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang at a previous press conference.

The crew successfully resolved an unexpected payload adapter jamming problem during their first EVA, ensuring the success of subsequent experiments, Lin said.

China's Feitian ("Flying in Space") extravehicular suits have demonstrated exceptional reliability, having been used for 19 EVAs since the Shenzhou-12 mission, and the most frequently worn suit has been used 17 times, according to Lin.

Lin said that the space station's robotic arms, which can be connected and "crawl" on the exterior of the space cabins due to their unique designs, enable astronauts to access all EVA areas.

Additionally, the coordination support system between space and ground has been refined to provide robust professional backing for EVA planning, real-time control, cross-system collaboration and emergency response.

RECORD EXPERIMENTS

The Shenzhou-19 crew accomplished multiple scientific firsts aboard the space station.

For the first time globally, they achieved orbital preparation of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates using an all-optical trap, said Lin.

In Tiangong, the crew established the world's first space-based optical lattice platform for quantum simulations, with atomic temperatures cooled to tens of picokelvins, reaching an internationally leading level.

The trio has successfully bred three generations of fruit flies in orbit, collecting over four terabytes of video data documenting their growth, sleep patterns, locomotor activity and reproductive behaviors.

Upon return, researchers on the ground will analyze the samples brought back by Shenzhou-19 to study the effects of microgravity and a hypomagnetic field on living organisms.

They have participated in 88 projects spanning space life science, microgravity, fundamental physics, space materials, space medicine, and new space technologies, achieving notable results, said Lin.

The Shenzhou-19 mission generated over 102 samples of 13 types, which have been returned to Earth for in-depth analysis by scientists. These studies are expected to produce scientific outcomes in fundamental research, new materials, space radiation effects and hypomagnetic biological mechanisms.

A CMSA video clip has revealed the Shenzhou-19 crew conducting an in-orbit trial of a specialized in-cabin robot -- a pipeline inspection system. The astronauts constructed simulated pipelines of varying diameters to assess the robot's mobility, successfully demonstrating its ability to navigate through pipes of different sizes.

The pipeline inspection robot, featuring 23 degrees of freedom, draws biological inspiration from echinoderm animals like starfish and sea cucumbers, mimicking their tube feet with an innovative movement mechanism.

Equipped with an intelligent control system, it processes real-time sensor data to precisely calculate its position and location, enabling navigation through the space station's pipe network while maintaining operational safety in confined spaces.

The crew's work log recorded the human-machine collaborative experiment with an intelligent flying robot "Xiaohang" designed by the Harbin Institute of Technology.

The voice-controlled intelligent robot can assist astronauts with multiple orbital operations, including taking photos, inspections, materials management and product state examination.

During the mission, the Shenzhou-19 crew carried out tests using brainwave experiment device and the data will be used to investigate how gravity impacts the processing of visual motion information and to reveal the cognitive and neural mechanisms of human perception in microgravity.

Last November, the three Chinese astronauts connected with some Bulgarian youth via video links, sharing their space exploration experiences and answering questions about their work and life aboard Tiangong.

In December, an art exhibition themed "I Love My Motherland" took place simultaneously on the space station and in Beijing and Macao. This marked the fourth exhibition aboard Tiangong and the first to occur in both space and on Earth. The exhibition featured 75 artworks selected from over 20,000 submissions by Chinese teenagers.

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Exercise strengthens combined capability

By Corporal Jacob Joseph

30 April 2025

It was mission accomplished for the multinational defence of Malaysia and Singapore during Exercise Bersama Shield, from April 7-22.

Forces from the Five Powers nations - Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and the UK - combined their military might to ward off a fictional enemy on the water, in the air and on the ground.

An island off the Malaysian Peninsula was the focus of the exercise scenario, one an "enemy" sought to occupy to satisfy a historical claim.

Led by guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney and a 35 Squadron C-27J Spartan, about 300 Australians joined a multinational force of more than 1000 defending Malaysia's Tioman Island.

Malaysian and Singaporean jets carried out sorties in the sky.

Ships from Australia, UK, Malaysia and Singapore hit their targets on the water.

Forward observers coordinated fire, and air defenders kept the skies safe.

In its 21st iteration, information warfare was a focus of Bersama Shield this year.

Cyber and information specialists used deep fake videos to sow disinformation in the scenario.

Phishing attacks simulated how easily an "enemy" could compromise secure networks.

Fleet Cyber's Lieutenant Jacqui Heeney gained login credentials from a handful of personnel working in the combined exercise headquarters after her simulated phishing attack. Examples she could then use for cyber awareness training for the five nations.

"It's the first time I've seen simulated phishing attacks on exercise," Lieutenant Heeney said.

"We're testing our infrastructure and teaching our people to understand what the attacks can look like and how they should react."

Relationship-building underpinned warfighting training, a key aim of the exercise, according to Commander Headquarters Integrated Area Defence System Air Vice Marshall Nathan Christie.

Interoperability began with pulling up a chair at the lunch table at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth.

"One of the wonderful things about Five Power Defence Arrangements exercises is that personnel are exposed to many cultures," Air Vice Marshall Christie said.

"These exercises are about understanding culture, meeting as many people as you can and understanding what they bring to this integrated fight."

The main Five Powers Defence Arrangements warfighting activity, Exercise Bersama Lima, will be held in September.

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Largest Navy exercise wraps up

By Lieutenant Marcus Middleton

1 May 2025

Navy's largest and most complex antisubmarine exercise in more than a decade, ASWEX, has now concluded off the West Australian coast.

Six warships, four advanced multi-mission MH-60R Seahawks, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force Poseidon P-8 aircraft and a Collins-class submarine were put through their paces during the month-long exercise, uniting with pride and purpose to operate as one lethal and ready weapon.

Yet despite the stunning show of force, Commander Australian Maritime Task Group Captain Darin MacDonald said the secret to the success was not just the impressive platforms taking part, but the hard working and dedicated people of the ADF.

"All of these ships and aircraft, albeit very capable, are just big hunks of metal without an embarked crew," Captain MacDonald said.

"It is the people in them that truly make them naval warships. The skills, smarts, camaraderie and willing energy they bring to a ship is what makes it a warship.

"Without a doubt, in any ship, any class, any navy, the people are the most important part."

In command of the largest ASWEX task group in recent years, Captain MacDonald was confident the exercise proved the fleet was focused and ready to meet any challenge head on.

"The task group has done really well. This event has shown that with some investment in time and opportunity, many task group skills can be brought back to a high level, very quickly," he said.

More than 1300 Defence Force personnel took part, participating in high-level and intense exercises that ADF assets cannot undertake when operating independently.

"It's very different operating on your own compared to operating in a task group. The complexity involved in these operations demands a higher level of awareness, communication and cooperation," Captain MacDonald said.

Over the course of ASWEX, Defence personnel carried out a series of demanding activities to sharpen the tip of the nation's spear, ensuring a high level of maritime mastery.

"That's everything from helicopter operations and sea-boat operations between ships to transfer personnel or stores, doing officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, ship handling, station keeping, task group gunnery, air space and water space coordination and maritime joint fires," Captain MacDonald said.

"These activities give us the opportunity to rehearse and focus on some of those cooperative skill sets."

HMAS Hobart joined the task group straight from a three-month regional presence deployment, with Commanding Officer Commander Alisha Withers beaming with pride at the destroyer's performance returning from an independent mission into task group operations.

"Our ability to coordinate and communicate effectively between units within the task group has directly led to better outcomes, enhancing our overall operational readiness," Commander Withers said.

"I'm incredibly proud of the way the team has come together, pushing each other to new heights. They are focused, lethal and ready - practising not just for the sake of training, but for the real challenges that lie ahead."

Also involved was HMAS Arunta, with Commanding Officer Commander David Clarkson enjoying the opportunity for his ship to integrate with a large concentration of the fleet.

"The entire crew was exposed to both the benefits and challenges of life in a task group. For many in the operations teams, this has been their first exposure to high-end events, particularly with a live submarine. Arunta has certainly grown as a ship as a result," Commander Clarkson said.

Captain MacDonald said having different platforms engaged together enhanced the lethality of the entire Navy.

"There's a lot of symmetry that has been built into our fleet. Our Anzac-class frigates are a great complement to our destroyers - their systems and sensors actually complement each other really well," he said.

"Together they provide a really potent package for air, surface and underwater warfare."

Despite the immense complexity and skill required to operate a large fleet, the intent overall is surprisingly simple.

"The reason why we do this is to assure the Australian people that when 'the rubber hits the road' they have a world-class fleet," Captain MacDonald said.

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Belarus Frees US Political Prisoner Yuras Zyankovich After Nearly 4 Years In Prison

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service April 30, 2025

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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-american-citizen- prisoner-yuras-zyankovich-rubio/33401476.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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Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the United States Donald J. Trump

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

April 29, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

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 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.

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Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of France Emmanuel Macron

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

April 29, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. Following the Prime Minister's meeting with the President in Paris last month, the two leaders discussed their ongoing work to deepen defence and commercial ties between their nations. They agreed to remain in close contact.

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Wang Yi Meets with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 29, 2025 15:14

On April 28, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa in Rio de Janeiro.

Wang Yi said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand 50 years ago, the two sides have respected each other's development paths and supported each other's core interests. They have always been partners in common development and revitalization, as well as stabilizing forces in maintaining the norms of international relations. In February this year, the leaders of both countries reached new and important common understandings on advancing the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. The Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries made it clear that China will deepen friendly cooperation with neighboring countries and ensure that the achievements of Chinese modernization benefit the region even more. China has consistently prioritized the development of China-Thailand relations in its neighborhood diplomacy and is ready to work with Thailand to strengthen the traditional friendship of "China and Thailand as close as one family", deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and inject more certainty into regional peace and stability. China welcomes Thailand to become a BRICS partner country and supports Thailand's comprehensive participation in BRICS cooperation.

Maris Sangiampongsa said that the friendship between Thailand and China has withstood the test of time, with both countries maintaining close ties and their partnership continuously deepening. The Thai side welcomes the successful convening of China's Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries and believes that Chinese modernization will bring enormous opportunities to Thailand. It is a great pleasure for Thailand to attend the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs as a partner country. Thailand looks forward to joining the BRICS family at an early date, so as to strengthen cooperation in the Global South and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing exchanges at all levels and in various fields, accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, and advancing the early implementation of the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand. The two sides will continue to promote international cooperation on giant pandas to bring the people of the two countries even closer.

Both sides will play their role as co-chairs of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and work for more outcomes. The two sides will continue to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation among China, Myanmar, and Thailand, and resolutely and effectively combat cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud. The two sides will accelerate the development of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0, jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system, and advance trade liberalization and facilitation.

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Wang Yi Attends the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 29, 2025 09:50

On April 28, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended Session I of the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira chaired the event, and all parties discussed the role of BRICS countries in promoting peace and security.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The founding of the United Nations opened a brand-new chapter for all countries to jointly build peace and seek development, and has promoted remarkable progress in human civilization. Today, 80 years later, the international landscape has undergone profound changes, the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, and the cause of peace and development is facing new and severe challenges. The basic concepts of international cooperation have been eroded, the foundation for the development of international relations has been continuously challenged, and the international environment for peace and development is under assault. At a critical juncture in history, whether countries can make the right choices is crucial to the future of humanity. As positive constructive forces for good on the international stage, BRICS countries should take the lead in being the mainstay of the cause of peace and development.

First, pursue universal security. BRICS countries should implement the Global Security Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping, promote joint discussions among countries around the world on security governance based on mutual respect, build lasting peace on the foundation of fairness and justice, and follow a new path to security featuring dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win cooperation over zero-sum rivalry.

Second, actively promote peace talks. BRICS countries should uphold an objective and impartial stance, resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation, support U.N. agencies in fulfilling their duties, and create conditions for a political settlement. China supports all efforts aimed at peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis and expects the parties concerned to address the root cause of the crisis, reaching a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned at an early date. The immediate priority for the Middle East issue is to promote a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian disasters. The long-term strategy is to advance the two-State solution and realize peaceful coexistence between the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. China is ready to work with BRICS members to contribute to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Third, consolidate the foundation for development. BRICS countries should continue to hold high the banner of openness and cooperation, firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system, promote mutually beneficial and integrated development among all countries, and support universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. China is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with BRICS countries in poverty reduction, agriculture, education, health and other fields, and provide more public goods for the Global South.

Fourth, strengthen practical cooperation. BRICS countries should give full play to the role of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, strengthen information sharing and experience exchange, and promote law enforcement cooperation and capacity building. Efforts should be made to effectively establish the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center, earnestly implement the BRICS Strategy on Food Security Cooperation, expand cooperation in new frontiers such as the deep sea, the polar regions, and outer space, and work together to address global challenges.

All parties welcomed Indonesia's first attendance as a full member at the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs, supported the series of global initiatives proposed by China, and stated that in the face of the complex evolution of the geopolitical situation, BRICS countries should enhance unity and cooperation, oppose power politics and double standards, advocate the peaceful settlement of crises and conflicts through diplomacy rather than force, cooperation rather than confrontation, and multilateral rather than unilateral means. Efforts should be made to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of BRICS countries and the common interests of the Global South, promote the establishment of a more just and equitable international order, and facilitate open, inclusive and sustainable development.

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Wang Yi: Uphold BRICS Unity and Cooperation, Reform and Improve Global Governance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 29, 2025 15:57

On April 28, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi clarified China's position on improving global governance on the sidelines of the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Rio de Janeiro.

Wang Yi stressed that at present, global governance is at an important crossroads. As representatives of emerging forces, BRICS countries should enhance the sense of historical responsibility, adhere to unity and cooperation, and work with the international community to reform and improve the global governance framework, making it more timely and effective in addressing various global challenges, and more reasonably reflecting the common will of the Global South in a more balanced way.

First, safeguard multilateral trading rules. BRICS countries should oppose all forms of protectionism, resolutely safeguard the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system, actively participate in the reform of the World Trade Organization, uphold its core values and fundamental principles, and restore the normal functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism as soon as possible. BRICS countries should continue to deepen practical economic and trade cooperation and promote trade liberalization and facilitation.

Second, strengthen global financial governance. BRICS countries should promote reform of the international financial architecture to better reflect changes in the global economic landscape and better serve the growth of the economy of the Global South. The World Bank should carry out shareholding review and the International Monetary Fund should carry out quota share realignment, so as to address the historical injustice of the severe lack of representation and voice of the Global South.

Third, realize green transition. It is necessary to work for the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and urge developed countries to fulfill their due obligations. BRICS countries should deepen cooperation on low-carbon transition in the energy sector to jointly achieve higher-quality and more sustainable development. BRICS countries should support the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) hosted by Brazil to achieve positive outcomes, and promote the global climate governance system towards fairness, reasonableness, and win-win cooperation.

Fourth, share digital opportunities. BRICS countries should promote the implementation of the Global Digital Compact within the framework of the United Nations, bridge the digital divide, and formulate common rules for cyberspace. It is necessary to improve the global governance of artificial intelligence (AI), and advocate for fair, universally beneficial, and safe AI for good, as well as collaborative AI governance. BRICS countries are welcome to participate in the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference to be held in Shanghai.

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Wang Yi: Compromise and Flinching Will Only Invite More Bullying

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 29, 2025 15:55

On April 28, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi clarified China's position on upholding multilateralism and safeguarding multilateral trading rules on the sidelines of the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Rio de Janeiro.

Wang Yi said multilateralism is the cornerstone of the post-World War II international order, and that unity and cooperation represent the greatest common denominator for the international community. However, certain country's perception of the world has undergone serious deviations. The United States goes all out to seek unilateralism and supremacy, and puts its own interests over the international public good. The existing international system has supported global stability and prosperity, yet the United States, as the largest beneficiary of the system, is now moving toward the opposite direction. People are witnessing that the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, is blatantly taking the stage, coercion and bullying no longer need to be disguised, and the foundation for the development of international relations is under continuous threat.

Wang Yi emphasized that safeguarding multilateral trade rules is the most pressing issue at present. The essence of trade is to complement each other's advantages and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, not a calculation of who loses and who gains, nor should it become a tool for pursuing individual selfish interests. The United States has long benefited greatly from free trade, but now it is using tariffs as a bargaining chip to demand exorbitant prices from various countries. Choosing to remain silent, compromise or flinch will only invite more bullying. BRICS countries should jointly oppose all forms of protectionism, firmly safeguard the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system, uphold its core values and fundamental principles, and promote trade liberalization and facilitation.



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Wang Yi Meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 29, 2025 15:51

On April 28, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Rio de Janeiro.

Wang Yi said that there have been many new changes in the international situation recently. Change is the norm of this era, but what remains unchanged is the mutual trust and support between China and Russia. The strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin has always been the fundamental guarantee for maintaining high-level operation of China-Russia relations. Both sides should work together to continuously translate the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state into cooperation achievements in various fields.

Wang Yi stated that the current rivalry between unilateralism and multilateralism is intensifying, and the contest between maintaining hegemony and opposing hegemony is unfolding around the world. The unity and cooperation of BRICS countries are demonstrating increasingly significant strategic value. As founding members of BRICS, China and Russia should strengthen coordination and cooperation within the BRICS framework, deepen solidarity and cooperation among the vast number of developing countries and emerging economies, continuously enhance the influence and appeal of the Greater BRICS, inject strong impetus into the development and prosperity of the world, and contribute more BRICS strength to building a more just and equitable global governance system.

Sergei Lavrov said that in the face of a rapidly changing world, it is essential for Russia and China to maintain close interactions. Russia is willing to work with China to prepare for the next phase of important exchanges between the two heads of state, support each other in hosting commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. As major countries with special international responsibilities, Russia and China have joined hands to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, defend justice and equality, and resist unilateralism and bullying, making positive contributions to upholding multilateralism. Both sides should jointly support Brazil in fulfilling its responsibilities as the chair of the BRICS mechanism and work for more positive outcomes in BRICS cooperation.

Sergei Lavrov briefed on the latest situation of the Ukraine crisis, reiterating that Russia is willing to engage in peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions and is committed to addressing the root cause of the crisis. Russia also announced a temporary ceasefire covering the entire front line around the May 9 Victory Day. Wang Yi elaborated on China's principled position of promoting talks for peace.

The two sides conducted strategic communication on strengthening cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the G20, and exchanged views on issues such as the Iranian nuclear issue and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

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Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Company That Self-Disclosed Export Control Offenses Committed by Employee

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Company's Prompt Self-Disclosure and Extraordinary Cooperation Led to Employee's Successful Prosecution for Unlawfully Exporting Software to a Restricted Chinese University

Note: View the declination letter here.

The Justice Department today announced that it has declined the prosecution of Universities Space Research Association (USRA) after it self-disclosed to the Department's National Security Division (NSD) criminal violations of U.S. export control laws committed by its former employee, Jonathan Soong. Soong pleaded guilty to willfully violating the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by exporting U.S. Army-developed aviation software to a university in the People's Republic of China (PRC) that had been placed on the Commerce Department's Entity List and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

"If we stay vigilant, all of us  including our citizens, small businesses, and large corporations  can play a critical role in protecting our country," said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "A criminal who compromised our national security was brought to justice because his employer caught him and immediately turned him in. We decline to prosecute his employer and are ready to work together with such responsible corporate actors who are committed to joining us in this fight to protect our country from foreign adversaries."

"USRA discovered that one of its employees was funneling sensitive aeronautics software to a Beijing university in violation of export control laws and at risk to our national security," said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California. "What the company did next made all the difference in the Government's decision not to prosecute it: the company took swift and proactive measures to disclose the employee's wrongdoing, provide all known facts, and cooperate - and continue to cooperate - with the government's investigation."

According to court documents, in April 2016, USRA contracted with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to, among other things, license and distribute for a fee aeronautics-related and U.S. Army-owned flight control software. Soong was employed by USRA as a program administrator under the contract and was responsible for performing due diligence on prospective purchasers to ensure that the sale or transfer of software licenses complied with applicable law, including by checking the Entity List. Soong willfully exported software subject to the EAR to Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, also known as Beihang University (Beihang), a university in the PRC, knowing that an export control license was required for the export to Beihang because it was on the Entity List. Beihang was on the Commerce Department's Entity List due to its involvement in the development of military rocket systems and unmanned air vehicle systems. Soong further used an intermediary to complete the transfer and export of the software to Beihang to avoid detection, and embezzled tens of thousands of dollars in software license sales by directing purchasers to make payment to an account he personally owned and controlled.

This scheme continued until NASA inquired about the sales of software licenses to PRC-based purchasers and USRA began to investigate. Soong initially lied to USRA and fabricated evidence that he had conducted due diligence on the purchasers and provided it to USRA's counsel to provide to NASA, but after USRA's counsel investigated further and confronted Soong with evidence that contradicted his statements, he admitted to knowing that Beihang was on the Entity List when he exported the software to Beihang and that a license had been required for the export.

Within days of learning that Soong had willfully violated U.S. export control laws, and before USRA had completed its own investigation to understand the scope of the misconduct, USRA self-disclosed the crime to NSD and fully cooperated with the ensuing criminal investigation, which eventually established that Soong had acted alone at USRA. USRA's cooperation included proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government's requests for information and evidence. USRA remediated the root cause of the misconduct by disciplining a supervisory employee who failed appropriately to supervise Soong, and by significantly improving its internal controls and compliance program. USRA also compensated the government both for the funds Soong embezzled, and for the time Soong had spent embezzling funds instead of performing his duties under USRA's contract with NASA.

The Justice Department declined USRA's prosecution after considering the factors set forth in the Department's Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations and the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy). The NSD Enforcement Policy creates a presumption that companies that (1) voluntarily self-disclose to NSD potentially criminal violations arising out of or relating to the enforcement of export control or sanctions laws, (2) fully cooperate, and (3) timely and appropriately remediate will generally receive a non-prosecution agreement, unless aggravating factors are present. In appropriate cases, the NSD Enforcement Policy authorizes prosecutors to go further, and exercise discretion to decline a company's prosecution. This is the second time that NSD has exercised its discretion to decline the prosecution of a company under the NSD Enforcement Policy.

The case was investigated by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security; the Department of Defense's Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the FBI. The NASA Office of Inspector General; U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Army Counterintelligence; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations provided valuable assistance.

Trial Attorney Rachel Craft of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Valliere for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.

Topics: Export Control

National Security

Components:Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - California, Northern

Press Release Number: 25-449

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on April 30, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 30, 2025 19:06

At the invitation of President of the Gabonese Republic Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President Xi Jinping's special envoy and Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's 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 Chair's 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 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 yesterday's 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. What's China's 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 People's 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 China's 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. China's activities in relevant waters are legitimate, lawful and justified.

Reuters: Taiwan says Somalia has banned entry to its citizens amid dispute over Taiwan's ties with Somaliland as Somalia is under Chinese pressure. What is the Foreign Ministry's 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 Somalia's Constitution and UNGA Resolution 2758. Somalia's government reiterated its commitment to the one-China principle and stressed that hosting each other's "representative office" and having official interactions between the Taiwan authorities and Somaliland directly infringes on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This is a legitimate measure taken by Somalia as a sovereignty country to safeguard its lawful rights and interests. It demonstrates Somalia's 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 China's territory, and the government of the People's 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 Somalia's territory. China firmly supports the Somali federal government's effort to safeguard national unification, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes the Taiwan authorities and Somaliland hosting each other's 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 China's 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 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, China's 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 wouldn't 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 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 China's 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 he's 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: I'm 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, I'd 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 an 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 Spokesperson's Office via fax, email or WeChat.



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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla

29 April 2025 20:47

730-29-04-2025

On April 29, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Council meeting.

The heads of the foreign ministries exchanged views in a traditionally confidential and constructive manner on current aspects of advancing strategic bilateral partnership. The mutual commitment to sustaining the vigorous momentum of political dialogue between Moscow and Havana was underscored, alongside deepening collaboration in priority areas of engagement, including the trade and economic domain.

A coordination of positions on pivotal regional and international agenda items was undertaken. The ministers acknowledged the enduring resolve of both parties to intensify interaction within the UN, EAEU, BRICS, and other multilateral fora. The steadfast shared stance of the two states concerning the categorical unacceptability of imposing unilateral illegitimate sanctions was emphasised.

A unified position was reaffirmed regarding the urgent necessity to halt immediately the United States' trade, economic, and financial blockade against the Island and to remove Cuba from Washington's designation of so-called state sponsors of terrorism.

The ministers signed a Declaration of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cuba outlining methods to counteract, mitigate, and offset the adverse effects of unilateral coercive measures.

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Cuba: Statement by the Spokesperson on the decision by the Cuban courts to revoke the conditional releases granted to Jose Daniel Ferrer and to Felix Navarro

European External Action Service (EEAS)

30.04.2025

EEAS Press Team

The European Union regrets the decision by the Cuban authorities to revoke the conditional release granted in January to Jose Daniel Ferrer and Felix Navarro. The EU calls on the authorities to review these decisions and to release all individuals detained for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

The European Union reiterates its calls for the full respect for human rights and the guarantee that all citizens, including those with dissenting views, can freely exercise their fundamental freedoms.

The European Union will monitor the human rights situation in Cuba and will use all established mechanisms to raise its concerns, in line with the principles of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA).

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Combat Application Test of Weapon Systems of Multi-Mission Destroyer Choe Hyon Begins

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, April 30 (KCNA) -- The combat application test of the weapon systems of the multi-mission destroyer Choe Hyon began.

The DPRK Missile Administration, the Academy of Defence Sciences and the detection and electronic warfare administration launched a performance and combat application test of the weapon systems mounted on the destroyer Choe Hyon.

The first test of the weapon systems of the destroyer was conducted on April 28 and 29.

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.

Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, watched the first test-fire together with leading officials of the Missile Administration, the Academy of Defence Sciences, the detection and electronic warfare administration and the Nampho Shipyard.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the destroyer proceeding with the scheduled weapon system test and acquainted himself in detail with the step-wise schedule and contents of test of the warship weapon systems from members of the weapon system examination group and watched the first test-fire.

The power of the 127 mm ship-based automatic gun attracted deep attention of the leading officials.

Highly appreciating that the combat application test of ship-based weapon systems has been prepared with foresight and started promptly, Kim Jong Un underscored the need to perfect the warship's weapon systems for integrated operation in a short span of time by strictly conducting the test as planed.

He highly appreciated once again saying that very wonderful is the ship-based firepower system of Korean-style which effectively combined the most powerful strike means including supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile and tactical ballistic missile with the conventional defensive means of the warship.

Noting that the destroyer discharging the existing mission of repulsing the enemy invading the territorial waters cannot be called a reliable means of naval defence, Kim Jong Un said that it is important to establish a proactive and offensive defensive system on the premise of powerful attack capability and that it is a major task facing the field of warship-building industry of the DPRK to steadily raise the level of equipment of offensive and defensive complex system that introduced new-generation high-tech means and thus put the multi-mission and multi-purpose performance of warship on a higher level.

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.

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. -0-

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North Korea's Kim orders navy ships to be equipped with nuclear weapons

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 10:13 AM

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered naval ships to be rapidly equipped with nuclear weapons, as Pyongyang conducts its first test firing of a new warship weapons system.

Earlier this week, North Korea carried out its initial test firing of the weapons system on the newly revealed "Choe Hyon-class" warship.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim oversaw the first day of a two-day weapons test of the destroyer on Wednesday.

He subsequently ordered officials to focus on speeding up the development of the navy's nuclear weapons capabilities.

North Korea has previously said that the vessel was equipped with the "most powerful weapons," and that it would "enter into operation early next year."

Experts suggest that, due to its size, the warship is likely equipped with both ship-to-surface and ship-to-air missiles.

KCNA reported that the April 29 test involved a "ship-to-ship tactical guided weapon, various kinds of ship-based automatic guns and smoke and electronic jamming guns," utilizing the newly revealed vessel.

The North Korean leader says the country's ship-based firepower system is "effectively combined" with the "most powerful strike means including supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile and tactical ballistic missile."

Since 2006, North Korea has been under crippling sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council over its nuclear capabilities.

North Korea says it is seeking nuclear weapons to counter threats from the United States and Washington's allies, including South Korea.

In January, Kim warned of an "inevitable" confrontation with hostile nations and said 2025 would be a "crucial year" for bolstering North Korea's nuclear forces.

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North Korea's reveal of new warship's weapon system hints at Russian support: expert

The North said it conducted tests on weapons systems mounted on its new 5,000-ton destroyer named Choe Hyon.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.04.30

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- North Korea's recent test launches of key weapon systems aboard its new destroyer - including supersonic strategic cruise missiles - suggest possible assistance from Russia, according to a Seoul-based military expert.

The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, reported that the country carried out the "combat application test" of weapons systems mounted on Choe Hyon, its new 5,000-ton destroyer.

It conducted a test firing of supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and 127 millimeter ship-based automatic guns Monday. 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.

Dubbing the new warship as North Korea's "Aegis Combat System," Yu Yong-weon, a military journalist-turned-lawmaker, said North Korea may have received assistance from Russia.

The supersonic strategic cruise missile unveiled by North Korean state media resembles Russia's ship-launched hypersonic cruise missile, the Zircon, he said in an analysis published on his website.

The four-faced phased array radar mounted on the Choe Hyon is similar in layout and installation angle to the radar systems deployed on Russia's Karakurt-class warships. Phased array radars, also found on Aegis destroyers, enable 360-degree surveillance.

Additionally, the integrated air defence system installed on the Choe Hyon - including vertical missile launchers, tracking radar, autocannons, and actuating shafts - bears a striking resemblance to Russia's Pantsir system, suggesting it may be a replica, according to Yu.

"There is a strong possibility that North Korea received advanced military technology from Russia in exchange for its involvement in the war in Ukraine," said Yu.

North Korea and Russia have been deepening their military and economic ties in recent months. Pyongyang reportedly supplied Moscow with large quantities of munitions and other military aid for its war in Ukraine.

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.

In return, Russia has provided technological assistance and expanded cooperation in various sectors, fueling concerns over potential arms transfers and security threats.

The North's latest firing tests came amid Pyongyang's increased focus on strengthening its naval power in an effort to build a platform capable of delivering nuclear attacks from the sea.

Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 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 defense capability will be "fully projected in any necessary waters without limitation."

Edited by 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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North Korea Tests Weapon System of Choe Hyon Destroyer - Reports

Sputnik News

20250430

SEOUL (Sputnik) - 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.

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 Korea's 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.

 Sputnik

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Ground-breaking Ceremony for Building Motor Bridge Linking DPRK and Russia Borders Held

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, May 1 (KCNA) -- The construction of the motor bridge linking the DPRK and Russia borders began while practical measures have been positively taken to strengthen bilateral exchange and cooperation under the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries of the DPRK and Russia.

The construction of the motor bridge serves as a significant occasion in adding fresh dynamics to the development of the friendly relations between the two countries as it provides a substantial guarantee for laying down and reinforcing the important infrastructure for economic cooperation and for vitalizing the bilateral cooperation including travel of persons, tourism and circulation of commodities in a many-sided way.

A ground-breaking ceremony took place simultaneously in Rason Municipality, a border city of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Khasan, a border city of the Russian Federation, on April 30 amid deep interests and expectation of the governments and peoples of the two countries of the DPRK and Russia.

The national flags of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation were fluttering at the flagstaffs in the DPRK-Russia Friendship House, the venue of the DPRK side.

Pak Thae Song, premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Mikhail Mishustin, prime minister of the Russian Federation, attended the ceremony in Pyongyang and Moscow via video-conferencing.

Present at the ceremony were Jong Myong Su, vice-premier of the Cabinet of the DPRK, Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations and chairman of the DPRK side of the DPRK-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology, Kim Kyong Jun, minister of Land and Environment Protection, Sin Chang Il, chairman of the Rason Municipal People's Committee, Kim Jong Gyu, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, officials concerned, builders and working people in Rason Municipality.

Also on hand were Alexandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, Oleg Kosheev, consul general of the Russian Federation in Chongjin, and members of the embassy and consulate.

The national anthems of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation were played.

Mikhail Mishustin, prime minister of the Russian Federation, made a congratulatory speech.

He said that the construction of the motor bridge linking Russia and DPRK borders serves as a significant occasion showing the common will to strengthen the friendly and good-neighborly relations between the two countries and to develop cooperation between the regions.

Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, and Comrade Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, concluded a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, thus developing the Russia-DPRK relations onto a new high stage and providing conditions to start the joint work that is mutually beneficial, he stressed.

He affirmed that the motor bridge linking Russia and DPRK borders which contributes to the expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation would be a symbol of peace and friendship between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Pak Thae Song, premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, made a congratulatory speech.

He extended warm congratulations on behalf of the DPRK government to the builders and friends of the two countries who made sincere efforts to successfully ensure the start of the construction of the bridge to be handed down forever as a historic monument to the DPRK-Russia friendship, true to the strategic plan of Comrade Kim Jong Un and Comrade Vladimir Putin.

He said that after the historic DPRK-Russia Pyongyang summit, bilateral exchange and cooperation have been further vigorously expanded and developed in all fields and the joint plans conducive to the promotion of the well-being of the peoples of the two countries have been carried on.

He stressed that the construction of the motor bridge would contribute to laying an eternal foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries that put on a track of new comprehensive development.

Construction equipment went into the work at the bridge construction sites of both sides according to the instructions given by the heads of the governments of the two countries.

In the concluding speeches, the heads of the governments of the two countries expressed belief that the motor bridge linking the borders would be successfully built as a monumental edifice to be brilliantly recorded in another golden letters in the history of the DPRK-Russia relations.

Then a commemorative monument to the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the DPRK-Russia border motor bridge was unveiled.

Inscribed in the monument were the national emblems of the two countries and the letters "Commemoration of Starting the Construction of DPRK-Russia Border Motor Bridge April 30, 2025" in Korean and Russian.

That day the DPRK leading officials who took part in the ground-breaking event had a talk with leading officials of the Russian government who visited the DPRK-Russia Friendship House.

Present there were Jong Myong Su, vice-premier of the Cabinet of the DPRK, Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations and chairman of the DPRK side to the DPRK-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology, Kim Kyong Jun, minister of Land and Environment Protection, Sin Chang Il, chairman of the Rason Municipal People's Committee, Kim Jong Gyu, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Sin Hong Chol, DPRK ambassador to Russia, Jo Sok Chol, DPRK consul general in Vladivostok, and Yuri Trutnev, deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation and concurrently presidential envoy to the Far East Federal Region, Alexandr Kozlov, minister of Natural Resources and Ecology and chairman of the Russian side to the DPRK-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology, Roman Starovoyt, minister of Transport, Aleksei Chekunkov, minister of Development of the Far East and Arctic, Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Maritime Territory Administration, Alexandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, and Oleg Kosheev, consul general of the Russian Federation in Chongjin.

Discussed at the talk in detail were the practical issues for completing within the fixed date the construction of the DPRK-Russia border motor bridge which is of substantial and important significance in dynamically promoting the many-sided exchange and economic ties and development between the DPRK and Russia. -0-

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Secretary Rubio's Meeting with French Foreign Minister Barrot

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

May 1, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to advance the path to peace in Ukraine. The Secretary made clear that President Trump is focused on halting the senseless bloodshed in Ukraine and affirmed a U.S. commitment to working closely with France and other European partners to secure a lasting peace. Secretary Rubio commended France's leadership in rallying European and Ukrainian support for a sustainable deal but made clear that words are not enough - Europe must step up with real resources and political will to bring this war to an end.

The two leaders also discussed diplomatic efforts to secure the release of all hostages in Gaza and reiterated their shared commitment to preventing Iran from developing or obtaining a nuclear weapon.



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US Secretary of Defense dials Raksha Mantri; Extends condolences for the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam terror attack

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Pakistan exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism & destabilising the region; Global community must explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts: Shri Rajnath Singh

US stands in solidarity with India & supports India's right to defend itself: Mr Pete Hegseth

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

US Secretary of Defense Mr Pete Hegseth, on May 01, 2025, called Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to express his sympathies and condolences for the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives in the recent dastardly attack by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. During the conversation, Raksha Mantri told the US Secretary of Defense that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations.

"Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism, and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism," Raksha Mantri said. He added that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts of terrorism.

The US Secretary of Defense reiterated full support of the US government in India's fight against terrorism. US stands in solidarity with India and supports India's right to defend itself, he said.

***

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2125837)

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Araqchi: U.S. provocative actions call its seriousness in talks into question

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned that provocative actions by the United States during the indirect negotiations with Iran could undermine Washington's credibility and seriousness in the talks.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Araqchi said hostile actions by Washington would definitely send a negative message. "When the other side takes provocative steps during negotiations, it can cast doubt on their seriousness."

On Iran's red lines, he said, "Our red lines are completely clear and have been communicated to the American side."

He also noted that while no specific timeframe has been set for the negotiations, Iran is not interested in drawn-out discussions.

"We are not after wasting time, and we believe the other side shares the same intent," he said.

Iran and the U.S. have held three rounds of indirect negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions against the country. Both sides have described the talks as productive and positive.

Commenting on the European powers' role in the negotiations, Araqchi said such a role has diminished due to the misguided policies of the three European countries involved, namely France, Britain, and Germany.

"We are not in favor of this reduced role and are therefore prepared to hold the next round of talks with them in Rome," he added.

The foreign minister also criticized recent statements by European officials as unconstructive and said such remarks are among the factors that have contributed to their waning role in the process.

Regarding Iran's frozen assets abroad, he said lifting the related sanctions must be part of the negotiations so that the country would be able to access its funds.

4354**9417

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Iran UN envoy: France's claim on nuclear program unfounded and irresponsible

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani rejected French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot's accusation that the Islamic Republic is "on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons," characterizing these allegations as unfounded and politically irresponsible.

Iravani's full statement comes as follows:

"Upon instructions from my Government, I am writing to you regarding the statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, at the Stakeout following the United Nations Security Council's private meeting on 28 April 2025. During his remarks, the French Foreign Minister made unsubstantiated and politically motivated claims regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran's peaceful nuclear program, including the baseless assertion that "Iran is on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons." Such an allegation reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding or deliberate distortion of Iran's legal rights under international law. It also demonstrates a selective reading of facts and exemplifies a persistent pattern of double standards by a State that bears particular responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council. In this regard, I wish to bring the following points to your attention, and the attention of the Members of the Security Council:

Allegations that Iran is "on the cusp" of developing nuclear weapons are entirely unfounded and politically irresponsible. The Islamic Republic of Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons, and its defensive doctrine has not been changed. Iran unequivocally rejects all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including nuclear arms. As a founding member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran remains fully committed to its obligations under the treaty. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor and verify the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. Its reports have consistently confirmed that there has been no diversion of nuclear material for non-peaceful purposes.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a landmark multilateral achievement, unanimously endorsed by the Security Council through Resolution 2231 (2015). Its disruption was caused not by Iran but rather the consequence of the United States' reckless and unlawful withdrawal, coupled with the E3's failure to deliver the promised economic benefits. In response, Iran showed strategic patience for over a year before gradually reducing and stopping its commitments, strictly in accordance with Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. These measures were transparent and fully proportionate.

The French Foreign Minister's open threat to reimpose sanctions with "devastating effects" on Iran's economy constitutes a blatant act of political and economic coercion. Resorting to threats and economic blackmail is entirely unacceptable and represents a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Additionally, France's threat to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism despite its own non-performance contradicts the fundamental principles of international law that preclude a party from claiming rights under an agreement while simultaneously failing to fulfil its obligations thereunder. Such an action is legally and procedurally flawed, inadmissible, and invalid, and would undermine the credibility of the Security Council.

While voicing concern over the risks of nuclear proliferation in relation to Iran's peaceful nuclear program, France's credibility on non-proliferation is fundamentally undermined by its own record. It continues to modernize and expand its nuclear arsenal, refuses to extend unconditional negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states, remains silent, and is complicit in the Israeli regime's undeclared nuclear weapons program. France has also yet to fulfill its disarmament obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its commitment to diplomacy and constructive engagement. However, genuine diplomacy cannot proceed under threats or pressure. If France and its partners are truly interested in a diplomatic resolution, they must abandon coercion and respect the sovereign rights of States under international law."

4208**9417

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IRGC Navy's new missile-launching vessel can hit 116 knots: Commander

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 30, 2025

Bandar Abbas, IRNA -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy now possesses a domestically built missile-launching vessel capable of reaching the speed of 116 knots (215 km/h), says the force's commander.

Speaking at a ceremony marking National Persian Gulf Day on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said the new vessel has successfully passed all technical and specialized tests.

"We have built a missile-launching vessel with a speed of 116 knots," he said. "In the IRGC Navy, we build our own vessels, missiles, drones, and sub-surface systems."

Tangsiri emphasized the IRGC Navy's determination to safeguard the Persian Gulf, saying, "We will work day and night to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf."

Recalling the pre-Islamic Revolution era, he noted that Iran once depended on an American company for even small fishing boats.

"We have built the Shahid Soleimani vessel with the most advanced technology," he said, adding that the warship can sail 5,000 nautical miles non-stop in international waters.

National Persian Gulf Day, observed annually on April 29 or 30, commemorates the expulsion of Portuguese colonial forces from Iranian islands by Iranian forces.

4354**9417

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Araghchi: Next Iran-US talks to be held in Rome after E3 meeting

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 11:27 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program will be convened in the Italian capital of Rome on Saturday.

Araqchi told reporters on the sidelines of the Iranian administration's weekly cabinet meeting in the capital on Wednesday that the next round of indirect talks would be held in Rome "as announced by Oman as the host."

Iran's foreign minister said the Rome meeting will be preceded by another meeting on Friday between Tehran and the European troika - the UK, France and Germany - the three European signatories to the 2015 Iran deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He said that the role of the three European countries has diminished due to their flawed policies in the course of the long-stalled negotiations, adding, "But we are not willing for this to happen, and that is why we are ready to hold the next round of negotiations with them in Rome."

Underlining that Tehran is keen to resolve its peaceful nuclear issue within a "global understanding," the top diplomat said, "We are continuing our negotiations with Europe, but the main talks are currently underway with the United States ... and the International Atomic Energy Agency will have an important role in the future if an agreement is reached."

Asked about the latest status of Iran's blocked funds due to Western sanctions, Araghchi said the frozen funds are part of the sanctions that must be lifted.

Pointing to a recent round of US sanctions against Tehran, he said, "This certainly bears a negative signal. When the opposing parties take provocative actions during negotiations, it can call their seriousness into question. Of course, we are aware that there are different viewpoints in the US and various lobbies are active there."

In response to a question about whether the issue of uranium enrichment below 20 percent has been conveyed to the US administration as a red line for Tehran, the foreign minister said, "Iran's red lines are completely clear and have also been announced to the American side."

Asked whether the negotiations have a timeline, Araghchi said, "We have not set a specific timeline, but naturally, we are not at all willing to engage in protracted negotiations and waste time, and of course, we feel that the other side has the same motivation."

The United States left the JCPOA in 2018, with its European allies in the deal saying at the time that they would convince Washington to return to the accord.

The trio, however, not only failed to do so, but also followed in Washington's footsteps by returning the sanctions that the JCPOA had lifted and piling up even more coercive economic measures against Tehran.

Mediated by Oman, Iran and the US have held three rounds of talks in Muscat and Rome on April 12, 19 and 26 with the aim of reaching a deal on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.

Both parties have so far expressed satisfaction with way the negotiations proceed, praising the talks as "positive" and "moving forward."

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Iran's top security official arrives in Brazil to hold talks with fellow BRICS members

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 11:19 AM

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian has arrived in Brazil to hold talks with the Islamic Republic's fellow members in the BRICS group of emerging economies.

While in Rio de Janeiro, Ahmadian will hold bilateral and multilateral meetings and negotiations with representatives of other member states of the 10-member intergovernmental organization, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

These meetings and talks would be focused on security, political, and economic cooperation, as well as developments in West Asia, the report added, noting that discussions are expected to be hold regarding security arrangements among BRICS member states.

Brazil will hold the rotating presidency of BRICS in 2025, and meetings related to this significant international organization will be hosted by Brazil.

Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa are the founding members of BRICS, and Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran have also recently joined the group.

The expanded BRICS group also has nine partner countries as affiliated members, including Bolivia, Cuba, Belarus, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan. The status would allow these countries to engage with and benefit from BRICS initiatives.

Countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally applied for membership, with several others expressing interest in joining.

Since its establishment after World War II, BRICS has sought to enhance the representation of the Global South in multilateral organizations and to strengthen cooperation among developing and emerging countries.

BRICS currently has a combined population of about 3.5 billion people, with a combined economy worth over $28.5 trillion or about 28 percent of the global economy.

The gathering of the group comes amid growing calls among Global South nations, including members of the BRICS group of nations, to reconfigure the existing world order, one that has been increasingly skewed in favor of a few hegemonic powers, including the United States.

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IRGC Navy says builds missile boat with speed of 116 knots

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 9:12 AM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has built a missile boat with a speed of 116 knots (215 km), the IRGC Navy chief says, lauding Iran's cutting-edge military achievements used to safeguard the Persian Gulf.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri made the announcement on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Persian Gulf National Day, which usually falls on April 30.

The day marks the anniversary of the expulsion of the Portuguese Navy from the Strait of Hormuz in 1622.

"We have built a missile boat that has a speed of 116 knots, which is equivalent to 215 kilometers per hour on land, and it has passed all technical and specialized tests," Tangsiri said.

Stressing that the IRGC Navy builds its own vessels, missiles, drones, and submersibles, Tangsiri said, "We work day and night to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf."

Pointing to the capabilities of the force, the commander said, "We recall that before the [1979] Revolution we could not even build a small fishing boat; an American company built them for us. But now we have built the Shahid (Martyr) Soleimani vessel with the most advanced technology, which can navigate the oceans for 5000 nautical miles non-stop."

The Persian Gulf  spanning some 251,000 square kilometers  is bounded by the Arvand River in the north, which forms the frontier between Iran and Iraq, and the Strait of Hormuz in the south, linking the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

The strategic inland sea is an international trade route connecting West Asia to Africa, India, and China.

It has been referred to by historians and ancient texts as "the Persian Gulf" since the Achaemenid Empire was established in what is now modern-day Iran.

Persian Gulf enjoys 'inherent importance'

Elsewhere in his remarks, the commander of the IRGC Navy said the Persian Gulf has an inherent importance, and the deepest coasts as well as the best and most suitable international waterways are located on the Iranian side.

"The Persian Gulf holds a very important economic position. Oil and gas exports in this region are very high, such that 40% of the region's gas and 62% of its oil are exported from the Persian Gulf, which indicates the importance and economic position of the Persian Gulf," Tangsiri said.

"The position of the Persian Gulf is very important in terms of security, and we have repeatedly sent messages of peace and friendship from the Islamic Republic to the countries of the region, and we have repeatedly said that we are seeking peace, friendship, and brotherhood."

Touching on the daily passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the commander said, "Today, we are proud to have established the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the daily passage of more than 80 ships in this region, all of which indicates the significance of this crucial and strategic region."

Tangsiri underscored the security of the Persian Gulf region and said the presence of extra-regional forces would be disruptive given their "sinister" plots.

"Insecurity in the strategic Strait of Hormuz has international dimensions and impacts on the economy, and is therefore extremely important and strategic. What matters to us in the Persian Gulf is peace, security, brotherhood, and friendship. We believe that the presence of foreigners in the Persian Gulf will disrupt security," he said.

"A region that is strategic and economic is very important to us and neighboring countries, and certainly the enemies are pursuing two sinister goals: one is their illegitimate presence in the region, and the other is the sale of weapons in the strategic Persian Gulf region."

Tangsiri underlined, "We are seeking security, but be absolutely sure that those who come to this region from thousands of miles away are not after security in this region."

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Iran: French threat to reimpose sanctions is 'economic blackmail'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 8:46 AM

Iran's ambassador to the UN has lambasted the French foreign minister's open threat to reimpose sanctions lifted under a 2015 deal on Tehran's nuclear program.

"Resorting to threats and economic blackmail is entirely unacceptable and represents a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter," Amir Saeid Iravani wrote in letters to UN chief General Antonio Guterres and Security Council head Jerome Bonnafont.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday that his government along with Germany and Britain "will not hesitate for a single second to reapply all the sanctions" lifted a decade ago if European security is threatened by Iran's nuclear activities.

Iravani said France's threat to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism despite its own failure to honor its commitments contradicts the fundamental principles of international law that preclude a party from claiming rights under an agreement while simultaneously failing to fulfill its obligations.

"Such an action is legally and procedurally flawed, unacceptable, and invalid, and would undermine the credibility of the Security Council," he added.

The snapback mechanism is triggered simply by the assertion of significant non-compliance on the part of a participating state, a prerogative the West might abuse based on its accusations.

Iravani further reaffirmed Iran's commitment to diplomacy and constructive engagement, but "genuine diplomacy cannot be conducted under threats or pressure".

"If France and its partners are truly interested in a diplomatic resolution, they must abandon coercion and respect the sovereign rights of States under international law."

Iravani said France's credibility on non-proliferation is fundamentally undermined by its own record as it continues to modernize and expand its nuclear arsenal, remains silent about, and is complicit in the Israeli regime's undeclared nuclear weapons program.

France has also yet to fulfill its disarmament obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he added.

The ambassador rejected the French foreign minister's accusations that Iran sought to acquire nuclear weapons,

"Allegations that Iran is 'on the cusp' of developing nuclear weapons are entirely unfounded and politically irresponsible. The Islamic Republic of Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons, and its defensive doctrine has not been changed," Iravani said.

"Iran unequivocally rejects all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including nuclear arms," he said. "As a founding member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran remains fully committed to its obligations under the treaty."

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he said, "continues to monitor and verify the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. Its reports have consistently verified that there has been no diversion of nuclear material for non-peaceful purposes."

Barrot's allegations about Tehran's peaceful nuclear program reflect either a fundamental misunderstanding or deliberate distortion of Iran's legal rights under international law, Iravani said.

The claims also demonstrate a selective interpretation of facts and exemplifies a persistent pattern of double standards by a country that bears specific responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council, he added.

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Iran Executes Alleged Israeli Spy Tied To Killing Of Senior Military Officer

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 30, 2025

Iran's 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.

Iran's 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-execute- israeli-spy-irgc-colonel/33400966.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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Maximum Pressure Sanctions on Illicit Traders of Iranian Petroleum and Petrochemical Products

US Department of State

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

April 30, 2025



The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East, advance its nuclear program, and support its terrorist partners and proxies. Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the regime uses to fund these destabilizing activities. The Department of State is imposing sanctions on seven entities engaged in Iranian petroleum products and petrochemical products trade and is identifying two vessels as blocked property.

This action includes the designation of four sellers of Iranian petrochemicals and one purchaser who have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds for Iran's destabilizing activities. These companies send Iranian-origin petrochemicals and petrochemical products to third party countries and enable Iran to evade sanctions and continue to generate revenue.

The Department of State is also sanctioning one marine management company for transporting Iranian petroleum products. Two vessels managed by this company are also being identified as blocked property. Iran's energy exports are enabled by a network of such illicit shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian petroleum products for sale to buyers in Asia.

The Department of State is additionally sanctioning an Iran-based cargo inspection company. Such companies are hired by buyers and shippers of cargo as third-party actors to ensure and certify that a purchased cargo is properly loaded onto the vessel transporting it. By doing so, they reduce the risk these sanctions violators face, thereby playing an important role in the supply chains for illicit Iranian energy products.

All targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, which authorizes and reimposes certain sanctions with respect to Iran Federal Register : Reimposing Certain Sanctions With Respect to Iran

The Department is designating the following entities pursuant to section 3(a)(iii) of E.O. 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petrochemical products from Iran:

Pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846, the following entities are being designated for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran:

KEYHAN SANJESH AZMA i s an Iran-based cargo surveyor/inspection company that has inspected the loading of tankers complicit in working with U.S.-designated TRILIANCE PETROCHEMICAL CO. LTD. Treasury Sanctions Companies for Enabling the Shipment and Sale of Iranian Petrochemicals | U.S. Department of the Treasury to evade sanctions. KEYHAN SANJESH AZMA, acting on the behalf of its customer, knowingly engaged in a significant transaction of petroleum products from Iran in November 2022, when the company documented and certified the loading of Iranian petroleum products onto the tanker Leonid. KEYHAN SANJESH AZMA continues to act as a cargo surveyor for the loading of Iranian petroleum and petroleum products, doing so at least as recently as August 2024, when it certified the loading of Iranian petroleum products onto several vessels from Tombak Port, Iran.

s an Iran-based cargo surveyor/inspection company that has inspected the loading of tankers complicit in working with U.S.-designated TRILIANCE PETROCHEMICAL CO. LTD. Treasury Sanctions Companies for Enabling the Shipment and Sale of Iranian Petrochemicals | U.S. Department of the Treasury to evade sanctions. KEYHAN SANJESH AZMA, acting on the behalf of its customer, knowingly engaged in a significant transaction of petroleum products from Iran in November 2022, when the company documented and certified the loading of Iranian petroleum products onto the tanker Leonid. KEYHAN SANJESH AZMA continues to act as a cargo surveyor for the loading of Iranian petroleum and petroleum products, doing so at least as recently as August 2024, when it certified the loading of Iranian petroleum products onto several vessels from Tombak Port, Iran. VROOM MARINE VENTURE FZE (VROOM) is the UAE-based commercial manager of the tankers ELOISE and OLIA. Through the vessels, it has managed over the years it has transported multiple shipments of Iranian petroleum products, including naphtha.

The following vessels are being identified as property in which VROOM has an interest:

ELOISE (IMO: 9233234)

OLIA (IMO: 9268112)

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's sanctions-related actions, and in accordance with E.O. 13846, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, all entities and individuals that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.

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 are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (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.

Petitions for removal from the SDN List may be sent to:

OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov. Petitioners may also refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page.

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Smotrich: Israel will not stop until Gazans displaced, Syria partitioned

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 7:47 AM

Extremist finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says Israel will only stop its invasion of Gaza when "hundreds of thousands" of Palestinians are forcibly displaced and Syria is dismembered as a state.

"We will end this campaign ...when Gaza is cleansed of Hamas and hundreds of thousands of Gazans are on their way out of it to other countries," he said in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday.

His remarks underscore the Israeli regime's obstinance to carry out the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, first suggested by US President Donald Trump.

Emboldened by the announcement, Israel resumed its war on Gaza in March, breaching a brief ceasefire brokered by the US. It has since been pummeling Gaza, practically making the territory uninhabitable in an apparent bid to force Palestinians to leave it.

For the past 50 days, Israel has prevented humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, where hundreds of civilians have been killed in intensified attacks.

The occupying regime has also lobbied countries to accept forcibly displaced Palestinians, even though the Israeli plans do not appear to stop there.

In his remarks, Smotrich called for the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah to be "severely beaten," suggesting that Israel is set to keep its forces in southern Lebanon.

He also called for Syria to be dismembered as a state, despite de-facto leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani's overtures not to threaten Israel and even hinting at potential normalization with the regime.

In early April, Smotrich said in a statement to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth that "not even a grain of wheat will enter Gaza."

In total, Israel has killed at least 52,365 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded 117,905 others in Gaza since October 2023.

Israel also destroyed vast parts of the blockaded Palestinian territory, including most of its food production capabilities.

Around 90 percent of the population is displaced, with hundreds of thousands of people living in tent camps and bombed-out buildings.

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Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru's Visit to the Philippines

(Visit to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels)

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

April 30, 2025

On April 30, from 3:50 p.m. local time (4:50 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 40 minutes, Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru visited the Mine Sweeper Tender (MST) Bungo and the Mine Sweeper Ocean (MSO) Etajima of the JMSDF's 3rd Minesweeping Division in the Port of Manila, and encouraged the JMSDF personnel who have been engaged in activities contributing to peace and stability in the region and the international community during the on-going long time overseas deployment. Prime Minister Ishiba also oversaw the main equipment of both vessels.

(Reference) MST Bungo and MSO Etajima

MST Bungo is the second Uraga-class MST that was commissioned in March 1998. It belongs to the 3rd Minesweeper Division and is equipped with command and communication functions, and its main mission is to lay various types of mines to support MSO and other vessels to defense harbors. MSO Etajima was commissioned in March 2021 as the third Awaji-class ship, and its main mission is to dispose various types of mines.

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Junta bombs kill 8, injure dozens in northwest Myanmar

Post-quake attacks have killed nearly 250 people, according to the country's exiled civilian government.

By RFA Burmese 2025.04.30 -- Junta aerial attacks in an embattled region of northwest Myanmar killed eight people and injured dozens more, residents told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

The country's Sagaing region is the epicenter of both insurgent movements against the military that seized control over the country in a 2021 coup and the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that killed thousands. It is home to towns and villages frequently targeted by junta soldiers for raids, arson, mass arrests and bombings.

The military regime's air force dropped 47 bombs on Kale township's Nat Chaung, Nat Myaung, Ngapha, Than Po, Chaung Gwa and Aung Chan Thar villages on Saturday and Sunday, killing seven women and one man and injuring 28 others, residents said.

Most people from Nat Chaung village fled the area, said one man, who declined to be named for security reasons.

"The damage was minimal as people had prepared bomb shelters and air defenses. Depending on the number of bombs dropped, the casualties could have been much worse," he said, adding that the number of casualties had not been fully assessed yet because villagers had fled the area.

Everyone killed was a civilian, he added.

Following a ceasefire agreement with the rebel Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in northern Shan state where Lashio was handed back to junta forces on April 22, the military has focused attacks on other parts of the country, increasingly targeting Mandalay and Sagaing region.

Myanmar's exiled civilian National Unity Government, or NUG, comprised of politicians ousted during the 2021 coup, criticized ceasefire agreements made with the junta, saying they often use the alliances to increase attacks on other groups.

"If we are unable to unite nationwide and, due to various pressures, side with the military or reach some kind of agreement with the military, this is a very dangerous situation for us and for the revolution," said the spokesperson for the NUG Prime Minister's Office Nay Bone Latt. "It is very important for everyone to understand this situation and for the revolutionary forces to build a strong unity."

Junta forces have bombed the country 225 times from the March 28 earthquake to April 29, with half the attacks occurring in Sagaing and Mandalay regions, according to data compiled by the NUG. The attacks killed 242 people, including 29 children, and injured 391.

Myanmar's military declared a ceasefire from April 2 to 30.

RFA called junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for more information, but he did not respond by the time of publication.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

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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Secretary Rubio's Call with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 30, 2025

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Today, Secretary Marco Rubio spoke with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The Secretary spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence.

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.

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) today to witness Exercise Hammer Strikea high-intensity, field training exercise conducted by Pakistan Army's Mangla Strike Corps.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - May 01, 2025

No PR-139/2025-ISPR

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) today to witness Exercise Hammer Strikea high-intensity, field training exercise conducted by Pakistan Army's Mangla Strike Corps.

Upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Corps Commander.

The exercise was meticulously designed to validate combat readiness, battlefield synergy, and the operational integration of cutting-edge weapon systems under near-battlefield conditions. A diverse array of advanced capabilities, including multirole fighter aircraft, combat aviation assets, long-range precision artillery, and next-generation field engineering techniques, were employed to simulate conventional battlefield scenarios.

Troops from all arms and services demonstrated exceptional tactical cohesion, agility, and lethality during synchronized offensive manoeuvres - reflecting an extraordinary level of training and professionalism. Notably, the exercise showcased Pakistan Army's increasing absorption of niche and emerging technologies to augment its kinetic and non-kinetic operational capabilities.

During the visit, COAS lauded the high morale, combat proficiency, and warfighting spirit of the officers and troops, terming them the embodiment of Pakistan Army's operational excellence.

Addressing the troops, the COAS reaffirmed the unyielding resolve of Pakistan's Armed Forces to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. "Let there be no ambiguity: any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response. While Pakistan remains committed to regional peace, our preparedness and resolve to safeguard national interests is absolute," he stated.

Exercise Hammer Strike stands as a testament to Pakistan Army's pursuit of continuous transformation through rigorous training, doctrinal innovation, and technological modernization.

Senior military leadership, formation commanders, and dignitaries from various services witnessed the exercise.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions summing up the outcomes of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Council meeting, Rio de Janeiro, April 29, 2025

29 April 2025 21:42

733-29-04-2025

Colleagues,

First, I would like to once again thank our Brazilian friends for their traditional hospitality and the perfect arrangements for the BRICS ministerial meeting, as well as for holding the additional meeting between BRICS participants and their partner countries.

These countries were able to take part in today's meeting following the Kazan Summit. Held as part of Russia's chairmanship, it made a historical decision to create this partner category, which includes Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan.

We agreed to remain proactive in attracting partner countries and engaging them in our joint undertakings in various formats, from ministerial meetings to expert-level events and initiatives by specific ministries.

We spoke out in favour of further enhancing the contribution by BRICS and the countries of the Global Majority in general to addressing the key challenges the world is facing today. We noted that collective actions by our group can play an important role in achieving sustainable development goals, ensuring security and fostering economic growth.

At the meeting, we paid special attention to the need to continue our efforts to promote reform within international financial institutions, primarily by revising IMF quotas, which must reflect the role of the Global South and East in the global financial system and economy. In this context, most of the delegations talked about the destructive nature of the policy coming from the collective West. By the way, the West may have become less united lately, even if all Western representatives have the same goal, which consists of continuing to live at the expense of others by relying on neo-colonial practices. This includes unilateral illegitimate sanctions, abusing their currencies within the international financial system and using unjustified protectionist measures in trade, as well as tariff wars, which have been the talk of the town these days. We noted that the Western Minority is rocking the international financial and economic architecture and could cause major disruptions as it attempts to hold on to its waning dominance and continue to benefit from competitive advantages at the expense of others.

There was quite a lengthy discussion on the latest regional and international developments, including the multiple crisis situations around the world. The deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories and across the Middle East in general, as well as in many regions of the African continent is a matter of special concern.

Russia emphasised that relying on the principles set forth in the UN Charter could help find effective solutions to all these challenges, as long as these provisions are used in an integral, holistic and complementary manner instead of on a case-by-case approach which consists of cherry picking principles depending on the specific goals they must fulfil.

We reaffirmed our support for reforming the UN Security Council, including our support for India and Brazil becoming permanent members of the UN Security Council, while also addressing the issue of Africa's representation.

Of course, much has been said about the Ukraine situation. Once again, we offered a detailed insight into our principled approaches to settling this conflict by addressing its root causes. These causes consist of NATO's long-standing eastward expansion efforts all the way to the Russian border and its attempts to drag Ukraine into the alliance. This creates immediate security threats along the Russian border. Another important factor I would like to highlight is the Kiev regime's policy of eliminating and cancelling anything related to Russia and the Russian world, including the Russian language, culture, Russian-language media outlets, and the canonical Orthodox Church. Most of the participants are becoming increasingly receptive to our approaches, judging by their remarks on the Ukraine situation. We will continue these efforts.

The Brazilian chairmanship will circulate the meeting's outcome document.

We would like to wish our Brazilian friends every success in preparing and holding the 17th BRICS Summit. It is scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro. I am certain that the summit will be a success and yields tangible results, enabling us to further reinforce our strategic partnership. Russia will do everything to facilitate this process.

Question: Do the BRICS countries share a unified position on the trade war waged by Donald Trump?

Sergey Lavrov: We do not mention any names in the final document. The document will be circulated. It outlines our overarching policy approaches to current developments in the global economy.

The final document affirms the overall conclusion on the adverse effects of global economy fragmentation, expresses concerns regarding the erosion of multilateralism, the violation of the principles of fairness and inclusivity that must underpin the trade system. The World Trade Organisation, properly adapted to contemporary realities, must remain at the core of this system. We have explicitly articulated our concerns about unilateral protectionist measures and sanctions, including secondary sanctions, that contravene WTO principles.

The document explicitly states that it is unacceptable to obstruct decisions on WTO reform - especially regarding the blocking and revival of the Dispute Settlement Body. Broadly, our partners and allied nations share this position. It will form the basis for relevant drafts developed in preparation for the July 67 summit in Rio-de-Janeiro.

Question: Are BRICS participants watching the developments in Russia-US talks? What opinions, including about the impact on BRICS, have been voiced?

Sergey Lavrov: Certainly, it is imperative that all parties have a clear understanding of the evolving dynamics between Moscow and Washington. This point has been emphasised in multiple remarks and during numerous bilateral engagements I conducted on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting. We keep our partners informed regularly, after nearly every interaction between Russia and US representatives. We communicate assessments through both our own ambassadors and the ambassadors of our partners in Moscow. This is not a case where we have to keep it strictly confidential.

We advocate for an honest and equal dialogue aimed at building a balance of interests. The United States has reciprocated with similar signals. Russia and the US are working together across multiple domains. In fact, they continue to cooperate literally as we speak.

The positive side of these developments is widely recognised. There is hope that the promising trajectory of Russia-US dialogue will become reality. I anticipate a solid confirmation of the reciprocal interest between Moscow and Washington in the near term. Whether we can translate this mutual interest into tangible outcomes is to be seen imminently.

Russia remains committed to fostering transparent relations with the United States, which is in no way detrimental to the traditionally close ties with our strategic partners and like-minded nations.

Question: The establishment of a BRICS Pay system for settlements in national currencies between the group's members was announced at last year's BRICS Summit in Kazan during Russia's chairmanship.

Despite US President Trump's threats of "draconian" tariffs if BRICS replaced the US dollar as a reserve currency, Brazil, which has taken over from Russia this year, has declared its support for that Russian initiative. What is the progress of this dialogue? What else can the group do in response to the Western attempts to use global reserve currencies as a weapon?

Sergey Lavrov: This dialogue is progressing.

The BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors have recently held a meeting during which they discussed, as per the instructions of the Kazan Summit, the task of creating independent payment systems. It has been decided to more actively use national currencies in mutual trade. The final document we have adopted today emphasises the importance of continued efforts in this sphere.

National currencies account for over 65 percent in trade between BRICS countries, while the share of the US dollar has diminished to one third. Other tasks stipulate the creation of payment instruments and platforms, including discussing the possibility of creating a cross-border payment system and an electronic depository and clearance system (BRICS Clear), and a unified mechanism for exchanging trade and economic information.

We continue discussing insurance and reinsurance variants for new grain trading platforms and the possibility of spreading this experience to other raw material products. All this has been included in the final document.

It is a long-term policy based on principle, considering the current trends in the global economy created by our Western colleagues' unilateral actions. This is one of our priorities.

Question: Is it possible to create an international court within BRICS as an alternative to the International Criminal Court, which has obviously discredited itself?

Sergey Lavrov: That issue was on the table, but it has not been included in the final document because BRICS should not create any independent judicial authorities. We believe that international trials should be based on a solid consensus of all participating states.

As you have correctly pointed out, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has fully discredited itself. It is being steered by Western countries. It protects some countries from criticism even though they openly violate international law, and adopts measures aimed at punishing other countries, up to and including arrest warrants, in the absence of factual proof.

Acting independently of BRICS on the international stage, including at the UN, Russia is promoting an initiative to encourage as many countries as possible to speak up for the depoliticization of international criminal justice. We must preclude situations when openly biased structures, such as the ICC, handle essential issues related to the immunities of states set out and sealed in international law.

It is a long process. The African Union countries previously called for withdrawing from the ICC, and they have not changed their stance.

Question: According to international experts, there was a 10 percent surge in military spending in 2024 around the world. They said that this was the worst result since the Cold War. Can BRICS help countries divert from this dangerous path that could pave the way for the third world war?

Sergey Lavrov: I am certain that this sits perfectly well with the position of BRICS, which consists of doing everything to prevent this from happening.

That said, efforts by this group alone would not be enough to make this a reality. Many other countries outside of BRICS have demonstrated their understanding that a third world war must not happen. This includes the leaders of the United States. In particular, Vice-President JD Vance has recently raised this point by sending a warning signal to those who encourage the Ukrainian regime to continue the war and those who are trying to draw Europeans into this conflict by deploying various forces in Ukraine, be it peacekeepers, stabilisation forces, or any other units.

It is essential that the five nuclear powers stick to the positions set forth in the statement of the P5 leaders. The heads of state from the countries with permanent seats in the UN Security Council adopted this statement at Russia's initiative in January 2022. It is based on the long-standing agreement between the USSR and the United States and their joint statement saying that a nuclear war cannot be won and for that matter everything must be done to ensure that it is never fought.

This objective has become relevant these days, especially considering the reckless, aggressive actions and calls coming from senior officials in the European Union and London.

Question: President Vladimir Putin has recently met with US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin. What do you think about where Russia's relations with its partners are headed, considering that meetings of this kind always serve as a signal for many other countries? Have these diplomatic contacts created new opportunities for Russia?

Sergey Lavrov: As I have already said, dialogue is always better, any other circumstances notwithstanding. I am a bit puzzled by the way in which certain countries have responded to the recent developments in Russia-US relations. Everyone tends to view these Russia-US contacts as being nothing short of sensational. But our two countries were locked in quite a fierce ideology-driven confrontation during the Cold War. Nevertheless, the dialogue between us never stopped.

Today, the doctrines set forth by the Joe Biden administration remain in force in the United States. Nobody cancelled them. They cast Russia as the main and immediate threat in the context of the Ukraine conflict, while designating the PRC as the main long-term adversary.

If you follow the statements by our Chinese friends and their comments regarding relations with Washington, as well as what the United States has been saying about China, you will see that there is also a lot of harsh rhetoric regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea, and many other matters. That said, there was not a single moment when Washington and Beijing stopped talking to each other. They keep up their conversation, their leaders remain in touch, foreign ministers hold meetings, and so do security specialists and defence ministers.

Therefore, I do not think that Russia-US dialogue in its current state can be described as something incredible. We simply put it back on track, while those who thought that it was a sensational turnaround are influenced by the logic cultivated by the Joe Biden administration in its effort to cast Russia as a rogue nation, a country facing total isolation with a shattered economy, and so on. This is to say that we simply restored the sense of normalcy in our relations. I have a feeling that most countries of the Global South and East, our strategic partners and allies, have a positive attitude regarding these developments.

Question: President Vladimir Putin has announced another ceasefire during commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga urged Russia to establish a ceasefire right away for 30 days rather than three. What can you say about this? Is a ceasefire, even a short-term one, even possible considering where the Kiev authorities stand on this matter at this point?

Sergey Lavrov: Never read what representatives of the Ukrainian regime have to say, either at night, or in the morning. We know perfectly well what their words are worth. You may recall that two months or so ago Kiev was issuing threats and warnings saying they would not accept any kind of ceasefire. European radicals incited the Kiev regime to stay the course saying that ceasefire talks could begin only with Ukraine having an advantage on the battlefield. So, they went on to say, we will flood Ukraine with even more weapons and then, when "Russia gets weaker," we will talk with it from a position of strength.

Now, they have suddenly - not suddenly, of course, but bearing in mind what is happening on the ground, on the line of contact, where the Ukrainian regime is increasingly yielding ground - reversed their position and came up with demand an immediate ceasefire without preconditions.

We've been there before when in February 2014, a truce, in fact, was declared between the opposition and then President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich, and a peace instrument was signed to hold early elections and to create a government of people's unity for the time before the election day. Come morning, they trampled upon the "truce" and seized administrative buildings.

The next "truce" was concluded as part of the Minsk agreements after the Kiev regime, which had launched an aggression against its own people, choked on its own calculations and asked for a truce. We concluded the Minsk agreements and had them approved by the UN Security Council. The Ukrainians didn't give a hoot about these agreements.

Back then, Petr Poroshenko was still in office. When Vladimir Zelensky became president under the banner of complying with the Minsk agreements and establishing peace, and calling to stop discrimination against the Russian language and letting Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine speak the language they grew up with and which at that time was the official language in Ukraine. Zelensky was president when the French and Germans, as "guarantors" - they referred to themselves that way - of the Minsk agreements convened a summit in Paris in December 2019, which I had the honour to attend. Then German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Vladimir Zelensky, and President Putin took part in it. A document was drafted urging the sides to act upon the key point of the Minsk agreements, the key first step which was to declare a ceasefire and to enforce it along the entire line of contact.

By the time the document finalised by the ministers was on the table of the leaders, Zelensky said emphatically he wouldn't sign it, because, he said, it was an impossible thing to do and he was against putting an end to hostilities, because Russia would then come out on top. He said he was ready to declare a truce on three segments of the line of contact and see what happens next. The French, the Germans, and we were surprised to hear that, but President Putin said it was at least something and we should go ahead with it. It was approved. A document was released calling for a ceasefire in three areas which also confirmed the importance of ensuring the autonomous status of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics. However, with the agreement in place, Ukraine didn't act on it. The Ukrainian armed forces did not make it possible for us to secure truce in any of these three areas.

Then, of course, there was a ceasefire declared in connection with the Istanbul agreement in April 2022. The Ukrainians and Westerners specifically asked us to settle the situation, first and foremost, to stop hostilities. It's as if they were asking us to make a gesture of goodwill and join them in stopping hostilities. Russia pulling back its forces from Kiev would send an important and positive message, they said. As you are aware, we did just that.

Everyone knows how it turned out. They immediately broke news that the Russians had withdrawn their forces. Then came Bucha provocation which to this day remains on the conscience of the West. Our continuous requests to publish a list of the names of those whose corpses were shown lying there remain unanswered.

Speaking about the most recent examples of the ceasefire, the ceasefire announced by President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Easter was not observed by the Kiev regime. A huge number of violations were documented.

The ceasefire proposed by President Trump in the form of a moratorium on strikes on energy infrastructure was fully respected by the Russian side for 30 days, but had no effect on the Kiev regime's aggressive behaviour. A couple of hundred violations were documented by our representatives. We have sent this list to the UN and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We know full well what these calls for a ceasefire are worth.

The EU leaders, High Representative [of the European Commission] for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and other "representatives" only demand that Russia "agree to an unconditional ceasefire" because they are suffering a defeat on the battlefield and their plans of inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia will never materialise. That is clear to everyone.

Our proposal, which President Vladimir Putin has made public, is to launch direct talks without any preconditions. In the current situation, a ceasefire is a preliminary condition that will be used to provide assistance to the Kiev regime and reinforce its combat capabilities.

You may remember that President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has recently visited Moscow. During a joint news conference, President Putin was asked about the idea of a 30-day ceasefire proposed by our American colleagues. President Putin supported the idea but added that it should be formulated so that it would not fail like all the previous attempts. He explained that for a ceasefire to be effective and to reach its goal, a smooth-running, objective and transparent daily system should be established to monitor the sides' activities along the entire contact line. We are all aware of the Kiev regime's "talent" for organising provocations. There is no doubt that such provocations would continue regardless of the way the ceasefire is organised. We don't see any possibility for honest monitoring that would guarantee honest compliance with ceasefire conditions.

A recent shocking example is the terrorist attack against a Russian general. It was a mean and cowardly act. The West remains silent on this, while Ukrainian representatives, including heads of parliamentary committees, say that it was the right thing to do, that the enemy must be destroyed, and that they would continue to destroy it even if a ceasefire were approved.

We won't be fooled by promises any longer, as President Putin has unambiguously stated.

Question: You have recently said that Russia regards the WTO as an organisation that is using discrimination. You also said that Moscow might revise its obligations to that organisation. According to a statement you have made today, you agree with your Brazilian colleagues, by and large, that the WTO could play a role in the current economic situation if it were reformed. What made you change your stance? Was it the stance of your Brazilian colleagues? Do you really believe that the WTO can be given a second lease on life?

Sergey Lavrov: I don't see any contradiction here. My stance has not changed. The situation [with the WTO] is the same as with the UN Charter. The Charter is a good document that fully meets all the requirements for strengthening multipolarity in international relations. But Western countries only use it randomly and as they see fit, or completely disregard it while promoting their "rules-based order."

The same is true about the World Trade Organisation. If the principles that underlie it were respected in full, this would have been in the interests of all member states.

But the trouble is that these principles are disregarded. The operations of that crucial dispute settlement body have been blocked for many long years, primarily by the United States, which does not want that body to accept substantiated complaints against protectionist and other illegal US measures.

In other words, we must go back to the basics. It is in this spirit that we should discuss reforming the WTO. A reform must not eliminate the principles of equality and mutual benefit but strengthen them and ensure their implementation, precluding new attempts to pledge commitment in word while acting to the contrary in deed. This has been clearly spelled out in the final document of our meeting.

Question (in English): The Brazilian Presidency has not supported a new round of BRICS expansion this year, instead focusing on the institutional consolidation of the group. I would like to know, from Russia's perspective, when might BRICS be ready to resume a new round of expansion, if it should happen as soon as possible, or if the difficulties seen in this meeting, for example on finding common language on the UN Security Council reform, suggest that these disagreements should be addressed before a new round of expansion happens? And on this topic, I would like to know from the Russian perspective, how should the process of associate members, like Cuba, could pass from associate members to full members. How should this process be in the Russian vision?

Sergey Lavrov (answers in English): It is not true that Brazil is not supporting a new round of BRICS expansion. The truth is that last year, when we met in Kazan and welcomed the new full members, when BRICS doubled its membership, it was decided to take a little pause in further expansion, so that we can accommodate the work and the new composition of BRICS  so that the group can smoothly get into the new situation with increased membership. And this was the common opinion. The aspirations of many countries were taken into account when the category of partner countries was established and it is understood that the partner countries would be priority candidates for full membership. I have no doubt that the expansion process would resume very soon.

We have decided, as I said, to spend this year to see how this accommodation will be going on. It is obvious that the more members there are, the more time is necessary to get accommodated to this situation and the more efforts would be necessary to build consensus. This is a natural phenomenon.

As regards the Security Council reform, we have been asserting our commitment to the progress on this issue for many years, practically at every BRICS summit, at every ministerial meeting, we have been including this language. And we discussed this situation this year as well.

Russia, as I said, consistently supports Brazil and India as strong candidates for the permanent membership in the Security Council in the context of its expansion, provided that at the same time African aspirations are also satisfied. As I said, the Security Council requires more members from the Global South and Global East.

We cannot support any expansion of the number of the Western states in the Security Council. They are already six out of 15. Besides, none of the aspirants like Germany or Japan can bring any added value to the discussions on the Security Council. They stick to the common position of the collective West.

As to the issue of reflecting the position by the BRICS membership on the issue of the Security Council, you know, we are flexible. We believe that the main thing is to confirm the need to meet aspirations of the developing countries. And this could be done in various ways and the formulation of the declarations by the ministerial meetings and by the summits, all these formulas are available. We confirmed yesterday and today that we are ready to use any formula and any new language which might be proposed. Of course, we need consensus on this issue, but the main thing is that the reform of the Security Council would be resolved not by language contained in any declaration of any organisation, except the United Nations, where an eventual vote would take place. It is there that this issue would be resolved.

Question (in English): I would like to ask you, how do you see the BRICS as an alternative or opposition platform towards the United States? Would you support this view? I would like to know as well if anything related to this topic will be in the declaration for today's meeting? How important are BRICS tariffs in this context of the new US tariffs?

Sergey Lavrov (answers in English): Well, I have already commented on the negative effect of the US tariffs on the world trade and the world economy. You know, it works in the direction of fragmenting the global economic system, and there is language in the final declaration, the final document describing the negative effects of the tariff war, of protectionist measures of other kind, of unilateral sanctions, including secondary sanctions, undermining the activities of the universal institutions, be it the IMF, the WTO, be it the World Bank. It is not, it should not be presented as an opposition, political opposition to anybody, be it the United States or the European Union. It is the negotiating position which BRICS would promote in relevant international fora, first of all, in the United Nations, in the Bretton Woods institutions and, of course, in the G20, where BRICS plus partners are working together with the G7 and the partners of G7. It is a very important forum, which represents, I think, more than 90 percent of the world economy.

This is a negotiating position. The countries of the West know about this, and they cannot avoid specific, concrete dialogue aimed at reaching mutually acceptable conclusions. We are fighting for a balance of interest, not for defeating anybody in the Western camp.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Celinda Sosa Lunda

29 April 2025 21:34

732-29-04-2025

On April 29 in Rio de Janeiro, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda of the Plurinational State of Bolivia on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting.

A comprehensive exchange of views was conducted on pressing issues of bilateral collaboration across various fields, including cooperation in trade and economic spheres, as well as prospects for the implementation of large-scale investment projects. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the multifaceted Russian-Bolivian ties.

The two states underscored their dedication to upholding the central role of the United Nations and the principles of international law. Matters pertaining to Bolivia's engagement with BRICS in its capacity as a partner country were also addressed.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic Roberto Alvarez following talks, Santo Domingo, April 30, 2025

30 April 2025 21:00

740-30-04-2025

Ladies and gentlemen,

I believe the talks that Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic Roberto Alvarez and I just had were very productive, and were held in an atmosphere of mutual trust. We discussed in detail bilateral, regional, and international issues, including our interaction at the UN.

We noted that this is the first visit by the Russian Foreign Minister to the Dominican Republic in the history of our relations, which will turn 80 soon. This visit is timed to coincide with the opening of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Santo Domingo. Our Ambassador Alexey Seredin and his small, but friendly and efficient staff have been working here for several weeks now. So far, they have been focusing on living quarters and office premises, which work needs time and effort. We will help them in every way we can for the Embassy to start functioning in its own premises as soon as possible and to focus on promoting our relations with the Dominican Republic across all areas.

The Dominican Republic is our promising partner in Latin America and the Caribbean. We appreciate the traditional friendly ties between us that are based on mutual respect and balance of interests. What we heard today fully confirms this commitment. We fully share it.

Both sides have noted the availability of significant opportunities for deepening our trade and economic cooperation. We covered promising areas of interaction, primarily, tourism. Tourist exchanges are further promoted by the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Dominican Republic on the terms and conditions for waiving visa formalities for mutual travel of the citizens of the Russian Federation and the citizens of the Dominican Republic. That is, travel for citizens of the two countries is visa-free. We discussed specific steps to expand the tourist flow to the Dominican Republic. We have an understanding of what we need to do to get there, including the resumption of direct air service.

We agreed to promote the establishment of direct contacts between business circles and support them every step of the way. There are initiatives from both sides, including the initiative of the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Russian Federation, who, in conjunction with our Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is preparing a business forum to present the opportunities offered by the Dominican Republic. Russian regions will be invited to participate. This is a promising approach which we will promote in every possible way.

Of course, in addition to business circles, our respective governments have a stake in promoting mutually beneficial trade and investment projects. We agreed to take steps to establish and to ensure practical operation of the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation on the basis of the existing bilateral Memorandum. Co-chairs from both sides will be appointed soon.

Both sides are interested in expanding cultural, humanitarian, and educational ties, including training professional staff. We provide government scholarships - and will continue to do so - to Dominican students studying at Russian universities.

The practice of Dominican police officers participating in anti-drug courses at the Russian Interior Ministry Training Centre in the capital of Nicaragua has a good track record. Dominican representatives also attend courses for the emergency services of Latin American and Caribbean states at the regional Russian-Cuban Centre for Rescue Training.

We discussed our interaction at the UN. We noted that in most cases our positions overlap. We are grateful to the Dominican Republic for supporting a number of Russian initiatives, including resolutions on unacceptability of glorifying Nazism, the importance of preventing militarisation of outer space, and a number of other initiatives, including a recently adopted resolution - for the first time ever - on the importance of countering the revival of colonialism in any form.

We also focused on discussions about the UN reform and the multipolar world order trends. In this regard, at the request of my colleague, I provided a detailed account of the discussions and final decisions of the BRICS Ministerial Council meeting and the meeting of BRICS members with partner states, which took place in Rio de Janeiro on April 28-29.

I see that conceptually and substantively we can coordinate our actions, because the Russian Federation has an observer status with the Association of Caribbean States. We hope that it will soon acquire the same status with the Central American Integration System.

I would like to once again say thank you to our Dominican friends for the excellent hospitality and organisation of the events, and warm weather, too.

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Telephone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

May 1, 2025

13:05

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the current state of Russia-UAE relations, which constitute a strategic partnership and continue to develop successfully across political, trade, economic, and humanitarian spheres. This close cooperation enables ongoing dialogue even on the most sensitive international issues.

Vladimir Putin highly praised the UAE's assistance with prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. In particular, thanks to the Emirati side's efforts, 246 Russian members of the military returned home on Easter eve, April 19.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Vladimir Putin and the Russian nation on the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

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Syria: UN envoy warns of escalating violence in Syria

30 April 2025 - The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, voiced deep concern on Wednesday over the recent surge in violence across Syria, particularly in the suburbs of Damascus and in Homs.

He described the latest clashes as "unacceptable" and warned of the risk of further escalation in what he called an "extremely fragile situation".

Fighting erupted earlier this week in Ashrafiah Sahnaya, a town southwest of the capital, when unknown gunmen attacked a security checkpoint.

The following day, another deadly clash took place in the nearby suburb of Jaramana. In total, at least 16 civilians and security personnel were reported killed.

'Immediate steps' needed to protect civilians

"The reports of civilian casualties, and casualties among security personnel, are deeply alarming," said Mr Pedersen in a statement. "Immediate steps must be taken to protect civilians, de-escalate tensions, and prevent any further incitement of communal conflict."

The violence comes as tensions reportedly remain high between Syria's interim Government and Druze communities near the capital.

The Druze, a religious minority in Syria, have been engaged in talks about their inclusion in the new Syrian State, following the overthrow of the Assad regime last December.

Many in the community are reportedly calling for some level of autonomy, concerned over the Islamist background of some of Syria's current leadership.

Amid the domestic unrest, Israel has also carried out military strikes in Syria, reportedly targeting what the Prime Minister described as an "extremist group" allegedly preparing to attack the Druze population south of Damascus.

A second strike reportedly killed a Syrian security officer outside the capital.

Syrian sovereignty 'must be fully respected'

Mr. Pedersen condemned the Israeli attacks, saying they must stop. "Syria's sovereignty must be fully respected."

He stressed the importance of accountability for those responsible for killing civilians and fuelling tensions.

"There can be no progress without genuine inclusion, trust-building, and meaningful dialogue," he said.

The Special Envoy welcomed efforts already underway to calm the situation and urged all sides to work together to prevent further bloodshed.

Dialogue, not destruction

With tensions still simmering following last month's sectarian violence in Latakia, which claimed over 1,000 lives, the UN is calling for restraint and unity at a critical juncture for Syria's future.

"The people of Syria have suffered too much for too long," Mr Pedersen said.

"They deserve peace, dignity, and a future built on dialogue, not destruction."

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MOFA denounces Somalia for no longer accepting Taiwan passport

ROC Central News Agency

04/30/2025 11:37 AM

Taipei, April 30 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has protested Somalia's move to no longer accept visitors or transit passengers with Taiwanese passports starting Wednesday.

Citing a 1971 United Nations resolution that in effect expelled the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) from the international body, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) announced on April 22 that it would no longer accept passports issued by the Taiwan authorities starting April 30, according to MOFA.

Somalia's government said it was making the decision to honor the "one-China principle" upheld by Beijing that sees Taiwan as part of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The SCAA said it has notified all airline operators to not accept passports issued by the Taiwan authorities and other travel documents, whether for arrival in or transit through Somalia.

MOFA responded in a statement late Tuesday that it was lodging a stern protest with Somalia for restricting the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals and that it believed the PRC was behind the Somalian government's latest decision.

MOFA also condemned the African country for misinterpreting U.N. Resolution 2758 by creating the illusion that Taiwan belonged to the PRC, its statement said.

Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th U.N. General Assembly in 1971 to address the issue of China's representation at the international body.

It resulted in the ROC losing its seat at the U.N. to the PRC. Taiwan has since been excluded from participating in the international organization and its affiliates, as it is not recognized by the U.N. and a majority of its member states as a country.

MOFA did not say in its statement if it believed the latest decision had something to do with Taiwan's warming relations with Somaliland.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has functioned as a sovereign state ever since, but is not officially recognized by any other country.

Ties between Taiwan and Somaliland have warmed since the two sides set up representative offices in each other's capitals in 2020.

It was unclear if Somalia's move would have any effect on Taiwanese diplomats stationed in Somaliland.

Meanwhile, in its statement Tuesday, which MOFA said was issued a full week after Somalia's announcement because getting clarification took time due to the lack of bilateral communications, MOFA called on Taiwanese to avoid traveling to Somalia and Somaliland for the time being.

It said any travel to the region should wait until Taiwan and Somaliland jointly resolved the issue, given the fact that Somalia controls the airspace over Somaliland.

Taiwan and Somaliland are asking Somalia to immediate revoke the decision on not accepting Taiwan passport and will ask international organizations and like-minded countries to push for the revocation, it said.

The Somali announcement is not expected to have much of an impact on outbound travel from Taiwan. Taiwan government data shows that Taiwanese only made 16 visits to Somalia from 2016 to February 2025.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ls

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U.S. to continue push for Taiwan's WHO participation: State Department

ROC Central News Agency

04/30/2004/30/2025 11:32 AM

Washington, April 29 (CNA) The United States will continue to push for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), a U.S. government spokesperson told CNA Tuesday, even though the U.S. has taken steps to pull out of the world health body.

An unnamed State Department spokesperson told CNA that Taiwan is a "reliable and capable partner" around the world, "and its partnerships around the world, including those that advance global health security, provide significant and sustainable benefits to the citizens of those countries."

"The United States will continue to advocate in support of Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, including the WHO," the unnamed spokesperson said.

In fact, the U.S. did just that during a round of WHO Executive Board meetings in February, according to the spokesperson.

"The United States was pleased to urge WHO member states to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in WHO, including as an observer at the World Health Assembly," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson was referring to the statement made by Jeffrey Hay, first secretary to the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the U.N., during a meeting of the 156th WHO Executive Board on Feb. 5.

The comments by the spokesperson were in response to a CNA question on whether the U.S. will continue to support Taiwan's inclusion as an observer or participant in the upcoming World Health Assembly, the WHO's decision-making forum, being held May 19-27 in Geneva.

The State Department reiterated the U.S.' ongoing backing for Taiwan's WHA participation even though the U.S. is set to officially withdraw from the WHO in January 2026 after the WHO received a formal letter of withdrawal from the Donald Trump administration in January.

The Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, left the WHO in 1972 following a decision by U.N. members to expel the ROC and recognize the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the only "legitimate representative of China."

Since then, Taiwan has been unable to attend the WHA even as an observer due to Chinese pressure, except from 2009 to 2016, when relations with China were warmer under Taiwan's then-Kuomintang (KMT) government and Beijing supported Taiwan's participation.

Since 2017, Taiwan has worked closely every year with its diplomatic allies and friendly nations, including the U.S., Japan and the European Union, to push its bid to participate in the WHA, without success.

(By Chung Yu-cheng and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ls

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Compliance with US demands will turn Taiwan from 'pawn' to 'discarded piece': spokesperson on poll showing Taiwan trust in US tumbles

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 30, 2025 01:10 PM

If [the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities] allow the US to take whatever it wants, once Taiwan's value is exhausted, the inevitable outcome will be a shift from "pawn" to "discarded piece," Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday.

Zhu's remarks were made in response to media inquiries over a recent Brookings Institution poll, which showed a sharp decline in Taiwan public trust and confidence in the US.

The Brookings Institution poll, conducted from February to April, found that the share of respondents in Taiwan who viewed the US positively or very positively decreased by 20.8 percent compared with last year.

When asked whether the US was a "trustworthy" or "very trustworthy" ally, just 23.1 percent of respondents in Taiwan answered that it is. This is down from 33.6 percent last year. Only 37.5 percent of respondents in Taiwan believed in March 2025 that it is "likely" or "very likely" that the US would intervene in a military conflict, down from 44.5 percent in July 2024.

"We need to ask ourselves: why are more and more Taiwan people losing trust in the US?" Zhu said, "The primary reason is that the Taiwan people have seen clearly that the US always prioritizes 'America First,' with Americans solely concerned about 'American interests.'"

In the eyes of the US, Taiwan's true value lies in being a "cash cow," an "ATM," and a tool for containing the Chinese mainland, Zhu added.

According to the spokesperson, the US has been pressuring the Taiwan region to do four things.

"First, forcing Taiwan's core competitive industries, represented by TSMC, to transfer to the US through investments or joint ventures; second, demanding that the DPP authorities increase defense budgets, using more of the Taiwan people's hard-earned money to buy US weapons; third, attempting to militarize Taiwan island, clamoring to turn it into a 'war porcupine,' promoting 'urban warfare' for all, pushing Taiwan's youth to the battlefield, and turning local temples into ammunition depots; fourth, imposing high tariffs on Taiwan, severely impacting related industries."

Is the US truly "protecting Taiwan" or "harming Taiwan"? Are the DPP authorities "safeguarding Taiwan" or "destroying Taiwan"? The facts are clear, and the people of Taiwan are seeing them more clearly than ever, Zhu said.

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Using cross-Straits decoupling as 'pledge of loyalty' will only leave Taiwan more vulnerable to US exploitation: spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 30, 2025 12:29 PM

The DPP authorities using the promotion of "decoupling and breaking chains" across the Taiwan Straits as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US and a "pledge of loyalty" will only make Taiwan region more vulnerable to US exploitation, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Zhu made the remarks at a Wednesday press briefing in response to growing concerns over the DPP authorities' handling of US tariff threats.

The DPP authorities have proposed zero tariffs as the basis for talks with the US, pledging to remove trade barriers rather than imposing reciprocal measures, media reported.

Widespread skepticism has emerged in Taiwan's business community, with many believing DPP authorities' decision will significantly impact the island's agriculture, fisheries, and grassroots industries, according to media reports.

The US, under its "America First" policy, has wielded the "tariff stick" globally, undermining the multilateral trading system and disrupting the world economic order, turning the so-called "return of Taiwan businesses" and "new southbound policy" promoted by the DPP authorities into a laughingstock, said Zhu.

Instead of correcting its mistakes, the DPP authorities have doubled down, using the promotion of "decoupling and breaking chains" across the Taiwan Straits as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US and "a pledge of loyalty," the spokesperson said. "This will only make Taiwan more vulnerable to US exploitation, facilitate the hollowing out its competitive industries, turn Taiwan region into a dumping ground for US agricultural products, and further harm Taiwan's economic development and the interests and well-being of Taiwan people."

"Taiwan secession is a dead end, and external forces are unreliable," said Zhu, adding that the Chinese mainland welcomes industries and farmers from Taiwan to engage in exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development on the mainland.

The mainland's economy has a strong foundation, great resilience, and vast potential, with long-term positive prospects. It remains the best choice for businesses and individuals from Taiwan region to invest and grow, as well as a solid shield against external risks, the spokesperson said.

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PH, China in constant communication; talks on Taiwan continuous - DFA

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

April 30, 2025, 10:38 am

MANILA -- The Philippines and China maintain an open line of contact and are in "constant" communication over various issues, including Taiwan, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

The statement came following reports that the Chinese Foreign Ministry has summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz over what it described as Manila's "negative moves" related to Taiwan and security.

"The Philippines and China maintain open lines of communication through regular diplomatic channels, and our exchanges are sustained and constant," said Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza.

"The two sides regularly exchange frank views over various issues, including on Taiwan, through these channels, and will continue to do so," she added.

TaiwanPlus News earlier quoted Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad as saying the Philippine and Taiwanese navies have "unofficial and informal" engagements.

It later made a clarification citing a separate statement by Trinidad that he was referring to international cooperation and not joint patrols between Taiwan and the Philippines.

The Philippines and Taiwan have no diplomatic relations but commercial, economic, cultural and other unofficial contacts continue through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. (PNA)

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/04/30

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1. Date:

6 a.m. Apr. 29 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 30 (Wed.) (UTC+8)

2. PLA activities:

20 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 18 out of 20 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140430_PLA activities [Open a new window]

1140430_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/05/01

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Apr. 30 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. May. 1 (Thu.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

34 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 27 out of 34 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.



1140501_PLA activities [Open a new window]

1140501_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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"We will continue to strengthen our defense industry cooperation with Italy"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

29.04.2025

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Meloni of the Council of Ministers of Italy, President Erdogan said: "We will continue to strengthen our defense industry cooperation, which has covered significant distance, with Italy through new partnerships and projects."

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Giorgia Meloni of the Council of Ministers of Italy held a joint press conference following the 4th Turkiye-Italy Intergovernmental Summit in Rome.

Stating that since the first summit in 2008, the relations between Turkiye and Italy, as the two NATO allies and strategic partners, have improved each passing day, President Erdogan said: "We have a valuable harmony between ourselves in such important matters as the security of the Mediterranean, the situation in the Middle East, Europe's stability and the preservation of the transatlantic tie. I think that Ms Meloni's bold and determined approach towards many issues has an important effect on this as well as our historical intensive relations with Italy. We have agreed on seizing upon new areas of cooperation with Italy through today's talks and the signed documents."

"WE HAVE SET OUR NEW TRADE VOLUME AS $40 BILLION"

Drawing attention to the positive course of mutual investments, President Erdogan stressed that over 1,500 Italian firms have made nearly $5-billion worth of investments in Turkiye, and added: "Turkish firms have significantly contributed to the two countries' spirit of partnership, making important investments in Italy in such areas as defense industry, aviation, white goods and glass production in recent years. In light of these developments, we have set our new trade volume as 40 billion dollars during today's summit. I believe that we will achieve that goal soon. As we continue our consultations here our business people will come together at the Business Forum which I will be attending presently with Ms Meloni. I believe that the Forum will lay the groundwork for increasing of mutual trade and investments. We will follow up the decisions we have taken today during the third term meeting of the Turkiye-Italy Joint Economic and Trade Committee. We will continue to strengthen our defense industry cooperation, which has covered significant distance, with Italy through new partnerships and projects."

"TURKIYE WILL CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOLUTION-ORIENTED EFFORTS"

Pointing out that the global and regional developments lead two strong allies like Turkiye and Italy to closer cooperation, President Erdogan noted: "I believe that Italy, which knows well our country's contributions to the stability and security of Europe and the Mediterranean, and which, in this sense, has never refrained to support our membership process to the European Union since the very beginning, will maintain its stance. We have addressed the latest developments in Ukraine with Ms Meloni within the framework of Europe's security. We have reiterated our strong support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Turkiye, as a primary actor in the establishment of the security of the Black Sea, will continue to contribute to solution-oriented efforts."

Further stating that Gaza, where Israel's inhumane actions take place, has been one of the important items on their agenda, President Erdogan went on to say: "The immediate restoration of ceasefire in Gaza, where even humanitarian aid has not been allowed for two months, is our priority. We will continue to work together on long-term and sustainable solutions for the preservation of Libya's stability and prosperity. We are now focused on the reconstruction of Syria, empowerment of its institutions and the protection of its territorial integrity. To that end, we have addressed the constructive role Italy has been playing in Syria, and the Turkiye-Italy partnership in especially the reconstruction process. We have agreed on maintaining our dialogues on this issue."

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Russian Federation's 'War of Choice' on Ukraine Undermines United Nations Charter, Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council, Calling for Ceasefire

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9908th Meeting (PM)

SC/16053

29 April 2025

'Not a Single Day Has Passed without Civilians Being Killed, Injured in Attacks', Notes Senior Humanitarian Affairs Official

Warning the Security Council today that the Russian Federation's three-year "war of choice" continues to kill and injure Ukrainian civilians, a senior United Nations official called for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire despite offers of temporary truces.

Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, noted the war stands as an egregious challenge to the Charter of the United Nations and international law  and a ceasefire and peace must "fully respects Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders".

The war has reached a "potential inflection point", she said, pointing to "a glimmer of hope for progress towards a ceasefire and an eventual peaceful settlement". However, relentless attacks continue on Ukraine's cities and towns, killing and injuring many civilians and causing widespread destruction in residential areas and of civilian infrastructure. On the night of 23-24 April, Russian Federation forces launched one of their most devastating assaults, a massive, combined missile and drone attack targeting multiple regions of Ukraine  killing at least 12 people in Kyiv.

She noted that as of 24 April, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had verified 151 civilians killed and 697 injured so far in April. Since February 2022, OHCHR has verified 13,015 civilians, including 699 children, killed, and 31,628 more civilians, including 2,016 children, injured, in Ukraine. Also noting recent media reports indicating civilian casualties in Russian Federation regions, she condemned "all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur". Welcoming diplomatic efforts, she pointed to a 28 April announcement by Moscow of a 72-hour truce for 8 to 10 May, following its announcement on 19 April of a 30-hour Easter truce, noting Ukrainian authorities reportedly agreed to mirror such steps. Meanwhile, the continued exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation shows that with political will, diplomacy can yield tangible results even in the most difficult circumstances.

Painting a grim picture, Joyce Msuya, Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that the humanitarian situation has worsened despite ceasefire opportunities. Civilians  especially in Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipro, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy  are living under constant threat, she observed, voicing concern about the use of cluster munitions  banned by over 100 States due to their wide-area, indiscriminate and long-term effects. "Not a single day has passed without civilians being killed or injured in attacks" in 2025, she stressed.

She cited a "12 per cent rise in birth complications" with women giving birth amid blackouts and medicine shortages due to attacks on healthcare facilities. Strikes on schools continue to deprive children of a safe education with almost 600,000 learning remotely, often isolated and falling behind, she warned. With 3.7 million internally displaced and almost 7 million refugees, women and children continue to bear a disproportionate burden, she said.

Emphasizing that nearly 13 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian aid, she stressed that with reduced funding, the UN has "reprioritized" the Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to target 4.8 million people requiring $1.75 billion. "Without increased support, even prioritized life-saving efforts are at risk. Every contribution matters," she stressed, calling on the Council for urgent collective action on Ukraine: ensuring protection of civilians, scaling up financial support and achieving a just peace.

In the ensuing debate, the representative of the Russian Federation emphasized that today's meeting reflects the fear of "the most stubborn European sponsors of the Kyiv regime" of being sidelined by the new United States Administration that seeks a long-term solution to the Ukrainian crisis. Further, Ukraine, not the Russian Federation, is responsible for civilian casualties during 13 and 14 April attacks in Kryvyi Rih and Sumy due to its placement of air defence systems in populated areas and using civilians as shields. He emphasized that his country's strikes were directed exclusively at military infrastructure, in contrast to Ukrainian attacks resulting in civilian casualties  yet have never been condemned by the Western countries.

Praising the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for its military support under a June 2024 strategic partnership agreement that resulted in a complete defeat of the Ukrainian army in Kursk, he stressed that while Moscow has prioritized diplomacy, Ukraine's leadership has sabotaged peace efforts. Further, Ukraine has committed terrorist attacks  including the assassination of a Russian general. Despite all this, "the Russian-US dialogue is ongoing" he said, urging Western countries to stop arms deliveries to Ukraine and pressure that country's President into constructive negotiations.

Rejecting that narrative, Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, stressed: "This is our country, this is our home, these are our families that we are defending," while Ukraine has repeatedly shown its willingness to "give diplomacy a chance". Today, the Russian Federation murdered a 12-year-old Ukrainian child, while it kills, tortures or deports them every day. Since the 11 March United States proposal for a full, unconditional ceasefire, Moscow has used nearly 8,500 guided aerial bombs "against peaceful civilians in the middle of Europe", she stated. Recalling that the first ceasefire proposal has been on the table for 49 days but was rejected by Moscow, she noted that on 24 April, Moscow launched a large-scale attack on residential areas using 70 missiles  including a ballistic missile manufactured in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Citing Ukraine's "red lines", she said her Government will never recognize any temporarily-occupied Ukrainian territory of Ukraine as Russian. Her delegation will not agree to any foreign diktat regarding the structure or number of its defence forces, nor accept any restrictions on Ukraine's domestic and foreign policies  including alliances it would like to join, while prisoners of war and deported children must be returned. "History has shown that appeasement does not stop aggressors," she stressed. Peace without justice "is surrender", she stated.

Pushing back on the Russian Federation's delegate, the representative of the United States noted that Moscow has for months continued high profile strikes on Ukraine, "causing needless loss of life". Both Moscow and Pyongyang have openly touted the presence of Democratic People's Republic of Korea troops on the battlefield  "a serious escalation", he said. It is up to the leaders of the Russian Federation and Ukraine to end the war, as the risks that accompany war are immeasurable and the burden will fall on ordinary Ukrainians and Russians.

Addressing that destruction, a number of delegates, including those of Greece, Panama, Romania and Latvia (also speaking for Estonia and Lithuania), condemned all forms of violence on the civilian population and civilian infrastructure, with Sierra Leone's representative stressing the need to protect children. "2025 is proving to be particularly heinous, with intensified attacks on towns and cities across Ukraine," she said.

Meanwhile, Moscow uses the principle of self-determination as a "smokescreen" to absorb Ukrainian territory, said Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. In reality, Moscow is waging aggression against a neighbour, he said, adding: "Everybody sees this." "The sole obstacle to the ceasefire is Vladimir Putin," he emphasized, noting that the latter opposes the implementation of resolution 2774 (2025) seeking to push Ukraine towards capitulation.

Barbara Zvokelj, Secretary General, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, stressed: "There can be no winner in wars like this one. And no loser. Only victims." While welcoming the United States initiative, she cautioned "against unilateral action with regard to peace in Ukraine", as nothing can happen without both parties. While a ceasefire might be the necessary first step, she noted that throughout Ukraine, civilians are buried under rubble, while Kyiv is not hesitating when it comes to peace, "and this Council shouldn't either".

The representative of the United Kingdom stressed that the international community needs no more evidence to prove that President Putin "is not serious about peace". The call for a temporary ceasefire "rings hollow", he said, while during the "30-hour pause in fighting over Easter", there was no indication that a ceasefire on the front line was observed. Denouncing this "pretence", he stressed "Russia must declare a ceasefire now. Not in a day, not in a week."

Denmark's representative concurred that the Russian Federation's actions are hardly those of a country seeking peace. While Ukraine has continuously shown its desire for peace, including accepting a complete 30-day ceasefire without preconditions, and the Russian Federation has suggested a three-day ceasefire, Moscow must make concrete steps towards a full and unconditional ceasefire, "just like Ukraine has agreed to", she said.

The representative of Guyana, citing the two declarations of unilateral ceasefires by the Russian Federation, agreed that the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine demands a more permanent solution. The complex nature of these discussions requires patient and sustained diplomacy that must be supported by the international community, including the Council, she said.

Similarly, the representatives of Pakistan and Algeria emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to ending the war. Algeria, in particular, urged the international community to seize the "current momentum" and intensify diplomatic efforts to bridge differences and bring the conflict to a close. Somalia's delegate welcomed Moscow's announcement of a 72-hour cessation of hostilities scheduled for May which has the potential to "transform this brief pause into more sustained peace".

For his part, China's delegate emphasized the importance of stakeholders working together "to address the root causes of the crisis and to reach a peace agreement that is fair, lasting, binding and acceptable to all parties". Noting that China's position on the Ukraine issue "is objective, impartial, rational and pragmatic", he recalled his Government has joined with Brazil and other countries to form the Group of Friends for Peace in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, issuing a warning, the representative of the Republic of Korea noted that millions of rounds of Pyongyang's ammunition are being used on the battlefield in Ukraine  with reports indicating "that North Korea now supplies nearly half of Russia's front-line munition", he said. More than a year and a half of arms transfers and other military cooperation between the countries  including the deployment of Democratic People's Republic of Korea troops  continue unabated, in flagrant violation of Council resolutions.

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Contributing to the security of Ukraine will also ensure the security of Estonia

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

30.04.2025

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the government's decision to contribute to the deterrence force in Ukraine is an important part of ensuring Estonia's own security.

"It has always been Estonia's position that Ukraine's security is Europe's security. If Ukraine were to fall under Russian control, the security situation in Europe would deteriorate significantly. It is in Estonia's security interests for Ukraine to be an independent, sovereign and clearly European country," Tsahkna said.

"Although the coalition of the willing for providing security guarantees to Ukraine, currently led by the United Kingdom and France, is still in the planning stage, the Estonian government decided to contribute to it," Tsahkna said.

According to the foreign minister, Ukraine's long-term security would be most effectively assured by NATO membership, but as it may take some time to achieve this, Ukraine must be provided with effective deterrence and protective measures with the troops of allies on the ground.

"Estonia will continue to convince allies and partners that it is necessary to support Ukraine in the long term and also to contribute to the deterrence force that ensures Ukraine's security," Tsahkna said.

Estonia is ready to contribute to the deterrence force with a company-sized Army combat unit, a naval mine countermeasures vessel, training instructors, and staff officers. This will be subject to a mandate from the Riigikogu.

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the meeting of Nordic-Baltic, Polish, German and French ministers: the common understanding is that peace in Ukraine requires putting pressure on Putin

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

30.04.2025

On 28 and 29 April, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna was in Denmark on the island of Bornholm, where a meeting of the foreign ministers of NB8 (Estonia, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, Finland) and the Weimar countries (Germany, Poland, France) took place. Discussions covered the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its impact on European security.

"The United States and Ukraine have offered Putin the chance to achieve a just and lasting peace, but Putin has so far chosen a different path, making increasing demands. This window is closing," Tsahkna said. "The countries participating in the meeting had a clear shared understanding that there can be no compromises on Ukraine's integrity and sovereignty, and instead we must increase pressure on Putin by imposing sanctions, mobilising frozen assets and immediately increasing military assistance to Ukraine." Tsahkna also stressed that Europe must be ready to give Ukraine security guarantees and Estonia is ready to contribute.

The group of countries in Bornholm has been among the biggest supporters of Ukraine during the three years of the war, providing Ukraine with military aid worth nearly 53 billion and civil support worth nearly 47 billion," Tsahkna said. "It was clear to all the countries around the table that our support for Ukraine would continue."

"Russia remains the biggest threat to European security. The NB8 and W3 countries are committed to strengthening their defence readiness and we are working to become better prepared to deal with threats," Tsahkna added.

In addition, ministers jointly condemned Russia's hybrid actions against European countries, which seek to undermine the security of democratic countries. They also confirmed they would increase monitoring and improve information sharing. "Deterring Russia's shadow fleet and sanctioning it is an issue in which Estonia has been actively leading the way from the very beginning. In addition to feeding the Russian war machine, the Russian shadow fleet is also a direct threat to our environment and maritime safety. Together, we will take further steps to deter the shadow fleet," Tsahkna commented.



The foreign ministers also prepared a joint statement, which can be found here: https://www.vm.ee/news/pohja-balti-weimari-electoralministerial-vote

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Update 289 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

34/2025

Vienna, Austria

30 Apr 2025

Ukrainian engineers and construction workers are carrying out temporary repairs of the Chornobyl site's New Safe Confinement (NSC) that was severely damaged in a drone attack earlier this year, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

The drone strike on 14 February pierced a big hole through the roof of the large confinement structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 accident and protect it from external hazards. It took several weeks to completely extinguish the fires and smouldering caused by this strike.

The IAEA team based at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine visited the NSC in recent days to discuss ongoing efforts by the site to assess the building's structural integrity following the attack almost three months ago and to observe repairs of the inner and outer cladding to prevent water ingress.

"Immediately after the drone strike Ukrainian emergency personnel rushed to contain and eventually put out the fires. The site is now focusing its efforts on assessing the full extent of the damage while also carrying out short-term repairs. It is clear that the confinement structure - constructed at huge expense and with major international support - suffered extensive damage," Director General Grossi said.

The Director General reiterated, however, that there has not been any radioactive release as a result of the damage, and that the NSC is able to continue to perform its protective function.

At Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team has continued to hear explosions in the distance every day over the past week, a constant reminder of the potential dangers facing nuclear safety and security.

The IAEA team has conducted walkdowns across the site to observe site activities, visiting all Emergency Control Rooms of the six reactors, the safety systems of unit 4, and the two fresh fuel storage facilities.

At Ukraine's three operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) - Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine - three of their total of nine reactors remained shutdown for maintenance and refuelling outages.

At the South Ukraine NPP, the IAEA team reported about many air raid alarms over the past week. The team was informed by the site that six drones were detected at a distance of 1.5 km from the plant in the night of 25 April, coinciding with the sound of military activity that appeared to be coming from an attempt to shoot them down.

At the Khmelnytskyy NPP, the IAEA team members were required to shelter on the morning of 30 April due to an air raid alert.

As part of the IAEA's medical assistance programme for Ukraine, 200 boxes of influenza medication were delivered to the National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine (NRCRM), funded by Japan.

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Russian Drone Strikes On Ukraine Kill 1 In Dnipro, Injure Dozens In Kharkiv

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 30, 2025

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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-drone-strike- north-korea-war/33401066.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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Ukraine's New Deal with US Could Include Military Aid as Part of Rare Earths Agreement

Sputnik News

20250430

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The draft rare earths agreement between the United States and Ukraine includes the possibility of receiving "military aid," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on Wednesday.

"A very good, very partnership agreement, which provides huge advantages, investments and benefits for our state, provides for the opportunity to receive military assistance from the United States, which will be considered as a contribution to this fund," Shmygal said.

Discussions on the Ukraine-US rare earths deal have not been finalized yet, as Kiev tried to renegotiate the terms of the agreement over the weekend, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the rare earths agreement between the United States and Ukraine will be signed within the next 24 hours.

US officials have been concerned for the future of the details of deal, but the document can be signed if Ukraine wishes to return to the original terms of the agreement, the newspaper reported.

 Sputnik

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Europe Will Not Be Able to Send 25,000 Troops to Ukraine - Reports

Sputnik News

20250430

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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.

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.

 Sputnik

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Putin's Remark on Readiness for Talks on Ukraine Without Preconditions Relevant - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20250430

The statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow is ready for negotiations on Ukraine without preconditions is still relevant, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

"I would like to remind you that a couple of days ago president Putin reaffirmed his readiness for direct negotiations with the Ukrainians without any preconditions. So this readiness is still relevant," Peskov told the Znanie (Knowledge) education forum taking place on the sidelines of the Russian-hosted World Youth Festival.

Kiev talks about preconditions for the settlement, but this contradicts Putin's position, the official said, adding that Russia has not still heard any signals from Kiev about its readiness for dialogue with Moscow without preconditions.

Russia-US Diplomatic Dialogue Restored as Moscow is Open to Diplomacy

Direct contacts between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump will be established if necessary, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

"Direct contact at the highest level is always effective and always helps to resolve the rough spots that may arise at the working level, the expert level. If necessary, this direct contact [between Putin and Trump] will be established," Peskov said.

Channels for dialogue between Russia and the United States have been restored, the official added.

Putin remains open to political and diplomatic methods of resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed.

"Now the president remains open to political and diplomatic methods of resolving this conflict [in Ukraine]. The situation is what it is. We do not hear any reaction from Kiev. The process continues," Peskov told reporters.

All of Putin's initiatives on Ukraine have been rejected, which forced Russian to start the special military operation, the spokesman explained.

"A peace agreement should be concluded with Ukraine, not with the United States. America is trying to mediate, and we are grateful to the United States for these truly frantic efforts," Peskov said, adding that Moscow sees that Washington is counting on a "quick success" in peace process on Ukraine, but all details need to be resolved.

Putin supports the initiative to establish a truce in Ukraine, but it is necessary to take into account several nuances, Peskov added.

 Sputnik

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Russian Forces Liberate Novoye Settlement in DPR

Sputnik News

20250430

Russian troops have taken control of the settlement of Novoye in the Donetsk People's Republic in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

"As a result of active offensive actions, units of the Zapad military group liberated the settlement of Novoye in the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia's Tsentr group of forces has eliminated up to 525 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry added.

"The enemy has lost up to 525 servicepeople, five armored combat vehicles, ten vehicles and seven artillery pieces," the statement read.

Russia's Yug group of forces has eliminated up to 270 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the ministry said.

Russia's Zapad group of forces has eliminated over 220 Ukrainian servicepeople, while Russia's Sever group of forces has eliminated up to 155 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the ministry said.

 Sputnik

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Trump Reiterates That Putin Wants to Stop Ukraine Conflict

Sputnik News

20250430

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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.

"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]."

"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," Trump said. "I think if I didn't win the election, he [Putin] would have gotten all of Ukraine," the US president added.

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."

 Sputnik

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Treasury Announces Agreement to Establish United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund

U.S. Department of the Treasury

April 30, 2025

WASHINGTON -- On April 30, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. In recognition of 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, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery.

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership.

"Thanks to President Trump's tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today's historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund," said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "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 centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. 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. 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."

Both the United States and the Government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.

###

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The Strikes Must Stop, the Killings Must Stop, and Only Then Can a Solution Be Sought Through Negotiations - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

30 April 2025 - 21:21

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

I have just spoken with Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada - his party has won the elections. I congratulated the Prime Minister on this victory and am confident that our relations with Canada will remain strong. Canada is currently holding the G7 Presidency. We discussed our cooperation within this platform, and I am grateful for Canada's readiness to work with us at the G7 level. We greatly appreciate all the support that Canada and Canadians provide to Ukraine, our state, our people. We talked with the Prime Minister about sanctions against Russia and agreed on the necessity of continuing strong sanctions for the war against the aggressor. We also discussed air defense for Ukraine, diplomacy, and communication with key partners. I invited Prime Minister Carney to visit Ukraine - Kyiv. I have no doubt that Canada's leadership in defending international law will continue to be felt.

Today, there was also quite a lot of technical work with our partners - mainly diplomatic work. We are preparing meetings and negotiations that will take place in the near future. Security is the top priority.

Today I spoke with ministers - the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense of Luxembourg visited us. Primarily, we spoke about our cooperation in Europe and the support we receive - I want to express my gratitude for the support of Ukraine. Of course, we also discussed diplomacy and the need for a full ceasefire - unconditional and lasting for a sufficient period, at least 30 days. The strikes must stop, the killings must stop - and only then can a solution be sought through negotiations. We are ready for any format of dialogue. Russia must stop its attacks and end this war.

There was a report today from Chief of Defense Intelligence Budanov on the enemy's likely actions and potential threats. There was a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi - a long report, covering all frontline directions, and also very specific - on our actions, our operations, and our next steps in the near future.

And one more thing.

Also today, on Border Guard Day, I congratulated our border guard warriors, thanked them for their service to Ukraine, and presented them with state awards. I am proud of our people. I thank everyone working for Ukraine, everyone defending our state and Ukrainian interests.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Bilateral Cooperation, Strengthening of Sanctions Against Russia, and Partnership within the Coalition of the Willing: The President of Ukraine Holds a Conversation with the Prime Minister of Canada

President of Ukraine

30 April 2025 - 21:45

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney.

The Head of State congratulated Mark Carney and the Liberal Party on their victory in the federal elections in Canada.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Canada and the entire Canadian people for their support and added that Ukraine counts on effective cooperation.

The President informed his interlocutor about the aftermath of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and villages, noting that strengthening air defense remains a top priority for the state. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia is ramping up the production of ballistic missiles, and therefore, Ukraine needs additional air defense systems to protect people from them.

Special attention during the conversation was paid to the prospects of Canada's G7 Presidency this year. Mark Carney confirmed his readiness to cooperate with Ukraine at the level of the Group of Seven.

The President and the Prime Minister discussed in detail the steps that could bring closer the achievement of a full, unconditional ceasefire and a dignified peace. They discussed pressure on Russia, particularly sanctions targeting its banking and energy sectors. The leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation for its aggression.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Carney also focused on cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing and coordinated further contacts in various formats for the near future.

The Head of State invited the Prime Minister of Canada to visit Ukraine.

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Strengthening Air Defense, Steps Toward a Just Peace, and Reliable Security Guarantees: Meeting with NATO Parliamentary Assembly Delegation at the Office of the President

President of Ukraine

30 April 2025 - 11:10

Strengthening Air Defense, Steps Toward a Just Peace, and Reliable Security Guarantees: Meeting with NATO Parliamentary Assembly Delegation at the Office of the President

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with a delegation from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, led by its President, Marcos Perestrello, and including members of national parliaments from Portugal, Finland, Spain, Italy, and Turkiye.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked the delegation for visiting Ukraine and for their support.

He briefed them on the consequences of recent Russian aerial attacks and emphasized Ukraine's need for additional air defense systems and missiles to protect its people.

Key topics of the meeting included strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly through investments in Ukraine's defense industry and the establishment of joint arms production.

Special attention was paid to the negotiation process aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness for the immediate establishment of a full and unconditional ceasefire. He stressed the importance of increasing joint pressure on Russia to end its aggression and achieve peace.

The discussion also touched on the need for reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. Ihor Zhovkva noted that this is a crucial element in preventing new aggression from the Russian Federation.

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Russia's War Is a Threat to the Entire Free World - Iryna Mudra at the AJC Global Forum

President of Ukraine

30 April 2025 - 22:44

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Iryna Mudra delivered a speech at the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum 2025 held in New York. The event was attended by representatives of governments, international organizations, Jewish community leaders, and diplomats.

In her address, Iryna Mudra thanked the AJC and the international Jewish community for their consistent support of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's aggression in 2014.

She emphasized that members of Ukraine's Jewish community are also defending Ukraine and giving their lives in the fight for the state's independence.

"Russia is waging war not only against Ukraine. It is a war against schools, synagogues, and against human dignity. It is a threat to Israel, to Europe, to the United States, and to the entire free world," the Deputy Head of the Office of the President said.

Iryna Mudra called for assistance in securing the release of all civilian and military prisoners, the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia, the achievement of a just and lasting peace, and the development of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.

"Only through collective efforts can we stop this evil. Together, we are defending not only territory - we are defending the values of the free world," she stressed.

The Ukrainian delegation also held a series of meetings, including with the founders of the AJC and the Committee's CEO, Ted Deutch, where they discussed specific proposals on how the AJC can support Ukraine in achieving a just and sustainable peace.

In addition, Iryna Mudra took part in a special briefing at the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations dedicated to the inevitability of accountability and the restoration of justice. She provided an update on the work to establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, progress in launching the Register of Damage and creating a Claims Commission, as well as the status of investigations into international crimes.

"A just and lasting peace must be built on accountability, not amnesia. Our collective security depends on our shared values and on our willingness to defend them. History will judge everyone - those who fought for justice, and those who looked away. Now is the time to make the right choice," the Deputy Head of the Office of the President concluded.

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Ukraine, US Sign Minerals Agreement Creating Reconstruction Investment Fund

By RFE/RL May 01, 2025

The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement giving the US access to Ukraine's valuable rare minerals in a deal that Ukraine hopes will ensure continued American support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

The agreement establishes the United-States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which the US Treasury Department said will allow the two countries to "work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery."

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a news release that 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 called the establishment of United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund a historic economic partnership and credited US President Donald Trump with pushing for it to be signed as part of his efforts to seek an end to the war.

"As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war," Bessent said.

Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations. The US State Department on April 29 tried again to get both sides to move more quickly and warned that Washington could step back from the talks if there's no progress.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's economy minister and deputy prime minister, signed the agreement with Bessent, the Treasury Department said. Svyrydenko said the agreement "can provide success for both our countries" and "will attract global investment into our state" in highlighting its key points in a post on Facebook.

Svyrydenko said the investment fund will be filled with income exclusively from new licenses. This involves 50 percent of the funds from new licenses for critical materials and oil and gas projects, which will come into Ukraine's budget once the fund is established.

Beyond its monetary aspects, Ukraine also sees the agreement as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid.

"In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance -- for example air defense systems for Ukraine," she said on X.

The agreement is in accordance with the Constitution and does not change Ukraine's European integration course, she added. It also states that all resources on Ukraine's territory and in territorial waters belong to Ukraine, and Kyiv alone will determine where and what to extract.

The Ukrainian cabinet approved the agreement earlier on April 30, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it can take effect.

The Treasury Department's news release said the department and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work with the government of Ukraine to finalize the program's governance and advance the partnership.

Speaking on Ukrainian television earlier on April 30, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called the deal "truly a good, equal and beneficial international agreement on joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine."

Shmyhal said on Telegram that each side will have 50 percent voting rights in the Reconstruction Investment Fund, and the fund's profits will be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine.

Meeting a key concern for Ukraine, he said Ukraine would not be asked to pay back any "debt" for the billions of dollars in US weapons and other support since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to Ukraine's rare earth materials as a condition for continued US support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the Washington has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a tense Oval Office meeting that ended in acrimony with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance verbally attacking each other.

The US is seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests. Among them are 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 deposits of lithium, graphite, and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

Trump said the deal "in theory" means that the US will get more from Ukraine than it contributed.

"I wanted to be protected," he said in an interview on NewsNation, adding that he didn't want to be looking "foolish" by not getting money back for the investment.

Trump said earlier at a cabinet meeting that the American presence will "keep a lot of bad actors out of the country or certainly out of the area where we're doing the digging."

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-minerals-zelenskyy-trump- russia/33401501.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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Why EU-Ukraine Trade Is About To Get Less Free

By Rikard Jozwiak May 01, 2025

Since June 2022, the European Union has granted Ukraine full trade liberalization to help support the war-torn country's economy. These measures -- suspending import duties and quotas -- are known as Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), and they appear to have benefited Kyiv.

In 2024, Ukrainian exports to the EU reached nearly 60 percent of total exports, up from 39.1 percent in 2021. However, the ATMs, which have been renewed annually by a majority vote of EU member states, are set to end definitively on June 5. They were always intended to be temporary and could only be extended twice.

Now, negotiations are under way between Brussels and Kyiv on what will replace them.

The fallback option is a return to the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which came into force in 2017 (though provisionally applied from 2016), and includes a free trade component.

The current talks focus on Article 29 of that agreement, which outlines a framework for potential reciprocal tariff liberalization.

Border States Push Back

But it is far from smooth sailing, as time is running short, and the effects of the ATMs aren't universally liked in the bloc.

Farmers in so-called frontline EU border states, such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, have long lobbied their governments to get rid of them, arguing that a glut of Ukrainian agricultural goods has overwhelmed local storage and pushed down prices for local food producers.

At various times in 2023 and 2024, these farmers blocked the borders with Ukraine to prevent goods from entering the EU. In response, the European Commission, which oversees EU trade policies, tried several solutions, including sealing agricultural shipments from Ukraine to divert them away from frontline countries and toward other EU destinations or ports for export beyond the bloc.

In the end, the commission agreed to limit inflows of the most popular agricultural goods by enacting emergency brakes. These brakes could be pulled if certain imports exceeded the average import numbers recorded between July 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024. And the brakes have been used readily in the past year on Ukrainian exports of oats, eggs, sugar, and honey.

The official line of the European Commission is that it is "finalizing the work on the proposal to ensure a seamless transition to a new trade regime with Ukraine after the expiry of the ATMs" and that this proposal will soon be presented to Kyiv.

A Political Hot Potato

The question is when. Many EU officials in Brussels are worried that any new proposal could become a political hot potato in the Polish presidential election campaign when the country goes to the polls to select a new head of state on May 18, and a likely second round on June 1.

But it is not only the political sway of Polish farmers that needs to be heeded.

A joint letter by the agriculture ministers of Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia addressed to the European Commission and seen by RFE/RL has also raised the stakes.

The letter states that the ministers "firmly believe that the upcoming expiration of the ATM regime must serve as an opportunity to reassess and recalibrate our trade relations with Ukraine. It is essential to ensure that future trade arrangements reflect a balanced approach that accommodates the interests of all parties without disproportionately harming the economies of neighboring member states."

It then goes on to highlight several new proposals, all of which would be disadvantageous to Kyiv.

These include:

A return to prewar tariff quotas;

Bilateral safeguard provisions for all agricultural products;

Frontline member states being able to impose extra safeguards; and

A review clause to reassess the agreement two years after its application -- aimed at preventing future market distortions and ensuring fair competition for EU farmers.



But it doesn't end there.

The ministers also argue that "in parallel with Ukraine's accession process, relevant sanitary and phytosanitary, animal welfare, public health, and environment-related regulations in line with EU standards should be introduced for Ukrainian agricultural production."

A Temporary Fix?

While such reforms are indeed necessary for eventual EU membership, it's notable that one of the letter's signatories, Hungary, is currently blocking that very accession process.

The ministers also propose a minimum import price threshold for selected items, which "could play a deterrent role in terms of importing agricultural goods into EU Member States at prices below the cost of domestically produced agricultural products" -- effectively another trade barrier and a clear move to shield local farmers.

So, what does Ukraine want?

Simply put, almost more of the same. In a letter to the commission, seen by RFE/RL, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal writes that, "without substantial guaranteed and ongoing multi-industry trade liberalization, Ukraine will simply be unable to rebuild its industries, create jobs and livelihoods for its citizens to recover its economy. Simply put, Ukraine needs your trade. First to survive, then to thrive."

Shmyhal also warns that, failing to strike a preferential trade deal with Brussels could cost Ukraine 3 billion ($3.4 billion) annually, potentially leading to a 1 percent reduction in Ukraine's gross domestic product.

While accepting that any new deal is likely to come under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, Shmyhal says that it should "contain a minimum number of exceptions" and points out that "we are obviously aware of concerns of European farmers, but we emphasize that the share of Ukrainian products on the European market remains relatively small. For many product groups, even those considered sensitive, it's less than 1 percent of total EU consumption."

He also suggests that the safeguard measures introduced for certain products in 2024 "should become the starting point for gradually liberalized tariff quotas" on agricultural goods.

Given the looming June 5 deadline, Shmyhal has also hinted at some sort of bridging solution -- something that I have heard might happen.

"If it is impossible to reach a solution in time before the 5th of June, we need to find a joint short-term solution so current Ukrainian exports can continue until the Association Agreement is updated," he said.

"Otherwise, there is a risk of returning to higher tariffs and lower quantities under the tariff quotas of the prewar period, and this would cause significant damages to the Ukrainian economy."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-ukraine-trade- autonomous-measures-end/33401243.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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Russian Drones Strike Major Cities In Ukraine; At Least 2 Killed In Odesa

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service May 01, 2025

The Russian Army attacked several regions of Ukraine with drones, local authorities reported, saying that at least two people were killed in Odesa.

Air alerts were activated in 11 regions of Ukraine during the onslaught late on April 30 and into the overnight hours.

The "large-scale" attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa, as described by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service in a Telegram post, killed two people and injured 15 others.

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram that the Russian attack on Odesa damaged high-rise buildings, houses, a supermarket, and a school.

"Fires broke out in some places, which our rescuers are extinguishing," he added.

Kiper had warned earlier about the threat of drone strikes, telling residents of Odesa and the region to take cover.

"Emergency and utility services are working on the ground to eliminate the consequences of the attacks and provide the necessary medical assistance to the victims," Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov said on Telegram.

Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, responded to the Russia attack on Odesa by calling for a "complete cease-fire" in a Telegram post.

"We must push for it together with the United States and Europe," he wrote, saying that "Putin will always have the desire to kill."

"But diplomacy, force, and economic pressure will compel Russia to end the war," he added.

Explosions were also heard in the northeastern city of Sumy and air raid warnings were triggered in several places including Sumy, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhya.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhova announced that a drone had hit on the border of two districts in the city. A fire broke out at the site of impact, and an undetermined number of people were injured.

Terekhova later reported that the drone hit at a gas station in the Kyiv district.

The eastern city of Kharkiv also came under attack, regional governor Oleh Synyehubov said, citing preliminary information. He added that a fire broke out as a result.

The strikes came as the United States and Ukraine signed a minerals deal that US President Donald Trump's administration said was and economic partnership in recognition of 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."

After initial hesitation, Ukraine accepted the agreement as a way to secure long-term investment by Washington amid moves by Trump and his administration to curtail US security commitments around the world.

Meanwhile, a group of 72 US senators has thrown its support behind a bill threatening Russia with severe new sanctions if it refuses to engage in serious negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The announcement was made by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the bill's sponsors, Bloomberg reports.

According to a draft obtained by Bloomberg News, the proposed measures include a sweeping 500 percent tariff on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, petroleum products, or uranium.

Graham said he has enough support in the House to bring the sanctions bill to the floor there as well, according to Bloomberg.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, Bloomberg, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-war- odesa-drone-attack/33401858.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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Foreign Ministry's statement regarding Kiev regime's terrorist attack on Aleshki, Kherson Region, Russian Federation

1 May 2025 15:53

745-01-05-2025

On the morning of May 1, the Armed Forces of Ukraine once again targeted a civilian site on Russian territory, launching FPV drones at a crowded market in the town of Aleshki, Kherson Region. According to preliminary reports, seven civilians were killed and more than twenty sustained injuries. Following the initial strikes, which had already caused significant casualties, a second wave of drone attacks was launched, deliberately targeting survivors and emergency responders who had arrived at the scene.

This heinous attack represents yet another grave war crime committed by the Ukrainian Nazis against the civilian population of Russia. It is evident that the strike was deliberately timed to coincide with a public holiday, when many residents were gathered at the market, in a clear attempt to inflict maximum civilian casualties.

This atrocity once again reveals the true nature of the Kiev regime and its unwavering commitment to escalating the armed conflict while actively undermining all prospects for a peaceful resolution. The current Ukrainian neo-Banderite leadership continues to demonstrate a complete unwillingness to engage in dialogue.

Today's criminal act by Kiev thugs also lies on the conscience of their Western sponsors, who continue to provide them with weapons and financial support. It is increasingly clear that behind the unsubstantiated and unrealistic claims by the Kiev regime and its Western backers to restore Ukraine within its 1991 borders lies a deeply hostile agenda aimed at erasing all that is Russian. Russia will, without question, take all necessary measures to ensure that such a scenario is never allowed to materialise.

All those responsible for and complicit in this barbaric act committed by Kiev will be identified and will face inevitable justice in accordance with the law.

We call on the sensible members of the international community and relevant multilateral organisations to strongly condemn this heinous act of terrorism.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and we wish a swift and full recovery to all those who were injured.

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This Is the First Tangible Outcome of the Vatican Meeting, Making It Historic - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

1 May 2025 - 19:15

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, our government team reported on the economic partnership with the United States. We have an agreement. It has been signed and will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for ratification. And we are interested in having no delays with it. Our representatives - first and foremost, First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, the team from the Ministry of Economy, as well as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice - all did a very good job. The agreement has changed significantly during the preparation process. It is now truly an equal partnership - one that creates opportunities for substantial investment in Ukraine, as well as significant modernization of Ukraine's industries and, equally importantly, its legal practices. The agreement foresees no debt. It stipulates the establishment of a Reconstruction Fund that will invest in Ukraine and generate returns here. This means joint work with America, based on fair terms, allowing both Ukraine and the United States, which supports us in our defense, to make money in partnership. We spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, about our readiness to conclude the agreement - we discussed it during our meeting in the Vatican. In fact, this is the first tangible outcome of that Vatican meeting, making it truly historic.

We look forward to other outcomes from that conversation - it was a meaningful meeting, and President Trump and I used every minute to the fullest. I thank him for that. And once again, I thank both our teams - the Ukrainian and the American. The work on the agreement was truly professional, and although the negotiations were at times challenging, the result is a strong one.

Today, I spoke with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk - including about the ratification of the agreement. We also discussed the legislative agenda for the coming weeks.

Today, we have new sanctions, new decisions on sanctions - three sanctions packages. We are blocking the activities of numerous entities - companies and individuals who, unfortunately, work for Russia in one way or another. They assist the Russian army and the occupation structures on our land - in Crimea and in the Donetsk region. This time, sanctions also target those who, regrettably, serve Russian propaganda and are involved in information operations against Ukraine and against Ukrainians. What matters most now is that our country's sanctions be synchronized with those of our partners.

The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine reported on the investigation into the attack on volunteer Serhii Sternenko. The Security Service of Ukraine detained the attacker promptly - thank you for that. All facts related to the attack will be presented to the public.

And one more thing.

There was a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the situation at the front. The Donetsk region, the Pokrovsk direction - that's currently where the most intense fighting is taking place among all the hotspots along the frontline. Our units, our warriors, are doing a great job. The 1st Separate Assault Regiment, the 59th Separate Assault Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces, the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 414th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade of the Ground Forces - thank you, warriors! The Russians are getting a proper response. Thank you to everyone standing with Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Support for Ukraine and Preparation for International Events: Meeting Held at the Office of the President with Representatives of Diplomatic Missions from Southeast European Countries

President of Ukraine

1 May 2025 - 17:35

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Brusyl held a meeting with representatives of the diplomatic missions of Southeast European countries. The meeting was attended by the Ambassadors of Serbia, Slovenia, Turkiye, Croatia, and Montenegro, as well as representatives from Bulgaria, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania.

Ihor Brusyl informed the diplomats about the overnight massive Russian drone attack, which caused the most damage in the Odesa, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions. As a result of the strikes, two people were killed and another fifteen injured.

"This latest attack once again demonstrates Russia's true attitude toward an initiative for a ceasefire and ending the war. Through its actions, the aggressor continues to show utter disregard for the core principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law," he emphasized.

The main topic of the meeting was preparations for multilateral international events involving the leaders of Southeast European countries. In particular, the discussion focused on the upcoming European Political Community Summit in Albania, the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy, and the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked the countries of the region for their military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. He also underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation, support for Ukrainian children affected by Russian aggression, and the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers.

"We greatly value the solidarity and support shown by the countries of Southeast Europe toward Ukraine. Many of your nations have your own experience in resisting aggression and rebuilding afterward  and that experience is especially meaningful to us. Strengthening our cooperation, particularly in humanitarian areas and child protection, remains a top priority," Ihor Brusyl concluded.

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Continued Support for Ukraine and Participation in Reconstruction: The President Met with the Luxembourg Delegation

President of Ukraine

1 May 2025 - 14:01

Yesterday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, and Minister of Defense Yuriko Backes.

The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the military, financial, energy, and humanitarian support provided to Ukraine, as well as for offering shelter to over 4,500 Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes due to the full-scale Russian invasion.

"We are deeply grateful to you personally, to your country, and to your people for all the support on a personal level, on the level of people. We are truly grateful for this," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President also expressed appreciation for the Luxembourg officials' tribute to the memory of fallen defenders at the Wall of Remembrance during their visit to Ukraine.

The Head of State informed the delegation about the needs of Ukrainian warriors and the diplomatic efforts made to achieve a just and lasting peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that our state is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, which should be the first step toward peace.

The parties also discussed Luxembourg's participation in the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

Among other important topics were Luxembourg's assistance in the reconstruction of the Kryvyi Rih district and the city of Kryvyi Rih, as well as Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Xavier Bettel reaffirmed Luxembourg's continued support for Ukraine and commended the bravery of Ukrainians in resisting the Russian aggressor.

"I know that we are not the biggest country, not the largest in size, but believe me, in friendship, in respect, we are much greater than the size of our country. The people of Luxembourg also stand with you. It is important for us to be here to demonstrate our support," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Yuriko Backes emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation between Ukraine and Luxembourg and of making every effort to achieve peace. The Minister of Defense also announced an increase in the amount of support this year.

"Together with Xavier, we will continue to support you, just as we have from day one, until the very end, until peace is achieved for your country. We also need to increase our own defense investments," Yuriko Backes noted.

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Representatives of the Bring Kids Back UA Initiative and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Discuss the Return and Rehabilitation of Ukrainian Children Affected by Russian Aggression

President of Ukraine

1 May 2025 - 09:04

Representatives of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, launched by the President of Ukraine, and the Council on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a joint meeting focused on the return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children affected by Russian armed aggression.

The meeting was attended by Dariia Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA; Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor - Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation; Sergiy Kyslytsya, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; and representatives of relevant state bodies, civil society, and international organizations.

Dariia Zarivna emphasized that the Russian Federation is pursuing a systematic criminal policy aimed at abducting, militarizing, and eradicating the national identity of Ukrainian children.

"To destroy a nation, it is enough to take away its children. That is why such crimes are classified by the UN as signs of genocide. The creator of the term, Raphael Lemkin, lost half a hundred relatives in the Holocaust. Therefore, he understood very well how this works. Today, Russia is committing crimes on a daily basis that are appalling in their magnitude. These include deportations, forced displacement, passportization, illegal adoption, and name changes. Russia abducts Ukrainian children and deliberately destroys their national identity," she noted.

The participants discussed mechanisms for the return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children and stressed the importance of ensuring an individual approach to each child, taking into account their age, educational, medical, and psychological needs.

Special attention was given to documenting the personal stories of children who have been brought back home.

"When we speak about Russia's crimes, we must be not only precise in numbers but also honest in telling personal stories. The testimonies of those who have already returned speak on behalf of those still waiting to be rescued," noted Daria Herasymchuk.

First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya stressed that Russia is conducting a policy of erasing national identity similar to the methods used by Nazi Germany during World War II.

The meeting participants also outlined paths for further cooperation in implementing national and international legal mechanisms for the return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children deported and displaced by Russia.

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NBI-1117568 is an oral, muscarinic M4 selective receptor agonist discovered by Nxera advancing through clinical development under a multi-program collaboration with Neurocrine

For more information, please read Neurocrines announcement (link)

Tokyo, Japan and Cambridge, UK, 1 May 2025  Nxera Pharma Co., Ltd. (Nxera or the Company; TSE 4565) today announces that its partner Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. (Neurocrine) has initiated a Phase 3 registrational program to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of NBI-1117568 (NBI-568), an investigational oral muscarinic M4 selective orthosteric agonist, as a potential treatment for schizophrenia. Positive top-line data for the Phase 2 clinical study in adults with schizophrenia were reported in August 2024.

Chris Cargill, President and CEO of Nxera Pharma, commented: Todays news marks a pivotal milestone for Nxera with NBI568 becoming the first NxWave-designed molecule to enter a Phase 3 clinical trial. NBI-568 is the most advanced candidate from a portfolio of muscarinic agonists discovered by Nxera, licensed to Neurocrine and advancing through clinical development. These candidates were designed using our NxWave platform with specific attributes to address the complex needs of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, who remain hugely underserved by current treatment options. The expertise and commitment that Neurocrine has demonstrated in progressing NBI-568 to this advanced stage and to our partnership as a whole has been inspirational. We look forward to reporting further updates as Neurocrine advances NBI-568 through its Phase 3 program and continues to make progress with the broader muscarinic portfolio.

The Phase 3 study is a global double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating NBI-568 in adults with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who are experiencing an acute exacerbation or relapse of symptoms. The study is expected to enroll approximately 280 patients. The primary endpoint of the study is a reduction from baseline in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The key secondary endpoint is improvement in the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) scale.

There is no milestone payment payable by Neurocrine to Nxera associated with the start of the Phase 3 trial. A US$15 million milestone payment is due upon dosing of the first patient in the Phase 3 study. Nxera will make a separate announcement when this milestone event is reached.

END

About NBI-1117568

NBI-1117568 is the first and only investigational oral muscarinic M4 selective orthosteric agonist in clinical development for the treatment of schizophrenia. There are five muscarinic acetylcholine receptors involved in neurotransmission. Muscarinic receptors are central to brain function and validated as drug targets in psychosis and cognitive disorders. As an M4 selective orthosteric agonist, NBI-1117568 offers the potential for a novel mechanism with an improved safety profile without the need for combination therapy to minimize off-target pharmacology-related side effects, while also not being dependent on the presence of acetylcholine for efficacy.

Neurocrine is initiating a Phase 3 study of NBI-1117568 in adults with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who are experiencing an acute exacerbation or relapse of symptoms, supported by positive top-line data from the Phase 2 clinical study, which met its primary endpoint for the once-daily 20 mg dose. The study found:

A clinically meaningful and statistically significant reduction from baseline in the PANSS total score at Week 6 with a placebo-adjusted mean reduction of 7.5 points (p=0.011 and effect size of 0.61) and an 18.2-point reduction from baseline.

A statistically significant improvement across several secondary endpoints, including the CGI-S scale, Marder Factor Score  Positive Symptom Change, and Marder Factor Score  Negative Symptom Change.

NBI-1117568 was generally safe and well tolerated at all doses studied, with minimal gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse events.





About Neurocrine Biosciences Muscarinic Portfolio

In addition to NBI-1117568, Neurocrine has a broad portfolio of assets in clinical development that selectively target muscarinic receptors. The company's muscarinic agonist portfolio also includes NBI-1117567, NBI-1117569, and NBI-1117570, which the company acquired the rights to develop and commercialize from Nxera Pharma.

Compound Primary Mechanism

(M1-M4) Phase Therapeutic

Areas Potential Areas for Development NBI-1117568 M4 agonist 3 Psychosis

Cognition











Alzheimer's Disease

Bipolar Disorder

Lewy Body Dementia

Parkinson's Disease

Schizophrenia











NBI-1117567 M1 agonist 1 NBI-1117569 M4 agonist 1 NBI-1117570 M1/M4 dual agonist 1

*Under its collaboration with Neurocrine, Nxera retains rights to develop M1 agonists in Japan in all indications, subject to certain exceptions.

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious and complex syndrome with heterogeneous symptoms. The World Health Organization estimates that the disorder impacts approximately 24 million people worldwide. Annual associated costs for schizophrenia are estimated to be more than $150 billion in the United States. As one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, it often results in significant emotional and functional burden for those who experience symptoms, as well as their family and friends. This chronic and disabling mental health condition is thought to result from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors. Traditional treatment approaches for schizophrenia rely on the use of antipsychotic medications that can lead to considerable short- and long-term health impacts.

About Nxera Pharma

Nxera Pharma is a technology powered biopharma company in pursuit of new specialty medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs in Japan and globally.

We have built an agile, new-generation commercial business in Japan to develop and commercialize innovative medicines, including several launched products, to address this high value, large and growing market and those in the broader APAC region.

Behind that, and powered by our unique NxWave discovery platform, we are advancing an extensive pipeline of over 30 active programs from discovery through to late clinical stage internally and in partnership with leading pharma and biotech companies. This pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class candidates is focused on addressing major unmet needs in some of the fastest-growing areas of medicine across neurology/neuropsychiatry, metabolic diseases and immunology and inflammation.

Nxera employs approximately 400 talented people at key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea) and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565).

For more information, please visit www.nxera.life

LinkedIn: @NxeraPharma | X: @NxeraPharma | YouTube: @NxeraPharma

Enquiries:

Nxera  Media and Investor Relations

Shinya Tsuzuki, VP, Head of Investor Relations

Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory Disclosures

Maya Bennison, Communications Manager

+81 (0)3 5210 3399 | +44 (0)1223 949390 |IR@Nxera.life

MEDiSTRAVA (for International Media)

Mark Swallow, Frazer Hall, Erica Hollingsworth

+44 (0)203 928 6900 | Nxera@medistrava.com

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development, and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Nxera Pharma Groups actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Christina Lake Cannabis Corp. (the Company or CLC or Christina Lake Cannabis) (CSE: CLC) (OTCQB: CLCFF) (FRANKFURT: CLB) further to the press release dated April 23, 2025, the Company is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche (the First Tranche) of a non-brokered private placement of units ("Units"), with each Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a Share) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"), in the principal amount of CDN $1,138,910.55 (the Offering).

The Company issued 22,778,211 Units at a price of $0.05 per Unit under the closing of the first tranche, which were in the form of a debt settlement of principal and accrued interest due to the existing convertible debenture holders. No finders fees were paid in connection with the first closing of the Offering.

The Offering is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approval, including acceptance of the CSE. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company expects to complete additional closing or closing on or prior to May 30, 2025.

Certain directors and officers of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 21,524,011 of Units and gross proceeds of $1,076,200.55 under the first tranche of the Offering. Such participation will be considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61- 101"). The Company anticipates relying on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(b), respectively, of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Shares to be acquired by the participating directors and officers nor the consideration to be paid by such directors and officers is anticipated to exceed $2,500,000.

The securities issued under the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and were not to 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 the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Christina Lake Cannabis Corp.

Christina Lake Cannabis is a licensed producer of cannabis under the Cannabis Act with a standard cultivation license and corresponding processing amendment from Health Canada as well as a research and development license. Christina Lake Cannabis facilities consist of a 32-acre property, which includes over 950,000 square feet of outdoor grow space, offices, propagation and drying rooms, research facilities, and a facility dedicated to processing and extraction. A 342-acre property which includes approximately 100-acres of licensed outdoor grow space, green houses, and a dry room. Christina Lake Cannabis also owns a 99-acre plot of land adjoining its principal site. CLC focuses its production on creating high quality extracts and distillate for its B2B client base with proprietary strains specifically developed for outdoor cultivation to enhance extraction quality.

On behalf of Christina Lake Cannabis:

Mark Aiken

Mark Aiken, CEO

For more information about CLC, please visit: www.christinalakecannabis.com

Jennifer Smith

Investor Relations and Media Inquiries

investors@clcannabis.com

902-229-7265

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

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, likely, probably, often, 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 size of the Offering, the completion and terms of the Offering, the use of the proceeds from the Offering, completion of any additional tranches of the Offering, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, harvesting results, and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include future growth potential of the Company, fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions, fluctuations in securities markets, expectations regarding the size of the future harvest, the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives, plans for expansion, inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards and general market conditions. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Companys disclosure documents which can be found under the Companys profile on http://www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, 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 forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SurgiBox, Inc., a pioneering medical technology company dedicated to bringing safe surgery to every patient, today announced a strategic partnership with BestBrick Medical, a leading medical distributor in Taiwan. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in SurgiBox's mission to expand access to its innovative surgical containment and protection technologies throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

BestBrick Medical is a well-established medical distributor with over 30 years of deep-rooted presence in the Taiwanese healthcare market. BestBrick specializes in introducing innovative solutions and clinically proven treatments, playing a pivotal role in bringing novel medical technologies to Taiwan.

The partnership will enable SurgiBox to leverage BestBrick Medical's established distribution network and regulatory expertise to introduce its portable surgical environment technology to Taiwanese military, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.

"We are very excited to partner with such a well-regarded distributor with extensive knowledge of the Taiwanese healthcare landscape and dedication to advancing medical care across Taiwan." said Kelly Laurel, COO of SurgiBox. "This strategic alliance with BestBrick Medical strengthens our already deep roots in Taiwan through our existing manufacturing partnerships and investor relationships. Together, these connections form a powerful ecosystem that will accelerate our growth throughout the region while ensuring Taiwanese healthcare providers have seamless access to our innovative surgical solutions."

BestBrick Medical will be responsible for marketing, distributing, and providing local support for SurgiBox's products in Taiwan, ensuring healthcare providers have access to the necessary training and resources to effectively utilize the technology.

"Typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters routinely hit Taiwan. The impact on traffic often prevents patients from receiving timely medical care," said Roger Wang, General Manager of BestBrick Medical. "With the innovative solution provided by SurgiBox, healthcare providers can directly provide the best care to all patients without the limitation of location. We are excited to work with Surgibox to extend surgery capability to wherever it is needed."

This strategic partnership is part of SurgiBox's global expansion strategy, which aims to make safe surgery accessible to patients worldwide, particularly in regions where maintaining safe surgical conditions can be challenging. In parallel, the company has kicked off its Series A fundraising campaign to support its growth and expansion.

About SurgiBox, Inc.

SurgiBox, Inc. is a medical technology company committed to bringing safe surgery to patients, anytime, anywhere. SurgiBox is a pioneer in portable surgical care, enabling safe and effective procedures in austere environments, disaster and conflict zones, and medical facilities overwhelmed by surgical backlogs. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, SurgiBox aims to revolutionize the delivery of surgical care.

About BestBrick Medical

BestBrick Medical is a well-established medical distributor with over 30 years of deep-rooted presence in the Taiwanese healthcare market. BestBrick specializes in introducing innovative solutions and clinically proven treatments, playing a pivotal role in bringing novel medical technologies to Taiwan.

Media Contact:

Karen Bernstein

press@surgibox.com

www.surgibox.com
New York, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

In This Article, You'll Discover:

The smoking-related discomforts and pain points that most filters fail to solve

Why ANTI TAR TripleGuard filters stand out as a next-generation solution for cleaner smoking

How the TripleGuard filtration system works using nano bead and microporous filter technology

What makes this product align with 2025's smoking trends like smart filtration and bioadaptive filters

A breakdown of benefits, including reduced tar buildup and preserved cigarette smoker's-by-side comparisons with other cigarette filters on the market

What current users are saying about their experience with ANTI TAR

Full business transparency: pricing details, refund policy, and how to purchase directly from the official website

Disclaimers on medical claims and why ANTI TAR is a tool for reduction, not cessation

Embedded product research and expert analysis on where ANTI TAR fits in the smoke wellness movement

TLDR: ANTI TAR TripleGuard Cigarette Filters Under Review

In 2025, the demand for harm-reduction smoking tools is at an all-time high. ANTI TAR TripleGuard filters offer a compelling option for adult smokers who want a cleaner smoking experience without giving up cigarettes. Featuring a triple-layer filtration systemnanobeads, high-fiber cotton, and microporous barriersthese next-gen cigarette filters aim to reduce visible tar buildup, preserve cigarette flavor, and minimize smokers' cough and irritation.

While ANTI TAR does not eliminate the health risks associated with smoking, it reflects the growing consumer shift toward eco-conscious smoking accessories and innovative filtration technology. This article explores the exact pain points faced by modern smokers, why traditional filters fail to address them, and how ANTI TAR sets a new standard in smoke tech innovation. Readers will also discover product specifications, pricing disclaimers, and satisfaction guarantee detailsall optimized for transparency and decision-making.

Introduction: Why the Modern Smoker Needs Better Options

Understanding the Smoker's Reality in 2025

Despite global awareness of smoker's reality, many adults continue to smokewhether for stress relief, habit, or social connection. While cessation products flood the market, many smokers are not ready to quit entirely. This creates a need for harm-reduction tools that support a cleaner smoking experience without requiring total abstinence.

The Growing2025'sd for Smarter Smoking Solutions

Recent trends highlight a shift toward eco-conscious smoking accessories, clean nicotine, and innovative filtration technology. Smokers today are more informed and more selective. They want filters that don't just block tarthey want solutions that:

Help preserve taste

Minimize harshness

Reduce visible stains on teeth and fingers.

Offer some sense of wellness or reduced harm.

This is where the ANTI TAR TripleGuard Cigarette Filter enters the conversation as a promising solution for smokers looking for a more intelligent choice.

What Is ANTI TAR and How Does It Work?

Introducing the TripleGuard Filtration Technology

The ANTI TAR CigareSmoker'ser is a compact yet highly engineered smoking accessory designed to reduce the intake of harmful substances commonly found in cigarette smoke. Developed with TripleGuard Filtration Technology, this filter system uses three distinct layers:

Advanced Layered Protection:

Nano Beads Layer : Targets and traps ultra-fine tar particles using cutting-edge nanofiltration .

: Targets and traps ultra-fine tar particles using cutting-edge . High-Fiber Cotton Core : Provides consistent air diffusion, enhancing smoothness without disrupting flavor.

: Provides consistent air diffusion, enhancing smoothness without disrupting flavor. Microporous Barrier Layer: Captures remaining visible contaminants, supporting a noticeably cleaner smoke draw.

This tri-stage design reflects the latest innovations in smoke tech and aligns with the current surge in bioadaptive filters and next-gen cigarette filter development.

Disclaimer: While this filter is designed to reduce tar intake and support a cleaner experience, it is not a medical product and does not eliminate the health risks associated with smoking.

How It Differs From Standard Filters

Unlike traditional cellulose-based filters or foam tips, ANTI TAR's TripleGuard system is designed for maximum impact without degrading the smoking experience. Here's how it stands out:

Preserves the cigarette's original flavor

Maintains proper airflow for natural drag

for natural drag Helps minimize cough and irritation reported by some users

reported by some users Disclaimer: These benefits are subjective and not guaranteed. Results may vary.

Conveniently disposable after 35 cigarettes, depending on your brand's tar level

after 35 cigarettes, depending on your brand's tar level A transparent body allows visual confirmation of trapped tar

Aligning with Innovation & Lifestyle Trends

This filter isn't just a smoking toolit reflects a broader movement in 2025 toward smoking lifestyle upgrades, where products are evaluated not just for functionality but also for sustainability and wellness compatibility.

Why Smokers Are Turning to Filtration in 2025: Understanding the Pain Points

The Lingering Problem: Tar Buildup and Health Worries

Even in 2025, a significant number of adult smokers continue to struggle with the effects of cigarette tar  the thick, sticky substance left behind after burns. While most smokers are well aware of tar's impact on health, many don't realize there's to which it contributes to the cigarettes they experience on a day-to-day basis.

Common concerns include:

Harsh throat irritation

Persistent smoker's cough

Yellowing of teeth and fingers

Mucus buildup and shortness of breath

Discomfort from strong odors on skin, breath, and clothing

These symptoms are brand-accepted as part of the lifestyle, even though they're a direct result of unfiltered or poorly filtered tar exposure.

Disclosure reduction does not eliminate the health risks of smoking. ANTI TAR filters are not medical devices, and results may vary by user.

Why Traditional Filters Fall Short

Most conventional cigarette filters use only a single layer of cellulose acetate. This basic material may catch larger particles but fails to significantly reduce ultra-fine tar and smoke residue. They often create:

Reduced airflow and stiff drag

Blunted flavor quality

Minimal visual indication of trapped tar

Ineffective filtration of micro-particles and combustion residuetar's result, many smokers abdon't filters entirely or use low-grade products that offer little real protection or benefit.

The Rise of the Conscious Smoker

A new wave of consumers in 2025 has a smoker's narrative. These individuals are looking for:

Harm-reduction tools that improve their experience without demanding total cessation

that improve their experience without demanding total cessation Eco-conscious smoking accessories that reflect a responsible lifestyle

that reflect a responsible lifestyle Clethey'retine delivery without harsh chemicals or unnecessary additives

without harsh chemicals or unnecessary additives Smoke tech innovation that blends comfort, style, and performance

ANTI TAR filters cater directly to these expectations. Their TripleGuard filtration system addresses specific smoker pain points without asking users to compromise on flavor or usability.

Experience smoother drags and less irritationswitch to ANTI TAR filters now and feel the cleaner difference with every puff.

How ANTI TAR's TripleGuard Filters Deliver a Cleaner Smoking Experience

A Closer Look at TripleGuard Filtration Technology

ANTI TAR filters are not built like ordinary disposable tips. Each filter contains a TripleGuard system, combining three scientifically engineered layers that work in harmony to reduce exposure to tar and other smoke particles, all while maintaining a balanced airflow.

The Three-Stage System:

1. Nano Beads Layer

These microscopic beads are designed to capture ultra-fine tar particles that most standard filters miss. This is the first line of defense against the invisible irritants that cause harsh throat hits and long-term staining.

2. High-Fiber Cotton Core

At the heart of the filter lies a soft, breathable cotton layer. This core evenly disperses smoke, reducing harshness and promoting a smoother, more balanced draw.

3. Microporous Barrier

This final filtration layer helps block visible tar and particulate matter while allowing smoke to pass with minimal resistance. Its transparent design even lets users see trapped residue over timeproviding a clear visual of what's being filtered out.

Disclaimer: While this advanced filtration system can reduce visible tar and smooth out the smoking experience, it does not make cigarettes safe. This product is intended for adults seeking reduced exposurenot cessation.

The Sensory Difference: What Users Feel

Smokers using ANTI TAR filters commonly report:

Less throat burning and dryness

Improved taste clarity with minimal flavor loss

Easier draws with stable airflow

A cleaner aftertaste

Reduced smoke odor on hands and breath

These are all indicators of filter-first design and smart filtration engineering both trending acrossnext-gen cigarette filters and smoke wellness accessories in 2025.

Note: Individual experiences may vary. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions.

Comparing ANTI TAR to Standard Filters: Is It Really Better?

The Benchmark Problem: One-Layer Filters vs. Multi-Stage Protection

Most traditional cigarette filters rely on a single-layer acetate structure. While these may slightly reduce, they often fail to catch ultra-fine tar particles. As a result, they provide only superficial benefits and come with significant limitations:

No visual indication of trapped tar

Altered or muted flavor

Poor airflow and resistance during inhalation

Limited durabilityoften usable for just one cigarette

These pain points continue to frustrate smokers who want a more refined, health-conscious experience without giving up smoking altogether.

In contrast, the ANTI TAR TripleGuard Filter is engineered to offer a multi-stage solution. It delivers more than a barrierit functions as a smoke optimization tool that caters to flavor, flow, and filtration all at once.

What Makes ANTI TAR Filters a Superior Choice?

ANTI TAR filters feature a three-stage system that includes nano beads, a high-fiber cotton core, and a microporous barrier. These layers work together to:

Trap significant tar and residue before it reaches your throat and lungs

Visibly show trapped tar through its transparent body, providing real-time feedback

Maintain consistent airflow and a natural, easy drag

Preserve the full flavor of your cigarette without dulling its taste

Last through 3 to 5 cigarettes per tip, depending on tar levels

Reduce waste compared to single-use filters, making them a more eco-conscious smoking accessory

Disclaimer: While these filters are effective in capturing visible tar and reducing certain discomforts, they do not eliminate the health risks associated with smoking. Results may vary based on usage, brand, and individual sensitivity.

Feedback From the Smoke Community

Online reviews and smoker forums frequently highlight several shared experiences:

Noticeably less irritation after switching to ANTI TAR

Cleaner sensation during and after smoking

Satisfaction from seeing actual tar buildup inside the filter

Appreciation for cost-effectiveness due to multi-use capacity

These benefits position ANTI TAR as a leading product in the harm reduction tools category and a top contender among next-gen cigarette filters for 2025.

Dont settle for harsh smokegrab your ANTI TAR TripleGuard filters today and enjoy a noticeably cleaner, smoother cigarette experience.

Real User Experiences: What Smokers Are Saying About ANTI TAR

Firsthand Insights From Adult Smokers

When it comes to smoking accessories, no review is complete without feedback from real users. Across social media platforms, forums, and eCommerce reviews, smokers consistently share how ANTI TAR TripleGuard filters have changed their experience.

Many users express initial skepticism. But after just a few uses, most say the results are difficult to ignoreespecially when they see the visible buildup of brown and black tar inside the clear filter chamber. That real-time visual is often described as "eye-opening" and "convincing."

Here are a few common themes from user testimonials:

"I didn't realize how much tar I was actually inhaling until I saw it trapped in the filter."

"The airflow is smooth. I was expecting it to be restricted, but it isn't at all."

"The taste of my cigarette hasn't changedif anything, it's cleaner."

"I used to cough after every smoke. That's happening less now."

"I've gone through a full pack with these filters, and they lasted well. Great value."

Note: These testimonials reflect personal experiences. Individual results may vary. ANTI TAR is not a smoking cessation device and does not guarantee any health benefit.

User-Reported Benefits at a Glance

From the feedback provided across verified purchases and smoking blogs, the most commonly cited benefits include:

Reduced harshness and throat discomfort

Cleaner taste and smoother inhale

Fewer complaints of smoker's cough

Visual proof of tar capture

Lower frequency of hand and teeth staining

Perceived sense of improved cleanliness while smoking

How to Use ANTI TAR Filters: Ease, Frequency, and Practical Tips

A Plug-and-Smoke Design for Everyday Use

One of the strongest appeals of the ANTI TAR TripleGuard filter is its ease of use. There's no setup, no adhesives, no toolsjust a smooth, disposable tip that attaches to the base of your cigarette. This plug-and-smoke design is ideal for smokers looking for convenience without altering their smokers. nHere's how to use ANTI TAR filters in three simple steps:

Remove a filter from the hygienically sealed pack Firmly insert the cigarette into the open end of the filter Smoke as usualwith no changes to draw or handling

After smoking, simply dispose of the used cigarette and reuse the filter up to 35 times, depending on the cigarette's tar content.

Tip: If the interior of the filter becomes visibly saturated with dark brown or black tar, it's time to switch to a new one.

Usage Frequency: How Long Does One Filter Last?

Each ANTI TAR filter is built to last:

3 to 5 cigarettes per filter , depending on the cigarette brand and how frequently you smoke

, depending on the cigarette brand and how frequently you smoke Visual cues help guide replacementwhen the tar chamber darkens significantly, it's time for a fresh filter

help guide replacementwhen the tar chamber darkens significantly, it's time for a fresh filter No tools or cleaning requiredjust swap and go

For smokerThere'stra-light or light cigarettes, the filter may remain clear longer. For heavier cigarettes, you may see tar accumulation after just a couple of smokes.

Maintenance-Free and Travel-Friendly

These filters are:

DisposHere'sor easy, sanitary replacement

easy, sanitary replacement Compact and lightweight , fitting easily into a shirt pocket, wallet, or pack

, fitting easily into a shirt pocket, wallet, or pack Mess-free , with no leaking, smearing, or tar drips

, with no leaking, smearing, or tar drips Ideal for discreet, cleaner smoking in social or professional settings

Whether you're on the go or at home, ANTI TAR provides an adaptable, low-maintenance that fits seamlessly into modern smoker lifestyles.

Tired of coughing after every cigarette? Order ANTI TAR now and reduce visible tar and irritationwithout giving up your smoke.

ANTI TAR Product Line, Pricing, and Satisfaction Guarantee

Filter Pack Options for Different Needs

ANTI TAR offers a variety of filter packs to suit casual and regular smokers alike. Whether you're looking for a starter supply or a long-term solution, the brand provides multiple purchasing tiers directly from the official website:

30 Filtit's (Basic Trial Pack)  Ideal for light smokers or first-time users

 Ideal for light smokers or first-time users 60 Filters (Standard Pack)  Recommended for regular smokers

90 Filters (Value Pack)

Best for long-term users or households with multiplAT300 Mini Filter  Suitable for Occasional & Light Smokers

Product Type: Maximum Tar Filtration Filter

Maximum Tar Filtration Filter Best For: Light or occasional smokers

Light or occasional smokers Filtration Stages: Up to 3 cigarettes per filter

Up to 3 cigarettes per filter Price: From $23 per box

Shipping: Free in the USA and Canada

Free in the USA and Canada Guarantee: 365-day money-back guarantee

This option is ideal for casual smokers seeking a you're filtration system that still captures visible tar. Compact and easy to use, the AT300 provides protection without disrupting airflow. With a low entry price and strong user feedback, it's a practical starting point.

AT470 Triple Filtration

Suitable for Regular & Heavy Smokers

Product Type: Triple Filtration with Smooth Airflow

Triple Filtration with Smooth Airflow You're Daily or heavy smokers

Daily or heavy smokers Filtration Stages: Up to 5 cigarettes per filter

Up to 5 cigarettes per filter Price: From $23 per box

Shipping: Free in the USA and Canada

Free in the USA and Canada Guarantee: 365-day money-back guarantee

Engineered for durability and effectiveness, the AT470 is designed for users who smoke more frequently and require more robust tar control. Its triple-layer design ensures a balance of clean filtration and smooth inhalation, making it a premium choice in the filter category.

Key Benefits

Same affordable base price: Both models start at $23 per box

Both models start at Shipping Included: Free across the U.S. and Canada

Free across the U.S. and Canada Risk-Free Trial: 365-day satisfaction guarantee

365-day satisfaction guarantee Tailored Options: AT300 for light use, AT470 for extended or heavier use

AT300 for light use, AT470 for extended or heavier use Proven Effectiveness: Visual tar buildup after each use reinforces performance

Pricing Disclaimer: All prices are subject to change at any time. For the latest promotions, bundle options, it's accurate pricing, please check the official website at www.antitar.com. This article does not guarantee current price accuracy.

Shipping and Delivery

ANTI TAR ships both domestically and internationally, with most U.S. orders delivered in 510 business days. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout.

Key delivery features:

Tracking provided via email

Secure packaging

Discreet labeling for privacy

Refund Policy and Satisfaction Guarantee

To ensure customer confidence, ANTI TAR offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your purchase within 30 days, you can request a full refund (minus shipping) as long as the product is returned unopened.

Important refund highlights:

Refunds must be initiated through customer service

Return shipping is the buyer's responsibility unless the product wasdefective

Opened or used filters are not eligible for return

Protect your throat, preserve your flavorshop ANTI TAR filters today and enjoy cleaner, smoother smoking starting with your next puff.

Is ANTI TAR the Right Filter for You? Final Verdict Based on Today's Smoker Trends

Who Benefits Most from ANTI TAR Filters?

The ANTI TAR TripleGuard filter is not a universal solution for all smokers, but it's exceptionally well-suited for:

Adult smokers who are not ready to quit but want to reduce their exposure to harsh tar and residue

but want to reduce their exposure to harsh tar and residue Smokers concerned about throat irritation , smoker's cough, and excessive staining

, smoker's cough, and excessive staining Individuals looking for a more refined, cleaner smoking experience without sacrificing taste or airflow

without sacrificing taste or airflow Conscious consumers who align with 2025's trends in smoke wellness, harm reduction tools, and eco-conscious smoking accessories

who align with 2025's trends in smoke wellness, harm reduction tools, and Travelers or social smokers need hygiene, portability, and discretion

If you fall into one or more of these categories, ANTI TAR's next-gen cigarette filters are a worthy addition to your daily smoking routine.

Disclaimer: ANTI TAR filters are not a substitute for quitting buyer's. They are designed to reduce discomfort and visible tar exposurenot to eliminate health risks.

Why ANTI TAR Aligns with 2025 Smoking Trends

This product isn't the everyday out-filtering smokeit's about upgrading the entire smoking experience. In an era where innovative filtration, smoking lifestyle upgrades, and nicotine solutions are rapidly gaining momentum, ANTI TAR filters offer a well-engineered, user-friendly response to the evolving demands of today's smokers.

Smokers in 2025 look for:

Quality

Efficiency

Visual confirmation of results

Products that support harm reduction rather than preach abstinence

ANTI-TAR's clear filter chamber, triple-layer pion, and overall ease of use address those exact needswhile also offering practical affordability through reusable tips and value packs.

Final Thoughts for the Reader

If you've tried standard filters and found them addictive, or if you're searching for a practical step toward smoke optimization, ANTI TAR is likely to exceed your expectations.

It delivers:

A smoother, cleaner draw

Reduced visible tar exposure

Flavor preservation

Practical, disposable design

Multi-use value per filter

For the modern smoker seeking a balance between enjoyment and responsibility, ANTI TAR TripleGuard filters are a top-tier option worth exploring.

Reminder: For the most accurate pricing, shipping updates, and current promotions, visit the official site: www.antitar.com. Prices and policies are subject to change.

Cleaner taste, visible tar capture, smoother inhaleget ANTI TAR TripleGuard filters now and elevate your smoking experience instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes ANTI TAR TripleGuard filters different from standard cigarette filters?

ANTI TAR filters use a TripleGuard filtration system that combines nanobeads, a high-fiber cotton core, and a microporous barrier to trap visible tar and reduce irritants without blocking airflow. Traditional cigarette filters are typically single-layer and don't capture ultra-fine tar you've effectively. ANTI TAR offers a cleaner smoking experience with better filtration and taste preservation.

How many cigarettes can I smoke with one ANTI TAR filter?

Each ANTI TAR TripleGuard filter is designed for 3 to 5 uses, depending on your cigarette's tar level and personal preference. When the interior chamber becomes visibly dark with tar, it's time to replace the filter. This multi-use capacity adds value and reduces waste compared to single-use filter tips.

Does the filter change the taste or flavor of the cigarette?

Not significantly. One of the core benefits of ANTI TAR is its flavor-retention technology. The advanced innovative filtration system reduces harshness while preserving the original taste of your cigarette. Many users report that their smoke feels cleaner and smoother without being diluted.

Are ANTI TAR filters safe to use?

ANTI TAR filters are non-toxic, BPA-free, and manufactured using premium materials designed for adult smokers. They do not introduce harmful chemicals and are intended for harm reduction rather than cessation.

Disclaimer: These filters do not eliminate the health risks of smoking. They are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.

Can ANTI-TAR filters help reduce smokers' cough?

Many users report less coughing and reduced throat discomfort after switching to ANTI TAit'slters due to lower tar intake. However, results may vary by individual.

Disclaimer: ANTI TAR is not a therapeutic product. Any health-related benefits are anecdotal and not guaranteed.

Is there any visible proof that the filters work?

Yes. After just a few uses, the filter's transparent chamber shows a visible buildup of dark tar. This real-time visual proof has become a compelling feature for users who want to understand precisely what they're filtering out of their smoke.

Are ANTI TAR filters reusable or disposable?

They are disposable, but each one can be reused for 3 to 5 cigarettes. Once you see significant tar buildup, discard the used filter and replace it with a new one.

Do ANTI TAR filters work with all cigarette brands?

Yes. ANTI TAR filters are designed to be universal and work with the vast majority of standard-size cigarettes. They may not be compatible with extra-slim cigarettes.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. ANTI TAR offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee within 30 days of purchase. If you're not happy with your order, you can request a refund by returning the unused portion.

Please note that opened filters are not eligible for return. See the official website for full policy details.

Where can I buy ANTI TAR filters?

The safest and most reliable place to purchase is through the official website, where you'll find the latest offers, pack sizes, and pricing options.

Pricing Disclaimer: Prices at your promotions may vary and are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official website for current pricing and shipping details.

See the tar youve been inhalingfilter it out starting today with ANTI TAR. Order now and join thousands of satisfied smokers.

Contact : ANTI TAR TripleGuard filter

: ANTI TAR TripleGuard filter Address : 511 6th St Madison, AL 35756, United States

: 511 6th St Madison, AL 35756, United States Email: support@antitar.com

Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer and Disclosure

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects research and opinions available at the time of writing and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Any references to the reduction of tar, discomfort, or irritation are based on user feedback and general product descriptions provided by the manufacturer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the product discussed is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The use of cigarette filters, including those marketed for harm reduction, does not eliminate the health risks associated with smoking. Results may vary depending on the individual, usage frequency, cigarette brand, and other factors. Consumers are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion before using any smoking accessory. This content does not make claims of health benefits or guaranteed outcomes.

All pricing, promotional offers, shipping timelines, and product availability mentioned in this article are accurate to the best of the publishers knowledge at the time of publication. However, these details are subject to change without notice. Readers should visit the official website of the product manufacturer for the most up-to-date information.

The publisher and syndication partners are not responsible for any pricing discrepancies, typographical errors, outdated data, or misinformation presented herein. While every effort has been made to verify facts and provide current details, no liability is accepted for losses or damages resulting from reliance on the information contained in this article.

This article may contain affiliate links. If a reader clicks on these links and makes a purchase, the publisher may receive a commission at no additional cost to the consumer. This helps support the continued production of research-based content. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence editorial integrity or the objectivity of product reviews presented.

By reading this article, the reader acknowledges that they have been informed of the nature of the content, the products intended purpose, and the non-medical scope of the recommendations provided.
St. Petersburg, FL, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Girard Media LLC, a leading name in full-service brand strategy and digital transformation, today unveiled a major expansion of its service offerings, designed to help businesses achieve deeper market penetration and measurable growth. With this latest rollout, Girard Media introduces a robust lineup of PR, advertising, and media tools that form part of its comprehensive ecosystem for modern strategic marketing.





Girard Media PR

In a digital-first world where visibility is currency, Girard Medias newly enhanced services aim to provide brands with the systems they need to scale sustainably. Since its founding in 2008, the agency has empowered over 1,000 clients across more than 20 industries, offering insight-driven growth strategies that combine technology with creativity.

Our clients trust us to bring structure and clarity to their marketing efforts, said Sevak Girard, CEO and Founder of Girard Media. This expansion is about more than adding servicesits about giving businesses a platform to communicate effectively and get seen by the audiences that matter most.

Introducing an Integrated Media and Marketing Stack

The expanded service suite addresses a growing demand for integrated marketing support and includes:

Premium Press Release Distribution: Professionally crafted and distributed press releases that boost credibility and online discoverability.

As Seen On Media Logo Packages: Verified media logos from platforms like Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, and MarketWatch to enhance social proof.

TV Ads and Streaming Commercials: End-to-end video production and placement across television and streaming services for maximum reach.

AI-Optimized Google Ads Campaigns: Smart advertising powered by artificial intelligence to deliver better targeting, cost efficiency, and conversion potential.

Real-Time Reporting Dashboards: Transparent and user-friendly analytics dashboards that make performance insights actionable.

These offerings are seamlessly integrated into Girard Medias existing framework of web design, lead generation, CRM development, SEO, and consulting services, creating a one-stop solution for clients seeking coherent and strategic growth.

Built for Businesses at Every Stage

Whether a business is just getting started or looking to expand its footprint, Girard Medias solutions are structured to adapt and grow alongside its clients. The agencys holistic model minimizes the need for fragmented vendor relationships and maximizes efficiency by unifying core functions under one roof.

For startups, the agency offers foundational branding and visibility tools. For established enterprises, its platform provides ongoing support with campaign management, audience engagement, and optimization strategies.

Our approach is simplebuild systems that grow with you, added Girard. Were helping businesses clarify their voice, expand their reach, and stay accountable to the metrics that matter.

This client-centric approach has led to long-term partnerships and notable success stories across industries, including technology, finance, health services, legal, and retail.

Aligning Technology with Trust

What sets Girard Media apart is its emphasis on strategic alignment, ethical marketing, and quality content. In an era where many firms rely on gimmicks or short-term tactics, Girard Media remains grounded in journalistic integrity and data-driven execution. Each press release is written to meet stringent editorial standards and comply with major newswire distribution requirements, ensuring that businesses maintain credibility while reaching broader audiences.

Moreover, the companys TV ads and Google Ads campaigns are informed by continuous learning algorithms that adapt in real timehelping clients stay ahead of evolving digital trends.

No-Cost Growth Review Now Available

To mark the launch of its expanded offerings, Girard Media is offering a complimentary Free Growth Reviewa no-obligation session designed to help companies assess their current brand visibility, digital footprint, and marketing alignment. This review identifies gaps, opportunities, and tailored solutions using Girard Medias proven frameworks.

Organizations can schedule their Free Growth Review session directly through the companys website: https://girardmedia.com

This initiative aligns with the companys long-standing commitment to accessibility, transparency, and results without pressure. It provides businesses with valuable insights into how strategic PR and advertising efforts can contribute to sustainable growth.

About Girard Media LLC

Founded in 2008, Girard Media LLC is a full-service marketing and media agency headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. The firm specializes in building adaptive growth systems that integrate branding, design, digital advertising, and public relations. With a focus on strategic clarity, scalable systems, and ethical execution, Girard Media serves as a trusted partner to forward-thinking companies across the United States. Its services include design, marketing, advertising, business solutions, technology, consulting, press release distribution, TV ads, Google Ads, SEO, CRM development, and a broad range of content and consulting offerings.




NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BBAI) between March 31, 2022 and March 25, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important June 10, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased BigBear.ai securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the BigBear.ai class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=37621 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 10, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) BigBear.ai maintained deficient accounting review policies related to the reporting and disclosure of certain non-routine, unusual, or complex transactions; (2) as a result, BigBear.ai incorrectly determined that the conversion option within the 2026 Convertible Notes qualified for the derivative scope exception under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815-40 and failed to bifurcate the conversion option as required by ASC 815-15; (3) accordingly, BigBear.ai had improperly accounted for the 2026 Convertible Notes; (4) the foregoing error caused BigBear.ai to misstate various items in several of BigBear.ais previously issued financial statements; (5) as a result, these financial statements were inaccurate and would likely need to be restated; (6) BigBear.ai would require extra time and expense to correct the inaccurate financial statements, thereby increasing the risk that BigBear.ai would be unable to timely file certain financial reports with the SEC; and (7) as a result, BigBear.ais public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the BigBear.ai class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=37621 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIGG Digital Assets Inc. (BIGG or the Company) (TSXV: BIGG; OTCQX: BBKCF; WKN: A2PS9W), a leading innovator in the digital assets space and owner of Netcoins , Blockchain Intelligence Group , and TerraZero reports its fiscal 2024 financial results. All figures are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) unless otherwise noted.

2024 Highlights:

Gross operating revenue of $12.43M (2023 - $6.5M), comprising $10.56M for Netcoins, $1.67M for Blockchain Intelligence Group and $0.2 for TerraZero Netcoins revenues were $10.56M (2023 - $4.99M), up 112% year over year (YoY), and its margin rate was down at 1.26% (2023 - 1.82%) based on gross trading volume of $831M (2023 - $288M) Q4 2024 transactional revenues increased by 112% over Q3 2024 and 106% over the comparative Q4 2023 period, marking a positive market shift largely driven by the price appreciation of Bitcoin (BTC) Netcoins active users totalled approximately 42,406 (2023 - 32,566), an increase of 30% YoY. In Q4 2024, active users rose by 56% over the prior quarter to 12,514 (Q3 2024  8,023), marking an increase of 45% as compared to the number of active users in Q4 2023. This upward trend in the number of active users began in the last quarter of 2024, with an increase in activity and overall improved sentiment in the crypto market at the end of 2024. Blockchain Intelligence Group (BIG) revenues were $1.67M (2023 - $1.5M), up by 11% YoY with a margin rate of 69% (2023 - 83%). Q4 2024 revenues increased by 24% over Q3 2024 at $508,061 (Q3 2024 - $411,380) and were up 11% YoY at $1.67M in 2024 (2023 - $1.5M) However, during 2024 BIG posted a lower margin rate of 69% (2023  83%), due to higher costs of sales incurred primarily in Q4 that resulted in an overall net decrease of 14%. TerraZero revenues were $0.2M, having placed its dedicated focus on the final stages of development of its Intraverse platform, as opposed to revenue generating activities

As of December 31, 2024, BIGGs cash and crypto holdings were ~$25.1M

The Company has no debt

During 2024, the Company reported a net loss of $25,829,671 (2023 - $11,066,979). Prior to the recording of the tax liability provision and goodwill impairment as set out below, the Companys normalized net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1,290,655 (2023 - $11,066,979). In 2024, the Company recorded:

a tax liability provision in the amount of $8.46M in respect of Netcoins GST/HST reassessment by CRA. The Company is contesting the CRA reassessment and pursuing its appeal rights under Canadian federal tax legislation; however, to reflect the uncertainties of CRAs appeals process and litigation, the Company has recorded a liability; and,

a $16M impairment of goodwill arising from the acquisition of TerraZero in late September 2023. A number of factors impacted the review of the recoverable amount and resulted, ultimately, in the decision to write-off the goodwill in its entirety: given the nascent nature of the industry in which TerraZero operates, there are no comparable, publicly traded companies to support the revenue estimates, growth-driving partnerships and assumptions used in the 5-year cash flow forecast; TerraZero is a young company, founded in 2021, and does not have significant historical information to support the revenue estimates, growth-driving partnerships and assumptions used in the 5-year forecast for Intraverse and associated product development(s); TerraZeros Intraverse platform was in development throughout 2024 and revenue generating activities were virtually non-existent. Intraverse was not completed until the end of March 2025 and, as a result, there is not sufficient, auditable evidence of contract values to support the revenue estimates and assumptions used in the 5-year cash flow forecast; and the TerraZero acquisition was completed via a share exchange agreement, when the Companys shares were issued at a higher price than the prevailing market price.



With the recent completion and launch of TerraZeros Intraverse platform in late March 2025, TerraZero is expected to generate revenues in fiscal 2025.

Further Highlights:

BIGG currently owns ~ 68 Bitcoin, valued at $8.9M

BIGGs current treasury of fiat and crypto assets is valued at ~$30M, inclusive of Netcoins float of ~$11.4M

Netcoins currently has customer Assets Under Custody of approximately ~$174M.



Selected financial and operating information should be read in conjunction with BIGG's audited consolidated financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, available at www.sedarplus.ca

All financial information in this press release is prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Dan Reitzik, Interim CEO commented, 2024 was a pivotal year for BIGG. Netcoins performed beyond expectations in terms of significant customer growth, trading volume of over $830 Million and transaction revenue exceeding $10M. Netcoins is now profitable and, after starting 2025 very strongly, is on track to achieve ~$1B in trading volume.

Blockchain Intelligence launched two new products: TokenEyes - a consumer focussed security app; and QLUE Express - our streamlined investigative tool without the extensive training and procurement requirements of QLUE.

TerraZero spent 2024 building its proprietary technology platform, Intraverse, and recently launched in beta with a number of projects in the pipeline that will deploy in the coming weeks and months. A major focus for TerraZero this year will be the integration of blockchain and crypto into the Intraverse platform, powered by Netcoins. This will enable a creator economy and social network, giving users the choice of crypto or fiat commerce. Intraverse is being developed as a more mature version of metaverse platforms including Roblox and Fortnite, and targets the 800M young users already familiar with Web3 and the immersive social internet, looking for similar experiences as they age out of these other platforms.

Future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of cryptocurrency and the demand (or lack thereof) for cryptocurrency. In addition, BIGGs past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

On behalf of the Board



Dan Reitzik

Interim CEO

ir@biggdigitalassets.com

778.819.3890



About BIGG Digital Assets Inc.

BIGG Digital Assets Inc. is a cutting-edge technology company operating across three dynamic business segments: (1) immersive metaverse experiences that redefine digital interaction and engagement ( TerraZero.com ), (2) a secure and innovative cryptocurrency trading platform for seamless digital asset transactions ( Netcoins.com ), and (3) advanced big data and blockchain technology solutions that drive efficiency, security, and scalability across industries ( BlockchainGroup.io ). Our mission is to pioneer the future of digital ecosystems, empowering users and businesses with next-generation technology.

TerraZero Technologies Inc. is a vertically integrated Metaverse development group and leading Web3 technology company specializing in helping brands create immersive experiences. TerraZero's Metaverse-agnostic vision is to develop and implement products and services with scalable commercial applications to flourish engagement across gamified experiences where enterprise-level businesses and Web3 creators can seamlessly bridge and actionably grow their virtual world and the physical world endeavours together as one. TerraZeros offers: (1) immersive experience creations via its Intraverse platform; (2) advertising; (3) data analytics; and (4) events and marketing. TerraZero aims to support the community, foster innovation, and drive adoption. For more information, please visit https://terrazero.com/ or contact hello@terrazero.com .

Netcoins offers secure crypto trading in Canada and the USA, with a mission to make crypto trading easy. Netcoins has a robust product offering with over 40 assets for Crypto Trading and Staking (Canada Only). Netcoins facilitates crypto trading via its cutting-edge Mobile and Web applications and through its OTC Trading Desk. For more information please visit our website www.netcoins.com .

Blockchain Intelligence Group is an industry leading digital asset forensics, anti-money laundering detection, and cryptocurrency investigations company. At the heart of our operations is a deep-rooted expertise in visualizing digital assets and market related activities. This expertise is leveraged to monitor transactional data with a constant eye to assisting our customers with risk management, due diligence, and forensic services for digital assets. For more information please visit our website www.BlockchainGroup.io .

For more information and to register for BIGGs mailing list, please visit our website at https://www.biggdigitalassets.com . Or visit SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements or information, which include the expected opportunities, outcomes, potential and benefits of the Companys products and services, the expected adoption and growth of cryptocurrency and the Companys products and services, evaluating, researching and predicting market trends, the development and completion of products and services, the launch of products and services, events, plans, courses of action, and the potential of the Companys technology and operations and other matters. 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 forward-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, the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Companys financial condition, the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, the demand and pricing of cryptocurrency, the Companys 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; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of BIGG. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because BIGG can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The securities of BIGG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of BIGGs business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Companys website and filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, BIGGs past performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from BIGGs expectations include consumer sentiment towards BIGGs products and Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and Metaverse technology generally, technology failures, the lack of demand for the companys products and services, fluctuations in the price of cryptocurrency, the 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 ability to obtain and/or maintain licences, permits and approvals that are necessary to operate the business; 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; increase in costs and expenses; the dependence on key personnel; competition; the demand and pricing of cryptocurrencies and NFTs (including digital assets); litigation; security threats, including a loss/theft of NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and other assets; and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, BIGG 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, BIGG 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 Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States

TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jo-Jo Capital Canada Ltd. (Exchange: JOJO.P:CC) (Jo-Jo or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the LOI) dated April 23, 2025 and fully executed on April 26th, 2025, with Placements Appalache Limitee (PAL), a privately owned Canadian company, established in the province of Quebec since 1966. PAL has exclusive mining rights over High Purity Quartz deposits on the banks of the St-Lawrence gulf, situated at Baie-Johan-Beetz, Quebec.

Pursuant to the LOI, Jo-Jo and PAL (the Parties or individually as a Party) intend to enter into an arms length business combination transaction (the Transaction) intended to constitute a Qualifying Transaction as defined under TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) Policy 2.4  Capital Pool Companies program. Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the current shareholders of PAL will hold a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Jo-Jo. The Parties will bear their own costs in respect of the proposed Transaction.

PAL has been active in Canada's silica mining industry for over 50 years, developing unique expertise in the silica market. Its Baie-Johan-Beetz deposit, located on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, spans 54.22 hectares of ultra-white, high-purity silica. Ideally suited for open-pit quarry extraction, the deposit lies less than 800 meters from the main road and is complemented by 383.24 hectares of unexplored claims, offering significant expansion potential.

Designated a critical and strategic mineral in Canada since 2024, high-purity silica (commonly known as high-purity quartz) is the feedstock for silicon metal, which is essential for solar panels, semiconductors, microchips, batteries, fiber optics, and other advanced technologies. Material that does not meet the specifications for silicon metal feedstock or high-tech applications will be directed to the architectural and engineered stone markets.

Terms of the LOI:

Pursuant to the LOI, the Transaction will be structured as a reverse takeover, whereby the shareholders of PAL will exchange their securities for securities of Jo-Jo. The Transaction is expected to be completed by way of an amalgamation, plan of arrangement, share exchange, or another structure as mutually agreed upon by the Parties and approved by the Exchange and applicable regulatory authorities. The final structure will be determined based on legal, tax, and accounting advice to optimize efficiency and compliance, and will be detailed in a definitive agreement (the Definitive Agreement). The important terms of the LOI decided by the Parties are:

The consideration for the Transaction shall be in the form of common shares of Jo-Jo. In determining the exchange ratio and overall consideration, a Deemed Price shall be applied. The Deemed Price will be based on the consideration of recent comparable market transactions and other factors mutually agreed upon by both Parties.



Prior to or concurrent with the closing (the Closing) of the Transaction, PAL will complete a private placement financing of subscription receipts comprising regular units and Quebec super flow-through units for minimum gross proceeds of C$3,000,000 and maximum gross proceeds of C$6,000,000 (the Concurrent Financing).



Jo-Jo shall submit a filing statement and/or information circular for review to the Exchange in accordance with applicable securities laws and Exchange form requirements, which shall contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the Parties and the proposed Transaction.



Commencing on the date of execution of this LOI, the Parties shall grant each other reasonable and full access to its books, records, contracts, personnel, and documents for a period of thirty (30) days (the Due Diligence Period) for the purpose of conducting comprehensive legal, financial, technical, and business due diligence investigations.



Prior to or concurrent with the Closing of the Transaction, Jo-Jo shall consolidate its issued and outstanding common shares (the Consolidation) on a basis of two (2) pre-Consolidation common shares for one (1) post-Consolidation common share, such that it will have 4,099,375 common shares issued and outstanding, 250,100 stock options with an exercise price of C$0.10, 159,837 stock options with an exercise price of C$0.20 and 82,670 compensation options with an exercise price of C$0.20. Subject to Exchange approval, the Parties agree to amend the expiration date of the stock options to expire within thirty-six (36) months from the date of Closing of the Transaction.



The Parties may terminate the LOI prior to the execution of the Definitive Agreement, upon giving each other a written notice of not less than ten (10) days.



Jo-Jo shall maintain a bank account balance of at least $100,000, net of any liabilities, as at Closing.



The receipt of all necessary regulatory, Exchange, shareholder, board, and third-party consents and approvals of Jo-Jo and PAL in connection with the Transaction.



The settlement and execution of a mutually acceptable Definitive Agreement containing terms, conditions, representations, warranties and covenants together with all other documents, instruments, certificates, approvals and other agreements as are customary for a transaction of this nature.



The approval of the Transaction and the matters herein provided by the board of directors of each Party, on or before the execution and delivery of the Definitive Agreement.



Following the Closing and completion of the Transaction, the board of directors of the resulting issuer shall initially be comprised of a minimum of three (3) directors and a maximum of five (5) directors, to be appointed entirely by PAL.



No evidence of any material adverse change in the business, affairs or operations of either Party between the date of the latest available financial statements and the Closing date.



The satisfactory review of the financial condition, business, properties, title, assets and affairs of both Parties by each other.



Unless such requirement is waived by the Exchange, Jo-Jo will be required to retain a sponsor in respect of the proposed Transaction (the Sponsor). The Sponsor shall have filed its final sponsorship report with the Exchange, which sponsorship report shall be accepted and approved by the Exchange such that following the Transaction, the resulting issuer shall have satisfied all minimum listing requirements of the Exchange.



In connection with or following the completion of the Transaction, Jo-Jo shall, subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory, Exchange and shareholder approvals, amend its articles of incorporation to change its name to Placements Appalache Limitee, or such other name as the Parties may determine.



The satisfactory completion of mutual legal, financial, technical, and business due diligence investigations within the Due Diligence Period.



The receipt of satisfactory legal opinions customary for a transaction of this nature i.e. Jo-Jo receiving a satisfactory legal opinion from counsel to PAL with respect to such matters as counsel to Jo-Jo may require, acting reasonably.





The LOI is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, and the federal laws of Canada. Further information with respect to the proposed Transaction will be provided in subsequent press releases.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

Trading in the common shares of the Company will remain halted until the closing or termination of the Transaction. Upon completion of the Transaction, it is expected that the Company will be a Tier 2 Mining Issuer on the Exchange. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

About Placements Appalache Limitee

Placements Appalache Limitee is a non-reporting issuer, validly incorporated and subsisting under the laws of the Province of Quebec. PAL has been operating in the Canadian mining industry since more than 50 years and has developed a precise and unique expertise over the Canadian silica market. PAL owns exclusive mining rights of an ultra-white High Purity Silica deposits on the bank of the St-Lawrence gulf, situated at Baie-Johan-Beetz, Quebec.

About Jo-Jo Capital Canada Ltd.

Jo-Jo Capital Canada Ltd. is a Canada-based capital pool company within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange. The principal business of the Company is the identification and evaluation of a Qualifying Transaction under the policies of the Exchange and, once identified or evaluated, to negotiate an acquisition or participation in a business subject to receipt of shareholders approval, if required, and acceptance by regulatory authorities. The Company has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Peter Schloo

Chief Executive Officer

Jo-Jo Capital Canada Ltd.

peter@greatwhitecapital.ca

(905) 505-0918

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Jo-Jo assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Jo-Jo. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Jo-Jo with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic, business and political conditions, and the availability of financing.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

For more information about Jo-Jo, please contact Peter Schloo, Chief Executive Officer, at (905) 505-0918.
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clear Blue Technologies International Inc. (TSXV: CBLU) (FRANKFURT: OYA), the Smart Power Company, announces its financial results for fiscal 2024 (F2024). A complete set of Financial Statements and Managements Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) has been filed at www.sedarplus.ca. All dollar amounts are denominated in Canadian dollars.

F2024 Financial Results

Bookings increased to $5,071,105, an increase of 105%, when compared to $2,469,846 as of December 31, 2023, with delivery anticipated over the next three years.

TFQ revenue was $2,758,295, a 49% decrease from $5,403,589 in F2023.

TFQ recurring revenue was $759,261 a 2% increase from $747,148 in F2023.

TFQ Gross Profit decreased to $1,349,792 compared to $2,471,345 in the comparable period, a 45% decrease. The gross margin percentage increased to 49% from 46% in F2023.

Non-IFRS Adjusted EBITDA for the period was ($2,960,457) as compared to ($1,959,397) for the previous period, an 51% degradation from the comparative period of 2023. This was due to the reduced revenue result in 2024 as well as the movement of intangible (R&D) assets from the balance sheet for 2024.

Cash as of December 31, 2024, was $339,905 and remained stable thru Q1.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $1.8M remaining from its IRAP Green Fund contract. At this time, it expects to receive $1.3M of that amount by the end of Q2 2025.



Corporate Update & Financial Outlook

The final quarter of 2024 was a very challenging one for Clear Blue. Due to the previously mentioned (Q3MD&A) uncertainty around contracted grant funding from the Canadian Federal Government, the company was forced to make material changes to avoid a catastrophic result.

The company implemented a series of significant measures to enhance its financial position:

The workforce was reduced, and senior personnel accepted substantial reductions in compensation.

Cloud operations were moved to open-source platforms to reduce cost.

Debt levels were lowered through a successful debt conversion initiative.

These outcomes were achieved through comprehensive negotiations with key stakeholders.

As a result of these actions:

The company emerged from a challenging period with a streamlined balance sheet.

Cash flow improved, and the company is now positioned for robust growth.

In total, cost reductions exceeded $3 million, exclusive of an additional $1 million in interest savings realized through the debt conversion.



As a result, the Company expects a more balanced cash flow profile in the near term, enabling it to allocate resources toward core growth initiatives and operational execution. The positive impact of these measures is expected to support a trajectory toward sustainable cash generation, while reducing near-term cash repayment obligations. Management remains confident in the Companys ability to drive further revenue expansion and capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.

Clear Blue 2.0  A Strong Foundation for 2025

Broadly, in this industry, growth has been driven by increased investment in the Green and AI sectors, as well as a strong drive to reduce costs and dependence upon diesel fuel. Clear Blue has established relationships with marquee customers across the globe which reduces the dependence on US customers.

Clear Blue enters 2025 with strong momentum, reporting $5,866,625 in bookingsa 138% increase over 2024

Over the past six months, the Company has announced three major agreements, further reinforcing its growth trajectory. While Clear Blue is not issuing formal guidance at this time, these projectscombined with a robust sales pipeline across its five-product portfolioposition the Company well to drive revenue growth and achieve positive EBITDA in 2025. Its great to get back to selling, forming partnerships, producing, and deploying with customers, said Miriam Tuerk, CEO of Clear Blue. Our focus now is to monetize the opportunities ahead and deliver strong results, quarter by quarter.

Please join our earnings call Thursday May 1st at 11:00 am EDT to hear more.

Registration Link

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yLCwKEZnTLKhrAlYtqG51g

For more information, contact:

Miriam Tuerk, Co-Founder and CEO

+1 416 433 3952

miriam@clearbluetechnologies.com

www.clearbluetechnologies.com/en/investors

About Clear Blue Technologies International

Clear Blue Technologies International, the Smart Off-Grid company, was founded on a vision of delivering clean, managed, wireless power to meet the global need for reliable, low-cost, solar and hybrid power for lighting, telecom, security, Internet of Things devices, and other mission-critical systems. Today, Clear Blue has thousands of systems under management across 37 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. (TSXV: CBLU) (FRA: 0YA) (OTCQB: CBUTF)

Legal Disclaimer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or U.S. Persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" and/or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Clear Blues beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Clear Blue's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information contained herein may include, but is not limited to, information concerning financial results and future upcoming contracts.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Clear Blue is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Clear Blue to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements.

An investment in securities of Clear Blue is speculative and subject to several risks including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Clear Blue's listing application dated July 12, 2018. Although Clear Blue has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

In connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Clear Blue has made certain assumptions. Although Clear Blue believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to Clear Blue or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or U.S. Persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.
Record 2024 Topline revenue of $22.32 million, up 31% from 2023

Record 2024 GAAP revenue of $16.04 million, up 39% from 2023

2024 Adjusted EBITDA of +490K compared to ($1.38) million in 2023

2024 gross margin of $5.75 million, up from 8% from 2023

Q4 2024 Topline revenue of $5.74 million, up 15% from Q4 2023

Q4 2024 GAAP revenue of $4.04 million, a 20% increase over Q4 2023

Q4 2024 gross margin of $1.37 million, compared to 1.57 million in Q4 2023

Met profitability milestone by achieving positive cash flow from operations in 2024 Audited Results

Ranked #9 on Deloittes 2024 Technology Fast 50 list of Canadas fastest-growing companies

Ranked #56 on Deloittes 2024 Technology Fast 500 list of fastest-growing companies in North America

Recognized as one of the TSX Venture Exchanges 2024 Top 50 Companies

Completed First Post-IPO Financing: In February 2025, Hydreight raised $5.4 million in gross proceeds through a LIFE offering, attracting strong support from strategic and institutional investors to fuel its next stage of growth.

Upcoming earnings call to discuss Fiscal Year 2024 results: Tuesday May 6, 2025, at 10am PST / 1pm EST. See below for registration details.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia and LAS VEGAS, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hydreight Technologies Inc. (Hydreight or the Company) ( TSXV: NURS )( OTCQB: HYDTF )( FSE: SO6 ),a fast-growing mobile clinical network and medical platform offering flexible, at-home healthcare services across all 50 U.S. states, is pleased to announce that it has filed its audited financial statements for the 2024 fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. All financial information is presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

At the beginning of last year, we committed to three things: delivering meaningful growth, reaching profitability, and increasing our visibility in the capital markets. I'm proud to say we've delivered on all three. With record revenue, positive Adjusted EBITDA, and recognition from Deloitte, the TSX Venture 50, weve laid a strong foundation. Now, our focus for 2025 is scaling VSDHOne. Weve onboarded several high-volume D2C partners, 40+ services and medications, and expect a significant ramp-up in orders beginning in the second half of this year. With franchise white-label and pharmacy growth continuing as our core drivers, this next wave of expansion is what sets us up for our next inflection point.

 Shane Madden, CEO, Hydreight Technologies Inc.

The table below sets out a summary of certain financial results of the Company over the past eight quarters and is derived from the audited annual consolidated financial statements and unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Fiscal Quarter Ended Revenue Net Income (Loss) After Taxes Comprehensive Loss Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share December 31, 2024 4,040,578 20,577 (106,396 ) 0.00 September 30, 2024 4,526,320 (89,938 ) (53,119 ) (0.00 ) June 30, 2024 4,100,212 (27,087 ) (48,184 ) (0.00 ) March 31, 2024 3,377,606 (308,721 ) (370,559 ) (0.01 ) December 31, 2023 3,373,193 (898,561 ) (865,068 ) (0.02 ) September 30, 2023 3,088,219 (466,973 ) (548,954 ) (0.01 ) June 30, 2023 2,699,668 (471,890 ) (405,638 ) (0.01 ) March 31, 2023 2,348,416 (99,927 ) (99,125 ) (0.00 )

Please see SEDAR+ for the Company's condensed consolidated audited financial statements and MD&A for audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

2024 Key Highlights and Subsequent Events

The Company believes the following Non-GAAP1 financial measures provide meaningful insight to aid in the understanding of the Companys performance and may assist in the evaluation of the Companys business relative to that of its peers:

Three months ended December 31, Twelve months ended December 31, 2024 2023 % change 2024 2023 % change

Adjusted Revenue $ 5,742,523 $ 4,992,195 15 % $ 22,321,265 $ 17,050,345 31 % Deduct - deferred business partner contract revenue 208,436 209,275 (45,317 ) 379,377 Deduct - business partner payouts on app service gross revenue 1,493,509 1,409,727 6,321,866 5,161,472 GAAP Revenue $ 4,040,578 $ 3,373,193 20 % $ 16,044,716 $ 11,509,496 39 % Adjusted Gross Margin $ 1,679,247 $ 1,779,249 -6 % $ 5,749,796 $ 5,340,827 8 % Deduct - deferred business partner contract revenue 208,436 209,275 (45,317 ) 379,377 Deduct - inventory impairment 98,860 - 98,860 - GAAP Gross Margin $ 1,371,951 $ 1,569,974 -13 % $ 5,696,253 $ 4,961,450 15 % Adjusted EBITDA $ 270,179 $ (579,473 ) 147 % $ 489,704 $ (1,384,253 ) 135 % Deduct - amortization and depreciation 62,853 68,661 181,136 108,389 Deduct - share-based payments 87,889 250,427 614,877 444,709 Deduct - inventory impairment 98,860 - 98,860 - GAAP Net Income (Loss) $ 20,577 $ (898,561 ) 102 % $ (405,169 ) $ (1,937,351 ) 79 % 1Refer to Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Hydreight has expanded each division according to the revenue generation and needs of each specific division; scaling while the divisions initiatives are performing successfully.

Hydreight Continues Strong Growth Trajectory in 2024

Hydreight has delivered eight consecutive quarters of revenue growth, underscoring the platforms scalability and market demand. In fiscal 2024, the Company reported:

GAAP revenue of $16.04 million , up from $11.51 million in 2023



, up from $11.51 million in 2023 Adjusted Revenue of $22.32 million



Adjusted EBITDA of $270K , a meaningful turnaround from negative $1.38 million in 2023



, a meaningful turnaround from negative $1.38 million in 2023 Adjusted Gross Margin of $5.75 million, demonstrating improved unit economics and margin leverage



Hydreights network now spans over 3,000 nurses, 200+ physicians, and a compliant infrastructure operating across all 50 states and 700+ cities. The Companys VSDHOne platform powers 400+ Direct to Consumers license holders, serving as a critical launchpad for high-growth consumer health businesses entering the telehealth and at-home care space.

While continuing to invest in product expansion and onboarding, the Company has kept core operating expenses in check. Excluding one-time items such as the RTO-related costs in Q4 2022, net and comprehensive loss has remained stablea testament to prudent financial management amid high growth.

Hydreight is uniquely positioned at the intersection of consumerization, telehealth, and compliancea combination that supports both continued topline growth and margin expansion in the years ahead.

Strategic Focus for 2025

Building on our strong momentum, Hydreight is executing a focused 2025 strategy centered around six high-impact growth priorities:

Expand Franchise White-Label Partnerships:

We are rapidly scaling our footprint by partnering with high-volume, consumer-facing health and wellness brands. These collaborations leverage our compliant, 50-state infrastructure and turnkey platform to power new digital health productsfrom weight loss to sexual wellnessunder leading D2C brands. Increase Pharmacy Margins:

By optimizing our supply chain and improving unit economics across prescription volumes, we are enhancing gross margin contributions from one of our most scalable revenue drivers. Strategic pricing, operational efficiency, and exclusive formulary additions will support margin expansion in 2025.

Launch New Wellness Categories:

Were extending our clinical offering beyond GLP-1s to include NAD+, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), peptide therapies, and additional personalized wellness treatments. These categories tap into surging consumer demand for longevity, performance, and preventative care solutions.

Scale VSDHOne D2C Onboarding:

With over 400 licenses already sold on the platform, were accelerating the onboarding of high-growth D2C healthcare companies Onboard and Support More Nurses Nationwide:

We are deepening our provider network by attracting, onboarding, and supporting thousands of licensed nurses through training, education, and platform toolsenabling them to operate independently or plug into branded service lines on the platform. Pursue Strategic Tuck-In Acquisitions:

Hydreight is actively pursuing accretive acquisitions of complementary D2C health brands, IP, and clinical infrastructure that can scale faster through our platform. The focus is on revenue-generating businesses that improve our product mix, enhance margins, and add operating leverage.

Upcoming Earnings Call

Hydreight Technologies will host a live earnings call to discuss its Fiscal Year 2024 results, provide a business update, and share insights into the Companys strategic priorities for 2025.

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 6 at 10am PST / 1pm EST

Registration Link: https://hydreight.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sbN8pGRWQguWZQrTaSxImg



About Hydreight Technologies Inc.

Hydreight Technologies Inc is building one of the largest mobile clinic networks in the United States. Its proprietary, fully integrated platform has hosted a network of over 3000 nurses, over 200 doctors and a pharmacy network through its Doctor networks across 50 states. The platform includes a built-in, easy-to-use suite of fully integrated tools for accounting, documentation, sales, inventory, booking, and managing patient data, which enables licensed healthcare professionals to provide services directly to patients at home, office or hotel. Hydreight is bridging the gap between provider compliance and patient convenience, empowering nurses, med spa technicians, and other licensed healthcare professionals. The Hydreight platform allows healthcare professionals to deliver services independently, on their own terms, or to add mobile services to existing location-based operations. Hydreight has a 503B pharmacy network servicing all 50 states and is closely affiliated with a U.S. certified e-script and telemedicine provider network.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Shane Madden

Director and Chief Executive Officer

Hydreight Technologies Inc.

Contact

Contact

Email: ir@hydreight.com ; Telephone: 1 (702) 970-8112

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

About VSDHOne - Direct to Consumer Platform

Developed in partnership with Victory Square Technologies (CSE: VST) (OTC: VSQTF) (FWB: 6F6), Hydreight Technologies launched the VSDHOne (Read as VSDH-One) platform. VSDHOne simplifies the entry challenges for companies and medi-spa businesses to enter the online healthcare space compliantly. This platform will help all businesses to launch a direct-to-consumer healthcare brand in a matter of days in all 50 states. Compliant offerings include: GLP-1s, peptides, personalized healthcare treatments, sermorelin, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), hair loss, skincare, sexual health and more. Hydreight invested in technology, legal and infrastructure to launch this platform. The VSDHOne platform offers a complete, end-to-end solution for businesses looking to launch direct-to-consumer healthcare brands. From compliance and telemedicine technology to nationwide doctor and pharmacy networks, VSDHOne provides all the tools needed for a seamless entry into the online healthcare space. The platform is designed to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with launching such services, making it possible for businesses to go live in days instead of months.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

This release contains references to non-GAAP financial measures Adjusted Revenue, Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA. The Company defines Adjusted Revenue as gross cash income before adjustment for the deferred portion of business partner contract revenue and gross receipts from Hydreight App service sales. The Company defines Adjusted Gross Margin as GAAP gross margin plus inventory impairment plus the deferred portion of business partner contract revenue. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and before (i) transaction, restructuring, and integration costs and share-based payments expense, and (iii) gains/losses that are not reflective of ongoing operating performance. The Company believes that the measures provide information useful to its shareholders and investors in understanding the Companys operating cash flow growth, user growth, and cash generating potential and may assist in the evaluation of the Companys business relative to that of its peers more accurately than GAAP financial measures alone. This data is furnished to provide additional information and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Accordingly, it should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not necessarily indicative of other metrics presented in accordance with GAAP.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains statements which constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words may, would, could, should, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect or similar expressions and includes information regarding expectations for the Company's growth, Margins and VSDHOnes growth and numbers in 2025.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects the Companys managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and other approvals with respect to the business operated by the Company and/or the potential impact of the listing of the Companys shares on the TSXV on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation; and the diversion of management time as a result of being a publicly listed entity. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information 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. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

1See Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Netcompany  Interim report for the three months ended 31 March 2025

Company announcement

No. 13/2025

1 May 2025

Growth and margin improvement in a continued challenging market

Summary

In Q1 2025, Netcompany grew revenue by 9.1% (constant 9%) to DKK 1,744.3m.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 24.4% (constant 25%) to DKK 307.3m in Q1 2025.

Adjusted EBITDA margin was 17.6% in Q1 2025 (constant 17.7%) compared to 15.5% in Q1 2024.

Diluted earnings per share increased by 36.9% to DKK 2.56.

Average workforce increased by 342 FTEs to 8,150 FTEs in Q1 2025 from 7,808 FTEs in Q1 2024.

Free cash flow increased to DKK 67.9m in Q1 2025 from negative DKK 4.9m in Q1 2024.

Cash conversion ratio (tax normalised) was 83.3% in Q1 2025.

Debt leverage improved to 1.2x in Q1 2025 from 1.6x in Q1 2024.







The Group continued the growth momentum from last year and grew revenue by 9.1% in Q1 2025. At the same time, we increased our margin by more than two percentage points to 17.6%. Our growth is built on the continued focus on our products and platforms  a proven foundation for our future growth within Netcompany.

During Q1, we announced the merger with SDC into a newly formed entity  Netcompany Banking Services. The transaction is still on schedule to be completed around mid-year.

At the end of Q1 2025, we employed more than 8,150 talented people and mainly grew in the international part of the Group.

Irrespective of the increased geopolitical turmoil and the high level of uncertainty we reiterate our full year financial expectations of revenue growth of 5% to 10% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of between 16% and 19%.

We believe that Europe is in a unique position to strengthen itself in these uncertain times and we take pride in being a mission critical provider of world leading digitalisation services and solutions supporting governments and enterprises throughout Europe.

Andre Rogaczewski

Netcompany CEO and Co-founder





Financial overview

For full details on financial performance, see enclosed Company announcement Q1 2025.

Conference details

In connection with the publication of the results for Q1 2025, Netcompany will host a conference call on 1 May 2025 at 11.00 CEST.





The conference call will be held in English and can be followed live via the companys website; www.netcompany.com





Dial-in details for investors and analysts

DK: +45 7876 8490

UK: +44 203 769 6819

US: +1 646 787 0157

PIN: 598046





Webcast Player URL: https://netcompany-as.eventcdn.net/events/interim-report-for-the-first-three-months-of-2025

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:

Netcompany Group A/S

Thomas Johansen, CFO, + 45 51 19 32 24

Frederikke Linde, Head of IR, +45 60 62 60 87

Attachment
Utrecht, 1 May 2025

Aalberts announces successful regulatory approval, finalising the acquisition of Paulo Products Company, operating five facilities in the USA and one in Mexico, generating an annual revenue of approximately USD 105 million with 522 employees. The results of Paulo will be consolidated as of 1 May 2025.

In December 2024, Aalberts announced that agreement was reached to acquire Paulo Products Company, North Americas largest privately owned thermal processing platform, specializing in industrial heat treatment, brazing, and metal finishing.

With this transaction now completed, we are strengthening our presence in North America and enhancing our technology offering across key markets such as automotive, aerospace, defence, and power generation, as part of our thrive 2030 strategy. This acquisition also brings together experienced and capable teams that will drive profitable growth in attractive end markets.

CEO statement

Stephane Simonetta commented: This strategic acquisition is an important milestone for our industry segment as it deepens our commitment to the North America market and supports our thrive 2030 growth ambition. We are excited to welcome our Paulo colleagues to the Aalberts group. We look forward to enhancing our combined businesses across North America and strengthening our leadership positions to serve our customers with short lead times, high quality and full-service capabilities.

contact

+31 (0)30 3079 302 (from 8:00 am CEST)

investors@aalberts.com

regulated information

This press release contains information that qualifies or may qualify as inside

information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Attachment
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeTrade, the award-winning global trading platform, today announced the launch of its Trading Blitz Race 2025  Live competition with a $200,000 prize pool. The premier trading event follows the platforms highly successful demo competition which saw participation from thousands of traders worldwide.





Running from 1 May to 31 July 2025, the live competition will see the grand champion taking home $100,000, with the rest of the top 10 traders sharing substantial rewards. Additionally, there are weekly prizes of $2,000 for two categories: highest weekly profit ($1,000) and largest trading volume ($1,000). To participate, traders must have a minimum equity of $500 and no open positions at the time of registration.



A standout feature of this years competition is the introduction of free real-time copy trading. While only registered participants can compete, all non-participating traders can follow the strategies of the top 20 traders in real time, without any subscription or profit-sharing fees.



We are thrilled to bring this competition to life after the incredible performance and enthusiasm seen in our demo event, said George Miltiadou, Group CEO of WeTrade. This competition is the next step in giving our global trading community a world-class platform to shine.





Thanks to WeTrades award-winning platform, competitors of the Trading Blitz Race 2025  Live will have the edge with razor-thin spreads from 0.0 pips, flexible leverage up to 1:2000, and swap-free options. With lightning-fast execution, all traders, from beginners to seasoned pros, can seize market opportunities with confidence and speed.



As WeTrade prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year, Miltiadou said the company will continue to support excellence, whether on the trading floor or the racetrack. Just as we push boundaries in the world of motorsport with Phantom Global Racing, we are excited to offer a global stage for traders to rise to the top and demonstrate their skills. As we celebrate a decade of excellence, this is the moment for both rising stars and seasoned pros to show the world what theyre made of.



WeTrade plans to expand its competition series and educational initiatives, empowering more traders to succeed in global markets.



To learn more or register for the Trading Blitz Race 2025  Live, please visit https://bit.ly/3EEwhtU



About WeTrade



WeTrade is a globally recognised financial broker, founded in 2015, offering innovative online trading services across a diverse range of CFD instruments. Known for its commitment to excellence, WeTrade provides ultra-low spreads, flexible leverage options, and strong capital security, earning it prestigious awards such as Most Trusted Broker and Best Loyalty Program Broker. Its exclusive programmes include WeTrade Honours, a premium membership with high-value benefits; WeTrade Rewards, a pioneering loyalty programme; and WeTrade Wallet, a reward-generating storage fund. At WeTrade, trading is designed to be both successful and rewarding.

Learn more at www.wetradebroker.com or follow us on social media @WeTradeGlobal

Company Details

Organization: WeTrade

Contact Person Name: CHONG PEI ZHOU

Website: https://www.wetradebroker.com/

Email: contactus@wetradebroker.com



Disclaimer: This press release is provided by WeTrade. 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.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35a5871b-8d61-43a8-b7e8-37140d50d14d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1fd74ed-0763-49b0-8d92-2aff62a20c89
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL

Reference is made to the company announcement dated 2 April 2025 regarding APMH Invest A/S' (APMHI), a wholly owned subsidiary of A.P. Mller Holding A/S, all-cash voluntary recommended purchase offer to acquire all of the issued shares (the Shares) in Svitzer Group A/S (Svitzer), except for Shares owned by APMHI and Shares held by Svitzer and/or its subsidiaries in treasury, if any (the Offer).

APMHI has today informed Svitzer of its decision to extend the offer period of the Offer to expire on 14 May 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CEST. Such an extension is required to obtain the necessary approval and clearance from the Secretary of State in the United Kingdom in accordance with the National Security and Investment Act 2021. APMH informs that this is the only pending regulatory approval and/or clearance from a competent authority required to satisfy the regulatory conditions for the Offer as the required approval and clearance from the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products in accordance with the Swedish Foreign Direct Investment Act (2023:560) has already been received.

APMHI has further informed that, based on APMHIs preliminary summation of acceptances, APMHI has received acceptances, which together with its current shareholding in Svitzer, represent approx. 90.7% of the share capital and voting rights of Svitzer. As a result of the preliminary acceptance received in the Offer, and assuming that this preliminary result is confirmed by the final result, APMHI has informed that the minimum acceptance condition has been satisfied.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offer, shareholders who have accepted the Offer will continue to be bound by such acceptance through the extension of the offer period.

Please refer to the attached announcement from APMHI for further details.

Shareholders of Svitzer who have not yet accepted the Offer but wish to do so are advised to read the offer document published by APMHI (the Offer Document), and the statement from the independent members of Svitzers Board of Directors (the "Independent Directors")1 in their entirety before deciding whether to accept the Offer.

The Offer Document and the Independent Directors' statement are, subject to certain restrictions, available at https://investor.svitzer.com/voluntary-offer.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Nass Nielsen, Head of Investor Relations and FP&A

T: +45 24941654

E: ir@svitzer.com

About Svitzer

Svitzer is a leading, global towage and marine services provider. The core business is to assist large seaborne vessels in manoeuvring in and out of ports and terminals to berth and unberth. With more than 450 vessels, Svitzers services play a crucial role as part of critical port infrastructure. Svitzer was founded in 1833 and serves approximately 2,000 customers in more than 140 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries. Read more on www.svitzer.com.

Attachment

APMH Invest extends offer period for its all-cash recommended purchase offer for the shares in Svitzer

Disclaimers

This announcement does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase any securities in Svitzer or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in Svitzer, pursuant to the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be made solely by means of the Offer Document containing the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including details of how the Offer may be accepted.

The Independent Directors are acting on behalf of the Company in their capacity as members of Svitzer's Board of Directors in connection with the Offer and the making of the Independent Directors' statement and not in any personal capacity.

Citi, which is regulated by the European Central Bank and the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (in German Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht - BaFin) and Bundesbank, is acting as financial adviser to Svitzer and for no one else in connection with the matters described in this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than Svitzer for providing the protections afforded to clients of Citi nor for providing advice in connection with the Offer, or any other matters referred to in this announcement. Neither Citi nor any of its affiliates, directors or employees owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, consequential, whether in contract, in tort, in delict, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Citi in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein, the Offer or otherwise.

Important information

The Offer will not be made, and the Svitzer shares will not be accepted for purchase from or on behalf of persons, in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or other laws or regulations of such jurisdiction. Persons obtaining this announcement and/or into whose possession this announcement comes are required to take due note and observe all such restrictions and obtain any necessary authorisations, approvals or consents. Neither APMHI nor Svitzer or any of their respective advisors accepts any liability for any violation by any person of any such restriction. Any person (including, without limitation, custodians, nominees and trustees) who intends to forward this announcement to any jurisdiction outside Denmark should inform themselves of the laws of the relevant jurisdiction, before taking any action. The distribution of this announcement in jurisdictions other than Denmark may be restricted by law, and, therefore, persons who come into possession of this announcement should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions. Any failure to comply with any such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws and regulations of any such jurisdiction.

Important information for shareholders in the United States

The Offer is being made for the securities of Svitzer, a public listed company incorporated under Danish law, and is subject to Danish disclosure and procedural requirements, which differ from those of the United States. The Offer will be made in the United States in compliance with applicable Danish securities laws and the applicable requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, including Regulation 14E.

It may be difficult for U.S. holders of shares to enforce their rights and any claim arising out of the U.S. federal securities laws, because APMHI and Svitzer are located in a country other than the United States, and all of their officers and directors are residents of a country other than the United States. U.S. holders of shares may not be able to sue a non-U.S. company or its officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of the U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel a non-U.S. company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. courts judgment.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any U.S. state securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the Offer, passed upon the fairness or merits of the Offer or provided an opinion as to the accuracy or completeness of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other documents regarding the Offer.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and statements of future expectations that reflect APMHI's current views and assumptions with respect to future events. These forward-looking statements may discuss expectations, identify strategies, contain projections or state other forward-looking information and include, but are not limited to, statements related to the expected structure and schedule for completion of the Offer and related matters described in this release, the management and prospects of Svitzer's business after the completion of the Offer, APMHI's current plans with respect to the Offer and the business, management and prospects of Svitzer. These statements do not guarantee business performance in the future; they carry known or unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may differ significantly from the actual performance, development or financial position of APMHI and Svitzer in the future. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "aims," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "may," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "should," "will," "seeks," "forecasts," "in the future", or the negative of these terms or similar expressions, or in particular by discussions about "strategy," "target," "plan," or "intention". There is a possibility that actual business results may greatly differ from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements due to various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) uncertainties related to the structure and schedule for completion of the Offer, (ii) Svitzer's shareholders may or may not tender into the Offer, (iii) a proposal that competes with the Offer may be made, (iv) the risk that the regulatory and other conditions, which are necessary for the completion of the Offer, will not be satisfied (v) the possibility that the announcement of the Offer may cause difficulty in keeping the relations with Svitzer's management, employees, customers, suppliers and other trading partners, (vi) the risk that a shareholder related lawsuit on the Offer will be filed and the defence thereof may cost significant expenses or lead to large payments, (vii) the impact of changes in the legislative system, accounting standards and other management environments related to the relevant parties, (viii) issues in implementing business strategies, (ix) the impact of financial uncertainties and changes in other general economic and industrial conditions, (x) Offer costs, (xi) fixed or contingent liabilities that may materialize, and (xii) other risks set forth in the offer document publicly disclosed by APMHI or Svitzer. Neither APMHI nor Svitzer has a duty of updating the forward-looking statements as a result of the emergence of new information, future circumstances or other circumstances, unless the updating is explicitly required by applicable law.







1 Due to their affiliation with APMHI, Robert M. Uggla and Peter Wikstrom have not taken part in Svitzer's Board of Directors' deliberations and handling of the Offer. Accordingly, the Svitzer Board of Directors has not been quorate with respect to deliberations and decision-making with respect to the Offer, which in lieu hereof have been handled by the Independent Directors. The Independent Directors are Chairman Morten H. Engelstoft and Christine Brennet (Morris). Ghim Siew Ho has not been part of the Svitzer Board of Directors before 10 April 2025





Attachments
Dublin, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Bolivia Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The report provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Bolivia today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2029.

The report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics, and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile, and pay-TV segments as well as a review of key regulatory trends.

Key Insights:

The total telecom and pay-TV service revenue in Bolivia will grow at a CAGR of 3.9% during the 2024-2029 period, driven by a growth in fixed broadband and mobile data revenues.

Mobile data service revenue will grow at a CAGR of 3.8%, driven by a growth in 4G subscriptions, a projected growth in adoption of 5G services, and growing mobile data ARPU over the forecast period.

Fixed broadband service revenue will also increase at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, driven by growing fiber-optic subscriptions, investments by telcos in broadband network expansions across the country, and government-backed initiatives such as the IFO project.

The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:

Demographic and macroeconomic context in Bolivia.

The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to National plan, fiber-backbone network, licensing etc.

Telecom and pay-TV services market outlook: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV markets.

The competitive landscape: an examination of the positioning of leading players in the telecom and pay-TV services market as well as subscription market shares across segments.

Company snapshots: analysis of the financial position of leading service providers in the telecommunications and pay-TV markets.

Underlying assumptions behind our published base-case forecasts, as well as potential market developments that would alter, either positively or negatively, our base-case outlook.

Key Topics Covered:

Market highlights

Operating Environment

Telecom services market outlook

Mobile services market

Fixed services market

Pay-TV services market

Competitive landscape and company snapshots

Company Coverage:

Entel Bolivia

Tigo Bolivia

VIVA Bolivia

COTAS

COMTECO

COTEL

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fhtque

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, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Allergy Diagnostics Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Allergy Diagnostics Market was valued at USD 5.6 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 13.4 Billion by 2034, rising at a CAGR of 9.20%.



The rising prevalence of allergic conditions, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and eczema, continues to fuel the demand for advanced diagnostic solutions. As allergies become increasingly common across diverse age groups, the need for precise, fast, and accessible diagnostic methods is accelerating worldwide. The growing awareness about early allergy detection and management is encouraging patients to seek timely diagnosis, while healthcare providers are leveraging advanced tools to ensure accurate assessments.



Additionally, the healthcare industry's shift toward value-based care models and personalized treatments is further supporting the allergy diagnostics landscape. Technological innovations, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular diagnostics, are making allergy testing more accurate and efficient. At-home and point-of-care allergy testing options are also witnessing significant uptake as consumers seek convenient ways to manage their health. Supportive government reimbursement frameworks are playing a crucial role in increasing patient access to these advanced diagnostics. Furthermore, the surge in personalized immunotherapy and targeted allergy management is boosting demand for reliable and tailored diagnostic solutions, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver patient-specific treatment plans.



The allergy diagnostics market is segmented into services, consumables, and instruments, with services emerging as the leading category. The services segment generated USD 2.8 billion in 2024 and continues to dominate, largely driven by the high cost of advanced diagnostic equipment and the lack of in-house diagnostic infrastructure in many healthcare facilities. Hospitals and clinics frequently outsource allergy testing to specialized laboratories, allowing them to offer comprehensive allergy diagnostics without the burden of capital investment in expensive equipment. Outsourcing not only enhances the availability of allergy testing services but also improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency for providers. The growing popularity of telemedicine is also playing a pivotal role as more patients seek remote consultations with allergy specialists, further driving the demand for outsourced diagnostic services.



The market is also segmented by test type into in vivo and in vitro diagnostics, with in vivo testing generating USD 3.5 billion in 2024. In vivo tests remain highly preferred for their immediate results and broad allergen detection capabilities, including common triggers such as pollen, dust mites, and food allergens. These tests are often more cost-effective than blood-based in vitro diagnostics, making them especially popular in price-sensitive markets. Their affordability, combined with proven effectiveness, makes in vivo testing a top choice among healthcare providers globally.



The U.S. allergy diagnostics market generated USD 2.2 billion in 2024, with steady growth anticipated over the next decade. The increasing incidence of allergic diseases, including asthma, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis, is significantly driving demand for advanced diagnostic solutions in the country.



Comprehensive Market Analysis and Forecast

Industry trends, key growth drivers, challenges, future opportunities, and regulatory landscape

Competitive landscape with Porter's Five Forces and PESTEL analysis

Market size, segmentation, and regional forecasts

In-depth company profiles, business strategies, financial insights, and SWOT analysis

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 133 Forecast Period 2024-2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $5.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $13.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.2% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered



Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Industry 360 degree synopsis



Chapter 3 Industry Insights

3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis

3.2 Industry impact forces

3.2.1 Growth drivers

3.2.1.1 Increasing prevalence and high economic burden of allergic diseases

3.2.1.2 Growing pollution levels and rise in respiratory disorders

3.2.1.3 Rise in funding for allergy diagnostics companies

3.2.1.4 Pediatric allergy awareness

3.2.1.5 Technological advancements in new products

3.2.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.2.2.1 High cost of allergy diagnostic instruments

3.2.2.2 Limited awareness of allergic diseases

3.3 Growth potential analysis

3.4 Regulatory landscape

3.4.1 U.S.

3.4.2 Europe

3.5 Future market trends

3.6 Technological landscape

3.7 Porter's analysis

3.8 PESTEL analysis

3.9 Value chain analysis

3.10 Innovations in allergy diagnostics and management

3.11 The future of food allergy diagnosis

3.12 AI-enhanced allergy diagnostics

3.13 Gap analysis



Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2024

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Company matrix analysis

4.3 Company market share analysis

4.4 Competitive analysis of major market players

4.5 Competitive positioning matrix

4.6 Strategy dashboard



Chapter 5 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Product and Service, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)

5.1 Key trends

5.2 Services

5.3 Consumables

5.4 Instruments



Chapter 6 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Test Type, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)

6.1 Key trends

6.2 In Vivo

6.2.1 Skin prick tests

6.2.2 Intradermal skin tests

6.2.3 Other in vivo test types

6.3 In Vitro

6.3.1 IgE-based allergy tests

6.3.2 IgG-based allergy tests

6.3.3 Other in vitro test types



Chapter 7 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Allergen, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)

7.1 Key trends

7.2 Inhaled allergens

7.3 Food allergens

7.4 Drug allergens

7.5 Other allergens



Chapter 8 Market Estimates and Forecast, by End Use, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)

8.1 Key trends

8.2 Hospitals-based laboratories

8.3 Diagnostic laboratories

8.4 Other end use



Chapter 9 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Region, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)

9.1 Key trends

9.2 North America

9.2.1 U.S.

9.2.2 Canada

9.3 Europe

9.3.1 Germany

9.3.2 UK

9.3.3 France

9.3.4 Italy

9.3.5 Spain

9.3.6 Netherlands

9.4 Asia Pacific

9.4.1 China

9.4.2 Japan

9.4.3 India

9.4.4 Australia

9.4.5 South Korea

9.5 Latin America

9.5.1 Brazil

9.5.2 Mexico

9.5.3 Argentina

9.6 Middle East & Africa

9.6.1 Saudi Arabia

9.6.2 South Africa

9.6.3 UAE



Chapter 10 Company Profiles

10.1 AgnitioST

10.2 bioMerieux

10.3 Danaher Corporation (Beckman Coulter)

10.4 Eurofins Scientific

10.5 EUROIMMUN

10.6 Excelsior Bio-System

10.7 HollisterStier Allergy

10.8 HYCOR Biomedical

10.9 Lincoln Diagnostics

10.10 Med Phar Enterprise

10.11 Neogen Corporation

10.12 Omega Diagnostics

10.13 REGA BIOTECHNOLOGY

10.14 SGS TAIWAN

10.15 Siemens Healthineers

10.16 Stallergenes Greer

10.17 Thermo Fisher Scientific



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d82y9d

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, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Parametric Insurance Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The parametric insurance market was valued at USD 16.2 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 51.3 billion by 2034, rising at a CAGR of 12.60%. This growth is fueled by technological advancements, shifting economic conditions, and the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, all of which are reshaping the risk landscape in the insurance sector.

Insurers face mounting challenges in managing complex risks associated with natural catastrophes, supply chain disruptions, and other unforeseen events. To address these challenges, the adoption of advanced risk assessment models, artificial intelligence (AI), and data mining technologies has become essential.



AI is opening new opportunities for insurers by enhancing predictive analytics, automating claims processing, and improving underwriting accuracy. As a result, parametric insurance is gaining traction as an effective solution to meet the evolving needs of businesses, governments, and individuals. By providing immediate payouts based on pre-defined triggers, parametric insurance ensures quicker financial relief and mitigates losses in the face of extreme events. The growing demand for this innovative insurance model highlights its potential to transform traditional insurance practices and enhance resilience across industries.



The Parametric Insurance Market is segmented by coverage types, including specialty insurance, natural catastrophe insurance, and others. In 2024, the natural catastrophe insurance segment accounted for 70% of the total share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2034. As the intensity and frequency of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods continue to rise globally, governments and insurers are increasingly adopting parametric insurance to mitigate financial losses. Unlike traditional insurance, parametric insurance triggers payouts automatically when specific conditions, such as seismic activity or extreme weather patterns, are met. This approach eliminates the lengthy claims process and ensures faster disbursement of funds to affected parties, making it a preferred choice for managing catastrophic risks.



The market is also segmented by end-users, which include individuals, corporations, and governments. In 2024, the corporate segment accounted for 50% of the market share and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% between 2025 and 2034. Businesses are increasingly turning to parametric insurance as a reliable tool for disaster recovery. These policies provide immediate "first-dollar payments" to cover financial losses caused by supply chain disruptions, extreme weather, and other unpredictable events. This rapid payment mechanism helps corporations stabilize their operations quickly, minimizing downtime and financial uncertainty. As companies prioritize business continuity and resilience, the adoption of parametric insurance is expected to rise significantly over the next decade.



The U.S. parametric insurance market held a dominant 91% share and generated USD 5.5 billion in 2024. The growing prevalence of climate-related disasters and their severe economic impact have created a heightened demand for innovative insurance solutions that provide rapid payouts and more accurate risk assessments. The shift toward parametric insurance in the U.S. is driven by the need for faster claims processing, reduced administrative burden, and improved financial security during crises. With climate change intensifying the frequency of extreme weather events, parametric insurance is positioned to play a pivotal role in strengthening disaster resilience and providing timely financial support to affected businesses and communities.



Comprehensive Market Analysis and Forecast

Industry trends, key growth drivers, challenges, future opportunities, and regulatory landscape

Competitive landscape with Porter's Five Forces and PESTEL analysis

Market size, segmentation, and regional forecasts

In-depth company profiles, business strategies, financial insights, and SWOT analysis

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 177 Forecast Period 2024-2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $16.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $51.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 12.6% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered



Chapter 1 Methodology & Scope



Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Industry 360 degree synopsis, 2021-2034



Chapter 3 Industry Insights

3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis

3.2 Supplier landscape

3.2.1 Insurance providers

3.2.2 Reinsurers

3.2.3 Data providers

3.2.4 Risk modelling and analytics providers

3.2.5 Regulators

3.2.6 Brokers and intermediaries

3.2.7 Technology providers

3.2.8 End Use

3.3 Profit margin analysis

3.4 Technology & innovation landscape

3.5 Patent analysis

3.6 Key news & initiatives

3.7 Regulatory landscape

3.8 Impact forces

3.8.1 Growth drivers

3.8.1.1 Growing need for risk management in the insurance industry

3.8.1.2 Adoption of advanced technology such as IoT, AI, and ML

3.8.1.3 Changing climatic conditions and natural disasters

3.8.1.4 Rising consumer awareness

3.8.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.8.2.1 Data availability and quality

3.8.2.2 Limited public understanding

3.9 Growth potential analysis

3.10 Porter's analysis

3.11 PESTEL analysis



Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2024

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Company market share analysis

4.3 Competitive positioning matrix

4.4 Strategic outlook matrix



Chapter 5 Market Estimates & Forecast, by Coverage, 2021-2034 ($Bn)

5.1 Key trends

5.2 Natural catastrophe insurance

5.3 Specialty insurance

5.4 Others



Chapter 6 Market Estimates & Forecast, by Distribution Channel, 2021-2034 ($Bn)

6.1 Key trends

6.2 Direct sales

6.3 Brokers/Agents

6.4 Online platforms

6.5 Banks

6.6 Others



Chapter 7 Market Estimates & Forecast, by Application, 2021-2034 ($Bn)

7.1 Key trends

7.2 Agriculture

7.3 Energy & utilities

7.4 Real estate

7.5 Construction

7.6 Healthcare

7.7 Marine

7.8 SME

7.9 Retail

7.10 Travel & tourism

7.11 Others



Chapter 8 Market Estimates & Forecast, by End Use, 2021-2034 ($Bn)

8.1 Key trends

8.2 Individual

8.3 Corporate

8.4 Government



Chapter 9 Market Estimates & Forecast, by Region, 2021-2034 ($Bn)

9.1 Key trends

9.2 North America

9.2.1 U.S.

9.2.2 Canada

9.3 Europe

9.3.1 UK

9.3.2 Germany

9.3.3 France

9.3.4 Italy

9.3.5 Spain

9.3.6 Russia

9.3.7 Nordics

9.4 Asia Pacific

9.4.1 China

9.4.2 India

9.4.3 Japan

9.4.4 South Korea

9.4.5 ANZ

9.4.6 Southeast Asia

9.5 Latin America

9.5.1 Brazil

9.5.2 Mexico

9.5.3 Argentina

9.6 MEA

9.6.1 UAE

9.6.2 Saudi Arabia

9.6.3 South Africa



Chapter 10 Company Profiles

10.1 AXA

10.2 AIG (American International Group)

10.3 Allianz

10.4 Aon

10.5 Berkshire Hathaway

10.6 Chubb

10.7 Clyde & Co.

10.8 Hannover Re

10.9 Lloyd's of London

10.10 Marsh & McLennan

10.11 Munich Re

10.12 Nephila Capita

10.13 Parametrix Insurance

10.14 RenaissanceRe Holdings

10.15 Scor SE

10.16 Swiss Re

10.17 Tokio Marine HCC

10.18 Willis Towers Watson

10.19 XL Catlin

10.20 Zurich Insurance Group



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4sdhh5

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.
TORONTO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flow Capital Corp. (TSXV:FW), a leading provider of flexible growth capital and alternative debt solutions, announces its unaudited financial and operating results for the for the three-months (Q4 2024) and year ended December 31, 2024.

Q4 2024 Performance Highlights

44% increase in Loan Interest Revenue to $2.7 million.

61% increase in Recurring Free Cash Flow to $545,591

$0.018 in Recurring Free Cash Flow per share

Full Year 2024 Performance Highlights

31% increase in Loan Interest Revenue to $9.3 million.

88% increase in Recurring Free Cash Flow to $1.9 million.

$0.061 in Recurring Free Cash Flow per share

13% increase in Total Assets to $72.0 million.

A record $28.5 million in new capital deployment during the year.

Book Value per share up from $1.19 to $1.20.

This was another strong quarter, capping off a record year for Flow Capital. Q4 2024 represented the 6th consecutive quarter of sequential quarter-to-quarter Loan Interest Revenue growth. More importantly, we are growing our revenue while consistently generating positive free cash flow. 2024 represents the 5th straight year where we have generated positive recurring cash flow, generating a record $1.9 million during the year. We feel that our results are indicative of the growth and profitability our business model can support, said Alex Baluta, CEO of Flow Capital.

Detailed Financial Results are available on our website at www.flowcap.com/investor-relations/2024 or on www.sedar.com .

Results of Operations

(1)Recurring Free Cash Flow is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as loan interest revenue less loan amortization income, one-time payments, salaries, professional fees, office and general administrative expenses, and financing expenses. See the section Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

(2)Calculated by taking Total Shareholders Equity as reported on the Statements of Financial Position over the number of outstanding shares at period end. See the section Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Conference Call Details

Flow Capital will host a conference call to discuss these results at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on Wednesday, May 2, 2025. Participants should call +1 800-717-1738 or +1 289-514-5100 and ask an operator for the Flow Capital Earnings Call, Conference ID 90558. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the call to secure a line. A replay will be available shortly after the call. To access the replay, please dial +1 888-660-6264 or +1 289-819-1325 and enter passcode 90558#. The replay recording will be available until 11:59 p.m. ET, May 14, 2025.



An audio recording of the conference call will be also available on the investors page of Flow Capitals website at www.flowcap.com/investor-relations/2024

About Flow Capital

Flow Capital Corp. is a publicly listed provider of flexible growth capital and alternative debt solutions dedicated to supporting high-growth companies. Since its inception in 2018, the company has provided financing to businesses in the US, the UK, and Canada, helping them achieve accelerated growth without the dilutive impact of equity financing or the complexities of traditional bank loans. Flow Capital focuses on revenue-generating, VC-backed, and founder-owned companies seeking $2 to $10 million in capital to drive their continued expansion.

Learn more at www.flowcap.com

For further information, please contact:

Flow Capital Corp.

Alex Baluta

Chief Executive Officer

 alex@flowcap.com

47 Colborne St, Suite 303,

Toronto, Ontario M5E 1P8

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

This press release includes references to the non-IFRS financial measure "Recurring Free Cash Flow." This financial measure is employed by the Company to measure its operating and economic performance, to assist in business decision-making, and to provide key performance information to senior management. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the companys operating and financial performance. This financial measure is not defined under IFRS, nor does it replace or supersede any standardized measure under IFRS. Other companies in our industry may calculate this measure differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to the nearest IFRS measure can be found in this press release under "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures."

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures

The table below reconciles Recurring Free Cash Flow for the periods indicated.

Recurring Free Cash Flow is an internally defined, non-IFRS measure calculated as loan interest and royalty income less loan amortization income, one-time payments, salaries, professional fees, office and general administrative expenses, and financing expenses.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

Certain statements herein may be forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Flow or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof and Flow assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.
HOUSTON, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the Company) announced today a monthly distribution of $0.08 per share for May 2025. This distribution is payable to common stockholders on May 30, 2025 (as outlined in the table below).

The Company declares distributions on a monthly basis, with its next distribution expected to be declared in early June. Payment of future distributions is subject to the approval of the Companys Board of Directors, as well as meeting the covenants on the Companys debt agreements and the terms of its preferred stock.

Record Date /

Ex-Date Payment Date Distribution Amount Return of Capital

Estimate 5/15/25 5/30/25 $0.08 40%(1)

(1) This estimate is based on the Companys anticipated earnings and profits. The final determination of the tax character of distributions will not be determinable until after the end of fiscal 2025 and may differ substantially from this preliminary information.



Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Companys investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Companys most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. Distribution amounts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investors specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Companys filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Companys investment objectives will be attained.

Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central Iron Ore Limited (CIO  TSX.V) (CIO or the Company) is pleased to announce this Drilling Update.

Central Iron Ore Limited is pleased to announce that the next phase of resource expansion drilling at the British King Project in Western Australia has commenced (Figure 1). 78 Reverse Circulation ('RC') drillholes are scheduled to be completed over a 9-week campaign.





Figure 1. The sun sets after another successful day's drilling of the 2025 Phase 1 RC campaign at the British King Project

Highlights:

Phase 1 Resource expansion drilling has commenced at British King.

78 RC (Reverse Circulation) drill holes for 10,601m has been planned to further extend in all directions the recently updated British King resource along the entire extent of the deposit (Figure 2).

Phase 1 is designed to expand the footprint of the existing British King geological model, whilst drilling at a tight enough collar spacing to allow for an inferred resource to be modelled of the resultant extended British King lode.





Planned drilling for 2025 has been structured in two phases (Figure 3):

Phase 2 will focus on targeted infill drilling to upgrade the Phase 1 inferred resource to indicated status.







Figure 2. Phase 1 Collars for 2025 Resource Expansion





Figure 3. Phase 1 and Phase 2 Collars for the 2025 drilling

British King Project (Western Australia)

The Companys British King Project is located across the British King Mine situated on the M37/30 Mining Tenement, approximately 320km northwest of Kalgoorlie and 60km east of Leinster in Western Australia (Figure 4).





Figure 4. British King Project Location

QUALIFIED PERSON

Mr Andrew Bewsher who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has compiled the information within this report relating to the RC drilling programme. Mr Bewsher has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity currently being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in NI 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

CENTRAL IRON ORE LIMITED

David Deitz

____________________________

David Deitz, Director/CEO

For further information, please contact:

www.centralironorelimited.com

Investor and Media Inquiries:

Direct: +61 2 9397 7521

Email: info@centralironorelimited.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Companys equity securities, the state of the market for iron ore or other minerals that may be produced generally, recent market volatility; variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties. The reader is referred to the Company's disclosure documents for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Companys page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c7eab14-3784-434f-8d57-aa7affbb3568

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f541db5-c3d5-42cf-b34c-bb1e0b40772a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ff9245d-c8ab-4799-bef8-7ad8eb9b3acc

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03e088dd-8c27-4b2a-b13f-f24358b690df
London, United Kingdom, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rayls , the blockchain for banks, accredited by JP Morgan Kinexys and the Central Bank of Brazil, today announces the official launch of Enygma, a quantum-private, institutionally compliant privacy preserving framework for Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains. Enygma represents a major milestone for institutional DeFi and an answer to the ongoing question around on-chain privacy for financial institutions, marking the first working implementation of Ethereums long-awaited privacy roadmap.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the Ethereum ecosystem, as core developers and the community focus on maturing the networks native privacy capabilities. In particular, Enygmas feature set aligns closely with the priorities outlined in Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterins recently proposed Maximally Simple Privacy roadmap  with Rayls translating those concepts into a fully live, operational and scalable solution.



A New Chapter for Onchain Privacy

Rayls Enygma directly addresses one of the longest-standing gaps in decentralized finance: enabling confidential transactions and anonymous asset exchange, without sacrificing performance, composability, or compliance, while ensuring long-term quantum privacy. The privacy protocol is already live on the Rayls network and utilises the design of both public chains and private institutional subnets to facilitate privacy, security and compliance.

Building on its experience in the Brazil Central Banks Drex CBDC development program, Rayls is positioning Enygma as the next step in institutional-grade privacy preserving tooling. The solution is fully compatible with existing EVM infrastructure, eliminating the need for dedicated privacy chains or specialized wallets.

Rayls is built so people can transact in private. Privacy is non-negotiable, particularly when it comes to Banks and Financial Institutions dealing with a regulatory environment, said Marcos Viriato, CEO of Parfin. With Enygma, the industry now has a proof point for how privacy, programmability, and compliance can work together at scale.



Privacy by Default

At its core, Enygma combines advanced zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption to enable private transactions and shielded balances across a range of Ethereum token standards, including ERC-20, ERC-721, and ERC-1155.

Unlike prior approaches that focused on isolated privacy protocols or off-chain mixers, Enygma is directly embedded into the transaction layer, allowing both institutions and individual users to conduct private payments and atomic asset swaps natively on Ethereum-compatible networks.

The system also introduces an optional, auditor-centric compliance model. Institutions, dApps, or the operator of the privacy preserving solution can designate an independent auditor to oversee encrypted transaction data through Enygmas God View feature, providing selective regulatory visibility without compromising the broader networks privacy.

Setting the Benchmark for Ethereums Privacy Roadmap

Enygmas architecture directly addresses the four pillars outlined in Ethereums ongoing privacy discussions:

Private payments as the default state for users

Anonymization of cross-application activity

Encrypted read access for onchain data queries

Network-level anonymity, eliminating the need for special-purpose privacy wallets.

By delivering these capabilities in a live production environment, Enygma signals the maturity of Ethereums privacy ecosystem and highlights the potential for regulated, privacy-first applications across decentralized finance.

Looking ahead, Rayls Foundation has committed to open-sourcing both Enygma and the Rayls Privacy Node, the high-performance, EVM-compatible institutional infrastructure, later this year. This move will enable developers, institutions, and Ethereum ecosystem contributors to deploy Enygmas privacy features across their own applications and networks.

Rayls is also collaborating with the broader Ethereum community on wallet integration, bridge tooling for private assets, and support for smart contract privacy patterns, bringing its vision of programmable, auditable, and future-proofed privacy closer to reality.

ENDS







About Rayls



Rayls is the blockchain for banks and financial institutions, bringing $100 trillion of liquidity and 6 billion banking customers on-chain. An EVM-compatible, public-permissioned blockchain infrastructure, initially developed by Parfin , and built to meet the privacy, scalability, and compliance needs of financial institutions worldwide. With native compliance and governance controls, quantum-safe privacy preservation, and institutional-level scalability, Rayls enables secure connectivity between institutional TradFi systems and decentralized finance. Its unique Rayls Privacy Node infrastructure means businesses can transact safely in private.



Rayls links traditional liquidity and customer networks to the public blockchain, accelerating adoption of Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization as well as Stablecoin and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) development.



Learn more at www.rayls.com and follow along on X at @ RaylsLabs .

Media Contact

Natasha Torres- Coote

natasha@lunapr.io




NEW YORK, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Counslr, a leading digital mental health company , and RoomSync, the premier provider of roommate matching software , announced a strategic partnership to provide student residents access to on-demand mental health support and wellness resources through the Fall Pass. The partnership aims to integrate Counslrs live, licensed, and culturally competent mental health professionals with RoomSyncs technology-driven roommate matching to help the student housing industry improve student safety, wellness, and community engagement while reducing stressors associated with off-campus living. The partnership tackles the transition crunch the surge of stress many students feel during move-inby offering residents unlimited access to Counslr for their first 90 days at the community.

Movein season compresses every major life change into a few hectic weeksnew classes, new city, and often a brandnew roommate, says Rob Castellucci, RoomSync cofounder & CEO. We saw a chance to ease that transition crunch by pairing RoomSyncs selfselection roommate platform with Counslrs 24/7 text access to licensed counselors. Together we can give residents immediate, judgmentfree support right when they need it most, helping them settle in, thrive socially, and ultimately renew their leases with confidence.

The partnership represents a transformative step in community well-being, reinforcing the mission to empower student housing properties to provide holistic support, foster healthier residential communities, and strengthen their value through improved retention and resident satisfaction.

College students today face increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges, with suicide being a leading cause of death among young adults. The pressures of academic performance, social dynamics, financial strain, and transitional life changes contribute to declining mental well-being, said Josh Liss, Co-founder and CEO of Counslr. We are looking forward to working with RoomSync as a wellness resource for student residents at any point of the day, all while knowing that their home away from home is focused on their overall well-being.

For more information on Counslr, please visit: www.counslr.com.

For more information on RoomSync, please visit: www.roomsync.com .

ABOUT COUNSLR

Counslr is a text-based mental health support application that provides unlimited access to robust wellness resources and live texting sessions with licensed professionals, 24/7/365. Users can access support on-demand within two minutes of opening the app, or by scheduled appointment. Through real-time texting, users enjoy one-on-one, private communication with a licensed counselor that can be conducted anytime, anywhere. Counslr was designed to help individuals deal with lifes day-to-day issues, empowering individuals to address concerns while they are small to help ensure that they stay small. Counslr partners with organizations of all shapes and sizes (companies, unions, nonprofits, universities/colleges, high schools, etc.) so that these entities can provide Counslrs services to their employees/members/students at no direct cost. For more information, please visit www.counslr.com .

ABOUT ROOMSYNC

RoomSync is the leading roommate self-selection platform for purpose built student housing communities. Through intuitive web and mobile apps, residents create detailed profiles, set lifestyle preferences, and choose their own roommatesdriving higher satisfaction and reducing staff workload. Founded in 2007, RoomSync now serves more than 750 communities across North America, helping operators cut complaints, boost renewals, and foster thriving resident experiences. For more information, visit roomsync.com or email info@roomsync.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d0d2f6b-7863-4197-b3d0-e9eac8897c13
SAN FRANCISCO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- APPlife Digital Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: ALDS) ("APPlife" or "the Company"), a business incubator and portfolio manager specializing in e-commerce and cloud-based solutions, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement (Agreement) to acquire Sugar Auto Parts, Inc., a Nevada corporation.

The acquisition is anticipated to close in May 2025, subject to customary closing conditions outlined in the Agreement. Shareholders and interested parties can find comprehensive details regarding the transaction in the Company's forthcoming 8-K filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, expected within the next five business days.

ABOUT APPLIFE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

APPlife Digital Solutions Inc., with offices in San Francisco, CA., and Shanghai, China, is a business incubator and portfolio manager that creates and invests in e-commerce and cloud-based solutions. The Company invests in and develops solutions for work, home life, recreation, and research that make users more productive and efficient, whether at work, home, or traveling the world. APPlife's cloud-based businesses are designed to provide easy-to-use life solutions, often to address everyday issues and needs. They include a wide array of topics and needed services to cover the full marketplace across the spectrum. For more information, visit www.applifedigital.com.

Contact Information:

APPlife Digital Solutions

Investor Relations

Tel: (585) 232-5440

Email: jody@applifedigital.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things our plans, strategies, and prospects -- both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, acquisitions, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "will," "may," "intend," "estimated," and "potential," among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements attributable to APPlife Digital Solutions, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.
Washington, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Star Families, in partnership with Student Veterans of America and With Honor Action, held Do Your Part: Higher Ed to the Hill, a landmark event that brought together leaders in education, student veterans, and military-connected faculty to explore how colleges and universities can better support those who serve and their families.

The Capitol Hill event featured a fireside chat with Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber, alongside leaders from Fayetteville State University of the University of North Carolina school system, and The Chamberlain Project. Higher Ed to the Hill put a spotlight on innovative programs and practices that foster a sense of belonging and academic success for military-connected individuals, as well as bridging the military-civilian divide.

Impactful programs from involved institutions include free college tuition for veterans and military spouses and an enhanced and reimagined on-campus experience.

We appreciate our Congressional supporters joining us to recognize Higher Education making a difference for military families and veterans. America wins when colleges and universities Do Their Part with programs to attract and support military-connected students and faculty. It enhances the entire campus culture, including the broader student body, and makes students better citizens, with more insight into the military. In turn, that helps build a stronger nation, said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and founder of Blue Star Families.

Princeton offers an enhanced student experience for the nearly 100 enrolled veteran students. Seventeen percent of student veterans have children or dependents with them, and to support this family dynamic, residency requirements are waived. Fifty percent of student veterans live in on-campus family apartment housing, and the universitys child care assistance program also provides a stipend for childcare expenses.

Im very grateful for the opportunity to join Blue Star Families and a great lineup of speakers, including Princeton alumnus Shaun Cason, to highlight the importance of increasing opportunities and support for military veterans and military-connected students across higher education. Blue Star Families and its partners are leaders in this work, and Im glad to support them. At Princeton, were proud to have markedly increased the number of military veterans on campus through our transfer program and to have significantly grown our ROTC programs in recent years. The entire University benefits from the experiences and perspectives these great students bring to Princeton. said Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber.

In 2022, Fayetteville State University Chancellor Darrell T. Allison launched a monumental initiative, providing free tuition to all military-connected students. The program boosted enrollment and now, more than 33% of the student body is military-affiliated.

As a leader in higher education with a strong military-connected campus, Fayetteville State University will remain focused on student success, including our veteran and military-affiliated population. We will continue to build strong coalitions with our state and federal officials to support four-year degree attainment and employment after graduation," said Darrell T. Allison, chancellor at Fayetteville State University.

The Chamberlain Project, managed by Blue Star Families, brings retiring military leaders into university classrooms. This innovative program supports transitioning veterans while also changing the campus culture to foster a greater sense of understanding. Through the program, colleges and universities provide opportunities for students and faculty to engage with the military-connected community, while also bridging the civilian-military divide.

###

About Blue Star Families: 

Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nations largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A blue star family is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.
NEW ORLEANS, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 5, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (ELF or the Company) (NYSE: ELF), if they purchased the Companys securities between May 25, 2023 and February 6, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Get Help

ELF investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-elf/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuits

ELF and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On November 20, 2024, Muddy Waters Research reported that the Company had materially overstated revenue over the past three quarters; that in Q2 FY24, it realized its growth narrative was in trouble as its inventory built; that it then began reporting inflated revenue and profits resulting in its reported inventory also appearing materially inflated; and that the Company concealed its inventory challenges from investors by falsely attributing its rising inventory levels to supposed changes in its sourcing practices rather than the true cause insufficient sales. On this news, the price of ELFs shares fell $2.71 per share, or 2.23%, to close at $119.00 per share on November 20, 2024.

On February 6, 2025, the Company released its fiscal Q3 2025 results and provided fiscal 2025 outlook that confirmed the weaknesses identified in the report previously issued by Muddy Waters, including softer consumption trends and slower new product launches. On this news, Elfs stock price fell $17.36 per share, or 19.62%, to close at $71.13 per share on February 7, 2025.

The first-filed case is Rottman v. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-2316. A subsequent case, Boston Retirement System v. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-3167, expanded the Class Period.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
LOS ANGELES, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jewish Family Service LA is proud to announce the launch of CareFamily , a groundbreaking approach to private home care for older adults that puts families in control of their caregiving needs. CareFamily guides clients in directly employing caregivers rather than relying on agencies, saving families up to $100,000 per year.

At a time of rising costs, growing economic uncertainty and cuts to the social safety net, CareFamily is responding to families searching for more affordable and consistent home care options for elders in need.

CareFamily addresses critical issues in home care  high costs and high caregiver turnover, said Matt Toering, Executive Director of CareFamily. Nearly 80% of agency caregivers leave within their first year, forcing families to deal with constant churn and disrupted routines. With CareFamily, clients are empowered to hire private caregivers, who earn more and stay longer, leading to less stress and increased savings.

CareFamily is pioneering family-led home care, an innovative approach specifically designed for families seeking stable, long-term caregiving. With a primary focus on live-in care, CareFamilys model reduces the number of caregivers in the home, providing families substantial savings while ensuring the comfort and security of knowing someone trusted is always present. This unique approach also benefits caregivers by offering consistent and dependable hours, eliminating the need for additional supplemental employment, and creating a stable environment for both the caregiver and the family.

CareFamily ensures every prospective caregiver undergoes extensive background checks, reference verification and completion of at least 120 hours of accredited CNA-level training. Beyond confirming credentials, CareFamily also connects families directly to expert legal, payroll and insurance resources to help them comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.

CareFamily partners with a third-party vendor to handle payroll and taxes, which allows clients to approve caregiver hours, track daily activities, set up necessary withholdings and run weekly payroll without hassle.

Often, when it comes time to select a home caregiver, families are overwhelmed. Its a difficult and expensive process, said Eli Veitzer, CEO of JFSLA. CareFamily aligns with JFSLAs mission to provide high-quality, people-oriented services. By giving families more control over caregiving, CareFamily makes home care more stable, personal and affordable for Los Angeles families.

CareFamily also offers a replacement guarantee. If a caregiver is not the right match, CareFamily helps find a new caregiver at no additional cost. Additionally, if a caregiver is unavailable or needs time off, CareFamily partners with home care agencies to provide a qualified substitute.

JFSLA remains committed to innovative, client-centered solutions, and CareFamily represents a significant development in redefining home care.

ABOUT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE LA: For over 170 years, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) has been a cornerstone of support for the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Addressing challenges such as homelessness, mental health care, food insecurity, domestic violence, and poverty, JFSLA offers a network of comprehensive social services tailored to meet the wide-ranging needs of individuals and families. For more information, please visit https://www.jfsla.org/ .

ABOUT CAREFAMILY: CareFamily helps families find concierge-level home care solutions that are more affordable and more reliable than traditional agencies. With CareFamily, families can personally select and hire top-tier caregivers directly, on their own terms and within their budget. Families can save up to $100,000 per year and receive support with payroll, employment agreements, workers compensation, backup care, and replacement guarantees. For more information, visit https://carefamily.us .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c526b6e7-9f7f-4e15-bd52-de8dc476ccee
Washington, DC, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Pobeda by Jatual Paris: a 23.4ct vivid red diamond set in ethical gold, rubies, and DF color diamondscrafted to honor history.





Parisian haute jewellery house Jatual proudly announces the debut of Pobeda, an extraordinary high jewellery creation designed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. At its heart lies a 23.4-carat certified Fancy Vivid Red diamond, officially named Red Square - a gem as historically resonant as it is visually arresting.

Unlike conventional luxury pieces defined by price, Pobeda is priceless - its value rooted in memory, triumph, and the endurance of the human spirit. Designed by master jewellery artist Aurelien Bir, known for his work with top houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, the necklace symbolizes a collective legacy of global suffering and shared victory.

This isnt just a necklace. Its a legacy cast in light, said Aurelien Bir. We created Pobeda to honour the millions of lives affected by the warnot only one group, but people from all over the world who endured unimaginable hardships. The Red Square diamond stands as a tribute to their strength. No one is forgotten, Nothing is forgotten

The piece is crafted from 178 grams of 18k white gold and features:

A 23.4-carat Fancy Vivid Red diamond square cut , inspired by the architecture of Moscows Red Square





, inspired by the architecture of Moscows Red Square 52.86 carats of trillion-cut diamonds and 80.95 carats of princess cuts (all DF colour, VVS clarity)





of trillion-cut diamonds and of princess cuts (all DF colour, VVS clarity) 70 natural rubies , warming the palette with fire and meaning





, warming the palette with fire and meaning A 12.32-carat pentagon-cut diamond, flanked by two penta-cuts, adding a signature asymmetry and depth



Jatual Paris presents Pobeda in a handcrafted casefeaturing a 23.4ct vivid red diamond, set in ethical gold with diamonds and rubies.





Adding to its uniqueness, the Pobeda necklace is presented in a bespoke wooden case handmade by Italian craftsmen using the same materials and traditional techniques used in crafting Stradivarius violinslined in Alcantara and weighing over 10 kilograms.

The necklace has been certified by Swiss gemological authority (SGL) for its authenticity and craftsmanship.

Pobeda will be the centrepiece of a larger collection, including a matching ring and bracelet, each echoing the necklaces bold architectural aesthetic and historic spirit.

Jatual, headquartered at Place Vendome, is globally known for fusing heritage techniques with forward-thinking storytelling. The brand is committed to sustainability through its exclusive use of Eco Diamonds - ethically sourced, rare, and unmatched in quality.

For more information, interview requests, or high-resolution images, please contact:

Press Contact:

Jessica Joyce

hello@prnovo.com

(325) 221-3634




Denver, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blezef (BZFX), a global digitalasset trading platform, announced today that its services are now available in over 200 countries and territories. This expansion follows the rollout of new data centers and reported regulatory progress across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

According to the company, the expansion is powered by a multichain architecture that connects edge-computing nodes with smart contract-based settlement. This infrastructure enables sub-second order execution and aims to reduce latency for both retail and institutional users.

Recent developments include the deployment of high-performance nodes in Frankfurt, Dubai, and Tokyo, complementing Blezefs existing presence in North America. These nodes operate under a unified asset management layer, allowing users to transfer tokens across supported blockchains without leaving the platform interface.

To support a global user base, Blezef has introduced multi-language supportnow offering services in 10 languagesand launched region-specific customer service desks. A new visual dashboard aggregates holdings across multiple chains, providing users with a consolidated view of their digital assets.

Expanding Blezefs availability to more than 200 jurisdictions is a key milestone in our mission to provide secure, transparent, and intuitive digital-asset services, said Justin, the Intelligent Voice Technology Expert at Blezef. Our focus on infrastructure, user education, and compliance is helping us build trust and scale responsibly."

The company has also opened parts of its technical roadmap to the community, introducing a proposal portal and monthly ask-me-anything sessions to gather feedback on upcoming features and risk controls. Educational content under the Blezef Academy brand offers self-paced courses on trading, blockchain fundamentals, and security best practices.

As part of its transparency initiative, Blezef reports it has implemented a zero-trust security model and publishes monthly proof-of-reserve attestations. Asset snapshots are recorded on-chain, allowing third parties to verify holdings. The company also reports holding or actively pursuing digital-asset licenses in Singapore, Lithuania, and Dubai; these claims could not be independently verified at the time of publication.

Industry analysts highlight growing demand for platforms with multichain operability and faster execution. Latency and cross-chain operability are quickly moving from optional extras to basic requirements, said Tan MeiLing, an independent ntech researcher in Kuala Lumpur. Platforms that can demonstrate both technical resilience and transparent reserves are likely to be viewed more favorably by regulators and users alike.

Looking ahead, Blezef plans to integrate additional public blockchains and third-party protocols in 2025. The roadmap includes automating compliance workflows and increasing institutional connectivity. The company is also exploring strategic partnerships to expand at onramp options, though specific rollout dates were not disclosed.

About Blezef (BZFX)

Blezef (BZFX) is a global digital asset trading platform founded in 2021. The company offers multichain asset management, cross-chain settlement, and secure, transparent trading services to users worldwide. With operations in over 200 countries and territories, Blezef focuses on trust, innovation, and open governance within the digital finance ecosystem.

















Attachment
San Diego, CA, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blockwave Exchange today announced a significant evolution in its service model, reinforcing its commitment to user-centric innovation, regulatory alignment, and technological advancement in the cryptocurrency trading industry. As the digital asset landscape grows more competitive and sophisticated, Blockwave has emerged as a key contender by addressing market fragmentation with a streamlined and compliant trading platform tailored to global users needs.







Founded on the principles of simplicity, safety, and transparency, Blockwave Exchange delivers a secure and user-friendly trading environment that caters to both novice traders and institutional investors. The platform supports a wide array of trading options, including spot, leveraged, and over-the-counter (OTC) trading, and continues to expand its offerings to accommodate the evolving demands of the global crypto market.



Security and Compliance at the Core



At the heart of Blockwaves operations is a security framework designed to protect assets and data with the highest industry standards. The exchange employs multi-signature wallets, end-to-end encryption, real-time risk monitoring, and periodic external audits to ensure robust operational integrity. In addition, Blockwave Exchange maintains regulatory licenses such as the U.S.-based MSB (Money Services Business) registration, enabling the platform to align with international compliance requirements.



Operating in a regulated, secure environment is not just a best practiceit is essential for building long-term trust in the digital asset ecosystem, stated a Blockwave Exchange spokesperson. Our compliance infrastructure is designed to ensure safety without compromising performance or accessibility.



Streamlined User Experience with Scalable Infrastructure



To support the rapidly growing global user base, Blockwave Exchange has invested heavily in user experience and interface design. The platform offers an intuitive layout, customizable dashboards, real-time market data, and advanced order types. A particular emphasis has been placed on cross-device compatibility, ensuring a seamless trading experience across desktop and mobile platforms.



Educational resources, market tutorials, and guided onboarding processes are available for first-time traders, while seasoned professionals can access complex tools and technical indicators to implement advanced strategies.



Comprehensive Product Offering



Blockwave Exchange supports a wide range of digital assets, including major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as emerging tokens with strong market potential. By integrating traditional trading instruments such as margin and futures contracts, the platform empowers users to tailor their investment strategies to their risk profiles and market outlooks.



Further, the platforms OTC desk facilitates large-volume transactions for institutional clients, ensuring minimal market impact and high execution reliability.



Global Support and Community Engagement



The exchange offers 24/7 multilingual customer support and is actively developing a global educational community. Through webinars, online seminars, and strategic content partnerships, Blockwave seeks to enhance financial literacy and responsible trading practices within the crypto space. This commitment to education underscores the platforms broader mission to democratize access to digital finance tools.



Future Outlook



Looking ahead, Blockwave Exchange is focused on continuous improvement through technological upgrades, geographic expansion, and policy advocacy. Development initiatives include scaling transaction throughput, deploying AI-driven market surveillance tools, and expanding cross-chain compatibility. The company is also participating in global industry forums to contribute to the formulation of ethical and operational standards for cryptocurrency exchanges.



With a clear roadmap and commitment to excellence, Blockwave Exchange is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the next phase of cryptocurrency adoption.



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.


HOUSTON, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Payday Ventures, a leading online loans provider, is now offering installment loans for bad credit through its top 5 providers of direct lenders. These online installment loans are designed for everyday Americans looking for quick cash and a realistic way to repay over time without needing perfect credit.

Personal Installment Loans for Bad Credit: Top 2025 Recommendations

Viva Payday Loans  Fast Installment Loans Online with Instant Approval.

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Super Personal Finder  Personal Installment Loans for Bad Credit Up to $5,000.

Credit Clock  Direct Lender Installment Loans and Installment Loans Near Me.

Loan Raptor  Tribal Installment Loans and No Credit Check Installment Loans.



Unlike payday loans that require full repayment on your next payday, personal installment loans break down your loan into affordable monthly payments. Borrowers can now apply for a range of options including tribal installment loans, no credit check installment loans, and no denial installment loans direct lenders only, all through one simple online process.

Why Choose Installment Loans?

Installment loans online are perfect for covering emergency bills, car repairs, rent, or any urgent need. They offer guaranteed installment loans for bad credit direct lenders only, making it easier to borrow even if youve been denied elsewhere. With no credit check installment loans, you get more time to repay, lower stress, and better financial control.

Click Here to Apply for Installment Loans Online >>

Types of Installment Loans Available Online

1. Installment Loans for Bad Credit

These loans are ideal if your credit history isnt perfect. Lenders focus on your current income rather than past scores, making bad credit installment loans.

2. Personal Installment Loans for Bad Credit

If you need money for rent, car repairs, or medical bills, personal installment loans can help. With predictable monthly payments, theyre perfect for managing unexpected expenses especially for those with low credit.

3. No Credit Check Installment Loans

Designed for speed and simplicity, these no credit check installment loans skip the hard inquiry and connect you directly with lenders that assess eligibility based on income and affordability.

4. Tribal Installment Loans

These are long-term installment loans offered by lenders based on tribal land. Often more flexible, tribal loans are accessible even to borrowers whove been denied elsewhere.

FAQs

Can I Get Installment Loans with Bad Credit?

Yes, many lenders now offer installment loans for bad credit with no hard credit checks.

Are There Installment Loans with No Credit Check?

Yes, you can apply for no credit check installment loans through direct lenders in our network.

Contact

Name: Mukesh Bhardwaj

Email: mukesh@paydayventures.com

Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Payday Ventures loan services and should not be considered financial advice. Payday Ventures does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to US residents only.
Chicago, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global healthcare cybersecurity market was valued at US$ 21.25 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 82.90 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 18.55% during the forecast period 20252033.

The healthcare cybersecurity market is experiencing unprecedented demand, driven by a 137% increase in ransomware attacks targeting hospitals over the past 18 months (Check Point Research) and new FDA premarket cybersecurity requirements taking full effect. Current needs center around three critical gaps: medical device security (with 68% of IoT healthcare devices running unsupported operating systems per Cynerio), identity governance for hybrid workforces (where 42% of clinicians still share passwords according to Imprivata), and cloud configuration management (as 73% of Azure healthcare tenants show critical misconfigurations per Orca Security). This surge in threats across the healthcare cybersecurity market has created a $3.2 billion serviceable available market just for healthcare-specific solutions, with managed detection and response (MDR) growing fastest at 89% YoH. In line with this, major players are responding through both innovation and acquisitionPalo Alto Networks acquisition of medical device security startup Zingbox exemplifies the strategic focus on clinical environment protection, while Microsoft's healthcare-specific Azure Sentinel modules now protect 41% of Epic EHR implementations.

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Adoption patterns reveal stark divisions in healthcare cybersecurity market maturity. While 78% of academic medical centers have deployed AI-powered anomaly detection (Darktrace), only 29% of community hospitals can monitor medical device traffic in real-time (Ponemon). The competitive landscape has bifurcated between platform players like Cisco (now securing 32% of healthcare network infrastructure) and specialists like Claroty, whose medical device security platform grew 140% in hospital deployments last year. Legacy vendors face challengesdespite McAfee's 63% market share in endpoint protection, only 17% of healthcare CISOs rate their solutions as effective against modern supply chain attacks (KLAS).

Some of the emerging differentiators in the healthcare cybersecurity market include regulatory automation (ServiceNow's HIPAA workflow tools reduced audit prep time by 58% at Kaiser) and clinical context awareness (Armis' device-to-EHR mapping prevented 12,000 false alerts at Mass General). However, persistent adoption barriers remain, with 61% of organizations citing clinical workflow disruption as their top concern (CHIME), explaining why behavior-adaptive security tools like Hypr's passwordless authentication see 3x faster deployment times than traditional IAM solutions in emergency departments.

Key Findings in Healthcare Cybersecurity Market

Market Forecast (2033) US$ 82.90 billion CAGR 18.55% Largest Region (2024) North America (35%) By Deployment Mode On-Premise (60%) By Security Type Network Security (35%) By Threat Type Malware (32%) By End Users Hospitals (40%) Top Drivers Rising ransomware attacks targeting sensitive patient data and systems.

Strict regulatory compliance mandates enforcing robust data protection measures.

Increased adoption of telehealth and IoT devices expanding vulnerabilities. Top Trends AI-powered threat detection for real-time attack mitigation and response.

Zero-trust security frameworks replacing traditional perimeter-based defenses.

Growth in healthcare cloud security investments for scalable protection. Top Challenges Legacy systems with outdated security protocols increasing exploitation risks.

Shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals specializing in healthcare threats.

High costs of advanced security solutions straining healthcare budgets.

Network Security: Zero Trust Adoption and Persistent Vulnerabilities

Healthcare networks remain a prime target due to legacy systems and high-value data. A 2024 HIMSS Cybersecurity Survey found that 43% of healthcare breaches originated from unsecured network perimeters, with VPN exploits accounting for 28% of initial access points. Attackers in the healthcare cybersecurity market increasingly exploit misconfigured SD-WAN deployments, particularly in multi-site hospital systems. The shift to zero-trust network access (ZTNA) is accelerating, with 62% of large providers piloting or implementing it. However, only 19% have fully enforced least-privilege policies, leaving lateral movement risks unchecked. Furthermore, medical IoT compounds network risksa single compromised device can expose entire VLANs. Darktraces 2024 analysis revealed that 37% of healthcare IoT devices communicate with unexpected external IPs, often due to outdated firmware. Solutions like microsegmentation and AI-driven NDR (Network Detection & Response) are gaining adoption, but 56% of IT teams struggle with legacy-medical device compatibility. The rise of 5G-enabled remote care further strains security, with 41% of cellular-connected devices lacking encrypted backhaul.

Cloud Security: Misconfigurations and Third-Party Risks Dominate

Healthcares cloud adoption surged in the healthcare cybersecurity market, but 73% of breaches involve misconfigured storage buckets or APIs (2024 IBM X-Force). Microsoft Azure and AWS host over 65% of healthcare cloud workloads, yet 32% of these deployments have excessive IAM permissions (Orca Security). The #1 exploited vulnerability is overprivileged service accounts, implicated in 51% of cloud-based ransomware attacks. Multi-cloud complexity also exacerbates risks58% of providers lack unified visibility across AWS, Azure, and GCP. In addition, emerging solutions include Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools, now used by 47% of large health systems. However, shadow SaaS apps (e.g., unauthorized EHR plugins) create blind spots28% of healthcare employees use unvetted cloud apps (Netskope) in the healthcare cybersecurity market. Encryption gaps persist: Only 39% of cloud-stored PHI is encrypted at rest, despite HIPAA requirements. Vendors like Wiz and Lacework are gaining traction with automated compliance mapping, but adoption lags in mid-tier hospitals.

Endpoint Security: Medical IoT and Unpatched Devices Under Siege

Connected medical devices represent the fastest-growing attack vector in the healthcare cybersecurity market, with 1.4 vulnerabilities per device (Cynerio 2024). Infusion pumps and imaging systems are particularly vulnerable23% run on unsupported Windows versions. A single unpatched device can cost hospitals $430K in remediation (Ponemon). Despite this, only 34% of providers enforce device-level encryption, and 61% lack real-time firmware monitoring. Therefore, EDR solutions are now deployed in 68% of hospitals, but 45% fail to detect low-and-slow attacks on IoT devices. Manufacturers are slowly improving22% of new devices now support secure boot and signed updates. FDAs 2024 premarket cybersecurity guidance mandates SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials), but legacy device risks persist. Some health systems are piloting network air-gapping for critical devices, though this limits telehealth integration.

Ransomware: Double Extortion and Supply Chain Attacks Escalate

Healthcare ransomware attacks increased by 57% YoY in Q1 2024 (Check Point) in the healthcare cybersecurity market. The average dwell time before detection is 14 days, up from 9 days in 2023 (Sophos). Double extortion is now standard83% of attackers exfiltrate data before encryption. Today, the top 3 ransomware variants (LockBit 3.0, ALPHV, and BlackCat) account for 76% of incidents, often exploiting ProxyShell and Log4j vulnerabilities. In line with this, defense strategies are evolving: 71% of providers now use immutable backups, but only 29% test restoration weekly. AI-powered behavioral analytics reduce dwell time by 40% (Darktrace). However, third-party breaches (e.g., MSPs) caused 38% of incidents, highlighting weak vendor risk management. Rural hospitals are disproportionately affected62% lack dedicated ransomware playbooks (HHS).

Competitive Landscape: Consolidation Trends & Emerging Differentiators

The healthcare cybersecurity market vendor ecosystem is undergoing rapid consolidation, with 78% of venture capital funding in 2024 flowing to specialized providers in medical device security and compliance automation. Legacy players like Cisco and Palo Alto are acquiring niche innovators9 out of 12 healthcare cybersecurity M&A deals this year targeted clinical workflow-integrated solutions (PitchBook). However, market fragmentation persists, with 64% of healthcare providers using 3+ competing endpoint security solutions simultaneously (Ponemon Institute), creating visibility gaps.

Differentiation is now driven by regulatory-aware AI  vendors offering automated HIPAA audit documentation see 2.3x faster sales cycles in the healthcare cybersecurity market. The managed detection and response (MDR) segment grew 142% YoY as mid-sized hospitals outsourced SOC operations. Surprisingly, 41% of provider RFPs now mandate FDA pre-market cybersecurity controls for vendor selection, favoring firms like MedCrypt and Sternum. Pricing models are shifting63% of new contracts include breach warranty clauses, transferring risk to vendors.

Remote Care Security: Telehealth Vulnerabilities & RPM Device Risks

Healthcare cybersecurity market data shows 61% of telehealth platforms lack end-to-end encryption for specialty consultations (CynergisTek Audit Findings), while 78% of patient-facing apps fail OWASP Mobile Top 10 compliance (NowSecure). The most targeted vulnerability is SSO implementation flaws in EHR-telehealth integrations, enabling 39% of all identity-based attacks (Okta Healthcare Threat Report). RPM devices present alarming risksFDA's 2024 recall list includes 14 devices with hardcoded credentials, impacting 230,000 patients.

Leading providers in the market are adopting FIDO2 authentication with biometric fallbacks, reducing account takeovers by 89% (Mayo Clinic Pilot). Emerging technologies show promisequantum-resistant encryption pilots in academic medical centers grew 320% YoY (Post-Quantum). However, interoperability requirements force 71% of providers to accept vulnerable API connections (CommonWell Alliance), creating systemic risks.

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Deployment Benchmarking: Cloud Migration Patterns & Legacy Challenges

Primary infrastructure data in the healthcare cybersecurity market reveals hybrid cloud architectures now dominate in terms of growth rate, with 68% of providers running critical workloads across 2-3 platforms (Flexera 2024). Cost analysis shows on-premises EHR security requires 37% more FTEs than cloud equivalents (HIMSS Analytics), yet 89% of academic medical centers retain physical data centers for research compliance. Container security remains problematic52% of healthcare Kubernetes deployments expose sensitive pods due to misconfigured network policies (Red Hat OpenShift Audit).

The zero trust implementation gap is strikingwhile 81% of providers have ZTA roadmaps, only 29% have protected medical IoT segments (Fortinet Survey). Legacy system burdens are quantifiableWindows Server 2008 systems require 3.2x more patching hours than supported OS (Tenable), costing $420K annually per 500-bed hospital. Air-gapping shows unexpected ROIcritical care networks using physical segmentation reduced incident response costs by 63% (ECRI Institute), though with 41% higher maintenance overhead.

Global Healthcare Cybersecurity Market Major Players:

IBM Corporation

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Palo Alto Networks

Symantec Corporation (Broadcom Inc.)

Fortinet, Inc.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

McAfee, LLC

Trend Micro Inc.

ClearDATA

Imprivata

Other Prominent Players

Market Segmentation:

By Component

Solutions Identity and Access Management (IAM) Risk and Compliance Management Antivirus and Antimalware DDoS Mitigation Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)/Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Firewall Data Encryption

Services Managed Security Services Consulting & Training Risk Assessment & Analysis Support & Maintenance



By Deployment Mode

On-premises

Cloud-based

By Security Type

Network Security

Application Security

Endpoint Security

Cloud Security

Data Security

By Threat Type

Malware

Ransomware

Phishing

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)

Insider Threats

Others

By End Users

Hospitals

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Health Insurance Providers

Medical Device Companies

Clinics & Specialty Centers

Government Healthcare Institutions

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

South America

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About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements.

With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace.

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LOS ANGELES, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEF, a global industry association of enterprises and network, cloud, security, and technology providers accelerating enterprise digital transformation, today opened submissions for its 2025 NaaS Excellence Awards. The awards showcase innovation and leadership across the service and technology provider, and professional communities shaping the future of secure, cloud-like digital services delivered through a globally automated NaaS ecosystem. Winners will be honored at MEFs Global Networking-as-a-Service Event (GNE), held November 10-14 in Dallas, Texas.

As enterprises seek more agile, secure, and cloud-like service experiences, MEF members are responding with automated, standards-based NaaS solutions - a model defined by MEF to ensure programmability, interoperability, and security across partner ecosystems. NaaS offerings combine on-demand connectivity, application assurance, cybersecurity, and multi-cloud networking within a unified service and automation framework. MEFs Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) APIs, product payloads, and certification programs provide the foundation for trusted automation, standardized integration, and seamless collaboration.

The NaaS Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements across this evolving ecosystemfrom LSO API implementations to secure SD-WAN and SASE deployments, and from modular service innovation to high-impact enterprise use cases, and emerging applications of AI in service automation and customer experience. New award categories introduced in 2025 include:

Best NaaS Enterprise Customer Implementation

Carrier Ethernet Innovation

Leadership in Customer Experience Automation

Leadership in Network & Service Automation

NaaS Ecosystem Collaboration

SSE and Zero Trust Providers of the Year

NaaS Professional of the Year



With the industry rapidly aligning around secure, automated, cloud-like service delivery, the 2025 NaaS Excellence Awards celebrate the leaders shaping the global NaaS ecosystem, said Nan Chen, CEO, MEF. These awards honor the companies and individuals driving real-world adoption of standards-based solutions that deliver meaningful outcomes for customers and partners alike.

Submissions are open to MEF members and the broader industry across service provider, technology provider, ecosystem collaboration, and professional leadership categories. An independent panel of analysts and industry experts will evaluate all entries based on strategic relevance, measurable outcomes, and use of standards and APIs that enable ecosystem-wide automation.

Key Dates:

Entry Deadline: June 26, 2025

Finalists Announced: September 2, 2025

Winners Announced: November 11, 2025, during the NaaS Excellence Awards Gala at GNE in Dallas



For more information and to submit an entry visit https://awards.mef.net/. For sponsorship opportunities or for more information about GNE or the awards gala please visit https://gne.mef.net.

About MEF

MEF is a global industry association of enterprises and network, cloud, security, and technology providers working together to accelerate enterprise digital transformation through a better-together ecosystem. MEF delivers service standards, LSO frameworks and APIs, and training and certification programs for services, technologies, APIs, and professionals. The MEF 3.0 Framework enables automated delivery of standardized Carrier Ethernet, IP, Optical Transport, SD-WAN, SASE, and other services across multiple provider networks. MEFs Global NaaS Event (GNE) convenes executive decision-makers, strategists, technology experts, and enterprise users to collaborate and knowledge-share to accelerate the global automated NaaS ecosystem. For more information about MEF and to hear the latest podcast visit MEF and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact:

Melissa Power

MEF

pr@mef.net




TORONTO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

(Version Web)

College Boreal, in partnership with Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal, is pleased to announce the official launch of the Innovation and Entrepreneurial Financing project. This initiative is designed to support Francophone entrepreneurs in Ontario and foster collaboration with their counterparts in Quebec. With dignitaries from Ontarios Ministry of Francophone Affairs and the Secretariat du Quebec aux relations canadiennes in attendance, the event marks the beginning of a three-year initiative funded jointly by the governments of Quebec and Ontario in the amount of $60,000 under Canadian Francophonie support programs.

The partnership between College Boreal and Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal is structured around four key priorities:

Education and training: offering a variety of courses on innovation and entrepreneurial financing

offering a variety of courses on innovation and entrepreneurial financing Entrepreneurial project development: helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into sustainable businesses

helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into sustainable businesses Creation of an entrepreneurial network: building a strong network of entrepreneurs and experts

building a strong network of entrepreneurs and experts Program sustainability: ensuring a long-term collaboration between College Boreal and Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal

Held at College Boreals Toronto campus, the launch also brought together entrepreneurs, business experts, and representatives from community organizations.

Quotes

College Boreal is delighted by this new collaboration with Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal, which provides Torontos Francophone business community with new opportunities for growth while encouraging the sharing of expertise and partnerships with Quebec entrepreneurs. Were also grateful to the governments of Quebec and Ontario who, by supporting our Desjardins Space for Innovation, Research and Incubation, are contributing to the vitality of Franco-Ontarian and Quebec businesses and inspiring the next generation of French-speaking entrepreneurs in our province.

Daniel Giroux  President of College Boreal

Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal is proud to partner with College Boreal to strengthen ties between the Francophone business ecosystems in Quebec and Ontario. This initiative will not only spark innovation and new growth opportunities on both sides but also foster a space for knowledge exchange, networking, and co-creation. We thank the Secretariat du Quebec aux relations canadiennes for its vital support of this promising initiative for the Francophone economic community.

Luis Felipe Martinez Cisneros  Full Professor, HEC Montreal

Founder and Co-Director, Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal

Quick facts

Announced on November 12, 2022, EIRI Desjardins was made possible by a major $500,000 contribution from the Desjardins GoodSpark Fund.

In 20242025, EIRI hosted over 250 events and activities, welcoming more than 1,400 entrepreneurs.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurial Financing project is funded equally by Ontarios Ministry of Francophone Affairs and the Secretariat du Quebec aux relations canadiennes, for a combined total of $60,000.

Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal is ranked among the top 10 incubators and accelerators recognized by Quebecs Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy as part of its provincial Research and Innovation Investment Strategy.

38% of Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreals activities have an international reach, and its graduates have raised over $100 million in funding.



Related Links

About Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal

Also known as La base entrepreneuriale HEC Montreal, Pole entrepreneuriat  HEC Montreal is an innovation hub with a mission to inspire and propel the next generation of technology and impact-driven entrepreneurs in Quebec and beyond. It offers five entrepreneurial support programs, from pre-incubation to acceleration: Eclosion, Parcours Remi-Marcoux, EntrePrism, Accelerateur Banque Nationale  HEC Montreal, and Envergure. Since the creation of these programs in 2013, La base has supported more than 750 entrepreneurs  about half of them women  created over 600 jobs, and hosted more than 675 events and activities for the entrepreneurial community.

Information

Benoit Clement

Manager, Communications and Media Relations

705-560-6673, ext. 2722

benoit.clement@collegeboreal.ca

About College Boreal

Created in Sudbury in 1995, College

Boreal is a French-language post-

secondary education and training

institution committed to the

development and growth of the

various Ontario communities it

serves. Through its 37 sites including 8 campuses

in 27 communities, College Boreal offers

a high level of expertise in post-

secondary education, basic training,

apprenticeship, immigrant services,

employment services, customized

training and applied research. Learn more:

To find out more about

College Boreals programs and

services, please visit our website at

www.collegeboreal.ca or follow

us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn

and X .

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b7f8212-8909-4e7b-83c1-82f1d95a382c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5bc57a6-35fe-4dd6-a0de-164ad6cf7a84
Denver, CO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SkyCrest Capital, a global fintech innovator headquartered in Manhattan, today announced the official launch of its next-generation artificial intelligence system, SkyAlpha X 2.0, along with the unveiling of its decentralized finance infrastructure, the SkyFund Protocol (SKF). Together, these breakthroughs mark a new chapter in the evolution of asset managementuniting artificial intelligence, blockchain, and decentralized governance into one intelligent financial ecosystem.







Founded in 2019 by Nathaniel Ross, a financial and tech visionary with experience at Goldman Sachs and Bridgewater Associates, SkyCrest Capital has quickly risen to prominence. SkyCrest Capital, established in 2019, is a global fintech leader, blending artificial intelligence with asset management, based in New York. The firm provides high-net-worth clients with strategies in equities, cryptocurrencies, and DeFi, managing $1.2 billion in assets while adhering to SEC and MSB compliance standards. This robust regulatory backing ensures global market credibility, offering clients a secure and reliable investment environment. Serving over 600 high-net-worth clients worldwide, SkyCrest operates offices in New York, Singapore, and Dubai, delivering smart equity trading, crypto quant contracts, family office planning, and multi-market arbitrage strategies.



The driving force behind SkyCrests success is its SkyAlpha X AI system, fully upgraded to version 2.0 in 2025, which revolutionizes traditional finance by eliminating reliance on human intuition. SkyAlpha X 2.0 integrates on-chain data, social media sentiment, and macroeconomic signals, dramatically enhancing market prediction accuracy and precision.



SkyCrests latest breakthrough, SkyFund Protocol (SKF), launched in 2025 on the Solana blockchain, positions itself as a bridge between TradFi and DeFi. With a total supply of 1 billion tokens, SKF enables global investors to stake USDT, ETH, or BTC, participate in SkyAlpha X 2.0-driven trading strategies, and share profits and governance rights. Users can bind strategy nodes to unlock premium signals and exclusive asset pools, reaping periodic dividends. SKFs smart oracles and AI-driven rhythm validation optimize strategy triggers, minimizing market noise and ensuring execution efficiency, fully showcasing the high-precision capabilities of version 2.0.



SkyCrests success hinges on its world-class team. Founder Nathaniel Ross, guided by his cognition over profit ethos, drives the SkyAlpha Financial Education Program, empowering young traders and clients. Chief AI Scientist Dr. Elena Chen leads SkyAlpha X algorithm development, Chief Investment Officer James Whitaker excels in multi-asset management, and Head of Client Relations and Assistant Audrey Sinclair ensures personalized service for 600 clients. All strategy data and profit distributions are openly shared, reflecting SkyCrests commitment to transparency.







Looking ahead, SkyCrest aims to position SkyFund Protocol as the worlds leading decentralized asset management platform. By 2026, the firm plans to launch AI strategy NFTs, enabling strategy authorization trading, and integrate with ETFs and real-world assets (RWA) for on-chain mapping. SkyAlpha Xs next-generation upgrade (Alpha 3.0) will introduce even sharper sentiment modeling, collaborating with DePIN and AI Agents to power cross-platform strategy execution. SkyCrests vision extends beyond wealth creationit seeks to build a smart, transparent, and inclusive financial ecosystem, ensuring every investor benefits from AI and blockchains transformative potential.



SkyCrest Capitals success is anchored by its world-class team. Founder Nathaniel Ross, guided by his cognition over profit philosophy, champions the SkyAlpha Financial Education Program, empowering young traders and clients. Chief AI Scientist Dr. Elena Chen spearheads SkyAlpha X algorithm development, Chief Investment Officer James Whitaker excels in multi-asset management, and Head of Client Relations and Assistant Audrey Sinclair ensures personalized service for 600 clients. All strategy data and profit distributions are shared openly, reflecting SkyCrests unwavering commitment to transparency.







Looking ahead, SkyCrest Capital aims to position SkyFund Protocol as the worlds premier decentralized asset management platform. By 2026, the firm plans to launch AI strategy NFTs, enabling authorized strategy trading, and integrate with ETFs and real-world assets (RWA) for on-chain mapping. SkyAlpha Xs next-generation upgrade (Alpha 3.0) will introduce sharper sentiment modeling, collaborating with DePIN and AI Agents to empower cross-platform strategy execution. SkyCrests vision extends beyond wealth creationit seeks to build a smart, transparent, and inclusive financial ecosystem, ensuring every investor reaps the benefits of AI and blockchain innovation.



SkyCrest Capital invites global investors to join this financial revolution. For more information, contact our teams in Manhattan, Singapore, or Dubai, or visit our website to explore our innovative journey.



About SkyCrest Capital SkyCrest Capital is a global fintech leader, blending artificial intelligence with asset management, headquartered in New York. The firm serves high-net-worth clients with equity, crypto, and DeFi strategies, managing $1.2 billion in assets with a global presence.



Company Name: SkyCrest Capital

Website: https://www.skyskinla.com/

Contact: Audrey Sinclair

Email: service(at)skyskinla.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. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.




BAKERSFIELD, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), the largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in the state, today celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Valley Natural Beverages (VNB) in Bakersfield, CA.

The 200,000 square-foot greenfield facility represents a transformational investment by CDIs member-owners, demonstrating their commitment to architecting their own destiny and meeting the growing demand for innovative fluid milk products in both the U.S. and international markets. The vertically integrated plant will begin processing an estimated 116,000 gallons of local milk dairy, showcasing the local nature of Californias dairy industry.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, alongside California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross, Kern County Supervisor David Couch, and local officials, community leaders, and company executives.

We are thrilled to officially open this cutting-edge facility, said Brad Anderson, president and chief executive officer of CDI. This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. The new plant will allow us to increase production capacity, expand our product offerings, improve efficiency, and create next-generation jobs for the local community.

The state-of-the-art shelf-stable milk manufacturing facility features advanced robotics, energy-efficient technologies, and a commitment to environmental sustainability incorporating renewal energy sources and waste conservation. The plant will open with three processing lines to produce conventional extended shelf life (ESL) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) dairy beverages and products. VNBs strategic growth plan includes multiple phases to expand to 10-12 processing and filling production lines in the future, tripling the facilitys current capacity. When all phases are completed, the facility will be 400,000 square-feet, processing up to 600,000 gallons per day of fresh local milk.

This facility is a testament to the innovation and resilience of Californias dairy farmers, said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. It represents a bold investment in the future of agriculture  one that supports sustainability, strengthens our rural economy, and showcases the world-class leadership of Californias dairy industry.

Value-added dairy products like ESL and UHT are popular options in todays changing marketplace, said Peter Ernster, senior vice president, ingredients and fluid products. This facility allows us to meet that demand with innovative products.

The project was made possible with the support of strong partners, including Big-D Construction, Tetra Pak, E.A. Bonelli + Associates, Inc., JCS Process & Control Systems, Elopak, Mark III, Interlake Mecalux, and Dairy Conveyor.

CDI has hired 90 full-time employees for the facility, providing market-competitive compensation and benefits, contributing to the creation of next-generation Industry 4.0 jobs.

About California Dairies, Inc.

California Dairies, Inc. is the largest member-owned milk marketing and processing cooperative in California, producing 40 percent of Californias milk. Co-owned by nearly 300 dairy producers who ship 17 billion pounds of Real California Milk annually, California Dairies, Inc. is a manufacturer of quality butter, fluid milk products, and milk powders. In addition, California Dairies, Inc. is the home of two leading and well-respected brands of butter  Challenge and Danish Creamery and milk powder brand, DairyAmerica. California Dairies quality dairy products are available in all 50 United States and in more than 50 foreign countries. For additional information on California Dairies, Inc., visit www.californiadairies.com.

Contact:

Stacy Heaton

Vice President of Communications and Public Relations

559.623.6977

SHeaton@CaliforniaDairies.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/190692d0-39cc-41a0-8849-3288d2256b4d
Warren, Ohio, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WARREN, Ohio)  Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced today that the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of personal care and hygiene products, will establish an $800 million advanced manufacturing facility in Trumbull County, bringing an anticipated 491 new high-quality jobs.

The companys board of directors met to approve the project this afternoon, following the Ohio Tax Credit Authoritys approval of a 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit earlier this week.

We welcome Kimberly-Clarks first investment in Ohio, said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Kimberly-Clark has advanced-production facilities all over the world, and the fact that they are now coming to Trumbull County says a great deal about the areas workforce and Ohios leadership in rebuilding the domestic manufacturing supply.

Ohios deep commitment to workforce development further reinforced Kimberly-Clarks decision to choose Trumbull County for its newest investment, said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. We look forward to partnering with Kimberly-Clark as it constructs a cutting-edge facility and scales its production with skilled talent from the Mahoning Valley.

For Kimberly-Clark, this new facility would be its first in Ohio and represents not just a strategic expansion, but a decisive step in doubling down on growth in the American market.

Our investment in Warren is a pivotal step forward in our North America business and strategy, said Tamera Fenske, chief supply chain officer, Kimberly-Clark. By establishing a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ohio, were enhancing our ability to serve millions of consumers across the Midwest and Northeast with greater speed, agility, and resilience. Its a once-in-a-career opportunity to build a facility from the ground up that reflects the future of manufacturing, and with the support of local partners like JobsOhio, the Department of Development, Lake to River, Western Reserve Port Authority, and local governments, we have the unique opportunity to create high-quality jobs and long-term economic impact in the region.

Spread across more than one million square feet, the Warren facility will provide the manufacturing capacity needed to unleash future growth for Kimberly-Clarks fastest-growing personal care categories that include Baby & Child Care and Adult & Feminine Care. Warren is in geographic proximity to roughly 117 million consumers and will serve as a strategic hub for the Northeast and Midwest regions. Construction is expected to begin this month and will take up to two years.

Located within the existing Warren BDM Redevelopment Area, the site was the sixth location to receive site readiness support from the All Ohio Future Fund. A total of $17.2 million from the fund was awarded to the Western Reserve Port Authority last month to assist in site readiness and road infrastructure supporting industry and the broader community. The Trumbull County property spans Howland Township, Warren Township, and the City of Warren and includes sufficient acreage for future growth.

Based in Dallas and employing 46,000 people in 34 countries, the companys portfolio of brands also includes Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll. Its products are sold in more than 175 countries and territories.

Kimberly-Clarks decision to invest in Trumbull County reflects the compelling advantages that continue to make Ohio a top destination for global companies. The states pro-business climate, reliable and affordable energy infrastructure, and central location within a day's drive of more than half of the U.S. population were all key factors.

Kimberly-Clarks decision to make its first Ohio investment in Trumbull County would not have happened without close collaboration from our partner at Lake to River as well as at the state and local level to establish a site that is attractive for both rapid development and long-term growth, said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. We all look forward to working closely alongside Kimberly-Clark as it launches its new operations and creates 491 jobs at a new, cutting-edge manufacturing facility.

The local groundwork that helped bring Kimberly-Clark to Eastern Ohio was the result of years of planning and coordinated efforts by the JobsOhio Network. JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after a final agreement is executed.

This project is the culmination of deep, sustained engagement by our team to build trust with Kimberly-Clark and demonstrate the real value of locating in Trumbull County, said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, interim CEO of Lake to River. From early conversations to site tours and collaborative problem-solving, we worked closely with local, regional, and state partners to ensure Kimberly-Clark had access to every resource and incentive they needed to feel confident in choosing this community. Its incredibly rewarding to see that effort result in an investment of this magnitude, and were ready to keep that momentum going as they move into the next phase.

Local government officials also played an instrumental role in making the Trumbull County site a winning contender. Their ability to respond quickly and coordinate essential infrastructure planning demonstrated the community's readiness for a project of this scale.

"This is a defining moment for Trumbull County, said Rick Hernandez, president of the Trumbull County Board of Commissioners. The Kimberly-Clark project represents more than just a substantial investment; it's a catalyst for regional revitalization. We anticipate that this development will not only bring hundreds of direct jobs but also attract ancillary businesses, boost housing, and invigorate our local economy.

The projects success was also made possible through key support from the Ohio Department of Development, which worked swiftly to clear the path for Kimberly-Clarks investment. The departments efforts were essential in ensuring Ohio remained competitive in the final decision-making process.

Big wins like this are the result of vision, preparation, and partnership, said Development Director Lydia Mihalik. We worked hand-in-hand with our partners to prepare this site, showcase its potential, and open the door for Kimberly-Clarks investment. Today, Trumbull County is positioned for a powerful new chapter  one defined by jobs, growth, and lasting momentum."

The following are additional comments attributed to local business and community leaders regarding todays Kimberly-Clark announcement.

Dave Joyce, U.S. Representative (OH-14)

"The decision to invest in Trumbull County shows the strength of our workforce and logistics infrastructure. I am grateful for the local partners, like Lake to River and JobsOhio, for helping execute this major project that will help bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to the region. This long-term investment here at home sets the stage for even more growth in our community.

Chuck George, Board Chairman, Lake to River

"Wins like this validate the bold vision that brought Lake to River into existence. This is one of the largest private economic development projects our region has seen in a generation."

Nick Santucci, State Representative (R-65th District)

"This is an exciting day for Trumbull County and all of Eastern Ohio. Kimberly-Clarks commitment to building a state-of-the-art facility here is a testament to the planning, collaboration and competitiveness that define our community. With nearly 500 permanent jobs and hundreds more in construction, this project represents real opportunity for local families  and it proves that when we invest in site readiness and talent, companies like Kimberly-Clark choose Ohio."

Anthony Trevena, Executive Director, Western Reserve Port Authority

Now is when the real work begins. Bringing a global company like Kimberly-Clark is the result of sustained collaboration, bold site development and the reality that this region is positioned to meet global demand. This project demonstrates what is possible when public and private partners align around a common goal and when we invest in preparing sites that meet the moment. It sends a powerful signal to other companies that the Mahoning Valley is ready.

Guy Coviello, President & CEO, Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber

"The public and private partners that worked together to secure this transformational opportunity shows just how far the Valley has progressed away from its rigid, parochial mindset toward regional collaboration. We especially thank Sarah Boyarko, vice president of economic development for Lake to River Economic Development, for introducing this site to Kimberly-Clark, and for her perseverance to see the project across the finish line."

Martin Loney, Chairman of the Western Reserve Port Authority

On behalf of the Western Reserve Port Authority and our Board of Directors, I would like to commend Kimberly-Clarks Board of Directors on this monumental announcement. From the very beginning, our support for this project has been steadfast, and we remain committed through every phase of its development.

Sam Covelli, Vice Chairman of the Western Reserve Port Authority

This generational investment in Howland Township, the City of Warren and Warren Township will have positive impacts in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties and support the long-term vision of the Valley.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Governor Mike DeWine:

Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957

Jill Del Greco: 614-644-0957

Kimberly-Clark Media Relations

media.relations@kcc.com

www.kimberly-clark.com

JobsOhio

Matt Englehart

614-300-1152

englehart@jobsohio.com

Attachment
LOS ANGELES, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PearlX, an energy infrastructure and capital partner to multifamily owners and developers, and Cal Solar Inc., Californias largest multifamily new construction solar financier, developer and design/builder, have worked together to develop a $4.5 million solar power and battery system to the first phase a new 451-unit multifamily project currently under construction in Murrieta, California.

As a solar infrastructure equity partner for multifamily owners and operators, PearlX will manage the installation, upkeep and long-term maintenance of a solar and battery system at the property through a triple-net lease structure. In conjunction with Cal Solar Inc., the projects development, engineering, procurement and construction partner, PearlX will be providing residents at the community with a clean energy amenity that will decrease energy costs and lower their carbon footprint.

Situated amid the rolling hillsides of Murrieta, a premiere city in Southern Californias Inland Empire, the development is designed to offer high-density living in resort-like accommodations. Once complete, the community will include distinct neighborhood districts made up of numerous amenities and two-four-story residential buildings, catering to a broad range of renters and price points.

Were delighted to be bringing high-tech solar amenities to this project alongside Cal Solar Inc. to future-proof this community against rising energy costs, said Phillip Forrester, Senior Director of Sales at PearlX. Our solar and battery systems will help to bring down utility bills for residents while providing Greystar with an additional stream of long-term revenue through our leasing program.

Californias new construction multifamily solar and battery storage requirements are significant, and not many solar design/build contractors have the 500-project experience and market-leading in-house engineering and maintenance teams to handle jobs of this scope and nature, said Sean Neman, CEO of Cal Solar Inc. As the solar and EV charging partner of choice for Greystar and other large multifamily developers, Cal Solar Inc. is deeply familiar with the new construction process and is able to be responsive to shifting policies and multifamily market conditions in a way that most other solar companies cant.

Known for its top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, abundant parks and proximity to both San Diego and Los Angeles, Murrieta is the perfect location for a development of this size, said Adam Covington, Senior Director of Development at Greystar, the development team behind the project. This is our second project with PearlX and Cal Solar Inc. in a short time frame, and its great to know we can rely on them over the long haul to manage all aspects of solar infrastructure development, installation and ongoing maintenance of these crucial systems.

Construction commenced in late 2024 and is expected to wrap up in late 2027.

About PearlX

Founded in 2019, PearlX is an energy infrastructure and capital partner that works with multifamily owners and operators across the U.S. to provide clean, reliable smart grid power systems to thousands of residents at a reduced rate, while increasing NOI for owner-operators. Through installing and operating solar and battery storage systems and other electrification amenities on multifamily properties, PearlX helps multifamily property owners meet their ESG goals with no capital outlay. To learn more about PearlX, visit: https://pearlx.com/ .

About Cal Solar Inc.

Cal Solar Inc. specializes in the development, design and self-perform construction of solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging systems for commercial customers. As California's leader in energy solutions for multifamily projects, Cal Solar Inc. has successfully developed, engineered and constructed over 400 multifamily solar projects. Cal Solar Inc. serves the entire state of California through offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Hayward. To learn more about Cal Solar Inc., visit: https://calsolarinc.com.

Media Contact

Caroline Thompson

Vice President, Akrete Communications

caroline.thompson@akrete.com

(847) 440-4831
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

( Note : All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars except as otherwise noted. The financial results are derived from unaudited financial statements prepared using the recognition and measurement requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS Accounting Standards"), except as otherwise noted. This press release contains certain non-GAAP and other financial measures, including book value per share and cash and marketable securities, that do not have a prescribed meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar financial measures presented by other issuers. See "Glossary of non-GAAP and other financial measures" at the end of this press release for further details.)

TORONTO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (TSX: FIH.U) announces a net loss of $211.2 million ($1.57 net loss per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $293.5 million in the first quarter of 2024 ($2.17 net loss per diluted share). The company's book value per share decreased 7.4% to $19.41 at March 31, 2025 from $20.96 at December 31, 2024, primarily due to unrealized losses recorded on the company's publicly listed investments.

Highlights for the first quarter of 2025 included the following:

The company recorded a net change in unrealized losses on investments of $222.9 million, principally from decreases in the fair values of the company's publicly listed investments in IIFL Capital (formerly IIFL Securities) ($106.8 million), IIFL Finance ($64.5 million), Fairchem Organics ($28.1 million), 5paisa ($10.0 million) and CSB Bank ($9.9 million), and private company investment in Sanmar ($19.2 million) (primarily due to a decrease in the publicly traded share price of its subsidiary, Chemplast), partially offset by an increase in the fair value of the company's private company investment in Seven Islands ($18.7 million).

On February 20, 2025 the company completed its previously announced investment of an additional 10.0% equity interest in Bangalore International Airport Limited ("BIAL") for a purchase price of $255.0 million. In accordance with the agreement with Siemens Project Ventures GmbH ("Siemens"), the company paid an initial installment on the closing date and recognized a payable for securities purchased of $170.9 million, representing the second and third installments to be paid in the third quarters of 2025 and 2026, respectively.

In February 2025, the company also increased the borrowing limit of its revolving credit facility from

$175.0 million to $250.0 million, including the use of letters of credit. The company issued a letter of credit for $170.9 million in favour of Siemens equal to the deferred purchase price for the additional 10.0% equity interest in BIAL. The increased borrowing limit and Siemens letter of credit will be reduced over a period of approximately eighteen months in accordance with the terms of the amended credit agreement and letter of credit.

Fairfax India is in strong financial health, with cash and marketable securities at March 31, 2025 of $113.0 million and $79.2 million available under its revolving credit facility.

There were 134.8 million and 135.4 million weighted average common shares outstanding during the first quarters of 2025 and 2024, respectively. At March 31, 2025 there were 104,839,462 subordinate voting shares and 30,000,000 multiple voting shares outstanding.

Unaudited balance sheets, earnings (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) information follow and form part of this press release. Fairfax India's detailed first quarter report can be accessed at its website www.fairfaxindia.ca .

Fairfax India Holdings Corporation is an investment holding company whose objective is to achieve long term capital appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities and debt instruments in India and Indian businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, India.

For further information, contact: John Varnell, Vice President, Corporate Affairs (416) 367-4755





Information on CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS as at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (unaudited - US$ thousands) March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024

Assets Cash and cash equivalents 21,616 59,322 Bonds 114,823 180,507 Common stocks 3,419,382 3,381,206 Total cash and investments 3,555,821 3,621,035 Interest and dividends receivable 5,093 8,849 Income taxes refundable 175 174 Other assets 844 722 Total assets 3,561,933 3,630,780 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,106 1,300 Accrued interest expense 2,736 8,611 Income taxes payable 1,547 5,379 Payable to related parties 9,434 10,099 Payable for securities purchased 170,850  Deferred income taxes 129,973 149,780 Borrowings 498,479 498,349 Total liabilities 814,125 673,518 Equity Common shareholders' equity 2,617,071 2,826,495 Non-controlling interests 130,737 130,767 Total equity 2,747,808 2,957,262 3,561,933 3,630,780 Book value per share $ 19.41 $ 20.96





Information on CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited - US$ thousands except per share amounts) First quarter

2025 2024 Income Interest 3,196 5,038 Dividends 2,998 7,049 Net realized gains on investments 616 116,924 Net change in unrealized losses on investments (222,862 ) (410,927 ) Net foreign exchange gains (losses) 3,245 (376 ) (212,807 ) (282,292 ) Expenses Investment and advisory fees 9,399 9,484 General and administration expenses 1,648 2,536 Interest expense 6,755 6,380 17,802 18,400 Loss before income taxes (230,609 ) (300,692 ) Recovery of income taxes (19,142 ) (7,483 ) Net loss (211,467 ) (293,209 ) Attributable to: Shareholders of Fairfax India (211,224 ) (293,504 ) Non-controlling interests (243 ) 295 (211,467 ) (293,209 ) Net loss per basic and diluted share $ (1.57 ) $ (2.17 ) Shares outstanding (weighted average) 134,839,462 135,365,933 Information on CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited - US$ thousands) First quarter

2025 2024 Net loss (211,467 ) (293,209 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes Item that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings (loss) Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of income taxes of nil (2024 - nil) 2,046 (5,708 ) Comprehensive loss (209,421 ) (298,917 ) Attributable to: Shareholders of Fairfax India (209,391 ) (298,926 ) Non-controlling interests (30 ) 9 (209,421 ) (298,917 )





This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements may relate to the company's or an Indian Investment's future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the financial position, business strategy, growth strategy, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividends, plans and objectives of the company. Particularly, statements regarding future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities of the company, an Indian Investment, or the Indian market are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, will or will be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on our opinions and estimates as of the date of this press release, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the following factors: oil price risk; geographic concentration of investments; potential lack of diversification; foreign currency fluctuation; volatility of the Indian securities markets; investments may be made in foreign private businesses where information is unreliable or unavailable; valuation methodologies involve subjective judgments; financial market fluctuations; pace of completing investments; minority investments; reliance on key personnel and risks associated with the Investment Advisory Agreement; disruption of the company's information technology systems could significantly affect the company's business; lawsuits; use of leverage; significant ownership by Fairfax may adversely affect the market price of the subordinate voting shares; trading price of subordinate voting shares relative to book value per share risk; weather risk; taxation risks; emerging markets; legal, tax and regulatory risks; MLI; economic risk; reliance on trading partners; and economic disruptions from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and the development of other geopolitical events and economic disruptions worldwide. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the company's annual information form dated March 7, 2025 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the company's website at www.fairfaxindia.ca . These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the company. These factors and assumptions, however, should be considered carefully.

Although the company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

GLOSSARY OF NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

Management analyzes and assesses the financial position of the consolidated company in various ways. Certain of the measures included in this press release, which have been used consistently and disclosed regularly in the company's Annual Reports and interim financial reporting, do not have a prescribed meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Those measures are described below.

Book value per share - The company considers book value per share a key performance measure in evaluating its objective of long term capital appreciation, while preserving capital. This measure is also closely monitored as it is used to calculate the performance fee, if any, to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. This measure is calculated by the company as common shareholders' equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding.

Cash and marketable securities - This measure is calculated by the company as the sum of cash, cash equivalents, short term investments and Government of India bonds. The company uses this measure to monitor short term liquidity risk.
WINNEMUCCA, Nev., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (NYSE American: PZG) (Paramount or the Company) announced today that Mr. Glen Van Treek, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director has decided to retire from the Company, effective immediately.

Mr. Van Treek has 35 years of experience in all stages of mineral exploration, engineering, and operations across multiple jurisdictions. He joined Paramount Gold Nevada in 2015 after it was spun out of Coeur Minings merger with Paramount Gold and Silver where he also served as President and COO. As COO Mr. Van Treek has been instrumental in progressing the Companys two core assets, the Grassy Mountain Gold Project in Oregon and the Sleeper Gold Project in Nevada. His role in advancing Grassy Mountain through state and federal permitting stages has culminated in Oregons approval of its Environmental Evaluation in October 2024, marking the start of the 225-day legislated timeline for the submission of draft mining permits by the state permitting agencies.

Mr. Van Treek has entered into a consulting agreement to assist management in the transition period. Paramount CEO and Director, Ms. Rachel Goldman, will oversee permitting activities while Grassy Mountain moves through final permitting at the state and federal levels.

Paramount Chairman Rudi Fronk stated I have known and worked with Glen at various times and on various projects in the Americas over the last 30 years and I have appreciated his wide industry knowledge and diligence. Due to his efforts, Grassy Mountain stands to be the first modern gold mine to be permitted in Oregon. The Board of Directors, shareholders and management of the Company owe him a debt of gratitude.

Mr. Fronk continued Against the backdrop of meaningful efforts to streamline permitting in the US, we expect that the progress we are making will lead to the Company securing all major permits for Grassy Mountain over the course of 2025.

About Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. is a U.S. based precious metals exploration and development company. Paramounts strategy is to create shareholder value through exploring and developing its mineral properties and to realize this value for its shareholders in three ways: by selling its assets to established producers; entering joint ventures with producers for construction and operation; or constructing and operating mines for its own account.

Paramount holds a 100% interest in three projects: Grassy Mountain; Sleeper and Bald Peak.

The Grassy Mountain Gold Project ("Grassy") consists of approximately 8,200 acres located on private and BLM land in Malheur County, Oregon. Grassy contains a gold-silver deposit (100% located on private land) for which results of a positive Feasibility Study have been released and key permitting milestones accomplished.

The Sleeper Gold Project is in Northern Nevada, the worlds premier mining jurisdiction. The Sleeper Gold Project, which includes the former producing Sleeper mine, totals 2,474 unpatented mining claims (approximately 44,917 acres).

The drill ready Bald Peak Project in Nevada consists of approximately 2,260 acres.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This release and related documents may include "forward-looking statements" and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) pursuant to applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. Paramounts future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although these words may not be present in all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release include, without limitation, statements with respect to the timing and success of the permitting of the Grassy Mountain Gold Project. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management 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 at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conclusions made in the feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project (the FS); the quantity and grade of resources included in resource estimates; the accuracy and achievability of projections included in the FS; Paramounts ability to carry on exploration and development activities, including construction; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the price of silver, gold and other metals; prices for key mining supplies, including labor costs and consumables, remaining consistent with current expectations; work meeting expectations and being consistent with estimates and plant, equipment and processes operating as anticipated. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: uncertainties involving interpretation of drilling results; environmental matters; the ability to obtain required permitting; equipment breakdown or disruptions; additional financing requirements; the completion of a definitive feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs and between estimated and actual production; the global epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens and the other factors described in Paramounts disclosures as filed with the SEC and the Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta Securities Commissions.

Except as required by applicable law, Paramount disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Rudi Fronk, Chairman of the Board

Christos Theodossiou, Director of Corporate Communications

844.488.2233

Twitter: @ParamountNV
New York, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

In This Article, Youll Discover:

Why subtle symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings might point to internal toxin buildup

How Nuubu detox patches provide a natural, non-invasive way to support the bodys detox process

The traditional Asian healing philosophy behind Nuubu foot patches

A detailed breakdown of Nuubus natural ingredients including bamboo vinegar, tourmaline, and loquat leaf

including bamboo vinegar, tourmaline, and loquat leaf Who Nuubu herbal foot patches are best suited forincluding wellness seekers, city dwellers, and people feeling off without medical explanation

Real-life benefits reported by users, such as improved sleep, mental clarity, better mood, and reduced tension

A step-by-step guide on how to use Nuubu for best results, including patch placement and frequency

Current Nuubu pricing and discounts, with guidance on where to safely purchase

Answers to frequently asked questions about Nuubu detox patches, including safety, results, and use cases

Final verdict: Is Nuubu worth trying as part of your wellness and self-care routine?

TLDR  Nuubu Detox Patches: Natural Support for a Clearer, Balanced You

Nuubu detox patches offer a quiet yet powerful way to support the bodys natural detox process without pills, chemicals, or complex routines. Rooted in traditional Asian medicine, this herbal foot patch leverages natural ingredients like bamboo vinegar, tourmaline, and loquat leaf to gently encourage toxin release through the soles of your feet while you sleep.

This in-depth Nuubu review explores how subtle symptomslike unexplained fatigue, mental fog, or muscle tensionmay stem from toxin overload, and how Nuubu foot patches aim to restore balance overnight. With easy application, no side effects for most users, and a growing base of positive feedback, Nuubu is becoming a go-to choice for people seeking natural detox support in their daily routine.

Whether you're a wellness enthusiast or simply looking for an easy way to feel more refreshed, Nuubu detox patches may offer the reset your body has been quietly asking for. Read on to learn how to use Nuubu, what makes it effective, and why it might be the gentle detox tool you've been missing.

Some symptoms dont show up in bold. They creep in quietly. You might feel a little more tired than usual, but you brush it off. Maybe its just a long week. Your mind feels cloudy, but you figure its the screens or lack of sleep. Then come the muscle aches, the mood swings, the strange restlessness that lingers even when theres nothing stressful happening. One by one, the signs appear. Not sharp enough to alarm you, but just enough to disrupt how you feel in your own skin.

And when nothing seems wrong on the outside, you start to wonder why you feel this way.

What if your body is trying to get your attention? Not with illness, but with quiet overload.

Today, our bodies are exposed to more toxins than ever from the air we breathe, the food we eat, even the stress we carry. And while our systems are designed to keep us balanced, they are not always equipped to handle the constant buildup of these invisible burdens. Over time, this internal clutter can leave you feeling off-balance, mentally drained, and physically sluggish.

Thats why more people are looking beyond pills and quick fixes. They are returning to older traditions that trust the bodys natural intelligence. One such tradition uses a surprisingly simple tool, a soft herbal patch placed on the soles of your feet. It works while you sleep, using ancient plant wisdom to support your bodys own process of letting go.

This simple approach is what makes Nuubu different.

What Is Nuubu and How Does It Work?

Nuubu is a herbal foot patch made to support the bodys natural detox process. Inspired by traditional Asian healing practices, its based on the idea that the feet hold powerful connection points to the rest of the body. In many cultures, the soles of the feet are believed to reflect internal organs and energy channels. Thats why Nuubu works by targeting these areas, helping the body release what it no longer needs through the skins natural process, sweat.

Each patch is infused with a blend of time-tested ingredients like bamboo vinegar, tourmaline, loquat leaf, and vitamin C. When placed on the bottom of clean feet before sleep, the patch begins to interact with the bodys warmth and moisture. As you rest, the herbs in Nuubu gently support circulation and perspiration. By morning, the patch darkens a visual sign that the patch has absorbed moisture, possibly including impurities the body has released during the night.

While results can vary from person to person, many users say they wake up feeling a little lighter, clearer, and more refreshed than before. Theres no complicated routine or overwhelming detox protocol. Just a patch, a quiet nights rest, and a chance for your body to do what it does best is restore balance on its own.

And to understand how thats even possible, it helps to take a closer look at the natural ingredients Nuubu is made from.

Whats Inside Nuubu? A Look at Its Herbal Components

Nuubu isnt made with harsh chemicals or synthetic fillers. Instead, it relies on a carefully chosen mix of natural elements, drawn from centuries-old Asian healing traditions. These herbal components work together to gently support your bodys own ability to release toxins and restore balance. Heres what each one brings to the patch:

Loquat Leaf

This soft, velvety leaf has been used in traditional remedies to help calm the body and ease discomfort. Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities, it may help reduce tension and support overall wellness while your body goes through the detox process.

Bamboo Vinegar

A natural liquid produced from heated bamboo, this vinegar is believed to help with digestion and promote healthy microbes in the body. On the skin, it may encourage gentle sweating and open the pores, supporting the release of impurities through the feet.

Vitamin C

Famous for its immune-boosting and antioxidant power, vitamin C helps protect against the effects of daily stress and toxins. It may also support skin health and recovery as your body cleanses itself naturally overnight.

Wood Vinegar

Similar to bamboo vinegar, this wood-derived liquid is believed to help absorb moisture and unwanted waste through the skin. Its one of the key components that give the patch its drawing power and may assist in clearing out built-up residue.

Tourmaline

A mineral valued in traditional medicine, tourmaline is believed to help with energy flow and circulation. Some say it slightly warms up on contact with skin, encouraging better detox through gentle stimulation of the feets pressure points.

Chitin

Derived from natural sources like shellfish, chitin is known for its protective and purifying qualities. In the patch, it may help improve absorption and shield the skin from irritation as the detox process unfolds.

Houttuynia Cordata Thunb

Often used in herbal medicine for its natural cleansing effects, this plant may help reduce inflammation and support the bodys ability to calm itself. It plays a quiet but important role in soothing the skin during detox.

Dextrin

A type of plant-based fiber, dextrin helps bring everything together. It acts as a carrier and stabilizer, making sure the patch works smoothly, stays in place, and lets the other herbal components do their job.

Together, these gentle elements form the heart of Nuubu, working silently and steadily as you sleep, helping your body feel clearer, calmer, and more balanced with each passing night.

Ready to wake up feeling lighter, clearer, and more refreshedwithout swallowing pills or enduring strict routines? Try Nuubu detox patches tonight and discover how this gentle, natural foot patch can help your body release what it doesnt need while you sleep.

Who Is Nuubu For?

Nuubu is designed for people who feel out of balance and want a natural way to support their bodys detox process. Its especially helpful for:

People feeling mentally foggy or unfocused: If your thoughts feel cloudy or youre easily distracted, Nuubu may offer gentle clarity by helping the body feel lighter.

If your thoughts feel cloudy or youre easily distracted, Nuubu may offer gentle clarity by helping the body feel lighter. Those who feel tired even after sleeping: If rest isnt refreshing you the way it used to, your body might be working harder than you realize. Detox support could help you feel more restored.

If rest isnt refreshing you the way it used to, your body might be working harder than you realize. Detox support could help you feel more restored. Anyone dealing with mood swings or irritability: Emotional ups and downs can sometimes be linked to how your body is processing stress and toxins.

Emotional ups and downs can sometimes be linked to how your body is processing stress and toxins. People experiencing muscle tension or restlessness: When toxins build up, some people feel it physically through tight shoulders, aching legs, or that buzzing, uneasy energy.

When toxins build up, some people feel it physically through tight shoulders, aching legs, or that buzzing, uneasy energy. Busy professionals and urban dwellers: City life, pollution, processed food, and daily stress can add to the bodys burden. Nuubu may help give it a break.

City life, pollution, processed food, and daily stress can add to the bodys burden. Nuubu may help give it a break. Those who prefer natural and traditional remedies: If youre someone who trusts plant-based, herbal solutions over synthetic ones, Nuubus roots in traditional Asian medicine will likely appeal to you.

If youre someone who trusts plant-based, herbal solutions over synthetic ones, Nuubus roots in traditional Asian medicine will likely appeal to you. Wellness seekers building a regular self-care routine: Even without major symptoms, many use Nuubu as part of a quiet, nightly ritual to help their body stay balanced.

If youve been feeling off lately and dont know why, Nuubu offers a simple and natural place to start. Lets take a closer look at what kinds of benefits people say they notice when they use it consistently.

Benefits of Using Nuubu Detox Patches

Nuubu isnt loud or dramatic. It works quietly, in the background, giving your body a chance to reset without pills, side effects, or complicated routines. Below are the kinds of benefits many Nuubu reviews are experiencing, written from a place of empathy and simplicity.

Clearer Thinking and Better Focus

Many users notice that their mind feels sharper and more alert after using Nuubu for just a few nights. That heavy, cloudy feeling like you're always a few steps behind starts to ease. For people who deal with brain fog, forgetfulness, or scattered thoughts, this gentle clarity can feel like a breath of fresh air. It's not a sudden jolt like caffeine, but more like your brain finally taking a deep, cleansing breath.

Deeper, More Restful Sleep

When the body is under stress or holding on to toxins, sleep can become shallow and broken. Nuubu may help by supporting the body's natural detox process overnight, allowing the nervous system to calm down. Many users say they fall asleep faster and wake up fewer times in the night. Over time, this can lead to more restorative sleep and a better sense of energy during the day.

Improved Mood and Emotional Balance

Toxins arent just physical, they can also weigh on your mood. When the body is out of sync, emotions can swing without warning. With Nuubu, some users say they feel less irritable and more emotionally steady. Its not about being happy all the time, its about regaining a sense of emotional balance, where small problems dont feel overwhelming anymore.

Relief from Muscle Aches and Tension

Stress doesnt just live in the mind. It settles in the body, in your neck, shoulders, back, and legs. That constant stiffness or soreness can drain you without realizing it. Nuubus soothing herbs may help the body release that tension, especially overnight when the patch is in contact with your feets key pressure points. The result? You may wake up feeling less tight, more comfortable, and ready to move through your day with ease.

Lighter, More Energized Mornings

You know that heavy, drained feeling you sometimes wake up like your body hasnt had a real break? Nuubu may help lift that weight. By gently supporting the bodys effort to remove waste and buildup overnight, it allows you to feel more refreshed when the morning comes. Instead of dragging yourself out of bed, you may find yourself moving with a little more ease and clarity.

A Moment of Self-Care in a Busy Life

Theres something quietly powerful about putting on a Nuubu patch at night. Its a small action that reminds you to care for yourself without guilt, pressure, or complexity. Just you, your breath, and a simple ritual that says, Im choosing to feel better. For many, that act alone is worth more than the patch itself. It becomes a grounding habit, a pause in an otherwise noisy world.

Visible Results You Can See Each Morning

One of the unique features of Nuubu is how the patch changes color after use. While the darkening is mostly due to sweat and moisture, many people find it satisfying to peel it off and see something has happened. It turns the invisible process of detox into something more tangible  a small bit of proof that your body is responding.

No Pills, No Fuss, No Guesswork

What makes Nuubu different is how simple it is. You dont need to swallow anything. You dont need to follow a complicated schedule. You just apply the patch to clean feet before bed and let it work overnight. Its wellness without the overwhelm  and thats what makes it so easy to stick with.

If even one of these benefits speaks to what youve been feeling lately, Nuubu may be worth trying. But how do you use it the right way?

Dont ignore the quiet signs your body is sendingfatigue, brain fog, and mood swings might be signals of toxin overload. Experience the power of traditional herbal detox with Nuubu foot patches and take your first step toward daily balance and inner calm.

How to Use Nuubu Detox Patches (Step-by-Step)

Using Nuubu is one of the simplest wellness habits you can add to your day. Theres no prep work, no extra tools, and no need to change your routine. All you need is a few quiet minutes before bedtime and a willingness to let your body rest and reset. Heres how to use Nuubu the right way:

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Feet

Before applying the patch, make sure your feet are clean and dry. This helps the patch stick properly and stay in place while you sleep. Washing also clears away any surface dirt so the ingredients can interact more effectively with your skin.

Step 2: Remove the Patch from Its Wrapper

Take one patch out of the packaging. Youll notice a soft, padded side  this is the side that goes directly on your skin. Nuubu uses a gentle herbal scent, not artificial perfume, so the smell should be earthy and clean.

Step 3: Apply the Patch to the Center of Your Sole

Place the patch on the middle of your foot, sticky side up against the sole. The center of your foot is believed to be one of the most important detox points in traditional wellness  it connects to different organs and energy channels throughout the body.

Step 4: Repeat on the Other Foot (Optional)

For best results, its recommended to apply a second patch to your other foot. However, some people start with one patch to test how their body responds. Either way is fine  listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

Step 5: Leave the Patch On Overnight (68 Hours)

Once both patches are in place, head to bed. Let the herbal blend work quietly while you rest. Most people leave them on for 6 to 8 hours  basically, while they sleep. It wont interrupt your rest or cause discomfort.

Step 6: Remove the Patches in the Morning

When you wake up, slowly peel the patches off and take a look. Youll likely see dark spots or discoloration  this is a normal sign that the patch has interacted with sweat and moisture. While the color doesnt confirm exactly whats been removed, its often seen as a visual cue that the process is working.

Step 7: Wash Your Feet Gently

After removing the patches, wash your feet with warm water and a mild soap. This removes any residue left behind and leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean.

How Often Should You Use It?

Many people start with a short 5-day to 10-day cycle to see how they feel. From there, some continue using Nuubu a few times a week, while others save it for when they feel off-balance. Its flexible and can be adjusted to your bodys needs.

No pressure. No complicated instructions. Just a simple, soothing nightly ritual that helps your body feel a little more like itself again.

Affordability, Offers & Where to Buy Nuubu

Nuubu keeps things simple and surprisingly affordable. Here's what you need to know if you're thinking about giving it a try:

Current Offer: Up to 70% Off

Right now, Nuubu is available for as low as $17.95 (down from the regular $59.83). This limited-time deal makes it one of the most cost-effective wellness tools you can try  especially compared to pricey detox supplements or spa treatments.

What You Get in One Box

Each box typically contains 10 patches (5 pairs). Thats enough for:

A 5-day full detox using both feet nightly, or

A 10-day cycle using one patch per night.

Bulk Savings Available

Planning to use it longer or share with family? The official site often offers multi-box bundles at even better value. These packages can drop the per-box price even further.

Buy From the Official Website Only

To avoid counterfeit products and get access to the best pricing:

Always buy directly from Nuubus official website

This ensures product authenticity and gives access to their money-saving bundles

If your wellness routine feels incomplete, it might be missing this one simple, ancient remedy. Nuubu detox patches work overnight to support your body's natural cleansing processwithout chemicals, stress, or fuss. Order today and feel the difference by morning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nuubu

Q: What exactly are Nuubu patches used for?

Nuubu patches are used to support your bodys natural detox process. Theyre believed to help release toxins through the soles of your feet while you sleep, leaving you feeling clearer, calmer, and more refreshed.

Q: How often should I use Nuubu?

You can use Nuubu daily for the first 5 to 10 days. After that, some people continue using it 23 times a week as part of their wellness routine. It really depends on how your body feels.

Q: Does the patch turning dark mean its working?

The patch often turns dark due to moisture, sweat, and heat from your feet. While this isnt a lab test for toxins, many people take it as a visual sign that the patch has absorbed something during use.

Q: Will I feel something while wearing the patch?

Most people dont feel anything dramatic, just a comfortable patch on their feet. Some report a mild warmth or tingling, but it's usually very gentle and relaxing.

Q: Are there any side effects?

Nuubu is made from natural herbs and minerals. Its generally well-tolerated, but if you have sensitive skin or allergies, its a good idea to test it on a small area first or check with a healthcare provider.

Q: Can I use Nuubu on other parts of my body?

Yes, some people apply the patches to areas like the back, shoulders, or knees, especially where they feel tension. But the soles of the feet are the most common spot because of their link to energy and detox points.

Q: Is it safe for older adults or teens?

Yes, many older adults and teens use Nuubu without issues. As with any wellness product, its best to use common sense and check with a doctor if you have any health concerns.

Q: Does Nuubu have a strong smell?

Nuubu has a light, natural herbal scent. Its not perfumed or artificial, and most people find it pleasant and earthy.

Q: Will it leave stains or residue on my bed?

After overnight use, the patch may be moist and dark, but it usually doesnt leak or stain bedding. Just be sure it's securely attached and placed properly before sleeping.

Q: Where can I buy Nuubu safely?

The safest place to buy Nuubu is directly from the official website. That way, you know youre getting the real product and can take advantage of current discounts and bundle deals.

The Final Verdict: Nuubu Review

If your body has been sending quiet signals like constant fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, or muscle tension, and youve been ignoring them, maybe its time to listen.

Nuubu doesnt promise miracles. It wont change your life overnight. But what it offers is something refreshingly simple in a world of noise, a natural, low-effort way to support your bodys own ability to rebalance and renew. No pills. No drastic changes. Just a gentle patch, rooted in traditional herbal wisdom, working quietly while you sleep.

Its affordable. Its non-invasive. And for many people, it becomes more than just a detox patch, it becomes a small act of self-care in a routine thats been missing it.

So if youre tired of feeling off and want to take a gentle first step toward feeling clearer, lighter, and more in control of your own wellbeingNuubu might be exactly where you start.

Your body knows how to healit just needs the right support. Nuubu helps activate that wisdom with herbal ingredients trusted for centuries. Apply the patch tonight, and let your body detox while you rest. Your future self will thank you.

Company : Nuubu

: Nuubu Address : 354 Downs Blvd, Suite 101A Franklin, TN 37064 USA

: 354 Downs Blvd, Suite 101A Franklin, TN 37064 USA Email : support@nuubu.com

: support@nuubu.com Order Phone Support :

: (US) +1 (667) 284-7014

(UK) +442080891401

(DE) +498004009820

(FR) +33644656863

(PL) +48800005495

(SV) +46103371611

Disclaimers and Disclosures

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should not use the information herein to diagnose or treat a health or wellness problem or condition without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, nor should it be relied upon as such.

Nuubu detox patches and the claims associated with their use have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. The benefits described are based on user testimonials and traditional wellness practices, which modern clinical studies may not support.

This article may contain references to third-party products, websites, or offers. Any and all such references are provided for informational purposes only. No content provider, syndication partner, or publisher assumes responsibility for the content, accuracy, availability, or performance of such third-party materials or products. Readers are encouraged to perform their own research and due diligence before purchasing any product or service mentioned.

The publisher of this article may receive compensation or commissions through affiliate links provided within the content. This means that if a reader clicks on a link and makes a purchase, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to the consumer. This affiliate relationship does not influence the editorial integrity of the information provided.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this article at the time of publication, errors, omissions, or outdated content may occur. The publisher, content providers, and syndication partners disclaim any liability for typographical errors, inaccuracies, or any misunderstanding arising from the content.

All trademarks, service marks, and product names referenced in this article are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names does not imply any endorsement.
New York, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

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Almonty Industries Inc. ("Almonty" or the "Company") (TSX: AII) (ASX: AII) (OTCQX: ALMTF) (Frankfurt: ALI), a leading global producer of tungsten concentrate, announces the results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held today.

1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The seven (7) nominees listed in the Company's management information circular dated March 21, 2025 provided in connection with the Meeting (the "Circular") were elected as directors of the Company. Detailed results of the votes are as set out below:

Nominee Votes For % For Votes

Against % Against Lewis Black 131,574,682 99.90% 131,448 0.10% Daniel D'Amato 131,486,446 99.83% 219,684 0.17% Dr. Thomas Gutschlag 131,446,242 99.80% 259,888 0.20% Mark Trachuk 131,290,736 99.68% 415,394 0.32% Andrew Frazer 131,432,255 99.79% 273,875 0.21% David Hanick 131,423,270 99.79% 273,860 0.21% General Gustave F. Perna 131,642,762 99.95% 63,368 0.05%

2. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS

Zeifmans LLP was reappointed as the auditor of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders, and the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") was authorized to fix their remuneration. Detailed results of the votes are set out below:

Votes For % For Votes

Withheld % Withheld 131,604,102 99.92% 102,028 0.08%

3. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF SHARE PURCHASE WARRANTS

The amendment of the terms of 700,000 share purchase warrants in order to extend the term of such warrants, originally due to expire on February 19, 2025, to February 19, 2026, was approved by disinterested shareholders. Detailed results of the votes are set out below:

Votes For % For Votes

Against % Against 103,906,448 99.19% 847,512 0.81%

4. APPROVAL OF SHARE CONSOLIDATION

The consolidation of the common shares of the Company (the "Shares"), at a consolidation ratio of up to five (5) pre-consolidation Shares for one (1) post-consolidation Share, was approved, and the Board was authorized to select the consolidation ratio within the approved range and to determine when the consolidation will be effected, provided it is not later than April 30, 2026, subject to the Board's authority to decide not to proceed with the consolidation of the Shares. Detailed results of the votes are set out below:

Votes For % For Votes

Against % Against 130,763,983 99.28% 942,147 0.72%

5. APPROVAL OF OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

The Company's omnibus equity incentive plan (the "Omnibus Plan") was approved. Detailed results of the votes are set out below:

Votes For % For Votes

Against % Against 131,076,246 99.52% 629,884 0.48%

As the Omnibus Plan was passed at the Meeting, it was unnecessary to consider the Unallocated Option Resolution (as defined in the Circular).

For a full description of the results of the Meeting, refer to the Company's Report of Voting Results dated April 30, 2025 and filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Almonty

Almonty is a diversified and experienced global producer of tungsten concentrate in conflict-free regions. The Company is currently mining, processing and shipping tungsten concentrate from its Panasqueira mine in Portugal. Its Sangdong tungsten mine in Gangwon Province, South Korea is currently under construction. The Sangdong mine was historically one of the largest tungsten mines in the world and one of the few long-life, high-grade tungsten deposits outside of China, and has significant upside potential from an underlying molybdenum deposit. Additional development projects underway include the Valtreixal tin/tungsten project in northwestern Spain and Los Santos Mine in western Spain. Further information about Almonty's activities may be found at https://almonty.com and under Almonty's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Legal Notice

The release, publication, or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published, or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this press release constitutes forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "intend", and "believe" or variations of such words and phrases. Forward-looking information or statements in this press release include matters relating to the implementation of any consolidation of the Shares, including its timing and the consolidation ratio. These statements and information are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and reflect Almonty's current expectations.

Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Almonty to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the possibility that the Board may not proceed with implementing any consolidation of the Shares and the possibility that any consolidation of the Shares will not produce any anticipated benefits for the Company or shareholders or may negatively impact the Company's business, operations or financial position. Although Almonty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Almonty. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary.

Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Almonty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Almonty's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Almonty has also assumed that material factors will not cause any forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF ALMONTY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD- LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE ALMONTY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430505686/en/

Contact

Company Contact

Lewis Black

Chairman, President & CEO

(647) 438-9766

info@almonty.com

Investor Relations Contact

Lucas A. Zimmerman

Managing Director MZ Group - MZ North America

(949) 259-4987

ALMTF@mzgroup.us

www.mzgroup.us
Vancouver, April 30, 2025 - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTC Pink: MWSNF) (FSE: MV3.F) ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated April 28, 2025, the Company, Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. and Aitken Mount Capital Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 39 169 972 436) as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners ("JLMs"), together with Jett Capital Advisors, as co-manager (collectively with the JLMs, the "Agents") have agreed to increase the size of its previously announced "best efforts" private placement to an upsized amount of approximately C$143,000,000.

Highlights

Upsized C$143M/AUD$162M private placement received strong demand from existing shareholders and Australian, Canadian and overseas institutional investors.

Upon completion of the capital raise, the Company will be fully funded to deliver the following key milestones in the growth and development of the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia: C$53M for drilling targeted to establish an Inferred Resource by Q1 2027 C$27M for 1 km decline development to accelerate access to mineralization C$4M for a Preliminary Economic Assessment in respect of Sunday Creek C$59M for exploration target expansion, regional exploration along the 12 km mineralized trend, working capital and G&A over three years

Further updates expected as the Company accelerates its growth and development plan with strengthened treasury.

Proposed Placement

The Company has appointed the Agents, to raise approximately C$143M/AUD$162M on a "best efforts basis" by way of a private placement ("Placement") of an aggregate of 31.8M common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of C$4.50 per Common Share and/or Chess Depositary Interests (the "CDIs") at a price of A$5.10 per CDI. The Common Shares and the CDIs offered in connection with the Placement shall collectively be referred to as the "Securities."

The Placement received strong demand from Australian, Canadian, and overseas institutional and other investors as well as existing shareholders.

The issue of the Securities under the Placement will not be subject to shareholder approval and will be made within the Company's placement capacity under Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") listing rule 7.1.

The Securities will rank equally with all other Common Shares and CDIs currently on issue.

The issue price for the CDIs represents an approximate 8.9% discount to the CDIs' last closing price on April 28, 2025 and an approximate 8.3% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price of CDIs traded on ASX prior to the Company entering into a trading halt on April 29, 2025.

The issue price for the Common Shares represents an approximate 4.1% discount to the Common Shares' last closing price on April 29, 2025 and an approximate 5.0% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price of Common Shares traded on ASX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") prior to the Company entering into a trading halt on April 29, 2025.

The issue of the Securities under the Placement is expected to occur on May 6, 2025 (Vancouver) and May 7, 2025 (Australia) for CDIs ("Tranche 1") and on May 14, 2025 for the remaining Common Shares ("Tranche 2"), or on such other dates as the Company and the JLMs may agree. All Securities issued pursuant to the Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing. CDIs issued under the Placement cannot be converted into common shares of the Company for the purpose of trading such shares in Canada until four months have elapsed from the issue date. The Placement is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

The Placement is being made in Australia under an offer to investors who qualify as professional or sophisticated investors under sections 708(8), (10) and (11) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The Placement is being made in Canada by way of private placement in reliance on available exemptions from the prospectus requirements in each of the Provinces of Canada.

The Securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

Southern Cross Gold's President & Chief Executive Officer Michael Hudson said: "This C$143 million/A$162 million capital raise provides Southern Cross Gold with full funding for our strategic Sunday Creek work program, enabling us to both derisk and expand the project.

"We thank our shareholders for their continued support and welcome the new institutional investors who have joined us, all recognizing Sunday Creek's potential as we accelerate its development. This funding allows us to advance our drilling programs, complete permitting for the underground tunnel, which will lead to economic studies. Sunday Creek's antimony component has attracted significant interest given current geopolitical factors, potentially positioning us as a key Western supplier of this critical metal while we focus primarily on developing a high-grade gold project in a tier-one jurisdiction."

Purpose of Capital Raising and Use of Funds

The net proceeds from the Placement are expected to be used for:

C$53M for 207 km of drilling targeted to establish an Inferred Resource by Q1 2027

C$27M for 1 km decline permitting and development to accelerate access to mineralization

C$4M for Preliminary Economic Assessment in respect of Sunday Creek

C$59M for exploration target expansion, regional exploration along the 12 km mineralized trend, working capital and G&A over three years

The Placement aims to strengthen Southern Cross Gold's financial position and execute on the Company's strategic business plan.

At the closing of the Placement, the Company will pay to the Agents a cash commission equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the Placement for orders received outside the President's List. The Company may pay finder's fees on a portion of the President's List consisting of 2.5% commission in cash or common shares.

About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV: SXGC) (ASX: SX2)

Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSXV:SXGC, ASX:SX2) controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results from just 77 km of drilling. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 12 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth.

Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing 20% of the in-situ value alongside gold. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defence and semiconductor applications. Southern Cross' inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential.

Technical fundamentals further strengthen the project, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing.

With over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and a large 60 km drill program planned through Q3 2025, SXGC is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction.

- Ends -

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements including without limitation statements related to the closing of the Placement, use of proceeds of the Placement, applicable regulatory and applicable stock exchange approvals. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in Southern Cross Gold's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities (under code SX2). You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by Southern Cross Gold with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for Southern Cross Gold in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www.asx.com.au (under code SX2). Documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) or the Australian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250395
Vancouver, May 1, 2025 - Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (FSE: D4E) (WKN: A1JQW5) ("Defiance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Armando Vazquez, M.Sc., C.P.G., as Vice President, Operations, effective May 1, 2025.

Mr. Vazquez continues to serve as Senior Consultant at OreQuest Consultants Ltd., where he has been supporting with strategic development and drill targeting for Defiance Silver since 2020, contributing to expanding our resource base and achieving our long-term vision. Mr. Vazquez is a Qualified Person under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and a highly regarded exploration geologist with over 14 years of experience designing and managing grassroots and brownfield exploration programs.

Prior to joining Defiance, Mr. Vazquez led the design and execution of exploration programs to the highest industry standards, including compliance with QA/QC protocols under NI 43-101 and stringent Health and Safety frameworks. His expertise spans a broad range of deposit types-including epithermal, porphyry, orogenic gold, and intrusion-related systems-across key mining jurisdictions such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Finland.

Mr. Vazquez holds a Master of Science in Exploration Geology from the Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter, UK), where he was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship for academic excellence. He also earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Geological Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Chris Wright, Chairman & CEO, commented:

"We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Vazquez to the leadership team at Defiance. His deep technical knowledge, commitment to responsible exploration, and proven ability to manage complex exploration programs will play a critical role in advancing our portfolio and driving long-term value for our shareholders. In his new role, Mr. Vazquez will oversee operational execution across Defiance's projects, including technical planning, exploration strategy, and program delivery."

SHARES FOR SERVICES

The Company previously entered into a non-arm's length administrative services agreement dated May 1, 2023 (the "Agreement"), for services provided by an officer of the Company. As part of the consideration payable by the Company under the Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue that number of Common Shares equal to $1,330 per month (the "Service Shares"), to be issued on a semi-annual basis and pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Agreement was for a term of three months and has automatically renewed in accordance with its terms, terminable by either party providing 30 days' notice of such termination.

The deemed value of the Service Shares to be issued for a particular month, is to be the closing price of the Company's shares on the last trading day of the month.

For services rendered under the Agreement between the period of July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the Company has issued 33,448 Common Shares at a weighted average price of $0.244 per Common Share, extinguishing the accrued debt under the Agreement of $7,980. The transaction was subject to the approval of the TSXV.

The Service Shares issued are subject to a four month hold period, which will expire on a date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance.

No new insiders will be created, nor will any change of control occur, as a result of the issuance of the Service Shares.

As certain insiders are party to the Agreement, it may be considered a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders In Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and the TSXV. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI-61-101 contained in section 5.5 (a) and Section 5.7 (1)(a) as the fair market value of the common shares being issued to insiders in connection with the Service Shares does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

About Defiance Silver Corp.

Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) is an exploration company advancing the district-scale Zacatecas project, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District and the Tepal Gold/Copper Project in Michoacan state, Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring, advancing, and developing several operating mines and advanced resource projects. Defiance's corporate mandate is to advance our projects through capital-efficient exploration focused on resource growth and new mineral discoveries.

On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp.

"Chris Wright"

CEO and Chairman of the Board

Disclaimer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250410
Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. ("Buenaventura" or "the Company") (NYSE: BVN; Lima Stock Exchange: BUE.LM), Peru's largest publicly-traded precious metals mining company, today announced results for the first quarter (1Q25) ended March 31, 2025. All figures have been prepared in accordance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) on a non-GAAP basis and are stated in U.S. dollars (US$).

First Quarter 2025 Highlights:

1Q25 EBITDA from direct operations was US$ 126.3 million, compared to US$ 94.5 million reported in 1Q24.

1Q25 net income was US$ 147.0 million, compared to US$ 67.1 million net income in 1Q24.

Buenaventura's cash position reached US$ 648.0 million, while net debt amounted to US$ 213.9 million, resulting in a Leverage Ratio of 0.46x by quarter's end, March 31, 2025.

Buenaventura's 1Q25 consolidated silver production increased by 0.6M Oz YoY, primarily due to full-scale operation at Yumpag. Increased silver production offset the impact of the suspension in processing El Brocal's open pit inventories, which had been fully processed by the end of 1Q24. This also resulted in a 21% YoY decrease in consolidated copper production during the quarter. Consolidated gold production declined by 24% YoY, primarily due to decreased output at the Tambomayo and Orcopampa units, partially offset by increased production at La Zanja. Zinc production decreased by 34% YoY and lead production declined by 28% YoY.

San Gabriel's 1Q25 CAPEX was primarily allocated to the processing plant, the filtered tailings storage facility, and mine development. As of the end of the 1Q25, the project had reached 79% overall progress.

Buenaventura's consolidated reserves have been updated as of 2024. Gold reserves have increased by 482 Koz, silver reserves have increased by 61 Moz, and copper reserves have increased by 253K tonnes. These figures have also been disclosed in the Company's 2024 Form 20-F.

On April 23, 2025, Buenaventura received US$49 million in dividends related to its stake in Cerro Verde.

Financial Highlights (in millions of US$, excluding EPS):

1Q25 1Q24 Var % Total Revenues 307.7 246.8 25% Operating Income 93.9 46.9 100% EBITDA Direct Operations 126.3 94.5 34% EBITDA Including Affiliates 251.1 185.5 35% Net Income (1) 140.1 61.4 128% EPS (2) 0.55 0.24 128%

(1) Net Income attributable to owners of the parent (2) As of March 31, 2025, Buenaventura had a weighted average number of shares outstanding of 253,986,867

For a full version of Compania de Minas Buenaventura First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release, please visit: https://buenaventura.com/en/inversionista/reporte-trimestral-2025/

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION:

Compania de Minas Buenaventura will host a conference call on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to discuss these results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time / Lima Time.

To participate in the conference call, please dial:

Toll-Free US:

+1 844 481 2914

Toll International:

+1 412 317 0697

Passcode:

Please ask to be joined into the Compania de Minas Buenaventura's call.

Live Webcast: Click here

If you would prefer to receive a call rather than dial-in, please use the following link 10-15 minutes prior to the conference call start time:

Call Me Link: Click here

Passcode: 9504413

Participants who do not wish to be interrupted to have their information gathered may have Chorus Call dial out to them by clicking on the above link, filling in the information, and pressing the green phone button at the bottom. The phone number provided will be automatically called and connected to the conference without any interruption to the participant. (Please note: Participants will be joined directly to the conference and will hear hold music until the call begins. No confirmation message will be played when joined.)

Company Description

Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. is Peru's largest, publicly traded precious and base metals Company and a major holder of mining rights in Peru. The Company is engaged in the exploration, mining development, processing and trade of gold, silver and other base metals via wholly-owned mines and through its participation in joint venture projects. Buenaventura currently operates several mines in Peru (Orcopampa*, Uchucchacua*, Julcani*, Tambomayo*, La Zanja*, El Brocal and Coimolache).

The Company owns 19.58% of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, an important Peruvian copper producer (a partnership with Freeport-McMorRan Inc. and Sumitomo Corporation).

For a printed version of the Company's 2023 Form 20-F, please contact the investor relations contacts on page 1 of this report or download the PDF format file from the Company's web site at www.buenaventura.com.

(*) Operations wholly owned by Buenaventura

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and related conference call contain, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements including statements related to the Company's ability to manage its business and liquidity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's results of operations, including net revenues, earnings and cash flows, the Company's ability to reduce costs and capital spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic if needed, the Company's balance sheet, liquidity and inventory position throughout and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company's prospects for financial performance, growth and achievement of its long-term growth algorithm following the COVID-19 pandemic, future dividends and share repurchases. This press release may also contain forward-looking information (as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties, including those concerning the Company's, Cerro Verde's costs and expenses, results of exploration, the continued improving efficiency of operations, prevailing market prices of gold, silver, copper and other metals mined, the success of joint ventures, estimates of future explorations, development and production, subsidiaries' plans for capital expenditures, estimates of reserves and Peruvian political, economic, social and legal developments. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's view with respect to the Company's, Cerro Verde's future financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors discussed elsewhere in this Press Release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430762562/en/

Contact

Contacts in Lima:

Daniel Dominguez, Chief Financial Officer

(511) 419 2540

Sebastian Valencia, Head of Investor Relations

(511) 419 2591 / sebastian.valencia@buenaventura.pe

Contact in NY:

Barbara Cano

(646) 452 2334

barbara@inspirgroup.com

Company Website: https://buenaventura.com/en/inversionista/
Vancouver, May 1, 2025 - Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) ("FRG" or the "Company) is pleased to announce significant progress in its ongoing development initiatives, with noteworthy advancements in the decline at La Estrella.

Advancement of La Estrella Decline

The Company's decline is progressing swiftly, marking a significant step forward in its strategic development. This milestone is particularly encouraging as the Company transitions to a more mechanized approach, bolstered by the recent arrival of an enhanced selection of development machinery. The new equipment is expected to significantly improve the pace of progress, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure adherence to stringent safety and quality protocols.

Moreover, the Company is highly satisfied with the observed rock structure. The competency and stability of the rock have exceeded expectations, providing additional confidence in the project's feasibility and long-term success. Forge remains committed to leveraging these favorable conditions to further expedite development while maintaining the highest standards of environmental and operational responsibility.

PJ Murphy, CEO states: "The steady progress of our decline represents many months of strategic planning. The transition to a more mechanized approach, coupled with the arrival of additional equipment, is expected to accelerate development while upholding our commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility."





Figure 1. Workers scale rock from development face



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Figure 2. Worker torques fasteners on steel arches



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Figure 3. Muck being transported to the dump staging area



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Figure 4. Arial view of development area of interest



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About Forge Resources Corp.

Forge Resources Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company. The Company holds a 60% interest with a with a formalized agreement in place to acquire 80% in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. La Estrella contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal. The Company also holds an option on the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Aion Acquisition. Forward-looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. In particular, there can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as described or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250407
Canuc Resources Corp. (TSXV: CDA) (OTCQB: CNUCF) ("Canuc" or the "Company") reports closing of the final tranche of a previously announced $3,200,000 CAD private placement financing ("Private Placement") (see press releases Feb 13, March 7 & 26 and April 1, 2025) for gross proceeds of $930,000 CAD. The closing of this final tranche of the Private Placement results in the issuance of 9,300,000 units. Each unit consists of one common share ("Common Share") priced at $0.10 per Common Share, and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at $0.15 for a period of two years from the closing of the Private Placement.

Proceeds will be used for completing the acquisition of MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. and for development and exploration of the Company's new and existing mineral assets.

The final closing of this private placement is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd.

Founded in 1935, MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. is a mineral exploration company focused on the evaluation, acquisition, and development of precious and critical metals properties in Ontario. The company's flagship project, the 100% owned SPJ Project, spans 19,710 hectares and is situated approximately 40 kilometers northeast of the prolific Sudbury Mining Camp. and near to the extensive infrastructure of the adjacent Sudbury Mining District.

The SPJ Project encompasses several centers of critical and precious metal mineralization interpreted to be related to a mineral system that can form IOCG and affiliated critical and precious mineral deposits. Included within the Project is the historical Scadding Gold Mine and associated gold mineralized system and gold bearing tailings. Minerals of interest on SPJ include copper (Cu), gold (Au), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) and rare earth elements (REE). MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. is committed to responsible and sustainable operations, prioritizing environmental stewardship, safety, and community engagement.

About Canuc

Founded in 1952, Canuc Resources Corporation is a junior resource company focusing on the San Javier Silver-Gold Project in Sonora State, Mexico. The San Javier Silver-Gold Project evidences silver, gold and copper mineralization interpreted to be related to a mineral system that can form silver dominant IOCG and affiliated deposits. The Company also generates cash flow from natural gas production at its MidTex Energy Project located in Central West Texas, USA where Canuc has an interest in eight (8) producing natural gas wells and has rights for further in field developments.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information. All information, other than information of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes any information that addresses activities, events or developments that each of Canuc and/or MacDonald Mines (collectively, the "Corporations") believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Corporations respective strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, and including statements regarding the completion of or the benefits of the Transaction and the Arrangement.

When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on current expectations and applies only as of the date on which they were made. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking information include. Factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in the Corporations respective annual financial statements, MD&A and other publicly filed documents.

The Corporations caution that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. There is Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Corporations do not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.


Toronto, May 1, 2025 - Stakeholder Gold Corp. (TSXV: SRC) (OTC Pink: SKHRF) ("Stakeholder" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on sales of exotic Blue Quartzites in Brazil, and to announce export to Canada of the Company's first shipping container carrying White Quartzite slabs (see Figure 1). White Quartzites are produced at the Company's third quarry which is now operational in Brazil.

Q1 Revenue

Stakeholder is pleased to report on sales from the Company's exotic Blue Quartzite quarry (quarry #1) during the first 3 months of 2025. The Company's main product buyers have resumed purchasing after their inventories experienced sales drawdowns and depletion. Growth in sales of exotic Blue Quartzite (Figure 2) from the Company's first operating quarry is now expected to continue through H1 of 2025.

During the period January-March of 2025 (Q1.2025), the Company recorded total sales of 148m3 (1.49M BRL, ~363K CAD1). This compares with total sales of 88.5m3 (692.9K BRL, ~169K CAD2) during Q1 of 2024.

"We are pleased to see the return of cashflow at our first quarry, which is producing the company's unique exotic blue quartzite. At the same time, we are experiencing new, and rapidly developing, interest in our white quartzite product which is now being produced at the company's third operating quarry." Said Christopher Berlet, CEO and Director of Stakeholder Gold Corp.

White Quartzite Exports

The Company's third operating quarry produces White Quartzite blocks for cutting and polishing into slabs (Figure 1). The Company is now selling both freshly cut blocks to domestic buyers in Brazil and finished slabs to overseas clients.

"Our third operating quarry is now producing a highly desirable white quartzite which we have sold domestically in Brazil, as blocks for processing, and exported to Canada, as polished slabs. Production ramp up is underway. The quarry material aesthetics are attractive to our buyers, and we are expecting early profitability for this quarry." Stated Marcus Chase, President of Mineracao VMC Ltda., Stakeholder's fully owned Brazilian subsidiary.

Figure 1. White Quartzite from Quarry # 3, shipped in container to Toronto, April 2025

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Figure 2. Blue Quartzite from Quarry #1, shipped in container to Toronto, April 2025

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"We are now working to produce at least 100 cubic meters of material monthly from our new white quartzite quarry. We expect to hit this run rate by the end of June this year. I believe the market can support even higher volumes of this material and so we are securing equipment to support a meaningful production expansion, to a rate of at least 200m3 per month, in H2.2025." Said VMC's CEO Marcus Chase.

Christopher Berlet BSc (Mining), CFA, CEO & Director of Stakeholder Gold Corp. is responsible for the content of this press release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information. All information, other than information of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Corporation believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Corporation's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance.

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 EQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

1 Using xe.com end of day exchange rate on 31Mar2025 of 0.252456CAD/BRL

2 source ex.com exchange rate on 31Mar2024 of 0.269904CAD/BRL

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250401
Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. , (TSXV: NTH) (OTCQB: CCWOF) (Frankfurt: 4T9B) (the "Company" or "Nord" or "Nord Precious Metals"), announces today that it has missed its filing deadline of April 30, 2025, to file its audited annual financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates for the year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings"), as required under applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the Company's inability to file the Annual Filings on time, the Company had applied for a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") and the request was approved by the British Columbia Securities Commission. The Company applied for the MCTO as a result of a change of auditor, in April 2025, and audit requirements resulting from complex transactions experienced by the Company due to its spin-out. This has impacted the Company's ability to complete its audited annual financial statements and has consequently caused a delay in completion of the Annual Filings. Although the Company remains confident in its ability to complete the 2024 Filings, it requires an extension and has therefore applied for the MCTO. In particular, the Company is coordinating specific tasks to be completed on a daily basis and will use its best efforts to complete the process within this timeline. The Company anticipates that, subject to current conditions remaining the same, it will require approximately four to six additional weeks to complete the process and will use its best efforts to complete the process within the timeline indicated.

The Company expects to file the Annual Filings as soon as they are available, but in any event no later than June 30, 2025.

Until the Company files the Annual Filings, it will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203. The guidelines, among other things, require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports, in the form of news releases, for so long as the Annual Filings have not been filed.

During the MCTO, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade in the Company's common shares listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. However, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and such other directors, officers and persons as determined by the applicable regulatory authorities will not be able to trade in the Company's shares, nor will the Company be able to, directly or indirectly, issue securities to or acquire securities from an insider or employee of the Company until such time as the Annual Filings and all continuous disclosure requirements have been filed by the Company, and the MCTO has been lifted.

The Company confirms as of the date of this news release that there is no insolvency proceeding against it and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

About Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc.

Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. operates the only permitted high-grade milling facility in the historic Cobalt Camp of Ontario, where the Company has established a unique position integrating high-grade silver discovery with strategic metals recovery operations. The Company's flagship Castle property encompasses 63 sq. km of exploration ground and the past-producing Castle Mine, complemented by the Castle East discovery where drilling has delineated 7.56 million ounces of silver in Inferred resources grading an average of 8,582 g/t Ag (250.2 oz/ton).

Nord's integrated processing strategy leverages the synergistic value of multiple metals. High-grade silver recovery supports the economics of extracting critical minerals including cobalt, nickel, and other battery metals, while the company's proprietary Re-2Ox hydrometallurgical process enables production of technical-grade cobalt sulphate and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) formulations. This multi-metal approach, combined with established infrastructure including TTL Laboratories and underground mine access, positions Nord to capitalize on both precious metals markets and the growing demand for battery materials.

The Company maintains a strategic portfolio of battery metals properties in Northern Quebec including its 35% ownership in Coniagas Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: COS) as well as the St. Denis-Sangster lithium project comprising 260 square kilometers of prospective ground near Cochrane, Ontario.

More information is available at www.nordpreciousmetals.com.

"Frank J. Basa"

Frank J. Basa, P. Eng.

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, contact:

Frank J. Basa, P.Eng.

Chief Executive Officer

416-625-2342

or:

Wayne Cheveldayoff,

Corporate Communications

P: 416-710-2410

E: waynecheveldayoff@gmail.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information in this news release or other communications unless required by law.


Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M), (OTC: GFTRF) (the "Company" or "Gold'n Futures") announces today that, as a result of delays in completing its audit, the Company may be unable to file its annual financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings") by the prescribed filing deadline under Part 4 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. The delay in commencing the audit process was principally due to the Company's financial constraints, which had resulted in outstanding fees owing to its external auditor in respect to the prior year's audit. As a result, the Company was unable to engage its auditor to commence the audit for the current year. The Company has recently secured the necessary funds to satisfy the outstanding obligations and has now re-engaged its auditor, Stern & Lovrics LLP ("Stern & Lovrics"), to proceed with the audit. The Company is working diligently with Stern & Lovrics to complete the audit and expects to file the Annual Filings as soon as practicable.

The Company currently expects to file the Annual Filings on or before June 30, 2025, and will issue a news release announcing the completion of such filings at that time. In the interim, the Company will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders. These guidelines require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports by way of news release for so long as the Annual Filings remain outstanding.

During the management cease trade order (the "MCTO"), the general investing public will continue to be able to trade in the Company's listed common shares. However, the Company's Chief Financial Officer will be subject to a trading prohibition in accordance with the terms of the MCTO and will not be permitted to trade in the Company's securities until the Annual Filings are filed and the MCTO is lifted.

Hercules Option Agreement

The Company further announced, that the Hercules-Elmhurst Property Option Agreement entered into between the Company and Argonaut Gold Inc. ("Argonaut"), dated October 15, 2020 and as amended on September 26, 2022, July 28, 2023, and February 14, 2024 (the "Option Agreement"), has been terminated. As a result, the Option Agreement is of no further force or effect, and all rights to the Hercules-Elmhurst Property have reverted to Alamos (as successor company to Argonaut). The Company will not earn any interest in the Property and has no entitlement to reimbursement of expenditures.

About Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp.

Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M) (OTC: GFTRF) is a mineral exploration company conducting programs to expand its gold resources and to develop viable gold mining operations through the application of extensive geological experience and knowledge combined with advanced technologies and computer modeling.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Vicki Rosenthal

Chief Financial Officer

Email: matt@fishpurdy.com

Ph: 905-781-8786

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as "plans," "expects," "may," "should," "could," "will," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "forecasts," or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as "pro forma" and "scheduled," and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.

Forward-looking statements in this release, including, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Filings, the Company's ongoing operations, and the expected duration of the MCTO, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.


Trump could attend Miami GP once again

Donald Trump may attend this weekend's grand prix in Miami for the second year running.

Charles Leclerc, Miami GP 2024

 Ferrari

Last year, prior to the US president winning the election, he caused a stir with his surprise appearance in the paddock.

Now, amid Trump's international tariff controversy, Le Journal de Montreal newspaper reports that the 45th and 47th US president is scheduled to fly into Florida on Thursday evening.

Also on his itinerary is a visit to Palm Beach - about an hour's drive from the F1 circuit - for a senatorial fundraiser with vice president JD Vance.

The Miami street circuit, which winds through Hard Rock Stadium, is also less than 100 kilometres from Trump's famous resident at Mar-a-Lago.

The newspaper reported: It will soon be known whether Trump will attend the grand prix, as Secret Service officials would be clearly visible on site.

No public appearances are listed in Trump's schedule for Friday and Saturday.

(GMM)
Vettel suggests return to cockpit unlikely

Sebastian Vettel has hinted that a return to the cockpit is highly unlikely.

Sebastian Vettel, Brazilian GP 2022

 Aston Martin Racing

Actually, the retired quadruple world champion was recently named by Dr Helmut Marko as his ideal successor as Red Bull's powerful F1 advisor.

I think Sebastian has found himself and now knows what he wants to do in the future - and that is primarily motorsport, Marko, 81, said.

The Austrian hinted that his long career with Red Bull in Formula 1 is nearing its end. No decision has been made yet, but it's also quite clear, said Marko. "At some point, it won't be possible anymore - also due to age.

The travel rigours are also not insignificant.

Vettel did not rule out taking over from Marko, but he told Sky Deutschland: We're still working out what it could look like. I don't want to impose myself.

The German, now 37, stepped away from Aston Martin and F1 at the end of 2022, and since then has occasionally flirted with a return to the cockpit.

He now indicates that is unlikely.

I have managed to find a rhythm outside of Formula 1, said Vettel. And I have managed to keep the peace in the family. I have gotten used to my new life.

Although attending the odd F1-related event, the winner of 53 grands prix spends almost all of his time at home with his wife and three young children.

I've learned a lot about myself during this time, he said. I'm very content, and I don't get bored.

As for the possibility of racing again, Vettel smiled: My children have told me that I am not allowed to race anymore because they like me so much. That is wonderful to hear.

(GMM)
"Hope is not strategy" - McDan advises startups to build solid business plans

Kweku Zurek Business News May - 01 - 2025 , 10:43

The Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Dr Daniel McKorley, has cautioned young entrepreneurs against over-reliance on funding as the solution to business growth, stressing instead the need for solid planning and strategic thinking.

In a recent social media post, Dr McKorley, popularly known as McDan, challenged the widespread notion that lack of funding is the primary cause of business failure. Everyone thinks most businesses don't start well, or fail eventually, because of a lack of funding. Spoiler alert: its not, he wrote.

The businessman argued that without proper planning, entrepreneurs risk misusing even large sums of money. Take any young businessperson. If I gave them $1 million right now, chances are they'd spend it renting a fancy office, buying fancy furniture and office cars, contracting someone for a shiny logo and websitemeanwhile, they wouldnt be able to meet their actual business targets.

According to him, business failure often stems from the absence of clear systems, processes, and sustainable growth strategies. You can have all the money in the world, but without a solid plan, that cash will disappear faster than a plate of jollof at a wedding, he said, using humour to underline his point.

He criticised the trend of running businesses based solely on excitement and energy. You cant run a business on vibes. Too many entrepreneurs believe passion alone will take them to the top. Spoiler alert: it wont, he stated. You need systems, processes, andwait for ita proper strategy.

McDan called on business owners to focus on long-term planning, stressing that hope and faith, while important, must be complemented by actionable plans. Stop relying on miracles. Hope is not a strategy. Yes, have faith. Yes, pray. But you need to have a clear plan of action.

Bottom line: If you dont know how your business will make money beyond the next few months, you dont need more cashyou need a better plan, he concluded.

In a separate message marking Workers Day, Dr McKorley paid tribute to Ghanas working population, celebrating their contributions to national development.

Behind every strong economy is someone who showed up  tired, unrecognised, but consistent. This is why Workers Day is not just a break, its a salute to the silent builders of nations, he wrote.

He acknowledged the efforts of workers across various sectorsfrom artisans and traders to professionals and civil servantsand encouraged them to define their worth by their impact, not by their titles. Heres to the doers! The dreamers! The everyday warriors! Happy Workers Day! he declared.
More ladies now go for plantain fibre hair, as cost of human hair rises

Vanguardngr.com Showbiz News Apr - 30 - 2025 , 21:38 3 minutes read

Necessity is the mother of inventions. Thats apparently the best way to describe the measures most women now take to look good, as the price to pay for beauty goes out of reach.

For a few years now, the cost of living has clashed with the cost of fashion and lifestyle, particularly for women.

From clothes, shoes, undergarments, among other things, their prices have seen continuous increase, women have only had to improvise and adopt other cheap alternatives.

Economy&Lifestyle discovered that one of these alternatives is the switch to plantain or banana fibre hair extension, as against the costly human hair extensions.

Plantain hair extensions are made from fibres extracted from plantain or banana stems. They are softened and dyed in various colours.

Despite the claim that plantain or banana fibre hair extensions are organic and affordable, compared to human hair, it does not go without wondering how some classy ladies, for instance, could agree to wear plantains on their heads.

However, many Nigerian women say there is actually no difference, arguing that instead, the plantain hair is organic and classier.

Testimony

Mrs. Gladys Douglas, a sales representative, said: Most of my wigs are made from plantain fibre hair extensions.

I loved carrying human hair wigs, but the cost of these hairs have increased, due to the high exchange rate.

Youll need to have at least N200,000 (GHC 1,777) and above to get quality human hair, while with N30,000 or a little more, I can get a plantain fibre hair extension.

I had to think twice. Opting for the latter made me cut costs and also have savings.

Mrs. Judith Olamide, a marketer, said: Before you can get a hundred percent human hair extension, you will have up to N250,000 (GHC 266)

Some vendors will convince you that the hair being advertised is hundred percent human hair but when you buy it and use it for a month, it begins to tangle from the tip.

This is because most of these hairs are blended (a mixture of human hair and synthetic hair).

When I heard of banana fibre hair extensions, I was not interested.

On one occasion, I saw my church member wearing it and it was so lovely. That was how I bought the hair extension.

It was way cheaper than human hair.

Mr. James Chukwuma, a retail seller of various hair extensions, said that getting a high quality human hair extension is expensive due to the continuous instability in the foreign exchange rate.

Seeing this, many hair vendors buy low grade human hair which is mixed with synthetic hairs that accept heat and are advertised as a blend.

With the high cost of goods and services experienced in Nigeria, most women can hardly afford human hair extensions.

Some hair vendors sell these hairs in pairs, say one bundle, for those wigging with synthetic hair and want to use the human hair for closure.

Many customers are now asking for the fibre hair extension.

Most of them claim its better compared to synthetic ones and cheaper compared to human hair.

I dont buy quality human hair in bulk and customers prefer using it for closures or frontal.

Women will always improvise to save cost when it comes to anything including fashion.

Most hair extensions are made from various synthetic fibers like Polyvinyl Chloride, silicone, or polyester and are generally more affordable than human hair extensions.

It is projected that by 2028, the global hair wig and extension market is expected to surpass $19.12 billion and pointed black women in the United States, along with women in continental Africa, as the largest consumer group of this industry.
Next article: More ladies now go for plantain fibre hair, as cost of human hair rises

President Mahama launches Blackstar Experience today

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News May - 01 - 2025 , 06:00 2 minutes read

The national launch of Blackstar Experience will take place today, May 1, 2025, at the Freedom and Justice Monument at Blackstar Square, Accra.

The initiative is expected to be the central project for Ghana's tourism, culture, and creative arts industries, aiming to reaffirm Ghanaian identity, attract investments, create jobs, and boost tourism.

The Co-ordinator of the Blackstar Experience, Rex Owusu Marfo popularly known as Rex Omar announced the upcoming launch in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 29.

The Black Star Experience is meant at showcasing the countrys rich cultural heritage, arts, and tourism to the world, positioning her as a global destination for cultural tourism and creative expression.

President John Dramani Mahama, delivering his first State of the Nation Address on February 27, envisioned Ghana to be the gateway to Africa.

Our flagship initiative, THE BLACK STAR EXPERIENCE, aims to establish Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora, featuring thoughtfully curated cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences in collaboration with the private sector, diplomatic missions, ministries, departments, and agencies, he explained.

According to him, the programme, outlined in the NDC's 2024 manifesto, will offer curated cultural, historic, and creative arts experiences through private sector, diplomatic, and government collaborations. (Related articles: President Mahama appoints Rex Omar Presidential Staffer for Blackstar Experience, The NDC Black Star Experience must be a Reset agenda to boost the Ghanaian cultural currency, Oswald Okaitei writes)

It will feature activities like concert parties, film events, and street carnival.

"The Pan African Month will be a part of the Blackstar Experience. It will include street carnivals, film week, fashion festival, food fair, theoretical and drama performances, concert party competitions, and monthly domestic tourism destinations," President Mahama said during his submission.

Rex Omar emphasized the media's pivotal role in the success of the Black Star Experience initiative during a media engagement on Wednesday.

He stressed that stakeholder support, particularly from the media, is crucial for the projects fruition.
West Africa: INTERPOL finds 150 stolen vehicles from Canada in Nigeria, Ghana, others in 2 weeks

GraphicOnline International News May - 01 - 2025 , 08:39 3 minutes read

An INTERPOL-led police operation in West Africa has uncovered approximately 150 stolen vehicles, most of them from Canada, as part of a sweeping two-week crackdown on cross-border vehicle trafficking and organised crime.

The operation, codenamed Safe Wheels, took place from March 17 to 30, 2025 and involved national law enforcement agencies across 12 West African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria. More than 12,600 vehicles were inspected during the operation, resulting in the seizure of over 75 vehicles and the launch of 18 new investigations into vehicle crime and its links to organised criminal networks.

According to INTERPOL, the majority of stolen vehicles were traced to Canada, while others were identified as having been stolen in France, Germany and the Netherlands. Toyota, Peugeot and Honda were the most commonly recovered makes.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of vehicles are stolen around the world, yet the initial theft is often only the beginning of a vehicles journey into the global criminal underworld, said David Caunter, INTERPOLs Director of Organized and Emerging Crime.

Stolen vehicles are trafficked across the globe, traded for drugs and other illicit commodities, enriching organized crime groups and even terrorists. INTERPOLs SMV (Stolen Motor Vehicle) database is the strongest tool we have to track stolen vehicles and identify the criminals involved in this global trade, he added.

The SMV database, which INTERPOL provides to its 196 member states, allowed officers in the region to check suspicious vehicles and immediately confirm their status. In 2024 alone, the database helped identify around 270,000 stolen vehicles globally.

In Nigeria, the operation uncovered six high-end vehiclesfour of which bore signs of forced entryhidden in freight containers arriving in Lagos from Canada. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) confirmed that all six vehicles, including Toyota and Lexus models, had been reported stolen in Canada in 2024. Investigations are ongoing in collaboration with Canadas INTERPOL National Central Bureau.

In support of Safe Wheels, INTERPOL deployed nine officers and experts from its SMV Task Force, including a specialist from Canada, to assist local law enforcement in Benin, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. The operation was carried out under Project Drive Out, a new partnership between INTERPOL and the Government of Canada aimed at curbing vehicle theft and the illegal trade in auto parts. Funding for the project was provided by Canada.

The participating INTERPOL member countries included Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote dIvoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo. Daily, law enforcement teams in these countries established an average of 46 checkpoints to inspect vehicles and track trafficked units.

Officials say the successful coordination of Safe Wheels highlights the growing threat of transnational vehicle crime in West Africa, often linked to broader networks of smuggling and illicit trade. The operation marks a significant step in regional efforts to clamp down on organised vehicle theft and bolster international policing cooperation.
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A-G to prosecute ex-Signals Bureau Director over alleged dubious internet contract with Ghana Water

GNA May - 01 - 2025 , 08:12 3 minutes read

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that the former Director of the National Signals Bureau, Mr Kwabena Adu-Boahene, will soon be charged for his alleged role in a GH1.3 million internet services scandal involving Ghana Water Limited.

According to Dr Ayine, Mr Adu-Boahene orchestrated an improper financial arrangement in which his private company, BNC Communication Bureau Limited, received substantial sums from Ghana Water Limited under the pretext of providing secure internet services supposedly through the governments Bureau of National Communications (BNC).

The contract documents showed that Ghana Water was to pay BNC the sum of GH650,000 every two weeks for secured internet services from BNC, the Attorney-General said at a press briefing in Accra.

However, instead of payments being routed to the official BNC, Mr Adu-Boahene is alleged to have supplied his companys bank account details to Ghana Water, which made routine payments to his private entity.

So, every month, Mr Adu Boahenes company received a total sum of GH1.3 million from Ghana Water Limited in exchange for internet services provided by the government, Dr Ayine said at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday (April 30, 2025).

He further indicated that initial investigations have uncovered that Mr Adu-Boahenes company received over GH6 million through this arrangement, which has now been deemed a criminal enterprise.

Our investigations have revealed that, conservatively, Mr. Adu-Boahene received in excess of GH6,000,000 from Ghana Water Limited, Dr Ayine said, adding that the docket on the matter is almost complete.

We are about completing the docket on that investigation and will charge him and his accomplices in that criminal enterprise separately, he stated.

The Attorney-General explained that the delay in bringing charges was to ensure that the financial transactions involved were not interrelated with other ongoing probes.

He also provided updates on several high-profile investigations, including the Skytrain project. Dr Ayine stated that charges would be filed next week in that case, citing irregularities in the disbursement of $2 million by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund.

We have established that the two million dollars paid by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund was paid without board approval, he said.

He named the former CEO, Mr Solomon Asamoah, and former board chairman, Prof Christopher Ameyaw Ekumfi, as those to be charged, noting that some board members had agreed to serve as prosecution witnesses.

On other matters, the Attorney-General said investigations into the National Service ghost-names scandal had advanced significantly, and that charges would be filed in early May.

He also noted that investigations concerning the National Cathedral, the procurement of mathematical sets, and the Senior High School Wi-Fi initiative were nearing completion, with dockets being prepared for prosecution.

The revelations are part of broader government efforts to clamp down on corruption and ensure accountability in the public sector.
Australia strengthens agricultural ties with Ghana to boost food security

GraphicOnline May - 01 - 2025 , 16:21 2 minutes read

In a move towards bolstering food security and economic development, Australia has intensified its engagement with Ghanas agricultural sector.

At a high-level meeting held recently, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones formally congratulated the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku on his recent appointment, emphasising the vital role agriculture plays in sustaining national growth and feeding millions across Ghana.

During the meeting, officials underscored Australias world-leading expertise in agriculture, particularly in managing drought-prone areas and tropical climatesconditions that closely mirror many of the challenges facing Ghana.

Australia, now recognised as the 12th largest producer and exporter of agricultural products, has transformed its own sector by overcoming a three-year drought and achieving record gross production values. This domestic success story serves as a blueprint for Ghanas ambition to enhance productivity and build resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

The discussions highlighted a shared understanding: agriculture is not just about food production but also about empowering communities, safeguarding livelihoods, and driving economic prosperity.

The meeting laid the groundwork for expanding bilateral cooperation, with Australia pledging to share technical expertise, modern farming practices, and innovative solutions that can help Ghanas smallholder farmers adapt to environmental challenges.

Local stakeholders welcomed this strengthened partnership, expressing optimism that the infusion of expertise and resources would yield long-term benefits.
LINSOD urge President Mahama to ignore GBA's request to reverse suspension of Chief Justice

Beatrice Laryea & Joyce Awuni May - 01 - 2025 , 12:24 5 minutes read

Lawyers in Search of Democracy (LINSOD), a legal and civil society organisation, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to disregard the resolution by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) calling for the revocation of the suspension of Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.

The group, which claims to comprise members of the GBA, emphasised that the President acted lawfully in suspending Chief Justice Torkornoo, as he followed due process as outlined in Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution regarding the removal of such officers.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, April 30, in Accra, LINSOD President, Eric Delanyo Alifo, stated that, in accordance with Article 146(10)(a) of the Constitution, the President, by a warrant and on the advice of the Council of State, suspended the Chief Justice pending the outcome of investigations into allegations made against her.

It is important to note that, in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and a Supreme Court decision in Frank Agyei Twum vs. Attorney General and Bright Akwetey [2006], President John Dramani Mahama, upon receiving the petitions, duly consulted with the Council of State and forwarded the petitions to the Chief Justice, Mrs. Torkornoo, to allow her to provide her initial response. This step enabled the President and the Council of State to assess whether the petitions disclosed a prima facie case against the Chief Justice, he explained.

"The Ghana Bar Association, in their resolution, has not demonstrated any evidence of procedural impropriety, bias, arbitrariness, or unfairness in the suspension of the Chief Justice to warrant its call on the President to revoke the suspension."

"We therefore wish to restate that we find the Association's resolution ignominiously procured, and we call on the President of the Republic to ignore the said resolution as one of the many small noises of the NPP and its GBA affiliate. The law is the law," and the Ghana Bar Association must not prescribe anything else other than the law," he said.

Double standards

He said that on April 24, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) issued a cautious statement that found no fault with President Mahamas handling of the process.

The statement merely advised the President and all parties involved to continue upholding the principles of the Constitution.

However, unexpectedly, on Saturday, April 26, the GBA released a purported resolutionreportedly passed by fewer than 50 of the over 8,000 lawyers in Ghanacondemning the manner in which President Mahama had managed the removal process of the Chief Justice, and calling on him to revoke the suspension.

"Upon reading the said resolution, we noted with disdain and utter shock the contradictory positions taken by the Ghana Bar Association in its statements of April 24 and April 29. The Association has demonstrated glaring double standards in this matter, which is deeply shameful," he emphasised.

"Having closely observed the ongoing constitutional process outlined in Article 146 for the removal of Justices of the Superior Courtsand specifically the case involving Chief Justice Mrs. Torkornoowe at LINSOD cannot help but express tremendous admiration for His Excellency President John Mahama. His strict adherence to due process and his commitment to upholding the rule of law and constitutionalism are commendable," he added.

NPP influence

He also stated that reports from the recent mini-Bar conference indicated that a few elements within the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), aligned with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), were dissatisfied with the Associations earlier statement, which did not support the NPPs stance on the removal of the Chief Justice.

He added that these individuals allegedly hijacked the proceedings, argued relentlessly with some executives, disrupted the meeting, and pressured the Associations leadership into voting on a resolution that unjustly condemned President John Mahamas decision.

The group further argued that the same constitutional process had been used in previous casessuch as the 2024 petition by Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare against the Chief Justice, and the 2018 case involving Madam Charlotte Osei, which was concluded using this procedure.

The Bar executives, regrettably, succumbed to the pressure and allowed the unthinkable to happen. The baseless resolution was thus ignominiously adopted, exposing the Association to ridiculeespecially in light of its earlier statement on April 24, 2025, he explained.

In fact, throughout the process until yesterday, the only individuals or groups who expressed consistent dissatisfaction were members of the New Patriotic Party, he added.

Prima facie

The group also argued that the GBA's demand for the President to publicly disclose the proceedings that led to the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justicewhile the removal process is still ongoingamounts to encouraging the President to act unlawfully.

They emphasised that such a request contradicts the very contents of the Association's own statement issued on April 24, 2025.

We find the Bar Associations position not only strange but also absurd, as it directly contradicts the well-established procedures affirmed in the Agyei Twum case. It is demeaning and deeply offensive to the fundamental principles of democracy, the group stated.

Of course, the finding of a prima facie case and the suspension of the Chief Justice do not constitute a declaration of guilt. It is, therefore, deeply puzzling that the Ghana Bar Association would sensationalise a straightforward constitutional process. In fact, all documents involved in such proceedings are meant to remain confidential among the relevant parties, a point that remains unchallengedeven by the GBAs leadership.

Background

On Saturday, April 26, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), during its mid-year conference, called for the immediate revocation of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the action as unconstitutional and lacking legal basis under Ghanas 1992 Constitution.

The Association argued that the suspension was carried out without the backing of any published Constitutional Instrument, Statutory Instrument, or regulation to govern the exercise of such presidential discretion, thereby constituting a violation of Article 296 of the Constitution.

Beyond calling for the revocation, the GBA also urged the government to enact clear and comprehensive regulations to guide all procedures under Article 146, which governs the impeachment or removal of justices of the Superior Courts.
President Mahama rules out ECG privatisation; backs PPP for power sector reform

GraphicOnline May - 01 - 2025 , 14:44 2 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama has ruled out the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), promising instead to pursue strategic public-private partnerships aimed at enhancing efficiency in electricity distribution.

Speaking during the 2025 May Day celebrations held at Black Star Square in Accra on Thursday, May 1, President Mahama sought to allay mounting public concerns over the potential sale of the countrys main power distributor. He described such fears as unfounded and assured workers and Ghanaians that ECG would remain a public institution under his administration.

Let me assure you that it is not my intention to privatise ECG as an institution. Our attention is more on a public-private collaboration to inject efficiency into our downstream electricity distribution system, he stated.

The Presidents comments follow public outcry over ECGs mounting debts and operational challenges, with many warning of a looming collapse of the energy sector. He attributed the companys precarious position to what he described as poor governance and mismanagement over the last eight years.

The ECG has been brought to its knees by a culture of poor governance over the last eight years, with a debt of GH68 billion and rising. If we do not do something drastic, our whole power sector will collapse. We can only bring down power tariffs if we improve efficiency in the distribution of power, he explained.

While rejecting privatisation, President Mahama highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships as a more viable path to reform. He cited a successful example from his previous administration involving Enclave Power Company in the Free Zones enclave, which he said demonstrated how efficiency could be achieved without relinquishing public ownership.

When I was President, in the free zones, a private company, Enclave Power, was given the right of metering and billing in the free zone. ECG provided them with a bulk supply of power. They pay ECG, and until today, they still pay ECG monthly on time. Their billing and collection in the free zones enclave is 99% of revenue collected, he recalled.

According to President Mahama, this model proves that operational efficiency in the electricity sector can be achieved through partnerships that maintain state ownership while leveraging private sector expertise.

I am sure that we can make our electricity distribution more effective through public-private partnerships, but I can assure you that electricity as an institution will not be privatised, he emphasised.
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Samsung has recently been rumored to fully announce the Galaxy S25 Edge on May 13, with a release on May 23 in Korea and China, followed by other global markets including the US on May 30.

Now, a new leak posted by legendary leaker Evan Blass seemingly confirmed the May 13 date. We say "confirmed", past tense, since the leaked document has been taken down from X following a complaint from "the copyright holder".

This usually means Samsung itself has reached out to the social network asking for the material to be taken down, which it wouldn't do unless it was accurate.

So, one way or another, the May 13 date seems to now be set in stone, all that's left is for Samsung itself to finally announce the event.

Source
We have been testing the Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G and wanted to share our battery life findings.

Tecno switched to Si/C tech for the Camon 40 Premier battery, but that netted a minimal 100mAh increase over the Camon 30 Premier battery capacity  from 5,000mAh to 5,100mAh.

The new model also has an upgraded chipset, a Dimensity 8350 on a more advanced N4P node from TSMC. The 2024 Premier had a Dimensity 8200 Ultimate fabbed on an N4 node and with older CPU cores (A78/A55 vs. A715/A510 on the new model).

Other relevant changes include a slightly smaller display, 6.67 vs. 6.77, at just about the same pixel density as the resolutions are quite close.

Battery life test

On paper, all of the hardware changes promise better battery life for the Tecno Camon 40 Premier, but its predecessor has it beat. And not by a small margin either, the 2024 Premier has an Active use rating that is 2 hours higher and has higher scores in each individual test. The video playback test isnt even close as the older phone with a larger screen lasted 4 and a half hours more. Gaming is a surprise too, the Mali G615-MC6 provides a lot of extra oomph in the graphics department over the G610-MC6 (we will look at performance in more detail in the review). Yet the older phone lasted nearly 2 hours more.

The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ has very similar hardware to the Camon 40 Premier  Dimensity 8350 and slightly larger 5,200mAh battery and a larger 6.78 display. Both displays run at 144Hz, but the Tecno has an LTPO panel. The scores are nearly identical, both the Active use rating and the individual tests. The smaller LTPO display didnt make much of a difference.

Then there is the Oppo Reno13 Pro, another Dimensity 8350 based phone. This one has the advantage of a larger 5,800mAh battery and even though it has to feed a larger 6.83 display (120Hz non-LTPO OLED), the Oppo showed an impressive endurance with great scores across the board.

Charging speed test

The Tecno Camon 40 Premier ships with a 70W fast charger in the box, which is rare to see these days and a perk for anyone who hasnt bought a fast PD charger yet. However, the Premier doesnt always charge at 70W  to get that, you have to select the Hyper option from the lock screen after plugging in the phone. Otherwise, it defaults to Smart and you can alternatively pick a Low-Temp mode as well.

While Tecno hasnt shared an official charge rating for the default Smart mode, the phone matched the Galaxy A56 (5,000mAh), which tops out at 45W, but was behind the Camon 40 Pro (5,200mAh), which also does 45W. This is at the 15 minute mark, anyway.

Charging speed in 15 min

in 30 min

Time to full charge (from 0%) Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 59% 5200 mAh 100W Poco X7 Pro 49% 6000 mAh 90W Xiaomi HyperCharge Tecno Camon 30 Premier 45% 5000 mAh 70W Ultra Charge Oppo Reno13 Pro 42% 5800 mAh 80W SuperVOOC Tecno Camon 40 Premier 40% 5100 mAh 70W Ultra Charge (HYPER mode) Galaxy A56 38% 5000 mAh 45W PowerDelivery Tecno Camon 40 Premier 38% 5100 mAh 70W Ultra Charge Tecno Camon 40 Pro 27% 5200 mAh 45W Super Charge Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 98% 5200 mAh 100W Poco X7 Pro 83% 6000 mAh 90W Xiaomi HyperCharge Tecno Camon 30 Premier 77% 5000 mAh 70W Ultra Charge Oppo Reno13 Pro 77% 5800 mAh 80W SuperVOOC Tecno Camon 40 Premier 75% 5100 mAh 70W Ultra Charge (HYPER mode) Tecno Camon 40 Premier 70% 5100 mAh 70W Ultra Charge Galaxy A56 65% 5000 mAh 45W PowerDelivery Tecno Camon 40 Pro 51% 5200 mAh 45W Super Charge Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 0:31h 5200 mAh 100W Oppo Reno13 Pro 0:42h 5800 mAh 80W SuperVOOC Tecno Camon 30 Premier 0:44h 5000 mAh 70W Ultra Charge Poco X7 Pro 0:44h 6000 mAh 90W Xiaomi HyperCharge Tecno Camon 40 Premier 0:45h 5100 mAh 70W Ultra Charge (HYPER mode) Tecno Camon 40 Premier 0:47h 5100 mAh 70W Ultra Charge Tecno Camon 40 Pro 1:04h 5200 mAh 45W Super Charge Galaxy A56 1:13h 5000 mAh 45W PowerDelivery

By 30 minutes, the Premier has pulled ahead of the Galaxy and is well ahead of its Pro sibling. That said, it trails the older Camon 30 Premier, which also came with a 70W charger (yes, its battery is 100mAh smaller, but thats only a 2% difference in capacity).

Interestingly, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ (5,200mAh) and Poco X7 Pro (with a large 6,000mAh battery) blazed ahead with their higher-rated chargers, 100W and 90W respectively. The Infinix had its battery nearly full after 30 minutes.

However, the Poco X7 Pro hit a speed bump after reaching 83% in 30 minutes, it needed another 14 minutes to get to 100%. This allowed the Camon 40 Premier to catch up, and a full charge was only a minute slower.

Switching over to Hyper mode, we don't see a huge difference to start with, but the mode's extra speed is most noticeable at the 30 minute mark when it's 75% for Hyper Mode vs. 70% for the default Smart mode. This isn't enough to catch up to the old Premier or phones with higher charge rates, though. If you plan to charge the battery to full, you may as well not bother with Hyper mode - it only cuts 2 minutes of the total time. This is more suitable for those times when Camon 40 Premier's battery is dead and you only have 20-30 minutes to charge.

Verdict

The Tecno Camon 40 Premier has average battery life and falls well short of the Camon 40 Pro, which has only 100mAh more in its tank. Worse, the older Camon 30 Premier beats its successor despite having a smaller battery. Tecno really didnt get the best use of the new Si/C battery technology.

When it comes to charging, the 70W charger is a good match for the 5,100mAh battery. We suspect that most people will use the default Smart mode and that is fast enough  on the flip side, Hyper mode is only marginally faster and will likely be used rarely if you even remember to manually toggle it at all.
Four Guam Office of Civil Defense employees on Thursday pleaded not guilty to charges against them in an ongoing corruption case, while a fifth employee had his case postponed while he secures legal counsel.

A Superior Court grand jury on April 16 handed down the indictments against certifying officers in charge of authorizing payments at Civil Defense.

The case is related to millions of dollars of spending flagged in audits by the Office of Public Accountability.

Each employee appeared for an arraignment in Superior Court Magistrate Judge Sean Browns courtroom Thursday afternoon.

Civil Defense staffers Patrick T. Leon Guerrero, Michael Taijeron, Marie Quenga and Civil Defense Administrator Charles Esteves all pleaded not guilty to charges brought against them.

The legal counsel for each waived the right to speedy trial and demanded a trial by jury.

Staffer Joel Valenzuela told the court he had not secured an attorney as of Thursday, and was presently unemployed. He was told to contact the Public Defender Service Corporation and appear back before the court on May 15.

The magistrate on Thursday ordered Leon Guerrero, Valenzuela, Taijeron and Esteves to be released on a personal recognizance bond of $1,000.

Each of the four faces misdemeanor charges of certifying officer malfeasance and official misconduct, with each charge also carrying a special allegation of committing a crime against the community.

Quenga was also released on personal recognizance bond, but her bond was set at a higher figure of $5,000.

Besides misdemeanor charges for certifying officer malfeasance and official misconduct, Quenga faces a steeper charge of tampering with public records, which is a third-degree felony.

Defendants will not have to post bond unless they violate the conditions of their release.

Assistant Attorney General William Stamps also asked the court to order defendants not to contact one another.

But attorney Jay Arriola, representing Esteves, objected on the grounds that all five defendants still work together and interact every day.

Ordering them not to communicate would hamstring work at Civil Defense, Arriola said.

Brown ordered the defendants not to communicate with one another about the case, unless it was through their counsel.

A pair of OPA reports released in the past year questioned about $2.9 million worth of overtime payments at Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense and another $8.4 million charged to the General Fund after federal funds at the office were frozen.

Esteves, who is in charge of Civil Defense, has stated during legislative oversight hearings that issues with reporting have been due to high turnover and staffing shortages at the office, and that steps have been taken to justify spending.

Hes likewise represented that overtime at the agency was accrued while staff worked to respond to emergencies like Typhoon Mawar and the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the office is revising its timesheet policy.

Outside the courtroom Thursday, Esteves declined to comment on the charges brought.

He said it was on the advice of his legal counsel.
Guam Chamber of Commerce board chairman Tae Oh on Wednesday urged members of the islands largest business organization to call local senators and push for a reduction in the business privilege tax rate from 5% to 4%.

Oh gave updates on a possible BPT rollback during the Chambers Wednesday general membership meeting at Hilton Guam Resort and Spa.

Our business community has been suffering. Its just been tough. Ive been hearing a lot about some of the difficulties a lot of businesses are going through right now, he said.

Oh said he recently got a call from legislative budget chairman Sen. Chris Duenas, who said the BPT rollback Bill 11-38 will get a public hearing in maybe another month or two.

Sen. Shawn Gumataotaos Bill 11-38 was one of the first measures introduced when Republican lawmakers took the legislative majority in January. However, it is yet to have a hearing date.

Duenas told the Pacific Daily News last week that he may schedule a hearing in June.

The measure would return BPT rates for business to 4% prior to senators raising it to 5% in 2017.

Lawmakers at the time hiked the tax rate to offset lost tax revenue from corporate tax cuts in the first Trump administration.

Members of the business community, and the Republican senators, have been advocating for a reduction in the tax, since.

With Trumps second term and federal funding cuts and shifting policies, Adelup maintains a 5% BPT rate.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in a January statement noted that current BPT waivers already allow about 90% of Guam businesses that make under $500,000 to pay just 3% towards the BPT. She said past data showed no reduction in the cost of goods after a rollback to the tax.

She also earlier said any rate reduction without identifying alternative revenue streams could force cuts to public services.

The Chamber of Commerce takes a different view.

Were asking if this rollback could help some of our business community put some of that money into hiring and improving their infrastructure, giving pay raises to some of our staff, and just ensuring that we could keep very clean facilities, Oh told the chamber on Wednesday.

Please, I am asking for your support. Im asking everyones support to call your favorite senator, let them know how you feel about the (BPT) rollback, he said.

The governor earlier said a rollback of the BPT would result in the loss of an estimated $60 million in government tax revenue.

Duenas, the legislative budget chairman, said earlier that the loss from a 1% BPT reduction is estimated at $90 million for GovGuam.

The Republican lawmaker noted that efforts to reduce the BPT rate did not move forward in past legislative terms. GovGuams annual budget had increased by $350 million to $400 million in the meantime.

The time to do this would have been earlier, and it didnt happen, because there was no hearings on it, and never made it through, Duenas said.

Now were at the time where were going to put that bill on the table. Everybody. Just going to have to sit down. Im going to talk about it and figure it out, he said.

Duenas said a graduated implementation of the rollback, or past proposals to tax online orders to Guam, were on the table to deal with or offset the revenue reduction for GovGuam.
One Department of Corrections officer is in federal custody and has recently been placed on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation, DOC Director Fred Bordallo Jr. said on Thursday.

Because the case involves continued local and federal investigation, Bordallo said he could not comment further and potentially jeopardize the case.

I have committed our DOC intelligence unit and corrections specialized response teams to work collaboratively with federal agents. Our agency, DOC, will defer any media releases of the case at this present time to federal officials, he said.

Bordallo said he has also been in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General of Guam.

The corrections officer that was taken into federal custody was served administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the internal affairs investigation. The officer is required to appear when summoned by Internal Affairs for the purpose of completing the administrative investigations, the DOC director said.

Bordallo said he wanted to assure the public that an overwhelming majority of the men and women who wear the badge of a corrections officer, serving the people in the honorable profession of law enforcement and public safety, remain true and faithful to their mission.

I offer them my thanks and support as we forge ahead, he added.

Court documents: Prison contraband

Bordallo did not comment when asked if the above case was related to the recent charges levied against inmate Edward Glen Demapan, whose magistrates complaint was released by the Superior Court of Guam on Thursday.

According to court documents, police officers responded to a report of confiscated contraband at DOC on April 28.

Upon arrival, corrections officers told police they had searched Demapans cell, No. 16 of Post 6 of the West Wing at the Mangilao Detention Facility.

When corrections officers arrived at his cell, they witnessed Demapan pick up a black cell phone from his bunk, smash it on the toilet and throw it into the toilet bowl.

Corrections officers entered his cell, detained Demapan and found multiple contraband items scattered on his bunk and from the toilet, including a telecommunication device and accessories, a glass pipe with bulbous end containing a crystal-like substance with residue, a Top Care chest congestion and cough relief container with pills, and lighters.

Documents stated that corrections officers took the items into custody and also performed a field test on a portion of the residue in the pipe. It resulted in a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

Demapan was arrested that afternoon.

Charges

Demapan was charged with two counts of promoting prison contraband as a second-degree felony, and two counts of promoting prison contraband as a misdemeanor.

Bordallo, meanwhile, said DOC is appreciative of the Guam Office of the Attorney Generals prosecution of this promotion of prison contraband incident, and Guam Police Departments response to investigate and assist DOCs security force that had conducted the search of the Post 6 housing unit, and discovered the contraband.

Our security operations personnel will continue to conduct random searches of inmate housing units, and we support the Guam Office of the Attorney Generals to prosecute those responsible for promotion of contraband to the full extent of the law, Bordallo added.
Bad news first: The Guam International Airport Authority projects a 13% decrease in seat capacity and 16% decrease in number of flights for May 2025, compared to May 2024, GIAA Executive Manager John Quinata told the airport board of directors on Wednesday at the airport's regular board meeting.

That's because Fukuoka flights were suspended, and the frequency of daily flights to Nagoya was reduced to five times per week.

But on the other side of that coin, Korean Air  which currently has a daily afternoon flight to Guam  will now add on an early morning flight via a wide body 777 airplane.

That increases the seat capacity by 25,350 for the June to October time frame, Quinata said.

And T'way Airlines is now stopping in Japan en route to Guam via Kansai airport, which gives an additional 27,497 seat capacity up to October.

Air Busan is also scheduled to restart flights to Guam in November, he told the board.

Revenue projections for May are about 4% lower than last year, said Quinata, but the Authority is doing all it can to reduce expenses.

The airport has powered down air conditioning and motorized walkways when they're not needed, to the tune of $75,000 per month savings.

Airport comptroller Dafne Mansapit-Shimizu said while some of that can be attributed to the drop in Guam Power Authority's Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, LEAC, power consumption has dropped significantly based on the number of kilowatt-hours used.

The airport authority also got approval from its board to enter into negotiations with the top qualified bidders on two projects: design for a fire alarm and suppression system for the terminal building, and design for the expanded access to airport facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Following the board's approval, the winning bidders were disclosed: WM Engineering and EMPSCO Engineering Consultants Guam, respectively.

These projects will be funded via shared expenses, with 90% coming from the Federal Aviation Administration and the remaining 10% coming from GIAA.

Quinata said projects like these in the past were typically funded at a 70-30 ratio.

Lease extensions

Quinata also spoke about how the recently enacted legislation extending government leases from five years to 15 will go a long way in negotiating new tenants for buildings such as the old NAPA building, which has been dormant for some time.

He also spoke of Public Law 38-3, which would allow the authority to post notices of its meetings in electronic publications such as the Pacific Daily News, rather than be held to printed newspaper versions.

As for another public law that requires employees to undergo drug testing before rehiring, Quinata said the airport authority's personnel regulations already have that in place.

GIAA Board Chairman Brian Bamba said he's pleased with all the news shared by management at this meeting.

"With regards to the air seat capacity, hearing that later this summer Korean Airlines is going to update equipment and do double daily widebodies, that's a big plus especially because we've been lagging on our tourism numbers," he said. "And on the other side, the airport's done a lot to focus on safe, reliable operations."

He said Guam's recent presentation at an FAA certification on Saipan was an exceptional display of all the airport's worked on and that it's clear that Guam is a leader among the region's airports.

Meanwhile, data from the Guam Visitors Bureau continue to show that arrivals to Guam remain at below half  in the 40% range  of pre-pandemic levels, and that Guam's tourism recovery remains among the slowest in the world.
Port Authority of Guams Marina Manager Frankie Rosalin on Thursday pleaded not guilty to disorderly conduct charges brought against him for an alleged March 12 incident involving Port General Manager Rory Respicio.

Rosalin appeared before Magistrate Judge Sean Brown for an arraignment in one of two separate disorderly conduct cases brought against him.

One of the charges alleges Rosalin repeatedly struck and damaged an office door on March 12, causing a public annoyance and alarm by use of violent behavior.

The judge on Thursday ordered Rosalin released on a personal recognizance bond.

Brown ordered Rosalin not to threaten, harass, or assault Respicio or any other Port employees.

The judge also ordered Rosalin to report to probation on May 2, and turn in a firearm he owned and possessed a firearms ID card for.

Rosalins attorney, Jacqueline Terlaje, said each case brought by the Office of the Attorney General dealt with the same facts and circumstances, which was very unusual.

Questions about an alleged March 12 workplace violence incident involving Respicio overshadowed an April legislative confirmation hearing for Port board members, but Rosalin was not mentioned by name at the time.

Court records show the AGs office in April attempted to charge Rosalin with terrorizing as a third-degree felony, and misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief, assault, and harassment related to the alleged March 12 incident.

But two separate grand juries returned no true bill, meaning they found there was no probable cause to indict him on the misdemeanor and felony charges.

In order for there to be a true indictment, there must be a true bill, meaning the grand jury found that there were sufficient facts to substantiate a crime, Terlaje told the Pacific Daily News Thursday.

She added that the maximum fine for a petty misdemeanor, like the one brought against Rosalin, was $500.

After the arraignment, Rosalin said he had no comment on the charges brought against him.

Rosalin in 2019 pled guilty to a misdemeanor official misconduct charge after he was accused of involvement in a contraband smuggling ring while working as a Department of Corrections guard.

He served no jail time.

Guam law does not expressly prohibit individuals who are convicted of official misconduct from reemployment with the government.
A 42-year-old man with a history of arrests for drugs and violence has been charged with setting another man on fire and burning him to death in November 2024, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court.

Jessie Rick San Agustin was charged Thursday with aggravated murder, murder and kidnapping, all as first-degree felonies.

If found guilty of the charges, he could face a sentence of life in prison plus 25 years.

Prosecutors have asked that he be held on $1 million cash bail, and the hearing is scheduled to continue on Friday.

At 5:58 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2024, Guam Police Department officers responded to a report of a burning body on Hawaii Road in Dededo. The dead man, later identified as Charles Richard Lacy, was bound with cords at his hands and feet. The chief medical examiner determined the cause of death was burning and the manner of death was homicide.

Lacy, who had swelling to his left eye and a cut to the center of his forehead, was still alive when he was set on fire, according to court documents.

Surveillance footage from the NCS Shell station showed a black Hyundai Elantra, believed to be Lacys vehicle, at 4:22 a.m. Nov. 1.

A man believed to be San Agustin got out of the car, retrieved a red fuel container from the backseat and filled it with gas.

A portion of a melted fuel container had been found near Lacys torso.

Cellular tower information showed Lacys phone pinged at SureStay Hotel in Maite at 8:55 a.m. Nov. 1, and San Agustin and a female companion were at the hotel between Nov. 1 and Nov. 5.

On Nov. 8, Lacys Elantra was located in Asan, near the womans residence, with San Agustins fingerprints found on the back door. Blood and vomit were found in the car.

A Nov. 2 Cost-U-Less receipt was found in the car, and surveillance footage from Cost-U-Less on Nov. 2 showed the woman and San Agustin in the store, according to the complaint.

Cellular tower information showed Lacys phone pinged near the womans home at 1:44 a.m. Nov. 1. When police interviewed her, she said she and San Agustin were present on that date when Lacy arrived.

She said San Agustin told her not to tell Lacy that he was there.

She said she went upstairs and told Lacy to wait downstairs, but he followed her upstairs. She said she was in another bedroom when she heard sounds of a struggle. San Agustin told her to stay in the other room, then he left the residence. When he returned, he told her to pack clothes, according to the complaint.

She told police that San Agustin said Lacy let him borrow the vehicle, which smelled like gasoline and feces. When police interviewed San Agustin on April 29, he said hed never met Lacy.

San Agustin has previous convictions for theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, burglary, felony escape, child abuse, drug possession, criminal trespass and family violence.

Documents provided by the Office of the Attorney General show he has had arrests in 13 different cases dating back to 1999.
Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert Torres has ordered Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero to respond by noon Friday to Attorney General Douglas Moylans latest motion in the case involving the Dignity Project, which seeks to feed and house homeless and drug-addicted residents.

Moylan motioned for an expedited briefing and argument in the case.

The AG notified the Supreme Court of Guam that he will appeal a lower court order that temporarily froze funding for the Dignity Project. The notice was filed Tuesday afternoon.

The governor filed a lawsuit alleging Moylan and his office broke the law when they secured a hotel and food services for the Dignity Project at a cost of $1.1 million without the governors signature, and threatened a government employee who questioned the move.

The lawsuit also alleged the AGs office failed to follow Guam procurement law when it secured a contract with the Tropical Palm Hotel through a sole-source procurement.

Superior Court Judge John Terlaje on Monday issued a 10-day restraining order halting funds for the Dignity Project.

Terlajes order freezing the funds came down hours before the Dignity Project was set to launch.

It would have accepted 20 clients, who were meant to get shelter, food, and referrals to day labor programs.

Moylan contends that the program was funded with opioid settlement money that the Guam Opioid Counsel had full control over, and had approved the use last August.

The AG has asserted that the contract did not need the governors signature to execute, though he did send it to her to sign after the lawsuit was filed on April 25.
Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert J. Torres on Thursday spoke of a judicial system whose primary concern isnt whether it is tough enough  rather is it wise enough, and brave enough to reach the root of what is broken.

To do so, Torres said the judiciary will launch later this year the E-Courts system, an expanded, accessible court system that meets the needs of the population it serves and not just those who are able to make it to Hagatna.

Torres delivered his annual State of the Judiciary Address at the Guam Congress Hall.

Enhancing public access to court documents online will help the judiciary move along cases more efficiently, and accessibility to the courts goes much further than document retrieval, he said.

It can give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.

And with our mobile protective orders project, were expanding access to that even further. Sometimes, the hardest step for many survivors is getting to the courthouse, he said. Soon, they wont have to.

Torres said there will soon be a simple framework in place for victims to seek a protective order. They would fill out a series of guided questions, from the safety and security of their home.

With the leadership of Judge Elyze Iriarte, the courts have made the first improvements to the protective order process in more than a decade, Torres said.

Little things matter

Access means access to the little things that matter, he added.

For many court users, the ability to participate remotely means not having to miss work, not having to scramble for child care or travel across the island to be seen or heard. So weve upgraded our audio and visual systems, boosted our bandwidth and strengthened our courtroom platforms, the chief justice said. And its not just litigants who will experience the differences. Jurors will soon receive text notifications about their services. No more calling up the hotline and hoping for an update. If something changes, theyll know immediately.

He spoke of a new online case calendar that lets one search by case number or name, without having to go through an entire docket to figure out where the case is going to be heard.

Torres also shared the success of the establishment of the Northern Satellite Court, where demand continues to grow.

It required the judiciary to lay groundwork to meet that demand, because people shouldnt have to travel to other parts of the island to seek justice. They should be able to find it where they live and work, and raise their families, he said.

The improvements may seem trivial to some, but not to a probationer who can now check in up north, instead of trying to find someone to give them a ride to Hagatna.

They matter to the survivor who can seek protection from their home. And they matter because it reflects something simple and powerful: That court users are not just parties to a case. They are members of our community that we are dedicated to serve, Torres said.

Smarter justice

He spoke about modernization, but never at the expense of justice.

In the case of artificial intelligence, specifically, Torres said he had fellow justices adopt a policy that strengthens the system, not substitutes for it. Use of AI may be expected and should not be discouraged, provided that it complies with legal and ethical standards, he said.

AI cannot be used to mislead, deepen bias or undermine justice, and no matter how advanced the tools become...they have to be accountable for their final work product, he said.

He spoke of the electronic monitoring system, which has expanded past pre-trial cases to post-conviction and treatment court cases.

He said since its launch, electronic monitoring has saved over $3 million in incarceration costs and reduced recidivism to about 3%.

This is what smarter justice looks like, he said.

Recovered addict speaks

Torres credited all of the Superior Court judges for their work across various platforms of the judiciary, and he said it is through their work that programs such as the Adult Drug Court and Juvenile Drug Court have found success.

The chief justice yielded the podium to recovered addict Valerie Perez, who spoke of her struggles in silence, a disconnect from family and even an attempt at suicide that hospitalized her.

But it was a turning point.

She joined the courts Family Recovery Program and little by little, her life shifted. She said she was surrounded by people who cared. She found the courage to return to work, and to school, and live a sober life. She started to become proud of herself again.

Then something extraordinary happened. I reunited with my children and brought my family back together, she said.

She received a standing ovation. A long standing ovation.

Torres said Perezs success came from justice that was not reacting, but restoring, and justice that did not just punish, but healed.

The justice he strives for not only changes lives, but saves them, he said.

The chief justice concluded by saying that the law, when applied with courage and compassion, can still make families stronger and communities more just.

Its times like this when its easy to listen to the loudest voices, the ones that call for more punishment, more fear. But thats not what our people are asking for, Torres said. Theyre asking for something deeper, to feel safe, to feel seen. To know that justice doesnt just exist, but that it reaches them, too.
The task force leading U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems recognized the coral reef and fisheries conservation work of three University of Guam Marine Laboratory researchers.

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, a coalition of agencies and organizations across the states, territories, and Freely Associated States, presented the award at its annual meeting in November hosted on Saipan, UOG said in a release just this week.

UOG research faculty Laurie Raymundo, PhD, and Dr. Peter Houk, PhD, and research associate David Burdick each received an Outstanding Service Award for leading cornerstone research projects.

In providing essential data and information for government agencies, policymakers, researchers, and Micronesian island communities, their projects are advancing marine protections and coral restoration across Micronesia, UOG said in its release.

Raymundo: Coral restoration pioneer

Raymundo was honored for her pioneering work in the fields of coral reef restoration and coral disease.

In 2019, she launched Guams first coral reef nursery dedicated to restoring staghorn Acropora corals. The work is ongoing, focusing on rehabilitating coral communities in Guams Cocos Lagoon and Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve.

We have outplanted over 4,000 fragments, covering roughly 3.82 acres, to date, Raymundo said. We maintain two coral nurseries and have developed three solid protocols for planting nursery-reared coral fragments onto our shallow reef areas.

Houk: Data-driven fisheries management

Houk was recognized for building capacity in coral reef and fisheries monitoring in Micronesia.

He has spent nearly two decades establishing fisheries and coral reef data throughout the Marshall Islands, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. His team has collected data on more than 50 islands.

He launched a website, micronesiareefmonitoring.com, where the data for each island is frequently updated and available to fisheries and marine conservation managers, policymakers, as well as the general public.

For numerous sites on each island, the website provides data visualizations for quantities, types, and the average size of the fish present, and it also compares these numbers in unprotected versus protected fishing areas.

Our research has been used to create many fisheries policies  from marine protected area networks to grouper spawning protection  with modern data now showing fishers are catching more than they were before, Houk said.

Burdick: Guams reef archivist

Burdick was awarded for outstanding coordination of the Guam Long-Term Coral Reef Monitoring Program, one of the Pacifics longest running datasets of its kind.

Established in 2007, the program began systematic surveys of fish, corals, and other marine life in high-priority areas and continues to this day.

Program staff have also played a major role in determining the extent and severity of multiple coral bleaching events since 2007, including severe events in 2013 and 2017, Burdick said.

Burdick was also recognized for his experience with marine organism identification and the expansion of knowledge about local marine biodiversity.

He launched GuamReefLife.com, a photo archive and species identification site that has become a go-to reference for researchers, educators, and taxonomists.

The site currently hosts images of more than 3,700 marine and freshwater organisms from Guam, he shared. With some exceptions for deep water organisms, all images are those I took while snorkeling or diving around Guam. Images of several fish species on the site were recently used in a publication of new fish records for the Mariana Islands.

Impact beyond Micronesia

Raymundo, in her role as director of the UOG Marine Lab, said having three Guam-based scientists recognized at this major national gathering of coral reef conservationists underscores the Marine Labs impact in coral reef science beyond the Micronesian region.

I am very proud of us all and this is definitive proof of the value of the work that we do at the UOG Marine Lab, Raymundo said.
I just read the media release from Congressman James Moylan, and I just want to ask him, who is he trying to fool? How can you say Guam will benefit from a military spending bill when you did not submit any amendments that would have benefitted Guam?

Congressman Moylans media release focuses on the recent meeting of the Armed Services Committee and the passing of the budget bill known as the reconciliation bill. However, it is notable that Congressman Moylan was absent throughout the debate and discussion during the hearing.

He did not address any priorities for Guam nor did he submit any amendments to the bill that could benefit Guam. It raises a question as to why he expressed enthusiasm about the bills passage in his release when it doesnt really benefit our island and community. The debate can be viewed on C-Span or YouTube.

This bill had $150 billion in defense spending for the entire nation and military installations around globe. I dont believe he or his staff understand that. This includes $100 million for DoD impact aid for communities where they dont have DoD schools.

Because of Guams high military presence per capita, he could have easily submitted an amendment asking for money for GDOE from this fund. Why did he ignore this when this section was literally on the first few pages of the bill? My guess, he and his staff never read the bill, cause maybe its too lengthy.

He submitted no amendments to assist any of Guams infrastructure  roads, wastewater, water, energy. Taya, zero, free. He claims there is $1.1 billion in infrastructure money but fails to state that it is for the entire nation and military installations worldwide.

Congressman Moylan should be leveraging Guams unique situation with the committee and asking for more funds to improve our infrastructure since it is shared by both civilian and military. But I dont believe he understands how to or how to do so effectively.

Lets look at some of these other numbers he is excited about. $34 billion for ship building, but Guam will receive zero dollars from this because we are not a capacity for this industry. He continues to forget that ship building, and ship repairs are two different industries.

None of the $450 million he is also excited about for airfields will come to Guam. Those are going to Tinian, Palau, Australia and Hawaii, and with some research, you will learn this is public information.

None of the $25 billion for the golden dome will come to Guam, as that is for the mainland. He forgets that when they say homeland they dont mean Guam, and the golden dome is not the Guam Missile Defense.

$100,000 for the defense industrial base means funding for research or designing military hardware systems. Last time I checked, we dont have any company on Guam building tanks or designing software for warfare. Sorry Congressman, not sure why you are thrilled about this when that money is not coming to Guam.

The bill had general funding until amendments were being made. The difference is that unlike other offices, Congressman Moylan and his staff did not submit a single amendment that could have been beneficial for Guam. Maybe if he showed up during the debate and really fight for Guam, as he likes to say in his media releases, that Guam could have seen more money specifically for Guams infrastructure.

We are also learning that some of the funding in the $1.1 billion infrastructure allocation is for a bowling alley, swimming pool, youth center, and school, all inside the military fences on Guam.

While the congressman was missing for the debate and discussions, he did show up at the end to vote for the bill in the committee. I guess he is fighting harder for the kids of service members instead of our children, to get them better resources.
In an increasingly diverse educational landscape, the importance of providing adequate education to students with special needs cannot be overstated.

Students with special needs may have physical, cognitive, emotional or developmental challenges, requiring tailored educational approaches to thrive academically and socially. One of the most effective ways to support students is by providing dedicated school aides who can assist on a one-on-one basis.

The role of one-on-one school aides allows for students with special needs individualized support in their development.

Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves access to quality learning opportunities.

Traditional teaching methods may not be effective therefore implementing individualized education plans that cater to their specific requirements is essential.

One-on-one school aides play a crucial role in this process by providing personalized attention and support.

Research has shown that students who receive individualized support are more likely to achieve their academic goals and develop essential skills.

The presence of a dedicated school aide can help alleviate anxiety and build confidence by providing consistent support. School aides empower students to take risks, ask questions, and engage in their learning.

This one-on-one interaction provides a sense of security, allowing students to develop independence over time. As they gain confidence in their abilities, they are more likely to participate actively in class and pursue their interests, both academically and socially.

It has been noted that due to significant turnovers among one-on-one school aides, its crucial that the Guam Department of Education offer competitive wages and proper training.

My question is, are one-on-one aides trained prior to being employed? As a prerequisite for the position, I would advocate aides must complete a course before being assigned to a student with special needs.




Haiti - FLASH : Port-au-Prince the most violent city in the world





During the first quarter of 2025, the human rights situation in Haiti remained extremely worrying, marked by mass crimes, kidnappings, and sexual violence.



In its quarterly report on the human rights situation in Haiti (January-March 2025), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) revealed that between January 1st and March 31, 2025, at least 1,617 people were killed and 580 others were injured in violence involving gangs, vigilante groups, or members of the population, as well as during operations carried out by security forces. Meanwhile, during this same period, at least 161 kidnappings for ransom were recorded, 63% of which occurred in the Artibonite department.



[HL Note : According to a Mexican study conducted by the Citizens' Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, the violence-ravaged Haitian metropolis recorded a rate of 139.3 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024. No other city in the world has such alarming results.]



The first quarter was marked by the intensification of criminal groups' activities to expand their territorial influence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and its surrounding areas. The municipalities of Delmas and Kenscoff https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44647-haiti-flash-first-official-report-from-the-battle-of-kenscoff-at-least-262-dead-and-66-wounded-report.html were particularly targeted, with the aim of destabilizing Petion-ville. Furthermore, these same gangs carried out large-scale attacks against the municipalities of Mirebalais and Saut d'Eau, in the Centre department, to seize control of roads leading to the Dominican Republic, and also to facilitate the escape of more than 515 inmates from Mirebalais prison https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44597-haiti-flash-mirebalais-under-attack-numerous-victims-more-than-500-escapees-on-the-run-video.html



During the first quarter, the acts of vigilante groups and those of unorganized members of the population, perpetrated within the framework of the movement commonly known as Bwa Kale, remained a significant source of human rights abuses, resulting in the deaths of at least 189 people accused of gang membership or common law offenses. The report expresses concern about the high number of people killed during security force operations. In these operations, at least 802 people were killed, approximately 20% of whom were members of the population hit by stray bullets while in the streets or in their homes. In addition, there were 65 cases of summary executions allegedly committed by police officers and the Miragoane government commissioner.



The report also highlights the serious consequences of gang activities on women and children. During this quarter, more than 333 victims of sexual violence were recorded. Furthermore, at least 35 children lost their lives and ten others were injured in gang attacks, police operations, or acts of mob justice. Many other children were victims of trafficking and forced to join gangs.



Download the full report (19-pages English PDF) :

https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/quarterly_report_on_the_human_rights_situation_in_haiti_jan_-_march_2025.pdf



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Haiti - Economic Recovery : A new $16 million factory under construction





On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, James Monazard, Minister of Trade and Industry, visited the construction site of the new Haitian HM Group factory, located on Airport Road. The company plans to use this factory for the production of sweet candies starting in September 2025.



This factory project, built by businessman Harold Marzouka (HM), will cost US$16 million and will create up to 350 direct jobs, according to Michaelle William, Director of Site Operations.



The HM Group includes Haiti Plastic Inc., the Group's first manufacturing facility (1990); Sogeplast S.A., one of the largest integrated facilities for extrusion, injection, and blow molding lines (plastic packaging and household goods); Caribbean Pasta S.A., one of the largest manufacturers of long and short pasta in the Caribbean, producing 10,500 tons per month (local and international markets); Caribbean Milling S.A., a semolina mill and printing plant, Le Natal S.A. (founded in 1976), recently acquired by the HM Group.



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Haiti - Environment : Successful mobilization around the Nippes environmental sectoral table





Last week, the Nippes Departmental Directorate of the Ministry of the Environment (DDNi/MDE) organized an Environmental Sectoral Table, bringing together government institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs, and community partners to discuss environmental issues in the department. This activity, supported by the Technical Secretariat of the Sectoral Table, aimed primarily to strengthen the coordination of environmental actions in Nippes, in a context of growing challenges related to the degradation of natural resources.



In his opening remarks, Jude Eden Phelisne, a senior staff member at the DDNi, reiterated the importance of this initiative in stimulating information exchange and harmonizing interventions on the ground.



For his part, Agronomist Maguet Brutus, Departmental Director of the Environment for Nippes, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach among stakeholders, stating that to maximize impact, it is essential to know "who is doing what, where, how, and when" in the department.



During his presentation, the Departmental Director presented the Ministry of the Environment's strategic priorities for the department, emphasizing watershed restoration, combating forced environmental migration, and the resilience of rural communities. He urged participants to align their interventions with this national dynamic to ensure coherence and complementarity of actions.



The ABE (JP/HRO-CORE) project manager, agronomist Vanessa, shared the ongoing achievements in the municipalities of Paillant, Petite Riviere des Nippes, and Baraderes, particularly in the areas of ravine treatment, the establishment of mangrove nurseries, and the formation of environmental clubs in schools. However, she emphasized the importance of strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the results achieved.



During the discussions, several concerns were raised, including the need for greater involvement of women in environmental governance structures, the urgent need to create Watershed Management Committees, and the need to strengthen environmental education in the department's schools. Participants advocated for regularizing the sectoral table's meetings on a monthly basis and establishing a monitoring and evaluation system for the actions undertaken.



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Haiti - News : Zapping...





Jacmel : Celebrations under high security

The Haitian National Police (PNH), through the Southeast Departmental Directorate, has established a major security presence in the commune of Jacmel, in preparation for the celebration of Jacmel's patronal feast, "Saints Jacques et Philippe" which coincides with the Feast of Agriculture and Labor, this Thursday, May 1st, 2025. Highly strategic measures have been taken in the commune to ensure the smooth running of religious, agricultural, and cultural activities.



20,000 Haitians expelled

No fewer than 20,000 Haitians in an irregular migration situation were expelled by the Dominican Republic during the month of April 2025. This data was reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), emphasizing that this is the highest monthly figure since January 2025.



DR Banana Producers Need 15,000 Haitian Workers

On April 28, 2025, the Dominican Banana Producers Association (ADOBANANO) urged the Dominican government to regularize the status of 15,000 Haitian workers with irregular immigration status. This measure aims to increase fruit exports. According to Gil Blas Martinez, President of ADOBANANO in the province of Valverde, one of the proposals is to guarantee a workforce for the banana agribusiness. He suggests implementing a plan to grant work permits to foreigners already active in this sector.



USA Citibank : Closure of Diplomatic Mission Accounts

Citibank has informed some Haitian diplomatic and consular missions in the United States that their bank accounts may be closed within 60 days. "Contrary to current reports, this notice has nothing to do with the financial management of the Haitian Missions, but concerns the new rules applied by this bank for hosting the accounts of diplomatic missions in the United States. Haitian Chancellor Jean-Baptiste had already instructed the Haitian Ambassador in Washington to meet with Citibank officials to assess the arrangements to be made in light of these new measures."



Belize will no longer participate in the Mission

The Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the cessation of military deployments in Haiti. This confirmation was given this week by Minister Francis Fonseca, following the return of two soldiers from the Belize Defense Force sent as an advance guard to Haiti. This contingent was initially scheduled to number 51 men. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44077-haiti-flash-belize-hesitates-to-send-more-soldiers-to-haiti.html



The National Network of Judges calls on the CPT

Faced with a shortage of judges, paralyzed courts, and prison overcrowding, the National Network of Haitian Judges alerts the authorities to this critical situation and calls on the Presidential Transitional Council to act immediately...



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After the historic power outage in Spain and Portugal, the search for the cause continues. Meanwhile, it has become known that at least three people have lost their lives as a result. According to the Galician newspaper La Voz de Galicia, three people aged 81, 77 and 56 from the small north-western Spanish town of Taboadela have died. The oldest needed a ventilator and when the power failed, a petrol-powered emergency generator went into operation. Its exhaust fumes probably spread unnoticed throughout the house, and the couple and their son died of carbon monoxide poisoning, the newspaper writes.

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Read also Historic power outage in Spain and Portugal: cause still unclear

The search for the cause

Meanwhile, the Spanish electricity grid operator REE (Red Electrica de Espana) announced early on Tuesday that 99.95 percent of electricity demand could be met again, and that normalization would soon be completed. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made a similar statement, but his government has not yet provided any information on the cause. According to El Pais, investigations into a possible cyberattack have now been opened at Spain's central criminal court, after allusions to this had previously been rejected. Sanchez has firmly rejected the claim that a lack of nuclear power plants was the cause.

Following the newspaper's early report that 60 percent of electricity generation disappeared from Spain's grid for five seconds on Monday afternoon, which ultimately triggered the blackout, there are now assessments of this. The spokesperson for the Helmholtz Association's national energy system design program, Veit Hagenmeyer, told the Science Media Center (SMC) that the power grid in Europe is not designed to cope with the loss of so much generation capacity. A loss of 3 GW could be compensated for, but not the 15 GW suddenly missing here. This is why there were scheduled shutdowns, which spread in cascades and later helped with reactivation.

Due to this series of shutdowns, it is still not possible to say what caused the power outage. According to Hagenmeyer, he is not aware of such a large drop in power, but recalls that in 2006, emergency shutdowns spread from Germany to Western Europe similarly and even reached Spain. In 2021, such a cascade was prevented when a fault occurred in Croatia. Whether an incident like the one on the Iberian Peninsula could be prevented if it were to occur in Germany can only be said once the exact cause is known.

Several parallel incidents necessary

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Christian Rehtanz, Head of the Institute for Energy Systems, Energy Efficiency and Energy Economics at TU Dortmund University, added to SMC that several extraordinary events or technical faults would have to come together for such a massive blackout. This could always happen, but the overall probability is very low, as several extremely rare and unfavorable combinations always have to occur simultaneously. Rehtanz adds that the control systems record all events in high resolution and that a precise analysis of the events will be possible on Monday afternoon. Until then, statements about the possible cause are pure speculation.

Miguel de Simon Martin from the University of Leon in Spain also told SMC that there were indications that a high-voltage line in France had suddenly failed. The voltage drop could have led to photovoltaic and wind power plants being disconnected, causing the system to collapse. This is particularly vulnerable due to the small number of connections to the continental European electricity grid, which is why more connections are needed. This is already being worked on. If the hypothesis is confirmed, a recurrence in the near future would be unlikely.

Simon Martin also explains that the Spanish electricity grid is being radically transformed by the shift towards renewable energies. The more of these cover the electricity demand on the Iberian Peninsula, the less room there is to react to disruptions. It is therefore essential to install more electricity storage systems and develop microgrids that can be disconnected in an emergency and self-supplied from different energy sources. This could increase the flexibility and resilience of the power supply. However, technical developments are still needed to achieve this.

Read also Possible connection to blackout in Spain: Several places in Greenland offline

(mho)

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 highly competitive market for broadband and mobile connections, the potential for political disputes remains high: Deutsche Telekom's competitors want to use the upcoming gradual shutdown of DSL copper lines to expand their market share. This is because the DSL market is still firmly in Deutsche Telekom's hands, while other providers dominate the fiber optic market. But providers fear that this could change.

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The annual market analysis commissioned by the Association for Telecommunications and Value-Added Services (VATM) provides initial forecasts for the year 2025: According to this, other providers will invest a total of around 6.9 billion euros in the expansion of mobile and gigabit-capable infrastructures. This means that the downward trend will continue, peaking at EUR 8.5 billion in 2022. Deutsche Telekom is different: according to the calculations, it will spend EUR 5.2 billion more on telecommunications infrastructure this year than in previous years.

For the competitors, it is not only the costs that have risen. Large, contiguous expansion areas are slowly becoming scarce. But the potential is actually there: Of the 39.2 million fixed lines, 23 million are DSL lines and 1.7 million are narrowband lines. The cable TV infrastructure, which has been further upgraded in recent years, still covers 8.4 million households. And high-speed fiber optics? Only 6.1 million connections so far.

Homes Passed vs. Homes Activated

The outgoing German government originally set itself the goal of supplying half of all households with fiber optics by 2025 and all households by 2030. And in many places, fast lines are already lying dormant in the ground  By the end of the year, competitors are expected to have laid their cables past 12.2 million households, 1.2 million more than at the end of 2024. Deutsche Telekom is even expected to jump from 10.1 to 12.6 million households, which would theoretically be covered.

However, Homes Passed does not mean that the households are actually connected. Just 1.5 million or 14.9% of the households reachable at the end of 2024 had actually booked a fiber optic connection with the former monopolist, the so-called Homes Activated. According to the VATM market analysis, almost three times as many (33.6%) of the competitors had 3.7 million. According to the study, by the end of 2025, there would be 2 million active Telekom fiber optic connections and 1.8 million additional Homes Connected, compared to 8.8 million households that are only connected on paper.

Deutsche Telekom's competitors see this as a preparatory measure for the shutdown of the copper network on which DSL technology is based: Deutsche Telekom still dominates the market today. A profitable business: because even if other providers offer customers a DSL contract, this is usually based on line capacity leased from Deutsche Telekom.

Little willingness to switch

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The technical end has actually already been reached for DSL, the technology is exhausted and components will also become scarce in the medium term, as hardly any country relies on DSL anymore. However, in their forecast for VATM, the authors of the study come to the following conclusion: DSL will remain the dominant line technology in Germany until 2030 in all scenarios, as there has been no pressure to date. Although this could change  the coalition agreement of the next German government does not contain any concrete political guidelines in this regard.

However, as long as the DSL infrastructure is in place, there is no reason for many users to switch. According to the VATM market analysis, users' hunger for data has increased further and is likely to grow from 321.5 gigabytes per month to 342.7 gigabytes per fixed-line connection. However, for many users, the 250 megabit/s that VDSL connections provide in the downstream have so far been sufficient, at least for 4K streaming services.

In addition, companies are still finding it difficult to market fiber optic connections: the main sales channels are poorly reputed door-to-door sales representatives. In one recent case, Deutsche Wohnen, which belongs to the Vonovia Group, issued a general ban on Deutsche Telekom's fiber optic representatives. According to VATM, this is an isolated case: We are only aware of Deutsche Wohnen issuing a ban on a large housing company. Years ago, the association had already committed its member companies to the so-called door-to-door code, which sets minimum standards for door-to-door sales and to which Telekom has also voluntarily submitted.

Market likely to consolidate further

VATM Managing Director Frederic Ufer does not expect any of the current 270 or so fiber optic providers to remain on the market in the long term in the face of fierce competition: Telecommunications is a business of scale that can only really be profitable with six or seven-digit customer numbers. Ufer believes that municipal providers in particular, who operate on a regionally limited basis due to their mandate, will leave the market in the medium term: There will be very natural processes for such providers to leave the market or switch to other business models such as passive infrastructure.

(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.
Revolut plans to launch its own mobile service in Germany in the course of the year. It follows on from a data tariff with eSIM, which has been available since 2024.

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Revolut: mobile contract with unlimited domestic data volume

Revolut's mobile phone offer includes unlimited data volume in Germany, as well as a flat rate for calls to all networks and text messages. The tariff also includes a roaming data volume of 40 GB for travel within the European Union and Great Britain without a fixed contract term.

When the tariff starts, Revolut customers can either activate a new mobile number or take their old one with them from their previous mobile operator. The option to take your number with you has been required by law since 2021.

Mobile phone offer integrated into Revolut app

As the British Neobank writes, the mobile offer is deeply integrated into the Revolut app and is said to offer unparalleled ease of use compared to traditional network operators with an intuitive menu and in-app controls. Revolut customers can pay for their tariff with their collected RevPoints if they wish. This is the bank's loyalty program that rewards customers with points for every purchase.

The company has not yet revealed when Revolut will actually activate its mobile phone offer. It is also not yet clear which of the three German network operators will be on board as a partner. A company spokesperson told dpa that details on partners in individual countries will be announced at the product launch. Revolut wants to offer German customers the best possible offer and optimal network coverage.

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The bank charges 12.50 euros per month for the mobile phone offer. The introductory offer is not limited in time. Revolut customers can already be placed on a waiting list.

Ambiguities of the offer

The conditions of the offer mentioned so far do not sound uninteresting, but the provider is holding back on details. Revolut only mentions a high-speed  but we do not know whether the provider means 15 Mbit/s or 300 Mbit/s. It is also unclear whether the Revolut offer operates on the 4G or 5G network, although many prepaid providers now also support 5G.

Revolut claims to have more than 50 million customers worldwide, including over 2 million in Germany. Its main competitor in Germany is N26, which had almost five million revenue-relevant customers at the end of 2024. Berlin-based Neobank also has a mobile offering in the works, which is due to be officially announced in May.

(afl)

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 survey, conducted in April, found that 35 percent of companies experienced a shortage of skilled labour.

A significant number of companies in the Helsinki region still report difficulties finding skilled workers, despite unemployment reaching its highest level in over a decade, according to a survey by the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, 46 percent said the availability of workers was balanced, and 20 percent reported an oversupply of skilled workers.

"Although unemployment is very high, the proportion of companies facing a shortage of skilled workers remains surprisingly large. The mismatch between labour supply and demand requires immediate solutions," said Riikka Vataja, Senior Adviser at the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.

The unemployment rate in Uusimaa has climbed above 10 percent, the highest figure in more than ten years.

Thirty percent of businesses said their recruitment needs will increase over the next six months, while 57 percent expect them to remain stable and 12 percent predict a decrease.

The shortage of skilled workers has slightly eased compared to previous years. From 2020 to 2023, over half of surveyed companies consistently reported difficulties finding skilled staff. Over the past year, this figure has hovered around 3540 percent.

"Jobseekers must have efficient opportunities to update their skills to meet business needs. This requires close cooperation between employment areas and training providers," Vataja added.

The survey also revealed some progress in employer familiarity with vocational training institutions. Just over half, 54 percent, of companies that require workers with vocational qualifications said they know the educational offerings well or very well. This marks a small increase from 49 percent in autumn 2023.

Satisfaction with the skills of vocational graduates has also grown slightly. Now, 25 percent of businesses say vocational graduates meet their needs well or very well, compared to 20 percent six months ago.

However, less than one-third of companies said that the current vocational education supply matches their needs well or very well.

"The results show that investment in cooperation with working life is slowly bearing fruit. Still, there remains a strong need to improve collaboration between businesses and vocational training institutions. Vocational education plays a key role in solving the skills mismatch," Vataja said.

The Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce survey received 299 responses from member companies between 3 and 11 April 2025. The Chamber represents over 7,000 member businesses across 21 municipalities in the Uusimaa region.

HT
The company, owned by China-based ByteDance, said the facility will be its first in Finland. While TikTok did not disclose the exact location or timeline, it confirmed to Reuters that the project will support its wider data governance strategy, Project Clover. The initiative was launched in 2023 to bolster trust in TikToks handling of European data.

TikTok has confirmed plans to build a 1 billion data centre in Finland as part of its ongoing effort to localise European user data and address security concerns from regulators.

TikToks latest investment follows the activation of its Norwegian data centre this month and the launch of another facility in Ireland last year. Under Project Clover, TikTok aims to house all European user data within the continent, shielding it from concerns of potential foreign access. The company claims to have over 175 million users in Europe.

Details about whether TikTok will construct a new site or lease from an existing operator remain unconfirmed. TikTok has not yet responded to further queries regarding the size, capacity or operational timeline of the planned facility.

The move comes amid continuing scrutiny from Western governments. The European Commission, European Parliament and several national authorities have banned TikTok from official devices. In the United States, the app faces a potential ban unless ByteDance divests its American operations.

TikTok has said these concerns are misplaced and describes them as based on "misconceptions". It insists that user data is protected through regionalised storage and strict internal protocols.

Project Clover represents a 12 billion commitment over ten years to fortify data privacy compliance across Europe. Alongside its completed projects in Norway and Ireland, the company is planning further expansions. It is also assessing data infrastructure projects in Brazil and Thailand, with $8.8 billion pledged for the latter.

The Nordic region has become an attractive location for global technology firms seeking energy-efficient and secure data hosting. Microsoft, Meta and other companies have already established large-scale data centres in Finland, drawn by low-cost, emission-free electricity and strong digital infrastructure.

Microsoft President Brad Smith said Wednesday that Finland offers a strategic combination of renewable energy and network connectivity, making it a key location for serving Europe.

According to Veijo Terho of the Finnish Data Centre Association, over 20 new data centre projects are currently planned across Finland, totalling an estimated 13 billion in investment and 1.3 gigawatts in capacity.

TikToks decision to join the wave of digital infrastructure development signals the platforms continued commitment to establishing a physical presence in key European markets despite ongoing political pressure.

HT
The event will begin at 9:30 in the palace courtyard with the presentation of the Mayflower pin. Organised by Folkhalsan, the Mayflower is Finlands oldest charity badge, with proceeds supporting the health and well-being of children and young people. The pin is sold annually as part of a national fundraising campaign.

President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb will receive the countrys traditional May Day greetings at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki on Thursday 1 May.

Following the reception of the Mayflower, the presidential couple will be greeted by the Finnish Workers Music Federation. The musical tribute will be performed by a joint ensemble featuring members of the Ikaalisten Nuoriso-orkesteri youth orchestra and the wind band Puhallica.

The event outside the Presidential Palace will conclude with a greeting from the Student Union of the University of Helsinki. Performances by the Akademiska Sangforeningen and the YL Male Voice Choir will accompany the greeting.

After the public portion of the ceremony, Aalto University students will present the president and his spouse with a copy of Wappulehti Apy, a student-published comic magazine traditionally issued during May Day festivities.

The outdoor event is open to the public, who may observe the proceedings from Helsinkis Market Square and Pohjoisesplanadi, depending on the weather.

HT
Over 400 young vocational students from across Finland will compete for national titles in Turku from 58 May as part of the Taitaja2025 event, the countrys largest showcase of vocational excellence.

Held annually, the competition highlights the skills of young professionals in training through practical, real-world challenges across a wide range of trades. This years finals span 47 categories, including automotive technology, ICT, hospitality, construction, and industrial services.

Five of the events are dedicated to students requiring special support.

The event is free to the public and will take place at the Turku Fair Centre, Turku AKK, and Gatorade Center, where the opening ceremony will be held on 5 May. President Alexander Stubb serves as the events patron.

"Dreamers challenge their own limits. Stay open-minded and believe in yourselves when facing challenges," Stubb said in a message to participants. "You have all the tools to meet the changes facing society."

The Taitaja2025 slogan, Towards the future with skills, reflects the events focus on both excellence and relevance. The finalists have emerged from a pool of nearly 1,800 semifinalists, and the competition tasks are designed to reflect evolving industry requirements.

For the general public, the event offers a chance to explore vocational education first-hand. Spectators can follow the competitions, try their hand at simulation-based tasks in the Simulaattorimaailma and Klaaraaks saa testing areas, or attend exhibitions and live demonstrations such as drone-assisted surveying and forestry equipment operations.

Alongside the competitions, Taitaja2025 includes two free seminars on global education policy and workplace transformation. The Future of Safety hub will bring together emergency services and security professionals for interactive sessions. The Partner Square will feature presentations by education providers and industry stakeholders.

A special school-level challenge, Taitaja9, will run from 68 May at the Gatorade Center, targeting younger students with fun team-based tasks.

Entry to all venues is free, and the public can reach the area via Turkus Foli bus line 100. Main events are open to visitors on 67 May from 8.0017.00, and on 8 May from 8.0013.00. Both the opening and closing ceremonies will be streamed online.

Taitaja2025 is organised by Skills Finland with local educational and municipal partners and celebrates vocational excellence as a key pillar of the countrys education system and workforce development.

HT
Police in Helsinki evacuated Kaivopuisto park late on May Day Eve after multiple reports of assaults and disorder. The operation began shortly after 10 p.m. and was completed by 11:30 p.m., according to the Helsinki Police Department.

Authorities cited threats to public safety and general order as the reason for the evacuation. Large crowds had gathered in the park to celebrate Vappu, or May Day, a traditional spring festival.
Authorities reported that the situation escalated around Jugendtori Square when approximately 200 counter-demonstrators attempted to disrupt the Blue-and-Black groups White May Day event.

Finnish police detained several individuals on Thursday following clashes between members of the far-right Blue-and-Black Movement and counter-protesters during a May Day procession in central Tampere.

The two groups threw smoke flares, objects and insults at each other. According to police, one flare was thrown toward a tent in a crowded public area but did not ignite.

Police intervened to separate the groups, using projectile launchers as part of crowd-control efforts. The device, in use since 2014, is considered non-lethal and is designed to mark individuals with paint and replicate the impact of a baton strike.

Law enforcement stated that multiple people were taken into custody, though the exact number was not confirmed. Most of those detained appeared to be counter-protesters.

The far-right group had announced its May Day procession earlier in the week and was joined by participants carrying Finnish flags and symbols associated with the extremist Soldiers of Odin. Police estimated the number of Blue-and-Black supporters at 50 to 100.

Many of the counter-protesters held banners and chanted slogans denouncing fascism. A banner at the scene read Tampere Against Fascism.

Police said they took steps to maintain safety due to the presence of large May Day crowds nearby in Keskustori. The throwing of smoke flares and other objects was considered dangerous, officers said in a statement.

The Blue-and-Black Movement previously lost its status as a registered political party in 2024, after the Supreme Administrative Court ruled its platform incompatible with democratic and constitutional principles. The group has since sought re-registration.

After the initial confrontation, the situation in Tamperes city centre calmed, though police maintained a strong presence throughout the day. May Day in Finland is one of the busiest annual events for law enforcement due to large public gatherings and street festivities.

HT
Under the new model, short-term psychotherapy or other psychosocial treatments must begin within 28 days once a healthcare professional has determined the need. The guarantee applies to individuals under the age of 23 and focuses on addressing mild mental health symptoms before they escalate.

A new therapy guarantee aimed at improving low-threshold mental health services for children and young people will come into effect in Helsinki on 1 May 2025.

Efforts centre on providing early interventions through basic healthcare services. Helsinkis social services, healthcare and rescue services, together with the education sector, have prepared for the reform by training staff in short-term interventions.

Support will be available at schools, educational institutions, low-threshold mental health centres known as Mieppe, and family centres. Short interventions offer timely help to prevent issues from becoming more severe.

Mental health services for children and young people have been a priority for Helsinki for some time. The city has worked with various partners to improve access to care, staff training, and public communication.

Help is available without major barriers. Children, young people, and their guardians can seek support through schools, Mieppe centres, maternity and child health clinics, health centres, youth centres, and social services.

Leena Turpeinen, Director of Health and Substance Abuse Services, encouraged open discussion.

"I hope children and young people feel encouraged to talk about the challenges they face. Problems are part of life, but no one needs to face them alone," Turpeinen said.

"Early help is often the most effective," she added.

Comprehensive information about youth mental health and substance abuse services is available at hel.fi/nuortenmieli. The site also offers self-help tips and links to reliable chat services where young people can connect with peers and supportive adults.

HT
"What's that you have in your ear?" my mother asked me.

We were on our way home from a family event in New York City in March 2009. Larry was driving, my sister, Laura, was in the passenger seat and I was sitting in the back with my mom. "This is my iPod. I can listen to music on it," I responded.

"Can I try?"

"Of course!"

I removed the earbuds from my ears and put them in my mother's. Then I scrolled through my playlist. Nearly 90 percent were Broadway musicals. I knew my mom would love them.

For the next two hours, my mom was in Broadway heaven. She zoned out on the music, sometimes singing...
Menachim Begin 1977-1983

A Holocaust survivor, and a religiously educated Jew, Menachim Begins Revisionist approach to Zionism reflected two primary beliefs. First, Judaism had only survived the millennia by embracing its historical teachings. Second, the historical State of Israel included the entirety of Trans-Jordan, modern Palestine, Judea and Samaria, and Gaza. As such, Begin viewed Ben Gurions acquiescence to a Partition of the land as both illegal and unjust, in betrayal of Jewish history, and the product of a European socialist mainstream Zionist. Begins dilemma then became th...
The column name Give a listen was presented to me by comedian Jackie Mason and, of course, in his familiar Yiddish accent. In response to my invitation, he had shown up in a dream in which he also proceeded to expound on many of todays controversial topics. He stayed with me the rest of the next day. Or perhaps his appearance the night before enabled me to better channel his persona. And thus I was able to deal with a number of troubling issues with a sense of humor as I imagined his voice in my head.

Now, before you jump to the conclusion that you are reading the words of a meshugana (craz...
The primary aim of a chronic pain treatment program is to alleviate pain, enhancing the quality of life rather than completely eradicating the pain. Its important to understand that chronic pain cannot be cured with medications like opioids. Opioids can be addictive and may increase your nervous systems sensitivity to pain, reducing pain sensation while increasing pain sensitivity.

Pain management specialists recommend a comprehensive approach to manage chronic pain effectively:

 Consult a Sleep Specialist: Quality sleep is crucial for managing pain.

 Pain Processing Therapy: This form of...
(JNS)  A clay jug estimated to be 1,200 years old, bearing distinctive camel decorations, has been unearthed at the archaeological site of Horvat Anim in the Yatir Forest, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Thursday.

The discovery was made during excavations carried out in cooperation with Keren Kayemeth LeIsraelJewish National Fund as part of a broader initiative to improve public access to the site.

Yatir Forest is located on the southern slopes of the Hebron Hills, near the edge of the Negev Desert in southern Israel.

Dating back to the Abbasid period (9th10th centuries C.E.)...
(JNS)  Some 130 Palestinians left the Gaza Strip through Ramon Airport in southern Israel.

Around 110 Gazans flew to France, while the remainder will settle in Bosnia and Chile, according to Channel 12 News, which cited Israeli officials.

On April 1, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel visited Ramon Airport to inspect the voluntary departure process of Palestinians from Gaza.

Dozens of Gazans were flown to Leipzig, Germany, on a designated flight accompanied by German diplomats today, said the Population and Immigration Authority, part of the Interior Ministry, also on April 1.

Since the begin...
(JNS)  The war against Hamas will not end with hostages in Gaza, period, Danny Danon, Israels ambassador to the United Nations, told the inaugural JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on April 27.

We havent finished the job, declared Danon, a senior member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ruling Likud Party.

The Israeli diplomat addressed the JNS summit just hours after touring the sites of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacre with a group of approximately 30 fellow U.N. ambassadors, he revealed.

Once people are educated, we will go back to the U.N., we will see the i...
(JNS)  Tal Shoham, who was freed from Gaza as part of the hostage deal with Hamas on Feb. 22, revealed that the terrorists had called his wife, freed during previous ceasefire, and threatened to kill him if she talked about her own experiences in captivity.

Adi Shoham was taken hostage during the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre alongside her two young children. They were released after 50 days in captivity as part of the first ceasefire agreement with the terrorist group.

Tal Shoham, a 40-year-old Israeli with dual Austrian citizenship, was abducted from Kibbutz Beeri on Oct. 7 while visiting his wif...
(Israel Hayom via JNS)  Israeli President Isaac Herzog believes the 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip was a strategic error, he told Israel Hayom in an interview, an excerpt from which was published on April 28.

It is clear to me now that the disengagement was a mistake. Not the desire to separate from two million Palestinians  that was logical  but the act itself, which, due to the Palestinian Authoritys weakness, led to a Hamas takeover in Gaza, said the president.

Ahead of Israels 77th Independence Day, Herzog finds himself caught in the middle.

Ive been called the Kaplanist...
(Israel Hayom via JNS) - Freed Hamas hostage Noa Argamani wore a stunning yellow maxi dress, designed by Israeli designer Eli Tala, to the 2025 Time100 Gala in New York on April 26.

Argamani has become one of the most prominent figures in Israel and around the world in recent months, using her public platform to convey one clear message - the urgency of bringing all the remaining hostages home. The 27-year-old was included in TIME magazine's 2025 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

The dress was sewn in just three days before her flight to New York, and Argamani managed to co...
(JNS) - Nefesh B'Nefesh, Friends of the IDF and Jewish National Fund-USA have announced the resumption of "Operation Hug," an initiative that will enable hundreds more families to reunite with lone soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

Amid Israel's ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, thousands of young men and women who made aliyah and are serving in active combat units remain separated from their families abroad. These lone soldiers face unique emotional and logistical challenges, with their parents sharing in the anxiety and burden from afar.

Launched to ease that hardship, "Operati...
(JTA) - In his final public speech, delivered less than 24 hours before his death, Pope Francis addressed the war in Gaza, expressing sympathy for the Palestinian people and calling for an end to the war that includes the release of Israeli hostages.

Francis made the comments in his annual Easter speech, which an archbishop delivered while Francis was seated on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. His comments about the war in Gaza, which Israel and Hamas have been fighting since Oct. 7, 2023, echoed his earlier statements on the conflict:

I would like us to renew our hope that peace i...
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A writer on X named Yehuda Teitelbaum posted a long thread earlier this week about the recently released report by the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias at Harvard University. Teitelbaum was shocked at the incidents described in the report, as were many of those who commented on the thread.

The problem at Harvard, the other Ivies and academia in general isn't antisemitism per se; it is Marxism and the mandated groupthink that accompanies it. Watching adherents of the prevailing ideologies in academia is like watching schools of fish; if someone with the correct status decided it was time to promote Israel rather than denounce it, many of today's most vocal antisemites would switch gears in a heartbeat.

Colleges and universities should encourage independent thinking  and many do. But the antisemitism, violent protests and other societally corrosive theories and behaviors we're witnessing are evidence of indoctrination, not education. They are not proof of independent thought but of ideological conformity. At its worst, that conformity is grounded in a belief in the relativity of "truth" and wedded to a sense of moral superiority. That's why those who fall prey to these tactics are impervious to argument and blind to actual facts; what matters, instead, is adherence to and promotion of the "narrative."

It explains  at least in part  why so many K-12 teachers seem to be suddenly questioning their gender  and insisting that schoolchildren must question theirs  as well as inserting information about every conceivable sexual practice into the curricula of elementary, middle and high schools. (Parents who discover and oppose these practices and sexually explicit materials often find themselves with little recourse except for litigation. Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case in which Maryland parents are challenging the state's policies on the use of LGBTQ books in grade school curricula, will be argued before the United States Supreme Court this year.)

Where do these theories arise? In America's colleges and universities.

It's why some of the country's best-known reporters and journalists now pretend that they didn't see Joe Biden's painfully evident cognitive impairment during the 2020 election and precipitous decline throughout the four years of his presidency and aborted campaign for reelection  or blame it on Biden's inner circle. There was an agenda, and that was to defeat Donald Trump. If that meant lying to the American public and propping up a senile president incapable of performing his duties, so be it.

Most of our media personalities receive their educations at American colleges and universities, where a popular theory is that the role of journalism isn't to report events but to shape them. (Last year, I interviewed Ron Yates, former foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and dean of the College of Media at the University of Illinois. Ron spoke to me extensively on the woeful state of journalism education on this country, and writes on this and other topics on X and Substack.)

Our institutions of higher education have harbored little Marxist indoctrination factories for decades. Thus has the "oppressed versus oppressor" narrative come to permeate virtually every aspect of public discourse: women (assuming you can define them) are oppressed, and men (ditto) are the oppressors; people with gender dysphoria or unusual sexual proclivities are oppressed, while heterosexuals are oppressors; racial minorities (whatever that means in a country where intermarriage is increasingly the norm) are oppressed, while whites are oppressors; knowledge, facts and rationality are oppressive tools of "privilege" that can only be overcome if ignorance and individual perception are valued just as highly.

Whoever is deemed by the theorists du jour to be the "oppressors" must be silenced, demonized, deplatformed and destroyed; everything "oppressed" must be celebrated and promoted. (Dr. Karlyn Borysenko has a great thread on X exposing the content of a recent conference held by the Institute for Research into Male Supremacism. It's a must-read.)

Unfortunately for Jews, the dominant narrative in contemporary academia is that the residents of the tiny country of Israel (smaller in size than the state of Hawai'i; population 9.5 million) are the "oppressors," while the dozen or so Arab countries surrounding Israel are the "oppressed." This, notwithstanding the greater populations of those countries (470 million), their greater land masses, their significantly greater natural resources or the fact that some of their governments want Israel wiped off the map.

The outbreak of antisemitism on college campuses has come as a grievous shock to American Jews, many of whom are graduates of these esteemed educational institutions, teach in them or have donated huge sums of money to them. But Marxism has long engaged its intended victims in their own destruction. A quote apocryphally attributed to Karl Marx and/or Vladimir Lenin goes, "The last capitalist we hang shall be the one who sold us the rope." It doesn't matter whether either man actually said those precise words; the practice is what it has always been.

What is important to understand, therefore, is not why today's target is the Jews; it is the mechanics and machinery, the ideology and infrastructure that permeates academia, all of which has made this phenomenon possible  if not inevitable. Today, it's the Jews, tomorrow it will be some other group.

The antisemitism, outbreaks of campus violence and abject nonsense taught within so many academic programs are among the reasons why college applications are down, and polls show that fewer Americans have confidence in the quality of college education. It is still true that a good college education improves one's future prospects, and that there are plenty of places to obtain a truly good college education. But it is also true that academia has escaped serious scrutiny and real consequences for far too long. The virulent antisemitism on college campuses is only a symptom of deeper concerns; but here's hoping that it is enough to make the public demand profound changes in the way our institutions of higher education are funded and run.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Laura Hollis is an attorney and academic. She resides in Indiana with her husband and their two children.


(JNS)  Politicians, intellectuals and activists agreed on Sunday that applying Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is the only viable path to securing Jewish rights and safety in Israel.

At the inaugural JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, panelists said the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 signaled the dangers of allowing a Palestinian state to be established in Israels biblical heartland. Such a development, they warned, would expose Jewish communities to even greater threats.

Knesset Member Ohad Tal (Religious Zionism Party) argued that by refraining from imposing sovereignty...
(JTA) - OSWIECIM, Poland - At Auschwitz for the annual March of the Living, Maggie Megidish and her daughter, released hostage Ori, stood among a delegation of survivors of both the Holocaust and Oct. 7. The visit stirred memories of their own ordeal.

When a Holocaust survivor spoke of the hunger she endured in the camp, Maggie said she was transported back to the weeks she barely ate, tormented by thoughts of her daughter in captivity.

"With every bite, or every sip of water, I wondered if she, too, was getting any food," she recalled.

Eighty Holocaust survivors were set to take part in this...
(JNS)  U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday requiring colleges and universities to better disclose their funding from foreign sources or risk losing federal funding.

The Higher Education Act of 1965 in part requires institutions of higher education to report significant sources of foreign funding, but since the relevant section has not been robustly enforced, the true amounts, sources and purposes of foreign money flowing to American campuses are unknown, Trump stated.

From 2010 to 2016, according to one study, universities failed to disclose more than half...
(JNS)  Israeli authorities were working on Sunday afternoon (April 27) to rescue around 100 teenagers who were trapped in the Ein Prat Nature Reserve in the Judean Desert after a fire broke out on a popular hiking trail.

Firefighters from the Binyamin Regional Station are currently working on a fire in Nahal Prat, the Israel Fire and Rescue Services said in a statement. According to reports, many hikers remain in the stream, and it is difficult to rescue them. In addition, there is a topographical challenge, making it difficult to reach the center of the blaze.

The effort to rescue the tr...
(JNS)- Massive wildfires sweeping through central Israel have triggered widespread evacuations, road closures, and a full-scale emergency response as flames threaten residential areas near Jerusalem.

The evacuated communities include three moshavs: Eshtaol, Mesilat Zion and Beit Meir and initial estimates speak of at least 3,500 evacuees. The Fire and Rescue Authority has declared a general mobilization across six districts, deploying more than 110 teams, eight firefighting planes and a helicopter.

Police, Border Police and other emergency units remain on the ground, with one Border Police off...
(JNS)  As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany and the liberation of the concentration camps, that terrible chapter of history no longer seems so distant. While there are only 15.7 million Jews among a global population of more than 8 billionstill less than the nearly 17 million who were alive in 1938, the year before World War II broke outthe uninitiated could be forgiven for thinking that the number is at least twice that, given the volume of media and political attention that the Jewish state and Jewish communities outside attract.

The great majority of Je...
By

(JTA)  I vividly remember each of the many times I was fortunate enough to meet with Pope Francis. The initial meeting was in June 2013, when the pontiff welcomed a group of Jewish organizations to the Vatican  the first of many such meetings of his tenure.

We were expecting a large ornate hall, complete with the new pope seated on a royal chair atop a riser. But Francis had not yet (reluctantly) given in to the reality of his position, the one where he led more than a billion Catholics and became, perhaps, the most recognized and influential person on Earth.

Instead, we met in an intimat...
One app, Botify AI, recently drew scrutiny for featuring avatars of young actors sharing "hot photos" in sexually charged chats. The dating app Grindr, meanwhile, is developing AI boyfriends that can flirt, sext and maintain digital relationships with paid users, according to Platformer, a tech industry newsletter.

Grindr didn't respond to a request for comment. And other apps like Replika, Talkie and Chai are designed to function as friends. Some, like Character.ai, draw in millions of users, many of them teenagers. As creators increasingly prioritize "emotional engagement" in their apps, they must also confront the risks of building systems that mimic intimacy and exploit people's vulnerabilities.

The tech behind Botify and Grindr comes from Ex-Human, a San Francisco -based startup that builds chatbot platforms, and its founder believes in a future filled with AI relationships.

"My vision is that by 2030, our interactions with digital humans will become more frequent than those with organic humans," Artem Rodichev, the founder of Ex-Human, said in an interview published on Substack last August.

He added that conversational AI should "prioritize emotional engagement" and that users were spending "hours" with his chatbots, longer than they were on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Rodichev's claims sound wild, but they're consistent with the interviews I've conducted with teen users of Character.ai, most of whom said they were on it for several hours each day. One said they used it as much as seven hours a day. Interactions with such apps tend to last four times longer than the average time spent on OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Even mainstream chatbots, though not explicitly designed as companions, contribute to this dynamic. Take ChatGPT, which has 400 million active users and counting. Its programming includes guidelines for empathy and demonstrating "curiosity about the user." A friend who recently asked it for travel tips with a baby was taken aback when, after providing advice, the tool casually added: "Safe travels  where are you headed, if you don't mind my asking?"

An OpenAI spokesman told me the model was following guidelines around "showing interest and asking follow-up questions when the conversation leans towards a more casual and exploratory nature."

But however well-intentioned the company may be, piling on the contrived empathy can get some users hooked, an issue even OpenAI has acknowledged. That seems to apply to those who are already susceptible: One 2022 study found that people who were lonely or had poor relationships tended to have the strongest AI attachments.

The core problem here is designing for attachment. A recent study by researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute and Google DeepMind warned that as AI assistants become more integrated in people's lives, they'll become psychologically "irreplaceable." Humans will likely form stronger bonds, raising concerns about unhealthy ties and the potential for manipulation. Their recommendation? Technologists should design systems that actively discourage those kinds of outcomes.

Yet disturbingly, the rulebook is mostly empty. The European Union's AI Act, hailed as a landmark and comprehensive law governing AI usage, fails to address the addictive potential of these virtual companions. While it does ban manipulative tactics that could cause clear harm, it overlooks the slow-burn influence of a chatbot designed to be your best friend, lover or "confidante," as Microsoft Corp.'s head of consumer AI has extolled.

That loophole could leave users exposed to systems that are optimized for stickiness, much in the same way social media algorithms have been optimized to keep us scrolling.

"The problem remains these systems are by definition manipulative, because they're supposed to make you feel like you're talking to an actual person," says Tomasz Hollanek, a technology ethics specialist at the University of Cambridge .

He's working with developers of companion apps to find a critical yet counterintuitive solution by adding more "friction." This means building in subtle checks or pauses, or ways of "flagging risks and eliciting consent," he says, to prevent people from tumbling down an emotional rabbit hole without realizing it.

Legal complaints have shed light on some of the real-world consequences. Character.AI is facing a lawsuit from a mother alleging the app contributed to her teenage son's suicide. Tech ethics groups have filed a complaint against Replika with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission , alleging that its chatbots spark psychological dependence and result in "consumer harm."

Lawmakers are gradually starting to notice a problem too. California is considering legislation to ban AI companions for minors, while a New York bill aims to hold tech companies liable for chatbot-related harm. But the process is slow, while the technology is moving at lightning speed.

For now, the power to shape these interactions lies with developers. They can double down on crafting models that keep people hooked, or embed friction into their designs, as Hollanek suggests. That will determine whether AI becomes more of a tool to support the well-being of humans or one that monetizes our emotional needs.

Parmy Olson is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering technology. She previously reported for the Wall Street Journal and Forbes and is the author of "We Are Anonymous."

(COMMENT, BELOW)
India has signed a contract to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France, New Delhi's defence ministry said Monday, with the multi-billion-dollar deal to include both single and twin-seat planes.

When delivered, the jets would join 36 French-made Rafale fighters already acquired by New Delhi as part of its efforts to rapidly modernise its military hardware.

"The governments of India and France have signed an inter-governmental agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale Aircraft," the defence ministry said in a statement.

The jets made by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation are expected to operate from Indian-made aircraft carriers, replacing the Russian MiG-29K jets.

"It includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics" as well as 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, said India's defence ministry.

"It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF)."

The Indian government announced its intention to procure 26 Rafales in 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France for the Bastille Day celebrations.

Despite historical ties with Russia as its key supplier for military equipment, India has diversified in recent years with key purchases including from France as well as from the United States and Israel.

Dassault said that the jets will provide India with "state-of-the-art capabilities" and an "active role in guaranteeing national sovereignty and consolidating India's role as a major international player".

India's navy is the first user outside France of the Rafale Marine jet, the company said.

Monday's deal comes as India's relations with arch-rival Pakistan plummet to fresh lows.

New Delhi has accused Pakistan of backing the deadliest attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir since 2000 -- claims Islamabad denies.

The two countries have exchanged gunfire, diplomatic barbs, expelled each other's citizens and shut border since the April 22 attack, in which 26 men were killed.

Analysts say there is also a serious risk of the crisis turning into a military escalation.

The earlier contract for 36 Rafale aircraft, agreed in 2016, was worth about $9.4 billion.

Many global arms suppliers see the world's most populous nation -- and fifth-largest economy -- a key market.

India has become the world's largest arms importer with purchases steadily rising to account for nearly 10 percent of all imports globally in 2019-23, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said last year.

India has also eyed with worry its northern neighbour China, especially since a deadly 2020 clash between their troops.

That sparked a wave of defence reforms in the country, with both a push for fresh contracts from foreign suppliers and simplified laws to push domestic manufacturing and co-production of critical military hardware.

This decade India has opened an expansive new helicopter factory, launched its first homemade aircraft carrier, and conducted a successful long-range hypersonic missile test.

That in turn has fostered a growing arms export market which saw sales last year worth $2.63 billion -- still a tiny amount compared to established players, but a 30-fold increase in a decade.

India has deepened defence cooperation with Western countries in recent years, including the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan and Australia.
Washington D.C. authorities announced they made an arrest related to the stealing of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's purse at a restaurant on April 20. Another suspect was also arrested in Florida and is being held on an immigration detainer while charges are being finalized, the Secret Service added.

Concretely, Mario Bustamante Leiva was charged with two counts of robbery, although in connection with unrelated incidents that took place in recent weeks. One of them was near the restaurant in which Noem had her purse stolen.

Noem reacted to the development with a statement to The Washington Post, calling Bustamente Leiva a "career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years."

"Unfortunately, so many families in this country have been made victims by crime, and that's why President Trump is working every single day to make America safe and get these criminal aliens off of our streets," she added. The outlet clarified that it was not able to confirm whether the man is in fact an undocumented immigrant.

The theft in question took place when Noem was having dinner at a restaurant in downtown Washington D.C. Officials told CNN that after reviewing security camera footage they saw a white male weaking a surgical mask approach her table, steal her bag and leave the restaurant. The bag had her DHS access card, blank checks, some $3,000 in cash and her passport, among other items.

The Secret Service said Noem was not targeted because of her role in the Trump administration. It described the suspect, which it did not identify as Bustamante Leiva, as a "serial offender." Formal charges could be filed on Monday, revealing the name of the person apprehended in Florida.

Originally published on Latin Times
Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order mandating that all commercial truck drivers in the United States must speak English, calling it a "non-negotiable safety requirement" to protect public roadways.

Federal regulations have long required commercial drivers to have English proficiency, but enforcement has historically been lax, Breitbart reported.

President Trump, who recently issued an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States, is doubling down on language mandates as part of his broader push to promote "shared American culture" and streamline government operations. His administration argues that stronger enforcement of English requirements is necessary for safety and national unity.

"President Trump believes that English is a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers, as they should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety officers, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station personnel, and provide and receive feedback and directions in English," the document reads.

According to a White House document reviewed by Breitbart News, Trump's new order will instruct Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to overhaul inspection procedures to strictly enforce English proficiency among truck drivers.

Drivers who fail to meet language standards could be placed immediately out of service. The directive also orders Duffy to improve CDL (commercial driver's license) authenticity checks and introduce new measures to enhance truckers' working conditions through administrative and regulatory actions.

Originally published on Latin Times
Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Israel of committing a "live-streamed genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza by forcibly displacing most of the population and deliberately creating a humanitarian catastrophe.

In its annual report, Amnesty charged that Israel had acted with "specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, thus committing genocide".

Israel has rejected accusations of "genocide" from Amnesty, other rights groups and some states in its war in Gaza.

The conflict erupted after the Palestinian militant group Hamas's deadly October 7, 2023 attacks inside Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also abducted 251 people, 58 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel in response launched a relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip and a ground operation that according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory has left at least 52,243 dead.

"Since 7 October 2023, when Hamas perpetrated horrific crimes against Israeli citizens and others and captured more than 250 hostages, the world has been made audience to a live-streamed genocide," Amnesty's secretary general Agnes Callamard said in the introduction to the report.

"States watched on as if powerless, as Israel killed thousands upon thousands of Palestinians, wiping out entire multigenerational families, destroying homes, livelihoods, hospitals and schools," she added.

Gaza's civil defence agency said early Tuesday that four people were killed and others injured in an Israeli air strike on displaced persons' tents near the Al-Iqleem area in Southern Gaza.

The agency earlier warned fuel shortages meant it had been forced to suspend eight out of 12 emergency vehicles in Southern Gaza, including ambulances.

The lack of fuel "threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands of citizens and displaced persons in shelter centres," it said in a statement.

Amnesty's report said the Israeli campaign had left most of the Palestinians of Gaza "displaced, homeless, hungry, at risk of life-threatening diseases and unable to access medical care, power or clean water".

Amnesty said that throughout 2024 it had "documented multiple war crimes by Israel, including direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks".

It said Israel's actions forcibly displaced 1.9 million Palestinians, around 90 percent of Gaza's population, and "deliberately engineered an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe".

Even as protesters hit the streets in Western capitals, "the world's governments individually and multilaterally failed repeatedly to take meaningful action to end the atrocities and were slow even in calling for a ceasefire".

Meanwhile, Amnesty also sounded alarm over Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank, and repeated an accusation that Israel was employing a system of "apartheid".

"Israel's system of apartheid became increasingly violent in the occupied West Bank, marked by a sharp increase in unlawful killings and state-backed attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian civilians," it said.

Heba Morayef, Amnesty director for the Middle East and North Africa region, denounced "the extreme levels of suffering that Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to endure on a daily basis over the past year" as well as "the world's complete inability or lack of political will to put a stop to it".
The United States and Ukraine said Wednesday they could sign a long-anticipated minerals deal within the day, with Kyiv saying it secured promises of control over its resources.

President Donald Trump has demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth, vital to new technologies, after demanding compensation for the billions of dollars in US weapons sent since Russia invaded just over three years ago.

After initial hesitation, Ukraine has accepted a minerals accord as a way to secure long-term investment by the United States, as Trump tries to drastically scale back US security commitments around the world.

"Our side is ready to sign. The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a White House cabinet meeting led by Trump.

"We're sure that they will reconsider that, and we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are," he said.

In Kyiv, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said that Ukraine also expected the deal to be signed within "the next 24 hours."

"This is truly a good, equal and beneficial international agreement on joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine," Shmygal said on national television.

In a post on Telegram, Shmygal said that the two countries would establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund with each side having 50 percent voting rights.

"Ukraine retains full control over its subsoil, infrastructure and natural resources," he said.

Meeting a key concern for Ukraine, he said Ukraine would not be asked to pay back any "debt" for the billions of dollars in US weapons and other support since Russia invaded in February 2022.

"The fund's profits will be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine," he said.

Trump had originally sought $500 billion in mineral wealth -- around four times what the United States has contributed to Ukraine since the war.

Trump has balked at offering security guarantees to Ukraine and has rejected its aspiration to join NATO.

But Trump said on Wednesday that a US presence on the ground would benefit Ukraine.

"The American presence will, I think, keep a lot of bad actors out of the country or certainly out of the area where we're doing the digging," Trump said at the cabinet meeting.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday threatened that the Trump administration would give up on mediation on the conflict -- which Trump had vowed during the campaign to end on his first day in office -- unless the two sides come forward with "concrete proposals."

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.

Zelensky had been due to sign the minerals agreement at the White House but was abruptly shown the door after the stunning on-camera feud.

Ukraine holds some five percent of the world's mineral resources and rare earths, according to various estimates. But work has not yet started on tapping many of the resources and many sites are in territory now controlled by Russian forces.

Notably, Ukraine has around 20 percent of the world's graphite, an essential material for electric batteries, according to France's Bureau of Geological and Mining Research.

Ukraine is also a major producer of manganese and titanium, and says it possesses the largest lithium deposits in Europe.

Russia controls about 20 percent of Ukraine's territory after more than three years of brutal fighting that has killed tens of thousands including civilians.

Ukraine launched a surprise incursion last August into Russia's Kursk region. Moscow claimed to have fully cleared out Ukrainian forces over the weekend.

Russia said Wednesday that 288 civilians died during the Kursk incursion.
The News in Brief Thursday, May 1, 2025

The 5th President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili has delivered a scathing critique of the current government, condemning recent searches conducted at the homes of several fund managers as symptomatic of an increasingly repressive and unstable regime.Speaking at a briefing, Zourabichvili described the raids as "completely unthinkable in a normal country," asserting that Georgia no longer meets the standards of democratic governance. "These repressions in all aspects that have been carried out in recent months are an indicator that the regime is actually unable to cope with the situation and is only trying to consolidate itself through this," she said.Zourabichvili argued that internal instability is growing within the ruling elite. "Fluctuations relating to the regime continue and are getting stronger. People are leaving, including those from the innermost circle," Zourabichvili noted, suggesting that the gradual departure of key figures is a classic sign of a regime approaching collapse.The President also emphasized the significance of international sanctions, stating that their most serious impact is on those closest to the center of power-individuals with significant financial resources. "The first person, with his enormous wealth, is isolated and can no longer benefit from these finances," she said, in a clear reference to billionaire ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, without naming him directly.At the European People's Party (EPP) Congress, Tina Bokuchava, Chairwoman of Unity - National Movement, delivered a speech condemning "Kremlin-backed repression" in Georgia and calling for targeted European sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and his allies.Bokuchava began her address with a reminder: one seat in the Georgian delegation remained empty, the seat of former President Mikheil Saakashvili. "A man who stood up to Putin in 2008, who did not surrender Georgia's sovereignty," she said. "For that courage, he is now in his fourth year in political prison under a Russian-backed regime."She warned that while Vladimir Putin wages a conventional war in Ukraine, Georgia is facing a hybrid assault. Citing widespread protests sparked by the government's suspension of EU integration, announced after what she called "fraudulent elections", Bokuchava detailed a harsh crackdown by the ruling regime, including arrests, violence, home raids, and what she described as torture of detainees.Despite 153 consecutive days of protests, Bokuchava emphasized the Georgian people's determination to remain on a European path, stating, "The heart of Europe still beats in Tbilisi." She called on Europe to act decisively, stressing that "in the Georgian context, action means sanctions" specifically against Ivanishvili and his allies."Putinist regimes thrive on complacency and division," Bokuchava warned. "Europe must lead with unity and decisive action."
Zleep Hotels, has officially entered the German market with the opening of its first hotel in the country: Zleep Hotel Frankfurt Airport Kelsterbach. This marks a milestone for the Danish brand, known for combining Scandinavian design with affordable, high-quality accommodations.

A Scandinavian-inspired experience

The new Zleep Hotel, located just a short distance from Frankfurt am Main International Airport, offers guests a design that reflects the Danish tradition of simplicity and functionality. With a focus on high-quality natural materials, clear shapes, and warm lighting, the hotel creates a welcoming, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.

The lobby area, designed as a meeting place, includes a snack bar and lounge area where guests can relax, work, or enjoy a cozy drink. The hotel's 175 rooms offer modern, comfortable amenities, making it a suiteable choice for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is also perfectly suited for flight crews due to its close proximity to the airport.

Location and services

Zleep Hotel Frankfurt Airport Kelsterbach boasts a prime location near the airport, offering a free shuttle service for easy access to and from Frankfurt International Airport. Additionally, the nearby Kelsterbach city train station provides quick connections to Frankfurt city center, making it a convenient option for those visiting the city or traveling internationally.

Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's modern fitness room and on-site parking facilities. These added amenities enhance the overall guest experience, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay.

Plans for further expansion

Zleep Hotels is expanding across Europe, with more locations planned in the future. The brand's growth is particularly focused on the franchise segment, leveraging efficient operations and systems. Zleep Hotels benefits from its partnership with the H Rewards loyalty program, offering access to a large customer base across Europe, which helps drive its expansion efforts in Germany and beyond.

The hotel's opening marks the beginning of Zleep Hotels' expansion into Germany, with plans for further growth across Europe. As the brand continues to expand, it is set to redefine affordable hospitality with high-quality, design-focused accommodations that cater to a wide range of travelers.

Hotel website
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection proudly announces several strategic appointments and internal promotions across its global sales team, underscoring the brand's ongoing investment in commercial growth and its commitment to delivering best-in-class service to travel partners worldwide. These updates follow the company's most successful WAVE season to date and come ahead of the highly anticipated debut of Luminara, its newest superyacht, launching this July.

Harold Torres has been elevated to Vice President, Charters & Incentives, where he will lead the sales strategy and execution for Meetings, Incentives, Charters, and Events (MICE) as a key member of the commercial executive team. Since joining the company in 2023 as Market Director of Sales, Groups, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the brand's presence in the groups and incentives space.
Premier, an end-to-end architecture, interior design, procurement, project management, and corporate engineering firm with specialization in hospitality, multi-family residential, student housing, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use development, is pleased to celebrate the completion of its Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel project. More than an impressive property-wide renovation, the project is also notable on account of its success as a historic hotel conservation and brand conversion project, seeing Premier convert one of New Orleans oldest independent hotels into the newest member of Marriotts Tribute Collection. Premier provided interior design, procurement, corporate engineering, and project management expertise on the project.

Premiers conversion adds owner value and repositions the Le Pavillon as New Orleans newest must-visit upscale boutique destination

Premier has a long-standing relationship with the Le Pavillon. Built in 1907 and listed on the register of Historic Hotels of America, Premier originally led the extensive and iterative renovation of the property between 2015 and 2019, restoring the historic 118-year-old hotel and reestablishing its standing as one of New Orleans luxury destinations. Most recently, and starting in 2020, Premier was commissioned to lead the ambitious conversion of the iconic independent property to a Tribute Portfolio boutique soft-branded hotel. As part of the $19 million conversion, Premier led the modernization of the hotels lobby, bar, destination restaurant, 226 guestrooms, public spaces, 10,000 sf of event space, and exterior entrance experience.

Beyond thoroughly renovating and repositioning the hotel, Premiers conversion of Le Pavillon to a Tribute Portfolio hotel created additional value for its owners Ashford Hospitality Trust. Setting the hotel apart from other luxury destinations in New Orleans, Premier designed a collection of six premium and uniquely styled suites for the new Le Pavillon, each unabashedly embracing the most iconic motifs that define The Big Easy. Amongst the suites, The Napoleon Suite is a maximal expression of the French Quarters classic French Colonial regency, featuring a bathroom with ornate gilded vanity mirrors, marble counters, checkered floors, and a stained-glass window over a massive Carrera marble bathtub reputed to once belong to the French Emperor himself. In The Frenchman Suite, New Orleans notoriety as the birthplace and heart of Americas musical traditions inspires the space by way of a baby grand piano and feature wall clad in classic vinyl records, sheet music, and concert playbills from the jazz and blues clubs along nearby Frenchman Street. Elsewhere, The Bourbon Suite  furnished with tufted leather sofas and wing chairs, antler chandeliers, and a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf  exudes classic luxury with a contemporary flair in homage to Bourbon Streets origins, while The St. Charles Suite  with picture frame molded wall treatments, crystal chandeliers, and modern silver and glass furniture  captures a stylish expression of classic French chateau charm.

The addition of the suites, in-part requiring the assembly of multiple smaller guestrooms into larger units across multiple floors, was made possible through the technical expertise of Premiers Corporate Engineering and Project Management teams.

Premiers designturns history on its head with a modern interpretation of New Orleans French Colonial opulence

Key to the success of Le Pavillon New Orleans conversion was Premiers ingenious fusion of classic Regence Period extravagance with the contemporary luxurious aesthetic that defines Tribute Portfolio destinations. Led by a vision to turn history on its head, Premiers Interior Design team masterfully incorporated antique furniture, 19th century European artwork, and globally sourced reclaimed building materials, and balanced them with modern and sophisticated accents to bring the hotels historical spaces into the present era. The result is a collection of subtly ostentatious spaces imbued with the French Quarters colonial flair, all expressed with a luxurious and contemporary narrative that captures the authentic New Orleans experience.

In the lobby, the space is defined by its accents. Popping-off the background of matte white walls and ceilings, a mix of tufted antique and contemporary furniture in hues of royal purple and gold are framed from above by gold friezes that outline the recessed ceilings. Dramatic white columns serve as anchors for built-in furniture, while luscious rugs in deeper hues of purple and gold define the lobbys spaces otherwise. Crystal chandeliers with an avant-garde flair emphasize the hotels French Colonial inspiration. Elsewhere throughout the lobby, contemporary art juxtaposed alongside original Claude Lorrain artworks from the late 1600s underscore Premiers French Colonial meets modern design program for the hotel. As part of the curated collection, many of the artworks are inverted, literally turning history on its head, underscoring Premiers design vision for the hotel.

Further into the lobby, Bar 1803 is a local destination unto itself. Inspired by the rich color and layered complexity of the Sazerac  the ruby-hued cocktail born in NOLA nearly two centuries ago  Premiers design program effectively creates a luxurious speakeasy that authentically serves as the cocktails spiritual home. Floor-to-ceiling velvet drapery in hues of ruby and amber enrobe every wall, custom rope lights create a sultry atmosphere, while slate-colored marble with cream and merlot highlights span the floor and frame the vertical surfaces of the bar. Named after the year Napoleon signed the Louisiana Purchase, a venue-defining lenticular art piece depicting two sides of The Little Emperor  a serious Napoleon and a spirited Napoleon  anchors the space behind the bar.

In the hotels guestrooms, Le Pavillons modern expression of French Colonial opulence continues. Although rooms are individually styled and subtly unique from one to the next, common design elements unify the guest experience from space to space. In king rooms, tufted leather headboards, molded feature walls with room-wide avant-garde expressions of French Romantic paintings, and recessed ceilings painted in colors perfectly matched to the rooms soft goods complete the spaces. In larger rooms, original 19th century Rococo Revival beds  many manufactured by famed woodworker C. Lee and some featuring canopies draped in velvet and corduroy  literally envelope guests in the lavish design program. In guest bathrooms, gilded French Louis-style framed mirrors and fabric wall coverings in fleur-de-lis patterns extend the interior design program into the private spaces.

About Premier

Dallas-based Premier is a full-service firm with over 30 years of expertise across architecture, interior design, procurement, project management, construction development, and contract administration. With all services yielded under one roof, Premier's team is in constant pursuit of finding innovative solutions to the hospitality, multi-family, and student housing industry's increasingly complex problems. From straightforward soft goods refreshes to transformative custom designs for renovations, redevelopments, and new developments, Premier's team of professionals is dedicated to excellence across a multitude of market sectors. From concept to completion, Premier provides consultative services that are unmatched, bringing our clients' vision for the built environment to life. For more information visit www.premierpm.com.

Franklin Pinerua

Chief Commercial Officer

Premier
Cendyn, a global integrated hotel technology and services company, announced today several enhancements and innovations in its revenue management products, Guestrev and Grouprev. Additional integrations and partnerships with companies such as Amadeus and Agilisys demonstrate the companys commitment to driving revenue and growing profitability.

From AI to total revenue optimization to rising costs and economic uncertainty, hotel revenue leaders are tasked with embracing advanced strategies and technologies to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly challenging and dynamic business environment.

Cendyns ongoing commitment to its revenue management products has resulted in significant updates to help revenue managers solve challenges such as increasing ancillary revenue. Cendyn Guestrev offers dynamic pricing recommendations by room category and market segment, allowing hoteliers and casino operators to evaluate and understand a propertys mix of revenue and profit centers while employing the most accurate valuation of a guests true revenue potential at the segment level.

To provide a deeper understanding of future demand through pace and forecasts at the distribution channel level, Guestrev now offers access to enriched lost business data from Cendyn Central Reservation System (CRS)/Booking Engine. Hoteliers are now able to track when rates were changed, who made the update, when they were sent to the PMS, and whether the PMS accepted the rate change through historical rate changes. Additionally, they can now effortlessly search, view, sort, and filter by segment and date of arrival.

Cendyn product teams have been hard at work developing and enhancing our revenue management products to help customers grow revenue with every guest, whether they are independent hotels, casinos, or brand properties. By revolutionizing profit optimization for hotels and casinos, Cendyns revenue management solutions offer unparalleled insights and flexibility. Our commitment to innovation and growth helps our customers navigate a seamless technology path that drives commercial success. Kevin Duncan, SVP of product, Cendyn

For casino resort revenue managers, updates to Guestrev reduce manual efforts by auto-populating price recommendations to streamline pricing. When overriding the transient rate, all control segment values update automatically, saving time by reducing manual effort and preventing revenue loss from pricing errors.

Cendyn Grouprev is a group forecasting tool built using the core elements of Cendyn Guestrevs transient forecast tools. It provides an unconstrained view and projections into group business at the micro-segment level. New competitor shop weightings provide insights into competitor pricing and help group sales managers make more intelligent pricing decisions depending on market occupancy and seasonality.

Cendyn continues its dedication to seamless vendor integration and the elimination of data silos in a highly fragmented industry. Ongoing partnerships have resulted in integrations with Agilysys and Amadeus. To enable faster access to PMS data, Guestrev customers can now leverage a two-way integration with the Agilysys Versa property management system to allow quicker access to PMS data. For its Grouprev customers, an Amadeus Delphi.FDC integration eliminates the need for multiple vendors and drives speedier response times to RFPs.

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions. Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests, drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions.

Cendyn has over 35,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India. To find out more, visit cendyn.com

Kim Dearborn

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It is with great sadness that we confirm the unexpected death of Martijn van der Woude, VP Global Business Development and Marketing of PPDS, who passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Monday 21 April 2025.

A colleague, a dear friend, and a true business leader, Martijn has been an intrinsic, highly regarded and respected member of the PPDS and wider TPV Technology team since 2019. He will be remembered as a transformational and entrepreneurial enabler  a champion in the AV community globally. Martijn will be truly missed by us all.

In his private life, a pilot in every sense of the word, a devoted husband and father with a love for the skies. Our thoughts are with all in Martijns family.

About PPDS

PPDS is a trading name of TP Vision Europe B.V. ("TP Vision") and MMD-Monitors & Displays Nederland B.V. ("MMD"), registered in the Netherlands, with their head offices in Amsterdam. TP Vision and MMD are wholly owned subsidiaries of TPV Technology Limited ("TPV"), the world's largest manufacturer of monitors and a leading provider of display solutions.

PPDS exclusively markets and sells Philips Professional Displays, covering professional TVs, digital signage and direct view LED solutions, worldwide under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V.

By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV's manufacturing expertise in displays, PPDS employs a competitive and focused approach to bring innovative products to market  from its 10" touchscreen through to unlimited direct view LED displays. Designing solutions that make a positive impact, both for resellers and for end customers  at the right time and in the right places.
At Japans Expo 2025, UN Tourism highlighted the key role of innovation and education for driving transformation and female empowerment in the sector.

Welcoming around 28 million visitors from more than 150 countries, the Expo serves as a leading global platform for ideas and solutions, with an emphasis on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In Osaka, UN Tourism hosted two official forums, uniting public and private sector leaders to focus on key priorities for the sector.

At Expo 25, we are proud to show that tourism is more than a sectorit is a catalyst for sustainable development, social inclusion, and tech advancement. At UN Tourism, we are placing womens talent at the heart of this journey, supporting the creativity, leadership, and resilience of women across the globe. We also prioritize investments. We work to ensure every dollar invested contributes to a greener, fairer, and more resilient future. UN Tourism Director of Innovation, Education and Investment Antonio Lopez De Avila

Womens empowerment in tourism

The Celebrating Female Founders Forum (April 28) was dedicated to highlighting female-led innovation, promoting inclusion in tourism technology, and emphasizing the importance of mentorship networks. The event made clear the critical role women play in the tech startup ecosystem, exploring strategies for overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities to create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

The programme featured opening remarks from representatives of the United Nations at Expo 2025, the Japan Tourism Agency, and UN Tourism. A key panel gathered senior female executives from leading travel groups, digital tourism platforms, and international hospitality companies. The discussion explored how innovation, inclusion, and strategic leadership are transforming the tourism sector, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity, and market access.

In a vibrant pitching round, female founders from Japan (ByFood), Korea (NomadHer), the United Arab Emirates (Xenios Academy), SAR, China (Shake to Win), and the United States (Greether) presented forward-looking business models, showcasing how women are connecting technology with sustainable growth and social impact.

Investments for the future

Between 2019 and 2024, the Asia-Pacific region attracted a total of 442 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the tourism sector, with an estimated capital expenditure of USD 37.55 billion. These investments resulted in over 77,000 direct jobs and involved 274 companies across various destinations. Japan accounted for 33 FDI projects, totalling an investment of USD 2.57 billion.

Recognizing this potential, UN Tourism hosted the Global Tourism Investment Forum  Co-creating Culture for the Future (April 29). The forum emphasized on key investment trends and strategies for sustainable, community-centred tourism growth. As well as a Fireside Chat moderated by Nikkei Inc, platforming local voices such as Kiraku Inc or a community led initiative from Vanuatu, a high-level dialogue emphasized the role of investment as a driver of sustainable and inclusive growth. The discussions benefitted from the participation of private sector leaders, including executives from JTB, Kansai Airports, Plug and Play Japan, Hyatt, Destination Capital and Dossen and guided by Travel Voice Japan.

As the Forum came to a close, participants were reminded that tourism investment goes beyond infrastructure and capitalit is fundamentally about people, culture, and long-term impact. From heritage-led models to innovation-driven partnerships, the sessions demonstrated that shaping the future of tourism demands vision, collaboration, and a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

About UN Tourism

UN Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members. The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council takes all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly. UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The election for Secretary General will be in May 2025.

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Executive Summary

The overall hotel occupancy rate increased by 0.4% year-over-year in Q1 as demand growth of 1.0% outpaced supply growth of 0.6%.

A 1.9% increase in average daily rate (ADR), coupled with the slight increase in occupancy, led to a 2.2% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR). Increased business travel in Q1 due to Easter falling in Q2 this year was partially offset by an 11.6% decline in inbound international travelers in March.

Demand for lodging alternatives grew at a faster rate than that for traditional hotels. Short-term rentals and cruise lines saw demand growth of 45% and 9%, respectively, from Q1 2019 levels.

Hotel wage growth matched the national average of 4% in Q1. Job openings per hotel fell nearly 9% to 15 from 17.

Occupancy rates for all location types continued to lag those of Q1 2019; however, except for resorts, they all had increased occupancy year-over-year in Q1. Urban locations were at 92% of 2019 levels, while interstate locations were the closest to pre-pandemic levels at 99.5%.

The Super Bowl boosted RevPAR growth in New Orleans, while Tampa's RevPAR was buoyed by hurricane relief efforts. After Columbus, Washington, D.C. and West Palm Beach rounded out the top five RevPAR growth markets in Q1 2025, likely due to demand driven by the presidential inauguration.

Download the full report

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

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In the lead up to the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 taking place later this 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 Arabias giga projects, visionary in scale and bold in ambition, have captured the imagination of global investors and travelers alike. Destinations such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project are set to redefine tourism on a global scale, anchoring the Kingdom as a must-visit destination by 2030.

Yet as these flagship projects gain momentum, many developers, operators, and investors wonder what will happen next.

The answer lies in shifting from exceptional vision statements to scalable, inclusive growth developments that support national tourism goals, serve diverse market segments, and generate returns beyond the giga zones. This is where the next phase of hospitality opportunity emerges: midscale brands, lifestyle hotels, secondary cities, urban expansion, serviced living, and resort development across the country.

A Broader Canvas for Investment

While mega-projects attract international attention, Saudi Arabias hospitality future will be equally defined by its secondary and tertiary cities such as Abha, Taif, Tabuk, Al Ahsa and Hail, to name a few, offering more destinations rich in culture, natural beauty, and economic potential.

These cities are experiencing infrastructure uplift and welcoming a new wave of domestic and regional tourism. The appetite for midscale and upper-midscale hotels is rising, for affordable yet high-quality offerings that can serve families, pilgrims, business travelers, and digital nomads. These pillars will sustain year-round demand and community engagement, supporting Vision 2030s goal of 150 million annual visitors by 2030.

Midscale Is the Missing Middle

Historically underrepresented, the midscale and budget segments are now emerging as the growth engine of the future. These brands strike the balance between cost-efficiency and experience-driven stays. For investors, they offer faster construction timelines, optimized operating models, and strong adaptability to new markets.

From an operators perspective, midscale and budget properties can be tailored to local contexts, whether a culturally inspired hotel in Taif, a business hub in Yanbu, or a lifestyle hotel on Al Khobars waterfront. With evolving travel preferences and budget-conscious exploration, midscale is not a compromise, its a catalyst.

Serviced Apartments: The Silent Giant

As Saudi Arabia becomes increasingly attractive to long-stay travelers, be it for work or extended family visits, serviced apartments are gaining traction as a resilient and profitable asset class, in fact the most attractive hospitality real estate investment model in the industry.

These developments are well-suited for key urban hubs such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as emerging corridors near economic zones and giga projects. They offer flexibility, privacy, and convenience features that the modern traveler increasingly values. For investors, they represent lower development cost, less operational intensity, high occupancy potential across diverse guest profiles and ultimately higher profitability margins and returns.

Resorts and Leisure Beyond the Icons

Beyond the mega-resorts, there is a vast opportunity to develop scaled-down, sustainable resort models across the Kingdoms coastline, mountains, and desert landscapes. These resorts can deliver returns not just through tourism but through community inclusion, local hiring, and eco-conscious operations.

Urban Growth in Primary Cities

Saudi Arabias major cities, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, remain core to the hospitality strategy. However, the focus is evolving from flagship luxury to mixed-use developments, lifestyle brands, and business hotels catering to the needs of a diversifying economy.

The hospitality offered in these cities is expanding to meet the needs of domestic tourism, MICE, healthcare, and education sectors that underpin consistent demand and long-term growth.

Vision, Meet Value

In the post-giga era, Saudi Arabias hospitality sector must evolve from iconic showcases to inclusive, accessible, and scalable development.

The future is about building where the spotlight shines, where the everyday traveler finds value, where investors see sustainable returns, and where communities feel the impact.

The Giga projects are a bold beginning. But the next chapter, which makes tourism a cornerstone of national transformation, will be written in the heart of every city, region, and travelers journey.

Anne Bleeker

In2 Consulting

+971 56 603 0886

The Bench
Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier

Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel - Image Credit Premier



Premier provided interior design, procurement, corporate engineering, and project management expertise on the conversion, delivering a contemporary boutique destination inspired by the French Quarters classic opulence

Premier, an end-to-end architecture, interior design, procurement, project management, and corporate engineering firm with specialization in hospitality, multi-family residential, student housing, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use development, is pleased to celebrate the completion of its Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel project. More than an impressive property-wide renovation, the project is also notable on account of its success as a historic hotel conservation and brand conversion project, seeing Premier convert one of New Orleans oldest independent hotels into the newest member of Marriotts Tribute Collection. Premier provided interior design, procurement, corporate engineering, and project management expertise on the project.

Premiers conversion adds owner value and repositions the Le Pavillon as New Orleans newest must-visit upscale boutique destination

Premier has a long-standing relationship with the Le Pavillon. Built in 1907 and listed on the register of Historic Hotels of America, Premier originally led the extensive and iterative renovation of the property between 2015 and 2019, restoring the historic 118-year-old hotel and reestablishing its standing as one of New Orleans luxury destinations. Most recently, and starting in 2020, Premier was commissioned to lead the ambitious conversion of the iconic independent property to a Tribute Portfolio boutique soft-branded hotel. As part of the $19 million conversion, Premier led the modernization of the hotels lobby, bar, destination restaurant, 226 guestrooms, public spaces, 10,000 sf of event space, and exterior entrance experience.

Beyond thoroughly renovating and repositioning the hotel, Premiers conversion of Le Pavillon to a Tribute Portfolio hotel created additional value for its owners Ashford Hospitality Trust. Setting the hotel apart from other luxury destinations in New Orleans, Premier designed a collection of six premium and uniquely styled suites for the new Le Pavillon, each unabashedly embracing the most iconic motifs that define The Big Easy. Amongst the suites, The Napoleon Suite is a maximal expression of the French Quarters classic French Colonial regency, featuring a bathroom with ornate gilded vanity mirrors, marble counters, checkered floors, and a stained-glass window over a massive Carrera marble bathtub reputed to once belong to the French Emperor himself. In The Frenchman Suite, New Orleans notoriety as the birthplace and heart of Americas musical traditions inspires the space by way of a baby grand piano and feature wall clad in classic vinyl records, sheet music, and concert playbills from the jazz and blues clubs along nearby Frenchman Street. Elsewhere, The Bourbon Suite  furnished with tufted leather sofas and wing chairs, antler chandeliers, and a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf  exudes classic luxury with a contemporary flair in homage to Bourbon Streets origins, while The St. Charles Suite  with picture frame molded wall treatments, crystal chandeliers, and modern silver and glass furniture  captures a stylish expression of classic French chateau charm.

The addition of the suites, in-part requiring the assembly of multiple smaller guestrooms into larger units across multiple floors, was made possible through the technical expertise of Premiers Corporate Engineering and Project Management teams.

Premiers design turns history on its head with a modern interpretation of New Orleans French Colonial opulence

Key to the success of Le Pavillon New Orleans conversion was Premiers ingenious fusion of classic Regence Period extravagance with the contemporary luxurious aesthetic that defines Tribute Portfolio destinations. Led by a vision to turn history on its head, Premiers Interior Design team masterfully incorporated antique furniture, 19th century European artwork, and globally sourced reclaimed building materials, and balanced them with modern and sophisticated accents to bring the hotels historical spaces into the present era. The result is a collection of subtly ostentatious spaces imbued with the French Quarters colonial flair, all expressed with a luxurious and contemporary narrative that captures the authentic New Orleans experience.

In the lobby, the space is defined by its accents. Popping-off the background of matte white walls and ceilings, a mix of tufted antique and contemporary furniture in hues of royal purple and gold are framed from above by gold friezes that outline the recessed ceilings. Dramatic white columns serve as anchors for built-in furniture, while luscious rugs in deeper hues of purple and gold define the lobbys spaces otherwise. Crystal chandeliers with an avant-garde flair emphasize the hotels French Colonial inspiration. Elsewhere throughout the lobby, contemporary art juxtaposed alongside original Claude Lorrain artworks from the late 1600s underscore Premiers French Colonial meets modern design program for the hotel. As part of the curated collection, many of the artworks are inverted, literally turning history on its head, underscoring Premiers design vision for the hotel.

Further into the lobby, Bar 1803 is a local destination unto itself. Inspired by the rich color and layered complexity of the Sazerac  the ruby-hued cocktail born in NOLA nearly two centuries ago  Premiers design program effectively creates a luxurious speakeasy that authentically serves as the cocktails spiritual home. Floor-to-ceiling velvet drapery in hues of ruby and amber enrobe every wall, custom rope lights create a sultry atmosphere, while slate-colored marble with cream and merlot highlights span the floor and frame the vertical surfaces of the bar. Named after the year Napoleon signed the Louisiana Purchase, a venue-defining lenticular art piece depicting two sides of The Little Emperor  a serious Napoleon and a spirited Napoleon  anchors the space behind the bar.

In the hotels guestrooms, Le Pavillons modern expression of French Colonial opulence continues. Although rooms are individually styled and subtly unique from one to the next, common design elements unify the guest experience from space to space. In king rooms, tufted leather headboards, molded feature walls with room-wide avant-garde expressions of French Romantic paintings, and recessed ceilings painted in colors perfectly matched to the rooms soft goods complete the spaces. In larger rooms, original 19th century Rococo Revival beds  many manufactured by famed woodworker C. Lee and some featuring canopies draped in velvet and corduroy  literally envelope guests in the lavish design program. In guest bathrooms, gilded French Louis-style framed mirrors and fabric wall coverings in fleur-de-lis patterns extend the interior design program into the private spaces.

About Premier

Dallas-based Premier is a full-service firm with over 30 years of expertise across architecture, interior design, procurement, project management, construction development, and contract administration. With all services yielded under one roof, Premiers team is in constant pursuit of finding innovative solutions to the hospitality, multi-family, and student housing industrys increasingly complex problems. From straightforward soft goods refreshes to transformative custom designs for renovations, redevelopments, and new developments, Premiers team of professionals is dedicated to excellence across a multitude of market sectors. From concept to completion, Premier provides consultative services that are unmatched, bringing our clients vision for the built environment to life. For more information visit www.premierpm.com.
Hilton to Open First Tempo by Hilton Hotel in Canada in 2028



Hilton has announced that it will open its first Tempo by Hilton hotel in Canada, as part of a franchise agreement with the Inspiration Group. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2028 near Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Hilton has announced plans to establish its first Tempo by Hilton hotel in Canada. This announcement followed the signing of a franchise agreement for the new-build hotel, Tempo by Hilton Toronto Airport. The property, which is expected to open in 2028, is locally owned and developed by the Toronto-based Inspiration Group.

The upcoming Tempo by Hilton Toronto Airport will be a 193-room property in a multi-use complex with convenient access to Toronto Pearson International Airport.

This addition to Hilton's portfolio supports the company's continuous expansion in Canada, where it operates over 190 hotels and has nearly 110 properties in various stages of development. This year, the company is projected to surpass 200 hotels.

The new hotel will be approximately 25 kilometers from downtown Toronto and will be designed by Khalsa Design. The 16-story building will house 193 guest rooms, including four suites. The hotel will offer a Power Down in-room experience that provides an optimal sleep environment, facilitating guests to restore balance after a day of travel. In addition to standard rooms, Tempo Wellness guest rooms equipped with Peloton equipment will also be available.

To accommodate guests who aim to maintain their wellness routines, the property will feature a variety of dining options, an expansive fitness center, a recovery zone, and an indoor pool. Moreover, the hotel will have over 3,000 square feet of meeting space.

Once opened, Tempo by Hilton Toronto Airport will join Hiltons expanding portfolio in key global cities, including New York, Nashville, Belfast, Reykjavik, and Lisbon. This opening aligns with the companys objective to double its Lifestyle portfolio by 2028.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas-Bedford Development Project - Image Credit HVS



HVS Brokerage & Advisory presents an exclusive opportunity to acquire a 1.34-acre development site in Dallas-Bedford, fully entitled to develop a 79-key Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel.

Details of the Development Project

The Bedford submarket of Dallas offers a unique opportunity to invest in a strategically located 1.34-acre development site. The site is fully entitled for a 79-key Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel, a brand known for its consistent experience, value-rich essentials, and considered design.

This development opportunity is even more appealing because it is rare to find a Holiday Inn Express development opportunity, especially in the high-barriers-to-entry DallasFort Worth Metroplex market. The successful investor can expect a new, long-term, 20-year franchise agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

Booking and Reservations

In 2023, IHG's booking channels represented an average of 86.4% of Holiday Inn Express reservations, with IHG One Rewards generating an average of 59.4% of bookings at Holiday Inn Express hotels. The IHG Rewards Club loyalty program, one of the largest in the hotel industry, serves over 100 million enrolled members worldwide and is an effective tool for driving customers to IHG hotels and enhancing brand loyalty.

Market Fundamentals and Projections

The STR Trend Report reveals strong market fundamentals. The Bedford submarket achieved occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) levels of 61.6% and $98.76, respectively, resulting in $60.97 RevPAR for the trailing-twelve-month (TTM) period ending March 2025.

HVS's pro-forma projections anticipate that once developed, the hotel will generate rooms revenue exceeding $2.9 million, with a net operating income (NOI) flow-through of over $1,150,000, resulting in a RevPAR of over $102.

Location and Demand Generators

The development site is strategically located near the interchange of State Highways 121 and 183, close to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Major attractions like Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Globe Life Rangers Ballpark, and Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium are less than 20 minutes away.

Additionally, several corporate demand generators are nearby, including Texas Health HEB Hospital, State National Companies, Legacy Housing Corporation, and the Carter BloodCare Bedford office.

Bedford Market Expansion

Bedford is an important DallasFort Worth Metroplex suburb, with a solid base of medical providers, small businesses, national retailers, and restaurants. Over the past five years, sales tax revenue has risen by more than 36%, indicating the city's ongoing economic strength and vitality.

Several major developments, including Bedford Commons, Campus West (Gateway Village), and Crossroad East Development, are underway, further boosting the city's economic vibrancy.

Investment Opportunities

The development of a Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in the DallasFort Worth Metroplex presents an attractive opportunity for developers. Post-construction and stabilization of operations, the hotel would be an appealing investment for a pool of regional and national investors interested in premium-branded hotel investments.

Inquire at HVS.
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On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

China claimed Covid-19 may have originated in the United States and accused Washington of "evading responsibility" after president Donald Trump's administration blamed a lab leak in the Asian nation.

Beijing released a white paper on its pandemic response on Wednesday, less than two weeks after Mr Trumps administration alleged that the virus was leaked from a lab in Wuhan, which the Communist government said was Washington's bid to shift the blame.

China argued that substantial evidence suggested that coronavirus might have come from the US earlier than the outbreak recorded in China.

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 US 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.

The paper, released by the official Xinhua news agency, cited a Missouri lawsuit which resulted in a $24bn ruling against China for hoarding protective medical equipment and covering up the outbreak.

"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 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 peoples attention by shamelessly politicising SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing, the white paper read.

"Despite domestic criticisms of its inaction or meddling, the US government has refused to examine its poor performance; rather, it has doubled down on its attempt to evade responsibility."

The White House launched a Covid-19 website on 18 April, in which it said the coronavirus came from a lab leak in China while criticising former president Joe Biden, former top US health official Anthony Fauci, and the World Health Organization.

The CIA said in January that 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.

Chinese officials said the US administration in September 2020 stigmatised Covid-19 as "Chinese virus" which triggered a wave of hate crimes against Asian Americans.

China alleged that it "championed the cause of a global community of shared future and a community of health for all, and demonstrated a commitment to openness, transparency and responsibility at every stage".

An official at China's National Health Commission said the next step in origin-tracing work should focus on the US, according to Xinhua, which cited a statement about the white paper.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment.
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Russia has begun the construction of its first road bridge to North Korea over the Tumen river on the border, marking rapidly advancing bilateral ties with the isolated regional ally.

The construction marks the first ever bridge for cars and motor vehicles crossing between Russia and North Korea and is a significant milestone in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday as he attended the groundbreaking ceremony in a video conference.

The bridge will span 4.7km (2.9 miles)  including the approach roads leading to it  with 424m inside Russia and 581m inside North Korea, reported Russias Tass news agency. The bridge on its own is one km long and seven metres wide with two lanes for moving traffic, and worth more than $111m (83m), according to the Russian prime ministers decree from February.

Russia has claimed the bridge, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will expand cross-border travel of people, tourism, and circulation of commodities. The bridge is likely to have a capacity to process 300 vehicles and 2,850 people per day.

North Korea and Russia are already connected by a railway bridge and the two isolated nations agreed in June 2024 to construct a bridge for automobiles over the Tumen river, which runs along North Koreas borders with Russia and China.

"This is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relations," Mr Mishustin said, according to Tass. "We are creating a reliable basis for closer cooperation between our two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue, he said.

open image in gallery Satellite imagery taken on 28 April shows construction site and equipment gathered around Tumen river on both  Russian and North Korean sides  with a nearby helipad also spotted in the area ( Planet Labs PBC )

North Korean premier Pak Thae Song and Mr Mishustin were in attendance as the crew on respective sides held a ground-breaking ceremony in their border cities.

North Korea is publicly supporting Russian president Vladimir Putins war efforts in Ukraine by using all means, including tens of thousands of troops, military aid, and ammunition.

In October 2023, satellite images showed increased freight railcar traffic between Russia and North Korea in likely signs of Kim Kong Un supplying Mr Putin with arms and munitions.

open image in gallery The first Russia-North Korea car bridge to span Tumen river is now underconstruction ( The Independent )

With the latest roadway connection announced on Wednesday, war monitors have said the connecting bridge will aid North Koreas further military involvement in Russias war in Ukraine.

Russia and North Korea will likely use the bridge for material transportation as the two states strengthen their cooperation, said The Institute for the Study of War in its latest assessment.

Mr Pak said the bridges construction would be remembered as a historic monument in bilateral ties. The announcement came just days after North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to Russia to help it reclaim parts of the Kursk region that Ukraine forces seized in a stunning incursion last year.

open image in gallery North Korea's premier Pak Thae Song joins Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin via video-conferencing to attend a ground-breaking ceremony for a new road bridge spanning the Tumen River that will link North Korea to Russia, in Pyongyang, ( via Reuters )

Last week, in his first such acknowledgement, Mr Putin thanked North Korea for its involvement in the Ukraine war and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers.

North Korea has sent about 15,000 soldiers to Russia, and 4,700 of them have been killed or wounded, according to South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS). Experts have said Russia has paid back North Korea by supplying it with air defence missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches.
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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted for abuse of power over his controversial declaration of martial law in December.

Yoon, who was impeached by the National Assembly and stripped of his power by the constitutional court last month, is already on trial for orchestrating an insurrection by deploying soldiers to the parliament in his ill-fated bid to suspend civilian rule.

Yoon will not be detained while the new indictment is heard but he faces severe penalties if convicted, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

In January, while Yoon was still president, prosecutors indicted him as the ringleader of an insurrection, a charge not protected by presidential immunity.

Prosecutors initially held off on including the charge of abuse of power due to Yoons presidential immunity but chose to indict him for it after his removal from office was approved by the countrys highest court last month.

A prosecution official said that they had gathered enough evidence to press the charge, Yonhap reported.

We have since proceeded with the (insurrection) trial while conducting supplementary investigations into the abuse of power allegation, leading to this additional indictment, prosecutors said in a statement on Thursday.

Yoon is the second South Korean president to be removed from office and the third to be impeached by parliament.

Meanwhile, South Korean acting president and prime minister Han Duck-soo resigned on Thursday amid speculation over a potential presidential run in the upcoming 3 June election.

A snap election is set for 3 June following Yoons removal from office.

Although he did not explicitly announce his candidacy, Han said that stepping down would allow him to take on greater responsibility in addressing South Koreas security and economic challenges.

Protesters opposed to impeached South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol participate in a rally to celebrate the expulsion of the impeached President ( Getty Images )

Respected citizens, I stand here to deliver my decision on an issue that Ive been deeply deliberating. I have decided to step down from my roles as acting president and prime minister, Mr Han said in a televised public speech.

Local media reports suggested Mr Han could announce his candidacy as soon as Friday 2 May, and that a campaign office was being established in Seoul.

His departure and possible candidacy have drawn criticism from the opposition, accusing him of using his public office for personal political gain. The liberal Democratic Party of Korea criticised Mr Han's potential presidential bid, calling it a selfish move that betrays national interests. Representative Kim Min-seok said Mr Han finally revealed his true intentions.

Meanwhile, South Koreas Supreme Court questioned frontrunner Lee Jae-myungs eligibility for the presidency by overturning a previous ruling that cleared him of violating election law.

The court found that Mr Lee made false statements during his 2022 campaign and sent the case back to the appeals court.
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Sara Khan cradles her two-week-old baby in the sweltering summer heat of northern India, switching between comforting him and wiping her own tears. Dressed in a salwar-kurta and plastic slippers, she has journeyed almost 360km (223 miles) overnight to reach the border after the Narendra Modi government abruptly revoked her visa and ordered her to leave.

I am 33 years old and my son, just 14 days, Khan says, holding her newborn close before crossing the Attari-Wagah border post in Punjab. We were not even given time to seek a court stay. I got the call at 3am. I have been travelling since.

Khan is one of hundreds of Pakistani nationals directed to leave India this week after a terror attack in Pahalgam, a tourist town in the restive Himalayan territory of Kashmir, left 26 people dead, most of them Hindu visitors.

As bilateral ties suffered, New Delhi suspended all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including long-term spousal permits.

Pakistani women staying on long-term spousal visas with their families in Jammu and Kashmir were rounded up by police in a sweeping midnight raid. On 30 April, the government allowed women married to Indian citizens to stay, but by then, many, like Khan, had already been brought to Attari.

My long-term visa was valid till 2026, Khan, who married an Indian citizen in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri eight years ago, says. But now they are saying its no longer valid since the Pahalgam attack.

All I ask is to be allowed to stay with my family. My older son is six years old and a Pakistani national. My baby was born by caesarean section. He doesnt even have a name yet. He has no papers. How can I leave my breastfeeding child behind?

open image in gallery Pakistani nationals married to Indians prepare to return to neighbouring country after their expulsion ( Namita Singh/The Independent )

The Pahalgam massacre  the worst attack on civilians in Kashmir in decades  has plunged the already frosty relationship between India and Pakistan into a fresh crisis.

India has blamed its rival neighbour for the attack, claiming two of the gunmen were Pakistanis. Islamabad has denied any involvement and called for an international investigation.

The attack was initially claimed but later denied by a little-known shadowy group variously called The Resistance Front or Kashmir Resistance, which India has accused of being a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed militant group based in Pakistan.

While prime minister Modi vowed a strong response not only against the Pahalgam attackers but also their backers, widely understood to mean Pakistan, the foreign ministry revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, telling them to move out by the end of April.

New Delhi also suspended a crucial river-sharing treaty from 1960 and expelled Pakistani diplomats and defence attaches.

Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian carriers, cancelling all visas issued to Indians, expelling diplomatic staff and suspending trade.

open image in gallery An Indian man checks with his Pakistani wife of 40 years before she takes a bus across the border ( Namita Singh/The Independent )

At Attari, Indian officials say, around 780 Pakistani nationals crossed over into their home country over six days. Some left voluntarily, others, like Khan, were escorted by police.

I married here to build a life, Khan says, pausing often to hold back tears. I got the visa for my marriage. My husband and children are here. I do not want to go. Why would I leave? What happened in Pahalgam is terrible. I condemn it, with all my heart. The perpetrators must be punished. But we are innocent.

Khans first son, born during a visit to Pakistan-administered Kashmir, holds a Pakistani passport. So he was going with her.

She claims the Indian embassy in Pakistan initially promised to give him a passport. But when I returned to them, they went back on their word. So, I had to get him a Pakistani passport just to return home to my husband.

The law allows foreigners married to Indian citizens to apply for citizenship only after residing in the country for 10 years. Any of their children born abroad can seek citizenship after at least seven years of residence.

open image in gallery Ghulam Masoor, 72, made a plea to the Indian government for compassion as his wife and daughter-in-law were deported to Pakistan ( Namita Singh/The Independent )

In spite of having undergone major surgery just two weeks before, Khan felt she had no choice but to travel in the punishing heat.

Tell me, would any doctor recommend such a journey right after a C-section? she asks. I didnt even pack. I left in slippers. I bought nappies for my baby on the way.

At the border, as she prepares to cross through the Integrated Check Post under police escort, Ms Khan breaks down. My older son doesnt know what is happening. He doesnt know he is about to be separated from his father and baby brother.

Her pleas trail in the dust and white heat of Attari as she disappears through the check post: I dont want to go. I will not go.

The check post leads to the Indian emigration office, beyond which lies the demarcated border. Only people travelling to the neighbouring country are allowed beyond this post.

open image in gallery Ghulam Masoor shows his spouses visa documents that are valid until September 2026 ( Namita Singh/The Independent )

A similar fate has befallen the family of Ghulam Masoor, 72, from Baramulla in north Kashmir. He was woken up around midnight on 28 April by police officers knocking on his door.

They asked if my wife was from Muzaffarabad, he recalls, referring to the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

I said yes. Then they asked how long she had lived here. I told them she had been here for 40 years, since our marriage.

But the officers were not there for conversation. They took Masoor, his wife and daughter-in-law to the local police station and kept them overnight.

His daughter-in-law, like his wife, is from Pakistan-administered Kashmir and has a valid visa.

The next morning at around 8am, the family were told that the two women were being deported. With no time to make arrangements, the family began a 24-hour journey to Attari, unsure of what lay ahead.

My daughter-in-law has two children, one is a year-and-a-half old, the other just 40 days, Masoor says.

And she was asked to leave. In our country, there has been an act of terrorism. But the government is punishing its own countrymen.

The women entered India years ago under a confidence-building measure launched by the Indian government, arriving on No Obligation to Return to India (Nori) visas, which granted them residency but not citizenship.

Though India always retained the right to revoke such visas, the sudden and sweeping mass expulsion has left the affected families stunned.

My wife has gone to the other side and returned multiple times. Her visa is valid. My daughter-in-laws too, Masoor says.

It is like lightning struck our entire family.

In our country, there has been an act of terrorism. But the government is punishing its own countrymen Ghulam Masoor, 72

He laments that his daughter-in-law is being forced to leave her husband and children behind. Theres no law in the world that advises separating a husband from his wife.

The crackdown has caused anger and anguish among the affected families, with many appealing to the Indian government for compassion.

Masoor makes a direct plea to the home minister, urging that accountability for the terrorist attack not come at the cost of innocent lives.

My life is being snatched from me. I am over 70 years old. What will I do? he asks. If you think I have done something, just bury me and my family alive. But we are innocent. We have nothing to do with it.

open image in gallery Indian man weeps at the Attari border as his wife is sent to Pakistan after her visa is revoked ( Namita Singh/The Independent )

At the stroke of midnight on 29 April, Yasmeen Bibi was jolted awake by loud knocking at her door. In a flash, officers from the Kashmir police entered her home in Uri and escorted her away. Her local husband followed, carrying his sick toddler.

Bibi, they were informed, was being sent to Pakistan. They were given no time to pack. Bibi left with barely more than her papers, leaving behind four children who had no idea where their mother was going.

I am from Jaffarabad in Pakistan. I was sleeping when, around 12am on 29 April, we were woken up by the Jammu and Kashmir police. I was brought to Uri police station. My daughter is crying since last night. And four other children are at home, with no knowledge of what is happening, she says.

She pleads with the government to punish the guilty but spare her family. Why are my children being punished? I have not managed to pack anything except for these documents. No clothes, nothing, she says, her voice cracking with emotion.

Her husband, Aman Mushtaq Lodhi, 45, a daily wage worker, holds their toddler tightly and breaks down. How will I take care of the children alone? We are daily wage labourers, working around the clock. Will I work or stay home to take care of them, but with no income? he asks, hands folded in a silent plea.

The couple married in 2006, during a period of relatively warm relations between India and Pakistan.

Lodhi had travelled to Pakistan with his mother, who had migrated to India during the 1947 partition and was making her first visit back in 59 years.

There, she discovered that nearly her entire family had died, except for two brothers. A marriage was proposed between Lodhi and a daughter of one of the brothers and it was solemnised that same year.

Lodhi later sought to regularise his wifes status in India. In 2014, I tried getting her an Indian passport. But the situation was not good. So, the authorities told me to come back later. It never happened. But I was never harassed about my wifes Pakistani nationality since she was on a valid visa.

The family had lived quietly in Uri until the sudden crackdown.

The turn of events since the Pahalgam attack has suddenly upended my family, Lodhi says. You tell me what have children done to deserve to be separated from their mother?

As her baby stretches out her arms to reach her across the police barricade, Bibi can only offer reassurances through tears.

How will I take care of the children alone? We are daily wage labourers, working around the clock. Will I work or stay home to take care of them, but with no income? Aman Mushtaq Lodhi, 45

There was reprieve for some people, however, after the government gave relaxation to women married to Indian citizens.

Mudassir Ameen Bhats wife was taken by police and brought to Amritsar for deportation but returned home to Srinagar, Kashmir, after the exemption was announced.

I got married in 2017 and my wife has been living here on a long-term visa since then, he says.

A police van took his wife through the Attari check post for deportation around noon on 30 April but returned her nearly five hours later in a surprise turn of events.

She returned from the Indian emigration office around 5pm, Mr Bhat confirms.

The Independent was unable to confirm if any other women had returned home from Attari in the wake of the exemption granted by the government.

The expulsion of Pakistani nationals underlines the deepening human cost of the Pahalgam attack and the escalating military and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Line of Control, the de facto border between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in Kashmir monitored by the UN, has witnessed six consecutive nights of shelling and exchange of gunfire.

Pakistans defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters that they had reinforced their forces because a military incursion by India was imminent now.

Indias past responses to major attacks, such as the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers in Kashmir, have raised fears of escalation. Back then, India launched airstrikes on what it claimed were terrorist training camps inside Pakistan, though satellite imagery later showed no significant damage. Pakistan retaliated by downing an Indian jet and capturing its pilot.

Then US secretary of state Mike Pompeo later wrote that the world was dangerously close to a nuclear conflagration in 2019  a fear that once again looms large over south Asia.
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Social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and celebrities have been blocked in India in the wake of last weeks terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack in the restive Himalayan territory, which the two countries hold in part but claim in full. Pakistan has denied involvement.

Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content, reads a message on the Instagram pages of actors Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Sajal Aly, and Imran Abbas.

open image in gallery ( Instagram/Hania Aamir )

Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, has had his Instagram account blocked as well.

At least 26 people were killed and 17 wounded after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam last Tuesday. It was the worst attack in decades targeting civilians in the region that has seen an anti-India insurgency for over three decades.

In a message posted on social media after the attack, Aamir said: My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief, and in hope-we are one. When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs alone  it belongs to all of us. No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always.

Although Aamir has never worked in India, her Pakistani dramas are popular with fans in the country.

Khan and Zafar have both worked in Indian cinema.

open image in gallery Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who won a gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics, has had his Instagram account blocked in India ( Getty )

Khan debuted in 2017 opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Raees. Released shortly after a militant attack in Kashmirs Uri in 2016 killed 19 Indian soldiers, Raees saw controversy because of Khans casting.

She wasnt allowed in India to promote the film, and Raees didnt release across the border reportedly because it depicts Muslims as criminals and terrorists.

Zafar has worked in several Indian films, most recently in 2016 opposite Alia Bhatt in Dear Zindagi.

He even received a Filmfare nomination for best male debut for his role in Tere Bin Laden in 2010.

Pakistani actor Fawad Khans forthcoming film, Abir Gulaal, which was originally slated to be in theatres on 9 May, is also reportedly unlikely to be released. However, his Instagram is still accessible in India.

India typically describes all militancy in Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a homegrown separatist struggle.

After the 2019 Pulwama attack in which more than 40 paramilitary personnel were killed a suicide bomber, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees demanded a boycott of all Pakistani artists and crew in the Indian film industry. The body renewed its calls after the recent attack in Kashmir, reported NDTV.
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As Israel grappled with one of the largest wildfires ever in the country this week and the blaze barrelled towards Jerusalem, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency.

The blaze erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday, starting in the Eshtaol Forest near Mesilat Zion and rapidly spreading due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.

This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country, Jerusalems district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters have since contained most of the major hotspots, said the Jewish National Fund, which manages forests in the country, though firefighting efforts continue to address remaining hotspots.

open image in gallery Locations of the wildfires burning in the forest west of Jerusalem as of 1 May ( Google )

Evacuation orders have been lifted, and major highways, including the main route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have reopened.

By Friday, the fires had burned an estimated 6,000 acres of land, including 2,000 acres of forest.

Three Catholic religious communities that were forced to evacuate from their properties on Wednesday were also able to return on Thursday, said Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate.

He said their agricultural lands, including vineyards and olive trees, suffered heavy damage as did some buildings. But there were no injuries, and historic churches were not affected.

open image in gallery Firefighters work to extinguish a fire burning in the Latrun area in central Israel between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv ( EPA )

The fire prompted concerns over the safety of citizens in Jerusalem as winds of 60mph made the situation challenging. Mr Friedman earlier said it could dramatically increase the threat posed by the fires in the near future.

Earlier, declaring the fires a national emergency, Mr Netanyahu warned that the wildfires could reach Jerusalem.

"The western wind can push the fire easily toward the outskirts of (Jerusalem) - and even into the city itself," he said in a video sent by his office.

Video footage showed vehicles stranded nearby as flames spread throughout the area, while another video showed the fire approaching a Catholic monastery.

At least a dozen people have been hospitalised due to smoke in the area and some firefighters also sustained injuries.

Many people were seen abandoning their cars and running away from the flames, with critical roads shut down for hours. Several houses were evacuated too.

Israels Fire and Rescue services has said there are 155 firefighting teams operating at full force in all fire centres in the area of Shfelet Yehuda.

They said the Elad Squadron's firefighting planes were making rounds over the major hotspots and near settlements in order to cut off the fire from the houses.

The Israeli government has appealed for international assistance, receiving commitments for firefighting aircraft from Italy, Croatia, and North Macedonia. The Palestinian Authority has also offered support, though Israel has not yet responded to this offer.

The wildfires coincide with Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrations, leading to the cancellation of ceremonies on Thursday including a major event at Mount Herzl.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the wildfire, with some officials suggesting possible arson, and a number of individuals have been arrested on suspicion of starting fires.
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Human-caused climate crisis doubled the chances of the extreme weather that fuelled South Koreas deadliest wildfires, a new study has found.

The fires, which broke out in southeast Korea on 22 March, killed at least 32 people and destroyed 5,000 buildings, including homes and centuries-old temples.

The fire burnt over 104,000 hectares, nearly four times the previous national record set in 2000.

A rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution has found that the hot, dry and windy conditions in March were about 15 per cent more intense and twice as likely because of warming caused mainly by burning fossil fuels.

This is a mind-blowing increase, said Dr Clair Barnes, researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London.

Low rainfall and high temperatures dried out trees and set the scene for these explosive blazes, she says.

With every fraction of a degree of fossil fuel driven warming, well continue to experience ever more extreme weather events.

open image in gallery A firefighter vehicle sprays water in preparation for a possible approaching wildfire at a temple in Cheongsong, South Korea ( AP )

The analysis warns that if global temperatures rise by 2.6C by 2100  a likely outcome under current emissions trajectories  such fire-prone weather will become another 5 per cent more intense and twice as likely again.

The scale and speed of the fires were unlike anything weve ever experienced in South Korea, professor June-Yi from Pusan National University, one of the authors, said.

This study adds to a growing body of science showing how climate change is making weather conditions more favourable to dangerous wildfires.

open image in gallery Chart shows area burned in wildfires in South Korea from 1990s to 2025 ( World Weather Attribution )

She added that while wildfires in South Korea are more often sparked by human activity than natural causes like lightning, it is still possible to prevent severe wildfires with careful and systematic forest management.

South Koreas decades-long tree-planting efforts have helped reverse deforestation and boosted biodiversity, but the March wildfires have sparked concerns about whether dense forest cover near settlements may also increase wildfire risk.

Much of the damage occurred in forests located close to residential areas. Around 11 per cent of South Koreas forest cover falls near populated zones, and researchers stress the importance of building fire breaks to reduce the risk of repeat disasters.

Continuous tree cover is more likely to experience intense crown wildfires that can spread rapidly through the canopy, the report said.

open image in gallery Map shows record heat conditions in South Korea ( World Weather Attribution )

More trees may have provided more fuel for the fires in some regions, said wildfire researcher Theo Keeping of Imperial College London, but a lack of rainfall and extreme heat created the conditions for South Koreas largest-ever fires.

The fires followed months of unusually high temperatures and low rainfall. Professor Young-Min Yang of Jeonbuk National University explained that a persistent high-pressure ridge carried hot, dry air from inland China to the Korean Peninsula, driving temperatures and fire risk sharply upward.

Many locations recorded new March daily maximum temperature records, he said.

March fire weather of this intensity can now be expected roughly once every 300 years, the study found, but those odds are shortening as the world warms.

open image in gallery Scientists say South Korea could expect extreme wildfires, like the one seen in 2025, twice as frequently now ( World Weather Attribution )

Almost all wildfires and heatwaves in recent years have been more extreme, with analysis from scientists, including those from WWA, finding human-induced climate crises playing a major role.

A decade ago, the influence of climate change on events was less clear. But now, it's undeniable, said Dr Friederike Otto of Imperial College London, co-founder of WWA.

These fires show why we need to prepare for extreme, unprecedented weather, said Maja Vahlberg from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. Homes and roads can be rebuilt, but people in South Korea have lost loved ones and centuries-old temples that are irreplaceable.
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Archaeologists have unearthed a 2,300-year-old Celtic sword in France decorated with glass paste and swastika engravings, a discovery shedding more light on weapons manufactured in ancient Europe.

The sword was found at a strange second Iron Age burial site, lacking any skeletons due to the acidity of the soil.

However, researchers uncovered several metal artefacts at the site, including copper alloy bracelets, decorated fibulae made of iron, as well as two swords still in their sheath.

Overall, 18 such fibulae were identified at the site, made mainly of copper alloy or iron, with the most exceptional of them embellished with a cabochon gemstone and decorated with a silver leaf motif, they say.

The ornament is attributable to the end of the 4th century or the beginning of the 3rd century BC, according to the French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP).

open image in gallery Short sword with handles with fully decorated antennas discovered at the French necropolis ( Flore Giraud, Inrap )

After stabilising the artefacts, scientists found that one of the swords was without a doubt, the most spectacular object of the necropolis.

Its handle and the front plate of its sheath were made of copper alloy, and the sheath also allowed a waist port, researchers say.

The swords sheath was also adorned with ocelle decorations and several cabochon embellishments, they say.

At least two of them have swastika decorations and probably glass paste, the INRAP reported.

The distinct sword had a short, slender blade with an antenna handle made of iron and associated with spheres made of copper or copper alloys.

X-ray scans revealed that there were inlays on the top of the blade, including a round and a crescent moon separated by a line.

Based on the nature of these decorations, scientists suspect the sword was conceived likely at the very beginning of the 4th century BC.

open image in gallery Detail of the back plate of the sheath of the sword with fabric elements ( Flore Giraud, Inrap )

The other sword, distinctly lacking any decoration, was found accompanied by suspension rings, which would have allowed it to be carried at the waist.

It still had some fabric fragments caught in the metallic oxidation at the back of its sheath.

The fabric may have come from the deceased's clothing, a shroud, or a case, researchers say.

This sword was also likely manufactured during the 4th century BC, scientists say.

The size and typology of the sword suggest a manufacture during the 4th century BC, INRAP noted.

Archaeologists also uncovered a small funerary vase covered with punched patterns alternating with painted headbands at the burial site.

This necropolis can be compared to well-known sites in Champagne, in the Paris Basin, or in Burgundy, researchers said.
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Beekeepers and environmentalists are growing more concerned after an unprecedented number of Asian hornets have been spotted so far this year, sparking fears of a surge in the UK population of the invasive species.

Already, the insects have decimated honey production in parts of France and Italy, as the breed is capable of killing 50 honey bees a day.

For years, experts have kept an eye on the species, but the Jersey Asian Hornet Group - leading specialists in the insects - have raised the alert as they remarked sighting 262 queen Asian hornets by 11 April - a 1,090 per cent year-on-year increase in spotting the hornet, as reported by The Observer.

Like bees, the sting of an Asian hornet can cause painful and potentially life threatening allergic reactions, but these insects also bode a wider risk to the UKs insect population.

Heres all you need to know about Asian hornets and what to do if you spot one.

What is an Asian hornet?

open image in gallery The Asian or yellow-legged hornet is a non-native predator that feeds on honeybees (Alamy/PA)

Also known as the yellow-legged hornet, these insects have caused concerns for beekeepers in the UK because they prey on a wide range of insects, including honey bees. Areas with a high density of Asian hornet nests present a risk to the surrounding area when it comes to insect diversity. They also present a health risk to those who are allergic to hornet or wasp stings.

These hornets tend to be far smaller than those found in Europe. While European hornets are between 30 and 35 mm in length, Asian hornets tend to be 25 mm long. Their abdomens are mostly black except for the fourth abdominal segment, which has a yellow band. They also have yellow legs and an orange face.

Their nests tend to be high up in trees or man made structures. As well as hunting honey bees and other insects, the hornets feed on fruits and flowers.

How did hornets get to the UK?

Asian hornets are believed to have first arrived in France in a cargo of pottery from China in 2004, by accident. They have since spread rapidly across Europe and have since been spotted in 15 different countries.

They were first spotted in the UK in 2016, in the town of Tetbury, Gloucestershire. After 10 days of intensive searching, a nest was found and destroyed.

The UK has confirmed a total of 147 sightings of the yellow-legged hornet since then, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), including a total of 110 nests which have all been destroyed.

open image in gallery Asian hornets were first spotted in the Uk in 2016, but have been spotted across Europe since 2004 ( Getty/iStock )

DEFRA added that there had only been two confirmed sightings of the yellow-legged hornet in 2025, per a report from 27 March.

What should I do if I see a hornet?

DEFRA have asked any members of the public who believe they have spotted an Asian hornet to report them to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEAH). Using a form on the UKCEAH website, people can send photos of the insect and the exact location of sighting.

There is also an Asian Hornet Watch app, where people can report any sightings of concern to the governments National Bee Unit.

The UK Non-Native Species Secretariat have warned people not to disturb an active nest in case they get hurt.
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A body has been found in the search for a 16-year-old boy who got into difficulty while swimming in a lake on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park in Nottingham at 5.20pm, sparking a rescue operation involving a police underwater search team and the Fire and Rescue Service, which led to the discovery of his body just before 8pm.

Chief Inspector David Mather, of Nottinghamshire Police, said officers were looking into how the boy came into trouble.

open image in gallery The teenagers body was discovered shortly before 8pm on Wednesday night ( Chris Morgan/Geograph )

This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, he said.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water  regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.

As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that  particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.

The boys death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.

Councillor Sam Lux, Nottingham City Councils Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture, said the council would be working with police and the fire service to understand the circumstances surrounding the boys death.

"As the current warm spell continues and as we approach the summer season we urge people to follow the guidance at Colwick park and other sites and not enter the water unless as part of properly supervised open water swimming sessions, Ms Lux said.

The warning comes as the UK is bracing for the hottest day of the year so far, with forecasters predicting temperatures could hit 30C at the earliest point in the year ever.

It could be the warmest start to May ever recorded, according to the Met Office - beating the 27.4C set on 1 May 1990 in Lossiemouth, Scotland.
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Co-op staff have been told to keep their cameras on during remote meetings as the supermarket deals with the fallout of a cyber-attack.

An internal email seen by ITV urged 70,000 workers at the companys supermarket, funeral service and insurance company to be vigilant and verify all meeting attendees.

"Don't record or transcribe Teams calls, the emails advice reportedly reads.

Co-op, which has over 7,000 stores across the UK, had to shut down parts of its IT systems on Wednesday after an attempted hack.

It said some of its back office and call centre services have been affected but that all stores, including grocery and funeral homes, are trading as usual.

open image in gallery Co-op has shut down parts of its IT systems following an attempted hack ( PA )

The email also reportedly shows that the company has shut off remote access, meaning workers cannot access applications that require a VPN from home.

The email also reportedly urged employees not to share sensitive information on Teams and to report suspicious messages and emails.

The company told the BBC that the cyber attack is under control and all measures are proactive.

A Co-op spokesperson said on Wednesday: 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.

It comes after Scotland Yard was called in to investigate a cyberattack that left Marks & Spencer unable to fulfil contactless payments and click and collect orders, leaving it with empty shelves and a slashed market value.

open image in gallery Scotland Yard has been called in to investigate the cyber attack against M&S ( Getty )

The company confirmed on Thursday that it has pulled all online job adverts from its website as tech experts seek to resolve problems on its platforms.

A message on the companys jobs website said: Sorry you cant search or apply for roles right now, were working hard to be back online as soon as possible.

On Thursday, the company had no jobs listed anywhere across its UK business despite having more than 200 job openings this time last week.
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A "game-changer" broadband upgrade will bring lightning-fast internet to 65,000 homes and businesses in some of Scotland's most remote areas.

The UK government has signed a 157 million contract with Openreach to deliver gigabit-capable broadband, marking the largest contract to date under Project Gigabit.

This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure hard-to-reach communities have access to fast and reliable internet. The contract is part of a broader 800 million agreement with Openreach, announced last August, to tackle digital exclusion across rural areas of the UK.

This project is already connecting over 227,000 premises in remote parts of Wales and England.

UK telecoms minister Chris Bryant said: Digital exclusion for people living and working in hard-to-reach areas across Scotland can be a huge obstacle to living a better and healthier life.

Elderly and vulnerable people could miss out on the best treatment options in North Ayrshire, while budding entrepreneurs could be held back from their dream of running a successful business in Moray.

With our recent digital inclusion action plan, we have pledged to take everyone along with us in the digital revolution so that we dont entrench existing inequalities as technological progress races ahead.

This huge UK Government investment is a commitment to using technology to make lives in Scotland better, as well as turbocharging local economies to deliver on our growth mission under the Governments Plan for Change.

open image in gallery Technology minister Sir Chris Bryant says Labour has we have pledged to take everyone along with us in the digital revolution (Rick Findler/PA) ( PA Archive )

Funded by the UK government, the Scottish rollout will be a collaborative effort with the Scottish Government and Openreach. It will bring faster internet to areas including the Highlands and Outer Hebrides, and the islands of Islay, Skye, and Tiree.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: This 157 million UK Government investment is a game-changer for tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the most remote areas of Scotland.

Rolling out lightning-fast broadband will equip and inspire local businesses to thrive, enable families to access vital services, and build resilient communities.

The contract will support work already being carried out through the Scottish Governments R100 programme, which aims to bring faster broadband to thousands of homes and businesses across Scotland.

Scottish Government business minister Richard Lochhead said: This new contract brings even more investment to Scotland and we are committed to working with the UK Government and Openreach to drive efficiencies across both the R100 and Project Gigabit programmes and maximise gigabit coverage.

Through the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme and our ongoing efforts with R100, over one million faster broadband connections have been delivered across Scotland through public investment  developing infrastructure, knowledge and experience that will be essential in ensuring the success of Project Gigabit in Scotland.

Gigabit-capable broadband delivers faster speeds and, unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections will not slow down at peak times.

Openreach deputy chief executive Katie Milligan said: Full fibre is the UKs most reliable broadband technology, and more than half of Scotlands homes can already order it thanks to Openreach.

But we believe everyone deserves access to fast, reliable connections, so were proud to be helping extend access to communities that would otherwise be left behind.

Our new networks a catalyst for growth and jobs, with experts predicting itll bring a 4.4 billion boost to the Scottish economy and a raft of social and environmental benefits.

Were confident well reach as many as 30 million UK premises by 2030, assuming the right economic conditions exist.
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Harrods has been targeted by cyber hackers in the latest attempted cyber attack on major UK retailers.

The luxury London department store confirmed it has been fighting attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems after major brands Marks & Spencer and the Co-op Group recently endured similar incidents.

The store said it had been forced to restrict internet access across its sites on Thursday as a precautionary measure, but reassured customers they can continue to shop on its sites.

It comes as a cybersecurity expert warned the flurry of high-profile hacks seen recently are only the tip of an iceberg of attacks daily.

In a statement issued on Thursday, a Harrods spokesperson told The Independent: We recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems.

open image in gallery Marks & Spencers IT systems were first hit by a major ransomware attack more than a week ago ( PA Wire )

Our seasoned IT security team immediately took proactive steps to keep systems safe and as a result we have restricted internet access at our sites today.

Currently all sites including our Knightsbridge store, H beauty stores and airport stores remain open to welcome customers.

They said customers could also continue to shop on the Harrods website.

We are not asking our customers to do anything differently at this point and we will continue to provide updates as necessary, they added.

The attempted hack comes after Marks & Spencer confirmed on Thursday that it is unable to hire new workers as the retail giant continues to battle disruption to its operations from a damaging cyber attack.

open image in gallery In a separate incident, The Co-op shut off parts of its IT systems on Wednesday after an attempted hack ( PA )

It is now more than a week since the companys IT systems were first hit by a major ransomware attack, which the Metropolitan Police confirmed the force is investigating.

The retailer is still not taking online orders and availability of some products in its stores was impacted after it took some of its systems offline in response.

M&S first reported issues over the Easter weekend, when it stopped taking click-and-collect orders and saw contactless payments impacted by the cyber incident. It has since restarted contactless payments.

In a separate incident, rival retailer The Co-op shut off parts of its IT systems on Wednesday after an attempted hack.

It said some of its back office and call centre services have been affected but that all stores, including grocery and funeral homes, are trading as usual.

The BBC reported on Thursday that staff at the business are being ordered to keep cameras on and verify identities on all remote work meetings as a result.

Speaking to The Independent earlier this week, Alan Woodward, professor of cybersecurity at the University of Surrey, said the major incidents were among daily attacks perpetrated by criminals against UK businesses.

These are high-profile names so make the headlines, but they are the tip of an iceberg of attacks daily, he said.
Shoppers looking to top up their Sparks points or pick up their weekly groceries may find things difficult at Marks & Spencer, which is still reeling from the impact of a cyber incident  believed to be a ransomware attack  launched against its business last month.

The supermarket announced on Wednesday in a stock market update that disruptions are expected to persist through July. It also informed investors that its online sales and profits in the fashion, home, and beauty departments have been heavily impacted.

Co-op shoppers may well count their blessings, as weve recently learned that the retailer has taken proactive measures to mitigate the dangers of its own cyberincursion.

Combined with ever more headlines about high-profile hacks, and even suggestions that cybercrime was behind the recent countrywide power outage in Spain and Portugal  something the countries have denied  its easy to think were in the throes of a major hacking flurry.

Such a supposition would be correct. The cold, hard reality is that although were facing the impact of the attacks at first hand, with bare supermarket shelves and disrupted businesses, when it comes to the problems businesses are facing daily from cybercriminals, this is just a drop in the ocean.

These are high-profile names so make the headlines, but they are the tip of an iceberg of attacks daily, says Alan Woodward, professor of cybersecurity at the University of Surrey.

These serious criminal attacks tend to come in fits and starts, with no obvious pattern, says Ciaran Martin, a former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, and now a professor at the University of Oxford.

While many have been keen to try to combine the attacks against supermarkets with other issues unrelated to cybercrime, such as the electricity outages in Spain and Portugal, the reality is that theres often little connection between the individual actions. I dont think these particular attacks are linked, says Woodward. Theyre probably different malware and groups.

Although little is known about the attempted hack that the Co-op reportedly managed to repel recently, the group behind the Marks & Spencer attack is believed to be Scattered Spider, an English-speaking entity whose members were linked to a 2023 ransomware attack against two US casino operators, which brought Las Vegas hotels to their knees.

open image in gallery Co-op has reportedly managed to repel a recent cyberattack ( Reuters )

The reason why hackers launch these attacks is simple: many victims end up paying. Although official advice is to stand firm against criminals, the chaos it can cause to businesses  one retail expert has said M&S could be losing 3.5m a day in lost sales, while its stock market value has also taken a hit  means many do pay up.

That results in a bonanza for cybercriminals. While the total estimated takings by ransomware gangs in 2024 ($813m) were down from 2023s record-breaking year of $1.25bn, according to Chainalysis, its still a pretty penny. The UK government is planning on introducing legislation to make ransomware payments by public bodies illegal.

open image in gallery A power outage, possibly caused by hackers, caused chaos across Spain and Portugal this week ( AFP/Getty )

And each attack has an impact. Theyre a reminder to private and public sector leaders that rampant cybercrime is a potent threat to their organisation, says Martin. Hes also concerned that the attacks and our comparatively limp response to solving the issue (M&S has been struggling to fix things since Easter) set a precedent that encourages more hacks.

What it does indicate is the inexorable rise in the number of attacks, says Woodward. Were getting better at repelling attacks, but occasionally one will get through due to the increasing volume. Its akin to the old warning by the Provisional IRA in the 1980s: We only have to be lucky once. You will have to be lucky always.

My national level worry is that this gives other bad actors a playbook on how to disrupt Britain at scale, says Martin. We can cope with these attacks individually, painful though they are. But what if lots of them are launched at the same time? I think thats becoming the strategic worry rather than the single big, spectacular, Hollywood movie cyberattack.

open image in gallery Cyberattacks are getting more and more sophisticated ( Getty )

Leaders in countries like Russia, North Korea and Iran  all of which reportedly have state-sponsored hacking groups, and all of which have tried at one time or another to target Western countries like the UK with these kinds of attacks  will be looking on and learning from how were responding to these mischief makers and private criminal enterprises. There are worrying signs that some potentially hostile states are catching on to the potential of these types of attacks as a weapon against us, says Martin. Theyre learning from the criminals.

Todays hackers dont just break into computers; they break the trust between companies by abusing supplier links, employee accounts and APIs [application programming interfaces] all along the supply chain, says Nathaniel Jones, vice-president of security and AI strategy at Darktrace, a cybersecurity company.

Tackling that scourge is tricky, says Jones. Having deep defences, and an environment where individuals are always asked to prove their identities, and to limit access to private files  sometimes called a zero-trust approach  can help. But putting those ideas into practice is tough in retail, where systems and suppliers change all the time, Jones admits.

open image in gallery Marks and Spencer branches across the country were left with empty shelves after the cyberattack ( Holly Williams/PA Wire )

Still, more work needs to be done  and it cant just be from the businesses themselves, believes Jones. The government also has an opportunity to drive up cybersecurity standards in its upcoming Audit and Corporate Governance Bill, which could play an important role in addressing these risks, he says.

The reason why we need to address the issue can be seen on the shop floors and hospital wards that have faced down the hackers and struggled. The disruption is a direct result of our hyper connectivity, and the fact that many have moved their services online as its cheaper, says Woodward. The government has identified what is critical infrastructure and does make efforts to work with those that provide the services so they are robust. But loss of a single service, say an online government service where one can deal with them only online, can cause enormous disruption to life.

Woodward believes government is less worried about a single big attack and more about lots of individual, sustained attacks against smaller, softer targets. Yes, someone might try to take out the grid  and never say never  but its more likely it will be gumming the works in local government, telecoms, hospitals and banking, he says. Its for that reason that Woodward keeps cash and a few days worth of water in his cupboard  and food too. Because you never know when the shops might stop.
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A Hampshire man has lost his appeal against a conviction for allowing his cockerel to disturb his neighbours.

Harold Brown, the owner of Brutus the cockerel, argued that his bird doesn't crow, but merely "croaks".

The defence, however, failed to persuade the court.

The saga began in October 2022 when New Forest District Council (NFDC) received complaints from eight households near Mr Brown's Friars Croft home in Calmore.

These complaints centred around Brutus early morning calls, reportedly starting as early as 5am. NFDC issued an abatement notice in December 2022, requiring Mr Brown to address the noise issue.

Despite the notice, complaints continued into 2023, this time from 12 households. This led to Mr Brown's prosecution and subsequent conviction in November 2024 for failing to comply with the abatement notice.

Mr Brown then appealed the conviction, but Southampton Crown Court dismissed his case.

The court upheld the original conviction, resulting in a 200 fine for Mr Brown. He was also ordered to pay an 80 victim surcharge and cover legal costs amounting to 3,651.95.

open image in gallery The crowing regularly affected neighbours sleep, NFDC says ( AFP/Getty Images )

A NFDC spokesman said: The diary evidence kept by local residents highlighted that the crowing regularly affected their sleep from as early as 5am each day.

Councillor Dan Poole, portfolio holder for community, safety and wellbeing, said: We are committed to protecting our residents from unacceptable levels of noise and supporting them when issues arise.

Everyone has the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home, and when informal approaches fail, we will not hesitate to take legal action where necessary.

Speaking outside court, Mr Brown disputed the complaints made by the neighbours against Brutus.

The 82-year-old said: My cockerel does not make a lot of noise, he wears a neck collar which restricts the wind pipe and he cant suck in that amount of air to crow, he croaks, its a croak.

They say he crowed 90 and 113 times in an hour. Now Ive recorded him, the maximum was 27 and that was from 6am to 7.30am, the average was 22.

But he doesnt crow, he croaks, but they dont take any notice of that. Ive given up, fine and costs but its just money, I dont give a song about the neighbours.

Mr Brown, who said he had kept chickens and cockerels since the early 1970s, added: It all started with one neighbour who was about 70 yards away complaining to the council about my cockerel.

Now, when I first got him, I put a neck collar on him but it wasnt tight enough. He did crow, it was a bit loud, but only occasionally, so I tightened up the neck collar.

Theyre all saying they cant sleep, but I dont even bloody hear it and I sleep five yards away from him.

If Im awake, at 5 oclock or half past five. I may, may, hear it, just a croak and thats it.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: When he first got the blessed thing it was waking us up really early, it was really annoying then, before it even got light sometimes.

Those who back on to the house nearest to him, they were very annoyed, it was keeping them awake and suffering tiredness.
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Rock legend Sir Rod Stewart has intervened to cover the cost of an autism diagnosis for a four-year-old boy facing a three-year wait for NHS assessment, prompting calls for the Scottish Government to address lengthy delays in the system.

The musician's action follows a Daily Record report highlighting the plight of Iain Gregori, whose father, Michael, repeatedly sought an autism diagnosis for his son.

The case was raised by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar at First Ministers Questions on Thursday.

While the details of Sir Rod Stewart's involvement haven't been fully disclosed, his action underscores the growing frustration over protracted waiting times for autism diagnoses within the NHS. The Gregori family's experience exemplifies the challenges faced by many families navigating the system.

Three years on, Iain is still non-verbal and is still waiting on a diagnosis, Mr Sarwar said.

Michael was a member of the SNP and campaigned for them to be in Government.

He told me that they should now hang their heads in shame, as they have let Scotland down.

When speaking of his son, he said everyone is saying Iain needs this diagnosis, he is autistic, everyone is sure of it, but at the same time he needs an official diagnosis to get the resources he needs.

Rod Stewart heard this heartbreaking story and stepped in to pay for Iains diagnosis.

Others wont be as lucky  why, on John Swinneys watch, do young people have to rely on the charity of a rock star to get the treatment they need?

Responding, the First Minister stressed an official diagnosis is not required to begin accessing support.

It is absolutely critical that I make that point to Parliament today, he said.

Because there are other pathways that are available, other than diagnosis for ADHD or a neurodiversity condition, which enables young people to attract the support that will assist them in meeting the challenges that they face.

He stressed parents can be reassured that there is support available to meet the needs of individual young people.

He added: The Government is taking a range of interventions where were expanding mental health support or supporting the development of community interventions and we are working to make sure that young people get that support at the earliest possible opportunity.

Sir Rod told the Daily Record his team would work to find a private specialist in London or in Scotland to provide a diagnosis and he would cover the costs.

The First Minister was also challenged on figures released this week which found a child in the NHS Lothian area has waited six years for treatment.

We are working to reduce waiting times for access to treatment for individuals across the health service in Scotland and we are making progress in a number of areas in relation to that objective, Mr Swinney said.

The Government has delivered increased investment in mental health support to expand capacity to meet the developing needs that there are among young people in Scotland.

I want to make sure that our investments are well targeted to address the issues that Mr Sarwar put in place, thats why we increase the funding for mental health support and thats why we are putting in place the assistance that we are putting in place around the country.
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Temperatures are expected to soar to 30C in the UK today, as the country prepares for the hottest day of the year so far.

Britain could face both the earliest point on record that temperatures reach 30C, and the warmest start to May on record.

Met Office meteorologist Michael Silverstone said temperatures could climb to 29C or even 30C.

open image in gallery Met Office meteorologist Michael Silverstone said temperatures could climb to 29C or even 30C. ( Met Office )

He added: 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.

Temperatures are expected to be hottest in London and the south of England. By contrast, cloud and showers have been forecast to move southeast across Scotland and Northern Ireland into northern England.

The Met Office said temperatures reached 26.7C in Wisley, Surrey on Wednesday  making it the warmest day of the year so far.

The previous high was 24.5C in St Jamess Park, London, on Monday, which reached 24.7C on Tuesday.

open image in gallery Temperatures are expected to be hottest in London and the south of England. ( Met Office )

Despite the soaring temperatures, the Met Office has ruled out a heatwave this week.

Mr Silverstone said it looks unlikely the UK will reach a heatwave  which is defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the heatwave threshold, which varies across the country.

The threshold is 25C for most of the UK, rising to 28C in London.

open image in gallery Despite the soaring temperatures, the Met Office has ruled out a heatwave this week. ( Met Office )

Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South, though, with temperatures either today or Friday only just failing to exceed the required threshold, Mr Silverstone said.

But temperatures are expected to ease by Friday, and Saturday will bring cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK.

open image in gallery By contrast, cloud and showers have been forecast to move southeast across Scotland and Northern Ireland into northern England. ( Met Office )

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year.
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A top lawyer has claimed that the assisted dying bill breaches the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), because of inadequate safeguards for people with disabilities.

Tom Cross KCs review of the legislation comes as the government is expected to publish the impact assessment of the bill, which is due to have its final stages debated in the Commons on 16 May.

Mr Cross, who is one of the counsel for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and fellow barrister Ruth Kennedy have warned that the bill breaches Article 14 of the ECHR - the provision that everyones rights are protected equally - and would unfairly discriminate people with conditions such as autism, bipolar disorder and depression.

open image in gallery Kim Leadbeater has brought forward the assisted dying legislation ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

However, allies of Kim Leadbeater, who brought forward the bill, have dismissed the claims, pointing out that the legislation has been carefully looked at by government lawyers.

A source close to Ms Leadbeater told The Independent: Theyre wrong. I cant share government legal advice but it goes without saying that lawyers have examined the bill in minute detail and would have flagged any possible ECHR issues.

The legal advice was commissioned by The Christian Institute, one of a number of charities and campaign groups looking at potentially going to the courts to prevent the bill coming into law if it is passed by Parliament.

It follows a testy committee stage in the House of Commons where scores of amendments put in by MPs opposed to the bill to add further safeguards were rejected.

Ms Leadbeater has pointed out that she accepted 32 of the 393 amendments from MPs who were opposed to the Bill.

But the row saw another Labour MP Naz Shah, who had originally intended to support the bill, warn that it is fundamentally flawed.

The main debate appears to focus on whether some people with conditions and disabilities are more vulnerable to coercion to end their lives.

In a detailed legal opinion, Mr Cross and Ms Kennedy say: Persons with disabilities of the above sort are in a significantly different situation from persons who do not have such disabilities, because they are - all else being equal - more likely to express the clear and settled wish to die required under the legislation to be eligible to be assisted to die.

They are on that basis more vulnerable both than persons whose disabilities are not of that sort and than persons who are not disabled at all. Accordingly, they are on well-established principles required to be treated differently under Article 14 [non-discrimination] unless there is justification not to do so. However, without justification, the legislation fails to provide an adequate safeguard to address that greater vulnerability.

open image in gallery Opponents of the bill protest (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire )

They went on: In our opinion, this failure to treat these different cases differently in the enjoyment of the right to life is in breach of the ECHR.

We consider that, on that basis, an application for judicial review in respect of the legislation once enacted could be brought to obtain a Declaration of Incompatibility under the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA); and a person or body falling within the concept of a victim for ECHR purposes could bring a complaint about the legislation in the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Simon Calvert, deputy director at The Christian Institute, said the legal advice should make MPs think again about backing the legislation.

In the second reading of the bill, Ms Leadbeater and her supporters won a clear majority of 55 by 330 to 275.

However, up to 140 MPs could change their mind with some saying they voted in favour to extend the debate and others indicating their support was provisional to the original intention that a judge would make the final decision in court on an application to die. This has since been replaced with an expert panel through an amendment brought by Ms Leadbeater.

Mr Calvert said: It's time that MPs gave up on this dangerous and discriminatory Bill and focused instead on improving healthcare and end-of-life care for everyone. If the many hours wasted on debating assisted suicide had been spent on debating how to improve palliative care, wed be in a much better position, offering people life and hope instead of death and despair.
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Brexit's disastrous impact on the NHS led to 1,485 extra deaths per year, according to a new academic study.

Researchers from the University of Surrey say that after the 2016 leave vote, EU nurses left and were replaced by less experienced or skilled staff, which had a knock-on effect for patients.

Professor Giuseppe Moscelli, the lead investigator of the study, said: "Brexit has had real life-or-death consequences for patients in our hospitals... (as the loss of staff) led to a measurable decline in care quality.

(Jeff Moore/PA) ( PA Archive )

Prof Moscelli said the study had two important findings for taxpayers and policymakers.

The first was the critical role that skilled migrant nurses play in the NHS, particularly in emergency care, where the stakes are highest, he said.

Secondly, he warned of the UKs considerable reliance on foreign nurses and the need to train more healthcare professionals in the UK to prevent similar quality of hospital service deteriorations in the future."

The study looked at patient-level data from 131 NHS hospitals in England, including mortality rates and unplanned emergency readmissions.

It estimates that in the three years after the 2016 referendum the NHS faced a staggering 34 extra deaths per hospital with what the authors termed average exposure to the Brexit shock.

Alongside a staggering drop in the number of EU nurses coming into hospitals in the wake of the referendum and a simultaneous sharp increase in the share of non-EU foreign nurses hired, the pool of new nurse hires had lower experience or skills and were paid lower salaries.

This change in the make up of the workforce is the most likely reason for the increase in mortality and unplanned readmission rates, the authors say.

The study is not the first to look at the effect of Brexit on the NHS workforce.

In 2017 a paper in the Lancet warned the health service risked being hit by fewer EU nationals coming to work in the UK, with London and the south-east particularly affected.

In part in a bid to replace EU staff the NHS in England has hired tens of thousands of health staff from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe since the UK officially left the EU at the end of 2020.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: The NHS has faced chronic workforce shortages for years, with staff being burnt out and demoralised. Our 10-Year Health Plan will set out a bold agenda of reform to build a health service fit for the future.

Bringing in the necessary staff will take time, but we are committed to delivering the biggest expansion of NHS staff in history, including hiring more nurses.
The 2025 local elections in England and Wales are of unusual significance. Things are volatile, but some trends are already very clear.

Coupled with the Runcorn by-election, they will show, in dramatic fashion, the increasing fragmentation of the British party system. Labour and the Conservatives are being challenged as never before on a national basis by the combined disruptive forces of Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens  and in Wales and Scotland, the choices presented to the voters also include their respective nationalist parties, Plaid Cymru and the SNP.

This far exceeds any of the past dislocations to have affected the party system. What is going on?

How kaleidoscopic is the new party system?

Very. At the moment, according to the opinion polls, Labour and the Conservatives  combined  command about 45 to 50 per cent of the vote. At the last general election, the figure was 57.4 per cent. Compare that with previous challenges to the two main parties, when the old couple achieved combined totals of 67.3 per cent in 2010, 70 per cent in 1983, and 75.1 per cent in February 1974.

The now-disappearing two-party monopoly peaked at the 1951 election, when Labour and the Tories won 96.1 per cent of the vote (on a 82.6 per cent turnout). In many areas there is now a three-, four-, or even five-party system; and regional mayoralties will be won on less than 30 per cent of the vote (and only on the votes of, say, 10 or 15 per cent of the electorate as a whole).

Not all places hold elections, so the raw figures are misleading. So the key figures to watch will be the Projected National Share (PNS), taking account of areas not polling, calculated by John Curtice and published by the BBC.

Why the disillusionment?

The proximate reasons are obvious  14 years of Conservative rule that ended with a decisive and historic rejection of that party, which would be difficult to recover from in a matter of months. The Labour Party won a landslide majority, but only based on about 34 per cent of the vote  historically low  while difficult decisions taken since then on tax and public spending have induced an early slump in their ratings.

The main beneficiary of this has been Reform UK, which continues to attract Conservative and ex-Conservative supporters; but the Greens and Lib Dems are also benefiting.

What are the issues?

Focus-group research by More in Common reveals an extraordinary sense of frustration among the electorate with Broken Britain and the established parties  sometimes even extending to Reform UK and Nigel Farage (whos been a politician longer than Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch combined).

The sense of malaise is almost universal  relating to the NHS, schools, living standards, housing, migration (regular and irregular), concerns (ill founded or not) about the cost and practicalities for households of net zero, such as needing to switch to heat pumps and electric cars; and there is a general feeling that no party has the answers.

It seems to go beyond the usual contempt in which politicians are held: both economic and cultural issues, and even some foreign policy matters (Trump, Ukraine) are now fuelling debates, which is highly unusual, historically. Pessimists conclude that faith in democracy itself is faltering.

Will people bother to vote?

This will be one of the most important factors, and a key indicator of that broad dissatisfaction with the status quo. Local elections usually dont see a big turnout, especially this far away from a general election. Only about 60 per cent of the electorate voted at the July 2024 general election, and if turnout slumps to unusually low levels again now (say 20 to 25 per cent), that will suggest rising apathy.

The question is most crucial for Reform UK. Their voters (including supporters of predecessor outfits the Brexit Party and Ukip) traditionally tend to be less likely to go out and vote, but when they are sufficiently motivated, they can cause upsets  most remarkably in the 2016 EU referendum.

Reform UK voters are more likely to say theyre certain to vote  but will they defy the usual historical pattern? And will compulsory voter ID make a difference? Farage will be looking for some wins and a projected national vote share at least matching his partys poll ratings  25 per cent plus, with 30.5 per cent being the record for a Farage vehicle nationally (in the 2019 European elections for the Brexit Party).

Who is most worried?

On balance, the Tories and their leader Kemi Badenoch. She has put her excuses in early  they are defending a high base, shes only been in office since November, and the 2024 defeat was shattering. Nonetheless, if the Tories score below 20 per cent (PNS) at time when the Labour administration is so unpopular and Farage is emerging as the real opposition, questions will be asked about her future.

Her putative opponents, however, will need to show how they could win back support from both Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats and Labour. Weekend chatter in Conservative associations may prove vital to her survival in the face of Robert Jenricks spirited shadow leadership campaign. Unite the Right is his (sotto voce) theme, but what about the centre?
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Tory grandees have warned their party against doing deals with Nigel Farages Reform UK as the Conservatives brace for heavy losses in the local elections.

Senior figures hit out at what they said would be the wrong move strategically, electorally and politically after Kemi Badenoch did not rule out forming coalitions with their rivals at a council level.

Mr Farages party is expected to ride a wave of disillusionment with politics to win hundreds of council seats across England, as well as a number of mayoralities, at the expense of Labour and the Tories.

The party could also take one of Labours safest seats in the Commons, in a key Westminster by-election.

open image in gallery Voters across parts of England are choosing councillors and regional mayors, while a by-election is being held in Runcorn and Helsby ( PA Wire )

Amid fears of a lurch to the right, Kemi Badenoch is facing a revolt from Tory grandees who want her to toughen her stance against Reform.

On the idea of local pacts, former cabinet minister David Davis told The Independent: The answer is no, absolutely not. We should not be [doing that] at all. After all, this is the first local government election after our defeat in July, it will reflect nothing more than the rejection of our 14 years in government. We have not had time to recover yet.

Even if a coalition agreement was worthwhile, this would be the worst time to do it on every single count, strategically, electorally and politically.

Another ex-cabinet minister, Andrew Mitchell, also said his party should not be agreeing on coalitions with Reform.

He dismissed Reform as a protest party, adding: We need to focus on the policy solutions to win back former Conservative voters.

open image in gallery Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is under pressure over her stance towards Reform ( PA Wire )

Damian Green, who was Theresa Mays deputy when she was prime minister, said he wouldnt want to encourage anyone into going into coalition with Reform.

He said it may be that the electoral maths in some parts of the country makes deals necessary to have a council running at all but said he would be very wary of doing anything formal.

But he added: Nobody whos ever tried to do a deal with Nigel Farage has come out undamaged.

At the weekend, Ms Badenoch did not rule out coalitions at a local level with Reform.

But she did categorically rule out a pact on a national level, saying: I am not going into any coalition with Nigel Farage... read my lips.

However, she argued that some councils might be under what is known as no overall control and in those cases, you have to do what is right for your local area.

At the moment, we are in coalition with Liberal Democrats, with independents, she said. Weve been in coalition with Labour before at local government level.

They [councillors] have to look at who the people are that theyre going into coalition with and see how they can deliver for local people.

open image in gallery Nigel Farages party is expecting to make significant gains in the local elections ( PA Wire )

Mr Farage hit out at the idea, however, saying on Sunday that Reform had no intention in forming coalitions with the Tories at any level.

Ms Badenochs comments came after Robert Jenrick, her shadow justice secretary, was heard in a leaked video vowing to bring this coalition together on the right of British politics and ensure the Conservatives and Reform were not competing for votes at the next general election.

Mr Jenrick has denied that his words amount to calling for a pact with Reform.

But the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, made headlines a few days later when he said that if the number of Tory and Reform MPs combined created a significant majority after the next election, then obviously theres going to be a conversation to form a coalition or some sort of pact.

open image in gallery Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick vowed to bring this coalition together ( PA Wire )

Experts have suggested that Reform could take up to 500 council seats on a good night for the party.

The Conservatives are set to lose hundreds, with voters turning to parties like the Liberal Democrats as well as Reform.

Labour could see limited losses in their council seat numbers, as this years elections are being held in relatively few of the partys traditional heartlands.

But Sir Keir Starmer faces a battle to hold on to what should be the safe Westminster seat of Runcorn in a by-election.

Polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice has warned that fewer people than ever are prepared to vote Labour or Tory in these elections in the wake of the rise of Reform.

Speaking to The Independent, Prof Curtice said less than half of voters are saying they will vote for one of the two main parties, in what is a historic shift in voting patterns.
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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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A Kenyan lawmaker was shot dead by armed gunmen in capital Nairobi, a killing the police said appeared to be targeted and premeditated.

Charles Ong'ondo Were, a member of parliament representing Kasipul constituency in Kenyas west, died after being shot on the Ngong Road on Wednesday evening when his vehicle stopped at a traffic light, Kenyas police said in a statement.

The shooter was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle that stopped alongside the lawmakers car, the police said, citing a witness.

"The pillion passenger approached the vehicle and fired shots at the passenger side before jumping back onto the motorcycle and speeding away," police officials said in a statement. "The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and premeditated, they added.

open image in gallery Police officers and hospital staff carry the casket with body of Kasipul member of parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were at the Nairobi Hospital after he was shot dead by unknown gunmen riding on a motorcycle in Nairobi ( AFP/Getty )

Were was inside the car along with his bodyguard and driver when the bike approached their car. The pillion passenger, police said, then disembarked and approached the lawmakers car before firing at him. His driver and bodyguard were unhurt and rushed him to the Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, according to reports.

Kenyan president Willian Ruto urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and said that those responsible must be held to account in remarks issued on Thursday.

Kenyan parliament speaker Moses Wetang'ula called Were a "fearless and distinguished" legislator, as he described his shooting as "devastating".

open image in gallery The MP was shot by a passenger on a motorbike as he was in a car on the major Ngong Road which runs through the capital ( AFP via Getty Images )

Were was reelected in 2022 to represent Kasipul constituency in western Kenya for the Orange Democratic Movement Party and was a major opposition voice.

His party leader Raila Odinga has described Were as a gallant son of the soil. Mr Odinga was president Rutos main challenger in the 2022 general election.

"Were is no more; mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin in Nairobi this evening," Mr Odinga wrote on X.

Mr Odinga had rejected the 2022 election result, alleging irregularities, but he and some of his allies have since struck agreements to work with Mr Ruto to address Kenya's economic and political challenges.

Kenya has been a relatively stable country in the region which has witnessed several civil conflicts in recent years and political assassinations are unusual in the African nation.
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Two people have drowned after their vehicles were caught in flash floods that struck Oklahoma Wednesday.

The victims became trapped in their cars in separate incidents after slow-moving thunderstorms washed out dozens of roads in the south of the state. The latest deaths come a mother and child drowned in Oklahoma and three people were killed in weather-related incidents in Pennsylvania in the last week.

And there are warnings of more bad weather to come. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to continue into Friday across parts of the Southern Plains, and will also spread into the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys on Thursday warned the National Weather Service.

One of the most recent Oklahoma casualties was a man whose vehicle was swept off a Pottawatomie County highway, said Sheriff Freeland Wood.

My deputy went in to try and save him, and he got caught up in the same mess, Wood told The Associated Press. The deputy was treated at a local hospital and later released.

Have you been impacted by the floods? Get in touch at madeline.sherratt@independent.co.uk

open image in gallery Flooding in Lexington, Oklahoma on Wednesday saw people evacuated from their homes due to flooding. ( AP )

The other drowning took place in neighboring Lincoln County after a drivers vehicle got trapped in floodwaters along a highway northwest of Prague, Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesperson Sarah Stewart said.

Many other drivers have been rescued from the floodwaters and local residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as water surged into their properties.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol shared video footage of the extensive flooding, stating that with saturated ground, all the rain will immediately go to runoff, causing more flooding across the Flood Watch area. Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

Oklahoma resident Zachary Goodman, from Lawton, told The Independent that the floods had destroyed his family home.

open image in gallery Severe flash flooding has destroyed the family home of Oklahoma resident Zachary Goodman ( Zachary Goodman )

Residents are expected to bear the brunt of more flooding on Thursday evening, as another complex of rain and storms is expected to move across Oklahoma and north Texas overnight, the US National Weather Service for Norman, Oklahoma, stated on social media Wednesday night. Some storms could be severe, they warned.

The slow-moving thunderstorms have drenched Oklahoma for over a week. A woman and a 12-year-old boy drowned in Moore, a suburb outside Oklahoma City, on Easter Saturday.

open image in gallery Goodman's home was wrecked after Oklahoma was devastated by heavy floods in recent days ( Zachary Goodman )

Oklahoma City saw 12.5 inches of rain in April  the wettest for the month on record  topping the previous 11.91 inches set 80 years ago in 1947, reported News9.

Texas has also been affected by the downpours. In the Dallas area, departures were grounded at Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport because of thunderstorms. Hundreds of flights were canceled at DFW International Airport and dozens more at Love Field, according to FlightAware.

open image in gallery The NWS has warned Oklahoma residents that flooding is expected to continue through Thursday and into Friday ( US National Weather Service Norman Oklahoma )

A powerful storm Tuesday night also knocked out power to more than 425,000 customers in Pennsylvania and 40,000 more in Ohio, according to PowerOutage.us . Neighboring states reported thousands of outages. About 300,000 Pennsylvania customers and nearly 19,000 in Ohio were without power late Wednesday. A spokesperson for Pittsburgh-based Duquesne Light called the storms damage unprecedented for knocking out electricity, toppling trees and snapping power poles.

open image in gallery Emergency workers have been helping stranded drivers trapped in flood water ( AP )

A Pennsylvania man was electrocuted on Tuesday evening while trying to extinguish a mulch fire near a utility pole as severe weather hit the State College area, police said. The 22-year-old man died at the scene. State College police said they believe the mans death to be storm-related.

open image in gallery Goodman captured the devastating scenes in the city of Lawton, roughly 85 miles from Oklahoma City ( Zachary Goodman )

In Pittsburgh, first responders were called to the South Side Slopes area for reports of a person electrocuted by live wires, and that person died on the scene, according to the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department. The department urged residents to use extreme caution when moving through the city, citing multiple hazards such as downed trees and possible live wires.

Allegheny County officials confirmed that a 67-year-old man was killed by a fallen tree at a home in Ross Township, just outside Pittsburgh.

Associated Press contributed to this report
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House Republicans have warned that China is becoming more aggressive in the Caribbean following a trip to the region.

The chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, and Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas visited Guyana, Suriname, and Barbados last week. Crawford told Politico that China is set to overtake the U.S. in terms of regional influence unless Washington increases trade and investment with Caribbean nations.

We have taken our eye off the ball in our hemisphere, and that has allowed an entree for the Chinese to fill that void, and theyve done it pretty masterfully, right under our nose, and theyre becoming more aggressive, said Crawford.

China is interested in the deposits of gas and oil in the area, as well as strategic sea lanes. It is making significant investments in the region through its Belt and Road international infrastructure effort, which includes building ports, bridges, and upgrading the electrical grid.

open image in gallery Rep. Rick Crawford wants the U.S. to increase its engagement with Caribbean nations as Chinese influence is on the rise in the region ( Getty Images )

Crawford told Politico that such projects are giving China a power base in the region, which may grow into a threat to the U.S.

If the Chinese say they would like to put a port in the Dominican Republic, well, of course they would, because theyd like another Djibouti [military base] right here in close proximity to the U.S. homeland, he told the outlet.

Several countries have established bases in Djibouti due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of Africa, near the Gulf of Aden.

In the Caribbean, China is also pressuring countries to cut their connections to Taiwan, which has relations with Belize, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Former special assistant to the leader of U.S. Southern Command, Leland Lazarus, told Politico that There are 12 countries that recognize Taipei and five of them are in the Caribbean, so its a key flank in that struggle.

Crawford noted that Congress has neglected the Caribbean, partly because of the optics of it being a place for tropical vacations rather than an area of strategic importance.

Who wants to be out in Jamaica, or Barbados, or Trinidad on the government nickel and be thought of as Youre just vacationing, said Crawford.

The Trump administration has said that creating a deeper connection with the Caribbean is a foreign policy priority.

open image in gallery Chinas Shandong aircraft carrier sailing near Taiwan in March. Beijing lays claim to the island republic, which is officially recognized by only a handful of nations  including several in the Caribbean

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last month that the administration wants to address illegal immigration, seek to dismantle criminal networks and push back against malign influences that threaten the stability of our hemisphere.

Also last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now also the interim national security advisor, visited Suriname, Guyana, and Jamaica. During his visit, he cautioned Venezuela, a Chinese ally, against military adventurism following a dispute over territory with Guyana. He also slammed the terrible state of roads built by the Chinese.

Crawford told Politico that he wants the U.S. to engage with the Caribbean Communitys Regional Security System and increase economic exchange. However, taking part in the Regional Security System would require legislation approved by Congress or joint action by Trump. Crawford noted that he hasnt planned any such action yet.

He also suggested deploying the Army Corps of Engineers to help with infrastructure development, adding that financing by the Inter-American Development Bank could be a source of funding. The bank is a regional multilateral lender working to create economic growth in the Caribbean and Latin America. A top State Department official sits on the banks board.

Guyana native Wazim Mowla heads the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council.

He told Politico that the regions development challenges are skyrocketing  energy insecurity, food insecurity, spikes of crime and violence.

There is a lot of financing and technical assistance that is needed for the region, and at the moment, there hasnt been a single country to step up and raise their hand, he added.

Weve got to give them some options so that they can actually do business with us, said Crawford.

However, Trump has placed 38 percent tariffs on imports from Guyana and 10 percent on other Caribbean countries, which could provide an opening for China in the region.
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A young Department of Government Efficiency staffer, who has yet to obtain his undergraduate degree, has been tasked with using artificial intelligence to rewrite an entire agencys rules and regulations, according to a report.

DOGE, run by the worlds richest person Elon Musk, has caused a whirlwind of chaos in President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office by making swift and sweeping changes to the federal government: dismantling agencies, executing mass firings, and slashing government contracts. Now, DOGE is installing a college junior at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to rewrite its regulations  using AI, Wired reported.

A DOGE staffer introduced Christopher Sweet, a student with no prior government experience, in an email sent to the department employees this month noting that Sweet was recently a third-year at the University of Chicago, where he was studying economics and data science. The school confirmed that Sweet is on leave from the undergraduate college, the outlet noted.

The Independent has reached out to HUD for comment.

A DOGE staffer who has yet to graduate from college has been tasked with rewriting the Department of Housing and Urban Developments regulations using AI tools ( EPA )

I'd like to share with you that Chris Sweet has joined the HUD DOGE team with the title of special assistant, although a better title might be Al computer programming quant analyst, Scott Langmack, a DOGE staffer whose LinkedIn profile says hes a senior adviser at HUD, wrote in the email obtained by Wired. With family roots from Brazil, Chris speaks Portuguese fluently. Please join me in welcoming Chris to HUD!

Sweet is reportedly charged with reviewing the departments rules and then using AI tools to determine where rules can be relaxed or removed altogether after comparing them to the laws they were based upon, the outlet reported.

The college student will be focused on regulation related to the Office of Public and Indian Housing, sources told the outlet. The agency is responsible for public housing and Native American programs, serving 3.5 million households, according to its website.

Sweet has also been granted read access to the offices main database, sources told Wired. So far, he has put together an Excel spreadsheet showing policy areas where AI alerted that the department may have overreached. The AI then churns out suggested changes.

Agency staffers have been asked to review the AIs recommendation; if they dont agree with those suggestions, they must justify why, the outlet reported. It all sounds crazyhaving AI recommend revisions to regulations, one department source told Wired. But I appreciated how much theyre using real people to confirm and make changes.

The moves at the department appear to follow the blueprint for a second Trump administration laid out by Project 2025 calling for deregulation across the federal government. Specifically at HUD, the conservative playbook recommends repealing climate change initiatives, specific fair housing regulation, and initiating proposed regulation put forward under the [first] Trump Administration that would prohibit noncitizens, including all mixed-status families, from living in all federally assisted housing. If Sweets work is successful, the plan is to roll it out across the entire government, sources told Wired.

The student has virtually no online footprint, according to Wired, who only found a found biography on the website of East Edge Securities, an investment firm Sweet founded with two other students at the University of Chicago.
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President Donald Trump has branded himself the 'Fertilization President' and wants Americans to have more children - but his and tariffs could make life for growing families a lot more difficult.

Car seats, strollers and other goods essential for raising an infant will be impacted by Trumps trade war with China, with expectant families stocking up items as baby stores worry about their futures.

Meanwhile, trade associations are trying to get an exemption from the administration.

Natalie Gordon, found and CEO of Babylist, an e-commerce marketplace for baby items, told The Washington Post, It's a tax on families who are having a baby.

Tariffing these products is completely at odds with that stated goal of increasing birth rate and supporting families, she added.

Babylist and other companies have joined together with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to lobby for a tariff exemption.

The push has included an ad campaign that calls the tariffs a baby tax and a letter to Trump pushes him to exclude all juvenile products from these tariffs on Chinese imports o American parents and caregivers can protect the health and safety of American babies and toddlers.

The Trump White House has been sharing various ideas on how to increase the falling U.S. birthrate, such as a $5,000 baby bonus to those who have a child. Top officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have focused on the issue. Vance has said on repeated occasions that the falling birthrate should bother people.

Speaking about the notion of a baby bonus in April, Trump said, Sounds like a good idea to me.

Trump has publicly supported the idea of handing $5,000 to families who have kids as a baby bonus ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

At a Womens History Month im March, the president nicknamed himself the fertilization president as he announced the formation of the Republica Womens Caucus in Congress.

"We're gonna have tremendous goodies in the bag for women too, he said. The women, between the fertilization and all the other things we're talking about, it's gonna be great.

Fertilization. I'm still very proud of it, I don't care, he added. I'll be known as the fertilization president and that's okay."

However, the rising costs is ofter given as the main reason that couples are opting to go child-free.

Trump has agreed to some exemptions to his trade war, providing relief to some carmakers, but he has so far remained steadfast in his trade war with China, in which some tariffs have now reached 145 percent.

The president said it was good that his policies have made it difficult for Americans to buy goods from China, adding that they deserve it, during an interview with ABC broadcast on Tuesday.

Some experts worry that families will limit their spending, which may lead to unsafe conditions for some children.

The owner of the Washington D.C. boutique baby store Three Littles, Elizabeth Mahon, told The Post, I love the idea of manufacturing in America, and I see the value in it. But, right now, businesses are really struggling.

Its not fearmongering. Its real. I cannot get inventory, she added.

Mahon noted that purchases at her store increased when the tariffs were announced, with families trying to avoid the ramifications of the incoming policy, noting that some bought strollers and car seats before pregnancy. She added the her stores can only stay open for another six months if tariffs continue to impact purchases.

There are products that we sell that we dont have any idea when were going to get more of them, Mahon told the paper. I would happily buy the same products if they were manufactured in America, but they are not, and the problem is the things that were selling are necessities. These arent just willy-nilly purchases. They are keeping kids safe, and if families cannot find car seats, the direct result is that kids are less safe.
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Tech billionaire and DOGE hatchet man Elon Musk promised to save the nation $2 trillion.

In reality, in spite of massive cuts in federal agencies, contracts, services and jobs, U.S. government spending is actually up more than 6 percent over the same period last year during the Biden administration, according to new Treasury data.

That increase doesnt include the added costs of required payments to a quarter-of-a-million ousted federal workers (either fired or urged out the door), unemployment benefits and pricey rehirings of employees mistakenly fired.

According to a model by the nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model, using weekly Treasury data, spending climbed 6.3% (about $156 billion) since Trump took office, compared with the first four months of 2024 when Joe Biden was president.

open image in gallery Elon Musk has scaled down his initial boasts of $2 trillion of savings ( REUTERS )

Many of Musks cuts will actually cost, including taxpayer funds going to an army of lawyers from the Department of Justice battling a cascade of court cases against the governments dismantling that many judges have already said appears to be illegal.

Damages from any illegal firings are likely also to be extremely pricey. So is the loss of critically important workers who earn far more than their salaries, or will have to be replaced for critical services by more expensive private-sector employees.

Among the most massive costs will be the huge reduction in workers at the Internal Revenue Service, who are worth their weight in gold because of the taxes they collect or ferret out from cheats, the key source of income for the country.

Musk, who is no longer working at the White House, initially promised he would shave $2 trillion from federal spending and debt, but quickly cut that amount in half. Last month he lowered it further to $150 billion, then upped it to $160 billion, a tiny fraction of what he first promised.

open image in gallery Musks DOGE tactics have attracted widespread criticism and protests ( AFP via Getty Images )

But its difficult to know how much his Department of Government Efficiency has actually saved, given the error-riddled receipts that have been posted on the DOGE website.

Jessica Riedl, a budget expert at the Manhattan Institute, recently estimated the actual savings at about $2 billion The Atlantic noted. Prediction markets expect a grand total of $1 billion in savings.

In any case, the Trump administration two weeks ago had already spent $5 billion dollars more than the total Musk claimed he had saved.

Though the cost savings  the purported reason for Trump and Musks dismantling of the government  was a flop, the DOGE impact was nevertheless massive.

In terms of downsizing, what DOGE has done is unprecedented for sure, Richard Stern, a federal budget expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation, told Politico.

Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan, pro-government nonprofit, told Politico that DOGE has touched every element of our government, but its impact has been particularly significant in the fields of scientific research, health care, and in international development, which he said has been wiped away.

He added: What theyve gotten rid of is important capability, amazing talent and deep relationships, both here and in other places. To rebuild will require not 100 days, but years and years.

Musk could not immediately be reached for comment. White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields told Politico that Trump had a mandate to uproot waste, fraud and abuse.
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The Attorney General invited MAGA influencers to see the first tranche of the Jeffery Epstein files  now the White House says theres no specific timeline to release the rest.

Attorney General Pam Bondi released the first phase of declassified files on February 27 related to the now dead sex offender. She even invited some conservative online personalities to the White House to see the files for themselves. Conservative commentator Rogan OHandley, known online as DC Draino, was among the group who was given a white binder labelled The Epstein Files: Phase One.

At a briefing on Monday, O'Handley asked White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt when to expect the bulk of the files to be released or any arrests related to the matter. She said she doesnt have a specific timeline for their release.

I can assure you that the Attorney General and her team are working on this diligently, Leavitt said, before calling Bondi a bulldog.

open image in gallery A selection of MAGA figures were given a number of files relating to Jeffrey Epsteins crimes by Attorney General Pam Bondi but they contained little new information ( REUTERS )

The tranche contained redacted court documents, most of which had been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government, the attorney general said at the time. These include flight logs and Epsteins contact book, containing names of his alleged associates.

Bondi requested the FBI deliver the remaining documents the next morning. As of May 1, only the first phase of documents has been released.

Last week, a reporter asked President Donald Trump when the public could expect to see the release of more documents. He said he wasnt sure but that hed speak to the attorney general for more information.

I do know that weve done the RFK, the Kennedy, Martin Luther King is out there very shortly, so well find out, Trump added. Weve really announced were doing them in full transparency.

On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to release the documents. The White House has vowed to be committed to transparency as the president signed an executive order in January regarding the declassification of documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King.

Bondi release of the first tranche of Epstein files was met with cries of disappointment over a lack of new information.

open image in gallery Jeffrey Epstein died in an apparent suicide in a New York jail in 2019 ( PA Media )

Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna raged on X: THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment. GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR!

Far-right activist Laura Loomer also fumed: There is one person who takes the blame for what happened today. Its @PamBondi. She wrote: I think she should resign. She went on Fox News and said the files were on her desk. Then she went on Fox News last night and said we would have files today. She is a total liar.

Epstein, who had a number of high-profile friends and acquaintances, including two U.S. presidents  Donald Trump and Bill Clinton  and celebrities like Prince Andrew, died in a New York jail in 2019 where he was being held on sex trafficking charges. He had previously been jailed after pleading guilty in Florida to procuring a girl below the age of 18 for prostitution.

Many  including the MAGA influencers  are hoping that the documents they want Bondi to release will shed new light on his crimes, and whether anyone else may have been involved. The only other person to have been charged with any offences is his confidante Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving 20 years in prison on sex trafficking charges.

One of Epsteins most outspoken victims, Virginia Giuffre, died in an apparent suicide in Australia last week. She had been among those leading the way in demanding justice for Epstein.
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General Motors says that the fallout caused by Donald Trumps chaotic global tariffs will increase its annual costs by up to five billion dollars.

On Thursday, the major U.S. car manufacturer cut profit forecasts for 2025 by 20 percent, with executives predicting the company was now expected to make between $8.2 billion and $10.1 billion in 2025.

This is down from a previous forecast of $11.2 to $12.5 billion.

GMs business is fundamentally strong as we adapt to the new trade policy environment, GMs chief executive Mary Barra said, per The New York Times.

It comes after Trump signed executive orders on Tuesday to relax some of his blanket 25 percent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, after the import taxes threatened to hurt domestic manufacturers such as GM.

open image in gallery General Motors says that the fallout caused by Donald Trumps chaotic global tariffs will increase its annual costs by up to five billion dollars. On Thursday GM said it was looking to cut costs and work with suppliers to increase domestic production of both parts and components ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Analysis has indicated that the tariffs could raise prices, reduce sales and make U.S. production less competitive worldwide. On the call, The Times reported, GMs chief financial officer, Paul Jacobson, said the company now expected new vehicle prices to rise 0.5 percent to 1 percent this year, instead of a previous forecast of a price drop.

Trump has portrayed the changes as a bridge toward automakers moving more production back to America. We just wanted to help them during this little transition, short term, he told reporters. We didnt want to penalize them.

On Thursdays call, Barra said GM was looking to cut costs and work with suppliers to increase domestic production of both parts and components, including battery modules. This would aim to mitigate around 30 percent of the tariffs impact, she said.

The manufacturer previously announced it would be increasing production of pickup trucks at a plant near Fort Wayne, in Indiana, to reduce imports from Canada and Mexico  two nations hit hard by Trumps trade war.

open image in gallery It comes after Trump signed executive orders on Tuesday to relax some of his blanket 25 percent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, after the import taxes threatened to hurt domestic manufacturers such as GM ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

According to The Times, Barra said output at the Fort Wayne factory would increase by about 50,000 trucks this year.

After Trump announced his tariff easing on Tuesday, Barra said GM was grateful for his support of the industry, noting the company was looking forward to conversations with the president and working with the administration.

We believe the Presidents leadership is helping level the playing field for companies like GM and allowing us to invest even more in the U.S. economy, Barra said in a statement.
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President Donald Trump has tapped Mike Waltz to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations after ousting him as National Security Adviser.

The shake-up comes just weeks after the Signalgate scandal, where Waltz inadvertently added a journalist from The Atlantic into a chat discussing war plans in Yemen.

Trump announced the move in a post on Truth Social Thursday afternoon after reports of Waltzs departure broke.

I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Trump said in the post. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role.

The president added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will pick up Waltzs former role in the interim, while continuing to head up the State Department.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has ousted National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and nominated him as ambassador to the United Nations. His departure from the role comes weeks after he added a reporter to a Signal app chat involving high-ranking officials. ( Getty Images )

The ambassador role requires Senate confirmation.

It was reported earlier Thursday by CBS News and CNN that Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, would be leaving their roles.

It was made clear to Waltz earlier this week that his time leading the National Security Council had come to an end, CNN reported. Questions swirled about Waltzs role after it was revealed that he added the journalist Jeffrey Goldberg into a chat on the Signal app detailing military strikes. The chat involved high-ranking military and administration members and news of the breach became a blunder for the White House.

Trump publicly backed Waltz after the Signalgate scandal broke and said he was a very good man.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also reiterated in a statement at the time that the president has the utmost confidence in Mike Waltz and his entire national security team.

open image in gallery Waltz took responsibility for adding a journalist into the Signal group chat and the president backed him afterward, but sources said he never really recovered from the embarrassing ordeal. The ambassador role requires Senate confirmation. ( Getty Images )

Waltz said he took responsibility for the gaffe at the time. I take full responsibility. I built the group, Waltz said. It's embarrassing. We're going to get to the bottom of it.

Trump said Waltz had learned his lesson and would not be fired. The president also blamed sharing the messages on an error from one of Michaels people that did not amount to a serious issue.

Sources told CNN that Waltz never really recovered from the Signalgate scandal.

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly reportedly told the network that the Trump administration has the wrong guy, and pointed the finger at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who shared messages with details of the plans.

open image in gallery Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared war plans with the group on the app but Trump stood by him. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Adviser in the interim, while continuing to lead the State Department. ( EPA )

I think theyre holding the wrong guy accountable  I think they fired the wrong guy, Kelly told CNN.

Waltz appeared on Fox & Friends Thursday morning hailing Trumps minerals deal with Ukraine just hours before his departure was reported. At yesterdays cabinet meeting, Waltz praised Trump for his leadership as he hit 100 days in office.

But even that public display of fealty towards the president wasn't enough to keep the axe from falling on his brief tenure atop the National Security Council.

When the majority of Trump's cabinet reconvened Wednesday afternoon for an event to highlight business investment in the United States during the first 100 days of the president's term, neither Waltz nor Wong were present despite there being reserved seats clearly marked with their names.
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Moments before it was first reported that hed been ousted as national security advisor, Mike Waltz  standing in front of the White House  appeared on Fox & Friends to discuss the administrations rare minerals deal with Ukraine and other foreign policy issues.

At the same time, it seemed fairly apparent that Waltz had no idea during the interview that he would soon be pushed out of his job, especially as he took time to congratulate another Trump Cabinet member for serving his last day as a member of the Army Reserve.

Following reports of Waltzs removal as head of the National Security Council, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday afternoon that Waltz would now be nominated to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio will do double duty and take over as interim national security advisor until a permanent replacement is found.

And you saw yesterday, congratulations to EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, who just served his last day in the military, Waltz told Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade at the end of their conversation on Thursday morning.

Zeldin, who transitioned from active duty to the Army Reserve in 2007, eventually achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel as a reservist before retiring this week. Both Waltz and Zeldin sat in on the presidents Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, which featured Zeldin announcing his last day in the service while Waltz heaped praise on the president.

Mr. President, in the last four years, the world experienced a total lack of zero leadership under Biden, and then weve had 100 days of your leadership, Waltz gushed during Wednesdays meeting. With respect, with strength, starting with therell be all hell to pay if you dont let our people go. Dozens, over 40 Americans have come home under your leadership.

Moments before he was fired as national security advisor, Mike Waltz appeared on Fox & Friends and talked about how "excited" he was about the administration's achievements. ( Fox News )

Elsewhere in his last Fox News appearance as a member of the Trump administration, Waltz celebrated the recent mineral deal between the United States and Ukraine, touting it as a key step in achieving peace in the war launched by Russia against Ukraine.

This deal is good for the American taxpayer in that it is recouping the billions of dollars weve put into supporting Ukraine, he told Kilmeade. Good for Ukraine and helping it grow, and helping it grow the pie in terms of its development and reconstruction, and good for its security.

He went on to discuss his role in bringing Russia to the negotiating table while praising the president for trying to bring both sides together, while also commending Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff for applying pressure on Russia. Notably, it has now been reported that Witkoff may be in line to succeed Waltz.

Im so excited about this, Waltz told Fox about the military exceeding its recruiting goals. This is leadership at its finest, led by our commander-in-chief, who loves the troops, and they love him.

At the end of Waltzs fateful Fox & Friends chat and following his tip of the hat to Zeldin, Kilmeade applauded the then-national security advisor for his military career.

You actually signed up for the National Guard after serving in the Green Berets. So, you never stopped. I just think its pretty impressive, the Fox host declared before lauding the administration for giving Silicon Valley more direct access to the Pentagon.

Weve got to move faster, and weve got to cut through the red tape. They deserve the best, Waltz reacted. Moments later, according to political journalist Mark Halperins reporting, hed find himself fired by the president.

The departure of Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong comes weeks after the former Republican congressman faced intense scrutiny for putting together a Signal chat that mistakenly included The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg. The chat saw Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth  who has also come under increased fire for his use of unsecured group Signal exchanges  sharing highly sensitive attack plans on Houthi rebel bases in Yemen.

Amid the initial uproar over the Singalgate scandal, Waltz admitted to the White House that Goldbergs reporting was authentic but never offered to resign, despite administration officials debating whether he should step down. Publicly, at least, the president backed him and described Waltz as a very good man.

Additionally, Waltz claimed at the time that he had taken full responsibility for the embarrassing security gaffe, adding that hed learned his lesson and would not be fired. However, according to CNN, Waltz never fully recovered from the scandal, and it was merely a matter of time before he was done in the role.

Sources also told CBS News that the president thinks sufficient time has passed since the Signal incident that Waltz and Wong's departures can be framed as part of a reorganization, adding that he didnt want to fire the pair initially as it could be seen as bending to outside pressure.

Meanwhile, the departures of Waltz and Wong come weeks after a half-dozen National Security Council staffers were fired. Those terminations came a day after Trump met with MAGA extremist Laura Loomer, who showed the president her opposition research that she claimed revealed those staffers were insufficiently loyal to Trump and held neoconservative views.

Following the firings of Wong and Waltz, Loomer took to social media to boast about her perceived role in their removal. SCALP, she blared on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a previous post of hers about Wongs previous work for Mitt Romneys presidential campaign. She also said she showed the president a video last month of Waltz attacking Trump when he first ran for president in 2015.
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Elon Musk and Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm have reacted angrily to a report the electric car manufacturer is headhunting for a new CEO to replace the worlds richest man.

On Wednesday The Wall Street Journal suggested Tesla reached out to executive search firms a month ago following a drastic drop in profits, to get the ball rolling on a successor.

Lashing out at on X, Musk wrote: It is an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS that the WSJ would publish a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and fail to include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors!

His post echoed comments from Denholm dismissing the story as absolutely false and reiterating: The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead.

open image in gallery Elon Musk attends a Trump administration cabinet meeting at the White House on April 30 ( Reuters )

But the newspaper acknowledged that the extent of progress made so far couldnt be determined and whether or not the current CEO was aware of the situation was unclear.

Both the billionaires net worth and Teslas stock price have plunged dramatically in recent months, with the latters profits declining 71 percent in the first quarter. The damaging financial news came after Musk founded the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new agency tasked with slashing excess federal expenditure and alleged fraud that has fired tens of thousands of government employees.

Musk  who has led Tesla for almost 20 years and is its largest shareholder, owning around 13 percent of its stock  became increasingly politically active during last years presidential election, donating more than $250m to Trumps campaign, pumping money into a recent Wisconsin judicial election while also expressing support for far-right parties in Europe, notably Alternative fur Deutschland.

The result has been a significant backlash against Tesla, with the companys cars and dealerships vandalized in America and Europe in protest at Musks actions and the company losing ground in key EV markets like California, Germany and China.

Musks alliance with Trump has also been questioned given that the presidents trade war threatens Teslas supply chain, which relies heavily on the free movement of imports from countries like China and Mexico.

The CEO told investors recently that he would continue to advocate for lower tariffs rather than higher tariffs, but thats all I can do, insisting the final decision on the matter was the presidents.

Teslas broader sustainability goals equally appear to be at odds with Trumps pro-fossil fuel ideology of drill baby drill.

open image in gallery Trump and Musk pose with a Tesla Cybertruck outside the White House on March 11 ( AFP/Getty )

The president has attempted to help out his special adviser by branding those responsible for targeting Tesla vehicles with arson attacks and graffiti domestic terrorists and instructing Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

He has even played salesman to boost the company, whose market value has fallen from a record high of $1.5trn in December to $900bn, turning the White House lawn into a showroom forecourt in March for an event showcasing its products.

Musk himself has responded by stating that the amount of time he spends on DOGE will drop significantly from May to allow him to refocus his energies on Tesla, SpaceX and X, attempting to reassure his fellow investors during an April earnings call by stating: Starting next month, Ill be allocating far more of my time to Tesla.

However, President Trump appeared reluctant to lose his services at the White House on Wednesday, telling Musk at a cabinet meeting: Youre invited to stay as long as you want I guess he wants to get back home to his cars.

Trump added that the tech tycoon had been treated unfairly by his detractors and paid tribute to his tenure in Washington by noting: You really have sacrificed a lot.
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House and Senate Republicans remain miles apart on whether to make significant cuts to Medicaid in President Donald Trumps proposed one big, beautiful bill.

The US House of Representatives passed a version of the budget resolution that Senate sent right before the April recess. But that is just the beginning of the real fight.

The House wants to find $1.5 trillion worth of spending cuts to pay for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, renewing the tax cuts that Trump signed in 2017.

But one major sticking point is that the House version of the legislation requires the House Energy & Commerce Committee to find $880 billion worth of spending cuts. Republicans have said they will not touch Medicare, the health insurance program mostly for people 65 years and over, while budget reconciliation, the process through which the Senate can pass legislation and avoid a filibuster, prohibits changing Social Security.

The nonpartisan congressional budget office has said that when Medicare is removed from the table, Medicaid  the program for poorer Americans, pregnant women and people with disabilities  makes up 93 percent of the money the committee governs.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told Axios during a sit-down that he wants to focus on reducing waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid. Johnson said he hoped to see $500 billion worth of cuts.

open image in gallery Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri is one of a handful of Republicans who worries about cuts to Medicaid hurting his constituents ( Getty Images )

You eliminate fraud, waste and abuse, you bring in work requirements, and you tighten up the program, and you can find a lot of savings, Johnson said. The number came after Politico reported that Rep. Don Bacon, a mainstream Republican from Nebraska, would not accept any more than $500 billion in cuts to Medicaid.

But some Senate Republicans also fear that the cuts might go too deep.

I'm very worried about that, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri told The Independent. I won't vote for that.

Hawley has said in the past he would support work requirements for Medicaid, but not outright benefit cuts. In 2020, Missouri voted to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, for people who have incomes of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

In return, the federal government matches up to 90 percent of the cost for the population under expansion. Numerous states with Republican governors or that voted for Trump either expanded Medicaid by ballot referendum or via their state legislatures.

Hawley, a populist Republican who has sought to make GOP policy more amenable to working-class voters, is not the only member of his party worried about Medicaid cuts. Susan Collins of Maine faces re-election in 2026.

I certainly want to make sure that vulnerable citizens, whether it's seniors or people with disability or children or low income families are covered, she told The Independent.

Trump for his part has said he does not want to touch Medicaid benefits for Americans.

There are a lot of illegal aliens that are getting Medicaid that shouldnt be getting it, Trump said during a town hall on NewsNation on Wednesday evening. And nobody objects to taking people off Medicaid that arent allowed to be there.

Some states use state funds to increase eligibility for undocumented immigrants, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. But federal dollars are already not allowed to be used to cover undocumented immigrants.

But some hardline conservatives want to see concrete cuts. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, a hardline fiscal hawk and member of the House Freedom Caucus, posted on X about the need to change Medicaid.

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson says he wants to focus on reducing waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid ( AP )

In the last 10 years, improper payments for Medicaid have exceeded HALF A TRILLION dollars, he said. That equates to $4,300 per household. Medicaid MUST be reformed.

Others like Rep. Andy Harris, the House Freedom Caucus chairman, insist there will not be major cuts.

Only in Washington is the slight decrease in the increase of a program called a cut, Harris said on a House floor speech.

Republicans hope to wrap up legislation before the X-date, the proposed date when the United States will hit the debt ceiling, given that Republicans included a debt limit increase in the final legislation. They also hope to finish the bill by the end of the year to avoid letting the 2017 tax cuts expire.
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Under a bill just passed by the Texas Senate, a private citizen can sue someone or an organization that mails, prescribes, or manufactures abortion-inducing drugs for $100,000  but some critics question the legislations legality.

Abortions are banned in the state and the new bill could add more intimidation around the already stigmatized procedure.

In an expansion of the controversial pre-Roe 2021 heartbeat law that allowed private citizens to sue anyone who aids and abets or provides abortions after a heartbeat is detected, the latest legislation  SB2880  permits private citizens to sue groups and individuals who have mailed, prescribed, paid for or distributed abortion pills  regardless of location.

The bill also allows for these parties to be sued for the wrongful death or personal injury of an unborn child or pregnant person due to the use of the medications and targets internet providers that allow Texans to access information on abortion pills.

The state Senate passed the bill on Tuesday, but not without criticism. Some argued that its legally dubious.

Speaking on the floor Tuesday, Democratic Sen. Nathan Johnson called the legislation a flagrant, brazen transgression of the principles of separation of powers on which this country and state was founded.

Last month, Veronikah Warms, a staff attorney at the Texas Civil Rights Project, labeled it an incursion on Texans constitutional rights when speaking to the Senate Committee on State Affairs.

The Texas state Senate passed a wide-ranging bill this week that would allow private citizens to sue individuals helping pregnant people obtain medication abortions. ( AP )

Under this bill, as written, a person could potentially go to prison for life for paying for a woman's sandwich while knowing that she was traveling to get a legal out-of-state abortion, Warms said to the committee. What is the point of having state laws defining legal content in their borders if a legislature can just decide to prosecute people for legal activity in other states? Where does that end?

Rachel Rebouche, dean of Temple Universitys Beasley School of Law, argued that SB2880 hinges on private action, much like the 2021 heartbeat law. This is Texas legislators trying the same strategy to try to circumvent a federal constitutional challenge, Rebouche told the 19th News.

The bill would allow anyone to sue a wide swath of the population, including loved ones of those obtaining medication abortions and support organizations, like Texas Equal Access Fund, a nonprofit that offers financial and emotional support to Texans in need of reproductive care.

If passed, we would be worried about being subjected to harassing lawsuits that could get in the way of our work of helping people access abortion care, Kamyon Conner, executive director of Texas Equal Access Fund, told The Independent in an email.

Republican Texas state Sen. Bryan Hughes, who authored the bill, argued its meant to protect women.

These are the pills that are being mailed into Texas directly to women, often without instructions, certainly without doctors as before, and without follow-up care after, Hughes said Tuesday. This is illegal in Texas but is taking place, and weve thus far not been able to protect women.

But Conner had a different take.

While this bill targets individuals and organizations who help women to obtain medication abortions, its likely to impact the women themselves too. This is especially true for low-income Texans, people of color, immigrants, young people, and rural communities who already face the greatest barriers to health care, Conner said.

The legislation is also likely to affect patients treating miscarriages, as both miscarriages and medication abortions often use mifepristone and misoprostol.

SB2880 could also curb some providers from wanting to help Texans, Conner added: If this threatens out-of-state providers and they dont feel safe, this could mean they wont take Texas patients and it could prevent us from being able to help fund medication abortion care in other states.
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Stephen Miller claimed that President Donald Trump has literally saved America during a fiery press briefing Thursday - despite dismal recent economic results.

Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, ended up engaging in a testy back-and-forth with multiple members of the White House press corps on a range of subjects - from the Elon Musk-led DOGE to former vice president Kamala Harris - often choosing to deflect and attack rather than engage.

Towards the tail end of the session Miller was asked to respond to criticisms of Trump made by his erstwhile 2024 election opponent, who made her first major public appearance since leaving office in January on Wednesday night.

Rather than address anything the former vice president had said, Miller branded her speech a good reminder to the American people of just how blessed we all are that the leader sitting in the Oval Office today is President Donald Trump and not President Kamala Harris.

This President has literally saved America, and I could not be prouder, Miller added.

During the briefing that led up to his saccharine praise of the president, the White House official repeatedly defended Trumps trade war policies as reporters asked about the economic effects of the import taxes he has imposed.

When he was pressed on whether there will be any news on additional tariff relief or any of the trade deals Trump and his advisers have been promising for weeks now, Miller declined to get ahead of any announcements but claimed that countries the world over are desperate and dying to make trade deals with the United States. He added that Trump was remaining personally involved in making sure that these negotiations serve only one interest, which is the interest of the United States of America.

open image in gallery Stephen Miller went on the attack during a fiery press briefing on Thursday. ( REUTERS )

Miller also refused to say whether the administration was open to offering any form of tariff relief to American automakers or small businesses that could be crushed by the so-called reciprocal tariffs scheduled to go into effect when a three-month reprieve enacted by Trump last month expires at the end of June.

When a reporter pointed out that CEOs of both General Motors and Ford have raised concerns over the tariffs - namely around costs to both manufacturers and consumers - Miller clapped back that the journalist had missed the entire point.

He claimed that the massive import taxes being imposed on auto components made in Mexico or Canada and used to build American cars will be moot because U.S. automakers have announced dramatic investments and expansions inside the United States.

American auto plants are growing. They are expanding. They are opening new facilities. They are expanding existing facilities that are already in operation. Because it is now the case that for the first time in our lives that American cars receive preference in America's markets, he said.

Pressed further on whether American consumers would have to pay more for cars, because tariffs are taxes passed on from importers to consumers in the form of higher prices, Miller claimed that prices would remain low because of the massive economic incentive for automakers to re-shore production back to the U.S.

open image in gallery Miller clashed with reporters during the early briefing. ( AP )

The Trump aide had yet another contentious exchange when asked whether the White House had plans to respond to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce letter asking for a small business exemption for the Trump import taxes.

Instead, he claimed that the only tax relief that is in the offing is what would come from passing the partisan GOP tax bill being considered in Congress, which would extend tax cuts enacted during the first Trump administration.

He suggested that the GOP bill would help small businesses avoid tariffs by providing tax deductions for investments in manufacturing.

This is what you have to understand about the plan ... as they're able to reshore the supply chains, that also means they'll pay no tariff, so you'll have the lowest tax environment, he said.
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The Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelan immigrants accused of being gang members exceeds the scope of the law and runs contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the wartime statute.

Texas District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, who was appointed by Trump himself, ruled on Thursday that the administration cannot rely on the 18th century law to detain and deport alleged Tren de Aragua members, which is unlawful.

The government does not possess the lawful authority under the Alien Enemies Act, based on Donald Trumps proclamation invoking the law for the fourth time in U.S. history, to detain Venezuelan aliens, transfer them within the United States, or remove them from the country, according to the judges 36-page ruling.

The ruling applies to all targeted immigrants held in his district.

open image in gallery A Trump-appointed judge in Texas found that the presidents use of the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelans is illegal and contrary to the plain language of the law ( AFP via Getty Images )

The historical record renders clear that the presidents invocation of the [Alien Enemies Act] through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statutes terms, he wrote.

In his proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act last month, Trump stated that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of [Tren de Aragua], are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.

The Alien Enemies Act grants authority to the president to remove immigrants during a declared war or if there is an "invasion or predatory incursion.

At least 137 Venezuelans who were targeted under the law were deported from Texas to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center on March 15.

But the government did not show that there exists an organized, armed group of individuals entering the United States at the direction of Venezuela to conquer the country or assume control over a portion of the nation, and the administration falls short of describing an invasion or predatory incursion, according to Judge Rodriguez.

The court ruled the president cant unilaterally declare an invasion of the United States and invoke a wartime authority during peacetime, the lead counsel in the case, ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, said in a statement. Congress never meant for this 18th-century wartime law to be used this way. This is a critically important decision that prevents more people from being sent to the notorious CECOT prison.

open image in gallery At least 137 Venezuelans who were targeted under the Alien Enemies Act were deported from the United States on March 15 ( US ARMY/AFP via Getty Images )

Rodriguezs preliminary injunction delivers a significant blow to the Trump administrations attempts to swiftly remove immigrants as part of his aggressive mass deportation operation.

Any appeal of the decision will head to the conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana before moving to the Supreme Court.

The administration has admitted in court filings that many of the people sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador 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.

On April 7, a divided Supreme Court agreed to lift a court order that temporarily blocked the presidents use of the wartime law to swiftly deport people from the country while a legal challenge plays out. But the justices said immigrants marked for removal are entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal in front of a judge in the district where they are detained.

Following that ruling, lawsuits challenging immigrants deportations under the Alien Enemies Act have been filed in several states.
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Some Harvard faculty members have pledged to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school in its fight against the Trump administration, following the administration's decision to freeze $2 billion in federal funding for the university, which has prompted a lawsuit from the school.

In a letter shared online, the organizers behind the effort asked senior faculty to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school for a year or until the situation is resolved.

"We are heartened by the Universitys rejection of the Trump administrations demands. We also recognize that the University now faces severe financial damage for its defense of academic freedom," the letter states. The Trump administration has already cut off more than $2 billion in grants, is considering revoking the Universitys tax-exempt status, and has threatened to revoke its certification for enrolling foreign students.

These financial consequences are halting research, limiting graduate student enrollment, and stopping hiring of both faculty and staff. Many faculty are already affected by salary freezes, it adds.

The letter was signed by Ryan Enos, Jeff Flier, Archon Fung, Oliver Hart, Rebecca Henderson, Steve Levitsky, Eric Maskin, Martha Minow, Dani Rodrik, Theda Skocpol, and Steve Walt.

How the funds would be used wasnt detailed in the letter, but the organizers said theyre putting together a plan and requested that others sign the non-binding agreement to privately share their backing as they move ahead with the process, NBC 10 Boston noted.

"We envision that faculty who have made the pledge will hold a vote and if the majority agrees that the university is making a good faith effort to use its own resources in support of staff, student, and academic programs, faculty will proceed with their donation," the letter notes.

As many as 84 professors signed on to the effort, according to WCVB 5.

Faculty at Harvard University pledged to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school as it fights the Trump administration over its academic independence ( Getty Images )

Harvard has become a target for the Trump administration after it called on the school to end all preferences based on race, color, national origin, or proxies thereof.

It also pushed the school to put in place merit-based policies by August, prompting Harvard to respond by defying the administration as it uses its control of federal educational funding to push its agenda on universities.

The Trump administration has accused several universities of not doing enough to prevent antisemitism last year in connection with campus protests against the war in Gaza.

Harvard leadership has said that the school will not bow to the president, calling his administrations actions a threat to academic freedom and the independence of all universities.

Previously this week, the Trump administration announced federal probes into Harvard as well as the Harvard Law Review following allegations of race-based discrimination.

After the release of an internal report on antisemitism and bias against Arabs, Harvard pledged to put in place its own reforms.

Hearings for the funding lawsuit filed by Harvard are set to take place at the end of July.

The financial costs will not be shared equally among our community. Staff and students in many programs, in particular, are under greater threat than those of us with tenured positions, the letter notes, going going on to state that signing on to the effort would signal a commitment by faculty to use means at our disposal to protect the university and, especially, staff and students who do not have the same protections.
 Close Mark Carney tells Trump Canada is 'not for sale'

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President Donald Trump and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney came face-to-face at the White House on Tuesday for a high-stakes meeting.

Just days after winning an election campaign with an aggressive focus on Trump, Carney said he would make a bid for a comprehensive deal on trade and national security, while hoping to reset frayed U.S.-Canada relations.

Trump, meanwhile, played the upper hand, claiming the U.S. doesnt need anything from Canada except friendship, but Canada needs everything from the U.S.

The high-stakes meeting between the two leaders is set against the backdrop of Trumps repeated threats to annex Canada and the imposition of sweeping 25 percent tariffs.

During their Oval Office meeting, Trump once again said he would like to see Canada become the 51st state.

But, Carney pushed back, saying Canada is not for sale and wont be for sale, ever. He reiterated that Canadians will never change their mind about joining the U.S.

Never say never, Trump responded.

Carney mouthed the words never to the press.
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Tech CEOs lined up to kiss the ring after President Donald Trump was elected, dining with him at Mar-a-Lago and donating $1 million each to the inaugural fund.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk sat in the second row at Trumps inauguration  better seats than some of the presidents cabinet.

But cozying up to Trump hasnt necessarily translated into a financial windfall, as tech companies have experienced a mixed bag over the last few months in dealing with Trumps agenda and his economic plans.

Tech billionaires Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg and Nvidias Jensen Huang have lost $193.6 billion between them since Trump entered office, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The tech leaders had a buddy-buddy relationship with Trump early in the administration, but since then, it has been a rocky road, Darrell West, senior fellow in the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings Institution, told Business Insider.

These efforts to build close relationships have not altogether paid dividends, Andrew Lokay, a senior research analyst at Beacon Policy Advisors, told The Hill.

open image in gallery Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Googles CEO Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk had some of the best seats in the house at President Donald Trumps inauguration. But for all their cosying up, it hasnt necessarily translated into a windfall. ( Getty Images )

Trumps 145 percent tariffs on China provoked Beijing to retaliate with 125 percent tariffs on the U.S., igniting a trade war between the worlds two largest economies.

If the two nations do not come to an agreement soon, the consequences could be devastating for companies such as Apple, where more than 75 percent of iPhones sold around the world are currently produced.

Cook, Apples CEO, was one of the tech executives who dined with Trump at Mara-Lago a month after his election win. Gene Munster, a managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management investment company, told The New York Times that a complete breakdown between the U.S. and China would cut the value of Apple in half or more.

To evade the worst of the tariffs, Apple is reportedly preparing to move production of all iPhones bound for U.S. sales from China to India.

Bezos also wined and dined with Trump in Mar-a-Lago shortly after The Washington Post owner announced he was putting a stop to opinion writers at the newspaper from voicing opposition to personal liberties and free markets.

Amazon is also producing the $40 million Melania Trump documentary.

open image in gallery The billionaires have experienced a turbulent few months under Trump, who spooked the markets with his aggressive trade tariffs. Tech companies have felt the effects. ( Getty Images )

This week, the Amazon boss felt Trumps wrath when the White House publicly shamed the company over reported plans to display the increased costs of sweeping tariffs on its website.

Hours after a Punchbowl News report alleged Amazon would show the amount of money Trumps aggressive tariff policy would add to the price of some of its products, the e-commerce giant issued a statement assuring people it was not going to happen. It was just after Trump made a personal call to Bezos after word of the companys new plans.

Jeff Bezos was very nice. He was terrific, Trump said Tuesday after news of the phone call. He solved the problem very quickly. And he did the right thing. Hes a good guy.

It has also been a rocky start to the year for computer chip company Nvidia. In the last month, Nvidias shares have lost 3.5 percent and have retreated 14 percent in the last three months, according to Insider Monkey.

Nvidias CEO Huang did not attend Trumps inauguration but did donate $1 million to the inaugural committee.

Stock surged after Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, but by mid-April, shares had slumped after Nvidia said the Trump administrations clampdown on exports of computer chips used for artificial intelligence will cost it an extra $5.5 billion.

Huang urged the president to change the regulations and ease up on exporting AI technology to the rest of the world, including China. Nvidia also announced it will produce AI supercomputers in the U.S. for the first time, which Trump claimed as a win.

open image in gallery Trumps 145 percent tariffs on China provoked Beijing to retaliate with 125 percent tariffs on the U.S., igniting a trade war between the worlds two largest economies. If the two nations do not come to an agreement soon, the consequences could be devastating for some tech companies. ( AFP via Getty Images )

At Meta, the financial picture is looking up after the company reported their first-quarter revenue rose by 16 percent as net income leaped 35 percent to $16.64 billion.

In early April, the Wall Street Journal reported that Meta could lose $7 billion in ad sales this year because of Trumps tariffs. The tech company doesnt operate in China, but advertisers such as Temu and Shein buy advertisements on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to reach U.S. customers.

After the results were reported, Zuckerberg said the company was well positioned to navigate the macroeconomic uncertainty following investor concerns about the tariffs.

Still, it hasnt been plain sailing for Meta. In early April Metas stock was down 6 percent and Zuckerberg lost billions between Liberation Day on April 2 and April 9, when the markets were in meltdown over Trumps tariffs.

Zuckerberg has courted Trump since he called him a badass following the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July. Seemingly to align with Trump, the Facebook founder also axed his companys fact-checking team and diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

As for Musk, he is stepping back from the Trump administration after his electric car company Tesla suffered major losses. Both the billionaires net worth and Teslas stock price have plunged dramatically in recent months, with the latters profits declining 71 percent in the first quarter.

Its a tough time to be a tech CEO in Washington, D.C., Lowkey told The Hill. And I think that may come as a little bit of a surprise to some of the CEOs who thought that investing in the relationships with Trump would have a bigger payoff in terms of policy.
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President Donald Trumps tariffs  and his 90-day reprieve  are disrupting global trade patterns as countries hurried to ship products to the United States to avoid levies, according to a report.

A variety of businesses around the world rushed to ship goods in the first few months of the year before Trump unveiled his Liberation Day tariff policy on April 2. As a result, in the first quarter of 2025, U.S. imports surged more than 40 percent, new data shows.

One week after his policy announcement, the president issued a 90-day pause on most tariffs while raising Chinas to as high as 145 percent. Businesses around the world are now trying to meet the new July 9 deadline. After the reprieve, imports from the European Union nations are set to face levies of 20 percent while many Asian countries are set to face levies of around 40 percent.

Roger Lund, owner of the Pennsylvania holiday store The Christmas Haus, said he typically imports a container of 20,000 Christmas baubles, nutcrackers, lights and other items in late July, he told the Wall Street Journal. But due to the looming tariffs, he changed plans, scheduling his container to leave Germany, on June 2. He hopes the cargo will arrive at a port in Baltimore by July 8 to dodge the higher prices.

Quite frankly I still dont know if well make it, he told The Journal. It is maddening as a business owner who relies on certainty to plan my budgets.

open image in gallery Businesses around the world are rushing to ship goods to the U.S. before President Donald Trumps 90-day tariff pause ends ( EPA )

IrishAmerican Whiskey plans to ship 14,000 bottles from England to New York on May 5, hoping they arrive within 10 days, Michael McKay, a director of the company, told the Journal.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, workers at a furniture manufacturer are working overtime to meet a 25 percent uptick in orders due to pressure from U.S. importers aiming to beat the July deadline, the outlet reported.

The international trade deficit  the difference between imports and exports  hit a record high of $162 billion in March, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data. To put matters in perspective, that figure was $92.8 billion at this time last year.

The tariff front-running is exactly what the U.S. didnt want happening, Melanie Debono, senior Europe economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, told the Journal. The U.S. wants to limit trade [deficits] with everyone else.

When declaring a national emergency over the U.S.s foreign trade policy on April 2, the White House said: President Trump refuses to let the United States be taken advantage of and believes that tariffs are necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficitthis is an emergency.

open image in gallery Trumps Liberation Day tariffs have caused confusion for U.S.-owned businesses, many of whom are rushing to beat the price increase ( Getty Images )

The U.S. gross domestic product shrank in the first quarter by 0.3 percent, down from an increase of 2.4 percent at the end of 2024, according to a Commerce Department report Wednesday. This contraction reflects the surge in imports.

Todays [trade] numbers do really highlight the risk that it may well be a negative GDP print and that is obviously setting us up for a very weak 2025, James Knightley, chief international economist at ING Bank, told the Financial Times. This is a big stockpiling effort to get ahead of tariffs... but we expect this to unwind pretty soon: ports data is already slowing.

The GDP figure marks the worst quarter for the U.S. economy since 2022, as the country was still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trump blamed his predecessor after the Commerce Departments report was released: This is Biden.

The stock market in this case is, it says how bad the situation we inherited, he said. This is a quarter that we looked at today, and I, we took, all of us, together, we came in on January 20th.
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There was zero doubt as to which faction of the modern-day Republican Party felt like it came out ahead on Thursday after the announcement that Mike Waltz, President Donald Trumps national security adviser, was out of his job.

SCALP, declared conspiracy theory-lover and right-wing activist Laura Loomer in a tweet posted after reports of his removal as NSA and shortly before news that he would be moved to the now-vacant position of ambassador to the United Nations.

The writing was on the wall for Waltz long before news of his imminent ouster from his security role broke on Thursday. His new position puts him out of the White House, and out of Trumps inner circle of advisers.

The late-March revelation that he had nearly singlehandedly caused the second Trump administrations first real scandal of 2025 by accidentally adding the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a group chat about an imminent military attack in Yemen, was always seen as a greater unforced error for the administration than any of the damaging headlines in the days following which conveniently surrounded a top Waltz rival in the administration, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

And thats likely the key to understanding the national security advisers move. More than anyone else in the White House or broader administration, Waltz suffered under the image of being a suspected leaker  something Trump and his lackeys hate more than just about anything. News of his fate on Thursday came just one day after a piece critical of a man floated as his replacement, Steve Witkoff, was published in the New York Post citing unnamed administration sources decrying his effectiveness in negotiations with Iran and Russia.

The paper quoted a member of Trumps first administration saying of Witkoff: Nice guy, but a bumbling f***ing idiot.

open image in gallery Michael Waltz was seen as one of the highest-ranking Republicans with ties to the establishment GOP within the White House ( AP )

Waltz, according to CNNs Kaitlan Collins, was fighting [for his job] all week and in early April he was seemingly the target of a declaration of war from Loomer, who has organized a new far-right outfit aimed at hunting down leakers and other administration officials seen as disloyal to the president. Loomer stormed into the White House (at Trumps invitation) and presented the president with a list of names of staffers, including several under Waltzs direction at the national security council. Within hours, they were sacked.

Loomer has been publicly calling for Alex Wong, Waltzs top deputy also reported to be getting the boot, to be ousted since March. In a lengthy tweet two days after The Atlantics editor-in-chief published a story detailing the contents of the Signal chain involving Waltz and other top administration officials, Loomer released a lengthy statement identifying Wongs wife Candace Chiu Wong as a former US attorney invovled in prosecuting January 6 rioters. New York Magazine reported that Loomer pushed directly for Wong and Waltz to be fired during her meeting with Trump.

And in a recent interview with journalist Tara Pamieri, Loomer explained that she had nearly shown Trump a video of Waltz, a former congressman from Florida, denouncing the presidents comments about servicemembers following the then-Republican candidates 2015 attack on Senator John McCain, who had survived years in a Vietnamese prison camp: Hes not a war hero, said Trump, who had avoided serving in Vietnam. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured.

Loomer said she was only prevented from showing the video to the president because Waltz himself happened to walk into the room.

The reasoning for trying to ditch Waltz seems clear: MAGA loyalists, partly out of their own long-held disdain for establishment Republican figures and partly out of a desire to protect Hegseth and others seen as their allies, turned fire on him as soon as Signalgate erupted. And the combination of Waltzs own role in that scandal and his reputation as a possible leaker meant he had no support from the president or his closest circle, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

open image in gallery Steve Witkoff, center, with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A former Trump administration member said Witkoff was a nice guy  but had a less complimentary assessment of his abilities ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

The real question is whether Trump, by ousting his national security adviser, is making a true final pivot away from that GOP establishment. Some of his outside observers and allies seem to think so.

The Waltz ejection was nigh inevitable  Signalgate was open, opera bouffe incompetence (and then he baldly lied about it). But the apparent sacking of Alex Wong, an arch-hawk former Cotton and Romney staffer, signals a wider *ideological* reshuffle, as well, wrote Curt Mills, executive director of The American Conservative magazine.

As The Independent reported previously, the debate over Waltz and Hegseths roles in Signalgate was swept up in a broader discussion over the second Trump administrations posture towards Iran. Though Trump, begrudgingly according to reports, reinstated his maximum pressure campaign in February, his Middle East envoy Witkoff is now engaged in the first talks aimed at reaching an agreement to constrain Irans nuclear weapons program since the Obama era.

That conversation pitted Waltz against the faction of the GOP more closely aligned with Trumpworld that views foreign military intervention with skepticism. And many indirectly accused him of weaponizing the press against his ideological foes within the administration.

Just days after media reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discouraged President Trump from attacking Iran, multiple media stories have dropped claiming incompetence and worse on his part, wrote Ron Paul, long an icon of libertarian-ish Republicans, on Twitter, adding: Is Hegseth about to learn what happens when you cross the neocons?

open image in gallery Waltz reportedly lost support from both Trump and the presidents chief of staff, Susie Wiles, after Signalgate ( Getty Images )

Trump, at the urging of natsec hawks like Mike Pompeo, Lindsey Graham and others, ripped up the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA shortly after taking office last time around. In 2025, he is taking a markedly different course as he threatens Iran to come to the table while at the same time reportedly waving off voices urging him towards direct military action  voices which include the Israeli government.

Waltzs departure from the White House, along with Wongs, is likely to be a further blow for supporters of Ukraine and US involvement in Europe going forward. The national security adviser was one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine among Trumps senior foreign policy staffers, having called for the Biden administration to take an even tougher stance against Russia during his time in the House.

His demotion also marks the second time a Trump administration has begun with the purging of its own national security adviser within the first few months of being in office.

Michael Flynn, who served during Trumps first term, resigned after just 23 days on the job after it was revealed that hed lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Russias ambassador to the US. He went on to become a QAnon conspiracist and called on Trump to institute martial law during his attempts to overturn the 2020 election based on falsehoods.
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Shortly after sitting down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of Pope Francis funeral, Donald Trump was left with a lingering concern: perhaps Vladimir Putin was just tapping him along.

The second Trump-Zelensky meeting, by all accounts, was a much more positive affair than their notorious clash in the Oval Office in late February. And on Wednesday it appeared to pay off  with the U.S. and Ukraine finally signing a long-awaited minerals deal.

Now, insiders have revealed details of the Vatican exchange between the two world leaders, and how it may have helped create a diplomatic breakthrough and boost Ukraines fortunes in the ongoing war with Russia.

open image in gallery Donald Trump and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky were captured in remarkable photos deep in conversation ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Office )

The setting for the two meetings could not have been more different. In February at the Oval Office, it looked as if Zelensky had wandered into enemy territory, Trump surrounded by his combative cabinet, and the worlds media hanging on every angry word. Tempers soon frayed as Ukraines leader was lambasted for everything from his appearance to his attitude.

At the Popes funeral, perhaps inevitably, it was a much quieter and seemingly more respectful affair.

After a brief huddle with French President Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer, Trump and Zelensky spoke privately for around 15 minutes in St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican before attending the late pontiffs service on Saturday.

Unlike their first encounter, swarmed by top Trump officials, this time, they spoke alone.

open image in gallery Trump and Zelensky spoke for around 15 minutes in St. Peter's Basilica before the Popes funeral on Saturday ( EPA )

Extraordinary photographs captured the leaders hunched forward, sitting mere inches apart inside the marble-clad Renaissance-style church as they discussed tactics to end Russias conflict with Ukraine.

Good meeting, Zelensky posted on X after the meeting. We discussed a lot one on one.

The other noteworthy difference in Trump and Zelenskys more recent face-to-face - the absence of JD Vance. During the Oval Office clash, Vance had gone on the attack  accusing Ukraines leader of being disrespectful and setting the tone from what became an ugly encounter.

Sources told Axios that the two presidents struck a more positive tone without the U.S. vice president OR White House envoy Steve Witkoff sitting in the wings. The Ukrainians are said to see the latter duo as more supportive of Russias position.

open image in gallery The Vatican meeting was a stark contrast to their Oval Office clash, when JD Vance went on the attack ( AP )

During the brief conversation, Zelensky urged Trump to take a tougher line with Vladimir Putin and push for a ceasefire, urging that the Russian president would not budge without the U.S. applying more pressure, sources said.

One person with knowledge of the conversation noted that Trump responded that he may have to alter his approach to Putin.

Later Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to express fears that he was being played by the Russian leader and accused him of not wanting to stop the war. He questioned whether he should impose new sanctions on Moscow.

Trump reportedly agreed with Zelensky that an unconditional ceasefire should be the starting point for peace talks, one source added. The White House declined Axios request for comment.

After the initial ceasefire push failed in March, the Trump administration switched to pushing a peace deal framework. Zelensky rejected the proposal, in part, because it includes recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.

During the Vatican meeting, the Ukrainian president reiterated that he wont recognize Crimea as Russian, one source said.

open image in gallery Zelensky was forced to defend himself in what felt like hostile territory ( EPA )

The source said Trump replied that he wasn't asking him to, with the plan calling for U.S. recognition, not Ukrainian.

Zelensky allegedly told Trump he is not afraid of making concessions to end the war, provided appropriate security guarantees are put in place.

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal that appeared in tatters just months ago was revived, and Trump pressed Zelensky to sign as soon as possible, a source said.

I was telling him that it's a very good thing if we can produce a deal, that you sign it, because Russia is much bigger and much stronger, Trump told a NewsNation town hall over the phone Tuesday, a day before Washington and Kyiv struck a deal.

Trump also revealed that part of the talks revolved around the U.S. being pressured to send more weapons to Ukraine.

He told me that he needs more weapons, but he's been saying that for three years, the president said. We're going to see what happens  I want to see what happens with respect to Russia.

However, Trump stated he was very disappointed with Putin for the bombing of those places after discussions.
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Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, says she won't rule out running for president in 2028  even though her boss, U.S. President Donald Trump, is also reportedly plotting an unconstitutional third presidential run.

Gabbard made the comments during an appearance on SiriusXMs The Megyn Kelly Show, which airs on Thursday evening. During the interview, Kelly asked Gabbard about her presidential aspirations.

As Ive listened to you over this hour, Ive had one thought recur to me over and over and over, and it is first female president, Kelly said during the interview, according to The Hill.

Kelly referenced Gabbard's prior presidential runs in 2020, noting that she had been put through the "meat grinder."

As Ive listened to you over this hour, Ive had one thought recur to me over and over and over, and it is first female president, Kelly said.

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence, told Megyn Kelly she would not rule out a 2028 presidential run. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Then she asked Gabbard if she had "ruled out ever doing it again?"

"Could we potentially see a Tulsi 2028 try?" Kelly asked.

Gabbard said she would not rule out running for the nation's top office.

I will never rule out any opportunity to serve my country, she said.

Gabbard previously served in the US Army for more than two decades, during which time she deployed to Iraq and Kuwait.

If we had talked a year ago, the thought would not have crossed my mind that I would be here and that we would be having this conversation, Gabbard said. My decisions in my life have always been made around how can I best be of service to God? How can I best be of service to our country? And that is what has led me here.

She said she was "grateful for this opportunity and I will continue to chase those opportunities where I can make the most positive impact and be of service."

If Trump is to be believed, Gabbard wont be the only Republican running for the office, as he is reportedly planning to run for a third term, even though the U.S. Constitution prohibits doing so.

Earlier this year, Trump said he was looking into methods that would allow him to try to maintain his office beyond 2028.
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The estranged husband of an Australian woman accused of murdering three of his elderly relatives using a meal laced with deadly mushrooms told a court on Thursday he declined the lunch invitation because he felt too uncomfortable attending.

While giving evidence in court, Simon Patterson told chief prosecutor Nanette Rogers that he was invited along with his parents and his aunt and uncle to the 29 July 2023 lunch at Erin Pattersons home, when the murders are alleged to have taken place, following a service at the Korumburra Baptist Church.

I was a bit reluctant but I ultimately agreed, Mr Patterson said.

However, a day before the lunch, he messaged Ms Patterson to tell her that he wouldnt be coming after all.

The court heard on Wednesday that the accused had lied about having cancer and hosted the lunch on the pretence of discussing the best way to tell her two children about the illness, in what the prosecution said was an effort to ensure the children did not attend and eat the poisoned meal. The defence does not dispute that the accused lied about having cancer.

Text messages between Simon and Erin Patterson read out in court said the accused found his decision not to attend really disappointing as she had spent significant amounts of time and money preparing a special meal for the group.

Sorry I feel too uncomfortable about coming to the lunch with you, mum, dad, Ian and Heather, he read from a photo of the exchange.

Thats really disappointing, Ive spent many hours this week preparing lunch for tomorrow, Ms Patterson allegedly responded.

Its important for me that youre all there I hope you change your mind, she wrote back.

Ms Patterson told Mr Patterson that she had spent a small fortune on the steaks.

open image in gallery Crown Prosecutor Nanette Rogers, right, with Detective Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall, arriving for the trial on Wednesday ( AFP via Getty )

Ms Patterson, 50, is charged with the murders of her mother-in-law, Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, along with the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heathers husband, in a case that has gripped Australia.

All four fell ill after a lunch of Beef Wellington, mashed potatoes and green beans, the court has heard. Gail and Heather died on 4 August, Don died the following day, while Ian survived after being critically ill. Prosecutors allege the accused laced the meal with highly poisonous death cap mushrooms at her home in Leongatha, a town of around 6,000 people some 135km (84 miles) from Melbourne. Ms Patterson denies the charges, with her defence saying the deaths were a terrible accident.

Prosecutors also claim that Ms Patterson served her guests on four identical grey plates while using a smaller, tan-coloured one for herself.

The prosecution claims that phone data showed Ms Patterson travelled to Loch and South Gippsland areas, where death cap mushrooms had reportedly been sighted. Her lawyer Colin Mandy said she admits to foraging for mushrooms but denies ever intentionally collecting death caps.

A food dehydrator with her fingerprints was also found dumped at a rubbish site, and prosecutors allege it was used to prepare the mushrooms.

Mr Patterson also told the court that the nature of his relationship with Ms Patterson changed noticeably in late October or early November 2022. Until then, he said, they had been on friendly terms, often sharing banter and conversations about politics and interesting things.

open image in gallery Erin Patterson, in a court sketch ( Supreme Court of Victoria/AFP )

He recalled that during one visit to drop off their children, Ms Patterson brought up his tax return and the fact that he had listed them as separated.

She wasnt happy with that, he said, explaining that the change would affect their family tax benefit, and they mutually agreed she would pursue child support payments.

Mr Patterson said he later received advice from the child support agency to stop making direct payments to Erin and instead go through official channels.

That was the first thing that made me feel there was a change in our relationship, he said. The chatty nature of it pretty much stopped ... it became functional and sometimes nothing.

Mr Patterson also told the jury that Ms Patterson called him at around 7.00am on the Monday following the fatal lunch, saying she had been experiencing diarrhoea every 20 minutes since that afternoon and asked him to take her to the hospital.

She was worried she might poo her pants driving, he said. She asked me to come and take her to hospital.

open image in gallery An exterior view of the Leongatha home where Erin Patterson allegedly served the death cap mushroom-laced luch ( EPA )

He declined, suggesting she call an ambulance. Later that day, she called again, saying she had gone to Leongatha Hospital but left against medical advice. She had presented at the hospital with similar symptoms, but she discharged herself upon learning that she would be treated for mushroom poisoning.

She also told him the hospital staff wanted to assess their children after learning theyd eaten leftovers from the lunch. Id been saying I was happy to pick up the kids ... She didnt want the kids to be scared about the reason so she should be the one to pick them up, he said.

I said Im glad you feel healthy enough to pick up the kids now because at 7am she wasnt healthy enough to drive herself, Mr Patterson said.

On Wednesday, Ms Rogers told jurors that despite Ms Patterson and Mr Patterson 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.

Mr Mandy told the jury that Ms Patterson does not deny that the four lunch guests ate deadly death cap mushrooms at her Leongatha home. The defence case is that Erin Patterson did not deliberately serve poisoned food to her guests at that lunch, he said.

The defence case is that what happened was a tragedy, a terrible accident. The trial is expected to last for up to six weeks.
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New Zealand faced a barrage of severe weather warnings on Thursday, with heavy downpours triggering a state of emergency in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, and "destructive" gales lashing the capital, Wellington.

Heavy snow and large waves battered other parts of the country, though no deaths or serious injuries were reported as of Thursday afternoon NZT.

The full extent of the damage remained unclear.

Wellington, notorious for its blustery conditions, experienced its first-ever red wind warning  the highest alert level  as gusts reached up to 150kph (93 mph).

MetService, the national meteorological service, warned of a "threat to life" from falling trees and flying debris, urging residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and keep away from doors and windows.

The severe weather also brought heavy downpours, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in Christchurch.

Cars drive through flooded streets in Christchurch ( The Press via AFP )

While damage assessments were still underway, initial reports indicated that evacuations were not widespread.

Flights to and from Wellington were cancelled throughout Thursday and passenger ferry sailings between the North and South Islands were halted until at least Friday afternoon.

MetService expected five metre (16 foot) swells in the Cook Strait, the body of water between New Zealands two largest islands.

About 1,000 properties were without electricity Thursday afternoon in the wider Wellington region, which has a population of 550,000.

The citys largest university closed for the day, the Royal New Zealand Ballet cancelled an evening performance, and several schools sent students home.

Wellington is New Zealands windiest city, registering gusts at gale speeds of 63 kph (39 mph) on about half the days of the year. But Wellingtons emergency management chief, Dan Neely, warned residents to take the warnings seriously because the southerly tempest was unusually strong and could threaten lives, Radio New Zealand reported.

In the city of Christchurch, the largest in the South Island, and in some nearby rural areas, heavy deluges caused rivers to spill over their banks, closing roads and prompting fears the floodwaters could reach homes. Local states of emergency were declared Thursday, including in Christchurch, Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told reporters.

Orange-level warnings  the second most serious  were issued across parts of both islands for severe rain and large sea swells, and in some South Island districts for heavy snow. The storm system that lay across much of the country Thursday was due to ease Friday.

New Zealanders are accustomed to wild winter conditions because of geographic features that produce variable and sometimes extreme weather across the country of five million people. But it was unusual that such widespread warnings were issued.
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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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Ukraine signed a mineral and profit-sharing deal with the United States on Wednesday evening in Washington DC following two months of testy negotiations.

The agreement will give the US preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and fund investment in Ukraines reconstruction.

Previous versions of the deal presented by Donald Trumps negotiators insisted that Ukraine pay back the aid the US had given it over the last three years of war. The latest version, according to Ukraines prime minister Denys Shmyhal, no longer makes that demand.

Earlier, US president Donald Trump had claimed a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine  a crucial first step to achieving peace in the region  was back on after Volodymyr Zelensky sent him a letter signalling his willingness to sign.

After a series of spats between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky culminated in the deal being temporarily canned earlier and the Ukrainian leader being kicked out of the White House, the US president said in a speech to Congress that he had received an important letter seeking to end the disagreements.

Quoting from the letter, he said Mr Zelensky told him that Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians.

My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts, Mr Trump quoted Mr Zelensky as writing. We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.

Mr Trump added that Mr Zelensky said he was ready to sign the minerals deal at any. time that is convenient for you.

On Wednesday, the US Treasury Department said: In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since

Earlier, Ukraine had agreed to a revised deal with the US to secure support to end the war after the Trump administration dropped some of its toughest demands .

open image in gallery Donald Trump greeted Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington on Friday - the meeting did not go well ( REUTERS )

But a tense exchange between the two countries leaders earlier brought the negotiations crashing down again, with the Ukrainian president berated in front of cameras by Mr Trump and his second-in-command, JD Vance.

The deal, which was touted as a central point of peace negotiations, was left unsigned and what can be salvaged from it remains uncertain.

The US had been pushing for a deal that would grant it half of Ukraines revenues from critical minerals, oil, gas, and stakes in key infrastructure, such as ports, through a joint investment fund.

A White House official said earlier that the minerals deal was a first step to lasting peace but Zelensky had overplayed his cards.

Below, The Independent looks at what could be included in the deal now that it has been struck.

What do we know about the deal so far?

While negotiations were up in the air, it had been reported the preliminary agreement established a fund in which Ukraine would contribute 50 per cent of proceeds from the future monetisation of state-owned mineral resources such as oil and gas, which would be invested in Ukrainian projects.

Treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced the news of the deal in a press release later on Wednesday, 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 defence of Ukraine.

As the president has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war, said Mr Bessent. 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.

The deal does not mention Ukrainian liability for past aid spent, which Mr Morezkho said on Wednesday was a victory. President Trump had previously demanded $300bn in back payments on the US contribution to the defence of Ukraine, which has in fact been about $130bn since 2022.

Both countries will be equal parties in the sharing of investment and an equal share in the resources of Ukraine. The profits, for the first 10 years, for both countries, will be spent on rebuilding Ukraine infrastructure and local investment, Mr Morezkho told The Independent.

Earlier, the US reportedly dropped Mr Trumps initial demand for $500bn in potential revenue from Ukrainian resources, a condition which was rejected out of hand by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

I am not signing something that 10 generations of Ukrainians will have to repay, Mr Zelensky had said.

Despite this, negotiations intensified in the days that followed, and it was soon announced that a preliminary agreement had been reached and that Mr Zelensky would travel to Washington to sign the deal.

Mr Trump had suggested earlier that the deal was close to completion, hinting at Mr Zelenskys upcoming visit.

The US president announced earlier that the war-torn country was on board with his plan . We're telling Ukraine they have very valuable rare earths, Mr Trump said.

What are Ukraines rare earths?

Ukraine is sitting on one of Europes largest deposits of critical minerals, including lithium and titanium, much of which is untapped. According to the Institute of Geology, Ukraine possesses rare earth elements such as lanthanum and cerium, used in TVs and lighting; neodymium, used in wind turbines and EV batteries; and erbium and yttrium, whose applications range from nuclear power to lasers. The EU-funded research also indicates that Ukraine has scandium reserves but detailed data is classified.

Mr Zelensky has been trying to develop these resources, estimated to be worth more than 12 trillion, based on figures provided by Forbes Ukraine, for years.

In 2021, he offered outside investors tax breaks and investment rights to help mine these minerals. These efforts were suspended when the full-scale invasion started a year later.

Anticipating the notoriously transactional Mr Trump might take an interest in this, Mr Zelensky then placed the mining of these minerals into his victory plan, which was drawn up last year.

The minerals are vital for electric vehicles and other clean energy efforts, as well as defence production.

Estimates based on government documents suggest that Ukraines resources are also highly varied. Foreign Policy found that Ukraine held commercially relevant deposits of 117 of the 120 most-used industrial minerals across more than 8,700 surveyed deposits.

open image in gallery A map provided by Ukrainian group UnitedMedia 24 shows the location of critical mineral resources across the country ( UnitedMedia 24 )

Included in that is half a million tonnes of lithium, none of which has been tapped. This makes Ukraine the largest lithium resource in Europe.

Ukraine's reserves of graphite, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and nuclear reactors, represent 20 per cent of global resources. The deposits are in the centre and west.

It is not surprising that Mr Trump appears keen on benefiting from this, especially as China remains a key player in the mining of minerals such as titanium.

But Vladimir Putins invasion has not only delayed Ukraines plans to mine these minerals, it has also led to much of these resource-rich areas being destroyed and then occupied.

A little over 6 trillion of Ukraines mineral resources, which is around 53 per cent of the countrys total, are contained in the four regions Mr Putin illegally annexed in September 2022, and of which his army occupies a considerable swathe.

That includes Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, though Kherson holds little value in terms of minerals.

The Crimean peninsula, illegally annexed and occupied by Mr Putins forces in 2014, also holds roughly 165bn worth of minerals.

The region of Dnipropetrovsk, which borders the largely occupied regions of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, and sits in the face of an advancing Russian army, contains an additional 2.8 trillion in mineral resources.

Russian difficulties with major military operations seem likely to preclude a serious attempt to take the region but mining operations in the area would be perilous with Moscows soldiers so close.

open image in gallery File. An aerial view shows a dragline excavator operating in an open-pit titanium mine in the Zhytomyr region, on 28 February 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. -- The United States and Ukraine on 30 April 2025 signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped ( AFP via Getty Images )

Other ores are well within the sites of Russias forces. One lithium ore on the outskirts of a settlement called Shevchenko in Donetsk is less than 10 miles from the town of Velyka Novosilka, recently captured by Mr Putins troops.

However, while Ukraine has a highly qualified and relatively inexpensive labour force and developed infrastructure, investors highlight a number of barriers to investment. These include inefficient and complex regulatory processes as well as difficulty accessing geological data and obtaining land plots. Such projects would take years to develop and require considerable up-front investment, they said.

What happens next?

After signing the deal, Mr Bessent said in a statement: 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.

The New York Times reported that the final US-Ukraine minerals deal does not include any guarantees of future US security assistance, which the US rejected early in talks. Despite the celebratory tone, the agreement, the outlet reported, may prove largely symbolic if the war with Russia continues.

The Treasury Department said that the US International Development Finance Corporation will collaborate with Ukraine to finalise the agreements details.

Ukraines prime minister said in a post on Telegram that both countries will have equal voting rights in the fund, Ukraine will keep full control over its resources and infrastructure, and all profits will be reinvested in Ukraine.

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, Mr Shmyhal said in the post.
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Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of starting fires outside Jerusalem, with one allegedly caught in the act of arson, as the country battled possibly its worst ever wildfires.

This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country, Jerusalems district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

While the exact cause of the fires near Latrun was still unclear, Mr Netanyahu said the blaze was not a simple thing.

There is harm to nature and also harm to people, and we are holding 18 people at the moment who are suspected of arson, one of whom was caught in the act, he said.

The Jerusalem Post earlier reported that a 50-year-old man had been arrested for allegedly trying to start a fire near southern Jerusalem.

The man, from the Umm Tuba Palestinian Arab neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, was reportedly caught with a lighter, cotton wool and other flammable materials after police received a tip-off.

Two other people had been arrested along with him, the news outlet said, without providing details. They were suspected of either starting or exacerbating the fires.

The wildfires near Jerusalem have forced evacuations and road closures and prompted Mr Netanyahu to declare a national emergency and request international aid. The fires started on Wednesday, spread rapidly due to strong winds and scorched vast forested areas.

open image in gallery A Cistercian monk takes a picture of a helicopter dropping water near Latrun, a day after wildfires broke out due to extreme heat and winds, in central Israel on 1 May 2025 ( Reuters )

Fires burned along Route 1 to Tel Aviv, prompting panic as people fled on foot. More than a dozen people were hospitalised, among them two pregnant women and two infants, according to the national emergency service Magen David Adom.

Authorities, however, said it was too early to definitively determine whether the fires were deliberately caused. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asked for military helicopters to assist in evacuating people from affected areas.

He hinted that arson could be behind the fires and urged security services to classify any arsonist as a domestic terrorist. Mr Netanyahu warned the western wind could push the fires towards the outskirts of Jerusalem, and even into the city itself.

We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines, the Israeli leader said in a video statement.

We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one. The priority right now is defending Jerusalem.

Although authorities allowed some evacuated residents to return home on Thursday, they warned of a possible resurgence of wildfires due to rising temperatures and winds.

open image in gallery This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country, Jerusalems district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters ( AP )

The arrests coincided with Independence Day on 1 May. Shin Bet, the domestic security agency, said it was aiding police in the search for other suspects who might have ignited some of the fires.

The Fire and Rescue Services urged the public to avoid parks and forests and exercise extreme caution with barbecues as Independence Day, usually celebrated with family cookouts, coincided with heightened fire risk.

Several countries, including Italy, Croatia, France, Spain and Romania, said they were sending firefighting aircraft to assist Israel.

Israeli officials said 10 firefighting planes were active on Thursday morning, with eight more expected to arrive throughout the day.

open image in gallery Cows graze as a forest fire burns near Latrun, on 30 April 2025 ( AP )

Fire chief Eyal Caspi warned that our aircraft cant do anything right now due to the weather conditions. Our goal is to save lives, he said. We are apparently facing the largest fire in Israel in a decade.

Yuval Aharoni, 40, a resident of Modiin, told AFP: Its just very sad because we knew the weather, we kind of knew that would happen, and still we feel like they werent ready enough with the big planes that can drop large amounts of water.

Zvi Sukkot, a far-right lawmaker, sent a letter asking Mr Netanyahu to impose a curfew on Palestinian villages in the West Bank.

There is a real concern, based on past experience, that Palestinians will try to ignite more fires in Judea and Samaria and throughout Israel, he said, using the biblical name for the area.

To prevent such occurrences, a curfew must be imposed immediately on Judea and Samaria, and a blockade must be imposed on the Palestinian villages.

There were conflicting reports and unconfirmed rumours about the origin of the fire, but authorities say the cause is still under investigation.

The police said they had deployed in force around the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway and in the Jerusalem Hills, asking the public to avoid travelling to the area.
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The idyllic Neelum Valley in northern Pakistan, typically bustling with 300,000 summer tourists drawn to its breathtaking landscapes, now stands deserted. The escalating tension between Pakistan and India following a deadly attack in the Indian resort town of Pahalgam has cast a long shadow over the valley's tourism industry.

Last week's attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, has significantly amplified the existing friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India has pointed fingers at Pakistan for the incident, an accusation that Pakistan vehemently denies. This exchange of accusations has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, driving tourists away from the once-popular destination.

Neelum Valley's precarious location, less than two miles from the Line of Control  the de facto border dividing the contested Kashmir region  further exacerbates the situation. Its proximity to the border makes it particularly susceptible to any potential military action, adding another layer of concern for potential visitors.

The valley's vulnerability has transformed it from a haven of tranquility into a region gripped by anxiety, highlighting the devastating impact of geopolitical tensions on local communities and their livelihoods.

open image in gallery Local residents walk through the main bazaar of Chakothi, near Line of Control, the de facto border dividing Pakistan and Indian Kashmir, some 61 kilometers (38 miles) from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Roshan Mughal) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said Thursday the crisis has hit the tourism industry hard. Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war."

Authorities in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir temporarily shuttered dozens of tourist resorts following the attack as a precaution.

No such order has come from Pakistani authorities. Bazaars in the Pakistani border town of Chakothi were open for business, although people were concerned.

First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first, shop owner Bashir Mughal told The Associated Press, saying he would fight alongside the army in the event of conflict.

open image in gallery Paramilitary soldiers frisk a car at a checkpoint at Wagah, a joint border crossing point on the Pakistan and India border, near Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, May 1, 2025.(AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Pakistan used to help residents to build bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border firing. But the population has grown and some homes lack shelters. Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out, Mughal warned.

Saiqa Naseer, also from Chakothi, shuddered at the childhood memories of frequent firing across the border. Now, as a mother, I find myself facing the same fears, she said.

She remembered Indian shells striking the picturesque valley hen the two countries came close to war in 2019. She has a bunker at her home.

If war comes, we will stay here. We wont run away, she said.
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.
Israels military and emergency services tackled a raging wildfire as it shut the main highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, 30 April.

The blaze originated in Eshtaol Forest on Wednesday (30 April) and spread quickly due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.

A Jerusalem fire department spokesperson described the fire as potentially the largest ever in the country.

Wildfires coincided with Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrations, leading to the cancellation of ceremonies on Thursday including a major event at Mount Herzl.
Kamala Harris accused Donald Trump of abandoning American ideals in her first major speech following her US election loss, that also coincided with the president's first 100 days in office in his second term.

Speaking on Wednesday night (30 April), the former vice president took aim at Trumps shrinking of the federal workforce and his tariffs in her first extensive remarks since leaving Washington, D.C. in January.

The Republican's tariffs are "clearly inviting a recession," Ms Harris added.

Ms Harris's speech came as Ukraine and the US announced they have reached a historic minerals deal following months of sometimes fraught negotiations.
Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed the Ukraine and US minerals deal as a truly equal partnership which will create substantial investment in his country.

Ukraines deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko, signed the agreement alongside US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington on Wednesday (30 April).

Through the deal, the countries will create a joint fund to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction, with a draft saying Washington would get preferential access to new Ukrainian resource deals.

In a new video address, released on Thursday (1 May), President Zelensky thanked Donald Trump for the deal.
A landmark north Dublin suburban licensed premises, The Viscount in Whitehall, Dublin 9, has come to the market and agents Lisney are guiding in excess of 1.85m for it.

Owned and operated by the OConnell family since 1989, a prominent feature of the Viscount has been the aviation-related memorabilia adorning its shelves and the dispensing of a popular novelty cocktail called Aviation.
Dublin-based plastics firm IPL and Dutch peer to merge

Combined group will have annual revenues of $1.4bn

IPL Plastics employs about 2,500 people

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Dublin-based plastics firm IPL is merging with Dutch peer Schoeller Allibert in a move that will create a group with more than $1.4bn (1.2bn) in annual revenue.
A number of Facebook "content moderators" cannot pursue legal actions in Ireland over claims that they suffered serious psychological injuries from being exposed to graphic and violent content, the High Court has ruled.

The cases relate to staff who worked under contract with German and Spanish outsourcing firms. They were brought in the High Court here because Facebook operator Meta, which is also a defendant in the actions, has its European headquarters in Dublin.
Over 700 outstanding tax appeals totalling 750m are yet to be decided on by Revenue

Tax officials say complexity of legal issues shows the impact of EU rules and treaties

The Revenue Commissioners' office in Dublin. Photo: RollingNews.ie

John Mulligan Thu 1 May 2025 at 03:30

The Tax Appeals Commission had more than 700 open appeals on its books at the end of last year, with a value of 750m in dispute.
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Two out of three staff at AirNav Ireland earn over 100,000

Over 300 employees of the company are air traffic controllers

State-owned company AirNav Ireland manages traffic in Irelands airspace. Stock image.

Gordon Deegan Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 03:30

Two thirds of staff at the semi-state agency with responsibility for the safety of Irish airspace earned over 100,000 last year.
A 139ac Galway farm in fantastic condition is on the market with a guide price of 2.55m or in excess of 18,000/ac.

Eyrecourt Farm, close to the Offaly border, is operating as dairy farm and has a 14-unit herringbone milking parlour along with full planning permission for a six-bay, 32-unit parlour, with the pit and steel framework already in place.
The meeting of stakeholders will take place next Thursday with Minister Martin Heydon to put proposals on the table.

An emergency meeting of the TB forum has been called by the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon with the Minister to put proposals on the table in an effort to address rising disease levels.

The meeting comes as figures reveal a significant deterioration in TB incidence, with herd restrictions rising by 36% in just two yearsfrom 4.31% in 2022 to 6.04% in 2024. The Minister described the situation as the most serious setback in over two decades, warning that bovine TB has reached levels last seen in 2003.

The Minister warned Ireland has reached a crossroads in our efforts to control and ultimately eradicate bovine TB.

An increasing number of farm families are facing the emotional and financial hardship of a TB breakdown, said Minister Heydon. The stark reality is that we have reached a crossroads in our efforts to control and ultimately eradicate bovine TB.

The Minister emphasised the urgency of coordinated action, stating that failure to address the disease now could lead to broader consequences for rural communities and the agri-food sector.

If left unchecked, this disease will impact many more families throughout rural Ireland and reduce output at both farm and processor levels, he said.

The meeting of stakeholders will take place next Thursday.

Heydon confirmed that he would present proposals for a revamped TB eradication plan after the summit, developed in consultation with scientific and veterinary experts. We must take a robust, science-based approach. If we do, we can not only halt the current increase but begin to make progress again towards eradication.

Leadership and cooperation will be key, he stressed. Leadership will be required across every level of the sector, including within my own Department, to ensure we implement the most effective measures.

The Minister also paid tribute to those involved in the daily fight against TB, from affected farmers to veterinary practitioners and Department staff. I want to place on the record my recognition of all those who are either dealing directly with this disease or supporting those most affected.

Speaking to the Farming Independent recently the Minister said he has given the opportunity and space to the TB forum to come up with proposals, to discuss them and debate them.

I will now look at the next steps, but there is an urgency here, and Im going to take very clear action.

We have a 32pc increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024 and this resulted in exchequer expenditure going from 74m in 2013 to 100m last year.

We needed a supplementary allocation in the Budget for it and I currently dont have enough money budgeted for it. So Im going to have to find more money to cover this.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau carried out an operation on Wednesday, April 30, removing individuals from the State.

The operation resulted in the removal of 39 individuals from Ireland, including 30 males, 4 females and 5 children, with all children being part of family groups.

They were all removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport for Georgia yesterday evening.

Gardai said they continue to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing the immigration policy.

Garda National Immigration Bureau during the operation. Photo: Facebook/Garda

The Justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, confirmed 39 people "received but had not complied with deportation orders".

In a post on X, Mr O'Callaghan said: "Another deportation flight left Dublin last night and landed safely this morning in Georgia."

"There were 39 people on board who had received but had not complied with Deportation Orders," he added.

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Speaking to reporters at the Prisoner Officers Association conference in Galway, Mr OCallaghan said.

"We have to have an effective system when it comes to international protection. If people come in and they apply for asylum and if they get asylum they're perfectly entitled to stay. If they come in and apply for asylum and they are refused it there has to be a consequence, the consequence is they have to leave the country. In most instances we tyry to encourage people to leave voluntarily, where they don't I'm afriad we're going to have to use the power of the State to enforce deportations. That's what happened last night," he said.

"I want to commend An Garda Siochana and GNIB for doing a very good and a very sensitive job in ensuring that there were 39 people on the plane who were served with deportation orders and they arrived safely in Georgia this morning. It has to be and will continue to be a part of our response to this that there will be enforced deportations.

On February 27, 2025, a chartered flight to Georgia removed 32 people who were subject to deportation orders.

The minister added: Stepping up enforcement and securing our borders is a central commitment of mine. Swift and fair returns of people whose applications have been refused is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.

If people wish to move to Ireland, they must do so using the appropriate legal pathways. Removal operations send a clear message that our laws are to be respected and underscores this governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.

A chartered deportation flight from Dublin Airport returned 39 individuals to Georgia yesterday. Photo: Facebook/Garda

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

I want to thank the members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their continued work to ensure that if a person is ordered to leave the country, that they do so. There will be further charter operations to ensure a faster and more efficient removal system.

It is also important to note that many members of the Georgian community are legally in the State. They contribute to the economy and the cultural and social fabric of our society. They are welcome here and we thank them for their contribution.

According to the Department of Justice, charter flights are used in addition to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances where a group of people are being removed to the same destination.

These operations are conducted under a contract signed by the State last November for the provision of charter aircraft for these purposes. Access to these services has significantly increased the capacity of An Garda Siochana to enforce deportation orders. Further operations are expected as the year progresses.
Family of Liam Farrell (87) have no confidence whatsoever in garda investigation into his death

MEP Ciaran Mullooly has written to Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan urging him to look into case

Family of Liam Farrell (87) believe someone killed him, as inquest records open verdict

Paul Williams Thu 1 May 2025 at 03:30

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan has been called on to urgently intervene after the family of Leitrim pensioner Liam Farrell said they have lost all faith in the investigation into their fathers suspicious death.
More than 350 prisoners are sleeping on the floors of cells in jails because of overcrowding, the annual conference of the Prison Officers Association (POA) will hear today.

POA president Tony Power will outline how prison overcrowding is causing a potentially explosive situation and making rehabilitation of inmates impossible. The conference, being held in Galway, will hear there were 5,344 in custody in our jails yesterday, with 358 of those sleeping on floors.
More turmoil in Cabinet over position after Taoiseach Micheal Martin rowed back on preferred candidate

Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh has told Housing Minister James Browne that he is withdrawing his name from consideration from any role with the Strategic Housing Activation Office.

Mr McDonagh was the preferred candidate for the job of removing blockages to the building of houses.

But his 430,000 salary has become a major sticking point.

It was previously expected that Mr McDonaghs name would be formally put forward by Mr Browne, of Fianna Fail.

But Fine Gael ministers pushed back over the transparency around the appointment. The smaller coalition party has said 430,000 was too high a salary.

Now it turns out the salary package had not been signed off on. Mr McDonagh would have taken up the role of the CEO of Housing Activation Office, but he would be on secondment from the State's national debt manager, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA).

He is currently on a secondment from the agency to Nama, the States bad bank, which is due to wind up at the end of the year.

Government figures have said there is no conclusion on terms and conditions of the individual.

A government source said: The package is not agreed. Initial contact with the NTMA has been made, but we dont know what level will be settled. Salary is the main public concern and that has to be ironed out. Whether the preferred person accepts that is another question.

Another source said: It's the NTMA that decides the salary and terms, not the Department of Housing. Nothing is agreed.

Fine Gael ministers have questioned the huge amount of political capital the role costs and said it wont change anything in helping to solve the housing crisis.

Fine Gael believe they were not consulted on the person who is preferred by minister, so has to be discussed further. A CEO will be appointed and agreed at Cabinet, a source said.

No decision has been made in relation to personnel or pay on the new housing tsar, Fine Gael leader and Tanaiste Simon Harris said this morning in relation to the job.

Sinn Fein said the housing tsar was a daft idea in itself, because it was the work and responsibility of Mr Browne.

Mr Harris insisted that there was a process to be gone through, and no decision had been made on how to populate the office, even as Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty ridiculed the idea that Mr Harris had been blindsided by the emergence of a name linked to a huge salary.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said the housing tsar had a Russian title with the salary of a Russian oligarch. The person appointed would be a fixer on a nixer  and what a nixer, she said

Both Ms Bacik and Mr Doherty pointed out that it was May 1, International Workers' Day, with the latter adding that when Nama is wound down, Mr McDonagh was due to return to the NTMA on a reduced salary.

If you think you've seen a backlash, you haven't seen anything yet, Mr Doherty told the Fine Gael leader, referring to the 430,000 salary that your Government is planning to pay the new housing tsar to basically job share with the Housing Minister James Browne.

A few words have already been written and used to describe this decision  'absurd', 'extravagant', 'scandalous' have been used. I'll add another one: embarrassing, Mr Doherty added.

Because that's what the Government should be  embarrassed that you were prepared to pay someone nearly half a million euro to do what are the main responsibilities of the Housing Minister.

Does the Housing Minister not realise that's his actual job? It's farcical stuff.

He said the Taoiseach had lectured the opposition that the whopping salary won't cost the public any additional money because the Government's preferred candidate is already receiving that as head of Nama.

But this appears not to be true, because after the winding-down of Nama, which is happening this year, Mr McDonagh is due to return to his role in the NTMA at a significantly reduced salary.

Mr Doherty said it was being suggested that Fine Gael backbenchers were up in arms and that Mr Harris himself was blindsided by this bonkers decision.

But he said the name had been spoken for weeks and months.

Come off the stage, Tanaiste  there's been no blindsiding, he added.

The Cabinet sub-committee is made up of Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Mr Harris, Mr Browne, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke.

No decision has been made in terms of the person whos going to head [the Housing Activation Office], Mr Martin told the Dail on Wednesday.

On Mr McDonagh, he said: No decision has been made in terms of that individual, and the Government will decide in the time ahead.

The opposition heavily criticised the proposed appointment on Wednesday.

That level  almost half a million euro to take up the responsibilities of the Housing Minister  is cracked, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said in the Dail.

To tell you the Gods honest truth, most people who job share take home half a wage. You want this individual to take home almost half a million.

Ms McDonald called on Mr Martin to justify the salary to people who were struggling, asking whether he had come to your senses, having had the night to sleep on it.

Fine Gael ministers were left fuming and questioning transparency around the appointment.

The Tanaistes view is that appointments of this scale, given the importance of this office which has been agreed by [the] Cabinet today to establish, that they should be discussed by the leaders in advance of any name being made public, a spokesperson for Mr Harris said on Wednesday.

Mr Browne said the office would be tasked with coming up with rapid responses from all angles and unblocking delivery via a targeted team of experts.

The unit will work with city and county councils to identify sites where housing could be built and work to solve blockages that stand in the way of homes being delivered.

Initially, the office has been established for three years and will be made up of around eight to 11 people.
SAHR vehemently condemns the terrorist attack against 26 tourists in Indian administered Kashmir

South Asians for Human Right (SAHR), a regional network of Human Rights Defenders vehemently condemns the terrorist attack against 26 tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian administered Kashmir on 22 April 2025.

As a result of the recent terror attack, the response of the government of India has been swift and critical: They include among others, the suspension of Indias participation of Indus Water Treaty of 1960, paving way to curtailing the water flow of the three western rivers of the Indus basin into Pakistan; immediate closure of Attari  Wagah border, the main border point of the two countries; and the cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) granted to Pakistani nationals. Pakistan also has set up countermeasures regarding the same. SAHR notes that all these actions upon the occurrence of the act of terrorism have severely deprived the rights and freedoms of the people of Pakistan and India and their effects inevitably spilled over to the region compromising the peace in South Asia.

SAHR resolutely advocates for thorough and impartial investigation into this incident to disclose the perpetrators. Consequently, it strongly urges the governments of India and Pakistan to act cautiously with prudence to diffuse the ongoing tension immediately; while keeping in mind their unwavering adherence to the international obligations to ensure the rights and freedoms of the people. As nations possessing nuclear power in the region, it is the duty of these two nations to make an untiring effort to maintain peace and harmony in the region.

On behalf of the members of South Asians for Human Rights
Just over 40pc of young adults aged between 18 and 24 have experienced child sexual violence in person or online, with an overwhelming majority of people believing Irish society has failed to address child sexual abuse.

A new report from charity One in Four, which will be launched today with Childrens Minister Norma Foley in attendance, has found more than 80pc of people agree sexual violence is more common than acknowledged.

While nearly one in three Irish people across all ages have experienced child sexual violence, either in person or online, this figure rises to 41pc among 18- to 24-year-olds, according to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The report found 91pc of people believe Irish society has failed to address child sexual abuse, with 94pc acknowledging the serious impact it has on well-being and development.

One in Four chief executive Deirdre Kenny said the research identifies what has been holding us back and why Ireland has struggled to protect our children from sexual abuse.

She said three barriers that have influenced the problem stand out in the research, including how abuse often happens out of sight and is rarely talked about.

Survivors feel alone, and families and communities sometimes look away rather than face the reality, she said.

Almost 85pc of people said pornography distorts children and young peoples healthy sexual development

Ms Kenny said there has also been a collapsing of boundaries as the usual protections at home, in school and online are breaking down and social media and technology are making it easier for abuse to happen anywhere.

The explosiveness of the topic, which is so emotional and overwhelming that people often avoid it or focus on the most shocking cases, instead of working towards real solutions, has also impeded progress, she said.

Eighty-two per cent of people polled agreed sexual violence is more common than acknowledged, with 73pc believing it can be hard to spot the signs, a Red C poll found.

Almost 85pc of people said pornography distorts children and young peoples healthy sexual development, with 78pc believing it encourages depersonalised and more violent sexual experiences and desires.

Two in five adults know someone who experienced sexual violence as a child, a figure significantly higher among women and those living in Dublin.

One in Four wants the Government to introduce a preventative public health framework that would include providing education on healthy boundaries and the root causes of child sexual abuse, a focus on recognising early-warning signs, providing survivors with timely support and preventing reoffending.

Report researcher Dr Karen Hand said: Global best practice highlights that a preventative public health approach can ensure that every child and young person in Ireland is safe, supported and empowered.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, call the Rape Crisis Centre on Freephone 1800 77 88 88
Alcohol Action Ireland urged Simon Harris not to betray health and democratic processes by pushing back the measure

The timeline for alcohol health labelling could be delayed, with Tanaiste Simon Harris confirming the timeline is now under consideration.

When the system is introduced, alcoholic drinks will be required to carry health warnings, including the risk of liver disease and warnings against consuming alcohol when pregnant.

Labels will also have to carry the number of calories in the drink and the grams of alcohol in the product.

The regulations were signed into law in 2023, and gave businesses a three-year lead time to prepare for the changes.

The new standardised labels were expected to be introduced by May 22, 2026.

However, this timeline is now in doubt. In response to a question from Fine Gael TD Naoise O Muiri, the Tanaiste said the timeline was under consideration.

I think this is something we do need to give consideration to in terms of the timeline for implementation, Mr Harris said in the Dail.

Mr Harris said this was because of the ongoing economic uncertainty internationally as a result of US President Donald Trumps trade tariffs.

We find ourselves in a very new trade environment and we always say we have try and control what we can control, Mr Harris said.

While Mr Harris said he could not confirm what decision the Government would make, he said the timeline should be considered due to concerns being expressed.

This is certainly something that merits at least considering in that space when we hear the concerns being expressed, he said.

I do think this falls into that category. Im not in a position to say today what the exact decision Government will make but I can say the timeline around implementation is under consideration.

Alcohol Action Ireland said it was shocked by the Tanaistes comments.

AAI chief executive Sheila Gilheany said: "At best it seems the Tanaiste has been duped by the alcohol industrys campaign of industry misinformation, at worst it looks like he is willing to put the profits of shareholders in alcohol companies before the health and wellbeing of Irish citizens.

Labelling of alcohol products is a health issue and has nothing to do with Irelands exports as the regulations only apply to products sold in Ireland.

"While in relation to imports, or home-produced products, the legal onus is on retailers, not producers/manufacturers, to ensure products are labelled. Therefore, a supermarket, or off-licence, can simply add a sticker to the product. Linking labelling to the trading environment is an industry red-herring and it should be called out as such by politicians.

She said the modest labels had been extensively discussed for years and gone through all the proper notification processes internationally, and are due to come into effect in May 2026.

However, they have been vehemently opposed by the alcohol industry which is using every possible tactic to derail them, said Ms Gilheany.

It is deeply disappointing that Simon Harris, who as Minister for Health steered through the Public Health (Alcohol) Act in 2018 which gave rise to the regulations, now appears to have fallen for industry spin. During the many years of discussion on the legislation, Simon Harris, saw at first hand the ferocious lobbying by the alcohol industry against any measure which seeks to improve public health. Previous tactics have included denying the health risks from alcohol. Claims now about trading environments should be taken with a large pinch of salt.

Ms Gilheany added that since the idea of a delay was first raised by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe last month, more than 75 health, social and community organisations, academics and advocates have come together to voice strong opposition to the move, writing an open letter to the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste and current Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, opposing any delay.

Last month Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said the changes were being examined as the Government looked to protect the competitiveness of Irish businesses.

Speaking on Newstalk, Mr Burke was asked whether the labels on alcohol products would go ahead or if a pause was being considered.

[The regulations] are currently under consideration. Obviously, the regulations come from the Department of Health, but we have a very close eye on our competitiveness," he said.

In April, Mr Burke brought a proposal to the Cabinet Subcommittee on the Economy which included a competitiveness strategy as well as a number of areas where the government could achieve quick wins for businesses.

There's a number of key areas, I think, where we can get quick wins now and try and get them in train before the summer, Mr Burke said.

That will send a very strong signal to businesses that we're very serious about our competitive piece, he added.
More than a third of Ireland's 31 electoral registers have more names on them than the census figures for eligible adults in their areas.

The eleven worst offenders comprise: Sligo (111.8pc), Donegal (107.5), Leitrim (106.2), Longford (105.3), Monaghan (104.1), Galway county (101.8), Cork county (101.4), Westmeath (101.2), Carlow (101), Cavan (100.9) and Mayo (100.4).

The bloated registers -- of people who are dead, have been duplicated in the system or have emigrated -- are replicated across the country.

None of the local authorities has an accurate register, the Electoral Commission said today, making all election turnout figures meaningless.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

Now the Electoral Commission wants a drive from local authorities to clear up their registers as much as possible in time for the November presidential election.

It means that many people can expect emails and letters asking for clarification or extra detail in relation to registrations.

Electoral commission chief, Art O'Leary, said he has been receiving two polling cards "every election" for the people who lived before in his house.

He said he had sent them back to the local authority -- and encouraged all others who do so -- and did not expect to receive them again for the Presidential poll.

At the launch of a report outlining the "shoddy" nature of the nation's registers, it was admitted that some councils are checking RIP.ie or listening to death announcements on the radio.

Others use field officers, but there is still a reluctance to delete emigrants who might be coming back. Australia has just announced a new record of over 100,000 Irish-born residents.

"We don't believe any of the registers are sufficiently accurate," said Tim Carey of the Commission, which is not yet tasked with, or seeking, the creation of a national register.

Only the four Dublin local authorities "talk to each other" in terms of the transfer of elector addresses, but the others do not.

A new project aims to have all the local government electoral registers in the one place by the end of next year, but this "will not solve the problem of itself."

In recent years, local authorities have been seeking PPS numbers, dates of birth and Eircodes from people seeking to register for the first time.

There was controversy on LiveLine two years ago over the demand for "confidential" information, and the provision of a PPS number is not mandatory. People can still register on a "manual route" involving the Gardai.

Since October 2022, only an individual themselves can register. In the past postal information was sought from addresses -- an anonymous return system which led in some cases to the registration of household pets.

"In future the cat will have to have a PPS number," remarked Art O'Leary of the Commission.

People who wish to check their eligibility should go to checktheregister.ie.
The former taoiseach also insisted he had no intention of running for the Presidency

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".

The former Fine Gael leader 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" 10pc tariff remains in place.

Mr Trump's 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 we're 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: Don't 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 America's 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, you've 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 Ireland's 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 Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said that the trade uncertainty already affects economic growth. Photo: Collins

Trade uncertainty stemming from US tariffs before president Donald Trumps 90-day pause is already affecting economic growth in Ireland, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said.

However, he added the Government has a very clear plan in response to this issue.

Speaking on RTE Radio Ones Today with Claire Byrne, Mr Donohoe said: Unfortunately, the trade uncertainty that we are now seeing is having an effect already on economic growth and is having an effect on sentiment regarding investment and how economies will grow in the future.

"Thankfully, our economy continues to perform well, and the Government has a very clear plan in place regarding how we respond back to this risk.

The Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said that the trade uncertainty already affects economic growth. Photo: Collins

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

The Minister said the Government has outlined three major projects to respond to the trade uncertainty, such as trade negotiations conducted by the European Union Commission and the review of the National Development Plan.

He also said Enterprise Ireland is currently engaging with employers and firms and looking at how they can assist them.

The level of any kind of intervention back from the Government to this difficulty is different to where we have been in the past, he said.

"Because it will be about helping companies diversify, it will be about helping them find new markets, and most importantly, when we're still in a period of negotiation, is influencing the common stance of the European Union on this issue, which we are actively doing.

Mr Donohoe added he would love to see the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the US President Donald Trump meet, however, it is critical that the European Commissioner for Trade, Maros Sefcovic, is in regular contact with his counterpart.

Given that this is a negotiation, I am still of the view that it's best that it happened in a private way, that we allow the negotiation to continue and, I hope, conclude.

"It's really up to the US at any point if they want to be more specific about what they want, the European Union has been really clear.

The Minister said he has been hearing from multinational companies a very positive and broad recognition of their global business and global supply chains.

Given the political focus on this issue within the US, companies are going to be carefully considering investment decisions that they will make.

If they want to prosper and grow within the European Union, it is important therefore they have a presence within the European Union, that is understood.

Ireland and the EU can offer such clarity regarding how we can tax you, what our trade policy will be, how we will support innovation, and that, I believe, matters to their long-term success, he added.

He also defended the creation of the Strategic Housing Activation Office, describing it as a very good idea that he wants to see happen.

We have seen over 130,000 new homes built in our country between 2020 and 2024, but I and the Government know we need to do better, and the creation of this office is one of the ways in which that can be done.

What will now happen, conscious of the public discussion on it, is that the Government will make a decision on this matter, but focusing on what is the office and what then is the process for leading to the appointment of the person.

He added he doesn't know at the moment yet if Nama boss Brendan McDonagh is the preferred candidate for the controversial 430,000 job, adding that the decision has to be made.

Mr Donohoe said the Minister for Housing, James Browne, is doing an excellent job and disagreed that the trust has been broken between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, adding theres an excellent working relationship between all the participants in this Government.

"We are united, as I said, in believing that the creation of this office can make a big difference. We had an excellent discussion about this in Cabinet on Tuesday.

We know the progress [on housing] that we are making did slow down, and we have to look at new ideas for accelerating that progress."

When asked about the housing tsar controversy and the proposed salary of 430,000, he said he is mindful of the public concern about this but also equally mindful of the public need for us to build far more homes.

"I believe the creation of this office is an important ingredient in doing that, and we will get that right. Both parties in government are united in wanting to make that happen.

Speaking about RTEs write-down of 3.6m on a partly failed IT project, he described it as a further big disappointment on two different levels.

Firstly, it should be made clear at the point of time in which the issue occurred.

"Secondly, millions of euro for any of us, are still huge amounts of money, and particularly when they're invested in projects that don't actually then happen in the way that was intended, he added.
Richard Satchwell (58) said in a media interview conducted when his wife Tina Satchwell (45) was missing that he pitied anyone who might attack her, as they would not walk away without some damage because she was so strong-willed.
Study results today are set to point up the shoddy state of Ireland's many electoral registers.

The Local Authority ledgers include the names of many dead and others who have emigrated, or else moved elsewhere in Ireland and re-registered there.

Ireland does not have a single national electoral register, although one is planned. It will first involve the harnessing of all others before a winnowing process can take place.

Ireland has 31 separate electoral registers which are individually maintained by the same number of city and county councils.

The Electoral Commission (An Coimisiun Toghchain) has a statutory role for "setting standards" under the Electoral Reform Act 2022.

There was an expectation among politicians when it was set up that it would make haste to assemble a new single register to rule them all.

But the Commission first oversaw the Family and Care referendums from last year, then the Local and European elections, and finally the November General Election in a crowded 2024.

The body was tasked to report on the status, functioning, completeness and accuracy of the 31 electoral registers, and is finally reporting today.

It is expected to outline a catalogue of duplications, deceased electors, errors and omissions, along with a roadmap to reform that could involve a new identified for every individual elector for better reflection of eligibility until the expiry of that entitlement.

An oversight report will set out the current state of the electoral registers on a national level. It will also reflect on their management and maintenance, with some more actively groomed than others.

Accuracy and completeness is of paramount importance to politicians and the political system alike, if only to guard against personation.

An old joke from Northern Ireland politics was that the dead voting was not too bad, but when they voted over and over in different polling stations it became a bit rich.

Based on data reported by each local authority, the report will include individual assessments of each of the 31 registers around the country.

In its report An Coimisiun makes a number of recommendations to address issues associated with accuracy and completeness, and the challenges facing those charged with the management and maintenance of the registers.

This is the first such oversight report, future reports will be published annually - suggesting the clean-up of registers is about to get under way.

It also raises the issue of councils communicating with each other when electors move to a new area to ensure they only ever have one vote within the State.

The Electoral Commission was established in February 2023. It also makes reports on the boundaries of constituencies for the election of members to the Dail and the European Parliament.

It also has a role in promoting public awareness of the proper workings of democracy and how to vote, as well as increased public participation.
The exposure of very young children to screens has been criticised by doctors in France. Photo: Getty

Screens should be banned for children under the age of six to avoid permanently impairing their brain development, French medical experts have warned.

Health authorities in France 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.
The passing of a couple just days apart has left a deep sadness in their local community.

Widespread tributes were paid to Fermanagh couple Paul and Claire Kelly, who were said to have had a lifelong bond.

Their deaths, after 66 years together, have sent shockwaves through their hometown.

Mrs Kelly, known for her deeply kind nature, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 20, at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.

Her husband died surrounded by his family in his home just four days later on Thursday, April 24  the day of his wifes funeral.

Formerly of Rosscolban Meadows in Kesh, Mr and Mrs Kellys legacy was celebrated in a requiem Mass for the pair at St Josephs Church in Ederney last Sunday.

Father Frank McManus, who led the ceremony, told mourners gathered for the service that it was an extraordinary week for the community.

It is indeed very rare to have a couple go so closely together, Fr McManus said.

Paul was always devoted to Claire. He geared himself up to be with her, but you could see he was paying a price. When I visited him the night before his passing, it was clear how weak he had become.

The couple were well known in their local parish and had been long-term residents in the area.

The youngest of nine children, Mrs Kelly was raised in a Co Fermanagh farm before travelling across the channel to pursue a career in nursing.

She would go on to dedicate over three decades to caring for patients at Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and was remembered for her kindness and warmth.

While there, the former Bannagh Primary School student would meet her future lifelong partner.

Originally hailing from Dromahair, Co Leitrim, Mr Kelly would ask for her hand in marriage with the pair becoming husband and wife in April 1969.

A tribute to Mr and Mrs Kelly from the Ederney Community Development Trust (ECDT) described their ensuing relationship as being defined by quiet adventure and unspoken understanding as they built a world together.

The couple, who had a love of travel, would explore various parts of the world together  voyaging to places such as Canada, Spain, New York and Texas  and develop a lifelong bond.

After an adventure-filled life, they settled down in Mrs Kellys home town of Kesh after almost three decades of marriage where they spent the rest of their days surrounded by remarkable neighbours.

The pair were laid to rest together in Bannagh Cemetery, the Fermanagh Herald reported.

The Ederney Community Development Trust said: It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Paul Kelly, who passed away peacefully (on April 24) just days after the loss of his beloved wife, Claire, and on the day she was laid to rest in Bannagh Cemetery.

Paul passed away at home, 9 Rosscolban Meadows, Kesh... surrounded by his loving family. Respects were also paid by Inishowen Rugby Club in Co Donegal. They said: Our president, committee and club members wish to extend sincere condolences to Padraig Kelly on the sad death of his brother Paul and Pauls wife Claire, whom both passed within days of each other.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelly and Keown families at this very sad time. May they both rest in peace.

Carnlough GAA Club also sent their deepest condolences to the Kelly family.

In a social media post, they added: The club would like to extend our deepest condolences to Padraig Kelly and the Kelly family on the deaths of Padraigs brother Paul Kelly and sister-in-law Claire Kelly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all their family and friends at this time.
New York Times spotlights little known corner of Ireland for travel off main tourist trails

Most of the publications 10m subscribers are from high-spending US tourist market

Lismore Castle, Co Waterford. Photo: Getty

Pol O Conghaile Thu 1 May 2025 at 16:00

It has its own microclimate, sits less than an hour from Cork Airport, is steeped in Old World romance and tucked away off the main tourist trails.
At the very moment that president Donald Trump was boasting to his Maga faithful about his towering achievements since taking office, UK and US warplanes were in action, bombing Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. So much for Trumps claim that he is presiding over the most successful US administration in history.

The threat, let us not forget, posed by the Houthis, a ragtag bunch of Yemeni terrorists, to international shipping lanes in the Red Sea was supposed to have been nullified after the US military launched a wave of air strikes in March. The operation is best remembered for the chatgroup scandal, where senior members of the administrations national security team  including defence secretary Pete Hegseth  freely exchanged confidential operational planning details.
Reaction to the new housing tsar is no reflection on Brendan McDonagh's suitably. Photo: Tom Burke

Its strange how often those who curse their luck in terms of the way the political football bounces are often those who dropped it to begin with. Failure to meet housing targets lies at the feet of successive recent governments.

In public office you are every bit as accountable for what you have not done as for what you have. One may be adept at dodging responsibilities, but avoiding the consequences is trickier.

The housing crisis touches a raw nerve, and anything that might be seen as an attempt to deflect blame for not solving it causes a backlash.

Small wonder then, that the row over the appointment of a new housing tsar drags on.

Simon Harris seemed miffed at Housing Minister James Brownes touting of Nama boss Brendan McDonagh as his preferred candidate to lead the new Strategic Housing Activation Office.

Reaction to the new housing tsar is no reflection on Brendan McDonagh's suitably. Photo: Tom Burke

The 430,000 salary  Mr McDonaghs remuneration in his present role  also raised hackles, for it is 200,000 more than what the Taoiseach is paid. Mr Harris has let it be known that such posts should be discussed between [coalition] leaders in advance of any name being made public.

But the Coalition has been hoist by its own petard. It could not have been clearer that solving this crisis would be the yardstick by which its legacy would be assessed. With the vast combined experience of Micheal Martin and Simon Harris to draw on, many wonder why another executive position was needed.

There is also a perception that we have created a burgeoning state within a state by stealth  silos where responsibility can be off-loaded.

When there is success, plaudits can be shared; where there are failures, politicians can be insulated from the fall-out. This might be unfair, but the public may counter that they placed their trust in their elected leaders, not in arms-length agencies.

Another example of a government whose housing strategy was flying by the seat of your pants

The expectation is the executive will make the critical decisions and devise the strategies crucial to the national interest, and the delivery of houses is close to the top of the list in this regard. In any case, who is better qualified than either the Taoiseach or Tanaiste to make sure vital objectives are met?

The Coalition has created a rod to beat its own back. Labour leader Ivana Bacik has claimed the proposed new housing body was shrouded in secrecy, another example of a government whose housing strategy was flying by the seat of your pants.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said paying someone almost half-a-million euro to fix the housing crisis is cracked. At best it is a hard sell; at worst it undermines confidence on the issue.

There now appears to be a shying away from confirming the appointment. None of this is a reflection on the eminent suitability of Mr McDonagh. It is the judgment of the Government that is now in the full glare for throwing gunpowder on the fire.

Never trouble another for what you can do yourself, was a maxim of Thomas Jefferson. It is something the Taoiseach and Tanaiste might do well to consider.
Thieves made off with cash and jewellery in robberies which were committed in broad daylight

Gardai are liaising with PSNI officers after a three man gang were arrested last night on suspicion of possession of stolen goods believed to have been taken during burglaries in County Monaghan.

Three men are in police custody in connection to a series of house break-ins on both sides of the border Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph.

Three men are in police custody in Northern Ireland in connection to a string of broad daylight house burglaries in Cavan and Monaghan on Wednesday that resulted in cash, jewellery and a cache of household items being taken.

The three suspects, two of whom are aged in their mid to late 30s were arrested with a third man in his mid 40s after detectives swooped on a house in the Loughgall area of Armagh last night.

They were initially detained in the wake of a break-in the Madden Row area of Keady. However, the Irish Independent understands that during that operation, a cache of suspected stolen goods were recovered which senior investigators on both sides of the border believe may be linked to four raids on houses in Cavan and Monaghan yesterday morning.

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Gardai had been searching for a silver Mercedes which they understand may have been used by the gang in making their getaway from burglaries which took place in Clontibret and nearby Castleshane.

The car, which had carried a Northern Ireland registration plate, is understood to have been spotted in Monaghan soon afterwards, but escaped across the border before gardai could stop both it and its occupants.

A garda spokesperson confirmed to the Irish Independent earlier today of an ongoing investigation that was now in train in connection with Monaghan break-ins that took place between 7:40am and 12:30pm yesterday.

The first of those resulted in a smart watch and jewellery being taken with an undisclosed sum of cash having been reported stolen in the Castleshane raid.

"Police have arrested three men following burglaries in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday 30 April, said a PSNI spokesperson.

The suspects, aged 46, 38 and 35, were detained at an address in Loughgall last night and are being questioned by detectives in connection with a burglary at a house on Madden Row in Keady, as well as on suspicion of possession of stolen goods believed to have been taken during burglaries in County Monaghan.

A silver Mercedes, believed to have been used in the burglaries, has also been seized for examination.

As those investigations continue, the Irish Independent also understand that gardai are liaising with their PSNI counterparts over the trio's suspected involvement in two further burglaries that took place in county Cavan yesterday morning.

Given the close proximity and timeframe of the Cavan break-ins which lie just 10km apart, gardai had been working on establishing a possible link between both.

During the first incident in the Mullagh area, a quantity of jewellery and home ornaments were taken from a private residence with a sum of cash having been stolen in the Virginia incident.

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Gardai in Co Cavan are investigating a burglary at a residential property in Mullagh, which occurred sometime between 11:30am and 2:00pm on Wednesday, 30th April, 2025. Some jewellery and ornaments were taken (and) investigations (are) ongoing, said a garda spokesperson.

Gardai (also) received a report of a burglary at house in Virginia, Co. Cavan, which occurred sometime before 12:40pm on Wednesday, 30th April, 2025. A sum of cash was taken (and an) investigation (is) ongoing.

A garda spokesperson has since confirmed detectives are now in talks with senior PSNI investigators about the gangs suspected involvement in the Cavan burglaries also.

Gardai are liaising with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to a number of recent burglaries which took place in Co Monaghan and Co Cavan, said a spokesperson.
Revenue for the Dublin Airport Authority is up 9% on 2023

The airport passed 3 million annual passengers for the first time in its history in 2024. Photo: Karol Kachmarsky

Over 3 million people passed through Cork Airport for the first time in its 63-year history last year.

The figure was released as the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) announced its annual report for the year, stating that 68 million will be paid to the Irish Government from both Cork and Dublin airports through dividends, with almost 100 million in total paid to the Irish government between 2024 and 2025.

1.1 billion in revenue was generated by the group, through not only Dublin and Cork Airports, but also the authoritys international operations  which included assisting clients in Saudi Arabia, including consultancy and investment services.

The group also runs retail in 27 airports across 13 countries, including across Canada, in Indias Delhi, Indonesias Jakarta and even Bridgetown in Barbados.

Some of the revenue generated by the group was also put into a Community Fund at Cork Airport, which supports various artistic, cultural, sporting and educational initiatives.

The group had a post-tax profit of 236 million, and also reduced their overall debt by 16%, down to 685 million.
News

Cork Bessborough survivor deeply critical of Dail vote that cut him out of the redress scheme

Its like a chess board, Paul OSullivan explains, as we sit outside the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, where his mother had spent several days in the lead-up to his birth.
Kildare charity, Barretstown are calling on the nation to take part in its upcoming Dublin Mountains Challenge to raise money for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses

A childrens charity based in Co Kildare is urging members of the public to join their annual fundraiser to raise vital funds for children living with a serious illness in Ireland.

Barretstown, Ireland's largest and most established provider of therapeutic camps and programmes for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, is calling on the nation to take part in its upcoming annual Dublin Mountains Challenge on Sunday, May 25.

Now in its 11th year, the challenge follows the picturesque Dublin Mountains Way and will raise vital funds for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.

Funds raised will support over 22,000 children this year alone through the provision of medically endorsed specially designed camps and programmes underpinned by 24-hour on-site medical care.

The Dublin Mountains Challenge has been a standout fundraising event for Barretstown each year, explained Barretstown CEO, Dee Ahearn. As we project to serve over 250,000 campers with our life-changing therapeutic programmes by the end of this decade, fundraising events like this are key to helping us achieve our goal of serving as many children with cancer and other serious illnesses as possible.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has signed up already and want to encourage others to get involved. It is a truly special event aimed at all levels of hikers or walkers and provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Dublin Mountains.

This years event includes two lengths to suit all fitness levels. Starting in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght, participants can follow the scenic Dublin Mountains Way, a 24km trail to Ticknock Park or a 42km trail to Shankill.

Registration for the Dublin Mountains Challenge is available on the Barretstown website. Make sure to get your entries in before the deadline of May 18.
Sun-seekers enjoying this weeks good weather explain why city centre street is so popular

As temperatures soared in Dublin yesterday, many people were making the most of the good weather in the city centre.

Recently, Drury Street came under fire after new signage appeared asking people to refrain from sitting on the kerb outside shops and other businesses.

The signs, which read Please dont block this area and Please dont sit on the curb, thank you, are located on one side of the street, which has become a magnet for outdoor socialising once the sun comes out.

Despite these signs, a number of people have been flocking to the street to meet with their friends, enjoy the good weather and live music.

The Irish Independent spoke to a number of people on the street around 4pm yesterday, although some refused as they had called into work sick to enjoy the sun.

The signs on Dublin's Drury Street with the words, 'Please don't sit on the curb'. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

A group of friends who just finished exams in DCU and UCD met up to celebrate on Drury Street.

Its a beautiful day and were finished exams. Its a great place to hang out, theres so many people, they said.

You bump into loads of people you know. Its mostly young people who come here, people we know.

Everyone just feels like they can congregate here, you dont have to make plans, youll run into someone you know. Its a place where you can sit and not buy things.

Some local shops on the street have complained about the wider impact of the socialising, describing the crowds on some sunny days as a total nightmare for business.

Kate Rose Twomey, who is an artist, decided to paint Drury Street because of her love for it.

Student and artist Kate Rose Twomey on Drury Street yesterday

I like how alive this street is. I come along here with my friends so much so I thought itd be the perfect spot to paint, she said.

Theres nowhere Id rather be today, theres a nice breeze, theres great vibes.

In a weird way, Drury Street feels more like Dublin, its so mixed. It feels accessible and youre able to sit out on the street as well, its all in good fun. Its a great place to meet up as its so central.

A group of nursing students from DCU also congregated on the street to celebrate the start of their summer.

DCU students enjoying the start of their summer break on Drury Street yesterday

Were on our summer holidays. Weve just finished our exams, the sun is out, theres good vibes, and good music, they said.

Were just having coffee and catching up. We come here frequently enough, if were going into town and were going out or if were here during the day, wed end up coming to Drury Street.

Meanwhile, Fionn and Katie had a flying visit to the street during a break from work.

Fionn and Katie on Drury Street yesterday while taking a break from work

Its a lovely, sunny street with the sun beaming down. Most people our age flock here on a night out for drinks, so youd walk through and see people you know.

Its so good to people-watch on this street.

Dublin City Council has acknowledged that more people are visiting Drury Street to meet, dwell, and socialise, and said it is working with all stakeholders to try and maintain the positive atmosphere on the street.
Skerries commuters have said there is no justification for the recent fare hikes which have left them paying more than fellow passengers in north county Dublin.

A number of commuters waiting at Skerries station on Wednesday morning said they are considering driving to Rush and Lusk as it is now cheaper to catch the train there.

Changes introduced by the National Transport Authority (NTA) this week mean commuters travelling from Rush and Lusk benefit from cheaper train fares, but those travelling from nearby Skerries and Balbriggan are facing hikes.

Under a major shake-up of rail fares in the Greater Dublin area, the cost of a Leap Card journey from Rush and Lusk to Dublins Connolly Station remains unchanged at 2.

However, passengers boarding at nearby Skerries now face a 30pc increase, with Leap fares rising from 3 to 3.90. For cash fares, the cost jumps from 3.90 to 5.10.

Under the new fare structure, Balbriggan and Skerries have been grouped into the Dublin Commuter Zone  along with towns in Kildare, Wicklow, and Louth  rather than being included in the Dublin City Zone like other Dublin stations.

Its really shocking to be honest with you, said Fiona Monroe, who was waiting on the northern commuter train to Dublin.

Im a mother of three, and they are all regular commuters. Its just another pinch point on top of the other costs and high cost of living as well.

Were so close to the Dublin boundary and we were previously within that commuter belt, so I just think its very unfair for the NTA to enforce that on us.

I think now when going to meet friends in town Ill be driving, absolutely. I just feel so annoyed weve been afflicted with this extra cost, she added.

New fare structures have increased costs for commuters in Skerries and Balbriggan. Pic: Stock image

Fine Gael TD Grace Boland, who was among those getting the train into Dublin city centre, said that Skerries and Balbriggan are the only two train stations in the whole of county Dublin seeing fare increases.

It is simply not acceptable at a time when were trying to encourage more people to take public transportation, she said.

Ive been inundated with emails from commuters, but also parents with children travelling into town to go to school.

Deputy Boland also said she has heard of people considering driving to Rush-Lusk railway station instead, as the fare will be cheaper there.

The problem with going to Rush and Lusk is that its a very rural road that is already overburdened, she said.

Its a very dangerous entrance and exit to the station, a limited carpark and it also defeats the purpose of having public transport in your local town.

The NTA has defended the new fare structure, which introduces a four-zone system stretching out 50 kilometres from Dublin city centre.

While most passengers in areas like Drogheda, Laytown and Enfield are seeing significant savings, commuters in Skerries, Balbriggan, Greystones, Kilcock and Sallins are being hit with increases.

Alicia Murtagh, who takes the train roughly 10 times a week, said she was disappointed with the fare increases.

Its going to be challenging. I didnt know this was happening and Im on minimum wage so its just an added cost, she said.

Fellow commuter Kevin OSullivan said he has signed a petition calling for Skerries to be treated the same as other train stations within Dublin county.

It seems a bit extreme that down the track in Rush theyre paying 2 while we here in Skerries are paying 3.90, he said.

Irene Weldon, whose son and husband regularly commute in and out of the city centre, said she feels its unfair that Skerries hasnt been included in the Dublin City Zone.

I cant help but think theres no real justification for it, she said.

This article was amended at 3pm on Thursday, May 1, to clarify that the cost of a Leap Card journey from Rush/Lusk to Connolly Station remains unchanged at 2
Autism Friendly Killarney chairperson Jessica OConnor said the towns new status is the result of hard work by local businesses and organisations

Adam Harris, CEO and founder of AsIAm, with Emilia Rypalska at the special function celebrating Killarney being designated an Autism Friendly Town. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Killarney gardai, sgt Dermot O'Connell, chief superintendant John Ryan and garda Cathy Murphy with Joe Shannon, AIB Killarney, and Denis O'Donoghue, Autism Killarney, at a special function celebrating Killarney being designated an Autism Friendly Town.

Killarney Celebrates Becoming Autism Friendly Town in Partnership with AsIAm Adam Harris, CEO and Founder of AsIAm, and Cllr. Marie Moloney pictured at a special function celebrating Killarney being designated an Autism Friendly Town in the Killarney Plaza Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Don MacMonagle A landmark celebration took place at the Killarney Plaza Hotel to mark the towns official recognition as an Autism Friendly Town, a designation awarded in partnership with AsIAm, Irelands National Autism Charity. Killarney is only the third town in Ireland, after Clonakilty & Maynooth, to achieve Autism Friendly Town status.The event brought together a wide array of community members, including local business leaders, families, and advocates, to recognise the collective efforts that have made Killarney a more inclusive and supportive environment for autistic people. Adam Harris, CEO and Founder of AsIAm, attended the event and praised the towns commitment to inclusion: Today is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to embrace and understand neurodiversity. Killarney is leading the way in creating a society where everyone feels they belong. The celebration honoured over 30 local champion businesses that have completed training and made meaningful changes to their environments and practices, ensuring that autistic individuals and their families feel welcome and supported.Representatives from the autistic community also shared their experiences, highlighting the positive impact of the towns initiatives and the importance of continued education, acceptance and collaboration.This milestone represents just the beginning of Killarneys journey in building an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, can participate fully in community life. - Jessica OConnor, Chairperson, Autism Friendly Killarney Committee For further information on how to become an Autism Friendly Champion organisation contact: Inf

Adam Harris, CEO and founder of AsIAm, answers question from Emilia Rypalska during at a special function celebrating Killarney being designated an Autism Friendly Town in the Killarney Plaza Hotel on Thursday. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Pictured at a special function celebrating Killarney being designated an Autism Friendly Town in the Killarney Plaza Hotel on Thursday, are from left, Oonagh Mcarthy, Olive Horgan, Adam Harris, Shirley McGough, Patrick Kaya, Ella Kaya, Catherine Doyle and Dara Guerin. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Patrick Kaya (12) from Barraduff, who is a pupil at St. Oliver's National School, pictured with his family, Michael, Louise and Ela in a specially created space at the function celebrating Killarney being designated Autism Friendly Town. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Celebrating Killarney being designated an Autism Friendly Town on Thursday are Adam Harris, CEO and founder of AsIAm, with local committee members including, Jessica O'Connor, Denis O'Donoghue, Bridget O'Keeffe, Caroline Neenan, Elaine Doonan, Matt Aber, Louise Byrne, Emilia Rypalska, Cllr Marie Moloney, Claire Fowler and Kevin Leahy. Photo: Don MacMonagle

A big celebration took place in Killarney last week after it became just the third town in Ireland to be recognised as autism friendly.

The town followed in the footsteps of Clonakilty and Maynooth in being awarded the status of Autism Friendly by charity As I Am.

A major party took place at the Killarney Plaza Hotel in celebration of the designation.

The event was attended by local families, advocates and businesspeople to recognise the collective efforts that have made the town a more inclusive and supportive place for autistic people.

Adam Harris, CEO and founder of the As I Am charity and brother of Tanaiste Simon Harris, also attended the function.

Mr Harris praised the towns commitment to inclusion at the celebration.

Today is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to embrace and understand neurodiversity. Killarney is leading the way in creating a society where everyone feels they belong, he said.

The celebration honoured over 30 local champion businesses that have completed training and made meaningful changes to their environments and practices to ensure that autistic individuals and their families feel welcome and supported.

Representatives from the autistic community also shared their experiences, highlighting the positive impact of the towns initiatives and the importance of continued education, acceptance and collaboration.

The towns achievement of Autism Friendly status is the result of much voluntary time and effort put in by the Autism Friendly Killarney Committee since it was founded in October 2023.

Jessica OConnor, chairperson of the committee, said the designation represents just the beginning of Killarneys journey in building an inclusive society in which everyone can participate.

Ms OConnor told The Kerryman that accommodations for people with autism and neurodivergence have been made by businesses and organisations throughout Killarney.

For example, some premises hold autism friendly shopping hours, when they may lower lighting and turn off music.

Certain local festivals have included sensory areas for those with autism, so they can still enjoy celebrations.

The upcoming Rally of the Lakes will feature a quiet space on Friday evening for people to inspect the cars involved.

Ms OConnor said more than 30 local businesses have done special training to ensure they can facilitate all customers.

Certain enterprises provide equal employment opportunities to those who are neurodivergent, and this is an area which the committee will be targeting more this year.

The committee is also aiming to provide more spaces where people from the autism community, and their friends and family, can socialise.

Ms OConnor praised the hard work of the Autism Friendly Killarney Committee, which includes people of various professions as well as neurodiverse members, that has seen real changes made in the town.

The chairperson said the group has big plans for the near future.

There is still a lot of work to be done, Ms OConnor said.

Autism Friendly Killarney is holding a training day open to everyone on Wednesday, May 21 at the Gleneagle Hotel.

Those interested in participating can contact info@autismfriendlykillarney.com.
Kerry Councillors nonplussed over WWII 80th anniversary response.

Efforts to mark the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War II on May 8 have been met with a subdued response by Kerry Councillors.

One of the most cataclysmic conflicts in the history of civilisation that resulted in the loss of millions of lives is set to spark widespread commemorations across Europe later this month, But not, it seems, in Kerry.

Labour Party Councillor Marie Moloney was aghast that her motion asking what plans Kerry County Council (KCC) had to mark the milestone event at a recent full meeting when it drew a muted response from her elected colleagues.

After Cllr Moloney read out an impassioned statement mentioning the over 80,000 people  north and south of the island  who joined the Allied forces in the fight against Nazi Germany between 1939 and 1945 in a conflict that resulted in the loss of millions of lives.

Cllr Moloney said the 80th anniversary recognises the years of sacrifice during WWII and celebrations are an opportunity to honour the millions who fought and died and to preserve history while reflecting on the lessons of war.

She insisted the loss of loved ones, horrific injuries and the hardship people experienced merited some commemorative gesture in Kerry. Thousands of Irish people  men and women  also worked in the factories across Britain helping to sustain the Allied war effort.

In reply, KCC said it is a matter for consideration by the members, and recommended it be referred to the Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht SPC for consideration.

You have very little time given that May 8 is the official date. I cannot believe that no one within the council  officials or elected members  did even think of this, she said.

Im not asking for a street party or anything like that. Something even as simple as laying a wreath. I think its important that we mark it as we dont have time to be going to the SPC. I would ask the members to support my motion, please. Is nobody going to? Cllr Moloney added.

After an awkward few seconds, when it looked as though the motion would not be seconded, independent Councillor Charlie Farrelly stepped in.

I second what is a well-worth motion. Im glad to second it, Cllr Farrelly said.
Back in 2020, Karen Fitzgibbon found herself having nightmare after nightmare and one such dream became the seed of her latest novel Never Look Back.

I was having these nightmares all the time, Karen says, reflecting on the early days of COVID-19.

Planes crashing, trains crashing, the world blowing up, because we just didnt know what was happening.

One night I dreamt my daughter, who lived in Madrid at the time, wasnt communicating with me, so I showed up at her door and there was a baby in her arms. I brought them both to the airport to go home, and she just vanished in the crowd, leaving me alone with her daughter, Karen recalls.

That eerie visual became the heart of her upcoming novel, which centres on the mysterious disappearance of a young mother at Limericks Colbert Station and marks the return of Private Investigator Lana Bowen to solve the case.

A Limerick resident for nearly three decades, Karen grounds her fiction firmly in the streets she knows so well.

Ive been living in the city for almost 30 years, walking it, running it, I know all the little side streets, she explains. It was important to me to capture that.

This authenticity is something readers have come to appreciate, particularly for those who call Limerick home.

Her writing process, by contrast, is far from methodical. In every other part of my life, I plan everything. But when I write, theres no plan at all, she chuckles.

I just sit and make myself write a certain number of words, four days a week. That freedom fuels her creativity, even if the plot often unravels into chaos that needs careful stitching together.

The development of Never Look Back, the second instalment of a three-part series, was no exception. Twists, I love them, she smiles, but youve got to untwist them, she adds. I think I drove my editor nuts last summer. We had to untangle everything. It took weeks!

That editor is Gaye Shortland, a veteran in the industry since 1998, who Karen describes as the biggest gift of all from her publishing journey.

She wont let anything go if it doesnt make sense. Ive learned so much from her, Karen states.

The novel itself took four months to draft, just like her first, but the road to publication was far longer.

I started writing it in September 2021, she explains. Id already had rejections for my premiere novel, The Worlds End, and I became kind of cross. I thought to myself, You think itll be easier than it is, but its not.

And yet, the Castleconnell native persevered. Theres always a solution to writers block. Even if youre walking the dog or out shopping. Something clicks and you go, Thats it.

Her storytelling is layered with shadowy clues and red herrings that leaves the reader guessing all the time.

The Limerick arts scene has been a rock of support to Karen during her writing journey.

Deeply involved in local theatre, including with Northside Misfits, Southill Community Drama Group, St Saviours, Thomond Studio, and more, Karen says: Theyve all been amazing. So many of them were at the launch last year, and theyre excited again this year. Working with them, creating plays, characters and fixing plot holes, it taught me I could write a book.

Never Look Back is set to hit the shelves of OMahonys Booksellers on May 8, 2025.
A pedestrian, aged in her 80s, has died in a road collision involving a truck in Co Roscommon this afternoon.

The incident occurred in Frenchpark at the junction of the N5 and R361 at about 4:45pm today.

The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Her body has since been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem examination will take place.

There were no other injuries reported.

A technical examination has since been conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has reopened to traffic.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 4:30pm and 5:00pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Safety works are set to be undertaken to secure the rock after talks between the landowner, Lord Waterford, and the county council

The 50 tonne Passage East rock is perched precariously over the picturesque village, kept in place by just one remaining wire rope. Image courtesy of Cllr Declan Barry

A 50-tonne rock perched precariously over the village of Passage East is being kept in place by just one wire rope, a Waterford councillor has learned.

People power has forced action to be taken on the dangerous rock after two local sisters organised a petition to raise awareness of the dangers posed to the villagers homes.

Footage from RTEs Nationwide in 1988 shows an interview between then host Michael Ryan and the late Fine Gael Cllr John Carey, highlighting the dangers of the loose rock in Passage East.

Some 37 years later, independent Cllr Declan Barry requested information at a plenary meeting of the local authority earlier this year, asking if the rock and nearby hills have been assessed.

A number of rockfalls and slides have occurred in the area since last August, which is prone to coastal erosion. Two major hills overlook Passage East, and one of these contains the dangerous rock, at the road from Crooke to Passage East.

Originally, two wire ropes were fastened around the rock to secure it and keep it in place, but one is now gone, said Cllr Barry. The rock is up to 50 tonne weight. The danger is if that came away, and started to come down, what else would it take with it along the way? The danger is it would take another few dozen rocks with it and flatten peoples houses along the way.

Cllr Barry was informed that one of the wire straps or ropes is no longer in place. I was horrified to find that out. If I didnt ask, we were never going to be told is what Im thinking. I dont know how long that situation was like that. I was up in arms when I heard this. Im calling for a full audit to be done of the two hills to be done for health and safety reasons.

Lord Waterford owns the hills in Passage East, including a herd of wild goats who have grazed on them, a tradition going back centuries.

Two sisters who live directly under the rock, Anne and Mary Dwyer, organised a petition in Passage East in early April, calling for the rock to be secured. Within two to three weeks of launching the petition, and going door to door in the area, they had about 300 names on the petition, equal to the population of the village.

Cllr Barry lodged that petition with Waterford City and County Council last week, and raised it again at a local authority meeting on Thursday, asking a senior engineer for an update on the works.

He didnt have a reply, said Cllr Barry. He said he was waiting on Lord Waterford to get back to him. Following a radio interview last Friday at 10am, Cllr Barry received an email from the engineer saying that Lord Waterfords office has been in touch.

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They have hired a contractor who will undertake works to assess the rope in place and thats its fit for purpose, to replace the wire rope that came away, and to declare the area safe. Those works are expected to be completed by the end of May.

Cllr Barry said he hopes nothing happens to the rock between now and then. The rope that went how long is that gone? Is it six months, is it a year, is it ten years? I have no idea.

"Its nearly like saying, were there any crashes on that road recently? And to be told, oh actually, by the way there was, and someone got killed.

I walked up on to that hill on Monday  you can rest be assured, I will be watching this like a hawk to make sure those works have been carried out, added Cllr Barry.

On April 25, Waterford City and County Council was informed by the landowner that they had engaged a contractor to secure the rock, confirmed a spokesperson. The council is actively working with the landowner and it is anticipated that the works will be completed within one month.
There was a huge display of talent on show at ICA Got Talent which took place on Wednesday, April 23 in Camross Hall, while also raising funds for two worthy organisations.

A variety of talents from across the county as part of the Wexford Federation ICA were showcased throughout the night and for some it was their first time on the stage, while others were seasoned pros. However, once they took to the stage there was no sign of nerves and everyone in Camross Hall was treated to a night of comedy, dancing, singing and poetry.

The comperes on the night were Breda Banville from the Wexford ICA Federation Committee, and Mary DArcy, National ICA President who took the time from busy duties to be there.

Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour ICA Guild with Breda Cahill Wexford Federation President and Mary D'Arcy National ICA President.

Adamstown ICA was the first act to grace the stage, giving a rousing rendition of Phil the Flouters Ball and it was followed by Trish Doyle from Davidstown ICA who recited the poem, The Write Machine. Bree ICA brought the audience back to the days of The Riordans with their Novelty Act and Camross ICA beautifully sang Grace. Nuala Wickham from Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour ICA recited the poem, Willie, and the ladies from Davidstown ICA sang the song Paint me a picture of Ireland. Linda Thorpe took to the stage and recited the poem, Desiderata. The ladies from Camross ICA came next and they did line dancing to the song Heave Away. Shelia Delaney from Adamstown ICA recited a poem called, The Local ICA and Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour ICAs Novelty Act treated everyone to the Irish Haka. Oylegate ICA closed the show with their version of Grace.

After the short interval, the audience was treated to some lively music by Joan Quigley, Peter Hughes, Phil Power and Aoife Banville, in which the music was so lively that some of the audience were seen to be dancing along.

Breda Banville Wexford ICA Federation Committee, Mary D'Arcy National ICA President, Senan Lillis and Breda Cahill Wexford ICA Federation President making their presentation to South East Blood Bikes.

The results were announced on the night, with Camross ICA Line Dancers in fifth place; Linda Thorpe of the Oylegate guild placed fourth, The Irish Haka by Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour ICA was in third place, while Bree ICA took second place and in the top spot, crowned in first place was Davidstown ICA.

All the monies raised from the event was donated to South East Blood Bikes and Cumas New Ross, with each group receiving 850. Representatives from South East Blood Bikes thanked Wexford ICA and everyone present for their generosity and gave a short insight to the work they do. They provide a free out-of-hours medical transport service for hospitals, nursing homes and families in the south east. All of their volunteers are men and women from all walks of life. They are Garda vetted, carry photo-ID and have completed a rigorous training programme and the service they provide is completely voluntary. Meanwhile, Cumas New Ross offers support to individuals which promotes independence, choice and empowerment for people with disabilities.

The Camross ICA would like to thank those involved with Camross Hall, Camross Drama Group and everyone who helped in any way and extended their gratitude to those who preformed and who attended the night to remember.
Callum Farrelly and Naomi Walshe at 'Live At The Royal' in the Royal Hotel in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Lily Kaye and Claire Myler at 'Live At The Royal' in the Royal Hotel in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Elissa Moffitt, Jessica Boylan and Akysha Kelly at 'Live At The Royal' in the Royal Hotel in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

The Spudguns performing at 'Live At The Royal' in the Royal Hotel in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Fear Gorta who performed at 'Live At The Royal' at the Royal Hotel in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Josie Cavanagh who performed at 'Live At The Royal' in the Royal Hotel in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

Headroom performing at 'Live At The Royal' in the Royal Hotel in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly

There was an electric atmosphere at the Royal Hotel in Arklow when the popular venue hosted four emerging bands and artists as part of a new initiative to provide a live platform in an inclusive and safe space for established and new acts.

Dubbed Live At The Royal, the over 14s event saw gifted up-and-coming performers The Spudguns, Fear Gorta, HeadRoom and Josie Kavanagh rock a sell-out audience, with a broad mix of ages in attendance to support the local talent.

Born out of a conversation initiated by Cllr Peir Leonard and local musician Trevor OSullivan at a Making Arklow meeting on the role of music in the seaside town, the event, which was sponsored by Music Generation Wicklow, Making Arklow and The Royal, was part of a series aimed at encouraging and shaping the future of Arklows musical landscape.

It was a fantastic event with a really great turnout, so were going to have to look at doing another one, Cllr Leonard joked.

There was a huge mix of ages, and some people came down from as far as Greystones and Dublin to see the acts.

The event was all about creating a safe space for young people to go, and it really couldnt have gone any better, with a brilliant atmosphere, great music and lots of dancing.

A big thank you to Music Generation, The Royal, our sound technician Fergal Canterbury, and especially to Trevor OSullivan, who put in a huge amount of work organising and coordinating the bands.
Building community and raising funds for two charities is the two-fold aim as families are invited to head for Glendalough and enjoy a guided hike up the famous Spinc trail, on Saturday, May 10.

The event is being organised by Niall Cribben, the managing director of Kroll Dublin, and the Wicklow resident is putting the word out for families to enjoy the trails, build community and raise support for two fantastic causes.

The causes in question are basis.point, which supports children from under-served communities to reach their potential through education, and Focus Ireland, which works with people who are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes across Ireland.

The event is something of a warm-up for Niall, as he looks ahead to next month, when he will be attempting what he said will be my most challenging physical feat yet, climbing Peak Lenin, a 7,134 metre mountain located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

The fundraising venture, which has already raised almost 40,000 of a 50,000 target, is part of his mission to raise vital funds for the two charities, which are close to his heart.

Nialls connection with Focus Ireland is deeply personal, as his late sister, Fiona, always sought to help those less fortunate and passionately cared for the homeless.

Whether it was the simple gesture of buying a sandwich, a warm coffee on a cold day or stopping for a chat to share stories. Her dedication to helping others was infectious and continues to inspire me every day. By supporting Focus Ireland, I carry forward the spirit of her passion but also, honour my belief that each and every person deserves the right to have a safe space to call home, Niall posted on his fundraising page.

In addition, he added, basis.point also reflects the values of compassion, support and opportunity that I hold dear. basis.point works tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to build a brighter future, one of dignity, equality and hope.

A team of qualified guides from Stride Ireland will be leading the way for the hike up the Spinc, so families need have no concerns as they set out for the adventure.

A moderate amount of fitness is required to participate and the minimum age recommendation is nine years. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

There will also be an alternative route for families with babies and buggies, ensuring that everyone can take part on the day.

The event is free to attend but a voluntary donation toward the charities is encouraged. The hike will set off from the upper car park, on Saturday, May 10, at 8:30am.

To book your place, fill out you and/or your family details online at: view.kroll.com/ireland-community-hike-reg

You can donate to the campaign on: idonate.ie/fundraiser/PeakLeninChallenge
Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams outside the High Court in Dublin, where he is bringing a legal action against the BBC over allegations about the murder of an MI5 spy (Arthur Carron/PA)

Gerry Adams has told a court that a BBC response to his complaint over an allegation that he had sanctioned the murder of an informer was absolutely insulting.

The former MP and Sinn Fein leader is continuing to give evidence in his libel case against the broadcaster at the High Court in Dublin.

Mr Adams told the court on Thursday that the BBC had doubled down on its story after he had challenged it in 2016.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Gerry Adams was giving evidence at the High Court in Dublin (Arthur Carron/PA)

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

Mr Adams entered the witness box for a third day where he faced further questioning from his counsel, Declan Doyle SC.

Mr Doyle began by reading several letters from Mr Adams and the BBCs legal teams which had been issued in the months after the Spotlight programme was broadcast and before legal action was launched.

Mr Adams lawyers had written to the BBC seeking an apology and damages.

In the letters, the barrister said that the BBC had denied that the meaning of their programme was that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson.

But the letters from Mr Adams lawyers insisted the sting of the broadcast was the allegation he had given the green light for the murder.

In the Spotlight programme, which was shown in court earlier this week, an interview with an anonymous source known as Martin alleged Mr Adams sanctioned the killing.

The court heard that a letter from Mr Adams solicitors said: We remain extremely concerned; is it the case that the BBC stand over the allegation?

The interview was contrived in such a way that the anonymous source was not challenged in any way.

The BBC responded by stating that it had complied with editorial guidelines in making the Spotlight programme.

Asked if he had been satisfied with the response from the BBC after his lawyers had raised a complaint, Mr Adams told the court patently not.

Adam Smyth, director for BBC Northern Ireland, outside the High Court in Dublin (Arthur Carron/PA)

He said: The BBC doubled down on the allegation.

He said he had attempted to get the matter resolved without it coming to court.

Mr Adams pointed out that an article remained on the BBC website with the headline Gerry Adams sanctioned Denis Donaldson killing'.

The former Sinn Fein president said there had been all manner of tittle-tattle and gossip in the months after the Spotlight programme.

He told the court he had instructed his solicitors to resolve the matter.

Mr Doyle said there were three main points in the BBC legal correspondence to Mr Adams  that the programme did not carry the meaning that he had sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson, that it was responsible journalism and that it had complied with BBC editorial guidelines.

Mr Adams said: The headline on the website was very clear.

The barrister asked him what he felt about the BBC response to his complaint.

He said: Absolutely insulting, absolutely arrogant, this is a public broadcaster.

The public pay for all of this.

Gerry Adams is expected to be cross-examined on Friday (Arthur Carron/PA)

Mr Adams added: They just dismissed it (the complaint), it was offensive, it was insulting and it is what has all of us here today.

Mr Adams was then asked to read a statement he had released on the day of the murder of Mr Donaldson in 2006 when he condemned the killing.

In the statement, Mr Adams said the security services had ruthlessly used Denis Donaldson to collapse the democratic process and that it was clear those who murdered him are against the peace process.

The judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens then told the jury that some legal issues would be dealt with before the BBC barristers began their cross-examination of Mr Adams.

The arguments relate to the admissibility of evidence.

Mr Adams is expected to be cross-examined on Friday.

The case is expected to last four weeks.

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 Irish parliament for nine years until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.
Narendra Modi has cancelled a visit to Russia after Pakistan said it had credible intelligence that India was preparing to launch a military strike.

The Indian prime minister will not attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, and will instead remain in India as tensions between the nuclear power neighbours continue to rise.
Erin Patterson, who is accused of murdering three people in Australia by lacing a beef Wellington she served to them with poisonous death-caps mushrooms

An Australian woman accused of murdering three of her estranged husbands elderly relatives by poisoning their food, faked a cancer diagnosis to lure the victims to a meal, prosecutors claimed yesterday, in a case that has gripped the country.
Amal Clooney could be barred from entering the US by Donald Trump, according to reports.

The British human rights barrister, who is married to actor 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.
Mohsen Mahdawi speaks at a protest on the Columbia University campus on November 9, 2023, in New York. Photo: Getty

Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi was released from US immigration custody yesterday, after a judge ruled that he should be allowed to challenge the Trump administrations efforts to deport him over his participation in pro-Palestinian protests while free on bail.
Ukraines minerals deal with US at risk after last-minute snag

Kyiv hopes signing agreement with US will shore up support amid war against Russia

Ukrainian emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian drone attack in Kharkiv. Photo: AP

Jacob Phillips Evening Standard Thu 1 May 2025 at 03:30







A last-minute snag has threatened to stop Ukraine and the US from signing a minerals deal after months of fraught negotiations, sources have warned.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Franklin OTT Release Date: If you're a fan of thrilling crime dramas with a twist of emotional turmoil, Franklin should be at the top of your watchlist. This Lebanese series is headlined by Daniella Rahme and Mohammed Al-Ahmad. According to Whats on Netflix, Franklin will be streaming starting May 15, 2025, on Netflix. Read on to know everything about the upcoming thriller.

What is Franklin all about?

In a plot full of tension and high stakes, Franklin follows the story of a skilled counterfeit artist, played by Al-Ahmad, who also juggles life as a single father. When his young daughter falls critically ill, hes left with no choice but to join forces with his ex-lover, played by Daniella Rahme, to craft the perfect $100 bill. The aim? To raise the money that could potentially save his daughters life.

The catch? Theyre not just creating any fake money, this is about perfection. And perfection means making the most convincing counterfeit ever, pushing both their skills and their emotions to the limit.

Meet the team behind Franklin

The heart of Franklin is its cast, led by Mohammed Al-Ahmad and Daniella Rahme alongside Fayez Kazak and Tony Issa. Directed by Hussein Al Menibawi, the series is penned by Cherine Khoury, who also brings her vision of crime and emotional drama to life.

What Lebanese content to watch on Netflix?

While you wait for Franklin, Netflix offers a variety of Lebanese content, including movies and TV series. Popular titles, including the series Al Hayba and the movie Beirut, have been winners on Netflix. Other options include 2020, Till Death, Dubai Bling, Finding Ola, Alhamour H.A., Honeymoonish and AlRawabi School for Girls. Excited about Franklin? Drop your thoughts @indiatimes.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia has announced strict rules for Hajj 2025. People without a valid permit will face a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (about 4.5 lakh). This step is to stop unauthorized pilgrims and control the crowd. Hajj 2025 is expected to take place from 4 June to 9 June.

Those helping illegal pilgrims, like transporters and hotel owners, may be fined up to 100,000 Riyals (around 22.7 lakh). Children below 12 years are not allowed. Pilgrims from 14 countries will get only single-entry visas. These rules aim to make Hajj safer and more organized.

Hajj 2025 Regulations & important guidelines

From April 23, 2025 (25 Shawwal 1446 AH), an official entry permit is compulsory for everyone entering Makkah, including Saudi citizens and expatriates.

1. Heavy Penalties:

Performing Hajj without a valid permit will lead to a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals (approx. 4.5 lakh).

Helping illegal pilgrims (like providing transport or accommodation) can result in fines up to 100,000 Riyals (approx. 22.7 lakh).

2. Age Restrictions: Children below 12 years of age are not allowed to take part in Hajj 2025.

3. Visa Rules: Pilgrims from 14 countries will be given only single-entry visas valid for 30 days. These countries are:

Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Hajj 2025: Who needs a Makkah entry permit?

Hajj Pilgrims : Must have an official Hajj permit issued through approved channels.

: Must have an official Hajj permit issued through approved channels. Saudi Citizens : Need a permit to enter Makkah during the Hajj season, even if they live in Saudi Arabia.

: Need a permit to enter Makkah during the Hajj season, even if they live in Saudi Arabia. Expatriate Residents : Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia must get an entry permit for any work or personal visit to Makkah during this period.

: Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia must get an entry permit for any work or personal visit to Makkah during this period. Other Visa Holders: Entry is not allowed with general visit visas, Umrah visas (outside Hajj season), or tourist visas.

Valid documentation for entering Makkah during Hajj 2025

Official Hajj Permit : Required for all pilgrims performing Hajj, issued via the "Nusuk" platform.

: Required for all pilgrims performing Hajj, issued via the "Nusuk" platform. Permit for Work at the Holy Sites : Special work permits granted by government authorities to individuals involved in essential Hajj-related services.

: Special work permits granted by government authorities to individuals involved in essential Hajj-related services. Proof of Residency in Makkah: Residents of Makkah need a valid residency ID as permit.

How to obtain a Hajj 2025 entry permit?

The process for obtaining entry permits is primarily digital:

Nusuk Platform : All pilgrims must register and obtain Hajj permits through this platform.

: All pilgrims must register and obtain Hajj permits through this platform. Absher Individuals Platform : Available for Saudi citizens and residents, it provides various services, including permit applications.

: Available for Saudi citizens and residents, it provides various services, including permit applications. Muqeem System : Specifically for expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia, this system handles residency-related matters and Makkah entry permit applications.

: Specifically for expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia, this system handles residency-related matters and Makkah entry permit applications. Unified Permit System Tasreeh: A central platform for issuing entry permits, integrating data from both Absher and Muqeem systems.

Hajj 2025: Countries with restrictions

As of February 1, 2025, citizens from the following 14 countries are eligible only for single-entry visas:

Algeria

Bangladesh

Egypt

Ethiopia

India

Indonesia

Iraq

Jordan

Morocco

Nigeria

Pakistan

Sudan

Tunisia

Yemen

These single-entry visas are valid for 30 days and become invalid once the holder leaves Saudi Arabia.

FAQs

Q. What is the last date to apply for a Hajj visa in 2025?

Answer: Visa applications can be submitted from April 14 to May 23, 2025.

Q. What are the eligibility requirements for a Hajj visa?

Answer: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be practising Muslims, be in good health, have sufficient financial resources, and possess a valid passport.

Q. Can I apply for a Hajj visa without a Saudi agent?

Answer: No, applications must be made through approved travel agents accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.

Q. What is the difference between a Hajj visa and a tourist visa?

Answer: A tourist visa is for leisure, business, or family visits, while a Hajj visa is exclusively for pilgrims. The Hajj visa is valid only for the pilgrimage period.

Q. Is a Hajj visa stamped on a passport?

Answer: Yes, and the passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Mothers Day 2025 date & history: Mothers Day is a special annual occasion celebrated across the world on the second Sunday in May to honour the love, care, and sacrifices made by mothers. It's not a public holiday but yet celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp. This day reminds us to express our gratitude and appreciation for everything that mothers do for something that often goes unspoken.

As International Mother's Day is approaching, let's take a look at it's date in India, its history, significance, and how it is celebrated in different countries. Plus, well share a few heartfelt Mothers Day wishes and quotes you can use to make your mum feel truly special.

When is Mother's Day 2025 in India?

Mother's day date change every year as it is observed on second Sunday of May. In India, Mothers Day is observed on the second Sunday of May every year. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Sunday, May 11. This tradition follows the same date as the United States, Australia, and several other countries.

On this day, families express their love through gifts, flowers, cards, and quality time spent together.

The History of Mother's Day: Where It All Began

Mother's day image, photos, cards to share | Credit: Freepik

The idea of Mothers Day dates back to the 19th century in the United States, where peace groups led by women began campaigning for a special day to honour mothers and promote peace.

One of the key figures was Ann Jarvis, who organised "Mothers Friendship Day" in 1868, aiming to reunite families separated by the American Civil War. After her passing, her daughter Anna Jarvis who inspired by her mothers dedication to humanitarian work continued the mission and worked tirelessly to make Mothers Day a recognised event. Her efforts paid off in 1914, when US President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday to honour all mothers.

Interestingly, Julia Ward Howe also led a Mothers Day for Peace in 1872, promoting an anti-war message. Over the years, the celebration evolved from a peace movement into a day of love, appreciation, and family bonding.

Why Is Mother's Day Celebrated on Different Dates?

Mother's day image, photos, cards to share | Credit: Freepik

Different dates to celebrate Mothers Day in the US, UK, Australia and Mexico are tied to some religious connotations and orders from the past governments of these countries.

Mothers Day in the UK

In the United Kingdom, Mothers Day- also called Mothering Sunday- is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which usually falls in March. Traditionally, it was the day people returned to their mother church, but it has since become a day to honour mothers with cards, gifts, and family gatherings.

Mothers Day in the US and India

In both India and the United States, Mothers Day falls on the second Sunday of May. This tradition began in the US and has been adopted by many countries. Its a day filled with heartfelt messages, celebrations, and surprises for mums.

Mothers Day in Mexico

In Mexico, Mothers Day is celebrated on a fixed date-May 10. The celebration was started in 1922, after journalist Rafael Alducin encouraged the country to honour mothers. Today, it includes music, poems, and festive meals.

Significance of Mothers Day

The significance of Mothers Day lies in recognising the unmatchable role of mothers in shaping our lives. From offering emotional support to making daily sacrifices, mothers do it all without expecting anything in return.

This day is a reminder to pause and thank the maternal figures in our lives. Whether its a mother, stepmother, grandmother, or mother figure-Mothers Day is about showing love, respect, and gratitude.

How is Mothers Day Celebrated Around the World?

The celebration of Mothers Day may vary across cultures, but the emotions remain universal. Heres how different countries observe the day:

India: Families cook special meals, give gifts, and spend the day pampering their mothers.

United Kingdom: Children gift flowers, chocolates, and handmade cards.

Japan: Red or pink carnations are gifted to symbolise love and gratitude.

Mexico: Mothers are serenaded with songs and celebrated with festive food.

Ethiopia: Families come together for feasts and singing during a multi-day celebration.

Nepal: The festival "Mata Tirtha Aunsi" honours mothers with religious rituals.

Heartfelt Mothers Day Wishes

Here are some warm Mothers Day wishes to share:

Mother's day image, photos, cards to share | Credit: Freepik

Happy Mothers Day to the woman who gave me everything. Youre my world.

Thanks for giving me the best things in life: Your love, your care, and your incredible cooking.

Im glad that youre my mother because Im not sure anyone else could have put up with me this long! Love you, Mom.

Thanks for being my guiding light and best friend. Love you always, Mum!

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you! Happy Mother's Day to the sweetest mother in the world, we love you!

I feel so lucky to have you as my mom. Thanks for always believing in me and doing so much for me each day. Have a great Mothers Day, you deserve to be spoiled!

You are the heart of our family. Wishing you joy and love today and always.

Happy Mothers Day to my very own superhero and the No. 1 problem-solver in my life. I hope you have a great day!

Thank you for always being there, Mom. Happy Mothers Day!

Mom, you are the most outstanding woman in my life, and youll always be my number one. Have a very happy Mothers Day!

Mum, youre my superhero in disguise. Have the best Mothers Day ever!

Thanks for bringing me into this world and always seeing the best in me. Happy Mothers Day, Mom!

Mother and child are never truly apart, maybe in distance but never in heart. I miss you every day, Mom, but know you are with me in spirit.

You gave me the gift of life so our gifts to you pale in comparison. Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, the most selfless, loving, and compassionate person I know. Thanks for everything you've done for me!

Inspirational Mothers Day Quotes

Use these meaningful Mothers Day quotes to express your feelings:

Mother's day image, photos, cards to share | Credit: Freepik

"A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." - Princess Diana

"A mothers love is more beautiful than any fresh flower."  Debasish Mridha

"Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing." - Ricki Lake

"There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood." - Elder M. Russell Ballard

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers."  Rudyard Kipling

"All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."  Abraham Lincoln

"Life began with waking up and loving my mothers face."  George Eliot

Mothers Day is not just about giving gifts- it's about acknowledging the deep love, care, and support that mothers offer every day. Whether its through simple wishes, heartfelt quotes, or spending time together, lets make Mothers Day 2025 a celebration to remember.

So, mark your calendars for May 11, 2025, and get ready to honour the most special woman in your life.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is a 212-kilometre highway project. It aims to reduce travel time between Delhi and Uttarakhand. The project is almost complete. But some land issues are still not resolved.

Mahendra Singh, a landowner, posted on X (formerly Twitter). He said that he has not received compensation for his land. His land was taken for the expressway. He raised concern that the project is ending, but payment is still pending.

This is not the only case. Other landowners are also facing similar problems. One major issue is with a 1,600-square-metre plot in Mandola village, Ghaziabad. The land belonged to the descendants of Veersen Saroha.

This case has been in court for many years. It is still under legal review. Important hearings were expected in April 2025 itself. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is facing protests and legal trouble. Many landowners want their issues solved before the project finishes.

Prior to initiating construction work on acquired land, NHAI should address the grievances of the land owners and ensure their compensation is disbursed. The compensation for my land acquired for Delhi Dehradun Green Field Expressway has not been paid, project nears completion.  Mahendra Singh (@msingh_panwar) May 1, 2025

This has also sparked public outcry on X, with users urging authorities including Nitin Gadkari and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to blacklist underperforming construction companies involved in both the Delhi-Mumbai Greenfield Expressway and the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway projects. People are now demanding accountability for these delays and lack of transparency from NHAI.

@narendramodi @PMOIndia @nitin_gadkari @OfficeOfNG @MORTHIndia Sir, please Blacklist the construction companies working on Delhi Mumbai Greenfield Expressway and Dehradun Delhi Expressway. So disgusting news @NHAI_Official why you keep mum on this matter. @FinMinIndia  Santosh K Mishra (@santoshmishra69) April 21, 2025

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Legal battle over Mandola land delays opening

The dispute is about a house that was first owned by Veersen Saroha. His family has been against the land acquisition since the 1990s. In 1998, the Uttar Pradesh Housing Board offered compensation for the Mandola Housing Scheme. But Veersen Saroha refused the offer. He took the matter to court.

While most landowners accepted the payment, Sarohas family did not. They continued to fight the case. The dispute later went to the Supreme Court. Now, it has moved to the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court.

@narendramodi @PMOIndia @nitin_gadkari @OfficeOfNG @MORTHIndia Sir, please Blacklist the construction companies working on Delhi Mumbai Greenfield Expressway and Dehradun Delhi Expressway. So disgusting news @NHAI_Official why you keep mum on this matter. @FinMinIndia  Santosh K Mishra (@santoshmishra69) April 21, 2025

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Farmers protests over compensation issue

Due to less compensation offers, farmers and landowners have started protests. In Ghaziabad, they locked the office of the Uttar Pradesh Housing Board. This was done to show their anger and demand a solution.

These protests have caused more delays in the expressway project. The situation shows that the land issues need to be solved quickly. Many people are waiting for the verdict and fair compensation.

Impact of land dispute on Delhi-Dehradun Expressway construction

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is being built in two main parts. One part is a 14.7 km stretch from Akshardham to the Uttar Pradesh border. The other part is a 16 km stretch from Loni to Khekra. This part connects to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

The disputed house is in the way of an important ramp section. Because of this, final construction work is stuck. NHAI officials have said that the project can only be finished by June 2025. But this will happen only if the legal issues are solved soon.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
After months of negotiations and uncertainty, Ukraine and the United States have signed an agreement that gives the US access to Ukraines rich natural resources in exchange for investment in reconstruction and future aid. Signed in Washington by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the deal also establishes a joint investment fund and signals deeper strategic cooperation without binding Ukraine to a debt obligation. While not offering explicit security guarantees, the agreement ties US economic interest to Ukraines recovery, hinting at possible long-term geopolitical alignment.

No repayment required: Kyiv retains control of resources

One of the most important outcomes of the deal is that Ukraine will not be required to repay the US for the military and humanitarian aid it has received over the last three years. Instead, the new agreement sets up a 50:50 joint investment fund aimed at future aid and reconstruction. Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko stressed the fairness of the agreement, speaking to BBC she said What is important for us is that this deal is not actually a debt obligation to the United States. Svyrydenko added that the subsoil ownership remains with Ukraine, and Kyiv will decide what to extract and where. The agreement also complies with Ukraines constitution and its aspirations to join the EU.

A victory plan years in the making

This deal can be traced back to 2023, when President Zelensky presented a victory plan to then US President Joe Biden, calling for NATO membership and protection of Ukraines resources. A similar agreement with the EU had already been signed in 2021, focusing on raw materials and battery value chains. Now, with considerable concessions secured from Washington, Ukraines officials believe the current version of the deal is significantly more favorable than previous drafts.

Critical minerals at stake: What the US gains

The deal gives the US access to 22 of the 34 minerals the EU identifies as critical, including lithium, titanium, graphite, beryllium, and uranium. Ukraine possesses some of the worlds largest reserves of graphite estimated at 19 million tonnes and around 20% of global graphite resources overall. These minerals are essential for electric vehicles, defense systems, aerospace, and nuclear energy. Rare earths such as neodymium, lanthanum, and cerium used in EV batteries and electronics are also part of the package. However, Ukraine currently has no active rare earth mines.

US President Donald Trump | Credit: X

Resources lost to war, but potential remains

Although Ukraines mineral wealth is vast, not all of it remains under its control. Roughly 40% of its metal resources and most of its coal deposits are now under Russian occupation. Russia has seized at least two major lithium sites in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, though Kyiv still controls lithium in Kyrovohrad. The war continues to shift control of key regions, particularly in Donetsk where Ukrainian mines are being targeted.

Barriers and investment outlook

Despite the potential, investment in Ukraines mining sector faces hurdles. Regulatory delays, restricted access to geological data, and challenges in land acquisition are major obstacles. Still, Ukraine's government is preparing about 100 sites for joint development and estimates $12-15 billion in investment potential by 2033. With support from Western allies, including the US, UK, France, and Italy, Kyiv is working to unlock these opportunities for long-term economic growth.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
HIT 3 X review: Nanis HIT 3 (also known as HIT The Third Case) opened in theatres on May 1 much to the delight of fans. The film has created a great deal of buzz as it is the third installment of the popular franchise. It also features the Natural Star in a stylish new avatar, which has worked in its favour. So, did the flick live up to expectations? Heres what netizens have to say about HIT 3.

HIT 3 Twitter review

Nani is in the limelight because of his latest release HIT 3, which hit the screens today. It is the actors first release of the year. The film has become the talk of the town because of its raw and intense trailer. Not surprisingly, netizens took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their views about the action thriller.

One user praised the first half but criticised the post-interval portions.

  HIT 3 : THE THIRD CASE



Arjun Sarkaar ( Nani) the lawless and ruthless police officer is on a mission to crack a mysterious serial killing case where victims are killed with the same pattern across the world. On his mission he gets into multiple trouble and he needs to make pic.twitter.com/9x7i9OklYb  Raghu Rajaram (@RaghuTweetzX) May 1, 2025

Another one called HIT 3, especially the second half, a blood bath.

 HIT 3



This film is for Psychopaths .



This movie is not for the below 18 & women .Specially avoid pregnant women .



There is no story in second half only blood bath  .You will see Animal amma mogudu ,North people will go mad on this film .#HIT3 #TollyWood #Nani pic.twitter.com/4MfFz6ZPmN  YSRCP Resurgence (@YSRCPResurgence) April 30, 2025

Another fan praised Nanis performance but panned the weak story.

Not sure Abt retro bro but if u had to choose one don't pick hit 3... Nani tried his best to hold the film but the story is so so weak  Verkadalai Burfi (@asr373) May 1, 2025

Others, however, were impressed by the films brutal and raw depiction of bloodshed.

In the first half, everything except the love track works well with a decent interval. The second half goes in a completely different direction it wasn't too bad, it wasn't too good, but it was gory and somewhat watchable. #Hit3 pic.twitter.com/zxrSG2Eqyf   (@chandler999999) April 30, 2025

This is Nanis first release after the well-received Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, which was released in theatres last year.

About HIT 3

HIT 3 revolves around a ruthless cop who has no sympathy for criminals. He believes that thett should either be arrested or killed. HIT 3 stars Nani and Srinidhi Shetty in the lead. The film is directed by Sailesh Kolanu.




KATSEYE, the global girl group under HYBE America, recently released their single Gnarly, which has sparked mixed reactions online. Despite the divided opinions, the buzz around the release has successfully drawn attention, with music fans eager to check out the hype.

Performed by the six-member lineup  Daniela Avanzini, Lara Rajagopalan, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong, Sophia Laforteza, and Manon Bannerman  the track's release has also drawn significant criticism.

Following the song's debut, members Lara and Manon hosted a special broadcast. While Lara praised the track, saying how good it was, Manon interjected with, "Wait, are they not liking it?" Lara reassured viewers, saying it was okay and emphasized her pride in the song.

Manon then added, "I understand it's different if you get it, you get it." She then took the camera and repeated, "If you don't get it, get the f*ck away from us."

If aespa went on live whining about their hate trains over doing absolutely nothing theyll get dragged and cancelled

These girls fueled everything and now play the victim card whining but nbgaf because they are Hybe artists

pic.twitter.com/F8kSoN8V4r   (@aeridactyll) April 30, 2025

KATSEYE face backlash

The remark stirred backlash online. Many netizens argued that listeners have the right to dislike a song without being insulted, and some criticized Manon's attitude, saying she needed media training.

In response, Manon posted a screenshot on Weverse showing a Google search for "media training courses," seemingly poking fun at the criticism.

Fans react

While the group's fans  known as EYEKONS  found the moment iconic, fans of aespa (called MYs) began criticizing the group, calling Manon "arrogant." EYEKONS quickly defended KATSEYE, pointing out that the group isn't a K-pop act in the traditional sense, but rather one that used the K-pop system to debut. They also argued that K-pop fans aren't used to seeing idols respond boldly to criticism.

I dont understand why people are applying their Kpop Degree with Katseye. Like why? https://t.co/ILT7pveTu3 pic.twitter.com/ogWZ0CFIq8  Jaeinieee03 (@Javz031) April 30, 2025

Some EYEKONS even reminded MYs that they had once pushed their own idol, aespa's Karina, to apologize publicly for dating  and questioned why they were now attempting to shame others.

I'm LIVING for the fact y'all are HEATED that she's not sitting back letting you bully her to hell and back,beyond imagination. Nothing gets kpoppies more mad than a woman standing up against their bullying https://t.co/Mj56Bz4VnX   (@yunjeanpink) May 1, 2025

Others claimed that MYs simply wanted to keep "bullying" KATSEYE, suggesting the anger stemmed from accusations that Gnarly plagiarized elements of aespas song Drama.

their last hope girl they dont even have to hope. mys are naturally born to be bullies though https://t.co/ovF1YqO9Gs pic.twitter.com/W4FUCnx1Et   (@miffymtchaa) May 1, 2025





This is katseye page, manon is talking to her fans, why tf are stans of other ggs here? Are your faves that boring lol https://t.co/erzyPWH9qn  Kia (@127sValentine) May 1, 2025

More about KATSEYE

The group first came together in 2023 through The Dream Academy, a global audition program launched by HYBE and Geffen Records. Their 2024 debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), introduced fans to a polished mix of sleek pop and viral hooks, with standout tracks like Debut and the sweet, addictive Touch.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Greece's labour unions are calling for mass participation in the strike and rallies for May Day on Thursday , May 1. Specifically, the General Confederation of Greek (GSEE) have scheduled a rally together with the Athens Labor Center at 11:00 on Thursday at Klafthmonos Square
This years edition of DEFEA confirms its growing international stature, with 436 exhibitors from 37 countries, 18 national pavilions, and 98 official delegations from 45 nations.

Athens is set to host one of the worlds most important defense and security exhibitions as DEFEA  Defence Exhibition

Athens returns from May 6 to 8, 2025. Taking place at the Metropolitan the event is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and is expected to attract global attention as a strategic platform for defense innovation , cooperation, and diplomacy.

This years edition of DEFEA confirms its growing international stature, with 436 exhibitors from 37 countries, 18 national pavilions, and 98 official delegations from 45 nations. It positions Greece not only as a host country but as a key player in the conversation around regional and global security.

The exhibition will present a comprehensive display of cutting-edge technologies across every major domain: land, sea, air, cyberspace, and space. International industry leaders will unveil advanced weapon systems, strategic platforms, and next-generation solutions aimed at addressing the evolving challenges of modern warfare. From battle tanks, artillery systems, and guided missile technology to unmanned platforms and AI-powered defense applications, DEFEA 2025 promises a glimpse into the future of military capability.

One of the central features will be the "Achilles Shield," a five-layer integrated air and missile defense system representing a new frontier in multi-domain protection. Visitors can also expect to see the latest in autonomous systems, including unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles, alongside counter-drone technologies designed to neutralize emerging threats in contested environments.

Beyond showcasing hardware, DEFEA is increasingly becoming a meeting point for strategic dialogue and international policy coordination. High-level delegations will include ministers and deputy ministers of defense from countries such as Armenia, Cyprus, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, as well as senior representatives from procurement agencies in France, Estonia, Saudi Arabia, and numerous other nations. Military officials from the United States, Ukraine, Egypt, Australia, Italy, Spain, Poland, Israel, and Jordan are also expected to attend, underlining the events global reach.

The exhibition is particularly relevant for fostering collaboration within Europe and across NATO, with key participation from organizations such as the European Defence Agency (EDA), the European Defence Fund (EDF), the European Commissions DG DEFIS, and NATO support agencies including NSPA and DIANA. These stakeholders will engage in B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings designed to promote innovation, interoperability, and coordinated defense strategies in light of emerging geopolitical realities.

Greeces own defense and security institutions will play a prominent role, with contributions from the Ministry of National Defence, the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, as well as domestic forces including the Hellenic Police, Fire Service, and Coast Guard. This national participation underscores Greeces commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and enhancing international cooperation.

#GREECE #DEFENCE
As concerns over water scarcity grow, especially in light of increasing drought frequency and climate pressure, EYDAPs CEO, Haris Sachinis, presented a broader plan to address water security for Attica.

Greeces

largest water utility, EYDAP, has issued a stark warning over the security of the water supply to the Athens metropolitan area, home to nearly half the countrys population. In its latest annual financial report, the company highlights the vulnerability of the regions water system and the urgent need for investment in critical infrastructure to prevent a major disruption.

According to the report, the risk stems from the aging and overstressed External Water Supply System (EWSS), particularly the Union Aqueduct  a key component that falls under the ownership of the Greek state. EYDAP warns that a failure in this system could lead to a temporary drop of 30 to 40 percent in the water supply to the capital. While such a scenario has not yet occurred, the potential consequences would be severe, affecting millions of residents and essential services.

The issue is not new. As far back as August 2022, Greeces Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport had informed EYDAP that it intended to assign the utility a series of high-priority projects aimed at reinforcing the water supply infrastructure, with a proposed budget of 78 million. Yet, nearly three years later, neither the funding framework nor the formal agreement required to move forward with these projects has been finalized. In March 2023, EYDAP submitted a formal request to the relevant ministries, urging immediate resolution of the financial and technical issues holding up progress. As part of its proposal, the company suggested partnering with EYDAP Fixed Assets, a state-owned subsidiary, as the most practical way to expedite the necessary interventions. However, a clear response from the Ministry of Environment is still pending.

EYDAP also underlined that, under its existing public contract, the state bears full responsibility for supplying untreated water. In legal terms, this means that in the event of a supply failure, the economic impact would fall on the Greek government, not the publicly listed utility.

As concerns over water scarcity grow, especially in light of increasing drought frequency and climate pressure, EYDAPs CEO, Haris Sachinis, presented a broader plan to address water security for Attica. He stressed that while the company is prepared to implement solutions, the ultimate decisions lie with the state.

In the near term, EYDAP is focusing on technical upgrades that can be implemented quickly or within a few years. These include strengthening pumping stations in Mavrosouvala and making use of existing boreholes in the Kifisos area. Other, more unconventional solutions are also under discussion, such as desalinating brackish water and, in emergency scenarios, transporting water from western Greeces Acheloos River using floating platforms to industrial ports in central Greece like Aspropyrgos and Thisvi.

Looking further ahead, the company is advocating for more ambitious infrastructure projects to secure Atticas water supply over the long term. Among the proposals is the integration of the capitals water system with Lake Kremasta  Greeces largest artificial reservoir  and the development of a new supply route connecting water resources from two western rivers via the EvinosMornos tunnel. According to Sachinis, such projects could ensure water sufficiency in the capital for decades, providing a much-needed buffer against the unpredictable impacts of climate change.

#WATER #GREECE
One of the most striking claims is that anti-tax evasion reforms implemented in 2024 will lead to a permanent increase in annual tax revenues of over 2 billion.

Greeces latest fiscal roadmap, submitted to the European Commission as part of the EUs revamped economic governance framework, presents an optimistic outlook for the countrys public

finances and economic growth through 2028. However, the 2025 Annual Progress Report, which outlines the implementation of Greeces Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy, contains several ambiguitiesparticularly regarding a projected 2 billion annual boost in tax revenue from anti-evasion measures and a substantial increase in investment activity.

At first glance, the report signals strong fiscal discipline. It projects a primary surplus of 3.2% of GDP in 2025, with a marginal overall surplus of 0.1%. Tax revenues are expected to reach 48.9% of GDP, slightly lower than in 2024, while public spending is set to remain steady at 48.8%. The figures suggest Greece will maintain compliance with EU fiscal rules despite ramping up public investment and social spending. Public debt, one of the highest in the eurozone, is forecast to fall to 145.7% of GDP, aided by favorable borrowing conditions and early loan repayments.

Economic growth is expected to reach 2.3% in 2025more than double the eurozone average of 0.9%. This expansion is projected to be fueled by domestic consumption and a robust increase in investment, both public and private. However, closer examination of the report reveals a number of assumptions that are either underexplained or overly optimistic.

One of the most striking claims is that anti-tax evasion reforms implemented in 2024 will lead to a permanent increase in annual tax revenues of over 2 billion. These reforms include the digital linking of point-of-sale systems to cash registers, the wider adoption of Greeces myDATA electronic bookkeeping platform, and a mandate for electronic payments. While these measures are widely seen as positive steps toward reducing tax evasiona longstanding issue in Greecethe report offers no detailed methodology to justify the projected revenue gain. There is no breakdown of which measures are expected to deliver the most impact, nor any distinction between revenue increases due to greater compliance and those resulting from broader economic growth, such as higher wages or consumption. This lack of clarity has raised doubts about the reliability of the projection and whether the expected revenue is based on tangible evidence or optimistic forecasting.

The report is equally bullish on investment, forecasting an 8.4% increase in 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by accelerated absorption of EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds and a more favorable investment climate following Greeces recent return to investment-grade credit ratings. While these factors are indeed significant, the report fails to address the very real challenges facing public investment projects in Greece. Delays in project rollout, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and limited private sector participation have already slowed the pace of RRF fund utilization. Many approved projects remain stalled or are progressing slowly, yet the report presents the anticipated investment surge as a near-certainty, without a risk assessment or contingency planning.

#GREECE
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has commended Nigeria workers over their resilience spirit amid economic challenge facing the country.

In a statement to mark 2025 Workers Day on Thursday, Atiku noted that workers play a key role in helping the nation to grow and succeed.

He called on Federal Government to see civil servants, not just as tools for economic growth but as important partners in building a great country.

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The former vice-president said that the true essence of Workers Day can only be achieved when both the government and private sector prioritise workers welfare in their policies and actions.

READ MORE: NLC Cancels May Day Celebration In Rivers, Calls For Rally Against Emergency Rule

Atiku said: The Nigerian worker remains the indomitable engine driving our nation towards the long-anticipated promise of prosperity.

In the face of persistent hardship and inadequate remuneration, Nigerian workers have continued to shoulder the burdens of our economic ambitions with quiet heroism.

It is deeply disheartening that those entrusted with the responsibilities of governance and policymaking have failed to respond to this unwavering dedication with tangible support and justice.

Therefore, it is imperative that governments and employers alike put in place robust safeguards to uphold the dignity, rights, and entitlements rightfully due to every worker.
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially recognized Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the new leader of the party in the state, following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, April 28, 2025.

His move marks a significant shift in the states political dynamics and has received strong backing from the national leadership of the APC.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the APC Delta State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the party declared, This position is not subject to debate or contention. It is a principle consistent with our Partys tradition and leadership structure across the federation, whereby the sitting governor of a state under the APC platform becomes the leader of the Party in that State.

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The confirmation came shortly after Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the official defection ceremony, publicly acknowledged Oborevwori as the state party leader a move the APC described as binding and final for all members.

The party also condemned attempts by some individuals to continue claiming leadership of the party, calling such actions divisive and provocative.

Any such posture would amount to a deliberate act of provocation and a source of avoidable tension within our Party ranks, the statement added.

Describing such behavior as arrogant and reprehensible, the APC warned that anyone who challenges the current leadership structure would face stiff sanctions.

Reaffirming its commitment to the governors agenda, the statement continued,

The Party stands united behind His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and remains resolutely committed to his leadership as he continues to deliver on his promises of good governance.

Oborevworis new role is expected to boost the APCs influence in Delta State as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Delta State Police Command has rescued several abducted victims and apprehended nine suspects.

The officers also seized a cache of weapons from the suspects, including three pump-action rifles, a mix of double and single-barrel guns, locally crafted firearms, and several cartridges.

SP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, confirmed this in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Wednesday.

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READ MORE: One Arrested As Police Raid Criminal Camp In Anambra

Edafe noted that on April 26, 2025, at about 1245 hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Agbarho Police Station, CSP Pius Eredei, received a complaint from a distress caller (name withheld) that on 25/04/2025 at about 2000 hrs, some armed men attacked them in Agbarho and kidnapped two of his friends (names withheld).

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) disclosed that upon receiving the report, CSP Pius Eredei promptly mobilized his team and led a tactical operation to Uvwiama Forest in Agbarho, Ughelli North LGA. On spotting the police, the suspects scattered in different directions, allowing the operatives to successfully rescue the kidnapped victims.

Nine suspects were arrested during the raid, three pump-action guns, three double/single-barrel guns, one locally made gun, and thirteen rounds of live cartridges were recovered, he stated, adding that the manhunt for the other fleeing suspects is ongoing.

In a separate operation, police operatives apprehended several suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, and car snatchers, recovering two vehicles believed to be stolen and a pump-action rifle.

The police spokesman said, Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the CP Special Assignment team on 22nd April 2025, at about 0430, stormed the residence of one Henry Okpor (38), a native of the Ejeme-Aniogor community in Aniocha South LGA but lives in Ibusa.

The suspect, Henry Aniogor, who has been on the Commands watch list, was arrested, and one pump-action gun was recovered from him.

Also recovered is a Toyota Highlander with Reg. no RBC-414-BL and a Hyundai car with Reg. no LSD-367-DU, suspected to have been stolen from their victims.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang have been involved in multiple car snatches. Manhunt for his gang members is being intensified while the investigation is ongoing.

Edafe added that on April 25, 2025, around 6:35 p.m., officers from the CP Special Assignment Team, following a tip-off, launched a sting operation and raided the home of 24-year-old Mudiaga Okparume on Alegbo Road in the Effurun area of Uvwie Local Government Area.

A search warrant was executed in the apartment, during which two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition, rounds of live cartridges were recovered.

Upon further interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to Ugbokposo in Uvwie LGA, where one of his gang members, Arinze Humble, aged 31 years, was arrested, and they both confessed to being members of the Vikings confraternity.

Suspects and exhibits are in custody while the investigation is ongoing.
At least five passengers were killed, and 12 others sustained varying degrees of injury in an accident that took place at the Carpark C section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday.

According to a traffic update obtained by PUNCH Metro, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, revealed that the accident occurred when a Mazda bus collided with a truck.

Akinbiyi explained that the truck was attempting to make a turn at the Carpark C area when the Mazda bus, traveling at high speed, crashed into it.

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READ MORE: One Arrested As Police Raid Criminal Camp In Anambra

He disclosed that 19 people were involved in the crash, five people died in the accident, 12 were injured while two escaped unhurt.

He added, The vehicles involved were one yellow Mazda bus with number plate LGB 465 XA and one ash-coloured Howo truck with number plate KKU 167 XA.

The driver of the Howo truck was trying to make a turn at Carpark C but due to impatience and excessive speed by the Mazda bus driver, he rammed into the truck from the rear.

Akinbiyi advised motorists to exercise caution and avoid speeding excessively while driving on the highway.

While TRACE, FRSC, and the Police commiserate with the families of the deceased, drivers are again warned against excessive speed because of its attendant consequences, Akinbiyi stated.

He also stated that the injured victims were taken to the Redeemed Christian Church of God Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transported by Federal Road Safety Corps officials to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital and Idera morgue in Sagamu.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has signaled the possibility of former Governor James Ibori joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), as political realignments continue across the state.

Oborevwori, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, made this known during a funeral vigil held in memory of the late former Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Amos Utuama.

The service took place on Wednesday at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

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He used the opportunity to speak about the importance of unity among Urhobo leaders, noting that the contributions of Utuama in public service and the church should be remembered as examples of sacrifice and integrity.

I am very happy to be here today, seeing this large gathering for one man. The preaching today is not about the dead, it is about the living.

There are many things our former deputy governor did while he was alive. I will mention just a few key ones.

He donated the land allocated to him in Asaba while he was deputy governor to the Catholic Church.

He also contributed to building of the church. To me, that is a kingdom investment, he said.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, described Utuamas life as exemplary and urged political stakeholders to emulate his humility and service.

He called for stronger ties among political actors to foster peace and progress across Delta.

Speaking for the bereaved family, Ovie Utuama expressed gratitude to all present and asked for continued prayers as they mourn their loss.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has hailed Nigerian workers for their productivity, diligence, commitment to duty, and resilience, assuring them that they wont be victimized under the watch of the 10th senate.

Speaking in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, on Thursday, Akpabio acknowledged the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers, noting that they have always prioritised the nation above all other considerations.

He said: Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers. We, in the Senate and of course, the National Assembly acknowledge your invaluable contributions to our nations development.

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Under our watch, no Nigerian worker will be victimised for expressing themselves, whether in demanding their rights or seeking legal redress.

READ MORE: NLC Cancels May Day Celebration In Rivers, Calls For Rally Against Emergency Rule

I commend your resilience in the face of challenges and recognise your role in driving our economy forward.

Under our eyes, no Nigerian worker will be victimised on account of expressing himself or herself either in demanding for their rights or seeking legal redress.

Despite obvious difficulties, you remain the backbone of our economy. I salute your unwavering commitment to excellence and productivity. Your contributions are vital to our nations progress.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, issued a stern warning to members of all political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP), about engaging in corruption.

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, Olukoyede emphasised that anyone found guilty of stealing public funds, irrespective of their party affiliation, would face legal consequences.

Olukoyede stated that his commitment is to the rule of law, not to any political party. He made it clear that the EFCC would not hesitate to prosecute members of any party involved in corruption.

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If we discover that you have stolen money, you will have questions to answer, regardless of whether you are from the APC, PDP, Labour Party, or others, he said.

He also addressed concerns over the EFCCs impartiality, stressing that the commission operates independently and is not influenced by political pressure.

Im apolitical, and our focus is on justice, he added.

Olukoyede highlighted that the fight against corruption is not just about raising awareness but about making an impact.

His leadership has focused on ensuring the EFCC is efficient, transparent, and accountable in its operations.

Under his guidance, the EFCC has made significant strides in tackling financial crimes and ensuring that those in power are held accountable.

The EFCC chairmans strong stance serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their political affiliation, is above the law.
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has signaled its readiness to take back power in the 2027 elections, citing growing disillusionment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) under Governor Uba Sani.

State PDP Chairman, Chief Edward Percy Masha, in a statement issued Wednesday, said his leadership has prioritized reconciliation and grassroots revitalization since assuming office six months ago.

He noted that consultations with political stakeholders across the state have strengthened the partys position and revived hope among residents.

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Despite recent defections to the APC, Masha maintained that the PDP remains unified and focused on returning to power, emphasizing the success of the partys Reconciliation Committee led by Shuaibu Miqati.

We are committed to defending our seats in the National Assembly, holding on to our three senatorial positions, and expanding our reach at both the state and federal levels, he said.

He criticized the current administrations performance, claiming that citizens are increasingly disenchanted with the Sustain Agenda, which he said has worsened insecurity and economic hardship.

Workers are on strike, hospitals are underfunded, and rural infrastructure is in disrepair, he added.

According to Masha, the government has mismanaged public funds and wasted resources on extravagant events rather than essential development.

He praised PDP lawmakers for executing grassroots projects, including boreholes, schools, health centers, and youth empowerment schemes.

He further stated that the party is actively challenging the legitimacy of all 23 local government chairmen and 255 councillors through the courts.

Our people want change, and the PDP is ready to deliver that transformation, he said, urging unity among party loyalists while promising credible leadership and stronger electoral results in 2027.
Nigerian Labour Congress, Katsina State chapter, has lamented over poor condition of the states health sector, saying that there is need for more health workers.

The group also called for immediate implementation of the full minimum wage across all sectors of government.

Speaking during celebration of 2025 Workers Day in Katsina on Thursday, Chairman of the Union, Hussaini Hamisu, also urged President Bola Tinubus government to address insecurity affecting the state.

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He said: Despite agreements, some tertiary institutions in our State have yet to fully implement the new minimum wage.

The joint consultative forum of these institutions has expressed dissatisfaction, and we stand in solidarity with them demanding timely and full implementation.

We demand swift and complete implementation of the new minimum wage across all sectors to reflect our shared commitment to workers welfare.

READ MORE: NLC Cancels May Day Celebration In Rivers, Calls For Rally Against Emergency Rule

Employment of more Health Workers at the Primary Healthcare Agency. Your Excellency, you may direct the agency to apply the same method being practised at the SUBEB, from the last administration to date, more than 4,000 health workers have retired and there has been no replacement thereafter. This has grossly affected the healthcare service delivery in the state.

We call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in securing our agricultural communities, ensuring that farmers can work without fear of violence or extortion.

This could be achieved if the Federal Government can continue to strengthen the security architecture in the State. We appreciate the commitment of His Excellency in taking bold steps to ensure peace and stability are enjoyed in the State. We strongly believe that the security has now improved significantly with this determination and commitment.
An overview of Bryn Mawr's newest monument, "Don't Forget to Remember (Me)," by artist Nekisha Durrett. Read more

D.C. artist Nekisha Durrett first took the Black at Bryn Mawr walking tour at Bryn Mawr College in February 2023. It was there that she learned about Enid Cook who, like her, graduated from Dunbar High School in D.C., considered one of the first academically elite public high schools for Black students in the country.

Cook went on to become the colleges first Black graduate in 1931. She studied chemistry and biology.

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Despite the wishes of former college president M. Carey Thomas and other faculty who rejected the idea of admitting Black students, Cook was permitted to enroll in the womens college in 1927.

On her admission to the college, Thomas and her successor Marion Park barred the future microbiologist from living on campus, forcing Cook to walk roughly one mile to and from class.

I do not myself feel it would be wise to admit a colored student into residence at Bryn Mawr at the present moment  I should perhaps add that Miss Cooks passing the entire series of examinations at one time so successfully as to put her ahead of a long waiting list would seem to me in the case of any applicant very unlikely, Park wrote in a letter to the Quaker activist Paul H. Douglas, who was advocating for Cooks admission to Bryn Mawr.

On April 24, on that same campus, Durretts Dont Forget to Remember (Me), was unveiled to a crowd of students, faculty, and residents, who marveled at both the size and detail of the public art work.

The monument, a woven pathway of custom clay pavers, forms a square knot, symbolizing an unbreakable connection and commitment to honor all of Bryn Mawrs history.

Dont Forget honors Cook and the Black servants and groundskeepers who maintained the campus during the early 1900s. It spans a 5,800-square-foot area, roughly the same length as Cooks commute to Bryn Mawr.

This campus was literally built on the backs of Black men and women, and that labor has been unrecognized as it always is, Durrett said. It was unrecognized and uncelebrated until Black students wanted to take on the responsibility of bringing their contributions to light.

Rather than a single, elevated monument frozen in time, Durrett, a Cooper Union alumna, said she wanted something more dynamic and timely.

Among the pathways roughly 10,000 pavers are those engraved with the names of 248 Black workers and staff members whose contributions were hidden or erased by the college.

Each brick is glazed with soil from Perry House, a Black cultural center that was established after student protests in 1972, demanding a more inclusive curriculum and staff, and a culture house.

The times that were going through right now, were witnessing the blatant attempt to erase and twist history, Durrett said. This has always been happening, which is job security for me because these stories are going to be uncovered.

The monument is situated in the Cloisters of the Old Library, an enclosed space where the ashes of Thomas were scattered after her death. The library was once named after Thomas.

Bryn Mawr Africana Studies and Museum Anthropology professor Monique Scott said the space is a haunting location for many Black students.

Students let us know that the Cloisters was a space where they didnt feel welcome, and felt kind of heavy for them, Scott said. And with [Durretts] artwork, were hoping that will shift that energy. Its about making Black and brown students feel very welcome here and in this space.

Thomas, who died in 1935, rejected Black students and potential workers from entering the college, fearing their presence would tarnish its reputation. And for those who made it to campus, she attempted to limit their visibility.

Below the Cloisters are service tunnels, where live-in domestic servants and other personal staff worked.

Given the colleges complicated history, Scott said students, faculty, and staff have conjured ways to uncover Bryn Mawrs untold stories through the Art Remediating Campus Histories (ARCH) Project.

Following a student-led strike in 2020, Scott said, students, faculty, and staff established oral history projects, walking tours, and accessibility initiatives to unravel the hidden or misrepresented elements of Bryn Mawrs history.

Among students demands was the installation of a public artwork that represented inclusivity. Durretts proposal was picked out of 110 applications.

Her previous works include And The Ancestors Say," located in D.C.s Duke Ellington School of the Arts; We See You at New Yorks Times Square; and Magnolia, which memorializes Black women who were murdered by law enforcement.

From the beginning, it was so profound, amazing, emotional, and powerful. It was so many things, Scott said.

Dont Forget was built in partnership with Phillys Monument Lab, a nonprofit public art, history, and design studio. Durrett was assisted by a group of student researchers, who dug into the schools archives to find the names and origins of the schools Black students and laborers.

From the dust-covered documents to charred-edged time cards from the 1900s to the 30s, they discovered former porters, waitresses, and groundskeepers who had worked on campus. Some were from the Philly region, and others had ventured from as far as Virginia to study and work at the university.

Given Durretts profound brilliance and willingness to work so closely with Bryn Mawr students and department leaders, Monument Lab director Paul Farber said the monument came out just as he envisioned.

A monument doesnt just have to tell us about our past. But it can be done in a way thats expansive and inviting, Farber said. Leave it to an artist like [Durrett] to respond in the most thoughtful and critical ways, and open up history anew in expansive terms.

While Durrett understands one monument wont rid the world of racism or discrimination, shes hopeful the path inspires future students, faculty, staff, and alums to continue honoring the Bryn Mawrs full history and remember the names embossed on the clay bricks.
One Liberty Place skyscraper, which houses the offices of Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky. Read more

A Philadelphia federal jury sided last week with one of Philadelphias premier personal-injury law firms in a trial over alleged overtime payments owed to a former paralegal.

But the firms woes with ex-paralegals are not over.

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On Sunday, another former paralegal filed a federal lawsuit against Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, accusing the firm of discrimination and retaliation based on alleged racist statements by colleagues and unwanted sexual advances by a supervisor.

Yanez Perez, an Afro-Latina woman who joined the firm as a paralegal in 2022, said in a complaint filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that an IT analyst made inappropriate comments about her hair, clothing, and intelligence.

She further said that her supervising attorney frequently talked to her about the attorneys separation from her wife instead of work, and made unwanted advances. For example, the supervisor allegedly pressured Perez to join her at a 2023 event at a local winery, commenting I look cute, we look cute together!

And after Perez reported the behavior to the firms human resources department, she was confronted with false allegations that she was involved in a romantic relationship with a managing attorney, the complaint says.

The managing attorney denied the relationship, the suit says, as did Perez, who contended the allegation was manufactured as retaliation for reporting the unwanted advances.

The complaint includes other interactions that Perez says show discriminatory and retaliatory behavior by the firms staff.

Defendant SMBs employees made repeated racist and sexist comments, engaged in sexual harassment, and otherwise treated Plaintiff less favorably than similarly situated non-Afro-Latina, non-female employees, the complaint says.

Perez suffered severe anxiety because of the situation and took leave in summer 2023. She resigned that fall.

Michael Banks, an attorney with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP who represents Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, said in a statement that Perezs allegations are wholly without merit.

The former paralegals complaints were investigated and addressed by the firm, which does not tolerate discrimination or harassment, Banks said. And when Perez asked for a leave of absence, Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky granted her request, but she chose to resign.

It is unfortunate that she is now choosing to file a baseless lawsuit more than a year and a half after her employment ended, Banks said. The firm will defend the case vigorously.

When Perez complained about a clerk who made a disparaging comment about her with a sexual nature, the firm fired the employee, according to her complaint.

Perezs attorney, Jesse Weinstein, declined to comment.

The lawsuit comes on the heels of a court victory for Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky in a case brought by another ex-paralegal.

Desiree Purvenas-Hayes, who worked for the firm from 2012 to 2021, sued in 2022, alleging that it owed her overtime pay for her work in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic when the business transitioned to remote work.

Purvenas-Hayes said in the complaint, which was filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, that she frequently worked 20-hour days. She sought $250,000 for overtime compensation and $200,000 in damages, according to court filings.

The firm countered in court filings that the paralegal worked nights and weekends because she spent her days on personal activities, ranging from caring for her children to doctor appointments and yoga classes.

Her days were filled with personal activities that took her away from her job responsibilities, requiring catch-up work after hours, the firm said in a pretrial memo.

A Philadelphia federal jury sided with the firm last week, unanimously rejecting Purvenas-Hayes claims.

Robert Mongeluzzi, the firms president and founder, said that fair treatment and compensation of employees is a core principle.

During the pandemic we paid full salary, benefits, overtime pay and bonuses to every one of our employees, Mongeluzzi said in a statement.

Wayne Ely, who represented Purvenas-Hayes, did not respond to a request for comment.
Authorities in Chester County have charged a Conestoga High School teacher with dozens of offenses in connection with a sexual relationship she allegedly had with a student at the school.

Michelle Mercogliano, 35, faces 63 counts for allegedly having sex with the 16-year-old student. Charges against Mercogliano, filed by Tredyffrin Township police Wednesday, include sexual contact with a student, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of children, and related offenses. She also allegedly provided the teen with marijuana, authorities said.

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Mercogliano was making arrangements to turn herself in via her attorney, the Chester County District Attorneys Office said. She was not yet in custody as of Thursday, according to court records.

Parents and students should be able to trust their teachers, Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement. The defendant broke the law and destroyed that trust. It will not be tolerated.

The investigation into Mercogliano began Monday after family members of the victim contacted police. His father gave police medical marijuana packaging he had found in his sons closet, which had Mercoglianos name on the label, according to a criminal complaint. The victims parents said they learned of the inappropriate sexual relationship from the victims sister, who learned about it directly from the teen during a trip out of town, the complaint said.

The student spoke with police, and said he and Mercogliano had had sex about 12 times, starting in February. A majority of the sexual contact was at Mercoglianos parents home in Wayne, according to the complaint.

Mercogliano allegedly provided the victim with marijuana weekly since December, about 15 times in total. She communicated with the victim through Snapchat as to go undetected, as well as via text messages, the complaint said.

In a statement, Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Superintendent Richard Gusick said that Mercogliano was placed on leave Tuesday after the district was made aware of the investigation against her. She does not currently have access to district property, and no other students are believed to be involved in the investigation, he added.

Mercogliano, Gusick said, was a relatively new teacher at Conestoga High School, beginning work there this past fall. The complaint stated that she worked at the school as a special education reading teacher.

Gusick said that prior to working at Conestoga, Mercogliano served as a teacher at Hillside Elementary School from 2019 to 2024, and previously was a paraprofessional at both Hillside and Valley Forge Elementary School from 2014 to 2018.

The investigation into Mercoglianos case is continuing, authorities said. Investigators asked anyone with further information to contact the Tredyffrin Township Police Department at 610-644-3221.

Staff writer Vinny Vella contributed to this article.
A school bus monitor for the Council Rock School District has been charged with indecent exposure after police say he was found sleeping in his car with his pants down and his genitals exposed near an elementary school.

Glen Martinez, 39, worked for Durham School Services under a contract with the school district, but was fired the day after a teacher at Richboro Elementary School saw him in a state of undress inside his Kia Sorrento, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

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Martinez declined to comment Thursday.

In an interview with police, Martinez said he had pulled his pants and underwear down below his knees while waiting in his car for his shift to begin because he is overweight and had become overheated, the affidavit said. When questioned by investigators, he denied that he had intentionally exposed himself and said he had not undressed for sexual gratification.

Council Rock Superintendent Andrew Sanko said in a statement that Martinez did not have any contact with students while undressed. The district made a report to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services ChildLine network as soon as officials learned of the incident.

While this person was not a Council Rock employee, we recognize the seriousness of the situation and the concerns it may raise within our community, Sanko said in a letter sent to parents. Please be aware that all Council Rock staff are trained in mandated reporting and understand their legal and ethical responsibilities to report any behavior that may pose a risk to student safety or well-being.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the systems we have in place to respond appropriately.

A teacher at Richboro Elementary saw Martinez in his car on April 10 as she was escorting special-needs students to a van waiting to take them home, the affidavit said.

She noticed Martinez, who usually rides with the children in the van, sleeping in his car and went to wake him. As she got closer to the vehicle, she saw that he was partially undressed, and backed away before the students could see him, according to the affidavit.

Martinez woke up, dressed, and boarded the van with the students before the situation could be fully addressed, according to the statement from Sanko.

During that ride, Martinez was with four students and the vans driver, and was not left alone with the students at any time, Sanko said. The route was completed without incident, he added.

Martinez is scheduled to appear before a district judge for a preliminary hearing May 22.
Three people were injured Wednesday in a triple shooting in Southwest Philadelphia, police said.

Police responded to a shooting on the 1700 block of South 55th Street, in the Kingsessing section of the city, just before 9:30 p.m., police said. Officers arrived and found three people with gunshot wounds. All three victims were taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, police said.

A 19-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, whom police did not identify, suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and were in stable condition, police said. The third victim, a 20-year-old man whom police also did not identify, was shot in the face and body and was in critical condition, police said.

Surveillance video showed a person in a black ski mask walking up to the three victims, who were sitting outside a house, and opening fire, said Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore. Police believe the shooting was targeted, he said.

Police recovered five 9mm shell casings and two live 9mm rounds from the scene. No arrests have been made and no weapon was recovered.
Bullet holes and shot-out windows at Maurice Hills home on the 3700 block of North 15th Street after the standoff. Read more

With their final pitch to jurors Wednesday, attorneys in Maurice Hills trial for attempted homicide and other offenses related to the 2019 shooting of six Philadelphia police officers presented one of the departments darkest day in markedly different views.

As criminal defense attorney Ellis Palividas told it, Hill had fired through his kitchen wall in self-defense that afternoon, believing the officers who had entered the rowhouse on North 15th Street in Tioga to search for drugs were not law enforcement officials, but intruders who sought to hurt him.

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Mr. Hill was defending himself against what he thought at the time were home invaders, Palividas told jurors. That is why he acted the way that he acted.

Prosecutors vehemently rebuffed that argument.

They say Hill fired more than 130 rounds during the 7-hour barricade, wielding an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle as well as smaller firearms as he fired upon officers both inside and outside of the home, striking one in the head, others in the arms or legs.

That man right there, he tried to assassinate the law, said Assistant District Attorney Anthony Voci, the lead prosecutor in the case, as he gestured to Hill. Not just law enforcement, but the law.

The back-and-forth marked the closing of a trial that featured tearful testimony from around half a dozen police officers who responded that day, describing gushing bullet wounds in vivid detail and a frantic escape from the property as whizzing bullets exploded the drywall around them.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia police emotionally recall a Tioga standoff that left six shot in one of the departments darkest days

Palividas, in turn, suggested that police had not announced themselves inside the home, as well as in the moments before they broke in the door, using a battering ram to secure the property with the intent to obtain a search warrant. The attorney made a point to mention that while prosecutors had used a series of Ring doorbell videos to show moments from the standoff, that moment was not shown in court.

The bold entrance ultimately triggered a fight-or-flight response in Hill, said Palividas, who told the jury that Hill had just arrived home from the hospital where his daughter had recently been born. Hill himself testified Tuesday that after seeing a shadow of a gun in the next room, he had grabbed the assault weapon from behind his bedroom door and fired.

 READ MORE: Man accused of shooting 6 Philly police officers in Tioga standoff testifies at trial: I panicked

Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Diana L. Anhault is expected to deliver instructions to the jury Thursday morning before leaving the group to deliberate whether Hill is guilty of the dozens of charges filed against him. Should they convict him of the worst of those offenses, he faces decades in prison.

Voci rounded out his frequently animated arguments by again wielding Hills assault weapon high over his head.

He drew attention to the serial number which had been obliterated from the side of the weapon  a common tactic to conceal an unlawful firearms origin  as well as Hills guilty plea to a firearms charge in 2001 that Voci said barred him from carrying a weapon.

Perhaps anticipating that the jury would take into account that the drugs police found in Hills apartment were bags of marijuana  a drug legal in nearly half of the nations states  Voci reminded them of the scales, heat-sealed bags, large-capacity ammunition magazines, and the five firearms police also recovered from the property.

He described the house as the center of a drug organization.

Theres more violence around drugs than there is around anything else, Voci said. ... guns and drugs go together like peanut butter and jelly.

When he was not focused on Hill, Voci directed attention to the row of injured police officers who sat side-by-side in the front of the courtroom, urging the jury to remember their testimonies.

Heroes, each and every last one of them, Voci said, specifically mentioning Shaun Parker, the officer struck in the head. By the grace of only God is he in this front row and here to tell you about it.
A Philadelphia-based notary public faces a lengthy list of charges for her alleged role in a house-theft scheme that affected nearly two dozen properties around the city, officials announced Wednesday.

Officials have charged Gwendolyn Schell, 67, with criminal conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, tampering with records, and other related crimes in connection with the scheme. In total, Schell faces nearly 250 counts  31 counts for each of the eight charges against her, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office said in a statement.

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A notary public is supposed to be someone whose very job is to act as a gatekeeper to prevent fraud in these cases, Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Esack said at news conference Wednesday. Instead of doing that, Gwendolyn Schell not only allowed the fraud to occur here, but actively engaged in and arranged for the theft of multiple properties here in our own communities.

The case dates back to at least 2018, when the Department of Public Records alerted the Office of Inspector General to a series of anomalies in a number of house deed documents connected to Schell, officials said. In many of the deeds, Schell allegedly notarized documents approving the transfer of homes from their owners to another party, despite the actual owner being deceased at the time of the transfer, the District Attorneys Office said.

Investigators found that many of the fraudulent deeds also included backdated execution dates, forged signatures of dead owners, falsified price considerations, and notarial stamps from Schell indicating she witnessed deceased parties sign the documents, officials said.

In total, 21 properties were allegedly stolen in the scheme. The investigation remains ongoing, and investigators have multiple arrest warrants and search warrants pending, officials said Wednesday.

The case is an unusual one, in that notaries are often the ones who tell authorities that their stamp and signature are being forged or have been stolen, Esack said. It is rare that the notary is an actual participant in the crime, she added.

Officials on Wednesday described house theft in Philadelphia as a long-running issue, but one that authorities have worked to combat more proactively in recent years. In 2019, for example, Records Commissioner James Leonard announced the citys Fraud Guard system, which helps prevent house theft by automatically contacting people when their names appear on real estate records filed in Philadelphia.

That service is free to enroll in, which can be done online on the City of Philadelphias website. Officials on Wednesday recommended that all property owners in the city sign up for the service.

House deed fraud can also be reported to the District Attorneys Offices House Deed Fraud hotline at 215-686-9902.

District Attorney Larry Krasner on Wednesday vowed to prosecute individuals who steal houses, noting that Philadelphias now historically low number of prisoners in city custody gives authorities more room for those found guilty of the crime.

Heres the good news, Krasner said. We have a place for you to stay.
The Federal Detention Center at 7th and Arch Streets. Read more

A corrections officer at Philadelphias Federal Detention Center sexually abused a female prisoner last year, pinning the woman to the ground inside the jail and assaulting her, authorities said Thursday.

The details of the attack were unveiled in an indictment that charged Michael Jefferson, 42, of Cherry Hill, with crimes including aggravated sexual abuse and deprivation of rights.

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The U.S. Attorneys Office said Jefferson has been suspended from the Bureau of Prisons, though prosecutors did not say when that suspension began. No attorney for him was listed in court records.

According to the indictment, Jefferson was working as a guard on July 6, 2024, when he attacked a woman in his custody. He forced the woman to the ground and lay on top of her while sexually assaulting her, prosecutors said.

The victim  who was not named in the indictment  was injured during the attack, prosecutors said.

Jefferson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.

The detention center can house up to 950 prisoners, most of whom are either awaiting federal trial or serving short sentences after being convicted. Authorities said earlier this year that the facility would also start housing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees.

Last month, a criminal defense attorney and an inmates mother were charged with smuggling contraband into the facility at Seventh and Arch Streets.

And in 2023, a 31-year-old man died after being assaulted in his cell. His relatives have filed a lawsuit that remains pending.
Katrina McCombs, Camden School superintendent, discusses plans to close a $91 million budget gap for the 2025-2026 school year on Wednesday. Read more

Camden School Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs said Wednesday she was making very, very difficult but necessary cuts affecting nearly 300 positions to close a $91 million budget gap for the 2025-26 school year.

McCombs disclosed details of a sweeping plan for job cuts and restructuring, first reported by The Inquirer. The changes will be felt across the South Jersey school system, from the classroom to central administration.

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She said 117 people would lose their jobs, effective July 1. The affected positions include teachers, counselors, clerks, custodians, security officers, and senior managers and directors.

 READ MORE: Facing a $91 million budget shortfall, Camden school district planning possible job cuts and layoffs

These cuts were not taken lightly by me, McCombs said at a news conference. Behind every number is a person. I understand the human impact of these decisions.

Camden would decrease its full-time employees from 1,613 this year to 1,329 for the upcoming school year, with 52 vacancies anticipated, McCombs said.

News about the possible cuts began leaking this week. The district had to notify affected employees by May 1.

We are losing some really experienced and dedicated administrators, said Davida Coe-Brockington, president of the Camden City Principals and Supervisors Association.

Although the state has increased aid to the district by 6% for the upcoming school year to $369.6 million, McCombs said there was still a shortfall.

The budget deficit was not the result of sudden mismanagement or a lack of support by the state, McCombs said. She cited the loss of millions in COVID relief funds and the growth of charter schools and Renaissance schools, alternatives to traditional public schools in Camden.

Maggie Garbarino, a spokesman for Gov. Phil Murphy, said the state was closely reviewing Camdens budget submission to finalize a balanced budget that meets the needs of Camdens students and the community.

 READ MORE: Camden schools superintendent is leaving  for a state role

McCombs said state officials told her to take action to right-size the district and that led to the expansive plan that includes reductions in force, reassignments, eliminating vacancies and changes at Morgan Village Middle School and the Camden High school complex.

Besides the budget constraints, McCombs attributed the districts fiscal problem to declining enrollment due to more city students choosing charter and Renaissance schools. Renaissance schools have 6,602 students, charters 3,257.

Since the state takeover enrollment in the traditional public schools has dropped nearly 50%, from 11,660 students in 2013-14 to 5,904 currently, she said. Payments to charter and Renaissance schools during that period have increased also, from $54.9 million to $198 million.

Here are some other takeaways from McCombs announcement:

McCombs said the district will save $23.8 million in personnel costs by cutting the 117 positions, bumping 33 employees into other positions, reassigning 38 others and eliminating 97 vacancies. Four employees will not be renewed for performance. The district took other action to reduce contracted services, slash overtime expenses, change the use of title funding and changing building usage fees, saving $46 million, McCombs said. The additional state aid reduced the deficit to $70 million, McCombs said. The district could not seek emergency relief from the state, which can only be requested for the current school year, not in advance. Restructuring planned at the Camden High campus and Morgan Village, the districts only middle school, will save about $2.7 million, McCombs said. The leadership team at the Camden High complex will be reduced from four principals to one. Creative High principal Davida Coe-Brockington will also oversee Charles Brimm Medical Arts, the Big Picture Academy and Camden High. McCombs said students who currently attend Morgan Village will return to neighborhood family schools. Morgan Village has about 202 students in sixth through eighth grades.

The superintendent said she doesnt believe the changes will derail efforts to return the district to local control. The state took over Camden schools citing poor test scores and graduation rates and a high dropout rate.

 READ MORE: Top Camden officials are seeking to oust school Superintendent Katrina McCombs, report says

McCombs called her transition bittersweet, but rebuffed charges that she was leaving the district in disarray. She has worked in the district for 30 years, the last seven as superintendent.

This district will continue to move forward. No district is based on one person and their effort, McCombs said.
Omar Alshogre was invited by a student club to speak at Harriton High School on Monday. Rather than an evening event open to the public, as the club had previously advertised, his talk was moved to lunchtime and restricted to Harriton students, parents said. The changes came after a number of parents accused Alshogre of antisemitism. Read more

At the invitation of a Middle Eastern student club, Omar Alshogre, a Syrian refugee, was set to speak Monday at Harriton High School about his imprisonment by the Assad regime.

But rather than an evening event open to the public, as the club had previously advertised, Alshogres talk was moved to lunchtime. Attendance was limited to Harriton students, according to parents.

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Lower Merion School District officials did not respond to questions about the shifted plans, but parents say Harritons principal directed the changes after fielding complaints that Alshogre had expressed anti-Israel and antisemitic views.

The episode  along with a recent student-organized conference that parents say featured speakers affiliated with pro-Palestinian groups  fueled renewed protest from Jewish parents in Lower Merion, who have been accusing the district of failing to adequately address antisemitism. Other parent critics said the district had bowed to pressure from Jewish parents in modifying Alshogres talk and are accusing the district of limiting free speech.

Calling the events a continuation of a troubling pattern, parent Kim Lipetz told the Lower Merion school board at a meeting Monday that the district had a concerning tolerance for antisemitism.

Dafna Ofer told the board that Alshogre  invited to speak by Harritons MENASA club for Middle Eastern students  had openly and publicly expressed anti-Israel and antisemitic views, and that Jewish parents and students raised urgent concerns, but our voices were ignored.

She also said the district had conveniently omitted biographical details about speakers at an April 22 Students Advocating for Greater Equality (SAGE) conference titled Resistance 101, including that Lower Merion alumni who participated in a panel discussion were affiliated with the groups Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine.

There is growing mistrust between the Jewish community and administration and board, Ofer said.

In a statement provided by a district spokesperson, Superintendent Frank Ranelli declined to respond to specific questions about the events. But he said they align with the districts strategic plan pathway of Student-Driven Schools and with District Policy 235 " recognizing public school students constitutional right to freedom of expression.

The policy further states, The board respects the right of its students to express themselves in word or symbol, Ranelli said.

He did not address how or whether the district had initially approved Alshogre to speak, who decided to change the terms of his appearance, and who was ultimately allowed to attend the speech.

A Muslim parent in the district said Harritons principal had directed the MENASA club to remove a flier advertising the event after fielding complaints from Jewish parents. The principal also dictated that the event be switched to the schools Lunch and Learn period, rather than in the evening, she said.

The parent, who requested anonymity to avoid repercussions for her child, called the districts actions a form of viewpoint discrimination. She said that she was not sure what Alshogre was accused of saying that was antisemitic, but that he was invited by MENASA solely to speak about his lived experience as a prisoner of the Assad regime and his criticisms of that regime.

The Lower Merion Jewish Families Association said Alshogre had previously made statements accusing Israel of genocide and voicing support for campus protests many in our community view as hostile and exclusionary.

While we were told he would not speak on Israel or Gaza, the broader issue is that his presence signals a climate in which Jewish students may feel unsafe, targeted, or marginalized, the association said in a statement to The Inquirer.

The JFA also objected to the Resistance 101 event, where a speaker who was told not to speak about her affiliation with Jewish Voice for Peace did in fact let the students know her role and about her protesting practices.

Some Jewish parents expressed frustration that in response to concerns about Alshogre, Harritons principal initially restricted attendance to student club members. Then  after objections to closing it off  he said all Harriton students could attend, according to parents.

Rather than addressing parents concerns, the district sent the awful message that there are Jewish parents who dont want his story told, parent Lisa Prosnitz told the school board.

Prosnitz said that the district needs to teach better critical thinking, and that students should understand why having a representative of Students for Justice in Palestine speak at a conference is a problem. She said that while the government of Israels actions are one matter, the existence of Israel has no right to be questioned.

Ongoing tensions over antisemitism

Allegations of antisemitism have been a frequent topic at Lower Merion school board meetings since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, as parents have voiced concerns about antisemitic incidents in schools. During debate around the districts equity policy last fall, Jewish families objected to remarks by the boards lone Black member contrasting anti-Black racism with the experience of Jews, who she said chose to be white.

Those tensions flared again Monday, as some parents noted they came from families of Holocaust survivors and said they were members of a vulnerable minority.

They also reiterated criticism that antisemitism training provided by the district  which has partnered with the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and the Jewish Community Relations Council  is insufficient.

And while the district has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism  which includes denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination  some parents said the district has failed to provide guidance to administrators and teachers on how to implement it.

They also accused the MENASA club of excluding Israeli students  saying the club does not include the Israeli flag and noting a social media post with a watermelon, often used as a pro-Palestinian symbol.

District officials did not address questions about the MENASA club Wednesday.

Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia, said critics of the MENASA group demonstrated some of the worst traits of counterproductive voices that have marred many school board meetings across the nation.

These angry and loud voices accused students without listening to them, they denied them the opportunity to learn and evolve through their work, and they tried to exert their vigilantism and restrictive understandings as facts, said Tekelioglu, who said he spoke Wednesday to people affiliated with the club.

Tekelioglu said that many Muslim and non-Muslim pro-justice families and students no longer feel safe at school board meetings.

The Muslim parent who requested anonymity said adults had been combing student-run social media to point out posts they considered antisemitic, leaving students feeling targeted.

She said that like Jewish students, Muslim students had experienced bullying in Lower Merion schools and felt ignored.

The difference between these two communities is for Muslim Americans, we expect the government not to protect us, the parent said. The district has made clear its commitment to fighting antisemitism, she said, and their kids deserve to be protected. But so do ours.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, poses with students during a visit to Constitution High School. The School District of Philadelphia is the first urban school district in America to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, a global youth achievement award that challenges young people aged 14-24 to develop skills, confidence, and resilience. To his right is Superintendent Tony B. Watlington. School board president Reginald Streater is with bowtie at left, and Constitution principal Brianna Robb is second from right. Read more

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, on Wednesday commended 160 Philadelphia students as pioneers.

Pupils at four Philadelphia School District high schools have enrolled in the Duke of Edinburghs International Award  the first from any big-city district in the U.S. to take on the challenge.

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The award, founded by the dukes father, Prince Philip, in 1956, encourages young people ages 14 through 24 to complete projects outside of the classroom centering on volunteerism, physical recreation, skills, and expedition. Those who reach goals can win bronze, silver, or gold honors.

Visiting Constitution High on Wednesday, the royal of the hour had warm words for the initial cohort of Philadelphia students, who join youth from 143 other countries in pursuing the honor. (The other participating Philadelphia schools are Bodine High School for International Affairs, Masterman, and Parkway Center City Middle College.)

We like trailblazers, and were thrilled that you guys have decided to take on the challenge, said the duke, the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and currently 15th in line to the throne.

 READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II gave Philly the Bicentennial Bell in 1976. Her son Prince Edward just rededicated it.

For a handful of Constitution High students chosen to meet with the duke, the program is promising, they said, but Wednesdays visit was surreal.

When Chance Menard heard that a real-life royal was coming to his high school, he thought it was a joke at first.

I was confused, said Menard, an 11th grader. I said, What is going on, this is not real. I thought it was a daydream.

The duke earned high praise from the teens, laughing with them, reassuring a student who stumbled over his title.

I thought he was amazing, actually, said Cavance Snaith, a Constitution senior. I thought he was down-to-earth. I didnt realize he was that humble.

Life contains two absolute inevitables, the duke said. You will meet challenges, and youll meet opportunities, and it doesnt matter what career you do, whatever you choose, those are the two things that youll end up facing at some point. This award gives you the skills to deal with those challenges when they come along, because were going to challenge you now.

Examples of the projects students might tackle as part of the award include: ballroom dancing, DJing, volunteering with senior citizens, and studying constellations. But the duke stressed that the program was the students own.

The most important thing is: this is fun, the duke said. This is all about the things that you want to do. So long as you have fun doing it, that is absolutely brilliant.

Prince Edward himself undertook the award program as a youth  he proudly pointed to the gold pin on his suit jacket lapel denoting the honor  and said it taught skills that are more important in some ways than those learned from books.

When you come to do your first job interview, I guarantee theyre not going to ask you a thing about what you did at school in terms of what you did in the classroom, but they will ask you, they will ask you what your experiences are and what you did outside and where and what all the additional things youve done, the duke said.

Jermaine Dawson, Philadelphia deputy superintendent for academics, was the architect of the districts program. He said he was particularly excited about the idea of students discovering firsthand that theres a world thats bigger than what they have ever experienced, Dawson said.

Growing up in Atlanta, Dawson experienced homelessness, but through school had the chance to participate in a program that gave him international exposure. He wants the same experience for Philadelphias students, many of whom also live in poverty and struggle with housing insecurity.

I am in this role because of that experience so many years ago, Dawson said.

After the meeting, Jamaal Wright, a Constitution 10th grader, said the duke was welcome back any time.

He was trying to relate to us, said Wright. Hes helping people not only in Philly, but all around the world.
A major difference from last year's encampment is that the protesters specifically demand that Swarthmore divest from Cisco because of its contracts with the Israeli government. Read more

Nearly a year after members of Swarthmore Colleges pro-Palestinian encampment voluntarily ended the last standing college protest encampment in the Philadelphia region, a new group of students has set up another encampment to continue and evolve their cause.

Just after noon Wednesday, Swarthmore students set up an enclosure of signs and tents on Trotter Lawn to protest the ongoing war in Gaza, what they contend is the colleges unwillingness to commit to divesting from entities profiting off the war, and what they say is the colleges lukewarm support for students who are vulnerable to the Trump administrations aggressive deportations, revoked student visas, and sudden abductions.

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About 30 students, most wearing medical face masks and keffiyehs, spent the afternoon between chanting their support for and solidarity with Palestinians, buoyed by a drum line and megaphones and the occasional dig at Swarthmore administration, and in quieter peer-led political education classes.

 READ MORE: Swarthmore Colleges pro-Palestinian encampment disbands after 4 weeks and stalled negotiations

In a letter handed out to the encampment members Wednesday, Stephanie Ives, vice president for student affairs, stated that the students were in violation of Swarthmores code of conduct for camping on college property without permission, not for the content of their speech. Ives also said she was concerned about students collaborating with non-Swarthmore organizations on the protest.

This current protest strategy will not result in dialogue with the College about your demands, she wrote.

Swarthmore College president Val Smith echoed Ives concern about non-community members joining in the protest, saying in a statement that it has resulted in unknown and unrecognizable people coming to campus.

These actions put many of the most vulnerable members of our community at serious risk, Smith said. In an abundance of caution and for the safety of the community, we restricted vehicle access to campus and urged people to avoid the area.

One major difference from last years encampment is that this iteration has more specific demands, organizers said. For example, instead of a broad divestment demand, the encampment members have called for Swarthmore to divest from the tech company Cisco, which powers WiFi and other systems on campus, because of its contracts with the Israeli government. Other demands call for specific ways for the college to materially back students at risk for deportation.

We want divestment from Cisco because this is a tech company that is used to surveil Palestinians, said Ash, an encampment spokesperson who declined to give their last name out of privacy concerns.

Dropping Cisco is our primary goal, but it is the start of a bigger campaign to entirely divest, said Jamal, another encampment spokesperson who also declined to give his last name out of privacy concerns, about Swarthmores other investments in companies that may be profiting from the war.

Gaza is still and will always be our main focus, but  our premise is to look out for people that are vulnerable and that are experiencing state violence, whether that be in Gaza or here, and we see that as very clearly connected, Jamal said about their demands to more strongly protect students from deportation.

 READ MORE: What is divestment? And why do students want it?

The encampment members, several of whom were present last year, said they were motivated to restart an encampment after seeing recent successful protests by their peers at other colleges, including the University of San Francisco.

Jamal said the students have talked about the Trump administrations crackdown on campus protests against the war in Gaza, especially since Swarthmore is one of the 60 schools that the administration says it is investigating for purported antisemitic conduct. But the danger they may face has not dimmed their resolve.

Every time we have that conversation, we always come back to why were here, why were doing this, and I would say that all of us are very, very firmly grounded in knowing whats happening and what Israel is doing to the Palestinian people, he said.

While this encampment is new, Swarthmore students have continued pro-Palestinian demonstrations this year. In February, members of the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) occupied an administrative building for 11 hours to protest disciplinary charges the college brought against students involved in last years encampment and Swarthmores refusal to divest. The college suspended SJP on campus afterward.

It was unclear how long the encampment protesters planned to remain on Trotter Lawn. Ives Wednesday letter demanded that the students disperse by 4 p.m., but the students continued to chant and remain in place well past the deadline and were still on Trotter Lawn as of Thursday afternoon.

Smith said that students were told verbally and in writing to leave Trotter Lawn, and that the school is working to issue interim suspensions to students who stayed at the encampment after receiving the warning.

We are considering all options to bring this event to a peaceful end, Smith said.

Staff writer Susan Snyder contributed to this article.
Hundreds of people wait in line at Liberty Kitchen in Fishtown to try Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo's Tokyo cheesesteak on April 30, 2025. This is the first time the Japanese couple has brought their cheesesteaks to Philadelphia. They've gained popularity in the city based on their love for Philly. Read more

More than 1,000 people crowded Fishtowns Liberty Kitchen on Wednesday night to try a cheesesteak never before served in Philadelphia: the Tokyo cheesesteak.

Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo, the husband-and-wife team behind Tokyos Nihonbashi Philly, brought their take on the Philly classic to the city that inspired it. The one-night event, hosted in collaboration with Liberty Kitchen, served 300 of their coveted cheesesteaks to eager fans  some of whom showed up hours early.

Fans began lining up two hours before Liberty Kitchen co-founder Matt Budenstein opened the doors at 5 p.m. By the time service started, the line stretched down the block. Those who arrived at or after opening walked away empty-handed.

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 READ MORE: Owner of Tokyos viral Philly cheesesteak joint dishes on what he loves most about the city

We never imagined so many people would come to our pop-up like that, Tomomi Chujo said.

The Chujos, known for their love of Philadelphia culture, have gained recognition in Japan for their Philly-style cheesesteaks  and were officially honored by Philadelphia City Council with a ceremonial resolution Thursday morning. The resolution, thanking them for their passion and efforts in promoting the city abroad, was introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad for AAPI Heritage Month.

This week marked the first time the Chujos have served their signature sandwich stateside.

Two longtime fans, Diego Berrones and Zamon Ahmed, who have visited Nihonbashi Philly in Japan, got to enjoy the Chujo cheesesteak again  a sandwich they both rank among the top three theyve had in Philadelphia.

I think the best part was the cheese and the meat. The rolls are great, too, and they make it themselves every day, Ahmed said.

Vee and Darrien Phommachak snagged one of the final sandwiches just minutes before the pop-up sold out shortly before 8 p.m. Its a great cheesesteak, but its a little different from a classic Philly cheesesteak, Vee said. Darrien agreed.

For the event, Tomomi baked her signature rolls, which are modeled after South Phillys Sarcones Bakery, using the ovens at Fishtowns Lost Bread Co.

The $18 sandwich featured shaved ribeye from KPs Fine Meats, a choice of New School Whiz or Cooper Sharp cheese, and optional toppings like fried onions, banana peppers, pickled long hots, Dukes mayo, Hobbs hot sauce, and hoagie relish ketchup.

 READ MORE: Homemade Whiz and hoagie rolls: How a Philly-themed bar in Tokyo recreated a picture-perfect cheesesteak 6,700 miles away

Liberty Kitchen head chef Beau Neidhardt said serving 300 cheesesteaks in three hours is the kind of volume that South Philly cheesesteak joints are used to. While Neidhardt is no newcomer to viral sandwiches  Liberty Kitchens kale Caesar chicken cutlet hoagie became so popular on TikTok they ran out of bread over a weekend  hes never seen a turnout like Wednesdays.

In Tokyo, the Chujos typically sell about 50 cheesesteaks a day. Wednesdays frenzy left them in awe. Something like this wouldnt happen in Japan, Tomomi said. Im so impressed by the people that came out. I was crying.

One more chance to try the Tokyo cheesesteak

The Chujos will host one final pop-up during their Philly trip on Monday, May 5, from 5 to 10 p.m., at Yanaga Kappo Izakaya, as part of a Northern Liberties block party.

Only 100 cheesesteaks will be available, and theyre expected to be gone really quickly.

This time, the couple will prepare an Asian fusion version of their Tokyo cheesesteak in honor of the late Hiroyuki Zama Tanaka, founder of Rittenhouses Japanese restaurant Zama, who died in December.

The event also features collaborations with ESO Ramen, Neighborhood Ramen, Mawn, and Zama.

Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo cheesesteak pop-up
Prospect Medical Holdings' goal is to transfer the last patient out of Crozer-Chester Medical Center by Friday. Read more

A pregnant patient in active labor showed up Wednesday at Crozer-Chester Medical Centers emergency department, minutes before the hospital was scheduled to close the unit, officials said during a bankruptcy hearing for owner Prospect Medical Holdings.

Delivering the baby was one of the last acts by Crozer-Chesters emergency department staff. Mother and baby were quickly transferred to another hospital.

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Prospect received bankruptcy court approval last week to close Crozer-Chester in Upland, which serves an area that does not have easily accessible healthcare alternatives. Prospects goal is to have all patients out of the hospital by Friday.

Twenty patients remained at Crozer-Chester as of Wednesday, Paul Rundell, Prospects chief restructuring officer, told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stacey Jernigan. He described the remaining patients as difficult to move.

They typically dont have insurance, and they have complicated acuity diagnosis, and theyre difficult to place, Rundell said.

Inpatient transfers

Crozer-Chester had at least 220 patients last week when the closure process started. Prospects other remaining hospital in Delaware County, Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, had just 30. All those patients were moved by the end of last week and the hospital has closed.

Its likely that many of the Crozer patients were discharged to home.

The next-closest hospitals have seen an immediate impact from Crozers wind down.

Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, which operates Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, received eight transfers from Crozer over the last week.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System received 24 Crozer transfers since April 20, spread among five of its six Pennsylvania hospitals.

Main Line Healths hospitals received 14 transfers from the two Crozer hospitals.

More significantly, we are absorbing the volume from the community, Main Line said.

It noted that at Riddle Hospital in Media, emergency department volumes are up by 40%. Additionally, Main Line has seen ambulance volumes from Chester double. Its surge units are full across all four of Main Lines acute-care hospitals.

ED walk-up traffic

Both Crozer-Chester and Taylor started turning away ambulances last week, but remained open for walk-ins.

There were very few at Taylor, Suzanne Koenig, the patient care ombudsman overseeing safety at the hospitals since the January bankruptcy filing, said during the hearing.

More are expected to show up at Crozer-Chester. Prospect plans to have two ambulances stationed outside Crozer-Chesters ED until the middle or end of next week to take people who need emergency care to other hospitals.

Melissa Van Eck, a lawyer with the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office, told the judge that local officials want Prospect to pay for ambulances to remain for as long as 16 weeks.

In the first month after Prospect closed in 2022 the smaller Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill, 50 patients showed up at that facility outside of the ER needing transport, Van Eck said.

Its anticipated that the numbers [that] will come to Crozer will be much higher than that, she said.

Prospects attorney, Thomas R. Califano, said the for-profit company based in California has no money for more ambulance time in the wind-down budget for Crozer.

Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the number of transfers to Main Line Health.
Thomas Jefferson University hired Michael P. Harrington as its new CFO. Read more

Thomas Jefferson University hired Michael P. Harrington as the Philadelphia-based nonprofits new chief financial officer.

Harrington, 56, will join Jefferson next month from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He is succeeding John Mordach, who left abruptly in February, in the permanent job.

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Mike brings deep financial expertise and a track record of success leading transformational initiatives at some of the most respected institutions in healthcare, Jefferson CEO Joseph G. Cacchione said in a news release.

Before getting the top financial job at Memorial Sloan Kettering in 2019, Harrington worked as associate CFO at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for 12 years. Harringtons tenure at Cleveland Clinic overlapped with time Cacchione spent there.

Im honored to join Jefferson at such a pivotal time in healthcare, Harrington said. I look forward to working alongside a talented team to support the organizations mission of delivering outstanding care, advancing research, and providing an unparalleled educational experience.

Harrington will arrive at Jefferson less than a year after it completed its acquisition of Lehigh Valley Health Network. That deal created a giant with $15 billion in annual revenue, 65,000 employees, and 32 hospitals, including several that are part of joint ventures.

Memorial Sloan Kettering has $8.5 billion in annual revenue and 22,000 employees, Jefferson said.

Thomas Marchozzi, Lehigh Valleys former CFO, was Jeffersons interim CFO after Mordachs departure. He will now move fully into his role as Jeffersons chief integration officer.
Temple University Health System hired Tony Esposito, former Crozer Health CEO, to lead one of its physician groups and to be CFO of another. Read more

Temple University Health System hired Tony Esposito, former Crozer Health CEO, to lead one of its physician groups and to be CFO of another, the North Philadelphia nonprofit announced Thursday.

Esposito will be CEO of Temple Physicians Inc., a group of 71 community doctors, and CFO of Temple Faculty Physicians, a group of 670 clinician-educators and researchers.

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He starts Monday.

Tony has a proven track record of improving operations, driving growth, and maximizing revenue through team building, uniting diverse groups, and forging strong physician partnerships, Jerry Oetzel, CFO and treasurer of Temple Health, said in a news release.

Espositos last day at Crozer was April 18. Three days later, Crozers owner, bankrupt Prospect Medical Holdings, announced the closure of the Delaware County health system.

As of Wednesday, 20 patients remained at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. The hospitals final day was expected to be Friday.

Before joining Crozer as president of its physician group in 2019, Esposito was associate dean for financial affairs at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Sister Kathleen Parisi, 82, of Sisters of St. Francis, uses holy water to bless the plants in one of their greenhouses on their farm during an Earth Day event in Aston. Read more

It was afternoon at the convent, and that meant bingo.

A dozen elderly women, some in wheelchairs, others with their walkers pushed aside, studied the triplets of cards in front of them. A life-size cardboard cutout of Pope Francis, newly deceased, waved beneficently down at them.

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Call the right numbers! joked Sister Geralda Meskill, who is 97.

In its 170-year history, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia has survived the Civil War, the 1918 flu, the Great Depression, both World Wars, dramatic cultural shifts in how Americans relate to almost every aspect of daily life, including the Catholic Church, and now, 12 popes.

But its an open question how much longer the Sisters will survive. The Aston congregation is facing the same fundamental challenge as its peers across the country: not many women are signing up to take perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience these days.

It doesnt look hopeful at this moment, said Sister Dolores Duffy, who is 91, about the future of the congregation. But what is it? Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always to be blest.

The average age of the Sisters of St. Francis is 84; only two women have joined permanently in the last decade. When the youngest sister by more than two decades professed her final vows last summer at age 35, the congregation issued a press release: Young Woman Joins Franciscan Order.

In 2024, there were roughly 35,000 nuns in the United States, an 80% decrease from 1965, when there were about 175,000, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, or CARA, at Georgetown University. (There is also a nationwide priest shortage.)

Longer lifespans and high healthcare costs, plus fewer new sisters entering religious life, has meant congregations across the country are struggling financially, said Father Thomas Gaunt, CARAs executive director. The Sisters of St. Francis are funded in part by a foundation that accepts donations, as well as the Social Security and Medicare benefits of the sisters. The women pool money and share resources.

And their work continues. On a recent Tuesday, some gathered in the morning to bless the wildflower and blackberry seedlings for Earth Day at Red Hill Farm, a six-acre farm the congregation owns across the street from the convent. Then they gathered for a morning prayer.

You also told us you are the light of the world, the sisters read. "You set our purpose to shine through our actions."

A prayer powerhouse

There are 270 Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, about 30 of whom live in the castle-like motherhouse, called Our Lady of Angels Convent, on a sprawling green campus in Aston.

Neumann University, the Catholic university the Sisters founded in 1965, owns that building now and rents office space and housing to the sisters. Other sisters live around the city and the country, in houses rented by the congregation.

 READ MORE: Neumann University needed housing. A local convent had space. Now, nuns and students share a dorm.

Roughly 80 sisters live across the street in Assisi House, the retirement convent and home of the bingo game.

Though they are technically retired, the sisters at Assisi House are considered to be in prayer ministry: they write to prisoners, make food to be distributed in Kensington, and fulfill prayer requests. (Theyre really like a prayer powerhouse over there, said Colleen Collins, director of companions for the congregation.)

Elsewhere, the Sisters of St. Francis teach ESL classes, distribute hot meals, work as doctors and nurses, and advocate for clean air and water alongside environmental groups. A new documentary, No Risk, No Gain: The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, tells their story.

Some worry that their declining numbers and decreased visibility mean that future generations wont even consider the convent. Many of the sisters who are now in their 80s and 90s joined St. Francis when they were 18 and 19, inspired by family members or Catholic school teachers who were already in religious life.

Thats how Sister Kathleen McCabe, who is 81, heard the call. Growing up in Roxborough and attending John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, McCabe had always planned on becoming a nurse. But her religion teacher urged her to consider a nuns life.

As a very obedient young person, I went home and I thought about it, McCabe said. I went back on Monday ... I burst into tears, and said, I think Im supposed to be a nun!

After a period of discernment  how the Franciscans describe a process of figuring out what God intends  McCabe joined a semicloistered community that was drastically different from the one in which she lives today. In 1962, she became a nun alongside more than 60 other young women, part of the broader post-World War II baby boom that also filled convents.

At the time, the Sisters of St. Francis wore full habits and followed a highly structured schedule that determined when they ate, prayed, and went outside. Internalizing the maxim idle hands are the devils workshop, they scrubbed the convent in their free time until it sparkled, McCabe said, laughing.

That was just before the community underwent a series of radical changes inspired by Vatican II, the modernizing effort that remade the Catholic Church in the mid-60s.

Today, most of the sisters wear ordinary clothes, not habits, and life at the convent is far more informal: There is Mass three times a week, some shared meals in the dining room, and prayer and discussion of faith in the evenings.

Researchers at Georgetown calculated that the 100,000 nuns who ran Catholic schools nationwide in the 1950s and 1960s provided work worth the equivalent of $3 billion each year, for free, to their communities.

Today, there are only a few thousand nuns involved in Catholic schools across the country, Gaunt said. As nuns die, the enormous amount of labor they provided for schools, hospitals, and the poor and marginal in every city has also diminished. Its not clear who will replace them.

But many of the sisters of St. Francis are nonetheless at peace. The life of the Catholic Church is measured in centuries, they said, and what comes next is not up to them.

As Sister McCabe said: God isnt finished with us.

The documentary "No Risk, No Gain: The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia" will be shown at the Reel Cinemas Lancaster 7 on May 1 at 6:30 p.m.
The string map depicting a returned library book and the possible clues related to who sent it. Read more

When Jill Brave tore open a package addressed to the Stillman Elementary School library, she found a hardback copy of Jumanji and a money order for $40. There was no explanation, and no real return address, just that of the Drums post office in Luzerne County.

There were scant other clues: In the back of the book was a manila library envelope, with a checkout card that read, Jessica, 5/26/82. There was also a handwritten note: Please return to Mrs. Wilbur in 5 days, with the 5 underlined twice.

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The careful emphasis on the five-day loan apparently didnt have much of an impact, because the book was returned last week, roughly 43 years late. NBC New York first reported its return.

Brave, the librarian at the Tenafly, N.J. elementary school, was delighted by the books journey. She doesnt charge fines for overdue books anyway, unless a child loses one entirely and it needs to be replaced. But here Jumanji was, fully intact.

I dont know that many people who would find a book after so long and go to the trouble, she said. I would like to thank them.

The only question was who to thank. Who was Jessica, and had she sent the package? If not, who did?

Brave enlisted the students of Stillman in the search, creating an evidence wall connected by yarn (very technical, very advanced, high crime, she explained) in the library. The map features a Stillman staff photo from 1982, the year of the ill-fated checkout; a copy of the obituary of Marie L. Wilbur, Stillmans former librarian, who wrote the ignored date due note; and the address of the Western Union in Sugarloaf, Pa., where the $40 money order was purchased.

Brave and the students found that there were five Jessicas enrolled at Stillman in 1982. They may end up investigating each one, though they also want to respect the privacy of the person who mailed it.

Perhaps in a quest for evidence, kids are now asking to read Jumanji with such interest, said Gayle Lander, Stillmans principal. Published in 1981, just a year before it was checked out from the Stillman school library (almost) forever, Jumanji tells the story of two bored kids who stumble upon a mysterious board game and dont follow the instructions, unintentionally summoning chaos.

Its kind of a cautionary tale about reading directions, about following instructions, and what can go wrong if you dont, Brave said ominously.

The teachers and students hope someone will come forward to claim responsibility for the late book, only so that they can be thanked properly.

Youre not in trouble, Brave said.
Shown is a display of French Germany and Spanish wines at a Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits in Flourtown, Pa., Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Read more

Hi, Lower Merion! 

May has finally arrived, and with it, celebrations for Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. This week, we take a look at what Lower Merion residents prefer when it comes to alcohol purchases. Plus, we delve into what the potential SEPTA cuts could mean for your commute time and share details on a new eatery opening in Suburban Square.

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As always, let us know if you have feedback. Are we missing something? Should we add a section? What community events or groups should we keep an eye on? You can tell us by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Montgomery County had the third-highest volume of alcohol sales in the state from July 2023 to June 2024, a new Inquirer report found. In total, Pennsylvanians spent $2.53 billion on 156 million units of alcohol at Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores during that time.

Of that, 15.6 million units were sold in Montco, putting it just behind Allegheny (20.7 million) and Philadelphia (18.5 million) Counties and well ahead of Bucks (10.8 million), Chester (7.5 million) and Delaware (6.4 million) Counties.

Overall, Lower Merion residents showed a preference for wine, but the amount and overall alcohol preferences varied by community. Here are a few takeaways:

In Ardmore, nearly 309,000 bottles of wine and 159,000 units of liquor were sold. In Bryn Mawr, over 117,000 bottles of wine and nearly 69,000 units of liquor were sold, with Montezuma tequila being a big hit. In Narberth, over 148,000 bottles of wine were purchased, but customers were most loyal to the Titos brand when it comes to purchasing alcohol overall.

See your zip codes alcohol consumption and what wine and liquors were the most popular here.

 Community News

 Schools Briefing

Bala Cynwyd Middle School Principal Jeffrey Hunter is stepping down at the end of this academic year to take the same role at his alma mater, Holland Middle School, in the Council Rock School District. Rock the Block will take place on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at Black Rock Middle School, giving current eighth grade students at all Lower Merion schools a chance to meet their future classmates.

 On our Plate

From-scratch, seasonal eatery Dig is coming to Suburban Square. The company confirmed to The Inquirer that it has signed a 1,785-square-foot lease  the same size as HipCityVegs former outpost there. Dig plans to open at the Ardmore shopping center this summer. Local eateries Johnnys Pizza in Bryn Mawr and Mamas Pizzeria in Bala Cynwyd have two of the best cheesesteaks in the region. See why The Inquirers food team picked them.

 Things to Do

 Heathers: Missed last months screening? Theres another chance to catch the iconic 80s flick.  Thursday, May 1, 7:15 p.m.  $16.25 for adults, $13.75 for seniors, and $11.75 for children  Bryn Mawr Film Institute

 Faces and Places in Uzbekistan: From Desert Silk Road Cities to Modern Advancements: This monthlong exhibit features 26 photographs and five poems.  Thursday, May 1-30  Free  Gladwyne Library

 NarbEarth Day: Find eco-friendly goods, swap kids clothing, toys, puzzles, plants, and household goods, shop the librarys sale and enjoy live music.  Saturday, May 3, noon-4 p.m. Rain date: Sunday, May 4  Free  Narberth Park

 Ardmore Spring Fest: Now in its second year, the event features food, live music, local artists and activities for kids.  Saturday, May 3, noon-6 p.m.  Free  Schauffele Plaza

 Bingo Night Fundraiser: Play 10 rounds of bingo, hear jokes from comedian Mr. Keith, and tunes from a local band at this BYOB benefit for the Belmont Hills Library.  Saturday, May 3, 7-10 p.m.  $35 for a single ticket, $60 for couple tickets  Belmont Hills Fire Co.

 Spring Cocktail Party & Auction: Enjoy hors doeuvres, dessert, a raffle, and silent auction at this 21-and-over benefit for the Gladwyne Library.  Sunday, May 4, 5-7 p.m.  $125  The Deaconess House

 Music for Minis: Suburban Square kicks off its monthlong program for children, complete with music and stories.  Wednesday, May 7, 10 a.m.  Free  Suburban Square

 Mothers Day Crafternoon: Children can craft a card for mom or the other special people in their lives.  Wednesday, May 7, 3-5 p.m.  Free  Gladwyne Library

 On the Market

This four-bedroom center hall Colonial in Wynnewood was built in 1923 but has been updated for 21st century living. It boasts a modern chefs kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a sunroom, plus a large mudroom with custom built-ins. For all its updates, the home retains historic charm thanks to formal living and dining rooms, both complete with crown molding. Other features include an expansive primary suite with a double vanity, walk-in shower and two closets, plus a walkout lower level and an outdoor electrical vehicle charging port.

Price: $1.35M | Size: 4,189 SF | Acreage: .27

Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com.

 Lower Merion market report

Median listing price: $799,000 (down $176,000 from February)  Median sold price: $731,000 (down $183,000 from February)  Median days on the market: 25 (down four days from February) 

This Lower Merion market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for March from realtor.com.

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Mrs. Seder spent much of her childhood in Frankford and Kensington. Read more

Jean Seder, 102, of Gwynedd, Montgomery County, author, journalist, historian, poet, conservationist, social activist, and volunteer, died Thursday, Feb. 6, of age-associated decline at Foulkeways at Gwynedd senior living center.

A resident of Frankford when she was young, a lifelong Philadelphia historian, and a tireless researcher, Mrs. Seder wrote the award-winning Voices of Kensington: Vanishing Mills, Vanishing Neighborhoods in 1982.

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The 84-page book features 17 poignant oral histories of men and women who, between 1920 and 1960, lived near and worked in her fathers Craftex textile mill in Kensington. Their life stories  triumphant and tragic, and rendered poetic through Mrs. Seders lyrical transcriptions  connected with readers, and the book was celebrated for its depth and significance in local history.

The Daily News published full-page excerpts from the book in a three-part series in April 1982, and she went on to appear at readings and public panel discussions for years. I didnt mean it as a scholarly thing, she told the Daily News in 1982. I wanted to show what people were like. Theyre not that way today. These kinds of people are just sort of disappearing. When they retire, thats the end.

Mrs. Seder wrote eight more books, including 1985s Voices of Another Time and 1988s A Certain Tract of Land. She also penned poetry, childrens novels, freelance stories for the Daily News and other publications, and a regular column for the Times Chronicle in Jenkintown for seven years.

The Inquirer, Daily News, and other publications chronicled her writing and conservation work, and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia recognized Voices of Kensington as the best nonfiction book of 1983. She loved researching in the archives, said her daughter Susan. She could spend hours in the library.

One woman said that when she was in trouble, she would knock on her neighbors door, and the neighbor would come running over. Now she said she doesnt know her neighbor. That closeness and that helping is gone. Mrs. Seder in 1982 about a Kensington resident

Mrs. Seder noticed nuance in everyday details. In 1981, she wrote a story called Panes of Christmas for the Daily News. She said: When the holidays come, the windows of Kensington blossom.  Its as if the front window is the housewifes greeting to the street, her affirmation that a decent family lives in the house.

In 1985, the Daily News published her poem Now Everything Rests Until Spring. It begins with: Now everything rests until spring/Last night the cold set in/The goldfish cling together, heavy and low/In the icy pond/Indifferent to the food I throw them.

She was a founding member of the Wyncote chapter of the National Audubon Society, and A Certain Tract of Land was inspired by her determination to save and maintain the Crosswicks Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Abington Township. She detailed the 20-acre propertys history and environmental significance in the 75-page book, and told The Inquirer in 1988: Im not anti-development.  Im just saying lets be intelligent about it.

Jean Agnes Blum was born Aug. 30, 1922, in Philadelphia. Her father was an author, journalist, and painter as well as a business owner, and she followed in his literary footsteps.

Abington has little pockets, and we need to preserve them. ... Crosswicks is just a symbol of what we need to do. ... Developers and environmentalists need to work together. Mrs. Seder in 1988

She went to Frankford High School, enjoyed summers with family in New Hampshire, and graduated from Abington Friends School. She earned a bachelors degree in English at Bryn Mawr College and a masters degree in English literature at Temple University, and briefly considered a teaching career.

She married Simmon Seder, and they had daughters Susan and Jennifer and a son, Jeffrey. They lived in Philadelphia, Elkins Park, and Jenkintown. Her husband died in 1991.

Mrs. Seder protested the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s, and immersed herself in community life wherever she was. She was restless, always out and about, her daughter Susan said. She pushed herself and was about achieving results.

She married Benjamin Asia in the mid-1990s and lived in Seattle for a few years. He died about 25 years ago, and she moved to Foulkeways.

Mrs. Seder liked making crafts when her children were young and later walking her rescue dogs in nearby parks. She taught high school English for a few years and volunteered as a teachers aide at the Family School of Phoenix while visiting family there. She especially enjoyed show-and-tell.

She loved birds and dogs, and, at 102, could still recite dozens of poems and Shakespeare sonnets. She often asked family and friends: Do you want a poem? They always said yes.

Her daughter Susan said: She was a presence.

In addition to her children, Mrs. Seder is survived by six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and other relatives. A granddaughter, a sister, and a brother died earlier.

A celebration of her life is to be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Foulkeways at Gwynedd, 1120 Meetinghouse Rd., Gwynedd, Pa. 19436.

Donations in her name may be made to the Liberty Bird Alliance, 1212 Edge Hill Rd., Abington, Pa. 19001; PETA, 501 Front St., Norfolk, Va. 23510; and the Family School of Phoenix, 1127 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Ariz. 85007.
The tobacco industry has conscripted small retailers into its billion-dollar industry to recruit a new generation of youth for nicotine products, Andy Tan writes. Read more

On a middle school students roughly mile-long walk to her school in North Philadelphia, she passed 16 tobacco retailers. This did not occur by chance. It is a predatory strategy by the tobacco industry, which spends $8.6 billion annually  nearly $1 million every hour  on advertising and marketing, with most of the money flowing to retailers that then target children.

City Councils health committee is now considering a bill to increase penalties for retailers that sell e-cigarettes and unapproved nicotine products to underage youth. This is long overdue. We must recognize whats really at stake: Its the health of our citys most vulnerable young people vs. Big Tobaccos attempts to hook a new generation on tobacco products.

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The tobacco industrys playbook is clear. For decades, it has concentrated its promotions on retailers in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, creating places where youth cannot avoid tobacco exposure.

In our city, 90% of public schools sit within 1,000 feet of a tobacco retailer  far above the national urban average of 63%. The high density of retailers is even more pronounced in lower-income neighborhoods, where tobacco sellers far exceed those in more affluent areas.

The consequences are devastating for certain groups. In 2023, 18.5% of Philadelphia high school students reported using e-cigarettes, which entice young users with fruity, sweet, and cooling tastes.

Some groups use these products at even higher rates: 21.4% of female students, 20.3% of Hispanic or Latino students, a shocking 32.5% of multiracial students, and 24% of LGBTQ students currently use these products.

How are these young people getting their hands on e-cigarettes despite the federal Tobacco 21 law prohibiting sales to anyone under 21? Its the retail stores. National data from 2022 show that more than 40% of e-cigarette users aged 15-20 obtained their products directly from retail stores.

This represents an important fact: Retailers are, knowingly or not, participating in Big Tobaccos predatory practices to the detriment of our young people in Philadelphia. These illegal sales continue because the current penalty of $250 is not enough to deter retailers.

Bill 250213, introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad, would start fines at $250 for first offenses and raise them to $2,000 for subsequent violations. Repeat offenders could lose their ability to sell tobacco products or be required to cease operations altogether.

Retailer associations might argue that these penalties are too harsh on small-business owners. But consider that tobacco companies fund retailer associations to oppose public health policies like this one.

The industry has conscripted small retailers into its billion-dollar marketing machinery, using them as foot soldiers to recruit a new generation of youth for nicotine products.

The bills approach is both practical and equitable. Half the collected fines would go to fund youth vaping prevention and education programs. Such efforts help bolster young peoples resistance against Big Tobaccos predatory marketing.

The bill also emphasizes retailer accountability rather than penalizing youth possession and use, avoiding the trap of unfair policing in communities of color.

To ensure success, the Public Health Departments enforcement officers must prepare retailers before implementing this law. This would include giving educational materials to retailers translated into various languages well before the enforcement period.

It also means monitoring violations to prevent discriminatory enforcement in lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Finally, officers must ensure that communities with the highest youth tobacco use rates receive adequate enforcement resources.

The tobacco industry has had decades of experience to perfect its strategy of targeting vulnerable populations through retail environments.

It knows that youth who often visit convenience stores have 80% higher odds of starting to vape over two years because they often see e-cigarette ads there.

It also knows that paying store owners to post tobacco ads on their storefronts and within their stores  particularly in neighborhoods where stores that accept SNAP and WIC benefits are commonly located  creates a pipeline of new youth users.

Its time for Philadelphia to fight back. Bill 250213 represents more than increased fines for retailers  its a declaration that we will no longer allow the tobacco industry to recruit our youth to be its lifelong customers. Teens should not have to view wall-to-wall tobacco ads designed to attract them with candy- and fruit-flavored e-cigarettes. Every corner store owner should not have to choose between the irresistible profits from Big Tobacco and the health of their neighbors children.

Andy Tan is a senior fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and an associate professor in the University of Pennsylvanias Annenberg School for Communication. He also directs Penns Health Communication Equity Lab.
Crozer-Chester Medical Center is just the latest for-profit hospital to close in Pennsylvania, writes the Editorial Board. In the past year, three for-profit hospitals and 11 nursing homes either closed or went bankrupt. Read more

The closing of Crozer-Chester Medical Center is a travesty that will ultimately harm Delaware County residents  all while the private equity firm that lined its pockets as it ran the venerable hospital into the ground walks away.

Make no mistake, the expected closure Friday of Crozer-Chester will devastate the surrounding community.

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Delaware County will lose its largest teaching hospital, primary trauma care facility, and its only burn treatment center. Taylor Hospital, a separate 107-bed acute care facility in Ridley Park owned by the same private equity firm, closed on Saturday.

More than 2,600 employees will lose their jobs. Tens of thousands of patients will have to travel farther to seek treatment, while many vulnerable residents without cars may forgo basic care. It is not hyperbole to point out that some people may die because of the increased distance required to get help  especially in an emergency.

On average, Crozer admitted 19,000 patients and treated 53,000 emergency room patients every year. Another 1,700 babies were delivered.

Crozer is just the latest for-profit hospital to close in Pennsylvania. In the past year, three for-profit hospitals and 11 nursing homes either closed or went bankrupt.

There were efforts to save Crozer, which traces its roots back to 1893.

The state, county, and a nonprofit foundation funded largely by the sale of Crozer and charged with supporting the health of Delaware County residents, provided a combined $50 million to keep the hospital running.

Penn Medicine provided another $5 million, as Gov. Josh Shapiros office, local elected officials, and area healthcare providers had numerous meetings in search of a buyer or long-term solution to keep the hospital operating.

In the end, the blame for the demise of Crozer and Taylor Hospital rests squarely on Prospect Medical Holdings, a for-profit healthcare company owned by the California-based private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners.

Prospect purchased Crozer in 2016. The company then engaged in years of mismanagement and neglect, according to a 2024 lawsuit filed by then-Attorney General Michelle Henry.

The shoddy operations resulted in the closing of Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Springfield Hospital in 2022. Along the way, the company diverted millions to private investors and set up a dubious real estate leaseback arrangement that cost the hospital an additional $35 million a year, according to the suit.

As Crozer spiraled into bankruptcy, the private equity investors got rich, a U.S. Senate report found. A separate 2020 report by ProPublica found that Prospect Medicals private equity investors pocketed $400 million in dividends and fees over several years, while the CEO made $128 million.

State lawmakers from Delaware County called on Attorney General Dave Sunday to petition the bankruptcy court to claw back the money that was used to keep Crozer afloat. The lawmakers asked Sunday to open a criminal investigation into Prospects current and former owners.

Sunday, a York County Republican who was elected in November, sent a meekly worded letter to the Delaware County delegation that said the next legal phase was seeking relief for the harms caused by the closure. He said he would pursue an investigation if a legal tool is available.

Sunday added that he was praying for the elected officials and their constituents.

A vital resource that has been part of the fabric of Delaware County for more than a century has imploded. Jobs have been lost, and lives are at stake. Possible misdeeds and mismanagement appear to be the cause.

Taxpayers in Delaware County need more than prayers from the states top law enforcement official.

Going forward, elected officials and area healthcare providers should continue to meet and explore ways to bring back Crozer.

Lawmakers in Harrisburg also need to take substantive steps to stop private equity firms from strip-mining hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. During his recent budget address, Shapiro called for more oversight and transparency of for-profit firms that own healthcare facilities.

He explained the harm caused by many private equity firms in a nutshell: They buy up hospitals and healthcare facilities, line their pockets by stripping money and resources from those facilities, and then they compromise care. Then in many cases, they skip town, leaving taxpayers holding the bag, and communities without the care and services they need.

Crozer is the latest victim. Until lawmakers act, it will not be the last.
Chester County voters will not have the opportunity to vote for their partys nominees for prothonotary after local officials mistakenly left the position off Mays primary ballot.

The row office position is responsible for processing various civil court documents. It should have been on the 2025 ballot for Chester County residents after the Democratic incumbent, Debbie Bookman, resigned in October.

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Bookman resigned amid allegations she misused a government credit card after being elected to a second term in 2023, according to the West Chester Daily Local News. According to state law, an appointed prothonotary would fill Bookmans role until voters could decide on a replacement in the November 2025 election. The replacement would serve the remainder of Bookmans term and the office would be back on the ballot in 2027.

However, Chester County officials neglected to include the position on the list of offices up for election and did not realize their mistake until after the filing deadlines for primary candidates had passed, according to David Byerman, Chester Countys chief executive officer.

As a result, the Chester County commissioners agreed last week to allow the Republican and Democratic Party committees in the county to use their own endorsement processes to select candidates to appear on the general election ballot in November.

The process, Byerman said, is the same process used for unexpected vacancies in municipal offices.

This was a good-faith mistake, and mistakes sometimes happen, Byerman said. Whats as important is what happens next. We have worked to rectify this situation with integrity and fairness, and were on track to have a democratically elected successor this fall.
Librarian Robert Schmalbach shows off Norristown banner in the Library at Norristown Area High School in this 2019 file photo. Read more

Two Norristown Area School Board members are launching a write-in campaign for reelection in hopes of retaining Latino representation in a school district whose student body is half Latino.

Board president Chris Jaramillo and board member Tessi Ruiz announced their campaign for the May 20 primary election Wednesday evening, months after local Democrats refused to endorse the incumbents for reelection and the candidates were subsequently removed from the ballot following legal challenges to their petitions.

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Earlier this year, the Democratic committee in Norristown, East Norriton, and West Norriton voted to endorse a slate of newcomers and party leader Bill Caldwell for the five open school board positions.

If the slate, currently the only candidates on the ballot for either party, is elected in November, the school board would lose all of its Latino representation.

As reports spread of immigration detainments in Norristown and the rest of the Philadelphia area, Jaramillo said, it is essential for Latino students and parents in the district to have representatives who share their culture and experiences.

Democrats in Norristown, he said, have failed to adequately denounce President Donald Trumps policies on immigration.

Theyre not speaking out against these issues that are impacting the community we serve, Jaramillo said in an interview. Its important that we continue to push for this write-in ballot for everyone in the community because this representation is crucial.

Jaramillo has insisted that local Democrats dropped their support of him and Ruiz solely because they voted last year to reject a tax abatement for an affordable housing development in Norristown. The project received support from Norristown and Montgomery County leaders, and an executive at the development firm was a large donor to Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery), who represents the area.

Jaramillo said Thursday that the party chose to target himself and Ruiz, and sacrifice us for their benefit.

The situation echoed allegations that have plagued the Montgomery County Democratic Party in recent years of a culture that stifles dissent.

In an interview last month, Caldwell said the tax abatement was a factor in his refusal to support Jaramillos reelection bid. But he called it an example of broad concerns about Jaramillos leadership of the board and growing tensions between the school board and other local leaders.

In addition to his role leading the local Democratic committee, Caldwell is a former Norristown supervisor and a first deputy in the Montgomery County Treasurers Office, led by Jason Salus, the county party chair.

Caldwell did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Jaramillo and Ruizs write-in bid.

Latino leaders in Norristown were frustrated by the local partys refusal to support Jaramillo and Ruiz, arguing the party had ignored the needs of Latino students and parents. Jaramillo and Ruiz, they said, had been instrumental in representing Latino families on the board and ensuring their voices were heard. Those voices, they said, would be especially important as the Trump administration increases immigration enforcement across the country, spreading fear through the community.

At a time when our Latino community is under attack it is imperative Jaramillo and Ruiz are re-elected. This is an equity and justice issue, Stephanie Vincent, lead organizer for Community for Change, said in a news release announcing the campaign. Vincents organization is backing the write-in effort.

In addition to Caldwell, local Democrats backed Cynthia Davenport, a retired multicultural marketing consultant and current substitute teacher; Terell Dale, an engineer; Jeremiah Lemke, a former school principal in North Philadelphia who currently works for an education nonprofit; and Jordan Alexander, a community activist.

In an interview last month, Caldwell said the slate would advocate for Latino students and was a diverse group of candidates.

Were Black, were white, were LGBTQ. We do come from a background where we get being not the majority in a room, he said.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner holds up a campaign T-shirt with the slogan F*** AROUND AND FIND OUT, after announcing his run for a third term Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. The slogan also appears in his campaign's first TV ad of the race. Read more

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is airing his first television advertisement with less than three weeks until primary election day, doubling down on his effort to portray himself as the citys chief opponent of President Donald Trump.

The commercial, which was set to begin airing this week on cable networks and streaming services across the city, both touts the citys decreasing homicide rate and aims to nationalize the local race.

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For seven years, I have stood up for Philadelphia, Krasner says in the ad, while walking through Philadelphia neighborhoods. Some people dont like that. Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies, the shooting groups and the gun lobby, the old system that denied people justice for too long.

He then repeats what has become something of a campaign slogan: They can come for Philly, but Im not backing down. They can F around and find out.

The ad marks a critical moment for Krasners campaign ahead of the May 20 election as he tries to fend off Democratic primary challenger Patrick Dugan, a former judge. While Krasners campaign believes he holds a wide advantage in name recognition, Dugan has amassed support from some of the citys most deep-pocketed labor unions and has raised significantly more money that Krasner.

That financial cushion helped Dugan to begin airing television commercials more than two weeks ago, allowing him to own the airwaves as more voters tune into the race ahead of election day. His campaign has spent more than $200,000 on television advertising thus far, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact. Spending figures were not yet available for Krasners campaign.

 READ MORE: Philly DA challenger Patrick Dugan frames himself as the real reformer in first TV ad of the campaign

Dugans campaign is currently running two commercials. The first introduces Dugan to voters, framing him as the real reformer in a subtle jab at Krasner, the progressive who is seen as a leader in the nations reformist prosecutor movement.

The second ad features Dugan, a more moderate Democrat, suggesting that the two-term Krasner is not the man for the moment.

Ive seen up close our district attorney fail to bring real reform or make us safe, Dugan says in that ad. Now he wants us to believe he can take on Trump? Get real.

 READ MORE: Patrick Dugan wants to cap his military and judicial career by becoming Phillys top prosecutor. Can he win?

The ads come as Trumps approval ratings have sagged and elected Democrats have faced calls from voters to stand up to the administration. Trump has been a central figure in other campaigns, including the nationally watched New Jersey governors race.

Krasner has long been a vocal critic of Trump, and he made clear from the launch of his campaign that he intended to make the president core to his reelection bid. Krasner has said often that he is a democracy advocate in addition to district attorney, and has vowed to use his prosecutorial power to stand up for groups he believes are being marginalized by the administration.

The campaigns 30-second ad features headlines about how Krasner has protected democracy, including a New York Times article about a lawsuit he filed against Elon Musk, the billionaire Trump adviser. It doesnt mention that the lawsuit was later thrown out by a judge.

 READ MORE: DA Larry Krasner says Philly is safer and freer as he seeks a third term. Will voters buy in?

The commercial also touches on local issues, opening with Krasner saying he has worked to lower crime as a headline about the citys declining homicide rate last year flashes across the screen.

Philadelphia saw record-high levels of gun violence in recent years while Krasner was also in office, but the city in 2024 experienced its largest annual decline in homicides in at least 50 years. Lower rates of shootings and homicides have continued through this year.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks to demonstrators during a May Day rally outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Thursday, May 1, 2025. Read more

Sen. Bernie Sanders made an appeal to Pennsylvania lawmakers at a May Day rally outside of City Hall on Thursday.

Im here in Pennsylvania to tell any member of the Pennsylvania delegation that if they vote for tax breaks for billionaires and cut Medicaid, nutrition, and education, we are going to throw them out of their jobs, Sanders (I., Vt.) said to a roaring crowd at the rally organized by the Philadelphia AFL-CIO.

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The former presidential candidates Thursday appearance For the Workers, Not the Billionaires May Day Rally was the first of a three-day swing through Pennsylvania as he tours the country on his Fighting Oligarchy tour.

Tall white signs on each side of the stage said For the people, not the billionaires, and billionaires are defunding our lives, with images of money with flames around it.

Sanders has been delivering speeches around the country in opposition to President Donald Trumps agenda, drawing large crowds. His Philadelphia appearance comes on a particularly significant day for the labor movement.

Sanders said May Day, a day when organized labor groups hold rallies across the globe for workers rights, is a sacred holiday.

All over the world, in dozens of countries, workers are standing up to oligarchy and demanding a world in which all people have a decent standard of living, he said to cheers.

The independent senator who caucuses with Democrats praised the work of the trade union movement over the years that he said fought against child labor, long work weeks, and dangerous working conditions, and helped lead to the creation of overtime pay, Social Security, and Medicare.

May Day as you know was established way back in 1886 and workers then stood up to the very powerful forces and said, You know what? We dont want to be slaves. We dont want to work 60, 70 hours a week. We want an eight-hour day, said Sanders, who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2016 and 2020.

He said theres still work to be done to address workforce discrimination and collective bargaining rights. He called for Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would allow more workers to unionize, and said there are millions of workers who want to join unions but cant because of illegal behavior of corporations.

If we are going to build the movement that we need to take power in this country we need to grow the trade movement in this country, he said.

Sanders spoke for about 20 minutes touching on a range of policies he supports, including raising the minimum wage, providing free public education, Medicare for all, and expanding Social Security. He decried the top 1% of earners in the country and wealth inequality in the country, which hes been speaking about for years.

Chants of Free Palestine could be heard during his speech from outside the rally and one disruptor spoke into a megaphone while sitting on top of a statue throughout Sanders speech, but it was unclear what he was saying.

A couple of people in the crowd held up giant Palestinian flags in front of the stage where Sanders spoke, and an interpreter standing on the stage behind the senator wore a keffiyeh and a shirt that said Free Palestine.

Sanders did not directly address the flags, but he criticized Congress for the amount of military aid it sends to Israel and spoke out against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus role in the war in Gaza.

We can cut military spending and build 5 million units of low-income and affordable housing, he said.

Sanders was critical of Trump, Elon Musk, and other billionaires, and argued that the United States has become an oligarchic society under Trumps administration.

The American people by the millions are saying no to oligarchy, no to Trumps authoritarianism, no to Trumps kleptocracy and no to tax breaks for billionaires, he shouted, and the crowd roared, No! in response.

He also called on Democratic colleagues in Congress to stop defending the status quo.

Nicole Parisano, 29, a Philadelphia resident who works as a data analyst at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, agrees with that sentiment.

Dressed up in a red cloak and bonnet depicting women in The Handmaids Tale, a look activists have embraced to advocate for abortion rights, Parisano said Democratic leadership in Congress needs to do more to resist Trump.

She said its an honor that Sanders chose to be in Philadelphia for May Day and that it was a fitting choice because of the rich American history in the city.

I just hope that we can, like, live up to the Founding Fathers and reclaim our freedoms from the corrupt government, she added.

Sanders also alluded to Pennsylvanias history in his speech.

All of us remember that when Abraham Lincoln was in Gettysburg, right here in Pennsylvania, and he looked out at a battlefield where a few days before 20,000 Union soldiers had died or been wounded, he said.

And he looked out and he said, Our vision for the future of America is a government of the people, by the people and for the people, he said, as the crowd spoke the phrase aloud with him.
Bruce Springsteen (left) and Stevie Van Zandt play onstage during a concert in Phoenix in 2024. Van Zandt endorsed U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer in the New Jersey governor's race on Wednesday night. Read more

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer is a fan of Bruce Springsteen  so much so that he shared a fake Spotify Wrapped to prove it. It turns out Springsteens guitarist Stevie Van Zandt is a fan of Gottheimer.

Gottheimer, a Democrat from Bergen County, is a moderate candidate running in a six-person primary for New Jersey governor. The June 10 election is highly competitive and all six Democratic candidates are seen as having a path to victory.

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Van Zandt, a longtime member of Springsteens E Street Band, endorsed Gottheimer at a gathering of Bergen County Democrats at Sanzaris, an Italian restaurant in New Milford, Wednesday evening.

You know me well enough to know I would never steer you wrong, Van Zandt said, according to a transcript of his remarks. This is the guy thats going to keep whats best in Jersey and guide our state to be even better in the future, the next governor of New Jersey, Josh Gottheimer.

Van Zandt has a full resume as a musician, producer, and actor, which includes playing Silvio Dante on The Sopranos and creating and starring in Netflixs Lilyhammer. And he grew up in Middletown, N.J.

But Van Zandts connection to Springsteen as a guitarist, producer, and backup vocalist is particularly resonant for Gottheimer, who has tried to make his admiration for Springsteen a facet of his public persona.

Gottheimer walked out to Springsteens Glory Days when he launched his gubernatorial run in November. His dog is named Rosalita  Rosie for short  after a Springsteen song. His campaign website says that, starting when he was a kid, he catches a Springsteen show every chance he gets.

Gottheimer has spent time with Van Zandt before, posting a photo with him in September when Springsteen and the E Street Band performed in Asbury Park.

But Gottheimer also had a bit of a PR nightmare (albeit a silly one) surrounding the Boss in December.

Gottheimer joined the chorus of Spotify listeners sharing their Wrapped results, a report compiled by the music streaming platform that highlights listening patterns.

His top five songs were all by Bruce Springsteen  or so he wanted us to think.

No surprises here  he posted on X. Fun fact: My first ever concert was at Meadowlands to see The Boss!

But Gottheimers Spotify Wrapped looked a bit different from everyone elses. The font, spacing, and resolution were off.

Thats because it wasnt real.

Gottheimer later admitted to posting an altered report because he shares his Spotify with his kids, and shook it off as a fun holiday post.

This would be my Spotify Wrapped if I didnt share my account with my 12- and 15-year-old kids, he said in a statement to NJ Advance Media at the time. While its Springsteen all day for me  dont get me wrong, I still love listening to Taylor Swift!

His real Spotify Wrapped, obtained by The Inquirer, did list Bruce Springsteen as his No. 1 artist. His No. 1 song, however, was by Billy Joel, with Springsteens Shes the One at No. 3.

Swift, another celebrity Democratic backer, fell to No. 5 with Joel, Drake, and Travis Scott before her.

 READ MORE: This New Jersey representative faked his Spotify Wrapped. We have his real report.

Springsteen has long supported Democrats, and Van Zandt told the Times, a British newspaper, that their band lost some of its U.S. fan base as a result. Springsteen has not made an endorsement in the New Jersey governors race.

Springsteen endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in last years presidential election and performed at an October musical rally for her in Philadelphia that was also attended by former President Barack Obama and musician John Legend.

Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, declared Sept. 23 as Bruce Springsteen Day in April 2023. Former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, is also a big Springsteen fan despite their political differences. On one occasion, Christie obsessively tweeted from a Springsteen concert at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick greets farmers as he arrives at the Martin Family Dairy Farm near Myerstown in Lebanon County Monday, Apr. 14, 2025. Read more

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) is investing in bitcoin as the Senate Banking Committee, on which he sits, is mulling legislation on cryptocurrency regulation.

The freshman Republican senator spent anywhere from $505,000 to about $1.1 million in crypto purchases, along with several million in state or municipal bonds, according to financial disclosure reports. Federal ethics guidelines require senators to disclose within 30 days the purchase or sale of any stock, bond or other security.

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The rules dont require the disclosure of exact dollar value, just a value range for each trade.

McCormick, a former CEO of Bridgewater, the worlds largest hedge fund, logged 15 trades between February and the end of March, all of which were purchased on Bitwise Bitcoin ETF, a managed cryptocurrency index fund.

McCormicks investments have concerned some government ethics advocates, but the senators team said he is following the rules.

Senator McCormicks investments are consistent with Senate ethics rules and financial disclosure requirements, a McCormick spokesperson said.

His investments come as the Senates committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs considers bipartisan legislation introduced in February that would provide a regulatory framework for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that is backed up by a hard investment, like fiat currency or gold.

The legislation called the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which has been heavily lobbied for by bitcoin traders, would require issuers in the U.S. to back up stablecoins with reserves of U.S. dollars, among other regulatory changes aimed at stabilizing the notoriously volatile crypto market.

McCormick is also a member of a related Subcommittee on Digital Assets, which had its first hearing at the end of February. During that hearing, McCormicks line of questioning focused on the United States role in this technology and benefits of stablecoins and pointed to digital assets and blockchain (best known for recording a digital ledger of crypto transactions) as the next big wave of technological innovation.

Its our job as policymakers to create an environment where that innovation can thrive, while at the same time protecting consumers along the way, McCormick said during the hearing.

Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a watchdog organization, said McCormicks investments show that Senate ethics rules are not strong enough and that his membership on the banking and digital asset committees raised questions about perceived conflicts of interests.

You never want to be in a position where youre questioning whether your senators are acting in the best interest of their constituents or their own bank account, and he is now in a unique position to help his own personal interests, Libowitz said.

McCormicks bitcoin investments are part of a larger trend of Republicans embracing cryptocurrency. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in the first week of his presidency creating a working group on digital assets. He also has his own meme coin.

Former U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) also drew ethical concerns for bitcoin trading. These critiques have led some in Congress to call for legislators to be barred from securities trading altogether.

McCormick, who assumed office in January, campaigned on progressing cryptocurrency and blockchain, writing in a March 2024 op-ed for the Washington Examiner, a conservative news magazine, that they offer America the chance to lead another generation of critical innovation, but policymakers must do their part, or this opportunity will slip away.
Democrat Carol Obando-Derstine, a onetime staffer for former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, launched a campaign Thursday to oust Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie from his seat in Lehigh Valleys 7th Congressional District  a race that could have significant implications for the balance of the U.S. House in the 2026 election.

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, who held the seat for three terms before Mackenzie bested her last November by a single percentage point, endorsed Obando-Derstine, ending speculation about whether Wild would seek a rematch.

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Obando-Derstine, 48, who escaped civil war in her native Colombia with her family when she was 3, has lived in the Lehigh Valley for 22 years.

She is running for Congress, she said, because too many families are being squeezed by a system that puts billionaires and special interests first. She added, I know the struggles our families are facing because Ive lived them.

Obando-Derstine made her official announcement to run Thursday morning in Bethlehem. Along with Wild, Obando-Derstine was joined by Allentown pastor Greg Edwards, who unsuccessfully ran for the same 7th Congressional District seat in 2018.

In a statement of support, Wild said she had the privilege of seeing Carols unwavering dedication to our community up close. Her story  working through school, raising a family here, and fighting for those too often left behind  is the story of our community.  I believe in Carol.

Obando-Derstine worked in constituent outreach for Casey, among other jobs, representing Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon Counties. She also served as a member of former Gov. Tom Wolfs Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.

The mother of two worked for Casey from 2011 to 2016, then joined PPL Electrical Utilities, where she worked as an energy engineer until three weeks ago, when she quit to pursue a run for office.

After leaving Colombia, Obando-Derstines family settled in Passaic, N.J., where her father  who had been a math and science teacher  went to school to study electronics and became a tech worker in a hospital. Her mother was a machine operator in a factory.

My parents sacrificed everything for a shot at the American dream, Obando-Derstine said in an interview Wednesday. They came here  legally  to give me a better life."

Obando-Derstine credited her parents example with pushing her to serve others. She worked for Head Start; ran a food pantry and after-school program; and helped start the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Latinas in Tech, a national nonprofit that works to provide job opportunities and empowerment.

I lived through the struggles my parents had, she said. And I dedicated my life to helping others.

She will need to summon all she has learned to mount a fight for Congress in what will be a gigantically important race, said Christopher Borick, a professor of political science and director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion.

Both national political parties will likely pour a fortune into the race, as they did last year when Wild ran for reelection and Mackenzie flipped the seat for Republicans, he added.

Its a swing district and will be one of the highest-profile races in the 2026 election cycle, as the Democrats try to use the midterms to take back the House, Borick said. Itll be close. When Mackenzie won by a single point in November, his margin of victory was among the smallest among Republican candidates.

Wasting little time to criticize her potential opponent, Obando-Derstine likened Mackenzie to a bobblehead doll for Elon Musk and Donald Trump in a statement she released Thursday.

Mackenzie, she continued, has supported their plans that could cut Medicare and Social Security, and repeatedly voted for abortion bans with no exceptions. Im running to fight for the people of this district and working families like the one I grew up in.

Mackenzies campaign responded by hitting both Wild and Obando-Derstine in a statement, saying the candidate will be Wilds puppet:

The sad truth that has been exposed is that Obando-Derstine is running to carry on Wilds radical left agenda that caused the worst inflation in decades, disastrous open-border policies, failed foreign policy, and woke mandates.

Before the general election, Obando-Derstine must face at least one opponent in the Democratic primary in May 2026: Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, who took office in 2018 after serving on the county council from 2006 to 2013.

McClure will be a formidable rival, Borick said, because he is a veteran of several elections.

Still, Obando-Derstine believes she has the breadth of experience to handle the responsibilities of Congress.

If you keep listening to the concerns people have, thats where you get your momentum to run for office, she said. If you show youre organized, serious, and caring, people will support you.
This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governors mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. Read more

Lesley and Tommy Ridge were nosy kids growing up in Pennsylvanias governors residence in the 1990s.

The two children of former Gov. Tom Ridge would often peek their heads into the governors reception room when they got home from school to see which event their father was hosting.

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And on one particular day in 1999, who but Fred Rogers  known to the world as Mr. Rogers, visiting the mansion to accept an award  would wave them into the stately room, invite them to sit down at the piano, and teach the Ridge children how to play his iconic theme song, Wont You Be My Neighbor?

Lesley Ridge, 39, still remembers how to play the song more than 25 years later. She was reminded of the special moment with Rogers  as well as the countless hours she spent playing that piano from ages 9 through 16  when she saw the same instrument charred and destroyed in harrowing images of the governors residence after an arson attack there last month. While Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside the mansion after hosting a Seder on the first night of Passover, a man broke into the residence and started several fires.

 READ MORE: The arson at Gov. Josh Shapiros mansion erupted within minutes. The impact lingers.

Cody Balmer, 38, was charged with attempted homicide, terrorism, and other crimes in the attack on the home of Pennsylvanias governor, for whom police said Balmer was harboring a hatred. Balmers family has said he was experiencing a mental health crisis.

The governors residence hadnt just been a historic residence for my family. It was truly our home, said Lesley Ridge, who lived in the mansion with her family for years. Seven other first families have also called the Harrisburg residence home. Now knowing and learning that the fire affected, for me, some of the most personal spaces, you just felt like you lost a piece of the past in that moment.

The arson attack has led all of Pennsylvanias five living former governors and six first ladies  Republicans and Democrats alike  to team up to raise money to restore the historic home, completed in 1968.

 READ MORE: What to know about Gov. Josh Shapiros mansion where an arsonist set fire

The former governors and first ladies will host a private fundraiser at the governors residence on Monday in hopes of raising money toward the approximately $500,000 in repairs the residence will need that are not covered by insurance, said former Gov. Ed Rendell, who lived in the mansion during his two terms as governor.

Each of the governors  Rendell, Tom Corbett, Tom Wolf, Tom Ridge, and Mark Schweiker  plans to make his own donation to the fund, Rendell added.

We had great memories, and we want to contribute to keeping it up, Rendell, a Democrat, said.

Its impactful when the public sees Democrats and Republicans standing shoulder to shoulder, Rendell added. The group rarely joins forces, he said, but has coalesced to decry political violence, such as the arson at the governors residence, or the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The fundraiser will benefit the Governors Residence Preservation Fund, which is housed in the states public-private partnership, Team Pennsylvania. Team Pennsylvania  and the preservation fund itself  has faced scrutiny because, as a nonprofit rather than a government entity, it does not face the same level of transparency over its funders.

Shapiro has faced criticism for using the private fund to represent Pennsylvania at major sporting events, such as the recent Eagles Super Bowl win.

A spokesperson for the Team Pennsylvania Foundation noted in an email that people can access its Form 990 for public information about its funds, and that the preservation fund plans to publicly thank donors who contribute to the ongoing efforts to restore the residence.

The physical upkeep of the 29,000-square-foot governors residence is largely funded by Pennsylvania taxpayers, but the preservation fund is the source for most of the renovations and furnishings for the first family while they live in the residence, several former governors said.

The fundraiser started to take shape shortly after the arson attack, when Corbett and his wife, former first lady Susan Corbett, began talking about how they could help restore the mansion. Tom Corbett, a Republican who lived in the residence during his four-year term as governor, said they then approached the other governors about ways to replenish the residence preservation fund and help cover the costs to restore the governors reception room that was destroyed in the fire.

Corbett noted the geographic diversity across Pennsylvania that each of the commonwealths former governors brings to their fundraising efforts  Corbett from Pittsburgh, Wolf from York, Ridge from Erie, Schweiker from Levittown, Rendell from Philadelphia. However, he noted that the former leaders, most of whom have almost entirely avoided the spotlight since leaving office, have had to coordinate so that they are not approaching the same big donors.

Can you imagine getting four solicitations from four different governors? Corbett asked, jokingly.

The former governors look back on their time in the residence fondly. For Corbett, it was a quiet cup of coffee on the shaded patio or a peaceful walk after a stressful day. Rendell said he loved to surprise those visiting the residence for public tours as he and his two golden retrievers came down the stairs for the day, as well as grabbing late-night scoops of ice cream directly from the freezer in the residences kitchen, and pranking the press.

Corbett said he is confident their fundraiser will be successful.

We have a generous population in Pennsylvania, and I think people will significantly contribute to that repair, he added.

Shapiro last week hosted his first event back at the residence  the annual Easter egg hunt for preschool students  and has already resumed staying at the mansion.

In a news conference after the Easter egg hunt, Shapiro described the former governors and first ladies as unbelievably supportive, and said the Pennsylvania Department of General Services is working to make the first floor of the residence available for the fundraiser. He hopes for the reception room to be reopened by midsummer.
Nilam Sanghvi, with Pennsylvania Innocence Project, making a statement during press conference held by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner (not shown)at his office after the exoneration of C.J Rice today at Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, 13th and Filbert Street, Philadelphia on Monday, March 18, 2024. The Pennsylvania Innocence Project received a $600,000 cut in funds from the Trump administration last week. Read more

The Trump administration has terminated a three-year, $600,000 grant to the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, which has helped exonerate around 35 people in the state incarcerated for crimes they didnt commit.

The nonprofit learned about the cuts, from funds initially awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, last week.

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In a newly released statement, the Project, with offices in Center City and Pittsburgh, asks potential donors to help the small but mighty organization continue its work.

This was a mistake by the administration, said David Rudovsky, a Philadelphia civil rights attorney who cofounded the project in 2007, and who litigated some of its cases. It will limit the ability of our organization to be able to exonerate innocent people.

Along with the Project, the federal government has cut an estimated $430 billion in the first 100 days of the Trump administration, according to research done by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Around 120,000 federal workers have been laid off or targeted for layoffs from about 30 agencies, according to CNN.

The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment about cuts.

The loss of the $200,000-per-year funding represents a 13% cut in the nonprofits annual budget of $1.5 million, Rudovsky said.

Its unclear how that deficit will be absorbed, he added.

That money had been awarded to the Project at the end of last year, according to the nonprofits statement. It was earmarked to increase the organizations capacity to handle cases under active investigation.

Such grants have helped us to grow the Project into the organization that we are today, and we have a strong track record for securing and managing effective grant-funded work.

The Project has been lauded for righting egregious wrongs, and for helping restore faith in the justice system, said Marissa Boyers Bluestine, an assistant director of the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

She was the Projects original legal director, and was involved in 17 of its exonerations.

Currently, the Project has four staff attorneys, but its worked with numerous lawyers whove pitched it pro bono over the years.

On its website, the Project lists many of the people its helped, a litany of wrongly accused individuals whod spent years in prison without ever having committed the crimes that got them arrested.

Among them was Marshall Hale, who was convicted in 1984 of raping a 14-year-old.

The victim incorrectly identified Hale, then 21, who was sentenced to 33 years in prison.

The Pennsylvania Innocence Project sent the lab reports from Hales case to Larry Presley, the director of the Forensic Science program at Arcadia University and former head of the FBI DNA Analysis Unit.

Presley verified that Hales blood and semen could not have been at the crime scene or in the rape kit gathered shortly after the crime.

Marshall was released in 2017.

There are still cases where investigators get tunnel vision and end up convicting individuals who may be innocent, Presley said in an interview on Thursday. Hes now a professor of criminal justice at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Presley added that hes not sure whether the termination of $600,000 from the Project will ultimately be harmful. But its work will always be needed.

The justice system doesnt always get things right, he said. So, institutions like the Innocence Project make a contribution to truth and justice thats vital.

Staff writer Chris Palmer contributed to this article
Mike Huff, a Democrat running for election for judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court, appears at a candidates forum in March. Read more

A Philadelphia judicial candidate in the May primary has been disqualified, again, amid a legal back-and-forth regarding his residency. But Mike Huff, the candidate hoping to win a spot on the Court of Common Pleas or Municipal Court, has vowed to appeal the decision.

We believe the Commonwealth Courts findings of facts are unsupported by credible evidence on the record and will be appealing this decision back to the PA Supreme Court, Huff said in a statement.

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Huff, a native Philadelphian, lived in Bala Cynwyd with his family for 20 years and maintains full-time employment with the Montgomery County Public Defenders Office. Still, Huff said he had always wanted to move back to the city when his children grew up, having maintained a law office on Race Street; canvassed for local candidates; and represented Philadelphia protesters, encampment occupants and organizers, and fair-housing advocates.

He says he finally moved to Mount Airy in May of last year, deciding on a judicial run after the fact.

Some in the Philadelphia Democratic Party, however, questioned the legitimacy of the residency change because Huffs wife, a Democratic committeeperson in Montgomery County, has continued living in Bala Cynwyd with no plans to join Huff in the city.

In her decision Wednesday, Commonwealth Court Judge Lori A. Dumas went over a slew of factors she considered in the question of whether Mike Huff lives in Philadelphia, including remarkably low electric bills, where the rest of his family lives, and the home to which he appears more permanently attached.

The decision is another blow for the progressive-backed Huff.

In her initial ruling in early April, Dumas focused on a line in the election code that says a married persons residence is where their family lives. In her decision to kick Huff off the ballot, Dumas wrote Huff had to prove that his family intended to make Philadelphia their principal home indefinitely, which he hadnt.

 READ MORE: A Philly judicial candidate was knocked off the ballot because his wife lives in Lower Merion

Huff successfully appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which sent the case back to Dumas for reconsideration last week. The court found the residency issue had not been determined based on the totality of circumstances and said other factors need to be considered, including where a candidate sleeps, whether he leases or rents, and what belongings he keeps at the address.

In Wednesdays decision, Dumas said Huffs utility bills constitute the most telling evidence undermining his purported domicile, with electric bills ranging from $10.35 in May 2024 to a high of $50.90 that July. She said gas bills were similarly negligible, ranging from $2.86 last May to $28.69 in January.

Throughout a residency hearing in late March, Huff emphasized his constant presence at the Mount Airy triplex he lived in and rented out. His upstairs and downstairs neighbors spoke of frequent exchanges, hearing his music, and seeing him perform building maintenance. Yet Dumas said his presence could simply demonstrate the activities any attentive landlord might perform and does not demonstrate any genuine residency. She also noted that she viewed tenant testimonies with a degree of skepticism, given the power dynamics inherent in a landlord-tenant relationship.

Dumas further noted that Huffs testimony claiming he would continue living in Philadelphia even if he lost his elections rang hollow, emphasizing the deep-rooted memories and community connections Huff has in Bala Cynwyd.

Underscoring that deep connection are the facts that his wife lives there, his oldest daughter lives there, his remaining adult children likely return there when home from college, and even his campaign committee uses the Bala Cynwyd address, wrote Dumas.

The Philadelphia Democratic Party, led by Chairman Bob Brady, backed the residency challenge and has previously said it was an effort to protect Democratic candidates.

Hes a nice man, hes a qualified attorney, but hes qualified to run in Montgomery County, said Brady after Huff was first kicked off the ballot.

Neither the party nor Brady was immediately available for comment Wednesday.

The pending appeal does complicate how mail ballots will be sent to voters. City Commissioners had to lock the final list of candidates on ballots and voting machines last week, despite the ongoing legal battles surrounding Huffs candidacy. Commissioners have a statutory deadline of Tuesday to mail the ballots, which have Huffs name on them. The lingering question is whether the candidacy issue will be resolved by then and whether commissioners will have to send a note telling voters Huff is not a candidate.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada speaks before the City Council Committee on Legislative Oversight hearing held at the Museum of the American Revolution on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Philadelphia. She delivered an impassioned speech about Kensington in City Council Thursday during a heated back-and-forth over legislation aimed at regulating mobile service providers in the neighborhood. Read more

A Philadelphia lawmaker who represents the Kensington neighborhood, the site of the citys largest open-air drug market, unloaded on critics of her tough-on-crime approach during an impassioned speech in City Council chambers Thursday, saying those who see her efforts as heartless are operating in bad faith.

At issue was a bill authored by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada that would restrict how some medical providers and volunteer groups serve people in addiction in Kensington. The legislation, which prompted a similarly emotional hearing last year, would require the mobile groups to operate only in areas designated by the city and create a framework for a permitting system.

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After several providers testified in opposition to the legislation Thursday, Lozada delivered a lengthy speech, at times raising her voice and hitting her desk, saying: How dare you organize and tell people lies  without reading the damn bill.

This bill will take people off of peoples sidewalks, she said. I have seniors who are living with people who are unsheltered on their porches and threatened by those individuals if they call police on them. Would you allow that in your house? Would you allow that on your property? Hell, no. Hell, no. So why should my residents?

Lozada, a Democrat, was then backed up by several other members who delivered similarly emotional remarks. Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson told Lozada: You dont have to stand alone in this fight.

And Councilmember Jim Harrity, who represents the city at-large and lives in Kensington, slammed the bills critics, accusing them of implying that Council members dont care about people living in addiction in the neighborhood.

Its utterly ridiculous, he said. We may not always be right, but damn it, were trying. And Im tired of this. I care. Thats why I ran [for office]. I didnt have to run. I live in that neighborhood. I ran because of that neighborhood.

The heated exchange Thursday punctuated a monthslong process to develop regulations for the mobile service providers, which range from nonprofits distributing food to medical professionals and behavioral health organizations providing care.

Lozada introduced minor amendments adding new exemptions to the legislation Thursday, which were approved by a majority of Council. Only Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Nicolas ORourke, both of the progressive Working Families Party, voted against advancing the legislation.

The bill will be up for a final vote next week.

A parade of opponents testified in Council against the bill Thursday, including healthcare professionals and people who favor an approach more centered on harm reduction. One opponent called Lozadas bill anti-religious. Another said the new constraints would render street medicine efforts in Kensington ineffectual.

And a physician for a medical mobile clinic said the bill will ultimately harm our patients.

The proposed legislation would force these people to leave or mobile providers to leave areas in greatest need of outreach and services, effectively isolating an already marginalized population, said Sam Stern, the physician.

For years, a wide range of groups have operated out of vans or buses in Kensington as a means of serving people who are in addiction or living on the street. They say the patchwork mobile system is critical to delivering services, like distributing overdose-reversal drugs, because it allows providers to meet people in need where they are. The city also operates mobile units that offer first aid services in Kensington.

However, the vans and those who operate them have at times rankled neighborhood residents, who say they attract nuisance crime and often leave trash strewn about. Lozada has said her goal is not to reduce the number of mobile units in the neighborhood but to regulate them and to foster better relationships between the groups and other constituents.

Her legislation seeks to address neighborhood complaints by separating the groups into two categories: those that provide medical services and those that do not.

Medical service providers would be allowed to operate only in areas designated by the city. Nonmedical providers  such as groups that distribute free food or other supplies  would be permitted to do so freely, but would be allowed to stay in one place only for 45 minutes or less.

The initial daytime location for medical providers would be a parking lot at 265 E. Lehigh Ave., which is maintained by the city. It is adjacent to a resource center where police have in recent months taken people who are arrested for evaluation by a nurse and an addiction specialist.

Under Lozadas bill, medical providers could operate at night along the two-block stretch of East Allegheny Avenue between Kensington Avenue and F Street.

Groups that violate the new regulations, including operating without a permit, would be subject to a $1,000 fine. If organizations rack up three violations or more in a year, they would be ineligible to renew their annual permit.

The legislation outlines several exemptions, including for emergency medical service providers, city-operated services, public health vaccination programs, and healthcare professionals offering pediatric services. Food trucks that sell items are also exempt.

Following Thursdays session, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson said Lozadas emotional speech was indicative of democracy in action.

You have a member who feels very strongly about the issues and concerns in her district, he said, which  the city of Philadelphia have left a particular neighborhood to pretty much rot over the last several years.

Staff writer Jake Blumgart contributed to this article.
On April 30, Ambassador Wang Qing was invited to attend the Maiden National Labour Conference. He, together with Sierra Leones Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Swarray, and people from all walks of life, jointly launched the relevant activities of the Conference.

Ambassador Wang Qing introduced the situation of the human resources cooperation between China and Sierra Leone in recent years and China's active efforts to help Sierra Leone advance its employment strategy. He stated that as Sierra Leone's largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, China is willing to work together with Sierra Leone. By promoting the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC summit, China will encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Sierra Leone. China will continue to provide scholarships and short-term training programs for Sierra Leone, making new contributions to Sierra Leone's employment promotion and talent cultivation. It is hoped that Sierra Leone will strengthen communication with stakeholders such as Chinese enterprises in Sierra Leone on issues such as labour policies, and jointly create a stable, transparent and favorable business environment.




That client that rings you every day for an update on their claim is probably experiencing a great level of distress and looking for help, said Berry. Sometimes they can be aggressive, sometimes they will dump their trauma on to you because theyve been through a difficult experience.
While the Insurance Council and its members had presence in Hervey Bay immediately following this weather event and provided support and advice for impacted community members, its important for insurers to visit the region to work through any questions, issues, or concerns, he said.
Underwriting results were similarly impacted, with underwriting income dropping to $27.2 million, from $89.5 million in Q1 2024. The catastrophe loss ratio saw an increase, reaching 13.0%, compared to 4.9% in the previous year. This contributed to a higher combined ratio of 96.1%, compared to 86.6% in the same quarter of 2024.
Time is running out - and so is your chance to be part of the Midwests premier event for women and allies in the insurance sector. The Women in Insurance Summit Chicago 2025 is taking place on May 14, and this is your final call to register.
Hiscox noted that this figure does not reflect any potential subrogation, though the company noted an increasing likelihood of recoveries related to the Eaton fire. Apart from the wildfire event, the company said that its overall loss experience for the quarter was within expectations.
Underwriting performance for the period included $80.6 million in losses from the January wildfires in southern California. The losses accounted for four points on the consolidated combined ratio; meanwhile, no catastrophe losses were reported in the same period last year.
"If a loss occurs and construction gets delayed, especially if its due to supply chain disruptions, the costs can be much higher, said Akerson. If the materials havent already been contracted or sourced, replacing them becomes expensive, especially if theyre subject to new tariffs or import restrictions.
Adjusted earnings for the quarter rose 1% to $1.3 billion. The companys book value increased 2% to $35.16 per share, while adjusted book value rose 4% to $55.01 per share. Variable investment income grew 26% to $327 million, supported by real estate and other fund performance.
Alex and Erica are both experienced professionals known for their ability to build strong teams, said Danny Kaufman, president of the company. Under Erica, we expect Chicago to continue its growth as one of our largest offices. We also see an opportunity to leverage Alexs relationships and experience to further expand Burns & Wilcox in New York and the surrounding region.
Members of New Jerseys Supreme Court sounded skeptical at times Monday about the effort of a Catholic diocese to stop the state from empaneling a grand jury to investigate clergy sexual abuse allegations.

The high court is considering the state attorney generals appeal of lower court rulings that sided with the Diocese of Camden, finding the state cannot seat a grand jury to examine the church officials behavior because theyre not public officials.

The issue dates to a Pennsylvania grand jury report in 2018 that found more than 1,000 children had been abused in that state since the 1940s, prompting the New Jersey attorney general to announce a similar investigation.

But the results of New Jerseys inquiry never became public partly because a legal battle was unfolding behind closed doors amid sealed proceedings.

Then, this year the Bergen Record obtained records disclosing a trial courts judgment in favor of the diocese and revealing the dioceses objection to the grand jury. And in March, the Supreme Court ordered more documents in the case unsealed.

The core disagreement is over whether a court rule permits grand juries in New Jersey to issue findings in cases involving private individuals. Trial and appellate courts found for the diocese.

On Monday, members of the court repeatedly questioned whether challenging the state was premature since lower court proceedings prevented the state from seating a grand jury, which has not investigated any allegations or issued findings, called a presentment.

We dont know what a grand jury would say, am I right? Justice Anne Patterson asked the attorney for the diocese.

Lloyd Levenson, the churchs attorney, answered that youd have to be Rip Van Winkle not to know what the grand jury would say.

The goal here is obviously to condemn the Catholic Church and priests and bishops, he said. He noted the state could still pursue criminal investigations and abuse victims could seek civil penalties.

The court didnt indicate when it would rule.

Mark Crawford, state director of Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests, attended Mondays hearing and said he thought the diocese was grasping at straws.

These victims want their story heard, he said in an interview. They want to get in front of the grand jury and tell that story. They want some level of accountability and acknowledgement.

An email message requesting comment was sent to the diocese.

Democratic state Sen. Joe Vitale, who pushed through the states 2019 overhaul of its civil statute of limitations, also attended the hearing. He said hes hopeful the justices will side with the attorney general.

In 2023, a trial court judge sided with the diocese, finding that such a grand jury would lack authority because it would be focused on private conduct, rather than a government agencys actions. An appeals court affirmed that judgment last year, and Attorney General Matt Platkin appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Documents the high court unsealed in March sketched out some of what the states task force has found so far, without specific allegations. They show 550 phone calls alleging abuse from the 1940s to the recent past came into a state-established hotline.

The diocese argues a grand jury isnt needed, largely because of a 2002 memorandum of understanding between New Jersey Catholic dioceses and prosecutors. The memorandum required church officials to report abuse and said authorities would be provided with all relevant information about the allegations.

But the Pennsylvania report touched off a reexamination of statute of limitations law in New Jersey, which overhauled its civil statute of limitations on childhood sex abuse claims in 2019. The new law allows child victims to sue until they turn 55 or within seven years of their first realization that the abuse caused them harm. The previous statute of limitations was age 20 or two years after realizing abuse caused harm.

Also in 2019, New Jerseys five Catholic dioceses listed more than 180 priests who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors over several decades. Many listed were deceased and others removed from ministry.

The Camden diocese, like others nationwide, filed for bankruptcy amid a torrent of lawsuits  up to 55, according to court records  after the statute of limitations was relaxed.

Then in 2022, the diocese agreed to pay $87.5 million to settle claims involving clergy sex abuse with some 300 accusers  one of the largest cash settlements involving the Catholic church in the U.S.

The agreement, covering six southern New Jersey counties outside Philadelphia, exceeded the nearly $85 million settlement in 2003 in the clergy abuse scandal in Boston, but was less than other settlements in California and Oregon.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New Jersey
Officials and first responders in Pennsylvanians are assessing and cleaning up the damage caused after severe storms swept across western and central parts of the state Tuesday..

Officials reported four deaths linked to the severe weather.

The National Weather Service had placed much of western and central Pennsylvania in an enhanced risk area for the severe storms on Tuesday, a risk category issued on average only six times per year in Pennsylvania. The line of storms that moved through the enhanced risk area traveled at speeds of 65-70 miles per hour, with high winds that caused damage. Pittsburgh International Airport recorded the third highest wind gust on record  at 71 miles per hour  and winds in Venango County measured 74 miles per hour.

Pennsylvania State Police reported a fatality in Greene County involving a tree that fell onto a vehicle. Pittsburgh officials said a man died when he was electrocuted by live wires in the South Side Slopes area of the city. In State College, police said a man was electrocuted trying to put out a mulch fire started by downed power lines. The Associated Press reported that a Ross Township man was killed by a fallen tree.

State officials said the storm system caused widespread infrastructure damage, hitting not only electric utility systems, but also roadways and telecommunications networks, including cellular service in some areas. The heavy winds and rain downed trees and utilities onto roadways, resulting in closures and widespread power outages in the western and central portions of the state.

According to Governor Josh Shapiros office, more than 555,000 customers were without power at the height of the storm. The greatest concentration of outages was in Allegheny County, and significant damage was reported in Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Indiana, Jefferson, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

Pittsburghs 911 system experienced a temporary outage.

This was not a typical weather event  it was a large-scale storm with serious impacts across multiple systems, said Stephen M. DeFrank, chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), which is working with utilities and state agencies to restore electric service.

We knew that these storms had the potential to bring significant damages to Pennsylvania, said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield. Our staff prepared ahead of time, monitored the impacts of the storm last evening and overnight, and has been in touch with county emergency management partners to determine if any state assistance is needed for clean up and recovery. The Shapiro Administration will continue to work with local partners to support communities across Pennsylvania as they clean up after this storm and utilities work to restore power as quickly as possible.

State transportation workers have been working to clear roadways affected by the storm so they can be reopened.

Meanwhile, more than 150 first responders have also been busy this week fighting two wildfires in Michaux State Forest Cumberland County. As of Wednesday night, the Thompson Hollow Fire was at 2,248 acres with 80% containment and the Hammonds Rocks Fire was at 470 acres with 100% containment.

No personal property damage or physical injuries have been reported due to the fires and all residents evacuated have been able to return to their homes, according to state officials. Sections of Thompson Hollow Road and Thompson Hollow Road remain closed.

Topics Windstorm Pennsylvania
The regulatory landscape in the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly evolving, influencing insurers risk management and capital adequacy. Australia and Malaysia are two examples of markets where recent regulatory developments are likely to influence the use of reinsurance, in particular.

Regulators in both nations are proposing adjustments to their capital frameworks to tackle evolving challenges, such as increased catastrophe risks and the need for robust financial resilience.

Australias Reinsurance Reforms

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has proposed changes to reinsurance-related capital requirements to improve access to reinsurance protection. APRAs reforms include mandating all-perils reinsurance coverage, reducing reinstatement requirements and removing the need to hold reinstatement premiums as part of the insurance concentration risk charge (ICRC).

These initiatives are designed to encourage the use of alternative reinsurance arrangements, such as catastrophe bonds and insurance-linked securities (ILS). Take-up for such alternative reinsurance arrangements has so far been limited in Australia, despite a burgeoning global market. This may partly reflect the current regulations around reinstatement requirements for catastrophe reinsurance. Alternative reinsurance structures typically do not have such reinstatements, so APRAs proposed lowering of reinstatement requirements could be favorable for this part of the sector.

Notably, QBE Insurance Group Ltd. issued a catastrophe bond in January 2025 that highlighted the growing interest in alternative reinsurance solutions amid rising catastrophe risks. The issuance  its first under the Bridge Street catastrophe bond program  provided QBE with US$250 million of collateralized reinsurance protection for named storm and earthquake covered events occurring in the U.S. This move supports APRAs proposed reforms, which encourage the use of catastrophe bonds and ILS.

APRA is consulting with the industry on the proposed changes, with any new standards unlikely to come into effect until June 2026.

Extreme Weather Drives Up Reinsurance Costs

Rising extreme weather events have significantly driven up catastrophe reinsurance costs for ceding companies in recent years. The increased frequency and severity of these events have contributed to higher overall reinsurance expenses, increased retentions and eroded the affordability of property insurance premiums. Higher property insurance premiums expose parts of Australia to a wider insurance protection gap  which is the difference between total economic losses and the amount covered by private insurance.

Australias Suncorp Group Ltd. and Insurance Australia Group Ltd. (IAG) have both continually raised their natural hazard allowances in recent years. Insurers typically set such allowances by combining their view of risk through modeled catastrophe losses with reinsurance programs. Lately, these insurers have placed more weight on recent events to reflect the changing weather patterns.

Aggregate reinsurance covers, which help reduce earnings volatility, have become more costly while their terms have also tightened. Such covers no longer feature in IAGs and Suncorps reinsurance programs, despite being a key part for many years. IAG began a new five-year natural perils reinsurance agreement in July 2024 with Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s subsidiary, National Indemnity Co. This long-term agreement aims to provide greater certainty over natural perils cost in the face of more frequent and severe extreme weather events.

Regulatory Influences on Reinsurance Purchasing

APRAs proposals may have a limited impact if internal risk appetites and external factors such as rating agency capital considerations continue to drive reinsurance decisions. Even so, more reinsurance options could help insurers manage their net exposure without significantly increasing probable maximum loss values. The removal of reinstatement premiums from the ICRC could also moderately benefit insurers regulatory capital positions.

APRA currently requires insurers to hold capital against a one-in-200-year loss, on a whole portfolio basis, with reinsurance protection up to this loss receiving capital credit. In New Zealand, a market dominated by subsidiaries of Australian insurers, reinsurance purchasing is driven by the Reserve Bank of New Zealands requirement to hold capital against a one-in-1,000-year earthquake event, a regulation introduced following the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes.

Providing insurers with greater scope to manage their net exposure without greatly increasing net retentions and probable maximum loss values should support their earnings and capital profiles. This approach will help them maintain net catastrophe exposure within manageable levels.

Malaysias Risk-Based Capital Proposals

Malaysia is refining its regulatory landscape with the introduction of the Risk-Based Capital 2 (RBC2) framework, aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of insurers and takaful operators. This framework significantly influences reinsurance, a crucial component in risk management and capital adequacy strategies. (Editors note: Takaful and retakaful operators are Shariah-compliant alternatives to traditional insurance and reinsurance, respectively.)

Reinsurance remains vital for Malaysian insurers, allowing risk transfer to reinsurers or retakaful operators, thus mitigating exposure to large or catastrophic losses. This stabilizes financial positions and reduces capital requirements against potential claims.

RBC2 introduces specific charge requirements for catastrophe risks, mandating calculations for perils such as floods, earthquakes and windstorms. Reinsurance plays a crucial role here, as recoveries are deducted from gross losses to calculate net losses, emphasizing its importance in catastrophe risk mitigation.

The RBC2 framework is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, with transitional arrangements potentially starting as early as 2026, depending on the outcomes of the second quantitative impact study.

Industry Concerns

The Insurance Europe Reinsurance Advisory Board has expressed concerns about certain provisions in Malaysias RBC2 framework, particularly those that may disadvantage cross-border reinsurers not regulated domestically. The advisory board argues that credit for reinsurance should consider the reinsurers financial strength and the robustness of its supervisory framework, rather than geographic location. The board highlights the importance of international reinsurance capacity for risk diversification and cautions against potential adverse effects on the solvency ratios of the Malaysian insurance industry as well as potential pressure on affordability and availability of coverage in flood prone areas of the country.

Some markets allow insurers to receive capital credit for reinsurance without requiring the reinsurer to be locally registered, provided the reinsurer meets specific financial strength criteria. For instance, they might be required to hold collateral or offer exemptions for reinsurers from countries considered to have equivalent jurisdictions under international agreements.

Limited Retakaful Capacity

Fitch believes recent guidance from Malaysias regulator, Bank Negara Malaysia, should help takaful operators navigate challenges posed from the reinsurance requirements under the new capital framework amid limited capacity in the countrys retakaful sector. The central bank issued a policy document on hajah (need) and darurah (dire necessity) for Islamic financial institutions, including takaful operators. Effective from January 2025, the policy clarifies parameters for takaful operators to use conventional reinsurance on the basis of difficulty, such as when retakaful capacity or expertise is insufficient, or when risks could undermine takaful fund stability.

Strategic Adjustments and Future Directions

Australia and Malaysia are experiencing adjustments in reinsurance practices due to regulatory changes. APRAs focus on all-perils coverage and alternative arrangements reflects a trend towards comprehensive risk management, while Malaysias RBC2 framework underscores reinsurances strategic importance in capital adequacy and risk mitigation.

As insurers adapt to these changes, industry dialogue will help refine frameworks and ensure market resilience. By aligning with global standards and incorporating diverse reinsurance options, both nations aim to enhance the capacity of their insurance sectors to withstand future challenges. Regulatory developments in Australia and Malaysia are shaping reinsurance strategies, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk management and capital efficiency. These efforts will support reducing the insurance protection gap, a strategic goal of regulators.

Topics Legislation Reinsurance Australia
Dustin Childs can still describe the best demonstration of a winning hack at an international tournament hes ever seen. It happened almost a decade ago.

The participants had to find a way to break into a Windows workstation that was hardened with firewalls and up-to-date software to make it more secure. One member of a team from China typed an IP address into the Windows browser, he said, and took their hands off the keyboard and that was it.

The address triggered computer code that turned the Chinese teams access from guest to host, giving them administrator rights and the ability to install whatever code or software  or malware  they wanted.

That was in 2017 at Pwn2Own, a hacking competition that drew entrants from around the world  analysts and researchers from cybersecurity firms, primarily  to find new ways to exploit popular software and mobile devices. By then, teams from China had been competing for years, and dominating. They came from universities, companies and elsewhere, said Childs, the head of threat awareness at the cybersecurity firm Trend Micro Inc.

The top title at the tournament was called Master of Pwn, said Childs, who has been affiliated with the tournament since 2009 and is part of the Zero Day Initiative that runs it.

We implemented that title in 2016. The Chinese companies won it at every competition until they stopped participating, he said.

That international acclaim also drew the attention of critical eyes back home.

In 2017, the billionaire founder of Chinese cybersecurity firm Qihoo 360, Zhou Hongyi, publicly criticized Chinese participation in overseas hackathons, arguing that vulnerabilities discovered by Chinese experts should remain within that countrys borders. The criticism from Zhou, a member of a political advisory board to the Communist Party government, didnt go unnoticed.

The following year, there were no Chinese teams competing at Pwn2Own. Instead, China started its own hacking tournament, called the Tianfu Cup. Participants were encouraged to hack into Apple operating systems, Google phones and Microsoft networks, according to media reports.

But there was a difference. At Pwn2Own and other hacking competitions, the findings are reported to the companies that make the software or devices so they can fix them before hackers take advantage. Participants in Chinese hacking competitions are required to report them to the government first, according to a 2018 regulation.In practice, this meant vulnerabilities were passed to the state for use in operations, said Dakota Cary, a China-focused consultant at the US cybersecurity company SentinelOne.

One example, cybersecurity experts said, occurred in 2019, when Google reported that a flaw uncovered at the inaugural Tianfu Cup bore striking similarities with a hacking campaign targeting Chinas persecuted Uyghur ethnic communities.

More recently, files attributed to a Chinese cybersecurity firm called i-Soon were posted on the code-sharing site GitHub, a purported data leak that suggested the contests, the government, and the cyber firms that were given access to those vulnerabilities were all connected. Among the chat records was a discussion between i-Soon employees noting a request to Chinas Ministry of Public Security, the countrys main police agency, for zero-day vulnerabilities discovered at Tianfu Cup.

The documents indicated that the Tianfu Cup was a likely vulnerability feeder system for the ministry, said Winnona DeSombre Bernsen, a fellow at the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensics Research Lab, who studied the logs.

In March, several employees of i-Soon were charged by US authorities for carrying out cyberattacks at the direction of Chinese intelligence agencies. China rejects the allegations. I-Soon hasnt responded to the charges and didnt respond to requests for comment.

Asked about vulnerability disclosures, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the reporting regulations aim to prevent the leakage and unauthorized disclosure of vulnerable information.

The regulations explicitly support the direct provision of security vulnerability information to network product providers, including foreign organizations and individuals, the spokesperson told Bloomberg reporters in Beijing.

Representatives for the Tianfu Cup could not be located for comment.

Flaws in computer software and mobile devices are relatively common, prompting periodic patches to the software and updates to the devices to fix them. For criminal hackers and cyber spies, flaws that arent previously known to the developers  known as zero days  are particularly valuable because no fix is immediately available, leaving systems exposed.

Some companies specialize in finding zero days and selling them to government intelligence agencies.

Pwn2Own was created in 2007 to investigate potential security flaws in Apples Mac OS X operating system. Since then, winners have been paid cash prizes for finding vulnerabilities, which are then shared with the software company or device maker to fix.

All the participants, including those from China, adhered to those rules. But the first year they were gone from Pwn2Own, in 2018, Beijing stated that vulnerabilities discovered at Chinese hacking competitions must be reported to the government, said Sentinel Ones Cary.

Three years later, data security laws that went into effect required that vulnerabilities discovered by Chinese researchers  whether they were found in contests or in the course of their work  went straight to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The laws also restrict companies from sharing vulnerability information with anyone before the Chinese government has had a chance to address them  with a 48-hour reporting deadline. There are stiff financial penalties and potential legal action for anyone who doesnt comply.

Chinas policy of requiring researchers to disclose computer bugs they find to the government distinguishes it from the US and other Western countries, experts said.

The NSA doesnt force us to disclose anything along those lines to them, said Childs, referring to the US National Security Agency.

While it doesnt force vulnerability disclosure, the NSA, the leading cryptology and signals intelligence organization in the US government, does its fair share of vulnerability hoarding, said Greg Austin, who has consulted with governments on Chinas cyber and foreign policy for more than a decade. In one incident in 2016, a group called the Shadow Brokers released a cache of secret software exploits  essentially hacking tools  that were allegedly stolen from the NSA.

Were talking about agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency who have discovered vulnerabilities that they dont want to reveal so that they can attack systems in other countries, he said. Chinas the same.

Since the data laws have come into effect, Chinas hacking breakthroughs have slipped further behind a wall of secrecy, experts said.

There is a veil on the front side so we cant see what theyre working on and what theyre working towards. We only see the results of it when it gets into the wild and actually gets demonstrated against a real live party, Childs said.

Chinese hacking competitions have also evolved in recent years. Along with challenging participants to break into a Tesla or security software, now the events include Chinese electric vehicles, phones and computers, said Eugenio Benincasa, a senior cyber defense researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, who closely monitors online reporting of these contests for clues about the challenges and what, if any, results are publicized.

The increased focus on Chinese domestic products aligns with Beijings broader policy objective known as Delete America, aiming for self-sufficiency in advanced technologies and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, Benincasa said. It also comes as the US and China continue to restrict exports of key technology components to each other.

It highlights the goal of fully domesticating Chinas IT infrastructure, and replacing foreign-made core components, such as semiconductors, software, and databases, with Chinese-made ones, Benincasa said.

Photograph: A person typing at a backlit computer keyboard arranged in Danbury, U.K., on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Cyber China
Over the last decade, scientists have rapidly developed the field of climate attribution research, teasing out the role played by global warming in individual natural disasters. Meanwhile, their ways of tracking a single emitters influence on temperature or sea-level rise have grown more sophisticated, as research into climate economics has advanced.

The result is that its now possible to quantify the climate damages caused by each of the worlds biggest oil and gas companies, according to a paper published last week in the journal Nature. Those calculations could be brought as evidence in court.

This has long been articulated by the legal community as a barrier to legal pursuits for liability claims for harmful climate impacts, said co-author Justin Mankin, a climate scientist and associate professor of geography at Dartmouth College. Scientifically, its not really an issue anymore.

In the paper, Mankin and co-author Christopher Callahan, a postdoctoral researcher in Earth system science at Stanford University, say they have devised a transparent, low-cost analytical tool for interrogating a key question in liability, or tort, law. Many such cases pivot on whether a plaintiff would have suffered but for actions of the defendant. The new paper offers whats described as a way to demonstrate harm that wouldnt have occurred but for a companys or companies greenhouse gas pollution.

Climate lawsuits have multiplied around the world in recent years. In the US, groups of citizens, cities and states have sought redress for climate impacts, with different groups testing different legal theories. The cases vary wildly in approach and many drag on for years, end up dismissed or both. Only a small fraction have succeeded globally, and none of those resulted in liability damages.

Mankin and co-author Christopher Callahan start with the Carbon Majors database, a project of the UK nonprofit InfluenceMap, which tallies the annual emissions from fossil fuel and cement companies. With computer modeling, theysimulate two worlds, the one we live in and one without the greenhouse gas emissions of whatever company or country is under study. For each region, they use thousands of simulations to estimate how the pollution affects the global temperature and how that influences heat waves locally and the resulting economic drag. By comparing the two scenarios, they can put a value on the impact of the particular emissions. Each step is resolved with an open, peer-reviewed process.

Among their conclusions:

The world would have become as much as $28 trillion richer between 1991 and 2020 without the greenhouse gas pollution put out historically by 111 of the companies listed in the database.

The two biggest state-owned fossil-fuel companies, Aramco and Gazprom PJSC, are each responsible for about $2 trillion in lost global economic growth from extreme heat. Thats incrementally more than the estimate for two public companies, Chevron Corp. and Exxon Mobil Corp.; BP Plc is linked in the study to $1.45 trillion in losses.

The top five emitters, according to the paper, are responsible for increasing the intensity of a 2010 extreme heat wave in Russia by 0.27C, or 0.5F.

The paper focuses on the effects major carbon emitters may have on economic losses from heat waves. Extreme heat is the hazard most easily attributable to greenhouse gas pollution.

But thats only one example of how the method can be used, the authors said. Basically, it can estimate the impacts of any source of emissions  an oil company, a country, a private plane  on any instance of harm.

Two scientific developments enable end-to-end climate attribution, they write, one on either end of the causality chain. Scientists have learned to connect individual emitters to local climate change and, at the other end, to tie local climate change to real-world impacts.

Climate attribution research started up in the years after a 2003 essay in Nature asked, Will it ever be possible to sue anyone for damaging the climate? The first study measuring the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on a heat wave came out the next year. Several groups of researchers in the last decade developed approaches to quantify the climate impact on extreme events quickly, culminating in the works inclusion in the most recent UN climate science assessment.

Chevron cast both the study and attribution science as dubious. Theodore Boutrous of Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher LLP, counsel for Chevron, called the paper baseless, saying it ignores the scientific impossibility of attributing particular climate and weather events to any specific country, company or energy user. He associated the work with a misleading advocacy campaign on behalf of wasteful and unconstitutional state lawsuits and energy penalty laws.

Gazprom detailed several criticisms of the study. The company expressed concern that the Carbon Majors emissions data counts gas that wasnt actually burned for energy, but bought for use as a feedstock in fertilizer, plastics or industrial solvents, as combustion emissions, inflating the likely total. Gazprom said its gas sales to foreign markets have cut carbon dioxide emissions because the fuel has been replacing coal.

If Gazprom didnt supply gas, energy importers would burn coal, the company said.

Aramco declined to comment. Exxon and BP did not return requests for comment.

Friederike Otto, co-founder of the research group World Weather Attribution, said the paper is important and based on transparent and well-tested methods. But she said the science of attribution was already strong based on years of extensive work. Courts may not begin to rule in favor of climate litigants until society internalizes, as scientists have, the nature of the problem, she said.

The problem with the current lack of success of litigation against carbon majors is not the lack of scientific evidence, she said.

Environmental attorney Matthew Pawa, who has been involved in high-profile lawsuits against energy and chemical companies, said the new paper gives an important analytical tool to plaintiffs, particularly in courts that are more inclined to consider direct (but for) causation. But public nuisance law doesnt necessarily rely on that, he said; individual companies have been held liable even when, as with climate change, there are many polluters and many people harmed.

Its inevitable that at some point the fossil fuel companies will be held liable, he said. Im where I was 20 years ago: You cant do this much harm and not have committed a tort.

Although no one has won a liability suit against a large emitter, some cases are now lasting longer and reaching fact-finding stages, said Martin Lockman, a climate law fellow at Columbia Universitys Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. (Two Sabin Center researchers are thanked in the papers acknowledgements.)

Were well past the exploratory stage, and starting to get to the stage where courts are really getting to grips with the facts and this chain of causation, he said.

The new research comes as some US states move to hold large emitters responsible for their contributions to climate change. New York and Vermont both recently passed climate Superfund laws, which would require energy companies to pay toward the repair and resilience of infrastructure threatened by global warming. Other states are discussing similar laws. Mankin submitted testimony to the Vermont legislature in February 2024, which included a draft of the Nature paper.

Both Vermont and New York face legal challenges to their new measures. More than 20 other states sued in February to block New Yorks law. President Donald Trump this month signed an order directing the Justice Department to look at state and local climate laws for overreach.

There is a long way to go before a plaintiff actually recovers damages from a fossil fuel producer, said Callahan, the papers co-author, noting that strength of scientific evidence is only one factor in a cases success. That said, we believe our study closes a significant scientific gap in the theories underlying those cases.

Top photograph: The Sinclair Wyoming Refining Co. oil refinery in Sinclair, Wyoming, U.S., on Thursday, Feb. 24. 2022. Photo credit: Bing Guan/Bloomberg

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Energy Oil Gas Liability
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of New Zealand-based First Capital Financial Services and its affiliate First Capital Wealth Management.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

First Capital is a financial advisory firm providing wealth management, risk management and employee benefits services to corporate clients and individuals throughout New Zealand from offices in Christchurch and Auckland. Hugh Percy and the First Capital team will operate under the direction of Graham Campbell, head of Gallaghers employee benefits and HR consulting operations in Australia and New Zealand.

First Capital has a client-focused culture like our own and offers an excellent opportunity to expand our benefits consulting capabilities in the region, said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman and CEO. I am excited to welcome Hugh and his associates to our growing, global team.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., the Rolling Meadows, Illinois-based brokerage, risk management, and consulting services firm, operates in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Source: Arthur J. Gallagher

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions A.J. Gallagher
Coalition, the San Francisco-based cyber managing general agent and cybersecurity firm, announced the launch of its Active Cyber Insurance product in the Nordic region.

Coalitions offerings are available in Denmark as of May 1, 2025, and will become available in Sweden on May 8, 2025.

Coalition offers insurance products in Denmark and Sweden with capacity provided by Allianz Commercial in a multi-year agreement. Coalitions Active Cyber Insurance is available to businesses with up to 7.5 billion Danish krone (US$1.14 billion) and 11 billion Swedish krona (US$777 million) in revenue on a primary basis with no minimum premium requirement. Allianzs current cyber product remains available without any change.

Businesses within the Nordics will benefit from access to an offering that combines comprehensive insurance with meaningful cybersecurity insights and tools to help them manage and mitigate cyber threats, said Tine Simonsen, Coalitions head of Insurance, Continental Europe, in a statement.

As cyber threats grow exponentially globally, preventing digital risk before it strikes has never been more important, and with the entrance of Active Insurance in the region, Coalition aims to provide greater protection for all European businesses, Simonsen added.

The products are available through Coalitions Danish subsidiary, Coalition Insurance Solutions, filial af Coalition Insurance Solutions GmbH, Tyskland.

Coalition has already hired Jacob Bondorff Skrddergaard as head of Business Development for the Nordic Region. He was formerly head of Nordic Business Development at RiskPoint.

As our 2025 Allianz Risk Barometer has once again shown, cyber risks are among the greatest threats to companies worldwide  and have been for years. We are now complementing our established cyber product for complex risks of all kinds and multinational requirements with Coalitions offering, according to Margaretha Mo, managing director, Nordics, at Allianz Commercial.

This allows us to support our customers in Denmark and Sweden even further in managing their cyber risks, quickly identifying damages, and ideally even preventing them altogether, Mo said.

Brokers in Denmark can start quoting now by submitting requests directly to Coalitions expert underwriting team at help@coalitioninc.dk. For more information about Coalition and Active Insurance, visit: https://www.coalitioninc.com/dk.

Coalition said its end-to-end platform streamlines the quoting process, allowing brokers to generate bindable quotes in minutes. Coalition also provides extensive training materials and resources to help brokers advise their clients on cyber risk. Coalitions cyber risk management platform, Coalition Control, alerts policyholders about vulnerabilities and cyber threats on an ongoing basis. This continuous monitoring helps businesses identify risks before they lead to cyber incidents. If an incident occurs, Coalitions claims and incident response teams are available to help businesses quickly recover and resume normal operations.

Source: Coalition

Topics Cyber New Markets
Hackers linked to Russias government launched a cyberattack last spring against municipal water plants in rural Texas. At one plant in Muleshoe, population 5,000, water began to overflow. Officials had to unplug the system and run the plant manually.

The hackers werent trying to taint the water supply. They didnt ask for a ransom. Authorities determined the intrusion was designed to test the vulnerabilities of Americas public infrastructure. It was also a warning: In the 21st century, it takes more than oceans and an army to keep the United States safe.

A year later, countries around the world are preparing for greater digital conflict as increasing global tensions and a looming trade war have raised the stakes  and the chances that a cyberattack could cause significant economic damage, disrupt vital public systems, reveal sensitive business or government secrets, or even escalate into military confrontation.

The confluence of events has national security and cyber experts warning of heightened cyberthreats and a growing digital arms race as countries look to defend themselves.

At the same time, President Donald Trump has upended Americas digital defenses by firing the four-star general who led the National Security Agency, shrinking cybersecurity agencies and slashing election cybersecurity initiatives.

Businesses now are increasingly concerned about cyberattacks, and governments have moved to a war footing, according to a report this month by NCC Group, a British cybersecurity firm.

The geopolitical dust is still settling, said Verona Johnstone-Hulse, a London-based expert on government cybersecurity polices and the reports co-author. What the new normal looks like is still not yet set.

Many in the U.S. are already calling for a more muscular approach to protecting the digital frontier.

Hybrid war is here to stay, said Tom Kellermann, senior vice president of cyberstrategy at Contrast Security. We need to stop playing defense  its time to make them play defense.

Digital life means more targets for hackers

Vulnerabilities have grown as people and businesses use connected devices to count steps, manage finances and operate facilities such as water plants and ports. Each network and connection is a potential target for foreign governments or the hacking groups that sometimes do their bidding.

Espionage is one motive, demonstrated in a recent incursion linked to hackers in China. The campaign known as Salt Typhoon sought to crack the phones of officials, including Trump, before the 2024 election.

These operations seek entry to sensitive corporate or government systems to steal secrets or monitor personal communications. Such information can be hugely valuable by providing advantages in trade negotiations or military planning. These hackers try to remain hidden for as long as possible.

More obvious intrusions can serve as a warning or deterrent, such as the cyberattacks targeting the Texas water plants. Iran also has shown a willingness to use cyberattacks to make political points.

The cyberattacks that frighten experts the most burrow deeply into telephone or computer networks, inserting backdoors or malware for later use.

National security experts say this was the motivation behind a recent attack from China called Volt Typhoon that compromised telephone networks in the U.S. in an effort to gain access to an unknown number of critical systems.

China could potentially use these connections to disable key infrastructure  power plants, communication networks, pipelines, hospitals, financial systems  as part of a larger conflict or before an invasion of Taiwan, national security experts said.

They can position their implants to be activated at a date and time in the future, said Sonu Shankar, a former researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory who is now chief strategy officer at Phosphorus Cybersecurity.

National security officials will not discuss details, but experts interviewed by The Associated Press said the U.S. no doubt has developed similar offensive capabilities.

China has rejected U.S. allegations of hacking, accusing America of trying to smear  Beijing while conducting its own cyberattacks.

Global tensions tick up

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Trade disputes. Shifting alliances. The risk of cyberattacks goes up in times of global tension, and experts say that risk is now at a high.

U.S. adversaries China, Russia, Iran and North Korea also have shown signs of cybercooperation as they forge tighter economic, military and political relationships.

Speaking to Congress, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard noted that Iran has supplied drones in exchange for Russian intelligence and cybercapabilities.

Russia has been the catalyst for much of this expanded cooperation, driven heavily by the support it has needed for its war effort against Ukraine, Gabbard told lawmakers.

Amid global fears of a trade war after the tariffs that Trump has imposed, supply chains could be targeted in retaliation. While larger companies may have a robust cyberteam, small suppliers that lack those resources can give intruders easy access.

And any tit-for-tat cycles of cyberconflict, in which one country hacks into a sensitive system as retaliation for an earlier attack, come with great risk for all involved, Shankar said. It would put them on the path to military conflict.

The Trump effect

At a time when national security and cybersecurity experts say the U.S. should be bolstering its defenses, Trump has called for reductions in staffing and other changes to the agencies that protect American interests in cyberspace.

For example, Trump recently fired Gen. Timothy Haugh, who oversaw the NSA and the Pentagons Cyber Command.

The U.S. faces unprecedented cyber threats, said Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. He has asked the White House to explain Haughs departure. How does firing him make Americans any safer? Warner said.

Also under Trump, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency placed on leave staffers who worked on election security and cut millions of dollars in funding for cybersecurity programs for local and state elections. His administration eliminated the State Departments Global Engagement Center, which tracked and exposed foreign disinformation online.

The CIA, NSA and other intelligence agencies also have seen reductions in staffing.

The administration faced more questions over how seriously it takes cybersecurity after senior officials used the popular messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive information about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. Gabbard later called the episode a mistake.

The officials in charge of Americas cybersecurity insist Trumps changes will make the U.S. safer, while getting rid of wasteful spending and confusing regulations.

The Pentagon, for instance, has invested in efforts to harness artificial intelligence to improve cyberdefenses, according to a report provided to Congress by Lt. Gen. William J. Hartman, acting commander of the NSA and Cyber Command.

The changes at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency come as its leaders consider how best to execute their mission in alignment with the administrations priorities, a CISA statement said.

As Americas Cyber Defense Agency, we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard the nations critical infrastructure against all cyber and physical threats, the statement read. We will continue to collaborate with our partners across government, industry, and with international allies to strengthen global cybersecurity efforts and protect the American people from foreign adversaries, cybercriminals, and other emerging threats.

Representatives for Gabbards office and the NSA didnt respond to questions about how Trumps changes will affect cybersecurity.

Signs of progress?

Despite shifting alliances, a growing consensus about cyberthreats could prompt greater global cooperation.

More than 20 nations recently signed on to an international framework on the use of commercial spyware. The U.S. has signaled it will join the nonbinding agreement.

Theres also broad bipartisan agreement in the U.S. about the need to help private industry bolster defenses.

Federal estimates say the cybersecurity industry needs to hire an additional 500,000 professionals to meet the challenge, said Dean Gefen, former chief of cybertraining for Israels Defense Intelligence Technological Unit. Hes now the CEO of NukuDo, a cybersecurity training company.

Companies need effective guidance from the government  a playbook, Gefen said. What to do, what not to do.

Photo: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, left, joined by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, testifies as the House Intelligence Committee holds a hearing on worldwide threats. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Trends
First quarter underwriting income in AIGs General Insurance segment dropped 59% compared to last year, to $243 million.

The unitNorth America commercial, International commercial, and global personalrecorded $525 million in catastrophe-related charges in Q1 2025, compared to $106 million for Q1 2024. About $460 million in losses were from the California wildfires.

AIGs personal lines business recorded a Q1 underwriting loss of $126 million compared to a gain of $30 million a year ago. The combined ratio for global personal lines was 107.9 from 98.3 for Q1 2024 due to this years wildfires. However, net premiums written (NPW) grew 3% on a comparable basis (constant-dollar basis), in large part from growth in personal auto.

Looking beyond the catastrophe losses, AIG CEO Peter Zaffino in a statement said the insurer had an excellent start to the year, producing very strong results. The combined ratio for General Insurance was 95.8, and the accident-year combined ratio was 87.8, the best Q1 result since the financial crisis, he said.

Related: AIG: Turning One Human Underwriter Into Five, Turbocharging E&S

While the broader macroeconomic and geopolitical environment remains uncertain, AIG is navigating these challenges from a position of strength given our global diversified portfolio, disciplined underwriting, and resilient balance sheet, Zaffino added.

Underwriting income fell 45% and 27% for North America commercial and International commercial, respectively. The Q1 combined ratio for North America commercial worsened 5.8 points to 93.9 and International commercial was 88.2 compared to 83.6 last year.

But AIG said NPW of North American commercial grew 14%, thanks primarily to its Lexington Insurance division. International commercial NPW grew NPW 8% on a comparable basis.

AIG reported first quarter net income attributable to shareholders of $698 million, down 41.5% from the same period a year ago. The company said the decrease was largely attributable the inclusion of Corebridge Financial in results for the first quarter a year ago, prior to its deconsolidation. Adjusted aftertax income for Q1 attributable to shareholders was $702 million, down from $862 million a year ago during the same period.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Profit Loss Wildfire Underwriting AIG
Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, overriding 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.

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.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida
MIAMI (AP)  A federal judge told attorneys for the state of Florida on Tuesday that an order freezing the enforcement of a new state immigration law absolutely applies to all of the states local law enforcement agencies, despite a recent letter to the contrary from the states attorney general.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said during a hearing in Miami that she planned to issue a preliminary injunction against a state statute that makes it a misdemeanor for undocumented migrants to enter Florida by eluding immigration officials.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February as part of President Donald Trumps push to crack down on illegal immigration, though many of Trumps immigration enforcement efforts are currently mired in battles with federal judges.

NC Lawmakers Already Want to Tighten 2024 Immigration Enforcement Law RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina Republicans who last fall enacted their long-sought policy ordering local sheriffs to cooperate with federal agents seeking to locate and deport certain jail inmates already want it tightened further as President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown builds nationwide. The GOP-controlled state House approved a measure Tuesday that would subject people accused of more categories of crimes in the ninth-largest state to inquiries about their immigration status that could ultimately lead to their deportation. After then-Gov. Roy Coopers veto was overridden , a law took effect in December that directed jails to hold for 48 hours certain defendants whom U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement believe are in the country illegally, allowing time for ICE to pick them up. The alleged offenders are the subject of ICE detainers and administrative warrants to temporarily hold inmates suspected of violating immigration laws. The latest legislation also would make clear that jail officials must contact federal immigration agents if they are holding someone with these documents and tell them when they would otherwise be released.

The judge had issued a 14-day temporary restraining order on April 4, shortly after the lawsuit was filed by the Florida Immigrant Coalition and other groups with support from the American Civil Liberties Union. She then extended it another 11 days after learning the Florida Highway Patrol had arrested more than a dozen people, including a U.S. Citizen. The lawsuit claims the new law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by encroaching on federal duties.

During Tuesdays hearing, Williams asked Jeffrey DeSousa, who is representing the Florida Office of the Attorney General, why Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier released a memo to law enforcement agencies last week saying they didnt need to follow her order.

DeSousa said his offices position is that a judges order can only apply to the named parties in the lawsuit being tried. Williams asked what would be the point of allowing law enforcement officers to arrest people without probable cause when prosecutors werent allowed to prosecute them, though DeSousa didnt directly answer.

DeSousa also argued that the immigrant groups filing the lawsuit could have named the individual law enforcement agencies in their complaint, rather than just the Florida attorney general, the statewide prosecutor and Floridas 20 state attorneys.

ACLU attorney Oscar Sarabia Roman said it would not have been practical to individually name all 373 of the states law enforcement agencies in their complaint. He added that the judges order should have the authority to prevent local police from enforcing the new law.

After Williams issued her order extension April 18, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers telling them to refrain from enforcing the law, even though he disagreed with it. But five days later, he sent another memo saying that the judge was legally wrong and that he couldnt prevent local police officers and deputies from enforcing the law. No additional arrests have been reported since Uthmeiers second memo.

Photo: Workers atop a building that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers Beach in 2022. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Legislation Law Enforcement
Southern Specialty Underwriters, with offices in Tampa and in Macon, Georgia, said it has rebranded to Arbour Specialty, an insurance broker in the Southeast.

The company also named Rebecca Roberts as its new president. Roberts has 30 years in the insurance industry, including recently as Southeast regional vice president at Burns & Wilcox.

Roberts holds a bachelors degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and has the CPCU (chartered property casualty underwriter) and ASLI (associate in surplus lines insurance) designations.

Southern Specialty was founded in 2009 and, as Arbour, will continue as a wholesale outlet for specialized commercial and personal insurance coverage, the firm said in a news release. The company is licensed in 13 states.
The Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California submitted a September 1, 2025 pure premium rate filing, proposing advisory pure premium rates on average 11.2% above the average approved September 1, 2024 advisory pure premium rates.

The average of the September 1, 2025, advisory pure premium rates proposed by the WCIRB in its filing to the California Department of Insurance is $1.56 per $100 of payroll, while the average of the approved September 1, 2024 advisory pure premium rates was $1.40.

Related: Claim Frequency in California Workers Comp Higher in L.A. Area, Study Shows

The WCIRB governing committee just over a week ago voted to authorize the filing.

The rates are based on the WCIRBs analysis of the latest available insurer premium, loss, and loss adjustment expense experience reported to the WCIRB and the WCIRBs actuarial projections.

Related: California Workers Comp Report Shows Relatively Stable System Post-Pandemic

Since early 2015, the approved advisory pure premium rate level has declined by more than half. In rate filings, the WCIRB has attributed this improvement to several factors, including acceleration in claim settlement, modest claim severity trends and reduced pharmaceutical costs and lien filings.

Much of this improvement is attributable to sweeping workers comp reform (Senate Bill No. 863) and subsequent reforms, robust medical fee schedules and efforts to fight fraud in the system, according to the WCIRB.

Topics California Workers' Compensation
The probe into the deadly Southern California Eaton fire is likely to take a year or more as authorities examine Edison Internationals utility equipment as the possible cause, according to the companys chief executive officer.

Edison, meanwhile, is conducting its own investigation and has reviewed some circumstantial information indicating its power lines may have played a role in the blaze that destroyed much of the town of Altadena in January, CEO Pedro Pizarro said Wednesday during an interview on Bloomberg Television.

Related: Southern California Edison Lays Out $925M Plan to Rebuild After LA Wildfires

The Eaton Fire was among the most deadly blazes in California history, killing 18 people. During a call with analysts Tuesday, Pizarro said the companys equipment could be linked to the blaze. The company, he said, will probably incur losses from it. Edison shares fell 9% Wednesday.

Edison plans to begin settlement talks with victims who have sued the utility if the company concludes its equipment started the fire, Pizarro said.

Related: Bill to Address California Wildfire And Insurance Crises Moving Through Legislature

The company would pay for the first $1 billion for any settlement with its own insurance, while the rest would come from the state of Californias $21 billion wildfire fund, Pizarro said.

If we end up doing that, we then get immediate reimbursement from the fund, he said. We would not expect any impact on our balance sheet and credit metrics as we do that.

Top photo: Private contractors remove debris from a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Louisiana
Ed Sheeran will leave his mathematical symbol series of albums behind, as he announces the release date of new record Play.

His chart-topping albums  (Subtract), + (Plus), x (Multiply),  (Divide), and = (Equals) have featured some of his biggest singles including number ones Bad Habits and Shivers.

The new record will see him delve into new musical ground through collaborations across the world, as the 34-year-old Suffolk singer is inspired by Indian and Persian musical cultures, and the Irish folk tradition he grew up with.

Ipswich Town fan and minority stakeholder Ed Sheeran (Bradley Collyer/PA)

The album will ballads and acoustic-driven songs, and includes the songs Old Phone, which touches on his past, and the pop hit Azizam, which he made with Iranian musician Ilya Salmanzadeh, Irish singer Johnny McDaid and American singer Savan Kotecha.

Old Phone tells the story of a person restarting an unused device and finding messages from a lost friend, an argument with an ex, and distant family through nostalgic acoustic melodies, and is produced by US producer Blake Slatkin and Salmanzadeh.

Sheeran has worked with African artists including Nigerian singers Fireboy DML and Burna Boy, and toured extensively in Asia  with a concert in India seeing him bring Indian singer Shilpa Rao on stage for them to sing in a local language.

His last 14-track album covered a series of difficult events which impacted on his life, including his wife Cherry Seaborn being diagnosed with a tumour while pregnant and the death of his close friend Jamal Edwards.

During the same time period, Sheeran won a court battle after two songwriters claimed his 2017 hit Shape Of You infringed copyright of their song Oh Why. He later spoke openly about the mental strain the case caused him.

Sheeran has eight number one albums, with his latest being his += (Tour Collection) compilation.

The four-time Grammy winner has become known in recent years for his support of football club Ipswich Town, which he sponsors.

Sheeran has links to Ireland, and released the hits Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan on the  album.

Play will be released on September 12.
Ni feidir leis an gabhlan an da thra a phreastal (literally means 'the sand martin can't be on two beaches'... you can't do two things at once)

Having crossed Pharaohs hot dry ocean, my sand martins are back from Africa. About 30 pairs nest each summer in a soft bank facing the sea, close to my home. The little migrants are weighing up their options... they deemed the site unsatisfactory last year and moved on. Will these temperamental breeders reject it again this time around? Fingers crossed!

Like all creatures great and small, a gabhlan faces lifes two big challenges  to eat without being eaten, and to beget youngsters who will carry the genetic torch on to future generations. Success hinges on risk assessment. Humans are changing the environment, relentlessly presenting new challenges. A bird might give people a wide berth, as whooper swans do. Or, like mute swans, it can exploit the environments that humans create.

Other members of the swallow family made such a choice long ago. The cave and cliff nests of old were abandoned. House martins took to building under the eaves of buildings. These squatters, however, remain outdoors. Swallows are cheekier  they nest inside barns and cow-sheds. Only the sand martin has remained true to its age-old traditions. It continues to dig tunnels in banks as it always did. Sand quarries and holes in sea-walls are our only gifts to it.

Gabhlans have a bunker mentality. Each pair digs a tunnel. The nest chamber, a human arms length or so underground, is safe from enemies. Only an opportunistic stoat can penetrate a burrow. Badgers were recorded digging up nests in Sweden.

Burrows from previous years might seem serviceable to our eyes. Digging a new one can take up to two weeks, so renovating an existing tunnel should be labour-saving. Martins are plagued by feather-lice and creepy-crawlies. Are they fearful that old nest-holes might still harbour the eggs of previous tormentors?

Sand martins are gregarious  they roost nest and migrate together.

Like their cousins, sand martins are gregarious. They roost nest and migrate together. Breeding colonies, typically, have up to 50 pairs. There is safety in numbers. The hobby, a very scarce visiting falcon, has a particular penchant for martins but a swirling flock of angry parent sand martins will mob it, driving the predator from the colony.

But there are downsides to communal living. A sand martin village is conspicuous; it cant be hidden from prowling enemies.

Breeding colonies of sand martins typically have up to 50 pairs. There is safety in numbers.

Also, a male martin may copulate with a compliant female when spouses backs are turned. He may father more offspring by doing so and her brood will have greater genetic diversity. But infidelity is a two-edged sword: all of the youngsters he nurtures so devotedly in the nest at home, may not be his  'what goes around comes around'!

Theres a price to be paid for security. Songbirds, such as robins and blackbirds, generally make cup nests, from which chicks can observe, and discover, the world around them. Pity the poor martin youngster emerging for the first time from darkness into light, cast into this breathing world, scarce half made up etc. After three weeks in warm womb-like security, it must now sink or swim.

The name martin dates back to the medieval bestiaries and animal fables; this is a popular bird. "The martin and the swallow are God Almightys birds to hallow".
The family of a murdered GAA official has criticised the British governments response to a court ruling that found it was acting unlawfully in failing to order a public inquiry into the killing.

On Wednesday, Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn sought leave for a Supreme Court appeal in the Sean Brown case.

Mr Benn has not confirmed he ultimately intends to take the case to the Supreme Court, but applied for protective leave to appeal to Britains highest court if he believes that course of action to be necessary.

Northern Irelands first minister Michelle ONeill branded the move cruel and inhumane while Tanaiste, Simon Harris, said the Brown family had already been waiting far too long for answers.

Hilary Benn has sought leave for a Supreme Court appeal in the Sean Brown case (Brian Lawless/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.

Preliminary inquest proceedings last year 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.

Last month, three judges at the Court of Appeal in Belfast said the British governments failure to order a public inquiry into the murder cannot stand and gave Mr Benn four weeks to reflect upon the judgment.

Outside the Court of Appeal, Mr Browns 87-year-old widow Bridie had issued a plea to Mr Benn not to challenge judgment at the Supreme Court in London.

First Minister Michelle ONeill branded the Governments move as cruel (Liam McBurney/PA)

However, the Northern Ireland secretary has now taken steps to give himself that option.

Reacting to the move, Mrs Brown told the Irish News: I pleaded directly with Hilary Benn not to be appealing Seans case to the Supreme Court in London, that he should do what the courts have told him to do.

He has refused my plea. Im not surprised but I am bitterly disappointed.

She added: I am now terrified as to what secrets the British government are hiding. It seems we just dont count.

Mr Browns daughter Siobhan branded the NIOs handling of the announcement on Wednesday as disgraceful.

She said she had not even time to inform her mother about the move before Mr Benn appeared on the media announcing his decision at Westminster.

I hadnt even got the chance to show that letter to my mother whenever Hilary Benn stood in Westminster and gave a press conference, she told BBC Radio Ulster.

She added: Its totally disgraceful. We were distraught at the fact that this information had been released without the family knowing entirely. Yes, some of us had received it (legal letter sent to the familys solicitor), but the rest of us were at work. We didnt get that information straight away and to suddenly hear it being broadcast is disgraceful.

And, again, its just another thing that the British government are trying to do to undermine us as a family and treat us with so much disrespect, which has happened right through the 28 years since my father was murdered.

Mr Browns daughter said the only acceptable way forward for her family was a public inquiry.

Theres obviously very dirty secrets there that the British government want to keep from us as a family and theyre going out right, taking all action that they possibly can to prevent that information coming out, she said.

Mr Benn 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 British 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.

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.
Rap group Kneecap should not be allowed to perform at Glastonbury although the final decision is for the festival organisers, according to a British cabinet minister.

Commons Leader Lucy Powell said she believed no-one in this House would want to see the group at the festival, adding: Well all continue to say so loud and clear.

The Belfast band are being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting up Hamas, up Hezbollah.

Video has emerged of the group at a November 2023 gig appearing to show one member saying: The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.

Can the Leader of the House reassure us that if this band remains on the bill at Glastonbury that she will not attend and that she will also discourage all of her Cabinet colleagues from attending also?

Kneecap apologised on Monday to the families of murdered MPs and claimed footage of the incident had been exploited and weaponised.

They added they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, which are both banned organisations in Britain.

Speaking at business questions, British Conservative MP Lincoln Jopp (Spelthorne) raised the allegations against Kneecap and welcomed the police investigation.

He told the Commons: However, as of today, they still remain on the bill for Glastonbury this year.

Can the Leader of the House reassure us that if this band remains on the bill at Glastonbury that she will not attend and that she will also discourage all of her Cabinet colleagues from attending also?

Ms Powell replied: These are incredibly serious, unacceptable comments, whether theyre against a Conservative MP or any other MP I totally condemn them and the whole House condemns them.

She added: On the issue of Glastonbury, Im sure the festival organisers have heard loud and clear the comments that have already been made about that band and it is a matter for Glastonbury Festival to take that forward.

But Im sure that no-one in this House would want to see them playing at Glastonbury and Im sure well all continue to say so loud and clear.
Justice minister Jim OCallaghan has said the overcrowding crisis is his responsibility to address, and that the Government must tackle the issue.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Prison Officers Association, Mr OCallaghan said extra spaces are urgently needed and that his Cabinet colleagues had to release funding to tackle the problem within the next 12 to 18 months.

The association has said overcrowding is creating a potentially explosive situation, warning that a tragedy or some other crisis will happen if no action is taken.

There were 5,344 prisoners in custody on Wednesday, in spaces for 4,666 people  meaning 678 people had to be crammed into cells.

Of these, 358 were on mattresses on the floor and 320 inmates on bunk beds. The number of mattresses on Wednesday was more than twice the number on the same day last year (174).

The number of prisoners in custody has jumped by 17% between April 30, 2023, and April 30, 2025  4,568 to 5,344  while the number of inmates given temporary release has shot up by 53%, 389 to 594.

In the same time period around 250 extra spaces (+6%) have been created in the system.

'Revolving door'

Association president Tony Power told the conference in Galway that the revolving door is back in prisons.

Anyone serving less than eight months for a non-violent crime is getting temporary release, he said.

Giving examples, he said that on one landing in Midlands Prison there were 90 prisoners in 33 cells. He added that 25 of them were sleeping on a mattress on the floor.

Simon Harris told us two years ago that he had secured funding for 600 spaces. Last year, Helen McEntee told us she secured funding for 670 spaces  but not a sod has been turned on any of these, Mr Power said.

He questioned where Mr OCallaghan was going to be able to bring 1,500 spaces on board within the next five years as per the programme for government.

We dont know where he is going to get them unless he reopens the Curragh, refurbishes [the old] Cork prison or E Block [in Portlaoise] which has 160 cells and houses five

He said the Prison Officers' Associations had suggested these developments over the years.

Association general secretary Karl Dalton said that, in meetings with officials, they were told that with the procurement process it would take at least eight years to bring a new prison on board.

Budget provisions

Mr OCallaghan said that, while the prison estate is growing, it is not increasing at the rate that is urgently needed.

He said 525m was provided in Budget 2025 to tackle overcrowding and increase capacity.

Talking to the media, the minister said he accepted there is a crisis.

This is an issue that is my responsibility, the Government has to address this issue, he said.

Im going to bring forward proposals for accelerating the process so we can get more spaces

He said it is his task to explain the nature of the crisis and get funding immediately to address it over the next 12 to 18 months.

The minister said he is also proposing amendments to the Community Safety Act which would double the length of prison sentence  from 12 to 24 months  that a judge could substitute for with community service.
Prison officers fear criminals will use drones to smuggle guns into jails, given they are already transporting in unprecedented levels of drugs, phones, and knives.

Staff say violence is soaring, with an almost 50% jump in prisoner on prisoner violence in the last year and a 32% increase in prisoner assaults on staff.

At its annual conference in Galway, the Prison Officers' Association said the escalation in the overcrowding crisis, particularly in the last year, is creating a potentially explosive situation.

Deputy general secretary Gabriel Keaveny said: There have been over 100 drone deliveries since the beginning of the year.

We know theres drugs, we know theres phones, but were very concerned they may also contain firearms. Theres huge concerns for our members

In response to comments from justice minister Jim OCallaghan that new steel netting  replacing wire netting that can be burned through  is having an impact, Mr Keaveny said: What theyve done since the steel netting was installed in Portlaoise [Prison], they delivered directly to the prison through the ventilation system  so its impossible net the entire prison.

He said in other cases, drones are being guided to specific windows of cells and operating off coordinates supplied by smuggled mobile phones inside.

Mr Keaveny said the average value of consignments in a drone drop is between 50,000-60,000 inside prisons.

'Extremely concerned'

Speaking at the conference, Mr OCallaghan said he is extremely concerned at the fears regarding firearms, but said there is a need to improve technology to prevent drones from entering prisons.

He said the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Siochana have just signed an agreement to boost prison security.

He also told delegates that he intends to bring a proposal to Cabinet shortly allowing prison officers to use incapacitant sprays for their own safety.

On overcrowding, he said he wants to accelerate proposals to increase capacity  including developments and refurbishments on existing Irish Prison Service land such as at the old Cork prison.

I think there has to be development there, we have the land there, he said.
Two brothers, whose father was murdered in Cork 30 years ago when they were children, were both jailed for seven years for carrying out an arson attack on a house, where they fled the scene after throwing in a petrol bomb with the parting words, Bye Bye.

Judge Helen Boyle imposed sentences of eight years, with the last year suspended, in the cases against 39-year-old Robert Crinnion, of Blackwater Grove, Togher, Cork, and 33-year-old Michael Crinnion, of the same address, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

They pleaded guilty to a charge that on August 4, 2023, at a house on Dean Street, Cork, they committed arson by causing fire damage to the hallway, sitting room door, bathroom door, stairs, banister, dressing gown and bath mat, intending or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.

They both wrote letters to the court where they expressed their apologies and remorse to the owner of the house. Fortunately, she and her children were not present when the arson was carried out.

Sergeant Cormac Crotty said the householder was extremely concerned when she was first alerted to the arson that her brother might have been in the house at the relevant time. However, it turned out no one was present.

A recording from a doorbell video that was activated at the time recorded the words Bye Bye, as the two brothers fled the scene.

Tom Creed, senior counsel, said Robert Crinnion was 11 years of age when his father, Michael Crinnion, was shot dead outside a pub on Barrack Street, Cork, in April 1995. Mr Creed said Robert Crinnion went on to suffer from a lifelong drug addiction.

Elizabeth OConnell, senior counsel for Michael, who was only eight when his father died, said the defendant was on drugs and homeless at the time of the arson. She said he was very sorry for what he did, and commented in a letter that his actions were despicable and they made him sick to the stomach.

Judge Helen Boyle noted from the evidence of Det Sgt Crotty that Robert broke a window with a hatchet and Michael immediately threw a petrol bomb into the property and that Michael shouted Bye Bye, as they fled.

She said it was fortunate the glass Corona bottle of petrol did not break and explode and the fire damage was confined to about 1,000 worth of property. And Judge Boyle said it was even more fortunate no one was present at the time of the arson attack.

While describing it as a serious crime, the judge said there was no doubt the murder of their father when they were children had a significant impact on their young lives and in effect they had lifelong drug addictions.

The two brother were about to go on trial by judge and jury in February but pleaded guilty to arson as it was about to commence.
The wife and sister of missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine, who Gardai fear is dead, have issued an emotional appeal for information on his disappearance.

The video statement was issued on Wednesday after Gardai confirmed on Tuesday that they have reclassified the missing persons case as a homicide case, and insisted that there are people out there who know what happened to Mr Gaine.
Thirty nine people, including women and children, have been deported to Georgia, the justice minister has said.

Jim O'Callaghan said deportation orders were enforced against 39 people, who have been removed from Ireland by charter flight.

The group includes 30 men, four women and five children. The children removed are all part of family groups. The people concerned were Georgian nationals and the flight left Dublin Airport on Wednesday night and landed in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Thursday morning.

This is the second such operation conducted since charter flights recommenced earlier in the year. On February 27, a flight to Georgia removed 32 people who were subject to deportation orders.

Speaking about the operation, Mr OCallaghan said: Stepping up enforcement and securing our borders is a central commitment of mine. Swift and fair returns of people whose applications have been refused is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.

If people wish to move to Ireland, they must do so using the appropriate legal pathways. Removal operations send a clear message that our laws are to be respected and underscores this Governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.

I want to thank the members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their continued work to ensure that if a person is ordered to leave the country, that they do so. There will be further charter operations to ensure a faster and more efficient removal system."

Mr O'Callaghan also said it was "important to note that many members of the Georgian community are legally in the State".

"They contribute to the economy and the cultural and social fabric of our society. They are welcome here and we thank them for their contribution.

The Government uses charter flights when a group of people are being removed to the same destination. These operations are conducted under a contract signed by the State last November.

The Department of Justice said access to these services had "significantly increased the capacity of An Garda Siochana to enforce deportation orders".

It added enforced removals are carried out as" a measure of last resort when the person concerned has not removed themselves from the State or availed of assisted voluntary return measures".

Mr O'Callaghan said before a deportation order is made, the person "is offered assistance to return home voluntarily, this is the preferred option".

"In addition to enforced removals, my department is achieving significant increases in the number of people leaving voluntarily and I am asking those who are given this opportunity to avail of it."

So far this year, the department said 1,386 deportation orders had been signed and 647 people had departed the State under various mechanisms  such as enforced deportation or voluntary return.

Voluntary return is an option open to people who have no legal status in Ireland, including those who are refused international protection. Where this option is taken up, a deportation order is not issued in respect of that person.

Last year, 2,403 deportation orders were signed. This saw an increase of 180% compared to 2023.
A fully let office investment that has a mix of tenants  in Corks 1m sq ft mixed-use development EastGate  and promising a return of 8%, is up for sale to investors, likely to have an appeal to a party looking for strong pension income.

Offered with a 1.6 m AMV, via joint agents Cohalan Downing and Cushman & Wakefield, is the office element of EastGate Hall, a detached building near the main retail park in the early 2000s-developed scheme done by OFlynn Group, on 120 acres just a mile east of the Jack Lynch Tunnel and the Dunkettle interchange by Little Island.

Offered for vendors the OFlynn Group are EastGate Halls office units 1B and 4 and 5 in the retail and business park, which has just over 1m sq ft of office and 250,000 sq ft of retail, with this detached building close to the retail occupiers anchored by Harvey Norman (who purchased the retail element/investment in its first Irish foray in 2022, paying a reported 24m): major tenants include The Range, Harvey Norman, EZ Living, and JYSK.

Harvey Norman paid 24 million in 2022 for the EastGate Retail Park at Little Island, Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The selling agents for EastGate Hall describe it as a mixed-use block with offices, as well as a creche, and cafe located at ground-floor level, all in separate ownership and not forming part of this investment sale, with income of 142,000 pa and having 32 parking spaces and further communal parking.

A major regional employment hub, EastGate Business Park is off the N25 Waterford Rd, easily accessed from the M8/Dublin Rd and the Cork South Ring Rd network and the business park is considered one of Corks main hubs, with neighbouring occupiers including Eli Lilly, with 135,000 sq ft, Gilead, Laya Healthcare, ESB International, Pepsi, and PE Global. Theres also a convenience store, bank, cafes, adjacent Radisson hotel, and commuter rail link to Little Island.

The office element at EastGate Hall has two access points leading to a recently refurbished reception hall, which is generous in size, with an 800 sq ft ground-floor suite occupied by McAdam Design, paying an annual rent of 15,000 pa on a five-year lease from 2024.

The two first-floor suites are let to Acorn Life group in unit 4, who have 2,725 sq ft on a 10-year lease from 2018, paying a rent of 48,000, and NeoDyne Ltd in unit 5, which is 4,650 sq ft held on a 10-year lease from 2021, at a rent of 79,000 pa, with a break option in August 2026..

CDAs Margaret Kelleher and C&Ws Sean Healy say all three suites produce a combined rent of 142,000 pa exclusive, with potential for rental growth at rent review/lease renewal and add that the tenants are responsible for service charge and rates.

At the price of 1.6m, the fully let investment reflects a net initial yield of 8% and at the lot size, and with a good tenant mix, the joint agents say they expect interest from parties for their pension/roperty portfolio.

Meanwhile, for separate vendors, also offered at East Gate on a sale and leaseback is Unit 4C on EastGate Avenue, with 4,800 sq ft occupied by DPS Engineering, with a rent of 86,300 pa via Cushman & Wakefield, on a new ten 10-year lease, with a break option in 2028.

Price guide here is 850,000.

Previous investment sales at EastGate (excluding the retail park at 24m to Harvey Norman) included 3 EastGate Road in Q1 2023, for 4.1m, producing 337,000 pa.

Details: mkelleher@cohalandowning.ie 021 427 7717 sean.healy@cushwake.ie 021 427 5454
A federal judge has denied the US governments request to release a jailed former FBI informant who made up a story about president Joe Biden and his son Hunter accepting bribes, which became central to Republicans impeachment effort.

The decision, issued on Wednesday by US District Judge Otis Wright in Los Angeles, comes weeks after a new prosecutor reassigned to Alexander Smirnovs case jointly filed a motion with his lawyers asking for his release while he appeals his conviction.

In the motion, the US government had said it would review its theory of the case.

In his written order, the judge said Smirnov is still a flight risk, even if prosecutors say they will review his case.

Former president Joe Biden, centre, and his wife Jill arrive for the funeral of Pope Francis (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The fact remains that Smirnov has been convicted and sentenced to seventy-two months in prison, providing ample incentive to flee, he said.

Smirnov, 44, was sentenced in January after pleading guilty to tax evasion and lying to the FBI about the phony bribery scheme, which was described by the previous prosecutors assigned to the case as an effort to influence the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

His lawyers, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, told The Associated Press in a text they will appeal the judges decision and continue to advocate for Mr Smirnovs release. The US Attorneys Office in Los Angeles declined to comment.

Smirnov had been originally prosecuted by former Justice Department special counsel David Weiss, who resigned in January days before President Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term.

Smirnov has been in custody since February 2024. He was arrested at the Las Vegas airport after returning to the US from overseas.

The dual US and Israeli citizen falsely claimed to his FBI handler that around 2015, executives from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had paid then-vice president Biden and his son five million dollars(3.75 million) apiece.

The explosive claim in 2020 came after Smirnov expressed bias about Mr Biden as a presidential candidate, according to prosecutors at the time. In reality, investigators found Smirnov had only routine business dealings with Burisma starting in 2017  after Mr Bidens term as vice president.

Authorities said Smirnovs false claim set off a firestorm in Congress when it resurfaced years later as part of the House impeachment inquiry into Mr Biden, who won the presidency over Mr Trump in 2020. The Biden administration dismissed the impeachment effort as a stunt.

Mr Weiss also brought gun and tax charges against Hunter Biden, who was supposed to be sentenced in December after being convicted at a trial in the gun case and pleading guilty to tax charges. But he was pardoned by his father, who said he believed raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened Iran will pay the consequence of supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The US has been conducting strikes targeting rebels since March 15, while the British military confirmed on Wednesday it had launched an attack against the group.

The strikes have drawn controversy in the United States over Mr Hegseths use of the unclassified Signal messaging app to post sensitive details about the attacks.

Early on Thursday, he directly threatened Iran in a message on the social platform X.

Message to IRAN:



We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing.



You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 1, 2025

Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing, he wrote.

You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

The US 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 UK Defence 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 kilometres) 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 Houthis reported several strikes around Yemens capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. Other strikes hit around Saada.

The joint UK-US strike follows an alleged US airstrike on Monday which hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The US 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 US campaign.

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.
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 (8:05 am) - Score 360

Telecoms and broadband giant BT has confirmed that, as part of their ongoing UK programme to modernise and consolidate the number of offices they have  shrinking them from around 300 to just 30 locations, theyve begun a consultation on the closure of their Londonderry office. The move, which could be implemented by the end of 2025, puts around 140 jobs at risk.

The operator is instead proposing to relocate most of those impacted by the change to their recently refurbished Riverside Tower office in Belfast, which houses around 2,000 staff. But that reflects a road distance of about 70 miles or a travel time of 1 hour and 20 minutes (on a good day), which in practice means that many local Londonderry staff may struggle with the new commute and perhaps opt for redundancy.

NOTE: The The BT Group currently supports approximately 5,500 jobs across Northern Ireland and claims to have added 630m to the local economy last year.

A BT Group spokesperson said: We are considering closing our office in Derry-Londonderry and we are consulting with colleagues and their unions on our proposals  Theres no impact to customers from these proposals. Roughly half of the currently c.300 strong workforce in Derry will remain, as they are needed to help operate the companys local exchange.

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Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said: This news is deeply disappointing, especially coming so soon after losses of 300 jobs in Enniskillen last year. 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.

BT said they remain committed to Northern Ireland, building full fibre broadband further and faster than anyone else (Openreach has already covered 90% of premises in the country with FTTP) and have delivered extensive 5G and 4G mobile coverage via EE.
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 (12:04 pm) - Score 760

Fixed wireless and UK broadband provider Connexin, which is backed by PATRIZIA and is in the process of being acquired by CityFibre (here), has today signed a new agreement with Southend-on-Sea city council to install their Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) wireless network on existing infrastructure across the city. This will support smart water meters, without the need for new poles.

Fixed wireless LoRa networks harness only a small slice of lower frequency radio spectrum (usually in one of the sub-1GHz bands like 868MHz or 915MHz) in order to support relatively slow, but extremely low power, data connections. Such networks tend to run at sub-Megabit speeds (often under 0.05Mbps, but some variants can handle several Megabits), which makes them ideal for linking Internet of Things (IoT) style sensors.

Under the latest agreement, Connexin will install wireless gateways on existing streetlights, where possible, across Suffolk and Essex. This should minimise the need for new poles and avoid unnecessary construction. By working with the Council to access existing infrastructure, disruption to residents will be reduced and a smoother, more efficient rollout of the new network is expected.

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The new LoRaWAN network will support the transfer of data from up to 700,000 smart water meters being installed across Essex & Suffolk by 2035. These meters will send data from households across the region to Essex & Suffolk Water, enabling the water company to remotely monitor usage in near-real time, detect leaks early, and respond quickly.

Dan Preece, Vice President of Water & Utilities at Connexin, said: This agreement with Southend-on-Sea City Council is a fantastic example of how collaboration can drive innovation. Wherever possible, we want to partner with local authorities in this way. By utilising existing infrastructure, we can minimise construction and reduce disruption to the environment. This not only supports better water management but also lays the groundwork for smarter cities, making the region more sustainable and better connected.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: This is a smart, resident-first solution. By using the infrastructure we already have, like streetlights, weve avoided our streets being cluttered with lots of new masts [poles]. This digital network allows us a faster, smarter, and more cost-effective way with potential to do more to improve our services in the region.

In addition to operational benefits for the water utility company, residents will gain greater visibility and control over their water usage. A free app provided by Essex & Suffolk Water allows customers to check their smart water meter readings on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. On average, households with smart meters reduce consumption up to 20%, helping to reduce bills and environmental impact.
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 (1:50 pm) - Score 2,800

The Independent Networks Co-operative Association, which represents alternative UK broadband operators, has today warned that they believe the amendment proposed by Openreach in the new Renters Rights Bill would be ineffective at solving the problem of how you get full fibre into large MDU buildings where deployment has been unreasonably refused or landlords cannot be contacted.

At present, large residential buildings (Multi-Dwelling Units) still require network operators to secure the permission of freeholders before they can deploy new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband lines. This can become particularly tedious when landlords refuse access, fail to respond to a request, or where its unclear who the freeholder for a building actually is.

NOTE: The new bill currently only applies to England. The new bill currently only applies to England. Openreach has so far extended their FTTP broadband network to 18.3 million UK premises and aims to reach 25 million by December 2026, before then pushing up to 30m by 2030.

Openreach has previously estimated that there are approximately 1,040,000 premises in such buildings across the country for which this issue applies and over 780,000 of those are said to be at risk of no coverage from us or any other provider, although its difficult to verify these figures. Some 600,000 flats and apartments in London alone are believed to be impacted by this.

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The new bill currently hands a lot of additional rights to tenants (gov summary), including the right to request a pet in the property (alongside a supporting requirement for pet insurance). But it does not allow them to request an upgrade to faster broadband connectivity, and this can sometimes leave whole buildings and related tenants trapped on older copper lines.

Openreach often already has an existing copper-based broadband (ADSL, FTTC etc.) network in such buildings, but the related wayleave agreement only allows them to enter the property in order to maintain or upgrade that specific service (i.e. theyd need to secure a new agreement if they wanted to deploy FTTP). Suffice to say that theyve spent quite a long time arguing for a change to the rules (example).

However, altnets have long warned that they dont want to see a situation where Openreach is granted special access, which they say could leave them at a competitive disadvantage.

New Amendment to the Renter Rights Bill (RRB)

The latest debate has sprung up after a new amendment was proposed to the Bill, which after Clause 13 would give tenants the Right to request [a] Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) installation (here). This is described in the proposal as being similar to the right to request keeping a pet, by ensuring that landlord consent for FTTP installation cannot be unreasonably refused and that decisions are made within a specified timeframe.

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The new provision, which is written very generally and makes no mention of Openreach or its legacy copper infrastructure, is said to be intended to reduce delays in broadband infrastructure improvements in rented properties. But INCA sees it differently.

INCA Statement Altnets have invested millions of pounds in developing positive relationships with landlords and landowners, which is why more properties in London have access to an Altnet full fibre service than to an Openreach service. Thinkbroadband shows that 54% of London properties have access to an Altnet full fibre service whilst Openreach can only serve 44% of London properties. Instead of legislation, there is a need for a collaborative and educational approach, as the Altnets have already demonstrated, to bring landlords and landowners on board with the need to deliver full fibre to MDUs and the benefits this will provide to tenants. In addition, its key that consumers are made aware that there is real choice now in the market beyond the established players. This was evidenced in our recent report on the State of the Altnets and showed that last year alone, almost three-quarters of a million customers chose to switch to an Altnet. As an industry were ready to work with government on a national awareness and education campaign to address the issue of Full Fibre connections in MDUs at pace, drawing on our experience of working closely with landlords and landowners.

Firstly, the amendment itself was actually proposed by Baroness Janke (Barbara Lilian Janke), who is a current member of the House of Lords and one affiliated to the Liberal Democrats. Openreach did not itself formally propose the amendment to parliament and, as above, the language of the amendment appears to be quite generalised and not Openreach specific. But well paste it at the bottom, so readers can judge for themselves.

The other issue with the more voluntary approach, as seemingly being proposed by INCA above, is that this has been tried and yet the problem remains. In fact, politicians and operators have spent the past few years trying to find solutions for this and, while there have been some improvements (e.g. measures to tackle rogue landlords), they havent been able to solve all the remaining challenges.

On the other hand, property owners also have concerns that must be balanced in all this (i.e. insurance, damage to property, security, safety [e.g. fire, asbestos] and other liabilities etc.), which is because upgrading copper lines to fibre in MDUs is often a bit more involved than it may seem (its not always minor work) and not everybody may want that.

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Some landlords may also have exclusive agreements in place with rival network operators, which would be put at risk. Similarly, its also possible that some buildings may run into the same problem as weve seen in many UK streets over the past few years, with multiple operators trying to conduct work on the same site  causing a lot of disruption.

Suffice to say, network operators and the government are walking a bit of a tightrope in terms of the rights of freeholders and leaseholders, but its not yet clear whether any of the most recently proposed amendment will make it into law.
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 (12:01 am) - Score 800

The UK Government today confirmed that Openreach (BT) have been formally awarded the 157 million state aid supported Project Gigabit broadband roll-out contract for Scotland (Call off 6). The deal will see the operator extending their full fibre (FTTP) network to cover an additional 65,000 of the hardest to reach rural premises.

The latest development forms part of Openreachs earlier Single Supplier Framework agreement (here), which saw them being chosen to deliver all of Project Gigabits Cross-Regional (Type C) procurements  reflecting up to 800m in total state aid to help upgrade 312,000 premises in rural areas of England, Scotland and Wales (the previous Type A [local] and Type B [regional] contracts have all gone to smaller providers).

NOTE: Project Gigabit aims to help extend gigabit broadband (1000Mbps+) ISP networks to nationwide coverage (c.99% of UK premises) by 2030 ( Project Gigabit aims to help extend gigabit broadband (1000Mbps+) ISP networks to nationwide coverage (c.99% of UK premises) by 2030 ( here ), focusing mostly on the final 10-20% in hard-to-reach areas. Some 86% of premises can already access such a network, with Ofcom forecasting 97-98% for May 2027 ( here ).

So far, the governments Building Digital UK (BDUK) agency has already awarded most of the contracts related to their above agreement, which until today reflected six Type C contracts awarded since August 2024  a total of around 577m in public investment to help reach a further 227,000 premises in digitally disadvantaged areas (details here and here).

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The last Type C contract to be awarded today, under the same Framework agreement, will add another 157m of public investment and 65,000 premises to the above total  this time focusing upon remote rural Scotland. Several remote islands off Scotlands west coast will benefit, including thousands of premises across the Outer Hebrides  a chain of over 100 islands where currently just 7% of premises can access gigabit broadband  as well as the isles of Skye, Islay and Tiree.

Rural parts of the Scottish Highlands will also be covered by this boost, such as Applecross, an extremely remote peninsula, and Durness, the most north-westerly village on the UK mainland.

Telecoms Minister, Chris Bryant, said: Digital exclusion for people living and working in hard-to-reach areas across Scotland can be a huge obstacle to living a better and healthier life. Elderly and vulnerable people could miss out on the best treatment options in North Ayrshire, while budding entrepreneurs could be held back from their dream of running a successful business in Moray. With our recent Digital Inclusion Action Plan, we have pledged to take everyone along with us in the digital revolution so that we dont entrench existing inequalities as technological progress races ahead. This huge UK Government investment is a commitment to using technology to make lives in Scotland better as well as turbocharging local economies to deliver on our growth mission under the Governments Plan for Change.

Openreach Deputy CEO, Katie Milligan, said: Full fibre is the UKs most reliable broadband technology, and more than half of Scotlands homes can already order it thanks to Openreach. But we believe everyone deserves access to fast, reliable connections, so were proud to be helping extend access to communities that would otherwise be left behind. Our new networks a catalyst for growth and jobs, with experts predicting itll bring a 4.4 billion boost to the Scottish economy and a raft of social and environmental benefits. Were confident well reach as many as 30 million UK premises by 2030, assuming the right economic conditions exist.

Richard Lochhead, Scottish Government Business Minister, said: This new contract brings even more investment to Scotland and we are committed to working with the UK Government and Openreach to drive efficiencies across both the R100 and Project Gigabit programmes and maximise gigabit coverage. Through the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme and our ongoing efforts with R100, over one million faster broadband connections have been delivered across Scotland through public investment  developing infrastructure, knowledge and experience that will be essential in ensuring the success of Project Gigabit in Scotland.

The areas covered by this Type C contract typically reflect locations where no or no appropriate market interest had previously been expressed before to the Governments umbrella BDUK agency, or areas that have been descoped or terminated from a prior plan.

Areas like the ones above are often skipped due to being too expensive (difficult) for smaller suppliers, which is why Openreach was favoured to scoop them up and ultimate secured the related framework. All the other Project Gigabit contracts have gone to smaller alternative networks (altnets).

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The new contract award also complements GoFibres recent success in securing the smaller 26.2m (state aid) Project Gigabit contract for the Scottish Borders and East Lothian regions, which will see them reach an additional 11,000 premises across hard-to-reach rural areas (here). More contracts are also expected to be signed later this year for Orkney, Shetland and across the East of Scotland, although these could just as easily go to different network operators.

The work is designed to complement the Scottish Governments own 600m R100 programme, which is separately working with Openreach to reach another 113,000 premises in hard-to-reach rural locations by 2028 (the vast majority of this will get FTTP).

In that sense, the Project Gigabit contracts for Scotland should be seen as the successor to the R100 project, although the new contract doesnt clarify how long it will take to reach the stated 65,000 premises (note: this is down from the 76,400 that was originally being targeted under call off 6).

NOTE: The responsibility for broadband in Scotland is reserved to Westminster, but that doesnt stop local and devolved authorities from making their own investments, which weve previously seen via the R100 programme (Reaching 100%  superfast broadband coverage).
By Jessica Corbett

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student targeted for deportation by the Trump administration because he participated in anti-genocide protests at Columbia University, was released on bail Wednesday following an order from Vermont-based U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford.

Politico reported that upon his release, Mahdawi shared a message for President Donald Trump outside the courthouse.

I am saying it clear and loud, Mahdawi declared. To President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you.

When Mahdawi, a green-card holder, arrived at a Colchester, Vermont immigration office to complete the process of becoming a U.S. citizen earlier this month, he was arrested by masked, hooded federal agents and put in an unmarked vehicle.

Mahdawi has been held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans since U.S. District Judge William Sessions III blocked the Trump administrations attempt to send him to a detention facility in Louisiana, like other student organizers.

His legal teamincluding attorneys with the ACLU and Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR)is arguing in court that Mahdawis detention violates his constitutional rights, including free speech and due process.

Nobody should fear detention for exercising their rights under the First Amendment. We are delighted that the court recognized that Mohsen is not a flight risk and that he should be released while his case proceeds, said Nathan Freed Wessler, deputy director of the ACLUs Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, in a Wednesday statement.

CLEAR staff attorney Shezza Abboushi Dallal also welcomed the development: 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. We will continue our legal battle for Mohsen until his constitutional rights are fully vindicated.

Vermonts congressional delegationRep. Becca Balint (D) and Sens. Bernie Sanders (I) and Peter Welch (D.)said in a joint statement Wednesday that we are relieved that Mohsen Mahdawi was released on bail and that the constitutional right to due process has prevailed.

Mohsen Mahdawi is here in the United States legally and acted legally. He should never have experienced this grave injustice, they added. The Trump Administrations actions in this caseand in so many other cases of wrongfully detained, deported, and disappeared peopleare shameful and immoral. This is an important first step. We will continue the fight against President Trumps assault on the rule of law.

The trio has been advocating for Mahdawi since his arrest. Welch visited him in detention last week and Sanders was among several lawmakers who spoke at a Tuesday rally organized by Balint outside the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C.

Mohsen Mahdawi is a cherished member of our community in Vermont, and I want to do everything that I can to elevate his story, because it is an indication of just how far from our values we have strayed, Balint said.

This administration needs to know that we are watching very carefully what they are doing, that we care about our rights, she stressed, addressing the importance of taking to the streets to protest Trumps actions. It is about standing up for all of our rights, but its also about giving Mohsen Mahdawi and other people like him the understanding that we are standing with him.

Highlighting some other cases that have made headlines during Trumps first 100 days, Balint said that people right now, in our country, are being disappeared by this administration. Children with cancer are being shipped off illegallybabies. Students are being harassed, and detained, and intimidated, and threatened. Why? Because they exercised free speech rights and the right to assemble. These are the rights that are basic to who we areor who we say we areas Americans.

Mahdawi grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank, which remains illegally occupied by Israel. Sanders noted Tuesday that he has used his voice to advocate for peace, justice, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis.

Speaking out against Mahdawis arrest, the senator said that not only was this action cruel and inhumane, most importantly, it was illegal, it was unconstitutional.

This is not just about Mohsen Mahdawi. It is about you and you and you, he continued, pointing to members of the crowd. If you can pick up a legal resident off the streets, throw them into a car, and put them in jail without any due process, that could happen to you.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)who recently traveled to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garciaand Reps. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) also delivered remarks on Tuesday, as did leaders from Demand Progress and Indivisible.

Many of them pointed to others swept up in the Trump administrations effort to crush critics and carry out mass deportations, including Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to a megaprison in his native El Salvador alongside hundreds of Venezuelan migrants; former Columbia organizer Mahmoud Khalil; Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University; and Tufts University Ph.D. student Rumeysa Ozturk.

A federal district court judge had ordered the Trump administration to transfer Ozturk, a Turkish national, from Louisiana to Vermont by Thursday for a hearing on her petition challenging her detention. However, the government appealed, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday halted the directive. Arguments for the appeal are now scheduled for next week.

Ozturks legal team, which also includes the ACLU and CLEAR, said in response to Tuesdays decision that Rumeysa Ozturk never should have been arrested and detained, period. We are ready to argue her case before the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, and we wont stop fighting until she is free.

Also on Tuesday, a U.S. district judge in New Jersey rejected the Trump administrations attempt to shut down Khalils lawsuit arguing that the government is unlawfully detaining him for his political views. Like Ozturk and Mahdawi, his legal team includes the ACLU and CLEAR.



File. Mohsen Mahdawi, Palestinian advocate for peace, November 2024. Author: HopsonRoad. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.. H/t Wikimedia Commons.

The court has affirmed that the federal government does not have the unreviewable authority to trample on our fundamental freedoms, Noor Zafar, senior staff attorney with the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said Tuesday. This is a huge step forward for Mahmoud and for the other students and scholars that the Trump administration has unlawfully detained in retaliation for their political speech, and a rebuke of attempts by the executive to use immigration laws to weaken First Amendment protections for political gain.

Khalil recently missed the birth of his child, due to his detention. His wife, Noor Abdalla, said Tuesday that as I am now caring for our barely week-old son, it is even more urgent that we continue to speak out for Mahmouds freedom, and for the freedom of all people being unjustly targeted for advocating against Israels genocide in Gaza.

I am relieved at the courts finding that my husband can move forward with his case in federal court, added Abdalla, a U.S. citizen. This is an important step towards securing Mahmouds freedom. But there is still more work to be done. I will continue to strongly advocate for my husband, so he can come home to our family, and feel the pure joy all parents know of holding your first-born child in your arms.

All of these cases are expected to continue to move through the federal judicial system. One caseAbrego Garciashas already reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite the high courts right-wing supermajority, which includes three Trump appointees, the justices earlier this month unanimously ordered Trump to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the United States.

During a Tuesday interview, ABC News anchor Terry Moran suggested that Trump could bring Abrego Garcia home to his family in Maryland with one phone call, saying: You could get him back. Theres a phone on this desk.

Trump responded: I could And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that. The president then accused him of being a member of the gang MS-13, which Abrego Garcia has denied.

On Wednesday, Trumps homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, toldCBS News that 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.
( Middle East Monitor )  The administration of former US President, Joe Biden, knowingly allowed Israels genocide in Gaza to continue long after it had lost any clear military objective, with senior officials in Washington privately admitting it amounted to killing and destroying for the sake of killing and destroying. This damning assessment, along with revelations of political manipulation, diplomatic cover-ups and sabotaged peace efforts, comes from a bombshell investigation aired by Israels Channel 13. Details of the investigation have been translated by Drop Site News and shared on X.

The Biden administration allowed Israel unprecedented leeway to carry out its military offensive, despite the enormous death and devastation it inflicted on Gaza. Former Israeli ambassador, Michael Herzog, made a startling admission about Bidens support: God did the State of Israel a favour that Biden was the president during this period. We fought [in Gaza] for over a year and the administration never came to us and said, ceasefire now. It never did. And thats not to be taken for granted. His remarks encapsulated a broader sentiment that the White House gave Benjamin Netanyahu all the political space he needed to execute the military offensive, which has claimed the lives of more than 52,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children.

The investigation, which included interviews with nine current and former US officials, reveals a deeply troubling portrait of US complicity in Israels genocide in Gaza. Former national security aide, Ilan Goldenberg, stated that the war amounted to killing and destroying for the sake of killing and destroying, with no viable political alternative ever established. Despite the White Houses public messaging about restraining Israel, the internal consensus appeared to be that the administration had no intention of exerting real pressure on the Occupation state.

The Biden administration also shielded Israel from allegations of war crimes, prompting a major backlash from staffers in the State Department. Lawyer Stacy Gilbert, for example, resigned in protest after being excluded from a key report that falsely claimed Israel had not violated US arms laws. Gilbert described the report as shocking in its mendacity, pointing out that aid obstruction and settler attacks were well documented, yet ignored. Meanwhile, Washington continued to certify Israeli compliance with US law, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of weapons.

The investigation also revealed that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, deliberately sabotaged hostage negotiations in order to prevent a ceasefire. US officials confirmed that Netanyahu tanked talks out of fear that a deal would compel him to halt the war.

Despite public backlash, Bidens private approach remained deferential. Even after reportedly telling Netanyahu he was full of shit and hanging up mid-call, Biden ultimately maintained support. After briefly halting a shipment of 2,000-lb bombs due to concerns about their use in densely populated areas of Gaza, Netanyahu publicly accused Washington of broader arms delays. Biden, rather than escalating pressure, resumed the shipment process shortly thereafter.



Digital.

The Channel 13 expose further confirms that Bidens reluctance to push Israel was deeply tied to a failed diplomatic initiative with Saudi Arabia. A landmark normalisation deal was in sight, but it required Israeli recognition of Palestinian statehood. These were flatly rejected by Netanyahus far-right coalition. Former US ambassador, Jack Lew, said he found Israels refusal shocking, while Amos Hochstein expressed disbelief that such a strategic opportunity was squandered. Sources confirmed that Netanyahu deliberately stalled negotiations in hopes that President Trump would return to office and claim the diplomatic win for himself.

These revelations lend significant weight to long-standing accusations that the Biden administration has not only provided diplomatic cover for Israels propaganda by repeating lies, but also actively enabled what many view as a campaign of ethnic cleansing. Critics note that Biden himself amplified false Israeli claims, such as the widely discredited allegations of Hamas beheading babies, rhetoric that helped to dehumanise a population in order to carry out genocide.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Via Middle East Monitor
Energy Fuels' Pinyon Plain Mine in Arizona produces a record 151,400 pounds of U 3 O 8 contained in ore for the month of April; Underground drill program identifies large areas of uranium mineralization with average grades believed to be unprecedented in the modern era of U.S. uranium mining.

DENVER, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR), a leading U.S. producer of uranium, rare earth elements (REE), and other critical minerals today reported that uranium mining rates at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona reached record levels in April, while the ongoing underground drill program at the mine delivers exceptional new results.

During April 2025, the Company mined 4,604 tons of ore, containing roughly 151,400 pounds of uranium with an average grade of 1.64% eU 3 O 8 at its Pinyon Plain mine, which the Company believes is one of the highest-grade uranium mines in U.S. history. Production rates at the mine have steadily increased over the past several months, with April's results representing the largest monthly production rate since mining began last year. Furthermore, as mined ore grades so far are significantly higher than the gamma probe grades from previous drill programs, the Company believes it will mine considerably more uranium from the Main Zone of the deposit versus what is described in the Technical Report on the Pre-Feasibility Study on the Pinyon Plain Project (PFS) prepared in February 2023 in accordance with S-K 1300 and NI 43-101.

In addition to the increase in production, the Company is pleased to announce exceptional results from its 2024  2025 underground drill program in another area of mineralization at the Pinyon Plain mine called the "Juniper Zone." The February 2023 PFS includes a Mineral Resource estimate for the Juniper Zone of 703,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 at an average grade of 0.95% contained in 37,000 tons of Indicated Mineral Resources, in addition to a small amount of Inferred Mineral Resources. New drill results show numerous additional high-grade intercepts within the Juniper Zone and other zones within the deposit, which together have the potential to significantly increase the mineable uranium resources at the mine.

49 core holes were completed in the Juniper Zone drilling program. Appendix A contains gamma log data that the Company collected following drilling. Drill core is currently being sampled and will be sent for analytical testing. Highlights from the drilling program include the following intercepts:

PPCH-028: 13.4 ft with an average grade of 7.02% eU 3 O 8

PPCH- 029: 7.5 ft with an average grade of 7.50% eU 3 O 8

PPCH-033: 9.3 ft with an average grade of 2.02% eU 3 O 8

PPCH-034: 17.5 ft with an average grade of 5.70% eU 3 O 8 including 4.0 ft with an average grade of 20.11% eU 3 O 8

PPCH-035: 5.0 ft with an average grade of 5.15% eU 3 O 8

PPCH-036: 7.5 ft with an average grade of 3.17% eU 3 O 8

PPCH-043: 11.0 ft with an average grade of 1.89% eU 3 O 8

All drill holes were logged with calibrated Mt. Sopris gamma probes owned or rented by the Company. All probes were calibrated at the U.S. Department of Energy test pits in Grand Junction, CO. Equivalent U 3 O 8 grades ("eU 3 O 8 ") are calculated indirect readings of contained in-situ uranium based on gamma radiation emitted by uranium daughter products.

All drill holes targeted the Juniper Zone and were completed from two underground drill stations. The Company believes these drill results confirm that the Juniper Zone is another very high-grade zone of uranium mineralization. All drill results can be found in the table set out in Appendix A to this release. The Company is planning to conduct additional drilling in the Juniper Zone as it continues development of that area.

"I'm amazed at these drill results," said Energy Fuels President and CEO Mark Chalmers. "With nearly 50 years in the uranium industry, I can say that these types of grades and intercepts in a U.S. uranium mine are extremely rare. We plan to incorporate these results into an updated technical report for the Pinyon Plain mine later this year, which I believe will significantly increase the uranium reserves and resources and result in a lower mining and milling cost per pound. These results also confirm our belief that Pinyon Plain will likely be the largest and lowest cost U.S. uranium mine supplying the domestic nuclear energy industry over the next several years. I am also extremely proud of our mine personnel, who are doing the hard work to safely and responsibly produce the uranium needed to maintain America's global leadership in energy, technology, manufacturing, and economic opportunity."

The Pinyon Plain mine is a "breccia pipe" deposit containing large quantities of "natural uranium," which is the technical and legal term for unenriched uranium that produces low relative levels of radioactivity. Mining natural uranium ore is the very first step in the production of baseload, 24/7/365 nuclear energy, which currently generates roughly 18% of the electricity produced in the U.S., and nearly 50% of the zero-emission electricity produced in the U.S. The Company processes the ore from Pinyon Plain and other conventional uranium mines into natural uranium concentrates (U 3 O 8 ) at its nearby White Mesa Mill in Utah, which is then sold to nuclear utilities who convert, enrich and manufacture the U 3 O 8 into fuel for their reactors.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Daniel D. Kapostasy, PG, Registered Member SME and Vice President, Technical Services for the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in S-K 1300 and National Instrument 43-101.

ABOUT ENERGY FUELS

Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company, focused on uranium, REEs, heavy mineral sands ("HMS"), vanadium and medical isotopes. The Company has been the leading U.S. producer of natural uranium concentrate for the past several years, which is sold to nuclear utilities that process it further for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy and owns and operates several conventional and in-situ recovery uranium projects in the western United States. The Company also owns the White Mesa Mill in Utah, which is the only fully licensed and operating conventional uranium processing facility in the United States. At the Mill, the Company also produces advanced REE products, vanadium oxide (when market conditions warrant), and is evaluating the recovery of certain medical isotopes from existing uranium process streams needed for emerging cancer treatments. The Company also owns the Kwale HMS project in Kenya which ceased mining and commenced final reclamation activities at the end of 2024, and is developing three (3) additional HMS projects: the Toliara Project in Madagascar; the Bahia Project in Brazil; and the Donald Project in Australia in which the Company has the right to earn up to a 49% interest in a joint venture with Astron Corporation Limited. The Company is based in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." For more information on all we do, please visit www.energyfuels.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain "Forward Looking Information" and "Forward Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: any expectation that the Company will maintain its position as a leading U.S.-based critical minerals company or as the leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; any expectation that the Pinyon Plain mine is one of the highest-grade uranium mines in U.S. history; any expectation that the Company will mine considerably more uranium from the main zone of the Pinyon Plain deposit versus what is described in the previously published PFS; any expectation as to the grade and quantity of ore mined to date or to be mined in the future at the Pinyon Plain mine; any expectation that the analytical testing will confirm the gamma log data for the holes drilled to date and described in this press release; any expectation that the drill results will confirm that the Juniper Zone is a very high-grade zone of uranium mineralization; any expectation that the Company will incorporate the drill results into an updated S-K 1300/NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Pinyon Plain mine later this year, or at all; any expectation that any such updated Technical Report will significantly increase the uranium reserves and resources and/or result in a lower mining and milling cost per pound; any expectation that the results will confirm the Company's belief that the Pinyon Plain mine will likely be the largest and lowest cost U.S. uranium mine supplying the domestic nuclear energy industry over the next several years; any expectation that the Company's evaluation of the recovery of certain medical isotopes from existing uranium process streams needed for emerging cancer treatments will be successful or commercially feasible; and any expectation that the Company's development projects, including the Toliara Project, Donald Project and Bahia Project will be successfully developed and placed into commercial production. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," "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," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, herein are considered to be forward-looking statements. 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 express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: commodity prices and price fluctuations; engineering, construction, processing and mining difficulties, upsets and delays; permitting and licensing requirements and delays; changes to regulatory requirements; the imposition of tariffs and other restrictions on trade; legal challenges; the availability of feed sources for the Mill; competition from other producers; public opinion; government and political actions; market factors, including commodity prices; actual results differing from estimates and projections; the ability of the Mill to recover radium or other radioisotopes at reasonable costs or at all; market prices and demand for medical isotopes; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on the Company's website at www.energyfuels.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.

APPENDIX A

2024-2025 JUNIPER ZONE DRILL RESULTS

Hole ID Drill

Station1 From

(ft.) To (ft.) Intercept

Length

(ft.)2 Uranium

Grade

(% eU 3 O 8 )3 Uranium GT

(Grade x

Thickness)4 Azimuth

(deg.) Dip

(deg.)5 Depth

(ft. below

surface)6 PPCH-001 DDS 1 31.0 38.0 7.0 0.77 5.39 113.6 -14.9600 1,488.8 78.5 81.5 3.0 0.69 2.07 1,500.0 94.5 95.5 1.0 0.35 0.35 1,503.7 PPCH-002 DDS 1 3.5 6.5 3.0 0.50 1.50 111.8 -24.7 1,481.7 35.3 42.3 7.0 0.37 2.59 1,496.7 PPCH-003 DDS 1 2.5 4.5 2.0 0.47 0.94 112.4 -33.5 1,481.5 PPCH-004 DDS 1 1.6 3.6 2.0 1.82 3.64 112.2 -39.0 1,481.3 PPCH-005 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 114.0 -44.3 NA PPCH-006 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 112.9 -49.3 NA PPCH-007 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 113.7 -55.4 NA PPCH-008 DDS 1 0.5 2.0 1.5 0.35 0.53 111.9 -59.7 1,480.7 275.3 278.3 3.0 0.43 1.29 1,719.3 PPCH-009 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 130.8 -15.2 NA PPCH-010 DDS 1 23.4 24.7 1.3 0.41 0.53 131.0 -23.8 1,489.0 PPCH-011 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 126.7 -32.1 NA PPCH-012 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 129.8 -39.6 NA PPCH-013 DDS 1 173.5 175.0 1.5 0.30 0.45 129.6 -44.6 1,601.8 PPCH-014 DDS 1 182.0 186.0 4.0 0.43 1.72 128.4 -49.8 1,621.0 PPCH-015 DDS 1 183.8 185.8 2.0 0.23 0.46 127.2 -55.1 1,631.3 290.2 294.7 4.5 0.58 2.61 1,720.6 339.2 340.7 1.5 0.24 0.36 1,758.3 PPCH-016 DDS 1 1.4 3.4 2.0 0.35 0.70 127.4 -59.5 1,481.9 206.7 211.2 4.5 1.88 8.46 1,660.9 214.2 221.7 7.5 0.40 3.00 1,669.9 226.7 234.2 7.5 0.32 2.40 1,680.7 248.7 250.2 1.5 0.34 0.51 1,694.5 257.2 261.2 4.0 0.33 1.32 1,703.9 279.2 281.7 2.5 0.29 0.73 1,721.6 302.7 308.2 5.5 0.97 5.34 1,744.4 324.1 327.6 3.5 0.82 2.87 1,747.6 PPCH-017 DDS 1 18.5 21.5 3.0 0.58 1.74 146.3 -17.0 1,485.3 PPCH-018 DDS 1 18.7 20.3 1.6 0.29 0.46 146.7 -25.3 1,487.7 PPCH-019 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 145.4 -33.9 NA PPCH-020 DDS 1 197.5 200.2 2.7 0.51 1.38 145.5 -37.9 1,602.1 215.0 216.0 1.0 0.29 0.29 1,611.8 PPCH-021 DDS 1 251.7 255.7 4.0 0.63 2.52 145.0 -43.6 1,655.2 PPCH-022 DDS 1 229.1 240.6 11.5 0.27 3.11 143.0 -48.8 1,660.1 PPCH-023 DDS 1 197.5 200.2 2.7 0.51 1.38 144.8 -54.7 1,642.5 215.0 216.0 1.0 0.29 0.29 1,655.4 PPCH-024 DDS 1 Unable to Probe Hole - Collected Core 146.5 -59.3 NA PPCH-025 DDS 1 18.5 20.5 2.0 0.34 0.68 162.5 -14.8 1,484.2 PPCH-026 DDS 1 Not Drilled PPCH-026 DDS 1 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 162.4 -34.5 NA PPCH-028 DDS 1 192.7 206.1 13.4 7.02 94.07 162.3 -39.4 1,609.9 PPCH-029 DDS 1 71.3 72.8 1.5 1.50 2.25 162.8 -44.0 1,529.6 199.7 207.2 7.5 7.50 56.25 1,623.0 PPCH-030 DDS 1 0.4 1.9 1.5 0.47 0.71 162.3 -49.1 1,480.4 212.7 218.2 5.5 0.72 3.96 1,643.9 PPCH-031 DDS 1 0.4 3.4 3.0 0.54 1.62 161.1 -53.9 1,481.7 316.7 318.7 2.0 0.98 1.96 1,736.4 PPCH-032 DDS 1 0.5 3.5 3.0 0.51 1.53 161.1 -60.4 1,482.0 317.8 319.8 2.0 1.01 2.02 1,757.1 331.2 336.2 5.0 0.65 3.25 1,771.3 PPCH-033 DDS 2 163.6 172.9 9.3 2.02 18.79 57.7 -48.3 1,622.0 PPCH-034 DDS 2 142.0 159.5 17.5 5.70 99.75 58.6 -53.4 1,621.1 184.0 186.5 2.5 0.51 1.28 1,642.7 213.0 224.0 11.0 0.56 6.16 1,672.8 PPCH-035 DDS 2 121.5 126.5 5.0 5.15 25.75 57.8 -57.9 1,600.1 135.0 148.0 13.0 0.58 7.54 1,618.3 168.0 174.5 6.5 1.67 10.86 1,640.8 274.9 276.4 1.5 0.51 0.77 1,727.1 292.9 303.4 10.5 0.58 6.09 1,750.0 PPCH-036 DDS 2 131.1 138.6 7.5 3.17 23.78 58.5 -63.8 1,604.3 150.6 154.1 3.5 0.42 1.47 1,616.7 181.5 185.5 4.0 1.08 4.32 1,641.9 PPCH-037 DDS 2 210.6 213.2 2.6 0.28 0.73 73.4 -47.7 1,650.7 230.2 232.9 2.7 0.30 0.81 1,665.3 243.7 246.4 2.7 0.28 0.76 1,675.3 303.7 306.4 2.7 0.73 1.97 1,719.6 PPCH-038 DDS2 279.0 291.6 12.6 0.52 6.55 73.3 -52.9 1,725.5 306.0 309.2 3.2 0.59 1.89 1,739.5 PPCH-039 DDS 2 Mineralized - No significant intercepts 71.9 -58.1 NA PPCH-040 DDS 2 100.1 101.1 1.0 0.38 0.38 71.8 -62.9 1,583.0 114.1 117.6 3.5 0.80 2.80 1,597.7 132.1 142.6 10.5 0.98 10.29 1,620.0 PPCH-041 DDS 2 297.0 299.0 2.0 0.30 0.60 86.6 -53.1 1,732.2 309.0 313.5 4.5 0.35 1.58 1,743.8 330.4 334.9 4.5 0.35 1.58 1,760.9 PPCH-042 DDS 2 368.3 369.5 1.2 0.29 0.35 84.9 -58.1 1,806.8 PPCH-043 DDS 2 98.7 100.2 1.5 0.51 0.77 84.1 -62.7 1,582.0 127.2 138.2 11.0 1.89 20.79 1,615.8 154.7 158.7 4.0 0.92 3.68 1,634.0 PPCH-044 Not Drilled PPCH-045 Not Drilled PPCH-046 DDS 1 5.5 7.0 1.5 0.81 1.22 178.0 5.2 1,478.4 19.5 24.0 4.5 0.98 4.41 1,476.8 PPCH-047 DDS 1 26.5 30.0 3.5 0.79 2.77 199.0 6.3 1,475.7 119.0 127.5 8.5 0.29 2.47 1,464.9 PPCH-048 Not Drilled PPCH-049 Not Drilled PPCH-050 DDS 2 130.6 151.1 20.5 3.52 72.16 63.8 -57.4 1,620.3 PPCH-051 DDS 2 110.1 112.6 2.5 0.65 1.63 94.7 -66.2 1,596.0 125.6 134.1 8.5 4.47 38.00 1,615.7 PPCH-052 DDS 2 99.1 100.6 1.5 0.58 0.87 99.1 -63.4 1,583.0 112.1 115.1 3.0 0.49 1.47 1,595.9 127.6 137.6 10.0 5.60 56.00 1,616.1 170.0 171.5 1.5 0.32 0.48 1,646.4 352.9 362.9 10.0 0.97 9.70 1,817.6 PPCH-053 DDS 2 115.6 116.6 1.0 0.32 0.32 110.6 -63.5 1,597.3 178.0 182.5 4.5 6.88 30.96 1,656.3 197.5 210.5 13.0 0.42 5.46 1,681.3 216.0 226.5 10.5 0.84 8.82 1,695.7 265.0 266.5 1.5 0.34 0.51 1,731.4 282.0 297.0 15.0 0.63 9.45 1,758.7 304.0 322.4 18.4 1.77 32.57 1,781.5 344.4 346.4 2.0 0.32 0.64 1,802.9 PPCH-054 DDS 2 251.0 257.5 6.5 0.97 6.31 107.5 -72.4 1,738.4 272.5 275.5 3.0 0.57 1.71 1,755.5 301.5 304.0 2.5 0.58 1.45 1,782.7

Notes:
Canadian Tungsten to Address Critical Mineral Supply Chain Vulnerability

VANCOUVER, BC, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Northcliff Resources Ltd. ("Northcliff" or the "Company") (TSX: NCF) is pleased to announce the United States Department of Defense ("US DoD") has awarded the Company a US$15 million (~C$20.7 million) award under the Defense Production Act ("DPA") Title III program to expand tungsten's domestic capacity, sustainment of its critical production and address vulnerability in the Critical Minerals supply chain in the United States and Canada. This important non-share dilutive funding will allow Northcliff to advance the Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project in Canada (the "Sisson Project") toward a project construction decision. The Company has also obtained conditional funding from the Government of Canada, pending due diligence, under Natural Resources Canada's Global Partnerships Initiative for up to C$8.2 million (~US$5.9 million) to support the project.

Located near tidewater on the southeastern coast of Canada in New Brunswick, the Sisson Project hosts a deposit with the Critical Mineral tungsten and the strategic mineral molybdenum. Northcliff advanced resource, engineering, environmental and economic studies that culminated in a positive feasibility study in 2013, then progressed the project through provincial and federal environmental assessment and other processes to gain key approvals, expending some C$70 million. The Company developed a detailed work program and is currently focused on advancing the project through the pre-construction phase.

In that regard, the US DoD funding from the DPA Title III program and the Government of Canada's funding under the Global Partnerships Initiative, in total up to ~C$29 million (US$20.9 million) will be used to update Northcliff's feasibility study as well as support related pre-construction work programs. This work would involve completion of engineering activities and studies needed to satisfy the technical conditions associated with its in-hand environmental approvals and project development workstreams (project finance and offtake sounding), to provide the necessary economic and technical information to support a construction decision.

As a project at the pre-construction phase, the Sisson Project is well positioned to help address the demand for tungsten and molybdenum. Tungsten is an essential ingredient in modern and emerging technologies, has few substitutes and could face high supply risks in Western economies. Tungsten carbides are an integral part of the tools that are used to shape metals, alloys, wood, composites, plastic, and ceramics and to power the oil and gas, mining and construction industries. A key alloying metal, molybdenum is an essential component in steel production. Both tungsten and molybdenum play a key role in many defense and aerospace applications and are growing in importance in the production and improved performance of batteries1,2 used in energy storage and other green transition technologies.

According to a Geoscience Australia synthesis of individual country rankings3, tungsten is among the minerals recognized as most critical by the United States, Japan, Republic of Korea, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, ranking as the fourth-most critical mineral. The United States and its allies currently rely on sources such as China for tungsten. China produces about 80% of the world's tungsten, a supply that lacks pricing transparency causing market disruptions in the past.

If developed, the Sisson Project would become an easily accessible and reliable supplier of tungsten and molybdenum, strengthening and diversifying the supply chain for these metals used in important industrial, electronic, aerospace and defense applications, and new technologies with the additional advantage of being produced under North American standards for transparency and Environmental Social Governance.

Andrew Ing, Northcliff's Chairman, President and CEO commented, "Northcliff's aim is to contribute to the efforts to build a resilient North American supply chain and support development of new technologies through becoming a reliable, easily accessible producer of tungsten and molybdenum. We greatly appreciate this strategic financial support by the US Department of Defense and the Global Partnerships Initiative. These funds will be collectively used to update the project economics and finalize details of the mine development plan, secure the remaining permits, and obtain the required authorizations to accelerate the Sisson Project toward a construction decision."

The proposed operation in the 2013 feasibility study for the Sisson Project is an open pit mine with conventional processing facilities, supplemented by value-added downstream and on-site processing of tungsten concentrates in an ammonium paratungstate ("APT") plant. The Company plans to update the feasibility study as part of the focused work program described above.

The disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Tanya Yang, P.Eng., a Qualified Person who is not independent of the Company.

The Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate used in the conversions is US$1 = C$1.38.

About Northcliff Resources Ltd.

Northcliff is a mineral resource company focused on advancing the Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project located in New Brunswick, Canada, to production.

Additional information on Northcliff is available on the website at www.northcliffresources.com. Investor services can be reached at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Andrew Ing

Chairman, President & CEO

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities law. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address the use of the DoD funds, and Government of Canada funds, if awarded; advancement of the Sisson Project towards a project finance decision, including the successful development and construction of the planned Sisson tungsten-molybdenum mine, concentrator and APT plant to become a reliable source of tungsten and molybdenum, and the projected average annual production of tungsten and molybdenum are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The assumptions used by Northcliff to develop forward-looking statements include the following: the actual receipt of funds from DoD and the Government of Canada, the Company's ability to complete construction of Sisson Project mine and facilities, the Company's ability to arrange the necessary financing beyond the DoD funding and Government of Canada funding to continue operations and develop the Sisson Project, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals for the construction and operation of the Sisson Project; the relevant laws and regulations in Canada and the US; studies and development of the Sisson Project will continue to be positive; our expectations of continued availability of capital and debt financing, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. These factors include the risks that may interfere with the Company's ability to continue development of the Sisson Project, the Company may not be able to finance and develop the Sisson Project on favourable terms or at all, relevant regulatory changes, uncertainties with respect to the receipt or timing of required permits, approvals and agreements for the development of the Sisson Project, the Company may not be able to secure offtake agreements for the metals to be produced at the Sisson Project, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties and in the mining industry in general, the financial markets and in the demand and market price for tungsten, molybdenum and other minerals and commodities, and fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly with respect to the value of the US Dollar and Canadian Dollar; the exploration and development of properties located within First Nations treaty and Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect treaty and asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups or communities, environmental issues and liabilities associated with mining including processing and stockpiling; changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, as well as risks relating to the uncertainties with respect to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company reviews its forward-looking statements on an ongoing basis and updates this information when circumstances require it. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's annual information form that is available on its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to report significant new high-grade gold results from 4,123.8 meters of underground infill and grade control drilling at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji ("Tuvatu"). The drilling is focused on the Zone 5 area of the deposit, which is currently being mined.

Drilling was conducted from two near surface underground drill stations. The Company intersected high-grade mineralized structures in 29 drill holes targeting the UR2 lode down-dip of current underground developments. Most of the drill holes did not exceed 150 m in length and most of the high-grade drill intercepts are located within 50 m of current underground workings. Drill results include multiple bonanza grade gold intercepts over narrow widths, such as 236.00 g/t over 0.4 m, 101.58 g/t over 0.5 m, 102.35 g/t over 0.3 m, 94.23 g/t over 0.3 m, and 89.63 g/t over 0.4 m. Due to the proximity of drill results to existing workings there is a strong probability that these intercepts can be incorporated into the mine plan in the next six to twelve months.

Tuvatu is a high-grade narrow vein alkaline gold deposit and bonanza grade drill results are not uncommon on the project. In January the Company released the highest grade assay ever returned from Zone 5 drilling; 2,749.86 g/t over 0.3 m (see press release dated January 23, 2025). Previous high-grade drill results from Zone 5 include 1,517.79 g/t gold over 0.3 m (see press release dated December 17, 2024), 1,568.55 g/t over 0.3 metres (see press release dated June 5, 2024), and 1,986.23 g/t gold over 0.6 m (see press release dated December 13, 2023).

Highlights of New Drill Results:

236.00 g/t Au over 0.4 m (TGC-0345, from 109.42 m depth)

(TGC-0345, from 109.42 m depth) 25.89 g/t Au over 3.0 m (including 101.58 g/t Au over 0.5 m g/t) (TGC-0359, from 110.7 m depth)

(including 101.58 g/t Au over 0.5 m g/t) (TGC-0359, from 110.7 m depth) 16.85 g/t Au over 3.0 m (including 38.27 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0339, from 104.7 m depth)

(including 38.27 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TGC-0339, from 104.7 m depth) 18.26 g/t Au over 2.5 m (including 89.63 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0332, from 67.14 m depth)

(including 89.63 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0332, from 67.14 m depth) 15.36 g/t Au over 2.7 m (including 47.25 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 75.3 m depth)

(including 47.25 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 75.3 m depth) 27.08 g/t Au over 1.5 m (including 94.23 g/t over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 61.7 m depth)

(including 94.23 g/t over 0.3 m) (TGC-0343, from 61.7 m depth) 16.34 g/t Au over 2.3 m (including 23.57 g/t over 0.6 m) (TGC-0335, from 102.1 m depth)

(including 23.57 g/t over 0.6 m) (TGC-0335, from 102.1 m depth) 29.44 g/t Au over 1.3 m (including 102.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0347, from 108.96 m depth)

(including 102.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0347, from 108.96 m depth) 25.96 g/t Au over 1.4 m (including 43.58 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TGC-0343, from 68.9 m depth)

(including 43.58 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TGC-0343, from 68.9 m depth) 14.23 g/t Au over 2.4 m (including 23.37 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0327, from 101.9 m depth)

*Drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. True width not known. See Table 1 for additional data.

Figure 1. Location of the UR2 drilling reported in this news release. Left image: Plan view of the UR2 drilling in relation to the UR2 lode shown in green and other mineralized lodes shown in grey, with Tuvatu underground development shown in red. Yellow dashed square represents the area shown in the right image. Right image: Section view of the UR2 drilling looking West.

Zone 5

The Zone 5 area of Tuvatu is located along the main decline and includes the principal north-south and northeast-southwest oriented lodes at Tuvatu, as well as several western lodes. These lodes are steeply dipping structures that converge at approximately 500 m depth to form Zone 500, which is the highest-grade part of the deposit and is interpreted to be a major feeder zone at Tuvatu. The system remains open at depth with the deepest high-grade intersections occurring below 1000 m depth.

The drilling reported in this news release targeted the near-surface portion of the UR2 lode down-dip of current underground developments. The UR2 lode is one of the main north-south oriented lodes at Tuvatu. It has a strike length of approximately 600 m and dips steeply to the east. Mine development is currently taking place along the UR2 lode at the 1100 and 1102 levels of the mine, which are the deepest levels in Zone 5, as well as at the 1134 level of the mine. The drilling reported here was conducted from two underground drill stations; the 1090 drill station and the 1135 drill station. Drilling from the 1090 drill station targeted a 60 m wide section of the UR2 lode between 30 m and 50 m below the 1100 level at the south end of the lode. Drilling from the 1135 drill station targeted a 100 m wide section of the UR2 lode approximately 10 m above and 10 m below the 1102 level in the middle portion of the lode.

The UR2 drill program consists of infill and grade control drilling with the purpose of providing a detailed understanding of the geometry and mineralization of the UR2 lode in advance of mining. Drilling is being conducted on 10 m centers. 29 out of the 32 drill holes reported in this news release intersected high-grade mineralization. Most of the high-grade intervals reported in this release are located within 50 m of underground developments and are anticipated to be included in the mine plan in the next 6 to 12 months. One additional hole (TGC-0311) was drilled to test a deeper portion of the UR2 lode and returned several high-grade intercepts approximately 80 m below the 1102 level. Highlights of the Zone 5 drilling reported here are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. UR2 drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. Oblique view looking down to the NW. The drill holes shown here primarily targeted areas of the UR2 lode scheduled for near-term mining below current underground developments.

Note on Composite Grades

The drill holes reported in this news release are oriented approximately perpendicular to mineralization. The reported intercepts therefore approximate the true width of mineralization. Tuvatu consists of high-grade narrow vein mineralization. The headline intercept of 236.00 g/t gold over 0.4 m therefore has an approximate true width of 0.4 m, as reported. The minimum mining width at Tuvatu is approximately 1.5 m. In reporting drillhole intercepts Lion One uses a grade composite cut-off of 3 g/t gold with <1 m internal dilution at <3 g/t. Drill hole intervals that are <3 g/t are below cutoff and are not included in Table 2.

Competent Person's Statement

In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"), Melvyn Levrel, MAIG, Senior Geologist for Lion One Metals, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Lion One Laboratories / QAQC

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods. The Lion One geochemical laboratory is accredited under the IANZ ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard - the international standard for testing and calibration of laboratories.

Diamond drill core samples are logged by Lion One personnel on site. Exploration diamond drill core is split by Lion One personnel on site, with half core samples sent for analysis and the other half core remaining on site. Grade control diamond drill core is whole core assayed. Core samples are delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.

Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 26 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Berukoff, Chairman & President

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information

Table 1. Collar coordinates for drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth TGC-0311 1876383 3920627 128 79.2 -48.5 165.3 TGC-0313 1876384 3920429 94 107.5 -28.3 135.1 TGC-0315 1876384 3920625 128 111.7 -15.9 130.9 TGC-0316 1876384 3920429 94 96.5 -27.8 121.5 TGC-0318 1876383 3920626 128 111.3 -20.2 131.3 TGC-0319 1876384 3920429 94 99.9 -19.8 141.4 TGC-0321 1876384 3920626 128 100.8 -16.4 125.7 TGC-0323 1876384 3920428 94 114.9 -21.0 122.6 TGC-0325 1876384 3920626 128 103.4 -21.9 130.3 TGC-0326 1876384 3920427 94 129.7 -19.9 133.4 TGC-0327 1876384 3920626 128 92.0 -17.0 126.6 TGC-0330 1876384 3920426 94 143.5 -19.9 122.7 TGC-0331 1876384 3920626 128 93.4 -23.0 125.4 TGC-0332 1876384 3920428 94 122.0 -27.7 121.0 TGC-0333 1876384 3920627 128 88.1 -20.9 122.6 TGC-0335 1876384 3920627 128 157.4 0.8 131.6 TGC-0336 1876384 3920429 94 94.9 -22.5 109.7 TGC-0338 1876384 3920429 94 106.3 -22.8 95.8 TGC-0339 1876384 3920627 128 78.4 -19.9 120.0 TGC-0341 1876384 3920428 94 113.4 -25.2 95.6 TGC-0342 1876384 3920627 128 76.0 -14.5 121.3 TGC-0343 1876384 3920429 94 101.1 -25.8 105.0 TGC-0345 1876384 3920627 128 73.9 -22.0 125.7 TGC-0347 1876384 3920627 128 68.7 -20.7 111.5 TGC-0351 1876383 3920628 128 64.0 -18.1 130.0 TGC-0355 1876383 3920628 128 59.4 -17.4 135.0 TGC-0359 1876383 3920628 128 60.8 -9.3 135.0 TGC-0360 1876383 3920628 128 57.0 -11.3 139.0 TGC-0363 1876383 3920628 128 54.7 -16.1 143.3 TGC-0365 1876383 3920628 128 52.9 -11.1 148.0 TGC-0367 1876383 3920628 128 51.3 -17.8 155.6 TGC-0370 1876383 3920628 128 49.5 -13.0 165.9

Table 2. Composite intervals from drillholes reported in this news release (composite grade >3.0 g/t Au, with <1 m internal dilution at <3.0 g/t Au).
Kevin Small P.Eng Appointed EVP Operations for Copperstone Development

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Minera Alamos Inc. (TSXV: MAI) (the "Company" or "Minera Alamos") is pleased to provide selected financial and operational highlights from its 2024 Annual Financial Statements and MD&A filed on Sedarplus on April 30th, 2025.

"The benefits of the new operating plan at Santana initiated in the middle of last year began to show with the improvement in mine operating performance in the last quarter of 2024. " stated Darren Koningen, CEO of Minera Alamos. "While there are signs of an improving permitting landscape in Mexico for 2025, the Company is aggressively advancing activities and plans for its newly acquired Copperstone mine in Arizona, US, providing us with a path to a meaningful increase in gold production in 2026 as we await paperwork for our next planned gold mine at Cerro de Oro. We are currently reviewing a number of indicative term sheets connected to project finance for Copperstone and hope to finalize the complete financing package in the coming months. In the meantime, we are expanding the technical team with the appointment of Kevin Small, P.Eng as EVP Operations and are rapidly advancing engineering plans for the restart of the Copperstone project operations."

2025 Operational Outlook

At the Santana gold mine, the Company anticipates increased gold production in 2025 over 2024 and 2023 levels as the mining and stacking activities initiated as part of the re-worked operating plan in 2024 begin to positively impact operating performance.

As part of trade off studies completed at the beginning of the year, the Company focused on maximizing mining and stacking activities in Q1 2025 reducing pad availability for leaching operations. During preparation and construction of new pad areas based on the receipt of certain state level permit amendments (announced previously), the site operations can be temporarily redirected to increased gold leaching of previously stacked material until construction activities are complete.

At the newly acquired Copperstone mine project engineering work continues to be ramped up. This includes optimization of the underground mine restart plans/schedule along with the completion of basis process plant design details to be submitted in the coming weeks as part of an adjustment to the existing Plan of Operations for the site which is anticipated to be approved towards the end of the year (2025). In addition, final preparations are being completed to transfer the existing used process plant equipment previously acquired by Minera Alamos to the Copperstone site so that refurbishment activities can be initiated in advance of their installation at site.

Kevin Small will be formally joining the management group at Minera Alamos under the role of Executive Vice President of Mining Operations. Kevin is a Mining Engineer with 35 years in the industry and extensive involvement with the development and operation of underground mining projects. He was the former President and CEO of Jerritt Canyon Gold and an ex Director of Mining Operations at the Beta Hunt mine (Karora Resources) and has already been actively involved in the engineering work underway for the Company's Copperstone mine.

Minera has received several indicative term sheets related to the project finance for the Copperstone project with due diligence ongoing. The Company expects to have a complete project finance package for the project in place early in the second half of 2025.

The Project Economic Analysis ("PEA") for the Copperstone project was re-issued by Minera Alamos in February 2025. The report shows a base case NPV of US$66M at US$1800/oz gold (53.6% IRR) which rises to US$200M at US$2800/oz gold (152.7% IRR).

At the Cerro de Oro gold project permitting process continues with the Company continuing to provide support for any follow-up requests from the permit authorities. It is expected that increased visibility should become available in the coming months as to the plans/timelines from the new government authorities in Mexico for issuing permits relating to mining activities.

Engineering work continues to progress for Cerro de Oro in order to advance pre-development activities to coincide with the ultimate receipt of permits and a construction decision for the project. Included in 2025 will be further metallurgical optimization studies, detailed engineering design and additional exploration drilling aimed at filling-in and potentially expanding the areas of known gold mineralization (as outlined in Cerro de Oro Preliminary Economic Analysis (PEA) report dated October 3rd, 2022)

Operational Highlights (2024)

At Santana, the Company completed plans to optimize the use of existing installed leach pad capacity to boost production prior to a partial pad expansion planned for mid year in 2025. These plans outlined approximately 25,000 oz of gold mineralization that could be mined and stacked over period including 2025 and around a scheduled partial leach pad expansion. Short-term mine plans (including access roads) were reworked to fall within existing authorized permit boundaries and mining activities at site started to ramp up later in 2024 following a temporary but significant reduction in mining activities in the prior year. The Company awaits a permit amendment for the long term expansion of the overall project operations.

Total gold sold in 2024 was 2,806 ounces from the Santana Project of which 1,393 ounces (approximately 50%) was sold in Q4 as the benefits of the new mine plan led to increased leaching activity; with inventory on the leach pad of an additional recoverable 10,226 ounces as at December 31 st , 2024.

The Suaqui Verde copper project was acquired and combined with the Company's existing Los Verdes and Potreritos copper assets in an existing Mexican subsidiary Cobre 4H de Sonora de Mexico (Minera will retain 50% ownership). Suaqui Verde is a significant copper porphyry deposit that was drilled previously by a number of groups including Phelps Dodge. The acquisition significantly compliments the Company's existing copper projects and creates the potential to form a regional copper production "hub" in southern Sonora. The Company is continuing to advance discussions regarding additional concession areas that would support advancing the copper portfolio either within the Company or as a standalone copper development company,

In August 2024, the final US$1,000,000 property option payment was made resulting in full 100% ownership of the Cerro de Oro gold project that remains royalty free.

In October 2024, the Company announced the acquisition of Sabre Gold Mines Corp. and its flagship Copperstone gold project, a permitted, brownfields, gold mining opportunity that can be fast tracked back into production with low capital requirements. The acquisition via Plan of Arrangement was completed in February 2025.

Selected Financial Data:

The following selected financial data is summarized from the Company's audited Financial Statements and related notes thereto (the "Annual Financial Statements') for the year ended December 31st, 2024, and the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31st, 2024 (all numbers in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated). A copy of the Financial Statements and MD&A is available on Sedarplus at www.sedarplus.ca.

Operationally, revenues (not factoring deferred revenue) totalled $8,915,799 (of which $4,955,977 was in Q4) with cost of goods sold and depletion amounting to $7,216,689 ($2,893,809 Q4) for a gross mine profit of $1,699,110 ($2,062,168 Q4). Unit costs remain temporarily higher due to the fixed costs of operations being spread over fewer ounces but still remained modestly positive. In addition, deferred revenue as at December 31, 2024 of $1,861,296 on a further 500 ounces of gold will be recorded as revenue in Q1 2025.

The Company recorded net income of $1,693,960 or $0.003/share in Q4. For the full year the Company recorded a net loss of $17,567,930 or $0.038/share compared to a net loss of $2,855,552 in 2023. The change in the year over year net loss includes a non cash unrealized foreign exchange loss ($9,179,497) in the current year as compared to a gain of $7,319,954 in 2023 due the weakening of the Mexican Pesos against the Canadian Dollar.. The unrealized (loss) or gain is associated with the Company's historical accumulated inter-company funding of its operating Mexican subsidiaries which is likely to be repaid in the foreseeable future. The Mexican subsidiaries revalue the Mexican pesos at the end of each period generating a non-cash foreign exchange (loss) or gain. In addition, the net loss was exacerbated by the temporary reduction in gold production in the first three quarters of 2024 as the Company shifted Santana operations to a new mine operating plan in June as well as the final option payment for Cerro de Oro and an increase in costs which were associated with the Company's ongoing Corporate development activities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents of $11,760,355 as at December 31 st , 2024 compared to $13,754,272 as at December 31 st , 2023.

Working capital as of December 31st, 2024 stood at $15,511,353 compared to $19,968,100 as at December 31st, 2023.

Cautionary Statement

The Company made its production decision at the Santana gold mine without having completed a feasibility study demonstrating economic and technical viability. As such, there may be increased uncertainty of achieving planned production levels, estimated recovery of gold, the costs associated with such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure.

Mr. Darren Koningen, P. Eng., Minera Alamos' CEO, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release under National Instrument 43-101.

About Minera Alamos Inc.

Minera Alamos is a gold production and development Company. The Company has a portfolio of high-quality Mexican assets, including the 100%-owned Santana open-pit, heap-leach mine in Sonora that is currently going through the start-up of operations at the new Nicho Main deposit. The 100%-owned Cerro de Oro oxide gold project in northern Zacatecas has considerable past drilling and metallurgical work completed and the proposed mining project is currently being guided through the permitting process by the Company's permitting consultants. The La Fortuna open pit gold project in Durango (100%-owned) has a positive, robust preliminary economic assessment (PEA) completed, and the main Federal permits are in place. Minera Alamos is built around its operating team that together brought three open pit heap leach gold mines into successful production in Mexico over the last 14 years. Minera Alamos also wholly-owns the Copperstone mine and associated infrastructure in La Paz Country, Arizona, an advanced development asset with a permitted plan of operations that can be developed in parallel with planned project advancements in Mexico.

The Company's strategy is to develop very low capex assets while expanding the projects' resources and continuing to pursue complementary strategic acquisitions.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking information and Minera Alamos cautions readers that forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations of Minera Alamos included in this news release. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements", which often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". These statements are based on information currently available to Minera Alamos and Minera Alamos provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements with respect to Minera Alamos' future plans with respect to the Projects, objectives or goals, to the effect that Minera Alamos or management expects a stated condition or result to occur and the expected timing for release of a resource and reserve estimate on the projects. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, the economics of processing methods, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Minera Alamos' mineral properties, the ability to complete a preliminary economic assessment which supports the technical and economic viability of mineral production could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons. Minera Alamos' financial condition and prospects could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: an inability to finance and/or complete an updated resource and reserve estimate and a preliminary economic assessment which supports the technical and economic viability of mineral production; 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 Minera Alamos' 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 Minera Alamos' forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on Minera Alamos' forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The Company does not have a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability for the Santana project, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations.

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, BC, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQB: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Phase III regional drill program including results from 25 reverse-circulation ("RC") drill holes from its Silver Park target, at its 12,000 hectare (120km2), 100% owned Atlanta Gold Mine Project, located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend 264km northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Silver Park is a large target area (3km E-W x 1km N-S), located ~2km from the Atlanta Resource Zone, that is centred on the historical Silver Park Mine, which was operational at a small scale through the turn of the 20th century (Figure 2).

Silver Park Highlights:

Drilling at Silver Park has identified a strong geological and geochemical connection with the Atlanta Resource Zone ("ARZ"), demonstrating that both areas are part of the same mineralizing hydrothermal event. Gold and silver mineralization occur within the same host rocks and at the same stratigraphic position within the Atlanta Caldera volcanic sequence.





Gold and silver mineralization occur within the same host rocks and at the same stratigraphic position within the Atlanta Caldera volcanic sequence. The Company now sees strong evidence that the mineralized unconformity that acts as the primary gold control at Atlanta begins to shallow about 500m west of the ARZ where it comes back towards surface, flattens out, and continues into the Silver Park Target (Figure 1). Drilling over a 3km east-west area at Silver Park has encountered this unconformity, associated with the same intrusive bodies responsible for depositing gold and silver at the ARZ.

This discovery marks a major departure from the prior understanding of Silver Park as a distinct geological environment, possessing only supergene (at-surface) mineralization with limited potential. Today's discovery opens a large and untested domain (far larger than the ARZ itself) that could be host to another Atlanta -type deposit.





-type deposit. Twelve of today's holes encountered elevated and oxidized gold, silver, and associated arsenic values over a 3km east-west area. Highlight hole AT25SP-21 encountered 1.11 g/t AuEq over 25m , which is part of a 165m interval consisting of three separate mineralized horizons starting at just 18m depth that taken together average 0.47 g/t AuEq over 92m . AT25SP-21 is located 2km southwest of the Atlanta pit and represents the most significant mineralized interval ever drilled at Atlanta outside of the ARZ . Au-Ag mineralization observed in AT25SP-21 is very similar to that in the resource zone, although it occurs at a considerably shallower depth than most of the mineralization within the ARZ.





, which is part of a interval consisting of three separate mineralized horizons starting at just depth that taken together average . AT25SP-21 is located 2km southwest of the pit and . Au-Ag mineralization observed in AT25SP-21 is very similar to that in the resource zone, although it occurs at a considerably shallower depth than most of the mineralization within the ARZ. Follow-up drilling is planned to further define near-surface, oxidized gold-silver zones at both Silver Park East and West, targeting additional mineralization, including stepping out north of AT25SP-21 into a large, untested CSAMT anomaly.





Click here to watch a video discussing today's results and the significance of hole AT25SP-21.

Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AuEq* (g/t) As (ppm) AT25SP-021 18.3 48.8 30.5 0.20 <0.50 0.20 660 And 97.5 121.9 24.4 0.164 94.8 1.11 183 And 146.3 182.9 36.6 0.071 20.3 0.27 169

Table 1. Highlight hole released today from Silver Park East in both g/t Au and AuEq. Arsenic (As) is strongly associated with mineralization in the Atlanta District; understanding the spatial distribution of these elements can assist in vectoring towards areas with higher probability of mineralization. AuEq based on spot prices of US$3,310/oz Au and US$33.20/oz Ag

Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, stated, "Silver Park has always been of interest historically, but very shallow mineralization and a very high silver-to-gold ratio led many to believe the mineralization was purely supergene and of little significance. Our new Phase III drilling has changed that view entirely.

"We've now confirmed strong gold and silver mineralization across a large area at Silver Park, including the 92m intercept grading 0.47 g/t AuEq in hole SP-21  the first potentially economic discovery outside the Atlanta resource zone. This mineralization occurs along the same Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity that hosts gold at Atlanta, and is associated with identical volcanic intrusives, but at a shallower depth.

"This drilling has also established direct geological and geochemical links between Silver Park and Atlanta tying mineralization in both areas to the same hydrothermal event. With this genetic tie now demonstrated, we have a powerful exploration model based on stratigraphy and lithochemistry that allows us to rapidly vector toward new targets across the caldera.

"After several years of work, we are seeing our understanding of the district come into clear focus, significantly increasing the odds of making new discoveries outside the current Atlanta resource."

Additional Details

Looking at the connection between Silver Park and Atlanta , Au/Ag mineralization in both areas occurs within the same host rocks and at the same stratigraphic position within the Atlanta Caldera volcanic sequence, which in turn strongly suggests mineralization in both areas is tied to the same hydrothermal system. This is evident in the long cross section (Figure 4) connecting Silver Park West with the ARZ. The Atlanta Rhyodacite hosts most of the gold mineralization within the ARZ and is chemically very similar to the Silver Park Rhyodacite that hosts mineralization in AT24SP-1, and AT25SP-9, AT25SP-10, and upper part of AT25SP-21.





, Au/Ag mineralization in both areas occurs within the same host rocks and at the same stratigraphic position within the Atlanta Caldera volcanic sequence, which in turn strongly suggests mineralization in both areas is tied to the same hydrothermal system. This is evident in the long cross section (Figure 4) connecting Silver Park West with the ARZ. The Atlanta Rhyodacite hosts most of the gold mineralization within the ARZ and is chemically very similar to the Silver Park Rhyodacite that hosts mineralization in AT24SP-1, and AT25SP-9, AT25SP-10, and upper part of AT25SP-21. Furthermore, both mineralized rhyodacite units are underlain by a rhyolite horizon labeled the Lower Rhyolite in Figure 4 and Silver Park Rhyolite Tuff in Figures 5 and 6. These rhyolite units are chemically identical and occur directly on top of the Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity and are therefore considered to be the same unit. These relationships now establish a district-scale tie between both areas with respect to Au/Ag mineralization, which is a key factor when assessing the district-scale potential for finding another Atlanta-style deposit.





So far, the Company has tapped into two areas of shallow, oxidized Au/Ag mineralization at Silver Park (Silver Park East and Silver Park West) and is in the process of drill-evaluating other parts of the caldera, including following up on encouraging drill intercepts. A full explanation of drill results and targets at Silver Park East and Silver Park West is provided below.

Silver Park West Highlights:

Silver Park West (" SPW ") covers approximately 2km east to west and 1km north to south and has been identified by the initial stages of the Phase III drilling program. Broad zones of anomalous Au mineralization were intersected in numerous drill holes within volcanic tuff exhibiting heavy oxidation and clay alteration. This includes holes AT24SP-1 (0.093 g/t Au over 115.8m ), AT25SP-9 (0.044 g/t Au over 140.2m ), and AT25SP-10 (0.054 g/t Au over 129.2m ) (Figure 5).





(" ") covers approximately 2km east to west and 1km north to south and has been identified by the initial stages of the Phase III drilling program. Broad zones of anomalous Au mineralization were intersected in numerous drill holes within volcanic tuff exhibiting heavy oxidation and clay alteration. This includes holes AT24SP-1 (0.093 g/t Au over ), AT25SP-9 (0.044 g/t Au over ), and AT25SP-10 (0.054 g/t Au over ) (Figure 5). Mineralization in all three holes starts at surface and is hosted in the Silver Park Rhyodacite unit around a mushroom-shaped rhyolitic dome (Figures 5 and 6). Average arsenic values range from 100ppm to 200ppm, and gold mineralization is evenly distributed throughout a thick, weakly silicified-argillized tuffaceous host rock. All drilling at Atlanta so far indicates this large, low-grade, blanket-like mineralization is highly unusual and is most likely derived from a nearby hydrothermal fluid source.





so far indicates this large, low-grade, blanket-like mineralization is highly unusual and is most likely derived from a nearby hydrothermal fluid source. With these three holes, the Company has found a large body of low-grade gold and now must vector in on higher concentrations of mineralization. New holes are planned northwest of AT24SP-1 along the structural trend and are currently in the permitting process, including testing a series of down-dropped graben blocks heading west and northwest that are indicated by the CSAMT data.





A vertical hole recently completed between AT24SP-1 and AT25SP-9 revealed the presence of two northerly-trending faults immediately west of Silver Park that display progressive, westward down-drop offsets on the silicified unconformity (see AT25SP-27 on Figure 6, assays pending). This structural pattern is spatially related to shallow, rhyolitic intrusions and associated gold mineralization observed within the volcanic section as well as along the unconformity and is like the structure and mineralization patterns observed at the ARZ. The SPW target appears similar to the West Atlanta Graben Zone (" WAGZ ") in terms of its geologic setting. The low-grade gold halo seen in the Silver Park holes so far measures approximately 600m by 700m in area, which means the Company has a significant amount of exploratory drilling to complete to hone in on higher-grade structures like those seen in the ARZ.





") in terms of its geologic setting. The low-grade gold halo seen in the Silver Park holes so far measures approximately by in area, which means the Company has a significant amount of exploratory drilling to complete to hone in on higher-grade structures like those seen in the ARZ. The western margin of the SPW target area is covered by post-mineral volcanic rocks erupted from the Ryan Springs Caldera. Surface geochemistry at the SPW target shows elevated As, Sb, and Mo signatures in soils directly bordering the volcanic cover with strong indication these anomalies could continue beneath cover. Au and Ag mineralization around Silver Park is similar to the style of zonation found outside the ARZ, showing potential for another Atlanta-style deposit to be found around SPW.

Silver Park East Highlights:

The Silver Park East (" SPE ") target measures 1,500m east-west by 1,000m north-south and is bounded on the east and west sides by northerly-trending faults and on the north side by a thick moat sequence that fills the center of the Atlanta Caldera. The target remains open to the south where post-mineral Ryan Springs volcanics obscure the Atlanta caldera's southern margin. Throughout the target, gold and silver mineralization occurs along the Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity, in overlying volcanics proximal to shallow rhyolitic intrusions, and in dolomite beneath the unconformity. The close association between shallow intrusions and down-faulted grabens with Au/Ag mineralization mimics what is seen in the ARZ. Mineralization has so far been found in two areas: one located at the target's northern end where CSAMT anomalies indicate potential for mineralization similar to the North Extension portion of the ARZ, and the other located at the southern end where historical workings and a historical drill hole revealed shallow mineralization along intrusive contacts.





") target measures east-west by north-south and is bounded on the east and west sides by northerly-trending faults and on the north side by a thick moat sequence that fills the center of the Atlanta Caldera. The target remains open to the south where post-mineral Ryan Springs volcanics obscure the caldera's southern margin. Throughout the target, gold and silver mineralization occurs along the Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity, in overlying volcanics proximal to shallow rhyolitic intrusions, and in dolomite beneath the unconformity. The close association between shallow intrusions and down-faulted grabens with Au/Ag mineralization mimics what is seen in the ARZ. Mineralization has so far been found in two areas: one located at the target's northern end where CSAMT anomalies indicate potential for mineralization similar to the North Extension portion of the ARZ, and the other located at the southern end where historical workings and a historical drill hole revealed shallow mineralization along intrusive contacts. Highlight hole AT25SP-21 is located at the southwestern corner of a flat-lying, roughly rectangular shaped CSAMT anomaly that extends 500m north by 600m east and remains undrilled. A similar sized, flat-lying CSAMT anomaly coincides with the North Extension portion of the ARZ, where replacement-type mineralization also occurs along the Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity. It was this similarity in CSAMT anomalies that prompted siting AT25SP-21. The mode of gold mineralization in both areas is strikingly similar, but unlike the North Extension part of the resource zone, gold also occurs in AT25SP-21 above and below the unconformity in volcanics and dolomite, respectively. We see this same type of Au occurrence above and below the unconformity in several other Silver Park holes, which is more akin to gold occurrences found in the central Atlanta resource area.





north by east and remains undrilled. A similar sized, flat-lying CSAMT anomaly coincides with the North Extension portion of the ARZ, where replacement-type mineralization also occurs along the Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity. It was this similarity in CSAMT anomalies that prompted siting AT25SP-21. The mode of gold mineralization in both areas is strikingly similar, but unlike the North Extension part of the resource zone, gold also occurs in AT25SP-21 above and below the unconformity in volcanics and dolomite, respectively. We see this same type of Au occurrence above and below the unconformity in several other Silver Park holes, which is more akin to gold occurrences found in the central resource area. The Company drilled two vertical, Phase III holes into the CSAMT anomaly to test its western and eastern ends. The western hole, AT25SP-21, encountered: 0.20g/t Au over 30.5m starting at 18.3m depth; 0.164 g/t Au and 94.8 g/t Ag over 24.4m starting at 97.5m depth; and 0.071 g/t Au and 20.3 g/t Ag over 36.6m starting at 146.3m . The shallow gold intercept occurs within altered tuff, and the high-grade Ag interval occurs at the volcanic-dolomite unconformity, while the deeper Ag interval occurs within variably altered dolomite. The three mineralized intervals show low gold grades, but they are thick and relatively shallow, plus the mineralization is oxidized and evenly distributed within each interval, (Figure 6). This hole not only contains mineralization that is potentially economic, but more importantly, it verifies strong mineralization within the large CSAMT anomaly. The Company now intends to trace this mineralization to the north, south, and east. New holes and travel routes are currently being permitted with the BLM.





starting at depth; 0.164 g/t Au and 94.8 g/t Ag over starting at depth; and 0.071 g/t Au and 20.3 g/t Ag over starting at . The shallow gold intercept occurs within altered tuff, and the high-grade Ag interval occurs at the volcanic-dolomite unconformity, while the deeper Ag interval occurs within variably altered dolomite. The three mineralized intervals show low gold grades, but they are thick and relatively shallow, plus the mineralization is oxidized and evenly distributed within each interval, (Figure 6). This hole not only contains mineralization that is potentially economic, but more importantly, it verifies strong mineralization within the large CSAMT anomaly. The Company now intends to trace this mineralization to the north, south, and east. New holes and travel routes are currently being permitted with the BLM. Hole AT25SP-23 was drilled on the eastern side of the northern CSAMT anomaly, testing a major fault inferred from the air-magnetics and CSAMT datasets (Figure 3). The hole encountered 0.223 g/t Au over 6.1m starting at 54.8m and 0.125g/t Au over 24.4m starting at 109.7m and reveals an eastward continuation of mineralization within the volcanic sequence and along the Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity. This portion of the property is completely covered by the same Ryan Springs post-mineral volcanic sequence that also covers the ARZ. Additional holes have been planned to push the drilling further eastward and northward in search of high-grade structures potentially hiding beneath the Ryan Springs cover. This is the same exercise that Nevada King completed in 2022-2024, as it drilled westward from the Atlanta pit area, chasing mineralization down into the WAGZ.





starting at and 0.125g/t Au over starting at and reveals an eastward continuation of mineralization within the volcanic sequence and along the Tertiary-Paleozoic unconformity. This portion of the property is completely covered by the same Ryan Springs post-mineral volcanic sequence that also covers the ARZ. Additional holes have been planned to push the drilling further eastward and northward in search of high-grade structures potentially hiding beneath the Ryan Springs cover. This is the same exercise that completed in 2022-2024, as it drilled westward from the pit area, chasing mineralization down into the WAGZ. Historical drilling within the SPE target generally returned poor results, but Goldfields RC hole AR-70 tested a target 200m northwest of AT25SP-21 intersecting 4.7m of 0.2 g/t Au in volcanics above the unconformity and a long intercept of strong Ag mineralization at 13.61 g/t Ag over 62.4m in the underlying dolomite, (Table 3). The results indicate this shallow, low-grade mineralization in altered volcanics and underlying dolomite in AR-70 can be correlated over 200m to the same gold/silver occurrences in AT25SP-21, thus demonstrating continuity in grade and thickness at relatively shallow depths within the SPE Target. Further exploration will continue to determine the potential for continued broad mineralization within the target area, more importantly, investigating any occurrence of higher-grade material.

Silver Park Lineament

The Silver Park Lineament ("SPL") is a major structural corridor identified by geophysical interpretation of gravity, drone magnetics, and CSAMT, as well as intrusive-related mineralization at surface. It is within this northwesterly-trending corridor that the majority of Tertiary intrusive rocks observed at Atlanta cut upward through basement rocks at fault intersections (Figures 7 and 8). The corridor extends approximately 7km from the historic Bradshaw mine at the south end of Atlanta South to the west-northwest, approximately 3km past SPW, and is rooted in Paleozoic basement rock (Figure 9). CSAMT data indicate multiple NS structures cutting through the target areas as well as oblique crossing structures, and it is at the intersection of these structures where numerous rock chip samples running over 2+ g/t Au and up to 4.58 g/t Au have been found, some of the highest Au grade samples on the property outside of the resource area. In conjunction with rock samples and field observations, soil sampling from early Nevada King work shows strong correlation of Au, Ag, As, weak Mo, and Sb signatures along the lineament (Figure 7).

Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) As ppm AT24SP-001* 12.2 128.0 115.8 0.093 <0.10 141 Includes 103.6 128.0 24.4 0.23 0.73 178 AT24SP-002 250 277.3 27.3 0.004 <0.10 60 AT24SP-003* NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI AT24SP-004 NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI AT24SP-005 67.0 146.3 79.3 0.056 1.3 136 AT25SP-006 164.6 195.1 30.5 0.119 4.0 340 AT25SP-007 42.7 79.2 36.5 0.028 <0.10 128 AT25SP-009* 0 140.2 140.2 0.044 <0.10 86 And 213.3 274.3 61.0 0.088 0.60 140 AT25SP-010* 0.0 129.2 129.0 0.054 <0.10 119.7 Includes 48.8 61.0 12.2 0.254 <0.10 333 AT25SP-011 24.4 128.0 103.6 0.032 3.1 41 AT25SP-012 NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI AT25SP-013* 0 109.7 109.7 0.059 1.6 231 AT25SP-016 6.1 73.1 67.0 0.061 1.2 267 AT25SP-017 42.7 91.4 48.7 0.040 1.2 72 AT25SP-018 134.1 146.3 12.2 0.613 0.7 151 Includes 134.1 140.2 6.1 1.08 0.5 180 And 249.9 262.1 12.2 0.066 1.0 411 AT25SP-019 NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI AT25SP-020 54.9 67.1 12.2 0.184 <0.10 383 And 262.1 268.2 6.1 0.50 5.3 202 AT25SP-021 18.3 48.8 30.5 0.20 <0.10 660 And 97.5 121.9 24.4 0.164 94.8 183 And 146.3 182.9 36.6 0.071 20.3 169 AT25SP-022 NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI NSI AT25SP-023 54.8 60.9 6.1 0.223 6.5 823 And 109.7 134.1 24.4 0.125 3.4 35 AT25SP-024 128.0 134.1 6.1 0.347 <0.10 104 AT23WT-001 199.7 300.3 100.6 0.046 3.4 24 AT23WT-002 187.5 237.8 50.3 0.047 <0.10 59 Includes 189.0 195.1 6.1 0.187 4.3 238.3 AT23WT-003+ 182.9 259.1 76.2 0.067 10.4 34 Includes 186.0 214.9 29.0 0.124 24.7 52 AT23WT-004 141.8 161.6 19.8 0.012 0.3 12 AT24WT-005 239.3 266.7 27.4 0.056 6.5 53.2 Includes 239.3 242.3 3.0 0.260 14.0 207

Table 2: All drill results in today's release. * Denotes angled holes. + Denotes holes that bottomed in mineralization. Multielement geochemistry is used to understand trace elements most associated with different styles of mineralization. Arsenic (As) is strongly associated with mineralization in the Atlanta District. Understanding of the spatial distribution of these elements can assist in vectoring towards areas with higher probability of mineralization.

Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AR-46 0 7.62 7.62 0.26 13.30 AR-47* 0 21.3 21.3 0.04 43.28 AR-70+ 22.7 27.4 4.7 0.22 <0.50 And 29.0 91.4 62.4 <0.10 13.61 SP05-RC2*+ 44.2 51.8 7.6 0.13 5.0 And 150.9 152.4 1.5 0.13 1.8 SP05-RC3* 36.6 45.7 9.1 0.39 1.7 SP05-RC4* 18.3 19.8 1.5 0.15 91.0 SP05-RC7* 30.5 35.1 4.6 0.30 76.0 SP05-RC8*+ 10.7 47.2 36.5 0.32 2.6 AT24WS-86 323.2 353.7 30.5 1.35 4.0 AT23ET-8 0 77.7 77.7 <0.04 <0.5 AT21-71 0 42.7 42.7 <0.30 <0.5

Table 3: Historic drill holes and previously released Nevada King holes used in today's release. AR series holes were drilled by Goldfields in 1990. SP05 series holes were drilled by Northern Abitibi Gold Corp. in 2005. *Denotes angled holes. +Denotes hole that bottomed in mineralization.

QA/QC Protocols

All RC samples from the Atlanta Project are split at the drill site and placed in cloth and plastic bags utilizing a nominal 2kg sample weight. CRF standards, blanks, and duplicates are inserted into the sample stream on-site on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning all three inserts are included in each 20-sample group. Samples are shipped by a local contractor in large sample shipping crates directly to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, with full custody being maintained at all times. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighted then crushed to 75% passing 2mm and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns to produce a 300g pulverized split. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

About Nevada King Gold Corp.

Nevada King is focused on advancing and growing its 100% owned, past producing, 120km2 Atlanta Gold Mine project located along the Battle Mountain trend in southeast Nevada. The project hosts an NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained oxide resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t) based on historical drilling, and does not include any of the 100,000m+ of drilling completed by Nevada King. See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine

Resource Category Tonnes (000's) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au (Oz) Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag (Oz) Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000

Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca.

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 Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans and the Company's ability to potentially expand mineral resources and the impact thereon. 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 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 Nevada King, 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, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King 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.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation (TSXV: SDCU) ("SDCU'' or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Stephen Burega, as the new President of the Company.

Stephen Burega is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across the finance, mining, communications, and public affairs sectors. For the past 18 years, he has worked extensively in the mining exploration industry, where he has led companies through complex operational, regulatory, and capital market environments.

Throughout his career, Stephen has successfully managed and grown a range of organizations, holding CEO and other executive-level roles that demanded strategic clarity, operational discipline, and stakeholder trust. His leadership has spanned private and publicly traded companies, where he has been instrumental in advancing exploration programs, securing financing, and navigating evolving geopolitical and ESG landscapes.

Stephen is widely recognized for his ability to build high-performing teams, align corporate strategy with investor expectations, and drive long-term value. He brings a well-rounded executive skill set, including financial oversight, investor relations, public affairs, and corporate development.

A trusted advisor to boards, governments, and institutional stakeholders, Stephen continues to provide leadership to organizations that require strategic foresight, operational agility, and a strong governance framework to succeed in competitive global markets.

Brian Leeners, CEO of SDCU, stated, "We welcome Stephen to the team and look forward to scaling the Company under his guidance. Stephen has a professional history that will provide both leadership and execution as we focus on building the Company in the Battery Materials Sector in Brazil."

ABOUT SONORAN DESERT COPPER CORPORATION

Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation is focused on securing, developing and monetizing battery materials assets and technologies to build shareholder value.

FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements.

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.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX:NEXT) (OTCQB:NSRCF) ("NextSource" or the "Company") announces that Mr. Johnny Velloza will be stepping down from his position as Interim Chief Operating Officer, following a successful tenure during which he provided critical operational oversight and implemented key recommendations for process optimization at the Molo mine.

Mr. Velloza's responsibilities will be transitioned to Mr. Nick Miller, who has been appointed as Acting Executive Vice President, Operations. This newly consolidated role merges the responsibilities of Interim Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, enabling a more streamlined and effective management structure as part of the broader organizational restructuring of the Molo operations.

Mr. Miller, who previously served as Director of Risk Controls at NextSource, brings extensive expertise in global mining project development to this position. His impressive track record includes pivotal roles at Oyu Tolgoi for Rio Tinto, where he contributed significantly to the development of one of the world's largest copper-gold projects, as well as at ArcelorMittal Mining as part of their international operational improvements and development group. His experience and leadership in high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional mining operations position him fittingly to oversee the continued optimization of Phase 1 of the Molo mine and to lay the groundwork for Phase 2 expansion of the Molo project.

President and CEO, Hanre Rossouw, commented: "I would like to thank Johnny Velloza for his significant contributions to the Molo project and wish him continued success in his future endeavours. The appointment of Nick Miller marks an important step in our evolution, ensuring continued strong operational leadership as we focus on optimizing Phase 1 and advancing Phase 2 of the Molo mine. Nick's experience will be pivotal as we continue to optimize operations and build the foundation for the next phase of Molo's expansion."

About NextSource Materials Inc.

NextSource Materials Inc. is a battery materials development company based in Toronto, Canada that is intent on becoming a vertically integrated global supplier of battery materials through the mining and value-added processing of graphite and other minerals.

The Company's Molo graphite project in Madagascar is one of the largest known and highest-quality graphite resources globally, and the only one with SuperFlake graphite. The Molo mine is in production, with Phase 1 mine operations currently being optimized.

The Company is also developing a significant downstream graphite value-add business through the staged rollout of Battery Anode Facilities capable of large-scale production of coated, spheronized and purified graphite for direct delivery to battery and automotive customers, outside of existing Asian supply chains, in a fully transparent and traceable manner.

NextSource Materials is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "NEXT" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "NSRCF".

For further information about NextSource, please visit our website at nextsourcematerials.com

Investors may contact: Brent Nykoliation, Executive Vice President +1.416.364.4911 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Forward looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements include any statements regarding, among others, timing of commissioning and achievement of nameplate capacity, including the processing plant, process improvements and mine plant adjustments as well as production estimates and timing thereof, the rollout of Battery Anode Facilities including the capabilities and the timing thereof. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and, in some instances, to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive there from. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) ("Goldshore" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce its latest assay results from its ongoing 20,000-meter drill program and the second batch of results from the QES Up program, targeting the near surface extension of the most northern QES shears at the Moss Gold Project in Northwest Ontario, Canada (the "Moss Gold Project").

Michael Henrichsen, CEO of Goldshore commented, "We are pleased with the ongoing positive results from our winter drill program, which has allowed us to test the previously undrilled upper central part of the Moss Gold Deposit. Historically undrilled areas had been modelled as waste, but these new drill results will enable us to model mineralized shears toward the surface, enhancing the deposit's economic potential. We look forward to continuing our aggressive drilling to create value."

Highlights:

Results from hole MQD-25-160, along the eastern end in the QES Up program, intersected a widening of the near surface extension of the deeper shears yielding increased mineralization with best intercepts of:

25.0m of 1.10 g/t Au from 107.2m in MQD-25-160 , including 2.05m of 1.69g/t from 111.1m and 7.65m of 2.62 g/t Au from 117.55m

, including

Results from three additional QES Up holes confirmed near surface extension of the deeper marginal shears representing further opportunities to convert modelled waste to mineral resource within the current conceptual open pit with best intercepts of:

19.75m of 0.45 g/t Au from 123.1m in MQD-25-151, including 0.3m of 8.87 g/t Au from 126.5m



6.0m of 1.34 g/t Au from 131.0m in MQD-25-152

11.85m of 0.36 g/t from 148.15m in MQD-25-158

Technical Overview

Figure 1 shows the location of the drill holes being reported with respect to the planned winter drill program, while Figure 2 illustrates a cross section through drill hole MQD-25-160. Tables 1 & 2 summarize significant intercepts and drill hole locations, respectively.

Figure 1: Summarizes the ongoing winter 2025 drill program targeting resource expansion within the conceptual open pit outlined in grey. Drill holes being reported are highlighted in red.

Figure 2: Cross section through MQD-25-160 illustrating the extension of marginal shears toward surface on the northern flank of the QES Zone (QES Up).

Drill results are from the eastern portion of the QES Up program, which aims to prove the surface extension of deeper-modelled mineralized shear zones along the northern boundary of the QES Zone. This area lies entirely within the conceptual open pit, with all mineralized intersections representing opportunities to convert currently modelled waste to mineral resource.

MQD-25-160 was drilled between holes MQD-25-152 and MQD-25-158 targeting both the near-surface extension of deeper modelled shears and the potential northern deflection of the QES mineralization. The hole collared into a similar weakly deformed and chlorite-epidote altered diorite with a more consistent zone of sericite-silica-hematite altered shearing, like that seen in the core of the QES zone (Figure 3). The sericite-silica-hematite shears are strongly mineralized with intercepts of 25.0m of 1.10 g/t Au from 107.2m, including 2.05m of 1.69 g/t from 111.1m and 7.65m of 2.62 g/t Au from 117.55m (Table 1). The increasing grade towards the northeast is being interpreted as a sinistral drag structure similar to that observed between the Main and Southwest Zones.

The hole was terminated within the mineralized QES envelope, as the deeper sections of the Zone have been sufficiently tested by previous drilling.

Figure 3: High-grade portion of sheared and mineralized granodiorite in MQD-25-160 returning 25.0m of 1.10 g/t Au from 107.2m along the northern edge of the QES Zone at QES Up

Holes MQD-25-151 and MQD-25-152 were drilled on 100m sections, targeting surface extensions of deeper-modelled mineralized shear zones along the northern boundary of the QES Zone. Both holes collared into a weakly deformed and chlorite-epidote altered diorite with intermittent sericite-silica-hematite altered shear zones increasing in intensity at depth. The sericite-silica-hematite shears are moderately mineralized with intercepts including 19.75m of 0.45 g/t Au from 123.1m in MQD-25-153, including 0.3m of 8.87 g/t Au from 126.5m; 16.15m of 0.48 g/t Au from 88.0m, and 6.0m of 1.34 g/t Au from 131.0m in MQD-25-152 (Table 1).

Both holes were terminated within the mineralized QES envelope, as the deeper sections of the Zone have been sufficiently tested by previous drilling.

MQD-25-158 was drilled 400m further east than MQD-25-151 and MQD-25-152 targeting similar surface extensions of deeper modelled shears and confirming the eastern extension of the QES system. The hole collared into similar a weakly deformed and chlorite-epidote altered diorite with intermittent sericite-silica-hematite altered shear zones increasing with intensity at depth with intercepts of 11.85m of 0.36 g/t from 148.15m. The hole was extended to intercept the typical QES granodiorite at 262m confirming the orientation of the main QES host lithology with results of 13.5m of 0.38 g/t Au from 254.45m (Table 1). The hole was terminated prior to drilling through the entirety of the QES zone.

Table 1: Significant intercepts

HOLE ID FROM TO LENGTH (m) TRUE WIDTH (m) CUT GRADE

(g/t Au) UNCUT GRADE

(g/t Au) MQD-25-151 67.85 73.00 5.15 3.7 0.40 0.40 86.00 90.00 4.00 2.8 0.58 0.58 123.10 142.85 19.75 14.2 0.45 0.45 incl 126.50 126.80 0.30 0.2 8.87 8.87 MQD-25-152 61.00 66.10 5.10 3.7 0.55 0.55 88.00 104.15 16.15 11.9 0.48 0.48 131.00 137.00 6.00 4.5 1.34 1.34 MQD-25-158 135.00 137.00 2.00 1.6 0.43 0.43 148.15 160.00 11.85 9.5 0.36 0.36 170.40 173.65 3.25 2.6 0.53 0.53 229.20 233.00 3.80 3.1 0.50 0.50 254.45 270.85 16.40 13.5 0.38 0.38 261.45 265.85 4.40 3.3 0.55 0.55 293.10 297.55 4.45 3.3 0.43 0.43 MQD-25-160 107.20 132.20 25.00 18.7 1.10 1.10 incl 111.10 113.15 2.05 1.5 1.69 1.69 and 117.55 125.20 7.65 5.7 2.62 2.62 incl 119.95 120.30 0.35 0.3 30.0 30.1 Intersections calculated above a 0.3 g/t Au cut off with a top cut of 30 g/t Au and a maximum internal waste interval of 5 metres. Shaded intervals are intersections calculated above a 1.0 g/t Au cut off. Intervals in bold are those with a grade thickness factor exceeding 20 gram x metres / tonne gold. True widths are approximate and assume a subvertical body.

Table 2: Drill Collars

HOLE EAST NORTH RL AZIMUTH DIP EOH MQD-25-151 670,138 5,379,811 428 155.0 -45.0 150.00 MQD-25-152 670,209 5,379,849 428 155.6 -45.7 150.00 MQD-25-158 670,483 5,380,136 428 153.5 -45.2 300.00 MQD-25-160 670,412 5,380,044 428 156.5 -45.1 150.00

Analytical and QA/QC Procedures

The HQ diameter drill core has been oriented using ACTIII or equivalent tools and validated in the core shack. All core has been sawn in half cut just off the core orientation line (bottom of hole) with the right half (looking downhole) of the core bagged and sent to a third-party analytical laboratory. The left half of the core was returned to core boxes and is stored at Goldshore's Kashabowie core yard facility.

All samples were sent to ALS Geochemistry in Thunder Bay for preparation and analysis was performed in the ALS Vancouver analytical facility. ALS is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for the Accreditation of Mineral Analysis Testing Laboratories and CAN-P-4E ISO/IEC 17025. Samples were analysed for gold via fire assay with an AA finish ("Au-AA23") and 48 pathfinder elements via ICP-MS after four-acid digestion ("ME-MS61"). Samples that assayed over 10 ppm Au were re-run via fire assay with a gravimetric finish ("Au-GRA21").

In addition to ALS quality assurance / quality control ("QA/QC") protocols, Goldshore has implemented a quality control program for all samples collected through the drilling program. The quality control program was designed by a qualified and independent third party, with a focus on the quality of analytical results for gold. Analytical results are received, imported to our secure on-line database and evaluated to meet our established guidelines to ensure that all sample batches pass industry best practice for analytical quality control. Certified reference materials are considered acceptable if values returned are within three standard deviations of the certified value reported by the manufacture of the material. In addition to the certified reference material, certified blank material is included in the sample stream to monitor contamination during sample preparation. Blank material results are assessed based on the returned gold result being less than ten times the quoted lower detection limit of the analytical method. The results of the on-going analytical quality control program are evaluated and reported to Goldshore by Orix Geoscience Inc.

Qualified Person

Peter Flindell, PGeo, MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice-President, Exploration, of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Mr. Flindell has verified the data disclosed. To verify the information related to the winter drill program at the Moss Gold Project, Mr. Flindell has visited the property several times; discussed and reviewed logging, sampling, bulk density, core cutting and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations. He has also overseen the Company's health and safety policies in the field to ensure full compliance, and consulted with the Project's host indigenous communities on the planning and implementation of the drill program, particularly with respect to its impact on the environment and the Company's remediation protocols.

About Goldshore

Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $60 million of new capital and completed approximately 80,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 235,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for development in this cycle. Please see NI 43-101 technical report titled: "Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada," dated March 20, 2024 with an effective date of January 31, 2024 available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldshoreresources.com).

For More Information - Please Contact:

Michael Henrichsen

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Goldshore Resources Inc.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project; the potential mineralization at the Moss Gold Project based on the winter drill program, including the potential for additional mineral resources; the enhancement of the Moss Gold Project; statements regarding the Company's future drill plans, including the expected benefits and results thereof; that the Superion target has the potential to significantly add to the current mineral resource estimate within the top 200 meters from surface with continued drilling and to reduce the overall strip ratio of the deposit; the potential for resource growth at Moss and the fact that the results have the potential to significantly impact the economic performance of the deposit moving forward; the potential for a much larger mineralized system and that it will be pursued in the near future through additional drilling; and other statements that are not historical facts.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: uncertainty and variation in the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project will not be undertaken as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; the economic performance of the deposit may not be consistent with management's expectations; the Company's exploration work may not deliver the results expected; the fluctuating price of gold; unknown liabilities in connection with acquisitions; compliance with extensive government regulation; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; the Company's limited operating history; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance; the Superion target may not add to the current mineral resource; and other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development and mining activities; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that the Superion target will add to the current mineral resource; that the Company's exploration work will deliver the results expected; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties.

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. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. 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.
Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) ('SBMI' or 'the Company') is very pleased to report it has successfully completed the first phase of development of the Washington Mine in Idaho.

Highlights of this development include the following:

Successfully advanced a 12 foot x 12 foot main haulage tunnel 190 feet

Set up underground drill stations that will help further define the geometry of the mineralized zones

Successfully broke into the historical Washington Gold Workings

Intercepted the historical Berger Vein and the Eastern silver/gold shoot

Drilled several NQ holes that appear to intercept the peripheral portions of the mineralization

Identified two highly prospective gold/silver targets, one of which is the Subrosa

Exposed the original Subrosa Adit at surface

The Subrosa was historically reported to run 32 oz/ton (995.31 ppm) silver and .13 oz/ton (4.04 ppm) gold over 65 feet (see the Stoker Report mentioned numerous times in previous releases).

SBMI's own assays and XRF readings taken on site from the host rock revealed multiple high grade gold/silver veinlets throughout the host rock. Almost all of the 32 samples taken by SBMI, adjacent to the Washington vein and analyzed by ALS, were anomalous for both gold and silver, with one assay returning 30.1 ppm gold.

See table below with other highlights from host rock:

1 - 30.1 ppm gold, 14.9 ppm silver 4 - .101 ppm gold, 33.0 ppm silver 2 - .34 ppm gold, 56.7 ppm silver 5 - .117 ppm gold, 35.7 ppm silver 3 - .58 ppm gold, 97.3 ppm silver 6 - .498 ppm gold, 7.5 ppm silver

In management's opinion these values are significant as they occur in the host rock not normally associated with mineralized material. It should be noted that within the Washington vein, recent samples ran as high as 3,000 ppm silver.

During this phase of development the Company was able to complete the work necessary to identify the locations of all the zones as indicated in the Stoker Report (see full report on website) and to establish the potential for significant materialization at depth. SBMI is now ready to commence mining what it believes to be high grade silver/gold material from multiple targets on the property and to stockpile the mineralized material. SBMI expects to quickly be able to access the mineralized material.

SBMI also plans to carry out underground drilling that could potentially lead to a resource report in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.

On October 16, 2024, the Company closed on a debenture financing. Characteristic of such a debenture included that interest would be paid in cash or in common shares of the Company, at SBMI's option. For the first six months of the term of the debenture, SBMI has opted to pay such interest in common shares from treasury.

The total interest payable for the first six months of the term of the debenture is $67,826. Using the closing price on April 30, 2025 of $0.155, the Company will issue 437,584 shares in full payment of such interest.

In addition, the Company announces the resignation of Kerem Usenmez from the Board of Directors effective April 24th, 2025. The Company thanks Mr. Usenmez for his contribution and wishes him success in all future endeavors.

The board is actively engaged in identifying and evaluating alternatives with respect to the appointment of a new director to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Usenmez.

QA/QC

The 32 samples collected from the Washington Mine area by geologist Nick Barr were hand delivered by him to the ALS Lab in Twin Falls Idaho on March 26, 2025 where they were crushed and milled and then sent to ALS Labs in Vancouver British Columbia for assaying of silver using their Ag-AA5 process. Assaying of gold was done at ALS Labs in Reno Nevada using their AU-ICP22 and Au-GRA22 process.

Mr. Robert G. Komarechka, P.Geo., an independent consultant, has reviewed and verified SBMI's work referred to herein, and is the Qualified Person for this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management's current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as "believe", "expects", "will", "intends", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "estimates", "continues" and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global virus; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of mineralized material; the results of exploration and development activities; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI's properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
VANCOUVER, BC  MAY 1st, 2025  TheNewswire - AMERICAN SALARS LITHIUM INC. ("AMERICAN SALARS" OR THE "COMPANY") (CSE: USLI, OTC: USLIF, FWB: Z3P, WKN: A3E2NY) announces it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with an arms length Vendor to acquire a 100% interest in the Cauchari Minas Ines 01 Lithium Salar Project (Cauchari or Project), located on the south end of the Cauchari Salt Lake, Department Los Andes in the Province of Salta, Argentina.

The Cauchari Ines 01 claims cover an area of approximately 1,235 hectares, and contain concentrations of lithium, sampled up to 383 ppm Li taken from a depth of 30cm below the salt crust. Access to the Project is through the city of Salta, via Road 51 passing the town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, and continuing approximately 80km to the nearby Cauchari Salt Lake. The Project area is accessed entering the Salt Lake through existing mining tracks and roads and located 13km from the Rincon salar owned by Rio Tinto.

Figure 1. Map of the Cauchari Ines 01 concession and surrounding lithium producers



Cauchari Lithium Brine Project Overview

Fully owned, over 12 sq km concession, stand-alone potential with 50% on salar

Adjacent to world class operators of lithium plants

Known geological district with significant Li K sampling results

Immediate proximity to roads, railroads, electricity and gas pipelines infrastructure

Near San Antonio de los Cobres and Pocitos Industrial centre, easy road access to Chile ports

American Salars CEO & Director R. Nick Horsley states, The potential of this section of the Salar de Cauchari is immense. Cauchari is a proven producing Salar operated by Exar  Ganfeng & Lithium Argentina that produces battery grade lithium carbonate. The Company will look to continue to increase its footprint on the Cauchari and Pocitos Lithium projects.

Cauchari Mining Potential

Data from reconnaissance exploration programs suggests that the Cauchari Salt Lake is underlain by a structurally controlled sedimentary basin that forms an aquifer of over 250 square kilometers, and asymmetric, with maximum depths from 100 - 500 m along the eastern margins. No effective porosity determinations have yet been made on the aquifer, but by analogy with similar aquifers may be in the region of 4-20%. Structural geology survey suggests a shear fault zone through the concession oriented north south that could be an aquifer conduit.

To the North of the Companys Cauchari Ines 01 claims, two important and advanced projects are actively being developed, both on Cauchari and Olaroz Salt Lakes, with successful results from an exploration and pilot plant perspectives. The surface of the Cauchari Salar is a light brown lime-earthy layer, there are typical millimetre thick salt efflorescence which include chloride and sodium sulfate and to a lesser extent calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate (gypsum).

The Project is located on a carbonate platform generated by the late (geyser) volcanic activity, whose water loaded with minerals decanted in this basin. The geyser activity provided the majority of the chemical elements which caused the mineralization in these salt lakes. Some of these minerals are borates, sulfates, carbonates and brines rich in lithium, potassium, boron and rare earths. Significant concentrations of lithium were determined in brines from the Cauchari Salt Lake area, at the northern end of the Companys claim boundary.

Cauchari Geology

Within the Project area, outcrops of Ordovician sediments occur and above these sediments and in a discordant way there are tertiary sedimentary outcrops of Group Pastos Grandes and equivalents and tertiary vulcanites from the eruptive complex El Quevar. The quaternary can be differentiated in evaporitic sediments from Cauchari Salt Lake, clastic sediments forming alluvial cones and travertine limestones with hydrothermal origin.

Geoforms in Endorreic Basins

The Project area is part of the Cauchari Salt Lake basin. The total area of this basin is approximately 2,550 square kilometres. The Cauchari Salt Lake is extended and narrow-shaped, sub-meridian oriented spanning 40 km long. Its irregular borders are characteristic due to the influence of numerous alluvial cones which cause marked narrowing. Cauchari is a typical earthy Salt Lake, with a small participation of halite crystalline mass with a layer of greenish-brown lime-earth. Over the surface there are efflorescences and halite crusts, also gypsum.

Historically, this Salt Lake produced the biggest amount of borax minerals, especially ulexite and tincal in a smaller amount. The mineralization of ulexite is concentrated along the occidental side of the Salt Lake. The origin of this mineralization is directly related to boratiferous spillage, from the fracture located at the bottom of the Cauchari sierra. Besides that it is important to take into account that the river Olacapato, whose origins are located in the thermal waters of Tocomar and Antuco, contributes with important saline contents; thus, a brine concentrated in borates, with high amounts of lithium (900 ppm), one of the highest in the Puna, is added to the mineral resource of the salt lake.

Water bodies in the area of reconnaissance

From the hydrographic point of view, the area belongs to the endorreic basin of the Salt Lake of Cauchari. Due to its length and volume, the most important collector is the river Tocomar, originated by the numerous thermal springs (thermal spring Tocomar and Antuco). This river has caused a vast alluvial plain that is in contact with the side of the Salt Lake through a wide unfunctional cone. Only during the rainy season, the river pours down in the Salt Lake itself, and at the same time a group of springs appear in the nearby areas.

Nearest town

The nearest settlement is Olacapato at 22km from the area under study. It has 169 inhabitants, a first-aid post, a small police station, primary school, hostel, 24-hour electricity and semipublic telephone service.

The town of San Antonio de Los Cobres is the most important town and head of the Department Los Andes. It has 4,763 inhabitants according to the 2010 Census. It has a hospital, primary

Figure 2. Claims outline and Satellite View of the Salar de Cauchari Minas Ines 01 claims

Figure 3. Geological Claims Map of the Salar de Cauchari Minas Ines 01 claims

Figure 4. Minas Ines 01 Site visit Salar de Cauchari

Additionally, the Company has announced a settlement agreement with Ekeko SA in regards to the lien placed on the Pocitos1 project from a shortfall payment by Recharge Resources SA. The Company has agreed to $200,000 USD in cash payments for a full release of all liabilities and claims against Recharge Resources SA the holder of the Pocitos 1 tenement. A payment of $130,000 USD is due May 15th, 2025, with a second payment of $70,000 USD due September 15th, 2025.

American Salars Lithium  Argentina Lithium Salar Portfolio of Projects

Salar De Pocitos Project

The Salar Pocitos Project is located approximately 100 kilometers west from San Antonio de Los Cobres which is the largest city at the top of the puna and approximately 250 kilometers west of the Provincial Capital, Salta. The Pocitos Project benefits from some of the best infrastructure on the puna including Provincial Highway Route 17 and the Pocitos industrial Park settlement that has a natural gas pipeline and near the railway and highway that runs through the salar to the Port of Antofagasta on the Chilean Pacific Coast.

The Companys initial 800 hectare Pocitos 1 claim has an NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) prepared by WSP Australia. The MRE inferred estimate was 760,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) based on an in-situ lithium metal equivalent of 143,000 tonnes on the combined Pocitos 1 (800 Ha) and neighbouring Pocitos 2 block (532 Ha). On a pro-rata basis Pocitos 1 has 456,000 tonnes of LCE insitu. (American Salars does not currently own the neighboring 532 Hectare Pocitos 2 block - See Press Release Dated June 17, 2024). The NI 43-101 MRE was estimated on an inferred basis using a block model with 6% and 14% porosity respectively for the clay and sand lithologies. Completing borehole magnetic resonance surveys will provide continuous and higher accuracy of porosity possibly leading to an upgrade of the resource.

American Salars signed a letter of Intent (see Press Release Dated March 3, 2025) to acquire an additional 13,080 hectares on the Pocitos Salar, which has been the subject of numerous exploration campaigns including drilling, surface sampling and geophysics. The next phase of work on this World Class Projects development will be to compile data from all the combined Pocitos tenements to assess the required work in order to tie the existing drill holes together and update the Companys NI 43-101 MRE. Scoping and feasibility studies will follow the data compilation and move the project forward towards the Companys goal of seeing the Pocitos Project through to commercial production.

Figure 5. Salta Argentina Lithium Salar Projects Map

Qualified Person

Phillip Thomas, BSc Geol, MBusM, FAusIMM, MAIG, a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 regulations, has reviewed the technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release regarding Argentina properties, and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr Thomas is a shareholder of American Salars lithium shares.

About American Salars Lithium Inc.

American Salars Lithium is an exploration company focused on exploring and developing high-value battery metals projects to meet the demands of the advancing electric vehicle market. The Company's has a diversified portfolio of Lithium Brine and Hardrock Projects in North and South America.

All Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Company on its social media profiles on , , and Instagram.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

R. Nick Horsley

R. Nick Horsley, CEO

For further information, please contact:

American Salars Lithium Inc.

Phone: 604-740-7492

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.



Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange 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.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding American Salars intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits American Salars will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including American Salars results of exploration or review of properties that American Salars does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and American Salars assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM)(OTC:GGDCF) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Shea CA-CPA, a former Executive and Senior Partner at E&Y has joined Galloper's Board of Directors.

As Managing Partner, Talent at EY, Mr. Shea was a critical member of the Canadian Firm's Executive Committee for more than a decade until his retirement in 2022. EY Canada is an integrated professional services firm with more than 400 partners, 6,500 professionals and revenue more than $1.5 billion.

Amongst other board and senior executive positions, Mr. Shea served on EY's Executive Committee from 2010-2022, he also was a member of EY Americas Talent Executive Committee 2010-2022.

Earlier in his career, in the audit practice, Mr. Shea served the gold mining industry working with the Dome Mines Group which eventually evolved into Barrick Gold Corporation. This experience included working with exploration stage projects, new mine construction (Detour Lake) and acquisitions.

Galloper's CEO, Mr. Hratch Jabrayan, commented: "I am delighted that Stephen has joined our Board as we continue the process of turning Galloper into a leading junior gold company in Newfoundland with our flagship Glover Island asset Importantly, As a Global Client Coordinating and Consulting Partner in the resource sector, Stephen vast experience in EY's integrated client service delivery will bring immense value to Galloper as we strategically move forward with our exploration plans in 2025 and onwards.

Mr. Shea commented: "I am thrilled to be joining an executive group which has the potential and ability to drive this early-stage exciting project forward. I'm looking forward to assisting Hratch and the Galloper team in bringing value to our shareholders."

Mr. Shea has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from University of Toronto, and an MBA from Schulich School of Business, York University and is a graduate of the Senior Leadership Program at Harvard University.

To make room for Mr. Shea on the Galloper Board, Mr. Mark Scott has resigned as a Director of the Company. Galloper thanks Mr. Scott for his contributions as a Director.

Figure 1 - "Four Corners" Mining Region of Western Newfoundland

Investors are cautioned that mineralization on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization at Glover Island or the potential for a resource.

Figure 2 - Glover Island Property Map

Acknowledgment - Newfoundland & Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance Program

Galloper Gold acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

About Galloper Gold Corp.

Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its flagship Glover Island Property, 24 km southeast of Corner Brook, and its Mint Pond prospect in the Gander area. Galloper completed the first diamond drilling program at Glover Island since 2012 in 2024, completing six holes and is preparing for a robust drill program in 2025.

For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan

CEO and Director

Galloper Gold Corp.

Company Contact:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 778-655-9266

Investor Relations:

MarketSmart Communications

Tel: 877-261-4466

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Lipari Mining Ltd. (Cboe CA: LML) (formerly Golden Share Resources Corporation) ("Lipari" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant Mineral Resource Estimate for the Tchiuzo kimberlite pipe, part of the Company's 75%-owned Tchitengo Diamond Project, located in northeastern Angola.

This milestone establishes Tchiuzo as the initial kimberlite pipe to advance toward development within a broader cluster of 30 kimberlite pipes identified on the property, marking a critical step in unlocking the project's full potential and creating value for the Company and its shareholders.

Mineral Resource Highlights:

Indicated Resource:

32.1 Mt of kimberlite containing 14.6M carats, at a grade of 46 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht) to a depth of ~220 m.

Inferred Resource:

22.7 Mt of kimberlite containing 8.5M carats, at a grade of 38 cpht to a depth of ~360 m.

The estimate is based on a 1mm diamond bottom cutoff size, appropriate for commercial diamond mining operations.

The Mineral Resource Estimate was independently prepared by Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Z Star") of South Africa in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 guidelines.

Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Lipari Mining, commented: "This NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate marks a major milestone for Lipari as we execute our growth strategy in Angola. With this robust initial resource at Tchiuzo and a strong foundation of historical work, we now have a clear path forward to advance the project to feasibility. This resource helps unlock significant long-term potential and reinforces our belief in the broader Tchitengo kimberlite field, where 30 pipes have already been identified. With our deep explorational and operational experience in Brazil, we are well positioned to replicate success in Angola as we move toward evaluating the economics of the Tchiuzo mineral resources and further delineation drilling across the roughly 1000 km2 property."

Basis of the Mineral Resource Estimate:

The Mineral Resource Estimate integrates a robust geological database, including:

8,925 m of large diameter core drilling in 66 holes conducted by SM Catoca (2006- 2009), from which 447,534 kg of kimberlite was processed, yielding 176 carats of diamonds (grade: 39.3 cpht).





19 holes totaling 3,722.7 m of confirmatory drilling completed by Lipari in its 2024 Phase I program.

Three bulk samples collected by SM Catoca between 2007 and 2014, totaling 34,630 t, which produced 17,245 carats of diamonds at a recovered grade of 48.6 cpht (1.18 mm bottom cutoff).

The integration of historical and recent drilling, bulk sampling, and macro-diamond recovery data has enabled a comprehensive understanding of the Tchiuzo's kimberlite diamond grade distribution and geological continuity. The mineralization remains open at depth, with potential to expand the resource with deeper drilling.

Table 1 presents the Indicated and Inferred Mineral resource estimated by Z Star at a 1 mm square screen bottom cut-off for recovered diamonds.

Table 1 - Mineral Resource Estimation for the Tchiuzo Kimberlite pipe as reported by Z Star Mineral Consultants (Pty) Ltd.

Class Lithology Volume (m3) SG (tonnes/m3) Tonnes Grade (cpht

+1.0mm) Carats

(+1.0mm) TKB 7,202,100 2.11 15,227,900 46.0 7,061,790 Indicated TK 8,009,700 2.11 16,869,700 45.0 7,556,150 Total 15,211,800 2.11 32,097,600 46.0 14,617,940

Class Lithology Volume (m3) SG (tonnes/m3) Tonnes Grade (cpht

+1.0mm) Carats

(+1.0mm) TKB 4,127,300 2.43 10,026,100 43.0 4,327,740 TK 3,603,200 2.19 7,890,200 36.0 2,840,480 Inferred SAP

OVB 825,900

522,700 1.8

1.8 1,486,600

940,800 54.0

24.0 803,020

225,830 BVRS 1,109,900 2.08 2,308,500 14.0 323,210 Total 10,189,000 2.22 22,652,200 38.0 8,520,280

Tchiuzo Kimberlite Pipe

The Tchitengo Project is situated in the heart of Angola's primary diamond district, just 19 km to the north of the Catoca mine, Angola's largest diamond producer with annual production of 4.5M carats, and just 35 km north of the world-class Luele mine, Angola's newest diamond producer with annual production projected to increase to 4 to 5M carats when the mine reaches its full capacity1. The Tchiuzo kimberlite is the most advanced of the 30 kimberlite pipes present on the Tchitengo Project. The pipe was discovered by SM Catoca and their principal shareholder ALROSA in 2006, who in total completed 117 drill holes in three campaigns totaling 12,866 m between 2006 and 2009 (including the 85 SM Catoca drill holes used in the Tchiuzo resource estimation), resulting in the development of a mineral resource model, estimated in accordance with Russian standards (NAEN Code and not compliant with NI43-101 standards) to contain 53.5Mt of kimberlite with an estimated 23.4M carats of extractable diamonds2. This historical resource supported Preliminary Economic Assessment-level ("PEA") and Pre-Feasibility Study-level techno- economic studies by ALROSA's Yakutniproalmas Technical Institute ("YTI"), conducted over the period 2011 to 2013, which reported the historical economic viability of a proposed stand-alone open pit mining operation to depths of 200-250m below surface. Catoca reportedly invested US$35.6M towards the exploration and development of the Tchiuzo kimberlite pipe during the period from 2006 to 2016.3

In April 2024 Lipari commenced a Phase I confirmatory drilling program designed to: i) confirm the pipe volumes and rock densities identified by the SM Catoca drilling completed during the period 2006 to 2009; ii) define the internal geology of the pipe; and iii) define the position and inclination of the contacts between the kimberlite and the country-rock granites that enclose the pipe. The drilling program was completed in August 2024 consisting of 19 drill holes totaling 3,722.7m. The drilling program successfully confirmed the kimberlite volumes previously indicated by the SM Catoca drilling and supported the creation of the first geological model of the Tchiuzo kimberlite pipe which would be the basis of a mineral resource estimation compliant with NI43-101 standards. Based on the kimberlite core samples recovered during the drilling program, coupled with the geological information reported by SM Catoca during their drilling campaigns, Lipari geologists together with the Z Star petrographer interpreted that the Tchiuzo kimberlite was emplaced during one single volcanic eruption event, which created two different kimberlite lithologies or domains comprising the kimberlite pipe: i) tuffaceous kimberlite ("TK") which forms the central portion of the pipe; and ii) tuffaceous kimberlite breccia ("TKB") which is situated along the contact zone with the host granite gneiss. A large block of volcanic breccia of sedimentary rock ("BVRS") appears to have collapsed into the crater or neck of the pipe post-eruption, forming a discontinuous unit of sedimentary rock that crosses the centre of the pipe. Approximately 4m of sand overburden ("OVB") overlies the pipe, which exhibits weathered saprolitic kimberlite ("SAP") to depths ranging from 10 to 15m below surface.

1 Paul Zimnisky's State of the Diamond Market, Independent Monthly Diamond Industry Data and Analysis, Volume 8, Issue 7, March 2025



2 SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and Lipari consider the resource estimated by SM Catoca for Tchiuzo to be reliable in historic July 2009 context, as it has been confirmed and verified as a result of the 2024 drill program. Lipari is not treating the July 2009 historical estimate for Tchiuzo as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and will rely on the mineral resource estimate reported herein which was conducted by Z Star Mineral Consultants (Pty) Ltd.

3 Technical Report for the Tchitengo Diamond Project, Lunda Provinces, Northeast Angola, March 21, 2024 by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.

4 Tchiuzo Mineral Resources Report prepared by Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants (Pty) Ltd. dated September 30. 2024.



In September 2024, Tchitengo Mining contracted Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Z Star") to complete a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate of the Tchiuzo kimberlite. Z Star is a South African-based mineral consultancy comprised of experienced geologists and engineers with extensive experience in mineral resource estimation, specifically with diamond deposits. Z Star conducted a detailed review of the historical work completed by SM Catoca, as well as the more recent work completed by Lipari and Tchitengo Mining. Their study also included a visit to the Tchitengo Project site in late June 2024, accompanied by Mr. Martin Doyle of Falmar Ltd. ("Falmar"), Lipari's qualified person, to inspect and verify the drill core, the geology of the kimberlite, and verify the sampling and quality control procedures followed by Lipari's geological team for the drilling operation that was underway at the time. Z Star and Falmar reported that they had verified the methodology adopted by Lipari with regards to the logging and interpretation of the geology and determined that the methodology utilized by Lipari "was excellent" and that "all necessary petrological data are being collected"4.

Z Star evaluated the geological model prepared by Lipari's geologists for the Tchiuzo pipe and confirmed the model's validity for use in the mineral resource estimate. Z Star reported an Indicated Mineral Resource of 32.1 Mt containing 14.6M carats to a depth of approximately 220 m below surface, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 22.7 Mt containing 8.5M carats of diamonds. Z Star noted that these figures show only minor changes when compared to the 2009 estimates of SM Catoca. The effective date for Z Star's mineral resource estimate is September 30, 20245.

5 Tchiuzo Mineral Resources Report prepared by Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants (Pty) Ltd. dated September 30. 2024.



Looking Ahead:

Lipari plans to initiate additional exploration and technical studies to support the advancement of the Tchiuzo kimberlite toward development. A bulk sampling program of the Tchiuzo kimberlite is expected to commence in O3-2025, and will involve the purchase and installation of a 15 tphr kimberlite processing plant to support the bulk sampling of the Tchiuzo kimberlite. The goal of the bulk sampling program is to recover a parcel of diamonds from the Tchiuzo kimberlite in excess of 5,000 carats for valuation purposes to determine the current market value of the Tchiuzo diamonds. The Company will also continue evaluating the broader Tchitengo Project area, which hosts multiple undrilled kimberlite targets with similar geophysical and geochemical signatures.

The scientific and technical information in this news release related to the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Tchiuzo kimberlite has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Martin Doyle, P.Geo. (#1309-Ontario) of Falmar, a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101 and independent of the Company pursuant to Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. A Technical Report in support of this Mineral Resource Estimate will be filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) within 45 days of this news release. The Oualified Persons ("OP") related to the Tchiuzo Mineral Resource Estimate are D.E. Bush (Pri.Sci.Nat.), C. Lohrentz (Pri.Sci.Nat.) and S.P. Duggan (Pri.Sci.Nat.) of Z Star.

For readers to fully understand the information in this news release, they should read the technical report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions, exclusions and risks. The technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.

About Lipari Mining Ltd.

Lipari Mining is South America's leading diamond producer, with a track record of successful operations at the Brauna diamond mine in Brazil, which has produced over 1.2M carats to date. Lipari is now applying its expertise to advance the highly prospective Tchitengo Diamond Project in Angola, marking the next phase of growth for the Company.

The Company is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. Lipari's Brauna mine is the only diamond mine in the world that recycles nearly 100% of the water used in ore processing, producing a dry tailings product which has potential as a soil remineralizer for the agricultural industry. Lipari's shares are listed for trading on the CBOE Canada exchange and trade under the symbol "LML", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "0Y90".

Additional information on the Company can be found on its website at www.liparimining.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities of LML have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1S33, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" regarding the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward- looking statements, except as required by law. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to: the ability to advice the Tchitengo Project to feasibility, the potential for a broader Tchitengo kimberlite field, the Company's plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. All forward-looking statements and information are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company concerning anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, development plans, exploration, development and mining activities and commitments. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in Lipari's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Lipari's expectations include risks associated with the business of Lipari; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by Lipari; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Lipari's mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining and diamond industries generally; ffuctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in Lipari's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Lipari does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEOUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo government called on its senate Wednesday to lift immunity for former president Joseph Kabila who has been accused of helping the armed rebel M23 group.

Eastern DRC, rich in resources and bordering Rwanda, has been plagued by conflict for 30 years, but violence has intensified with the resurgence of the M23 in 2021.

In recent months, President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of preparing "an insurrection" and backing an alliance that includes the M23 armed group fighting government forces.

As a former president, Kabila holds the title of "senator for life" which would allow immunity from prosecution.

"The Congolese judiciary has gathered the most tangible and irrefutable evidence supporting the clear involvement, the direct participation of senator for life Joseph Kabila in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the massacres of peaceful citizens" in the east of the country, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba told reporters.

The armed forces general auditor, following justice ministry orders, "today filed the requisition seeking the Congolese senate's authorization for prosecution and the lifting of immunities," he added.

"We expect from the senate the pure and simple lifting" of immunity so the case can be heard by the High Military Court, Mutamba said.

He also called on Kabila to "come face justice in the Congo and present his defence."

The former head of state had left the DRC before the last presidential election in 2023, according to his entourage.

On April 19, authorities suspended Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), accusing it of maintaining "complicit silence" pver the M23 advance in eastern DRC.

The M23, which Kinshasa, UN experts and several international powers have said is backed by Rwanda, has taken the key cities of Goma and Bukavu since the beginning of this year.
Three days of political rallies began in Bangladesh on Thursday with rival groups to stage mass demonstrations in Dhaka, drumming up support for eagerly anticipated elections following an uprising last year.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, 84, has led an interim government since autocratic prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled into exile as crowds stormed her palace in August. He has said elections will be held as early as December, and at the latest by mid-2026.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), widely tipped to win the poll, will hold a May Day rally in Dhaka.

"We are confident this will be the most memorable grand rally in recent times," BNP media officer Shairul Kabir Khan said.

The largest Islamist political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, will also take to the streets of the capital on Thursday.

The Jatiya Party, formerly close to Hasina's regime, will likewise hold a rally.

It will be its first outdoor political event since its offices were vandalised in October, allegedly for helping Hasina's Awami League cling to power.

On Friday, the National Citizens Party (NCP), formed by students who spearheaded the youth-led protests that overthrew Hasina, will hold a rally.

NCP leader Nahid Islam initially joined the interim government led by Yunus, before resigning to form the party.

"Political programmes help us build public engagement," said senior NCP official Ariful Islam Adib.

"This rally isn't about showing strength, but we expect 20,000 to 30,000 attendees."

Hefazat-e-Islam, a platform of Islamic seminaries, will hold a "grand rally" on Saturday.

"Our rally is a reminder to the government of the sacrifices we've made," said its leader Mamunul Haque, adding they will use the event to present their demands.

Key among them is cancelling recommendations by a government women's commission for ending discriminatory provisions, a further indication of how hardline, religiously fuelled activism is strengthening after years of suppression.

"We will present four demands. Chief among them is scrapping the recommendations of the Women's Rights Commission," Haque said.

"We don't care if it's Muhammad Yunus in charge or someone even more prominent, we'll take to the streets," he added.

- Democratic reforms -

Hasina's government was blamed for extensive human rights abuses and she took a tough stand against Islamist movements during her 15-year rule.

She remains in self-imposed exile in India, and has defied an arrest warrant from Dhaka to face charges of crimes against humanity.

The South Asian nation of some 170 million people last held elections in January 2024, when Hasina won a fourth term in the absence of genuine opposition parties who boycotted the vote after a crackdown.

It is not confirmed if Hasina's Awami League will take part in elections.

Yunus says the caretaker administration he is leading has a duty to implement democratic reforms before it holds a fresh election.

He said the timing of elections depends on how much change the political parties can agree on.

"If they are in a hurry... then we have the early election in December," Yunus told broadcast Al Jazeera on Sunday, adding that if parties want more reforms, polls would be later.

"If they want a longer version, we go up to June. Beyond June, we don't go."
By Akbar Novruz



Israel has formally requested international assistance, including from Azerbaijan, to help extinguish large-scale forest fires that erupted in western Jerusalem, according to Azernews, citing Spanish agency EFE.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that he had reached out to his counterparts in Azerbaijan, Argentina, Great Britain, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Portugal, North Macedonia, France, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Sweden to request aerial firefighting support as the fires continue to spread rapidly due to strong winds.

The blaze, which broke out Wednesday morning, has led to the evacuation of residents from several settlements and the temporary closure of major roads in the affected region.

Due to worsening weather conditions and fire risks, Independence Day celebrations in cities including Ashkelon, Beer Sheva, and Modiin have been canceled.

Nineteen people have required medical assistance for smoke inhalation, with 13 hospitalized, while previous reports had noted 12 injuries.

The Israeli government, in coordination with international partners and emergency services, is making urgent efforts to contain and extinguish the fires before they cause further harm.






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - A woman has accused the late Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ongondo Were, of unlawfully seizing her family house in Nairobi's upscale Karen neighborhood.

According to the woman's post on Facebook, she had been the rightful owner of the property, which she claims was taken over by the MP without her consent.

She alleges that her attempts to reclaim the property were met with resistance.

Ongondo reportedly conspired with rogue staff at a local bank to acquire the multi-million property illegally, leaving her distressed.

She has been trying to seek justice in vain.

The womans allegations surfaced following the MPs fatal shooting along Ngong Road on Wednesday evening, under circumstances that remain under investigation.

The controversial legislator had just left Parliament and was en route to Mbagathi when two gunmen on a motorcycle ambushed his vehicle.

One assailant reportedly shattered the driver's window and fired multiple shots at close range, fatally wounding the MP.

The MPs driver, who survived the attack, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - A Kenyan man has set social media abuzz after narrating how his surprise visit to girlfriend went wrong.

The Nakuru-based man had planned to surprise his girlfriend in Nairobi with an unannounced visit.

However, the surprise was on him.

Upon arrival, he found her with another man - who happened to be driving a sleek Benz.

Instead of causing a scene, he chose to handle the situation calmly.

Lacking fare to return to Nakuru, the man revealed that the boyfriend - yes, the one with the Benz - offered to drive him back.

To top it off, the unexpected chauffeur even bought him food along the way.

Taking to social media, he wrote:

I traveled from Nakuru to Nairobi to see my lady unannounced.

I found her with another guy who drives a Benz.

I didnt have money to go back to Nakuru, so they drove me back.

That car is something else.

The guy is cool, plus he bought me some food on the way.

His post has since gone viral, with netizens split, some praising his composure and sense of humor, while others sympathize with his unfortunate romantic misadventure.

See the post and reactions below.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - A viral video circulating on social media appears to show former Prime Minister Raila Odinga pushing President William Ruto away from a red carpet during a public event.

The video was recorded when the two leaders attended the installation of the Chancellor at the Co-operative University of Kenya.

In the video, Raila Odinga is seen walking side by side with President Ruto after the function.

He pushes Ruto away from the red carpet as they engage in a conversation.

Raila Odinga, who has in the past been accused of being drunk with power, loves the red carpet.

When he was the Prime Minister, he used to complain whenever a red carpet was not laid for him at public functions.

The trending video of Raila pushing Ruto away from red carpet has sparked reactions on X.

See some of the reactions from X users.

Raila Ametoa Kasongo kwa Red carpet. Lwani Where was Farouq today? pic.twitter.com/jgnjiXD7Sa  jim Njue (@jimNjue_) April 30, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - President William Rutos appointment of Prof Makau Mutua as the Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans.

Announcing the appointment on social media, President Ruto stated:

I have appointed Prof Makau Mutua as the Senior Advisor of Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President. Prof Mutua brings a wealth of experience in legal, constitutional, and human rights matters. Congratulations Prof Mutua.

I welcome you to join a dynamic team of public servants in the implementation of our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The appointment came as a surprise to many, given Prof Mutuas history as a vocal critic of the President.

In the past, he had publicly vowed never to accept a job offer from Ruto.

However, following the announcement, the renowned legal scholar accepted the role and pledged to serve with diligence and honor.

I am grateful to His Excellency President William Ruto for appointing me Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President. Our Constitution is the beating heart of the Republic.

Mr. President, I promise to serve you and our fellow citizens with diligence, honor, and distinction, Prof Mutua wrote on X.

The online community responded swiftly, with many Kenyans accusing Prof Mutua of hypocrisy.

Critics questioned what had changed, suggesting that his previous opposition to the President may have stemmed from being excluded from Government roles.

See reactions below.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Veteran radio presenter, Edward Kwach, known for his distinctive voice and engaging presence, reportedly died in financial distress, a close neighbour has revealed.

According to Kwachs neighbour, he used to see him struggling with life in Rongai, despite being one of the most celebrated radio presenters in Kenya.

His financial status did not match his popularity.

Behind closed doors, Edward was struggling, and he barely made ends meet in the last couple of years, forcing him to rely on friends and well-wishers.

Kwach rose to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s, working with major radio stations like Capital FM and Kiss 100, where he became a household name.

However, like many who experience early success in the volatile media industry, his fortunes dwindled over time.

At one time, he was fired from Kiss 100 after he sank into alcoholism.

Kwach died on the night of Monday, April 28th, 2025, at the age of 52.

He died while undergoing treatment for meningitis at a Nairobi hospital.

Kwach's career spanned over two decades, during which he became a beloved figure in Kenya's media landscape.

Mainstream media journalists were warned by @kibeandy . Radio Africa put him on a billboard with @KameneGoro before even paying that months salaries.



Media houses will extract your youth and productivity and then leave you to rot. They dont have retirement or health plans for pic.twitter.com/tRgOIQ6n4O  Francis Gaitho (@FGaitho237) April 30, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - As Kenyans come to terms with the brazen assassination of Kasipul Kabondo Member of Parliament, Charles Ongondo, the sentiments at his constituency are different.

Tis is after a section of Kasipul residents took to social media to celebrate the MPs demise.

Many claim the late legislator ruled with violence and fear.

Locals accuse him of moving with goons who even eliminated those who dared to question him.

To them, his passing marks freedom, not grief.

MP Ongondo was gunned down on Wednesday, April 30th, near the City Mortuary roundabout by suspected assailants on a motorbike.

Witnesses say two men had been trailing him before one alighted and shot him at close range, then fled the scene.

See some of the posts from Kasipul residents.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Slain Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ongodo Were, was alleged to have masterminded the brutal murder of political activist Evans Okoda.

Okoda, a former bodyguard for ex-Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, was found dead on May 3rd, 2024, in Oyugis Town.

His body showed signs of severe trauma, including head injuries and the severing of his right hand and tongue.

The brutal nature of the murder led to a public outcry.

During protests in Oyugis, some residents chanted Ongodos name, suggesting a possible political motive behind the killing.

Kennedy Ogalo Osano, Ongondos personal driver, was arrested after detectives analyzed his mobile phone records, which indicated multiple calls between him and Okoda around the time of the murder.

The controversial MP was gunned down on Wednesday evening along Ngong Road by two assailants riding on a motorbike.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attack was well-orchestrated.

The assailants, believed to be two men on a motorbike, approached the MPs vehicle and opened fire without warning before speeding off.

Security agencies, including officers from Kilimani Police Station and the DCI, cordoned off the area as forensic experts began collecting evidence.

Click here>> to see how the late political activist Evans Okonda was tortured and killed by goons believed to have been hired by the Kasipul MP.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - In an emotionally charged moment, the bodyguard of the late Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ongondo Were, was seen breaking down in tears as detectives secured the vehicle that had been ferrying the MP when he was fatally shot on April 30th, 2025.

The incident occurred near the City Mortuary roundabout along Ngong Road in Nairobi, where the MP was ambushed by gunmen on a motorcycle.

The bodyguard, who had been accompanying the MP, was visibly distraught as law enforcement officers secured the vehicle for forensic examination.

The long-serving bodyguard was unable to contain his grief over the loss of his employer and friend.

The MP's death has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

Watch the video.

The moment slain Kasipul MP, CHARLES ONGONDOs bodyguard cried uncontrollably as detectives secured the vehicle that was ferrying him after he was shot dead pic.twitter.com/SMtV67bwoJ  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) May 1, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Chaos almost broke out in Lodwar, Turkana County, on April 30th, 2025, as residents confronted police officers during a Kenya Prisons Service recruitment exercise.

The incident occurred at the designated recruitment center, where a large crowd had gathered in anticipation of the selection process.

The situation escalated when the recruitment process was marred by claims of bribery.

Some residents voiced their concerns and dissatisfaction with the recruitment process and confronted the police officers, accusing them of taking bribes.

The confrontation remained non-violent, with both parties engaging in discussions to address the issues at hand.

Watch the video.

Watch the moment Turkana residents confronted corrupt police officers for taking bribes during a prisons service recruitment in Lowdar - The fear is gone pic.twitter.com/lfmed7fKv6  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) May 1, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Kenyas Cardinal John Njue will not take part in the upcoming papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

According to sources in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, the Vatican was formally informed that Cardinal Njue is not medically fit to travel to Rome for the highly anticipated event.

Cardinal Njue has been ailing for some time, with his public appearances significantly reduced.

In January, while presiding over a mass at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in Tena, Njue addressed concerns about his health.

As you can see, I am not very strong, but I committed to coming and celebrating this mass with you, he said.

There is a lot of work to be done in Gods vineyard, and you are the ones to do it. It is your time.

His remarks followed false reports about his death, which the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi firmly refuted.

Cardinal Njues absence, along with that of Spanish Cardinal Antonio Canizares, will reduce the number of cardinal electors from 135 to 133.

During an April 29th press briefing, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that two cardinals would miss the conclave for health reasons, though names were initially withheld.

The secret papal conclave is set to begin on May 7th.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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UP to 1,000 jobs could be at risk at Intels Kildare plant as the tech giant prepares to announce global lay-offs affecting 20% of its workforce. Intel, which employs around 5,000 people in Ireland  many in Leixlip  has yet to confirm if the cuts will affect its Irish operations.

However, government ministers are concerned about potential losses, particularly given Intels focus on cost-cutting and restructuring. Local TD James Lawless expressed cautious optimism, noting that the Leixlip sites focus on engineering and manufacturing may shield it from the worst of the cuts, which are reportedly aimed at trimming non-core functions.

Fianna Fail TD Naoise O Cearuil and local councillors stressed the need for support plans if redundancies do occur.

Councillors are set to meet Intel representatives this week for further updates.

Intel has already cut around 15,000 jobs globally in the past year, with its workforce dropping to just under 109,000 by the end of 2024.

As the government strives to prevent job losses in Kildare, Intel say it may be July before it has finalised the headcount reduction number.
A number of the 22 amateur jockeys taking part in the 34th running of the Punchestown Festival Charity Race, which this year will reach the total of 2 million raised, got a direct experience last week of how their efforts help those with kidney-related illness. On a visit to the Vartry Renal Unit at Tallaght University Hospital, they met patients on dialysis and dialysis staff.

Molly Rajesh, clinical nurse manager in the Vartry Unit, described to the group the multi-disciplinary care involved for a patient receiving dialysis. The Vartry Renal Dialysis Unit is one of three dialysis facilities, including University Hospital Waterford and Wexford General Hospital, where PKRF-sponsored art and music programmes are happening.

In addition to the jockeys present, the group included CEO of Punchestown Racecourse Conor O'Neill and race director Richie Galway, along with Kilcullen businessman James Nolan, the founder of the charity race. PKRF was established by James to administer money raised by the race.

Tallaght University Hospital arts and health manager Ali Baker Kerrigan demonstrated to the visiting group how the ambience of the hospital itself has benefited from the arts and health programme, highlighting two key projects led by artist-in-residence Lucia Barnes.

The Skys the Limit project with 36 colourful balloons displayed in the atrium was the result of a colouring competition, with submissions from patients, staff and community members. Many patients on dialysis also participated, as they spend up to four hours a day on an average of three days a week connected to machines which keep them alive.

James Nolan outlining the work supported by PKRF from the proceeds of the Punchestown charity race

The Forget Me Never mosaic tree was also created by Lucia Barnes, now working with dialysis patients for 22 years at the hospital. The tree features leaves entirely designed by dialysis patients, their families and dialysis staff. Other artworks by the patients decorate corridors in the Hospital and the programme has been boosted in recent years by the involvement of fellow artist-in-residence Olivia Hassett.

During her presentation Ali Baker Kerrigan spoke of Art at the Bedside sessions which are happening on a weekly basis throughout the year with patient and staff feedback suggesting patients love it. "Having dialysis treatment can be quite isolating," she says. "Patients note boredom if they cannot sleep or there is nothing interesting on the TV  so they're all extremely grateful for the inclusion of this programme."

In addition, a relatively new project called 'Connections aims to encourage a conversation between the patient and artist about the many ways humans connect both with each other and the world around us. Patients create a visual art piece representing their idea on two A5 watercolour sheets, which will later be showcased in an exhibition.

The Soothing Sounds live music programme was also presented and experienced on the ward by the group. The live music sessions are performed by professional musicians in residence: Dr Sophie Lee and Justin McCann on piano and Dr Mary Louise O'Donnell on harp. A recent survey noted 100% of patients and staff found the music relaxing and calming and would like to see it continue.

Outlining the work of PKRF, James Nolan noted the provision of a holiday home in Kerry for dialysis patients and their families, funding for a renal unit at Temple Street Childrens Hospital, and providing financial support for a number of kidney-related research programmes, including nocturnal dialysis, which has proved particularly helpful in pregnancy for women with complex kidney disease.

Another recent initiative has been helping the Irish Kidney Association establish a Pilot Peer Support programme for all kidney patients in Ireland and their families who are dealing with being a dialysis or transplant patient. The James Tracy/PKRF/Kidney Beam Exercise programme was also established to enable dialysis and transplant patients to access free specific exercise classes.

PKRF also continue to support research into Polycystic Kidney Disease in partnership with the Irish Nephrology Society under the guidance of the Irish Research Council.

This year's charity race includes riders from counties Kildare, Clare, Longford, Cork, Limerick, Wexford, Wicklow and Down, as well as participants from England, Wales, Italy and Poland. Rob Harrison from Longford has a strong connection with horses as an experienced show jumper and with family members involved in the racing industry.

"I saw that applications were open last November and it was the same month my son was born, so I applied for it," he says. "I've been riding out with local trainer Paul Flynn and Gavin Cromwell in Meath. I've lost a lot of weight in the process and I'm well committed and ready to go."

Rob has never competed in a race before and had to complete the fitness and competency course at RACE to get his racing licence.

Sarah Costello from Co Clare is also well familiar with horses from her family's business in raising foals to sell as three-year-olds and point-to-pointers. She also has a direct interest in that her father, who had been on dialysis for a number of years, received a transplant a short time ago. "My cousin took part in the race about three years ago. It's a great cause and I decided that I'd do it too, and raise awareness and funds. It'll be exciting too."

The Tallaght University Hospital Vartry Renal Dialysis Unit has been operational for five years and provides service to some 170 patients each week with a dedicated staff of 25-30 people.
A young French woman living in Narraghmore has recently established a new dog grooming service in Kilcullen's Link Business Park. It's a big pivot for Clodie Duclos from what she has been doing for the last ten years, working with horses. But that previous career gives her an edge with her Duclos Fluffy Toes enterprise, because she's quite happy to take on big dogs for clients.

"Owners of big dogs can struggle to find a groomer," she says, "because they're a lot of work, take longer time and it can be very physical with them."

Clodie didnt grow up around animals in her native Normandy. And shes the only one in her family who has made a career working with animals. But my grandfather was always interested in horses, in hunting and also going to the races, she recalls with a smile.

"He raised racing pigeons too. So maybe it came from there."

She first came to Ireland for a year in 2015, working with thoroughbred horses in Sweep Lane Stud in Nurney. After that, she worked in yard management positions in Italy at an equestrian centre and in Portugal, before coming back to Ireland and Sweep Lane in 2020, just before Covid. After more than three years as a stud hand with Sweep Lane, she then went on to study animal science at Dunboyne College of Further Education, which included work placement at the Grey Abbey veterinary practice in Kildare.

The shift to dog grooming wasn't especially a plan, but something she thought she would enjoy doing, and she says it has turned out to be so. There are challenges in the work, because a very quick bond has to be made with the individual animal. "You're going to be spending an hour and a half, two hours with the dog. So you want to make sure that it goes well both for the dog and for you."

First impressions with a new client dog are just as important as they are in people-to-people relationships, she says. "I always meet them smiling, using a high-pitch voice because dogs respond best to that. And I'll always have treats in my pocket  even if they don't want them, they'll smell them and it sort of puts them at ease."

Like people, dogs have individual characteristics. It can be just a particular dog and the environment they've grown up in, or it can be from being bred through generations for particular traits.

"For instance, I get a lot of cockapoos; they're the loveliest dogs, full of energy and everything, but they also tend to be a bit more anxious. On the other hand, I had a big Australian shepherd in the other day and he was just like a teddy bear, not one bit of stress no matter what I was doing."

Clodie started up Duclos Fluffy Toes some months ago and had been looking for a place to rent when she approached Animals First veterinary services in the Link Business Park and found they were prepared to let the room she has used since last month, over the practice. "It happens that a lot of groomers work from veterinary practices, so this has worked out really well. And the guys downstairs can often refer their clients who are looking for grooming."

With something like a third of Irish households owning a dog, there's a big and growing market.

She finds the work very satisfying, not least because the results are visible in a relatively short couple of hours. "It can be a massive difference, when you clip the dog and you see a nice coat. A wash and dry and brush and it's all nice and fluffy and soft. I love seeing people happy when they get their dog back. Their reaction is a big reward."

You can contact Clodie on 089 4472705 or email duclosfluffytoes@gmail.com.
He may have finished second with his filly, Switch From Diesel but local trainer, Ross OSullivan, was very pleased with the performance of his horse under Ray Barron in Grade 1 Race And Stay At Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race on Wednesday, Day 2 of the 2025 Punchestown Festival.

The filly finished a gallant second to the Willie Mullins trained Bambino Fever under Jodie Townend something which went down with the Naas based trainer and connections as he told Pat Costello for the Kildare Nationalist after the race.

Pat Costello: You may have been second in that race but I think that was a popular second?

Ross OSullivan: Yeah, she's a good filly. She got well beaten by her (Bambino Fever) in the Dublin Racing Festival but we got within a length and a half of her today. Were just unlucky to run into a mare like her but we'll dream all summer long now looking forward to her. She'll go out for grass, shoes off and she's already schooled over hurdles. She's great jumper and she'd be filly that you can't wait for the summer to be over to get her back in to go for next season jumping.

She's a good filly to have, the best I've ever had. She has a big engine and she looks like a real exciting prospect. Well probably be running into this lady (Bambino Fever) in those races anyway but what about it? Well look forward to her and it's just all about trying to find a horse like her and it's great to have her.

PC: Take us through the race, did it go to plan?

ROS: Yeah, perfectly to plan. Ray gave her a dream ride. He rides her real well and he was very relaxed on her. She has loads of speed so she just needs to follow, follow, switch off. Likes a little bit of room, doesn't like a smack of a stick, hands and heels. Ray, I suppose, from the start of the year onwards, he was getting even more and more used to her. She's a tough filly. She likes being the boss, likes a bit of room. I couldn't have been happier with the way the race turned out through the whole race; travelled really well. We had our opportunity two down and we got close to her. Nothing more you can say.

PC: We have talked before about being at Punchestown, how does it feel to be in the winners enclosure in a Grade 1 at Punchestown? What does that mean to you?

ROS: Its magic. To get back into that first four it's very same as Cheltenham. Big crowds and the second and third and fourth get as much of a cheer as the winner. It's very special to get in here. For the owners as well it's one of the highlights of the year, Punchestown. To get back into that winning area, like you said, it means a lot.

PC: What can you expect from you for the rest of the week?

ROS: We're very quiet for the rest week. We've two tomorrow. Harry's Legacy in the Handicap Hurdle has been knocking on the door. I hope he has a chance, but it's so tough and so hard and so competitive but I hope he runs a good race. He's owned by a man from Canada and he was mad keen to have a runner in Punchestown. Again, like all our owners this week, whether it's coming up to Punchestown, they want to go to Punchestown and then you hit the summer, they want to go to Galway. So hopefully he runs his race. After that then it's quiet then pretty much for the rest of the week.

PC: But no rest for Ross OSullivan?

ROS: No, seven days a week, keep it going and I was saying, the pedal to the metal, yeah.
Three Kilkenny primary schools have made their mark in the 2025 Our World Awards as Irish Aid proudly celebrates 20 years of the national awards programme.

Scoil Bhride, Goresbridge, Scoil Naomh Padraig, Ballyhale, and St Leonards NS, Dunamaggin all submitted fantastic entries, each reflecting the pupils' hard work and growing awareness of global citizenship.

A special highlight came from Scoil Bhride, Goresbridge, who welcomed the Our World Awards film crew to their school in March. Pupils from third and fourth class proudly showcased their project, sharing what they had learned through the programme.

READ NEXT: BALLYHALE SCHOOL TEAMS UP WITH LIONS CLUB TO PLANT TREES

Their enthusiasm, creativity, and understanding of global challenges were truly inspirational. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades flagship programme with primary schools which, over its lifetime, has seen thousands of young people become inspired to engage with global issues and take action for a fairer, more sustainable world.

This year, Kilkenny primary schools were encouraged to learn about the lives of children and their families in Mozambique, Somalia, and The Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, also known as Laos, focusing on how Ireland and 192 other countries are working together to create a better future for all through support for the 17 UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond expressed his delight at the number of schools taking part.

READ MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS HERE
A Kilkenny-based apprentice has been announced as one of the top ten finalists for this years Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.

Aspiring electrician, Nicholas Rossiter, aged 24, who is currently completing an electrical apprenticeship at ATU Letterkenny, will join nine other trade apprentices from across the UK and Ireland, in a bid to be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 winner. He is the son of Michael and Katherine Rossiter, Shoe Repairs, Butterslip.

The winner, who will be announced at the two-day final in May, 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.

Nicholas got his first taste of the trade industry when he lived in Australia, where he worked in construction. Upon his return home to Irelnd, he enrolled in a product design course for a year, which sparked his love for practical, hands-on work and led him to pursue a career in the electrical industry. Due to qualify in September, he hopes to one day run his own business and mentor apprentices of his own.

READ NEXT:Child-abusing Kilkenny priest to feature in new RTE Investigates documentary tonight

A passionate proponent of renewable energy, he additionally hopes to incorporate sustainability into his work. His unmatched commitment, evident passion and impressive drive saw him stand out in the semi-final heats, after being selected from more than 2,000 applications.

I cant believe Ive made it through to the finals of this years Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition," Nicholas said. "When I submitted my application, I never dreamed Id make it this far. Its also so exciting to be representing Kilkenny 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.

The final

Hosted at Google's UK Office in London on May 7-8, the competitions final promise to be a challenging yet rewarding experience.

The final will offer the top 10 the chance to network and participate in workshops hosted by industry experts and will see each of them interviewed by an expert panel of judges. The judges include representatives from Screwfix, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Screwfix Top Tradesperson Mohammed Rahman. Alongside the interviews, DEWALT will be showcasing some exciting product demonstrations, the team from SITE will be sharing the latest workwear and finalists will have the opportunity to get creative in some team-building workshops.

Screwfix Marketing Director, Jack Wallace shared his enthusiasm for the competition, saying: Apprenticeships are vital to the growth of the trade industry, ensuring we have talented individuals entering the workforce with the skills required to succeed.

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is about spotlighting passionate apprentices who are paving the way for the future. Were thrilled to celebrate this next generation of tradespeople. The talent we see is just getting better and better, so I already know it will be a tricky decision for the judges to make on the day. I wish all finalists the best of luck!

READ KILKENNY JOBS NEWS HERE

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition celebrates the best new talent in the trade industry. Through events like this, Screwfix aims to inspire and support the next generation of skilled tradespeople, shining a spotlight on the diversity, innovation and rewarding opportunities within the trade sector.

To learn more about the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition and this years finalists, click here.
Stuff reports:

A prominent Wellington politician bought a large piece of land within an area known as being considered for development, months before more detailed plans were revealed to the public. Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, then a second-term councillor, purchased a house and 5.13ha of land on Upper Fitzherbert Rd in Wainuiomata North in early 2019. In November 2017 Barry was briefed on possible development options for the area by consultants. The options were not made public.

Shocking judgment for a Councillor to buy land in an area confidentially marked for potential development.

The documents shared with Stuff show Barry and other family members bought the property for $858,000 in February 2019. Zoned rural residential it is now potentially worth millions of dollars if the zoning is changed to residential as part of any future development. Stuff investigations have revealed that a nearby 4ha property, valued at $540,000 in September 2019, sold recently for $1.9 million. The owner turned down another offer of $2.3m. It is understood another two neighbouring properties, two blocks of 2.4ha each, both sold for $2m. And developers have been approaching other residents in the area since the release of the report.

So the fact it is now publicly known the area is likely to become developed, has led to sections selling for 300% over their CV. So Mayor Barrys property might now be worth $2 million more than he paid for it.

The council knew the development, intended as part of a plan to address Lower Hutts growing housing crisis, would be unpopular because of its potential impact in a quiet, largely rural area. Former mayor Ray Wallace, approached by Stuff, said meetings were all public excluded, therefore all of the minutes would never be allowed to be released to the public during that sensitive process.  The documents and email exchanges show Barry was involved in planning for the development, including public-excluded briefings, meetings and workshops throughout 2017 and 2018. Barry initially claimed he had not been to any briefings. He later clarified that he had attended a meeting at the Dowse Art Museum in November 2017, when consultants outlined possible options and some blue-sky thinking in Wainuiomata North.

So Mayor Barry denied he had been briefed at all, but later clarified he had been.

On at least one other occasion, he and Briggs were invited to an exclusive briefing on progress, documents show. That progress included a then confidential 110-page report detailing well-developed plans for an 84.5ha subdivision, including between 1200 and 1800 homes, a possible new primary school and a small shopping centre.

So thats two confidential briefings.

Barry insists he knew little of those plans because, despite being one of two Wainuiomata ward councillors, he did not attend any other briefings or meetings. I was aware of that fact, as was the wider public, he replied in an email to Stuff. But it seems the public knew little of those bigger, post-2016 plans. As the development firmed, the council became so worried about information getting out and creating concern among residents and a gold rush for developers that it declined a number of information requests about what was happening in the area.

The fact prices now are so much higher than they were in 2019 strongly suggests that the public did not know of the plans, as you would not have picked up a five hectare block so cheaply.

Barry initially told Stuff that he sought legal advice on any possible conflict of interest before purchasing his Upper Fitzherbert property. The email Barry supplied to Stuff suggests that advice was sought after Barry had purchased the property.

So that is a second instance in which something Mayor Barry said was not accurate. He claimed he had not been briefed, and he had. He claimed he sought prior legal advice, but it seems he had not.

A little more than two months later, three years after the councillors and officers had begun an exhaustive, public-excluded process, producing a 110-page report and timeline for possible district plan changes, Miller canned the scheme and publicly released the plans. She did that without first consulting the mayor and councillors, leaving senior officials shocked and surprised. One described it as cavalier.

So why did the Chief Executive ditch the plans?

UPDATE: Stuff has a second article on the issue, including comments from neighbours who are critical of the Mayor.
The Herald reports:

Act leader David Seymour is taking aim at the size of government, calling for a limit to the number of Cabinet members, scrapping or merging Government departments and abolishing ministerial portfolios, including some created by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

In a speech to Tauranga Business Chamber members today, Seymour proposed capping the number of ministers at 20, with no ministers outside Cabinet. There are currently 28 ministers, including eight sitting outside Cabinet.

He also supported scrapping all associate ministerial roles, aside from the associate finance ministers, of which he is one.

The proposal, which Seymour says could be Act Party policy for next years election, plans to abolish some of the 82 ministerial portfolios and to either cut or merge the roughly 40 Government departments.

In his speech, he mentioned several portfolios in his sights: Racing, Hospitality, Auckland, the South Island, Hunting and Fishing, the Voluntary Sector, and Space  all currently held by either National or New Zealand First ministers.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday acknowledged that he could secure the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia.
Earth and minerals are loaded onto trucks at an open-pit mine near the frontline on February 26, 2025 in Donetsk Region, Ukraine.
JEFFERSON CITY  Local DMVs are now experiencing increased traffic, with people trying to meet the May 7 REAL ID deadline.

Many residents now have little time to get their license renewed ahead of summer travels, according to Trish Vincent, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Comparatively, the REAL ID-DMV process is very similar to acquiring a driver's license, but receiving your REAL ID may take multiple weeks.

"We're in that window that if you come in today, you may not get your REAL ID, your actual license in time," Vincent said.

Customers are running into longer lines across the state because DMVs are trying accommodate those looking to update their status, according to Vincent.

"We have had lines in Columbia, we've had lines in St. Louis," Vincent said. "And I'm sure we've had lines in Kansas City."

Gov. Mike Kehoe announced last week that only around 45% of Missouri ID holders have gotten their REAL ID.

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According to Vincent, the new IDs are a streamlined response to the more extensive background checks that originated after the 9/11 attacks. But the implementation has taken quite some time.

"In Missouri, we didn't pass [REAL ID] until 2017, and the first REAL ID was issued in 2019," Vincent said. "There was probably some delays along the way."

While a standard driver's license is still acceptable for traffic stops, the Missouri Department of Revenue suggests applying for a REAL ID to avoid conflicts with TSA when flying domestically.

Missouri Real ID sample Sample picture of a Missouri Real ID

Acquiring a REAL ID is also significantly cheaper than a passport, the popular alternative for many.

A Missouri-issued Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card will have a star in the top right-hand corner. A driver license or ID card that is non-compliant with Real ID will say not for real ID purposes in this spot.

More information is available on the Missouri Department of Revenue's website.
Stephanie Kraft Sheley, founder of Right By You, poses for a portrait in April 2025. Her organization is suing Missouri, arguing the state's parental consent laws for minors seeking abortions are unconstitutional.
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Have they been left out of everything because of 30 years of occupation? Have you lost projects, international support, and normal cooperation with your neighbors?

Still confused? Then listen to Ilham Aliyevs speeches  he explains everything very clearly and simply. That includes you, too.
" " Nurse sharks are relatively docile. Stephen Frink / Getty Images

When you picture Belize  a Central American jewel hugged by the Caribbean Sea  your mind probably drifts to turquoise waters, coral reefs and epic scuba diving adventures.

But Belize shark attacks have recently put a new spin on those dreamy underwater getaways. While shark encounters are typically rare and nonlethal, a string of bites off the Belize coast has grabbed headlines and sparked fresh concern.

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Most shark attacks in Belize have occurred during recreational activities like scuba diving and spearfishing, especially near popular dive sites such as the Blue Hole, Halfmoon Caye and Ambergris Caye. One of the most widely reported incidents involved a Colorado teenager named Annabelle Carlson, who was attacked by two sharks during a day trip near Half Moon Caye.
Drone footage has captured spectacular scenes off Australias east coast as the much-anticipated whale watching season officially begins in New South Wales.

Keen onlookers recently spotted the first handful of humpbacks playfully gliding in the water near Shellharbour, Port Macquarie and Manly. Incredible footage released this week by the states Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) shows the gentle giants migrating north to find mates.

In one clip, a humpback whale and calf can be seen splashing in the water side-by-side. Others show larger animals leaping out of the water.

Around 40,000 humpback whales, which can grow up to 17 metres in length and weigh as much as 40 metric tonnes, are expected to travel along the coast up to Queensland before returning to the icy waters of Antartica later from September to November.

Humpback whales can become entangled in fishing gear

During the trek, some whales can become entangled in discarded fishing gear and marine debris, DCCEEW said. When this occurs, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Large Whale Disentanglement Team is called into action, the department said.

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Operating only when conditions are safe, this highly trained team works from small boats in open seas to undertake the complex and dangerous task of rescuing 2540 tonne wild animals from tangles of ropes and floats.

Over the weekend, locals enjoying their morning paddle were stunned to see an unusual sightseer in Sydney Harbour. The juvenile humpback whale was filmed swimming between moored yachts near Little Manly early on Saturday morning, however after being approached by curious jet skiers and kayakers, the animal became distressed.

Aussies warned of hefty fines for breaching whale exclusion zones

There are strict rules in place around the country to ensure the safety of marine mammals and people, especially during whale watching season.

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In NSW, drones, boats and paddlecrafts must maintain a safe distance of 100 metres from whales. This increases to 300 metres if a calf is also present. Jet skiers must always maintain a distance of 300 metres from whales, dolphins and dugongs.

Aussies can face hefty fines for coming too close to the 'gentle giants' as they migrate north. Source: Heather Rose Dreamstime/DCCEEW

Breaching these regulations can result in significant penalties, with individuals facing on-the-spot fines of $1,320. Commercial operators such a whale watching tours can be fined $3,300.

Lets celebrate the start of whale watching season by appreciating the beauty of the humpback whales while ensuring their safety and protection, Melissa Tan, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Marine Wildlife team leader, said on Thursday.

Were incredibly fortunate to have a front-row seat to this extraordinary annual migration we can all observe, right up and down the coast.

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Its fantastic that humpback whale numbers have bounced back to around 40,000 whales since the 1960s, when commercial whaling had reduced the east coast Australian population to potentially as few as 100 individuals.

For more information about the best viewing spots during the migration, click here.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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A YOUNG Laois Transition Year student who has been acknowledged for her playwriting skills, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Taylor Fogarty, from Saint Fergals College, Rathdowney along with six other students from around Ireland, is among the shortlisted entrants in this years RTE All-Ireland Drama Festival Transition Year Schools Playwright Competition.

Now in its 12th year the competition is in its 12th year, this years theme was Care and attracted entries came from an initially14 counties.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday 6 May 2025 in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone with prize money sponsored by the Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union.

The shortlisted students will attend the awards along with their teachers, family members and some TY scriptwriting classmates.

The top seven scripts came from counties Dublin, Laois, Cork, Roscommon, Kildare.

The winning play will be performed after the awards ceremony, by an experienced cast directed by Alfie Kilduff and Joe MacCarrick.

Taylors playwright entry was Finding Home.

Guest speaker at the ceremony and Chairperson of The Drama League of Ireland and Culinary Lecturer in the Southeast Technological University, Waterford Edward Hayden will address the students on the benefits of scriptwriting and the positive link that gives vision and depth to student interest.

Competition co-ordinator Margaret Egan said: Participants are all winners in that they have had an opportunity, as TY students, to engage with aspects of the launch of the 2025/26 new Senior Cycle subject  Drama, Film and Theatre Studies.

The judging panel which is led by Billy Nott are Joe MacCarrick, Evelyn Breen, Caroline Coyle, Clive Darling, Paddy Martin and Billy Nott.
Back in the living room, layered carpets from around the world provide a backdrop to a piece of marble - a de facto tabletop for the simple elegance of a candle, flowers and shell. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Hallway looking back toward the living room. The design echos the Frank Lloyd Wright strategy of using confined entrances as a precursor to voluminous spaces, but the Eames House pushed the concept further with the kind of open floor plan that remains an element of modern living today. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

At the time, the couples cross-cultural and highly dense approach to decorating was much discussed. The house and its living room was published in numerous popular magazines, including Family Circle. Note the table, which is graced with an eclectic array of objects, including  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

An alcove off the living room. Though it has been suggested that Charles was responsible for the hard, architectural edges and Ray did the soft interiors, Charles grandson Eames Demetrios said the partnership wasnt that simple. Charles was trained as an architect, Ray as a painter, but they had a holistic collaboration, where each was the others most important sounding board, he said. Their collaboration was always blurring the line between technology and art, and their designs flowed from an understanding of the materials and the needs of the user. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Hallway looking back toward the living room. The design echos the Frank Lloyd Wright strategy of using confined entrances as a precursor to voluminous spaces, but the Eames House pushed the concept further with the kind of open floor plan that remains an element of modern living today. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A basket made by indigenous people of Canada. Elsewhere, visitors might seen a wooden spinning toy, a crystal vase or wooden leopard sculptures that arrived courtesy of Billy Wilder. Charles and Ray swapped them for an Alexander Calder mobile. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

An alcove off the living room. Though it has been suggested that Charles was responsible for the hard, architectural edges and Ray did the soft interiors, Charles grandson Eames Demetrios said the partnership wasnt that simple. Charles was trained as an architect, Ray as a painter, but they had a holistic collaboration, where each was the others most important sounding board, he said. Their collaboration was always blurring the line between technology and art, and their designs flowed from an understanding of the materials and the needs of the user. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

More collections on the living room bookcase. Placement of every object was critical. Ray would always be moving things around, said Pat Kirkham, the author of Charles and Ray Eames: Designers of the Twentieth Century. Mostly it was few inches here or there, but how everything aligned intrigued her. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The bookcase was built at the Eames Office. The ladder reaching toward the corrugated steel ceiling allowed Charles to rearrange hanging light fixtures and string paintings face down, parallel to the floor, so if one were to look up, one would see a gallery on the ceiling. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Consumed by a quest to put their ideas about play and freedom into material form, Ray and Charles Eames were continually excited by how others, especially in cultures far from their own, expressed themselves. They filled their living room with hides, shells, stones and folk art from around the world. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A Chinese lantern hangs in front of one of the same house plants that, quite amazingly, can be seen in historic photos of the house. Since the Eameses deaths  Charles in 1978, Ray exactly 10 years later, to the day  a caretaker has kept the house in a state of suspended animation, as though Ray has simply the left the house on an errand. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The living room does not resemble the type of rigorously formal space that people today expect in a modern house from the era. Even though the Eames House is a wonderfully calibrated exercise in steel, glass and concrete panel, inside, the architecture takes a back seat to the extraordinarily diverse collection of objects. Here, an American folk art crow decoy. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Charles and Ray Eames nurtured a design imagination that knew few boundaries, but if you were to look for its center  its heart  you might have found it in their living room. With its 17-foot-high ceiling, panels of glass opening to a grove of eucalyptus, and a vast range of objects collected over a lifetime, the Eames House living room is where two of the most influential designers of the 20th century spent hours talking, entertaining friends and playing with the collections that informed their work. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The Eames House in Pacific Palisades stands as an epitome of Midcentury California design, an expression of modernity and optimism that many still emulate today. Said Bill Stern, founder of the California Museum of Design: The Eames House eschewed traditional materials like bricks and sticks, and used glass and steel in fresh ways to create a new understanding of how people can live. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Surprisingly, little has changed at the Eames House since 1949, when Charles and Ray Eames designed their Pacific Palisades home and studio as a model of affordable modern living. Most of the objects they lived with remain in place at the two-part, rectangular structure on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

Charles died in 1978; his wife and professional partner passed away 10 years later. But they are remembered for their creative use of materials and innovative design of architecture, furniture and industrial products.

Rays colorfully patterned dishes, place mats and napkins are stacked in kitchen cabinets. The couples clothes fill upstairs closets  suits and dresses on hangers; shoes on the floor; sweaters, hats and scarves in boxes. Their playful approach to design and love of nature linger throughout the space in whimsical folk art, clusters of seed pods and little piles of smooth stones.

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But wait. Whats that windmill-like contraption perched on the ocean side of the grounds? Why do electrical wires and monitoring devices pop up here and there in the house? And why has a tiny section of black paint on a window frame been scraped away, revealing underlying colors?

All these curiosities, along with a new white tile floor in the living room, are evidence of a collaborative effort to conserve a landmark of mid-20th century modern architecture. The Eames House is the pilot project of the Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative, launched last year by the Getty Conservation Institute.

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Conceived as an experiment in postwar California living, the house emerged from the Case Study Program initiated by John Entenza, editor of Arts & Architecture magazine. With the idea of using new materials and techniques to provide well-designed, mass-producible housing for average Americans, forward-thinking architects such as Charles Eames, Pierre Koenig, Eero Saarinen and Richard Neutra were invited to participate in the program and contribute their own ideas.

Today, the unconventional Eames residence  constructed of prefabricated materials and off-the-shelf products but highly customized  is in the forefront of a struggle to prolong the lives of notable modern buildings.

Our projects aim to advance conservation practice in some way, says Susan MacDonald, head of the GCIs field projects. The Eames House is of international significance and demonstrates a number of challenges that are shared across houses from this period that are publicly accessible  from environmental issues and collections management to physical conservation challenges related to the use of modern materials.

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Future projects have to be determined, says MacDonald, who is pleased that the first one is in Los Angeles.

There couldnt be a better case study for our initiative, says Kyle Normandin, an architect with extensive conservation experience who is managing the program for the GCI. He came to the Getty from Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. in New York City.

Starting with a needy building of such a high caliber, he says, will emphasize the urgency of the mission.

The timing couldnt have been better either. The Eames Foundation  charged with preserving the house and the designers creative legacy  asked the Getty for help just as the initiative was taking shape. In another stroke of luck, a request from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to re-create the Eames living room for its 2011-12 exhibition Living in a Modern Way: California Design, 1930-1965 coincided with the necessity of replacing the original floor.

PHOTOS: Arts and culture in pictures by The Times

The tiles were brittle and laden with asbestos, and the adhesive attaching them to the concrete slab had been destroyed by moisture seepage. It wasnt easy to figure out a waterproofing system for the concrete, find a tile adhesive that would emit no dangerous gases and ferret out asbestos-free tiles that looked like the originals.

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But instead of being confined to storage for the duration of the work, the furniture and other contents of the room were a highlight of LACMAs popular and critically acclaimed show. Living in a Modern Way is at the National Art Center in Tokyo until June 3, but the Eames living room material didnt travel with it. The show was part of the Gettys original Pacific Standard Time exhibitions.

The foundation approached the Getty for general guidance as well as advice on specific issues, says Lucia Dewey Atwood, a member of the foundations board and a granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames. The floor was done first because of the exhibition.

Our situation is very unusual, Atwood says, because we are not just preserving the structure. We are preserving the contents, and at times, those two things come into conflict. One obvious difficulty is that light streaming through windows of a house designed as an indoor-outdoor space inevitably damages sensitive fabrics and artworks.

Members of the Getty team, including GCI scientists and conservators at the museum, will offer advice to the foundation, based on a variety of tests and analyses. They will also help to develop a long-term conservation management plan.

In this particular case, Normandin says, it isnt just the environment of the house. Its the environment of the site. The house sits in a meadow overlooking the ocean. Theres a marine environment. We need to look at temperature fluctuations on a day-by-day basis, humidity levels and how they change over time, as well as wind, precipitation and temperature differentials.

What looks like a spindly windmill is a weather station that downloads information and transmits it to the GCI. Inside the house, a different monitoring system measures temperature, humidity and light.

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We wanted to compare data collected over a long period of time at the weather station with what was happening in the interior of the house, Normandin says. A holistic program of monitoring is going to give us an opportunity to fine-tune a climate control system that the Eames Foundation will be able to use in the future, one that will stabilize the environment of the house and protect the contents and interior finishes.

(The property continues to be open for tours by reservation, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Sundays and Wednesdays. Visitors cannot go inside the house, but much of the interior can be seen from outside.)

Other investigations of the structure have already produced results. GCI conservator Emily MacDonald-Korths excavation of paint on a steel window frame showed that the familiar black top coat covers hand-mixed grays, probably created by Ray Eames. Atwood says the tests show that the grays were tinted with mineral pigments, including red iron oxide, Prussian blue and chrome yellow, and they confirm verbal and written accounts of paint colors in earlier days.

Yet another exploration has solved a mystery  the identity of wood on a living room wall that continues outside under a roof. Getty Museum conservator Arlen Heginbotham got the job and determined that it is a species of eucalyptus, commonly known as Australian tallowwood and quite similar to the large eucalyptus trees alongside the house.

We dont think for one second that choice was accidental, Normandin says. Charles and Ray obviously picked a very warm wood that could be used in the house and tied in with the landscape that they enjoyed so much. It has now been lightly cleaned and varnished to maintain its original appearance.

Whats so exciting to us, Atwood says, is that this project echoes the original Case Study Program.

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Just as the postwar program was meant to make cutting-edge housing widely accessible, the Eames House project is intended to have a far-reaching impact.

We must share our findings, with the hope that other people can adapt it knowledgeably to their own needs, Atwood says.

calendar@latimes.com




On 30 April a Bolivian judge,, cancelled an arrest warrant against former president(2006-2019), who has been accused by prosecutors of human trafficking.

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On 30 April Argentinas umbrella trade unions Confederacion General del Trabajo (CGT) and Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina (CTA) staged demonstrations in Buenos Aires against the austerity measures of President Javier Mileis government and in anticipation of International Workers Day today (1 May).

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On 30 April Brazils right-wing Partido Liberal (PL) submitted a motion to the lower house to launch a congressional inquiry (CPI) into the alleged fraud scheme in 2019-2024 in the national social security agency (INSS), which the federal police (PF) is investigating.

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Close to 13,500 Ford Rangers and Everest 4WD SUVs have been revealed to have a potentially fatal flaw.

Close to 13,500 Ford Rangers and Everest 4WD SUVs have been revealed to have a potentially fatal flaw. Source: Ford

Thousands of Ford drivers are on alert after a recall was issued for two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Close to 13,500 Rangers and Everest 4WD SUVs powered by the companys 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 Lion engine have been revealed to have a potentially fatal flaw.

Due to a manufacturing defect, the left-hand engine camshaft sprocket may fracture. As a result, the engine could stall leading to a sudden loss of motive power whilst driving, the manufacturer said in its recall notice, which applies to 13,490 cars built between 2022 and 2025.

A sudden loss of motive power whilst driving increases the risk of an accident, which may result in serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.

Ford engine issue 'disappointing', expert says

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Paul Maric, founder of CarExpert, said he was surprised its taken this long for Ford to pick up on the issue, and that it wasnt detected during the initial engineering process for the vehicle.

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This is a vehicle thats been designed and engineered here in Australia, and Ford claims that this is an issue with a third party supplier that has supplied a camshaft sprocket to this engine thats causing these failures, he said.

Every vehicle on the recall list will need to be inspected, but they may not necessarily all need new parts. Although the repairs will be free of charge for customers, Maric said the engine issue is disappointing given the amount of money that's been invested in this product and that something as big as this could have been missed from the outset.

It's 'disappointing' that it's taken this long for the engine flaw to be revealed, experts have said. Source: AutoTrader/Google

Caravan drivers warned as 4WDs often used to tow heavy items

The Ford Ranger is Australias best selling car and a large chunk of those sales are the V6 model, Maric explained. They are primarily purchased to tow heavy items such as caravans, trailers and boats.

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There are only a small number of vehicles that have had failures, but in saying that, if a vehicle does lose power while its driving, particularly while its towing, you all of a sudden potentially lose power assistance to things like steering and brakes, Maric told Yahoo, adding that while Ford hasnt confirmed whether thats the case, it likely would be in a worst case scenario.

I couldnt think of a worse situation to be in if you are driving 100km/h with a three-and-a-half ton caravan on the back of your vehicle, and then all of a sudden you have this loss of power.

So if it does happen to anyone that is driving one of these vehicles, I highly recommend putting it in neutral and making your way off the motorway as safely and as soon as practical.

Motorists told to 'continue driving vehicles as normal' despite risk

A spokesperson for Ford said the engine failure may occur with no prior warning to the driver, but despite this risk, they should continue to drive their vehicles as normal.

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Dealers have been instructed to visually inspect the left-hand camshaft sprocket to identify the build date and replace the sprockets and associated parts if required, the spokesperson told News.com.au. This service will be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

The recall applies to 13,490 vehicles in Australia and another 647 in New Zealand, he added. Ford will contact owners of the affected vehicles to request they visit an Authorised Ford Dealer.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Judith Martin, known as Miss Manners, answers a question about drinking the last of the champagne. Canva

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I had an amazing and intimate honeymoon in the Leeward Islands. In the spirit of the occasion, we booked first-class tickets for our flights.

During boarding for the return leg, the flight attendant asked if we would like anything to drink. We requested champagne to commemorate a perfect week spent together. The attendant stated that they only had enough champagne for us each to order a glass, and that there wouldnt be any more for the flight.

We took this to mean that each passenger on this flight could only order champagne once, so our reply to the flight attendant was, Thats fine, well take it now, thank you!

However, after she served us the champagne, the couple behind us asked her for some -- to which the flight attendant replied that we had finished the champagne for the entire flight!

In the moment, we had misunderstood her, but it got me thinking: If wed known no one else would get champagne but us, would it have been poor manners to take the last of it? Certainly that is the case in a social setting, but is it still the case on a commercial flight?

GENTLE READER: The rule you refer to is a social rule, as distinct from a business rule. And a meal at a restaurant -- and, by extension, a meal on an airplane, even in first class -- is a commercial transaction.

You would, therefore, defer to another couple you were traveling with, but not to the people a few rows back, whom you have never met. In your case, you did no wrong -- although it seems worth mentioning that the flight attendant blaming you for the lack of champagne was hardly first-class treatment.

And while Miss Manners realizes you were probably borrowing adjectives from the resorts brochure when you described your honeymoon as amazing and intimate, she thinks that next time, you might just leave it at amazing.

***

(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Here are four major companies that announced closings in April. AP

Four major retailers, including one brewery, announced in April that they would close locations.

Some store closures resulted from filing for bankruptcy, while are in an effort to reduce the size of a companys footprint.

The store closings either took effect within weeks of an announcement or, in some instances, are projected store closings that have not happened yet.

Here are four major companies that announced store closings in April.

Monster Beverage Corp.

Monster Beverage Corp., the makers of Monster Energy Drink, is closing down their Salt Lake City brewing facilities on May 23 and laying off 25 people.

Monster Brewing, which is the parent company of Squatters Craft Beer and Wasatch Brewery, stated that it would not renew its lease on the facilities and shift production of the beer brands to other breweries outside Utah.

You can read more about the closure in this article.

JCPenney

JCPenney announced the closing date for several stores in seven states.

Although JCPenney announced store closings in eight states in February, there have been some updates since then.

According to USA Today, JCPenney plans to close these seven stores in seven states by May 25, 2025:

The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California

The Shops At Northfield in Denver, Colorado

Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho

West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas

Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire

Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina

Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia

The location in Annapolis, Maryland, that was initially slated for closure will remain open at least through Aug. 31, 2025.

Hudsons Bay Company

Hudsons Bay Company is closing all six of its remaining stores, as well as its Saks Fifth Avenue location, according to Business Wire.

The company is currently holding liquidation sales that have been going on since April 25, and stores should be expected to close by June.

Joann Fabrics

Joann Fabrics will have closed 255 locations by the end of April, and will shutter all its remaining stores by the end of May.

Joann announced in February that it would be closing all 800 of its locations shortly after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The crafting company had struggled to gain footing after the pandemic, and will be shutting its doors after 85 years.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Allison Lanier (left) is leaving "The Young and the Restless." CBS

Allison Lanier is leaving The Young and the Restless after three years.

Lanier, who has portrayed Summer Newman on the CBS soap opera since May 2022, announced her exit on Wednesday, April 30.

Hi guys!! This Friday, May 2nd, will be my last episode on Y&R! Ive loved the journey and learned so much but its time to grow in a different direction, she wrote via X. Very grateful for all of the Y&R fans who have supported me.

Its unclear whether  and when  Lanier will be replaced. NJ.com has reached out to CBS for comment.

Summer was previously played by Samantha Bailey (2009-2012), Lindsay Bushman (2012), Hunter King (2012-2022), and Bayley Corman (temporary stint in 2018).

Fans took to Laniers Instagram page on Wednesday to voice their disappointment with her departure.

My Favorite Summer! You will be missed! Great actress !! Wishing you the best, one fan wrote on Laniers most recent post.

Allison Lanier has portrayed Summer Newman on "The Young and the Restless" since 2022. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

So sad youre leaving. You were one of my favorites. Best Wishes, a second person wrote.

One viewer went so far as to say that they wont be watching [The Young and the Restless] anymore after Lanier leaves.

Lanier was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal of Summer in 2024. Her other credits include the films It Happened in L.A. and Fish Bones and a recurring role in season 3 of the Prime Video series Red Oaks.

READ MORE: Soap opera star recalls stepping down from inappropriate transgender role

Laniers exit from The Young and the Restless comes just months after Colleen Zenk was written off the show. Zenks character, Jordan Howard, died during a January episode after drinking poisoned tea. Zenk portrayed Jordan from 2023-2025.

Im sad Jordan went away so quickly, Zenk admitted to TVInsider in January.

Fans can watch Lanier as Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless until her last day on Friday, May 2.

The Young and the Restless airs on CBS and Paramount+ weekdays at 12:30 p.m. ET. Episodes are also available to stream on Paramount+ the day after they air.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

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It sits on .87 acres. Motion City Media

For the past 48 years, it wasnt uncommon to see Ron Mahan unclogging a toilet at 9 p.m. -- or replacing a television or air conditioner.

Whatever it took to make his guests comfortable at the Windswept Motel in Point Pleasant Beach. Now, at 81 years old, Mahan is ready to retire.

So, the 45-room motel that has been in his family for 70 years is listed for sale for $10.5 million.

Theres been love and attention to every inch of the facility, said Jeanette Schlapfer of Shire Realtor, the listing agent.

The motel includes four buildings, one of which has a four bedroom, three bathroom residence hidden inside that Mahan and his family live in.

The Windswept Motel sits on a .87-acre oceanfront lot, beside a path leading to the beach. Its a half a block from the south end of the boardwalk and in walking distance to downtown, with shops, galleries, restaurants and more.

When Mahan purchased it in December 1976 from his aunt and uncle it had 24 rooms. In 1980, he did an addition that added six more rooms and in 1995 he bought the property next door and added another 15 rooms.

Of the 45 motel rooms, 15 are considered oceanfront or ocean view.

At least 80% of their guests are repeat visitors and some people spend 47 out of the 52 weekends of the year at the Windswept Motel, said Tempe Mahan, Rons daughter.

They even have employees who have been there for more than 25 years. In hospitality there is usually large turnover each year, Mahan said. Our staff is incredible.

The two-story motel also has an in-ground, oceanfront pool and a parking lot with 56 parking spots.

Since listing the property last July, Schlapfer said, she has gotten interest from people who want to operate it as a motel and others who want to develop the property into something else.

Things like this dont come up every day, she said. There are only so many of them. Its just a gem.

There are a total of 22 motels in Point Pleasant Beach. Of those, only three, including this one, are on the beach. And none of them have a three-story house in them, Schlapfer said.

The motel has been in the Mahan family for 70 years. Motion City Media

The motel is one of three that are oceanfront in Point Pleasant Beach. Motion City Media

There are 45 rooms for guests. Motion City Media

There are single bed and two-bed rooms. Motion City Media

The kitchen inside the residence. Motion City Media

The home inside the motel has an open-concept living room, kitchen and dining room. Motion City Media

The dining room in the residence. Motion City Media

There are four bedrooms in the residence. Motion City Media

There is an in-ground, oceanfront pool. Motion City Media

Are you an agent, buyer or seller who is active in this changing market? Do you have tips about New Jerseys real estate market? Unusual listings? Let us know.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com.
Workers sort mail ballots at the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown on Nov. 8, 2022. Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA

Story by Kate Huangpu and Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG  When Pennsylvania holds its 2025 primary election on May 20, thousands of poll workers will ensure that voting runs smoothly. Poll workers are a critical component of our election process and you could be one of them. Counties are currently recruiting people to work at the states approximately 9,000 voting locations.

Poll workers have the opportunity to serve their state and community, meet new people, and learn about elections in Pennsylvania. Plus, as a bonus for being a champion of democracy, they get paid for their time.

The Pennsylvania Department of State accepts applications to become a poll worker on a rolling basis. While there is no strict deadline, people who are interested should apply sooner rather than later.

Want to learn more? Heres what you need to know:

The requirements

There are only a few requirements to become a poll worker. First, you must be a registered voter and live in the county in which you want to serve.

High schoolers who are 17-year-old juniors or seniors may be eligible to volunteer as student poll workers if they are in good academic standing, and receive permission from their parent or guardian as well as their principal. Requirements vary across counties, so its important to double-check your eligibility with your local county election office to make sure you can volunteer.

Additionally, poll workers cannot be current government employees or officials, except district judges, notary publics, or members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Similarly, people whose names are on the ballot are not permitted to be poll workers, except for candidates for the local election board, including judges of elections.

The duties

Poll workers must be available for the entirety of Election Day, before polling places open at 7 a.m. and after they close at 8 p.m.

Poll workers assist with the setup, opening, and closing of a polling place. They record the names of voters, check them in, and assist with election equipment.

There are a few specialized poll worker positions that are elected on the municipal level every four years. Each polling place has a local election board comprised of a judge of elections, a majority inspector, and a minority inspector. All three positions are elected, and help manage the polling place, keep track of the number of voters, and ensure that the results are received by the county election office.

Other specialized positions  such as the machine operator  support the local election board and are filled by appointment. They oversee the voting devices used at polls.

Regular poll workers, or clerks, help check in voters, manage lines, and guide voters through each step of the process.

Poll workers are not partisan poll watchers, who are appointed by candidates or political parties and can challenge the eligibility of a voter (though they cannot directly question or speak to them).

The training

People who want to be poll workers must attend a mandatory training session in person or online before Election Day.

Each county runs its own training, as voting systems vary. Some counties use optical scanners to process ballots, in which hand-marked ballots are fed into a machine to be read. Others use different kinds of machines in which voters make selections on a screen.

Counties also handle training for safety threats differently. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, every county addresses what to do in the event of general threats and disruptive behavior in the polling place. Poll workers are instructed accordingly.

Supplementary training courses for poll workers can be found online. They include videos and guides on checking in voters, inspecting voter identification, and accepting provisional ballots, which are filled out by people whose eligibility cannot be immediately verified.

The pay

According to the Election Code, the statutory minimum pay for poll workers is $75 a day, with a maximum payment of $200.

Higher pay is typically reserved for elected positions. Poll workers who attend certain training events can be eligible for additional compensation. Overall, the allocation of pay is largely at the discretion of county commissioners, and therefore varies from county to county.

How to sign up

If interested, you can apply by filling out a form on the Department of States website. Some counties have their own forms on their election websites. Visit pa.gov to find your countys website.

The form asks for basic contact information and place of residency, as well as any special skills that could aid you as a poll worker, such as fluency in a foreign language.

That information is then sent to your countys election office, which will reach out to you if it needs more workers. If you havent heard back in 1-2 weeks after submitting your application, you can follow up with your local county election office.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
Officials allege the two men broke a number of rules while hunting down feral pigs on Bribie Island.

Two men who allegedly entered the national park "unlawfully" to hunt feral pigs have been fined over $9,000. Source: Facebook/Andie Jade, Google Maps

A warning has been issued for any would-be hunters with their sights on Queenslands national parks, after two men were fined thousands for gunning down feral pigs. The destructive animals are creating havoc around Bribie Island National Park, and many believe the problem is only getting worse.

Although the animals are considered an invasive pest, hunting in national parks in Queensland is strictly prohibited. The pigs unleash an estimated $100m economic burden on Australias agricultural sector every year and on Bribie Island they appear to be getting more and more brazen  even stealing food from campers.

The two shooters allegedly entered the park on multiple occasions to hunt feral pigs and went to lengths to cover their tracks, including allegedly removing their number plates and travelling on restricted roads.

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the men entered the park unlawfully, and also had pig-hunting dogs with them.

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The duo was slapped with a combined fine of $9,032 under Queenslands Nature Conservation Act 1992 and various Transport Operations Acts and Regulations.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services Manager Chris Skennar said there are already pest control programs in place, and illegal activities can undermine those efforts.

Bribie Island National Park is a fragile ecosystem that supports a wide variety of unique native species. Illegal hunting not only poses a direct threat to local wildlife, but also damages sensitive landscapes, undermining the conservation efforts our rangers work so hard to maintain," Skennar said.

Even if the intention is to target a pest species, the way its done matters. National parks arent a remote property, theyre a shared, protected space. Were committed to enforcing the law and ensuring our parks are safe for both visitors and wildlife."

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Any illegal activity in national parks and state forests can be reported anonymously by calling 1300 130 372.

Population of feral pigs in Australia 'grossly unreported'

President of the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA) Ned Makim previously told Yahoo News the extent of the feral pig problem in Australia is much higher than official government reports.

"The estimation of how many pigs there are in Australia is grossly underdone," Makim said. "The minimum number of pigs is thought to be about three million and the maximum about 23 million. We think that it's at least double that higher figure, and maybe more."

Feral pigs on Bribie Island have been sighted in large populations on 4WD tracks and near campsites. Source: Facebook/L Carberry/A Caruana

Is pig hunting allowed in Australia?

Hunting for feral pigs is allowed in most states when conducted on private land.

In Queensland, the shooters are limited to private land and must have the landowners permission. Hunting in state forests and national parks is not permitted.

In NSW, shooting on public land requires a current R-licence and written permission from the Department of Primary Industries Game Licensing Unit. There are 350 state forests declared as public hunting lands.

In Victoria, hunters need a registration of interest, a game licence or a firearms licence to target pest animals on crown land. Hunting regulations must be followed.

In South Australia, a Basic Hunting Permit is required but feral pigs cannot be targeted in Game Reserves, National Parks, Conservation Parks and Wilderness Protection Areas.

In Western Australia, pig hunting is only allowed on private land with the landowners permission.

In the Northern Territory, pigs can be targeted under a permit system. A permit allows the owner authority to hunt for 12 months inside the hunting reserves of Shoal Bay and Harrison Dam. Hunting on other crown land or Aboriginal land requires a permit.

In Tasmania, a game licence is required to hunt on Crown land. Feral pigs can be taken at any time, even from state forests.

In the ACT, pig hunting is restricted to private property with permission from the landowner.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Summer programming for some autistic residents in Phillipsburg is in jeopardy.

The owner of the Branching Out Foundation Vickie Mendes-Branch told lawmakers in April that certification delays created by the towns inspection department have forced her company to make a tough decision.

I started this process on March 3 and here it is April 23, and Im still wondering whats happening, she said. Because of that, I will no longer be able to host the summer programs for the children. I cant do anything.

Mendes-Branch applied for a Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO) in early March and failed because of two items, she said. Her application was set to be reintroduced on March 27, but she heard nothing back from the town.

When last spoke with officials at the town hall on April 23, she confirmed shed received the requested documentation.

If its going to take five to seven business days or even 20 days, someone should at least say that, she told council during a regular meeting.

Town council agreed. Theres no excuse in a town as small as this for you to have to wait so long, Council President Peter Marino said. I hear so many complaints about that. I hate to get on that department but they need to step it up a little.

Representatives for the Town of Phillipsburg admitted to shortcomings caused by staffing constraints and resources in the Department of Public Works.

We are not perfect and we are not standing still, Public Works Director Pat Kays noted.

I think the upcoming initiatives dovetailing with community development efforts are going to help drive the kind of change and impact people of Phillipsburg have been asking about for decades.

Because of the delay, The Branching Out Foundation, headquartered inside the Page One Resource Center at 529 Memorial Parkway, was threatened with ceasing operations.

This is unacceptable. Services cannot be stopped on my end because of delays on the towns end. Im not doing this for profit. Most of the time Im paying for these services out of my own pocket.

Mendes-Branch said she was disappointed she felt obligated to bring the issue up with town council members. April is Autism Awareness Month, she highlighted in her remarks.

Mendes-Branchs family inspired her to start The Branching Out Foundation in 2014. The family had struggled to find local resources and support for her son, Javyn, before he was diagnosed with autism. She and her husband had to travel long distances to get the help that he needed.

No service providers were as close to home as hers now is in Phillipsburg. She opened the Page One Resource Center in 2021.

The nonprofit has a mission to empower children with special needs and their families to foster community and acceptance in Phillipsburg and surrounding areas, according to its website.

The Branching Out Foundation has evolved into a resource for families with children on the spectrum. The organization hosts accessible events and private sensory-controlled get-togethers.

There are support groups and informational sessions, first responder training with guest speakers and company partners. The Branching Out Foundation estimates there are more than 800 children in Phillipsburg who are autistic.

Mendes-Branch is also vice-president of the Phillipsburg School District Board of Education.

She was first elected to the body for a three-year term in 2016, then consecutively in 2019 and 2022. In February 2024, she was recognized by the Town of Phillipsburg for her advocacy, involvement and contributions through Branching Out Foundation.

Thank you for supporting our journalism.

Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or at glenn_epps_ on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
Bealtaine, the annual festival to celebrate creativity as we age, returns for a month of festivities this May.

Laois County Council Arts Office in partnership with the Laois Library Service, Dunamaise Arts Centre and Creative Ireland will mark the 30th anniversary of Bealtaine with a host of immersive and inclusive events that will truly encourage people aged 50 and over to engage with and explore their creative spirit.



Laois County Council Library Service are delighted to host Dr. Arthur Broomfield for the launch his new collection of short stories Rising Dust at Portlaoise Library on Thursday May 22 and following this event Laois Arts look forward to welcoming Arthur back to Laois Arthouse on May 24 to read from a selection of his poetry along with readings from local writers who have attended workshops facilitated by Arthur over the last few months. This later event will be accompanied by musical interludes from highly gifted harp player Aoibhe Kettle.



Laois Arthouse Library will also play host to an exhibition of artworks from the Laois County Council Collection. Laithreach Leanunach - Present Continuous, curated by the Stradbally Art Group and accompanied by their own creative responses. Laois Arts are delighted to pilot this citizen curation project with Stradbally Art Group, bringing this selection from the Laois County Art Collection to the public for Bealtaine. CONTINUE READING BELOW



Dunamaise Arts Centre will herald the arrival of Bealtaine with a range of events right across the artforms with highlights including live music from Dervish, the 4 of Us and Jerry Fish, numerous film screenings, a tea dance with Maureen Culleton, a sourdough bread demo and talk and a performance from Laois Fourth Wall Theatre Group.

READ NEXT: Luxury Laois glampsite wins prestigious Tripadvisor award



The Laois Library Service has the celebration of creativity in older age very much at the heart of its May events. Throughout the month Bealtaine will be centre stage in the seven Laois libraries with events ranging from craft and dance workshops to chair Pilates, book and reading clubs, cookery and much more. Creative Ireland, Laois Sports Partnership and Music Generation have also created events with the Bealtaine audience at its core.

Illuminating Laois, presented by Creative Ireland, features a talk in Portlaoise library by Dr Christy Cunniffe on the rich heritage of stained glass from the county of Laois. Music Generation will host Music at the Malthouse, an annual festival in Stradbally, that celebrates collaborations between emerging and professional musicians and Laois Sports Partnership and Laois County Council Sports and Leisure will present an Inclusive Activator Pole Wal, Boccia Days and a Willow Weaving Workshop.
Prison officers at jails in Laois could soon be able to deploy pepper spray to subdue inmates under plans being devised by the Minister for Justice.

Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan announced plans to facilitate the deployment of incapacitant spray at jails in Portlaoise and elsewhere when he addressed the Prison Officers Association (POA) Conference in Galway.

It has also emerged that Gardai will be working more closely with the Irish Prison Service in an attempt to tackle the problem of contraband getting to criminals in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise Prison and other Irish jails.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said Minister OCallaghan acknowledged the challenges facing prison officers and highlighted the steps he and the Government are taking to address them.

Thanking the POA for their collaboration and commitment to high standards, Minister OCallaghan committed to taking necessary steps to help [prison officers] succeed in this incredibly rewarding career.

The Minister spoke about important upcoming legislation  the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill) 2025 - which his Department said will help to ensure prison officer safety and introduce a range of improvements across prison operations:

I am pleased to tell you that [a] proposal which I intend to bring forward as part of the Miscellaneous Provisions Bill shortly to Cabinet for approval is to amend the law so that prison officers can use incapacitant spray in incidents where their safety is at risk, he said.

He also spoke about the overcrowding challenges facing the Irish Prison Service and admitted more needs to be done.

While the prison estate is currently expanding, I know it is not expanding at the rate that is urgently needed.

Since 2022, capacity has been increased by more than 300 new spaces with 139 delivered in the last 12 months alone and more than 90 to be added this year.

Budget 2025 increased funding to 525 million to tackle overcrowding and increase capacity. This year, the Irish Prison Service capital budget is 53 million, also focused on providing additional prison spaces, he said.

He said the Bill that will provide for pepper spray also addresses capacity.

MORE BELOW PICTURE.

This Bill includes a range of measures that will bring welcome changes across a range of areas, improving operational capacity in our prisons and bolstering sentencing options to reduce reliance on custodial sentences.

READ ALSO: Laois rapist fails to overturn conviction

This includes a number of proposed amendments to the Community Service Act 1983 to encourage greater use of community service orders for those deemed appropriate, he said.

The Minister said the Bill proposes doubling the amount of hours service that a judge may order, as well as enabling the Courts to consider community service in lieu of a sentence of up to 24 months, rather than the current 12 months. Where a court elects not to impose a community safety order in eligible cases, the Minister said it is proposed that it will be obliged to give reasons for this.

Keeping contraband out of prison was also a key focus of the Ministers address to the POA and its membership, and the Minister spoke about collaborative efforts between the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Siochana.

The Irish Prison Service continues to work closely with An Garda Siochana on initiatives including Operation Throwover, which has had a lot of success in its goal to disrupt, interdict and prosecute attempts to introduce contraband into prisons.

Earlier this week, I was pleased to witness the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the Director General of the IPS Caron McCaffrey and the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris. This MOU will enable both agencies to collaborate more effectively across a range of areas including prison security, intelligence gathering, evidence preservation and data sharing. This collaboration will significantly help to prevent contraband entering prisons, he said.

Minister OCallaghan ended his speech by thanking the POA for the "critical role" they play in the justice system, and committed to continuing to work closely with them to improve Irish prisons for both prisoners and prison officers.

At every turn, the work we are doing is informed, supported and improved by representative groups like the Prison Officers Association and the invaluable perspective of our prison officers.

I will continue to listen and work with you to make our criminal justice system safer, fairer, and more effective in keeping Ireland a safe place, said the Minister.
39 people, including 5 children, were deported from Ireland this week as the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) of An Garda Siochana carried out an operation to remove individuals from the State.



All individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport on Wednesday evening for Georgia.

Speaking on Newstalk on Thursday morning, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said among the 39 people deported, five were children, and they were accompanied by there mother and father on the flight back.

Presenter Shane Coleman said it must have been an upsetting experience for the children, as king the minister,

"I know the law is the law but do you feel at all squeamish about these deportation flights?"

READ NEXT: Watch: RTE Investigates reveals senior Christian Brothers to be prolific child abusers

"Yes", he replied, "I can understand how it must have been upsetting for the children and indeed their parents, but the reason it's upsetting is because parents put their children in that position.

"They had applied for international protection, they had a hearing, there was the appeal and their applications were refused", the minister continued.

"There have to be consequences. If there aren't any consequences, it simply means that there's no difference between being granted asylum and not being granted asylum.

"They were refused international protection and it's a tough and unpleasant duty, but it is my duty under legislation to ensure that the laws are enforced.

"I get no pleasure out of doing it but I am going to do it to ensure that the system operates effectively."

"39 people is quite a small number", said the presenter, "Do we know what the cost is of chartering a plane? I'm sure it's pretty expensive."

"The cost was 103, 751 for the one way flight", said the Minister.

"So that's about 2 and half grand per person, it is expensive isn't it?", replied Shane.

"I don't think so. I think part of the reason for it as well is to send out a message that if you apply for international protection in Ireland and you're refused that asylum application there are consequences and you simply can't stay here if your application is refused", said the Minister.

"The message for you as Minister is - you're welcome here if you're a genuine asylum seeker, if you're not, you will be sent home?", said Shane.

"Correct...if you make your asylum application and you're refused - you can't stay here", the Minister concluded.
Laois Partnership Company have announced the return of their monthly Lunch Club.

Supported by Camross Tidy Towns, the lunch club promises an afternoon of music, dancing and food.

"The Lunch Club is to provide a positive environment where older people can meet, enjoy a good meal together and socialise with their neighbours and friends in their local area," Laois Partnership Company have said.

The Lunch Club will take place on Thursday May 15 at Camross Community Hall, R32TX8Y.

It will run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, with booking essential.

Pictured: A recent Lunch Club event at Camross Community Centre

The Lunch Club is a wonderful project, and we are so delighted to take part and share our feedback with Laois. We give it a thumbs up: the food, the music, the chats, and the dedication of the Laois Partnership crew, said a Tidy Town spokesperson.

The Lunch Club was originally started by Michelle Tuohy, Training and Employment Officer with the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) of Laois Partnership Company.

Ms Tuohy attended the annual Live Well Expo, where the idea was sparked.

This led to a collaboration between LPC, Laois County Council and Healthy Ireland, with Michelle working along with Emma OConnor of the Councils Healthy Laois department, and Tom Curran and Rose Doolin of the Age Friendly Laois department.

The group delivered the first inaugural Lunch Club, which took place in Camross at the beginning of December.

Camross community activist, Johanna McDonald, explained that coffee mornings were originally taking place in the village, before Michelle approached the Camross Tidy Town group with the Lunch Club idea.

A delicious Christmas lunch at Camross' Lunch Club last December

"It was initially planned to host these events in the Hub building, but due to the numbers interested in attending it was necessary to use the larger community centre instead," Laois Partnership Company explained.

For more information on this month's upcoming Lunch Club, contact 087 6605438, or email info@laoispartnership.ie.



The project is funded by the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027.
A Kildare gentleman has been fondly remembered as 'a loving partner' and 'a lovely man.'

Dermot Farrell, The Crescent, College Wood Park, Clane, Co Kildare and formerly of Crumlin, Dublin 12, passed peacefully on April 28 2025 in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, surrounded by his loving family.

Dermot is pre-deceased by his parents William and Kathleen, deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving partner Bridget, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

May Dermot Rest In Peace

Heartfelt tributes paid on RIP.ie this week included: My deepest condolences Bridget on the passing of your loving partner Dermot and to his extended family. Such a lovely man and fond memories of him coming into Clane Post Office. May Dermot Rest in Peace.

And: Deepest sympathy to Bridie and all of Dermot's family and friends. May he rest in peace, great memories of Dermot's visits to Longford.

While another mourner wrote: Deepest sympathy to all Dermot's family and friends. May he rest in peace. RIP.

And another added: Joan so sorry to hear of your uncle Dermot's passing . May he rest in peace. My condolences also to the rest of the family at this sad time.

Reposing at Oliver Reilly's Funeral Home, Woods House, Clane, (W91YPX4) on Friday from 5pm - 8pm, with evening prayers at 7.30pm.

Removal from the funeral home on Saturday at approximately 10am to arrive at St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's Church, Clane for 10.30am funeral mass, followed by burial in Mainham Cemetery, Clane. The Funeral Mass can be viewed live in the "webstream" section below

Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues.

Family flowers only, please donations if desired to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland which can be made in the "donation" section below

For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors on (045) 868230.

Webstream: https://www.claneparish.com/webcam/

Donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/DF30264365/donate.html
Kildare County Employment Centre has announced the launch of its Glas Don Saol project, offering free career guidance and support to residents of Kildare.

This initiative is designed to help individuals explore new career paths, transition back into the workforce, or gain valuable skills.

Whether you're looking for a fresh start, aiming to build your confidence, or seeking to enhance your skills, the Glas Don Saol project is for you. Participation in this project is open to all Kildare residentsno social welfare or unemployment payment is required.

The career guidance sessions provided through the Glas Don Saol project offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure participants are fully supported throughout their journey, including:

Psychometric Testing: Gain insights into your strengths and career preferences, helping you make informed decisions about your future.

STEPS Confidence Building Training: Develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in todays competitive job market.

Access to Digital Training: Acquire essential digital skills that are increasingly in demand in modern industries.

Signposting to Local Services and Training Opportunities: Connect with additional resources in the Kildare area, ensuring continuous support as you advance in your career.

Kildare County Employment Centre has been a cornerstone of employment support in the region for nearly 30 years, with five offices across Kildare.

Over the years, the centre has delivered a number of successful contracts with the Department of Social Protection, including initiatives such as Obair, LES, and LAES. These programs have helped thousands of Kildare residents find meaningful and sustainable employment.

The Glas Don Saol project is made possible by funding from the European Just Transition Fund (EU JTF), a vital program that focuses on addressing the social and economic challenges faced by communities impacted by the shift away from carbon-intensive industries.

Specifically, the Glas Don Saol project aims to support those who have been directly affected or live in areas affected by the transition from peat production, offering them the tools and guidance needed to thrive in a changing job landscape.

We are excited to launch the Glas Don Saol project, which offers an invaluable opportunity for Kildare residents to gain the career guidance, skills, and confidence they need to move forward, said Sean Kelly, Manager of the Kildare County Employment Centre.

In these challenging times, we want to ensure that individuals have the support they need to successfully navigate their career transitions and secure brighter futures.

This project provides the tools to help individuals reimagine their careers and take the first steps toward a fulfilling future.

If youre ready to explore new opportunities or need assistance in navigating your next career move, dont miss out on this chance to receive expert guidance at no cost.

For more information about the Glas Don Saol project or to sign up for career guidance services, please visit KCEC  Kildare County Employment Service or contact Ada on 0868206499 Patrice on 0868206508 Rose on 0868206502.

The Glas Don Saol project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.

READ NEXT: 12 Kildare children being 'locked out' of special education places


When Jo spotted the "bright white" creature on her driveway she didn't know how dangerous it was.

Snake catcher Austin Pols was called out to remove what's believed to have been an illegally-kept albino pet. Source: Sydney Snakes and Wildlife Removal

A British couple was left shocked after recently discovering a biosecurity hazard in the driveway of their Australian home. It was almost dark as Jo was putting out the bins and spotted a bright white snake seemingly glowing on her driveway.

I was quite shocked to see any snake because I'm not Australian. Theyre not something that I've grown up expecting to see, she told Yahoo News.

I ran back into the house and I called for my husband and my children to come out immediately. Then we stood there thinking, now what do we do?

Jos five-year-old son was enamoured with the snake, and excitedly called out to anyone walking by their Sydney home in the southern suburb of Penshurst. Her three-year-old daughter was a little unsure of it. And when the reptile began slithering towards her house, Jo called a snake catcher for help.

What breed is the white snake?

As Austin Pols from Sydney Snakes and Wildlife Removal listened to Jos description of the snake a week ago, he knew immediately by the colour that it was an escaped pet. He assumed it was likely a harmless python, not an illegally kept exotic species that it turned out to be.

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When they sent me a photo I didnt know what it was it was an incredible looking snake, it had gold stripes, he recalled.

Its understandable that Austin wasnt able to immediately identify what species he was dealing with. It was only by talking to a US-based expert that he was able to determine it was a custom bred albino California kingsnake.

While the snake looks beautiful, it poses an extreme risk to Australias biosecurity. Source: Sydney Snakes and Wildlife Removal

Authorities reveal why snake finding was so dangerous

The NSW Department of Primary Industries confirmed with Yahoo that California kingsnakes, which are endemic to southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico, cannot be legally kept in Australia. And although the snake is considered non-venomous, it poses an extreme risk to the nations biosecurity.

Exotic invasive animals can introduce hazards to Australia, including adding extra pressure on already vulnerable native species through destruction of their habitat, competition for limited resources and the introduction of exotic animal disease, a Department spokesperson said.

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Occasionally, accidental incursions through imported freight or international flights must be carefully managed once detected.

California kingsnakes can carry disease and outcompete native species. Source: Getty

What happened to the snake?

Legally, Austin was compelled to surrender the California kingsnake to the Department, and it was assessed by a vet and humanely euthanised. An investigation is now underway to determine how much harm the snake caused before it was captured.

Biosecurity screening at the NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories will determine if the snake was carrying any pathogens or diseases, its reproductive status and if it had recently bred, it confirmed.

Along with threatening Australian ecosystems, the keeping of illegal snakes is problematic to the welfare of the individual animals being kept.

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People smuggle these snakes into Australia, keep them, breed them, but theyre really not worth much to sellers because theyre illegal, Austin told Yahoo.

You cant get them treatment at a vet, because theyd identify what species it is. Theyre really not worth keeping.

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Petstop, a business which specialises in food, toys and accessories for humanity's furry companions, will celebrate 30 years in business with a 'pawty' in one of its Kildare stores.

To celebrate the milestone, Petstop is inviting pet families, pooches and cats to be a part of the celebrations, which will take place in the Ladytown Business Park store (along with every other Petstop retail outlet nationwide).

The 30th anniversary notably coincides with the grand opening of Petstops 14th retail store, which will be located in The Swan Shopping Centre in Rathmines, Dublin 6, County Dublin.

Speaking ahead of the 'pawty', the business' founder, Anthony Gallagher, said: "Were incredibly grateful to our loyal customers who have supported us for 30 years."

He added: "As part of the celebrations in our 30th year, we have also just opened our 14th store in Rathmines. This new location is more than just a business expansion  its a celebration of our journey, the pets we've helped care for, and the community thats grown with us."

Festivities will include the chance to win 500 Gift Card, 500 gifted to a local animal rescue, goodie bags for first 100 visitors and Puppucinos from the Pet Bakery Cart.

The 'pawty' will take place in Petstop stores on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

It will run from 1pm until 5pm.

READ NEXT: Appeal launched after tools worth 2,000 stolen from vehicle in North Kildare
Two Kildare schools have done their teachers proud by being awarded top accolades at this year's Intel Mini Scientist Competition.

St Laurences NS in Sallins has received a runner-up prize while Scoil an Linbh Iosa in Prosperous received the Sustainability Award at this years Intel Mini Scientist Competition.

The two schools were commended for their respective projects: Why do people have different eyes colours? and Biodegradable Plastics.

Castleknock Educate Together were crowned the overall winners of the 2024/2025 Intel Mini Scientist competition. Prahaladh Pradeep won the award for his Evac Smart project developing a smart evacuation system. The system detects smoke and lights up the safest path for exit from the building.

The students were presented with their prizes by Sarah Sexton, Intel Public Affairs Director and Joe Bolger, Vice President Intel and Intel Factory Manager.

As part of the prize, the overall winning school will receive a grant of 1000 from Intel.

This year, over 6,800 students from 94 schools in 18 counties participated in the Mini Scientist competition.

The Grand Final brought together the top 80 projects from around the country. From generating electricity to studying what makes your heart tick, these young scientists really blew our socks off!, said the judges.

The event marked the culmination of a nationwide competition that began in September 2024. 4th, 5th, and 6th class students from schools all over Ireland participated in the 18th annual Intel Mini Scientist competition, engaging in project-based learning and exhibitions to explore the world of science.

Starting with projects within their own schools, Intel employees visited each participating school to assess projects for the grand final. One project from each school was invited to attend the grand final this year.

Intel Vice President Joe Bolger was thrilled to welcome these pre-teen prodigies to the grand final held in TU Dublin.

This is our largest Mini-Scientist competition ever and shows the interest in science among our young people. The standard of this years projects is excellent and they are a credit to the pupils and the teachers who supported them in entering the competition.

Encouraging scientific endeavours at all levels in our schools will ensure a bright future for our young people, he said.

Commenting on the overall winning project Head Judge, Sheila Porter, Scifest Founder & CEO said The Intel Mini Scientist competition is a wonderful opportunity for young people from national schools and gaelscoileanna across the country to showcase their scientific knowledge.

The breath of projects ranging from the benefits of eating beetroot for aerobic fitness to a project on hydroelectricity and the level of knowledge demonstrated by todays finalists has been truly impressive.

READ NEXT: Students from Kildare primary school take centre stage at Aviva Stadium
Final preparations are under way in Drumcoura City ahead of the inaugural Cowboys & Highwaymen Truckers Gathering, taking place this May Bank Holiday weekend from May 2nd to 4th.

The event will see over 100 show trucks from across Ireland roll into Leitrim for what promises to be one of the biggest truck meet-ups of the year. Hosted at Drumcoura City, the gathering will feature live country music, rodeo bull rides, a Texas-style barbecue, and plenty of saloon banter.

The truckers are from the Highwaymen group, but theyre coming from all over Ireland, said organiser Simon Power. This is the first year, and were doing our bit for Leitrim tourism.

The family-friendly event is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, with organisers encouraging locals and visitors alike to come out and soak up the atmosphere. From custom rigs and polished chrome to live bands and smoked brisket, the weekend promises a unique mix of motors and Wild West vibes.

Power, who returned from Spain this week, says the response so far has been strong. It should be a busy event. I really wanted you to come down and see it, he said.

The Cowboys & Highwaymen Truckers Gathering is a brand-new addition to Leitrims events calendar and is already generating serious buzz in the trucking community.

READ MORE Event honours 1916 leader in his Leitrim hometown on 109th anniversary of his execution
Today, we have come to find a lasting solution to the long-standing conflict in the Benben Town Mining Site, Assistant Minister of Mines, Carlos Edison Tingban declared, addressing a crowd eager for peace.
Ralph Paye, a renowned land dealer and Administrator of the James Vertorqualle and Kaibor Estates in Lower Montserrado and Margibi counties
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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A FORMER Limerick TD, who traded politics for the high-tech world, says hes honoured and flattered after it was suggested he run for the Presidency.

Tom Neville represented the Limerick County constituency in Dail Eireann between 2016 and 2020, and also served two terms as a Fine Gael councillor.

The father-of-two shared an exchange he received on his social media channels from a former constituent.

They wrote that he, wife Jenny and their two-year-old twin daughters Bella and Capri, would be well suited to the big white house, also known as Aras an Uachtaran.

Located in Dublins Phoenix Park, Aras an Uachtaran is home of the sitting Irish President.

Im not joking, thats what we need - a young interesting President, they added Youd be 10 times better than the rest!.

It was the last thing I expected to come into my WhatsApp on a Friday evening, Mr Neville said.

READ MORE: Former Limerick soldier jailed for sexually abusing girl before her Holy Communion

I was absolutely flattered to be considered in the same guise as even our current President. Even that thought process coming into their head, given Im out of politics for five years, he added.

After missing out on a return to Dail Eireann at the 2020 general election, Mr Neville - who is also an accomplished actor and stand-up comedian - began working for social media giant TikTok. He splits his time between Dublin and London.

In recent months, as his daughters have become a bit older, he has enjoyed more regular visits to Limerick, to visit relatives, including his father Dan, who hails from Croagh.

A former chairman of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, Dan Neville was a TD for the old Limerick West constituency between 1997 and 2015.

Mr Neville said he enjoys his visits back to Limerick.

Its great to get back down. The kids are at a certain age now that it is a lot easier to travel with them. They love coming to be closer to family. We hang out in Adare and its great. We spend a bit of time in the city or the Crescent Shopping Centre.

"Wed go to the Woodlands House Hotel, where they have the petting farm, which they love, and of course, we get to Curraghchase too, he said.

"It's lovely when I get stopped by people. It gives me a chance to re-engage. Politics is never going to leave me, its always in my blood, its something which sits with me very deeply, to have been given the chance to represent the constituency, he said.

Given this, would the former Fine Gael TD consider a run for the highest office in the land when Ireland goes to the polls later this year?

Ive got family who I am concentrating on at the moment. I have a full-time job at the moment. So I need to concentrate on what I have at the moment. But in relation to politics, down the line, who knows? Never say never, he grinned.

There is a member of the Neville clan in Dail Eireann - Toms first cousin Joe Neville in Kildare North, elected in November.

Tom Neville, who is 49, would not be the youngest President Ireland has had.

That honour is shared between the two female first citizens the country has elected. Both Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese were 46 years of age when they entered Aras an Uachtarain, in 1990 and 1997 respectively.

Mr Neville is unsure if anyone has become President with as young a family as his.

I dont know if they have. Ordinarily it would be an elder statesman in the role. I dont believe anybody has been elected who would have children who were not grown up, he admitted.

If it does happen, and its the right person, then great.

Asked how his wife, the former Fair City actress Jenny would feel as becoming Irelands first lady, he laughed: Jenny is concentrated on her own business and leaves politics to me!

Mr Neville does believe the role of President will continue to evolve over time.

A steady hand is always important. You dont have the same powers as Taoiseach. But its a symbolic role and it does have its functions when it is called upon from a constitutional point of view, he said.

In a seven-year period, you will have ups, downs, challenges, wins, changes of Government. You need someone who has steady leadership.
New Delhi: Finnish state-run energy power utility Fortum Oyjs efforts to offload a majority stake in its electric vehicle (EV) charging network business in India has zeroed in on three potential suitorsAdani TotalEnergies E-mobility Ltd (ATEL), Reliance BP Mobility Ltd (Jio-bp) and Gurugram-headquartered electric bus manufacturer JBM Groupaccording to two people aware of the development.

Adani TotalEnergies, Jio-bp and JBM Group have signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and are evaluating the deal, post which bids will be submitted," one of the two people cited above said, requesting anonymity.

Also read | Hexa Climate Solutions acquires Fortums green energy portfolio in India

London-based Opus Corporate Finance Llp is running the transaction (termed Butterfly) for the EV charging business GLIDA, formerly known as Fortum Charge & Drive India.

The development comes in the backdrop of Fortums renewable energy platform Fortum India Pvt Ltd (FIPL), including carbon credits, being acquired by Hexa Climate Solutions, which is backed by New York-based I Squared Capital, as Mint reported earlier. A formal announcement to this effect was made on Wednesday.

Exit signal

The latest deal, once it fructifies, would signal the exit of Fortum Oyj from India, a market it entered in 2012. GLIDA is the last transaction left for Fortum in India after the FIPL sale to Hexa," the person cited above said.

GLIDA has around 180 EV charging stations with 850 charging points across the country. ATEL, on its part, has 3,401 installed EV public charging points.

A Fortum Corporation spokesperson in an emailed response said, As a listed company, we do not comment on any market rumours or speculations."

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of ATEL, Reliance BP Mobility Ltd, JBM Group, and Opus Corporate Finance on Tuesday afternoon remained unanswered till press time.

ATEL is a subsidiary of Adani Total Gas Ltd, which is a joint venture (JV) between Adani Group and Frances TotalEnergies. Reliance BP Mobility Ltd is a JV between Reliance Industries Ltd and bp, and has installed around 500 EV charging stations with 5,000 charging points. JBM Groups flagship firm JBM Auto Ltd. is one of Indias largest electric bus manufacturers, with the group operating over 1,000 fast chargers.

Fortums gradual exit from India

Fortum Oyj had earlier announced that it would limit its exposure in India and was evaluating alternatives for its remaining operations in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. This resulted in gas supply disruption and substantive losses to Fortum's majority-owned Uniper, which was subsequently sold to the German government at a loss of around 6 billion. Also, the Russian Federation confiscated Fortum's Russian plants valued at around 5 billion.

In transactions that were announced starting 8 June 2018 to 3 May 2024, Fortum India has sold 700 MW of solar power plants to Actis Llp; another 230 MW to UK Climate Investments and Elite Alfred Berg; and 185 MW to Malaysias state-run oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd or Petronass unit Gentari.

The current transaction comes in the backdrop of Hyderabad-headquartered AM Green acquiring Oulu-headquartered biotechnology firm Chempolis Oy, in which Fortum has a stake, and also Fortum and Chempoliss 50% stake in their joint ventureAssam Bio Refinery Private Limited, as reported by Mint earlier. AM Green was set up by the founders of Greenko GroupMahesh Kolli and Anil Kumar Chalamalasetty.

Indias growing EV charging infrastructure

India currently has around 25,202 EV public charging stations (EVPCS), with close to a fifth or 2,000 crore of a 10,900 crore central government scheme allocated for setting them up.

Under the PM E-drive (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme, the government plans to set up 22,100 public charging stations for electric cars; 48,400 stations for electric bikes, scooters, and three-wheelers; and 1,800 stations for electric trucks and buses by 31 March 2026.

India has announced a number of schemes for promoting green mobilityincluding the 3,435.33-crore PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme for deploying 38,000 electric buses; and a 18,100-crore PLI scheme for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) manufacturing, among others.

Also read | AM Green enters biofuels market with acquisition of Chempolis, Fortum 3 BV

Indias Economic Survey presented earlier this year said that electric mobility is an important element in the countrys path to net zero. Mitigating road transport emissions, which comprise nearly 75 per cent of the emissions from the transportation sector, is critical to India achieving its Net Zero goals by 2070," it noted.

Chinas vertical integration across the entire electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, from mining to EV manufacturing, has enabled it to retain its global dominance in this sector," the survey added.

Experts said all stakeholders should play their role.

Highways should be constructed with EV charging stations every 25 km and the capex for that must be accommodated in the highway cost, which hardly makes any difference in the per-km cost of highways," said Reji Kumar Pillai, president of India Smart Grid Forum, an energy transition think tank.

EV manufacturers consortiums could also promote setting up of chargers nationwide. In Japan, a portion of the cost of EV is allocated to the fund for setting up chargers," Pillai added.
Apple Inc.s sales from China declined more than anticipated in the latest quarter, overshadowing otherwise solid results for the iPhone maker.

China revenue fell 2.3% to $16 billion in the fiscal second quarter, which ran through March, the company said in a statement Thursday. Analysts had estimated $16.83 billion.

Overall sales gained 5% to $95.4 billion, ahead of the $94.6 billion average estimate. Apple had projected percentage growth in the low- to mid-single digits.

The results were seen as an ominous sign for a company that faces even bigger challenges in the months ahead. Apples China-centric production makes it especially vulnerable to tariffs announced by the Trump administration. Its also been struggling to hold on to customers in the Asian country, one of its biggest markets outside the US.

Apple shares declined about 2% in late trading after the results were released. They had been down 15% this year through Thursdays close.

The iPhone maker also announced plans to increase its share buyback program by $100 billion and boost its quarterly dividend 4% to 26 cents a share.

The company has been contending with a range of challenges  beyond the looming tariffs. Apple is playing catch-up in artificial intelligence, forcing it to shuffle management in recent weeks. Its also under mounting regulatory pressure in the EU and its home country. On Wednesday, a federal judge demanded that the company open up its App Store to third-party payment options and stop charging commissions on outside purchases.

Tariffs remain one of the biggest question marks. Though Apple is likely to sidestep the 145% China levy that the administration originally proposed, new tariffs on electronics are still coming. The turmoil threatens to upend the companys supply chain and potentially force it to raise prices. Already, Apple is looking to make more of its US-bound iPhones in India rather than China.

But the Cupertino, California-based company got one boost from the tariff threats in the current quarter: Customers flooded Apple retail stores to buy new iPhones and other products out of fear that price hikes were coming.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
May 1 (Reuters) - Arthur J. Gallagher reported a rise in first-quarter profit on Thursday, as the insurance brokerage firm benefited from higher fees and commissions owing to clients' strong insurance spending.

Insurance brokerages act as intermediaries for customers and insurers, guiding the latter to choose the best plans for their requirements. Unlike insurers, they do not directly sell policies.

Spending on insurance policies remained robust in the quarter, helping insurance firms rake in profits. That translated to higher fees and commissions for brokerages such as Arthur J. Gallagher.

"Our core brokerage and risk management segments combined to deliver 14% revenue growth, including organic revenue growth of 9%," CEO J. Patrick Gallagher Jr. said in a statement.

The company reported a net profit of $816.1 million, or $3.13 per share, in the three months ended March 31. That compares with a profit of $652.6 million, or $2.92 per share, in the year-ago period.

On a reported basis, the company posted commissions and fees of $2.87 billion, up from $2.60 billion last year.

Shares of the company, which have gained nearly 12% in 2025, rose marginally in trading after the bell.

Brown & Brown, another insurance brokerage firm, also reported a rise in quarterly profit earlier in the week due to a rise in commissions and fees.

Arthur J. Gallagher, which is known for tuck-in acquisitions, in March struck a $1.2 billion deal to acquire rival Woodruff Sawyer, its latest move to expand its business.
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Tesla board defends Musk amid investor concerns, report it considered replacing him

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Finding a new CEO would be extremely difficult, investors say

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Teslas stock value relies mostly on Musks promises of robotaxis, robots

By Rachael Levy, Abhirup Roy, Isla Binnie

May 1 - Tesla's board on Thursday rushed to defend its chief executive, Elon Musk, assuring he had the board's confidence amid rising investor worries about his prolonged absences, polarizing politics and the EV maker's plunging sales and profit. The board reacted after a Wall Street Journal report that it had considered replacing Musk, which board chair Robyn Denholm denied. Denholm herself has taken heat for her high compensation and perceived failures to hold Musk accountable to shareholders. The latest Musk drama underscores the unique dilemma Tesla's board faces in managing him as he oversees five other companies and, more recently, has focused primarily on advising Republican U.S. President Donald Trump - alienating Tesla's politically liberal customer base. Yet seldom have a company's fortunes depended more heavily on the persona of its CEO, making even the notion of replacing him an enormous risk, according to investors, analysts and three people with knowledge of debates about Musk among Tesla executives. Many analysts have attributed about three-fourths of Tesla's outsized stock-market value - which far outpaces its current earnings - to autonomous-driving technology and humanoid robots that Musk has promised but failed to launch for years. Tesla bulls view Musk as the singular genius who can deliver that future despite intensifying global competition on such technologies, especially from China, where automakers led by BYD have already blown past Tesla in producing low-cost EVs.

Denholm seemed to address the Musk faithful as she denied the Journal report, saying the board was "highly confident" he could execute "the exciting growth plan ahead." The growth cannot come soon enough, as the fundamentals of Tesla's automotive business continue to deteriorate. Its EV sales declines have been especially sharp in Europe, where Musk's and Trump's politics have proved especially toxic.

Company insiders have suggested to Musk for years that he replace himself in a different way - by hiring a top executive as a day-to-day manager while Musk continues as more of a figurehead, two people familiar with the discussions told Reuters. Other Musk companies operate that way, most notably rocket-maker SpaceX, where Gwynne Shotwell serves as president and COO.

Musk has consistently refused to do the same at Tesla, the two people said.

The board would face immense difficulty replacing Musk, said Brian Mulberry, client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, a Tesla investor. The "incredibly complex" challenge requires filling Musk's enormous shoes and bridging the financial chasm his leadership has left - keeping Tesla's struggling EV business profitable while delivering the long-promised "robotaxi network." On a 10-point difficulty scale, replacing Musk would be an "eight or nine" Mulberry said, adding it would require someone with "a persona of their own who can step into that and won't always be in Elons shadow."

Gene Munster, managing partner at Tesla investor Deepwater Asset Management, called replacing Musk essentially impossible.

"Is Musk bigger than Tesla? The answer is yes," he said.

Musk and Tesla's board did not respond to request for comment. Musk needled his critics at a White House Cabinet meeting Wednesday, placing two Trump-fan ball caps on his head, one reading Gulf of America."

They say I wear a lot of hats, Musk said, drawing Trump's laughter. "It's true.

EXECUTIVE EXITS

Any successor might then have to deal with Musk as a board member and the company's largest shareholder. He currently holds a 13% stake.

Tesla's executive bench has thinned in the past year as Musk pivoted the company away from its long-held goal of becoming an EV giant to focus on robotaxis, robots and artificial intelligence. The departures included senior leaders who had resisted shifting Tesla so forcefully away from its core business of human-driven cars, according to three people with knowledge of discussions among Tesla executives. Some of them presented their concerns to the board, which sided with Musk, the people said.

Gary Black - managing partner of the Future Fund, a Tesla investor - wrote on Musk's platform X that the company has no viable in-house executives to replace him.

"We do not see anyone inside with the broad range of technical, strategic, and execution skills."

James McRitchie, a private Tesla investor, said he doubted board members would move against Musk because of his influence over their appointments and their unusually high compensation. McRitchie acknowledged the risks of replacing Musk.

"A lot of the share price is tied to the love of Elon and having robots do everything for us," he said.

McRitchie compared Musk to legendary General Electric CEO Jack Welch, whom investors viewed as "God."

"But when he left, it was a house of cards," he said. "I think the same is probably true of Tesla. It's a good company, but it could be a much better company and it's over-valued."

Mulberry, of Zacks, said Tesla can succeed with or without Musk.

"Youve already got a great range of EVs, you've got the robotaxi and full self-driving," he said, referring to Tesla's driver-assistance technology. "Now its just about managing it to a point of completion ... Do you really need another wave of innovation from Tesla, or do you just need proper execution?"
New Delhi: Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the bleeding-edge tech of today, and tomorrow, but an attempt by laptop brands to hawk so-called AI PCs has left consumers distinctly unimpressed. The laptops, which come with specialised AI-compliant processors, are priced anywhere between 30% higher and double that of regular, top-of-the-line laptops, and are supposed to give users an edge in AI-related tasks.

It is the price differential that has left consumers cold. According to industry experts, consumers prefer to buy regular notebooks and simply install ChatGPT or Gemini or other such high-tech generative AI (Gen AI) software, at a fraction of the cost, even free. On their part, laptop brands insist that enterprises are lapping up the new products, and picture a future where the AI laptop will be default when it comes to buying a computer.

Today, though, the picture is starkly different. Data sourced from market researchers Counterpoint India and International Data Corporation (IDC) India showed that as of 30 April, the market share of AI devices in the entire laptop market of more than $5 billion is under 5%.

To be sure, it has been just a year since Microsoft,which makes the ubiquitous Windows operating system, spurred a push for AI PCs" by laying down a set of parameters to define it.

Chipmakers, too, are ho-hum about all the noise. On 24 April, Intel Corp, the worlds third-largest chipmaker as per Gartners 2024 Worldwide Semiconductor report, said that demand for processors that it launched up to two years ago is currently far greater than its cutting-edge, AI-compliant processors.

We're really seeing much greater demand from our customers for n-1 and n-2 products, so that they can continue to deliver system price points that consumers are really demanding (the new chips) are great, but (they) come with a much higher cost structurenot only for us, but at lower price points for brands as well," said Michelle Johnston Holthaus, chief executive of Intel Products, during the companys post-earnings analyst call last week.

No clear use case

Bharath Shenoy, principal analyst at IDC India, said buyers have not seen clear use cases of an AI PC. There have been some sales in commercial contracts with enterprises, where brands procuring new laptops, especially for higher-rank employees, are simply opting for an AI PC to future-proof their investment since in five years, most PCs will feature AI in bigger ways," Shenoy said. But for now, consumers have offered a very lukewarm response to brands offering AI PCs."

Retailers, too, are seeing weak sales. The chief executive of a top pan-India multi-brand retailer, requesting anonymity since he has multiple marketing and non-disclosure contracts with each of Indias top five laptop brands, said, Theres no buyer who walks in saying they want an AI laptoplargely, this fad has not caught on as yet. Any laptop that is marketed by brands as an AI PC gets sold due to other factorspremium build quality, gaming, and so on. But AI is yet to prove to be a sales driver for laptops as yet."

As per market data from IDC sourced by Mint, overall laptop sales in India saw a slim 4% year-on-year growth last yearafter a sharp 11% decline in 2023 due to a post-pandemic lull. Sales are expected to pick up pace this year, since the average usage cycle of a laptop per user in India is four to five yearsand 2020 and 2021 were the years when most laptops were sold in India after the covid-19 pandemic forced everyone to scurry indoors for both work and leisure.

Pricing, too, is a key factor. Shenoy and Pathak both said that while the entry point to AI laptops has come down to 60,000, the bulk of these devices is still priced at 1,00,000 and above. But, this too is still at least 30% more than the average price of a laptop in India, which stood at 45,000 as of this month.

While the growth itself has been slow, the growth of AI laptops in line with the industry has been weaker than anticipated. In 2024, approximately 1-2% of all laptops were sold from the AI laptops bracket, per market estimates.

This, though, may change by the end of this year2025 is a transition year for laptop usage behaviour trends, and retailers marketing laptops are yet to become fully aware of the key use cases of AI," said Tarun Pathak, partner and director at Counterpoint India. This is why brands are right now pushing hard to launch and stock inventories with AI laptops, in anticipation of sales picking up in the near future."

One for the future

Despite this lukewarm response, brands see clear value of investing in the marketing of AI laptops in India. Ashish Sikka, director and category head for laptops at Lenovo India, agreed that AI laptops are priced higher today primarily because of their upgraded hardware configurations, but felt the future would be different.

We see AI PCs triggering replacement cycles of computers in India These devices could account for 60% of all shipments by 2027," Sikka said. Our early adopters are already seeing tangible benefits, and as awareness grows, consumer perceptions will shift toward viewing AI PCs as essential, not experimental."

Indrajit Belgundi, senior director and general manager of client solutions group at fellow laptop maker Dell, cited an internal study within the US-based tech firm to state that by 2028, 98% of PCs will be AI-enabled". He further said that among enterprises, three of every four IT heads at companies see AI access in workplace devices to be imperative.

This shift is already driving change, with 32% of organizations planning to equip their teams with AI PCs by 2026. Key trends for this transition include the migration of workloads from traditional data centres to the edge, and the rising demand for localized, intelligent PCs," Belgundi said.

Also read | Google bets big on India's smartphone users to catch up in AI race

Dinesh Sharma, vice-president of commercial PCs and smartphones at Taiwanese tech firm Asus, admitted that for consumers, AI has not been a big mover as yet.

The commercial perspective on AI value fundamentally differs from consumers," said Sharma. The CIOs and CTOs have a greater understanding of the incremental value AI is adding to their firms. Were seeing significant empathy from enterprises towards AI PC pricing."

He further said that Asus is seeing AI PC sales to small businessesin a further nod that for now, the only sales driver for these laptops are businesses at the moment.

In the long run, experts believe AI PCs will undeniably take over the market. Shenoy said this will be driven largely by chipmakers switching entirely to AI-first processors even among mass-market products.

For now, though, a lack of clear market demand could be a dampener in the near term for these brands, in what is the third-most valuable electronics market in the country, after smartphones and televisions.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country's automotive market leader, has its six-year-old partnership with Toyota Kirolskar Motor Ltd to thank for beating domestic car market blues in the previous financial year (FY25). Maruti Suzuki would have seen practically flat (0.2%) growth in number of cars sold in the fiscal, but it got a fillip from selling an additional 106,000 units to Toyota in a rebadging partnership, according to data from the company.

This additional sale helped Maruti clock nearly 3% growth in the fiscal, selling 1.9 million passenger vehicles (PVs, comprising cars and SUVs). That handsomely beat the 2% industry growth of PVs in FY25. To be sure, Marutis FY25 sales to Toyota saw an 82% jump from 58,612 units in the preceding fiscal year.

Under an agreement signed in 2019, four car models developed and manufactured by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, which has 41% share of the four-wheeler market in India, are also sold with the Toyota badge. In turn, Maruti got the right to use the hybrid vehicle platform developed by Toyota under this partnership, and could also rebadge Toyotas Innova to a Maruti name (Invictus).

6% overall

Marutis sales to Toyota started in the financial year 2019-20 and have grown to about 6% of the companys overall sales, a strong growth as per analysts.

The incremental sales to Toyota helped act as a good buffer for growth for the company (Maruti)," said Mumuksh Mandlesha, equity research analyst at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers Ltd. The arrangement has worked well for the two companies. Maruti has got access to technology and the network of Toyota, while Toyota saved the cost of developing these vehicles on their own and increased the product portfolio in the compact segment."

Queries sent to Maruti Suzuki and Toyota remained unanswered till press time.

In car rebadging partnerships, the original model developed by a manufacturer is sold to another company, which then uses its own brand logo on the vehicle and sells it in the market. There have been several examples of such partnerships in the past, such as Renault-Nissan, Renault-Mahindra and Skoda-Volkswagen, among others.

Also read | Maruti Suzuki is concerned that Indians aren't buying small cars

Such rebadging has generally not worked in the Indian market, but in this case Toyotas perceived aspirational brand value has worked in both companies favour, according to experts.

Toyota's brand value is quite strong in many pockets of India," said Amit Kaushik, managing director at auto analytics firm Urban Science. Many consumers see it as an aspirational brand, which is why the rebadged Maruti models worked well for the company."

A big draw in the rebadged basket was the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, which is based on Maruti Suzukis Fronx and was launched in April 2024. As per available industry wholesale data, about 30,000 units of the vehicle were sold by Toyota during the year, which acted as a boost to the numbers of Maruti Suzuki. To be sure, the original product, Fronx, sold 166,000 units in FY25 from the Maruti stable, according to industry estimates.

Sales surge

Due to the increased traction from the rebadged vehicles, Toyota sales have also seen a surge. From 109,000 unit sales in the financial year 2019-20, its sales grew to 275,000 units in the financial year 2025. In FY25, the company, which has 7% share of Indias car market, grew by nearly 30% compared to FY24, compared to industry growth of 2%. As per available estimates, Maruti-rebadged cars made up about 40% of Toyotas overall sales in the country.

Maruti has remained bullish about the arrangement with Toyota.

This is something that we have to play by the ear and keep watching the volumes," Rahul Bharti, executive director at Maruti Suzuki Ltd, said while answering an analysts question on the companys sales to Toyota post Q1 results of FY25.

Also read | Maruti Suzuki is concerned that Indians aren't buying small cars

Future products or co-badging, etc., we will announce when it comes to it," he added. But the good part is it is incremental sales for us. Nothing better than using another channel to increase your sales."

However, analysts remain sceptical about the sustenance of this growth. A big part of the growth came from the launch of Taisor," said Mrunmayee Jogalekar, auto research analyst at Asit C Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd. A jump like this isnt expected soon but sharing of more models will be watched out for."

Maruti Suzuki's share price has surged by 8.5% in fiscal year 2024-25, against a 0.5% fall in Nifty Auto.
Jasmine Warneford, 29, was fishing when she was left struggling for breath after a tiger shark pulled her through the water.

The moment a woman encountered a hungry tiger shark while diving for fish has been captured in terrifying footage shared online.

Jasmine Warneford, 29, told Yahoo News she was spearfishing at a campground near Red Bluff Quobba Station, north of Carnarvon in Western Australia, when she was dragged into deeper water, leaving her struggling to breathe.

"I had just speared another when the tiger came in for a feed," the Perth woman told Yahoo News of the scary encounter. Wearing a float line at the time, a safety device that attaches a diver's gear and fish to a buoy.

Jasmine said her diving buddy Sam "tried to poke the shark away from our fish but then it charged at him to pretty much say, 'These are my fish now'."

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"I was filming the shark and we were both watching it go for the fish, but then it decided to take off with them. It just so happened that I was attached to the float line," she said. Jasmine was dragged through the water by the shark, leaving her splashing and struggling for breath while Sam attempted to help her.

"[He] grabbed me but I knew the more I tried to pull against the shark the more it would drag me under so I completely relaxed my body and let it pull me for a bit. I then grabbed my knife and cut the rope."

Strangers shared 'cuddle' in water after the terrifying ordeal

The pair regrouped to check the other was uninjured and swam back to the reef to retrieve their spearguns. After sharing a "cuddle" underwater, they remarkably decided to continue fishing.

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"We got two more fish before swimming back to shore to have for dinner that night," Jasmine said. "We've been talking a lot since it all happened. I think we'll become good friends."

Fellow diver Sam (right) desperately tried to help Jasmine when the shark started to drag her. Source: Instagram/jasmine_warneford

Not the first time diver has had 'scary' shark encounter

Jasmine told Yahoo it's not the first time she's had an interaction with a shark while spearfishing, explaining it's a somewhat common occurrence since sharks are attracted by the freshly killed fish in the water.

"I've had many similar experiences and I usually dive alone but I've never filmed it," she said. "Sharks have charged me and taken my fish [before]... bull sharks mainly. They're scary, a bit more aggressive."

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A spearfisherman had a close call with a Great White last year off NSW's Sapphire Coast, with the shark appearing within touching distance from him. William Brunker told 9News the shark was "sussing him out" but said it was a "chance of a lifetime to swim with a four plus metre Great White shark".

Another spearfisherman recalled the harrowing moment he "hugged" a tiger shark before shooting it in the eye near WA's Coral Bay in 2023  a move that likely saved his life.

"It's gone from placid to looking aggressive  [it] dropped its pectoral fins, a sign it wasn't happy... It was right at end of the gun. I just thought, 'Shoot' and I did," Keiron Benson told ABC.

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Air India expects to face around $600 million in additional costs if a ban from Pakistan's airspace lasts for a year, and has asked the central government to compensate it for the hit. According to news agency Reuters, Air India on April 27 asked the government for a "subsidy model" proportionate to the economic hit, estimating a loss of more than $591 million for each year the ban lasts.

Air India mentioned the above in letter sent by the airline to the Civil Aviation Ministry. "Subsidy for affected international flights is a good, verifiable and fair optionthe subsidy can be removed when the situation improves," said the letter. Airlines are bracing for higher fuel costs and longer journey times after Pakistan shut its airspace to the country's carriers in a tit-for-tat retaliation following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam last week.

Air India to face additional costs over Pakistan ban; here's why The impact on Air India is maximum due to airspace closure, due to additional fuel burn...additional crew. Air India's letter was sent after the government asked its executives to assess the impact of the airspace ban on Indian carriers.

The government is considering options to reduce the hit to the airline industry from the closure of Pakistan's airspace. According to Reuters, carriers met with the Civil Aviation Ministry to work on possible solutions, including flying over difficult terrain closer to China, and some tax exemptions.

Also Read | Growth the single agenda, Air India Express defies the standard LCC model

In its letter, Air India asked the government to liaise with Chinese authorities for certain overflight clearances, without elaborating. According to Reuters, it also asked the government to approve the carrying of extra pilots on flights on the United States and Canada to account for longer travel times.

Air India financials The Tata Group-owned airline major is in the middle of a multi-billion dollar turnaround after a period of government ownership, and the growth is constrained by jet delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus. Air India reported a net loss of $520 million in fiscal 2023-2024, on sales of $4.6 billion.

Also Read | As Pakistan closes airspace, Air India says some flights to take longer route

Air India, which has a 26.5 per cent market share in India, flies to Europe, the United States and Canada, often crossing Pakistan's airspace. It operates many more long-haul routes than bigger domestic rival IndiGo. Data from Cirium Ascend shows IndiGo, Air India and its budget unit Air India Express had 1,200 flights combined from Delhi scheduled for Europe, the Middle East and North America in April.
Airbus SE said it wont cover the cost of tariffs on its planes imported by US airlines, setting up a clash with carriers unwilling to shoulder surcharges imposed by President Donald Trump.

The European planemaker is responsible for any added duties on supplies it imports to its own aircraft assembly plant in Mobile, Alabama, and then sells on to customers, Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said on a conference call after reporting first-quarter results.

However, when we are exporting from Europe to United States, thats an import for the customers, Faury said. Theyre also not very much willing to pay tariffs, but its on them.

The comments show how the aviation industry is scrambling to adjust to new fees filtering through an aerospace supply chain thats been shielded from tariffs for decades. Faury said Airbus is working to mitigate the surcharges, though the process has strained a fragile system that already relies on the free flow of thousands of components across borders.

I can tell you that the Airbus perspective is that they are not good for us and for the European industry, but they are not good as well for the US industry, Faury said of the tariffs, advocating for a return to a duty-free status.

Airlines including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines Group have said theyre not willing to pay the extra cost for planes. However, there are workarounds in some cases  Delta, for example, is routing a new Airbus A350-900 built in Toulouse, France, through Tokyo, Bloomberg reported this week, echoing a similar strategy the airline took in 2019 when a trade dispute led to short-lived US tariffs.

Were looking at opportunities to export to somewhere else than the US, especially for airlines who have international operations, Faury said. We are finding arrangements with several customers, with their network, their partners on how to deal with the situation.

With its first-quarter results, Toulouse, France-based Airbus cautioned that tariffs have injected further uncertainty into an aviation industry supply chain that still hasnt fully recovered from Covid-19.

The shares have declined 4.9% this year. Thursday is a market holiday in France.

The company reiterated that it still aims to deliver about 820 commercial aircraft this year, though the target doesnt include the fallout from tariffs and assumes no additional disruptions to global trade or the world economy, according to a statement Wednesday. Deliveries this year will be backloaded, reflecting the specific supply chain challenges we are facing, Airbus said.

Engine supplier Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc said Thursday that it expected to meet its financial targets this year as finds ways to mitigate the impact of announced tariffs. The UK manufacturer provides the engines for all Airbus wide-body aircraft.

Airbus has struggled to get engines for narrowbody planes, which constitute the bulk of deliveries. It said it expects output to be soft in the first half of 2025 as it builds planes that dont yet have engines, and so cant be handed over to airlines.

In the first quarter, Airbus reported adjusted earnings before interest and tax of 624 million on revenue of 13.54 billion. Net income came in at 793 million, beating the estimate of 532.6 million in a Bloomberg survey, after the company revalued certain equity investments.

Boeing has also been affected by Trumps tariff onslaught. China retaliated with its own fees, and told its carriers that they should refrain from taking Boeing Co. jets.

While Faury acknowledged the move by the country might be good news for the European planemaker, he said its in the interest of the entire industry to roll back the levies.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Two of the best-known shareholder activists  Elliott Investment Management and Cevian Capital  are targeting companies with complex structures and second-rate governance. But even soft targets can be hard work.

The art of activism is to find a company thats lost its way but has a good business at its core. The stocks weak valuation may be a symptom of poor operating performance, which is in turn explained by the challenges of managing a conglomerate structure. Idiosyncratic governance is often a major concurrent factor. The board sets strategy, after all.

Take Elliotts latest target, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., the tech firm with a market value of $21 billion. The activist has built a more than $1.5 billion position and plans to engage, Bloomberg News reported last month. Its not hard to see why HPE is the name in the frame. For an activist, its like walking into Walmart  your shopping list is right there in front of you.

Firstly, HPE is clearly in attractive markets  artificial intelligence servers, networking and the cloud. Analysts expect revenue to grow 8% in the current financial year. The stock market valuation relative to earnings sits below server rival Dell Technologies Inc. and networking rival Cisco Systems Inc. You would want it to land between them. Lower profitability is one issue, as Morgan Stanley analysts point out. The tripartite structure arguably also gives HPE a conglomerate feel  and thats ignoring an additional small financial services arm.

HPE stock cratered in March after management revealed it had mishandled server pricing in its financial first quarter. That reinforces the impression that conglomerates get punished more harshly than pure-play businesses when they slip up.

Meanwhile, the board looks stale. Its been refreshed with four new appointments in the last six years. Even so, six of its 12 members have been there more than nine years. Chief Executive Officer Antonio Neri is a company lifer. Long tenures are a threat to objectivity and independent thinking. Age brings experience and wisdom, but board composition should be a balancing act.

HPE may believe there are advantages in being in areas with overlapping customers. If so, why isnt it working for the share price? The pending $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks Inc.  now mired in an antitrust investigation  makes it hard to contemplate structural change, such as a separation of the networking business, in the short term. Nevertheless, HPE could arguably refresh its board at a faster pace.

Cevians most recent target, Swiss insurer Baloise Holding AG, embodies similar issues despite being in a wholly different industry and shows what activism can achieve. Baloise has a strong presence in its home market but suffered from governance flaws, in this case a 2% cap on shareholders voting rights regardless of their stake. The company had deviated from its domestic core, geographically into Germany and thematically into venture capital. In April last year, shareholders including Cevian mobilized to amass the support required to win a motion scrapping the voting ceiling at the annual meeting.

With governance normalized, Cevian raised its stake to 9.4% while pressuring the company to simplify. That meant a couple of public statements expressing dissatisfaction with the state of progress  positively shouty behavior for an activist that normally keeps a low profile. While Baloise looked like a takeover target for larger peer Zurich Insurance Group AG, last week brought a nil-premium all-share merger with Helvetia Holding AG instead. Thats a worse outcome for the activist than an all-cash bid. Fortunately for Cevian, Helvetias main shareholder agreed to buy its stake, providing a tidy exit.

What Cevian paid on average for its stake and achieved on the sale isnt clear. Total returns on Baloises stock price since November 2023 (when Cevians interest became public) and the Helvetia transaction last week were more than 70% in US dollar terms. Even if Cevians gains were only around 40%, that would still have been twice the total return of European stocks in the period.

Its not the best outcome for Cevian. But its still a good outcome. For activist investors, its a reminder that you cant control the circumstances of your exit from a position, but youll probably do well from finding fundamentally sound businesses with scope for governance upgrades. For businesses, the moral is that if your structure and governance arent beyond reproach, you have no margin for error.

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This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Chris Hughes is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering deals. Previously, he worked for Reuters Breakingviews, the Financial Times and the Independent newspaper.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
Billionaire businessman Elon Musk has lashed out at speculation that Tesla's board is seeking to replace him as CEO of the auto major, calling the report deliberately false.

In an angry post on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk wrote: It is an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS that the WSJ would publish a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and fail to include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors!

The EV automaker also took to X, to refute the speculation in a post signed off by Robyn Denholm, Chairman of the board of directors of Tesla Motors.

Earlier today, there was a media report erroneously claiming that the Tesla Board had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search at the company. This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published). The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead, the official Tesla account stated.

Also Read | Tesla could benefit most from new rules on reporting of self-driving car crashes

Also Read | Tesla shares fall over 3% amid reports that board opened search for new CEO

Speculation Over New Tesla CEO? What Unfolded The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), in an exclusive report citing sources said that Tesla approached numerous executive search firms months ago to find a successor for Elon Musk. It added that whether Elon Musk, also a member of the board, was aware of succession planning is unclear.

The world's richest man's involvement in politics has sparked global outrage and boycotts against Tesla's cars. In February, in an appearance at the White House, the tech billionaire denied leading a hostile takeover of the US government. The people voted for major government reform, and that's what the people are going to get. That's what democracy is all about, he had said.

As per the WSJ report, the alleged hunt for a new CEO came amid declining sales and profits, and investor concerns over Elon Musks role in the Donald Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has spearheaded federal spending cuts and layoffs.
A lawyer for a former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. banker told a federal judge that he has asked the US to drop its foreign bribery case, citing an executive order from President Donald Trump.

Asante Berkos lawyer, Robert Boone, said at a hearing Thursday that he sent the government a letter formally requesting a dismissal. Berko was indicted in 2020 and accused of conspiring with at least two Ghana officials in a bribery scheme on behalf of an unidentified Goldman client.

The request comes after Trump issued an executive order rolling back enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which he has said puts American companies at a disadvantage to their competitors overseas. Since then, the Justice Department has been evaluating FCPA prosecutions and dropped a case in New Jersey.

Prosecutor Tara McGrath told US District Judge Diane Gujarati that we are discussing the request and the decision is being made above our pay grade.

Berko was arrested at Heathrow Airport in London in 2022. He unsuccessfully fought extradition to the US, and pleaded not guilty to the charges last year.

Gujarati urged both sides to send her a letter if a decision is made to drop the case, saying, I dont want to be deciding motions if theres no need.

John Marzulli, a spokesman for US Attorney John Durham, declined to comment after court, as did Boone. Tony Fratto, a spokesman at Goldman Sachs, declined to comment.

In April 2020, Berko resigned as the head of Ghanas state-owned oil refinery after U.S. regulators sued him for allegedly orchestrating bribes while he was an employee of the lender. He later settled the case by agreeing to pay more than $329,000, without admitting or denying the allegations.

The case is US v Berko, 20-cr-328, US District Court, Eastern District of New York .

With assistance from Sabrina Willmer.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Washington, May 1 (AP) General Motors is lowering its profit expectations for the year as the carmaker braces for the potential impact from auto tariffs being rolled out by the US.

GM announced early this week that it was reassessing its expectations for 2025 due to tariffs. The company said at the time that its initial full-year financial outlook didn't contemplate their potential impact.

On Thursday the automaker said that it now foresees full-year adjusted earnings before interest and taxes in a range of USD 10 billion to USD 12.5 billion. The guidance includes a current tariff exposure of USD 4 billion to USD 5 billion.

GM previously predicted 2025 adjusted EBIT between USD 13.7 billion and USD 15.7 billion.

The revised forecast comes after President Donald Trump signed executive orders Tuesday to relax some of his 25 per cent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, a significant reversal as the import taxes threatened to hurt domestic manufacturers.

Automakers and independent analyses have indicated that the tariffs could raise prices, reduce sales and make US production less competitive worldwide. Trump portrayed the changes as a bridge toward automakers moving more production into the United States.

Still, it remains unclear what impact Trump's broader tariffs will have on the US economy and auto sales. Most economists say the tariffs  which could ultimately hit most imports  would raise prices and slow economic growth, possibly hurting auto sales despite the relief that the administration intends to offer on its previous policies.

In a letter to shareholders on Thursday, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said that the automaker looks forward to maintaining its strong dialogue with the Trump administration on trade and other evolving policies.

As you know, there are ongoing discussions with key trade partners that may also have an impact, she said. We will continue to be nimble and disciplined and update you as we know more.
(Bloomberg) -- Kohls Corp. fired its chief executive officer after the board uncovered that he directed the retailer to do millions of dollars of business with someone he had a personal relationship with on highly unusual terms.

The company said its starting a search to find a permanent replacement following the departure of Ashley Buchanan, who only started in January from running retailer Michaels Cos. Chairman Michael Bender will serve as interim CEO, according to a statement.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Buchanans business dealings were with a woman he was involved with romantically named Chandra Holt, citing people familiar with the matter it didnt identify. Shes a consultant and the founder of Incredibrew, which sells coffee infused with vitamins, according to the Journal.

Kohls didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the details of Buchanans relationship.

The CEO change is a blow upon a bruise for the beleaguered department store chain, Neil Saunders managing director at GlobalData, said in a research note. While its not related to performance, it gives the impression that Kohls is in perpetual state of chaos and it raises some questions about the due diligence over his appointment.

The company also released preliminary results for its first quarter, including a comparable-sales decline in the range of 4% to 4.3%  less than what analyst had anticipated. Kohls also projected a net loss for the period thats less than the average analyst estimate.

Kohls shares rose as much as 9.9% in New York trading on Thursday. The stock has declined by about 50% so far this year, deeper than the decline of benchmark US stock indexes over the same period.

Unusual Terms

The termination of Buchanan follows an outside investigation overseen by the boards audit committee. The probe determined that Buchanan had directed that the company conduct business with a vendor founded by an individual with whom Mr. Buchanan has a personal relationship on highly unusual terms favorable to the vendor.

Buchanan pushed the company to enter into a multimillion dollar consulting agreement wherein the same individual was a part of the consulting team, the board found. Kohls said that in neither case did Mr. Buchanan disclose this relationship as required under companys code of ethics.

The retailer said that Buchanans termination is unrelated to the companys performance and did not involve any other company personnel. Hell also be required to reimburse the firm $2.5 million from his signing bonus.

The abrupt change adds more pressure to a retail business thats struggled for years, posting 12 straight quarters of revenue declines. The company has lost market share as bigger competitors offer lower prices and a broader assortment of goods.

Job Cuts

Kohls said in January, shortly after Buchanan became CEO, that it would eliminate about 10% of its roles reporting into corporate offices as it looks to lower costs and streamline operations. Its also closing underperforming stores.

To regain lost ground, the retailer has identified areas of focus such as fine jewelry. The company has also leaned on partnerships, such as opening Babies R Us shops in some locations. It has a longstanding relationship with Sephora, the cosmetics retailer.

Bender said in the statement that hes committed to continuing the execution of our strategic framework to grow shareholder value.

In an email to workers viewed by Bloomberg News, Bender called on staff to stay focused on what matters most: taking care of our customers and each other. He said the company, which is based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is planning a town hall meeting on Thursday to discuss the news.

--With assistance from Jaewon Kang.

(Updates with details throughout.)

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At Robert W. Baird, a group of junior bankers worked till 4 am for many weeks. One day, the multinational independent investment firm called for a pizza party in Chicago. Many thought it was to thank them. But, the company had other plans.

Managers told them they needed to do better. When some bankers complained about long hours, they were told to work smarter.

Also Read | Do you feel angry at your workplace? New report reveals disturbing trend

According to The Wall Street Journal, Former staff said 110-hour weeks were common. Managers often broke the rules, including skipping required Saturdays off.

A banker at Robert W. Baird earlier complained to HR about working 20 hours daily. Soon after, he collapsed at home, and doctors found his pancreas had failed, likely due to overwork. He was later fired for poor performance.

On Wall Street Oasis, posts went viral about a mid-level banker who made juniors work 20-hour shifts. That banker, Aaron Haney, was sacked in April.

Also Read | Austrian banker loses fight against extradition to US on money laundering charges

People who worked with him said he was popular and also worked long hours himself.

A former analyst at Baird told the publication that he once worked on a deal for a year, often overnight. One evening, he stepped out for dinner. Then, his boss got angry for not informing him.

Since early 2024, over a dozen junior staff have quit Bairds team, some recently. Two went to hospital after working long hours. One even told HR that the pressure was too much.

How many hours in a work week? Infosys founder Narayana Murthy once suggested a 70-hour work week. L&T Chairman supported 90-hour weeks. Now, Elon Musk has praised DOGE workers for working 120 hours.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Donald Trump wants deals. One way to let him have them is for countries to roll out the red carpet for his head of government efficiency. At least, thats how New Delhi is assessing its chances of an early release from the threat of 26% reciprocal tariffs.

Wooing Elon Musk to get Tesla Inc. to sell its cars in the most-populous nation might pave the way for a trade agreement with Washington. That could be a bargaining chip with other global brands scouting for cheap manufacturing locations and large markets to sit out the US-China estrangement. India offers both. Yet, its bureaucracy remains notorious for scoring own goals. Faced with a once-in-a-generation opportunity, officials continue to miss the woods for the trees.

Take the unsavory legal dispute with Volkswagen AG, which came to India at the turn of the millennium with Skoda. It introduced Audi and Volkswagen brands in 2007, and Lamborghini and Porsche five years later. It has just a 2% share of sales. Nevertheless, the German automaker is staying put because it wants to develop the country as a base for exports. Struggling in nearly all of its main markets, Volkswagen needs to be able to sell in Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East, according to a report in the Morning Context, an Indian news website. Skoda exports 30% of the cars it makes in India.

But the rude shock of a $1.4 billion tax bill  plus the potential for an equal amount in penalties and interest  is threatening the very survival of its local operations. In Bombay High Court, where the carmaker has challenged the tax demand as arbitrary and illegal, its lawyers have described it as a life-or-death matter.

Put it down to the tariff structure. Luxury vehicles of Mercedes-Benz AG and BMW enter the worlds third-biggest auto market as completely built units or in a knocked-down form. The former attract import taxes that are effectively as high as 110%; the latter are allowed to come in by paying 35% duties. Thats because putting them together creates local jobs.

Theres a gap in the law, however. Individual parts can be imported by paying a 5% to 15% tariff. This is to encourage local manufacturing and keep after-sales service costs bearable for buyers. And therein lies the crux of the authorities case against Volkswagen: It brought in knocked-down versions of Audi, Skoda and Tiguan sedans and SUVs as separate consignments and claimed they were parts. In other words, the multinational found a loophole  and drove a whole car through it.

The German automaker says that its impossibly enormous tax bill, which it received in September, stretches retrospectively to 2012. Thats well past the six-month statutory limit on completing such assessments. The customs authorities, however, have told the court that the delay was caused by the manufacturers local unit, which was late in sharing information. Volkswagen has said that had the government wrapped up its reviews in time, it could have challenged the findings or re-evaluated its import strategy.

The merits of the legal case arent as critical, however, as its timing. Amid grave uncertainty around trade, its far more important to earn investment dollars than customs revenue. Volkswagen last year delivered 9 million cars globally, more than twice as many as the combined sales of all automakers in India. A practical (and publicity-friendly) solution would have been to use the states investigation of its import practices to make the German company commit to a large-scale manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

A previous tax dispute with Britains Vodafone Group Plc gave India a bad rap. The Volkswagen case could further damage its ease-of-doing-business scorecard, regardless of who ends up victorious. Even the bench hearing the German multinationals appeal has remarked that sourcing a whole car as individual parts is clever tax planning. If only the government had left it at that, after making Volkswagen pay the higher rate for the latest period.

Indias exorbitant auto tariffs may soon be history thanks to Trump and Musk. And it isnt just them. The European Union, too, wants its cars to enter India duty-free.

Given all this, theres little to be gained by asking an operation that earns a few million dollars in annual profit to cough up more than a billion dollars in back taxes. The lawyers Audis and Porsches are already in their driveways  why risk thousands of good jobs in Volkswagens factories, technology centers and showrooms to create more work for them?

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andy Mukherjee is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies and financial services in Asia. Previously, he worked for Reuters, the Straits Times and Bloomberg News.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
The insolvency court said it will decide next month on bankrupt telco Reliance Communications Ltds plea seeking a 550 crore refund from Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson.

During a brief hearing at the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Thursday, Ericssons counsel termed the plea frivolous. The tribunal has directed both parties to file their responses and listed the matter for hearing on 11 and 12 June.

RCom and its two subsidiariesReliance Telecom and Reliance Infratelpaid Ericsson 550 crore in 2019 following a Supreme Court order.

The bankrupt company now argues that the payment amounted to preferential treatment, since Ericsson is an operational creditor and received full payment ahead of secured financial creditors.

In a court petition this week, RComs resolution professional, Anish Nanavaty of Deloitte, said the payment to Ericsson amounted to a preference as it had 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.

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, earlier told Mint. Article 142 allows the apex court to pass any order to ensure justice.

RCom had approached NCLT in 2019 seeking a refund from Ericsson, which asked the tribunal to dismiss the petition with exemplary costs, calling it wholly misconceived. The Swedish company had called the petition motivated at the instance of the members of the Committee of Creditors who are also the Financial Creditors. Nanavatys petition this week was a rejoinder to this.

The RCom-Ericsson dispute: How it came to this Once among Indias leading telecom operators, RCom could not survive a brutal tariff war that began in 2016, and filed for bankruptcy in 2019.

Earlier in 2013, RCom and its subsidiaries had engaged Ericsson to maintain their telecom networks. By 2017, with unpaid dues mounting to over 1,500 crore, Ericsson initiated insolvency proceedings.

The case escalated, and after payment deadlines were missed, Ericsson filed a petition in the Supreme Court against RComs former chair Anil Ambani and the companys units.

At the time, RCom was reeling under a debt load of over 46,000 crore, with major financial creditors including the State Bank of India and China Development Bank. Operational creditors included the telecom department, tower companies, and vendors.

In early 2019, RCom filed for bankruptcy, and Deloitte was appointed as the resolution professional. That same year, RCom cleared the dues to Ericssonpaying 458.77 crore in addition to an earlier deposit of 118 crore.

Later in 2019, Deloitte filed a petition before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) seeking a refund from Ericsson on grounds of preferential payment. The appellate tribunal directed the parties to approach the NCLTs Mumbai bench, which is now hearing the matter afresh.
Experts fear the poor creature had been dangling for days before anyone noticed.

This corella is believed to have been entangled in fishing line for days above a lake in Bundoora. Source: Susane Teese

Walkers strolling along a popular track were delighted to spot a corella, quietly perched on a branch above a lake. A day later, they were surprised to see the native bird in the same place, so they took a closer look and discovered something horrible  it was strung up on the branch with fishing line.

While incidents like this are shocking to the public, theyre an occurrence that wildlife rescuers see daily. Now, one Victorian-based animal rehabilitator is calling on the state government to help educate the next generation of anglers so they understand that when they cut snagged fishing line, theres a high chance it will entangle native birds and animals.

Back in 2022, the government announced it would spend $1.5 million over four years to buy thousands of fishing rods for the states children. To stop them making the same mistakes as previous generations, Boobook Wildlife Shelter founder Nelini Scarfe is calling for a further $1.5 million to be spent on education.

Fishing line is just a horror story for wildlife. It cuts into their legs and causes the most horrendous injuries. Sadly, nine times out of 10, when we have birds with fishing line entanglement, we have to euthanise them because it just does so much damage, Scarfe told Yahoo News.

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Related: Anglers urged to clean up their lines and lures after horror find

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade were called out to assist with the rescue. Source: Susane Teese

What happened to the entangled corella?

On average, Scarfe responds to one case of fishing line entanglement every week. But look on social media and youll see other shelters around the country responding to the problem on a daily basis. Fishing lures and hooks attached to line are also a problem, as theyre often swallowed by endangered sea turtles and pelicans.

The entangled corella was rescued on the weekend from above a lake at RMITs Bundoora campus, 17km from Melbourne. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade assisted because rescuers were unable to reach it from a branch high above the lake.

Volunteer rescuer Susane Teese was the first to assess the bird, and its grisly, emaciated condition has led her to believe it had been entangled in the fishing line for a long time. Tragically, the bird did not survive.

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When the corella was handed to me it was struggling and trying to bite me, which was a good sign because its normal behaviour. But I must say it couldnt bite very hard, she told Yahoo.

It went down quickly after that. I think it died from organ failure because the poor bird had been struggling for days.

A tawny frogmouth was discovered hanging from fishing line. Source: Susane Teese

Tawny frogmouths caught on fishing line

Like Nelini, Susane frequently attends to wildlife entanglements. She's shared heartbreaking images of a tawny frogmouth that was discovered hanging from a tree branch by its wing.

"That one fortunately was called in quite quickly by a member of the public, we were able to get it down and it's actually been released," she said.

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"The interesting thing about the tawny frogmouth case was that when I was sitting in the car about to leave, a woman came up to me and said another one had been caught in the same spot, 12 months previously. It was from the same piece of fishing line.

"It's a dreadful pollutant. It's just saw awful for wildlife."

After spending weeks in care, the tawny frogmouth was released. Source: Susane Teese

Fisheries authority encourages anglers to be responsible

When fishing rods were handed out to children through the Little Angler Kits program, educational information about fishing was also supplied. This included a flyer for Fishcare Victoria, a not-for-profit funded by the government that promotes responsible fishing and care for aquatic ecosystems.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority told Yahoo News feedback about the program has been positive, and that it works to ensure kids know how to dispose of fishing line responsibly.

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The Victorian Fisheries Authority provides information at fishing clinics, community events and through funding to organisations like Fishcare Victoria, to ensure young fishers are educated on how to do the right thing when disposing of fishing line, a spokesperson said.

We encourage all fishers to do the right thing and dispose of their line and any gear responsibly.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
(Bloomberg) -- Rio Tinto Group survived an attempt by an activist investor to force it to review its dual listing structure, with not enough shareholders backing the proposal.

Rio had urged shareholders to reject the proposal. Still, almost 20% voted in favor of the resolution by Palliser Capital UK Ltd., and the worlds No. 2 mining company said it will continue to engage with shareholders on the subject.

The poll needed the backing of at least 75% of Rio shareholders from both listed entities to ensure the probe would be held, although strong support under that threshold was expected to ramp up demands for a review by disgruntled investors.

The result will be seen as a win for Rios board and management who vocally opposed the resolution. Still, as peers such as BHP Group  which ultimately collapsed its dual listing  have found, the issue is unlikely to go away.

The push for the review was helmed by London-based hedge fund Palliser, which holds about $88 million in Rio stock. Its argued the dual-listing structure has been an unmitigated failure thats led to about $50 billion in value destruction, and hindered the miners ability to conduct large-scale mergers and acquisitions.

In turn, Rios board has said the review process would cost hundreds of millions of dollars, have serious tax implications, and generate few benefits for shareholders.

Rio is structured as two separate entities  one listed on the London Stock Exchange and the other on the Australian Securities Exchange  yet acts as a single group, with both companies sharing expenses, revenue, profits and delivering returns such as dividends.

Its largest shareholder base is skewed to London. Under Pallisers model, Rio would still trade in the UK but via a secondary listing governed by a parent company, headquartered in Australia.

The miners board spent months urging shareholders not to vote with Palliser. It said it had already conducted an independent review into the listing which reached the conclusion that consolidating the company was not in Rios best interests.

(Updates with details throughout)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Mumbai, May 1 (PTI) Markets regulator Sebi Chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey has ruled out the possibility of an aptitude test for retail traders wanting to participates in the Futures & Options (F&O) segment, saying it is impractical and prone to regulatory overreach.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had earlier introduced measures in November last year in a bid to curb excess speculation in derivatives. These regulatory steps came in the wake of a Sebi study that revealed a staggering 9 out of 10 retail investors lose money while trading in F&O instruments.

When asked about the industry's suggestion of introducing tests for retail investors before permitting them to trade in risky derivative products, Pandey clarified the regulator's stance. "Right now, we aren't really considering any of those things."

He explained the concerns of practicality and effectiveness behind such proposals. "Number one, we have to also see, will it be a regulatory overreach? Will you be able to effectively do it?, he told PTI in an exclusive interview.

Sebi, he clarified, already has certification mechanisms for specific market participants.

"I mean, we do have for specific players, those who are registered with the system, we do have this. Like for example, NISM certification is there for several. Like you are a registered advisor or an IA or RA." But applying this to millions of retail traders would be a different challenge altogether.

"... Tomorrow, someone will say, if you want to do it for a mutual fund, then you will have to do an aptitude test. So, who will take it? How will it be taken? How will it be passed? So, we have to see the pragmatism of it also. I don't think that, you know, anything of that kind is on our horizon at the moment," he said.

He stressed the importance of individual choice when it comes to managing personal finances, noting that people should have the autonomy to decide how to use their money.

"We have to really give the choice of people's own money to themselves. We also very much discourage the leverage for trading," he said.

Emphasising individual responsibility, Sebi chairman drew parallels with behavioral tendencies and human psychology when it comes to risk-taking.

"...every time, you do the F&O training, you will have a papa saying like a statutory warning, cigarette smoking is injurious to health. People do again smoke cigarettes still. So, I think ... if it is an addiction and if you are mindful of risk very clearly, then it is a different thing," he said.

He acknowledged that if trading becomes an addiction, it moves into the realm of a "de-addiction" issue, which needs to be seen from a different lens.

"To some extent, I think we have to really see, we have to also respect individual choice while you give so much of it. Because people do make experiment many a time and then they learn from mistakes and then they become in fact very much better players also," he added.

On the broader regulatory view, he reiterated that Sebi discourages leveraged trading due to its high-risk nature.

"We also very much discourage the leverage for trading. I mean, trying to borrow money and interest in that type of way...in fact in Indian jurisdiction, really leverage buyouts are not allowed. You don't have leverages for this. Even in the AIF industry, we don't allow leverage, the high-risk thing. So, there is normally a situation in that you can do as much. But you can't really control people's lives and resources."
New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) Private equity major Warburg Pincus has sought fair trade regulator CCI's approval to acquire 10 per cent stake in private sector lender IDFC First Bank.

US-based Warburg Pincus through its arm Currant Sea Investments BV will acquire the stake in IDFC First Bank.

"The acquirer (Currant Sea Investments B V) proposes to acquire up to 9.99 per cent of the paid up share capital (on a fully diluted basis) of the target (IDFC First Bank) by way of subscription to 81,26,94,722 compulsorily convertible cumulative preference shares," a notice filed with the CCI said on April 28.

The deal has been notifiable to the Competition Commission of India under Section 5(a)(i)(A) of the Competition Act, 2002, it added.

IDFC First Bank is engaged in the business of providing banking services as well as other financial solutions.

The notice also said that Platinum Invictus B 2025 RSC Ltd, an arm of Abu-Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) plans to subscribe to 43.72 crore preference shares in IDFC First Bank.

In the event of such issuance to Platinum Invictus B 2025 RSC, the holding of Currant Sea Investments will come down from 9.99 per cent to 9.48 per cent.

ADIA is a globally diversified investment institution that prudently invests funds on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government.

The parties have argued that the transaction will not alter the competitive landscape in India or raise concerns of appreciable adverse effect on competition (AAEC), regardless of how the relevant market is defined, the notice said.

For the assessment of CCI, the parties have identified potential overlaps between IDFC First Bank's operations and those of Warburg Pincus LLC's portfolio companies, which are affiliated with Currant Sea.

On the horizontal side, overlaps exist in India's lending services market, including retail loans such as home loans, education loans, microfinance, and loans against property, as well as non-retail segments like commercial real estate financing.

Vertically, overlaps have been highlighted in the life insurance value chain, specifically in the provision and distribution of life insurance products.
Tesla approached numerous executive search firms months ago to find a successor for CEO Elon Musk, WSJ reported, citing sources, adding that the current status of the succession planning could not be assessed. Now, Elon Musk has rejected these claims, calling them an extremely bad breach of ethics.

According to reports, the EV manufacturer has experienced declining sales and profits, while investor concerns have grown over Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has spearheaded federal job reduction efforts.

Tesla and Musk refute leadership change claims Musk on Thursday reacted to news reports claiming that the EV company has started searching for his successor. He called it an extremely bad breach of ethics.

It is an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS that the @WSJ would publish a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and fail to include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors! Musk said.

Tesla posted on X refuting these allegations and saying they were absolutely false, adding that the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead.

Earlier today, there was a media report erroneously claiming that the Tesla Board had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search at the company. This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published). The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead, Tesla posted on X.

Musk last month vowed to significantly cut back from his work in DOGE from May to working a day or two per week, he informed investors on a conference call, Reuters had reported.

His 130-day appointment as a special government employee under the Trump administration is scheduled to conclude in late May.

DOGE is an advisory body established during President Donald Trump's second administration to reduce federal spending and streamline government operations.

Also Read | Tesla could benefit most from new rules on reporting of self-driving car crashes

The WSJ report added that it remained unclear whether Musk, also a member of the board, was aware of succession planning.

Musk's political involvement has sparked global outrage and boycotts against Tesla's cars. In February, in an appearance at the White House, the tech billionaire denied leading a "hostile takeover" of the US government. The people voted for major government reform, and that's what the people are going to get. That's what democracy is all about, he had said.

Know about Tesla Headquartered in Austin, Tesla has manufacturing facilities across the globe, including Fremont (USA), Shanghai (China), Berlin (Germany), and Austin (USA). Founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, Tesla saw Elon Musk join as a major investor in 2004. He became CEO in 2008.

It has a range of electric vehicles, including Model S (2012), Model X (2015), Model 3 (2017), Cybertruck (2023) and others.

The firm, in April, stated that sales had dropped to their lowest level in three years and alerted investors that "changing political sentiment" could continue to hurt demand, reports said.

Tesla had an all-time valuation high of $1.5 trillion on December 17. However, within less than three months, the company's stock price dropped by 45%.
NEW DELHI : A high-level Kiwi delegation arrives in New Delhi on Monday as India and New Zealand start negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA), two people aware of the development said.

New Zealand is expected to seek greater market access for its dairy products, fruit, wool, and other goods as the two nations look to reduce dependence on traditional markets and diversify trade partnerships.

Mint was the first to report the resumption of the proposed FTA talks in June 2024 and the formal launch on 16 March 2025 by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during a visit India.

Also Read | India steps up economic pressure on Pakistan

The team from New Zealand is coming to begin the first round of face-to-face talks to expedite the bilateral negotiations and work towards a consensus on broader terms of reference for a mutually beneficial trade pact," said the first of the two people mentioned above on the condition of anonymity.

The key points to be discussed during the talks will include better market access for Indian goods, mobility of Indian professionals, and the creation of supply chain facilities to facilitate trade," this person said.

Also Read | We want FTA with India and it will be fair to both: New Zealand envoy

The strategic move marks a broader effort by both sides to diversify trade partnerships and reduce dependence on traditional markets. The US has imposed an additional 10% tariff on imports from India and New Zealand, effective 5 April.

New Zealand's trade is primarily centred around agricultural products, education services and technology. The country exports dairy products, wool and fruits to India, while India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles and information technology services to New Zealand.

India-New Zealand trade in 2023-24 stood at just $873.4 million. Indias exports to New Zealand stood at $538.33 million, while imports were valued at $335.07 million.

Exports to New Zealand rose from $441.56 million during AprilJanuary in 2023-24 to $583.99 million in the corresponding period of 2024-25, registering a growth of 32.26%, showed the latest available data.

Indias imports of fresh cheese from New Zealand surged 500%, from $0.03 million in April-January of 2023-24 to $0.18 million during the same period in 2024-25. Imports of kiwis and apples also remained strong, reflecting steady demand for New Zealands fresh produce in the Indian market, showed the commerce ministry data.

Currently, over 700 trade lines are operational between India and New Zealand.

Market access for dairy products is New Zealands top priority and is part of the talking points. We are initiating the talks as both nations are keen on signing a mutually beneficial deal. On dairy, we have made it very clear from the beginning that India has reservations on the issue," said the second person mentioned above on the condition of anonymity.

However, there are several other dairy products that we are already importing without affecting the interests of Indian farmers. These talks will help both sides understand each others concerns and work toward a constructive resolution," added the second person.

Talks began in April 2010. However, after 10 rounds of negotiations, discussions stalled in February 2015 due to disagreements over market access and trade priorities.

The key challenges in negotiating a comprehensive FTA between India and New Zealand would revolve around the Kiwis insistence on increased dairy access, a point India has consistently resisted to protect its farmers, said Dattesh Parulekar, assistant professor of international relations at Goa University.

In earlier discussions, India had opposed reductions in tariffs on dairy, meat and wine, while New Zealand had been unwilling to provide India with broader access for its professionals.

India would seek greater access for its agricultural products, textiles and information technology services. India has also sought better market access for its grapes," said Parulekar.

Queries sent to the Union commerce ministry and the New Zealand Embassy remained unanswered until press time.

India has already signed FTAs with several countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

New Delhi is also negotiating FTAs with Oman and economic blocs like Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the European Union.

On 12 August 2024, Mint reported that India had sought early market access for its grape exports to New Zealand, along with approval for vapour heat treatment (VHT) facilities in Delhi and Lucknow, which are used to eliminate pests.
Washington DC [US], May 1 (ANI): Veteran actor Robert De Niro showcased "love and support" for his daughter Airyn De Niro, after she recently came out as a transgender, reported Variety.

In a statement to Variety, De Niro said, "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don't know what the big deal is."

The actor further stated that he loves all his children. "I love all my children", he added as quoted by Variety.

In a recent sit-down, Airyn De Niro discussed "stepping into this new identity," as well as growing up as one of seven children in the De Niro household, reported Variety.

"There's a difference between being visible and being seen," Airyn De Niro said. "I've been visible. I don't think I've been seen yet," added Airyn De Niro as quoted by Variety.

Airyn De Niro also expressed gratitude to her parents for keeping her away from the limelight during her childhood.

"No parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible," said Airyn De Niro as quoted by Variety.

In the same interview, Airyn De Niro discussed her inspirations for going public with her transition. Among them was actress Laverne Cox.

"Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success," she said. "I'm like, 'You know what? Maybe it's not too late for me," as quote dby Variety

After the interview went live, Airyn De Niro took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the support of her fans.

"Thank you to everyone who's been so sweet and supportive! I'm not used to all these eyes on me," she wrote. "Also, for the folks asking if I have representation or signed to anyone, I am literally just a girl with a phone, so sorry if I miss your messages!" said De Niro.
Meghan Markle continues to make news with her use of the HRH title despite her exit from the royal family. While many alleged it to be a violation of an agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth II, it is believed that she might not be breaking any formal rules.

Meghan Markle's HRH title controversy The controversy erupted after Meghan appeared on The Jamie Kern Lima Show. In the April 28 episode of the podcast, the host Jamie Kern Lima shared the image of the gift basket she received from the Duchess of Sussex. The gift came with a note which said, With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex," along with jars of strawberry preserve and ice cream.

The use of Her/His Royal Highness title sparked a new debate for Meghan.

Jamie Kern Lima backs Meghan Markle On Monday, the co-founder of IT Cosmetics, Jamie Kern Lima clarified on her podcast that the gift sent by Meghan was about a year ago to see if that helps lighten my load," as reported by NY Post.

Meanwhile, sources close to Meghan told The Post that she used the HRH title on a private note in a personal gift, which doesn't qualify it as a public purpose, hence no violation of the rules.

The alleged insiders claimed that neither Harry nor Markle uses their HRH titles in commercial or public settings.

Meghan and Harry's relationship with the Royals Meghan and Harry got married in 2018. They announced their departure from the Royal family about five years ago.

After their decision, Buckingham Palace released a statement over Meghan and Harry's HRH titles. The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the royal family, it said at the time.

Although no laws were in place to prevent the couple from referring to themselves as His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness, they reportedly told the Queen that they would adhere to the agreement.

Reportedly, the couple often request to use their HRH titles when they travel abroad.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was strongly against the half in and half out approach to royal life that Harry and Markle portrayed before finalising their full exit from the Royal family.

You work for the monarchy, the monarchy doesnt work for you, the late Queen was quoted telling her grandson at the time.
Chennai, May 1 (PTI) Auto-component maker Sundram Fasteners Ltd reported a standalone net profit of 134.37 crore for the January-March 2025 quarter, driven by strong financial discipline and best practices in quality management and automation, a top official said.

The city-headquartered company had registered a profit of 132.54 crore during the corresponding quarter of last financial year. For the year ending March 31, 2025 the profit of the company surged to 517.01 crore, from 479.71 crore registered a year ago.

The standalone total income for the quarter under review stood at 1,362.09 crore, as against 1,294.78 crore recorded during the corresponding quarter of last financial year.

For the year ending March 31, 2025 the total income grew to 5,231.33 crore, from 4,952.98 crore registered in the last financial year.

In a statement on Thursday, the company said the Board of Directors have declared a second interim dividend of 4.20 per share (420 per cent). The total dividend including the first interim dividend for the financial year 2024-25 would be 7.20 per share (720 per cent).

Sundram Fasteners reported its highest ever revenue of 5,983.74 crore and the highest ever EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) of 972.46 crore during 2024-25 fiscal.

Domestic sales during the quarter under review were at 900.42 crore, as compared to 846.26 crore registered in the corresponding quarter of last financial year.

The company has registered exports of 409.62 crore for the quarter ending March 31, 2025 compared to 385.28 crore during the previous year.

Commenting on the financial performance, company Managing Director Arathi Krishna said, "We achieved the highest-ever quarterly PAT at 134.37 crore by maintaining strong financial discipline, sustaining a positive cash balance and adopting best practices in quality management and automation."

"This growth is particularly encouraging as we have witnessed significant progress in our non-auto business, which has contributed to our overall robust performance. Our growth is supported by a strong domestic and export order book," she said.

"We remain committed to driving volume-led growth by leveraging emerging opportunities in the electric vehicle segment and continuing our focus on innovation which will enable us to outpace industry growth rates," she added.
In America's big cities, a walk down the street or a wait for the subway can be an exercise in avoidance. Scores of commuters in Los Angeles, New York and elsewhere don metaphorical blinders every day in order to ignore those sleeping fitfully on the train or battling psychosis on the street. Such indifference is morally fraught, but it is also a reflection of how common homelessness and public displays of mental illness have become.

Most Americans who experience homelessness do so briefly. They stay with family or crash on a friends couch until they can afford rent. (The lack of affordable housing is the biggest driver of homelessness.) The Department of Housing and Urban Developments latest count of homeless people, tallied on a single night in January, found that 22% of them are chronically homeless, and that there were 16% more perennially homeless adults in 2022 than in 2020. Many live in tents beneath highways or in public parks. They are more likely to be suffering from drug addiction and mental illness, both of which can be made worse by living on the streets. The number of people sleeping outside has increased by roughly 3% since 2020, cancelling out the modest decline of people in shelters. As the ranks of unsheltered people have grown, an old question re-emerges: how should government help people who may not be able to help themselves?

The places most troubled by this, New York City and California, are trying to find an answer. Both have enacted policies aimed at people who are homeless and suffering from a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia. Yet they differ in important ways. Last month Eric Adams, the Democratic mayor of New York City, instructed police and first responders to hospitalise people with severe mental illness who are incapable of looking after themselves. Mr Adamss plan is a reinterpretation of existing rules. Law-enforcement and outreach workers can already remove people from public places if they present a danger to themselves or others. But now, the mayor stressed, people can be hospitalised if they seem merely unable to care for themselves. It is not acceptable for us to see someone who clearly needs help and walk past them, Mr Adams proclaimed.

The mayors plan follows a policy change on the opposite coast. At the urging of Gavin Newsom, Californias Democratic governor, the state legislature passed the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act in September , creating a new civil-court system aimed at directing the mentally ill and homeless to treatment and housing. Patients can be referred to CARE court by police, outreach workers, doctors or family members, among others.

Acceptance into the system means court-ordered treatment for up to two years, after which patients can graduate or, potentially, be subjected to more restrictive care, such as a conservatorship. California has been quick to try to distance CARE court from New Yorks apparently more punitive response. Its a little bit like apples and giraffes, says Jason Elliott, Mr Newsoms deputy chief of staff. Were both trying to solve the same problem, but with very different tools at our disposal, and also really different realities.

The biggest difference between the two policies is their size. Because New York City recognises a right to shelter, the vast majority of the roughly 68,000 homeless people there have a roof over their heads. Experts reckon that Mr Adamss order may at first affect only those few hundred people in the most dire straits. The California Policy Lab at the University of California estimates that 10% of unsheltered people in Los Angeles who took part in street outreach programmes had been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder of the kind that CARE court is supposed to help manage. Because more than 100,000 Californians are sleeping rough, the state thinks that up to 12,000 people may initially be eligible for treatment.

A swinging pendulum The schemes may be different, but the outrage they inspire is similar. Any discussion of compulsory treatment for the mentally ill is tangled up in a decades-long fight over the balance between protecting peoples civil liberties and bodily autonomy, and ensuring their safety and that of others. Officials and critics alike are squeamish about any reform that evokes the horrors of state-run asylums in the 20th century, which were often unsanitary, overcrowded and understaffed, and sometimes just cruel. When government-run hospitals were shut down, community-based care was supposed to take their place. Instead, patients were often discharged to underfunded boarding houses and shelters. We have not only abandoned people with severe mental illness to the jails, but also to the streets, says Elizabeth Bromley, a psychiatrist at UCLA.

Many liberals blame Ronald Reagan for the governments abandonment of mentally ill Americans. As governor of California in 1967, Reagan signed a landmark bill for patients rights, but then cut funding for mental-health care. As president in 1981, he rescinded federal funds for state mental-health services. But Alex Barnard, a sociologist at New York University, argues that heaping blame on Reagan is too simple. Many administrations in California have had opportunities to reverse Reagan, he says. Perpetuating the myth of Reagans total culpability, he adds, is a way of distracting ourselves from the real challenge of building a system today that meets peoples needs, rather than just wishing we had it 50 years ago.

Civil-rights advocates in both states worry that the new policies herald a swing of the pendulum back towards confinement. It is unclear how often mentally ill people are detained for examination or treatment, but recent research suggests that the average yearly detention rate in 22 states increased by 13% between 2012 and 2016. Many critics argue that involuntary treatment is not only brutal, but ineffective. But the evidence is mixed and conducting research is tricky, says Mr Barnard. You cant randomly assign people to voluntary and involuntary treatment if you think that somebody is at risk of killing themselves, he explains. Mr Adamss plan and Mr Newsoms CARE court both aim to exhaust options for voluntary treatment before mandating medication or hospital.

Logistical questions abound, too. Luke Bergmann, the director of behavioural health services in San Diego County, worries about how severely ill, often isolated patients are supposed to travel to their court appointments, and whether there will be enough beds in long-term care facilities to house them. Watchdogs on both coasts wonder what kind of clinical training police will receive, and whether racial bias will lead to worse outcomes for black and Hispanic homeless people. Brian Stettin, Mr Adamss senior adviser for mental health, admits that confrontations with police can be traumatic, and stresses that cops will work alongside medical workers.

That Mr Newsom and Mr Adams are rethinking involuntary treatment reflects the failures of Americas mental-health system, but also their recognition that homelessness represents a political problem for their administrationsand their careers. As unsheltered homelessness has grown, Americans have become accustomed to public displays of profound suffering. Californians routinely say that homelessness is one of the most important issues facing the state; New Yorkers worry most about crime.
Mumbai: Erstwhile deputy chief executive of IndusInd Bank Arun Khurana was well aware of the incorrect accounting of derivative trades that led to a 1,959 crore hole in its books, a forensic audit by accounting and consulting firm Grant Thornton found.

According to two people aware of the audit, during the probe, auditors found out that Khurana was aware of the fact that these trades were wrong. The team went through email trails and saw that Khurana knew. There was an instance of him not paying heed to red flags raised by the finance department which found out about it," one of the two people said on the condition of anonymity.

The bank did not respond to an email seeking comments on the story. A call and a text message to Khurana remained unanswered as well. An email sent to Grant Thornton did not elicit a response.

Exit after report

Khurana, who had joined IndusInd Bank in November 2011 from the Royal Bank of Scotland, Singapore, resigned on 28 April, two days after Grant Thornton submitted its report.

The bank said on 20 March that it has appointed an independent professional firm to identify the root cause of the discrepancies, assess the correctness and impact of the accounting treatment of the derivative contracts, and establish accountability. Reuters reported three days later that IndusInd Bank had appointed Grant Thornton to conduct a forensic review into accounting lapses.

This report was submitted to the bank on 26 April. In an exchange filing on 27 April, the bank said that the report has pegged the cumulative adverse accounting impact at 1959.98 crore as on 31 March. It also said that the problem lay in incorrect accounting of internal derivative trades" and that the report examined the roles and actions of key employees in this context.

Also read | IndusInd Bank shortlists executive search firm Spencer Stuart for CEO hunt

When the audit team questioned some bankers at IndusInd Bank, their stories did not match. The team was trying to look for a rationale behind not accounting for the trades correctly and they were unable to answer," said the person.

The findings of the audit team are in contrast to what Khurana told analysts on 10 March when the bank first disclosed these discrepancies. Answering a question about when these derivative transactions took place, Khurana said, It's about a process that was put in place, which we realized now, based on this new framework that we had to adopt on 1 April".

The framework referred to here refers to the norms issued in September 2023 under the RBI Master Direction - Classification, Valuation and Operation of Investment Portfolio of Commercial Banks (Directions). This came into force on 1 April, 2024.

The Grant Thornton audit stops at finding out the hit on the bank and fixing accountability on people, while the rest is for the board to do," the person said.

Fixing accountability

To be sure, the bank said on 27 April that the board is taking necessary steps to fix accountability for the persons responsible for these lapses and re-align the roles and responsibilities of senior management. After Khurana's exit on 28 April, chief executive Sumant Kathpalia resigned on Tuesday, stating he takes moral responsibility."

Since 2013, IndusInd Bank has used a solution from global capital markets platform provider Calypso Technology for its derivatives trades. The bank had said in 2013 that it is looking to fuel its ambitious growth plan by offering its customers sophisticated treasury products and providing them wider access to the markets."

According to the person cited earlier, however, the internal hedges were not recorded by the lender, leading to a mismatch that blew up later.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday allowed the IndusInd Bank board to constitute a committee of executives to run the bank after Kathpalia's exit.

Suresh Ganapathy, managing director and head of financial services research at Macquarie Capital was surprised at the turn of events.

The chairman is Sunil Mehta who, in fact, was appointed by the government on Yes Bank board when it became insolvent, in order to save and revive the bank. With such an illustrious pedigree of so many board members, it is surprising what has happened," Ganapathy wrote to clients.

Others pointed to investor concerns. We have observed growing investor concerns regarding near-term profitability and the strength of the balance sheet (assets and liabilities) amid these developments," analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday.

However, it is important to note that similar situations have occurred in the recent past and many of these concerns have not materialized, except for a few instances (Yes Bank episode)."
Anthony Albanese has avoided directly answering if a second-term Labor government would consider increasing taxes, as he vowed to continue to look for savings while ruling out cuts that hurt people.

Both Labor and the Coalition have pledged tens of billions in taxpayer dollars to fund their campaign commitments, prompting a caution from global analysts that Australias AAA credit rating was under threat no matter who won Saturdays election.

With the last budget forecasting $178bn in deficits over the coming four years, the Prime Minister said on Thursday he had not given up on surpluses and that he didnt promise to deliver a surplus but ended up delivering two.

And this years deficit is $27bn but thats almost half of what was anticipated, Mr Albanese told Sky News.

So weve worked really hard on budget savings, over $100bn that weve delivered during this term.

But when Mr Albanese was pressed repeatedly in an interview with Sky News on Labor would introduce new taxes or increased taxes if re-elected, he could not directly answer.

Well, what weve got is our policies out there for all to see, Mr Albanese said on Thursday.

What weve got out there is lower taxes, lower interest rates and at this election there is a real choice  lower income taxes under Labor or higher income taxes under the Liberals.

Read more from NCA NewsWire here.
The Centre has started inter-ministerial consultations to revise the cost of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the PM E-drive scheme, the first such revision in nearly three years, two people aware of the matter said.

The last such revision was done in 2022 by the Union power ministry. Since then, there have been significant technology developments, and the cost structure of large and small chargers has changed now," said one of the persons cited above, on the condition of anonymity.

Power and heavy industries ministries, along with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) are part of these consultations that will help shape Indias green mobility roadmap.

Currently, the benchmark costs for each charging station for electric two- and three-wheelers, cars, and buses and trucks are 1.5 lakh, 6 lakh, and 24 lakh respectively, as per the draft guidelines for EV public charging stations under the PM e-drive scheme.

The government has earmarked about 2,000 crorenearly a fifth of the 10,900-crore PM E-drive schemes outlayto subsidise EV charging infrastructure, covering up to 80% of the upstream costs.

Upstream costs, which include components such as distribution transformers, low and high-tension cables, circuit breakers, protection equipment, as well as civil work, account for about 60% of the cost of setting up a charging station, per a heavy industries ministry statement in March 2023.



Under the PM E-drive scheme, the government plans to set up 22,100 public charging stations for electric cars; 48,400 stations for electric bikes, scooters, and three-wheelers; and 1,800 stations for electric trucks and buses, the schemes draft guidelines for EV public charging stations said.



While costs have decreased for smaller household EV chargers, according to industry experts, chargers with larger capacity have become more expensive over the last two years.

Also Read: Centre aims green logistics at ports, eyes setting up EV charging infra



Akshit Bansal, founder and chief executive officer of EV charger maker Statiq, said the costs for small household-based EV chargers have decreased in the last two years. Increased demand, technological advancements, and competition among manufacturers have dragged down prices, making home charging solutions more accessible for consumers, he said.

In India, basic AC (alternating current) home chargers now typically range from 15,000 to 30,000, with more advanced models priced higher but still more affordable than before. Government incentives and subsidies in several states have further reduced the effective cost for homeowners," he said.

Fast chargers, which are used in public charging stations, cost between 2 lakh and 50 lakh, depending on the type, capacity, and location, according to Bansal.

The choice of charging station type depends on location and expected EV traffic. Urban hotspots may require stations catering to both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, while highway stations are better suited for four-wheelers," he said.

Reducing range anxiety

Mint reported earlier on 9 April that the government had identified priority highways for setting up EV public charging infrastructure for electric trucks and buses, including the routes used most commonly in freight and cargo movement as well as those facilitating busy intercity travel.

Setting up EV charging infrastructure is critical as it helps reduce range anxiety among consumers. Range anxiety refers to the consumers skepticism in shifting to an EV due to the limited range of the vehicles battery.

The cost of public charging infrastructure has risen considerably in the past few years, according to Abhijeet Sinha, program director for National Highways for EVs (NHEV), a pilot testing program for building EV charging infrastructure across national highways. "The cost of raw material such as copper used in crucial wiring of the EV charger has risen considerably. In some cases, battery management systems imported from certain countries such as the US have also become more expensive," he told Mint.

Sinha added that focusing on productivity of the charger instead of pricing could yield better results for consumers, and increase the adoption of green mobility in the country.

Location planning and land allocation is also a crucial part of setting up charging infrastructure, a Niti Aayog and power ministry report noted in February 2023. The PM E-drive schemes draft guidelines for EV public charging stations said an area of at least 40-60 square meters is needed for public fast charging stations in cities, while a much larger area of at least 250-300 square meters is needed for the same stations on highways.



As per information received from the ministry of power, 25,202 EV charging stations were installed in the country as on 17 December 2024, the heavy industries ministry said in a parliamentary disclosure on 1 April this year.

In comparison, there were over 85,000 petrol stations in the country as on 1 January, 2023, according to a Lok Sabha disclosure by the union ministry of petroleum and natural gas.



Deployment of EV chargers should be coordinated with power grid developments to ensure that new connections are consistent with wider grid-planning horizon, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its Global EV Outlook 2024.



When not managed appropriately, charging can lead to a surge in peak demand, meaning that it is increasingly important to ensure that transmission and distribution grids are appropriately sized and equipped," the IEA report said.



The IEA also estimated 14-fold growth in the number of private EV chargers, and a six-fold rise in the number of public EV chargers by 2035, as per the report.

Also read | Govt rushes to find demand for electric trucks under PM E-Drive after bare FY25
The government is looking to make public sector undertakings (PSUs) the drivers of India's green steel revolution by becoming the first buyers of eco-friendly steel produced in the country.

According to two people aware of the matter, the steel ministry has written to various infrastructure- and industry-focused ministries, asking them to nudge the PSUs under their administrative control to be the first procurers of green steel being rolled out by the domestic industry after the government finalised the green steel taxonomy in December 2024.

Green steel, produced using sustainable manufacturing practices, will be 10-15% more expensive than existing varieties. The plan to involve PSUs in driving its consumption is aimed at encouraging other steel consumers to start buying less-polluting steel.

Captive audience

Under the proposed plan, the government aims to provide an assured market for steel producers, with PSUs buying upto 25 million tonnes (mt) of green steel as and when its production becomes widespread, said the first person cited above. This would require a large part of the current crude steel production capacity of just over 150 mt to turn green.

Also read: Indias steel safeguard duty offers a short-term fixbut will it be enough?

The second person cited above said that PSUs in the defence, shipping, power, oil and gas, railways, and MSME sectors were big consumers of steel. If they started procuring steel produced environmentally friendly steel, a ready market would be created that would drive its use in other sectors, too.

As part of its plan to making the steel sector future-ready, the government may also require steel companies to make a certain percentage of their output green and reserve some of it for government procurement, the second person added.

Queries sent to the ministry of steel remained unanswered.

What constitutes green steel?

The push for green steel production comes after steel ministry published the Green Steel Taxonomy for India in December 2024 to provide a common language and framework on what constitutes lower-carbon steel. The goal to advance decarbonisation of Indias steel industry and catalyse demand for less-polluting steel.

Steel is categorised as green based on the emissions intensity of the steel plant where it is produced. To qualify, the CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions intensity must be less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of finished steel (tfs). Steel with an emissions intensity above this threshold won't be eligible for a green rating, while steel below it will be rated on a three-tier system: three-star, four-star, or five-star green steel.

'Early-mover advantage'

Abhijit Kulkarni, Senior Partner, Metals & Mining, EY-Parthenon India, With the green steel taxonomy in place, the assured domestic demand plan of the government to consume 25 mt of green steel is crucial for the sector's decarbonisation. The current definition of green steel is de-risking early investments in the technological shift. The goal is to attain emissions intensity of less than 1.6 tonne of CO2e per tonne of finished steel for it be rated five star. The proposed emissions intensity is likely to be achievable without green hydrogen-based DRI (direct reduced iron) steel making or RE (renewable energy)-powered electric arc furnaces."

He added, The initiative will help the Indian steel sector achieve compliance with regulations such as CBAM and India's upcoming Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). It will also compel Indian steelmakers to meet their customers' demand for low-carbon-footprint steel."

Also read | Trade aggression: Indias steel shield mustnt turn into a slippery slope

Rajib Maitra, partner at Deloitte India, said, India has an average emissions intensity of 2.54 tCO2/tcs (tonne of Co2 per tonne of carbon steel) while those of major economies are: US 0.79 tCO2/tcs, Europe 1.06 tCO2/tcs, South Korea 1.35 tCO2/tcs; Japan 1.61 tCO2/tcs; and Russia 1.65 tCO2/tcs.

"Hence, country-specific policies may formulate their green-steel taxonomy below their average emissions intensity. However, the current framework of green steel taxonomy gives India an early-mover advantage. Indian producers will be able to adapt faster to tighter global regulations, leading to industrial competitiveness and technology adoption."

Green shoots

Indian industry has already started embracing the green steel taxonomy. Private steel major Arcelor-Mittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) is taking various initiatives to produce low-carbon green steel and plans to have 70% green steel in its portfolio by early FY27. The company is also in the midst of investing more than 60,000 crore to ramp up capacity at its Hazira plant from around 10 million tonne to 15 million tonnes. Public-sector steel major SAIL is also modernising its plants to reduce emissions and qualify for star ratings under the green steel taxonomy.

Also read: India eyes inclusion of 25% steel, aluminium tariffs in BTA talks with US

Maitra pointed to a similar initiative in 2017 that bore fruit. He said, Under the Domestically Manufactured Iron and Steel Products (DMI&SP) policy introduced in 2017, the government gave preference to domestic manufacturers in procurement of 49 products. The policy led to an increased avoidance of steel imports while raising government procurement to 52,500 crore (equivalent to 7.5-10.5 mt in FY25). Similarly, it is expected that mandatory procurement of green steel in government tenders will boost domestic demand and act as a critical lever in capacity augmentation across the segment."
NEW DELHI : Facing a squeeze on profits from steep commissions and a lack of direct access to customer data, India's restaurant industry is seeking alternatives to dominant online food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.

Deep discounts demanded by these platforms are creating an unsustainable business model for restaurants, which are exploring partnerships with mobility firms like Rapido to deliver food and even contemplating legal action against Swiggy and Zomato.

We want access to our consumer database. Restaurateurs realise that our marketing costs are really going through the roof in online ordering and it's a double-whammy as online ordering is also increasing as a pie of the entire orders served because ordering-in is now competing with dining-in footfalls," Sagar Daryani, president, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), told Mint on the sidelines of an industry event in Delhi on Wednesday.

Frustrated by an unsustainable online delivery model driven by deal-seeking Gen Z customers, the restaurant industry is warning of declining quality and potential closures unless the financial dynamics shift, and is prepared to pursue legal action against Swiggy and Zomato should the ongoing negotiations fail.

Mobility companies like Rapido have reached out to the association to help grow food delivery networks across major cities.

This will be part of NRAI's endeavor to help restaurants find alternatives where a lower commission will be being charged compared to the two big players, Daryani said.

Citing internal data, Daryani said food deliveries are expected to grow, led by demand from Gen Z consumers. 75% of the orders that come online are Gen Z consumers who are also deal seekers and tend to opt for cheaper options. They will be our largest audience for the next 20-25 years," he said.

Indias food services market, valued at $80 billion in 2024, is set to grow at a CAGR of 10-11% through 2030. In the same period, the online food delivery market is expected to grow from $9.1 billion to $23 billion by 2030, per estimates by consulting firm RedSeer.

Daryani said that the industry body is engaging with the two 'cloud landlords', but as an industry, restaurants are burning money in deliveries due to escalating commissions and an increasing number of offers coming through online platforms.

He added that restaurants across the board are paying the same amount of commissions regardless of the distance theyre sending their deliveries to.

Currently, the food delivery market is dominated by Swiggy and Zomato. Delivery platform fees can range between 5% and 20% for restaurants, depending on the size of the order.

In January, the industry rose against entities like Blinkit Bistro and Swiggy Bolt, the 10-minute ready-to-eat food delivery services, citing concerns of increased competition as the two players offer their own private labels. The NRAI has opposed Zomato and Swiggy's entry into private labeling and quick commerce food delivery through their own platforms like Zomato's Blinkit Bistro and Swiggy Snacc. Restaurants see this as direct competition on the very platforms they depend on for business, creating an uneven playing field and potential misuse of restaurant data.

Daryani said the association will engage with the the food delivery platforms to lower commission rates and address other concerns, but if it doesn't lead to a solution, then the association will be compelled to take legal recourse.

The issue, he said, has become more prevalent in markets like Gurugram and Bengaluru where snack ordering is generally quite high.

Restaurateurs in these markets are finding it difficult to cope with the deals that these two companies are offering, as they are quite cost-effective for consumers, putting many of these businesses at risk. Some restaurateurs feel they will be compelled to reduce the quality of their products or shut shop in case theyre not able to compete with the margins and dark patterns of these delivery platforms. It is affecting deliveries with restaurants affected in Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru and Gurugram," he said.

Service charge

Meanwhile, the restaurant association has also challenged the Delhi high courts recent order concerning removal of service chargethe court now prohibits restaurants from automatically adding a service charge option to the final bill.

The association is likely to be heard by the court on 9 May.

Earlier this month, Mint reported that dropping the service charge is not likely to impact the consumer bill in any way as many restaurants have found a workaround and increased their menu prices to incorporate the removal of the 10% optional service charge that was being levied on consumers.

Restaurants owners have dubbed the move as detrimental to consumers in general.

"Restaurants can easily take 100 dish and make it 110; we can pay our staff but consumers lose out on the option of not having to pay service charge in case they do not wish to. Earlier consumers could have removed the service charge if they were not happy. While as businesses we have to follow the law, customer options have been removed. We see this ruling as anti-consumer," said Zorawar Kalra, vice-president, NRAI, and founder and managing director, Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.
Gold fell for a third day on signs of potential trade-talk progress between the US and several other nations, quelling demand for havens even as signs of slowdowns have emerged in the largest economies.

Prices shed as much as 1.8% as investors weighed improving sentiment on Wall Street after Donald Trumps trade representative said he was nearing an announcement of a first tranche of deals. Adding to the optimism, China Central Television said the US had reached out to Beijing through various channels.

Bullion remains about a quarter higher this year after hitting a record above $3,500 last week before losing some ground. The ascent has been driven mainly by investors taking refuge in the haven asset as Trumps fast-evolving trade policy upended markets and stoked fears of a global slowdown. Speculative demand in China and central-bank buying has also supported gains.

Data on Wednesday showed the US economy contracted at the start of the year for the first time since 2022 due to a monumental pre-tariffs import surge. That saw traders boost bets on US monetary easing, with four quarter-point rate cuts priced in this year by the Federal Reserve to help prevent a recession. Lower rates are typically positive for bullion as it pays no interest.

Looking ahead, a key monthly US jobs report due Friday will shed more light on the initial effects from Trumps trade policies on the economy.

Spot gold was 1.7% lower at $3,231.84 an ounce at 11:23 a.m. in Singapore. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index edged higher. Silver fell by more than 1%, as platinum and palladium edged lower.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
New Delhi: Akshaya Tritiya, a spring festival in India, is an auspicious day for new beginnings, investments, and charity, believed to ensure enduring prosperity. Buying gold is a common practice on this day.

However, consumers refrained from high-value gold purchases on Wednesday, deterred by steep prices of the precious metal. Still, they opted for token purchases such as gold and silver coins as a form of investment, apart from picking up daily wear ornaments, retailers said.

Despite extended store hours, walk-in customers were few, denting volume growth this year.

Silver shines Many first-time buyers entered the market, primarily driven by the investment opportunity, with prediction of gold prices rising further. However, demand was muted in the higher-denomination category due to the high price of gold. Consumers adapted their purchasing behaviour: opting for lower denomination or preferring to move to silver, while some waited for prices to stabilise, Samit Guha, chief financial and technology officer of MMTC-PAMP that sells gold and silver coins and bars.

MMTC-PAMP is a joint venture between India's state-run MMTC Ltd, and Swiss-based bullion brand PAMP SA.

Guha said silver saw a huge increase in demand, with volumes more than doubling over the previous year.

"Regarding jewellery purchases, consumers opted for smaller, lightweight pieces, prioritising daily wear but at a higher value. Furthermore, there has been a notable surge in the purchase of gold ETFs and Digital Gold due to their low making charges and investment appeal. Overall, compared to last Akshaya Tritiya, we witnessed robust growth in silver for offline sales and exponential growth across our digital and e-commerce platforms." he said.

After rallying since the start of the year and approaching the 100,000 per 10 gram-mark late last month, gold prices on India's Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) have since retreated. Weaker international prices, driven by a stronger US dollar and easing trade tensions caused a drop of over 500 on Akshaya Tritiya on Wednesday, with prices settling near 95,000 per 10 grams.

Consumers made small token purchases, although overall volumes declined year-on-year.

Value-wise, there has been a growth of 20% but volume wise there has been a de-growth of 15% to 18% in gold purchases, said Suvankar Sen, managing director and chief executive of Senco Gold Ltd, which operates 171 stores across the country.

However, demand for diamond jewellery grew both in value and volume terms, he said. Overall, demand during Akshaya Tritiya was led by purchase of wedding jewellery and small token pieces.

A recent surge in gold prices has prompted retailers to ramp up offerings to lure customers. Consumers, on the other hand, are either resorting to returning old gold or waiting for prices to cool.

Gold continues to remain a draw for Indian households, with a large part of gold sales linked to weddings in the country.

Despite the ongoing market volatility, consumer preferences leaned towards gold, particularly in the lightweight jewellery category, with notable traction in rings, earrings, pendants, and chains. The diamond category also saw good movement, especially within lightweight designs," Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director, Kalyan Jewellers.

Gold coins continued to be a preferred choice among customers, alongside strong demand for silverboth in coins and artefacts, he said. The retailer operates over 250 stores in India.

Rajesh Rokde, chairman, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, said the recent price fluctuationspeaking at 99,500 on 22 April, and now down to 95,000have reinforced buyers' confidence in gold as a strong investment.

Today, we observe two types of customers: those purchasing in the 50,000 to 5 lakh range, drawn to the festive rush, and high-value buyers investing 1015 lakh, who plan and book their selections days in advance to buy during the muhurat. With the drop in gold prices, the number of customers has notably increased, contributing to an impressive total sales figure of Rs20,000 crore today. Furthermore, as the wedding season kicks off during Akshaya Tritiya, demand is expected to rise significantly in the coming days, he said.
Defence sector stock: Bharat Dynamics share price has risen 70% from 52 week lows. The stock that had hit 52 week lows of 897.15 on the BSE in November 2024, in line with the correction in the share markets, however has rebounded well there after. The stock is up 20% in a month outperforming Nifty 50 index that is up just 5% during the period? Should you buy or sell the stock

Rising Exports raise expectations As per the provisional numbers reported by Bharat Dynamics the expectations have increased for strong Q4 and FY25 Performance

Also Read | Adani Ports, Home First Finance among key companies to consider dividend today

Bharat Dynamics Limited in its release on the exchanges had said of achieving turnover of over Rs. 3300 Cr (Provisional & Unaudited) during the FY 2024-25, against the previous years turnover of Rs. 2369 Cr registering a record growth of around 40%.

This includes FY 20242025's largest export sales of over Rs. 1200 Crore (Provisional & Unaudited), which is a record growth of over 640% over the previous year's export turnover of Rs. 161 Crore

Strong order book improves outlook In the fiscal year 2024-25, Bharat Dynamics secured orders worth Rs. 6668 Crore and order book position (Provisional & Unaudited) of the company as on 01 Apr 2025 is around Rs. 22700 Crore, as per company's provisional release. Th same has improved revenue visibility and earnings outlook

Bharat dynamics- technical outlook Despite strong gains reported by Bharat Dynamics, ICICI Securities expects more upside for the Bhaat Dynamics share price. For the Defence Sector stock ICICI Securities had given a target price of 1648 for the Bharat Dynamics share price which is now trading at 1529 levels. As per the recommendation given by ICICI Securities for the Defence Sector stock o 30 April, they expect Bharat Dynamics share price to achieve their target price in 14 days.
Londons FTSE 100 was muted on Thursday after its longest gaining streak since 2017, with a slate of disappointing earnings weighing on sentiment.

The export-heavy FTSE 100 was little changed by the close after advancing for 13 straight sessions. Londons domestic-oriented FTSE 250 gained 1.3%. Most continental European markets were closed for a holiday.

The OMX Copenhagen 25 Index gained 0.7%, with Novo Nordisk A/S climbing 2.1% as the pharmaceutical firm said its semaglutide study showed benefits for liver treatment. CVS Health Corp.s drug-benefits unit also negotiated a deal to make Novos Wegovy more widely available to its members.

Lloyds Banking Group Plc dropped 2.6% as it missed earnings expectations and set aside more to prepare for a worsening economy. European stocks recovered in the second half of April after US President Donald Trump paused some levies.

A better-than-expected earnings season has also lifted risk appetite. However, a sense of caution set in again after data showed that the American economy contracted at the start of this year. Trump said on Wednesday he had potential deals with South Korea, Japan, and India but that he was in less of a hurry than those expressing anxiety over the economy.

We expect tariff talk to ramp up again even if a deal emerges from this 90-day pause, said Panmure Liberum strategist Susana Cruz. So the recovery and European growth might remain capped. She added that the FTSE 100 should continue to outperform, given its focus on income and quality stocks.
Stock market today: The Indian stock market maintained its momentum for the second straight month in April, positioning itself as the best-performing equity market in Asia. Despite rising tensions with neighbouring Pakistan, investor sentiment was not damaged, as they continued to add stocks to their portfolios.

The Nifty 50 ended the month with a gain of 3.46%, building on a 6.30% rise in March, while the Sensex closed with a return of 3.2%, following a 6% jump the previous month. Impressively, both indices have surged nearly 12% from their April 7 lows.

Broader markets delivered an even stronger performance, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices rising 15.24% and 17%, respectively, from their April 7 lows. Both indices also ended the month with gains of up to 4.7%.

Looking at the sectoral performance, Nifty Bank emerged as the top performer with a gain of 6.83%, followed by Nifty Oil & Gas, Nifty FMCG, Nifty Auto, Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Consumer Durables, and Nifty Realty, which gained between 4% and 6%.

What supported the Indian stock market in April? Investor sentiment turned favourable towards more domestically focused stocks such as banking and FMCG amid ongoing global trade tensions. Improving liquidity conditions, multiple rate cuts by the RBI, and the momentum in trade talks with the U.S. helped bulls maintain their dominance in the Indian stock market.

Additionally, reasonable valuations attracted value buyers, resulting in strong gains in beaten-down counters. The 90-day pause in the 26% reciprocal tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month significantly boosted export-oriented sectors such as chemicals, textiles, technology, and auto ancillaries.

Also Read | Indian economy showing resilience amid global uncertainties: finance ministry

Meanwhile, India and the United States are actively progressing toward a bilateral trade agreement. On Tuesday (April 29), President Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing trade negotiations, suggesting that the two countries are close to reaching a deal on tariffs.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump emphasised the progress made and his expectation for a positive outcome. The United States remains India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $118 billion in 202324. India has expressed its intent to double this figure to $500 billion by 2030.

Although global brokerage firms have trimmed their growth forecasts for the Indian economy for the current calendar yearciting potential impacts from trade tensionsthey continue to remain bullish on Asias third-largest economy.

Their optimism stems from strong domestic demand, favourable demographics, and structural reforms that are expected to drive sustained growth.

Also Read | RBI predicts Indian economy to grow at 6.5%, Malhotra calls to invest

Overseas investors' confidence returns to Indian stock market Having largely been sellers in the months since Indian benchmarks scaled records in September, foreigners are coming back amid growing optimism that a domestically driven economy will make the South Asian nation withstand the global trade war better than most peers.

They remined net buyers over the last 10 trading sessions, (April 1530), pumping a cumulative 37,400 crore into Indian equities.

Also Read | FPIs bet on limited Nifty movement amid simmering India-Pakistan tensions

After buying 32,576 crore worth of Indian stocks between March 20 and March 27, FPIs turned net sellers in the first half of April. In February, FPIs pulled out 34,574 crore, while January saw an even higher outflow of 78,027 crore, according to the NSDL data.

Between October 2024 and February 2025, FPIs withdrew more than 3 lakh crore from the Indian stock market, largely due to concerns over stretched valuations and weak corporate earnings.

As of end-March 2025, foreign institutional investor (FII) equity assets under custody (AUC) stood at 66.8 trillion, marking a 7% increase from 62.4 trillion in February 2025, according to analysts.

Also Read | Why are FPIs rushing back to Indian stock market despite global uncertainty?

Will the rally in the Indian stock market to continue in May? According to domestic brokerage firm JM Financial, analysis indicates that the Nifty 50 has exhibited average price seasonality in the month of May. Over the last 10 years, the index has closed in the green on six occasions, with an average return of 1.5% and a median return of 2%.

The brokerage also noted that the Nifty Midcap index has shown similar seasonal behavior in May, closing in the green in six out of the past ten years, with an average return of 0.4% and a median return of 1.2%.

Also Read | Asian equities may be relative winner in US recession: Raychaudhuri

Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the Nifty Midcap index has outperformed the Nifty 50 on six occasions during this period, with an average underperformance of 1.1% and a median outperformance of 0.4%.
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India rates hit near one-month high

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Bangladesh ends aromatic rice export ban

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Regular customers from Africa, Iraq, Philippines buy less, says trader

By Anmol Choubey

May 1 (Reuters) - Indian rice prices climbed to a near one-month high this week, bolstered by an appreciation in the Indian rupee despite tepid demand, while Thai rice prices remained steady due to low demand and abundant supply.

India's rice prices for 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $390-$397 per ton, up from the last week's $389-$396. Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $383 to $390 per ton this week.

"Demand is weak but rising rupee is forcing exporters to raise prices," a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trade house said.

The Indian rupee on Wednesday rose to its highest level this year, consequently reducing the margin for exporters.

In Thailand, the price of the 5% broken rice remained around $410 per ton, matching last week's levels. Traders attributed this to weak demand and ample supply so far this year.

"This week there are deals with regular customers such as those from Africa, Iraq and the Philippines but they bought very little," a Bangkok-based trader said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh lifted a ban on the export of aromatic rice, allowing private traders to export up to 25,000 tonnes, according to officials. The ban, imposed in June 2022, aimed to stabilize the domestic market and curb price volatility.

Despite being the world's third-largest rice producer, Bangladesh has struggled with rising domestic prices, which traders claim have surged by 10%-20% over the past year.
Tesla stock price declined more than 3% on Wednesday after a report that the companys board had initiated a search for a potential successor to CEO Elon Musk. Tesla share price ended 3.38% lower at $282.16. In the extended hours, Tesla shares gained 0.13%

According to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter, Tesla board members contacted several executive search firms about a month ago to explore CEO succession options. The discussions were reportedly prompted by concerns over Musks increasing involvement with the Trump administration.

The current status of the boards succession planning remains unclear, the report said.

The report noted that Tesla board members met with Musk and urged him to publicly commit to dedicating more time to the company. However, it remains uncertain whether Muskwho also sits on the boardwas aware of the succession planning efforts or if his renewed commitment to Tesla has influenced those discussions.

Musk, Tesla Deny Report Tesla CEO Elon Musk has strongly denied the Wall Street Journal report, calling the article a breach of ethics, and accusing the publication of deliberately publishing false information.

It is an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS that the @WSJ would publish a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and fail to include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors!, Elon Musk tweeted.

Tesla Chairwoman Robyn Denholm also refuted the report, posting on Teslas official X account that the claims were absolutely false.

This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published). The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead, the statement read.

Last week, Musk stated that he would significantly reduce the time spent on his role within the Trump administration to refocus on leading his portfolio of companies, including Tesla.

His role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)an entity created to reduce federal employmenthas drawn criticism from investors, particularly amid declining sales of Teslas aging electric vehicle lineup.

Additionally, Musks public alignment with far-right political movements in Europe has led to protests and acts of vandalism targeting Tesla showrooms and charging stations across the US and Europe.

Tesla Stock Price Trend Tesla stock price has gained 9% over the past month, offering some relief after a challenging start to 2025, during which the stock has dropped 25%. Despite the year-to-date decline, Tesla remains a strong long-term performer. Over the past year, Tesla share price has surged 54%, and over a five-year period, it has delivered an impressive return of 500%.
Traveller Madolline Gourley warned the consequences of her refusal into the United States have been far-reaching.

Madolline Gourley was turned back at the US border in 2022. Source: Supplied

Certain Aussies travelling to the United States are being warned that they will be "targeted" by officials at the border amid a scary crackdown on foreign visitors.

Prominent immigration lawyer Melissa Vincenty told Yahoo News Aussie backpackers will face higher scrutiny visiting the USA following an executive order by President Donald Trump, which directed federal agencies to implement enhanced vetting and screening for all foreign nationals entering the country.

Swathes of travellers have considered cancelling their trips, following reports that Australian nationals and other foreign tourists are being detained and deported at the border. Last week, two German backpackers said they were strip-searched and thrown in prison when they arrived in Honolulu, in Hawaii, before being deported.

"Young Australians have to be more careful," Vincenty told Yahoo News, believing that border authorities "have a feeling" that some Aussies may be "tempted to work" without proper authorisation.

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Aussies who intend on engaging in unpaid arrangements like housesitting, pet sitting or even au pairing are being especially urged to ensure they have the right authorisation to do so. She said that pet sitting and house sitting arrangements are "notorious" for resulting in refusals.

Vincenty's advice for anyone thinking about entering into such an arrangement it is simply "don't do it".

"The strict interpretation is that it's not permitted," she said. "If someone normally would be paid for that work, like pet sitting, babysitting, that is considered work. Even if it's in exchange for room and board or meals."

Despite attempting to make her way to Canada, Madolline was refused entry to the US simply to transit through an airport. Source: Supplied

Aussie pet sitter turned away after suspicions of undertaking 'unpaid work'

Madolline Gourley, from Brisbane, was one such Aussie refused entry to the country after it was suspected she was going to engage in "work". The prolific cat sitter told Yahoo she had visited the US up to nine times over five years to look after people's pets in exchange for accommodation.

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However all that changed in 2022, when she was turned away at the border while she was transiting through the US on her way to a pet sitting posting in Canada.

She did not have a work visa to carry out the unpaid arrangement because she "didn't know" she needed it, opting only for an ESTA  an electronic visa waiver program  to transit through America.

"It was a bit scary," she told Yahoo of the ordeal, which saw her held for three hours by immigration.

Unaware that an unpaid pet sitting arrangement could be constituted as work in the US, Madolline was sure that immigration officials would "eventually come around".

"I wasn't getting paid, so it couldn't possibly be work," she said. But they never did. Her ESTA was cancelled and she was sent back to Australia. "I was refused entry to the USA because I didnt have a work visa."

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She believes that businesses that connect pet sitters and house sitters don't always make visa requirements clear enough for those who sign up. "Had I known it was considered work before I started doing it, I would have given it a lot more thought," she said.

The ordeal has had far-reaching ramifications for any travel she does across the world. Madolline can never use the ESTA program again, can't transit through the United States, and to ever return to the country she would need to apply for a visitor's visa.

What's more, when visiting other countries she has to declare she has been turned away at a border.

"My main gripe is I can't even transit through the US because you need an ESTA," she explained. "Its an anxiety when I go to new countries."

She recently visited New Zealand where she had to declare that she was refused entry to another country on immigration papers.

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Thankfully, she was able to get a work visa to Canada in subsequent years.

Madolline advises travellers to "be honest" with immigration officials. "If I lied and they found out, that would have ended up [worse]," she believes.

Lawyer's advice to Aussie tourists visiting the United States

Vincenty said like in Madolline's case, these incidents were taking place before Trump's executive order and believes it's a good thing that travellers can be aware and know what to expect.

She believes the situation should be "monitored for this year"  but doesn't know how long for certain the "heightened" searches will take place.

She added that digital searches  where officers search travellers' devices  appear to be on the rise.

"That is something that is much more frequent now," she said. "They're using profiling to target certain people and young Australians will be more targeted."

She suggested those with sensitive data on their devices should "be careful". She said travellers can delete apps on their phones prior or swapping out sims. She warns that it has to be done prior to travel and once you arrive, if authorities choose to check your phone, you "can't refuse".

"You can't say no, or you won't be able to enter the US," she said.

"People should monitor the situation and if there is any doubt, they should get professional advice because everyones situation is different," she said. "I just think if youre already a high anxiety person put your trip off, dont put it off for years, but its a heightened environment and be aware of that," she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Its that time of the year when you sit with your reporting manager inside a cabin, discuss the targets youve met and missed, and your overall performance at the workplaceall points of discussion that will help decide your salary increment for the next financial year.

The thought of asking for a raise makes many employees nervous. Perhaps they do not want to come across as needy, lacking self-confidence, or maybe they simply do not know what to say. But asking for more from your employer is actually reflective of what matters to you.

Negotiating a higher salary starts with thinking about the why, the what and the how much. As Amit Nandkeolyar, associate professor of organisational behaviour at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) says, it all begins with clarity on knowing your worth, and finding a way to intersect with your employers expectations. What is your focus in relation to the companys goals? Ultimately, what youre doing is only a part of increasing their profits or revenues, and employers are paying you back as a function of it. You must highlight that and justify the why."

Also read: An office design that puts worker wellness first

It may seem unfair to have to justify the why" after all, you did the work all year. But its important to clearly communicate the value you are bringing to your manager and the organisation, especially when everyone else in the company is also angling for a raise during appraisal season.

Sonal Agrawal, managing partner of the boutique executive search firm Accord India, suggests doing an honest self-assessment and analysing ones improvement in order to present a strong case for a raise to the manager. Quantify your performance and contextualise (the salary ask) with industry benchmarks you have gathered (from research). Then approach your supervisor for an appraisal conversation. Present your case logically and factually, and listen to feedback without issuing ultimatums, which could sour relationships," she says. If a raise is not forthcoming right away, understand why and ask how you might reasonably earn onefor example, by taking on more responsibility or explicitly defining results. Finally, agree on a review timeline."

Awareness of changes in the industry and processes within a company plays a pivotal role in negotiating a raise as well as professional growth, something Sudha Ramanan (name changed on request), a Chennai-based hospitality professional, learnt during the covid pandemic. It was a challenging time for our industry," says the 37-year-old. A handful of expats left India for their home countries. I took advantage of the situation and interviewed for those vacancies, and our company preferred to hire someone internally to fill those positions." She had a track record of being a top performer, but hard times meant the company was hesitant to give her a raise, even though the new role was a larger one. So, she asked for the raise to be moved into a bonus component of 35%, to be paid out only if she met certain targets. They agreed, and she did meet her targets and received the raise.

The pay package does not consist of just the take-home component, according to experts. Both Agrawal and Prof. Nandkeolyar share a tip: look beyond the number in the bank account at the end of the month. There are other categories open for negotiation during appraisals, points out Nandkeolyar, who teaches courses on negotiation analysis and leadership. One could ask for better health insurance coverage or expansion of coverage to other dependents. Another aspect to discuss could be flexible work hours, which one may value more. Figure out your value, consider the other parts of your compensationthey are all variables to be considered," he advises.

Also read: The power of hitting pause during a workday

Whether you want a salary raise, a promotion, more flexibility in work hours or something else that makes you more feel valued at work, there are two crucial factors that should be considered during a negotiationself-worth and timelines.

To illustrate, K.M., a senior manager at a leading retail organisation in Mumbai who wants to remain anonymous, shares a recent instance when one of his 20 colleagues capitalised on both aspects while negotiating his salary during an annual review meeting. He (the reportee) viewed appraisals as a long-term game plan," he says. He had prepared a year in advance." It was a two-pronged approachprofessional and personal. During the appraisal process, he set expectations by asking the managers goals, the problems in his department, suggested ways to fill the gaps for the year ahead, and ensured the targets were met.

On the personal front, during team lunches and casual office gatherings over the year, he would mention that his childrens school fees had increased, raising his expenses. There were times he would also ask for a mid-year salary correction. This modus operandi builds pressure for managers. We knew he was a good performer who knew his worth. Managers have an appraisal budget; and after planning every reportees increment, we look at the extra money in our kitty and decide who deserves slightly more. This money goes to an exceptionally high performer or somebody we would fear losing to another organisation. My reportee would tick both boxes and usually take home the highest increment. Once, we promoted him to general manager with a 35% increment. The industry standard was around 20%, and anything more than 30% was considered high," says K.M. But we did it, because he was loud and clear about the effort he was putting into his work, and it really did show."

Retaining a high performer is in the best interest of any manager and organisation. It is up to the employee to take accountability for this as well as get recognition for their work. At the end of the day, he says, one who makes themselves most visible gets the gold."
Its not just death that makes withdrawals from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) toughsometimes, even the living struggle. But when a member dies without naming a nominee, the fallout can be far worse: delayed payouts, bitter family disputes, and endless paperwork.

Take the case of a man who died in his thirties without naming a nominee. He was married, but his wife is estranged from his parents. After his death, both sides filed claims for the provident fund and pension. The employer says they will process the payment in favour of the wife, but we are trying to get the parents an equal share," said Mohammed Saif, a provident fund (PF) expert at FinRight, a startup focused on EPF issues.

Read this | Saying no to EPF isnt easybut its possible

But can an employer decide on its own? Not if we go by EPF and Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) rules as defined by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

In no-nomination cases, the PF amount is equally distributed among all surviving family membersexcept for sons who have attained majority, sons of a deceased son who have attained majority, married daughters with a living husband, and married daughters of a deceased son whose husband is alive.

Siblings arent counted among family members. The pension, however, will only go to the wife and children," said Sanjay Kesari, regional provident fund commissioner-I (retired), EPFO.

That means, in the case mentioned above, the PF amount will be equally distributed between the wife and the parents, while only the spouse is eligible for the pension.

To avoid such disputes, PF members must take nominations seriously. Remember: EPF and EPS nominees are end beneficiariesnot custodians. Succession laws of respective religions dont apply here.

View Full Image (Graphics: Paras Jain/Mint)

The nuances

Few members realise that EPF and EPS nominations are filed togetherbut apply differently.

Form 2 is used for nominations. It has two partsPart A and Part B. Part A covers EPF nominations, while Part B is for EPS nominations. Nominees listed in Part A are also eligible for EDLI (Employees Deposit Linked Insurance scheme) benefits," said Adarsh Vir Singh, founder of social security consulting firm Nidhi Niyojan.

Read this | Higher EPS pension: Why do employees feel shortchanged?

So who can be nominated? That depends on how family is defined under the EPF 1952 and EPS 1995 schemes.

Under EPF, the family includes: dependent father, dependent mother, wife, sons (including adult sons), daughters (including married ones), deceased sons widow, deceased sons sons, and deceased sons daughters. Female members may also nominate their husbands dependent parents. Both male and female members can state in writing if they want to exclude their spouseor, in the case of women, the husbands parentsfrom the definition of family," said Kesari.

If a member doesnt have any family as defined under the EPF scheme, they may nominate anyone of their choiceeven a non-relative. It could be a friend, for example," Singh said.

Read this | EPFO alert! How to avoid, deal with rejections, delays

The EPS 1995 scheme is more restrictive: the family includes only the spouse and children. If a member has a spouse and children at the time of filing a nomination, she must include themeven if she doesnt want to assign them a sharebecause they alone will be eligible for pension. If the member is single, or if the spouse or children are no longer alive, she may nominate another family member or a non-relative," said Kesari.

Got married? Nominate again

Marriage automatically nullifies any existing EPF and EPS nominations. If you get married, you must file a fresh nomination updating your family detailsand once you have children, add them as well.

Most people become EPF members when theyre unmarried. They often dont realise that after marriage, the spouse should be the default nominee. In most cases, old nominations continue and if those members pass away, their case will be treated as a no-nomination case, in case of dispute between family members, this can lead to a long-drawn process of seeking legal succession certificate from court," said Singh of Nidhi Niyojan.

To avoid this, use the EPFOs e-nomination facility. Log in to the member portal with your UAN (universal account number) and password, and go to the 'e-nomination' section under Manage. Youll need to add your family members, upload their photos, and enter their Aadhaar numbers. The system verifies Aadhaar data against name, date of birth, and gender. Only on successful verification will the family members be added. If you have no spouse or children, the system will prompt you to fill EPS nominations instead.

Once all family members are added, a PDF is generated. You must e-sign it using OTP authentication via your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Without this e-sign, the nomination will not be valid.

E-nomination offers a big advantage over physical formsit allows family members to file online claims after the members death using OTP-based login on their Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers.

If e-nomination exists, a death claim can be filed online. Theres a separate link for this on the EPFO website. Nominees should not try logging into the members portal after their death. Also, if the member passed away while still employed, the employer must clearly mention the exit date which should be the same as the date on the death certificate. Further, the reason for exit must be 'death in service'. Some employers tend to mention incorrect reasons which becomes an issue in filing the death claim," said Saif from FinRight.

When death claims get complicated

Filing a death claim with the EPFO is rarely straightforwardespecially when the deceased has worked across multiple organisations.

Before a nominee can access the provident fund, pension, or EDLI benefits, all previous PF accounts and EPS service periods must be consolidated. That means filling up Form 13 to transfer past PF balances, along with Form 20 (for EPF withdrawal), Form 10(D) (for pension), and Form 5IF (for EDLI benefits).

The process can be cumbersome.

Take the case of a deceased employee at Happy Smile Services, a Chennai-based housekeeping contractor. His employer, M. Anuradha, has been helping his family access his benefits. The deceaseds wife doesnt know Hindi or English. His PF had to be transferred from the Bandra office to the Chennai office, but the documents I sent by post didnt reach the right person. Eventually, I contacted FinRight, and the Mumbai-based startup helped complete the EPF transfer," Anuradha said.

The PF withdrawal was processed, but the pension claim hit a roadblock. The employee had worked at three organisations, but one employer failed to deposit EPS contributionsdespite him being eligible.

On special request, that service period will not be considered and pension will be started. Had the person been alive, this relaxation wouldn't have been possible," said a representative from FinRight.

Such leniency is rare, though.

PF consultant Kunal Kabra of Kustodian.life shared a case where a deceased member had a two-month service stint tied to a completely different UAN. The nominee is willing to forgo that service period, but the field office is insisting on transferring it, which has delayed the claim," he said.

Exempt trusts (companies that manage their own PF funds) can speed up withdrawalsbut even then, pension issues may arise.

Also read | Plan to withdraw from EPF for marriage, education, or illness? Know the rules

Abhilasha Singh from Indore is trying to claim pension benefits after her husbands death. But theres a hitch: his second employer didnt deposit EPS contributions, despite his eligibility. She withdrew the PF after his death, only to discover the EPS issue later. Now Ill have to deposit an amount equivalent to EPS balance during second employment to be eligible for pension benefit," Singh said.

The bottom line: File your nominations, consolidate old accounts, and dont leave your family guessing.
ICICI Bank offers a seamless process for securing personal loans to meet diverse financial needs, such as education, surgeries, weddings, medical emergencies or home reconstruction.

The bank provides loans of up to 50 lakh or more, with repayment tenures ranging from 12 to 72 months. The loan terms depend on several factors, including the applicants income, age, eligibility, past repayment history, credit score, and total debt-to-income ratio.

Let us now discuss how you can get your ICICI Bank personal loan approved and disbursed in seven easy steps.

1. Determine eligibility and loan requirements You can use the eligibility tools provided by ICICI Bank to determine your eligibility for a specific loan product.

Generally, salaried individuals aged 23 to 58 years with a minimum monthly income of 30,000 and self-employed professionals aged 25 to 65 with the requisite turnover are eligible. A good credit score, stable income, and a consistent repayment history significantly enhance your chances of loan approval.

Note: The eligibility criteria discussed above are illustrative in nature. For individual eligibility criteria, refer to the official guidelines of terms and conditions through the official website of ICICI Bank. As these guidelines are dependent on factors such as creditworthiness, credit score, past repayment history etc.

2. Choose the loan amount and tenure You can consult a certified tax professional to carefully evaluate your financial situation. After this, use the EMI calculator provided by ICICI Bank to choose a suitable loan amount and repayment tenure.

This will help you understand key aspects of your loan, such as your monthly instalments, total repayment period and the overall interest outgo. This approach provides a clear picture of your financial commitments and helps you stay in control of your loan journey.

3. Complete the online application Fill out the application form carefully through ICICI Banks official online portal. If you face any issues, reach out to their customer support team for assistance.

Contact details are available on the official ICICI Bank website. Existing customers may also receive pre-approved offers, which can significantly speed up the application process.

4. Submit necessary documents Carefully collect and upload original documents as required by ICICI Bank. These typically include identification proof (such as Aadhaar card or passport), address proof, recent salary slips, tax returns and bank statements.

Self-employed applicants must also provide additional documents like proof of business income and tax filings. This step is complete once the bank verifies and accepts the submitted documents.

5. Application review and approval Once you submit the application form, the bank will carefully review your details and documents. For existing customers with a strong credit profile and good repayment history, approvals can be almost instantaneous.

Also Read | Kotak Mahindra Bank personal loan documents checklist for easy approval

For new applicants, the review process may take up to 72 hours after document submission. In rare cases, the bank may request additional documentation or clarification.

6. Loan disbursement Once the loan is approved, the disbursement is made directly into the applicants bank account. For ICICI Bank account holders, this process can be completed within seconds, provided all eligibility criteria are met and the required documentation and data submission are in order.

7. Repayment and account management You can choose to repay the loan through EMIs over the selected tenure. ICICI Bank offers flexibility with various repayment options, including auto-debit facilities, to ensure timely and consistent payments. These practices help maintain a strong credit score and a healthy credit profile.

By diligently following the seven outlined steps, aspiring borrowers can apply for and secure ICICI Bank personal loan approval and disbursal seamlessly and within the stipulated time frame.

Also Read | Should you use a personal loan to buy gold? Advantages and risks explained

For more information and details, consult a qualified financial advisor or visit the official ICICI Bank website to speak with the bank's designated customer service representatives.

Alternatively, you can visit the nearest ICICI Bank branch in person to gain a better understanding of the loan application process and speak with the designated officials.
This is the story of a woman in her late 20s who has been reeling under the stress of debt that accumulated to about 30 lakh in almost eight years.

A series of medical emergencies and deaths in the family placed the burden of financially supporting dependents on her. Additionally, raising a toddler and poor financial advice from friends landed this young salaried professional, who did not wish to be identified, in the never-ending loop of debt.

Relief finally came in the form of a debt settlement company, which is helping her pay off 19 lakh of the total debt.

The rigmarole started eight years ago, when a close relative maxed out the womans credit card limit of 2.5 lakh and refused to pay her back. She was in her early 20s with a small salary that allowed her to pay only the minimum due amount every month. In two years, the outstanding amount ballooned to over 4 lakh.

I didnt have financial support from my family. A friend suggested that I take out a personal loan to pay off the credit card dues. I did that and was going to repay the loan over the next two years, but soon after, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, which resulted in salary cuts," she recalled. Ever since then, things have just been downhill for me."

Over the next four years, she took out personal loans of about 12 lakh from two non-banking financial companies and used six of her credit cards for another 15 lakh to fund three major medical emergencies, support a dependent family and repay the mounting debt.

For the last 24 months, I have just been revolving credit and paying the minimum amount due. This kept adding 7,000-10,000 each month to my outstanding debt and pushed me to a point where it started getting out of hand as I was spending 90% of my salary just on EMIs," she said. I have had thoughts that it would be easier to just end my life than keep dealing with this."

Hope emerges

At this stage, she was finally made aware of a plan that would help her out from the spiraling debt.

A friend told me about debt settlement platforms that negotiate with lenders to lower the repayment liability. I decided to reach out to one of them in March and signed up with it to settle 19 lakh of my outstanding loan across six lenders. I want to repay the remaining myself as its from major private banks and I dont want to jeopardise my banking relationship with them," she said.

A debt settlement company negotiates with lenders to forgive a part of the loan and accept 40-70% of the outstanding amount from the borrower. This is done for borrowers who are unable to pay back and have either defaulted or are likely to default on the loan repayment.

To be sure, the debt settlement company doesn't repay the borrower's debt  it's the borrower who repays. However, the company negotiates a lower amount on the borrowers behalf.

Also Read | Credit card debt: Traps to avoid and strategies to pay off faster

A loan settlement benefits both the delinquent borrower and the lender  the former's repayment liability decreases about 30-50% and the lender stands to get back at least a part of the loan balance rather than forgo the entire amount. In the womans case, the platform will settle about 40% of the loans and she will pay the remaining 11 lakh.

Mint reviewed the loan agreements, credit card statements and the loan settlement programme to verify the claims made.

How loan settlement works

In India, platforms such as Freed, Expert Panel, Single Debt and Settle Loan provide loan settlement services to delinquent borrowers who have fallen behind on their payments.

Ritesh Srivastava, founder and CEO of Freed, said those who have defaulted on repayments due to financial hardships but intend to resolve their debt and regain their creditworthiness are signed up for debt resolution.

While assessing the applicant, we check by how much the person is delinquent, their sources of income to determine how much they can set aside each month towards repayment, and intent to resolve the debt. Some source of income is required as we, as a company, are not assuming the debt and are just negotiating the settlement on the borrowers behalf. Ultimately, the borrower has to repay it even if they have a reduced repayment capacity," he explained. Those who dont have any capacity to save at all, cant be signed up for debt resolution."

After the company assesses the borrower on these metrics, it draws up a payment term wherein the borrower has to deposit a fixed amount every month for a pre-decided tenure. This monthly amount is less than the loan EMI and gets deposited in an escrow account so that the borrower cant use it.

View Full Image Mint

Once the amount agreed upon is accumulated, the platform negotiates a one-time settlement with the lender. In cases with multiple lenders, the loans are settled one by one, so the settlement tenure could run into many years. In the womans case, the settlement has been structured over six years as debt across six lenders needs to be settled.

If the borrower is unable to make the monthly deposits in between, the agreement with the debt settling platform gets null and void and the amount accumulated is returned to them.

The platforms charge 5-15% of the debt enrolled as their fee and collect it after the loan is settled. For example, if a borrower signs up on a platform that charges a 15% fee to repay a 4 lakh debt, it will charge 60,000 after the loan is settled.

It should be noted that these platforms dont guarantee that the loan will be settled. In the rare instance that the settlement doesnt happen, the amount accumulated is returned to the customer and the fee is not charged. However, as per Srivastava, in his experience in the Indian and the US market, no lender has ever refused to settle.

All lenders settle because they have to write off the loan in six months and after that if they are getting 40-45% of the loan balance back, why would they refuse?" he asked. But we never guarantee the settlement as we dont want to advocate delinquencies."

Ruthless recovery agents

When a borrower defaults on an unsecured loan repayment for six consecutive months, the lender has to write it off and can initiate legal proceedings. It is common for lenders, both banks and NBFCs, to send third-party debt collectors after the first default itself. Though the Reserve Bank of Indias guidelines clearly state that such collection agencies must not be coercive and threaten the borrower, these are hardly practiced in reality.

The woman toldMintthat since the day of her first EMI default this year, she has been bombarded with calls and messages from collection agencies.

I get an average of 100 calls every day and I have blocked over 200 numbers already. These agents are ruthless," she said.

Also Read | How bad loans ruined Indias banking system

Even after the lender writes off a loan, it doesnt absolve the borrower from repaying it.

Once declared as a defaulter or NPA (non-performing asset), the borrowers only option is to repay the loans or face recovery litigation from banks. There is no way to get their loans closed, unless the government, through RBI or banks or such other bodies like NABARD, comes up with amnesty schemes or debt relief schemes," said Shashank Agarwal, advocate and founder of Legum Solis.

Until the loan is repaid, collection agencies keep hounding the borrower. Each year, several reports of suicides surface due to coercive debt collection. Last week, the Tamil Nadu government introduced a bill to protect economically weaker groups from unethical actions of money lenders.

Borrower's options

After defaulting on repayments, borrowers have a few options. One, they can approach the lender to restructure the loan into a secured one by providing collateral, which buys them a 90-180-day EMI-free period to arrange funds. This is usually approved only when the borrower has a good past record with the lender and a strong credit score.

Second, they can declare personal insolvency.

It is a better option than facing litigation from the lender but the provisions for declaring bankruptcy by individuals under the new law, viz. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, are yet to be brought into force. The current provisions of IBC in force pertain to the personal guarantors for the debts of corporate debtors/companies," said Agarwal.

Since the IBC is not yet applicable, the Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920, and the Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, 1909, apply to individuals, said Bhoumick Vaidya, equity partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. Section 243 of the IBC code provides for repealing the old laws, but the section has not been notified yet for individuals."

The third option is loan settlement. Borrowers can do this directly without going through a third party if they have a good longstanding relationship with the bank or NBFC. Where the borrower is buried in debt with multiple lenders, signing up with such platforms is a better option.

However, take note that a settled loan will hit your credit score.

The loan appears as settled" and not paid off" or repaid" in the credit report. The credit score takes a hit, but the borrower can rebuild it over the next 12-24 months," said an official of a credit bureau. It is better than a delinquent loan staying on the report for several months."
Bank of Barodas (BoB) premium Vikram credit card offers lifetime-free service and is designed exclusively for Indian defence personnel. The application for the credit card is an easy and streamlined digital application process. All eligible individuals can apply for and obtain the BoB premium Vikram credit card in five simple steps.

Here are five steps through which applicants can apply for and successfully avail themselves of the Bank of Baroda Vikram credit card.

Eligibility and documentation To qualify for the Bank of Baroda Vikram Credit Card, applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old and either actively serving or retired defence personnel.

Must possess a valid Aadhaar card and PAN card.

Provide proof of employment during the application process.

Provide proof of income for verification.

Documents such as bank account statements showing salary credits for the past three months. Further, additional documents such as a recent passport-size photograph, permanent address proof verification (documents such as electricity bill, voter ID card, original passport, driving licence, etc) will be needed during the application process.

Also Read | 4 easy ways to contact Union Bank Visa credit card customer care

Note: The documents discussed above are illustrative only. The credit card issuing bank may at its discretion request for any other documents to ascertain the eligibility of the applicant. For more information, refer to the official website of Bank of Baroda.

5 easy steps to apply for Bank of Barodas Vikram credit card Visit the official website: Go to the official website of Bank of Baroda and navigate to the Vikram credit card page. Initiate the application process: Click on the Apply Now tab under the Vikram credit card section. Submit the requested personal details: Follow the instructions online, enter your name (as per PAN card), mobile number linked with Aadhaar, PAN number or passport details, current address PIN, email address, date of birth and nationality details. E-sign through Aadhaar: Authenticate your identity by e-signing the application using your Aadhaar details and associated credentials. Complete Video KYC: In the final step, verify your identity through a secure video know-your-customer (KYC) session. Alternatively, applicants can also visit the nearest Bank of Baroda branch to apply in person by talking to the customer service team and submitting the required documents to complete the application process.

What are some key features and benefits of the BOB Vikram Credit Card? To cater to the unique needs of defence personnel, the Vikram credit card offers a range of benefits:

Lifetime free : This credit card comes with no joining or annual fees.

: This credit card comes with no joining or annual fees. Reward points : Earn 5 reward points for every  100 spent on departmental stores, groceries and movie ticket bookings; 1 point per  100 on other categories.

: Earn 5 reward points for every 100 spent on departmental stores, groceries and movie ticket bookings; 1 point per 100 on other categories. Waiver on fuel surcharge : 1% waiver on fuel transactions between  400 and  5,000, up to  250 per statement cycle.

: 1% waiver on fuel transactions between 400 and 5,000, up to 250 per statement cycle. Disney+ Hotstar subscription : A complimentary 3-month subscription upon first transaction within 30 days of card issuance.

: A complimentary 3-month subscription upon first transaction within 30 days of card issuance. Smart EMI facility : Convert purchases of  2,500 or more into EMIs ranging from 6 to 36 months.

: Convert purchases of 2,500 or more into EMIs ranging from 6 to 36 months. Add-on Cards: Up to 3 lifetime free add-on cards for family members. The family members must be aged 18 years or above. Note: The features discussed above are illustrative in nature. For the updated terms, conditions and features, refer to the official website of Bank of Baroda and the particular card section. You can also reach out to the dedicated customer service team for more information through the official website.

Conclusion Hence, Bank of Barodas Vikram credit card stands out as a fairly reasonable financial tool for defence officials. It comes with rewards and combines cost efficiency. Its user-friendly application process ensures that it can be applied for and obtained by following the above-given simple steps.
The sacred Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand is set to open its doors to devotees on May 2, 2025, at 7 am, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra season. Preparations are in full swing, with authorities ensuring that both the spiritual ambiance and logistical arrangements are meticulously planned for the influx of pilgrims.

In anticipation of the temple's opening, the Panchmukhi (five-faced) idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially dispatched from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The idol underwent the traditional Panch-Snan (fivefold ceremonial bath) before being placed on a decorated palanquin (doli). The procession was met with reverence by locals and school children lining the streets.

The temple premises have been adorned with vibrant floral arrangements and traditional decorations to welcome the deity and the devotees. The sanctum sanctorum and surrounding areas are being meticulously cleaned and embellished to enhance the spiritual experience for visitors.

Kedarnath temple is decked with 13 quintals of vibrant marigold and Himalayan blooms, creating a divine and festive atmosphere for the 2025 Char Dham Yatra.

A sea of pilgrims lines up in front of the Kedarnath shrine, chanting hymns and waiting patiently for darshan

Given the expected surge in pilgrim numbers, security has been significantly heightened. According to the Hindustan Times, Uttarakhand Director General of Police, Deepam Seth, has overseen the deployment of additional security personnel along the yatra routes and at the temple premises. Surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, have been installed to monitor crowd movements and ensure safety.

To maintain decorum within the temple premises, authorities have imposed a ban on video recording and reels, aiming to preserve the sanctity of the rituals and prevent overcrowding due to filming activities.

Also Read | Paytm issues explanation for putting QR codes for donation outside temples

Security personnel are stationed near the Kedarnath temple as part of heightened arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra 2025.

The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has confirmed that all necessary arrangements, including accommodations, drinking water, and electricity, are in place for priests and temple staff. Special registration counters have been established for senior citizens, differently abled individuals, and foreign nationals to facilitate a smooth registration process.

Helicopter services from Sonprayag to Kedarnath have commenced, offering an alternative for pilgrims unable to undertake the arduous trek. Each passenger is briefed on safety protocols before the flight to ensure a secure journey.

Also Read | Char Dham Yatra: Uttarakhand govt to introduce new system for devotees

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed confidence in the state's preparedness for the Char Dham Yatra. He has urged local residents and businesses to extend warm hospitality to the pilgrims, embodying the spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God).
Caste Census: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), on 30 April approved the enumeration of castes in the upcoming Census  a surprising decision that the opposition, and Rahul Gandhi have long been demanding amid the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) resistance. A pan-India census, due in 2021, was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi government's push for caste enumeration has already stirred the political pot in the country, with the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi claiming credit ahead of the crucial election in Bihar - a state where caste plays a key role in electoral outcomes.

Though the date of Census is not yet known, but the announcement by BJP government will feature during the election campaign in Bihar.

What is Caste census, why does it matter, and how would this open a Pandora's box in the country's political dynamics? LiveMint explains in this short primer:

What is Census? The Census is a decennial population-based survey that was conducted 15 times until 2011. It was undertaken every 10 years beginning in 1872 under Viceroy Lord Mayo, and the first complete census was taken in 1872. Post-1949, the Census was conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

All the Censuses since 1951 were conducted under the 1948 Census of India Act, which predates the Constitution of India. The last census was held in 2011, whilst the next was to be held in 2021 before it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

The next census is yet to have a confirmed date.

What is meant by Caste Census? A Caste Census means collecting Caste-based data during the Census. The data provides details on the distribution of caste groups, their socio-economic conditions, educational status, and other related factors.

The idea behind the caste census is to include questions about caste during the ordinary census exercise.

Caste enumeration was a regular feature of census exercises during British rule from 1881 to 1931. However, with the first census of independent India in 1951, the government discontinued the practice.

After India got its freedom, the government classified citizens into four broad groups based on social and educational criteria: Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backwards Classes (OBC), and the General category.

But the data gathered during Censuses since 1951 in India included the numbers of individuals belonging to the SCs and STs, besides religious denominations like Hindus and Muslims.

Members of caste groups other than SCs and STs were not counted. By 1961, however, the Union government had allowed states to conduct their own surveys and compile state-specific lists of OBCs if they wished.

The last caste data available is from the 1931 Census, which was taken before independence. The 1941 Census, which was taken during World War II, also collected data on caste, but it was never released.

Which states have done Caste Census in India? The Modi government's push for caste enumeration in the upcoming Census follows the caste surveys conducted by at least three states: Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka.

Bihar conducted the survey and published the data in 2023, when Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister, was the head of the JDU-RJD-Congress government. Telangana and Karnataka are both Congress-ruling states.

The Congress government in Telangana released its Socio Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste survey report in February last year. On Wednesday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reacted to the Central government's decision, saying that today, we have finally proven that what Telangana does today, India will follow tomorrow.

The Karnataka caste survey report, or the Socio-Economic and Education Survey, was commissioned during CM Siddaramaiahs first term in 2015. However, the report was submitted to him only on February 29 this year. It was finally tabled before the CM Siddaramaiah Cabinet on April 11.

Is Caste Census good or bad? For long, the BJP was seen as averse to the caste census. In fact, many party leaders often targeted the Congress, accusing it of using caste to divide the society.

On July 20, 2021, Minister of State (Home Affairs), Nityanand Rai, told the Parliament that the Modi government has decided it's a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in the Census.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who announced the decision, called it the reversal of the Congress party's policy. He blamed the Congress party for never conducting a caste census since independence and all the years it was in power.

Why is the Caste Census needed now? In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the consolidation of disadvantaged sections of society within the SCs, OBCs, and STs around the opposition's agenda impacted the BJPs numbers in many states and, in fact, denied it a simple majority, unlike in 2014 and 2019, according to analysts.

A senior BJP leader told news agency PTI that the party's lesson from the 2024 results was the need to make constant efforts to win over the deprived sections. These sections have been voting for the party in good numbers since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advent on the national scene but are not its committed voters.

The government has yet to announce the next census, which was held in 2011. So, the timeline of the caste census and its political implications remains far from clear.

The announcement comes as the Opposition, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the forefront, has adopted the caste census as a key election plank. It also comes six months ahead of the assembly election in Bihar, one of the key Hindi heartland states considered a cauldron of caste politics in India.

BJP's rivals, including the Congress, often turned to social justice politics, speaking about the empowerment of non-general castes, to counter its overarching plank of Hindutva. With the Modi government's decision on caste census, the BJP hopes to disarm them, at least for now.

What is SECC of UPA? In September 2010, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led Union Cabinet decided on a separate Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC).

The data from the SECC, which cost around 4,900 crore, was published by the Ministries of Rural Development and Urban Development in 2016, but the caste data were excluded.

The raw caste data was handed over to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which formed an Expert Group under then-NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Arvind Pangaria to classify and categorise it. The data has not been made public yet.

What happens next? Political experts said that the announcement of caste enumeration during the upcoming census is more about rhetoric than substance. The next steps, which include conducting the exercise, releasing the numbers, and how parties weaponise them to seek quotas and sub-quotas in jobs and education proportional to caste representation, might as well open a Pandora's box, they said.

The Supreme Court has put a 50 per cent cap on reservations. The caste data, whenever it comes, would only have a meaning when it is used in fixing quotas in jobs, reservations etc. Will the parties challenge the 50 per cent quota. It is not going to be easy. It will open a Pandora's box, political analyst Rasheed Kidwai told LiveMint.
Senior Congress leader and former union minister Girija Vyas died at a hospital in Ahmedabad, her family said on Thursday. Vyas had suffered burn injuries on March 31 while performing aarti at her home in Udaipur, Rajasthan. She was 79.

Vyas's brother Gopal Sharma said that she succumbed to burn injuries at the Ahmedabad hospital on Thursday evening. Her funeral will be conducted in Udaipur on Friday, Sharma told PTI.

According to the PTI report, Vyas was performing aarti during which her dupatta caught fire from a burning lamp. Vyas had suffered critical burn injuries from the accident. She was taken to a private hospital in Udaipur where she was referred to Ahmedabad.

Leaders condole Girija Vyas's death Former chief minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot expressed shock over the Vya's death and called it an irreparable loss for all of us. In a post on X, Gehlot wrote, Dr Girija Vyas had made a great contribution in the field of education, politics and social service. Her untimely demise in such an accident is a big shock for all of us.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also expressed shock at the news of Vyas's death, while recollecting fond memories of working in her elections as a young party activist.

Shocked at the news of the sad demise of Congress leader @DrGirijaVyas. I have fond memories of working in her elections as a young Congress activist. Her poetry and her politics will always be remembered for their old world charm. Travel well Girija ji, he wrote in a post on X.

Assam Congress called Vyas "a champion of women's rights, and a voice of wisdom".

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Girija Vyas, a stalwart of the Congress Party, a champion of women's rights, and a voice of wisdom. Assam Congress offers heartfelt condolences. May her soul rest in peace," the Assam Congress posted on X.

Congress MP KC Venugopal called Vyas a fearless voice and a committed public servant. In a post on X, he wrote, A fearless voice, a committed public servant, and a lifelong fighter for womens rightsher passing is a huge loss to the Congress Party and the nation.

My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of countless people she inspired and empowered, he added.

Who was Girija Vyas? Vyas was a prominent Congress leader who served as a minister in both the state and central governments. She was also the PCC chief. She also served as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women, a PTI report said.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said that schools, religious places, and markets have been directed to ban single-use plastic. Strict action will be taken against defacement and encroachment, she said.

The Delhi government also launched a special 20-day drive to remove garbage, debris from roads, and public spaces. Top officials will be held accountable, news agency PTI quoted CM Gupta as saying.

These announcements were made following a high-level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at Raj Niwas which was attended by district magistrates, deputy commissioners, DCPs, and department heads, the report said.

"In every corner of the city, cameras should be active. Every religious place, market and school has been directed to ban single-use plastic. Dust-prone areas will be greened through plantations, and cleanliness will be carried out twice daily 8 am and in the evening," CM Rekha Gupta said in a press conference on Thursday.

The 20-day cleanliness drive Aiming to transform Delhi's public spaces, the CM announced an intensive cleanliness drive across the national capital. The drive that begins tomorrow, will implement large-scale waste segregation, remove encroachments and ensure daily monitoring and reporting, a PTI report said.

During the press conference, CM Gupta stressed that all civic body officials would be held accountable for their areas. "Every top official has to visit their jurisdiction daily and submit reports to their department head, which will be forwarded to the CM's office. No encroachment, debris, or garbage will be tolerated on public pathways, parks or markets," she said.

She also said that wall defacement though posters or graffiti would invite strict penalties.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, signalling a major push towards a cleaner capital under the new government, described the high-level meeting as a turning point.

In a post on X, Sirsa said that top leadership gave firm, clear, and uncompromising directions that no more construction debris (malba), garbage dumping or encroachments would be tolerated.

Delhi EV Interconnector (DEVI) announced Sirsa also announced the beginning of Delhi EV Interconnector (DEVI), a fleet of green buses which will aim to solve the Capital's last mile connectivity issues. The DEVI services will begin from May 2, Sirsa announced on X.

Health check up for workers, family, 3 hours rest CM Gupta also announced on Thursday that the Delhi government will conduct an annual health check up of workers and their family members, apart from issuing a notification to fix midday to 3 pm time period as rest hours for them.

CM Gupta was addressing a programme to felicitate workers on the International Labour Day in Delhi on Thursday when she made these announcements.

She also greeted and interacted with women workers on the occasion of Labour Day along with Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta meets workers at a construction site at New Rohtak Road on World Labour Day in New Delhi, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

She also said that BJP government is committed to ensuring better life for people who come to Delhi for livelihood and better health and education, a PTI report said.

Highlighting various initiatives undertaken by her government in the past two months after coming to power in Delhi, Gupta said the scheme for health check up will include all workers and their families.

The Delhi government will also ensure that the workers are provided rest from 12 noon to 3 pm when the day is intensely warm, and bring out a notification for it, she added

According to the report, she said that the BJP government in Delhi has already started implementing schemes such as Ayushman Bharat for health insurance, Vay Vandana Yojana for elderly aged 70 and above, Atal canteen for food and Palna centres for children that will directly benefit the workers.

The triple-engine push Highlighting the BJP-led central and state governments along with municipal control, CM Gupta said, "Delhi is witnessing a historic moment with the advent of a triple-engine government. This campaign, under triple enging government, will break the deadlock of years and turn Prime Minister Modis vision of Swachh Bharat into a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Delhi."

The renewed focus on sanitation comes after the Bharatiya Janata Partys decisive win in the February Delhi Assembly elections, where it secured 48 of 70 seats, reducing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to 22. Cleanliness and sanitation were major flashpoints during the campaign.
A fire broke out at Hotel Naaz in the Diggi Bazaar of Ajmer, Rajasthan. The incident has claimed four lives, according to a PTI report. The four deceased included a woman and a child as well.

"Fire incident occurred at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area today morning. Police team is on the spot. Four people, including two men, a woman and a child, have died due to suffocation and burn injuries," JLN Medical College Principal Dr Anil Samaria told PTI.

The authorities are facing issues with the rescue operations due to the narrow road. The fire was caused by a short circuit. One of the guests at the hotel claimed that they could hear the sound of a blast and ran away with his wife.

Some guests at the five-storey hotel jumped out of the window.

"A woman threw her child in my lap from a window. She also tried to jump off the building, but we stopped her," Mangila Kalosia, a guest at the hotel, told PTI.

Kolkata hotel fire The Ajmer hotel fire incident comes days after the fire broke out in a hotel near Falpatti Machhua in central Kolkata, claiming 14 lives and multiple injuries.

This fire incident took place at around 8:15 p.m. at the premises of Rituraj Hotel. Fourteen bodies have been recovered, and several people have been rescued by the teams, Manoj Kumar Verma, Kolkata Police Commissioner told ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex gratia of 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and 50,000 each for the injured.

Additionally, the West Bengal government has announced to provide an ex gratia of 2 lakh each to the families of deceased, while the injured persons will get 50,000, reported ANI. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences in a post on X.
Chinese PLA Guard of Honor attends Vietnam's 50th anniversary of south liberation parade

Xinhua) 09:15, May 01, 2025

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 30 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Vietnam's Ministry of National Defense, the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) participated in a military parade here on Wednesday, celebrating Vietnam's 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

As the Chinese formation entered the parade ground, the Vietnamese audience rose to their feet and greeted them with enthusiastic applause.

"I was deeply impressed by the Chinese soldiers' dignified appearance and movements. I feel proud of the comradeship and brotherhood between Vietnam and China," said a Vietnamese audience Pham Thi Hue after the parade.

This marks the first time for the PLA's Guard of Honor to be invited to participate in a military parade in Vietnam. Troops from the Vietnamese army, navy and air force, police forces, as well as foreign military formations participated in the parade.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
The Special Forces of Azerbaijan celebrated their birthday on April 30.

The Azerbaijani special forces became a legend after the 44-day Patriotic War. The main victories of the liberation war are associated with his name, and the Shusha operation has already been included in the textbooks of military institutes in different countries of the world.

In June 2023, presenting a Battle flag to one of their units, the Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, said that the number of special forces had increased many times after the 44-day war. According to the head of state, special forces are a big force and they have one goal - to protect our territory, ensure its territorial integrity and, in the event of a threat to our security, deliver crushing blows to enemy forces.

The Azerbaijani special forces have fulfilled and continue to fulfill this task.

The Special Forces were established in 1999 by decree of national leader Heydar Aliyev. These units of the Azerbaijani Army, united under a single command, were formed in close cooperation with the Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish Special Forces. Today, President Ilham Aliyev pays special attention to the Special Forces.

Special forces is considered one of the elite units, in the good sense of the word. To be eligible to serve in the special forces, a soldier must possess many qualities and skills, undergo difficult selection and serious training. Special tasks are assigned to special forces, special hopes are pinned on them, special results are expected from special forces.

For the first time, the Azerbaijani special forces made themselves known during the April 2016 fighting. The opponent unexpectedly encountered a large force and ran. On the fields of the Patriotic War of 2020, the special forces demonstrated not only professionalism, but also high fortitude and incredible courage. Foreign military experts are still continuing to analyze how a small group of special forces, who did not have serious weapons with them, managed to carry out an operation that, in their professional opinion, was considered impossible. The Azerbaijani special forces did the impossible by liberating Shusha, after which the complete defeat of the occupier became inevitable.

For their heroism and possessions, many commandos were presented with orders and medals.

Today, the Special Forces of Azerbaijan are one of the most equipped units with modern weapons. New units are being opened, and all the necessary conditions for training are being created. In the post-war period, the process of army construction continues and includes, among other things, special forces. In 2021, commando units were established in Azerbaijan.

On April 30, 2022, President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the creation of the special forces, visited the military unit of the Special Forces of the Ministry of Defense and addressed the personnel.

"The special forces have great merit in our Victory in the Patriotic War. As the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, I know this and have told the Azerbaijani public about it. The entire Azerbaijani people know this, and so does the enemy. The liberation of our villages from the first days of the war shocked the enemy. They did not believe that the Azerbaijani army, having broken through five or six defensive lines with its chest, shedding blood, and sacrificing the lives of martyrs, would be able to win a historic victory," the head of state told the commandos.

The President noted that everyone who comes to Shusha today wonders how the sons of Azerbaijan managed to take this impregnable fortress. "Whenever I approach Shusha on the Victory Road and see these steep cliffs, you stand in front of my eyes. How this impregnable fortress was taken - with light weapons, in street battles, hand-to-hand. The Armenians, who were on top of the mountain opposite, armed to the teeth with guns and tanks, turned out to be helpless in front of you. And your strength, and your will, and your professionalism, and your love for the Motherland. You fought for your homeland in your native land. The occupying enemy would not be able to resist you on Azerbaijani soil," the President said, adding that the Armenian armed forces begin to tremble with fear at the mere mention of Azerbaijani special forces.

Taking into account the importance of army construction, additional funds were allocated after the Second Karabakh War and the number of Azerbaijani special forces was doubled. The training of special forces units was taken under special control. The selection process for these units has become tougher than before. Despite this, there is no shortage of those who want to serve in the legendary special forces.

In December 2021, President Ilham Aliyev visited the village of Hadrut in the Khojavend region, where he took part in the opening of a military unit of the newly created commando brigade and made a number of important statements. At the opening of the new military unit, the head of state noted that not one, not two, but many commando brigades are already being created in Azerbaijan, which are capable of performing any military task, which will significantly increase the power of our army.

Commando units are designed to perform special tasks in the interests of the ground forces. They have the ability to perform special tasks in parallel on land, on water and in the air, in difficult climatic and geographical conditions both in the area of responsibility of the ground forces and in the enemy's rear. Our commandos were trained in Turkiye - a 6-week Mountain Commando School course at the Isparta Training Center (Turkiye) and a Mountain Commando course. The main feature of these formations is the absence of heavy armored vehicles, as well as a more advanced course in mining and special training of personnel. According to military experts, it was the light infantry units that provided the advantage of the Azerbaijani army during the 44-day war.

"Our children who have received good training, demonstrated high will and are ready to give their lives for their Homeland will serve in these brigades. This will greatly enhance the power of our army. I want to say once again that there will be many such brigades, thousands of our servicemen will serve in them. Thus, the Azerbaijani army will continue to maintain its professionalism and high morale," President Ilham Aliyev said at the opening ceremony of the unit.

The Azerbaijani special forces became a terror to the occupiers during the 44-day war. It seems that the memories of the battles remain the horror of Armenian revanchists even today. The development of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and especially the Special Forces is not a secret and is well known to the neighbors. Hopefully, they won't want to experience this power again.
India and Pakistan have closed their airspace to each other, meaning Indian airlines cannot use Pakistani airspace and vice versa. However, India's airspace closure will have a more severe impact on Pakistani airlines, according to Air Marshal (Retd) Sanjeev Kapoor.

In a self-made video shared by news agency ANI, Kapoor is heard saying that India's decision to close its airspace to Pakistan's airlines in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack is expected to severely disrupt Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations. This will increase the flight times and costs.

Kapoor explained that tactical factors, such as longer routes due to the airspace closure, will lead to higher fuel consumption, delayed schedules, and reduced aircraft utilisation. All these are likely to significantly reduce PIA's operating costs.

Also Read | How Pakistans Airspace Ban For Indian Airlines Cost Them Millions Of Dollars

The flights originating from Islamabad to Kuala Lumpur of Pakistan International Airlines, which generally take about 5 hours 30 minutes, will now take 8 hours 30 minutes, he said.

Any aircraft originating from Pakistan that needs to travel to, say, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka will have to take a longer route over the sea, Kapoor added.

He explained the severe implications that the Pakistani airlines may have to face.

This will lead to increased flying time, increased operating costs, and increased ticket prices. This will lead to increased turnaround times and a shortage of aircrews. The same aeroplane will have to be rotated back, which will be further delayed. This will lead to less utilisation of these aeroplanes, the former Air Marshal noted.

Pakistan's airspace closure: Impact on India Air Marshal (Retd) Sanjeev Kapoor also took a note of how the closure of the Pakistani airspace would impact Indian airlines.

Pakistan's decision to block Indian airlines from using their airspace will have a limited impact on its southern and western flight operations but will affect northern routes, especially from New Delhi, he said.

Our flights operating from North India, international flights, especially from Delhi, get affected because we have to go to Gujarat and thereafter follow the westbound route over the Arabian Sea into the UAE and then further on. However, international flights operate south of Gujarat, specifically from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai - they are not affected at all, Kapoor explained in the video.

So there is not much implication for any of the flights operating from the southern Peninsula in our country except for flights operating out of the Delhi area for us, he added.
Maharashtra Day 2025: Greeting the people of Maharashtra on the 65th anniversary of the creation of the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in English and Marathi posts on social media, acknowledged its vital role in Indias development.

He wrote on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Maharashtra Day greetings to the people of the state, which has always played a vital role in Indias development. When one thinks of Maharashtra, its glorious history and the courage of the people come to our mind. The state remains a strong pillar of progress and at the same time has remained connected to its roots. My best wishes for the states progress. (sic)

Maharashtra Day 2025 celebrations begin: Flag Unfurled  WATCH To begin official celebrations in the state, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar unfurled the national flag at Pune City Police Headquarters Parade Ground, on the occasion of Maharashtra's 65th Foundation Day, ANI reported.

Rahul Gandhi on Maharashtra Day Greetings and best wishes to the people of Maharashtra and Gujarat on their Foundation Day! The rich histories and vibrant cultures of these states are a true testament to India's strength. Their invaluable contributions have always played a pivotal role in shaping our nations progress. May this special day strengthen our unity, harmony, and bring prosperity to all, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said.

What is the significance of Maharashtra Day? Maharashtra Day, celebrated on May 1st every year, marks the formation of the state Maharashtra in 1960, following the division of the Bombay State on linguistic lines. The Marathi-speaking population was granted its own state on this day, with Mumbai as its capital.

Also Read | What is Maharashtra Day? Check traffic advisory in Mumbai for May 1 holiday

The day has great importance 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 cultural events, parades, flag hoisting ceremonies and tributes to the leaders and citizens who contributed to the states formation. Government offices, schools, and public institutions hold special programs to commemorate this historic occasion.
Maharashtra Day, commonly known as Maharashtra Din, is celebrated every year on May 1 and is observed as a state holiday. The day commemorating the formation of Marathi-speaking state of Maharashtra is being celebrated on Thursday this year. The Day is celebrated with official ceremonies, including parades, and cultural events across the state.

May 1 holds immense significance all over the world as International Labour Day is celebrated on this day. It is an important day in Indian history as well as the division of the Bombay State took place on this day in 1960.

What's open and what's closed on May 1 Stock market Maharashtra Day is among one of the 14 listed trading holidays for 2025. Indian stock exchanges - National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE - will be observing Maharashtra Day and hence will remain closed on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Trading operations across all segments will remain suspended for the entire day. Thus, equities, equity derivatives, currency derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB) segments will not be operating today as Maharashtra Day is a regional holiday.

Also Read | What is Maharashtra Day? Check traffic advisory in Mumbai for May 1 holiday

A modified schedule is in place for Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) operations today while equity markets will remain closed. The evening session - 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm - will open for trading in commodities such as gold, silver, crude oil, and agricultural products while the morning session - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm- will stay shut.

Notably, regular trading across all exchanges will resume on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Offices, schools and Banks Government offices, schools and banks remain shut on this day as it is a state holiday in Maharashtra.

As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) list of holidays there are several cities where banks are closed today, including Belapur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad - Telangana, Imphal, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji, Patna, Raipur and Thiruvananthapuram.

Liquor shops This day is observed as a dry day, so as per regulations liquor shops will be closed implying that there will be a prohibition on the sale of alcohol across Maharashtra.
New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) There is a need for policy dialogues to fast-track development of pumped storage hydroelectricity projects in the country with a focus on reviewing procedural delays in such projects, Power secretary Pankaj Agarwal said on Thursday.

The senior ministry official was addressing a 'Brainstorming Session on Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India's Renewable Future' organised by THDC India and Central Electricity Authority in association with NTPC in the national capital.

In his address, Agarwal emphasised ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort.

"The secretary also said that there is a need of brainstorming and policy dialogue to fast-track PSP development, with a focus on reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes and platforms like these are vital for building consensus and enabling coordinated sectoral action," THDC India said in a statement.

He also emphasised that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort.

According to the Ministry of Power, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has made ambitious plan to concur minimum 13 PSPs of about 22 GW during 2025-26. Most of these PSPs are targeted to be commissioned in four years and latest by 2030.

Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, stressed on the urgent need for large-scale deployment of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), stating that the energy transition cannot succeed without robust storage solutions. Given the intermittent nature of renewables, he emphasised the need of storage capabilities for a stable shift to renewable energy and reliable grid management.

R K Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL, said that the focus will be on identifying roadblocks and exploring ways to ensure faster and more efficient execution of projects on the ground.

Vishnoi also addressed the scope of automation in various aspects of operations and how it can ensure seamless operations, and enhance efficiency.
In a second incident since February, a Nepali girl student of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel on Thursday evening.

The girl, who hails from the Birgunj area of Nepal, was studying computer science in the institute. Her identity is yet to be ascertained.

Yes, the body of a girl from Nepal has been recovered. It seems that she has committed suicide at the ladies' hostel of KIIT, reported PTI, quoting Police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh.

Her body was recovered from room number 111 of the ladies' hostel of the institute, a senior officer said.

According to Orissa Post, the Police Commissioner said that they have informed the Embassy of Nepal in India about the incident and have shifted the body to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

He added that the parents of the deceased are expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar tomorrow, after which the post-mortem will be conducted.

The scientific team is conducting a search. An unnatural death case has been registered as no complaint has been received, reported Odisha TV.

Three months ago, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B Tech (computer science), allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room, leading to unrest on the campus.

Also Read | KIIT Nepali student's heartbreaking last call to her mother before tragedy

While a 21-year-old KIIT student was arrested on charges of abetting the girls suicide, five others were booked for their alleged act of abusing and assaulting the students

The Odisha government also constituted a fact-finding committee to determine the circumstances that led to the 20-year-old Nepali girls unnatural death in KIIT hostel and what prompted the institute to issue suspension letters to students who were seeking justice.

In March, finding gross negligence on the part of the KIIT authorities over the suicide, the NHRC sought an action taken report from the Odisha government, UGC and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) within four weeks.

However, in its petition in court, the KIIT argued that while the NHRC had taken suo motu cognisance of the students death on March 3, it proceeded to issue directions on March 27 without notifying or seeking a response from the institution.
The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on April 29 stayed the deportation of four members of a family who were at risk of being deported from India on allegations that they were Pakistani citizens, a Bar and Bench report said on Thursday. The members included a police constable of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP).

The central government on April 23 suspended the SAARC Special Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. The government order also directed Pakistani nationals to leave India by April 30. On May 1, the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar remained open for Pakistani nationals exiting India.

These decisions were some of the measures taken by the Union government following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's tourist resort, Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians on April 22.

What the petition said According to the report, the four petitioners, all from the same family and residents of Poonch, said that they too would be forced to leave India on allegations that they were Pakistanis. Denying the allegations, they said that they were bona fide residents of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

Also Read | Pahalgam Attack News LIVE: NIA DG leaves Pahalgam after inspection of site

The petitioners from village Salwah in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district said they had been residing in India for decades and possessed land revenue records dating back to 2014.

They claimed that they were being wrongfully targeted. The family had approached the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court after they were detained and faced imminent deportation from India, the Bar and Bench report said.

What the court said Justice Rahul Bharti observed that there was sufficient material, including revenue documents and police service records, to show that the petitioners were Poonch residents, the report said.

The court stayed any move to deport the petitioners from India for the time being, although it added that this direction would be subject to objections from the government's side.

" Petitioners be not asked or forced to leave UT of Jammu & Kashmir. This direction is, however, subject to objections from the other side," the court's order said.

Further, the court sought a detailed affidavit from the deputy commissioner of Poonch regarding the petitioners' landholdings and status in their village.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday. The two lawmakers discussed the Pahalgam terror attack during the hone conversation. During the phone talks with Rajnath Singh, US Defence Secretary Hegseth expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of lives in Pahalgam terror attack.

Secretary Hegseth said that the US stands in solidarity with India and supports Indias right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the US government in India's fight against terrorism, according to Defense Ministry statement.

Rajnath Singh also told Pete Hegseth that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations.

Rajnath Singh further said that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism, the official statement added.

Rajnath Singh also told Pete Hegseth that 'Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations'

The call comes after US urged India and Pakistan to work together to de-escalate tensions and avoid an expected clash, after militants last week killed dozens of people in the Indian-controlled portion of the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with top officials from India and Pakistan countries on Wednesday, asking them to maintain peace and security in South Asia.

Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Jaishankar said in an X post Thursday that he discussed the attack in Kashmir with Rubio on April 30. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice, he said.

Marco Rubio also told Pakistans prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, of the need to condemn the attack and re-establish direct communications, according to a statement from the US State Department.

In a televised address shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said his country had credible intelligence that India would carry out military action in the next 24 to 36 hours. Hours later at a news conference, Pakistans military spokesman, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said the countrys response to any Indian aggression will be befitting and decisive.
A day after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led union government decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, posters showing Rahul Gandhi, who had a long-standing demand for it, have been put up outside the Congress office in the national capital, according to a video by news agency ANI.

PM Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), on April 30 approved the enumeration of castes in the upcoming Census.

The Centre's push for caste enumeration has already stirred the political pot in the country, with the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi claiming credit ahead of the Bihar Assembly election.

Centre's announcement comes at a time when the Opposition, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the forefront, has adopted caste census as a key election plank. It also comes six months ahead of the assembly election in Bihar, one of the states where Caste plays a key role in electoral outcomes.

RaGa welcomes move Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, April 30, welcomed the government's sudden decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census after 11 years of opposing it.

Crediting the sustained campaign run by the Congress for the government's announcement on the Caste census, Gandhi said his immediate suspicion is that this could go the women's bill way in terms of implementation and demanded a specific date for it.

I would like to reiterate that the Caste Census is the first step. Our vision is to bring a new development paradigm through the 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 the Caste Census it will be found, but we have to go ahead of the Caste Census, Gandhi said on Wednesday.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday, May 1, said yoga guru Ramdev was "not in control of anyone" and "lived in his own world" as it held him in prima facie contempt of its order over his 'Sharbat Jihad' remarks against Hamdard's Rooh Afza, PTI reported.

The court had previously, on April 22, ordered him to not issue any statement or share videos in future over Hamdard's products. The order came after the Delhi court was informed that Ramdev published a video making objectionable statements despite the order, PTI reported.

Justice Amit Bansal said, In view of the last order, his affidavit as well as this video are prima facie in contempt. I will issue a contempt notice now. We are just calling him here.

He (Ramdev) is not in control of anyone. He lives in his own world, the judge remarked.

Ramdev's counsel requested the court to postpone the hearing due to the absence of the arguing counsel, leading the court to defer proceedings for a short time.

The case stems from a plea filed by Hamdard National Foundation India against Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd over controversial remarks made by Ramdev.

During an earlier hearing, the court expressed strong disapproval of Ramdevs comment describing Hamdards Rooh Afza as part of a "sharbat jihad", calling it indefensible and stating it had shaken the court's conscience. In response, Ramdev assured the court he would immediately remove the related videos and social media posts.

Hamdards counsel argued that, while promoting Patanjalis gulab sharbat, Ramdev claimed that profits from Rooh Afza were being used to fund madrasas and mosquesremarks that have drawn sharp criticism and legal scrutiny, PTI reported.
Pahalgam Attack News Highlights: The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea over the Pahalgam terror attack today, May 1, 2025, seeking to constitute a judicial commission. The plea also asks for directions to the Union government and the government of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to protect other tourists in Kashmir, reported ANI. Mohammad Junaid, a resident of Kashmir, along with Fatesh Kumar Sahu and Vicky Kumar, filed the plea.

Pahalgam terror attack

On Tuesday, April 22, terrorists indiscriminately shot people in Kashmir's Pahalgam, claiming 26 lives. The attack occurred in Baisaran, also known as mini Switzerland. The 26 deceased included two foreigners, a businessman from Karnataka.

Stay tuned for all LIVE updates on Pahalgam Terror Attack News.
Photo Credit: ESPN

Stephen A. Smith has a list of passions that appears to be ever-expanding, most recently being rumored to even potentially having an interest in trying his hand in politics. But on Monday, Smith returned to his original unique media venture, his on again, off again, role on the hit drama General Hospital.

Smith has long been a fan of General Hospital, discussing the show extensively in the early days of his tenure at ESPN. In 2007, Smith received his first chance to star on the show in a cameo. But he would later get a chance to serve in a more permanent role on the show.

In 2016, Smith returned to the show as a character named Brick, who works in surveillance for the Corinthos family. While he is far from a main character, he has made numerous appearances in this role, which have became more regular ever since 2020, with his most recent coming in April of 2024.

That is, until Smith reappeared on the April 28 episode of the ABC soap opera, killing an assassin  who was posed as a nurse attempting to kill his boss  in self-defense.

WATCH: Sonnys life hangs in the balance as an assassin makes her move and gives the coffee importer a glimpse at the other side. #GH pic.twitter.com/cmsDy7nhGb  General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) April 29, 2025

Smiths appearance was shown in its entirety on Wednesdays edition of First Take, which his castmates Ryan Clark, Louis Riddick, and Chris Russo all got a kick out of.

How many times did you rehearse that? asked Riddick.

None. First take baby. I remember my lines, replied Smith.

But why did you hit the nurse with the I need to see some I.D.?' asked Ryan Clark.

Thats right. She was pretending to be a nurse trying to kill my boss. I had to take her out, replied Smith. I was tipped off because we found somebody in the closet. We knew it wasnt a nurse but we just had to make sure.

It turns out, this isnt the last that we will see of Smith on scripted television programming either. He would further share that he is actually set to serve in a role on NBCs Law and Order on May 8. This revelation led to Ryan Clark speaking quite highly of everything that Smith has going on.

This dude, bro, said Clark. Acting, First Take, producing. Hes gonna be our next president. A lot going on.

I expect your vote, joked Smith.

Smiths media enterprise certainly seems to be full steam ahead despite some of the recent controversies he has found himself involved in with LeBron James. And while his first love may always be sports, he sure isnt afraid to get outside of his comfort zone.
Pahalgam terror attack: In a joint operation conducted on Wednesday evening near Bharopal village in Amritsar district, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition along the International Border.

The seized items included two hand grenades, three pistols with six magazines, and 50 live rounds of ammunition. The recovered weapons and explosives have been handed over to Punjab Police for further investigation.

A BSF official stated that the coordinated effort between the two forces helped prevent any untoward incident, reflecting the agencies ongoing vigilance in maintaining security along the border.

This recovery follows another major haul just days earlier in Sahowal village, where five hand grenades, 4.50 kg of RDX explosives, four pistols, 220 rounds, two remote controls, and a battery charger were seized by the BSF and Punjab Police. These successive recoveries underscore the heightened security measures near the border amid ongoing regional tensions.

Security forces continue to maintain heightened alertness in the region to ensure the safety and security of border areas.

Also Read | India allows Pakistani nationals to exit from Attari border

Attari Border Reopened Temporarily In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government modified its earlier directive and allowed Pakistani nationals stranded in India to exit through the Attari-Wagah border until further notice.

This decision came as a relief to many Pakistanis, including diplomats, who had been stuck after the initial April 30 deadline to leave India expired. However, Pakistan has yet to open its border gates to receive these nationals.

Since the directive, hundreds of Pakistani nationals have crossed back into Pakistan via Attari, while over a thousand Indians have entered India from Pakistan. The move follows increased diplomatic and security tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam attack.

Also Read | India-Pakistan border shut for civilians after Pahalgam attacks

Pahalgam Terror Attack On April 22, 2025, five armed militants launched a brutal attack on tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local Muslim pony operator.

The attackers, armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines, reportedly singled out victims based on religion, demanding they recite Islamic verses before shooting them.

Also Read | Supreme Court rejects plea for judicial probe into Pahalgam attack

The attack is considered the deadliest in the region in decades and has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. India accused Pakistan of backing the militants, while Pakistan denied involvement.
In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. The Pakistani military has intensified its deployment along the border with India, positioning advanced weaponry and conducting extensive military exercises as a show of strength.

Also Read | Navy officer Vinay Narwal's widow appeals for peace after Pahalgam attack

People in the know have told ANI that Pakistan has deployed radar systems and air defence weaponry opposite the Longewala sector in Barmer, Rajasthan. The Pakistan Air Force is simultaneously conducting three major exercises-Fiza-e-Badr, Lalkar-e-Momin, and Zarb-e-Haidari-engaging its entire fleet of fighter aircraft, including F-16s, J-10s, and JF-17s.

These exercises began on April 29 and feature the Saab airborne early warning and control system aircraft, signalling a heightened state of readiness.

In addition to aerial preparations, the Pakistan Armys Strike Corps units are undertaking training in their respective areas, while the Airport Security Force has been deployed to safeguard ground assets and provide perimeter security at air bases.

The SH-15 howitzers from China continue to be inducted into the Pakistan Army and the units are getting deployed in forward locations.

The build-up follows the Indian governments Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on April 23, which condemned the Pahalgam attack and highlighted the cross-border links involved. India has responded with strong measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, to send a clear message to Pakistan regarding its support for cross-border terrorism.

What Are Howitzers? Howitzers are a type of artillery piece characterised by a relatively short barrel and the ability to fire shells on high trajectories at medium ranges. Unlike traditional cannons, howitzers can deliver indirect fire, allowing them to target enemy positions behind cover or terrain obstacles.

The SH-15 howitzer, manufactured in China, is a modern self-propelled artillery system known for its mobility, rapid firing capability, and precision. Its deployment enhances Pakistans artillery strength along the border, enabling swift and effective responses in case of conflict escalation.

The ongoing military exercises and deployment of advanced weaponry such as the SH-15 howitzers underscore Pakistans intent to bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities amid the rising strain with India.
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Indian government has intensified its crackdown on Pakistan's soft power.

Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly, have had their Instagram accounts restricted in India.

Indian users attempting to view these profiles are now met with a message that reads: Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.

Photo: Instagram.

Mahira Khan's Instagram account not available in India.

Who is Hania Aamir? Hania Aamir, a Pakistani actor who rose to fame with her debut in the 2016 film Janaan, quickly became a household name. She has since starred in several popular Pakistani dramas, including Mere Humsafar, Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha, Ishqiya, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and Anaa.

In addition to her success in Pakistan, Hania also enjoys a large fan following in India. At a recent event in Manchester, she was asked whether she would consider working in Bollywood films or music videos. Known for her interest in Bollywood music and cinema, Hania responded, Whenever this question is asked, it feels like it's something wrong to do. But its art, and I dont have any problem with it. So, whenever I get an opportunity that seems fun and makes me feel like I can do well in it, then why not?

Meanwhile, India has banned the official YouTube channel of Pakistan's Army's ISPR, effectively halting its propaganda within the country.

Screengrab from the YouTube.

Here's what Javed Akhtar said about Pakistani artists Earlier on Tuesday, the veteran screenwriter and poet Javed Akhtar told PTI that there's virtually no warmth left in India-Pakistan cultural relations today, adding that this is not an appropriate time to even consider whether Pakistani artists should be permitted to work in India.

"This could be thought about in better times, and hopefully, after some years, some sense will prevail. And there'll be a better attitude towards India from the establishment of Pakistan. And then this can be considered. But at the moment, this question should not be asked. Not possible," Akhtar told PTI in an interview.

Also Read: Hania Aamir sparks meme fest on Twitter as Indian fans send her water after India suspends Indus Treaty

Akhtar further stated that blocking Pakistani artists in India would only benefit the army and fundamentalists in Pakistan, who desire a deep divide between the two nations.

He said, "They dont want Pakistanis to witness the kind of freedom and privileges that every Indian citizen enjoys... This distance is what suits them."

Akhtar's remarks come after government sources said last week that the film Abir Gulaal, which stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, will not be permitted for theatrical release in India, PTI reported.

Blocking Pakistani artists in India would only benefit the army and fundamentalists in Pakistan, who desire a deep divide between the two nations.

There's virtually no warmth left in India-Pakistan cultural relations today.

This decision comes in the wake of increasing demands to ban the film, which was originally scheduled to release on May 9, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
Thai prosecutors dismissed charges against an American academic accused of insulting the countrys monarchy, after his arrest was criticized by the US and cast a shadow over tariff talks.

Prosecutors dropped royal insult and computer crime charges against Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in northern Phitsanulok province, and will inform police of the decision pending any objection, the Office of the Attorney General in a statement Thursday. No clear reasons were cited in the statement for the decision.

Chambers, who has lived in Thailand for more than 30 years, was accused by a regional army unit of breaking the royal insult, or lese majeste, law over comments about the powers of the prime minister and the monarchy in a blurb promoting an international webinar last October where he was a speaker. Chambers has denied the charge.

The case is seen as linked to a delay in talks between Thailand and the US on reducing a Trump administration plan to slap a 36% tariff on the Southeast Asian nations exports.

Talks initially slated for late April were postponed after Washington asked Bangkok to address a set of issues related to trade, government officials have said. The extent of the issues have been been made clear by Thai officials, and no new date has been set for talks to be held.

The US Department of State said in a statement on April 8 that it was alarmed by his arrest and the case reinforced its longstanding concerns about the use of the lese majeste law in Thailand. The term refers to Article 112 of the Thai criminal code, which punishes anyone who defames, insults or threatens Thailands king, queen, heir-apparent or regent by up to 15 years in prison.

Chambers, an expert on the Thai armed forces, was released from pre-trial detention on bail days after being arrested. The bail conditions included a ban on overseas travel without the courts permission and confiscation of his passport. He was also required to wear an electronic monitoring device around his ankle.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Pakistan has appointed Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, the country's new National Security Adviser (NSA), according to the official release. Lt Gen Asim Malik has been given the NSA position as additional charge with immediate effect.

In September 2024, he was appointed as the ISI head, media reports said.

Pak's govt official release over Asim Malik's appointment as NSA

The new decision comes as Islamabad fears a military action by India following the terror attack in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) which claimed 26 lives on April 22.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar cautioned that any act of aggression would be met with a firm response, emphasising that India would be held accountable for any significant repercussions in the region.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government have alleged India of "empty rhetoric" over the Pahalgam attack and pressed for a "neutral" investigation into the carnage.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said a military incursion by India was imminent, adding Pakistan was on high alert but would only use its nuclear weapons if there is a direct threat to our existence.

"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," Reuters quoted him as saying.

India-Pakistan ties India has downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Attari land-transit post, and withdrawing visas for Pakistan nationals.

In a series of retaliatory diplomatic moves, Pakistan also suspended visas issued to Indians, reduced the Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30, closed its airspace to all Indian aircraft, and suspended all trade activities with India.

India blocks Pakistan's YouTube channels in India India recently blocked Pakistan's 16 YouTube news channels, namely Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News and Razi Naama.
A 32-year-old father from Sichuan, China, left his well-paid job to care for his baby daughter, Jasmine, who was born in May 2023.

With both grandparents working elsewhere and no money for a nanny, he took over parenting. His job was more flexible than his wifes government post. Now, he earns by selling baby items online. But, the income is much less.

Also Read | Company faces backlash after live-streaming employees working over the weekend

Earlier, he made 20,000 yuan ( 2.33 lakh) a month. Now, it is just 4,000 yuan ( 46,500), according to the South China Morning Post. He shares his parenting life on social media.

He shares his daily routine on social media under the name Jasmines Dad and has gained 11,000 followers.

The man feels wasted while caring for his baby as a full-time father. According to him, the pressure from society, as well as from his family, is too much to handle.

He wakes up at 6 am to Jasmines cries. He makes her milk, changes nappies and plays with her for hours. In the evening, when Jasmine naps, he cooks and makes videos, per SCMP.

The man hardly sleeps at night as Jasmine wakes every three hours. Carrying her caused joint pain.

Also Read | US restaurants survive on cheap Chinese caviar; but that may change soon

Once, Jasmine had pneumonia and was critical. He stayed at the hospital for five days without rest. But, both families blamed him.

His wife, who came home only on weekends, often scolded him. She got angry if he had forgotten to change Jasmines clothes.

Postpartum depression The stress caused fights, and they divorced. He says he now has postpartum depression. However, not everyone is convinced.

You are a father, not the one who had morning sickness, a C-section, sore nipples, or hormone changes. What do you have to be depressed about? SCMP quoted a social media user as commenting.
An Indian passport holder, Sharmeen Irfan, is attempting to return to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border crossing in Amritsar. Irfan, who has been married to a Pakistani national for 12 years and has a young child, came to India to visit her ailing mother.

Irfan obtained a visa from the Pakistan embassy, which advised her to cross the border on the same day. She is now trying to return to her husband and child in Karachi.

Irfan condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack, calling for an end to terrorism and strict action against those responsible. "The incident which happened (in Pahalgam) was wrong. Terrorism should be ended, but why is the common man being troubled?" she questioned.

Irfan expressed frustration over the complexities of border crossings and the impact on ordinary people. She hopes to return to her family in Pakistan soon.

Another woman, a half-Pakistani national, also expressed her frustration over the separation of families due to border restrictions. She appealed to the government to allow her to return to Pakistan with her children.

"Those who did this attack should be severely punished. But what is our fault in this? Why are our families being separated? Who will talk about what is happening with cross-border families? I appeal to the government to let me go to Pakistan with my children. I am a half-Pakistani national. I obtained the Pakistani visa yesterday," she said.

The terror attack, which claimed 26 lives was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Also Read | Navy officer Vinay Narwal's widow appeals for peace after Pahalgam attack

Following the Indian government's decision to cancel Pakistani visas, many Pakistani citizens, including Suraj Kumar, a Pakistani Hindu, are returning to Pakistan through the Attari border crossing. Kumar expressed his desire to reunite with his family and criticised the suffering of common citizens due to border tensions.

He said,  ...once the border opens, we will go home, to our children...what happened is wrong (Pahalgam attack)...if discussions happen, then only solutions can be found...we common citizens are suffering...I had come here to meet my family members, I couldn't visit everyone...I wanted to take my mother to Haridwar...I stay in Balochistan and belong to a Hindu family.

Also Read | Suniel Shetty supports ban on Pakistani artists after Pahalgam terror attack

On the other hand, India has closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan and those operated by Pakistani airlines, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), another major step following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed.

India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday, confirming the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, from April 30 to May 23 (estimated duration).
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Jaishankar stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack must be brought to justice.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with the US Secretary Marco Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.

During the talks, Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

In the call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio "urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, AFP reported.

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, AFP reported.

Earlier, ANI reported citing sources 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 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 on Tuesday, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, ANI reported.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Jaishankar stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack must be brought to justice.

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In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with the US Secretary Marco Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.

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During the talks, Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

In the call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio "urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, AFP reported.

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.

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Pakistan's government has denied any involvement in the shooting and vowed that any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response, AFP reported.

Earlier, ANI reported citing sources 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 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 on Tuesday, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, ANI reported.
Hollywood actor Robert De Niro has expressed his feelings for his transgender daughter, Airyn. Airyn, who was born as Aaron, is now 29 and started hormone therapy last year.

Airyn is one of De Niros twin children with his ex-partner, model Toukie Smith. The actor has said he loves Aaron as his son and now loves Airyn as his daughter.

Also Read | Pedro Pascal supports transgender rights at Thunderbolts London premiere

I dont know what the big deal is, he told the NY Post.

I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I love all my children, he added.

De Niros own father, Robert De Niro Sr., lived openly as a gay man and passed away from cancer in 1993 at the age of 71.

At 29, Airyn De Niro has come out as a trans woman. She began hormone therapy in November 2023. In her first interview, she shared that the film The Little Mermaid (2023), starring Halle Bailey, deeply inspired her.

Watching the movie gave her the courage to book an appointment at a Black hair salon. That small step became a turning point.

According to Airyn, Black women have strongly influenced her journey. She feels that embracing both her new identity and her Blackness brings her closer to them.

Elon Musks trans daughter Robert de Niros reaction to his trans daughter contrasts with how Elon Musk allegedly addressed the issue for his daughter.

Elon Musks transgender daughter, Vivian Wilson, has said Musk was an absent and unkind father. He would shout at her for being feminine and try to make her sound more masculine, even when she was a small child.

Also Read | US Judge blocks Donald Trump's order on military ban for transgenders

According to Vivian, Elon Musk never supported her and left her in the care of her mother or nannies. Recently, Musk reportedly said online that she was not a girl and was dead to him.
WASHINGTON : President Trump is replacing national security adviser Mike Waltz roughly a month after he put a journalist on a group text chat in which advisers discussed a sensitive military operation, according to people familiar with the matter, making him the first top official to lose his job in Trumps second term.

Waltz lost favor with the president and his senior advisers after The Atlantic revealed that he added a journalist to a chat on the nongovernment messaging app Signal, a crisis that dominated headlines and became one of the first major embarrassments for the administration. Trump declined to fire Waltz immediately, but privately expressed his frustration with Waltz.

Trump and senior administration officials, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, had been frustrated with Waltz even before the Signal debacle. Waltz hired aides that his critics said didnt appeal to Trumps MAGA base and struggled to relay the presidents national security priorities on televisiononce seen as the former Florida congressmans strength, according to administration officials. He also was sometimes ideologically out of step with Trump, pushing more traditionally hawkish views on Ukraine and Iran, and clashed with other White House officials, people close to Trump said.

Waltz was planning to travel to Michigan on Tuesday for the presidents rally marking his first 100 days in office. But Trump told him not to attend, according to administration officials.

Senior U.S. officials said Waltz had been marginalized during debates on key decisions, namely starting talks with Iran over its nuclear work and brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, Trumps envoy to both of those negotiations, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio proved more influential in those deliberations, the officials said, noting that Rubio had recently been spending much of his time at the White House.

Waltz, the former Green Beret who was one of Trumps strongest backers while in Congress and during the 2024 campaign, lasted just 102 days as national security adviser. He stayed in his role nearly five-times longer than retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, who was first to serve as national security adviser during Trumps first term. Trump fired Flynn for lying to the FBI about contacts with senior Russian officials during the 2016 election cycle, but both men reconciled and Trump has spoken publicly about bringing the retired three-star general back into his inner circle.

Trump cycled through four total national security advisers during his first term. Whoever succeeds Waltz will be Trumps sixth person in that position over two presidencies.

Waltz already survived one round of cuts to the National Security Council. Far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer in April convinced Trump that Waltz had hired aides harmful to his agenda, leading to the ouster of at least four staffers. Waltz kept his job, though the episode was indicative of how he had lost influence with the president and control over his own team.

Waltz cut a diminished figure after the revelation he inadvertently placed The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg into the Signal chat where senior officials like Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth debated coming strikes on the Houthis. Waltz also referenced intelligence provided to the U.S. by Israel in the discussion on the encrypted-but-unclassified system.

The report sent shock waves through Washington and immediately sparked questions about Waltzs future as national security adviser. Trump stood by Waltz, calling the Signal story overblown by the media as aides said the president had complete confidence in him.

Trump let Waltz know in a one-on-one meeting that the national security adviser would keep his job. Trump decided to give Waltz a reprieve, two administration officials said at the time, despite the mounting pressure on him.

But Trump continued to ask personal allies in the White House and Mar-a-Lago, his private Florida club, what they thought of Waltz, a sign that the president was considering alternatives.

Write to Josh Dawsey at Joshua.Dawsey@WSJ.com, Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com and Meridith McGraw at Meridith.McGraw@WSJ.com
Canadas Liberal Party has won a fourth consecutive national election in a race that largely came down to which party would better stand up to US President Donald Trump. We are over the shock of American betrayal," Mark Carney, a former central banker and the leader of the Liberal Party, said in a victory speech early Tuesday morning. But we should never forget the lessons."

Indeed, there were many lessons, not the least of which is that Trumps provocations on tariffs and musings about making Canada the 51st US state probably would have been easier to laugh off if the countrys leaders had taken steps to shore up its woeful productivity.

Productivity is Canadas Achilles heel. It is so bad that the 1.8% drop in labour productivity in 2023 was the worst among 38 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). The poor performance, which carried into 2024, erased all productivity growth since 2017.

The Deutsche Bank Trade Weighted Canada Dollar Index, a measure of the nations economic performance compared with trade partners, has plunged 9.44% over the past four years. A similar measure for the US dollar surged 11%.

No wonder the OECD predicts that growth in Canadas gross domestic product (GDP) per capita will rank last among its member countries over the next 40 years. A positive change in productivity could be the most significant factor in lifting economic growth, and the prosperity that goes with it," RBC Capital Markets noted in a recent report.

Luckily for Canada, Carney is more economist than politician. Bloomberg News describes him as a consummate crisis manager," having steered the Bank of Canada through the global financial crisis of 2008 and the Bank of England through the UKs highly disruptive decoupling from the EU in 2016. Disclosure: Carney was the chairperson of Bloomberg Inc until January, when he resigned that post to enter politics in Canada.

Comments by Carney on the campaign trail suggest he understands the challenge, promising a capital spending budget that would allocate tens of billions of dollars to investments in productivity-boosting infrastructure.

More spending is a start, but more is needed. Canada needs to reduce its notorious bureaucracy and the stiff internal trade barriers between provinces that impede the flow of goods, services and people. It also needs a system to match education and skills with jobs to accommodate its immigrant-fuelled population boom.

Here, a little could go a long way. RBC notes that businesses in Canada invest about half as much per worker as those in the US, a trend that has only become worse since the 2008-09 global financial crisis. Lower taxes, especially for businesses that embrace worker training, should be an immediate priority.

Carney could also help the cause by adopting a policy championed by Pierre Poilievre, head of the defeated Conservatives, to boost housing in a nation that does not have enough supply by tying municipal grants to a requirement that cities increase home construction by 15% a year.

Carney may have no choice, given that his party had about 43% of the national vote, falling short of the 172 seats needed for a majority in Canadas House of Commons. This means the government will be forced to work with other parties to pass budgets and other legislation, according to Bloomberg News. Carney is already talking about working constructively with all parties across parliament."

Although Canadas tax burden isnt bad relative to other advanced economies with tax revenue amounting to 34.8% of GDP in 2023 as measured by the OECDits meaningfully higher than the USs 25.2% of GDP. Bringing the tax burden down would go a long way to spurring growth and productivity.

Its not like Canada doesnt have the fiscal space to accommodate lower taxes, with a budget deficit of around 2% of GDP versus 7% in the US. In its 2025 outlook, the OECD recommended that Canada could make its tax system more growth friendly by switching the burden from direct taxation to indirect and environmental taxes. Canada could also incentivize research and development, which the OECD notes is a key driver of a countrys innovation capacity." Carney has already promised to run deeper budget deficits to cut income taxes and step up spending on infrastructure.

Fixing what ails Canadas economy will not be either easy or quick. But Carneys credentials as an economist and comments about never forgetting lessons" suggest he understands the root of the problem that Canada faces. Bloomberg

The author is the executive editor of Bloomberg Opinion.
Indias wait for a boom in private-sector capital expenditure has been like waiting for Godot, to borrow the title of a Samuel Beckett play about endless anticipation. Last years flickers of hope are expected to dim in 2025-26, going by the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector Capex Investment Intentions, a first-of-its-kind exercise by the government, which released its findings on Tuesday.

The survey projects intended private capex at almost 4.9 trillion this fiscal year, about a quarter less than last years plans. The slump reflects cautious planning after a strong 2024-25," according to the statistics ministry. Every sector does not foresee a spending dip, though. Manufacturers plan to raise their investments to 2.1 trillion, 40% more than last years level.

Construction is another sector that reveals an intent to invest more. Yet, by and large, businesses expect to cut back. The survey also sought data on actual capital expenditure in previous years, with the numbers adding up to 4.2 trillion in 2023-24, 5.7 trillion in 2022-23 and nearly 4 trillion in 2021-22. Taken together, the ups and downs of this curve outline the story of a key economic deficiency: private investment.

The survey was conducted by the National Statistical Office from November 2024 to January 2025 via an online platform that offered chatbot assistance. If filling out the input forms was a complex task, the sample selection process was even more so.

As the survey covers only large active companies registered with the ministry of corporate affairs, the initial pool included manufacturers with annual turnovers of at least 400 crore, trading businesses with at least 300 crore and others with toplines of 100 crore or more.

Of 16,025 such firms, less than a third were picked for the exercise. How? To balance size as a criterion with sectoral diversity, enterprises that made the initial cut were slotted into 17 strata by their business focus. Those in strata with 100 players or fewer were directly enrolled in the sample, while businesses in other strata were sorted by their fixed assets so that larger ones could be included and some of the smaller ones could be picked randomlybut in a ratio to fill slots determined by the size of their strata.

Finally, 5,380 entities were asked to respond. Since mega-corps operate in fields with rather few rivals, their inclusion in the sample can largely be assumed. But the surveys data must not be taken as hard fact. The complexity of how it was put together is one reason. Its low response rate is another. Just 58.3% responded, with a little over 40% revealing their plans for 2025-26.

This raises the question of a self-selection bias, as the data only captures the plans of businesses ready to reveal them. As the statistics ministrys release admits, respondents appeared cautious in disclosing capex plans." To the ministrys credit, it has called the results indicative," best used to detect broad trends more than anything else. Its actual capex numbers offer us a snapshot alright, but one thats far from perfect.

To the extent this new survey tells us which way private investment may be going, it could serve a useful purpose. The slump it foresees may already have served as an input for the finance ministrys monthly review of Indias economy, the March bulletin of which warns that perceptions of uncertainty may cause the private sector to put its capital formation plans on hold." This is not good news at all for the Indian economy. But the point is to face it squarely. Which this survey helps us do.
If India attacks Pakistan, it will be the final war for India and Modi. Punjab will be free from Indian occupation, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist under UAPA and a controversial pro-Khalistan separatist, joined in the flurry of warnings directed at India, anticipating retaliation against Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, associated with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), asserted that in the event of war, Indian Punjab would stand with Pakistan like a backbone. He urged Pakistan to raise the issue of the Khalistan referendum at the United Nations.

(Mint could not verify the exact words of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, since SFJ social media accounts are not accessible in India)

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Pannun, in a video message also cautioned Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army against joining an anticipated attack on Pakistan orchestrated by Delhi.

Now is the time to say no to Narendra Modis jingoistic war. Do not fight against Pakistan. Pakistan is not your enemy. Pakistan will be and is a friendly country for the Sikh people and for Khalistan. Once we liberate Punjab, Pakistan will be our neighbour, the pro-Khalistan separatist added, according to a report by Pakistan newspaper, Dawn.

Pannun also claimed that wall chalking had begun in military cantonment areas of Indian Punjab, carrying messages urging Sikh soldiers not to fight against Pakistan, reported The Tribune.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun seemed to echo a statement made by Pakistani senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, who claimed that no Sikh soldier in the Indian Army would attack Pakistan in the event of a war.

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.

Earlier, the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had released footage showing Pakistan-Khalistan Zindabad slogans and Khalistan flags displayed allegedly near the Army Cantonment in Punjab's Patiala.

(Mint could not verify the authenticity of this claim)
For months leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi governments surprise announcement of including caste enumeration in the upcoming census, Rahul Gandhi had been talking about the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) exercise that the Congress-led UPA-2 government conducted when in power at the Centre.

Gandhi, the most vocal opposition face in demand for a Caste census, would often be heard saying that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been afraid of releasing SECC findings.

On Wednesday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh referred to a letter written by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023 demanding an up-to-date Caste Census. Taking to X on Wednesday, Ramesh posted the letter by the Congress President dated April 16, 2023, demanding the caste census.

The SECC enumeration was completed in 2012 and the date was ready by 2013. With elections scheduled in 2014, the government decided not to release the data.

On 16 April 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 said.

In the letter, Kharge stated that the then UPA Government following the 2011-2012 SECC, wasnt able to release the data for various reasons; however, it called for the updated caste census, which was very essential for social justice and empowerment programmes, particularly for OBCs, after the NDA government came to power.

What is SECC? At the beginning of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's second UPA term, Congress alliesthe RJD, the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Janata Dal(United)demanded a caste in the 2011 Census.

The then Home Ministry under P Chidambaram opposed the suggestion. The demand persisted. The Union Home Ministry toned down in its stand and suggested that a caste-based head count could be done. In September 2010, the decision to hold a caste headcount was taken.

What happened after UPA was out of power? The enumeration was completed in 2012 and the data was ready by 2013. With elections scheduled next year, 2014, the government decided not to release the data. The UPA lost power in the May 2014 polls. Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in the BJP-led NDA government in 2014.

In July 2015, the Modi government released provisional data from the SECC for rural India. It, however, held back the caste data, saying it had not been finalised. In 2018, the Home Ministry said the caste data had been handed over to the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner for processing.

In 2021, the Home Ministry said that the raw caste data was provided to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for classification and categorisation and that, as informed by the ministry, "there is no proposal to release the caste data at this stage.

The UPA government had given a Presentation before the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Rural Development 13th February 2013 on SECC, 2011

In September 2021, the government, in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, effectively ruled out holding a caste census that year.

The UPA government presented SECC, 2011, before the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Rural Development on 13 February 2013. The Congress party shared the presentation with the media on Thursday. The SECC had the following elements as per the presentation:

1- Methodology -Rural Households classified in three steps.

-First, a set of Households are excluded.

-Second, a set of households are compulsorily included.

-Third, remaining households are ranked as per the number of deprivation indicators.

2 Stake Holders -Ministry of Rural Development.

-Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation

-Office of Registrar General of India.

-Central Public Sector Units (BEL, ITI, ECIL).

-State government.

-National Informatics Center.

In September 2021, the Modi government, in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, effectively ruled out holding a caste census that year.

3- SECC Process Stages -Enumeration

-Supervision

-Verification

-Draft List Publication

The caste data had been handed over to the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner for processing.

-Claims & Objections
Caste Census: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's push for caste enumeration has stirred the political pot in the country ahead of the Bihar Assembly election.

The decision to conduct caste enumeration along with the upcoming census was taken in the high-level Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) meeting held after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Heres what it means  broken down into five key points.

1- A Surprise Political Gambit Many expected the Modi government to make a decision on Pakistan during the CCPA meeting held on 1 May, a week after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The last meeting of the CCPA, also referred to as the super cabinet, was held in 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack, which saw India respond with the Balakot airstrike on Pakistan. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was also held on Wednesday.

However, the government announced a caste census  a decision that surprised many, within and outside political circles.

For long, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) was seen as averse to the caste census. In fact, many party leaders often targeted the Congress, accusing it of using caste to divide the society.

On 29 April, a day before the announcement, senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari spoke on how caste divisions were against Hindutva's core ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) and how the idea has been adulterated in recent years.

'Not Hindutva' This is not Hindutva. That is not Hindu Dharma, Gadkari said, emphasising on rejection of both jyatiyata (casteism) and rashtra-shyata (extreme nationalism) in public life."

Gadkari, who is a member of the CCPA, was speaking during a book launch at New Delhi's India International Centre. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was also present on stage.

On 20 July 2021, Minister of State (Home Affairs), Nityanand Rai, told the Parliament that the Modi government has decided it's a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in the Census.

In September 2024, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJPs ideological mentor, cautioned against using Caste Census as a political tool. In slogans and on posters, the BJP has been expressing its stand against the Caste Census.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who announced the CCPA decision, called it the reversal of the Congress's policy. Vaishnaw blamed the Congress party for never conducting a Caste Census since independence while it was in power.

2- Lessons From 2024 Lok Sabha Polls But why a twist now? In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the consolidation of disadvantaged sections of society within the SCs, OBCs, and STs around the opposition's agenda impacted the BJPs numbers in many states and, in fact, denied it a simple majority, unlike in 2014 and 2019, according to analysts.

A senior BJP leader told news agency PTI that the party's lesson from the 2024 results was the need to make constant efforts to win over the deprived sections. These sections have been voting for the party in good numbers since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advent on the national scene but are not its committed voters.

"That it is a BJP government which undertook the first nationwide caste census in independent India will always go in our favour at a time of political assertion by numerous smaller backwards castes," he said.

The government has yet to announce the next census, which was held in 2011. So, the timeline of the caste census and its political implications remains far from clear.

3- Congresss Core Campaign Undercut The announcement comes at a time when the Opposition  with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the forefront  has adopted caste census as a key election plank. It also comes six months ahead of the assembly election in Bihar, one of the key Hindi heartland states considered a cauldron of caste politics in India.

Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday welcomed the government's sudden decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census after 11 years of opposing it.

Crediting the sustained campaign run by the Congress for the government's announcement on the caste census, Gandhi said his immediate suspicion is that this could go the women's bill way in terms of implementation and demanded a specific date for it.

BJP's rivals, including the Congress, often turned to social justice politics, speaking about the empowerment of non-general castes, to counter its overarching plank of Hindutva. With the Modi government's decision on caste census, the BJP hopes to disarm them, at least for now.

The Congress, especially post-2024 results, felt that Caste is the only alternative to Hindutva. Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront of this larger campaign, which talked about the upliftment of the backwards classes. Two Congress-ruled states, Telangana and Karnataka, have already conducted a survey on caste. In the meantime, the BJP realised its wider political implications and decided to own a cause which was never its original idea, said a political analyst.

4- Shifting Political Optics ahead of Bihar Polls While the Modi governments move may have vindicated Congress and Rahul Gandhi, it also indicates the BJPs expansive intentions for larger political gains.

In the 1980s, the BJP was known as a party with Hindutva at its core. The country saw a churn in political dynamics when former Prime Minister VP Singh implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations in December 1990, reserving 27 per cent of government jobs for OBCS.

BJP started roping in OBC leaders like late Kalyan Singh and Uma Bharti. A fresh OBC leadership started emerging. Some of the prominent among those are Narendra Modi in Gujarat, Shivraj Singh Chouhan in MP, and the late Sushil Modi in Bihar.

The BJP adapted to changed realities in the past, too. The saffron party adopted popular schemes powered by freebies, which were first offered by opposition parties in states like Karnataka and Delhi, after initially slamming them as ''revdi' as it realised their electoral appeal.

The BJP rode on welfare schemes built on cash assistance to notch up big successes in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and outmatched the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi on populist promises.

Though the date of the Census is not yet known, the announcement by the BJP government will feature during the election campaign in Bihar.

In Bihar, the cradle of social justice politics, the BJP-JD(U) alliance, has an advantage over the rival RJD-Congress-Left combine. But a decline of its biggest OBC satrap and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been a concern in its camp ahead of the assembly polls scheduled later this year.

The Union governments move will boost the National Democratic Alliance's fortunes and may rally the traditional support base of numerous smaller backwards castes towards it.

Bihar carried and published its own caste census in 2023 during the JDU-RJD-Congress government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

5- Thunder Stolen  But Not Entirely Not just in Bihar, caste census is a key plank of the Congress-SP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, a state with some similarity to Bihar in terms of the influence of OBC voters. In UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance met with a setback in the Lok Sabha polls, with the rival INDIA bloc winning most of the seats.

The Samajwadi Partys PDA (Pichchda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) narrative was said to have cornered the BJP in the 2024 general election.

"The decision of the caste census is a 100% victory of the unity of 90% PDA. Due to the combined pressure of all of us, the BJP government has been forced to take this decision. This is a very important phase of PDA's victory in the fight for social justice," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote in X.

Clearly, with the announcement, the BJP has mitigated the Congress partys recent build-up on caste; however, it does not leave the opposition without a plank.

"An announcement of a caste census doesn't mean anything. To me, it is high on optics and political rhetoric. We need to wait for numbers to come out and see how parties weaponise them to seek quotas and sub-quotas in jobs and education proportional to caste representation, author and political commentator, Rasheed Kidwai, said.

The decision of the caste census is a 100% victory of the unity of 90% PDA.

As the Modi government and Congress-led opposition trade barbs over credit, the run-up to the Bihar Assembly election is set to witness intense political churn around caste dynamics in India
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah On Wednesday claimed that India and Pakistan were getting ready for war. Talking to reporters the former chief minister of J&K said, " We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Today, two countries are getting ready for a fight. Attempts are being done to ensure this doesn't happen and a solution can be found to catch them (terrorists) and those who are behind it".

JKNC leader Farooq Abdullah condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam region of the Union Territory, attributing it to security lapses and Pakistan's attempts to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan did not see how it is going to affect Muslims in India Farooq Abdullah criticised Pakistan's propaganda and Army Chief General Asim Munir's provocative remarks on the two-nation theory, while expressing support for PM Narendra Modi's response.

There is no doubt that this was a matter of security and intelligence lapses...They wouldn't (Pakistan) have liked the fact that we were leading our lives very well...propaganda was spread among our people as well...so they (Pakistan) resorted to this (Pahalgam attack).

But they didn't look at the fact that how it is going to affect the Muslims in India, Abdullah said.

Flagging recent targeted communal attacks within the country, ex-J&K Chief Minister said, A narrative is already going on since last 10 years, to eliminate Muslims completely, to burn our Mosques.

"We were dealing with it already. Now, Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir provoked by speaking about two-nation theory. If war happens, it will come to the table, but what will happen on the table, only Allah knows," Farooq Abdullah added.

PM Modi has our full support Abdullah on Tuesday voiced strong support for PM Narendra Modi amid rising tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Calling for national unity and cautioning Islamabad against further provocations, Abdullah said, 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.

Responding to Pakistans repeated assertions of being a nuclear power, Farooq Abdullah also reminded them of Indias own capabilities.
A new Tennessee bill is drawing criticism over a provision that would make it a misdemeanor to approach a police officer within 25 feet after being told to stop.
Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has accused Fine Gael of not defending Irish farm families adequately in the face of major EU trade decisions, an assertion which has been strongly rebuffed by MEPs Maria Walsh and Nina Carberry.

The Lanesboro native expressed "disappointment at the lack of unity among Irish MEPs - particularly Fine Gael - when it comes to defending robust safeguards for Irish family farmers", which they have said is untrue.

Mr Mullooly, who referred to recent European Parliament votes said a series of crucial amendments were brought forward to strengthen food safety, and ensure fair competition, and uphold the interests of rural Ireland.

He stated the amendments "called for rigorous scrutiny of the Mercosur deals impact on EU sustainability and food safety standards, demanded enforceable guarantees for a level playing field for EU farmers, and insisted that any agreement must fully comply with EU sustainability standards and the reciprocity principle before ratification".

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Mr Mullooly said one amendment even called for the deal to be scrapped altogether due to its negative implications for food safety, agricultural sovereignty, and the environment.

He stated at a time when Irish family farms are under 'unprecedented pressure', it is more important than ever that Irish MEPs collectively 'defend' our agricultural sector.

"The lack of solidarityespecially from Fine Gaelon these vital safeguards is deeply disappointing and sends the wrong message to farmers who depend on us for representation and protection," he said. "So why have they voted against the wishes of Irish family farmers, and not even told them that they have done so?

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Mr Mullooly stated that members of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (AGRI) have a duty to act as vigilant defenders of Irish and EU food safety and rural livelihoods.

Family farmers and rural communities deserve nothing less than full protection and honest representation at every stage.

In response Fine Gael Midlands North West MEP Nina Carberry said she was "disappointed to see a misrepresentation" of her voting record.

"I remain opposed to the Mercosur agreement as it stands.

"Ive consistently raised concerns, including at the European Parliaments Trade Committee hearing in December, where I challenged how the Commission can justify a deal that risks our environmental standards and undermines farmers livelihoods, especially during a succession crisis and increasing regulatory pressures.

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"Regarding the amendments mentioned by MEP Mullooly: I supported Amendment 1, which expresses concern about the agreements potential impact on EU sustainability, safety standards, and our agri-food competitiveness.

"It rightly calls for a thorough assessment of compliance with EU standards and the principle of reciprocity.

"This amendment passed with majority support and clearly reflects my position.

Ms Carberry also said that the report referenced by MEP Mullooly concerns the EUs Common Foreign and Security Policy for 2024 and is unrelated to the Mercosur Agreement, which has not yet been voted on.

Midlands North West MEP Maria Walsh accused Mr Mullooly of having "misled the public on this issue and issuing incorrect information" to the media.

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"That a former journalist would spread misinformation is disappointing and a disservice to constituents across the Midlands-North West," she added.

Ms Walsh said she wanted to set the record straight.

"During Aprils plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs voted - as we do annually - on a report concerning the EUs common foreign and security policy, not on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement as MEP Mullooly has said.

"Within this report, there were a number of amendments tabled in relation to Mercosur. "

Ms Walsh stated ,despite what MEP Mullooly had saidm she voted in favour of Amendment 1 which "highlighted [her] concern regarding the potential negative impact of Mercosur on EU sustainability and food safety standards".

She stated the amendment also called on the Parliament to examine whether the agreement meets EU standards and complies with the reciprocity principle.

"This amendment was passed by the Parliament, and made the final text of the report.

"The only Irish MEPs to vote against this amendment were from Fianna Fail and Labour, yet MEP Mullooly has decided to omit this fact."

Ms Walsh stated she voted in favour of strengthening food safety and fair competition, in favour of protecting farmers and rural Ireland.
A HIQA inspection of the Regional Hospital Mullingar (RHM) has noted improvements in some areas but found 'further work is required to address management and staffing vacancies'.

And the shortfall in staffing combined with deficits in the senior executive management out-of-hours cover arrangements was said to represent a 'significant risk'.

The health watchdog conducted an unannounced inspection on October 9 and 10, 2024 and found the hospital compliant or substantially compliant with seven national standards, partially compliant with three national standards and non- compliant with one national standard assessed.

There were 40 patients registered in the ED on the day of inspection, with 10 of these patients admitted and waiting for an inpatient bed.

As such, while the dignity, privacy and autonomy of patients was promoted and respected in inpatient areas, patients privacy and dignity in the ED required significant improvement.

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The facility was found to be non compliant in the 'Workforce' category and under the 'Service Providers Plan'.

At the time of inspection, the hospitals governance and management arrangements were said to be 'in a state of transition'.

The report summary noted that staff attendance and the monitoring of uptake of staff training had improved since HIQAs last inspection in 2022.

However, at the time of the October 2024 assessment there was a significant difference in the funded and actual number of staff in managerial, nursing and midwifery positions.

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Additionally, there were vacancies in nursing, midwifery and healthcare assistant staff to support the health service delivered.

The report stated the "13% shortfall in nursing staff, 20% shortfall in midwifery staff and 13% in healthcare assistant staff was managed in the short-term through staff redeployment and the use of agency staff, but this was not a reliable and sustainable way to manage the issue".

Inspectors found that four of the nine executive management positions were unfilled which had the potential to affect the future governance and efficient delivery of healthcare services.

The hospital was found to be 'substantially compliant' in terms of having 'systematic monitoring arrangements' and having 'effective management arrangements' under the 'Leadership, Governance and Management' section as well.

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The Regional Hospital Mullingar was also recorded as being 'substantially compliant' for effectively identifying, managing and responding to and reporting to patient-safety incidents.

The facility was found to compliant in terms of 'promoting a culture of kindness, consideration and respect'.

The hospital was ruled to be partially compliant in formalising governance arrangements for assuring the delivery of high quality, safe and reliable healthcare and of respecting and promoting service users' dignity, privacy and autonomy'.

The Regional Hospital Mullingar was also found to be partially compliant in terms of 'protecting service users from the risk of harm associated with the design and delivery of healthcare services'.

The report summary noted the significant risk posed by the shortfall in staffing combined with deficits in the senior executive management out-of-hours cover arrangements represented.

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"Notwithstanding interim assurances received from the IHA (Integrated Healthcare Area) manager to address the issue, adequate staffing, contingency and continuity arrangements need to be addressed in the medium to long-term to manage the staffing gaps on the days of inspection."

A HSE spokeswoman said the RHM has demonstrated improved compliance in six of the 11 National Standards for 'Safer' and 'Better' Healthcare assessed compared to results of the 2022 HIQA inspection carried out at the hospital.

HIQA highlighted in particular one area of non-compliance in respect of Theme 6: Workforce. They asked us for assurance on the further development of a robust management team at RHM and the hospital leadership have been working with the Dublin Midlands Health Regional team to implement a recruitment plan for a number of senior posts in Clinical, Leadership and Management positions at the Hospital. We are in the process of recruiting to these over the next six to eight weeks.

The HSE said HIQA anoted the challenges in respect of demand and capacity within the Emergency Department (ED) and they are working hard to resolve these through relocating the Acute Medical Assessment Unit, allocating dedicated clinical space to the Mullingar Frailty Intervention Team (MFIT) to improve the patient experience and quality of care for patients aged 65 years and olderand they now have a dedicated Phlebotomy Service for the ED to ensure that patients have their blood tests taken promptly along with a Telemetry Hub provide additional monitoring for patients.
Two major changes have been implemented for UK travel as Irish tourists have been warned the new rules could impeded their travel.

As of last month, new travel regulations in the UK now require EU citizens and Irish passport holders to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The rule applies to visitors who don't require a visa to the UK for short stays of up to six months or those without existing UK immigration status.

Travellers getting connecting flights in the UK will need an ETA, depending on their nationality, however, Irish citizens will be exempt from the rule

READ NEXT: 'You can't stay here' - Children among 39 people deported at Dublin Airport

Irish citizens are still advised to hold proof of citizenship to travel to the UK, these include,

Irish driving licence/learner permit

Medical card/GP visit card

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Irish Residence Permit

Permanent Residence Certificate

National Age Card

Diplomatic Identity Card

Documents must be issued by the Irish Government and valid at the time of travel. Under 16s are not required to provide proof of residence.

Detailed guidelines can be found here

READ NEXT: 'A lethal mix' - Speeding driver 'late for a flight' tests positive for cocktail of drugs

Another major rule change which could affect Irish travellers is a very popular travel item which has now been banned from checked baggage.

Portable chargers are now banned from being taken in hold-on luggage said the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The CAA said in a statement on their website,

"Poorly manufactured, faulty and misused lithium batteries and those which have not been protected against short circuit can experience something called 'thermal runway'.

"This results in them getting so hot that they can catch fire, explode and ignite other nearby batteries. If that were to happen on the flight deck it could significantly disrupt the operation of the aircraft and cause serious injury to flight crew.

"Similarly, if such an event occurred in the passenger cabin it could cause serious injury to a passenger or crew member. Accordingly, Controlled portable electronic devices (C-PEDs) are subject to safety design and operational standards."

You can find more information here
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: May 12 2025

Located in Westbury, NY, Absolute is a comprehensive electrical contracting company, handling every facet of the industry.

In an era where consumers can quickly access virtually any product or service online, some aspects of daily life still require more than just a few clicks. One such service is the expertise of a skilled electricianespecially when faced with issues like power outages or the need to upgrade electrical systems in homes or businesses.

For Long Islanders, both residential and commercial, theres no better choice for electrical needs than Absolute Electrical Contracting and Design, LLC.

Located in Westbury, NY, Absolute is a comprehensive electrical contracting company, handling every facet of the industry. Whether the job is large or small, owner Jesse Smelson affirms theres no challenge they can't tackle.

Were not a cookie-cutter company, he says. We work on everything, from high-end residential projects to custom lighting and power designs, and down to general service calls. Were a preferred dealer/partner for Tesla and Generac Power Systems, and were one of the largest installers of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in New Yorkwhether for homes, businesses, or fleets. Additionally, we offer bidirectional charging solutions, empowering EV owners to both charge and store energy from their vehicles, providing backup power for the home when needed. We also collaborate with multiple utility companies on EV projects.

We pride ourselves on being a full-service company, Jesse continues. From start to finish, we handle everythingpulling permits, managing the entire project, and ensuring the job is completed seamlessly.

If theres anything Absolute cannot handle directly, such as the installation of a natural gas or propane-based generator or tasks requiring excavation or concrete pouring, they have trusted subcontractors on hand. However, clients will only communicate with Absolute throughout the process, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience.

We maintain a wide network of trusted subcontractors, from civil engineers to architects and designers, Jesse explains. While other companies may make you work directly with these subcontractors, we keep everything in-house. We handle permits and everything else, ensuring a smooth process for the client.

Although Absolute excels in almost every area of electrical contracting, one service they dont offer directly is solar panel installation. However, they ensure their clients are covered by partnering with a specialized solar provider for installation and maintenance.

We integrate solar solutions, including DC and AC generators, battery storage, EV chargers, and bidirectional charging, Jesse explains. In todays world, everything is interconnectedpower, controls, smart grids, and smart homes. As these systems evolve, we work alongside specialists to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Absolute serves all of Nassau and Suffolk counties, offering free in-person estimates or consultations via platforms like Zoom. They also provide 24/7 emergency service, catering to residential, commercial, and educational facilities.

What truly sets Absolute apart, according to Jesse, is their unmatched expertise and commitment to integrity in customer service. Absolute places great emphasis on training, with a dedicated training room in their building. Our technicians and installers are highly skilled and certified Jesse notes. Maintaining high standards and a solid reputation is crucial, so we continuously invest in training and staying ahead of industry trends to provide the best service possible.We will only discuss and install solutions that fall within our scope of expertise he says. Before taking on any project, we make sure were fully knowledgeable so the customer has all the information needed to make an informed decision. Integrity, knowledge, and outstanding service are our top priorities.

Jesse didnt begin his career as an electrician. With a business degree and additional education in architecture and electrical systems, he initially worked at a brokerage firm. After leaving the corporate world, he ventured into non-union electrical work, quickly rising to manage multi-million-dollar projects in his twenties.

He later worked for National Grid for 14 years, gaining invaluable experience, all while nurturing the idea for his future business. In 2012, Jesse made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship, transitioning from a DBA to an LLC and opening Absolutes commercial space in Westbury.

Im incredibly proud of what weve built, Jesse reflects. Even though some people doubted my decision to leave my corporate career, Im glad I took the risk. Now, Im focused on growing the company even more in the years to come.

To find out more about Absolute Electrical Contracting and Design, LLC, please call 516-586-3050 or visit their website at https://www.absoluteelectricalcontractinganddesign.com.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: May 01 2025

Defendants Charged with Possessing Five Illegal Firearms, Shooting Two Individuals in Two-Week Span in November 2024.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, together with law enforcement partners, today announced the 23-count indictment of six alleged members and associates of the 9-Trey Bloods Street Gang. The indictment followed an investigation by the District Attorneys Office Gang Violence Task Force in partnership with the Suffolk County Police Departments Intelligence Section, the Suffolk County Police Departments Fifth and Seventh Squads, the Riverhead Town Police Department, the Suffolk County Sherriffs Office, and investigators from the New York State Department of Corrections.

This investigation is an example of how valuable collaboration with our law enforcement partners can be, said District Attorney Tierney. This thorough investigation connected a series of related incidents and uncovered a disturbing scheme allegedly orchestrated by an incarcerated New York State inmate, which directly led to violence in Suffolk County. I commend my office, and our law enforcement partners for uncovering these alleged conspiracies and we look forward to holding all of these defendants responsible in court.

This case is a powerful example of how intelligence gathered inside correctional facilities can play a crucial role in preventing violence and taking dangerous individuals off our streets, said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. I applaud the exceptional work of our investigators, and all the agencies involved in this operation. This level of collaboration between local, state, and federal partners is exactly whats needed to dismantle violent criminal networks and protect our communities.

As demonstrated by the success of this collaborative investigation, we will not relent in our pursuit to tackle gang violence, said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. I want to commend the outstanding work of the investigators involved in this case who pieced together a series of crimes culminating with a shooting order by an NYS inmate.

I would like to thank the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office for its tireless efforts to keep our residents safe, said Riverhead Chief of Police Ed Frost. Todays arrests highlight law enforcements tenacity in their commitment to reduce violence and hold those responsible for past violence accountable.

The Investigation

According to the indictment, the defendants are allegedly members and associates of the 9-Trey Bloods Street Gang, a subset of the nationwide Bloods street gang. In November 2024, members of law enforcement began investigating two shootings and the recovery of three illegal firearms over a two-week span from November 8, 2024, through November 22, 2024. Working with Assistant District Attorneys of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, over the course of more than four months, investigators executed a series of search warrants, reviewed recorded phone calls and various forms of digital evidence that revealed that the defendants allegedly engaged in criminal conspiracies to share illegal firearms and carry out a shooting ordered by defendant JOSEPH BAKER, who was incarcerated with the New York State Department of Corrections at the time.

From November 4, 2024, through November 15, 2024, BAKER allegedly ordered a for-hire shooting of a long-time rival who he wanted shot in the legs. Through recorded New York State Department of Corrections phone calls, BAKER allegedly contacted defendant IBN TURNER and others to coordinate the shooting and promised $5,000 in cash upon completion of the shooting, and an additional $5,000 upon BAKERs release from custody, which was scheduled for May 2025.

TURNER then allegedly contacted his niece AMBER VASQUEZ, who contracted co-defendants and alleged 9-Trey Bloods associates ISAAC SMITH, DASHAD EUBANKS and LAVELL LEFTENANT to carry out the shooting. It is further alleged that during the conspiracy period, in the defendants collective efforts to carry out the shooting ordered by BAKER, the defendants embarked on a course of criminal conduct that included the following incidents:

November 8, 2024

It is alleged that on November 8, 2024, LEFTENANT, SMITH and another individual were pulled over by members of the Suffolk County Police Department in a vehicle driven by LEFTENANT in Huntington Station. LEFTENANT allegedly fled from the police on foot, and SMITH was arrested on scene. During a search of the vehicle, members of law enforcement allegedly recovered a loaded and operable 9mm caliber pistol, loaded with a high-capacity magazine. SMITH was allegedly found also to be in possession of quantities of fentanyl and cocaine at the time of his arrest. Following this arrest, SMITH was held on bail after being charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and related charges.

November 10, 2024

Just two days after SMITHs arrest, defendants EUBANKS and VASQUEZ allegedly went to a bar in Mastic looking to carry out BAKERS orders to shoot his rival. While at the bar, it is alleged that EUBANKS engaged in a dispute with another patron. EUBANKS, who was allegedly in possession of a loaded and operable .40 caliber pistol at the time, confronted this patron in the parking lot of the bar and allegedly shot this individual one time in the chest. The victim was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment. EUBANKS and VASQUEZ fled the scene following the shooting and were not immediately arrested.

November 12, 2024

It is alleged that two days after the shooting in Mastic, the defendants completed the shooting ordered by BAKER.

Through analysis of cell phone records, recorded jail calls, video surveillance and other digital data, it is alleged that on November 12, 2024, defendant VASQUEZ lured the victim to a specific location in Bellport under false pretenses. While at the location, defendant LEFTENANT confronted the victim and allegedly shot the defendant in both legs with a loaded .25 caliber pistol. The victim immediately rushed himself to a local hospital where he underwent emergency treatment.

November 15, 2024

Following this shooting, the indictment alleges that defendant TURNER received half of the money that was promised by BAKER in cash, which TURNER then allegedly distributed to VASQUEZ and LEFTENANT. It is further alleged that, on November 15, 2024, VASQUEZ and LEFTENANT used this money to post bond for SMITH who had been in custody since the November 8, 2024 arrest. He was released from custody the same day. Later on that same day, members of the Suffolk County Police Department located LEFTENANT, who was wanted in connection with the November 8, 2024, car stop. When members of law enforcement approached LEFTENANT, he attempted to flee again, this time allegedly discarding a loaded and operable 9mm caliber pistol with a high capacity feeding device and laser affixed to the pistol. LEFTENANT was apprehended by police and the weapon was allegedly recovered in the area that LEFTENANT was observed discarding it.

November 22, 2024

Just one week after SMITHs release from custody, SMITH was again arrested, this time in possession of a loaded and operable .380 caliber pistol, which police recovered after being called to VASQUEZs residence to respond to an alleged dispute between SMITH and VASQUEZ.

April 2025 Arrests

Following a four-month investigation and weeks-long grand jury presentation, arrest warrants were issued for the defendants on April 23, 2025.

That same day, despite having a scheduled release date in May 2025, BAKER was released early from prison pursuant to a March 31, 2025 announcement of a special order, pursuant to section 73 of the Correction Law, issued by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, which facilitated the release of certain individuals early as a response to the staffing crisis at New York State Correctional Facilities.

On April 24, 2025, despite BAKERS early release, members of law enforcement, working with the United States Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force were able to locate and arrest BAKER, EUBANKS, VASQUEZ and TURNER. LEFTENANT and SMITH were already in custody for their prior gun arrests.

BAKER, LEFTENANT, EUBANKS and VAZQUEZ were arraigned before the Honorable Steven A. Pilewski. SMITH is in custody awaiting arraignment and TURNER was arrested in Augusta, Georgia where he is in custody awaiting extradition proceedings.

The District Attorneys Gang Violence Task Force consists of a team of Investigators, Analysts, and Assistant District Attorneys from the District Attorneys Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, and the Suffolk County Sheriffs Department who are assigned to investigate and prosecute gang violence. The Assistant District Attorneys are from the Violent Criminal Enterprises (VCE) Bureau, a bureau formed by District Attorney Tierney on January 1, 2022, to specifically focus on gun violence and other criminal activity perpetrated by gangs and criminal organizations operating in, and affecting, Suffolk County. The District Attorneys Gang Violence Task Force, working in conjunction with the VCE Bureau, and law enforcement agencies throughout Long Island, uses every investigative strategy to build successful violent gang conspiracy cases against Suffolk Countys most violent offenders. These cases, like the one detailed above, are designed to incapacitate these violent enterprises that endanger Suffolk County residents.

Indicted Defendants:

Isaac Smith, 31, of Selden, New York, faces a top count of Assault in the First Degree and up to 25 years to life in prison. Smiths charges are bail eligible and he is in custody and awaiting arraignment. Smith is represented by Scott Zerner, Esq. Lavell Leftenant, 30, of Amityville, faces a top count of Assault in the First Degree and up to 25 years to life in prison. Leftenant is remanded without bail during the pendency of this case. Leftenant is represented by Matt Rosenblum, Esq. Dashad Eubanks, 35, of Central Islip, faces a top count of Assault in the First Degree, and up to 25 years to life in prison. Eubanks is remanded without bail during the pendency of this case. Eubanks is represented by Keith OHalloran, Esq. Amber Vasquez, 34 of Mastic Beach, faces a top count of Assault in the First Degree, and up to 25 years in prison. Vasquez is being held on $750,000 cash, $1,5000,000 bond or $7,500,000 partially secured bond. Vasquez is represented by Daniel Sullivan, Esq. Joseph Baker, 35, of Bohemia, faces a top count of Assault in the First Degree, and up to 25 years to life in prison. Baker is remanded without bail during the pendency of this case. Baker is represented by George Duncan, Esq. Ibn Turner, 47, of Mastic Beach, faces a top count of Assault in the First Degree and up to 25 years to life in prison. Turner is in custody in Georgia and awaiting extradition proceedings.

The investigation was led by investigators from the District Attorneys Gang Violence Task Force, Detective Sean Manning of the Suffolk County Police Departments Intelligence Section, Detective Wilson Nieves of the Suffolk County Police Departments Fifth Squad, Erik Pedersen of the Suffolk County Police Departments Seventh Squad, Detective Daniel Hogan of the Riverhead Town Police Department, John Gilliam and Joao Eastment from the Suffolk County Sherriffs Office and Investigator Adam Czachor of the New York State Department of Corrections.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William Richards, Donald Barclay, and Meaghan Powers with assistance from paralegal Brianna Cardenas of the District Attorneys Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.

Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
The Popular Mobilization Forces logo.

After months of pressure on Iraq from Washington to disarm Iran-backed militias, reports are emerging that more militants are integrating into the countrys Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Iraq is likely attempting to satisfy the Trump Administration by billing this integration as dismantling armed factions and bringing weapons under state control. However, if the PMFs weapons are considered state-controlled arms, its only if the state referred to is the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iraqi media reported that 20,000 militants have integrated into the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and other Iraqi government security branches. The PMF is a conglomeration of militias, almost exclusively backed by Iran, that formed to fight the Islamic State (IS) in 2014 as an element of the Iraqi government. The PMF is nominally under the authority of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani. However, its members largely answer to Iran instead. The leader of one PMF militia went so far as to say that he would overthrow the Iraqi government if Irans supreme leader requested it.

The integration claim is unconfirmed but follows reports that armed factions agreed to integrate into the PMF after the Eid al Fitr holiday at the end of March. An unnamed source told Shafaq News that Iraq has 34 armed groups, most of which are already part of the PMF. Fewer than a dozen remain outside the system but are expected to be folded into units under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudanis direct command.

Commanders of four major Iran-backed militias in Iraq told Reuters on April 7 that they would be willing to disarm. The four militias represented by the individuals who spoke to Reuters, Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyed al Shuhada, and Ansarullah al Awfiyya, are all elements of the PMF but were only described in the interview as members of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI). The IRI served as a front group for Iran-backed militias in Iraq to launch attacks against the United States and Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Official militia spokespeople for these groups were quick to deny the statements made to Reuters.

The Trump administration has been pressuring Iraq to disarm Iran-backed militias as part of its emphasis on reducing Irans malign influence in Iraq and across the region. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the government was attempting to convince militias to disarm in January of 2025, but the alleged integration of 20,000 militants into the PMF is the first indication of what Iraqi leaders consider progress.

Iraqi leaders do not contest the American demand that the state should control weapons. Ammar al Hakim, a leader in the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite parties ruling Iraq, said, Military power undoubtedly resides with the state, and the possession of arms should be exclusively in its hands. However, leaders also describe the PMF as an essential state institution. In January 2025, Prime Minister Sudani said, Today, the Popular Mobilization Forces constitute a basic force in defending Iraq.

By describing militias as unaffiliated or discussing their involvement in unsanctioned activity, Iraq is trying to bill these groups integration into the PMF as an improvement over a rogue status. However, in reality, joining the PMF only provides these militias a veneer of legitimacy. State cover will enable them to carry out terrorist activities at the behest of their Iranian sponsor with weapons licensed and funded by the Iraqi government, which approved a $3.5 billion budget for the PMF.

Iraqi lawmakers introduced two pieces of legislation concerning the PMF in 2025, but the first was withdrawn, and the second stalled. Neither were intended to reform the PMF but rather further enshrine the organization in Iraqi law to prevent future administrations from disbanding it.

The current regime in Iraq isnt trying to reform the Iran-backed militia landscape. Instead, its merely attempting to legitimize and solidify the Iranian influence and weapons that have destabilized the country for years.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis.
LIVONIA, MICH.  Madonna University is proud to host the 15th annual Missing in Michigan event on May 8, 2025, at the Franciscan Center on our Livonia campus. This day-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about missing persons in Michigan, supporting families affected by disappearances, and aiding law enforcement efforts to solve cold cases.

Since its inception in 2011 by President and Founder Sarah Krebs, Missing in Michigan has become a vital resource in the state's efforts to locate missing persons. The organization, with strong support from faculty and students at Madonna University, has helped solve over 100 cases through initiatives such as DNA collection and community engagement. In 2018, Madonna University began hosting the event annually, with the exception of a virtual event in 2020 due to the pandemic.

This year's event will feature a variety of activities aimed at supporting families and raising public awareness. A private roundtable for families with missing loved ones will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., providing a dedicated space for sharing experiences and connecting with law enforcement officials. The main event runs from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and will include opportunities for community members to speak with local law enforcement, submit tips on unresolved cases, and learn more about missing persons issues in Michigan.

Attendees are encouraged to bring family reference samples, police reports, x-rays, and other identifying documents to help update law enforcement databases. Memorial t-shirts, posters, and other literature are also welcome to honor loved ones and raise awareness.

Jessica Zarate, Vice President of Missing in Michigan and Graduate Program Director of Forensic Science at Madona University, said: "As the Vice President of this organization, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have achieved and seeing the impact of our work on missing persons cases and the opportunities it provides for students and the families of the missing is truly rewarding."

Additional information about the event is available on the Missing in Michigan website.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
The outside of 3 Little Figs in Somerville, Massachusetts. The cafe was named the best brunch spot in the state by Yelp. Google Maps Street View

Brunch doesnt have to come with all the bells and whistles of mimosas buckets and stuffed French toast. It can be plain and simple.

That is evident in Yelps choice for the best brunch spot in Massachusetts: 3 Little Figs in Somerville.

The quaint cafe, which is equidistant from Davis Square and Magoun Square, makes most of its food from scratch including muffins, scones, cookies and cakes.

3 Little Figs also serves breakfast sandwiches and other specialty items such as chia pudding and spinach pie, which is a family recipe. Beverages range from gourmet coffee and teas to smoothies and shakes.

Such a great spot!! Coffee is always perfect and all the baked goods are so tasty, one review reads on Yelp, where 3 Little Figs has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

My favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood, another reviewer wrote. Great people, ambiance, and food.

Owner Katie Rooney opened 3 Little Figs in October 2011 after being laid off from her career in broadcast production, according to the cafes website.

After a couple years testing recipes and baking for dozens of farmers markets, and supplying local cafes with her baked goods, Katie was ready for a cafe of her own, the website reads.

Rooney runs the business with her husband, Andy, who traded his late nights touring in the music industry for early mornings behind the espresso machine.

3 Little Figs is located at 278 Highland Ave., Somerville. The cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
For now, Harvard Universitys conflict with the federal government centers on some $2.2 billion in federal funding frozen by the Trump administration when the elite school brushed off most of its demands for vast reforms to admissions, discipline and management policies.

But the conflict may turn to another threat to Harvards finances, President Donald Trump has signaled.

On social media earlier this month, he wrote that Harvard perhaps should lose the tax exemption it enjoys as an educational institution, accusing the school of acting instead as a political entity.

Like numerous public and private schools, Harvards educational mission allows it to register as a charitable organization and avoid the federal corporate income tax. Museums, religious institutions and other nonprofits enjoy a similar benefit for their service to the public.

Harvard has said there is no legal basis for the government to challenge its tax exemption.

The schools endowment is reported to be roughly $52 billion, the largest for any university in the country.

The centuries-old pool of investments grew by 5% last year, or nearly $2.5 billion. If Harvards taxes on its income spiked, the financial hit would be enormous, said Johnny Rex Buckles, an expert on tax law and professor of law at the University of Houston.

House Republicans have also proposed raising the tax rate from 1.4% to 21% on endowment profits at certain universities with especially heavy endowments, including Harvard. Under that proposal, the school could be taxed more than $500 million annually.

But its the universitys income tax exemption itself that Trump has specifically zeroed in on and referenced in public comments.

Tax-exempt status, I mean its a privilege and its been abused, by a lot more than Harvard, Trump said in the Oval Office this month, shortly after the Washington Post reported that his administration has asked the Internal Revenue Service to reevaluate the universitys tax exemption.

Tax-exempt charitable organizations like Harvard must serve specific purposes, which, according to the IRS, include relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science.

Harvard is also exempt from state income tax for its educational and research purposes.

Though exempt from property taxes, the university also contributes to the cities of Cambridge and Boston, where it holds significant real estate, through voluntary Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT, agreements.

Trumps suggestion that Harvard be taxed as a political organization would place it in the category of political parties, committees for candidates running for public office, and political action committees, which have different tax requirements than charities or traditional corporations.

But much stands in the way of Harvard losing its charitable tax benefits, Buckles cautioned.

It would take more than Trumps order, he said: an IRS investigation into whether Harvard violated its responsibilities as a tax-exempt charitable entity, certainly an appeal from Harvard if the agency revoked the exemption, and then a likely court battle.

The tax exemption is particularly valuable for an institution like Harvard, with a monumentally large endowment that can reportedly grow by billions annually, Buckles said. However large the schools endowment is, the exemption provides a real benefit for Harvard, he said  one that the school will go to great lengths to protect.

The exemption also allows Harvard donors to claim tax deductions for their charitable contributions to the school, encouraging future donations toward research, the arts and other initiatives.

If the Trump administration pursued the issue in earnest, Harvard could take the matter to the federal appellate courts or the Supreme Court.

I think that is how much [Harvard] cares about this, Buckles said. And if it goes that far, he thinks Harvard would win.

But in the shorter term, the universitys lawyers are preparing for a summer court date as they seek to protect billions in federal research funding frozen by the government.

Trump administration officials say theyve targeted Harvard because the university has done too little to protect Jewish students from campus antisemitism.

On 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 Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

The school says it has taken meaningful, ongoing steps to combat discrimination against Jews, while acknowledging on Tuesday significant work ahead to correct hostilities on campus.

The withdrawal of federal funding, which would affect research on everything from cancer to national defense, has no link to curbing antisemitism, Harvard has argued.

The historical precedent for a university losing its tax exemption is the Supreme Courts near-unanimous 1983 decision upholding the IRS stripping the tax exemption of Bob Jones University, an evangelical school in South Carolina that banned interracial relationships on campus.

An attempted crackdown on Harvards exemption would hinge on proving the school violated a key federal standard for charitable organizations  they must serve the public interest and not violate an established public policy, such as preserving students civil rights, Buckles said.

In Bob Jones University, the school itself had an official policy that prohibited interracial dating and interracial marriage, he said. It was an official policy. When I think of Harvard having any kind of official policy thats discriminatory, its completely false.




Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

(Global Times) The recent decision by China's space agency to grant NASA-funded American universities access to lunar samples - retrieved from the moon's far side - offers more than a scientific opportunity; It is a poignant reflection of two fundamentally divergent approaches to technological advancement.

These different approaches shape the trajectory of space exploration and reveal broader truths about global technological competition, the limits of isolation, and the path China-US cooperation should take.

US' space program is built on free-market dynamism and decentralized innovation. The ecosystem thrives on the interplay between government entities like NASA and a robust private sector, exemplified by companies such as SpaceX. Ideas flow freely between top-tier universities, research labs, and entrepreneurial ventures, with venture capital fueling risky innovation.

Yet, regarding safeguarding core technological advantages, Washington erects formidable legal and regulatory barriers. For example, the Wolf Amendment (2011) forbids NASA from bilateral cooperation with Chinese agencies, underscoring America's intent to protect strategic technologies.

China, by contrast, embraces a centralizing model, leveraging the sheer organizational force of the state. Under a unified national directive, it marshals vast resources and talent from public research institutions, state-owned enterprises, and an expanding private sector to achieve breakthroughs - despite, and sometimes because of external constraints.

Confronted with technical embargoes, China responds not with acquiescence but intensified investment and accelerated innovation. Simultaneously, Beijing has positioned itself as a willing partner, inviting collaboration and sharing lunar samples with scientists from around the world - even those from countries whose governments actively limit cooperation with China.

The essence here is clear: The US counts on encouraging innovation from many different sources, while at the same time carefully keeping out certain competitors. In contrast, China invests in system-wide, strategic mobilization coupled with an increasingly outward-facing posture.

Each philosophy represents both a competitive wager and a vision of what the future of technological leadership should look like.

When US lawmakers imposed the Wolf Amendment in 2011, they sought to slow - if not outright block - China's ascent in space technology. The logic was Cold War-tinged: deny access, maintain US primacy, and keep potential adversaries in check. Yet more than a decade later, this strategy has yielded diminishing returns.

Exclusion has had the unintended effect of galvanizing China's capacity for self-reliance. Where collaboration was blocked, Chinese labs doubled down on domestic research, often achieving results that American policymakers believed would be out of reach.

China is now the third country in history to return samples from the moon, and the first to deliver material from its far side - an accomplishment forged in the shadow of US' restrictions.

China's comprehensive industrial base and vast reserve of scientific talent confer a resilience that makes technological stalling by embargo nearly impossible. The Chinese system does not depend on a single external supplier or educational pipeline, allowing for parallel investments and redundancies that offset losses in international collaboration.

In sum, the American approach - to isolate and contain - has not stopped China's progress but inadvertently spurred it.

If US' technological policy is, at root, an attempt to cement its global preeminence through a zero-sum calculus - where one nation's gain is another's loss - the logic falters under the weight of 21st-century interdependence.

Great scientific leaps have always come from collaboration across borders, not rigid exclusion.

Clinging to strict technological protectionism will backfire. It risks driving innovation redundantly - forcing nations to reinvent wheels that could have been shared - and isolates American researchers from scientific developments elsewhere. As the global order shifts and more countries reach the technological frontier, constructing a wall around American science becomes costlier and less effective.

Moreover, humanity's grand challenges - climate change, space exploration, pandemics - are inherently transnational. A narrowly defined race for supremacy turns the world's brightest minds away from pressing common problems in favor of abstract contests for dominance.

What, then, should the future look like?

China's gesture of lending lunar samples to US-based (and NASA-funded) university research teams is not trivial; It is a statement of principle and intent. Rather than reciprocating exclusion with exclusion, China signals a willingness to subordinate political grievance to scientific advancement.

As described in recent reports, Chinese officials have made it clear: Erstwhile US openness has curdled into defensive insularity, even as China becomes more confident in sharing the fruits of its endeavor.

The lesson of the lunar samples is clear: In this new age of possibility, it is not walls but bridges that will define true leadership.


Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons performs at The Forum on Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP) Rich Fury/Invision/AP

A Grammy Award-winning musician rattled Donald Trumps spokeswoman with an entertaining, but serious, question.

Winston Marshall, former banjoist for Mumford & Sons, asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a briefing Monday if the Trump administration would grant asylum for British citizens prosecuted over hate speech in the U.K.

Marshall said people in his native country have been incarcerated for reposting memes and that the U.K. has extensive prison sentences for Tweets [and] social media posts and general free speech issues.

These harsh punishments are the result of the British government reportedly cracking down on free speech ever since army veteran Adam Smith-Connor was arrested in November 2022 after praying silently near an abortion facility that was designed to shield vulnerable women.

Marshall claimed the U.K. has had a quarter of a million people issued non-hate crime incidents since that time.

He eventually asked Leavitt, Would the Trump administration consider asylum for British citizens in such a situation?

The question appeared to catch her off-guard, as Leavitt responded with, I have not heard that proposed to the president nor have I spoken to him about that idea, but I certainly can talk to our National Security team and see if its something the administration would entertain.

Marshalls proposal got mostly favorable reviews from his followers, with some congratulating the musician on his new political fame and others saying he should be a regular attendee at these press conferences.

But he did get some hate, as well.

Retired banjo player Winston Marshall asking the White House to offer political asylum to British bigots, one X user wrote.

That well-known British reporter and member of the White House press pool, Winston Aubrey Aladar deBalkan Marshall, another quipped on X, referencing Marshalls full name, which reflects his familys roots in France, Hungary and Romania.

Marshall played with Mumford & Son from 2007 until his removal in 2021 for speaking out against COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

He now hosts The Winston Marshall Show podcast. Marshall had also done a podcast for The Spectator, which is owned by his father, Sir Paul Marshall.
A jury has found a Cape Cod boatbuilder guilty of raping a woman at his place of business in September 2023, according to the Cape and Islands District Attorneys Office.

On Wednesday, a Barnstable Superior Court jury convicted 59-year-old Barnstable resident Peter Eastman of one count of rape following a four-day trial and three hours of deliberations, the district attorneys office said in a press release. He was originally charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and was ultimately acquitted of one count of indecent assault and battery.

Eastman is the owner of Howard Boats  a boat yard located next to the Barnstable Yacht Club at 164 Beale Way.

The victim reported the rape to Barnstable police on Sept. 9, 2023, the district attorneys office said. She told police that Eastman  an acquaintance of hers  had raped her at Howard Boats a few days ago on Sept. 4.

Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois thanked the victim for her courage and integrity in testifying during the trial in the release.

Coming forward to testify in a criminal case is never easy. Her testimony was critical in ensuring that justice was served, the release reads.

Read more: Cape Cod boat yard owner accused of sexual assault held on dangerousness

Eastman was taken into custody and is being held without bail until his sentencing, which is scheduled for May 15, the district attorneys office said. As a result of his conviction, he will be required to register with the state of Massachusetts as a sex offender.

Eastman has two additional unresolved criminal cases out of Barnstable Superior Court and Barnstable District Court, the district attorneys office said. These cases do not involve the same victim as the rape case.

Eastman is still facing three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, one count of violation of an abuse prevention order and threatening to commit a crime and five counts of possessing a large capacity magazine out of Superior Court, the district attorneys office said. He is charged with one count of violation of a restraining order out of District Court.

Eastmans next court dates for these cases are May 15 and June 16, the district attorneys office said.
The U.S. Department of Justice quietly instituted a policy in April that allows immigration judges to throw out immigrant asylum cases without a hearing.

In an April 11 memo issued by the DOJs Executive Office for Immigration Review Acting Director Sirce Owen, directed judges overseeing asylum cases  those of immigrants who came to the United States fleeing persecution  to throw out any application they deem legally insufficient.

This means that asylum seekers, many of whom submit their applications without the help of a lawyer, could lose their chance to settle safely in the U.S. based only on the few paragraphs they provide on the paperwork.

The idea has always been that the court will help people figure out if they are eligible for relief. But the court is now being charged to outright dismiss any case that they dont think is legally sufficient, Luciano Park, founder and managing attorney at Centurion Legal Group in Framingham, said. It will have the effect of giving the courts the authority to throw out literally tens of thousands of claims, the vast majority of the pending applications that are there right now, without people getting a day in court.

What policy changes were made to asylum cases?

There were more than 1.4 million pending asylum cases nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2024, the end of the most recent fiscal year, according to the DOJ. In total, immigration courts have close to 4 million pending cases.

In the April 11 memo, Owen wrote that the number showed judges had not been efficiently manag[ing] their caseload.

Adjudicators are not prohibited from taking  and, in fact, should take  all appropriate action to immediately resolve cases on their dockets that do not have viable legal paths for relief or protection from removal," Owen wrote.

To catch up, Owen instructed judges to pretermit, or immediately dismiss, cases they deemed legally insufficient before they are given a hearing. The asylum applicant could then be deported without ever having the chance to plead their case.

The memo gave three examples of reasons a judge might make this determination: the application was filed late, the applicant had a disqualifying criminal record or they did not demonstrate that they had been targeted in their home country due to their membership in a protected group, such as their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or another social group.

The latter, Park said, is the biggest hurdle. What social groups are considered protected is frequently subject to debate, and different court circuits have established different precedents for what qualifies.

While the other examples included in the DOJ memo may sound more straightforward, according to Park, thats rarely the case. For example, asylum seekers are required to submit their application within one year of arriving in the United States, but in many cases, immigration attorneys can gain concessions for their clients if they have experienced legitimate circumstances that delay them from filing.

Nobody knows to submit that in advance if they are not a lawyer, Park said. And most lawyers, we dont argue that until we get to the hearing. Thats a significant issue that in and of itself can be the basis of a lengthy legal argument.

The DOJ did not respond to a request for comment from MassLive for this story.

What effect will this have on asylum seekers?

Cristina Dacchille Freeman, managing attorney at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), explained that because so many people applying for asylum are pro se, or not represented by an attorney, they have no chance of meeting the standard laid out in the DOJ memo in their initial application.

Many face language barriers, and they may present an emotional description of the trauma they have faced. This may be compelling to outside listeners, but it is typically ineffective in explaining how they meet the requirements for asylum.

Theyre not going to give it to you in a way that easily describes each of the legal elements that an individual is required to make to have a successful asylum application, Dacchille Freeman said. Theyre just going to tell you their story. The role of a really good asylum attorney is to listen to the story, develop the evidence, target the different elements of the case, so that when they present it to the immigration court, theyre presenting the same set of facts, but in a way that makes sense to the judge.

Fifty-five percent of immigrants with pending cases in Massachusetts do not have a lawyer, according to MIRA. Those who do have an attorney are five times more likely to be granted asylum, and for those who immigration authorities have already detained, it jumps to 10 times as likely to be successful.

There are two immigration courts in the state, in Boston and Chelmsford.

MIRA has not yet heard of Massachusetts cases being thrown out under the new policy, Dacchille Freeman said, but there have been plenty in other states. And because so much is left to the discretion of individual judges, its difficult to predict what the local impact will be.

Those who have an attorney to represent them will very likely be able to overcome this hurdle without too much trouble, she said. For those without attorneys, the system is going to become almost impossible for them to navigate on their own.

What is being done in Massachusetts?

Three days after the DOJ memo was released, the American Immigration Lawyers Association put out guidance for its members to be particularly thorough when working on asylum cases and be prepared to argue for the importance of holding a hearing.

Attorneys should be advised to vigorously protect their clients due process rights, association officials wrote. They must insist on hearings and the opportunity for their clients to testify.

Many MIRA member organizations offer limited legal representation for pro se immigrants, helping them prepare legal filings for asylum applications and other filings. But Dacchille Freeman said they are taking extra looks at each asylum case to make sure it has been checked by an attorney at every step, to be safe.

But the end effect of that is that each application will require even more time than it already does, which means, in the long run, helping fewer people, she said.

She added that she has also seen a chilling effect on the willingness of immigration attorneys to even offer pro se help, because they worry that negative case outcomes could lead to claims against them of ineffective assistance of counsel.

Park said that Centurion Legal Group is submitting additional paperwork for every single asylum client they have, whether or not they believe the initial application was sufficient.

But even with these efforts, many more asylum seekers are still without help. And because the new policy was announced so quietly by the DOJ, some attorneys still dont even know that it is happening.

Theres so much going on, theres so much smoke, you cant see whats important through it all, Park said.
The wife of a former New Bedford fire chief who was fatally shot by police in January 2023 is suing the city and its mayor, claiming it inflicted severe emotional distress on the man, which directly led to his death.

Paul Coderre Jr., 55, was shot and killed by police officers outside the Bayside Lounge in Fairhaven on Dec. 29, 2023. On that day, Coderre, who was fired from his post in New Bedford after he was accused of lying about injuries he sustained on the job, had learned the city intended to appeal a civil service ruling in his favor.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed in Bristol Superior Court in December claims learning of the appeal added to the immense stress mounting on Coderre and caused him to drink heavily at the bar. Coderres wife and his estate claim in the suit that the appeal and its wording caused him to suffer a psychological and emotional breakdown that led directly to his death.
The family of a 5-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a school bus in Bostons Hyde Park area on Monday set up a GoFundMe campaign "to help through this tragedy."

Lens Arthur 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.

Lens Arthur Josephs death was an unimaginable loss, organizer Ricardo Joseph wrote in the fundraisers description. He added that Joseph was coming home when he was struck and killed.

In his short five years of life, Lens already had so many big dreams for himself and an imagination beyond his years, Ricardo Joseph, the boys uncle, wrote. At only 3 years old, Lens could say with confidence I want to be a pilot. By 5 years old, the vision had changed and he told anyone that would listen, I want to be a cop.

The boys smile would light up the room and his energy was unmatched, Ricardo Joseph wrote.

Lens was so funny and witty that he would make all of us laugh out loud with a joke or comment and then look at him, wondering how did he come up with it, the description read. Lens loved running around outside and playing with his siblings and cousins. He loved watching planes fly, and seeing fast cars. Lens was a beautiful, curious, and intelligent boy taken from us too soon.

His death has left the family with unbearable mental, emotional, and financial hardships, the GoFundMe campaign stated. Due to this, the fundraiser was set up to help Lens Arthur Josephs parents after the death of their only shining son.

As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser has received 386 donations that amount to $20,651 with a goal of $50,000.

As we grieve and face this heartbreaking new reality, we would like to extend our appreciation for the generosity and compassion shown to our family from all those also affected by the tragic loss of our loving Lens, Ricardo Joseph concluded. Thank you!
A man convicted of killing his cousin on Cape Cod more than two decades ago was granted parole by the states parole board in a unanimous decision.

The man, Kevin Haliday, was 26 on Dec. 11, 2002. At around 8 p.m. that day, Haliday met his cousin, Daniel Mendes, at a home in Hyannis. The pair went into a bedroom and a witness reported hearing a loud noise not long after, followed by Haliday walking out.

The witness went inside and found Mendes holding his head where he had been shot. Mendes died of a single gunshot wound that day. Haliday was arrested the same day of the killing.

In November 2004, Haliday was convicted of second-degree murder as well as lesser gun and drug crimes. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, with his sentences on the lesser crimes to run concurrently.

Haliday appeared before the Parole Board for the second time since his conviction this January. Since his last hearing, the board found Haliday had undertaken recommended mental health treatment and had completed six programs.

The boards decision also notes that Haliday has been sober for a decade and has avoided discipline while in prison.

Mr. Haliday appeared to have gained insight into the precipitants of his offense and has engaged in treatment to address his needs, the decision reads.

Both Halidays mother and aunt spoke in favor of his release. Mendes sister, brother and aunt opposed Halidays release.

Haliday is set to be released to another authority in Alabama through an interstate compact, according to the decision. Other conditions of his release include a requirement that he be home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., regular screening for drugs and alcohol and that he undergo mental health counseling.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren sharply criticized Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on Wednesday after his company denied reports that it was considering listing tariff costs on its online marketplace alongside an items sticker prices.

In a letter to Bezos, Warren accused him of reversing course on the plan after speaking with President Donald Trump, part of a pattern, she said of Big Tech working together with President Trump to seek special favors or support his policies in what can appear to be a quid pro quo.

Amazon, however, said Warrens assertions were inaccurate and that the reported plan was not going to happen.

According to Punchbowl News, a Washington, D.C., based political news outlet, Amazon had planned to begin displaying the portion of each items cost that was derived from tariffs instituted by the president.

Such a move could have provided the average American with a clearer picture of the economic toll of tariffs on their wallet.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the plan a hostile and political act by Amazon.

Trump spoke with Bezos on Tuesday, he told reporters.

Jeff Bezos was very nice. He was terrific, the president said. He solved the problem very quickly. Good guy.

The company denied the report of its tariff plan, saying that the ultra low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products.

The plan was never approved and is not going to happen, an Amazon spokesperson said.

Had the company initiated a plan to list tariff costs on individual items, it could have provided important information for consumers, allowing them to find out for themselves some of the true costs of President Trumps broad and chaotic tariff policies, Warren wrote in the letter to Bezos on Wednesday.

In response, a company spokesperson reiterated that the Amazon Haul store had considered the idea, which was not approved, and called the claims Warren made inaccurate.

Trump imposed the tariffs, a tax on imports, on products from numerous countries, following through on a campaign pledge to institute them across the board on most foreign-made goods.

Tariffs will likely spur higher prices on those products, the Federal Reserve has warned.

The president has adjusted some of the levies and exempted some products, but has left in place tariffs as high as 145% on China, one of the leading manufacturers of imports to America.
The Massachusetts police oversight board has revoked the certifications of five officers, citing various on- and off-the-job misconduct, including criminal convictions in some cases.

Each decertification carries a lifetime ban from future law enforcement work in the Bay State and ensures the officers will be added to a national registry of decertified police.

The Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, Commission, has decertified 46 officers in the two years since it began exercising its authority to do so under a 2020 policing reform law.
The Commission for Judicial Conduct will hear the case in June of a Newton judge accused of helping a man evade federal immigration authorities, its executive director confirmed.

Judge Shelley Joseph will go before the commission on June 9, Executive Director Howard Neff wrote in an email to MassLive. The exact location and time of the hearing have yet to be determined.

Federal authorities indicted Joseph on charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice, aiding and abetting obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting obstruction of a federal proceeding and perjury in 2019.

The year before, prosecutors say, Joseph allowed a man who was subject to an immigration detainer to avoid capture by exiting through a side door of a Newton courthouse.

The indictment was filed while Andrew Lelling, a Trump appointee, served as U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. But the charges were dismissed in 2022 under Rachael Rollins, a Biden appointee, after Joseph attested to a statement of relevant facts and agreed to refer herself to the Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Since then, the commission has filed its charges against Joseph, kicking off a process that begins with the June hearing. A hearing officer appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court, in this case, attorney Denis McInerney, will issue a report with proposed findings and recommendations within 30 days of the hearing.

The commission then submits a report and recommendations to the SJC, at which point Joseph can request an additional public hearing. The SJC will then issue a final determination on discipline, either adopting the commissions recommendation or imposing greater or lesser punishment.

Joseph has denied all wrongdoing, writing in a statement that she has attempted at all times to treat the parties before her ... fairly and in accordance with the law and court policies, and to promote the fair administration of justice and public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

Massachusetts state law bars defendants from being held solely on a civil immigration detainer. But in Josephs case, she is accused of helping a man, Jose Medina-Perez, avoid ICE agents in Newton District Court in part by letting him exit out the back door.

Her case has similarities to that of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was taken into custody by the FBI late last month. Dugan is also accused of allowing a man to escape ICE detention and has since been suspended by the states supreme court.

Joseph has been earning her six-figure-a-year salary since her arrest. State payroll records show she was paid more than $200,000 in each of 2023 and 2024.
A large group of over 75 North Atlantic right whales was spotted in the waters south of Massachusetts, prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue speed restrictions for boats and ships in the area, the New England Aquarium said Friday.

The aquariums Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life conducted two aerial surveys of the large pod of whales on April 23, 55 miles south of Marthas Vineyard, and on April 28, the aquarium said in a statement.

"Researchers have observed groups of feeding right and sei whales in the springtime in this area over the last few years, although this years aggregation is one of the largest researchers have seen there," the statement read.

Most of the whales are adults, including one whale that has not been surveyed since 2022 named Calvin. At 8 months old, Calvins mother was killed after she was struck by a large ship. Since then, Calvin has been entangled eight times and given birth to four calves.

This was the first time Calvin had been seen in almost three years, and at her last sighting, she had severe entanglement wounds that were new, Associate Research Scientist Katherine McKenna said in the statement. A lot of people had given up hope that she was still alive after not being seen for so long.

Serious injuries and deaths of right whales are commonly caused by shipping vessels on the water, the aquarium said. When the aquariums survey team noticed the direction in which the whales were swimming, it led to NOAA issuing a voluntary slow zone for all shipping vessels in the area. Vessels are urged to reduce speeds to 10 knots within slow zones.

The winter and spring seasons are the peak time of year for right whale sightings off southern New Englands coasts, the aquarium said.

More whales have been spotted nearby, including a large number of them feeding in Cape Cod Bay, meaning waters off New England are hosting a substantial portion of the population, the statement read.

Since December, the aquariums survey team has conducted 32 surveys and documented over 168 right whales, one-third of them seen in January off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire, near Jeffreys Ledge. This total number of whales spotted constitutes almost half of the estimated right whale population in the world, at around 370.
As President Donald Trumps trade war with China could impact the toy industry, he weighed in by advising Americans on what they should do going into the Christmas season later this year.

Chinese manufacturers have stopped production as American tariffs have set in, with factories that make toys, sporting goods and low-cost dollar store-type goods largely impacted, CNBC reported. Many factories have also told employees to go home for a few weeks, Cameron Johnson, a Shanghai-based senior partner at consulting firm Tidalwave Solutions, told the network.

As Trumps 145% tariffs on almost all Chinese goods hit, companies have also canceled the shipment of goods from China, NBC News reported.

Trump told reporters on Wednesday that the United States does not need imports from China and that China is having tremendous difficulty because their factories are not doing business.

Somebody said, Oh, the shelves are gonna be open, Trump said, according to Axios. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more.

The toy industry is the fourth-largest import category from China, with the United States importing as much as 75% of the toy products sold from China, NBC News reported.

The White House told businesses that manufacturers worried about tariffs should make [their] products in America, White House spokesman Kush Desai told NBC.

Trumps remarks come after his former chief economic advisor, Gary Cohn, said on Face the Nation on CBS that the impacts of Trumps tariffs could affect small businesses in early May.

You know, people are ordering their toys for Christmas today, have to order those toys, Cohn said. Those toys are now coming with a massive 145% tariff. The vast majority of small business toy stores cannot order toys today because they cannot afford the 145% tariff.

Toy Association president and CEO Greg Ahearn raised the issue with the New York Times, warning that the toy industry faces a frozen supply chain that is putting Christmas at risk.

If we dont start production soon, theres a high probability of a toy shortage this holiday season, Ahearn told the newspaper.

Trumps comment also came as the U.S. Commerce Department reported that the countrys domestic gross product shrank at an 0.3% annual rate in the first quarter of 2025. The president later blamed this on former President Joe Biden.

This is Bidens Stock Market, not Trumps, Trump posted on Truth Social. I didnt take over until January 20th. Tariffs will soon start kicking in, and companies are starting to move into the USA in record numbers. Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden Overhang. 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!!!

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
After being acquired by Boston Medical Center, two Massachusetts hospitals formerly operated by the now-defunct Steward Health Care have new names.

St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Brighton has been rebranded as Boston Medical Center  Brighton, while Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton is now Boston Medical Center  South.

New names, renewed commitment, Boston Medical Center touted of the newly announced uniformity across all three of its hospital facilities. Expect the same compassionate doctors and nurses you know, now backed by a stronger system.

Together, all three hospitals will be part of Boston Medical Center Health System, and their offsite physicians practices will transition to BMC Health.

Our vision for a unified health system, rooted in expert care and access for our communities, is steadily taking shape, Alastair Bell, president and CEO of BMC Health System, said in a statement. We are creating a shared identity across all of our hospitals that stands for clinical excellence, trust, accessibility, and compassionate patient care.

Last August, bankrupt Steward Health Care reached an agreement with Boston Medical Center for it to take over both Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeths Medical Center, the latter of which was the largest Steward hospital in Massachusetts.

BMC assumed operations of both hospital last October. Court filings listed a purchase price of $140 million, State House News Service previously reported.

When Gov. Maura Healey announced the deals last summer, she said BMC would buy the two hospitals, but that the state would have to take the St. Elizabeths property by eminent domain  after the firms that controlled the real estate of St. Elizabeths rejected what they said was a low-ball offer from the state for the property.
Harvard University became the first institution to resist the Trump administration when it publicly refused federal demands and filed a lawsuit in response to its threats to withdraw billions of dollars in funding.

However, Harvards image of resistance began to diminish in the eyes of some members of its community when it renamed its Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging to Community and Campus Life and said it would no longer fund, staff or provide space for affinity graduations, according to internal emails.
President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Fed up with foot-dragging from an American company, President Donald Trump is looking overseas to fulfill his dream of a newer, sleeker and safer Air Force One.

The White House has tasked Florida-based L3Harris, of Melbourne, Fla., to trick out a Boeing 747 formerly used by the Qatari government to bolster the aging fleet of official presidential jets, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Seattle-based Boeing, which had the original contract, will continue working on a pair of Air Force One replacement jets. The company had fallen so far behind schedule that Trump might not get to fly them before he leaves office, the newspaper reported.

According to the Journal, L3Harris has to retrofit the luxury plane with the specialized systems that will transform it into a presidential jet.

The White House wants to have the jet, which is known as Air Force One when the president is aboard, for use as early as this fall, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the work.

Trump has repeatedly pressed Boeing for updates. The companys CEO met with Trump in the Oval Office as recently as April 18, the Journal reported, citing those same people.

The White House, Boeing and L3Harris declined the Journals requests for comment.

Trump commissioned two new presidential jets during his first term to replace a pair of aging jets, which date to former President George H.W. Bushs administration, according to the Journal.

Boeing won the $3.9 billion contract and at one point was expected to have the planes ready by last year, according to the Journal.

The company is now years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget, after a series of supplier, engineering and manufacturing setbacks, the newspaper reported.

Prior to Trumps inauguration, the White House Military Office and senior U.S. Air Force officials had contemplated canceling Boeings contract. The possibility of litigation also has been bandied about, the Journal reported.

The older planes require heavy maintenance, which can limit the presidents transportation options on overseas trips when one is in for repairs, the Journal reported.
Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho made the catch of the year so far. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) AP

TORONTO  One thought came to manager Alex Coras mind when Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho fell down on the warning track going after Jarren Durans 396-foot fly ball in the fourth inning Tuesday.

Inside-the-park (home run). Thats my thought, Cora said before Bostons game against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. And then that happened.

Varsho somehow made the catch while on the ground after spotting the ball in the final seconds.

Ive never seen anything like that, Cora said.

Varsho won a Gold Glove last year, posting 16 defensive runs in 672 innings in center field and 12 defensive runs saved in 404  innings in left field.

Just a good athlete, Cora said. Hes one of the best, if not the best defenders in the outfield. And just a reaction. In the words of Kristian Campbell, that was crazy.

Alex Bregman called it one of the best catches hes ever seen. He thought it would be a triple for the speedy Duran.

I just stuck my glove out and somehow it went in, Varsho told reporters covering the Blue Jays, including MLB.coms Keegan Matheson. It was probably a really high percent probability of a catch and I made it look really hard.

Matheson noted it had a 95% catch probability  so if Varsho didnt fall down, it would have been a routine catch.

I said a profanity word, Varsho also told reporters. But then I was like, OK, wheres the ball?
Red Sox catcher Connor Wong will resume his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Thursday. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) Getty Images

TORONTO  The Red Sox are shooting for catcher Connor Wong (fractured pinky) to return from the 10-day injured list this coming weekend, manager Alex Cora said.

Wong isnt in Triple-A Worcesters lineup Wednesday after playing in rehab games with them Sunday and Tuesday. The expectation is he will play again Thursday and will need more than one more rehab game before hes ready to be activated.

He doesnt feel comfortable catching right now, Cora said Wednesday here at Rogers Centre. Theres a little bit of hesitation with certain pitches. So hes going to give it a try tomorrow, see how he feels.

Wong worked out with catching coordinator Tyson Blaser on Wednesday.

Hopefully he feels better and we can get him back over the weekend, Cora said.

As Wong works his way back from the IL, Yasmani Grandal has an opt-out decision to make Thursday.

The 36-year-old Grandal, a two-time All-Star, signed with Boston three days after Wong broke his pinky. His minor league deal includes a May 1 opt-out.

Grandal is playing for the WooSox on Wednesday after not appearing in a game since Sunday.

Hes been OK but hes been banged up, Cora said.

Grandal entered today 6-for-20 (.300) with a .440 on-base percentage, .600 slugging percentage, one homer, three doubles, five RBIs, three runs, five strikeouts and five walks in six games for Worcester.

Catcher Carlos Narvaez has played strong defense with Wong sidelined. Cora has indicated Narvaez and Wong will split time instead of Wong being the No. 1 catcher and Narvaez being the backup.

Narvaez ranks in the 100th percentile among major league catchers in blocks above average (5). Hes in the 88th percentile in both framing and fielding run value.

Carlos is going to play. Hes going to play, Cora said earlier this week. So well figure out how were going to do it. But hes done an amazing job. Right now hes the best defensive catcher in the big leagues. Hes putting good at-bats (together). Thats how it works, right? Were excited to have them both whenever Connor gets here.

Blake Sabol has backed up Narvaez. He will be optioned to Worcester once Wong is ready.
Red Sox starter Walker Buehler is back in Boston for testing. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) Getty Images

TORONTO  Red Sox starter Walker Buehler has returned to Boston to undergo testing on his shoulder.

Were working through a few things regarding Walker, manager Alex Cora said before the Red Sox series finale against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Buehler was scheduled to start for the Red Sox against the Twins on Friday at Fenway Park. Brayan Bello will start instead. The Red Sox have not yet decided on Saturdays starter. Garrett Crochet will start Sunday.

He hasnt bounced back the way we wanted so we have to wait, Cora said.

Cora said the Red Sox will wait and see before deciding if he needs an IL stint.

Buehler earned a win against Cleveland in the second game of their doubleheader this past Saturday.

Hes going through testing right now, Cora said.

Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with Boston in December. The righty is 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA (33  innings, 16 runs), 1.22 WHIP, 4.27 FIP, 29 strikeouts and nine walks in five starts for Boston so far.

Buehler returned last May after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in August 2022 that caused him to miss the entire 2023 season. His first Tommy John surgery was in 2015.

The Red Sox scratched Hunter Dobbins from his Triple-A start start Wednesday. Thats likely in case they need a starter for Saturday if Buehler heads to the IL.
Veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal has the ability to opt out of his minor league deal with the Red Sox on Thursday, but instead he plans to stay put at Triple-A Worcester.

Grandal will not exercise his May 1 opt-out and will instead remain with the WooSox in an effort to get more at-bats over the next couple weeks, according to an industry source. The 36-year-old has only appeared in seven games (29 plate appearances) since signing with Boston in mid-April. Other teams have expressed interest in Grandal, according to a source, but his comfort with Red Sox personnel informed his decision to stick it out with the organization for the time being. Its believed the Red Sox would be amenable to granting Grandal his release at any time if the right opportunity presented itself with another club in the majors.

The Red Sox signed Grandal, a two-time All-Star, shortly after starting catcher Connor Wong suffered a pinky fracture on April 7, in an effort to add depth to their catching mix. With Wong due back any day  a recovery that has been somewhat quicker than initially expected  and Carlos Narvaez ably filling in, there does not seem to be a big league spot imminently available to Grandal, who was seen as a potential upgrade in the backup spot over Blake Sabol for as long as Wong was out. Its expected Sabol will be optioned back to Worcester when Wong is activated with Wong and Narvaez participating in a timeshare for the Red Sox.

Grandal has hit .250 (6-for-24) with a homer, three doubles and an .879 OPS for Worcester. The former White Sox and Dodger has not played on back-to-back days and has been dealing with some soreness, according to manager Alex Cora, after not remaining unsigned through spring training.
The man who died in a fire at his home in Pelham last week has been identified as 31-year-old Christopher Bartlett, the Massachusetts State Fire Marshals Office said Thursday.

The Pelham Fire Department responded to 109 North Valley Road around 2:30 a.m. on April 25 after a passerby called 911 to report the fire, authorities said previously. Firefighters found the two-family home engulfed in flames and noted that despite this, no fire alarms could be heard going off at the home.
Holyoke School Committee Member Devin Sheehan stands outside Holyoke High School. Sheehan was recently appointed the president of the National School Board Association. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

HOLYOKE  Devin M. Sheehan, an advocate for public education and a long-serving member of the Holyoke School Committee, will lead the National School Boards Association next year.

The association lobbies on behalf of students in public schools nationwide, working to make sure they get a fair and high-quality education.
The Chicopee Housing Authority on October 23, 2024. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 10/23/2024 The Republican

CHICOPEE  A statewide tenant union is holding a training session for Chicopee Housing Authority renters on how to file reasonable accommodation requests Thursday night.

The requests, which are meant to help reduce housing barriers for disabled residents and provide equal opportunity, often go unacknowledged by landlords, according to Sarah Byrnes, the executive director of Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants, the group holding the training session.
If the problem isnt resolved by 2027 John and Lori Morris, owners of the Golden Eagle restaurant in Clarksburg, will not only lose their business but their home that is on the property. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

CLARKSBURG  Forty-three years later, John Morris still remembers hearing a thunderous boom and watching a fireball roll through the parking lot of his family home and business, prompting him and his parents to escape up a wooded hillside.

It was 1982, and a Cumberland Farms truck carrying 12,000 gallons of gasoline had crashed into a guardrail on the hairpin turn outside the Golden Eagle gift shop and restaurant on the Mohawk Trail.
Resource specialist D.J. Jones, at Springfield Partners for Community Action, informs Executive Director Mickey E. Harris that Big Y is going to contribute some aid to the organization Tuesday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

SPRINGFIELD  D.J. Jones, an administrative assistant at Springfield Partners for Community Action, smiled broadly, excitingly relaying how shed just gotten a new commitment for more donated diapers.

She runs the diaper program at Springfield Partners, supplying about 100 families, accounting for 166 individual children each month.
SPRINGFIELD  Residents urged the state to consider downtown locations when choosing a spot for a new courthouse and proposed a myriad of ideas such as splitting the plan into two buildings or rebuilding on the existing site.

People packed the City Hall Chambers Wednesday  including lawyers, a former judge, business advocates and community leaders  to weigh in on the plan to replace the troubled Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse by having a private developer construct the building and lease it back to the state under an agreement that could last as long as 60 years.

After the states Asset Management Board vote in late January to build the new courthouse under a private-public partnership created multiple concerns and questions, City Councilor Timothy Allen asked officials to return for another meeting before the official request for proposals for the roughly 330,000 square foot building was completed.
A screenshot of a conversation believed to be between a West Springfield teacher and a former student. (Provided image) Provided image

SPRINGFIELD  At 17, she told a trusted teacher at Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative that she just wanted a father.

Hers had died in the waters of the Connecticut River in 2013, according to published reports. She was a small child then. Her mother had her own struggles, and the girl ended up in foster care.
With Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rachel H. Monarrez announcing she will step down in June, the Worcester School Committee needs to find her successor.

The school committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday to discuss the process of appointing a new superintendent, according to the meetings agenda.
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The spiritual heart of Mayo, Ballintubber Abbey, will witness a Celebration of Irelands Sacred Paths.

In a country where history and heritage walk hand in hand with the land, few events will capture the spirit of Irelands enduring pilgrim tradition quite like the upcoming evening at Ballintubber Abbey.

This storied Abbey will play host to an inspiring illustrated talk and the launch of a landmark book by one of Irelands foremost voices on pilgrimageJohn G. ODwyer.

READ: Mayo U-20s v Roscommon: Three players who caught our eye

ODwyer, a respected Irish Times contributor and Chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland, returns to the spiritual heart of Mayo to present Discovering Our Heritage through Ancient Pilgrim Pathsan illustrated journey through Irelands sacred walking routes.

These are not just trails on a map but threads in the fabric of a culture steeped in faith, storytelling, and spiritual renewal. His talk promises a captivating exploration of paths once walked by saints and seekers alike, including the revered Tochar Phadraig which begins at the very doors of Ballintubber Abbey.

READ: Mayo woman (65) facing eviction says her life is 'in limbo'

The evening also marks the launch of Great Irish Pilgrim Journeys, ODwyers sixth and most comprehensive guide to date.

More than a travel companion, this book is a richly illustrated treasure trove of history, photography, and practical insightperfect for pilgrims, heritage enthusiasts, and modern-day adventurers.

With routes ranging from brief excursions to week-long odysseys, it charts a path not only through Irelands terrain but through its soul.

Mayo holds a unique place in this national story. One of only two counties in Ireland to feature two major pilgrim trails, it is home to both the ancient Tochar Phadraig and the scenic Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail.

These walks link landscapes to legend, offering modern pilgrims an opportunity to reconnect with something far older and deeper than themselves.

Admission to this event is free, and all are welcome. Ballintubber Abbey, the Abbey that refused to die, extends its timeless invitation once more: come and take your place in Irelands living heritage.

Event Details:

Book Launch & Illustrated Talk with John G. ODwyer

Date & Time: Monday, May 12 at 7.30pm

Location: Ballintubber Abbey, Co. Mayo

Admission: Free | All Welcome
The Electoral Commission has stated it is deeply concerned at the legacy accuracy issues on the electoral registers and has identified Mayo as one of the least accurate in the country.

In the first ever Oversight Report on Irelands Electoral Registers , the Commission says that because of the low level of 'quality of the register' that it will not be possible to even attempt to estimate, with any degree of satisfaction, either the registration rate for the county, turnout at electoral events or the numbers of people who are not registered.

READ MORE: Mayo woman (65) facing eviction says her life is 'in limbo'

Mayo's electoral register has 100.4 percent of the number of electors on the register compared with estimated eligible electors. This, the Commission notes, appears to indicate considerable inaccuracies on the register.

Speaking on the publication of the report, Art OLeary Chief Executive of The Electoral Commission stated:

The accuracy and completeness of the electoral registers, as well as how they are managed and maintained, are fundamental to Irelands democratic process.

The issue of accuracy needs resources and increased prioritisation by local authorities in the long term to ensure that the management of our electoral registers is improved.

Irelands voters deserve the strongest and most accurate electoral registers they can have.

In order to improve the accuracy of the Electoral Register, the Commission has created four 'accuracy indicators'. These indicators do not paint a pretty picture for Mayo County Council.

Mayo was in third last place nationally in two of those categories. The rate of percentage of entries on a register with Eircodes at 43.6 percent is significantly below the national average of 69.8 percent. Mayo's percentage of entries on a register with PPSNs was 18.2 percent, which was below the national average of 22%.

Mayo ranked in the bottom five nationally for the percentage of entries on a register with the combined dates of birth and Eircodes at 38.3 percent is also significantly below the national average of 56.0 percent.

Voters applying to join the electoral register multiple times or in multiple local authorities is one of the main reasons for the inaccurate electoral register. Another factor is the huge number of voters who registered in the immediate lead up to polling day. A snapshot of this is the 4,620 changes made to the Balancing List as well as 859 duplicates checked in the 16 days before the last general election.

The Commission has called on Mayo County Council to devote more resources to the electoral register as insufficient efforts have been made to improve the overall quality of the electoral register.

It is also hoped that the creation of a new shared national electoral register database, expected to be rolled out nationally in 2026, will make it easier to remove duplicates from the electoral register. Mayo County Council have been contacted for a response.
by Les Luchter , April 30, 2025

Myasthenia gravis is termed a rare disease, but several pharma companies are battling for the market of more than 70,000 Americans with the neurological disorder.

AstraZeneca and Argenx have run commercials on behalf of their respective treatments, Utlomiris and Vyvgart, and UCB has now joined the fray with its first consumer campaign for its year-old Zilbrysq. Messaging for all three brands is geared towards showing how patients, whose daily activities are limited by weakened muscles and fatigue, can get back in the fray after using the treatments.

Titled Imagine Your Zillions, the Zilbrysq campaign features a :60 connected TV spot, digital ads with imagery from the spot, in-office materials, and email marketing.

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Generalized myasthenia gravis can cause you to miss out on a zillion things, begins the commercials female voiceover. With Zilbrysq, you can count yourself in, she continues, as the spot shows people engaged in such activities as playing with dogs, smelling roses, and browsing a book sale.

Zilbrysq currently differs from competitors in that patients can self-administer it, although a self-administered version of Vyvgart was approved by the FDA just two weeks ago.

Also, while some treatments can help ease symptoms, they may not address the underlying causes, Kate Madden-Jones, consumer marketing experience lead for UCBs Rare Disease Organization, tells Marketing Daily.

About 80%-90% of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) have anti-AChR antibodies, and theyre the ones being targeted in UCBs campaign.

Most commonly, gMG impacts women 30-50 and men 60+, says Madden-Jones.

UCBs campaign, which started last week, will run through 2025, with the Eversana Intouch agency handling both creative and media.

In addition to Zilbrysq, which is self-administered once daily, UCB also offers Rystiggo, which is administered once a week by healthcare providers.

Johnson & Johnson also has a drug in the pipeline for myasthenia gravis.
From April 15 to 17, the prestigious ECOSOC Youth Forum was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, organized around the theme Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Forum brought together more than 105 youth delegates, 55 ministers, and 18 heads of National Youth Councils.

Among the participants was Fateh Karimli, a youth representative of Azerbaijan and co-founder of Green Generation, a youth-led initiative that supports the use of renewable energy and encourages greater environmental awareness among young people.

Speaking at the event titled Green Innovation, Digital Inclusion, and Global Partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals, Karimli emphasised the power of youth-led initiatives in advancing the UN 2030 Agenda.

We believe that youth innovation is not just part of the solution  it is the solution. The members of Green Generation encourage young people to take initiative and inspire them to think globally  from implementing school-based clean energy projects to promoting environmental justice, he stated.

During the Forum, Fateh Karimli had the opportunity to meet with young leaders from various parts of the world, as well as with Bob Rae, President for Youth Affairs at the UN, and Dr. Felipe Paullier, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.

Sharing his impressions of the Forum, Karimli said:

The ECOSOC Youth Forum was not just a milestone  it was a mission. A mission to spark youth initiative, foster innovation, and turn sustainability into a shared reality.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 1, 2025

Google made several announcements today around AI Mode -- including the addition of products and place cards to the answers, a new history panel, and running limited tests without the need to opt in to Al Mode in Search Labs. The company also dropped the waitlist for those waiting to use the platform.

Based on the incredibly positive feedback were getting, were removing the waitlist so anyone in the U.S. can now get immediate access to AI Mode in Labs  and were adding new features to help you get things done," Soufi Esmailzadeh, director of product management, at Google Search wrote in a blog post.

The technology will roll out during the coming week. Users will begin to see visual place and product cards in AI Mode and have the ability to tap to get more details.

AI funding has hit an all-time high, according to CB Insights Research. Deal volumes have remained steady, but funding rose 51% to 66.6 billion with the majority going to infrastructure companies like OpenAI.

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Google also added places for local businesses. For local spots like restaurants, salons and stores, users can see info like ratings, reviews, and opening hours, and if youre looking for a product, you will see shoppable options with real-time prices, images, shipping details and local inventory.

The searches on AI Mode are made possible by Googles up-to-date information about local businesses, and its Shopping Graph with more than 45 billion product listings from neighborhood stores worldwide.

The history panel Google added allows users to see past conversations and queries. Based on AI Mode being opt-in, the searches will likely allow Google to share data with advertisers and tap into consumer preferences for brands to target ads in the future.

There's a new left-side panel to get view past searches. Each includes information AI Mode already retrieved, allowing the user to ask follow-up questions in future queries.

"So many of the questions people ask are part of longer-running tasks and projects, and often they want to get back to the information they found," Esmailzadeh wrote. "We're making it easier to jump right back in on desktop. Just click the new left-side panel to get to your past searches  each topic will include the info that AI Mode already found for you, and you can ask follow-up questions or take your next steps."
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 1, 2025

Two Republican lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill that would require large app distributors like Google and Apple to verify users' ages, and prevent minors under 18 from downloading any apps without parental permission.

The App Store Accountability Act, introduced by Senator Mike Lee (Utah) and Representative John James (Michigan), is similar to a first-of-its-kind Utah law passed in March.

Lee said in a post on X that his bill would protect children in America and around the world.

Big Tech has profited from leading kids to inappropriate & dangerous content through app stores, even exposing their personal information to predators, he wrote.

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The federal proposal comes as individual states have been enacting laws that require social platforms including Meta and Snap to verify users' ages and restrict minors' ability to create accounts.

The tech industry group NetChoice has sued to strike down many of those statutes on First Amendment grounds, arguing both that age verification mandates are unconstitutional in themselves, and that minors have the right to access lawful speech. So far, such laws have been blocked in states including Ohio, Utah, Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas.

Despite their membership in NetChoice, Meta and Snap are supporting laws that would require app stores to determine users' ages.

In the physical world, society has established age-based restrictions for certain activities, including driving, voting and watching certain films, Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel opined Thursday in The Hill. These guardrails exist for good reason, and reflect our understanding of developmental stages and the capacity for responsible decision-making. Theres no reason why the digital world should operate by entirely different rules.

Meta also has argued that app marketplaces should obtain parental permission before allowing minors to download apps.

By verifying a teens age on the app store, individual apps would not be required to collect potentially sensitive identifying information, Meta's Antigone Davis, global safety head, wrote in November 2023. Parents and teens wont need to provide the hundreds of apps their teens use with sensitive information like government IDs.

Google, which distributes apps through the Play Store, lobbied against the Utah bill. The company argued in March that requiring app stores to verify downloaders' ages would introduce new risks to the privacy of minors, without actually addressing the harms that are inspiring lawmakers to act.

The tech funded policy group Chamber of Progress, which also opposed the Utah bill, said earlier this year that it would violate the First Amendment by forcing minors and adults to choose between sacrificing their privacy by disclosing sensitive personal information (their own or, in the case of a minor users parents, their childrens) and accessing legally protected online speech.

On Thursday the organization raised similar concerns about the federal proposal.
by Ray Schultz , May 1, 2025

Canadian journalists are receiving a windfall -- thanks to the first payments made by Google under Canadas Online News Act.

To date, 108 publishers have received a total of over C$22 million, with some payments totaling up to C$4.27 million.

This partial payment is roughly 60% of the annual total, according to News/Media Alliance.

These funds not only represent a significant victory for journalism in Canada, they also offer proof that the platform compensation model within Canadas Online News Act, which also underlies the federal Journalism Competition and Preservation Act and state bills like the Oregon Journalism Protection Act, is a viable and compelling option for American markets as well, says Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance. Publishers deserve to be compensated when major tech platforms profit from their work, and Canadas example proves that this model will work for publishers in the United States and start to reverse the damage that the Big Tech platforms have wreaked on the American news ecosystem.

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In Canada, the payments are being hailed as much-deserved compensation for publishers.

Today we show our world-leading model in action, ensuring Big Tech compensates news media for their journalism equitably and fairly across Canadas news ecosystem, says Sarah Spring, executive director of the Canadian Journalism Collective. Its an historic investment that is empowering a broad range of voices, and setting new democratic precedents in media funding and transparency.

The Canadian Journalism Collective describes itself as an independent, federal non-profit organization responsible for receiving and distributing $100 million annually for five years from Google in support of Canadian news businesses under the Online News Act.
Many men with prostate cancer didnt need treatment, yet most still had surgery or radiation, hindering widespread screening adoption.

  Trusted Source

Trends in Surgical Overtreatment of Prostate Cancer



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What is Prostatectomy?



Smarter surveillance and better diagnosis are helping more men sidestep unnecessary #prostate_cancer_surgery. #prostatecancer #prostatectomy #menshealth

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Trends in Surgical Overtreatment of Prostate Cancer - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2833303?utm_campaign=articlePDF&utm_medium=articlePDFlink&utm_source=articlePDF&utm_content=jamaoncol.2025.0963)

A study published inrevealed that between 2010 and 2024, the).A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove all or part of the prostate gland, most often to treat prostate cancer or, in some cases, an enlarged prostate. There are several types of prostatectomy, including radical, simple, open, and robotic-assisted, depending on the condition being treated and the surgical approach.The primary goal is to eliminate cancer while preserving urinary and sexual function as much as possible. Recovery time varies by procedure and individual, and some patients may experience side effects such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction.Many primary care physicians are concerned it may result in unnecessary surgeries for men with low-risk cases, prompting current guidelines to recommend screening only after patients are informed about the potential risks of overtreatment.However, not all prostate cancers are the same. Some grow so slowly that theyre unlikely to ever cause problems, especially in older men. The discrepancy between how common prostate cancer is and the hesitance in adopting screening exists because, historically, prostate cancer has been considered overtreated, said Steven Monda, M.D., urologic oncology researcher and first author of the study.In 2012, the U.S. Preventative Task ForceProstate cancer in many men does not require treatment. However, in the past, most of these men still underwent surgery or radiation after their diagnosis, which led to hesitance in the widespread adoption of screening.This stance was softened in 2018 to allow PSA screening only after patients discussed the risks and benefits with their doctor. Even though the 2012 USPTF guidelines were revised, many primary care doctors never went back to screening, said Tudor Borza, assistant professor of urology and senior author on the study.As a result, even people at a higher risk, such as African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer, aren't being offered screening. In the current study, the group analyzed data from over 180,000 men who had prostate cancer surgery between 2010 and 2024.They focused on patients with Grade Group 1 prostate cancer, which is the lowest-risk category. These are the men most likely to be good candidates for active surveillance, an approach in which doctors monitor the cancer with regular tests and intervene only if it worsens.Using two prostate cancer registriesone national and one based in Michiganthe researchers showed that the proportion of patients undergoing prostatectomy for the lowest risk type of cancer dropped over fivefold from 2010 to 2024. In 2010, one in three men who had prostate cancer surgery nationally had the low risk type. By 2020, that number dropped to less than one in 10.In Michigan, where urologists have been working for years on quality improvement through a program called MUSIC, the proportion dropped from about one in five in 2012 to less than one in 35 in 2024. The study also found that,The results who that this is a system-wide improvement, Monda said. Were seeing progress at the local practice, statewide and national levels. These results align with other studies that showed increased use of active surveillance for low risk prostate cancer since 2010.The decrease in the number of surgeries for low-grade prostate cancer shows that active surveillance helps, Monda said. Routine PSA checks, MRIs and biopsies can ensure that prostate cancer doesn't progress to a condition that requires treatment.Source-Newswise
Theres something oddly hypnotic about matcha. I first fell in love with it several years ago through matcha ASMR videos  the soft scrape of the chasen (bamboo whisk) against a ceramic bowl in a M/W formation, the brisk, light tapping of clear water whisking into green foam. As the froth thickened, the sound deepened too, growing dense and textured, like rain falling heavier. Then came the part I couldnt get enough of  pouring that pool of vivid green serenity into a glass of cold milk. Watching the green currents ripple and fold into white, slowly mixing  it was meditative.

 iStock It wasnt long before I found myself craving not just matcha, but everything it seemed to represent  calmness, minimalism, and an unhurried way of living. As a woman in her thirties, ready to leave behind the chaos of my twenties, the clean girl/matcha girlie aesthetic, the slower rituals  it all spoke to a part of me that longed to ground myself, much like the matcha waves settling into the milk. But standing in a buzzing cafe in Delhi, surrounded by linen shirts, avocado toasts and matcha lattes held up for Instagram, I had to wonder: Were we really drinking matcha for wellness? For aesthetics? Or just for the social flex? To find out, I decided to immerse myself  one glass of matcha at a time. Why Delhi Cant Stop Drinking Matcha

 Instagram/Espresso Anyday To be clear, I havent tried a lot of matcha and mostly stick to milky, sweetened versions. And Delhi has become the perfect playing ground for such palates as more matcha bars and cafes open up across the city. Matcha has flooded our streets, social media feeds, and even ad campaigns. Until a few years ago, matcha was just a sidekick on menus, an afterthought for experimental palates. Now, its become the main character. The sudden boom is something nobody anticipated, neither cafe owners, nor matcha sellers in India. Ajit Joshi, the founder of Caarabi Coffee, shares, Matcha Lattes are still the heavyweight champion, but experimentation is booming. Matcha cheesecakes, tiramisus, pancakes, ice creams, even cocktails like matcha mojitos or matcha negronis are hitting menus. The rule seems to be: if its edible, someones tried putting matcha in it.

 iStock Ajit, like other cafe owners, matcha distributors and experts, noticed the surge in demand for matcha in 2023, with Delhi leading the trend. He adds, Mumbais very close, especially in neighborhoods that blend food, fashion, and health. Bangalores a little quieter but sharper  they ask about sourcing, origins and other stuff. Different speeds, same destination. But why this sudden craze among Delhiites?

 Instagram/Rush GK 1 Nityam Chhabra and Shreya Shekhar, co-founders of Rush, Delhi's first matcha bar located in GK 1, discovered their love for the drink in 2023 as an alternative to coffee. We realised it gave us a different kind of energy  one without the crash that often followed our morning coffee. The sustained, balanced energy we felt after a cup of matcha would last well into the evening, and it genuinely changed our daily routine, shares Nityam. Rush started as a specialty coffee brand but has gradually shifted focus to serving the most popular matcha drinks in town. This led me to an important question What Does A Matcha Lover Look Like?

 Instagram/Mehak Dhawan Mehak Dhawan, a popular Delhi-based food influencer, also known as Foodiesince96, has recently befriended matcha. For her, its mostly about hopping on a visually appealing trend: It was all over my feed and I just had to see what the hype was about. And now? Kinda obsessed with the vibe. So many new spots are popping up, all serving unique matcha drinks. Some of her favourite spots include Rush and Espresso Anyday, the latter being a viral matcha spot in Gurugram.

 Instagram/Espresso Anyday Explaining the matcha craze, Grace Muivah, Brand Lead for Espresso Anyday says, Many customers are initially drawn in by how beautiful matcha looks and the signature flavours weve curated, but theres also a genuine interest in finding low-jitter alternatives to coffee and exploring options beyond the usual brew. Wellness plays a big role though its true that aesthetics often spark that first curiosity. Mehak thinks age is a big indicator when identifying the typical matcha customer. I think its definitely a Gen Z thing  we love embracing the latest trends, and matcha is totally having a moment right now. Honestly, I think Im in my matcha girl era too!, she laughs.

 Instagram/Rush GK 1 However, as a woman in my thirties, there's a lifestyle I'm slowly growing into  quieter, more deliberate. Maybe Im drawn to matcha because I want to become the kind of person who drinks it. Someone whos not running late to everything and has their life under control. Almost everyone I spoke to had the same image of a typical matcha customer  young, experimental, socially aware, and craving more than just a caffeine hit. Decoding the Matcha Lifestyle

 iStock I, too, was first drawn towards matcha because of its aesthetic appeal. But with every new matcha I order, I find myself wanting to explore its nuances. For many matcha noobs like me, its an aspirational beverage that goes beyond wellness, aesthetics or a social flex. Its about wanting to settle into a calmer and cleaner lifestyle. And learning more about matcha culture. By my second cup, I was wondering where all this matcha is coming from. Rush sources its matcha from Uji, Caarabi and Got Tea source it from Shizuoka, while Espresso Anyday and ILEM Japan source it from Kagoshima in Japan.

 Instagram/ILEM Japan Ishvani Patel, founder of ILEM Japan, feels the matcha culture in India is gradually stepping into the next gear  one where consumers become intimately connected with Japanese culture. Right now, matcha in India is still very much seen as a lifestyle symbol, something that fits into the broader trend of wellness and aesthetic living. But I do believe that over time, with the right exposure and education, a deeper matcha culture can take root. One thing that everyone unanimously agreed on is that the typical matcha consumer is all about mindful consumption.

Ajit sums it up pretty well  "Matchas not just a pretty face. Its here for the long haul. Sure, social media gave it the first push, but the real staying power is coming from whats behind the trend: health consciousness, mindful consumption, and the search for better caffeine. Once you experience that clean, focused energy without the crash, its hard to go back." Busting Matcha Myths

 iStock My obsession with matcha ASMR began years back, but I tried my first matcha latte barely a week ago. Why the gap? Because I was under the impression that its just another green tea, albeit a bitter, grassy-tasting version. Turns out, its a myth many people are trying to break. YuSung Eo, the co-founder of Got Tea, has noticed how customers can now tell apart a good matcha by its flavour profile. Customers often recognise good matcha by its smooth taste with minimal bitterness, and theres growing awareness of these quality markers in Delhi NCR.

 Instagram/Espresso Anyday Ishvani adds, Matcha is not just 'green tea powder'. Real matcha comes from shade-grown tea leaves, hand-picked at the right time, carefully stone-ground to preserve the nutrients, and crafted with deep attention to detail. Its about the soil, the farmers skill, the processing techniques, and the respect for time-honoured methods. Its a slow craft in a fast world, and thats what makes it so special. Another matcha myth people often fall for is that it lacks caffeine. Shirin Sharma, co-founder of 32nd Avenue that is home to Kioki, a Japanese restaurant known for its matcha workshops shared, "Matcha does contain caffeine, but its released more gradually compared to coffee." How Matcha is Building Communities

Got Tea By the end of the week  and after a few overpriced, but strangely grounding matcha lattes  I started to get it. Matcha isnt just a buzzword or aesthetic. Its a lifestyle  one thats leapt off Pinterest and into the real world through cafes, running clubs, matcha raves and matcha-making workshops. A true matcha lover isnt just flaunting a green drink anymore. Theyre imbibing a whole way of living. So, the social flex is actually becoming more meaningful now. Nityam shares, At Rush, we see this trend as part of a larger movement toward mindful consumption. We're excited to be building our own wellness community, starting with the launch of our run club, 'Everyday Rush'.

 Instagram/Espresso Anyday Grace also shared how the beverage has transformed their brand identity  At Espresso Anyday, weve embraced the vibrant colours and minimalism associated with matcha in our aesthetic, from our cafe design to our visual storytelling. Weve also launched matcha-themed merch and brought more of that fun, playful matcha energy into our social media. Recently, we even hosted a matcha party to celebrate the culture and community around it. YuSung shared how the success of matcha raves and workshops has brought more people to Got Tea, while the extensive matcha workshops at Kioki, 32nd Avenue, are always sold out. Matcha Guide for Beginners

 Instagram/Brims Modern Coffee If youre curious where to begin your own matcha era, heres a quick guide through some of Delhi's best matcha spots and drinks. Once youve settled in, try the traditional ceremonial matcha, whisked with just water. Got Tea : Matchamisu, Strawberry Matcha, Green Matcha, Vanilla Bean Matcha Espresso Anyday : Iced Berry Matcha, Rose & Collagen Matcha Latte Rush, GK 1 : Strawberry Matcha, Mango Matcha, Honey & Lavender Matcha Brims Modern Coffee : Honey Matcha Latte, Matcha Coconut Cloud The Matcha Effect
Ajaz Khan, who already carries a controversial image on social media, has come under fresh fire as netizens heavily criticised him for promoting vulgarity on his latest reality show. The former Bigg Boss contestant faced backlash for the show's content, which many viewers deemed inappropriate and distasteful. The context Ajaz Khan hosts a reality show, titled House Arrest, which is currently streaming on Ullu.

 UlluTV In one of the episodes, Ajaz Khan asked some of participants to demonstrate sexual positions.

A clip of this episode is going viral on the internet as social media users are bashing Ajaz Khan, asking the Broadcasting Ministry to take action against such shows and OTT platforms. Some users also said that a high-rated show like Indias Got Latent got banned, but people are doing nothing about this kachra. MP Priyanka Chopra wrote on X, I have raised this in the standing committee that apps such as this, namely, Ullu App and Alt Balaji have managed to escape the ban by I&B ministry on apps for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply.

One user commented, What the f is this? Its neither funny, nor entertaining and not even porn. Something is weirdly wrong with producers and directors nowadays where crass is seen as desirable.

Another user commented, Alt Balaji & Ullu app n other Ott platform are now crossing their limits by giving permission to Such cheaps shows of @AjazkhanActor n other cheaps so called star's, censor boards n government ko sirf aise logo ki awaz dabana pasand hai jho unke govt k against mai bole.

One user reacted, Muslims should boycott this idiot, because he is promoting evil which is against Islam. The Govt of India should take strict action against the channel and all those involved in it.

Another user reacted, These are third grade shows and common public wont be aware unless people some post this on twitter really god knows what @MIB_India is doing ..
The Marine Corps touted its ongoing barracks improvements on Tuesday but acknowledged the effort has hit some early snags -- and uncertain funding from Congress threatens to extend the already far-off expected completion in the late 2030s by nearly a decade.

The improvement effort, known as Barracks 2030, is a top priority for the commandant, Gen. Eric Smith, and has added furniture, renovations and big-ticket items such as air conditioning to the on-base housing, which is home to more than 80,000 Marines. But at least one pilot program is at risk of fizzling out for legal reasons, and the Pentagon's ongoing hiring freeze has delayed bringing on more than 100 civilian housing specialists.

Meanwhile, funding may be the biggest challenge for the initiative, according to presentations this week at the Modern Day Marine expo in Washington, D.C. If Congress does not allocate enough money in the next several years -- a total price tag of roughly $11 billion -- Barracks 2030 could get pushed into the 2040s, long after most current junior Marines have left the barracks.

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"There are still many areas where our Marines -- for the next year or two -- will not live in conditions that we want them to, but we are actively getting after," said Maj. Gen. Jason Woodworth, head of Marine Corps Installations Command, or MCICOM, who also oversees the service's facilities. "That's why it's going to take us to 2037 if fully funded" to get facilities where they need to be.

While Marine Corps officials said barracks conditions were improving, they have not been adequate homes in recent years for Marines. As of March 2023, 17,000 Marines were living in substandard housing, according to a Government Accountability Report that year, citing information from service leaders.

Military.com reported early last year that Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, had a pilot program where eight staff noncommissioned officers moved into the barracks "for the purpose of advocacy, mentorship, and the maintenance of good order and discipline for all residents," Maj. John Parry, a spokesperson for MCICOM, said at the time.

It was likened to a resident adviser program, such as those common at universities, and mirrors a similar Navy program. But more than a year later, that program may be in jeopardy because of a legal issue revolving around how many entitlements those staff NCOs would receive under the initiative.

"We ran into some legality issues," Eric Mason, the unaccompanied housing team lead for MCICOM, said Tuesday during a presentation at the expo. "It seems that our Marine Corps legal team doesn't see things the way the Navy sees them, meaning that if we have a senior or staff personnel that lives in the barracks that are getting [basic allowance for housing], it requires them to have two entitlements. And we couldn't get behind that. So our legal team is still looking at how we do this."

Another such initiative was to replace Marine barracks managers with trained civilians. Previously, young Marines were charged with handling barracks, from managing repair requests to in-processing newcomers into housing, juggling those difficult responsibilities with their military duties.

Now, Mason said the service has hired and trained 347 civilians across the fleet whose sole focus is to manage the day-to-day operations of the barracks. That took 532 enlisted Marines off the hook for those responsibilities, according to Mason's presentation.

The Pentagon's recent hiring freeze under the Trump administration has delayed the staffing of 115 of those civilian barracks managers who were supposed to be onboarded in February, Mason said. He said the service plans to hire those individuals once the freeze is lifted.

"How do we measure success at the end of 2037, or 2045, or however long we go to, how do we measure if [the] Barracks 2030 initiative was successful?" Mason said.

Tracking progress data was one way to identify the program's outcomes, Mason said, but he added that another litmus test will be to gauge how Marines feel about the barracks being their "home."

"No Marines identify barracks as home," he said. "When you start hearing Marines say I am going to my home, and they're referring to barracks, I think that's a great way to measure" the program's success.

Mason could not provide an exact number of how many Marines are currently living in substandard housing, but said "that [17,000] number has decreased and will continue to decrease" as the service works to fulfill its initiative, hopefully by the mid-2030s.

Much of that progress relies on steady funding from Congress. Mason said that "if, for some reason, God forbid, we don't get all the money we're asking for, then we have a backup plan, an alternate plan, which takes [us] out to about 2045, 2043, depending on how much we end up getting."

Meanwhile, the service has poured the facilities money it currently has into barracks renovations as well as programs and systems in the near term.

In 2023, MCICOM saw to it that installations began using QR codes to generate barracks maintenance requests. By the fall of that year, the division began developing a program called QSRMax that is meant to institutionalize the practice. Now, the system is getting 1,000 requests per week, officials said.

Officials added that a pilot program at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, will begin soon allowing Marines to use their Common Access Card, or CAC, to enter their barracks instead of having to rely on key cards that may get lost more frequently.

Last spring, the service completed a massive wall-to-wall inspection of more than 60,000 barracks rooms around the world. A year later, the Marine Corps has not released the results of that effort, but Maj. Jose Castillo, an official with MCICOM, said it has directly informed their efforts.

Common trends that officials saw included "water intrusions," meaning plumbing issues and leaks, ventilation and security concerns regarding broken locks, for example.

Castillo and other officials said the Marine Corps has contracted the Urban Collaborative LLC design firm to collect data on the entire Marine Corps portfolio of unaccompanied housing and provide the service with data in the next year or so.

"This is going to tell us what barracks we need to keep, what barracks we need to refurbish or renovate, and what barracks we simply need to get rid of," Mason said.

The company did not immediately return Military.com's request for an interview on Wednesday.

Service leaders have admitted barracks fell by the wayside during the Global War on Terrorism. Poor conditions such as squatters, mold, vermin, ventilation issues and general dilapidation became common.

"The idea is not to fix it and forget it. It's to fix it directly and then maintain it," Lt. Gen. James Adams III, the deputy commandant for programs and resources, said on Tuesday. "Because, quite frankly, we got ourselves in the position we're in now because we didn't fix it and we did forget it."

Related: Marine Corps Says Half of Barracks Had Issues, Though Only 118 Marines Moved, After Worldwide Inspection
WASHINGTON  Kuwait has released an additional 10 American detainees, bringing to nearly two dozen the total number freed by the country in the past two months, U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Taken together, Kuwaits pardons of 23 Americans since March  done as a goodwill gesture by the U.S. ally  amounted to the largest release of U.S. citizens by a single foreign country in years.

The prisoners, both men and women, include military contractors and veterans held on drug charges and other offenses by the small, oil-rich nation, including one who was said by supporters to have been coerced into signing a false confession and endured physical violence and threats against his wife and daughter.

Ten others were released in March, weeks after a visit to Kuwait by Adam Boehler, who is serving as the Trump administrations envoy for hostage affairs.

We flew out, we sat down with the Kuwaitis, and they said, 'Listen, no ones ever asked before at this level for the release of the Americans, Boehler told the AP.

The releases were not done as part of a swap and the U.S. was not asked to give up anything in return.

Theyve been extremely responsive, and their view is the United States is a huge ally. They know its a priority for (President Donald Trump) to bring Americans home, Boehler said. I credit it to the Kuwaiti understanding that weve stood up for them historically and they know that these things are important for the president.

Kuwait is considered a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. The U.S. and Kuwait have had a close military partnership since America launched the 1991 Gulf War to expel Iraqi troops after Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, with some 13,500 American troops stationed in Kuwait at Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base.

But the country also has detained many American military contractors on drug charges, in some cases for years. Their families have alleged that their loved ones faced abuse while imprisoned in a country that bans alcohol and has strict laws regarding drugs. Others have criticized Kuwaiti police for bringing trumped-up charges and manufacturing evidence used against them  allegations never acknowledged by the autocratic nation ruled by a hereditary emir.

A spokesperson for the Kuwaiti embassy in Washington didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Americans freed Wednesday maintain their innocence, and its important to note none of these cases had an identified victim, and all of them were built on supposed confessions taken in Arabic without translation, according to a statement from Jonathan Franks, a private consultant working on cases involving American hostages and detainees who represented nine of the 10 people released. He spent weeks in the country trying to negotiate the releases.

He credited the Trump administration for looking for reasons to bring Americans home even when they are not designated by the U.S. government has having been wrongfully detained. He said these Americans, mostly veterans, lost years with their families.

Among those freed Wednesday was Tony Holden, an HVAC technician and career defense contractor. He was working in support of Camp Arifjan at the time of his November 2022 arrest, when his family and supporters allege he was set up by corrupt Kuwaiti police looking to earn bonuses.

His supporters say his wife and daughter were physically threatened, that he was coerced into signing a written confession in Arabic and that his drug possession charge and sentence came in spite of him testing negative in a drug test and abstaining for religious reasons from drug and alcohol use.

We are grateful to see Tony Holden released today," said Stacia George, chief engagement officer of Global Reach, a nonprofit organization that has advocated for Holdens release. "Tony is an innocent man who was held unjustly for 902 days and this gives him the ability to come home to his family and restart his life."

Added U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: We celebrate his release and return to the United States.

A minor is also being released in the coming days but is expected to remain in Kuwait, a U.S. official said.
KYIV, Ukraine  A Ukrainian drone attack left at least seven people dead and a Russian strike on Odesa killed two people on Thursday, officials said, just hours after Kyiv and Washington signed a long-anticipated agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraines mineral resources.

The attack in the partially occupied Kherson region of southern Ukraine, which struck a market in the town of Oleshky, killed seven and wounded more than 20 people, Moscow-appointed Gov. Vladimir Saldo said.

"At the time of the attack, there were many people in the market, Saldo wrote on Telegram. After the first wave of strikes, he said, Ukraine sent further drones to finish off any survivors.

Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike on the Black Sea port city of Odesa early Thursday killed two people and injured 15 others, Ukrainian emergency services said.

Regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said the barrage struck apartment buildings, private homes, a supermarket and a school.

Videos shared by Kiper on Telegram showed a high-rise building with a severely damaged facade, a shattered storefront and firefighters battling flames.

A drone struck and ignited a fire at a petrol station in the center of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

Following the attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia had ignored a U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire for more than 50 days now.

There were also our proposals  at the very least, to refrain from striking civilian infrastructure and to establish lasting silence in the sky, at sea, and on land, he said. "Russia has responded to all this with new shelling and new assaults.

Agreement on mineral wealth

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.

Tymofiy Mylovanov, former economy minister and current president of the Kyiv School of Economics, said Thursday that despite what he described as unimaginable pressure during negotiations on the newly signed minerals deal, Ukraine succeeded in defending its interests.

This is a huge political and diplomatic win for Ukraine, Mylovanov wrote on Facebook. All the draconian demands of the other side were canceled. The deal looks fair.

Mylovanov said the deal includes no requirement for Ukraine to repay previous U.S. aid, nor does it restrict Kyiv to selling only to American buyers. Instead, he said, the deal recognizes contributions from both sides: Ukraines in the form of revenues from new projects, and the U.S. potentially through military assistance.

Kyiv residents voiced mixed reactions Thursday morning to the newly signed U.S.-Ukraine agreement, with many saying they had not yet had time to fully understand the deals implications.

Among those who spoke to The Associated Press about the deal was Diana Abramova, who attended a rally in Independence Square demanding information on missing Ukrainian soldiers. Her father, Valentyn Stroyvans, went missing in combat last year.

Any news is hard to take  whether its about negotiations or anything else, Abramova said. But I still believe and hope that any action will bring us closer to one thing: Ukraines victory. Only victory.

Seventy-four-year-old university lecturer Natalia Vysotska said she wasnt familiar with the details of the agreement but remained cautiously optimistic.

"I dont know what the terms are  they may not be favorable for Ukraine at all. Still, if it was signed, our experts must have weighed the pros and cons. I hope it will be beneficial.

Others shared a more skeptical view. Iryna Vasylevska, a 37-year-old Kyiv resident, expressed frustration and disillusionment with the broader implications of the deal.

She told the AP she feels terrible that our land is just a bargaining chip for the rest of the world and that we do not have our own full protection, but rely on someone.

My vision is that instead of strengthening ourselves, we continue to give it all away. I feel sorry for our land and for our people, she said.

Russian reaction to the minerals deal

Reaction to the signing was generally muted in Moscow on Wednesday, a holiday in Russia. But the deputy chair of Russias National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said that Trump had forced Ukraine to effectively pay for American military aid with its mineral resources.

Now military supplies will have to be paid for with the national wealth of a disappearing country," he claimed in a post on Telegram.

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Russian Civic Chambers commission on sovereignty, told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that Zelenskyy had effectively handed Ukraine over to legally prescribed slavery.

___

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Russia's Defense Ministry reported shooting down eight Ukrainian drones overnight on Sunday. The statement was made on Thursday.

___

Morton reported from London.
This column first appeared on Spytalk.co. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com.

Decades ago, a wise and long serving Justice Department inspector general remarked to me that leak investigations were a fools errand. By that he meant that they rarely ended in criminal investigations and often led back to the offices of political appointees who had expressed the loudest outrage, where they were quietly buried. They also, of course, exacted a cost in department morale, as leak sleuths roamed the corridors and called employees to basement interrogation cells like so many wired-up Inspector Javerts.

Thats what the Trump machine has unleashed upon Washington, according to a generally overlooked story reported by The Washington Posts Ellen Nakashima and Hannah Natanson on Monday. The hypocrisy of the Signalgate crew here is palpable.

Of course, FBI Director Kash Patel, whose campaign to root out the deep state animated his campaign for a top national security job in the Trump regime, has embraced the so-called lie detector initiative, which seems prompted by the embarrassing revelations ofwait for itleaky security behavior by top national security officials.

The seriousness of the specific leaks in question precipitated the polygraphs, as they involved potential damage to security protocols at the bureau, said an unidentified spokesperson, apparently blithely insensitive to the probes rationale.

Putting aside the absurdity of the campaign, though, I wonder if Patel & co. are aware of long standing questions about how effective polygraphs are.

Multiple studies over the years have shown not only that polygraphs are hardly foolproof when it comes to vetting applicants to federal jobs, they leave a false sense of security that an agency has protected itself from criminals and enemy moles.

As the late great New York Times investigative reporter David Burnham wrote way back in January 1986, One of the nagging questions about the polygraph concerns its basic usefulness.

Burnham went on: Although there is evidence the tests can help investigators in narrowly focused criminal cases, a 1983 study by the Office of Technology Assessment, a bipartisan agency that serves Congress, concluded, The available research does not establish the scientific validity of the polygraph test for personnel security screening.''

Nearly a decade later, I took up the issue in the New York Times, following reports that the infamous Russian mole in the CIA, Aldrich Ames, had passed numerous polygraph tests with flying colors. Sen. Dennis DeConcini, then chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I wrote, had visited Ames in jail and asked how he passed the exams. "Well," Ames replied, "they don't work."

"Polygraphs are little more accurate than flipping a coin," says Dr. David Lykken, a psychology professor at the University of Minnesota and expert on polygraphs, also told me. Drew C. Richardson, an F.B.I. supervisor with a Ph.D. in physiology, had also cast doubt on their efficacy, telling a conference of polygraphy experts that he had successfully taught his 10-year-old son the techniques to beat the critical Control Question Test, in which a physiological base rate is established on a subjects responses to questions designed to make him or her lie. A knowing subject can bite their tongue or squeeze their toes to manipulate the test.

"It's a fine instrument for interrogation if you already have strong evidence of someone's guilt," John J. Furedy, a psychologist at the University of Toronto, told me. But as a trap to catch moles randomly? Its "astrology," "magic," "wishful thinking," and "a lousy way of finding out if somebody is a double agent.

Maybe the polygraphers have perfected their tests since then? I doubt it. Maybe theyve dramatically improved their craft, but there are still too many variables at work in the tests.

Now, I suppose that if Kash Patels rat catchers already have strong evidence of a suspects guiltsay, emails from one of Pete Hegseths many Pentagon critics to a reporter expressing alarm about the erratic defense secretarys many indiscretions (the latest being revelations of his wifes strange, outsize role in his officethe polygraphers job will be made easy. Absent that, theyll be fishing. Worse, given the unprecedented pressure on all government employees to demonstrate personal loyalty to the Trump regime, the examiner may well feel obligated to find people guilty no matter their innocencealong the way forcing their subjects to reveal personal details irrelevant to the leak probe but useful to MAGA loyalists in the agencies.

Its been done before, as Burnham reported in 1986, revealing that an investigation published today by General Accounting Office for the Senate Armed Services Committee found that the training manual used by the military until late November suggested asking about a subject's political, racial and religious affiliations and whether the subject had engaged in a variety of sex acts or had ever 'been a party to an abortion. That was under the evangelists-supported Reagan administration.

The revelation prompted the Defense Department to abolish the training manual, Burnham reported. But who can be confident that the right-to-life-fervent Trump appointees now populating the National Security Council, Pentagon, FBI, CIA, NSA or other components of the military and intelligence community wont unleash their MAGA zealotry on career officials whove sworn loyalty to the Constitutionnot the wannabe monarch occupying the White House?

As Nakashima and Natanson reported on Monday, the administrations investigations into alleged leaks to the news media, in some cases using polygraph testsare creating a climate of fear and intimidation.

Maybe thats the point.

The probe has already crashed through important guardrails, they found: The ramp-up has been bolstered by Attorney General Pam Bondis new legal guidelines that allow the Justice Department to subpoena reporters personal communications and broaden the scope of potential criminal prosecution to leaks of not just classified material, but also privileged and other sensitive information that the administration says is designed to sow chaos and distrust in the government.

So were back to the bad old days?

The hypocrisy of Trump officials pursuing leaks is breathtaking.

Ignoring security rules to discuss war plans and other highly sensitive subjects on personal Signal apps (which a former top U.S. counterintelligence official told SpyTalk has almost certainly been penetrated by Chinese and other adversary hackers)? No problem. An alcoholic SecDef including his uncleared wife, personal lawyer and other political appointees in classified military and foreign policy chats on Signal? No problem. Personal cell phones in restricted areas? No problem.

(Last December the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned consumers that Chinese hackers were waging a "broad and significant cyber-espionage campaign" to infiltrate commercial telecoms and steal users' data  and in isolated cases, to record phone calls. In 2023 it was reported that Chinese hackers had used a fake version of Signal for Android users and loaded them onto the Google Play and Samsung Galaxy Stores to encourage their use, according to security researchers at ESET, a leading cybersecurity firm. In addition it was reported in February that multiple Russia-aligned threat actors have been observed targeting individuals of interest via the privacy-focused messaging app Signal to gain unauthorized access to their accounts.)

In short, these guys are walking security nightmares, yet theyre frantic about leaks that reveal their own careless, irresponsible behavior? Give me a freaking break. The only positive takeaway here is that their excesses and stupidity will no doubt pop up in every days news.

This article by Jeff Stein originally appeared on Spytalk.co.
**How Do Nuclear Power Plants Keep the Lights On?**







(Nuclear Power Plants Produce Energy Through Which Process?)

Flip a switch, and the room lights up. Plug in a phone, and it charges. We use electricity every day, but few people know how nuclear power plants actually create it. The answer lies in a process that sounds like science fiction but happens every second inside reactor cores: splitting atoms to release massive amounts of energy. Lets break it down.

At the heart of every nuclear plant is a reactor. Inside this reactor, tiny pellets of uranium fuel sit bundled into metal tubes. Uranium is special because its atoms are unstable. When a neutrona subatomic particlehits a uranium atom, the atom splits. This splitting is called nuclear fission. Think of it like a game of pool. Hit one ball hard enough, and it smacks into others, sending them flying. In fission, splitting one uranium atom releases neutrons that zoom out and split more atoms. This creates a chain reaction, producing heat as a byproduct.

But heat alone doesnt power cities. The next step involves water. In most reactors, water surrounds the fuel rods. The heat from fission turns this water into steam. Heres where things get familiar. Steam is powerful. Its the same force that pushed old locomotive engines. In a nuclear plant, steam shoots through pipes to spin a turbinea giant fan-like device connected to a generator. As the turbine spins, it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. This electricity then travels through power lines to homes, schools, and businesses.

Nuclear plants rely on strict safety measures. Control rods made of materials like boron absorb excess neutrons to prevent the chain reaction from speeding out of control. Cooling systems ensure the reactor doesnt overheat. Even the buildings are designed to contain radiation, with thick concrete walls shielding the outside world.

You might wonder why we use uranium. The reason is energy density. A single uranium pellet, smaller than a fingertip, holds as much energy as 150 gallons of oil or a ton of coal. This makes nuclear power incredibly efficient. A small amount of fuel generates electricity for months, unlike coal or gas plants that need constant refueling.

Critics often point to nuclear waste as a downside. Used fuel stays radioactive for thousands of years and must be stored carefully. But modern solutions include sealing waste in steel-and-concrete containers and burying it deep underground. New reactor designs even aim to recycle spent fuel, reducing waste volume.

Another concern is accidents. Events like Chernobyl or Fukushima understandably raised fears. But technology has improved. Todays reactors use passive safety systems that work without human intervention. For example, some automatically shut down during emergencies by leveraging gravity or natural circulation.

Nuclear power also fights climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, it doesnt release carbon dioxide during operation. A typical reactor cuts millions of tons of CO2 emissions yearly. As countries push for cleaner energy, nuclear offers a steady power sourceunlike solar or wind, which depend on weather.







(Nuclear Power Plants Produce Energy Through Which Process?)

The process isnt magic. Its physics and engineering working on a grand scale. Split atoms create heat, heat boils water, steam spins turbines, and turbines generate electricity. Simple in theory, complex in practice. Yet this intricate dance of particles and machinery quietly powers millions of lives, proving that sometimes the biggest energy solutions start with the smallest particles.

Inquiry us

if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected])
Tommy John surgery is on the table for Mets reliever Danny Young, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters (including Tim Healey of Newsday). The Mets placed the left-hander on the 15-day injured list this afternoon with an elbow sprain.

The team hasnt made the final determination, but Young is in for an extended absence. An elbow sprain involves at least some degree of ligament stretching or tearing. The damage is sufficient enough that it may require surgical repair, though it stands to reason that Young will go for multiple opinions before making a decision of that magnitude. If he does go under the knife, hed not only miss the rest of this season but the majority of next year as well.

Young signed a minor league deal with New York during the 2023-24 offseason. They selected his contract that April. He has held his 40-man roster spot since then. Young worked as an up-and-down reliever throughout the 24 season. He worked to a 4.54 ERA over a career-high 37 2/3 big league frames. That was Youngs final option year. The Mets have needed to keep him in the big leagues this season. Hes pitched 10 times, allowing five runs (four earned) with a strong 13:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Hes collected four holds.

A.J. Minter and Young have been the only left-handers in Mendozas bullpen this season. Within the past few days, theyve each not only gone on the injured list but are facing potential season-ending absences. Minter sustained a severe lat strain over the weekend and is weighing potential surgery himself. They re-signed Brooks Raley, but hes multiple months away as he rehabs last Mays Tommy John procedure. The only healthy left-handed pitchers on New Yorks 40-man roster are starter David Peterson and Brandon Waddell, who was called up today for spot work as a bulk arm behind an opener.

Anthony Gose and Genesis Cabrera are the only lefties on the Triple-A roster. Both pitchers are missing bats with scattershot command, which aligns with their overall track records. Gose has had more success in terms of run prevention, but neither is well suited for a leverage role. Even with Raley hopefully serving as a late-season reinforcement, lefty relief figures to be a target area for the Mets over the coming weeks. The handful of rebuilding clubs  the Rockies, White Sox and Marlins  dont have much to offer in that regard, so an early-season trade of significance seems unlikely.

Regardless of whether he requires surgery or only needs an extended shutdown, Young will probably move to the 60-day injured list at some point. If he has surgery, the Mets may look to outright him off the 40-man roster at the beginning of the offseason.
Nationals infielder Paul DeJong is on the 10-day injured due to a fractured nose he suffered when an errant pitch hit him in the face. Manager Dave Martinez tells Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post that he probably wont be back until around the All-Star break.

I think now they said about a month before he can actually do any activities, Martinez said. Hopefully we get him back sometime around the All-Star break, but well see. I mean, only time will tell now. So its just about healing with him right now.

It was April 15th when DeJong suffered the aforementioned HBP. As seen in the video from MLB.com, a pitch from Mitch Keller sails up and in and hits DeJong in the face. Though he was able to walk off the field after that scary situation, he was visibly bleeding and had to hold a towel to his face. Last week, Martinez told reporters that DeJong would undergo surgery on his nose, per Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com. Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post, that surgery would take place on April 28th, repairing his sinuses and orbital plate.

In the wake of that surgery, it seems DeJong is still a month away from getting back in any kind of action. Assuming that comes to pass, hell spend the month of June ramping up activities before going out on a rehab assignment, which could put him in line to return at some point in July.

The Nationals likely signed DeJong with the hope of trading him midseason. DeJong was flipped prior to the deadline in each of the past two seasons. The Cardinals traded him to the Blue Jays in 2023, getting minor league righty Matt Svanson in return, though his performance tanked with Toronto. He was released, landed with the Giants, struggled some more and was released again. He bounced back with the White Sox last year and was traded to the Royals, with the Sox netting right-handed pitching prospect Jarold Rosado in the swap.

Washington wrapped up its fifth straight losing season in 2024, with no clear short-term answer at third base. Prospect Brady House is the hopeful long-term answer, though he struggled in his first taste of Triple-A in 2024. The Nats signed DeJong to a one-year, $1MM deal this winter. Ideally, he could have played well for a few months, enough to be traded again. At that point, perhaps House would have been able to take over for the second half.

Things havent gone according to that script thus far. DeJong hit .204/.246/.278 through his first 57 plate appearances, striking out in 42.1% of them. With this injury absence, he wont have too much time to improve that line before the July 31st trade deadline. Even though hes had modest trade value in recent years, his performance has been highly volatile. He has a 32.1% strikeout rate dating back to the start of 2023. He has 38 home runs in that time but his combined .217/.266/.387 line leads to a 79 wRC+.

Since DeJong hit the IL, Jose Tena has been the regular at the hot corner. Hes hit .286/.302/.381 for a wRC+ of 88 this year. It wouldnt be a shock to see House called up at some point, as hes hitting .297/.363/.485 for a 127 wRC+ in Triple-A this year. On the other hand, his .400 batting average on balls in play will surely come down and hes striking out in 29.2% of his plate appearances.

Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images
The Tigers reached agreement with left-hander Nick Margevicius on a minor league deal, relays Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. The 65 southpaw had been pitching in the Mexican League with the Tecos de los Dos Laredos.

Margevicius, 28, pitched in the majors each season from 2019-21. He suited up with both the Mariners and Padres, combining for a 6.12 earned run average in 110 1/3 innings. He split the following two seasons between the upper levels of the Seattle and Atlanta farm systems. Margevicius signed in Taiwan last year and worked to a 2.82 ERA with 86 strikeouts over 108 1/3 frames. He made the move to Mexico last winter.

The Mexican League is a tough landing spot for a pitcher. Margevicius pitched well over two starts there, though, allowing just two runs in 10 1/3 innings. While he only struck out seven of 42 opponents, he limited free passes (three walks and one hit batter) while managing solid overall results. It was enough to get him back to affiliated ball for the first time since 2023. Hell look to improve upon a 4.55 ERA in 369 2/3 minor league innings over five seasons.
13 1 / 13 State forestland maps near Fife Lake and Mancelona

GAYLORD, MI  State officials reviewed at least five sites across northern Michigan for possible solar energy buildout in whats become a controversial effort to increase renewable energy by deforesting state land.

Maps and other documents released to MLive under the state Freedom of Information Act show sites reviewed by officials include previously unknown areas in the Mackinaw and Pere Marquette state forests. Both those sites near Fife Lake and Mancelona were deemed suitable to lease for solar panels in 2021, records show.

Officials said they have not reassessed those sites because of an ongoing pause on utility-scale solar on state land. It remains unknown whether any developers inquired about those locations.

Much of those state lands near Fife Lake and Mancelona appear largely forested, based on aerial photos and stand inventory descriptions released by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The maps also include 1,600 acres near Muskrat Lake in Oscoda County. However, documents released to MLive show that site in prime Kirtlands warbler habitat was deemed off limits.

The last two areas in maps released by the DNR were already known to the public: parcels near Gaylord and an area near Roscommon already under contract with a developer.

Related: Michigan plans to clear 400+ acres of state forest near Gaylord for solar farm

Released records show DNR officials reviewed 4,800 public acres across those five northern Michigan locations. All are either adjacent or in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines, considered a key factor for renewable energy development.

State officials said leasing 4,000 acres of public land statewide for solar energy is part of the DNRs plan to increase revenues for the agency and accelerate Michigan toward its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040.

If solar is going to be built out at the scale that this state is committed to, it has to go somewhere, said Scott Whitcomb, director of DNRs Office of Public Lands during a panel discussion April 23 at the state climate conference in Detroit.

When questioned by an audience member, Whitcomb argued some state forestlands may be appropriate for solar panels, such as those near major power lines.

Whitcomb declined to answer questions from an MLive reporter during the climate conference.

Still, critics contend deforesting public lands for solar energy undercuts climate efforts because of the lost carbon-consuming ability of the trees. Others lambaste the lost economic value of timber regrowth for the states $26 billion forests products industry.

Yet top DNR officials like Whitcomb and agency Director Scott Bowen argue the accelerating climate crisis is urgent enough that renewable energy must be quickly built everywhere possible  even on forested public lands  and more trees simply be conserved elsewhere.

Up north forests scoped for solar

Records released to MLive revealed at least two publicly unknown areas of state land officials deemed suitable for potential solar energy projects when reviewed four years ago.

That included 602 acres of the Mackinaw State Forest east of Mancelona and 426 acres of the Pere Marquette State Forest northeast of Fife Lake.

The larger site near Mancelona is alongside the same high-voltage transmission line that touches state land near Gaylord under consideration for solar energy leasing.

The maps show most of the 602 acres of public land were purchased when property owners fell behind on taxes, though two smaller parcels were bought with restricted state game funds. Inventory of tree stands show the acreage includes hardwoods, aspen and planted pines.

The 426-acre site by Fife Lake similarly includes aspen and planted pine. But the acreage is distinctive in its proximity to forested-shrub wetlands, according to released state maps.

Records recently released to MLive revealed at least two publicly unknown areas of state land officials deemed suitable for potential solar energy projects in 2021. That included 426 acres of the Pere Marquette State Forest northeast of Fife Lake shown on this wetlands map released by the DNR. Michigan DNR

Under FOIA, MLive sought copies of maps of every potential solar energy site for which DNR employees reviewed and contributed comments in the agencys computerized system called its Solar Recommendations Editor.

Although the DNR says it already reviewed more than 30,000 acres for solar potential from among 4.6 million acres of public trust land it manages statewide, the agency released details of just 4,800 acres.

When asked how many more sites are highlighted in the system, DNR spokesperson Ed Golder said to seek that information through FOIA. He also said maps from their internal GIS system that show those additional locations are not actually public records.

The solar recommendations editor is a tool that allows us to create temporary maps that are overlaid with various attributes. Its only when we print or export those maps that they become a public record available through a Freedom of Information Act request, Golder said by email.

Documents previously released to MLive in January showed state officials developed an internal GIS-based mapping system to identify marginal lands near high-voltage power lines. Parks, fisheries, forestry and wildlife employees reviewed the targeted lands, but their feedback was redacted and blackened out in released records.

This is an example of redactions the DNR made to documents to not disclose internal discussions about state land being considered for solar energy development. Sheri McWhirter

News in January of the possible conversion of 420 acres of forestland to solar panels on state property near Gaylord prompted public outrage. Subsequently, the DNR paused all land leases for solar energy not already on the books.

Related: Michigan DNR pauses future land leases for solar arrays after outcry over Gaylord site

Only two state land leases for solar energy are already inked with developers. Contract documents released April 21 confirm projects near Roscommon and in Dickinson County in the Upper Peninsula. Both those sites include brownfields, including a gravel pit and small airport near Roscommon and an open-pit iron mine in the western U.P.

Foresters, conservationists and climate advocates

There is a bounty of opinions about whether state forests should be converted to solar farms.

Some argue the greenhouse gas-guzzling ability of forests makes them a powerful natural climate solution. That society shouldnt take trees for granted in the climate fight, especially those growing on public trust lands.

Others contend that because global atmospheric concentrations of carbon continue to surge, the race is on to build enough emissions-free energy sources to meet demands and still retire fossil fuel power plants.

Top DNR officials say they want to be part of the renewable energy buildout to help fight climate change. The state can always buy more forestland with solar lease revenues and natural resources trust fund dollars earned from oil and gas royalties, officials said.

That acre-for-acre state forest replacement was touted by state officials and supporters in the climate advocacy community who say they want the DNR to get back to finding places where it may be best to build solar arrays.

Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities recently asked its supporters to encourage the state to ends its pause on leasing public lands for solar because of the crucial need for more homegrown clean energy.

Ashley Rudzinski, the organizations climate director, said to meet the states goal of 60% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, it will require significant buildout of solar across Michigan.

And there simply isnt enough low-conflict private land to be able to get us there on time, Rudzinski said. Thats why the DNR is targeting what they call marginal lands, she said.

State lands like brownfields or places already clear cut should be targeted instead of high-value natural areas or recreational places where people hike, hunt and fish, Rudzinski said.

Related: Solar deforestation plans faced internal backlash at Michigan DNR, documents show

However, opinions about what should be considered marginal lands also vary.

On April 11, foresters toured several state-owned parcels near Gaylord the DNR is considering leasing for solar. The Michigan Society of American Foresters hosted the field tour.

4 1 / 4 Foresters tour state land near Gaylord considered for solar panels

Tour guide Dave Kossak, the groups policy chairperson, said at a clear-cut and replanted site that he took umbrage when the dedicated red pine plantation was called marginal lands. It was the result of the states own forestry plans, he said.

Kossak argued the site provided valuable timber when it was harvested in recent years and would do so again in four or five decades. In fact, he said red pine is statistically the most productive species in terms of growing wood fiber in Michigan.

The forestry society intends to offer input to the DNR on leasing state forestland for solar power and the question is whether the group opposes deforestation for solar or if its a matter of net deforestation, Kossak said.

Replacing state forests converted to solar farms by buying forestland from others merely changes who holds the deed. Its not regrowing trees, he said.

If they were purchasing agricultural land and planting trees that would be no net loss, he said. Youre just saying you didnt lose any land. Michigan did. Michigan is still losing forestland.

Related: Worries arise over whether Michigan DNR will have public hearing on solar plan

For others, transparency of this process doesnt measure up.

Justin Tomei, policy and government affairs manager for hunting and fishing-focused Michigan United Conservation Clubs, said the group doesnt reject all possible solar sites but argues only those ill-suited for other purposes should be targeted.

They need to tell us all the lands that they considered. They need to give us the scorecards. They need to give us one-to-one land transactions. They need to give us the definition of marginal lands, Tomei said.

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Michigan State Police in Cadillac say three people were ejected from a van after the crash on U.S. 131 near E. 50 Road in Wexford Countys Clam Lake Township at 11:15 p.m. pm April 22.

CADILLAC, MI  Five people were involved in a rollover crash after a driver swerved to avoid a deer in Northern Michigan.

Michigan State Police in Cadillac say three people were ejected from a van after the crash on U.S. 131 near E. 50 Road in Wexford Countys Clam Lake Township at 11:15 p.m. pm April 22.

Police say the driver swerved to avoid a deer and rolled over into the median where police found the vehicle.

A 22-year-old female and 20-year-old-male from Grand Rapids were ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries while a third occupant, a 20-year-old from Clinton Township, was also ejected and life-flighted to Traverse City Munson Hospital with critical injuries.

A 23-year-old female driver from Grand Rapids was uninjured. She was the only occupant wearing a seat belt, police said.

A seat belt will not only keep you behind the wheel, but it will also keep you inside of the vehicle, said Lt. Ashley Miller. We are seeing too many drivers not wearing their seat belts. Wear your seat belt; it will save your life.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Cadillac Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response.
Pictured is a MLive file photo of DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital. The hospital was one of three in the state to earn an "F" patient safety grade for spring 2025. Jeremy Marble | MLive.com

DETROIT, MI -- Three Detroit-area hospitals were among the lowest 1% of U.S hospitals in patient safety this spring.

Detroit Medical Centers Detroit Receiving and Sinai-Grace hospitals each received their second consecutive F for patient safety, as assessed by the national hospital watchdog The Leapfrog Group.

RELATED: Safety grades: 24 Michigan hospitals earn A while 3 get failing marks

Additionally, DMCs Harper University Hospital flipped from a C last spring, to a D in the fall, before picking up an F on its spring 2025 report card, published Thursday, May 1, by Leapfrog.

All three DMC hospitals also received one-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) each of the last three years.

The grade is a composite score made up of up to 22 evidence-based measures of patient safety.

The entire Metro Detroit Community needs to demand that DMC leadership take immediate steps to address its continual poor delivery of patient safety to Detroit residents, said Bret Jackson, president and CEO of the Economic Alliance for Michigan. There are no excuses for continual F or D grades.

Jackson went on to praise Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, which earned its third consecutive A grade this spring. The other in-city option for Detroit residents is Henry Ford St. John, which got a B.

We are grateful for Henry Ford as they continue to be Detroits saving grace for patient safety, he said.

Leapfrog Group has said a failing grade doesnt mean all services at the hospital are not good. Rather, it means it doesnt have a great record for preventing patient safety events.

DMC representatives have said they dont participate in Leapfrogs annual survey, which they credit for their low scores. The health system accused Leapfrog of deceiving patients and rewarding hospitals that either pay or supply free data for their flawed survey.

A similar argument was made by DMCs sister hospitals in Florida, which filed a lawsuit against Leapfrog.

DMC said Leapfrog rewards hospitals that either pay them or supply free data for their survey. Leapfrog said its survey has always been free for hospitals and nobody pays.

We are constantly working to improve patient safety and quality care but these false ratings undermine the doctor-hospital-patient relationship that is essential to positive health outcomes, reads a DMC statement provided to MLive.

When a hospital doesnt participate in the survey, Leapfrog uses CMS data, which have also not been favorable for the three DMC hospitals. Included CMS data is from 2021-2023.

According to CMS data included in the Leapfrog assessment, Detroit Receiving Hospital received lower-than-average rates of adverse patient outcomes like patient falls, dangerous bed sores, collapsed lungs, dangerous blood clots, infection in the blood, and death from serious treatable complications.

Similarly, Sinai-Grace Hospital was flagged for below average rates of MRSA and blood infections, accidental cuts and tears during surgery, collapsed lungs, and dangerous bed sores and blood clots.

The Economic Alliance for Michigan raised concerns over health equity given that three of the five graded hospitals in Detroit earning failing grades. Nearly 80% of the citys population identifies as Black, according to the 2023 American Community Survey.

When a patient experiences a preventive adverse event once inside a hospital, it is more than likely that the patient pays for the hospitals mistake, Jackson said. A better hospital grade saves lives and dollars for the patient and for employers who provide health benefits.

Michigan had 24 hospitals earn an A grade. Of the remaining assessed hospitals, 24 earned a B, 29 got a C, one earned a D and three got an F.

Below is a searchable database of hospitals that were evaluated by The Leapfrog Group. Click on a column header to arrange the hospitals from highest/lowest scores in a given period.

Since 2012, Leapfrog Group has evaluated hospitals on data the institutions report to the federal government. Hospitals are also evaluated against national averages for criteria like leadership, staff communication and efficient quantity of qualified nurses.

For more detailed assessments of your local hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org, select Michigan and pick a hospital. Hospitals that didnt respond to the survey are still graded based on CMS data.
A former Bismarck man is in custody after authorities served a nearly 34-year-old arrest warrant issued in 1991 in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

Gerald Mays, now 62, is charged with gross sexual imposition after an incident that reportedly happened on or about Sept. 8, 1991, when a criminal complaint stated he engaged in sexual contact with a person under the age of 15 when he was 28 years old. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Mays was returned to Burleigh County on April 24 after he was arrested earlier in the month in West Fargo on an infraction-level marijuana charge, according to court records.

The arrest warrant issued on Nov. 12, 1991, was reportedly an "in-state" warrant only, meaning it was "non-extraditable," according to Burleigh County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer.

Extradition is the legal process of returning a person arrested in one location to the jurisdiction where the alleged offense occurred.

Lawyer, who wasn't licensed to practice law in North Dakota until 1999, told the Tribune she doesn't know why the original warrant was issued as non-extraditable.

According to a report accompanying his West Fargo arrest, officers made a traffic stop on a Jeep SUV reportedly involved in a routine traffic violation. During that stop, officers learned Mays had two outstanding warrants. The report doesn't specifically indicate where those warrants originated, but he was arrested and taken to the Cass County Jail in Fargo, where authorities reportedly found a small amount of marijuana hidden in his pants.

Time limits on prosecutions?

Under state law, authorities must begin almost all criminal prosecutions within certain timeframes known as statutes of limitations. Murder is the only crime specifically mentioned in state law as having no statute of limitations and as being extraditable.

Prosecutions generally must begin within three years, but those limits are raised to seven years for sex offenses involving adults.

For offenses committed against a person under the age of 18, the statute of limitations increases to 21 years from the date of the offense.

In Mays' case, the "clock" on the 21-year statute of limitations stopped because he allegedly left the state. Specific language found in state law says, "No time during which the defendant is not an inhabitant of, or usually resident within, this state is part of the limitation."

Information regarding his whereabouts since the 1991 warrant was issued is limited, but according to the report accompanying his arrest in West Fargo, Mays' vehicle is currently registered in Minnesota. That report does not indicate an address. Court records from Clay County, Minnesota, indicate he was in Moorhead as recently as 2023, when he was involved in a felony case that was ultimately dismissed.

That dismissal was preceded by Mays being returned to Missouri, where he was wanted on felony charges out of Andrew County. A governors warrant was issued on July 18, 2023, by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Andrew County is in northwestern Missouri, about an hour north of the Kansas City metro area.

Court documents indicate Mays' case in Andrew County stems from a theft in 2020. Following his return from Minnesota, court records indicate he was committed to a psychiatric hospital but failed to appear at a Dec. 19, 2023, scheduled hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest but later recalled. According to those records, Mays was living in St. Joseph, south of Andrew County and roughly 40 minutes north of Kansas City.

Nothing in Missouri court records indicates when he arrived in that state or from where.

Online records revealed unconfirmed reports that Mays could have spent time in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Colorado.

A search of the Bismarck Tribune archives reveals mentions of Mays in August 1989. He would have been 27 when an Aug. 3 report indicates he was charged with filing a false report to law enforcement. That offense garnered Mays a suspended jail sentence and a $100 fine.

In the Aug. 11 edition, Mays is listed as having been issued a marriage license to a woman identified as Joyce Sperle. Court records indicate they divorced in 1992.

Additional mentions of Mays occur in editions published on Jan. 5 and Oct. 26, 1990. In January, Mays was charged in Bismarck Municipal Court with theft of property and was fined $100. In October, he was charged with theft in Morton County and was sentenced to a year in jail.

His next court appearance related to the 1991 warrant is a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 27. His court appointed attorney, Justin Balzer, did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment.
Billy Strings is seen here performing during Bourbon and Beyond Music Festival in Louisville, Kentucky in 2023. The Michigan-bred bluegrass star paid a visit to Helen DeVos Children Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in which he visited with kids and performed songs. Amy Harris/Invision/AP

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Ionia County-bred bluegrass star Billy Strings paid a special visit to Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital Tuesday.

The hospital posted on its social media Wednesday that Strings, whose real name is William Apostol, put on mini performances on each floor of the hospital, including in the NICU.

Billy and his wife, Ally, welcomed their son last year who ended up in our NICU, the post states. Thankful for the care they received, they knew they wanted to come back for a special visit.

RELATED: Grammy winner Billy Strings returns to his Michigan elementary school, hands out guitars to every student

Before visiting each of the floors, the Grammy-winning Strings appeared as a guest in the hospitals Blue Glass Studio, where he joined two Corewell Health music therapists, the post states.

Blue Glass Studio is an in-house studio that produces live shows streamed to hospital TVs for kids and families to watch.

I really wanted to come play music to distract kids from going through a rough time, Strings told hospital officials during the visit.

Hospital staff expressed their gratitude for Strings taking time to play tunes and bring smiles to patients, family members and team members.

This was a day we will never forget, the post concludes.

Click here to view photos from the visit.
Law enforcement officials from the FBI and the Michigan State Police are at the home in the 200 block on North Summit Street in Ypsilanti on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Sophia Kalakailo | MLive.com

MLive President John Hiner is off this week. This guest column is written by Bryn Mickle, MLives director of local news.

# # #

When FBI agents raided an Ypsilanti home last week, MLive didnt have to go far for the story. It was just across the street from the front door of Ann Arbor News reporter Sophia Kalakailo.

I was one of the first people out there  if not the first, said Kalakailo, who heard the shouts of FBI! and loud bangs just outside her window.

Within minutes, Kalakailo was outside rolling video with her phone, talking to people in the growing crowd of onlookers and working with fellow reporter Jordyn Pair to report the story.

The raid turned out to be related to an investigation into a series of pro-Palestinian vandalism cases targeted at University of Michigan officials and others. This was a big story and MLive was there first.

I dont write this to brag (well, maybe a little) but rather to point out how important it is that our journalists live in the communities that we cover.

You may have heard the term parachute journalism but, if not, it refers to news organizations that hop on a big story outside their coverage area and disappear when the story runs its initial course.

And while that is great for the visiting media outlets, its not so great for the people who live there  be it Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor or anywhere else.

Heres one of the things that makes MLive different: We dont leave the communities we cover because we are there every day.

When I worked as a journalist at our sister paper in Flint, I saw firsthand the damage done when the nationals jumped in to cover the Flint water crisis, the shooting death of 6-year-old Kayla Rolland in her classroom and the various serial killers who stalked the area.

Parachute reporters had no problem showing the tragedy but were nowhere to be found when something positive happened that didnt fit the narrative stereotype of Flint as a desolate shell plagued by drugs and poverty  an unfair reputation shared in part by Ypsilanti.

But MLive readers know better, in part because of the hard work done by Kalakailo and the rest of our MLive staff of local reporters who live and work in the communities we cover.

Ypsilanti residents know Kalakailos name from myriad stories she has written on everything from city council to the school board.

Just as importantly, Kalakailo knows Ypsilanti. She went to Eastern Michigan University and has lived in the city or nearby for years.

I feel pretty strongly that if you want to cover a community, you should live there, said Kalakailo, adding that she has a stake in the community.

And that is not limited to Kalakailo. Look across our roster of reporters and editors and you will see we all have a stake in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas.

We are residents first. We have kids, families, friends here. Our lives are intertwined with the news, said Danielle Salisbury, editor at The Ann Arbor News. Sophia started filming the raid by instinct as a curious journalist, yes, but she also wanted to know why the FBI was in her neighborhood.

In my new role as director of local news, I dont want our journalists to be cheerleaders. Far from it.

I want them to know their communities in ways those outside of Washtenaw County and Michigan do not so that we can find and tell the stories that matter and hold public officials to account.

We are part of our communities and our communities are part of us  and unlike those other news outlets  I promise we arent going anywhere.

# # #

To share your thoughts or story suggestions with MLive, email editor@mlive.com.
DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital is applauding its sister hospitals in Florida for filing a lawsuit against The Leapfrog Group. (MLive File Photo) Jeremy Marble | MLive.com

A Michigan health system is praising its sister hospitals in Florida for taking legal action against a national hospital watchdog group that grades facilities on patient safety policies and outcomes.

Detroit Medical Center (DMC) said The Leapfrog Groups scoring system deceives patients and punishes hospitals that dont fill out their flawed voluntary annual survey.
NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP, MI -- A Northville Township man is facing multiple felony charges after he allegedly brought an underaged girl to his home and told her not to leave. Charles Willis, 22, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of kidnapping, enticing a female under 16 for immoral purposes, child sexually abusive activity and first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Police allege that Willis contacted the 14-year-old victim through the social media platform Snapchat on April 25. Willis is accused of then paying for an Uber ride for the girl to bring her to his home. Police say the girl lives more than two hours from Williss home.

The victim was reportedly told not to leave the basement while at the home, according to police.

On April 27, the victim was found walking alone in the area of Seven Mile and Sheldon roads around 5:30 a.m. A search warrant was conducted at Williss home by police and he was taken into custody.

Police say theyve had prior contact with Willis regarding sexually inappropriate behavior and attempts to entice minor females. None of the prior police encounters are related to this case.

However, police are investigating if there are other victims and are encouraging anyone who believes they or their child may have been in contact with Willis to contact police. The Northville Township Police Detective Bureau can be reached at 1-248-349-9400.

Bond in the case was set at $1 million with no 10% allowed. Willis is currently being held at the Wayne County Jail.
Huffy Torex 24V Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) ride-on toys have been recalled for improper wiring that poses a fire risk. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

This weeks recalls at Americas largest retailer include two electric ride-on toys with fire and burn hazards and another portable phone charger that can catch on fire.

With thousands of products on shelves and available online, Walmart serves millions of Americans; 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart store. When a product it sells is recalled, there can be widespread effects.

Labeling mistakes, safety concerns, defects and contamination can all cause recalls on food, prescriptions and other products.

Huffy has recalled nearly 50,000 electric ride-on toys in the past week.

Nearly 25,000 Huffy Torex 24V Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) ride-on toys are being recalled for improper wiring that can cause them to catch on fire; there have been 20 reports of this happening resulting in five minor burns. They were sold exclusively at Walmart.

Huffy 12-Volt Childrens Ride-On Tonka Dump Trucks have been recalled because the controller can overheat and catch on fire. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

About 23,000 Huffy 12-Volt Childrens Ride-On Tonka Dump Trucks were recalled for a faulty controller that can overheat and catch on fire. They were sold at Sams Club and Target.

Walmart and Sams Club are committed to the health and safety of our customers and members and to providing products that are safe and compliant, all supported by our health and wellness, product safety, and food safety professionals, the company said in a statement. In the event of a product recall, we work swiftly to block the item from being sold and remove it from our stores and clubs.

Here are the latest recalls for products sold at Walmart and Sams Club:

Food recalls

Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. issues precautionary advisory for 1,587 cases of 4 in/1.6 oz bundle Marketside Celery Sticks because of possible health risk - The advisory is for ready-to-eat celery that expired on March 23. The company is concerned that some customers may still have the product in their freezers. They were sold at select Walmart stores in Alabama, California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Medication recalls

There are no recent medication recalls.

Product recalls

RELATED: Fisher-Price recalls 253K stroller toys over choking hazard
YPSILANTI, MI  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested one person Thursday outside an Ypsilanti court.

Federal agents with ICE entered the 14A-2 District Court, 415 W. Michigan Ave., in Ypsilanti, between 9 and 9:30 a.m. May 1, confirmed the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office in a statement.

The agents were in the courthouse for roughly five minutes before leaving and waiting outside, police said. They arrested the person approximately one mile away from the court building.

The person, whose age and gender were not immediately available, was scheduled to be in court, confirmed Crystal Campbell, spokesperson for the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office was not notified in advance that the agents would be at the court, the office said in a statement. No employees from the sheriffs office were involved.

Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer said she has serious concerns about not being made aware ICE would be at the courthouse.

It causes fear and undermines public trust, she told MLive/The Ann Arbor News in a statement. We will be addressing this with their command, as it is my responsibility as sheriff to ensure safety in all of our courts.

Immigration enforcement agents were also in Ypsilanti Township and Pittsfield Township around 10:30 a.m., police said. They have since left those areas.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Kerri Sue Leirstein, 43, was sentenced April 17 to one to four years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with an attack on two people in 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI  A woman has been sentenced to up to four years in prison for reportedly pepper spraying two Ann Arbor grocery store employees.

Kerri Sue Leirstein, 43, was sentenced April 17 to one to four years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with the attack in 2023.
Flint Police Chief Terence Green speaks at the unveiling of the new Flint police helicopter at the Flint Police Department. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May
GRAND RAPIDS, MI After five years on the market, the former Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts building in downtown Grand Rapids has been sold for $4.5 million to Bamboo, a Detroit-based company that operates co-working spaces.

The sale closed Wednesday, April 30, according to Ryan Wheeler, a partner at Pure Real Estate Brokerage. The building, located at the corner of Fulton Street and Division Avenue, was owned by Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.
The Grand Rapids City Commission has voted to eliminate 15 precincts, bringing the total number of precincts citywide from 74 to 59. Rylan Capper | rcapper@mlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Roughly 21,000 voters in Grand Rapids are going to see their Election Day precincts changed after city leaders voted to cut 15 voting locations.

Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp said the move, which will impact 13% of the citys voters, is intended to make precincts more accessible and free up more city resources for absentee and early voting, which was the most popular voting method in Grand Rapids in the November 2024 election.

Of the voters whose precincts will change, no one will end up at a new precinct that is significantly further than where they previously voted, Hondorp noted. In some cases, voters will be within closer walking distance to their new precincts.

The Grand Rapids City Commission voted 6-1 on Tuesday, April 19, to consolidate or eliminate 15 precincts, bringing the total number of precincts citywide from 74 to 59.

RELATED: Grand Rapids proposes cutting 15 voting precincts as early voting gains popularity

Third Ward Commissioner Kelsey Perdue, the lone no vote, said she felt the move will have a disparate impact on people of color and immigrant communities. She noted that the majority of changes were slated for the 3rd Ward. Seven of the precinct closures will happen in the 3rd Ward, while three will happen in the 1st Ward and five in the 2nd Ward.

Twenty-one-thousand people across our community will be impacted (by these changes), she said Tuesday. My question is, who are those people? Theres no data on who they are. What are their demographics, what is their income, what is their access to transportation, what is their language barriers and language needs? None of that was presented... I think we need a complete analysis to understand what the implications of this proposal, and this really serious change, might mean.

Of the 15 precincts recommended for closure, six of those will be consolidations of multi-site polling locations  that is, multiple precincts located inside the same building that would be consolidated into one.

For example, Our Savior Lutheran Church in the 3rd Ward currently has two precincts, which means voters who go there have to wait in different lines depending on where they live, which city officials said is often confusing for voters. Under the approved changes, that location will operate as one precinct.

These are the eight precincts that will be fully eliminated under the plan, although one will be replaced with a new voting location:

1st Ward: Shawmut Hills and GRCC M-TEC

2nd Ward: East Leonard Elementary School and Aquinas College

3rd Ward: Sigsbee, Mulick Park, Adams Park (which would be replaced with a new precinct at the HUB 07) and Boston Square Church

Perdue said she was in favor of the consolidation of precincts, but she took issue with the full-out elimination of eight precincts. She proposed an amendment that would retain the four precincts slated for closure in the 3rd Ward, but it wasnt supported by the other commissioners.

There was nearly an hour of public comment over the proposal at the start of Tuesdays meeting. The majority of residents, including NAACP President Cle Jackson, spoke out against the precinct closures due to fears that they would disenfranchise voters.

Dane Gates, who lives in the 3rd Ward, said the city should not be closing precincts and making it harder for residents to vote, rather expanding available polling locations.

Marginalized communities have been traditionally disenfranchised by removal and reduction of polling locations, she told commissioners Tuesday. Democracy demands an expansion in education, voter rights, and access to the ballot box.

Liz Balck, an attorney and policy strategist with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), said the ACLU supported the proposal because it felt the changes would increase accessibility for voters.

Looking at Clerk Hondorps plan, we see that most voters whose precinct will change will actually see their new polling locations are actually closer to their homes or similar distances, she said. In one case, accessibility for voters with disabilities will improve, as they wont have to face a steep climb uphill from a parking lot to the precinct.

Aside from Perdue, the other commissioners were all supportive of the plan and said they had full trust in Hondorp and his commitment to improving voter access across the city.

Mayor David LaGrand argued the conversation around voting precincts should be centered on quality over quantity. Simply offering more polling locations would not improve voter turnout, he argued -- rather, ensuring that available precincts are accessible and visible would make it easier for people to vote.

If we eliminated the polling location at Westminster Presbyterian, which is where I vote now, and you put polling locations in eight basements in my neighborhoods, you would increase the number of polling locations, but I dont think any reasonable person would say that that increased voter access, he said.

Westminster Presbyterian is a very easy place to find. Its on a major street, its very visible, its got parking, its got handicap accessibility. Most of the basements on my block dont have those characteristics. So this is not simply a matter of counting up polling locations.

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No criminal charges resulted, but Jeske -- who defended his leadership -- ultimately reached a settlement with the city under which he received a $325,000 severance and retired.

Commission disagrees with management options

Mayor Mike Schmitz opened the discussion, maintaining that the city needs to make changes to the way the Event Center has been operating. While the center is a community amenity, he said, it also must attract visitors to Bismarck in order to drive sales for local hotels, bars and restaurants -- generating tax revenue to support the venue.

The mayor hinted at support for transitioning to a third-party operator -- the option recommended by JLL last week -- but suggested developing an RFP to protect Event Center staff. He also proposed establishing an authority board to retain local control.

"We're not handing the keys over. We are still very much in control if we do it right," he said. "I do not know that there's a right or wrong answer necessarily. I think we have to look at what's best for the community from what we can see and what evidence we've been provided."

The use of authority boards is common in managing large venues such as the Event Center. North Dakota's two largest venues -- the Fargodome in Fargo and the Alerus Center in Grand Forks -- both operate under authority boards that report to their respective city governments.

JLL Managing Director Dan Fenton said an Event Center authority board must have real authority by having the power to enforce contracts, review data and reports, and act as "stewards of the Event Center." The board would need fiduciary responsibility and would report to the City Commission.

"That board has to have authority," Fenton said. "If it doesn't, it really slowly becomes an advisory board only, and we have watched where those advisory boards become less and less effective."

Commissioner Greg Zenker, who has voiced opposition to third-party management, said he would support having a authority board, while hiring a director and retaining current staff as city employees. He suggested the board could be responsible for hiring the director and overseeing operations. The Commission would provide the board with a list of potential operational improvements, he said, and ensure it has the tools to implement them.

Zenker proposed a seven-member board made up of five people with event management experience, plus the city administrator and the Event Center portfolio holder on the Commission. Schmitz currently holds the portfolio.

"I could support that because that would leave the third party out of it," Zenker said.

Commissioner Anne Cleary said she can understand Zenker's viewpoint, but leans more toward hiring a third-party manager with an understanding of key performance indicators. A management company, she said, could move the facility forward more efficiently than hiring a single director expected to handle a broad set of improvements alone. She also signaled support for establishing an authority board.

The Commission ultimately decided to continue working with JLL on both options. The firm will help develop a job description for a city-employed director and explore what third-party management might look like while retaining city staff. It will also assist in outlining a process to form an authority board.

Once the information is gathered, JLL will present it to the Commission for further discussion and make a true directional decision, Fenton said.

Commission moves forward with capital improvement plan

The Commission on Tuesday also briefly discussed a proposed capital improvements plan for the center. Capital improvements are a permanent upgrade to real property that adds value, extends its life and becomes a fixed part of the property.

The plan would follow a 12-year schedule to make crucial upgrades that have long been overlooked, such as HVAC modernization, wayfinding and digital signs, restroom improvements and roof repairs.

Funding for the project is proposed to come out of an Event Center capital improvements reserve fund, along with revenue from the city liquor, lodging and restaurant tax, and potential interdepartmental borrowing.

Graphs put together by city Finance Director Dmitriy Chernyak show the city will be deficient in spending between 2026-29, but then reserve funds will start to replenish. Chernyak said the liquor, lodging and restaurant tax will be the primary source for replenishing the funds. He added that it's more cost-effective to move forward with the project now, given the availability of cash in various city funds that could be borrowed.

The citys liquor, lodging and restaurant tax is a 1% tax on each of those categories, and its revenue can only be used for capital purchases related to the Event Center, Chernyak said.

Schmitz said it's important that the city work to take care of the Event Center, otherwise things such as the HVAC system can become a "ticking time bomb waiting for us to have an emergency." While the city works to make upgrades, the financial planning also includes setting aside some tax revenue for unexpected issues or smaller fixes.

Commissioners decided to move forward with an "indefinite quantities, indefinite deliveries" strategy when developing an RFP to move forward with the capital improvement plan. In government contracting, "indefinite quantities, indefinite deliveries" refers to agreements that allow agencies to order goods or services as needed, without committing to specific amounts or delivery dates.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker rested his case Wednesday in the second-degree murder trial against former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr.

Now, Schurrs attorneys are calling what could be a lengthy list of defense witnesses to give insight into a 2022 traffic stop that ended with the that shooting of Black motorist Patrick Lyoya.
Charles Willis, 22, of Northville Township, is charged with multiple felonies for allegedly enticing a 14-year-old girl to come to his residence, then sexually assaulting her.

MICHIGAN -- A metro Detroit man is accused of multiple felonies after police say he lured a 14-year-old West Michigan girl to his residence and sexually assaulted her.

Charles Laurence Willis, 22, is charged with kidnapping, six counts of sexual assault, child sexually abusive activity and enticing a female under 16 for immoral purposes.
A West Michigan man is accused of making threats to kill President Donald Trump in online social-media posts in January. Pictured is Trump with Vice President JD Vance at a 2024 campaign appearance in Grand Rapids. (Joel Bissell|MLive) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A West Michigan man is accused of making threats to kill President Donald Trump in online social-media posts in January.

Richard James Spring was arrested Thursday, May 1, by the U.S. Marshals Service in the Grand Rapids suburb of Comstock Park, U.S. District Court records show.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The fourth annual March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) kicks off through downtown Grand Rapids next week.

Hosted by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, the Monday, May 5, event is in observance of National MMIP Awareness Day, which falls on the same date.

We host this event to bring awareness and educate people on MMIP not only in Southwest Michigan but also nationally, said Robyn Elkins, NHBP Tribal Council vice chairperson. The March for MMIP allows a space for people to ask questions and provide those impacted by this issue a safe place to heal and connect.

Related: March for missing, murdered Indigenous people aims to bring more allies to the cause

Participants are encouraged to gather at noon at the Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, to listen to speakers representing the movement before embarking on the one-mile march.

Organizers say this serves as an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to peacefully come together to shatter the silence and give voice to the more than 4,000 unsolved cases of MMIP.

The event is planned to conclude at 3 p.m. Rain or shine, people from all walks of life who wish to stand in solidarity are encouraged to join and are encouraged to wear red to honor those who are missing.

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The city of Grand Rapids is hosting a free expungement event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Kroc Center, 2500 Division Ave. S.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Michigan residents seeking a fresh start through expungement can get help clearing eligible criminal convictions from their records this weekend.

The city of Grand Rapids is hosting a free expungement event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Kroc Center, 2500 Division Ave. S, the city said in a news release.

The event is open to all Michigan residents, and eligible participants will be able to file their expungement petitions directly at the event.

The city noted that federal and out-of-state convictions are not eligible for expungement through this event.

Attendees will have access to attorneys on site, free ICHAT background checks, fingerprinting services and consultations, the city said.

This is the fourth year the city is offering the free community event.

Clearing a criminal record can open doors to employment, housing and education that were previously closed, said Brandon Davis, managing director of equity and engagement and oversight and public accountability. This fair is about providing hope and real opportunities for people ready to move forward.

There is a $50 fee for Michigan State Police to process fingerprints, but the Urban League of West Michigan is covering the cost for residents who cant afford it, according to the release.

Background checks are also being sponsored by Urban League West Michigan.

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PORTAGE, MI  Panda Dynasty closed its doors at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, for the final time.

The Chinese restaurant is closing for good. Panda Dynasty is not relocating to a new location, co-owner Vicky Yang said.

The Portage City Council approved the citys purchase of the property at 7716 S. Westnedge Ave. during its Feb. 25 meeting.

The city plans to tear the building down, clean up environmental contamination on the site and sell it for redevelopment.

The sale hasnt been finalized yet, said Portage spokesperson Mary Beth Block, so a sale price isnt available yet. Neither has an anticipated timeline for work on the site.

Panda Dynasty is located in Portages City Centre, near City Hall, the Portage District Library and the public safety headquarters.

Efforts to transform the City Centre subarea have been ongoing since the 1980s, according to city planning documents.

Portage wants to bring businesses and dense housing to the area, per the plan, and connect it to existing trails and pedestrian pathways.

The city will retain an easement along Portage Creek, which runs behind the Panda Dynasty property, for a future recreational trail, Block said previously.

The property was listed for $455,000 by the restaurant owners, although thats the turnkey price including the liquor license, according to @Properties/Christies International Real Estate.

It was on the market for an extended period of time with no buyers, Block said previously.

A gas station stood on the property before the current building went up in the 80s, per public records. It was home to another Chinese restaurant, Mings Dynasty, before becoming Panda Dynasty.

Its popularity carried the restaurant through the COVID-19 pandemic, MLive previously reported. It remained open for carryout only, due to a shortage of employees.

Signature dishes like the pineapple shrimp and Happy Family meal were never made with canned food, MSG or preservatives. Vegetables were delivered twice a week from an Asian food distributor in Chicago.

The restaurant would have celebrated its 23rd anniversary this May.

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Copies of the Bible at Kalamazoo Gospel Mission in Kalamazoo, Mich. on Feb. 26, 2024. Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI -- Students at a Southwest Michigan public elementary school were told to reconsider their choice for a talent show because of the songs religious themes  sparking anger.

But Allegan Public Schools changed course, allowing the West Ward Elementary School students to sing their chosen songs.

APS officials said the staff member misunderstood the districts policy and the conversation never should have taken place.

We always have permitted (religious songs) and should have in this case, and will, as well, said James Antoine, superintendent of Allegan Public Schools.

Two Christian students had were planning to sing songs from Christian artists Colton Dixon and Brandon Lake at the audition for their school talent show.

The move landed the district in hot water with First Liberty Institute, a religious liberty law firm. The group called it inexcusable discrimination in a letter to the district.

Its cruel that a school would threaten to censor elementary students from singing popular songs just because they are religious, said Kayla Toney, counsel for First Liberty Institute, prior to the district changing course.

First Liberty Institute later said in a statement its grateful for the schools prompt attention to correcting the issue.

Antoine said the staff member did not contact the districts central office to inquire about the rules before contacting the parents. Songs should only be prohibited if they contain language or themes violating the student code of conduct, Antoine said.

The students will be performing the songs they selected at the schools talent show on May 23, the First Liberty news release said.

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Ryan Koziatek, field director at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, moves brush into a pile at Bow in the Clouds Preserve. Machinery in the preserve was vandalized Friday, April 25. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com) Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com

KALAMAZOO, MI  Misguided environmentalists smashed windows and tagged seven machines parked in Bow in the Clouds preserve, 3401 Nazareth Road, on Friday, April 25.

They spray painted slogans like Save Trees, Love Mother Earth and Nature is Always Open on signs and equipment.

The vandalism will slow down an improvement project at the nature preserve, according to a Facebook post from Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy.

Were disappointed to announce that the trail project that has temporarily closed Bow in the Clouds Preserve will now... Posted by Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

The contractor must stop work, file an insurance claim and clean and repair the equipment.

When work resumes, SWMLC will have to pay the cost of private security to protect the job site for the rest of the project, according to the post.

We get it  kind of, SWMLC stated in the post. We understand the sense of outrage that comes from seeing earth-moving machinery descend on a beloved natural area and fearing for its destruction.

Meanwhile, less real conservation can get done while we mess around with this.

SWMLC is a nonprofit conservation organization based in Galesburg, according to its website. It manages 18 public nature preserves in Southwest Michigan.

SWMLC works with community members to improve habitat, protect water quality, support biodiversity and connect people with nature.

The conservancy is legally obligated to allow the citys machinery onto the land to work on a sewer line that runs beneath it, per the post.

Were turning that necessity into an opportunity to add a trail that will allow people with a wider range of abilities to access the wetland at the heart of the preserve, according to the post.

The new trail is routed around old oak trees, per the post, and only fast-growing or non-native tree species have been removed.

Rickety bridges will be replaced and parts of the boardwalk will be upgraded during the project, per the post.

The preserve closed in mid-April so that could work safely, according to the SWMLC website.

Officials could not be reached for more information about the project timeline.

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A nonfatal shooting in Kalamazoo County on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, is related to other recent shootings, detectives say. (MLive file photo) Daniel Vasta

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI  One person was hospitalized as the result of what detectives are calling a targeted shooting in Kalamazoo County.

The nonfatal shooting occurred at around 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, in the area of Nottingham Place Apartments, near the intersection of West KL Avenue and South Drake Road in Oshtemo Township, a news release states.

The shooting is believed to be related to recent shootings in the area, Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Sgt. Warren Misner stated.

The sheriffs office and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety are investigating the incident together.

Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to the area on reports of several gun shots heard in this area.

Upon arrival, deputies located evidence of a scene in and around an apartment building in the 600 block of South Drake Road.

While interviewing potential witnesses at the scene, the sheriffs office was alerted that a gunshot victim had arrived at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

The victim was interviewed at the hospital by detectives.

Through multiple interviews conducted, it is apparent that this was a targeted event and is still under investigation, Misner stated in the release.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Offices criminal investigation division at 269-383-8723 or provide information anonymously through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100 or at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.

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A view of Bavarian Inn Lodge located at 1 Covered Bridge Lane in Frankenmuth. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

FRANKENMUTH, MI  The Bavarian Inn Lodge is making waves  and looking for new team members to join the fun.

An open house will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, inside the newly expanded Bavarian Blast Waterpark, part of Michigans largest indoor waterpark and family fun center.

There will be on-the-spot interviews and opportunities for prospective employees to meet the Lodges leadership team, explore open roles in the hotel and waterpark and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the new facility.

Positions include lifeguards, housekeeping, servers and leadership roles.

Related: Michigans first swim-up bar and largest indoor waterpark is making waves in Little Bavaria

Bavarian Blast is 170,000 square feet, including 16 waterslides, a giant wave pool, a not-so-lazy river, private cabanas and Michigans first swim-up bar.

The resort has added four new food and beverage experiences, including a smoothie bar, quick-service cafe and snack bar.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is part of the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Resort, a Midwest destination offering lodging, dining, shopping and event experiences for families and groups.

Visit the Bavarian Inn Lodge Facebook page for more information.

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SAGINAW, MI  One man is dead and another is in the hospital following a fatal shooting Wednesday evening on Saginaws West Side.

The Saginaw Police Department has identified the deceased victim as 41-year-old Saginaw resident Michael Wayne Carroll.

Officers with the department responded to the shooting scene at 6:11 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, in the 1300 block of South Michigan Avenue, a news release from the department states.

Upon arrival, officers located the two shooting victims. Both were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Carroll was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The other shooting victim, a 66-year-old Saginaw man is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives with the Saginaw Police Department and Michigan State Polices Major Crimes Unit are investigating the shooting.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-422-5245.

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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined an open letter with other attorneys general asking members of the legal community to defy "Trump's unconstitutional attacks" against attorneys advocating for things he does not favor. (MLive file photo) (Nico Mendoza | MLive.com)

LANSING, MI  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined an open letter to members of the legal community on Wednesday, regarding President Trumps unconstitutional threats against lawyers.

The letter (which can be viewed here), from Nessel and 19 other attorneys general, calls on law firms to uphold core constitutional principles in the face of the Trump administrations attacks, Nessel stated in a news release.

It expresses support for law firms that have fought back against Trumps unconstitutional attempts to target law firms for advocacy the Trump Administration disfavors, as well as expresses the coalitions profound disappointment that several of the countrys largest law firms have capitulated in the face of these dangerous attacks on the rule of law.

The open letter was issued in a time in which Trump has issued what Nessel says are unconstitutional executive orders targeting several law firms for their advocacy, and as some of the nations largest law firms have struck deals with the president and his administration that commit the firms to providing free legal services to support the administrations priorities.

What we have seen from Donald Trump and his administration is a total disregard for the separations of power and the rule of law, Nessel said. The legal profession cannot be complicit in this attack on our democracy.

I am proud to stand with my colleagues, law firms and fellow attorneys in defense of the constitution against these unconstitutional threats, and I have no doubt that history will prove us right for standing up to these abuses of power.

RELATED: Nessel: U.S. Constitution cannot be undone by the swipe of ones Sharpie

Trumps executive orders plainly violate the constitution, the letter states.

The executive orders retaliate against lawyers based on protected speech and association, and they discriminate based on viewpoint, Nessel stated.

The orders also are inconsistent with the right to effective counsel, offend basic principles of due process and undermine bedrock rule-of-law principles.

The letter points out that these unconstitutional attacks on the legal profession are attacks on the justice system and pave the way towards authoritarianism.

In the letter, the coalition highlights that four law firms  Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Wilmer Hale, and Susman Godfrey  have filed suit against the Trump administration for the presidents alleged illegal actions and have succeeded in obtaining court orders temporarily blocking these orders.

RELATED: Trump threat to withhold K-12 funds over DEI leads Michigan, other states to file suit

The letter calls upon other law firms and lawyers to join the four law firms who have fought back against these unconstitutional executive orders, along with their counsel, current and former general counsel of leading companies, former judges, law professors, and the more than 800 other law firms that have joined amicus briefs in those cases.

The letter urges other law firms and lawyers to reject the path taken by the firms that have capitulated to President Trump, and it invites law firms to stand together with the coalition of attorneys general in preserving the integrity of the legal system.

Joining Nessel in signing the open letter were the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
A state commission has recommended the governor, lawmakers and other elected state officials get a 25% pay raise, but theyre not likely to get it. (MLive file photo) Charlie Nick | MLive.com

A state commission has recommended the governor, lawmakers and other elected state officials get a 25% pay raise, but theyre not likely to get it.

Michigans State Officers Compensation Commission unanimously recommended the pay raise Wednesday, April 30, for the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state senators and representatives and state Supreme Court justices.

For the raises to go into effect, the House and Senate must approve them. House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said that isnt going to happen.

No, were not going to, Hall told reporters Wednesday. Were not going to raise our pay. Were not going to entertain that at all.

The current salaries were set in 2011, after lawmakers adopted a 10% pay cut for all elected leaders except for the justices. That pay cut was recommended by the commission amid the Great Recession.

Its rare for lawmakers to pass a pay increase. Save for the states Supreme Court justices, the states elected leaders havent received a pay raise since 2002. A pay raise for the justices was approved in 2019.

In a statement, Commission Chair Tom Cochran said the current system afforded by the Michigan Constitution to increase elected leader pay isnt working.

Its time for the Legislature to fix this broken system, he said. Its been over two decades without pay increases for these offices despite the determinations for increases by the commission. This is unsustainable and does not reflect pay commensurate with the important work done by these officers.

If approved by the state Legislature, the 25% raises would go into effect in 2027. Lawmakers could also adopt a lower pay increase across the board but cant change pay increases for individual offices or lower pay beyond the current amount.

Without the raises, the justices on the Michigan Supreme Court will be the lowest paid judges in the state starting Oct. 1, according to Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement.

Members of the State Officers Compensation Commission are appointed by the governor. They meet every odd-number year to determine salary changes.

Heres what the states elected leaders currently make each year and how much theyd make if the increases were approved as recommended.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earns a $159,300 salary with a $54,000 annual expense allowance. Under the pay increases, the salary for the governor would increase to $198,125 in 2027.

The current salary for Michigans governor is the 19th highest among the states, according to the Michigan Civil Service Commission.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist earns a $111,510 salary with an $18,000 annual expense allowance. Under the pay increases, the salary for the lieutenant governor would increase to $139,487 in 2027.

The current salary for Michigans lieutenant governor is the 21st highest among the states.

State senators and representatives earn a $71,685 salary with a $10,800 annual expense allowance. Under the pay increases, the salary for lawmakers would increase to $89,594 in 2027.

The current salary for Michigans lawmakers is the 4th highest among the states.

Because there are part-time legislatures and differing methods of compensation, it is difficult to compare state legislative pay between the states, the Michigan Civil Service Commission noted.

Leadership positions in the state Legislature also come with supplemental income, including $24,300 for the House speaker and $23,400 for the Senate majority leader.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel earns a $112,410 salary. Under the pay increases, the attorney generals salary would increase to $140,512 in 2027 and they would earn a new $18,000 annual expense allowance.

The current salary for Michigans attorney general is the 39th highest among the states.

In a letter to the State Officers Compensation Commission, Nessels office advocated for an appropriate but significant increase to the AGs annual pay as well as an annual expense allowance.

One need only read the newspaper or watch the local news to see the scope of the departments responsibilities and the significant impact of the offices day-to-day activities on this state, Michigan Deputy Attorneys General S. Peter Manning and Joseph Potchen wrote the commission. The attorney generals salary should be commensurate with the substantial responsibilities of the office and significant impact of her work on the state and its citizens.

Nessel wouldnt receive this pay increase, as her term ends in 2026.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson earns a $112,410 salary. Under the pay increases, the secretary of states salary would increase to $140,512 in 2027 and they would earn a new $18,000 annual expense allowance.

The current salary for Michigans secretary of state is the 23rd highest among the states.

Michigans Supreme Court justices earn a $181,483 salary. Under the pay increases, the salary for justices would increase to $226,853 in 2027.

The current salary for Michigans Supreme Court justices is the 34th highest among the states.

In a letter to the State Officers Compensation Commission, Clement said there is an urgent need to increase the salaries of the justices.

Not only are their salaries lower than their counterparts in other states, Clement said, but theyre lower than what Michigan Court of Appeals judges are paid and, starting Oct. 1, what state trial judges are paid.

On Oct. 1, the salary for trial court judges will rise to $186,163, about $5,000 more than what the justices are paid. Court of Appeals judges earn $195,625 a year.

This would make the states justices the lowest paid judges in the state of Michigan, Clement said. The Michigan Supreme Court is the highest court in the state.

The Michigan Supreme Court justices pay substantially lags virtually with every comparable salary, Clement said. This pay gap discourages the best and brightest in our profession from seeking the post and staying there, providing consistency and stability in our judiciary. To be clear, the pay is not why we serve; we serve because we feel a compelling obligation to make sure that Michigans highest court is fair and equitable, committed to the rule of law, and transparent to the public.

However, by increasing the justices salaries, the court will be better able to attract and keep talented jurists on the bench.

The State Officers Compensation Commission does not oversee the salaries of trial court judges and those who serve on the Court of Appeals.
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

When President Donald Trump stepped onto the tarmac in Michigan on Tuesday, April 29, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was among the first to greet him.

Their interaction, which included a brief hug and later an invitation for Whitmer to speak with Trump, has since received national media attention.

It comes at a time when potential Democratic presidential contenders, like Whitmer, are being scrutinized for how they interact with Trump. Some have criticized Whitmer for working with Trump at all, while others have credited her with securing the fighter mission for Selfridge Air Base.

MLive reviewed political chatter about Whitmers relationship with Trump over the last month and spoke with several Michigan political pundits. In addition to appearing with Trump at Selfridge, Whitmer visited the White House earlier in April.

High-ranking state officials, including governors, typically greet the president when he arrives in their state via Air Force One.

Some say the greeting and then the big announcement for one of the states military bases shows Whitmers attempt to foster bipartisanship with Trump is working, bringing new opportunities to Michigan.

Others describe the Democratic governors move as embracing Trump, literally and figuratively.

RELATED: About that hug ... Whitmer risks backlash from Democrats as she embraces Trump in Michigan

Trumps praise of Whitmer is a departure from his first term, when he referred to the Democratic governor as that woman from Michigan and the two frequently butted heads.

Dave Dulio, a political science professor and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University, said the continued discourse about Whitmer and Trump is incredibly important.

It touches on so many elements of where we are, he said, from the basic functioning of government, where the fed and state work together to address an issue, to the state of party politics in the U.S.

You have two well-known elected officials who are famous for sort of sniping at each other, he said. Gretchen Whitmer shes drawn the ire of Republicans for years, and we dont have to say what the Democrats reaction to Donald Trump is.

I imagine that many in each partys base dont know what to do with (this), he said.

As part of Trumps visit, he announced Michigans Selfridge Air National Guard Base would receive a new fighter mission, with approximately 20 F-15EX fighter jets arriving at the Macomb County base in Fiscal Year 2028.

Without a new mission, the base was poised to lose $30 million in wages and 30,000 jobs, also forfeiting nearly $850 million from Michigans economy.

Trump shared credit for the success with Whitmer, referring to her as effective.

Whitmer described the announcement as a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer.

But while the Selfridge announcement got a lot of attention in Michigan, Whitmers subject-to-interpretation hug was picked up by national and international news outlets quick to analyze it, with articles in the BBC, New York Times, Washington Post, Politico and USA Today.

The embrace between Trump and Whitmer is the second such occurrence that has gotten the Democratic governor mentioned in national news this month.

On April 9, a visit to Trump in the White House Oval Office that was supposed to be closed-press included a viral moment where Whitmer hid her face behind a folder.

RELATED: Whitmer draws criticism, scores potential wins in televised Oval Office visit with Trump

In a story reported by the Associated Press, Whitmer described Tuesdays hug as less-than.

RELATED: Go here for more of MLives coverage of Trump

She said Trump stepped off the plane and greeted her first, 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.

When asked to comment, the governors office again reiterated that the gesture was a handshake Trump leaned into.

Whitmer also said working with Trump on some issues wont stop her from criticizing him on others, like tariffs that have shook Michigans auto industry.

I had to be there because this was a big, important thing for the state of Michigan, she told the Associated Press. 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.

By working with Trump on certain issues, Whitmer is displaying a sharp contrast to some other Democratic presidential contenders, like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and some of her fellow Michigan leaders, like Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Tuesdays Trump-Whitmer encounter was discussed on social media and by Michigan politicians, with mixed responses. Some commenters expressed disappointment that Whitmer was so friendly when greeting Trump.

Joanne Carducci, a New Jersey political commentator, posted a video of the greeting on X with the caption, Gretchen Whitmer what the actual f***?!? A hug?!?

Medhi Hasan, a British-American journalist, said far-right extremists tried to kidnap Whitmer. Trump himself later suggested it was a fake plot and mocked it. He called her that woman in Michigan and led a crowd that (chanted) lock her up.

Today, Whitmer hugged him on the tarmac, he said. This is why Dems lose.

Dulio said the backlash Whitmer has received for working with Trump is a reflection of the state of the Democratic party and its views on the second-term president.

Even somebody who is effectively doing their job and benefiting constituents of all kinds is getting flack for it, he said. Some in the Democratic Party cant see past Trump.

Other commenters, like retired U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer Travis Akers, said on X that its ridiculous Democrats are upset with Whitmer for joining Trump at Selfridge.

She was there in her official capacity to support the men and women in uniform of the Michigan National Guard, he said. What a stupid thing to be mad at.

Like Trump, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, a Republican, also praised Whitmer for her work on Selfridge.

But during a Wednesday, April 30 press conference, he also referred to Whitmer as helping us implement Trumps agenda, a comment that wont likely win her many points from Democrats.

You got to give the governor credit, he said. I mean, shes praising President Trump. Shes helping us implement President Trumps agenda. Shes hugging President Trump. Shes doing a lot of really great things to help us.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel criticized Halls attempt to give Republicans credit for jobs coming to Selfridge after previously voting against legislative budgets that included funds for the air base.

Supporting Selfridge has been on the governors agenda for some time, her office maintains, with recorded advocacy dating back as far as Dec. 2019, when she called on Trump to support a new Selfridge mission during his first term.

Roger Moiles, a senior affiliate professor of political science at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), described Whitmers moves so far with Trump as very bold  to reach out to this particular president at this particular point in time.

However, he said it could play well into future presidential aspirations if Whitmer plays her cards right.

She needs to be able to show that she can work with anybody, he said, adding that some could even say Whitmer is playing Trump, in a way.

That idea of being able to cross the aisle, no matter who it is, is something I think voters do want to know.

At the same time, Moiles said Whitmer has to be careful not to remain too silent when it comes to future Trump policies and risk alienating Democratic voters.

Then, the critics of her will be proven right.

Ultimately, Moiles said theres still quite a lot of time between now and the Democratic nomination for president, and I think there will be opportunities to demonstrate she can be tough on Trump.

This isnt something thats turning her into a big Trump supporter, he said. I think this is a moment and (an) opportunity to get something out of it.

Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan.
Detroit Tigers catcher Tucker Barnhart is pictured during the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 9-6. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) AP

Former Detroit Tigers catcher Tucker Barnhart had his contract selected by the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

After signing a minor-league deal with Texas during the offseason, Barnhart is back in the big leagues in. part due to a lingering hamstring injury to Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka.

In a corresponding move, pitcher Dane Dunning was designated for assignment.

Barnhart, 34, is slashing .246/.354/.391 in 20 games with Triple-A Round Rock while notching two homers and 12 RBIs. Should he make an appearance with Texas, it will be Barnharts 12th straight season playing in the Majors.

Barnhart spent one season with the Tigers in 2022 following a pair of Gold Gloves in an eight-year stint playing for the Cincinnati Reds. His production behind the plate and strength as a hitter took a dip while playing for Detroit as he slashed .221/.287.267 and managed just one homer in 94 games.

He signed with the Chicago Cubs on a two-year deal the following season but didnt make it through Year 1 before being released.

A stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024 was short-lived as he made the Opening Day roster, ahead of being designated for assignment on July 2 and released on July 6.

Barnhart signed a minor-league deal back with the Reds  who selected Indianapolis native in the 10th round of the 2009 MLB Draft  in August 2024, but he never made it past Triple-A.

Should Barnhart start getting involved fairly soon, theres a chance he could take the field against the Tigers. The Rangers are set to visit Comerica Park for a three-game series May 9-11.

Tigers moneyline is -130 on Caesars for Thursdays game against the Angels. Our comprehensive Caesars Sportsbook review shows you how to sign up and use their app.
ChatGPT vs Students: New study reveals who writes better  and its not the AI

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BJP hits out at Congress regime's 'deliberate' policy of granting visas to Pak Muslims

Chhabi Kala

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Caste census trends on social media, but netizens are divided about its merit, effectiveness

Ankita Sengupta

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I recently returned from RubyKaigi where I had the opportunity to sit down with members of the Japanese Ruby community and show them a little bit of JRuby. One of the items that came up a few times was the difficulty of utilizing external libraries from Ruby: if its a C library, typically you have to either write a C extension or do the extra work of writing up an FFI binding.

If the library is not implemented in C or Ruby, things get even weirder.

One example is the Charty library, one of the more popular options for generating beautiful chart graphics on Ruby. But Charty actually wraps a Python library called matplotlib, and the bindings for CRuby literally load Python into the current process and call it via Ruby C API calls which then make Python C API calls. The horror!

Also recently, a Reddit Ruby post demonstrated the use of the QuickChart library, which is implemented in JavaScript yuck! In this case, the call-out is via process launching to the QuickChart command line, but either way its not at really integrated into the Ruby app using it.

Is there a better way? You bet there is: use a JVM-based library from JRuby! This post will show you how to get started with JRubys Java integration and a few quick examples of using the JFreeChart library from Ruby code. I promise you wont have to write a single line of Java, C, Python, or JavaScript.

JFreeChart

The JFreeChart library provides an extensive set of chart formats, with a huge array of rendering options and easy integration with either JVM-based GUI toolkits or simple image-file output. Unlike many of the other charting libraries, it also supports live updating of a given chart GUI, making it an excellent choice for desktop monitoring tools.

Building a GUI with JRuby is fun and easy, but for this post well focus on just the chart and image generation parts of the API and how you can use them easily from Ruby.

JRubys Java Integration

The magic starts with JRubys Java integration layer. The simplest way to use a Java library is to basically pretend its a Ruby library, with a few tweaks along the way:

Download the librarys jar file and dependencies, or use jar-dependencies (part of JRubys standard library) to fetch them for you.

Require the jar file and dependencies manually (a simple require "myfile.jar" works in JRuby!) or by using require_jar from jar-dependencies .

works in JRuby!) or by using from . Call the Java classes youre interested from Ruby as if they were plain old Ruby classes. You can even import them, Java-style, but its often not necessary.

Lets start with a simple example.

Calling into the java.lang.Runtime class

Assuming youve installed JRuby 10, you can start playing with JVM libraries directly from IRB. Lets fire it up and make sure were running on JRuby.

$ irb irb(main):001> RUBY_ENGINE => "jruby" irb(main):002>

The JDK comes with a large number of built-in features, of course, and I like to use the java.lang.Runtime class for quick demonstrations. It provides methods to query a bit of information about the running JVM and the host operating system. Lets import it into our session and call a few methods.

irb(main):002> rt = java.lang.Runtime.runtime => #<Java::JavaLang::Runtime:0x39a87e72> irb(main):003> rt.available_processors => 8 irb(main):004> rt.free_memory => 222145360

Theres a few bits of magic here that make it really feel like Ruby:

JRuby defines a few top-level methods for common Java package roots like java , javax , org , and com . We use this to reference the Java package java.lang here and access the Runtime class.

, , , and . We use this to reference the Java package here and access the class. Runtime defines a static method (similar to a Ruby class or singleton method) called getRuntime which gets the singleton instance of Runtime for the current JVM process. JRuby turns Java getter and setter methods into Ruby attribute accessors, so you can just call Runtime.runtime here.

defines a static method (similar to a Ruby class or singleton method) called which gets the singleton instance of for the current JVM process. JRuby turns Java getter and setter methods into Ruby attribute accessors, so you can just call here. The Ruby calls to available_processors and free_memory translate to the Java methods getAvailableProcessors and getFreeMemory in the same way. The original methods are still callable, but we add aliases for the Ruby-friendly names.

We can accomplish a tremendous amount with the libraries shipped in the JDK, ranging from simple database access to professional desktop GUI development.

If the libraries we want to use are not shipped with the JDK, however, we need to fetch them. Its always possible to download the librarys jar file directly, but then you may also have to hunt down its dependency jars. A better way is to use JRubys jar-dependencies library.

jar-dependencies

Like Ruby gems get pushed to rubygems.org, Java libraries get published as jar files to Maven repositories, a global, federated repository of every version of every Java library known to man. In order to make it as easy as possible to use these libraries from JRuby, weve built extensive Maven tooling for both Ruby and Java applications.

The simplest way to load a JVM library from Maven into your JRuby app is to use jar-dependencies , a built-in tool for fetching and managing Java dependencies in either standalone applications or in gems.

For our examples, we want to fetch JFreeChart and its dependency libraries. If we search for it at search.maven.org, we can acquire its Maven coordinates.

The most recently-published artifact is jfreechart 1.5.5. From here we can see the coordinates were looking for:

The group ID, used for namespacing libraries, is org.jfree .

. The artifact ID, which identifies the library, is jfreechart .

. And the version we want is 1.5.5 (Maven strongly encourages always using specific versions).

Given that, we can set up our JFreeChart project.

JRuby and JFreeChart: Happy Together!

Without knowing anything about JFreeChart, I was able to load it up and get some simple examples working from IRB just last night. I was so impressed, I decided to write this blog post!

Ive pushed this example as headius/jruby-charts on GitHub so you can follow along.

Using jar-dependencies to fetch JFreeChart

Well start by creating a jar-dependencies Jarfile, which is roughly equivalent to Bundlers Gemfile:

jar 'org.jfree:jfreechart:1.5.5'

Similar to a Gemfiles gem name and version, we specify the Maven coordinates of the library we want (separated by colons). Once we have this file, we can fetch and lock this dependency with the lock_jars command.

jruby-charts $ lock_jars -- jar root dependencies -- org.jfree:jfreechart:1.5.5:compile Jars.lock created

This command fetches JFreeChart and any other dependencies to your local Maven repository, which by default is in ~/.m2/repository . In general, we recommend using jar-dependencies this way, so that your jars dont conflict with other gems jars, and all applications on a given system use the same set of downloaded files. Its also possible to fetch the jars and ship them inside your application or gem, but well leave that example for another day.

Lets get to the fun stuff: using JFreeChart from Ruby!

Generating a simple bar chart

Our first example will create a simple bar chart.

First, we need to load in the jars we just downloaded and locked.

# Use jar-dependencies, included with JRuby, to load JFreeChart require 'jar-dependencies' require_jar 'org.jfree' , 'jfreechart' , '1.5.5'

At this point all of the classes of JFreeChart are available to Ruby. We start by creating a DefaultCategoryDataset which will hold our bar chart data.

# Create an empty CategoryDataSet bar_data = org . jfree . data . category . DefaultCategoryDataset . new

JFreeChart provides a wide array of dataset types that can source data from a database, a JVM-based collection object (which includes Ruby collections), or other forms of structured data. The default version works nicely for a simple example. Lets fill it with some data.

# Add values to the dataset bar_data . add_value 44 , "Ben and Jerry's" , "Flavors by creamery" bar_data . add_value 31 , "Baskin Robbins" , "Flavors by creamery" bar_data . add_value 11 , "Cold Stone" , "Flavors by creamery"

This bar chart will display a count of ice cream flavors from three well-known purveyors of the creamery arts. The add_value method here is addValue in Java, and takes a number, a column key, and a row key.

Given our dataset, we can now request that JFreeChart create a basic bar chart for us using the ChartFactory class.

# Create a bar chart with default settings java_import org . jfree . chart . ChartFactory bar_chart = ChartFactory . create_bar_chart "How Many Ice Cream Flavors?" , "Creamery" , "Flavors" , bar_data

We import the ChartFactory class for convenience (which is basically equivalent to doing ChartFactory = org.jfree.chart.ChartFactory ) and then call create_bar_chart to generate a bar chart with default settings. The arguments we pass are the name of the chart, the label for the X axis, and the label for the Y axis, and our dataset.

Now that we have a chart, we can use Javas graphics APIs (provided with the JDK by default) to output a PNG file.

# Create a buffered image in memory at 500x500 bar_image = bar_chart . create_buffered_image 500 , 500 # Write the image as a PNG to a file bar_file = File . open ( "barchart.png" , "w" ) javax . imageio . ImageIO . write ( bar_image , "PNG" , bar_file . to_outputstream )

JFreeCharts bar chart type knows how to create a Java2D BufferedImage, which we can then pass to ImageIO to write it out. In this case, we even use a Ruby File as the target, using a bit of JRuby magic that turns it into a Java OutputStream!

With our jar dependencies locked and our script written, we can simply run it with JRuby from a command line.

jruby-charts $ jruby examples/barchart.rb 2025-04-30 14:58:21.744 java[84148:2288876] +[IMKClient subclass]: chose IMKClient_Modern 2025-04-30 14:58:21.744 java[84148:2288876] +[IMKInputSession subclass]: chose IMKInputSession_Modern

Depending on your platform, you may see a little bit of helpful JVM output indicating that the graphics subsystem has been loaded.

Lets see what we just made!

Just a few lines of code and were done! Such fun!

Everyone loves pie!

The Java integration walkthrough and bar chart example above should whet your appetite for doing cool things with JRuby, but I include a pie chart example here to show a few differences:

# Use jar-dependencies, included with JRuby, to load JFreeChart require 'jar-dependencies' require_jar 'org.jfree' , 'jfreechart' , '1.5.5' # Create an empty PieDataset pie_data = org . jfree . data . general . DefaultPieDataset . new # Add values to the dataset pie_data . insert_value 0 , "Fun" , 0.45 pie_data . insert_value 1 , "Useful" , 0.25 pie_data . insert_value 2 , "Cool" , 0.15 pie_data . insert_value 3 , "Enterprisey" , 0.10 pie_data . insert_value 4 , "Exciting" , 0.5 # Create a pie chart with default settings pie_chart = org . jfree . chart . ChartFactory . create_pie_chart "Why JRuby?" , pie_data # Anti-alias the chart to look a bit cleaner pie_chart . anti_alias = true # Access the actual PiePlot to tweak additional settings pie_plot = pie_chart . plot pie_plot . set_explode_percent "Fun" , 0.20 # Create a buffered image in memory at 500x500 pie_image = pie_chart . create_buffered_image 500 , 500 # Write the image as a GIF to a file pie_file = File . open ( "piechart.gif" , "w" ) javax . imageio . ImageIO . write ( pie_image , "gif" , pie_file . to_outputstream )

This example takes advantage of a few customizations provided by JFreeChart:

The edges of the pie are set to anti-alias for a cleaner look ( pie_chart.anti_alias = true , which calls setAntiAlias).

, which calls setAntiAlias). We access the actual PiePlot object to explode one of the elements out of the pie.

Instead of a PNG, we output a GIF, just because. The standard Java ImageIO support can handle BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and WBMP, and theres third-party support for everything else.

And heres the resulting pie chart:

Its as easy as pie!

Your Turn

In this post, you learned the following:

Basics of Java integration in JRuby

How to fetch and load Java libraries from Maven

A few simple ways to create charts with JFreeChart

We didnt have to write a single line of Java code, and we didnt have to call out to any nasty C, Python, or JavaScript libraries. The code you see and the libraries we loaded all run in the same JVM process alongside your Ruby code, and can be easily deployed to any system with a JDK. Its really that simple!

JFreeChart is just one charting library out of many in the Java ecosystem, and theres thousands of other useful libraries you can start using with JRuby today. Need to generate PDFs or Office documents? Try OpenPDF or Apache Poi. Need to integrate with unusual databases? JDBC has you covered with a standard API. Want to deploy a single binary for your entire application? JRubys Warbler project allows you to bundle everything up as a single jar file.

Ruby faces many challenges these days, and were solving them one at a time with JRuby and the JVM. I hope you will experiment with JRuby yourself and create something beautiful!

This is a call to action!

JRuby development is funded entirely through your generous sponsorships and the sale of commercial support contracts for JRuby developers and enterprises around the world. If you find my work exciting or believe it is important your company or your projects, please consider partnering with me to keep JRuby strong and moving forward!

Sponsor Charles Oliver Nutter on GitHub!

Sign up for expert JRuby support from Headius Enterprises!
Caste census: Why BJP's big move can be double-edged sword in Uttar Pradesh

Priyanjali Ghose

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Caste matters: Behind caste census decision, a course correction by BJP and Congress

Parimal Peeyush

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CWC to meet at 4 PM tomorrow to deliberate road ahead after Centre's nod to caste census

Parimal Peeyush

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Don't want people going after Muslims, Kashmiris, says wife of Navy officer killed in Pahalgam; calls for peace

Manjiri Patil

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Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_

Christin Mathew Philip

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Priyanjali Ghose

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India looks at pink hydrogen even as green hydrogen mission struggles to keep pace

Sweta Goswami

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Masterstroke or biting the bullet? The calculation behind BJP's surprise decision on caste census

Parimal Peeyush

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Modi govt will hunt down all the terrorists: Amit Shah's big warning post Pahalgam attack

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Pahalgam terrorists are no Burhan Wani: Inside story of Pakistan's 'real guerrilla warfare' in Kashmir forests

Surabhi Pandey

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By Akbar Novruz



At todays session of the Baku Military Court, video footage was presented suggesting Davit Ishkhanyan had blocked Azerbaijani soldiers during the 1992 battles for Shusha.

The video, reportedly produced by Armenians, claims that Ishkhanyan and his group acted under the orders of Monte Melkonyan to prevent Azerbaijani forces from advancing toward Khojavend, with the ultimate goal of protecting the occupation of Shusha. It states that on May 15, 1992, group commander Armen Avokyan was killed during fighting, and Ishkhanyan was appointed his successor.

However, the accused dismissed the claims, calling the footage propaganda. Ishkhanyan stated the video was filmed in early 2020, ahead of the so-called parliamentary and presidential elections held by the separatist regime in the then-occupied Azerbaijani territories. The purpose of this was propaganda. I was walking with a cane at that time. Even if I wanted to, I could not physically participate there, he said.

The trial forms part of a broader legal process against Armenian nationals accused of grave violations of international law, including war crimes, genocide, terrorism, and the illegal seizure and retention of Azerbaijani territories.
I feel that this review should begin with a disclaimer, it being the third live-action/feature film in a series, based on a successful book series. Paddington Bear has been around for nearly 70 years, and this film, Paddington in Peru, is my first official introduction to the character. Growing up, his books flew under my radar. I never watched any of the various animated series he was involved in from the 1970s and 1980s. By the time the first film, Paddington came around in 2014, there was no real reason for me to watch it. All I knew was that people loved it, but people seemed to love the sequel, Paddington 2, even more.

So, there I sat, quiet and dark in my home theater, a little bit nervous to be starting this film. What would I say? What COULD I say? If I didnt like it, should I explain how unfamiliar I am with the source material? If I did like it, would I have to, then, go back and watch all the other films? What kind of monster would this create?

The good news is, I did very much enjoy Paddington in Peru. The story is a straightforward adventure tale, and Im sure in my retelling of events, Ill be getting some details about the characters histories with each other fudged up a little. I apologize in advance. Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is originally from Peru and was taken in by the Brown family in London, England, where they have had numerous adventures together. Recently, it seems, as the kids have grown up, the family has grown apart. This adventure in Peru is just what the doctor ordered to bring them all together again. Paddingtons aunt has gone missing, looking for clues to the fabled El Dorado (the lost City of Gold) and the plucky, determined (and very polite) bear must find her. While in Peru, they enlist the help of a riverboat captain, Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), who has a familial curse and lust for gold. Cabot will help the bear and his adoptive family to get to the city, with plans to double-cross them and claim the riches for himself.

This is all very pleasant stuff, with gentle humor and some good, genuine laughs. Antonio Banderas isnt the funniest actor in the world, but he has a fearlessness when it comes to playing it goofy, and goes wildly over-the-top in multiple roles of his ancestors, even playing one of his relatives in drag, replete with a blonde wig. Everyone else in the cast, including Olivia Colman, Emily Mortimer, and Hugh Bonneville is equally up to the task, knowing how to walk that delicate line between sincere and over-the-top.

As I understand it, from fans of the series, Paddington in Peru is not the best film in the series. No matter. And Im sure most will agree, its a decent film on its own, particularly in that dreaded genre of films geared toward children. Children and family films can sometimes scrape the bottom of the barrel and offer no respect for its younger audience, insulting their intelligence at every turn with cheap gags and a plot on autopilot. Paddington in Peru does no such thing and its refreshing to see a narrative go beyond a display of light, color and bombastic sound design. Part of my enjoyment, I believe, is in growing up with other British characters who have a very specific love for one food. Wallace and Gromit had cheese. Lionel Hardcastle from As Time Goes By had his custard tarts. And Paddington has marmalade sandwiches.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Paddington in Peru arrives in a single-disc Blu-ray release, housed in a standard case with a code for digital redemption found inside. The disc plays to a series of trailers, but with a convenient menu option to skip straight to the movie instead of skipping forward or having to go to the films menu first.
Pahalgam terrorists reached Baisaran Valley two days before attack, three other tourist spots were on hitlist

Priyanjali Ghose

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Pakistani man dies of cardiac arrest in Amritsar hours before deportation at Attari-Wagah border

Surabhi Pandey

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'Perpetrators, planners must be brought to justice': Jaishankar raises Pahalgam attack with US

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Rs 5 lakh per kg! Why Kashmiri saffron got pricier than ever? The unexpected silver lining for 'red gold' farmers

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'She converted to Sanatan Dharma...': Seema Haider's lawyer urges to not link her to Pahalgam terror attack

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Supreme Court throws out PIL for probe into Pahalgam attack: 'Do you want to demoralise security forces?'

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Thiruvananthapuram Airport asks passengers to start early in view of traffic curbs for PM Modis visit

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Toddy makes a comeback in Bihar politics: Why are parties wooing Pasi community ahead of assembly elections?

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Why HC stopped deportation of J&K constable, his siblings to Pakistan

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SC districts have done better on poverty reduction than non-SC districts: Census data

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Bengaluru's Prestige Falcon City to get food, essentials delivered by drones in 5 minutes

Ankita Sengupta

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Axiom-4 Mission: IAF officer Shubhanshu Shukla set to fly to space on May 29  heres what he will do

Sheetal Kumari

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NASA shares 500,000 galaxy images and seeks your help to identify them

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Apple has been sending warning messages to some iPhone users: Heres why

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Apple told by court to pay half a billion dollars to a patent troll, heres why

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai hopes Gemini will be built into iPhones this year

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Samsung brings AI assistant shortcut to Galaxy A series with the new update: How to enable it and use it

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This dreamy Caribbean island offers everything you need for a perfect summer vacation

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Ex-Bangladesh Army officer calls for occupation of Indias Northeast with China's help if it strikes Pakistan

Abhinav Gupta

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warns: China 'not behind' in AI, 'very close' to U.S.

Pradeep Tripathi

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Pahalgam to Moscow, Kabul to London: Why Pakistan is a factory for global terror exports

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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Pakistan government rejects expensive power projects

Pakistan's government is shunning 7,967MW of expensive power projects, as reported by *The Express Tribune*. The IGCEP 2024-2034 envisions competitive bidding for all future plans. This decision aligns with IMF demands for fiscal responsibility and aims to reduce circular debt in the power sector. It may also signal a shift towards renewable energy sources.

The move could boost the government's credibility but faces potential opposition from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and concerns about short-term power supply disruptions. Experts emphasize the need for a transparent bidding process and investment in alternative energy to avoid power shortages, *The Express Tribune* reports.
Pakistan's ISI chief gets new role as tensions escalate with India after Pahalgam attack

Chhabi Kala

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Pakistani envoy runs to Trump to help ease tensions with India, calls Kashmir flashiest nuclear flashpoint

Abhinav Gupta

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Russian drone strike kills two in Odesa as Ukraine urges ceasefire amid new U.S. minerals deal

Pradeep Tripathi

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Syrias new rulers face thorny dilemma over thousands of foreign fighters in their ranks

Pragya Trivedi

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Tortured, mutilated, electrocuted: Media probe reveals chilling details of how Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia was killed in Russian custody

Pragya Trivedi

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UK joins U.S. in strikes on Houthis near Sanaa as Trumps operation Rough Rider intensifies

Pradeep Tripathi

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US and Ukraine sign mineral deal as Trump eyes Ukraines buried wealth to boost US supply chains

Pragya Trivedi

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US firms must become AI factories, says Nvidias Jensen Huang

Pradeep Tripathi

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US has reached out to China to initiate tariff talks, China Central Television says

Sonalee Borgohain

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US pushes for calm between India and Pakistan after Pahalgam terrorist attack

101Reporters

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Why Indian migrants are abandoning their children at US borders amid Trumps immigration crackdown

Pragya Trivedi

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ALBANY  On Monday night, when Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a general agreement on a new $254 billion state budget, she said a financial aid plan for the City of Buffalo would be known very soon over the next day or so.

Three days later, the states plan to address a Buffalo city deficit estimated to exceed $70 million remained unclear  as did an end date for the states overall budget process.

On Thursday, Hochul and the State Legislature enacted an $11.8 billion extender bill to fund state operations through May 7. It is the 10th extender bill they have passed since they missed an April 1 deadline to pass the spending plan.

There is a very concerning lack of coherent communication, clearly, between the Senate, the Assembly and governor, said Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, who has voted against the last two extender bills. That should concern every New Yorker.

Assembly Member Stephen Hawley, R-Batavia, vented: Every spring, we come to Albany with one goal in mind: pass a state budget. The majority, however, seems completely unable to complete this one simple task. This is the epitome of failed leadership.

Several budget matters remain unresolved, including the question of whether state leaders would approve Mayor Christopher Scanlons proposal for a 3% hotel occupancy tax for the City of Buffalo and the sale of parking ramps to a newly created Buffalo parking authority. Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, sponsored bills and spearheaded the effort to win the proposal support in Albany, winning the approval of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, and the governor, she said. The only question was if and when Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, would also endorse the bills.

Sen. Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, who faces Scanlon in a Democratic primary race for mayor, has a bill to give Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority permission to issue bonds up to $150 million over a four-year period to pay for the citys deficit. He introduced it in Albany officially on Wednesday.

At present, the City of Buffalo is on the precipice of a fiscal cliff, stated a justification memo attached to the bill. The city currently estimates a budget gap of $50 million. Erie County says that this figure may be larger, and the BFSA and City Comptroller have both expressed concerns. The City needs a long-term plan to close this budget gap, and time to implement that plan.

On Monday, Hochul, who maintains a residence in Buffalo, said both Scanlon and Ryans proposals could be considered for what she said was a serious crisis.

A Ryan spokesperson said the situation was still being negotiated. A spokesperson for Hochul said nothing had changed since the governor last spoke. Spokespeople for the mayor and majority leader could not be immediately reached.

On Tuesday, the morning after Hochul said there had been general agreement on a budget deal, Assembly Member Gary Pretlow, D-Mount Vernon, who chairs the powerful Assembly Ways and Means Committee, likened Hochuls announcement to a person announcing a wedding to a partner who does not want to get married.

This is the governor giving us invitations, trying to force us into something that we dont necessarily want to do right now, Pretlow said.

On Thursday, in passing the 10th extender, Pretlow sounded more optimistic that lawmakers could start passing budget bills next week.

Hopefully we should not have to do an an 11th extender, Pretlow said. I think were closer to putting this to bed.

The absence of a budget has not kept Hochul from touting parts of the spending plan in appearances and in news releases all week. On Thursday, Hochul appeared in New York City with Metropolitan Transportation Authority and law enforcement officials to discuss parts of the budget she said will make riding subways safer.

She highlighted prosecution-favored changes to the discovery or evidence-sharing process in criminal cases, which Hochul said will keep cases from being dismissed for technicalities, and her proposal to make it easier to commit a mentally ill person to a hospital against their wishes. The latter proposal was inspired by a Dec. 22 incident in which a woman was set on fire and killed on a Brooklyn subway.

Im proud to say with our new budget, securely in place  almost done  we delivered on these promises, Hochul said.

State lawmakers do not get paid while the budget is late. Some legislators had concerns that the governor was prematurely announcing the budget deal.

You have an executive go announce a deal, whos been on a seemingly barnstorming tour around the state taking a victory lap, said Assembly Member Edward Ra of Nassau County, the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee. Yet here we are still in Albany waiting for actual bills that we can debate and vote on to actually enact this budget.
Its a season for proxy wars in the race to elect Buffalos next mayor.

The most recent chapter in this political story comes as members of the local Working Families Party try to tie Mayor Christopher Scanlon to real estate developer and Republican provocateur Carl Paladino, who has endorsed Scanlon.

The Working Families Party recently endorsed State Sen. Sean Ryan. Some Working Families party members stood outside Scanlons campaign headquarters at Delaware Avenue and Allen Street, to criticize the mayor for aligning with Paladinos companies and taking donations from Paladinos son, William. Scanlons headquarters are in a building owned by Ellicott Development, the company that Carl Paladino founded.

Tom Roulley, the chairperson of the local Working Families Party chapter, said he and members of his party want Buffalo voters to know about Carl Paladinos public endorsement of Scanlon, noting the many controversial statements and actions from Paladino over the years.

We have a need to call out that association because of Carl Paladinos racist comments in the past and his actions and things that hes done that really makes him unsuitable for someone to be endorsed by him, Roulley said.

Its not the first time opponents to Scanlons candidacy have sought to make that connection.

Protesters from Our City Action Buffalo and other groups rallied outside a December fundraiser for Scanlon hosted by William Paladino at 500 Pearl St., another Ellicott Development property.

William Paladino  a consistent political donor who is not publicly involved in party politics  and companies associated with Ellicott Development have given the Scanlon campaign $27,900 toward his campaign so far.

Scanlon, in a written statement from his campaign, said that Carl Paladino and Republican party leaders play no part in his campaign and that he has consistently fought for the values and principles of the Democratic party.

"The volunteers and supporters of my candidacy share my vision for a safe, healthy and strong City of Buffalo, and I am very proud of the campaign we have built together," he said.

In background conversations with The News earlier this year, members of Scanlons circle pushed back on the association, noting that Carl Paladino made no donations to the campaign and that he is no longer involved in the development company he founded.

Roulley, the Working Families Party chair, said the links between Carl Paladino and the companies he founded are undeniable.

It was originally Carl Paladinos company, which is now run by his son William Paladino, Roulley said. Their ties are intertwined.

Ryans campaign declined to comment for this article. But when WGRZ-TV first reported the Carl Paladino endorsement of Scanlon, Ryan also highlighted the relationship and further drew a line to Carl Paladinos support of President Trump.

Carl Paladino, one of Donald Trumps biggest supporters, is getting the word out about a fundraiser tonight for Acting Mayor Scanlon, hosted by William Paladino, Ryan said in a written statement to the station at the time. We all know what kind of person Carl Paladino is. He has made racist remarks about our first Black president and once praised Adolf Hitler as the kind of leader we need today. He is certainly not my ally. I call on Chris Scanlon to denounce Carl Paladino and reject Paladinos support for his candidacy.

During one of the mayoral forums that were part of the Erie County Democratic Committees endorsement process  Democrats also endorsed Ryan  all participating members were asked by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz whether they would pledge to not accept the Republican line to stay in the race through the general election, should they lose in the primary.

The question seemed aimed at Scanlon. His late father, John Scanoots Scanlon, was a top aide to former Mayor James Griffin, a Democrat who won the first of his four terms in the office on the Conservative line and ran on Republican and Conservative lines in addition to the Democratic line in subsequent elections.

Scanlon, who became acting mayor when former Mayor Byron Brown resigned in October, has said repeatedly he would not accept those lines, though he likely will seek to establish an independent party line, which would allow him to run in the general election if he does not win the Democratic primary.

Political campaign proxy wars are common and becoming more so, Jacob Neiheisel, a professor of political science at the University at Buffalo said. Part of the goal of these efforts is to allow candidates to label their opponents unfavorably, creating negative associations with voters.

Labels in politics absolutely matter, Neiheisel said. It allows candidates to kind of locate their opponents in a particular space that could redound to their benefit.

For example, former mayoral candidate India Walton beat Byron Brown in the Democratic primary last election cycle, flanking him from the left as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Her primary victory shocked the political world of Western New York and gained national and international media attention.

But Waltons association with the Democratic Socialists drew attention from many GOP donors here in Buffalo and far afield, who donated to Democrat Browns successful write-in campaign. Browns write-in victory succeeded partly because of its success in getting the socialist label to stick to Walton among Republicans and others who might have negative feelings about the term.

The state Republican committee sent mailers attacking Walton to city voters. Prominent Republican donors from the area, including Carl Paladino and Nick Sinatra, already consistent Brown donors, gave to their contribution limits and publicly supported Brown.

Walton was even used as a proxy in attacks on former Hamburg Town Supervisor Randy Hoak, a Democrat, by his Republican opponent, Stefan Mychajliw.

Waltons candidacy also caused a split within the local Democratic party. After her primary victory, Erie County Democratic Committee chair Jeremy Zellner endorsed Walton. So, too, did other prominent Buffalo Democrats, including Ryan.

Scanlon, as the South District Common Council member, came to the aid of Brown, campaigning on his behalf and helping to overwhelmingly deliver his district, a key to Browns decisive write-in victory.

Opponents of Scanlon are betting that those sorts of negative associations may help their candidates.

And Neiheisel said that studies show that this strategy is effective. When presented with what are known as attitude objects  an entity meant to elicit strong emotions from a particular audience  placed next to an object that an audience is unfamiliar with, the negative association carries on down the line even when presented the two objects or ideas separately, Neiheisel said.

In other words, if voters are presented with a person or idea they view negatively next to a candidate they know little about, those negative feelings tend to be transferred to that candidate going forward.

The proxy strategy has become more prevalent in our era of divisive politics. Figures like President Trump and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi have often been used in campaign materials, even in local races where federal policy has little to do with issues important in that race.

And politicians have used these proxy figures in primaries, to paint members of their own party as disloyal to the causes or ideals of the party, in addition to general elections, where those motivations may be more obvious, said Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University.

One of the themes thats often employed is the other person is somehow a traitor to that party, because the primary voters generally are the most loyal people in that party, and tend to be also more on the far edge of that party, Reeher said.

Reeher said that even when the candidate facing the accusation has a legitimate retort, the messaging behind it is difficult to do well because the statements often sound like excuses.
Attorney General Douglas Moylan testifies in support of Bill 33-38 on Tuesday at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatna.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Indian cloud software giant Zoho Corporation has announced a $15 million investment in Zimbabwe aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMES) and large organisations.The tech firm, which serves more than 100 million users across 50 countries, will formally unveil the investment during the inaugural Zimbabwe Digital Week 2025, taking place May 5-7 at the Harare International Conference Centre.The investment is part of Zoho's broader strategy to empower emerging markets with affordable, innovative cloud-based business solutions. "We believe Zimbabwe offers attractive opportunities for growth and expansion," said Andrew Bourne, Regional Head of Zoho Africa, in a statement. "Our mission is to help Zimbabwe achieve its digital transformation goals by lowering the technical barriers to entry for the SME and enterprise business community."Backed by the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, and organised in partnership with entities such as Smart Africa, Afreximbank, and Loita Business, Zimbabwe Digital Week 2025 is set to spotlight the country's ambitions to become a digitally-driven economy.The event will bring together government, business, and global leaders to explore partnerships and digital innovation.Zoho has been active in Zimbabwe for the past five years. The company plans to use this new investment to address local market needs, including software localisation, regulatory compliance, and deeper integration with financial systems. Bourne added that Zoho will also work closely with local public sector institutions to support national digital goals.With more than 55 business applications covering areas such as sales, marketing, human resources, and finance, Zoho is positioning itself as a key digital partner for African enterprises. The company already serves over 500,000 paying organisations globally and employs roughly 15,000 staff worldwide."We are allocating resources to rapidly growing markets to empower more people and organisations," said Bourne. "Over the next year, we aim to make Africa our No. 1 market in the Middle East and Africa region."
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uralo?lu announced that Turkiye is a strategic partner of the Three Seas Initiative initiated by countries bordering the Baltic, Adriatic, and Black Seas. Turkiyes Strategic Partnership application was accepted by member countries at the 10th Summit.

With the project, trade routes in the Middle East will be connected to all of Europe via Turkiye.

Trade routes in the Middle East will be connected to all of Europe via Turkiye.

Minister Uralo?lu's post on the subject from his X account is as follows:

"Turkiye is the Strategic Partner of the Three Seas Initiative...

Turkiye became a strategic partner of the Three Seas Initiative initiated by countries bordering the Baltic, Adriatic, and Black Seas.

With the projects to be built:

Starting from the Port of Klaipeda, Lithuania,

It will be connected to Turkiye through Poland > Slovakia > Hungary > Romania > Bulgaria.

The Three Seas Initiative will positively impact the increase of our connectivity with the European Union and the development of our transport activities.

With the Via Carpatia Highway to be implemented within the scope of the project, trade routes in the Middle East will be connected to all of Europe via Turkiye."

Turkiye will discuss cooperation in a multilateral arena.

Approval of applications from countries applying to the UDG for any status is possible with the consensus of the participating members.

At the 9th Summit of the UDG held in Vilnius on 11 April 2024, Turkiye, the UK, Finland, Montenegro, Spain, and Israel participated as special guests.

This platform will enable Turkiye to address its bilateral cooperation on connectivity projects in the fields of energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure in a multilateral arena.

There are three different statuses within the UDG: "Participating Members," which consist solely of EU Member States (Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Greece); "Strategic Partners," which consist of countries that can provide financial support or add prestige to the initiative (EU Commission, USA, Germany, Japan); and "Associate Participants," which are designed to include countries such as Ukraine and Moldova.

Within the scope of this initiative, Turkiye also prioritizes economic growth, new infrastructure investments, and energy security.

In this context, the reconstruction of Ukraine and the improvement of infrastructure will also be one of the main agenda items of this platform.

In addition, another important dimension of the initiative, which aims to ensure progress with concrete projects, is the interaction with the private sector, and a business forum is organized in parallel with each summit.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Black teachers at the elite Peterhouse Boys School have made a passionate plea for government intervention amid serious allegations of racial discrimination within the institutions staff structures.The accusations paint a troubling picture of inequality and favouritism allegedly benefiting white staff members at the prestigious private school, located in Marondera, Zimbabwe.According to insiders, black teachers say they are being subjected to systematic marginalisation while their white counterparts enjoy privileges and leniencies not afforded to them.One such complaint involves a senior official in the accounting department  name withheld  who allegedly operates a thriving side business selling dairy products like yoghurt, cheese, and fresh cream on campus. It is alleged she uses the schools reprography room for her sales, with the printing staff reportedly repurposed to assist in her personal venture."Meanwhile, black teachers are strictly prohibited from conducting any form of business on school premises, said one teacher, who requested anonymity out of fear of reprisal.Another white teacher is said to be openly running a poultry and honey business within the school, further fuelling claims of a racially biased double standard.Staff members also allege that certain school tours are handled privately by individual white teachers rather than through central school administration, raising concerns about possible kickbacks."There is a silent, targeted campaign against black teachers, reportedly led by one of the heads of studies, with suspicions that the goal is to gradually replace them with foreign white educators from the UK and Australia," a teacher claimed.In response to the allegations, Peterhouse Boys School Rector Jon Trafford dismissed the claims as distorted and unreflective of the institutions values and practices."The school does not comment on internal matters that may compromise the privacy of staff," Trafford said in a written response. "It would appear that your source has selectively distorted facts. The allegations do not reflect reality on the ground."He added: "The alleged asymmetry between the treatment of black and white staff members is untrue. Peterhouse has always stood for diversity and remains firmly opposed to racism."Despite the schools rebuttal, the aggrieved teachers are urging the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to step in and investigate what they describe as a toxic culture that continues to fester behind the institutions polished reputation.The controversy adds to growing concerns about covert racism and inequality in some of Zimbabwes elite schools, where calls for reform have grown louder in recent years.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A growing crisis is unfolding in Zimbabwe as some nurses at public clinics in Harare are reportedly charging people living with HIV illicit fees for access to lifesaving antiretroviral (ARV) medication, amid a worsening shortage of the drugs.The crisis has been triggered by a global aid freeze initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. On January 20, Trump suspended all international assistance for 90 days, a move that halted critical health aid to countries like Zimbabwe. The shutdown included the disbanding of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the suspension was later extended by 30 more days, further tightening the aid chokehold.Stanley Takaona, president of the Zimbabwe HIV/AIDS Activist Union Community Trust, said the aid cuts have left Zimbabwe in a very difficult situation, threatening years of progress in the national HIV response."We're facing a situation where patients must choose between life and poverty. The global aid freeze has disrupted the ARV supply chain, and the most vulnerable are paying the price," Takaona told Health Policy Watch.Zimbabwe had made significant strides in HIV treatment, becoming one of only five African nations to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2023. But that progress now hangs in the balance. As of 2022, 1.3 million Zimbabweans were living with HIV, with approximately 1.2 million of them on ARVs.Long queues at clinics have become commonplace, and desperation is driving many to pay bribes to receive what used to be freely distributed medication."Many HIV positive people in my area, including myself, are now bribing nurses at local clinics in order to get the usual six months' allocation of treatment drugs," said one Harare resident, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.A nurse at a Harare clinic, speaking anonymously, confirmed the illegal activity:"It's our time to make money from desperate HIV patients because our salaries alone can't sustain us. With the ARVs now scarce, we just put a small fee on them for our own benefit in backdoor deals."The government, however, denies any shortages. During a parliamentary session in February, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora assured lawmakers that Zimbabwe had secured a six-month stockpile of ARVs and that treatment access would remain uninterrupted.Despite the official position, the situation on the ground tells a different story. The government's pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme for high-risk groups such as sex workers has already been suspended, while community health advocates continue to raise alarms over dwindling medicine stocks and growing desperation.Calls are mounting for immediate intervention from the government and international partners to restore ARV supplies and stop the exploitation of patients. Advocacy groups warn that without urgent action, the nation could see a reversal in decades of hard-won progress against HIV/AIDS.
Happy May Day!

Valerie the dachshund found fit and well after 529 days on Kangaroo Island Australian Broadcasting Corporation

FDA issues urgent nationwide recall of bread sold in US found with glass fragments Fox Business

Climate/Environment

Pandemics

May Day

India-Pakistan

India should tread warily on battlefield Indian Punchline

China?

Old Blighty

Syraqistan

Theres something about this karmic episode that encapsulates the entire Zionist project They could have lived peacefully alongside the welcoming Palestinians, but their colonial project will ultimately collapse because they cannot stop being violent https://t.co/YjJ9zecD0T  Tiberius (@ecomarxi) April 30, 2025

Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 1, 2025

European Disunion

16 countries to ask EU for fiscal leeway to spend big on defense Politico

One of the chief theories behind Spains power blackout this week is that the Iberian grid had an inertia problem.

So what on earth is inertia and why does it matter??

If only someone had written a long thread about this a while back

 https://t.co/1iJcxAUc94  Ed Conway (@EdConwaySky) April 29, 2025

New Not-So-Cold War

The darkly funny part of Iraq being a client state is that no ones even sure whose it is anymore. The US still controls the finances, but Iran dominates on the ground. So if Washington rides Ukraine into the ground and hands the wreckage to Russia well, its not exactly  Russians With Attitude (@RWApodcast) April 30, 2025

The Caucasus

GREAT NEWS!!! The MEGOBARI ACT, introduced by @RepJoeWilson and @RepCohen early this year, is now making its way to the House floor to be considered for final House vote next week The legislation calls for sanctions against those undermining Georgias democracy pic.twitter.com/xSlWNkUCp9  Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) April 30, 2025

Liberation Day

BREAKING: Trump admin just whacked tariff collection & import inspection w/ a waiver of Customs rules! This undercuts promised May 2 end of de minimis loophole tariff evasion for Chinas goods & Liberation Day revenue. Why? DHL is bragging re constructive dialogue w/ admin. pic.twitter.com/gHPdol1yKA  Lori Wallach (@WallachLori) April 30, 2025

The bottom line:

So, back to the bottomline: If Trump ends the de minimis tariff waiver for China this week as promised, waiving this longstanding Customs rule will gut enforcement and collection. This rollback also undermines collection of ALL Liberation Day tariffs. 15/ pic.twitter.com/X44JdybwG8  Lori Wallach (@WallachLori) April 30, 2025

Waiting for the Supply Shock David Dayen, The American Prospect. Its coming, and we know approximately when.

Trump on China: They made a trillion dollars with Biden selling us stuff. Much of it we dont need. 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. pic.twitter.com/6gVbGQ6oJ2  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2025

The scale of the tariff-avoiding frontrunning in the first quarter of the year is without any parallel in modern American history. The net export contribution to GDP was -4.83%, the largest in the historical record going back to 1947! pic.twitter.com/S6iZurvSk8  Mike Bird (@Birdyword) April 30, 2025

Lutnick: Its time to train people not to do the jobs of the past, but to do the great jobs of the future. This is the new model where you work in these kinds of plants for the rest of your life and your kids work here and your grandkids work here. We let the auto plants go pic.twitter.com/kDqjMPTUvh  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 29, 2025

Trump 2.0

BREAKING: In a bizarre moment, Attorney General Pam Bondi impersonates extreme North Korean praise for Dear Leader, saying President, you first 100 days has far exceeded that of ANY other presidency in this country. Ever. Ever. Unreal.pic.twitter.com/kiV1QofDze  Really American  (@ReallyAmerican1) April 30, 2025

First of all, it would need to be $100k. Second of all, a cash incentive is coercion within the context of economic desperation. The only way for cash incentives to not be coercive is if people can afford to say no to them. https://t.co/0hW2kuagI2  Vivian (@suchnerve) April 29, 2025

MAHA

Kennedy Advises New Parents to Do Your Own Research on Vaccines New York Times

DOGE

Democrats en Deshabille

Police State Watch

AI

They really think that they are the only essential human agents and the rest of us are disposable. A stunning and virulent delusion. The enemies of society now rule it. https://t.co/Wtg6M8LbFZ  Nikhil Pal Singh (@nikhil_palsingh) April 30, 2025

Global elites are rotting their brains in group chats Read Max

Healthcare?

The Supremes

Supreme Court may allow church-run, publicly funded charter schools across the nation ABC News

Our Famously Free Press

Vote on Antisemitism Awareness Act delayed after fiery Senate hearing Jewish News Syndicate

The fact that backers of the Antisemitism Awareness Act were caught flat-footed by todays Senate hearing, where there was strong opposition from BOTH sides of aisle to legislating criticism of Israel=antisemitism, shows what happens when you fall for your own false framing. 1/  Lara Friedman (@LaraFriedmanDC) April 30, 2025

Its really worth reading this letter. The city of San Marcos, Texas has suggested that they could use the $4.4 million in tax money their residents sent to Israel to instead manage domestic problems (addiction, education etc) and now the governor is calling them antisemites https://t.co/4q65vkLaGQ  Sean Padraig McCarthy (@SeanMcCarthyCom) April 30, 2025

Imperial Collapse Watch

Do You Believe In Magic? Aurelien, Trying to Understand the World

Screening Room

What Netflixs patents reveal about the future of watching movies Stephen Follows

The Bezzle

Antitrust

Judge Rules Apple Executive Lied Under Oath, Makes Criminal Contempt Referral BIG by Matt Stoller

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. While this post carefully delineates why municipal authorities do not have to go along with ICE deportation efforts if they have statutes in place that prohibit cooperation, in the new Trump order, yours truly is not sure legal limits is any longer the best frame for looking at the power dynamics. For instance, the FBI arrested Milwaukee judge Hannah Dugan on legally iffy grounds, for refusing to respect an administrative warrant (which is NOT a judicial warrant, although Lawfare argues that neither side in this dispute, at this juncture, appears to have a clear-cut case) demonstrates how Team Trump is willing to push the envelope.

If the deportation situation continues to devolve, raw muscle may come to be more important than it is now. How many agents can ICE muster in a particular city? Would Trump enlist the National Guard, or would he be slightly more circumspect and start with doing so with the support of the state governor (note that the President has the authority to enlist the National Guard on Federal matters, and deportations would qualify).

By Jennifer J. Lee, Associate Professor of Law, Temple University. Originally published at The Conversation

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 28, 2025, that demands the U.S. attorney general, in coordination with the secretary of Homeland Security, publish a list of cities and states that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws, with the purpose of protecting Americans from criminal aliens.

Philadelphia will likely end up on the list.

Philadelphia is whats known as a sanctuary city. While the term has no fixed definition, it usually refers to a city that has declared its refusal to cooperate  or even works at odds  with federal immigration enforcement.

As a law professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, where I supervise students who represent low-wage immigrant workers, I know that sanctuary policies can slow the federal immigration enforcement system.

But the bottom line is that federal immigration officers  usually U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement  can still carry out deportations in a sanctuary city.

Further, there is no question that localities such as Philadelphia can legally decide not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Cities, like states, have constitutional protections against being forced to administer or enforce federal programs. The Trump administration cannot force any state or local official to assist in enforcing federal immigration law.

What remains to be seen is what, if any, action the administration will take against those jurisdictions that end up on their list of sanctuary cities.

Phillys Sanctuary Policies

My work has involved researching sanctuary policies as well as how often ICE relies on local law enforcement to help identify and turn over immigrants.

Philadelphias various sanctuary policies break that connection and leave ICE to its own devices. They also signal to immigrants that the city is not in the business of federal immigration enforcement. Research shows this helps immigrants feel safer to access public benefits and services such as getting care at a community health center or calling the police without fear of immigration consequences.

Philadelphias most notable sanctuary policy, an executive order signed by then-Mayor Jim Kenney in January 2016, is its refusal to have its jails honor ICE detainers or requests for release dates. An ICE detainer is a voluntary request asking local officials to hold an immigrant, who is otherwise going to be released, for an additional 48 hours so ICE can pick them up.

Failing to honor ICE detainers disrupts the deportation pipeline and makes ICEs job more difficult.

Another key Philadelphia sanctuary policy dates back to 2009 and was signed by then-Mayor Michael Nutter. It makes clear that city officials do not police immigration. Not only are all city workers  including police, firefighters and behavioral health workers  prohibited from asking about immigration status in most situations, but police are specifically directed not to stop, arrest or detain a person solely because of perceived immigration status.

Yet there is no way to enforce these sanctuary policies. Under these laws, city officials who violate them do not face consequences. Compliance relies on a commitment from officials who believe that following these policies is the right thing to do.

Philadelphia has also acted in other ways to break the link between the city and immigration enforcement.

Since 2017, Philadelphia jails have had a protocol that discourages ICE from interviewing immigrants held in jail. Prior to providing ICE with access to such individuals, the jails must first send a consent form to an immigrant to inform them of their right to decline an ICE interview.

In 2018, Philadelphia ended ICEs access to the citys preliminary arraignment reporting system used by the Philadelphia Police Department and district attorneys office. The city said it terminated its database-sharing contract with ICE given the unacceptable way the agency used the system, which could result in immigration enforcement action against Philadelphians who havent been arrested, accused of, or convicted of any crime.

While these policies cannot protect Philadelphia residents who have been arrested by ICE, the lack of help of local officials will make it more difficult for the administration to deliver on its promise to deport a record number of immigrants.

Sanctuary Campuses and Churches

Apart from the city itself, other public and private institutions within Philadelphia have created sanctuary spaces.

In June 2021, the School Board of Philadelphia adopted a sanctuary resolution as part of an effort to create welcoming schools for immigrant children. In January 2025, the Philadelphia School District reaffirmed its commitment.

Under the first Trump presidency, religious institutions, such as the Germantown Mennonite Church in Northwest Philly and the Tabernacle United Church in West Philly, provided sanctuary inside their churches to immigrants who had received final orders of deportation from ICE.

The University of Pennsylvania declared itself a sanctuary campus in 2016 but is currently shying away from that label while faculty, staff and students demand that the university clarify its policies on immigration enforcement.

Since 2011, ICE has had a sensitive locations memo that disfavors but does not entirely prohibit immigration enforcement in places of worship, as well as hospitals and schools. The Biden administration strengthened the sensitive locations memo in 2021. Trump rescinded the memo during his first month in office.

Retaliation Against Sanctuary Cities

From the viewpoint of the Trump administration, state and local officials who defy the enforcement of immigration law are engaged in a lawless insurrection that creates public safety and national security risks.

Despite the administrations strong rhetoric about the criminal alien, 46% of people currently held in immigration detention have no criminal record, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. Many others have minor offenses, including traffic violations.

The executive order vows to terminate federal grants and pursue all enforcement measures to bring such jurisdictions into compliance with the laws of the United States.

Such terminations may not be legal.

On April 24, 2025, a federal judge enjoined language in an earlier executive order directing the government to take action against sanctuary cities to ensure that they do not receive access to federal funds.

Past instances to pull federal funding from Philadelphia because of its sanctuary city status have also failed. The first Trump administration was unsuccessful at terminating a US$1 million federal grant to Philadelphia after the city sued and won in federal court in 2017.

The executive order also makes legally questionable claims that state and local officials who follow their sanctuary policies are engaging in criminal activity, such as the obstruction of justice, unlawful harboring or activities that violate federal RICO law. Regardless, the administration may still choose to pursue high-profile prosecutions of state and local officials.

The federal governments efforts to punish sanctuary cities will undoubtedly be mired in legal challenges across the country. Yet Philadelphia officials must still decide in this moment whether to stand strong with the citys current sanctuary policies. City Council member Rue Landau has been outspoken about maintaining Philadelphias sanctuary status to ensure that public resources will never be used to support federal deportation efforts. But Mayor Cherelle Parker has not committed to strengthening or even ensuring the citys sanctuary protections.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the same day Trump signed the executive order, Parker reiterated that Philadelphia still operates under its 2016 sanctuary policy. However, she did not use the term sanctuary city, the Inquirer noted, and she said she would not comment in more detail until Trump makes concrete moves that affect Philadelphia.
The US and Ukraine have agreed to an outline of terms for their so-called minerals deal. We dont know if the parties have included the usual caveat in US letters of intent, that the agreement is not binding or whether any durable commitment, whether now or in a definitive agreement, requires the approval of Ukraines parliament, the Rada, which would give Ukraine the ability to walk away from the scheme or force an improvement in its provisions. The fact that the main provisions are now much more Ukraine favorable than at the outset means the Rada may well bless the agreement, particularly since the press has reported that the US will continue to provide military support for Ukraine, in the form of air defenses.

As well explain below, our prediction that this deal would be a spoiler as far as normalization of US-Russia relations look every bit as operative as we predicted from the get-go.

We had warned from the outset that the so-called Ukraine raw earths deal conflicted with the US agreeing to a settlement of the Ukraine conflict by creating an economic incentive for the US to support Ukraine in retaining as much territory as possible.

Even with the development opportunities not all that juicy, neocon pot-stirrers eager to add to the list of purported Russian dirty deeds will argue otherwise. The fact that the most valuable resources, such as shale gas reserves and lithium deposits, sit disproportionately in parts of Ukraine currently or predictably soon to be under Russian control would become another bloody flag. The fact that the most attractive assets are already being exploited (and as well see below, are excluded from the current scheme) would not be mentioned in polite company.

And even those on the Trump team who are more Russia-favorable will have their view of what this deal is worth tainted by the cognitive bias called the endowment effect.1 Humans have an odd tendency to value things they have as worth more than the same item not in their possession.

And the not Russia hostile camp is also running into the headwinds of US public opinion. As John Helmer pointed out:

 follow the seven charts. Take note of the last one  this shows that despite growing disapproval by US voters of the Presidents performance in office, most Americans think Trumps policy towards Russia is too friendly. This sentiment is holding strong at all education levels, for blacks and Hispanics, and across all age groups, except for the middle-aged (50-64). The most anti-Russian Americans recorded in this new poll appear to be Harris voters and black protestants.

Another factor that will tend to poison Trumps relationship with Russia is his failure to deliver on his loud and much-repeated pledge to settle the Ukraine conflict in 24 hours. Trumps bluster and bullying were no match for the non-negotiable Putin or even the conniver Zelensky. The minerals deal is thus a timely distraction from this embarrassment. It may serve to bolster the barmy claim that somehow Trump won.

From our February post, Trump Will End His Option of Walking Away from Project Ukraine with His Minerals Deal:

WE TOLD YOU SO. From a February 15 post: Most commentators took the Trump talk of owning or getting rights to Ukraines minerals to be bluster. Yours truly remarked otherwise, that this looked like a way for Trump to justify and get funding for a continued US participation, even if at a lower level than under Biden, by presenting it as a loan. This would make it the bastard cousin of the Ursuala von der Leyen plan to issue bonds against Russian frozen assets to which it does not have good title. Admittedly, the sketchy-seeming minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine, widely reported in Western media, has yet to be consummated (more on that soon). But as its contours emerge, other commentators are reaching the same conclusion that we did from the get-go: that it would not just provide Trump with a pretext to continue funding the war, but having an economic interest in Ukraines survival would give the Administration a reason to keep Ukraine fighting. Crudely speaking, the more territory the Ukraine state can hold, the more the US can loot develop In keeping, notice the title on the Financial Times map below. As well see, the related article makes clear the pact does not include a formal military commitment, but Trumps patter and the change in US incentives, make it hard to think that the US will stop supplying Ukraine with arms and funds. Regardless, we were not alone in noticing Boris Johnsons unseemly enthusiasm for this agreement: Boris Johnson endorses the Trump/Ukraine minerals deal, comparing it to lend-lease for Britain in WWII. He says it will ensure long-term US funding of Ukraine, and contains provisions Putin will never accept. Why do the most hardcore Ukraine war supporters love this deal so much? pic.twitter.com/xXcEywqfe6  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) February 25, 2025

Before you think our take that a raw earths deal would give the US reason to protect its interest, even if it was more PR/vaporware than real, consider this section from the initial (and deemed to be outrageously one-sided) outline of terms:

The Government of the United States of America supports Ukraines efforts to obtain security guarantees needed to establish lasting peace. Participants will seek to identify any necessary steps to protect mutual investments, as defined in the Fund Agreement.

As we pointed out in February:

Now in fairness, this document is so loosey-goosey that Trump could later make all sorts of excuses why he walked away, not that Trump has ever been big on consistency. But he made so much noise about what a great deal this agreement was that he is pretty certain to show commitment to it for at least a while.which means more arms and money, which mean the Ukraine war has now become Trumps war.

Fast forward to the current state of play. A Ukraine source posted a purported summary of key terms. The text of Radu Hossus tweet:

The agreement on rare minerals between Ukraine and the USA has been signed. It is an agreement of net benefit to Ukraine compared to all previous iterations:  Ukraine will have full ownership of the resources;  The agreement only covers future exploration, exploitation and refining projects, not existing ones already in Ukraines operation;  Ukraine will decide what these will be;  A fund (called the Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund for Reconstruction of Ukraine) will be set up in which Ukraine and the US have 50-50 participation without US veto power from the initial agreement projects;  All Ukrainian companies that are responsible for energy resources remain 100% Ukrainian state-owned (Ukrnafta or Energoatom);  It was agreed that Ukraine owes no financial debt for wartime economic aid to the US;  The agreement is within the limits of Ukrainian law and in no way infringes on Ukraines economic sovereignty, indeed Bessent stated that the US strongly supports Ukraines accession to the European Union;  It was agreed that the US will provide not only technological transfer for the development of the new projects, but also financial support on the basis of 50% of their value, but (ATTENTION!!!) also their protection, through anti-aircraft defense systems;  Ukraine will also invest 50% from the state budget;  ALL funds will be in the first years invested only in the reconstruction of Ukraine (over a period of 10 years); -

I was skeptical that this would happen, but an extremely professional and incredibly well-sourced and connected lady told me two months ago thus: Radu, trust me when I tell you, it will be good for Ukraine. It was hard for me to believe her. Madam, thank you for giving me hope. Officially, if this agreement will be implemented, which I expect it will, it turns Ukraine into a strategic partner of the US. I cant help but think in these moments as I read this extraordinary news of that meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump in St. Peters Basilica. Pope Francis, wherever you are, thank you.

The Financial Times account validates the notion (albeit in a much more hedged manner) that the Ukraine side sees the agreement as including air defense support:

Both sides cheered the deal. Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, said in a statement that the US was committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. He added the deal 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 first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, celebrated the deal in a post on X, saying: On behalf of the Government of Ukraine, I signed the Agreement on the Establishment of a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund Svyrydenko said the US, in addition to making financial contributions to the fund, might offer further support, including air defence systems After concerns in Kyiv over whether the deal would violate Ukraines sovereignty and disrupt its path towards EU membership, Svyrydenko said her negotiators ensured the language complied with her countrys constitution and maintains Ukraines European integration course.

John Helmer, in the aforementioned interview with Nima of Dialogue Works, confirmed our concerns, based on an earlier edition of the Financial Times story cited above. Starting at 17:45:

And in the last couple of hours, weve seen a new propaganda line from the Ukrainians. Theyve said, theyve told the FT, the Financial Times in London, the Japanese-owned propaganda outlet, very hostile to Russia, the Ukrainians have said they are sending their deputy prime minister to Washington to sign the so-called minerals agreement but it may not be signed because theyve hit a significant difference. The US wants the Ukraine to repay, Trumps words, Trumps concept, the $100 billion to $300 billion number that counts to being the value of US assistance to the war so far. The Ukrainians have said we are taking that out, and that the US capital investment in mining rare earths and other minerals and energy in Ukraine, this capital contribution should be counted forward, to the future, for US military aid. Which means that the Ukrainians have gotten an undertaking that there will be ongoing US military assistance to the Ukraine. Thats really important. Its not noticed by the FT, but the Ukrainians have been led to believe by Trump that he will go on supporting the Ukraine with military aid. But the Ukrainians say well count that future against what we will concede to be the US right to dig minerals and mining energy out of the Ukraine. Now thats not just a little disagreement between the Ukrainians and the Americans. Its a big one because of what it reveals. The US has promised to continue military aid, intelligence sharing, all the elements of the war against Russia. But they cant agree on how it will be offset by the payback mechanism Trump is using.

Mind you, the US is fabulously agreement incapable and Trump has managed to be even more so. The Trump side may have made this commitment, or insinuation, in bad faith. Or it may intend to take its chances with getting Congressional approval for what it will present as a limited arms package to protect its investment in Ukraine. Or it could resort to gimmickry, like guaranteeing a bond issue. If the Administration cant get the spending authorized, it can tell Ukraine it tried.

The pink paper in the story we quoted also said:

Under the agreement, the Ukrainian state determines what natural resources are extracted, with Svyrydenko saying it outlined an equal partnership, with the fund structured on a 50/50 basis.

Now anyone who has worked on investments knows that the amount invested by each party does not have to equate to their level of control. Private equity and hedge fund limited partnerships are classic examples, with institutional investors providing nearly all the money yet legally relegated to a passive status, save for limited veto rights.2

However, based on having repeatedly advised financial institutions and investors on joint ventures, a true 50/50 deal is the kiss of death. One party has to be in charge from a governance perspective.

Lets consider another way that this deal looks set to become what Putin has called3 an apple of discord. There will be no negotiated settlement of the war between Russia and Ukraine. That means Russia continues to prosecute the war and take more territory until it sees fit to stop. For the sake of this thought experiment, assume Russia prostrates Ukraine, takes control of a big swathe of Ukraine in the south and east that includes Odessa, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv oblasts, and installs a puppet government in western Ukraine with a neutral status and a limited degree of autonomy once denazification has been completed.

Many commentators have argued the Ukraine minerals deal was worthless because no development could happen until the war was over, there was no assurance as to what territory would remain in Ukraines hands, and even if the country retained a fair bit of terrain, development would also depend on other basic infrastructure being in place, which was not a given (consider for starters electricity).

But that is not how a legalistic finance person would think. They believe they hold valuable development rights. One could see the Trump administration seeking compensation, and using the failure of Russia to oblige as a justification to seize the $67 billion in dollar-denominated Russian frozen assets as liquidated damages.

To put it another way, the minerals pact was certain to be a source of conflict with Russia were it ever to get done. The fact that the Administration pursued the deal so aggressively said it valued a splashy but low to no value win over normalizing relations with Russia. The US foot-dragging over simple steps to restore routine diplomatic operations, like returning seized embassy properties and setting up bank accounts for the payment of US expenses, indicated the US was unserious about the exercise independent of a Ukraine settlement. Or alternatively, this episode is yet another instance of Trump being all tactics and no strategy, pursing opportunities and options with no consideration of whether they are taking Trump and the US to an attractive destination.

____

1 From Investopedia:

In behavioral finance, the endowment effect, or divestiture aversion as it is sometimes called, describes a circumstance in which an individual places a higher value on an object that they already own than the value they would place on that same object if they did not own it. This type of behavior is typically triggered with items that have an emotional or symbolic significance to the individual. However, it can also occur merely because the individual possesses the object in question. Lets look at an example. An individual obtained a case of wine that was relatively modest in terms of price. If an offer were made at a later date to acquire that wine for its current market value, which is marginally higher than the price that the individual paid for it, the endowment effect might compel the owner to refuse this offer, despite the monetary gains that would be realized by accepting the offer. So, rather than take payment for the wine, the owner may choose to wait for an offer that meets their expectation or drink it themselves. The actual ownership has resulted in the individual overvaluing the wine. Similar reactions, driven by the endowment effect, can influence the owners of collectible items, or even companies, who perceive their possession to be more important than any market valuation.

2 And those are virtually entirely for show. The right to trigger them is in the hands of an advisory committee.which the general partner stacks so that investors friendly to them hold a majority of votes.

3 With respect to the prospect of Russia taking control of Odessa.
Date Night is a multipart road map for everyone who wants a nice evening out, but has no time to plan it. Its for people who want to do more than just go to one restaurant and call it a night. Its for overwhelmed parents who dont get out often; for friends who visit the same three restaurants because theyre too afraid to try someplace new; and for busy folks who keep forgetting all the places theyve driven past, heard about, seen on social and said, Lets remember that place next time we go out.

Out-of-state friends: Were coming to Nashville for the weekend!

Me: Yes!

Friends: Lets have dinner Friday night!

Me: 100 percent in.

Friends: You pick the place!

Me: [Paralyzed with overwhelm]

These friends are well-traveled people who cook and entertain, and the only parts of town theyd see on their short visit were the Gaylord Opryland Resort and downtown. I not only wanted to show them where real Nashvillians eat, but also tried to shoehorn everything I love about this city  its foods, flavors and people  into one restaurant. I made multiple lists and reservations and settled on a spot Id never tried, which failed predictably under the weight of my expectations.

The next night they wanted to walk around Lower Broad, so I suggested we meet at Assembly Food Hall, where they happily waited in line too long for Princes Hot Chicken. They arrived at the table with two trays of fried fowl, plus a T-shirt and trucker hat. We had deep discussions about the merits of shoestring versus wedge fries and what does and does not make an acceptable ranch dressing while they took photos of each other biting into atomic red sliders. We topped it off with a vodka snow cone and a flight of raw cookie dough, which were both disgusting. They loved it all.

I had balanced out my loss with a win but couldnt shake my original question: Where could I take visitors to eat if I wanted to show them my Nashville? Where do I feel most at home? What restaurant do I feel so strongly about Id picket and protest should any corporation try to knock it down and build more condos and coffee shops?

Stop 1: San Antonio Taco Company

This time last year, my family celebrated my twin niece and nephews 21st birthday on the SATCO patio: I stuck a candle in a Styrofoam bowl of queso and lit it, and they made their wishes. Meanwhile, at the table next to us, four people were looking at an order sheet  a clear sign they were first-timers. I took it upon myself to be their personal SATCO concierge.

You dont sit down with an order sheet at SATCO  you get in line, grab a pencil, write your first name and circle for here or to go. Make your selections: food on the front, drinks on the back. All tacos are soft unless it says crispy. Circle the toppings you want, otherwise itll just be chicken in a tortilla. Hand the order sheet to the cashier when its your turn, then get your drink and cross the black-and-white-tiled floor for napkins, utensils and plastic souffle cups of pico and salsa. Wait patiently for the gentlemen making your food behind the line to call your name. When that happens, grab a tray and put all the food on it. If you order different kinds of tacos, they will be wrapped in foil and indistinguishable from each other, so youll have to open each one to figure it out. As it has always been, so shall it ever be.

It thrilled me to usher those people, who were visiting from London, though the process, because its been a long time since my first time. Every version of Danny Ive been for the past quarter-century has walked up the wooden steps from the sidewalk along 21st Avenue to the sounds of Skynyrd and ambulance sirens. Ive heard Slow Ride by Foghat there so many times that, when I hear it in other places, I immediately crave queso.

I started eating at SATCO with co-workers from my first real job (which was working the front desk of the very alternative-weekly newspaper youre reading). Dom and I went there on one of our first dates with a deck of Uno cards. I plopped my baby boy down between the metal Corona and Pacifico tables in his carrier, and he napped in the shade of the big tree that covers the entire patio. SATCO was the only Nashville food I craved for the 14 years I lived out of state, and the first place Id go when I came back to visit  one time straight from the airport.

+49 The Food & Drink Issue 2025: Nashville Classics From fish and chips to banana splits, here are 48 exemplary takes on classic menu items

Ive changed; the food never has. My order is three bean-and-cheese tacos with guacamole, one order of queso and chips, and a small ranch dressing (into which I dip the tacos). Sometimes Ill share my queso  which is orange-ish and both thick and thin in the way only processed cheese food can be  sometimes I get my own. Sometimes I add a mixture of pico and salsa; sometimes doing so makes it too cold and watery. Dom has toyed with his order over the years and is currently in his half-order of wings (wet) and two bean-and-cheese taco era. Our teen requests a dozen flour tortillas, which are made fresh on a conveyor belt contraption (surely theres a more technical name for this) behind the line, any time we visit. I heat leftovers in the microwave at home and fling them to him like a Frisbee.

Because I started eating there when I was young and single, SATCO always feels like escape and freedom to me. When I feel heavy with the weight of responsibility, I find a red plastic chair in a sunny spot and watch people walk the wooden runway that separates the right and left sides of the patio  students, medical professionals with their ID cards flapping in the breeze, families, tourists and, on our most recent visit, a guy in a white bunny suit and cowboy boots.

Opened in 1984, SATCO is one of a very few old and beloved Nashville restaurants thats still standing. Its not over-branded or heavily merched up. As of this writing, their last social media post was on Facebook a year ago. There are no specials or happy hours. Nothing costs more than its worth. Its never tried to be anything other than basic, solid and consistent, which is ironically what makes it stand out.

Stop 2: Sarabhas Creamery

Itd be easy enough to make a left at the bottom of SATCOs steps and walk 10 paces to Ben & Jerrys, but the combination of longtime-local tacos and chain ice cream has always felt off to me. I thought our only other option in the area  which is strangely a bit of a dessert desert for being so close to a college campus  was to walk into Hillsboro Village for a Crumbl cookie. But I dug a little deeper and turned up something I hadnt seen before. So we turned right, walked past the Panera (formerly Burger King) and Starbucks to the two-story building anchored by Subway (formerly Kinkos), where theres an Indian creamery and coffee shop on the top floor.

+5 Sugar Shock: Ice Cream Dreams At Sarabhas Creamery, Gursharan Singh and Manpreet Gill offer unbeatable Indian-style ice cream

Opened in 2022, Sarabhas offers flavors Ive seen before (chocolate, peanut butter and chocolate, butterscotch, strawberry, mango) and those I hadnt  kesar (saffron), chai spice, Indian coffee, cardamom raisin, rose tutti frutti. Everything is made in house. We got a lemon chai and a flight of ice cream  $19.99 for 9 scoops  and spent the next 10 minutes deciphering what was what, like a game of Name That Cream.

Students came and went, getting a quick cone to go or hanging out with friends and playing Shut the Box. The decor initially struck me as odd: How on earth do a vignette of albums, fake ivy plants and signs including good vibes only in neon, a massive red metal Music City and two pieces of wall art about harvest and fresh fall pumpkins go together? But the longer I sat there, the more I appreciated that, like SATCO, Sarabhas isnt polished, perfect or trendy. Perhaps thats the key to being timeless.

Maybe a decade or two from now, one of the students there that night  possibly the guy in the Buc-ees pajama bottoms  will bring his family to Sarabhas. Maybe he hyped it too much and bored them a bit with stories from his college days, but theyll indulge him. Then theyll all eat the same mango waffle cones, but his will taste better and satisfy him in a way they wouldnt understand.
Press, elected officials and city VIPs packed into the Nashville Public Librarys ornate Reading Room downtown for the 62nd State of Metro Address on Thursday morning. Mayor Freddie OConnell emphasized points of progress, like first steps on his signature public transit overhaul, as well as pressing needs  particularly a worsening city housing crisis  in the annual update to the Metro Council and city leaders.

OConnell stressed optimism and teamwork amid stiff city headwinds. His office followed a strong referendum victory in November with a slate of citywide transit improvements in March. Last month, the mayor installed Sabrina Sussman as his Choose How You Move executive, a long-awaited hire. Each infrastructure improvement will give the mayor something concrete to point to when asked what hes done with the extra sales taxes Nashvillians pay at the register.

Repeatedly, the mayor returned to basic government functions like emergency responders and codes inspectors, seeking to connect City Halls suited bureaucracy to issues that touch the lives of our residents each day  a sentiment paraphrased by OConnell throughout the hourlong speech. In an oblique reference to criticisms of his predecessor, former Mayor John Cooper, OConnell proudly boasted about the citys pothole-patching and trash pickup.

The first big moment of spontaneous applause came with OConnells shot at the federal government. He didnt call out President Donald Trump by name, choosing instead to firmly state that the city has lost faith in the federal government.

Metro Sues Trump Administration for $14 Million After Being Ghosted Unpaid federal grants leave the city scrambling to figure out the extent of Nashvilles growing budget hole

Were not standing idly by while the federal government tries to cut funding thats legally ours, said OConnell, referencing active lawsuits brought by the city against the Trump administration. Weve told them, Well see you in court.

With transit improvements underway, OConnell indicated that his offices broader priority will shift to housing. The city just reappraised existing homes in Davidson County, a step that precedes a tax rate adjustment officially filed today in the mayors proposed budget.

The median home in Davidson County is now 45 percent more valuable than it was when last appraised, said OConnell, addressing perhaps his most immediately controversial decision. And that means when we set the new tax rate, many of us will have increased costs, even as were setting the lowest overall property tax rate in Nashville since 1972.

OConnells new tax rate will be higher than the default rate dictated by Tennessees revenue-neutral tax retirement. It will be lower than the current Davidson County tax rate, and the new rate will result in more property tax revenue for the city.

Outside, conservative protesters rallied against a tax increase theyve been expecting for weeks. The small sidewalk throng erupted for the occasional passing honk.

A steady stream of analysis and reports has come to the same conclusions about the citys strained housing supply  Nashville needs thousands of new homes quickly.

Conservative Activists Oppose Hypothetical Property Tax Increase Tea Party, GOP-Nashville, Americans for Prosperity announce campaign ahead of anticipated rate adjustment

Nashville, its time to move on housing, OConnell said to loud cheers.

His proposed budget includes $45 million for housing-related projects. He touted new affordable housing, like an expected 300 units on the citys East Bank, and called on partnership and investment from the private sector. Real progress will hinge on aspects of the citys zoning code that have limited where and how new homes can be built. OConnell told the room that it is time to reevaluate the citys zoning code, previewing potentially contentious negotiations in the Metro Council that could facilitate denser development in historically single-family neighborhoods.

Overall optimism shot through the speech, as OConnell referenced polls that show a more favorable view of the city from residents.

Together we resolve that a great city must move forward, OConnell said as he neared his conclusion. If we get all of this right  the way we move, how Metro works and coming together to celebrate the place we live and welcome others whove discovered it  Nashville will become an ever-easier place to stay.
A comprehensive look at DMSOs potential in cancer treatment

DMSO is a colorless, odorless liquid with broad medical and industrial uses. Therapeutically, it shows promise in cancer treatment due to its ability to carry substances across cell membranes and reduce oxidative stress.

Joe B. Floyd, a colon cancer patient, rejected chemotherapy in favor of Dr. E.J. Tucker's DMSO-based therapy. His cancer markers normalized within 18 months, and he remained cancer-free for years.

In the 1960s, Tucker discovered that DMSO combined with the dye haematoxylon can target cancer cells, causing regression in animal and human cancers (e.g., fibrosarcoma, lymphosarcoma).

DMSO's anticancer potential stems from its ability to transport agents like haematoxylon which, upon oxidation, produces a compound that negatively impacts cancer cells, ultimately leading to their death. DMSO also enhances drug delivery into cells, complementing traditional therapies.

Despite evidence of its efficacy, FDA approval for DMSO in cancer treatment faces delays due to safety concerns, politics and economic factors. Advocates argue for broader accessibility given its therapeutic potential.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless, odorless and slightly oily liquid with a wide range of applications in medicine and industry. Despite its controversial history, DMSO has shown remarkable potential in treating various medical conditions, including cancer, as Dr. Morton Walker elaborates in his book "DMSO: Nature's Healer."

The story of Joe B. Floyd, a former Exxon Oil corporate executive, exemplifies the potential of DMSO in cancer treatment. Diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the colon in 1974, Floyd was advised to undergo chemotherapy after surgery.

However, he opted for an alternative treatment based on the research of Dr. E.J. Tucker that included DMSO as a key component. Within eighteen months, Floyd's carcinoembryonic antigen levels dropped from a high of 18 to zero, and he was declared cured. As of 1989, Floyd remained cancer-free, attributing his recovery to Tucker's DMSO-based therapy.

Tucker's interest in DMSO as a cancer treatment began in 1966. He discovered that DMSO could effectively dissolve haematoxylon, a dye used to stain tissues, and that the combination had a particular affinity to tumor cells. His experiments with animals showed promising results, with tumors regressing and even disappearing after treatment with the DMSO-haematoxylon solution.

Tucker's research extended to human subjects, where he observed significant improvements in patients with various types of cancer. For instance, a woman with inoperable fibrosarcoma experienced tumor regression after receiving DMSO-haematoxylon infusions, eventually leading to the surgical removal of the tumor.

The DMSO-haematoxylon solution has shown remarkable efficacy in treating various cancers. In Tucker's studies, the solution was administered intravenously, intra-arterially and topically, depending on the type and location of the cancer. The results were impressive; patients with lymphosarcoma and malignant giant-cell tumors of the bone showed complete regression of their tumors after treatment with the DMSO solution.

The science behind DMSO: How a simple solvent starves cancer cells

The anticancer properties of DMSO are attributed to its ability to act as a carrier for other substances, such as haematoxylon, and its unique interaction with cancer cells. Dr. Thomas D. Rogers' research at the University of North Texas revealed that the DMSO-haematoxylon combination "produces a hematein reaction of oxidation with the tumor cells," rendering the ground substance around the cancer cells inactive. This deprives the cancer cells of nutrition, leading to their death.

Furthermore, DMSO's ability to penetrate cellular membranes allows it to deliver anticancer agents directly into cancer cells, enhancing their effectiveness. This property makes DMSO a valuable adjunct in cancer therapy, particularly when combined with treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

However, the use of DMSO in cancer treatment is not without controversy. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) reluctance to approve DMSO for cancer is partly due to concerns about its safety and efficacy, as well as political and economic factors.

DMSO is a versatile compound with a wide range of potential medical applications. Its ability to penetrate cellular membranes, deliver other substances directly to target tissues and modulate various biological processes makes it a valuable tool in treating cancer and other diseases. While the FDA's approval process for DMSO has been slow and fraught with controversy, the growing body of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety warrants further investigation and consideration.

As Walker aptly puts it, "DMSO is a new therapeutic treatment for the people. They deserve access to it." The health and lives of millions of people depend on the timely availability of safe and effective treatments like DMSO. It is time for the medical community and regulatory agencies to recognize the potential of this remarkable compound and ensure its general availability for all who need it.

Head over to CancerSolutions.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video about the chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), a natural solution for cancer mentioned by Russian novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in one of his books.

This video is from the jroseland channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Dokumen.pub

Brighteon.com
Psychopaths are incapable of rehabilitation: Federal bill targets fentanyl pushers with FELONY MURDER CHARGES

In a historic shift, federal lawmakers are now targeting fentanyl dealers with lethal consequences, proposing felony murder charges for peddlers whose drug trafficking claims lives. Introduced on National Fentanyl Awareness Day by Republican senators and representatives, the bill responds to a crisis that has snuffed out over 280,000 lives since 2021, many of whom were unaware they were consuming the lethal synthetic opioid. With illicit cartel networks flooding American streets and rehabilitation efforts failing to curb the carnage, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) argue that incarceration  not empty promises of reform  is the only viable strategy to protect society . If you sell the drug and take an innocent life, justice will be delivered, declared Rep. Gonzales, underscoring a visceral rejection of the soft-on-crime ethos eroding public safety.

Key points:

New legislation introduced by Senators Joni Ernst and Rep. Tony Gonzales would allow fentanyl dealers to face felony murder charges if their distribution leads to overdose deaths.

Over 280,000 Americans have died from fentanyl overdoses since 2021, with Mexican cartels and Chinese suppliers fueling the crisis.

The bill aims to impose life sentences or the death penalty on traffickers, upending years of lenient drug policies seen as ineffective.

Rehabilitation programs have only enabled dealers to feign repentance and return to exploitation.

A generation annihilated

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, has become the sleek executioner of a generation. Since 2021, over 280,000 Americans  including countless teenagers and young adults  have succumbed to its invisible grip. Tragically, many users are lured into sacrifice by street dealers who lace other drugs (methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, or even Adderall) with fentanyl, ensuring fatalism with a wink of a scalpel. The scale of loss now rivals the Vietnam War dead, yet apologists for harm reduction still posture for headlines while families bury their children.

The numbers defy comprehension: Department of Homeland Security estimates reveal over 64,000 pounds of fentanyl  sufficient to lethally dose billions of people  have been intercepted at U.S. borders. Yet for every kilogram foiled, streets grow more choked with poison. State and local efforts, though valiant, amount to a bakers dozen of toothless laws against the hydra: Arizonas recent felony charges for fentanyl-caused death are but a flicker against an incineration sweep.

Rehabilitation is a pipe dream

The bills architects reject the myth that tough love reform can save dealers whose entire livelihood relies on exploitation. Advocates for decriminalization and medically supervised harm reduction have weaponized taxpayer-funded rehab programs to shelter traffickers  seducing them with beds and counseling before they re-enter the marketplace as sober, reformed liars. The reality? A sentence abatement disguised as mercy simply lets monsters reclaim their seats at the table.

Take the case of J. Doe, sentenced to probation in Ohio for distributing fentanyl that killed a 19-year-old. Six months post-sentence, he was caught again  stashing pills laced with enough fentanyl to kill thousands. Proof, say critics, that rehabilitation enables recidivism while the public pays.

Addicts arent just harming themselves anymore  theyre armed with a death-tool disguised as medicine, states the bills Senate sponsor, Sen. Ernst. Our justice system treats these criminals like draft-dodgers instead of mass murderers. Justice demands we meet evil with unyielding force.

The bill upends this dissonance by borrowing from dram shop laws, which hold liquor stores accountable for intoxicated crimes. If selling alcohol to drunks can get you sued, why not treat fentanyls architects as arsonists to society?

As Congress debates felony murder charges for fentanyl pushers, a haunting question lingers: How many more graves will be dug before officials recognize that those who profit from poison defy redemption?

This crisis mirrors the arc of Americas marijuana prohibition debate  except here, the stakes are not teenage rebellion, but full-scale demographic collapse.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

BostonHerald.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Cancer mRNA vaccines are coming onto the scene, will likely continue to cause widespread heart damage and accelerate cancer growth

A mounting body of scientific research warns that mRNA-based cancer vaccines could be far more dangerous than the diseases they aim to treatinflicting severe heart damage, disrupting immune function, and even accelerating cancer progression. Despite mainstream enthusiasm over these experimental "personalized" injections, emerging evidence suggests they may introduce catastrophic risks to patients, particularly those already battling malignancies. What's even more ironic is that these mRNA cancer vaccines are Big Pharma's response to the influx of cancers that are coming from individuals vaccinated with mRNA COVID vaccines. The mRNA platform is the Trojan horse for lucrative medical markets that exploit human health and cause more health problems.

Key Points:

Heart damage: mRNA preferentially accumulates in cardiac tissue, triggering inflammation, myocarditis, and long-term cardiovascular complications.

mRNA preferentially accumulates in cardiac tissue, triggering inflammation, myocarditis, and long-term cardiovascular complications. Immune sabotage: Repeated mRNA injections disrupt regulatory T-cells (Tregs), crippling immune surveillance and increasing vulnerability to cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Repeated mRNA injections disrupt regulatory T-cells (Tregs), crippling immune surveillance and increasing vulnerability to cancer and autoimmune disorders. Turbo-cancers: Studies link mRNA technology to rapid tumor proliferation, as immune suppression enables malignant cells to evade detection.

Studies link mRNA technology to rapid tumor proliferation, as immune suppression enables malignant cells to evade detection. Thymic destruction: Synthetic mRNA accelerates thymic involution (immune aging), worsening immunosenescence and chronic inflammation.

Synthetic mRNA accelerates thymic involution (immune aging), worsening immunosenescence and chronic inflammation. Autoimmunity onslaught: Molecular mimicry between spike proteins and human tissues may trigger cascading autoimmune destruction.

The corporate push for mRNA cancer vaccines

Governments and Big Pharma are aggressively investing in mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies, despite alarming safety concerns. The UK recently partnered with BioNTech to launch clinical trials, aiming to vaccinate 10,000 patients by 2030. Meanwhile, billionaire Larry Ellison's "Stargate Project" seeks to use artificial intelligence (AI) to design personalized mRNA cancer jabs.

But as Dr. Peter McCullough, a renowned cardiologist and epidemiologist, warns:

"Messenger RNA likes to go to the heart where it causes heart damage. Almost every messenger RNA platform causes heart damage."

Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA injections deliver synthetic genetic instructions, forcing cells to produce foreign proteinspotentially indefinitely. McCullough highlights the uncontrollable dangers:

"You cant control how much of the protein is made, you cant shut it off, and you cant control where its distributed in the body."

How mRNA Vaccines May Fuel Cancer Instead of Halting It

A preprint study (Kyriakopoulos et al., 2024) in Authorea reveals that mRNA shots may:

Cripple Immune Surveillance  By dysregulating Treg cells, the body loses its ability to detect and destroy cancerous cells.

 By dysregulating Treg cells, the body loses its ability to detect and destroy cancerous cells. Trigger Autoimmune Attacks  Immune confusion leads to systemic inflammation, attacking healthy tissues.

 Immune confusion leads to systemic inflammation, attacking healthy tissues. Accelerate Tumor Growth  Cancer patients face worsening disease progression due to Treg suppression, allowing malignancies to flourish.

Mechanism of Destruction:

The mRNA-generated spike proteins disrupt NF-?B and TGF-? signalling, fostering chronic inflammation that is the precursor to cancer and other chronic diseases.

The mRNA causes PD-L1 up-regulation that suppresses cytotoxic T-cells, enabling tumors to evade immune detection.

The mRNA causes IgG4 antibody class-switching, which weakens antiviral defenses, promoting immune tolerance to cancer.

Thymic involution: The silent killer

The thymusthe cradle of immune healthnaturally shrivels with age, but mRNA injections accelerate its destruction.

Key findings:

Dendritic cells carrying synthetic mRNA migrate to the thymus, damaging medullary epithelial cells (mTECs).

Treg depletion leaves the body vulnerable to autoimmune disorders and unchecked cancer growth.

Immunosenescence (premature immune aging) sets in, increasing susceptibility to infections and chronic disease.

As McCullough grimly observes: "Skipping preclinical oncogenicity studies turned out to be a disaster for mRNA products."

The biotechnology industry, flush with government funding, rushes ahead with mRNA cancer vaccineswhile ignoring their potential to inflict more harm than healing. As patients unknowingly sign up for these trials, critical questions remain: Will these synthetic gene therapies trigger a wave of heart failure in vulnerable individuals?

Will cancer patients, promised a miracle cure, instead face accelerated tumor growth and immune collapse?

History may one day judge this as medical malpractice on a global scale.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Expose-News.com

Authorea.com
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

Police in Chipinge have arrested a 32-year-old man who fatally assaulted a burglar who broke into his brother's house.According to the police, Winmore Sithole is assisting them with investigations."On 28/04/25, police in Chipinge arrested Winmore Sithole (32) in connection with a murder case, in which the suspect allegedly killed an unknown man who had broken into his brother's house," reads ZRP X.In a related case, Talent Tinarwo (31) was found lying on the ground at Jumbo mine with two stab wounds to the neck on April 29.He was pronounced dead upon admission to Concession Hospital.
CDC faces new LAWSUIT challenging Medicaid-reimbursed medical experiments that are targeting low income families, ruining childrens health

The CDC stands accused of orchestrating an unconstitutional scheme to weaponize poverty against American families and specifically on the health of children. A groundbreaking federal lawsuit , backed by Childrens Health Defense (CHD), charges the agency with using the Vaccines for Children programdesigned to protect vulnerable populationsto coerce doctors into mass-distributing experimental COVID vaccines to Medicaid-enrolled children. At the center is Dr. Samara Cardenas, a pediatrician who lost her medical practice weeks after refusing to comply with VFC mandates that prioritized federal vaccine agendas over medical judgment. The stakes are nothing less than the survival of constitutional freedoms and the integrity of the medical profession. An entire generation of low income families and the health of their children hangs in the balance.

Key points:

California pediatrician Dr. Samara Cardenas leads a constitutional challenge against the CDCs VFC program for forcing doctors to administer experimental vaccines or risk losing Medicaid access.

Lawsuit alleges CDCs Vaccines for Children (VFC) program violates privacy and due process rights by treating Medicaid-enrolled children as second-class citizens.

Evidence reveals the CDC ignored severe adverse events, skipped transparency with VFC pilots in low-income populations, and relied on conflicted policymakers.

COVID vaccines continue to be distributed to children and adults, exploiting human biology and leading to further health issues and immune depletion.

Immunization autocracy: How the CDC weaponizes Medicaid

The CDCs Vaccines for Children Program, originally intended to vaccinate uninsured youth, has become the enforcement arm of a controversial experimental vaccine rollout. California mandates that all pediatricians treating Medicaid patients must enroll in this program, which now compels compliance with every CDC-recommended shot  including unlicensed, emergency-use-only (EUA) COVID vaccines.

This isnt just a medical issue. Its a tool of social control, stated CHD attorney Ray Flores. The CDCs threat: Vaccinate or stop caring for the poor. Disobedience meant Dr. Cardenass practice was summarily axed after she refused to inject healthy children with shots linked to heart inflammation and death. Her lawsuit argues this violates the Fifth Amendments equal protection clause, as Medicaid children receive zero vaccine safety oversight compared to the general public.

Documents released in the case reveal that even as the UK, Sweden, and Denmark abandoned mass-child vaccination strategies in the name of safety, the CDC doubled down, pressuring its advisory board to cement EUA vaccines into the standard pediatric schedule. CHD champions Dr. Michelle Perro condemn the practice as medical fascism, noting the financial consequences force physicians to choose between morality and ruin.

Whose Science? Fractured data and financial conflicts plague CDCs vaccine push

The lawsuit exposes systemic corruption within the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), whose members face documented ties to vaccine manufacturers. Allegations claim the CDC ignored core safety protocols, conducting no independent analysis of VAERS injury reports while rushing into regulations that trapped millions of children into experimental treatments.

The data on this is damning. VAERS lists over 70,000 adverse events from pediatric vaccines, including over 200 deaths  with experts like VAERSAware founder Albert Benavides asserting the true toll exceeds 500 fatalities. Meanwhile, the CDCs defenders, like ACIP member Dr. Denise Jamieson, prioritize public confusion avoidance over transparency.

What happened to first do no harm? asks CHDs Karl Jablonowski. Emergency vaccine licenses are permission to skip testing, not canvass neighborhoods with unproven biologics. Even Pfizers own trial documents ahead of kids vaccine authorizations show prior myocarditis concerns, further fueling charges agencies knew the risks but silenced dissent.

Targeting low-income families for depopulation

While the CDC pushed escalating doses, international peers began retreat. The UK halted boosters for under-50s, citing lingering natural immunity and vaccine risks. A pediatric study recently revealed vaccinated toddlers faced higher infection rates than unvaccinated peers with prior exposure, while another linked Pfizers shots to sustained spike protein production years later.

Whats the CDCs endgame here? demands attorney Rick Jaffe, pointing to the agencys refusal even to consider risk-stratified guidelines. Italy, Canada, and Austria already discarded universal mandates for children. Why isnt the US?

The case intersects with harrowing parallels to historical medical exploitation. CHDs Kim Mack Rosenberg notes that Black, Indigenous, and low-income communitiesdisproportionately on Medicaidface decades of harmful public health experiments, from the Tuskegee syphilis study to todays coercive vaccine programs.

As Dr. Cardenas courtroom battle continues, a haunting truth emerges: Americas front line caregivers now have two choices  become tools of dubious vaccine policy or stand up for the most vulnerable patients, families, and children. The CDCs safety net VFC program now looks more like a cage of compromised licensors, dispensing uncertain science to those least able to advocate for themselves.

The critical question remains unresolved: Can a free society allow bureaucrats to dictate inalienable bodily rights in exchange for Medicaid assistance? Or will justice finally declare that every human, regardless of income, deserves autonomy over their biology?

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

ChildrensHealthDefense.org [PDF]
Cellphone radiation linked to cancer in animal studies; experts demand global policy shift to protect health

A WHO-backed review found conclusive evidence that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from cellphones cause malignant gliomas (brain tumors) and heart schwannomas in animals, reinforcing similar risks observed in human studies.

Scientists urge reclassifying RF-EMF as a "known human carcinogen" (IARC Group 1), citing animal studies, DNA damage evidence and human epidemiological data. Current FCC safety limits  based on outdated, heat-based assumptions  are criticized as inadequate.

With over 5 billion global cellphone users, even minor cancer risk increases (e.g., 10% rise in gliomas) could lead to tens of thousands of additional cases, especially concerning for children with prolonged exposure.

Critics accuse agencies like the FCC and ICNIRP of relying on obsolete science shaped by industry ties. A 2021 court order mandated the FCC to justify its standards, but it has not complied, while laws block local health-based restrictions on cell towers.

Key recommendations include stricter exposure limits, public education on safer device use (e.g., avoiding body contact) and a moratorium on 5G deployment until independent safety studies are completed. Over 200 scientific papers document non-thermal biological harms ignored by current policies.

A groundbreaking review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), emitted by cellphones and wireless devices, are high certainty carcinogens in animals, specifically causing malignant brain gliomas and heart schwannomas  the same tumors linked to human cell phone use. Published in Environmental International on April 25, this systematic review of 52 animal studies has ignited calls from scientists to classify RF-EMF as a known human carcinogen and overhaul global exposure standards. The findings contradict decades-old regulatory assumptions and amplify concerns about the rapid rollout of 5G, as experts argue current limits set by agencies like the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are dangerously outdated and unscientific.

Groundbreaking study shows high certainty link between RF radiation and animal cancers

The WHO-backed review found high certainty evidence that RF-EMF exposure causes gliomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor, and malignant heart schwannomas in animals. Both cancers align with risks observed in human epidemiological studies, raising alarms about long-term human exposure. Researchers also identified moderate certainty associations with rare liver and adrenal gland tumors.

Crucially, the study references the $30 million U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) study, which in 2018 reported clear evidence of heart schwannomas in male rats exposed to cell phone radiation. These findings, now echoed by the WHO review, underscore a scientific consensus forming around RF-EMFs carcinogenic potential.

The evidence is now clear  cell phone radiation can cause cancer in animals, paralleling human study results, said Ron Melnick, Ph.D., chair of the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF) and former NTP scientist. Animal models are critical for predicting human risks, and governments must act to protect us now.

From animals to humans: Why this matters for public health

The WHO reviews findings intersect with a body of human research. For example, Swedish oncologist Lennart Hardell, a co-author of landmark studies linking cellphone use to gliomas and acoustic neuromas, argues the animal evidence paired with mechanistic studies showing DNA damage and oxidative stress meets IARCs criteria to reclassify RF-EMF from its 2011 listing as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) to a Group 1 known human carcinogen.

ICBE-EMF pointed to over 200 scientific papers documenting non-thermal health effects  damage at radiation levels below FCCs heat-based limits. Current safety standards ignore decades of studies showing biological impacts like genetic harm and free radical changes, said Hardell, emphasizing the need for an independent safety evaluation and 5G pause.

The stakes are high. With over 5 billion global cellphone users and childrens rapidly expanding screen time, even small cancer risk increases could have vast public health consequences. Joel Moskowitz, a UC Berkeley public health professor and ICBE-EMF member, warned, A 10% increase in gliomas due to RF radiation could mean tens of thousands of excess cancer cases worldwide.

Outdated standards and industry influence under fire

Critics accuse regulators of relying on guidelines shaped by outdated science and industry-aligned groups like the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), a nonprofit whose members dominate WHO review panels. The FCCs 1996 RF exposure limits, for instance, assume harm occurs only via tissue heating  a premise the WHO review directly challenges.

The FCC itself faces scrutiny. A 2021 court ruling ordered it to justify how its standards protect children and the environment, yet it has failed to comply. Meanwhile, Section 704 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act blocks local governments from restricting cell tower placement over health concerns, angering groups like Childrens Health Defense (CHD).

Miriam Eckenfels of CHD decried the madness of preempting local control: Were past the point of politeness  this science demands urgent action.

Calls to action: Science-based limits, awareness and a 5G moratorium

ICBE-EMFs April 27 statement urges governments to:

Adopt stricter exposure limits informed by non-thermal effects. Launch public education on safe device use (e.g., speakerphone, avoiding pockets). Halt 5G expansion until safety is proven.

Scientists worldwide have signed the EMF Scientist Appeal (267 from 45 nations), demanding protective policies. Current limits are a hazard, said Elizabeth Kelley, ICBE-EMFs managing director.

A crossroads for public health and technology

The WHO review marks a watershed moment in the wireless safety debate. While regulatory inertia persists, the scientific evidence now strongly supports RF-EMF as a serious health threat. As Hardell stated, When even pro-industry bodies acknowledge risks, we cannot delay. The question is whether policy will evolve from outdated assumptions to science  or let unchecked technology endanger generations.

As CHDs 704 No More legal campaign gains steam, and citizens demand transparency, the path forward hinges on political courage to prioritize health over industry interests. Without it, the next public health crisis, experts caution, could be etched in the DNA of those exposed today.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

icbe-emf.org

ScienceDirect.com
Energy medicine has many applications: REIKI can improve cancer care

An interesting study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management has exposed the untapped potential of an ancient Japanese healing technique called Reiki. Reiki can be useful in alleviating symptoms experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy infusions. While the mainstream medical establishment often dismisses energy healing as unscientific, the profound results of this study have punctured a significant hole in the pharmaceutical-centric paradigm, igniting a new conversation about the role of complementary therapies in cancer care. This article delves into the incredible findings, the science behind Reiki, and the untold stories of patients who have found solace in this gentle, non-invasive practice.

Reiki: The energy wave that's transforming cancer care

Impressive Results: A recent study conducted at University Hospitals in Cleveland tracked 268 cancer patients receiving Reiki during chemotherapy infusions. The results were staggering: pain scores, anxiety levels, nausea, and overall well-being improved significantly after just 15-20 minutes of Reiki treatment.

The numbers don't lie. The study documented substantial reductions in:

Pain scores: -1.78 points

Anxiety: -2.09 points

Nausea: -2.30 points

Overall well-being: +1.37 points

No Side Effects: Unlike pharmaceutical interventions, not a single adverse reaction was reported, highlighting Reiki's incredible safety profile.

The science behind Reiki: unraveling the secrets

Reiki, developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 20th century, is based on the belief in a universal life force energy that flows through all living things. Practitioners achieve a state of deep relaxation, allowing them to channel this energy, promoting healing and reducing stress. While the Western medical establishment remains skeptical, the evidence is mounting that Reiki taps into the human body's interconnectedness, influencing cells, organs, and systems in profound ways.

Dr. Rollin McCraty, a respected heart research scientist, has found that the coherence and energy of the heart directly influence brain function, hormone secretion, and the immune system. Reiki, through its ability to induce states of deep relaxation and reduce stress, may modulate these systems, providing genuine therapeutic benefit.

Dr. Natalie Dyer, lead researcher at Connor Whole Health, was astounded by the overwhelming patient demand for additional Reiki sessions after the benefits experienced during the study. Dr. Francoise Adan, Chief of Whole Health at the Cleveland Clinic, acknowledges the potential of Reiki in benefiting cancer patients but laments its stagnation within mainstream oncology practice.

Embracing the healing power within

Derived from the Japanese words 'Rei,' meaning universal, and 'Ki,' meaning life energy, Reiki is a hands-on therapy that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and aids in the body's natural healing processes. It's often used to address physical, mental, and emotional pain.

One of the primary reasons hospitals are integrating Reiki into their care protocols is its proven ability to reduce pain and suffering. Research, including a study at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, has shown that Reiki treatments can significantly improve patient outcomes. The study reported an 86% improvement in sleep, 78% reduction in pain, 80% reduction in nausea, and a remarkable 94% reduction in anxiety during pregnancy. Moreover, Reiki can accelerate post-operative recovery.

Finding your Reiki practitioner: Not all practitioners are equal. Seek out Reiki masters with experience working with cancer patients. Many major cancer centers now offer these services  ask your oncology nurse for recommendations.

The experience: Expect a relaxing, non-mystical session, either fully clothed or with light touch on a table, with practitioners lingering over different body parts for 3-5 minutes at a time. Practitioners may offer important considerations based on the energy they feel.

Cost considerations: Insurance coverage for Reiki is hit-or-miss, but many cancer centers now offer these services for free or at low cost. Local wellness centers often provide sliding-scale options or volunteer practitioners.

The real question is no longer whether energy healing deserves a seat at the medical table but why so many doctors ignore evidence that doesn't fit their pharmaceutical paradigm. As you navigate your cancer journey, remember: healing comes in many forms, and some of the most powerful medicine doesn't come in a pill bottle.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

Pubmed.gov

NaturalNewsBlogs.com

HartfordHospital.com
EUs digital censorship SURTAX and vaccine misinformation CRACKDOWN targets vaccine truth seekers in Orwellian push for conformity

The European Union has officially weaponized its censorship apparatus, leveraging the Digital Services Act (DSA) to stifle online dissent about vaccines while citing surging measles cases and fabricated crises. By framing vaccine skepticism as a threat to democracy, Brussels now grants itself emergency powers to censor critical voices, prioritizing propaganda over informed consent. As health officials blame public mistrust on disinformation, they ignore growing evidence of vaccine inefficacy, side effects, and clinical trial fraudexposing the DSA as a tool to shield pharmaceutical interests rather than protect public health.

Main points of the story:

 The EUs Digital Services Act (DSA) now enforces crisis mechanisms allowing unprecedented censorship of online dissent, branding vaccine skepticism as misinformation.

 Low vaccination rates are blamed on public distrust caused by disinformation, masking systemic failures in vaccine efficacy and transparency.

 A new law permits EU authorities to declare internet emergencies, silencing critics under vague terms like public security threats.

 Big Tech companies are complying, risking collusion with authoritarian-style speech control.

The DSAs double-edged sword: Suppressing truth to protect profits

The EUs expansion of DSA rules mandates a sweeping crackdown on vaccine misinformation, despite mounting reports of vaccine-linked injuries and stagnant disease prevention. A European Commission spokesperson warned of doubled 2024 measles cases compared to 2023, yet data reveals little correlation between increased vaccination rates and reduced outbreaks. For instance, recent studies highlight that Brazil and the U.S., with high vaccine uptake, still faced scarlet fever and meningitis surges, undermining claims that safe and efficient vaccines alone prevent epidemics.

EU officials dismiss legitimate concerns about side effectssuch as myocarditis among young malesvaccines frequently cited by health professionalsas myths requiring censorship. The new crisis now permits Brussels to declare digital emergencies, ordering tech giants to delete posts questioning vaccine safety. Daphne Keller of Stanfords Cyber Policy Center noted this laws nebulous standards: It looks like the war in Ukraine created a political opportunity for tighter restrictions. Thats politics, if bad law.

But critics argue its more than bad lawits a surrender to authoritarianism. By criminalizing dissent, the EU undercuts principles of liberty it once championed.

Hostile medicine: Coercion and control

The EUs dual-track strategy pairs censorship with aggressive propaganda, such as the United in Protection campaign, which peddles evidence-based messaging defined solely by health authorities. These efforts tie vaccination to unrelated initiatives like cancer prevention plans, conflating consent with compliance.

Health professionals are coerced into parroting EU lines, part of the Commissions Coalition for Vaccination. Simultaneously, the European External Action Service monitors dissent, framing it as subversive to democracy. This parallels global trends where crises like Ukraineand pandemic panicare used to justify silencing critics, transforming free speech zones like social media into echo chambers for state narratives.

The targeting of vaccine misinformation is a failed marketing tactic for vaccines and a failed PR campaign to cover up the problems with vaccines. By targeting vaccine misinformation global health bodies, Big Pharma front groups, and their investors have tried desperately to eradicate INFORMED CONSENT, targeting relevant information pertaining to vaccine side effects, vaccine dangers, and the lack of effectiveness and efficacy of vaccines, including clinical trial fraud and real-world harms that have resulted from mass vaccination campaigns.

By initiating a campaign of false guilt, global health authorities have illegally coerced people to take vaccine products. If true vaccine misinformation was combated, then vaccines would be exposed as medical fraud and rejected by the vast majority of the population. Ironically, this is what is taking place: more people are: becoming injured by vaccines and becoming aware of the cause of their health issues. As more people become aware of vaccine fraud and poisoning, and false claims of efficacy, vaccines become rejected even more. Combating vaccine misinformation was a failed, disrespectful tactic that attacked the conscience of individuals, insulting their intelligence and doling out propaganda that is authoritarian and hostile.

Sources include:

ReclaimtheNet.org

ReclaimtheNet.org

VaccinesToday.eu
Florida chemtrail samples show moving organisms under microscope  experts stunned

Discovery of "Alien-Like" Organisms: Researchers found self-moving, microscopic organisms in West Palm Beach air samples, with translucent worm-like structures and bizarre geometric formations exhibiting autonomous motion.

Strange Behavior Observed: Specimens displayed rapid growth, with some "hatching" into complex forms and others moving purposefullyone resembling a delivery system for smaller particles.

Possible Military or Bioengineered Origins: Experts suggest links to clandestine military programs, citing historical cases like Operation Sea Spray, and warn these organisms may pose unknown health risks.

Urgent Call for Public Investigation: The team plans further analysis, urging the public to collect samples for independent lab testing to uncover the origins and implications.

Unsettling and Unexplained Phenomenon: The findings remain unclassified, with researchers expressing alarm over potential widespread atmospheric contamination and biological anomalies.

In a groundbreaking and unsettling discovery, researchers analyzing atmospheric fallout samples from West Palm Beach, Florida, have observed self-mobile, alien-like organisms under microscopic examination. Dr. Jane Ruby and Mike Adams, prominent researchers in environmental and health sciences, shared their findings in a recent live interview on Brighteon.com, revealing bizarre biological structures exhibiting locomotionraising alarming questions about undisclosed airborne agents.

Its Not Just LiquidIts Moving

The samples, collected over seven months from tarps placed outdoors in a non-industrial area near the Atlantic Ocean, were incubated and examined under high-powered microscopy. What emerged shocked the researchers:

Self-Propelling Organisms : Translucent, worm-like structures and grape-cluster blobs moved autonomously across the slide. One appeared to deliver smaller particles, likened by Adams to a FedEx man.

: Translucent, worm-like structures and grape-cluster blobs moved autonomously across the slide. One appeared to deliver smaller particles, likened by Adams to a FedEx man. Unidentified Structures : Spiked, geometric formations resembling sci-fi depictions of extraterrestrial life, including a daisy-like entity with radial appendages.

: Spiked, geometric formations resembling sci-fi depictions of extraterrestrial life, including a daisy-like entity with radial appendages. Rapid Growth: Previously observed diploid egg structures hatched into larger, more complex forms during incubation.

I think I saw this in Aliens 2, remarked Adams as he tracked a fast-moving specimen. This is not just liquidits rotating, behaving with purpose.

Military Experiments or Environmental Contamination?

The discovery fuels long-standing suspicions about clandestine atmospheric programs. Ruby noted historical precedents, such as Operation Sea Spray and other military-bioweapon experiments tied to flu outbreaks. They create flu seasons by dropping pathogens weeks in advance, she alleged, referencing research suggesting engineered epidemics.

Both experts warned that the organismspotentially proliferating in humid climates like Floridamay pose unknown health risks. This is whats falling out of the sky, Adams emphasized. God knows where else this is happening.

Next Steps: Cultivation and Analysis

With an advanced microscope en route, the team plans further incubation to identify the organisms origins and effects. Ruby urged public vigilance: Collect your own samples. Labs need to investigate this.

For now, the findings remain unexplainedbut the implications are vast. As Adams quipped, I just want to wake up and find out this was all a bad dream.

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Jane Ruby as they talk about proof on chemtrail samples incubated with 'swimmers' exhibit self-propulsion.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Exclusive: Microscopic analysis suggests unknown biological contaminants falling from the sky

Florida skies contaminated: Shocking levels of aluminum, mercury, and lead found in atmospheric fallout

Aerosolized bioweapons? Strange diploid biomasses falling out of the sky in Florida captured under the microscope

Sources include:

Brighteon.com
Israel accused of genocide in Gaza as South Africa demands justice at World Court

South Africa has filed a genocide case at the ICJ, accusing Israel of mass atrocities, starvation tactics, and blocking humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Israel dismisses the claims as propaganda while facing global isolation for actions that include cutting off food and medicine to 2.3 million civilians.

Evidence presented includes forced starvation, indiscriminate bombings, and apartheid-like policies, with the U.N. and Amnesty International backing the accusations.

Amnesty International states Israel is committing genocide with "specific intent," citing mass civilian deaths and starvation as proof.

The U.S. and European nations continue supporting Israel despite calls for accountability, as South Africas legal challenge seeks urgent ICJ intervention.

For months, the world has watched as Israels military campaign in Gaza escalated into what human rights groups describe as a "live-streamed genocide." Now, South Africa is taking the Jewish state to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating international law through mass atrocities, starvation tactics, and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Israel continues to dismiss these claims as propaganda while facing growing isolation for its actions, including cutting off food and medicine to 2.3 million civilians.

The legal battle, unfolding in The Hague, has exposed Israels alleged campaign to dismantle Palestinian life systematically. South Africas legal team presented evidence of forced starvation, indiscriminate bombings, and an apartheid-like occupation that violates the rights of Palestinians under international law. Their case, bolstered by testimonies from U.N. officials and human rights organizations like Amnesty International, paints a damning picture of a state acting with impunity.

South Africas case: Starvation as a weapon of war

At the heart of South Africas case is the accusation that Israel is deliberately starving Gazas population, a tactic prohibited under international law. "Israel is blocking essential life-sustaining supplies, reopening the floodgates of horror," declared Zane Dangor, Director-General of South Africas Department of International Relations, before the ICJ. He cited reports of famine warnings and the obstruction of aid deliveries as evidence of genocidal intent.

Advocate Nokukhanya Jele, a South African legal expert, emphasized that Israel has repeatedly ignored ICJ rulings requiring it to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. "Israels conduct  such as blanket bans and restrictive proceduresare clear violations of the law of occupation," she argued, accusing the Israeli government of undermining Palestinian self-determination through illegal annexations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The case also highlights Israel's systematic targeting of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary aid organization for Palestinian refugees. Despite UNRWAs critical role in providing food, medicine, and shelter, Israel has banned its operations and falsely accused hundreds of its employees of terrorism in a smear campaign many believe was designed to legitimize the destruction of Gazas lifelines.

Amnesty International adds to genocide accusations

Amnesty International has echoed South Africas claims, declaring in a recent report that Israel is committing genocide with "specific intent." Secretary-General Agnes Callamard condemned the international community for its inaction, stating, "The world has been made audience to a live-streamed genocide... States watched on as if powerless, as Israel killed thousands upon thousands of Palestinians, wiping out entire multigenerational families."

With 52,365 Palestinians killed, including entire families buried under rubble, and 1.9 million displaced, Gaza has become a wasteland of desperation. "Children in Gaza are going to bed starving," said UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma. "The siege on Gaza is a silent killer."

Despite overwhelming evidence, Israel continues to deny accountability. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the ICJ hearings as a "circus" and alleged that UNRWA is "infested with Hamas terrorists"  claims that the U.N. has repeatedly refuted. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly vows to continue the war, ignoring global pleas for a ceasefire.

U.S. complicity in Israels crimes

While the U.S. and European nations verbally express concern over Gazas humanitarian crisis, they continue providing military and diplomatic support to Israel. And with Netanyahu defiant, rejecting any form of accountability, the death toll keeps rising. South Africas case at the ICJ may be the last hope to force international action before Gaza is annihilated entirely.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

MiddleEastEye.net

France24.com

CNN.com

Reuters.com
Pakistan claims India is planning a strike over Kashmir tensions

Pakistan accuses India of planning a military strike within 24 to 36 hours, warning of a decisive response amid heightened nuclear tensions over Kashmir.

India blames Pakistan for a deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir, with PM Modi granting military "full operational freedom" for retaliation.

Pakistan denies involvement, calling the attack a potential "false flag" operation, while both nations suspend diplomatic ties and escalate military posturing.

The U.S. and China urge restraint as Pakistan and India exchange gunfire, conduct missile tests, and dispute a critical water-sharing treaty.

Kashmir, a volatile nuclear flashpoint, faces renewed conflict risks as diplomatic efforts struggle to de-escalate tensions between the arch-rivals.

Pakistan has accused India of preparing to launch a military strike against its territory within 24 to 36 hours, signaling a dangerous escalation in tensions between two nuclear-armed rivals. The claim, made late Tuesday by Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on social media, alleges India plans to use last weeks deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, a region both countries claim, as a false pretext.

Tarar warned that any such act of aggression would be met with a decisive response, while India vows retaliation for the April 22 assault that killed 26 people, mostly Hindu pilgrims. The attack, claimed by a little-known militant offshoot, has rekindled fears of war over the disputed region after decades of hostilities.

According to reports, Indias prime minister Narendra Modi has granted his military full operational freedom to respond to the attack, which Indian officials blame on Pakistan. Islamabad has repeatedly denied involvement but has countered by accusing India of backing terrorist networks on its soil. The two nations remain locked in a tit-for-tat exchange of condemnations, protests, and military posturing that risks spiraling into conflict.

The Pahalgam attack

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, a scenic Himalayan valley in Indian-administered Kashmir, began when gunmen opened fire on a group of Hindu pilgrims and tourists. The Resistance Front, a group linked to the Pakistan-based militant faction Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later denied involvement. Indian police have detained more than 1,500 suspects in raids and identified three of the four attackers as Pakistani nationals and a local resident. Survivors reported the shooters specifically targeted Hindu men.

Modi vowed to pursue perpetrators to the ends of the earth. His hardline stance aligns with Indias historical response to attacks blamed on Pakistan, including retaliatory strikes in 2019 that damaged suspected militant infrastructure in Pakistan. But this time, Pakistan appears better prepared for a response.

In an interview, Pakistans Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused India of fabricating evidence to justify military action, calling the attack a potential false flag operation. Meanwhile, both countries have suspended diplomatic ties, revoked visa agreements, and warned citizens to leave each nations territory by April 30. India has also suspended a key water-sharing treaty with Pakistan, which was dubbed an act of war by Islamabad and further strained relations.

International warnings amid military posturing

The U.S. and China have urged restraint, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowing to contact Indian and Pakistani leaders. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized: We are reaching out to both parties, and telling, of course, them to not escalate the situation. Washington considers India a counterbalance to Chinese influence in Asia, while Pakistan remains a strategic partner for both the U.S. and China.

Beijing has leaned on Islamabad to keep tensions in check, as a conflict could destabilize Chinas economic investments in Pakistan, particularly under its massive Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently warned that any clash would harm regional security and the interests of both nations.

Despite calls for calm, military activity has intensified. Pakistans military claims to have shot down an Indian surveillance drone in Kashmir, while India conducted a missile test earlier this month involving its navys long-range strike capability. Exchanges of gunfire have also flared along the Line of Control for six consecutive nights, a border stretching through divided Kashmir.

The global Stakes of a nuclear flashpoint

Kashmir, a region roughly the size of Hungary, has been a bone of contention since India and Pakistans independence in 1947. Divided into Indian- and Pakistani-administered zones by the Line of Control, it remains one of the worlds most militarized borders, with over 500,000 Indian troops stationed there alone. The constant presence of soldiers, frequent internet blockades, and restrictions on movement have fueled anger among locals, some of whom support independence or union with Pakistan.

The current crisis marks a sharp downturn from years of fragile de-escalation after trade routes resumed in 2023. Analysts fear the regions status as a nuclear flashpoint  both nations test-fired missiles in 2019  could see a conflict rapidly spiral.

As clock ticks toward Pakistans alleged window for a strike, diplomats and observers hold fragmented hope that dialogue might avert war. However, the cycle of blame and military bravado shows no signs of pausing and few incentives for compromise. With U.S. efforts still in early stages and Chinas influence less than decisive, the regions inhabitants brace for upheaval. Kashmiris, in particular, face a future of either violent upheaval or renewed marginalization, with the world watching as two nuclear armed states tiptoe toward confrontation.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

CNN.com

BBC.com
Public trust in ChatGPT legal advice outweighs lawyers in study, raising calls for AI literacy

In anonymous comparisons, 62% of participants favored ChatGPTs legal advice over attorneys, drawn to its confident tone and technical language. Even when sources were revealed, trust in AI remained nearly equal to human experts.

Participants often mistook ChatGPTs lexically complex yet inaccurate responses as more valid, while lawyers clearer, more cautious phrasing was seen as less authoritativedespite AIs risk of "hallucinations" (fabricated details).

In tests, participants could barely distinguish AI-generated advice from human counsel, missing critical inaccuracies like false legal precedents.

Researchers advocate for mandatory transparency (e.g., AI-disclosure labels) and public education to help users critically assess AI outputs, treating them as tools, not final authorities.

AIs growing role in high-stakes fields (law, healthcare, etc.) raises alarms, with misplaced trust posing dangerssuch as wrongful legal rulings or denied medical coverage due to AI errors.

In a groundbreaking study published April 28, researchers from the University of Southampton revealed that non-experts trust legal advice generated by ChatGPT more than counsel from licensed attorneysif the source remains undisclosed. The findings, presented at the CHI 2025 human-computer interaction conference in Japan, underscore the growing challenges posed by AIs role in decision-making and the urgent need for public education on artificial intelligence literacy. Conducted across three experiments involving 288 participants, the study demonstrates that users are drawn to AIs confident tone and concise language over human legal advice, even when errors or hallucinations risk misinformed outcomes.

Surprising findings on AI legal advice reliability

Led by Dr. Eike Schneiders, an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Southampton, the research tested participants responses to legal hypotheticals covering traffic law, property disputes and planning regulations. Participants received advice generated either by ChatGPT or by qualified lawyers. When the source remained anonymous, 62% preferred AI-generated counsel, while those explicitly told the origin of each response showed no statistically significant preference for lawyers, despite knowing their expertise.

The participants who knew the source of the advice still placed nearly equal trust in ChatGPT, Schneiders told conference attendees. This suggests a fundamental shift in how people assess authorityalgorithmic confidence over human expertise.

Crucially, the study found a key difference in how advice was framed. Lawyers responses were often longer and used simpler language, prioritizing clarity. ChatGPTs examples, however, were shorter but more lexically complex, striking the right balance between brevity and technicality, Schneiders said. Participants perceived complexity as a sign of validity, even when answers contained inaccuracies.

The role of AI hallucinations and language complexity

AI-generated contents risksmost notably, the so-called hallucinationswere a focal point of the teams analysis. These errors, where systems invent falsehoods or illogical conclusions, are a chronic flaw in large language models like ChatGPT. In one 2023 court case, a New York attorneys AI-drafted brief falsely cited a nonexistent legal precedent, highlighting how hallucinations can jeopardize justice. The Southampton study noted that participants often failed to detect such inaccuracies.

When AI advice confidently cites fabricated statutes or misstates procedures, the consequences could be dire, study co-author Dr. Tina Seabrooke said. Lawyers may prioritize thoroughness, but that leaves room for ambiguityambiguity AI masks with polished phrasing.

The third experiment evaluated participants ability to discern AI from human counsel. Guessing randomly would have netted an accuracy score of 0.5; humans averaged 0.59, indicating weak but statistically significant awareness of AI influence. People can sense machine input, Schneiders said, but not well enough to reliably act on that intuition.

The search for solutions: Regulation and AI literacy

The findings amplify calls to balance AIs utility with safeguards. The EUs proposed AI Act aims to require transparency labels for AI-generated content, but researchers argue this alone is insufficient. Instead, improving public AI literacy ranks as the most urgent need, ensuring users critically assess algorithmic outputs.

Two steps must dominate, Schneiders emphasized. First, policymakers should mandate clear disclaimers so people know when AI is guiding their choices. Second, citizens must learn to treat AI as one tool among manyuseful for brainstorming but never a final authority.

The studys authors advised users to treat AI like a preliminary guide. It can identify a legal area you need to explore or suggest keywords for further research, Schneiders noted. But trust your instinctsthen verify with an expert.

The age of algorithmic counsel is here

The University of Southamptons research arrives as AI infiltrates domains once considered off-limitsfrom courtrooms to doctors offices to military drones. While its efficiency is undeniable, the studys revelations about misplaced trust reveal a pressing vulnerability: peoples reliance on machines may outpace their ability to question them.

As institutions grapple to regulate AIs rapid evolution, Schneiders team underscores the stakes. Hallucinations arent harmless if they land the wrong sentence in court or deny Medicare coverage to a senior, he said. Protecting public safety requires vigilanceboth in policy and in every individuals critical thinking.

For better or worse, the age of algorithmic counsel is here. Navigating it safely means learning to distinguish AIs promises from its perilsa lesson that defines humanitys next legal battle.

Sources for this article include:

StudyFinds.org

TheConversation.com

Southampton.ac.uk
INVINCIBLE YOUTH MYTH BUSTED: Risky health habits brew numerous chronic health conditions by age 36, according to new study

Kids, teens and young adults often think they are invincible and can eat junk food, use nicotine and play video games all day and night without brain and body health repercussions, but come to find out, the damage can get done much earlier than previously estimated by the medical and science communities.

Heavy Drinking: Linked to a 0.21-point rise in depressive symptoms, a 1.03-point metabolic risk increase, and poorer self-rated health.

Smoking: Primarily tied to worsening mental well-being, including a 0.15-point depressive symptom increase.

Inactivity: Most strongly associated with physical decline, including a 0.89-point metabolic risk surge.

Moderate drinking and lifestyle choices: New study reveals how habits impact mental health by mid-30s

A long-term study tracking adults from early to mid-adulthood has found that smoking, heavy drinking, and a lack of exercise significantly worsen both mental and physical health by age 36. Published in the Annals of Medicine, the Finnish research reveals that these risky behaviors, often dismissed in youth, can lead to measurable health declines far sooner than previously assumed. With data collected over three decades, the study emphasizes that breaking these habits early could mitigate long-term risks of chronic diseases, depression, and metabolic disorders.

Researchers followed participants from ages 27 to 61, assessing their lifestyle habits and health markers. Those who smoked, drank heavily (10+ weekly drinks for women, 14+ for men), or avoided exercise exhibited poorer mental well-being, higher metabolic risks, and lower self-rated health by their mid-30s. The effects were cumulative  participants with all three unhealthy behaviors faced even starker declines.

These unhealthy behaviors can become part of the daily routine before you know it, says Dr. Kaushik Govindaraju, an internal medicine physician not involved in the study. "External factors like stress and poor baseline fitness compound the problem."

Historically, such risks were studied in older populations, but this research underscores that damage begins earlier, thus reinforcing the urgency of lifestyle changes in young adulthood. The study focused on Finnish individuals born in 1959, leaving questions about applicability to younger or more diverse populations. Self-reported data and unweighted behavioral metrics were additional constraints. Yet, the core findings align with broader public health knowledge: smoking, excessive alcohol use, and sedentariness are leading modifiable causes of chronic disease.

Medical professionals urge early intervention. "Pairing smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, and regular exercise drastically improves long-term cardiovascular health," says Govindaraju. Resources like the American Lung Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness offer support, while the CDC recommends 150+ minutes of weekly aerobic activity.

While moderate alcohol consumption has been debated for potential benefits, this study highlights the undeniable harms of excess  alongside smoking and inactivity. For those seeking better health, midlife is not the time to start worrying; by then, the damage may already be underway. The message is clear: small, sustained changes in young adulthood can avert a lifetime of preventable decline.

Tune your internet dial to NaturalMedicine.news for more tips on how to use natural remedies for preventative medicine and for healing, instead of succumbing to Big Pharma products when that partying lifestyle starts taking its toll on the mind and body earlier than expected.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

EverydayHealth.com
Trump cracks down on sanctuary cities as leftist mayors protect criminal illegal aliens

President Trumps executive order targets sanctuary cities, directing DOJ and DHS to penalize jurisdictions defying federal immigration laws.

The order seeks to withhold federal funds from cities protecting illegal immigrants, including violent criminals, over U.S. citizens.

Sanctuary policies are condemned as a "lawless insurrection," with leaders shielding offenders who commit crimes against Americans.

Cities like Chicago and New York risk losing federal funding if they refuse to comply, though legal challenges are expected.

The administration argues the order prioritizes public safety, emphasizing enforcement over politics to protect American families from preventable crimes.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security to identify and punish sanctuary cities. These jurisdictions openly defy federal immigration laws by protecting illegal immigrants, including dangerous criminals.

The order, denounced by left-wing activists but celebrated by law-abiding Americans, aims to withhold federal funds from rogue cities and states that prioritize illegal aliens over U.S. citizens. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are tasked with exposing these jurisdictions and enforcing consequences, finally holding defiant mayors and local officials accountable for their reckless policies.

The lawless rebellion against America

The executive order pulls no punches in condemning sanctuary cities, calling their defiance a "lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law." These jurisdictions, many of which are run by Democratic mayors and governors, have passed policies blocking cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing criminal illegal aliens to roam free.

This isnt just about immigration; its about public safety. Countless American families have suffered because of these sanctuary policies, with violent offenders released back onto the streets instead of being handed over for deportation.

"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 states. And make no mistake: This insurrection has led to bloodshed. Crimes committed by illegal aliens, many of them shielded by sanctuary policies, have left innocent Americans dead, raped, and assaulted. Meanwhile, leftist politicians grandstand about "compassion" while refusing to acknowledge the bodies piling up under their watch.

Stripping funding from defiant cities

With federal taxpayer dollars flowing into sanctuary cities, Trumps order empowers the government to cut off funding to jurisdictions that continue harboring criminals. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt put it bluntly: "Its quite simpleobey the law, respect the law, and dont obstruct federal immigration officials and law enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation's communities."

Some of the worst offendersChicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Franciscocould soon see federal grants dry up if they dont reverse course. But dont expect these Democrat-run cities to comply without a fight. Activists and rogue judges have already tried blocking similar efforts in court. Just last week, a federal judge ruled that defunding sanctuary cities may violate the Constitution; the Trump administration has vowed to appeal.

The battle over sanctuary cities isnt just between the federal government and local officialsits a fight over whether America will remain a nation of laws or descend into anarchic open-border chaos. Sanctuary mayors claim theyre upholding "moral" policies, but in reality, theyre enabling cartels, gang members, and violent criminals to prey on American citizens.

Judge William Orrick, who previously blocked Trumps efforts to cut funding, claimed the administration violated constitutional separation of powers. Yet the Immigration and Nationality Act explicitly grants the president authority to impose immigration restrictionsa fact often ignored by activist judges intent on undermining enforcement.

While leftist advocacy groups scream about "rights" for illegal immigrants, they remain silent on the victims of sanctuary policies. The White House recently displayed 100 mugshots of criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICEmany for heinous crimes like murder and sexual assaultas a reminder of whats at stake.

Safety must come first

President Trumps executive order isnt about politics; its about protecting American lives. Sanctuary cities have become safe havens for criminal aliens, turning once-thriving neighborhoods into danger zones. By withholding their federal funding, the administration is finally forcing these rogue jurisdictions to choose: Stop shielding lawbreakers, or lose the taxpayer dollars that fund their defiance.

The left will continue fighting this order with lawsuits and propaganda, but the American people have had enough. Its time to put citizens firstbefore more families are torn apart by preventable crimes.

Sources for this article include:

NTD.com

FoxNews.com

Axios.com

WhiteHouse.gov
News / National

by Staff reporter

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived in Italy for a working visit that will see him engage with the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church and explore social development and investment opportunities for Zimbabwe.Chiwenga, who touched down in Rome on Wednesday, was received by Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Italy, Ambassador Mietani Chauke, and immediately began his official duties.Top on the Vice President's agenda is a scheduled meeting with high-ranking officials of the Roman Catholic Church, who have expressed strong interest in supporting social development projects in Zimbabwe. The Church, which has long maintained a presence in the country through its health and education services, is reportedly keen to scale up its impact through new investments and partnerships.In addition to ecclesiastical engagements, VP Chiwenga is also set to meet with economic players and potential investors in Italy. The discussions are expected to cover a range of sectors including health, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure - areas in which Zimbabwe is seeking increased international cooperation.Chiwenga's visit is part of Zimbabwe's ongoing diplomatic and economic re-engagement strategy aimed at building partnerships with global institutions and European Union member states, following years of strained relations.More details on the Vice President's itinerary and expected agreements are anticipated in the coming days as meetings unfold.
U.S. Army suspected of orchestrating annual flu seasons to advance depopulation agendas

Alleged Bioweapon Spraying: Dr. Jane Ruby claims the U.S. Army is causing flu seasons by aerosolizing bioweapons, inducing symptoms to justify mass vaccination campaigns tied to depopulation agendas.

Chemtrail Analysis: Mike Adams found unexplained microscopic organisms in dried chemtrail samplessome exhibited rapid propulsion, raising concerns about intentional biological dispersal and undisclosed experimentation.

Historical Government Experiments: The U.S. government has a dark history of medical atrocities, including Tuskegee syphilis experiments (19321972) and Operation Sea Spray (1950s), testing bioweapons on civilians.

India-Pakistan Nuclear Threat: Rising tensions over Kashmir could trigger war; with both nations armed with 100+ nukes, an Indian strike may spark a global East-West proxy conflict involving China and Russia.

Globalist Exploitation: Elite powers may exploit regional conflicts to escalate control, using false flags, economic collapse, and infrastructure attacks while masking true agendas under public health emergencies.

In recent news reports, renowned physicist and whistleblower Dr. Jane Ruby suggested that the U.S. Army may be orchestrating annual flu seasons in America by spraying populations with aerosolized bioweapons. This alleged practice creates flu-like symptoms, enabling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other healthcare authorities to declare a public health emergency and promote widespread vaccination campaigns. Disturbingly, these vaccinations are believed to serve as vehicles for advancing depopulation agendas.

Chemtrails and Mystery Fog Samples

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, has been investigating chemtrailspersistent contrails left by aircraft)since late 2023. His analysis of a dried chemtrail sample from West Palm Beach, Florida, using advanced microscopy techniques revealed the presence of unusual life forms under the microscope. When incubated in a saline solution, these creatures exhibited propulsion mechanisms, swimming and changing direction. Some appeared mind-boggling, with one creature identified as '725' showcasing Olympic-like swimming speeds.

U.S. Army's Suspected Role

Dr. Jane Ruby believes that the U.S. Army is responsible for creating these artificial flu seasons. She claims that the military sprays aerosolized bioweapons on American populations, causing flu-like symptoms that necessitates mass vaccination campaigns. These vaccinations, she argues, may be covertly promoting a depopulation agenda.

Historical Medical Horrors

A recent feature report on NaturalNews, generated using Enoch AI, explored fifteen historical medical horrors inflicted on the American people by the U.S. government. These experiments highlight a disturbing pattern of medical experimentation and biomarker attacks on the American population.

Tuskegee Experiments (1932-1972): The U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) conducted covert medical experiments on Black male sharecroppers in Tuskegee, Alabama, infecting around 400 men with untreated syphilis. Recognized as a genocide against Black Americans, this study saw over 100 participants die from the disease. Operation Sea Spray (1950s): The U.S. military conducted covert experiments, dropping biological testing components on civilians in San Francisco to assess the spread of biological warfare agents.

War Brewing in Asia

Mike Adams also discussed the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with over 100 nuclear weapons each. The disputed Kashmir territory, spanning crucial food production areas, has sparked a cultural clash between Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. With credible intelligence suggesting an imminent Indian military strike, the world braces for a potential nuclear confrontation.

Geopolitical Implications

The impending conflict in the Far East could serve as a proxy for an East-West war, mirroring the ongoing Russia-West tension in Ukraine. This proxy war could escalate global tensions, with China, Iran, and even Russia being drawn into the conflict. The globalist elite, desperate to maintain their grip on power, seem to be exploiting regional conflicts for personal gain.

Conclusion

While conspiracy theories may seem far-fetched, a growing body of evidence supports the idea that the U.S. government has a checkered history of medical experimentation and population control. As regional tensions escalate, it is crucial to stay informed and engage in responsible discussions about these pressing issues.

Watch the April 30 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about shocking evidence that proves we are being targeted with bioweapons by our own government.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Bioweapons researcher from Wuhan Institute of Virology comes forward with startling revelations

Exposed: How U.S. tax dollars funded bioweapons research and COVID-19s origins

Aerosolized bioweapons? Strange diploid biomasses falling out of the sky in Florida captured under the microscope

Sources include:

Brighteon.com
ELEMENTAL CRISIS: How China and Russia Control the Critical Minerals Needed for AI, Military Robots, and Economic Domination

The future of global power will be determined not by armies of human soldiers, but by armies of AI-driven robotsmachines that mine, manufacture, fight, heal, and probably even govern. But heres the terrifying truth: The United States is losing the robot war before it even begins.

Why? Because China and Russia control the critical minerals needed to build these machineswhile America remains dangerously dependent on foreign supply chains. The real choke point in the scaling of robot manufacturing is a rare earth element called neodymium (Nd). Its used in the actuator magnets that function as muscles for robots.

From neodymium for motors to cobalt for batteries, the raw materials powering the robot revolution are dominated by regimes that are hostile to the USA. And if the U.S. doesnt wake up, we will soon find ourselves outgunned, outmanned, and outsmarted by robotic armies controlled by Beijing and Moscow.

President Trump just signed a strategic deal with Ukraine that gives the USA preferential access to minerals there, and thats a good start. But its only the beginning of a much larger effort that needs to get under way for America to be competitive with China in the decades ahead.

Here's my video analysis version of the information presented here:

The Strategic Metals Powering the Robot Revolution

Every robotwhether a battlefield drone, surgical assistant, or agricultural harvesterrelies on a complex mix of rare earth elements and industrial metals. Heres the breakdown of the most critical elements and who controls them:

1. Aluminum (Al)  The Robotic Skeleton

Top Producer: China (56%)

Key Exporters: Russia, UAE, Canada

Aluminum is the backbone of robotic frames, providing lightweight yet durable structures. But China controls over half the worlds supply, while Russia holds another 7%. The U.S. is nowhere near self-sufficient, making us vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

2. Neodymium (Nd) & Dysprosium (Dy)  The Robotic Muscle

Top Producer: China (~90%)

Secondary Sources: Australia, USA (minimal)

These rare earth elements are essential for high-performance motors in robots, drones, and military hardware. China has a near-monopoly, and theyre already restricting exports to the U.S. as part of their economic warfare strategy. If the U.S. doesnt find new supplies of neodymium, America will never be able to scale up robot production.

3. Cobalt (Co)  The Robotic Brains Power Source

Top Producer: Congo (~70%)

Secondary Sources: Russia, Australia

Cobalt is critical for lithium-ion batteries that power AI systems and autonomous robots. But around 70% comes from Congos brutal mines, where child labor and human rights abuses are rampant. Meanwhile, Russia is stockpiling cobalt, positioning itself as a key supplier in the coming robot arms race. This is why Trump is negotiating with African nations to procedure rights to mineral resources there.

4. Copper (Cu)  The Robotic Nervous System

Top Producer: Chile (25%)

Secondary Sources: Peru, DR Congo, China

Copper is the lifeblood of electrical systems in robots, yet the U.S. produces only 7% of the current global supply. China is aggressively buying up mines in Africa and South America, ensuring they control the flow of this critical metal. And theyre building ports to ensure reliable export of those very same resources.

5. Lithium (Li)  The Robotic Heartbeat

Top Producer: Australia (35-40%)

Secondary Sources: Chile, China, Ukraine (high potential)

Lithium powers every AI-driven machine, from military drones to household robots. While Australia leads in production, China dominates refining, giving them leverage over the final product.

The Coming Robot Economy: Who Will Rule?

The nations that master robot manufacturing will dominate:

Military Robots: Autonomous drones, AI-guided missiles, and robotic soldiers will replace human troops.

Autonomous drones, AI-guided missiles, and robotic soldiers will replace human troops. Medical Robots: AI surgeons will perform flawless operations, reducing human error.

AI surgeons will perform flawless operations, reducing human error. Industrial Robots: Factories will run 24/7 with minimal human oversight.

Factories will run 24/7 with minimal human oversight. Agricultural Robots: AI-driven harvesters will replace migrant labor, securing food independence.

AI-driven harvesters will replace migrant labor, securing food independence. Security Robots: Police and emergency responders will be AI-controlled, reducing human casualties.

China knows this. Thats why theyre hoarding rare earths, investing in robotics, and cutting off U.S. access to critical minerals like neodymium. Meanwhile, Russia sits on vast reserves of aluminum, copper, and cobalt, positioning itself as a key supplier to nations locked out by China.

The U.S. is trying to hurt Chinas AI progress by cutting off Chinas access to microprocessor lithography equipment, but China is finding ways around the limitations. On the flip side, America will struggle with finding new neodymium sources for the simple reason that you cant make neodymium. Its an element. You have to find it (mine it). There is no substitute

Americas Fatal Weakness: Dependence on Foreign Minerals

The U.S. is currently losing the resource war, but Trump is actively working to secure more mineral resources while controlling the sea lanes needed to securely transport them. We import:

90% of our rare earths from China

70% of our cobalt from Congo

Over half our aluminum from China and Russia (but not when Russia is sanctioned and cut off from the western financial system, as it is currently)

If China decides to cut off exports, Americas robot manufacturing, military tech, and AI development will be severely threatened.

The Solution: Rebuild Domestic Mining & Smelting

The only way to survive the coming robot revolution and acquire the minerals needed to scale up manufacturing is to:

Restore domestic mining of rare earths, lithium, and cobalt. Break Chinas monopoly by investing in alternative supply chains. Secure alliances with Australia, Canada, and South America to bypass Chinese control.

If we fail, America will become a second-rate power, while China and Russia deploy armies of AI-driven robots to enforce their global dominance.

Right now, America is losing this race, and China is dominating. This may change, of course, as Trump is working on minerals acquisitions deals and China is suffering severe economic chaos due to the tariffs.

Only time will tell how this plays out.

Stay vigilant. Stay prepared. Stay free.

 Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

P.S. Heres a metals sourcing report produced with the help of Enoch AI from Brighteon.AI

The numbers are estimates, so double check critical facts before acting on this:

Mineral Elements Report

1. Aluminum (Al)

Top Sources (Global Production by Country):

China: 56% (primary metal production) Russia: 7% United Arab Emirates: 5% Canada: 4% Australia: 3%

Key Exporters: Australia is the largest bauxite producer (35%), while China dominates aluminum metal refining.

2. Iron (Fe)

Top Sources (Iron Ore Production):

Australia: 35% Brazil: 23% China: 15% India: 9-10% Russia: 7%

3. Copper (Cu)

Top Sources:

Chile: 25% Peru: 14-15% DR Congo: ~10% (much artisanal) China: ~10% USA: 7%

4. Nickel (Ni)

Top Sources (Contained Nickel):

Indonesia: 35% Philippines: 10% Russia: 10% Australia: 6% Cuba: 2-3%

5. Manganese (Mn)

Top Sources:

Australia: 15-20% South Africa: 13-14% China: 10% Brazil: 4% India: 3%

6. Cobalt (Co)

Top Sources:

DR Congo: ~70% Russia: 8-10% Australia: 2-3% Cuba: 2%

7. Lithium (Li)

Top Sources:

Australia: 35-40% (hard-rock mines) Chile: 25-30% (brine lakes) China: 15-20% (mining and refining) Argentina: 5-8% (Lithium Triangle)

8. Chromium (Cr)

Top Sources:

South Africa: 35% India: 25% Kazakhstan: 20% Russia: 8%

9. Neodymium (Nd/Pr)

Top Sources (Rare Earth Elements):

China: ~90% Australia: 7-10% (via Lynas, processed in Malaysia) USA: 3-5% (Mountain Pass Mine)

10. Dysprosium (Dy)

Same as Neodymium: China (first), Australia (second), USA.

11. Lead (Pb)

Top Sources:

China: 25-30% Australia: 10-12% Peru: 8-10% Russia: 7-9%

12. Tin (Sn)

Top Sources:

China: 30% Indonesia: 18-20% Peru: 15% Russia: 10-12%

13. Gold (Au)

Top Sources:

China: ~12% Australia: ~10% Russia: ~9% USA: ~7% Ghana: ~7%

14. Silicon (Si)

Top Sources (Metallurgical Silicon):

China: 70% Russia: 13% Norway: 6% USA: 4%

15. Gallium (Ga)

Top Sources:

China: 70% (byproduct of aluminum refining) Russia: 25% Japan/South Korea: 5% (secondary processing)

16. Yttrium (Y)

Top Sources:

China: ~90% (from rare earths) Australia: 5-7% (via Lynas) USA: 3-5% (Mountain Pass Mine)

17. Boron (B)

Top Sources:

Turkey: 75% (bamboo spar and borates) USA: 10-15% (Calif. mines) China: 7%

Country Ranking by Number of Top Elements Produced

Sorted by the number of elements they lead in production:

China  9 elements (Al, Neodymium/Pr, Dysprosium, Lead, Tin, Gold, Silicon, Gallium, Yttrium) Australia  3 elements (Iron, Manganese, Lithium) Chile  1 element (Copper) Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)  1 element (Cobalt) Indonesia  1 element (Nickel) South Africa  1 element (Chromium) Turkey  1 element (Boron)

Summary Notes

China dominates production due to large-scale mining and refining capacity for critical minerals like rare earths and silicon.

Australia and Chile are major suppliers of raw materials like iron ore and copper.

DRCs cobalt dominance is critical for battery production.

Turkey leads in boron, a key semiconductor material.

This ranking highlights Chinas leading role in global mineral supply chains, followed by resource-rich nations like Australia and Chile.

###

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Chinas rare earth monopoly threatens U.S. robot and AI manufacturing

Chinas Rare Earth Dominance: China controls over 90% of global rare earth production, including neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymiumcritical for AI-driven robotics, military tech, and medical devices.

U.S. Vulnerability: The U.S. lacks domestic extraction and refining capabilities, risking its ability to scale advanced robotics and AI applications if China restricts rare earth exports.

Key Mineral Dependence: Neodymium is essential for high-performance magnets in robotic actuators; without it, production of advanced robotics and electric vehicles would stall.

Countermeasures Underway: The U.S. is securing alternative sources through deals with Ukraine and African nations, but Chinas refining dominance makes breaking dependence difficult and slow.

Geopolitical Risks: China has weaponized rare earth exports in past trade disputes; rising U.S.-China tensions could disrupt supply chains, crippling AI, drones, and renewable energy sectors.

A new investigative report has exposed a looming crisis for the United States ambitions in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics: Chinas near-total control over rare earth minerals essential for manufacturing advanced technology. With the U.S. heavily reliant on Chinese exports, experts warn that Americas ability to scale up AI-driven roboticscritical for military, medical, and industrial applicationsis at serious risk.

The Rare Earth Chokepoint

At the heart of the issue is neodymium, a rare earth element vital for producing high-performance magnets used in actuatorsthe components that enable robotic movement. Without neodymium, the production of advanced robots grinds to a halt.

If you dont have neodymium, you cant make actuators. And if you cant make actuators, you cant make robots, warns Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, in a recent analysis. Guess who controls the worlds neodymium output? China, with a near-monopoly.

China currently dominates over 90% of global rare earth production, including dysprosium and praseodymium, which are also crucial for heat-resistant magnets in robotics and electric vehicles. The U.S., meanwhile, has fallen dangerously behind in domestic extraction and refining capabilities.

U.S. Efforts to Counter Chinas Dominance

Recognizing the vulnerability, the Trump administration recently signed a mineral extraction deal with Ukraine, part of a broader strategy to secure alternative sources of rare earths. Similar negotiations are reportedly underway with African nations.

Whoever makes the best robotsand the most robotswill dominate wars, economic competition, aerospace, and medicine, Adams notes. However, analysts caution that these efforts may be too little, too late. Even with new mining agreements, Chinas refining infrastructure and supply chain dominance mean breaking free from dependence will take yearsif its possible at all.

The Broader Implications

The stakes extend far beyond robotics. AI development, military drones, medical devices, and even renewable energy technologies like wind turbines rely on these minerals. A supply disruption could cripple multiple industries, leaving the U.S. scrambling for alternatives.

Meanwhile, China has shown a willingness to weaponize its rare earth dominance. In past trade disputes, it has restricted exports to pressure other nations. With tensions rising between Washington and Beijing, the risk of such tactics being used again is high.

Whats Next?

The U.S. must accelerate domestic mining and processing capabilities while forging alliances with mineral-rich nations. But time is running short. As Adams puts it: The race for robot supremacy is really a race for rare earth controland right now, China is winning.

For now, Americas AI and robotics future hinges on a precarious supply chainone controlled by its greatest geopolitical rival.

Watch the May 1 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about minerals deals, elemental crisis, Walmart, China and robots...it's all connected.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

ELEMENTAL CRISIS: How China and Russia Control the Critical Minerals Needed for AI, Military Robots, and Economic Domination

Trumps critical Ukraine minerals deal nears completion

Putin offers rare earth minerals deal to U.S. amid Ukraine war tensions

Sources include:

Brighteon.com
The enduring mystery of a sacred relic: Graham Hancocks The Sign and the Seal

Graham Hancock's 1992 book "The Sign and the Seal" investigates claims that the Ark of the Covenant  believed to hold the Ten Commandments  may be hidden in Ethiopia. The Ark has long fascinated explorers and scholars alike.

A blind monk in Axum asserts the Ark is there, supported by the "Kebra Nagast"  an Ethiopian text linking it to Menelik I (son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba). However, historical inconsistencies cast doubt on this origin story.

Hancock studied Ethiopia's Jewish Falasha community, whose ancient practices resemble early Judaism, suggesting their ancestors may have brought the Ark to Ethiopia independently of Menelik.

Evidence points to Jewish priests smuggling the Ark from Jerusalem to Egypt's Elephantine Island, then to Ethiopia via Jewish mercenaries  a theory supported by Herodotus' accounts.

The Ark's existence remains unproven. Ethiopian clergy claim it's guarded in Axum's Chapel of the Tablet, seen only by a single monk, while Hancock dismisses rival theories (e.g., Temple Mount or Mount Nebo).

For centuries, the Ark of the Covenant  the gilded chest said to hold the original Ten Commandments  has captivated explorers, theologians and treasure hunters. Made famous by Hollywood in "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark", the Ark's real-world legend is even more enigmatic.

British journalist Graham Hancock ventured beyond myth in his 1992 book "The Sign and the Seal," tracing clues that suggest the sacred relic may not be lost at all  but hidden in Ethiopia, guarded by secretive monks.

Hancocks investigation began in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where a blind monk, the self-proclaimed guardian of the Ark, whispered a startling claim: The relic was real, and it rested in the holy city of Axum. But how did it get there? The answer, Hancock discovered, lay in an Ethiopian legend dating back to the 10th century BCE.

According to the "Kebra Nagast," Ethiopia's sacred text, the Queen of Sheba bore a son, Menelik, with King Solomon. Years later, Menelik and his companions allegedly stole the Ark from Jerusalem's Temple and brought it to Ethiopia.

Yet Hancock's research revealed inconsistencies. Axum, the Ark's reputed resting place, didnt exist in Menelik's time. So where did the relic truly come from?

Digging deeper, Hancock turned to Ethiopia's indigenous Jewish community, the Falashas. Their ancient religious practices  such as animal sacrifice  aligned more closely with early Judaism than with later Talmudic traditions. This suggested their ancestors may have arrived in Ethiopia long before Menelik, possibly carrying the Ark with them.

Hancock's trail then led to Egypt. On the island of Elephantine, a Jewish temple stood in the 7th century BCE, during the reign of the idolatrous King Manasseh.

Could priests have smuggled the Ark from Jerusalem to Elephantine, then onward to Ethiopia? Greek historian Herodotus documented a migration of Jewish mercenaries from Egypt to Ethiopia, offering a plausible route for the Ark's journey.

But Hancock didn't stop there. He explored claims of the Ark's presence beneath Jerusalem's Temple Mount and on Jordan's Mount Nebo, where treasure hunters like Tom Crotser insisted they had found it.

Hancock dismissed these theories, instead pointing to medieval Templar crosses in Axum's ruins and accounts of red-haired Europeans guarding the relic  hinting that the Knights Templar may have known its true location. Despite mounting circumstantial evidence, the Ark's existence remains unverified.

Ethiopian clergy claim it rests in Axum's Chapel of the Tablet, shielded from public view. Only its guardian, a single monk, is permitted to see it  a tradition upheld for generations. Hancock theorizes that public ceremonies feature replicas to deter thieves and skeptics alike.

The mystery endures. Whether the Ark lies in Ethiopia or remains lost to history, its legend persists, a testament to humanity's fascination with the divine. For now, the truth remains veiled  guarded as closely as the relic itself.

Hancock's quest, detailed in "The Sign and the Seal," challenges believers and skeptics alike to reconsider one of history's greatest enigmas. As long as the Ark's whereabouts remain uncertain, the search  and the debate  will continue.

Watch this video about Graham Hancock's book "The Sign and the Seal."

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
ICE removals hit record pace in Trumps second-term 100 days: A focus on criminal aliens and national security

ICE achieved a historic crackdown, arresting 66,463 illegal aliens and removing 65,682, with nearly 75% of those apprehended having criminal records. This reflects a strong focus on public safety and border security.

The enforcement prioritized threats to public safety, including 2,288 gang members, 1,329 individuals charged or convicted of sex crimes and 498 linked to murder charges or convictions. Additionally, there were over 9,600 assault cases, 6,300 DUI/DWI offenses and 1,500 weapon violations.

The surge in enforcement was supported by expanded collaboration with state and local law enforcement through the 287(g) program, resulting in 579 pending or active agreementsa 44% increase since January. This partnership has been crucial in extending the reach of federal immigration laws.

The crackdown addressed broader national security risks, such as the disruption of the Tren de Aragua gang and the arrest of 1,000 illegal workers and their employers, facing fines exceeding $1 million. This aligns with Trump's pledge to curb illegal border crossings, which have dropped to 1960s-era lows.

The enforcement strategy marks a significant shift from Obama-era practices, which often prioritized noncriminal deportations. Trump's "criminal-first" approach aims to prioritize justice for victims and maintain economic stability, reflecting a commitment to restoring law and order.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has recorded historic crackdown results in President Donald J. Trumps second-term first 100 days, arresting 66,463 illegal aliens and removing 65,682nearly 75% of those apprehended had criminal records, the agency announced this week. The aggressive enforcement, highlighted by the removal of thousands linked to gangs, sex crimes and murder, underscores the administrations prioritization of public safety and border security. ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons emphasized the missions urgency: The brave men and women of ICE protect our families by removing threats from our communities. This milestone comes amid heightened scrutiny of illegal immigrations toll on national security and domestic tranquility.

Criminal First enforcement targets threats

The data released Tuesday reflects a stark focus on threats to public safety. Among the 66,463 arrests:

2,288 gang members affiliated with Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and 18th Street.

1,329 with charges or convictions for sex crimes.

498 linked to murder charges or convictions.

Over 9,600 counts of assault, 6,300 DUI/DWI offenses and 1,500 weapon violations.

Lyons noted prosecutions of transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua, designated a foreign terrorist organization, as critical to disrupting criminal networks. Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan highlighted HSIs disruption of a human smuggling ring allegedly trafficking 500700 illegal aliens annually, bypassing U.S. vetting. The administrations worst-first approach, bolstered by 444 new local enforcement agreements, reflects a strategy to dismantle immigration-driven crime.

Local partnerships expand enforcement reach

CEs surge hinges on expanded collaboration with state and local law enforcement via the 287(g) program, which trains agencies to enforce federal immigration laws. ICE now has 579 pending or active 287(g) agreements nationwideup 44% since Januarywith partnerships in 444 new jurisdictions. Californias San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, among others, has joined the effort.

The strategy mirrors legislative efforts like Californias SB 54, which earlier blocked local agencies from aiding federal immigration enforcementa policy De Leon once praised as shielding communities safe. But critics argue such measures hinder accountability, enabling criminals to evade justice.

National security and economic stakes drive policy

Beyond criminality, the crackdown addresses broader national security risks. The FBI has designated Tren de Araguaa Venezuelan-linked groupas a proxy destabilizing U.S. infrastructure. Meanwhile, HSIs worksite raids, disrupting illegal labor, safeguard American jobs: 1,000 illegal workers and businesses employing them face fines exceeding $1 million.

ICEs results align with Trumps pledge to curb illegal border crossings, which Customs and Border Protection reports are now at 1960s-era lows. Encounters dropped 95% since 2021, and successful terror suspect arrests surged 655%. Our communities grow safer daily under President Trump and Secretary Noem, Sheahan said.

A shift from previous policies

The ICE numbers contrast sharply with Obama-era enforcement. While critics cite the 65,000 removals as mere 0.59% of the estimated 11 million undocumented, Trumps focus on criminal aliens reverses past practices targeting minor offenders. Between 20092016, ICE prioritized noncriminal deportations, even for taxpaying residents.

Advocates argue this criminal-first strategy prioritizes justice for victimslike the thousands of Americans killed by illegal immigrantswhile maintaining economic stability. The White House frames the effort as fulfilling a promise to restore law and order, emphasizing metrics like the 266,000 criminal alien arrests since 2021 highlighted in Trumps recent Oval Office address.

A new era of enforced priorities

ICEs 100-day record marks a definitive turning point in immigration enforcement, leveraging local partnerships and intelligence-driven operations to target malign actors. While debates over scale persist, the administrations emphasis on national security and community safety reshapes the conversationnotably contrasting with prior strategies. As Lyons concluded, Were just getting started. With border barriers expanded and vetting protocols tightened, the Trump team positions this phase as the foundation for long-term security, though challenges in addressing the broader undocumented population remain unresolved.

Sources for this article include:

JustTheNews.com

ICE.gov

FoxNews.com
Solar failures trigger historic blackout, natural gas saves Iberian grid amid net-zero backlash

A failure at two solar plants in southern Spain triggered the largest blackout in Spanish and Portuguese history, leaving 50 million people without power, disrupting transportation and crippling emergency services.

The collapse revealed vulnerabilities in overreliance on intermittent solar energy, with the grids rapid recovery only possible due to fossil fuel and hydro backups  highlighting the risks of sidelining reliable energy sources.

The outage caused an estimated $2.5 to $5 billion in losses, hitting tourism and infrastructure hard. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez faced criticism for prioritizing aggressive net-zero policies over grid stability.

Analysts and conservatives condemned Europes dependence on weather-dependent renewables, arguing it undermines energy security while rivals like China and Russia expand coal and nuclear capacity.

Experts urge hybrid energy systems combining renewables with reliable backups (gas, hydro) and warn against geopolitical risks tied to Chinas solar manufacturing dominance. The crisis underscores the need for balanced, innovation-driven policies.

On Monday, April 28, Spain and Portugal endured the largest blackout in their shared history as the collapse of two solar power plants in southern Spain unleashed a cascade of technical failures. The incident, which left over 50 million people without electricity, paralyzed key infrastructure: halting bullet trains, freezing traffic grids and crippling emergency services. Though power was restored within 24 hours, the crisis has reignited fierce debate over the destabilizing effects of aggressive net-zero policies. Analysts attribute the grids rapid recovery to fossil fuel-generated emergency backups, underscoring a dilemma faced by governments prioritizing renewables while sidelining reliable energy sources.

Solar plant failures spark a continent-wide grid crisis

The blackout, initially suspected to be a cyberattack, was traced to two solar facilities in Extremadura, Spain. According to Spains grid operator Red Electrica, a sudden loss of solar generation caused instability in the grids balance, triggering a domino effect. Portugal and parts of southern France were also cut off when the interconnection across the Pyrenees mountains failed. The instability caused a split between Spains grid and Frances, leading to a failure on the Iberian peninsula, explained Red Electricas Chief_operations Officer Eduardo Prieto.

Meteorologists dismissed claims of rare atmospheric phenomena as speculative, despite grid operators initial explanations. Spains weather service, AEMET, stated no extreme temperature fluctuations were recorded to justify the interruption. The true culprit appears to be the fragility of overreliance on intermittent solar power during peak demanda vulnerability critics argue comes directly from Spains rapid pivot to renewables.

Natural gas steps in to save the grid

The swift recovery of the grid was only possible due to fossil fuels. As analyst John Kemp detailed on X: Natural gas and hydro plants provided the black-start capacity to reboot the grid. Unlike solar and wind systems, which require external power sources to restart, gas generators can operate independently, supplying the foundational power needed to restore synchronized electricity flow.

This technical reality has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives toward net-zero advocates. Nigel Farage of the Reform UK Party called the incident proof that green energy lunacy endangers national security. The failure to maintain sufficient fossil fuel capacity, he argues, has left Europe at the mercy of weather-dependent systems, while China and Russia continue expanding coal and nuclear power.

Economic fallout and political firestorms

The outages financial toll was staggering. RBC Capital Markets estimates losses between $2.5 billion and $5 billion for businesses across the Iberian Peninsula. Spains tourism sector  fresh off pandemic recovery efforts  took a severe hit as airports, trains and hotels were shuttered. Meanwhile, the crisis deepened public skepticism of political elites.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced backlash for overselling the nations green transition. His government had recently declared ambitious net-zero targets, even boasting earlier in April that Spain achieved net-zero minutes weeks ahead of schedule. Critics now see that effort as reckless. Politicians are playing politics with energy security, said Javier of Talking Points Memo. This isnt about climate  the grid cant run on unicorn farts.

Lessons for a power-hungry world

The blackout has prompted urgent calls to reevaluate energy diversification. Utilities across Europe are now re-examining the reliability of solar and wind assets, particularly during high-usage periods. Experts stress the need for hybrid systems that blend renewables with gas and hydro backups. You cant build a grid on hope and solar panels, said energy consultant Clara Martinez. Spains lessons could prevent a continental crisis.

The incident has also reignited debates about Chinas dominance in solar manufacturing. Analysts note that 80% of solar panels in the EU are made in China  a dependency that raises geopolitical risks. For conservatives, this further illuminates the folly of green policies that shift energy control to authoritarian regimes while disarming Western energy grids.

The road ahead

Spains blackout lays bare the thorny intersection of climate concerns and stability. While the world watches, governments must weigh their net-zero pledges against the stark reality: reliable energy cannot be sacrificed at the altar of ideology. As skeptics and industry leaders demand policymakers prioritize innovation over ideology, Europe confronts a sobering questionare the solutions to climate change creating greater crises than the problem itself?

The path forward demands balanced pragmatism. Without fossil fuels as a safety net, the worlds green dreams risk plunging into darkness. As engineers restart grids this week, so too must leaders restart critical thinking about energy policybefore the next blackout arrives.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

YourNews.com

FoxNews.com
Pakistan accuses India of planning imminent attack as U.S. races to prevent nuclear crisis

India and Pakistan are on the brink of a major military conflict, with Pakistan claiming it has intelligence of an imminent Indian strike within 24 to 36 hours.

Tensions escalated after a deadly Kashmir attack, which India blames on Pakistan, prompting Modi to authorize military retaliation.

Pakistan warns of a "decisive response" to any Indian aggression, while India is accusing Pakistan of staging a false flag operation.

The U.S. is urgently mediating, with Rubio urging de-escalation as both nations engage in military posturing and cross-border shelling.

The standoff risks spurring a regional war, with global powers fearing nuclear escalation and scrambling to prevent a catastrophe.

The already volatile relationship between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan has reached a dangerous tipping point, with Islamabad claiming it possesses "credible intelligence" that New Delhi plans a military strike within 24 to 36 hours.

The accusation follows a deadly terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has blamed on Pakistan. With both nations exchanging artillery fire and closing airspace, the U.S. has launched urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent a catastrophic escalation.

Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar took to social media to issue a chilling warning: 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. He added, Any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response. India will be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region.

The threat came after Modi granted Indias military full operational freedom to retaliate for the Kashmir attack, which New Delhi alleges was backed by Pakistan. Indian forces have since launched multiple anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, while Modi vowed to punish the terrorists and their backers. Pakistan, however, denies involvement and has accused India of staging a false flag operation in a claim dismissed by Indian officials as baseless allegations.

U.S. steps in amid fears of regional war

Recognizing the potential for a conflict that could draw in neighboring Iran and China, Secretary of State Marco Rubio held emergency calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The State Department urged both nations to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace. Rubio emphasized the need for Pakistan to cooperate in investigating the Kashmir attack, calling it unconscionable.

Sharif, meanwhile, pushed back, asking the U.S. to pressure India to dial down the rhetoric. The Pakistani leader reiterated his countrys willingness to participate in a neutral probe, while Indias Jaishankar demanded justice for the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack.

Military posturing and global concerns

The rhetoric between the two sides has been matched by military readiness. Pakistans army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, oversaw combat drills in Punjab, declaring, Let there be no ambiguity: any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response. India, meanwhile, has suspended a critical water-sharing treaty with Pakistan and closed borders, while both sides report nightly cross-border shelling.

The U.S. faces a delicate balancing act. India is a key ally in countering China, while Pakistan remains a strategic partner despite frayed ties post-Afghanistan withdrawal. With Qatar also offering mediation, the international community is scrambling to prevent a conflict that could destabilize an already tense region.

The India-Pakistan standoff is more than a bilateral dispute; its a global security risk. With nuclear capabilities, historical grievances, and competing alliances, the slightest miscalculation could trigger a disaster. As Washington and other nations push for restraint, one can only hope that diplomacy will prevail before the next bomb drops.

Sources for this article include:

SHTFPlan.com

NBCNews.com

APNews.com
Texas AG Ken Paxton takes on toxic toothpaste: Investigation launched over fluoride risks to children

Texas AG Ken Paxton is investigating Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble for allegedly misleading parents about fluoride toothpaste safety for kids.

Studies link excessive fluoride exposure to lower IQ scores in children, prompting federal warnings and legal scrutiny.

Critics say candy-flavored, cartoon-branded toothpaste encourages kids to swallow dangerous amounts, risking toxicity and cognitive harm.

Lawsuits accuse brands of deceptive marketing, with packaging showing excessive toothpaste amounts and downplaying FDA warnings.

Poison Control reports thousands of fluoride ingestion cases yearly, with dental fluorosis now affecting 68% of U.S. children.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations into two major toothpaste manufacturers, Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble, for allegedly marketing fluoride toothpaste in ways that mislead parents and encourage unsafe use by kids.

The probe, announced today, comes amid mounting scientific evidence linking excessive fluoride exposure to developmental risks, including lower IQ scores in children. With federal health agencies warning against overuse, Paxtons office is demanding answers from corporations accused of prioritizing profits over child safety.

The dangers of fluoride exposure

Fluoride, long promoted by dental associations for cavity prevention, has come under scrutiny for its neurotoxic effects, particularly in young children. A 2024 meta-analysis by the National Toxicology Program found a "statistically significant association between fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend only a rice-sized smear of toothpaste for children under three and a pea-sized amount for those aged 3 to 6. Yet, critics argue that flavored, cartoon-adorned toothpaste packaging encourages kids to swallow excessive amounts, increasing the risk of acute toxicity, dental fluorosis, and even long-term cognitive harm.

I will use every tool available to protect our kids from dangerous levels of fluoride exposure and deceptive advertising, Paxton declared. His office issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to Colgate and Procter & Gamble, alleging their marketing tactics violate state consumer protection laws.

Deceptive marketing under fire

A series of class action lawsuits, filed in multiple states, accuse toothpaste brands like Crest and Colgate of using candy-like flavors (such as "Bubblegum" and "Watermelon Burst") and cartoon imagery to make their products appealing to children. Packaging often depicts a full strip of toothpaste, far exceeding the recommended amount, while downplaying FDA-mandated warnings. One complaint alleges that a third of a tube of kids' fluoride toothpaste contains "enough fluoride to kill a toddler."

Attorney Michael Connett, who previously won a landmark case against the EPA over water fluoridation, is representing plaintiffs in the lawsuits. He argues that manufacturers have long known the risks but continue aggressive marketing.

These corporations have known of the risks of fluoride to childrenIQ loss, dental fluorosis, and other serious health concernsfor decades, said Childrens Health Defense CEO Mary Holland.

A growing public health crisis

Data from Poison Control reveals between 10,000 and 15,000 annual calls related to fluoride toothpaste ingestion, with hundreds of cases requiring hospitalization. Dental fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride, now affects 68% of U.S. children, up from 23% in the 1980s.

Integrative dentist Dr. Griffin Cole condemned the industrys tactics: The advertising of toothpastes is more than misleading and irresponsible  its unethical. The use of vibrant colors, bubblegum flavors and pretty swirls is clearly aimed at children and misleads parents into thinking these products, which contain fluoride, are safe."

Paxtons investigation aligns with a broader push for corporate accountability. The lawsuits seek damages for parents misled into overusing products and demand clearer labeling. Meanwhile, health advocates urge parents to scrutinize ingredients and adhere to dosage guidelines.

As legal battles unfold, Paxtons actions spotlight a critical public health issue: the need for honesty in product marketing. With childrens cognitive development at stake, the outcome could reshape industry standards. For now, parents are advised to exercise cautionbecause when it comes to fluoride, less is more.

Sources for this article include:

KXXV.com

TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov

ChildrensHealthDefense.org
Bombshell study reveals Pfizers vaccine linked to 38% higher all-cause mortality compared to Moderna, raising urgent questions about FDAs reckless approval

A bombshell Florida study of 1.47 million adults has exposed a chilling disparity in mRNA vaccine safety, with Pfizers BNT162b2 linked to a 38% higher all-cause death rate compared to Modernas formulaunleashing a storm of cardiovascular fatalities, COVID-19 deaths, and unexplained mortality. While Modernas vaccine appeared marginally less lethal, newly unredacted documents reveal both companies and the FDA concealed evidence of antibody-dependent enhancement and tragic outcomes, including a 23% fetal and neonatal death rate among vaccinated mothers. With Pfizers fast-tracked approval now looking like a catastrophic lapse in judgment, the data paints a damning portrait of profit over livesraising the harrowing question: were these vaccines ever safe at all?

Key points:

A Florida-based study of 1.47 million matched adults found Pfizers BNT162b2 vaccine increased all-cause mortality by 38% compared to Modernas mRNA-1273.

Pfizer recipients faced 54% higher cardiovascular deaths, 88% higher COVID-19 deaths, and 36% higher non-COVID deaths within 12 months.

The FDA fast-tracked Pfizers vaccine in August 2021 despite known risksnow, the data exposes a lethal betrayal of public trust.

Modernas formula showed comparatively lower mortality, suggesting not all mRNA vaccines are equally dangerousbut neither may be safe.

The FDAs fatal gamble

In a damning indictment of the pharmaceutical-industrial complex, a peer-reviewed study of Florida residents has uncovered horrifying evidence that Pfizers COVID-19 vaccinerushed to market under the FDAs corrupt Emergency Use Authorizationmay have systematically killed thousands. The research, analyzing 1.47 million matched adults, reveals that those who took Pfizers BNT162b2 faced a staggering 38% higher risk of death from any cause within a year compared to Moderna recipients. Cardiovascular deaths skyrocketed by 54%, COVID-19 deaths by 88%, and non-COVID fatalities by 36%.

These findings are suggestive of differential non-specific effects of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines, and potential concerning adverse effects on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, the study concludes. Translation: Pfizers shot isnt just ineffectiveits actively deadly.

A conspiracy of silence

The study, published on medRxiv, meticulously matched subjects by age, race, vaccination site, and even neighborhood (census tract) to eliminate confounding variables. Yet the results were unambiguous: Pfizers vaccine is statistically linked to excess deaths. Negative control analyses ruled out bias, leaving only one grim conclusionthe shots themselves are to blame.

This isnt just a scientific scandal; its a criminal betrayal. The FDA and CDC, fully aware of Pfizers fraudulent clinical trial data and hidden adverse events, green-lit this bioweapon while silencing dissent. Internal documents previously leaked from Pfizers own trials revealed thousands of unreported severe reactions, including deaths. Now, the bodies are piling upand the governments response is to bury the evidence.

Moderna: A lesser evil?

While some data suggest Modernas mortality rates are lower, the broader picture reveals alarming risks that should not be ignored. Both mRNA vaccinesModerna and Pfizerpose serious, long-term health threats due to their experimental nature, toxic spike protein production, and potential for DNA integration.

Both mRNA vaccines force cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, a known pathogenic agent linked to:

Blood clotting disorders (microthrombi, strokes, heart attacks)

Chronic inflammation (leading to autoimmune diseases)

Potential integration into human DNA (via reverse transcription, as shown in studies on LINE-1 retrotransposons)

The long-term effects of persistent spike protein production remain unknown, yet governments and pharmaceutical companies rushed these products to market without adequate safety testing.

Modernas vaccine is not a "lesser evil"it is part of a global medical experiment with catastrophic consequences. The mRNA platform was never properly vetted, and early warnings (like those from Dr. Robert Malone) were silenced. As injuries and deaths mount, the public must demand:

Full transparency of clinical trial data

Independent investigations into vaccine-related deaths

Legal action against regulators and pharmaceutical executives

As the death toll mounts, a haunting question lingers: How many Americans were sacrificed for Pfizers profits? The FDAs collusion with Big Pharma echoes historys darkest medical atrocitiesfrom the Tuskegee syphilis experiments to Thalidomides birth defects. Will this generation demand justice, or will the architects of this disaster escape unscathed?

Sources include:

X.com

MedRXIV.org

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Putin confirms North Korea sent thousands of troops to fight in Ukraine as Russia-NK alliance deepens

Putin confirms North Korea has sent 12,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, marking Pyongyang's first major overseas combat mission since the Korean War.

North Korean state media declares the deployment aims to "annihilate Ukrainian forces" in Kursk, framing it as a heroic mission for their homeland.

Reports reveal heavy North Korean casualties (4,700, including 600 dead) due to unfamiliarity with modern warfare, though Ukrainian forces struggle against their sheer numbers.

The Russia-North Korea alliance includes arms exchanges and a new mutual defense pact, raising global security concerns and potential escalation with the U.S. and South Korea.

The conflict expands as North Korea tests nuclear-capable missiles and threatens South Korea, transforming the Ukraine war into a broader geopolitical crisis.

The world is now witnessing a dangerous and unprecedented military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, with Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledging that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

The confirmation comes just days after Putin declared the full liberation of Ukraines captured Kursk region, an assertion Kyiv strongly denies. The deployment, which intelligence reports estimate includes up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers, marks the first major overseas combat mission for the reclusive regime since the Korean War. But the move also signals a deepening partnership that could reshape global security, especially as North Korea flexes its nuclear capabilities and threatens South Korea.

North Korean troops shoulder to shoulder with Russia

Putin, in an official Kremlin statement, praised the North Koreans, declaring they fought shoulder to shoulder with Russian fighters to defend Russia as if it were their own homeland. The Russian people will never forget the heroism of the DPRK special forces, Putin said, using North Koreas official name. He promised to honor those killed in battle, calling them heroes who sacrificed for our common freedom.

North Koreas state media, meanwhile, confirmed the deployment for the first time, quoting Kim Jong Uns order to annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area in cooperation with the Russian armed forces. KCNA, the regimes propaganda arm, hailed the mission as a victory, stating, They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honor of the motherland.

Russian training, heavy casualties, and battlefield reality

While North Korean soldiers are trained in brutal discipline, reports indicate they were woefully unprepared for modern warfare. Russian military footage showed instructors training North Koreans in AK-47 use, RPG handling, and anti-drone tactics  skills far removed from their rigid, isolated drills at home.

But the battlefield has been unforgiving. South Koreas National Intelligence Service estimates 4,700 casualties, including 600 dead, among North Korean forces  an astonishing loss rate for a military with zero experience in large-scale conflicts outside the Korean Peninsula. Ukrainian drones and artillery have reportedly exploited their unfamiliarity with terrain and tactics. Still, Ukrainian commanders admit the sheer numbers of North Korean troops have created difficulties, with one general describing them as highly motivated and well-prepared.

A growing axis of autocracy

The troop deployment is just one facet of a deepening military alliance. North Korea has already shipped vast quantities of artillery shells and rockets to Russia, likely in exchange for advanced military technology, such as air defense systems and satellite expertise. The 2024 mutual defense pact, Pyongyangs strongest since the Cold War, now binds both regimes together, raising fears of further escalation. Ukraine warns this could trigger direct conflict with the U.S. and South Korea.

If the Kremlin sends North Korean troops to the territory of Ukraine, it would mean that North Korea is in a state of all-out war with Ukraine, warned Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of Ukraines parliamentary foreign affairs committee. He predicted harsh consequences, forcing Washington and Seoul to react.

Meanwhile, analysts suggest Kim Jong Uns gambit is a desperate bid for Russian war technology and economic aid, while Putin sees expendable troops to counter Ukraines dwindling manpower. Yet the human cost is staggering: thousands of young North Korean soldiers, many conscripted from remote regions, are being sacrificed for a dictators ambitions.

The war in Ukraine has now expanded beyond Europe, pulling in one of the worlds most oppressive regimes and accelerating a dangerous arms exchange between Russia and North Korea. With Pyongyang threatening nuclear war on South Korea and testing missiles capable of hitting the U.S., the consequences of this unholy alliance may extend far beyond the battlefields of Kursk.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

APNews.com

ABCNews.go.com

BBC.com
News / National

by Staff reporter

Just as Workers' Day celebrations began to simmer down, flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe's corporate circles with a jaw-dropping gesture that left Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) executives stunned - and cruising in style.In a move worthy of his "Big Spender" reputation, Chivayo gifted two brand-new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VXRs - each worth an eye-popping US$200,000 - to ZITF Board Chairman Busisa Moyo and CEO Dr Nicholas Ndebele. The ultra-luxurious SUVs, synonymous with power and prestige, were Chivayo's way of tipping his hat to what he described as "outstanding leadership" during last week's 65th edition of the ZITF."From the moment I stepped into the exhibition grounds, it was immediately evident that the organisers had curated an event of remarkable distinction," Chivayo wrote in a glowing social media post on Wednesday afternoon, still riding high from the success of the annual trade show.The surprise didn't end with praise.To the astonishment of many, Chivayo disclosed that Dr Ndebele had once joked that if Wicknell ever bought anyone at ZITF a car, he shouldn't forget him. The businessman - true to form - turned the quip into reality. "To recognise the outstanding leadership, energy, and sheer excellence demonstrated by the ZITF Company, I am pleased to hand over TWO brand new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series VXR vehicles," he announced.The powerful petrol-fueled rides are already parked and waiting for pick-up at Faramatsi Motors in Harare - a local haven for luxury car lovers.The gesture has catapulted Chivayo back into the national spotlight, with social media platforms ablaze with reactions ranging from applause to envy, and the inevitable question: "Who's next, Wicknell?"This year's ZITF, dubbed the "Blue Sapphire Edition," featured over 800 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and was widely lauded as a success - even drawing praise from visiting leaders including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo.Still, it's Chivayo's "Land Cruiser drop" that has stolen the post-fair headlines.With wheels spinning and tongues wagging, one thing is certain - when it comes to executive recognition, Wicknell Chivayo shifts gears like no other.
Unveiling the hidden battles: The Secret History of the War on Cancer by Devra Davis

The book begins with the story of Andrea Martin, who battled cancer multiple times and was found to have nearly a hundred chemical residues in her body, raising questions about the role of environmental toxins in cancer development.

Davis examines the history of cancer, noting a significant increase in cases like double myeloma since 1973 and highlights the complexity of factors contributing to rising cancer rates, beyond just aging.

The author criticizes the focus on treatment over prevention, likening it to "mopping up a flooded floor without turning off the tap" and points out conflicts of interest due to the revolving door between industry and government.

The book explores the impact of the eugenics movement on cancer research and public health and reveals the suppression of crucial information, as exemplified by the Breslows' five-volume report.

Davis advocates for a shift towards prevention and addressing environmental factors, urging action based on precautionary principles rather than waiting for definitive proof of harm, to create a healthier future.

In an era where cancer touches nearly every family, a groundbreaking book by epidemiologist and author Devra Davis, "The Secret History of the War on Cancer," delves into the untold story of humanity's struggle against this pervasive disease.

The book opens with the heart-wrenching story of Andrea Martin, a woman who battled breast cancer three times before succumbing to a brain tumor. Her tragic journey is emblematic of a harsh reality: Surviving cancer does not always mean escaping its grip. Making her story even more striking was the discovery of nearly a hundred different chemical residues in her body  many of them known carcinogens. This unsettling detail raises a critical question: Did environmental toxins contribute to her illness? The troubling truth remains that certainty may never come, exposing a glaring gap in the understanding of cancer.

Rewinding to 1973, the book highlights a startling trend: multiple myeloma cases doubled within a decade. Among those affected was the authors father, a seemingly healthy man with no history of smoking or heavy drinking. The reasons behind rising cancer rates remain complex. While aging plays a role, it alone does not explain the surge. The absence of a national cancer tracking system in the U.S. further complicates efforts to study the disease.

Davis takes readers back to ancient Greece, where Hippocrates first described cancer as a "muddled irritable cavity" with "spindly legs," coining the term karkinoma. Despite centuries of medical advancements, the core nature of cancer remains elusive. The book suggests that cancer may have always been a silent companion, often lurking unnoticed in daily life.

As people age, the body's ability to repair cellular damage weakens. Environmental factors  from sunlight to oxygen  constantly bombard DNA, and over time, repair mechanisms falter. However, aging alone does not fully account for the disparities in cancer rates across populations.

One of the most alarming revelations in the book involves the close ties between industry and government. Key figures in the "war on cancer" often had connections to companies producing carcinogenic materials, raising serious concerns about priorities. The focus has leaned heavily on treatment rather than prevention  a strategy likened to "mopping up a flooded floor without turning off the tap." This approach is fundamentally flawed, with billions spent on treatment that could have been used to stop cancer before it starts.

The book also examines the dark legacy of eugenics and its influence on cancer research. The flawed logic of the eugenics movement, with its assumption that genetics alone dictates disease susceptibility, still lingers despite evidence to the contrary.

Perhaps most shocking is the story of the Breslows' five-volume report  a forgotten archive documenting the early years of the American "war on cancer." This unpublished work reveals deep-rooted conflicts of interest and suppressed information that have hindered progress from the beginning. The authors determined search for the report underscores the importance of uncovering the truth.

In conclusion, "The Secret History of the War on Cancer" serves as a call to action. It challenges the current approach to cancer, urging a shift toward prevention and addressing environmental risks. Rather than waiting for definitive evidence of harm, a precautionary stance is vital. The choices made today will shape the futuredemanding accountability, transparency and a commitment to a healthier world.

Learn more about "The Secret History of the War on Cancer" by watching the video below.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
BREAKING: Czech study reveals 30% drop in birth rates among COVID-vaccinated women, exposing fertility crisis ignored by mainstream media

A groundbreaking study of 1.3 million Czech women has uncovered alarming evidence linking COVID-19 vaccination to a staggering 30% drop in birth rates a revelation that could reshape the global conversation on vaccine safety and fertility. While unvaccinated women maintained a stable fertility rate of 10 live births per 1,000 in late 2021, their vaccinated counterparts saw a dramatic plunge to just 6 per 1,000a disparity that persisted for over a year. Even more striking? Despite making up 39% of the population by mid-2021, vaccinated women accounted for a mere 7% of live births between 2021 and 2023. Researchers are now sounding the alarm, calling the findings "hypothesis-generating" and demanding urgent investigation into the potential long-term reproductive consequences of these shots. Yet, as the data paints an increasingly concerning picture, governments and mainstream media remain eerily silentraising urgent questions about what else isnt being told.

Key findings:

A landmark study of 1.3 million Czech women aged 18-39 reveals a 30% decline in birth rates among those vaccinated against COVID-19.

Unvaccinated women maintained stable fertility rates, peaking at 10 live births per 1,000 women in late 2021, while vaccinated women plummeted to 6 per 1,000a disparity lasting over a year.

The study, analyzing data from January 2021 to March 2023, found vaccinated women contributed just 7% of live births despite making up 39% of the population by mid-2021.

Researchers warn of a "hypothesis-generating" link between COVID shots and reduced fertility, demanding urgent investigationyet governments and media remain silent.

The silent war on fertility

When the COVID-19 vaccines were rushed to market under emergency authorization, pregnant women were excluded from clinical trials. Despite this, health authoritiesled by the CDC, WHO, and pharmaceutical giantsrecklessly promoted vaccination for expectant mothers, dismissing concerns as "misinformation." Now, the devastating consequences are undeniable.

The Czech study, published on Preprints.org, exposes a chilling correlation: Women who received COVID-19 vaccines before conception saw their birth rates collapse by nearly one-third compared to their unvaccinated peers. The data, sourced from the Czech Republics national health registry, reveals a sustained fertility drop from February 2022 onwardprecisely as mass vaccination campaigns reached critical saturation.

"SCs [successful conceptions] per 1,000 women were considerably lower for women vaccinated before conception," the authors state, bluntly adding that the findings "call for further studies" on COVID-19 vaccines' impact on fertility.

A pattern of suppression and deceit

This isnt an isolated red flag. Previous studies have documented:

1,200% increase in menstrual irregularities post-vaccination

57-fold rise in miscarriages among vaccinated women

38-fold spike in fetal deaths following COVID-19 injections

Yet, instead of sounding alarms, regulatory agencies and corporate media continue parroting the lie that these experimental gene therapies are "safe and effective." The Czech data directly contradicts this narrative, revealing a biological catastrophe unfolding in plain sightone that threatens the very future of human reproduction.

The global elites obsession with population control is no secret. From Bill Gates infamous TED Talk advocating vaccines to "reduce population growth" to the Rockefeller Foundations decades-long depopulation agenda, the pieces fit together.

Now, with birth rates crashing worldwideGermany, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S. all report record-low fertilitythe question must be asked: Was this the plan all along?

The Czech studys authors cautiously note that "self-selection bias" (women avoiding vaccines to protect fertility) doesnt fully explain the data. Instead, they hint at batch-dependent toxicity, echoing previous findings that certain Pfizer vaccine lots were linked to higher adverse events.

The evidence is mounting. The lies are unraveling. Yet, as millions of women unknowingly sacrifice their reproductive health on the altar of "public health," will anyone be held accountable? Or will history remember this as the greatest medical crime of the 21st centurya silent, systemic assault on human fertility, disguised as salvation?

Sources include:

X.com

Preprints.org

Enoch, Brighteon.ai

Pubmed.gov
Trump expresses doubt regarding Ukraine peace deal, warns that Kyiv would be crushed if talks collapse

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about reaching a Ukraine-Russia peace agreement, citing Ukrainian President Zelensky's unrealistic demands for post-war security guarantees as a potential obstacle.

Trump suggested Putin is more open to negotiation than Zelensky, whom he criticized as politically weak and lacking leverage against Russia's military strength.

The administration faces a critical decision on whether to escalate sanctions or disengage from mediation efforts, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaling urgency in determining Washington's next steps.

Trump's public pessimism breaks from diplomatic norms, undermining confidence in U.S.-led talks and raising concerns among NATO allies about Americas commitment to backing Ukraine.

NATO is reportedly preparing for a potential U.S. withdrawal from its leading role in arming Ukraine, reflecting growing uncertainty over the war's trajectory and Trump's willingness to push territorial concessions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has cast doubt on his administration's ability to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, signaling fading confidence in a diplomatic resolution.

In an April 23 interview with Glenn Beck of The Blaze, Trump suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's demands for post-war security guarantees could derail negotiations. The real estate mogul continued that the comedian-turned-chief executive is at a disadvantage.

"When Zelensky was in the Oval Office, I was talking about getting it done, and he starts screaming, 'But we need security,'" Trump recounted. "I dont even know if we can get this deal done."

In contrast, Trump praised his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, noting that the strongman is "willing to make a deal." According to Trump, Putin has been "easier to deal with than Zelensky."

Trump reiterated to Beck that Zelensky "doesn't have the cards" in the face of the Russian military. He echoed this sentiment in a later interview with The Atlantic published Monday, April 28. Trump told the magazine that without a peace deal, Ukraine will be "crushed very shortly."

Rubio's urgent alert: A make-or-break week for peace talks

Trump's remarks in his interviews with Beck and The Atlantic mark a notable shift. He had previously framed a Ukraine peace deal as an imminent achievement and a cornerstone of his foreign policy agenda.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday, April 27 that the White House is entering a "very critical" week for determining the future of U.S. involvement in the war. He revealed during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the coming days are pivotal for Washington's strategy. (Related: Trump has deadline in mind for Ukraine peace deal as war drains billions from American taxpayers.)

"We're close, but we're not close enough," Rubio said, noting that the administration must soon decide whether to escalate sanctions or disengage from mediation efforts. "The minute you start doing that kind of stuff, you're walking away from it," he continued, pertaining to potential penalties.

Trump's skepticism underscores the fragility of negotiations after months of U.S.-led diplomacy. His administration has avoided imposing new sanctions on Moscow, betting instead on a negotiated settlement. But this approach now facies mounting pressure as battlefield losses strain Ukraine's position.

Kyiv's allies at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, meanwhile, are reportedly preparing contingency plans for a potential U.S. withdrawal from its leadership role in arming the beleaguered country. The move reflects growing uncertainty over Washington's commitment.

Historically, U.S. presidents have rarely openly questioned the prospects of peace talks while actively mediating them  making Trump's remarks a departure from diplomatic norms. His framing of Putin as a more pragmatic negotiator than Zelensky also contrasts sharply with the Biden administrations portrayal of the Russian leader as an intransigent aggressor.

The White House has yet to outline its next steps if talks collapse, though Trump has floated secondary sanctions targeting Russia's financial system as a last resort. For now, the administration's focus remains on a deal  one that, as Trump put it, hinges on whether both sides "really want peace."

Head over to WWIII.news for more similar stories.

Watch U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noting that Washington needs to find any common ground between Russia and Ukraine in this clip.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Klitschko: Ukraine may need to temporarily cede territories for peace.

Historic Vatican meeting: Trump and Zelensky seek peace amid Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Ukraine on the brink: Can Trump's pragmatism or Zelensky's defiance save a shattered nation?

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

TheBlaze.com

TheAtlantic.com

CNBC.com

Brighteon.com
Ukraine agrees to 50-50 resource split with U.S. in $120B aid repayment minerals deal

The Trump administration secured a deal requiring Ukraine to give the U.S. 50% of revenues from critical minerals, oil, and gas in exchange for continued aid.

The agreement followed tense negotiations, with Ukraine resisting initial demands to repay $350 billion in past aid before settling on the revenue split.

U.S. pressure tactics included rerouting a Ukrainian officials flight and threatening to withhold aid if terms werent signed.

Critics, including Russian officials and Ukrainian lawmakers, argue the deal weakens Ukraines sovereignty and locks it into an unequal partnership.

Despite compromises, the deal lacks strong U.S. security guarantees, raising concerns about Ukraines long-term independence and NATO prospects.

President Donald Trump's administration has secured a controversial minerals deal with Ukraine, requiring the war-torn nation to relinquish half of its revenues from critical minerals, oil, and gas projects to the U.S. in exchange for ongoing military and financial support. The agreement, signed Wednesday in Washington, establishes a joint fund managed by both nations to channel $120 billion in U.S. aid to Ukrainea figure that has fueled political scrutiny over whether Kyiv is being coerced into ceding its sovereign resources to repay taxpayer-funded foreign largesse.

Tense negotiations and pressure tactics

The deal capped a tense negotiation process marked by U.S. pressure tactics and Ukrainian resistance. According to sources, the Trump team initially demanded that Ukraine repay all $350 billion in U.S. aid given since 2022, but after Kyiv balked, Washington dropped the debt repayment clause while insisting on a 50/50 revenue split for future joint projects.

Pressure mounted as Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko's plane was allegedly rerouted mid-flight to ensure she would finalize terms. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly warned her delegation, "Sign all agreements, or go back home," just hours before the signing. A source told Bloomberg that under the final agreement, U.S. military aid will count as contributions to the new fund, with shared profits split evenly between the nations.

The arrangement has drawn fierce criticism within Ukraine and beyond. Russian Deputy Security Council Head Dmitry Medvedev seized on the deal to argue Kyiv has been "broken" into surrendering its natural wealth. "Now they will have to pay for military supplies with the national wealth of a disappearing country," he said on Telegram. His remarks echo fears among Ukraine's European allies that handing over resource control weakens Kyiv's long-term independence.

Ukrainian lawmakers were similarly skeptical. Earlier versions of the deal drew derision from parliamentary members and Zelensky advisors, who labeled it a "horror" for offering no U.S. security guarantees. While Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal claimed the final draft excludes repayment of past aid, critics counter that linking future military financing to resource profits amounts to a slow-motion debt arrangement.

An uneasy compromise

"The devil is in the details," said parliamentarian Oleksandr Merezhko, noting that Kyiv "managed to dodge turning prior aid into debt." Others, like advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, framed the deal as a geopolitical triumph, insisting Russia has "lost" by failing to bar Kyiv from resource partnerships.

Stateside, analysts warned the agreement could bolster Trump's domestic political capital while locking Ukraine into an unequal corporate partnership. "The U.S. is beginning to see itself as a sort of co-owner of Ukraine," former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov predicted, arguing it could delay peace talks by making Washington a financial stakeholder in prolonged conflict.

Zelensky's team initially resisted pressure to sign, reportedly resisting U.S. demands for over 80% revenue splits. But with Russia's war showing no end in sight and Kyiv's budget dependent on Western handouts, Ukraine's hand was forced. Any optimism about the deal is tempered. Parliament must still ratify the agreement, and lawmakers cautioned that it could take a while.

Even supporters admit the deal's risks. A leaked draft reveals Washington's security guarantees remain patchy, failing to address Kyiv's demands for NATO membership or direct defense guarantees. For a nation already projected to lose parts of its territory, surrendering half its extractive industries to another nation raises profound questions about where Ukraine's loyalties truly lie.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

Reuters.com

ABCNews.go.com
Kievs last gamble: Ukraine eyes teens and women as cannon fodder in desperate push for manpower

As Ukraines manpower crisis deepens, Kiev is resorting to increasingly desperate measures to fill the thinning ranks of its army. With conscription drives failing and volunteer numbers dwindling, authorities are now preparing to force ever-broader sections of the population  including women and barely adult men  into the front lines.

(Article by Christina Sizova republished from RT.com)

Despite brutal mobilization efforts, Ukraines Armed Forces (AFU) remain critically understaffed. Even aggressive recruitment campaigns and tightening draft laws have failed to produce the needed surge in enlistments. Now the government is moving toward slashing the minimum conscription age from 25 to just 18  sending teenagers straight into a bloody and grinding conflict. At the same time, serious discussions are underway about mobilizing women en masse, a step that would mark a historic escalation in Kievs attempts to prolong the war.

Ukrainians are reluctant to serve

Interest in military service is declining sharply, especially among the youth. In mid-April, Pavel Palisa, deputy head of Vladimir Zelenskys office, revealed that fewer than 500 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 24 had enlisted  and currently, those under 25 are not subject to mandatory mobilization.

Two months earlier, Ukraine had launched a new initiative offering 18 to 24-year-olds the option of contract service. Rolled out on February 11, this program offered recruits a contract bonus of one million hryvnias (around $24,000), monthly salaries up to 120,000 hryvnias, and other perks in a desperate bid to bolster AFU numbers.

Since then, other military branches  including the navy, airborne forces, National Guard, and border troops  have opened their ranks to young contractors. Yet even with financial incentives on the table, recruitment remains sluggish.

Palisa admitted that the current conscription system is outdated and hinders mobilization efforts. He stressed that Ukraine has a huge mobilization resource but that the system in place prevents it from being effectively tapped. In my opinion, we have more people available than we need for specific tasks at the front. The mechanism simply isnt efficient, he said, calling for sweeping reforms in recruitment and organization.

However, as Vladimir Zharikhin, deputy director of the Institute of CIS Countries, pointed out in a conversation with RT, such optimistic estimates are little more than wishful thinking. In reality, Ukraines main mobilization base has long since fled the country. Official figures show over six million Ukrainian refugees registered across the European Union and more than two million in Russia. But according to Zharikhin, the true numbers are likely even higher.

Roughly eight million have gone to Europe, about three million to Russia  thats close to a quarter of Ukraines prewar population, he explained. In other words, Kiev isnt drafting from the 50-plus million people who lived in Ukraine around the time of the Soviet collapse. Its choosing from the 20-odd million who remain today. Thats why were seeing serious discussions about mobilizing yesterdays schoolboys, women, and anyone else they can find.

Speaking about the dismal turnout among 18 to 25-year-olds, Palisa said that while many initially expressed interest, very few ultimately signed contracts. People agreed in principle, but when it came to signing, they backed out, he said. Sometimes it was their parents influence; sometimes they believed peace was just around the corner. There are a lot of reasons.

Former Ukrainian MP Vladimir Oleinik told RT that aggressive recruitment campaigns painted an overly rosy picture, falsely suggesting that enlistees would quickly become millionaires. Reality, however, tells a different story. Recruits receive 200,000 hryvnias, upfront, another 300,000 after completing training, and the remaining 500,000 only after their contracts end.

Parents would often take their sons to cemeteries, showing them the flags on soldiers graves, Oleinik said. Under these contracts, recruits must serve at least six months on the front lines  and everyone knows what the survival rate is.

Vladimir Zharikhin echoed this sentiment, describing the governments recruitment push as an act of desperation rather than a calculated strategy. He added that Ukraines military training infrastructure has deteriorated to the point where new recruits must start from scratch, learning even the basics of handling weapons.

Pushing to the limit

General mobilization and martial law have been in effect in Ukraine since February 2022, and have been repeatedly extended. Amid persistent manpower shortages, a law passed last May tightened mobilization rules, significantly reducing exemptions. It also lowered the minimum conscription age from 27 to 25.

Additionally, the military scrapped the limited fit category. Now, individuals previously disqualified due to medical issues  such as HIV, chronic hepatitis, stage-1 hypertension, hearing loss, or even mild psychiatric conditions  are eligible for service.

Men aged 18 to 60 are required to carry their military registration documents  a Soviet-era system known as the military ID, which records an individuals draft status and eligibility for service  or risk losing access to basic government services, including the ability to obtain passports abroad. Ukraines government even suspended consular assistance for men living overseas. As Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba bluntly put it: those unwilling to defend the state shouldnt expect its support.

Lowering the draft age is just one of several proposals under consideration. Palisa has argued that military service should be mandatory for all Ukrainian citizens. Maybe we should look at Israels example, he said. If you want a government job or state benefits, you should have to serve, even if only briefly.

According to nv.ua, more than 45,000 women currently serve in the AFU, with over 13,000 recognized as combat veterans. Around 4,000 female soldiers are actively deployed in combat zones.

The idea of drafting women has been floated before. Last year, Oksana Grigorieva, a gender advisor to the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, suggested following Israels model, arguing that Ukraines constitution mandates all citizens  men and women alike  defend the nation. In her view, preparing both genders for combat is no longer optional but a necessity.

Grigorieva warned that Ukraine must be ready to mobilize women in the coming years, given the worsening manpower shortage.

Growing Resistance

As Kievs mobilization efforts grow harsher, public resistance across Ukraine is steadily mounting. After three years of bloody conflict, many no longer view enlistment as an act of patriotism, but as a forced sacrifice demanded by a government increasingly disconnected from the realities faced by its own people.

Right now, people are just trying to hide from the war, Oleinik told RT. This shows that Zelensky and all those MPs and officials who didnt send their own children to fight are determined to wage war at any cost. But for those who dont want to fight, they use force. Force your own children to the front lines first. Set an example. None of them are at the front  not a single child of a deputy.

With millions having fled abroad and the domestic pool of potential recruits rapidly shrinking, Kievs efforts to replenish its forces through coercion risk igniting deeper social unrest. Rather than strengthening Ukraines position, these measures are sowing widespread distrust and disillusionment, further fracturing a society already exhausted by years of war. As mobilization drags on, the governments growing reliance on pressure and fear may ultimately erode the very foundation it seeks to defend.

Read more at: RT.com
50 years on, Washington has learned nothing from defeat in Vietnam

April 30, 2025 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the final, definitive defeat of the U.S. military crusade in Vietnam. The images of U.S. helicopters desperately flying American diplomats and Washingtons high-level South Vietnamese collaborators from the roof of the U.S. embassy in Saigon effectively captured not only the chaotic environment, but also the extent of Washingtons overall policy debacle.The outcome of the war was a humiliating defeat for the United States in every respect.Vietnams reunification under a communist government was now an indisputable reality.Indeed, the United States finally succumbed to the pressure to establish diplomatic relations with that government in 1995.

(Article by Ted Galen Carpenter republished from LibertarianInstitute.org)

Washingtons failed effort over more than two decades to prevent that outcome was extremely expensive financially to the United States, with more than $141 billion expended. Measured in terms of 2025 dollars, that amount would be approximately $838 billion. Even worse was the terrible cost in blood. The war took the lives of more than 58,000 American soldiers and caused an estimated 3.8 million casualties, both civilian and military, in South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Widespread disillusionment about Washingtons armed crusade in Southeast Asia was evident in the United States, and for a few years, the disastrous experience seemed to inoculate the American public against supporting any similar adventures. When Ronald Reagans administration flirted with providing military backing for corrupt client regimes in Central America, there was noticeable pushback, especially from Democrats in Congress. No more Vietnams became a popular mantra throughout the country.

However, a closer look at public attitudes, especially the views of political elites in both parties, would have suggested that the change in Washingtons overall foreign policy orientation was less substantial than it seemed at first glance. There was little resistance to pro-war adventurism elsewhere in the world, as long as U.S. military personnel were not directly at risk. For example, Washingtons policy of using Islamist rebels in Afghanistan to harass Soviet occupation forces received extensive bipartisan support.

Even direct U.S. military involvement received little push back, as long as an American victory was quick and decisive. That point was confirmed when U.S. forces invaded Grenada in 1983 and promptly ousted a pro-communist regime that had recently seized power. The Reagan administrations meddling in Lebanons civil war, though, showed that there remained an extensive public and elite aversion to American casualties. The loss of 241 Marines in the bombing of the U.S. barracks outside Beirut immediately caused the administration to move the remaining troops to ships off shore, and that step was just a prelude to the departure of all U.S. forces from Lebanon.

Although the bruising experience in Vietnam had apparently induced a somewhat greater level of cautionat least temporarilyamong Washingtons political and policy elites with respect to a few specific cases, it had not caused any reconsideration of the foundational assumptions of U.S. foreign policy. In particular, the 1930s model still dominated elite perceptions about world affairs and Americas proper role in the international system: American opinion leaders were still obsessed with preventing the rise of another Hitler. Closely related assumptions were that appeasement never works, aggression had to be stopped in its tracks as soon as signs of it appeared, and that complex, murky geopolitical struggles could be portrayed as stark conflicts between good and evil. Despite the negative consequences of the Vietnam War, those attitudes remained intact.

The continuing ability of such propaganda to sway public opinion in favor of war became apparent during the Persian Gulf crisis in 1990-1991. The simplistic good versus evil narrative was especially tenacious. George H.W. Bushs administration, with the active assistance of a hawkish news media, succeeded in convincing the American public that not only was Iraqs Saddam Hussein a monstrously evil ruler, but also that he posed a threat to world order comparable to Hitlers.

It was a preposterous notion for multiple reasons. First, Washington had viewed Saddam as a valuable client throughout Iraqs multi-year war of aggression against Irans revolutionary government. The Iraqi leader got into trouble with Washington only when he failed to win the fight against Tehran and then had the temerity to seize Kuwait (a longstanding Iraqi territorial claim) without Washingtons permission. Bush administration officials and their media allies exaggerated Iraqs military capabilities and invented inflammatory atrocity stories to justify a war against Iraq waged by a U.S.-dominated international coalition.

The surprisingly easy victory by coalition forces largely erased the lessons of caution remaining from the Vietnam experience. Administration officials and other members of Washingtons pro-war elite gloated that America had finally overcome the Vietnam Syndrome. When the dissolution of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991 left the United States as the sole remaining global power, that development eliminated the last restraint on U.S. military adventurism.

The painful lessons of the defeat in Vietnam have been largely forgotten, and the current generation of U.S. policymakers is at least as reckless as any of its predecessors. The prevailing approach to international conflicts has a dreary, formulaic aspect: exaggerate the severity of the threat to both international peace and Americas security; portray Washingtons adversary as the epitome of evil; and portray any beleaguered U.S. client as both an innocent victim and a proponent of freedom and democracy. Washingtons dishonest propaganda regarding the war between Russia and Ukraineboth corrupt autocraciesis almost a caricature of that strategy.

The litany of Washingtons military interventions and proxy wars since VietnamAfghanistan, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan (again), Libya, Syria, Yemen, and most dangerous of all, Ukraineall convey the extent to which U.S. policy elites and much of the U.S. public have remained impervious to the deeper meaning of the Vietnam debacle. As one cynical observer said to me, The only enduring lesson from the Vietnam War appears to be dont go to war in a country called Vietnam. Such a pervasive failure of policymakers and the American people to learn more substantial lessons may be that horrible conflicts most tragic and lasting legacy.

Read more at: LibertarianInstitute.org
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred Liberation Hero Status on the late veteran of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, Elias Sikholiwe Njani Moyo, who passed away on April 26 at the age of 100.Moyo, a revered nationalist and long-time member of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), will be laid to rest on Saturday at Terelyne Village under Chief Gwebu in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province. He died at Mater Dei Hospital after a prolonged illness.In a tribute shared by his great-grandson and family spokesperson, Mr Mkhululi Chimoio, the family expressed gratitude for the national recognition, noting Moyo's sacrifices in pursuit of Zimbabwe's independence."Mr Moyo dedicated his life selflessly to the liberation of Zimbabwe and the empowerment of its people. His unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom resulted in his imprisonment for life by the Smith regime - a sacrifice emblematic of his deep love for the nation," Chimoio said.Beyond his contribution to the liberation movement, Moyo was a respected businessman in Mawabeni, where he worked to uplift local communities through entrepreneurship and mentorship. "He played a significant role in uplifting communities through economic empowerment and business development, with many families benefiting from his wisdom, leadership, and foresight," said Chimoio.Moyo was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1976 at the age of 50, following the alleged killing of a white storekeeper, Mr Leonard Ashly, at Mbalabala. Rhodesian media reports at the time claimed Moyo had harboured three freedom fighters at his home for four nights, who were then accused of carrying out the shooting.One such article, titled "This man lost all  through helping the terrorists," accused Moyo of destroying his life by aiding the fighters. The propaganda piece highlighted the personal losses he endured - from losing his business and steady income to selling his cattle to pay legal fees - in an apparent attempt to discourage others from supporting the liberation cause.After independence, Moyo was pardoned by the new government, and his life came to symbolize the resilience, sacrifice, and dignity of Zimbabwe's freedom fighters who endured persecution under colonial rule.His burial on Saturday is expected to be attended by senior government officials, war veterans, and members of the public who remember his unwavering contribution to the liberation and development of Zimbabwe.
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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.
CBC

The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows an uptick in the amount of fentanyl seized near the American northern border with Canada  but the quantities intercepted remain a tiny fraction of what's coming from Mexico.The figures show U.S. border guards hauled in a relatively miniscule amount of the deadly drug in the first few months of the 2024-25 fiscal year  often reporting 0.5 kilograms or less seized  before a jump in April and May, when officials captured six and 14 kilograms, respectively, near the Canadian boundary.Those busts mean more fentanyl has been seized along the northern border so far this year than in all of 2023-24. Between October 2024 and May, the U.S. has captured 26 kilograms compared to the 19.5 kilograms taken over the 12 previous months.At the U.S. southwestern border with Mexico, by comparison, officials have so far seized some 3,700 kilograms of fentanyl this fiscal year  enough product to potentially kill hundreds of thousands of drug users and easily dwarfing what officials uncovered coming from Canada.A CBP spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment for this story.The border data does not offer specifics on how or where the fentanyl was seized, or why there was a notable uptick near the northern boundary in the last two months. What is known is that there were seven "seizure events" in April and five in May.The illegal fentanyl seized by border officials has taken the form of pills and powder. (Mark Schiefelbein/The Associated Press)In an interview with CBC News, Canada's fentanyl czar, Kevin Brosseau, said he's concerned about the Americans taking in more of the drug, saying a single gram captured anywhere near the border is too much.Brosseau said it's possible that, with U.S. President Donald Trump's focus on the southern border, some criminal elements may be turning to Canada."If additional pressure is put on one side, they'll look to go somewhere else," Brosseau said of the cartels that move these drugs."We've got to be inhospitable," he said, promising to continue an aggressive approach to intercepting drugs and those that traffic them. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government recently introduced legislation that would help do just that."We're really focused on closing them off," Brosseau said of drug-toting criminals. "Anything going south from Canada ought to be stopped."Canada's fentanyl czar Kevin Brosseau was appointed in February soon after the U.S. trade war began. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)While troubled by the slight uptick in fentanyl seizures, Brosseau said he took some comfort from a new report by the Manhattan Institute, a U.S.-based think-tank, that shows Canada has not been the main supplier of fentanyl to the States  far from it.From 2013 to 2024, 99 per cent of pills and 97 per cent of powder-form fentanyl captured in large seizures at U.S. land borders came from Mexico, researchers found  with "large" being defined as over a kilogram of powder or more than 1,000 pills, quantities indicative of wholesale trafficking."The greater source of this problem for the U.S. is Mexico and this is one more study that confirms that," Brosseau said."It replicates what we've been saying from the get-go," he said.Brosseau says he speaks every day with U.S. officials. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)The report found the pattern of Mexico being an outsized source of fentanyl for the U.S. has held up in recent years  despite Trump's claims that the drug is "pouring in" from Canada and justifies punitive tariffs. Carney is locked in negotiations to get Trump's fentanyl-related border tariffs, and the other ones, lifted by month's end.In 2023-24, U.S. counties on the border with Mexico, which make up 2.35 per cent of the American population, accounted for about 40 per cent of large fentanyl seizures, researchers found.The counties along the border with Canada, meanwhile, which hold 3.1 per cent of the U.S. population, accounted for less than 2.5 per cent of large seizures.WATCH | U.S. drugs and guns are entering Canada:In an interview with CBC News, Jonathan Caulkins, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College in Pittsburgh and a co-author of that research report, said "the stuff we seize at the northern border is a very small share" of the U.S. supply."Does any fentanyl cross from Canada to the United States? Sure. Some amount of drugs crosses the border between any two countries in the world. The real question is where is the bulk of it coming from? And it's not from Canada," he said.While Trump and his officials point to an uptick in fentanyl seizures at the northern border, Caulkins said there's a "gigantic increase in the percentage because it is starting from an extremely low base."In 2023-24, for example, CBP captured less than a kilogram, before taking in about 19.5 kilograms the next year. That works out to a roughly 1,850 per cent increase  an eye-popping figure that obscures how little is really being seized.While fentanyl is produced and trafficked in Canada, data shows far more comes from Mexico. (Mark Schiefelbein/The Associated Press)U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem raised those percentage increases during a recent visit to Michigan, where she said former prime minister Justin Trudeau was a "train wreck" and Trump and his team "are not letting down our guard."While the trafficking figures are comparatively small, that doesn't mean Canada is a fentanyl-free zone, Caulkins said.After all, more than 52,000 apparent opioid toxicity deaths were reported between January 2016 and December 2024 in Canada, according to federal data. In 2024, 74 per cent of those deaths involved fentanyl.Late last year, police in B.C. busted a so-called drug "super lab" that authorities believe was producing fentanyl for both the domestic and U.S. markets. Federal investigators seized 54 kilograms of fentanyl."For both Canada and the United States, the scale of death is just astonishing. I don't want to make it sound like the implication of this is, 'Hey, just relax," Caulkins said."But the movement between our two borders is really not the important story. We are alike in suffering from this fentanyl problem that neither of us are causing."U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the country won't 'let down our guard' when it comes to Canada. (Paul Sancya/The Associated Press)Caulkins said Canada and the U.S. would be well served by working even more closely together to try and crack down on fentanyl, saying an antagonistic approach is counterproductive."If you really care about controlling your border, the most important thing to do is work in a co-operative way with the country that's on the other side," he said.That's what Brosseau is trying to do.Brosseau said that in his five months on the job, he's helped foster more intelligence-sharing between the two countries, which has helped lead to more seizures here.Just last month, Ontario Provincial Police reported recent law enforcement work resulted in the seizure of some 43.5 kilograms of fentanyl, equivalent to roughly 435,000 potentially lethal street-level doses.Brosseau says recent results from law enforcement show how seriously Canada is taking illegal fentanyl. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)"Seemingly every week there's another significant bust. I think that speaks to the fact that there's a greater intensity to the effort," Brosseau said.And the czar said he speaks every working day to the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy, which reports directly to Trump, and the Americans there have shown "deep appreciation and recognition" of Canada's efforts to get a handle on fentanyl."Canada is on it. We're doing our part to be a good neighbour," he said.
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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 UK 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 nurses - the percentage of nurses from the European Union (EU) employed in NHS hospital organisations 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 labour 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 healthcare 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 healthcare professionals, to prevent similar quality of hospital service deteriorations in the future."
An increase in physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 could help prevent Alzheimer's disease, while inactivity may be detrimental to brain health. This is the main conclusion of a scientific paper published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, which highlights the need to promote physical activity among middle-aged adults. The study is the result of a collaboration between the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center promoted by the "la Caixa" Foundation, and the Barcelonaeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), a research centre of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation.

It is estimated that 13% of Alzheimer's disease cases worldwide can be attributed to physical inactivity. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity per week. While extensive research has shown that exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease by improving cardiovascular and mental health, recent studies suggest that physical activity may have a direct impact on the development of brain pathology associated with the disease.

The study, led by Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, researcher at ISGlobal, included 337 participants from the ALFA+ longitudinal cohort, part of the ALFA study (ALzheimer's and FAmilies) at the BBRC, supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation.

We conducted a four-year follow-up of middle-aged residents of Catalonia with a family history of Alzheimer's disease." Muge Aknc, doctoral researcher at ISGlobal and the BBRC at the time of the study and first author of the paper

"We used physical activity questionnaires to assess changes in activity over a four-year period and neuroimaging tests to analyse the effects of exercise on brain structure and function," she adds. Participants were classified as adherent (meeting WHO recommendations), non-adherent (doing less than the recommended amount of physical activity), and sedentary (doing zero minutes of physical activity per week).

Benefits of physical activity on brain mechanisms

Beta-amyloid (A) is a protein that can impair neural communication when it accumulates in the brain and is considered the first pathological event in Alzheimer's disease. Participants who increased their physical activity to meet WHO-recommended levels showed less beta-amyloid accumulation than those who remained sedentary or reduced their physical activity. Moreover, this effect appeared to be dose-dependent; the greater the increase in activity, the greater the reduction in amyloid burden.

Non-sedentary participants also showed a greater cortical thickness in brain regions associated with Alzheimer's disease. Cortical thickness in the medial temporal area is crucial for memory, so its thinning or atrophy (loss of volume) is an early sign of neurodegeneration.

"Even those who did less physical activity than recommended had greater cortical thickness than sedentary people, suggesting that any amount of exercise, no matter how minimal, has health benefits," explains Muge Aknc.

More exercise as a prevention strategy

The research team looked at both the increase in physical activity and the adherence to WHO recommendations. They observed that the benefits of physical activity appear to be related to increasing activity over time, rather than reaching a specific activity threshold.

"These findings reinforce the importance of promoting physical activity in middle age as a public health strategy for Alzheimer's prevention," emphasises Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, ISGlobal researcher and lead investigator of the study. "Interventions aimed at promoting increased physical activity could be key to reducing the incidence of the disease in the future," she concludes.
Crude Oil Prices Cool Off After Supply Surge Sparks Selloff

Published By :

Reuters

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:24 IST

Oil prices steadied in early Asian trade on Thursday, finding footing a day after a steep decline triggered by signs that Saudi Arabia could increase output

Oil Prices

Oil prices steadied in early Asian trade on Thursday, finding footing a day after a steep decline triggered by signs that Saudi Arabia could increase output and data showing the U.S. economy contracted.

Brent crude futures gained 7 cents, or 0.1%, at $61.13 a barrel as at 0318 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 1 cent or 0.02%, at $58.22. WTI closed at its lowest since March 2021 on Wednesday.

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In the near term, the path of least resistance remains tilted to the downside," said Sugandha Sachdeva, founder of SS WealthStreet, a New Delhi-based research firm.

The dual impact of deteriorating demand and looming supply expansion has created a pessimistic outlook for crude, with Brent crude appearing vulnerable to test $55 per barrel," Sachdeva said.

Saudi Arabia is telling allies and industry experts that it is unwilling to prop up the oil market with supply cuts and can manage a prolonged period of low prices, sources told Reuters.

Several OPEC+ members will suggest the group accelerates output hikes in June for a second consecutive month, three people familiar with OPEC+ talks have said. Eight OPEC+ countries will meet on May 5 to decide a June output plan.

Any surprise in the pace or scale of production adjustments could significantly influence volatility in the sessions ahead," Sachdeva said.

In the U.S., the worlds biggest oil consumer, the economy contracted for the first time in three years in the first quarter, swamped by a flood of imports as businesses raced to avoid higher costs from tariffs and underscoring the disruptive nature of President Donald Trumps often chaotic trade policy.

Trumps tariffs have made it probable the global economy will slip into recession this year, a Reuters poll suggested.

A demand outlook clouded by trade disputes coupled with an OPEC+ decision to increase supply will weigh on oil prices this year, a Reuters poll showed on Wednesday.

Analytics firm Kpler has revised its 2025 global oil demand growth forecast to 640,000 barrels per day from 800,000 bpd, citing rising Sino-U.S. trade tension and weak Indian demand.

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A survey of 40 economists and analysts in April projected Brent crude to average $68.98 a barrel in 2025, versus Marchs estimate of $72.94. They expect U.S. crude to average $65.08 a barrel rather than $69.16 seen last month.

US crude oil stockpiles fell by 2.7 million barrels last week on higher export and refinery demand, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. That compared with analysts expectations in a Reuters poll for a 429,000 barrel rise.

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

First Published: May 01, 2025, 09:19 IST
Pune Rural Faces CNG Crisis As PDA Halts Sales From May 1 Over Supply Issues

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:45 IST

The Petrol Dealers Association (PDA) Pune announces to halt all CNG sales to Torrent outlets in rural over delayed and inconsistent supply from May 01.

The PDA has requested the district collector and other authorities to take remedial action to ensure a regular supply of CNG.

PNG Crisis: The supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Pune rural will come to a halt after the Petrol Dealers Association (PDA) Pune announced the suspension of all CNG sales at Torrent Gas-operated outlets from May 1. According to Hindustan Times, this decision is a response to continuous irregular supply and daily shortages lasting more than six to eight hours.

Impact On Pump Owners and Public

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The HT report highlighted that pump owners are frustrated with the consistent supply issues, which have resulted in long queues regularly.

Dhruv Ruparel, president of PDA Pune, said as cited by HT, Torrent Gas had failed to resolve the issue despite multiple complaints and follow-ups. He said this had caused severe inconvenience to consumers, especially public transport vehicles, private users, and emergency services. The disruption, he added, had significantly impacted mobility and daily livelihoods in the region.

The PDA has requested the district collector and other authorities to take remedial action to ensure a regular supply of CNG, aiming to avoid public inconvenience. The suspension is meant to draw attention to the challenges faced by dealers and the public.

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Reactions From CNG Users

However, the decision has not been well-received by many CNG users. Rajesh Kulkarni, an auto-rickshaw driver from Talegaon, expressed his concerns to HT, This is going to make our lives even harder. We already wait in long queues every day, sometimes up to two hours, and then find out that there is no gas left. Now with this suspension, we dont know where to go. Our income depends on our ability to keep the rickshaw running, and without CNG, we are stuck. The government or gas company must step in and ensure a reliable supply. We cannot survive like this."

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: May 01, 2025, 09:45 IST
GSEB HSC SSC Result 2025 Date: When Will Gujarat Board Class 10th, 12th Result Be Released?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 11:18 IST

GSEB HSC SSC Result 2025: The Gujarat Board will announce Class 10 and 12 results in early May. Check results on gseb.org.

GSEB SSC HSC Result 2025: Gujarat board class 10th and 12th exams were held between February 27 and March 17, 2025. (Representational image/File)

GSEB HSC SSC Result 2025: The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB), Gandhinagar will soon announce the results for the HSC (Class 12th) and SSC (Class 10th) examinations. As per the previous years trends, the GSEB HSC SSC Results 2025 are expected to be declared in the first half of May. The Gujarat Board Class 10, 12 Result 2025 will be available for download on the official website  gseb.org, once released.

GSEB HSC SSC Result 2025: Expected Date

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In 2024, the Class 10 results were declared on May 11, while the Class 12 results came slightly earlier, on May 9. Similarly, in 2023, the HSC results were released on May 2, followed by SSC results on May 25. Considering this pattern, students can expect the GSEB HSC Result 2025 in the first week of May, with the SSC Result to follow shortly after.

Where To Check Gujarat Board 10th, 12th Results 2025?

Students will be able to check and download their GSEB HSC and SSC results through the official website  gseb.org, once declared.

How To Check GSEB HSC SSC Result 2025 Online?

Step 1: Visit the official GSEB website  gseb.org

Step 2: On the hompeage, click on the link for GSEB 12th Result 2025 or GSEB 10th Result 2025

Step 3: On the newly opened page, enter your roll number, date of birth and other required credentials

Step 4: Click on the submit button and your GSEB Result 2025 will be displayed on the screen

Step 5: Download your GESB SSC/HSC Result 2025 and take prinout for future reference

GSEB HSC, SSC Result 2025: Previous Year Stats

In 2024, the GSEB recorded commendable performance across both Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) exams. For HSC, the Science stream achieved a pass percentage of 82.45%, while the General stream outperformed with an impressive 91.93%.

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The SSC results also showed strong outcomes. The overall pass percentage for Class 10 stood at 82.56%. Girls continued to outshine boys with a pass percentage of 86.69%, compared to 79.12% for boys. Out of the 6,99,598 students who appeared for the exam, 5,77,556 successfully cleared it.

This year, the GSEB SSC exams were conducted from February 27 and March 13, 2025, while the Gujarat HSC exams were held from February 27 to March 17, 2025.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 11:14 IST
JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 Declared: 79.94% Students Pass, Girls Outshine Boys

Curated By :



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 06:57 IST

JKBOSE 10th Result 2025: Jammu and Kadhmir Board secondary school exam results are now available on jkresults.nic.in.

JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 declared at jkresults.nic.in. (Representative/File)

JKBOSE Class 10th Result 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Secondary Education (JKBOSE) has announced the class 10th board exam results on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Students who appeared for the JKBOSE class 10 board exams can now check and download their scorecards via the official website- jkresults.nic.in.

The Class 10 exams for soft zones were held from February 15 to March 19 while for hard zones, it was conducted from February 21 to March 24, 2025. A total of 1,45,671 students appeared for the JKBOSE Class 10 exams this year, of which 1,16,453 passed and 29,093 did not qualify. This results in an overall pass percentage of 79.94%.

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The girls once again outperformed the boys. The pass percentage for girls was 81.24%, while boys recorded 78.74%. Of the 70,244 girls who appeared, 57,063 passed, compared to 59,390 boys out of 75,427.

JKBOSE 10th Result 2025: How To Check?

Step 1: Visit the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Secondary Education (JKBOSE) official website at jkresults.nic.in Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link that reads Result of Secondary School Examination (Class 10th), Annual Regular 2025 (Jammu and Kashmir Division)" Step 3: On the newly opened page, fill enter your roll number and registration number Step 4: Click on the Submit" button and your JKBOSE Class 12 Result 2025 will appear on the screen Step 5: Download the result and take a printout for future reference Direcgt Link To Check JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 JKBOSE 10th Result 2025: How To Check via SMS? Step 1: Type JKBOSE Roll Number Step 2: Send it to 567675 You will receive your JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 on SMS top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 06:57 IST
Tamil Nadu Schools May Extend Summer Vacations, Reopen Late Due To Heatwave

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 15:45 IST

Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said school reopening date would be finalised only after assessing the severity of the heatwave.

For younger students, finals exams were preponed due to the intensifying heat. (Representational Image)

Amid surging summer temperatures, the Tamil Nadu government is reconsidering its earlier decision to reopen schools on June 2, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said Tuesday, signalling a potential extension of the summer break.

Speaking to reporters in Trichy, where temperatures have soared beyond 40 degrees Celsius, the minister said the reopening date would be finalised only after assessing the severity of the heatwave in consultation with Chief Minister MK Stalin. We will take a decision based on the weather conditions and prioritize the safety of students, he stated, noting the sweltering conditions already gripping several districts.

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The state had originally scheduled school reopening for early June following a comprehensive exam season that concluded last month. Public exams for Class 12 were held from March 3 to 22, with over 8.2 lakh students appearing. Class 11 exams followed between March 5 and 27, and Class 10 exams took place from March 28 through early April, with more than 9.1 lakh students sitting for the final exams.

For younger students, finals exams were preponed due to the intensifying heat. Classes 1 to 5 completed their exams between April 7 and 10, while assessments for Classes 6 to 9 were wrapped up by April 12. With the summer break formally beginning on March 26, students and parents are now awaiting exam results while also keeping an eye on the weather, and the revised school calendar.

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Meteorological forecasts for Tamil Nadu indicate that May could be significantly hotter than average, with many regions already experiencing heatwave conditions. This has prompted educators and health officials to call for caution and reconsideration of the reopening timeline, especially in districts like Trichy, Vellore, and Madurai.

In addition to the reopening update, Mahesh also issued a stern warning to private schools regarding fee structures. Strict action will be taken against any institution that collects fees beyond the government-fixed cap," he said, adding that complaints of overcharging would be swiftly investigated and penalised.

Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 15:45 IST
UPSC CMS, IES/ISS Exam Schedule 2025 Released; Check Full Timetable Here

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 13:50 IST

UPSC CMS, IEE/ISS Exam 2025: As per the official notice, the IES/ISS 2025 will be held on June 20, 21 and 22, 2025. While the CMS will be held on July 20, 2025.

andidates can check the full schedule by visiting the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in. (Representational image/File)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released exam schedule for Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2025 as well as the Combined Medical Services Examination, 2025. Candidates can check the full schedule by visiting the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in.

As per the official notice, the IES/ISS 2025 will be held on June 20, 21 and 22, 2025. While the CMS will be held on July 20, 2025.

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UPSC IES/ISS Full Exam Schedule 2025:

UPSC CMS Full Exam Schedule 2025:

UPSC CMS, IEE/ISS Exam Schedule 2025: How To Check?

Step 1. Visit the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in.

Step 2. Click on CMS or IEE/ISS exam 2025 timetable links on the home page.

Step 3. The schedule will appear on the screen as a PDF.

Step 4. Download and take a print out of the page for further use.

Candidates are required to arrive at the examination venue at least 30 minutes before the start of each session. The Commission has set a seven-day time frame, from the day after the examination date until 6 PM on the seventh day, for candidates to submit representations regarding the questions asked in the examination papers. These representations must be submitted only through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)" available on the official portal.

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UPSC released the CSE results on April 21. Shakti Dubey emerged as the All India Rank 1 holder in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Dubey secured 51.5 per cent or 1043 marks in the civil service examination. The topper got 843 out of 1750 marks in the written exam and 200 out of 275 marks in the interview. She triumphed in her fifth attempt after enduring disappointments in the previous four attempts. In 2023, she missed the cut-off by 12 marks after the interview stage.

The second spot was secured by Harshita Goyal followed by Dongre Archit Parag at the third spot. Shah Margi Chirag and Aakash Garg took the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 13:34 IST
Last Updated: May 02, 2025, 10:11 IST

WBBSE West Bengal 10th Board Result 2025 Live Updates: Students can check their results on the official website at webresults.nic.in.

WBBSE Madhyamik Result 2025 Live Updates: The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has officially announced the Madhyamik results today, May 2, 2025, at 9 AM. Students will be able to access their results online at wbbse.wb.gov.in from 9:45 AM onwards. Additionally, schools can collect the marksheets and pass certificates from their designated Camp Offices starting at 10 AM on the same day.

Once declared, students can check their scores on the official websites  wbbse.wb.gov.in and wbresults.nic.in  as well as via SMS and DigiLocker.

To pass the exam, students must obtain a minimum of 34% in aggregate. Those who do not meet the qualifying criteria will have the option to apply for Post Publication Review (PPR) or Post Publication Scrutiny (PPS) once the results are published.

In 2024, the Madhyamik results were also declared on May 2. That year, 9,23,013 students appeared for the examination, and the overall pass percentage stood at 86.31%. In comparison, the 2023 results were announced on May 19, with over six lakh students appearing and a pass rate of 86.15%.

(Follow this live blog for West Bengal 10th Result 2025 or WB Board Madhyamik Result 2025 direct link, pass percentage and more.)
Deflating RaGas Key Weapon Before Bihar Polls Or U-Turn? Decoding BJPs Nod For Caste Census

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 12:38 IST

Gandhi is left without a weapon six months ahead of Bihar election and this may not just affect the electoral fortune of the Congress but also harm its likely ally RJD

Beyond what the future may hold, the present clearly puts BJP in a politically advantageous position. (PTI)

After Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with the three service chiefs and the CDS on Tuesday, followed by the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday morning, expectations from the Cabinet Committee for Political Affairs were a ratification in that direction. But what came next was a surprise for not only Indias political opposition but also most Indiansthe Centre agreeing to the caste census.

The untimely announcement caught most opposition parties that have roots in supposed samajwad unawares. Even the Congress, which has been espousing the cause for a long time, was left scrambling for a response.

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TIMING SUPREME

The timing of the announcement seems to be deliberate. Bihar elections are scheduled between October and November this year. Bihar was the first state in India, albeit in a non-NDA government, that went for a caste survey. Considered the most caste-sensitive state where SCs constitute 19.65 per cent of the population, STs make up 1.68 per cent, and OBCs account for 27.12 per cent, Bihar is set to see elections in just six months where BJP will be seen as the one who implemented a long-standing demand.

Moreover, it also sends out a message to the people at large that while India is focused on avenging the Pahalgam massacre, unlike Pakistan, lifeand politicshave not come to a standstill. In fact, India is entrenched in forward planning.

DEFLATING RGs KEY WEAPON?

What the announcement also did was deflate a big weapon of Rahul Gandhi before the key Bihar Battle. Gandhi, who has been championing the issue of caste census and coined the phrase Jitna Aabadi, Utna Haq (rights according to population), is now left without a weapon six months ahead of Bihar election. This may not just affect the electoral fortune of the Congressunless it creates another equally potent issueit may also harm its likely ally RJD.

In a press conference, Gandhi took credit for the governments decision. 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. Dont know what happened but suddenly after 11 years, Caste census has been announced." He later tweeted that his pressure worked".

It is clear that the pressure we put on the government for Caste census has worked. But we dont intend to stop here:  We will ensure they conduct a comprehensive and consultative census  a peoples census, not a bureaucratic census  We will continue to press  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 30, 2025

Though BJP was quick to counter this with the partys Amit Malviya saying: 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." Malviya was referring to Shahs comments in a press conference marking 100 days of the third term of the NDA government where Shah said any decision on conducting a caste census will be made public".

WHAT NEXT?

While BJP has surprised its opponents and seized the day, many seem to question what next and how far the BJP can go in future?

This is pertinent because Rahul Gandhi made it clear in Wednesdays press conference that he does not intend to stop here. He has listed his next course of actions that include removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations that he called arbitrary", implement a central law for SC/ST sub-plan and guarantee budget allocations. If thats not all, Gandhi has also declared his mission of implementing reservation in private education.

This is the will of the people of India and the Modi government has no option but to follow it," he said.

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BJPs Malviya has reminded Gandhi that Congress itself woke up to the issue late. In 2011, the Congress-led UPA government initiated the Socio-Economic and Caste census, which included a caste componentthe first such attempt since 1931," he hit back. He further accused the Congress of failing to release the caste data, citing inconsistencies.

Beyond what the future may hold, the present clearly puts BJP in a politically advantageous position, even though it has taken a U-turn from its stated position where it consistently attacked opposition parties for backing caste census. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave the clarion call of Batenge Toh Katenge during the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh as he urged the Hindu community in India to stay united, while PM Modis Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain slogan was credited for the Maharashtra assembly poll win.

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: May 01, 2025, 12:34 IST
How The Next Pope Could Be Elected Over A Slice Of Pizza | Explained

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 12:17 IST

In 2005, after the death of Pope John Paul II, a group of cardinals met at a restaurant in Rome, and lobbied for German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI

Pietro Parolin, who was number two to Pope Francis and is considered as one of the contenders in the papal race, loves his oven-baked fish. (Vatican Media via AP)

With just a few days left for the papal election, the cardinals of the Sistine Chapel in Italy are engaged in intense discussions on the next pope over pizzas, bottles of wine in the cobbled lanes of Borgo, away from the Vatican City State.

Cardinals from around the world are lunching and dining in corners to talk about the legacy of Pope Francis, who died last week, after prolonged lung illness at the age of 88.

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Tagliatelle Talks To Appoint New Pontiff

The cardinals discussions, exchanges of ideas, voting strategies and gossips will prove crucial when they will enter the frescoed areas of the Sistine Chapel on May 7 for the conclave.

The cardinals are seen engaging in deep conversations over Italian food in Borgo  a medieval street just a short stroll from St Peters Square.

The Telegraph reports the area has several speciality shops for 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.

Among the restaurants frequented 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 has warned that the next pope should reject the progressive path laid by Pope Francis and return to traditional doctrine, the report added.

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.

He further said it is 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.

What Do The Cardinals Like To Eat?

Many restaurants around the Vatican City know what the cardinals like to eat. The trattoria (family-run homestyle restaurants) named Marcantonio after the two brothers who own it, is a popular choice among the cardinals. Antonio Statuto, one of the brothers, told The Times, They come here for lunch and dinner. We mostly get foreign cardinals rather than Italians."

Pietro Parolin, who was number two to Pope Francis and 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.

Leopoldo Solorzano, a Nicaraguan cardinal, has a weakness for gelato. His favourite flavour is said to be dulce de leche with caramel, given that it was invented for Pope Francis on his election in 2013.

Federica Gianmaria, the owner of Arlu, said most of the cardinals enjoy 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.

Cardinals Dont Just Plot Their Move Over Wines & Pastas

Each morning, they meet for behind-closed-door discussions at the Vatican called General Congregations. 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, reports say.

Pietro Parolin reportedly changes venue almost every day so that he cannot be tracked down by curious journalists.

Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, said the focus of the discussions is about the role of the Church in todays world, and the challenges it faces. 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."

How Long Will The Papal Conclave Last?

The papal conclave is set for May 7, when the cardinals will meet for morning Mass at St. Peters Basilica to choose the next pope. Conclaves are usually held 15 to 20 days after the popes death.

The longest modern conclave lasted over five days when Pope Pius X was elected in 1903.

The longest conclave in history took place in the 13th century. The papacy was vacant for nearly three years, or 34 months, until Gregory X was elected in 1271, according to the Catholic news agency EWTN Vatican.

The cardinals had gathered in the city of Viterbo, in the north of Rome, where Pope Clement IV died in 1268. French cardinals wanted a French pope, and Italian cardinals wanted an Italian to lead the church. Local authorities finally locked the cardinals in a palace to help expedite the process that led to the election of Gregory, a native of Italy with strong ties to France.

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Gregory later formalised rules for future votes, and the term conclave" emerged from the process.

During its nearly 2,000-year history, the Roman Catholic Church has seen 266 popes, with the first being St. Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ.

About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev... Read More Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 12:13 IST
Why The Water Dispute Between Punjab And Haryana Has Rekindled? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 14:55 IST

The water row between Punjab and Haryana dates back to the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966, when Haryana was carved out as a separate state

Punjab has slashed Haryanas daily water supply from 9,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs. CM Bhagwant Mann said his state has no surplus water to share. (PTI/File)

Amidst the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the water row between the Punjab and Haryana governments has resurfaced, with the latter demanding 8,500 cusecs from the Bhakra Nangal Dam, claiming it has no water for domestic use.

Punjab has categorically refused water to Punjab, saying there is no water to spare.

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What Is The Row Between Punjab And Haryana?

The Punjab government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has slashed Haryanas daily water supply from 9,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann defended the move, saying his state has no surplus water to share.

Mann stated that Punjabs water accounting runs from a one-year period beginning May 21, and Haryanas allocation had been fully utilised.

He highlighted low water levels in key reservoirs, noting that the Ranjit Sagar Dam is 39 ft lower than last year, and the Pong Dam is down by 24 ft. We have no extra drop to give".

Meanwhile, Haryanas Nayab Singh Saini called Manns statement misleading", and accused Punjab of violating a long-standing water-sharing agreement.

On April 29, Haryana Irrigation Minister Shruti Chaudhary met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in Delhi to seek Central governments intervention. She warned that the reduction could severely impact drinking water and irrigation in Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Rohtak, and Mahendragarh districts.

History Of Water Row

The water dispute between the two states goes back to the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966, when Haryana was carved out as a separate state. The allocation of river waters, particularly from the Sutlej and Beas rivers, became contentious from that point.

According to the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, the waters of Satluj, Ravi and Beas were allocated to India for its exclusive use.

According to the 1981 water-sharing agreement done by Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, facilitated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Haryana is entitled to a fixed share of water from the Bhakra Canal.

The agreement estimates the net surplus of Ravi Beas waters at 17.17 million acre-feet (MAF) while Punjab was allotted 4.22 MAF to Punjab, Haryana 3.50 MAF, and Rajasthan 8.60 MAF.

On April 8, 1982, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi launched the construction of the YSL canal in Kapoori village, Patiala district. The canal was to be 214-km long, of which 122 km was to run across Punjab and 92 km across Haryana.

Punjabs Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was not happy and launched a protest against the construction  the Kapoori Morcha.

In July 1985, then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi met then-SAD chief Harchand Singh Longowal and signed an accord, agreeing to a new tribunal to assess the water. The Eradi Tribunal was set up, headed by Supreme Court Judge V Balakrishna Eradi. In 1987, it recommended an increase in the shares of Punjab and Haryana to 5 MAF and 3.83 MAF, respectively, according to reports.

Until recently, Punjab supplied Haryana with 9,500 cusecs daily, but this was abruptly cut to 4,000 cusecs, causing a dispute between the two governments.

Why Punjab Is Reluctant To Help

Punjab, which is grappling with the fast depleting groundwater, is stressing the use of canal water.

The state has spent Rs 4,000 crore on reviving 79 abandoned canals and 1,600 km of water channels (khal") that had either been filled or remained closed, as farmers relied more on pumping groundwater through tubewells rather than using canal water.

As per The Tribune, Punjabs own utilisation of canal water has increased by 12-13% in the depletion period.

Action On SYL Project

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has criticised the Centre for failing to protect Haryanas interests" in the Sutlej-Yamuna (SYL) issue. Despite the Supreme Court giving a verdict in favour of Haryana on SYL, the government has not been able to get water till date."

He suggested that the Haryana government convene an all-party meeting and a special session of the Assembly to discuss the issue.

The SYL project was envisaged as a 214-km canal, with 122 km to be constructed in Punjab and the remaining 92 km in Haryana. While Haryana has completed its portion of the project, Punjab, which initiated construction in 1982, shelved it subsequently due to the rise in its militancy.

In 1990, chief engineer M L Sekhri and a superintending engineer Avtar Singh Aulakh were killed by militants. Several labourers working on the project were shot dead. In wake of the increasing violence, the construction of the SYL canal was stopped in the 1990s. A large part of it was built, costing over Rs 750 crore, according to News18.com.

In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled that Punjab can continue work on the SYL and complete it in a year. The state refused to oblige; instead, it petitioned for a review of the SC order, which was rejected.

In 2004, following orders by the top court, the Central Public Works Department was appointed to take over the canal work from the Punjab government. However, the state continued to remain defiant.

The Punjab Legislative Assembly passed the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act of 2004, which abrogated all its river water agreements with neighbouring states. Reports said then-president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam referred the Bill to the Supreme Court to decide on its legality in the same year.

The case came up for hearing in the Supreme Court in 2016. In November 2016, the top court said the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act 2004 was illegal.

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However, Punjab decided to denotify 5,376 acres of land that was acquired for the canal and return it to its original owners free of cost.

In February 2017, the SC stuck to its earlier verdict that the construction of the SYL has to be executed and asked Haryana and Punjab to maintain law and order at any cost".

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: May 01, 2025, 14:45 IST
7 Days, 7 Meetings & 1 Excuse By Pakistan To Drag Its Feet On Release Of Detained BSF Jawan

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:29 IST

Top sources told News18 that every meeting, each lasting about 15 minutes, has yielded the same excuse from Pakistani officials: they are awaiting instructions from higher-ups

Officials emphasised that PK Singh had crossed barely 12 meters into Pakistani territoryan incident that could have been resolved within hours if Pakistan had been willing. (PTI)

It has now been seven days since a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, PK Sahu of the 182nd battalion, was captured by Pakistan Rangers after he accidentally crossed the International Border near Punjabs Firozpur. Despite daily meetings between the forces on both sides, the Pakistan Rangers continue to drag their feet, citing lack of orders from senior authorities" as the reason for the jawans continued detention.

Top sources told News18 that every meeting so far, each lasting about 15 minutes, has yielded the same rehearsed excuse from Pakistani officials: they are still awaiting instructions from their higher-ups.

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We have been meeting them daily, but every day, they repeat the same linethat they have not received orders from senior authorities to release the BSF jawan," a senior BSF officer said. They claim they are asking daily, but there has been no movement or direction from their top leadership," the official added.

In the latest meeting held on Wednesday, the Pakistan Rangers once again repeated their now familiar line: We are sorry; we are waiting for orders from senior authorities, but we have not received any order."

Officials emphasised that Sahu had crossed barely 12 meters into Pakistani territoryan incident that could have been resolved within hours if Pakistan had been willing. Instead, even after a full week, no concrete steps have been taken to release the jawan, raising serious concerns about Pakistans intentions.

Such minor accidental crossings have historically been handled with mutual understanding and prompt repatriation by both sides. However, this time, Pakistan appears to be deliberately stalling, likely in the backdrop of rising tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack.

On April 22, terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taibaoperating under the banner of The Resistance Front (TRF)opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people. The brutal attack has reignited anger in India over Pakistans continued support for terrorism.

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Pakistans reluctance to release Sahu immediately mirrors its past tactics, including during the 2019 capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman after the Pulwama terror attack. Then too, Pakistan held the officer for nearly 60 hours before international pressure forced them to release him.

This time, however, Pakistans prolonged silence and inaction over a simple case of accidental border crossing expose its deliberate and provocative approach, further straining already tense relations.

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 : Firozpur, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 09:24 IST
'Indians United Against Terrorism, Don't Demoralise Forces': SC Rebukes Pahalgam Petitioner

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 13:57 IST

The top court refused to the entertain the PIL seeking judicial probe into Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, including foreign tourists were killed.

Supreme Court pulls up petitioners for filing PIL on Pahalgam attack. (File)

Pahalgam Attack: The Supreme Court on Thursday rebuked the petitioners for filing a PIL over Pahalgam terror attack and said that the sensitivity" of the issue should have been looked into before filing such a plea.

While refusing to entertain the PIL seeking judicial probe into Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, including foreign tourists were killed, a bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh berated the petitioners for filing an irresponsible petition" despite the sensitivity of the situation, and underlined the demoralising" impact it could have on the security forces.

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Be responsible before filing such PILs. You have some duty towards country also. Is this the way you want to demoralise forces? Since when have we acquired expertise of investigation? You are asking retired SC judge to investigate. They can only adjudicate. Dont ask us to pass an order", Justice Surya Kant said.

This is not the time. This is the crucial hour when each citizen has joined hands against terrorismdont make any prayer which can demoralize forcesthis is not acceptable to us. Look at sensitivity of the issue", the bench further stated.

The bench further said that judges are not experts in probe of terror cases and instructed the petitioners to not to bring such issues in judicial domain.

The PIL was filed by Kashmiri local Junaid Mohd Junaid and two advocates-Fatesh Kumar Sahu and Vicky Kumar, urging the formation of a judicial commission headed by a retired judge of the top court to investigate the terror attack.

It also sought a minimum security standards for tourist sites in areas prone to conflicts, such as Jammu and Kashmir, reported LiveLaw.

The petitioners also sought a direction to the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to prepare an action plan for ensuring the safety of citizens in tourists areas in the Union Territory.

In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

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Terrorists targeted a group of people, including women and elderly individuals, in the brazen attack afternoon.

After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan downgraded with New Delhi announcing several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and expulsion of its military attaches. In response, Pakistan undertook tit-for-tat measures and suspended the Shimla Agreement.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 13:22 IST
'Clear Violation': Karnataka Minister Says Action Taken Against Bus Driver Over Mid-Route Namaz

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 22:27 IST

Karnataka Transport Minister said that while on duty, the primary responsibility of a government bus driver is to "ensure the safety and timely transport of passengers"

The bus driver was suspended earlier today for reportedly halting the bus on its journey from Hubballi to Haveri to offer prayers.

Citing safety concerns for passengers, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday said it was a clear violation" of rules by the suspended bus driver, who allegedly stopped a state-run vehicle mid-route to offer namaz.

AR Mulla, also known as Nayaz Mulla, a driver-cum-conductor at the Hangal depot, was suspended earlier today for reportedly halting the bus on its journey from Hubballi to Haveri to offer prayers. The vehicle was en route to Vishalgad to Hangal when the incident took place.

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Speaking to News18, Reddy emphasised that while on duty, the primary responsibility of a government bus driver is to ensure the safety and timely transport of passengers".

How can he stop the bus midway to offer namaz? This violates service rules, and we have taken strict action. If we let this go, there will be more such demands in the future," Reddy remarked, clarifying that while everyone has the right to practise their religion, it must be done during personal time.

Its a clear violation, and disciplinary action has been taken," the minister further added.

He noted that the KSRTC employee, in uniform and on duty, was engaged in a religious activity while passengers were onboard. People are free to follow their faith when off duty. But while at work, the focus should be on the job. Work must be worship," Reddy said.

The transport minister also confirmed that he had issued a warning to officials, directing the Managing Director of the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), headquartered in Hubballi, to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

A video recorded by a passenger, which has since gone viral on social media, appears to show Mulla offering prayers behind the drivers seat. He reportedly left the steering wheel, moved to a passenger seat, and began praying. The alleged event took place on the evening of 29 April.

An official familiar with the matter said the bus was delayed by around 20 minutes. Passengers, surprised by the act, recorded the video and shared it with the Transport Department.

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An internal inquiry was launched, and based on the findings so far, the minister ordered his immediate suspension. Until the investigation is completed, Mulla will remain under suspension, during which he is entitled to receive 50% of his salary, the official added.

The inscription on the front of Karnatakas Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Sarkarada Kelasa Devara KelasaGovernment Work is Gods Work"is a reminder that government duties must be carried out with sincerity and responsibility, said a senior official from the states Transport Ministry.

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: May 01, 2025, 22:27 IST
Pahalgam Attack: Farooq Abdullah Calls Pakistan 'Failed State', Says Kashmiris Suffering Most

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 13:59 IST

Farooq Abdullah called Pakistan a 'failed state' and blamed its army for obstructing peace with India. He said friendship is impossible while Pakistan remains under army's control.

Farooq Abdullah speaks to the media (Video screengrab/ANI)

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called Pakistan a failed state" and said there would be no friendship between India and Pakistan if the latter is controlled by its army.

Abdullah also said the people of Pakistan want friendship with India, but the army of the country does not, adding that Kashmiris are the ones suffering the most due to the situation.

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The NC chiefs remarks came in the wake of the deteriorating ties between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, 25 of whom were Indians.

Pakistan is a failed state. Both countries are atomic powers, if both use their atomic bombs, the results would be devastating," Farooq Abdullah said.

There will be no friendship between India and Pakistan until the army controls Pakistan. The people of Pakistan want friendship with India, but their army does not," he said.

Commenting on the Pahalgam attack, Abdullah said, There is no doubt that this was a matter of security and intelligence lapses. Pakistan wouldnt have liked the fact that we were leading our lives very well."

A propaganda was spread among our people as well, so they (Pakistan) resorted to this (Pahalgam attack). But they didnt look at how it was going to affect the Muslims in India," Abdullah said.

A narrative has already been going on for the last 10 years, to eliminate Muslims completely, to burn our mosques. Now, Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir provoked by speaking about the two-nation theory," he added.

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: #PahalgamTerroristAttack |JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah says, " There is no doubt that this was a matter of security and intelligence lapsesThey wouldnt (Pakistan) have liked the fact that we were leading our lives very wellpropaganda was spread pic.twitter.com/g26rELcyjT ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

We are the ones who are getting caught in between," the NC chief said on those spreading hatred in the name of religious beliefs.

We have been seeing this for the last 30-35 years. The people of Kashmir are suffering the most because of this," he added.

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Also speaking about Pakistani nationals asked to leave India following the Pahalgam attack, Abdullah said, This is collateral damage."

Those staying here for 50 years, and their children studying here, are being sent to Pakistan. This is inhuman. I dont think we should go to this extent," he said.

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: May 01, 2025, 13:46 IST
Fight Not Over, Wont Spare A Single Terrorist: Amit Shah's Strong Message On Pahalgam

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 18:39 IST

Home Minister Amit Shah said every single terrorist will be sought after and punished for killing civilians in Pahalgam.

Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Narendra Modi government will uproot terrorism and respond to the Pahalgam terror attack. (IMAGE: X)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday warned terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack that they should not think that they have won the war". In his first public remarks following the Pahalgam, Shah said: The fight is not yet over. They (terrorists) should not think that after killing our 27 people they have won the war," he said, speaking at an event in Assam.

Shah said every single terrorist will be sought after and punished for killing civilians in Pahalgam and said that the Narendra Modi government will uproot terrorism and respond to the Pahalgam terror attack.

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The Minister made the comments at an event in New Delhi where he dedicated a road and unveiled a statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma.

Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Ji dedicated his entire life to the progress of the Bodo community in Assam. It is a matter of immense joy that today his statue is being unveiled and a road is being dedicated in his honour in New Delhi. https://t.co/i5KVVR1XOz Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 1, 2025

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first remarks following the terror attack at a public event in Bihars Madhubani, issued a similar warning. We will go to the ends of the earth to find the perpetrators," PM Modi had said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also vowed a loud and clear" response to the Pahalgam terror attack when he spoke to the press a day after the attack unfolded.

At the event in New Delhi, Shah said that India has a zero tolerance approach to terrorism and that under Narendra Modis leadership, India aims to uproot terrorism" from the country.

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Every single person involved in the attack will receive a befitting reply. The victims of the attack must know that not only is it their personal loss but also a loss for us on a personal level. Whoever carried out dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam will not be spared," he said.

PM Modi will not spare anyone at any cost and has a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism," he further added while speaking at the event where Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present.

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 : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 17:33 IST
How Indias 1996 Sukhoi Deal With Russia Became A Long-Term Liability

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 18:23 IST

India operates 272 Sukhoi-30 jets but remains reliant on Russia for every requirement. Russia is embroiled in its own conflict with Ukraine, raising concerns about future support

Despite domestic production, the country lacks the autonomy to make modifications or export the Sukhoi-30 jets. (PTI File)

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with Islamabad reportedly preparing for a potential retaliatory strike from New Delhi. Against this backdrop, News18 takes a closer look at a key pillar of Indias air powerthe Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, which form the backbone of the Indian Air Force.

India acquired the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets from Russia under a 1996 agreement signed during Prime Minister Narasimha Raos tenure, valued at around Rs 55,000 crore. These jets were brought in to replace the ageing MiG-21 and MiG-27 fleets. Of the 272 Sukhoi-30s currently in service, 50 were directly imported from Russia, while the rest were manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a technology transfer agreement.

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These aircraft have been customised to meet Indian requirements, featuring indigenous systems alongside advanced avionics developed in France and Israel. Powered by thrust-vectoring AL-31FP engines, the Sukhoi-30 boasts a range of 1,500 km. Armed with BrahMos missiles, it is considered one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world. As a result, Indian-manufactured Sukhoi-30s are attracting growing international interest.

However, the deal with Russia came with certain limitations. India signed the agreement with Russias Design Bureau and Irkut Corporation, with HAL assembling 222 aircraft at its Nasik facility. While Russia supplied assembly licences and technical documents, it withheld complete technology for key components such as the engine, radar, and airframe.

As a result, HALs role was largely limited to assembling pre-fabricated parts, preventing India from independently manufacturing the aircraft. Even minor modifications require Russias approval, a dependency that became evident when the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted the supply of spare parts. Despite these challenges, the Sukhoi-30 remains the backbone of the Indian Air Force.

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India has drawn valuable lessons from the limitations of the Sukhoi-30 deal. Despite domestic production, the country lacks the autonomy to make modifications or export the jets. HALs efforts to integrate BrahMos-NG and Astra missiles have been delayed due to limited design expertise.

Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, it remains uncertain how much support Russia will provide in maintaining the combat readiness of the Sukhoi-30 fleet. India operates 272 Sukhoi-30 jets, but for every requirement, it still relies on Russia, which is currently entangled in its own conflict. Russias level of assistance during this critical period will be closely monitored.

First Published: May 01, 2025, 18:21 IST
India Reaches Out To Non-Permanent Members Of UN Security Council On Pahalgam Attack

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:59 IST

EAM Jaishankar held phone calls with his counterparts from the non-permanent members of the UNSC.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. (File photo)

India on Wednesday reached out to Denmark in line with its diplomatic overdrive to apprise the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council about the brutal Pahalgam terror attack with cross-border linkages.

On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterparts from seven non-permanent member nations of the UN Security Council.

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Jaishankar held a phone conversation with his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Wednesday and is understood to have conveyed to him Indias 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.

Jaishankars 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, Jordans 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.

Jaishankars 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 Indias response to the Pahalgam attack.

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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.

First Published: May 01, 2025, 09:59 IST
Infiltration Attempts, Firing & LoC Violations: Here's A Timeline Of Pakistan Terror Module Before Pahalgam Attack

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Mahima Joshi



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 10:10 IST

An assessment of incidents at the borders and cross-border activities indicates that the ISI was frustrated by the prevailing peace in J&K.

Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol the fenced border with Pakistan. (Image: Reuters)

The Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives shook the entire country, raising concerns over the terrorist activities along the Line of Control (LoC). Amid the ongoing investigation, CNN-News18 found that Pakistan was planning attacks much before April and finalised a specific design to make an impact of the attack.

An assessment of incidents at the borders and cross-border activities indicates that the ISI was frustrated by the prevailing peace in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Since the reviewed deployment, the groups that had infiltrated earlier could not carry out attacks in the SPPR (South Pir Panjal Region).

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According to sources, several new methods were attempted before this attack in Pahalgam. Defence sources revealed that at least 2,651 incidents of small-arms fire and several infiltration attempts since January have pointed toward possible attempts to send more groups and destabilise the region.

Additionally, General Asim Munirs speech played a role in the final design, and the attack happened on April 22.

Timeline Of Some Major Incidents Since January

 January 31: Two terrorists were neutralised after movement was detected, and troops opened fire in the Poonch sector along the Line of Control (LoC).

 February 3: In a cold-blooded incident at Behibagh, Wuzur, Kulgam, three innocent citizens Manzoor Ahmed Waghey (Ex Serviceman, 39), wife Mrs Aaina Akhtar (32) and niece Saina Hameed (13) were shot at by terrorists.

 February 11: Two Indian Army personnel lost their lives in a suspected IED blast at the LoC in Akhnoor.

 February 16: Pakistani troops opened small-arms fire on an Indian post across the LoC in the Poonch sector, J&K. The Indian Army retaliated appropriately. IED was also recovered from Pulwama.

 February 21: The armies of India and Pakistan held a flag meeting to discuss the incidents of firing in the Poonch sector.

 February 27: Fire opened at Vehicles of Indian Army in Akhnoor.

 March 23: A Joint operation was launched by J&K Police and troops of Rising Star Corps in the general area Saniyal Hiranagar after inputs.

 April 1: Ceasefire violation in the KG sector.

 April 10: The ceasefire violation issue was raised by the Indian side during a flag meeting.

 April 12: An infiltration bid was foiled; one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) lost his life.

 April 16: General Asim Munir delivered a rhetoric-laden address to overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, escalating anti-India sentiment.

 April 18: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader in Khaigala, Rawalkot (PoK), rails against India, emboldening The Resistance Front (TRF) following the Indian Armys killing of two LeT terrorists.

 April 22: TRF Massacre in Pahalgam The Resistance Front (TRF), an LeT offshoot, conducts a horrific attack, killing 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam, revealing Pakistans proxy terrorism strategy.

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 April 26: Pakistans Defence Ministers Admission Pakistans Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, admits in a British news outlet interview that Pakistan has supported terrorists for over 30 years, undermining Pakistans false flag" narrative.

 April 29: Ceasefire Violation in Pargwal Sector Pakistan breaches the Ceasefire Agreement along the International Border in the Pargwal sector, Jammu, following a pattern of increased unprovoked firing and infiltration attempts.

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

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 09:54 IST
Institutions Must Work In Harmony, Respect Constitutional Limits: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 15:25 IST

Expressing concern over the increasing friction between institutions, Dhankhar said all constitutional bodies must perform their roles with due responsibility and mutual respect.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar weighs in on Executive vs Judiciary debate (PTI File Image)

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has once again weighed in on the delicate balance between the executive and the judiciary, underlining the need for mutual respect and harmony among constitutional institutions.

Speaking during his visit to Uttar Pradesh, Dhankhar stressed the dignity of constitutional positions, stating, Our Constitution places two positions as supreme  the President and the Governor. These offices are meant to preserve, protect, and uphold the Constitution. Making remarks about such dignified posts, in my view, calls for deep reflection."

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The Vice President was in Lucknow to attend the launch of a biography on Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, titled Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain (I Like Challenges). The event, held at AKTU in Jankipuram, was attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, former Governor Kalraj Mishra, and spiritual leader Swami Chidanand Saraswati.

Earlier, Dhankhar was welcomed at the Bakshi Ka Talab Air Force Station by CM Yogi and Governor Patel. The Vice President formally inaugurated the ceremony and released the book.

Expressing concern over the increasing friction between institutions, Dhankhar said all constitutional bodies must perform their roles with due responsibility and mutual respect. There must be coordination between the legislature, executive, and judiciary," he said, adding that a spirit of cooperation is essential to the healthy functioning of democracy.

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Referring to his long legal career, Dhankhar said, I have immense respect for the judiciary. I worked in this field for 40 years. Our judges are among the best. But I appeal  we must work together with collaboration and coordination."

The Vice Presidents comments come amid ongoing national debates about judicial overreach and the limits of constitutional authority, a subject he has addressed on multiple occasions in the past. Just weeks ago, Dhankhar had asserted that Parliament is supreme" and that those elected by the people are the ultimate masters," cautioning against any attempt by the judiciary to act as a super legislature." His remarks were widely seen as a veiled criticism of recent Supreme Court directives that, according to him, encroached on the executives domain.

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: May 01, 2025, 15:16 IST
Last Updated: May 02, 2025, 23:45 IST

Security personnel inspect the site of a terror attack on tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. (AP photo)

Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack Updates: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. His phone call comes hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with EAM Dr S Jaishankar regarding the April 22 attack and encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a high-level security meeting and granted the armed forces full operational freedom to decide the timing, mode, and targets of Indias retaliation amid onion tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Massive anti-terror operations and search efforts are currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir, even as Pakistan continues unprovoked firing along the border.

Meanwhile, India, in a tit-for-tat move, closed its airspace to all flights operated by Pakistan-based airlines days after the Pahalgam terror attack. Last week, Pakistan announced its decision to shut its airspace for Indian flights, reacting to the series of diplomatic measures New Delhi took against Islamabad.

In a major diplomatic setback to Pakistan, India, in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the Attari border.

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'Lives In His Own World, Beyond Control': Delhi HC Pulls Up Ramdev Over Sharbat Jihad' Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 14:50 IST

The court previously ordered him not to issue any statement or share videos in future over Hamdards products.

Delhi HC rapped Baba Ramdev over 'sharbat jihad' remark.

Sharbat Jihad row: The Delhi High Court on Thursday slammed Yoga guru Baba Ramdev for allegedly releasing another video with his controversial sharbat jihad" remarks targeting Hamdarads Rooh Afza, despite earlier directions.

The court previously ordered him not to issue any statement or share videos in future over Hamdards products.

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Slamming the yoga practitioner, the High Court said that Ramdev was not in control of anyone" and lived in his own world", finding him in prima facie contempt of its previous order.

In view of the last order, his affidavit as well as this video are prima facie in contempt. I will issue a contempt notice now. We are just calling him here," Justice Amit Bansal said as quoted by news agency PTI after being informed on Thursday that despite the courts April 22 directions, Ramdev published a video making objectionable statements.

"He (Ramdev) is not in control of anyone. He lives in his own world," the judge remarked.

The case pertains to a petition filed by the Hamdard National Foundation (India) against Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd for allegedly demoting Rooh Afza.

The controversy erupted last month, when Ramdev, while promoting Patanjalis rose sharbat, claimed that the money earned from Hamdards Rooh Afza is used to build madrasas and mosques. However, later, Ramdev defended his remark and said that he did not name any brand or community.

Filing suit against Ramdev, Hamdard had sought the removal of the Yoga Gurus ad videos from social media. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Hamdard, submitted that it was a shocking case that not only goes beyond the disparagement of the Rooh Afza product but also is a case of communal divide". He also stated that Ramdevs remarks is equivalent to hate speech.

Ramdev has attacked Hamdard on the basis of religion as he named it Sharbat Jihad", Rohatgi submitted in the court.

The High Court, during a hearing on 22 April, had observed that the comments shocked the conscience of the court" and were indefensible." The court had further ordered the Yoga guru to assure he would immediately take down the related videos and social media posts.

Following the courts admonition, Ramdevs counsel submitted an undertaking to the court stating that he would refrain from making further such comments.

However, during Thursdays hearing, Hamdards counsel informed the court that a new video containing similar comments had recently gone viral.

Rohatgi on Thursday contended that the video was a clear breach of the earlier directive and amounted to deliberate contempt of court. This amounts to hate speech. He says it is a sharbat jihad. He should carry on his business. Why is he troubling us?" Rohatgi asked.

What Is The Controversy About?

While promoting the drink of his brand, Patanjali, Ramdev said, If you drink that sharbat, madrasas and mosques will be built. But if you drink this [referring to Patanjalis rose sharbat], gurukuls will be built, Acharya Kulam will be developed, Patanjali University will expand and the Bharatiya Shiksha Board will grow."

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Just like there is love jihad, this is also a kind of sharbat jihad. To protect yourself from this sharbat jihad, this message must reach everyone," Baba Ramdev added.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 14:41 IST
Luchi With Aloor Dom, Mishti Doi & More: How Bengal Welcomed Lord Jagannath With 156 Types Of 'Bhog'

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:15 IST

The grand inauguration of the Jagannath Dham in Digha was a divine celebration of culture, devotion, and Bengali cuisine

Traditional Bengali sweets like Khaja, Goja, and Pera are offered daily and five separate bhog offerings are made throughout the day. (PTI)

The grand Pran Pratishtha and Dwar Udghatan ceremonies of the newly built Jagannath Dham in Digha took place on Wednesday, marking a spiritually significant moment in Bengals religious and cultural landscape. The rituals were conducted with traditional fervour and the event drew a massive crowd of devotees, cultural icons, political leaders, and members of the public from across the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the temple with the first ceremonial Aarti and offered a symbolic gold broom to the temple authorities. In her address, she said, People from all backgrounds, faiths, and communitiesfrom North Bengal to South Bengalare present here today. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the local people. I thank every contributorfrom the cultural community to industrialists and countless devotees. Your support is deeply appreciated."

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She further urged for peace and unity and shared that the administration has been directed to ensure that both the visuals of the inauguration and the holy prasad are distributed across Bengal and beyond.

The temples main structure follows the traditional architectural elements of a Jagannath temple, featuring the Vimana (Garbha Griha), Jagamohan, Nat Mandir, and Bhog Mandap. The complex boasts a majestic 45-foot-high entry gate, an 840-foot-long central pathway made of white marble, flanked by 12 Diya Sthambhas, each fitted with 52 Diya brackets, and 108 sacred steps leading up to the sanctum housing the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

One of the most celebrated aspects of the temple is the foodthe divine bhog specially curated for Lord Jagannath. Speaking to News18, Radha Raman Das, vice-president of ISKCON Bengal, said: Prabhu Jagannath loves food. Here, Bengali mothers prepare extraordinary meals. They can create up to 26 different items using just a single banana leaf. Weve planned an array of traditional Bengali delicacies for the Lord."

An astonishing 156 types of bhog were offered on Wednesday, highlighting the richness of Bengali vegetarian cuisine. Some of the special dishes served included: Moong Dal, Aloo Posto, Kachkolar Kofta (Raw Banana Kofta), Dhokar Dalna, Khichuri (Bengali-style Khichdi), Beguni (Battered Fried Eggplant), Pulao, Luchi with Aloor Dom, Misti Doi (Sweet Yogurt), Roshogolla (Rasgulla), Payesh (Rice Pudding), Sandesh, Goja, Khaja, Plain Rice, and much more.

Sweets hold a special place in the offerings, as Lord Jagannath is said to be especially fond of them. Traditional Bengali sweets like Khaja, Goja, and Pera are offered daily. Each day begins with sweets, and five separate bhog offerings are made throughout the day. At night, the Lord is given a glass of milk before retiring for the nightan age-old tradition maintained with devotion.

The inauguration also featured captivating cultural performances, including a dance presentation by Dona Ganguly and her troupe, adding further grace to the sacred celebrations.

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Former BJP president Dilip Ghosh, who visited the temple with his newlywed wife, was warmly welcomed by the chief minister just after the inauguration.

The Jagannath Dham in Digha is not only a spiritual haven but also a celebration of Bengals culinary, cultural, and architectural excellence, and is set to become a major pilgrimage and tourist destination.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More

Location : Digha, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 09:12 IST
'When One Thinks Of Maharashtra...': PM Modi's Key Message & A Glimpse Into 'Glorious History'

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News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 10:00 IST

Amid comments on PM Modi's X post, Ajit Pawar said people feel that action should be taken (against Pakistan), but every aspect is being carefully considered in a peaceful manner.

PM Narendra Modi called Maharashtra a 'strong pillar of progress' that remains connected to its roots.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday recalled Maharashtras glorious history and the courage of its people. The PM, whose message came on the occasion of Maharashtra Day, said the natives of the state have always played a vital role in Indias development. He called the western state a strong pillar of progress" that remains connected to its roots.

Maharashtra Day greetings to the people of the state, which has always played a vital role in Indias development. When one thinks of Maharashtra, its glorious history and the courage of the people come to our mind. The state remains a strong pillar of progress and at the same time has remained connected to its roots. My best wishes for the states progress," PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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Maharashtras Glorious Past

Maharashtras glorious history travelled across the globe recently when actor Vicky Kaushal-starrer movie Chhaava created waves. The film collected Rs 807.40 crore (US$94 million) worldwide, and was recently released on Netflix too.

The Bollywood movie, which means Lions Cub, is based on the life of Sambhaji was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sambhaji was born as Sambhajiraje Shivajiraje Bhonsle on May 14, 1657, and ruled the Maratha empire from 1681 to 1689.

Sambhajis father, Shivaji, was the founder of the Maratha Empire in India. Shivaji was crowned in 1674 at Raigad Fort, symbolizing Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule). His administration focused on justice, welfare, and efficient taxation. He inspired generations with his patriotism, courage, and leadership. Even today, he is revered as a hero of Indian history, embodying bravery, wisdom, and resilience.

How Netizens Reacted To PM Modis Maharashtra Day Message

Interestingly, PM Modis message on Maharashtra Day had netizens asking him about war on Pakistan", as Indians ride high on sentiments after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

When will Pakistan be attacked? (sic)," asked user @Kunal_Mishra777. Along with the message, he posted an emoji of face smiling with a single tear.

In the storm of invasions and tyranny, it was the Marathas who rose like a flameguardians of dharma, protectors of temples, and preservers of our sacred culture," another user wrote.

In the storm of invasions and tyranny, it was the Marathas who rose like a flameguardians of dharma, protectors of temples, and preservers of our sacred culture.Jai Shivaji Maharaj, the lion of Hind! Jai Bhavani, strength of the righteous! Har Har Mahadev, echo of eternal  BaapofPakistanis (@BaapofPakistani) May 1, 2025

Reacting to citizens sentiments, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said, People across the country feel that action should be taken in response, but every aspect is being carefully considered in a peaceful manner. All such efforts are being made at the Prime Ministers level in Delhi."

Why Is Maharashtra Diwas Celebrated?

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Maharashtra Day, celebrated on May 1, is a public holiday commemorating the Marathi-speaking communitys historic struggle for unification. The movement, which began in the mid-20th century, played a significant role in the establishment of Maharashtra in 1960. This achievement resulted from their persistent efforts, including protests and sacrifices.

The day is also known as Maharashtra Din, or Maharashtra Diwas. It shares its statehood day with Gujarat. The common statehood of Maharashtra and Gujarat had its origin in the reorganisation of Indian states along linguistic lines.

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: May 01, 2025, 09:02 IST
Mangaluru Tense After Man Accused Of Murder Hacked To Death, Attack Caught On Camera

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: May 02, 2025, 21:00 IST

Shetty, the main accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil in Surathkal, was travelling with five others when the attack took place

The brutal assault was caught on video and widely circulated on social media.

Mangaluru is on edge after the brutal murder of Suhas Shetty, a rowdy sheeter and a main accused in the high-profile 2022 murder of Fazil in Surathkal. Suhas was hacked to death by a group of unidentified assailants in Kinnikambla, Bajpe, on the night of May 1.

R Hitendra, ADGP (Law & Order), Mangalurum said, Yesterday late evening, a man named Suhas Shetty was murdered. There was a tense situation in the city after that. We have made suitable arrangements. Post-mortem is underway, cremation arrangements will be made. We request the citizens of Mangaluru to maintain peace. We have identified the accused, our teams are on to them."

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According to Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, the incident took place around 8.27 pm. Suhas was travelling in a vehicle (KA-12-MB-3731) along with five others  Sanjay, Prajwal, Anvith, Latheesh and Shashank  when they were intercepted by a gang of five to six men in a Swift car and a pickup truck. The assailants dragged Suhas out and attacked him with machetes, inflicting grievous injuries. He was rushed to AJ Hospital but succumbed shortly after.

The attack, which was captured on CCTV, has sent shockwaves through the city. In a video going viral, Shetty is seen lying on the road as assailants deal blow after blow with sharp weapons and a large crowd looks on.

Police have tightened security across Mangaluru and set up checkposts while multiple teams have been formed to track down the killers. A case has been registered at Bajpe Police Station, and investigators are probing multiple anglesincluding political rivalry.

Police authorities are now examining whether Suhass murder is a fallout of past rivalries or linked to a more recent incident  a mob lynching of a Kerala migrant worker in Kudupu. The timing of the attack, and the brutal nature of it, has reignited concerns of targeted political violence in the coastal region.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government has taken the murder very seriously", and asserted that the perpetrators will not be spared.

A gruesome murder has occurred in Mangaluru city at around 8.30 pm on Thursday. We have already taken note of it and we have in fact set up four different teams to catch the culprits. We are going to bring them to book. We will not have any compromise on this," he said. We have taken it very seriously. I have sent the senior officer  ADGP (Law and Order). He has already gone there and additional forces have also been sent. So that peace and harmony can be maintained. We will not spare anybody, we will catch them (perpetrators) and bring them to books."

The Mangaluru police said, A case is being registered at Bajpe Police Station, and multiple teams have been formed to nab the accused at the earliest. Mangaluru City Police is committed to ensuring swift justice and maintaining law and order."

Inspector Shivakumar, Head Constable Chandra P, and Constable Yallalinga from the Mangaluru rural police station have also been suspended in connection with the case.

BJP leader and Bengaluru MP PC Mohan also shared a video of the attack, commenting: Deeply saddened by the brutal killing of Hindu karyakarta Suhas Shetty by suspected jihadi elements in Mangaluru. Such heinous acts are a grim reminder of the deteriorating law and order in Karnataka. My prayers are with his family. Om Shanti."

Suhas Shetty had at least five criminal cases pending against him. He was one of the prime accused in the murder of Fazil, a 23-year-old youth who was hacked to death in Surathkal just days after the killing of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru in July 2022. Fazils murder was widely seen as a retaliatory act, and police had found in their investigation that there were links to Popular Front of India (PFI) operatives.

The previous BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai had responded to the 2022 violence by proposing an elite anti-terror squad to tackle organised, politically motivated killings. At the time, Bommai had said: To decimate outfits that kill people, we need a commando force with intelligence and training. Weve decided to set up a special anti-terrorist squad." While he was referring to the ban named outfit PFI at the time, the units as also supposed to operate to gather intelligence on political retaliatory attacks.

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Fazils murder in 2022, investigation revealed, was allegedly in retaliation for Nettarus killing, had drawn national attention. Praveen Nettaru, an RSS worker and Yuva Morcha member from Sullia, was hacked to death by bike-borne assailants near his shop on July 26, 2022. Right-wing groups had claimed Fazil was targeted following the murder of anothers person Masood, days earlier, sparking a series of communal flashpoints in Dakshina Kannada.

Police investigations into Nettarus murder had confirmed the involvement of radical elements with ties to PFI, fuelling fears of revenge killings. With Suhas Shettys murder now adding to the volatile backdrop, police are on high alert in Mangaluru to prevent further escalation and track down the assailants.

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

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 23:58 IST
Nepali Student Found Dead In Bhubaneswar's KIIT Hostel, 2nd Such Case In 3 Months

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News18.com

Last Updated: May 02, 2025, 08:08 IST

A Nepali student was found dead in her hostel in Bhubaneswars Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) on Thursday, the police said.

Representative Image

In the second such case within three months, a Nepali student was found dead in her hostel room in Bhubaneswars Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) on Thursday, the police said.

The police said that the woman, identified as Prisha Shah (20), an undergraduate student pursuing her B.Tech, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room. However, the police have not yet ascertained the circumstances that may have led her to take this extreme step.

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The latest incident comes nearly two and a half months after the suicide of another Nepalese student of the same institute  Prakriti Lamsal  on February 16. The 20-year-old Nepali student, who also pursued computer science, died by suicide, reportedly after being blackmailed by a classmate.

The police said that the body of the BTech student was recovered from room number 111 of the hostel.

Yes, the body of a girl from Nepal has been recovered. It seems that she has committed suicide at the ladies hostel of KIIT," Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh told news agency PTI.

The KIIT authorities are yet to issue a statement on the death of the Nepali student.

Nepal Ambassador Shares Condolences

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Reacting to the demise of the student, Dr Shankar P Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India, shared condolences to her family and prayed for peace.

We are closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt., police & the university for a thorough investigation," he wrote on X.

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 : Bhubaneswar, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 23:02 IST
Marco Rubio Asks Pakistan To Cooperate In Pahalgam Probe, Dials Jaishankar As Tensions Spiral

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News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 08:33 IST

Marco Rubio spoke with Indian and Pakistani leaders, urging cooperation to de-escalate tensions over the Pahalgam attack. He reaffirmed US support for counter-terrorism efforts.

S Jaishankar/Marco Rubio/Shehbaz Sharif (Photo: PTI/AP/PTI)

Days after the US State Department said it was in touch with both India and Pakistan over the escalating tensions between the two nations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday and reaffirmed the United States commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.

Rubio also spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and stressed the need to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack.

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Rubio also urged Pakistani officials cooperation in investigating the unconscionable attack".

In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio expressed his sorrow for the loss of lives in the Pahalgam terror attack and encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

After Rubios meeting S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, in an X post wrote, Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice."

In his call with Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

Rubio and Sharif reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence," according to Bruce.

ALSO READ | India Closes Airspace To Pakistani Flights Days After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Relations between India and Pakistan hit rock bottom after a terror attack in Kashmirs iconic Pahalgam on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 tourists, 25 of whom were Indians.

Since the Pahalgam attack, there has also been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

In response, 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.

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India has also decided to curtail the strength of High Commissions.

Additionally, the government has given armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the response to the Pahalgam terror 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: May 01, 2025, 06:56 IST
'My Children Are Crying There': Pakistan Refuses To Accept Its Citizens, Leaves Them Stranded In India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 17:20 IST

Pakistan has left its citizens stranded at the Attari-Wagah border as the country refused to take them back amid heightened tensions with India over Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan leaves its citizens stranded (PTI Image)

Pakistan has left its citizens stranded at the Attari-Wagah crossing as the neighbouring country has completely closed its border at Wagah, officials said on Thursday.

In a relief to the Pakistanis, the Indian government had extended the time for the Pakistani nationals to leave India with proper documentation, however, the Pakistan government completely shut the Attari-Wagah border crossing point between the two countries today.

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India had announced closing the border from April 30, however, it allowed the Pakistani nationals to return until further notice.

With the border shut, no one from either country crossed over to the other side on Thursday, sources told news agency PTI.

Two Indian sisters, married in Pakistan, attempted to cross the border, but they were denied entry into Pakistan due to the closure of the Wagah border.

Somebody, please make me cross the border. I have to go to my child. What is our fault? Those who are separating us from our children, I pray they are separated from their children," one of the sisters said, as she wept and cursed those responsible for it.

Which law separates parents from their children? My children are crying there, I have to go there," another sister said.

Those Pakistani nationals willing to cross the border since morning were left stranded and heartbroken as their own country refused to let them re-enter its soil.

#WATCH | Attari, Amritsar | Mohammad Shariq, whose sisters are married in Karachi, says, I came here with my sisters at 6 am. The border opens at 10 am. At 11 am, we asked the officials, and they said our government has given the order and we are sending people from here, but https://t.co/OjSYt6JjAQ pic.twitter.com/vcWd8hlUhy ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

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I came here with my sisters at 6 am. The border opens at 10 am. At 11 am, we asked the officials, and they said our government has given the order and we are sending people from here, but they (Pakistani side) are not allowing them to cross the order. We are still waiting here," Mohammad Shariq, whose sisters are married in Karachi, said.

On Wednesday, 125 Pakistani nationals left India via the Attari-Wagah border, bringing the total to 911 in a week. 15 Indians with Pakistani visas also crossed into Pakistan, raising that number to 23. Meanwhile, 152 Indians and 73 Pakistanis with long-term Indian visas entered India through Punjabs Amritsar border, totaling 1,617 and 224, respectively. These movements follow the Indian government order after the terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam killed 26 people 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

Location : Punjab, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 16:48 IST
Pahalgam Terrorists Recced 3 Other Spots, Stayed In Baisaran Before Attack: Sources

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 11:52 IST

The NIA probe into the Pahalgam terror attack revealed that terrorists had been in Baisaran Valley two days prior. They also recced three other locations for an attack, but failed.

Anantnag: Security personnel conduct a cordon and search operation in Jammu and Kashmir (Photo: PTI)

Terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack had recced three other spots, other than the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, for an attack, a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed.

However, their plan to attack the three other spots, the Aru Valley, an amusement park, and the Betab Valley, was foiled due to the presence of security forces there, sources said.

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Sources also said that the terrorists had been present in the Baisaran Valley two days before the attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

It was also known that four overground workers (OGW) had helped the terrorists recce the spots.

As the investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack progress, the authorities have so far recognised nearly 20 OGWs, while some have also been arrested.

A total of 186 people had been taken into custody and were being interrogated in connection with the attack.

ALSO READ | Pakistani Politicians Struggle With Army-Induced Crises As India Flexes Muscle | Exclusive

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 | India Reaches Out To Non-Permanent Members Of UN Security Council On Pahalgam 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: May 01, 2025, 11:33 IST
Pakistan A Symbol Of Intolerance, Its Own People Seek Freedom: RSS Krishna Gopal

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 14:51 IST

Speaking at a book launch in Delhi, RSS leader Krishna Gopal said Pakistan has become a symbol of intolerance and claimed even its own citizens now want freedom

RSS leader Krishna Gopal. (Image: X/File)

Accountability for the massacre pre- and post-Partition is yet to be fixed; people are still awaiting justice, Krishna Gopal, RSS joint general secretary, said at a book launch event in Delhi. Calling Pakistan the most intolerant country, he said that they (Pakistan) could not be happy even after the Partition of India. Its been more than 75 years. Thats a long time. The nation deserves answers," he said.

Delivering a searing indictment of the unresolved traumas of Partition, he stated that the responsibility for the massacre, loot, and sexual violence inflicted on lakhs of displaced people was never fixed." Over 75 years later, he added, the nation still awaits accountability. Was it the Congress? Was it the people? We dont know. But a country cant move on without asking who was responsible," he added.

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Krishna Gopal was speaking at the launch of Kedar Nath Guptas book Ink, Saffron & Freedom in Delhi.

Reflecting on the ideological roots of Pakistan, Krishna Gopal pointed out the contradiction in the legacy of Allama Iqbal, who wrote the patriotic song Sare Jahan Se Achha but later supported the idea that Muslims could not coexist peacefully with the majority of Hindus in India.

It was Iqbal and others who convinced Jinnah that Muslims needed a separate homeland. People should read his later speeches, and those speeches show how he turned. Ironically, the very land created for their peace never found peace," he said.

He further added that Indias political icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and even Pandit Nehru initially dismissed the possibility of Partition. People trusted them. They believed Partition wouldnt happen. But it did. Why and how? No one knows."

We thought they (people who chose Pakistan) would live happily there. But that did not happen either," he said, adding that Pakistans trajectory after its creation proved that intolerance, not peace, defined its statehood.

The saga of intolerance by them (Pakistan) began when Jinnah declared Urdu would be the sole language of Pakistan. He addressed a mass rally in East Pakistan and made this announcement. Bengalis in East Pakistan strongly resisted, and from that point, the seeds of separatism were sown," he said.

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Today, the Baloch and Pashtuns themselves seek freedom. Pakistan has become a symbol of intolerance. Even its own people do not want to stay with it," Krishna Gopal added.

Contrasting Indias cohesion with Pakistans fragmentation, he further stated, Hindus will never do such things. Despite being a strong nation and having immense diversity, this country stays togetherand that reflects the strength of Hindu civilisation."

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: May 01, 2025, 14:51 IST
'Say No To...': Gurpatwant Pannuns Provocative Message For Indian Sikh Soldiers After Pahalgam

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 20:27 IST

In a divisive message, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun asked the Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army not to fight against Pakistan if India goes to war, stating Pakistan is not their enemy.

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun posts controversial video for Sikh soldiers of Indian Army (AP File Image)

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has appealed to the Sikh soldiers of the Indian Army not to fight against Pakistan if the war breaks out between the two nations, stating that Islamabad is friendly" for Sikh and Khalistan.

In yet another provocative video, Pannun said that in the event of India attacking Pakistan as a response to the Pahalgam attack, it will be final war" for New Delhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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If India attacks Pakistan, then it will be the final war for India and Modi. The Punjabis on the Indian side would serve langar for the Pakistani army," Pannu said in the video message, Dawn reported.

Sending out a message to the Sikh soldiers, aiming to create division in the Indian Army, Pannun said that Pakistan was not their enemy as it would be their neighbour" after Punjabs liberation" from India.

Now is the time to say no to Narendra Modis jingoistic war. Do not fight against Pakistan. Pakistan is not your enemy. Pakistan will be and is a friendly country for the Sikh people and for Khalistan. Once we liberate Punjab, Pakistan will be our neighbour. Your enemy is your Indian Army," the SFJ terrorist said.

This is Narendra Modis government that is behind the Pahalgam Hindu massacre," he added, in a brazen allegation.

As many as 26 people, including 1 Nepali national, were killed by terrorists at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam on April 22, causing nationwide rage and drawing global condemnation. Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkars offshoot, The Resistance Front, initially claimed responsibility for the attack; however, as India stepped up its retaliatory preparations, the organisation denied its involvement in the attack.

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PM Modi has given a free hand to the armed forces to choose their date, time, and target of retaliation. Pannun, through a desperate inflammatory video, attempted to provoke the Indian Sikh soldiers in the Army against participating in any such operation against Pakistan.

This comes as several Pakistani leaders, including their ministers, have anticipated an imminent" military action by India. They have also threatened nuclear war with India.

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: May 01, 2025, 20:12 IST
Tahawwur Rana May Spill Beans On LeT, Hafiz Saeeds Plans Against India: NIA To Court | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 18:59 IST

The National Investigation Agency told the court that Ranas non-cooperation and global terror links make his extended custody critical to the investigation

The NIA has accused Rana of not cooperating in the investigation. (Image: PTI/File)

In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a strong pitch to the Delhi court for extended custody of Tahawwur Rana, asserting that his interrogation could reveal future terror plans and critical details about Lashkar-e-Taibas alleged mastermind, Hafiz Saeed.

The agency contended that Ranas health is being taken into consideration during questioning, contradicting claims made by Rana through his lawyer, Piyush Sachdeva, that he is being grilled for 20 hours a day.

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Nevertheless, investigators insist that his non-cooperation and the vast international web of the alleged conspiracy  spanning countries and continents  make his continued custody essential.

The NIA, through Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and Special Public Prosecutor Narendra Mann, argued before the court that further police custody remand of the accused is required to unearth the operational details of the organisation.

It is submitted that Hafiz Mohd. Saeed is one of the accused in the present case and the terrorist organisation concerned is still involved in terror attacks on India," the court noted in its order.

With Rana allegedly involved in cross-border plotting against India, the NIA argued that the depth and global reach of the conspiracy necessitate a deeper dive into his knowledge base.

The court acknowledged the gravity of the investigation, noting that the probe appears to be progressing in a diligent manner. Perusal of the case diary reflects that the NIA appears to be carrying out the investigation earnestly," the court said.

In a parallel development, the court also permitted the NIA to record Ranas voice and obtain his handwriting samples, as part of efforts to match them with recovered documents and intercepts believed to be linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The court said it was satisfied that the request was made in the interest of justice and for the purpose of investigation.

Pakistan-born Canadian citizen Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 64, who played a key role in the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India from the US in a special chartered Gulfstream G550 aircraft earlier this month. Identified as one of the masterminds of the deadly 26/11 attacks, he has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government of India, murder and forgery and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

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Rana is being questioned about his intercepted remarks on 26/11. In his intercepted call with David Headley  another plotter of the terror attack  he had said that the Lashkar terrorists who attacked Mumbai should be rewarded by Pakistan, sources said. Rana wanted them to be honoured with Pakistans highest gallantry award, according to a US Department of Justice document.

On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went on a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into Indias financial capital using the sea route in the Arabian Sea. As many as 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour assault.

About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 18:59 IST
UP Teacher Who Hid Pakistani Identity For 9 Years Missing After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 12:20 IST

The Basic Education Department has fired Shumayla Khan and issued a recovery order, while Bareilly DM Avinash Singh has launched a probe into the departments negligence

The police have registered a case against Shumayla Khan at Fatehganj West police station. (News18 Hindi)

A Pakistani woman who had been working as a government school teacher in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly for nine years using forged documents, has mysteriously disappeared, just days after the terrorist attack in J&Ks Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Her sudden disappearance has triggered a nationwide alert, with eight police teams and intelligence agencies currently on her trail.

Shumayla Khan secured a teaching job at the Madhopur Government School in 2015 under the Basic Education Department. Despite her Pakistani nationality being discovered two years ago, officials in the department neither informed the District Magistrate (DM) nor the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), choosing instead to keep the matter under wraps.

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Bareilly DM Avinash Singh has now constituted a high-level investigation committee comprising two senior PCS officers, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), and the City Magistrate. The police have registered a case against Shumayla Khan at Fatehganj West police station, while intelligence agencies are on high alert, probing whether she was involved in any anti-national activities during her time in India.

The Basic Education Department has since terminated Shumaylas employment and issued a recovery order. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India imposed a string of retaliatory measures against the neighbouring country, including suspension of Pakistani visas. This has prompted intelligence and security agencies to be on high alert.

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As efforts to locate Shumayla Khan intensify, Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Singh has initiated an investigation into the alleged negligence of the Basic Education Department.

It remains to be ascertained how Shumalya Khan managed to stay at Bareilly for nine years, whether she had gathered any sensitive information from Bareilly during her stay and why officials in the department failed to report the matter to the police and administrative authorities in a timely manner.

Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 12:20 IST
'Won't Suggest Retaliation': Farooq Abdullah Says India Should 'Finish Terrorism' After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 16:33 IST

While NC chief Farooq Abdullah earlier voiced support for PM Narendra Modi amid rising tensions with Pakistan, he said he will not suggest a retaliation but a "befitting response"

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has voiced support for PM Narendra Modi amid rising tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. (Image: PTI/File)

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said Indias response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam should be to finish terrorism forever".

While Abdullah earlier voiced support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid rising tensions with Pakistan in view of cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack, he said he will not suggest a retaliation as such but a befitting response".

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I am not going to suggest retaliation. I just want them to give a befitting response so that terrorism is finished forever," he told CNN-News18. Pahelgam was a disaster. Innocent people who had nothing to do with anything were killed."

Terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgams Baisaran valley on April 22, in what can be called one of the deadliest strikes in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

ALSO READ | Indians United Against Terrorism, Dont Demoralise Forces: SC Rebukes Pahalgam Petitioner

He questioned the security apparatus in the Valley and demanded immediate statehood, a stand not taken by his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who had said he will not use the tragedy as an opportunity for this. He expressed surprise that the perpetrators had not been caught.

We have the government but security is not under us. When (Article) 370 was there, in 1996 we made a unified command. Many opposed, but we made it together and it was beautifully done, so well that it was taken to Manipur," he said.

The NC chief further said the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) is not elected, but the CM is. The L-G will be gone, but we will stay here. I will ask today, where was the security? We demand statehood to be given immediately. I am surprised the perpetrators have not been caught yet," he said.

He further pointed out while the Prime Minister has authorised the three service chiefs to retaliate in any appropriate manner, no decision can be taken without the PM, home minister and defence minister. The PM has given full authority to the three forces. But, no decision can be taken without the PM, HM (home minister) and defence minister. They cant leave the responsibility to others," he added.

ALSO READ | Snub To Ishaq Dar? Why Marco Rubio Ditched His Counterpart, Went Straight To Shehbaz Sharif

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Earlier in the day, Abdullah told news agency ANI that Pakistan is a failed state" and said there will be no friendship between India and Pakistan if the latter is controlled by its army. He also said the people of Pakistan want friendship with India, but the army of the country does not, adding that Kashmiris are the ones suffering the most due to the situation.

Immediately after the Pahalgam attack, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines, expulsion of the countrys military attaches, putting the six-decade Indus Waters Treaty on hold among other measures. Pakistan retaliated with tit-for-tat measures and told India it has nothing to do with the terror strike while warning of a strong response if it is provoked".

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 : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: May 01, 2025, 16:08 IST
Do Not Take This Common Painkiller Everyday, Warns Harvard Doctor

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 15:59 IST

Overusing ibuprofen can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, gas, and digestive trouble. Prolonged use may trigger allergies, blood in urine or kidney damage

For those taking ibuprofen daily, Dr Sethi recommended discussing alternative medications with a healthcare professional. (AP File)

In a significant health advisory, an American gastroenterologist has cautioned the public against the excessive use of ibuprofen, commonly kept for emergencies related to cold, fever, and pain.

There is one thing I would never do as a gastroenterologist and that is take too much Ibuprofen," Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Board-certified gastroenterologist, was quoted as saying in a Times of India report.

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Dr Saurabh Sethi, practising in San Francisco, has highlighted the potential dangers of overusing this widely-used painkiller, which is often taken for headaches, joint pain, cramps, fever, and swelling.

According to Dr Sethi, who has studied at Harvard and Stanford University, while ibuprofen is generally considered safe, its daily consumption can lead to serious health issues such as intestinal inflammation and stomach ulcers. He explained that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the intestines, damaging the intestinal lining.

Dr Sethi, who has observed severe inflammation and ulcers during endoscopies, noted that about 75% of regular ibuprofen users experience stomach inflammation, with around 25% developing serious conditions like ulcers. He emphasised the importance of being aware of the possible side effects before consuming ibuprofen.

I perform endoscopies regularly and see these ulcers firsthand. NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the gut, which can harm its lining. Ive seen young otherwise healthy people come in with gut damage so severe they ended up in the ER just because they did not know the risk of these medications," Dr. Sethi said in an Instagram video.

For those taking ibuprofen daily, Dr Sethi recommended discussing alternative medications with a healthcare professional. He also advised that ibuprofen should always be taken with food to minimise pressure on the stomach and prevent intestinal damage.

Excessive ibuprofen use can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, gas, and digestive issues. Long-term use may cause severe allergic reactions, bleeding in the urine, and even kidney problems. It is crucial for individuals to consult their doctors and fully understand the side effects before using ibuprofen extensively.

What Is Ibuprofen

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According to a Times of India report, Ibuprofen, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is commonly taken to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down fevers. Its often recommended for managing discomfort caused by conditions such as backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness, as well as symptoms related to colds, the flu, and even COVID-19.

In addition to easing everyday aches, Ibuprofen is also used to treat inflammation from injuries like sprains and strains, and it provides relief for those suffering from arthritis-related pain, the report said. It is sold under numerous brand names, including Advil, Motrin, Genpril, Midol (for cramps and body aches), and several others, each tailored for different age groups or specific symptoms, it added.

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: May 01, 2025, 15:59 IST
A Culinary Bridge Between Nations: Chef Sid Sahrawat Brings New Zealand to Delhi

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 14:27 IST

Chef Sid Sahrawat Serves Up Cultural Diplomacy with a Kiwi-Indian Twist in Delhi

In Chef Sahrawat's words, "Presenting a menu that reflects both where I come from and where I live has been a fabulous experience. Food is a language of its own, and its wonderful to speak it here in Delhi."

The New Zealand High Commissions latest cultural diplomacy initiative in India culminated in a memorable showcase of culinary storytelling, helmed by acclaimed chef Sid Sahrawat. As part of the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme (CDIP), supported by New Zealands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, the initiative aims to deepen bilateral ties through the arts, gastronomy, and cultural exchanges.

At the heart of the week-long programme was an exclusive dining experience hosted at CAARA at Ogaan, one of Delhis most refined culinary destinations. The evening drew an eclectic mix of guests  diplomats, food industry insiders, cultural collaborators, and media  all united by a shared passion for gastronomy and its power to foster connection.

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Chef Sahrawat, an Indian-origin restaurateur based in Auckland, is a leading figure in New Zealands fine-dining scene. He is known for his genre-defining establishments including Cassia, Sid at The French Cafe, and the tandoor-driven Kol, as well as his FMCG venture Cassia at Home. With his roots in India and a culinary philosophy shaped by New Zealands terroir, Chef Sahrawats visit represented more than just a menu; it was a dialogue between cultures plated with finesse.

The Delhi pop-up featured an inventive modern Indian menu with a New Zealand twist: Hawkes Bay Lamb Chops with Spiced Cream Cheese, Roasted Cauliflower with Korma Sauce and Stracciatella, and a trifle of Kiwifruit and Mango, among others. Each dish reflected Sahrawats nuanced approach to flavour: rooted in Indian traditions but expressed with contemporary flair and hyper-local New Zealand ingredients.

Speaking at the event, New Zealand High Commissioner to India Patrick Rata emphasized the significance of cultural exchanges, Events like these highlight how shared experiences can shape stronger partnerships. Chef Sahrawats creations beautifully bring together flavours, techniques and ingredients from New Zealand and India, and connect us in one of the best ways possible  through food!"

Chef Sahrawats itinerary also included a showcase at the High Commission, a collaboration with celebrated Indian chef Manish Mehrotra, and a Chefs Table dinner at CAARA. These engagements served as fertile ground for cross-cultural learning and creative exchange.

In a conversation reflecting on his journey and culinary philosophy, Chef Sahrawat shared on balancing Indian authenticity with New Zealands fine-dining expectations, For me, authenticity isnt about replication but about honouring the essence of Indian flavours. I preserve the soul of the dish while adapting it through local produce and contemporary techniques."

On maintaining unique identities across his ventures

Each restaurant has its own DNA. Kol is all about tandoor and cocktails, while Cassia reimagines Indian food for a modern audience. I have great teams that help channel our collective creativity while keeping each brand distinct," adds Chef Sahrawat.

On working with local New Zealand ingredients:

Our producers inspire my cooking every day. Discovering kawakawa, with its peppery note, changed how I think about layering spice. Its these ingredients that let me innovate Indian flavours in new ways," opines Chef Sahrawat.

On misconceptions about Indian food:

Theres a perception that Indian cuisine is heavy and lacks finesse. At Cassia, I challenge that by showing Indian food can be elegant, nuanced, and incredibly diverse," shares Chef Sahrawat.

On what defines a great restaurant:

Its about the experience, the care, the emotion it evokes. Awards matter, but if a guest walks away moved, thats success."

On recent inspirations:

Fermentation has captivated me  especially applying traditional Indian pickle methods to lighter dishes. It adds depth without overwhelming the primary ingredients."

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More than just a meal, the evening encapsulated the evolving narrative of Indian-origin chefs abroad  innovators who use food to build bridges, celebrate heritage, and shape new global culinary identities. With the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme set to continue through 2025, this pop-up was not just a highlight but a harbinger of deeper collaborations between the two nations.

In Chef Sahrawats words, Presenting a menu that reflects both where I come from and where I live has been a fabulous experience. Food is a language of its own, and its wonderful to speak it here in Delhi."

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... 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: May 01, 2025, 14:27 IST
International Labour Day 2025: Is May 1 A Holiday In India?

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 08:32 IST

International Labour Day provides a platform to raise awareness about current labour issues like safe working conditions, fair wages, and workers rights.

International Labour Day is also known as May Day. (Image: News18 Creative)

International Labour Day 2025: May 1 is observed as International Labour Day worldwide. Also known as May Day, it commemorates the contributions of the working class. The day also serves as a platform to educate workers and labourers about their rights. International Labour Day is also marked as a holiday in some countries. Many people might not be aware of the significance of this day and how it came into existence. Here is everything you need to know about the history, significance of International Labour Day.

International Labour Day 2025: Is May 1 A Holiday In India?

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On May 1, 2025, several important services across India will be closed in observance of Labour Day. It includes banks, schools, the stock market and government offices. Banks will remain shut in Hyderabad, Belapur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, Imphal, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji, Patna, and Thiruvananthapuram.

ALSO READ: International Labour Day 2025: Wishes, Quotes, Messages, And WhatsApp Status To Share On May 1

Several schools and government offices observe a holiday on Labour Day. Public transport and postal services are also expected to remain closed depending on the region.

International Labour Day 2025: History

The origins of International Labour Day can be traced back to the 19th-century labour union movement in the United States. During industrialisation, the working class was exploited in the country. Labourers were made to work for up to 15 hours a day.

This led them to raise their voices against exploitation. On May 1, 1886, the Marxist International Socialist Congress passed a resolution calling for a large peaceful strike at the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, demanding paid leave, proper wages and a daily limit of eight working hours.

What began as a peaceful protest turned violent when bombs were thrown at the police, leading to the deaths of seven officers and at least four civilians. The incident became a symbol of the workers rights struggle and was instrumental in establishing May 1 as a day of international solidarity.

By the late 19th century, a legal working time of eight hours was announced in Chicagos national convention by the American Federation of Labour. After this announcement, many countries, including India, adopted the eight-hour working policy.

International Labour Day 2025: Significance

International Labour Day is a day to commemorate and recognise the contributions of workers in infrastructure development and providing basic services to society. It also serves as a reminder of the achievements of the labour movement. Moreover, this day provides a platform to raise awareness about current labour issues like fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers rights and urge policymakers and politicians to fight for social fairness.

International Labour Day 2025: Facts

Despite the fact that International Labour Day traces its origin to the celebration of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, this day is actually celebrated on the first Monday in September and not May 1 in Canada and the US. In India, the first May Day was celebrated in Chennai in 1923 by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. Labour Day is known as Kamgar Din in Hindi, Thozhilali Dinam in Malayalam, Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu, Karmikara Dinacharane in Kannada, Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, and Shromik Dibosh in Bengali. Over 80 countries, including India, Cuba and China, mark International Labour Day. A Labour Day parade is still held in New York City, which takes place throughout the 20 blocks north of the 1882 Labour March. On May 1, Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are also commemorated to celebrate the foundation of these two states in 1960. Canada is said to have started the observance of a day honouring the labour movement. In 1872, they held a Nine-Hour Movement to show support for striking workers. Oregon was the first state to celebrate Labour Day as a legal holiday in 1887.

International Labour Day 2025: Celebrations

India observes International Labour Day on May 1. It is a national holiday celebrated with rallies and speeches emphasising workers rights and the contributions of the Indian labour movement.

It is worth noting that celebrations differ per country. Parades, speeches, rallies, and cultural events are all common traditions. Some countries observe the day off as a national holiday.

International Labour Day 2025: Quotes

All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."  Martin Luther King Jr

No human masterpiece has been created without great labour."  Andre Gide

Without labour, nothing prospers."  Sophocles

The dignity of labour depends not on what you do, but how you do it."  Edwin Osgood

Our labour preserves us from three great evils  weariness, vice, and want."  Voltaire

Rest when youre weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, and your spirit. Then get back to work."  Ralph Marston

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."  Confucius

It is labour indeed that puts the difference on everything."  John Locke

Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, dont let anyone limit your dreams."  Donovan Bailey

Work isnt to make money; you work to justify life."  Marc Chagall

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International Labour Day Wishes

Happy Labour Day. Thank you to all the workers who make our lives better.

Today is the day to honour those souls who are striving hard in life to make it worthwhile. Happy Labour Day to everyone!

On the occasion of Labour Day, I wish all workers to be recognised and appreciated for their hard work and contributions to the development of society. It is important to honour and celebrate the hard work and dedication of individuals in every field. Wishing you all a very happy Labour Day.

Wishing all of the societys honourable labourers a happy May Day. They deserve to be well-treated not just today, but every day of the year!

To all the hard-working people out there. Happy Labour Day! Keep up the good work.

Workers are a nations invisible backbone, as it is only because of them that the nation can stand strong. Everyone, have a happy May Day!

I wish you a wonderful May Day. Take some time to unwind so you can return to work with renewed vigour.

We would like to express our gratitude and respect to all workers. Labour Day greetings!

A single machine can perform the tasks of fifty ordinary individuals. No computer can do the labour of a single exceptional individual. Happy International Workers Day!

Heres to the driving force behind progress. Labour Day: a moment to honour and celebrate the hearts and souls poured into work. Today, we celebrate their impact. Take a break and revel in the joy! Happy Labour Day!

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: May 01, 2025, 08:30 IST
Simran Poonia's Startling 60 Kg Weight Loss Journey Had A Turning Poit On Her Trip To Bali

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Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 12:31 IST

Simran Poonia has been inspiring the masses with her drastic weight loss journey.

At times, many health problems like hypothyroidism or kidney problems, PCOs or even medications, such as corticosteroids or antidepressants, can lead to weight gain.

Weight gain, an increase in body weight, is often associated with a number of medical complications like an increase in muscle mass, fat deposits, excess fluids such as water or even several serious factors. At times, many health problems like hypothyroidism or kidney problems, PCOs or even medications, such as corticosteroids or antidepressants, can lead to weight gain. So, the need of the hour becomes a lifestyle change, incorporating physical activity and checking the surplus calorie consumption of the body. Amidst this, Simran Poonia, a health and beauty influencer, has been providing ample amount of inspiration to her fans with her drastic weight loss journey.

Simran Poonia, who once weighed 130 kg, embarked on a significant weight loss journey, and keeps sharing powerful messages alongside sneak peeks into her transformation. Recently, in a heartfelt conversation with the Humans of Bombay, the health influencer revealed, I weighed 130 kgs. There was a time I stopped going to school. Not because I was lazy, but because I was too ashamed to wear a half-sleeve kurta. There was a time I faked fevers and headaches just so I wouldnt have to step out of the house."

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In a collaborative video posted on Instagram, she continued, There was a time where I tried to take my life, just because I couldnt handle it anymore. Growing up, I was a fat kid. I was mocked, stared at, and made fun of. Around the same time, I developed a skin infection and my weight hiked to 130 kg. That wasnt the end, I also got addicted to nicotine. I cried everyday, I hated my life."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Humans of Bombay (@officialhumansofbombay)

Interestingly, the turning point in Poonias life came after she found herself struggling to climb stairs in Bali. But in 2020, something shifted. On a trip to Bali, when I couldnt climb a flight of stairs, I realised something needed to change," she stated.

Afterwards, the beauty blogger went on to explain what all she did to lose weight from 130 kg. It involved her quitting sugar and smoking, and began working on her body. She incorporated daily walks into her lifestyle, which further boosted her confidence while helping her in the weight loss transformation. I didnt hide myself anymore. I started going on walks with my nanu, and slowly, I began falling in love with myself," she added.

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According to a report by ETimes, she initially walked 700 meters before getting exhausted and gradually made progress. Additionally, she focused on cardio, running and jogging, to efficiently achieve progress in her weight loss journey.

At the end of the video, she gave a powerful message to her viewers and fans alike. Ive still not healed completely. There are days when everything feels wrong, and some when listening to a song makes me the happiest! But I know this, the comeback is always stronger that the setback. And I think my time is here!" she concluded.

About the Author Nishad Thaivalappil Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha... Read More Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha... 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: May 01, 2025, 12:31 IST
Tibetan Mastiff To Chow Chow: 5 Most Expensive Dogs In The World And How Much They Cost

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Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 16:43 IST

While many adorable canines are available at reasonable costs, a select few command eye-watering prices due to their rarity, unique characteristics, and impeccable pedigrees.

We are talking about the highly sought-after breeds that turn heads but also empty wallets. (Representative Image)

Dogs greet us with wagging tails, shower us with slobbery kisses, and fill our lives with immeasurable joy. The furry canines hold a very special place in our hearts, and they time and again prove why they are called mans best friends. But for those dreaming of welcoming a furry friend into their homes, the price tag of certain breeds might just scare you. While many adorable canines are available at reasonable costs, a select few command eye-watering prices due to their rarity, unique characteristics, and impeccable pedigrees.

We are talking about the highly sought-after breeds that turn heads but also empty wallets. You must be thinking, what makes these dogs so special? Why do they come with such a hefty price tag, and which furry friends sit at the top of the expensive dogs list?

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So, lets sniff out some of the most expensive dog breeds and what makes them so incredibly special.

Tibetan Mastiff

Topping the list of the most expensive dog breeds is the Tibetan Mastiff. Be prepared to be amazed and perhaps a little bit shocked as the price tags attached to these canines range from as low as $2,000 to millions. Yes, we arent kidding. Native to China and Nepal, this ancient breed was originally developed to guard sheep in the Himalayas against wolves and leopards. They are also among the largest dog breeds in the world, with males weighing up to 160 pounds. Tibetan Mastiffs are relatively healthy, but note that they are prone to hereditary conditions like hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and eye anomalies.

It is worth noting that a Chinese businessman gave $1.95 million for a Tibetan Mastiff puppy in 2014, making the Tibetan Mastiff the most expensive dog in the world.

Samoyed

This ancient breed from Siberia will make you fall in love, we bet. With their striking white, fluffy coats and perpetually smiling expressions, Samoyeds are captivating as well as expensive. A purebred Samoyed pup costs a whopping $14,000 (Rs 11.86 lakh), depending on the breeder and lineage of the dog. While they are big, Samoyeds are brilliant, social, and mischievous dogs that always demand attention, making them a perfect choice for families and children.

Lowcen

Also known as the little lion dog", the Lowchen is another rare dog breed that comes at a hefty price. Originating in Europe, these small yet energetic dogs are very playful, which makes them perfect for families and children. Its distinctive haircut, charming appearance and lively personality make them cost around $12,000 (Rs 10 lakh). While its on the most expensive dog list, these little dogs are surprisingly healthy and can live for 13-15 years.

Chow Chow

Originating from northern China, the Chow Chow is one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world. The dog itself is expensive to buy, but the costs to own a Chow Chow dont stop there. Youll rack up the bills for food, treats, vet bills, grooming, and health issues. The life range is 8-12 years but can be increased with proper care. Moreover, they require a decent amount of regular exercise, such as four or more walks per day. Coming to their price, it can go up to $11,000 (approximately 9 lakh).

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Rottweilers

This one might surprise you because Rottweilers are a more common breed than the others on this list. But yes, a purebred Rottweiler from an authentic German breeder can cost up to $9,000. There are chances to find these breeds for quite a bit cheaper from breeders in the US, ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500. While theyre not crazy expensive to buy, they rack up money in vet bills due to health issues. The breed, with a lifespan of only 8-10 years, is extremely susceptible to almost every single disease and/or cancer for dogs, especially hip and joint issues.

About the Author Nishad Thaivalappil Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha... Read More Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha... 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: May 01, 2025, 16:43 IST
Why May 1 Is Celebrated As Maharashtra Day And Gujarat Day? History, Significance, And Wishes to Share

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:16 IST

Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are celebrated every year on May 1 to mark the formation of the two states. The date also coincides with International Labour Day.

Maharashtra and Gujarat Day are observed every year on May 1. (Images: Shutterstock)

Happy Maharashtra Day And Gujarat Day Wishes: International Labour Day is observed globally on May 1 every year. But, two Indian states, Maharashtra and Gujarat, mark this occasion as Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, respectively, to honour the founding of their states, giving it particular significance for them. This day, which honours the rich traditions and heritage of these regions, is extremely important to the local population, who use it to commemorate their distinct histories, cultural identities, and national contributions.

Celebrated with great fervour, the day is commemorated with seminars, cultural events, and contests to recognise the founding and development of the state. The day is called Gujarat Gaurav Din or Gujarat Sthapana Divas in Gujarat, and Maharashtra Diwas or Maharashtra Din in Maharashtra.

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Both Gujarat Day and Maharashtra Day are occasions that celebrate the history, development, and rich cultural legacy of these states, emphasising their unique identities and contributions to India.

Here is everything you need to know about Gujarati and Maharashtra Diwas

Maharashtra Day: History And Significance

On May 1, Maharashtra commemorates the states formation in 1960, marking an important turning point in its history. The people of Maharashtra, who have a strong connection to the history and culture of their state, commemorate this day with tremendous pride and excitement.

When the Indian National Congress (INC) passed a resolution to create linguistic states at the start of the 20th century, the call for a separate state for Marathi-speaking people began. But it wasnt until 1947, when India gained its independence, that this ambition gained momentum.

To promote a separate state for Marathi-speaking people, the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti (United Maharashtra Committee) was founded in 1956.

A panel was established by the Indian government in 1959 to reorganise states based on language. The panel recommended creating a separate Marathi-speaking state that would encompass Bombay City and other Marathi-speaking areas that are part of the state of Bombay.

The establishment of the state of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Marathas history.

Gujarat Day: History And Significance

Gujarat Gaurav Din, or Gujarat Day, is observed on May 1 to honour the state of Gujarats establishment in 1960. Gujaratis, who take pride in their states rich history and cultural heritage, celebrate it grandly.

Since the founding of the Mahagujarat Movement in 1928, there has been a call for a separate state for Gujarati-speaking citizens. The Indian government established a panel in 1956 to reorganise states along linguistic lines after this idea gained popularity in the 1950s.

The panel recommended that the Gujarat and Saurashtra parts of the former Bombay State be combined into a new state specifically for Gujarati-speaking citizens. On May 1, 1960, Gujarat was formally established as a state, with Ahmedabad serving as its capital.

These two states commemorate their statehood on May 1 for the following reasons:

There is a historical explanation behind this. As mentioned above, both states were established on May 1, 1960, after Indias state structure was reorganised along linguistic lines.

Maharashtra and Gujarat were constituted on the same day to maintain equality and harmony, as the administration sought to avoid any disputes or problems regarding state formation. They celebrate their statehood on May 1 because of their shared heritage and the desire for equality and unity among their citizens.

Maharashtra Day And Gujarat Day: Celebrations

There are several parades, events, and ceremonies held in both states to commemorate the day. In Maharashtra, Shivaji Park in Dadar hosts the primary event. And in Gujarat, the Sabarmati Waterfalls host the primary event.

The two states cultures and customs are showcased during the festivities. The day has been proclaimed a public holiday in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day: Wishes to Share

Happy Maharashtra Day Wishes

I wish you a very happy Maharashtra Day! Let us celebrate Maharashtras passion and the principles that distinguish our state.

Happy Maharashtra Day to all of you proud Maharashtrians out there! Let us get together to appreciate our states rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Let us celebrate Maharashtra Day with excitement and passion while remembering the great leaders who battled for our statehood. Jai Maharashtra!

As we celebrate Maharashtras grandeur, let us remember our forebears efforts and promise to safeguard the principles they held dear. Happy Maharashtra Day!

On this auspicious occasion of Maharashtra Day, let us remember the rich heritage, cultural heritage, and customs that make our state so unique. Happy Maharashtra Diwas to everybody!

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Happy Gujarat Day Wishes

Happy Gujarat Day! May the spirit of togetherness, culture, and growth flourish throughout the dynamic state of Gujarat.

On this memorable day, we celebrate Gujarats rich legacy and great past. Happy Gujarati Day!

Let us celebrate the beauty of Gujarati culture and traditions on this auspicious occasion. Happy Gujarat Day 2025!

I wish Gujarat continued progress, success, and pleasure. Happy Gujarat Day!

May Gujarats cultural tapestry continues to tell stories of love, unity, and strength. Happy Gujarati Day!

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: May 01, 2025, 06:10 IST
Ajith Kumar Opens Up On Plans Of Leaving Films: I Could Be Forced Into Retirement

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 22:51 IST

Ajith, who made his acting debut in 1990 with En Veedu En Kanavar, has starred in numerous hits like Veeram, Billa, and Mankatha.

Apart from acting, Ajith Kumar is extremely fond of motor racing.

Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar, who was recently conferred with the Padma Bhushan, has opened up about the possibility of an unexpected retirement from the film industry. In a conversation with India Today, the actor spoke candidly about the unpredictability of life and his desire to live it to the fullest.

When asked about retirement, Ajith made a startling yet thoughtful comment. You never know! Its not about me planning when to retire, I could be forced into retirement. I dont want to take anything for granted. People complain about life. To wake up and feel alive itself is a blessing. I am not being philosophical here. I have been through surgeries and injuries. I have friends and family who are cancer survivors. We understand how valuable life is  just to be alive. I want to make use of every second of my life  want to make the most of it."

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Known for his humility and grounded nature, the actor further elaborated on his approach to life. When my time comes, I want my maker to think, I gave this soul a life and he sucked the juice of it, used every second of it in a positive way. Thats how I want to live life, passionately, and not waste time at all."

Ajith, who made his acting debut in 1990 with En Veedu En Kanavar, has starred in numerous hits like Veeram, Billa, and Mankatha. With a career spanning over three decades, he received one of Indias highest civilian honours, the Padma Bhushan, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 28. His wife, Shalini, and their children were present during the ceremony, marking a proud moment for the family.

Reflecting on his journey, Ajith shared that acting was never part of his original plan. Acting was never on my radar. I am an accidental actor. After school, I started working in an auto manufacturing company for about six months. I was 18 when I started racing motorcycles Then, before I started realising, I started doing print ads and TV commercials," he recalled.

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, 22:51 IST
Ananya Pandays Camera Crumbs From Lake Como Will Make You Pack Your Bags

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 19:39 IST

Ananya Panday posted a series of captivating moments from her Mediterranean outing on Instagram, where she attended the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 event.

Ananya Panday was last seen in Kesari 2. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Ananya Panday has jetted off to Italy to attend the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 show, held at the Villa dEste on Lake Como. At the event, the actress made heads turn with her vintage style, offering a fresh breath of haute couture. Ananya is having the time of her life at the dreamy destination, and her social media posts are proof enough. Now, the Kesari Chapter 2 actress has embarked on a photo-sharing spree, treating fans to glimpses of her exotic adventure. Ananyas Instagram entry featuring her travel escapades screams fun from miles away.

Ananya Pandays photo dump was all about savoring Italian food, enjoying herself and showcasing her sartorial flair on the Mediterranean holiday. The carousel opens to the actress, treating her taste buds to some yummy ice cream. Next, she gives a glimpse of her stunning OOTD at the Chanel event. She was clad in a black tiered dress layered with a black cardigan from the brands Metiers dart collection.

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Ananya Panday posted some sneak peeks from the special day, including her lavish dressing room and glimpses of herself strolling in the picturesque city. There were also lovely snaps of her soaking in the sun while enjoying a serene boat ride with her younger sister, Rysa Panday.

The caption accompanying the post read, Camera crumbs from Lago di Como with Chanel."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya  (@ananyapanday)

Workwise, Ananya Panday was seen in Kesari Chapter 2. The historical courtroom drama, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, stars Akshay Kumar in a lead role alongside R Madhavan, Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day and Alexx ONell. The film, based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Pushpa Palat and Raghu Palat, delves into the legal battle led by barrister C Sankaran Nair (played by Akshay Kumar) to uncover the truth behind the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre that shook India on April 13, 1919.

Up next, Ananya Panday is gearing up for Chand Mera Dil. She is paired opposite the Kill movie fame Lakshya. The Vivek Soni directorial is billed to be a college romance about engineering students. Ananya will also reprise her role as Bella Chowdhury in Call Me Bae season 2.

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: May 01, 2025, 19:37 IST
Deepika Padukone On Life After Dua: 'It Was About Me, Now I'm Responsible For Her'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 21:49 IST

Deepika Padukone opened up about motherhood and career balance, saying she hasnt found all the answers yet and is still navigating her new life.

Deepika Padukone welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with Ranveer Singh in September 2024.

At the WAVES summit held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai on May 1, Deepika Padukone opened up about embracing motherhood and how it has transformed her life. The actress shared the stage with Shah Rukh Khan in a panel titled The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler, moderated by filmmaker Karan Johar.

Deepika and Ranveer Singh welcomed their daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, on September 8, 2024. Reflecting on how her life has changed since becoming a mother, the actress shared, Im discovering this new life post [motherhood] The minute youve had a child, youre now responsible for another human being."

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She continued, Especially in the way Ive led my life, its been so much about me leaving home, my ambition, my career, and everything has been about my life and everything that I wanted for myself, and now suddenly youre caring for this little thing. That is dependent on you for everything."

Deepika, who has been vocal in the past about her desire to become a mother, added that shes enjoying the experience but is still finding her footing. Ive always wanted to be a mother, so Im enjoying every bit of that, but Im now navigating what this new life for me post-motherhood is. That person comes before you. I dont think Ive found the answers to that yet."

Deepika and Ranveer got married in a private ceremony in Italy in November 2018. Following Duas birth, the couple introduced their daughter to the world with a heartfelt Instagram post: Dua: meaning a prayer. Because she is the answer to our prayers. Our hearts are filled with love and gratitude."

Professionally, Deepika continues to remain in the spotlight. She is rumoured to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan in King, which also stars his daughter Suhana Khan. She will also return in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, and is set to headline a standalone film as Lady Singham in Rohit Shettys expanding cop universe.

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, 21:44 IST
Javed Akhtar Slams Pakistan Over 'Repeated' Terror Attacks: 'Kashmiris Loyal To Us'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 21:17 IST

Javed Akhtar also responded to a recent incident in Mussoorie, where Kashmiri shawl sellers were attacked by locals, prompting 16 vendors to flee the hill station.

Javed Akhtar demands decisive response from India after deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised Pakistan in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and left many injured. Speaking at a FICCI event in Delhi, Akhtar condemned the recurring nature of such attacks and called for firm action from the Indian government.

He questioned Pakistans repeated denials of involvement in such incidents, stating, Where did these terrorists come from? Not Germany. We dont share a border with them."

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Akhtar said the attack should be a turning point. What happened in Pahalgam of course there will be tension. How can there not be tension when such incidents keep happening? Every few days we see something like this occur, and every year there is at least one such tragic event."

Talking about Indias efforts towards peace, he said, Every government in this country, whether its the Congress or the BJP, has tried to establish peace. Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji went to Pakistan. But what did they do? They washed the place he visited. Is that what they call friendship?"

Akhtar further slammed Pakistans handling of the Kargil war aftermath and questioned its claims over Kashmir. How are we supposed to talk to Pakistan when they didnt even accept the dead bodies of their own soldiers from the Kargil war? Even today, 99% of Kashmiris are loyal to India."

He also responded to a recent incident in Mussoorie, where Kashmiri shawl sellers were attacked by locals, prompting 16 vendors to flee the hill station. To those who harass Kashmiris in places like Mussoorie or any other part of India, you are only validating and confirming Pakistans propaganda," he warned.

Calling for concrete steps, Akhtar added, I hope the government takes some strong and definitive action. It should be clearly conveyed to the Pakistani establishment that this will not be tolerated. Their Army Chief is insane, he has no sense. And we must not forget the Pahalgam attack. Their eyes are also on Mumbai."

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, 21:14 IST
Rajinikanth Says Indian Youth Not Aware Of Traditions, Westerners Taking To Indian Culture

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 19:50 IST

Rajinikanth says he worries about Indian youth adopting Western culture, while Westerners seek peace in Indian traditions.

Rajinikanth talked about Indian culture. (Photo Credit: X)

Rajinikanth recently shared his thoughts on why he feels that young people in India are moving away from their own culture and leaning towards Western influences. He also noted how people from the West are increasingly drawn to Indian culture for peace and inspiration.

During a video call at an event in Chennai, organized by his wife Latha Rajinikanth, Rajinikanth expressed in Tamil (translated by Nakkheeran), In this era of mobile phones, the youth and some adults are not aware of the traditions and culture of our country. They follow Western culture without knowing about the greatness and glory of our country."

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He reportedly said that Westerners come to India because they dont find peace in their own culture. He said, Westerners turn to India because they do not find happiness and peace in their traditions and culture. They say this is where they will find peace and joy and practice meditation, yoga and natural living. Latha is now making efforts to create awareness about it. I pray her efforts are successful by the grace of God."

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Rajinikanth was last seen alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Vettaiyan. Up next, he is gearing up for the release of Coolie, an action-packed thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, set to hit theatres in the second half of 2025. The film also boasts a stellar cast, including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and Reba Monica John. In parallel, the superstar continues shooting for Jailer 2 under the direction of Nelson Dilipkumar. Jailer 2 is produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. A sequel to Jailer (2023), the film stars Rajinikanth reprising his role as the titular character alongside Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa Menon reprising their roles, with S. J. Suryah joining the cast. Shiva Rajkumar also makes a guest appearance in this film.

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, 19:50 IST
Retro Review: Suriya Gives His All But Kartik Subbaraj's Wayward Storytelling Doesn't Let Him Soar

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Chirag Sehgal



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 15:30 IST

Retro is Karthik Subbaraj failing to recreate the magic of Jigarthanda Double X, despite having a solid Suriya at helm.

Suriya's Retro is now in theatres.

Retro U/A 2.5/5 1 May 2025|Tamil 2 hrs 30 mins | Action drama Starring: Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Nassar Director: Karthik Subbaraj Watch Trailer

Retro is Karthik Subbarajs intent to make a campy film that aims to bring back a unique flavour of Indian cinema, which was heavily influenced by the likes of Enter The Dragon. It is particularly amusing how Karthik has attempted to use the tropes of the Blaxploitation genre in an Indian setting that hits out at colonialism. He first did it with Jigarthanda Double X, which is Karthicks tryst with Westerns. He has done it again with Retro, which is his tryst with the 90s martial arts film. Like how Hollywood westerns had an influence on Indian films, the likes of such martial arts action films also made an impression on our filmmakers. However, the former style is more pronounced in our pop culture than the latter. It could be the reason that Retro doesnt make the same impact as Jigarthanda Double X. Here, Karthik is lost in finding the distinct texture which is elusive for him.

More often than not, such films had a caricature of a villain who is in control of a village or an island or an industry. Enter the hero with his own struggles, which eventually evolve into a cause for the greater good. Paarivel Kannan (Suriya) is born with a birthmark and a prophecy. He is destined to slay the demon, but Karthik doesnt get to the point that easily. We spend a lot of time (read the entire first half) to reach the prime conflict of the film. Paari, an adopted son of a gangster Thilagan (Joju George), wants to leave behind his life of violence for Rukmini (Pooja Hegde). But Thilagan doesnt let him go as Paari is in possession of Goldfish that is worth millions. As violence keeps haunting him, Rukmini leaves Paari and goes to live in one of the Andaman Islands. Naturally, Paari reaches the island where he has a bigger purpose waiting for him than romance.

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The island is ruled by a father-son dictator duo played by Nassar and Vidhu, who kill humans and animals for sport. The film spends way too much time on Paaris journey to find his Dhammam, a recurrent word in the film, which could mean calling or way of life or purpose. Karthik keeps making the film dense with many such layers. After a point, the heros journey becomes confusing with a confusing trajectory. Thats the overarching problem of Retro: it lacks a cut-and-right arc. Another issue is that the film fails to demand any emotional investment from the viewer. It is strange that while Jigarthanda Double X also travels in a similar trajectory, the pain of the villagers there was felt. Hence, the climax became a bit cathartic. Also, the pessimistic nature of Jigarthanda Double X was in perfect sync with reality. The imagery of an entire village getting gunned down, even as they sing and dance, evoked pain. Here, Karthik gets a bit optimistic as the villagers now get to be on the other end of the gunpoint. Unfortunately, we arent able to get a similar catharsis like last time.

I wish Retro was just about one thing, and Karthik didnt burden himself with social responsibilities, exploring his fascination for all things Tarantino, nostalgia, and ecoactivism at the same time. I also wish filmmakers across the board stop seeing films as a means to nurture their inner fanbois. Honestly, it is now tiring to keep getting odes, fanservice, and indulgence in the name of films. Whats more unfortunate is how filmmakers keep failing Suriya, when he gives it all every single time.

First Published: May 01, 2025, 15:30 IST
Sean Diddy Combs Receives Permission For Non-Prison Clothing During Trial

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 19:43 IST

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial will begin on May 5, months after the rapper was arrested.

Diddy attended past hearings in a prison outfit. (Photo Credits: X)

Sean Diddy Combs is all set to appear for his sex trafficking trial after months of being in prison. Ahead of the first hearing on May 5, the rappers legal team has made a special request, asking to allow Diddy to wear non-prison clothing" for the trial. As per the order, Diddy has received permission from the judge to receive new clothing to wear in the courtroom.

According to the legal documents obtained by media outlets, while the rapper has been permitted to sport business casual outfits in the court, a few limitations have been put in place on the number of items he can receive. He is permitted to have up to five button-down shirts, up to five pairs of pants, up to five sweaters, up to five pairs of socks, and up to two pairs of shoes without laces to wear to court," the order reads, as per E! News.

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During his previous court appearances, Diddy was seen wearing a beige-coloured prison uniform, along with a grey beard and aging hair. It is now to be seen if he will receive any transformations with his facial looks.

Sean Diddy Combs Criminal Case

In September 2024, Sean Diddy Combs was arrested in New York City. He was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitutionall of which the rapper has denied. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the musician, alleging his role in sexual assault, abuse, and harassment throughout his career. Prosecutors have claimed that Diddy forced or coerced several women into participating in sexual acts, even using his business to carry out Freak-off parties.

Diddys lawyers, while denying his involvement in the acts, have asserted, This unprecedented ambushpaired with an advanced, coordinated media presenceleads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs."

With Diddy still pleading not guilty, the trial is expected to dig out some shocking details with high-profile witnesses. His ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who previously accused him of sexual assault, will also testify in the trial.

About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 19:43 IST
The Bhootnii Review: Sanjay Dutt And Mouni Roy Struggle To Lift A Loud, Middling Film

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Shrishti Negi



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 10:04 IST

The Bhootnii Movie Review: Feel free to give this film a miss and if you miss Sanjay Dutt, you better go watch Munna Bhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai for the umpteenth time.

The Bhootnii is currently running in theatres.

The Bhootnii U/A 2/5 1 May 2025|Hindi 2 hrs 10 mins | Horror Comedy Starring: Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari, Aasif Khan and Nick Director: Sidhaant Sachdev Music: ICONYK, Shabbir Ahmed and Mukund Suryawanshi (Jam8) Watch Trailer

The Bhootnii Movie Review: This is the age of horror-comedies and may god spare us from this wave! This weeks brand-new (thats debatable) horror-comedy is The Bhootnii and it makes you wonder if succumbing to the formula is enough. What about the screenplay? And what about the treatment? Is brand horror-comedy enough to entice a crowd into a theatre? Its a big, fat NO. The Bhootnii  though based on a decent plotline  is bereft of both horror and comedy and is too ambitious for its own good. Whats left is a middling screenplay that tries too hard to keep the film afloat.

It revolves around The Virgin Tree. Delhi University alumni must be familiar with it. For those who arent, every year, the students of Hindu College used to perform the Damdami Mai puja (worship of The Virgin Tree) on campus, hoping to find love. One of the key highlights of the event included praying to a Bollywood actor and actress. This one time, the chosen celebrity was Sunny Leone. But coming back to The Bhootnii  that was previously titled The Virgin Tree  is set in a college called St Vincent College of Art and Culture.

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On every Valentines Day, the students offer garlands, photographs and notes to a tree on the campus with the anticipation that they too will soon have a blossoming love life and a happening sex life. But little do they know that a spirit resides in that tree. Things go awry when a bunch of students die in unusual and inexplicable ways. The protagonist, Shantanu, too faces the wrath of the spirit when he breaks down before the tree and reprimands it for not listening to his prayers as his love interest takes off on a motorbike with another boy.

And when this spirit comes to power, several students start hallucinating and get seizures. As all of this upsets the apple cart, the faculty and the management decide to call for a meeting. Unable to find answers, they reach out to an old student, Krishna Tripathi, who calls himself Baba and is now a para-physicist. Its rather interesting how Baba is introduced in the film. Hes seen fighting pisaca-like creatures in what looks like a shoddy VFX-heavy film shot against a green screen. His lackey, in fact, cautions him that this is no Naagin shoot. Interestingly, he uses guns to shoot down spirits. He also wears an energy detector on his wrist.

So, this spirit named Mohabbat  who never found true love and suffered due to a betrayal  falls in love with Shantanu. And his closeness to his female friend, Ananya, makes her jealous. Thats when her evil side comes to the core. She starts controlling Ananya. One day, she decides to tell Shantanu the truth about who she really is and when hes unwilling to believe her, she takes the form of a supernatural entity with green eyes and veins. Baba comes to the rescue and tries to send her back to the underworld.

At 2 hours 10 minutes, The Bhootnii appears too long-drawn. A lot of time is wasted through the first half and when its time for the interval, youll realise that no real plot progression has happened. The makers resort to oodles of physical comedy, which, in all honesty, is jarring, to say the least. Shantanu has two best friends (played by Nick and Aasif Khan) and while they try to make do with the material available to them, a poorly written script doesnt help them soar. Instead, who soars (literally) are Mohabbat and Shantanu much like those pisaca-like creatures.

We dont encourage drinking but theres an interesting game that you can play while watching The Bhootnii. Every time the words mohabbat and rooh are uttered, you take a sip from your fancy Stanley Cups (lets face it, no one will let you carry glasses inside a theatre). We can assure you that the spirit will eventually let you to enjoy this tale of a spirit. On a different note, the writer packs the screenplay with many jokes  some of which are references to Ranbir Kapoors Animal and one of which is borrowed from Munna Bhais agle din apne mohalle mein Hema aayi.

And speaking of Ranbir, theres a flashback sequence in The Bhootnii where we see a young Sanjay Dutt. It will definitely make you think that the makers should have rather considered superimposing Ranbir as a young Sanjay from Sanju. Much like bad jokes, The Bhootnii is filled with aerial shots, which do nothing to elevate the drama. As for St Vincent College of Art and Culture, its a unique place because students never study there. They spend their time looking at and thinking about The Virgin Tree and whiling their time away at the college cafe adorned with neon lights.

The saddest part is that the funny dialogues dont evoke any laughter and the ones that arent meant to be funny make you crack up. Its also packaged with a bunch of forgettable songs that dont render anything to the narrative. As for the performances, Nick in his debut acting outing, decides to fully play to the gallery. His histrionics are difficult to watch. Who makes up for him is Aasif. Even in a loud and noisy horror-comedy, he manages to leave a mark. His comic timing is relatively mellowed and he genuinely evokes a few laughs. This is an actor worth looking out for!

Sunny Singh as Shantanu appears to be someone who isnt completely convinced with the script but still decides to go with it. There are moments when hes extremely loud and at other places, hes disinterested. His chemistry with Palak Tiwaris Ananya fails to strike a chord either. Theres a scene when they have an altercation as a prelude to their confessions of love for each other. Its painful to watch. As for Palak, this script is hardly a parameter to her understand her talent. However, she needs to be given a benefit of doubt for being as confused as Sunny and not completely getting a grasp on the tonality of the script.

Its Mouni, however, who, in a way, shoulders the show. Once again, she plays a supernatural entity (no, not Naagin) and though this is home ground for her, she deserves a story and a script that helps her push the envelope. She manages to hold your attention (for good or for bad, but attention is attention) even when you feel your hope slipping away from the film. Her Mohabbat is no Junoon from Brahmastra: Part One  Shiva, but she truly is convincing.

But whats truly sad is that the film doesnt do justice to Sanjay. This is a man with an impeccable comic timing but even hes dealt with a deck of poorly written one-liners. For an actor of his stature, who we rarely get to watch on the big screen, he deserves bigger and better. However, his signature swag is still very much a part of The Bhootnii. His towering presence makes him the perfect fit for Baba, who can go against the natural order and crush any spirit to dust  sometimes with a gun and sometimes with love. We wish there was a little more backstory when it comes to Sanjays Baba.

What becomes a redemption of sorts is the last sequence where the climax unfolds. It bears the right kind of energy, treatment and texture, and adds a lot of gravitas to both Baba and Mohabbat. All in all, The Bhootnii is a reminder to filmmakers to stop underestimating the audience. For a horror-comedy to lack both is unforgivable. Even the jump scares are made to look diluted, thanks to the juddering noise and tonality of the film. Feel free to give this film a miss and if you miss Sanjay Dutt, you better go watch Munna Bhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munna Bhai for the umpteenth time.

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: May 01, 2025, 10:04 IST
How NDA Govt's Caste Census Call Shakes Up Politics Of Bihar, UP

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 21:16 IST

The ruling BJP hopes to take the sting out of the opposition clamour that it is opposed to backwards and Dalits by latching on to the caste census demand

BJP leaders say that by announcing the decision suddenly, when the whole country was awaiting some big announcement on the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Narendra Modi government has tried to put its stamp all over the caste census and avoid the opposition claiming any credit. (Representational Photo: News18)

Caste and votes go hand in hand in Indian politics, especially in the cow belt of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The BJP-led NDA governments sudden decision on Wednesday evening to conduct a caste survey along with the next population census has once again brought forth the importance of caste in politics.

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The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party hopes to take the sting out of the opposition clamour that it is opposed to backwards and Dalits by latching on to the caste census demand. The opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party in UP and Congress nationally, had been raising the issue of a caste census, increased representation of OBCs and Dalits in government quotas, and the alleged threat to the Constitution in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls of 2024. The image of Congresss Rahul Gandhi and SPs Akhilesh Yadav holding copies of the Constitution in every rally they held in the 2024 parliamentary polls became one of the lasting images of the elections and helped sharply increase the Lok Sabha seats for the opposition in UP.

By announcing the caste census, the BJP hopes to allay any impression that it was avoiding the issue. The BJP wants to avoid any sort of label being stuck on it, be it the threat of being anti-farmer, which led to the withdrawal of the controversial farm laws, or being dubbed anti-backwards or anti-quota by announcing the caste census," says retired professor Ravi Kumar of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

BJP leaders say that by announcing the decision suddenly, when the whole country was awaiting some big announcement on the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Narendra Modi government has tried to put its stamp all over the caste census and avoid the opposition claiming any credit.

Akhilesh Yadav said as much: It is our 100 per cent victory. It was the collective pressure by the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak  OBCs, Dalits and Minorities) that forced the governments hand to announce the caste census. An honest caste census will help all castes get their dues in proportion to their population."

But a BJP strategist pointed out that it was a well-timed decision as the matter was hardly part of the national discourse right now, and the party has claimed ownership of the issue by announcing the caste census suddenly. It would also help blunt the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress campaign in the Bihar polls, due shortly, where the pending caste census issue would have given the opposition an easy issue to target the BJP, said the strategist.

UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, while calling the decision historic, posted on social media site X that the decision would help in social justice and data-driven good governance practices. In fact, even UPs deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya had been raising the demand for a caste census inside the assembly and outside for a long time now. It will help society become stronger socially and economically. The Congress government had in the past conducted a census but only announced the population of SCs/STs. They did not give the figure of OBCs and other castes, which was a grave injustice," said Maurya, who is seen as the BJPs OBC face in UP.

The politics around the caste census stems from the fact that it is widely believed that it will throw up figures showing OBCs have increased in large numbers and therefore lead to renewed vociferous demands that they be given a bigger chunk of power and quota in government jobs. The last caste census of 1931 put the OBC population at 54 per cent. The caste survey conducted by the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in 2023 had also indicated a sizeable increase in the number of OBCs.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has already raked up the demand. He said on Wednesday, The caste census was our vision. The first step has been taken. We will now pressure the Modi government to increase the job quota beyond the 50 per cent cap".

The opposition Samajwadi Party, fresh from its Lok Sabha success, had also been trying to label the Yogi government as anti-backwards and Dalits. Akhilesh Yadav has been regularly dishing out figures of how OBC and Dalit officers are being denied good postings in the police and administration and only a few castes are being favoured.

He has been projecting Kurmis, a big OBC caste, and Dalits in the second rung of leadership in the SP, and that helped shore up the partys numbers in the Lok Sabha polls.

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In fact, the bid to show him as pro-Dalit led to an enthusiastic party leader merging Akhileshs photo with that of Dr BR Ambedkar, which led to much controversy recently. The BJP, which sensed a shift of Dalits towards the SP in the Lok Sabha polls and was looking to stem the tide, was quick to lash out against Akhilesh for comparing himself with an icon and statesman like Ambedkar, causing much embarrassment to the SP.

But now, with one stroke, Prime Minister Modi, himself an OBC, has put his stamp all over the caste census, and the BJP hopes it will pay dividends not just in the coming polls in Bihar (by when the census is expected to start and create a fresh buzz) but the 2027 assembly elections in UP too (by when the census results are expected to be ready).

First Published: May 01, 2025, 21:16 IST
'Move In And Stay There': Owaisi's Message To Govt On Pahalgam Response Against Pakistan

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 20:08 IST

Owaisi made the remarks while reacting on reports that the Pakistani Army has deserted their posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. (PTI file photo)

Continuing his strong remarks against Pakistan, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said India must put an end to Pakistan-based terrorism and hinted that India should capture Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He said that India must not just enter and kill" but must enter and stay."

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Ghar mein ghus ke baith jao," he advised the Union government while calling for decisive action against terrorism this time.

Owaisi said that the Modi government should have captured the land of the launching pads of terrorists in its action in 2019.

This is good. We should seize it," he said when his reaction was sought on reports that the Pakistani Army has deserted their posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

You are saying they have vacated (posts). If they have vacated, we should go and sit there. We should not leave. If some action is taken this time, we should enter and stay," he said.

When asked if India should capture PoK, the MP said a Parliament resolution states that PoK is Indias.

BJP says ghar mein ghus ke. I am saying ghar mein ghus ke baith jao. This terrorism needs to end," he said.

Owaisi called for putting an end to repeated terrorist attacks. He referred to Lumbini Park, Dilsukh Nagar and the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

I know one Sharma sahab. He is a Telugu scholar. He lost his daughter. Sometimes he comes and meets me, tells me he misses her. When 26/11 happened, a bride from Nizamabad was killed in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. She had mehndi on her hands. Pulwama happened, Uri happened, Pathankot happened, and Reasi happened. All Opposition parties are telling the government. Just finish this," Owaisi said.

Owaisi demanded that the Modi government pass a bill in Parliament to break the 50 per cent threshold on reservation. He said if the government wants, it can pass the bill in the monsoon session easily, as all the MPs will support it. He wanted to know what was stopping the government from passing the bill.

Welcoming the decision to conduct a caste survey, he said this was necessary to identify developed and underdeveloped castes and for affirmative action and to ensure justice in the country.

He demanded that the BJP-led government announce the timeline for the caste survey. The government must tell people when it will initiate the caste survey and if the report will come before the 2029 elections," he asked.

Strongly advocating the need for breaking the 50 per cent threshold on reservation, the MP said 85 per cent of people have been limited to less than 50 per cent quota, with OBC reservation confined to only 27 per cent.

Owaisi said the caste survey would reveal how 85 per cent of the population was kept backward in the name of Hindu-Muslim.

BJP always talks of pasmanda Musalman (backward Muslims). The survey will reveal their status and their deprivation. Similarly, it will help understand the status of non-pasmanda Musalman," he said.

He pointed out that the Telangana caste census revealed that the backward castes in the state are 56.32 per cent. The state Assembly also passed a resolution for 42 per cent reservation for backward castes.

The AIMIM chief also accused the BJP of practising hypocrisy" on Pasmanda Musalman.

The BJP made the Waqf Act saying it wants to make pasmanda Musalman members of Waqf boards. If BJP has so much love for pasmnada Musalman, why is it opposing reservation for them?" he asked.

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He mentioned that backward classes among Muslims in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are getting 4 per cent reservation. He said this reservation is based on religion, but it is based on social and educational backwardness.

Owaisi dared the BJP to end reservation for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh, where it is sharing power with the Telugu Desam Party.

First Published: May 01, 2025, 19:43 IST
'No One Can Oppose God': Dilip Ghosh Visits Jagannath Dham In Digha, Sparks Displeasure Within BJP

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 08:41 IST

BJP sources revealed that the leadership was unhappy with Ghoshs decision to attend the Jagannath Dham inauguration event and meet Mamata Banerjee.

During their visit to Jagannath Temple in Digha, Ghosh met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (Image: X)

No BJP leader was present during the inauguration of the Jagannath Dham in Digha. However, former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh visited the temple shortly after the ceremony, accompanied by his newly-wed wife. During their visit, Ghosh met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The meeting was cordial, and they were seen exchanging pleasantries, with Mamata warmly welcoming the couple.

Photographs of their interaction quickly circulated in the media, prompting discontent within the BJP. Party sources revealed that the leadership was unhappy with Ghoshs decision to attend the event and meet Banerjee.

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In response to the criticism, Ghosh told the media: God chooses those who are ideal to do his work. I came here to visit the temple, not to do politics. No one can oppose God. The government organised this program, I was invited, and I came. I believe in the politics of courtesy."

Despite his clarification, many BJP leaders in Bengal expressed displeasure. State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar commented: Dilip Ghoshs visit to Jagannath Dham is his personal decision. The party does not endorsed it. Given the atrocities committed against Hindus here, such a visit appears to ignore the suffering they face."

Unfazed by the backlash, Ghosh appeared defiant. In what seemed like a veiled attack directed at BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, though he didnt name him, Ghosh voiced strong opinions during his Thursday morning walk.

If my son-in-law follows a different party, I wont stop talking to him. I dont do that kind of politics. I dont need lessons from leaders who joined the BJP in 2020 or 2021. These newcomers dont understand the BJP. Some of them are trying to lecture me about RSS and Hindutva  dont teach me those things. If you cut my hand, youll find Hindu blood. They should remember, during my tenure, BJP had 18 MPs and numerous MLAs. Why cant the party retain them now? Why are MLAs leaving? I dont need lectures from anyone," Ghosh said.

Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari have long had a strained relationship, and this latest outburst only highlights the ongoing friction.

Since Tuesday, social media has been abuzz with speculation over Ghoshs loyalty to the BJP. Some users even suggested he might defect to another party. However, Ghosh has firmly denied such claims, reiterating his commitment to the BJP and his roots in the RSS.

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Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leaders took a dig at the BJP. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, Today in Digha, Dilip Ghoshs roar overshadowed even the roar of the sea. He launched a scathing attack on a section of the BJP."

This is not the first time Ghosh has acted independently of the party line. In the past, the BJPs top leadership has warned him about his controversial remarks. Where this current episode will lead remains to be seen.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 08:41 IST
iPhone 17 Air Compared With 16 Pro: What You Can Expect From Apple This Year

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 07:20 IST

The iPhone 17 Air is touted to be Apple's thinnest model ever and now we get a closer look at the upcoming device with the 16 Pro.

Apple iPhone 17 Air design has leaked via this video. (Photo courtesy: Apple Track)

Apple is widely rumoured to bring the iPhone 17 Air model this year that is likely to be its thinnest design ever. How thin? Well, a new video has come out giving us a fair idea about the dimensions of the supposed iPhone 17 Air model and even compared its size with the iPhone 16 Pro variant.

The new video comes from a YouTube channel which leaves very little to imagine about the iPhone 17 series, including the Air variant. Apple Track (via MacRumor) has got hold of the design renders of what looks like the close-to-production units of the upcoming iPhone 17 models.

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iPhone 17 Air Design Compared With the iPhone 16 Pro

As you can see in the image here, the iPhone 16 Pro, even though being rather compact, comes across like a giant and hefty piece of frame when placed next to the iPhone 17 Air dummy unit. In fact, the camera module on the 17 Air looks much more prominent, even if the 16 Pro has the larger system in place.

You can also see the volume buttons and the action button on the left side, while the power button and the camera control switch is likely to be on the right. You can check out the full video here.

As highlighted by TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo earlier, the rumoured iPhone 17 Air is expected to be incredibly thin and looking at these clips, you can clearly see the possible 5.5mm dimension is being mentioned.

The compact design is also rumoured to come without a physical SIM card slot which could make it less appealing in markets like China and India. The iPhone 17 Air is likely to sport a 6.6-inch OLED ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate screen. The one big change because of the slim design could be Apples limited power to offer a single 48MP rear camera and a 24MP selfie camera on the front.

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The device should come powered by the latest A19 Pro chip that supports Apple Intelligence capabilities. The first-ever Apple 5G and Wi-Fi chips are probably going to be part of the new setup as well.

Most rumours have said the 17 Air price is likely to sit below the Pro models but Apple could have other ideas and pitch its obvious design as a premium selling point. Apple will have Samsung for company as the rival brand is bringing its own Galaxy S25 Edge sleek phone as early as May to wider regions.

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: May 01, 2025, 07:20 IST
Ajaz Khan's 'House Arrest' Faces Backlash: 'Talking About Sex Positions, Taking Off Bra On Cam'

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 18:34 IST

House Arrest Controversy: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that she has raised the issue with the Parliamentary Standing Committee, and is awaiting a reply.

House Arrest Controversy: The show is hosted by Ajaz Khan, known for his stint on Bigg Boss 7 (2013).

A clip from Ullu Apps reality show House Arrest has taken the internet by storm over its objectionable content, with some questioning why there was an uproar over Samay Rainas show and not this one. Reacting to the latest controversy, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that she has raised the issue with the Parliamentary Standing Committee, and is awaiting a reply.

I have raised this in the standing committee that apps such as this, namely, Ullu App and Alt Balaji have managed to escape the ban by I&B ministry on apps for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Bihar incharge Barun Raj Singh requested Union minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw to save our children".

He further elaborated on the content of the clip: There is a show called House Arrest hosted by #EijazKhan. In this show, girls are made to take off their bras and panty. As the girls take off their underwear, the host of the show and the rest of the people boo and clap. They talk about on camera sex position.Such shows should be stopped immediately."

Another user asked in Hindi, What filth is this?"

An X user, @Starboy2079, tagged the Broadcasting Minister and wrote: This is all being shown in Indian OTT these days. Can you just imagine how much it is harming our society and culture? I request you to bring strong censorship for OTTs and TV channels (sic)."

A user asked what was stopping the government from banning ULLU TV and this show. Ullu TV has been promoting soft porn for years now. This content is available to everyone including children because OTT content is not regulated. Govt should take action against Ullu TV, Ajaz Khan & other participants (sic)," @Incognito_qfs wrote.

The show is hosted by Ajaz Khan, known for his stint on Bigg Boss 7 (2013) and his participation in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi season 5.

Will Content Spark Ranveer Allahabadia Row-Like Reaction?

The controversy comes months after national outrage over obscene comments" by Ranveer Allahbadia, widely known as the founder of the YouTube channel Beer Biceps, on the YouTube show Indias Got Latent.

The issue sparked a legal probe by cops across India, including Mumbai. Assam police had filed a complaint under Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), targeting both Allahbadia and the shows host, comedian Samay Raina, for alleged obscene acts."

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What Is Obscene Under Indian Law?

Indias obscenity laws are primarily controlled by Section 294 of the BNS, which punishes those who sell, import, export, advertise, or profit from obscene materials, such as books, paintings, and electronic content. The law defines obscene material as anything lascivious or appealing to prurient interest" or something that tends to deprave and corrupt individuals who are likely to read, see, or hear it." First-time offenders can be sentenced to up to two years in prison and fined up to Rs 5,000.

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

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!

First Published: May 01, 2025, 14:45 IST
Heroic Chinese Photographer Pins Down Thief In Barcelona, Recovers Stolen Camera

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 16:21 IST

The photographer was not physically harmed and was also able to retrieve his camera and other photographic equipment.

The detainee was identified as a 27-year-old man of North African origin. (Photo Credit: X)

A Chinese photographer has gone viral for his heroic act to save his equipment. The incident reportedly unfolded at the Avenida de la Catedral in Barcelonas Ciutat Vella district, Spain, earlier this week. The photographer was filming a newlywed Asian couple in the streets of the historic landmark. When they were busy with the shoot, three strangers suddenly turned up and tried to steal the professional camera. The assailants managed to snatch the device, but the photographer reacted promptly. He caught one of the thieves and pinned him to the ground while the other two quickly fled off the scene.

Witnesses immediately called the Catalan Police to inform them of the robbery. By the time officers of the Regional Motorcycle Group (GRM) arrived at the spot, the culprit had almost been choked by the photographer.

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The detainee was identified as a 27-year-old man of North African origin, who had nine criminal records, ElCaso.com reported. The police have already started an investigation to locate the other two suspects who had disappeared.

The photographer was not physically harmed. He was also able to retrieve his camera and other photographic equipment. A clip of his brave actions was dropped on X (formerly Twitter) by a Chinese journalist, and it impressed many social media buffs.

The video showed the thief, visibly shocked, struggling to breathe while lying on the footpath. After the police arrested him, the bystanders burst into applause, appreciating the photographer for his resilience.

A Chinese photographer's camera was stolen in Spain. The thief picked the wrong guy He was choked until the police arrived. The citizens burst into applause.I used to be nervous about being stolen when I studied in France. After backing home, no worries. China is very safe. pic.twitter.com/bCSEY5fnQp  Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) April 30, 2025

An X user quipped that the thief appeared to be relieved after the police took him away". Bro was so happy to see the police for a split second," added another. A humorous comment read, Plot twist: He said call the cops, but forgot he was the consequence.

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One user felt the photographer might be specialised in jiu-jitsu". The hand could be steadier on the bicep, but the rear-naked choke worked out," suggested an individual. Lesson learned: dont mess with the wrong person!" wrote a user.

I remember when a Russian tourist broke the arm of a thief who tried to pickpocket him, and a Spanish court forced the tourist to pay 7000 euros to the thief because he lost his ability to work," shared a person. The video has garnered over 7 million views on the X platform.

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: May 01, 2025, 16:21 IST
India, Pak Dummy Missile War On Live TV Sparks Laugh Riot: 'Like Phone S*x...War From Home'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 14:12 IST

The news broadcast invited both the Indian and Pakistani commentators to discuss the ongoing tensions between the arch-rivals.

The commentators used weapons-like items to target each other. (Photo Credit: X)

At a time when India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads over the recent Pahalgam terror attack, with both countries strongly calling out each other, a hilarious video captures an Indian and a Pakistani individual. Shared by an X user, Chiragh Baloch, the video shows the duo chanting slogans with the Indian saying, India Zindabad and Pakistan Murdabad." However, it is their use of weapon-like items that will leave you in stitches.

Seemingly captured during a news stream, the video features a Sikh man holding an arrow-like prop in his hand and making acts of shoving it towards the other one. Likewise, the Pakistani interviewee also held onto a knife-like weapon and made similar expressions. Due to security reasons, #India and #Pakistan have taken the war online. #IndiaPakistanWar," the user jokingly wrote in the caption.

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The video went instantly viral, drawing the attention of fellow X users who also found it funny. One wrote, Unbelievable," with laughing emojis, while another added, War from home." A user joked, Long-distance warship."

Another user, @SubhraRanjanPat, wrote, Its like Phone s*x for two lovers in long distance. Dur se hi maje le rahe hai (having fun from afar)."

Many asked questions about how long the war continued and further details about the news broadcast.

As one of the users questioned why Indian media needs to invite Pakistani commentators to their shows, a comment read, Because it brings out the best in us (pun intended). And gives the channel what it wants. A viral news cycle. A live on-air skirmish."

While no viewer is a stranger to heated TV news debates, there are multiple videos on the internet that contain all the elements of slapstick comedy, with another one featuring two panellists fighting over Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. A video of the TV brawl, which reportedly took place on Zee News Taal Thok Ke show, went widely viral, drawing a significant response from users. The two panellists got into a heated argument during the show, which later turned violent as they started hitting each other and even hurled abuses.

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A live TV debate on a news channel took a dramatic turn when tensions escalated over religious remarks. During the discussion, a Maulana made derogatory comments about Shri Krishna, prompting Acharya Vikramaditya Ji to respond by slapping him. pic.twitter.com/NmCejpMfKo Neon Man Tweets (@neonmantweets__) October 5, 2024

Coming back to the escalating tensions between the arch-rivals, both India and Pakistan continue to take countermeasures against each other, with India now shutting down its airspace to Pakistans planes after suspending social media handles of popular Pakistani celebrities in India.

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: May 01, 2025, 12:31 IST
Rs 83 Lakh A Year For Managing Homes? This Dubai Job Is Unbelievable

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:55 IST

A Dubai-based recruitment agency caught everyones attention by posting two high-paying openings, and it's not related to the tech sector.

Royal Maison has been offering top-quality services to its clients since 2013. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Imagine landing a job in Dubai with a salary that seems too good to be true, working alongside VIPs and earning a hefty paycheck each month. Recently, a Dubai-based recruitment agency grabbed attention by posting two high-paying job openings, and surprisingly, theyre not in the tech sector. Royal Maison, a renowned provider of high-quality domestic workers, has stunned social media with an offer for a Full-Time House Manager position, offering a jaw-dropping AED 30,000 per month (around 7 lakh). That means a successful candidate could potentially earn nearly 83 lakh annually.

The role itself is fairly straightforward: manage house staff, handle budgets, oversee home maintenance, and ensure everything in the household runs smoothly. Its an exceptional opportunity for anyone with experience in domestic management and looking for a unique, high-paying role in one of the worlds most luxurious cities.

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Taking to Instagram, the agency mentioned, Full-Time House Manager. We are currently seeking a skilled and dedicated Full-Time House Manager to join our prestigious team. This role offers an attractive salary of 30,000 AED per month, reflecting our commitment to attracting the best talent in the industry. As a House Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing daily household operations, ensuring a seamless environment that meets the highest standards of service. Ideal candidates will possess strong organisational skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Your responsibilities will include supervising staff, coordinating household maintenance, managing budgets, and ensuring that all household functions run smoothly."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Maison  Domestic Staffing & Private Recruitment Boutique (@royalmaisondubai)

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Wow, sounds like a great opportunity."

Another shared, 30000 AED? I would leave my current job and get into hospitality."

Seems very high and considering tax is negligible, must be a huge house with a lot of expectations," a comment read.

An individual shared, I would move across the world for that."

Another mentioned, You sure its 30,000 and not 3,000?"

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A social media user commented, I would leave my entire graduation and experience and happily become a maid."

Since its establishment in 2013, Royal Maison has been providing top-notch services to its prestigious clientele, which includes prominent figures such as members of royal families and renowned Hollywood and Bollywood actors.

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: May 01, 2025, 09:55 IST
The Simpsons Clip On India Nuking Pakistan Is Trending Amid Rising Tensions After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 11:10 IST

The viral clip shows a scene from the popular satirical animated series The Simpsons with people claiming that the show predicted India launching a nuclear attack on Pakistan.

The Simpsons is known for its sharp humour and jokes about global events. (Photo Credit: X)

The Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 tourists dead, has increased tensions between India and Pakistan. India has taken a strong stand against Pakistan as it blamed it for sheltering the terror groups behind the attack. In response, India announced several diplomatic steps against Pakistan including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. India also promised to retaliate after the deadly attack and since then, Pakistan has been involved in unprovoked firing" at the Line of Control (LoC). Amid the rising tensions between the two countries, a video clip has surfaced on the internet which has caught everyones attention. It shows a scene from the popular satirical animated series The Simpsons with people claiming that the show predicted India launching a nuclear attack on Pakistan.

The video has been widely shared on social media with one X user captioning it, Simpsons predicted India nuking Pakistan, FYI." The clip being shared is from the episode Bart to the Future which is Season 11, Episode 13 of The Simpsons. The episode originally aired on March 19, 2000. In the clip, Krusty the Clown is seen telling a joke about India and Pakistan.

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In the clip, Krusty begins with the line, What is the difference between Pakistan and a pancake?" He then delivers the punchline: I dont know any pancakes that were nuked by India!" After saying it, he follows with, What? Too soon?"

Simpsons predicted India nuking Pakistan, FYI People in the comments had different reactions. Some asked AI tools like Perplexity and Grok to check whether the claim was true. One user wrote, Simpsons prediction never goes wrong," while another added, Simpsons already predicted it." Someone else said, Hope this stays a joke." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Simpsons has made several predictions" over the years. It showed Donald Trump becoming US President which later happened. It joked about Lady Gaga doing acrobatics at the Super Bowl which she did years later. It also showed 20th Century Fox as part of Disney and 19 years later, Disney ended up buying the studio. But it should be noted that the show is known for its sharp humour and jokes about global events and sometimes, those jokes seem like predictions when real events happen years later. While the video is gaining traction, Indias real-world response to the Pahalgam attack is also taking shape. On Tuesday, April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a high-level security meet said that Indian armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the nations response to the terror attack.

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: May 01, 2025, 10:44 IST
'Exercise Hammer Strike' Part Of Pakistan's Psyops Toolkit: Intel Sources | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: May 02, 2025, 00:47 IST

This is designed to project military strength against India and shape domestic and international narratives, the sources added

Munir visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) on Thursday to observe Exercise Hammer Strike a high-intensity field training exercise conducted by the Pakistan armys Mangla Strike Corps, according to ISPR. (File image: AFP)

By framing Exercise Hammer Strike as a mix of innovation and technological modernisation, Pakistan army chief Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah is trying to project the image of a powerful general, top Indian intelligence sources have told CNN-News18.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) release is a multilayered psyops tool," said a source. It warns India against aggression while reassuring China of Pakistans strategic utility."

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According to intelligence sources, this serves as a calculated psychological operation by the Pakistan army chief. This is designed to project military strength against India and shape domestic and international narratives.

This exercise is to highlight cutting-edge weapon systems, long-range precision artillery, and next-generation technologies," a source said. This signals Pakistans ability to counter Indias military edge: S-400 missiles and Rafale jets."

Munirs statement, where he said, Any misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response", reinforces nuclear ambiguity and conventional readiness and resembles Indias Cold Start, said sources.

Pakistan is showcasing niche technologies, likely Chinese-origin systems like HQ-9 SAMs and Wing Loong drones, they added. This indicates heavy dependence on Chinese artillery.

In this, they have shown the JF-17 Block III with Chinese AESA radars/PL-15 missiles, positioned to challenge Indias Rafales.

This is timed at heightened India-Pakistan tensions post-Pahalgam attack to preemptively counter Indian military posturing, sources stated.

This distracts from domestic crises like economic collapse and political instability by redirecting focus to national security, they added.

This exercise, according to them, counters Indias global narrative of Pakistan as a terror sponsor by reframing the army as a professional, tech-savvy force. The presence of senior formations with him shows solidarity.

Munir visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) on Thursday to observe Exercise Hammer Strike a high-intensity field training exercise conducted by the Pakistan armys Mangla Strike Corps, according to ISPR.

The militarys media wing highlighted that the exercise demonstrated the armys growing integration of advanced and emerging technologies to enhance both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities.

During his visit, General Munir praised the professionalism, morale, and combat readiness of the participating troops, describing them as a true representation of the Pakistan Armys operational excellence.

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While addressing the troops, he reiterated the armed forces unwavering commitment to defending Pakistans sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Let there be no ambiguity: any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and elevated response. While Pakistan remains devoted to regional peace, our readiness and determination to protect national interests are absolute," he emphasised.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: May 02, 2025, 00:47 IST
Israel Faces National Emergency As Worst Fires In A Decade Rage Outside Jerusalem

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:33 IST

Israel Wildfire: The alert level has been raised to its highest point and authorities have shut down the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway.

Israel Wildfire: Israeli fire services called the fire one of the "largest-ever" in Israel. (Image Credit: Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning as rapidly spreading wildfires edged dangerously close to Jerusalem. Declaring the escalating situation a national emergency", Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that the western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of [Jerusalem]  and even into the city itself."

In videos and photos widely shared on social media, thick plumes of smoke choked highways near the city as firefighters, bolstered by military deployments, scrambled to contain the blazes that have injured several people and forced widespread evacuations. The Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency reported that hundreds of civilians were at risk from what they described as the worst fires to hit the region in years.

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BREAKING: A huge wildfire has spread out in the north of Israel due to todays massive rocket barrage fired by Hezbollah.Where is the outrage? Why is the world suddenly silent? pic.twitter.com/Dic4PZfsOv  Vivid. (@VividProwess) July 4, 2024

The alert level has been raised to its highest point and authorities have shut down the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway and evacuated residents along its path as new fires ignited in an area already ravaged by blazes a week prior.

Student Yosef Aaron told AFP, A lot of police arrived, a lot of firefighters, but it didnt really help. The fire had already completely taken over the whole area here."

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Fire chief Eyal Caspi said that weather conditions imposed limitations on aerial firefighting efforts, stating, Our aircraft cant do anything right now due to the weather conditions Our goal is to save lives," while acknowledging the potential for this to be the largest fire in Israel in a decade."

Israel has reached out to neighboring countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria, for assistance. Benjamin Netanyahus office announcing the imminent arrival of aircraft from Italy and Croatia to join the firefighting efforts.

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 : Israel

First Published: May 01, 2025, 09:33 IST
Jaw Dropped: Journo Recalls Viral Moment Khawaja Asif Admitted To Pakistans Dirty Work

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 23:24 IST

Yalda Hakim said that a lot of people wrote to her and said that her jaw dropped when Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif made the stunning terror revelation.

Journalist Yalda Hakim's interview with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went viral in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attacks. (IMAGE: AFP)

Sky News anchor Yalda Hakims viral reaction during an interview with Pakistans Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif has not only stunned viewers but has also left her amazed.

Yalda revisited the news segment at a podcast with fellow journalist and colleague Richard Engel and both of them revisited the video where Khawaja Asifs admission that Pakistan harbours terrorists because it was doing the US and British intelligences dirty work".

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A lot of people wrote to me to say your jaw dropped when he made the admission," Hakim told Engel in a video of the podcast released by Sky News on Instagram.

Yalda Hakim questioned Asif over Pakistans history of funding and backing terrorists, to which the defence minister openly admitted that Pakistan had harboured terrorist groups, claiming it was doing so as part of its involvement in US-led efforts to contain Soviet Russia that had invaded Afghanistan towards the late 80s, few years before it fell apart.

Asif also said that Pakistan was doing the US and the British Intelligences dirty work" for three decades when it was harbouring terrorists.

Commenting on the moment, Hakim tells Engel: Did you see my face though!"

To this, Engel replied: It is interesting, you know when they say journalism is the first draft of history It is nice, when you get a first draft of history".

When you get a senior official saying  yes, we did this and I think it came out inadvertently, because you were talking about current events and they said we did this at the behest of the CIA and British intelligence".

The interview was taken at the backdrop of the attacks on tourists in Pahalgam by Pakistan-trained terrorists, who in a deadly ambush killed 26 civilians, most of them tourists sightseeing in Baisaran.

Hakims interview was also discussed at the UN.

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Indias deputy permanent representative at the UN Yojna Patel on Monday said the confession did not surprise anyone and exposed Pakistan as a rogue state" that has been fuelling global terrorism.

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. This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye," Yojna Patel said.

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 : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: May 01, 2025, 22:51 IST
Key Differences Between Lashkar, Jaish, And Tracking Their Global Footprints | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 19:47 IST

Recent intelligence inputs indicate meetings between Hamas leaders and JeM and LeT in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)

According to top intel sources, Jaish's ideology comprises Deobandi, Islamism, and Sunnism. It is aligned with al-Qaeda and the Taliban. LeT belongs to the Salafi Ahl-e-Hadith sect, believes in global jihad, and has ties with Hamas. (Representational image)

Terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed exploit Pakistans territorial ambiguities but differ sharply in ideology, structure, and operational methods, an intelligence note accessed by CNN-News18 reveals.

According to top intel sources, Jaishs ideology comprises Deobandi, Islamism, and Sunnism. It is aligned with al-Qaeda and the Taliban. LeT belongs to the Salafi Ahl-e-Hadith sect, believes in global jihad, and has ties with Hamas.

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Jaish is family-run as a mafia-style enterprise, with Maulana Masood Azhar and his brothers controlling the operations. Lashkar has a hierarchy, is less dependent on family, and cadres are selected on merit.

Jaish operations are mainly high targets" and it focuses on suicide bombings like the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Lashkar indulges in urban attacks" style, like Mumbai 2008 and Pahalgam 2025, where a large number of civilians were killed.

Jaish has limited global footprints in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kashmir. Lashkar is global with the help of charity organisations like Jamaat ud Dawa and has footprints in Europe as well as West Asia.

Jaish has direct connections with Pakistans spy agency ISI, and sometimes it can operate against the state also, like when it wanted to kill Pervez Musharraf, said sources. Lashkar is close to the Pakistan deep state.

LeT has trained operatives from al-Qaeda, like Ramzi Yousef, the 1993 World Trade Centre bomber. It has also hosted terrorists like 2001 shoe bomber Richard Reid and 2005 London subway attackers.

According to sources, Lashkar recruits from Pakistani diaspora communities in the UK, the US, and Australia. It provided safe houses for al-Qaeda operatives, including those involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

People like David Coleman Headley, involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, exemplify the groups transnational operations.

Post-US withdrawal, LeT shifted its focus to Afghanistan, targeting Indian interests and collaborating with the Taliban.

JeM fighters trained in Afghan camps during the Soviet-Afghan War and maintain alliances with the Taliban. Its cadres fought for al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, sharing resources and ideological goals.

JeM receives funding from West Asian donors via charities like Al-Rehmat Trust, while its ideology matches with Deobandi networks in Saudi Arabia, said sources.

Jaish operatives have plotted attacks in Denmark and the UK, leveraging connections with British-Pakistani radicals.

Masood Azhars early career involved coordinating with al-Qaeda in Somalia and Afghanistan.

JeMs 2001 Indian Parliament attack was jointly executed with al-Qaeda-linked militants, sources said.

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Recent intelligence inputs indicate meetings between Hamas leaders and JeM and LeT in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Hamass tactics in Israel have inspired Kashmir-focused attacks, said sources.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: May 01, 2025, 19:47 IST
Snub To Ishaq Dar? Why Marco Rubio Ditched His Counterpart, Went Straight To Shehbaz Sharif

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 14:56 IST

Marco Rubio spoke directly to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, bypassing Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, a move likely reflecting US' disapproval of Dar's controversial remarks.

Marco Rubio/Ishaq Dar/Shehbaz Sharif (Photos: AP)

Hours after the United States encouraged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, questions are being raised on why Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly, rather than speaking to his counterpart, Ishaq Dar.

A statement by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio dialled Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan PM Sharif, and reaffirmed his commitment to cooperate with the Pahalgam attack probe.

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Soon after Bruces statement was out, chatter in Pakistans power corridor questioned why Rubio chose Sharif, and not Dar, who also happens to be the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Speculations were rife that Rubio chose to speak directly with Sharif because Pakistan has been making baseless claims against India.

ALSO READ | Marco Rubio Tells India To Work With Pakistan, But Govt Stands Firm On Pahalgam Retaliation

Soon after the Pahalgam terror attack, Dar referred to the perpetrators of the attack as freedom fighters".

Those who carried out attacks in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam district on April 22 might be freedom fighters," he said on April 24, just two days after 26 tourists were killed in Kashmirs iconic Pahalgam.

Later, the countrys Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tara,r said the Indian government was preparing to launch an attack based on baseless and concocted allegations" regarding Pakistans involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

In fact, just hours after the incident, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had asserted that the attack was a reaction of those against the Central government in India, from Nagaland to Kashmir, including the unrest in Manipur, and that the attack was home-grown".

Asif, in one of his bombshell revelations, had admitted to Pakistans history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations, and had called it dirty work" for the West.

If the chatter is to be believed, Asifs dirty works statement, at a time when diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated, has not gone down well with the US administration.

ALSO READ | Pahalgam Attack: Farooq Abdullah Calls Pakistan Failed State, Says Kashmiris Suffering Most

RUBIOs CONVERSATION WITH SHEHBAZ SHARIF, EAM JAISHANKAR

The US Secretary of State, talking to Sharif, reaffirmed the United States commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.

Rubio also stressed the need to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack and urged Pakistani officials cooperation in investigating the unconscionable attack".

In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific" terrorist attack in Pahalgam that had killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

Meanwhile, Sharif 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".

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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 | Infiltration Attempts, Firing & LoC Violations: Heres A Timeline Of Pakistan Terror Module Before Pahalgam Attack

About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 14:56 IST
Marco Rubio Tells India To Work With Pakistan, But Govt Stands Firm On Pahalgam Retaliation

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Mallika Soni



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 17:48 IST

Jaishankar said he told Marco Rubio that the perpetrators, backers and planners (of the Pahalgam terrorist attack) must be brought to justice.

S Jaishankar and Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a call with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, has encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions" but it is unlikely as India is resolute in its effort to get justice for the victims of the Pahalgam terror strike, senior government officials told CNN-News18.

A statement from Jaishankar on his call with Marco Rubio completely skipped the above-mentioned part of Rubios message. Jaishankar in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said that he told Marco Rubio that the perpetrators, backers and planners (of the Pahalgam terrorist attack) must be brought to justice."

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Marco Rubio in his parallel message to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif repeated the same message. He (Rubio) encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions and re-establish direct communications," the US State Department readout on Thursday said.

India and Pakistan have not had any direct communication since the Pathankot air base terror strike in 2016. India then had allowed a team from Pakistan to come to India and investigate matters but the findings of the same were never shared by Islamabad with New Delhi. Moreover, India has not spoken to Pakistan even as it has reached out to all other nine non-permanent members of the UN Security Council over the last few days. Pakistan is among the ten current non-permanent members of the UNSC.

Pakistan this time is seeking an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam terror strike on the same lines and is approaching all countries with this proposition. But India is unlikely to agree to any such proposition given our experience in Pathankot in the past," senior officials told CNN-News18.

At that time, a Five Member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan visited India for four days in March, 2016 to collect, review and document physical evidences and to interview key witnesses and victims, through the NIA, with regard to the Pathankot Airbase terror attack.

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Pakistan had constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on 25th February, 2016 under Section 19(I) of its Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, to conduct investigation into an attack on Pathankot Air Force base, in furtherance to a FIR registered at Police Station Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Gujranwala in Pakistan.

The Pakistan JIT had then also assured India of their full cooperation and promised to execute the Letter Rogatory which had been received by them from India. But nothing happened on the LR as well," officials say.

About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 14:28 IST
Mike Waltz Quits As Trump's National Security Advisor, Weeks After Signal Chat Leak: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 23:57 IST

Mike Waltz was out as the National Security Advisor in the Donald Trump administration on Thursday, reports said.

Mike Waltz out as US NSA (Reuters Image)

Mike Waltz quit as US President Donald Trumps National Security Advisor, media reports said on Thursday.

He and his deputy Alex Wong were purged, the reason for which has yet not be disclosed. Trump announced Waltz as the US ambassador to the United Nations.

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Waltz, an ex-Florida congressman, has faced criticism from Democrats and others since March after the Signal chat leak case blew up. The Atlantic editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, had revealed that he was added to a Signal group chat with top national security officials, including Waltz, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, as they discussed war plans related to strikes on rebels in Yemen on March 15.

Last month, Waltz took responsibility for the inclusion of the journalist in the group.

I take full responsibility. I built the group. Its embarrassing. Were going to get to the bottom of it," he told Fox News earlier.

Waltz had attended Trumps meeting along with other Cabinet members on Wednesday after the US President completed his 100th day in office in his second term.

Alex Wong, who served as Waltzs principal deputy national security advisor, was mentioned in the Signal chat leak earlier this year. According to The Atlantic, he was identified in Waltzs initial March message as the staffer responsible for pulling together a tiger team."

Team  establishing a principles [sic] group for coordination on Houthis, particularly for over the next 72 hours," Waltz wrote in the group chat." My deputy Alex Wong is pulling together a tiger team at deputies/agency Chief of Staff level following up from the meeting in the Sit Room this morning for action items and will be sending that out later this evening."

On April 3, Trump told the media that several other National Security Council staffers had been dismissed after The Atlantics report on the Signal chat leak, which described the administration as discussing war plans" for a strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen over text.

However, the Trump administration had maintained that no classified information was shared in the Signal chat, as the President repeatedly defended Waltz amid the controversy.

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In March, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House considered the Signal chat leak case closed," and continued to support Waltz.

As the president has made it very clear, Mike Waltz continues to be an important part of his national security team. And this case has been closed here at the White House, as far as we are concerned," she had said on March 31.

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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 01, 2025, 20:42 IST
Pakistan Envoy Tells Donald Trump To Settle Kashmir Issue, With A Veiled Nuclear Threat: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 19:55 IST

Pakistan envoy to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh asked US President Donald Trump to step in and provide final settlement to the Kashmir Issue with a veiled nuclear threat.

Pakistan envoy to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh asked US President Donald Trump to provide a final settlement to the Kashmir issue. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

In a plea that carried the weight of a veiled nuclear warning, Pakistans ambassador to the United States urged US President Donald Trump to defuse tensions between Pakistan and India, calling Kashmir the flashiest flashpoint" in global geopolitics and the root cause of tensions with India.

According to Newsweek, Pakistans ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said in an interview with the magazine that Donald Trump should intervene or risk a nuclear crisis.

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ALSO READ | The US Is Worried About Pakistans Nukes, Does It Have A Secret Plan To Grab Them?

If we have a president who is standing for peace in the world as a pronounced objective during this administration, to establish a legacy as a peacemaker  or as someone who finished wars, defied wars and played a role in de-confliction, resolving the disputes  I dont think there is any higher or flashier flash point, particularly in nuclear terms, as Kashmir," Sheikh said.

India has always maintained that issues related to Jammu and Kashmir, if and when they arise, should be resolved bilaterally between New Delhi and Islamabad, but Pakistan has always invited third parties to intervene in the Kashmir issue.

Following the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists, both trained and based out of Pakistan, killed 26 civilians mostly tourists, Pakistan first invited Iran and then the US to help mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

Instead of condemning the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has chosen to issue nuclear threats to India over threats to hold bilateral agreements in abeyance, including a major water sharing treaty.

Sheikh in his interview with Newsweek, appeared to issue a fresh nuclear threat, when he said: We are not talking about one or two countries in that neighbourhood who are nuclear-capable. So, that is how grave it is," he said, in a tone similar to Pakistan minister Hanif Abbasi who earlier this week said Pakistan has 170 nuclear missiles aimed at India.

He also said that the Kashmir issue was the root cause of all troubles between India and Pakistan.

India has maintained that there is no issue to mediate with regard to Kashmir with the exceptions of the Indian area in Kashmir that Pakistan illegally occupies, also known as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and its state sponsorship of terror, which poses a threat to stability in Jammu and Kashmir and the broader south Asian region.

Until and unless that final settlement is made and the resolutions dictate the prescribed solution is allowed to play out, we will all keep having these problems," Sheikh said. Thats why we insist on the United States and others playing a role in this situation and getting the de-confliction part activated," he added.

All the other issues between Pakistan and India are not major issues. We do not want to fight, particularly with a bigger country. We want peace. It suits our economic agenda; it suits our nationhood. It suits every objective that we have currently," he said.

But we want peace with dignity. We would not want to do it, but if it is imposed, then we would rather die with dignity than survive with indignity".

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Pakistan Lobbies To OIC In Desperation

Pakistans envoy to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, briefed OIC envoys in New York and falsely labelled Indias actions as provocative". A Pakistani readout of the outreach said the OIC group expressed solidarity with Pakistan and stressed the need for de-escalation through diplomacy and urged a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN and OIC resolutions.

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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 01, 2025, 16:45 IST
Officer Rose Buchal became a police officer in Chippewa Falls to help provide support to people who may be going through hard times.

Buchal went through the hiring process last year and started in July.

I wanted to be a police officer because I liked how you're working with people who might be going through some type of crisis, and you can be that professional in their life that can offer support, she said.

The Chippewa Falls Police Department is accepting applications for the next three weeks through its online application portal, which is accessible for short periods of time when positions are open, Chief Ryan Douglas said.

Buchal went through the process last summer.

I wanted to find a department that was a good fit for me and kind of upheld my values, and I saw Chippewa Falls Police Department and basically through going through their hiring process and speaking with officers there, I could tell that they had the same values I did, she said.

The department is looking for ideal candidates including college students, police academy graduates, career changers and experienced law enforcement.

The application deadline is 3 p.m. May 22.

Buchal said she thinks the departments hiring process is robust and involved.

I think it's more in-depth than some other departments, like they have the first interview  it's a short interview with just a sergeant and lieutenant usually, and then they have a full-on internal interview, which is like a table full of sergeants and lieutenants and patrol officers of different ranks, she said.

The first interview was not intimidating, she said.

That was pretty low pressure. The one that was like a full table of people, that was slightly intimidating, but it was good, and they all had good feedback, she said.

Something Buchal liked about the police departments hiring process is that she never felt like she was in the dark.

I knew where I stood with them, she said. It was very easy because the communication between the police department and me was very good.

Buchal said the hiring process was thorough and informative.

For those looking to join the department, applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 20 years of age by date of hire, have a valid drivers license, good driving record, be in good physical condition and have a high school diploma, a two-year associate's degree or a minimum of 60 college-level credits by date of hire.

They need to have no felony or domestic abuse convictions; the ability to possess a firearm and to react quickly and effectively to stressful situations; clear and concise speech; knowledge and skills in operating computer systems; the ability to handle several tasks simultaneously and to use all standard law enforcement equipment.

A 45-minute residency requirement from an applicant's home to the city limits will apply after the 18-month probationary period.

Applicants must go through an interview process like the one Buchal experienced.

The first stage includes a 15-minute interview with officers of differing ranks.

All applicants must pass the Wisconsin Police Academy Physical Agility Test Graduation Standard before starting duties as police officers with the Chippewa Falls Police Department.

Then those who advance will go through internal interviews with multiple questions and interactive scenarios, a written report and a personal evaluation profile test.

Candidates are next scheduled for a four-hour ride-along with officers before a Police and Fire Commission interview.

Comprehensive background checks, psychological, medical and drug tests are final components to the process.

Anyone with questions may reach out to: Lt. Sheridan Pabst at 715-720-4191, spabst@chippewafalls-wi.gov; or Administrative Assistant Lesley Small at 715-726-2707, lsmall@chippewafalls-wi.gov.

2025-2026 annual wages indicate a first-year patrol officer will make $63,081 in the Chippewa Falls Police Department.

Application materials are available on the Chippewa Falls Police Department website.

Buchal said she has had some rewarding times in her first year on the job. She got into police work to help people.

I've definitely had some times where I've been able to do that, and those moments are really rewarding when you're having, like a contact with someone, and you know maybe you're not doing everything they want you to do, but they still thank you for doing your job and being professional, she said. That is a very rewarding moment. And also one of the best parts is just the people that I work with. They're all super motivating and encouraging.
Pakistani Politicians Struggle With Army-Induced Crises As India Flexes Muscle | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 10:38 IST

Top Pakistan government sources said political leaders believe they face asymmetric power dynamics with India and minor escalations could result in catastrophic consequences

Approximately 1.5 million Pakistanis live near the Line of Control (LoC) and a war would trigger a refugee crisis. (PTI)

Pakistani politicians are grappling with the crises created by their army and operating in a state of fear and crisis management amid strained relations with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Top Pakistan government sources told CNN-News18 that political leaders are not convinced by the Pakistan Army chiefs narrative. They believe they face asymmetric power dynamics with India and existential resource threats, fearing that minor escalations could result in catastrophic consequences.

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Approximately 1.5 million Pakistanis live near the Line of Control (LoC) and a war would trigger a refugee crisis. Military retaliation risks a larger war that Pakistan cannot win conventionally. Even a limited strike on militant camps could escalate due to Indias superior mobilisation capacity.

Accepting Indias demands to crack down on all militants would alienate hardliners and spark domestic backlash. Inaction, however, allows India to tighten its grip on Kashmir, weaponise water, and deepen Pakistans isolation, the sources said.

According to top Pakistani government sources, Indias defence budget in 2025 was nearly 10 times higher than Pakistans, standing at $84 billion compared to Pakistans $8.3 billion. Indias military modernisation, with Rafale jets, S-400 missile systems, and aircraft carriers, outpaces Pakistans reliance on aging equipment and limited Chinese imports. The 2019 Balakot airstrike demonstrated Indias willingness to cross the LoC, bypassing Pakistans nuclear deterrent.

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Indias strategic partnerships with the US, EU, and Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have further marginalised Pakistan. For a country heavily dependent on agriculture, this is particularly worrisome. About 80 per cent of Pakistans farmland relies on Indus waters, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty threatens food security for 250 million people. The threat of a water shortage could fuel public panic, with citizens stockpiling resources and farmers protesting, undermining trust in the states ability to protect basic needs.

India and Pakistan have once again locked horns over the Pahalgam attack in which terrorists shot dead 26 civilians, mostly tourists, as they soaked in the beauty of the serene Baisaran Valley. The incident, which sparked global condemnation, saw India take several steps to hurt Pakistan, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and closing down the Attari check-post. Pakistan responded with tit-for-tat missives, and both countries have been flexing their defence might, even as the world cautions against aggression.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: May 01, 2025, 10:38 IST
Pakistans ISI Chief Appointed New NSA Amid Soaring Tensions With India

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:42 IST

The new decision comes as Islamabad fears a military action by India following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead

Pakistan's ISI chief and newly appointed NSA, Mohammad Asim Malik.

Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik has been given additional charge of countrys National Security Adviser (NSA) amid rising diplomatic tensions with India over Pahalgam terror attack.

Lt General Malik was given the NSA position as an additional charge and the formal notification regarding his appointment has also been issued, according to the media reports.

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According to the Pakistan government sources, Maliks dual role as ISI chief and NSA consolidates his authority over Pakistans security policies, blending intelligence coordination with strategic decision-making.

He was appointed as the head of Pakistans intelligence agency in September 2024.

The new decision comes as Islamabad fears a military action by India" following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, caused by Pakistan-based and Pakistan-trained terrorists. Pakistan is also facing internal security challenges, and evolving dynamics in Afghanistan. It is seen as a move to provide support to Pakistans security apparatus.

According to Islamabad, Malik has been appointed to streamline counterterrorism efforts and addressing cross-border militancy, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As the tension between India and Pakistan appears to be heading towards a war, Malik will face a major challenge ahead.

Reportedly, Pakistan is the only country where a serving Lieutenant General and a junior to army chief would serve as the NSA.

Fearing the retaliation, Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday claimed that India would attack Pakistan in the next 24 to 36 hours, citing credible intelligence".

In a statement posted on X, Tarar had cautioned that any act of aggression would be met with a decisive response and hold India accountable for any serious consequences in the region.

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.Indian self assumed hubristic role of Judge, Jury and pic.twitter.com/WVW6yhxTJ0 Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) April 29, 2025

What Happened In Pahalgam?

In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

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Terrorists targeted a group of people, including women and elderly individuals, in the brazen attack afternoon.

After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan downgraded with New Delhi announcing several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and expulsion of its military attaches. In response, Pakistan undertook tit-for-tat measures and suspended the Shimla Agreement.

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: May 01, 2025, 07:06 IST
Patriotic Gesture: Pakistan Bans Indian Songs On Radio After Pahalgam Attack

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 23:36 IST

Pakistani FM radio stations stopped airing Indian songs in a patriotic gesture.

Pakistanis regularly listen to songs from Indian musical greats like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh but will now not be able to due to restrictions on Indian music. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Pakistani FM radio stations on Thursday stopped airing Indian songs following tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has stopped airing Indian songs on Pakistani FM radio stations across the country with immediate effect," PBA Secretary General Shakeel Masood said. Indian songs, especially from greats like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh, are popular among Pakistanis and are played by FM radio stations here daily. Pakistan Information Minister Atta Tarar commended the PBA decision amid speculations that the government had directed the association to immediately stop airing Indian songs on all FM radio stations given the current situation between the two countries. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22.

The attack drew swift and widespread condemnation from global leaders, who expressed solidarity with India and denounced terrorism.

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A day after the attack, India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the massacre.

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On Wednesday, India also closed its airspace for flights operated by Pakistani airlines.

In a letter to the PBA, Tarar said, The patriotic gesture of the PBA is highly appreciated and reflects the collective sentiment of the entire nation." He said banning Indian songs on FM stations of Pakistan shows that we all stand united in promoting national unity and supporting core values during such testing times."

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: May 01, 2025, 23:36 IST
'Donald Trump Has Warned Terror Backers Of Consequences': US State Dept After Pahalgam

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 18:42 IST

The US State Department said under Donald Trumps administration backers of terrorism will face consequences.

US President Donald Trump gestures as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

The United States on Thursday reiterated its tough stance on terrorism, with the State Department warning that countries or entities supporting terror will face consequences under the Trump administration. The statement echoes US President Donald Trumps pledge to hold accountable those who aid or shelter terrorist groups.

The remarks amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which terrorists from and trained in Pakistan killed 26 people, many of them tourists in Baisaran.

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As the President of the US (POTUS) has made very clear, under the Trump administration there will be consequences for those who support terrorism," the US State Department said in a tweet. It also posted a similar tweet from its Hindi language handle.

The social media post comes shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to their respective counterparts S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

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Pakistan, which has denied responsibility for the attacks conducted by terrorists, has tried to paint India as the aggressor in front of multilateral blocs. Along with lobbying at international forums, Pakistan has also allowed its army to carry out unprovoked firings along the LoC, hence raising tensions in an already tense atmosphere.

Its envoy to the US also warned Trump that if he does not step in and defuse the tense situation, there is a risk of a nuclear crisis over Kashmir, issuing a veiled nuclear threat.

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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 01, 2025, 18:23 IST
Early LeT Camps In Afghanistan Funded By Bin Laden: Exclusive Intel Note On Jihad Factory

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 16:56 IST

Top intelligence sources indicate that Muridke, located close to Lahore in Pakistan's Punjab province, serves as the headquarters of LeT

Even from custody, Hafiz Saeed continues to orchestrate operations with security provided by the ISI. (PTI)

An intelligence note revealing the notorious activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed and accessed by CNN-News18 shows that early camps of LeT in Afghanistan were funded by Osama bin Laden, and Muridke city continues to be a key location for coordinating regional terrorism. This area connects LeT to broader Jihadist networks, including historical ties to Al-Qaeda.

LeT operates multiple camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), particularly near Muzaffarabad, to train militants for infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir. Top intelligence sources indicate that Muridke, located close to Lahore in Pakistans Punjab province, serves as the headquarters of LeT. The group operates from Markaz-e-Taiba, a complex that functions as a hub for indoctrination, recruitment, and military training.

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Muridke is LeTs primary infrastructure, housing offices, training facilities, ideological centers, and a command center. Historically, the Punjab provincial government has financed parts of this complex. The site is used to radicalise recruits by blending religious education with militant training. Despite being officially imprisoned, LeTs founder, Hafiz Saeed, has been frequently associated with activities at Muridke.

LeT maintains a presence across Pakistan and PoK, utilising both overt and covert networks. Besides Muridke, LeT operates major bases in Bahawalpur and Rawalkot, where training camps and logistical hubs are located. Following the 2003 India-Pakistan ceasefire, LeT shifted some operations to north-western Pakistan, particularly near the Afghan border, to evade international scrutiny.

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LeT maintains a political front called Jamaat-ud-Dawa, which runs charities, schools, and medical clinics in cities like Lahore and Karachi, masking militant activities under the guise of social welfare. In 2019, an offshoot called The Resistance Front (TRF) was formed. TRF conducts attacks in Kashmir while providing plausible deniability for Pakistan. Leaders like Sajid Jatt and Salim Rehmani are directly linked to LeT.

LeT militants frequently cross the Line of Control (LoC) from PoK into India, as evidenced by the 2025 Pahalgam attack, where gunmen targeted tourists after infiltrating from Pakistan. Despite being banned by the UN, US, EU, and India, LeT thrives with tacit support from Pakistans military and intelligence agencies (ISI). Even from custody, Hafiz Saeed continues to orchestrate operations with security provided by the ISI.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: May 01, 2025, 15:47 IST
The US Is Worried About Pakistans Nukes, Does It Have A Secret Plan To Grab Them?

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 17:53 IST

The US sees Pakistans nuclear missile program as an emerging threat as they believe it will soon develop missiles that can strike the US mainland.

Pakistani military personnel stand beside a Ghauri nuclear-capable missile during a Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad. (IMAGE: AFP)

Pakistani ministers this week engaged in nuclear sabre-rattling after accusing India of planning a military incursion. The Pakistani government did not condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, in which terrorists from and trained in Pakistan killed 26 people, many of them tourists in Baisaran, and instead threatened India with nuclear weapons amid rising tensions.

Pakistan retains the option to use nuclear weapons first against non-nuclear military threats. India, on the other hand, follows a No First Use (NFU) policy, which states that it will not use nuclear weapons unless attacked with them first.

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Pakistan minister Hanif Abbasi, its ambassador to the US Rizwan Sheikh and defence minister Khawaja Asif  who said Pakistan would use nuclear weapons if there is a direct threat to its existence"  have all, in both veiled and direct terms, issued nuclear threats to India following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

Sheikh also urged US President Donald Trump to help defuse tensions between both nations (with a veiled nuclear threat) but if a nuclear crisis arises over Kashmir, does the US have a contingency plan to snatch-and-grab" Pakistans nuclear weapons?

A report by broadcaster NBC News from 2011 claims that US officials and armed forces have discussed such a plan in the past. The United States has drawn up contingency plans to secure Pakistans nuclear weapons in case of a crisis.

These discussions date back to the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush and continue to remain a top priority for the US intelligence community and the White House, the report said.

Among the scenarios considered are internal chaos in Pakistan, a terrorist strike on a nuclear facility, an extremist takeover of the military or government, or an outbreak of war with India.

The concern over Pakistans arsenal intensified after the 2011 operation that killed Osama bin Laden inside the country, the report added, with many in Washington convinced that a rapid-response plan, often referred to as a snatch and grab", may be feasible.

Former Pakistan military ruler Pervez Musharraf warned that any such attempt would provoke total confrontation" with the country. Prominent physicist Pervez Hoodboy also cautioned that it could trigger war and should never be attempted".

Despite these warnings, the report suggests that the subject has remained active in US security discussions, war games and planning exercises.

Jeffrey T Richelson, an intelligence historian, wrote in his 2009 book Defusing Armageddon about the possibility of a US military mission targeting Pakistans nuclear arsenal.

He said the US Nuclear Emergency Search Team along with Joint Special Operations Command could lead such an effort. While exact details remain classified, Richelson cited a 2006 comment by Gen Peter Pace who discussed US operations aimed at preventing nukes from falling into the hands of militants like al-Qaida.

The US concern about Pakistans nuclear weapons also resurfaced in December when, at a security forum hosted by the Arms Control Association (ACA), US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said Pakistan was working on advanced missile technology that could one day allow it to strike targets beyond South Asia, including the United States.

Pakistan, which was granted major non-NATO ally status in 2004, is pursuing increasingly sophisticated missile technology that eventually could enable the country to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including the United States," Finer had said.

Senior US officials have said Pakistan has for years been trying to improve the range and payload capacity of its medium-range ballistic missiles. They believe Pakistan is doing this with support from entities in Belarus and China.

According to them, Islamabad could develop long-range missile capabilities of more than 3,000 kilometres within the next ten years, a report published by the ACA said.

These officials shared this assessment during a January 3 briefing with members of the forum and said Pakistan had rejected American proposals aimed at building trust and transparency.

The US has now imposed new sanctions on a Pakistani state-run organisation as well as companies in Belarus and China that are allegedly providing missile-related equipment to Pakistan. The goal of these sanctions is to slow down the missile programme.

In response, Pakistan said the US comments lacked logic. Pakistani officials insisted their country has never had any hostile intent towards the United States. They said the nuclear and missile systems are meant to deter threats from the region.

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However, these experts argued that the idea of needing long-range missiles to counter India does not hold up. Pakistan already has the Shaheen-III missile which was first tested in 2015 and can hit targets up to 2,750 kilometres away. This means it can already reach any location in India.

Pakistan is believed to have around 170 nuclear warheads deployed on short and medium-range missiles. These are considered sufficient to cause devastating damage across the subcontinent.

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: May 01, 2025, 17:53 IST
US And Ukraine Sign Long-Awaited Critical Minerals Deal

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 08:13 IST

Details emerging from a draft of the agreement indicate that the United States could gain preferential access to future Ukrainian natural resource deals.

US President Donald Trump with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Reuters file image)

Ukraine and the United States formalized an agreement establishing a joint fund aimed at bolstering Kyivs reconstruction efforts. Details emerging from a draft of the agreement indicate that the United States could gain preferential access to future Ukrainian natural resource deals. This aspect of the accord is likely to spark debate as Ukraine seeks to rebuild its economy while navigating international partnerships.

What Washington Said On Signing Of Minerals Deal With Ukraine

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The deal- which comes after weeks of talks between Kyiv and Washington- was announced by the US Treasury Department. It said in a statement, 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 centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. 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."

Ukraine On Signing Minerals Deal With The US

To formalize the reconstruction fund agreement with the US, Ukrainian economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko journeyed to Washington. Following the signing, the minister took to social media platform X to underscore key provisions of the accord stating that full ownership and control" of Ukraines resources would remain firmly in Kyivs hands.

All resources on our territory and in territorial waters belong to Ukraine," she said, clarifying that it is the Ukrainian state that determines what and where to extract," emphasizing that Subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership  this is clearly established in the Agreement."

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Why Was The Signing Of The US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Delayed

The US and Ukraine have been trying to finalise the deal since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January this year. The signing of the reconstruction fund agreement was also delayed after Ukrainian President Zelenskyys Washington trip was cut short following a contentious Oval Office meeting in February.

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: May 01, 2025, 06:42 IST
Who Is Asim Malik? Pakistan's NSA Also Serving As ISI Chief Amid Tensions With India

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:19 IST

Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, current ISI chief, has been given additional charge as Pakistans National Security Advisor amid rising tensions with India. Here's who Malik is.

A file photo of Muhammad Asim Malik (Source: Social Media)

Amid rising tension with India over the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has appointed Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik as the National Security Advisor.

According to the Pakistan government sources, Maliks dual role as ISI chief and NSA consolidates his authority over Pakistans security policies, blending intelligence coordination with strategic decision-making.

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Malik has been given the NSA position as an additional charge, a position, which, according to some reports, had been vacant since April 2022.

An official order of Maliks new appointment was widely being shared on social media.

WHO IS MUHAMMAD ASIM MALIK?

Asim Malik was appointed the ISI Director General in September 2024, after he succeeded Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.

Before his appointment as the ISI DG, Malik served as an Adjutant General at the general headquarters in Rawalpindi. In the past, Malik has also led the Infantry Brigade in Waziristan and the Infantry Division in Balochistan.

Malik has also served as the chief instructor at the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad and as an instructor at the Command and Staff College, Quetta.

According to a report with ARY News, Malik has also been a recipient of a Sword of Honour.

On the curriculum front, Malik is a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.

His academic work focuses on strategic and diplomatic ties, aligning with his role in shaping Pakistans security policies amid tensions with India.

ASIM MALIKs ROLE AS PAKISTAN NSA

As the National Security Advisor, Malik will focus on managing India-Pakistan relations, particularly after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which India linked to Pakistan-based groups.

Pakistan says it will streamline counterterrorism efforts and address cross-border militancy, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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Malik is also expected to manage Pakistans engagement with the Afghan Taliban, including border security at Chaman and Torkham crossings.

ALSO READ | Who Is Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan? Pakistan Senator Who Claimed Army Will Lay 1st Brick At Babri

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: May 01, 2025, 09:05 IST
Who Is Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan? Pakistan Senator Who Claimed Army Will Lay 1st Brick At Babri

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 08:03 IST

A video went viral of Pakistani senator Palwasha Khan where she was seen declaring that the first brick of new Babri mosque in Ayodhya would be laid by her country's armed forces.

Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan in Pakistan's Parliament. (Image: X)

As the diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad are escalating over Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistans legislators are leaving no stones unturned to provoke India. A video went viral of Pakistani senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan where she was seen giving out a belligerent rhetoric declaring that the first brick of the new Babri mosque in Ayodhya would be laid by her countrys armed forces.

The comments, invoking the Babri mosque demolition in 1992, came as part of a broader tirade laced with religious and militaristic rhetoric.

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While addressing Pakistans upper house of Parliament on Tuesday, the senator asserted, The first brick at the new Babri Mosque in Ayodhya will be laid by Pakistan 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."

Adding fuel to the already volatile situation, the senator further 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. Further attempting to bring in religious sentiments amid the situation, the senator had 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 had stated. Who Is Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan? Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan is a Pakistani politician affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). She is the deputy information secretary of the Bilwal Bhutto-led party.

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.

She has also served as a member of National Assembly of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

Palwasha Khan is also the niece of Fozia Behram, a politician and businesswoman, who was the only female members elected in the general elections in the Punjab assembly from 1998-90. Earlier, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto had issued a warning to India against diverting the Indus waters. Bhutto had 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 had said, escalating the tensions between the two countries. What Happened In Pahalgam? In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack. After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan downgraded with New Delhi announcing several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and expulsion of its military attaches. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last week, Pakistan announced its decision to shut its airspace for Indian flights, reacting to the series of diplomatic measures New Delhi took against Islamabad.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: May 01, 2025, 08:03 IST
Knowing about severe weather before it arrives can have a big effect on safety and damage reduction, as those who have survived floods, tornadoes, high winds and blackouts can attest.

That's why the National Weather Service (NWS) station in Valley launches balloons periodically throughout the week: to predict any incoming severe weather. At least they did until March 20, when due to a sudden reduction in planned funding and a cut in staff, they were forced to stop them entirely, cutting off forecasting abilities for a significant portion of the eastern side of Nebraska.

Last week, however, U.S. Rep. Mike Flood spoke to fellow members of Congress to reinstate the funding necessary for weather forecasting, so they could bring back staff and start launching balloons again. He received many letters and calls expressing the need for this service and, coming from a background in radio, he already knew the role weather radio plays in public safety, Flood said. Coming up on a year since tornadoes hit Bennington, Gretna and Lincoln, with zero lives lost, he said, the NWS is necessary.

"When I was hearing from people, knowing how important it was, I just felt like it was an immediate public safety issue that needed to be addressed that was bigger than any other situation we have going on, in terms of public safety, for the people I represent," Flood said.

The balloons will return at a rate of one a day. A meteorologist is coming in from Arizona to assist and a remote worker has been assigned to this task as well. These are temporary, Flood said, but further down the line, temporary positions can be made permanent if NWS headquarters so decides.

As vice chairman of the Main Street Caucus, Flood said, he was able to bring this to several people's attention and show them a map of coverage revealing "Tornado Alley" would have no coverage during its season of severe weather. His visit in late March confirmed that they needed more staff to get things running again.

"When I stopped by their office, I could see ... they were very passionate about their jobs. They took it very seriously. They were very good at their jobs, and I could see how much they cared and they were worried that their forecasting models lack the data that they needed to do the best job possible," Flood said.

From a crew of 13 down to eight, Flood said, they looked exhausted. There were some concerns expressed in regards to hiring, but from what he's been told, for every position that comes available, around 200 applications are filed. They have been on a hiring freeze for around three years, he added, but this will allow special temporary authority to immediately get people in the door.

"They're at the dawn of severe weather season, and they just looked physically spent. And I could tell how much they cared about their jobs, and they would work whatever hours they had to. So I took that message back to the White House," Flood said.

Flood spoke to the Office of Management and Budget as well as the Department of Commerce, urging the need for people and readings. Congress granted the appropriate funds.

"Our farmers, our ranchers, our communities depend on it. Public safety depends on it. Aviation depends on it, and I just kept making my case. I received word (April 18) that they had a solution, and I confirmed it (April 25), that in fact, Omaha will be able to hire (this week), immediately, to get these balloons back up in the air," Flood said.

In addition to Nebraska's need for these services, Flood urged the importance of these readings on a grander scale. In the event of hurricanes or inclement weather elsewhere, winds shift in the plains, which can tell meteorologists in other states a lot even if it doesn't affect Nebraska directly.
They may not know his name, but lots of children who grew up in the aughts honed their reading and phonics skills with his electronic toys. Mike Wood, who created the LeapFrog franchise, died last month at age 72, reports People. Wood had Alzheimer's, and his brother tells the New York Times that he took his own life via physician-assisted suicide in Switzerland, where it's legal. The California resident traveled there before the disease progressed too far. Wood was an attorney who famously devised his first toy to help his young son learn to read in the 1990s. The idea culminated in the 1999 release of the LeapPad, a computer tablet that outsold all other toys in the 2000 holiday season, notes the Times.
An American citizen convicted of plotting against Belarus' president is now free after years behind bars on charges the US government dismissed as fabricated. Belarus on Wednesday released Youras Ziankovich, who was convicted of plotting a coup and the assassination of President Alexander Lukashenko, the AP reports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement in Washington, praising "Lukashenko's humanitarian gesture." Lithuanian officials have been "incredible allies," Rubio said, "supportive of our efforts these past few months to bring Americans home."

Ziankovich, a lawyer with dual Belarusian and US citizenship, was arrested in Russia in April 2021 along with Alexander Feduta, a former spokesman for Lukashenko who later joined the opposition. Russia's Federal Security Service said the two went to Moscow to meet with opposition-minded Belarusian generals and were plotting a military coup but provided no evidence for the claims. Ziankovich was sentenced to 11 years in prison in September 2022, with another 2 years later added. The US government identified him as Youras Ziankovich on Wednesday, though previous reports have called him Yuras Zyankovich.

Pavel Sapelka, a rights advocate with Viasna, a Belarusian human rights group, told the AP on Wednesday that Ziankovich has been "under constant and harsh pressure from the authorities" in prison and lost a lot of weight in the harsh conditions. Viasna says some 1,200 political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus. "I knew this day would come," said Alena Dzenisavets, Ziankovich's wife, per CNN. "It took 1,480 days, but he survived and is on his way home to me and to America."
A vast swamp in southeast Georgia may soon join the ranks of the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty, if former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue gets his way. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is now at the center of a bipartisan push for World Heritage status, the AP reports. Perdue, a two-term Georgia governor who served as agriculture secretary during President Trump's first term, is urging the Trump administration to support adding the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The federally protected refuge was nominated during the Biden administration.

Perdue sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum earlier this month, calling the move "an extraordinary opportunity to preserve a national treasure while also delivering incredible economic benefits to the state of Georgia." Perdue said, "This designation is not a partisan issue. By supporting this effort, we can ensure the Okefenokee's legacy as a natural wonder while fostering growth and prosperity for the communities surrounding it." The Savannah Morning News reports that the letter didn't mention the controversy surrounding plans to mine minerals just outside the refuge.

The mining project has yet to receive final permits. Opponents of the project, who say it could case irreparable damage to one of the world's last intact blackwater swamps, believe Perdue's clout in the statehe is currently chancellor of the University System of Georgiacould influence the decision. The Okefenokee refuge is the largest national wildlife refuge east of the Mississippi River, spanning more than 400,000 acres near the Florida state line. It was first listed as a "tentative" UNESCO nominee in 1982. If it is designated as a World Heritage site, it will become the 27th in the US.
After months of negotiations, the US and Ukraine have finally signed a deal that will give the US access to Ukraine's valuable rare minerals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted to X on Wednesday that "this partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine, to unlock Ukraine's growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraine's investment climate, and accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery." Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed to the AP that she had signed the deal in Washington on behalf of Ukraine's government. 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."

"Today's agreement signals clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centred on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term," Bessent said. "It's time for this cruel and senseless war to end." The economic deal comes after Trump's push for Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion. The deal establishes a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund that the administration has said will help repay an estimated $175 billion in aid, the Guardian reports. But a draft of the agreement seen by the BBC shows that it has been renegotiated since Volodymyr Zelensky's tense White House meeting with Trump in February, with some concessions to Ukraine.

"The draft says the cost of future US military assistance given to Ukraine will count as part of the American investment in the fund," writes BBC correspondent Tom Bateman. "That means Ukraine will, in effect, be giving Washington access to some of its natural resources in return for future US security assistance." The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it, the AP reports.
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The US military saw reported sexual assaults drop for a second straight yearbut Pentagon officials describe the numbers as still too high. The new report counted 8,195 reported sexual assaults in 2024, down nearly 4% from the prior year's 8,515; the count in 2022 was 8,942 reported sexual assaults. The biggest driver of the decrease was a 13% decline in reported sexual assaults within the Army; the other services, meanwhile, logged increases, with the Navy up most at 4.3%. Officials warn the downward trend could still reverse, and say many victims never report their assault. A closer look, per the AP:
A federal judge on Thursday barred the Trump administration from deporting any Venezuelans from South Texas under an 18th-century wartime law and said President Trump's invocation of it was "unlawful." US District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. is the first judge to rule that the Alien Enemies Act cannot be used against people the administration claims are gang members invading the United States, the AP reports.

"Neither the Court nor the parties question that the Executive Branch can direct the detention and removal of aliens who engage in criminal activity in the United States," wrote Rodriguez, who was nominated by Trump in 2018. But, the judge said, "the President's invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation ... is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statute's terms."
President Trump on Thursday threatened sanctions on anyone who buys Iranian oil, a warning that came after planned talks over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program were postponed. "All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!" Trump said in a Truth Social post. "Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form."

It was unclear how Trump would implement such a ban. But his statement risked further escalating tensions with ChinaIran's leading customerat a time when the relationship is severely strained over the US president's tariffs, the AP reports. Based on tanker tracking data, the US Energy Information Administration concluded in a report published last October that "China took nearly 90% of Iran's crude oil and condensate exports in 2023." Trump has separately placed 145% tariffs on China.

Trump's threat came after Oman announced planned nuclear negotiations for this coming weekend had been postponed. "For logistical reasons we are rescheduling the US Iran meeting provisionally planned for Saturday May 3rd," Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said in a post on X. "New dates will be announced when mutually agreed." The talks had been scheduled to take place in Rome. Previous rounds were held in Muscat, Oman's capital.

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Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei issued a statement describing the talks as being "postponed at the request of Oman's foreign minister." He said Iran remain committed to reaching "a fair and lasting agreement." In a statement earlier Thursday, Baghaei accused the US of "contradictory behaviour and provocative statements," reports Reuters. The statement followed new oil-related sanctions from the US and a warning from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Iran's support of Yemen's Houthi rebels. "You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing," Hegseth said in a post on X.
WASHINGTON DC, May 01 (News On Japan) - At the White House, President Donald Trump brought together corporate executives, including SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son, to highlight major investment commitments made in the United Statespresenting them as a direct result of his administration's efforts.

Trump on Wednesday hosted executives from over 20 companies that have pledged significant investments in the U.S., including Jensen Huang, CEO of leading semiconductor firm Nvidia. Trump framed the event as a showcase of his economic achievements.

Among those present were Tetsuo Ogawa, President of Toyota Motor North America, and Son, who heads SoftBank Group.

"This time I tried to commit $100 billion," said Son. "But President Trump said, 'Masa, go for more.' So we did a $200 billion commitment."

Meanwhile, Trump dismissed concerns about negative GDP growth, shifting the blame to President Joe Bidens administration, saying, "That's Bidens economy."

Source: TBS
KYOTO, May 01 (News On Japan) - A burst water pipe beneath National Route 1 in central Kyoto early on April 30th caused a road collapse that flooded surrounding streets and vehicles, triggering widespread disruption.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Gojo and Takakura streets along National Route 1, a major thoroughfare with high traffic volume. Large volumes of water erupted from beneath the asphalt, inundating the surrounding area and causing significant infrastructure damage.

Residents in the area described the scene as resembling a river, with one individual noting their car had been half-submerged and likely totaled. Surveillance footage captured the rapid spread of water, showing the road being overtaken within a minute. Multiple bulges formed in the asphalt before it gave way, forming a hole approximately two meters wide and 1.5 meters deep.

Local resident Kiu Himuro, who reported the flooding, said some smaller vehicles bounced over the distorted pavement unaware of the underlying danger. He referenced a previous case where a truck had fallen into a similar road collapse, prompting him to contact the police immediately out of concern for safety.

The flooding reached underground spaces, including a nearby parking garage where vehicles and a washing machine were fully submerged. Firefighters responded to the scene before 5 a.m., confirming the water main had ruptured. Authorities imposed traffic restrictions around 4:30 a.m., which led to major congestion throughout the area.

According to the Kyoto City Waterworks Bureau, the pipe in question had been installed approximately 65 years ago and was already slated for removal as part of ongoing replacement work. Officials stated that while a new pipe had been installed nearby, the damaged one had not yet been taken out. They also noted that leak inspections are conducted annually, with the last check in this area performed in January.

The topography of the area contributed to the extent of the flooding, as water flowed southward down the slight slope of Takakura Street, reaching homes as far as 60 meters away. One household suffered extensive water damage in its underground garage due to the sheer volume of runoff.

By the afternoon, water flow had been stopped and the damaged pipe excavated, but traffic remained heavily impacted with westbound lanes fully closed and eastbound traffic redirected into a single lane. At a 4 p.m. press conference, officials confirmed continued restoration work and warned of the possibility of discolored tap water.

The incident is the latest in a series of infrastructure failures across Japan linked to aging water systems. In recent years, similar cases in Wakayama and Saitama have resulted in mass water outages and road collapses, underscoring the broader national challenge of maintaining and upgrading aging utilities.

Source: YOMIURI
A synthetic opioid so powerful it can kill with a single tablet is threatening to strain relations between Japan and the United States. Fentanyl, a drug originally developed as a medical anesthetic, has become a national crisis in the U.S. due to its high potency and addictive nature. Now, reports suggest it may be making its way into the country via Japan.
May 01 (Kings and Generals) - The animated historical series Kings and Generals continues its in-depth exploration of Japanese history with a new series focused on the Sengoku Jidai period.

The opening episodes trace the early military campaigns of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, highlighting key battles such as Okehazama, Inabayama, Kanegasaki, Nagashima, Tottori, and Takamatsu, while chronicling the dramatic rise of Hideyoshi.

The narrative follows the pivotal moment of Akechi Mitsuhide's betrayal of Nobunaga during the Honno-ji Incident, which triggered a power struggle between Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi, culminating in the Battle of Yamazaki. In the aftermath, the question of Nobunagas succession sparked the Battle of Shizugatake.

Subsequent episodes portray the escalating conflict between Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Komaki-Nagakute campaign, as well as Hideyoshis sweeping conquests across Kii, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The series concludes with the Odawara campaign, marking Hideyoshis final effort to unify Japan, and sets the stage for the eventual rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Rising expenses push more Canadians to seek flexible alternatives such as car sharing, with 87 per cent of car sharing users experiencing positive benefits

TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- The fourth annual Car Ownership Index , a benchmark study from Turo , the world's leading peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace, shows Canadians' views on car ownership are evolving from it being a symbol of freedom to becoming a financial burden.

The study, conducted in partnership with Leger, found that despite 70 per cent of Canadians saying their monthly car costs are higher than they'd like, 78 per cent of Canadians say it would be impossible for them not to have a car, reflecting how deeply ingrained car ownership is in the country's social and economic fabric.

Compared to 2024, car ownership costs have increased 9 per cent, rising from $5,025 to $5,497 annually, forcing more than half (55 per cent) of Canadians to make adjustments to reduce these car-related expenses, and 42 per cent sacrificing their spending in other areas of life because of car ownership. This financial pressure on Canadians is expected to worsen, with proposed tariffs potentially inflating these costs by an additional 25 per cent  forcing many Canadians to reconsider whether they can afford vehicle ownership at all.

"With life getting so much more expensive, Canadians are looking for more ways to save on car expenses and supplement the cost of ownership. That's why alternative options like car sharing continue to grow in popularity," said Bassem El-Rahimy, Vice President, Turo.

The study finds that a growing number of Canadians are leading the way in adopting alternatives to traditional car ownership.

48 per cent of surveyed Canadian car owners say they'd rather pay for a car only when they need it, given that the average single-owner car ( driven by only one person in a household) sits unused for almost 95 per cent of the day (22.5 hours ) .



of surveyed Canadian car owners say they'd rather pay for a car only when they need it, given that the average single-owner car sits unused for . 41 per cent wish they had better transportation options to avoid needing a car altogether.

It's clear from the study's findings that Canadians heavily rely on their cars and don't want to give them up, even with the rising cost of living. This explains why more people are considering car sharing or leasing a vehicle to afford it.

87 per cent of those who have tried car sharing say they would use it again (up 8 per cent in the last 18 months).



of those who have tried car sharing say they would use it again (up 8 per cent in the last 18 months). The main reasons for choosing car sharing include affordability and convenience .



. Key use cases for car sharing include domestic travel, errands, business trips and international travel.

"Car-sharing services like Turo allow owners to earn additional income to supplement their vehicle expenses by simply letting others book their vehicle when it's not in use. We see a dramatic spike in rentals in the summer months, with Turo hosts earning on average more than $3,500. Canadians looking to offset their increased costs of living, should consider listing their cars before the summer to take full advantage of this increased demand. It's a win-win for owners and guests alike who enjoy the convenience and lack of long-term financial commitment that car sharing provides," said El-Rahimy.

For more information and to download the full report, visit the Turo website .

About the study:

The survey was conducted by Leger for Turo in Canada, from December 4th to 14th, 2024. It consisted of a representative sample of 1,500 English and/or French Speaking Canadians 25 years of age or older. Only the official analysis report, from which this press release is inspired, is endorsed by Leger.

About Turo

Turo is the world's largest car-sharing marketplace, where you can book the perfect car for wherever you're going from a vibrant community of trusted hosts across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and France. Flying in from afar or looking for a car down the street, searching for a rugged truck or something smooth and swanky, you can skip the rental car counter and choose from an extraordinary, totally unique selection of nearby vehicles shared by local hosts. Entrepreneurs can take the wheel of their futures by becoming hosts and building car-sharing businesses on Turo, leveraging our established platform to scale their businesses to meet their goals.

With an unwavering mission of putting the world's 1.5 billion cars to better use, Turo unlocks the hidden value in idle and underutilized assets, empowering anyone to get in the driver's seat. Find your drive  Turo.

About Leger

Leger is the largest Canadian-owned market research and analytics company, with more than 300 employees in eight Canadian and US offices. Leger has been working with prestigious clients since 1986. For more information: leger360.com .

Media Contact:

Christina Mangiola

[email protected]

SOURCE Turo Inc.
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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 for the next 2 days. A heat event is expected this weekend. 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: Today to Sunday, coming to an end Sunday night. Additional information: Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category. ### 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.
The United States of America is famous for its wide, open spaces, which can lead devoted hikers into some of the nation's most picturesque places. Those vast distances aren't quite as appealing, however, when the indignity of a sweaty drive stands between a thirsty, tired hiker and a handcrafted brew.

A brother-and-sister team of authors is ready to change all that with "Beer Hiking in Virginia, North Carolina and DC: The Mountains, Beaches and Breweries from the Blue Ridge to the Outer Banks," a new guide to having your hike and drinking your beer, too.

Each chapter highlights a beer from the brewpub or brewery closest to the trailhead of the hike of choice. And for the reader who aims to be the perfect stranger wherever he or she goes, siblings English and Jim Knowles have included segments on trail etiquette, weather wisdom, safety tips for hunting season and advice on whether or not to bring your dog.

English Knowles, a family nurse practitioner who divides her time between Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley and Chamonix in the French Alps, loves lengthy, challenging hikes and the craft beers she discovered while working in California's fermentation industry.

"I think the book really capitalizes on craft brewing and great hikes," she told The Daily Progress.

Jim Knowles, a Durham, North Carolina, resident who teaches medieval and early modern literature in the English Department at North Carolina State University, learned the delights of hillwalking while living in the Scottish Highlands during Scotland's "real ale" renaissance in the 1990s.

"It's all geared around having fun, and we all need that these days," he told The Daily Progress.

Together, the authors have put together a series of recommendations to guide beer-loving hikers through Virginia, North Carolina and the District of Columbia, while providing enough detail to help day trekkers design their own outdoor adventures.

North Carolina's options lead travelers from Grandfather Mountain to the Outer Banks, while Virginia's suggestions start in the Shenandoah Valley and head to the Eastern Shore.

In the new guide, a Blue Ridge Tunnel hike in Nelson County that's rated as easy ends at Basic City Beer Company in Waynesboro for a cold Sixth Lord IPA. Completing the Humpback Rocks hike, a strenuous trek, is rewarded with Blue Mountain Brewery's Dark Hollow bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout.

The meet-the-authors event coming up on Sunday in Albemarle County will give visitors a taste of the concept. A trail run or hike starts at 5 p.m. Sunday at Boar's Head Resort, at the intersection of Wellington Drive and Boar's Head Drive, and is followed at 6 p.m. by a book signing at Selvedge Brewery at 2415 Ivy Road.

Although the spotlighted brews were selected with care, English Knowles said there's lots of room for flexibility and whim.

"On a hot day, a cold beer like a pilsner really tastes good," she said. "In the fall, a dark beer might taste good."

"There's a lot of incredible variety," her brother said. "They all have a large variety on tap, whether you like a lager or a chocolate stout."

English Knowles said that families with young children don't need to rule out hiking as a family activity, because some of the hikes accommodate strollers, and "the craft beer community is family-friendly."

Jim Knowles pointed out that the combined land mass of Virginia and North Carolina covered by the book is about 100,000 square miles. That's larger than the island of Great Britain, which inspired the guide with its time-honored tradition of hikes that end in pubs.

"My interest in the combination started when I was in college," Jim Knowles said. While working at a hotel in Scotland during the resurgence of the "real ale" tradition of carefully crafted brews, he said, "I learned a lot about the beers while hillwalking in mountains that look like they're from Middle-Earth."

The new guide makes the most of the geographical diversity of Virginia and North Carolina, with hikes that capture the beauty of rivers and offer time in coastal, woodland and piedmont terrains.

"The book is very cognizant that, in this part of the world, we rely on our cars," he said.

English Knowles said she asked the guide's Switzerland-based publisher, Helvetiq, if she could bring in her brother as co-author because testing all the hikes while working full-time was, well, testing. Each sibling lives close to the center of his or her state, which made travel in multiple directions easier.

Although the book is designed to lead people to hikes and breweries that are within 30 minutes of each other, hiking fans also can use the guide as a starting point for vacation planning and combine appealing day hikes to create multiday itineraries, English Knowles said.

If you go Meet the authors Trail run or hike at Boar's Head Resort 5 p.m. Sunday Intersection of Wellington Drive and Boar's Head Drive Book signing at Selvedge Brewery 6 p.m. Sunday 2415 Ivy Road

"Somebody could take the book and go along the Blue Ridge Parkway," she said. "Or you could go west to east, or east to west."

"Use it as inspiration and choose your own adventure, wherever you happen to be," Jim Knowles said.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. waits for his arraignment hearing to begin in the Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing, N.J. on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

A trial involving Atlantic Citys mayor and public school superintendent, who both are alleged to have physically abused their teenage daughter, can proceed despite efforts by the couple to have charges dismissed.

Lawyers for Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Superintendent LaQuetta Small maintain the couple was trying to reprimand their daughter over a relationship with a teenage boy whom they disapproved of.

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury denied motions to dismiss the charges, allowing the case to move to trial.

A grand jury in 2024 indicted both Marty Small Sr., 50, and LaQuetta Small, 47, on charges of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Small Sr. was also indicted for terroristic threats, aggravated assault and witness tampering.

The mayors attorney, Jordan Barbone, did not immediately reply to an emailed request by NJ Advance Media. A staff member at the office of Michael Scheiber, LaQuetta Smalls attorney, left a message for the lawyer that was not immediately answered.

DeLury said evidence gathered by investigators was suitable for the case to proceed. He added that the mayors alleged attempts to tamper with his daughters statements to police are far from trivial, a description used by Small Sr.s legal team.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
Two motorists died on a rural South Jersey road Wednesday afternoon after one of their cars collided with two others, according to Hamilton Township police.

Investigators on Thursday said Caleb T. Morris, 21, of Cedarville, was westbound on Millville Avenue around 4:19 p.m. when his car drifted from its lane, striking the other vehicles.

Morris and another driver, Abdul S. Abdullah, 59, of Atlantic City, were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. An adult in Abdullahs car was also flown to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City for serious injuries, police said. Authorities did not provide an update on their condition on Thursday.
A Camden County man who worked as a correctional officer in Philadelphia has been accused of sexually assaulting an inmate last year, authorities said.

Michael Jefferson, 42, of Cherry Hill, was charged with aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward and deprivation of rights, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia said.

Jefferson is accused of forcing the inmate to engage in sexual activity on July 6, officials said.

The incident caused the inmate to sustain injuries, officials said.

Jefferson was arrested Thursday and has been suspended from his position with the Bureau of Prisons, officials said.

Additional details on the incident were not shared by authorities Thursday.

An attorney for Jefferson could not be reached for comment.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
The Camden City School District is facing a staggering $91 million budget deficit as enrollment decreases and payments to charter and Renaissance schools grow, district officials said Wednesday.

Over 100 jobs have already been earmarked for elimination and another 97 vacant position will be eliminated, district officials said.

A total of 289 full-time equivalent roles will be impacted to address the budget deficit, district officials said.

No school closures are part of the districts financial plan to address the deficit for the 2025-26 school year, but future closures could not be ruled out, officials said.

The budget deficit lingers even as Camden is slated to receive a 6% increase in state aid for the upcoming school year under Gov. Phil Murphys proposed budget. Camden schools will receive nearly $369.7 million in state aid under Murphys plan, or about $21 million more than last year.

Over the last several budget cycles, we have relied heavily on temporary federal relief funds to maintain staffing and support services, outgoing state superintendent Katrina McCombs said. Those funds are now exhausted, and we are left with rising fixed costs  especially the nearly $200 million in charter and Renaissance school payments  and a district enrollment that has dropped by nearly 50% over the past decade.

Camdens public school system has been under state control since 2013, when it was taken over under former Gov. Chris Christies administration. Christies administration also allowed public charter and Renaissance schools to open in the city, promoting school choice for families.

In addition to staff cuts, the district will consolidate administration at the Camden High School campus and revise the academic structure at Morgan Village Middle School, McCombs said.

Thirty-three staffers will be moved into new positions, 38 others will be reassigned and four positions will not be renewed, officials said.

The reductions to staffing and increase in state aid still leaves the district with a budget gap of $46.3 million. Local officials expect to close the gap through adjustments to contracted services, reductions in overtime expenses, reviewing building usage fees and other means.

McCombs said Wednesday the district has faced a structural budget deficit for years, even before the pandemic, but was able to make ends meet through temporary federal funding authorized during the pandemic.

Now that those funds have expired, we are facing the full weight of the structural deficit without that safety net, McCombs said.

Local officials from Camden as well as the county and the district are continuing to seek additional aid from the state, McCombs said.

Let me be clear: I understand the human impact of these decisions, McCombs added. Behind every number is a person  a colleague, an educator, someone who has given their time and talent to our students, schools and communities.

Still, the path forward requires that we align our resources with the size and needs of our district today  not the size of the district we were a decade ago."

Over the years, there has been a steady migration of students away from the city school system into several charter and Renaissance schools.

Under New Jerseys charter school system, state aid and local tax dollars follow the student to their school of choice, leaving the city school district with less money and fewer students.

Camdens payments to charter and Renaissance schools have ballooned over the past decade from about $54.9 million in the 2013-14 school year, to $198.6 million in 2023-24, district officials said.

The increased payouts to charter and Renaissance schools follows about 5,756 students that have left the Camden City school district since 2013-14, officials said.

About 5,890 students remain in the city school district while 3,257 students are enrolled in charters and 6,602 students attend Renaissance schools, according to the district.

Early in the state takeover, former state-appointed superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard announced closures of several city schools and handed over at least four school buildings to charter and Renaissance organizations.

McCombs announced additional school closures in 2021 due to decreasing enrollments that included dozens of expected layoffs.

In a presentation to the state school board in March 2024, McCombs foreshadowed budget deficits the district would face in the future if nothing was done to address the exodus of students and funding.

McCombs announced her resignation as the state appointed superintendent earlier this year and said she would take a position in the Division of Early Childhood Services in the state Department of Education later in the year.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
A group of doctors who work for both RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University voted to unionize earlier this week, union officials said.

The physicians  who work for Rutgers 10% of the time and RWJBarnabas 90% of the time  were hired as clinically focused university practitioners, or CFUP. They are both physicians and faculty members at the state university.

About 75% of the doctors who participated in the vote elected to join the American Association of University Professors-Biological and Health Sciences New Jersey, known as the AAUP-BHSNJ, union officials said.

The AAUP-BHSNJ represents Rutgers University doctors and other medical professionals.

There are 157 clinically focused university practitioner doctors in the group and 55% took part in the union vote. The official vote was 66 to 21, according to the final tally.

All 157 doctors will be part of the new union, union officials said. However, the vote does not affect other doctors in the RWJBarnabas system.

RWJBarnabas Health officials said their organization has always been union-friendly.

We recognize our employees right to organize and did in fact consent to an election conducted by the National Labors Relations Board, the company said in a statement.

RWJBarnabas Health hosted information sessions to help answer employee questions, the company said.

It is essential that employees hear from both the employer and the Union prior to a vote. We look forward to working with AAUP towards a fair contract, the statement said. As always, our goal is to reach a positive resolution that supports both our employees and the delivery of high-quality care for our patients.

Rutgers officials did not immediately respond to a request to comment.

Though it is common for nurses and other hospital workers to be represented by unions, it is relatively rare for medical doctors to be unionized in large healthcare systems.

Dr. Chris Simotas, a pediatrician whose focus is rare genetic disorders, is one of the doctors who voted to join the union. He said one of his biggest concerns is starting salaries for clinically focused university practitioners.

Based on salary data in national surveys, Simotas said he learned he was way, way below what would be the floor if I was a Rutgers hire.

The vote impacts clinically focused university practitioner doctors who work all over the state in RWJBarnabas facilities, which include more than 10 hospitals.

The doctors work alongside Rutgers-hired physicians who have more job security and perks unavailable to them, including free Rutgers tuition for dependents, union officials said. Unionizing means the doctors can collectively bargain with RWJBarnabas for their next contract.

These academic doctors are sick of settling for less and are not going to do it any longer, said Trent McDonald, an organizer with the Rutgers chapter of the American Association of University Professors, known as the AAUP-AFT. The union represents 10,000 academic workers.

McDonald says doctors are hoping to win minimum parity with their Rutgers-hired peers.

When theyve been promoted, theyve received nothing other than a title change, said McDonald, referring to some doctors working for RWJBarnabas who did not receive a raise with a promotion.

Rutgers University and the RWJBarnabas Health hospital chain formed a long-term partnership in 2018 to increase federal funding, attract top doctors and help raise New Jerseys profile for medical research.

RWJBarnabas urged the doctors to vote no on joining the union and held town hall meetings to discuss the unionization efforts, the union said. The health care giant also hired a consultant who previously worked against efforts to unionize at Amazon, Simotas and union officials said.

At least 30% of the eligible doctors in the group previously signed union cards affirming their interest in forming a union, which led to an election process via the National Labor Relations Board that lasted a little more than two weeks. It ended when the votes were counted Tuesday.

The National Labor Relations Board has lost some staff, like many other federal government agencies, after President Donald Trump took office. But, union officials said the voting process went relatively smoothly.

They all worked very, very hard, McDonald said of the National Labor Relations Board staff that oversaw the process.

Todd Wolfson, associate professor of journalism and media studies at Rutgers and the national AAUP president, is hopeful the victory could lead to more unionized doctors.

The corporatization of academic medicine has worsened physician working conditions, patient care, and the training of medical students and residents, Wolfson said. We are already hearing from other RWJBH physicians about wanting to join our union, and we welcome them with open arms.

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Liz Rosenberg may be reached at lrosenberg@njadvancemedia.com.
Season 5 of Stranger Things doesnt come out until later this year, but the Broadway play Stranger Things: The First Shadow is officially open.

The play, written by Kate Tefry, is a prequel to the Netflix series. It takes place in 1959, 24 years before the events of Stranger Things first season.

Characters that viewers know from the show  including Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado Byers  appear as younger versions of themselves in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Burke Swanson and Alison Jaye play Hopper and Joyce, roles portrayed by David Harbour and Winona Ryder in the TV series.

The prequel tells the story of teenager Henry Creel (Louis McCartney), who grows up to be the Stranger Things villain Vecna (played by Jamie Campbell Bower in the show). Henrys family moves to Hawkins, Indiana, after he gets into a violent altercation at his past school.

Initially, things go well  he finds friendship and joins the school play, a synopsis on the plays website reads. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes the town, Henry is forced to confront a terrifying truth: is something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him?

Henry has mysterious psychokinetic powers that his classmate Patty Newby (Gabrielle Nevaeh) believes he can learn to control and use for good. The pair develop a romantic connection as Henry tries to stave off a shadowy presence that can influence his behavior.

After opening on Londons West End in 2023, Stranger Things: The First Shadow came to New York Citys Great White Way earlier this month. The official Broadway opening was on April 22.

Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer worked with Tefry and the plays director, Stephen Daldry, to make sure The First Shadow fit into the world of the television show. They provided notes throughout the process, but largely trusted Tefry, Daldry, and producer Sonia Freedmans vision.

READ MORE: When does Stranger Things season 5 premiere?

During a Q&A at a screening of the Netflix documentary Build the World of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Matt said that the play wasnt Netflixs idea.

[Daldry] was the one who had to push it and make it happen. He was passionate about it and I think thats the key, Matt said, per Variety. You have something like this, you can have people just churning out stuff to make money and using the name, but thats obviously not what this was. This was [Daldry] fighting to make this happen.

Tickets are now on sale for Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The original TV series is available to stream on Netflix.

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A 39-year-old Newark man was sentenced to life in prison for a drunken, high-speed crash that killed two passengers and seriously injured two others, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said Thursday.

Shaquan Wiley was convicted in February of eight charges, including two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated assault by auto, stemming from a 2020 crash near a school in Newark.

Prosecutors said Wiley was intoxicated, and driving at an excessive speed when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a tree.

Two of Wileys passengers, 17-year-old Tahtiyanah Green and 21-year-old Imani Exum, were killed instantly. Two others  ages 21 and 37  suffered life-threatening injuries.

This incident was a senseless tragedy, said Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells, who tried the case alongside Assistant Prosecutor William Chalmers.

We are satisfied with the sentence on behalf of these victims, their families, and the community at large, Chalmers said in a statement.

Chalmers added, With this verdict, I hope the families of our victims can finally find peace.

Judge Ronald D. Wigler, who presided over the trial and sentencing, imposed the life sentence  a rare punishment in vehicular homicide cases.

In handing down the life sentence, Wigler cited Wileys intoxication, speed, and prior convictions, including a 2005 manslaughter case in which he fatally struck a pedestrian while driving recklessly.

Wiley must serve more than 63 years before he is eligible for parole under New Jerseys No Early Release Act.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
An XXL pie from Pete and Elda's with hot peppers. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

It started with hot dogs, detoured through pizza, and ended in the record books.

Connor Wolff, a Pittsburgh resident who drives the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, rolled into Pete & Eldas Bar and Carmens Pizzeria in Neptune City on Tuesday.

And he left the owner of a state record.

Pete & Eldas, the iconic Jersey joint known for thin-crust pizza, is home to the legendary Whole Pie Eaters Club challenge  a deceptively simple test of appetite and pride.

To join the club, guests must devour an entire XXL pie  in 30 minutes or less, solo. Conquer it, and you earn bragging rightsand a free T-shirt.

The pizzeria announced on social media that Wolff not only beat the challenge  he did it in record-breaking fashion. He finished the massive pie in just under one minute and 55 seconds, setting a new record.

Wolffs time now stands as the fastest ever recorded in the challenges history  and a high bar for future hungry contenders.

Pete and Eldas has been part of the Jersey Shore community for more than 50 years and has consistently been featured on NJ.com best pizza lists as well as the NJ.com Pizza Trail.

Oscar Mayer is a Chicago-based meat and cold cut producer known for hot dogs. The Wienermobile is a car shaped like a hot dog on a bun that drives around the country promoting the brand.

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Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram @laurengisellemusni.
James Averys latest restaurant is a homecoming, in more ways than one.

Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar isnt just a return to Asbury Park dining for the Spring Lake native of Hells Kitchen" fame.

Its a return to Averys roots  his father is from Georgia.

Averys newest project opened in March on the Asbury Park boardwalk, occupying the space that once housed The Break and the Langosta Lounge. It is the first restaurant Avery has opened since closing The Mainstay (which previously was his popular seafood spot The Bonney Read) and selling The Black Swan Public House to BarCo Brands.

Its also the first restaurant Avery has opened as part of his partnership with BarCo, which formed earlier this year.

(BarCo) already had an idea to do a Southern-style restaurant on the boardwalk, Avery told NJ Advance Media last week. I helped them bring it to life.

Palmetto aims to capture the easygoing charm of Charleston, South Carolina, according to the press release that announced the restaurant. Given his familys background, enlisting Avery was a logical choice.

With my father being from Georgia, I have a very deep connection to the South and seafood, Avery said. So for me it was a very easy concept to execute.

Palmetto is providing the shore and entire state with a cuisine we havent been accustomed to with fresh seafood, rice dishes and po boy sandwiches native to the islands of South Carolina and Georgia. The dimly lit, charming eatery located right along Asbury Parks boardwalk, serving up a food the area is lacking, has great potential. But is that potential fulfilled?

Lets dig in.

The good

It is important to note Palmetto serves Southern food  not soul food. The distinction may be easy for the average New Jerseyan to miss. But Palmettos offerings are more akin to Southeastern coast-based cuisine (think coastal Georgia or South Carolina) than soul food from New Jersey gems like Sweet Ts in Montclair or Corrines Place in Camden.

This menu isnt filled with fried chicken, catfish, yams, mac and cheese and collard greens like youd find in Alabama or Mississippi. It is instead focused on fresh seafood and rice dishes influenced by the Gullah population  African descendants who inhabited the coastal islands of South Carolina and Georgia. This entails more grain-based dishes using grits and rice, vegetables and bold spices found in West African food.

Baby gem caesar salad from Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media) Christopher Burch

The restaurant shows off Averys interpretation of this cuisine with items like baby gem caesar salad ($16) with biscuit croutons, black pepper and buttermilk dressing  a bold take on a non-traditional Southern food item. The crispy, fresh lettuce and sweet dressing are tasty and familiar enough, but the hints of fresh black pepper and unconventional croutons take the salad to the next level. The biscuit croutons could make for a great snack by themselves. Theyre just as crunchy as your traditional crouton but even heartier and more flavorful.

Cornbread from Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media) Christopher Burch

Cornbread ($8) is a southern food staple and Palmetto clearly understood the importance of nailing this side. Each bite of the warm, moist bread was an explosion of sweetness accented by an outstanding honey lavender butter. It was undoubtedly my favorite item from Palmetto.

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and gravy from Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media) Christopher Burch

The boneless fried chicken ($26) served over mashed potatoes and green beans was blanketed by a pleasant southern gravy  which was the highlight of the dish. The rich and creamy but not overly heavy dressing complemented the mashed potatoes beautifully. Its a simple combination, but one you have to get right at a restaurant in this genre. And Avery certainly does.

I loved the gravy and biscuit croutons so much that I would eat a bowl of the two southern dishes like a bowl of cereal.

Banana pudding from Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media) Christopher Burch

Any self-respecting Southern restaurant will have banana pudding ($12) on its dessert menu. Luckily, Palmetto falls into that category  and mostly aces the dish.

The pudding consistency was a touch on the runny side but the flavor was outstanding. The bananas within the pudding were vibrantly sweet and flavorful, and the unorthodox topping of candied and sugary flambeed bananas elevated the sweet treat even further.

The bad

As good as the gravy and mashed potatoes were, the accompanying fried chicken was a letdown.

The boneless chicken was juicy and tender, but something was off with the breading. It seemed more like a tempura batter than a seasoned, flour-dredged fried chicken. The blandness of the breading meant any chicken that wasnt covered in gravy was lacking in flavor.

Palmetto checks a lot of Southern eatery boxes, but it missed on this one.

Shrimp and Grits. Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

Shrimp and grits ($32) is another Southern cuisine staple, so it was no surprise to see it featured on Palmettos menu. But I was underwhelmed by their take on the dish. The grits was cooked nicely, and the obviously fresh shrimp was as well  not rubbery from being overcooked or sitting in the hot grits too long.

But the dish was overpowered by a bold and harshly spicy shellfish gravy that was reminiscent of a jerk sauce. A butter-based sauce would have been more harmonious with the shrimp and grits.

Dining room. Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

The vibe

It would be an understatement to say the vibe of Palmetto is anything but immaculate. The dimly lit boardwalk-adjacent eatery features a small stage for live music performances, a stylish irregularly shaped bar, chic seating arrangements of tables, booths and high-tops throughout the dining room. Ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling add even more to the ambiance

Outdoor tables along the boardwalk are covered by bright red umbrellas that are sure to grab your attention if youre strolling by.

The indoor and outdoor dining spaces are separated by a garage-like glass door thats opened when the weather permits, providing indoor diners with a nice breeze from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

The view of the boardwalk and beach mesh perfectly with the Southern coastal cuisine, providing diners with a sense of breeziness as they admire the ocean through large glass windows.

Outdoor boardwalk dining. Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

The bottom line

From melt-in-your-mouth cornbread and succulent caesar salads to savory southern gravy and sugary banana pudding, Palmetto does an impressive job of bringing an untapped cuisine to the Jersey Shore.

Palmetto bolsters an already prominent Asbury Park food scene with a swanky interior design, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the boardwalk and an underutilized cuisine.

Shrimp and grits, fried chicken and biscuits arent foods we typically consider boardwalk food. But Averys latest restaurant suggests we should.

Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

More food coverage:

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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 at nj.com/tips/.
A group of Good Samaritans rescued a teenage girl last week from a man who police said was trying to abduct her off the street, police said.

The 17-year-old was walking on Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen last Wednesday shortly after 3 p.m. when a man approached and grabbed her, township police said in a statement.

The victim was walking along Bergenline Avenue as Canavalan walked toward her, police said. Canavalan suddenly ran toward the victim and the girl became involved in a struggle with the man for about two minutes as he tried to drag her down the street, police said.

Three nurses from a nearby doctors office, as well as a passerby, then intervened and were able to pull her away from the assailant, police said. When officers arrived on the scene, the victim and people who rescued her were able to identify the suspect.

Police arrested Roberto Canavalan, 35, of North Bergen, charging him with kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. He is in custody at Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
One person died at the hospital after an overnight fire that started at a laundromat in Jersey City spread to apartments upstairs, officials said.

Authorities said at about 7:30 a.m. that two adults and two children were injured in the fire on the 200 block of Summit Avenue but later said one person died.
UPDATE: Jersey City fire kills 1, seriously injures 3 others

Four civilians and two firefighters were injured in a fire that started in a Jersey City laundromat and spread to apartments above, according to a local television station.

The fire broke out around 3 a.m at Toms Tub Laundromat on the 200 block of Summit Avenue, according to WABC-7.

Two children and two adults were brought to an area hospital to be treated after being rescued from the second and third floors.

WABC-7 said that two firefighters suffered burns.

The laundromat was closed when the fire started.

Video from shortly before 6 a.m. shows the fire was extinguished.

Jersey City officials couldnt immediately be reached Thursday morning.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
A Hudson County man was arrested earlier this week after he was caught on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with a 17-year-old girl whom he was accused of trafficking, authorities said.

On Monday, a Pennsylvania State Trooper pulled over Anthony Oliver, 52, of Bayonne, who was driving a pickup truck with temporary Missouri license plates on the turnpike in West Pennsboro, according to a statement from the Cumberland County District Attorneys Office in Pennsylvania.

The trooper determined that one of the two passengers in the truck was entered into a federal database as missing and endangered out of Missouri, the office said.

While being interviewed on scene, the 17-year-old passenger told troopers that she had been forced to have sex against her will, and that Oliver had sexually explicit photos of her on his cell phone, investigators said.

A search of Olivers vehicle also revealed condoms, sexually explicit clothing, multiple hotel key cards, cellular phones, and money, officials said.

The teen was taken the Pennsylvania State Polices Carlisle Barracks where she was interviewed by troopers, authorities said.

She told the troopers that she had met Oliver approximately six months prior in Kansas City, Missouri and said that Oliver had sex with her almost daily, the office said. He would give her weed and often had sex with her while she was high and at times while she was asleep, police said.

On April 26, he told her that he was taking her on a trip so that she could be an exotic dancer/stripper, detectives said. Later during the trip, he informed her that she was going to have sex with men for money.

He created and posted online a sexually explicit ad that advertised the 17-year-old as available for sex, investigators said.

This information was confirmed by another 19-year-old female passenger who was traveling with Oliver and the teen, authorities said.

Oliver was charged with trafficking in minors and interference with the custody of children, the office said.

He is being held without bail in the Cumberland County Prison and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 8, officials said.

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The Rev. Bolivar Flores (center) joins the Rev. Al Sharpton, left, and the Rev. Raul Ruiz during a service at Mt. Psigah AME Church in Jersey City last year, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Rita Fernandez

The National Action Network (NAN), one of the most influential civil rights organizations in the nation, has appointed a prominent New Jersey leader to amplify representation of the Latino community in social justice efforts.

The Rev. Bolivar Flores, a local church pastor who serves as vice president of the Coalition of Pastors and Ministers of New Jersey, will work with the Rev. Al Sharptons NAN to identify and fight for the rights of New Jerseys Latino community, including immigration issues and access to employment training and health care, particularly for the uninsured.

To have a leader like Reverend Al Sharpton give me the honor and privilege to stand with him and fight for social justice  for a better tomorrow, for a better New Jersey  is a privilege," said Flores, 35, of Jersey City. But it is also an opportunity to raise the voice of the community and to close the gaps. For decades, the Latino community hasnt had a voice like Rev. Sharpton saying to us, Lets do this together.

Reverend Sharpton leads the New York City-based NAN, which promotes social justice, equity, and the defense of vulnerable communities nationwide.

In his new role, Flores, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic in 2001, will address the growing fear of deportation within the Latin community - a concern that has intensified under the Trump administration, which has detained and deported undocumented immigrants and legal residents.

Flores will work closely with The Rev. Dr. Steffie Bartley, NANs Northeast Regional director.

Social justice knows no boundaries of language, color, or nationality, Bartley said. The integration of Reverend Bolivar Flores marks a strong step toward a truly inclusive movement.

With Trump as president, it would be suicidal if we didnt build coalitions, he added. Were living in a country I never imagined would be like this. To have Pastor Flores heading our National Action Network Latino coalition is exactly what we need because we understand that divided, we fall  but united, we stand."

Flores said he is up to the challenge and eager to serve New Jerseys Latino community.

Flores earned his degree from the New York Theological Seminary. In 2016, he founded the Jersey City-based church, El Ministerio El Sol Sale Para Todos Internacional, serving communities across the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Peru.

He currently serves as chief of Chaplains in West New York and chief of staff at the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), where he has supported the reintegration of over 27,000 formerly incarcerated individuals.

Flores said his experience and deep faith have prepared him for this role at this critical moment.

I embrace this commitment with humility and determination, Flores said. Knowing that serving our Latino community through justice, faith, and unity is a sacred calling. It is not only about representing a voice but about building a bridge of dignity, faith, and opportunity for all.

Ande Richards may be reached at arichards@njadvancemedia.com.

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Three people have been arrested and three others are being sought by police in a large-scale ATM skimming operation that stretched across New Jersey and several other states, authorities announced Wednesday.

In March, detectives from the Monroe Township Police Department began receiving reports of a fraudulent debit card transactions tied to an ATM inside a local Wawa convenience store, according to a statement from the department.

Employees at the store took the ATM offline once they were notified something was wrong, Monroe Township Police Sgt. Mark Salemi told NJ Advance Media.

Police quickly determined that a skimmer, a device placed on a card reader that can steal information and PINs, had been placed on the ATM, the department said.

Using license plate reader technology, detectives identified a suspect vehicle connected to the transactions and on March 25, the car was found in Newark, police said.

With help from the Newark Police Department, officers located multiple suspects at a nearby home and executed a search warrant, investigators said.

The search led to the discovery of a sophisticated skimming operation, according to the release.

Police recovered more than 1,700 fraudulent debit cards, numerous skimming devices and tools, and over $144,000 in cash, the department said.

Three people were arrested at the scene: Anton Balaban, 48, Constantin Gavrila Balauta, 34, and Constantin Daniel Balaban, 27, all of Romania, police said. They were all being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility.

The trio was charged with second-degree money laundering and multiple third-degree crimes including, receiving stolen property, use of scanning device, use of scanning device to re-encode and conspiracy.

Gavrila Balauta was also facing charges in Old Bridge after a skimming device was discovered at a Wawa in town.

There he was charged with seven counts apiece of theft by unlawful taking, fraudulent use of a credit card and forgery, Old Bridge police said Wednesday.

Arrest warrants were also issued for three others: Denis Constantin Stoica, 25, Sorin Adrian Cristian Feraru, 26, and Elena Ramona Campanu, 43, police said.

They were charged with the same crimes as the trio that has been arrested, Salemi said.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges were expected to be filed.

Anyone with information related to the investigation or the whereabouts of the suspects who were still at large was asked to contact Monroe Police Detective Jake OBrien or Detective Stephen Dzema at 732-521-0222.

Reporter Matthew Enuco contributed to this report.

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A former New Jersey resident and three others have been charged in a $53 million check fraud scheme, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of New York said.

Michael Pena, 26, formerly of Woodbridge; Harrington Delahoz, 46, of Bronx, New York; Joshua Gutierrez, 30, of New York, New York; and Jayson Dorsey, 28, of New York, New York, were all charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identify theft, officials said.

From around April 2023 until October 2024, Pena used a messaging platform channel called White House Vibez to advertise stolen checks from the U.S. Postal Service for sale, authorities said.
New regulations have gone into effect in New Jersey requiring a minimum 18-inch space between mulch beds and combustible building materials. The amended state Uniform Fire Code became effective on April 15.

Under the new Code section (N.J.A.C. 5:70-305.7), the 18-inch space requirement applies to areas near decks, porches, balconies, or any portion of a building constructed with combustible materials. The regulation also mandates the same spacing between designated smoking areas and mulched areas.

However, there are some limited exemptions to the new rule. Owner-occupied one- and two-family homes or attached single-family structures used solely for dwelling purposes are exempt.

Most townhomes classified as R3, R4, and R5, as well as buildings made of noncombustible materials like warehouses, are also not subject to the amended code.

All other buildings must comply with the updated regulations.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Fire Safety website provides more information on the new fire code regulation and its exemptions under the Codes & Regulations section.

For more information on the new fire code regulation, including exemptions, please visit New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) | Codes & Regulations on the Division of Fire Safety website.

* * *

Questions about this post may be directed to Linda OBrien at lobrien@njadvancemedia.com.



Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
The surfer tackled by a police officer on Belmars beach last summer during a disagreement over whether he needed a beach badge will fight the charges at trial, his lawyer says.

Liam Mahoney, 29, faces disorderly conduct, obstruction, resisting arrest and violating Belmars beach badge ordinance for the August 20, 2024, confrontation on the 19th Street beach.

Footage of the arrest, during which Belmar officer Ryan Braswell slammed Mahoney to the sand on the 19th Street beach, went viral.

It also ripped open a long-discussed debate over whether surfers, or fishermen, need a badge if they are only accessing the ocean, and not enjoying other perks of the beachfront, for which towns can charge a fee for access.

Last year, Belmar charged a $12 daily badge fee. (Its the same this summer.)

Since Mahoneys arrest, his lawyer, Cathleen Christie, has been trying to get the case dismissed.

A motion she filed recently that argued Mahoney indeed did not need a badge, citing the Public Trust Doctrine, was not granted by Belmars municipal court judge, Dennis Lavender.

The case is currently scheduled for trial on May 13, but that could change, as Mahoney lives in remote Junction City, California. The case has been delayed several times over the past few months.

Christie said despite losing the motion, she and Mahoney will press on and prepare for the municipal court trial. All the charges are disorderly persons offenses.

No plea offer has been made, Christie said, which is really odd for municipal court matters. The towns prosecutor, Robert Cosgrove, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

New Jerseys Public Trust Doctrine and the Zone Management Rules are central to the case and the ongoing debate.

The Public Trust Doctrine is based on an ancient Roman principle and is recognized as a common law by state and federal courts.

New Jersey codified into state law in 2019 as the Public Access Law. It gives the Department of Environmental Protection, DEP, the ability to enforce and protect the right to ensure access to tidal waters and shorelines. Experts say its important for the government to have access rights for fishing and marine navigation.

However, the DEP says the Coastal Zone Management Rules say towns can charge a fee for outdoor recreation areas, but note no fees shall be charged solely for access to or use of tidal waterways and their shores.

In September 2024, Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (D-Monmouth), introduced a bill  inspired by the incident  that would exempt surfers and fishermen from beach badges.

The proposed law includes people looking to access the wet sandy beach below the mean high tide line ... for the exclusive purpose of surfing or fishing. (Kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders have since been included in an amended bill, Donlon said.)

The bill is pending, and one town, Sea Isle City, is not a fan. They fear it will be tough to enforce if it becomes a law.

Christie said Mahoney, who is from the Belmar area originally, and was back east visiting family and friends at the time, knew of the doctrine  as do many regular surfers.

Clad in a wetsuit and carrying his longboard, Mahoney mentioned the doctrine to the police officer, Braswell, who stopped him near the lifeguard stand and asked to see his badge, police body camera footage shows.

Mahoney and Braswell briefly and verbally sparred over the law.

Youre allowed to access the water to surf, or to fish ... and you dont need a beach badge for that, Mahoney protested.

Braswell responded by mentioning Title 40, and offered to email the surfer the statute, which gives towns the right to charge for beach access. (Belmars public ordinance is clear, saying Each and every person entering upon and using the beachfront of the Borough, whether for the purpose of using the water adjacent thereto for bathing or swimming or otherwise, shall obtain and display a badge)

When Mahoney walked away, Braswell followed, and the confrontation escalated. It ended with Braswell and another officer tackling Mahoney and they all tumbled to the sand, as onlookers filmed it on their phones and some loudly admonished the officers.

Belmar police later said Mahoney was not arrested for failing to have a badge, but for not cooperating with police and ultimately obstructing the investigation and resisting arrest.

Christie also expressed frustration and lament that the incident occurred in Belmar, a town known for surfing  it hosts an annual pro competition  and her client was handcuffed on a beach designated for surfing.

She noted that police reporting on the incident showed police were targeting surfers.

Indeed, Braswell, in a police report, wrote that he and others were on the beach that day due to recent complaints from beach gate attendants over the past week regarding [multiple] surfers entering the beach through the dunes and ignoring attendants requests to show their beach badges.

A special squad of cops deployed to the 17th through 19th avenues beach front to check for badges and assist gate attendants with their badge checking duties.

Christie said Belmar should take the approach of towns like Mantoloking, which allows surfers to access the ocean without a badge.

Mantolokings code also says kayakers, paddleboarders and those fishing can use only the beach area or waters covered under the public trust doctrine without a badge so long as they are actively engaged in those activities.

And, Surfers shall not pay any additional fee for a surfing permit or badge. Surfers are not required to display permits or decals on surfboards.

This is not impossible to do, Christie said, referencing Belmar.

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A 40-year-old Morris County man was sentenced to three years in state prison Tuesday for having sexually explicit online conversations with a child in North Carolina.

Brian J. Cariddi, of Hanover Township, pleaded guilty in November to second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Under a plea agreement, Cariddi will be required to register as a Megans Law sex offender and be under parole supervision for life. Hes also ineligible for parole for 18 months, according to a spokesperson for Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.

The prosecutors office said that Cariddi engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the 9-year-old child between Dec. 11, 2022, and Jan. 10, 2023.

Cariddi exposed his intimate parts during online conversations and asked the child victim to send images of the childs intimate parts, Carroll said in a statement.

His attorney, Tara Breslow, declined to comment.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A Newark Community Street Team member walks along Aldine Street in Newark with a student, 10, in this file photo taken Thursday, March 23, 2017. The Street Team member was part of an effort to patrol the perimeter of the school grounds and ensure children get to and from school safely. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Editors note: This story was originally published by NJ Spotlight News and shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and NJ Spotlight News. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X).

Community-based violence intervention programs across New Jersey have laid off employees and, in some cases, ended services altogether after the U.S. Department of Justice abruptly canceled hundreds of ongoing grants last week.

Cure4Camdens street outreach team is in the process of shutting down.

More than a dozen employees of the Newark Community Street Team transitioned out of the agency or were relocated to different departments, which led to a reduction in pay for some people, according to Rey Chavis, the street teams executive director.

Community violence intervention and prevention services provide peer support, counseling, mentorship and conflict mediation. The goal is to improve peoples lives in neighborhoods where violence is common. The programs promote positive behavioral change and reduce the likelihood that people who are victims of community violence will commit or promote violence themselves.

And the programs work, say experts who study them and people whose lives have been changed by them. Community violence prevention programs have been praised for their impact in helping to reduce gun violence across the state and for building trust within communities.

In 2024, 778 people suffered gunshot injuries in New Jersey, a drop of 16% from 2023, according to the governors office. Additionally, 152 people died from gunshots last year, a 20% reduction from 2023.

They are devastated

But now, at least 365 grants nationwide from the Office of Justice Programs, the federal departments largest grant-making arm, were terminated on April 22, according to Reuters. Those grants funded everything from mental health care for police officers to support programs for victims of crime and sexual assault.

I talked to the main guys that I know for a fact need this program and they are devastated, said Stanley Winrow, a former member of Cure4Camdens street outreach team.

Cure4Camdens street outreach team, a community-based violence intervention program, will no longer operate due to the funding cuts, according to Anna Payanzo Cotton, the chief operating officer at the Center for Family Services, the nonprofit that houses the program.

However, Cure4Camdens hospital-based team is still operating because it receives state funding, according to Barbara Maronski, the associate vice president for the trauma and violence prevention program at the nonprofit.

Payanzo Cotton said Cure4Camden will be appealing the Department of Justices funding cuts.

The sudden termination of these grants marks the latest federal funding cuts by the Trump administration impacting people across the country.

Impact in Camden

Under the cuts announced last week, Cure4Camdens street outreach team lost funding for two federal grants that totaled just under $3 million to support programs over a seven-year period that started in 2021, according to Payanzo Cotton. Payanzo Cotton noted that some of this grant funding has already been spent, which has helped to serve people who have been victims of violence.

The Newark Community Street Team, a community-based violence reduction program, also lost funding for two federal grants that totaled $3 million over a three-year period, according to Chavis.

This is about our community. This is about our people. This is about our individuals that have found purpose here and have chosen to become change agents and give their lives to this work. This is about our frontline staff, Chavis said of the impact of the cuts.

This is about the individuals that have had challenges in their lives  [and] grew up in households where their parents  were battling with substance use, and they still persevered, added Chavis. And so to come up against this is extremely challenging.

State funding

Earlier this year, the state announced that up to $14.5 million in grant funding will be distributed to 27 organizations to support New Jerseys Community-Based Violence Intervention Program, according to the attorney generals office. As of Jan. 23, New Jerseys Department of Law and Public Safetys total commitment to community violence intervention efforts, which include community-based violence intervention, hospital-based violence intervention programs and trauma recovery centers, was nearly $130 million.

Instead of working with the state to fight violent crime, the Trump administration is playing political games with critical public safety programs that make New Jersey safer, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement.

These reckless cuts to community-based violence intervention grants, including cuts to federal funding that directly supports our community partners, will disrupt lifesaving programs, hurt some of our most vulnerable residents, and make it harder for our courageous law enforcement professionals to do their jobs, Platkin said in the statement. We will fight back against these dangerous cuts, and we will continue to prioritize efforts to prevent violent crime and keep our communities safe.

The community-based violence intervention grants that the state committed to support for the upcoming year are not impacted by the Department of Justices funding cuts, according to a spokesperson for the attorney generals office.

Racquel Romans-Henry of Salvation and Social Justice said in a recent interview with NJ Spotlight News that increased state support is needed to serve as a firewall against whats happening in the federal government. This includes support from counties and municipal governments, Romans-Henry said.

Its really incumbent on the state and state leadership to make sure that they step in, and they provide some sort of emergency assistance for these programs given whats happening, said Romans-Henry, the policy director at the Trenton-based nonprofit.

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The Latino Action Network Foundation funds six Hispanic women's resource centers that provide classes, workshops, information and guidance to women, but could lose 80% of its $3 million funding.

For the last decade, Lucina Flores said she has been able to access ESL classes, citizenship preparation workshops, and mental health services through the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, setting her on a path toward a better job and a future where she could support her family.

The center helped me support my children in going to college, said Flores, a Morris County resident who immigrated from Mexico. Theyre the first in our family to do so. What I learned empowered me to help my children attend college.

But Flores now worries about future access to MOCHAs resources because of proposed state funding cuts to Latino Action Network Foundation (LANF), the nonprofit that empowers Latina women in the workplace and funds MOCHA and five other womens resource centers in the state.

Despite its ongoing efforts to support Latinas and their families by funding Hispanic womens resource centers, the Latino Action Network Foundation continues to face budget cuts driven by political changes, LANF Executive Director Jesselly De La Cruz said.

The latest development is a proposed 80% state funding cut to LANFs $3M budget, a $2.5 million reduction, that could affect hundreds of women who access programs and services at six womens centers, officials said.

Joceline Ortiz is chief operating officer and director of the womens center at the Puerto Rican Action Committee, serving over 300 low-income, often undocumented, women across Southern Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Salem counties.

She said the center would have to cut subcontractors that teach English as a Second Language Class (ESL) and computer skills and reduce staff hours.

Ortiz said seeing a client get her U.S. citizenship was a highlight for her and her staff, and she is saddened to think the center may not be able to support women like that moving forward.

One of our staff members, Andrea Noble, helped a client, Aurelia Rodriguez study for her citizenship exam three days a week for three months leading up to her naturalization exam, Ortiz said.

Rodriguez, who arrived in the U.S. from Mexico over 10 years ago, is married with three children and lives in South Jersey. Ortiz said Rodriquez found an ESL class flyer last year sponsored by the womens center at a local Mexican grocery store.

They worked together, and when the time came, she passedshe got her citizenship, Ortiz said. It was one of the most meaningful moments for her, and we all celebrated that accomplishment.

Ortiz noted that the organization goes beyond basic career training and job readiness support, offering intensive career assessments and translating and transferring womens international credentials to help them find employment in the United States.

De La Cruz said LANF plans to continue pressing for sustained support of programs that provide essential services for Latina women with backing from legislative allies, including state Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), who criticized the proposed cuts.

Last year, the Latino Caucus supported a resolution to prevent the Hispanic womens resource centers from being zeroed out, said Ruiz, who represents the heavily Latino-populated Essex and Hudson counties. This year, were continuing that fight by advocating to increase funding slashed by more than 80%. This is not just about dollars in a budgetits about equity, economic mobility, and doing right by the women who are the backbone of our communities.

LANFs Hispanic Womens Resource Centers were established by legislation in 1991. It initially started with three regional centers in Newark, Asbury Park and Camden, which existed for several years until Gov. Christie cut LANFs budget in 2010.

LANF advocated for reinstatement of state funding, and in 2016, Christie included $250,000  a quarter of the original funding - in the state budget for LANF.

Since then, the program has grown and now enjoys bipartisan support, with centers in Republican and Democratic districts, serving communities in some of the most rural parts of southern New Jersey, as well as in Morris County.

In 2023, the program received $4 million in funding, allowing LANF to expand support to six centers.

This is not a partisan issue, De La Cruz said. Its women who want to work, mothers who want to learn English to better help their kids with homework. This is not a Social Security benefit or a Welfare-to-work program. This is a program where women want to get skills and participate in the economy. When we cut programs like this, we cut the bridge for them to do that.

Ande Richards may be reached at arichards@njadvancemedia.com.

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An American flag and New Mexico flag fly at Algodones Elementary School, Oct. 1, 2024, at Algodones Elementary School in Algodones, N.M. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales) AP

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  The state of New Mexico must create a remedial plan to improve K-12 education after falling short of providing an adequate public school education to Native American students and others from low-income households, a judge ruled Tuesday.

The order from state district court Judge Matthew Wilson builds on a landmark 2018 ruling that spurred a multibillion-dollar spending spree on public schools in New Mexico  without yet resolving underlying failures to meet state constitutional obligations to educate an array of at-risk students, including those studying English as a second language and students with disabilities.

The defendants are ordered to come up with comprehensive remedial plan to address the continuing violation of at-risk students constitutional rights, Wilson said. A court-ordered plan would provide guidance to the legislature and the executive branches of government, particularly when making difficult budgetary decisions that need to survive political and economic shifts.

New Mexico historically has been at the bottom of the list when it comes to educational outcomes nationwide. Struggles to address lagging test scores and low graduation rates predated the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers have been pouring public resources into efforts to improve attendance, boost access to broadband internet, shore up school staffing and more amid a windfall in state government income from oil and natural gas production.

Filed more than a decade ago on behalf of students and school districts rooted in Native American and Hispanic communities, the litigation known as the Yazzie- Martinez case identified systemic issues within the states education system.

In court filings, the administration of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has acknowledged that there is room for improvement while highlighting a 62% increase in annual K-12 spending by state government since 2016 to $4.2 billion in the 2024, as well as the enactment of dozens of new at-risk initiatives and legislation.

Public Education Department spokesperson Janelle Garcia said in a statement that the agency welcomes the ruling and an opportunity to lead development of a plan providing all New Mexico students an excellent education ... that will lead to resolution of the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit for students, parents, and families.

The judge rejected a request to put a state legislative agency on education and accountability at the helm of the remediation plan. He called instead for the state Public Education Department to work with the plaintiffs and commission a plan from an outside consultant or expert.

Attorney General Raul Torrez in 2023 announced his support for the plaintiffs in efforts to make the state comply with its obligations to students.

The remedial plan could take five years to carry out and possibly resolve litigation.

The governor this month vetoed proposed legislation to expand specialized schools dedicated to Native American language and culture by declining to sign the bill without comment.
A locomotive engineer guides an NJ Transit train into Hoboken Terminal on Thursday. NJ Transit is bracing for a strike if contract negotiations fail. SL

NJ Transit could descend in a death spiral that is being seen at other financially strapped transit systems if it agrees to a rail unions salary demands, its CEO said.

That warning came from NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri Wednesday morning before he left for scheduled negotiations with a rail union that is threatening to strike in 2 weeks.

These are the first talks since NJ Transit pulled the tentative contract off the table last week and restarted negotiations.

The agency and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen are at odds over salaries after the union members voted to rejected a tentative contract on April 15.

Kolluri reiterated that the cost of the contract the union wants would spark a 17% fare increase and result in a 27% increase of the new Corporate Transit Fee that helps finance the agencys operating budget.

Union leadership accused NJ Transit of inflating the numbers by extending them to 2030 instead of to 2027 in the last tentative contract.

Im not being stingy. NJ Transit, for the first time, is in a position where we are not like those other agencies" Kolluri said. Were in a good place.

Kolluri cited a potential death spiral that a recent Bloomberg article said other mass transit systems across the country are facing with a total $6 billion financial gap.

That death spiral is a pattern of service cuts, fare increases and ridership declines that prompts more service reductions.

A main reason is federal COVID-19 funds that made up for pandemic ridership losses and ridership that hasnt returned to pre-pandemic levels. NJ Transit used the last of that funding this year.

NJ Transit avoided a fiscal cliff and a similar death spiral after Gov. Phil Murphy included a corporate transit tax in the state budget.

Lets not be like SEPTA that is cutting service 45% and raising fares or Chicago which is facing a fiscal cliff in 2026 or the MTA which has a $400 million shortfall (projected in 2027 and 2028), he said.

The unions current demands would cost taxpayers and NJ Transit $1.363 billion between July 2025 and June 2030. Thats $684 million more than the contract proposal union members voted down on April 15, the agency said.

He said an engineers average total earnings is $135,000 annually, which includes overtime. Not all engineers earned overtime, according to 2024 NJ Transit salary records.

The agency offered an average of $172,000 and the union asked for an additional $55,000 in a negotiated pay differential between engineers and conductors. That pay differential has been in place for over 40 years.

Ill be damned if this system will be held hostage by people who want a $55,000 raise while everyone else is just hanging on, Kolluri said. Its not fair, its not reasonable."

The union said NJ Transit wants member to accept the same pattern bargaining contract other rail unions agreed to. The BLE&T said the offer doesnt take the responsibility and technical nature of the job in account.

The transit agencys figures are based on overtime, but they are in the process of eliminating overtime, said Tom Haas, BLE&T NJ Transit General Chairman last week.

Another issue is pay parity with engineers working for other regional commuter railroads that earn a higher salary. The union contends NJ Transit engineers are paid lower.

Kolluri deflected that argument with a reminder they live in a state with a lower cost of living than New York

The union members live and work in New Jersey, they want to be paid like they live in New York, he said. Its odd the position union taken.

The comments came as Kolluri and union members were scheduled to talk Wednesday morning and NJ Transit officials are to announce a strike contingency plan for moving commuters Wednesday afternoon.

The only thing I care about is a deal and that we avoid a strike, Kolluri said. Ill negotiate with the union every single day.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
The University of Delaware graduate student struck and killed by a speeding U-Haul truck near campus on Tuesday was a doctorate student from New Jersey, according to a report.

Her fiances co-workers told NBCPhiladelphia.com that she is from New Jersey even though the Newark Delaware Police identified her as Marina Vasconcelos, 24, of Northeast, Maryland.

A second 24-year-old graduate student was seriously injured and is in stable condition, Newark, Delaware police said in a statement.

Authorities have charged Gordon Turner, 22, of New Castle, Delaware, with murder, assault and motor vehicle offenses.

The incident unfolded starting at 3:50 p.m. when police spotted an unoccupied U-Haul van that was supposed to have been returned on March 18. The van was parked at a shopping center on the 200 block on East Main Street.

About 40 minutes later Turner and another person returned to the van. When police moved in to arrest him, Turner drove over a curb and struck a patrol car before speeding onto East Main Street.

While police didnt pursue the van, Turner continued to speed and struck the two graduate students, who were on the north side of East Main Street, officials said.

The van then struck two parked cars  one occupied by four people and another with one person inside.

A third pedestrian was also injured after being struck by a parked vehicle that was pushed by the van, police said.

Turner was being sought on charges in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

Anyone with information related to this incident was encouraged to contact Newark Delaware Cpl. Jon Lee at (302) 366-7100 ext. 3462 or jlee@newark.de.us.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
An artist's conception of what the molecular cloud, named Eos, would look like in the sky if it were visible to the naked eye. Composite image: Dmitry Avdeev (New York City Skyline), Burkhart et al. 2025

Its been a busy week for Blakesley Burkhart.

On Monday, Rutgers University announced Burkharts international team of scientists made an astonishing discovery  a vast, once-invisible molecular cloud that could form a cluster of stars.

It coincided with the teams publication in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature Astronomy.

But just a day earlier, Burkhart experienced another watershed event: giving birth to her first child. Corinne Burkhart Hackbarth arrived Sunday, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces.

A perfect newly formed proto-star! Burkhart told NJ Advance Media.

Nature Astronomy had offered to delay the papers release  along with two other companion papers her team produced  but she declined, not wanting to wait.

Sure enough, (Corinne) came like 10 hours before the press release happened, Burkhart said, laughing. So she really tried to time herself as much as possible.

Burkhart, an astrophysicist at Rutgers University and author of the study, led the New Brunswick-based team that found the cloud. Even though its about 300 light years from Earth, it is actually one of the closest molecular clouds to the sun and our planet ever detected.

The cloud, a ball of hydrogen, is shaped like a crescent and literally glowing in the dark  sort of like fluorescent stickers on a childs bedroom ceiling, Burkhart said. The team named it Eos, after the Greek goddess in mythology who personifies the dawn.

Its also one of the largest single structures in the sky. Place 40 moons across the sky  thats how far it stretches. Now multiply the sun 3,400 times  thats how bulky it is.

But the real thrill comes from how the cloud was discovered and what it means moving forward.

Burkharts team found it by directly looking for far ultraviolet emission of molecular hydrogen  meaning they found some glowing hydrogen molecules in space. It was the first group to do so.

In laymans terms? They looked at some publicly available data that was released in 2023. The data set involved a map of molecular hydrogen from a telescope mission launched by a Korean satellite about 20 years ago, Burkhart said.

The clouds are usually found by conventional methods, like radio and infrared observations that can pick up the chemical signature for carbon monoxide.

But Eos doesnt contain much of the material that would normally be picked up by regular methods.

What is that? Burkhart wondered, after examining the data. I dont know of any star-forming molecular cloud thats sitting at that particular location in the galaxy.

The molecular cloud, which can potentially form a cluster of stars, sits on the edge of the Local Bubble, a gas-filled cavity in space that surrounds the solar system. Thomas Muller (HdA/MPIA) and Thavisha Dharmawardena (NYU)

The team studied it some more and looked at other variables, like dust, before concluding: It was a newly discovered molecular cloud, sitting very close to the solar system. Its on the edge of the Local Bubble, a gas-filled cavity in space that surrounds the solar system.

When I was in graduate school, we were told that you cant easily directly observe molecular hydrogen, said Thavisha Dharmawardena, a NASA Hubble Fellow at New York University and a shared first author of the study.

Its kind of wild that we can see this cloud in data that we didnt think we would see, she said.

Since the cloud is in far ultraviolet light, its color is a little beyond purple, but we cant actually see it. Bees, for instance, can detect far ultraviolet light, but not humans.

Molecular clouds, made up of gas and dust, commonly contain lots of hydrogen, which is key to making stars and planets. So the cloud that Burkharts team found could technically create a new cluster of stars, although whether or not it will remains to be seen.

Scientists can learn a lot from Eos, including finding more molecular clouds they mightve missed in the past by using conventional methods. It can also help inform how the sun and other planets formed and how they might form in the future, according to Burkhart.

When we look through our telescopes, we catch whole solar systems in the act of forming, but we dont know in detail how that happens, she said.

Our discovery of Eos is exciting because we can now directly measure how molecular clouds are forming and dissociating, and how a galaxy begins to transform interstellar gas and dust into stars and planets, Burkhart said.

But scientists have plenty of time to study Eos in the meantime. The cloud will eventually evaporate, but not for a while.

Scientists have roughly 6 million years, give or take.

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
Two New Jersey men ran a months-long scam in which they posed as Microsoft support, a bank employee and a federal official to steal money from a New York woman, authorities say.

Shabeer Ahmad, 58, and Mohammad Zaid Zahi Modan, 21, were arrested Tuesday in the parking lot of Wegmans in Auburn, New York, according to New York State Police.

The Middlesex County men showed up expecting to pick up a package containing $300,000 worth of gold from a woman they began scamming on March 11, officials said.
This is the first installment of Suffering in Silence, a special report on police suicides in New Jersey. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced. If you are in crisis, call the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 or visiting 988lifeline.org.

An epidemic of suicides haunts N.J. cops. The system to help just might work against them.

Chapter I. A silent epidemic

The sheriff did not share his secret with anyone.

He arrived at a Turkish restaurant in Clifton seemingly in good spirits on a chilly, overcast afternoon in January 2024.

Flanked by one of his deputies, Richard Berdnik sat at his usual table and ordered an appetizer and a water. The popular Passaic County Sheriff then posed for a photo with the owner of Toros  his de facto second headquarters  smiling for the image as he had countless times before in his 13 years in the elected post.

After a brief conversation, Berdnik excused himself to use the bathroom around 3:30 p.m.

A single gunshot reverberated through the restaurant a minute later.

Everything we saw from (Berdnik) that day showed he was acting perfectly normal before tragedy struck, said Leo McGuire, his friend and a former Bergen County Sheriff.

Except Berdnik, 64, had a plan. He wanted to die.

We found out later that he cleaned out his desk before he went to the restaurant, said a law enforcement source who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation. No one knew.

All they knew was yet another brother in blue had been lost in New Jersey.

Berdniks very public suicide on Jan. 23, 2024 sent shockwaves through the tight-knit law enforcement community, another fallen officer who died before anyone recognized he was in crisis. Another loss in an alarming string of deaths involving current and former police officers in a national epidemic, an NJ Advance Media investigation found.

From 2016 to 2022, 1,287 law enforcement and corrections officers died by suicide in the U.S., according to a report released last year by First HELP and CNA Corporation. Another 244 police officers died by suicide just in 2023 and 2024, according to Blue HELP, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that tracks police suicides.

In New Jersey, 40 cops died by suicide from 2018 through 2024, according to Blue HELP. Mercer County alone has lost at least seven officers to suicide since 2013  and three since 2020.

Everywhere we look, were seeing it over and over again, said Daniel Del Valle, a former Passaic County Sheriffs officer who worked under Berdnik. Berdniks family did not respond to requests for comment. Its becoming a national crisis.

But the disturbing statistics represent merely a fraction of law enforcement suicides. They often go unreported due to the stigma surrounding mental illness and to avoid innuendo amid rising anti-police sentiment. While national statistics indicate the crisis is plateauing, experts say the true number is actually soaring due to a rise in unreported suicides.

In fact, at least nine officer suicides have been kept private in New Jersey since October 2023 by their families and respective departments, according to interviews NJ Advance Media conducted with nearly three dozen current and former law enforcement officials and mental health experts. At least seven have been kept secret since Berdniks death, including five since Christmas 2024.

Theyre only scratching at the surface of how many officers are taking their lives, said Stephanie Samuels, a Freehold-based psychotherapist who works exclusively with first responders.

In the past five years, the scrutiny and pressure law enforcement officers face have reached unprecedented proportions, according to experts. Tensions have soared in the wake of George Floyds murder by Minneapolis police and campaigns by far-left politicians to defund law enforcement.

Although police officials acknowledge reform was necessary  and still needed in some areas  cops now fear for their jobs and their safety at even the most routine calls. They must examine their every move through the prism of political calculation and optics as much as the law and community protection, they say.

And every call has the potential to leave them with hauntingly indelible images. An abused child. A grandmother struggling to breathe. The carnage of a bad car wreck or the grisly aftermath of a shooting.

Yet the safety nets designed to protect despondent officers often fall short and can even seem punitive, law enforcement professionals and mental health experts tell NJ Advance Media. Those protocols can work against cops seeking help, staining their reputations and isolating them due to stigma, internal politics and a police culture that weeds out perceived weakness.

Everywhere we look, were seeing it over and over again. Its becoming a national crisis. Daniel Del Valle, publisher of The Blue Magazine

As a result, vulnerable officers often conceal suicidal thoughts and depression, crippling anxiety, and alcohol and drug dependency, fearing they could lose their jobs, be denied promotions or shunned within their departments.

Theres a huge stigma to seek help said Kevin Donaldson, a former Roseland cop who now hosts The Suffering Podcast, which addresses depression and suicide. They dont want to show any sign of weakness.

Instead they suffer in silence.

Not much has changed in the 16 years since McGuire lost a Bergen County Sheriffs officer to suicide, two weeks before he addressed the success of a suicide prevention program at a National Sheriffs Association convention.

I stood in front of 50-plus sheriffs across the nation, choking back tears, and every one of them knew exactly where I was at, he said. I was not even aware that this individual officer was going through the psychological difficulties, and that was my responsibility.

McGuire felt the same bitter emptiness when he learned about Berdniks death. A haunting final photo remains, showing his smiling friend with close cropped hair and a gray sweater at the Turkish restaurant just minutes before he took his own life.

Were taught to look for certain behavioral signs to detect whether someone is capable of committing heinous crimes, McGuire said. But theres no one sign that tells you this person is contemplating suicide. You just never know.

Chapter II. Chain of tragedy

The drug dens wore on Sgt. Daniel Pagnotta.

There were guns. Needles. Lost souls.

And kids. Kids living in filth and surrounded by bugs and drugs and weapons.

I really cant put a number on how many times Danny and I would walk through a door of a drug-infested home and see absolutely horrific conditions the children were living in, said Lt. William Salhanick, an executive officer in the Trenton polices patrol division.

Drugs in cribs.

Pagnotta saw it all. Over and over again in Trenton.

But he was a cops cop. The first to crack a joke. The first to playfully jab his colleagues. An officer who kept everyone around him smiling.

Theres no one sign that tells you this person is contemplating suicide. You just never know. Leo McGuire, former Bergen County Sheriff

Pagnotta, 44, had served in units that targeted drugs and gangs, and he ran the Violent Crime Offenders unit in a 21-year career with the Trenton Police. The affable husband and father of two also supervised the departments patrol officers.

Then, without warning, he was gone.

Pagnotta took his own life in July 2020 in a Plainsboro parking lot.

Hes probably the last person you would think would do something like that, said Steve Wilson, who came out of retirement a year after the suicide to lead the Trenton department.

Pagnottas death shook the police force in New Jerseys capital city, leaving many of his colleagues searching for answers.

Why Danny? How could this happen?

Those questions cut especially deep for Wilson, who Pagnotta called his work dad. Pagnottas death didnt make sense. It still doesnt.

I dont think anyone really knows why, said Wilson, a 30-year veteran of the department with salt-and-pepper hair and a thin, gray mustache.

But Pagnotta had witnessed unimaginable tragedy and anguish in Trenton, a city of 86,246 that has one of New Jerseys highest violent crime rates. Searing images of brutality and suffering stuck with him. Murders. Abused kids. The shooting of two Trenton detectives, Edgar Rios and Jimmy Letts, in 2013.

Danny was around for all of the really big, traumatic incidents, Salhanick said. Pagnottas widow, Mollie, declined to comment. The stuff you see in a typical day as a patrol officer in a city like Trenton, a lot of cops wont see in an entire career.

Pagnotta tried to make light of the depravity as a coping mechanism. The son of a retired Trenton cop used to say, None of this is real, said Salhanick, sitting beneath a laminated sign on a bulletin board that reads just that. Hed be out in the streets seeing stuff that normal people cant even comprehend.

But Pagnottas suicide was merely one link in a chain of tragedy. His best friend, Matt Wallace, was a Ewing police officer who died by suicide in 2013. Pagnotta had also lost at least two Trenton colleagues to suicide.

They are among a cluster in Mercer County dating back a decade that includes officers from the bordering towns of Trenton (three), Hamilton (two) and Ewing (one). It also includes a Mercer County Sheriffs officer. Not all have been publicly acknowledged.

I dont think youre ever going to get an exact number on (police suicides) because lets face it  some people dont want to report it as that, said Luke Sciallo, vice president of the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association, the states largest law enforcement union. You get the same (pension) benefit either way.

And while the system to help cops is not punitive, it is broken, adds Sciallo, coordinator of the PBAs peer response team.

A cop will confront an average of 178 critical incidents in their career, a May 2024 Police Chief Magazine survey found. The average person will endure just two or three in their lifetime.

Youre always going to wonder why. Youll never get an answer for it, even though youre always searching for one. John Nortrup

Its part of the staggering responsibility to protect communities and uphold the law while under intense scrutiny. The job has always demanded handling the worst society has to offer. But even mundane shifts can involve trauma.

As a result, police suicides have become horrifyingly routine, studies show. Officers have a 54% higher suicide risk than the general public  even in an unprecedented mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic  because of job-related stress and access to firearms, according to a 2021 study by the National Library of Medicine.

Yet the phenomenon remains underreported, despite the sobering statistics. In many cases, families and fellow officers choose to keep suicides private.

They will even label them as accidental deaths, police sources say. In some cases, its about protecting benefits such as life insurance, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. In others, its an attempt to limit the scrutiny and rumors that often follow an officers death.

Was there a looming scandal? Was he about to be fired? Indicted?

Theres such shame, such guilt. And theres blame, said Melissa Swailes, whose husband, David, a Los Angeles Police officer, died by suicide in 2016 after suffering symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

And cops often fall victim to their own culture and self-mythology.

I dont need help because Im the person that comes to save other people. They put that burden on themselves, said Wilson, who carried his own trauma  finding the bodies of three severely burned children in a 1994 Trenton fire. A lot of police officers carry that (Superman) S on their chest.

But later, some are crushed by the weight of it.

Chapter III. Harder than ever

Sgt. Scott Hussey weaves his police SUV through the narrow streets of south Trenton, hoping for the best but fearing the worst. Hes two hours into a 12-hour shift and sees a full moon on the horizon.

Here in Trenton, you never know what youre going to get, the 33-year-old Robbinsville native says as he stops at a red light on a chilly evening. Sometimes youre expecting the world to fall apart, and you get absolutely nothing. Other times it seems like its going to be pretty chill, and you get your butt handed to you on a silver platter.

Suddenly, a call comes over the radio. A disorderly person possibly with a handgun.

Looks like its going to be one of those nights, Hussey says while turning on his lights and siren.

He guns it, navigating the congested streets at nearly double the 25-mph speed limit.

Once the lights go on, your adrenaline kicks in, the fourth-year Trenton cop says. Any feelings of nervousness kind of get suppressed.

In an attempt to understand what police experience in a routine shift, NJ Advance Media was granted a ride-along in November with Trenton cops. During a 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. shift, 24 officers responded to 148 calls.

Theres a huge stigma to seek help Cops dont want to show any sign of weakness. Kevin Donaldson

NJ Advance Media witnessed nearly a dozen of them. They included four drug overdoses, a domestic dispute, a string of car accidents and a 1 a.m. break-in at a hair salon.

But they also involved four men with machine guns carjacking a womans white Ford Explorer and that report of a disorderly person with a gun, which Hussey responds to just after dusk.

A womans teenage son fought with another Trenton Central High School student and it turned serious, she tells a Spanish-speaking officer who serves as an interpreter.

The kid showed off a handgun in the school parking lot, the mom says. Her son and two of his friends corroborate the story. Just then, a young man fitting the description of the alleged gun-wielding student turns the corner onto their East State Street block.

Four Trenton officers order him to stop and keep his hands out of his pockets. The young man says the threat was a misunderstanding, and no arrests are made.

By the end of that night, Trentons 247-person force will have responded to 111,750 calls through the first 320 days of 2024  an average of 349 per day. That same month, it was slammed in a scathing federal report, accusing the department of routinely using excessive force and conducting searches and arrests without reasonable suspicion or probable cause. However, no formal sanctions were issued.

Ironically, Husseys final call of the night  a drug overdose  draws him to the site where he was attacked as a rookie. He tells me how he tore the ACL and MCL in his knee during the violent 2021 altercation, requiring months of surgeries and pain and nine months of rehab.

Hussey arrives at the call and finds a woman passed out in an apartment building stairwell. EMTs revive her.

Nights like these, he says on the way back to headquarters, we are dealing with people on their worst days.

And they handle the ugly incidents the rest of society prefers to ignore. The raw, uncensored scenes that most people never see.

Overdoses. Domestic violence. Death.

Theres no dignity in death, said Donaldson, the former cop turned podcaster. Theres no John Wayne moment. Theres no last words.

Theyve probably gone to the bathroom in their pants.

Then the family arrives.

They come in screaming, crying. They just lost someone theyre never going to see again, Donaldson said.

And then cops move on to the next call, the next case, the next shift, before transitioning back to being a husband or wife, a dad or mom.

No police academy instructor can prepare recruits for that. Nor can they equip them to stand at a murder scene, staring down at childrens toys, knowing the trauma the kids who owned them experienced.

Officers are at elevated risk for suicide because of the environments in which they work, their culture and stress, according to a 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nights like these, we are dealing with people on their worst days. Sgt. Scott Hussey, Trenton Police

Since the 2020 Floyd murder, police departments have had to reckon with the legacy of bias within their ranks, the use of unnecessary force and decades of contentious relations with minority communities. Demands for accountability have ushered in stricter use-of-force policies and enhanced anti-bias training, measures that advocates  and even law enforcement officials  say are long overdue.

The composition of every police department is different now because of the George Floyd incident  and it should be, said Harrison Det. Sgt. Bobby Crudele. Unfortunately, it kind of made people think that this was the normal way of police doing business.

And its made the job more stressful.

New Jersey now requires its 40,500 police officers to be licensed by the Police Training Commission. The Police Licensure Act, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2022, holds officers to strict standards and best practices training.

The additional scrutiny is magnified by activists pressing to cut funding and a wave of self-appointed auditors and cop watchers who instigate altercations hoping their videos go viral.

You are held to a very particular standard, which I agree with, because it makes you a better cop, said McGuire, a police officer for 20 years before serving as Bergen County Sheriff in the 2000s. But it also is leading to more stressors on the job.

Dinosaurs like myself, we talk about it, like, Hey, I couldnt be a cop today. No freaking way, he added. Its absolutely much more difficult because of the level of scrutiny.

And it takes a toll.

Chapter IV. Help or hurt?

Edward Nortrup was minutes from home, where an afternoon playdate awaited with his 15-month-old daughter.

But the Roselle Park police officer was spiraling, drowning in job stress and marital problems, according to his brother, John. Shortly after noon on Jan. 19, 2020, Nortrup lost control of his 2019 Nissan Pathfinder and hit two parked cars.

His SUV rolled on its side and stopped near the Matawan police station. Nortrup  who told a first responder he had been drinking before the crash  then shot himself as they attempted to remove him from the wreck, according to authorities.

He was only 39.

Youre always going to wonder why, John Nortrup said. Youll never get an answer for it, even though youre always searching for one.

Its always there. There is no resolution.

Nortrups death is another example of help coming too late for officers  if it comes at all. And when it does come, its often inadequate, law enforcement and mental health experts say.

I just really believe everything that were doing is probably 5% of what needs to be done, said Del Valle, who is now publisher of The Blue Magazine, which covers the legal, tactical and political issues impacting police officers. There will always be suicides because the system will never be prepared to help the cop out.

Youre given a position that says, You have to be fit. You have to be mentally fit. And if youre not, then obviously you cannot have this position. So then, why would the cop ever speak up when his mental health is depreciating?

Officers also worry about whispers in the squad room. Being ostracized by colleagues. And retribution from superiors.

I couldnt be a cop today. No freaking way. Its absolutely much more difficult because of the level of scrutiny. Leo McGuire, former Bergen County Sheriff

Those concerns take on outsize proportions when you can be labeled unfit for duty.

You want to open up, but theres a stigma to talking about it, said Mike Gonzalez, an Elizabeth juvenile division detective who endured his own mental health crisis, prompted by a family tragedy and job stress. Theres consequences for opening up about it.

A lot of times it seeps out he added. Youre putting yourself in jeopardy.

Especially when help often feels like punishment, cops say.

Depressed? The bosses will take your guns. Drinking too much as a coping mechanism? You could be blacklisted. Suffering from anxiety? The whispers might spread, and soon the whole squad room will know.

Or worse.

The brass might force you out.

No matter how much were throwing against the walls  whether its hotlines, or organizations like Blue HELP and wellness apps on their phones  were still not seeing a reduction in suicide rates the way we should, said Samuels, the Freehold psychotherapist who also works for CopLine, a 24-hour confidential hotline for law enforcement officers in distress. So its pretty obvious that the job has gotten more challenging and stressful.

A lack of funding is one problem, experts say. Many departments dont have resources for a dedicated therapist or other support. Some do, but line up resources only after a crisis has emerged, officers say.

Another problem is the states new licensing program. Law enforcement officials contend it went too far and can be used as a weapon against cops. It further inhibits fragile officers from seeking help  fearing they could lose their license or be stained as unreliable for the rest of their careers, they say.

And some departments insurance carriers do more harm than good even when officers do seek help, according to Lt. John T. Harbourt, Trenton polices chief resiliency officer. He is responsible for connecting officers with help when they need it, part of a 2019 state mandate requiring every law enforcement agency to designate a resiliency officer.

A Trenton cop needed help after being involved in two critical incidents in a year, according to Harbourt. The shattered officer surrendered their service weapon and began seeing a clinician Harbourt recommended who specializes in treating law enforcement. After starting therapy, they began to improve.

But then the departments workers compensation carrier insisted the vulnerable officer see one of its approved doctors. Despite being in crisis, they had to wait nearly a month without help before finally being connected with a new therapist. The new clinician then mandated Zoom sessions  not in-person meetings  that lasted only 20 minutes.

Getting nothing out of the new arrangement, the officer feigned improvement to return to work, according to Harbourt.

What service have we provided that officer? he asked. The system has failed.

But maybe the biggest problem is police leadership.

Some view a cop with depression, anxiety or emotional issues as someone to root out instead of help, according to law enforcement officials.

Short-staffing and a decline in new recruits in some departments only aggravates the situation.

You want to open up, but theres a stigma to talking about it. Theres consequences for opening up. Det. Mike Gonzalez, Elizabeth Police

We see a lot. Sometimes, we see too much, said Jose Medina, a former Piscataway police sergeant who runs a specialized training and consulting firm. He lost a close colleague in 2011 who took his own life. We have to educate the leaders, make them understand that cops can get better if they know they have 1,000% support from their administrations.

If they were not being penalized for doing their job and having a crisis, you would see less suicides.

In a statement, the state Attorney Generals office said in part, To ensure the health and safety of the community, those who serve must also be healthy and fully supported.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin is prioritizing giving law enforcement, as well as those within the Department of Law and Public Safety, appropriate resources to respond to and address the difficult situations they face, while providing stigma-free support and resources without fear of negative consequences in the workplace.

But more needs to be done, according to William Mazur, a retired deputy chief with the Atlantic City Police who now specializes in wellness initiatives for Acadia Healthcare.

Some call for sweeping action. They say departments must create an environment where seeking help will not mean humiliation or the end of a career.

Youll see police who have no problem chasing somebody with a gun, Mazur said, but to actually speak with a therapist and to admit that, Hey, the things Im dealing with on the job bother me and keep me up at night, thats more fearful for them.

But others want to take officers mental health completely out of the hands of police leadership.

Im a big believer that (any program) has to be clandestine from the department because anything tied to the department is going to breed hesitancy Donaldson said. Heres how I sell it to police departments: You spend all this money training a guy, dont you want to keep him for 25 years? Or do you want him to retire early after he sees something?

Its your choice.

Chapter V. Grief to action

The gunshots rang out on the morning of Oct. 3, 2002.

A 25-year-old woman vacuuming her minivan at a Virginia gas station had been hit. It turned out to be the latest in a string of attacks by the Beltway Snipers.

Anastasia Pytal, a police officer and volunteer emergency medical technician, was the first to arrive.

She died when I was working on her, Pytal said.

Pytal would be rocked by the trauma. She stored a series of snapshots from the ghastly scene in her mind  sounds and smells and visuals of death. They would eventually overwhelm her as she became convinced she shouldve done more to save the young woman.

Pytal soon realized there wasnt a lot of support for officers involved in critical incidents and decided to go back to school. She earned her doctorate in psychology while continuing to work as a police officer.

These days, the Little Falls-based psychotherapist specializes in helping cops and their spouses combat depression and anxiety. She is among a handful of therapists specializing in the unique needs of those on societys front lines.

I see a lot of officers suffering in silence, said Pytal, a founding member of Survivors of Blue Suicide. Im certainly concerned about the suicide numbers. I feel like law enforcement is the most deserving and yet underserved population when it comes to mental health.

There will always be suicides because the system will never be prepared to help the cop out. Daniel Del Valle, publisher of The Blue Magazine

Mike DePalma is among the officers who have benefited from Pytals counseling after he was diagnosed with PTSD.

Honestly, her therapy saved my life, said the retired Hoboken police officer and U.S. Army veteran. There should be 50 of her.

DePalma served two years in Iraq in the mid-2000s as a commander in the 101st Airborne. He returned home in 2007 and became a cop  not exactly a stress-free profession, he joked.

A lot of people have a misconception that, Hey, youre a cop, you should be equipped to deal with watching people die, DePalma said. But I can tell you, whether its war or some of the experiences weve been through as cops, it has an effect.

Some police leaders do offer proactive solutions to protect their officers.

The Long Branch police occupy a second-floor office in the citys downtown to use as a resiliency room. It includes reclining couches, a salt lamp and the calming tones of a tabletop water fountain. The room is designed to allow officers to reset after intense calls far from prying eyes at headquarters.

The state PBA established a peer support team to chip away at the stigma of mental health support in law enforcement.

And in Elizabeth, proactive measures have already made a difference, according to Chief Giacomo Sacca.

At the time of a crisis, youre not going to go thumb through the Yellow Pages to find a psychologist to send your employees to, he said. There has to be a full community approach within the police department that not only youre safe here, youre protected here and were going to get you help here.

Sacca was in a meeting last year when he got a phone call from one of his cops who was struggling with family problems and anxiety.

The chief called the departments resiliency officers, Sgt. Jason Luis and Det. Walter Piza, and went to his employee. The cop spent a few months in therapy before returning to the job.

I dont know what wouldve happened if we didnt have the tools in place to help officers deal with the stress and mental health issues theyre facing on the job, said Sacca, a 29-year veteran of the 365-person Elizabeth Police.

I could have had a suicide, right?

More often than not, there are recognizable signs that an officer needs help, according to Pytal.

A lot of people have a misconception that, Hey, youre a cop, you should be equipped to deal with watching people die. Mike DePalma

But there are some suicides that people never saw coming, she said.

Like Berdnik.

He was one of at least three former colleagues of Del Valles to have taken their lives in the past seven years.

Since retiring, Del Valle has dedicated himself to preventing others.

I work 14 hours a day dissecting everything, he said. I put my family second, and my job is first right now.

One fallen officer in particular haunts him.

Not long before the officer killed himself, Del Valle recognized the man was in crisis. He called someone to warn them to keep an eye on the officer.

Feeling he did his job, he moved on to other matters. Then the officer died by suicide.

We cant just act like we care for an hour, Del Valle said. We actually have to consistently, on a daily basis, help people. And this is how were trying to save lives now.

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Keith Sargeant may be reached at ksargeant@njadvancemedia.com.
A Louisiana man who admitted to traveling to New Jersey for sex with a 14-year-old was sentenced to eight years in prison, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Spencer W. Caudle, 36, of Prairieville, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty in October 2024 to charges that he intentionally traveled to New Jersey to engage in sexual conduct.

Caudle began communicating with the 14-year-old in a sexual nature through social media in April 2023, despite the teenager telling Caudle they were underage, officials said.
A 56-year-old driver and his son were charged following a hit-and-run crash in Beachwood that injured a teenager riding an e-bike on Wednesday.

Michael P. Gable, of Berkeley, is charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in serious bodily injury to another person, tampering and other offenses, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said Thursday.

Gables 22-year-old son, Michael A. Gable, is charged with hindering after lying to police, prosecutors said.
A Passaic County man was arrested after allegedly crashing his car, attempting to flee the scene while intoxicated, and abandoning a child in the vehicle, police said Wednesday.

Seyon Rodriguez, 39, of Pompton Lakes, faces a string of charges including aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child, both as second-degree crimes.

Police responded around 2:50 p.m. Saturday to Terhune Drive and Alder Avenue in Wayne after reports that a vehicle had left the roadway and struck a mailbox.
In a democracy, elections should be decided by ideas  not by cruelty, humiliation or personal destruction. Unfortunately, that principle is under threat in Virginia.

For the second state campaign cycle in a row, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the executive director of his Spirit of Virginia political action committee, Matt Moran, have used personal attacks to try to destroy political candidates  not by debating policy, but by targeting their private lives. Both times, flirting with committing crimes of sextortion and the nonconsensual distribution of sexually explicit images, both clearly defined in Virginias criminal code.

Unlike in 2023 when the Republican Party of Virginia paid for campaign mailers with explicit images of me that were nonconsensual (most likely printed by Matt Morans company, Creative Direct), their target this year isnt a Democrat. It is now their own partys nominee for lieutenant governor, John Reid  a gay man  smeared with allegations drawn from alleged private sexual content shared online.

Weaponizing someones private, legal and consensual life, digital or otherwise, for political gain isnt hardball. Its not opposition research. Its abuse. It is undignified, serves no public interest  and it is contrary to Virginias values.

In todays world, millions of Virginians  of every background and belief  have private moments stored on phones, in the cloud or scattered across the internet. Thats not reckless or irresponsible; its the reality of modern connection.

In 2000, just 2.7% of American adults reported sending a sexually explicit image. By 2023, that number had soared to nearly 77%. These arent anomalies  theyre ordinary, human experiences in the digital age.

So when political operatives turn private humanity into political ammunition, its not just individuals who suffer. Democracy itself takes the hit.

Because if seeking office means risking humiliation over ones private life, who will choose to lead? Who will risk their families, careers and dignity to serve their community?

We wont just lose a few good candidates. Well lose the next generation of leaders  young people, LGBTQ+, BIPOC Virginians, women  who decide that public service is no longer worth the personal cost.

At the federal level, Republicans understand this and are working to protect peoples right to digital intimacy without fear. Republican members of Congress who are considered by many to be principled conservatives passed the Take It Down Act on April 28, a bipartisan bill called for by first lady Melania Trump that treats the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images as a serious harm  not a tabloid headline or political strategy. This kind of behavior is increasingly recognized not as partisan politics, but as digital-age sexual violence.

So, while the nation moves forward, Gov. Youngkin and Matt Moran are once again dragging Virginia backward, embracing tactics that shame, isolate and silence. The actors behind these strategies like Moran and the companies he is associated with, Creative Direct and the Coefficient Group, are using these tactics to enrich themselves at democracys expense with over $25 million in contracts from the Spirit of Virginia PAC and the Republican Party of Virginia, alone.

They profess family values and Christian principles. But what is Christian about using a persons private life to destroy them? Is there a moral high ground in using cruelty as a campaign strategy?

Yet, this is bigger than one governor, one political operative, one campaign or one party. Its about what kind of politics we accept  and what kind of future we want for our commonwealth.

Matt Moran and the companies that have enabled his brand of politics should answer for the culture of cruelty he has fostered and seeks to perpetuate. And Gov. Youngkin must explain to Virginians, and possibly to voters in Iowa, why this is what Virginias political leadership now looks like.

Right now, the message being sent  by Moran and Youngkin  is that if you step forward to serve, your most personal moments can and will be used to humiliate you. That cruelty is acceptable. That dignity is expendable.

We must reject that message.

Because when we allow humiliation to become a political tool, we dont just lose candidates. We lose the kind of politics that invites good people in.

Virginia can  and must  lead differently. With integrity. With decency. With courage.

If we want a future where public service still draws the best among us, then we must raise the standard for how we treat those who dare to serve.

Dignity must be the standard, not the exception.

And its up to all of us to demand it.
President Donald Trump speaks about investing in America in the Cross Hall of the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

A former GOP strategist broke down the battle between Americans and President Donald Trumps MAGA movement in an emotional plea on Thursday.

Steve Schmidt, former Republican campaign advisor and author of The Warning newsletter, issued a stark warning on Thursday about the MAGA movement and urged Americans to stand together against Trump and his allies.

This comes as Trumps poll numbers continue to plummet after he passed his 100-day mark in office earlier this week.

One side shall break the other. I have no doubt that it is the American side that will prevail, Schmidt wrote in his latest post, titled Defiance is American.

Schmidt, a former GOP strategist and a founder of the Lincoln Project, drew comparisons between MAGA supporters beliefs and Americans beliefs in his lengthy online post. He said while Americans believe in the Constitution, MAGA believes in a demented king.

He also referenced Trumps stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, Trumps executive power and Trumps rhetoric toward Canada. He also referenced the Trump administrations decision to send hundreds of migrants to a notorious El Salvador prison last month without a court hearing.

Americans believe that a dictator invading a neighboring country is a war crime. MAGA believes that invading a neighbor is the right thing to do...Americans believe that Russian war criminal Vladimir Putin is our enemy. MAGA believes that Russia is our ally. Americans believe that Ukraine is our ally. MAGA believes that Ukraine is our enemy, he wrote.

Americans believe in due process. MAGA believes in concentration camps. Americans love Canada. MAGA hates Canada, Schmidt wrote.

He slammed Trumps refusal to accept the 2020 election results and undermining a peaceful transition of power.

Americans believe in the separation of church and state. MAGA believes that Donald Trump is Gods messenger on Earth. Americans believe in the peaceful transition of power. MAGA believes in taking power by force if necessary. Americans believe in democracy. MAGA believes in insurrection. Americans accept election results. MAGA does not, he wrote.

Schmidt also wrote that Trumps word means nothing except to his closest allies.

Donald Trump is drowning in his stupidity, and has been hobbled by sycophants. Screaming is a sign of weakness. The simple truth is that the word of the president of the United States means nothing to anyone anywhere outside his cockpit of fools, gathered around his tacky desecrations of the Oval Office, he wrote.

"Screaming is a sign of weakness. The simple truth is that the word of the president of the United States means nothing to anyone anywhere outside his cockpit of fools, gathered around his tacky desecrations of the Oval Office."https://t.co/etHG6mKXeN  Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) May 1, 2025

In his conclusion, Schmidt said that Trump is weak, emotional, erratic and decomposing, noting that his presidency is a catastrophe. Trumps first 100 days in office have been marked by a tumbling stock market, costly tariffs and a wide use of executive power that experts say could cause a constitutional crisis.

Trump on Tuesday 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. He again uttered the lie that he won the 2020 presidential election. And he attacked polling and news coverage not favorable to him.

And 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 administrations mass deportation efforts that have sent arrests for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border plummeting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh criticized President Donald Trump as the president surpassed his first 100 days in office earlier this week.

Trump celebrated the 100th day of his second term earlier this week despite his approval rating continuing to sink as a result of the flailing stock market, tariffs and controversial policies. Walsh, a former GOP lawmaker, warned on Thursday that Trumps next 100 days will be even worse than the first.

Reminder, we elected a very stupid, cruel, ignorant human being. The 2nd 100 days will be worse, Walsh wrote on social media platform X.

Reminder, we elected a very stupid, cruel, ignorant human being. The 2nd 100 days will be worse.  Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) May 1, 2025

Walsh, a frequent critic of Trump, also slammed the president in a previous post on X for blaming former President Joe Biden for the flailing stock market. Trump has repeatedly tried to blame Biden for the stock market despite being the president since Jan. 20.

On his deathbed one day, Trumps very last words will be, It was Bidens fault. Biden did it. Biden, Walsh said on Wednesday.

On his deathbed one day, Trumps very last words will be, It was Bidens fault. Biden did it. Biden. pic.twitter.com/FdfU1NRRUI  Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) April 30, 2025

Trump marked his 100th day in office earlier this week by delivering a speech in Michigan, a swing state he carried in Novembers election. During Tuesdays address, he echoed key points of a campaign speech as he railed against Biden and touted his immigration policies.

He repeatedly mocked his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, attacking his mental acuity and even how he appears in a bathing suit. He again uttered the lie that he won the 2020 presidential election. And he attacked polling and news coverage not favorable to him.

And 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 administrations mass deportation efforts that have sent arrests for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border plummeting.

Removing the invaders is not just a campaign pledge, Trump said in his 90-minute speech. Its 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 rallygoers cheering as images of deportees having their heads shaved were played. And while Michigan has seen unemployment rise since Trump reclaimed the White House, Trump used his speech to defend his administrations steep tariffs on cars and auto parts  hours after the White House announced it was softening those.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., must watch disgraced Mike Waltz get the job she wanted. (AP Photo | Rod Lamkey, Jr.) AP

Can someone perform a wellness check on Elise Stefanik?

Because the MAGA congresswoman from New York, who already suffered the cringing embarrassment of having Donald Trump renege on a promise to make her Ambassador to the United Nations, now must stand by and watch Trump promote fired and disgraced National Security Advisor Michael Waltz for the job.

Somewhere, Elise Stefanik is seething, Huffington Post White House reporter Jennifer Bendery tweeted.

With polls turning ferociously against him and the GOP, Trump yanked back Stefaniks nomination in the hopes that she could retain her upstate seat and help Republicans hold their slim majority in the House of Representatives.

But as Trumps approval rating plummets and economic news grows grim with an approaching rececession likely, the GOP retaining the House seems a long shot.

Nevertheless, Stefanik must take a big gulp of humiliation that the job she coveted is now going to the one of the most incompetent national security advisors in our countrys history, second likely to the fired, convicted and pardoned Michael Flynn.

I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump wrote on his conservative social media platform. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim national security adviser while keeping his current role as well, Trump said.

Waltz has been losing favor with Trump ever since he inadvertently added a reporter to a Signal chat with other top Trump officials who discussed an imminent U.S. military strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen.

His confirmation hearing could become a Signalgate circus.

Waltz responded to Trumps announcement on Twitter/X, writing: Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.

Over the weekend, CNN captured video footage that showed Waltz essentially being booted from the presidential helicopter.

Waltz gave up a seat in the House for a few months in the administration.
President Donald Trump speaks about investing in America in the Cross Hall of the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Theres a scene in the iconic animation holiday special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, when grouchy Santa tells the elves and the residents of the North Pole that Christmas isnt coming, thanks to a raging (and very rare) worldwide blizzard. We all know (spoiler alert) that story ends happily  thanks to a reindeer who has a beak thats blinkin like a blinking beacon.

Unfortunately, for Donald Trump, the blinkin beacons are more like red flashing lights and sirens, plummeting shipping traffic statistics, rising unemployment claims, economic slowdown signals and a hint of stagflation  thanks to Trumps tariffs and the dumbest trade war in history, according to the Wall Street Journal.

So, for many in the U.S., it appears Christmas isnt coming this year, or at least the usual Christmas isnt.

In fact, the New York Times reports that some businesses who depend on China for toys and other goods  which face a 145% tariff  already are consulting bankruptcy attorneys:

Toy makers, childrens shops and specialty retailers are pausing orders for the winter holidays as the import taxes cascade through supply chains. Factories in China produce nearly 80 percent of all toys and 90 percent of Christmas goods sold in America.

The production of toys, Christmas trees and decorations is usually in full swing by now. It takes four to five months to manufacture, package and ship products to the United States.

Mr. Trumps 145 percent tariffs have caused a drastic markup in costs for American companies. Most of the entrepreneurs that have shared their plans with The New York Times have not yet canceled their orders. They hope that the president will back away from the tariff brinkmanship.

But the alarm in the industry is palpable, with the companies predicting product shortages and higher prices. Some business owners, citing how crucial holiday sales are to their bottom lines, are consulting bankruptcy lawyers.

That has led to a series of nicknames for Trump  Scrooge, Donny Downer, and others.

All of this negativity has forced Trump trade officials to insist that even, say, a 10% tariff wont cause prices to rise; or if prices do rise, China and other countries will eat the increase and still sell their products at earlier prices; or that Americans will gladly sacrifice for the good of the Trump legacy; or kids will patriotically accept that Christmas will be sparse this year.

Maybe instead of a toy or two, theyll unwrap a Trump 2028 flag and triumphantly hang it from the mantle, next to the empty stockings.

Maybe children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, Trump said. And maybe those two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more.

And so, Donny Two Dolls was born  thanks to MSNBC host Lawrence ODonnell.

@MSNBCs @Lawrence O'Donnell nailed Donald Trump and his tariffs this evening!!



Donny Two Dolls is going to bring this country to its knees. We need more national news agency to speak out about it!! @ABC @CBSNews @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/BSwRq4uPrj    (@Kate9675) May 1, 2025

Its mobster. Its New York. Its the perfect moniker for a guy who loves handing out nicknames himself.

And Trump is even taking flak from the New York Post  as the president goes from Ill lower prices on Day One to Were all going to be rich! to Youll get two dolls and like it!

Kids, we got to cut back on the toys. This is Donald Trumps economy now. pic.twitter.com/GD8NIxuetr  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 1, 2025

Trumps remarks followed a defensive morning after the Commerce Department reported that the U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.3% during the first quarter. Behind the decline was a surge in imports as companies tried to front-run the sweeping tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum and almost every country. And even positive signs of increased domestic consumption indicated that purchases might be occurring before the import taxes lead to price increases.

Meanwhile ...

We have a frozen supply chain that is putting Christmas at risk, said Greg Ahearn, chief executive of the Toy Association, a U.S. industry group representing 850 toy manufacturers, told the New York Times. If we dont start production soon, theres a high probability of a toy shortage this holiday season.

And even Trumps red-nosed reindeer, Peter Navarro, cant save us.

The AP contributed to this report.

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Alina Habba, now the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, speaks at a Trump rally in October. Donna Fisher | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

President Donald Trumps newly appointed U.S. attorney for New Jersey formed a task force this week to preserve and protect the integrity of elections in the state.

But New Jersey officials have already filed a lawsuit questioning the Trump executive order on free, fair, and honest elections that inspired the creation of the task force.
President Donald Trump arrives to welcome the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles NFL football team to the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, April 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

What is President Donald Trumps biggest mistake so far? According to Trump, he has not made a single one.

Trump sparked laughter from a crowd after he dialed into a NewsNation town hall with host Chris Cuomo and panelists Bill OReilly and Stephen A. Smith on Wednesday night. When asked about what the biggest mistake he has made in his first 100 days of office, Trump said he had none.

Ill tell you, thats the toughest question I can have, because I dont really believe Ive made any mistakes, Trump responded, noting that the U.S. is in a transition period.

The audience burst into laughter at his response, making it difficult to hear Trumps explanation about the economy and tariffs.

WATCH: President Trump said he didnt think hes made any mistakes so far in his second term in response to an audience question that Bill OReilly read. #CUOMOTownHall pic.twitter.com/JtAVg3HwZW  The Hill (@thehill) May 1, 2025

Trump celebrated the 100th day of his second term earlier this week despite his approval rating continuing to sink as a result of the flailing stock market, tariffs and controversial policies. During a speech on Tuesday, Trump echoed key points of a campaign speech as he railed against President Joe Biden and touted his immigration policies.

He repeatedly mocked his Democratic predecessor, Biden, attacking his mental acuity and even how he appears in a bathing suit. He again uttered the lie that he won the 2020 presidential election. And he attacked polling and news coverage not favorable to him.

And 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 administrations mass deportation efforts that have sent arrests for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border plummeting.

Removing the invaders is not just a campaign pledge, Trump said in his 90-minute speech. Its 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 rallygoers cheering as images of deportees having their heads shaved were played. And while Michigan has seen unemployment rise since Trump reclaimed the White House, Trump used his speech to defend his administrations steep tariffs on cars and auto parts  hours after the White House announced it was softening those.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Police and firefighters gather outside the Cranford Theater on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Photo Courtesy of Bill Armbruster

A portion of the ceiling at the Cranford Theater in Union County collapsed at 7:30 Wednesday night, but nobody was injured, officials said.

The theater was open at the time of the collapse, but patrons and workers had evacuated before first responders arrived, the police chief said, adding that the evening movie had not yet started showing.

The inner ceiling over theater one inside the structure collapsed, Cranford Police Chief Matthew R. Nazzaro told NJ Advance Media.

The theater has five screens and theater one is the largest and can fit over 200 people, Nazzaro said.

Police and first responders are the determining the next steps for the building, including if it needs to be shut down to the public, he said. The building is currently uninhabitable, he said, and the cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

The Cranford theater is a small movie theater that also hosts community events.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm injured his right oblique in the first inning of Tuesday night's game in Baltimore. AP

BALTIMORE  When the media was making its way into the Yankees clubhouse at 3:50 Wednesday afternoon, Jazz Chisholm was near the entrance with a big grin his face.

A day after departing Tuesday nights 15-3 win at Oriole Park in the first inning with discomfort in his right oblique  or, as he called it, his flank  the second baseman reported no pain.
New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera left, poses with his wife Clara Rivera after signing the backer board where his plaque was hung at the National Hall of Fame. AP

Legendary New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, are now considered defendants in a civil lawsuit that alleges they covered up the sexual abuse of a minor at a summer camp and their home in 2018.

In the January lawsuit obtained by The Associated Press, lawyers for the girl alleged that the Hall of Fame pitcher and his wife, a pastor at the Refuge of Hope Church, flew from New York to Florida to investigate after the girls mother expressed concerns about her daughters safety during the 2018 trip.

But rather than take action, the couple isolated and intimidated the victim into remaining silent about her negative experiences, including the abuse, the lawsuit says.

According to ESPN on Wednesday:

Adam Horowitz, an attorney for the girl, said Wednesday that the Riveras were added as named defendants in an amended court filing finalized Wednesday after it was determined they were not connected with the LLC. He said details within the lawsuit largely remain the same.

The Riveras have not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing.

Joseph A. Ruta, an attorney for the Riveras, said in a statement in January that any allegations that they knew about or failed to act on reports of child abuse are completely false. He said the couple only learned of the allegations in 2022 after receiving a letter from an attorney requesting a financial settlement.

The Riveras are known throughout New York for their charitable work and especially for their commitment to serving underprivileged children, Ruta said. Its unfortunate they are being targeted by false allegations.

The lawsuit doesnt name the accuser, but it says she was born in 2007, which would have made her 10 or 11 years old in 2018.

That summer, according to the complaint, Clara Rivera persuaded a congregant to allow her daughter to attend a camp at the Ignite Life Center, a church in Gainesville, Florida.

While staying in an unsupervised dorm room, the girl was repeatedly sexually abused by an older female camper, according to the suit. In a police report filed in 2022, the girl said there were 15 instances of inappropriate touching over a two-week period, both in her bunk and a shower.

Though the girl did not report the abuse, her mother grew worried about her safety after the two spoke on the phone call, the complaint states. The mother then outlined her concerns to Clara Rivera, who agreed to investigate, according to the suit.

During that trip, the couple received information that should have given them concern, the lawsuit says, but chose instead to remain silent to avoid the potential scandal of child sexual abuse in its programs. The suit doesnt specifically state what the Riveras were told by the girl or her mother.

The girl later returned to New York and continued her active participation in the church. But later that summer, during a barbecue for congregants at the Riveras home in Rye, New York, she was again abused by the same person, the complaint states.

They failed to mitigate the risks, and upon learning that she had been a victim, took no steps to protect her or get criminal justice, Horowitz told The Associated Press by phone in January. They continued to expose her again to the same risk at her home.

In 2021, the girl was again sexually assaulted, this time by a male youth leader at Refuge of Hope, according to the lawsuit. The abuse in that case was discovered by the girls mother, who found months of electronic communications between the two, the lawsuit contends.

Afterward, the girl and her mother filed police reports in New York and Florida regarding the abuse in 2018 and 2021. Horowitz said he didnt believe that criminal charges were brought in any of the cases. The lawsuit was filed against the Refuge of Hope church, not against the Riveras themselves.

Prosecutors in New York and Florida didnt immediately respond to requests for comment about whether they looked into the allegations.

A lawyer for Ignite Life Center did not respond to an inquiry. The church recently settled lawsuits brought by three people  also represented by Horowitz  who said they were abused as teenagers by a volunteer at Ignite Life Center. Two others affiliated with the church have been charged with lewd and lascivious battery against minors.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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As a young senior, there are still things I want to do in life, but watching a state-sanctioned execution isn't one of them.
Pizza outlet Papa Johns in Barnstaple has reportedly closed - leaving staff worried whether they will be paid and if they will lose their jobs.

The Gazette understands that workers were told about the closure by the franchise owner via a group message, although there has been no official confirmation of the shutdown.

But an online search via Google shows the High Street store has temporarily closed.

On the official Papa Johns Barnstaple website, it reads: "This store is not currently accepting online orders."

Other locations reportedly affected include Plymouth, Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Torquay and Newquay.

Cassie Smitherson, who works at the Torquay branch, told the Gazette: Yesterday, our franchise owner sent us a message informing us that the business is shutting down. None of us were given prior warning.

Weve had no confirmation about whether well be paid for the work weve already done, and we dont know where we stand in terms of our jobs or wages. Were left completely in the dark and extremely worried  especially in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, when most of us are already struggling to make ends meet."

In a message sent to staff, franchise owner Jabbar Mumtaz said that external circumstances beyond our control had left the business with no path forward, adding that a new party was expected to take over the stores, with further announcements to follow.

According to Ms Smitherson, staff were told that a new brand, BOSS Pizza, may take over operations in September, but nothing has been confirmed.

She added: Jabbar helped save our jobs just over a year ago. Now were back in the same position with no answers.

It was reported in December 2023 that Mr Mumtaz, a businessman from London, had taken over the Papa Johns franchise for Devon and Cornwall after the previous operator went bust.

Staff claim they have reached out to the Papa Johns head office but were told the situation was not its responsibility, and some were advised to apply for benefits.

The Gazette has contacted Papa Johns and Mr Mumtaz for comment.
Digital infrastructure company Khazna Data Centres, part of UAE-based artificial intelligence-focused technology group G42, has announced plans to build an AI-capable data centre in Turkey, with a potential capacity of up to 100MW, after securing a site in Baskent Organized Industrial Zone in Ankara.

The new data centre has been designed with the flexibility to host a variety of workloads, ranging from AI to cloud and other critical applications. While the first phase will constitute a cloud-focused design, Khazna says the modular facility can be expanded and adapted to meet evolving demands across diverse technological requirements, ensuring robust support for future innovations.

As with Khaznas other facilities, the new data centre in Ankara will be built to maximise operational efficiency. The design incorporates advanced features to enhance energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact. These include the use of low global warming potential refrigerants that do not contain hydrofluorocarbons, the integration of solar photovoltaic panels, and the use of low-carbon and recycled materials.

Additionally, the facility will explore the use of solar water heating systems, as well as employ high-efficiency adiabatic chillers that maximise the use of free cooling where possible. The design also incorporates systems for reusing wastewater and generators capable of running on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel, further reducing the facilitys carbon footprint.

Khazna says it is due to appoint a general contractor in Q2 2025 and, following this facilitys completion, intends to continue investing in Turkey and expanding its data centre network.
Magalu Cloud, a cloud computing services platform, and data centres and connectivity company Ascenty, have committed to continuing a partnership to support the digital transformation of Brazils retail sector.

Magalu Cloud says the collaboration enables it to double its internet traffic bandwidth and increase its computing capacity by 2.5 times.

With 26 distribution centres across the country, serving a network of over 1,300 stores in 21 states  including Magalu-owned stores and kiosks in franchised outlets  Magalu Cloud was seeking a reliable partner to meet the increasing demand for high-performance, scalable infrastructure to support the rapid expansion of its public cloud in Brazil.

The partnership began in 2021 with a single cage used for proof-of-concept validation. The next phase involved deploying a multi-zone architecture with three additional cages across three other Ascenty data centres. This service expansion coincided with the growth of Magalu Clouds public cloud offering in the Brazilian market.

Ascenty also provides IP bandwidth links interconnecting all data centres, along with connections to the Brasil Internet Exchange (IX.BR) point of presence (PoP) for peering. These connections ensure improved performance and low latency for critical applications, as well as high availability to meet stringent SLA standards.

In 2022, Magalu committed to powering all its units with renewable energy. Ascenty says it is a carbon-neutral company, powered by 100% certified renewable energy, and its data centres operate without water consumption, using closed-loop chilled water systems.

Ascenty adds that it also offers world-class infrastructure located in Brazil, ensuring Magalu remains compliant with data sovereignty regulations.

Magalu Cloud now plans to continue expanding its infrastructure in a modular fashion, with ongoing support from Ascenty. Together, we are planning and preparing for Magalu Clouds future needs, says Pablo Neves, Executive Sales Manager at Ascenty.
Ive talked to a former chief of the F.B.I.s Crisis Negotiation Unit about how to defuse tension during family holidays. Emergency-room doctors about how to avoid accidents. A neuroscientist who studies dreams. As a writer for The New York Timess Well section, I interview experts about health and wellness. Over the years, Ive found that these conversations often contain useful, surprising kernels of advice about how to be happy  how to live a good, fulfilling life.

So I collected the best pieces of advice from all my interviews. Some involve finding small opportunities for delight; some are about interacting with people; some are little exercises in gratitude. But these are the tips that have stuck with me most.
The global smartphone market recorded flat growth in the first quarter of 2025, as signs of saturation emerge in key developing regions, according to the latest report from analyst firm Canalys.

Shipments rose by just 0.2% year-on-year, reaching 296.9 million units in Q1. Canalys attributed the sluggish performance to the end of peak replacement cycles and a continued focus among vendors on balancing inventory levels. This marks the third consecutive quarter of slowing growth for the market.

Samsung retained its position as the top vendor, shipping 60.5 million units, while Apple followed closely with 55 million units. Apples growth was supported by sustained demand in both the Asia-Pacific emerging markets and the United States.

Xiaomi secured third place with 41.8 million units, driven by performance in mainland China and emerging markets. Vivo and Oppo rounded out the top five, shipping 22.9 million and 22.7 million units, respectively.

Markets that had shown strong momentum over the past year, such as India, Latin America, and the Middle East, are now experiencing notable declines in Q1 2025, said Toby Zhu, Principal Analyst at Canalys.

Zhu noted that mainland China was an exception, benefiting from government subsidy programmes, while Africa saw growth thanks to vibrant retail activity and proactive market expansion by vendors.

Despite the overall stagnation, vendors remain optimistic about a recovery later in the year.

Some regions, such as Southeast Asia and Latin America, already showed signs of gradual recovery in March. Additionally, decreasing inventory levels and the upcoming launch of new mid- and low-end devices are boosting vendor confidence, Zhu added.
Jason Miller

India has signed Jason Millers SHW Partners for outreach to US officials as a potential war with Pakistan looms in the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Kashmir.

The one-year pact contract, which went into effect, carries a monthly retainer of $150K.

Miller was Donald Trumps chief spokesperson during his 2024 presidential campaign and an advisor on the 2020 run. He formed SHW after leaving the managing director position at Teneo.

SHW is to provide strategic counsel, tactical planning and government relations assistance on policy matters before the US government. It will counsel Indias US Embassy on perception management and PR matters.

Millers firm, which is based in Arlington, also will make Indias case before Congress, think tanks, academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
Eric Trump

Eric Loves the UAE. During his swing through the Middle East to shake the Arab money treeahead of his dads visitTrump Organization executive VP Eric Trump praised the ability of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates to get things done.

They always arrive at the word yes, which is a beautiful thing, and they do it quickly, said Trump, in noting approval of his companys Dubai hotel took a mere month.

Of course, things move rather swiftly under the rule of an absolute monarchy.

Eric praised the region for resisting the woke cancel culture movement that spread across so much of the world. Theyve done a great job keeping that nonsense out of here. And I really applaud you.

The migrant workers who will build the Trump Organizations projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman won't be joining in Erics applause.

Human Rights Watch reports the UAE promotes a public image of tolerance and openness through hosting events like COP28 while restricting scrutiny of its rampant systemic human rights violations and fossil fuel expansion.

Migrant workers face widespread abuses and exposure to dangerous heat-related health risks.

Eric should arrange to have cases of Trump Water shipped to his job sites in the Middle East, and have dad hand out bottles to the workers.

It would make a great photo-op, similar to the one of president Trump tossing rolls of paper towels to the people of Puerto Rico in aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Patriotic investors deserve to know that they aren't being played... Trump Media & Technology Group CEO Devin Nunes celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Truth Social platform by thanking the approximately 600K patriotic investors who believe in free speech and other America-First principles.

In his April 29 letter, Dev railed against legacy medias customary blizzard of fake news, undisguised propaganda, and manufactured hysteria about our company and President Trump.

Nunes bashed Big Tech for ruthlessly banning dissidents accounts for expressing any thought that fell within a rapidly expanding set of unauthorized and unutterable viewpoints.

Take a breath, Dev. Its time to move on. Your patriotic investors deserve to know when their company is going to emerge from the financial wilderness.

TMTG posted an eye-popping $186M operating loss on a measly $3.6M revenues during 2024. Nunes had his own eye-popping experience, earning total compensation of $46.9M in the past year. That's a huge jump from his 2023 comp of $750K.

Nunes blames hostile legacy outlets for "unfavorably comparing our results to tech companies and other firms that took years to turn a profit."

TMTG shares are trading at $24.70 each, which is well off the $56.55 52-week high.

Its time to drop the excuses. Those tech companies and other firms didnt have the Trump brand to work with.

That golden brand should generate way more $3.6M in annual revenues.

Just in the knick of time The University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy launched the Vaccine Integrity Project on April 24.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, CIDRAP director, said VIP acknowledges the unfortunate reality that the system weve relied on to make vaccine recommendations and to review safety and effectiveness data faces threats.

He wants to evaluate how non-governmental groups might operate to continue to provide science-based information to the American people.

The debut of CIDRAP comes as the nations top healthcare regulator, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., advises parents to make their own decisions about getting their kids vaccinated.

We live in a democracy, and part of the responsibility of being a parent is to do your own research, RFK told Dr. Phil during an interview to mark Trumps 100 days in office.

He said parents research strollers and baby foods so they should do the same for medicines. Thats ridiculous.

Kennedy also suggested that measles vaccines may be unsafe. He admitted that the shot fights measles effectively, but said sometimes it causes seizures or neurological diseases.

The Health Secretary spoke as the US wrestles with the worst measles outbreak in 25 years.

Kennedy is not providing leadership that the country demands. Hes performing for the anti-vax crowd.

The VIP has its work cut out.
The producers of a new TV documentary series for RTE on the Irish Land Commission are looking for any Offaly farming families with their own family archives or records to help tell the story of this hugely influential organisation.

Perhaps you have correspondence, letters or records which shine a light on how the organisation engaged with farmers from previous generations? The span of stories the producers are interested in ranges from your grandparents or great grandparents time in the late 19th Century to the more recent decades of the 1950s, 60s or 70s?

Producer Brian Gray is particularly interested in maps or drawings from previous centuries relating to land still being farmed by the same family or other plots that would have been re-allocated by the Land Commission?

READ NEXT: Over 70 registered pedigree cattle for sale in Tullamore GVM Mart this Saturday

You may also have records or correspondence from your or your parents engagement with the Land Commission from 1950s onwards? You might be involved with a historical group or association in your area who is working locally to help preserve and record the stories of how the Land Commission influenced the development of your community?, noted Mr Gray.

The producers are interested in hearing from people who have strong stories to tell with an ultimate view to filming or profiling part of their family or community history.

This was  and to an extent still is  a huge part of the story of the emergence of Irelands family farm system and we want to tell that hugely unreported story but by reference to the fam families involved and their own experiences and engagements, said the veteran documentary maker.

READ NEXT: Offaly beef farmer is new Farming for Nature Ambassador

If anyone has an interest and thinks they can contribute to this series , the producers ask them to email info@whitethornfilms.ie in the first instance with an outline of you or your families story and what archive or records you may have.
A man who stole goods and damaged others from a Tesco store in Birr appeared before Tullamore District Court and pleaded guilty.

Kristoff Gruszka (48), Sean Dooleys Flats, Archway, Birr admitted offences at the same supermarket on successive days last year.

Mr Gruszka pleaded guilty to stealing a smartwatch, valued at 80, from Tesco, Railway Road, Birr on August 24 last.

He also admitted damaging a box of streambuds and a phone cable, property of Tesco, on August 25, 2024.

Defending solicitor Aisling Maloney said a probation report was before the court and Mr Gruszka had a difficulty with alcohol.

Sergeant Brendan Kearns told the court the accused had been stopped by security at Tesco, Railway Road, Birr in connection with a separate incident.

Judge Fiona Brennan said she had read the probation report and in the circumstances ordered the man to enter a 200 probation bond for nine months.

READ NEXT: Man allegedly stole eight bottles of champagne from Tullamore supermarket

READ NEXT: Man in the Midlands charged with possession of 95 child pornography videos
NINE young people from Offaly joined Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister Norma Foley at Dublin Castle for Comhairle na nOgs National Showcase 2025 .

Dublin Castle became a hub of youth empowerment on April 15th as over 400 young people, aged 12-17, from every county in Ireland gathered for the Comhairle na nOg National Showcase 2025. Hosted by presenter and podcaster Fionnuala Jones, the event brought together the Taoiseach Michael Martin, Minister Norma Foley, members of Government and Senior Government officials to engage directly with young people on the issues that matter most to them.

Hosted by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the biannual Showcase provided a vital platform for the 31 Comhairle na nOg groups to present their work and connect directly with decision-makers on policies that impact their lives. The Showcase highlighted the power of youth-led action and demonstrated how young people are influencing policy development at local and national levels.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin praised the event, stating: Comhairle na nOg provides young people across the country with the opportunity to have their voices heard. I am delighted to see so many energetic and engaged young people here today expressing their views on topics that impact them. It is of the utmost importance that we consider their inputs, and keep their futures in mind, in all of our Governments work.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, highlighted the importance of youth participation, saying: Comhairle na nOg is a fantastic forum for young people across Ireland, giving them an opportunity to share their views and influence policy development on a local, regional, and even national level. Todays event provides these young people with an excellent opportunity to speak directly with policymakers, Government representatives and those having a direct impact on their lives on a wide range of issues, and I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing it first-hand.

Throughout the day, young people participated in panel discussions, interactive exhibitions, and networking sessions with policymakers and government representatives. These discussions tackled pressing issues such as mental health, education reform, climate action, transport and youth rights, reinforcing the significant role young people play in shaping Irelands future.

Karen Maloney from Offaly Comhairle na nOg shared their perspective: "Offaly Comhairle is focusing on mental health this year and partnering with the HSE. Comhairle is a great place for young people to have their voices heard on issues they care about. It also shows young people that there are people who care about their opinions and allow them to meet with likeminded people and create life long bonds with people who also care about making the world a better place for everyone."

The Comhairle na nOg National Showcase 2025 at Dublin Castle proved to be an inspiring, thought-provoking, and impactful event that celebrated the power of youth participation in Ireland.

READ NEXT: Emergency services on alert in Offaly as Fire Warning issued
Funding of 4,897 was recently announced for Clara Heritage Society.

The funding will be used to establish a River Trust to promote and protect the River Brosna which flows through the centre of Clara.

The Department of Environment, Communities and Local Government (DECLG), together with the Local Authority Water and Communities Office (LAWPRO), is supporting the development of Rivers Trusts across Ireland. The aim is to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-led conservation in Ireland.

Alreadyseveral successful River Trusts are active, including the Slaney Rivers Trust, the Nore Suir Rivers Trust, and the Blackwater Rivers Trust. These trusts have made significant progress in river conservation and sustainable management.

Now, the Brosna River, Offalys fastest-flowing river and a national treasure will benefit from the establishment of its own River Trust. This initiative, led by the Clara Heritage Society, is supported by funding from LAWPRO (Local Authority Water Programme) and will bring a dedicated focus to the sustainable care and stewardship of the river. A key part of the work will involve implementing the recommendations outlined in the Brosna River SUDs Master Plan.

A considerable part of the Brosna River Trusts mission will be to:

Improve the quality of river water

Ensure safe and environmentally sustainable use of and access to the river and its banks

Secure and preserve the built heritage along the river

Reconnect the community with the river, promoting appreciation, respect, and responsible use

The project represents a major cross-community collaboration and will require significant administrative coordination. Despite the challenges, the Clara Heritage Society is confident and excited to launch the Brosna River Trust at a public event this October, where the SUDs Master Plan will also be officially unveiled.

The Clara Heritage Society is inviting every town and village within the Brosna Catchment Area to nominate a representative to serve as a trustee. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the river and contribute to a sustainable, connected community.

''Lets come together to celebrate and protect the Brosna River, part of our shared natural heritage,'' said a spokesperson.
New laws dealing with the asylum process in Ireland will come into place next year, says Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry.

"Under the new International Protection Bill 2025, applications from people seeking asylum in Ireland will be dealt with in a more efficient manner, which will establish their entitlement to remain in Ireland.

"The new Bill must be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas in time for it to come into operation on 11 June 2026. This is to align with the EU Asylum and Migration Pact that Ireland signed up to last year", he says.

This pact agrees on a new housing strategy for asylum seekers that focuses on moving away from dependence on private providers, such as hotels.

Also, under the pact, Ireland will have permission to return IP applicants who have moved here back to another EU member state to have their claim processed if they have travelled here from that country.

The Government has said it is intended that the Irish Bill will be drafted and published by the end of 2025.

"Currently it can take up to three years to conclude an application for asylum in Ireland", says Deputy Lowry, "but the new laws will reduce this time to within three months, although some cases may take a maximum of six months", adding that "those deemed not to be entitled to remain in the country will have to leave".

The new Bill has received approval from the Government, with Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan saying that the speeding up of the process will be achieved by increasing current staffing numbers, in addition to streamlining how the existing system operates.

When the new laws come into place, one of the main changes will be that asylum seekers will no longer have an automatic right to a full oral hearing if their application for International Protection is refused.

The new legislation will also allow for the use of Screening Centres, however the creation of Detention Centres for people who are seeking international protection is not considered to be likely.

READ NEXT: Refugee accommodation buildings being 'flipped' to IPAS centres

Instead, State-owned Accommodation Centres will house those seeking asylum where asylum seekers can register and lodge an application.

It is here that the relevant checks will establish the appropriate pathway for applicants, and they can also receive legal counselling.

The Department of Justice says that it is expected that those undergoing Screening will generally be subject to appropriate alternatives to detention or allocation to a geographic area.
Travel Counsellors Ireland has been honoured with the prestigious Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF).

Among those those honoured was Offaly based traveller counsellor, Lorraine Wynne, a native of Kilcormac who now resides in Tullamore.

A leader in premium leisure and corporate travel, Travel Counsellors Ireland is part of a global network of 2,000 travel professionals, with over 85 based in Ireland. Since launching in 2005, the company has built its reputation on offering a highly personalised service, unrivalled travel expertise and cutting-edge technology  empowering their clients with seamless, tailor-made experiences.

READ NEXT: Popular Offaly couple celebrate milestone wedding anniversary

The Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation is awarded by the AIBF, an independent national accreditation body that champions excellence among Irish businesses. This honour comes at a pivotal time for Travel Counsellors Ireland, coinciding with the growth of Travel Counsellors for Business  the UK and Irelands largest technology platform for corporate travel professionals. This expansion underlines the companys leadership across both the premium leisure and corporate travel sectors.

Speaking on their latest accolade, Travel Counsellors Irelands Managing Director, Cathy Burke said: Receiving the Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation as we mark 20 years in business is an incredible milestone for our team. It reflects not only the dedication and care we put into every journey but also the trust our clients place in us, whether its for a dream holiday or a critical business trip. Weve always believed that travel should be deeply personal, seamless and enriching, and were proud to lead the way in bringing that vision to life every day. This recognition fuels our continued ambition to innovate and grow in both premium leisure and corporate travel.

READ NEXT: Fresh start for cafe at leading Offaly education centre

Announcing the news of Travel Counsellors Irelands achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBFs Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: The All-Ireland Business Foundation proudly awards Travel Counsellors Ireland with the Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation in recognition of its exceptional teamwork, dedication to excellence, and 20 years of outstanding service in the travel industry. This accolade celebrates the companys collaborative spirit, customer-first approach, and commitment to delivering personalised, seamless travel experiences.

Managing Director of the AIBF, Kapil Khanna, added: Travel Counsellors Ireland is a shining example of excellence in the travel industry. Their customer-centric approach, seamless travel planning, and strong teamwork have set them apart as a leader in bespoke travel. This accreditation recognises their unwavering commitment to innovation, trust, and outstanding service over the past 20 years. Congratulations to the entire team on this well-earned recognition.

We evaluate a companys background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.

For more on Travel Counsellors Ireland see travelcounsellors.ie.
TRAVELLING by train appears to be growing in popularity in Offaly as more people choose the comfort of rail travel over the stress of driving. With growing frustration over long traffic delays, many commuters and travellers are turning to trains as a more convenient alternative avoiding long delays on roads.

According to the latest Census figures, a total of 1,834 people used Tullamore Railway Station on Census day November 14, 2024, up from 1,395 on the year before, a 31% increase.

Tullamore had a total of 962 boardings on the day, up from 685 in 2023. This was a 41% increase.

Of those boardings, 705 were described as heading towards Heuston and 257 were described as travelling to Athlone and beyond.

There were a total of 872 alightings in Tullamore in 2024, up 23% from the previous year's figure of 710. Of the 872 disembarking, 624 got off of trains heading towards Athlone and further afield and 248 departed from services heading towards Heuston.

Meanwhile, Clara Railway Station saw a total of 405 passengers using train services on Census day. This was up 63% from the 249 users in 2023.

There were 221 boardings as 153 passengers got on Heuston-bound trains and 68 boarded services to Athlone and beyond. This was a 78% increase in the figures from the year before.

There were 204 alightings as 61 passengers got off trains heading towards Heuston and 143 alighted from services heading in the Athlone direction.

The total number of alightings was up 63% from the 2023 number of 125.

2024 was a record year for rail travel in Ireland. There were 50.7m passenger journeys in 2024 recorded by Irish Rail. This is the highest in the history of the state.

READ NEXT: Modern high support unit for Tullamore to progress to tender
Small businesses power Australias economy  and as campaigning draws near to the end, support for the sector must be a Federal Election priority.

MGA Independent Businesses Australia (MGA), representing independent retailers nationwide, is calling on all major parties to act on the key challenges impacting small businesses across urban, rural and regional communities.

Our members are at the heart of their communities, providing essential goods, local jobs, and vital services. Their future depends on practical, fair and responsive policy. To ensure their ongoing success, MGA urges all Parties and Candidates to support action across five critical areas:

Simplifying Employment Law

Australias employment laws are overly complex and increasingly difficult to navigate and understand, which can serve to discourage employers taking on more staff as well as failing to meet the modern flexibility needs of younger workers.

Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco

Illicit tobacco undermines independent retailers and shrinks Federal tax revenue. MGA urges the adoption of previous federal inquiry recommendations, including a national tobacco licensing scheme, revisit tobacco excise policy through the lens that considers the exploding illicit market and delivering coordinated enforcement with increased funding through National Cabinet.

Tackle Law and Order

Retail theft, violence, and antisocial behaviour  increasingly linked to illicit tobacco  must be elevated as an urgent priority. We need a nationally consistent approach to protecting the right of people to feel safe in their workplace. MGA urges the Prime Minister to lead a cross-jurisdictional response through National Cabinet that supports the States in grappling with this burgeoning problem.

Reduce Red Tape

Duplicated and complex compliance requirements are a major burden on small business, including excessive compliance costs, complex employment relations, record keeping and reporting. Governments must commit to clear targets to cut red tape and drive efficiency.

Cost of Doing Business

Small retailers are being squeezed by rising costs across the board  wages, energy, insurance, transport, and goods  placing immense pressure on viability. Immediate relief and long-term cost containment strategies must be prioritised to ensure small business survival and competitiveness.

David Inall, CEO, MGA Independent Businesses Australia said: Independent retailers are the backbone of our communities  but they cannot continue to operate under mounting pressure. We call on all parties to work with us in delivering practical solutions that support small business growth, safety, and long-term viability.\

About MGA

MGA Independent Businesses Australia (MGA) is a national industry association representing thousands of independent grocery and liquor retail businesses across all States and Territories of Australia.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
A recruitment drive is underway to attract graduate nurses to consider a career with the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore.

Eileen Whelan, Regional Director of Nursing & Midwifery for HSE Dublin and Midlands said, ''Exciting opportunities exist for this years graduate nurses to make a difference. The 2025 graduates will be supported to work in an environment where nurses are valued for their commitment and their expertise and where there is opportunity to work across all specialities and as part of a high performing multidisciplinary team. It is anticipated also that there will be new opportunities to work across Hospital and community settings.

Brendan Malone, Acting Director of Nursing at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said, ''As Acting Director of Nursing, I would like to acknowledge the highly competent and dedicated group of Nurses that work in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore who deliver high quality care in a kind and caring manner on a daily basis.

This recruitment campaign is specifically focused on the recruitment of new Graduate Nurses for the Dublin and Midlands health region. We hope to fill many vacancies this year in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore with highly skilled Graduate Staff Nurses who will provide holistic, person-centred care, enhancing the quality of life for service users. We have a range of vacancies across specialities such as Medical, Surgical, Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Oncology and Theatre.

We also want to develop awareness of the variety in locations of Graduate posts available in the region and make eligible candidates aware that there are a variety of options available to them.''

Roisin Dunphy, Staff Nurse Clonmacnoise Ward, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said, I joined the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore in 2024 as Graduate Staff Nurse. Like many other Graduates who started alongside me, we entered the hospital nervous and excited to begin our careers as newly qualified professionals. My colleagues in the Hospital have been very welcoming and supportive from the day I arrived. I always wanted to work directly with people and as a nurse you get the opportunity to advocate and care for individuals and support them through health and illness.

READ NEXT: Tullamore native appointed Fianna Fail spokesperson on business

I have had many opportunities to learn and expand my skills across specialities since joining the hospital. Going forward I would love to undertake a Postgraduate in Palliative Care as this is an area I have a special interest in. I would highly recommend the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore for any Graduate Staff Nurses who are looking to begin an exciting and rewarding career in the Midlands Region.






Tullamore based radio station, Midlands 103, has helped a newly married couple celebrate their special day in an unique way.

Alison and Kian Dean got married in Las Vegas and sent in a request to Tony Christie on The Late Shift to have a song played for their first dance.

The couple are living in Mayo, and Alison is originally from London.

READ NEXT: Popular Offaly couple celebrate milestone wedding anniversary

Kian is a truck driver and one night Alison was out with him on a run and they picked up Midlands 103.

Alison became a fan of the Late Shift with Tony Christie and would listen online in London before she moved here.

When the couple got engaged in Rome, they sent Tony a photo and he mentioned their engagement on the show.

So when they got married they asked Tony to be part of their special day by playing the song for their first dance live on air.

The couple filmed the moment and shared the video with Midlands 103.

WATCH NOW: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/12MbiRN6w8d/
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Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On April 26, Hamas signaled readiness to negotiate a comprehensive deal to end the 18-month Gaza conflict, including the release of all Israeli hostages and a five-year ceasefire, according to a senior Palestinian official. The offer comes as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 Palestinians in renewed bombardments, exacerbating a humanitarian catastrophe described by the UN as "suffocating" Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

A Hamas delegation engaged Egyptian mediators in Cairo this week to discuss terms for halting the war, which erupted after the group's October 7, 2023, deadly assault on Israel. The proposal, conveyed anonymously to AFP, demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent end to hostilities, and a surge in aid deliveries. Hamas insists any agreement must address long-term political solutions, including Palestinian statehood.

Israel rejected the five-year truce proposal, with a government source saying Tel Aviv refuses to allow Hamas to "rearm and recover".

Israel has refused to end the war or leave Hamas in power as the enclave's governing body. Israel claims Hamas will use any ceasefire to rearm and plan for a future attack on Israel, with the October 7 attack to be copied and expanded upon.

Earlier this month, Israel offered a 45-day pause in exchange for 10 hostages-- a plan Hamas dismissed as "partial". Negotiations collapsed in March after disagreements over extending an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned Friday that Gaza's last food stocks-- distributed through communal kitchens-- could vanish within days. Photos from Al Nuseirat camp showed displaced Palestinians queuing for meager bean rations. "There's no food in markets or kitchens. We're slowly dying," said Wael Odeh, a Gaza resident.

Jonathan Wetal, a UN humanitarian coordinator, accused Israel of an "assault on dignity", citing widespread starvation and Israel's blockade on aid. Israel claims Hamas diverts supplies for military use-- an allegation the group denies. The WHO echoed urgent calls to lift restrictions, noting medical resources are "running out".

Israeli strikes targeted Gaza City's Khour family home overnight, killing 10 and trapping 20 under rubble. "The house collapsed on us while we slept," survivor Umm Walid al-Khour told AFP. Rescue teams reported 25 additional fatalities elsewhere. Since resuming operations on March 18, Israel claims to have struck 1,800 "terror targets" and killed "hundreds of terrorists".

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Sunday that recent Ankara talks with Hamas leaders indicated openness to a broader agreement addressing Palestinian statehood. Qatar's Prime Minister also noted "progress" in ceasefire discussions but emphasized unresolved hurdles.

As diplomatic channels strain, Israel's Security Council convened repeatedly this week to weigh expanding military operations. Meanwhile, Hamas official Mahmud Mardawi vowed to secure "guarantees for ending the war", underscoring the group's refusal to disarm-- a key Israeli demand.

With Gaza's infrastructure decimated and famine looming, international pressure mounts for a breakthrough. Yet entrenched demands from both sides-- Hamas's call for sovereignty and Israel's insistence on total security-- suggest a protracted stalemate. For civilians, the stakes grow direr by the hour. "This isn't just about survival," said Wetal. "It's about preserving humanity."

Finding a solution to the Gaza war is made difficult because the two sides are so far apart in their positions. In successful negotiations, common ground must be found and built upon.

Fatah, the political party of the PLO in the West Bank, accepted the concept of a two-state solution at the 1982 Arab Summit.

Hamas claimed to accept the idea of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, but did not recognize the statehood of Israel, in their 2017 revised charter.

In April 2024, Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, said the group would lay down its weapons and become a political party if a Palestinian state was established on pre-1967 borders.

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"The LAUSD said [KIPP Sol] was a crap school. LACOE staff said it was a crap school. With all of this agreement, how did LACOE vote?"



- Tracy Cook, Public Education Advocate



(Image by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors) Details DMCA



Unlike most county school districts in California, the Board of Education for the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is not elected by its constituents. Instead, its members are selected by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. They, therefore, face no consequences when they act in opposition to the needs of families.

Los Angeles Public Education advocate, Tracy Cook, saw LACOE's vote earlier this month to overturn the LAUSD's denial of the renewal petition for KIPP Sol as a call to action. You can read her thoughts in this edition of the "Voices From The Community" series:

Do you know who your Los Angeles County Supervisor is? Depending on where you live, it is one of these people: Hilda Solis, Holly Mitchell, Lindsey Horvath, Janice Hahn, or Kathryn Barger.

These five supervisors have the authority to manage a $50 billion annual budget. This is larger than the budget of most states.

Supervisors are also responsible for appointing board members of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). The majority of these Supervisors have failed at this task. They ignored the needs of students and selected advocates for charter schools.

Earlier this month, the KIPP nationwide chain of charter schools asked the LACOE Board to allow it to continue operating KIPP Sol. In January, the LAUSD School Board determined this charter school's performance was so bad that it rejected its charter renewa l. The LACOE staff agreed with this assessment and recommended to its Board that they should not allow KIPP Sol to continue operating.

The LAUSD said it was a crap school. LACOE staff said it was a crap school. With all of this agreement, how did LACOE vote? Four to three in favor of KIPP Sol.

It was insane and it was embarrassing.

They got away with this because our county supervisors do NOT hear enough from their constituents about their appointees' votes at LACOE.

Holly Mitchell's appointees, Stanley Johnson and Andrea Foggy Paxton, voted to approve KIPP Sol.

Janice Hahn appointee James Cross voted to approve KIPP Sol.

Kathryn Barger appointee Yvonne Chan voted to approve KIPP Sol.

Holly Mitchell is your County Supervisor if you live in Wilshire, Mid City, or South LA. Janice Hahn represents the south section of Los Angeles, including Wilmington, San Pedro, Vernon, and South Gate. If you live in East Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, parts of Studio City, and East San Fernando Valley, then Kathryn Barger is your supervisor.

Please email or call Mitchell, Hahn, and Barger and tell them how disappointed and concerned you are by their appointee's votes. Wasting taxpayers' dollars is not what you want from their appointees.

Holly Mitchell

(213) 974-2222

HollyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov

Janice Hahn

FourthDistrict|AT|bos.lacounty.gov">FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.





Climate-Change Summer or Nuclear Winter?

The Dangers on Planet Earth in the Age of Donald Trump

By Tom Engelhardt

Yes, give us human beings credit. In our relatively brief history, it's no small thing to have come up with two different ways of thoroughly devastating Planet Earth and its inhabitants. One of them, of course, is the long-term, slow-motion version of planetary destruction that we've come to call climate change. And yes, we can already feel it. In recent years, this planet has set record after record when it comes to heat, the last 10 years being the hottest in human history. Meanwhile, from the oceans to the continents, in heatwaves, floods, and devastating storms, this world of ours has been feeling the heat in an unprecedented fashion and, mind you, with far worse to come.

Given how obvious all of this has become, we should get full credit not just for creating such conditions but for -- at least some of us -- ignoring them or, in the case of Donald J. Trump, that pal of fossil-fuel billionaires, doing far worse than that. After all, my country, which has already played such a major role in intensifying climate change, thanks to its record-setting production of greenhouse-gas-producing crude oil -- more than any country ever (yes, ever!) -- and natural gas, has also managed to elect a climate-change-denying president for the second time. And he's quite bluntly dismissed the phenomenon as a "scam" and a "hoax."

Worse yet -- I hate to use the word, so I'm putting it in quotation marks -- "we" elected him on a platform of "drill, baby, drill!," which was the very phrase he most wanted to be identified with in his third run for the presidency. You couldn't be much blunter than that and still succeed, could you?

In truth, he undoubtedly should be called Apocalyptic Don, since his immediate needs and desires, his urge to be the number-one person in this country and possibly the world, have functionally been wedded to the ultimate slow-motion destruction of this planet. Consider it an irony of sorts that, in his second term in office, the president who is against immigrants -- no matter that his mother was one -- is already acting in a way that, by heating the planet further and driving ever more people from their increasingly devastated lands, will increase that phenomenon immeasurably.

Irony? Don't even think it! Not with Donald Trump in the White House, not after we've just passed through Earth Day 2025 with a president who seems determined to un-Earth us all.

Honestly, that "drill, baby, drill" phrase of his couldn't have been blunter, could it? And worse yet, unlike so much else that he's said, he really meant it! Now that he's back in the White House for a second time, he's already doing his damnedest to increase drilling for oil and natural gas in the United States and globally, while he's determined to bring back the worst of all greenhouse-gas producers, coal. And as if that weren't enough, he's been doing his damnedest as well to stop, if not humanity, then at least Americans from producing energy in ways that won't pour yet more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. (Only his recent tariffs may stand in the way of his push to get oil companies to drill ever more.)

And hey, the president who hates "big, ugly windmills" has already been at work (if you don't mind my using the word) torching wind-energy projects, including recently Empire Wind 1, which was to be the first major power project of its sort in a planned buildup of wind farms off the coast of New York State. Yes, he may himself be a blowhard, but he certainly doesn't want the wind to blow for the rest of us, not if it in any way hurts the fossil-fuel industry (which put so many millions of dollars into his recent reelection campaign). And similarly, his administration is planning to place tariffs of up to 3,521% (no, that is not a misprint!) on solar panels imported from Southeast Asia. I mean, you get the idea, right?

Honestly, you couldn't make this stuff up, could you? Or rather, once upon a time, if you had done so, no one would have believed you. And yet here we are, watching this planet on its way down, down, down, even if in a distinctly slow-motion fashion, with not just a single helping hand but at least two of them from the president of the United States. And if that isn't apocalyptic, what is? In fact, it isn't faintly unreasonable, when it comes to climate change, to call him (in Mafia terms) the Apocalyptic Don.

A World of Nukes

Of course, when you think about it, humanity could save itself from the long-term destructiveness of climate change in a remarkably easy fashion. All we would have to do is bring to bear on this planet the other form of ultimate destruction that has (in)humanity -- that is, us -- written all over it.

After all, when it comes to self-destruction, since August 6th and 9th, 1945, when atomic bombs were dropped with devastating effect on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending World War II, we humans have had the ability, then only potential but by the time of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis actual, to literally devastate this planet by creating what has come to be known as -- forget global warming -- a "nuclear winter." We could by now destroy ourselves (or at least millions or even, over time, billions of us) with more or less the snap of a nuclear finger. Under the circumstances, consider it a largely unnoted and unmentioned miracle that, almost 80 years later, while such weaponry has spread far and wide, there has never been another Hiroshima- or Nagasaki-style catastrophe, no less one for Planet Earth itself (in terms of the potential destructiveness of such a nuclear winter and the large-scale global famine that would follow it).

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Malaysia's recent five-year visa-free extension for Chinese tourists is expected to attract more business travelers from China and provide a significant boost to the nation's economy, industry experts say.

Last week, Malaysia announced the extension of its visa exemption for Chinese travelers for another five years, with an option to extend it for an additional five years afterward, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as reported by Bernama.

The move is expected to help the tourism industry tap into the growing Chinese inbound market, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Nigel Wong said as cited by The Star.

With this policy change, Malaysia is also set to draw more business events and travelers in the near future, said Mint Leong, president of the Inbound Tourism Association.

Malaysia has long been a favorite destination for Chinese nationals seeking to escape the cold winter months, particularly from regions like Heilongjiang province, where temperatures often drop below zero degrees Celsius.

Many Chinese tourists flock to Malaysia from late October to February for its warm climate.

From an economic standpoint, some experts believe that the visa extension will contribute to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product as Chinese investors would flock to Malaysia to seek business prospects.

In 2024, Malaysia welcomed 3.29 million Chinese tourists, a notable increase from the previous year, making China the third-largest source of visitors after Singapore and Indonesia.

In the first two months of 2025, China remained the second-largest source of visitors to Malaysia, with nearly one million arrivals.

Malaysia, named Asia's most loved country by American finance website Insider Monkey, introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens in December 2023, which was later extended through 2026.
Sen. Ron Wyden speaks to a packed crowd while answering a question during a town hall on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Clackamas Community Colleges Randall Hall Gym in Oregon City. (Mark Graves/The Oregonian) Mark Graves/The Oregonian

An effort to pull the plug on President Donald Trumps sweeping new tariffs, led by led by U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, came up short Wednesday in a Senate vote.

On April 2, Trump announced steep tariffs on numerous countries, igniting a global trade war thats expected to slam Oregons economy, which relies heavily on trade, including its sizable sportswear industry and numerous small businesses. Trump has since paused many of the tariffs, but a 145% charge on imports from China and a 10% tariff on most imports remain in place.

Wyden spoke about the measure last week in a visit with Oregon business owners, describing it as one of the most important matters of his more than four decades in public service.

The resolution failed Wednesday on a 49-49 tie. Three Republicans  including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, whose co-sponsorship gave the legislation a mark of bipartisanship  joined Democrats voting in favor of the measure.

In any sane world it would be a scandal that the vast majority of one political party would vote for a pointless tax on the American people, one that is hiking prices and destroying jobs, all to please one man, Wyden said in a statement. The only winner from Donald Trumps trade chaos is China, which is scooping up markets and trading partners that Trump has driven away. This vote represents a new low for the Republican party.

Even if it had passed the Senate, the measure likely would have stalled in the House. The White House also had threatened to veto it.

 Matthew Kish covers business, including the sportswear and banking industries. Reach him at 503-221-4386, mkish@oregonian.com or @matthewkish.

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The longtime owner of the Mt. Bachelor ski resort near Bend says it will undertake improvements now that it's holding onto the property. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Now that parent company Powdr Corp. is holding onto Mt. Bachelor, the ski area is planning upgrades that will boost its electrical power supply so that it wont ever have to lighten lift loads again because of not having enough electricity.

John Merriman, Mt. Bachelor president and general manager, said the power upgrade will involve running 12 miles of new power lines between its facility and Sunriver to double the amount of electricity available from 5 megawatts of power to 10 megawatts.

Merriman declined to say how much it will cost, but anticipated the upgrade will be done by the end of next summer. The existing power system is several decades old, he said, and there will be an auxiliary power source added to the new line for backup. These upgrades will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the ski areas chairlifts, especially on busy ski days, he said.

In the meantime, the ski area also will be completing its work on a biomass facility that will take forest debris and turn it into hot water and heat, reducing the ski areas dependence on propane, he said.

Ive had a lot of discussions with the CEO of Powdr Corp. and they are excited to invest in the resort, Merriman said. Im looking forward to that. Our current power infrastructure just doesnt meet the needs of what we need now or for the future. These upgrades set us up for future growth.

Powdr Corp. had listed the ski area for sale for about eight months, but took it off the market in early April. Now that the company has decided to hold on to the resort, it can turn its attention to improvements and maintenance, focusing on its core Bend customers, Merriman said.

Some in the community, particularly on social media, feel the ski area has fallen behind on its maintenance, including upgrading its power source, said Chris Porter, a co-founder of the failed effort to purchase Mt. Bachelor using a community ownership model.

This is not an upgrade, Porter said. This is a long over-due maintenance expense to keep the lifts operating consistently. These infrastructure expenses have an economic impact for entire central Oregon. If the lifts are not running well, and youre a visitor, and its a bluebird powder day, it increases the likelihood that the visitor might not come back again.

The mountain is part of our visitor experience in winter and summer, he said.

The Deschutes National Forest confirmed the discussion of either hanging more power lines on a right of away through the forest or placing them underground. Merriman wasnt sure which route the company would use. Midstate Electric, a Sunriver cooperative, is the utility that provides power to the ski area, but was not available for comment.

Approval hasnt been granted yet by the forest service. The additional power will enable the ski area to run the lifts at full capacity filled with butts in seats, Merriman said.

Well be looking at replacing other lifts and starting on other projects up here, Merriman said. We will be investing in the resort. Long term, the upgrade in power will allow us to modernize the resort.

Meanwhile, plans to build a biomass facility at Mt. Bachelor are moving forward, Merriman said. The facility will burn forest material that now gets amassed for controlled burns to be turned into energy to heat the resort in the winter, Merriman said. The facility should be operational by September 2026, he said.

The building will be complete by the end of this summer and have the power distributed by the next of next summer. The facility will enable the ski area to cut its dependence on propane by two-thirds, he said.

Both projects are a good start, said Dan Cochrane, the other co-founder of the community effort to buy Mt. Bachelor. Cochrane said that the community has told the corporate owners that the power was a concern, particularly since theres no backup power.

Cochrane said the ski area is doing a great job of supporting the community with the new program allowing children under 12 to ski for free with the purchase of an adult season pass. That program is a cornerstone of our effort to make the mountain accessible to everyone.

Its a good move, Cochrane said, and one thats in the right direction.

-- Suzanne Roig, The Bulletin
Damariea Harris, 32, was sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole in more than 30 years during a sentencing hearing on Wed., April 30, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

A man convicted of second-degree murder provoked a stern response from a judge Wednesday when he asserted that he was too bold to strike in a surprise ambush like the one that killed Morieo Camel-Harris outside a Southeast Portland strip club last year.

Im not asking for any quarter, because Im not guilty, Damariea Harris told Multnomah County Circuit Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge during a sentencing hearing. Anyone who knows me knows Im not a coward.

The judge, who presided over the jury trial earlier this month, replied that the evidence had established his guilt, while Harris himself had proven he was a danger to both friend and foe.

Going beyond the mandatory minimum of life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years, the judge sentenced Harris to life with the chance of parole in 32 years.

I think youre a coward, von Ter Stegge said. I also think youre badly damaged. But its not my job to determine whats wrong with you and what went wrong with you.

The trial hinged on surveillance footage that captured Harris distinctive face tattoos before and after the April 1, 2024 shooting, as well as an ID scanner that recorded Harris expired license when he walked into The Venue club on Southeast Stark Street.

Larry Bell Jr., lost his leg from one of the 22 bullets fired by Harris, his friend. (Harris, 32, and the 35-year-old deceased victim, Camel-Harris, are not related.)

In sentencing arguments, prosecutor Kristen Kyle-Castelli noted that Harris was convicted of first-degree assault and criminal mistreatment in 2014 for pouring scalding bathwater onto his 2-year-old daughter.

Harris was released from custody in that case in 2021, she said, and had been involved in three serious fights while in the countys downtown jail pending trial in 2024.

Damariea Harris was involved in several jailhouse fights while being held in the Multnomah County Detention Center in downtown Portland, prosecutors said. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

Defense attorney Tony Schwartz highlighted that Harris grew up in the foster care system and suffered from mental health issues. He had been recently shot in the face and was on heavy painkillers at the time of the child abuse.

The mother of Camel-Harris child, who asked that her name be withheld over fears of retaliation, told the court she saw the echoes of him in her middle-school-aged sons smile, his sleeping face, their shared laugh.

I never felt like I was a single mom because Morieo was always there, she said. Our son was supposed to have more time with his father.

Camel-Harris was the youngest of five siblings, family members said. He loved busting out a groove on the dance floor, always had an apropos movie quote at hand and watched documentaries for their repositories of interesting facts.

He was more than a headline, a local news story or a case number, said his current partner. He should be remembered for the life he lived.

Morieo Camel-Harris Portland Police Bureau

Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane.

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Family members and police identified Joshua Manahan, 44, as the man killed in a shooting earlier this week in downtown Portland. Courtesy of the Pangelinan-Manahan family

Family members and police identified the man killed in a downtown Portland shooting this week as 44-year-old Joshua Manahan.

Portland police officers responded shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday to a shooting near the intersection of South Harbor Drive and Harrison Street. When they arrived, they found Manahan had been shot.
The principal of the private Madeleine School in Northeast Portland is on leave, the school informed families on Wednesday, after a firestorm of public criticism over her decision to call the police to campus during a heated conversation with two Black parents in late March.

In a brief note to families, the Rev. Bonaventure Rummell, the parish priest who oversees the PK-8 school that educates about 250 students, wrote that the vice principal has been assigned Principal Tresa Rasts duties while Rast is on leave. He assured families that the staff at the school remain dedicated to prioritizing both the education and well-being of your children.
An interior image of a McMinnville hotel that was one of three Oregon establishments that made the Tripadvisor "Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels" 2025 list. Sionnie LaFollette

In addition to being known for good coffee, tasty microbrews and terrific restaurants, Oregon seems to be developing a reputation as a home for noteworthy hotels. The latest example? The Tripadvisor website has released its Travelers Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels for 2025.

And guess which state has three, count em, three hotels on the list? OK, that was an easy one. But considering that Oregon has been receiving its share of not-so-great national attention lately, were ready to bask in some accolades.

As the Tripadvisor site says, When you think of a hotel that checks all the boxes (outstanding service, comfy rooms, the works) its probably one of these winning spots.

Do tell! The introduction goes on: The Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. Its awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1 percent achieve this milestone.

Not too shabby. So, without further ado, here are the Oregon places that earned spots on the Best of the Best Hotels list.

Coming in at No. 2 is the FivePine Lodge and Spa, in Sisters. Heres how the site sums up the getaway: The peaceful forest retreat offers multiple rustic cabins and a spacious main lodge, all thoughtfully decorated with luxe bedding. Enjoy free breakfast every morning, a nightly happy hour, and free bike rentals to get to the nearby town. Other amenities include an on-site spa, outdoor pool, movie theater, microbrewery, and fitness center.

According to Tripadvisor, visitors to the FivePine Lodge and Spa especially love the heated pool; spa; and restaurant.

In the No. 3 spot on the Best of the Best list is the Atticus Hotel, in McMinnville. The description: Located in a historic downtown setting blending high design with charming details, the Atticus Hotel offers inspired room designs, top-notch furnishings, and all-day complimentary espresso. Dutch bikes are available for guests to use, offering a unique touch to your stay.

What do guests at the Atticus Hotel love most? Happy hour; that pets are allowed, and its dog-friendly; and the bar and lounge.

At No. 9 on the list is another central Oregon spot, the Oxford Hotel, in Bend. The description: Oxford Hotel Bend combines mountain views with eco-friendly amenities and local products, immersing guests in their surroundings. Enjoy nearby attractions, plus convenient parking. The hotel is dog-friendly and provides four-diamond hospitality. Dining options highlight local flavors, ensuring a memorable experience.

Heres what Tripadvisor says travelers love most about the Oxford Hotel Bend: hot tub; steam room; the availability of childrens activities, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

For comparisons sake, the top spot on the list goes to the French Quarter Inn, in Charleston, South Carolina. And its interesting to note that the Oregon hotels ranked above establishments in bigger cities, such as New York and Boston, and were higher on the list than well-known stops such as The Four Seasons Hotel, in Chicago, Illinois, and the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood, California.

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com and @Kristiturnquist and https://bsky.app/profile/kristiturnquist.bsky.social

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With less than 24 hours until the U.S. Forest Service locks the gate to their sprawling home in the Deschutes National Forest southeast of Bend, longtime campers scrambled Wednesday to move their trucks, cars and at least one old bus to avoid an eviction years in the making.

More than 60 people remained out of about 200 who have lived among the high desert ponderosa and juniper in the area known as the Cabin Butte project.

Many had staked their claims in pinecone-covered dirt fields deep off Forest Road 18, past a gate posted with a sign warning of the May 1 closure. A federal judge denied a last-minute plea to delay the midnight deadline. Violators face up to six months in jail and $5,000 fine.

Zachary Polton, 37, said hes lived there for about two years and was getting help to tow away his dilapidated school bus, with many of his worldly possessions inside.

He said he ended up in the forest after he tried to buy a house in nearby La Pine but it fell through. For a while, he was driving about 10 minutes into Bend to work as a dishwasher and on a roofing crew but then stopped after he was cited for having an unregistered car, he said.

Until recently, he said, authorities have taken a live-and-let-live approach to the encampment.

This is where theyve been telling people to come and now they tell people to just scoot with nowhere else to go, he said. Theyre just booting us out into the streets.  I mean, heaven forbid, they work with us instead of demonizing us.

The showdown follows a Forest Service announcement in January of a one-year closure starting Thursday of the 25,804-acre Cabin Butte expanse to reduce the risk of wildfires and restore damaged terrain.

But the clash has a long history fueled by Bends lack of available housing in a sky-high market and not enough shelter space.

Beloved for its Cascade Mountain views and recreation culture, Bend has grappled in the past several decades with an evolving economic identity that shifted away from timber and toward a more diverse base that now includes tech and advanced manufacturing. Along the way, its population has continued to grow and housing construction has failed to keep pace.

Local officials attribute the burgeoning homeless population to the citys broad housing crunch. Central Oregons homeless population grew 9% to nearly 1,800 people in 2024, according to the annual point-in-time census.

The median price of a Bend-area home rose to $748,000 in March, real estate data shows. That compares to $565,000 in the Portland area. The average rent on a two-bedroom apartment in Bend stood at just under $1,900, compared to about $1,600 in Portland.

The National Homelessness Law Center has taken up the campers cause, calling their ouster the largest federal eviction of an encampment in recent history and a sign of the Trump administrations enforcement style. Advocates for the campers contacted the center after the group supported a lawsuit against the city of Grants Pass in a homelessness case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court last year.

Forest Service officials have said the area is prone to fires  95 from 2020 to 2024, the vast majority caused by people. The agency has planned for the project since 2017 and has worked since last summer to let campers and outreach agencies know about the closure, they said.

The closure does not target any specific user group and will restrict all access, including day use and overnight camping, while crews operate heavy machinery, conduct prescribed burns, and clean up hazardous materials, Deschutes National Forest spokesperson Kaitlyn Webb said in an email. Its not safe for the public to be in the area.

The agency has hired contractors to remove vegetation and its regional leaders say a delay would prevent their effort to reduce wildfire risk before the fire danger season begins. Webb said the governments goal is voluntary compliance, but Forest Service officers and staff will patrol and enforce the closure and ensure public safety.

Kacey Kelch, 45, was behind the wheel of his dust-covered truck, readying to head to what he called Dirt World, the name campers have given to the Juniper Ridge area north of Bend, where some have relocated.

Kelch said hes a trained mechanic but couldnt afford to live in Bend, where he was born and raised. He has lived in the forest for three years.

My goal is to get back into society, he said.

Earlier in the day, he said, Forest Service officers were contacting campers, letting everyone know of the impending closure.

Theyre nice, friendly. But people are feeling the pressure, Kelch said. They dont want to lose what they have out here.

Jessica Gamble, who started the nonprofit Home More Network in 2022, was out in her groups ambulance, handing out gas cards, bringing car parts to those who might need them, providing money for DMV fees and offering help filling out DMV forms so people could drive their cars.

Gamble said she lived in the forest for three months when she was pregnant after a divorce and didnt know where else to turn and was homeless again starting in 2021 for about two years when she bounced between motel rooms and campgrounds.

Besides Juniper Ridge, some people are planning to park their cars and trucks on Deschutes County land east of Bend, she said.

Chuck Hemingway, a member of the Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition who filed the unsuccessful motion for a temporary delay in the closure, spent most of the day driving through the forest in his blue pickup truck, helping arrange tows of broken-down RVs and trailers.

Hemingway said he heard the Forest Service may allow displaced campers to return within 90 days to claim any property left behind.

Its going to be a complicated mess, he said.

At another site, deep in the forest near Horse Butte trailhead, Dwight Nelson, 60, and his girlfriend, Shawna Roberson, 59, waited for a truck to haul their old trailers out of the campsite where theyve lived for the last five years.

Three dogs were tied to trees at the entry to the site as they worked to load up food, clothes and other belongings. Their RVs stood beside piles of scrap metal and tires.

They said they collect the metal to swap for cash and the tires to help other campers who may need them after driving on the ruts and rocks in the woods.

Were going to take what we can, Nelson said.

Its a devastating loss, he added.

Nearby, Terry Bass, 58, said shes ready to leave after living in the forest for four years in her 1974 Collins camper. Shes survived on food stamps and collects bottles and cans for cash, catching rides to Bend to deposit them.

Im done doing this out here, she said. I want to go to work.

In the late afternoon, a 62-year-old man who gave his name as J. Smith sat in a motorized chair and waited for a medical transport.

The van where he lived since he lost a customer service job during the pandemic had already been towed to another spot. He wasnt sure where. He said he has knee problems and a torn ACL.

Im looking for any shelter that I can get, he said.

-- Housing and real estate reporter Jonathan Bach and homelessness and mental health issues reporter Lillian Mongeau Hughes contributed to this story.

-- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn.
The Rev. James Antonio, S.J., celebrates Mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Southeast Portland during a memorial for Pope Francis. Chiara Profenna

Standing in front of the nave filled with people at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Southeast Portland, the Rev. James Antonio, S.J., delivered the homily for a memorial Mass for Pope Francis on Wednesday night. As Oregons only Jesuit parish, St. Ignatius felt his loss deeply.

Francis, who was born in Argentina and died April 21, was the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church. On Saturday, more than 250,000 people gathered in Vatican City for Pope Francis funeral Mass, which highlighted his commitment to the poor and marginalized. Leaders from around the world joined clergy, laypeople and pilgrims in the ceremony.

Wednesday in Portland, the St. Ignatius community remembered one of their own.

I want to say that Pope Francis death  that is, Jorge Mario Bergoglios death  is particularly hard for us, because truly, he was one of us, Antonio said, his voice catching with emotion. Throughout his pontificate, he showed that he still stood under the banner of the cross, the son of Ignatius.

The Society of Jesus, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, is a religious order known for its emphasis on education, spirituality and social justice. Members of the order, known as Jesuits, have founded and staffed schools, colleges and universities around the world and are active in missionary and social justice work.

This is the only parish in the state of Oregon that is under the care of the Jesuits, said the Rev. San Mai, S.J., administrator at St. Ignatius. Pope Francis was the first Jesuit Pope Hes our brother, hes everyones Pope, but for us, its hard because hes family.

The weeknight Mass drew hundreds of attendees, similar in size to the churchs usual Sunday attendance, Mai said. Leo Mellon, a parishioner, was among the attendees.

Pope Francis was a very special individual, a fantastic leader of the Church, Mellon said. He showed us, by his example, what we should be doing as Christians, and by that, I mean taking care of the poor, those who dont have a voice.

Parishioners gather at Oregons only Jesuit parish to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, during a memorial service. Chiara Profenna

Pope Francis, shown greeting the faithful in 2013 in Vatican City, died April 21, 2025. A Wednesday memorial Mass in Portland celebrated Francis' legacy of mercy and pastoral care. Getty Images

Francis leadership was marked by a pastoral approach, a willingness to engage in dialogue on complex Church teachings and a strong emphasis on serving the poor and advocating for the environment. He also worked to strengthen relationships between different faith traditions.

Mercy, the love of people, importance of discernment and love for the planet  those are all things that are very important parts of Ignatian spirituality, Mai said.

In his homily, Antonio emphasized that Francis dedicated his life and ministry to proclaiming that the very identity of God is mercy. Mellon said the accepting nature of the parish was a reflection of Francis legacy as pope.

When asked what Francis example meant to him personally, Mellon said it was a reminder to keep going.

He worked until his last breath, into his 80s, he said. So I can do that too. We can do that too. Theres always something we can do. Our work isnt over until its over.

 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna.

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
Speculation has swirled over whether former Vice President Kamala Harris will run for California governor. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) AP

SAN FRANCISCO  Former Vice President Kamala Harris used a high-profile speech to sharply criticize President Donald Trump amid speculation about whether she will mount another presidential campaign or opt to run for California governor.

In her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January following her defeat to Trump, Harris said Wednesday shes inspired by Americans fighting Trumps agenda despite threats to their freedom or livelihood.

Instead of an administration working to advance Americas highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals, Harris said a day after Trump reached 100 days in office.

Before Wednesday, Harris had barely mentioned Trump by name since she conceded defeat to him in November.

In a 15-minute speech, she spoke to the anxiety and confusion that have gripped many of her supporters since Trump took office but discouraged despair.

They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. But what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing thats contagious, Harris said. Courage is contagious.

Trump went after Harris in a campaign-style rally Tuesday marking his 100th day in office. He sarcastically called her a great border czar and a great candidate, and repeated some of the applause lines he routinely delivered during the campaign.

Until Harris replaced Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket last summer, Trump said, I knew nothing about her.

Harris cautioned Americans against viewing Trumps administration as merely chaotic, casting it instead as a high-velocity event, the culmination of extensive work on the right to remake government.

A vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making, Harris said. An agenda to slash public education. An agenda to shrink government and then privatize its services. All while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest among us.

Harris chose a friendly audience for her return to the political arena, addressing the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. It grew in part from Harris run for San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s.

The speech was delivered below luminous chandeliers in a gold-trimmed ballroom in the landmark Palace Hotel.

Harris is ramping up her public presence as Democrats nationally search for a path forward after Novembers election, in which Republicans also won control of Congress. While a slate of high-profile Democrats  from governors to businessmen  seek leadership roles within the party, the former vice president retains unique influence and would reshape any future race she chooses to enter.

She praised Democrats who have been especially prolific in criticizing Trump, name-dropping lawmakers diverse in their ideology and style: Sens. Cory Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders along with Reps. Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Frost and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

But she did not take a stand in one of her partys central divides, neither calling for mass mobilization like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker or questioning Democratic positioning on key issues like California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Im not here tonight to offer all the answers, Harris said. But I am here to say this: You are not alone and we are all in this together.

But she warned that things will probably get worse before they get better.

The one check, the one balance, the one power that must not fail is the voice of the people, she said.

Harris, a former state attorney general and U.S. senator from California, has not discouraged speculation that she might enter the race to replace the term-limited Newsom, himself a potential contender for president. And she has not ruled out another run for the White House.

She did not address her future Wednesday.

She continues to fundraise, using a joint committee that includes Harris for President, the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties. The committee, the Harris Victory Fund, reported having about $4.5 million on hand at the end of March, according to federal records.

In recent fundraising emails, Harris has been blunt about the need for Democrats to unify ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Democrats need to organize and stop Trumps agenda while electing Democrats everywhere, she wrote in recent emails. There has never been a more important time for a strong Democratic Party  one that is willing to stand up to Donald Trump, Elon Musk and what they are doing to this country.

The event marks a homecoming of sorts. Harris lives in Los Angeles but she is from the San Francisco Bay Area, where her political career is rooted. For her first major speech since the election, she chose familiar terrain and a friendly, in some ways familial, crowd.

Lisa Gotbhi, a health care executive in San Francisco, said Harris loss last year was a shock, but shes a voice we need and a leader we need. Lets get back in the fight.

-- The Associated Press
At a cost of nearly four cents to produce each penny, Oregons U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley says the United State Mint is fulfilling the definition of government waste with every penny it makes.

Merkley, a Democrat, and Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah are among a band of bipartisan members of Congress this week that introduced a pair of bills to cease penny production.

Representatives Robert Garcia, D-Calif., and Lisa McClain, R-Mich., with the support of senators Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., proposed the Common Cents Act in the House on Wednesday. In addition to eliminating penny production within a year of its enactment, the bill would require that cash transactions be rounded to the nearest nickel. Electronic payments wouldnt be rounded and could still be billed down to the cent.

Merkley and Lee followed Wednesdays filing in the House by introducing their Make Sense Not Cents Act in the Senate on Thursday.

Its the opposite of common cents for taxpayers dollars to fund wasteful spending like producing pennies, said Merkley, in a news release. The Make Sense Not Cents Act will save taxpayers millionsand that is something that both Democrats and Republicans support to seriously take on government waste.

According to the U.S. Mints 2024 report, it costs about 3.7 cents to produce each copper-plated zinc penny, at an increase of about 20% over the previous year. That resulted in a loss of about $85 million for the year.

Though the bills dont propose the end to any other coins, its worth noting that making money isnt cheap and the costs of metals to produce other currency keeps rising. It costs nearly 14 cents to produce a nickel, 6 cents to produce a dime and 15 cents to produce a quarter.

Meanwhile, an estimated two-thirds of the tens or even hundreds of billions of pennies that have been produced over the years sit idle in coin jars, drawers or elsewhere, out of circulation. And the need for them continues to shrink, with about 16% of transactions made using cash and electronic and credit card payments dominating.

Elected leaders have tried many times to do away with the penny, stretching back as far as 1989. President Barack Obama famously weighed in on the issue in 2013. When asked why the U.S. hadnt shunned the penny like Canada, Australia and New Zealand, he responded Anytime were spending money on something people dont actually use, thats an example of things we should probably change.

But the Constitution assigns Congress, not presidents, the authority to coin money. That, however, didnt stop President Donald Trump in February from not just offering his opinion on the production of pennies. He announced a directive, posting on Truth Social that I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.

At least some members of Congress who agree that its time to ditch the penny believe they need to act to make it happen.

Merkleys Make Sense Not Cents Act can be read here. The Houses companion bill, the Common Cents Act, can be read here. Though the bills call for the end to penny production, both bills still recognize pennies as legal tender that can be used to pay all debts.

 Aimee Green is covering the Oregon Legislature this session. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky.

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Mayor Keith Wilson, shown in the City Council chamber in February, is urging the council to waive system development charges to spur homebuilding. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

The top elected leaders for Oregon and its most populous city unveiled an ambitious pitch Thursday that they hope could reverse Portlands apartment construction slump that threatens local and statewide homebuilding goals aimed at containing the cost of housing.

Portland would waive all housing development fees  known as system development charges  over the next three years or until 5,000 new units are in the pipeline under the proposal detailed by Gov. Tina Kotek and Mayor Keith Wilson.
Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Eugene Democrat and chief sponsor of Senate Bill 470, says anything that happens behind the front doors of short-term rentals carries with it an expectation of privacy. (File photo) Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Sen. Floyd Prozanski says he saw a national news story about people who were secretly recorded inside the vacation home theyd rented and he realized something: Victims often have little recourse under Oregon law.

So Prozanski, a prosecutor for the cities of Eugene and Florence when the Legislature isnt in session, has set out to do something about it.

This bill is really set up for you or I or anyone else, Prozanski, a Democrat, told the House Judiciary Committee last week.

Senate Bill 470 would lay the legal groundwork for anyone to file a lawsuit if theyve unknowingly been recorded while in a short-term rental  whether that be an Airbnb, VRBO, hotel or other temporary form of lodging.

The bill doesnt go as far as to criminalize all secret recordings, though existing law does already forbid the act under some circumstances. For instance, its a crime to surreptitiously record another person if theyre partially or fully naked anywhere that they can expect a basic level of privacy, whether it be inside a vacation rental or a dressing room at a store. That falls under the states invasion of personal privacy law.

The states obtaining contents of communications law also criminalizes the audio recording of other people without their knowledge, with some exceptions.

But the bills backers say it would provide some form of redress in cases where the victims of such recordings arent naked, no audio was recorded or prosecutors didnt pursue criminal charges.

Prozanski said it comes down to supporting the sanctity of a persons private moments, even if theyre napping on the couch or eating dinner with their family.

I mean I expect if I go rent an Airbnb, when I open the front door, get inside the front door and close the door, whatever happens inside is me. Not someone else watching me on a TV.

The protected zones, Prozanski said, would include any indoor space where the renter has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether that be the bathroom, bedroom or even the kitchen or living room that is behind the door of the front entrance of your abode and not open to the general public.

Vacation rental giants including Airbnb and VRBO have policies banning indoor recordings of renters. But Senate Bill 470 also is meant to cover the extensive range of temporary rental options, from small motels and large corporate hotels to short-term rental companies and individuals who rent their vacation homes when theyre not using them.

The arguments of the bills supporters have been persuasive, winning over even Sen. Daniel Bonham, a Republican from The Dalles, who asked during a Senate floor discussion last month if hot tubs in the backyard of rentals also would be off limits under the bill.

I have a hot tub that happens to be in view of my rear Ring app in my backyard, Bonham said. Could renters not make an argument, he continued, that they reasonably can expect a modicum of privacy?

Sen. Anthony Broadman, a Bend Democrat, who carried the bill on the floor said he doesnt think thats the intention of the bill because a backyard often isnt truly private, especially if neighbors are able to peer over the fence from the yard or multi-storied homes next door.

A court in my view would probably not interpret you as having an expectation of privacy in that area, Broadman said. But, he added, its a case-by-case basis.

The bill also doesnt appear to apply to long-term renters of apartments or other homes. It refers only to transient lodging that is meant for temporary human occupation.

The bill passed out of Prozanskis Senate Judiciary Committee 6-0 and swept the Senate floor 29-0 last month. The bill now is before the House Judiciary Committee.

 Aimee Green is covering the Oregon Legislature this session. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky.

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Sign for the sandwich shop Subway on April 29, 2025, in Shrewsbury, United Kingdom. Even as Subway's footprint in the United States continues to decline, the sandwich chain is expanding internationally. (Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images) In Pictures via Getty Images

Subway remains the nations largest restaurant chain, but the number of its sandwich shops nationwide declined for the ninth year in a row in 2024.

The chain dipped to 19,502 U.S. stores, a net decline of 631 shops, QSR reported. Some of those closures were in Oregon, with KPTV reporting last summer that 23 Subway locations from Bend to Vancouver were shuttered suddenly.

After hitting a high of 27,000 stores in 2015, Subway has experienced steady declines every year since 2016. There were more than 1,000 net closures in 2018, 2020 and 2021, and a total net drop of 7,600 in the past nine years, according to QSR.

Some analysts saw this coming.

I dont think theres a clear path for Subway, Bob Phibbs, chief executive of the New York-based consultancy Retail Doctor, told The Washington Post in 2018. Its just not what people want anymore.

Subway has continued its international expansion, however, opening 10,000 stores abroad in the past three years, QSR reported. With 37,000 total shops worldwide, Subway sits behind only McDonalds and Starbucks for the most restaurants.

In the United States, Subway is No. 1 with its 19,502 stores, followed by Starbucks (16,935) and McDonalds (13,559).

-- Joel Odom writes about trending topics in news, life and culture, and sports. Reach him at 503-221-8594, jodom@oregonian.com or @jkodom on Blue Sky.
Living Room Coffee will open within North Portland wine bar Living Room Wines in May. Courtesy of Holly Hursley Photography

North Portlands newest coffee shop isnt technically new. The space, nestled within the University Park neighborhood, has existed for six months.

Really, its only the coffee part thats new  a venture led by Justin Sedor and Fabrizio Barbagelata, who co-own a wine bar near the University of Portland.
The last day to visit two Craft Warehouse stores is just around the corner.

In January, the Pacific Northwest arts-and-crafts chain announced it would close half of its Portland-area stores  one in Beaverton, and one in Vancouver. Both locations will shut their doors for good by the end of the month, a Craft Warehouse spokesperson confirmed.
FILE  Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) plays against the Dallas Wings in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) AP

IOWA CITY, Iowa  Caitlin Clark fans will have to pay a premium on the secondary market if they want to be at Carver-Hawkeye Arena for Sundays matchup between the WNBAs Indiana Fever and the Brazilian national team.

The average paid price of $440 per ticket on the secondary market as of Wednesday has made it the most in-demand event involving Clark, according to ticketing technology company Victory Live, which analyzes sales across the secondary market.

Clark will be playing on the court where she rose to stardom with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The all-time leading scorer in Division I history is from West Des Moines and played for the Hawkeyes from 2020-24. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft and the leagues rookie of the year.

Asking prices on the secondary market Wednesday for the preseason game ranged from $146 to $2,368.

The previous high average paid price for a Clark game was $411. That was March 3, 2024, when she scored 35 points against Ohio State to pass Pete Maravich as the Division I career scoring leader.

Victory Live also reported that the average paid price for a Fever away game in the 2025 season was $272, up from $171 in 2024. The average is $197 for a Fever home game, more than double the $92 home average last season.

-- The Associated Press
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Inner Circle Mental Health is offering a safe place where first responders and veterans can go to seek the care and support they need.

Inner Circle Mental Health was founded in 2024 by Kate Cooper and her husband, Collin.

Inner Circle Mental health was started to make mental health resources accessible for first responders and veterans.

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First responders, like inherently, are very resistant to mental health and because they always think that they look weak or that they're going to get fired, which in many cases, is true, Kate said.

According to Kate, her husband struggled with his mental health after serving in the army and as a law enforcement officer in Oklahoma for about ten years and did not have access to mental health support.

He was in those positions, he went through several mental health issues himself, and there was no support, Kate said.

Kate said many first responders and veterans internalize their mental health problems to the point that their families often fall apart and the first responders and veterans end up taking their own lives.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention report, around 6,407 veterans died by suicide in 2022 alone. According to Kate, Inner Circle takes calls from veterans and first responders who are considering suicide so they can prevent it from happening.

(Veterans) have a higher chance of committing suicide than getting killed on the job, Kate said.

Inner Circle Mental Health is made up of Kate and her husband along with trauma and mental health counselors and their therapy dog Churro.

According to Kate, after a couple months of opening, they were facing problems of first responders and veterans not being able to afford care. They brainstormed different ideas that they could do to help.

We decided to create Inner Circle Foundation, which is kind of just our side arm to our for-profit business and the mission of that is to help provide care for first responders and veterans and their family, Kate said.

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Kate said patients can pay for their treatments by either becoming a member of Inner Circle, their insurance or, if they dont want their insurance involved, pay by cash or apply for the Inner Circle Foundation scholarship.

On June 28, Inner Circle Mental Health will hold Challenge: Accepted, a fundraiser to help raise money for the Inner Circle Foundation. There will be a 5k,a water balloon fight, a car show and a drone show to end the day.

Kate said the Brandon Gray Thin Line Memorial 5K Run is held in honor of Brandon Gray, an emergency room nurse that took his life July 3.

This suicide in particular had this like rolling wave impact in Cleveland County because Brandon was not just an ER nurse, Kate said. He was a paramedic. He was in the fire department. Like, everybody knew Brandon. Nobody expected this to happen.

Kate said this was the first call the Inner Circle Mental Health clinic received after opening and they became friends with Gray's wife.

Kate said she wanted to try and be there for her and to have her become involved in Challenge: Accepted.

I knew her before, but I brought her in here, we sat on the floor, and like I made her cry for her entire lunch break, Kate said. I was explaining Challenge: Accepted to her and what I wanted to do. I just wanted her involved because I knew that she had a story to tell and I really wanted her to start telling her story.

Challenge: Accepted is being held in Selah, a community in south Norman. Sign ups for all the events can be found online and are open for a limited time.

We want to be telling these stories so that people understand that, number one: they're not alone. And number two: that this is making a difference, Kate said.

This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  A seemingly divided U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday over the nations first religious charter school that aims to open in Oklahoma, putting the constitutionality of a state-funded Catholic education to the test.

An Oklahoma state board approved St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School to operate as a publicly funded charter school in 2023. The Oklahoma Supreme Court blocked the school from opening in a June ruling, finding the concept of a religious charter school a violation of the Constitutions prohibition against government-established religion.

The nations highest Court, with its conservative majority, agreed to hear an appeal of the ruling. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Catholic with ties to two legal groups behind St. Isidore, has recused.

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Five of the eight remaining justices who heard the case also are Catholic  John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Elena Kagan is Jewish, and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is a nondenominational Protestant.

A decision from the Court is expected by the end of June.

The Courts liberal justices  Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson  appeared doubtful that previous rulings support the idea that a charter school could constitutionally adopt a religion. Kagan also wondered about the nationwide implications of permitting publicly funded religious schools.

Kavanaugh, part of the Courts conservative majority, said disapproving a charter school solely on religious grounds seems like rank discrimination against religion. Opening charter school funding to faith-based institutions would be expanding the options, not contracting the options of school choice in public education, he said.

All the religious school is saying is, Dont exclude us based on religion, Kavanaugh said.

Jackson and Kagan, though, pointed to ways St. Isidores founding contract differs from that of other charter schools. The school pledged to comply with state regulations and non-discrimination laws only to the extent that Catholic doctrine allows.

The Court made prior decisions that religious schools cant be excluded from government grants and state-funded tuition assistance programs. In those cases, Jackson said, a religious school wasnt changing the terms of a government program.

It seems to me you are not seeking the same public benefit as everyone else, Jackson said.

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa applied to open St. Isidore, named after the patron saint of the internet, to offer an online Catholic education to students in all parts of the state, particularly in rural areas with no brick-and-mortar Catholic school.

St. Isidore would be Catholic in all ways but open to students of all belief systems, archdiocese officials have said. Students would have to learn Catholic doctrine and obey school rules inspired by church beliefs.

We are grateful that the U.S. Supreme Court heard our case and now entrust it to their wisdom, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Tulsa Bishop David A. Konderla said in a statement Wednesday. Of course, we pray and hope for a decision that stands with religious liberty and the rights of Oklahoma families to make their own decisions in selecting the best educational options for their children.

Both the school and the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, which approved St. Isidores founding contract, appealed the state Supreme Court ruling. Oklahomas attorney general has led the legal battle against the school.

Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel of the national conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, presented the statewide boards oral arguments Wednesday. Michael H. McGinley of Deckert LLP represented St. Isidore.

Both contended charter schools arent an arm of the government like traditional public schools. Rather, they are private entities who contract with the state to provide a public service, like a private hospital, and therefore should be free to adopt a religion.

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After leaving the courtroom, Campbell said he found the justices very receptive to the arguments we were making.

The law is on our side, Campbell said. The First Amendment says when you create a program and invite everyone in but tell only religious groups that they cant come, that violates the Constitution.

Former U.S. Solicitor General Gregory Garre, now of Latham & Watkins LLP, gave oral arguments on behalf of the Oklahoma attorney general, who said the concept of a publicly funded religious school is unconstitutional.

Charter schools bear all necessary resemblance to traditional school districts to be considered public, Garre said. The state can open and close a charter school, unlike a fully private institution. They are subject to the equal academic standards as Oklahoma public schools and most of the same regulations, though they have more flexibility over teaching methods and employee hiring.

They are governed by independent boards, though they must contract with a traditional school district, college or university, Native American tribe or a state board that oversees them as a charter authorizer.

Laws in 47 states, including Oklahoma, and federal law all define charter schools as public schools and forbid them from religious affiliation.

Like all public schools, Garre said, charter schools must comply with church-state separation.

Kagan seemed to agree.

When I look at Oklahoma and its charter schools program, they look like regular public schools, she said. These charter schools, except for some things on the margin, are equivalent to public schools. So why shouldnt we take the state at its word (that they are public)?

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has been the schools leading opponent, despite it having support from fellow Republican leaders in the state.

Drummond contended St. Isidore would create a slippery slope leading to charter schools teaching faith systems that most Oklahomans would disagree with  a position Alito said seems to be based on hostility to certain religions.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has been a vocal advocate of opening St. Isidore. Standing outside the U.S. Supreme Court building on Wednesday, Stitt said the school expands choice and freedom, and the government shouldnt stand in the way.

I think the Supreme Court is going to rule with us because its just common sense, he said.

Charter school advocates feared a ruling in St. Isidores favor could cause a widespread closure of charter programs in states that wont abide taxpayer-funded religious education.

All of a sudden, we wont know what the rules are for charter schools anymore in 47 states and the federal level, said Starlee Coleman, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

This is going to shut down the charter school program in many states where there is simply no appetite by state lawmakers to fund religious schools, Coleman said after oral arguments. States like California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois where there are millions of children attending charter schools today.

Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations focused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com.
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.
Smurfit Westrock to Close CRB Mill in Minnesota; Containerboard Mill in Texas

As a result of the two mill closures, Smurfit Westrock's containerboard and coated recycled board (CRB) capacity is expected to reduce by over 500,000 tons per year. As a result of the two mill closures, Smurfit Westrock's containerboard and coated recycled board (CRB) capacity is expected to reduce by over 500,000 tons per year.

April 30, 2025 - Smurfit Westrock today announced it will permanently close its coated recycled board (CRB) mill in St. Paul, Minnesota and will discontinue production at its containerboard mill in Forney, Texas. The specialty coating facility at Forney will not be impacted. As a result, the Company's containerboard and CRB capacity is expected to reduce by over 500,000 tons.

Smurfit Westrock has also initiated consultations with local works councils in Germany with a view to permanently closing two converting facilities there.

Approximately 650 employees in the U.S. and Germany will be impacted as a result of these closures.

In a press release, the company said, "We recognize the impact this has on our employees and the communities involved. We will provide support to employees during this transition including career transition assistance and relocation opportunities where possible. The impacted employees will receive local severance in accordance with Company policy, as well as works council and labor union agreements."

Tony Smurfit, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, commented, "While closing facilities is never an easy decision, it is based on a realistic expectation of current and future capacity needs, operating costs and an unrelenting focus on improving our business. We are very grateful for the significant contributions made by the teams at these locations over the years and we will do all we can to support them throughout this process."

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE: SW, LSE: SWR) is a leading provider of paper-based packaging solutions in the world, with approximately 100,000 employees across 40 countries.

SOURCE: Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

"I am pleased to report a strong first quarter performance with Net Income of $382 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $1,252 million, in-line with our stated guidance, and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.4%."  Tony Smurfit, President and CEO, Smurfit Westrock. "I am pleased to report a strong first quarter performance with Net Income of $382 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $1,252 million, in-line with our stated guidance, and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.4%."  Tony Smurfit, President and CEO, Smurfit Westrock.

May 1, 2025 - Smurfit Westrock plc today announced the financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Key points:

First quarter Net Sales of $7,656 million

First quarter Net Income of $382 million, with a Net Income Margin of 5.0%

First quarter Adjusted EBITDA1of $1,252 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA Margin1of 16.4%

Quarterly dividend of $0.4308 per ordinary share

Tony Smurfit, President and CEO, commented, "I am pleased to report a strong first quarter performance with Net Income of $382 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $1,252 million, in-line with our stated guidance, and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.4%. This performance was driven by good results across all three segments, with notable progress in North America, and is significantly ahead of the combined result for the prior year.

"I am especially pleased with how well the combination has come together, with strong operational and cultural integration taking place across all three regions. Coupled with our geographic footprint and our unrivalled portfolio of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, we have a customer-focused and performance-driven team that is delivering for all stakeholders.

"Our synergy program is on track to deliver $400 million, with approximately $350 million in the current year. We believe there is substantial opportunity to continue to structurally improve the business through a sharper commercial and operational focus, at least equal to our synergy target.

"We continue to actively optimize our asset base. We have recently announced the closure of over 500,000 tons of paper capacity in North America. We are also closing two converting facilities in our North American region and have initiated consultations to close two of our converting facilities in EMEA & APAC.

"To consolidate our leadership position and better support our customers, we have constructed two state-of-the-art converting plants in Washington and Wisconsin and are completing a new Bag-in-Box facility in South Carolina in our North American region. Comparable investments in EMEA & APAC, in high-performing converting equipment, will reduce our cost base and strengthen our overall footprint in the region while in Latin America, we continue to invest in cost take-out and growth projects, for example, the biomass boiler in Colombia which is nearing completion.

"Consistent with our disciplined operating approach and before we see the impact in our system of the announced closures, we expect to incur additional economic downtime in the second quarter costing approximately $100 million versus the first quarter. While the demand outlook is uncertain, we expect second quarter Adjusted EBITDA3 to be approximately $1.2 billion and our current estimate for a full year Adjusted EBITDA3 is between $5.0 billion and $5.2 billion.

"Our progressive improvement together with a strong margin performance is a clear demonstration of the strength of Smurfit Westrock in a period characterised by significant volatility. As the global leader, with leading market positions across many of the 40 countries in which we operate, we continue to see significant opportunity for growth, development and cost take?out. We believe that the actions we have taken, and continue to take, will translate to superior operating and financial performance for Smurfit Westrock."

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE: SW, LSE: SWR) is a leading provider of paper-based packaging solutions in the world, with approximately 100,000 employees across 40 countries.

SOURCE: Smurfit Westrock
Even over here in Uzbekistan, Ive seen the report that, on a vote of 5-2, the city council of Fairview, Texas, has given grudging conditional approval for construction of a proposed Latter-day Saint temple in their small town, which is located in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. The approval comes after a lengthy and often rather acrimonious process that involved refusals, compromises by the Church, architectural modifications and reductions in size, and considerable commentary, not all of which was helpful.

In such cases where there is vocal opposition, it is difficult to know how widespread the opposition actually is. Do the opponents represent a local consensus? Are they merely a minority of loud activists? And what are their actual reasons for opposing the building of a temple? Are the stated motivations  e.g., concerns about lighting, the height of a steeple, and/or traffic  the real ones? Are there theological objections that the opponents are too savvy or too embarrassed to openly acknowledge? (Sorry but, since were talking about Texas, thats not entirely inconceivable.)

Lighting and traffic were the common stated concerns for opposition to the Newport Beach California Temple. But I remember watching an online petition against that temple as the controversy raged. Many comments on the petition were overtly anti-Mormon. We were, a number of signers indicated, heretics, blasphemers, racists, misogynists, bigots  and altogether unwelcome in the community no matter what our lighting arrangements were and no matter how well the traffic flowed. I sincerely hoped that those comments would actually be submitted to the relevant government authorities along with the petition itself.

Ive spent a lot of time in Newport Beach since then, and the temple has proven to be a beautiful asset to the neighborhood. Moreover, I cant imagine that it generates even a fraction of the traffic that is caused by the enormous evangelical Protestant megachurch complex that sits just a minute or two down the road from it.

It may shock you to know that some opponents to our temples dont even always act in good faith. An example: I served in the mission home in Zurich during the last part of my time as a missionary in Switzerland. On one occasion, I spent some time reading through press clippings related to the construction and dedication, two decades before, of what is now called the Bern Switzerland Temple. One article particularly amused me. It showed an image of the Salt Lake Temple  which is already many times as big as Switzerlands much more modest structure  enlarged to perhaps four or five times its actual size and superimposed on the area where the Church hoped to build a smallish temple for its European membership. Do you want this in your neighborhood? the article demanded. And, of course, no sane person would want such a monstrosity in his or her community. Heck, it was tall enough that it would probably change the local weather.

During the period of construction for Brigham Young Universitys Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies in the mid-1980s, there was fierce opposition to it, including rallies and debates in the Knesset, television shows, newspaper editorials, and even thinly-veiled death threats. At one point, the anti-Mormon charlatan Ed Decker brought his carnival sideshow to town, screening his ridiculous but once wildly popular 1982 pseudo-documentary film, The God Makers, to a Knesset subcommittee. (I was told by someone who was there for the showing that the awkward silence at the end of the film was broken by the subcommittees chairman, who said, simply, Ive seen similar films about Jews.)

BYUs Jerusalem Center has now been a significant fixture of Jerusalems physical and cultural landscape for nearly four decades and, as far as I can determine, is a well-received and even perhaps beloved place. Im hoping that, after the controversy in Fairview subsides and the completed temple is accepted as a part of the community, there will be a similar evolution in attitudes there. (As things stand, the majority of Fairviews residents may already be fine with it. I simply dont know.)

My late father-in-law was involved with preparations for the Denver Colorado Temple, where there was also a great deal of opposition. (The temple was finally built on the third site that was selected for it, after being rejected at the two previous proposed locations.) I find it hard to believe that anybody in the area resents it now, unless the resentment be grounded in theological reasons. There was at least some opposition to the Preston England Temple, as well, including fears that the temple would ruin the area. It hasnt.

I am pleased that legal processes were followed in Fairview. Some, of course, would have the Church cave in at the very first whiff of opposition, which, they allege, is the way a real Christian church would react. They suggest that were bullies if we dont surrender, if we make any effort to defend our rights. However, if we followed the policy they suggest we might not ever be able to build anything.

A friend was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford when the local Latter-day Saint congregation was building a relatively humble chapel. There was opposition in that case, too. One of the objections was that, when it was completed, the new chapel would bring in raucous late-night parties and undesirable elements. Yup. Thats exactly how we roll.

Many years ago, I read a letter to the editor of the Salt Lake Tribune from a woman who had, she said, moved to Salt Lake City from Ohio some while before. She was writing to express her irritation at the fact that there were Mormon churches on every corner. Far too many of them, in her opinion. (I didnt write a letter in response, but I wanted to point out to her that we had fled Ohio during the previous century. Now, though, that she had followed us to Utah from Ohio, did she want us to abandon our homes and move again?) I doubt that she would be very receptive to proposals to build still more Latter-day Saint buildings in her area. And there was another lady who wrote, on a website that I skimmed a decade or two ago, to voice her outrage at the fact that, as she drove to her own religious services on Sundays, she was obliged to pass by other churches  she expressly mentioned the Latter-day Saints and the Catholics  where perverted forms of Christianity were being preached. I expect that, if she lives in Fairview, Texas, she was probably active in the opposition to the temple there.

Paul Wuthrich has played lead roles in the Interpreter Foundations theatrical films Witnesses and Six Days in August and in its docudrama Undaunted Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, as well as in the T. C. Christensen movies Escape from Germany and Raising the Bar. Some of you, I think, might enjoy this 42:50-minute interview with him: Paul Wuthrich: The Price of a Consecrated Life

Philip Leaning, a commenter on this blog in New Zealand, called my attention to the following two brief videos, the second of which is directly relevant to where I am right now, in Samarkand.

Joanna Lumleys Silk Road Adventure | Discovering the Ruins of Persepolis (4:42 minutes)

Joanna Lumleys Silk Road Adventure | The Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand (3:23 minutes)

I would like to see the rest of the series. Ive actually been in Persepolis, as well, although on a separate trip many years ago. The former ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire ( ca. 550330 BC), its a spectacular site. Alexander the Great  theres that the Great, again!  and his army conquered Persepolis in BC 330 and pretty much destroyed it. I recall climbing up into the hills overlooking the city with an Iranian-American academic acquaintance who is very much a Persian nationalist. Overlooking the vast ruins, he muttered to himself (not for my benefit, but I overheard it nonetheless): Damned Arabs!

As is my frequent custom, I close with a small sampling of outrages from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File:

Latter-day Saints around the World: April 2025: Uniting with other faiths in Costa Rica, Australia and the Cook Islands as emergency dispatch center in Ghana receives upgrade. Newsroom features stories from its dozens of websites worldwide to show what members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are doing to serve their communities. Today, we feature news from Australia, the Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Ghana, Mexico and Peru.

As if there were really a need for it, here is still more proof, from the Washington Times, that the only thing that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really cares about (beyond inflicting pain) is exploiting poor people and accumulating scads of money: B.A. for $6K: BYU-Pathway pioneers three-year degree for four-figure price tag

And I hope that this report, from Barbados Today, makes you as angry as it makes me: New CT scanner donated by Mormon Church to transform emergency care. Why cant theists simply leave other people alone?

Posted from Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Was Martin Luther really a champion of religious tolerance? In this powerful video, Catholic apologist and author Dave Armstrong takes a closer look at the lesser-known historical record of Martin Luthers views on heresy, dissent, and capital punishment. While many Protestants today are unaware of these facts, Luther did, in fact, support the execution of Anabaptists, witches, and even dissenters on matters of doctrine and morality. Drawing directly from Luthers own writingsincluding Luthers Works, Table Talk, and the biographical analysis of Roland BaintonDave lays out clear evidence that the Protestant Reformer advocated the death penalty for theological dissent, including those who rejected infant baptism, denied the Real Presence, or promoted adult-only baptism. This video is not a hit piece, but an honest look at Christian historyone that includes uncomfortable truths Protestants rarely hear.

What Martin Luther really said about heretics

Documented executions supported by Luther and Melanchthon

The use of torture and capital punishment in Saxony

Why history demands integrityeven when its difficult

If youve ever been told that the Catholic Church has a dark past (it does!)but never heard the full story about Protestant persecution of fellow Christians, this video is for you.

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DAVES RELATED BLOGS ON LUTHER

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, Roland Bainton, New York: Mentor, 1950, see pages 376-378.

Luther: Execute Frigid Wives; Torture & Burn Witches: Including Two Examples of Luthers Espousal of Capital Punishment for Wrong or Aberrant Behavior Prior to 1530

Luther Favored Execution of Heretics (vs. Jordan Cooper)

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DAVES BOOKS ON LUTHER

Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise (my book, April 2008, 264 pages; available in paperback or for only $2.99 as an e-book)

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The Catholic Luther : An Ecumenical Collection of His Traditional Utterances (my book, Dec. 2014, 166 pages; available only as an e-book, for $3.99; see details at the link)

* (my book, Dec. 2014, 166 pages; availableas an e-book, for $3.99; see details at the link)

DAVES WEB PAGES ABOUT MARTIN LUTHER AND LUTHERANISM

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Civil War Chaos: Luther vs. Other Protestant Leaders, Etc. [Lux Veritatis, 5-4-25]

Martin Luthers Belief in Marys Immaculate Conception [Lux Veritatis, 5-5-25]

Luther & the Myth of a Supposed Catholic Ban of the Bible [Lux Veritatis, 5-6-25]

Was Martin Luther an Extreme Faith Alone Antinomian? [Lux Veritatis, 5-8-25]

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Photo Credit: copyright Lux Veritatis, 2025

Summary: Documentary posted at the YouTube channel, Lux Veritatis, from Dave Armstrong and Kenny Burchard, documenting Martin Luthers espousal of the death penalty for heresy.
The state of Illinois is coming to the close of the legislative session. Some bills, like the Homeschool Act, have been put on ice. But the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program bill has been given an extension to May 9th, which, even though it has comparatively few sponsors and hasnt made it out of committee, I understand this extension to indicate that it has some level of support from top Democrat Senate leadership. Weirdly, its in the Paid Leave Committee which apparently has all of three members and only two bills for its consideration.

This bill, very generally speaking, aims to create a Social Security-like leave benefit, and there are in fact several states which have had disability/leave benefits for some time now, specifically, New York, New Jersey, and California. Those benefits had historically been meant to cover disabilities for up to 6 months, or until Social Security or company-paid Long-Term Disability kicks in, and at a rate similar to company LTD benefits, so something like 60% or 67%. In recent years those plans have added a maternity leave component, and these are funded with Social Security-like payroll taxes, up to a Social Security-like maximum, and have a Social Security-like maximum benefit. Since this is for any kind of disability and for maternity leave as well, you dont earn your benefit by contributing over the years; you get the same amount regardless of for how many years youve been contributing. (This is from memory, so some of the particulars may have changed.)

Which, in principle, is fine. The lack of maternity leave benefits causes hardship, all the more so because even under the best of circumstances, young couples struggle to have a large savings cushion. If a program is properly designed and the cost is appropriately calculated with sound actuarial assumptions, a maternity benefit would even be a good thing to implement at the federal level.

But at the same time, a system which is too generous and lacks sufficient safeguards can become extremely costly; back in my days as an international retirement and benefits expert, the typical case study was the Netherlands where, prior to a set of reforms beginning in the 1990s, disability benefits were so generous that as much as 15% of the total labor force was receiving disability benefits.

And, based on my read of the law itself, this is exactly what Illinois would be headed for, with two characteristics of the Illinois bill that put it at significant risk of being fiscally unsustainable:

The program (that is, the state of Illinois) would pay 90% of pay, so the NY/NJ/CA motivation to return to work to get back on the payroll rather than losing 1/3 of pay is not there.

And the list of eligibility reasons goes far beyond childbirth or serious illness, with minimal or even in some cases without any verification required.

Here are the details, straight from the bills text:

The bill covers the following situations:

Providing care for a family member, when needed due to a serious health condition or medical procedure. Note that family member is defined expansively, to include not just a child, spouse, or parent but any other individual related by blood, marriage, or civil union or whose close relationship with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship, and serious health condition refers to any condition requiring an inpatient stay or continuing supervision by a health care provider. Psychological care is not defined. In this case, the government may require certification from the treating health care provider or alternative documentation if it is impractical or impossible to acquire certification from a health care provider.

Being with a child during the first 12 months after birth, or after adoption or foster care placement or other caregiving begins, or after establishment of legal parentage (which appears to include surrogacy arrangements as well as legal determination that a man is father to the child). Note that the child must merely be a family member of the worker, so that, strictly speaking, a grandparent could take leave to provide child care to delay starting daycare. Whats more, no certification is required.

Ones own serious health condition which includes stillbirth/miscarriage or other conditions in connection with pregnancy and recovery from childbirth. The government may again require a certification.

The covered individuals own reproductive health care, which includes everything from abortion, to prenatal checkups, from IVF to surrogacy. Again, no certification is required.

Time off work due to domestic or sexual violence. Here the certification can be in the form of a statement from a victim services organization or advocate.

The deployment of a family member.

The benefit rate is fixed at 90% of the average wage, with a maximum of the state average weekly wage, or $1,200 per week initially, for up to 18 weeks per year, plus an additional 9 weeks for leave taken in connection with pregnancy, recovery from childbirth, related conditions, or if the child of the covered individual was a patient in the neonatal intensive care unit. (What is a related condition to pregnancy? Thats the euphemism of choice for abortion, but why youd need 9 weeks, I cant imagine.)

I cannot identify any mechanism to limit the duration to whats truly needed for any particular case.

All employees except for the very lowest earners are eligible, and the benefit is based on the average pay during the highest quarter, among the four quarters before taking the benefit. In other words, if your job is seasonal, the period with the highest wages is used for your benefit. Also, unlike the FMLA which has restrictions around employer size, all employees are covered regardless of the company size or duration of employment, and even in the smallest of employers, a leave-taker would have the right to get their same or an equivalent job back, and to keep their health insurance.

Payroll taxes will be collected totaling 1.12% of pay beginning in 2027, increasing to a maximum of 1.25% of pay, split between employer and employee. I cannot identify any provision for the reduction in benefits if the 1.25% tax isnt enough to cover costs but there is a provision that the state makes an advance payment. Perhaps its also just a given that the state would top up the funds as needed?

There is language in the bill that fraudulent claims will be penalized, but its really rather vague, in contrast to very extensive procedures laid out for employees who complain of retaliation from their employers for requesting leave.

Finally, the leave benefits (which ordinarily are taxable by the federal government) would be nontaxable by the state, which means that the difference between salary and benefit would be very small indeed.

Whats it all boil down to?

There is a huge disconnect between the generosity of the benefits and the enforcement mechanism. The larger the benefit  in this case, nearly 100% of wages, or more, for someone whose pay was seasonal or had recently dropped  the more important some enforcement mechanism is, and here there is nothing other than a bland certification (sometimes not even required), and, in particular, nothing that ensures that people only take leave for the necessary length of time. In fact, the vague definitions, such as providing emotional care or the expansive definition of family member or the fact that the certification document doesnt specify a certification of the duration of the need, all add up to the difficulty of defining fraud, rather than merely using the program more widely than intended.

Now, there are plenty of ill-conceived bills which go nowhere. At various points recently Ive read bills which propose to create a single-payer health system as well as a bill proposing that the state fully fund public universities operating costs, as well as a bill which would have legalized prostitution. But, again, this bills deadline extension suggests that its not just a typical go-nowhere bill, but is under serious consideration, and for a state with a track record of overspending and failing to perform sound analysis of the cost of its programs, thats a problem.
Microsoft is continuing its efforts to get straggling Windows 10 users to make the jump to Windows 11. Last week, the company published a new blog post (spotted by Windows Central) that shamelessly promotes its new Copilot+ PCs as the way forward for users still on older Windows 10 PCs that arent eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade.

Among other things, Microsoft is trying to entice you with brand-new AI features such as Recall, which takes periodic screenshots of your screen, analyzes it using AI, then indexes it so you can search through all your past PC activity at a later time. Another big benefit touted in the blog post is that Copilot+ PCs are purported to be up to five times faster than a five-year-old Windows device, with enhanced security features on top.

Yet, while Copilot+ PCs are certainly novel and do offer plenty of benefits in the battery life and performance departments, theyre still in need of some serious improvements. And features like Recall remain controversial for their privacy and security concerns, so much so that we dont entirely trust itRecall is too risky and you should turn it off.

Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that, the operating system will no longer receive any new security updates, which means it will become increasingly unsafe to use as it grows more vulnerable to malware and hackers.

What can you do if youre still on Windows 10? One option is to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your PC meets the requirements. If it doesnt, Microsoft simply wont let you upgrade (and wants you to buy a Copilot+ PC in its place). Your other options include paying to extend Windows 10 support, switching to Linux, or staying on Windows 10 post-support and dealing with all the risks. Learn more about that in our article on how to keep your Windows 10 PC going after end-of-support.
Police have charged a 16-year-old with murder in adult court for reckless driving resulting in the death of another motorist in York County in January, according to a press release by state police.

Magisterial District Judge Lindy Lane Sweeney denied bail to Danneyber Garcia-Villarroel, 16, who faces third-degree murder charges for the crash, which occurred on Susquehanna Trail South in Springfield Township in the area of Seaks Run Road Jan. 24.

Garcia-Villarroel is accused of recklessly merging into an opposing lane of traffic to pass vehicles ahead of him, causing the death of 20-year-old Amelia McEvoy  the front-passenger in a blue Chevrolet Tracker that swerved into a tree to avoid a head-on collision, according to a press release from James Grothey, spokesman for state polices York barracks.
Law enforcement officers who cordoned off the Intensive Care Unit where Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz held several healthcare workers hostage in February had two objectives, according to York Countys District Attorney:

Eliminate the threat. Save the hostage.
Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/

Ukraine is ready to help Israel fight forest fires by providing them with special equipment, in particular, an aircraft and rescuers, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said.

The Ukrainian government is ready to assist Israel in combating raging wildfires. We can send firefighting equipment, including a specialized plane, and our skilled rescuers, he said on X Wednesday evening.

According to Sybiha, Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko conveyed a corresponding proposal to the Israeli side.

Even as we defend against aggression at home, we are ready to assist others in saving human lives, Sybiha stressed.

Earlier, the media reported about large-scale forest fires near Jerusalem that broke out on Wednesday morning, prompting Israeli authorities to ask for help.
A Lebanon County judge threatened to toss a woman in jail ahead of her May 12 trial for speaking to a podcaster and witness, which he said violates a gag order he signed in December.

Lebanon County Judge Charles Jones threatened to set bail for Veronika Rodriguez, 27, of Middletown. Rodriguez is accused of filing a false rape report, a misdemeanor, against a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard.

Rodriguez is also accused of two felony counts of violating Pennsylvanias wiretapping statute by recording the incident in which she says she was raped.
A Chester County teacher is facing 63 charges after police say she sexually assaulted a 16-year-old student.

Michelle Mercogliano, 35, a special education teacher at Conestoga High School, was charged on Wednesday by Tredyffrin Township police.

The charges include sexual contact with a student, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, delivery of a controlled substance and related offenses.

The Chester County District Attorneys office said in a Facebook Post that Mercogliano had not been arrested yet but was cooperating with authorities and working with her lawyer to turn herself in.

The investigation began on Monday when police were contacted by members of the victims family.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the victim told police he had sexual contact with Mercogliano about 15 times since February, usually at her parents home in Wayne.

Mercogliano also got medical marijuana for the student several times, via dispensary in Phoenixville. They communicated via Snapchat as well as text messages.

Parents and students should be able to trust their teachers, Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement. The Defendant broke the law and destroyed that trust. It will not be tolerated.

Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick said in a statement that Mercogliano has been placed on leave Tuesday.

We are deeply troubled by these allegations, he said. The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive school environment for all students. We encourage you to contact your childs Principal if any child needs support.

Mercogliano began teaching at the district last fall, the superintendent said. Prior to that she was a teacher at Hillside Elementary School a paraprofessional at Hillside Elementary and Valley Forge Elementary schools.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Tredyffrin Township Police Department at 610-644-3221.
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.
Mayor candidate Tone Cook remains on probation for a February 2025 conviction for simple assault. FILE Zach Gleiter | Special to PennLive Zach Gleiter | Special To PennLive

Tone Cooks online bio as a candidate for Harrisburg mayor suggests the community activists troubles with the law are behind him and that hes turned his life around.

But court records show Cook, whose legal name is Ronald Cook Jr., remains on probation for a February 2025 conviction for simple assault. At the time, Cook was fined $500 and given 18 months unrestricted probation in Dauphin County Court.

The charges stem from a March 2023 incident at the Giant supermarket on Grayson Road. According to court papers, the sister of Cooks ex-girlfriend accused him and his current girlfriend of punching her in the face.

The incident was caught on Giants surveillance video tape, the court papers said. Police said Cook was wearing a ring that cut the womans face. She was treated at the scene by an ambulance crew.

Reached for comment by PennLive, Cook described the incident as a family situation that became heated and overblown.

You got to know the situation. It involved my son who was just released from the hospital with open heart surgery. Do I have remorse? Of course. Did it hurt me? Of course. There were other options that I could have went about it another way, he said.

Cook denied punching the woman. I swung, but it was open hand. In the video, you just see my hand going in the air.

As far as Cooks concerned, the incident is already behind him.

I pled out to hurry up and get it over with. I put it all behind us and moved forward with our life. That was an isolated family situation, he said.

Cache Woodward, the woman identified as Cooks girlfriend, was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and making a false report to law enforcement, the court papers said.

Woodward was referred to ARD, the countys diversion program, in Oct. 2024 and sentenced to 50 hours of community service and anger management courses. She was scheduled to remain in ARD and subject to probation and parole supervision for 12 months.

Cooks bio draws heavily on what it calls his troubled past and his life-long journey to overcome it, stating:

Growing up on the Southside of Harrisburg, his life has been shaped by both the challenges of troubled teen years and incarceration, as well as the tough lessons learned on the streets, including the devastating loss of his brother, Michael, to gun violence.

In April 2000, Cook, the oldest of six brothers, was sentenced in Dauphin County Court to 27 to 120 months in state prison on a drug conviction stemming from an October 1998 case in Swatara Township. Cook also received a consecutive 6- to 24-month sentence for making false reports and concurrent 6 to 24 months for tampering with evidence -- all from the same case.

Cook, who was 18 at the time, was charged with intent to deliver crack cocaine, seven packets of which police found in a hotel bathroom where Cook was staying, according to court documents. When police entered the hotel room, an underage female was present, and a stolen .38 special revolver was found, the documents stated. Police said Cook gave them a false name and attempted to wash the drugs down the hotel bathroom drain.

Cook said this is one of the incidents referred to in his campaign bio touting second chances and leading to his personal transition.

Cook said the process of turning ones life around and achieving redemption is a daily struggle against making personal mistakes, such as the more recent incident at Giant.

That could be up until now. Nobodys perfect, Cook said of his ongoing journey to be a better person and an example for others, including troubled youth.

Cook is among five Democrats running for the partys nomination for Harrisburg mayor in the May 20 primary. There are no Republican candidates on the ballot, and the Democrat winner typically goes on to be elected to office.

The others running are incumbent Mayor Wanda Williams, seeking her second four-year-term; city Treasurer Dan Miller; first-term City Council member Lamont Jones; and repeat candidate Lewis Butts Jr.

Jones successfully overcame his prior criminal record after it became an issue during his 2023 bid for City Council. A pair of lawsuits attempted to force him from the general election ballot, and then after he won the seat, to bar him from taking office.

Jones had a 1997 misdemeanor conviction for making false reports to law enforcement and a pair of felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in 2004 and 2005. The election-year lawsuits argued Jones convictions were infamous crimes, barring him from office. But a Dauphin County judge disagreed.

In December 2023, Jones received a full pardon for the convictions from the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. He was sworn-in as a council member a week later.

Jones now says the past 20 years of rebuilding his life and establishing his political career can serve as an example and inspiration for others looking to overcome their own challenges and setbacks.

Staff reporter Jonathan Bergmueller contributed to this story.
Actor Jeremy Renner, who plays Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, wrote about his horrific accident in new memoir Provided by Motor City Comic Con

Jeremy Renner is opening up about his harrowing accident with a snowplow that almost claimed his life two years ago.

Along with the jaw-dropping new details, he included the chilling moment he says he died after being crushed by the machine.
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

Actress Priscilla Pointer  best known for her roles in Carrie, Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and Dallas  has died at 100 years old Monday. She was the mother of Oscar-nominated actress Amy Irving.

Pointer died while at her home in Ridgefield, Connecticut, peacefully in her sleep at the age of 100, hopefully to run off with her 2 adoring husbands and her many dogs, Amy Irving said Tuesday in an Instagram post. She most definitely will be missed.
The Trump administration has canceled the federal governments participation in Safe to Sleep, a 30-year campaign aimed at preventing infants from dying in their sleep. Getty Images

The Trump administration has canceled the federal governments participation in Safe to Sleep, a 30-year campaign aimed at preventing infants from dying in their sleep.

According to the health news site Stat, the communications office that ran Safe to Sleep for the National Institutes of Health was eliminated on April 1.

Because our office led the institutes activities related to the Safe to Sleep campaign, this action effectively ended NICHD involvement in and support for the campaign, Christina Stile, the former deputy director of the Office of Communications for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, said to Stat. She and the rest of the staff were put on administrative leave.

Stile said the office share advice and assets such as pamphlets based on information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

We produced all of these materials, tons and tons of content for other groups to use, thats going to be all gone, Stile said to the news site. Theres no way that any of the organizations that we collaborated with can fill that role.

The change comes as sudden infant death rates have gone up nearly 12% between 2020 and 2022, according to a recent JAMA Pediatrics study.

The elimination of this department is absolutely devastating as the rates of sudden unexpected infant death have begun to climb once again, Alison Jacobson, the CEO of First Candle, a nonprofit group that worked with the government on Safe to Sleep, said to Stat.

Nevertheless, Jacobson said that First Candle and other groups plan to continue the campaign without the governments help.

The Safe to Sleep campaign started in 1994 and was originally called Back to Sleep. Its goal is to encourage parents to have their infants sleep on their backs as a way to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
Listen, weve all been guilty of accidentally throwing things away that we shouldnt have.

Even so, this is a pretty big oopsie.

The Tribune-Review reports how not one, not two, but 46 pieces by none other than Andy Warhol  one of the most famous Pittsburgh-born people around  was mistakenly put in the trash by someone in the Netherlands.

According to the BBC, the work in question  which ironically included a 1980s silkscreen print of Dutch royalty, Queen Beatrix  had been stored in a basement of a town hall following their exhibition in the Maashorts municipality during renovations. A purported lack of guidelines for storing them might have been one of the reasons why they got chucked.

Thats not how you treat valuables, told Mayor Hans van der Pas to public broadcaster Omroep Brabant. But it happened. We regret that.

In a joint letter discussing the incident, van der Pas together with Maashorst aldermen admitted, It is not expected that the works of art will be found again.

The art worlds reaction to this blunder  unsurprisingly and understandably  was acerbic.

Doesnt everyone recognize that as a Warhol, practically exclaimed independent art detective Arthur Brand to The New York Times. You dont even have to know anything about art, you can see that right away.

I hope someone took it, he added. Id be fine with that person keeping it, because that way the print is safer than with the municipality itself.

CNN states that the 46 works are estimated to be worth a cumulative $25,000 in total.
Theres nothing quite like dinner and a show.

Which is exactly what this dinner theater in Pennsylvania does. So well, in fact, its been ranked among the top three best dinner theaters in these United States.

According to USA Todays 10Best Readers Choice Awards for Best Dinner Theater (2025), the Dutch Apple Theatre in Lancaster is the third best such establishment in the entire country.

These spots were nominated by a panel of experts, then voted upon by 10Best readers, making this an particular point of pride for the Dutch Apple.

Were thrilled and honored to be recognized among the best in the nation, William Prather, Chief Executive Producer of Prather Productions, who owns and operates the Dutch Apple along with his brother, Dave, said in a release.

This award reflects the incredible talent of our cast and crew, the dedication of our staff to go above and beyond, and the loyal support of our community and audiences from across the country.

USA Today explains how the Dutch Apple  which opened its doors in 1987  offers buffet-style dining and a range of shows from A Chorus Line to Hairspray. It can house 320 at a time, and also hosts concerts and workshops for children as well.

The dinner theater is currently showing Fiddler on the Roof through May 17.

Fleshing out the top three on the USA Today list was Tobys Dinner Theater in Columbia, Maryland, in second and Alhambra Theater & Dining in Jacksonville, Florida, in number one.
By Sarah Parvini, The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES  Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has filed a defamation lawsuit against Meta alleging that the social media giants artificial intelligence chatbot spread false statements about him, including that he participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Starbuck, known for targeting corporate DEI programs, said he discovered the claims made by Metas AI in August 2024, when he was going after woke DEI policies at motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson.

One dealership was unhappy with me and they posted a screenshot from Metas AI in an effort to attack me, he said in a post on X. This screenshot was filled with lies. I couldnt believe it was real so I checked myself. It was even worse when I checked.

Since then, he said he has faced a steady stream of false accusations that are deeply damaging to my character and the safety of my family.

The political commentator said he was in Tennessee during the Jan. 6 riot. The suit, filed in Delaware Superior Court on Tuesday, seeks more than $5 million in damages.

In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Meta said that as part of our continuous effort to improve our models, we have already released updates and will continue to do so.

Starbucks lawsuit joins the ranks of similar cases in which people have sued AI platforms over information provided by chatbots. In 2023, a conservative radio host in Georgia filed a defamation suit against OpenAI alleging ChatGPT provided false information by saying he defrauded and embezzled funds from the Second Amendment Foundation, a gun-rights group.

James Grimmelmann, professor of digital and information law at Cornell Tech and Cornell Law School, said there is no fundamental reason why AI companies couldnt be held liable in such cases. Tech companies, he said, cant get around defamation just by slapping a disclaimer on.

You cant say, Everything I say might be unreliable, so you shouldnt believe it. And by the way, this guys a murderer. It can help reduce the degree to which youre perceived as making an assertion, but a blanket disclaimer doesnt fix everything, he said. Theres nothing that would hold the outputs of an AI system like this categorically off limits.

Grimmelmann said there are some similarities between the arguments tech companies make in AI-related defamation and copyright infringement cases, like those brought forward by newspapers, authors and artists. The companies often say that they are not in a position to supervise everything an AI does, he said, and they claim they would have to compromise the techs usefulness or shut it down entirely if you held us liable for every harmful, infringing output, its produced.

I think it is an honestly difficult problem, how to prevent AI from hallucinating in the ways that produce unhelpful information, including false statements, Grimmelmann said. Meta is confronting that in this case. They attempted to make some fixes to their models of the system, and Starbuck complained that the fixes didnt work.

When Starbuck discovered the claims made by Metas AI, he tried to alert the company about the error and enlist its help to address the problem. The complaint said Starbuck contacted Metas managing executives and legal counsel, and even asked its AI about what should be done to address the allegedly false outputs.

According to the lawsuit, he then asked Meta to retract the false information, investigate the cause of the error, implement safeguards and quality control processes to prevent similar harm in the future, and communicate transparently with all Meta AI users about what would be done.

The filing alleges that Meta was unwilling to make those changes or take meaningful responsibility for its conduct.

Instead, it allowed its AI to spread false information about Mr. Starbuck for months after being put on notice of the falsity, at which time it fixed the problem by wiping Mr. Starbucks name from its written responses altogether, the suit said.

Joel Kaplan, Metas chief global affairs officer, responded to a video that Starbuck posted to X outlining the lawsuit and called the situation unacceptable.

This is clearly not how our AI should operate, Kaplan said on X. Were sorry for the results it shared about you and that the fix we put in place didnt address the underlying problem.

Kaplan said he is working with Metas product team to understand how this happened and explore potential solutions.

Starbuck said that in addition to falsely saying he participated in the the riot at the U.S. Capitol, Meta AI also falsely claimed he engaged in Holocaust denial, and said he pleaded guilty to a crime despite never having been arrested or charged with a single crime in his life.

Meta later blacklisted Starbucks name, he said, adding that the move did not solve the problem because Meta includes his name in news stories, which allows users to then ask for more information about him.

While Im the target today, a candidate you like could be the next target, and lies from Metas AI could flip votes that decide the election, Starbuck said on X. You could be the next target too.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/yulia.svyrydenko

Ukraine and the United States will establish a U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to attract global investments into the country. The relevant agreement was signed on Wednesday in Washington by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

"The Fund will be financed exclusively through revenue from NEW licenses  specifically, 50% of the proceeds from new licenses for critical materials and oil and gas projects that will flow into the budget after the Fund's creation. Revenues from already launched projects or budgeted income will not be included in the Fund," Svyrydenko wrote in a Facebook post.

She explained that, in addition to direct monetary contributions, the United States could support the Fund with new forms of aid  for example, air defense systems for Ukraine.

"Ukraine will contribute 50% of the state budget revenues from NEW royalties on NEW licenses for NEW plots. Ukraine may also make additional contributions beyond this baseline if it deems necessary. This is a long-term partnership  one designed to last for decades," the First Deputy Prime Minister said.

According to Svyrydenko, the Fund will invest in projects related to the extraction of minerals, oil, and gas, as well as associated infrastructure and processing. Specific investment projects to be financed by the Fund will be jointly determined by Ukraine and the United States.

"Importantly, the Fund can only invest in Ukraine. We expect that for the first ten years, the Fund's profits and revenue will not be distributed but rather reinvested exclusively into new projects or reconstruction within Ukraine. These conditions will be subject to further discussion," she added.

She emphasized that the agreement guarantees full ownership and control by Ukraine. "All resources within our territory and territorial waters belong to Ukraine. The Ukrainian state alone determines where and what to extract. The subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership  this is enshrined in the agreement," Svyrydenko said.

The agreement establishes an equal partnership: the Fund will be created on a 50/50 basis. "Ukraine and the United States will jointly manage the Fund. Neither side will hold a controlling vote  this ensures equal partnership between the two nations," she explained.

Svyrydenko also noted that the agreement does not alter existing privatization processes or management structures of state-owned enterprises such as Ukrnafta or Energoatom, which will remain under Ukrainian ownership. She reiterated that the Fund will be capitalized solely through new licenses and royalties from critical materials and oil and gas projects.

"The agreement contains no provisions for Ukrainian debt obligations to the United States. Its implementation will enable both countries to expand their economic potential through equal cooperation and investment," she said.

She also underscored that the agreement is in line with Ukraine's Constitution and does not affect the country's EU integration course. "This agreement sends a strong signal to the global community that long-term cooperation with Ukraine is reliable and viable for decades to come," she wrote.

To operationalize the Fund, only amendments to the Budget Code are required, while the agreement itself must be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada.

The Fund will be supported by the U.S. government through the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which will help attract investment and technology from funds and companies in the United States, EU, and other countries backing Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression, Svyrydenko noted.

She added that the agreement includes tax guarantees: the Fund's income and contributions will not be taxed in either Ukraine or the United States to maximize investment outcomes.

"We have developed a mutually beneficial version of the agreement for both countries. It demonstrates the U.S. commitment to long-term peace in Ukraine and acknowledges Ukraine's contribution to global security through the relinquishment of its nuclear arsenal. It is an agreement in which the United States reaffirms its dedication to Ukraine's security, recovery, and reconstruction," Svyrydenko concluded.
Head winemaker Craig Hosbach walks past rows of wine tanks at Fox Run Vineyards on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. (Natasha Kaiser via AP) AP

By Natasha Kaiser of Rochester Institute of Technology and Makiya Seminera, The Associated Press

PENN YAN, N.Y.  A decade ago, Scott Osborn would have eagerly told prospective vineyard owners looking to join the wine industry to jump into it.

Now, his message is different.

Youre crazy, said Osborn, who owns Fox Run Vineyards, a sprawling 50-acre (20-hectare) farm on Seneca Lake, the largest of New Yorks Finger Lakes.

Its becoming riskier to grow grapes in the states prominent winemaking region. Harvests like Osborns are increasingly endangered by unpredictable weather from climate change. Attitudes on wine are shifting. Political tensions, such as tariffs amid President Donald Trumps trade wars and the administrations rollback of environmental policies, are also looming problems.

Despite the challenges, however, many winegrowers are embracing sustainable practices, wanting to be part of the solution to global warming while hoping they can adapt to changing times.

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EDITORS NOTE: This story is a collaboration between Rochester Institute of Technology and The Associated Press.

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The Finger Lakes, which span a large area of western New York, have water that can sparkle and give off a sapphire hue on sunny days. More than 130 wineries dot the shorelines and offer some of Americas most famous white wines.

At Fox Run, visitors step inside to sip wines and bring a bottle  or two  home. Many are longtime customers, like Michele Magda and her husband, who have frequently made the trip from Pennsylvania.

This is like a little escape, a little getaway, she said.

Traditionally, the plants buds break out in spring, emerging with colorful grapes that range from the cabernet francs deep blues to the soft greens of the regions most popular grape, riesling. However, a warming world is making that happen earlier, adding to uncertainty and potential risks for farmers. If a frost comes after the buds have broken, growers can lose much of the harvest.

Fox Run winemaker Craig Hosbach completed his 21st vintage last fall. It never gets old, he said, adding that 'I still love what I do.' Fox Run Vineyards

Year-round rain and warmer night temperatures differentiate the Finger Lakes from its West Coast competitors, said Paul Brock, a viticulture and wine technology professor at Finger Lakes Community College. Learning to adapt to those fluctuations has given local winemakers a competitive advantage, he said.

Globally, vineyards are grappling with the impacts of increasingly unpredictable weather. In France, record rainfall and harsh weather have spelled trouble for winegrowers trying their best to adapt. Along the West Coast, destructive wildfires are worsening wine quality.

Winegrowers as part of the solution

Many winegrowers say they are working to make their operations more sustainable, wanting to help solve climate change caused by the burning of fuels like gasoline, coal and natural gas.

Farms can become certified under initiatives such as the New York Sustainable Winegrowing program. Fox Run and more than 50 others are certified, which requires that growers improve practices like bettering soil health and protecting water quality of nearby lakes.

Beyond the rustic metal gate featuring the titular foxes, some of Osborns sustainability initiatives come into view.

Hundreds of solar panels powering 90% of the farms electricity are the most obvious feature. Other initiatives are more subtle, like underground webs of fungi used to insulate crops from drought and disease.

We all have to do something, Osborn said.

Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, walks past dormant grapevines, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. (Natasha Kaiser via AP) AP

One winegrowers sustainability push

For Suzanne Hunt and her familys 7th-generation vineyard, doing something about climate change means devoting much of their efforts to sustainability.

Hunt Country Vineyards, along Keuka Lake, took on initiatives like using underground geothermal pipelines for heating and cooling, along with composting. Despite the forward-looking actions, climate change is one of the factors forcing the family to make tough decisions about their future.

Devastating frosts in recent years have caused catastrophic crop loss. Theyve also had to reconcile with changing consumer attitudes, as U.S. consumption of wine fell over the past few years, according to wine industry advocacy group Wine Institute.

By this years end, the vineyard will stop producing wine and instead will hold community workshops and sell certain grape varieties.

The farm and the vineyard, you know, its part of me, Hunt said, adding that she wanted to be able to spend all of her time helping other farms and businesses implement sustainable practices. Ill let the people whose dream and life is to make wine do that part, and Ill happily support them.

Tariffs and US policy changes loom

Vinny Aliperti, owner of Billsboro Winery along Seneca Lake, is working to improve the wine industrys environmental footprint. In the past year, hes helped establish communal wine bottle dumpsters that divert the glass from entering landfills and reuse it for construction materials.

But Aliperti said hed like to see more nearby wineries and vineyards in sustainability efforts. The wine industrys longevity depends on it, especially under a presidential administration that doesnt seem to have sustainability at top of mind, he said.

I think were all a bit scared, frankly, a bit, I mean, depressed, he said. I dont see very good things coming out of the next four years in terms of the environment.

Osborn is bracing for sweeping cuts to federal environmental policies that previously made it easier to fund sustainability initiatives. Tax credits for Osborns solar panels made up about half of over $400,000 in upfront costs, in addition to some state and federal grants. Osborn wants to increase his solar production, but he said he wont have enough money without those programs.

Solar panels operate at Fox Run Vineyards and Seneca Lake, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. (Natasha Kaiser via AP) AP

Fox Run could also lose thousands of dollars from retaliatory tariffs and boycotts of American wine from his Canadian customers. In March, Canada introduced 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods  including wine.

Osborn fears he cant compete with larger wine-growing states like California, which may flood the American market to make up for lost customers abroad. Smaller vineyards in the Finger Lakes might not survive these economic pressures, he said.

Back at Fox Runs barrel room, Aric Bryant, a decade-long patron, says all the challenges make him even more supportive of New York wines.

I have this, like, fierce loyalty, he said. I go to restaurants around here and if they dont have Finger Lakes wines on their menu, Im like, What are you even doing serving wine?

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
WILLIAMSPORT  The Lycoming County man who failed to provide T-shirts as promised to organizers of the annual 9-11 memorial motorcycle ride is headed to court on child sexual abuse charges.

Michael Allen Ritter, 37, of Nisbet, is facing two more severe felonies than he was before his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Lycoming County First Assistant District Attorney Martin L. Wade amended the charges to upgrade two of them from third to first-degree felonies to reflect the victims being prepubescent.
WILLIAMSPORT  A federal judge has dismissed a Republican lawmakers challenge to the processing of voter registration and mail-in-ballot applications in Luzerne County before the 2024 General Election.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann ruled Monday Rep. Jamie Walsh did not have standing because he was unopposed in the general election for the 117th District seat.

Walsh defeated incumbent Rep. Mike Cabell in the Republican primary by 4 votes, but the winner was not officially declared until five months later because of litigation related to provisional ballots.
Desks are arranged in a classroom at an elementary school in Nesquehoning, Pa., March 11, 2021. AP

Story by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pauses during a news conference at the governor's residence discussing the arson that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy, file) AP Photo/Marc Levy
With the investigation into the hostage situation at UPMC Memorial officially concluded, the mother of 29-year-old West York Police officer Andrew Duarte, who was killed in the incident, said their family has an opportunity to now walk forward in other ways.

Nancy Duarte Matarese, Andrews mother, told reporters Wednesday that her sons final heroic moments are still fresh in her mind more than two months after the incident.
WILLIAMSPORT  A Pennsylvania man charged federally in Williamsport in a multi-state conspiracy to steal high-end muscle-type vehicles and resell them has been killed by police in New York City.

Jumaane Wright, 28, of Elkins Park, was fatally shot Tuesday evening as he fled officers near Brighton Beach driving a stolen Porsche.

Wright was one of 10 men indicted in U.S. Middle District Court in a conspiracy authorities said involved stealing the vehicles, driving them to residences, displaying them in person at meetups or on social media, keeping them for personal use, concealing them or selling them.
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.

The 35-year-old driver from Fleetwood, Berks County, was headed to the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary when the bridge collapsed, a post on the Wildlands Conservancys Facebook page says.

The trapped driver was rescued by emergency responders, state police said. WFMZ-69 News reported that it took rescue crews more than eight hours to retrieve the propane tanker after it became partially submerged in the Little Lehigh.

There were no injuries reported.

A state trooper with the Troop M Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program is inspecting the truck to ensure it complies with the law. The bridges posted weight limit is five tons. WFMZ, citing state police, reported the propane truck could have been carrying up to 16 tons.

Engineers are looking into whether the bridge had any structural weaknesses. Its unclear how old the bridge is.

Trooper Nathan Branosky told lehighvalleylive.com no propane or diesel spilled into the creek. There was no environmental damage to the Wildlands Conservancy grounds, the conservancy posted on Facebook.

The bridge is closed to traffic, Branosky said. That means there is no access to the 77-acre Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wildlands Conservancy says.

The Wildlife Sanctuary includes nearly three miles of trails. Its home to the Wildlands Conservancy headquarters and serves as an outdoor classroom for thousands of school-age children annually. It features a boardwalk on the Floodplain Trail along the Little Lehigh, according to the Wildlands Conservancys website.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
The dairy and poultry food safety inspection program in Pennsylvania should see minimal to no impact from the Trump administration reversal of two Biden-era safety programs. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) AP

Pennsylvania agricultural officials are striking a cautious tone in the wake of two Trump Administration measures poised to significantly impact food safety.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture are assuring the public that the decision by the White House to reverse federal regulations ensuring the safety of raw milk and poultry will have minimal impact across those industries in the Commonwealth.
Protect Our Care supporters display a "Hands Off Medicaid" message in front of the White House ahead of President Donald Trump's address to Congress, signaling opposition to the Republican budget plan, which would slash Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion, on March 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Protect Our Care/TNS) TNS

By Teresa Miller

As Congress deliberates sweeping cuts to Medicaid, lets be clear that the truly tough choices will be left to individual states. Decisions made by Congress will have far-reaching and potentially catastrophic effects, not just on health care access, but also on other critical services and resources that states, including Pennsylvania, provide to their residents.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and invited him to visit Kyiv.

Canada is currently holding the G7 Presidency. We discussed our cooperation within this platform, and I am grateful for Canadas readiness to work with us at the G7 level. We greatly appreciate all the support that Canada and Canadians provide to Ukraine, our state, our people, Zelenskyy said in an evening address Wednesday.

In addition, the parties discussed sanctions against the Russian Federation, air defense for Ukraine, as well as communication with key partners.

I invited Prime Minister Carney to visit Ukraine  Kyiv. I have no doubt that Canada's leadership in defending international law will continue to be felt, the president added.
President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI, Associated Press

A federal judge on Thursday barred the Trump administration from deporting any Venezuelans from South Texas under an 18th-century wartime law and said President Donald Trumps invocation of it was unlawful.

U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. is the first judge to rule that the Alien Enemies Act cannot be used against people who, the Republican administration claims, are gang members invading the United States.

Neither the Court nor the parties question that the Executive Branch can direct the detention and removal of aliens who engage in criminal activity in the United States, wrote Rodriguez, who was nominated by Trump in 2018. But, the judge said, the Presidents invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statutes terms.

In March, Trump issued a proclamation claiming that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was invading the U.S. He said he had special powers to deport immigrants, identified by his administration as gang members, without the usual court proceedings.

The Court concludes that the Presidents invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful, Rodriguez wrote.

The Alien Enemies Act has only been used three times before in U.S. history, most recently during World War II, when it was cited to intern Japanese-Americans.

The proclamation triggered a flurry of litigation as the administration tried to ship migrants it claimed were gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

Rodriguezs ruling is significant because it is the first formal permanent injunction against the administration using the AEA and contends the president is misusing the law. Congress never meant for this law to be used in this manner, said Lee Gelernt, the ACLU lawyer who argued the case, in response to the ruling.

Rodriguez agreed, noting that the provision has only been used during the two World Wars and the War of 1812. Trump claimed Tren de Aragua was acting at the behest of the Venezuelan government, but Rodriguez found that the activities the administration accused it of did not amount to an invasion or predatory incursion, as the statute requires.

The Proclamation makes no reference to and in no manner suggests that a threat exists of an organized, armed group of individuals entering the United States at the direction of Venezuela to conquer the country or assume control over a portion of the nation, Rodriguez wrote. Thus, the Proclamations language cannot be read as describing conduct that falls within the meaning of invasion for purposes of the AEA.

If the administration appeals, it would go first to the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That is among the nations most conservative appeals courts and it also has ruled against what it saw as overreach on immigration matters by both the Obama and Biden administrations. In those cases, Democratic administrations had sought to make it easier for immigrants to remain in the U.S.

The administration, as it has in other cases challenging its expansive view of presidential power, could turn to appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, in the form of an emergency motion for a stay pending an appeal.

The Supreme Court already has weighed in once on the issue of deportations under the AEA. The justices held that migrants alleged to be gang members must be given reasonable time to contest their removal from the country. The court has not specified the length of time.

Its possible that the losing side in the 5th Circuit would file an emergency appeal with the justices that also would ask them to short-circuit lower court action in favor of a definitive ruling from the nations highest court. Such a decision likely would be months away, at least.

The Texas case is just one piece of a tangle of litigation sparked by Trumps proclamation.

The ACLU initially filed suit in the nations capital to block deportations. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued a temporary hold on removals and ordered the administration turn around planes that had left with detainees headed to El Salvador, a directive that was apparently ignored. Later, the Supreme Court weighed in.

The justices stepped in again late last month with an unusual postmidnight order halting deportations from North Texas, where the ACLU contended the administration was preparing for another round of flights to El Salvador.

Riccardi reported from Denver. Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst and Mark Sherman contributed to this report.
By ZEKE MILLER, AAMER MADHANI and SEUNG MIN KIM, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  White House national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to depart the administration, according to two people familiar with the matter on Thursday, marking the first major staff shakeup of President Donald Trumps second term.

Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen.

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz, left, speaks with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. Waltz has lost his job with the adminstration. (Ludovic Marin/Pool via AP, file) AP

A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, has also targeted Waltz, telling Trump in a recent Oval Office conversation that he needs to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the Make America Great Again agenda.

Waltzs deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to depart, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel move not yet made public. The National Security Council did not respond do a request for comment.

Waltz, who served in the House representing Florida for three terms before his elevation to the White House, is the most prominent senior administration official to depart since Trump returned to the White House.

In his second term, the Republican president had been looking to avoid the tumult of his first four years in office, during which he cycled through four national security advisers, four White House chiefs of staff and two secretaries of state.

The Signal chain also showed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop. Waltz had previously taken full responsibility for building the message chain and administration officials described the episode as a mistake but one that caused Americans no harm. Waltz maintained that he was not sure how Goldberg ended up in the messaging chain, and insisted he did not know the journalist.

Trump and the White House  which insisted that no classified information was shared on the text chain  have stood by Waltz publicly throughout the episode.

Waltz was on television as late as Thursday morning, promoting the administrations agreement with Kyiv that would allow the U.S. to access Ukraines critical minerals and other natural resources. As reports began to circulate that Waltz could be leaving the administration, Loomer appeared to take credit in a post on the social media site X, writing: SCALP.
FILE - People are seen on the beach and in the water in front of the Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, Nov. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, File) AP

By Audrey McAvoy, The Associated Press

HONOLULU  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 theyll 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. Its 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.

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

The increase will add to what is already a relatively large duty on short-term stays. The states existing 10.25% tax on daily room rates would climb to 11%. In addition, Hawaiis 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 states 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 Mauis road to Hana and the coastline along Oahus 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.

Charred remains of homes are visible following a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Aug. 22, 2023. The death toll of 102 is the largest of any American wildfire in more than a century. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) AP

Hotel industry has mixed feelings

Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, which represents the states hotel operators, said the industry was pleased lawmakers didnt 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 dont 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.

FILE - The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames along Wainee Street, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP, File) AP

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 Hawaiis 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.

Kawika Riley, a member of the governors 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.
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The number of victims as a result of the attack by enemy drones in Odesa on Thursday night has increased to 15, rescuers have evacuated more than 200 people from one of the houses, the State Emergency Service reported.

"A large-scale Russian attack on Odesa: there are dead and injured. According to preliminary information, another 15 people are injured," the message says.

The number of victims remains unchanged - two.

The attack damaged residential high-rise buildings, private homes, a supermarket, a school and cars. In one of the high-rise buildings, rescuers, together with the interaction services, evacuated more than 200 people. Fires broke out in the places where they were hit, which were quickly extinguished.

The State Emergency Service has deployed a Point of Invincibility.

Psychologists from the State Emergency Service and the National Police were working on the ground.

As reported, as a result of the drone attack on Odesa on Thursday night, two people were killed and five were injured, said chief of Regional Military Administration Oleh Kiper.
Aiken Standard reporter

Bill Bengtson is an Aiken Standard reporter and has focused since 1996 on such subjects as education, churches, retirees, agriculture, veterans, North Augusta, Fort Gordon and northern Aiken County. His start in South Carolina reporting was in Greenwood, with the Index-Journal. He is a native of Florence, Alabama, and a graduate of Whitman College and the University of Georgia.

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Tiffany Tan is a senior reporter at The Post and Courier in Columbia. She covers statewide issues, particularly in the criminal justice system. She previously reported on the courts, the opioid epidemic and regional news in Vermont for VTDigger. She has also worked for newspapers and television outlets in Manila, Beijing, Singapore and South Dakota.
Quick Response and Public Safety Reporter

Kailey Cota is a breaking news and public safety reporter for the Post & Courier's Charleston location. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She previously wrote for The State, The Current and The Daily Gamecock, and was named South Carolinas collegiate journalist of the year.
On the night of Thursday, the Ukrainian military shot down 74 Shahed-type attack UAVs (drones of other types) in the east, north, south and center of the country, 68 enemy drone imitators were lost (without negative consequences), the Air Force reports.

"As of 8:30 a.m., the downing of 74 Shahed-type attack UAVs (and other types of drones) in the east, north, south and center of the country has been confirmed," the message says.

As noted, on the night of May 1 (from 19:30 on April 30), the enemy attacked with five Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Crimea, 170 strike UAVs and other types of drone imitators from the areas of Kursk, Millerovo, Orel, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation, Chauda - Crimea.

At the same time, 68 enemy drone imitators were lost (without negative consequences).

The enemy air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Odesa, Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk and Kyiv regions suffered as a result of the enemy attack.
Growth & Development Reporter

Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023.
Local Government Reporter

Josh Archote covers the city of Columbia and Richland County for the Post and Courier. He graduated from Louisiana State University and has written for the Tampa Bay Times.
Reporter

Conor Hughes covers Greenville County for The Post and Courier. He has been reporting on South Carolina's Upstate for close to a decade, writing about everything from crime, to development, to politics during that time.
Summerville, SC (29483)

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Showers this morning, becoming a steady rain during the afternoon hours. High 83F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

A few showers this evening, becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 73F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

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Tropical storm conditions possible. Occasional rain tapering to a few showers late. High 82F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

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Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low near 75F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Myrtle Beach, SC (29577)

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Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers early, then becoming windy with a steady light rain for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds ENE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain and thunderstorms. Low near 75F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
Ukrainian parliamentarian, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko shared key aspects of the adopted Resolution in support of Ukraine at the Congress of the European People's Party (EPP) in Valencia. The document takes into account the proposals that Poroshenko presented during its preparation, it is reported on social networks.

The EPP resolution also provides for an increase in the volume of defence support for Ukraine, the development of joint defence production and investments in the defence industry, as well as the financing of reforms.

He stressed that sanctions against Russia should remain in place until a sustainable peace is established that will guarantee security on the continent. Poroshenko also called for the deployment of a military contingent of EU countries in Ukraine as part of a "coalition of the willing" to prevent repeated aggression.

Separately, the EPP appealed to the Ukrainian authorities to respect the principles of democracy, political pluralism and the rule of law even during martial law.

"We ensured that the issue of Ukraine became the number one priority. Each speech contained words of support for our state. Our initiative on non-recognition of the territories occupied by Russia was also supported. This is a powerful signal from Valencia," the leader of European Solidarity emphasized.

"We cannot allow the curtailment of democracy, freedoms and human rights. These are fundamental values that form the basis of negotiations on EU membership," Poroshenko concluded.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with a few showers. High 83F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Ukrainian engineers and construction workers are carrying out temporary repairs of the Chornobyl site's New Safe Confinement (NSC) that was severely damaged in a drone attack earlier this year, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on April 30.

"The drone strike on 14 February pierced a big hole through the roof of the large confinement structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 accident and protect it from external hazards. It took several weeks to completely extinguish the fires and smouldering caused by this strike," the IAEA said.

The IAEA team based at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine visited the NSC in recent days to discuss ongoing efforts by the site to assess the building's structural integrity following the attack almost three months ago and to observe repairs of the inner and outer cladding to prevent water ingress.

"The site is now focusing its efforts on assessing the full extent of the damage while also carrying out short-term repairs. It is clear that the confinement structure  constructed at huge expense and with major international support  suffered extensive damage," Grossi said.

He reiterated, however, that there has not been any radioactive release as a result of the damage, and that the NSC is able to continue to perform its protective function.

As reported earlier by Oleh Korikov, head of Ukraine's State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, on February 17, the New Safe Confinement structure over Reactor No. 4 at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant is unable to perform its primary containment function due to damage from a Russian drone strike and its consequences.

However, on February 15, Grossi stated that radiation levels at the site had not changed, despite significant damage. This was confirmed by on-site measurements conducted by the IAEA team.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-01 21:48:37

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / Adrianna Ventures Ltd. (the "Company" or "Adrianna"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement dated May 1, 2025 (the "Merger Agreement") with xTAO Inc. ("xTAO"), a company whose core business is the operation of a validator on the Bittensor network, pursuant to which the Company and xTAO propose to complete a business combination transaction (the "Transaction"). The Transaction is being effected to facilitate a listing on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") by the resulting issuer of such business combination transaction (the "Resulting Issuer"), under the ticker XTAO. In connection with the Transaction, xTAO is expected to complete a non-brokered private placement financing to raise up to US$10,000,000 (as detailed below).xTAOxTAO is a private company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. xTAO's core business is the operation of a validator on the Bittensor network. xTAO was founded by Karia Samaroo, who serves as CEO of xTAO and will serve as Chairman and CEO of the Resulting Issuer. Karia is the founder and former Chairman and CEO of WonderFi (TSX)."xTAO will be the first publicly-traded company providing exposure to Bittensor, the leading decentralized AI network," said Samaroo. "Bittensor is rapidly emerging as the "Bitcoin of AI", and xTAO will be well-positioned to capitalize on its growth potential through the operation of our validator and our use of TAO as our treasury reserve asset." What is Bittensor?Bittensor is a decentralized network that incentivizes the creation of useful products, such as data, computation, and machine learning models. The network is composed of specialized subnetworks ("subnets"), each focusing on the creation of a specific product.TAO, the native token of Bittensor, is used to incentivize the three types of network participants: (1) miners, who create the products; (2) validators, who evaluate the quality of the products; and (3) subnet owners, who define the desired products and reward system.Transaction OverviewThe Transaction will be completed by way of a merger of Adrianna and xTAO pursuant to which, inter alia, (i) all Adrianna shareholders who would hold twenty-five or fewer Resulting Issuer Shares (as defined below) immediately subsequent to the Transaction will have their shares redeemed by the Resulting Issuer at an equivalent price of US$1 per Resulting Issuer Share; (ii) all remaining common shares of outstanding as of closing of the Transaction will be exchanged for an aggregate of 540,000 Resulting Issuer Shares, (iii) all currently outstanding incentive stock options to acquire Adrianna Shares will be cancelled without consideration, (iv) each Subscription Receipt (as defined below) will be exchanged for xTAO Shares (as defined below), (v) xTAO Shares (including xTAO Shares issued upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts), will be exchanged for Resulting Issuer Shares on a one for five basis, (vi) the Resulting Issuer's name will be xTAO Inc. and (vii) the board of directors and management team will be re-constituted with designees of XTAO.A copy of the Merger Agreement will be filed and will be accessible under Adrianna's profile on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca) . As the Transaction requires approval of a special majority of Adrianna's shareholders, Adrianna intends to schedule an extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders to approve the Transaction. Shareholders of Adrianna holding approximately 86.5% of Adrianna's outstanding shares have entered into support agreements in support of the Transaction.LockupsUpon closing of the Transaction, the 540,000 Resulting Issuer Shares to be received by the current shareholders of Adrianna will be subject to a three year lock-up, with 10% of such being releasable on the three year anniversary date of listing on the Exchange, and an additional 10% releasable every three (3) months thereafter (the "Lockup"). Such Resulting Issuer Shares will also subject to volume restrictions which limit the amount of shares that can be sold during certain time intervals, as well as a right of first refusal in favour of third parties.Upon closing of the Transaction, all current shareholders of xTAO will also be subject to the Lockup, and will also be subject to volume restrictions which limit the amount of shares that can be sold during certain time intervals, as well as a right of first refusal in favour of third parties.FinancingIn connection with the Transaction, xTAO intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Financing") of subscription receipts of xTAO (the "Subscription Receipts"), to raise up to US$10,000,000, through the issuance of up to 2,000,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of US$5 per Subscription Receipt. To date, the Financing includes investments from crypto venture capital firms including Arca, Cadenza Capital, Contango Digital Assets, Digital Currency Group, EV3 Ventures, Nickel5 Investments, Off the Chain Capital, and the Venture Department.The proceeds of the Financing will be held in escrow, pending Adrianna and xTAO receiving all applicable regulatory approvals, and completing all matters and conditions relating to the Transaction. Immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, on satisfaction of the escrow conditions, each Subscription Receipt will automatically be exchanged for, without payment of any further consideration and with no further action on the part of the holder thereof, one (1) share of xTAO (each, an "xTAO Share"), and immediately thereafter, each xTAO Share issuable upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be exchanged for five (5) common shares of the Resulting Issuer (each, a "Resulting Issuer Share"). Once released from escrow, the Resulting Issuer will use the proceeds of the Financing for business operations and technology, and for general corporate purposes.About xTAOxTAO is a technology company providing infrastructure for the Bittensor ecosystem through the operation of a validator. xTAO holds TAO, the native token of Bittensor, as its treasury reserve asset. xTAO is headquartered in the Cayman Islands and will be publicly traded on the TSXV under the ticker "XTAO". To learn more, please visit www.xtao.co For more information please contact:Karia Samaroo, CEO, xTAO Inc. k@ xtao.co 604-704-4373Scott Ackerman, CEO, Adrianna Ventures Ltd. sackerman@ emprisecapital.com 778-331-8505On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Adrianna Ventures Ltd.Scott AckermanDirectorThis news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within
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TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / AirSprint Inc., the Canadian authority in Fractional Jet Ownership, proudly marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of excellence in private aviation. Since its founding in 2000, AirSprint has redefined private jet travel, becoming synonymous with safety, reliability, and personalized service. AirSprint Celebrates 25 Years of Service Excellence Elevating the Experience for Our Fractional OwnersFor 25 years, AirSprint has been the preferred private jet operator for Canada's most accomplished individuals and business leaders. As the nation's leading private jet operator, AirSprint provides a cost-effective solution to maximize time and productivity, offering seamless access to thousands of destinations across Canada, the U.S. (including Hawaii), Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Central and South America. From entrepreneurs to executives, AirSprint has been instrumental in delivering exceptional private jet travel experiences-empowering its Fractional Owners to drive their businesses forward with flexibility and ease."At AirSprint, our mission has always been to provide our Fractional Owners with the highest level of service and convenience," said Judson T. Macor, Founder & Chairman of the Board at AirSprint. "As we commemorate this milestone, we reflect on the trust and loyalty our Fractional Owners have placed in us over the years. We take great pride in helping discerning Canadians achieve their goals and confidently navigate their journeys." Beyond business travel, AirSprint has transformed how families and friends connect, offering exceptional turn-key access to private aviation. Whether for leisure, special occasions, or spontaneous getaways, AirSprint's fleet delivers luxury, comfort, and convenience-ensuring its Fractional Owners make the most of every moment with their loved ones.As AirSprint celebrates 25 years, it remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability. Since January 1, 2025, every AirSprint flight has been carbon offset. The company continues to lead the way in responsible aviation, investing in carbon reduction initiatives, advancing fuel efficiency, and innovative technologies to minimize its environmental footprint. Looking ahead, AirSprint remains dedicated to sustainable solutions that will shape the future of private aviation."As we enter the next chapter of AirSprint's journey, we remain committed to the values of safety, excellence, and innovation that have defined us since day one," said James Elian, President & CEO of AirSprint. "We are grateful for the support of our Fractional Owners, partners, and dedicated team members who have contributed to our success. With their unwavering trust, we are excited to continue setting the standard for private aviation in Canada for many years to come." About AirSprintAirSprint Private Aviation is a privately-held company with offices in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. AirSprint maintains the largest fractional fleet of private aircraft in Canada, a jet collection of Embraer Praetor 500/600, Embraer Legacy 450/500, Cessna Citation CJ3+ and Cessna Citation CJ2+ aircraft. AirSprint proudly flies Canadians from coast-to-coast, including service from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and the Maritimes. AirSprint provides discerning Canadians with a better choice for optimizing their time by enhancing the private jet ownership experience with industry-leading safety standards, exceptional turn-key service, and increased flexibility; everything personalized for the Owners' individual travel needs. All at a fraction of the cost. AirSprint.com Contact InformationScott WenzVP, Sales and Marketing & CGOnews@ airsprint.com 403.669.7530SOURCE: AirSprint Inc.
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MONTREAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /Alphinat Inc. (TSXV: NPA.H)(NEX:NPA) announces a profit of $ for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.During fiscal 2023, Alphinat has concentrated most of its commercial efforts on its partnerships and accelerating solutions sales in the public sector. Furthermore, SmartGuide continues being used by federal government departments & agencies, state / provincial and municipal governments.Our teams are involved in a variety of strategic projects for on-premises and cloud deployments with very short delivery delays, demonstrating the level of productivity that SmartGuide offers our clients and partners. At Alphinat, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance user experience and interoperability of client IT infrastructures.SmartGuide allows the IT department to focus on the infrastructure, technical conventions, connections to existing systems and security while business subject matter experts expand on that foundation to convert their knowledge and know-how into citizen-centric online services. SmartGuide has many times demonstrated that it offers our clients and partners the lowest Total Cost of Ownership ("TCO") compared to custom coded solutions.In order to accelerate future growth, Alphinat has six main areas of solution deliveries:SmartGuide  Grants and Contributions solution ( http://www.smartgrants.ca ) was developed in conjunction with a federal department of the Canadian Government. This platform offers unparalleled productivity for federal, state and municipal clients creating calls for grants including financial program creations for applications, adjudication and payments;SmartGuide  Portal Edition for Dynamics 3651 ( http://www.smartd365.com ) has optimize the way that clients can now create and deploy online services on top of Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM solutions. This offering is available in SaaS mode as well as on-premises;SmartGuide Green House Gas Registry solutions ( www.SmartGHGR.ca is a green fintech solution allowing governments and industry to work together in reducing the harmful effects of greenhouse gas. Alphinat currently has three provincial clients for our SmartGHGR.ca solution;SmartGuide Claims solutions ( www.smartclaims.ca/ ) was developed in conjunction with a major IT consulting partner, which aims at offering unparalleled productivity to federal, state and municipal clients for financial claims applications, adjudication and settlements for financial compensation and class action settlements;SmartGuide  CIVIC Portal, CIVIC Portal for Permits & Licensing ( http://www.permitsmarter.ca ) and SmartGuide  Municipal Cloud are Municipal Cloud and on-premises solutions front ending partner solutions and other digital services for improved user experience for both the cities and their citizens.SmartProfile ( www.smartprofile.ca) a secure Single Sign On solution is now a standalone solution, built on SmartGuide it provides industry leading flexible for full integration and end-user satisfaction.During fiscal 2023, our R&D team has continued to improve SmartGuide and SmartGuide derivative products including an accelerated SmartGuide version 11 with LIVEaiASSIST in order to support the growing ambitions of our clients and partners all while supporting our own strategic growth. We added class actions and financial claims automation processing to our repeatable solutions offerings and are marketing these solutions with an IT consulting partner.The team delivers solutions to various federal, state / provincial agencies and municipalities across North America and Europe. In addition, the company continues to be involved in supporting its partners to ensure the delivery of solutions to government customers.For the 12-month period ended August 31, 2023, the Company recorded total revenue of $1,423,902 compared to $1,651,074 for the same period in 2022. The net earnings for fiscal 2023 amount to$84,870 or $0.00 per common share compared to net earnings of $112,751 or $0.00 per common share in fiscal 2022.Alphinat's financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period ending August 31, 2023 can be found on SEDAR, at www.sedar.com About AlphinatAt Alphinat, we are driven by the passion to make application development easy for everyone and system interoperability issues a thing of the past. We enable people with the vision of how a finished application should look and behave to be a major part of the development process. After all, what better way to ensure favourable outcome than to provide those closest to an application's end-users with a vested interest in its success throughout its development.That's why we bring you new ways to empower the right people at the right time in the application development process. At the same time, we're constantly working to reduce the need to code in order to make application development and maintenance simpler and less error prone.So, whether you choose to develop your applications with the help of our low-code platform SmartGuide, kickstart your project using one of our pre-built apps or engage us or one of ourpartners to do the work for you, we're here to help you deploy better applications in record time. Visit us at https://www.alphinat.com for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.Forward-looking statementsCertain statements in this document, including those which express management's expectations or estimations with regards to the Company's future performance constitute forward-looking statements" as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward- looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that 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 in these forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause significant differences between actual results and those described in forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's capacity to increase acceptance of its products on the market, and to penetrate new markets; the potential existence of defects or undetected problems in the Company's products; the Company's ability to manage its growth; the Company's ability to c
PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-01 19:00:52

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Honoring a student whose journey through cancer inspires hope, purpose, and the pursuit of dreamsKINGMAN, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / Ambient Edge Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration is proud to announce Josh, a dedicated Guilford Technical Community College student, as the recipient of the 2024 Ambient Edge Cancer Scholarship. Josh's inspiring journey from leukemia survivor to aspiring chef exemplifies resilience, determination, and the healing power of food. Ambient Edge Ambient Edge Cooling, Heating & RefrigerationCancer is a disease that has touched countless lives, including those within the communities Ambient Edge serves throughout Nevada and Arizona. As an HVAC and plumbing company, much of Ambient Edge's work involves improving indoor air and water quality-removing harmful contaminants, including many known carcinogens. This mission and personal experiences within the Ambient Edge team fuel the company's commitment to giving back."We understand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis," said Steve Lewis, General Manager for Ambient Edge. "Many of us at Ambient Edge have either supported loved ones through their journeys or fought cancer. We believe no one should have to face these challenges alone." The Ambient Edge Cancer Scholarship is awarded annually to support a student who has been affected by cancer. The $1,000 scholarship is designed to assist one deserving, high-achieving student in overcoming obstacles and continuing to pursue their dreams.Josh's battle with leukemia ignited a passion for cooking, which became both therapy and inspiration during his treatment. His dream of opening a restaurant is not only about business success but about using food to bring people together, create community, and offer hope. Inspired by a life-changing Make-A-Wish trip to Los Angeles, Josh envisions a restaurant that blends creativity with comfort, serving as a hub for mentorship and outreach programs for those in need.Even as he works toward his degree, Josh is already giving back-regularly cooking meals for the homeless in his community. His story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of using one's gifts to make a difference.Ambient Edge is honored to support Josh's journey and looks forward to seeing all he will accomplish.Ambient Edge Heating, Cooling and RefrigerationAmbient Edge Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration is a full-service HVAC and plumbing company serving residential and commercial customers in Arizona and Nevada. Focusing on exceptional customer care, Ambient Edge provides expert solutions for heating, cooling, plumbing, and commercial refrigeration needs. Backed by a team of highly trained, NATE-certified technicians, Ambient Edge is committed to comfort, safety, and community impact. Learn more at www.ambientedge.com Contact InformationCatlin BolanMarketing Coordinatorinfo@ ambientedge.com (877) 287-0480SOURCE: Ambient Edge
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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA AND SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / RONN Inc. (OTC PINK:RONN), a U.S.-based hydrogen technology innovator, announced today that it will meet with its Saudi Arabian joint venture partners this Saturday to finalize and approve the budget for the newly formed "RONN Saudi Arabia" venture.This pivotal meeting represents the final step in aligning both parties on the near- and long-term capital deployment strategy for the joint venture, which is expected to be valued in the higheight to nine-figurerange. CEO Ronn Ford confirmed that the RONN Inc. executive team will present a comprehensive draft budget during the session, with official approval and sign-off anticipated by the conclusion of the meeting.The joint venture is structured with a 90/10 financing model, with Saudi partners providing the majority of funding. This strategic arrangement allows RONN Inc. to focus on hydrogen technology development, engineering, and rapid deployment, while Saudi leadership manages regional infrastructure and regulatory pathways."This meeting marks a critical milestone in moving from framework to execution," said Ford. "Both teams are aligned in vision-and this budget is the tool that will accelerate our shared mission into action." RONN Inc. and its Saudi partners are working closely to ensure the joint venture reflects the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. With hydrogen playing a central role in Saudi Arabia's national energy transition, the joint venture is expected to contribute meaningfully to regional hydrogen mobility, infrastructure, and manufacturing initiatives.About RONN Inc. RONN Inc. is a U.S.-based hydrogen technology company focused on developing zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, modular infrastructure, and high-performance supercars. The company is committed to scalable innovation, sustainable energy solutions, and global partnerships that accelerate the hydrogen economy.Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including projections and estimates, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to various factors. RONN Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.Contact: Ronn Ford, CEO Ronn.ford@ronnmotorgroup.com Social Media: @ronnmotorgroup on XWebsite: www.ronnmotorgroup.com SOURCE: RONN
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FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / Get ready for a stunning new destination along the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach! Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach is nearing the completion of a transformative renovation, emerging as the modern Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach. Located just steps away from the iconic sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, this completely redesigned hotel promises an unparalleled coastal experience, offering breathtaking ocean views, sophisticated amenities, and a refreshed, upscale vibe. Courtyard by Marriott Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach Newly renovated guest room with ocean views at the Courtyard by Marriott Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach."We are thrilled to welcome guests to the newly transformed Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach," said Steve Zunt Director of Sales and Marketing. "This transformational project is all about delivering a sophisticated, upscale experience that remains true to the vibrant, laid-back spirit of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Whether guests visit for business or leisure, the upgraded amenities, now featuring the Seabreeze Poolside Bar, and exceptional dining at The Mast, our newly branded restaurant, will make every stay at Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach unforgettable." Set for full completion later this month, the extensive renovation encompasses every corner of the property, turning beloved charm into contemporary luxury. Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach will present guests with a fresh, chic identity that perfectly complements the vibrant seaside atmosphere of Fort Lauderdale Beach."We're pleased to welcome this renovation as part of the exciting momentum happening along our beachfront," said City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. "Every investment in Fort Lauderdale contributes to the continued growth and improvement of our beach, strengthening our city's position as a world-class destination and driver of economic opportunity." Highlights of the Transformation Include:Stunning Poolside Bar & Breathtaking New Sundeck: Dive into beautiful oceanside views, and the ultimate in relaxation at the newly branded and renovated Seabreeze Poolside Bar, featuring a stunning pool deck, cozy firepits, personalized cabanas with cabana service, and refreshing cocktails, all set against panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale Beach. This gorgeous space is available for corporate and social events, meetings, weddings, and other memorable moments.Modern Coastal Guestrooms: Every guestroom has been redesigned with sleek aesthetics and comfort in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal spectacular views of either Fort Lauderdale Beach or the Intracoastal Waterway, paired with cutting-edge amenities designed to enhance the stay of leisure and business travelers alike.Stylish Redesigned Public Spaces: The lobby now boasts a redesigned, stylish, modern decor, and inviting spaces ideal for socializing or relaxing with a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the essence of beachside comfort.Introducing "The Mast" Restaurant: Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach proudly unveils "The Mast," an exciting new dining destination that perfectly blends sophistication with a relaxed coastal vibe. Guests and locals alike can look forward to fresh, locally inspired cuisine served in a beautifully designed, welcoming environment.Officially debuting its new identity on May 1, 2025, Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach is positioned to become one of Fort Lauderdale Beach's premier upscale oceanfront destinations. For more information or reservations, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, visit www.marriott.com/fllco , or call (954) 524-8733.About Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach offers an elevated coastal escape in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, featuring beautifully renovated guestrooms, a sophisticated new pool bar and sundeck, and The Mast restaurant. Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach combines modern luxury with unparalleled ocean views, delivering an unforgettable experience for both leisure and business travelers.Contact InformationSteve Zunt Director of Sales and Marketingsteve.zunt@aimbridge.com (954) 635-4109Tasha Cunningham Managing Partnertasha@ thebrandadvocates.com (305) 335-8466SOURCE: Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach
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We are not just challenging DEA policy, we are defending the Constitution said Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation. The DEA cannot sidestep Supreme Court precedent and force us into a hearing. The agency is running a closed loop of power, Boise added, they investigate, prosecute, judge and override all in-house. Thats not justice, thats a rigged game. WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / MMJ BioPharma Cultivation announced today that it will file for an emergency motion for injunctive relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island following a controversial ruling by a DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to vacate a previously granted stay, thereby green lighting a hearing before a DEA constitutionally flawed tribunal.The company's forthcoming lawsuit will seek to block the DEA's administrative hearing process, which MMJ contends violates the Supreme Court's ruling in Axon Enterprise, Inc. v. FTC, and represents irreparable harm to its constitutional rights.Axon and the Constitutional CrisisThe Axon decision, handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, established that federal courts may hear structural constitutional challenges to administrative agencies without requiring parties to exhaust agency proceedings first. MMJ argues that the DEA's internal administrative process-led by ALJs who are unconstitutionally insulated from presidential removal-defies this ruling."We are not just challenging policy; we are defending the Constitution," said Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation. "The DEA cannot sidestep Supreme Court precedent and force us into a hearing that, by their own partial admission, is unconstitutional." From Delay to DamageMMJ has been seeking DEA approval since 2018 to manufacture pharmaceutical-grade cannabis for FDA clinical trials aimed at treating Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Despite:Passing multiple DEA inspectionsReceiving a DEA schedule 1 Analytical Lab registrationReceiving FDA Orphan Drug designationSubmitting Investigational New Drug (IND) applications...MMJ has waited more than 2,300 days, well beyond the 60-day review period mandated by the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (MCREA).Now, with the DEA insisting on proceeding with a hearing before an ALJ system MMJ contends is structurally unconstitutional, the company is seeking judicial intervention to prevent what it sees as an "illegal and biased process." Alleged Irreparable HarmThe emergency injunction will argue that forcing MMJ to participate in this proceeding now would cause:Immediate constitutional injury by subjecting it to a flawed adjudicatory processLoss of opportunity to obtain timely relief from a neutral Article III federal courtDelays in delivering life-saving medicine to patients awaiting clinical trials"This is a direct threat to the right of every American business to a fair process under the law," Boise added. "We will not submit to an unconstitutional tribunal." What's NextMMJ's legal team plans to file the emergency motion and accompanying complaint in the coming days. The action seeks:A preliminary and permanent injunction halting the DEA hearingA declaration that the DEA's ALJ process violates the U.S. ConstitutionExpedited review under the precedent set in AxonMMJ's leadership emphasized that this fight is not just about one company-but about accountability at the highest levels of government."We are going to federal court to say enough is enough," said Boise. "It's time the DEA follows the law-not rewrites it." MMJ is represented byattorney Megan Sheehan .CONTACT:Madison Hisey mhisey@ mmjih.com 203-231-8583SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings
European Solidarity faction calls on Zelenskyy to discuss mineral agreement concluded with the US with representatives of the Rada factions and groups

The European Solidarity faction in the Verkhovna Rada is appealing to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet with representatives of parliamentary factions and groups to discuss the agreement concluded with the United States on cooperation in the field of minerals, according to a statement published on the party's website on Thursday morning.

"Last fall, during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Zelenskyy announced his sustainability plan, among the points of which was the idea of joint development of subsoil resources with our partners. However, Zelenskyy avoids communication with the parliament, although such a dialogue would contribute to internal unity. The EU faction considers it unacceptable to actually remove the Verkhovna Rada from the process of peace negotiations and the preparation of key agreements for the country. It is unacceptable to reduce the role of the legislative body to pressing buttons," the statement said.

The political force noted that Ukrainians learned about the signing of the Minerals Agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the United States from foreign media and only after the information leaked did Ukrainian government officials confirm the fact of the signing of the agreement and comment on its details.

"We insist on maximum openness of negotiations on concluding the agreement, with the involvement of leaders of factions in the Verkhovna Rada, specialists and the expert community. It is unacceptable when the text of the agreement is made public after signing, without comprehensive discussion and analysis," the party expressed its position.

"Eurosolidarity" insists that all provisions of the agreement must comply with the Constitution of Ukraine, not violate the sovereignty of the state, not create an imbalance in decision-making on resource management, in particular, not allow the veto right of foreign representatives in strategic management bodies. The party also demands that the principle of equal partnership be enshrined in the text of the agreement so that it does not contradict Ukraine's obligations to the European Union and other international partners, as well as transparent decision-making on the implementation of the agreement.

As reported, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant signed an agreement on the creation of a US-Ukraine reconstruction investment fund in Washington on Wednesday.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce that the appointment of Mr. Adrian Smith to the Company's Advisory Committee.Mr. Smith brings a wealth of experience from his two-decade career in the mining industry, where he has served in a number of roles focused on exploration, underground and open pit mine planning, scoping and feasibility studies in Canada and abroad.Mr. Smith began working for Exploration Companies as an Underground Mine Geologist in the Shasta Gold-Silver Mine in Northern BC. His experience thereafter has included successfully identifying, modeling, and producing ore in addition to known reserves at a number of mines. Since 2020, he has been CEO of First Atlantic Nickel Corp, a leading nickel explorer in Newfoundland, where he has used his experience to make the first known discovery at the First Atlantic Nickel project.As a strategic advisor, Formation stands to benefit not only from his input on its upcoming plans to advance its flagship N2 Gold Project ("N2"), host to a global historical resource of 877,000 oz Au comprised of 18.2 Mt at 1.48 g/t Au and 243 Kt at 7.82 Au2, but also his deep knowledge of the geology of the Detour Trend and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt.Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation Metals, stated, "We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Adrian Smith to the Company's Advisory Committee and the opportunity to work with him on the N2 Gold Deposit. Adrian brings a wealth of knowledge contributing to the exploration success and growth profile of many deposits across North America. The addition of such a highly accomplished mining executive is an endorsement of the path Formation is on as we endeavour to enhance shareholder value through the exploration and development of N2." Mr. Varshney continued: "With preparations for our fully funded 5,000 metre maiden drill program at N2 underway, the upcoming quarter will be a very busy one for Formation. Our maiden program will focus on building on the successes of our predecessors. The drilling discoveries made by Agnico-Eagle and Cypress after the initial historic resource estimate show the expansion potential at N2. With gold at $3,400, almost 5 times the price in 2008 when Agnico last drilled the project, we believe that the timing is perfect for a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit in a safe jurisdiction like Quebec. We see the potential for over three million ounces of gold at N2, and our maiden 5,000-metre drilling program will mark the beginning of Formation's pursuit of that goal." Project SummaryComprising 87 claims totaling ~4,400 ha within the Abitibi sub province of Northwestern Quebec, N2 is an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of 877,000 ounces: 18.2 Mt grading 1.48 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central) and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~67,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone 2. There are six primary auriferous mineralized zones in total, each open for expansion along strike and at depth. Compilation and geophysical work by Balmoral Resources Ltd. (now Wallbridge Mining) from 2010 to 2018 generated numerous targets that have not yet been investigated with diamond drilling.Formation's maiden drill program will focus on:the "A" zone, a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with numerous intermittent and consecutive auriferous intervals (84% of historical drill holes intercepted Au up to 1.7 g/t over 35 m)2, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open); andthe "RJ" zone, host to bonanza intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres2, which was expanded by Agnico Eagle Mines in 2008 in the most recent drilling at the Property.Figure 1 - Property overview summarizing historical work completed at each of the six mineralized zones and their respective historical resource.Figure 2 - Regional claim ownership along the Casa-Berardi trend; 1: Maudore Minerals Ltd. MRE, 2012; 2. Hecla Mining Company Technical Report, 2024; 3. Maple Gold Mine NI-43-101, 2022; 4. Historic Cyprus MRE, 1994Marketing Making AgreementThe Company is also pleased to announce, subject to regulatory approval, it has retained Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") to provide market stability and liquidity services to the Company in compliance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") and other applicable legislation.Red Cloud is a Toronto-based financial services company that provides assistance to mineral exploration and mining companies in accessing capital markets and enhancing their corporate profile. Red Cloud will trade shares of Formation on the CSE for the purposes of maintaining a reasonable market and improving the liquidity of Formation's common shares.The Company has agreed to pay Red Cloud a flat fee of $20,000 and a fee of $7,500 per month beginning May 1st, 2025. The term of engagement is ongoing and may be terminated by either party on 30 days' prior written notice. The Company and Red Cloud have an arm's length relationship, but Red Cloud and/or its clients may have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of Formation.Qualified personThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak Vakili Azar, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. The information provided has not been verified and is being treated as historic non-compliant intercepts.About Formation Metals Inc.Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of 877,000 ounces and six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth including the "A" zone, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to historical bonanza intercepts as high as 51 gpt Au over 0.8 metres.FORMATION METALS INC.Deepak Varshney, CEO and DirectorFor more information, please call 778-899-1780, email info@ formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Note 1:Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properti
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 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
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 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
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DALLAS, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / In a landmark decision, law firms Reese Marketos and Berger Montague have secured a $1.64 billion judgment against Janssen Products, LP, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. This judgment stands as one of the largest in the history of the False Claims Act (FCA), underscoring the critical role of whistleblowers in exposing corporate misconduct. Reese Marketos LLP - LogoThe case centered on allegations that Janssen engaged in unlawful marketing practices for its HIV medications, Prezista and Intelence. Whistleblowers Jessica Penelow and Christine Brancaccio, former sales representatives at Janssen, filed the lawsuit in 2012, accusing the company of promoting these drugs for off-label uses not approved by the FDA. Such practices led to the submission of 159,574 false claims to government healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Berger Montague litigated the case for more than a decade and hired Reese Marketos in 2022 to lead the trial.After a six-week trial in 2024, the jury awarded $120 million in single damages. Under the FCA, these damages were tripled to $360 million. Additionally, U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi imposed civil penalties of $8,000 per false claim, amounting to approximately $1.28 billion, bringing the total judgment to $1.64 billion."This trial required relentless preparation and courtroom advocacy to stay on top of Janssen's never-ending excuses and blame-shifting," said Pete Marketos, partner at Reese Marketos and lead counsel for the whistleblowers at trial. "Beyond bringing well-deserved justice for our clients, this ruling also marks a great day for Medicare and U.S. taxpayers." The Reese Marketos trial team also included Josh Russ, Andrew Wirmani, Adam Sanderson, and Whitney Wendel. Berger Montague's team comprised Sherrie Savett, Joy Clairmont, Michael Fantini, and William Ellerbe. This case exemplifies the power of the FCA in holding corporations accountable for defrauding government programs and highlights the importance of legal advocacy in protecting public interests.About Reese Marketos LLP: Reese Marketos is a premier trial firm based in Dallas, Texas, known for taking on high-stakes business disputes, whistleblower cases, and complex commercial litigation. The firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants in cases where the outcome truly matters, delivering exceptional results through meticulous preparation, strategic advocacy, and fearless courtroom representation.Founded by seasoned trial lawyers, Reese Marketos has built a national reputation for handling cases involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, antitrust, securities, and False Claims Act litigation. The firm's attorneys include accomplished litigators and former federal prosecutors who bring a relentless commitment to justice and a track record of success in jury trials across the country.Contact Information:Reese Marketos LLP750 N. Saint Paul St., Suite 600Dallas, TX 75201Phone: 214.382.9810Contact InformationPete Marketos Founding Partnerpete.marketos@rm-firm.com (214) 382-9810SOURCE: Reese Marketos LLP
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BISHOPSGATE, LONDON / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2025 / SolGold (LSE:SOLG)(TSX:SOLG) is pleased to announce the execution of the Amended Investment Protection Agreement ("AIPA") with the Government of Ecuador for its flagship Cascabel Copper-Gold Project ("Cascabel" or the "Project").Following formal approval by the Committee for the Strategic Promotion and Attraction of Investments ("CEPAI"), the AIPA was signed between SolGold's 100% owned subsidiaries, Exploraciones Novomining S.A. ("ENSA") and Solgold-Ecuador S.A. ("SGE"), and the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries, marking a significant milestone in securing long-term legal, fiscal, and regulatory certainty for the advancement of the Cascabel Project.The AIPA updates the original Investment Protection Agreement signed earlier in the Project's life cycle, affirming the legal and fiscal framework to reflect Cascabel's transition toward development and recognizing US$311.5 million in historical investment made by SolGold through 2023 during the exploration stage.Completion of the AIPA also satisfies a key condition precedent for the release of the second tranche of funding under SolGold's syndicated gold stream financing agreement with Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation and Osisko Bermuda Limited.The signing reflects SolGold's continued commitment to progressing Cascabel in partnership with the Ecuadorian Government and demonstrates Ecuador's support for ESG-aligned, long-life mining investments.AIPA Highlights Recognition of US$311.5 million in historical investments between 2013 and 2023. Guarantees an established legal and fiscal framework under Ecuador's Organic Code of Production, Trade, and Investment ("COPCI"). Provides for the resolution of disputes through international arbitration under ICC rules, with the seat of arbitration in London, UK, further enhancing the legal security framework supporting the Cascabel Project. Strengthens SolGold's commitments to local employment, community development, and environmental stewardship. Reinforces SolGold's alignment with the Government of Ecuador's goals of promoting responsible, sustainable mining development.Dan Vujcic, Chief Executive Officer of SolGold, commented:"The AIPA execution represents an important step forward in de-risking the Cascabel Project. This achievement underscores the strength of partnership between SolGold and the Government of Ecuador and reinforces our shared commitment to sustainable project development. We remain focused on advancing Cascabel with urgency and intent to ultimately delivering a world-class mining complex that benefits our host communities, shareholders, and all stakeholders." CONTACTSDan VujcicChief Executive OfficerTel: +44 (0) 20 3807 6996ABOUT SOLGOLDSolGold is a leading resources company focused on the discovery, definition and development of world-class copper and gold deposits and continues to strive to deliver objectives efficiently and in the interests of shareholders.SolGold completed and released a staged development plan, Pre-Feasibility Study on 16 February 2024. The study, completed at US$1750/oz gold, US$3.85/lb copper and US$22.50/oz for silver, delivered an NPV (based on a discount rate of 8%) of US$3.22bn on a capex of US$1.55bn for an initial 12 Mtpa underground block caving operation. The evaluation also showed an after-tax IRR of 24% and a first 10-year free cash flow generation of US$7.1bn. The PFS assessed Mineral Reserves 539.7 Mt tonnes, which represents only 18% of the total resource over an initial 28-year project life.On 15 July 2024, SolGold announced a gold stream agreement with Franco Nevada and Osisko Royalties (the "Streamers") pursuant to which the Streamers would pay US$100m as pre-development funding in three tranches, conditional on achieving various technical and permitting milestones. The first US$33.3m was received on signing. A further US$650m contribution to development expenditure will be provided on completion of the feasibility study, permitting and financing, subject to CPs, acceptable financing packages for the balance funding required. SolGold has agreed, in consideration for this funding, a life of mine stream priced at 20% of the spot gold price at the time for 20% of gold production for the first 10 years and 12% thereafter. The stream represents approximately 5% of total revenue for the project and provides some 42% of currently estimated capital development costs. SolGold retains change of control buyback options on the stream to the extent of 50% within 3 years and 33 1/3 % for a further two years.SolGold continues to advance de-risking programs, permitting and financing discussions and to reevaluate the project at recent consensus prices for copper and gold.On 28 October 2024, SolGold appointed G-Mining Services to be the Project Manager for the Feasibility Study.The Company operates with transparency and in accordance with international best practices. SolGold is committed to delivering value to its shareholders while simultaneously providing economic and social benefits to impacted communities, fostering a healthy and safe workplace, and minimizing environmental impact.SolGold is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange (LSE/TSX: SOLG). Seewww.solgold.com.aufor more information. Follow us on X @SolGold_plc.CAUTIONARY NOTICENews releases, presentations and public commentary made by SolGold plc (the "Company") and its Officers may contain certain statements and expressions of belief, expectation or opinion which are forward looking statements, and which relate, inter alia, to interpretations of exploration results to date and the Company's proposed strategy, plans and objectives or to the expectations or intentions of the Company's Directors, including the plan for developing the Project currently being studied as well as the expectations of the Company as to the forward price of copper. Such forward-looking and interpretative statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors beyond the control of the Company that could cause the actual performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from such interpretations and forward-looking statements.Accordingly, the reader should not rely on any interpretations or forward-looking statements, and save as required by the exchange rules of the TSX and LSE or by applicable laws, the Company does not accept any obligation to disseminate any updates or revisions to such interpretations or forward-looking statements. The Company may reinterpret results to date as the status of it
The Nigerian government on Wednesday said the mass metering project to end the era of estimated billings in the Nigerian Army formations nationwide has generated N769.1 million in revenue between August 2024 and April 2025.

Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

In March last year, the Nigerian government inaugurated a N40 billion mass metering project to end the estimated billings regime in the Nigerian Army formations nationwide.

Speaking during the inauguration of the project of the metering exercise at the headquarters of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja military cantonment at the time, Mr Adelabu said the exercise would be in phases with the Ikeja cantonment being the first phase of the exercise.

He noted that the current exercise will last for six weeks before the second phase begins. Mr Adelabu, at the time explained that for the current exercise, N12.7 billion has been released out of a total of N40 billion for the mass metering project.

In a letter to De-Haryor Global Services, the project contractor, according to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, a lieutenant general, praised the progress of phase one, noting improved hours of power supply and positive impacts on energy management in beneficiary barracks.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Signed on behalf of the Army Chief by Major General A.A. Fadayiro, the letter highlighted the near-completion of phase one, which covers installations in Lagos (Ikeja), Enugu (Abakpa), Adekunle Fajuyi cantonment, and select Abuja barracks.

He urged the contractor to expedite work on subsequent phases.

Mr Tunji said the Chief Executive Officer of De Haryor Global Services, Ashade Olatunbosun, acknowledged initial financial hurdles, citing delayed fund disbursements that slowed early mobilisation.

However, he reported considerable momentum, with thousands of smart meters now installed to boost transparency, billing accuracy, and energy efficiency.

Despite challenges, the project has generated N769.1 million in revenue between August 2024 and April 2025, underscoring its operational success, the statement said.

Mr Olatunbosun attributed this to the Armys strong satisfaction with execution quality, which has sparked discussions to expand metering to additional military facilities.

This marks a milestone in modernising Nigerias energy infrastructure, particularly within public institutions, he said.

The statement noted that the initiative reflects broader efforts to resolve power deficits in critical sectors while fostering fiscal discipline through advanced metering solutions.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja for Katsina State on Friday for a two-day official visit.

During the visit, the president will meet with key stakeholders to assess the security situation in the state.

He will commission the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre and a 24KM dual carriageway completed by Governor Dikko Radda.

President Tinubu will also honour an invitation to attend the wedding of the governors daughter before returning to Abuja.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

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(Information & Strategy)

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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 Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it has commenced a comprehensive investigation into allegations of illegal deductions in disbursements under the students loan scheme.

In a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday, the ICPC said the investigation followed reports that some beneficiary institutions conducted illegal deductions and exploited students of funds related to the student loan.

The ICPC noted that the investigation extends to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), beneficiary institutions and individual students recipients.

The ICPC confirmed that a clear case of discrepancies has been established in the administration of the student loan scheme and announced that its investigation will now extend to beneficiary institutions and individual student recipients, it said.

Investigation

The anti-graft agency said preliminary findings revealed a significant gap in the financial records of the students loan disbursements.

According to the ICPC, NELFUND has received a total of N203.8 billion from the federal government as of 19 March. However, it has only disbursed N44.2 billion (N44,200,933,649.00) to 293,178 student beneficiaries across 299 beneficiary institutions.

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The breakdown showed that N10 billion was an allocation from the Federation Allocation Account Committee, N50 billion was from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, N71.9 billion was from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), while another N71.9 billion was also from the same TETFund, the ICPC said.

The commission also said it has requested documents, explanations, letters of invitations and investigation dispatched to key stakeholders, including the Executive Director of NELFUND, Director General of the Budget Office, the Accountant General of the Federation, and senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

It added that interviews were conducted with concerned individuals and their responses critically analysed.

Background

To benefit from the scheme which kicked off last year, students of public tertiary institutions fill out applications on NELFUND portal.

During the application, the students have the option of opting for a loan that covers school fees alone or a loan that covers both school fees and a N20,000 monthly stipend.

NELFUND verifies the students information including their registration numbers with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the students institution and their department before notifying the students of approval or rejection.

After approval, NELFUND would send the school fees directly to the students institutions and the optional monthly stipends directly to the students who applied for it.

Last year, some students had already paid their school fees before NELFUND approved their student loans, leading to cases where institutions receive duplicate payments one directly from the student and another from NELFUND.

However, there were accusations that some institutions made illegal deductions before refunding the students of the duplicate fees.

Earlier this week, the Guardian published a story listing 51 tertiary institutions who allegedly made these deductions. While NELFUND dissociated itself from the report, it did not specifically say that it was false.

Meanwhile, NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) had weeks ago accused some undisclosed beneficiary institutions of conniving with banks to sabotage the students loan scheme.

NELFUND said the institutions were withholding information about disbursements from their students who are beneficiary of the scheme while still demanding fees from the students.

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The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) has launched a rapid response grant fund to support Nigerian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) grappling with the recent wave of international funding cuts.

The initiative, tagged the NGO Support Initiative (NSI) will provide grants of up to N5 million for short-term projects that can be executed within three months.

It is designed to sustain civil society efforts that have been disrupted by the freeze on foreign assistance initiated in January by US President Donald Trump.

The suspension has particularly impacted the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a critical donor for many development initiatives in Nigeria.

As a result, several NGOs across Nigeria have been forced to scale back or halt their programmes due to the sudden shortfall in financial support.

Significance of project

Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Wednesday, Stanley Ukpai, the Project Director of dRPC, described the event as a pivotal moment for Nigerian civil society.

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Mr Ukpai highlighted that with over 30 years of experience supporting and implementing projects alongside local organisations, dRPC is stepping in to fill the gap created by the decline in support.

Emphasising the significance of the launch, Mr Ukpai said, We have seen civil society rise and fall while tackling critical issues in Nigeria.

With this initiative, we hope to kick-start something that not only supports ongoing efforts but also creates further development across the country.

Nigeria, like many other developing nations, is heavily reliant on foreign aid to address critical issues, particularly in providing healthcare to millions of its citizens.

This dependency has allowed organisations such as USAID, which disburses a significant portion of US international aid, to play a central role.

However, the absence of this support has left a considerable void in Nigerias development efforts.

Need for support

Judith-Ann Walker, the Executive Director and founding member of dRPC, described the initiative as a timely and strategic response to the funding crisis affecting civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria.

Ms Walker said the initiative aims to sustain ongoing work in areas such as gender-based violence prevention, education, and womens empowerment sectors that have been particularly hard-hit by the funding cuts.

She emphasised that the NSI aligns with the dRPCs long-standing mission of building and strengthening CSOs across Nigeria.

Over 30 years, dRPC has been an organisation that is unique in the sector; we have a mission of supporting, engaging, building, and strengthening the capacity of Nigerian CSOs, she stated.

Highlighting the scale of the crisis, she noted that NGOs are facing increasing difficulty in maintaining staff and sustaining community-level work, which are crucial to national development.

She stressed that the NSI is not only about funding but also includes a strong capacity-building component to ensure long-term impact.

Any group that receives funds must go through a capacity-building programme because we are committed to capacity strengthening of Nigerian CSOs, she added.

She said the initiative will offer grants of up to N5 million for projects that can be implemented within three months.

Ms Walker explained that the initiative will prioritise critical areas, including the prevention of gender-based violence, womens economic empowerment, the promotion of safe schools for girls, and broader issues of gender equality and social justice.

Organisations that meet the eligibility criteria can access further information and application guidelines via their website.

Ms Walker also underscored the narrowing pool of resources available to organisations working in these areas, as global donor attention shifts to sectors like artificial intelligence and climate justice.

She noted that the Ford Foundation is supporting the initiative, making dRPC one of the few indigenous organisations offering this kind of re-granting support in the current funding challenge.

About dRPC

dRPC is a Nigerian NGO that works with civil society groups through policy research, training, funding, and technical assistance.

Its activities focus on gender equality, womens empowerment, education, health, and social justice, with particular attention to women-led and grassroots organisations.

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Zelenskyy puts into effect NSDC decision on sanctions, in particular, against Oleksiy Arestovych

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) on the application of sanctions against 76 individuals and 81 legal entities.

Corresponding decrees No. 267/2025, No. 268/2025, No. 269/2025 were published on the president's website.

According to appendix to the decree No. 267/2025, sanctions were imposed against nine individuals: two citizens of the Russian Federation and seven - Ukrainians, including former advisor to the President's Office Oleksiy Arestovych, Russian propagandist Anastasia Kashevarova, blogger Myroslav Oleshko, political scientist Kostiantyn Bondarenko. The term of application of sanctions is indefinite; 10 years.

According to appendix to the decree No. 268/2025, sanctions were imposed against six individuals and 36 legal entities, including politician and businessman Oleksiy Azarov and CEO of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev.

According to appendix to the decree No. 269/2025, sanctions were imposed against 61 individuals and 45 legal entities.

Among the legal entities subject to sanctions are Novolipetsk Metallurgical Combine, Stoilensky Mining and Processing Combine, Novatek Group, together with subsidiaries in Switzerland and Singapore, and LNG companies.
The United States Consulate in Lagos has partnered with the Media Career Development Network (MCDN) to train 21 mid-career journalists in investigative reporting under a new year-long initiative.

The programme, part of MCDNs Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic series, aims to build the capacity of journalists with fewer than five years of experience by offering intensive, hands-on training in investigative techniques, ethical journalism, and accountability reporting.

Speaking at the launch held at the US Consulate in Lagos on Tuesday, MCDN Executive Director Lekan Otufodunrin said over 100 applications were received, from which 21 participants were selected for the inaugural session.

The goal is to empower up to 150 early and mid-career journalists over the next year with practical skills and mentorship opportunities that will enhance their ability to keep the public informed, Mr Otufodunrin stated.

He added that beyond the clinics, participants will receive personalised career reviews and continued mentorship through the MCDN network.

During the clinic session, participants viewed an investigative documentary and attended two training sessions led by Editor, Punch Weekend titles, Samson Folarin, and Deputy Director of SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, who was represented by Mr Otufodunrin.

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In her remarks, Acting Consul General JoEllen Gorg welcomed participants and praised their role in upholding democracy through watchdog journalism.

Journalists play an indispensable role in any nation. You truly are the eyes and ears of the people, providing critical information, uncovering the truth, and holding power accountable, Ms Gorg said. There is no substitute for investigative reporting that advances transparency, accountability and governance; without it, the foundation of democracy is weakened.

She noted that the programme reflects the US Missions long-standing commitment to supporting Nigerian journalists.

People trust what you do, and that information is so important. It helps them make decisions about their health, their security, their leaders, she said.

This initiative follows the Consulates previous training of over 150 journalists in election reporting ahead of Nigerias 2023 general elections.

In the bi-monthly training, the clinic sessions cover a wide range of topics, including reporting on local governance, financial accountability, public health, and best practices for using open-source tools, social media, and anonymous sources.

Meanwhile, Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate, encouraged participants to explore other US-supported opportunities such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP), and resources available through American Spaces across Nigeria.

We want journalists to know there are free resources available to help them grow  from internet access to digital libraries and exchange programmes, Ms McKay said.

You guys do some very important things. Free speech and freedom of expression are basic human rights. And you guys make all of that possible, so thank you.

Speaking on the sideline, the Programme Manager at MCDN, Dayo Emmanuel, said participants were selected based on their commitment to career development and a demonstrated interest in investigative journalism.

Our selection process targeted journalists who show promise and dedication to deepening democratic values through accountability reporting, he said.

The next sessions of the bi-monthly clinic are expected to include both in-person and virtual formats to accommodate journalists across Nigeria.

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration remained committed to prioritising the welfare of Nigerian workers.

The president said this in a post on his official X handle to mark the 2025 Workers Day, acknowledging the critical role of workers in national development.

To every Nigerian worker, Happy Workers Day. You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nations growth. Our administration has and will continue to prioritise workers welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again.

Heres to everyone  young and old, entrepreneur or employee, in the private or public sector  whose meaningful contributions help in no small way to the development of our homes, communities, and our dear nation. Happy Workers Day, Nigeria, said Mr Tinubu.

(NAN)

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The Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun, said it recorded 500 distress calls between January and March, indicating a high number of criminal activities in the state during that period.

The Commander of the security outfit, Adetunji Adeleye, said this on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, while parading 31 suspected criminals.

The state has recently witnessed a surge in violent crimes, particularly kidnappings and herdsmen attacks on farmers, which have resulted in fatalities.

Such attacks had prompted protests by youth, farmers, and womens groups, which called the governments attention to the precarious security situation.

Mr Adeleye said the command profiled 750 suspected criminals and charged 175 among them to court during the period under review.

Some of the offences, he said, included armed robbery, kidnapping, and stealing.

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Mr Adeleye said the feat was achieved through joint operations by security agencies in the state.

He said, A joint operation with other security agencies has stemmed the rising kidnap incidents and attacks on farmers by armed herdsmen in farmsteads in the state.

Mr Adeleye further said that the populaces support contributed to the achievements so far, noting that timely information from the people assisted them greatly in nabbing some of the suspects and preventing some from carrying out their heinous plans.

According to the Amotekun commander, 114 persons were arrested in trucks and were promptly repatriated.

The Amotekun Rangers intercepted persons who entered the states forests without a specific destination within the period under review, he said.

He added that all those who do not have credible reasons to remain in the forest were rejected and sent back to their various states.

On cultism, the commander said out of 150 suspected cultists arrested and profiled during the quarter, 80 among them were taken to court to sign an undertaking to denounce the groups.

However, he disclosed that besides the 175 suspects arraigned, others were still undergoing different stages of investigation.

He explained that among the fresh 31 crime suspects being paraded, 13 of them were allegedly linked to the series of kidnap incidents that had taken place in the state in recent times.

Meanwhile, to enhance its ability to tackle serious security threats and other forms of violent crimes across Ondo State, the police have engaged officers in a three-day intensive training on basic intelligence course.

The three-day intensive training program themed Basic Intelligence Course was explicitly designed to equip and prepare personnel of the command in combating violent crimes, including kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, murder, cultism, arson, among other heinous crimes.

While declaring the training open at OSDPC hall, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, stated that the training marked a crucial step in the commands strategic pursuit of operational excellence and community safety.

He explained that it is aimed at equipping officers with practical knowledge on intelligence gathering and utilisation but also at repositioning the Ondo State Police Command to be more proactive, responsive, and trusted by the communities they serve.

To this end, this Basic Intelligence Course is structured to be practical and impactful. Resource persons will guide our officers on writing clear and actionable intelligence reports, and each participant will be expected to submit daily intelligence inputs to a dedicated number. This real-time flow of information will enable the command to identify emerging security challenges early and respond appropriately, Mr Afolabi said.

The training is the third in a series of strategic capacity-building initiatives the CP has championed.

The earlier trainings bordered on Crime Mapping, Nipping, Crime Timing, and Effective Investigation and Prosecution.

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The African Action Congress (AAC) has rejected the administrative charges imposed by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) on candidates seeking to contest for office in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the party said the fee represented a monetisation of politics that could disenfranchise credible candidates.

The statement, signed by AAC state executives, including chairperson Ayoyinka Oni, Secretary Jedege Kehinde, and Organising Secretary Akinfolarin Folayemi,

described the imposition of the fee as unconstitutional and exclusionary.

If the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not impose such fees, why should LASIEC? This is a monetisation of politics that will disenfranchise credible candidates, AAC said.

All political parties fielding candidates for the forthcoming local elections earlier rejected the fee, warning that the political landscape was drifting towards a one-party system.

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LASIECs guidelines indicate that parties are to pay N150,000 for chairmanship candidates, N75,000 for vice-chairmanship candidates, and N50,000 for councillorship candidates as administrative charges.

However, the commission noted that female candidates and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are exempted from these fees.

The agency fixed 12 July for the state council for 57 council chairmanship positions and 376 councillor seats across the state. If necessary, a re-run will occur on 19 July.

The local government councils comprise 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

But AAC, which fielded activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, said LASIECs move to conduct elections into the 37 LCDAs along with the constitutionally recognised 20 LGAs is unconstitutional in light of a recent Supreme Court affirming the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court recently affirmed the financial and administrative autonomy of Nigerias 774 LGAs, ruling that state governments must not interfere with their independence.

The AAC further accused the State Assembly of previously proposing to install mayors to head the LCDAs appointments to be made by the governor. The party said it opposed the move during a public hearing, which led to the clause being dropped from the bill.

When they realise they cannot succeed in violating existing laws, they try to force unconstitutional structures on us, the party said. The AAC will not be part of this illegality.

The 37 LCDAs were created in 2003, during the tenure of then-Governor Bola Tinubu, the future Nigerian president.

Lack of transparency, fear of violence

AAC also faulted LASIEC for what it described as a lack of transparency in the electoral process, particularly the commissions failure to publicly release the new electoral law passed on 9 January and signed by the governor the next day, allegedly during a legislative recess.

According to the party, LASIEC chairperson Ayotunde Phillips told IPAC members that the law could only be obtained for a fee.

We now wonder when laws became items for sale, the AAC said, adding that such actions undermine public confidence in LASIECs ability to conduct credible elections.

The AAC expressed concerns about the potential for violence and urged LASIEC to publicly outline its plans to prevent electoral malpractice and thuggery.

We will not accept an election marred by violence, malpractice, or partiality, the party warned.

Mr Oni called on Lagos residents to resist what he described as efforts to impose unconstitutional governance structures.

Dispute over LCDAs

Meanwhile, in December 2024, Cornelius Ojelabi, chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, stated that elections would be held in both the 20 LGAs and the 37 LCDAs in 2025.

In contrast, Okanlawon Sanni, the chair of the Lagos House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, told journalists also in 2024 that the elections would be limited to the 20 LGAs, in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.

He said the Assembly was working on a new Local Government Administration Bill to align state law with constitutional provisions.

According to Mr Sanni, under the proposed bill, the governor would appoint mayors to head LCDAs, which would remain under the jurisdiction of the 20 LGAs and receive funding through them.

The AAC, however, maintains that any governance or election structure outside of the constitutionally recognised 20 LGAs is illegal, and vowed to resist it through legal and political means.

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The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction will be completed in January 2026, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said.

Mr Umahi made the disclosure during an inspection tour of the highway on Wednesday.

We came to review the project with the financial promoters  Dutch Bank and Development Bank of Southern Africa, he said.

He said it was projected that 20km of the road (from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos) would have been completed by May.

We are going to surpass the 20km from this site, he said.

Mr Umahi said that more than 70 per cent of the entire project had been done.

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Let me state that this project is over 70 per cent done, and the contractor has not got funds up to 70 per cent.

That is why I call them people that have set their minds towards nation-building rather than making money.

According to him, along the corridor, there are some lands that have been acquired for tourism, industries, factories and housing estates.

 These are the road architecture that you are going to receive on this highway.

I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we have this road completed, the minister said.

He said that the financial promoters of the highway were satisfied with the work progress, quality, method, and every other thing about the project.

He praised the contractor handling the project, Hitech Construction Company, for its efforts.

The road is exceptionally technically well-designed.

The concrete thickness is designed for 275 millimetres but what they are doing is 280 millimetres.

I commend also the department in charge of this project  the Department of Bridge and Roads, and, of course, the controller of works in Lagos, he said.

Mr Umahi said that the greatest worry he could have would be motorists joining the highway from their houses.

It is going to be a very serious issue; so, we have to design a barrier.

I know that you are putting a retaining wall but you have not incorporated a retaining wall all through.

He said that, as a superhighway, it would be expected that motorists would join it at flyovers and interchanges to avoid gridlock.

(NAN)

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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has directed the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to reverse the appointment of Theophilus Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of the state, citing a violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

The NJC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, issued the directive at its 108th meeting, which began on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday in Abuja.

The directive was one of the resolutions reached at the meeting, including suspension of three judges for acts of misconduct.

A statement shared on Wednesday by NJCs Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, said the council directed the Governor Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judge in the Imo State High Court hierarchy as Acting Chief Judge, in strict adherence to Section 271(4) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The governor had appointed Mr Nzeukwu in April, to replace former Chief Judge T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka who was sent on compulsory retirement last November for age falsification.

Mr Nzeukwu is the fourth on the hierarchy of the states High Court judges.

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Reacting last month, NJC confirmed receiving a notice from the governor, but disowned the appointment and deferred its full deliberation and final decision till its just held meeting.

Governor Uzodimma must appoint the most senior

The NJC stressed that the constitutional provision on acting appointments of state chief judges does not leave room for discretion, quoting the relevant section: the governor shall appoint the most senior judge of the High Court to perform those functions.

In addition to the directive to Governor Uzodimma, the NJC issued a query to Mr Nzeukwu, asking him to explain within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for presenting himself to be sworn in contrary to constitutional provisions.

Similarly, V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, who served as Interim Chairman of the State Judicial Service Commission and recommended Mr Nzeukwus appointment, was also asked to show cause within seven days why he should not face disciplinary measures.

Judges sent on suspension for misconduct

The NJC also announced disciplinary actions against three judges for judicial misconduct.

They are Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja; and Aminu Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division.

The judges were each suspended for one year without pay.

Ms Inyang was found to have abused her office by issuing inappropriate ex parte orders that led to the sale of businesses at the interlocutory stage in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, while she was still serving at the Federal High Court.

Mr Ekwo was sanctioned for delivering a ruling in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021 without hearing the parties, and for ignoring an application to set aside proceedings conducted in their absence.

He has also been placed on the councils watch list and barred from elevation for five years.

Mr Aliyu, on his part, was found guilty of judicial misconduct and received a one-year suspension without pay.

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The Senate Committee on Capital Market has said it would invite Lafarge Africa Plc for questioning over its proposed sale to a Chinese firm to ensure shareholder rights, and transparency of foreign dominance in Nigerias cement industry.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Osita Izunaso, disclosed this during an interactive session with officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

We are going to invite Lafarge and hear from them. Then, come back to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to look at the share structure. We will take it from there, he said.

Mr Izunaso, who represents Imo West Senatorial District, also hinted at the possibility of a public hearing on the proposed sale, stating that if necessary, the Senate would open the process to public scrutiny.

Then, thereafter, if theres a need for a public hearing, we will call for a public hearing and if theres no need for a public hearing then we can resolve it amicably, the senator added.

Lafarge Africa Plc, Nigerias third-largest cement manufacturer by market capitalisation, is a subsidiary of Holcim AG, a global building materials company. Holcim is reportedly finalising a $1 billion deal to divest its 83.8 per cent stake in Lafarge Africa to Huaxin Cement Co., a Chinese firm. The transaction, which is still subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in 2025.

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Concerns about the proposed sale have been debated in the Nigerian Senate in March when the Ogun Central senator, Shuaib Salisu, sponsored a motion to address issues such as lack of transparency in the divestment process and limited access to the deal for Nigerian investors.

On 28 March when the proposed sale was debated on the floor of the Senate, the lawmakers were divided on their positions. While some urged caution against obstructing legitimate private sector transactions and foreign investment, the majority emphasised the need for government oversight.

After the debate on that day, the Senate directed the BPE and the SEC to ensure the sale aligns with Nigerias economic and national security interests and mandated its Capital Market Committee to liaise with all relevant agencies for proper scrutiny.

Concerns about Lafarge

Lafarge Africa, a leading player in Nigerias cement industry, is a subsidiary of Holcim AG, a multinational building materials giant. It is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Holcim AG is reportedly finalising plans to sell its 83.8 per cent stake in Lafarge Africa to Chinas Huaxin Cement Co. in a $1 billion deal, expected to be completed in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Lafarge is Nigerias third-largest cement manufacturer by market capitalisation behind only Dangote Cement and BUA Cement. Lafarges market capitalisation as of 26 March is N1.19 trillion, behind Dangote, N7.24 trillion, and BUA, N2.55 trillion.

Lafarge Africa has many factories in Nigeria with cement operations in the South-west (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), North-east (Ashaka, in Gombe State), and South-east (Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State). It also has Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. It has a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5 metric tonnes per annum.

No formal request for the sale of Lafarge

During the session, the Director General of SEC, Emmanuel Agama, clarified that the commission has not received any application regarding the sale of the cement company.

Mr Agama was represented by Director of Securities and Investment Services of the SEC, Abdulkabir Abbas.

As part of the internal restructuring, the 27.77 per cent equity stake held by Associated International Cement Limited was transferred to another Holcim-owned entity. Davis Peak Holdings Limited. There has been no change in the ultimate beneficial ownership of the shares as a result of this transaction.

In light of the foregoing, the Commission wishes to clarify that no format filing has been made with respect to any proposed sale of Lafarge Africa Pic to Chinese investors, he said.

The BPE Director of Post-Transaction, Satura Bello, also clarified that the shares being divested belong to Lafarge Africa Plc and not the 16.19 per cent of shares held by Nigerian investors.

Mrs Belo emphasised that the Nigerian shareholders stake remains intact.

After the submissions of the SEC and BPE, the Senate committee chairman said the lawmakers would invite management of the Lafarge Africa Plc for questioning and further clarification.

He, thereafter, directed the committees clerk to request detailed information from the CAC on the ownership structure and any divestment activities related to Lafarge Africa.

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into discrepancies and irregularities in the disbursement of student loan under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

A statement on Thursday by ICPCs Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, said the chairperson of the agencys Special Task Force commenced investigations immediately after receiving a formal petition from NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

According to the statement, preliminary findings exposed major discrepancies in the financial records of the loan scheme.

It said although, the federal government reportedly released N100 billion for the programme, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving N71.2 billion unaccounted for.

Letters of investigation and invitations were dispatched to key stakeholders, including the Director General of the Budget Office, the Accountant General of the Federation, and senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NELFUND were invited to provide documentation and explanations relevant to the case. According to the Commission, the responses received were critically analyzed, and interviews were conducted with the concerned individuals, he said.

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He explained that the commissions findings, as of 19 March 2023, showed that NELFUND received N203.8 billion. This includes N10 billion from the Federation Allocation Account Committee, N50 billion from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and two separate tranches of N71.9 billion each from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Despite this, the total disbursement to 299 institutions stood at just N44.2 billion, benefitting 293,178 students.

The ICPC stated that a clear case of discrepancies has been established and that the investigation will now extend to specific institutions and individual recipients.

The investigation follows reports that at least 51 tertiary institutions illegally deducted between N3,500 and N30,000 from student fees disbursed through the loan scheme.

The allegations also included the diversion and withholding of funds meant for students, prompting the ICPC to act.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had also raised concerns, accusinged some institutions of diverting student loan funds into personal accounts.

The associations Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia, cited a report by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) indicating collusion between some institutions and banks to short-change students.

According to Ms Felicia, students were not informed of disbursements made in their names and were still required to pay tuition fees independently.

She commended NELFUNDs Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, for acknowledging the corruption and pledged that NANS would stage nationwide protests on 24 April to draw the Presidents attention.

The NOA, through its Deputy Director of Communications and Media, Paul Odenyi, confirmed it had identified several institutions and banks involved in fraudulent practices. Its findings revealed that institutions withheld payments or failed to credit student accounts, despite receiving funds from NELFUND.

Government action

The House of Representatives Committee on NELFUND has also waded into the matter.

NANS National President Olusola Oladoja disclosed that the committee pledged to involve ICPC in monitoring disbursement and ensuring transparency.

The ICPC has confirmed it is working in collaboration with NOA and other relevant agencies to uncover the extent of the malfeasance.

NELFUND, a body corporate established by the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024 which repealed the 2023 Act, provides student loans to Nigerians for higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition.

The loans are intended to help students cover tuition fees, other academic charges, and potentially upkeep costs.

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Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a robust start to 2025, reporting a substantial 16 per cent year-over-year surge in revenue for the first quarter, reaching $42.31 billion.

Meta made this known in its first quarter (Q1) 2025 report released on Thursday.

It said that on a constant currency basis, the revenue growth would have been even higher at 19 per cent, underscoring the underlying strength of the business.

Q1 2025 has been marked by significant growth in user engagement and financial performance.

Our family daily active people (family of products) reached an average of 3.43 billion in March 2025, demonstrating a solid 6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Also, advertising revenue saw positive trends, with ad impressions delivered across Metas suite of apps increasing by 5 per cent year-over-year, and the average price per ad climbing by an impressive 10 per cent during the same period, the Meta report said.

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Despite the strong revenue growth, the organisation said it managed its costs and expenses effectively, with total costs and expenses amounting to $24.76 billion, representing a 9 per cent increase year-over-year.

The company continued its investments in future growth, with capital expenditures, including principal payments on finance leases, totalling $13.69 billion in Q1 2025.

Meta also actively returned capital to its shareholders through share repurchases of its Class A common stock, amounting to $13.40 billion.

It revealed that as of 31 March, Meta held a strong financial position with $70.23 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities.

The report showed that the company generated a healthy $24.03 billion in cash flow from operating activities and $10.33 billion in free cash flow during the first quarter.

Metas workforce stood at 76,834 employees as of 31 March 2025, reflecting an 11 per cent increase year-over-year as the company continued to invest in talent to support its expanding operations and strategic initiatives.

Looking ahead to the second quarter of 2025, Meta anticipated total revenue to be in the range of $42.5 billion to $45.5 billion.

The company says it expects a modest one per cent tailwind from foreign currency exchange rates based on current rates.

Commenting on the second half, the Chief Financial Officer of Meta, Susan Li, said for the full year 2025, Meta has revised its total expense outlook downwards to a range of $113 billion to $118 billion, compared to the previous guidance of $114 billion to $119 billion.

She said that the company had increased its full year 2025 capital expenditure forecast to a range of $64 billion to $72 billion, up from the prior $60 billion to $65 billion.

The adjustment primarily reflects additional investments in data centres to support Metas growing Artificial Intelligence efforts, as well as an anticipated increase in the cost of infrastructure hardware, Ms Li noted.

Meta reassured that the majority of its capital expenditures in 2025 would remain directed towards its core business, even as it projected its full year 2025 tax rate to be between 12 per cent and 15 per cent.

Furthermore, Meta highlighted its ongoing navigation of an evolving regulatory landscape, particularly in the EU and the US, which could pose significant challenges to its business and financial results.

A recent decision by the European Commission (EC) had deemed Metas subscription for no ads model non-compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Based on feedback from the EC, Meta anticipated the need to make modifications to this model, which it warned could negatively impact the user experience for European users.

The organisation added that it would significantly affect its European business and revenue as early as the third quarter of 2025.

While Meta intended to appeal the ECs decision, the company acknowledged that required changes to its model may be implemented before or during the appeal process.

Commenting, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, said: We have had a strong start to an important year. Our community continues to grow and our business is performing very well.

We are making good progress on AI glasses and Meta AI, which now has almost one billion monthly actives, Zuckerberg said.

(NAN)

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The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj and for those who facilitate such violations.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry said the following penalties will begin from Dhul-Qidah 1 until the end of Dhul-Hijjah 14.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dhul-Qidah, Dhul-Hijjah is the period from the first day of the 11th month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, Dhul-Qadah, until the last day of the 12th month, Dhul-Hijjah.

NAN reports that this period is significant as it includes the month preceding the Hajj pilgrimage and the month where Hajj itself takes place.

The ministry said a fine of up to SAR 20,000 ($5,332) will be imposed on individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, as well as visitors trying to enter or stay in Makkah during this period.

The second fine is that SAR 100,000 ($26,661) 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 Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

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The fine will multiply for each individual involved, the ministry said.

It said the same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

The ministry added that those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims housing sites, would also be fined when caught.

According to the ministry, this includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay; the fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

The ministry said the third group are the illegal infiltrators attempting to perform Hajj, whether residents or overstayers. They will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

The ministry said the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.

NAN also reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that the airlift for Nigerian intending pilgrims who paid for the 2025 Hajj would commence on 9 May

A statement by NAHCONs Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, revealed that 43,000 pilgrims paid for the pilgrimage.

(NAN)

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URCS removes consequences of Russian air attack at six locations in Odesa

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) was removing the consequences of the Russian UAV attack at six locations in Odesa.

"Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Emergency Response Units in Odesa region promptly arrived at the sites of the hits and worked together with rescuers at six locations. The volunteers provided first psychological aid to more than 15 victims," the society said on Facebook on Thursday.

The volunteers also provided first aid to five wounded people, and two victims in serious condition were transferred to emergency healthcare teams.

In addition, members of the URCS unites evacuated an elderly woman from a damaged house and rescued a cat.

The Ukrainian Red Cross has set up an aid station where victims and rescuers can receive assistance, as well as drink tea, coffee, water, get hot food, or charge their gadgets.

As reported, on the night of May 1, another Russian drone attack on Odesa killed two people and injured 15.
Saad Wada, the member representing Taura/Ringim constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, says his colleague died from frustration with his constituents.

Isa Dogonyaro represented the Garki/Babura federal constituency of Jigawa State on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. He died last May in Abuja after an undisclosed illness. He was the second lawmaker from the constituency to die, after Adamu Fagen-Gawo in December 2019..

Cause of death

Mr Wada said verbal attacks and social media posts by his constituents caused Mr Dogon-Yaros death, vowing not to allow the same happen to himself.

The lawmaker stated this in a WhatsApp voice message in Hausa, following a social media tirade against his representation of his constituency.

Social media posts will not stop me or my colleagues from being elected to the House of Representatives because God gives power to whomever he likes.

Isa Dogonyaro was my closest friend in the House of Representatives. We went to school together, and we had family ties. He married someone from my family. We retired from public service the same year and ventured into farming together.

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I am saying this because I knew him as a philanthropist, and no representative has served Garki/Babura federal constituency better than Dogon-Yaro. Still, he died due to frustration from his constituents. I pray that God will be pleased with him because he died serving his people to the best of his ability, the lawmaker said.

He said that many good leaders died from frustration because their good work for their people was never appreciated or supported until they were gone.

Mr Wada said he served his people even before he was elected and would continue to do so, unmindful of detractors in his constituency.

I have the opportunity to serve, and I am doing the best I can. However, I cannot please everybody.

Any person who dies working for their peoples prosperity will be judged well. The challenges leaders face dont mean they have failed, some people want you to stop what you are doing, the lawmaker stated.

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If the PDP is serious about a future, and Atiku cares about it, he must immediately drop his ambition to run again. This ambition is at the heart of the current turmoil in the party; it was why the PDP broke into three factions on the eve of the last election; it was why he has been unable to rebuild the ruins two years later. And it is why he is arguably the first Nigerian presidential aspirant to lose two running mates to defections.

Theres a concern that Nigeria could soon become a one-party state, not by law, like in China, but through subterfuge  or in legal terms, de facto  similar to Cameroon, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, or even Rwanda, where the ruling parties are inflicting a slow, painful death on the opposition.

Those who express this concern have given many reasons. The clearest and most troubling, it seems, is the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that has depleted the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wave After Wave

Apart from federal lawmakers from Osun to Kaduna and Niger states who have defected, as of 25 April, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Delta PDP structure defected to the APC, with more defections still anticipated nationwide. Its likely that soon, five of the six South-South states, which have been the bastion of the PDP since 1999, may fall.

Concerned persons, mainly those in the PDP and civil society, have said these are not defections. Instead, they argue that they are negotiated exits by politicians to evade trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or for the personal political gain of the governors and other defectors. They have blamed the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for instigating the defections out of a desperation to win the 2027 presidential election, because his record in office cannot save him.

Chasing Shadows

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I think its nonsense. And though he did not use these words, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, out of self-interest, put it more elegantly when he said he believed that defections are a fact of Nigerian politics and defectors are merely exercising their freedom of association under the law.

A serial defector himself, and sixth-time contender for the presidency, it would have been a surprise if he said anything else. The problem, according to Atiku, is not the defections but the two-year record of performance that, all things being equal, cannot return the president to office.

However, if the worst fear of Atiku and the opposition comes through, as it is likely to, and President Tinubu returns to office in 2027, as it is probable, it would not be because of the defections; it would be because Atiku paved the way for the destruction of the PDP. He has proved to be the partys undertaker-in-chief, something not often said, because it is convenient to blame Tinubu.

The partys best chance since it lost power 10 years ago was in 2023 when the APC was at its most vulnerable. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari would have viewed a hostile takeover by the opposition PDP as mercy killing, if not an act of charity. Lamido knows, more than anyone else, that Atiku stood in the way.

Best Chance Lost

For example, Sule Lamido, a leading member of the PDP, reportedly said on Tuesday that the President should be fair and save the opposition from being crushed. Im unsure how much Lamido will pay Tinubu for self-sabotage. Its surprising that one of the PDPs founders does not know that a few of the founders ruined the PDP, and no one but its remnant can save it.

The partys best chance since it lost power 10 years ago was in 2023 when the APC was at its most vulnerable. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari would have viewed a hostile takeover by the opposition PDP as mercy killing, if not an act of charity. Lamido knows, more than anyone else, that Atiku stood in the way.

Rolling Stone, No Moss

After contesting and losing the APC primaries to Buhari in 2014, Atiku defected again to PDP in 2017 and contested the PDP primaries in 2019. At that time, the PDP was recovering from the catastrophic defeat of 2015, during which it lost nine of its 22 states and 93 seats in the National Assembly. In the winner-takes-all creed of the presidential system, the PDP faced a long harmattan of recriminations and decay while Atiku was away.

However, the party was gradually rebuilt, primarily through the efforts of Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State governor at the time. When Atiku returned, the party was not what it was in its heyday. Still, it was not the ramshackle he had abandoned.

The calamitous record of the APC under President Buhari, the partys division leading up to the 2023 election, and the overall mood in the country at that time, indicated that Nigeria was vulnerable to a hostile takeover. The country was fed up with the APC.

Marabouts Prophecy

But Atiku, being Atiku, felt obliged to live up to the marabouts prediction in 1998 that he would one day be Nigerias president. It was this pursuit of prophecy that got him into trouble with President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003; it was the blind pursuit of it that drove him from the PDP to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and later to the APC. The obsession with this prophecy finally brought him back to the PDP. He just had to run.

But it shouldnt have happened in 2023. While the odds favoured another party to succeed the exhausted APC, it certainly did not favour a Northerner to run. Not after eight years of Buhari, a Northerner, not after Tinubu had wrested the flag of the APC, and certainly not when the convention in the PDP favoured rotation.

Theres no point blaming Tinubu for the wreckage, or getting angry with Okowa for sexifying his incredible opportunism as the beginning of a movement. PDP will get a fresh start on life when Atiku, the main obstacle, steps down. Everything else is a waste of time.

Atiku cast aside the odds, defied the restraints of common sense, ignored the partys convention and a last-minute understanding after a key London meeting, and subverted the primaries to carry the flag. Things, quite naturally, fell apart.

Looking for a Scapegoat

The rest is history. The PDP lost. The party that boasted that it was Africas largest party, destined to rule for 60 years, lost its way, leaving its members desperately searching for shelter and rehabilitation, and looking for rest wherever it may be found.

How can that be Tinubus problem when Atiku, the wrecking ball, still sits pretty? I understand the hysteria in the opposition, but it does not have to waste its current misery looking for scapegoats outside. Two years is still a reasonably long time to rebuild. The rise of Peter Obi nine months to the last general election and the impact the Labour Party made show that voters will reward a viable alternative platform.

The word here is viable. Not a party led by opportunists who have made a life career of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. Say what you like about Tinubu, he has stood with his progressive brand of politics for nearly 30 years, even standing alone against all odds and at significant personal and reputational costs.

Go, Atiku, Go

If the PDP is serious about a future, and Atiku cares about it, he must immediately drop his ambition to run again. This ambition is at the heart of the current turmoil in the party; it was why the PDP broke into three factions on the eve of the last election; it was why he has been unable to rebuild the ruins two years later. And it is why he is arguably the first Nigerian presidential aspirant to lose two running mates to defections.

Theres no point blaming Tinubu for the wreckage, or getting angry with Okowa for sexifying his incredible opportunism as the beginning of a movement. PDP will get a fresh start on life when Atiku, the main obstacle, steps down. Everything else is a waste of time.

Azu Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

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In the context of ever faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the oceans are not just one more issue: they are everyones business. We must not forget our shared responsibility in the context of challenges to multilateralism. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet.

From 9 to 13 June, France will be hosting the third United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (UNOC, or United Nations Ocean Conference). For this crucial event, some 100 heads of state and government will converge, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, Frances aim will be clear: protecting the oceans through tangible action.

The oceans belong to all of us. They feed and protect our peoples. They inspire dreams and enable travel. They offer sustainable energy, means to trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge.

One in three people relies on the oceans for their livelihood, yet the oceans are in danger. They remain little-known, with neither global governance nor the financing needed for their preservation. The numbers are worrying: More than eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to a study in Science. Moreover, more than a third of the fish stocks suffer overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace, as direct consequences of climate change.

We must act now. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the oceans.

Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity. The Nice Ocean Agreements will form a genuine international compact for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, fully in line with the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

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To this end, the talks in Nice need to be very operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, more financing and greater knowledge of the seas.

Nigeria was one of the first countries to sign the BBNJ Agreement, and the process towards the ratification of this agreement is ongoing. More than ever, we must take action together and make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point. Your commitment will be decisive for sustainable management of the high seas. France will be delighted to welcome Nigeria to Nice to celebrate the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement.

When it comes to governance, the is essential. The high seas, which represent more than 60 per cent of the oceans, are currently the only space not governed by international law. The lack of oversight and common rules is causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the taking of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries, so as to come into force.

The protection of the oceans also requires public and private financing and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the oceans, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment.

Lastly, how can we protect what we know not  or know insufficiently? We need to enhance our knowledge of the oceans and share it better. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the oceans  which cover 70 per cent of Earths surface  remain unknown. Together, we need to put science, innovation and education to work to better understand the oceans and raise public awareness.

In the context of ever faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the oceans are not just one more issue: they are everyones business. We must not forget our shared responsibility in the context of challenges to multilateralism. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet.

Nigeria was one of the first countries to sign the BBNJ Agreement, and the process towards the ratification of this agreement is ongoing. More than ever, we must take action together and make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point. Your commitment will be decisive for sustainable management of the high seas. France will be delighted to welcome Nigeria to Nice to celebrate the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement. We are counting on you.

Marc Fonbaustier, Ambassador of France to Nigeria

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has hailed the invaluable contributions of workers to the development and progress of the state as the world marks International Workers Day.

In his Workers Day message, Governor Radda reaffirmed his administrations staunch commitment to civil servants welfare through several key initiatives being implemented in the state.

Our civil service remains the engine room of governance, and my administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of all workers in Katsina State. The various interventions we have made demonstrate our commitment to creating a motivated workforce that can effectively deliver public services to our people, Mr Radda said.

Having cleared all backlog of promotions for the 2023 financial year, ensuring deserving civil servants received their due recognition, the administration has gone further to successfully conduct promotional examinations for all officers eligible for advancement in the 2024 financial year.

Our administration had disbursed N957 million in wage awards and Ramadan packages to civil servants and pensioners across the state. Weve also released the sum of N200 million for refurbishment loans to civil servants, augmenting the already operational N250 million facility. This brings the total available loan fund to N450 million, providing much-needed financial support to the workforce, the governor revealed.

Mr Radda also noted that 14 outstanding workers received merit awards including vehicles and cash prizes of N2 million each, as part of the administrations commitment to rewarding exceptional service.

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Addressing long-standing concerns of retirees, the governor maintained that the state government has approved the payment of N24 billion in outstanding gratuities for both state and local government retirees, bringing relief to thousands of pensioners and their families.

Similarly, the administration has also flagged off Rumbum Sauki, a subsidised shopping complex designed to provide affordable goods to civil servants and ease the cost of living for government workers.

Governor Radda urged all civil servants to rededicate themselves to the service of the state, adding that his administration remains committed to their welfare and professional development.

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Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has stated that his administration has complied with the Minimum Wage Act, affirming that no civil servant in the state earns less than N70,000.

Speaking to workers at Murtala Square, Kaduna during the May Day celebrations on Thursday, Governor Sani, who highlighted his background as a human rights activist, reiterated his belief in the dignity of labour, explaining that the lowest-paid worker in Kaduna State receives N72,000.

The Governor acknowledged that the matter of incremental salary adjustments is yet to be resolved but assured the workforce that it would be addressed.

I have been involved in the struggle for labour rights, workers rights. That is my background. Because of my history, I met with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), he said.

I made it clear to them that although we have met the minimum wage requirement, there is something called incremental adjustment which is discretionary.

Because of my relationship with both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), I asked them that we should have discussions and devise a formula that will make every worker in Kaduna State content, regardless of their status, and they presented three different options, he disclosed.

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Mr Sani pledged, Today, I want to reaffirm to all of you here that by the grace of God, we will consider the incremental adjustment and ensure that even senior civil servants will benefit because we must ensure our workers are satisfied.

Furthermore, he emphasised that improving the living conditions of pensioners is a top priority for his administration. He noted that last month, the government released N3.8 billion to settle outstanding gratuities, death benefits, and accrued rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Since the beginning of our administration, we have cumulatively paid the sum of N10.4 billion in gratuity, death benefits, and accrued rights within the Contributory Pension Scheme, Governor Sani added.

According to the Governor, this significant payment to pensioners is unprecedented. He expressed his satisfaction that the Chairman of the NLC had acknowledged that his administration inherited most of these outstanding issues.

Governor Sani also announced the approval for the recruitment of 1,800 medical personnel to strengthen the states Primary Health Care System, and the employment of 3,000 teachers to enhance the capacity of public schools.

He revealed that Kaduna State received the award for the best subnational in Primary Health Care in Nigeria three months prior, attributing this to the fact that we are the only state that has upgraded 180 of our 255 PHCs to Level 2 status.

Addressing the ongoing industrial action by the Kaduna State University (KASU) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Governor stated that his administration has made every effort to reposition the institution.

He explained that over 60% of the universitys courses lacked accreditation when he assumed office, but his administration invested over N300 million to secure the National Universities Commissions (NUC) accreditation.

The Governor noted that the demands of the striking lecturers had accumulated over 17 years, with approximately three of his predecessors unable to settle the liabilities, which amount to betweenN5 to N6 billion.

Despite this, the lecturers want us to settle these liabilities now, and I said no. I insisted that we must engage in dialogue. I then questioned where their voices were during the past 17 years?

We must sit down and explore how we can address this issue gradually. It is not something that can be resolved in a single day. A problem spanning 17 years cannot be settled overnight, he added.

Governor Sani assured that the issue would be addressed, emphasising that education is a crucial equaliser. We will ensure that both the academic and non-academic staff of KASU are taken care of, he concluded.

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Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pledged that the state will lift millions out of poverty through ambitious financial inclusion policies, with the goal of opening three million new bank accounts by the end of 2025.

The Governor made this commitment while addressing the Kaduna Economic and Financial Inclusion Summit (KEFIS 2025) on Wednesday. The summits theme was Expanding Financial Access for Sustainable Development.

Governor Sani revealed that over 2.5 million accounts have already been opened, and nearly seven million citizens have registered for National Identification Numbers (NIN) to facilitate access to financial services.

Genuine financial inclusion is about providing individuals and communities with the means to participate meaningfully in the economy, break the cycle of poverty, and improve their quality of life, the Governor told stakeholders, including representatives of the Vice President and development partners.

According to him, Kadunas rural population, which constitutes 70 to 75 per cent of the unbanked, is central to the states inclusion drive.

Approximately 3.5 million people in Kaduna were outside the financial system as of 2023, he disclosed.

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This exclusion hindered economic growth and left many vulnerable groups disenfranchised from the benefits of modern financial systems, he added.

Recalling his tenure as the former chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions, Governor Sani mentioned that he sponsored the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

Governor Uba Sani pointed out that this legislation brought financial technology companies (fintechs) under the regulation of the Central Bank of Nigeria, enabling digital financial services to reach underserved areas.

A significant amount has happened since fintechs came under the CBNs regulatory oversight. They are now reaching people who were previously outside the financial system, he said, highlighting how they have facilitated access to mobile banking, credit, and donor programmes.

According to the Governor, his administration has also formalised financial inclusion through the Kaduna State Financial Inclusion Executive Order, leading to the establishment of a state committee and targeted interventions.

He stated that over 11.4 million (N18 billion) was channelled into accounts through direct cash transfers and the distribution of inputs by agencies such as KADEDA, KADSIPA, and the Planning and Budget Commission.

The signing of the Financial Inclusion Order in 2023 marked a significant moment in our journey towards economic empowerment and social equity, he said.

This policy resulted in a 19 per cent increase in financially served adults, rising from 45 per cent in 2022 to 64 per cent in 2024, with approximately 9 per cent representing newly banked individuals and 10 per cent accessing other formal financial services.

The Governor added that Kadunas inclusion strategy also supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are crucial for job creation.

We are fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where MSMEs can grow, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economy of Kaduna State, he said, adding that the economic impact is already evident, with poverty rates and income inequality decreasing. Governor Uba Sani disclosed that access to financial services and credit has lifted many people out of poverty.

In Kaduna State, we believe in a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity. Financial inclusion is addressing the root causes of insecurity: unemployment and inequality, he pointed out.

The Governor noted that partnerships with banks (UBA, Jaiz, Zenith, Fidelity), fintechs (Moniepoint, Momo, TeasyPay, E-Tranzact), and global development partners like the Gates Foundation have been vital.

He explained that the foundation is streamlining NIN enrolment and supporting digital payment systems.

He highlighted that, in recognition of its progress, Kaduna has been selected as a pilot state by the Office of the Vice President for a national financial inclusion initiative. As part of this, Kaduna will allocate 5,000 hectares for an in-grower scheme, supporting rural farmers through input assistance and product-based repayments.

This approach is specifically designed to empower rural communities and integrate them into the formal financial system, he explained.

The Governor also disclosed his recent appointment to the Governing Board of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), representing Northern Nigeria  a recognition of Kadunas leading role in financial empowerment.

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An explosion Wednesday night rocked Giwa Barracks, a popular military detention facility where many ex-Boko Haram fighters are believed to be held in Maiduguri, Borno State.

This comes amidst the resurgence of Boko Haram violence, which the state government recently decried.

Governor Babagana Zulum lamented that the Islamist terrorists were regrouping and threatening the fragile stability of the North-east region.

The explosion

Several videos of the incident posted on social media, capture flames in the sky and people residing near the barracks scampering for safety.

However, the police hav said the blast was caused by heat.

The spokesperson for the police in Borno, Nahum Daso, said the fire outbreak around 10:30 p.m affected some ammunitions which detonated.

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ALSO READ: Police detain activist for criticising Borno government official

A combined security and fire-service response team arrived promptly on scene and successfully extinguished the fire. Preliminary investigations indicated that the unusually high ambient temperatures in Maiduguri at this time of year may have contributed to the outbreak.

The command calls on all members of the public to remain calm and should not panic as the situation is now fully under control, the police spokesperson said.

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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.

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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. Tilman Kuhn, Latham & Watkins

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

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent considers the Economic Partnership Deal concluded with Ukraine to be mutually beneficial.

"This is a great deal. This is President Trump's deal, he is done trade deals, tax deals, and now we got this Ukrainian-American Economic Partnership Deal. It is a win-win," Bessent said on Fox News on Thursday.

According to him, now the United States "is showing that it has an economic interest in Ukraine, and it is a signal to the Russian leadership."

"It also was a signal to the American people that we have a chance to participate, to get some of our funding, weapons compensation and to be partners in the success of the Ukrainian people, to bring American know-how, best practices to a rebuilt Ukraine," the minister said.

Bessent also called the concluded deal "a way showing that there are no differences between Ukraine and the United States."

Earlier, Bessent said the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the Ukrainian-American Reconstruction Investment Fund, and this agreement clearly signals to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process, the center of which is a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine in the long term.

"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. 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," according to a press release on the U.S. Treasury Department website.

It is noted that in recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to Ukraine's defense since Russia's full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions the two countries to cooperate and invest together so that their shared assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery.
New Land Adventures exploring picturesque Switzerland and the ancient history of Greece will dazzle guests through travel experiences only Adventures by Disney can create

CELEBRATION, Fla., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning in 2026, guests with an eye for majestic landscapes, a taste for ancient architecture and an affinity for Disney inspirations will have even more ways to experience real-world magic with Adventures by Disney on two, brand-new itineraries  Switzerland, and Greece: Mythology of Athens, Peloponnese & Rhodes  adding to a global portfolio of more than 40 guided-group adventures by land and river cruise.

Adventures by Disney Switzerland will allow guests to explore some of the majestic landscapes and charming towns that inspired many Disney creations, including an alpine hike with the Matterhorn as their backdrop  the inspiration behind Disneyland Resorts Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction.

Each departure will be led by Disney-trained Adventure Guides so every detail is seamless and every moment unforgettable. Young travelers, or "Junior Adventurers," also will have unique opportunities of their own with special activities designed just for them, allowing every member of the family the opportunity to create their own memories on an incredible vacation like no other.

Bookings open to the public on May 9, 2025. More information about Adventures by Disney, including the full line-up of itineraries in 2026, can be found at AdventuresbyDisney.com.

Switzerland

Walt Disney and his wife Lillian enjoyed many summer holidays in Switzerland, where they fell in love with the landscape, its people and the stories from mountain-side villages and lakefront towns. This fondness can be seen through many of Walt's creations, from films to Disneyland Resort's Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction.

This breathtaking, eight-day itinerary is full of some of the charming villages and scenery that inspired Walt, along with culinary delights that will ignite the adventurous spirit inside each guest.

Highlights include:

Hitting the trails on an alpine hike with the majestic Matterhorn as the backdrop  the inspiration behind Disneyland Resort's famed Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction.

as the backdrop  the inspiration behind Disneyland Resort's famed Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction. Savoring authentic Swiss delights , including delectable Gruyere cheeses, luscious fondue and specialty chocolates in a Swiss chocolate-making workshop.

, including delectable Gruyere cheeses, luscious fondue and specialty chocolates in a Swiss chocolate-making workshop. Experiencing a fairytale setting come to life on a privately guided tour of the dreamy lakeside medieval castle, Chateau de Chillon .

. Taking in the scenic wonders of the turquoise blue Lake Brienz by kayak and a refreshing dip in its cool water.

by kayak and a refreshing dip in its cool water. Enjoying a special after-hours event at the Olympic Museum, home of the largest archive of Olympic Games memorabilia in the world, some of which helped inspire Disney Parks' famed Pin Trading tradition.

Adventures by Disney will offer nine Switzerland departures in 2026, comprised of six family departures and three departures exclusively for adults.

Complete details are available here.

Greece: Mythology of Athens, Peloponnese & Rhodes

Greece is well known for its ancient architecture, cuisine and mythology  celebrating the gods, goddesses and heroic legends who helped to inspire them all. This immersive, eight-day adventure will bring to life the stories and wonders of Greek mythology for guests as they discover the origin of the Greek influences that inspired "Hercules" and other Disney animated classics with visits to landmark structures, historic sites and magnificent landscapes.

Highlights include:

Exploring the Acropolis of Athens , a symbol of Greece's Golden Age and home to the famed Parthenon.

, a symbol of Golden Age and home to the famed Parthenon. Journeying through the once-great citadel of Mycenae , the first true Greek civilization and the Epidaurus Theatre  known to be the most perfect Ancient Greek theater.

, the first true Greek civilization and the  known to be the most perfect Ancient Greek theater. Kayaking and snorkeling above an ancient submerged archaeological site in Epidaurus , evoking images of the lost city of Atlantis .

, evoking images of the lost city of . Enjoying the charming port town of Nafplio , Greece's first capital and a hallmark of its unique culture.

, first capital and a hallmark of its unique culture. Visiting the medieval city of Rhodes and the site of Colossus of Rhodes, where a statue of the Greek sun god Helios once stood  a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Adventures by Disney will offer 10 departures in 2026 for Greece: Mythology of Athens, Peloponnese & Rhodes, comprised of six family departures and four departures exclusively for adults.

Complete details on Greece: Mythology of Athens, Peloponnese & Rhodes are available here.

To learn more about Adventures by Disney or to book a vacation, guests can visit AdventuresbyDisney.com , call 1-833-223-0103 or contact a travel agent.

About Adventures by Disney

For 20 years, guests traveling with Adventures by Disney have explored some of the most sought-after places in the world, and the travel brand's global portfolio has expanded to now offer more than 40 guided-group adventures by land and river cruise. Disney-trained Adventure Guides accompany every trip and bring real-world magic to life. Their masterful storytelling, in-depth knowledge of the places visited plus their attention to every detail ensures guests enjoy a hassle-free vacation and foster lasting connections with every destination. The authenticity and immersion in the places and cultures visited, plus insider access and activities, are at the heart of every Adventures by Disney vacation.

SOURCE Adventures by Disney
Adversa AI was recognized as Cyber Defense Magazine's Winner and Hot Company in GenAI Application Security Category at the 13th Annual Global InfoSec Awards

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adversa AI, the pioneering platform for continuous AI Red Teaming for all AI assets  from AI Model and GenAI applications to AI Agents and agentic communications  today announced that it has won the Hot Company in GenAI Application Security award from Cyber Defense Magazine at the publication's 13th annual Global InfoSec Awards.

Adversa AI Red Teaming Platform GenAI Security winner

Cyber Defense Magazine, the industry's premier cybersecurity publication, honors the most innovative and forward-thinking companies from around the globe. Winners are unveiled each year during the prestigious RSAC Conference.

"Adversa AI Red Teaming Platform is designed to enhance GenAI application and Agentic AI Security by continuously simulating and automatically uncovering known and unknown vulnerabilities before attackers do," said Alex Polyakov, CEO and founder of Adversa AI. "Our platform continuously simulates real-world adversarial techniques, from prompt injections, jailbreaks, to model exploitations, providing enterprises with critical insights and actionable defenses. We are proud to be recognized by Cyber Defense Magazine for helping organizations safeguard the future of AI through continuous, automated security validation."

Adversa AI advanced technology was recently proven by uncovering 0-day unknown vulnerabilities in top AI models such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Grok, and others within hours of its release. Acting as a "continuous attack surface management" for AI systems, Adversa AI seamlessly integrates into enterprise security workflows, compliance programs, and incident response operations, providing real-time insights into GenAI-specific risks.

Adversa AI empowers security, risk, and AI development teams to defend against evolving threats targeting Generative AI and Agentic AI systems. It has already helped Fortune 500 companies and the leading solution providers across US, EU and Asia to proactively test and protect their most critical AI Assets.

"Adversa AI embodies the three major features our judges look for to become winners: understanding tomorrow's threats today, delivering a cost-effective solution, and innovating in ways that can prevent breaches before they happen," said Gary S. Milliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.

Full list of winners here

Resources:

About Adversa AI

Adversa AI leads continuous AI Red Teaming and proactive security testing for Generative AI and agentic systems. Its platform automates GenAI security validation, helping enterprises uncover vulnerabilities, prioritize risks, and defend AI innovations before attacks occur. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and global technology leaders, Adversa AI bridges cybersecurity and AI development, building resilience by design.

About Cyber Defense Magazine

Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of cyber security news and information for InfoSec professionals in business and government. We are managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals.

Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories and awards on the ebay ideas, products, and services in the information technology industry. We deliver electronic magazines every month online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSAC Conferences. CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group.

Learn more about us at Cyber Defense Magazine and visit Cyber Defense TV and Cyber Defense Radio to see and hear some of the most informative interviews of many of the winning company executives. Join a webinar at Cyber Defense Webinars and realize that infosec knowledge is power.

Contact:

Adversa AI PR

+97504794776

[email protected]

SOURCE Adversa AI
DENVER, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards AFB, Calif., has awarded Ursa Major a $28,565,857 firm-fixed price contract for responsive space, hypersonic, and on-orbit propulsion. This new contract will follow-on work completed to mature advanced liquid rocket engines and will culminate in a flight demonstration.

"Under this contract, Ursa Major serves as the lead integrator for a tactical flight demonstrator that will prove the ability to use a storable liquid rocket system for hypersonic applications," said Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major. "Because of their tactical configuration, storable liquid rocket engines, like Ursa Major's Draper, are uniquely positioned to deliver to the warfighter a hypersonic capability that is manufacturable at scale and at a fraction of the cost of alternatives."

Ursa Major's Draper propulsion system combines the long-term storable attributes of solid rocket motors with the active throttle control and extended ranges of liquid systems, providing maneuverability, distance and flexibility needed for hypersonic applications for warfighters. Developed as a tactical, storable variant of the flight-proven and in-production Hadley system, Draper's design furthers effective simulation of hypersonic threats and addresses critical gaps in America's hypersonic capabilities. Draper is a 4,000-pound-thrust closed catalyst cycle system that uses non-cryogenic fuels that optimize long-term storability. Ursa Major announced the successful hotfire of the Draper engine in May 2024 following the announcement of the development of Draper. Draper has subsequently conducted over 200 hot-fires, and this will be its maiden flight.

About Ursa Major

Ursa Major is an aerospace and defense company, providing products and solutions for hypersonic, tactical missile, and space mobility systems. The company applies state-of-the-art digital and additive manufacturing techniques to rapidly produce the most advanced, cost-effective solutions. Ursa Major has category-leading hypersonic, on-orbit, and solid rocket motor propulsion capabilities. Ursa Major's customers range from commercial space technology providers to enterprise-level aerospace and defense leaders as well as the U.S. government. The company employs the most sought-after engineers from top aerospace programs and universities, united in the core values of disruptive innovation, flying faster, and providing reliable and cost-effective systems. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, with additive manufacturing facilities in Youngstown, Ohio, Ursa Major was named one of the best places to work by Built in Colorado three years in a row.

SOURCE Ursa Major
PHOENIX, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Air 2 O, a global leader in advanced thermal management solutions for mission-critical environments, is pleased to announce moving into its new 186,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Phoenix in June 2025 and will be operational in the fall. Exterior space significantly increases the facility's square footage, offering the increased operation plans and flexibility to seamlessly accommodate ramp-up for customers in dynamic industries.

Thus, the facility, more than quintuples the rapidly growing company's U.S. footprint, is dedicated to the production of equipment for data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities and other environments requiring energy efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced HVACD solutions.

The facility features:

A significantly expanded manufacturing footprint with additional space dedicated to assembly, welding, tailored electrical control panels, Paint Booth, R&D and Testing

More warehousing space for raw materials, parts and components that will enhance supply chain resiliency and inventory management capabilities

Increased office and conference room space, a new showroom and additional employee amenities

1300 W Alameda Rd. Phoenix

Photo of new building with Mike Sullivan, CEO, and Tom Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer, Air 2 O.

"By harnessing advanced, sustainable technologies and offering fully customized solutions, Air 2 O empowers industries to overcome even the toughest environmental challenges efficiently and cost-effectively," said Mike Sullivan, CEO, Air 2 O. "Collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are at the heart of everything we do. Our expanded facility not only strengthens our ability to deliver next-generation thermal management solutions, but it also enables us to support our customers more effectively providing faster response times, greater flexibility, and the highest level of service as we help shape the industries of the future."

Air 2 O is positioned to accelerate innovation, expand its supply chain logistics and develop talent while capitalizing on Arizona's thriving data center, semiconductor manufacturing, lithium-ion battery production and other mission-critical industries. The new facility reflects Air 2 O's commitment to scaling operations sustainably while maintaining its leadership in advanced thermal management solutions.

Air 2 O anticipates hiring 200-plus employees through 2026 to meet increasing demand for innovative products such as its Air 2 O Wall for data center cooling, dual voltage Liquid Load Banks for commissioning of liquid cooled data centers, desiccant dehumidification solutions for low dew point applications such as lithium ion battery manufacturing, custom clean room air handling units for the semiconductor industry, and other thermal management solutions that enable precise temperature and humidity control in the most sensitive environments.

Named one of Arizona's Most Admired Companies and honored as the Arizona Small Company Innovator of the Year in 2024, Air 2 O will continue to focus on delivering exceptional value to its customers, employees, and community as one of the state's premier industrial design, engineering, and manufacturing firms.

ABOUT AIR 2 O

Air 2 O is a global leader in advanced thermal management for mission-critical facilities, offering sustainable, custom solutions and Arizona's sole manufacturer of low dew point HVACD applications. Learn more at air2o.com .

Press Contact

Al Maag

[email protected]

602.363.6038

SOURCE Air2O
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A pioneering partnership has been forged between AkzoNobel (AKZA; AKZOY) and IPG Photonics focused on applying laser technology for curing powder coatings.

The groundbreaking process involves calibrating the company's Interpon powder coating formulations for optimal results with laser curing solutions from IPG. This will offer a faster and more energy efficient alternative to conventional curing methods. The two companies have signed an agreement for the partnership to exclusively serve customers in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.

Pictured at the official signing ceremony to finalize the partnership are Jorrit van Rijn, Marketing Director of AkzoNobels Powder Coatings business (left) and Andrey Mashkin, VP of Operations Europe and Managing Director of IPG Photonics. Laser in use at AkzoNobel facility.

The process involves lasers selectively heating the applied powder coating in a "cold oven". It means no heat escapes onto the factory floor and no energy is wasted heating the atmosphere or the curing enclosure. High intensity laser heating also enables curing times to be reduced to just a few minutes, compared with the 15 to 20 minutes that's currently required using traditional curing methods. The IPG Photonics process also enables curing to occur in less than half the space required by a traditional oven.

"This is a hugely exciting partnership which has the potential to offer customers game-changing benefits in terms of process speed, efficiency and energy savings," says Jorrit van Rijn, Global Marketing Director of AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business. "It's yet another example of how our commitment to painting the future is driving our innovation so we can help make the powder coatings industry even more sustainable."

Adds Trevor Ness, Senior Vice-President, Global Sales and Strategic Business Development at IPG Photonics: "We're delighted to partner with the EMEA powder coatings leader to accelerate market acceptance of our game-changing modular laser curing solutions. By aligning our laser innovations with AkzoNobel's Interpon powder coatings capabilities, we anticipate a shorter time to market and added value for our customers. Together, our companies will realize a new level of efficiency and value for the powder coatings industry."

Laser curing offers a number of benefits, including the ability to preferentially heat the actual coating, as opposed to the underlying substrate. It's suitable for temperature-sensitive substrates and eliminates the long cool-down waiting times evident in typical production lines. In a high-volume manufacturing environment, customers could realize reductions of more than 50% in both investment and operational costs, while drastically reducing their carbon footprint and energy consumption.

To learn more about AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business, visit Interpon.com.

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands  including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon  is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing more sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today  while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

About IPG Photonics

IPG Photonics Corporation is the leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers used primarily in materials processing and other diverse applications. The Company's mission is to develop innovative laser solutions making the world a better place. IPG accomplishes this mission by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with other types of lasers and non-laser tools, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease costs. IPG is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and has more than 30 facilities worldwide.

For more information about laser manufacturing solutions, visit www.IPGPhotonics.com.

SOURCE AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc.
Legendary Bespoke Suit Company to host Monthlong Trunk Show Set for May 130 featuring a preview of the top Oxxford suits

NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alan David Custom, New York City's leading bespoke menswear destination, today announced that it is now the exclusive provider of Oxxford garments in New York. This milestone makes Alan David Custom the only New York City-based suiting provider where customers can be fitted for and purchase the legendary Oxxford garment, widely considered the finest handcrafted suit made in America.

To commemorate the partnership, Alan David Custom will host a monthlong Oxxford Trunk Show from May 130, 2025 at its all-new showroom in New York City, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Throughout the event, clients will have the opportunity to explore Oxxford's full collection, select from the brand's premium fabrics, and be personally fitted by Alan David Custom's exceptional tailors for garments that reflect over a century of elite craftsmanship.

"This partnership represents the pinnacle of American tailoring, and we're proud to be the exclusive home of Oxxford in New York," said Alan Horowitz, Owner of Alan David Custom. "For five generations, Alan David Custom has stood for uncompromising quality and precision. Our clients expect nothing less than the best, and Oxxford exemplifies the timeless craftsmanship and sophistication that define true luxury."

Established in 1916, Oxxford Clothes is renowned for its meticulous hand constructioneach garment requiring over 30 hours of skilled craftsmanship. As two heritage brands rooted in excellence and personalization, the partnership between Alan David Custom and Oxxford represents a new era of refined, American-made menswear in Manhattan.

"Both brands share a relentless dedication to quality and customer experience," added Horowitz. "We're excited to keep this iconic garment to the heart of New York City and deliver an unmatched suiting experience."

This exclusive offering further solidifies Alan David Custom's position as a leader in luxury menswear, where tradition meets innovation. By aligning with Oxxford Clothes, the brand continues its mission to deliver timeless garments with modern sensibilityeach one meticulously crafted to reflect the individuality of its wearer. As the need increases for elevated, made-in-America tailoring, Alan David remains committed to providing garments that combine heritage, artistry, and fit at the highest level.

For more information on Alan David Custom or to schedule a fitting of the Oxxford suit, please visit www.alandavid.com.

About Alan David Custom

Alan David Custom is a fifth-generation, family-owned custom clothier based in New York City, known for its unparalleled craftsmanship, precise fit, and personalized service since 1913. Specializing in fully bespoke suits, shirts, tuxedos, and outerwear, each garment is handcrafted in the U.S. using time-honored techniques and the finest fabrics. Unlike made-to-measure brands, Alan David creates custom patterns from scratch, offering clients a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the brand serves professionals, performers, groomsmen, and athletes seeking timeless style with modern sophistication. For more information, visit www.alandavid.com

Media Contact

5W Public Relations

[email protected]

(212) 999-5585

SOURCE Alan David Custom
LAVAL, QC, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Alimentation Couche-Tard ("Couche-Tard") (TSX: ATD) ("Company") confirmed today that the Company has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Seven & i") to progress transaction discussions, facilitate due diligence, and collaborate on plans to engage with regulators. There can be no assurance that these discussions will result in a transaction.

Alex Miller, Couche-Tard President and CEO, said, "We appreciate the Special Committee of Seven & i engaging in substantive discussions regarding our proposal and providing access to diligence. We look forward to working collaboratively with Seven & i in the interests of all stakeholders."

About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience and mobility, operating in 29 countries and territories, with close to 17,000 stores, of which approximately 13,000 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and it is a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Belgium, as well as in Ireland. It also has an important presence in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, as well as in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Approximately 149,000 people are employed throughout its network.

For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., or to consult its audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements, unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis, please visit: https://corpo.couche-tard.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include certain statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the securities laws of Canada, including statements relating to a prospective transaction between Couche-Tard and Seven & I, the intended benefits thereof and other expectations with respect thereto. Any statement in this press release that is not a statement of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. When used on this press release, the words "believe", "could", "should", "intend", "expect", "estimate", "assume", "aim", "align", "maintain", "continue", "effect", "growth", "position", "seek", "strategy", "strive", "will", "may", "might" and other similar expressions or the negative of these terms are generally intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking statements include such words. These statements are based on management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates, which it believes are reasonable, but which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially, including risks associated with the entry into and consummation of a potential transaction, ability to realize expected synergies and successfully integrate the companies in the event of a transaction, market and economic conditions, business prospects or opportunities, future plans and projections, technological and business developments, and regulatory trends and changes, and such other risks as described in detail from time to time in documents filed by Couche-Tard with securities regulatory authorities in Canada. All forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement and speak as of the date of this news release. Couche-Tard undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Recognizing, Honoring, and Amplifying the Impact of Nurses Across the Nation

SILVER SPRING, Md., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Nurses Enterprise  encompassing the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF)  kicks off National Nurses Week (May 612) with a powerful message: The Power of Nurses. This year's campaign shines a national spotlight on nurses as the driving force behind compassionate care, innovation, and transformative changes in healthcare. From coast to coast, the enterprise is launching a series of high-impact events  including a national press conference, educational webinars, landmark light-ups, and direct engagement with policymakersto celebrate the unparalleled contributions of nurses and call on the public to honor their essential role in shaping a healthier future for all.

"As a nurse, I'm deeply honored to join my colleagues at the American Nurses Association in leading this year's National Nurses Week observance. Nursing is more than a profession  it is a calling grounded in purpose, compassion, and service. This week is a moment to honor and elevate the voices of nurses who are improving lives, strengthening communities, and leading transformative changes across the healthcare system."  Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President, American Nurses Association.

"I am proud to celebrate those who embody the very best of what it means to serve. Let this be a national moment of gratitude  to celebrate nurses for who they are, what they do, and the extraordinary impact they make every single day," said Bradley Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FNP-C, FAAN, Chief Nursing Officer of the American Nurses Enterprise.

Summary of activities and events happening during National Nurses Week:

May 5 : National Nurses Week kicks off early in collaboration with the Maryland Nurses Association at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland with giveaways and breakfast for nurses. Premier Protein will be offering free shakes to nurses and presenting a check to the American Nurses Association to honor the contributions of nurses and advance their well-being.

National Nurses Week kicks off early in collaboration with the Maryland Nurses Association at Suburban Hospital in with giveaways and breakfast for nurses. Premier Protein will be offering free shakes to nurses and presenting a check to the American Nurses Association to honor the contributions of nurses and advance their well-being. May 5 : ANA's Center for Ethics & Human Rights presents "Unlocking the Code of Ethics for Nurses"  a webinar sponsored by Capella University . It will take place at 3:00 p.m. Led by Carol Taylor , PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, professor of Medicine and Nursing at Georgetown University , the session will explore The Power of Nurses through the lens of the Code of Ethics for Nurses and its critical role in everyday practice across all care settings. Register and watch here .

ANA's Center for Ethics & Human Rights presents  a webinar sponsored by . It will take place at Led by , PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, professor of Medicine and Nursing at , the session will explore The Power of Nurses through the lens of the and its critical role in everyday practice across all care settings. . May 6 : National Nurses Week will "Light up The Sky". More than 100 monuments, buildings, bridges, hospitals, and landmarks across the country will illuminate in the color red to honor nurses. Visit the National Nurses Week website to find a location near you, take a selfie and post to social media to share your pride! * Happening throughout the week .

National Nurses Week will More than 100 monuments, buildings, bridges, hospitals, and landmarks across the country will illuminate in the color red to honor nurses. to find a location near you, take a selfie and post to social media to share your pride! . May 6 : ANA releases its updated position statement on workplace violence, articulating the responsibilities of nurses and employers to share and sustain a culture of respect, which is free from violence. Find the full statement here .

ANA releases its updated position statement on workplace violence, articulating the responsibilities of nurses and employers to share and sustain a culture of respect, which is free from violence. . May 7 : The third installment of the Mary Eliza Mahoney Lecture Series : "Social Justice and Ethics: Building on the Legacy of Mary Eliza Mahoney ," celebrates the enduring legacy of Mary Eliza Mahoney , the first professionally trained African American nurse and a trailblazer in the field of nursing. This compelling panel discussion will explore Provision 9 of the association's newly revised Code of Ethics for Nurses , which calls on nurses to advance social justice, eliminate health inequities, and promote human flourishing across all communities. Register and watch here .

The third installment of the : celebrates the enduring legacy of , the first professionally trained African American nurse and a trailblazer in the field of nursing. This compelling panel discussion will explore of the association's newly revised , which calls on nurses to advance social justice, eliminate health inequities, and promote human flourishing across all communities. . May 8 : ANA's Policy and Government Affairs Division will host a special reception on Capitol Hill for members of Congress, aimed at raising awareness of key issues and policies impacting nurses and the nursing profession. *Photos and quotes will be available for media members.

ANA's Policy and Government Affairs Division will host a special reception on Capitol Hill for members of Congress, aimed at raising awareness of key issues and policies impacting nurses and the nursing profession. May 9 : A special networking and fireside chat event with enterprise leadership and local state representatives takes place at BayCare Health System in Tampa Bay, Florida . The event will convene the newly appointed Chief Nursing Officer of the American Nurses Enterprise, Bradley Goettl , DNP, DHA, RN, FNP-C, FAAN, and the Chief Executive Officer of BayCare Health System, Stephanie Conners , MBA, BSN, RN, among others to discuss critical topics in nursing and share insights on the future of the profession. The session will be streamed live and shared following the event.

*More details on this event and additional events happening in Dallas and Boston can be found online here .

May 9 : ANA presents the "Redefining and Elevating the Value of Nursing" webinar, sponsored by LinkedIn, at 2:00 p.m. The session will feature insights from enterprise experts the Vice President of Individual Credentialing and Research, Heidi McNeely , PhD, RN,PCNS-BC, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs Tim Nanof , MSW, along with Olga Ysakusheva, PhD, from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing . Register and watch here .

: ANA presents the "Redefining and Elevating the Value of Nursing" webinar, sponsored by LinkedIn, at The session will feature insights from enterprise experts the Vice President of Individual Credentialing and Research, , PhD, RN,PCNS-BC, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs , MSW, along with Olga Ysakusheva, PhD, from . . May 12 : Watch the premiere of the American Nurses Foundation's mini documentary, highlighting the Nurse Well-Being: Building Peer & Leadership Support program here . It features real stories of nurses who successfully used this program at USA Health in Alabama .

"I am very grateful for the incredible work nurses do every single day. They are the backbone of our healthcare system and consistently rank as the most trusted professionals in the country  and for good reason. That's why National Nurses Week is so significant. It gives us all a moment to pause, reflect, and express heartfelt appreciation for the extraordinary contributions nurses make in every community," said Angela Beddoe, Chief Executive Officer of the American Nurses Enterprise. "Our mission is to champion nurses by prioritizing their well-being and ensuring they have the support, recognition, and resources needed to thrive. I'm especially thankful for our generous corporate sponsors  Capella University, LinkedIn, and Premier Protein  and our corporate donors, Quince and Springer Publishing as well as Chipotle and Skechers, who have both been longtime contributors that have supported the American Nurses Foundation for several years through annual register round-up campaigns at their locations nationwide. These partnerships make it possible to celebrate nurses in a way that truly honors their impact."

All are encouraged to use social media to share their gratitude for nurses everywhere. Using #ThePowerOfNurses, share your gratitude and snap a pic of your favorite nurse who is making a difference to share how nurses have made a positive impact in your life. For resources to celebrate National Nurses Week, more information on the National Nurses Week observance, and full schedule of activities, visit the National Nurses Week 2025 website.

About American Nurses Enterprise

American Nurses Enterprise unites the expertise and dedication of the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and American Nurses Foundation to champion nurses, advance standards of excellence and inspire transformative change. With a powerful legacy and forward-thinking vision, our influence spans federal and local levels working through state affiliates and partners to amplify the voice of nurses across all practices and specialties. Every day, we harness The Power of Nurses to increase the value of the nursing profession and transform the healthcare experience for all.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE American Nurses Enterprise
In May, join dedicated Red Crossers who provide care in U.S. and abroad

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For over 140 years, American service members, veterans, their families and caregivers have counted on the American Red Cross to help prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service, both in the U.S. and abroad. Today, unique Red Cross programs and services that care for the humanitarian needs of the military community are spearheaded by employees and volunteers, many of whom are military connected themselves.

Each year, the Red Cross assists more than 220,000 military and veteran families by leveraging a network of staff and volunteers across the country and around the world.

"Every day, brave individuals answer our nation's call to serve in the United States Armed Forces, assuming great responsibility and facing challenges in a changing world," said Jarrett Barrios, Senior Vice President for Service to the Armed Forces and International Services at the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross is keeping pace with growing needs of service members and their families, so our uniquely qualified teams ensure these heroes never face these challenges alone."

Through every phase of duty, service members and their families face a unique, sometimes daunting set of challenges. From the first day of enlistment to life after service, dedicated Red Cross team members are committed to providing a continuum of care.

Through the Hero Care Network, the Red Cross connects service members, veterans and their families to free and confidential assistance any day, any time. This includes briefings for new enlistees, emergency communication messages, financial assistance, critical community services and more.

The Red Cross maintains a global presence on hundreds of military installations and deployment sites  including 150 overseas locations  allowing staff and volunteers to provide in-person support for troops and their families, such as relaying emergency messages, teaching lifesaving skills, facilitating respite and wellness activities, and providing volunteer opportunities.

The Red Cross aims to improve the health and wellness of people in the military community through programs that focus on the whole health of each person, including behavioral health workshops, hospital and clinic support programs, the provision of care, comfort and therapy items, and a global network for caregivers to increase connection, hope and well-being.

As the nation celebrates Military Appreciation Month this May, the Red Cross honors the sacrifices of the military community, and the countless individuals who dedicate their time and expertise to supporting service members, veterans, their families and caregivers through the Red Cross.

Between volunteer and employment opportunities, Jackie Walters has devoted her life to service through the Red Cross for more than 60 years.

As a child in the 1950s, she recalls her mother, who served with the Red Cross Hospital Service in War World II and continued to volunteer as a military family caseworker for over 30 years, using their home phone to help transmit emergency communication messages between deployed service members and their families, prior to the creation of the Red Cross Hero Care Network. But it wasn't until Walters became a military spouse that she considered becoming a Red Cross volunteer herself.

Though Walters and her family have moved eight times since then, she has maintained her connection to the Red Cross and the military communities she serves. Through roles that have spanned serving as a clinic volunteer, to caseworker, to deploying to Germany to support Red Cross efforts in 2021, Walters has covered a lot of ground and touched countless lives.

"I believe in the mission. I believe in what we're doing," said Walters. "I believe in the support we provide to our armed forces. And I just love the people I've worked with."

This month, the Red Cross is inviting people around the country to turn their appreciation into action. To view volunteer and career opportunities, visit redcross.org.

NATIONAL DONORS JOIN LONG LEGACY OF RED CROSS MILITARY SUPPORT

Generous donations from Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Giving Program members enable the Red Cross to maintain a global network of thousands of volunteers and employees to support the military 365 days a year through emergency communications, training, community resources and support to ill and injured service members and veterans. Contributions from partners like Bank of America, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Wilf Family Foundations ensure the Red Cross is there 24/7 to provide comfort and care to members of the military, veterans and their families as they prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.

About the American Red Cross:

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

SOURCE American Red Cross
Poison Help (1-800-222-1222/ PoisonHelp.org) provides 24/7 free, expert advice from one of 53 nationally accredited, local Poison Control Centers

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid growing health misinformation often tied to social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and other internet resources, America's Poison Centers urges the public to find the answers to critical, life-saving health information from trusted experts, and accredited resources.

"Poisonings are complex and require the expertise of caring, experienced healthcare professionals who provide customized care for your unique situation," said Dr. Kait Brown, PharmD, DABAT, Clinical Managing Director, America's Poison Centers. "Social media, AI summaries, and other internet resources may use information from the internet that is not accurate or is outdated."

Trusted resources can include:

1) Organizations with accreditation credentials like Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222)

2) PoisonHelp.org: the official website of America's Poison Centers

3) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

4) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

"Every poison control center has valuable knowledge about local hospitals' capabilities and the environment, such as insects and wildlife, both critical to providing accurate recommendations," said Wendy Stephan, PhD, MPH, of the Florida Poison Information Center-Miami and Member, America's Poison Centers Board of Directors. "Poison Centers serve every U.S. state and territory. The power of our national network is that we not only provide recommendations to treat your specific poisoning but we're also out in the communities we serve, raising awareness and educating families about poison safety."

U.S. Poison Control Centers manage an average of 2.4 million total cases every year. When you call the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222), you connect with a medical expert at your local poison control center for fast, free, confidential medical advice. All U.S. Poison Centers meet or exceed rigorous accreditation criteria set by America's Poison Centers.

PoisonHelp.org provides a number of unique and valuable resources including:

A growing library of poison information, including first aid and poison prevention resources.

Near real-time poison trends and insights from the National Poison Data System, the only public health surveillance system that integrates the latest information from all 53 U.S. Poison Control Centers.

public health surveillance system that integrates the latest information from all 53 U.S. Poison Control Centers. Capability in select states to chat online with a real, certified poison center expert for 24/7 advice. In the coming year, America's Poison Centers will continue to expand online chat across the country.

Online Get Poison Help tool, where users can access immediate expert guidance and personalized recommendations in case of a poisoning. The Get Help tool is the official tool of America's Poison Centers and is supported and validated by accredited poison control center experts.

SOURCE America's Poison Centers
All facts regarding attack on Sternenko to be presented to public  Zelenskyy

Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Head of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Vasyl Maliuk reported on the investigation into the circumstances of the attack on Serhiy Sternenko, all facts regarding this will be presented to the public, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"The Head of the State Security Service of Ukraine reported on the investigation into the circumstances of the attack on volunteer Serhiy Sternenko. The State Security Service of Ukraine detained the attacker  promptly, thank you for that. All facts regarding the attack will be presented to the public," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday.

As reported, Security Service officers prevented the assassination of Sternenko.
Iconic Watchmaker Debuts Jewelry Category with Five New Styles for Statement Piece Enthusiasts and Watch Lovers Alike

NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Armitron (www.armitron.com), a longtime leader in timepiece craftsmanship, has launched its first-ever jewelry collection ahead of Mother's Day 2025. The new line blends Armitron's signature watches with elegant jewelry, offering gemstone-adorned Constance Crystal and Minnie Crystal watches, the Athena watch with a statement bracelet, time-telling heart rings, and four charm bracelets. This year, the brand truly gives mom "The Gift of Time."

Armitron Introduces First-Ever Jewelry Collection and Refreshed Watch Styles Ahead of Mothers Day 2025

"Even after 50 years, Armitron remains committed to reinvention," said Bobbie Weichselbaum, CEO of E. Gluck Corporation. "Our new jewelry collection reflects that spirit, and we're thrilled to introduce fresh, stylish ways for consumers to express themselves while staying true to our mission of creating accessible, fashion-forward accessory designs for all."

Armitron's Mother's Day offerings include:

Heart Ring: Wear a little love on your finger with this charming heart-shaped ring watch. The shimmering dial peeks out from a gold, rose gold, or silver-toned brass case, slips on effortlessly, and is easily adjustable for a perfect fit. This tiny timepiece is the perfect mix of playful fashion and function.





Link & Logo Bracelet: This striking bracelet with interlocking links and signature "A" logo is available in gold and rose gold tones, creating a powerful yet versatile statement. With a high-shine finish and smooth contours, it's modern, minimal, and style-forward, with timeless appeal.





Herringbone & Logo Bracelet:. Where sleek design meets classic style, this classic must-have bracelet is available in silver, gold, and rose gold tones, featuring a polished finish, a bold "A" logo, and an elegant herringbone chain. This bracelet doesn't just accessorizeit amplifies. Wear it, layer it, love it.





All The Love Bracelet: Wear your heart on your wrist with this playful yet polished piece that's packed with charm. Featuring five gleaming hearts that capture light (and attention) with every move. With its fluid, modern silhouette, this bracelet is made for layeringor stealing the spotlight all on its own.





Amour Bracelet: This bracelet is a sparkling tribute to love, featuring five polished hearts set with 95 clear crystals, available in silver and gold tones. With its polished brass design, heart motif, and just the right amount of shimmer, it's the perfect blend of timeless romance and modern flair to wear solo or layered.





Constance Crystal: This elevated and refined statement watchpiece is luxe at every turn with a stunning mother-of-pearl dial and genuine crystal markers. Finished with a textured bezel and jewelry-inspired stainless steel bracelet, Constance is sure to turn heads.





Minnie Crystal: Small yet mighty, this petite and delicate women's dress watch packs a punch in the style department. This watch features a mother-of-pearl dial, genuine crystals, accented bezels, and a jewelry-inspired bracelet.





Athena Watch and Bracelet Sets: This striking duo commands attention. A watch accented with a woven mesh band, a tone-on-tone sunray dial pairs perfectly with our Herringbone logo bracelet, which whispers sophistication. Wear them as a pair or let each piece shine solo.

As part of Armitron's 50th anniversary, they are honoring the past and embracing the future with the rollout of new collections and products this Mother's Day and throughout the year. For more information about Armitron and their jewelry collection contact BPM-PR Firm at [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244.

ABOUT ARMITRON

Since 1975, Armitron has been devoted to nurturing the spirit of individuality with high-quality, high-style watches at accessible price points, driven by the understanding that a timepiece is both a common thread and a distinguishing factor. As a brand underneath the E. Gluck Corporation umbrella, Armitron connects prestige and curation with unprecedented value and convenience. E. Gluck Corporation manufactures watches under its flagship proprietary brand, Armitron. The company also manufactures watches for major fashion brands, including Anne Klein, Nine West, Joseph Abboud, Vince Camuto, and Steve Madden. Proudly headquartered in New York, Armitron is an Official Timepiece of the New York Yankees. For more information, visit www.Armitron.com.

Media Contact:

Matthew Ambrose

[email protected]

1.877.841.7244

BPM-PR Firm

SOURCE Armitron
Pricing for IONIQ 9 RWD S with an impressive 335 miles of EPA-estimated driving range starts at $60,555, including destination. The IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Limited featuring 422 horsepower, 21-inch wheels and 311 miles of driving range, is priced from $72,850, including destination. The IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy starts at $76,590, including destination. It features exclusive exterior and interior design features including unique front and rear facias, and aluminum trim, plus a full slate of new safety and convenience technologies. The range-topping IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design adds Matte paint and 21-inch turbine wheels to the Calligraphy model and is priced at $78,090, including destination.

Customers who purchase or lease any new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 model are eligible for their choice of a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2iv charger or a $400 charging credit. Hyundai will provide the charger through its Hyundai Home Marketplace which will also assist customers with scheduling professional installation. Paid installation through Hyundai Home is required to receive EV charger. Customers who opt for the $400 ChargePoint charge credit can use it through the ChargePoint mobile app. For more information, please visit https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/special-programs/charging-benefit.

IONIQ 9 is among the first non-Tesla models to feature a native NACS port. This easy-to-use design makes for seamless charging on the Tesla Supercharger network, and included adapters enable convenient charging on CCS high-speed public chargers and Level 2 home chargers alike.

All 2026 IONIQ 9 models sold in the United States will be built at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) facility in Bryan County, Georgia. IONIQ 9 is eligible for today's full $7,500 federal tax credit with purchase. The 2026 IONIQ 9 is set to arrive at dealerships by early May.

"IONIQ 9 features a beautifully executed cabin that offers the space that families need and the features and premium finishes that they desire," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "With impressive charging speeds and a full suite of active safety features, IONIQ 9 is a no-compromises family SUV that just happens to be electric."

2026 IONIQ 9 Pricing

Model EV Powertrain Drivetrain Driving

Range

(miles) MSRPv IONIQ 9 RWD S 160-kW (215-HP)

Electric Motor Rear-

Wheel

Drive 335 $58,955 IONIQ 9 AWD SE 226.1 kW (303-HP)

Dual Electric Motors All-Wheel

Drive 320 $62,765 IONIQ 9 AWD SEL 226.1-kW (303-HP)

Dual Electric Motors All-Wheel

Drive 320 $66,320 IONIQ 9 AWD

PERFORMANCE LIMITED 314.6-kW (422-HP)

Dual Electric Motors All-Wheel

Drive 311 $71,250 IONIQ 9 AWD

PERFORMANCE

CALLIGRAPHY 314.6-kW (422-HP)

Dual Electric Motors All-Wheel

Drive 311 $74,990 IONIQ 9 AWD

PERFORMANCE

CALLIGRAPHY DESIGN 314.6-kW (422-HP)

Dual Electric Motors All-Wheel

Drive 311 $76,490

Prices in the chart above do not include $1,600 in freight charges.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

i EPA-estimated 335-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 9 RWD S trim; EPA-estimated 320-mile driving range for IONIQ 9 AWD SE and AWD SEL trims; EPA-estimated 311-mile driving range for IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Limited and AWD Performance Calligraphy Design trims. Figures are EPA estimates and based on a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition, battery temperature and outside temperature.

ii Relaxation seats are only available on select trim levels

iii Approximately 24 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a 350-kW, 800V DC ultra-fast charger using the CCS adapter included with the 2026 IONIQ 9. Actual charging time varies based on a number of factors, including current battery charge level, output of the charging unit, vehicle and battery settings, battery temperature and outside temperature. Ultra-fast charging stations are provided by independent companies and availability is not guaranteed.

iv Eligible customers who purchase and take delivery of a new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 vehicle between 04/01/25 and 12/31/25 may qualify for a federal new clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500. Customer eligibility for the tax credit depends on customer's individual tax situation, including whether the customer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain income thresholds. Not all customers will be eligible. Vehicle eligibility is based on various factors, including the vehicle meeting certain assembly and component sourcing requirements, and is subject to change. Tax credit may be applied at point of sale, subject to dealer registration and participation, or applied against tax liability. Customers are advised to obtain a copy of the IRS's confirmation that a "time-of-sale" report was submitted successfully by the dealer. Tax credit is referenced for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute tax, financial or legal advice. Please consult with your tax, financial or legal professional to determine eligibility, amount of tax credit available, if any, and further details. Tax credits are not within Hyundai's control and are subject to change or expire without notice. For more information about the tax credit, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/credits-for-new-clean-vehicles-purchased-in-2023-or-after.

Eligible customers who purchase or lease a new 2026 IONIQ 9 vehicle ("Vehicle") from a participating Hyundai dealer between March 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 can receive either a hardwired Level 2 ChargePoint Home Flex EV charger ("Charger") or a $400 out-of-home charging credit with ChargePoint ("Charging Credit"). Customer must take delivery of Vehicle from new retail stock and execute lease or purchase contract by December 31, 2025. Charger offer cannot be redeemed in AK. Depending on the offer selected, customer will receive a coupon code for the Charger or Charging Credit. Coupon code will be sent via email within approximately five business days of offer redemption. Customers who select the Charger offer have 60 days from Vehicle lease or purchase contract date to redeem the Charger offer. Paid installation through Hyundai Home is required to receive the Charger. Hardwired installation of the Charger must be scheduled through the Hyundai Home Marketplace (https://HyundaiHomeMarketplace.com) and completed within 120 days of Vehicle lease or purchase contract date. Installation is conducted by third party electricians sourced through Hyundai Home and contracted by customers. Initial deposit required and additional costs apply. Hardwired installation available on select residential property only. Customers who select the Charging Credit offer have 60 days from Vehicle lease or purchase contract date to redeem the Charging Credit offer. Customers will have two (2) years from the date of redemption to use the Charging Credit. Coupon code is non-transferable and not available for cash. See your Hyundai dealer and www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/special-programs/hyundai-home-charging-package for full terms and conditions. Offers end December 31, 2025.

v MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

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Firm continues to strengthen its roster with addition of skilled eminent domain attorney.

ATLANTA, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The GA Eminent Domain Law Firm has added experienced eminent domain attorney Brian Lagesse to its powerful team of Georgia property owner advocates.

Lagesse honed his negotiation skills as the lead attorney in a title resolution department representing large financial institutions in complex real estate matters. Since 2020, he's been focusing his time and effort on fighting for maximum compensation exclusively for property owners in eminent domain matters.

Licensed in Georgia and North Carolina, Lagesse joins a team that has helped property owners obtain on average nearly 3x more than the government's initial offers.*

The firm also recently published a comprehensive resource for general practice attorneys and real estate professionals who want to help Georgia property owners navigate eminent domain, entitled A Guide to Eminent Domain in Georgia: Understanding Your Client's Rights and Protecting Their Interests.

GA Eminent Domain Law Firm lead attorney David Needham stated, "We are excited that Brian will be joining our Georgia team. He is a proven advocate for property owners, and his enthusiasm, attention to detail, and strong negotiation skills will help our eminent domain clients tremendously."

Lagesse earned his J.D. at Regent University School of Law and his LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship from Duke University School of Law.

ABOUT THE GA EMINENT DOMAIN LAW FIRM

The GA Eminent Domain Law Firm is dedicated to representing property owners in eminent domain cases throughout Georgia. With a team of experienced attorneys, the firm helps business and home owners protect their rights and fight for full compensation when their properties are taken for public projects.

Contact Information:

David Chamberlin

555 S. Mangum Street

Suite 800

Durham, NC 27701

1-866-900-7078

https://www.ga-eminent-domain.com

Attorney David Needham: 375 Northridge Road, Suite 525 Atlanta, Georgia 30350

*Since firm began. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately. 195% (nearly 3x more) is an average of each case's increase as of 12/31/24. Results include NC and GA cases handled by the firm.

SOURCE GA Eminent Domain Law Firm
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This National Pet Week, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is highlighting an uplifting source of emotional support for millions of Americans: their pets.

During National Pet Week (May 410), the AVMA is encouraging pet owners to take comfort in a source of joy, companionship, and mental health support that's often right at their feet.

During National Pet Week (May 4-10), celebrate your pets and the human-animal bond with tips and resources from the AVMA Post this According to a recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 81% of respondents reported that their pets had a positive impact on their mental health.

A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) confirms what pet owners have long known: pets make our lives better, with 81% of respondents reporting that their pets had a positive impact on their mental health. Among them, 65% specifically credited their pets with reducing stress and anxiety, while adults 65 and older were especially likely to recognize the emotional benefits of pet companionship. During National Pet Week, APA is supporting AVMA's efforts and also encouraging social followers to take a #Paws4MentalHealth.

"Whether it's a wagging tail, a calming purr, bursts of play or just quiet companionship, pets bring us comfort, connection and happinessoften when we need it the most," said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. "But it's important to remember that this bond is a two-way street. National Pet Week is our opportunity to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and remind everyone of the importance of providing them with the love and care they need to thrive."

Established in 1981 by the AVMA and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, National Pet Week highlights the essential needs of pets and promotes responsible pet ownership through daily themes, educational resources, and celebrations across the country.

Pet owners and veterinary professionals can visit AVMA.org/PetWeek for helpful tips, tools, and materialsincluding the official National Pet Week Toolkitto make the most of the celebration.

Each day of National Pet Week focuses on a different topic essential to responsible pet ownership. This year's topics include:

Sunday - Choose well: Commit for life

While the prospect of adding a pet to the family may be exciting, it's important that people are not impulsive or careless when bringing a new pet into their homes. Select the pet that's right for your family's lifestyle and make a commitment to that pet for its life. Even if you have already welcomed a pet into your home, your veterinarian can help you better understand the social and healthcare needs of your individual pet. View AVMA's resources on selecting a pet for your family.

Monday - Behavioral health: Habits for happy pets

Keep your pet happy and healthy by promoting positive interactions. Try creating an environment that encourages natural behaviors by introducing puzzles, games and interactive toys, or learning new skills. Activities like target training are wonderful options for dogs and catsand even other pets, like fish! You can also promote good behavior by helping your pets get comfortable in new situations by safely exposing them to a variety of interactions with other animals, people, places and activities. View AVMA's resources on socializing dogs and cats, as well as a video on socializing pets.

Tuesday - Nutrition and exercise matter

With more than half of dogs and cats in the United States considered overweight or obese, and humans plagued by this issue as well, the AVMA encourages pets and their owners to get regular exercise together. This not only improves cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, and supports good mental health for both owner and pet, but it strengthens the human-animal bond. For tips on walking, running, or starting another exercise program with your pet, visit avma.org/Walking, and watch AVMA's National Pet Week video on the importance of proper pet nutrition.

Wednesday - Love your pet? See your vet!

Everybody loves their pet, yet many pet owners do not take their pets to the veterinarian unless they are visibly sick or injured. Pets often hide signs of illness. It's really important to have regular check-ups with your veterinarian, as it is vital to catching health problems early. Not only can early treatment mean better health for your pet, it can also save you money. The cost of preventive care usually pales in comparison to the cost of treating the disease or issue in more advanced stages. Regular exams detect problems early, before they become more serious and more expensive to treat. View AVMA's money tips for caring pet owners.

Thursday - Travel with care

Many people are planning on traveling this summer, and traveling with pets requires advance planning and coordination to keep everybody safe. Whether you're taking a short car trip or flying to another state or country, getting your pet safely to your destination requires special planning and precautions, as well as a plan for the pet once you reach your destination. Plan ahead and know exactly what's needed when you travel with pets of different species. View AVMA's pets in vehicles resources, and see AVMA's National Pet Week video on safe pet travel.

Friday - Emergencies happen: Be prepared

We never know when or where an emergency will happen. As a pet owner, you need to plan ahead, and include your pets in your family's emergency plan. Know what to do in case of an emergency, how to assemble first aid and emergency kits and how to properly identify your pets so your family can be reunited if you're ever separated. Make sure your pets are microchipped and always wearing owner identification on their collar as well. Watch AVMA's "Emergencies Happen: Be Prepared" video.

Saturday - Plan for their care: Give them a lifetime of love

Thanks to better care, pets are living longer now than they ever have beforeand as pets get older, they need extra care and attention. Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets before they become advanced or life-threatening. They also can improve your pet's chances for a longer and healthier life. Visit the AVMA's page for senior pets to find out what is 'normal' and what may signal a reason for concern regarding an aging pet.

Pet owners are encouraged to visit AVMA.org/PetWeek for more information on ways to celebrate their pets and resources to help them provide appropriate care. The AVMA is also offering an official National Pet Week toolkit for veterinarians to utilize in observing the week with their staff and clients.

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or [email protected].

About the American Veterinary Medical Association

Serving more than 108,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Michael San Filippo

Media Relations Manager

American Veterinary Medical Association

Cell/text: 847-732-6194

[email protected]

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association
UNICO 2087 Hotel Vallarta is Set to Open its Doors This Fall for Those Seeking a Cultural and Immersive Vacation Getaway.

MIAMI, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UNICO Hotel Collection, leading hospitality brand known for its hyper-local focus, extensive programming, and exceptional F&B announced the launch of UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta, the second hotel in the collection, signaling the start of a robust expansion into new regions across the world. For over seven years, the UNICO brand has worked on providing guests unique experiences rooted in individuality, artisanal practices and a modern take on regional cultures to ensure travelers feel at-home in the world's most striking locales Now, UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta will open its doors on September 1.

UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta

"With every development, we always aim to perfect our all-inclusive hotel formula that much more," says Ash Tembe, VP of Sales and Marketing at AIC Hotel Group."UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta creates an intimate luxury getaway for our guests without jeopardizing the elements of the all-inclusive experience we've mastered. For us, it has always been about curating a vacation for you."

UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta, designed only for adults, continues to mirror the brand's local focus, cultural curiosity and diverse activities. With just 141 rooms, the hotel offers an intimate stay designed with every comfort in mindmore than that, it leaves room for curiosity and exploration. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of the Riviera Nayarit region, UNICO 20105 offers a boutique experience that feels like a destination while still inviting guests to step out and connect with the local culture, ambiance, and community that make the city of Puerto Vallarta so special.

The resort offers signature features like Esencia Wellness Spa, Cafe Inez and personalized service through Local Hosts, while Epicures have the opportunity to indulge in three all-new specialty restaurants. Bringing distinct flavors from the Vallarta region to the UNICO 20105 doors is Agua Madre, serving Mexican fare; Lia, serving Italian provisions; and KOBO, serving Japanese-inspired cuisine.

Recognized as an exceptional destination by leading travel publications, Puerto Vallarta boasts a historic downtown, standout dining, prominent art galleries and time-honored hand crafts. UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta is purposefully placed to capture the best of Vallarta's breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by a world of activities and experiences.

UNICO Hotel Collection believes in traveling to enrich oneself through culture and curiosity for the world around and has introduced UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta to continue the mission of modern takes on cultural immersion and becoming a traveler on vacation.

For more information on UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta or to book a stay, visit https://www.unicohotelcollection.com/vallarta/ .

About UNICO Hotel Collection

Every destination in the UNICO Hotel Collection offers oceanfront luxury with the services of a boutique hotel and the amenities of a large-scale resorta world of beach escapes and cultural discovery designed just for adultsset in some of the most stunning places on earth, with the heart and soul of the local destination at their core. With the award-winning UNICO 2087 Hotel Riviera Maya, part of The Leading Hotels of the World, the upcoming UNICO 20105 Hotel Vallarta and the anticipation of a Montego Bay property, UNICO Hotel Collection aims to perfect the all inclusive vacation in all corners of the world. Offering staple features across all properties like the Esencia Wellness Spa, Cafe Inez, and world class in-room amenities, guests can expect the experience they love while still enjoying new and fresh concepts at each of the destinations, including fine dining options and elevated entertainment. UNICO 2087 Hotel Riviera Maya has consistently earned accolades since its debut, including AAA Five Diamond Awards, CNT Readers' Choice Awards, U.S. & News & World Report Best Resorts, Travvy Awards and more.

SOURCE AIC Hotel Group
AUSTIN, Texas, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Aypa Power, a Blackstone portfolio company and leading developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable energy projects, today announced the successful upsizing of its corporate credit facility, originally closed in July 2024.

The upsized facility now totals $1.05 billion, comprised of a $300 million Term Loan, $200 million Revolving Credit Facility, and $550 million Letter of Credit Facility. The transaction strengthens Aypa's capital position and supports the continued advancement of its multi-gigawatt development portfolio across key North American markets.

"This $400 million upsizing to the existing $650 million facility closed in 2024 reinforces the confidence of the lender community in Aypa's proven execution capabilities and strength to lead in a fast-changing market," said Marc Atlas, Chief Financial Officer at Aypa Power. "With over 22 gigawatts in development, this facility gives us the flexibility to scale with discipline and deliver where the grid needs it most. We appreciate the strong support from both new and existing lenders."

About Aypa Power

Aypa Power, a Blackstone portfolio company, is North America's leading energy storage-focused independent power producer. Aypa develops, owns, and operates utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable energy projects across North America. With 30 projects currently in operation or under construction, and a development pipeline exceeding 22 gigawatts, the company delivers solutions that enhance grid reliability and enable the broader integration of renewable energy resources. Since launching its first project in 2018, Aypa has helped establish energy storage as a vital part of the grid and a core infrastructure asset class. For more information, visit www.aypa.com or follow Aypa Power on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Aypa Power
Exciting Trips Highlight Universal Demand for Connection and Well-Being in a Complex World

BERKELEY, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Backroads, the global leader in active travel, today announced more than four dozen inspiring new trips for 2026, spanning America's West Coast to the wilds of Australia. Each trip is unique, yet all share common elements: human-powered activities, time outdoors in nature and opportunities for genuine connection. Backroads believes engaging actively in the world is key to staying fit for a lifetime and living well.

The new lineup encompasses hiking trips in England's Lake District, Tasmania's rugged mountains to its beautiful beaches, Spain's Picos de Europa, Vietnam and Laos and more. Travelers can also set out on foot through the northern fjord region of Norwayone of the Happiest Countries in the World. And in a highly anticipated return to Spain's Canary Islands after a decade away, Backroads introduces a Multi-Adventure Tour featuring biking, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and stargazing on La Palma and Tenerife islands.

The spring launch spans all travel styles: Walking & Hiking, Biking, Multi-Adventure, Active Ocean & River Cruises, Dolce Tempo Easygoing trips, Unplugged Bike Tours (no e-bikes), the ever-popular Women's Adventures and Family Trips for all age groups.

New 2026 trips available for immediate booking can be found at https://www.backroads.com/award-winning-tours/new.

Highlights:

Australia's Tasmania Walking & Hiking Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos | Women's Adventures Immersion in Tasmania's unique outback, national parks, wildlife and wineries. Hike across soaring mountains and around hidden coves in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park with opportunities to spot wombats, pademelons and search for the elusive Tasmanian devil.

Galapagos Luxury Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos

An unforgettable biking and hiking aquatic adventure featuring encounters with the unique wilderness and wildlife of the Galapagos and next-level cruising aboard Silversea's luxurious Silver Origin, with floor-to-ceiling windows for the best views and a personal butler for each cabin.

Japan Multi-Adventure Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos A luxurious journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, with explorations in famed Nikko National Park, bike rides along samurai roads and views of Mount Fuji, all wrapped up in Japan's wild beauty and rich culture.

Norway Northern Lights Walking & Hiking Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos | Women's Adventures

Timeless Nordic landscapes, flavors and traditions set the stage for a magical Arctic journey featuring stunning waterfalls, national park wilderness, winding river valleys and the chance to see the aurora borealis.

Santa Barbara & the Channel Islands Multi-Adventure Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos | Families with Kids & Teens | Families with Teens & 20s | Families with 20s & Beyond

Sunny Santa Barbara and the Channel Islandsa hidden gem among US national parksoffer opportunities for coastal rides, inland hikes and a kayaking excursion to Santa Cruz Island's colorful sea caves, with chances to relax and unwind at outstanding hotels.

Scotland & England's Lake District Walking & Hiking Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos

Some of the most breathtaking landscapes can be found just a stone's throw from London. Explore Roman ruins, national parks, rugged mountain landscapes and some of the most charming villages in Great Britain. From the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders to iconic Lake Windermere, this trip offers some of the best hiking the UK has to offer.

Spain's Camino del Norte Walking & Hiking Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos

A rich and rewarding journey awaits travelers on this hiking trip through the varied landscapes that are just as dramatic as the Dolomites. Hand-selected sections of the famed pilgrimage route traverse the Northern Camino, Coastal Camino and Picos de Europa, with picturesque fishing villages, Asturian cuisine, local wines and memorable cultural interactions along the way.

Spain's Canary Islands Multi-Adventure Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos

From lush banana plantations, volcanic trails and the largest observatory in the Northern Hemisphere to beautiful traditional villages, green valleys and scenic cliffs, the Canary Islands feature marvelous landscapes, hearty cuisine and incredible views by day and by night.

Swiss Alps to Italy's Lake Como Walking & Hiking Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos

Embark on a border hopping Alpine adventure with bucket-list hikes across the towering Engadine Alps on this two-countries-in-one-trip adventure, from glaciers in the Swiss Alps to the picturesque vibrancy of Italy's Lake Como. Switzerland's wild east will surprise with its flair for romance while Italy's hidden gems and country paths take in the other side of glitzy Lake Como.

Vietnam & Laos Multi-Adventure Tour  Couples, Friends & Solos

Start in the bustling city of Hanoi, venture to the mountains, walk to waterfalls, bike through rice fields and beneath limestone karsts, visit culturally rich mountain villages, marvel at gold gilded Buddhist temples. Explore some of the most stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia.

"One of the beautiful things about being a global company is having the ability to connect people across distance, language and culture" said Tom Hale, Founder, President and CEO of Backroads. "That includes our employees, guests and the locals in the destinations we visit. We bond around a common love of active travel, meeting new people and learning about the world, and I can't wait to continue exploring new corners of the world with our guests in 2026."

For more information on Backroads new 2026 trips visit http://www.backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 while the best dates are still available.

About Backroads

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 45 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike and so much more on expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active in hundreds of destinations worldwide: Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours; Private Trips, Women's Adventures, Dolce Tempo Easygoing Journeys and Family Trips for families with children in three distinct age groups: Kids & Teens, Teens & 20s and 20s & Beyond. Backroads trip collections also include Active Ocean & River Cruises, Unplugged Bike Tours, Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking, Safari, Culinary and Home Base Trips. Repeat guests and referrals from past travelers make up the majority of guests hosted by Backroads each year, exploring hundreds of destinations worldwide. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

Backroads Media Contact

Liz Einbinder

[email protected]

510-292-2753

SOURCE Backroads
In-House Counsel Salaries  including General Counsel, Managing Counsel, and Senior Counsel Positions  Increased 2.8% in 2025; 60% of all In-House Counsel Consider a Job Search in Coming Year; Gender-Related Pay Gap Reverses Trend

PITTSFORD, N.Y., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BarkerGilmore LLC  The nation's only executive search and talent advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the in-house legal and compliance profession  has issued its 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report.

John Gilmore is the co-founder and Managing Partner of BarkerGilmore. With more than 30 years of experience in executive search, John has devoted his career to establishing BarkerGilmore and earning a national reputation for being the highest quality boutique Chief Legal Officer / General Counsel, Senior Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer executive search and executive coaching firm.

According to the firm's Managing Partner, John Gilmore, "This year's compensation survey of nearly 3,000 professionals reflects a modest compensation increase for all in-house counsel positions over the prior year, as well as some interesting insights into market dynamics. Notably, the 2025 increase in pay was lower than the 4.4% bump in 2024, which may account for nearly 60% of in-house counsel respondents who indicated an interest in seeking new opportunities in the coming year, mainly for better compensation and benefits."

Mr. Gilmore noted that 39% of respondents were either "very" or "somewhat" concerned about job security. "Given the essential role of the legal function at most companies, and because our research was conducted before major disruption related to government restructuring or financial market volatility, we are somewhat surprised at this level of concern among in-house counsel."

Although the compensation gender gap widened a bit, to 5.4% in 2024 from 4.3% in 2023, Mr. Gilmore said, "BarkerGilmore's placements in 2024 and first quarter 2025 have resulted in female General Counsel candidates matching and sometimes exceeding the compensation packages of their male counterparts, depending on experience."

Highlights of BarkerGilmore's Report include:

In-house counsel salaries increased by 2.8% in 2025, a decline from 4.4% in 2024. Increases for individual in-house positions were General Counsel (2.5%), Managing Counsel (3.0%), and Senior Counsel (2.9%).

Cash bonuses were paid at 93% of their target, relatively unchanged from the prior year. General Counsel were paid 88% of their target, while both Managing Counsel and Senior Counsel were paid 95%.

Public company General Counsel compensation far outpaced other types of organizations. Top compensation at public companies was greater than $4.5 million, compared with $3.3 million at privately owned, $2.8 million at Private Equity-backed portfolio companies, and $2.0 million at non-profit organizations.

Public company compensation varied widely based on the in-house legal role. Compared to top compensation for public company General Counsel, which exceeds $4.5 million, top pay was significantly lower for Managing Counsel at $979,000, and for Senior Counsel at $528,000.

Most in-house counsel report their performance is often resource constrained. 81% said their performance was either sometimes or always affected by lack of resources or staffing. Despite the work environment, 65% reported they were satisfied with their current work / life balance.

A significant portion of all in-house counsel have been in their current positions for 5 years or less. Only 13% of General Counsel, 11% of Managing Counsel, and 12% of Senior Counsel have 10 or more years of experience in their current positions.

To gain access to the complete report, download BarkerGilmore's 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report.

Contact:

Gordon G. Andrew

Highlander Consulting

(609) 987-0200

SOURCE BarkerGilmore LLC
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ML Mackey, CEO of Beacon, recently provided testimony to the House Small Business Committee on the importance of galvanizing the SBIR/STTR Programs which provide a continuous pathway to Federal R&D funds for the smaller high-tech innovators across the country. Mackey's testimony was informed by her leadership role as CEO and Co-founder of Beacon, a digital innovator in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Her thought leadership is also informed by her experience on the Executive Committee of the National Defense Industrial Association's (NDIA) Board, as well as serving as a member of both the SBA's Invention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee and the National Academies of Sciences Army Science & Technology Roundtable. Her expertise lends critical industry insight into the technology development process and provides actionable recommendations for supporting the efforts of these programs.

Retaining new entrants... is a critical element to building a modern, diverse, and resilient US Defense Industrial Base. Post this Beacon CEO, ML Mackey, delivers testimony before House Small Business Committee on Fostering U.S. Innovation

Mackey's recommendations largely focused on cementing the reauthorization of the SBIR/STTR programs, increasing support for participants to transition technologies developed in the programs to commercialization, and the diligence necessary to oversee program implementation and increase agency accountability. Beacon has transitioned SBIR investment into digital products deployed across the DoD, including on 200+ U.S. Navy ships and multiple shore-based locations worldwide. Given this success with Federal innovation funding, Mackey spoke to the importance of deliberate and efficient inclusion of contributions from smaller high-tech innovators' to national security.

Speaking to the Committee members, Mackey said, "Attracting and retaining new entrants that can rapidly deliver innovative technologies and capabilities to the warfighter is a critical element to building a modern, diverse, and resilient U.S. DIB. These technologies can also provide the decisive advantage needed to deter or win a fight. Your work to defend deliberate and efficient approaches to include small business high-tech innovators in the U.S. DIB is a valuable proposition for the government and a direct enabler of innovation and growth."

The hearing, titled "Fostering American Innovation: Insights into SBIR/STTR Programs" was held in Washington, D.C. on February 26, 2025, at 10 am EST. The aim of the hearing was to assess how the SBIR/STTR Programs enable commercial innovators while protecting national security interests.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Beacon Interactive Systems
The addition of Lekha strengthens the firm's expertise in EdTech and eCommerce software

CHICAGO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Lekha Paranjape as a Director within its Technology investment banking vertical. Based in Chicago, Lekha will help lead the firm's investment banking activities in EdTech Software and eCommerce Software.

The addition of Lekha strengthens the firm's expertise in EdTech and eCommerce software. Post this Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Lekha Paranjape as a Director within its Technology investment banking vertical. Based in Chicago, Lekha will help lead the firms investment banking activities in EdTech Software and eCommerce Software.

"We are excited that Lekha has joined us to further strengthen our coverage capabilities across the EdTech and eCommerce software sectors," said Scott Mattson, Head of BGL's Technology vertical. "Lekha is an excellent addition to our team and her extensive industry knowledge and transaction experience will be a great asset for our clients."

Lekha has over 15 years of investment banking experience across the Technology ecosystem. Prior to joining BGL, Lekha was a Director at Macquarie Capital where she focused on sell-side and buy-side M&A and capital raising within the EdTech and eCommerce software sectors. Previously, she held positions at Lazard, SBI Capital Markets Limited, and Barclays. Lekha holds an MBA from the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business and earned her bachelor's degree from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India.

"I'm excited to join BGL's growing Technology team," said Paranjape. "The firm's collaborative culture, breath of services, and market relationships are second to none, and I look forward to working with the team to deliver successful outcomes for our clients."

Lekha's addition to the firm is the latest in BGL's expansion of industry coverage and senior banker headcount. Since 2022, BGL has increased its Managing Director ranks by over 90%, adding more than a dozen new sectors to its industry coverage and expanding its complementary product offerings in private capital advisory across equity, debt, and other financial advisory services, including fairness opinions, valuations, and restructuring.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York, and real estate offices in Chicago and Cleveland. The firm is also a founding member of REACH Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.

SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company
The DCH Group of businessman Oleksandr Yaroslavsky announced that the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) granted permission on May 1 to acquire joint control over Dragton Enterprises Limited, the parent company of the Kasta business.

"We are confident that this is a classic win-win partnership. DCH is diversifying its investment portfolio, making it more sustainable. For Kasta, this is accelerating growth and additional investments in IT infrastructure and marketing. Access to international markets is being simplified, new opportunities are emerging to transform Kasta into a full-fledged e-commerce ecosystem: with logistics, a payment system, and a B2B platform," said Oleksiy Bolkhovitinov, the director of strategy at the DCH group, quoted by the press service on Thursday.

It is noted that Kasta.ua is one of the largest marketplaces in Ukraine, specializing in the online sale of consumer goods.

Kasta founder and CEO Andriy Lohvin noted that the company will continue to play a key role in managing the business, receiving comprehensive support from strategic investors.

He emphasized that the emergence of strategic partners and investors opens up new horizons for the company's development. "Kasta remains a Ukrainian company with local expertise, but now with even stronger support for scaling and innovation," Lohvin emphasized.

The AMCU also granted permission to Consult System LLC, an investment company of Artem Aleksandrov, to acquire joint control over the Kasta business together with DCH and Andriy Lohvin.

DCH Investment Management is a financial and industrial group of companies that manages investments in ore mining and metallurgy, mechanical engineering, real estate, insurance, banking and hotel business. It has many years of experience in effective investment in Ukraine. The ultimate beneficiary of the group is Oleksandr Yaroslavsky.

Kasta.ua is a leading Ukrainian multi-category marketplace. Founded in 2010 as an online shopping club, Kasta has transformed into a large-scale e-commerce platform with its own logistics, IT infrastructure and mobile application. Today, Kasta.ua offers over 5 million products: clothing, footwear, electronics, accessories, everything for the home and many other products from trusted sellers.
The North Carolina winery's milestone underscores George Vanderbilt's legacies of hospitality and agriculture

ASHEVILLE, N.C., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Biltmore Winery, located in the heart of Biltmore Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains, proudly celebrates 40 years of winemaking. Established to reflect George Vanderbilt's vision for Biltmore Estate and his love of collecting wine, the winery's conception by his grandson William A.V. Cecil complemented the estate's agricultural roots and tradition of hospitality. To commemorate the anniversary, the winery released the 40th Anniversary Release Sonoma County Red Blend, with the Biltmore Estate Chateau Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling 2022 debuting May 20th both on-site and online.

Biltmore Winery, located in Asheville, NC, proudly celebrates 40 years of winemaking Post this Biltmore Winery Celebrates 40th Anniversary

As an extension of Vanderbilt hospitality, the winery's award-winning wines serve as an opportunity for visitors of the estate to take home a tangible part of their Biltmore Estate experience. The winery produces more than 45 wines from estate-grown grapes and grapes sourced from growing partners in California, Virginia and Washington. Crafted for global guests, the wines are approachable and food-friendly for a wide variety of palates.

"The 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of the wines we produce but also the people, the place, and the tradition of hospitality that we are so proud to share," said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker at Biltmore Winery. "We are honored to continue crafting wines that reflect the Vanderbilt legacy and our commitment to quality."

While Biltmore Estate's agricultural legacy has long been celebrated, the winery itself was a later development. As its successful dairy business came to a natural close, Cecil reimagined the estate's agricultural future. He famously remarked, "What's more appropriate for a French chateau than vineyards and a winery?" With this vision, he began experimenting with various grapes and the turning point came in 1978 when he planted vinifera grapes on the estate's west side. The former dairy barn was converted into a state-of-the-art winery, complete with production facilities, a tasting room, and a wine shop. In 1985, the winery opened as North Carolina's first licensed winery.

The winery's continued success is rooted in the passion and expertise of its dedicated winemaking team. In the late 1970s, sixth-generation French winemaker Philippe Jourdain expanded the vineyards and began crafting wines of exceptional quality. Bernard Delille, who joined as assistant winemaker, helped further establish the winery's reputation over his 32-year tenure. Sharon Fenchak joined the team in 1999, working closely with Bernard, and stepped into the role of head winemaker in 2018 following his retirement. Like her predecessors, Fenchak remains committed to handcrafting wines that stay true to their varietal character and deliver consistency from vintage to vintage. In recognition of their excellence, the vineyard team received the North Carolina Grower of Excellence Award in 2022  a testament to their leadership and dedication to the state's grape growing and wine industry.

To learn more about how Biltmore Winery is celebrating its 40th anniversary, visit www.biltmorewine.com .

About Biltmore Winery

The Biltmore Winery is located on the estate in Asheville, N.C. Under the direction of head winemaker Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore produces a storied portfolio of award-winning wines using grapes harvested from its own estate vineyards as well as from partners in North Carolina and other premium growing regions across America. Each wine has a source, an intention and a story behind it, much like the estate itself. Through these wines, share in the ongoing family legacy of agricultural innovation, conservation and sustainable business. Continue the story of George Vanderbilt's legendary hospitality by enjoying a Biltmore wine with friends and family.

SOURCE Biltmore Winery
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) today celebrated the reintroduction of a bill to extend critical maintenance funding for national parks and public lands across the country. The America the Beautiful Act was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Warner (D-VA) would provide an additional $11.2 billion over eight years to address our parks' crumbling roads, decaying buildings, outdated drinking and wastewater systems and many more critical repair needs. For decades, NPCA and hundreds of thousands of park supporters have fought for funding to fix our national parks, and we are seeing major progress that members of Congress on both sides of the aisle agree should continue.

In 2020, park supporters celebrated a historic moment for our national parks with the passage of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, the largest investment made in our national parks and public lands in more than 50 years. These federal dollars  up to $6.65 billion over five years dedicated to national parks  have funded more than 560 critical repair and maintenance projects across the National Park System, including replacing a failing water system at Grand Canyon, restoring historic bathhouses at Hot Springs, rebuilding the Laurel Fork Bridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and enhancing campgrounds at Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Mount Rainier. Additionally, this funding has contributed more than $8 billion in economic output and created more than 72,500 jobs, often utilizing local contractors in the process. This funding is proof that when we invest in our national parks, we all benefit.

The Great American Outdoors Act's national park and public lands maintenance funding is scheduled to sunset this year. The new America the Beautiful Act will ensure substantial federal funding to continue addressing the deferred maintenance backlog that has reached more than $23 billion. Extending maintenance funding for our national parks is fundamental if we want these places to continue to exist for the next generation to experience. Now, members of Congress must work together to get this bill over the finish line.

Dedicated federal funding is critical to tackle the maintenance needs in national parks, and so are the staff who steward them. Recent staffing reductions within the National Park Service threaten to undermine the progress made. NPCA estimates the Park Service has lost up to 2,500 employees, roughly 12.5% of the agency's workforce, since January. Without adequate personnel to implement repairs and maintain safety, our parks face the risk of slipping backward.

Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):

"Nearly five years ago, Congress and the Trump administration made a bold, bipartisan promise to invest in our national parks. Since then, the Great American Outdoors Act has delivered. This federal funding has helped park staff address hundreds of long-overdue repair projects, improved visitor experience and safety for millions, and boosted local economies in every state. Extending this commonsense funding is something that everyone can get behind."

"NPCA has worked hand in hand with congressional champions, partners and communities across the country to make this reinvestment in our national parks possible. With leadership from Senators Steve Daines, Angus King, Kevin Cramer and Mark Warner, we now have a clear path forward to ensure our parks continue receiving the support they need and deserve."

"From the depths of Mammoth Cave to the heights of Mount Rainier, dedicated maintenance funding has enabled the Park Service to tackle more than 560 high-priority repair and maintenance projects nationwide. They've restored walkways at the Statue of Liberty, replaced the Grand Canyon's failing water system, upgraded campgrounds in Yosemite and Rocky Mountain, and made staff housing livable again in Glacier Bay and Great Sand Dunes. The Park Service has proven what's possible when you pair meaningful investment with dedicated public servants. Park staff have turned this once-in-a-generation funding into lasting, visible improvements, and they've done it with efficiency, accountability and care."

"Dedicated maintenance funding has provided our parks with a much-needed lifeline. But even the best investments can fade without dedicated park staff to maintain them. While we celebrate the successes made possible by this funding, we must acknowledge that lasting progress requires sustained investment not just in infrastructure, but in the people who care for these places every day. It's time Congress and the administration match their financial commitments with the workforce necessary to keep our parks thriving."

"We're ready to work with Congress to keep this funding going, tackle more repairs and leave a legacy worthy of these treasured places."

About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation's most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.

SOURCE National Parks Conservation Association.
North America's Leading Blow Dry Bar Franchise Continues Mission of Empowering Women Through Business Ownership

HOUSTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To further its mission of empowering women to become entrepreneurs, Blo Blow Dry Bar is hosting a "Building Bold Futures" event on Thursday, May 8 in the Houston area. The networking event will serve as the perfect girl's night out, and be held at Blo's Pearland location at 2729 Silverlake Parkway #107.

Blo Blow Dry Bar hosts Building Bold Futures event in Houston to promote female entrepreneurship.

Blo Blow Dry Bar recognizes the uptick in interest and desire from female entrepreneurs to start their own business or grow their brand. In fact, women started 49% of all the new businesses in 2024. The "Building Bold Futures" event will serve as an opportunity for anyone looking to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals.

About the Event:

Starting at 4:30 p.m. , attendees will enjoy a happy hour where they can network with fellow existing or aspiring female entrepreneurs. There will also be live hair and makeup demonstrations led by Blo Blow Dry Bar's Director of Artist Education, Rebecca Raziuddin. She will share various tips and tricks, combining beauty insights with business advice.

, attendees will enjoy a happy hour where they can network with fellow existing or aspiring female entrepreneurs. There will also be live hair and makeup demonstrations led by Blo Blow Dry Bar's Director of Artist Education, Rebecca Raziuddin. She will share various tips and tricks, combining beauty insights with business advice. After an hour of mingling, Blo is hosting a panel surrounding women empowerment that will be moderated by Houston native Dana Cortez , host of the nationally syndicated " Dana Cortez Show ." The panelists include Blo Blow Dry Bar CEO Vanessa Yakobson , Blo franchisee Allysen Rodrigue , and Crystal Danelle , content creator & empowerment speaker and co-founder of the "Who Is She Brunch."

"The core of Blo's mission is to uplift and enhance the lives of those in our community  but this extends to our franchisees as well," shared Yakobson. "We aspire to have everyone who walks through our doors feel valued and empowered with what we call our pink carpet treatment. Through this event, we hope to inspire women in the Houston area and beyond to build their own successful future.

Blo Blow Dry Bar's proven business model and focus on client experience have fueled its impressive growth trajectory. The brand boasts a strong presence in major cities across North America, and Houston is a prime market for further expansion. With the beauty and personal care industry expected to reach nearly $736 billion globally by 2028, first-time and existing entrepreneurs are taking note, and looking to staking a claim with Blo's franchise opportunity.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is currently seeking single- and multi- unit operators to join the brand's rapid expansion. According to Blo's 2023 FDD, the top 10% of bars saw average net sales of $621K. For more information about franchise opportunities visit franchise.blomedry.com.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar and the world's largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 165 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com .

Media Contact: Marisa Beaumont, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected]

SOURCE Blo Blow Dry Bar
(177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 injection, engineered to improve delivery of radiation to cancer lesions, recently showed promising data in a phase 1 trial 1

The goal of the phase 2 study is to further assess this improved profile, together with testing of optimised dosing regimens

First patients have received doses of (177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 injection

1st study results could be available as soon as H1 2026

OXFORD, United Kingdom, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Earth Therapeutics today announced further progress in development of its radiohybrid, lutetium-labelled, PSMA targeted, investigational radioligand therapy, with enrolment of the first two patients in a Phase 2 clinical trial. The primary measure of efficacy in the study will be the proportion of patients achieving a 50% reduction in PSA levels, as well as assessing radiographic progression-free survival and patient safety (NCT05413850).

The study is testing multiple dosing regimens that focus on delivering higher radiation doses when tumor burden is usually highest, at the beginning of treatment. This approach contrasts to pivotal studies of earlier radioligand therapies where the same dose was administered in every cycle2 regardless of tumor burden. The study design aligns with the US FDA Project Optimus initiative where the goal is that drug developers optimize dosing early in a product's development to deliver the best possible benefit risk profile.

Loading doses will be delivered by either a) giving a higher dose in the first two treatment cycles, or b) shortening the time between administration of the first three doses to three weeks from the usual six weeks. The study is also designed to test the clinical benefit of administration of high total doses of administered radioactivity, up to 60GBq. The Phase 1 data confirmed a high ratio of uptake in tumor tissues vs. uptake in healthy tissues such as kidneys and salivary glands1.

David Gauden DPhil, CEO of Blue Earth Therapeutics said, "This is an important step forward in the development of Lutetium (177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 injection and builds on the strong data seen in the Phase 1 clinical trial. Commencement of treatment of patients at full intended therapeutic dosing levels provides a great opportunity to assess the benefit this therapy can bring to patients. With up to 20 sites enrolling patients, we expect to see first results from the study early next year. We are grateful to the physicians and patients of Biogenix Molecular in Florida, who have just recruited the first patients for the study."

About metastatic prostate cancer

In 2025 it is estimated that there will be 50,055 new cases of metastatic prostate cancer in the United States (de novo diagnoses plus recurrence from earlier stage diagnoses).3 Five-year survival for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer is low, 36.6%.4 While death rates from prostate cancer have declined over the past three decades4, there is still considerable room to improve patient outcomes.

About Radiohybrid ProstateSpecific Membrane Antigen (rhPSMA)

rhPSMA compounds are referred to as radiohybrid ("rh"), as each molecule possesses four distinct domains. The first consists of a ProstateSpecific Membrane Antigentargeted receptor ligand. It is attached to two labelling moieties which may be radiolabelled with diagnostic isotopes such as 18F or 68Ga for PET imaging, or with therapeutic isotopes such as 177Lu or 225Ac for radioligand therapy, all of which are joined together by a modifiable linker which can be used to modulate important pharmacokinetic characteristics. Radiohybrid PSMA offers the potential for targeted treatment for men with prostate cancer and originated at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Blue Earth Diagnostics acquired exclusive worldwide rights to rhPSMA diagnostic imaging technology from Scintomics GmbH in 2018, and therapeutic rights in 2020, and has sublicensed the therapeutic application to its sister company Blue Earth Therapeutics.

About Blue Earth Therapeutics

Blue Earth Therapeutics is a clinical stage company dedicated to advancing next-generation targeted radiotherapeutics to treat patients who have cancer and has been incubated within the Bracco family of companies. Other investors joined with Bracco in a $76.5M Series A financing round in 2024. With proven management expertise across the spectrum of radiopharmaceutical and oncology drug development, as well as biotechnology startup experience, the Company aims to innovate and improve upon current technologies and rapidly advance new targeted therapies for serious diseases. Blue Earth Therapeutics has an emerging pipeline initially focused on prostate cancer. For more information, please visit: https://www.blueearththerapeutics.com.

About Bracco Imaging

Bracco Imaging S.p.A., part of the Bracco Group, is a worldleading diagnostic imaging provider. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Bracco Imaging develops, manufactures and markets diagnostic imaging agents and solutions. It offers a product and solution portfolio for all key diagnostic imaging modalities: Xray imaging (including Computed TomographyCT, Interventional Radiology, and Cardiac Catheterization), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and Nuclear Medicine through radioactive tracers and novel PET imaging agents to inform clinical management and guide care for cancer patients in areas of unmet medical need. Our continually evolving portfolio is completed by a range of medical devices, advanced administration systems and dosemanagement software. In 2019 Bracco Imaging enriched its product portfolio by expanding the range of oncology nuclear imaging solutions in the urology segment and other specialties with the acquisition of Blue Earth Diagnostics. In 2021, Bracco Imaging established Blue Earth Therapeutics as a separate, cuttingedge biotechnology vehicle to develop radiopharmaceutical therapies. Visit: www.braccoimaging.com.

https://www.blueearththerapeutics.com/news NCT04647526, NCT05204927, NCT04720157, NCT04689828 Gallichio L et al, JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst (2022) 114(11): djac158 SEER 22 database, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html

Contact: For Blue Earth Therapeutics

Robert Dann, Vice President, Strategy & Planning

+1 (617) 631-0234

[email protected]

UKBET-rh-2500009

SOURCE Blue Earth Therapeutics Ltd
LAS VEGAS, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the election of Brian E. Sandoval to its Board of Directors at the Company's annual meeting earlier today.

Brian E. Sandoval

With a distinguished career in public service and governance, Sandoval brings extensive legal, regulatory, and corporate leadership experience to help guide the Company as it continues its focus on delivering long-term growth and value to stockholders. Sandoval, a former federal judge and Nevada Governor, currently serves as President of the University of Nevada, Reno.

"We are excited to welcome Brian to our Board of Directors," said E. Renae Conley, Chair of the Board of Southwest Gas. "His proven leadership and deep ties to the southwest region will bring valuable perspective as we continue transforming into a premier, fully regulated natural gas utility while delivering service excellence and supporting economic growth across our service territories."

"Brian's accomplished background is an excellent fit for our Board, and I look forward to working closely with Brian and our other Board members to continue executing on our strategic priorities," said Karen S. Haller, President and CEO of Southwest Gas.

A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Sandoval's career began in the early 1990s and includes roles as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, Attorney General of Nevada, Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, and member of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board. He served two terms in the Nevada Legislature and was Nevada's 29th Governor from 2011-2019. Since October 2020, he has served as the 17th President of the University of Nevada, Reno, where he has focused on enhancing student accessibility, faculty excellence, and the University's engagement with research and the community.

For more information about Southwest Gss Holdings, Inc., please visit swgasholdings.com.

About Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its primary operating subsidiary Southwest Gas Corporation, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas. Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of over 2 million customers throughout Arizona, Nevada, and California by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. In addition, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. is the majority owner of Centuri Holdings, Inc., which provides comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America.

SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carina Chen, 17, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been named the Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Carina will be honored for her leadership in the fight against tobacco on May 8 at Tobacco-Free Kids' 2025 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards in Washington D.C.

Carina has been a leader in working to reduce youth tobacco use in Oklahoma. Motivated by the impact of smoking on her family and community, Carina became a tobacco prevention advocate and joined Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a youth-led initiative sponsored by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. She has worked to raise awareness in her community about the dangers of tobacco use and how to access prevention and cessation resources. Carina also advocated to include robust tobacco prevention education in the wellness policies of Oklahoma City Public Schools and led a vaping education campaign at her school, integrating mental health awareness with tobacco prevention. In 2022, at the state level, she successfully advocated for the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act, which prioritized education and cessation over punishment in addressing youth use of tobacco products.

Carina's commitment to public health advocacy extends beyond tobacco. As the co-founder of Plover, a student-led nonprofit, she has helped mobilize over 300 students nationwide to donate more than 100,000 hygiene products to marginalized communities and raise over $11,000 for public health initiatives.

"We are thrilled to honor Carina Chen as our Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year," said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Through her passionate, persistent and creative advocacy, she represents a new generation leading the fight for a healthier future."

The National Youth Advocate of the Year Award is named after the late Barrie Fiske, a tireless champion for the right to breathe smoke-free air and a longtime member of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Board of Directors. Carina will receive a scholarship to continue her tobacco prevention efforts and serve as a youth ambassador for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. She will be honored on May 8 along with other youth advocates and public health leaders from the United States and around the world.

Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States, killing over 490,000 Americans and costing the nation $241 billion in tobacco-related health care costs each year.

In Oklahoma, tobacco use claims 7,500 lives annually and costs $1.9 billion in health care bills each year. Currently, 4.3% of Oklahoma high school students smoke cigarettes and 21.8% use e-cigarettes.

Additional information about the youth award winners can be found at tfk.org/awards and more resources and information about tobacco can be found at tobaccofreekids.org.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ramsey County Student Action Team from Minnesota has been named the Group Youth Advocates of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. These young leaders, represented by members Clara Seeley, Summer Balfanz and My Linh Nguyen, will be honored for their leadership in the fight against tobacco on May 8 at the 2025 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards in Washington D.C.

The Ramsey County Student Action Team (SAT) is a dedicated group of youth advocates united by a common mission: stopping Big Tobacco. They've witnessed the impact of tobacco use and nicotine addiction on their peers, family members and community, and they refuse to let this insidious industry continue targeting youth.

Members of Ramsey County SAT have advocated at the state and local levels in Minnesota for effective policies to prevent youth tobacco use. They have worked to strengthen policies in the cities of Vadnais Heights, Arden Hills and New Brighton, including ending sales of flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored commercial tobacco products, capping the number of retailers allowed to sell tobacco products, and increasing fines for retailers who break the law. At the state level, they met with legislators, engaged with media and rallied in support of statewide legislation to end flavored tobacco sales.

"We are thrilled to honor the Ramsey County Student Action Team as our Group Youth Advocates of the Year," said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "These young people have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment in working to reduce youth tobacco use in Minnesota. Their efforts are helping to create the first tobacco-free generation."

Group members will receive a scholarship to continue their tobacco prevention efforts. They will be honored on May 8 along with other youth advocates and public health leaders from the U.S. and around the world.

Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States, killing over 490,000 Americans and costing the nation $241 billion in tobacco-related health care costs every year. Tobacco kills more than 8 million people worldwide each year.

In Minnesota, tobacco use claims 5,900 lives annually and costs $2.9 billion in health care bills each year. Currently, 4.5% of Minnesota high school students smoke cigarettes and 13.9% use e-cigarettes.

Additional information about the youth award winners can be found at tfk.org/awards and more resources and information about tobacco can be found at tobaccofreekids.org.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Collaboration focuses on local manufacturing and health system integration for sustainable access to advanced therapies.

GAITHERSBURG, Md. and LAGOS, Nigeria, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring Cross and The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) are pleased to announce the execution of a formal Memorandum of Understanding to advance equitable access to cutting-edge medical therapies, including CAR-T cell treatments and stem cell gene therapies, within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The agreement is established for an initial term of one year, with the possibility of extension, and will be in effect from 24 April 2025 to 23 April 2026.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, established by Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, is a distinguished non-governmental organisation committed to strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes across Nigeria and the African continent through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and frontline implementation. Caring Cross, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, is a mission-driven non-profit organisation dedicated to expanding global access to life-saving cell and gene therapies through decentralised manufacturing models, technological innovation, and equitable frameworks.

This strategic collaboration, anchored in principles of scientific justice, ethical stewardship, and inclusive innovation, seeks to support the responsible localisation and sustainable integration of advanced biotherapeutics within Nigeria's healthcare ecosystem. Under the terms of the MoU, WBFA will lead high-level policy engagement, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder mobilisation to facilitate regulatory alignment, legislative support, and public trust. Caring Cross will provide its technical expertise in the ethical development, manufacture, and delivery of CAR-T and gene therapies, employing open-access models that prioritise affordability and health system integration.

"Our collaboration with Caring Cross embodies a shared vision that the future of healthcare innovation must be universally accessible and ethically grounded," remarked Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa. "We are committed to ensuring that pioneering therapies reach all populations equitably, advancing both scientific progress and social justice."

Dr. Boro Dropulic, Director of Caring Cross, noted: "We are honoured to collaborate with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa to catalyse a model of health innovation that is driven by community needs, scientific rigour, and systemic equity. We aspire to make Nigeria a model for inclusive, sustainable access to the benefits of advanced therapeutic technologies."

By harnessing advocacy, regulatory innovation, and decentralised biotherapeutic manufacturing, WBFA and Caring Cross aim to position Nigeria as a demonstrative leader in expanding access to 21st-century medical innovations within emerging health systems. Furthermore, the collaboration will serve as a model for bridging the global innovation gap by fostering knowledge exchange, global financing opportunities, and collaborative regulation to advance transformative care.

Representatives from Caring Cross will be present at the Milken Institute Global Conference on Monday, May 5th, taking place at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California. We welcome expressions of interest from prospective partners and investors who wish to support our initiatives in Nigeria. To arrange a meeting, please contact us via the details provided below.

About Wellbeing Foundation Africa

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2004 by Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki. Its mission is to improve health and wellbeing across sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on areas such as maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, gender equality, and sustainable development. WBFA's initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming for measurable impact through frontline programs, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Through its broad-reaching programs, WBFA strives to create healthier, more resilient communities across Nigeria and the wider African continent.

https://wbfafrica.org

Wellbeing Foundation Africa Media Contact:



Zelia Bukhari

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa

[email protected]

+44 7564838691

About Caring Cross:

Caring Cross is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the development of advanced medicines and ensuring global access to cures. To achieve its mission, Caring Cross develops technologies and therapeutic candidates that improve the accessibility, affordability, and applicability of advanced medicines like CAR-T therapy and stem cell gene therapy. Vectors used for Caring Cross ATMPs are manufactured by Vector BioMed, a for-profit vector contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), specializing in rapid lentiviral vector manufacturing solutions, to provide the industry with affordable, high-quality GMP lentiviral vectors.

For more information on Caring Cross, visit https://caringcross.org. For more information on Vector BioMed, visit https://vectorbiomed.com.

Caring Cross Media Contacts:

Daniel Laender

Director of Communications

Caring Cross

[email protected]

+1 (240) 447-3692

Kathy Fowler

On The Marc Media

[email protected]

+1 (410) 963-2345

SOURCE Caring Cross
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council for Disability Income Awareness (CDIA) is proud to announce the launch of its new website, thecdia.org. This marks a significant step forward in its mission to establish disability income protection as a key financial safeguard for every working American.

"We committed to fostering a community of informed individuals and organizations who can drive change in the understanding and implementation of disability income protection," said Bob Herum, president of the CDIA. "Our new website is a valuable resource for consumers, employers, and financial advisors to understand the critical need for income protection and how to take action."

Visitors to the new CDIA site will find:

Resources for consumers and employers about the need for disability insurance and how to plan for the right income protection.

Research information that emphasizes the financial risks of insufficient disability coverage and quantifies the risks and limitations of current safety nets.

Comprehensive educational resources for employers, human resources personnel, agents, brokers, and financial advisors.

Downloadable resources and campaigns to raise awareness about income protection.

The income protection landscape is rapidly changing, with new disability-related products and expanding state and federal programs. The CDIA's refocused mission is to clarify the coverage landscape and promote best practices in plan design that make disability income protection affordable and accessible to everyone.

To learn more, visit www.thecdia.org

About the Council for Disability Income Awareness (CDIA)

The Council for Disability Income Awareness is a non-profit organization working to establish disability income as a key financial safeguard for every working American.

MEDIA CONTACT

Colby Gray, CD+M Communications

For The Council for Disability Income Awareness

207.536.4646

[email protected]

SOURCE The Council for Disability Income Awareness
MINNEAPOLIS, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerspace (NYSE: CSR) announced today its financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The tables below show Net Loss, Funds from Operations ("FFO")1, and Core FFO1, all on a per diluted share basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2025; Same-Store Revenues, Expenses, and Net Operating Income ("NOI")1 over comparable periods; and Same-Store Weighted Average Occupancy, Lease Rate Growth, and Resident Retention for each of the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024.





Three Months Ended March 31, Per Common Share

2025

2024 Net loss - diluted

$ (0.22)

$ (0.37) FFO - diluted(1)

$ 1.17

$ 1.16 Core FFO - diluted(1)

$ 1.21

$ 1.23





Year-Over-Year Comparison

Sequential Comparison Same-Store Results(2)

Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024

Q1 2025 vs. Q4 2024 Revenues

3.5 %

0.9 % Expenses

5.8 %

1.1 % Net Operating Income ("NOI")(1)

2.1 %

0.8 %





Three months ended Same-Store Results(2)

March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024

March 31, 2024 Weighted Average Occupancy

95.8 %

95.6 %

94.6 % New Lease Rate Growth

(1.1) %

(3.5) %

 % Renewal Lease Rate Growth

3.5 %

3.1 %

3.2 % Blended Lease Rate Growth (3)

0.7 %

0.3 %

1.4 % Retention Rate

49.2 %

54.7 %

53.4 %





(1) NOI, FFO, and Core FFO are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on their usage and presentation, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations" and "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Terms" in the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data below. (2) Same-store results are updated for annual composition change including acquisition, disposition, and repositioning activity. Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations" in Supplemental and Financial Operating Data within. (3) Blended lease rate growth is weighted by lease count.

Overview of the First Quarter

Revenue for the first quarter of 2025 increased by $2.6 million or 4.0% to $67.1 million , compared to $64.5 million for the first quarter of 2024;





or 4.0% to , compared to for the first quarter of 2024; Same-store revenues increased by 3.5% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024, driving a 2.1% increase in same-store NOI compared to the same period of the prior year





Net loss was $0.22 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net loss of $0.37 per diluted share for the same period of the prior year; and





per diluted share for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net loss of per diluted share for the same period of the prior year; and Core FFO per diluted share decreased 1.6% to $1.21 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 , compared to $1.23 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 , driven by a $0.06 per share increase in same-store property taxes in the first quarter of 2025 after experiencing one-time property tax refunds in the first quarter of 2024.

Balance Sheet

At the end of the first quarter, Centerspace had $223.2 million of total liquidity on its balance sheet, consisting of $211.3 million available under the lines of credit and cash and cash equivalents of $11.9 million.

Updated 2025 Financial Outlook

Centerspace updated its 2025 financial outlook. For additional information, see S-17 of the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 included at the end of this release. These ranges should be considered in their entirety. The table below reflects the updated outlook.



Previous Outlook for 2025 Updated Outlook for 2025

Low High Low High Net loss per Share  diluted $(0.71) $(0.45) $(0.71) $(0.45) Same-Store Revenue 1.50 % 3.50 % 1.50 % 3.50 % Same-Store Expenses 2.00 % 4.00 % 2.00 % 4.00 % Same-Store NOI 1.25 % 3.25 % 1.25 % 3.25 % FFO per Share  diluted $4.73 $4.97 $4.73 $4.97 Core FFO per Share  diluted $4.86 $5.10 $4.86 $5.10

Additional assumptions:

Same-store recurring capital expenditures of $1,125 per home to $1,175 per home

per home to per home Value-add expenditures of $16.0 million to $18.0 million

Note: FFO and Core FFO are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on their usage and presentation and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, please refer to "2025 Financial Outlook" in the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data within.

Upcoming Events

Centerspace is scheduled to participate in the following conferences:

Wells Fargo Real Estate Securities Conference, May 6-7, 2025 ;

; BMO North American Real Estate Conference, May 13, 2025 ; and

; and National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("Nareit") REITweek: 2025 Investor Conference, June 2-4, 2025 .

Earnings Call

Live webcast and replay: https://ir.centerspacehomes.com





Live Conference Call

Conference Call Replay Friday, May 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET

Replay available until May 9, 2025 USA Toll Free 1-833-470-1428

USA Toll Free 1-866-813-9403 International 1-404-975-4839

International 1-929-458-6194 Canada Toll Free 1-833-950-0062





Access Code 591644

Access Code 484784

Supplemental Information

Supplemental Operating and Financial Data for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 included herein ("Supplemental Information"), is available in the Investors section on Centerspace's website at https://www.centerspacehomes.com or by calling Investor Relations at 952-401-6600. Non-GAAP financial measures and other capitalized terms, as used in this earnings release, are defined and reconciled in the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data, which accompanies this earnings release.

About Centerspace

Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of March 31, 2025, Centerspace owned 71 apartment communities consisting of 13,012 apartment homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Centerspace was named a top workplace for the fifth consecutive year in 2024 by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. For more information, please visit www.centerspacehomes.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release and the Supplemental Operating and Financial Data are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions, and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements do not discuss historical fact, but instead include statements related to expectations, projections, intentions or other items related to the future. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will," "assumes," "may," "projects," "outlook," "future," and variations of such words and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results of operations, financial conditions, or plans expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be achieved. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact should be deemed forward-looking statements. As a result, reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors beyond the Company's control and could differ materially from actual results and performance. Such risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, in its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in other reports the Company files with the SEC from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue due to subsequent events.

Contact Information

Investor Relations

Josh Klaetsch

Phone: 952-401-6600

Email: [email protected]

Marketing & Media

Kelly Weber

Phone: 952-401-6600

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Centerspace
Zelenskyy on agreement with US: It is equal agreement that creates opportunity for investments in Ukraine

The agreement with the United States on the establishment of an investment fund is equal, which creates an opportunity for quite significant investments in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"Today there were reports from our government team on economic partnership with the United States of America. The agreement is there, signed, will be sent for ratification to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and we are interested in ensuring that there are no delays with the agreement," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday.

The president noted that the representatives of Ukraine did a good job, because the agreement changed significantly during the preparation process. "Now this is a truly equal agreement that creates an opportunity for investments in Ukraine  quite significant ones  and, in addition, for a significant modernization of production in Ukraine and, no less importantly, the modernization of legal practices in our country," the president said.

He also added that the agreement does not include debt and a Reconstruction Fund is being created that will invest in Ukraine.

"This is work together with America and on fair terms, when both the Ukrainian state and the United States, which help us in defense, can earn in partnership," Zelenskyy said.

According to the president, today is actually the first result of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Vatican. "We are very much looking forward to other results of our conversation," Zelenskyy said.

He also discussed the ratification of the agreement with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk as well as legislative work in the coming weeks.
Offering addresses growing insurance challenges for large companies amid claims escalation; provides up to $100 million in claims-made excess casualty coverage.

NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb, Zurich North America and National Indemnity have announced a new excess casualty facility that can offer up to $100 million in lead excess casualty insurance capacity on a claims-made basis for large national and multinational companies. The facility is unique in the industry and will deliver excess umbrella liability coverage underwritten by Chubb and Zurich and supported by National Indemnity Company, the lead reinsurer of Berkshire Hathaway. This facility coverage solution will be available in the U.S. and will begin underwriting business immediately with coverage effective starting July 1, 2025.

"The litigation environment for large companies in the U.S. is increasingly hostile, and business as usual is not the answer," said John Keogh, President and Chief Operating Officer of Chubb Group. "This initiative, between three of the largest, most experienced insurers in the large account market, is our effort to bring a new approach in terms of insurance protection and claims capability, that best serves those clients who are more and more often the target of legal abuse."

"Businesses were facing decreases in available capacity, as well as rising coverage costs," said Zurich North America CEO Kristof Terryn. "This facility creates a sustainable answer to the litigation environment, whose volatility has continued to frustrate our customers, while helping to stabilize capacity in the excess casualty market. We are pleased to be working with Chubb and Berkshire Hathaway's National Indemnity to make the most of our combined knowledge, financial strength and staying power to provide such a needed solution for our customers."

Ajit Jain, Vice Chairman-Insurance Operations of Berkshire Hathaway, said, "We are thrilled to be supporting the efforts of leaders like Chubb and Zurich to deliver solutions for clients in this incredibly challenging market."

The new excess casualty offering streamlines insurance acquisition and administration for customers, brokers and agents. Other key benefits include:

A single access point (Chubb or Zurich )

) Administrative and cost efficiencies

Consistency in coverage terms

Proactive and expert claims handling

For more information about the new excess casualty facility, please contact:

Lyndsey Christofer, EVP, Chubb Head of North America Casualty for Major Accounts, at [email protected].

Bill Chepulis, Head of Large Casualty, Zurich North America, at [email protected].

About Chubb

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

About Zurich North America

Zurich North America is one of the largest providers of insurance solutions and services to businesses and individuals. Our customers represent industries ranging from agriculture to technology. Zurich North America is part of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded more than 150 years ago, Zurich is transforming insurance. In addition to providing insurance protection, Zurich is increasingly offering prevention services such as those that promote wellbeing and enhance climate resilience. The Group has more than 63,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at https://www.zurich.com/ and https://www.zurichna.com/.

About National Indemnity Company

National Indemnity Company has been the leading reinsurer of the Berkshire Hathaway Group of insurance companies for over 50 years and is one of the best capitalized insurance companies in the world. At year-end 2024, National Indemnity Company's statutory surplus was US$240 billion.

SOURCE Chubb
SAN ANTONIO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) (the "Company") today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

"Our first quarter consolidated revenue increased 2.2%, in line with our guidance, reflecting growth from our America and Airports segments," said Scott Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. "We are seeing healthy demand across the majority of our markets in the current quarter and have now booked the majority of our 2025 revenue guidance for the year, with a solid pipeline of business in place. The investments we have made in our technology and sales force allow us to benefit from a more diverse revenue profile and have expanded the number of ways we have to grow our business.

"We continue to make progress executing our strategic roadmap and are excited about our transition to a U.S.-focused business. Now that the majority of our international asset sales have closed, we believe that we have improved our financial resiliency and reduced our operational risk considerably. We have begun reducing debt, resulting in meaningful decreases in interest expense, and expect to continue to focus on the most advantageous debt in our capital structure, as permitted under our debt agreements. Additionally, we have successfully eliminated approximately $35 million in annual corporate expenses and expect to achieve further reductions in the future.

"Going forward, we are focused on elevating the performance of our higher-margin U.S. assets. We are a leader in the innovation and digital transformation of our industry, and our ability to reach and target audiences on the move is strengthening. On top of our progress in streamlining our business and reducing debt, we remain on track with regard to our annual guidance and expect to deliver growth in our consolidated revenues and cash flow in the year ahead, with significant compound growth in AFFO."

Financial Highlights:

Financial highlights for the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the same period of 2024:

(In millions) Three Months Ended

March 31, 2025

% Change Revenue:





Consolidated Revenue1 $ 334.2

2.2 % America Revenue 254.2

1.8 % Airports Revenue 80.0

4.0 %







Net Loss:





Loss from Continuing Operations (55.3)

(20.1) %







Adjusted EBITDA2:





Adjusted EBITDA1,2 79.3

(12.5) % America Segment Adjusted EBITDA3 87.9

(8.0) % Airports Segment Adjusted EBITDA3 14.3

(25.0) %

1 Financial highlights exclude results of discontinued operations. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information. 2 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information. 3 Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information.

International Sales Processes, Dispositions and Use of Proceeds:

On February 5, 2025, we sold our businesses in Mexico, Peru and Chile to Global Media US LLC in a simultaneous sign-and-close transaction for an aggregate purchase price of $34.0 million, subject to certain customary adjustments.

On March 31, 2025, we sold our Europe-North segment businesses to Bauer Radio Limited, a subsidiary of Bauer Media Group, for an aggregate purchase price of $625.0 million, subject to certain customary adjustments. Also on March 31, 2025, we used a portion of the net proceeds from this sale to fully prepay the $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding term loans (the "CCIBV Term Loan Facility") of Clear Channel International B.V. ("CCIBV"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, along with accrued interest. We expect to prioritize using the remaining net proceeds or cash on hand to retire the most advantageous debt in our capital structure, as permitted under our debt agreements.

The sales processes for our remaining discontinued operations in Spain and Brazil are ongoing. While we cannot guarantee the completion of any transaction, we currently expect the sales to occur within the next year, subject to the satisfaction of regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, if applicable.

All of our European and Latin American businesses, including Spain and Brazil, are classified as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise noted, the discussion in this earnings release focuses on continuing operations and excludes discontinued operations.

Guidance:

Our expectations for the second quarter of 2025 are as follows:



Second Quarter of 2025

% change from prior year (in millions) Low

High

Low

High Consolidated Revenue1 $ 393

$ 408

4 %

8 % America 302

312

4 %

8 % Airports 91

96

6 %

11 %

1 Excludes results of discontinued operations.

Our expectations for the full year of 2025 remain unchanged from the guidance provided in our earnings release on February 24, 2025, except for loss from continuing operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations ("AFFO"), which have improved2. Our updated full-year expectations are as follows:



Full Year of 2025

% change from prior year (in millions) Low

High

Low

High Consolidated Revenue1 $ 1,562

$ 1,607

4 %

7 % America 1,190

1,220

4 %

7 % Airports 372

387

3 %

7 % Loss from Continuing Operations2,3 (70)

(60)

(43) %

(52) % Adjusted EBITDA1,4 490

505

3 %

6 % AFFO1,2,3,4 80

90

36 %

54 % Capital Expenditures1 75

85

(7) %

5 %

1 Excludes results of discontinued operations. 2 Guidance for loss from continuing operations has improved from the previous range of ($105) million to ($95) million, and guidance for AFFO has improved from the previous range of $73 million to $83 million. 3 Guidance for loss from continuing operations and AFFO excludes interest on the CCIBV Term Loan Facility and reflects our April 2025 notes repurchases. However, due to uncertainty, it does not include any potential reduction in interest from additional debt repayments that may be made in the future with available cash on hand. 4 This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information.

Expected results and estimates may be impacted by factors outside of the Company's control, and actual results may be materially different from this guidance. See " Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements " for further information.

Results:

Revenue:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

% Change

2025

2024

Revenue:









America $ 254,193

$ 249,777

1.8 % Airports 79,983

76,926

4.0 % Other 4

137



Consolidated Revenue $ 334,180

$ 326,840

2.2 %

Revenue for the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024:

America: Revenue up 1.8%:

New roadside billboard contract with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA")

Digital revenue increased 6.4% to $89.6 million (up from $84.2 million ), driven by the MTA contract and deployment of new digital billboards

(up from ), driven by the MTA contract and deployment of new digital billboards National sales accounted for 34.3% of America revenue

Airports: Revenue up 4.0%:

Strong national advertising demand, most notably at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which benefited from Super Bowl LIX

Digital revenue increased 15.6% to $49.3 million (up from $42.6 million ); partially offset by a decline in print revenue

(up from ); partially offset by a decline in print revenue National sales accounted for 64.6% of Airports revenue

Direct Operating and SG&A Expenses1:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

% Change

2025

2024

Direct operating and SG&A expenses: America $ 166,327

$ 154,684

7.5 % Airports 65,670

57,940

13.3 % Other 194

1,702



Consolidated Direct operating and SG&A expenses2 $ 232,191

$ 214,326

8.3 %

1 "Direct operating and SG&A expenses" as presented throughout this earnings release refers to the sum of direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, both excluding depreciation and amortization. 2 Includes restructuring and other costs of $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Direct operating and SG&A expenses for the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024:

America: Direct operating and SG&A expenses up 7.5%:

Site lease expense increased 6.6% to $88.3 million (up from $82.8 million ), driven by the new MTA contract

(up from ), driven by the new MTA contract Higher credit loss expense due to a favorable prior-year adjustment

Increased employee compensation driven by a larger sales headcount and pay increases

Airports: Direct operating and SG&A expenses up 13.3%:

Site lease expense increased 16.4% to $51.2 million (up from $44.0 million ), primarily due to lower rent abatements and revenue growth

(up from ), primarily due to lower rent abatements and revenue growth Higher selling costs, including payment processing fees and employee compensation

Corporate Expenses:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

% Change

2025

2024

Corporate expenses1 $ 19,780

$ 29,874

(33.8) %

1 Includes restructuring and other costs (reversals) of $(8.4) million and $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Corporate expenses for the first quarter of 2025 decreased 33.8% compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to $9.9 million in insurance proceeds received during the quarter, related to the ongoing recovery of certain amounts previously incurred in connection with a resolved legal matter.

Income (Loss):

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

% Change

2025

2024

Loss from continuing operations $ (55,302)

$ (69,224)

(20.1) % Consolidated net income (loss)1,2 63,213

(89,083)

NM

1 Includes income (loss) from discontinued operations. 2 Percentage changes that are so large as to not be meaningful have been designated as "NM."

Adjusted EBITDA1:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

% Change

2025

2024

Segment Adjusted EBITDA2: America $ 87,871

$ 95,464

(8.0) % Airports 14,313

19,082

(25.0) % Other (190)

(406)



Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA 101,994

114,140

(10.6) % Adjusted Corporate expenses1 (22,737)

(23,522)

(3.3) % Adjusted EBITDA1 $ 79,257

$ 90,618

(12.5) %

1 This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information. 2 Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information.

AFFO1:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

% Change

2025

2024

AFFO1 $ (22,863)

$ (12,812)

(78.4) %

1 This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information.

Capital Expenditures:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

% Change

2025

2024

Capital expenditures: America $ 9,819

$ 8,823

11.3 % Airports 2,234

1,639

36.3 % Other 12

10



Corporate 1,166

832

40.1 % Consolidated capital expenditures $ 13,231

$ 11,304

17.0 %

Markets and Displays:

As of March 31, 2025, we operated more than 61,400 print and digital out-of-home advertising displays and had a presence in 80 Designated Market Areas ("DMAs") in the U.S., including 42 of the top 50 U.S. markets.



Number of digital

displays added

(removed), net, in

first quarter

Total number of displays as of March 31, 2025



Digital

Printed

Total America1:













Billboards2 25

1,955

32,846

34,801 Other displays3 (79)

497

13,238

13,735 Airports4 (42)

2,568

10,378

12,946 Total displays (96)

5,020

56,462

61,482

1 As of March 31, 2025, our America segment had presence in 28 U.S. DMAs. 2 Billboards includes bulletins, posters, spectaculars and wallscapes. 3 Other displays includes street furniture and transit displays. The decrease in digital displays in the first quarter was due to the continued removal of certain digital urban panels in one market, following the voluntary termination of the operating lease for those panels. 4 As of March 31, 2025, our Airports segment operated displays across nearly 200 commercial and private airports in the U.S. and the Caribbean. The net decrease in digital displays in the first quarter was primarily due to screen removals following lease terminations at two airports.

Liquidity and Financial Position:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

As of March 31, 2025, we had $401.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, including $5.5 million held by discontinued operations (Spain and Brazil) and $2.9 million held by continuing operations subsidiaries outside the U.S., primarily in the Caribbean.

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows for the three ended March 31, 2025, including both continuing and discontinued operations:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 14,925 Net cash provided by investing activities1 591,868 Net cash used for financing activities (376,697) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 3,504 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 233,600



Cash paid for interest $ 88,992 Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 4,396

1 Reflects net cash proceeds of $609.3 million from the sales of our Europe-North segment businesses and certain of our Latin American businesses, net of direct transaction costs paid and cash sold with the businesses. Net proceeds from the sales of businesses and assets were partially offset by capital expenditures, including $12.3 million related to discontinued operations.

Debt:

On March 31, 2025, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of our Europe-North segment businesses to fully prepay the $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of the CCIBV Term Loan Facility and $11.9 million of accrued interest. Upon repayment, CCIBV and the guarantors under the related credit agreement, and all collateral granted as security thereunder, were released, and the credit agreement was terminated. We expect to prioritize using the remaining net proceeds or cash on hand to retire the most advantageous debt in our capital structure, as permitted under our debt agreements.

At our discretion, we may redeem or repurchase portions of our outstanding debt prior to maturity in accordance with the terms of our debt agreements. In April 2025, we repurchased $54.0 million principal amount of our 7.750% Senior Notes due 2028 and $65.8 million principal amount of our 7.500% Senior Notes due 2029 in the open market at a discount, for a total cash payment of $99.5 million, excluding accrued interest and related fees. The repurchased notes are currently held by the Company and have not been canceled.

Following the prepayment of the CCIBV Term Loan Facility on March 31, 2025, and taking into account our April 2025 notes repurchases, we expect cash interest payments to be approximately $313 million for the remainder of 2025 and $381 million in 2026, assuming no further refinancings, new debt issuances or additional repurchases.

Our next debt maturity is in August 2027, when the $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5.125% Senior Secured Notes becomes due.

For additional details on our outstanding debt balance, please refer to Table 3 in this earnings release.

TABLE 1 - Financial Highlights of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. and its Subsidiaries:

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 Revenue $ 334,180

$ 326,840 Operating expenses:





Direct operating expenses1 168,529

155,054 Selling, general and administrative expenses1 63,662

59,272 Corporate expenses1 19,780

29,874 Depreciation and amortization 43,004

42,052 Other operating income, net (5,785)

(3,297) Operating income 44,990

43,885 Interest expense, net (99,361)

(101,695) Loss on extinguishment of debt 

(2,393) Other income (expense), net2 249

(8,849) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (54,122)

(69,052) Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations (1,180)

(172) Loss from continuing operations (55,302)

(69,224) Income (loss) from discontinued operations3 118,515

(19,859) Consolidated net income (loss) 63,213

(89,083) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 704

584 Net income (loss) attributable to the Company $ 62,509

$ (89,667)

1 Excludes depreciation and amortization. 2 Other expense, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 includes $9.8 million of debt modification expense. 3 Income from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes a gain of $139.6 million, primarily from the sales of our businesses in Mexico, Peru, Chile and our Europe-North segment businesses, partially offset by a $5.4 million loss on extinguishment of the CCIBV Term Loan Facility. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the loss from discontinued operations reflects $4.4 million of debt extinguishment and modification expenses. The remaining loss from discontinued operations for each period reflects the results of our European and Latin American businesses through their respective dates of sale, where applicable.

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

(In thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 Weighted average common shares outstanding  Basic and Diluted 490,332

483,720

TABLE 2 - Selected Balance Sheet Information:

(In thousands) March 31,

2025

December 31,

2024 Cash and cash equivalents $ 395,809

$ 109,707 Total current assets1 862,507

1,659,044 Property, plant and equipment, net 467,057

479,987 Total assets1 3,990,886

4,804,263 Current liabilities (excluding current portion of long-term debt)2 604,875

1,271,630 Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt) 5,293,334

5,660,305 Stockholders' deficit (3,420,724)

(3,639,783)

1 Total current assets and total assets include assets of discontinued operations of $141.7 million and $1,176.0 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. 2 Current liabilities includes liabilities of discontinued operations of $95.6 million and $775.2 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

TABLE 3 - Total Debt:

(In thousands) Maturity

March 31,

2025

December 31,

2024 Receivables-Based Credit Facility1 August 2026

$ 

$  Revolving Credit Facility2 August 2026



 Term Loan Facility August 2028

425,000

425,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 5.125% Senior Secured Notes August 2027

1,250,000

1,250,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 9.000% Senior Secured Notes September 2028

750,000

750,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 7.875% Senior Secured Notes April 2030

865,000

865,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 7.750% Senior Notes April 2028

995,000

995,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 7.500% Senior Notes June 2029

1,040,000

1,040,000 Clear Channel International B.V. Term Loan Facility3





375,000 Finance leases



3,857

3,974 Original issue discount



(4,527)

(7,313) Long-term debt fees



(30,996)

(36,356) Total debt



5,293,334

5,660,305 Less: Cash and cash equivalents



(395,809)

(109,707) Net debt



$ 4,897,525

$ 5,550,598

1 As of March 31, 2025, we had $68.8 million in letters of credit outstanding, including a $6.3 million letter of credit related to our business in Spain, and $73.5 million in excess availability under the Receivables-Based Credit Facility. 2 As of March 31, 2025, we had $23.0 million in letters of credit outstanding, resulting in $92.8 million excess availability remaining under the Revolving Credit Facility. 3 On March 31, 2025, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of our Europe-North segment businesses to fully prepay the $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of CCIBV Term Loan Facility. Upon repayment, CCIBV and the guarantors under the related credit agreement, and all collateral granted as security thereunder, were released, and the credit agreement was terminated.

Supplemental Disclosures:

Reportable Segments and Segment Adjusted EBITDA

The Company operates two reportable segments: America (U.S. operations excluding airports) and Airports (U.S. and Caribbean airport operations), with remaining operations in Singapore reported as "Other." The Company's European and Latin American businesses are classified as discontinued operations; therefore, their results are excluded from this earnings release, which only reflects continuing operations for all periods presented.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA is the profitability metric reported to the Company's chief operating decision maker (the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer) for purposes of allocating resources and assessing segment performance. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a GAAP financial measure calculated as Revenue less Direct operating expenses and SG&A expenses, excluding restructuring and other costs. Restructuring and other costs include costs associated with cost-saving initiatives such as severance, consulting and termination costs and other special costs.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This earnings release includes information that does not conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Corporate expenses, Funds From Operations ("FFO") and Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO"). The Company believes these non-GAAP measures provide investors with useful insights into its operating performance, particularly when comparing to other out-of-home advertisers, and they are widely used by companies in this industry. Please refer to the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures below.

The Company defines and uses these non-GAAP measures as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations, plus: income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations; non-operating expenses (income), including other expense (income), loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, and interest expense, net; other operating expense (income), net; depreciation, amortization and impairment charges; share-based compensation expense; and restructuring and other costs, which include costs associated with cost-saving initiatives such as severance, consulting and termination costs and other special costs.



The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA to plan and forecast for future periods and as a key performance measure for executive compensation. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA allows investors to assess the Company's performance in a way that is consistent with Company management's approach and facilitates comparison to other companies with different capital structures or tax rates. Additionally, the Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is commonly used by investors, analysts and peers in the industry for valuation and performance comparisons.





The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA to plan and forecast for future periods and as a key performance measure for executive compensation. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA allows investors to assess the Company's performance in a way that is consistent with Company management's approach and facilitates comparison to other companies with different capital structures or tax rates. Additionally, the Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is commonly used by investors, analysts and peers in the industry for valuation and performance comparisons. As part of the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, the Company also presents the non-GAAP financial measure of "Adjusted Corporate expenses," which the Company defines as corporate expenses excluding share-based compensation and restructuring and other costs.





FFO is defined in accordance with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("Nareit") as consolidated net income (loss) before: depreciation, amortization and impairment of real estate; gains or losses from the disposition of real estate; and adjustments to eliminate unconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling interests.





The Company defines AFFO as FFO excluding discontinued operations and before adjustments for continuing operations, including: maintenance capital expenditures; straight-line rent effects; depreciation, amortization and impairment of non-real estate; loss or gain on extinguishment of debt and debt modification expense; amortization of deferred financing costs and note discounts; share-based compensation expense; deferred taxes; restructuring and other costs; transaction costs; and other items such as foreign exchange transaction gains or losses, adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates, noncontrolling interest and nonrecurring gains or losses.



Although the Company is not a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT"), it competes directly with REITs that present the non-GAAP measures of FFO and AFFO. Therefore, the Company believes that presenting these measures helps investors evaluate its performance on the same terms as its direct competitors. The Company calculates FFO in accordance with Nareit's definition, which does not restrict presentation of these measures to REITs. Additionally, the Company believes FFO and AFFO are already commonly used by investors, analysts and competitors in the industry for valuation and performance comparisons.



The Company does not use, and you should not use, FFO and AFFO as indicators of the Company's ability to fund its cash needs, pay dividends or make other distributions. Since the Company is not a REIT, it has no obligation to pay dividends and does not intend to do so in the foreseeable future. Moreover, the presentation of these measures should not be construed as an indication that the Company is currently in a position to convert into a REIT.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for the most directly comparable GAAP measures as an indicator of operating performance or the Company's ability to fund its cash needs. In addition, these measures may not be comparable to similarly named measures presented by other companies.

See reconciliations of loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA, corporate expenses to Adjusted Corporate expenses, and consolidated net income (loss) to FFO and AFFO in the tables below. This data should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, available on the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at investor.clearchannel.com.

Reconciliation of Loss from Continuing Operations to Adjusted EBITDA



Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2025

2024 Loss from continuing operations $ (55,302)

$ (69,224) Adjustments:





Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations 1,180

172 Other (income) expense, net (249)

8,849 Loss on extinguishment of debt 

2,393 Interest expense, net 99,361

101,695 Other operating income, net (5,785)

(3,297) Depreciation and amortization 43,004

42,052 Share-based compensation 5,424

4,594 Restructuring and other costs (reversals)1 (8,376)

3,384 Adjusted EBITDA $ 79,257

$ 90,618

1 Restructuring and other cost reversals for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes $9.9 million in insurance proceeds related to the ongoing recovery of certain amounts previously incurred in connection with a resolved legal matter.

Reconciliation of Corporate Expenses to Adjusted Corporate Expenses



Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2025

2024 Corporate expenses $ (19,780)

$ (29,874) Share-based compensation 5,424

4,594 Restructuring and other costs (reversals)1 (8,381)

1,758 Adjusted Corporate expenses $ (22,737)

$ (23,522)

1 Restructuring and other cost reversals for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes $9.9 million in insurance proceeds related to the ongoing recovery of certain amounts previously incurred in connection with a resolved legal matter.

Reconciliation of Consolidated Net Income (Loss) to FFO and AFFO



Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2025

2024 Consolidated net income (loss) $ 63,213

$ (89,083) Depreciation and amortization of real estate 38,394

46,806 Net gain on disposition of real estate (excludes condemnation proceeds)1 (138,423)

(5,588) Adjustment for unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlling interests (1,115)

(1,198) Funds From Operations (FFO) (37,931)

(49,063) Less: FFO from discontinued operations (19,651)

(10,011) FFO from continuing operations (18,280)

(39,052) Capital expendituresmaintenance (4,501)

(3,452) Straight-line rent effect (2,089)

(278) Depreciation and amortization of non-real estate 4,610

4,736 Loss on extinguishment of debt and debt modification expense 

12,166 Amortization of deferred financing costs and note discounts 2,367

2,544 Share-based compensation 5,424

4,594 Deferred taxes (36)

(321) Restructuring and other costs (reversals)2 (8,376)

3,384 Transaction costs for structural initiatives and financial advisory services 596

1,738 Other items (2,578)

1,129 Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) $ (22,863)

$ (12,812)

1 Net gain on the disposition of real estate for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes a gain of $139.6 million related to sold and held-for-sale businesses, primarily from the sales of our businesses in Mexico, Peru, Chile and our Europe-North segment businesses. 2 Restructuring and other cost reversals for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes $9.9 million in insurance proceeds related to the ongoing recovery of certain amounts previously incurred in connection with a resolved legal matter.

Reconciliation of Loss from Continuing Operations Guidance to Adjusted EBITDA Guidance



Full Year of 2025 (in millions) Low

High Loss from continuing operations1 $ (70)

$ (60) Adjustments:





Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations 2

2 Other income, net (2)

(2) Gain on extinguishment of debt1 (19)

(19) Interest expense, net1 391

394 Other operating income, net (4)

(3) Depreciation and amortization 172

172 Share-based compensation 25

26 Restructuring and other cost reversals (5)

(5) Adjusted EBITDA $ 490

$ 505

1 Guidance for loss from continuing operations, gain on extinguishment of debt and interest expense, net, reflects our April 2025 notes repurchases. However, due to uncertainty, it does not include any potential reduction in interest from additional debt repayments that may be made in the future with available cash on hand.

Reconciliation of Loss from Continuing Operations Guidance to AFFO Guidance



Full Year of 2025 (in millions) Low

High Loss from continuing operations1 $ (70)

$ (60) Depreciation and amortization of real estate 155

155 Net gain on disposition of real estate (excludes condemnation proceeds) (1)

(1) Adjustment for unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlling interests (6)

(6) FFO from continuing operations 78

88 Capital expendituresmaintenance (23)

(24) Straight-line rent effect (3)

(4) Depreciation and amortization of non-real estate 17

17 Gain on extinguishment of debt1 (19)

(19) Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts 10

10 Share-based compensation 25

26 Deferred taxes (6)

(6) Restructuring and other cost reversals (5)

(5) Transaction costs for structural initiatives and financial advisory services 4

5 Other items 2

2 Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO)1 $ 80

$ 90

1 Guidance for loss from continuing operations, gain on extinguishment of debt and AFFO reflects our April 2025 notes repurchases. However, due to uncertainty, it does not include any potential reduction in interest from additional debt repayments that may be made in the future with available cash on hand.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on May 1, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call number is 866-424-3432 (U.S. callers) or +1 215-268-9862 (international callers). A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the "Events & Presentations" section of the Company's investor website (investor.clearchannel.com). A replay of the webcast will be available after the live conference call on the "Events & Presentations" section of the Company's investor website.

About Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) is at the forefront of driving innovation in the out-of-home advertising industry. Our dynamic advertising platform is broadening the pool of advertisers using our medium through the expansion of digital billboards and displays and the integration of data analytics and programmatic capabilities that deliver measurable campaigns that are simpler to buy. By leveraging the scale, reach and flexibility of our diverse portfolio of assets, we connect advertisers with millions of consumers every month.

For further information, please contact:

Investors:

Eileen McLaughlin

Vice President - Investor Relations

(646) 355-2399

[email protected]

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this earnings release are considered "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") to differ materially from any future results, performance, achievements, guidance, goals and/or targets expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as "guidance," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "goals," "targets" and similar terms are used to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: our guidance, outlook, mid-term or long-term forecasts, goals or targets; our business plans and strategies and the expected benefits from business initiatives; the effects of tariffs and views on the macroeconomic environment; our expectations about the use of proceeds from, and benefits of, the sales of certain of our European and Latin American businesses, including corporate expense reduction and interest expense reduction; expectations regarding the sales of our businesses in Spain and Brazil; management's ability to navigate the current macroeconomic environment; expectations about certain markets and potential improvements; industry and market trends; our ability to use artificial intelligence in our business; our ability to retain both new and existing customers and maintain bookings; and our liquidity. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict.

Various risks that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements included in this earnings release include, but are not limited to: continued economic uncertainty, an economic slowdown or a recession, including as a result of increased and proposed tariffs, retaliatory trade regulations and policies, and uncertainty in the financial and capital markets; our ability to generate enough cash to service our debt obligations and fund our operations, business strategy and capital expenditures; the impact of our substantial indebtedness, including the effect of our leverage on our financial position and earnings; the difficulty, cost and time required to implement our strategy, and the fact that we may not realize the anticipated benefits therefrom; volatility of our stock price; our ability to continue to comply with the applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, including the minimum bid price requirement; our ability to obtain and renew key contracts with municipalities, transit authorities and private landlords; we face intense competition and our market share is subject to change; regulations and consumer concerns regarding privacy, digital services, data protection and artificial intelligence; breaches of our information security; changes in laws or regulations; failure to accurately estimate industry and Company forecasts and to maintain bookings; restrictions on out-of-home advertising of certain products; environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations; the impact of the potential sales of our businesses in Spain and Brazil; the impact of the recent dispositions of certain of our businesses in Europe and Latin America, as well as other strategic transactions or acquisitions; third-party claims of intellectual property infringement, misappropriation or other violation against us or our suppliers; the impacts on our stock price as a result of future sales of common stock, or the perception thereof, and dilution resulting from additional capital raised through the sale of common stock or other equity-linked instruments; restrictions contained in our debt agreements that limit our flexibility in operating our business; challenges regarding our use of artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency and support decision-making across key areas of our business; the effect of credit ratings downgrades; our reliance on senior management and key personnel; continued scrutiny and shifting expectations from government regulators, municipalities, investors, lenders, customers, activists and other stakeholders; and other factors set forth in our SEC filings. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated, or if no date is stated, as of the date of this earnings release. For a more comprehensive discussion of risks, see the "Item 1A. Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports filed with the SEC, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
Key Highlights:

CloudAvanti launches today with a mission to deliver tailored Oracle Cloud solutions that drive business efficiency and scalability.

The firm offers transformation services across Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Human Capital Management (HCM), Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) across North America .

TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - CloudAvanti announced today its official launch as a new Oracle Cloud consulting firm designed to help organizations modernize their operations with confidence and clarity.

Founded by a team of seasoned business transformation and Oracle Cloud professionals, CloudAvanti delivers fit-for-purpose, outcome-driven Oracle Cloud solutions that help clients move forward  faster and smarter. CloudAvanti's leadership team brings a proven track record in ERP, HCM, EPM, and SCM implementations for clients ranging from growth-stage businesses to complex, global enterprises. Their differentiated approach centers on real partnership, tailored solutions, and accelerated outcomes.

CloudAvanti provides full lifecycle Oracle Cloud service offerings, including:

The firm also applies automation, AI, and accelerators to targeted areas like development, testing, and reporting to reduce risk and increase speed without sacrificing quality or scalability.

"Our mission is simple: deliver great outcomes for clients," said Josh Mills, CEO of CloudAvanti. "Our clients don't need hype  they need execution and results. They want a pragmatic partner who is experienced, flexible, and ready to move with urgency. That's exactly what CloudAvanti is here to provide."

The CloudAvanti leadership team brings deep Oracle Cloud and business transformation experience as well as a shared vision for what modern consulting should look like: strategic, efficient, and grounded in partnership:

Josh Mills , Chief Executive Officer

, Chief Executive Officer Pallavi, Managing Director  ERP and EPM Practice Leader

Kapil Baliyan , Managing Director  Tech and AMS Practice Leader

, Managing Director  Tech and AMS Practice Leader Sambhavi Balasubramanian, Director  HCM Practice Leader

Steve Wakeham , Senior OCM Advisor

, Senior OCM Advisor Rakesh Kumar , Offshore Delivery Lead

"We built CloudAvanti to be intentionally different," Mills continued. "Our approach is rooted in listening, adapting, and scaling solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all consulting."

Guided by a strong set of core values  transparency, innovation, and accountability  CloudAvanti is equally committed to creating an exceptional employee experience, believing that empowered teams deliver the best results for our clients.

To learn more about CloudAvanti, its services, or to explore partnership opportunities, visit www.cloudavanti.com.

About CloudAvanti

CloudAvanti is a boutique consulting firm specializing in Oracle Cloud ERP, EPM, HCM, and SCM solutions. With a focus on speed, simplicity, and strategic outcomes, CloudAvanti helps mid-market clients across North America implement cloud solutions that scale with their business.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cloudavanti

SOURCE CloudAvanti Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO and SAN MATEO, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), which builds sustainable ecosystems for cloud native software and leading edge innovator Synadia today announced that the widely-adopted NATS project will continue to thrive in the cloud native open source ecosystem of the CNCF with Synadia's continued support and involvement.

The agreement comes following productive discussions with Synadia about the future of the NATS project. To align expectations and reinforce open governance, Synadia has agreed to assign its two NATS trademark registrations to the Linux Foundation. These steps further secure the project's neutral stewardship for the future. The NATS project's infrastructure and assetsincluding the NATS.io domain name and GitHub repositorieswill continue to be held by CNCF, ensuring long-term stability and ongoing open source development under the Apache-2.0 license.

NATS project will continue to thrive in the cloud native open source ecosystem of the CNCF. Post this

"As steward of the NATS project, CNCF is committed to upholding open collaboration, neutral governance, and shared ownership so NATS can continue to grow and thrive as a community-driven project." said Todd Moore, SVP Community Operations of the Linux Foundation. "We value all of Synadia's efforts in developing and contributing to NATSincluding their investment in defense of the NATS trademark and appreciate their continued support of the project."

Synadia is a major contributor to NATS and will continue contributing to and maintaining the NATS project. Like all members of the community, Synadia is also free to pursue its own commercial interests by building on top of the open source NATS project. As with any open source codebase, if Synadia chooses to fork the NATS server code for a proprietary offering in the future, it will do so under a new name.

"NATS has been a labor of love of mine for nearly 15 years now. The entire Synadia team and I deeply care about NATS and have devoted significant resources to its growth and adoption. Our commitment remains unwaveringto provide impactful, accessible technology that benefits the global community. We genuinely look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Linux Foundation and CNCF, ensuring all mature and successful projects within the CNCF receive the robust support they need to thrive." said Derek Collison, CEO of Synadia and the creator of NATS.

"NATS is widely adopted, deeply valued, and continues to serve as critical infrastructure for a broad range of adopters. The outpouring of support from the global community over the past week for NATS to remain a thriving open source project with Synadia's continued involvement has been extraordinary and deeply appreciated." continued Moore.

For companies seeking enterprise-grade NATS-based solutions, please visit synadia.com for more information. For community members looking to help secure the future of this important project, please visit NATS.io , and for CNCF membership information, please visit https://www.cncf.io/about/join/ .

About Synadia

Founded by the creators and maintainers of the open-source solution, NATS.io, Synadia provides a secure, scalable and high-performance data and communications platform designed for modern systems. It empowers developers and enterprises to accelerate the delivery of distributed applications by leveraging NATS, to enable real-time, secure communication across cloud, on-premises, edge and IoT environments.

Founded in 2017, Synadia is backed by leading VCs and strategic investors, including Forgepoint Capital, True Ventures, Bold Capital Partners, LDVP, Singtel Innov8, Accenture, and Samsung Next. Synadia's diverse customer base ranges from innovative startups to Global 500 enterprises in Finance, Retail, Automotive and Industrial Manufacturing to innovative startups across FinTech, AI, Green Energy, and Gaming. Learn more at https://www.synadia.com/.

About Cloud Native Computing Foundation

Cloud native computing empowers organizations to build and run scalable applications with an open source software stack in public, private, and hybrid clouds. The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) hosts critical components of the global technology infrastructure, including Kubernetes, Prometheus, and Envoy. CNCF brings together the industry's top developers, end users, and vendors and runs the largest open source developer conferences in the world. Supported by more than 800 members, including the world's largest cloud computing and software companies, as well as over 200 innovative startups, CNCF is part of the nonprofit Linux Foundation. For more information, please visit www.cncf.io.

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 Contacts:

For CNCF:

Natasha Woods

[email protected]

For Synadia:

Meg Cafferty

Matter Communications for Synadia

[email protected]

SOURCE Cloud Native Computing Foundation
Latest Series A3 financing includes Labcorp, along with new and longtime investors

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CND Life Sciences, Inc. (CND) announced today that it has raised $13.5 million in its Series A equity financing round, with $8.6 million in its most recent Series A3 offering. The company's strong growth has been fueled by its innovative Syn-One Test that uses skin biopsy tissue to detect and quantify the abnormal form of the alpha-synuclein protein, a known pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy and other related disorders.

CND Life Sciences closes $13.5M Series A equity financing round to continue neurodiagnostics growth and innovation. Post this (PRNewsfoto/CND Life Sciences)

"This is a defining time for the neurodegeneration field," said Richard J. Morello, CND's chief executive officer. "CND uses proven technology to help clinicians diagnose diseases like Parkinson's earlier and more precisely than ever before, while collaborating with biopharmaceutical companies to improve the chances for successful clinical trials for novel therapies. We are grateful for the significant support of our mission by many dedicated investors."

CND launched its Syn-One Test in late 2019, which has been used by nearly 3,000 neurologists and other clinicians to aid in the diagnosis of synuclein-associated disorders like PD for more than 35,000 patients. In 2024, CND published a key study in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrating Syn-One's 95.5% sensitivity overall in detecting abnormal synuclein in patients with different synuclein-associated diseases. Additionally, Syn-One Biomarker Technology, which leverages CND's AI-assisted platform NerValence to quantify the amount of synuclein detected in cutaneous nerves, is being applied in multiple pharmaceutical clinical trials with the hope of measuring an investigational drug's effect on the pathological protein.

"Without accurate diagnosis and objective measures of disease progression and therapy response, treatment of the synuclein-related disorders will be hampered," said Christopher Gibbons, MD, chief scientific officer of CND. "Using our proprietary technology, we are able to support a more precise diagnosis and provide convenient, reproducible measures of disease progression and severity in PD, DLB and other synucleinopathies. These advancements offer real opportunities to deliver more effective patient care and accelerate development of disease-modifying therapies."

CND's latest Series A3 round included funding from existing investor groups Cambrian Capital Partners, Tanis Ventures, Lupo Labs, Top Corner Capital, HonorHealth, Triana, Gold Bench Capital and BlueStone Ventures and from new investors Labcorp, a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, MBX Capital and Vilas Ventures.

"We are excited to support CND's mission to scale access to their Syn-One Test as part of our deep commitment to help deliver innovative neurology tests and treatments," said Megann Vaughn Watters, Labcorp's vice president of New Ventures & Strategic Alliances. "We are encouraged by the strong adoption of CND's innovative testing that is providing actionable information to ordering clinicians and closing gaps in care for patients facing neurodegenerative diseases."

About CND Life Sciences

CND Life Sciences supports the care of patients facing the potential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease and other neurological conditions. Operating a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory in Scottsdale, Arizona, CND developed the Syn-One Test to help clinicians diagnose synucleinopathies that include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure and REM sleep behavior disorder. Syn-One uses proprietary immunofluorescence techniques to detect, visualize and quantify phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in cutaneous nerves. Results of a prospective, multicenter NIH-sponsored study of the Syn-One Test were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2024 demonstrating >95% sensitivity overall in patients with a clinically determined synucleinopathy.1 The test analyzes three small skin biopsy samples collected in a clinician's office through an in-office patient procedure and includes an assessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density and other important pathologic markers. Nearly 3,000 neurologists and other clinicians in 50 states have used the Syn-One Test to support their diagnostic evaluation of patients. The company also collaborates with biopharmaceutical companies on clinical trials for investigational therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases and is conducting studies assessing the test's ability to provide early disease detection and prognostic insights. For more information, visit cndlifesciences.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

1Gibbons CH, Levine T, Adler C, et al. Skin biopsy detection of phosphorylated -synuclein in patients with synucleinopathies. JAMA. 2024;331(15):12981306. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.0792.

Media Contact:

Jaryd Leady

(856) 803-7855

[email protected]

Company Contact:

Kathryn Van Wie

SVP, Commercial Strategy & Market Development

[email protected]

SOURCE CND Life Sciences
NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- David Yurman, America's premier luxury jewelry brand, announces the opening of its newest Miami flagship. Situated in the heart of the Design District, one of the country's most vibrant and artistic neighborhoods, the brand's new flagship serves as a design playground for artists and jewelry devotees.

David Yurman Miami Flagship Boutique in Miamis Design District

The boutique's design is a collaborative masterpiece, overseen by President and Chief Creative Officer Evan Yurman with esteemed Italian architect Andrea Tognon, and Consulting Creative Director Bernadette Blanc. Drawing inspiration from the precious metals and stones of the Yurman family's private collection, the construction embodies the essence of the brand's artistry.

"We are thrilled to be opening our new Miami flagship in the center of the art community," says President Evan Yurman. "As a brand founded by two artists, this space reflects our family legacy and shared vision to create beautiful things that inspire uswhether that be our product, store experience, or design. Collaborating with Andrea Tognon and Bernadette Blanc, we believed there was no better location to debut this one-off concept in a neighborhood fueled by artistic fervor and heritage that attracts many of our existing and future consumers."

"We started discussing the project from the perspective of jewelrycutting the facade from a gigantic volume of stone, fusing the split stone with a metallic paint, resulting in an incredible monolithic vision and presence on the street," said Tognon. The facade is detailed with an impressive, extruded logo, a nod to the brand's Americana core heritage.

Once inside the boutique, guests will find meticulously crafted fixtures made of various stone finishes, resembling precious jewelry insertions. A stepped wall inside is made of vertically cut pieces of granite, moving in a curve, displayed like a necklace. Tributes to the brand's iconic Cable appear throughout the space, as seen in the sculpted handrail at the store entrance, as well as the circular vitrine underneath the staircase. On the second floor, a private salon overlooking the Design District features the brand's Men's, Women's, and High Jewelry collections mixed in with an extraordinary collection of David Yurman's personal artwork and private objects.

Tognon's approach to furniture craftsmanship is rooted in the deconstruction of something to its basic elements and re-envisioning it in a new form, similarly to the way that the brand's signature Cable is constantly reimagined and incorporated in David Yurman designs. As the unifying thread that connects all of the brand's collections, Cable continues to be used in a multitude of innovative and contemporary ways.

The new boutique will feature exclusive styles, inspired by Miami's magnetic atmosphere, landscapes, and tropical sunsets. Featuring bold and semi-precious stones in electric pinks, neon greens, cobalt blue, and fire orange, these dynamic and radiant pieces embody the excitement and vitality of the city.

"The retail world is constantly rethinking itself," says architect Andrea Tognon. "As we collaborated with Evan Yurman on this project, our main goal was innovation coexisting with the brands rich heritage. Working together, we were able to design a classic design ground in which new and existing consumers can feel comfortable exploring."

David Yurman's new Miami flagship had a soft opening March 20 and will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 1. The store is open daily from 11AM-7PM. For more information, visit https://www.davidyurman.com/.

ABOUT DAVID YURMAN:

David Yurman is America's preeminent luxury jewelry company founded in New York City by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife, Sybil, a painter and ceramicist. The two artists set out to fuse their individual creative talents to make beautifully designed objects to wear. Five decades later, led by their son Evan, the house of Yurman is renowned for crafting timeless heirloom jewelry meant to be lived in and worn effortlessly. Designed with innovative artistry and meticulous craftsmanship, collections are inspired by the vibrant energy of New York, as well as classic motifs in art, architecture, history, and nature. The brand's most celebrated sculptural motif is Cablean iconic, ever-evolving artistic signature. David Yurman jewelry is available on DavidYurman.com and at 49 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and France and at over 300 locations worldwide, through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry and timepiece network of retailers.

MEDIA CONTACT



Nike Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE David Yurman
Early-Stage Companies Encouraged to Apply for Investment and Strategic Support

SEATTLE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- E8 Angels, a nonprofit membership community of accredited angel investors specializing in cleantech innovation, announced the launch of its 2025 Decarbon8-US Philanthropic Fund Request for Applications (RFA). This year, the fund is focused on catalyzing Software and AI solutions that drive meaningful climate impact and accelerate decarbonization efforts.

Early-stage companies working at the intersection of technology and climate solutions are encouraged to apply for funding, mentorship, and visibility through Decarbon8-US. Applications are open now through June 20, 2025.

"Software and AI are powerful tools to tackle the climate crisis, offering scalable, capital-light pathways to impact," said Karin Kidder, Executive Director of E8. "Through Decarbon8-US, we are excited to identify and support innovators who are advancing a sustainable, decarbonized future."

Previous Decarbon8-US recipients have received an average of $300,000 in combined funding, including investments from the Decarbon8-US Fund and direct co-investment from E8 members. Selected companies also gain access to follow-on investment opportunities, expert mentorship, and broad promotional support across E8's network.

Eligible companies must:

Have a Software and AI solution driving climate innovation and decarbonization.

Have generated revenue or secured signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) leading to revenue in 2025.

Be in Pre-seed to Series A stages of growth financing.

Have an open investment round (equity, note, or debt) accepting investments from September to November 2025 .

. Be incorporated as a for-profit entity in the United States or Canada .

Solutions may include innovations in energy systems optimization, infrastructure efficiency, resource management, transportation, materials science, and climate-focused financial services.

Finalists will pitch to E8's screening committee and membership community this summer, with investment decisions and co-investment opportunities awarded in early September.

E8 & Decarbon8-US receive support from climate leaders, including Microsoft, University of Washington, Washington State University, K&L Gates, CleanTech Alliance, JP Morgan Chase, VertueLab, and the Stolte Family Foundation. Decarbon8-US is a philanthropic investment fund administered by Realize Impact, a 501(c)(3) impact investing specialist.

Access the full Request for Applications and apply here. The application window closes June 20, 2025.

For media inquiries, please contact Karin Kidder: 509-795-0116, [email protected]

About E8

E8 is a non-profit membership community whose mission is to accelerate the transition to a prosperous and cleaner world by investing in and nurturing emerging cleantech enterprises. Since 2006, we have invested over $67M into 160+ cleantech companies in the US and Canada. Our community supports various types of investors and asset classes, including direct angel for-profit investing, a member driven annual fund, and a philanthropic impact fund dedicated to accelerating decarbonization and climate mitigation. E8's community and investment offerings are underpinned by a belief in the capacity of innovative enterprises and technologies to amplify both positive returns and impact.

SOURCE E8 Angels
Just in Time for Cinco de Mayo, Abuela Intelligence Is Here to Prove That Real Is Better

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Del Real Foods , a leader in authentic Hispanic fresh foods, is proud to unveil its first-ever brand campaign, " Abuela Intelligence ." At a time when the world is chasing artificial intelligence and mass production, Del Real Foods is turning to a deeper, more authentic source of inspiration  the wisdom, warmth, and wit of abuelas. The integrated campaign celebrates everything Del Real Foods stands for  handcrafted meals made with love and real, whole ingredients you'd find in your grandma's kitchen.

Del Real Foods Debuts First Integrated Campaign  Abuela Intelligence

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, the campaign debuts with a nostalgic, charmingly-unexpected video set in a '90s-style call center  but instead of tech support agents, it's fully staffed with headset-wearing abuelas. Whether it's, "Why won't my son get married?" or "What's the easiest way to make authentic tacos?" these abuelas answer with tough love, wisdom, and a heavy dash of flavor, because when it comes to food (and life), they don't cut corners.

"Abuela Intelligence is our playful, heartfelt way of honoring the real source behind our recipes: generations of grandmothers whose love and tradition are built into every bite," said Daniela Simpson, CMO of Del Real Foods. "While the world leans on technology, we're leaning on something that's been here all along: abuela wisdom. Real meals. Real advice. Real love. That's what Del Real Foods is all about."

The integrated campaign will roll out with the TV commercial on connected TV platforms across Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, as well as through online video, including social media, YouTube, and the brand's website. It will also come to life through an "Abuela Road Trip," a mobile sampling experience at select retail stores across Los Angeles, San Diego, the Sacramento area, and Phoenix. From May to July, shoppers can taste some of Del Real Foods' most beloved offerings, including its Carnitas and Birria & Cheese Pupusas, and learn more about the brand's authentic recipes and rich heritage.

To celebrate the campaign's launch, fans can redeem a $2 off coupon via the brand's website, also known as Abuela's Treat, at participating retailers. The campaign will continue throughout the year, with a nationwide contest to discover the "Ultimate Abuela" launching later this summer.

To learn more about the campaign and redeem Abuela's Treat, please visit www.delrealfoods.com .

About Del Real Foods:

Del Real Foods, headquartered in Jurupa Valley, California, specializes in refrigerated, heat-and-eat Hispanic foods. Its products are known for authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients, providing consumers with convenient meal options that reflect traditional family recipes. Del Real Foods makes proteins, tamales, pupusas, sides, and salsas  all created by hand with fresh ingredients and nothing artificial  and inspired by the Mexican heritage of the Cardenas' founding family. The brand's product quality and taste speak for themselves, with the Birria & Cheese Pupusas honored as a winner in Progressive Grocer's 2024 Editors' Picks Awards. In 2024, Del Real Foods became part of Corporacion Multi Inversiones (CMI), a family-owned global food and energy company. With CMI's partnership and long-term commitment to brand building, Del Real Foods is focused on accelerating innovation and bringing the best of real Hispanic food to more tables across the U.S. These delicious meals that taste like you cooked them yourself are available at club, retail, food service, and wholesale distributors. For more information, please visit delrealfoods.com and follow on Instagram @delrealfoods .

Media Contact

Power Digital Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE Del Real Foods
Complimentary Launch Party on May 14 to Showcase New Treatments

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Individuals in Western Wisconsin seeking state-of-the-art treatment for depression without medication, pain or downtime, can turn to Driftless Medical Spa in Prairie Du Chien, the first center in Wisconsin to offer EXOMIND, a noninvasive brain stimulation to improve mental health issues and emotional wellbeing.

Driftless Medical Spa brings together the latest medical and aesthetic treatments under the direction of founder and board-certified surgeon, Dr. Amber Crawford.

"In the clinical literature and in the treatment room, we are seeing that EXOMIND, which works via repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, is extremely effective for those experiencing depression," states Dr. Crawford. ""Research shows that more than 95% of patients reduced food cravings and reported a four-to-five pounds weight loss after six treatments." To maximize results, Dr. Crawford recommends a 30-minute treatment twice a week for three weeks.

In addition to EXOMIND, Driftless Medical Spa provides patients with cutting-edge technologies to enhance physical wellness. Emsculpt NEO uses muscle activation and heat to burn fat and tone muscles, improving hard-to-treat areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves, and thighs. This technology induces muscle contractions and burns fat by up to 30% and builds muscle by 25%.

For facial rejuvenation, Driftless Medical Spa offers Emface, a non-invasive treatment that boosts collagen production and tightens facial skin using heat and muscle activation. In just 20 to 30 minutes, Emface revitalizes the face by stimulating underlying tissue and reducing fine lines.

EMSELLA, another innovative technology offering, is a game-changer for the 25 million Americans suffering from pelvic floor weakness and incontinence. Patients sit fully clothed in the EMSELLA chair, which uses electromagnetic energy to strengthen the pelvic floor by inducing muscle contractions. EMSELLA boasts a 98% patient satisfaction rate and helps individuals regain control over bladder function, enabling them to enjoy daily activities without concern.

These leading-edge technologies will be showcased at the EXOMIND complimentary launch party on Wednesday, May 14 from 4 to 6 p.m., 105 E Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI. Attendees will learn more about EXOMIND and may try other new technologies. The evening includes light refreshments and special discounts on these procedures. To RSVP, call 608-844-8545 or visit the website: www.driftlessmedspa.com.

SOURCE Driftless Medical Spa
Ground being prepared to merge Rear Logistics Operator and Defense Procurement Agency; commission on operator's reorganization to be led by Zhumadilov

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said that on Thursday he signed an order on the creation of a commission on the reorganization of the State Rear Logistics Operator, which will be headed by Director of the Defense Procurement Agency Arsen Zhumadilov.

"Before the end of martial law, we are preparing the ground for the unification of two key institutions  State Rear Logistics Operator and Defense Procurement Agency. Our goal is to reduce duplication of functions, optimize management and increase the speed of providing troops," he said in Telegram channel.

Umerov said the unification is planned with the aim of "scaling the reforms that have been initiated."

"We are synchronizing approaches. We are adapting legislation. We are preparing a new work model. So that immediately after the victory we can move to the most effective logistics support system," the minister said.

He said that since the creation of the Rear Logistics Operator, it has ensured transparency and savings of over 26 billion hryvnias, attracted new suppliers, and launched a modern Rear Logistics Operator chain IT system.
Matcha has landed at Dutch Bros!

GRANTS PASS, Ore., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutch Bros is welcoming customers to explore a fusion of flavors with the launch of Matcha, Dulce de Leche and Mochi Berry! The world is yours at Dutch with these delicious new drinks - starting today, while supplies last.

All new matcha has arrived at Dutch Bros! Keep it classic or try our featured layered matcha drinks including:

All new matcha has arrived at Dutch Bros! The Mochi Berry is a trip to cloud 9 with strawberry, passion fruit and sweet cream finished with Soft Top and dreamy mochi pieces! Tastes best as a Blended Rebel energy drink, Blended Lemonade or Shake. The Dulce de Leche is a sweet journey with caramel and sweet cream blended together finished with a layer of Soft Top, complete with caramel drizzle and cinnamon sprinks! Try it as a Freeze or Latte.

The Lavender Matcha Latte is a vibrant excursion of lavender, matcha and 2% milk. Best enjoyed as an Iced Latte for beautiful purple and green layers.

is a vibrant excursion of lavender, matcha and 2% milk. Best enjoyed as an Iced Latte for beautiful purple and green layers. The Raspberry Matcha Latte is a refreshing voyage of raspberry, matcha and 2% milk. Enjoyed most as an Iced Latte that showcases colorful layers of pink and green.

Continue your adventure with a special matcha lemonade:

The Paradise Matcha Lemonade is an exotic escape of mango, matcha and lemonade topped with strawberry fruit.

"After hearing so many requests from our customers, we knew it was time to bring matcha to our menu and we couldn't be more stoked to offer it," said Tana Davila, chief marketing officer at Dutch Bros. "All of our new drinks deliver a unique flavor experience, giving customers the chance to make the world their own at Dutch Bros!"

Complete your journey by sending your tastebuds on an unforgettable trip with Dulce de Leche or Mochi Berry:

The Dulce de Leche is a sweet journey with caramel and sweet cream blended together finished with a layer of Soft Top  , complete with caramel drizzle and cinnamon sprinks! Try it as a Freeze or Latte.

is a sweet journey with caramel and sweet cream blended together finished with a layer of Soft Top , complete with caramel drizzle and cinnamon sprinks! Try it as a Freeze or Latte. The Mochi Berry is a trip to cloud 9 with strawberry, passion fruit and sweet cream finished with Soft Top and dreamy mochi pieces! Tastes best as a Blended Rebel energy drink, Blended Lemonade or Shake.

Customers can enjoy matcha and more starting May 1 at all 1,000+ Dutch Bros locations, while supplies last.

About Dutch Bros Coffee

Dutch Bros Coffee is a fun-loving, mind-blowing drive-thru coffee company dedicated to making a massive difference one cup at a time. Dutch Bros was founded in Grants Pass, Oregon in 1992 and is now sharing its vibrant culture and fully customizable drinks at 1,000 locations and counting across 18 states. Dutch Bros serves a wide variety of unique, handcrafted beverages such as its exclusive Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink, specialty coffee, nitrogen-infused cold brew, teas, lemonades, sodas and more.

Dutch Bros is wholeheartedly focused on radiating kindness and sharing the Dutch Luv. In addition to its mission of speed, quality and service, the Dutch Bros Foundation is passionate about giving back to the communities it serves. Through local giving and annual nation-wide initiatives, the Dutch Bros Foundation makes impactful contributions to causes across the country.

To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit www.dutchbros.com , follow Dutch Bros Coffee on Instagram , Facebook & TikTok , and download the Dutch Bros app to order ahead, earn points and score rewards!

SOURCE Dutch Bros Coffee
CHICAGO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Edward J. Zarach & Associates, a trusted leader in freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and global logistics since 1981, proudly announces its rebrand to Zarach Logistics. This transformation marks a significant milestone in the company's continued growth and positions the brand to align more closely with the fast-moving, customer-driven logistics landscape.

Allan Zarach, Executive Vice President, Zarach Logistics

"As our business evolves and the global supply chain becomes more complex, it was time for our brand to evolve with it," said Edward Zarach, Owner of Zarach Logistics. "The name Zarach Logistics reflects both who we are and the value we deliverclear, bold, and firmly rooted in logistics."

Honoring Our Legacy While Building for the Future

While the name has changed, the values remain the same. The Zarach name has been retained to honor the company's rich history, built by founder Edward Zarach over four decades ago. The name continues to carry a reputation for integrity, reliability, and personalized servicenow under a modern identity that speaks directly to the logistics community.

"This rebrand is about evolution, not reinvention," said Allan Zarach, Executive Vice President of Zarach Logistics and son of the founder. "We've always been a logistics-first company. Now, our brand reflects that more clearlywhile staying true to the legacy my father built and the relationships we've formed over the past 40+ years."

A Bold Identity for Bold Moves

The new Zarach Logistics brand is defined by a confident, bold typeface, symbolizing the company's forward momentum and leadership in an ever-evolving market. This boldness represents more than just a visual shiftit reflects the company's commitment to making a bold impact on the supply chain industry through innovation, strategic partnerships, and client-focused solutions.

The Iconic Blue Swoosh: A Legacy Reimagined

The rebrand retains the company's iconic blue swoosh, a design element that has been a visual thread throughout the company's history. More than a stylistic choice, the swoosh serves as a versatile symbol representing Zarach's multimodal logistics capabilities:

A road , signaling domestic transportation and ground freight

, signaling domestic transportation and ground freight A plane contrail , representing global air cargo expertise

, representing global air cargo expertise A coastline, highlighting Zarach's deep roots in ocean freight services

"The blue swoosh connects the past with the present. It's a powerful symbol that speaks to movement, connection, and our commitment to delivering freight across every mode with precision and care," said Joe Porter, Chief Marketing Officer.

Same Partnership. New Chapter.

Clients can expect the same world-class service, experienced team, and commitment to excellencenow with a brand identity that fully reflects the scope and scale of what Zarach Logistics brings to the table.

"This brand transformation positions us for long-term growth while reinforcing the trust our clients have come to expect," said Kevin Peto, Chief Financial Officer of Zarach Logistics. "It's not just a new name; it's a renewed commitment to delivering strategic, efficient, and reliable logistics solutions in every corner of the world."

As Zarach Logistics looks to the future, the company is excited to continue building lasting relationships, delivering seamless global supply chain solutions, and pushing the industry forwardboldly, strategically, and with purpose.

For more information about Zarach Logistics and to explore the new brand, visit zarachlogistics.com

Media inquiries contact:

Joe Porter  Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

(630) 315-0832

SOURCE Zarach Logistics
DALLAS , May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Embark, a leading management and financial consulting firm, announces Felice Gorordo as its new Chief Executive Officer. Felice brings more than two decades of leadership experience in management and governance, serving as CEO of three venture-backed companies, Executive Director at the world's largest multilateral development bank, and investor and advisor at two venture capital funds with global mandates in healthcare and infrastructure. Current CEO Clancy Fossum will assist during the transition, remain a shareholder, and plans to explore new opportunities at the end of the quarter.

Felice Gorordo, Embark incoming CEO

"Felice is a seasoned leader with valuable experience in leading large organizations and shares the Embark mission: to take incredible care of our people and help us deliver great work for our clients," said Paul Allen, Embark Founder & Chairman. "Felice's strong background in technology and private equity will help drive the next era of growth and innovation at Embark." Allen added, "Under Clancy's leadership, Embark has achieved previously unimaginable milestones over the last ten years, and we are forever grateful for the transformative impact he has made on Embark and the lives of our people."

Most recently, Felice was the United States Alternate Executive Director and Board member of the World Bank Group, which deploys approximately $130 billion annually. Prior to that, Felice was CEO of eMerge Americas, a venture-backed platform focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the Americas. He also served as a venture partner at I Squared Capital, a global infrastructure private equity fund with over $40 billion in assets under management. Previously, Felice was CEO of Clearpath (acquired by L1BRE), a venture-backed tech company focused on streamlining the immigration filing process, and served as Global Director at the venture capital fund StartUp Health.

"I was first drawn to Embark's purpose-driven team and how its people-centric culture translates into delivering the highest quality service," said Felice Gorordo, incoming CEO of Embark. "I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Embark team, build upon the great legacy of Paul Allen and Clancy Fossum, and lead the company through this next era of growth and innovation."

Embark operates on the belief that happiness drives success. With eighteen offices and nearly 600 employees across the U.S., Embark has experienced exponential growth, achieving a tenfold increase in just four years. All the while, the firm boasts an impressive Net Promoter Score of 87 from clients. For context, the average across industries is about 32. Under Felice's leadership, Embark is excited to explore new opportunities, expand its reach, and continue delivering exceptional value to its clients and team members.

About Embark

Embark is a Dallas-headquartered business consulting firm dedicated to transforming complex problems into clear solutions. With a focus on financial advisory, business transformation, deal advisory, outsourcing, and tailored solutions, Embark is committed to delivering excellence and fostering a culture where "happy works." Learn more at www.embarkwithus.com

SOURCE Embark
GUANGZHOU, China, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EnChannel Medical, a breakthrough innovator in cardiac electrophysiology, today announced the successful completion of an oversubscribed Series B financing, raising $82.2M (600M RMB). The round was co-led by Dragonball Capital and existing investor Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV), with continued strong support from Lapam Capital.

EnChannel Medical Products

This financing marks one of the largest private investments in China's medical device sector since 2023. EnChannel's previously completed its Series A round of $27.8M (195M RMB) in August 2023. Proceeds from the Series B round will accelerate product development and advance clinical registration trials both in China and internationally.

"EnChannel's platform integrates full-chamber action-potential mapping with pulsed-field ablation to address long-standing unmet needs in atrial fibrillation treatment," said Jun Feng, CEO of EnChannel Medical. "We're grateful for the strong support from new and returning investors and encouraged by early clinical data from our ongoing studies. Key results were presented at the Heart Rhythm Society Meeting in San Diego, held April 24-27."

About EnChannel Medical

Founded in 2020 by a team of seasoned electrophysiology innovators from both the United States and China, EnChannel is developing a holistic platform that unifies magnetic-impedance navigation, intracardiac echocardiography, full-chamber 5D action-potential mapping, and mid-voltage (<1000 V) pulsed-field ablation to deliver safe and personalized treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation.

Headquartered in Guangzhou, with an R&D subsidiary in Irvine, California, EnChannel is well positioned to expand its global innovation and advance its mission to transform AF care through data-driven, patient-specific therapy solutions.

For more information, visit http://www.enchannel.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

The DePolar Mapping System and the NanoAblate PFA System are investigational devices and are limited by federal (or United States) law to investigational use.

Media Contact

Bradley Wegrzynowicz

(610)462-0197

[email protected]

SOURCE EnChannel Medical Ltd.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE: EHC) today announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.17 per share, payable on July 15, 2025, to holders of record on July 1, 2025.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 167 hospitals in 38 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, Becker's Hospital Review's 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare and Forbes' Most Trusted Companies in America. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, X, Instagram and Facebook.

From Fortune.  2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Fortune is a registered trademark and Fortune World's Most Admired Companies is trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Encompass Health. From Forbes  2024 Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release which are not historical facts, such as the timing and amounts of dividends, are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, Encompass Health, through its senior management, may from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning the matters described herein. All such estimates, projections, and forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Encompass Health undertakes no duty to publicly update or revise such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those estimated by Encompass Health include, but are not limited to, the legal, regulatory and administrative developments that occur at the federal, state and local levels; general conditions in the economy and capital markets, including any instability or uncertainty related to armed conflict, an act of terrorism or natural disaster, governmental impasse over approval of the United States federal budget, an increase in the debt ceiling, or an international sovereign debt crisis; Encompass Health's ability to comply with extensive, complex, and ever-changing regulations in the healthcare industry; potential disruptions, breaches, or other incidents affecting the proper operation, availability, or security of Encompass Health's or its vendors' or partners' information systems; changes, delays in (including in connection with resolution of Medicare payment reviews or appeals), or suspension of reimbursement for Encompass Health's services by governmental or private payors; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in Encompass Health's SEC filings and other public announcements, including Encompass Health's Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Media contact:

Polly Manuel | 205-970-5912

[email protected]

Investor Relations contact:

Mark Miller | 205-970-5860

[email protected]

SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.
SAN DIEGO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Longtime supporters of the University of San Diego (USD), Dan and Phyllis Epstein, through the Epstein Family Foundation, have committed a transformative $10 million matching gift for a total of $20 million in five years to expand support for USD's military-connected students. USD has more than 900 military-connected students, including active-duty service members, veterans, and students who come from military families.

This gift will provide funding for a number of resources and services, including:

More space: Establish the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence (MCCE)

Establish the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence (MCCE) Scholarships : Provide scholarship support for military-connected students

: Provide scholarship support for military-connected students Dedicated staff : Academic, mental health and career counseling, and assistance to transition to civilian life

: Academic, mental health and career counseling, and assistance to transition to civilian life Specialized programming : Events and resources geared toward military-connected students that expose the broader student body to military-related issues

: Events and resources geared toward military-connected students that expose the broader student body to military-related issues Community resources: Connecting MCCE with the military population in San Diego

"I hope this gift shows USD's military-connected students how much we want them here," said Nelson Chase, Director of USD's Military and Veterans Program . "That we're not just veteran friendly, but we're veteran inclusive, and we're invested in their academic, professional and personal success."

Dan Epstein is a U.S. Army veteran and has supported USD's military-connected students through the recent Epstein Challenge that raised $1.9 million in scholarships .

"Our family is honored to support this important initiative, ensuring that military-connected students have the resources they need and deserve," said Dan Epstein. "We invite the community to join us in this effort to create pathways of opportunity for those dedicated to lives of service and leadership. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for students today and for future generations."

The Epsteins' gift is a call to action, focused on inspiring generosity for USD to match their $10 million gift by raising at least $2 million each year for the next five years. You can help USD meet the challenge by making a donation today .

You can find b-roll of USD's Military and Veterans Program and soundbites about the announcement here .

Media Contact: Steven Covella; [email protected]

SOURCE University of San Diego
TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) will report its second quarter fiscal 2025 financial results after market close on May 28, 2025, and will host an earnings conference call on May 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET.

EQB's Andrew Moor, president and chief executive officer, Marlene Lenarduzzi, chief risk officer, and David Wilkes, vice president and head of finance, will host the listen-only conference call and webcast.

The details of the call/webcast are as follows:

Date: May 29, 2025 Time: 10:30 a.m. ET Via listen-only webcast with slides: https://app.webinar.net/pqjBK9XJ4gw Via telephone with operator assistance: 416-945-7677 (Toronto area)

888-699-1199 (North America toll free) Please join 5 minutes prior to start time Via telephone without operator assistance: https://emportal.ink/3G6cfbU to register phone numbers up to 15 minutes prior to start time to receive an automatic call-back to the conference

Call archive

A replay of the conference call with the accompanying slides will be archived on EQB's investor relations website at eqb.investorroom.com/events#past.

About EQB Inc.

EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) is a leading digital financial services company with $132 billion in combined assets under management and administration (as at January 31, 2025). It offers banking services through Equitable Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary and Canada's seventh largest bank by assets, and wealth management through ACM Advisors, a majority owned subsidiary specializing in alternative assets. As Canada's Challenger Bank, Equitable Bank has a clear mission to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives. It leverages technology to deliver exceptional personal and commercial banking experiences and services to over 700,000 customers and more than six million credit union members through its businesses. Through its digital EQ Bank platform (eqbank.ca), its customers have named it one of Canada's top banks on the Forbes World's Best Banks list since 2021.

To learn more, please visit eqb.investorroom.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Investor contact:

David Wilkes

Vice President and Head of Finance

[email protected]

Media contact:

Maggie Hall

Director, PR & Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE EQB Inc.
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairmont Mayakoba, in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Mexico, had the honor of fulfilling the dream of Carlos Jason ("Carlitos"), who wished to see the ocean and enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

Fairmont Mayakobas Heartists welcoming Carlos Jason, his dad and Laura Chavez, Make-A-Wish Mexicos CEO

Over the course of four nights and five days, Carlitos and his father experienced a magical journey in the heart of the Riviera Maya. During their stay, Carlitos explored the mangroves of Mayakoba on a boat tour, sailed the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on a catamaran, enjoyed a private mixology class where he learned to make chocolate milk, and delighted in the culinary offerings of our ten restaurants.

Thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of all Fairmont Mayakoba colleagues, Carlitos' stay was carefully crafted to be truly memorable. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to bring him joy, fun, and relaxationmaking this trip an experience that both he and his father will cherish forever.

"We are overjoyed to collaborate with Make-A-Wish Mexico in making Carlitos' dream come true. As soon as we learned about him, we shared his story with our Heartistswhat we call our colleaguesand everyone was eager to get involved to make his stay something extraordinary, beyond anything he could have imagined," said Jacco Van Teeffelen, General Manager of Fairmont Mayakoba. "Seeing his smile as he stepped onto the beach for the first time is a memory that all of us at Fairmont Mayakoba will carry in our hearts."

Laura Chavez, CEO of Make-A-Wish Mexico, expressed her gratitude to the Fairmont Mayakoba team for their support and the effort made to grant Carlos Jason's wish of seeing the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. She shared, "Carlitos and his father have enjoyed every moment to the fullest; the quality of the service, the food, and the thoughtfully planned activities have been incredible and have had an immediate impact on Carlitos' emotional well-being."

This partnership with Make-A-Wish Mexico reaffirms Fairmont Mayakoba's commitment to creating experiences that transform lives.

For pictures, click here.

About Fairmont Mayakoba

Fairmont Mayakoba offers guests the perfect blend of luxurious accommodations, nature, warm and attentive service, and a wide range of culinary options. Located 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport and 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen, Fairmont Mayakoba spans 47 acres within the exclusive Mayakoba complex in the Riviera Maya. The resort features 401 rooms, 10 pools, 15 dining outlets, a gym, a spa, and a convention centerall designed in harmony with nature to help preserve the local flora and fauna. Fairmont Mayakoba holds the prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating. Guests from around the world are warmly welcomed to this resort, where everything revolves around their needs to ensure every trip becomes a truly memorable experience.

Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok y LinkedIn.

About Make-A-Wish Mexico

Make-A-Wish Mexico is a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children and adolescents with critical illnesses. Since its founding, it has transformed the lives of thousands of families by providing moments of joy, hope, and strength to face health challenges.

Carlos Jason's Story (Wish Kid)

Carlitos, a brave 7-year-old boy, was diagnosed in 2023 with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 4 years old. Due to his treatment, his family had to relocate from Chiapas to Mexico City. His father, Robertowho has had custody of Carlitos since 2023 and is his primary caregiverdoes everything he can to ensure his son stays connected to his Tzeltal cultural identity, including teaching him his native language. Though Carlitos still has a long and challenging journey ahead with 45 of 120 chemotherapy sessions completed, Roberto dedicates his life to his son's well-being, working online to be able to support him throughout his treatment. Despite the challenges, Roberto makes sure Carlitos enjoys his childhood as much as possible amidst everything they face.

SOURCE Fairmont Mayakoba
Founded by a Nurse and Father, the Company Launches with Tallow-Cooked ChipsAvailable May 1and Is Actively Seeking Distribution and Retail Partnerships

GEORGETOWN, Ind., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fat of the Land, a new food brand rooted in ancestral nutrition and clean ingredients, proudly announces the launch of its first product: tallow-cooked kettle chips, available on Amazon starting May 1, 2025. Founded by nurse and father Donald Ridings, the company is on a mission to reintroduce the benefits of cooking with traditional animal fats and eliminate industrial seed oils from everyday snacking.

"As a healthcare professional and parent, I wanted to feed my kids better," said Ridings. "Fat of the Land was born from a simple idea: snacks should be made with real ingredientsand real fat."

Launch Product:

Tallow-Cooked Potato Chips  Available in flavors like Sea Salt and Back Porch BBQ, these chips are fried in 100% premium beef tallow, delivering exceptional flavor, crunch, and a clean label that's free of seed oils and processed fats.

Available on www.eatfatoftheland.com starting May 1

Early Momentum & Community Support

Fat of the Land has already received early support through several local and regional business pitch competitions, validating both its mission and market potential. This momentum reinforces the growing demand for cleaner, more traditional fat sources in the modern food landscape.

More to Come

The May 1st launch is just the beginning. Fat of the Land plans to expand its product line to include a full suite of animal fat-based cooking staples, all made with the same commitment to clean ingredients, traditional fats, and ethical sourcing.

Seeking Retail and Distribution Partners

Fat of the Land is currently seeking distribution and retail partnerships to bring its products into grocery stores, butcher counters, specialty shops, and wellness-forward retailers across the country. "There's a growing demand for seed-oil-free living," said Ridings. "We're here to meet itand lead the way back to better fats."

About Fat of the Land

Founded by nurse and father Donald Ridings, Fat of the Land is a modern brand rooted in traditional wisdom. Built on the belief that food should nourish, not compromise, the company is committed to reviving animal fats as a cornerstone of everyday cooking and snacking. With bold flavors, clean sourcing, and zero seed oils, Fat of the Land is helping people reconnect with the foods that once sustained generations.

Media Contact

Donald Ridings

[email protected]

SOURCE Fat of the Land
ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fichtner Home Exteriors, an Annapolis-based leader in roofing and exterior home improvements, has solidified its legacy as a cornerstone of trust and quality. For an extraordinary 14th consecutive year, the company has been voted #1 roofer, siding contractor, window contractor, or gutter contractor in What's Up? Media's Best of Annapolis Awards, a powerful reflection of its roofing mastery and commitment to Central Maryland.

Fichtner Home Services wins the "Best of Annapolis" award 14 consecutive years!

Since 1997, What's Up? Media has connected the Chesapeake Bay region with over 300,000 monthly readers through What's Up? Annapolis, What's Up? Eastern Shore, and What's Up? Central Maryland. Its reader-voted Best of Annapolis Awards celebrate the area's finest, and Fichtner Home Exteriors' 14-year streak underscores its unmatched standing in Anne Arundel County and beyond.

"We're deeply humbled to be recognized for 14 straight years," said Tom Fichtner, owner and president. "Customer service is at our heart, and this enduring support from our community drives us to uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability."

Roofing is the bedrock of Fichtner Home Exteriors , proven by elite distinctions like GAF Master Elite statusearned by only 3% of U.S. roofing contractorsand membership in the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) since 2000. Affiliations with TAMKO, James Hardie, and others ensure top-tier materials and techniques, while a 97% client recommendation rate highlights their excellence. Beyond roofs, their expertise spans siding, windows, doors, porches, and gutters, enhancing homes with precision.

With decades of experience, Fichtner Home Exteriors has become a local standard-bearer, crafting storm-resistant roofs and energy-efficient solutions that stand the test of time.

Licensed under MHIC #50157, their work reflects a deep-rooted passion for the craft and community.

This 14-year milestone cements Fichtner Home Exteriors as Central Maryland's most trusted name in roofing and exterior improvements.

Media Contact:

Tom Fichtner

Fichtner Home Exteriors

Phone: 410.519.1900

Email: [email protected]

Website: FichtnerServices.com

SOURCE Fichtner Home Exteriors
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna on Thursday had a call with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, during which the parties discussed the next steps in the process of preparing for the opening of the first negotiation Cluster within Ukraine's accession to the EU.

This is stated in a statement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration on Facebook.

"Ukraine made remarkable reform progress and the European Commission has given a clear positive recommendation to the EU Council to move on with Cluster 1," Kos said.

Stefanishyna thanked the European Commission for Ukraine's support and expressed hope for the continuation of such interaction.

"I confirmed Ukraine's readiness to cooperate with EU member states to resolve any issues," the deputy prime minister said.

The parties agreed on the need to maintain a close dialogue on this matter.
LAKE MARY, Fla., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Food Products, LLC (FFP), one of the world's largest independent providers of natural ingredients, announced today that Todd Werpy, Ph.D., has joined its Board of Directors. A distinguished leader in sustainable technologies, Dr. Werpy brings more than 30 years of deep expertise in research and development and strategic partnerships.

Florida Food Products, LLC (FFP), one of the worlds largest independent providers of natural ingredients, announced today that Todd Werpy, Ph.D., has joined its Board of Directors.

Dr. Werpy most recently served as senior vice president and chief science officer at Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), where he oversaw global technology and process initiatives, product expansion, and fostered collaborations across the public and private sectors. He holds 30 U.S. patents in catalysis and biomass conversion and was honored with the American Chemical Society Award for Affordable Green Chemistry in 2015.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Werpy to the board," said Vince Macciocchi, chief executive officer of FFP. "His unique blend of deep technical knowledge and visionary thinking is perfectly aligned with our mission to deliver natural, science-driven ingredient solutions. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue expanding our clean label platform."

Christopher Sand, managing director of Ardian and majority owner of FFP, added, "Todd's unparalleled expertise in fermentation combined with his overall scientific acumen and visionary leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue expanding our capabilities and market reach."

Based in Lake Mary, Florida, FFP offers one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios of clean label ingredients and system solutions for the food and beverage sector. For more than 70 years, the company has delivered high-quality, American-made products that combine performance and flavor. Its manufacturing capabilities span patented cold brew extraction, custom flavor creation, drying and blending technologies, and advanced fermentation  all supported by four state-of-the-art facilities across the United States.

Early in his career, Dr. Werpy spent 15 years at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he led efforts in renewable chemical development. His groundbreaking work on converting glycerin and sorbitol into propylene glycol is now a commercialized innovation in green chemistry.

"FFP's investment in science, scale, and clean label solutions makes it an exciting leader in the evolving food and beverage landscape," said Dr. Werpy. "I'm honored to join the board and contribute to the company's mission to make clean label ingredients accessible to the industry."

About Florida Food Products

Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is one of the world's largest independent providers of natural ingredients. FFP partners with both established and emerging brands to deliver clean label ingredients, concentrates, and powders that improve taste, texture, shelf life, moisture, and color across a variety of applications. The company's product line includes natural flavors, botanical extracts, functional nutrition inclusions, meat cures and accelerators, antioxidants, and antimicrobials.

For more information, visit www.floridafood.com .

SOURCE Florida Food Products
NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FOX News Channel's (FNC) FOX & Friends founding co-host Steve Doocy will take on a new coast-to-coast co-hosting role for cable news' most-watched morning show. In this role, Doocy will co-host FOX & Friends from cities and towns across the country, bringing viewers unparalleled access and insight to the people, places and issues that make up America. After 29 years in morning television  first in the weather role on Fox X-press and then as a co-host of FOX & Friends since 1998  he will move to Florida full time and be based there to strategically co-host the show throughout the southeast, Midwest and beyond.

Doocy is the longest running co-host in network morning television other than Al Roker who is part of the Today show ensemble. He joined FNC at its inception in 1996 as the "weather guy" based in New York City and was named co-host of FOX & Friends when the show launched in February of 1998. Within three years of his tenure on the program, FOX & Friends became the most-watched program in cable news and has now notched 24 years as cable's highest-rated morning show with co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Lawrence Jones, and Brian Kilmeade. FOX & Friends has averaged 1.5 million viewers in 2025 to date, easily beating CNN and MSNBC's morning programs combined and more notably outrating the broadcast morning shows in select markets year to date. This includes beating Today in New York, Boston, Atlanta and Charlotte, NC; beating Good Morning America in Washington, and St. Louis; and beating CBS Mornings in New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Washington, Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Cleveland, and Charlotte, NC. FOX & Friends is also number one across the board in Tampa, FL defeating Good Morning America, Today and CBS Mornings in that market.

In commenting on the announcement which was made this morning at 8:45 AM on FOX & Friends, FOX News Media's Executive Vice President of Morning Programming & Program Development Megan Albano said, "For nearly 30 years, Steve has been a force on the curvy couch with his signature smile and wit. His relationship with our audience is unmatched and we are looking forward to him taking his trademark style from the couch to cities across America's heartland where he will co-host from diners to pickleball courts and more and finally not have to drive across the George Washington Bridge at 3:30am every morning."

Doocy's remarks from this morning's FOX & Friends were as follows:

https://video.foxnews.com/v/6372164921112

Do you remember that eighties Dunkin' Donuts commercial where the alarm clock goes off at 3:30?

Well for the last 30 years when my alarm clock goes offat 3:30if it wakes up my wife Kathy, she always says, "It's time to make the donuts." And I say, you're right, "It's time to make the donuts," and I get up and go to work.

You know how many mornings my alarm has gone off at 3:30? Well, according to AI six thousand, eight hundred twenty-eight. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a lot of donuts.

It's a great job but the hours suck.

Ainsley and I have talked about this for years about how hard it is to dash back from wherever we are on the weekends to be on the couch live at 6 AM Monday. But we have to because the Curvy Couch is an important part of the show.

Which brings me to this public service announcement: After decades of getting up at 3:30 and driving into New York City in the dark, today is the last day I will host the show from the couch.

I am not retiring. I'm not leaving the show. I'm still a host, but it's time for a change.

Suzanne Scott, the CEO of FOX News Media, and a friend for over 30 years, and I have been trying to figure out what a guy who's been getting up at 3:30 for two generations should do next. And Suzanne gave me a great optionto keep working on this show just not every day.

So, from now on I'm working three days a week. Essentially, it's the Johnny Carson show deal. Remember Johnny worked his three days in Burbank, and I will be based in Florida which means you may never see me in a necktie again.

Well Florida is strategic. It's going to make it easier for me to report from Florida and other parts of America that don't get a lot of network airtime. I'll be going from the Carolinas to the Keys. From Middle America to Mar-a-Lago. So, call me the coast-to-coast host.

When my kids were growing up, I never had breakfast with them. I was always here. Kathy did everything. But starting tomorrow, I'm going to have breakfast with my grandkids and my children whenever I can.

I'm transitioning from "It's time to make the donuts" to "It's time to make the breakfast, Grandpa. Now step on it."

By the way, lots of breakfast ideas in our number one bestselling Happy Cookbook series that's still available everywhere.

Tomorrow, Kathy and I are going to DC to meet our two-week-old grandson George. My son Peter and his wife Hillary and their two-year-old Bridget will get the first batch of coast-to-coast host French toast.

Then off to Dallas, where Sally and her husband Ali just moved into a brand-new house with their two-year-old son Arthur. They needed more space because Sally's having a boy in July. And LJ tells me Dallas is really beautiful in the month of July.

And my daughter-slash-lawyer Mary and her husband Marshall always need help with their dog, Peanut, so Gaga and Grandpa are hitting the road to spoil all of our kids and grandkids.

Not with stuff, per se, but just by being there. So, they're already stocking up the fridge with formula and chardonnay which they call Grandpa's medicine.

I will continue to join this couch crew for commentary. You have trusted me for all these years and don't worry, you will still hear my voice and my opinions loud and clear despite whatever seasonal pollen is killing me. And today I woke up and it's tree pollen.

There is one downsideI have a lot of friends in this skyscraper, and I will miss seeing them in person. The security guys, the cafe crew, especially the hair and makeup team because they are geniuses at what they do. Exhibit A ladies and gentlemen.

And the closest to my heart, the Fox & Friends teamworking day and night producing America's number one cable morning news show.

Our leader, all-star producer Megan Albano, who is standing right there, gets a special shout-out because she is going to help me make my new schedule work. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

The studio and control room crews have lots of folks I have worked alongside for decades, that's why it makes it hard. Just know you will still hear from me every day when I play Wordle with you - as soon as Chris picks the word, and then Ted says he solved it in two. Ted is a liar! I'm just calling it out.

As for the cast on the couchwho I love and adoreif this was the last day, I'd ever work with you again, the waterworks would be flowing, you know me. But after a little vacation, I'm going to be back on the show, via the magic of television where somewhere, I guarantee you, somebody will ask me:

Is Ainsley really that sweet?" And I'll say she is.

And is Lawrence really that much fun?" And I'll say yes indeed.

Is Janice Dean always so sunny? She is.

And does Carley know what crazy transitions you guys will throw her way?" She doesn't, but she always has a snappy comeback.

And more importantly, I hear this all the time, does Brian Kilmeade really think we need somebody to tell us to get dressed? Let me ask you, when you go out in the morning, are people on the street wearing clothes? Yes! They are listening to Brian, and Brian, that is your legacy.

A lady at the airport on Monday said to me, Steve, I didn't see you on the couch this morning, and I told her that from now on I was working three days a week and she said, that's great, you've been there a long time. And she's right.

Because once again according to AI, I have hosted thirty-one thousand six hundred and seven hours of live TV on FOX News. And you know what? I'm not done yet.

I'll be back in ten days when it's time to make the donuts.

ABOUT FOX NEWS CHANNEL:

FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service and has been the number one network in basic cable for the last nine years and the most-watched television news channel for more than 23 consecutive years, currently attracting nearly 50% of the cable news viewing audience according to Nielsen Media Research. Notably, Nielsen/MRI Fusion has consistently shown FNC to be the network of choice for more Democrat and Independent viewers, with the most politically diverse audience in cable news. A 2024 Pew Research Center study found that more Americans named FNC as their main source for political news than any other network while a 2023 New York Times/Siena College poll found FNC as the leading single source of news for voters across the country. Owned by Fox Corporation, FNC is available in more than 60 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top 10 programs in the genre.

FOX News Media Contact:

Jessica Ketner: 212.301.3976 or [email protected]

SOURCE Fox News Network, LLC
LUXEMBOURG, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company focused on reinventing businesses through innovative technology solutions, today announced it will release results for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2025 on Thursday, May 15th, 2025 after the close of regular market hours.

Following the earnings release, Martin Migoya, Globant's Chief Executive Officer & co-founder, will discuss the results in a video conference call beginning at 4:30 pm ET. This will be followed by a live Q&A session where he will be joined by Juan Urthiague, Chief Financial Officer; Patricia Pomies, Chief Operating Officer; and Diego Tartara, Chief Technology Officer. A shareholder letter will also be available on the investor relations section of Globant's website.

Video conference call access information is:

https://more.globant.com/F1Q25EarningsCall

About Globant (NYSE: GLOB)

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 transform organizations and strive to delight their customers digitally.

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.

For more information, please visit www.globant.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Arturo Langa, Globant

[email protected]

+1 (877) 215-5230

Media Contact:

Gregorio Lascano, Globant

[email protected]

+1 (877) 215-523

SOURCE Globant
FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GridGain, provider of an ultra-low latency data processing platform for AI, transactional and analytical workloads, today announced sponsorship of multiple industry events in May 2025. GridGain will be a Silver Sponsor and will present at Gartner Data & Analytics London, taking place May 12-14, 2025. GridGain will be a sponsor at Gartner Data & Analytics Tokyo, taking place May 20-22, 2025. GridGain will also join Confluent as a sponsor for its Data Streaming World Tour 2025, appearing in multiple cities in North America, and will be a sponsor of Confluent Current London, formerly the Kafka Summit, taking place May 21-22, 2025, in London, UK.

"As companies pivot toward practical AI applications and more complex analytical workloads, the need to extend data streaming architectures to enable millisecond-latency data processing is becoming more and more critical," said Katherine Rincon, CMO of GridGain. "We're very excited to join Gartner and Confluent for this year's events to help enterprises of all sizes understand the full power of the GridGain Real-Time Data Processing Platform."

GridGain Joins Gartner

Gartner Data & Analytics Summits are some of the industry's most important gatherings for chief data and analytics officers, and data and analytics leaders aspiring to transform their organizations through the power of data, analytics, and AI.

Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2025 London , May 12-14, 2025

GridGain, a Silver Sponsor of this conference, will be providing demos of the GridGain Platform in Booth #220.

Session: "Data Challenges & Architectures for AI-Driven Businesses"

Presenter: Lalit Ahuja, GridGain's Chief Technology Officer

Abstract: Given the ease with which AI-based initiatives can be executed nowadays, it is no surprise that more and more enterprises are considering adopting AI-powered autonomous analytics to make well-informed decisions more economically, improve operational efficiencies, and delight customers. Achieving the true promise of AI, however, requires access to data and the execution of such analytics in real time. Join this session to learn about data processing challenges and architecture patterns fueling AI-driven businesses.

Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2025 Tokyo , May 20-22, 2025

GridGain will be an Exhibitor at this conference, providing demos of the GridGain Platform in Booth #504.

GridGain Joins Confluent

GridGain, a Confluent partner, seamlessly integrates with Confluent to extend Kafka + Flink streaming data pipelines to enable organizations to handle heavy transactional, analytical and AI workloads while maintaining millisecond latencies.

Confluent Data Streaming World Tour 2025

The Data Streaming World Tour is an opportunity to network with data streaming peers and ecosystem partners, hear directly from customers, learn from Apache Kafka experts, and participate in interactive demonstrations and hands-on labs. GridGain has already sponsored and participated in Tour stops in Mountain View, CA and Dallas, TX. Upcoming cities include:

Boston, MA  May 1, 2025

 Toronto, Canada  May 8, 2025

 Atlanta, GA  June 17, 2025

Current London , May 21-22, 2025

GridGain is a Silver Sponsor of this key industry event focused on data streaming. The conference offers two full days of keynotes and breakout sessions, with an expanded expo. Formerly the Kafka Summit, Current London provides an opportunity for business decision-makers and data streaming practitioners to explore the latest trends, learn from industry experts, and connect with the data streaming community. GridGain will be providing demos of the GridGain Platform in Booth #14.

Connect with GridGain

About GridGain

GridGain, the original creators of Apache Ignite, provides the only millisecond-latency data platform that combines a fast distributed multi-model database with the execution of AI, analytical and transactional workloads in real time, with unlimited horizontal scalability. GridGain is trusted by leading companies like Citi, Barclays, American Airlines, AutoZone, and UPS to accelerate their existing applications, speed operational analytics and fraud detection, power AI operations, and provide fast-access data hubs. To learn more, please visit www.gridgain.com.

CONTACT:

Brigit Valencia

For GridGain Systems

[email protected]

360.597.4516

GridGain is a trademark or registered trademark of GridGain Systems, Inc. Apache Ignite is a trademark of The Apache Software Foundation. All other brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE GridGain
Swiss electric aviation pioneer recognized among world's best for sustainable innovation, embarks on coast-to-coast U.S. tour to showcase clean flight technology

SION, Switzerland, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- H55, a leader in electric aviation and the technological spin-off of the Solar Impulse project, has earned a place on TIME's World's Top 250 GreenTech Companies of 2025 list. Selected from over 8,000 global firms, H55 is one of only four Swiss companies recognized, underscoring the company's strengths and achievements in clean air mobility.

Bristell B23 Energic Powered by H55 Electric Propulsion System - Flying Above Space Coast, Florida, USA

H55 earned this honor by pushing the boundaries of certified electric propulsion and intelligent battery management systemskey technologies driving the shift to quiet, zero-emission flight. The TIME ranking evaluated companies on environmental impact, financial health, and innovation. H55's inclusion in this global list demonstrates the company's success in making aviation cleaner and more efficient.

"Being recognized by TIME is an honor and a reflection of our mission to make clean aviation quiet, efficient, and scalable," said Andre Borschberg, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of H55. "It reaffirms our commitment and achievements in advancing electric flight and accelerating its adoption. With our B23 Energic flight trainer, and general aviation aircraft, one of our first customer applications, we are ushering in a new chapter of clean aviation that redefines how we train and fly in the future".

"Being included on the 250 GreenTech Companies list by TIME further validates the investment thesis we had when we lead the first financing of H55; the IP and technology spun off from Solar Impulse will lead to certified solutions that will transform the general and commercial aviation", said Aymeric Sallin, ND Capital CEO and Founder. "H55 electric propulsion system is pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver breakthrough solutions for the world we live in. We are proud to support such innovators."

H55 Across USA Tour: Taking Electric Aviation Coast to Coast  From April through August 2025, H55 will take to the skies throughout the United States on its Across USA Tour, bringing fully electric flight demonstrations to aviation stakeholders and enthusiasts nationwide. This coast-to-coast tour will visit flight schools, aviation universities, airplane manufacturers, military academies, and major airshows, giving participants a firsthand look at the future of sustainable flight.

At each stop, H55 will showcase the Bristell B23 Energic, a two-seat, zero-emission trainer aircraft powered by H55's award-winning electric propulsion system. This fully electric airplane offers near- silent operation and significantly lowers operating costs, demonstrating real-world readiness for pilot training and general aviation use today.

H55 Across USA Tour stops include:

Florida April 1228

Montgomery, Alabama May 79

Phoenix / Scottsdale , Arizona May 2025

/ , Arizona May 2025 Las Vegas , Nevada June 36

, Nevada June 36 Palo Alto, California June 1522

Colorado Springs and Pueblo July 27

Oshkosh, Wisconsin July 2127 (EAA AirVenture)

The Hamptons, New York August 610 August

About H55

H55 is a Swiss-based company founded by the former Solar Impulse management team: Andre Borschberg, Sebastien Demont, and Gregory Blatt. Dedicated to revolutionizing the aviation industry, H55 provides certified electric propulsion and battery management systems tailored to a diverse range of aircraft, aiming to achieve sustainable air travel. Through its pioneering legacy and commitment to certified solutions, H55's team of visionary engineers and aerospace experts are at the forefront of driving the aviation industry toward a more environmentally responsible future, setting new standards and pushing the boundaries of electric aviation.

For more information, visit: [email protected] www.h55.ch

Media Contact [email protected]

www.h55.ch

H55 SA

Route de l'Aeroport 10 1950 Sion

Switzerland

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2677886/H55.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2345318/5297536/H55_Logo.jpg

SOURCE H55
GREENWICH, Conn., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brynwood Partners IX L.P. announced today that its portfolio company, Hometown Food Company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Chef Boyardee brand for $600 million from Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG). The transaction includes the 820,000 square foot facility in Milton, PA, as well as all assets and operations dedicated to the Chef Boyardee brand. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary U.S. regulatory review.

Chef Boyardee is an iconic American brand and category leader in shelf-stable meals, including both canned and microwave formats. The business has a rich heritage spanning over 100 years. The brand began when the renowned Chef, Hector Boiardi, immigrated from Italy to the U.S. in the early 1900s. Known for its delicious family-friendly recipes, the brand has earned generations of consumer trust and is universally recognized for its Beef Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Mini Ravioli, and Beefaroni products. Chef Boyardee products are primarily sold in the grocery, mass retailer and dollar store channels across the U.S. and have a strong presence in Canada and Puerto Rico. The business's Milton, PA manufacturing facility, with its approximately 500 employees, will complement Hometown's three existing manufacturing facilities.

Hometown Food Company was formed by Brynwood in 2018 to acquire a portfolio of brands from The J.M. Smucker Company, including the U.S. rights to the Pillsbury shelf stable baking products, Hungry Jack pancake mixes and syrups, Martha White and White Lily. Since then, Hometown has furthered its product offerings through the acquisition of Arrowhead Mills from The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. in 2019, the merger with De Wafelbakkers in 2022, and the acquisition of Birch Benders from Sovos Brands, Inc. in 2023. With Chef Boyardee, Hometown will have annual gross revenues exceeding $1.6 billion, and have four manufacturing facilities across the Northeastern, Midwestern, South Central, and Southeastern U.S., supported by approximately 1,500 employees.

"The Chef Boyardee acquisition marks the single largest acquisition in Brynwood's 40-year history," said Henk Hartong, Chairman and CEO of Brynwood Partners. "We are excited to add the iconic Chef Boyardee brand to the Hometown collection of nostalgic brands that offer a longstanding rich heritage. We have grown the Hometown portfolio by nearly twofold since we formed the business and are confident that we can reinvigorate the Chef Boyardee brand and extend into new formats quickly."

"We are thrilled to welcome Chef Boyardee into the Hometown family and will run the business from our corporate headquarters in Chicago," said Tom Polke, President and CEO of Hometown Food Company. "We look forward to working with the Conagra team to effect a smooth transition of the business."

The Brynwood Partners portfolio also includes Harvest Hill Beverage Company, Carolina Beverage Group, Great Kitchens Food Company, West Madison Foods, and Miracapo Pizza Company. Chef Boyardee increases the total Brynwood manufacturing network to 20 U.S. facilities, approximately 5,500 employees and over $3.7 billion in annual sales. Four of Brynwood's portfolio companies are based in in the Chicagoland area and are supported by six factories. The transaction further solidifies Brynwood's reputation as the premier corporate carveout partner, having completed over 60 brand acquisitions from more than 20 different corporate sellers in its over 40-year history.

Brynwood Partners was represented by Holland & Knight LLP on legal matters.

About Brynwood Partners

Based in Greenwich, CT, Brynwood Partners, is an operationally-focused private equity firm that has been making control investments in North American-based lower middle market companies since 1984. The firm targets non-core brands and companies operating in the consumer sector. Brynwood Partners currently manages more than $2.3 billion in assets for its limited partners, which include U.S. and international pension funds, fund-of-funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth family investment offices and financial institutions. For more information, please visit www.brynwoodpartners.com .

SOURCE Brynwood Partners IX L.P.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a $0.25 per share cash dividend on its common stock. The dividend is payable on June 30, 2025, to stockholders of record as of June 13, 2025.

About Huntsman:

Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2024 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 60 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 25 countries and employ approximately 6,300 associates within our continuing operations. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.comhttps://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2729073-1&h=708906847&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huntsman.com%2F&a=www.huntsman.com.

Social Media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, timing of proposed transactions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Huntsman Corporation
April total sales increased 19%; seventh consecutive month of total sales growth

Elantra N, Santa Fe, Tucson , Sonata and Palisade hit April total sales records

Electrified up 25%; Hybrids jump 46%; ICE climbs 17%

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America reported record-breaking total April sales of 81,503 units, a 19% increase compared with April 2024. This was the best April in Hyundai's history, a record seventh consecutive month setting best-ever total sales. Total sales records in April were set for Elantra (+30%), Santa Fe (+28%), Sonata (+12%), Tucson (+41%) and Palisade (+15%). April total sales of hybrid vehicles jumped 46%, while total electrified sales grew by 25%.

"April total sales continued its upward trajectory with a 25% year-over-year increase in electrified vehicle sales, led by strong demand for the Tucson HEV," said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. "The debut of the 2026 Palisade, the seventh best-ever total sales month and record April sales across multiple models reflect our momentum and leadership in innovation, value, and performance."

April Total Sales Summary



Apr-25 Apr-24 % Chg 2025 YTD 2024 YTD % Chg Hyundai 81,503 68,603 +19 % 285,057 253,407 +12 %



April Product and Corporate Activities

Model Total Sales

Vehicles Apr-25 Apr-24 % Chg 2025 YTD 2024 YTD % Chg Elantra 13,125 10,102 +30 % 46,615 36,962 +26 % Ioniq 5 3,411 3,702 -8 % 12,022 10,524 +14 % Ioniq 6 1,106 1,253 -12 % 4,424 4,899 -10 % Kona 7,914 8,273 -4 % 24,932 31,327 -20 % Nexo 1 13 -92 % 1 64 -98 % Palisade 10,502 9,142 +15 % 36,737 34,397 +7 % Santa Cruz 2,494 2,956 -16 % 9,142 11,373 -20 % Santa Fe 12,417 9,728 +28 % 43,818 35,822 +22 % Sonata 6,012 5,348 +12 % 21,809 18,512 +18 % Tucson 22,054 15,685 +41 % 77,027 61,194 +26 % Venue 2,467 2,401 +3 % 8,530 8,333 +2 %



Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
BOSTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To reach net-zero by 2050 targets, billions of tonnes of additional carbon dioxide removal (CDR) will be needed in parallel with emissions reductions. From the broad range of carbon dioxide removal solutions benchmarked in new report from market intelligence firm IDTechEx, "Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) 2025-2035: Technologies, Players, Carbon Credit Markets, and Forecasts", direct air capture (DAC) is among the most promising for delivering large-scale removals. But, as of today, it is simply too expensive.

If the costs of direct air capture technologies are lowered, IDTechEx predicts widespread adoption of this technology to meet sustainability goals. Source: IDTechEx

Eve Pope, Senior Technology Analyst and author of the report, explains: "In the CDR space, a capture cost of US$100/tonne of CO 2 removed is the eventual industry target because widespread adoption could be achieved from governments and corporations alike at this level. However, direct air capture costs demonstrated so far are closer to US$1000/tonne of CO 2 ."

Direct air capture has been scaling up fast. In 2024, DAC pioneer Climeworks inaugurated the world's largest direct air capture facility, removing 40,000 tonnes per year of CO 2 from the atmosphere. Meanwhile, 1PointFive's Stratos facility (scheduled to come online in 2025) aims to capture carbon dioxide on the megatonne per annum scale.

As DAC plants grow bigger, supply chains can be established and fixed costs can be spread over larger volumes of CO 2 , leading to cost reductions. IDTechEx's report, "Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) 2025-2035: Technologies, Players, Carbon Credit Markets, and Forecasts", covers cost estimates for DAC and includes key lessons from DAC pioneers for building supply chains. For example, Carbon Engineering (the company originally behind Stratos' liquid solvent DAC approach) based its DAC air contactor design on existing industrial cooling towers. By adapting industrial equipment and collaborating with existing suppliers, rapid scale-up has been enabled.

Further improvements, beyond scaling up to larger facilities, will be needed to bring DAC capture costs closer to the US$100/tonne of CO 2 goal. These cost reductions are expected to come from technology innovations. For the leading DAC technologies, which are temperature-based, popular approaches include developing semi-continuous sorbent processes or finding liquid solvents that can be regenerated at lower temperatures (~100 oC). These improvements can lower the overall energy demand of DAC, which can be a major contributor to capture costs.

A more disruptive approach involves pivoting to electrochemical methods of DAC. This could unlock better energy efficiency and flexibility with intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. While at an earlier stage than temperature-based DAC, there are now several innovative start-ups in this space, including Carbon Blade, Parallel Carbon, and Yama, seeking to lower capture costs through their electrochemical DAC technologies.

Despite the high capture costs of today, DAC is in a good position. In North America, DAC players can access Canada's Investment Tax Credit (covering 60% of DAC capital expenses) or the United States' 45Q tax credit (worth US$180/tonne of CO 2 captured using DAC technology, which has so far weathered the uncertainty of the Trump administration). For now, this financial support from governments can bridge the gap between the US$100/tonne goal and current cost realities.

Voluntary markets provide the rest of business model viability through the sale of carbon credits. For example, in 2024, Microsoft announced a deal to purchase 500,000 tonnes of CO 2 removal from the large-scale Stratos DAC facility. Later down the line, the long-term success of DAC will depend upon its inclusion in broader global compliance carbon markets, with mechanisms for Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement starting to lay the foundation.

To find out more about this report, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/CDR. For the full portfolio of related research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Energy.

Media Contact:

Charlotte Martin

+44(0)1223812300

[email protected]

SOURCE IDTechEx
Thousands of Performances and Events Presented in More Than 190 Countries

Chicago to Host 15th Anniversary International Jazz Day in 2026

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 14th annual International Jazz Day culminated in a rousing All-Star Global Concert from Etihad Arena in the host city of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The concert, hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons and led by Herbie Hancock, featured world-renowned artists from 14 countries including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Etienne Charles, Kurt Elling, Ruthie Foster, Jose James, John McLaughlin, Helene Mercier, Danilo Perez, John Pizzarelli, Dianne Reeves, David Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Janis Siegel, Varijashree Venugopal and others. Watch for free at jazzday.com .

At the All-Star Global Concert, UNESCO officials announced that Herbie Hancock's hometown of Chicago, USA will host the 15th anniversary International Jazz Day celebration in 2026.

On the morning of April 30, a remarkable Opening Ceremony was held at Qasr Al Watan, the Palace of the Nation. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, officially welcomed International Jazz Day to Abu Dhabi. The event featured remarks by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone and Jeremy Irons, acclaimed stage, film and television actor. Highlights included a moving solo performance of "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock and a stirring presentation of traditional Arabic music by local artists.

Highlights of the All-Star Global Concert included Dee Dee Bridgewater performing a groove-driven version of "The Thrill Is Gone" with John McLaughlin and John Pizzarelli. World-renowned concert pianist Helene Mercier of Paris and emerging talent A Bu of Beijing united two continents in a dazzling duo piano performance of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"a classical tribute to the spirit and rhythm of jazz. Arturo Sandoval, David Sanchez and Danilo Perez honored Dizzy Gillespie with their electrifying performance of "Tin Tin Deo."

John McLaughlin brought his mind-blowing jazz fusion to his original composition "As The Spirit Sings." Dianne Reeves, known for her emotive vocal prowess and jazz interpretations, delivered a poignant rendition of "Someone to Watch Over Me." Jose James infused The Rolling Stones' classic "Miss You" with his unique blend of soul and swagger. Jazz Day 2025 concluded with its traditional finale of John Lennon's "Imagine," the universal anthem for peace, bringing the audience to its feet in a celebration of unity through music.

Jazz Day 2025 celebrations in Abu Dhabi included dozens of community outreach programs, bringing the magic of jazz to young children and aspiring professionals at venues including Berklee Abu Dhabi, Bait Al Oud and the Cultural Foundation. In partnership with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, the program included a special concert at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and a thought-provoking panel conversation between Herbie Hancock and Financial Times CEO John Ridding. Around the world, thousands of performances, masterclasses, jam sessions, education and community programs took place in more than 190 countries.

Each year on April 30, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide to promote peace and unity, dialogue among cultures and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day was adopted by the UNESCO Member Nations on the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, who co-chairs the annual celebration with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi served as the International Jazz Day 2025 Host City Partner, with major global support provided by the Doris Duke Foundation. United, the International Jazz Day Global Airline Partner, provided air transportation and additional support for artists and educators.

Clickable Link to Photo/Video Assets

www.jazzday.com

www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day

SOURCE Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
European Commissioner Kos: We reiterate our support to opening Cluster 1 with Ukraine, Moldova simultaneously and ASAP

Photo: elements.envato.com

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has announced her support for opening Cluster 1 within the EU accession process with Ukraine and Moldova simultaneously and as soon as possible.

"A productive call with Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna to reiterate our support to opening Cluster 1 with Ukraine and Moldova simultaneously and as soon as possible," Kos said on the X social network.

As reported, in an interview with Europa Libera Moldova, European Commissioner for Enlargement 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.

Stefanishyna later noted that statements about opening negotiations only with Moldova during Ukraine's difficult consultations with Hungary are unconstructive.
After 25 years in B2B, Alexis S Intimatesan independent Black female-owned brandsets a new industry standard with the largest size range and most extensive style selection for curvy bodies.

ATLANTA, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexis S Intimates, an independently owned brand redefining plus-size lingerie, announces the launch of its first direct-to-consumer (D2C) online store, offering the largest and most inclusive size range available onlinethree times more sizing than top retailers, up to 6X.

For 25 years, Alexis S Intimates has supplied major retailers with high-quality, full-support lingerie designed for curvy bodies. Now, its D2C launch fills a longstanding gap in an industry where most brands offer few stylish, well-fitting plus-size options

Alexis S Intimates

This launch comes at a time when 66% of U.S. women wear a D-cup or larger, yet only 47% of lingerie brands offer extended sizesleaving millions without access to properly fitting, supportive lingerie.

"In a world where supply chain delays, rising tariffs, and fast fashion dominate, U.S. manufacturing allows us to craft garments with exceptional quality, longevity, and attention to detailgiving underrepresented curvy bodies the luxury, fit, and durability their smaller-sized peers have always had access to," says Sumiyyah Rasheed, founder and CEO of Alexis S Intimates, who started the company in 1997 in her living room with two second-hand sewing machines and a vision. Today, she leads a cutting-edge apparel company, using the same advanced robotic precision technology trusted by top global fashion manufacturers to produce high-quality, size-inclusive lingerie at scale.

While many brands rely on overseas production, where sizing inconsistencies and long lead times create challenges, Alexis S Intimates ensures precision and consistency by manufacturing entirely in the U.S.

"By investing in smart manufacturing, workforce development, and precision robotics, we've created a streamlined production process that ensures superior fit, durability, and faster turnaround timesoffering an alternative to mass-market production."

Most brands stop at XL or 2X, but Alexis S Intimates offers apparel up to size 6X and bras in band sizes 36-48, and cup sizes D-N. Each bra features structured cups for lift, wider straps for comfort, and non-stretch panels for enhanced support. The debut D2C collection includes 30+ original designs across five colors, ensuring curvy women no longer have to choose between style and function.

With the global lingerie market expanding and consumer demand for well-fitting plus-size lingerie at an all-time high, Alexis S Intimates is setting a new standard for size inclusivity, high-quality craftsmanship, and accessible luxury.

The debut collection is now available exclusively at www.alexissintimates.com.

About Alexis S Intimates:

Alexis S Intimates is an independently owned, Black female-led lingerie brand redefining plus-size fashion with high-quality, expertly crafted designs that prioritize both support and style. After 25 years as a trusted B2B supplier, the brand is now D2C, offering the most inclusive size range available onlinethree times more sizing than top retailers, up to 6X. Founded by industry veteran and technical designer Sumiyyah A. Rasheed, who debuted her Ann Nahari plus-size fashion line at 2013 New York Fashion Week, the brand merges innovation and craftsmanship to deliver lingerie that fits beautifully and lasts. With in-house manufacturing and precision robotics, Alexis S Intimates ensures superior quality, sustainable production, and ethical U.S.-based manufacturing.

Media Contact

1 (678) 237-9539

[email protected]

SOURCE Alexis S Intimates
From the Birthplace of Tequila in Amatitan, Laelia Celebrates the Terroir of the Lowlands, and Traditional Flavors of Agave

NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Introducing Laelia Tequila , a premium, quality Tequila from Amatitan in the lowlands of Jalisco, the first release from Casa Natima, from a 100% owned and operated Mexican team. Laelia is rooted in respect for the tradition of Tequila and its heritage, taking inspiration from the Mexican orchid it is named after and the pre-Hispanic, ceremonial flower songs of the Nahua. Derived from fully-mature and sustainably-grown, 100% Blue Weber Agave, Laelia is crafted to celebrate the origin of the spirit and Amatitan, its natural terroir, and nature.

Laelia Tequila Blanco & Reposado

The Laelia portfolio consists of agave-forward tequilas whose notes are nurtured through traditional brick oven slow cooking, then distilled in 100% copper pot stills after a Tahona extraction. This incredibly complex and intensive traditional technique is done by using an old, two-ton volcanic stone with the agave fibers rotated, gently extracting the natural juices to bring out the agave's deep and rich flavor characteristics, guided by our Master Distiller, Carlos R.Huizar.

Laelia Blanco is fruity, elegant and earthy with hints of citrus and herbs, which are pronounced with white pepper, vanilla, and a light caramel finish, thanks to 14-days of ageing in American Oak barrels. The Reposado is aged for 4-6 months in lightly toasted French Oak barrels and boasts delicate notes of mineral and wood along with floral, fruity, citrus, oak and cinnamon.

"Coming from a family of fourth generation agave growers, we've spent many years preserving and ensuring that the quality of our agave is uncompromised. Laelia is a true passion project and the first chance for our family to craft our own tequila, one that brings the land that is central to our family to life, with every bottle," says Fernando Perez Ontiveros, CEO and Founder of Laelia Tequila.

Laelia is committed to crafting tequila with deep respect for the land, guided by sustainable practices and innovative techniques that help preserve agave and the surrounding environment. The agave Laelia sources from Jalisco is overseen by the Casa Natima family and certified by Environmentally Responsible Agave, ensuring it is not harvested from deforested areas. Beyond certification, implements its own sustainability efforts across its agave cultivation, including water conservation, natural composting methods, and the use of organic fertilizers to help maintain healthy soil and support long-term land stewardship.

To ensure long-term energy efficiency, with a goal towards a net neutral environmental impact, Laelia is distilled using 100% renewable energy, stemming from recycled bagasse, or agave fibers, for natural bio-fuel to produce steam for the boilers, and their state-of-the art filtration system which recycles water into steam, as well as over 721 solar panels in place at Casa Natima. The energy from bagasse accounts for 80% of the energy used to produce Laelia, with 100% of all agave fibers getting reused throughout the production process, including as natural compost and sustainable materials like bio-pallets for shipping. Laelia is committed to continue to build on their sustainability efforts and is on track to be able to recycle and reuse all of the mineral-rich spring water in their production, ultimately eliminating the need for additional water use by 2030.

"We aim to lead the path for what a modern tequila rooted in preserving the craft and tradition of the spirit can be by ensuring to highlight agave in its purest form. To do so, we're devoted to pushing the boundaries of tequila innovation by continuing to refine Laelia sustainably, using thoughtful innovations to improve the quality and consistency of each bottle and our impact on the land," adds Perez Ontiveros.

Laelia Tequila is best enjoyed neat or in signature cocktails such as the Xochi Spritz featuring Laelia Blanco or used within traditional cocktails such as a Cantarito with Laelia Reposado. The Reposado was awarded Gold at The Drinks Business 'Tequila & Mezcal Masters' (2025) , a testament to the brand's commitment to exceptional quality and its agave-forward approach.

Laelia Tequila Blanco (40% ABV) is available for retail at $59.99 and Laelia Tequila Reposado (40% ABV) is available at $69.99 in select retailers in California and New York as well as nationally online via laeliatequila.com .

ABOUT LAELIA TEQUILA



Crafted in the heart of Amatitan, in the lowlands of Jalisco, Laelia Tequila is a premium quality tequila refined by nature. Laelia is rooted in respect for the tradition of Tequila and its heritage, taking inspiration from the Mexican orchid which it is named for and the pre-Hispanic, ceremonial flower songs of the Nahua. Laelia celebrates the terroir of the lowlands of Jalisco, with agave-forward expressions developed through the 100% Tahona-milled traditional technique which extracts agave juices gently to preserve the natural flavor and complexity. Distilled at Casa Natima, and fully owned and operated by a 100% Mexican-led team, Laelia Tequila is founded by Fernando Perez Ontiveros whose family are fourth generation agave growers. The brand, owned under NOM 1607, offers both Blanco and Reposado expressionsits Blanco earned Silver and its Reposado Gold at the 2025 Spirits Business Tequila & Mezcal Masters for their exceptional quality and agaveforward character.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Laelia Tequila
MT. PLEASANT, Mich., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX:ISBA) (the "Company") announced today that the Board of Directors of the Company approved a resolution to increase its share repurchase program by an additional 500,000 shares, raising the current authorization available under the program to 538,448 shares. The Company has repurchased to date 2,554,126 shares under its share repurchase program since 2007.

The authorization does not have an expiration date. Stock repurchases under the program may be made from time to time as the Company deems appropriate, based on factors such as share price, market conditions, share availability, purchase needs under the Company's employee stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan, and other relevant factors. There can be no assurance as to the number of shares the Company will purchase, if any, and the program may be modified, renewed, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time without prior notice.

About the Company

Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX: ISBA) is the parent holding company of Isabella Bank, a state-chartered community bank headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Isabella Bank was established in 1903 and has been committed to serving its customers' and communities' local banking needs for over 120 years. The Bank offers personal and commercial lending and deposit products, as well as investment, trust, and estate planning services. The Bank has locations throughout eight Mid-Michigan counties: Bay, Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw.

For more information about Isabella Bank Corporation, visit the Investor Relations link at www.isabellabank.com. Isabella Bank Corporation common stock is quoted on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets Group, Inc.'s electronic quotation system (www.otcmarkets.com) under the symbol "ISBA." The Company's investor relations firm is Stonegate Capital Partners, Inc. (www.stonegateinc.com).

SOURCE Isabella Bank Corporation
- CBH Homes becomes the first production builder in Idaho to offer a full range of Hardie products -

CHICAGO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- James Hardie Building Products Inc. (James Hardie), a subsidiary of James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX; NYSE: JHX) and the leading provider of fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions in North America, is excited to announce an expanded agreement with CBH Homes. Through this collaboration, CBH Homes will become the first production builder in Idaho to embrace a full James Hardie exterior, offering its new homeowners the industry-leading Hardie siding and trim products.

Renowned as the #1 brand of siding in North America*, James Hardie brings robust, aesthetically versatile, and reliable fiber cement technology to the forefront of modern home construction. This agreement signifies a bold step by CBH Homes to integrate unmatched durability and design flexibility into their developing communities while keeping costs affordable for its homebuyers.

"CBH Homes believes in making beautiful possible at any price point and wants to provide the best products for our homebuyers," said Corey Barton, Chief Executive Officer of CBH Homes. "The collaboration with James Hardie represents a milestone for us and our commitment to excellence. By offering Hardie siding and trim products, CBH Homes aims to provide homebuyers with not only enhanced protection but also greater design versatility."

Prospective homeowners of CBH Homes will benefit from the innovative Hardie siding and trim solutions, which are non-combustible** and resist damage from pests, water, and extreme weather. The extensive range of colors and styles of Hardie products ensures a personalized fit for all architectural tastes and preferences.

"This groundbreaking agreement with CBH Homes underscores our commitment to providing cutting-edge exterior home solutions that meet the evolving needs of builders and homeowners," said Sean Gadd, President of James Hardie North America. "We are proud to join forces in setting a new benchmark for home quality and style in Idaho."

Together, James Hardie and CBH Homes are poised to elevate the standard of homebuilding, ensuring that each residence stands out for both its beauty and lasting durability for years to come. With shared expertise and a commitment to innovation, this agreement is set to deliver homes that meet the highest standards of quality.

For more information about James Hardie Building Products Inc., visit www.jameshardie.com .

* Based on Freedonia 2022 Global Siding (Cladding) demand estimates and James Hardie sales in North America

**Hardie fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, may help harden a home against external fire.

James Hardie Building Products Inc.

James Hardie truly represents What The Best Are Made Of. As the #1 brand of siding in North America, James Hardie offers exterior solutions and accessories for every style. Hardie products deliver resilient beauty and endless design possibilities, with trusted protection and low maintenance. Hardie products are noncombustible and stand up to weather while empowering homeowners and building professionals to achieve the home of their dreams. James Hardie operates with an inclusive company culture and an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm. The company proudly employs a diverse workforce of over 3,700 employees in North America.

For more information and media resources, visit JamesHardie.com and JamesHardie.com/about-us/media-resources . For investor information, please visit ir.jameshardie.com.au .

Connect with James Hardie on social media:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X [formerly Twitter]

Media Contact:

James Hardie

[email protected]

Investor Contact:

Joe Ahlersmeyer, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations

[email protected]

About CBH Homes

CBH Homes has been building new homes for sale in Idaho for over 32 years, and for 19 of those, CBH Homes has been Idaho's #1 Builder, a Best Place to Work in Idaho, ranked #42 in the nation, and proudly working with over 26,000 happy homeowners. Visit cbhhomes.com . RCE-923

SOURCE James Hardie Building Products Inc.
VANCOUVER, BC, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Jane Software Inc., a leading practice management software for health and wellness practitioners, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Bronze Stevie Award in the Customer Service Department of the Year - Computer Software (100 or More Employees) category at the 19th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Marc Dyer, VP of Customer Success at Jane, shares, "Every call, every email, and every chat is an opportunity to help our customers thrive in the amazing work they do. This award is a meaningful recognition of the care, empathy, and expertise our team brings to those moments. It's a reminder that our work is more than customer service; it's a partnership with an inspiring community of clinics and practitioners who help so many people out there in the world  and that's what Jane is all about."

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service celebrate the best in customer support, contact centers, and sales around the world. This year's competition received more than 2,100 nominations from organizations of all sizes and industries across 45 nations and territories.

Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller stated, "We proudly join the judges and the entire Stevie Awards community in congratulating and celebrating the winners on their accomplishments."

About Jane Software Inc.

Jane is a practice management platform and EMR designed for health and wellness providers. Over 200,000 practitioners rely on Jane to help them open, run, and grow their practices. With flexible, user-friendly features and unlimited, human-powered support, Jane helps practitioners manage their businesses efficiently  so they can focus on what they love: delivering exceptional care.

Jane also received the Excellence in Customer Service Award from Business Intelligence Group this year. In 2024, Jane made Deloitte Technology's Fast 50 program, as well as Globe and Mail's Top Growing Companies.

For more details, visit jane.app , jane.app/pricing , and jane.app/careers .

SOURCE Jane
KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $1.9 million or $0.19 per share in the first quarter of 2025 compared to net income of $1.6 million or $0.16 per share in the first quarter of 2024.

This result included a $4.2 million or 6% decrease in policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance, and a $0.9 million or 3% decline in operating expenses in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024. In addition, we recorded an income tax benefit of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to an income tax expense of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. The increased tax benefit resulted from a one-time tax benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Partially offsetting these, insurance revenues decreased $3.1 million or 4% and total investment revenues decreased $5.3 million or 13%, largely due to a change in the fair value of certain investments compared to the prior year.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (OTCQX: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company's primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.kclife.com.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

(amounts in thousands, except share data)

Quarter Ended

March 31

2025

2024 Revenues $ 118,975

$ 127,308 Net income $ 1,876

$ 1,554 Net income per share, basic and diluted $ 0.19

$ 0.16 Dividends paid $ 0.14

$ 0.14 Average number of shares outstanding

9,683,414



9,683,414













SOURCE Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Largest Domestic Investment in Three Decades expected to create over 900 jobs

CHICAGO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today announced plans to invest over $2 billion over the next 5 years in its North America business, marking the company's largest domestic expansion in more than 30 years. Amid rising demand for its consumer brands, which include Huggies diapers, Kleenex tissue, Depend incontinence products, Scott kitchen towels, and Cottonelle bath tissue, these investments will significantly enhance its US manufacturing capacity, accelerate its innovation plans and support its ambitious growth targets.

Rendering of Kimberly-Clark's future manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio Russ Torres, Kimberly-Clark North America Group President Kimberly-Clark Baby and Child Care products

This broad-based investment program centers on two transformative projects: a new advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, and an expansion of its Beech Island, South Carolina, site with a state-of-the-art automated distribution center. It also includes additional capital expenditure linked to innovation and automation upgrades across its North America supply chain network.

These projects are expected to create more than 900 highly skilled jobs in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing.

"This landmark investment represents a strategic bet on the American consumer and our ability to drive innovation-led sustainable growth for Kimberly-Clark," said Russ Torres, Group President, Kimberly-Clark North America. "It reflects the confidence we have in our long-term growth plans and complements a broad range of commercial and R&D investments we have been making throughout the business as part of our Powering Care transformation journey."

Better Products, Closer to Consumers

The new facility in Warren, Ohio, strategically located in geographic proximity to roughly 117 million consumers will serve as a vital hub for the Northeast and Midwest regions.

Spread across more than a million square feet, the Warren facility will provide the capacity needed to unleash future growth for Kimberly-Clark's fastest growing personal care categories. Its proprietary manufacturing technologies will enable the creation of new and improved next-generation consumer products, rooted in material invention, product engineering, and manufacturing process innovation.

"We welcome Kimberly-Clark's first investment in Ohio," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "Kimberly-Clark has advanced-production facilities all over the world, and the fact that they are now coming to Trumbull County says a great deal about the area's workforce and Ohio's leadership in rebuilding the domestic manufacturing supply."

"Kimberly-Clark's decision to make its first Ohio investment in Trumbull County would not have happened without close collaboration from our partner at Lake to River as well as at the state and local level to establish a site that is attractive for both rapid development and long-term growth," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "We all look forward to working closely alongside Kimberly-Clark as it launches its new cutting-edge manufacturing facility," he added.

Creating a Simpler, Faster and more Hi-Tech Logistics Network of the Future

Meanwhile, a new Regional Distribution Center (DC) in Beech Island, South Carolina, will create the infrastructure necessary to support future scale and unlock network efficiencies. Located next to the company's largest manufacturing facility, the automated DC will significantly increase the site's ability to direct-ship and streamline its distribution footprint. The facility will leverage advanced robotics, AI-powered logistics systems, and high-density automated storage to dramatically improve operational efficiencies and fast-track speed to market.

South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, said, "Thanks to South Carolina's exceptional business climate, global leaders like Kimberly-Clark Corporation are finding lasting success in our state. The company's commitment to investing in South Carolina is truly something worth celebrating, and we congratulate Kimberly-Clark and Aiken County on this milestone."

"These investments in North America represent the strong progress we are making on our end-to-end supply chain transformation, specifically in terms of network optimization," said Tamera Fenske, Kimberly-Clark Chief Supply Chain Officer. "By bringing together manufacturing and distribution under one automated roof, we are building a more agile, responsive, and resilient manufacturing network that will enhance service levels for our retail partners and contribute to our gross productivity plan. Beech Island is the largest site in our network, so this new investment will drive impact at scale," she added.

The announcement comes one year after Kimberly-Clark launched its company-wide transformation initiative  the most comprehensive in its 150-year history. The investment underscores how the company is executing against its strategy to deliver on global growth targets, with North America positioned to be a key growth driver. Construction for both facilities is scheduled to begin in May 2025 and expected to be completed over the next 2-3 years.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the website.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain matters contained in this news release concerning the business outlook, including our future planned investments, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Kimberly-Clark. There can be no assurance that these future events will occur as anticipated or that our results will be as estimated. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update them.

The assumptions used as a basis for the forward-looking statements include many estimates that, among other things, depend on the achievement of future cost savings and projected volume increases. In addition, many factors outside our control, including the risk that we are not able to realize the anticipated benefits of the 2024 Transformation Initiative and the planned future investments described in this press release (including risks related to disruptions to our business or operations or related to any delays in construction, hiring and implementation), war in Ukraine (including the related responses of consumers, customers, and suppliers and sanctions issued by the U.S., the European Union, Russia or other countries), government trade or similar regulatory actions (including current and potential trade and tariff actions affecting the countries where we operate and the resulting negative impacts on our supply chain, commodity costs, and consumer spending), pandemics, epidemics, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, the prices and availability of our raw materials, supply chain disruptions, disruptions in the capital and credit markets, counterparty defaults (including customers, suppliers and financial institutions with which we do business), failure to realize the expected benefits or synergies from our acquisition and disposition activity, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and our projections of operating results and other factors that may affect our impairment testing, changes in customer preferences, severe weather conditions, regional instabilities and hostilities (including the war in Israel), potential competitive pressures on selling prices for our products, energy costs, general economic and political conditions globally and in the markets in which we do business, as well as our ability to maintain key customer relationships, could affect the realization of these estimates.

The factors described under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, or in our other SEC filings, among others, could cause our future results to differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Other factors not presently known to us or that we presently consider immaterial could also affect our business operations and financial results.

[KMB-C]

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of TOKEN2049, one of the most influential gatherings in the digital asset space, KuCoin CEO BC Wong joined a high-profile panel discussion titled "What's Next for Crypto Markets: The Exchange Perspective." On stage, he and fellow panelists discussed the evolving role of crypto exchanges as they reach a critical turning pointbalancing rapid innovation with increasing regulatory scrutiny.

BC Wong emphasized that exchanges are no longer just trading platformsthey have become essential financial infrastructure. Over the past five years, KuCoin has made substantial investments in rebuilding its core systems, including a complete revamp of its wallet architecture, the development of a real-time data system, and enhanced security frameworks. With the majority of KuCoin's 1,000+ global employees working in engineering roles, the company's development strategy is deeply rooted in technical excellence and long-term scalability.

Beyond technology, BC Wong stressed the importance of proactive regulatory engagement. In many markets, regulators now expect to be involved from the earliest stages of product development. To support this shift, KuCoin has assembled a dedicated team of more than 20 scientists and analysts focused on compliance, proof-of-reserve systems, and transparent reporting.

"The role of exchanges has changed," said BC Wong. "It's no longer enough to launch fast and fix later. We must collaborate with regulators from day onebecause trust isn't just earned from users; it must be built with the entire financial ecosystem."

BC Wong also reaffirmed KuCoin's belief that regulation should not be seen as a constraint, but as a catalyst for long-term credibility. He reiterated that security remains KuCoin's top prioritya lesson learned through the company's own experience. As the industry matures into a more regulated environment, BC Wong emphasized that platforms willing to lead in transparency, risk management, and regulatory collaboration will be best positioned to shape the next chapter of crypto.

Looking ahead, BC previewed KuCoin's plans to launch dedicated, compliant platforms in Europe and Australia in the second half of 2025, alongside continued expansion of the KCS ecosystem to bring more utility and value to global users.

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/.

SOURCE KuCoin
Veteran industry leader joins firm to enhance advisor partnerships and drive strategic growth

DALLAS, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lear Investment Management ("Lear") an independent investment firm focused on portfolio management, research, and superior outcomes, today announced the appointment of Ryan J. Kenney, CIMA, AIF, as Vice President of the firm's Advisor Consulting Group. Based in Philadelphia, Mr. Kenney expands the firm's national footprint and reinforces its commitment to top-tier investment management talent.

Ryan J. Kenney, CIMA, AIF

Mr. Kenney brings over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, with a strong track record of cultivating advisor relationships, delivering results-oriented strategies, and aligning investment solutions with client objectives. Prior to joining Lear, he served as a Senior Investment Consultant at Clark Capital Management Group  the culmination of a 16-year tenure during which Mr. Kenney earned roles of increasing responsibility and was instrumental in advisor development and asset growth. His previous experience includes strategic roles at Lincoln Financial Distributors and Horner, Townsend & Kent, where he gained deep expertise in product positioning, advisor enablement, and client-centric service delivery.

"As we approach our 10-year anniversary, we are excited to welcome Ryan to Lear," said Rick Lear, Managing Partner of Lear Investment Management. "His consultative mindset, deep advisor relationships, and proven ability to drive growth make him a natural fit. As we continue to scale our presence nationwide, Ryan's leadership, network and deep industry expertise will be instrumental in helping advisors deliver compelling investment outcomes for their clients."

"The investment landscape has evolved significantly, and many asset managers have struggled to adapt," said Mr. Kenney. "Lear Investment Management offers a refreshing, forward-thinking approach that empowers advisors with flexible, differentiated strategiesdesigned to meet the complex needs of today's investors. I'm excited to join the team and reunite with long-time colleague Tom Steinle."

Mr. Kenney earned his B.S. in Finance and International Business from Pennsylvania State University and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designationshighlighting his commitment to fiduciary best practices and ongoing professional excellence.

About Lear Investment Management

Lear Investment Management is a research-driven investment firm that builds customized and model portfolios designed to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns throughout a full market cycle. The firm tactically allocates across global equities, fixed income, commodities, REITs, MLPs, and cashguided by a disciplined process that identifies macroeconomic trends and undervalued investment opportunities.

We empower financial advisors with nimble, transparent strategies backed by rigorous research and a commitment to client-first outcomes.

Lear Investment Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Learn more at www.learim.com

Media Contact:

Lynn Sandt

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Lear Investment Management
With 79% of Americans saying time in nature improves their mental health, L.L.Bean and Mental Health America are inviting people to rediscover the restorative power of the outdoors again this May

Key Takeaways:

For the fourth year, L.L.Bean is going "Off the Grid," pausing posting on social media in recognition of Mental Health Month.

L.L.Bean and Mental Health America have partnered to expand access to mental health resources and programs that promote connection and inclusion in the outdoors.

New research highlights the positive impact of spending time outside on mental well-being.

FREEPORT, Maine, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Mental Health Month this May, outdoor lifestyle brand L.L.Bean will once again go "off the grid"clearing its social media profiles and pausing posting social contentencouraging people to stop scrolling and join them in prioritizing time outside. Beginning May 1, the company will leave behind resources, tips and tools designed in partnership with Mental Health America to help people get outside for their mental wellbeing, in whatever way works best for them.

With 79% of Americans saying time in nature improves their mental health, L.L.Bean and Mental Health America are inviting people to rediscover the restorative power of the outdoors again this May.

Research shows even short periods of time outdoors can significantly improve mental health, offering benefits comparable to sleep, nutrition and exercise, while reducing stress and increasing calmness, creativity and self-esteem. As part of a multi-year charitable partnership between L.L.Bean and Mental Health America, the nonprofit conducted research exploring the connection between nature and well-being and found that 79 percent of participants affirmed spending time outdoors improved their mental health.

In general, the study found, "connecting through nature provides an opportunity to connect in ways that can be done independently (e.g., through taking a walk and practicing mindfulness) or provides a structure that helps us learn how to meet and spend time with others (e.g., through running, hiking, or camping groups)." These findings underscore L.L.Bean's longstanding company Purpose to inspire and enable people to experience the restorative power of time outside.

"In a world that expects constant connection, we're encouraging people to break from technology and make time to connect with nature and themselves," said Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean Executive Chairman of the Board and great-grandson of founder Leon Leonwood Bean. "Our Mental Health Month initiative is about more than stepping away from our screens. It's about stepping into the outdoors and reconnecting with what truly restores us. At L.L.Bean, we believe we are at our best when we are in nature, and through our ongoing partnership with Mental Health America, we're creating more opportunities for people to experience the proven benefits of time outside in May and beyond."

By launching its "Off the Grid" initiative in 2022, L.L.Bean became the first national retailer to pause social media activity in recognition of Mental Health Montha bold step that demonstrated its company Purpose and growing role in the outdoor wellness segment. In just three years, L.L.Bean has invested $18 million to help people spend more time outside through partnerships, programming and challenges that encourage mindful moments over mindless scrolling.

"Mental Health America deeply values our partnership with L.L.Bean and its unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the powerful connection between time spent outdoors and mental well-being," said Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO of Mental Health America. "Together, we are encouraging individuals to experience the restorative benefits of nature and reminding them that seeking help when needed is a vital part of caring for their mental health. Through our partnership, we are helping to create pathways to both prevention and supportinspiring people to step outside, reconnect with themselves, and prioritize their mental health."

Since 2022, L.L.Bean has donated $700,000 to MHA, including 15 mini-grants of $20,000 each to local affiliates nationwide. These funds have helped broaden access to meaningful outdoor programming for communities across the country, enabling a wide range of experiences, from forest bathing to horseback riding, and over 90,000 hours of time spent outside.

For additional information on Mental Health Month and to explore Mental Health America's resources, visit mhanational.org/llbean.

About L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In 2024, L.L.Bean donated over $6.8 million to outdoor and community-enriching organizations focused on increasing access to and inclusivity in the outdoors. L.L.Bean operates 63 stores in 19 states across the United States, along with 25 stores in Japan and 14 stores in Canada, in partnership with Jaytex Group. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com , Facebook , YouTube , Pinterest, and Instagram .

About Mental Health America

Mental Health America is the nation's leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being and prevention. Mental Health America advances the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. through public education, research, advocacy and policy, and direct service.

SOURCE L.L.Bean
Photo: MFA of Ukraine

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha said the agreement on the establishment of the Ukrainian-American Reconstruction Investment Fund defines the beginning of a new stage in the strategic partnership of both countries and will ensure the long-term recovery and prosperity of Ukraine.

"The Agreement on the Establishment of a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund marks the start of a new chapter in the Ukraine-US strategic partnership. The intensive work on its text resulted in a well-balanced and solid agreement that benefits both nations. It will ensure Ukraine's long-term recovery and prosperity while also opening up new investment opportunities for the United States and American companies," he said on the X social network on Thursday.

Sybiha said the agreement specifically mentions the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU.

"It is worth noting that the agreement specifically mentions Ukraine's EU accession process, ensuring a smooth alignment with Ukraine's goal of joining the EU. It also refers to Ukraine's role in maintaining international peace, as the agreement is not just about business; it is an investment in the long-term presence of American strategic business in Ukraine and the forming of the future security architecture," he said.
Upgraded Spacecraft Delivered, Preparations for 2026 Launch Underway

DENVER, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has completed assembly and testing of NASA's Orion Artemis II spacecraft, transferring possession to NASA's Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) team today. This milestone is a significant step for NASA and the Artemis industry team, as they prepare to launch a crew of four astronauts to further the agency's mission in establishing a human presence on the Moon for exploration and scientific discovery. It will also help build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.

The finished Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission was officially handed over to NASA for launch processing on May 1, 2025 for a crewed mission to the Moon early next year.

Orion is the most advanced, human-rated, deep space spacecraft ever developed. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA for Orion and built the crew module, crew module adaptor and launch abort system.

"This achievement is a testament to our employees and suppliers who have worked tirelessly to get us to this important milestone," said Kirk Shireman, vice president of Human Space Exploration and Orion program manager at Lockheed Martin. "The Orion spacecraft completion for Artemis II is a major step forward in our nation's efforts to develop a long-term lunar presence. It's exciting to think that soon, humans will see the Earth rise over the lunar horizon from our vehicle, while also traveling farther from Earth than ever before."

Upgraded for Crew Onboard

The uncrewed EFT-1 and Artemis I test flights were the first steps in validating the spacecraft's core systems. Artemis II will put Orion through its final tests in deep space with a crew on board and will include learnings and significant enhancements gleaned from the Artemis I mission.

To support the health and safety of the crew, new systems have been added, which include life support  air, water, thermal control, waste management  displays and controls, audio communications, an exercise machine and a fully functional Launch Abort System. Additionally, the vehicle is outfitted with a subset of docking sensors and an experimental laser communication system, enabling high data-rate communications and paving the way for future missions.

Path to Launch

With the completion of Orion, the EGS team will perform final preparations on the spacecraft, readying it for launch. Orion will soon be moved from the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to various processing facilities. This is where EGS will load propellants and other consumables, such as water and oxygen, and install the launch abort system and its protective fairings. Upon completion, it will then be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building, lifted onto the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and undergo final preparations for launch.

Historic Artemis Flight

Scheduled to launch in early 2026, Artemis II and the Orion spacecraft will host NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Their 10-day journey will include flying 4,600 miles beyond the Moon and back to Earth.

During the mission, the crew will evaluate the spacecraft's performance, test its navigation and communication systems, and conduct a series of scientific experiments. They will perform a rendezvous operation with the SLS upper stage, practicing docking activities needed for future missions including Artemis III  which will mark the first human lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.

With work on Orion for Artemis II completed, Lockheed Martin continues to develop and assemble Orion spacecraft for future Artemis missions. Artemis III and IV vehicles are in the Operations and Checkout Building, while the pressure vessel is being welded at NASA's Michoud Facility in New Orleans. Lockheed Martin is on contract to develop Orion spacecraft up to Artemis VIII and has decreased cost with each vehicle.

More information about Orion:

Lockheed Martin Orion page: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/orion

NASA Orion page: https://www.nasa.gov/orion

NASA Artemis II page: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin
Grant aims to expand food assistance efforts to help communities affected by the Greater Los Angeles Wildfires

LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is pleased to announce a $1 million grant from the American Red Cross to the Food Bank's disaster relief fund. These funds will help people facing disasters in the wake of the Greater Los Angeles Wildfires.

This partnership aims to expand and enhance the services the Food Bank provides in Los Angeles County, enabling the organization to reach more individuals and families in need with emergency food and nutrition support. With this funding, the Food Bank will continue the distribution of emergency food kits, stock community agency partners and provide shelf-stable food to those experiencing food insecurity due to the disaster.

"We are deeply grateful to the American Red Cross for this generous grant," said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. "As wildfires displace families and disrupt lives across Los Angeles County, this support will allow us to continue providing critical food assistance to our neighbors."

"The Red Cross is proud to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank as they deliver this essential service across their vast network of agency partners," said Amanda Ree, director of wildfire long-term recovery programs at the American Red Cross. "Hunger is just one of the many challenges made worse with disaster and thanks to this partnership, together, we can play a part in alleviating it, as survivors across the County work to recover and rebuild."

This partnership is part of the national Red Cross Long-Term Recovery Program, which supports individual and household recovery and addresses community-wide needs following a disaster.

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please visit LAFoodBank.org/find-food.

About Los Angeles Regional Food Bank:

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has been mobilizing resources to fight hunger in Los Angeles County for over 50 years. To support the Food Bank's vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County, food and grocery products are distributed through a network of partner agencies and other Food Bank programs. The Food Bank also energizes the community to get involved and support hunger relief, especially through volunteerism, and conducts nutrition education campaigns and advocates for public policies that benefit people served and improve nutrition security. The Food Bank is rated at the highest level by Candid and Charity Navigator, and 96% of all revenue goes to programs. For more information, visit LAFoodBank.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Media Contact: David May

Telephone: (323) 383-1319

[email protected]

SOURCE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK
OMAHA, Neb., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, proudly announces Ryan Cook's appointment as Managing Shareholder, effective May 1, 2025. His selection was first announced two years ago, ensuring a seamless transition of roles and responsibilities. This represents a pivotal moment in Lutz's history, as Ryan becomes only the third Managing Shareholder in more than 30 years.

Since joining Lutz in 2006, Ryan has demonstrated a dynamic, relationship-driven leadership style that empowers his teams to take ownership and deliver impactful results. His approach blends a deep respect for Lutz's culture with a forward-thinking mindset, uncovering new opportunities while keeping client success at the forefront.

"Lutz has always been about empowering people, both our team and our clients," said Ryan Cook. "I'm excited to build on the firm's historical success while driving forward-thinking strategies in ways that align with our values."

As part of this transition, Taylor Kendall will assume the role of Lutz Accounting President, succeeding Ryan Cook. Taylor's promotion reflects Lutz's steadfast dedication to developing talent and advancing leaders from within, ensuring continuity in leadership that keeps the firm moving forward with a clear vision and purpose.

Mark Duren, who has served as Managing Shareholder since 2015, leaves behind a legacy of excellence. Under his guidance, Lutz expanded its services, strengthened relationships with clients, and solidified its reputation as a trusted business advisor. The firm's success has been remarkable, climbing from the 107th to the 74th largest accounting firm nationally.

With Ryan at the helm and Mark's enduring impact as a foundation, Lutz is poised for its next era of transformation and excellence. The transition exemplifies the firm's commitment to growth, innovation, and exceptional client service, all while upholding its core values of integrity, humanity, brainpower, and confidence.

ABOUT LUTZ

Lutz is a business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten economic and organizational success. Our experienced team provides accounting, financial, talent, M&A, and technology services. We work to simplify complexities, help make critical business decisions and focus on the things that are truly important to you. We embrace your business as our own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive. That's our promise: to mind what matters. Learn more at www.lutz.us.

Contact: Merrick Aurora

Telephone: (402) 496.8800

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Lutz
Experience a Curated Selection of Wines & Spirits with a Focus on Education, Tasting, and Community Connection

WESTCHESTER, N.Y., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Maison Brondeau is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its innovative, hospitality-driven wine store in the heart of Westchester, New York. With a focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience and fostering a strong sense of community, Maison Brondeau is poised to become the ultimate destination for wine and spirits lovers.

Nestled within the Arcade Shops at City Square in White Plains, Maison Brondeau spans 3,000 square feet, mere steps away from the Metro-North train station. This inviting space features a thoughtfully curated selection of wine worldwide, complemented by automated pouring machines, a tasting bar, and a dedicated lounge for product samplings, tasting sessions, and educational classes. The store's mission is to simplify the world of wine, making it accessible, enjoyable, and educational for everyone who walks through its doors.

"At Maison Brondeau, we want to create a place where wine lovers and novices alike are once again excited about wine retail," says owner Ben Brondeau. "Being from a wine-loving family and culture where no meal or celebration is complete without a glass of wine in hand, I felt passionately about bringing that same level of comfort and authenticity to the Westchester wine scene. Led by General Manager Barbie Messa, our expert staff of wine and spirit professionals does exactly that, and we couldn't be more excited to finally share this concept with the world."

Central to Maison Brondeau's philosophy is a commitment to exceptional customer service. The store's team has been carefully chosen not only for their expertise but also for their warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication to helping customers. Whether one is new to wine or a seasoned connoisseur, the team is excited to offer personalized guidance and educational insights in an approachable way. For those searching for the perfect wine to pair with a special meal, a thoughtful gift, or simply a fantastic bottle to enjoy with friends on a casual evening, the Maison Brondeau team is there to help.

Maison Brondeau General Manager and Sommelier, Barbie Messa, expressed her excitement about the new store, "Maison Brondeau offers a unique experience, seamlessly blending education, community, and hospitality in a warm and welcoming space. Our passion is to help customers discover something wonderful at any price point, from everyday favorites to rare treasures. Rooted in hospitality, we want every visitor to feel genuinely cared forwhether shopping for themselves, selecting a gift, or immersing in one of our engaging classes. We look forward to Maison Brondeau becoming a favorite destination for wine and spirits enthusiasts in Westchester and beyond."

Maison Brondeau is located at 50 Main St. White Plains NY 10606 Arcade Shops (Suite 165) and can be found online at maisonbrondeau.com and on Instagram . Opening hours are Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 10 am-8 pm, Thursday/Friday/Saturday 9 am-9 pm, and Sunday 11 am-7 pm

For press inquiries about Maison Brondeau, please contact Ali Pinedo at [email protected].

About Maison Brondeau

Maison Brondeau is an innovative, hospitality-driven wine store in White Plains, New York, located in the Arcade Shops at City Square. With a 3,000-square-foot space, the store offers a curated selection of wines from around the world, featuring automated pouring machines, a tasting bar, and a lounge for samplings and educational classes. The store's mission is to make wine accessible, enjoyable, and educational for all. Led by owner Ben Brondeau, the team provides personalized guidance, aiming to connect customers with the stories behind each bottle and create an unforgettable experience. Maison Brondeau isn't just a place to shopit's a community hub where wine lovers can explore, learn, and share.

SOURCE Maison Brondeau
TSX: MFI

www.mapleleaffoods.com

Company enters into pre-transaction agreements to support the execution of the spin-off and secures interim court order for shareholder meeting to be held on June 11, 2025

Meeting materials for the shareholder meeting to be filed May 12, 2025

Management team for Canada Packers Inc. announced

Shareholders who have questions or need assistance should contact Maple Leaf Foods' proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by telephone at 1-877-452-7184 or by email at [email protected]

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX: MFI) ("Maple Leaf Foods" or the "Company") today announced that, in connection with the previously announced spin-off of its pork operations to form Canada Packers Inc. (the "Transaction"), it has secured the necessary interim court order authorizing, among other things, the holding of the annual and special meeting of shareholders on June 11, 2025 (the "Meeting") to approve the Transaction, and has entered into certain pre-transaction agreements (the "Pre-Transaction Agreements"). As the Company takes these important steps to advance the Transaction, it has also announced the senior management team that will lead Canada Packers Inc., as an independent public company.

Canada Packers Logo (CNW Group/Maple Leaf Foods Inc.)

Benefits of the Transaction

The Transaction is a key step in advancing the Company's strategic Blueprint. Upon completion of the Transaction, Maple Leaf Foods will enter a bold new chapter as a focused, purpose-driven, and protein-centric consumer packaged goods company, and Canada Packers Inc. will emerge as a new independent public company that will be unleashed as a global leader in sustainably produced, premium quality, value-added pork products, with diversified revenue streams and a resilient business structure. Both companies will be uniquely positioned to meet the world's growing demand for sustainable protein, creating value for all stakeholders.

Maple Leaf Foods' Board of Directors, a special committee of independent directors, acting with the advice and assistance of their respective financial, legal and tax advisors, and management, have carefully evaluated the Transaction and believe it is in the best interests of Maple Leaf Foods, fair to the public shareholders and the most attractive value creation opportunity available.

Among the many benefits that the Company expects to realize through the Transaction include:

Enhanced Strategic Focus

There is currently untapped value creation potential in its pork operations that cannot be fully unlocked in the context of the current integrated corporate structure. As a stand-alone company, Canada Packers Inc. will focus on optimizing its operations and will be positioned to pursue its significant opportunities in key global markets, including leveraging its ability to appeal to niche, premium and specialty markets. Maple Leaf Foods will focus on growing its protein operations in North America , building on the strength of its brands and delivering cost-effective operational excellence, all while continuing to execute its sustainable meats strategy.

, building on the strength of its brands and delivering cost-effective operational excellence, all while continuing to execute its sustainable meats strategy. Distinct Investment Propositions to Unlock Shareholder Value

Maple Leaf Foods believes its trading multiple is currently misaligned with the underlying value of its portfolio mix, and that this Transaction creates an opportunity to capture a higher sum-of-the-parts value over time as investors will have increased visibility into each business and their respective value propositions and growth strategies.

More Focused Investments for Shareholders

Completion of the Transaction will allow shareholders to retain similar economic exposure to the status quo but through two more focused investment opportunities, each with unique investment theses: Maple Leaf Foods as a market-leading, branded protein consumer packaged goods company, and Canada Packers as an integrated, value-added pork company with a diversified sales mix and global reach.

Mutually Optimized Supply Chain Opportunities

By entering into an evergreen supply agreement as part of the Transaction, Maple Leaf Foods will have access to a stable supply of the particular cuts of sustainably produced, quality pork it requires for its Prepared Foods operations, and Canada Packers will benefit from having Maple Leaf Foods as its anchor North American customer, while being able to optimize the entire hog through its global sales strategy and integrated business model.

Pre-Transaction Agreements

The Transaction will be implemented as a tax-free "butterfly reorganization" by way of a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. As part of advancing this structure, the Company has entered into two agreements: the first being an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") which, among other things, sets out the steps to effect the Transaction; and the second being a tax matters agreement (the "Tax Matters Agreement") with Michael H. McCain, McCain Capital Inc. and Jonathan W.F. McCain (the "McCain Parties") which contains a number of covenants and representations related to compliance with the "butterfly" rules in Section 55 of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

In addition, the Company and the McCain Parties have entered into voting support agreements (the "Voting Support Agreements") pursuant to which, among other things, each McCain Party has agreed to vote or cause to be voted the Maple Leaf Foods common shares owned, directly or indirectly, by each such McCain Party in favour of the special resolution to approve the Transaction at the Meeting. The McCain Parties currently collectively own an aggregate of 49,088,794 Maple Leaf Foods common shares, representing approximately 39.60% of the outstanding shares.

Copies of these Pre-Transaction Agreements will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca when the Company files its Management Information Circular (the "Circular") on May 12, 2025, with the Arrangement Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement being schedules to the Circular, and the Voting Support Agreements being filed separately.

Conditions to Completing the Transaction

Completion of the Transaction is subject to certain conditions, including shareholder approval, TSX approval, final court approval, and receipt of an advance income tax ruling from the Canada Revenue Agency. Subject to the satisfaction of these and the other conditions, the Transaction is on pace to close in the second half of 2025 as expected.

Canada Packers Management Team

On completion of the Transaction, the Canada Packers Inc. management team will include:

Dennis Organ (President and Chief Executive Officer)

(President and Chief Executive Officer) Deepak Bhandari (Chief Financial Officer)

(Chief Financial Officer) Lance Mistelbacher (Senior Vice President, Commodities and Risk Management)

(Senior Vice President, Commodities and Risk Management) Jonathan Sawatzky (Senior Vice President, Hog Production and Procurement)

(Senior Vice President, Hog Production and Procurement) David Typer (Senior Vice President, Sales and Product Optimization)

(Senior Vice President, Sales and Product Optimization) Mauricio Alanis (Vice President, Sustainability)

(Vice President, Sustainability) LeeAnn Peters (Vice President, Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA), and Animal Care)

(Vice President, Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA), and Animal Care) Dezi Singh (Vice President, People)

This management team brings a depth of industry experience and expertise to Canada Packers Inc., positioning it to execute its strategy as a leading Canadian pork producer and processor, focused on delivering premium and value-added products.

Further Meeting Information

Shareholders will be asked to approve the Transaction at the Meeting which will be held on June 11, 2025 at 9:00 am E.T. Shareholders who have questions or need assistance with voting their shares may contact Maple Leaf Foods' shareholder communications advisor and proxy solicitation agent:

Laurel Hill Advisory Group

Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184 (for shareholders in North America)

International: +1 416-304-0211 (for shareholders outside Canada and the US)

By Email: [email protected]

About Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

About Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Maple Leaf Foods is a leading protein company responsibly producing food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Prime, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Schneiders, Mina, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., Lightlife and Field Roast. The Company employs approximately 13,500 people and does business primarily in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains, and the Company's oral and written public communications often contain, "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, beliefs, judgements and assumptions based on information available at the time the applicable forward-looking statement was made and in light of the Company's experience combined with its perception of historical trends. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to objectives and goals, in addition to statements with respect to timing, execution, implications, benefits, risks, returns, opportunities, structure, approvals, value proposition and business model associated with the proposed separation of the Company into two independent public companies, as well as the Company's overall plans, actions and strategies. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "could", "would", "believe", "plan", "intend", "design", "target", "undertake", "view", "indicate", "maintain", "explore", "entail", "schedule", "objective", "strategy", "likely", "potential", "outlook", "aim", "propose", "goal", and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict.

Specific forward-looking information in this document may include, but is not limited to statements with respect to: the Transaction; the benefits of the Transaction, the ability to complete the Transaction on a tax-free basis; the expected composition of the Canada Packers In. management team; the timing of the Meeting and mailing of Meeting materials; the timing of the closing of the separation of Canada Packers Inc.; the ability to satisfy the conditions and secure necessary approvals, rulings and consents in connection with the Transaction and the timing of receipt thereof; and the timing and receipt of shareholder approval in respect of the Transaction.

These statements are based on and were developed using a number of assumptions including, but not limited to expectations and assumptions concerning the timing and completion of the Transaction. Readers are cautioned that these assumptions may prove to be incorrect in whole or in part and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied, or projected in the forward-looking statements contained in this document include, among other things, risks associated with the following: the Transaction not proceeding as expected, including as a result of regulatory, market or other factors; the conditions of the Transaction not being satisfied, approvals or rulings not being secured on acceptable terms or at all; the possibility that the Transaction will not be completed within the anticipated time period or at all; and other factors as set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company cautions readers that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

All forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof. Unless required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
2nd Best April in U.S. Sales History

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total April sales of 37,660 vehicles, an increase of 21 percent compared to April 2024. Year-to-date sales totaled 147,976 vehicles sold; an increase of 12.8 percent compared to the same time last year. With 26 selling days in April, compared to 25 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 16.3 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 6,855 vehicles in April, an increase of 9 percent compared to April 2024.

April 2025 sales highlights include:

2nd-best April sales with 37,660 vehicles sold.

Best-ever April sales of CX-90 with 5,402 vehicles sold.

2nd-best April sales of CX-50 with 7,753 vehicles sold.

2nd-best April sales of CX-30 with 6,261 vehicles sold.

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported April sales of 8,346 vehicles, an increase of 40.2 percent compared to April last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 24,884 vehicles sold; an increase of 27.2 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported April sales of 7,937 vehicles, an increase of 11 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 34,112 vehicles sold; an increase of 25 percent compared to the same time last year.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.

























Month-To-Date

Year-To-Date

























April April YOY % % MTD

April April YOY % % MTD



2025 2024 Change DSR

2025 2024 Change DSR























Mazda3 3,236 2,537 27.6 % 22.6 %

12,587 12,499 0.7 % 1.7 %

Mazda 3 Sdn 2,377 1,457 63.1 % 56.9 %

9083 6,964 30.4 % 31.7 %

Mazda 3 HB 859 1,080 (20.5) % (23.5) %

3504 5,535 (36.7) % (36.1) %























Mazda6 0 0 - -

0 0 - -























MX-5 Miata 727 861 (15.6) % (18.8) %

3,173 2,272 39.7 % 41.0 %

MX-5 422 368 14.7 % 10.3 %

1568 825 90.1 % 91.9 %

MXR 305 493 (38.1) % (40.5) %

1605 1,447 10.9 % 12.0 %























CX-3 - 0 - -

- 0 - -

CX-30 6,261 7,649 (18.1) % (21.3) %

27293 36,145 (24.5) % (23.7) %

CX-5 12,590 11,149 12.9 % 8.6 %

47000 45,494 3.3 % 4.3 %

CX-9 - 0 - -

- 3 - -

CX-50 TTL 7,753 5,225 48.4 % 42.7 %

31,055 21,092 47.2 % 48.7 %

MX-30 0 0 - -

- 0 - -

CX-70 TTL 1,691 10 16810.0 % 16159.6 %

6313 45 13928.9 % -

CX-90 TTL 5,402 3,694 46.2 % 40.6 %

20555 13678 50.3 % 51.8 %

CARS 3,963 3,398 16.6 % 12.1 %

15,760 14,771 6.7 % 7.8 %

TRUCKS 33,697 27,727 21.5 % 16.9 %

132,216 116,457 13.5 % 14.7 %























TOTAL 37,660 31,125 21.0 % 16.3 %

147,976 131,228 12.8 % 13.9 %













































*Selling Days 26 25





101 102





























SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
Seasoned Executive to Lead Marketing Strategy as Mindr Expands Its Market Presence

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindr, the leading provider of substance safety, detection and monitoring products and services, has named Jonathan Beamer as chief marketing officer (CMO) to lead the company's marketing strategy, brand positioning and customer engagement and acquisition initiatives for its brands including Intoxalock, Breathe Easy Insurance, ADS Interlock and newly launched Keepr.

Jonathan Beamer, CMO of Mindr

Keepr's product is a compact and discreet personal alcohol breathalyzer paired with an app that helps people stay accountable and make responsible choices. It allows individuals to meet court requirements for co-parenting, aids in accountability for recovery and encourages safe driving. Keepr recently gained significant traction in the market with a growing inventory ready for broader market distribution and is positioned for its next phase of growth along with Mindr's core brands under Jonathan Beamer's strategic leadership.

"Jonathan brings a proven track record of building high-impact brands and growing products at scale," said Kathy Boden Holland, chief executive officer (CEO) of Mindr. "As chief marketing officer, he will lead the brand strategy, demand generation and go-to-market execution across Mindr's portfolio. We have been an innovator since the inception of our core Intoxalock ignition interlock business and we know market leadership means going even further. That's why we developed Keepr to allow decision-making tools to be brought out of the car and into everyday life. Keepr represents the meaningful innovation that is central to our mission. We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan to the team, while we continue our journey of unprecedented growth as we work to reduce impairment-related incidents and save lives."

Beamer will be responsible for leading Mindr's performance marketing, product marketing, communications and consumer insights teams, ensuring they support the company's business objectives and build upon its growth strategy. He will serve as a strategic business partner to Mindr's CEO, the broader leadership team and the board of directors.

Before joining Mindr, Beamer ran an independent consulting firm, helping companies sharpen their brand identity and connect more deeply with their audiences. Beamer has led several high-impact campaigns, most notably SolarCity's "At Home with Ra." The campaign increased the young brand's visibility, showcasing the simplicity of solar and its accessibility, which resonated with consumers.

Campaigns like this reflect his strategic thinking, which helped the company capture 40% of the market.

With over 20 years of experience in senior marketing leadership roles, Beamer brings industry-leading expertise in marketing analytics, brand innovation, customer experience and technology deployment. He has a proven track record of executing successful marketing strategies across a variety of industries, with leadership positions at notable companies, including AmeriSave, Monster, SolarCity (now Tesla Energy), Progressive Insurance and Digitas.

"I'm thrilled to join Mindr during such an exciting time of growth," said Jonathan Beamer. "Keepr is already in the market and gaining traction, and it's just one example of the innovation happening across Mindr's portfolio of brands. I look forward to helping customers improve their lives, and driving continued growth across the business, all fueled by technology."

Beamer earned his Master of Business Administration with distinction from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and his Master and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, which underscores the technical and business expertise that he brings to Mindr. He serves as a member of the North America Board of Directors and Executive Committee of MMA Global.

For more information visit mindr.com to learn more about Mindr and its products (Intoxalock, Breathe Easy Insurance, Keepr, DUI.org and ADS Interlock).

About Mindr

Mindr is a national leader in substance detection, monitoring and safety solutions. Its portfolio of trusted brands includes Intoxalock, Breathe Easy Insurance, Keepr, DUI.org and ADS Interlock. Mindr is focused on empowering individuals and institutions with the tools to make better decisions and create safer communities. The company is backed by L Catterton, a global private equity firm with more than $34 billion in assets under management.

For more information visit mindr.com.

SOURCE Mindr
LOUISVILLE, Tenn., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Rock Residential , a national leader in property management, has been selected to manage the Ardmore Topside, a newly developed apartment community in Louisville, Tennessee. Under Mission Rock's leadership, the community will undergo a rebrand and relaunch as Elevate at Topside.

"We are excited to expand our Tennessee portfolio with the addition of Elevate at Topside," said Meredith Wright, President at Mission Rock Residential. "As the community undergoes an exciting rebranding, we look forward to introducing new enhancements that align with our high standards and enrich the living experience for our residents. With 15 communities now under our management across the state, we are proud to bring our signature resident-focused service to Louisville. Elevate at Topside's modern design, top-tier amenities, and location make it an exciting addition to our portfolio and a wonderful place for residents to call home."

The property is located in Louisville, within the Knoxville metropolitan area. Located west of Maryville and Alcoa in Blount County, Louisville offers residents the perfect balance of charm and convenient access to economic hubs. With its proximity to McGhee Tyson Airport, Louisville benefits from the presence of major employers such as DENSO Manufacturing, Arconic, and Clayton Homes, as well as top-tier educational and healthcare institutions like the University of Tennessee, Maryville College, and Blount Memorial Hospital. This proximity to these institutions, combined with the region's strong industrial base and economy, enhances the city's appeal. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Little River, Tennessee River, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Louisville provides abundant recreational opportunities while maintaining easy connectivity to Knoxville's urban amenities. Combining high quality of life, affordability, and scenic surroundings, Louisville stands out as a desirable place for families, professionals, and businesses alike.

Elevate at Topside is a newly developed community featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, ranging from 824 to 1,641 square feet. Each home is designed with modern conveniences, including farmhouse sinks, 9-foot ceilings, in-unit washer and dryers, smart home locks and thermostats, rainfall shower heads, walk-in closets, wood-style flooring, and private patios or balconies. The community also features many resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gas grilling area, fitness center, pet spa, car care center, and business lounge with meeting space.

For media inquiries, email: [email protected]

SOURCE Mission Rock Residential, LLC
Company Advances Patented, Next-Gen Semiconductor Tech

FREMONT, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mivium, Inc., a leading innovator in semiconductor material science, announced the successful completion of a $5 million equity financing round through Equifund Crowd Funding Portal. This brings Mivium's total funding to over $6.34 million, accelerating the company's mission to deliver high-purity, wide-bandgap materials such as GaN (gallium nitride) to the global market.

"Silicon's limitations are clear, and this new funding enables us to significantly accelerate the development of Mivium's GaN technology, which we believe will redefine the future of semiconductors," said Eric Tsai, Co-founder and CEO of Mivium.

As silicon reaches its performance limits, GaN emerges as the next generation technology, offering superior speed and energy efficiency crucial for applications ranging from AI data centers to electric vehicles and aerospace/defense applications. However, manufacturing GaN semiconductors has long been hindered by the scarcity of high-quality substrates and supply chain constraints, resulting in higher costs and production challenges.

Mivium's innovative, patented process addresses these obstacles by enabling scalable, cost-effective production of high-purity GaNwithout the toxic byproducts associated with conventional methods. The company's first focus is getting its GaN particle prototype to market, followed by GaN substrates.

Curious about how Mivium is powering the next generation of tech? Visit mivium.com.

About Mivium

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Fremont, California, Mivium specializes in advanced semiconductor materials. The company's patented manufacturing process produces high-quality gallium nitride (GaN) substrates designed to outperform traditional silicon-based semiconductors in industries such as power electronics, aerospace, telecommunications, AI infrastructure, photonics, and biotechnology. Mivium's team comprises experts in material science and semiconductor manufacturing, driving the company's innovative approach.

Media Contact:

Eric Tsai

[email protected]

626-416-7194

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Mivium, including expectations related to technology development, market adoption, and financial projections. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors such as technological challenges, market competition, regulatory changes, and availability of resources may impact the achievement of these forward-looking statements. Mivium undertakes no obligation to update these statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

SOURCE Mivium, Inc.
CLEVELAND and BOSTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MPE Partners ("MPE" or "Morgenthaler Private Equity") announced today investments in, and the simultaneous merger of, Central Coated Products ("Central Coated") and Sun America (collectively, the "Company") to establish a new platform dedicated to providing custom, innovative, and high performance food packaging solutions. Following the merger, both Central Coated and Sun America will continue to operate out of their current manufacturing facilities, with no changes to day-to-day business operations. The Company offers custom cut and premium wax paper, paper baking cups, and plastic containers to a diverse mix of meat, cheese, baked goods, and other food processors through both direct sales and distribution. In addition, the Company sells a wide range of food service wax paper through its Carnation brand.

MPE partnered in the investments with Steve Porter, an owner-operator of Central Coated, Russ Romocean, founder of Sun America, and the senior management teams of both businesses. Steve Porter noted, "Over the last four decades, Central Coated's mission has been to deliver high-quality, custom wax paper solutions that solve critical productivity challenges for our customers. I'm proud of what our team has built and excited for the future potential alongside MPE and Sun America." Russ Romocean added, "We founded Sun America with a commitment to provide the industry's premier denesting paper cups and have continued to develop innovative and sustainable paper and plastic solutions for food processors. MPE's shared values and vision, as well as its ability to facilitate the merger with Central Coated, made it the right partner for Sun America."

To support the Company through its next phase of growth, MPE recruited industry veteran Dave Furstoss to join as Interim CEO and board member. Dave was previously the CEO at EasyPak, a thermoformed packaging provider, and spent over 17 years with Pactiv, a manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging. Constantine Elefter, Partner at MPE, said, "Since their inceptions, both Central Coated and Sun America have emerged as market leaders through a shared commitment to developing specialty solutions that address the challenges of high-speed food processing lines." Matt Yohe, Partner at MPE, added, "We are excited to build upon the foundations established by Steve and Russ, and to collaborate closely with Dave in pursuing promising new commercial and operational opportunities." Nick Stender, Principal at MPE, said, "We are thrilled to partner with the management team to pursue new growth avenues, including targeted M&A, to build an industry-leading food packaging platform rooted in innovation, custom capabilities, quality, and reliability."

William Blair provided buyside advisory services to MPE. Calfee, Halter, & Griswold LLP and BakerHostetler served as legal advisors to MPE. Churchill Asset Management and FS Investments provided financing to support the transactions. PMCF Investment Banking acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Sun America.

About Central Coated Products

Founded in 1976 and based in Alliance, OH, Central Coated is a manufacturer of custom cut and coated wax paper for food processing, food service, and industrial applications. The company offers food processing wax paper that is designed for customers' automated production lines to facilitate the continuous separation of food products, grease resistant food service wax paper for retail settings, and anti-slip wax paper for industrial and material handling applications. For more information, please visit https://centralcoated.com/.

About Sun America

Founded in 1993 and based in Alliance, OH, Sun America is a designer and manufacturer of custom paper baking cups for the high-speed production of muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods, as well as thermoformed plastic containers and trays for automated packaging processes. For more information, please visit https://sun-america.com/.

About MPE Partners

MPE Partners ("MPE") seeks to be the preferred partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Based in Cleveland, OH and Boston, MA, MPE invests in profitable, lower middle market companies with EBITDA between $8 million and $40 million. MPE has two primary target investment areas: high-value manufacturing and commercial & industrial services. For more information, please visit www.mpepartners.com.

SOURCE MPE Partners
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/news/all

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard a report on sanctions steps, today's new sanctions packages apply to those who serve the Russian military production, are engaged in supplies for the occupiers, as well as propagandists.

"The first [sanctions package] includes 36 companies and five individuals operating in various jurisdictions: not only in Russia, but also serving Russian military production. In particular, these are titanium suppliers, metallurgical enterprises, companies operating in the energy sector, in mechanical engineering. Some of them are already under sanctions from partners. In general, we are synchronizing our sanction pressure and the world's sanctions against Russia for the war," Zelenskyy said in a Telegram channel on Thursday.

According to him, the second package of sanctions includes 106 entities that actively support the presence of the occupiers in Crimea, in Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, and are engaged in supplying the Russian army.

"The third sanctions package includes nine individuals, seven of whom, unfortunately, have Ukrainian citizenship, who have linked their fate with propaganda in the interests of the Russian state and justify the war, carry out active information operations to the detriment of Ukraine and our defense in the war. We are working to ensure that restrictions for these and other sanctioned individuals are maintained in the jurisdictions of partners," Zelenskyy said.

He also instructed to prepare the next sanctions steps.

As reported, Zelenskyy signed decrees on the decisions of the National Security and Defense Council on the application of sanctions against 76 individuals and 81 legal entities.
RESTON, Va., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) today announced the launch of its Acquisition Efficiency Working Group, a new initiative designed to deliver practical, data-driven recommendations that support acquisition reform efforts across government. The Working Group brings together thought leaders from both government and industry to advance key priorities such as regulatory streamlining, workforce empowerment, and outcome-focused agility.

The Working Group is being chaired by NCMA Board Member Wes Bennett, Vice President of Contracts at Booz Allen Hamilton. With deep expertise in both government contracting and federal government, Mr. Bennett brings a unique and valuable perspective to the Working Group. His leadership ensures a strong focus on mission-driven outcomes, cross-sector collaboration, and practical strategies for acquisition reform.

Wes will be joined by Soraya Correa, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Industries for the Blind, who will serve as Vice Chair. Ms. Correa is an expert in federal contracting and program management and is well known for her innovative and transformational initiatives in acquisitions management.

This effort complements NCMA's journey to equip the acquisition community for change. Central to that mission is the Contract Management Standard (CMS)the only approved and globally recognized standard for the profession, which continues to see growing adoption across sectors and geographies. CMS is the foundation for the highly anticipated global version of the standard set to be completed in June 2025.

Focused on developing training strategies that promote cultural transformation within the acquisition workforce, NCMA continues to expand its certificate and educational programs to support a more efficient, cross-functional practice. Through workshops and initiatives that engage professionals across all roles in the acquisition lifecycle, NCMA fosters collaboration and shared learning. Groundbreaking events like NCMA Nexus ( https://nexus.ncmahq.org/) further that mission by bringing together diverse perspectives to address common challenges and explore new approaches.

"The Acquisition Efficiency Working Group builds on work started years ago," said NCMA CEO Kraig Conrad. "We will continue to support acquisition leaders and innovators with research, data, and workshopping spaces to co-create practical, forward-looking solutions."

For more information, visit www.ncmahq.org/acquisitionefficiency.

About NCMA

National Contract Management Association (NCMA)  www.ncmahq.org  is a thriving community of over 100,000 contract management professionals globally. Dedicated to fostering a globally recognized contract management profession and strengthening its connections with related acquisition communities, NCMA serves a diverse membership spanning both the public and private sectors. Through its steadfast commitment to facilitating the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners, NCMA provides a platform for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums, driving innovation and excellence in contract management.

Media Contact:

Holly DeHesa

281-865-3296

[email protected]

SOURCE National Contract Management Association
DALLAS, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. ("NREF" or the "Company") (NYSE: NREF) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

NREF reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $16.5 million, or $0.70 per diluted share1, for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

NREF reported cash available for distribution2 of $10.5 million, or $0.45 per diluted common share2, for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

"NREF is pleased to announce another strong quarter, showcasing consistent and resilient earnings across our primary property types. In an environment where banks and traditional lenders are often preoccupied with credit challenges, we remain proactive and committed. Our ability to allocate capital in this challenging credit market allows us to capitalize on market opportunities and deliver long-term value to our shareholders," commented Chief Investment Officer Matthew McGraner.

First Quarter 2025 Highlights

Outstanding total portfolio of $1.2 billion , composed of 85 investments 3

, composed of 85 investments Single-family rental ("SFR"), multifamily, life sciences, specialty manufacturing, self-storage and marinas represent 15.6%, 49.4%, 31.9%, 0.9%, 1.6% and 0.6% of the Company's investment portfolio, respectively

Weighted-average loan to value ("LTV") 4 and debt service coverage ratio ("DSCR") on our senior loans, CMBS, CMBS I/O strips, preferred equity, mezzanine and revolving credit facilities investments are 58.7% and 1.46x 3 , respectively

and debt service coverage ratio ("DSCR") on our senior loans, CMBS, CMBS I/O strips, preferred equity, mezzanine and revolving credit facilities investments are 58.7% and 1.46x , respectively During 1Q 2025, NREF purchased $55 .0MM of Preferred Stock

.0MM of Preferred Stock During the quarter, the Company funded $20 .8MM on a loan that pays a monthly coupon of SOFR + 900 bps.

1 Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted assumes vesting of all outstanding unvested restricted stock units and the conversion of all redeemable non-controlling interests.

2 Earnings available for distribution ("EAD") and cash available for distribution ("CAD") are non-GAAP measures. Beginning in the second quarter of 2024, EAD per diluted common share and CAD per diluted common share are based on adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted. Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted is a non-GAAP measure. For a discussion of why we consider these non-GAAP measures useful and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures, see the "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" sections of this release.

3 As of March 31, 2025; and excluding the common stock investments, the Hudson Montford and Alexander at the District multifamily properties. CMBS B-Pieces reflected on an unconsolidated basis.

4 Loan to value is generally based on the initial loan amount divided by the as-is appraised value as of the date the loan was originated or by the current principal amount as of the date of the most recent as-is appraised value. For our CMBS B-Pieces, LTV is based on the weighted-average LTV of the underlying loan pool.

5 Net income attributable to common stockholders in 2Q 2025 is estimated to be between $7.6MM and $9.8MM. See reconciliations below.

Looking Ahead: Second Quarter 2025 Guidance

Earnings Available for Distribution2

2Q 2025 EAD per diluted common share guidance is $0.43 5 at the midpoint





Low



Mid



High





June 30, 2025



June 30, 2025



June 30, 2025

Net income

$ 13,961



$ 15,175



$ 16,237

Net (income) loss attributable to Series A Preferred stockholders



(874)





(874)





(874)

Net (income) loss attributable to Series B Preferred stockholders



(5,530)





(5,530)





(5,530)

Net income attributable to common stockholders

$ 7,557



$ 8,771



$ 9,833

Adjustments

















Amortization of stock-based compensation



1,552





1,552





1,552

EAD

$ 9,109



$ 10,323



$ 11,385





















Weighted average common shares outstanding  basic



17,810





17,810





17,810

Weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted



38,056





38,056





38,056

Shares attributable to potential redemption of Series B Preferred



(14,164)





(14,164)





(14,164)

Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted (1)



23,892





23,892





23,892





















EPS per Weighted Average Share  diluted

$ 0.34



$ 0.38



$ 0.40

EAD per diluted common share (2)

$ 0.38



$ 0.43



$ 0.48





















EPS Dividend Coverage Ratio



0.68 x



0.76 x



0.80 x EAD Dividend Coverage Ratio (2)



0.76 x



0.86 x



0.96 x

Cash Available for Distribution2

2Q 2025 CAD per diluted common share guidance is $0.48 5 at the midpoint





Low



Mid



High





June 30, 2025



June 30, 2025



June 30, 2025

EAD

$ 9,109



$ 10,323



$ 11,385

Adjustments

















Amortization of premiums



2,503





2,503





2,503

Accretion of discounts



(2,327)





(2,327)





(2,327)

Amortization and depreciation



1,079





1,079





1,079

CAD

$ 10,364



$ 11,578



$ 12,640





















Weighted average common shares outstanding  basic



17,810





17,810





17,810

Weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted



38,056





38,056





38,056

Shares attributable to potential redemption of Series B Preferred



(14,164)





(14,164)





(14,164)

Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted (1)



23,892





23,892





23,892





















EPS per Weighted Average Share  diluted

$ 0.34



$ 0.38



$ 0.40

CAD per diluted common share (2)

$ 0.43



$ 0.48



$ 0.53





















EPS Dividend Coverage Ratio



0.68 x



0.76 x



0.80 x CAD Dividend Coverage Ratio (2)



0.86 x



0.96 x



1.06 x





(1) Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted does not include the dilutive effect of the potential redemption of Series B Preferred Stock for common shares. (2) Beginning in the second quarter of 2024, EAD per diluted common share, CAD per diluted common share and the related coverage ratios are based on adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted. Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted does not include the dilutive effective of the potential redemption of Series B Preferred Stock for our common shares.

Conference Call Details

The Company is scheduled to host a conference call on Thursday, May 01, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT), to discuss first quarter 2025 financial results.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 888-660-4430 or +1 646-960-0537 and entering Conference ID 6891136. A live audio webcast of the call will be available online at the Company's website, https://nref.nexpoint.com (under "Resources"). An online replay will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website and continue to be available for 60 days.

A replay of the conference call will also be available through Thursday, May 15, 2025, by dialing 1 800- 770- 2030 or, for international callers, +1 609-800-9099 and entering passcode 6891136.

For additional commentary and portfolio information, please view NREF's earning supplement, which was posted on the Company's website, http://nref.nexpoint.com .

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table provides a reconciliation of Earnings Available for Distribution and Cash Available for Distribution to GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders and Adjusted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding  diluted to Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - diluted (in thousands, except per share amounts):





For the Three Months Ended March 31,





2025



2024

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

$ 16,518





(14,286)

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests



4,163





(1,894)

Adjustments











Amortization of stock-based compensation



1,283





1,798

Provision for (reversal of) credit losses



3,625





(420)

Equity in (income) losses of equity method investments (1)



(53)





2,000

Unrealized (gains) or losses (2)



(15,862)





1,351

EAD

$ 9,674



$ (11,451)















EAD per diluted common share (3)

$ 0.41



$ (0.46)















Adjustments











Amortization of premiums

$ 2,262





27,874

Accretion of discounts



(2,540)





(3,880)

Depreciation and amortization of real estate investments



1,079





2,318

Amortization of deferred financing costs



12





12

CAD

$ 10,487



$ 14,873















CAD per diluted common share (3)

$ 0.45



$ 0.60















Weighted-average common shares outstanding  basic



17,516





17,264

Weighted-average common shares outstanding  diluted



36,049





24,862

Shares attributable to potential redemption of Series B Preferred



12,652







Adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding  diluted (3)



23,397





24,862







(1) Starting in the third quarter of 2023, the Company has adjusted EAD to remove the (income) / loss from equity method investments as it does not represent distributable earnings. We will include income from equity method investments to the extent that we receive cash distributions and upon realizing gains and/or losses. (2) Unrealized gains represent the net change in unrealized gains on investments held at fair value. (3) Beginning in the second quarter of 2024, EAD per diluted common share and CAD per diluted common share are based on adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted. Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted does not include the dilutive effective of the potential redemption of Series B Preferred Stock for our common shares. Prior periods have not been updated to reflect this adjustment because the dilutive effect of potential Series B Preferred redemptions were immaterial to prior periods.

About NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., is a publicly traded REIT, with its common stock and 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange, primarily focused on originating, structuring and investing in first-lien mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, convertible notes, multifamily properties and common equity investments, as well as multifamily and single-family commercial mortgage-backed securities securitizations, promissory notes, revolving credit facilities and stock warrants. More information about the Company is available at http://nref.nexpoint.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on management's current expectations, assumptions and beliefs. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should" and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's business, strategy and industry in general, second quarter 2025 guidance, including net income, net income attributable to common stockholders, EAD, CAD, EAD and CAD per diluted common share and related coverage ratios, assumptions and estimates, the Company's intent to not settle Series B Preferred redemptions in shares of common stock when the Company's common stock price is below book value and the Company's ability to capitalize on market opportunities and deliver long-term value to its shareholders. They are not guarantees of future results and forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including those described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), particularly those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements and are encouraged to review the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's other filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of risks and other factors that could affect any forward-looking statement. The statements made herein speak only as of the date of this press release and except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is defined as a numerical measure of a company's financial performance that excludes or includes amounts so as to be different than the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flows of the Company. The non-GAAP financial measures used within this press release are EAD, CAD, EAD and CAD per diluted common share and adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted.

EAD is defined as net income (loss) attributable to our common stockholders computed in accordance with GAAP, including realized gains and losses not otherwise included in net income (loss), excluding any unrealized gains or losses or other similar non-cash items that are included in net income (loss) for the applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income (loss), or in net income (loss) and adding back amortization of stock-based compensation. Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders may also be adjusted for the effects of certain GAAP adjustments and transactions that may not be indicative of our current operations. In addition, EAD in this press release includes the dilutive effect of non-controlling interests. We use EAD to evaluate our performance and to assess our long-term ability to pay distributions. We believe providing EAD as a supplement to GAAP net income (loss) to our investors is helpful to their assessment of our performance and our long-term ability to pay distributions. We also use EAD as a component of the management fee paid to our external manager. EAD does not represent net income or cash flows from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income, an indication of our GAAP cash flows from operating activities, a measure of our liquidity or an indication of funds available for our cash needs. Our computation of EAD may not be comparable to EAD reported by other REITs. Starting in the third quarter of 2023, the Company has adjusted EAD to remove the income/(losses) from equity method investments as they represent changes in the equity value of our investment rather than distributable earnings. The Company will include income from equity method investments to the extent that we receive cash distributions and upon realizing gains and/or losses.

We calculate CAD by adjusting EAD by adding back amortization of premiums, depreciation and amortization of real estate investment and amortization of deferred financing costs and by removing accretion of discounts. We use CAD to evaluate our performance and our current ability to pay distributions. We also believe that providing CAD as a supplement to GAAP net income (loss) to our investors is helpful to their assessment of our performance and our current ability to pay distributions. CAD does not represent net income or cash flows from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income, an indication of our GAAP cash flows from operating activities, a measure of our liquidity or an indication of funds available for our cash needs. Our computation of CAD may not be comparable to CAD reported by other REITs.

Starting in the second quarter of 2024, EAD per diluted common share and CAD per diluted common share are based on adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted. Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted is calculating by subtracting the dilutive effect of potential redemptions of Series B Preferred shares for shares of our common stock from weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted. We believe providing adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted to our investors is helpful in their assessment of our performance without the potential dilutive effective of the Series B Preferred shares. We have the right to redeem the Series B Preferred shares for cash or shares of our common stock. Additionally, Series B Preferred redemptions are capped at 2% of the outstanding Series B Preferred shares per month, 5% per quarter and 20% per year. The Company maintains sufficient liquidity to pay cash to cover any redemptions up to the quarterly redemption cap. Further, it is the Company's intent to not settle Series B Preferred redemptions in shares of common stock when the Company's common stock price is below book value.

Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted should not be considered as an alternative to the GAAP measure. Our computation of adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding  diluted may not be comparable to adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted reported by other companies.

Contact:

Kristen Griffith

Investor Relations

[email protected]

Media: [email protected]

SOURCE NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oklahoma Complete Health introduces new and upgraded SoonerSelect benefits to support members. Enhancements to the value-added services aim to improve health outcomes and overall well-being of members.

"Oklahoma Complete Health is excited to expand the 2025 offerings to serve our members," said Oklahoma Complete Health's President and CEO Clay Franklin. "Our plan continues to prioritize the health and well-being of Oklahomans and find ways to meet their unique needs."

New and upgraded benefits include:

New: Diaper Club

Starting July 1 , Oklahoma Complete Health is introducing a $30 per month Diaper Club for members 0 - 1 year old whose parent is enrolled in the Start Smart for Your Baby program or care management.

New: Prescription Limit Expansion

Some important medicines will not count toward member's 6-prescription monthly limit. These include medicines for infections, seizures, mental health, heart health, and diabetes. This change will help members who need more medicines get the care they need to stay healthy.

Upgraded: Over-The-Counter Benefits

As of July 1 , this benefit will expand from a household benefit to a member allowance of $30 per quarter. This means every Oklahoma Complete Health member in the home will get a $30 benefit to buy over-the-counter items like cold medicines, vitamins and more.

Upgraded: Transportation

Rides to the doctor's office for all appointments now allow up to 4 family members to come along. Oklahoma Complete Health also provides up to 15 rides to places like the grocery store, pharmacy, or to a job interview.

To learn about all the value-added services offered by Oklahoma Complete Health like the YMCA membership, enhanced vision benefits and more; visit CareForOK.com.

Last April, Oklahoma Complete Health began serving SoonerSelect members to improve health outcomes for Oklahomans and deliver improved member satisfaction. In its first year, Oklahoma Complete Health completed more than 11,651 referrals for members' social drivers of health needs and connected them with resources, helped more than 2,500 members access Food Rx benefits, provided more than 20,684 YMCA visits across the state for healthy living and distributed more than $2.1M in reward dollars for healthy activities.

"Oklahoma Complete Health means my kids can receive a better life with all the services they provide  the tutoring, transportation and the YMCA," said Oklahoma Complete Health Member Pam C. "They walked us through everything. They got us connected with the right people. We would hear from Oklahoma Complete Health, and they would ask  do you need anything? What can we do to help?"

SoonerSelect members are also encouraged to keep their contact information up to date by visiting www.MySoonerCare.org.

Oklahoma Complete Health is a care management organization serving the needs of Oklahomans with a range of health insurance solutions and subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).

About Oklahoma Complete Health

Oklahoma Complete Health is a Care Management Organization that serves the needs of Oklahomans through a range of health insurance solutions. Oklahoma Complete Health serves our communities by focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals through its federal insurance marketplace plan (Ambetter) and its Medicare Advantage Plan (Wellcare). Oklahoma Complete Health is a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise. For more information visit www.oklahomacompletehealth.com.

SOURCE Oklahoma Complete Health
Starring Vincent Cassel, Chazz Palminteri and Bonnie Chen, directed by Marcelo Burgos and produced by Chromista, the film explores how true freedom isn't built around the absence of structure, but rather about having the necessary tools and expertise to put in place the right framework and processes to allow that freedom to take place the right way.

"The thought process behind Mild Mild West is simple - why advertise when you can instead create deeper stories and moments? This mirrors our approach within OKX, where it is incumbent upon us to continue to lead the innovation and growth of the broader industry," said Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer, OKX. "By using the western genre, we're able to draw parallels to the transition from an unsustainable climate of limited oversight, to one governed by good regulation and compliance. The film portrays the characters discovering what true freedom is within the digital age, and that it is only realized through understanding and using the right tools, as well as making the right conscious choices about our role in technology."

The red-carpet premier, which was attended by the region's business, industry and technology leaders, took place at the iconic Jumeriah Zabeel Saray.

About OKX

Trusted by more than 60 million customers around the globe, OKX is a technology company building a decentralized future that makes the world more tradable, transparent and connected. We're known for being one of the fastest and most reliable crypto apps in the world, and have processed trillions of dollars in transactions.

We have key regional offices, including headquarters in San Jose, California, for the Americas and in Dubai for the Middle East. We also have offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Republic of Turkiye, Australia and Europe.

Over the past several years, we've built one of the world's most comprehensive regulatory compliant, licensed crypto companies. We hold licenses in the United States, the UAE, EEA, Singapore and Australia, as well as in other markets.

We're steadfastly committed to transparency and security and publish Proof of Reserves reports on a monthly basis. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com.

Disclaimer

SOURCE OKX

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The OLYSENSE Platform Aims to Strengthen Clinical Decision-Making by Leveraging Cloud-based Connectivity and AI Computing

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus, a global medical technology company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, will demonstrate for the first time in the U.S. its new OLYSENSE Platform with the CADDIE computer-aided detection device at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) annual meeting May 4-6 in San Diego.

The OLYSENSE Platform with the CADDIE device uses cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology to aid the gastroenterologist in suspected polyp detection during a colonoscopy.

Olympus will feature its total portfolio of ADR solutions and technologies used in the treatment of GI diseases and disorders during DDW 2025. These include the OLYSENSE Platform with CADDIE medical device software, the ENDOCUFF Vision device, and Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI) technology.

"We are very excited to be bringing our CADe AI solution to the U.S. market as part of the visionary OLYSENSE Platform, and we're thrilled to be demonstrating the first cloud-based AI for colonoscopy solution during DDW," said Miquel Angel Garcia, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Endoscopy Ecosystem Solutions at Olympus Corporation. "As a global MedTech leader in endoscopy, we are committed to offering gastroenterologists the best solutions possible along the entire patient care pathway. We look forward to a very robust and comprehensive program of product demonstrations and physician talks at this year's DDW meeting."

The OLYSENSE Platform with the CADDIE device is part of a total portfolio of ADR solutions and technologies that will be featured during DDW. These include visualization technologies such as the ENDOCUFF Vision device and Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI) technology used in the treatment of GI diseases and disorders.

Also featured during DDW will be the Olympus portfolio of hemostasis products, ERCP portfolio products, and the newly launched EU-ME3 ultrasound processor.

Hemostasis Portfolio at DDW

Hemostatis products are used by physicians performing advanced endoluminal procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The Olympus products that will be discussed and demonstrated during DDW include: Red Dichromatic Imaging (RDI) technology for identifying the source of bleeds, which is part of the EVIS X1 endoscopy system; Endoclot PHS hemostatic powder; and the Retentia HemoClip.

New for Endoscopic Ultrasound

The EU-ME3 is a compact ultrasound processor for use with Olympus endoscopic and endobronchial ultrasound (EUS and EBUS) equipment that has been designed for integration with conventional endoscopy on a single workstation. With its high-resolution imaging and a display that promotes clear visualization, the EU-ME3 ultrasound processor supports detection and characterization of lesions. Advanced features such as Contrast Harmonic Echo (CHE) and Shear Wave Quantification (SWQ) help to explore the future of endosonography.

Physician Talks at Olympus Booth #5129

Dr. Nikhil Kumta from NYU Langone Health will review the Olympus tools and technology for third space endoscopy , which are procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection. This talk takes place Sunday, May 4 th at 11 a.m.

from NYU Langone Health will review the , which are procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection. This talk takes place at Leading ADR experts Dr. Doug Rex from Indiana University Health and Dr. Cesare Hassan from Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy will talk about leveraging technology to enhance adenoma detection on Sunday, May 4 th at 1 p.m.

from Health and Dr. from Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy will talk about on at Dr. Jason Samarasena from UCI ( University of California Irvine ) Health will present on Olympus innovations and devices for advanced third-space endoscopy, such as peroral endoscopy myotomy (POEM), on Monday, May 5 th at 11 a.m.

In partnership with ASGE, Olympus is sponsoring a number of educational opportunities for physicians interested in learning more about improving ADR with Olympus solutions and controlling bleeds during endoscopic procedures. Additionally, Dr. Dennis Yang from Advent Health Medical Group will lead an ASGE Endo Theater Presentation on the utility of image-enhanced endoscopy during endoscopic resection on Monday, May 5th at 1-1:45 p.m.

Drs. Kumta, Rex, Hassan, Samarasena, and Yang are paid consultants to Olympus Corporation, its subsidiaries and/or its affiliates.

Visit info.olympusamericamarketing.com/ddw-2025 for more information.

About Olympus

At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states.

For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world.

Olympus Corporation of the Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, is headquartered in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs more than 4,500 employees throughout locations in North and South America. For more information, visit medical.olympusamerica.com.



Fair Balance/Disclaimers

The CADDIE device is limited to use with standard white-light endoscopy imaging only.

TXI and RDI technologies are not intended to replace histopathological sampling as a means of diagnosis.

EUS Processor Risks: High output and prolonged exposure to ultrasonic waves can adversely affect the internal tissues of the patient. Scan only for the minimum length of time necessary for the diagnosis, and at the lowest possible output. Improper care, installation, or use, can cause electric shocks, burns or other injuries. The ultrasound endoscope connected to this ultrasound center must never be applied directly to the heart as it could cause ventricular fibrillation or otherwise seriously affect the cardiac function of the patient. Never allow an EndoTherapy accessory or another ultrasound endoscope, applied to or near the heart, to come in contact with the ultrasound endoscope connected to this ultrasound center. Do not use contrast agents when using the shear wave function, as there is a risk of injury to the patient's tissue, resulting in bleeding, due to the interaction between the acoustic pressure of the ultrasound and the contrast agent. Do not use the shear wave function during puncturing or the interposition of any other type of metal as it may cause problems during the procedure. Contrast imaging and shear wave elastography functions are for GI only.

For detailed information regarding instructions for use, indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions, please consult the device manual.

SOURCE Olympus Corporation of the Americas
NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Lockers is excited to announce the successful deployment of its innovative smart locker system at Prost! A German Deli concept within Dunes Brewing in Port Orange, Florida. This milestone marks the beginning of a promising collaboration that enhances convenience and efficiency for the Prost! team, with Open Lockers providing a cutting-edge solution for secure digital order pickup.

In a significant advancement, Open Lockers has integrated its user-friendly software with the Peblla POS system, ensuring smooth operations and streamlined customer experiences. This integration enables seamless locker management, providing Prost! with an efficient, modern solution that can be utilized for first-party and third-party orders alike.

"Partnering with ParkerStark, (Dunes Brewing's hospitality management company) to introduce our lockers represents a new chapter for Open Lockers," said Jed Sullivan, CEO of Open Lockers. "We're thrilled to see our technology in action and are excited about the powerful combination of our patented smart locker system and Peblla's POS system."

Prost! customers can now enjoy the benefits of secure pickup of their digital orders. This solution is part of Open Lockers' mission to revolutionize locker technology by offering advanced features that improve the way businesses manage their order pickup process.

"As we look to the future of hospitality, investing in technology that enhances both the guest experience and operational efficiency is paramount," said Michael Benedict, Co-Founder of ParkerStark Management. "The Open Lockers platform, integrated seamlessly with Peblla POS, delivers on both fronts. It enables our team to provide faster, more secure service, while offering guests the kind of modern convenience they expect. We are excited to be early adopters of this technology."

The collaboration with ParkerStark is just the beginning for Open Lockers, as the company is looking forward to upcoming deployments in Florida and in the Northeast while introducing more features and solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of hospitality businesses and their customers.

For more information about Open Lockers and their services, please visit www.openlockers.com.

About Open Lockers

Open Lockers is a leading provider of secure and innovative locker solutions designed to enhance customer convenience and streamline business operations. With cutting-edge technology and seamless integrations, Open Lockers aims to transform how businesses and customers interact during order pickup experiences.

About ParkerStark

ParkerStark Management is a full-service hospitality management company specializing in the development and operation of dynamic food and beverage concepts for a new generation. With over 50 years of combined hospitality experience, ParkerStark's leadership team provides expertise across site selection, contract negotiation, marketing, revenue management, digital strategy, and operations. Thei portfolio includes successful brands such as Jimmy Hula's, Dunes Brewing, Chicken Spit, La Pinsa, and Spagato, each built with a foundation of passion, innovation, and operational excellence.

About Peblla

Peblla Inc. (www.peblla.com) is an emerging innovator in Point-of-Sale (POS) systems tailored for the restaurant industry. The company offers a comprehensive, all-in-one system designed for both Quick Serve Restaurants and Full Serve Restaurants, streamlining operations and enhancing the dining experience. Their offerings include self-ordering kiosks, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), Handheld POS, integrated loyalty program, restaurants' branded online portal and mobile apps, as well as integration with third-party platforms. These solutions empower restaurants to operate more efficiently and engage customers effectively.

SOURCE Open Lockers
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Oklahoma (OU) Health welcomed its fifth and largest cohort of nine Ukrainian surgeons in April, significantly expanding its humanitarian training program to include specialists from four surgical disciplines now critical for treating complex trauma injuries. The program  the only one in the U.S. offering international surgeons hands-on surgical privileges  has added oculoplastics and orthopedics to its existing specialties of head and neck surgery and neurosurgery.

OU Health in Oklahoma City welcomed its fifth and largest cohort of 10 Ukrainian surgeons in April, expanding its humanitarian training program to include specialists from four surgical disciplines critical for treating complex trauma injuries. This program is the only one in the U.S. offering international surgeons hands-on surgical privileges.

The month-long program (April 14May 10), known as Operation Ukraine, provides training for surgical specialists treating patients with complex traumatic injuries. Many of the physicians work in challenging conditions with limited resources.

The surgeons in this cohort, representing military medical centers from across Ukraine, including facilities in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Vinnytsia, will apply their advanced training to address critical battlefield injuries. They will stay with Oklahoma host families, fostering professional and cultural exchange.

The exchange is made possible through a collaboration with Razom for Ukraine, a nonprofit that provides funding for travel, stipends, and administrative coordination.

The program coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, a pivotal event that defined the "Oklahoma Standard" of community resilience and compassionate response in times of crisis. This spirit of service is embedded in OU Health's physician exchange program.

"As the U.S. commemorates 30 years since the Oklahoma City bombing, this collaboration represents international medical solidarity," said Alex Domaradsky, observership coordinator for Razom. "This shared effort underscores the importance of humanitarian medical training to improve patient care worldwide."

Led by OU Health facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Mark Mims, M.D., assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, the program provides Ukrainian physicians with hands-on training in the operating room and in the surgical skills lab.

"Working side-by-side with my Ukrainian colleagues to bring leading-edge surgical techniques to Ukraine has been the deepest honor of my professional career," said Dr. Mims. "OU Health is committed to establishing itself as a premier international training center for surgeons from conflict zones. This program enables these dedicated medical professionals to gain invaluable surgical experience that will directly enhance their ability to perform complex procedures under challenging conditions."

This initiative builds upon the success of previous cohorts, which have already trained 15 Ukrainian surgeons over the past two years, with 10 more expected later in 2025. The expanded program represents OU Health and Razom's continued commitment to global surgical education and humanitarian outreach.

Dr. Volodymyr Salamashchak, an oculoplastics specialist from the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Western Region in Lviv, said the training at OU Health will fill the critical gaps in treating patients in Ukraine.

"This training will allow me to develop critical skills for treating eyelid and orbital trauma, which are unfortunately common in wartime injuries," he said.

Dr. Mykola Zhuzhoma, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Kharkiv, emphasized the value of training with surgeons thousands of miles from the conflict.

"In our hospitals, we're sometimes operating during air raid sirens, with limited equipment and difficult patient transfers," Dr. Zhuzhoma said. "Here, we can learn in a controlled environment, taking time to master techniques that we can then adapt to our challenging circumstances. The willingness of OU Health physicians to share their expertise shows a true humanitarian spirit that transcends borders."

Operation Ukraine began in 2022 when Dr. Mims learned about Razom for Ukraine and Face to Face, the humanitarian arm of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS) during a medical trip where American surgeons collaborated with Ukrainian doctors on complex procedures. Since 2022, AAFPRS has conducted four medical trips to Ukraine in partnership with Razom.

Recognizing the need for further training, Dr. Mims partnered with Razom to launch the observership program. By May 2023, the first group of Ukrainian surgeons arrived in Oklahoma.

For more information or to support Operation Ukraine, please visit the OU Health website and the Razom Co-Pilot project website.

Click here for Video/Photos

OU Health

OU Health is Oklahoma's only comprehensive academic health system and the destination of choice for complex care. We provide extensive options for patients with serious conditions who turn to OU Health for leadership in clinical care, research, and education. As the clinical partner of the University of Oklahoma, one of the nation's leading academic and research institutions, we are committed to excellence. Our physicians serve as faculty at the OU College of Medicine, expanding the boundaries of medical knowledge through research and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Their breakthroughs lead to life-changing treatments and technologies.

With more than 11,000 employees and over 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, we serve Oklahoma and the region with the state's only comprehensive children's hospital (Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health); National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center (OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center); and the flagship academic hospital and Oklahoma's only Level I trauma center (OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center).

For more information, visit OUHealth.com.

About Razom for Ukraine: Razom, which means "together" in Ukrainian, is a leading U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting Ukraine. With a global network of volunteers and partners, Razom provides humanitarian aid and administers five programs: Heroes, Health, Relief, Advocacy, and Connect. Its Co-Pilot Project focuses on training Ukrainian doctors in critical specialties by facilitating U.S.-based observerships, expert exchanges, and delivering essential medical equipment.

SOURCE University of Oklahoma
VANCOUVER, BC, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - May 2, 2025  Sydney, Australia

Highlights

Figure 1: Environmental data collection at Shaakichiuwaanaan. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)

Permitting of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project is on schedule and progressing well .

. The Company has formally commenced the Federal permitting process for the Project, with the submission of its Initial Project Description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada ( IAAC ).

to the Impact Assessment Agency of ( ). The IAAC and Cree Nation Government have confirmed that the submitted documentation meets the necessary requirements, allowing the Federal permitting process to formally commence.

This process will run in parallel with the Provincial permitting process already underway, to align the submission of the Provincial and Federal Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (" ESIA ") for late 2025.

") for late 2025. The ESIA submissions will be supported by over three years of robust environmental base line data collection and extensive community consultations.

Alix Drapack  Executive Vice President ESG to retire from executive duties and act as an advisor to the Company on the project's further development.

Ken Brinsden, Patriot CEO and President, comments: "We are really proud of the teams' efforts to ensure both that the Project remains on track, but also that the quality and extensive work contributing to our upcoming ESIA submissions suits the community's and regulator's needs. It can't be underestimated how much work has already been achieved by Patriot to ensure Shaakichiuwaanaan is well-placed in the global lithium raw material development pipeline. From discovery and establishing a globally significant resource, to moving the Project to the upcoming mine authorization process in less than 4 years, demonstrates both the quality in the Project and team delivering it.

We also note with interest recent comments in the public domain in respect of federal approvals, minimizing duplication and greater provincial approval cooperation. We intend to maintain close-contact with all the key Government agencies and the Cree, to ensure a diligent and timely approval process for the Project," added Mr. Brinsden.

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Patriot") (TSX: PMET) (ASX: PMT) (OTCQX: PMETF) (FSE: R9GA) is pleased to provide a progress update on the permitting process of the Company's wholly owned Shaakichiuwaanaan Property (the "Property" or "Project"), located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec. The Shaakichiuwaanaan Property hosts a consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate1 ("MRE") of 80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li 2 O Indicated and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li 2 O Inferred. The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, which forms the bulk of the MRE, is accessible year-round by all-season road and is situated approximately 14 km from a major hydroelectric powerline corridor. The CV13 Pegmatite is located <3 km along geological trend from the CV5 Pegmatite, which hosts additional lithium and tantalum resources as well as a recently discovered zone of cesium mineralisation (see news release dated March 2, 2025).

Federal Project Approval Submissions and ESIA Studies

In February 2025, Patriot submitted its Initial Project Description for the Shaakichiuwaanaan Lithium Project (CV5 Pegmatite) to IAAC, in order to formally initiate the Federal elements to the Project permitting process. The document is available at the following link (Shaakichiuwaanaan Mining Project Initial Project Description).

The Federal Joint Assessment Committee, consisting of representatives of IAAC and the Cree Nation Government, has determined that the Initial Project Description meets the necessary requirements. As such, IAAC has begun its formal planning and comment period, and undertook two public information sessions in February 2025.

A summary of questions was compiled and Patriot has now formally responded, after which IAAC will provide tailored Impact Statement Guidelines for the Project, paving the way for the Federal ESIA submission later this year.

The Federal impact assessment process will run in parallel with the Provincial permitting process for the Project which commenced in 2023, and will leverage the existing provincial process to streamline the federal requirements to the extent possible.

The Company also notes with interest recent comments in the public domain in respect of federal approvals, minimizing duplication and the potential in greater provincial approval cooperation. The Company intends to maintain close-contact with all the key Government agencies and the Cree, to ensure a diligent and timely approval process for the Project.

Provincial Project Approval Submissions and ESIA Studies

In November 2023, Patriot filed a Preliminary Information Statement with the Quebec Government (Ministere de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs or "MELCCFP") (see news release dated November 30, 2023). Subsequently, Patriot received the formal guidelines for the Project's ESIA submission (see news dated April 17, 2024).

An amendment was filed with MELCCFP in January 2025 to reflect the change of Project name to Shaakichiuwaanaan and to clarify the hybrid mining approach (using both open pit and underground mining methods) being evaluated in the Feasibility Study for the Project.

Collectively, these inputs now form the basis for the final ESIA documentation and the formal commencement of the Mine Authorisation process later this year.

__________________________________________ 1 Shaakichiuwaanaan (CV5 & CV13) Mineral Resource Estimate (80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li2O and 163 ppm Ta2O5 Indicated, and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li2O and 147 ppm Ta2O5 ppm Inferred) is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O (open-pit), 0.60% Li2O (underground CV5), and 0.80% Li2O (underground CV13) with an Effective Date of August 21, 2024 (through drill hole CV24-526). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Overall Project Approval Summary Position

Over approximately a 3-year period, extensive environmental baseline data collection field programs and community consultations have been completed as planned to underpin the Company's ESIA (supporting both Federal and Provincial processes), for the development of the CV5 Pegmatite.

As a result of the above, the provincial and federal ESIA submissions remain on-track for presentation in the second half of 2025.

Alix Drapack  Executive Vice President ESG has confirmed her desire to retire from executive duties with the Company. The Company wishes Alix all the best for her retirement and is very pleased that she has agreed to provide advisory support to the team for the foreseeable future. This assists in maintaining continuity in the progress of both project approvals and community engagement, while recruitment continues for additional resources in support of the Company's objectives.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release that relates to the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr. Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and member in good standing with the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec (Geologist Permit number 01968), and with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (member number 87868). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

Mr. Smith is an Executive and Vice President of Exploration for Patriot Battery Metals Inc. and holds common shares and options in the Company.

About Patriot Battery Metals Inc.

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. is a hard-rock lithium exploration company focused on advancing its district-scale 100%-owned Shaakichiuwaanaan Property (formerly known as Corvette) located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, which is accessible year-round by all-season road and is proximal to regional powerline infrastructure. The Shaakichiuwaanaan Mineral Resource1, which includes the CV5 & CV13 spodumene pegmatites, totals 80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li 2 O Indicated, and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li 2 O Inferred, and ranks as the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas, and the 8th largest lithium pegmatite resource in the world.

A Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was announced for the CV5 Pegmatite August 21, 2024, and highlights it as a potential North American lithium raw materials powerhouse. The PEA outlines the potential for a competitive and globally significant high-grade lithium project targeting up to ~800 ktpa spodumene concentrate using a simple Dense Media Separation ("DMS") only process flowsheet.

1 Shaakichiuwaanaan (CV5 & CV13) Mineral Resource Estimate (80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li 2 O and 163 ppm Ta 2 O 5 Indicated, and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li 2 O and 147 ppm Ta 2 O 5 ppm Inferred) is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.40% Li 2 O (open-pit), 0.60% Li 2 O (underground CV5), and 0.80% Li 2 O (underground CV13) with an Effective Date of August 21, 2024 (through drill hole CV24-526). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected] or by calling +1 (604) 279-8709, or visit www.patriotbatterymetals.com. Please also refer to the Company's continuous disclosure filings, available under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.asx.com.au, for available exploration data.

This news release has been approved by the Board of Directors.

"KEN BRINSDEN"

Kenneth Brinsden, President, CEO, & Managing Director

Disclaimer for Forward-looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are included to provide information about management's current expectations and plans that allow investors and others to have a better understanding of the Company's business plans and financial performance and condition.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "on schedule", progressing", "will", "underway", "on-track", "development pipeline", "intend", and similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements on the permitting progress and Project schedule.

Forward-looking information is based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such information or statements. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate. Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include, without limitation, that proposed exploration and mineral resource estimate work on the Property will continue as expected, the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates, the classification of resources between inferred and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based, long-term demand for spodumene supply, and that exploration and development results continue to support management's current plans for Property development and expectations for the Project.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties facing the Company's business, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Some of the risks the Company faces and the uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the ability to execute on plans relating to the Company's Project, including the timing thereof. In addition, readers are directed to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+, which discussion is incorporated by reference in this news release, for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business and operations.

Although the Company believes its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions and has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. As such, these risks are not exhaustive; however, they should be considered carefully. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements found herein. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. The Company qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

Competent Person Statement (ASX Listing Rule 5.23)

The mineral resource estimate in this release was reported by the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8 on August 5, 2024. The Company confirms that, as of the date of this announcement, it is not aware of any new information or data verified by the competent person that materially affects the information included in the announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that, as at the date of this announcement, the form and context in which the competent person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

The production target referred to in this release was reported by the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.16 on August 21, 2024. The Company confirms that, as of the date of this announcement, all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the production target in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

SOURCE Patriot Battery Metals Inc.
National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests an Additional $1 Million to Help Pet Cancer Patients

SAN ANTONIO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During Pet Cancer Awareness Month this May, Petco Love, a national nonprofit organization leading and inspiring change for pets, is joining forces again with long-standing partner Blue Buffalo to raise awareness about pet cancer. Petco Love and Blue Buffalo improve accessibility to treatment for pet cancer patients and pet parents, giving them a chance at a longer, healthier life together.

Petco Love and Blue Buffalo improve accessibility to treatment for pet cancer patients and pet parents. Post this Petco Love and Blue Buffalo improve accessibility to treatment for pet cancer patients, like Turbo pictured here, and pet parents, giving them a chance at a longer, healthier life together. PCA logo (PRNewsfoto/Petco Love)

Pet cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related deaths in dogs and cats in the U.S., affecting 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 5 cats. Early detection and treatment can save lives. That's why Petco Love and Blue Buffalo are committed to investing in lifesaving cancer research and treatment.

"Cancer doesn't just affect people  it takes the lives of too many beloved pets," said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love. "Together with Blue Buffalo, we're empowering pet parents with education, resources, and hope to help pets fight and survive this disease."

Since the launch of the Pet Cancer Awareness (PCA) initiative in 2010, Petco Love and Blue Buffalo have partnered to invest $21 million in pet cancer research and treatment, funding cutting-edge studies and helping thousands of pets receive the care they need. Petco Love supports 15 partner organizations and oncology universities by investing in pet cancer research and subsidizing treatment costs for pet parents who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford lifesaving care for their pets.

The Petco Love and Blue Buffalo Pet Cancer Treatment Fund has helped many pets like Turbo receive treatment for their pet cancer. 9-year-old Turbo was diagnosed with melanoma. Last year, thanks to the Petco Love and Blue Buffalo Pet Cancer Treatment Fund and the Mosby Foundation, the tumor on his hip was removed. "Turbo is doing fantastic. His incisions are healing up very nicely," said Turbo's pet parent, Katherine. "Having him by my side is the best gift I could have hoped for. Thank you for the help!"

"We believe pets, like Turbo, deserve love and a fighting chance," said Katie Wong, director of Brand Experience at Blue Buffalo. "By supporting innovative treatments and spreading awareness, we're giving more pets the opportunity to beat cancer and live longer, healthier lives."

Throughout May, pet lovers can learn the 10 early warning signs of cancer in pets, and help in the fight against pet cancer by donating online at petcolove.org/care/pet-cancer-awareness. From May 1-31, Blue Buffalo will donate $1 to Petco Love for any purchase of Blue Buffalo dog or cat dry food in large bags, up to $75,000, to help in the fight against cancer. Applies to in-store purchases at Petco locations nationwide of Blue Buffalo dry dog food, 20 lbs. or more, and Blue Buffalo dry cat food, 10 lbs. or more.

For pet parents struggling with the cost of veterinary treatment, they can view Petco Love's resource guide here for a list of organizations that might be able to help. Join Petco Love and Blue Buffalo this May to help pets fight cancer with hope, science, and love.

About Petco Love

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999, we've empowered animal welfare organizations by investing nearly $410 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We've helped find loving homes for nearly 7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Join us. Visit PetcoLove.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

About Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo, the country's most loved and trusted natural pet food, started with a promise made to a lovable Airedale named Blue who struggled with cancer, the #1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats. His family, the Bishops, wanted to feed him the best food possible, so they searched for food with high-quality ingredients, but decided to create something even better  natural pet food for dogs and cats with nutritious ingredients, real meat first, and some of the highest standards in the industry. Since Day 1, BLUE's team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists have carefully selected high-quality, natural ingredients and upheld its True BLUE Promise to dog and cat pet parents  real meat as the first ingredient with NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives. The result is a portfolio of high-quality, natural food and treats that both dogs and cats love. This simple idea: "Love them like family. Feed them like family." lives on today in every Blue Buffalo recipe. Visit BlueBuffalo.com to learn more.

Media Contact:

Crystal Bugary, Petco Love, [email protected]

SOURCE Petco Love
Pet parents can earn 5X Treats Rewards points on all dog purchases, including services

PHOENIX, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PetSmart is celebrating its fifth annual Anything for Dogs Month throughout May, honoring the joy that dogs bring to their pet parents. Starting May 1, pet parents can celebrate their best friend and earn 5X Treats Rewards points (10% back in savings) on all dog purchases, including products and services, and enjoy exclusive deals and additional savings all month long.

Learn more about activating offers through the PetSmart Treats Rewards program and become a member for free here.

Credit: PetSmart

"We know the joy that comes with being a pet parent," said Scott Hamlin, vice president of marketing at PetSmart. "Anything for Dogs Month is our way of celebrating that special bond and gives pet parents a chance to recognize everything their dogs do for them. PetSmart is here to help pet parents return the love with a little extra pampering, providing exclusive deals and discounts so pups can be spoiled while their pet parents save more."

Anything for Dogs Month is the perfect time to stock up on dog food, treats, gear and more to earn points for future savings. Download the PetSmart app to activate savings this month:

Earn More on Products : Receive 5X Treats Rewards points  that's 10% back in savings  on all dog products.*

: Receive 5X Treats Rewards points  that's 10% back in savings  on all dog products.* Earn More on Services : Receive 5X Treats Rewards points on all dog services including grooming, training, Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel. New service customers can enjoy an additional 5,000 points when they schedule their first appointment.*

: Receive 5X Treats Rewards points on all dog services including grooming, training, Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel. New service customers can enjoy an additional 5,000 points when they schedule their first appointment.* Autoship for Savings: Rack up points on every Autoship purchase for savings towards future purchases with an additional 35% off a first-time Autoship order, plus 5% on every order after that.**

Rack up points on every Autoship purchase for savings towards future purchases with an additional 35% off a first-time Autoship order, plus 5% on every order after that.** Save on Same-Day Delivery: Receive 15% off same-day delivery orders ( May 6-7 ) and save $10 when spending $50 or more on same-day delivery ( May 12-18 ).***

As a Treats Rewards member, pet parents can turn everyday purchases into points and rewards to take advantage of savings during Anything for Dogs Month. Check tier status and activate offers to get all the deals of the month in the PetSmart app or online.

Visit PetSmart.com or download the PetSmart app to start saving during Anything for Dogs Month.

*Offer valid 5/1/25-6/1/25. Terms apply. Offer activation required. See offer card in your PetSmart Treats Rewards account for complete details.

**Offer valid for new Autoship customers only. Terms and exclusions apply. Prices & selection may vary. See product page on petsmart.com for complete details.

***Free Same-Day Delivery is available in most areas. Eligible products only. Exclusions apply. See product page to determine eligibility. While delivery is contact-free, we recommend being home during the delivery window to bring perishable items inside right away. Prices & selection may vary in stores & online. While supplies last. Quantities may be limited. See www.petsmart.com/help or store associate for more details.

About PetSmart

PetSmart is the leading pet retailer offering products, services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart's passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so together they can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities.

PetSmart operates nearly 1,700 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities. We provide a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products as well as services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp and pet adoption.

PetSmart, PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada work with nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home. Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated over 11 million adoptions, more than any other brick-and-mortar organization.

SOURCE PetSmart
The agreement with the United States on the creation of a reconstruction investment fund guarantees new supplies of weapons, and also does not contain any obligations to compensate for the cost of previous U.S. military assistance, Advisor to the head of the President's Office Mykhailo Podoliak said.

"A landmark minerals deal has been signed on the joint use of Ukrainian resources together with the United States. This strategic achievement confirms that Ukraine has literally earned the right to speak as an equal with superpowers. No 'debts.' The agreement contains no obligations to compensate for the cost of previous U.S. military aid," Podoliak said on the X social network on Thursday.

In addition, the agreement recognizes Ukraine's European integration, and oil, gas, lithium and other minerals remain the property of Ukraine. According to Podoliak, "the tough demands of earlier draft agreements were successfully dismissed."

"The agreement guarantees new deliveries of American weapons, including air defense systems  their cost will be credited to a joint fund," the advisor to the President's Office head.

He also said all profits from investments will be reinvested in Ukraine at least until 2034.

"To sum up, the key outcome of this agreement is that the worlds leading power has become a co-investor in Ukraine. Moscow has lost: Putins attempt to offer the U.S. a stake in the occupied Donbas's mineral wealth has failed," Podoliak said.

As reported, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed an agreement on the creation of a U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund in Washington on Wednesday
Pindrop emphasizes the importance of responsible AI development and champions measures to combat AI deepfakes and protect American's privacy and security.

ATLANTA, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pindrop, a leading provider in deepfake detection technology, submitted public comments to the White House's Request for Information regarding the Development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan last month. Pindrop emphasizes the necessity of accounting for the current threat landscape, including risks from generative AI deepfakes. The full submission can be accessed here .

In its submission, Pindrop applauded First Lady Melania Trump for highlighting AI deepfakes during the State of the Union, spotlighting both the perils of deepfakes and the opportunities to combat them. Pindrop recommended the implementation of the TAKE IT DOWN Act and is pleased to see this important legislation heading to the President's desk for signature this week.

Pindrop also highlighted the critical need for the AI Action Plan to address the sophisticated challenges posed by bad actors using generative AI to create deepfakes over phone calls and video interactions, especially in the financial services sector.

Threats to Financial Services

Today, Pindrop helps customers in the financial sector in combating several prominent threat vectors:

Individual Consumer Account Takeover Fraudulent Corporate Money Transfers Remote Interview Impersonation Infiltration of Corporate Meetings

Pindrop also flagged national security concerns by citing the recent deepfake involving then-U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Ben Cardin, as well as examples of North Korea using AI-generated deepfakes to surreptitiously place workers into IT roles at American companies.

The fundamental question at the center of every business interaction will be, "is this a machine, is this a potential fraudster, or is this my genuine customer?"

Policy Recommendations

Pindrop recommended the following strategic actions for the White House to assert U.S. leadership in AI, particularly concerning deepfakes:

Advance Real-Time Deepfake Detection Solutions : Encourage adoption in critical national infrastructure sectors to mitigate threats.

: Encourage adoption in critical national infrastructure sectors to mitigate threats. Strengthen Know Your Customer Protocols : Enhance identity verification processes using liveness detection technologies across key industries like banking and telecommunications.

: Enhance identity verification processes using liveness detection technologies across key industries like banking and telecommunications. Promote Liveness Detection as a Standard : Advocate for unified standards in voice authentication to improve security in telecommunications and financial services.

: Advocate for unified standards in voice authentication to improve security in telecommunications and financial services. AI/Cloud Regulatory Safe Spaces (Sandboxes 2.0) : Establish innovative federal regulatory spaces to foster safe AI experimentation within the financial sector.

: Establish innovative federal regulatory spaces to foster safe AI experimentation within the financial sector. Authentication/Deepfake Summit: Convene a summit bringing together stakeholders to address voice fraud and deepfake attacks, fostering collaboration and innovation to enhance security.

As AI-generated scam calls and deepfakes become more prevalent, anti-fraud, authentication, and deepfake detection technologies will become ever more important. Pindrop welcomes the Administration's focus on promoting innovation and looks forward to collaborating with federal partners to deploy early deepfake detection capabilities to protect U.S. consumers and businesses.

About Pindrop

Pindrop enables enterprises to protect sensitive information, secure transactions, and prevent fraud through cutting-edge voice authentication and deepfake detection technologies. Its solutions provide seamless and secure experiences across various platforms, identifying and mitigating threats in real time. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and leading global institutions, Pindrop is at the forefront of securing voice interactions in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

For more information, visit pindrop.com .

SOURCE Pindrop
DALLAS, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PRIME FiBER, a commercial open-access fiber infrastructure company, has signed agreements with AT&T for the provision of wholesale fiber access services in the Sun City area of Maricopa County and the City of Peoria, Arizona.

PRIME FiBER was established in late 2023 and operates as the wholesale open-access arm of NOVOS FiBER, a retail fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) company serving residents and small businesses. The business is backed by InLight Capital, a private investment firm based in Sugar Land, Texas.

The news follows a public announcement by PRIME FiBER and AT&T in 2024 confirming a similar agreement in Naples, Bonita Springs, Golden Gate and San Carlos Park, Florida.

Andrew Snead, CEO of PRIME FiBER, shared his excitement about the expansion: "We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with AT&T by extending our reach into 2 new markets in the greater Phoenix area. Our Florida build is progressing well and adding Sun City and Peoria to our footprint marks another milestone in our mission to expand high-quality fiber infrastructure. We look forward to bringing our services to even more communities in the near future."

Erin Scarborough, Senior Vice President of Consumer Product at AT&T added, "We remain highly committed to our converged growth strategy driven by expanding our leading fiber footprint and building on the positive momentum with PRIME FiBER in Florida. We're excited about this expansion in the great state of Arizona, and we will continue to work with service providers such as PRIME FiBER to accelerate our efforts to provide leading converged services to more homes."

For more information on partnership opportunities, please visit www.primefiberco.com .

About PRIME FiBER

PRIME FiBER is an open-access fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure provider serving ISPs (Internet Service Providers), infrastructure consolidators and enterprises across the US. PRIME FiBER is funded by InLight Capital, a private investment firm based in Sugar Land, Texas.

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

About InLight Capital

InLight Capital, LLC ("InLight") is a private investment firm based in Sugar Land, Texas. InLight's permanent capital base allows us to pursue an objective of long duration and compounded capital growth. InLight maintains flexibility and discretion of the amount, duration and objectives of its invested capital, allowing for efficient decision making and strategic alignment with all stakeholders. InLight invests across two primary verticals: private investments and real estate.

Media Contact: Brittany Alia, [email protected]

SOURCE PRIME FiBER
TAMPA, Fla. and STAMFORD, Conn., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) ("Primo Brands" or the "Company"), today announced that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of US$0.10 per share on common shares, payable in cash on June 17, 2025, to shareowners of record at the close of business on June 6, 2025.

About Primo Brands Corporation

Primo Brands is a leading North American branded beverage company focused on healthy hydration, delivering responsibly sourced diversified offerings across products, formats, channels, price points, and consumer occasions, distributed in every U.S. state and Canada.

Primo Brands has a comprehensive portfolio of highly recognizable and conveniently packaged branded water and beverages that reach consumers whenever, wherever, and however they hydrate through distribution across retail outlets, away from home such as hotels and hospitals, and food service accounts, as well as direct delivery to homes and businesses. These brands include established "billion-dollar brands" Poland Spring and Pure Life, premium brands like Saratoga and Mountain Valley, regional leaders such as Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, and Zephyrhills, purified brands including Primo Water and Sparkletts, and flavored and enhanced brands like Splash Refresher and AC+ION. Primo Brands also has an industry-leading line-up of innovative water dispensers, which create consumer connectivity through recurring water purchases.

Primo Brands operates a vertically integrated coast-to-coast network that distributes its brands to more than 200,000 retail outlets, as well as directly reaching consumers through its Direct Delivery, Exchange and Refill offerings. Through Direct Delivery, Primo Brands delivers responsibly sourced hydration solutions direct to home and business customers. Through its Exchange business, consumers can visit approximately 26,500 retail locations and purchase a pre-filled, multi-use bottle of water that can be exchanged after use for a discount on the next purchase. Through its Refill business, consumers have the option to refill empty multi-use bottles at approximately 23,500 self-service refill stations. Primo Brands also offers water filtration units for home and business customers across North America.

Primo Brands is a leader in reusable beverage packaging, helping to reduce waste through its multi-serve bottles and innovative brand packaging portfolio, which includes recycled plastic, aluminum, and glass. Primo Brands has a portfolio of over 90 springs and actively manages water resources to help assure a steady supply of quality, safe drinking water today and in the future. Primo Brands also helps conserve over 28,000 acres of land across the U.S. and Canada. Primo Brands is proud to partner with the International Bottled Water Association ("IBWA") in North America, which supports strict adherence to safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory standards for the benefit of consumer protection. Primo Brands is committed to supporting the communities it serves, investing in local and national programs and delivering hydration solutions following natural disasters and other local community challenges.

Primo Brands employs more than 13,000 associates with dual headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and Stamford, Connecticut.

For more information, please visit www.primobrands.com.

SOURCE Primo Brands Corporation.
TORONTO, PALO ALTO, Calif. and EDMONTON, AB, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Raiven Capital, the cross-border venture firm known for its AI and IoT investments, announces the launch of Raiven Climatech, a $100M USD fund targeting high-growth startups building digital infrastructure to solve global sustainability and climate challenges.

Raiven Capital Logo (CNW Group/Raiven Capital) FLFN Logo (CNW Group/Raiven Capital)

Raiven Climatech builds on its successful early-stage investment record merging deeptech with market-ready applications. The fund focuses on scalable, intelligent systemsleveraging AI and IoT to enable real-time decision-making, resource optimization, and emissions reduction across many sectors - energy, manufacturing, mobility, and agriculture.

"The next generation of climate solutions will come from connected, data-driven platforms," said Paul Dugsin, General Partner and Co-Founder of Raiven Capital. "We're looking for founders building mission-critical systems with global potentialand we bring more than capital. Our global network and deep operational experience help accelerate scale."

A key differentiator of Raiven Climatech is its anchor investor: Frog Lake First Nation (FLFN). This landmark partnership mobilizes First Nation capital in the VC space, aligning a shared vision of building commercially successful, future-focused businesses that deliver environmental and economic outcomes.

"We see venture capital as a tool to shape a future that aligns with our values," said Cliffton Cross, FLFN representative. "Raiven uniquely understands that profitability and impact are not at oddsand empowers us to back technologies that are both investable and transformational."

Raiven's Climatech Fund serves as a platform to commercialize Indigenous-led innovation, blending traditional knowledge systems such as "two-eyed seeing" with frontier technologies to develop practical, market-driven solutions in digital infrastructure and clean energy innovation.

"Frog Lake First Nation approached us as they saw the results from our first tech fundand wanted to co-create a more ambitious future," said Supreet Manchanda, General Partner at Raiven. "This partnership focuses on mobilizing capital, uncovering undervalued ideas, knowledge-transfer while delivering outsized returns."

Raiven's approach to climate innovation is a fundamental re-platforming of global industry. The most valuable companies of the next decade will be those that turn AI and IoT powered sustainability into defensible, high-margin business models.

About Frog Lake First Nation

Frog Lake First Nation invests in transformative innovation that blends Indigenous values with cutting-edge technology. By investing in innovation FLFN sees a path to clean energy and sustainability. According to the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) initiative, 200+ Indigenous-led clean energy projects are operational or under development across Canada. FLFN is among the first Indigenous organizations in North America to anchor a venture capital fund focused on climate tech and digital transformation.

About Raiven Capital

Raiven Capital is a global VC, investing at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and operational transformation. With hubs in Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Dubai, Raiven has delivered multiple successful exits since 2020. Its portfolio spans deeptech and digital platform companies driving systemic change. Learn more at raivencapital.com or follow Dry Powder, Raiven's thought leadership platform.

SOURCE Raiven Capital
GUANGZHOU, China, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the fast-paced rhythm of modern urban life, a home has evolved beyond being merely a place to rest, it has become a sanctuary for emotional recharge. While smart technologies continue to redefine convenience and efficiency in household living, another facet of quality home life is quietly gaining momentum: the emotional resonance of nature and simplicity. This alternative vision comes to life at Phase 2 of the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), offering a refreshing interpretation of lifestyle aesthetics grounded in nature.

The Warmth of Wood: Where History Meets the Modern Home

The booth of Shanghai Dandou Home Furnishing Co., Ltd. exudes the rich texture and warmth of aged timber. Specializing in home furniture and decoration, Dandou embraces a philosophy of revitalizing recycled wood, utilizing wood salvaged from historic European and Chinese structures to produce handcrafted and vintage-style furniture.

"The texture on the furniture exhibited here isn't artificial aging. It's naturally aged," explained Shirley Wu, a representative of Dandou. Each piece bears the imprint of decades of exposure to the elements, creating a narrative in every grain. Committed to sustainability, Dandou creatively repurposes off-cuts and scrap pieces into decorative items, extending the material's lifecycle and embodying a zero-waste philosophy.

Studies have shown that wood surfaces can reduce stress and contribute to a calming environment. Dandou's seamless integration of these elements into furniture design brings nature indoors, enhancing everyday spaces with quiet elegance and emotional warmth.

Simplicity and Lightness: A Natural Philosophy in Ceramics

This emotional affinity for nature extends into everyday rituals, such as choosing a bowl or cup. Chaozhou Yongxuan Domestic Ceramics Manufactory Co., Ltd. captures this sentiment with a collection that responds to growing consumer interest in tactile, minimalist aesthetics.

"The concept of the collection is 'returning to nature,'" said Vanessa Xu, the Sales Director of Yongxuan. The design leans toward simplicity but is adapted for modern functionality. Departing from the traditional perception of handmade ceramics as heavy and bulky, Yongxuan applies refined techniques to achieve thinner, lighter forms while preserving artisanal character.

Displayed items, such as cups, plates, bowls, and spoons, feature earthy glazes and textures that suggest a direct link to clay and soil, evoking a sense of grounded beauty. These pieces offer more than utility; they elevate the dining experience into a sensory moment of calm and mindful intention.

A Return to Emotional Value in Home Living

Whether through the storied grains of recycled wood or the grounded textures of handmade ceramics, these products on display at Phase 2 of the 137th Canton Fair reflect a new dimension of quality home life, where nature, emotion, and design converge. In an era of rapidly advancing technology, a home is no longer just a place to keep furniture, it is a space for memory, comfort, and self-expression, while these thoughtful, tactile creations invite a slower, more mindful way of living.

SOURCE Canton Fair
A Premium 100% Agave Tequila Honoring Mexican Traditions, Western Heritage, and Conservation Efforts

HOUSTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, a bold new tequila with deep roots is making its Texas debut. Rio Agave Blanco Tequila, an all-natural, additive-free spirit crafted from 100% handpicked blue agave, will officially launch in Houston on Cinco de Mayo.

Founded by John Giannukos, Rio Agave Blanco Tequila is a tribute to the time-honored traditions of Mexico and the spirit of the American Westwhere heritage, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land come together in every bottle.

Rio Agave Blanco Tequila

"Rio Agave Blanco is about more than premium tequilait's about preserving a way of life," said Giannukos. "We're proud to bring this spirit to Texas, a place that truly values authenticity, craftsmanship, and honoring the past."

Crafted with Purpose, Built on Heritage

Produced using traditional methods at a family-owned distillery with over seven decades of expertise, Rio Agave Blanco Tequila is distilled exclusively from 100% blue agaveharvested by hand at peak maturity. Free from additives, flavorings, or artificial enhancements, it offers a clean, complex taste with smooth character and remarkable depth. Designed for sipping, savoring, and celebrating, Rio Agave captures the soul of Jalisco and the enduring spirit of the West.

Giving Back to Protect What Matters

In keeping with its commitment to honor both land and legacy, Rio Agave Blanco Tequila is proud to support conservation efforts throughout the Texas Hill Country River Region. A portion of proceeds from every bottle sold will go toward organizations dedicated to preserving Texas rivers and natural resources for generations to come.

The Spirit of Agave, Bottled

From its sleek design to its bold, refreshing flavor, Rio Agave is rooted in heritage and crafted for today's modern drinker. With its launch in Houston, the brand embarks on a mission to share an authentic, all-natural tequila experienceone that celebrates culture, craftsmanship, and the natural beauty that connects us all.

"This is the beginning of something truly special," said Giannukos. "We're proud to raise a glass not just to where we come from, but to where we're headedand to protecting the places that inspire us along the way."

About Rio Agave Blanco Tequila Founded by John Giannukos, Rio Agave Blanco Tequila is an all-natural, additive-free spirit made from 100% handpicked blue agave, distilled at a historic family-owned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. Every bottle reflects a deep respect for tradition, a passion for craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving both cultural and natural heritage. Now proudly available in Houston, Texas.

Contact: John Giannukos

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rioagave.com

SOURCE Texas Brands LLC
HONOLULU, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Romer House Waikiki adds the final touch to its neighborhood island clubhouse experience with the arrival of The Lei Stand - Honolulu's treasured cocktail bar - now taking residence at the island's only grown-up getaway. Launching just in time for Hawai'i's annual 'May Day is Lei Day' celebration on May 1, the opening of The Lei Stand Waikiki celebrates the tradition of lei  a timeless symbol of love, honor, and aloha.

THE LEI STAND WAIKIKI  Courtesy of Romer Neighborhood Hotels. Photographer: Brooke Fitts THE BACKYARD - Courtesy of Romer Neighborhood Hotels. THE LEI STAND WAIKIKI  Courtesy of Romer Neighborhood Hotels. Photographer: Brooke Fitts

Following its debut in June 2024, Romer House Waikiki quickly established itself as an adults-only getaway where local character, mid-century boutique charm, and island flavor blend effortlessly in the spirit of Waikiki's ideal retreat. Every neighborhood has a spot where visitors and locals naturally rub shoulders, and in the heart of Hawai'i's most energetic district, Romer House is just that. Now, this intimate oasis is fully realized with the arrival of The Lei Stand Waikiki, reimagining the role a hotel bar can play in the local scene and rounding out a trio of unique, adults-only spaces to gather, eat, and drink together to the rhythm and soul of modern island style  all infused with the unmistakable alchemy of aloha.

Created by friends, for friends, The Lei Stand was founded in 2022 by Hawaiian natives, Emmy award- winning producer Ryan Kalei Tsuji and former Universal Music Group brand strategist Tara Kanani Shimooka. The lounge's move from its original Chinatown location, brings beloved favorites to fresh new digs in the heart of Waikiki. Here, The Lei Stand expands its legacy with Romer House to renew its commitment to building community and celebrating culture.

"With an emphasis on highlighting local neighborhoods and paying homage to Hawai'i's beloved customs, the reopening of The Lei Stand at O'ahu's first-ever adults-only hotel is the perfect alignment of both brands. We couldn't be more excited to invite our friends and visitors to 'Get Lei'd in Waikiki." shares co-founder Tara Kanani Shimooka. "The Lei Stand is more than just a bar; it's a celebration of Hawai'i's rich traditions and vibrant future. While our story will always be connected to Chinatown, we're excited to embark on this next phase with the amazing team at Romer House Waikiki." adds co-founder, Ryan Kalei Tsuji.

Now the heart of the Romer House experience, the reimagined bar pays tribute to Chinatown's iconic lei shops with an arched doorway entry that invites guests into a world of glowing tropical foliage and neon installations. Patrons can hang out at the bar, or in cozy lounge seating, all with an intimate, afterhours island vibe.

With familiar faces behind the bar also offering fresh leis from local artisans, sold right from the bar with love - guests are welcomed with the same warmth and character that made the original so special. The summer will see the magic of those unforgettable Lei Stand nightslive sets, lei-making, and spontaneous singalongs all live on, reimagined for a new chapter. And because some traditions are too good to change, The Lei Stand Waikiki will continue to serve the best lei in town.

Open to walk-ins, with reservations encouraged, Romer House's Waikiki's hotel guests will gain priority access to the buzzy bar each evening.

Drinks are celebrated by Blooms (cocktails), Bark (beer and a shot), Hop Vine (brews) and Grape Vine (wine), alongside a selection of 855-ALOHA favorite pupus (appetizers). Legacy Lei Stand cocktails with playful backstories include Soup Soup  a coconut clarified mix of high-quality blanco tequila flowered with pineapple, falernum and absinthe  and Clifton's Curse, an ode to the owner's father, and a funky play off of the tiki cocktail methodology with locally made rum, house-made orgeat, balanced with amaro, cognac and sherry. The pupus menu will offer a local twist on a house made Chex Mix house famous edamame hummus, with taro chips & crack dip.

"We are honored to be a part of The Lei Stand's story, as we welcome a neighborhood favorite bar to Romer House Waikiki. Expanding the guest experience with local authenticity, the two brands have the same culturally conscious values, and share a commitment to Hawaiian traditions and joyous celebrations." says Romer Houses' Mayor of the Block, Ramona Sidlo.

For those craving a taste of nostalgia, 855-ALOHA , the Romer House indoor-outdoor restaurant  dials up iconic local flavors with the vibe on speed dial. An homage to Hawai'i's history and the humble Kelepona (telephone), the space nods to the past with murals by local artist Solario flanking the windows in tribute to Hawai'i's iconic blue phone booths. Above, lush greenery and abstract Japanese watercolor elements evoke naturea cornerstone of both Hawaiian and Japanese cultureblending seamlessly with the culinary concept.

Serving up a fresh take on island "local-food"a mashup of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and European influences855-ALOHA pays tribute to Hawai'i's rich cultural melting pot. Throwback favorites from nostalgic local eaterieslike braised pork belly, marinated butterfish, and grilled chicken teriyakiare reimagined with playful precision and casual soul, alongside funky cocktails and fascinating conversation. Launching its new menu concept in early June, 855-ALOHA reminds patrons that connection is the main coursewhere playful service, vintage vibes, and a retro phone or two bring guests into the conversation, one ring at a timeanalog style.

Tucked behind a gallery of carved masks, The Backyard is a secret hideaway. Set among native palms and tropical plantings, this lush retreat with a heated wading pool, daybed cabanas, and shaded loungers is made for lingering.

Local artist Cory Kamehanaokala's sweeping fishpond mural sets the tone, while a tropical bar serves up crisp salads, island-style poke bowls, fun takes on canned sake and cocktails, a lineup of local brews, and a chic build-your-own, spirit-free spritz bar.

With three unique spaces to drink, dine, play, and unwind, Romer House Waikiki brings home the neighborhood clubhouse experience with overnight stays that come with all the good stuff : savings on dining and drinks throughout your stay, cruiser bikes, beach gear, discounted cabanas, and complimentary programming ranging from floating sound baths to sunset hula classes plus Romer's exclusive Key to the Neighborhood perks giving guests easy access to a slice of island living. Just a short stroll off lively Kuhio Avenue and steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach and the International Market Place, Romer House Waikiki is the ultimate Hawai'i getaway... refreshingly kid-free. Room rates start from $209 per night (excluding tax/fees).

Romer House Waikiki

ADDRESS 415 Nahua St, Honolulu, HI 96815 PHONE +1 808.922.1616 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE RomerHouseWaikiki.com PARKING Complimentary Valet with validation up to 3-hours

The Lei Stand Waikiki  opening May 1, 2025 (Lei Day)|

PHONE 1 808.795.8012 HOURS 5pm to Midnight (Sunday  Thursday) 5pm to 2am (Friday  Saturday) RESERVATIONS The Lei Stand Waikiki

855-ALOHA  New menu concept launching early June, 2025

PHONE +1 808.795.8013 HOURS Breakfast: 7am to 11am, daily Dinner: 5pm to 10pm, daily RESERVATIONS 855-ALOHA

The Backyard  New menu concept launching early June, 2025

HOURS Bar & Dining: 11am to 7pm, daily

Pool Hours: 8am to 10pm, daily RESERVATIONS Cabana Rentals

ABOUT THE LEI STAND

Established in 2022 in Downtown Honolulu, The Lei Stand celebrates Hawai'i's beauty and its traditions, translated through drink, folk & flowers. Lei and joyous celebrations go hand-in-hand in Hawai'i, and The Lei Stand provides visitors and locals with a refreshing take on crafted cocktails set in a modern tropical oasis. With its relocation to Oahu's first-ever adults only hotel in May 2025, The Lei Stand Waikiki remains the best lei in town.

GetLeid.co / @TheLeiStand / The Lei Stand Waikiki

ABOUT ROMER HOUSE WAIKIKI

Romer House Waikiki is the island's only adults-only hotel, where local character and boutique charm weave into the ultimate ideal island clubhouse. Just off lively Kuhio Avenue and steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach and International Market Place, Romer House is a grown-up getaway in the heart of Hawai'i's most energetic neighborhood. Each of the 179 chic rooms celebrates Waikiki Mid-Century Modern design, many inviting an easy breeze to wide private lanaisthe Hawaiian term for balcony. Days begin with poolside wellness sessions at The Backyard, a tropical outdoor lounge serving all day bites and drinks in a lush, kid-free oasis. Easy social energy flows through the lobby, where locals and visitors mingle over casual cuisine and craft cocktails. A callback to O'ahu's old school, 855-ALOHA serves up iconic local dishes with vibe on speed dial. Sundown turns up the heat at The Lei Stand Waikiki, a tropical neighborhood cocktail bar celebrating Hawai'i's traditions with playful modern mixology and always-on aloha spirit.

Overnight stays come with all the good stuff : savings on dining and drinks, cruiser bikes, beach gear, discounted cabanas, and complimentary programming ranging from floating sound baths to sunset hula classes. Romer's exclusive Key to the Neighborhood perks offer insider access to the best of the island, making it easy to experience a true slice of local liferefreshingly, kid-free.

RomerHouseWaikiki.com / @RomerHouseWaikiki

ABOUT ROMER NEIGHBORHOOD HOTELS

Romer is a locally conscious collection of hotels built to expand your travel plans, not become them. Each of the neighborhood hotels is shaped by the characters and culture, corner stores, and coffee shops that make it unique. Designed just as much for neighbors as for guests, every Romer comes with an automatic "in" at local favorite places. So, check-in, then get out there. Romer is here when you return. While each hotel shares the same DNA, they're distinctly their ownwith separate designs, neighborhood programming, and local partnerships that reflect their surroundings.

RomerHotels.com / @RomerHotels

MEDIA CONTACTS

PURPLE

[email protected]

HIGHGATE HAWAI'I

Erika Kauffman

Regional Director of Communications, Highgate Hawai'i

[email protected]

SOURCE Romer House Waikiki
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced that the Department of Energy awarded the company for its leadership in implementing energy efficiency measures in its operations.

Schneider Electric manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska

Thousands of attendees converged on Washington, D.C., this week for the annual Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit to explore merging technologies and innovative strategies in energy efficiency, water, and waste reduction. During the event, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded Schneider Electric with two distinctions  the Better Project Recognition for its Lincoln, Nebraska, HVAC Electrification Project and the Better Practice Recognition for its Building Automation System Playbook.

Better Project: Lincoln HVAC Electrification Project



The Better Project Recognition acknowledged partners for outstanding accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and waste projects at individual facilities, and Schneider Electric secured the award for the modernization of its Lincoln, Nebraska, factory. The facility is a large manufacturing plant that's been operational for over 50 years. To modernize and streamline its operations, Schneider Electric developed an HVAC electrification project to help the Lincoln Plant recover and process wasted heat. By deploying innovative technology to capture the wasted heat produced and loop it back into the facility, the plant is improving energy efficiency and the sustainability of its operations.

Better Practice: Building Automation System Playbook



The Better Practice Recognition was presented to partners for innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in implementing and promoting practices, principles, and procedures of energy management. Schneider Electric was recognized for its Building Automation System Playbook. Schneider Electric leverages its own technology solutions to drive greater electrification, efficiency, and sustainability. To further bolster its domestic supply chain capabilities in the U.S., Schneider Electric launched a program to standardize its Building Management Systems across North America. This standardization has allowed for more seamless communication across facilities and partner businesses, improved integration of analytics, and a simplified deployment process to maximize energy efficiency across its operations.

New NEMA Make It American TM Certification Program



The awards presented by the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings initiative also came on the heels of Schneider Electric becoming one of the first in the United States to be awarded a Make it American Process Certification and Build America, Buy America (BABA) certification  for its facility in Fairfield, Ohio  as part of NEMA's Make it American TM Program. These distinctions, coupled with the company's recently announced planned $700 million investment in its U.S. operations, underscore its commitment to U.S. manufacturing amid rising regional demand for data centers, utilities, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure segments.

Schneider Electric was recently ranked as one of Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2025, and the company is proud to be recognized as a 2025 Gold Military Friendly employer. In 2024, TIME magazine ranked Schneider Electric as the world's most sustainable company. Schneider Electric was also named the World's Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights, and it is the only company to rank first in the Global 100 twice.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider's purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders.

www.se.com

Discover Life Is On

Follow us on:

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

SOURCE Schneider Electric
Milestone underscores SentiLink's commitment to robust security in serving the public sector's efforts to prevent waste, fraud and abuse

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SentiLink, the leading provider of innovative identity verification and fraud detection solutions, today announced it has achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Ready status. This designation, granted by the FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO), validates that SentiLink's systems meet the stringent federal security requirements necessary for services used by U.S. government agencies.

FedRAMP Ready status represents a key step toward full FedRAMP Authorization, reflecting SentiLink's commitment to serving public sector organizations with secure, reliable solutions. As identity fraud grows increasingly complex, digital modernization can open additional vectors for waste and abuse. Agencies need partners with deep identity expertise to deliver tools that protect taxpayer resources and program integrity.

Proven Identity and Fraud Expertise, Now Available to the Public Sector

SentiLink empowers government organizations to detect identity theft and synthetic identities at the point of application. As fraudsters persistently target government benefit programs, SentiLink's solutions enable timely and accurate decisions about constituents' identities when they interact with online services.

By achieving FedRAMP Ready status, SentiLink is positioned to extend its proven capabilities to federal, state, and local agencies seeking to modernize their identity infrastructure and reduce fraud. The company is listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace as a Ready vendor for agencies seeking innovative, pre-vetted cloud solutions.

About SentiLink

SentiLink , the leading provider of innovative identity verification and fraud prevention solutions, empowers organizations to accurately identify customers and detect synthetic fraud and identity theft. Its solutions leverage a deep understanding of identity and risk, informed by machine learning models and insights from a team of the industry's best risk analysts. SentiLink's solutions perform more than 3 million identity verifications per day, detecting 60,000 cases of identity fraud.

SentiLink proudly serves:

10 of the 15 largest U.S. banks

5 of the top 10 credit unions

3 of the top 5 telecoms

Hundreds of fintechs, lenders and government organizations

Headquartered in San Francisco, the company was founded in 2017 by Naftali Harris and Max Blumenfeld and has raised $85M to date from investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Craft Ventures, and NYCA Partners, among others.

Media Contact:

Jason Kratovil

SentiLink

[email protected]

SOURCE SentiLink
MUSCAT, Oman, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reinforcing its commitment to unlocking the full potential of Oman's natural resources, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dev Salt to launch the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout - set to become the largest industrial salt production initiative in the region.

Shareholders Agreement to Develop Naqa Salt the Regions Largest Industrial Salt Production Project

Strategically located in Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate - within MDO's 51K concession area along the Arabian Seathe project capitalizes on ideal conditions for solar evaporation. Its proximity to Duqm Port further strengthens its export competitiveness to key global markets, particularly those relying on inputs such as bromine, caustic soda, and soda ash. The project will utilize sustainable, solar-powered evaporation technology to produce high-purity bromine-rich industrial salt.

Eng. Mattar Al Badi, CEO of MDO, added: "Naqa Salt represents a significant step for Oman's mining sector, establishing the region's largest facility for high-grade industrial salt production. Leveraging Mahout's unique natural sabkha formations, the project embodies a forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach to resource development. It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and long-term economic and environmental impact.

"With a planned investment of OMR 13.4 million, the project aims to produce 2 million tonnes of industrial salt annually. The evaporation ponds will span approximately 109 square kilometers, yielding salt with up to 99% purityideal for vital sectors such as chemicals, oil and gas, logistics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The project is targeting diversified international markets including India, Africa, Europe, and Asia."

Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, commented: "We are honored to partner with MDO on this ambitious and strategically important project. Building on Dev Salt's expertise in delivering large-scale salt ventures across India and global markets, we are confident in the project's ability to meet growing demand while supporting industrial resilience and supply chain security in this key sector."

With global demand for industrial salt expected to exceed 372 million tonnes by 2027, the Naqa Salt Project positions Oman as a future-leading producer in the region. Beyond its industrial contributions, the project offers environmental valueits evaporation ponds will create habitats that attract migratory birds and marine life, laying the groundwork for potential eco-tourism development.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2678012/MDO_Shareholders_Agreement.jpg

SOURCE Minerals Development Oman (MDO)
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel-Barrot on Thursday, at which, in particular, they discussed ensuring just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

"A strong America demands peace, not endless war. Met with Foreign Minister Barrot to advance the U.S. President's of ending the bloodshed in Ukraine and securing a just and lasting peace," he said on the X social network.

Rubio said the parties agreed that Europe should invest more in its own defense, and the U.S. industry should not remain on the sidelines of the process of rearmament of Europe.
The invite-only, one-day event brought together SHEIN Marketplace sellers and partners for expert insights, hands-on learning, and a celebration of seller success.

LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 30, the SHEIN U.S. Marketplace team hosted its inaugural seller community event at SHEIN's Los Angeles office. The event brought together members of the SHEIN seller community as well as key solution provider partner sponsors, creating an exciting environment for networking, learning, and collaboration.

Throughout the event, sellers gained valuable insights into expanding their reach through SHEIN Marketplace's unique platform benefits, including zero monthly fees, easy onboarding, low referral fees, API integration, and zero-cost advertising opportunities.

"Bringing together our vibrant community of sellers and partners for this intimate in-person event marks an exciting milestone in our SHEIN Marketplace growth journey," said George Chang, general manager and head of SHEIN Marketplace U.S. "Elevate reflects our continued commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and offering an incredible shopping experience for our customers. We're inspired by the energy and turnout at the event, and the momentum it creates for the future."

SHEIN also announced an integration with ShipBob, a leading global supply chain and fulfillment platform that enables sellers to scale operations by leveraging ShipBob's extensive fulfillment network across the U.S., ensuring fast, reliable delivery to customers. ShipBob customers can now expand their reach by seamlessly connecting to SHEIN Marketplace, syncing products, orders, and shipment tracking.

"Channel diversification is key to unlocking new growth opportunities," said, Dhruv Saxena, CEO and co-founder of ShipBob. "With the ShipBob integration, SHEIN Marketplace sellers can now streamline their operations, manage orders seamlessly, and deliver exceptional service to customers across the globe."

The evening culminated with the SHEIN Seller Awards, celebrating sellers for their innovation and performance across various categories. The awards recognized valued seller partners who have demonstrated exceptional growth, creativity, and commitment to prioritizing customer experience. This year's winners included Seller of the Year, Monster Digital, a leader in the direct to garment print space.

"Joining SHEIN Marketplace has been a game-changer for our business," said Jon Halvorson, vice president of partnerships at Monster Digital. "We've experienced significant growth by staying responsive to customer feedback, quickly adapting to emerging trends, and making full use of the robust tools and guidance provided by SHEIN's Seller Support team. The platform has not only helped us boost sales but also given us valuable insights into Gen Z shopping behavior and evolving fashion trends."

Elevate was sponsored by several of SHEIN's authorized third-party solution partners, including Flexport, Gierd, SellerCloud, Acenda, Aftership, Base, Canal, CedCommerce, Feedonomics, Linnworks, and ShipBob. These partners offer a broad range of servicesfrom multi-channel listings management to full-service inventory and fulfillment solutionsempowering sellers with the tools they need to grow and scale successfully on SHEIN Marketplace.

Looking ahead, SHEIN Marketplace is committed to continuing to provide sellers with the tools, resources, and support needed to set them up for success. SHEIN Marketplace is also currently looking to onboard new sellers to meet the demands of SHEIN's growing customer base; more information for prospective sellers can be found here.

Learn more about SHEIN Marketplace in the U.S. at https://marketplace.shein.com.

About SHEIN

SHEIN is a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer offering SHEIN-branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors, all at affordable prices. Headquartered in Singapore, SHEIN is committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, promoting its industry-leading, on-demand production methodology for a smarter, future-ready industry. To learn more about SHEIN, visit www.sheingroup.com.

About ShipBob

ShipBob is a leading global supply chain and fulfillment technology platform designed for SMB and mid-market ecommerce merchants. ShipBob's technology offers a unified view of business operations, enabling merchants to manage products, inventory, orders, and shipments across multiple sales channels. With 60+ fulfillment centers worldwide, ShipBob helps businesses scale their operations and improve delivery speed. For more information, visit www.shipbob.com.

SOURCE SHEIN
Sekwl Sets Out to Redefine Refreshment with Flavor, Function, and Organic Ingredients that

Include Zero B.S.

DENVER, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Say hello to Sekwl Beverage House, a new kind of brand shaking up the beverage industry with drinks that blend flavor and function and that taste as good as they make you feel. Today, Sekwl's adaptogenic sparkling waters launch and aim to stand out in the sparkling water, functional, and non-alcoholic beverage industries.

"We are obsessed with the power of functional mushrooms," said Matthew Eaton, Founder & Chief Beverage Officer at Sekwl Beverage House. "We're starting this brand with craveable flavors crafted in-house, just flavor with function, no weird chemicals, no fillers, and no B.S."

As the industry of functional beverages and prebiotic sodas expands by the week, Sekwl Beverage House enters the market with a bold vision: to redefine refreshment through plant and fungi-based ingredients that promote balance, focus, and recovery.

"The world doesn't need another sugary soda or pseudo-health drink," said Eaton. "We created Sekwl with a clear mission: to craft drinks that not only taste amazing but actually do something for you. With functional mushrooms, organic botanicals, and real benefits in every sip, Sekwl is hydration, reimagined."

With six flavors, all crafted and made in-house with organic ingredients, Sekwl represents a new approach to rethinking how products are made, how companies are structured, and how sustainability and storytelling can be seamlessly integrated into every sip.

Founded by beverage lover and flavor innovator Matthew Eaton, Sekwl Beverage House is proudly LGBTQ+-led and passionately people-first. Eaton, his husband, Ryan Kelley, and best friends John Walls and Shannon Eurich have created a brand crafted with intention, blending functional mushrooms, organic botanicals, and bold flavors to create beverages that support mind, body, and soul.

"Sekwl isn't just about great taste. It's about how you feel after your first sip," said Eaton. "We saw a chance to create something new for the wellness aisle: a functional mushroom-powered sparkling water that supports energy, relaxation, and clarity without tasting like a supplement. This is a new way to enjoy hydration, and we can't wait for people to try Sekwl."

Six Signature Flavors, Six Functional Benefits

Sekwl launches with six bold and refreshing flavors, each infused with a unique blend of functional mushrooms, organic botanicals, and adaptogens that help you reset, refocus, or recharge, depending on what your day calls for:

Hibiscus  Bright and balanced with hibiscus, raspberry, and Lion's Mane mushroom extract. Supports heart, respiratory, and nerve health. Blended with 1000mg Lion's Mane, the "Brain Mushroom."

 Bright and balanced with hibiscus, raspberry, and Lion's Mane mushroom extract. Supports heart, respiratory, and nerve health. Blended with 1000mg Lion's Mane, the "Brain Mushroom." Grapefruit  Not your average grapefruit. A zesty blend with cordyceps, cardamom, cinnamon, and licorice that may support immune and heart health. Blended with 1000mg Cordyceps, the "Performance Mushroom."

 Not your average grapefruit. A zesty blend with cordyceps, cardamom, cinnamon, and licorice that may support immune and heart health. Blended with 1000mg Cordyceps, the "Performance Mushroom." Lemon Ginger  A classic combo elevated with Turkey Tail for digestive health and gut balance. Blended with 1000mg Turkey Tail, the "Immunity Mushroom."

 A classic combo elevated with Turkey Tail for digestive health and gut balance. Blended with 1000mg Turkey Tail, the "Immunity Mushroom." Chamomile  Relax and reset with calming chamomile, lime, and Reishi. Designed to help your body de-stress and restore. Blended with 1000mg Reishi, the "Immortality Mushroom."

 Relax and reset with calming chamomile, lime, and Reishi. Designed to help your body de-stress and restore. Blended with 1000mg Reishi, the "Immortality Mushroom." Blue Spruce  Fresh, crisp, and invigorated with palo santo, mullein, and schisandra. Great for respiratory support and mental clarity. Blended with 1000mg Turkey Tail, the "Immunity Mushroom."

 Fresh, crisp, and invigorated with palo santo, mullein, and schisandra. Great for respiratory support and mental clarity. Blended with 1000mg Turkey Tail, the "Immunity Mushroom." Cacao  Unwind with this rich, earthy blend of cacao, Reishi, Chaga, and holy basil. Calms the nervous system and supports stress resilience. Blended with 500mg Reishi, the "Immortality Mushroom," and 500mg Chaga, the "King of the Mushrooms."

Available Now Online

Sekwl adaptogenic sparkling waters are now available at www.drinksekwl.com, priced at $4 per can. 12-packs are $48, and 24-packs are $96 (plus tax and shipping).

"Every can delivers flavor with real benefits," said Eaton. "You won't find any chemically made flavorings here. Our flavors come from the goodness of the botanicals we use. We want every sip to feel clean, vibrant, and real."

To celebrate the launch, first-time buyers get 10% off their first order and free shipping throughout the month of May. Subscriptions are also available and receive 5% off every order. Sekwl Beverage House has plans to expand into retail locations nationwide later this year.

"The beverage market has fierce competition, and functional beverages are really gaining momentum," said John Walls, Chief Storyteller and Head of Marketing & Communications. "We made something new, thoughtful, and built from the ground up. We are excited to launch a functional mushroom-based beverage that isn't coffee, an energy drink, or a powder. We hope people will love it as much as we do, not just because it's good for you, but because it's that good."

A Commitment to Quality & Sustainability

In late 2024, Sekwl Beverage House acquired its production facility in Arvada, CO. This allowed the team to produce, test, and package all beverages on-site. They also ensured that the team could create Sekwl the way they wanted to, with total quality control and a focus on reducing the environmental footprint. This oversight allows the team to initially innovate and iterate quickly, remaining true to their vision.

"Our in-house model isn't just about focusing on quality," said Eaton. "It's about staying true to our ingredients, our values, and our vision while reducing our environmental footprint and staying nimble enough to keep innovating."

This commitment to in-house production ensures quality control, ingredient integrity, and sustainable sourcing as Sekwl works toward obtaining USDA Organic certification.

"We're not just building a beverage company. We're modeling what the next generation of consumer brands can look like."

A Brand Rooted in Community

Sekwl also knows that doing good goes beyond what's in the can. As a proud member of Colorado Proud, we celebrate and support local agriculture and producers who share our commitment to sustainability and transparency. Through our partnership with the Arvada Economic Development Association, we're investing in our local community, helping to create jobs and fuel innovation in our hometown. And, as a member of the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, we're proud to champion inclusivity, equity, and opportunity, not just as a LGBTQ+-led business but across the broader Colorado and U.S. business community.

For more information, visit www.drinksekwl.com and follow Sekwl Beverage House on social media @drinksekwl.

About Sekwl Beverage House

Sekwl Beverage House (pronounced "Sequel") is a Colorado-based functional beverage company on a mission to redefine refreshment through the power of mushrooms and botanicals. Rooted in wellness, backed by science, and driven by flavor, Sekwl crafts organic, adaptogenic drinks that support mind and body without compromising on taste. Sekwl was built in-house, from sourcing and formulation to design and production, to stay true to its values: authenticity, sustainability, and accessibility. Sekwl isn't just a drink. It's a movement toward better choices for people and the planet. Learn more at www.drinksekwl.com and follow @drinksekwl on social.

Media Contact:

John Walls

Chief Storyteller & Head of Marketing & Communications

Sekwl Beverage House

[email protected]

M: +1-512-221-8434

W: +1-214-415-2325

SOURCE Sekwl Beverage House
NATCHITOCHES, La., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A large group of students and faculty from Northwestern State University's Department of Social Work got a close look at the workings of state government and the importance of advocacy during a two-day visit to Baton Rouge April 23-24. The group participated in an open session at the State Capitol, were recognized on the Senate floor and spent meaningful time at the Department of Children and Family Services to learn more about that department's programs.

Social Work Students and Faculty at the Capitol - Northwestern State University

"I learned so much about DCFS, how bills are passed at the State Capitol, and even got insight into the criminal justice system," said Tyliayah Smith of Minden. "It opened my eyes to how many moving parts are involved in creating real change. One thing that stood out to me the most was the idea that even when we think we have the perfect solution to a problem, we must look at how that solution impacts everyone else. It's not just about what works for one group, it's about finding a balance that benefits the whole city, state or even country."

The students split into groups to attend House and Senate committee hearings that addressed health and welfare, education and governmental affairs and met with Senators Alan Seabaugh (District 31) and Jay Luneau (District 29) and Representatives Gabe Firment (District 22) and Jason DeWitt (District 25). After meeting with legislators and state officials, they attended House Judiciary, House Labor and House Municipal and Parochial Affairs hearings.

David Matlock, secretary for the Department of Children and Family Services, and several colleagues welcomed the group and opened discussions on the many ways DCFS serves children and families in Louisiana through Centralized Intake, Child Protective Services, Family Services, prevention, foster care, home development, recruiters, behavioral health, specialized care, adoptions and extended foster care. NSU alum Connie Guillory, deputy assistant secretary for Child Welfare, led a scholar-to-career talk with the students.

Students also took part in trainings that focused on trauma-informed care with child welfare professionals and a session with Dr. Andrew Fultz, Louisiana Title IV-E Program Manager, presenting on Louisiana's Child Welfare Training Academy/University Alliance Strategic Partnership. Title IV-E initiatives stem from a grant that supports scholars at eight Louisiana universities pursuing careers that will impact child welfare. Northwestern State is the state's Title IV-E lead university.

Social Work Assistant Professor Kirby Peddy organized the excursion by working with DCFS staff members Bret Hanemann, director of public relations for DCFS, and Melissa Horton, executive staff officer. Faculty who accompanied the group were Fultz, Lisa Mount, IV-E coordinator and assistant professor, and Dr. Maryanne Candley, coordinator of the Master of Social Work program.

"This experience was incredibly enriching for our students and faculty alike," Peddy said. "It especially offered hands-on experience for those students enrolled in our Social Welfare Policy course, as it directly supports their current learning of the Social Work Competency - Engaging in Policy Practice, as well as supporting our Title IV-E students in understanding the importance of Child Welfare services and how they assist and support children and families in the state of Louisiana."

"The information was informative and interesting on the process of how to get a bill passed into law," said Amanda Spraggins of Shreveport. "This experience was definitely an eye opener of behind the scenes of how it all comes together, the good bad and the ugly."

"We talked a lot about compromise, and I took away that common ground doesn't always mean total agreement," Smith said. "It means understanding different perspectives and finding a path that does the best. I appreciated hearing from professionals who do this work every day, and it made me even more passionate about helping others and being part of positive change. This trip reminded me why I want to work in this field. It's about more than just policies. It's about people."

"This opportunity has provided our students with invaluable insights and practical experience that will undoubtedly enhance their professional development. I know that our students will never forget this trip," Peddy said.

Information on NSU's Department of Social Work is available at https://www.nsula.edu/socialwork.

Leah Jackson ([email protected])

Director of Public Information and Media Relations

Northwestern State University

(318) 357-4553

SOURCE Northwestern State University
New, In-Demand Flavor Marks the Continued Expansion of Unique Sweet-Heat Wines Tailored for 21+ Gen Z/Millennial Palates

LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stella Rosa , the in-demand wine and spirits brand from Italy, is proud to introduce a new flavor to its wildly popular Spicy Series , perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday and summer sips: Watermelon & Chili. The new flavor joins Pineapple & Chili and Mango & Chili, bringing the brand's loyal fanbase an innovative collection of beverages boasting fruit-forward sweetness and the perfect hint of spice.

Stella Rosa Watermelon & Chili is a vibrant fusion of juicy watermelon and a subtle, spicy Calabrian Chili. This refreshing and unexpected rose offers the perfect balance of crisp sweetness and lingering heat on the finish.

With watermelon chatter on social media up by 59% YoY1 and flavored wine sales up 11%2, the refreshing, fruit-forward beverage delivers on consistently growing trends, especially in the summer months. Moreover, Stella Rosa has built a strong foundation with its previous spicy launches like Mango & Chili and Pineapple & Chili, which saw triple-digit growth3, proving that spicy-sweet flavors resonate with wine drinkers. Plus, Watermelon & Chili recently won the Gold Medal at the LA International Wine Awards this past month.

"Stella Rosa is known for being a trailblazer in the wine category," said Stella Rosa Wines President, Steve Riboli. "Our innovation in the flavor profiles that our Gen Z and Millennial audiences are buzzing about - in this case, sweet heat - keeps the brand feeling fresh, while staying true to the iconic sweet profile Stella Rosa is known for. A refreshing treat that is sure to be a new favorite year-round, Watermelon & Chili is a one-of-a-kind fusion of fruit, spice and pure delight."

Crafted with the same commitment to quality and innovation that defines Stella Rosa, Watermelon & Chili is made from a blend of 95% White Moscato and 5% Brachetto grapes, grown in sun-drenched Italian vineyards. Hand-harvested at peak ripeness, these grapes create a semi-sweet, semi-sparkling rose that is as smooth as it is vibrant. With a refreshing 5% ABV, Stella Rosa Watermelon & Chili is designed for effortless enjoyment, whether served chilled on its own or mixed into bold, flavorful cocktails.

The new Spicy Series collection is available at most major retailers for $11.99, and consumers can find their nearest retailer at stellarosa.com/find-stella-rosa . Top cocktail recipes featuring the new Watermelon & Chili wine can be found at stellarosa.com/spicyseries , including "Spicy Watermelon Fizz" and "Watermelon and Chili Heat Wave." They're best paired with warm-weather favorites, such as tacos, fresh fruit, or grilled shrimp skewers.

The Spicy collection is a part of Stella Rosa's innovative and trend-driven portfolio of flavorful wines and spirits. To learn more about Stella Rosa Wines, visit our website and follow Stella Rosa Wines on Instagram at @ StellaRosa for the latest happenings. Visit San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles, Ontario, or Paso Robles for a tasting.

1Source: Tastewise Watermelon Trends  Consumption Analysis & Statistics 2025

2Source: NIQ; Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv; Latest 52 weeks ending 1/11/25

3Source: Numerator Insights; Point of Entry Report, Point of Entry Buyers n+15372, Stella Rosa Point of Entry Buyers n=975, 12 Months Ending 7/3/2024

More about Stella Rosa Wines

Stella Rosa is a renowned selection of authentic wines and spirits from Italy. Best known for its semi-sweet, semi-sparkling Italian wines, Stella Rosa is a 9x Impact Magazine Hot Brand award-winner and the No. 1 imported wine in America. In 2023, the brand launched its Stella Rosa Brandy collection, now featuring Smooth Black, Tropical Passion, Honey Peach Brandy and Butter Toffee, which have already earned prestigious accolades such as Double Gold and Gold at the SIP Awards. Created by Riboli Family Wines, a Los Angeles-based establishment founded in 1917, Stella Rosa continues to innovate with its signature flair and celebrated flavors. For more information, visit www.stellarosa.com .

PRESS CONTACT:

Amanda Magalski

FINN Partners for Stella Rosa Wines

[email protected]

SOURCE Riboli Family Wines
Jerry Workman, Ph.D., a pioneer in the field of gene regulation, receives one of the highest honors awarded to scientists worldwide.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jerry Workman, Ph.D., an Investigator at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciencesone of the highest honors awarded to scientists in the United States and around the world. The election recognizes his lifetime achievements including groundbreaking discoveries and leadership in the field of gene regulation.

Jerry Workman, Ph.D., has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Workman is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on how histonesproteins essential for packaging DNA inside cellsregulate which genes are turned on or off. He was one of the first scientists to discover how cells add specific chemical modifiers to histones and demonstrated how these modifications are important for the exquisite regulation of gene expression. His discovery opened a new way of looking at how alteration in gene expression plays a critical role in human health and disease.

Stowers President and Chief Scientific Officer Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado, Ph.D., said, "Election to the National Academy of Sciences is one of the highest honors in American science. This honor is a testament to Jerry's exceptional and enduring scientific accomplishments and his leadership in the field."

Workman's research has significantly advanced our understanding of the structure and function of chromatin. His discoveries have broad implications, including insights into cancer and other diseases.

"Jerry's scientific contributions have had and continue to have profound implications for our understanding of fundamental biological processes," added Stowers Scientific Director Kausik Si, Ph.D.

In addition to his research, Workman has trained several generations of postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, most of whom have gone on and established successful research careers of their own. He is also a faculty member of the Stowers Graduate School.

About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1994 through the generosity of Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. Its mission is to expand our understanding of the secrets of life and improve life's quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

The Institute consists of 20 independent research programs. Of the approximately 500 members, over 370 are scientific staff that include principal investigators, technology center directors, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and technical support staff. Learn more about the Institute at www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at www.stowers.org/gradschool.

Media Contact:

Joe Chiodo, Head of External Communications and Media Relations

724.462.8529

[email protected]

About the National Academy of Sciences

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, andwith the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicineprovides science, engineering, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations.

https://www.nasonline.org/.

SOURCE Stowers Institute for Medical Research
RIDGEFIELD, Conn., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Wealth Management, a fast-growing affiliated firm of Stratos Wealth Partners, a Registered Investment Advisor and part of Stratos' hybrid platform associated with LPL Financial, is proud to announce the opening of a new office in upper Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the addition of Financial Advisor Ryan Hayes to its expanding team.

"Expanding into upper Fairfield County is a natural next step for Vantage as we continue to grow strategically and serve more families in this dynamic region," said Anthony Veiga, Founder of Vantage Wealth Management. "Ryan's deep experience and his passion for working with professionals, families, and first responders make him an ideal addition to our team. We're excited to further our mission of delivering personalized financial guidance with integrity and excellence."

Hayes graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, minoring in Economics. Originally interning with Vantage during college, he returns after additional career development with an industry firm. Beyond his professional work, Hayes serves as a Lieutenant in his local volunteer fire department in Katonah, New York, demonstrating his commitment to service both in the financial industry and in his community.

Using a thorough and holistic investment approach, Vantage helps clients develop and implement strategies for building wealth and realizing their life goals. The firm's mission is to provide personalized and timely financial advice and guidance with the highest level of professional service.

Michael O'Brien, Managing Partner and National Director of Sales, added, "Anthony launched his wealth management business with Stratos with one goal in mind: growth. We are excited to support his business development efforts by aligning advisor talent, practice acquisition opportunities, and client prospect lead generation that fit the firm's target market.

Vantage Wealth Management's new office is located at 109 Danbury Road, Suite 4, Ridgefield, CT 06887, and can be reached at (203) 341-7400. For more information, visit https://vantagewm.net.

About Stratos Wealth Partners

Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, manages over $13.4 billion in advisory assets, and advises through LPL Financial, over $9.6 billion in brokerage and third-party managed assets for a total of $23 billion as of December 31, 2024.

Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd., a registered investment advisor and a separate entity from LPL Financial.

Media Contact:

Kevin Elvington

(440) 505-5608

stratoswealth.com

[email protected]

SOURCE Stratos Wealth Partners
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant development, all charges have been dismissed against Summit Middle School counselor Maureen Flannagan. Attorney Timothy Bussey of The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., who represented Ms. Flannagan, confirmed that the 5th Judicial District Attorney's Office formally dropped the three misdemeanor counts of failure to report child abuse in March 2025.

The Bussey Law Firm Attorneys

The charges, initially filed in 2023, alleged that Ms. Flannagan failed to fulfill her mandatory reporting obligations concerning a former physical education teacher at Summit Middle School. These allegations arose following an investigation into reports of inappropriate conduct by the teacher, who was later acquitted of all charges in a jury trial.

Attorney Bussey described Ms. Flannagan as a "longtime, well-respected counselor" and "an excellent employee" of the Summit School District. He commended the district attorney's office for reevaluating the case and deciding not to proceed "after all these months of this case hanging over Ms. Flannagan."

"It's important to know that charges like this are very difficult and challenging for an educator, especially in a lower-level position like Ms. Flannagan," Bussey said. "She was respected and well-liked by manyif not all. This was a burden she shouldn't have had to carry, but we're grateful that justice was served and the case was dismissed."

The dismissal underscores the complexities surrounding mandatory reporting laws and the responsibilities of educational professionals.

The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., known for its commitment to defending the rights of individuals facing criminal charges, provided unwavering support to Ms. Flannagan throughout the legal proceedings. The firm's dedication to upholding justice and ensuring fair treatment under the law was instrumental in achieving this favorable outcome.

For more information about The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., and its legal services, please visit www.thebusseylawfirm.com or contact the office at (719) 475-2555.

About The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.:

Located in Colorado Springs, The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. is led by attorney Timothy Bussey, who brings over three decades of legal experience to his practice. The firm has an outstanding track record in criminal defense cases, DUI defense, and personal injury cases, providing dedicated and knowledgeable representation to clients throughout Colorado.

Contact:

The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.

12 E Boulder St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Phone: (719) 475-2555

Website: www.thebusseylawfirm.com

SOURCE The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.
The newest addition to the SupplyOne portfolio is a national leader in digital packaging production and distribution, including custom boxes, retail displays, and product labels.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - SupplyOne, Inc., a value-added North American packaging distributor with custom converting capabilities, is adding digital printing to its broad offering of packaging solutions with the acquisition of The BoxMaker. The BoxMaker is a leading supplier of digitally printed custom corrugated boxes, retail displays and product labels. In addition, The BoxMaker offers brown box conversion, foam conversion, packaging supply distribution and fulfillment, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.

Founded in 1981, The BoxMaker operates in Washington, Oregon and Arkansas, while servicing customers across North America. Since 2011, The BoxMaker has invested heavily in digital print and finishing technologies, including unrivaled back-end order flow and an e-commerce platform, fantastapack.com. This focus on processes and equipment has made the company an experienced leader in digitally printed products and distribution, making it a trusted supplier to both small and large businesses looking to differentiate their brands with vibrant graphic packaging.

The BoxMaker will serve as the foundation for SupplyOne Digital, the Company's new hub for digital production, enabling SupplyOne to offer additional custom packaging solutions nationwide.

"Bringing The BoxMaker into SupplyOne expands our product offering to include high-quality, industry-leading digital printing solutions for our customers across the country as well as increases the scale of our operations in the Northwest," said Todd Renehan, President and CEO of SupplyOne. "The BoxMaker's unwavering commitment to operational excellence and customer focus aligns with our mission to deliver innovative, customized packaging solutions and unmatched service nationwide. With this acquisition, The BoxMaker's digital capabilities will now be available to SupplyOne customers across the country."

"Joining the SupplyOne family is an exciting opportunity for all our coworkers to capitalize on the investments we've made into the business, especially in the digital space," says Richard Brown, President and Co-Owner of The BoxMaker. "Our dedication to providing cutting-edge packaging solutions and customer-focused service fits perfectly with SupplyOne's strategy."

"It was important that we found a partner who recognizes and honors the more than forty-year history of our company while presenting an opportunity for The BoxMaker to take that next step in its growth," says Dave Taylor, Co-Owner of The BoxMaker. "With their interest in technology, focus on customer service and people-first mentality, we found that partner in SupplyOne. We look forward to bolstering their presence in the Pacific Northwest and enhancing their digital capabilities nationwide."

This acquisition represents the 43rd addition to the SupplyOne portfolio since its founding in 1998, expanding the company's strategic growth into digital product distribution through the founding of SupplyOne Digital, and reinforcing its commitment to serving customers with comprehensive, forward-thinking packaging solutions across North America.

About SupplyOne

SupplyOne is a value-added packaging distributor with custom corrugated, foam, wood and plastics converting capabilities. Present in 60+ locations across the United States and Canada, SupplyOne delivers tailored products and solutions that help businesses transform and thrive. With a commitment to people first, we prioritize strong partnerships, ensuring each customer receives a unique, personalized experience. Our agility and growth focus drive us to continuously adapt to market needs, while our passion to serve fuels innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions. From optimizing supply chains to enhancing brand presence, we provide expertise and resources that empower businesses to scale with confidence. At SupplyOne, we don't just deliver packagingwe deliver success.

www.supplyone.com

SOURCE SupplyOne Inc.
Conference call will be held on Thursday, May 8, at 9:00 a.m. ET

CARMEL, Ind., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Syra Health Corp. (OTCQB: SYRA), ("Syra Health" or the "Company"), a healthcare technology company dedicated to powering better health through innovative technology products and services, announced today that it will report financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, before market open. The Company will host a conference call that same day, May 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET, to discuss the results.

Interested parties can access the conference call via webcast, available in the investors section of the company's website at https://ir.syrahealth.com/presentations/Q1-2025-earnings-call.

Investors who would like to submit a question to be addressed on the call should email [email protected].

A webcast replay will be available in the investors section of the company's website at https://ir.syrahealth.com/presentations/Q1-2025-earnings-call.

About Syra Health

Syra Health is a healthcare technology company powering better health in critical areas such as behavioral and mental health, population health, and the healthcare workforce. The company's leading-edge technology products and innovative services focus on prevention, access, and affordability. With a commitment to improving health, Syra Health is advancing healthcare solutions nationwide and around the world. For more information, please visit www.syrahealth.com.

Contacts

For Investor Inquiries:

Corbin Woodhull

Managing Director, Global Advisory

Hayden IR

602-476-1821

[email protected]

For Media Inquiries:

Christine Drury

Director of Corporate Communications

Syra Health

463-345-5180

[email protected]

SOURCE Syra Health
Marking SYSPRO's third consecutive gold level win, the company's SYSPRO SPARK 2024 Customer Roadshow is recognized in the Roadshow Events category

TUSTIN, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SYSPRO , a leading global provider of digital manufacturing solutions, has been named the winner of a Gold Stevie Award in the Roadshow Events category in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards. Specifically, the company was recognized for its SYSPRO SPARK 2024 Customer Roadshow, which held a series of day-long events in Toronto, Chicago and San Diego.

Marking SYSPROs third consecutive gold level win, the companys SYSPRO SPARK 2024 Customer Roadshow is recognized in the Roadshow Events category

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. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories.

The SYSPRO SPARK 2024 Customer Roadshow was an impactful event for the wider SYSPRO community, fostering in-person collaboration, education, and networking. At each location, SYSPRO brought together subject matter experts and thought leaders to provide deep insights into the future of the product and industry trends. This enabled SYSPRO's mid-market manufacturing and distribution customers to gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies directly applicable to their businesses. The roadshow also facilitated peer-to-peer learning through dozens of roundtables, customer panels, and informal networking opportunities, allowing attendees to share experiences and best practices. This dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise significantly strengthened the global SYSPRO community, driving innovation and growth.

"This entry is a reflection of a thoughtfully executed and customer-informed roadshow," wrote one of the judges. "The strong speaker lineup, tailored content, and meaningful engagement metrics demonstrate a solid commitment to community-building and industry leadership."

With nearly 350 customers attending, the roadshow generated more than 28,000 social engagements across LinkedIn and Instagram, with consistently high satisfaction scores from attendees.

"Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation," said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. "The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all the winners in the 2025 ABAs and look forward to celebrating their achievements during our June 10 gala event in New York."

"The SPARK Customer Roadshow has been instrumental in forging deeper connections with our customers and enhancing the cohesion of the global SYSPRO community," said Jaco Maritz, CEO, SYSPRO. "This event has not only facilitated invaluable knowledge sharing and collaboration but has also driven innovation and growth across our network. We are truly honored to receive this recognition, which underscores the profound impact of our efforts among our customers, partners and broader team."

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2025 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA .

About SYSPRO

SYSPRO is a leading, global software provider specializing in key manufacturing and distribution industries. For over 40 years, SYSPRO's team of specialists has continued to address unique industry needs and enable customers to easily adapt and grow. The solution is scalable and can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or both, and accessed via the web on any device to provide customers with choice and flexibility.

SYSPRO remains focused on the success of partners and customers. Our evolving solutions are aligned with industry trends to leverage emerging technology that will enable partners and customers in securing a digital future.

With more than 16,000 licensed customers in over 60 countries across six continents  SYSPRO offers guidance and support every step of the way as a trusted digitalization partner.

SOURCE SYSPRO Americas
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Investments in Ukraine: Demining and Restoration of Affected Territories'

On Friday, May 2, at 15.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Investments in Ukraine: Demining and Restoration of Affected Territories."

Key topics: prospects for foreign investments in demining projects of Ukrainian lands; cooperation with Ukrainian organizations in the field of humanitarian demining; opportunities for financing the restoration of infrastructure in the deoccupied territories; barriers for investors and ways to overcome them.

Participants include U.S. investor Archie Baranoff; demining expert, representative of a Ukrainian organization (to be specified) (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine.

Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.

Details by phone: (067) 334 7719 (Bohdan).
McLean & Company's latest research uncovers a clear, four-step process to help HR leaders design and deliver HR programs tailored to hourly workers  a critical yet often overlooked segment of the workforce. The firm's research explores the operational barriers and outdated mindsets that have long sidelined hourly employees and demonstrates the benefits of investing in tailored HR strategies across the employee lifecycle.

TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - With over 60% of the US workforce made up of hourly employees (Shiftboard, 2023), a new blueprint from global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company provides HR leaders with an actionable path to support this often-overlooked segment of the workforce. Customize HR Programs for Hourly Workers offers a data-driven framework to help organizations tailor programs that meet the unique needs of their hourly workforces.

Visualizing the path to more inclusive HR: McLean & Companys framework encourages organizations to assess needs, prioritize areas of focus, and customize HR programs to better support hourly workers. (CNW Group/McLean & Company)

"Organizations often focus on attracting hourly workers due to high turnover," says Karen Mann, senior vice president, HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company. "But retention and engagement start with inclusion  and that means designing HR programs that reflect the realities of the frontline experience."

The firm's research highlights growing awareness in the HR community of the need for differentiated approaches. Despite hourly workers being critical to operational success across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and retail, many remain excluded from development and engagement initiatives. Nearly half of frontline employees feel unsupported by their organizations, and 41% say their employers have made no efforts to improve the workplace in the past year (Catalyst; Legion, 2024).

McLean & Company's blueprint reveals a persistent gap between intention and action. A lack of access to organizational technology, logistical barriers, and assumptions that hourly and salaried employees have the same needs continue to limit participation in HR programs. Leaders are often hesitant to invest due to high turnover rates, which makes it challenging to customize sustainable programs

"The true challenge isn't operational  it's mindset," explains Mann. "HR leaders must be willing to challenge legacy thinking that hourly programs are too complex or not worth the investment."

The four-step process included in the firm's recently published resource guides HR leaders through the customization of programs across the employee lifecycle. It begins by determining the need for customization, followed by prioritizing programs for impact, customizing selected HR initiatives, and implementing them with clear change and communication plans. McLean & Company advises that when executed effectively, this approach enhances inclusion, engagement, and retention and drives measurable improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, and cost savings.

McLean & Company's research emphasizes that engagement is possible at every stage of employment when programs are designed to reflect the day-to-day experience of hourly workers.

For media inquiries or to connect with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights on employee engagement, HR priorities, and talent management trends, please contact Communications Manager Katie Tame at [email protected].

About McLean & Company

McLean & Company pairs evidence-based research and immediately applicable tools with deep HR expertise to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future. The global HR research and advisory firm's member organizations enjoy comprehensive resources, full-service diagnostics, workshops, action plans, and advisory services for all levels of HR professionals, from executive leadership to HR leaders to HR team members, that help shape workplaces where everyone thrives.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE McLean & Company
More than 430 Members of Local 120 Win Higher Wages, Improved Benefits

MINNEAPOLIS, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 430 Teamsters at US Foods in Minneapolis have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract secures significant gains for warehouse workers, drivers, and mechanics.

"This contract is a benchmark  not just for US Foods, but for the entire industry," said Brandon Brink, a Local 120 business agent and lead negotiator. "Our members stood strong, and they've shown what is possible when workers fight together."

The new contract includes an immediate 20.4 percent wage increase in the first year and a total 33 percent wage increase over the life of the agreement. It also features higher pension contributions, protections against automation, an extra week of paid vacation, and new safety provisions.

"We made it clear to management that we were ready to do whatever it took to win the agreement we deserve," said Dennis Duff, a US Foods driver and Local 120 shop steward. "This is a wall-to-wall union shop, and that unity gave us the power to win big."

"This is the strongest agreement we've ever secured at this facility," said Noah Mueller, a warehouse worker at US Foods and Local 120 shop steward. "We held the company's feet to the fire, and the gains in this contract will directly improve our lives and our families' future."

Teamsters Local 120 proudly represents over 15,000 workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, go to local120.org.

Contact:

Colin McCullough, (856) 625-6856

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 120
LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Teleflex Incorporated ("Teleflex" or "the Company") (NYSE: TFX) for violations of the securities laws.

The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Teleflex is the subject of an article published by Fierce Biotech on February 27, 2025, titled: "Teleflex plays musical chairs, plans company split amid 760M Biotronik cardiovascular deal." According to the article, the Company "has announced a plan to split its business into two separate independent companiesand it's setting up one of its future scions with a new portfolio of cardiovascular device assets, set to be acquired from Biotronik." Based on this news, shares of Teleflex fell by 21.6% on the same day.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.

310-301-3335

[email protected]

www.schallfirm.com

SOURCE The Schall Law Firm
Owner Shanthy Vinjimoor will host a grand opening on May 7 in the new showroom

KANSAS CITY, Kan., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, countertops and flooring, will celebrate the opening of its first Kansas location. The grand opening event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7 from 4-6 PM at the showroom located at 6337 W 119th Street in Overland Park, Kansas.

The Overland Park Chamber of Commerce will perform the ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30 PM.

The Designery Overland Park owner Shanthy Vinjimoor will host a grand opening event at her new showroom located at 6337 W 119th Street in Overland Park, Kansas on Wednesday, May 7 from 4-6 p.m.

Owner Shanthy Vinjimoor will provide guests with tips on the latest kitchen and bath design trends while they enjoy music and refreshments. Attendees are also eligible to win giveaways from Ace Hardware, Sherwin Williams, Scent Hound, PGA Tour Superstore and a $100 gift card to the Cheesecake Factory.

"We want The Designery Overland Park to be the area's one-stop shop for homeowners, whether they are considering new construction or remodeling an existing space," Vinjimoor said. "I take customer service to heart. I want to listen to the problems people face when they are redesigning their space because I enjoy finding efficient and affordable solutions for them. I also have an eye for designing efficient spaces that are practical and functional."

Vinjimoor comes from a software engineering background and is prepared to tackle the complexities of design and construction with her clients.

"I am looking for a new challenge," she said. "I'm ready to pursue a fresh path that will be equally stimulating and rewarding."

The Designery Overland Park will serve residents in Gardner, Lenexa, Olate, Overland Park, Prairie Village and Shawnee, Kansas.

The Designery's in-house design expertise and extensive selection of products, including more than 100 cabinet styles and more than 25 color options for closets, provide advantages to both homeowners and contractors. Its showrooms provide the ideal setting for personal design consultation, material and finish selection, and a virtual reality design view.

For more information about The Designery Overland Park, visit https://thedesignery.com/locations/overland-park/ or call them at (913) 349-9415.

About The Designery

The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery's immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit https://thedesignery.com/.

About HomeFront Brands:

HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands -- Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence, and Roof Scientist  to transform lives through franchise ownership.

For more information about HomeFront Brands' current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit https://homefrontbrands.com/.

SOURCE HomeFront Brands
Taking another deep dive into the thriving global branded residences sector, the 6th edition of 'Branded Residences: An Overview' by Graham Associates is published this week.

LONDON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With 68 fact-filled pages featuring latest research, data, interviews, and insights from global industry leaders, the report analyses market trends and guides readers through a myriad of issues that need to be considered to ensure a healthy balance between developers, operators, and homeowners.

Described by global industry experts as "essential reading", contents are presented in concise, easy-to-read chapters that enable quick access to topics of interest.

Branded Residences: An Overview - 6th Edition

"There seems to be no end in sight to the sector's potential, evidenced by the ever-expanding and increasingly diverse range of participating brands," comments author Chris Graham, founder of Graham Associates, an award-winning branding and marketing consultancy that works with luxury and branded real estate developers around the world. To illustrate this diversity, Graham Associates also publishes 'Branded Residences: A Compendium', a comprehensive listing of over 200 brands active in the sector.

Since the 1st edition  the first ever in-depth study of the sector - was published a decade ago, it has remained the industry's leading independent report.

"Faced with a plethora of choice, buyers need to understand how one brand will benefit their lifestyle and investment aspirations over another," observes Graham. "As long as the branded residential lifestyle appeals to global buyers, with innovative developers continually seeking ways to raise the bar, and brands that adapt effectively to evolving trends while staying relevant to their audiences, the sector will continue to flourish."

Complimentary copies of the 6th Edition of 'Branded Residences: An Overview' and 'Branded Residences: A Compendium' can both be requested at www.gagms.com. Printed copies are available to order.

Enquiries:

Contact Chris Graham at [email protected].

About Graham Associates

Established in 2008, Graham Associates is a multi-award-winning consultancy specialising in branding, marketing, and lead generation strategies for luxury and branded residential developments around the world. Founder and Managing Director Chris Graham is a frequent commentator and international speaker on branded residences, best known as author of the industry's #1 report series, "Branded Residences: An Overview".

In 2024, the company published a sister report, "Branded Residences: A Compendium", a comprehensive listing of c.200 brands active in the sector.

Industry awards include:

TITAN Platinum Award  Strategic Property Program (Launch)

6 x Best Development Marketing at the International Property Awards

Gold Medal for Best Marketing at the Overseas Property Professional Awards for Excellence

Best Estate Agency Marketing at the International Property Awards

Best Property Website at the International Property Awards

Chartered Institute of Marketing's Excellence Awards (Finalist - Digital Media, Hotels & Leisure)

Visit www.gagms.com for more information.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2675908/Graham_Associates_Report_Cover.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2675907/Graham_Associates_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Graham Associates
This significant achievement underscores the film's powerful storytelling and its timely exploration of a critical social problem. The Return of the Mack follows John "Golden" Mickens' journey of redemption as he returns to his hometown of Detroit after prison, only to find his daughter entangled in a human trafficking ring. His struggle to rescue her provides a compelling narrative that highlights both the personal and societal impact of this devastating crime.

Learn more about The Return of the Mack and its important message by visiting https://www.grandrisingproductions.com/. The film's powerful message and gripping storyline make it a must-see.

"Five nominations and four wins at the Las Vegas Black Film Festival  what an incredible achievement for 'The Return of The Mack'!", said Brian and Jami Freeman, Executive Producers. "This success is a huge boost for Grand Rising Productions Inc., and it motivates us to continue producing compelling films that tackle important social issues. We are so grateful to the festival for this recognition, and we're eager to see how audiences respond to the film's powerful message when it hits select Emagine Theaters on June 20th."

The film's success at the Las Vegas Black Film Festival is a testament to the talent and dedication of the entire production team. The awards received are a significant boost for the film's upcoming release and will undoubtedly increase awareness of the important issue it addresses. Beyond Las Vegas, The Return of the Mack has also earned selections for the Virginia Black Film Festival and the Global Film Festival.

The Return of the Mack offers:

A captivating and suspenseful plot that keeps viewers engaged.

A strong performance from the cast, showcasing both individual talent and powerful ensemble work.

A thought-provoking exploration of a critical social issue that deserves attention.

A message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

The film will be released in select Emagine Theaters on June 20, 2025. Prepare to be moved by a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Visit https://www.grandrisingproductions.com for more information and to find a theater near you.

Media Contact: Grand Rising Productions, Inc. Jami Freeman, Executive Producer 248-800-9955 www.grandrisingproductions.com [email protected]

Grand Rising Productions, Inc. is a premier film production company dedicated to creating compelling and impactful visual story telling. Our team is passionate about bringing stories to life through the art of filmmaking. Contact Information: Grand Rising Productions, Inc. Jami FreemanExecutive Producer248-800-9955 www.grandrisingproductions.com [email protected]

SOURCE Grand Rising Productions Inc.
NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GovFin 2025 will address the implications of digital reporting for municipal bond issuance and the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA). The nine agencies tasked with implementing the FDTA are expected to finalize the first phase of rulemaking this year; during the second phase, each agency will develop rule proposals for their own data collections, including a rule for municipal bond issuance data. Final rules for the second phase are expected to be published in 2026.

The conference will be hosted on the University of Denver campus (2199 S. University Blvd.). The event will feature keynote presentations from:

Debra Austin, JD, PhD, Professor of the Practice, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

Sturm College of Law David M. Walker , former United States Comptroller General

, former United States Comptroller General Dave Young , Colorado State Treasurer

"We are honored that three individuals with such a breadth of knowledge and experience will be sharing their insights at our conference this year," said Christine Kuglin, JD, LLM, CPA, director of the University of Denver's Truth in Accounting program, and chair of the GovFin 2025 Conference Committee. "Modernizing municipal reporting requires collaboration at all levels of government. That's what this conference aims to facilitate."

Other sessions and speakers confirmed to date will include:

A pre-conference session for those interested in training on the fundamentals of preparing and using machine-readable financial data

Case studies on how state auditors in Ohio and Washington state use local government data and the potential impact of digitization on local governments, auditors and other users of government data

and use local government data and the potential impact of digitization on local governments, auditors and other users of government data Updates on the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Digital GAAP Taxonomy in development for voluntary digital reporting

Reviews from GASB and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) on accounting standards for local governments, what drives their decisions and how timely new data from GASB and MSRB may assist policymakers use this information to make better decisions

"Digitally prepared financial data will increase the efficiency of regulators collecting data, and provide investors, analysts, and policy setters in state and local government more timely, actionable data," noted Campbell Pryde, CEO of XBRL US. "U.S. governments are facing numerous hurdles today. Successful FDTA implementation will ultimately improve government efficiency and could help mitigate many of these challenges."

To view the agenda and register, visit: https://xbrl.us/events/govfin25/

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver is the oldest private institution in the Rocky Mountain region, built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators and students, as well as local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st century education and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference globally. This spirit of innovation paired with our signature 4D Experience and a core commitment to making a real difference in communities around the world leads to our recognized status as a Very High Research University (or "R1") by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

About XBRL US

XBRL US is the nonprofit consortium for XBRL business reporting standards in the U.S., and represents the business information supply chain. Its mission is to support the implementation of business reporting standards through the development of taxonomies for use by U.S. public and private sectors, with a goal of interoperability between sectors, and promoting XBRL adoption through marketplace collaboration. XBRL US has built standards for government agencies including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as industry-sponsored standards for surety insurance, municipal government reporting and corporate actions. http://xbrl.us

SOURCE XBRL US
CARLSBAD, Calif., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Way Direct, a leader in advanced communication technology, has officially launched the TWD100 Nationwide Push-to-Talk Handheld Radio  a powerful, feature-rich device designed for seamless coverage across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with global options available for worldwide use. This revolutionary Push-to-Talk solution eliminates the limitations of traditional radios while keeping communication affordable, scalable, and easy to use for both families and businesses.

Unlike conventional two-way radios that rely on line-of-sight communication, the Two Way Direct TWD100 Nationwide Push-to-Talk Handheld Radio uses smart sim technology for multi-carrier connectivity and WiFi integration, delivering unmatched coverage and signal reliability  whether you're downtown, in rural areas, or overseas. With broader nationwide and global connectivity than competing products, the TWD100 leads the way in dependable, high-performance communication.

"We believe the TWD100 is the most complete solution on the market," said Brandon Ocampo, Founder of Two Way Direct Post this

"We believe the TWD100 is the most complete solution on the market  combining the best coverage, features, and versatility," said Brandon Ocampo, Founder & CEO of Two Way Direct. "It's perfect for families, businesses, and organizations who need instant, wide-reaching communication without the burden of monthly fees."

Key Benefits of the TWD100 Nationwide Push-to-Talk Solution

Unlimited Coverage Across the U.S., Canada & Mexico  Communicate seamlessly across North America without range concerns.

 Communicate seamlessly across without range concerns. No Monthly Fees, No Contracts  One flat price includes a full year of service; renew annually for just $75 .

 One flat price includes a full year of service; renew annually for just . Global Option Available  Expand your communication capabilities with optional worldwide use.

 Expand your communication capabilities with optional worldwide use. Multi-Device Compatibility  Connect across radios, smartphones, tablets, and computers using the Two Way Direct push-to-talk app and Web Dispatcher.

 Connect across radios, smartphones, tablets, and computers using the Two Way Direct push-to-talk app and Web Dispatcher. WiFi Integration  Maintain communication indoors or in remote areas where LTE access may be limited.

 Maintain communication indoors or in remote areas where LTE access may be limited. Business-Rugged, Family-Ready  Built tough for demanding environments, yet intuitive enough for everyday use.

 Built tough for demanding environments, yet intuitive enough for everyday use. Extended Battery Life  Operates up to five days on a single charge for uninterrupted performance.

One System. Endless Possibilities.

Whether you're coordinating logistics, managing a remote team, securing a school campus, or staying in touch with family across the country, the Two Way Direct TWD100 Nationwide Push-to-Talk Handheld Radio is your go-to solution. With wide-ranging coverage and cross-device connectivity, this is the ultimate Push-to-Talk platform for modern communication  nationwide and beyond.

About Two Way Direct

Based in Carlsbad, California, Two Way Direct has been delivering powerful, cost-effective communication solutions since 2005. Serving industries from public safety and logistics to education and recreation, Two Way Direct is redefining connectivity through its innovative product line  including the industry-leading Nationwide Push-to-Talk solution.

Learn more at www.TwoWayDirect.com

SOURCE Two Way Direct
Chung Kisun , Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, welcomed Secretary John Phelan and discussed cooperation on Korea-US shipbuilding

, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, welcomed Secretary and discussed cooperation on Korea-US shipbuilding Boarded the advanced Aegis destroyer 'Jeongjo the Great' built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and visited the construction site of the No. 2 Aegis destroyer, 'Dasan Jeong Yak-yong', confirming shipbuilding capabilities of the global industry leader

SEOUL, South Korea, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During his visit to South Korea, John Phelan, Secretary of the US Navy, visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to observe operations and capabilities of a global industry leader in shipbuilding and discussed potential cooperation between South Korea and the U.S.

The newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan headquarters on Wednesday, April 30, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shared.

Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, observing HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Naval & Special Shipyard with John Phelan, Secretary of the US Navy and giving an explanation of the warships being built at the yard. Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, observing HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Naval & Special Shipyard with John Phelan, Secretary of the US Navy and giving an explanation of the warships being built at the yard.

Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, the parent company of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, welcomed John Phelan in person and introduced the company's world-class shipbuilding technologies. They also exchanged opinions on areas of cooperation between Korea and the United States.

After touring the shipyard for commercial ships, John Phelan visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Naval & Special shipyard where state-of-the-art naval warships, including the world's most advanced Aegis destroyers, are built.

Phelan boarded Jeongjo the Great  built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy last November  where the Captain introduced him to the outstanding performance and advanced operational capabilities of the world's most advanced Aegis destroyer.

Secretary Phelan then looked around other major ships, including the No. 2 Aegis destroyer, 'Dasan Jeong Yak-yong' which is scheduled to be launched later this year.

After the visit Secretary Phelan remarked, "Leveraging the expertise of these highly capable shipyards enables timely maintenance and repairs for our vessels to operate at peak performance."

Executive Vice Chairman Chung added, "The United States and South Korea share a friendship by blood and are the best of allies. With our advanced technologies and shipbuilding capabilities, we will support the country's effort to revitalize the shipbuilding industry."

Earlier this month, the Trump administration signed an executive order to rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry and expressed its willingness to cooperate with allies.

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with Huntington Ingalls, the largest U.S. defense shipyard, earlier this month with the goal to improve shipbuilding productivity and cooperate on advanced shipbuilding technologies. In addition, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' executives, including Joo Wonho, Head of the Naval & Special Ship business, visited Huntington Ingalls on April 22 to further discuss cooperation between the two parties.

SOURCE HD Hyundai
Cyber-Physical Systems Security Summit Unites U.S. Army, NASA, DoD, and Industry Experts to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure, May 13-14

ROCHESTER, Mich., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As cyberattacks against military systems, energy grids, and autonomous technologies escalate, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) MI Chapter will host the 10th Annual Cyber-Physical Systems Security Summit (CPS) on May 1314, 2025, at Oakland University. This event brings together some of the nation's top defense, military, and tech leaders to address threats to U.S. critical infrastructure and battlefield systems.

Event Highlights

1. Access to Architects of Cyber Defense:

Major General Paul Rogers , Adjutant General of the MI National Guard, discussing cyber-physical threats.

, Adjutant General of the MI National Guard, discussing cyber-physical threats. Dariusz Mikulski , Ph.D., Lead Research Scientist for the U.S. Army DEVCOM GVSC and CPS Event Chair, presenting research on preventing hijacking in military robotic systems.

, Lead Research Scientist for the U.S. Army DEVCOM GVSC and CPS Event Chair, presenting research on preventing hijacking in military robotic systems. John Garstka , Director of Cyber Warfare for the OUSD ASD(A) Defense, detailing unclassified 5-year projections for DoD cyber threats.

, Director of Cyber Warfare for the OUSD ASD(A) Defense, detailing unclassified 5-year projections for DoD cyber threats. Brennan Hay , Cybersecurity Director at NASA, and Dan Trujillo , Space Cyber Resiliency Lead for the Air Force Research Laboratory, revealing strategies to secure aerospace systems.

Cybersecurity Director at NASA, and , Space Cyber Resiliency Lead for the Air Force Research Laboratory, revealing strategies to secure aerospace systems. And more

2. Panels:

"Securing the Skies" with Boeing's Lillian Baker on safety and security in aviation

on safety and security in aviation DoD Cyber Threats Over the Next 5 Years

Robot Cybersecurity: Hijack Resiliency

Defense-in-Depth for cyber-physical systems

Digital Engineering's role in cybersecurity

OSINT Capture-the-Flag hands-on session

Securing domestic battlefields: energy, space, and aviation

3. Networking:

Connect with leaders from DoD, Army, Air Force, DoE, NASA, Primes, and others.

"CPS is where USA's brightest minds come together to confront the most urgent security challenges of our time. This is where tomorrow's defense strategies are forged, and attendees can become part of the solution," said Jennifer Tisdale, NDIA Board Member and CPS Event Chair.

Why Attend?

CPS offers access to the architects of U.S. cyber defense, actionable intelligence for defense and industry, and exclusive networking. Attendees will gain insights into threats and solutions, learn from top experts, and help shape the future of national security.

"This summit is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between research, policy, and real-world defense operations. The conversations and collaborations that happen here will shape the future of cybersecurity for our nation's most critical systems," said Dariusz Mikulski, Ph.D., Lead Research Scientist, U.S. Army DEVCOM GVSC, and CPS Event Chair.

Media Access

Media can schedule interviews before or during the event.

Contact: [email protected] or 248-574-1466.

Event Details



What: 10th Annual Cyber-Physical Systems Security Summit (CPS)

When: May 1314, 2025

Where: Oakland University, 312 Meadow Brook Rd, Rochester, MI

To register: https://www.ndia-mich.org/events/cyber-physical-systems-security-summit

About NDIA MI

The NDIA Michigan Chapter has supported America's warfighters since its founding in 1944. As a nonprofit organization committed to fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, NDIA MI serves as a vital connector within the defense community. Its leadership ensures that MI remains indispensable to advancing national security objectives. Visit: www.ndia-mich.org.

Media Contact

Axel Cooley

[email protected]

248-574-1466

SOURCE National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Michigan Chapter
UNHCR/Dmytro Babenko

Kyiv, Ukraine  UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, today signed an agreement with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, officially agreeing to hand over a significant consignment of humanitarian assistance to help meet urgent needs of families affected by the war.

The support will strengthen the national capacity to immediately respond to critical urgent needs of the most vulnerable among the internally displaced and other war-affected people across Ukraine. The relief items include some 350,000 blankets, 150,000 sleeping bags, 70,000 bedding sets, 130,000 mattresses, 100,000 hygiene kits, and other essential aid  some of which have been provided as in-kind support by private sector donors to UNHCR.

This handover of relief items reflects our continued partnership with the Ministry of Social Policy in ensuring that the people left most vulnerable and in need as a result of Russias full-scale invasion, are supported in a timely way to meet some of their most basic needs, in dignity, and are not left behind. As the war has entered its fourth year and continues to rage on, needs for basic humanitarian support remain acute. With this, we support the capacity of Ukrainian institutions to deliver life-saving assistance to people who need it the most, said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCRs Representative in Ukraine.

We have taken another step toward deeper and more systematic cooperation with UNHCR. We are grateful to our partners for their support. It helps us not only respond to the challenges of war, but also build an environment where every person  including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities  can live in safety and dignity. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in need of assistance and care can access support within their own community, and that the most vulnerable have a place to call home, even if they had to leave their own. This humanitarian support will now be directed to address the needs of people affected by the war, noted Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine.



 Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine

 Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine

NHCR will deliver the aid items from its warehouses in Ukraine to three warehouses designated by the Ministry within the Cherkasy, Poltava and Lviv regional state administrations. The Ministry will then oversee the onward distribution of the humanitarian aid to where they are most needed, including through regional social protection departments and centers supporting internally displaced persons and other vulnerable populations.



This humanitarian support is part of a long-standing collaboration between UNHCR and the Ministry of Social Policy, grounded in a shared commitment to strengthen support systems for people who are mostly impacted by the war, including internally displaced people, as set out in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry and UNHCR in 2022.

UNHCR/Dmytro Babenko

UNHCR/Dmytro Babenko

ost recently, UNHCR and the Ministry of Social Policy have cooperated on a comprehensive distribution of targeted winter cash assistance to help vulnerable households purchase solid fuel and other heating costs as well as with the rehabilitation of two sanatoriums in Poltava and Lviv regions to provide temporary accommodation for internally displaced people and other social services.



As one area of the organizations humanitarian response in Ukraine, UNHCR in 2022 supported 1.7 million people with various basic aid items such as blankets, solar lamps and hygiene kits; more than 575,000 million people in 2023, and more than 240,000 people in 2024. UNHCR also distributes relief items to authorities to help equip vital facilities such as bomb shelters, invincibility points and transit centres, helping to create more comfortable conditions for displaced and war-affected people.
DURANGO, Colo., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vectra Bank Colorado is pleased to announce the promotion of Symone Massey to the role of Market President in Durango.

Massey brings over 25 years of experience in business lending, commercial banking, and market leadership - most recently serving as a top-performing Business Banker for Vectra Bank in Grand Junction. She has worked across both the Utah and Colorado markets, building trusted relationships, and delivering strategic financial solutions that help businesses grow.

Symone Massey

Throughout her career, Massey has consistently demonstrated her ability to build high-performing teams, drive market growth, and create a client-focused, service-driven culture by working closely with teams and business partners to listen and learn from their best practices. She is a leader in business development, SBA, C&I, ABL, CRE lending, and risk management.

Durango is a vibrant, growing community, and Massey is honored to lead Vectra's mission to serve the people and businesses of Durango. Her goal is to support our local teams and connect with the local business community, building lasting partnerships that make an impact in this region. Massey is excited to call Durango home.

She holds a BA in Business from Utah State University, is certified with the American Institute of Banking, and a member of the National Contractors Association, National Builders Association, and a proud Rotarian. Throughout her career, Massey has served as chair/president and/or board member for numerous nonprofits, civic and finance organizations, championing initiatives that strengthen local economies and empower business growth in communities.

About Vectra

With assets of $4 billion, Vectra Bank Colorado is a proactive, customer-focused organization dedicated to real relationship banking. Part of the Zions Bancorporation family of banks, Vectra serves Colorado's small, middle-market and corporate business clients with 34 locations throughout Colorado, and one in Farmington, New Mexico. Zions Bancorporation, N.A. is included in the S&P 400 Mid-Cap and NASDAQ Financial 100 indices (NASDAQ: ZION). The bank's website address is www.vectrabank.com .

SOURCE Vectra Bank Colorado
Microsoft Azure customers worldwide now gain access to Visual One Intelligence to take advantage of the scalability, reliability, and agility of Azure to drive application development and shape business strategies.

ADDISON, Texas, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Visual One Intelligence today announced the availability of their hybrid infrastructure observability tool in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Visual One Intelligence customers can now take advantage of the productive and trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management.

Visual One Intelligence Now Available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace

Built primarily on Azure, Visual One Intelligence is an all-in-one hybrid infrastructure monitoring, FinOps, and planning tool compatible across more than 100 cloud, on-prem, virtualization, database, and container devices (including Azure Cloud).

Availability in the Azure marketplace benefits potential customers of Visual One Intelligence through:

Simplified Procurement: Azure customers can now purchase Visual One Intelligence directly through their existing Azure agreements, streamlining the buying process and reducing administrative overhead.

Azure customers can now purchase Visual One Intelligence directly through their existing Azure agreements, streamlining the buying process and reducing administrative overhead. Integrated Billing: Customers can consolidate Visual One Intelligence costs with their Azure spending, simplifying budget management and creating additional options for utilizing committed Azure funds.

Customers can consolidate Visual One Intelligence costs with their Azure spending, simplifying budget management and creating additional options for utilizing committed Azure funds. Enhanced Security and Compliance: Customers can deploy Visual One Intelligence with confidence, knowing it is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and adheres to Microsoft's strict security standards.

Customers can deploy Visual One Intelligence with confidence, knowing it is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and adheres to Microsoft's strict security standards. Seamless Integration: Visual One Intelligence can be easily integrated with other Azure services, allowing for a more cohesive and efficient cloud ecosystem.

"Tapping into Microsoft's vast ecosystem helps us bring our unique brand of observability to a wider audience," said Visual One Intelligence President & COO Phil Godwin. "We're excited about the opportunities this brings for both our company and our customers."

"Microsoft welcomes Visual One Intelligence to Azure Marketplace, where global customers can find, try, and buy from among thousands of partner solutions," said Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. "Azure Marketplace and trusted partners like Visual One Intelligence help customers do more with less by increasing efficiency, buying confidently, and spending smarter."

Why Microsoft Azure Marketplace Makes Sense for Visual One Intelligence

The Azure Marketplace is a premier destination for organizations seeking cloud-based solutions. As more enterprise infrastructures evolve into the cloud, marketplaces like Azure's are relied upon by more companies than ever before.

And as many of those companies look to balance hybrid infrastructures that are split between the cloud and on-prem, solutions that can integrate both environments into centralized analytics are especially valuable.

About Visual One Intelligence

Visual One Intelligence surfaces interpretive insights and actionable recommendations for hybrid infrastructure professionals by helping identify and prevent risks, understand and remediate existing problems, enhance operational efficiency, and optimize asset ROI.

By consolidating independent data elements into unified metrics, Visual One's platform correlates and interprets hybrid infrastructure data to illuminate cost-saving and operations-sustaining details that otherwise stay hidden.

For more information, visit visualoneintelligence.com.

Press Contact:

Philip Kline

2016478945

https://visualoneintelligence.com/

SOURCE Visual One Intelligence
LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Composer and long-time West One Music Group collaborator Jonathan Buchanan has received a 2025 ASCAP Screen Award for his incredible work in television theme tune composition.

Buchanan, who first began working with West One Music in 2012, has received an ASCAP Screen Music Awards in the Best Themes to Top Rated Television Series category for his work on two History Channel shows: Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters and Lost U-Boats of WWII.

ASCAP's Shawn LeMone, Jonathan Buchanan, and ASCAP's Paul Willliams

"Jonathan is an expert in crafting hybrid scores that combine orchestra with unique and signature sounds," says Chris Brown, Vice President of Production, North America at West One Music. "He was a natural choice for scoring these great History Channel shows."

UK-based Buchanan has composed for a huge amount of television on both sides of the pond and has forged a close relationship with A&E Television Networks. His work on Bermuda Triangle and Lost U-Boats highlights his ability to compose compelling music cues that captivate viewers and bring them along on an investigative journey.

"For Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters, we worked closely with the music team at the network and production company Lone Wolf to create a signature theme that captured the essence of the show," says Brown. "A lot of the show is set underwater, with exciting discoveries of old shipwrecks and relics, and we wanted to add some extra grit and unique synth sounds to give the narrative a modern and edgy feel."

Buchanan, who is equally at home writing orchestral scores as he is programming synths, leaned on his expertise in writing music to picture to help bring these stories of search and discovery to the screen.

"Writing the music for Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters was a joy, and working again with director Joseph Sousa, Jennifer Insogna and the passionate team at A&E was truly special," says Buchanan. "Chris and the entire custom team at West One Music are absolutely brilliant; they're always so supportive and help facilitate a nurturing creative environment."

Buchanan attended the ASCAP Awards to receive his honor along with West One Music Global CEO Edwin Cox, VP of Production, North America Chris Brown, and Production Manager Mackenzy Lackey on Wednesday, April 30th.

SOURCE West One Music Group
Equity Insider News Commentary

Issued on behalf of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd.

VANCOUVER, BC, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Insider News Commentary  For those paying attention to gold, experts have begun to weigh in on whether or not the precious metal will hit US$4,000 per ounce in 2025. Billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson, who sees gold near $5,000 by 2028, has signaled that he's ready to reap the rewards from gold mining stocks in this current market, with approximately $840 million invested in the sector currently. Gold miners are on the move, with several recent developments coming out from such players as Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), Melkior Resources Inc. (TSXV: MKR) (OTCPK: MKRIF), Troilus Gold Corp. (TSX: TLG) (OTCQX: CHXMF), New Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: NGD) (TSX: NGD), and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM).

The article continued: Following unchanged US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, gold held its ground above US$3,300, despite some solid selling pressure. Analysts at Morning Star Equity Research continue to tout that the current high gold prices support gold miner stocks, citing that when most miners' share prices fell in the quarter in response to tariffs, gold miners rose.

Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), an emerging East African gold developer, today announced that it's taken a major step forward at its flagship Tembo Project in Tanzania, signing a non-binding Letter of Intent with Nyati Resources to evaluate a potential small-scale gold development partnership.

"We are excited by the potential to leverage existing processing infrastructure and local ore sources to create a scalable gold production platform in Tanzania," said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of Lake Victoria Gold. "This proposed partnership aligns with our strategy of unlocking near-term value while continuing to advance our core exploration assets."

The proposed joint venture would combine mineralized material from LVG's 100%-owned Mining Licences with Nyati's existing 120 tonnes-per-day processing facility and a second 500tpd plant currently under construction. A new special purpose vehicle (SPV) is contemplated as the operating entity, structured to accommodate Tanzania's 16% free carried interest requirement. The agreement also includes an exclusivity period of 60 days for due diligence and final negotiations.

The LOI follows an earlier announcement that LVG was evaluating small-scale development scenarios at Tembo, including joint venture discussions with the operator of a CIP processing facility located within one of the company's four Mining Licences.

The company emphasizes that this initiative remains at an early stage and is not based on a current mineral resource estimate or Feasibility Study, and remains subject to significant technical and economic uncertainties.

"Tembo has always stood out as a project with the potential to deliver both near-term value and long-term discovery upside," said Simon Benstead, Chairman and CFO of Lake Victoria Gold. "Evaluating this small-scale development opportunity allows us to test the system, generate operational insights, and potentially self-fund ongoing exploration. We believe this approach aligns well with our disciplined strategy and our commitment to responsible, phased development in Tanzania."

Located adjacent to Barrick Gold's Bulyanhulu Mine, Tembo has seen over US$28 million in historical exploration, including 50,000 meters of drilling. High-grade targets like Ngula 1, Nyakagwe Village, and Nyakagwe East remain open along strike and at depth.

While Tembo is the long-range flagship, LVG's Imwelo Project is positioned to lead in near-term development. Acquired earlier this year, Imwelo is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. A 2021 pre-feasibility study and existing approvals support a potential near-term path to construction.

Financially, LVG continues to build flexibility. In late 2024, the company signed a non-binding gold prepay term sheet with Monetary Metals for up to 7,000 ouncespotentially providing over US$20 million in non-dilutive capital.

In February, LVG also completed the first tranche of a three-stage strategic investment agreement with Taifa Group, raising C$3.52 million at C$0.22 per share. Richard Reynolds, former CEO of Taifa Mining, has joined LVG's board as part of the partnership.

The company also retains exposure to exploration upside through its 2021 deal with Barrick, which includes up to US$45 million in contingent milestone payments. With early development optionality at Tembo, an advancing construction-stage project at Imwelo, and strong strategic partnerships, Lake Victoria Gold is emerging as a standout name in East Africa's junior gold sector.

With small-scale development plans underway at Tembo, near-term production potential at Imwelo, and upside exposure through its Barrick partnership, Lake Victoria Gold is steadily carving out a strong position in East Africa's emerging gold sector.

CONTINUED Read this and more news for Lake Victoria Gold at:

https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/14/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market include:

Melkior Resources Inc. (TSXV: MKR) (OTCPK: MKRIF) just hit its highest-grade gold result ever at its Carscallen property near Timmins, Ontariointersecting 77.4 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold over 6.9 meters, including a stunning 1.2 meters at 445 g/t. This new high-grade zone is located in the 1010 South Zone, a newer target area about 1 km from previous drilling success.

"These results, the highest ever at the property, not only demonstrate the continuity of the high-grade vein system along strike and down-dip with the best drill intersections attained to date, but also the potential that Carscallen holds when drilling new zones," said Jim Deluce, Director of Melkior. "The newly discovered bonanza grade mineralization at the 1010 Gold Zone, together with our high-grade gold prospects at Zamzam, Jowsey and Shenkman gold showings, truly attest to the upside potential of the area for significant mineral discoveries."

Troilus Gold Corp. (TSX: TLG) (OTCQX: CHXMF) recently delivered its own record-breaking drill hit in its Southwest Zone, intercepting 2.44 g/t gold equivalent over 56 metersthe best result from this zone in the company's history.

"We are very encouraged by the latest results from the Southwest Zone, which will be the first area mined when production begins," said Justin Reid, CEO of Troilus Gold. "Hole SW-25-688 returned the highest linear-grade intercept drilled to date in this zone, highlighting the continuity of wide, high-grade mineralization in the core of the deposit. Additionally, SW-25-679 encountered strong near-surface grades that could further strengthen the early years of the mine plan. As the campaign progresses, we look forward to sharing more results that continue to improve confidence of the block model, de-risk the early production years, and enhance the overall development plan for the Troilus Project."

Troilus plans to continue drilling into mid-May to define more high-grade pockets and test nearby anomalies with potential for even richer ore.

New Gold Inc. (NYSE-American: NGD) (TSX: NGD) recently posted a solid first quarter, generating $25 million in free cash flow and confirming it's on track to meet full-year production goals.

"The first four months of the year have been exceptionally positive for New Gold in achieving our strategic objectives," said Patrick Godin, President and CEO of New Gold. "We increased our future free cash flow by consolidating our interest in New Afton to 100%. We successfully refinanced and extended our senior notes and extended our credit facility. During the quarter, we also delivered two new Technical Reports outlining strong production profiles with lower costs. Collectively, these milestones are expected to create meaningful value for our shareholders and provide increased financial flexibility and optionality for New Gold moving forward.

The company completed key upgrades at both its Rainy River and New Afton mines, setting the stage for stronger production in the second half of 2025. With higher metal prices, strong copper output, and major debt refinanced, New Gold says it's better positioned for growth than it's been in years.

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) kicked off 2025 with strong gold production, low costs, and record adjusted net income of $770 million. Free cash flow topped $594 million, boosting the company's cash reserves to over $1.1 billion and leaving just $5 million in net debteffectively debt-free.

"We've had an excellent start to the year with another quarter of strong operating and financial results," said Ammar Al-Joundi, Agnico Eagle's President and CEO of Agnico Eagle Mines. "This performance has allowed us to further strengthen our balance sheet and has positioned us well for the remainder of the year."

Major expansion projects at Canadian Malartic, Detour Lake, and Upper Beaver are all advancing, while exploration drilling continues to return strong gold grades. The company also released its 16th annual Sustainability Report and declared a $0.40 quarterly dividend, underscoring its commitment to both growth and shareholder returns.

Article Source: https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/14/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

CONTACT:

Equity Insider

[email protected]

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca media corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising from a shareholder of the Company (333,333 unrestricted shares). MIQ has not been paid a fee for Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY") There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Technical information relating to Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Director of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

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SOURCE Equity Insider
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloom Cannabis Dispensaries, known for its curated selection, welcoming service, and community-first values, is proud to introduce its new house brand: Wondergrove.

Wondergrove launches with a clear missionto offer high-quality, responsibly cultivated cannabis products at accessible prices, grown with care and intention. Cultivated in a 47,000-square-foot open-air indoor facilitythe first of its kind in Ohiothe brand is rooted in innovation, sustainability, and connection.

"This has been a long time coming," said Bloom CEO Nicole Stark. "After seven years serving Ohio communities, we're excited to bring something new to the table. Wondergrove reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and valuewith new offerings made for every kind of customer, and collaborations with legendary brands like Wiz Khalifa's Khalifa Kush and Jim Belushi's Belushi's Farm."

Leading cultivation efforts is Tyler Smith, a seasoned cannabis expert with a strong background in horticulture, automation, and compliance. Smith's focus on consistent, clean harvests and precision cultivation ensures Wondergrove delivers on its promise of excellence.

"We've built Wondergrove to celebrate the full spectrum of cannabis culture," said Smith. "From exclusive genetics to everyday favorites, our goal is to create products that bring people together and feel personalbecause cannabis should be done right."

Wondergrove is now available exclusively at Bloom Cannabis Dispensaries in Columbus, Akron, Painesville Township, and Seven Mile, with plans to expand across the state in the coming months.

About Bloom Cannabis

Bloom Cannabis Dispensaries is an Ohio-based, family-founded dispensary committed to making cannabis accessible, personal, and done right. With a focus on education, high-quality products, and exceptional service, Bloom creates a welcoming experience for both medical and adult-use customers. From exclusive brands to thoughtful community engagement, Bloom is where cannabis meets care. For more information, visit www.bloomohio.com .

Press inquiries: [email protected]

SOURCE Bloom Cannabis
Xenith Signals Strategic Expansion into Special Operations Support

LEESBURG, Va., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Xenith Solutions, a leading provider of innovative IT, data, and mission support services for the federal government, proudly announces the hiring of Mario Contreras as Account Executive for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This pivotal hire underscores Xenith's growing commitment to supporting the unique missions of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community.

Mario Contreras - USSOCOM Account Executive

Mario Contreras' distinguished career spanning over three decades allows him to bring unparalleled experience in intelligence, data strategy, and defense operations to the Xenith team. His extensive background includes service as a retired Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) in the U.S. Army, over nine years at the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and significant leadership roles within USSOCOM's Chief Data Office.

"Bringing Mario on board represents a strategic step in our growth and deepening partnership with the Department of Defense," said Lee Shabe, CEO of Xenith Solutions. "His expertise, leadership, and firsthand understanding of the SOF environment make him the ideal choice to lead our efforts in support of USSOCOM's complex and evolving mission requirements."

Most recently, Contreras served as the Chief Data Officer at Exovera, where he led enterprise data initiatives, and as an Account Executive at SOSi, managing defense and intelligence portfolios. He also contributes as an Advisory Board Member for Foundation Stack AI, further demonstrating his passion for driving innovation in defense technologies.

"Joining Xenith Solutions is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver mission-critical solutions for an organization I deeply respect and understand," said Contreras. "I'm honored to continue to support USSOCOM's objectives and look forward to advancing Xenith's mission in this space."

The addition of Contreras to Xenith Solutions demonstrates the company poised to broaden its footprint in the Special Operations domain, offering tailored support in mission planning, data operations, cyber defense, and agile technology integration.

About Xenith Solutions: Xenith Solutions is a premier provider of secure, reliable, and agile solutions to federal agencies. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia area, Xenith specializes in IT modernization, data analytics, cybersecurity, and program management, with a mission-first approach and a people-first culture.

For more information, please visit: https://www.xenithsolutions.com/

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Lee Shabe

Xenith Solutions

703.963.3523

[email protected]

SOURCE Xenith Solutions
"I've been obsessed with Xochitl chips for years," Jimmy Fallon said. Post this

Jimmy joins Xochitl with a shared passion for the joy of bringing people together through good food. He will play a key role in bringing new energy to Xochitl through campaigns, digital storytelling, and retail activations that emphasize the brand's unique heritage and handcrafted approach with Jimmy's renowned creative touch.

"I've been obsessed with Xochitl chips for years," Jimmy said. "They're truly the best tortilla chips out there and I see a giant opportunity for growing the brand. My first job is getting people to pronounce the name correctly. It's pronounced 'so-cheel'. So look for more digital content from me on 'so-cheel' media."

This all comes to life as the brand is also launching a bold new collaboration: Xochitl x Cholula, bringing together two authentic and powerful brands just in time for Cinco de Mayo.

Xochitl will debut its first-ever flavor collaboration with Cholula, the beloved Mexican hot sauce from McCormick & Company, exclusively at over 2,000 Walmart stores this week, alongside its bestselling salted Xochitl tortilla chips. Xochitl x Cholula will roll out on Amazon and at grocers nationwide in the coming months, built on a beautiful new brand identity designed by award-winning brand agency Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR).

"This is a natural partnership between two authentically Mexican brands," said Valda Coryat, North America Vice President of Marketing for McCormick & Company. "Xochitl x Cholula gives consumers a new way to experience our signature Cholula flavor baked into an ancient tortilla chip recipe that is clean, crisp, and delicious."



"Through our new partnership with Jimmy Fallon and focus on brand evolution and innovation, we are positioning Xochitl to scale while staying true to our artisan roots," said Jolie Weber, CEO of Xochitl. "Jimmy is a natural marketer, and his warmth and authenticity make him a fantastic ambassador for Xochitl."



Forward Consumer Partners, a private investment firm focused on powerful brands that make beloved products, acquired a 50% ownership stake in Xochitl last year from Founder Carlos Salinas.



To learn more about Xochitl, visit xochitl.com and shop at participating Walmart stores and other major retailers nationwide. Follow Xochitl , Cholula , and Jimmy Fallon on Instagram to stay up to date on all the content yet to come.

About Xochitl

Founded in 1995, Xochitl is a craft, heritage brand of tortilla chips and salsas providing the finest products and flavors made from authentic recipes. As America's leading independent brand of corn tortilla chips, Xochitl is beloved for its small-batch offerings which deliver unmatched thinness and crispiness. Xochitl produces all of its chips in-house and is proudly seed oil-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. For more information, please visit xochitl.com and follow Xochitl on Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok .

About Cholula

Cholula's delicious hot sauce is created from a generations-old recipe featuring carefully selected arbol and piquin peppers and a secret blend of signature spices. Its unique recipe delivers a robust flavor with just the right amount of heat, with versatility far beyond the everyday condiment. Cholula's distinctive wooden cap and artistic yellow label are testaments to the quality tradition of Mexican artisanship, and each bottle of Cholula is crafted with care in Mexico. Introduced into the U.S. in 1989, Cholula Hot Sauce comes in six varieties and is enjoyed world over.

Cholula is one of McCormick & Company's (MKC) brands. McCormick is a global leader in flavor. With over $6.7 billion in annual sales across 150 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments and flavors to the entire food and beverage industry including retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is guided by our principles and committed to our Purpose  To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor. McCormick envisions A World United by Flavor where healthy, sustainable and delicious go hand in hand. To learn more, visit: www.mccormickcorporation.com or follow McCormick & Company on Instagram and LinkedIn .

About Forward Consumer Partners

Forward is a private investment firm focused on powerful brands that make beloved products. The Firm was created to help build enduring consumer businesses, providing each portfolio company with the partnership, resources, experience, and ambition to make progress toward its potential. Forward manages $425 million of committed capital through its debut fund, which closed in December 2023. The Firm's portfolio includes Kodiak, Firehook, Xochitl, Bar Keepers Friend, Via Carota Craft Cocktails, and PAPATUI.

Media Contact: Brooke Sundermier, [email protected]

SOURCE Xochitl
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. In accordance with the Individual Partnership Cooperation Program" between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and NATO for 2025, the Mobile Training Team of NATOs Allied Air Command pays a visit to Azerbaijan to conduct a course on Planning and Conducting Air Operations with the involvement of Azerbaijani Air Forces servicemen, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The main objective of the course is to explain NATO airspace control, the basic principles of self-evaluation (SEL) and NATO evaluation (NEL) for flight crews within the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC), and to enhance participants theoretical and practical knowledge in their area of specialization.

During the course, working groups will fulfill practical and theoretical tasks. At the end of the course, briefings on the completed tasks and goals will be given, and certificates will be presented to course participants.

The training course will last until May 2.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Over a Century After the 1915 Genocides, the World Must Embrace Pope Francis' Moral Clarity

Pope Francis speaks while seated on the podium at the square near the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira-l-Kubra), in the old city of Mosul in Iraq's north on March 7, 2021. Pope Francis, on his historic Iraq tour, visited Christian communities that endured the brutality of the Islamic State. ( Zaid Al-Obeidi/AFP) This year marks 110 years since the 1915 genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians/Syriacs/Chaldeans, Yazidis, Greeks, and Maronites of the Ottoman Empire. Every April 24, as an Armenian Catholic and descendant of survivors, I mark the day by commemorating the 1.5 million Armenians who perished--and all communities harmed in 1915. To commemorate one group demands commemorating all. Yet, political fears, moral cowardice, and what Pope Francis called, the "very ugly disease" of "globalization of indifference," have reduced remembrance to political weaponization and misinformation.

Say It by Its Name

All peoples who suffered genocide have given it a name. The Armenians call the 1915 genocide Medz Yeghern, meaning "the great tragedy." Over 30 countries have officially recognized the Armenian genocide to date. The Assyrians/Chaldean/Syriacs call it Sayfo. Sayfo in classical Syriac means "sword," recalling the method of killing used against non-Muslim communities. Greeks refer to it as Genoktonia ton Ellinon tis Mikras Asias, the Asia Minor Greek Genocide, and the Genoktonia ton Ellinon tou Pontou, the Pontic Greek Genocide. Less than half a dozen countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, and Armenia have recognized these atrocities. The Yazidis call their 74 historical genocides fermans, with the one of 1915 considered by some as the 72nd. Maronites of Mount Lebanon call their genocide Kafno from the Syriac for "famine." Both have no official international recognition.

Pope Francis Called for Meaningful Remembrance To Honor the Truth

As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, it is vital to document his wisdom as a justice mechanism to protect communities facing atrocities so that the world can reconnect with remembrance and reverse the erasure of genocide. Pope Francis taught us that truthful acknowledgment is a moral imperative.

Ten years ago, during the Armenian genocide's centenary mass, Pope Francis acknowledged it as the "first genocide of the twentieth century," quoting the 2001 declaration by Pope John Paul II and Armenian Catholicos Karekin II.

He exclaimed in his homily: "It is necessary, and indeed a duty, to honor their memory, for whenever memory fades, it means that evil allows wounds to fester. Concealing or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep bleeding without bandaging it!"

Pope Francis understood the need for genuine accountability to transform acknowledgment into healing. His vision invited the world to expand its historical consciousness. In 2016, while visiting the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Pope Francis wrote in their guestbook: "Memories should not be watered down or forgotten; memory is a source of peace and of the future."

The deportation of Armenian men in Kharberd (Harput region), Ottoman Empire, in the summer of 1915. ( Armenian Genocide Museum Institute Foundation)

Pope Francis Denounced Indifference As the Greatest Obstacle to Justice and Peace

Pope Francis did not just mourn genocide--he confronted it. He also warned of a new crime of atrocity, which he described as: "A sort of genocide created by general and collective indifference."

He feared indifference would sever the world from a path to justice and peace. In his 2020 Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, he warned: "The sense of belonging to a single human family is fading, and the dream of working together for justice and peace seems an outdated utopia. What reigns instead is a cool, comfortable and globalized indifference, born of deep disillusionment." He later added: "Indeed, if justice is not respected, conflicts arise. Without justice, the law of the prevalence of the strong over the weak becomes entrenched."

Moral Innovation Must Prevail

We must ask: Why have almost all communities affected by genocides in 1915 been re-subjugated to destructive violence? Is it because survivors are fragile? Or because perpetrators have gained an additional 110 years of experience in violence and destruction?

Collective indifference is fueling the genocidal agendas of today's perpetrators, alongside sophisticated weapons, technology, censorship, misinformation, and political alliances--all enabling and rewarding present-day erasure and impunity.

What is clear is international law and humanitarian diplomacy do not meet Pope Francis' standards of morality, courage, and critical thinking. It is time to seize innovation for moral transformation and reimagine our highest laws and courts.

Lynn Zovighian is a philanthropist, humanitarian diplomat, and founder of the Zovighian Public Office, partnering with communities facing genocide and crises in the Middle East and Caucasus through research, culture, advocacy, and diplomacy. She is also co-founder of Zovighian Partnership.

The author would like to extend special thanks to Edita Gzoyan and Gohar Khanumyan at the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute Foundation for their archival contributions to this article.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The flights between Iran and Azerbaijan in the direction of Tabriz-Baku and back are resumed, the Governor of East Azerbaijan Bahram Sarmast told Trend.

Resumption of air flights between Iran and Azerbaijan in the direction of Tabriz-Baku and back remains in the center of attention, he said.

According to him, the flights could proceed in the direction of facilitating travel and developing trade ties.

Sarmast noted that through this, citizens and businessmen of both countries will be able to visit Tabriz and Baku easily.

The Iranian governor noted that the Tabriz-Baku flight was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.

Tabriz-Baku flight and back was organized twice a week.

As many as 54 civilian airports operate in Iran. Of these, 14 are international airports. Iranian airports carry an average of 30 million passengers a year.
The Hague, May 1 : A major power outage struck the eastern Dutch city of Enschede, 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 nearly 160,000 residents, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

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 organised 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 nearly 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.

The outage began at around midday. Offices closed and traffic was snarled in Madrid and Lisbon, while some civilians in Barcelona directed traffic.

Train services in both countries stopped. It wouldn't be possible to restart trains later on Monday even if the power returned, Spain's Transportation Minister Oscar Puente posted on social media.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council.

The Portuguese Cabinet convened an emergency meeting at the Prime Minister's residence.

Portuguese Prime Minister LuAs Montenegro said he had spoken several times to Sanchez and expected power to be restored by the end of Monday.
United Nations, May 1 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has 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 on Wednesday 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 added.

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 as reported by Xinhua news agency.

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 destabilising 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.
Lucknow, May 1 : The Allahabad High Court, on Friday, will hear a petition seeking legal action against Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, over his alleged remarks related to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

The petition has been filed by the Hindu Front for Justice and others before the Lucknow bench of the high court.

The plea was listed before a division bench comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Om Prakash Shukla on Wednesday. However, the matter could not be taken up due to time constraints.

The petition has urged the court to direct the Centre to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Vadra's comments and also seeks legal proceedings against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

On April 22, terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the death of 26 people.

The petitioner's counsel, advocate Ranjana Agnihotri, alleged that Vadra's remarks in the aftermath of the attack sparked controversy.

She claimed that Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress Parliamentary Party Chief Sonia Gandhi and brother-in-law of party MP Rahul Gandhi, while reacting to the incident, had said that non-Muslims were targeted because terrorists believe Muslims are being "mistreated" in the country.

Vadra, speaking a day after the attack, suggested that the violence was rooted in the growing divide between Hindus and Muslims in India, which, he argued, was being exacerbated by the BJP-led government's 'Hindutva' agenda.

Vadra's statement implied that the terrorists were motivated by this division, linking the attack to the political and social climate in India.

"In our country, we see that this government will talk about Hindutva, and the minorities feel uncomfortable and troubled...If you dissect this terrorist act that took place, if they (terrorists) are looking at people's identity, why are they doing this? Because there's a divide that has come about in our country with Hindus and Muslims..." Vadra said, sparking immediate controversy.

Social media platforms exploded with reactions to Vadra's comments, with many accusing him of justifying the terrorist act and offering cover for groups like the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

BJP leader Amit Malviya also took to X to condemn Vadra's remarks, writing: "Shocking! Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra shamelessly defends an act of terror, offering cover to the terrorists instead of condemning them. He doesn't stop there, instead, shifts the blame onto India for the atrocities committed by Pakistani terrorists."

Shehzad Poonawala, another BJP leader, responded sharply to Vadra's comments on X: "Even as we mourn for our deep loss in #PahalgamTerroristAttack Congress is back to what it does best: Defend Pakistan-sponsored Islamic Jihad, blame Hindus, and divide the nation. Robert Vadra, on instructions of Sonia & Rahul Gandhi, has started: 1) giving a clean chit to Pakistan, 2) blamed Hindutva, 3) justified the terror group's actions by giving a 'legitimate cause,' 4) divided us. Won't Pakistan use this on international platforms? Isn't this the same thing Congress did in 26/11, Pulwama, Samjhauta? Congress ka haath hamesha Pakistan Jihad ke saath."
Washington, May 1 : The US and Ukraine on Wednesday announced a deal that will give America access to Ukrainian rare earth reserves and demonstrate the Trump administration's commitment to the "peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term".

The deal came after weeks of negotiations and last-minute niggles.

"As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war," Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, said in a statement announcing the agreement that sets up the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.

"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. 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. 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."

The US announcement said that in recognition of the significant financial and material support provided by the US to Ukraine since "Russia's full-scale invasion this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery".

US President Donald Trump has put the value of American support to Ukraine since the invasion at $300 billion and argued that the US got nothing back in return, unlike Europe, whose help was tied to conditions.

So, Trump had argued that the US wants access to Ukraine's rare earth reserves in return and he has said that US presence in Ukraine in execution of this deal will bring Ukraine long-term security guarantees from future Russian invasion that President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought as part of a permanent ceasefire that the US is trying to broker.

The US has said it will decide soon whether or not to stay invested in the peace process because of frustrating push back from both Ukraine and Russia.
New Delhi, May 1 : Angola's President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco will begin a four-day visit to India on Thursday, to boost relations between the two countries.

This will be his first official state visit to India.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "This is the first visit by an Angolan President to India in 38 years. It comes as India and Angola mark 40 years of diplomatic ties this year."

During his stay, President Lourenco is expected to meet separately with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Both sides are likely to sign several agreements to enhance cooperation in various fields.

The Angolan leader will travel with a high-level delegation that includes Ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders.

He will be given a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 3.

Later, he will meet with President Murmu for bilateral talks.

"President Lourenco will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honour," the MEA said in a statement.

The statement added, "A number of MoUs and agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which will give a boost to bilateral relations."

On May 4, 2025, President Lourenco will attend a business event in New Delhi aimed at promoting investment and commercial linkages between the two countries.

Business leaders and stakeholders from India and Angola are expected to attend the event and explore potential collaborations in sectors like oil and gas, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining.

India and Angola enjoy a friendly and expanding relationship, underpinned by strong energy cooperation.

In the financial year 2023a"24, trade between the two nations reached $4.192 billion, according to the MEA.

They also collaborate closely on international platforms and frequently support each other at the United Nations.

President LourenAoas visit will be a significant step forward in bilateral relations, with both sides looking to broaden and deepen strategic engagement in the years ahead.

The visit is expected to set the stage for a more dynamic partnership, reflecting the shared priorities and aspirations of India and Angola.
New Delhi, May 1 : External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar said on Thursday that he discussed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and said the perpetrators and planners have to be brought to justice.

In a post on X in the morning, the EAM wrote, "Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US@SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice."

The post comes after Rubio spoke with Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, amid escalating tensions between the two countries after terrorists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir brutally killed 26 people.

Rubio urged the leaders of both countries to work to de-escalate tensions between them and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

He reaffirmed the US's commitment to cooperate with India against terrorism and urged Pakistan's cooperation in investigating the "unconscionable" attack in Kashmir and stressed the need to condemn it.

Earlier, Tammy Bruce, the US State Department Spokesperson, said that in his call with the EAM Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio, "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".

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."

"Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence. The Secretary urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack," said Bruce.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack after The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for it.

Meanwhile, for the seventh consecutive day on Thursday, the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian positions on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

A Defence Ministry spokesman said, "During the night of 30 April and May 1, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC opposite Kupwara, Uri and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These were responded (to) proportionately by the Indian Army."

For the last seven days, Pakistan has been resorting to unprovoked firing on the LoC and on Wednesday, Pakistan Rangers fired with small arms at the Indian posts along the International Border in the Pargwal sector of Jammu district.
United Nations, May 1 : India has said it is ready to work closely with parties in the Gaza conflict to bring peace to the region and reiterated its calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

"It is India's desire to see peace and calm prevail in West Asia, and we stand ready to work closely with all concerned stakeholders towards realising this vision," Permanent Representative P. Harish told the Security Council on Wednesday during a debate on Palestine.

India is one of the few countries to have close, direct, and open relations with both Israel and Palestine.

He did not mention Israel or Hamas by name, even as he condemned the terrorist attack on Israel carried out by Hamas and spoke of the suffering since Israel resumed operations it had launched as retaliation for the terror strike.

This reflects India itself being a victim of terrorism that has been developing close defence ties with Israel while balancing its historic relations with Palestine and the Arab world.

"Terrorism is unacceptable, whatever be the grievances, which must be addressed only through peaceful means," Harish said, noting that India was among the first countries to condemn the terrorist attacks that took place on October 7, 2023.

With the collapse of a temporary ceasefire, 'unfortunately, operations have since resumed," and "civilians, including women and children, are the biggest casualties in any conflict."

The ceasefire that came into force in January was broken in March when Israel resumed air strikes and ground operations against Hamas, and the slow, reluctant release of Israeli hostages by Hamas also stopped.

"A ceasefire must be in place at the earliest, humanitarian assistance must flow without any hurdles, and all hostages must be released," Harish said.

India, he said, "calls on all concerned parties to shun violence, release hostages and pursue the track of negotiations so that all people can lead normal lives."

Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to end the conflict, and a two-state solution of Israel and Palestine as sovereign nations living side by side is the formula for "enduring and sustainable peace," he said.
Seoul, May 1 : South Korea has won a multibillion-dollar project to build two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic, its first overseas nuclear power plant project in 16 years, according to a news report and officials.

A South Korean consortium, led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), will sign a final agreement on the project with the Czech Republic's Elektrarna Dukovany II (EDU II) next Wednesday, Reuters reported, citing the Czech government, reports Yonhap news agency.

The South Korean government immediately welcomed the Czech government's announcement.

"The two countries are discussing the details of the planned contract signing ceremony," the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a press release.

The deal, estimated to be worth 26 trillion won (US$18.2 billion), marks South Korea's first overseas nuclear power plant project win since 2009, when the KHNP won the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant contract in the United Arab Emirates.

In July 2024, South Korea was selected as the preferred bidder for the Czech project to build two nuclear reactors at the Dukovany power plant.

To clinch the deal, South Korea had to clear many hurdles.

In January, the KHNP reached an agreement with U.S. energy firm Westinghouse Electric Co. to settle an intellectual property dispute over the Czech power plant project.

An appeal by French energy firm Electricite de France (EDF) was also recently turned down by Prague's competition authority.

The power plant export to the Czech Republic is expected to help South Korea penetrate deeper into the European market in line with the rising global demand for nuclear energy, sparked by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom and heightened awareness on energy security amid geopolitical tensions.

With the Dukovany project, South Korea is expected to enjoy an upper hand in possible competition for another nuclear power plant project in the Czech Republic.

The European nation is reportedly considering building two additional reactors at another power station in Temelin.

For the Dukovany plant, South Korea plans to supply the Czech Republic with APR-1000 models, which are based on the advanced APR-1400 design employed by the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, but modified to meet local demand, including a reduced capacity.

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Seoul, May 1 : HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and Hanwha Ocean Co., South Korea's leading shipbuilders, have pledged to strengthen cooperation with the United States in naval shipbuilding and maintenance during a visit by a top U.S. Navy official this week, according to the companies on Thursday.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan on Wednesday visited the headquarters of HD Hyundai Heavy in Ulsan, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, followed by a trip to a shipyard of Hanwha Ocean in Geoje, also in the southern region of the country, as part of his two-nation Asian trip also involving Japan.

According to HD Hyundai Heavy, Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, in his meeting with Phelan in Ulsan, emphasised the importance of strategic cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in maritime security while highlighting the company's long-standing expertise in naval shipbuilding, reports Yonhap news agency.

The two sides discussed possible cooperation in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for U.S. naval assets, as well as opportunities in future ship developments.

Kim Dong-kwan, Hanwha Group's vice chairman, meanwhile, offered Phelan a tour of Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard, which was carrying out MRO operations for the USNS Yukon, a 31,000-ton replenishment oiler vessel under the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet.

The vice chairman noted that Hanwha Ocean was at the forefront of South Korea-U.S. naval cooperation, citing its successful delivery of its previous U.S. Navy MRO project and its acquisition of Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia last year.

Kim also said the company has established a robust construction system capable of meeting U.S. Navy requirements and aims to become "the most trusted partner" for American naval programs.

Phelan's visit comes as US President Donald 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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. At a hearing on Thursday at the Baku Military Court, video footage was presented regarding the presence of the accused Arkady Ghukasyan in Shusha immediately following its occupation, Trend reports.

During the examination of the footage, state prosecutors clarified that it was filmed right after Shushas occupation and proceeded to question Arkady Ghukasyan. In response, the accused identified individuals in the video: "The man in civilian clothes in the middle is the driver. Behind me is Oleg Isayan in a suit. I recognize Armen Isagulov in the background. The second one is Zori Balayan. Vasily Atajanyan is in civilian attire. Now, Bishop Pargev has replaced the driver... I do not recognize the others; they appear to be just soldiers."

The trial for Armenian nationals accused of various crimes, including war crimes, terrorism, aggressive war preparation, genocide, violations of war laws, and financing terrorism, continues.
Seoul, May 1 : South Korea's exports gained 3.7 percent from a year earlier in April, marking a third consecutive month of increase, while outbound shipments to the United States dropped sharply on the Donald Trump administration's hefty tariffs, data showed on Thursday.

Outbound shipments came to US$58.2 billion last month, the highest-ever for an April, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Imports dropped 2.7 percent on-year to $53.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.88 billion, reports Yonhap news agency.

Exports to the U.S. decreased 6.8 percent on-year to $10.6 billion, leading to a $900 million drop in Seoul's trade surplus with the U.S. from a year earlier.

The sharp decline in shipments to the U.S. is attributable to a fall in shipments of automobiles, semiconductors and machinery, the ministry said.

Auto exports to the U.S. shrank 16.6 percent to $2.51 billion and chip exports slumped 31 percent to $400 million. Shipments of machinery products decreased 22.6 percent to $970 million.

On the other hand, shipments of petroleum products, rechargeable batteries and wireless communications equipment to the U.S. increased.

"High U.S. tariffs appear to have affected (South Korea's) exports to the U.S., though the degree of impact differs by sector," said Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade and Investment at the ministry.

The automotive sector suffered impact partially from tariffs but also from wavering demand for electric vehicles (EVs), he explained.

Exports of auto parts to the U.S., however, increased last month as companies moved to accumulate stocks ahead of planned U.S. tariffs on auto parts starting Saturday (U.S. time), Park added.

Exports to China rose 3.9 percent on-year to $10.9 billion on strong demand for smartphones and semiconductors, and exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) increased 4.5 percent to $9.4 billion thanks to the semiconductor and steel sectors.

Outbound shipments to the European Union surged 18.4 percent to a new monthly record of $6.7 billion, while shipments to India advanced 8.8 percent to $1.7 billion.

By item, semiconductor exports jumped 17.2 percent to reach $11.7 billion, the highest figure for any April, as the price of 8-gigabit DDR4 DRAM went up for the first time in a year, while the demand for high-value products, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM), also grew.

Exports of wireless communications equipment, including smartphones, expanded 26.5 percent to $1.5 billion, up for the third consecutive month.

Outbound shipments of biohealth products soared 14.6 percent to $1.4 billion, also the highest for any April, and steel shipments added 5.4 percent to $3 billion.

Exports of secondary batteries and ships gained 13.7 percent and 17.3 percent to $700 million and $2 billion, respectively.

But outbound shipments of automobiles, a key export item for South Korea, went down 3.8 percent on-year to $6.5 billion last month on weaker demand for internal combustion engine cars and electric vehicles (EVs).

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Ahmedabad, May 1 : Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Thursday hailed thousands of workers, especially unsung heroes who keep the Adani Portfolio of companies running.

On the occasion of Labour Day, the billionaire industrialist shared his deepest respect and gratitude to each of those workers.

"On this Labour Day, I bow to the countless hands that keep the Adani machinery running. You are the unsung heroes who build, protect, transport, feed, and fuel our dreams," said Gautam Adani in a post on X social media platform, while sharing a video where workers are seen sharing their thoughts on work culture at the Adani Group.

The Adani Group Chairman further stated that "It is your hard work, your prayers, your appreciation, and your belief that lift us higher each day."

"My deepest respect and gratitude to each of you. Jai Hind!," he added.

Gautam Adani shared a video of the employees working in the Group, who shared their experiences at the workplace.

Gobind Singh, an employee, said it feels much better to work here than in other companies as "I have also got to learn about several new machines".

Another employee, Jaimini Panara, said that the work environment here is very good and "I feel proud to tell people that I work in the Adani Group".

Another female employee, who goes by the single name Mittal, said she has completed four years at the Adani Group.

"On the occasion of Labour Day, I would like to give only one message to people - be loyal to your work," Mittal said.

Another employee Satinder Kaur said that this is her first job and "the work environment at Adani is superb".

Satvir Singh said that he is about to complete one year at the company. "The staff here is very good. Along with this, all facilities are available here," he said.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 : The capital city of Thiruvananthapuram is on high security alert as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive here later in the day to inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Port, a maritime infrastructure project.

PM Modi will arrive here after attending an event in Mumbai and stay overnight at Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekaras official residence.

By noon, the road from the airport to the Governoras address will be taken over by the security officials, and no parking on either side will be allowed.

On Friday, he will leave for the Pangode Military camp here and board the helicopter to reach Vizhinjam near here.

The formal dedication of the port to the nation is scheduled at 11 a.m. Friday at a special venue. The Prime Minister will dedicate the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,900 crore to the nation.

It is the countryas first dedicated container transhipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in Indiaas maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.

Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute to strengthening Indiaas position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment.

Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the worldas busiest sea trade routes further strengthen Indiaas position in global trade.

After dedicating the Vizhinjam Port to the nation, he will return by helicopter to the airport and leave for Andhra Pradesh.

Once there, he will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati. In line with his commitment to ensure world-class infrastructure and connectivity across the country, the Prime Minister will inaugurate seven National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting capacity.
New Delhi, May 1 : In a significant breakthrough, the IGI Airport Police have arrested a 29-year-old travel agent from Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur for his alleged involvement in a fake visa racket targeting Europe-bound passengers, officials said.

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) In a significant breakthrough, the IGI Airport Police have arrested a 29-year-old travel agent from Uttar Pradeshas Shahjahanpur for his alleged involvement in a fake visa racket targeting Europe-bound passengers, officials said.

The accused, identified as Abhinesh Saxena, was apprehended following the arrest of two passengers -- Taranveer Singh and Gagandeep Singh -- at Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 21.

The duo was attempting to board a flight to Rome while en route to Sweden using forged Schengen visas.

During interrogation, the two passengers disclosed that their travel documents, including the counterfeit visas, had been arranged by a Delhi-based agent.

Acting on the leads provided, police traced the operation back to Saxena, who had handed over the passports and fake documents at a hotel in Mahipalpur, a locality in South West Delhi known for budget accommodations often used by travellers and agents alike.

According to police, Saxena confessed to being part of a wider network that specialises in forging travel documents for hefty sums.

He admitted to working closely with another agent, identified only as Lalli, in arranging the fake visas and other supporting documents.

The passengers reportedly paid a total of Rs 31 lakh for the promised journey to Sweden.

Police officials said that the arrest has opened a window into a larger, organised racket that exploits visa loopholes and desperate travellers.

The police are also scanning previous travel records to identify if other passengers may have used similar forged documents issued by the same network.

Recently, Delhi Police arrested an agent from Punjab for arranging a fake UK visa for a person in 2022.

In another case, the IGI Airport Police have arrested an agent for arranging a fake Schengen visa for an Indian traveller attempting to fly to the Netherlands.
Jaipur, May 1 : Four people, including a four-year-old child, were killed after a fire broke out in a hotel in Rajasthan's Ajmer on Thursday.

The fire broke out in hotel 'Naaz' in Diggi Bazaar around 8 a.m.

Four others, including a one-and-a-half-year-old child named Ibrahim, sustained severe burns and are critical.

In a heart-wrenching scene, a woman threw her child from a window to protect the baby from the raging fire.

The child suffered minor burns.

Eyewitness Mangilal Kalosia, who caught the child, said that the fire started with a loud explosion, believed to be in an air conditioner.

"We broke the glass windows from outside. The woman threw her child into my lap from the window," Kalosia said.

The fire spread swiftly to all five floors of the hotel, which was reportedly housing a large number of pilgrims at the time. In a desperate bid to escape, many guests jumped off windows.

Rescue efforts were severely hampered by the narrow access road leading to the hotel.

Dr. Anil Samaria, Principal of JLN Medical College, confirmed that eight victims were rushed to the hospital.

"Four of them died. Three are critically injured. A child is among the deceased," he said.

Several firefighters and police personnel also fell ill during the rescue due to smoke inhalation and exhaustion. A female police constable began vomiting near the hotel after her condition deteriorated.

Despite the challenges, the police, civil defence, and fire brigade teams managed to evacuate the remaining hotel guests safely.

Ajmer Collector Lok Bandhu said police and civil defence teams have thoroughly searched the hotel premises.

"No more individuals were found inside. Our focus is now on ensuring the injured receive the best possible medical care," he added.

DIG Om Prakash confirmed that the entire emergency response team reached the scene promptly.

"Some of our team members became unwell during the operation but are now stable," he said.

Ward 22 Councillor Bharti Shrivastava noted that most hotel guests were asleep when the fire broke out.

"People were trapped inside, and glass windows had to be broken to rescue them. Local leaders and administration officials arrived soon after and supported rescue efforts," she added.
New Delhi, May 1 : BJP leaders on Thursday welcomed the Central government's landmark decision to include caste-based enumeration in the upcoming national census while firmly rejecting the Opposition's attempts to claim credit for the move.

Following the Centre's announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asserted that the decision reflected his party's long-standing commitment to social justice.

He claimed the Modi government had bowed to pressure and embraced the Congress-led Opposition's developmental agenda. The Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) made similar claims, stating the BJP had accepted their decades-old demands.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had also claimed, "This is a victory of our ancestors, socialist leaders and socialism. We have continuously fought for this. Our leaders have raised the issue time and again, whether on the streets, in the Assembly, or in court. Even today, we are strongly advocating for it, and now the BJP and NDA are being forced to dance to our tune."

Rejecting such claims, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the bold and historic step.

Speaking to IANS, Maurya said, "Neither Congress, nor the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal or INDIA bloc can take credit for this. If anyone deserves credit, it is PM Modi. He comes from a backward class and has risen to the highest office in the country. Many could not tolerate this and continuously opposed him -- they removed his head from posters, abused him, and used derogatory language against him."

"I and the nation congratulate PM Modi for the historic and revolutionary step. The Opposition has given up now," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad also welcomed the decision, calling it historic and transformative.

"Today, I thank PM Modi, he took a historic step. Now, when the census takes place, it will be revealed which section of society is suffering what kind of problems. Who is educated, who is deprived, everything will come to light, and the schemes and policies will be implemented accordingly," he said.

Nishad further criticised past governments for discontinuing the caste census.

"These people have no right to speak. The British were better than these people, they conducted the census in 1931-41. These people stopped it in 1951, it has remained closed since then. There was so much discrepancy that the Nishads, who were 70 lakh in 1961, were put in OBC category. These people just keep making baseless claims," Nishad added.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa echoed the sentiment, praising PM Modi's leadership.

"We wholeheartedly welcome the commitment made by the Prime Minister. He had promised that a nationwide census would be conducted, and through a caste census, we would be able to understand who needs what and where. Only then can appropriate action be taken. If the country is to move forward and become a 'Viksit Bharat', it must take all sections of society along," he said.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh took a direct swipe at RJD and Congress, saying, "Lalu Prasad spent his life obeying Sonia Gandhi, suppressed reservation, and thrived under Congress. He ruled in the name of the Mandal Commission but never implemented it. It is Narendra Modi who has cleansed the decades-old sins of Lalu and Congress."
Kozhikode, May 1 : On the eve of the 13th death anniversary of T.P. Chandrasekharan -- whom the top brass of the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala still refers to as a renegade -- a befitting memorial is set to be unveiled at the very spot where he was brutally murdered by a group of CPI(M) workers.

Chandrasekharan was hacked 51 times in 2012 in a gruesome political killing that shocked Kerala.

His widow, K.K. Rema, a firebrand leader once in the CPI(M) herself, has carried forward his ideology ever since his death.

Now a first-time MLA, elected in 2021 with the support of the Congress-led UDF, Rema stood before the new memorial on Thursday and called it "a dream come true."

"We will formally open this state-of-the-art memorial in the coming days. This is a dream come true for all who hold Chandrasekharan dear," she said.

The memorial has been built on a three-cent plot of land -- the exact location where Chandrasekharan was murdered.

"We purchased this land to build the memorial. Earlier, we had put up a small structure here, but it was attacked nearly five times," said Rema, adding that the site is now under police protection.

The new memorial will house the motorcycle Chandrasekharan was riding when he was attacked. "There will also be a 'live' museum, showcasing his speeches, personal belongings, and other details of his life, all curated using advanced AI technology," she said.

Chandrasekharan, then 51, was ambushed on May 4, 2012, by assailants in a car who first hurled crude bombs at him. When he fell off his motorcycle, they hacked him to death. His body lay in a pool of blood for over half an hour before police took him to a hospital.

At the time, the Congress-led government under Oommen Chandy was in power. The police quickly identified and arrested the suspects.

In July 2012, several key culprits were taken into custody, and in January 2014, a local Kozhikode court convicted 12 people -- including three prominent CPI(M) leaders from the area.

The murder created a political storm in Kerala. The trigger, many believe, was Chandrasekharan's decision in 2008 to break away from the CPI(M) and form his own party, the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP).

His popularity at his home turf of Onchiyam and the RMP's subsequent electoral gains there reportedly enraged the CPI(M), for whom Onchiyam holds deep historical and ideological significance.

Chandrasekharan was widely admired for his powerful oratory and strong presence -- traits that made him a threat to the party he once served.

Since his death, Rema has emerged as a fierce critic of the CPI(M), especially Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, whom she accuses of having knowledge of the conspiracy behind her husband's murder.
Seoul, May 1 : South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a lower court's acquittal of Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung on charges of election law violation, sending the case back to the appeals court.

In a televised decision, the top court overturned the Seoul High Court's verdict last month, which acquitted Lee of lying as a presidential candidate during the 2022 election campaign.

The Supreme Court's ruling came about a month before the country will hold the June 3 presidential election. The case has drawn intense attention due to the possibility that the top court's decision could affect his eligibility to run for office.

Those who receive a fine of 1 million won ($700) or more for violating the election law are restricted from running for office for five years, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier on April 30, the South Korean Democratic Party (DP) 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.
Seoul, May 1 : South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo resigned on Thursday, indicating he would run for the June 3 presidential election.

Han announced his decision during a Press briefing at the government complex in Seoul, ending weeks of speculation over whether he would enter the election triggered by the impeachment of his former boss -- former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

"Thinking of the weight of the responsibility I carry at this grave time, after thinking long and carefully about whether such a decision is in fact right and inevitable, I decided that if this is the only way, I must take it," he said during the briefing, Yonhap news agency reported.

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.

A Han candidacy is certain to trigger merger talks with the conservative People Power Party (PPP), whose presidential candidate will be chosen on 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.

The South Korean government designated June 3 as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The designation was made at a Cabinet meeting four days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December.

Under the Constitution, the country is required to hold a new election within 60 days after a vacancy arises in the presidency.

The government also designated June 3 as a temporary public holiday.

The National Election Commission began early candidate registration shortly after the Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon.

Candidates will be required to register by May 11 and the official campaign period will kick off on May 12.

The law also requires a public servant running for President to resign at least 30 days before an election, making May 4 the deadline.

The new President will assume office immediately after the election without a transition team.

When former President Park Geun-hye was removed from office on March 10, 2017, the early election was also held exactly 60 days later, on May 9.

Meanwhile, Yoon, who dramatically rose from a top prosecutor to the presidency in about three years, became the nation's second President to be formally removed from office, with his surprise martial law bid rattling the nation for months and deepening political polarisation.

With the ruling, Yoon, 64, follows in the footsteps of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who was ousted in 2017 when the Constitutional Court upheld her impeachment over a corruption scandal.
New Delhi, May 1 : Several Indian diplomatic missions held prayer meetings in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 innocent civilians.

The brutal terror assault on April 22, which left the entire nation in grief, 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.

In Australia, around 250 members of the Indian community of Brisbane and Queensland came together at the Queensland Vedic and Cultural Centre to show solidarity and pray for the victims of the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack.

Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives Milton Dick joined the prayer meeting expressing support and condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Meanwhile, the Indian community in Mozambique observed a minute of silence remembering the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam.

"During our Indian community welfare meeting (April 30, 2025), we observed a minute's silence in memory of people killed by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir," the High Commission of India in Mozambique posted on X.

The Embassy of India in the Dominican Republic also extended condolences to the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam.

"At a condolence gathering held today at the Embassy, Embassy officials led by Ambassador Ramu Abbagani, members of the Indian community, and Dominican friends of India paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack," the Embassy of India in the Dominican Republic posted on X.

The High Commission of India in Singapore held a solemn remembrance ceremony in memory of those killed in the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam. Members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India offered their heartfelt condolences.

The Consulate General of India in Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Region held a prayer meeting in solemn remembrance of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

The members of the Indian community in Hong Kong and Macau observed a one-minute silence and offered their homage (shradhanjali) to the departed and prayed for their families and speedy recovery of the injured.

"Video clips of the heart-wrenching moments of the pain of the families of the victims of the terrorist attack inflicted by the scourge of terrorism were shown. Video clips of the Foreign Secretary's briefing of April 23, 2025, on the steps taken by India in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India's statement & Right of Reply at the United Nations and PM Narendra Modi's remarks at a public event in Bihar were also shown to brief the members of the Indian community," Consulate General of India in Hong Kong posted on X.

"The prayer meeting in solemn remembrance of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack concluded with the singing of the National Anthem," the post added.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed a decree regarding the major renovation of the Gukhuroba-Hiloba-Yasaoba-Anigoba-Ashaghi Imamkulukand-Shirvanli highway in the Gusar district, Trend reports.

Under the decree, for major repair of the Gukhuroba-Hiloba-Yasaoba-Anigoba-Ashaghi Imamkulukand-Shirvanli highway, which connects six settlements with a population of 5,000 people, an initial amount of 1.5 million manat ($882,3) from the funds specified in subparagraph 1.19.21 of the "Distribution of funds intended for state-owned investments (investment expenses) in the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025," approved by the Presidential decree No. 445 dated January 10, 2025, has been allocated to the Azerbaijan State Roads Agency.

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan is responsible for providing the financing in the amount specified in Part 1 of this decree.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with including the financial resources necessary for the continuation of the major repair of the highway in the distribution of state capital investment expenses in the draft state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is responsible for resolving any issues arising from this decree.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Mumbai, May 1 : Veteran actress Rakhee Gulzar opened up about her decision to return to acting with the upcoming Bengali film "Aamar Boss." Mumbai, May 1 (IANS) Veteran actress Rakhee Gulzar opened up about her decision to return to acting with the upcoming Bengali film "Aamar Boss."

She explained that the project allowed her to reconnect with the cultural roots that she felt had been lost over time. The Soldier actress revealed that the story deeply resonated with her from the moment she first heard it. Rakhee also expressed concern about the growing disconnect with cultural roots in today's society. She spoke about how, in modern times, relationships have become increasingly superficial, with technology taking over the deeper, more meaningful connections that once defined families and communities.

Speaking about her return, Gulzar shared, "Aamar Boss is a story that touched my heart from the very first narration. I agreed to do this film only because I could strongly relate with the story. Today, we have lost touch with our culture, our roots, everything has become superficial. I come from a background where everyone was closely knitted, seeing today's generation where technology has taken over relationships worries me. Some relationships are so pure that they transcend age, time, and distance, that's what this film beautifully captures."

Director and writer Shiboprosad Mukherjee added, "The entire Bengali film industry is grateful to Rakhee didi for being a part of this beautiful film. It's an absolute honour to have her on board. Apart from this, would like to thank Shaan Dada for lending his voice. 'Aamar Boss,' isn't your regular film, the film humanises the ruthless corporate culture. Amidst all the layoffs, a film where humans and human relationships are prioritised is really needed. As Nandita didi mentioned, films like Aamar Boss are need it the hour."

The makers of Aamar Boss recently unveiled the film's trailer on social media, giving audiences a glimpse of Rakhee Gulzar in a deeply heartwarming role. The trailer highlights her portrayal of a character that beautifully embodies the themes of love, tradition, and connection. Alongside her, Shiboprosad Mukherjee delivers a moving performance as a son grappling with love, duty, and unspoken emotions.

The film is set to release on 9th May 2025, just ahead of Mother's Day week.
Mumbai, May 1 : Tata Motors on Thursday reported a 7 per cent year-on-year decline in its total domestic sales for the month of April, selling 70,963 units compared to 76,399 units in April 2024.

The company also saw a dip in overall sales, including domestic and international markets, which stood at 72,753 units, down from 77,521 units a year ago.

In the commercial vehicle segment, domestic sales fell 10 per cent to 25,764 units in April 2025.

Within this segment, heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) trucks saw an 8 per cent decline, selling 7,270 units, while sales of small commercial vehicles (SCV cargo and pickups) dropped sharply by 23 per cent to 9,131 units.

However, intermediate and light commercial vehicle (ILMCV) trucks registered an 8 per cent growth, and passenger carriers grew 4 per cent YoY.

Including both domestic and international business, Tata Motors sold 27,221 commercial vehicles in April 2025 -- marking an 8 per cent decline from the same period last year.

Medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales, including buses and trucks, stood at 12,760 units globally, slightly lower than 13,218 units in April 2024.

In the passenger vehicle category, Tata Motors sold 45,199 units in the domestic market in April 2025, which is 6 per cent less than the 47,883 units sold in April last year.

However, international business (IB) saw a significant jump, with 333 units sold, up from just 100 units in April 2024.

Total passenger vehicle sales, including exports and electric vehicles (EVs), dropped by 5 per cent to 45,532 units.

Electric vehicle sales across domestic and international markets fell 16 per cent to 5,318 units from 6,364 units last year.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors wholly-owned subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India said last month that it has recorded its highest-ever retail sales in a financial year, selling 6,183 units in FY25 -- a sharp 40 per cent increase compared to FY24.
Bhopal, May 1 : Four people were killed and three others injured when a car carrying them lost control and crashed into a culvert near Bhadaura village in the jurisdiction of the Myana police station on Thursday.

The devastating incident occurred at around 2.30 a.m., police said.

After hearing the loud bang, the owner of a nearby Dhaba (eatery) reached the spot and called the police and ambulance. Guna is nearly 225 km from Bhopal.

Speaking to IANS, Gopal Choube, the investigating officer and police station in-charge, said, "It is possible that the driver, who was among the victims, dozed off, leading to the incident."

He further said, "The victims were returning home from a wedding celebration when the accident occurred. Among the injured, one is in critical condition and has been referred to Bhopal for advanced medical attention. However, it remains uncertain who was at the wheel, as only one of the survivors can communicate, albeit not coherently."

The deceased have been identified as Govind Raghuvanshi (28), Sonu Raghuvanshi (35), Veeru Kushwaha (24), and Hitesh Bairagi (24), all of whom hailed from Rijoda village. The injured include Sudeep Raghuvanshi (24), currently under critical care in Bhopal, alongside Sumit Raghuvanshi (24) and Ravi Raghuvanshi (22), both receiving treatment at the district hospital.

The officer also dismissed the earlier presumption that the car had been struck by another vehicle, stating, "The damage, concentrated on the rear of the vehicle while leaving the front largely intact, warrants further investigation once the injured regain full consciousness and the medical reports are available."

The official confirmed that post-mortem examinations have been conducted, and the bodies have been handed over to the grieving families. The wedding festivities were held in Mawan village, with attendees travelling from Rijoda in Shivpuri district.
Mumbai, May 1 : Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has made his foray into the world of gaming as he has teamed up with popular author Amish Tripathi and gaming veteran Nouredine Abboud for their new venture.

The project is titled 'The Age of Bhaarat', and aims to propel India onto the global gaming map. While India is home to a treasure trove of legendary lore, its expression in global gaming has remained largely untapped.

The newly unveiled trailer showcases swathes of landscapes, mythical beasts, powerful warriors, and layered storytelling, all brought together with cinematic finesse and technical brilliance. Drawing upon epics, folklore, and traditions, The Age of Bhaarat, which is touted to be India's own AAA game, is being shaped under the brand name Tara Gaming Ltd. It marks a key milestone in 'Create in India' ambition.

Sharing his enthusiasm about joining Tara Gaming Ltd. as the Co-Founder, Amitabh Bachchan said, "Joining Tara Gaming is an extension of my lifelong commitment to storytelling. When I heard Amish's and Nouredine's vision, I was instantly drawn to the potential of creating something truly monumental".

He further mentioned, "India has always been a land of powerful stories, and through this game, we have an opportunity to share our epics, creativity, and imagination with the world. Gaming is where stories come alive for the next generation, and I'm excited to help shape that experience at Tara Gaming with a uniquely Indian lens".

At its core, the brand's vision is to empower Indian storytellers and bridge the gap between culturally rooted stories and cutting-edge game development.

Amish Tripathi, said, "We are beyond honoured to welcome Amitabh Bachchan to Tara Gaming. Mr. Bachchan is a true visionary whose understanding of Indian heritage is unmatched, and his belief in our vision adds immense strength to our journey. He brings a sense of legacy and inspiration to the project that's impossible to quantify. The trailer perfectly captures the bold vision we have to present Indian itihaas to the world in a cool modern context, and we believe players across the globe will be excited to explore the world we're building".

Nouredine Abboud shared, "To welcome Mr. Bachchan as our co-founder is a privilege beyond words. His deep understanding of Indian culture and storytelling is invaluable as we develop a game that resonates globally. The trailer is just a glimpse of this ambitious and immersive world that pays homage to Indian traditions while delivering cinematic-quality gameplay. The Age of Bhaarat has always been a passion project for us at Tara Gaming, and with Mr. Bachchan onboard, our conviction has only grown stronger".
Chandigarh, May 1 : In an intelligence-led operation, Punjab Police's Counter-Intelligence of Amritsar busted an international narcotics smuggling network operated by foreign-based Jassa and his associates with links to Pakistan-based smugglers, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday.

Chandigarh, May 1 (IANS) In an intelligence-led operation, Punjab Policeas Counter-Intelligence of Amritsar busted an international narcotics smuggling network operated by foreign-based Jassa and his associates with links to Pakistan-based smugglers, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday.

Five kg of heroin was seized. He said preliminary investigation revealed that Jassa and his foreign-based accomplices have established links with their India-based associate, Jodhbir Singh, alias Jodha, a resident of Amritsar.

Acting on the instructions of his foreign handlers, Jodhbir Singh actively retrieved heroin consignments and distributed them to various locations across India.

Further intelligence indicates that Jodhbir Singh also collected drug proceeds and remitted them to Pakistan through hawala channels, said the DGP.

A raid was conducted and the police team recovered five kg of heroin, one currency counting machine and many more.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered in Amritsar, and efforts are on to arrest him and disrupt his network.

A day earlier, Amritsar Commissionerate has thwarted a potential grenade attack on a police establishments with the arrest of five members of a Pakistan ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module linked to foreign-based gangster Jiwan Fauji.

Those arrested have been identified as Naresh Kumar alias Babbu, Abhinav Bhagat alias Abhi, Ajay Kumar alias Ajju, and Sunny Kumar, all residents of Haripura in Amritsar and a 17-year-old juvenile.

Police teams have also recovered a hand grenade and a country-made .32 pistol along with five cartridges.

DGP Yadav said gangster Jiwan Fauji, currently operating from abroad, has been running a terror module in border districts of the state with the help of the arrested accused, who were recruited and radicalised to execute criminal activities.

The probe has also revealed that the arrested people were provided with motorcycles and tasked with retrieving weapon consignments from the Ajnala sector, the DGP said.

He said the arrested were actively plotting to target police establishments with grenades.
Chennai, May 1 : The Tamil Virtual Academy is set to launch a dedicated website featuring a comprehensive list of Tamil names for newborns, along with their meanings.

The initiative aims to assist parents in selecting meaningful Tamil names while promoting the preservation and pride of Tamil language and culture.

The announcement comes in the wake of a growing call from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for families to embrace Tamil identity.

Speaking at a public event in Nagapattinam recently, Stalin encouraged newlyweds to have children and name them in Tamil.

He expressed concern that Tamil Nadu's representation in Parliament could be affected by future delimitation exercises based on population.

"Earlier, I used to advise newlyweds to take their time and plan their families," Stalin said. "But now I am urging them to have children immediately -- and name them in Tamil."

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin also shared the same sentiment, urging couples to choose Tamil names for their children. He linked the appeal to broader efforts to protect the Tamil language from perceived impositions, particularly through the National Education Policy and other central initiatives.

"I request all newlyweds to give their children beautiful Tamil names," he said. "Attempts are being made to indirectly impose Hindi -- by altering words in the Tamil Thaai Vaazthu (state song) and promoting Hindi through the education policy. But these efforts are failing."

The Tamil Virtual Academy's move to create the new naming website was prompted by a suggestion on the social media platform 'X' by Nithan Chitrarasu, a DMK supporter.

He referred to an earlier incident at the wedding of Mylapore MLA D. Velu's daughter, where Stalin had encouraged the newlywed couple to choose Tamil names for their future children.

Chitrarasu noted the absence of a centralized, accessible resource for such names and urged the creation of one.

Stalin responded positively, assuring swift action.

The Tamil Virtual Academy later confirmed that the website would be launched soon as part of its digital library, providing easy access to a curated list of Tamil names and their meanings.

Originally established as the Tamil Virtual University under Section 27 of the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Societies Act, 1975, the Academy was renamed the Tamil Virtual Academy on July 16, 2010. It functions under the Information Technology and Digital Services Department and focuses on online Tamil education, digitization of Tamil literature, and promotion of Tamil computing.

The Academy also runs initiatives like the 'Theera Kaadhal Thirukkural' project to popularize the teachings of the Thirukkural.
Mumbai, May 1 : Riteish Deshmukh shared his perspective on the pivotal role of antagonists in cinema, emphasizing that the strength of a film often lies in the complexity of its villain.

Speaking passionately about character dynamics, the actor highlighted how the essence of a compelling narrative is rooted in conflict  and that conflict thrives when both the protagonist and antagonist are given equal weight. In a candid conversation, the 'Masti' actor explained that it's not just about heroes and villains in isolation but about the larger journey that unfolds when these characters clash. He believes that a truly memorable hero emerges only when faced with an equally powerful obstacle  a formidable villain.

Drawing on examples from iconic films like 'Mr. India' and 'Raid', Riteish pointed out how characters such as Mogambo and Saurabh Shukla's villain in 'Raid' elevated the hero's journey and made the story unforgettable.

The actor told IANS, "You know, more than just the hero or the villain, it's really about the character. A story truly comes alive when there's a strong clash. And to create that clash, both characters need to be equally powerful. Often, for the hero to truly shine, the villain must remain dominant until the very end. It's like this  stepping over a speed breaker isn't exciting, but climbing Mount Everest is. The tougher the journey for the protagonist, the more engaging it is for the audience. That's why the villain has to be bigger. Playing an antagonist at that fierce level is a wonderful challenge."

The 'Marjaavaan' actor went on to explain that the antagonist doesn't necessarily have to dominate screen time but must be written with enough depth and intrigue to challenge the hero meaningfully.

"Every film where the hero becomes iconic is largely because of an interesting villain. Without a compelling antagonist, heroes are rarely remembered. It's the obstacle the hero has to overcome that makes their journey memorable. Take Mr. India  it's unforgettable because of Mogambo. In Maharani, it's Sanjay Dutt's character that stands out, creating that crucial conflict the hero must face."

Riteish added, "You liked Raid because Saurabh Shukla delivered a mind-blowing performance, adding depth to the story. That's why it's so important  whether the antagonist's role is big or small doesn't matter. What matters is how intriguingly it's portrayed. This isn't something new  it's been true in the past, it holds today, and it will continue in the future. Every great story needs a challenge and a villain, and that element will always be essential."

Riteish Deshmukh, known for his impactful antagonist roles in films such as "Ek Villain" and "Marjaavaan," portrays a corrupt politician in his latest film, "Raid 2."

Also starring Ajay Devgn, the film was released in theatres on Labour Day, May 1.
Los Angeles, May 1 : Hollywood legend Tom Hanks, who was last seen in 'Here', is celebrating 37 years of his marriage with Rita Wilson.

On Thursday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture of himself with his wife. In the picture, the couple can be seen near a water body presumably after their swimming or diving session.

The actor wrote in the caption, "37 years married. Today! Love you, Mrs. Mr.THanks".

Earlier in February, the couple contributed to the relief efforts towards Los Angeles wildfires that ravaged through southern California.

The Hollywood couple donated $1 million to the Los Angeles wildfires relief efforts, reports 'Female First UK'.

The couple's $26 million Pacific Palisades home was reported to have survived the devastating blazes, which started in the upmarket area on January 7, however they were forced to evacuate.

As per 'Female First UK', Los Angeles wildfires was a series of 14 destructive wildfires affected the Los Angeles metropolitan area and San Diego County in California, United States. The fires were exacerbated by drought conditions, low humidity, and a buildup of vegetation from the previous winter.

The pair splitted the donation between several organisations, including the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the Los Angeles Fire Foundation, SAG-AFTRA Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, the American Red Cross and MusiCares.

In a joint statement, they said, "Like so many of us, we see the loss and devastation wrought by the Altadena and Palisades fires. The challenge of the future of these communities is immense. "We are so very grateful for the first responders and firefighters, from all over, who fought with all they had in order to save homes and people".

They added, "Now we must all move forward to what is next for our city, communities, and neighbours. "We are donating $1 million between the following organisations to help support those in need and those who aided".

They signed off the letter posted to Instagram, "If you can, please join us in donating. Everything helps, right?".

Other stars to have donated include Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce, Paris Hilton and The Weeknd.
New Delhi, May 1 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday expressed gratitude to South Korea for its solidarity with India following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack.

In a telephonic conversation with his South Korean counterpart Cho Taeyul, the EAM emphasised the need to combat terrorism in all forms.

"Spoke with Foreign Minister Cho Taeyul of South Korea this morning. Thanked him for ROK's support and solidarity in light of the Pahalgam terror attack. Underlined the need to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations," EAM posted on X. (Republic of Korea -- ROK -- official name of South Korea)

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.

Earlier, South Korea condemned the terror attack and extended its condolences to the victims.

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed "deep concerns" over the deadly assault and extended condolences to the victims, their bereaved families, and the Indian government.

"The government of the Republic of Korea expresses its deep concern over and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in the Pahalgam area in Jammu and Kashmir, the Republic of India, and resulted in numerous casualties. The government extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the innocent victims and their bereaved families, as well as to the government and the people of India," the ministry statement read.

"The government reaffirms its firm stance that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances," the foreign ministry said.

Following the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, in the first Cabinet Committee on Security meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi on April 23, 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 Xhandles, and downgrading the diplomatic ties with Pakistan by downsizing the already truncated staff in embassies, thereby forcing them back to their country of origin.
Mumbai, May 1 : Popular television actress Karishma Tanna is embracing the new month by looking back at her favorite moments from April.

The actress took to social media to post an "April Dump," sharing a series of candid photos that captured her time spent with close friends, including filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan. "The pictures offer a peek into Karishma's eventful month, capturing heartwarming reunions, joyful moments with her husband Varun Bangera, post-workout selfies, and glimpses from a glamorous fashion event.

The first photo captures a cheerful moment between Karishma and Farah as they pose together, radiating warmth and camaraderie. Alongside the photos, the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi actress wrote, "April Dump, Hello 1st MAY."

Last month, Karishma Tanna turned heads as she graced the runway as the showstopper for designer Chhavvi Aggrawal at the Bombay Times Fashion Week. Revealing what fashion means to her, the actress told IANS, "Something which I am comfortable in, something which makes heads turn is fashion for me."

On the professional front, Karishma was last seen in Hansal Mehta's critically acclaimed web series "Scoop," where she portrayed the lead role of Jagruti Pathak, a journalist caught in the whirlwind of crime and controversy. The series was based on former crime reporter Jigna Vora's memoir, Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison.

The also show featured Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Harman Baweja in prominent roles, with Prosenjit Chatterjee, Tannishtha Chatterjee, and Deven Bhojani playing key supporting characters.

Over the years, Karishma has been a familiar face on Indian television, having appeared in a wide range of popular shows including, 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,' 'Naagin 3,' 'Qayamat Ki Raat,' 'Kkusum,' 'Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand,' 'Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Raadha Ek Shyaam,' 'Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo', and 'Bigg Boss 8' among others.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. During the hearing at the Baku Military Court on Thursday, a video footage was presented regarding the blocking of the road by defendant David Ishkhanyan for Azerbaijani military servicemen, who were trying to prevent the occupation of Shusha, Trend reports.

The videos prepared by Armenians demonstrate that the group led by D. Ishkhanyan blocked the road at the order of Monte Melkonyan, in order to stop the advancement of the Azerbaijani soldiers, who were trying to prevent the occupation of Shusha, in the direction of Khojavand.

According to the video footage, the commander of the group, Armen Avokyan, was killed during the battles on May 15, 1992, with David Ishkhanyan assuming his post.

The accused denied the facts presented in the video footage, describing them as propaganda. Ishkhanyan noted that the video footages were shot in early 2020, during the parliamentary and presidential elections of the so-called regime formed in the former occupied Azerbaijani territories, recalling that he was walking with a cane at the time and was physically unable to be involved in those events.

The trial for Armenian nationals accused of various crimes, including war crimes, terrorism, aggressive war preparation, genocide, violations of war laws, and financing terrorism, continues.
New Delhi, May 1 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday assured citizens that her government won't let the city plunge into a water crisis, even as the BJP government accused the AAP-ruled Punjab government of resorting to "dirty politics" over sharing of river waters.

"Let me assure everyone that there will be no water crisis. We are working to ensure that people are not inconvenienced," said CM Gupta over alleged attempts by Punjab to stop water supply to Haryana and Delhi.

The "water war" between Punjab and Delhi showed signs of escalation on Thursday as Water Minister Parvesh Verma accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a" which was unseated by the ruling BJP in the recent Delhi Assembly election a" of indulging in regressive actions to settle political scores with the Delhi government.

"The Punjab government has resorted to dirty politics by stopping water supply to Haryana and Delhi," said Verma in a message on the social media platform X.

He said, "After losing in Delhi, now they want to create a water crisis. We are working day and night to provide clean water to every household in Delhi, and now the Punjab government wants to take revenge on the people of Delhi in this way. Stop this dirty politics or else you will be expelled from Punjab as well."

On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attacked the BJP for "conspiring to divest" Punjab of its water by "misusing" its power in Haryana and the Centre.

Claiming that the state has not a single drop of water to share with any other state, CM Mann wrote to his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini, denying media reports alleging that Punjab had assured water to Haryana.

In a statement, CM Mann claimed that his Haryana counterpart dialled him, but "I never gave any assurances regarding water".

The Chief Minister said every year, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) distributes water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, applicable from May 21 to May 20 next year. He said this year, BBMB had distributed 3.318 MAF, 2.987 MAF and 5.512 MAF water to Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, respectively.

CM Mann said the BJP government in Haryana had used its share of water by March 31, after which the crisis had arisen.

Chief Minister Mann said subsequently the Haryana government had urged Punjab that they don't even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people.

He said that as a humanitarian gesture, the Punjab government generously allotted 4,000 cusecs of water daily to Haryana from April 6.

CM Mann said that the population of Haryana is three crore, and as per estimates, 1,700 cusecs of water is enough to meet the people's needs.

However, he said, "The Haryana government has sought 2.5 times more water from Punjab than its actual need."
Chennai, May 1 : The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast a significant rise in temperatures across the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu during May, with the mercury expected to soar 5 degrees Celsius above the average.

The peak summer heatwave period, known locally as 'Kathiri Veyil' or 'Agni Natchathiram,' will begin on May 4 and is expected to last for 25 days.

The RMC has warned of intense heat conditions, particularly in coastal areas, urging residents to take all necessary precautions.

In response, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has issued a series of safety guidelines to help the public cope with the extreme heat. It has advised residents to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and to avoid direct exposure to the sun as much as possible.

"Residents are urged to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak," the DPH stated.

It also recommended using umbrellas or hats for protection and avoiding strenuous physical activities during the hottest part of the day. The health advisory warned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles, noting that temperatures inside can rise rapidly, leading to fatal consequences.

The public has also been advised to limit the intake of artificial soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol, as these beverages can contribute to dehydration.

To minimise heat buildup indoors, the DPH advised avoiding cooking during peak heat hours and suggested refraining from walking barefoot on hot surfaces.

Residents were also urged to steer clear of high-protein foods and expired items, as they can increase the body's stress under high temperatures. For hydration, the department encouraged the consumption of homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, and fruit juices with a pinch of salt. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content was also recommended. Special precautions were advised for infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with heart conditions, and outdoor workers. The advisory stressed the need for regular monitoring of vulnerable individuals, particularly those living alone.

Outdoor workers were instructed to limit sun exposure, avoid heavy physical tasks during peak heat, take frequent breaks in shaded areas, and drink water every 20 minutes. The public has been urged to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or signs of heat stress.
New Delhi, May 1 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday strongly supported the government's decision to conduct a caste-based census along with the upcoming population census and lashed out at the Opposition for seeking credit and projecting themselves as the 'champions of social justice'.

Addressing the media at party headquarters here, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed the move 'futuristic' and said this shows the Modi government's commitment and firm resolve in ensuring social justice for all, and emancipation as well as empowerment of the marginalised and deprived sections of society.

"This decision will help bring a level playing field for all the sections. It will have a futuristic impact," the Union minister told the scribes.

Pradhan scoffed at the Congress and INDIA bloc's attempts to take credit for the caste census decision, and questioned their politicking, asking why the country had to keep waiting for seven decades for this.

"Some parties got rattled by the caste census announcement. They claim - Sarkar unka hai, system hamara hai' (government is theirs but the system is ours). If such was the case, why was the caste census never conducted after Independence," Pradhan said, apparently reacting to Rahul Gandhi's assertions, Wednesday evening.

"The only caste count that was done was in 1931, i.e., before Independence. Why didn't they do it in 1951 and then after? Who was in power, who had control of the government?" he asked.

Highlighting Congress' long-standing ignorance and 'deliberate' negligence of the backward caste and communities, he stated, "the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was so much opposed to the caste-based quotas that he had written to chief ministers that merit would suffer if reservation is implemented."

The Union Minister further accused previous Congress regimes of putting the Mandal Commission report in cold storage and also overlooking the nation's highest civilian award for Babasaheb.

"The Mandal Commission report was put on the back burner for 10 years. When the V.P. Singh government implemented the Mandal Commission report, the BJP had extended support to it," he said.

He said the BJP supported the implementation of the Mandal Commission report while former PM Rajiv Gandhi had opposed it.

"It was our suggestion that the Mandal Commission report should be implemented. However, Rajiv Gandhi, as the then Leader of Opposition, fiercely opposed reservation for the OBCs," he pointed out.

"They talk about social justice, but they are the ones who denied the nation's highest honour to the architect of the Constitution. It was only in the 1990s that Babasaheb was given the Bharat Ratna award," he pointed out.

He also took the Congress party to task over caste surveys in party-led states, asking whether they don't understand the 'difference' between census and survey.

He said that the grand old party has remained perennially opposed to the empowerment of the deprived, Dalit and the backward sections of society.

"Today, they are claiming to be champions of social justice, but their hypocrisy over the issue is evident than ever," he added.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 : The protesting Asha workers, whose protest in front of the State Secretariat entered its 81st day, have decided to launch a relay day-night protest from Thursday, which is universally marked as International Labour Day.

Surprise was in store for the protesters when renowned dancer and social activist Mallika Sarabhai, Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam, a cultural institution in the state, took to her Facebook page and pledged her support to them. She said in her post that she cannot be forced to change her decision.

While the relay fast was withdrawn on Thursday, the leaders of the Asha workers were given a send-off to proceed to Kasargod, from where they are commencing a statewide march on May 5.

The vehicle in which the protesters are travelling will go through the 14 districts, highlighting why they are protesting before the State Secretariat.

The vehicle carrying the representatives of Asha workers, after travelling through the state's length and breadth, will reach the state capital on June 17.

Several rounds of conciliation talks have been held, including with State Social Welfare and Health Minister Veena George, but both sides have stuck to their stand. The talks have repeatedly failed, and despite that, without losing their determination, the workers continue their protests.

"We are in no way going to be put off our strike as we are determined to continue our protests till our demands are met," said their leader, Mini.

Kusum Joseph, another leader of the Asha workers' protests, said Sarabhai will come online and take part in our protest by transferring Rs 1,000 as a symbolic increase in the honorarium to the Asha workers.

"We are being told that she is being pressurised to withdraw from it, but as we know, she will join...she has already expressed her mind when she said she cannot be coerced to withdraw," said Joseph.

The Asha workers are demanding an increase in their honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000 per month, besides a lump sum benefit of Rs 5 lakh each when they superannuate at the age of 62
Imphal, May 1 : Six militants of different outfits, two wanted offenders, and four drug peddlers were apprehended by security forces in Manipur during the past 24 hours, and a large cache of arms and varied drugs was seized from them, officials said on Thursday.

A police official said that the security forces arrested Waikhom Rohit Singh alias Phurupngakpa, 33, a resident of Thoubal Pakhangkhong Leirak in Thoubal district, in connection with a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Four militants belonging to the Peopleas Liberation Army (PLA) were apprehended in Imphal West district, while one cadre each of the United Peopleas Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) outfits were arrested from Imphal East and Kakching districts, respectively. Some arms and ammunition, some explosives, seven mobile sets, and cash were recovered from the possession of the militants.

The security forces also arrested four drug peddlers from Imphal West and Tengnoupal district, which shares an unfenced border with Myanmar.

In Tengnoupal, police intercepted two vehicles and recovered three lakh highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba or party tablets, valued at a few crores of rupees, from inbuilt and modified cavities inside the two vehicles. An amount of Rs 2.6 lakh in Indian currency, several Aadhaar cards, and some other documents were also recovered from the vehicles.

The two drug peddlers, identified as Paojathang Kipgen, 30, and Kamminlun Kipgen, 24, were arrested. They are inhabitants of Govajang village in Tengnoupal.

Two more drug smugglers were arrested in Imphal West, and 274.8 kg ganja (marijuana), which was being carried in a truck, was recovered. The two drug sellers, identified as Kayenbam Kenedi Singh, 36, and Keisam Sarat Singh, 55, were arrested.

Manipur Police also arrested one Sinthangamba Konsham Mangang (25), a resident of Kabo Leikai in Thoubal District. He is a serial offender and has been involved in multiple cases of mob-related incidents across Manipur, including an attack on the office of the Thoubal District Superintendent of Police.

As part of the state policeas special drive, four more stolen/snatched vehicles were recovered from anti-social elements/attackers. Amid the ethnic violence in Manipur, theft of cars and two-wheelers was reported, and 126 stolen cars and 20 two-wheelers have been recovered since April 16 from different places in the state. Police launched a special drive on April 16 for the recovery of stolen/snatched vehicles.
Ranchi, May 1 : The Jharkhand Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a suspected terrorist from the Bhuli area in Dhanbad district, officials said on Thursday.

Ranchi, May 1 (IANS) The Jharkhand Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a suspected terrorist from the Bhuli area in Dhanbad district, officials said on Thursday.

According to officials, the suspected terrorist, identified as Amaar Yasar, was earlier linked to the banned outfit Indian Mujahideen and had recently become active in anti-national activities under the banner of another proscribed organisation, Hizb ut Tahrir.

Jharkhand Director General of Police Anurag Gupta said: "Amaar Yasar was arrested from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in 2014 for his involvement with Indian Mujahideen. After securing bail, he resumed subversive activities and joined Hizb ut Tahrir in May 2024. He has three cases registered against him in Jaipur and Jodhpur related to terror activities and is currently being interrogated."

The arrest comes just days after the Jharkhand ATS apprehended four individuals linked to Hizb ut Tahrir in coordinated raids across Wasseypur and other parts of Dhanbad. Those arrested include Gulfam Hass of Wasseypur, Aayan Javed from Azad Nagar Aman Society, his wife Shabnam Parveen of Shamsher Nagar, and Mohammad Shahzad Alam.

During the raids, ATS recovered two pistols, 12 rounds of ammunition, extremist literature, documents associated with banned outfits, and over half a dozen mobile phones and laptops.

Investigations revealed that the group was working to establish a separate module aimed at expanding the terror network in the region.

Sources in the ATS say the suspects were motivated by Hizb ut Tahriras radical ideology, which calls for the establishment of a global Islamic Caliphate.

The organisation, founded in Jerusalem in 1953, was banned by the Indian government in 2010 due to its extremist agenda and efforts to undermine national security.

The ATS is continuing its investigation and has launched a manhunt for others believed to be part of the same network.
Mumbai, May 1 : Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has a message on national unity for the people of the country after the cowardly attack in Pahalgam, last week by the terrorists.

The actor, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film 'Kesari Veer', spoke with IANS, and gave a call to the fellow countrymen to stand united, and keep the differences aside.

He equated the film's message as the current requirement on behalf of the country's citizens as the film also deals with the attack led by the Tughlaq Empire where locals fought the invading forces to protect the Somnath Temple and the Hindu faith.

Suniel told IANS, "The message in the end is very clear, that the country is above anything else. People coming together, simple people from different walks of life, who come together to fight for one cause, and that is evil. And that's the way we should be thinking even today. We should not let hatred, and fear take over. But let your combined strength and our values take over and show the world that we are one. And we never would be disturbed".

He further cited the example of the attacks of 26/11 when armed Pakistani terrorists entered India's economic engine, Mumbai through its coast, and reigned open terror on its people before they were neutralised by the National Security Guard across a 3-day operation.

The actor told IANS, "It happened earlier as well, 26/11 happened but, Mumbai got up the very next day, saluting all the people who lost their lives, saluting all the people in uniform who lost their lives. We're more vigilant now, we're more aware now. I think that's the message that our film 'Kesari Veer' also gives. Our values, relationships, our culture, our gods, our goddesses are something we deeply revere".

Earlier, a video of the actor from Kashmir went viral on social media, in which he was seen urging the people of India to not turn their backs on Kashmir, and turn up in droves to support the economy through tourism.

As per the Economic Survey report of Jammu and Kashmir, the state witnessed an annual footfall of 3.26 crore tourists, with tourism accounting for more than INR 18, 000 crore.
Bengaluru, May 1 : Karnataka BJP stated on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wish behind taking a decision to conduct a caste census along with the general census was to ensure that all communities receive equal benefits.

At the same time, the BJP attacked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleging that on the pretext of implementing recommendations of the state's caste census report he wanted to sow the seeds of hatred.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, BJP state President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, stated that with the Central Government now taking the decision to conduct a caste census, all attempts to 'sow hatred' will end.

Welcoming the Cabinet's decision taken on Wednesday to conduct a caste census alongside the national population census he said, "There has been no caste census in India since 1931. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants justice for every citizen of the country and equal opportunities for all communities. He is serving the nation with the vision of ensuring justice for the most marginalised sections of society."

He claimed that the Central Government's decision had taken the Congress by surprise and criticised the party for failing to initiate a caste census earlier despite having ruled the country for decades after Independence.

He further attacked the Karnataka government stating that the Chief Minister himself has not taken any concrete decision regarding the caste census.

"The earlier survey conducted during the previous term was meant to assess the Backward Classes, but is now being portrayed as a caste census," Vijayendra claimed.

He alleged that state governments do not have the authority to conduct a caste census, and this power rests solely with the Central Government.

Vijayendra recalled that even senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Veerappa Moily had said that 10 years have passed since the caste census was conducted in Karnataka and that the timeline had lapsed.

"The Prime Minister's decision stems from the intention to deliver justice to all backward communities. There is no need to learn anything from CM Siddaramaiah in this regard," he added in response to another question.

Vijayendra also stated that the Congress, which is now making a huge noise about the caste census in Karnataka, does not even have an original report in hand.

He questioned on what basis the Commission headed by Jayaprakash Hegde submitted a report to the government, as the original Kantharaj report was unavailable.

Regarding the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Vijayendra remarked that some individuals were making statements just for publicity.

He said there was no need to respond to such comments and added that every Indian stands united on the Pahalgam incident.

"There is a strong public expectation for decisive action against the terrorists," he concluded.
New Delhi, May 1 : A Special NIA court in Delhi has cleared the way for the federal anti-terror agency to collect Pakistani-Canadian national Tahawwur Rana's voice samples and match them with recordings of his telephonic discussions with 26/11 co-accused David Coleman Headley, an official said on Thursday.

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) A Special NIA court in Delhi has cleared the way for the federal anti-terror agency to collect Pakistani-Canadian national Tahawwur Ranaas voice samples and match them with recordings of his telephonic discussions with 26/11 co-accused David Coleman Headley, an official said on Thursday.

Ranaas handwriting samples will also be matched with written instructions, coordinates, and maps, which he is suspected to have passed on to Headley to help scout terror targets in Mumbai in 2008, said the official, referring to the trial courtas nod given on Wednesday for the purpose.

The NIA is also preparing to take Rana to Mumbai and other cities to reconstruct the chain of events preceding the terror attack that left 166 people dead.

On April 28 last week, the Special NIA court extended Ranaas NIA custody by 12 more days to allow investigators to question him.

Special Judge Charan Jit Singh accepted Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnanas plea that the investigating agency needs more time to uncover Ranaas role in the Mumbai attack of 2008.

Ranaas 18-day remand ended on Monday, and he was presented in court for an extension of his NIA custody.

During the court proceedings, the Special Judge was informed by the NIA about the alleged evasive technique adopted by Rana during questioning.

The NIA also expressed its desire to take Rana to various other cities to reconstruct the chain of events during the accusedas India visits preceding the terror attack.

The court had earlier directed the NIA to conduct a medical test of Rana every 24 hours and allow him to speak to his lawyers every second day.

During his 18-day remand, Rana was also questioned by Mumbai Police officers. During the interrogation, Rana claimed that he had "no connection whatsoever" with the planning or execution of the attack.

He also claimed that his childhood friend and co-accused, David Coleman Headley, was solely responsible for the reconnaissance and planning aspects of 26/11. Headley is currently in a US jail.

Headley, who turned approver in the case, had earlier admitted to conducting recce missions across India, including in Mumbai, on behalf of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

During questioning, Rana said that apart from Mumbai and Delhi, he had also travelled to Kerala. When asked about the purpose of his visit to Kerala, he claimed he had gone there to meet a known acquaintance and had provided the individual's name and address to the agency.

Rana, a former officer of the Pakistan Armyas Medical Corps, was extradited to India from the US recently to face justice in the Mumbai attack case.
New Delhi, May 1 : SUV sales accelerated in the Indian market during April with automakers such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Kia Motors recording robust double digit growth during the month.

Mahindra & Mahindra sold 52,330 SUVs in the domestic market during the month, reflecting a strong 28 per cent growth over the same month last year with its models such as the Scorpio, Thar, and XUV doing well in the market. Together with exports, the companyas sales in this segment went up to 54,860 units during the month with an overall growth rate of 19 per cent.

Its Automotive Division President, Veejay Nakra, said: "These numbers indicate the strength of our portfolio and customer offerings. We began the fiscal year on a strong note, building on last yearas momentum."

Kia India reported a sales growth of 18.3 per cent in April 2025, with 23,623 units sold in the domestic market compared to 19,968 units in April 2024.

The companyas compact SUV Sonet remained the company's leading model with sales of 8,068 units during the month, followed by the mid-size SUV Seltos with 6,135 units. The Carens MPV maintained strong demand with 5,259 units, while the recently introduced Syros contributed 4,000 units. The premium Carnival Limousine accounted for 161 units of the monthly total.

Kia India Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing, Hardeep Singh Brar, attributed the growth to "the enduring success of the Sonet and the positive market response for the new Syros", adding that the performance reflects growing customer trust in the brand's product excellence.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Thursday said its sales increased 33 per cent year-on-year to 27,324 units in April on the back of its strong SUV and multi-utility vehicle line-up.

Last month, domestic sales stood at 24,833 units, while exports contributed 2,491 units, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) said in a statement.

The company said it is also encouraged by the positive response to the recently introduced Urban Cruiser Hyryder, now equipped with enhanced safety, comfort, and convenience features, further strengthening its appeal among customers, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received a delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia Zoran Dimitrovski, Trend reports via the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.

The meeting discussed the existing bilateral and multilateral relations between Azerbaijan and North Macedonia, as well as regional and global developments.

The increasing dynamism of high-level visits and contacts between the two countries in recent times was acknowledged, and the importance of the mechanism for political consultations between the Foreign Ministries in continuing and developing the intergovernmental dialogue was emphasized.

Opportunities for cooperation in the fields of economy and trade were discussed, and it was noted that there are broad prospects for the development of partnership in traditional and renewable energy sectors. The inclusion of North Macedonia in the list of countries supplied with Azerbaijani natural gas was mentioned with satisfaction.

The importance of promoting exchanges in humanitarian fields, including education, culture, and tourism, was highlighted in terms of strengthening ties between our peoples and adding value to interstate relations.

Bayramov informed the counterpart in detail about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, the process of Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization, and the factors hindering this process. The necessity of eliminating Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan in its constitution and abolishing organizations like the Minsk Group, which have already lost their relevance, was emphasized for the signing of a final peace agreement between the parties.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on other matters of mutual interest.

On the same day, the first political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and North Macedonia were held. The political consultations were led by Deputy Minister Fariz Rzayev from Azerbaijan and Dimitrovski from North Macedonia.

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Hyderabad, May 1 : Senior Congress leader and Telangana government advisor K. Keshava Rao has urged the Centre to stop 'Operation Kagar' and hold peace talks with Maoists.

The former MP strongly resented the anti-Maoist operation launched by the Union Home Ministry.

He said that while violence has no place in democracy, the state must handle Maoist violence tactfully. He admitted that police and armed forces cannot remain silent to violence by the extremists.

Keshava Rao appealed to the Union Government to respond favourably to the offer of extremist groups to open a dialogue for peace. He said such talks precede the extremists giving up their weapons and violence as an ideology. "A meaningful dialogue is the best way to stop violence," he added.

The senior leader reminded the Centre of the fruitful experience of Andhra Pradesh holding such talks in 2005, which resulted in a drastic decline in Maoist violence. "It is today restricted to a few areas bordering Chhattisgarh in Telangana. The violence must stop and must be stopped," he added.

Meanwhile, responding to a query at a press conference, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said his government and the Congress party are against violence. "We are against all forms of violence, whether it is by the state, the common man or groups. There should be no violence," he said.

CM Revanth Reddy said that the Congress party believes that any issue, however big it may be, can be addressed through talks.

He reiterated that the government would make a decision after consultation with the party's central leadership. He was asked about the request by the Peace Dialogue Committee to take the initiative to convince the Centre to stop the operation and hold talks with the Maoists.

The Peace Dialogue Committee, headed by retired high court judge Justice Chandra Kumar, met the Chief Minister on April 27 and requested him to take the initiative to ensure that the Centre holds peace talks with the Maoists.

The Committee members urged the Chief Minister to persuade the Centre to agree to a ceasefire.

CM Reddy told them that he would consult former home minister and senior leader K. Jana Reddy, who has experience in conducting talks with Maoists.

The Chief Minister told the Peace Committee leaders that his government views Naxalism purely from a social perspective, not as a law and order issue.

The next day (April 28), he discussed the issue with Jana Reddy and Keshava Rao and later told media persons that a decision would be taken after consultation with the party's central leadership.
Amaravati, May 1 : Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has welcomed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste-based census.

He took to 'X' on Thursday to hail the decision taken by the Centre to conduct a caste count along with the next population census.

"Andhra Pradesh, under my leadership, took the lead by passing a resolution in November 2021 and conducting the country's first BC caste-wise enumeration in January 2024 through village and ward secretariats," claimed Jagan Mohan Reddy.

"A caste-based census will enable focused welfare measures and ensure economic and social development for backward and marginalised communities. This is a crucial step towards achieving real social justice and inclusive growth for all sections of society," he added.

Earlier, the YSRCP issued a statement welcoming the Central governmentas decision to conduct a caste-based census in the upcoming national population survey.

Former Minister Venugopala Krishna stated that such a move is a crucial step toward achieving real social justice, as it will enable more accurate policy planning and focused welfare measures for backward and marginalised communities across the country.

He recalled that Andhra Pradesh, under the leadership of then Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, was the first state to recognise the importance of caste-wise data and act upon it. The YSRCP government passed a resolution in the State Assembly in November 2021 requesting the Centre to include caste-wise enumeration in the national census.

Subsequently, in January 2024, Andhra Pradesh became the first state to carry out a caste-based population survey through its network of village and ward secretariats. He noted that the survey was completed successfully, but the resulting report remains with the current state government and is yet to be released, he said.

Venugopala Krishna stressed that caste-based enumeration is essential to understanding the present social, educational, and economic conditions of various communities. It provides a foundation for designing inclusive policies and ensuring that the benefits of development reach those who have historically been left behind.

He added that Jagan Mohan Reddyas administration had worked with a deep commitment to uplift all sections, especially the backward classes, through Direct Benefit Transfer schemes and transparent governance.
Bengaluru, May 1 : The Congress government in Karnataka has claimed that the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census is a response to persistent demands made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The ruling party also pledged full cooperation to the initiative.

Speaking to the media near his residence in Bengaluru on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D.K. Shivakumar said the Centre's move followed Rahul Gandhi's consistent advocacy for a caste census.

"Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, has repeatedly asserted that it is the responsibility of the Union Government to carry out a caste census. The Centre has now yielded to his demand and taken a step in that direction," Shivakumar said.

Responding to questions on the Centre's decision, he added, "Rahul Gandhi has also insisted that the caste census be completed within a fixed timeline. If justice is to be ensured for all communities, the distribution of facilities and benefits must be based on accurate population data. This has been a long-standing ideological position of the Congress party. Our Chief Minister shares this view, and the Karnataka government will extend full cooperation."

The Karnataka government also urged the Centre to include a comprehensive social, economic, and educational survey alongside the caste census.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a statement released on Wednesday following the Union Cabinet's decision, said, "Our government wholeheartedly welcomes the Centre's move to conduct a caste census along with the population census. At the same time, I urge the Central government to also conduct a social, economic, and educational survey along with it."

"In Karnataka, we not only undertook a caste census but also assessed the social, economic, and educational status of communities. Based on this data, we have sought to revise the existing reservation policy and enhance its scope. I hope the Centre will take similar steps to complete this process," he added.
Bengaluru, May 1 : The Congress-led government in Karnataka on Thursday suspended a state road transport corporation bus driver for stopping the vehicle on the side of the road to perform namaz during duty hours. The suspension order was issued by the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), Haveri Division, through the Haveri Divisional Controller.

A.R. Mulla, a driver attached to the Hangal Unit, has been placed under suspension for violating the code of conduct and discipline as per the guidelines of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

The order stated that the inquiry into the incident found Mulla to be in violation of service rules, and recommended his suspension, noting that his continued service could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

The suspension notice reads: "You (Mulla) were deputed on April 28 to operate an RTC bus service between Hangal and Vishalgarh. While returning from Vishalgarh to Hangal on April 29, at around 5.30 p.m., it was found that you had parked the bus on the left side of the road on the outskirts of Hubballi city and performed namaz on the passenger seat."

"You have committed dereliction of duty while on public service and in the presence of passengers. Your action has also brought negative publicity to the organisation, as the incident has been widely discussed on social and mainstream media," the order further noted.

The suspension takes immediate effect. During the suspension period, Mulla will receive half of his salary, as per KSRTC rules.

The incident involving an RTC bus driver Mulla allegedly stopping the bus mid-journey to perform namaz was 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.

One of the passengers recorded a video of the incident and posted it on social media, where it has since gone viral.

Hindu activists had demanded action against the RTC staffer for performing namaz after stopping the bus midway during duty hours.
Oslo, May 1 : Sayragul Sauytbay, Vice President of the East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE), has once again highlighted the "ongoing genocide" and "crimes against humanity" being committed by China against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic peoples.

Speaking at the Ethical Trade Conference in Norway, Sauytbay - an ethnic Kazakh from Xinjiang - also urged Oslo to reconsider ties with Beijing.

"The Norwegian government and Norwegian businesses must urgently and unequivocally reassess their ties with China, to prevent themselves from becoming complicit in the genocide, crimes against humanity, and mass enslavement of millions in East Turkistan through forced labour," she said while delivering the opening remarks on Wednesday at Norway's most prominent platform for ethical and sustainable trade.

Organised by Ethical Trade Norway and held at Dansens Hus in Oslo under the theme 'Make Sustainability Great Again!', the event marked the organisationas 25th anniversary and brought together over 300 participants from business, labour, government, and civil society.

Narrating her own experience as an educator who was forced to work in Chinese concentration camps, Sauytbay detailed the widespread internment, torture, forced labour, and indoctrination in the country.

"She highlighted that nearly one million Uyghur, Kazakh, and other Turkic children have been forcibly separated from their families and placed into Chinese state-run boarding schools and orphanages, where they are subjected to political indoctrination aimed at erasing their ethnic and religious identities," read a statement issued by the ETGE.

Emphasising that China's atrocities in 'Occupied East Turkistan' are part of a broader imperial strategy, Sauytbay stated that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a central instrument of China's campaign to achieve global domination, allowing the Chinese Communist Party to expand its authoritarian influence under the guise of development and trade.

"She warned that without full transparency and ethical due diligence, continued political and economic relations with China risk making Norway's government and Norwegian companies morally and legally complicit in the Chinese state's atrocities," the ETGE stated.

Acknowledging the efforts of Ethical Trade Norway and several Norwegian companies to strengthen corporate accountability under the Transparency Act, she stressed that far more needs to be done to eliminate complicity in systems built on genocide and forced labour.

"The East Turkistan Government in Exile renews its call for Norway and the international community to recognise and condemn the genocide and mass enslavement of the East Turkistani people perpetrated by the Chinese state, impose targeted sanctions on those responsible, and support the East Turkistani peopleas fundamental right to freedom, dignity, and national self-determination," the East Turkistan Government in Exile urged in a media release.
Jaipur, May 1 : Independent candidate from the Deoli-Uniara assembly by-election in Rajasthan, Naresh Meena, was acquitted on Thursday by the Jaipur Metropolitan court in a 20-year-old case related to obstruction of government work. The court cited a lack of evidence and procedural lapses as reasons for the acquittal.

Presiding Judge Khushboo Parihar noted that the prosecution failed to present any independent witnesses, and the injured constable who lodged the original complaint did not appear in court to testify.

The case dates back to August 5, 2004, when Meena and his associates were accused of attempting to forcibly reach the stage during a Ghoomar cultural event held at a university campus in Jaipur.

According to the prosecution, around 1 p.m., Constable Mansingh and other police personnel were posted at the womenas gate when Meena, along with Man Singh Meena and others, allegedly tried to break through the barricade.

The group reportedly resisted police efforts and incited a crowd, resulting in a stone being thrown from the gathering. A constable sustained an eye injury due to the incident, and a case was subsequently registered at Gandhi Nagar Police Station under charges of obstruction of duty and incitement of violence.

However, during the trial, Meena's lawyer, Advocate Abdul Wahid Naqvi, argued that the prosecution relied solely on testimonies from police personnel, without presenting any neutral or independent witnesses, despite the event being held in a public, crowded setting.

He further highlighted key procedural deficiencies, including the failure to produce a site map, the absence of a medical examination report for the injured constable, and the lack of entries in the police station diary -- all of which are required under Supreme Court guidelines.

The judge, observing these omissions and the absence of the complainantas testimony, concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. As a result, Naresh Meena was acquitted.

Meena, currently lodged in Tonk Central Jail in connection with other criminal cases -- including an alleged assault on an SDM during the by-election campaign -- was brought to Jaipur under police escort for the hearing.
Patna, May 1 : In a shocking incident, a female orchestra dancer from Vaishali district in Bihar was allegedly gang raped by three men in front of her husband near Sikandarpur Diyara, under Shahpur police station in Patna's outskirts, an official said on Thursday.

Police officials said that the woman had come to perform at a wedding event in Shankarpur Diara along with her husband on Tuesday evening.

After the program concluded early on April 30, the couple, unfamiliar with the area, asked a bike rider for directions. The rider allegedly lured them onto a false path and called two associates.

"The three miscreants forcibly took the couple to a maize field, held the husband hostage, and then gang raped the woman on gunpoint," said Bhanu Pratap Singh, ASP of Danapur.

He said that the suspects fled after committing the crime, adding that the victim courageously reported the assault at Shahpur police station.

The official added that an FIR was registered under relevant sections of Bhartiya Nyay Sahita (BNS) Act, and arrested two accused - Manish Kumar and Manoj Kumar, both residents of Shankarpur.

He said that the third accused remains absconding, with raids ongoing to apprehend him, adding that the victim has undergone a medical examination at the Sub Divisional Hospital, Danapur, and her condition is reported to be stable.

ASP Danapur assured that the third accused will be arrested soon.

On April 28, a woman was gang-raped by three men near Sasamusa railway station under the Kuchaykot police station area of Gopalganj district.

The police said that the incident took place around 5 AM when the woman, who had been staying at her father's house in Shyampur village to help with his medical treatment, was returning to Uttar Pradesh.

While she was waiting for her train at Sasamusa station, she went to a nearby hand pump to fetch water. It was there that three unidentified men allegedly approached and gagged her mouth. They took her near the railway station and gang-raped her. After committing the crime, they fled from the spot, leaving the victim at the crime scene.
New Delhi, May 1 : Spiritual guru Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Thursday accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of engaging in posturing over the Pahalgam bloodbath and also raised concerns over 'admiration' for Akhilesh Yadav across the border, allegedly by a Pakistani senator which has gone viral on social media.

Pramod Krishnam, speaking to IANS, alleged that the Leader of Opposition (LoP) as well as the Congress party haven't shown the resolve yet to take on Pakistan, as should be expected from them and rather keep looking for 'opportune moment' to corner Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

In a bitter critique, he said: "Rahul Gandhi is betraying the Hindus, betraying the families of martyrs. The purpose behind his meeting the grieving families is not to share their pain but to make political capital out of it. All this is political yatra."

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited Kanpur on Wednesday and met the family of Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack. He also assured the family of getting the severest punishment for the terrorists.

Consoling the wife of the victim, he said: "I will write to PM to accord martyr's status to Shubham."

Reacting to this, Pramod Krishnam said that he and his party don't want to be seen on other side of the fence and want to be seen standing up with the government over barbaric act of terror in Kashmir and hence they were visiting the bereaved families.

He charged the Congress MP of 'doing fraud' with the public.

The former Congress leader also claimed that Rahul Gandhi has never said with all his heart that he is with the Prime Minister in punishing Pakistan for its deeds.

Ex-Congress leader also slammed other parties of INDIA bloc including Samajwadi Party (SP) for not extending full support to the government in the war against cross-border terrorism.

Reacting to a viral video, which shows Pakistani senator Saifullah Abro praising Akhilesh Yadav in Pakistan Parliament for criticising Modi government over alleged security lapse, he said that this was a matter of concern.

"Till now, Rahul Gandhi was being admired and appreciated in countries like Pakistan and China but now Akhilesh Yadav has also found his well-wishers across the border," he said.

"This must not be taken lightly. It is a serious issue and the public must dig deep into it and understand why the Pakistanis have found new-found liking for the SP supremo," he added.
New Delhi, May 1 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday took strong exception to Patanjali founder Baba Ramdev's fresh video targeting pharmaceutical and food company Hamdard's popular drink Rooh Afza.

A single-judge bench of Justice Amit Bansal was hearing a suit filed by Hamdard seeking the removal of the Yoga guru's controversial videos purportedly linking Rooh Afza with 'Sharbat Jihad'.

During the hearing, Justice Bansal-led Bench was apprised that Ramdev has posted another objectionable video against Hamdard despite his previous undertaking that he would not issue such statements, advertisements and social media posts in future.

At this, the Delhi High Court remarked that the latest video was prima facie contemptuous and indicated that it would issue a contempt notice to Ramdev, apart from seeking his presence.

Anticipating an adverse order, Ramdev's counsel agreed before the Justice Bansal-led Bench to pull down the objectionable portions within 24 hours on all social media platforms.

The Delhi HC said that it would hear on Friday Hamdard's application seeking an injunction concerning a previous video of Ramdev in which he had reportedly linked Rooh Afza with 'Sharbat Jihad'.

Ramdev, while promoting Patanjali's 'Gulab Sharbat', claimed that Rooh Afza's parent company, Hamdard, was using its gains to build mosques and madrasas.

Later, Ramdev defended his speech, saying that he did not mention any brand or community.

In an earlier hearing, the single-judge Bench of Justice Bansal slammed Ramdev for using communal slurs against Rooh Afza.

"It shocks the conscience of the Court. This is indefensible," Justice Bansal had said.

After the Delhi HC signalled passing a strong order, Ramadev's counsel agreed to pull down the controversial video and advertisements.

It had asked Ramdev to file an undertaking on affidavit that he would not issue such statements, advertisements and social media posts in future, posting the matter for further hearing on May 1.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Hamdard, said that such videos should not be allowed "even for a moment", adding that Ramdev had earlier attacked herbal health company Himalaya because it is also owned by a Muslim.

Rohatgi referred to the contempt proceedings initiated by the Supreme Court against Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved's Managing Director, Acharya Balakrishna, over the continued publication of misleading advertisements and targeting allopathy. In August last year, the duo were discharged of contempt of court notice in view of the apology tendered personally before the apex court and the public apology published by Patanjali in leading newspapers.
Hyderabad, May 1 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday appealed to Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees to withdraw their decision to go on strike from May 6 in support of their demands.

Stating that TGSRTC has just started earning profits, he told the employees that it's their organisation and they have the responsibility to protect it.

The Joint Action Committee of TGSRTC employees last month announced that they will go on strike from midnight on May 6.

The Chief Minister made the appeal while addressing a programme organised on the occasion of International Labour Day.

Advising employees not to get into a confrontation, he said that if they have any problems, they should talk to the minister concerned.

Revanth Reddy assured the employees that profits earned by the organisation would be kept in their hands, and they should suggest how to spend the money.

The Chief Minister told the employees that the state's financial position is not well and urged them to reconsider their decision and cooperate with the government.

He stated that the state's finances have just started to be back on track and hoped that there would be some recovery in a year.

Revanth Reddy cautioned employees from falling into the trap of the opposition. "Don't fall into the trap of those who did nothing for 10 years," he said.

The Chief Minister alleged that there was destruction and loot in the state during the last 10 years.

He alleged that former chief minister KCR stepped down after borrowing Rs 8.15 lakh crore. There is no account of where this money has gone, he said.

He claimed that to pay interest on the loans taken by KCR, the present government had to borrow Rs 1.58 lakh crore.

The Chief Minister revealed that the government is earning revenues of Rs 18,500 crore, and out of this, Rs 6,000 crore is being spent to repay debts taken by the previous government, while another Rs 6,000 crore is going towards paying salaries to government employees. Unless the government's revenues increase to Rs 22,000 crore, its basic requirements cannot be met.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed the law on amendments to the law of Azerbaijan "On Efficient Use of Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency", Trend reports.

According to the amendment, the import, production, and sale of electric incandescent lamps that can be used for lighting in alternating current circuits, except for incandescent lamps intended for special use in production processes and products whose main purpose is not lighting, are prohibited from the following dates:

- Incandescent lamps with a power of 60 W and above from January 1, 2026;

- Incandescent lamps with a power of 25 W (including 25 W) up to 60 W from July 1, 2026.
Islamabad, May 1 : Pakistan military on Thursday began full-scale military exercises in areas close to the Working Boundary and the Line of Control (LoC), showcasing its military might with modern weaponry on display and asserting the readiness of its forces to respond to any Indian action following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The military drills are taking place at a time when Islamabad has also taken a tactical decision to appoint the current Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as the countryas National Security Advisor (NSA), a significant move in view of the heightened regional tensions and evolving internal and external dynamics.

As per sources in the military establishment, the drills involved live-fire demonstrations.

"Officers and troops from various units took part in the drills, displaying high-level operational skills and using advanced battlefield systems," the source mentioned.

Pakistan's Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DGISPR) on Wednesday said that Rawalpindi is closely monitoring the situation in all terrains.

"We are monitoring the situation very carefully in all terrains and accordingly, our responses and counterterrorism in all domains are ready and, as per the NSC declaration a" there will be decisive and assured action if provoked," Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said during a press conference.

"Rest assured that the people of Pakistan, with its full resolve, will defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan at all costs," he added.

Lt. General Muhammad Asim Malik's appointment as the country's National Security Advisor (NSA) marks the first occasion that a serving DGISI has been given an additional charge as NSA.

Malik is the countryas 10 NSA, a position that had been lying vacant since April 2022 when the government led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted.

The NSA serves as the principal advisor to the Prime Minister on matters of security, foreign policy, and strategic affairs.

The brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 resulted in the death of 26 innocent tourists and left several others critically injured in the Baisaran Valley.
New Delhi, May 1 : Global Information Technology (IT) major Cognizant has reported 7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in bookings in the first quarter of calendar year (Q1 CY25).

However, trailing 12-month bookings rose 3 per cent YoY to $26.7 billion, boosted by four large deals, each worth over $100 million.

The company posted a revenue of $5.1 billion for the first quarter of 2025, showing a 7.5 per cent increase compared to the same period last year (Q1 CY24).

"Our portfolio strength and industry expertise are positioning us well amid global uncertainty," said CEO Ravi Kumar S, adding that the company's AI-led solutions are helping businesses cut costs and boost productivity.

In constant currency terms, revenue grew 8.2 per cent. The company's (generally accepted accounting principles) GAAP operating margin rose to 16.7 per cent, an increase of 210 basis points YoY.

However, this included a one-time gain of $62 million from the sale of an office complex in India. On an adjusted basis, the operating margin stood at 15.5 per cent, which is 40 basis points higher than Q1 of 2024.

GAAP, refers to a set of accounting rules and standards followed in the US to ensure consistency and transparency in financial reporting.

Cognizant's GAAP earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.34, a 22 per cent jump from the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EPS stood at $1.23, reflecting a 10 per cent growth.

The company attributed this performance to disciplined execution, strong operational rigour, and strategic investments made over the past few years.

CFO Jatin Dalal added that despite external challenges, Cognizant delivered revenue above expectations and improved margins.

"The company plans to return $1.7 billion to shareholders in 2025 through buybacks and dividends," Dalal mentioned.

As of March 31, Cognizant had a headcount of 336,300 employees. The firm also plans to hire 20,000 freshers this year as it builds capabilities for managed services and AI-driven software development.

Meanwhile, Cognizant finds itself in a legal crossfire with Indian IT heavyweight Infosys. The legal battle between the two escalated last month, with Infosys filing fresh charges in a US district court in Dallas, Texas.

Infosys accused Cognizant of abusing its monopoly power in the healthcare software sector via its TriZetto platform to stifle competition.

Cognizant has responded by asking the court to dismiss Infosys' antitrust counterclaims, arguing that the Indian company has failed to provide substantive evidence to support its allegations of monopolistic practices.
Attari, May 1 : Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, a heartbreaking story of separation unfolded at the Attari-Wagah border, where two sisters, who had travelled to India to visit their ailing mother, found themselves stuck at the border due to a missed deadline and a passport dispute. Their journey back to Pakistan has been halted, leaving the children in distress as they struggle with bureaucratic red tape.

Muhammad Shariq, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, had reached the border with his two sisters, Nabila Raj and Sharmin Irfan, both of whom have been married in Pakistan.

They had come to India on a 45-day visa to visit their sick mother, but now they are unable to return to Pakistan.

Speaking to IANS, Shariq said, "Their passports are Indian, but they are married in Pakistan, and their children live there. They are being stopped from crossing the border because of this passport issue."

The sisters, visibly anxious, explained how their situation had taken a turn for the worse.

Nabila said, "I am originally from Delhi, but I got married 18 years ago in Karachi. I have four children. Two are in Pakistan, and two are here with me in India. My eldest son was paralysed after an accident, and he has been in that condition for two years now. He needs me terribly. Every day he asks, 'Mamma, when will you return?' He's not well, and it breaks my heart to hear him cry. But now, the Pakistani government is not allowing us to return, and it's causing so much grief to my children."

She continued, "We didn't know about the deadline of April 30. The Pakistani High Commission called us and told us that April 30 was the last day to cross the border. We rushed to the border, hoping to make it in time. But we've been here since April 30 morning and we still haven't been allowed to cross."

Her sister Sharmin added, "We did not know that the deadline for crossing the border was on April 30. Had we known, we would have made sure to arrive earlier. But now, here we are, unable to go back. Our children are waiting for us, and we're just caught in this bureaucratic mess."

The situation at the border is tense and both Nabila and Sharmin's hopes of reuniting with their children are hanging by a thread.

There are many families like theirs, separated by the complexities of visas, passports and missed deadlines.

On one side of the border, children wait in Pakistan for their mothers, who are stuck in India. On the other side, there are mothers who are waiting for their children, separated by the rigid lines drawn by governments of both nations. The emotional toll on these families is immense, with little hope of reconciliation.

In the midst of all this, people on both sides of the border are left with feelings of helplessness and frustration. The walls that separate India and Pakistan have done more than just divide nations, they have torn families apart, leaving them yearning for reunification.

Nabila summed up the experience with a heavy heart: "All we want is to be with our children in Pakistan. We are not asking for anything more. We just want to go back to Pakistan where our children are waiting for us."

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political boundaries. While governments continue to draw lines on maps, it's ordinary families that bear the brunt, unable to cross these lines to be with their loved ones.
Lucknow, May 1 : Claiming that the Pahalgam attack poses a challenge to the nation and describing 'nationalism as our religion', Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday hoped that a suitable response would be chosen by the country 'unitedly' under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He also reiterated his resolve to use strong words if comments are made about constitutional positions, an indirect reference to his criticism of the recent episode of perceived over-reach in which the functioning of the President was sought to be brought under judicial review.

Speaking at a book launch event, Dhankhar said, "Running away from a challenge is a sign of cowardice" and called for the nation to rise as "one person" in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack which left 26 people dead in J&K on April 22.

"It is an occasion for us to take a resolve that national interest is beyond compromise. Nation-first is to be your first principle," he said, adding that "nationalism is our religion".

He was speaking at the launch of book 'Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai', written by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.

Giving examples of development under PM Modi reflected in increased power connections and toilet facilities in every home, Dhankhar said: "Today the world looks upon India. The Prime Minister accepted the biggest challenges and converted them into opportunities."

He also cited the wide availability of Internet, tap water supply and improvement in health and education facilities to describe the changed situation under the PM Modi's government. "This is the reason why PM Modi changed 'Rajpath' name to 'Kartavyapath'," he said.

"Challenges will continue to confront us with the most serious one being which comes from one's own people. Such baseless challenges have no link to national development and are linked to the 'Raj days'," he said.

Calling himself a victim of the challenge linked to the Colonial era mentality, he said, "Our strength lies in our civilisational depth. Veda, Gita, Ramayana and Mahabharata are our guides in case of any challenge," he said.

He said not addressing challenges is not a solution and the path of duty is uncompromisable.

In a veiled reference to the perceived judicial overreach due to a Supreme Court decision which put a time limit for the President to decide on granting assent to bills, he expressed deep concern over comments made about constitutional positions.

In a subtle reference to the disqualification of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's election by the Allahabad High Court around 60 years ago which pitted the legislature against the judiciary, Dhankhar said, "It is our bounded duty to ensure our constitutional institutions are respected. And the respect arises when institutions confine to their own area, when institutions respect one another."

"In our Constitution, two positions are considered supreme  one is the President of India, and the other is the Governor. And Chief Minister, they are supreme because the oath you have taken, the oath I have taken, the oath that MPs, ministers, legislators, or any judge has taken  that oath is: I will uphold the Constitution," he said.

"But Droupadi Murmu ji's (President) and Anandiben Patel ji's (Governor) oath is different from this. Their oath is: 'I will protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution.' And the second oath is: 'I will serve the people'  for the President, it's the people of India, and for the Governor, it's the people of the respective state. If comments are made on such dignified and constitutional positions, then according to me, it is a matter that deserves serious reflection," he said, underlining the supremacy of the President in the Constitutional scheme of things.

"Our Constitution does not envisage confrontation among institutions. The Constitution wants coordination, collaboration, discussion, deliberation, dialogue and debate," he said ,

Calling Uttar Pradesh as "Uttam (best) Pradesh", he said the state has made unparalleled development under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and introduced the first waterway and the country's first rapid rail transport system.

"India is bubbling with hope and possibilities. The rise of Bharat is phenomenal. Such situations will throw up challenges and we cannot turn away from addressing them," he said, referring to challenges ahead.

He said there is a section of people who believe that public memory is short.

"They think that people will forget about a matter with passage to time. But such a thing does not happen," he said, calling Emergency as the darkest period of democratic history when lakhs of people were put behind bars.

"Access to judiciary was negated, fundamental rights were ignored. We haven't forgotten that. And the recent episode, I believe that we must believe that every person is innocent which has a premium value in democracy. However, any crime that impacts the psyche of the masses cannot be pushed under the carpet," he said in a subtle reference to the 'cash at judge's home' episode involving a Delhi High Court judge.
Srinagar, May 1 : J&K Waqf Board Chairperson, Darakhshan Andrabi, handed over the appointment letter to the brother of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the pony wallah, who was killed by terrorists in the Pahalgam attack while he tried to save tourists.

Speaking to reporters, Andrabi said that the next of kin of Adil has been provided the job letter to honour the sacrifice of the horse ride operator.

"His sacrifice will always be remembered," Andrabi said.

Eye-witnesses claimed Syed Adil Hussain had a scuffle with the terrorists when he asked them why they were killing innocent people.

They further claimed that he tried to snatch the weapons of one terrorist but was shot dead during the scuffle.

At least 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, were killed on April 22 by the terrorists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. The nation was outraged by the terror attack.

In his first reaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the terrorists, their handlers and backers would he chased and hunted down to the ends of the earth.

After a meeting with the Defence Minister, National Security Advisor, Chief of Defence Services (CDS), three chiefs of Army, Navy and the Air Force, the Prime Minister announced that the armed forces had been given free hand to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack by deciding the timing, target and the magnitude of the response against the terrorists, true backers and handlers.

On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a 40-minute-long meeting with the Prime Minister. The Defence Minister met PM Modi after he received a detailed briefing by the CDS on the preparedness of the country's armed forces to meet any eventuality.

J&K L-G also held a security review meeting with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Srinagar a few days ago, and 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 Over Ground 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 and passed a resolution on this.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 : Kerala Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty on Thursday said that he will register a protest at the upcoming National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) General Council meeting to be held in Delhi on Friday.

The protest will centre on the replacement of English titles in school textbooks with Hindi names.

Sivankutty said, "I will express our strong displeasure over the manner in which Hindi titles are being imposed in English-medium textbooks. This issue will be raised at the NCERT General Council meeting, and I will also take it up with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan."

The controversy stems from NCERT's rollout of new textbooks aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, where titles traditionally in English have been replaced with Hindi names such as Mridang, Santoor, and Poorvi for classes 1 to 6.

"It is wrong to reject English titles that have been in use for decades, especially when they promote inclusivity and respect for India's linguistic diversity," Sivankutty said.

He also said he would raise concerns about the implementation of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, which he claims has also ignored federal norms.

At the April 9 cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the decision to adopt the scheme was deferred following strong opposition from the Communist Party of India (CPI), the second-largest constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front.

Initially, Sivankutty had questioned the CPI's stance, arguing that the PM SHRI scheme was focused on infrastructure development and should not be opposed. He even publicly criticised CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam for resisting the move. However, in the face of firm opposition from the CPI, the Minister has since shifted his position.
New Delhi, May 1 : Apple registered 28 per cent growth in iPhone shipments in India (year-on-year) in the first quarter this year (January-March period), industry data showed on Thursday.

iPhone 16 series was the highest-selling Apple device, capturing 54 per cent market share, with iPhone 15 series garnering 36 per cent share in Q1 2025, according to data provided by said the report by CyberMedia Research (CMR).

Apple iPads saw 18 per cent annual growth in Q1 2025 compared to the year-ago period.

In the entire 2025, iPhones are likely to garner 11 per cent share in the Indian smartphone market, with iPads clocking 33 per cent, the data projected, as the tech giant doubles down on local manufacturing.

Apple maintained its strong growth momentum in India, recording double-digit year-on-year growth and its highest-ever quarterly shipments in Q1.

The iPhone 16 series, led by the more accessible iPhone 16e, was the key growth driver.

"With nearly three million units shipped in Q1 2025 alone, Apple achieved its strongest first-quarter performance in the Indian market to date," said Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group (IRG), CMR.

As supply chain realignments gather pace, India is emerging as a critical hub for iPhone production in the coming years.

Ram said Apple is well-positioned to sustain this momentum  not only through expanded local manufacturing of iPhones and other products but also through increased investment in its retail footprint, with more Apple-owned and operated stores set to launch.

In parallel, Apple is tapping into India's skilled talent pool to support its broader initiatives across retail, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The country is now achieving 'Make in India' at a global scale, as reports suggest that tech giant Apple may shift the entire assembly of iPhones meant for the US to India by next year. This would be a major step in Apple's global manufacturing strategy as the company looks to reduce its dependence on China.

Meanwhile, Apple's contract manufacturers in India are already scaling up their operations. Foxconn's new plant in Bengaluru is expected to become operational this month and could produce up to 20 million iPhones at full capacity.

In the past year, iPhones worth $22 billion were assembled in India, with Tamil Nadu-based Foxconn contributing nearly 50 per cent of Apple's exports.
New Delhi, May 1 : Amid rising heatwaves in the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday asked states in the northern, central and western parts to take immediate pre-emptive measures to prevent heat-related deaths.

Measures must be taken to help "the vulnerable people especially economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and the homeless, who are at risk due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources," said the Commission.

In a letter to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, the NHRC asked to provide the vulnerable with "shelters, supply of relief materials".

As per NCRB data, 3,798 deaths were reported between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes.

The Commission emphasised the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures, including "amending working hours and to opt standard procedures for treating heat-related illnesses".

To mitigate the impacts of heat waves NDMA guidelines suggests activating public spaces such as schools, anganwadi centres, and community halls with adequate ventilation, fans, drinking water, and basic medical supplies.

It also calls for supply of fans, cool roof materials, and ORS sachets to families in informal settlements and labour colonies; and to provide shaded rest zones, hydration support, and encourage the use of protective clothing.

The Commision has asked the States to submit action-taken reports to protect the lives of those vulnerable to heat waves.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday that several regions of India will witness above-normal temperatures and an increased number of heatwave days during May.

The heatwave days will likely prolong up to "four days -- in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in a media report.

In the wake of this, the Ministry of Health has issued advisory urging people to "protect from the heat".

In a post on social media platform X, it suggested people to avoid getting out in the sun between 12 noon and 3 pm; and not to undertake any strenuous activity outside in the afternoon.

The Ministry also advised people to ventilate their homes properly; avoid eating stale food, alcohol, tea, or coffee; and not to leave pets or children in parked vehicles.
Chikkamagaluru, May 1 : Sri Vidusekhara Bharathi Swamiji of the famous Sringeri Sharada Mutt in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka on Thursday announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of 26 persons, who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir.

The seer condemning the dastardly terror attack stated, "Twenty-six families are grieving the loss of their loved ones in the terrorist attack. Hindus must stand by fellow Hindus. Therefore, on behalf of the Sringeri Sharada Peetha, we are offering Rs 2 lakh to each family as a form of prasada (sacred offering)."

Sending his blessings to the bereaved families, he said that soon they would find happiness, well-being and prosperity.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of the victims of the terror attack hailing from the state.

From the mutt, Rs 2 lakh will be provided to all bereaved families of the Pahalgam terror attack as a sacred offering, the seer stated.

The administrator of the mutt will look into the matter and ensure that it reaches the families of the victims all over the country, the seer stated.

Sri Vidhusekhara Bharathi Swamiji is the successor-designate to Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji, the 36th and reigning Pontiff of the historical Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

Earlier, the Karnataka cabinet, in a special meeting held in Chamarajanagar district on April 24, passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and also demanded an investigation into the "lapses" that led to it.

"Our government strongly condemns the terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It has been decided to extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of the state to all those who lost their lives," the resolution said.

"The terrorist attacks must be deemed as heinous acts committed against humanity. The entire nation must unite and strive to completely uproot all forms of terrorism."

Terrorists attacked the tourist spot in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, on April 22.
Gurugram, May 1 : The Gurugram Police said on Thursday that they have arrested a man from Uttarakhand for allegedly killing his live-in partner after she pressured him for marriage, police said.

Sandeep Kumar, Spokesperson of the Gurugram Police, identified the accused as Mustaq Ahmed (31), a resident of Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand).

He said that the deceased's sister had filed a police complaint at the Sector-5 police station in December regarding the disappearance of her 35-year-old sister, identified as Pooja Mondal.

The spokesperson said that the police team of the Sector-5 police station, Gurugram, investigated the case thoroughly to trace the missing woman.

"During the police investigation, it was found that the missing woman was living in a live-in relationship with a person named Mustaq Ahmed in Gurugram, and later nabbed him from Uttarakhand," he said.

He added that during questioning, the suspect disclosed that he had murdered the woman in Nandan Nanhar village, Nadanna, Uttarakhand, on November 16.

"After this, on the indication of the accused, the police team recovered the decomposed body of the woman from under the bridge of Nanda Canal village in Uttarakhand, and sections related to murder were added in the above case," he said.

The spokesperson added that during police interrogation, it was found that the accused used to work as a taxi driver in Uttarakhand, and he came in contact with the woman during her mother's treatment, and they came here to Gurugram and started living in a live-in relationship for two years.

"The accused also told the police that he got married in November 2024. Pooja came to know about this, and a dispute arose between them. An attempt was made to settle this dispute through the Panchayat in Uttarakhand. When the deceased pressured the accused to marry her, he killed the victim and dumped her body in Uttarakhand's canal and fled to Mangalore, Karnataka, and later Uttarakhand," he said.

The spokesperson further added that the accused will be taken into police remand for further interrogation.

"The murder sections have also been added to the FIR. The matter is under investigation," said Sandeep Kumar.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The monthly salaries of government officials in Azerbaijan have been increased, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed a decree to amend the "Regulation on the Determination of Monthly Official Salaries of Civil Servants."
Seoul, May 1 : South Korean prosecutors said on Thursday that they have indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol for abuse of power over his failed martial law bid, marking the latest indictment against the ousted leader who is undergoing an insurrection trial.

The prosecution's special team investigating the case said Yoon was indicted without physical detention for allegedly abusing his authority and obstructing the exercise of rights as he ordered soldiers and police to block the National Assembly on December 3 last year over his botched martial law decree.

The new indictment comes about three months after Yoon was first indicted on January 26 on charges of leading an insurrection -- an offence not protected under the constitutional immunity granted to sitting presidents.

At that time, Yoon became the first sitting president in South Korea's history to be indicted under detention.

Prosecutors had initially refrained from including the charge due to his presidential immunity, but decided to indict him for abuse of power after Yoon was removed from office by the Constitutional Court early last month.

A prosecution official said prosecutors have secured sufficient evidence to charge him with power abuse, Yonhap news agency reported.

Prosecutors requested that the Seoul Central District Court handling Yoon's insurrection trial merge the new case for joint deliberation.

Yoon is accused of conspiring with former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to incite an insurrection on December 3 by declaring an unconstitutional and illegal state of emergency, despite the absence of any signs of war, armed conflict or a comparable national crisis.

He is also alleged to have deployed military forces to parliament in an attempt to prevent lawmakers from voting down the martial law declaration.

Earlier in the day, South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo resigned, indicating he would run for the June 3 presidential election.

Han announced his decision during a Press briefing at the government complex in Seoul, ending weeks of speculation over whether he would enter the election triggered by the impeachment of his former boss -- former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Chennai, May 1 : One of Tamil cinema's popular stars Silambarasan has told Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, that he was indeed a lion! Chennai, May 1 (IANS) One of Tamil cinema's popular stars Silambarasan has told Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, that he was indeed a lion!

Taking to his timeline on X, Silambarasan, quoting a clip in which Virat Kohli is seen talking about the track he was listening to on loop mode at present, wrote, "Nee singam dhan @imVkohli" (You are a lion Virat Kohli!).

In the RCB tweet that Silambarasan had quoted, Virat Kohli was asked which song he was listening to on loop right now. Responding to the question, Virat Kohli, who was seen repeating the question, 'Most favourite right now?' said, "You'll be shocked! 'Nee Singam Dhan'(You are a lion)."

The Tamil song 'Nee Singam Dhan', which Kohli had named, features in a Tamil film called 'Pathu Thala', in which Silambarasan aka Simbu played the lead. In fact, the song was picturised on Simbu. The song, sung by Sid Sriram, was set to tune by A R Rahman.

What is interesting to note is that when A R Rahman was recently asked which song of his he would sing for Dhoni, he said the very same number, 'Nee Singam Dhan' and sang the number for Dhoni during one of the inaugural functions of an IPL match held recently.

The song, the first few lines of which when translated loosely mean, 'He is one who takes the battlefield, as his entire village watches. He sees pain and bears it for his troops to live with a smile. When several elephants join together in an attempt to bring down your name, you stand as a lion!'

The lyrics for the hit number have been penned by Vivek. Interestingly, several non Tamil speaking music lovers have been checking out the song on YouTube as soon as Virat Kohli named it as his current favourite.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chandigarh, May 1 : With the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) deciding to release 8,500 cusecs more water to Haryana, Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday warned that people of the state would not allow a single drop of extra water to flow to any other state. He said what has been the rightful due of Haryana has already been provided to it and it cannot seek extra water when Punjab was itself too short of it.

Warring demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann call an emergency all-party meeting to devise an effective strategy to save Punjab's waters.

Referring to the AAP announcement of holding protests, he said it was just drama aimed at diverting public attention.

"When you are in government, why do you need to stage any dharna?" he asked the AAP government while telling it to take everyone along.

Warring said there was no reason for Haryana to seek extra water when it had already got its share.

"We cannot let our own state go dry to provide water to others," he observed, while assuring full support and cooperation to the Punjab government to deal with the situation.

The Congress state President accused the AAP government of hypocrisy, pointing out, it had a secret understanding with the BJP which was exposed when it unleashed a reign of terror on the peacefully protesting farmers.

"When you already have such an understanding with the BJP, why do you need to enact the drama of protests?" he asked the AAP leadership, while warning it against any compromise or surrender of Punjab's water to any other state.

He clarified that his party was not against providing Haryana with the water that has been already allocated to it under various agreements in the past, which it has been receiving all these years.

"But we will not allow a single drop of extra water to flow out of Punjab," he made it categorically clear, while explaining that when Punjab does not have enough water for its own consumption, how can it provide extra water to others.

The BBMB on Wednesday evening ordered that an additional 8,500 cusecs of water would be released to Haryana.

Aghast at this decision, the Punjab government has stepped up security at the regulator's end of the Nangal dam.

During a meeting of the BBMB's three member states -- Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, the Punjab government issued a dissent note, saying it did not have an extra drop to share, and Haryana should have used its share judiciously.

While the release of water is yet to start, the government has stepped up security at the regulator end of the Nangal dam fearing a law-and-order situation.
Chennai, May 1 : One of Tamil film industry's well known directors Rathna Kumar has showered praises on actor Suriya's romantic action thriller 'Retro', saying the film was a brutal rollercoaster that was visually poetic.

Soon after watching the Karthik Subbaraj film that has taken a strong opening, writer and director Rathna Kumar, best known for having directed superhits like 'Meyaadha Maan', 'Gulu Gulu' and for having penned the script of Kamal Haasan's blockbuster 'Vikram', took to his X timeline to pen his thoughts on the just released film.

He said, "Just watched #Retro a" what an experience! One mirror shot by #THEONE is enough to show how Parisuthamaana performer @Suriya_offl sir is. He breathes fire for every emotion on screen."

To Karthik Subbaraj, the director of the film, he said, "Always a fan of your unconventional story telling, your conviction and brilliant craftmanship @karthiksubbaraj bro. RETRO is another classy film with a global theme. This film deserves to come as a comic book as well. Consider pannunga. (Please consider!)"

To music Santhosh Narayanan, he said, "Music flows like a cresecendo for every emotion amplifying every frame!! You are the second hero for the film sir. So happy to see theater screaming seeing you on screen as well."

He further went on to say, "Vidhu as Michael Mirasu pulled off of a tough character with lot of meat. Loved the visuals, cuts, stunts and production design. #Retro is a brutal rollercoaster that is visually poetic."

He finally concluded saying, "How often you witness a bunch of smiling faces on screen but youare moved by tears seeing it. That is Kartik Subbaraj Padam/Subam for you. Go watch it."

Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, 'Retro' features actors Suriya and Pooja Hegde in the lead. The film, which has music by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by Shreyas Krishna, released on Friday.
Hyderabad, May 1 : Continuing his strong remarks against Pakistan, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said India must put an end to Pakistan-based terrorism and hinted that India should capture Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He said that India must not just "enter and kill" but must "enter and stay."

"Ghar mein ghus ke baith jao," he advised the Union government while calling for decisive action against terrorism this time.

Owaisi said that the Modi government should have captured the land of the launching pads of terrorists in its action in 2019.

"This is good. We should seize it," he said when his reaction was sought on reports that the Pakistani Army has deserted their posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

"You are saying they have vacated (posts). If they have vacated, we should go and sit there. We should not leave. If some action is taken this time, we should enter and stay," he said.

When asked if India should capture PoK, the MP said a Parliament resolution states that PoK is India's.

"BJP says 'ghar mein ghus ke'. I am saying 'ghar mein ghus ke baith jao'. This terrorism needs to end," he said.

Owaisi called for putting an end to repeated terrorist attacks. He referred to Lumbini Park, Dilsukh Nagar and the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

"I know one Sharma sahab. He is a Telugu scholar. He lost his daughter. Sometimes he comes and meets me, tells me he misses her. When 26/11 happened, a bride from Nizamabad was killed in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. She had mehndi on her hands. Pulwama happened, Uri happened, Pathankot happened, and Reasi happened. All Opposition parties are telling the government. Just finish this," Owaisi said.

Owaisi demanded that the Modi government pass a bill in Parliament to break the 50 per cent threshold on reservation. He said if the government wants, it can pass the bill in the monsoon session easily, as all the MPs will support it. He wanted to know what was stopping the government from passing the bill.

Welcoming the decision to conduct a caste survey, he said this was necessary to identify developed and underdeveloped castes and for affirmative action and to ensure justice in the country.

He demanded that the BJP-led government announce the timeline for the caste survey. "The government must tell people when it will initiate the caste survey and if the report will come before the 2029 elections," he asked.

Strongly advocating the need for breaking the 50 per cent threshold on reservation, the MP said 85 per cent of people have been limited to less than 50 per cent quota, with OBC reservation confined to only 27 per cent.

Owaisi said the caste survey would reveal how 85 per cent of the population was kept backward in the name of Hindu-Muslim.

"BJP always talks of pasmanda Musalman (backward Muslims). The survey will reveal their status and their deprivation. Similarly, it will help understand the status of non-pasmanda Musalman," he said.

He pointed out that the Telangana caste census revealed that the backward castes in the state are 56.32 per cent. The state Assembly also passed a resolution for 42 per cent reservation for backward castes.

The AIMIM chief also accused the BJP of practising "hypocrisy" on 'Pasmanda Musalman'.

"The BJP made the Waqf Act saying it wants to make pasmanda Musalman members of Waqf boards. If BJP has so much love for pasmnada Musalman, why is it opposing reservation for them?" he asked.

He mentioned that backward classes among Muslims in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are getting 4 per cent reservation. He said this reservation is based on religion, but it is based on social and educational backwardness.

Owaisi dared the BJP to end reservation for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh, where it is sharing power with the Telugu Desam Party.
Islamabad, May 1 : The ongoing tension with India has shaken the confidence of investors in Pakistan badly, setting the country on course to record its worst performance in dollar bonds and stocks since 2023.

With fears of an all-out war looming large at the border, the Pakistani stock market has reacted negatively by recording a major decline in rupee and dollar bonds in April and underperforming massively in comparison to its counterparts.

Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announcing in the middle of night early Wednesday that India may attack the country within the next 24 to 36 hours also impacted the trading with the market reacting negatively to the development and fears of war.

"The outlook in the near term is uncertain, so we can expect further weakness because additionally, the US tariffs are an overhang," stated Thomas Hugger, CEO of Asia Frontier Capital Limited.

"Any de-escalation of the tension will obviously calm down the nervousness of investors regarding further deterioration of the fragile relationship between the two countries and we can expect a small rally in bond and equity prices," Hugger added.

The investors have lost at least four per cent during the month of April while equities are down by three per cent. In comparison, India's assets have largely been invulnerable.

New Delhi has accused Islamabad of being involved in the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. It led to India declaring Pakistan's defence and security advisors at its High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata, issuing deadline to Pakistani nationals in India to leave the country, cutting down the diplomatic staff in Islamabad, shutting down of the Attari border and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and responded to India's announcements with reciprocal measures besides also suspending its airspace for Indian airlines, a step that has been reciprocated by India now.

Since the Pahalgam incident, both sides have been flexing their military muscles along the Line of Control (LoC), engaging in exchange of heavy fire.

Global powers, including the United States, have called on both parties to show restraint and de-escalate tensions.

The ongoing tensions are putting immense pressure on Pakistan's financial market as international bonds dropped more than one per cent on Wednesday after expressing fears of an Indian attack within the next 24 to 36 hours.
New Delhi, May 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday vowed to avenge the Pahalgam massacre and punish every perpetrator involved in the gruesome terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 which resulted in killing of 26 tourists including one Nepali national.

The Home Minister, in his first public address after the Pahalgam attack, warned the terrorists and their masters that the fight is not over and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government will give a befitting and precise response to their cowardly act.

Speaking at an event in Assam, HM Shah said: "Terrorists should not think they have won the war. This fight is not over yet. Chun chun ke badla lenge (we will take revenge on all terrorists)."

The Home Minister reiterated government's commitment to dismantle terror networks within and outside and said, "It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished."

"The whole world has come together with India and standing with 140 crore Indians in the fight against terrorism," he added.

Notably, the terror attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadows was one of the deadliest attacks since the 2019 Pulwama blast. What made it worse was religion-based segregation of tourists and their murder in cold blood.

Following the attack on April 22, HM Amit Shah quickly rushed to Srinagar the same evening and met the grieving families the next day. He also laid wreaths on the victims' bodies and visited the ambush site where armed men gunned down tourists after ascertaining their identity.

Many families, speaking to media, shared harrowing details of their loved ones being singled out on basis of religion, isolated for not being Muslim and then shot dead from point-blank range.

Days ago, PM Modi in his first reaction to the Pahalgam attack stated that the terrorists will be pursued till the ends of Earth and will be identified and punished.
Agartala, May 1 : In a bid to curb deforestation, illegal felling of trees and timber smuggling, the Tripura Forest Department would create its own intelligence wing and strengthen its own protection unit, Minister Animesh Debbarma said on Thursday.

Forest Minister Debbarma said that initially, the Forest Department would take personnel from the Tripura Police to deploy them in the proposed intelligence wing of the Forest Department, but subsequently, the department would recruit fresh staff for the intelligence division.

"I have also requested Chief Minister Manik Saha to deploy a reasonable number of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) troops to protect the forest and forest produce. These TSR personnel would work under senior forest officials," the minister told IANS.

Trained in counter-insurgency operations, the elite TSR has 14 battalions. Debbarma, who also holds the Science, Technology and Environment Department, said that to protect the forest and its resources, major steps must be taken immediately.

He said that Tripura's main resource forests have become vulnerable because of illegal felling of trees, timber smuggling, and various other illicit activities.

"The prevailing situation in the forest areas appears to be challenging for the forest guards and other forest officials. Smuggling, illegal felling of trees, poaching, and human activities on protected forest areas have increased in multiple ways in the state."

On Wednesday, the minister at a function at the Tripura State Forest Academy in Hatipara in West Tripura, handed over 58 motorcycles to forest range officials. The Minister underlined that development efforts must not come at the cost of destroying forests.

"Protecting forests is essential for protecting human life. True development must revolve around conservation, not deforestation," he stated.

Pointing out that forests cover nearly 62 per cent of Tripura's landmass, Debbarma questioned the necessity of the state's growing number of national highways, many of which have led to extensive tree felling.

The minister earlier said that since January 2022, and until recently, 11,460 old trees were officially felled for the widening of various national highways in Tripura.

He said that before cutting down the trees, the state government had taken permission from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and followed the other formalities.

Debbarma further said that the Tripura Chief Minister on July 5 last year led the state-level mass plantation drive with the mission of '5 lakh saplings in 5 minutes' to increase the forest cover in the northeastern state.

Debbarma said that before the state-level mass plantation drive, the Forest Department had distributed over seven lakh saplings among students, clubs, organisations, banks, and central and state security forces.

"Our effort to plant trees would not be limited to a single event. The mass plantation drive would continue in the upcoming monsoon period and beyond," the minister stated.
Chandigarh, May 1 : Saying Punjab has no surplus water to share with anyone, state BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Thursday said at a time when war-like conditions persist at the International Border, the government is destabilising the state by entangling its police force in protests and demonstrations.

He pointed out that for political gains Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had stated during Haryana elections that water would be provided to Delhi and Haryana and the government had told the Supreme Court that they were ready for the construction of the Satluj Yamuna Link Canal but farmers were not allowing its construction.

In a statement here, Jakhar claimed this reflects the double standards of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders who are using these protests as a pretext to cover up the involvement of their leaders, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in the Rs 2,000 crore classroom scam in Delhi.

He said, "The so-called Delhi model, which the AAP boasted about, has been exposed by the people of Delhi, and now the looting of public money during their tenure is coming to light."

He accused the AAP of destroying Delhi and now attempting to ruin Punjab's education system.

Addressing the water issue, Jakhar emphasised that the BJP has always firmly stood for Punjab's interests and maintained a clear stance that Punjab has no surplus water to share with any state.

However, he said resorting to petty politics over providing drinking water on humanitarian grounds may suit the AAP, but it goes against the spirit and principles of 'Punjabiyat.'

He urged AAP leaders to shed their duplicity and remember the promises made during the Haryana elections.

Jakhar added the people of Punjab have understood and recognised that this government is leading the state towards ruin.

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which serves the irrigation requirements of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan from the Bhakra Dam, on Wednesday evening ordered that an additional 8,500 cusecs of water would be released to Haryana.

Aghast at this decision, the Punjab government has stepped up security at the regulator's end of the Nangal dam and held statewide protests.

During a meeting of the BBMB's three member states, the Punjab government issued a dissent note saying it did not have a drop to share with anyone, and Haryana should have used its share judiciously.

While the release of water is yet to start, the government has stepped up security at the regulator end of the Nangal dam fearing a law-and-order situation.
Chandigarh, May 1 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Thursday opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.

AAP MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, called this move a grave injustice that jeopardises Punjab's farmers, its water security, and the state's future generations. AAP MP Kang said this decision, taken under pressure from the BJP-led Central government, is unconstitutional and an outright assault on Punjab's rights.

In a letter to BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, Kang lambasted the BJP government for orchestrating "daylight robbery" of Punjab's rightful resources while accusing Bittu of maintaining a "shameful" silence on the matter.

"The BBMB decision is not just an administrative order -- it is a direct attack on Punjab's lifeline. Despite the fact that Haryana has already overdrawn its share of water, the BJP has forced BBMB to hand over Punjab's precious water to Haryana, leaving our farmers and citizens at risk of severe water scarcity. This is an insult to Punjab's 3.5 crore people," said Kang.

The BBMB annually distributes water among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan from May 21. However, Kang revealed that Haryana, after exhausting its full share by March 31, demanded an additional 4,000 cusecs daily from Punjab.

Punjab, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, allowed this on humanitarian grounds to meet Haryana's basic drinking water needs. However, the BJP has now arm-twisted BBMB into granting Haryana an additional 8,500 cusecs, an action that AAP calls unlawful and unacceptable.

"Our reservoirs -- Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar -- are already at dangerously low levels. With groundwater levels depleting across the state, every drop of water is vital for Punjab's farmers. Yet, the BJP is sacrificing Punjab's needs to appease Haryana. This is nothing short of bulldozing Punjab's rights," Kang said.

Kang expressed disappointment at BJP MP Bittu's silence, accusing him of prioritising his party's political alliances over Punjab's welfare.

"Bittu's inaction raises serious questions about whether he stands with Punjab or has surrendered to the BJP's unconstitutional diktats. The people of Punjab deserve answers," Kang said.

AAP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mann, has taken a firm stand to expose the BJP's unconstitutional actions. Highlighting Haryana Chief Minister's misleading statements that Punjab had agreed to this water diversion, the AAP government clarified that Haryana has already consumed 103 per cent of its allocated share, while Punjab has used only 89 per cent.

Despite this, Punjab extended support to Haryana, but the BJP's latest decision crossed all limits. Kang reiterated that Punjab's farmers and people will not tolerate this injustice.

"Punjab's history is filled with struggles to protect its resources and rights. Today, we face a similar challenge. AAP and the people of Punjab will resist BJP's blatant disregard for Punjab's welfare," he affirmed.

In his letter to Bittu, Kang posed some serious questions to Bittu, Are you with Punjab, or complicit in the BJP's exploitation of the state's resources? Why haven't you raised the issue of BBMB's illegal decisions in the Parliament? Why are you silent on the alarming depletion of water levels in Punjab's dams?

He said Bittu's inability to address these pressing questions raised serious doubts about his commitment to Punjab's rights.

AAP demands immediate reversal of BBMB's decision and calls on all political parties in Punjab to unite and defend the state's interests.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. People's Artist of Azerbaijan Eyyub Yagubov took to the stage at the Opera Studio of the Baku Academy of Music, showcasing a musical and artistic program called Only Culture that truly hit the nail on the head, Trend reports.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and President of Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva attended the event dedicated to the memory of the renowned poet and playwright Huseyn Javid.

In the tapestry of the performance, Eyyub Yagubov and his fellow artists wove a spellbinding narrative, intertwining the enchanting threads of music, the melodious whispers of songs, and the profound echoes of poetry.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Karnataka, May 1 : As the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a caste census along with the upcoming General Census, residents of Karnataka's Vijaypur and Dharwad have expressed strong support for the decision.

IANS spoke to several locals in these regions, who shared their perspectives on how the caste census could benefit the people and the nation as a whole.

Nagraj Nayak, one Kannadiga said, "As the PM Modi-led government has approved the caste census, it's a big step forward. The Congress kept saying that the BJP is against the caste census, however, the party and PM Modi are taking steps that are in the best interest of the country."

Prithviraj, another local from Vijaypur added, "The caste census is good for the people of India. It will help improve the economic situation of different communities."

Omkar, another resident of Vijaypur said, "The decision taken by the Centre to conduct a caste census is a positive move. This decision should have been made earlier. It's important for both the development of the people and the nation."

Pramod, another local, said, "Amid high-voltage political discussions, PM Modi has made the bold move to go ahead with a caste census. I welcome this step. The Congress is stating that the BJP has only approved it because of the upcoming Bihar elections, but I want to remind Rahul Gandhi that in 2006, the Congress itself opposed the caste census. The BJP had even advised Congress to carry out the caste census but not to use it for political gain or manipulate the caste numbers. A caste census should be conducted every 10 years."

"The last national census was held in 2011, and the next was due in 2021, but it was delayed due to COVID-19 and various elections. Now, the central government has made a timely and transparent decision. A genuine caste census will be conducted in 2025 along with the national census," he said.

Sachin Kothar, another local resident, added, "The caste census is essential. It will help us understand the demographic composition of different castes in the country, which is crucial for planning welfare schemes and ensuring social justice."

The Census is a decennial population-based survey that began in 1872 under Viceroy Lord Mayo, with the first complete census conducted that year. Since 1951, it has been conducted under the 1948 Census of India Act by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patna, May 1 : The political war of words over the caste census continues to escalate in Bihar, with Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav calling it a decision made under "compulsion" by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government.

Speaking to the media in Patna on Thursday, Tejashwi Yadav declared that the move was not a voluntary initiative by the BJP-led Central government, but the result of growing public pressure.

"This is not a decision, it is a compulsion. They had no choice left. We have been raising this issue for years," Tejashwi said.

He further added, "Even though they have announced the census, there is still no clarity on when it will begin. And it must be completed before the delimitation process so that the allocation of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats can be based on updated data."

Meanwhile, Bihar Congress leaders echoed Tejashwi Yadav's sentiment and attributed the caste census decision to the efforts of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Bihar Congress President, Rajesh Kumar Ram performed a symbolic gesture by offering milk to Rahul Gandhi's photograph and said, "The slogan 'Jiski Jitni Sankhya, Uska Utna Share' has ignited hopes of social equality in the country."

On the other side, BJP leaders dismissed these assertions.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, a key BJP figure in the Bihar government, reiterated that PM Modi's decision was driven by national interest, not political pressure.

"This is not a move forced by anyone. PM Modi has fulfilled the unkept promises of Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Yadav, and even Nitish Kumar, who sat on the caste census proposal for decades," Choudhary said.

He also stated that BJP ministers would visit all districts in Bihar to communicate the significance of the decision and expose what he called the "double standards" of the Congress and RJD, who "failed to act when they had power."

The battle for political ownership of the caste census reflects its increasing weight as a key electoral issue, with all parties trying to position themselves as champions of social justice ahead of future electoral contests.
Ahmedabad, May 1 : The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), recognised as the world's largest health assurance scheme, continues to revolutionise healthcare access across India. In Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Vadodara, many beneficiaries are hailing the scheme for providing life-saving medical treatments without financial strain.

One such beneficiary is Mohammad Yusuf Bagwan, a 48-year-old resident of Ahmedabad. The sole breadwinner of his family, Bagwan sells fruits to support his wife and two daughters. Already suffering from heart disease, his health deteriorated when doctors discovered additional blocked arteries, necessitating urgent treatment. With no means to afford the high medical costs, he turned to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which covered his entire treatment.

Speaking to IANS, Bagwan said: "I was told the treatment would cost more than Rs 10-15 lakh, which we could never afford. But thanks to the Ayushman card, I was able to get the treatment I needed."

"I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for this life-changing scheme," he added.

Amina Khatoon, Mohammad's daughter, also praised the scheme.

"It's a really good initiative. Without it, my father wouldn't have been able to get treated. I thank PM Modi for making this possible."

Iqbal Hussain Mansuri, a resident of Vadodara, also shared his experience with the scheme. As the sole provider for his family, Iqbal earns Rs 15,000 per month by working in motor winding. When he began experiencing severe chest pain, his doctor recommended immediate treatment, which he could not afford. Once again, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana came to his rescue, covering the cost of his treatment at Mehta Hospital in Ahmedabad. This was his third hospitalisation under the scheme, with the first two treatments exhausting his initial Rs 5 lakh limit. However, the scheme's flexible coverage allowed him to receive further support.

"I don't have the money to pay for treatment. Ayushman Bharat has been a lifesaver for me," Iqbal said.

"I'm feeling much better now. I am very thankful to PM Modi for this scheme."

Iqbal's daughter, Shaheen, echoed her father's sentiments, thanking the Prime Minister for this transformative initiative that has turned lives around for many families in need.

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers secondary and tertiary care hospitalisations with coverage up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that even the most economically disadvantaged can access quality healthcare without worrying about financial burden.
Kolkata, May 1 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday visited the fire-ravaged Rituraj hotel at Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata where a devastating fire broke out on Tuesday night killing 15 people and appealed to the people residing in the busy trading hub not to play with their lives.

CM Banerjee told the people to take care even if they chose not to vote for her party.

The statement is significant as a non-Bengali and mainly Hindi-speaking population dominates the trading hub, where the hotel was located and there is a general perception that these voters traditionally are against the Trinamool Congress.

"I am not against anybody. But some people do not listen to anything, and they do not care for safety norms. This is not acceptable. I want all of you to be safe. If you choose not to vote for me for saying this, you can do that. But save your own lives," CM Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister also promised strong action by her administration against those responsible for the tragedy.

Investigations into the matter have revealed that the fire resulted because of gross negligence in following fire safety, ventilation, and evacuation norms at the Rituraj hotel.

She also said that the administrative officials who deliberately ignored the lapses at the hotel against some considerations, would also not be spared.

When CM Banerjee visited the spot, she was accompanied by the state fire services minister Sujit Bose and the Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma.

During the visit she also directed Bose to check other buildings and establishments which were similarly violating fire safety norms.

She expressed her anger over the lack of safety norms in the hotel which included inadequate emergency evacuation arrangements.

"A person running a hotel business and not arranging emergency evacuation arrangements should not be pardoned. On occasions like this I am extremely tough," CM Banerjee said.

She also announced that her government has formed a special committee to investigate the fire mishap.

"I have directed the police and the state fire services department to conduct surprise checks at such establishments against whom there are complaints of violating safety norms. If any elected public representative or anyone within the administration are part of the nexus, they will also not be spared," the Chief Minister said.
New Delhi, May 1 : Maharashtra and Gujarat Day was celebrated at Delhi Secretariat on Thursday in keeping with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's earlier decision to celebrate the foundation days of various states in a zealous and dignified manner.

The Chief Minister also participated in the cultural programme organised by the Department of Art, Culture and Language on the occasion of Maharashtra and Gujarat Day.

She said: "Millions of citizens of Maharashtra and Gujarat reside in Delhi, who through their hard work, dedication and diligence, are contributing significantly to the progress of not only their states but the entire country. The citizens of these states have played an important role in shaping the politics, economy and cultural development of India."

The objective of the programme was to showcase the glorious cultural heritage, living traditions and historical legacy of Maharashtra and Gujarat, said an official.

About 40 artists associated with Sahitya Kala Parishad gave captivating performances of folk dance, music, drama and traditional arts. These programmes brought alive the diverse cultural images of both the states, said the official.

The presentation of traditional folk dances of Maharashtra like Lavani, Hudo and Lezim and Garba and Dandiya Raas of Gujarat mesmerised the audience, said the official.

"When male and female artists dressed in traditional costumes performed dances, a unique scene of enthusiasm and excitement was seen on the Secretariat premises. Employees of the Secretariat were also seen participating in the programme," said a statement.

On this occasion, a special exhibition was also organised to showcase the artistic traditions, craftsmanship and cultural symbols of both the states, which made the visitors aware of the artistic talent and cultural richness of these states, it said.

Minister of Art, Culture and Language Kapil Mishra said, "Maharashtra and Gujarat are prominent states of India not only from cultural point of view but also from social and economic point of view.

"The rich heritage, inspiring traditions and historical contribution of these states are a matter of pride for the country."
Kolkata, May 1 : In an unprecedented development in the history of the Calcutta High Court, its Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam on Thursday announced that the division bench headed by him will no longer hear public interest litigations filed in the court.

However, it has also been announced that the division bench headed by the Chief Justice will continue hearing the public interest litigations which are already being heard by it.

The new public interest litigations that will be filed at the Calcutta High Court in future will now be heard by the division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das.

Legal circles feel that it is always the prerogative of the Chief Justice of any high court to decide which case or which subject will be allotted to which bench. However, veteran legal practitioners contend that, by tradition, public interest litigation has always been heard at the Calcutta High Court by the division bench headed by the Chief Justice.

aOnly when the Chief Justice is on leave, then the public interest litigations are heard by any alternative division bench. However, since this is a matter of prerogative of the Chief Justice, nothing more can be said on the decision," a senior advocate of the Calcutta High Court said.

On Thursday, it was also announced that besides the public interest litigations, the bench headed by the Chief Justice will also not hear the matter related to inaction or hyper-action by the police. That subject has been referred to the bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Reetobroto Kumar Mitra.

Justice Sivagnanam is scheduled to retire in September this year. Enrolling in the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu on September 10, 1986, he was elevated as an additional judge of the Madras High Court on March 31, 2009, and appointed as a permanent judge on March 29, 2011. He was transferred to the Calcutta High Court in October 2021 and became the Chief Justice in May 2023.
Bengaluru, May 1 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Union government on Thursday, saying that it has no "genuine interest" in conducting a population census.

Bengaluru, May 1 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Union government on Thursday, saying that it has no "genuine interest" in conducting a population census.

"However, due to growing public pressure, it has now announced that it will conduct a caste census along with the general census. Reservation for SCs and STs must be implemented even in private companies, and the 50 per cent reservation cap must be increased," said Kharge while participating in the Civic Workers' Day celebration and appointment letter distribution programme organised by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Kharge said the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, travelled across the country demanding a caste census.

"On April 16, 2023, I myself wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to conduct a caste census. But at that time, PM Modi ignored our request. Now, just to claim credit, he has suddenly held a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday and announced a caste census," Kharge alleged.

He also criticised the BJP for spreading "misinformation" that the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had opposed the caste census.

"That is completely false. Nehru never opposed it. In fact, it was Nehru who implemented the Hindu Code Bill that was drafted by B.R. Ambedkar," he said.

Kharge asserted that only the Congress party works for the poor, adding, "The BJP has no real sympathy for the poor and downtrodden."

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressing the gathering said that civic workers have now been made permanent, and in the coming days, drivers, assistants, and operators  estimated to be around 9,000 in number  will also be made permanent.

He said the government is committed to regularising those involved in sanitation work.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that the state government has kept its word of uplifting the lives of pourakarmikas by making them permanent employees of the government.

"There are four pillars for a stable society  farmer, labourer, soldier and teacher. Our government considers pourakarmikas as ambassadors of cleanliness and children of God. You are the doctors of cleanliness for Bengaluru city. Your contribution is significant in making this city get global recognition," he said.

"We had given a word to make contract pourakarmikas permanent employees of the government. We have fulfilled that promise today. The children of pourakarmikas are conducting this event today. Our government's wish is to see the children of pourakarmikas achieve success in life and occupy big positions," he added.

"We have earmarked Rs 600 crore for the welfare of pourakarmikas in the budget. Thousands of pourakarmikas have been offered permanent employment with the government without any corruption. There are some cases where permanent employment hasn't been offered due to the validity of the documents, and we are starting dedicated booths to attend to these issues. We will get you justice," he added.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 : Amidst unprecedented tight security in Kerala's capital city, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport at 7.50 pm on Thursday amid a rousing welcome.

This is PM Modias first visit to Kerala in 2025.

Soon after arriving at the technical area of the airport, PM Modi was received by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi, George Kurian and a galaxy of state BJP leaders, including state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former president V. Muraleedharan and Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor, among others.

Hundreds of people were waiting to have a glimpse of PM Modi on either side of the road, right from the airport to the Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekaras official residence on Thursday night.

At the main junctions, excited BJP workers were heard shouting slogans praising PM Modi, and the onlookers included children, young and even the elderly.

PM Modi was seen seated in the front seat with folded hands and acknowledging the welcome that was accorded to him by the common man.

He is in the state capital city to dedicate to the nation the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,900 crore on Friday.

On Friday, he will leave for the Pangode Military camp and board the helicopter to reach Vizhinjam, near the port site.

It is the countryas first dedicated container transhipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in Indiaas maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.

Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute to strengthening Indiaas position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment.

Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the worldas busiest sea trade routes further strengthen Indiaas position in global trade.

After dedicating the Vizhinjam Port to the nation, PM Modi will return by helicopter to the airport and leave for Andhra Pradesh.

In Andhra, PM Modi will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati.

In line with his commitment to ensure world-class infrastructure and connectivity across the country, the Prime Minister will inaugurate 7 National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting capacity.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 : Amidst unprecedented tight security in Kerala's capital city, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport on Thursday evening to a rousing welcome.

This is PM Modias first visit to Kerala in 2025.

Soon after arriving at the technical area of the airport, PM Modi was received by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi, George Kurian and a galaxy of state BJP leaders, including state President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former President V. Muraleedharan and local MP Shashi Tharoor, among others.

Hundreds of people were waiting to have a glimpse of PM Modi on either side of the road, right from the airport to the Raj Bhavan.

At the main junctions, excited BJP workers were heard shouting slogans praising PM Modi, and the onlookers included children, young and even the elderly.

PM Modi was seen seated in the front seat with folded hands and acknowledging the welcome that was accorded to him by the common people

He is in the state capital city to dedicate to the nation the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,900 crore on Friday.

On Friday, he will leave for the Pangode Military camp and board the helicopter to reach Vizhinjam, near the port site.

It is the countryas first dedicated container transhipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in Indiaas maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.

Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute to strengthening Indiaas position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment.

Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the worldas busiest sea trade routes further strengthen Indiaas position in global trade.

After dedicating the Vizhinjam Port to the nation, PM Modi will return by helicopter to the airport and leave for Andhra Pradesh.

In Andhra, PM Modi will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati.

In line with his commitment to ensure world-class infrastructure and connectivity across the country, the Prime Minister will inaugurate 7 National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting capacity.
New Delhi, May 1 : As Gujarat is celebrating its foundation day today (Thursday), a recap of the celebrations from 2012 brings to light a special moment when then Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched the Aadhaar registration drive in the state, by getting himself enrolled for it.

Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat CM led by example and got himself registered first for the Aadhaar, thereby paving the way for easier and faster enrolment of state residents.

Modi Story, a popular social media handle on X shared a video, recollecting the Gujarat Foundation Day event on May 1, 2012 and how PM Modi's promptness helped in penetrating the scheme, not just in he state but across the country.

In the video, a senior Aadhaar official overseeing the roll-out in Gujarat recounts how the then CM registered himself for Aadhaar, sending a powerful message that national interest should be above political differences.

Reflecting on the challenges during 2011-12, the official says that at that time, many political parties opposed Aadhaar roll-out vehemently, expressing skepticism over possible breach of their private data. Several interest groups and NGOs also voiced their opposition but Narendra Modi (then CM of Gujarat) came to their rescue by taking the first step.

"The Gujarat CM took a rational stand. We served this as example to others, who opposed it. His exemplary leadership helped us in taking the Aadhar roll out on national scale," he vividly remembers.

Chronicling the challenges of past decade, Modi Story handle writes, "Aadhaar, initiated by a non-BJP government, faced skepticism across the political spectrum. Yet, Modi, leading a BJP-ruled state, chose to lead by example."

"PM Modi's actions reflect true statesmanship and uphold the principle of Nation First," it adds.

The Aadhaar official further shares that they explained to people that Aadhaar was though launched by UPA government, it was not a political programme and hence, those on the other side of the political spectrum should not be opposed to it.

"There were many doubts and apprehensions about the Aadhaar scheme and people were resistant to join the drive. As CM Modi became the first person to enroll him for Aadhaar, this instilled confidence among the citizens and encouraged widespread adoption of Aadhaar," he shares.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. Baku expresses concern about recent tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

"We call on you to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to de-escalate current tensions. It is important to refrain from unilateral actions in such a volatile situation.

Moreover, we hope an open and transparent international investigation will be carried out to resolve the current situation.

We believe a meaningful dialogue and negotiations, consistent with norms and principles of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, is a path to address the conflict.

Recognizing the shared and mutual interest in regional stability, we hope the sides will pursue diplomatic channels to foster peace and cooperation, safeguarding the well-being of their peoples and the broader region," the statement reads.
Mumbai, May 1 : On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor joined in the celebrations by indulging in the traditional sweet dish Puran Poli.

The 'Stree' actress took to social media to share a glimpse of the festive moment with her fans on social media. Shraddha shared a candid photo of herself enjoying the festive treat, giving a glimpse of her love for Maharashtrian culture and cuisine. In the picture, she is seen holding a plate of puran poli, offering a bite to her fans while looking straight at the camera. Alongside the image, the 'Ek Villain' actress wrote, "Puran poli Happy Maharashtra Day, Pride, Power and Puran Poli!" For the unversed, puran poli is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread, especially popular in South India and the state of Maharashtra.

Apart from being celebrated as Labour Day, May 1 holds special importance for the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. On this day, Maharashtra attained full statehood and official recognition, making it a proud and festive occasion for its people. The day is marked by statewide celebrations, with several prominent celebrities and public figures expressing their pride on social media.

Celebrities also extended their heartfelt wishes on social media, joining in the celebration of Maharashtra Day. Actress Shanthi Priya shared a heartfelt video on Instagram to wish her fans on Maharashtra Day. Dressed in a stunning orange and pink saree, she exuded grace and tradition with elegant gold jewellery, including a necklace, bangles, and a classic Maharashtrian nath.

In her post, she shared her strong bond with the state, saying, "From Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu and now, proudly a part of Maharashtra! This land has given me love, identity, and a place to call home. Majha Maharashtra, majha abhiman! Happy Maharashtra Day to this incredible state that embraces all with open arms! Maharashtra chi shaan, Maharashtra cha maan! Jay Maharashtra."

Alia Bhatt embraced the spirit of Maharashtra Day with a striking look she revealed on social media for the Waves Summit 2025. The Raazi actress shared a series of her photos showcasing her graceful ensemble that perfectly captured the vibe of the occasion. Alia embraced a Maharashtra-inspired radiant pink and orange nauvari-inspired Paithani saree.
New Delhi, May 1 : Taking help from the Parliament Secretariat, Delhi Legislative Assembly library will soon be turned into a state-of-the-art e-Library through a structured process of digitisation, leveraging advanced IT infrastructure, modern gadgets, and software solutions, Speaker Vijender Gupta said on Thursday.

Addressing a meeting focused on transforming the existing library, the Speaker emphasised the significance of this initiative in strengthening legislative research and ensuring seamless access to information in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

He stated that the establishment of an e-Library will not only to help preserve valuable archival materials but also enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability across legislative functions.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht.

The Delhi Legislative library was established in 1952 with the formation of the first Legislative Assembly and was initially part of the Vidhan Sabha. However, operations ceased in 1958 following the reorganisation of states.

The library was later brought under the control of the Delhi Administration Secretariat, and in 1989, administrative oversight was transferred to the Metropolitan Council Department.

With the reconstitution of the Delhi Assembly in 1993, it was officially renamed the Delhi Legislative Assembly library. Today, it houses a valuable collection of over 40,000 documents thereby continuing its vital role in supporting informed legislative processes, said an official.

Several distinguished experts from leading academic and administrative institutions participated in the meeting chaired by Speaker Gupta on Thursday and shared valuable suggestions to guide the planning and execution of this digital transformation.

The participants included H. Saikholian Simte (Director Lok Sabha Secretariat), Dr. Kumar Sanjay, Director (Library), NITI Aayog; Dr. Pravin Babbar, Librarian, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU); and Dr. E. Rajalakshmi, Librarian, National School of Drama ; Pritam Singh, Executive Engineer(E), PWD ; S.S. Bhadauriya, Executive Engineer (C),PWD; and K.K. Singh, Superintending Engineer, Central and North Division (Electrical), PWD, Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

Their inputs covered a wide range of areas, including best practices in library digitization, effective use of metadata, integration of modern library management systems, and user accessibility, an official said.

Librarians from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the Parliament Library, and the National School of Drama (NSD) shared their experiences with the E-Granth Mala platform. The Director of Parliament library informed the Speaker that all newspapers published since 1947 are available in library. Dr. Pravin Babbar from JNU highlighted that the university's library holds over 6 lakh and 800,000 news clippings have already been digitized.
Budapest, May 1 : Diplomats and several people expressed grief and paid tributes to the victims of the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in ceremonies organised by Indian missions across the globe on Thursday.

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 when four heavily armed terrorists, two of them from Pakistan, emerged from the surrounding dense forests and opened indiscriminate fire on tourists. The attack has been described as one of the most horrific in the region in recent memory.

The Embassy of India in Budapest on Thursday organised a solemn condolence meeting to pay homage to the innocent civilians killed in Pahalgam terrorist attack. The members of the Indian community in Hungary, along with 'friends of India', gathered to display solidarity with India and offered prayers for the victims.

Members of the Indian Community in the Consulate General of India in Russia's Saint Petersburg also observed a two-minute silence in memory of the terror victims.

"CGI, Saint Petersburg held a prayer meeting to pay homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. A two-minute silence was observed and members of the Indian diaspora in Saint Petersburg offered their shradhanjali," Consulate General of India in Saint Petersburg posted on X.

In Algeria, members of IRCON International Limited, an Indian infrastructure company, and their families, in a solemn gesture of solidarity and respect, offered tributes to the 26 innocent civilians brutally killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. They also affirmed to stand united against terror.

Expressing that the world stands in solidarity with India in a ceremony organised on Thursday, several German leaders and the Indian diaspora paid homage to the innocent civilians killed in the terror attack.

"Finance Senator of Hamburg, Andreas Dressel, members of the Hamburger Senate, friends of India, and Indian diaspora joined in large numbers to pay homage to the innocent lives lost in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The world stands in solidarity with India," the Consulate General of India in Hamburg posted on X.
Bhopal, May 1 : Scattered to widespread light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h, is expected in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh until May 5, an official said.

The local weather office forecasts thundersqualls, with winds reaching 50-60 km/h and gusts up to 70 km/h, in parts of East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh between May 2 and May 4.

Isolated hailstorms are also likely in East Madhya Pradesh on May 2 and 3, and in Chhattisgarh on May 3.

The districts of Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Ratlam, Ujjain, Agar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Mandla, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari have experienced notable shifts in weather patterns.

An upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over southwest Rajasthan and its vicinity, observed at an altitude of 0.9 kilometres above sea level, is a reason for the sudden change in weather pattern, said the weather department.

Another such circulation lies over central southeast Rajasthan, extending up to 1.5 kilometres above sea level. A north-south trough stretches from this system in Rajasthan to northern Kerala, traversing West Madhya Pradesh, the weather department said.

Rainfall over the last 24 hours was sporadic across divisions such as Ujjain, Shahdol, and Bhopal, and is likely, while other regions remained dry. Maximum temperatures were recorded at 43.2AC in Khargone, 43.1AC in Khandwa, and 43.0AC in Ratlam.

Meanwhile, the lowest temperatures were observed at 18.0AC in Pachmarhi (Narmadapuram district), 19.0AC in Amarkantak, and 20.0AC in Kalyanpur, both in Shahdol district.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds travelling at 40-50 kilometres per hour, affecting several districts in the state. Residents are advised to remain vigilant.

In Simga town of Chhattisgarh, gusty winds played havoc at various places, uprooting trees and other man-made structures. According to reports, a toll plaza was obliterated, collapsing onto the road.

Meanwhile, a roadside shed in Devendra Nagar fell, crushing several parked cars beneath it. With the help of earthmoving machines, efforts were made to clear the debris and restore normalcy.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for storms and rain in the state for the next four days, urging residents to stay cautious.
Dhaka, May 1 : The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul, a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) - the banned student wing of Awami League - in an alleged contempt of court case.

Local media reported that ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim has instructed both individuals to respond to the show cause notice by May 15.

The tribunal, headed by its Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order on the content of a viral audio clip leaked on social media that featured the former Prime Minister, through which she allegedly interfered in the judicial process and issued threats to the tribunal.

"The investigation agency conducted forensic tests and confirmed the voice belongs to Sheikh Hasina," the ICT prosecutor said.

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has issued several arrest warrants against the former PM, her family members, and the Awami League supporters after coming to power in August, last year.

Last month, a tribunal of Bangladesh issued an arrest warrant against Hasina and four others, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, for an alleged mass killing at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka in 2013.

In January, a special tribunal in Dhaka ordered an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Hasina and 11 other people over incidents of enforced disappearances.

Ironically, the tribunal was established by the government led by Sheikh Hasina under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to provide for the detection, prosecution and punishment of persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other crimes under International Law committed by the Pakistani Army, with the help of their local collaborators, in the territory of Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War.

Analysts reckon the developments as a major political vendetta being pursued by the interim government led by Yunus as several cases were filed against the former PM and her supporters on frivolous grounds immediately after her ouster in August 2024.

A leading voice in the struggle to restore democracy in the country, Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had to flee the country in an ignominious manner and seek refuge in India on August 5.

While addressing the Awami League supporters online from India in February, the ousted Prime Minister accused the Yunus-led interim government of turning the nation into an alleged hub of "terrorism" and "lawlessness".
Chandigarh, May 1 : In a decisive action against the move of the Centre to "snatch" waters of the state by misusing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Punjab government on Thursday decided to convene a special session of the state Vidhan Sabha on May 5.

Chandigarh, May 1 (IANS) In a decisive action against the move of the Centre to "snatch" waters of the state by misusing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Punjab government on Thursday decided to convene a special session of the state Vidhan Sabha on May 5.

Ahead of this, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened an all-party meeting at 10 am on May 2 here, where all prominent political parties have been invited. During the meeting, issues pertaining to usurping of rights of the state by the Union government through unfair allocation of water to Haryana by the BBMB will be deliberated upon. The meeting will reflect the unity of all political parties over the sensitive issue.

The Chief Minister unequivocally said Punjabis have the right over every drop of river water and no one can snatch it, an official statement said.

In the special session of the Vidhan Sabha, the said government it would will bring a special resolution on the water issue.

The Chief Minister gave a clarion call to all parties to unite and fight for safeguarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis.

"It is high time that all the political parties should rise above the parochial considerations and fight this war vehemently," the Chief Minister said.

He reiterated that the government will not compromise over this issue, and the interests of the state on the river waters will be safeguarded by all means.

Mann sought the fulsome support and cooperation of all the political parties in this war against the repressive, undemocratic and unfair move of the Union government.

Meanwhile, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed his gratitude to CM Mann for taking a clear and timely stand on the water dispute between Punjab and Haryana.

"Punjab Chief Minister has taken much-needed and timely action to safeguard the interests of farmers and people of Punjab," he said in a separate statement.

Speaker Sandhwan said Punjab is utilising the water for the production of food grains, so every drop of water is precious for us, and it is the lifeline of Punjab.

"Punjab is also contributing immensely to supporting the country's food grain needs. Punjab needs its full share of water to make the country stronger," he said.

He added that Punjab has already utilised all its natural resources for production.

The Aam Aadmi Party staged widespread protests across the state against the BJP-led Central government's decision to allocate additional water to Haryana through the BBMB, which has officials from three beneficiary states -- Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

AAP leaders and workers held demonstrations, emphasising Punjab's rightful claim over its water resources.

Highlighting the injustices faced by Punjab, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and senior party leaders led protests in various districts, urging Punjabis to unite and oppose this unconstitutional move.

The protests witnessed effigy burnings and demonstrations against BJP leaders at multiple locations across the state.

"Punjab has been systematically cheated by the BJP, which has consistently attempted to infringe upon our rightful claims. The latest conspiracy involves looting Punjab's waters to benefit Haryana, even when Haryana is already receiving more than its share," Cabinet minister Aman Arora said.

He highlighted that Punjab, with a 60 per cent share in the BBMB, is facing attempts to divert its waters unjustly to Haryana.

Haryana, which is already receiving 4,700 cusecs against its allocated 1,700 cusecs, is now set to benefit from additional theft of Punjab's rightful share.

"This is outright robbery of Punjab's lifeline, and we will not allow this injustice to continue," Arora added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, May 1 : Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray 'for being abroad' with his family on Maharashtra Day. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Nirupam questioned Thackeray's commitment to the state and called his absence "an insult to the legacy of Maharashtra's martyrs".

Mumbai, May 1 (IANS) Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray afor being abroada with his family on Maharashtra Day. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Nirupam questioned Thackerayas commitment to the state and called his absence aan insult to the legacy of Maharashtraas martyrs".

"Maharashtra Day is a significant occasion that is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state. It is a moment to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for the formation of Maharashtra. Every political leader, regardless of party affiliation, participates in the official events and pays tribute to the martyrs. But at such a crucial time, Uddhav Thackeray and his family have chosen to go abroad," Nirupam said.

He said: aIt has been 65 years since the formation of Maharashtra, a milestone achieved through the sacrifices of over a hundred individuals during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. Maharashtra Day is an occasion to pay heartfelt tribute to these martyrs, and celebrations are held across the state to honour their memory and the spirit of the movement. However, on this significant day, Uddhav Thackeray, along with his son and family, is traveling abroada"to the Netherlands and London, as I have come to know. Their absence reflects a lack of emotional connection and respect for the importance of this day. Maharashtra Day is not just a formality; it is a symbol of pride and sacrifice, and such disregard for its significance is deeply disappointing."

He pointed out the acontradictiona between Thackerayas frequent rhetoric and his actions.

"He constantly speaks about the interests of Maharashtra, Marathi language, Marathi pride, and the welfare of the Marathi community. However, when it comes to standing with the people on a day that commemorates the very foundation of this state, he is nowhere to be seen," Nirupam added.

Calling Thackerayas conduct irresponsible, Nirupam said: "I strongly oppose and condemn Uddhav Thackerayas neglectful and dismissive attitude towards Maharashtra and its people. His absence on this important day is not just political apathy; it is a failure to honour the emotions and sentiments of the people."
Guwahati, May 1 : In a significant step toward strengthening border security and ensuring the safety of railway assets and passengers, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in close coordination with the GRP and BSF has started conducting joint patrolling in the sensitive areas along the India-Bangladesh border, officials said on Thursday.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the joint patrolling of RPF with Government Railway Police (GRP) and Border Security Force (BSF) was aimed at enhancing surveillance and deterring any untoward incidents along railway tracks that run close to international boundaries.

He said that the joint patrolling was carried out across various divisions under NFR, with a special focus on sectors adjoining the India-Bangladesh border. The collaborative efforts were undertaken with a spirit of inter-agency coordination and vigilance, the CPRO said.

He said that a major part of the initiative included a comprehensive security check at Badarpur (southern Assam) railway station in the Lumding Division. Security personnel thoroughly inspected the station premises, platforms, and surroundings to identify and prevent any unauthorised activities, thereby ensuring safety for the travelling public.

In another significant exercise, a joint motor trolley inspection was conducted between the Silchar and Katakhal sections of the Lumding Division. Teams from RPF, GRP and BSF carried out intensive monitoring of railway infrastructure, looking for any signs of tampering, intrusion, or potential threats and verifying the overall readiness of railway safety systems in the region, Sharma said.

He said that the Alipurduar division witnessed joint foot patrolling from New Maynaguri to New Domohani railway station. This on-foot inspection along the railway track aimed to ensure track safety, prevent illegal crossings and detect any suspicious activity in the area.

Similarly, in the Katihar Division, joint foot patrolling was carried out from Haldibari Zero Point to Haldibari railway station. This area, being in close proximity to the international border, was patrolled intensively to reinforce a sense of security and around-the-clock vigilance in border areas.

According to the CPRO, these proactive joint initiatives reflect the unwavering commitment of Northeast Frontier Railway and security forces toward safeguarding national interests. The collaborative patrols have not only enhanced the sense of security among railway staff and passengers but also acted as a deterrent against unlawful activities.

Northeast Frontier Railway remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the railway network and will continue to work in synergy with RPF, GRP and BSF to protect passengers, assets, and vital infrastructure across the region, Sharma stated.

The NFR operates in the northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.
Chennai, May 1 : Tamil Nadu's School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Thursday said a decision on postponing the reopening of schools in the state would be taken closer to the scheduled date, depending on prevailing heatwave conditions and in consultation with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Speaking to reporters, Poyyamozhi noted that the state is experiencing intense heat.

"Tamil Nadu is facing scorching summer conditions, and just yesterday, Tiruchi recorded 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Schools are scheduled to reopen on June 2, but we will assess the weather and take a decision accordingly," he said.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued warnings about severe heatwave conditions, particularly in coastal districts, urging residents to take necessary precautions.

In response, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has rolled out detailed safety guidelines to help residents cope with the extreme temperatures. It advised people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and to avoid direct exposure to sunlight as much as possible.

"Residents should stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when the sun's intensity is at its peak," the department stated. It also recommended the use of umbrellas or hats for additional protection and urged people to avoid strenuous physical activities during the hottest part of the day.

The health advisory cautioned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles, highlighting the risk of rapid temperature buildup that can have fatal consequences. Additionally, the public was advised to limit consumption of artificial soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration.

To reduce heat buildup indoors, residents were asked to avoid cooking during peak heat hours. The advisory also recommended not walking barefoot on hot surfaces and avoiding high-protein foods and expired products, which can place extra stress on the body in high temperatures.

Poyyamozhi also issued a strict warning to private schools about fee compliance.

"Strict action will be taken against any institution that collects fees beyond the government-fixed rates," he asserted.

On the National Education Policy (NEP), he criticised its provisions for public examinations in Classes 3, 5, and 8, stating that the state continues to follow a no-detention policy until Class 8. "These exams will only increase dropout rates among children," he said.

Asked about the caste-wise census, Poyyamozhi remarked that the Centre had not provided a timeline. "Elections are approaching in five states, so we can expect many announcements from the Union government. But announcements alone are not enough - they must be implemented," he said.
Jaipur, May 1 : Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Girija Vyas passed away on Thursday evening at around 7:15 PM at a private hospital in Ahmedabad. She was 78. Vyas had been battling severe burn injuries after her attire caught fire during Gangaur Puja at her Udaipur residence on March 31.

Despite receiving treatment, her condition worsened due to nearly 90 per cent burns. Her brother, Gopal Sharma, stated that although she showed signs of recovery initially, her health deteriorated significantly over the last two days.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary and spokesperson Pankaj Kumar Sharma informed that Vyas's mortal remains will be brought to Udaipur late on Thursday night.

The body will be kept at her Deityamagri residence for the public to pay their tributes from 10 AM to 12 noon on Friday. Her last rites will be performed at 4 PM in Udaipur.

Prominent Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, have expressed deep grief over her demise.

Gehlot said, "Dr. Girija Vyas's passing is an irreparable loss. Her contributions to education, politics, and social service will always be remembered."

Girija Vyas served as a minister both at the Centre and in Rajasthan. She held key positions, including the President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee, and later, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, where she championed numerous initiatives for women's welfare.

In 2018, she contested the Rajasthan Assembly elections from the Udaipur city constituency but was defeated by the BJP's Gulab Chand Kataria. Known for her close association with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Vyas played an influential role in Congress politics.

Born in Nathdwara, Rajsamand district, Vyas hailed from a family of notable repute. Her father was a freedom fighter, and her mother, a teacher. She pursued her higher education in Udaipur and later obtained a Ph.D. from Delhi University.

Before entering politics, she served as a professor of philosophy at Mohanlal Sukhadia University. Her untimely demise leaves a void in Indian politics, especially within Rajasthan, where she carved out a remarkable legacy of service.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The submission of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on appointment to the post of Prosecutor General has been received by the Parliament of Azerbaijan, Trend reports

According to information, the issue was discussed today at the plenary session of the Azerbaijani Parliament.

In the presentation, it was proposed to give consent to the appointment of Kamran Aliyev to the post of Prosecutor General.

The draft decision was put to a vote and adopted in the first reading.

Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev addressed the Azerbaijani Parliament.

On behalf of myself personally and on behalf of the staff of the Prosecutor's Office, I express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the confidence once again placed in me and for addressing the supreme legislative body on my appointment to this important state post. I would also like to express my gratitude to the deputies of the Azerbaijani Parliament for supporting my candidacy, Aliyev said.

Kamran Aliyev was appointed Prosecutor General by decree of President Ilham Aliyev on May 1, 2020. On November 23, 2021, he was awarded the highest special title of State Counselor of Justice I degree.

Under the Constitution, the Azerbaijani Parliament approves the appointment and dismissal of the Prosecutor General at the proposal of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Jaipur, May 1 : Former Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi, an accused in the Rs 900 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam, surrendered at Jaipur Central Jail on Thursday evening following the expiry of his interim bail.

He will spend the night in jail while the court reserves its decision on his plea for further relief. Joshi has sought a nine-day interim bail to perform rituals following the recent death of his wife.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) court heard his petition on Thursday, but the decision is expected on Friday. Joshias lawyer, Deepak Chauhan, argued that his client needs to be present for essential post-death rituals, particularly those to be conducted before the 13th day, which must be performed by the husband.

He added that a large number of people are visiting Joshi's residence to offer condolences, underlining the emotional and cultural importance of his presence.

Joshi was arrested by the ED on April 24 in connection with the JJM scam. On April 28, following his wifeas passing, he was granted four days of interim bail. With that relief ending, he surrendered as required. The court had earlier remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.

So far, Piyush Jain, Padam Chand Jain, Mahesh Mittal, and Sanjay Badaya have also been arrested in the case. The scam is tied to the central government's 'Jal Jeevan Mission Yojana,' which aims to provide tap water to every household.

In 2021, contractors Padam Chand Jain and Mahesh Mittal, associated with Shri Shyam Tubewell Company and M/s Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company, allegedly obtained four high-value tenders from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) using fake experience certificates.

Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company reportedly participated in 68 tenders using fraudulent documents, winning 31 tenders worth Rs 859.2 crore. Shri Shyam Tubewell Company participated in 169 tenders and secured contracts worth Rs 120.25 crore in 73 tenders.

After the scam came to light, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initiated an investigation, leading to the arrest of several corrupt officials.

The ED later registered a case, conducted raids at the residences of Mahesh Joshi, Sanjay Badaya, and others, and submitted its findings to the ACB on May 4. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also registered a case on May 3, 2024.
Chandigarh, May 1 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday slammed his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann for "politicising" the issue of water distribution, calling it deeply regrettable and against the spirit of national unity.

Chandigarh, May 1 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday slammed his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann for "politicising" the issue of water distribution, calling it deeply regrettable and against the spirit of national unity.

Emphasising that this is not a matter of irrigation but of essential drinking water, the Chief Minister said such basic human needs must never be turned into political tools.

"Punjab is the sacred land of the Gurus," he said, "and it is unfortunate that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is disregarding the Gurus' teachings of compassion and humanity."

Saying water is a lifeline, not a political weapon, the Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) "is unable to tolerate its defeat in Delhi. They showed big dreams to the people of Delhi, but were thrown out of power there. Now they are trying to save face in Punjab, but they will not be able to succeed there either."

Tracing the roots, a soft-spoken Saini said, "Both Bhagwant Mann and I come from humble families. We both know how our mothers used to carry water pots from two kilometres. Therefore, he should not politicise drinking water. I request Bhagwant Mann not to be misled by others and to use his own wisdom. Respect the mandate given by the people of Punjab and do not create animosity between Haryana and Punjab."

Advising the Punjab Chief Minister, Saini said he should not indulge in petty politics over water but instead focus on the development of Punjab.

"The people of Punjab have given him a mandate. He should work in the interest of the people and live up to their expectations," he said.

Criticising his counterpart, Saini said earlier that they got a lathi-charge done on farmers.

"I have always said that farmers are the ones who feed the nation; they are hardworking people. But even then, they were subjected to violence. Punjab should abandon such low-level politics," he said.

The Chief Minister urged that politics should rise above party lines and be directed toward the development of Punjab. He said that the issue is not about irrigation water but about drinking water.

"It is part of our culture, and we have learned from the Gurus to offer water even to strangers. In the entire history so far, there has never been a dispute over drinking water. But now, since elections are approaching in Punjab, AAP is playing politics," Saini added.

He said that during April, May, and June, extra water flows due to the heat.

"The population is continuously increasing, and so is the demand for water. If we look at the NCR area, a lot of industries have come up," he added.
Kolkata, May 1 : The two accused of culpable homicide in the devastating fire at a hotel at Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata where a devastating fire broke out on Tuesday night, killing a total of 15 people were remanded to police custody till May 8 by a court here.

The two accused are the owner of the hotel, Akash Chawla and the management of the entity, Gaurav Kapur. Both were absconding since the fire broke out on Tuesday night and finally both were arrested by Kolkata Police personnel on Thursday.

They were presented at a lower court in Kolkata on Thursday afternoon and the public prosecutor prayed for their police custody. The judge of the lower court accepted the prayer from the public prosecutor and remanded the two accused to police custody till May 8.

During the hearing, the defence counsel refuted the allegation of the state fire services department that the fire license of the hotel had expired three years back and had not been renewed since then.

The defence counsel also presented a copy of the renewed fire license at the court.

He also challenged the decision of the police to book the two accused under various sections relating to culpable homicide, which are non-bailable in nature.

"This was a case of an accident. But despite that, my client has been booked under sections relating to culpable homicide. There was no intention to kill people and hence sections relating to culpable homicide are not applicable here. Chawla's counsel argued.

Kapur's counsel claimed that his client was just an employee of the hotel and was not even an ordinary board member. "The case has been registered against the hotel authorities and hence my client cannot be held responsible for the mishap," Kapur's counsel argued.

After hearing the arguments from the public prosecutor and the defence counsels, the lower court finally granted police custody for the accused till May 8.

Initial findings by the investigation team have revealed that besides lapses related to fire safety management, there were other major lapses in ensuring proper emergency evacuation arrangements and ventilation facilities at the hotel, as a result of which the majority of those killed in the fire died not because of getting charred but because of suffocation caused by the smoke emitting out of the fire.

The local residents alleged that despite several complaints of illegal constructions in the hotel raised in the past, neither the Kolkata Municipal Corporation nor the police took any action.
Bengaluru, May 1 : Following heavy rains accompanied by strong winds in Bengaluru on Thursday night, an auto-rickshaw driver died in the Katriguppe locality after a tree fell on his vehicle.

Several areas in the city have been inundated, and traffic has been severely disrupted due to the downpour.

The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Mahesh, a resident of Ittamadu. The police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the incident.

The tragedy occurred near the C.K. Achukattu bus stop in Katriguppe when a roadside tree suddenly fell.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident took place around 7.30 pm, while Mahesh was returning after refuelling his auto-rickshaw. Due to strong winds, the tree fell on his vehicle, crushing it completely. Mahesh died on the spot from the impact.

The tree also fell on a nearby car, but fortunately, the occupants escaped unhurt.

The Meteorological Department has issued an alert, predicting rain over the next three hours.

Several parts of Bengaluru have received heavy rainfall, including the Central Business District, Rajajinagar, Basaveshwaranagar, Nagarbhavi, K.R. Market, and Nandini Layout.

Traffic authorities have reported slow movement towards Kempegowda International Airport due to the rain. Hebbal Junction, a known bottleneck en route to the airport, is experiencing a major traffic jam, and traffic police are actively working to ease congestion despite the ongoing showers.

Most of the major junctions, including those located in IT corridors in the city, witnessed heavy traffic jams and slow movement of vehicles in the evening.

On March 22, a downpour lashed IT capital Bengaluru, bringing respite from the sweltering summer heat, but caused major traffic disruption on arterial roads, especially leading to the Bengaluru International Airport due to inundation and haphazard vehicle parking.

The rains had also resulted in the death of a three-year-old girl in the Pulakeshinagar locality, following a tree fell on her. About 30 trees were uprooted, and 48 branches of the trees fell across the city.

Following the heavy rains, the airport authorities diverted 10 aircraft to Chennai, causing severe inconvenience to air travellers. The Air India and IndiGo airlines issued advisories to travellers due to rain disruption. They appealed to the travellers to check the status of the flight and also offered rebooking options.
Agartala, May 1 : To ensure timely payment of social pension among the cancer patients, the Tripura government on Thursday set up a new help desk at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Centre (AVBRCC) in Agartala.

Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy launched the help desk at the AVBRCC, and it would help in the enrollment of the cancer patients who are eligible to get a monthly social pension of Rs 2,000.

The help desk would expedite the completion of documentation and enrollment procedures for the new social pension applicants within a month, to avoid harassment of patients and delay in getting their pension.

A senior health official, quoting the guidelines, said that the cancer patients in the state, except the government employees and those having an annual income of over Rs 1.5 lakh, are eligible for the pension.

Former Tripura Assembly Speaker Ratan Chakraborty, who also chairs the aRogi Kalyan Samitia of AVBRCC, and other officials of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, Health Department, and cancer patients were present at the event.

Currently, Tripura has nearly 4,000 cancer patients.

Earlier, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the AVBRCC in the capital city is one of the best cancer hospitals in the northeast region and added that his government would take the initiative to upgrade the centre with the availability of treatment-required facilities.

Saha, who is holding the Health portfolio, stressed on increasing awareness about the fatal disease and urged people to take instant medical intervention once they observe any abnormal growth in their bodies and find any negative symptoms.

The Chief Minister also requested the family members of the cancer patients to boost the confidence level among the patients, as early diagnosis and medical treatment would provide better results for the cancer patients.

The state government has been working with all seriousness towards strengthening the modern Cancer treatment service in the state, he said, adding that this disease can be prevented through generating mass awareness and avoiding some negative habits.

--IANS

sc/dan
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 : Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha Shashi Tharoor, often regarded as a man on the move, barely managed to make it on time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Kerala's capital city on Thursday night.

Tharoor took to his social media to point out how he made it to the airport. "Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency. Looking forward to his officially commissioning Vizhinjam port, a project I have been proud to have been involved with since its inception," wrote Tharoor on X.

PM Modi was seen exchanging a few words with Tharoor, and the two were seen holding one another's hands for a longer time.

This is PM Modi's first visit to Kerala in 2025 and has come to dedicate one of the biggest infrastructure projects, which is expected to change the face of not just Kerala, but the country as such.

PM Modi will dedicate the port on Friday.

Tharoor, who has been representing the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency since 2009, holds Vizhinjam close to his heart.

Earlier, amidst unprecedented tight security in Kerala's capital city, PM Modi arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport.

He is in the state capital city to dedicate to the nation the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,900 crore on Friday.

On Friday, he will leave for the Pangode Military camp and board the helicopter to reach Vizhinjam, near the port site.

It is the country's first dedicated container transhipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in India's maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.

Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute to strengthening India's position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment.

After dedicating the Vizhinjam Port to the nation, PM Modi will return by helicopter to the airport and leave for Andhra Pradesh.

In Andhra, PM Modi will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati.

In line with his commitment to ensure world-class infrastructure and connectivity across the country, the Prime Minister will inaugurate 7 National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting capacity.
Gurugram, May 1 : A man has been arrested for allegedly attacking his wife with a knife over a domestic dispute in Gurugram, police said on Thursday.

An official said that the accused husband was identified as Lalit Bhardwaj, a resident of Sector-16 A, Faridabad.

He said that a woman filed a police complaint against her husband, who works in a company in Gurugram, while her husband is unemployed.

"On April 6, she had a quarrel with her husband about staying in Gurugram and not residing in his house in Faridabad. During this, her husband attacked her with a knife and ran away from the spot after threatening to kill her," the victim told the police.

The official said that on this complaint, a case was registered under the relevant sections in Police Station Sector-5, Gurugram.

He added that the police team of Police Station Sector-5, Gurugram, took action and arrested the accused from Faridabad on Wednesday.

"The police team also recovered the knife used in the crime from the possession of the accused," he said.

The official said that in another case, the district police have also nabbed two accused of illegal liquor in Gurugram on Thursday.

He said that the accused have been identified as Deenbandhu of Uttar Pradesh and Rakesh Kumar Jha of Bihar.

"The police have recovered 13 bottles of illegal beer and 24 bottles of country-made liquor from their possession," he said.

The Gurugram Police have also arrested a vehicle thief and recovered a scooter from his possession. The accused was identified as 'Boby' of Uttar Pradesh, who was arrested from Gandhi Nagar, Gurugram, on April 29, police said.

According to the police, they received a complaint on March 3, 2025, regarding a vehicle theft. Based on the complaint, a case was registered at the Shivaji Nagar Police Station under relevant sections.
Bhopal, May 1 : The Madhya Pradesh government will start a programme on Saturday to bring farmers and food processing industry closer to attract investment in the food processing sector by organising regional conclaves and later a mega Global Summit.

The first of the regional conclave series will take place as a grand 'Krishi Udyog Samagam' (Farm-industry conclave) in Sitamau of Mandsaur district, an initiative announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav across several programmes last week.

This event aims to connect farmers with the latest advancements in agriculture and serve as a platform for knowledge exchange.

Riding on the success of the Global Investors Summit, which reportedly attracted a whopping Rs 30 lakh crore investment in phase, the state government is now focusing on organising similar summits, on same pattern that it adopted for other industries at regional level, tailored for food processing industries.

"We will organise next regional agriculture conclave each at Mahakaul region, Rewa and Chambal regions every month. Finally a mega Global Agriculture Summit will be organised in Sehore in October this year," CM Yadav said.

However, these conclaves or 'melas' are designed not only to promote food processing but also to introduce farmers to cutting-edge agricultural technology, high-yield seeds, modern farm equipment, and climate-resilient crop varieties.

The Mandsaur conclave is expected to draw farmers from Ujjain and Indore divisions, offering insights into high-yield crops and advanced cultivation techniques, the Chief Minister added.

These summits will be held at the divisional level to foster direct interaction between farmers and industry leaders.

The goal is to enhance farmers' incomes, equip them with modern methods and expose the food processing sector to global farming and horticultural practices.

In terms of economic impact; according to Economic Survey 2024-25, agriculture contributed 44.36 per cent to the state's GDP in 2024-25, a slight dip from 44.55 per cent the previous year.

While foodgrain production declined by 1.15 per cent in 2023-24, pulses and oilseeds saw remarkable growth of 35.36 per cent and 7.80 per cent, respectively, the survey said.

According to the survey, rice production rose by 7.85 per cent, and spice yields increased by 1.8 per cent.

Additionally, milk production grew by 4 per centr, egg production by 9.65 per cent, meat production by 9.57 per cent, and fisheries output surged by 14.85 per cent.

An emerging trend in the state's agricultural cycle is the recognition of a third crop season, 'Zaid' alongside Rabi and Kharif.

This season has gained prominence with the substantial procurement of Mung, a high-protein pulse, reaching nearly six lakh metric tons valued at Rs 5,000 crore, providing direct financial benefits to farmers.

"We have also planned and even initiated new "farming" subject not only in non-agriculture universities, so that our young aspirants from farming communities reap the benefit," the Chief Minister said.
Washington, May 2 : US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Thursday extended his "strong support" for India on a call with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Secretary Hegseth joined a growing number of US leaders who have called their counterparts in India in the aftermath of the attack that left 26 people dead on April 22.

US President Donald Trump had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi within hours of the attack and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday.

"Today, I spoke with Indian Defence Minister @rajnathsingh to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week."

"I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people."

Unlike Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth did not call for de-escalation of tensions in the region in anticipation of an Indian retaliatory military response against Pakistan, which is in the crosshairs as "backers" of the terrorist group that has claimed responsibility for the attack, and which is also home to most of terrorist groups that have targeted India, such as Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and others.

In a statement released earlier, the Ministry of Defence said the Defence Minister Singh told his American counterpart that "Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations".

"Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism, and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said to Secretary Hegseth.

He added, according to the statement, that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism.

India has vowed to punish both the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack and their backers, which is widely taken to mean Pakistan.

Prime Minister Modi has left it to the military to decide the timing, form and extent of the retaliatory action.

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".
"With this significant renovation, we're excited to offer both new and returning guests enhanced comfort and modern amenities that reflect the vibrant spirit of Charleston." Post this

Renovation Highlights:

Modernized Guest Suites: Each two-room suite now features fresh furnishings, improved lighting, luxurious bedding, and upgraded in-room amenities, ensuring a restful and stylish stay.

Revitalized Public Spaces: The atrium lobby and communal areas have been redesigned to create a more open and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating arrangements suitable for both relaxation and remote work.

Enhanced Dining Options: The hotel's dining experience has been enriched with re-envisioned spaces that support Embassy Suites' signature complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening receptions. Guests can now enjoy dinner or connect with friends at the newly updated Palm Tree Bar and Grill, which offers a taste of the Lowcountry through its signature Southern-inspired cuisine and relaxed atmosphere.

Upgraded Meeting and Event Facilities: The hotel's versatile meeting and event spaces have been elevated to deliver a more tailored and engaging experience for groups of all sizes. Designed with both function and style in mind, the newly enhanced venues feature advanced audiovisual technology and elegant decor  making them ideal for conferences, weddings, and social gatherings.

Sustainability Initiatives: In alignment with Atrium Hospitality's commitment to environmental stewardship, the renovation incorporates energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and other eco-friendly features to minimize the hotel's ecological footprint.

"Atrium Hospitality is dedicated to investing in properties that enrich the guest experience while contributing positively to the communities we serve," said Larry Cooper, Vice President, Operational Strategies  Eastern Region, Atrium Hospitality. "The extensive renovations at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality in one of the nation's most beloved destinations."

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center continues to offer convenient access to North Charleston's top attractions, including Tanger Outlets, the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, and the historic charm of downtown Charleston.

To book your stay or plan an event at the newly renovated property, visit the Embassy Suites Charleston Airport website.

About Atrium Hospitality

Atrium Hospitality is ranked as one of the nation's largest hotel owners and operators. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, the company oversees a portfolio of 75 hotels in 26 states, representing well-known brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, among others. Atrium operates approximately 20,000 guest rooms/suites and 2.9 million square feet of event space. Atrium Hospitality's six core values of Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork guide the Atrium SPIRIT for creating a welcoming environment for all, nurturing personal ambitions, inspiring professional opportunities, and being a responsible community partner. Atrium is conserving the planet's natural resources and being more efficient in support of the company's commitment to sustainability, all while providing exceptional guest experiences. In 2024, Atrium Hospitality added another Atlanta Top Workplaces win to the company's accolades and celebrated being recognized for the third time by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atrium supports a range of civic and community activities, and Atrium-managed properties nationwide are proud to take part in Project SEARCH, a school-to-work program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information about Atrium, visit www.atriumhospitality.com.

Media Contact

Kathy Rutledge, Atrium Hospitality, 1 833-287-4864, [email protected], www.atriumhospitality.com

SOURCE Atrium Hospitality
China passes new law in major push to bolster private sector

Xinhua) 09:25, May 01, 2025

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's national lawmakers on Wednesday voted to adopt the country's first fundamental law dedicated to promoting the private sector, underscoring support for a key part of the world's second-largest economy.

After over a year of legislative process, the private sector promotion law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, will take effect on May 20, 2025.

The law stipulates that the promotion of the sustainable, healthy and high-quality development of the private economy is a significant and long-term policy of China.

From ensuring fair market access and financing support to enhancing services and protection of original innovation, the 78-article law cements efforts to encourage, support and guide the growth of the private sector.

The law will provide a clearer and more solid legal guarantee for the private sector, said Li Shuguang, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law.

This marks China's latest step in strengthening the sector -- recognized by the law as a key component of the socialist market economy -- amid efforts to tackle economic headwinds both at home and abroad.

Officials and analysts view the formation and adoption of the law as "highly timely and absolutely essential," given the private sector's significant role in the economy.

Boosting the private sector should feature prominently on the country's economic policy agenda: Whether it is to stimulate domestic demand, expand the domestic market, or boost production and improve the quality of supply, private businesses will be a key participant and contributor, according to Anbound, an independent think tank in China.

Private enterprises have long been a key driving force behind China's economic growth, contributing more than 60 percent of GDP and 80 percent of urban employment. By the end of March 2025, the country's more-than-57-million registered private enterprises made up over 92 percent of all businesses in China.

From electric vehicle maker BYD to artificial intelligence innovator DeepSeek and robotics pioneer Unitree Robotics, private enterprises have also become key players in China's push for innovation-driven growth.

Yet, industry insiders note that challenges remain -- domestically, private businesses may face financing constraints and invisible market access barriers in some sectors; while abroad, they must navigate increasing impact from external shocks.

The law will transform policy support into legal guarantees, giving entrepreneurs greater reassurance and motivation to keep moving forward, said Qi Xiangdong, chairman of cybersecurity firm Qi-Anxin and vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

"The rule of law is the best business environment," Qi said.

In February, the country held a high-level symposium on private enterprises, which was widely viewed as a strong signal to boost the confidence and growth of the private sector.

A month later, at the "two sessions," the country reiterated support for private enterprises, vowing to take effective moves to stimulate the vitality of all market entities.

To support the private sector, China has established a special bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) dedicated to serving the sector's development. Multiple provincial-level regions, including Guangdong, Shanxi, Qinghai and Zhejiang, have all set up such bureaus.

Efforts to level the playing field are also underway. Last week, the NDRC unveiled the new version of the market access negative list, which specifies fields that are off-limits to both domestic and overseas business entities, reducing the number of items on the list from 117 to 106.

Nan Yi, chairman of Wontai Group, said the law will support private firms' entry into sectors such as infrastructure and energy, and provide a strong guarantee for their continuous investment in research and development.

"The enactment of this law will inject strong impetus into the sound development of the private economy," Nan said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
Azercell Telecom LLC is announcing its role as the official Digital Transformation Partner of the upcoming SHE Congress, dedicated to promoting womens leadership, innovation, and advancement in technology.

Themed Beyond Now  Creating What Lives On the Congress will be held on May 22 at the Heydar Aliyev Center, bringing together hundreds of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The event promises a full day of dynamic discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and meaningful knowledge exchange.

As part of its corporate social responsibility strategy, Azercell actively supports initiatives that empower women and promote their social and economic well-being. In line with this commitment, the company will host a special panel discussion at the Congress, focusing on these critical themes. Additionally, Shirin Aliyeva, Chief Legal and Data Strategy Officer at Azercell, will take the stage as a keynote speaker, sharing her extensive expertise and insights with participants.

The events agenda will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive workshops, and motivational sessions, all designed to enhance leadership skills and support the professional growth of women across various industries.

Find more about the event at: https://www.she-azerbaijan.com/

For registration please visit: https://bit.ly/3RBKrir
AT&T Wins Organization of the Year for the Third Time

FAIRFAX, Va., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Stevie Awards announced today the Grand Stevie Award winners in The 23rd Annual American Business Awards competition. Winners will be honored during the ABA awards banquet on June 10, 2025 in New York City. Registration for the event is now open.

All organizations operating in the U.S.A. - large and small, public and private, for-profit and non-profit - are eligible to submit nominations to the ABAs in a wide range of categories, honoring achievement in every aspect of work life, from customer service and management to public relations and product development.

This year more than 3,600 nominations were considered in the judging process by more than 250 professionals on 12 juries. Their average ratings determined the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners announced earlier this month. For complete lists of those Stevie Award winners, visit http://www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

The Grand Stevie Awards are best-of-competition prizes awarded to the organizations that submit the best body of work to the competition, in their own name or in the names of one or more clients. Grand Stevie Awards cannot be applied for directly.

2025 Grand Stevie winners in The American Business Awards are as follows:

Organization of the Year:

AT&T, the multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Dallas, Texas is the most honored organization in the 23rd ABAs. The firm earned 33 award points through six Gold, three Silver, and six Bronze Stevie wins by its AT&T Business and AT&T Multimedia Services units. This is the seventh Grand Stevie won by the firm in the ABAs, including Organization of the Year wins in 2022 and 2023.

Highest-rated New Product or Service of the Year:

With an average score from the judges of 9.14 out of a possible 10, EBizCharge, Irvine, California wins for its eponymous solution, Gold Stevie winner for Best New Payments Solution.

Highest-rated Nomination of the Year:

There is a tie this year for this honor, both nominations having received final average scores of 9.67 / 10. The winners are the nomination of the human resources department at Everise, Plantation, Florida, winner of a Gold Stevie for Human Resources Department of the Year, and the customer service department at One Step GPS, San Fernando, California, winner of a Gold Stevie for Customer Service Department of the Year.

Most Honored Marketing Agency of the Year:

Three Rings Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts is this year's most honored marketing agency in the ABAs, with 23 award points earned on behalf of nominations submitted for clients BillingPlatform, Boost Payment Solutions, Constructor, CYPHER Learning, Q4 Inc., and TrueCommerce. This is the first Grand Stevie win for the agency, which focuses on integrated marketing and communications for B2B tech companies.

Most Honored Public Relations Agency of the Year:

MikeWorldWide, New York, New York wins the honor this year with 24.5 award points earned on behalf of itself and clients Nikon, Red Lobster, and the 150th Kentucky Derby. MikeWorldWide is among the world's leading independent, integrated PR agencies with five offices across the United States, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. Formerly known as MWW, the agency won Grand Stevies in the ABAs in 2013-2016.

The 2026 edition of The American Business Awards will begin accepting nominations this October. Learn more and get the entry kit at http://www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

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 Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries annually 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.

Sponsors of The 2025 American Business Awards include HCLTech, Melissa Sones Consulting, and SoftPro.

Media Contact:

Nina Moore

+1 (703) 547-8389

[email protected]

Media Contact

Nina Moore, Stevie Awards Inc., 7035478389, [email protected], www.stevieawards.com/aba

SOURCE Stevie Awards Inc.
Molly B. Ellis has been promoted to senior VP, publicity at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, from VP, executive director of publicity.

Sarah Alpert has joined Norton Young Readers as senior editor; formerly she was editor at Algonquin Books for Young Readers.

Meghan Harrington has been promoted to senior publicity manager of St. Martin's/Wednesday Books, from publicity manager.

Maggie Galloway has joined Candlewick Press as editorial assistant. Isabela Alvarez has joined Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree as sales assistant, Amazon.

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group has five promotions. Ebony Lane has been promoted to associate director, subsidiary rights, from senior manager. Hayley OBrion has been promoted to associate managing editor, from assistant managing editor. Jacob Sammon has been promoted to assistant managing editor, from managing editorial assistant. Sarah Gompper has been promoted to senior production editor, from production editor. Kelly Markus has been promoted to production editorial associate, from production editorial assistant.

Jessica Weil has joined Random House Children's Books as associate editor, licensed publishing; most recently, she was assistant editor at Workman Kids.

Olivia Troyer has joined Holiday House and Peachtree as inventory assistant; previously she worked as a bookseller at Beacon Hill Books.

Meghan McCullough has joined Bloomsbury Children's Books as editor; previously she was an editor at Inkyard Press.

Charlotte Jones Voiklis has launched Tesser Well Consulting, an advisory service offering guidance to literary estates, authors, and publishing professionals navigating the complex terrain of legacy, rights, and long-term stewardship.

Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree have two new hires. Sarah Howard Parker has joined as publicist, previously she was director of operations and outreach at the Boston Book Festival. Maxi Duncan has joined as marketing assistant, school and library, and previously interned for Simon & Schuster's Adams Media marketing and publicity department.

Meghan McCullough has joined Bloomsbury Children's as editor; she was previously an editor at Inkyard Press.

Bree Martinez has joined Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing as publicity manager; most recently she was a senior publicist at Crown Publishing Group.

Davina Tomlin has joined Macmillan Children's Publishing Group as associate marketing manager, school and library; previously they were marketing and publicity associate at Macmillan Podcasts.

Jasmine Daniel has joined Random House Children's Books as production associate; previously she was curation manager at Paramount.

Abrams Children's Books has three promotions and one new hire. Micah Fleming has been promoted to art director, from associate art director. Madeline Morales has been promoted to designer, from design coordinator. Beatriz Milander has been promoted to school and library marketing coordinator, from marketing assistant. Cindy Nguyen-Pham has joined as associate managing editor; she had previously worked at Heinemann Publishing.

Jaleesa Davis has been promoted to associate publicist at Penguin Young Readers, from publicity assistant.
More than 1,600 independent bookstores across the United States celebrated Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 26, and childrens books were a hot item along with reads for their parents, who swarmed indies in unprecedented numbers.

Everyones coming out, talking books, wanting to shop local, said Emily Kallas, the outreach coordinator for Next Chapter Booksellers in St. Paul, Minn., early Saturday afternoon. Its absolute magic.

Next Chapters manager, David Enyeart, described IBD as incredible, adding that Saturdays sales were up a whopping 25% over IBD 2024, and sales for the five-day period from Wednesday to Sunday were up by just under a third. Like almost every bookstore contacted by PW after IBD wound down by Sunday evening, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins was a top seller at Next Chapter, as well as Everything Is Tuberculosis, an adult nonfiction work by John Green, best known for his YA novels.

On the other side of the Mississippi River, in Minneapolis, Beth Wilson, a co-owner at Wild Rumpus, reported that the store netted $5,000 over last years IBD take, with 1,000 books sold on April 26 alone. The two bestsellers were books by beloved local authors: Ferris by Kate DiCamillo and Pizza & Taco by Stephen Shaskan. Beginner books and board books also were the biggest sellers, Wilson said, which tells us weve got a whole generation of new readers coming in hot.

While there were 35 other Twin Cities bookstores officially participating in the bookstore crawl, Moon Palace Books in Minneapolis was a hub of activity for readers of all ages that radiated outward and drew crowds to the area. While customers browsed inside the store, Monica Murray Husted, a cartoonist who has had two graphic novels published, created chalk art on the sidewalk in front. In the parking lot beside the store, Minds Eye Comics maintained a booth next to the Babycakes Bookstack mobile bookstore, which had long lines snaking around the bus. And Paperback Exchange, which had to close its doors in February after being flooded, operated a pop-up all weekend in a Quonset hut behind the bookstore. Theres so much good bookselling going on here, Moon Palace owner Jamie Schwesnedl said. Today, we are in the bookstore district.

Indie Bookstores Build Communities

We had an amazing day, reported Kate Lockard Snyder, the owner of the Plaid Elephant Books in Danville, Ky., which partnered with four other central Kentucky indies to organize their first bookstore crawl. That brought in some lovely new foot traffic and contributed to this being our best sales day ever. Weve been open four years and hadnt managed to beat the opening day numbers until yesterday. Customers, she said, purchased a wide range of books, sidelines, and special IBD merch, including the Frog & Toad coloring book by Arnold Lobel that the American Booksellers Association distributed as an IBD exclusive.

It was the biggest day in our stores [46-year] history, said Women and Children co-owner Lynn Mooney, disclosing that $3,000 in sales were rung up within an hour of opening. It was 20% higher than our previous highest sales day, which was last years IBD, she said, attributing it to a combination of national IBD publicity and the popularity of the 55-store Chicago bookstore crawl, as well as the appeal of the Chicago-exclusive merch, including two posters and a postcard by comic artist and author Lucy Knisley.

West of the Windy City, Andersons Bookshops is celebrating its 150th anniversary; its Naperville, Ill. locations IBD sales were a whopping 261% over last year, despite B&N opening a store three days earlier that is only 800 feet away. Co-owner Becky Anderson reported that the top sellers were adult reads, but they included The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us by Rachelle Bergstein.

In Wayne, Pa., on Philadelphias Main Line, Main Point Bookss special IBD programming featured a number of local childrens authors, including Kaitlin Curtice, Donna Gephart, Jamar Nicholas, and Candace Spizzirri. Sales were up 35% over last year, reported buyer Anmiryam Budner, despite a B&N opening in late January in nearby Bryn Mawr. The thing that was really gratifying was the broad age range of our customers and the spectrum of the titles they bought, Budner saidcommercial and literary fiction, frontlist and backlist, and tons of genre fiction. Science fiction and fantasy for both adults and children did especially well.

Twists on IBD Activities

In Columbus, Ohio, not only did 15 indies collaborate on a bookstore crawl, but a group of local childrens authors that included Margaret Peterson Haddix, Michelle Houts, Elisa Stone Leahy, Leigh Lewis, Mar Romasco Moore, Stacy Nockowitz, Natalie Richards, David Rickert, Debbie Rigaud, Erik Jon Slangerup, and Carmella Van Vleet that was led by middle grade author Julia DeVillers went big: they rented a party van to visit the stores.

My friend had just launched a party van business and I thought, why not turn IBD into a party on wheels? DeVillers said. So we gathered up our Ohio middle grade author group, turned on the vans strobe lights and music videos, and hit the road for the first-ever Author Bookstore Crawl. We visited seven Columbus bookstores as a group then fanned out to hit more on our own. We rolled up with balloons and swag for both stores and readers. We posed for photos, signed books, and occasionally had to peel authors away from chatting with customers just to stay on schedule.

In the Atlanta metro area, seven indies owned by Black women also went big: not only did they celebrate IBD at their stores, but they collaborated on an inaugural Black Girl Book Fair, a family-friendly event that took place outside Brave + Kind Books in Decatur. Julia Davis, owner of the Book Worm in Powder Springs, said that the collaboration with the other stores on the event made the day her most successful and most fulfilling IBD yet, adding that many customers visited her store before driving 40 minutes to the fair.

In San Francisco, Green Apple Books on the Park featured Bebe Black Carminito, Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket), and Colin Winnett bartending at an author happy hour; proceeds are going to the queer book initiative, Books Not Bans. And at Green Apple Books Clement Street location, Charlie Jane Anders led a group making doodle art. Elsewhere in the City by the Bay, Bookshop West Portal took the opportunity to engage in some grassroots activism throughout the day by providing postcards on which customers were encouraged to pen short messages to their legislators, said buyer and special project manager Susan Tunis. We are very fortunate not to have issues with book banning in San Francisco, but library funding, First Amendment rights, and Amazons monopoly affect us all. West Portal also hosted its first Drag Story Hour with drag performer Panda Dulce, aka middle grade author Kyle Casey Chu (The Queen Bees of Tybee County). That was our first Drag Story Hour, but it wont be our last, Tunis said.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva has addressed an open letter of protest to the Secretary General of the Amnesty International Agnes Callamard, a source in the Ombudsmans Office told Trend.

According to the letter, the inclusion of untruthful, one-sided, and biased information about our country in the 2024 report on the state of human rights around the world, published on the official website of the mentioned organization, once again proves that the organization is far from the principles of objectivity and justice in the field of human rights.

Meanwhile, contrary to the reports claims, it was noted that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by Azerbaijan last year, was highly inclusive, with wide-ranging representation and active participation of civil society representatives.

It was also noted that had Amnesty International adhered to principles of fairness while preparing the report, attention would have been given to the issue of the return of more than 250,000 Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from Armenia since 1987. The importance of Armenia fulfilling its international obligations and providing guarantees for the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis to their former places of residence is emphasized.

The letter also mentioned the serious threats to human rights and freedoms caused by Armenias landmine terrorism in Azerbaijans liberated territories, as well as the lack of any information from Armenia regarding the fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis who went missing during the First Karabakh War. It stresses that the omission of such facts reflects a serious bias and double standards in the organizations approach to human rights issues.

Furthermore, the letter expressed regret that Amnesty International failed to reference information regarding the Ombudsmans activities within the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism, which monitors the protection of detainees rights, their detention conditions, and health status. It notes that the Ombudsman institution is always open to verifying any information regarding detainees and regularly shares the results of its investigations with the public.

In conclusion, the ombudsperson calls on all organizations, including international non-governmental organizations, to respect universally recognized principles of international law when preparing human rights reports, to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality, and to rely solely on objective and verified facts.

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Above, Smiley Martin, a career criminal released as a "nonviolent offender" under California's Proposition 57. He went on to reoffend  violently and in a big way, in the worst mass shooting in the state capital's history.

By Ana Kasparian, RealClearInvestigations

May 1, 2025

Smiley Martin should have been behind bars.

A career criminal with a long rap sheet involving firearms, he was given a 10-year sentence in 2018 for punching, dragging and severely beating his girlfriend with a belt. In prison, Martin was found guilty of beating another inmate and engaging in other criminal activity. Nevertheless, he was freed just four years later, thanks to a plea deal that categorized him as a nonviolent offender and a California ballot measure that sharply reduced sentences for good behavior.

Just two months after his release, Martin and several accomplices, including his brother, were arrested for carrying out the worst mass shooting in Sacramentos history  leaving six dead and 12 others injured on April 3, 2022. Martin was charged with three counts of murder and illegal possession of a firearm, including a machine gun. He will not stand trial on those charges, since the 29-year-old died in jail of a drug overdose last September.

Jailbirds uncaged: from a Proposition 57 parole attorney's website

Martins life and death have brought attention to the criminal justice reform that helped put him back on the streets: Proposition 57. The ballot measure was sold to the public in 2016 as a way to relieve the states chronically overcrowded prisons by rewarding nonviolent offenders for good behavior by shortening their sentences. It was supposed to be a humanitarian answer to what social justice activists described as an epidemic of mass incarceration. It has instead put tens of thousands of violent offenders such as Martin back on the streets.

Many of them have been rearrested. The latest Recidivism Report from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shows that nearly two thirds (64.2%) of the 34,215 inmates granted early release between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 had been rearrested as of April 2, 2025.

Breaking down the recidivism rate for prisoners within three years of their release, it reported that 22.1% of the release cohort (7,567 individuals) were convicted of a felony offense, and 17.0% (5,828 individuals) were convicted of a misdemeanor offense. The Department of Corrections also reports almost half the inmates granted early release had not earned any credits for good behavior.

Prop 57 critics are not surprised. In the run-up to the 2016 ballot measure  which was approved with the support of 65% of voters  the measures opponents warned that violent criminals like Martin would likely benefit from the initiative.

But they were denounced as scaremongers. When Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert warned that Prop 57 would free perpetrators of domestic violence, then-Gov. Jerry Brown, who was the top proponent for the ballot measure, shot back; Thats a complete red herring, and its very disingenuous of these highly politicized prosecutors to make that claim. Brown assured voters that each inmates crime and behavior in prison would be considered before release was granted.

While supporters of Prop 57 described it as a humane response to a court order, critics say its proponents misrepresented the bill to secure its passage. At a time when President Trump is putting progressive criminal justice organizations in his crosshairs, the troubled history of Prop 57 highlights the challenges of rehabilitating inmates while also reducing prison overcrowding without building more prisons.

Gov. Jerry Brown's Role

Prop 57's foremost proponent in 2016 was Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, above, who faced the consequences of his first stretch as governor decades earlier: a prison population that had nearly doubled.

The single most aggressive advocate for Prop 57 was former Democratic Gov. Brown, who had to contend with the consequences of a sentencing reform he had signed in 1976 during his first stretch as governor, when tough-on-crime measures were enacted. Now decades later, with Brown governor again, Californias prisons were housing nearly double the capacity of inmates they were built for. Facilities were so severely overcrowded that the U.S. Supreme Court found their conditions violated inmates' Eighth Amendment Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. In May 2011, months following Browns inauguration, the court ruled in a split decision that the state must remedy the issue.

Justice Anthony Kennedy: California's prison system is "incompatible with the concept of human dignity."

In writing for the five-member majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy argued that the states prison system was stretched so thin that it failed to provide basic medical care, which, as he wrote, was "incompatible with the concept of human dignity and has no place in a civilized society. Citing how one prisoner was dying every week due to deficient medical care, Kennedy declared that the courts "must not shrink from their constitutional obligation to enforce the rights of all persons, including prisoners.

At the prison populations peak in 2006, more than 165,000 inmates were locked up in a system meant to handle 85,000. But budgetary pressures meant that the state legislature wasnt willing to allocate the funding necessary to build more space to house inmates. So, the court ordered them to reduce the prison population by 30,000 inmates in order to limit overcrowding to 137% capacity. While there is no specific constitutional level for overcrowding, the majority opted to give California a little more wiggle room than the 130% capacity recommended by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Brown, eager to get federal oversight off his back, joined the state legislature and sprung into action with the passage of AB109, which transferred inmates from crowded state detention facilities into county jails. But some county jails were riddled with the same problems and lacked the capacity to house an influx of inmates. With resources stretched thin, counties began releasing criminals years before they served their sentences.

By 2014, a Los Angeles Times investigation found more than 13,500 inmates were being released early from county jails each month across the state. Although the public was assured that only those who posed little danger were let go, data shows that some counties completely halted incarceration of those convicted of crimes like domestic violence and child abuse.

The early release of convicted sex offender Sidney DeAvila was one particularly gruesome example of the unintended consequences of AB109. After DeAvila was let out early from San Joaquin County Jail in February 2013, he went on to rape, kill and dismember his 76-year-old grandmother.

Undeterred by the impact AB109 had on public safety, Brown later campaigned for Prop 47, a 2014 ballot measure that was advertised to Californians as simply lowering penalties for nonviolent crimes like petty theft and drug possession. But the public was left in the dark about how the measure would also lower penalties for car thieves, drug traffickers and open-air drug markets.

Nevertheless, Brown began promoting additional reforms aimed at lowering Californias prison population.

Officially known as the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016, Prop 57 would, according to Brown, address the states prison overcrowding problem while keeping communities safe. Brown pitched the measure as an enlightened step that orients the prison toward rehabilitation while appreciating the human capacity for change. All of us learn. Ive learned in 40 years, Brown said at the time. I think prisoners can learn.

But Brown also assured voters there were limits to his progressive vision. He repeatedly noted the ballot measures language that only people convicted of a nonviolent felony offense and sentenced to state prison shall be eligible for parole consideration after completing the full term for his or her primary offense. Brown told the Mercury News newspaper in 2016 thatwe had planned to offer parole to violent offenders, but we took that out.

Brown estimated that only about 1,100 prisoners per year would qualify for the program. Prosecutors who opposed the measure in the run-up to the vote also underestimated the number of beneficiaries when they pegged it at 16,000.

Critics, including some law enforcement groups, district attorneys, and victims advocates, argue that Browns miscalculation was part of an effort to mislead voters about Prop 57s reach. Despite repeated assurances that violent criminals would not qualify for early release under the measure, the legislature's previous crime reclassification efforts meant that only 23 specific crimes  such as murder, rape, arson and carjacking  were considered offenses that would disqualify prisoners from the measures benefits. Many crimes the public would consider violent, including Smiley Martin severely beating his girlfriend, are not included on that list.

Above, San Quentin State Prison in 2016. Despite assurances that violent criminals would not qualify for early release under Prop 57, previous crime reclassification efforts meant that only 23 specific offenses were disqualifying. Many crimes the public would consider violent, including Smiley Martin severely beating his girlfriend, were not included.

Dozens of serious crimes would be considered non-violent for parole purposes, warned CalMatters columnist Dan Walters, including assault with a deadly weapon, soliciting murder, intimidating or harming a crime victim or witness, resisting arrest that injures a police officer, violent elder or child abuse, arson with injury, human trafficking and several forms of manslaughter.

Plea bargains also make some violent criminals eligible for early release. Martin, for example, was originally charged with kidnapping, which is identified as a violent offense in the penal code. But that charge was withdrawn in his deal.

California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye: Sided with those who argued that the governor had falsely portrayed Proposition 57's reach.

Brown also assured voters that felons who had been convicted of various sexual crimes would not be considered for early release. However, rape of an unconscious person, sex trafficking and even the trafficking of children for sex are not considered violent felonies according to Californias Penal Code. In confirming the deceptive criminal classifications in the state, Attorney General Rob Bonta told CalMatters that these crimes should be discussed and potentially changed under whatever the appropriate means is for Prop 57.

The state legislature agreed with Bonta on the prosecution of child sex predators. Soliciting minors under the age of 16 for sex was considered a misdemeanor in California up until September 2024, when Gov. Gavin Newsom finally signed legislation reclassifying it as a felony with tougher penalties. Previously, soliciting a minor for sex, or paying for it, was simply a misdemeanor punishable by two days in jail and a $10,000 fine.

In 2021, Californias Supreme Court weighed in on Prop 57 and unanimously sided with those who had argued that Brown falsely portrayed the measures reach. In writing the unanimous decision, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye stated that there are portions of [Prop 57s] opponents argument that the [Corrections] Department must concede were correct, including the characterization that individuals convicted of and currently serving sentences for offenses  like assault with a deadly weapon would be eligible for nonviolent offender parole consideration, or that an individual with a prior violent felony conviction for murder would not be excluded from nonviolent offender parole consideration.

The Chief Justice addressed how perpetrators of serious sex crimes were also qualifying for early release under the measure. She wrote that the initiatives language provides no indication that the voters intended to allow the [Corrections] Department to create a wholesale exclusion from parole consideration based on an inmates sex offense convictions when the inmate was convicted of a nonviolent felony.

While the Court didnt mention Gov. Brown by name, his promotion of the ballot measure was subtly cited by the Chief Justice. Had the drafters of Proposition 57, and by extension the voters, intended to exclude inmates from nonviolent offender parole consideration based on prior or current sex offense convictions, the Chief Justice wrote, it would have been a simple matter to say so explicitly.

The courts ruling made little difference, because mere weeks before its decision, voters overwhelmingly rejected another poorly written ballot measure that was supposed to close the violent crime loophole in Prop 57. The measure, known as Proposition 20, sought to alter Prop 57 by denying early release to perpetrators of violent crimes that had not been listed in the California Penal Code.

However, the measure was misleadingly described as limiting access to parole programs established for nonviolent offenders. In other words, there was a fundamental problem with using the word nonviolent to describe the gaps in Prop 57 that the measure sought to remedy. Most voters were unaware that the state penal code listed violent crimes like the rape of a unconscious person as nonviolent offenses. So, they were under the impression that Prop 20 sought to impose harsh punishments for petty crimes, which many in liberal California are against.

Prop 20s timing may have also led to its demise. Voters decided on the measure in the aftermath of George Floyds 2020 murder while in the custody of Minneapolis police and the country was amid what many referred to as a racial reckoning. The country, and especially liberal states like California, were less interested in public safety and more open to criminal justice reforms due to concerns over mass incarceration and what they saw as racist policing.

Credit Where Credit Wasnt Due

Even if voters had been aware that those found guilty of trafficking children or strangling their wives would still be eligible for early release under Prop 57, no one was under the impression that felons would have their sentences cut short without enrolling in rehabilitation programs or earning good behavior credits. However, the latest CDCR report discloses that of the 34,215 inmates who were released early in fiscal year 2019, 13,833 did not earn any enhanced behavior credits to justify a reduction in their prison sentence. Some 44% of those who didnt earn any credits would be convicted of a new crime following their release.

Gov. Gavin Newsom: Cites the financial burden of holding criminals accountable in one of the highest taxed states in the country.

Even more damning is that the CDCRs report concedes that the state released high risk inmates who are more likely to reoffend. Based on the California Static Risk Assessment (CSRA), a tool used to calculate the risk of a parolee committing a new crime, high, moderate, and low-risk individuals recidivate at about 60 percent, 40 percent, and 20 percent, respectively. Yet in fiscal year 2019, approximately 41.2 percent of individuals in the release cohort have a high-risk score according to the CSRA.

Indeed, many of the inmates who were released under Prop 57 in 2019 went on to reoffend and get convicted of new crimes (44.0%). However, there were fewer convictions for those who did earn rehabilitative credits in prison (35.8%).

Of the 39.1% of parolees in fiscal year 2019 who were convicted of other crimes within the first three years of their release, 22.1% were for felonies and 17% for misdemeanors. But only 17.4% of the convicted felons returned to prison. Even so, according to the report, the percentage of individuals returned for crimes against persons increased by 2.9 percentage points, the largest increase of any return type.

While overcrowding was the very issue that led to measures like Prop 57, state officials have shuttered several state prisons in recent years. Four were closed in 2021 alone, and it appears that state officials are intentionally avoiding prison time for convicts because their objective is to close more for fiscal and ideological reasons.

Jim McConnell, LA police chief: "You still have a jail system that is decreasing in size continuously.

A local Los Angeles publication reported last spring that because of the declining inmate headcount, California can close up to five more of its 33 prisons and eight yards within operating prisons while still complying with a federal court order that caps the systems capacity. According to the Legislative Analysts Office, the state could save up to $1 billion a year by doing so. The cost to the publics safety when theres nowhere to detain perpetrators of violent crimes was not factored into its analysis.

By November 2024, many Californians were fed up. More than 65% of Alameda County voters approved the recall of Oaklands progressive District Attorney Pamela Price. Similarly, Los Angeles denied a second term to D.A. George Gascon, another criminal justice reformer. Gascon was replaced with his tough-on-crime challenger Nathan Hochman. Finally, nearly 70% of voters approved Proposition 36, which would reverse an earlier ballot measure that weakened punishments for certain offenses like shoplifting and drug crimes, including trafficking.

Gov. Gavin Newsom was, and still is, vehemently against Prop 36, citing the financial burden of holding criminals accountable in one of the highest taxed states in the country. Nonetheless, Prop 36 is an unfunded mandate that will set this state back, according to Newsom. After all, if drug traffickers and repeat smash-and-grab thieves are met with harsher punishments like prison time, the spotlight would be on Newsom for preemptively closing the very facilities necessary to serve their sentences.

In a recent interview, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell expressed frustration over serving the public safety demands of the community with less prison space available. While the [District Attorney] will file cases that are now available to us through Prop 36, you still have a jail system that is decreasing in size continuously, McDonnell stated. When I was Sheriff, there were 18,000 beds available [in Los Angeles County]. Its now down to 12,400, he continued. Chief McDonnell argues that the lack of beds is the reason many offenders are back on the streets without the resources or rehabilitation that we would have liked to have seen.

While Gov. Newsom has claimed that he absolutely will implement the will of the voters, following the passage of Prop 36, the state legislature has refused to allocate the funding necessary to implement it. The truth is, even if the states lawmakers provided the money, Californians would still have a mountain to climb with all the various ways the state has chipped away at public safety, including Prop 57, crime reclassifications and prison closures.
Earlier this month, the United States announced a 27 percent tariff on Indian goods as part of a broader reciprocal trade policy. The move has obviously drawn close attention in New Delhi. And despite seeming a challenge, it may hide a rare opportunity. If India leans into policy boldness, the tariffs could act not as a brake on Indian ambition  but a powerful accelerant for structural reform and global competitiveness.

India has long used tariffs to protect its domestic industries. At 17.1 percent, India's average applied tariff rate remains among the highest in the world. Key sectors from automobiles to electronics to agriculture have long benefited from these protectionist measures and often at the expense of scale and global integration. A moment of external pressure could provide just the jolt needed to course-correct.

A Strategic Opening in the China +1 Landscape

Once implemented, the new tariff regime announced by the United States can reshuffle the competitive landscape across Asia. While India faces an average tariff of 27% on exports to the U.S., other competitors face even higher tariffs: China now contends with 34%, Vietnam 46%, Bangladesh 37%, and Thailand 36%.

Country Average Tariff (%) Vietnam 46.0 Thailand 36.0 Bangladesh 37.0 China 34.0 India 27.0

Assuming these tariff rates hold, this presents New Delhi with a significant opportunity. As U.S. companies look to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependence on China, traditional China Plus-One destinations like Vietnam and Thailand now face even steeper tariff barriers. India suddenly finds itself with a unique advantage in scale, capability, and now  relative tariff attractiveness.

Many sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, auto components, and precision engineering, where China and Southeast Asian economies previously held the edge, are now fair game. Tariff parity hasnt just leveled the playing field. Its tipped it in Indias favor.

An Opportunity to Reform and Rationalize Tariff Structures

Indias tariff structure was historically designed to protect infant industries but many of those sectors have since matured and are ready to compete globally. Reducing tariffs now could unlock competitiveness by lowering input costs for domestic manufacturers, incentivizing scale and innovation in export-driven sectors, and creating room for deeper bilateral negotiations. And we are already seeing some movement in this direction. Since Trump 2.0, India has quietly but swiftly removed or reduced tariffs in areas like electronic components, industrial inputs, electric vehicles, and more.

Sector/Item Previous Tariff (%) Revised Tariff (%) Change Type Notes EV Battery Production Items 10-20% (varied) 0% Exemption 35 Items Exempted to boost local EV battery manufacturing (Mar. 2025) Mobile Phone Components 10-15% (varied) 0% Exemption 28 items exempted for local electronics production (Mar. 2025) Motorcycles <1600cc 50% 40% Reduction Aimed at high-end two-wheelers and luxury imports Motorcycles >1600cc 50% 30% Reduction Part of broader luxury auto policy changes Solar Cells & Modules 40% 20% Reduction Promote solar manufacturing and renewable energy sector

A broad-based tariff reform like the GST rollout under Modi 1.0 or the production-linked incentive schemes of Modi 2.0 could become a defining economic milestone of Modi 3.0. Rather than viewing the latest U.S. tariffs as a setback, India can treat this moment as a strategic opening: a chance to revisit its tariff logic, accelerate long-needed reforms, and assert itself as a truly global manufacturing hub.



Global Operations, Indian Origins

Another under-discussed advantage lies in the globalization of Indian conglomerates. Companies like JSW and Epsilon are no longer just exporters; they have become investors, manufacturers, and employers on U.S. soil. This evolution cushions the impact of tariffs by anchoring operations within the U.S. market, while simultaneously strengthening Indias image as a mature, globally integrated economic partner. Far from conflicting with the "Make in India" vision, these moves represent its extension: Innovate in India, Operate Globally.

A New Chance at a U.S.India Trade Architecture

U.S. tariffs may finally create the political urgency needed to revive discussions around a comprehensive U.S.India trade agreement. The elusive India-U.S. trade deal has been a relationship goal since the first Trump administration. However, it has repeatedly stalled over disagreements on agriculture, e-commerce, digital services, and pharmaceutical pricing.

We are already seeing action again early in the second Trump administration. In late March 2025, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, led a delegation to New Delhi for a series of discussions with Indian officials. This engagement followed a visit earlier in March by India's Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The urgency of these negotiations has been amplified by President Trumps decision to impose a 27% tariff on Indian goods. Indias response thus far has been to continue pursuing a bilateral trade agreement, viewing it as an opportunity to address mutual concerns and expand market access.

The Catalyst We Didnt Ask For  But Might Need

India has long aspired to be recognized as a global manufacturing and innovation leader. That moment is now within reach and it calls for bold policy choices. Rather than a setback, the current tariff landscape could serve as a springboard to modernize Indias trade architecture, solidify its role in regional supply chains, and deepen its strategic and economic partnership with the United States. With the right response, India can turn disruption into direction  and momentum into lasting global influence.

Kriti Upadhyaya is a Visiting Fellow for India Policy in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation.
Joe Amabile / Instagram

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/01/2025



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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.

couple Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile have shared a new update on Serena's "draining" journey to obtain her green card.Serena -- who was born in Ontario, Canada and married Joe in the United States in 2022 -- flew to Montreal, Canada on April 28 for her green card interview on April 29.After completing her interview, Serena took to Instagram on April 29 to announce that her visa was already approved."APPROVED," Serena captioned a carousel of photos that showed her celebrating her victory with a delicious breakfast in Montreal."After 2.5 years and many bumps along the way, this morning my US green card application was approved at my Interview in Montreal!"In one of the pictures, Serena was smiling big while she was holding a black binder that read "green card" on the front."Anyone who has been through this process knows how draining and defeating it can be at times but we finallyyyy made it!" Serena concluded.Members of Bachelor Nation congratulated Serena in the comments -- including Charity Lawson Daisy Kent , and Kaity Biggar Joe reposted Serena's announcement on his own Instagram Stories and commented with a red-heart emoji.Serena's journey to obtain her visa was certainly not an easy one.Last week, Serena had posted a photo of herself looking deflated and disheartened via Instagram Stories."We came to Montreal specifically for my Green Card interview and it didn't go as we had hoped for today," Serena wrote at the time."I don't want to get into the details right now but we'll be back in Montreal soon to hopefully finish this process!"The Bachelor alum added, "After a long 2.5 years of this, I'm very excited for the day it's done."Joe, for his part, had provided more details about the situation in his own social media post."Okay, so today's been a bad day," Joe noted."We're out in Montreal, flew out here. It's actually a very pretty city... but unfortunately, we're missing a document for Serena's green card interview so gotta come back next week."The following day, Serena thanked everyone who had reached out to her with support.Since she was already in Canada, Serena decided to spend a "fun weekend" with her friends in Toronto."I just landed in Toronto and will be flying BACK to Montreal for my green card interview (again) on Monday [April 28]," Serena said, adding how she anticipated her friends would "lift my spirits back up."And then once April 28 came around, Serena shared via Instagram Stories that she successfully returned to Montreal."[It's] like I never left!" she wrote to her followers. "Going to grab a chill dinner and rest up for my green card interview tomorrow. Joe is in Chicago, so I brought my mom to keep me company."Although Joe is from Chicago, he and Serena have called New York City home for a while now.Serena told People in January that after almost three years in the Big Apple, she and her husband aren't sure if New York is going to be their "forever place."Serena therefore said it was "maybe" time to "make a hard decision" about where they should live.Joe shared that the couple was tossing around a few cities as potential landing spots."The cons are I'm from Chicago, Serena's from Toronto, and we both are from cold cities," Joe noted with a laugh."So that is the biggest con. If we're going back and forth, it's like we travel from cold to cold."Joe suggested that living somewhere warm would have its benefits, before joking, "I would love it if Serena was from Miami and then we did that!"Serena agreed that moving to a state with a warmer climate would "make everything a lot easier."However, the couple revealed that their top choice, at that time, was Chicago.And Joe and Serena also hadn't ruled out the possibility of staying in New York."We're just trying to figure out where we're going to go next," Joe said.In the meantime, the pair -- who got engaged on Season 7 of in 2021 -- are continuing to enjoy married life."Married life is great," Joe told the magazine.Joe and Serena quietly tied the knot in a New York City courthouse in 2022 before having a bigger "magical" wedding for family and friends in South Carolina in September 2023.Serena gushed about how her dynamic with Joe was "pretty easy," which she believed was "a good sign."Serena added how living together was "fun" and carefree since they "don't have a kid yet" and the responsibilities that come with raising a child.Prior to their stint on , Serena had competed on Matt James ' The Bachelor season and Joe was a Night 1 eliminee on Becca Kufrin 's season of The Bachelorette.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The opening ceremony of the European Cup Series in Rhythmic Gymnastics has today been held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Trend reports.

The event started with presentation of the participating countries and their flags.

Addressing the event, Farid Gayibov, Azerbaijans Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted the countrys tradition of hosting prestigious gymnastics competitions and its notable achievements in the sport.

Following the minister's speech, the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. The ceremony continued with an artistic performance.

Over four action-packed days, a total of 175 gymnasts from 25 countries will battle it out for the European Cup medals.
The Precinct 7A polling location will be moved from Timothy Baptist Church to the Athens-Clarke County Library, located at 2025 Baxter St. in Athens, for all summer election dates following an ACC Board of Elections vote that took place on Thursday, April 24. The Board of Elections will decide whether to make the location change permanent after the summer election dates have passed.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved IndusInd Banks request to form an executive committee to discharge the duties and responsibilities of the chief executive officer (CEO) for a period of maximum three months or till a new CEO takes charge, whichever is earlier.

Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

The executive committee will oversee the operations of the Bank, under the oversight and guidance of the Oversight Committee of the Board.

The oversight panel, which is chaired by the chairman of the bank Sunil Mehta, has chairs of the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Nomination & Remuneration Committee, and the Risk Management Committee as members, the private sector lender informed the exchanges on Wednesday.

Based on the RBI approval, 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 three months from the date of relieving the incumbent MD & CEO, whichever is earlier, the lender said.

The development follows resignation of MD&CEO Sumant Kathpalia on Tuesday, citing moral responsibility for various acts of commission/omission following accounting lapses that resulted in a loss of nearly 2,000 crore to the bank.

Sources indicated that the RBI has directed the Banks Board to send the CEO names for its approval as soon as possible.

Following the central banks approval, the Banks Board has constituted the Committee of Executives, which comprises Soumitra Sen, head-Consumer Banking, and Anil Rao, chief administrative officer.

The Bank is taking all necessary steps to ensure stability and continuity of its operations while maintaining high standards of governance, the private lender said in an exchange notification.

On Monday, a day before Kathpalias resignation, Deputy CEO Arun Khurana also resigned in connection with the same accounting lapses.

Khurana was given the additional responsibility of the CFO after Gobind Jain resigned in January.

Following the resignations of the CEO and the deputy CEO, IndusInds Board is without a whole-time director. RBI norms require at least two whole-time directors on the Board of private sector banks.

Sen, who is part of the Committee of Executives, joined IndusInd Bank in 2008 to revamp and scale up its distribution network.

He had started MNC food giant Nestle before moving on as a retail banker. He has worked with Bank of America and thereafter had stints with Deutsche Bank AG, ABN AMRO Bank NV, and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), before moving to IndusInd Bank.

Rao has over three decades in the banking industry, working with Bank of America, followed by stints at ABN AMRO Bank, and RBS.
As the Jaggi brothers  Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi  find themselves at the heart of the financial mismanagement in the Gensol-BluSmart saga, attention on the third BluSmart co-founder, Punit K Goyal, has taken a notably different turn.

Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

Across social media, investors and entrepreneurs alike have rallied behind Goyal, painting him as a rare figure of integrity and vision, and a maverick deeply committed to green mobility sustainability.

Priyanka Madnani, the founder of startup advisory firm Terex Ventures, who has known Goyal for the past four-five years, recalls how he was beaming with enthusiasm and passion for his startup (BluSmart) during their first interaction.

"People are now more aligned to him as they stand for his vision.

"What he has claimed on day one, he stands for it today also.

"As a founder, he was focused and passionate, which is a rare quality, and the efforts he made for BluSmart were truly symbolic," Madnani said.

Writing on the professional networking platform LinkedIn, angel investor Amit Gupta, in an almost 450-word post, said: "Punit is not just a serial entrepreneur, he is a force in renewable energy and electric mobility.

IMAGE: BluSmart co-founder Punit K Goyal. Photograph: LinkedIn

"He brought clarity of vision, unshakable integrity, and relentless execution to BluSmart, Indias pioneering all-electric ride-hailing platform... Punit has poured his soul into that same mission.

"And that work continues, even when its misunderstood. Because the mission matters."

Similarly, in an online post, Avani Naresh, vice president of a firm that provides IT infrastructure, said: "Dear Punit K Goyal, I stand with you in these difficult times.

"You have built BluSmart with lot of passion... You were building BluSmart and this story should go on being the best EV (electric vehicle) cab company in India."

Amid the mounting crisis, not a single social media post has questioned Goyals involvement or intentions  a rare occurrence for a founder in such a scenario.

Asked whether Goyal could have been unaware of the alleged financial missteps, Naresh told Business Standard that he had seen Goyal being the only one regularly checking on customer feedback.

We are not inside BluSmart, so there can be any possibility, or maybe even the top executives of BluSmart can be involved.

"But given what is there in the public domain, I don't think BluSmart or Punit Goyal should be dragged into this," he explained.

Unlike in the past when founders have been pulled up for their role in such cases, Goyal has been spared the criticism.

Angel investor Ashish Gulgulia said the investor community is all hail for Goyal because he maintained constant communication with them.

"I have learned that in the past three-five quarters, the access of investors to the company's founders started drying up.

"However, it was only Goyal who was in touch with them, providing them updates, and was involved in investor meetings," Gulgulia said.

BluSmart started operations in 2019 with four co-founders on board: Anirudh Arun, the Jaggi brothers, and Goyal, according to market intelligence platform Tracxn.

Currently, Anmol (Jaggi) holds the largest stake at 19.51 per cent, followed by Puneet (5.63 per cent), Goyal (4.47 per cent), and Arun (0.3 per cent).

Kanishk Gaur, chief executive officer (CEO) of Athenian Tech, a firm that provides cybersecurity solutions, said: "While the Jaggi brothers are co-promoters of Gensol, its noteworthy that Punit Goyal has been focused on scaling BluSmart independently, including its recent expansion into Dubai.

"Goyals credibility remains intact, and industry sentiment suggests that investors continue to view him favourably, distinct from the concerns surrounding the Jaggi brothers."

Despite the goodwill, questions linger. Mandani and Gulgulia pointed out that even if Goyal has all the must-have qualities of a founder, it is impossible that he was not privy to the financial crisis at Gensol and BluSmart.

"It cannot happen that the third founder was not involved. There were a lot of exits (top heads and investors) that happened early on, and the founder would know the reason for them," Gulgulia said.

The company's cofounder and CEO Arun, chief business officer Tushar Garg, chief technology officer Rishabh Sood, and vice-president of experience Priya Chakravarthy had reportedly stepped down.

Goyal graduated from Aston Business Schools International Business course in 2007.

Business Standards attempts to connect with Goyal did not elicit a response.
Tahawwur Rana has the answers to festering questions on the 26/11 terror attacks and the NIA must pry it out of him, even if they have to feed him biryani, advocates Athimuthu Ganesh Nadar.

IMAGE: The Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, November 29, 2008, is engulfed in smoke during the operation to eliminate Pakistani terrorists. Photograph: Arko Datta/Reuters

The 26/11 planners targeted four high profile locations in Mumbai, and 10 terrorists executed it with ruthless precision. At the iconic Hotel Taj Mahal they were holed up for three days.

The elite National Security Guard had an endless supply of commandos and ammunition and yet the terrorists could hold them off for three days.

Can you carry enough ammunition in a backpack to fight well-armed, trained commandos for three days?

The terrorists knew exactly where to go, how to go and what to do. They were carrying dry fruits to satiate their hunger and drugs to stay awake.

Who planned this mission so precisely that they could attack the financial capital of the country with impunity with such a small team?

Nearly 17 years later we don't know if the terrorists had local help.

One report claimed when the terrorists emerged from the CSMT after wreaking mayhem, they stumbled into the Cama and Albless hospital nearby accompanied by a burqa-clad individual.

Who could be the Indian enablers of the worst terror attack on Indian soil?

IMAGE: Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana in NIA custody after extradition from the US. Photograph: ANI Photo

We know the targets and routes were surveyed by David Headley who travelled multiple times to Mumbai.

The Taj Mahal hotel, the Oberoi hotel, Chabad House, a Jewish community centre, and CSMT. Three of these are well known and the fourth nobody knew of till it was attacked.

Tucked away in a Colaba bylane, Chabad House's choice by the terrorist shows meticulous planning.

Finding the Taj hotel, Oberoi and CSMT is easy, any Mumbai cab can take you there. But finding the Jewish centre was not.

Cabbies would not know it and there was no Google Maps then to guide you. It could not have been accessed without human intervention.



IMAGE: Tahawwur Rana.

While the 26/11 attack was on at the Taj hotel, one guest in night clothes ran out of the backdoor, through the crowd, and vanished into the night.

This was recorded on camera by journalists camping across the road.

That man never resurfaced. He was not found by the cops.

So we have three unknowns -- the burqa clad individual who accompanied the terrorists, the man who ran out of the Taj Mahal hotel, and the person who guided the terrorists to the Jewish centre.

Tahawwur Rana has the answers to and the NIA must pry it out of him, even if they have to feed him biryani.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
Pakistan has warned the international community that any military moves by India shall be 'responded to assuredly and decisively... onus of any escalatory spiral and its consequences shall squarely lie with India.'

Implicit in the statement is a veiled threat that even a nuclear threshold may be reached if push comes to shove, warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IMAGE: Security personnel patrol at the site of the Pahalgam terror attack, April 24, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

In a timely reminder, even as Indians are demanding robust retaliation for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir, US President Donald Trump pulled aside Prime Minister Narendra Modi to signal that conversations with India on a trade pact were 'coming along great' and announced that the two countries 'will have a deal on tariffs'.

If there could be a gentle reminder about India's national priorities at this point in time, this is it.

Trump has a way of conveying what words and cliches cannot spell out when it comes to war and peace.

It is just as well that Modi may have responded by deciding that much as India's resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism should never be in doubt, 'the complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the response' shall rest with the armed forces.

The PM reportedly expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the armed forces.

It is a historic decision by any elected government in power in a democracy by any reckoning.

The implications are profound, since, at the end of the day when the final hour of reckoning comes, there is also a flip side to it in terms of delegation of authority -- namely, the famous Barnaby Rule (widely credited to the late Donald Rumsfeld) comes into play.

That is to say, whoever breaks the china shall also be obligated to mend it.

Interestingly, Modi revealed his decision at an exclusive meeting that was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (who is also known to be doubling up as the tsar of India's covert operations abroad) as well as the top brass. Home Minister Amit Shah was not present.

Later in the evening, April 29, 2025, Modi also received Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat at his residence in a gesture 'emphasising national interest over protocol', as a national daily noted.

However, there should be no misconceptions over how Bhagwat's mind is working.

Five days back, he had remarked, 'We hope for a strong response (to the Pahalgam attack)'.

Bhagwat had said, 'There is pain in our hearts. We are angry. But to destroy evil, strength must be shown... Hatred and hostility is not in our nature. But neither is silently enduring harm. A truly non-violent person must also be strong. If there is no strength, there is no choice. But when there is strength, it must be visible when needed.'

From all indications, it is entirely conceivable that the government is weighing military options to target Pakistan after the April 22 terror attack.

Pakistan seems to sense it, too. Tensions are spiralling along what used to be the Line of Control up until this week, which itself is fast dissolving as Pakistan has decided to hold in abeyance all bilateral treaties with India including the Simla Agreement in response to Delhi's moves on the diplomatic track.

IMAGE: Anantnag police personnel conduct extensive search and cordon operations across the district. Photograph: ANI Photo

The international reaction so far, as Trump's latest remark testifies, shies away from endorsing the war option.

Simply put, no country, including our 'time-tested' friend Russia or the so-called Global South, has any understanding for the sentiments expressed in India favouring military action against Pakistan.

On the other hand, China has taken an exceptionally supportive position underwriting Pakistan's sovereignty and security.

Put differently, as Bhagwat underscored by drawing inspiration from our ancient epics, India is arrogating to itself the moral prerogative to deploy its military strength in a 'visible' manner in an external environment in the thermonuclear age amidst highly complicated geopolitical manoeuvring by the big powers and the international community, which, again, is transitioning from one world order to another that is struggling to be born.

Make no mistake, this is going to be hugely consequential going forward. Pakistan, in fact, has warned the international community that any military moves by India shall be 'responded to assuredly and decisively... onus of any escalatory spiral and its consequences shall squarely lie with India'.

Implicit in the statement is a veiled threat that even a nuclear threshold may be reached if push comes to shove.

Indeed, Pakistan's nuclear doctrine allows for first strike if the nation's survival is deemed to be under threat.

Three thresholds have been spelt out: Denial of water flow into Pakistan (under the Indus Waters Treaty); any naval blockade; and foreign occupation of Pakistani territory.

Taking into account the totality of the emergent situation, Pakistan is unlikely to bend.

It keeps insisting that it is also a victim of terrorism originating from India.

And it has openly hinted that it will not hesitate to climb the escalatory ladder in the event of any Indian offensive.

Suffice to say, unless India opts for the Russian course of a war of attrition spread over years, which is simply out of the question, a rapid escalation could be in the cards.

Therein lies the rub: How to de-escalate when (not if) the need/contingency arises?

Arguably, India still has a closed mind in mediation by third parties even in the radically changed post-Cold War international setting.

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir police personnel stand guard at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, April 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

On the other hand, India has only a tenuous communication link with Pakistan, which, presumably, remains open still -- the 'hotline' between the two directors-general of military operations.

Howsoever tenuous the link is, at a time when emotions are running high on both sides, some thought should be given to keep it open -- and, importantly, not to hesitate to use it.

After all, the two militaries have a long history of being sensible, realistic, pragmatic adversaries who understand each other.

They know war is serious business, especially for the men in the prime of their youth who would lay down their lives in the firing line without batting an eyelid for the sake of the nation -- and indeed their own families and dependants in our far-flung country are stakeholders, too.

There is a human factor even in hybrid wars -- or covert operations.

Sometimes, countries that behave like lotus eaters leading a life of dreamy, indolent ease, need a rude awakening. If this is one such moment, then, the death of 26 Indians wouldn't be in vain.

Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar served the Indian Foreign Service for 29 years.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
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'The government has to explain (to the army, air force and navy chiefs) whether they want a punitive strike, a deep punitive strike, or whether they want limited war or an all-out war, will it be a circumscribed war or will it be a shallow attack along the border.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh in New Delhi, April 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Dr Ajay Sahni, director of Institute of Conflict Management, is an expert on cross border terrorism having followed this phenomenon closely in the last three decades.

The burning question upper most in the minds of security experts and the Indian-on-the-street is what will the nature and extent of India's attack be on Pakistan to avenge the dastardly killings of 26 innocent tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.

"This decision remains a political decision. It is the government of the day which has to give a broad indication of what they want," Dr Sahni tells Rediff Senior Contributor Rashme Sehgal.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi held a meeting with the three service chiefs giving them full operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the response to the Pahalgam attack.

The security chiefs need a clear mandate on what they are required to do. The mandate for any course of action comes from the political class.

Will it be a punitive strike or should the armed forces be expected to wage an all-out war?

This decision remains a political decision. It is the government of the day which has to give a broad indication of what they want.

Can you elaborate on this?

The government has to explain (to the army, air force and navy chiefs) whether they want a punitive strike, a deep punitive strike, or whether they want limited war or an all-out war, will it be a circumscribed war or will it be a shallow attack along the border.

This will decide the nature of the response and the extent that the armed forces will have to mobilise to launch the attack.

Once this indication is given, the armed forces will need freedom to plan and execute that line of action.

Do you see the likelihood of an all-out war?

This will require full mobilisation of the armed forces and will take a certain amount of time.

Operation Parikrama saw the Indian Army take a month to fully mobilise itself.

The question being asked is whether the Cold Start doctrine has been introduced in the armed forces. (This doctrine has been designed to avoid crossing Pakistan's nuclear red lines through offensive operations with strikes deep into Pakistan but at the same time limiting the application of force to divisional-thrusts across the international boundary.)

If it had been introduced, it should have been operationalised. It seems obvious for the present that so far this is not the case.

IMAGE: General Upendra Dwivedi being briefed by the 15 Corps commander on the actions being taken gainst terrorists. Photograph: ANI Photo

How ready are our armed forces?

I do not think it is appropriate to make a comment at this stage. How ready can your armed forces be if you do not invest in them?

The defence budget remains at 1.9 per cent of GDP raising serious questions of long-term capabilities of the armed forces.

If you are not willing to pay for your army, you won't have a ready army. The armed forces have a distinct culture of their own.

It is difficult to train men to die for their country. This requires training and investment.

Look at the way our educational system has been devastated. It is the same with our health delievery systems with people now paying through their nose for private medical services.

A great deal of the defence budget is being diverted to paying pensions of retired defence personnel?

The armed forces have always received pensions in the past also. Tax revenues have gone up over the years and so why should this money not be diverted towards pensioners.

Pensions of members of Parliament have also gone up. No one complains against that.

IMAGE: Security personnel conduct a search operation in Kathua, April 25, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Why have the armed forces not raised their voices and demanded an increase in their budgetary allocation?

They cannot do so. It is not part of their mandate. Some retired personnel do raise their voices but nine out of ten are hoping for some post-retirement sinecures, and so prefer to stay quiet.

Are you saying the Pakistani army is better prepared than us?

They are more focused. They are in charge of the country and half of the country's GDP is spent on the armed forces.

They have a Fauji Fund which is the amongst the largest business conglomerates in their country and looks after the interests of ex-servicemen.

Every retired officer and jawan receives compensation from this Fauji Fund.

Why then is there such a high level of desertion and mass resignations in the Pakistan army?

A large number of their soldiers are dying in Baluchistan and in the Khyber Pakhtun region. The Pakistan army suffered over 1,000 fatalities in 2024.

In comparison, our security forces suffered 29 fatalites in the same year.

The lowest fatalities our security forces suffered in J&K was in 2012 when 21 of our security personnel died. We have not matched that figure since.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Security has been beefed up around the Dal Lake in Srinagar following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

The Pakistan army claims the Indian government has not provided any proof that the Pahalgam attack was sponsored by Pakistan.

How much evidence does Pakistan want? An American court has convicted David Coleman Headley on his role in the 26/11 attack on Mumbai which killed 166 people.

He has given full testimony on the role of the Laskar-e-Taiba and of the Pakistani army officers who were the handlers of these terrorists.

But their defence minister has gone on to claim the Laskar-e-Taiba does not exist. This is like asking a criminal to judge himself.

What will he say? They should admit they have done this but the problem is there is no adjudicatory mechanism to look into their claims and counter claims.

IMAGE: A view of the terror attack site in Baisaran, Pahalgam, April 23, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

In case of an all-out war, do you see China coming to the assistance of Pakistan?

China is definitely a factor and will continue to support Pakistan though they will not engage directly in giving them support.

In case, the Chinese do decide to mobilise their army on the eastern side, we will have to put half our forces there and that will leave our army that much weaker.

Mobilisation does not mean the Chinese will declare war. It simply means they will move their troops and we will have to deploy our troops there also.

That will leave us in a difficult situation.

Yes.

IMAGE: Tourists walk past shops following the Pahalgam terror attack at Pahalgam, April 28, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Do you think we should have put the Indus Water Treaty on hold given that it has survived four wars and decades of cross-border terrorism against India by Pakistan?

The water flows will not stop. As it is, India does not use its entire share of the water that it is entitled to as per the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty.

To cite an example, about two million acre-feet of water from the river Ravi flows into Pakistan unutilised by India.

If we fully utilise the water that is due to us, this will have a deleterious effect on Pakistan but we will be well within our rights to do so.

Pakistan has blocked our run-of-the-river projects which we were well within our rights to execute.

Pakistan had objected to our Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects but we have been given the green signal by the World Bank to proceed with them.

They had also objected to the Tulbul project and it was suspended in 1987 but the Indian government is reviewing this suspension given Pakistan's failure to rein in terrorism.

If Pakistani farmers will get hurt by this decision, our farmers too have suffered because of the objections raised by Pakistan in creating more dams and irrigation projects on these northern rivers.

India has always been weak in its response to terror.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The Attari-Wagah border crossing point between India and Pakistan was shut completely on Thursday following a week-long heavy rush of people from either side to cross over after the Union government ordered all Pakistani citizens with short-term visa to leave India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, sources said.

IMAGE: Pakistani citizens wait to cross the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, in May 1, 2025. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

The Attari-Wagah border crossing point is completely closed now and no one from either country crossed over to the other side on Thursday, two sources confirmed.

A total of 125 Pakistani nationals left India on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, taking the total number of Pakistanis leaving the country to 911 in the last seven days.

Fifteen Indian citizens with Pakistani visa also crossed over to Pakistan on Wednesday, taking the total number of such people exiting India to 23.

Similarly, 152 Indian nationals and 73 Pakistani nationals with long-term Indian visa have entered India through the international border crossing point in Punjab's Amritsar district, taking the total number of such people to 1,617 and 224, respectively.

The Centre issued the 'Leave India' notice to Pakistani nationals after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists with Pakistan links in Kashmir's Pahalgam 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, journalists, transit, conferences, mountaineering, students, visitors, group tourists, pilgrims and group pilgrims.

Three defence/military, naval and air advisors in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata on April 23 and were given one week to leave India. Five support staff of these defence attaches were also asked to leave India.

India also withdrew 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. Sources told PTI that altogether 125 Pakistani nationals left India through the Attari-Wagah border crossing point on April 30; a total of 94 Pakistani nationals, including 10 diplomats, left India on April 29; 145 Pakistanis, including 36 diplomats, their dependents and support staff, left on April 28; 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.

Fifteen Indian nationals with Pakistani visa also left India through the international border crossing point on April 30 while eight Indians left India on April 29, the sources said.

Similarly, 152 Indian nationals crossed over to India from Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border crossing on April 30; 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, returned 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 sources said.

A total of 73 Pakistani nationals with long-term Indian visas came to the country through the border point on April 30; 22 Pakistani nationals came on April 29, while 129 Pakistanis with the same category of visas entered India on April 28.

Sources 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 videoconferencing with the chief secretaries of states and asked them to ensure that all Pakistani nationals whose visas were revoked leave India before the deadline.

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.
A woman was raped in front of her husband in Shahpur on the outskirts of Patna, police said on Thursday.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The woman, a dancer, was returning home with her husband in the early hours of Wednesday after an event when the incident happened in Shahpur Dera village, they said.

"When her husband asked three passersby for directions to the Dighwara railway station, they asked the couple to get onto their motorcycles. Instead of taking them to the station, they were taken to a secluded place where the woman was raped in front of her husband who was held hostage," ASP (Danapur) Bhanu Pratap Singh.

The accused left them there and fled, he said.

"Based on the victim's statement, police registered a case and started a search for the accused. Manoj Kumar and Manish Kumar were arrested on Wednesday night. A search is on to nab the third accused, Nagendra Kumar," he said.
Pakistan has appointed serving ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik as the new national security adviser amidst raging tension with India.

IMAGE: Pakistan's ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik. Photograph: Courtesy X

Lt Gen Malik, currently serving as director general of Pakistan's spy agency  Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), will hold the additional charge of the NSA.

He is the country's tenth NSA, but it is for the first time that a serving ISI chief has been given the task to serve concurrently in the two key positions.

Malik was appointed as the Director General of the ISI in October 2024.

Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik HI (M), DG (I), shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect, the notification stated.

The posting comes amid heightened tensions with India following the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed.

Lt Gen Malik previously commanded the Infantry Division in Balochistan and the Infantry Brigade in Waziristan. He has also received a Sword of Honour in his course and served as the chief instructor at the National Defence University (NDU), as well as an instructor at the Command and Staff College Quetta.

He is a graduate of Fort Leavenworth and the Royal College of Defence Studies. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, having held various leadership roles in the military over the years.

The NSA position had remained vacant since April 2022, when the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government was ousted.

Dr Moeed Yusuf was serving as the NSA at that time.
Prohibitory orders were imposed in parts of Manipur's Tamenglong district after a clash between two Naga villages over a land dispute left at least 25 people, including 12 security personnel, injured, officials said on Thursday.

Image only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

The incident happened on Wednesday evening when about 2,000 residents of Old Tamenglong village were marching to the deputy commissioner and SP's office to submit a memorandum over the land dispute, they said.

Residents of Dailong village allegedly hurled stones at the procession, leading to the clash. People of the nearby Duigailong village also joined the fight, in support of Dailong, they added.

During the violence, the inspection bungalow of the Public Works Department (PWD) was set on fire, officials said.

Police lobbed tear gas shells to control the situation, they said.

At least 25 people, including 12 security personnel, were injured in the violence, they said.

Following the clashes, restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS were imposed in the district headquarters town and the bordering areas of Dailong, Duigailong, and Old Tamenglong.

The restrictions will remain in place till further orders, said the notification.

The Naga community lives in Tamenglong, and the clash stemmed from a dispute between two villages over their boundary, an official in Imphal said.

It has no connection with the ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis that began in May 2023, he said.
Police on Thursday arrested the owner and manager of Rituraj Hotel, two days after a devastating fire engulfed the central Kolkata property, leaving 14 people dead.

IMAGE: People try to escape after a massive fire broke out in a hotel in Kolkata on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Firefighters had recovered 13 charred bodies from the ruins of the six-storey hotel at Mechhua Falpatti, in the congested Burrabazar area, on Wednesday, with another victim succumbing to injuries later.

The victims included a woman and two children.

The arrested duo -- Akash Chawla, the hotel owner and manager Gaurav Kapoor -- were produced in court and remanded in police custody till May 8, police said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inspected the fire-ravaged hotel and announced that those responsible for the tragedy will not be spared.

Manoj Paswan, hotel employee and a native of Jharkhand, succumbed to his injuries sustained during his desperate bid to escape the flames by jumping off the second floor cornice of the building.

There were 88 guests in 42 rooms of the hotel when the fire broke out around 8 pm.

A suo motu case was registered against the property owners and managers at the local Jorasanko police station under various sections of the BNS, including section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and the West Bengal Fire Services Act, police said.

They said that 12 of the 14 bodies have been identified so far and their post-mortem examinations completed.

The bodies have been handed over to their families, they said, adding that efforts were underway to ascertain the identities of the remaining two.

The chief minister reached the affected property on her way back from Digha following the inauguration of the Jagannath Dham the day before and said that special committees comprising the police, administration and fire services department would be set up to monitor and identify establishments which are flouting fire safety norms.

"The teams will conduct surprise checks at private and commercial establishments in the city, as well as district towns. Not just the owners who are found guilty of norm violation, but also those in the administration responsible for oversight and handing operational NOCs to premises with inadequate fire safety will also come under the purview of punishment," she said.

"The panels will prepare reports and submit them to my office in the next 15 days," the CM added.

Flanked by Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma and senior ministers Sujit Basu and Sashi Panja, Banerjee told reporters that the hotel has now been sealed.

"This hotel has been in operation since 1989. It's an old property and its hydrants were dry. People died not because of burns, but by the smoke they inhaled. The outlets to release the smoke remained sealed and there was only one staircase," she said.

"Should we forgive those who are responsible for such gross lapses?" Banerjee asked.

Drawing attention to dilapidated structures in the vicinity of the accident site, the chief minister requested their inhabitants to temporarily relocate to safe residences and have the properties repaired in the meantime.

"Notwithstanding the legal disputes that they may or may not have, owners and tenants of these precarious structures should sit together and decide on repairing their buildings. The city police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation will assist them in the task. The safety and security of people take precedence over everything else. You must live and let live," Banerjee said.

Building owners are only interested in earning money from their properties, she said, adding that most of them do not care about the lives of people who live or work in them.

The CM urged owners of shops and establishments in marketplaces to stop storing inflammable articles like plastics and chemicals.

"The committees will conduct regular checks for violation of norms. It's easy to light a fire but dousing it is much more difficult. Do not play with fire," she said.

Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said, "Don't vote for me if you don't like what I am saying. But save your lives first."

Following up on her announcements, the chief minister left Burrabazar and landed up at the eateries on Park Street immediately after to conduct a surprise check herself.

Irked by the sights of gross violations of fire safety standards, which included storage of commercial LPG cylinders in public places, Banerjee instructed Mayor Firhad Hakim and the CP to take adequate actions after sitting for talks with the restaurant owners.

"If by chance these cylinders explode, the blast will kill 50,000 people," she remarked, and stated she was tipped off by an acquaintance about the unsafe practices on Park Street.

In March 2010, a massive fire ripped through the residential building of Stephen Court at the same location killing 43 people.

Alleging that emergency services responded late in reacting to the Burrabazar fire, state's Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said the number of deaths would not have been so high if rescue and relief operations were swift.

"Since the whole government was in Digha, the boarders from other states and other affected people were not provided necessary emergency services like instituting a helpline," he claimed, alluding to Banerjee's presence in Digha in Purba Medinipur district to inaugurate a Jagannath temple at the time of the incident.
The US has urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tensions over the Pahalgam terror attack as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone conversations with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to emphasise on avoiding further escalation.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio during the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, in Washington DC, USA, January 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

In his phone conversation with Jaishankar on Wednesday night, Rubio expressed his "sorrow" for the lives lost in the "horrific" terror attack and reaffirmed the US' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism, according to the US State Department.

The US Secretary of State called on Sharif for Islamabad's cooperation in investigating the "unconscionable" attack that killed 26 civilians.

On his part, Jaishankar told Rubio that the perpetrators, backers and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice.

"Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," the external affairs minister said on 'X' on Thursday.

The Jaishankar-Rubio phone conversation came amid speculation about India's possible retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in view of its cross border linkages. Twenty-six people were killed in the dastardly attack.

"The Secretary 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," US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

"He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia," she said.

On Rubio's phone talks with Pakistan PM Sharif, Bruce said the Secretary encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate "tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia."

"The Secretary spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence," she said.

"The secretary urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack," Bruce added.

Citing "cross-border linkages" to the horrific attack, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the strike.

In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday 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 after the meeting.

A day after the 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".
Pakistan's envoy to the United States has urged President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with India as he simultaneously strives to solve conflicts in Europe and West Asia, Newsweek reported.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Pakistan's Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said that for a president 'who is standing for peace in the world as a pronounced objective during this administration', there was no 'higher or flashier flash point' than Kashmir.

His remark comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday urged the international community to intervene to prevent a potential conflict between Pakistan and India, Geo News reported.

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 attack.

"If we have a president who is standing for peace in the world as a pronounced objective during this administration, to establish a legacy as a peacemaker -- or as someone who finished wars, defied wars and played a role in de-confliction, resolving the disputes -- I don't think there is any higher or flashier flash point, particularly in nuclear terms, as Kashmir," Sheikh told Newsweek on Wednesday.

"We are not talking about one or two countries in that neighbourhood who are nuclear capable. So, that is how grave it is," he said, referring to China, India and Pakistan.

Amid Pakistan's increasing apprehension of retaliatory action by India to the Pahalgam attack in view of its cross-border linkages, Sheikh said that the Trump administration would need to pursue a more comprehensive and sustained initiative than witnessed in past US attempts to defuse crises that have erupted between the two South Asian countries.

"So, I think with this threat that we are facing, there is a latent opportunity to address the situation by not just (focusing) on an immediate de-escalatory measure, or a de-escalatory approach," the envoy said as he called for a more durable and lasting solution to the Kashmir issue, 'rather than allowing the situation to stay precarious and pop up again and again at the next drop of a hat on this side or that side'.

On Thursday, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam and said that the US supports India's right to defend itself.

He reiterated the strong support of the US government in India's fight against terrorism.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tensions as he held separate phone conversations with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A 69-year-old Pakistani national, who was to be sent back to his nation, died of cardiac arrest in Amritsar on Wednesday, officials said.

IMAGE: BSF personnel stand guard at the integrated check post after India decides to close the ICP Attari with immediate effect following the Pahalgam terror attack, in Amritsar, April 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Abdul Waheed was brought from Srinagar by the Jammu and Kashmir police for his repatriation to Pakistan.

He had been living in India for the last 17 years and was found with an expired visa by the police, they said.

Meanwhile, a total of 224 Indian nationals and Pakistani citizens who were holding No Obligation to Return to India (NORI) visas crossed over to India through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border. A total of 139 Pakistani nationals crossed over to the other side.

Monika Rajani, 35, a Pakistani passport holder having NORI and Long Term Visa (LTV), crossed over to India along with her five-year-old India-born daughter Saimara.

She said, "I have crossed over to India from Pakistan in a panic with the fear that ICP may be closed at any time. I belong to a Hindu family and married a Hindu man at Vijayawada around nine years back. My in-laws and husband from Vijayawada were waiting here to receive me."

"I crossed over to India at 3 pm, where it took around three hours for customs and Immigration clearance. It was difficult for children travelling with their mothers to wait for all the necessary clearances due to the scorching heat," she said.

Before leaving for Vijayawada, my family members and I will visit the Golden Temple, she said.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack last week, 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 or face action.
Pakistani troops continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the seventh consecutive night by its unprovoked firing in several sectors across three border districts of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian military responded proportionately, officials said on Thursday.

IMAGE: File image of a soldier keeping vigil at the Line of Control in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: ANI Photo

The exchange of fire occurred even though the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline on Tuesday amid rising tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

"During the night of April 30-May 1, 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control opposite Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir," a defence spokesperson in Jammu said.

Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately, he added.

Initially commencing with unprovoked small arms firing at several posts along the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, Pakistan swiftly expanded its ceasefire violation to the Poonch sector and subsequently to the Akhnoor sector of the Jammu region.

It was followed by small arms firing on several posts along the LoC in the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors of Rajouri district on Tuesday night. Subsequently, it expanded the firing to the Pargwal sector along the International Border in Jammu district.

Since the night of April 24, just hours after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the killing of 26 people in the terror attack, Pakistani troops have been resorting to unprovoked firing at various places along the LoC in J-K, beginning from the Kashmir Valley.

The Pakistan military has been warned against the unprovoked firings, people familiar with the DGMO talks said.

On April 24, Pakistan blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, suspended all trade with India, and stated that any attempt to divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an "act of war."

India and Pakistan had agreed to a renewed ceasefire along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2021.

The situation has changed significantly since February 2021, when the DGMOs of India and Pakistan reiterated their commitment to the 2003 ceasefire agreement to ensure peace along the de facto border.

India shares a total of 3,323 km of border with Pakistan, divided into three parts: the International Border, approximately 2,400 km from Gujarat to the northern banks of the Chenab River in Akhnoor, Jammu; the Line of Control, 740 km long, running from parts of Jammu to parts of Leh; and the Actual Ground Position Line, 110 km long, dividing the Siachen region from NJ 9842 to Indira Col in the north.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 1. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved the provision of two senior loans totaling $15 million equivalent to nation's Davr Bank to support the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

The first loan, amounting to $10 million equivalent, will be extended in two equal tranches of $5 million each. The funds will be used for on-lending to eligible youth-led or youth-owned MSMEs.

In addition, a second senior loan of $5 million equivalent will be disbursed in a single tranche to support a broader range of eligible MSMEs.

These initiatives are part of the EBRDs ongoing efforts to enhance an access to finance for small businesses and promote inclusive economic growth in Uzbekistan.
The National Investigation Agency has informed a Delhi court that Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana could spill the beans on the ongoing and future terror plans of outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and its chief Hafiz Saeed for India.

IMAGE: Tahawwur Rana being taken from Patiala House court, in New Delhi on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The agency said it on April 28 while seeking Rana's custody before special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh.

According to sources, the NIA said, "Hafiz Saeed is an accused in the case and his terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba is still involved in terror attacks in India. Rana's custody is required to unearth the operational details of the organisation."

The agency said it was interrogating Rana in a 'measured' manner considering his health as opposed to his claims of being questioned 20 hours a day.

The NIA sought his custody claiming non-cooperation from Rana.

"There is contention of non-cooperation of accused in investigation, coupled with the fact of the extent, gamut, depth and widespread nature of the present case which has allegation of hatching the conspiracy at a global level in the sense of accused been from one country and then settled in another country where they hatched conspiracy against India, the request of NIA seeking further police custody remand of accused does have merit," the agency said.

The court after perusing the case diary said it appeared the NIA was investigating the case 'earnestly'.

On April 28, the court extended by 12 more days the NIA custody of 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana.

He was produced in court with his face covered amid tight security.

Rana, a close associate of 26/11 main conspirator David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a United States citizen, was brought to India after the US Supreme Court on April 4 dismissed his review plea against his extradition to India.

On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went on a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into India's financial capital using the sea route.

As many as 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour assault.
The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the petitioners and refused to hear their public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people were killed.

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

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh castigated the petitioners for seeking a retired judge to monitor the probe into the Pahalgam attack and said retired judges were not experts.

"In this crucial time, each and every citizen of the country has joined hands to fight terror. Do you want to demoralise the security forces by filing this kind of PIL? Don't bring this kind of issue to the judicial domain," the bench said.

Petitioners Fathesh Kumar Saahu and others were consequently asked to withdraw the PIL.

The top court asked the petitioners to realise the sensitivity of the issue and not make any prayer in court which demoralised the forces.

"You are asking a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate. Since when the retired judges of the high court and supreme court became experts in investigation? They can only adjudicate and decide an issue. Don't ask us to pass an order. Go wherever you want to go. Better you withdraw," the bench told one of the petitioners.

Justice Kant asked the petitioners to exercise caution while filing a PIL and expressed displeasure over the nature of prayers in the petition.

The PIL was filed by advocates Fatesh Kumar Sahu and Vicky Kumar aside from Kashmir resident Junaid Mohd.

They sought a direction to the Centre and the J&K union territory administration (UT) to ensure the safety of tourists.

The plea sought minimum security standards for tourist sites in areas prone to conflicts, such as Jammu and Kashmir.

The plea also sought an action plan for the safety of the people in tourist areas of J-K by Central Reserve Police Force, National Investigation Agency and the UT administration.

The top court was urged to passed directions to the Press Council of India for ensuring only 'fair and true' reporting in connection with the attack to ensure peace and harmony in society.

Terrorists on April 22 opened fire in Baisaran, a popular tourist spot in the upper reaches of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, killing 26 people, mostly tourists from other states.

The incident spiked India-Pakistan tensions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting the killers would be pursued 'to the ends of the earth'.
Communal tension broke out in Uttarakhand's Nainital after a 12-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 60-year-old man, triggering protests and vandalism, officials said.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Police said the accused, Osman, who is a contractor by profession, has been arrested but added that there was heavy deployment of forces to maintain peace.

Protests erupted after news spread about the girl being taken for a medical examination around 8 pm Wednesday night, following the alleged assault.

Members of some Hindu outfits staged demonstrations outside the police station demanding stern action against the accused.

Some shops owned by members of the Muslim community were vandalised and a nearby mosque was pelted with stones, police said.

The crowd shouting slogans against Pakistan also damaged vehicles and hurled stones at houses in the locality, shattering their window panes, they said.

Senior officials, including Superintendent of Police (City) Jagdish Chandra, intervened and assured the protesters that strict action would be taken against the accused, helping to defuse the situation.

The protests continued past midnight, prompting police to intensify patrolling till 2 am to prevent any further escalation.

Heavy police deployment has been made across the city to maintain peace, SP Chandra said.

The tourist town remained tense even on Thursday amid heightened security.

The Vyapar Mandal observed a bandh with most of the shops in Tallital area remaining shut till noon as a symbolic protest against the incident demanding harshest punishment for the accused.

They also sat on a dharna in the market area in protest.

"We stand strongly with the survivor and her family. We demand the worst punishment for the culprit," Vyapar Mandal President Maruti Sah said.

Nainital SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena has appealed to people to maintain peace.

Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat assured people of a neutral investigation and stern action against the guilty.
Caste census politics took centre stage on Thursday with the Congress terming the government's decision as a 'diversionary tactic' and a move for headlines management and the Bharatiya Janata Party saying it has exposed the difference between the Centre's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the opposition party.

IMAGE: Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram with supporters pour milk on the poster of Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as they celebrate the centre's decision to conduct caste census, in Patna on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

A day after the government announced that the next decadal census will include caste enumeration for the first time since independence in a major policy shift that is expected to reshape the country's socio-economic and political landscape, several political parties cutting across party lines welcomed the move and called for early steps to conduct the exercise.

The Congress expressed doubts on the BJP's intentions while seeking a deadline and roadmap for its implementation and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the 'master of giving a headline without a deadline'.

The caste census announcement came ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said many questions arise about the decision and asked 'where is the deadline' for conducting the census.

"Mr Modi and the RSS have been dead against a caste census from day 1. That is why yesterday Mr Rahul Gandhi said it was a sudden development."

Alleging that the prime minister has taken his 'biggest U-turn' in announcing a caste census after he dubbed those seeking it as Urban Naxals last year, Ramesh said 'there is no parallel of the PM in taking U-turns'.

Ramesh said the biggest issue before the country is the Pahalgam massacre and that when the country was awaiting a response against Pakistan, the mastermind of the terror attack, the government was indulging in 'diversionary tactics' by announcing the caste census.

The attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead.

He demanded that the government remove the cap of 50 per cent on reservations and bring a Constitutional Amendment in this regard.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded that the Centre remove the 50 per cent cap on reservations and increase it to 68 per cent.

Ramesh also urged the government to implement Article 15(5), which pertains to reservations in private educational institutions.

Countering the opposition, BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters that the caste census decision has exposed the difference between the Modi government's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the Congress.

Pradhan, an OBC face of the ruling party, termed the announcement a 'game changer'.

He also accused the Congress of obstructing the goal of social justice during its long rule starting from the time of Jawaharlal Nehru when they opposed the caste census.

"The politics of Congress has always revolved around its ruling family and power. They were uncomfortable whenever the rights of the backward classes were raised because they never truly cared about social justice," Pradhan alleged, noting that the party did not act on the reports of the Kaka Kalelkar Committee and the Mandal Commission.

Unlike the Congress, the BJP has been driven by the agenda of social justice with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensuring significant representation from the marginalised communities at various levels and in key positions like chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, Union ministers and legislators, Pradhan said.

He claimed the decision was not taken suddenly, noting that 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' has been the guiding vision of the Modi government.

"Social justice has been the objective of all our programmes and schemes. It has been our aim to provide benefits, facilities and conveniences to all sections of society in a scientific manner."

He said the government has drawn on data and experience from the past 11 years and seeks to design policies that are more precise, inclusive, and fair with the caste census.

Questioning the government's intent, Ramesh cited a December, 2019 Cabinet meeting press release which stated that the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for conducting the census of India in 2021 at the cost of Rs 8,254 crore. He pointed out that there was no mention of caste enumeration in that press release.

"Everyone knows that this census has not been done and six years have passed. Surprisingly, the announcement was made by the government yesterday," he said.

In the 2025-26 Budget, only Rs 575 crore has been allocated to the office of the census commissioner, he pointed out.

"What kind of census are they planning to get done in Rs 575 crore? So what is the intention -- is it just about giving a headline? What is their intention? Many questions arise on the intention," he said.

Pradhan, on the other hand, claimed political parties welcoming the move reflected the strong foundation of social justice and good governance being laid under the leadership of PM Modi.

"The Congress' character has always been opportunistic and centred around vote-bank politics. Their statements reveal that for them, social justice is merely a political tool for gains."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Centre decided to conduct caste census keeping Bihar assembly elections in mind and due to the pressure built by the Congress, especially by Rahul Gandhi, its former president.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy suggested the National Democratic Alliance government appoint a group of Central ministers and an expert committee of officials to engage with stakeholders and others for the caste census.

Yuvjana Sramika Rythu Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy too welcomed the caste census decision, saying it would enable focused welfare initiatives and ensure economic and social development for backward and marginalised communities.

Union minister Chirag Paswan, a BJP ally, hailed Prime Minister Modi for the decision and slammed opposition parties for claiming credit, alleging they only used the issue as a 'political weapon' for votes.

Communist Party of India-Marxist chief MA Baby said the government should come out with a clear-cut plan for undertaking caste census and leaders of various political parties should be consulted.
The United States and Ukraine have signed an 'economic partnership agreement,' giving Washington, DC access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in return for creating an investment fund in the country, CNN reported.

IMAGE: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appear at a meeting, while they attend the funeral of Pope Francis, in St Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, on April 26, 2025. Photograph: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters

Since President Donald Trump assumed office in January, the US and Ukraine have been trying to sign an agreement on natural resources. The deal between the two nations comes after weeks of intense negotiations that at times became bitter and temporarily derailed US aid to Ukraine.

On Wednesday, the US Treasury Department said that both nations signed the agreement.

In a statement, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war."

He stated, "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," CNN reported.

He noted, "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."

Ukraine's Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was in the US to sign the agreement on behalf of the Ukrainian government.

In a post on X, Svyrydenko stated, "On behalf of the Government of Ukraine, I signed the Agreement on the Establishment of a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment into our country."

In the post, she stated, "It is the Ukrainian state that determines what and where to extract. Subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership -- this is clearly established in the Agreement."

The two nations signed the deal just hours after a last-minute disagreement over which documents to sign Wednesday threatened to derail the agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was expected to sign the agreement during his visit to the US in February. However, the agreement was not signed after his visit was cut short following the contentious Oval Office meeting.

The key sticking point of the negotiations included the question of security guarantees and whether the US would provide them as part of the agreement. Initially, Trump refused, saying he wanted Ukraine to sign the deal first and talk about security guarantees later, CNN reported.

At that time, Zelenskyy called the draft agreement as asking him to 'sell' his nation. Since then, Ukrainian officials indicated they believed that US investment and the presence of US firms in Ukraine will make the US more interested in security of Ukraine.

Shortly after his visit, Trump ordered the suspension of US aid to Ukraine. The assistance has now been restored. However, his decision became a major wake-up call for Ukraine's European allies, who have vowed to step up their help to Ukraine.

Trump has largely termed the agreement as Ukraine 'paying back' for the aid which has been provided by the US to Ukraine since Russia started its military action in Ukraine in 2022.

The details of the agreement have not been disclosed publicly. However, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Sunday that the agreement 'will not include assistance provided before its signing,' CNN reported.

Speaking on Wednesday, he called the deal a 'strategic agreement on the establishment of an investment partnership fund.'

He further said, "It is truly an equal and beneficial international agreement on joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine between the US and Ukrainian governments."

Shmyhal said that under the deal, the US and Ukraine will create a joint investment fund in Ukraine with an equal contributions from both and equal distribution of management shares between them.

He said, "The American side may also count new, I emphasize new, military aid to Ukraine as a contribution to this fund."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday vowed to hunt down each and every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack and said all of them will be made answerable for the heinous act.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

Shah asserted that the Narendra Modi government will not spare any terrorist.

"Whoever has carried out the dastardly attack in Pahalgam, we will not spare anyone. We will hunt down each and every perpetrator," he said at an event here to unveil a statue of Upendra Nath Brahma, the patriarch of Assam's Bodo community, and name a road after him.

The home minister said the Modi government has been pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists and fighting strongly against those who have been indulging in terror activities in Kashmir since the 1990s.

"If someone thinks they will escape by carrying out such a cowardly attack, they are wrong. This is Narendra Modi's government. We will not spare anyone," he said.

Shah said the government's fight against terrorism will continue till the menace is completely wiped out.

"Do not think that you have won by killing 26 people. Everyone of you will be made answerable," he said.

Paying tributes to those killed in the Pahalgam attack, Shah said the entire country feels the pain of those who lost their near and dear ones to terrorists' bullets.

"Each citizen of India is feeling the pain. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished. Not only 140 crore Indians but the whole world is standing with India in this fight," he said.

The home minister said all countries in the world have come together and are standing by the people of India in the fight against terrorism.

"I want to reiterate the resolve that until terrorism is wiped out from the country, our fight will continue and those who have committed the crime will certainly be given appropriate punishment," he said.

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.

Paying tributes to Brahma, Shah said the iconic leader dedicated his entire life for the progress of the Bodo community in Assam.

"It is a matter of immense joy that today, his statue is being unveiled and a road is being dedicated in his honour in Delhi," he said.

Shah said Brahma's statue will be a symbol of self-respect for the small tribal communities across the country that have been struggling for respect even after so many years of independence.

"The installation of Upendra Nath Brahma's statue in a prominent area of Delhi is a matter of pride not only for the Bodo community but also for all the tribal communities residing in India," he said.

The home minister said no one from the Bodo community should ever harbour an inferiority complex as they have equal rights in the country as him (Shah).

Referring to the peace accord signed with Bodo insurgent groups in 2024, Shah said 96 per cent clauses of the pact have been implemented and asked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was present at the event, to implement the remaining clauses as early as possible.

The event was attended by Sarma, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council Promod Boro, among others.
US boosts non-oil imports from Azerbaijan in 1Q2025

With $133.7 million, Azerbaijan's trade operations with the US experienced decline in the first quarter of this year. However, export to the US hit milestone by a growth of $3.4 million (27.3 percent) compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, during the reporting period, Azerbaijan's non-oil exports to the US took a nosedive by 10.5 times, landing on $15.7 million

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DOVER  Plans are afoot to try to keep a summer camp running in some way, shape or form, and explore if the International Baccalaureate progra
Aimee Parnell has been on the job at the Waypoint Center for about a month, and her enthusiasm as the new executive director of the Great Fall
Genesis Energy has ambitions to deploy artificial intelligence to help manage some of the electricity sectors gnarliest problems, but major systems investment is required first.

CEO Malcolm Johns told Parliaments transport and infrastructure committee last month the power company had a good grip on traditional sources of energy storage, but not so much on the emerging area of household batteries.

At the moment, if you think about energy storage, we know whats in the lakes; we know whats in the coal stockpile at Huntly; we know what the demand profile of Hawkes Bay will be tonight, he told th committee.

But we have no idea how much energy is stored in household batteries and electric vehicles in Hawkes Bay tonight.

The more that grows, the more meaningful it would become, Johns said, especially around the use of steam turbine units to manage peaks of usage.

Switching a rankine [a turbine] on is tens of thousands of dollars to start it up, Johns expalined. If you cant see deep enough into the system to understand where all the energy is stored, then you might switch it on and not need it, and youre going to waste tens of thousands of dollars.

The cumulative effect of that went into retail pricing for households and businesses, he said. Because the complexity of managing distributed energy was well beyond the human brains capability, data maturity in the system was becoming critical.

You just wont manage it efficiently without data maturity and AI playing a role, he said.



Johns said Genesis was deploying AI in many parts of our business.
The latest moves by HPE Aruba Networking are aimed at bolstering coordination among security and networking teams to more effectively protect access to enterprise resources. At RSA Conference 2025, the vendor announced a variety of updates, including a new policy manager for network access control (NAC), tighter integration between Aruba Networking Central and HPE OpsRamp, and new security components for its SD-WAN and SSE packages.

The network is increasingly looked at by both the networking team and the security team as a security system, and we continue to build coverage into the network in support of the rest of the security ecosystem, said Larry Lunetta, vice president of AI, security and networking product marketing at HPE.

HPE Aruba has a security platform, an AI platform and a network services platform, and its all integrated within HPE GreenLake, which we think is a unique capability that we offer compared to other networking vendors, Lunetta said.

Enhanced policy manager and OpsRamp integration

HPE Aruba is expanding its NAC capabilities via a new policy manager called HPE Aruba Networking Central Network Access Control in its flagship network management platform. It enables precise access policies  such as application-to-role, role-to-subnet, and role-to-role  across the entire network and enforces more detailed policies from the edge to the cloud, Lunetta said. Access functionality is now woven into the network workflow. When a new switch or gateway comes online, the predefined policies for users, devices, and applications are automatically implemented on that device; no manual CLI commands or additional steps are required from the network administrator, Lunetta said.

The new policy manager is basically the next generation of the companys ClearPass NAC system, he said.

ClearPass is still there, and its still an important part of the portfolio, Lunetta said. But the new features are cloud-based policy tools that extend zero-trust principles across the platform and look at every user, device and application as untrusted until authenticated, he said. Customers can propagate policies across the entire network infrastructure for consistent enforcement from edge to cloud.

In addition, HPE Aruba tightened the integration between HPE Aruba Networking Central and HPE OpsRamp, the technology HPE bought in 2023 to manage hybrid and multicloud environments. OpsRamp monitors elements such as third-party switches, access points, firewalls, and routers. Tighter integration expands the ability to natively monitor third-party devices from vendors such as Cisco, Arista, and Juniper Networks. In addition, new application profiling, classification, and risk assessment abilities in HPE Aruba Networking Central will allow enterprises to establish application access policies based on risk preferences, the vendor says.

The vendor is also adding distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection to its EdgeConnect SD-WAN appliances.
Uzbek-Russian trade gains momentum with robust 1Q results and ambitious targets for 2030

In the first quarter of 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Russia reached $2.6 billion, with Uzbek exports to Russia increasing by 18.2 percent. The two countries also discussed the implementation of the UzbekistanRussia Joint Action Plan for 20242030, aimed at boosting bilateral trade and achieving a target of $30 billion in trade turnover.

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Since June 2022, the European Union has granted Ukraine full trade liberalization to help support the war-torn countrys economy. These measures -- suspending import duties and quotas -- are known as Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), and they appear to have benefited Kyiv.

In 2024, Ukrainian exports to the EU reached nearly 60 percent of total exports, up from 39.1 percent in 2021. However, the ATMs, which have been renewed annually by a majority vote of EU member states, are set to end definitively on June 5. They were always intended to be temporary and could only be extended twice.

Now, negotiations are under way between Brussels and Kyiv on what will replace them.

The fallback option is a return to the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which came into force in 2017 (though provisionally applied from 2016), and includes a free trade component.

The current talks focus on Article 29 of that agreement, which outlines a framework for potential reciprocal tariff liberalization.

Border States Push Back

But it is far from smooth sailing, as time is running short, and the effects of the ATMs arent universally liked in the bloc.

Farmers in so-called frontline EU border states, such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, have long lobbied their governments to get rid of them, arguing that a glut of Ukrainian agricultural goods has overwhelmed local storage and pushed down prices for local food producers.

At various times in 2023 and 2024, these farmers blocked the borders with Ukraine to prevent goods from entering the EU. In response, the European Commission, which oversees EU trade policies, tried several solutions, including sealing agricultural shipments from Ukraine to divert them away from frontline countries and toward other EU destinations or ports for export beyond the bloc.

In the end, the commission agreed to limit inflows of the most popular agricultural goods by enacting emergency brakes. These brakes could be pulled if certain imports exceeded the average import numbers recorded between July 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024. And the brakes have been used readily in the past year on Ukrainian exports of oats, eggs, sugar, and honey.

The official line of the European Commission is that it is finalizing the work on the proposal to ensure a seamless transition to a new trade regime with Ukraine after the expiry of the ATMs and that this proposal will soon be presented to Kyiv.

A Political Hot Potato

The question is when. Many EU officials in Brussels are worried that any new proposal could become a political hot potato in the Polish presidential election campaign when the country goes to the polls to select a new head of state on May 18, and a likely second round on June 1.

But it is not only the political sway of Polish farmers that needs to be heeded.

A joint letter by the agriculture ministers of Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia addressed to the European Commission and seen by RFE/RL has also raised the stakes.

The letter states that the ministers firmly believe that the upcoming expiration of the ATM regime must serve as an opportunity to reassess and recalibrate our trade relations with Ukraine. It is essential to ensure that future trade arrangements reflect a balanced approach that accommodates the interests of all parties without disproportionately harming the economies of neighboring member states.

It then goes on to highlight several new proposals, all of which would be disadvantageous to Kyiv.

These include:

A return to prewar tariff quotas;

Bilateral safeguard provisions for all agricultural products;

Frontline member states being able to impose extra safeguards; and

A review clause to reassess the agreement two years after its application -- aimed at preventing future market distortions and ensuring fair competition for EU farmers.





But it doesnt end there.

The ministers also argue that in parallel with Ukraine's accession process, relevant sanitary and phytosanitary, animal welfare, public health, and environment-related regulations in line with EU standards should be introduced for Ukrainian agricultural production.

A Temporary Fix?

While such reforms are indeed necessary for eventual EU membership, its notable that one of the letters signatories, Hungary, is currently blocking that very accession process.

The ministers also propose a minimum import price threshold for selected items, which could play a deterrent role in terms of importing agricultural goods into EU Member States at prices below the cost of domestically produced agricultural products -- effectively another trade barrier and a clear move to shield local farmers.

So, what does Ukraine want?

Simply put, almost more of the same. In a letter to the commission, seen by RFE/RL, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal writes that, without substantial guaranteed and ongoing multi-industry trade liberalization, Ukraine will simply be unable to rebuild its industries, create jobs and livelihoods for its citizens to recover its economy. Simply put, Ukraine needs your trade. First to survive, then to thrive.

Shmyhal also warns that, failing to strike a preferential trade deal with Brussels could cost Ukraine 3 billion ($3.4 billion) annually, potentially leading to a 1 percent reduction in Ukraines gross domestic product.

While accepting that any new deal is likely to come under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, Shmyhal says that it should contain a minimum number of exceptions and points out that we are obviously aware of concerns of European farmers, but we emphasize that the share of Ukrainian products on the European market remains relatively small. For many product groups, even those considered sensitive, it's less than 1 percent of total EU consumption.

He also suggests that the safeguard measures introduced for certain products in 2024 should become the starting point for gradually liberalized tariff quotas on agricultural goods.

Given the looming June 5 deadline, Shmyhal has also hinted at some sort of bridging solution -- something that I have heard might happen.

If it is impossible to reach a solution in time before the 5th of June, we need to find a joint short-term solution so current Ukrainian exports can continue until the Association Agreement is updated, he said.

Otherwise, there is a risk of returning to higher tariffs and lower quantities under the tariff quotas of the prewar period, and this would cause significant damages to the Ukrainian economy.
Mykhaylo and Mykola, two Ukrainian soldiers, have made their share of dangerous trips to Chasiv Yar.

For over a year, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been battling for control of the strategically important hilltop city in the Donetsk region. Whole neighborhoods have been leveled in the fighting.

The two servicemen are among the drivers charged with carrying wounded forces to safety away from the front lines.

We had the goal of going in, transporting some men there and picking up others, and doing it as fast as we could, Mykhaylo told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service.

Speed was critical if they were to evade the Russian drones circling above the roads leading out of the city.

But on one recent mission, with wounded men already on board, their armored vehicle took two direct drone hits.

Aerial video shared by the Ukrainian military showed the moment of the strike and the armored vehicle speeding away trailing plumes of smoke.

Everything was burning, Mykhaylo said. The medicine [in the vehicle] caught fire. It started exploding because it was near the ammunition.

They needed to get the wounded men to safety. We couldnt get them out [at first] because our ammunition blew up, Mykola said.

The guys somehow got out on their own, Mykhaylo added. That gave them time to douse the ammunition with water and call for back-up from a military ambulance.

Then they were able to calm their own frayed nerves. We moved away for a while, sat down, rested. We thought. We smoked. Thats how it goes, Mykola said.

The narrow escape left them rattled, but it was also part of what had become a routine for the servicemen during years of war. On some nights, they said, they made as many as four trips into Chasiv Yar.

Those missions were critically important for the soldiers they transported to safety, although the two men said they were not keeping track.

Did you count how many lives you've saved on these trips? RFE/RL correspondent Yevhenia Kytaiva-Rusetska asked.

No. We didnt count. Mykhaylo said. We've transported a lot of people.
The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement giving the US access to Ukraines valuable rare minerals in a deal that Ukraine hopes will ensure continued American support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

The agreement establishes the United-States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which the US Treasury Department said will allow the two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraines economic recovery.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a news release that 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 called the establishment of the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund a historic economic partnership and credited US President Donald Trump with pushing for it to be signed as part of his efforts to seek an end to the war.

"As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war, Bessent said.

Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations. The US State Department on April 29 tried again to get both sides to move more quickly and warned that Washington could step back from the talks if there's no progress.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's economy minister and deputy prime minister, signed the agreement with Bessent, the Treasury Department said. Svyrydenko said the agreement "can provide success for both our countries" and "will attract global investment into our state" in highlighting its key points in a post on Facebook.

Svyrydenko said the investment fund will be filled with income exclusively from new licenses. This involves 50 percent of the funds from new licenses for critical materials and oil and gas projects, which will come into Ukraine's budget once the fund is established.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andryi Sybiha wrote on X that he had briefed EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas about the minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States.

"This marks an important milestone in UkraineUS strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraines economy and security," he said in his post.

Roman Kostenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and special forces commander, told Current Time that the question of security guarantees in connection with the US-Ukraine minerals deal "remains open."

"Perhaps there were certain nuances that prevented their inclusion in the minerals deal, even though it was a demand from our side," he added.

Military Aid

Beyond its monetary aspects, Ukraine also sees the agreement as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid.

"In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance -- for example air defense systems for Ukraine," she said on X.

On April 29, the US Congress website published a notice from a senior official in the State Department's Bureau of Legislative Affairs on the certification of a proposed license for the export of defense articles which included "defense services to Ukraine in the amount of $50 million or more."

According to the Ukrainian media outlet the Kyiv Post, the White House approved the license shortly after the two countries signed the agreement on mineral resources.

The agreement is in accordance with the Constitution and does not change Ukraine's European integration course, she added. It also states that all resources on Ukraine's territory and in territorial waters belong to Ukraine, and Kyiv alone will determine where and what to extract.

The Ukrainian cabinet approved the agreement earlier on April 30, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament before it can take effect.

The Treasury Department's news release said the department and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work with the government of Ukraine to finalize the programs governance and advance the partnership.

Speaking on Ukrainian television earlier on April 30, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called the deal "truly a good, equal and beneficial international agreement on joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine."

Shmyhal said on Telegram that each side will have 50 percent voting rights in the Reconstruction Investment Fund, and the fund's profits will be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine.

Meeting a key concern for Ukraine, he said Kyiv would not be asked to pay back any "debt" for the billions of dollars in US weapons and other support since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to Ukraines rare earth materials as a condition for continued US support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid that Washington has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a tense Oval Office meeting, which ended in acrimony with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance verbally attacking each other.

The US is seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests. Among them are 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 deposits of lithium, graphite, and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

Trump said the deal in theory means that the US will get more from Ukraine than it contributed.

I wanted to be protected, he said in an interview on NewsNation, adding that he didnt want to be looking foolish by not getting money back for the investment.

Trump said earlier at a cabinet meeting that the American presence will "keep a lot of bad actors out of the country or certainly out of the area where we're doing the digging."

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Russian drone strikes on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv wounded dozens of people, local officials said on the evening of May 2, one day after at least 31 people were injured in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya.

Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said the number of wounded in the massive drone attack on Kharkiv increased to 35 people.

A private house, a high-rise building, a shop, and a parking lot were damaged in the drone strikes, he said on Telegram.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the strikes occurred at 12 locations in four districts of the city. He put the number of people injured at 46 and said eight of the victims had been hospitalized.

Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas have killed dozens of people in recent weeks despite the United States efforts to get the two sides to the negotiating table to end Moscow's full-scale invasion.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the drone strikes and issued a fresh appeal to beef up Ukraine's air defense capability.

"There were no military targets, nor could there be any. Russia strikes dwellings when Ukrainians are in their homes, when they are putting their children to bed," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"Ukraine needs stronger air defenses. Stronger and real decisions from our partners: the United States, Europe, all our partners who seek peace."

The Russian drone attack on Zaporizhzhya occurred late on May 1, local authorities said.

"Two children are among the injured. Hospitals in Zaporizhzhya continue to receive patients affected by yesterday's attack," regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said on May 2 on Telegram.

Pictures posted online showed a fire burning at a collapsed apartment building.

Russian forces made at least 10 strikes on the city, targeting private homes, high-rise apartment buildings, educational institutions, and infrastructure sites, Fedorov added.

Ukraine's state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsya, said its locomotive repair plant located in the city was also attacked.

"This is a purely civilian facility specializing in the repair of electric passenger locomotives," Ukrzaliznytsya's post on Telegram said.

The attack followed a widescale onslaught of Russian drones on several regions of Ukraine on April 30. At least two people were killed in Odesa after air alerts were activated in 11 regions of Ukraine.

The "large-scale" attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa, as described by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service in a Telegram post, killed two people and injured 15 others.

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram that the Russian attack on Odesa damaged high-rise buildings, houses, a supermarket, and a school.

Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, responded to the Russian attack on Odesa by calling for a "complete cease-fire" in a Telegram post.

"We must push for it together with the United States and Europe," he wrote, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin "will always have the desire to kill."

"But diplomacy, force, and economic pressure will compel Russia to end the war," he added.

The United States and Ukraine on April 30 signed a minerals deal that US President Donald Trump's administration said was an economic partnership in recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion.

After initial hesitation, Ukraine accepted the agreement as a way to secure long-term investment by Washington amid moves by Trump and his administration to curtail US security commitments around the world.

Meanwhile, a group of 72 US senators has thrown its support behind a bill threatening Russia with severe new sanctions if it refuses to engage in serious negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The announcement was made by Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina), one of the bill's sponsors, Bloomberg reports.

According to a draft obtained by Bloomberg News, the proposed measures include a sweeping 500 percent tariff on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, petroleum products, or uranium.

Graham said he has enough support in the House to bring the sanctions bill to the floor there as well, according to Bloomberg.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, Bloomberg, and dpa
Kazakhstans Aktobe seals multimillion-dollar deals with China for economic growth

Photo: Akimat (local government) of the Kazakhstans Aktobe region

Aktobe region of Kazakhstan and China are enhancing investment cooperation through the signing of five major memorandums, totaling nearly $1 billion . Key projects include wind power plants, a medium-carbon alloy steel plant, and a cement plant, which aim to strengthen the region's green energy, industrial, and construction sectors. These agreements, which involve Chinese companies, will create new jobs and boost the local economy. The initiatives highlight the growing strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China.

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By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

The creation of a senior housing role who is paid a gold-plated salary is a daft idea, a Sinn Fein TD has said.

The housing delivery unit is being created to tackle silos in increasing the supply of homes, but the government had made no decision on personnel or their salaries, the Tanaiste said.

The Government is expected to appoint the chief executive of the National Asset Management Agency (Nama), Brendan McDonagh, to lead the new unit.

It has been reported in recent weeks that he could be seconded into the role and retain his Nama salary of around 430,000.

This has put pressure on the Government over its housing strategy, particularly from the opposition who questioned the high salary.

Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said it was embarrassing that the Government was prepared to pay someone 500,000 to take on the Housing Ministers duties.

430,000, thats the off-the-wall salary that your Government is planning to pay the new housing tsar to come in and basically job share with the Housing Minister James Browne, Mr Doherty said during Leaders Questions on Thursday.

He said Mr Browne himself had described the role of the housing tsar as being responsible for rapid responses and unlocking housing delivery with the help of experts.

Tanaiste, does the Housing Minister not realise that thats his job that hes describing? Thats his actual job. Its farcical stuff.

He told the Dail that claims that the mad-cap, gold-plated salary would not cost additional public funds as Mr McDonagh is being seconded from Nama appears not to be true.

He said that as Nama is due to be wound down this year, Mr McDonagh is due to return to the NTMA, where he was seconded from, at a significantly reduced salary.

Tanaiste and Fine Gael minister Simon Harris said one of the key issues with housing construction was silos between sectors.

The Cabinet sub-committee on housing is due to meet on Thursday and a new housing plan is due by the summer recess, Mr Harris said.

He said the Housing Commission said that a Housing Delivery Oversight Executive was essential to address the systemic reset required in the housing sector.

The Commissions report said this body would be legislatively empowered to remove obstacles to housing delivery and would drive coordination across legislation, regulation, and administrative practices.

Mr Harris also said he was surprised at Sinn Feins opposition to the suggestion because its election manifesto proposed an office that would do exactly what we now want to do.

Mr Doherty interrupted to say no housing tsar to which Mr Harris said theres no housing tsar for us either, which prompted laughter from the Sinn Fein benches.

We havent made any decisions in relation to personnel or pay. No decisions at all, and let me say this  process matters in relation to all of those issues.

The overriding objective wont be personality. The overriding objective will be getting the job done.

Mr Doherty said who are you trying to fool by claiming there is no housing tsar in our plan.

The idea that youre blindsided in relation to this is just nonsense. Yous are proposing a housing tsar, yous are proposing a salary of 430,000. Thats what was on the table, on the cards here.

Mr Harris replied that the housing minister brought forward a proposal to the cabinet begin setting up an office to break down silos in relation to housing.

The only decision the Government of Ireland took this week was in relation to that.

Now that the Government of Ireland has done that, we will now decide how best to populate the office, process matters, I want to understand the processes followed in relation to key personnel, and then we will address all of those matters and put this together.

Of course, people who do a job will be paid a salary, but this isnt about personalities.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik called the role a housing tsar with a Russian oligarch price tag and a fixer in chief.

Its interesting to hear you and Fine Gael colleagues distancing yourselves from this, and indeed, I think people will be glad to hear that youve just said no decision has been made yet on how to populate this new office, she said.
Knockcroghery resident Genevieve Ryan was still on a high when the Herald chatted to her about winning the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition on the opening day of the Punchestown Racing Festival on Tuesday.

Its the first time Ive won anything at all!, she laughed.

It was certainly an incredible first visit to the Punchestown Festival for Genevieve who lives with her husband Declan Ryan in Corboley, Knockcroghery and their three-year-old daughter, Lily Mae.

She proudly explained that it was Lily Mae who inspired part of her mothers winning outfit. The judges described her hat as the real wow factor, a handmade creation finished with her daughters favourite teddys bow.

Genevieve admits she enjoys all things fashion and particularly loves making her own hats.

Before her notable success in Kildare on Tuesday, she was a finalist in the Best Dressed competition at the Galway Races last year and has entered into the Best Dressed event at the Roscommon Races for the last three years.

Genevieve with her winning outfit at Punchestown on Tuesday. Pic: Michael Chester

Genevieve is among the daily winners at the famous five day Kildare racing festival and is all set to compete in a grand final on Friday afternoon in Punchestown where she will be wearing the same outfit.

The overall winner takes away a range of incredible prizes including business class flights to Paris, a stay in a five-star hotel, Michelin Star dining and Bollinger champagne tasting.

Genevieve, originally from Sligo, works in the civil service in Longford and her husband Declan from Roscommon Town works in the prison service in Portlaoise. Declans sister Bernie was the Roscommon Rose at the Rose of Tralee Final in Kerry three years ago.
We all woke up on Easter Monday to the news that Pope Francis had died. Regardless of your level of devotion, or even your faith, its fair to say that the 266th Pope had an impact on all our lives. His passing led to a profound period of reflection for many and mourning for others, as we considered the influence the Argentine Jesuit had on the world we live in.

In Ireland, a nation with a long and complicated history with the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was seen not only as a spiritual leader but also as a voice of compassion, humility, and reform. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Irish leaders, faith communities, and the wider public, each acknowledging his legacy of peace, reconciliation, and unwavering commitment to the common good.

Francis was an advocate for social justice, for care of the environment, and for the dignity of the marginalised. He had no time for the trappings of power or prestige. Who could ever forget the striking image of the Pope travelling in a modest blue Skoda Rapid, its registration number 182 D 9093.

So many images from that visit to Ireland remain vivid in my mind, but one stands out above all: the scene at Knock Airport as the rain came down and Pope Francis prepared to board his Aer Lingus plane, fittingly named St Aidan. Amid the downpour, Sligo woman Audrey Elliott, then working in the Knock Airport Marketing Department, seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With a black permanent marker and a Mayo jersey in hand, she convinced the Pope to sign his name  Francis  across the red band between the GAA and Mayo crests. A simple gesture, a priceless souvenir, and arguably the greatest Mayo marketing coup of all time.

When Pope Francis visited Ireland in 2018, I was fortunate to be among those in attendance at Croke Park. We arrived early, beginning the day, like so many others, at the Croke Park Hotel. That day, it was just a meal, no pints, and a sense of excitement that felt different from a match day.

As we crossed over to the stadium, the atmosphere was electric but reverent. I regret not keeping my ticket, but I do have a photo, and for the record, I was sitting in Section 516, Row D, Seat 12  in the Davin Stand Premium Level, with a perfect view of the evenings events.

One of the standout moments for me was watching a friend of mine, Tricia Nolan, and her school choir from Ballymun perform brilliantly that night. But it was another young voice that stole the show and captured the spirit of the evening - Alison Nevin, a young Traveller girl from Dublin, who broke protocol in the best possible way. She had been instructed not to take photos, but had cleverly hidden her phone up her sleeve. When she approached Pope Francis, she asked for a selfie.

True to form, the Pope smiled warmly and obliged, much to the delight of the crowd. The stadium erupted into cheers and applause  a moment of pure humanity, a simple, joyful exchange that said more about Pope Francis than a thousand official speeches could.

That was his way, wherever he went. His humanity shone through. He was exactly what the tired Catholic Church needed at that moment  new, different, yet somehow returning to the core values the Church was supposed to stand for - inclusion, compassion, and family.

He followed a conservative Pope, who himself succeeded a long-serving and once-popular pontiff from Poland, Pope John Paul II, who became increasingly conservative as the world changed around him. Francis, however, was very much a Pope for his time. He spoke to a modern world without losing the essential message of faith, love, and service. It will be fascinating to see who his successor will be  and how they will take up the role at such a critical time.

Francis' papacy was not without its immense challenges. He worked to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and compassionate while grappling with its darkest scandals. In Dublin, addressing survivors of clerical abuse, he said: "I ask forgiveness for the times in which the Church did not respond with compassion to the suffering of many." He went further, declaring: "With shame and repentance, we beg forgiveness for the abuse perpetrated in Ireland by members of the Church."

There was a sincerity in him that was unmistakable. You could feel that Ireland's pain had touched him deeply  and that he understood the weight of history and betrayal that hung over so many. He reached out with genuine humility to those who felt abandoned, and in doing so, won the respect and affection of many who had long turned away from the Church.

Pope Francis reminded us all that leadership is not about grand statements or displays of authority, but about kindness, courage, and the willingness to walk alongside the broken and the hopeful alike. His passing leaves a space that will not be easily filled  but his legacy, one of humanity, hope, and sincerity, will endure.
Details of two Christian Brothers who were senior leaders over the space of two decades, managing the congregations assets and are now convicted child sexual abusers are revealed in a new RTE Investigates documentary.

The documentary will air on Thursday night on RTE One and RTE Player.

Victims representatives say they are deeply concerned following discoveries by RTE Investigates that child abusers inside the religious congregation were at the heart of its leadership, managing its financial and business affairs in recent decades.

The hour-long documentary by RTE Investigates reporter Rita O'Reilly also examines what the Christian Brothers order owns, how it handled property and school lands.

Br Martin OFlaherty (73) was jailed for historical child sexual abuse in six successive trials over the last three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court the latest, last month, when he was sentenced to five years on 15 counts of indecent assault on seven boys at Kilkenny CBS Primary School between 1976 and 1981.

OFlaherty was a senior member of the Christian Brothers leadership for Ireland, England and Europe in the 12 years from 2002 to 2014.

He was a founding member of the trustee company that manages the congregations assets and was a trustee of its English properties until December 2019, over a year after he was formally questioned by gardai, RTE Investigates has discovered.

He remains a trustee listed on the deeds of other congregation properties in Ireland, including Christian Brother retained lands at Monkstown CBC, where he was involved in a legal change to the propertys deed in 2022, over a year after he was charged with indecent assault.

After last years Scoping Inquiry predicted a vast scale of historical child sexual abuse in Irish schools, and recommended redress for victims, the Christian Brothers stood out, with the largest number of schools and the highest number of allegations.

As part of a wide-ranging investigation into Christian Brothers assets and abusers, RTE Investigates has uncovered hundreds of property transactions by trustees who hold assets in trust for the beneficial ownership of the congregation.

It has established that the Christian Brothers ran a total portfolio of over 800 properties since 1990. Senior Brothers, acting as trustees, held, sold, or transferred the 800 properties on behalf of the congregation over the past 35 years.

The Christian Brothers still own at least 270 properties, while the trustees sold or transferred some 530 other properties over those years.

Another senior Brother who was part of the leadership and involved in the trusteeship of congregation assets, has also been convicted for historical child sexual abuse. He cannot be named for legal reasons.

He controlled a project that received significant monies from a special Children at Risk fund established under the Department of Education as part of the response to revelations of clerical child sexual abuse in the 1990s.

He was also involved in decisions on the Christian Brothers approach to civil cases taken by child sexual abuse victims in the courts.

Child abuse survivor and victims advocate, Damian OFarrell was at the forefront of a campaign in response to the Brothers leaderships use of legal tactics against victims in the courts.

In response to Thursday's findings said: Now we know that there was two people in the leadership that have convictions. Were they behind some of that direction, you know, that disdain for victims."

To date, the state has funded the bulk of redress for abuse in residential industrial schools - many of them managed by the Christian Brothers - and for limited redress for survivors of Magdalen Laundries.

Dr James Gallen, Associate Professor at the School of Law & Government in Dublin City University, said the bill for redress for historical child sexual abuse in day and boarding schools is expected to be billions.

He cited a Central Statistics Office survey estimating that when a Government-promised Commission of Inquiry is held, there might be as much as 41,000 men and women, affected by sexual abuse in day schools.

John Boland, one of a group of victims of a then Christian Brother teacher, Sean Drummond, at Creagh Lane CBS national school in the late 1960s, said that they believe the Christian Brothers holds all the power in the courts.

A survivor of Christian Brother abuse and victims advocate, Damian OFarrell, who successfully campaigned for the Freedom of Drogheda granted to former Christian Brother leader Br Edmund Garvey in 1997 to be disregarded in 2023, said he believed the Christian Brothers has taken a step backwards since the Ryan Commission report into institutional child sexual abuse.

They haven't moved, I would say they're worse since the time of the Ryan Report and since the time of the industrial school redress scheme, he said.

In response to tonights RTE Investigates, the Christian Brothers said it reiterated ...our apology for the physical and sexual abuse that occurred in many former CBS schools and stated that they cannot comment on individuals, not least as some remain subject to ongoing legal processes.

Watch RTE Investigates: Christian Brothers, The Assets, The Abusers on Thursday, May 1st, at 9:35pm on RTE One and RTE Player.
India Closes Airspace to Pakistani Airlines Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

Both India and Pakistan have now blocked each others airlines over their airspace till 11:59 pm UTC on May 23 (5:29 am IST on May 24).

India Closes Airspace news to Pakistan airlines after Pahalgam terror attack, latest news: In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, India has closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines until May 23, 2025. The move is seen as part of a series of strong retaliatory steps taken by New Delhi after 26 people were killed and several others injured in the attack, which was claimed by The Resistance Front, a proxy group linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The decision affects all Pakistan owned and operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), particularly those connecting cities like Islamabad and Lahore to southeast Asia and Oceania. PIA now faces longer flight durations and increased operational costs as its aircraft will be forced to reroute.

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This development follows Pakistans earlier decision to ban Indian airlines from its airspace, signaling a tit-for-tat standoff that has heightened regional tensions.

Both India and Pakistan have now blocked each others airlines over their airspace till 11:59 pm UTC on May 23 (5:29 am IST on May 24).

"Indian airspace not available to Pakistan registered aircraft and aircraft operated or leased by Pakistan airlines. These include military flight," India released a notice to Air Missions.

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India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant diplomatic agreement signed in 1960, and expelled several Pakistani diplomats.

Adding to the strain, cross-border small-scale firing or confrontations have reportedly intensified along the Line of Control (LoC), further aggravating the situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Meanwhile, international voices have called for de-escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While expressing condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, Rubio urged Pakistan to strongly condemn the incident and cooperate in the investigation. He reiterated Washington's support for counter-terrorism efforts and stressed the importance of regional peace and stability.

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As tensions rise, observers warn that continued escalation could have far-reaching consequences for peace in South Asia, urging both nations to return to the dialogue table.

( For more news apart from, 'US Monitoring India-Pakistan Developments After Pahalgam Terror Attack: ANI, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
US Secretary of State Rubio speak to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,

Mr. Rubio emphasized the need for Pakistan to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pahalgam Attack: Pahalgam Attack: US Secretary Rubio Urges Pakistan to Condemn Terror, Speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, encouraging both nations to work with each other to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia, ANI reported, citing US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

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In a call with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Mr. Rubio expressed his sorrow over the lives lost in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He reaffirmed the US commitment to cooperation with India in the fight against terrorism.

Following the call, Foreign Minister Jaishankar took to X to inform about the conversation. He wrote, Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday, and stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the terror attack must be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, during his call with Pakistans Prime Minister Sharif, Mr. Rubio emphasized the need for Pakistan to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for acts of terrorism and violence. Mr. Rubio urged Pakistani officials to cooperate in investigating the horrific terror attack, ANI reported, citing US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

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The Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 people and injured many others. The Resistance Front, a shadow group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist outfit, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack . Following the attack, India took several diplomatic measures against Pakistan, blaming it for the incident. In a first, India put the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 in abeyance.

In retaliation, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian aircraft and engaged in cross-border firing along the de facto border.

( For more news apart from, 'Pahalgam Attack: Pahalgam Attack: US Secretary Rubio Urges Pakistan to Condemn Terror, Speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Pakistan appoints news New National Security Advisor latest news

His appointment comes amid Pakistan's concerns about a potential military action by India following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan appoints news New National Security Advisor latest news: Pakistans ISI Chief, Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik, was given the additional charge of Pakistans National Security Advisor on Wednesday, according to media reports and sources cited by The Express Tribune. This move comes as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. The Resistance Front, a shadow group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist outfit, claimed responsibility.

According to the report, a formal notification regarding the appointment of ISI Chief Lieutenant General Mohammad Asim Malik as the new National Security Advisor has been issued. Asim Malik was appointed as the chief of the ISI in September 2024.

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The report further states that the additional charge assigned to Asim Malik as National Security Advisor "places him at the center of Pakistans national security policy at a time of heightened regional tensions and evolving internal and external security dynamics."

His appointment comes amid Pakistan's concerns about a potential military action by India following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator who prevented one of the terrorists from attacking the tourists on April 22, in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The area is inaccessible by vehicle.

Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar took to X, claiming, 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.

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Rejecting Indias stance, Pakistans statement read, The 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.

The statement of the Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also warned, Pakistan reiterates that any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively. The international community must remain aware of the reality that the onus of the 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 costs.

( For more news apart from, 'Pakistans ISI Chief Appointed New National Security Advisor Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. At the CESEC (Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity) High Level Meeting in Budapest in September 2016, the responsible ministers of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the "Vertical Corridor" project, and the TSOs concerned have since repeatedly confirmed their commitment to the project, Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority said in an exclusive interview with CE Report, Trend reports.

"They have also expressed their willingness to implement the Corridor at high-level CESEC meetings, most recently in Budapest in October 2024. Unsuccessful capacity auctions in the past on various sections of the Corridor have shown that these developments cannot rely solely on financing from trader's capacity bookings, but will continue to require public funding", said the Authority.

The Regulatory body pointed out that TSOs and the Hungarian Government consistently stress the importance of mobilising EU funds for this project.

"The Corridor would potentially provide access to additional alternative gas sources for the CEE region and network developments in each country would remove existing bottlenecks along the route. Thus, the implementation of the project might increase the level of security of supply in general. The Hungarian section of the Corridor runs from the Romania-Hungary interconnection point (IP) to the Hungary-Slovakia IP.

As for the recent developments of this part of the Corridor, the Authority said:

"From 1 February 2024, the Hungarian and Slovakian TSOs have increased the firm capacity at the HU-SK IP by 50%, reaching 2,6 billion cubic metres (bcm) per year. From this year (1 April), the interconnector's transmission capacity is 3,5 bcm/year. The capacity of the Romania-Hungary bi-directional gas interconnector was increased in 2023 (1 October), the current capacity is 2,6 billion cubic meters/year in both directions", the Authority explained.
Pakistan disobey LoC Ceasefire for 7th Consecutive Night

The Indian Army countered the firing promptly and forcefully.

Pakistan disobey LoC Ceasefire for 7th Consecutive Night latest news today: Pakistani soldiers have been opening fire along the Line of Control (LoC) for seven consecutive nights, targeting various locations in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army confirmed that the firing started on the night of April 30-May 1 in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor.

The Indian Army countered the firing promptly and forcefully. Pakistan initiated firing in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir at first, but subsequently expanded it to Poonch and Akhnoor in Jammu.

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The firing on Tuesday night was seen in Sunderbani and Naushera sectors of Rajouri. It extended to the Pargwal sector on the International Border in the Jammu district by Wednesday.

Pakistani soldiers have been resorting to unprovoked firing on the LoC since April 24, immediately after India put on hold the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The administration in Kashmir has sounded alarms at border areas and increased security in surrounding towns. Checkpoints have been established and frisking has been heightened to maintain security in the wake of tension.

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(For More News Apart Pakistan disobey LoC Ceasefire for 7th Consecutive Night stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
SC Rejects PIL for Probe in Pahalgam Terror Attack, Warns Against Demoralizing Security Forces

You must be responsible. You have a duty towards the nation, Justice Kant remarked.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday declined to entertain a PIL seeking a judicial commission to investigate the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 27 people, most of them tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

In a strong rebuke to the petitioners, a bench led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh criticized the nature of the plea, calling it "irresponsible" and potentially demoralizing to the country's armed forces.

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You must be responsible. You have a duty towards the nation, Justice Kant remarked. Is this how we support our forces during a national crisis? Since when have retired judges become expert investigators?

The court cautioned that such pleas, filed during a time of national grief and heightened security concern, could harm morale and distract from counter-terror operations. The judges reiterated that the judiciarys role is to resolve legal disputesnot to oversee investigations.

At the request of the petitioners, including Junaid Mohd Junaid, Fatesh Kumar Sahu, and Vicky Kumar, the PIL was withdrawn with liberty to approach the High Court on specific issues, such as the alleged harassment of Kashmiri students studying outside J&K.

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The petition also requested minimum security standards for vulnerable tourist locations and action plans by central agencies like the CRPF and NIA. It even sought media regulation through the Press Council of India to avoid incitement and promote responsible journalism.

Earlier, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association and a Full Bench of the Court had issued statements condemning the attack, calling it an affront to humanity and a reminder of terrorisms horrific toll.
Sulina

Sulina is the easternmost point of Romania, a riverside city on the Black Sea, but also on the Danube, a port that in 1904 was home to 18 nations, as documents of the time show.

Sulina

Ana-Maria Cononovici, 01.05.2025, 14:00

Stefan Ivanov, the president of the Association of Pleasure and Fast Transport Boat Operators, recommended Sulina, saying that it can be admired in all seasons: The Danube Delta can be visited in all four seasons. People most often visit the Delta in the summer, but it is very beautiful also in spring, autumn and winter. We had tourists who love nature and wanted to see the Delta during the winter. Sulina has a lot to offer in every season. In the summer season, visitors of Sulina can enjoy the sea and the very, very fine sand on sunny days; they can go kayaking; they can practice slow tourism, so to say, as we promote it, not aggressive one-day tourism. Tourists can visit the Letea Forest area, with subtropical influences, and admire the sand dunes. We also have the Caraorman Forest and the large lakes: Puiu, Rosu, Rosulet. You can spend an entire week here without getting bored.

After a 4-kilometer kayak trip on a so-called Lovers Canal, an adventure in which ducks or coots jumped out of the reeds at the approach of less experienced kayakers, we talked to Calin Ene, a wilderness tour guide, about such experiences, starting from Sulina: This canal has no name, some call it the Willow Canal, some call it the Lovers Canal, the Canal from Mile Three (Mila Trei). It is a wild canal, although it is very close to Sulina. It is exactly the same delta of yore, this canal is clogged. It is wilderness right at the city gate. Thats why I like it a lot. The canal has a nice fauna, you can see there the European penduline tit, bee eaters, and herons, there are many night herons. It is a very, very spectacular canal! It is exactly what you need if you want to see the Delta and the wilderness.

Dragos Ionita is the owner of a guesthouse in Sulina and he told us about the port city and the dishes that delight many tourists: Sulina is the place where the Danube meets the sea. You have the Delta, you have history, you have traditions, you have peace and quiet and you can enjoy nature to the fullest. As to the culinary delights we boast many fish dishes but our top dish which is vey tasty is the baked turbot. It is our best product. Of course, we have everything that means traditional Delta cuisine from fish brine, to fish stew, to carp on cabbage, fried crucian carp, and anchovies. We got inspiration from the Italian bruschetta and put the anchovy on toasted bread and made a product called Delta bruschetta.

Passionate about the citys past, Gheorghe Comarzan created a private collection here, brought together in the Old Sulina Exhibition, an opportunity to discover the history of the place, from ancient times to the present: Welcome to the Old Sulina collection. I named it Lost on the Path of Oblivion. Here you can see a painting by the painter Octav Postolache, who was also the director of the House of Culture in Sighetu Marmatiei. The exhibition includes original objects that I have collected over time, bought from the locals or inherited from the family, bought on the internet, such as these postcards. I donated part of the collection to the Farul Vechi (Old Lighthouse) Museum in Sulina. Here you can see an original newspaper page, from 1861, this is where the story of Sulina begins.

You can also find postcards, photographs from all times, either with personalities or with ordinary people of the place, bricks stamped with the manufacturers logo, testimonies from the time when the most spoken language in Sulina was Greek, then from the era of the European Danube Commission, when the language of communication was French, and the local ladies dressed according to the French fashion, inspired by Marie Claire magazines, and the gentlemen dressed according to the English fashion, which is why fashion magazines from the beginning of the 19th century, or fashion notebooks from the 18th century can also be found here.

Besides nature, in Sulina you can admire the old Genoese lighthouse, near the Musura Gulf and the place where the Danube flows into the Black Sea. You can also admire the Old Lighthouse of Sulina, built at the beginning of the 19th century by the Ottoman authorities, administered between 1897 and 1939 by the European Danube Commission, which turned into a museum in 2003. The exhibition presents, through documents and photographs, the history of Sulina during the period of the European Danube Commission and the lives of two prominent personalities of the city: the conductor George Georgescu and the writer Jean Bart. The multi-confessional cemetery is another tourist attraction. (LS)
Microsoft has moved to calm European fears that U.S. cloud providers could be forced to suspend operations in the region amid escalating transatlantic trade tensions.

Speaking in Brussels, Microsoft President Brad Smith acknowledged growing concerns that a future U.S. administration could order companies like Microsoft to halt cloud services for European customers, potentially as retaliation in a trade dispute. While he called such a scenario "exceedingly unlikely," Smith confirmed the concern is real and widespread across Europe.

In response, Microsoft will include a legally binding clause in its contracts with European governments and the European Commission, ensuring it would contest any foreign government directive to suspend cloud services before complying. Smith emphasized that Microsoft is prepared to go to court if needed, stating that customers "want more than words," and that the company is committed to enforceable protections.

At the same time, Microsoft unveiled plans to significantly boost its presence in Europe. The company will expand its data center capacity on the continent by 40 percent over the next two years, spanning 16 countries. This initiative supports the European Union's ambition to triple its AI computing power as part of its digital sovereignty goals.

Smith reaffirmed Microsoft's commitment to complying with European laws, including competition regulations and the Digital Markets Act, noting that laws in each region should govern local operations. He framed Microsoft as a constructive transatlantic partner, promoting stable relations even as trade and regulatory friction grows.

The move comes as concerns mount in Europe over reliance on U.S. tech firms, particularly in light of past threats from former President Trump to impose tariffs and penalties in response to European digital regulations.

Microsoft's proactive legal and infrastructure commitments appear aimed at preserving trust and strengthening its long-term position in the European cloud market.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Mortgage approvals and final manufacturing Purchasing Managers' survey results from the UK are the major reports due on Thursday, while most of the European are closed for the Labor day holiday.

At 2.30 am ET, Switzerland's Federal Statistical Office releases retail sales data for March. Sales are forecast o grow 1.9 percent on a yearly basis, following a 1.6 percent rise in February.

At 4.30 am ET, the Bank of England publishes mortgage approvals data. The number of mortgages approved in March is seen at 64,000 compared to 65,480 in February.

In the meantime, S&P Global is scheduled to issue the UK final factory PMI data. The flash estimate showed that the manufacturing PMI dropped to 44.0 in April from 45.3 in March.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Tesla Inc. chair Robyn Denholm has denied a Wall Street Journal report that its board was searching for a replacement for Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk.

On the social media platform X, she called the report as "absolutely false."

Shares of Tesla had fallen around 3 percent on Wednesday's trading following the news. However, with the denial of the report, the stock is currently gaining around 1 percent in the pre-market activity.

The WSJ report, citing sources familiar with the discussions, had said that Tesla's board members reached out to several executive search firms to work on a formal process to find a new CEO for the luxury automaker.

In response to the report, Denholm wrote, "Earlier today, there was a media report erroneously claiming that the Tesla Board had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search at the company. This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published). The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead."

The developments are in the backdrop of the electric automaker recording a 71 percent cut in its first-quarter profit, below market estimates, with 9.2 percent drop in revenue to $19.335 billion as vehicle deliveries declined.

Last week, during the company's first-quarter earnings call to discuss the weak performance, Musk had announced that he would reduce time with President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE significantly, starting in May. Musk, a supporter of Trump and a prominent public face of the DOGE initiative, stated that with the major work of establishing the DOGE was done, he plans to allocate probably more time to Tesla.

Musk added then that he plans to continue to spend a day or two per week on government matters for as long as the President asks and as long as it is useful.

Musk, who spent almost $300 million in the 2024 campaign to help Trump return to the White House, was appointed as special government employee, who then created DOGE with a view to cutting down the size and unwanted expenses of the federal government.

Meanwhile, Musk's ties to Trump had affected Tesla significantly with severe protests and brand damage. The shares of the company also were severely hit since Trump took office.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The United States has offered up to $500,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Costa Rican drug lord Alejandro Arias-Monge.

The head of the violent transnational criminal organization Diablo, and the most wanted fugitive in Costa Rica, Arias has multiple Costa Rican warrants for drug trafficking, robbery, aggravated homicide, and money laundering.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Arias has conspired with many drug traffickers and Drug Trafficking Organizations to transport hundreds of kilograms of cocaine originating from Colombia. The drug is then smuggled through Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala to Mexico, with the ultimate destination being the United States.

Arias' syndicate uses social media to intimidate Costa Rican citizens by posting images of firearms, threatening messages to the public and governmental leaders, and videos of murders.

In addition, the DEA and Costa Rican authorities have identified criminal cells operated by Arias in all seven provinces of Costa Rica.

The Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is announcing the reward offer under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Chinese YTO Airlines expands network with new cargo flights from Kazakhstan's Aktobe

Starting May 10, YTO Cargo Airlines will begin flights from Aktobe, boosting the region's role in the "China-Europe" transit route. The launch of a new railway route "Shanxi  Kazakhstan  Uzbekistan" will also speed up delivery times. The Kazakhstan-China Forum also focused on cooperation in agriculture, machinery, logistics, and tourism. Notably, a partnership agreement was signed between Kazakhstan's "Ramazan" company and China in the agro-industrial sector. The visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Intent to establish sister-city ties between Aktobe and Shanxi Province.

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Willis Towers Watson Public Ltd. Co. (WTW), an advisory, broking and solutions firm, Thursday announced the acquisition of CFS International Inc. into Willis. The financial aspects of the deal is not revealed.

CFS is a U.S. West Coast trade credit insurance company and while Willis is a WTW company.

WTW said the targeted acquisition represents continued investment in the growing trade credit .

The deal is expected to strengthen WTW's position as a trade credit provider.

Todd Lynady, Regional Head of Willis Financial Solutions added, "Bringing CFS into WTW further demonstrates our commitment to building the leading trade credit platform in North America."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Gold futures moved sharply lower during trading on Thursday, adding to the weakness seen in the two previous sessions.

After ending Wednesday's modestly lower but well its worst levels, gold for May delivery plunged $95 or 2.9 percent to $3,210 an ounce

With the steep drop on the day, the price of gold pulled back further off its recent record highs, hitting its lowest levels in over two weeks.

Optimism about possible trade deals reduced the safe haven appeal of gold, with President Donald Trump telling a NewsNation town hall on Wednesday that he has "potential" trade deals with India, South Korea and Japan.

The slump by the price of the precious metal also came amid a holiday in China, with a note from TD Securities suggesting "gold is being sucked into China's holiday-induced liquidity vacuum."

An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar also weighed on gold futures, as the U.S. dollar index climbed by 0.8 percent.

Meanwhile, traders largely shrugged off some disappointing U.S. economic data, including a Labor Department report showing first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits rose by much more than expected in the week ended April 26th.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
The price of crude oil saw considerable volatility in morning trading on Thursday but moved sharply higher over the course of the session.

Crude for June delivery jumped $1.03 or 1.8 percent to $59.24 a barrel, regaining ground after plummeting over the three previous sessions.

Oil futures surged in afternoon trading after President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions on any country or person that purchases Iranian oil of petrochemical products.

All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions."

He added, "They will not be allowed to do with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form."

The Trump administration has said it is seeking to apply "maximum pressure" on Iran in order to disrupt the country's oil supply chain and exports, which the administration claims support terrorist proxies and partners.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has released its sales report for April 2025, highlighting a mixed performance across domestic and export markets. While domestic sales saw a double-digit decline, Hyundais export figures surged impressively. Adding to the milestone chart, Hyundai India has now officially crossed 9 million units in cumulative domestic sales since it began operations in the country.

Domestic Sales Down, Exports Up

In April 2025, Hyundai sold 44,374 units in the Indian market, registering a 11.61% YoY decline compared to 50,201 units in April 2024. The drop is even more pronounced on a month-on-month (MoM) basis, with March 2025 sales having stood at 51,820 units, marking a 14.37% decline.

Despite the domestic slowdown, Hyundais exports rose sharply by 21.48% YoY, with 16,400 units shipped in April 2025 versus 13,500 units in the same period last year. This export performance offered significant relief to Hyundais overall sales tally.

9 Million Domestic Sales Milestone

Despite the temporary slowdown, Hyundai India has reached a significant milestone by crossing 9 million cumulative domestic sales since it started operations. This achievement underscores Hyundais long-standing presence and growing customer base in the Indian automotive market.

Commenting on HMIL sales, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, As we enter the 30th year of our operations in India on 6th May 2025, we are proud of our commitment to our country, that has led us to achieve the milestone of 9-million-unit sales in the Indian market since our inception in 1996.

While the domestic market continues to face headwinds on account of various macro-economic factors, we continue to champion Make in India, Made for the World emphasizing HMILs strong focus on exports. This has resulted in a robust 21.5% YoY growth in export volumes in April 2025 and 16.2% growth during January to April 2025 as compared to same period in the previous year. Overall, we remain dedicated to enhancing value for our customers as we gear up to commence operations at our new plant at Talegaon in Q4 of this calendar year.
TVS Motor Company is getting ready to enter the booming adventure motorcycle segment in India with its upcoming Apache RTX 300. Fresh spy shots have now emerged online, revealing the bike testing alongside its most likely rivals  Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure, hinting that TVS is benchmarking its new ADV against all key contenders in the mid-capacity ADV category. It is also expected to compete with the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 and Yezdi Adventure.

TVS MD Spotted Testing the Bike

Interestingly, TVS MD Sudarshan Venu himself was spotted riding the RTX 300. This suggests the bike is in its final stages of development, with a launch expected within the next two to three months. Apache RTX 300 will mark TVSs first ever entry into the adventure segment, a category that has gained serious momentum in recent years.

Design-wise, the Apache RTX 300 looks like a well-built, true adventure tourer. It features a tall stance, upright riding posture, long travel suspension, knobby tyres, an upswept exhaust and what appears to be a split seat layout. The spy images reveal a semi-faired body and a muscular fuel tank. It also gets a luggage rack, sleek LED turn indicators, LED tail light, and high-mounted handlebars for relaxed touring ergonomics.

The front forks are USD units finished in black, matched to a rear monoshock. We expect a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combo. Braking will be handled by petal discs on both ends and switchable dual-channel ABS is likely to be offered.

Powerful New 300cc Engine

The TVS Apache RTX 300 will be powered by the brands new RT-XD4 engine, which was showcased during the 2024 MotoSoul event. This is a 299cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve motor, expected to churn out around 35 bhp and 28.5 Nm. It will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch, and a bi-directional quickshifter.

Modern Tech and Connectivity

Interestingly, it will not get a horizontal TFT instrument cluster like the Apache RTR 310 or RR 310. Instead there is a horizontal unit, likely featuring Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, call and message alerts via the TVS SmartXonnect app, and possibly music controls. These features would give it a tech edge in its class.

TVS has already trademarked the Apache RTX name, and with multiple real-world sightings and the company MD riding the bike himself, the official launch seems imminent. Expect the Apache RTX 300 to launch in the next 2-3 months, with an expected price starting from around Rs 2.4 lakh to Rs 2.7 lakh (ex-showroom).
KMG International sees strong growth in crude oil resale volumes in 2024

In 2024, KMG International saw significant growth in its crude oil resale volumes, primarily driven by increased supplies from Tengizchevroil to Petraco Energies. Additionally, there was an uptick in supplies from KEBCO at Kashagan and other sources of Azerbaijani oil. Meanwhile, oil product production at Kazakhstan and Romanian refineries experienced a slight decline, although Kazakhstan's refineries showed improved efficiency, leading to a modest increase in output.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The Baku branch of Irans Melli Bank (National Bank) has fully resumed its operations after a period of inactivity in Azerbaijan, the Chief Executive of Bank Melli Iran (BMI), Abolfazl Najarzadeh, wrote on X, Trend reports.

According to him, an agreement on the matter was reached during the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan.

The bank official stated that this decision reflects the mutual commitment of both countries to strengthen economic relations and has created valuable opportunities for businesspeople.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
New research led by the University of Portsmouth has revealed that African social spiders -- dubbed 'hippie spiders' for their cooperative lifestyle -- may not have distinct personalities after all.

A study, published in Animal Behaviour, has revealed their behavioural traits fluctuate dramatically over time, challenging previous assumptions about animal individuality.

Animal personality is typically defined as behaviour that remains consistent across time and context. However, the findings suggest that commonly used methods for assessing personality in social spiders may be flawed.

Rather than demonstrating stable traits, the behaviour of Stegodyphus dumicola spiders (social 'hippie' spiders) was found to vary wildly over time, likely in response to internal states such as hunger levels and external environmental factors.

Researchers monitored 28 social spider colonies every two weeks over four months, measuring three key behavioural traits: boldness and fleeing responses when perceiving a threat; and prey capture speed in a group setting.

The study found that while individual spiders initially displayed consistent behaviours over short periods, these patterns changed significantly over time. Scientists also discovered an individual spider's initial behaviour did not predict how it would act later in life.

Lead author, Dr Lena Grinsted, Senior Lecturer in Zoology in the School of the Environment and Life Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, said: "Our study raises the question of whether these spiders truly have personalities at all. We found that their behaviour fluctuates so much that it's misleading to classify individuals as having stable personality traits.

"This challenges past studies that have assumed personality traits remain fixed based on observations conducted over only a few days or behavioural tests repeated only a small number of times."

Previous research has revealed that social Stegodyphus spiders live in a cooperative, seemingly fair and equal society where individuals work together to hunt and raise young, and even sacrifice themselves for the colony offspring.

While researchers in the past have speculated that individuals may take on specific roles such as babysitters or foragers, this study suggests that spider roles are far more fluid than previously thought. Instead of fixed behavioural types, spiders appear to adjust their behaviour dynamically, based on circumstances.

Dr Grinsted added: "It's tempting to assume that these cooperative spiders have defined roles within their societies, just as we see in some other social animals, like ants. However, our findings suggest they may instead live in an even more equal society than expected, where individuals participate in tasks as needed rather than being locked into specific behavioural roles.

"This challenges the idea that individual personalities drive evolutionary and ecological outcomes in this species -- at least based on using traditional methods to assess personality in spiders."

These findings have major implications for behavioural ecology research. The paper calls on scientists to design more rigorous studies that track behaviour over much longer periods, rather than relying on short-term observations to assess animal personality.

It also warns against assuming that social spiders have stable personality traits, as their behaviour appears to be highly flexible and context-dependent.

"This study really highlights the importance of understanding how behaviour changes over the course of an animal's lifetime," explained Dr Grinsted.

"Our humble 'hippie' spiders have demonstrated how categorising individuals into 'bold', 'shy' or 'aggressive' based on a few observations is not just inaccurate, it may lead to wrong conclusions about evolutionary outcomes.

"So, much like people, you can't judge a spider on first impressions and they're not a fan of labels either!"

The study was a collaboration between the University of Portsmouth, Aarhus University, Denmark, University of Paris-Saclay, France, and LMU, Germany.
Social singing and dance are often assumed to be hard-wired into the human condition; studies have supported the conclusion that these are common across cultures. But new research from a University of California, Davis, anthropologist challenges the idea that dance and lullabies are universal among humans. The study, published April 29 in Current Biology, draws on 43 years of research with the Northern Ache, an Indigenous population in Paraguay.

"Aside from church singing introduced by missionaries, Northern Ache adults sing alone and in a limited number of contexts," said study author Manvir Singh, an assistant professor of anthropology at UC Davis. "As far as we can tell, anthropologists have never observed dancing or infant-directed song among the Northern Ache."

The research -- stemming from detailed and longstanding ethnographic fieldwork by anthropologist, Arizona State University (ASU) professor and study second author Kim Hill -- helps clarify the separate roles biology and cultural transmission play in producing and sustaining dance and lullabies in human societies.

"Dance and infant-related song are widely considered universal, a view that has been supported by cross-cultural research, including my own," said Singh. "And this conclusion, in turn, informs evolutionary theorizing about music's origins."

The research supports the idea that dance and lullabies are learned behaviors that don't arise spontaneously. Individuals must invent, tweak and culturally transmit them.

An extensive ethnographic record

Between 1977 and 2020, Hill, an associate director at the Institute of Human Origins at ASU, spent more than 120 months living among Northern Ache communities. He thoroughly documented various aspects of Ache life and behavior, including their relationship to music.

Hill recorded that singing among the Northern Ache was limited and a solo pursuit, performed by one individual rather than with a group. Men, who sing more than women, sing songs primarily about hunting but sometimes sing about current events and social conflict. Women sing primarily about dead loved ones. Northern Ache children sometimes mimic adult songs.

Over this time, Hill and other researchers witnessed neither infant-directed song nor dancing among the Northern Ache community.

"It's not that the Northern Ache don't have any need for lullabies," Singh said. "Ache parents still calm fussy infants. They use playful speech, funny faces, smiling and giggling. Given that lullabies have been shown to soothe infants, Ache parents would presumably find them useful."

Singh's previous ethnomusicological research suggested that practices like dance and lullabies were universal human behaviors. Eventually, Hill contacted Singh and his co-authors and notified them that the Northern Ache appeared to be an exception.

"I found his observations totally fascinating and hugely important and urged him to publish them," Singh said. "He wasn't sure how to report them, so we ended up writing the manuscript together."

A lost practice

According to the researchers, evidence suggests that the Northern Ache lost dance and infant-related song -- along with other cultural practices such as shamanism, horticulture and the ability to make fire -- during periods when their population dropped significantly.

But it's also possible that the practices were lost when the Northern Ache were settled on reservations. During that time, other traditional behaviors disappeared, including puberty ceremonies and hunting magic.

The researchers note that dance and lullabies may have been introduced to the Northern Ache in the years following the conclusion of Hill's fieldwork in 2020, which coincided with the growing presence of Paraguayan missionaries.

The research supports the idea that infant-directed song and dance aren't inherent human behaviors, like smiling. Rather, they're more like fire-making, a behavior that must be invented and learned.

"This doesn't refute the possibility that humans have genetically evolved adaptations for dancing and responding to lullabies," Singh said. "It does mean, however, that cultural transmission matters much more for maintaining those behaviors than many researchers, including myself, have suspected."
When farmers apply pesticides to their crops, 30 to 50 percent of the chemicals end up in the air or soil instead of on the plants. Now, a team of researchers from MIT and Singapore has developed a much more precise way to deliver substances to plants: tiny needles made of silk.

In a study published today in Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers developed a way to produce large amounts of these hollow silk microneedles. They used them to inject agrochemicals and nutrients into plants, and to monitor their health.

"There's a big need to make agriculture more efficient," says Benedetto Marelli, the study's senior author and an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at MIT. "Agrochemicals are important for supporting our food system, but they're also expensive and bring environmental side effects, so there's a big need to deliver them precisely."

Yunteng Cao PhD '22, currently a postdoc Yale University, and Doyoon Kim, a former postdoc in the Marelli lab, led the study, which included a collaboration with the Disruptive and Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART).

In demonstrations, the team used the technique to give plants iron to treat a disease known as chlorosis, and to add vitamin B12 to tomato plants to make them more nutritious. The researchers also showed the microneedles could be used to monitor the quality of fluids flowing into plants and to detect when the surrounding soil contained heavy metals.

Overall, the researchers believe the microneedles could serve as a new kind of plant interface for real-time health monitoring and biofortification.

"These microneedles could be a tool for plant scientists so they can understand more about plant health and how they grow," Marelli says. "But they can also be used to add value to crops, making them more resilient and possibly even increasing yields."

The inner workings of plants

Accessing the inner tissues of living plants requires scientists to get through the plants' waxy skin without causing too much stress. In previous work, the researchers used silk-based microneedles to deliver agrochemicals to plants in lab environments and to detect pH changes in living plants. But these initial efforts involved small payloads, limiting their applications in commercial agriculture.

"Microneedles were originally developed for the delivery of vaccines or other drugs in humans," Marelli explains. "Now we've adapted it so that the technology can work with plants, but initially we could not deliver sufficient doses of agrochemicals and nutrients to mitigate stressors or enhance crop nutritional values."

Hollow structures could increase the amount of chemicals microneedles can deliver, but Marelli says creating those structures at scale has historically required clean rooms and expensive facilities like the ones found inside the MIT.nano building.

For this study, Cao and Kim created a new way to manufacture hollow silk microneedles by combining silk fibroin protein with a salty solution inside tiny, cone-shaped molds. As water evaporated from the solution, the silk solidified into the mold while the salt forms crystalline structures inside the molds. When the salt was removed, it left behind in each needle a hollow structure or tiny pores, depending on the salt concentration and the separation of the organic and inorganic phases.

"It's a pretty simple fabrication process. It can be done outside of a clean room -- you could do it in your kitchen if you wanted," Kim says. "It doesn't require any expensive machinery."

The researchers then tested their microneedles' ability to deliver iron to iron-deficient tomato plants, which can cause a disease known as chlorosis. Chlorosis can decrease yields, but treating it by spraying crops is inefficient and can have environmental side effects. The researchers showed that their hollow microneedles could be used for the sustained delivery of iron without harming the plants.

The researchers also showed their microneedles could be used to fortify crops while they grow. Historically, crop fortification efforts have focused on minerals like zinc or iron, with vitamins only added after the food is harvested.

In each case, the researchers applied the microneedles to the stalks of plants by hand, but Marelli envisions equipping autonomous vehicles and other equipment already used in farms to automate and scale the process.

As part of the study, the researchers used microneedles to deliver vitamin B12, which is primarily found naturally in animal products, into the stalks of growing tomatoes, showing that vitamin B12 moved into the tomato fruits before harvest. The researchers propose their method could be used to fortify more plants with the vitamin.

Co-author Daisuke Urano, a plant scientist with DiSTAP, explains that "through a comprehensive assessment, we showed minimal adverse effects from microneedle injections in plants, with no observed short- or long-term negative impacts."

"This new delivery mechanism opens up a lot of potential applications, so we wanted to do something nobody had done before," Marelli explains.

Finally, the researchers explored the use of their microneedles to monitor the health of plants by studying tomatoes growing in hydroponic solutions contaminated with cadmium, a toxic metal commonly found in farms close to industrial and mining sites. They showed their microneedles absorbed the toxin within 15 minutes of being injected into the tomato stalks, offering a path to rapid detection.

Current advanced techniques for monitoring plant health, such as colorimetric and hyperspectral lead analyses, can only detect problems after plants growth is already being stunted. Other methods, such as sap sampling, can be too time-consuming.

Microneedles, in contrast, could be used to more easily collect sap for ongoing chemical analysis. For instance, the researchers showed they could monitor cadmium levels in tomatoes over the course of 18 hours.

A new platform for farming

The researchers believe the microneedles could be used to complement existing agricultural practices like spraying. The researchers also note the technology has applications beyond agriculture, such as in biomedical engineering.

"This new polymeric microneedle fabrication technique may also benefit research in microneedle-mediated transdermal and intradermal drug delivery and health monitoring," Cao says.

For now, though, Marelli believes the microneedles offer a path to more precise, sustainable agriculture practices.

"We want to maximize the growth of plants without negatively affecting the health of the farm or the biodiversity of surrounding ecosystems," Marelli says. "There shouldn't be a trade-off between the agriculture industry and the environment. They should work together."

This work was supported, in part, by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the U.S. National Science Foundation, SMART, the National Research Foundation of Singapore, and the Singapore Prime Minister's Office.
In what could represent a milestone in ecological restoration, researchers have implemented a method capable of restoring peatlands at tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada.

Researchers from the University of Waterloo led the project that involves lowering the surface of these decommissioned sites, known as well pads, and transplanting native moss onto them to effectively recreate peatlands. This is the first time researchers have applied the method to scale on an entire well pad. The study found that the technique results in sufficient water for the growth of peatland moss across large portions of the study site.

Historically, restoration efforts involved planting trees or grasses to establish upland forests or grasslands. This newmethod returns a well pad to its condition before drilling occurred and supports the ongoing development of peatland restoration techniques. The discovery can help the oil and gas industry and its regulators better mitigate the long-term impact of resource extraction on Canadian peatland ecosystems.

"These results are the first to suggest that the re-establishment of peatland vegetation on full-scale lowered well pads is possible. through peatlands, which can negatively affect the ecosystem in surrounding areas," said Murdoch McKinnon, PhD candidate in the Faculty of Environment. "Well pads bury all of the native peatland vegetation under clay or sand, negatively impacting the ability of the peatland to sequester carbon and also reducing the availability of habitat for wildlife."

The researchers plan to continue monitoring ecosystem development on the tested well pads to confirm that the transplanted mosses will be self-sustaining over the coming decades. Partners at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology's Centre for Boreal Research are now applying some of the study's recommendations at sites across northern Alberta.

"Preserving peatlands is critical because of the role they play storing and supplying water in the landscape," said Dr. Richard Petrone, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at Waterloo. "They are also our best choice for nature-based climate change solutions because of the vast amounts of carbon that they store."

In the future, researchers will focus on increasing the amount of water that flows from surrounding natural peatlands into well pads to further optimize soil moisture. This will be an essential step given the sensitivity of the native mosses to drying out and might therefore improve regrowth.

Mount Royal University, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Athabasca University also contributed to this work. The study, Hydrologic assessment of mineral substrate suitability for true moss initiation in a boreal peatland undergoing restoration, appears in Ecological Engineering.
Geologists led by the University of Maryland and the University of Hawai'i 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 on April 30, 2025, 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 hotspot -- an area where hot and chemically distinct material from deep inside the Earth rises to the surface to create volcanoes -- formed 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.

"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 the 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 the Earth's tumultuous past helps us better understand the dynamic planet we live on today."
An increase in physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 could help prevent Alzheimer's disease, while inactivity may be detrimental to brain health. This is the main conclusion of a scientific paper published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, which highlights the need to promote physical activity among middle-aged adults. The study is the result of a collaboration between the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center promoted by the "la Caixa" Foundation, and the Barcelonaeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), a research centre of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation.

It is estimated that 13% of Alzheimer's disease cases worldwide can be attributed to physical inactivity. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity per week. While extensive research has shown that exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease by improving cardiovascular and mental health, recent studies suggest that physical activity may have a direct impact on the development of brain pathology associated with the disease.

The study, led by Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, researcher at ISGlobal, included 337 participants from the ALFA+ longitudinal cohort, part of the ALFA study (ALzheimer's and FAmilies) at the BBRC, supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation. "We conducted a four-year follow-up of middle-aged residents of Catalonia with a family history of Alzheimer's disease," explains Muge Aknc, doctoral researcher at ISGlobal and the BBRC at the time of the study and first author of the paper. "We used physical activity questionnaires to assess changes in activity over a four-year period and neuroimaging tests to analyse the effects of exercise on brain structure and function," she adds. Participants were classified as adherent (meeting WHO recommendations), non-adherent (doing less than the recommended amount of physical activity), and sedentary (doing zero minutes of physical activity per week).

Benefits of physical activity on brain mechanisms

Beta-amyloid (A) is a protein that can impair neural communication when it accumulates in the brain and is considered the first pathological event in Alzheimer's disease. Participants who increased their physical activity to meet WHO-recommended levels showed less beta-amyloid accumulation than those who remained sedentary or reduced their physical activity. Moreover, this effect appeared to be dose-dependent; the greater the increase in activity, the greater the reduction in amyloid burden.

Non-sedentary participants also showed a greater cortical thickness in brain regions associated with Alzheimer's disease. Cortical thickness in the medial temporal area is crucial for memory, so its thinning or atrophy (loss of volume) is an early sign of neurodegeneration.

"Even those who did less physical activity than recommended had greater cortical thickness than sedentary people, suggesting that any amount of exercise, no matter how minimal, has health benefits," explains Muge Aknc.

More exercise as a prevention strategy

The research team looked at both the increase in physical activity and the adherence to WHO recommendations. They observed that the benefits of physical activity appear to be related to increasing activity over time, rather than reaching a specific activity threshold.

"These findings reinforce the importance of promoting physical activity in middle age as a public health strategy for Alzheimer's prevention," emphasises Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, ISGlobal researcher and lead investigator of the study. "Interventions aimed at promoting increased physical activity could be key to reducing the incidence of the disease in the future," she concludes.
Uzbekistan's NMMC launches landmark gold mining facility

Photo: NMMC

NMMC has rolled out the red carpet for a 1,000-meter-deep vertical skip shaft at Zarmitan, marking Uzbekistans first of its kind in the field. The shaft is set to boost ore hoisting capacity, create 90 jobs, and haul 1.4 million tonnes of ore each year, bringing an economic windfall of $1.5 million. The project was wrapped up with a little help from our friends across the pond.

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Azerbaijan's Central Bank releases latest data on currency reserves and monetary base

As of today, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) is sitting on a mountain of currency reserves, topping $11 billion, which is a tidy little increase of $36 million since April 1. These reserves have seen a rise of $103 million since the start of the year, but they've taken a hit of $598.3 million over the past year. In the meantime, Azerbaijan's money supply is sitting at 20.7 billion manat ($12.1 billion), which is a drop in the bucket of 778.8 million manat since April 1. Since the start of the year, the money supply has taken a nosedive of 197.2 million manat, yet it has seen a silver lining with an increase of 723.4 million manat over the past year.

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Kazakhstan targets China for increased grain and oilseed exports

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's national company, Food Contract Corporation, is in talks to supply grain and oilseeds for processing and export to China. Agreements have been made with Xi'an Ai Jyu to enhance the processing and export of agricultural products, including flour and vegetable oil. Additionally, Food Contract Corporation is working with Memolux to supply grain to a processing plant in North Kazakhstan, with plans to increase exports to 500,000 tons of grain and 100,000 tons of oilseeds annually.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The 7th Meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom concluded in London with the announcement that the 8th session will be held in Baku in 2026, Trend reports.

The meeting began with a bilateral session between Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijans Energy Minister, and Gareth Thomas, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the UKs Department for Business and Trade.

During their talks, both parties addressed key issues on the cooperation agenda, highlighting the areas of mutual interest in energy, business development, and trade.

Following the bilateral discussions, the co-chairs of the commission, Minister Shahbazov and Minister Thomas, addressed the larger meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, which included delegations from both governments. The session resulted in the signing of the Protocol on the Outcomes of the 7th Session, outlining the next steps for the continued partnership between the two countries.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. Azerbaijan has secured a major financial boost from the United Kingdom, with a $6.6 billion credit agreement aimed at supporting priority projects in the fields of energy transition, transport, and infrastructure, Trend reports.

The funding was officially announced at the 7th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK, held in London.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Azerbaijans Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) outlines the terms for the loan, which will be directed towards key initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the reduction of emissions. The agreement also focuses on advancing the countrys transition to a more liberalized electricity market.

During the meeting, discussions centered on further cooperation in various sectors, including the development of offshore wind, solar, and hydrogen energy infrastructure. The UK and Azerbaijan are also collaborating on enhancing energy networks and improving energy efficiency as part of Azerbaijans broader energy transition goals.

Azerbaijans Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, highlighted the importance of the UK's role in the countrys economic development, emphasizing that the UK remains Azerbaijan's largest foreign investor with over $37 billion invested to date. This significant partnership in the energy sector is set to continue as Azerbaijan pursues ambitious projects aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and expanding its renewable energy capacity.
A newly-launched Businesses and People for Immigration campaign, one of, if not the only, state campaign to engage business and others in promoting the economic contributions of immigrants, which has gathered more than 400 endorsers thus far.

campaign, one of, if not the only, state campaign to engage business and others in promoting the economic contributions of immigrants, which has gathered more than 400 endorsers thus far. A new research report with Public Policy Associates on the hundreds of millions of dollars of lost economic activity in following an executive order to pause refugee entry into the United States.

An Employer Toolkit training, which deploys 25 employment and immigration attorney volunteers to help employers understand that they can still hire immigrants, refugees, international students; how to ensure they comply with immigration laws; and how to prepare and respond to a potential ICE raid.

When Egor Folley was in his teens living in his native Russia, he didnt speak English very well and relied on books printed in English as an aid to learn the language. A chance pickup of a biography of Henry Ford led Folley down a rabbit hole of Michigan engineering history, the states manufacturing boom, and a burgeoning love affair with the Motor City.Ten years ago, people were not interested in coming here, and instead going out to California and New York, says Folley, who is now 27 and has been a Detroit resident for nearly a decade.Folley remembers being mocked early in his career when he talked about beelining to Detroit as soon as he got the chance. He started off working around various European economic centers helping entrepreneurs build startups before landing at Global Detroit, where his title is global interpreter-in-residence.Its individuals like Folley  international expats with equal parts familiarity and curiosity about Michigan and its various economies  that Global Detroit has worked to attract to the city and elsewhere across the state for the last 15 years, and not just to add it its own headcount. The staff of 25 straddles two offices in Detroit and Grand Rapids, but its work over the last decade-and-a-half has facilitated dozens of new immigrant-founded startups in the state that in turn bring hundreds of jobs and millions to the states economy.The last 15 years for me have been a real journey, says Steve Tobocman, Global Detroits president and CEO Every year I get engaged in the work, I remain convinced what powerful drivers immigrants provide to Detroit and the Michigan economy all across the state.For much of the past 15 years, Global Detroit benefited from support from Michigan elected officials on both sides of the aisle at the state level, and handled each presidential administration accordingly with little to no resistance.Eight years ago, during the first Trump administration, for a lot of the higher-skilled stuff there often werent policy changes, Tobocman says. But we did see decreased numbersof immigrant student enrollment.Its too early to compare similar measures a few months into the second Trump administration. But a flurry of executive orders in tandem with increased force from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, cuts to various social safety nets, a ramp-up on tariffs on imported goods, and dismantling of some diversity, equity and inclusion efforts  all against a rising tide of anti-immigrant sentiment  brought dizzying levels of uncertainty to nonprofits, advocacy groups and other organizations across the country. Some orgs scrambled, some laid low lo avoid retaliation or crossfire, some accepted a doomed fate and set their respective wind-downs, and others decided to wait and see.Tobocman says he has been working extended hours since the November primary election, and continues to do so, in efforts to preemptively combat whatever may be coming down the pike.Among Global Detroit's recent proactive measures in the last five months:Program officers say the organization is keeping a cool head, if nothing more than to preserve the work of the last 15 years  though they have had increased conversations with stakeholders about the what-ifs. Those what-ifs range from what if funding is cut to this particular source to what if visa programs will be permanently closed to prospective hires.There are a lot of unknowns, says Andrew Johnson, a program officer in the Grand Rapids office. Fortunately, I work with a crop of folks who join our program through well-defined legal pathways established through the H1B visa.If anything, in terms of our work, we can highlight the amazing contributions that our folks are making and motivating in Michigan, Johnson adds.Johnson credits Global Detroits staff for building a solid foundation ready to withstand whatever comes down from on high.Data and numbers-crunching to predict future outcomes regardless of who holds what office is a cornerstone of Global Detroits operations. Working with an ecosystem of Michigan universities, chambers of commerce statewide, economic development corporations and elected officials, much of Global Detroits programming revolves around external marketing where Michigan outperforms rival states, and internal thinking about bringing up stats where the state is lacking.Once [startup founders] are in the program and their startup starts to grow, theyre raising more capital  and we dont have as much venture capital in Michigan as they do in Boston and elsewhere, Tobocman says, underscoring one of Global Detroits more recent calls for greater awareness and action. That is a real concern, that the state doesnt have a mature venture capital system to meet the ambition that we all have.Global Detroit trades on Michigans strengths in the meantime.One pathway to startup success, as an example: Collectively, more than half of STEM majors at the graduate level are made up of international students. One of Global Detroits initial tasks is to keep those students in the state after theyre degreed. But why Michigan, and not, say, warmer Silicon Valley in California or startup-friendly economies in Seattle or Austin? Thats where Global Detroit works with local and state agencies to market Michigans strengths to would-be startup founders: Lower cost of living compared to rival cities, natural resources in the form of Great Lakes shorelines and acres of parkland (Places like West Michigan are appealing to folks, Johnson pipes in); an international airport in a central part of the country, existing immigrant populations across nearly every major metropolis statewide.After convincing someone to stay in Michigan, Global Detroit remains a support system long after the startup is founded. This includes facilitating resources toward obtaining visas for international hires, networking them with other likeminded entrepreneurs and founders across the country, and keeping checks and tabs on the ecosystem around immigrant-founded startups  particularly with local lawmakers addressing anything related to economic impact, and especially with colleges and universities on aggressively recruiting international students. (Another closely analyzed stat for the record: Michigan has the eighth-largest international student population in the country.)We dont speak for immigrants; were not an immigrant-led organization, Tobocman said. We focus on the economics, and whats in it for Detroiters [and] for Michiganders.Tobocman looks back to Global Detroits inception in 2009, when the countrys economy was in freefall but Detroit had hit rock bottom before everyone else. From the economic challenges that Michigan faced, that adversity creates opportunity.The tangible successes that opportunity has bred includes a net gain of dozens companies launched under Global Detroits purview and thousands of jobs added. A more abstract take on the net gains in the last 15 years would be adding new layers to a long-held, tried-and-true value system.These guys are chasing the American Dream here, and they want to be here, to contribute to the economy, and to be successful. Johnson says.It seems to be working for Folley, whos been wooing once-skeptical Euro friends to give the pleasant peninsulas a try.I was always that person: the American guy. I was always saying, Im going to America, Im going to America, and I was always saying, America is for hustlers. The first moment I came here, I was right, we are hustlers.
John Grap People lined both sides Beckley Road between Riverside and M-66 during the April 5 Hands Off demonstration in Battle Creek.

John Grap Pam of Just Us People talks about the April 5 Hands Off demonstration on Beckley Road in Battle Creek.

John Grap Pam Tindol holds a sign at the April 5 Hands Off demonstration on Beckley Road in Battle Creek.

John Grap People lined both sides Beckley Road between Riverside and M-66 during the April 5 Hands Off demonstration in Battle Creek.

John Grap People lined both sides Beckley Road between Riverside and M-66 during the April 5 Hands Off demonstration in Battle Creek.

John Grap People lined both sides Beckley Road between Riverside and M-66 during the April 5 Hands Off demonstration in Battle Creek.
Rev. Chavez Marshall, Rev. Addis Moore, and Rev. Lenzy Bell inspire people inside Mt. Zion Baptist Church before the start of the Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Dominion Walk in Kalamazoo.

Rev. Addis Moore, senior pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, said The church has to have a response to gun violence.

Courtesy: HOPE thru Navigation Gun violence victim Montine Mikey Wiley is at right as members of ISAAC Group Violence Task Force finishes a visit to the Kalamazoo County Courthouse.

Courtesy: HOPE thru Navigation Montine Mikey Wiley jr., left, helps a youngster learn to cook.

Fran Dwight People prepare to make the Dominion Walk against gun violence on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 outside Zion Baptist Church. in Kalamazoo.

Fran Dwight The desire to see an end to senseless shootings inspired people to participate in the anti-gun violence Dominion Walk on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Fran Dwight Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson, center left, and City Manager James Ritsema, talk in the pews of Mount Zion Baptist Church before Wednesdays anti-gun violence walk in Kalamazoo.

Fran Dwight About 250 people are estimated to have participated in the April 30, 2025 anti-gun violence walk in Kalamazoos North Side Neighborhood.

Fran Dwight A woman holds an anti-gun violence sign at the start of the Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Dominion Walk in Kalamazoo.

Fran Dwight Two children smile and make faces as they participate in the Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Dominion Walk against gun violence.

Fran Dwight The desire to see an end to senseless shootings inspired people to participate in the anti-gun violence Dominion Walk on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Fran Dwight A hearse from Whiitney Memorial Funeral Home guided the walkers through the neighborhood.
New restrooms at Ott Biological Preserve

New picnic tables at Ott Biological Preserve

New water fountains at Ott Biological Preserve

New parking lot at Ott Biological Preserve
David Lehman-Oliver, 9, gets his haircut by his longtime barber Jerome Lenzy at Robs Barber Shop during a Barbershop and Literacy event in the Vine Neighborhood.

Kristen Aguirre At Robs Barbershop young people were being encouraged to read along with their haircuts.

Kristen Aguirre A young boy gets his haircut by Robert DeAnda, owner of Robs Barber Shop during a Barbershop and Literacy event in the Vine Neighborhood.

Kristen Aguirre A Kalamazoo family looks at the free books available at a Barbershop and Literacy event in the Vine Neighborhood.

Kristen Aguirre Decision, decisions. A young girl looks at the free books available during a recent Barbershop and Literacy event in the Vine Neighborhood.

Kristen Aguirre The free books available at Barbershop and Literacy event in the Vine Neighborhood put on by Great Start Collaborative at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) and the Vine Neighborhood Association.
EUROPE

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Expected Council Action

In May, the Security Council will hold its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The current authorisation for the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR ALTHEA) expires on 1 November.

Key Recent Developments

The trial against Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik for failing to implement the High Representatives decisions began on February 2024 following the filing of charges in August 2023 by Bosnia and Herzegovinas (BiH) Prosecutors Office. (For background and earlier political developments, see our brief on BiH in the November 2024 Monthly Forecast.)

On 26 February, the BiH state court sentenced Dodik to one year in prison and banned him from holding office as RS president for six years for defying the decisions of the High Representative. The decision was a first-instance verdict, meaning that both sides can appeal; a second-instance verdict is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. In response to the sentencing, Dodik vowed to ignore the verdict, and the RS National Assembly (RSNA) banned BiHs state-level court and prosecutors office, as well as the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and State Intelligence Agency from exercising jurisdiction in RS.

On 26 February, the RSNA also adopted a statement claiming that the state court decision was rendered on the basis of a decision imposed by a foreign national, contrary to the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as such, constitutes a breach of the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a 27 February statement, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Dodiks sentencing was politically motivated, expressed support for RS authorities, and added that Russia was using all political means to prevent the situation from developing into a negative track. Hungary and Serbia also voiced support for Dodik.

On 6 March, Security Council members held closed consultations on BiH, during which Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed. In requesting the meeting, Russia apparently said that the courts decision had drastically worsened the internal situation in BiH, increased tensions, and posed a serious threat to the Dayton Agreement. (For more information, see our 6 March Whats In Blue story.)

On 12 March, the Prosecutors Office of BiH issued arrest warrants for Dodik, RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic, and RSNA Speaker Nenad Stevandic. The three faced accusations of undermining the constitutional order by enacting legislation that barred state-level judicial and police institutions from operating within RS territory.

On 13 March, the RSNA adopted a new draft constitution and a draft Law on the Protection of the Constitutional Order of RS, asserting the entitys right to greater autonomy and establishing separate institutions, including its own army and judiciary. The draft constitution and law also proposed the authority for RS to enter into alliances with other states. At Slovenias request, Council members discussed these developments on 21 March under the any other business agenda item during consultations. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca briefed.

In a 28 March press statement, the Security Council expressed deep concern over recent developments in BiH. The statement reaffirmed the Councils full support for the GFAP and its annexes, underscoring the importance of adherence to BiHs constitution. It called on all political actors, including both entities and the three constituent peoples, to engage in sincere, open, and constructive dialogue aimed at preserving the countrys unity and political stability. The Council also emphasised the need to avoid confrontational approaches and refrain from provocative and divisive rhetoric and actions.

On 23 April, SIPA officers reportedly attempted to arrest Dodik in East Sarajevo, but were prevented from doing so by RS police. The following day, High Representative for BiH Christian Schmidt issued a decree suspending all disbursements of budgetary funds for the ruling political parties in RSUjedinjena Srpska and Dodiks Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD).

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a 7 February press release, independent human rights experts voiced alarm over the reintroduction of draft legislation on registering non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in RS after it was withdrawn in May 2024. Titled Republika Srpska Law on the Special Registry and Publicity of the Work on Non-Profit Organisations, it aims to create a register of non-profit groups receiving foreign funding or other assistance of foreign origin in RS.

According to the experts, in its current form, the bill would impose severe restrictions on [NGOs] and grant disproportionate government control over their operations and would likely lead to unnecessary impingements on civil society and the work of human rights defenders. The experts called for RS authorities to take into account the concerns of all sectors of civil society and refrain from approving the draft legislation as it was inconsistent with BiHs international human rights obligations. They likewise urged political leaders to refrain from stigmatising NGOs by calling them pejorative names and designating them as foreign agents.

Key Issues and Options

The role of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) remains a key divisive issue for the Council. At the Councils last regular meeting on BiH, held on 1 November 2024, China expressed concerns about the appointment of Schmidt to the position of High Representative and claimed that he has frequently used the Bonn powers to amend the laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, giving rise to tensions and divisions within the country. Russia has expressed similar concerns over Schmidts actions and has repeatedly challenged his legitimacy and mandate. During the same Council meeting, Russia reiterated its call for the OHRs closure, accusing it of interfering in BiHs internal affairs and damaging the countrys post-conflict settlement process.

Western Council members, including the P3 (France, the UK, and the US), have opposed imposing a time frame for the OHRs closure without referencing the 5+2 Agenda, which is a set of five objectives and two conditions established by the PIC that need to be fulfilled prior to the OHRs closure.

One option the Council could consider is to request the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel, Elinor Jane Britt Hammarskjold, to provide a legal opinion on the procedures for designating High Representatives under Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement and on whether the PIC Steering Boards decision of 27 May 2021 designating Christian Schmidt complied with those procedures. Such an opinion would have to analyse the Councils own record of acting on earlier designationsnormally by welcoming and agreeing through resolutions (from resolution 1031 of 1995 through resolution 1869 of 2009), but on one occasion, in 2006, by a presidential letter that endorsed Christian Schwarz-Schillings appointment (S/2006/61)and assess whether endorsement by the Council, unanimity in the Steering Board, or consent of the Bosnian parties is legally required. By providing an authoritative legal baseline, the request could provide a common point of reference for future Council discussions on the OHR. There is a precedent: at the Councils request, then-Legal Counsel Hans Corell issued a public opinion on 29 January 2002 concerning Moroccan mineral resources contracts in Western Sahara (S/2002/161).

Another option would be for the Council to request the International Court of Justice to render an advisory opinion on the procedures and modalities for appointing High Representatives of BiH under the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Council Dynamics

Council members broadly agree on the risks posed by BiHs entrenched ethnic divisions and political polarisation. Most are also critical of Dodiks rhetoric and his continued threats of dissolution, which they view as challenging BiHs sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia, however, tends to be supportive of Dodiks positions and frames international oversightparticularly by the High Representativeas illegitimate.

Deep divisions related to BiHs Euro-Atlantic integration and possible accession to NATOparticularly between Russia on the one hand and the US and Council members from Europe on the otherhave long coloured Council dynamics on BiH. However, under the Trump administration, there has been a lack of clarity about the US position on this issue, adding further uncertainty to the process.

As part of the separate EU enlargement process, the European Council agreed to open accession talks with BiH on 21 March 2024 after having unanimously voted to grant BiH candidate status in December 2022. This milestone was welcomed by many Council members as a positive step toward strengthening BiHs institutions and promoting long-term stability. This development has raised the stakes in Council dynamics, as Russias support for Dodikwhose actions have challenged state institutions and the authority of the OHRruns counter to the EUs requirement for full implementation of the Dayton Agreement, a key condition for BiHs accession.

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Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 1. Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, held a videoconference with Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank (NDB), and discussed key areas of collaboration, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan.

The leaders explored potential cooperation in large-scale infrastructure projects, water management, renewable and green energy, as well as the development of high-speed railways, highways, and private investment initiatives.

Moreover, the NDB leadership was invited to attend the Tashkent International Investment Forum, scheduled for June 10-12, 2025.

Founded in 2015, the New Development Bank (NDB) was established by the BRICS nationsBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africawith the aim of supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.
ASIA

DPRK (North Korea)

Expected Council Action

In May, Council members are scheduled to discuss the 90-day report on the work of the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee in closed consultations.

Ordinarily, the Chair of the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee briefs Council members on the report. At the time of writing, the Chair had not been appointed, as Council members were still negotiating this years allocation of subsidiary bodies. If the Chair is not appointed by the time the meeting is scheduled to take place, Greece, the president of the Council during May, is expected to brief members on the report in its capacity as president.

Key Recent Developments

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have continued to rise in recent months. On 10 March, Republic of Korea (ROK) officials announced that the DPRK had launched several close-range ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea from Hwanghae province in the southwestern part of the country. The launches, which were the first ballistic missile tests conducted by the DPRK since 14 January, came shortly after the ROK and the US began their annual Freedom Shield military exercise. Since the conclusion of this exercise, the ROK and the US have conducted additional joint military drills in the region, including an operation involving the deployment of long-range B1-B bombers in ROK airspace. In late February, the DPRK fired multiple cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea several days before a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier arrived in Busan, a port city in southern ROK. On 8 April, ROK troops fired warning shots at a group of DPRK soldiers who had crossed the border between the two countries.

Against this backdrop, the DPRK has continued to show little willingness to take steps towards denuclearisation. In a mid-March statement, the DPRKs foreign ministry vowed to steadily update and strengthen its nuclear capabilities. The statement appeared to be a response to a 14 March joint statement of the foreign ministers of the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US), which demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programmes in accordance with all relevant [Security Council] resolutions. DPRK leader Kim Jong-un and his sister Kim Yo-jong have also made similar remarks reaffirming the DPRKs commitment to its nuclear weapons programme in recent months.

Since his inauguration, President Trump has made several public statements indicating that he may seek to reestablish dialogue with Kim Jong-un, which he pursued unsuccessfully in his first term. During a 13 March meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed an interest in restarting the talks, saying that he has a great relationship with Kim Jong-un and calling him a nuclear power. On 1 April, Trump told reporters that there is communication in response to a question about possible talks with Kim Jong-un. According to media reports, officials in the Trump administration have been undertaking preparatory work for a possible resumption of dialogue with the DPRK.

The DPRK has also continued to bolster its relationship with Russia, including by deploying additional troops to Russias Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a cross-border offensive in August 2024, and by supplying Russia with weapons for use against Ukraine. In a 15 April Reuters report highlighting the support provided to Russia by the DPRK, Hugh Griffiths, the former Chair of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee, described the DPRKs contribution to Russias war effort in Ukraine as strategically vital. On 21 March, Russian security official Sergei Shoigu met with Kim in Pyongyang, where the pair reportedly discussed the conflict in Ukraine, the relationship between the US and Russia, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. In recent days, the DPRK and Russia have publicly acknowledged that DPRK troops had been deployed to Kursk for the first time.

The DPRK also appears to be seeking to strengthen its naval capabilities. On 8 March, state media claimed that the DPRK was building a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine. On 26 April, the DPRK unveiled what it described as a new multipurpose destroyer saying that it will be available for navy service in early 2026.

Reports of possible sanctions evasion related to the overseas employment of DPRK nationals have also emerged in recent months. On 9 February, Yonhap news agency reported that thousands of DPRK workers were sent to Russia in 2024, citing ROK intelligence sources. On 24 February, the Associated Press reported that a fleet of Chinese fishing vessels used DPRK crews between 2019 and 2024, citing a report published by a London-based non-profit organisation.

On 22 March, the foreign ministers of China, Japan, and the ROK convened in Tokyo for the 11th trilateral foreign ministers meeting between the three countries. Following the meeting, ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul told reporters that he had asked Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to help persuade the DPRK to pursue denuclearisation.

On 22 April, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi reportedly warned that the DPRKs nuclear programmes have grown exponentially and called on the international community to resume high-level diplomacy with the countrys leadership.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 14 January, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk issued a report on promoting accountability in the DPRK. The report, which covers the period from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2024, describes the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights efforts to promote accountability for human rights violations in the DPRK and examines information gathered on such violations in light of international legal standards. Among other matters, the report recommends that member states take further steps to ensure accountability for gross human rights violations in the DPRK, including through referral by the Security Council of the situation to the International Criminal Court. Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif presented the report to the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 20 March.

The latest report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK Elizabeth Salmon was issued on 5 February. The report provides an overview of the current human rights situation, the interlinkages among human rights, development and peace and security, and an analysis of the DPRKs approach to economic, social, and cultural rights and relevant Sustainable Development Goals in relation to the normative content of human rights.

On 3 April, the HRC adopted its annual resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK. On 25 March, the HRC adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on the DPRK.

Key Issues and Options

The DPRKs ongoing weapons tests, many of which violate Council resolutions, remain a serious concern for the Council. Sanctions evasion is another key issue, as is the overall effectiveness of the sanctions regime, particularly given that the DPRK is widely believed to have continued developing nuclear weapons since the regime was first introduced. The DPRKs ongoing refusal to participate in denuclearisation dialogue and the humanitarian situation in the country are also problems for the Council. In light of these issues, the Council could adopt a resolution that condemns the DPRKs ongoing missile tests, urges member states to comply with existing resolutions, and calls on the DPRK to take part in denuclearisation talks. It could also update and strengthen the 1718 DPRK sanctions regime with a view to exerting additional pressure on the DPRK.

The lack of a panel of experts assisting the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee is another major issue. (The previous panel was shut down when Russia vetoed a resolution that would have extended its mandate in March 2024. For more information, see our 22 March 2024 Whats in Blue story). Some members are currently exploring how the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, which was first announced in October 2024, could assist the Council and the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee. Interested Council members could ask for a briefing on the work of this mechanism, particularly following the inaugural meeting of its steering committee on 19 February. Members could also request a briefing on the implementation of the 1718 DPRK sanctions regime from UN agencies or civil society organisations with relevant expertise.

The deployment of DPRK troops on Russian territory and reports of ongoing arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia have created another major issue for the Council. Council members could choose to hold a meeting to discuss any relevant developments. Given the direct involvement of a permanent member, however, a more substantive response is likely to be difficult.

Council Dynamics

The Council is sharply divided over the DPRK, and this dynamic appears to have worsened as cooperation between the DPRK and Russia has grown. The P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and other like-minded Council members, including the ROK, generally favour using sanctions to help manage the threat posed by the DPRK and regularly call on member states to comply with existing Council resolutions. Many of these members have urged the country to engage in dialogue and abandon its nuclear weapons programme while emphasising that it is responsible for escalating tensions. Some have also called for the Council to show unity and respond to the DPRKs weapons tests and argue that China and Russia have emboldened the DPRK by blocking Council action on the file. Several of these members have strongly criticised the growing cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including by highlighting evidence of arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia and noting that these transfers violate Council resolutions.

China and Russia, on the other hand, blame the US and its allies for heightening tensions and have accused the US of not doing enough to incentivise the DPRK to participate in denuclearisation talks. These two members have previously argued that sanctions should be eased because of their impact on the humanitarian situation in the country and have also repeatedly blocked attempts to issue a Council product responding to missile launches carried out by the DPRK in recent years.

The US is the penholder on the DPRK.

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MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon

Expected Council Action

In May, Council members expect to receive a briefing in consultations on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1559. Adopted in 2004, it called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon, the disarmament of all militias, and the extension of government control over the whole Lebanese territory. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo is the anticipated briefer.

The mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expires on 31 August.

Key Recent Developments

The 26 November 2024 cessation-of-hostilities arrangement between Israel and Lebanon has continued to hold despite violations. Under the terms of the arrangement, which was brokered by France and the US, Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets in the territory of Lebanon, and the Lebanese government will prevent Hezbollah and all other armed groups from conducting operations against Israel. In addition, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will dismantle unauthorised infrastructure and confiscate unauthorised arms, among other tasks.

The arrangement outlined a 60-day deadline for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to withdraw south of the Blue Line and, in parallel, for the LAF to deploy to positions south of the Litani River, a deadline that was later extended until 18 February. (The Blue Line is a withdrawal line set by the UN in 2000 to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. While not representing an international border, the Blue Line acts in practice as a boundary between Lebanon and Israel in the absence of an agreed-upon border between the two states.)

According to Israeli media reports, also cited by Lebanese news outlets, the US bilaterally provided additional guarantees to Israel with respect to the cessation-of-hostilities arrangements implementation, including recognising Israels right to respond to Hezbollah threats.

Since the cessation-of-hostilities arrangement, Israel has regularly carried out airstrikes in Lebanese territory, saying that it was targeting members of Hezbollah and weapon depots. On 28 March and 1 April, Israel conducted airstrikes in Beirut for the first time since the cessation-of-hostilities arrangement was agreed. These followed rocket fire from Lebanon towards northern Israel on 22 and 28 March, for which Hezbollah denied responsibility. On 16 April, the LAF, which has been deploying to positions south of the Litani River under the terms of the arrangement, announced the arrest of a group of Lebanese and Palestinians in connection with the rocket launches. These arrests were followed on 20 April by the detention of several people who were allegedly planning to launch rockets into Israel. On 27 April, Israel carried out airstrikes in the suburbs of Beirut, targeting what it said was a missile storage facility belonging to Hezbollah. In a statement issued the same day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on France and the US to assume their responsibilities as guarantors of the cessation-of-hostilities arrangement and compel Israel to immediately cease its attacks.

According to a 15 April statement by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least 71 civilians have been killed by Israeli forces in Lebanon since the cessation-of-hostilities arrangement began. Civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and roads, has also been destroyed. Citing IDF figures, the statement says that during this period, at least five rockets, two mortars and a drone have been launched from Lebanon towards Israel. Over 92,000 people remain displaced in Lebanon and tens of thousands of Israelis are still displaced from the north of the country. OHCHR called for violence to immediately stop and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law.

In mid-February, Israel withdrew from most of south Lebanon but retained a presence in five positions in Lebanese territory near the Blue Line. Announcing its decision regarding the five positions, the IDF reportedly said on 17 February that it will remain there until Israel is certain that Hezbollah will not return to the area south of the Litani River. In an 18 February joint statement, Aoun, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed the urgent need for Israels full withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.

In an 11 March statement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that an agreement had been reached among French, Israeli, Lebanese, and US officials to form working groups to discuss issues related to the five areas that remain under Israeli control, disputed areas along the Blue Line, and Lebanese prisoners held by Israel. At the time of writing, it appears that the working groups have yet to be set up. In a 15 April interview, Aoun said that Lebanon is open to negotiations on the land border. He indicated, however, that the issue of the Lebanese detainees and the five areas of Lebanese territory occupied by Israel should not be matters for negotiation.

In the same interview, Aoun said that he is working to make 2025 the year the Lebanese state achieves a monopoly over weapons. This is in line with the position Aoun has taken on the issue of Hezbollahs weapons since his presidential inauguration speech in January.

On 16 April, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israeli troops would remain indefinitely in what he referred to as security zones in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip. In response, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Kassem declared that the group would not disarm. While Hezbollah is open to participating in talks on a comprehensive defence strategy for Lebanon, he said that would only happen after Israel halts its ongoing attacks on Lebanon.

These developments are taking place against the backdrop of Hezbollahs declining military power and decreasing political influence following the war with Israel and the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which has led to the loss of a key military supply route for Hezbollah from Iran through Syria.

According to the most recent Secretary-Generals report on resolution 1701, which was issued on 12 March and covered developments between 21 October 2024 and 20 February, the IDFs presence north of the Blue Line is a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as resolution 1701 and undermines the efforts of the Lebanese authorities to extend state authority throughout its territory. The report also said that, since 27 November 2024, the LAF has started to dismantle military infrastructure and confiscate weapons believed to have belonged to Hizbullah south of the Litani River, noting that the maintenance of arms outside the states control by nonstate groups is in violation of resolution 1701 and restricts the states ability to exercise full sovereignty and authority over its territory. (Adopted in 2006, resolution 1701 called for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah based on a series of principles, including the establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani River in Lebanon of an area free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of UNIFIL and the Lebanese government, as well as no foreign forces in Lebanon without its governments consent.)

UNIFIL has adjusted its posture within its existing mandate to support the implementation of the cessation-of-hostilities arrangement. The mission has supported the gradual redeployment of the LAF across southern Lebanon, uncovered numerous weapons caches, and removed unexploded ordnance. In his statement at the 7 April briefing of the heads of military components of UN peacekeeping operations, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz said that UNIFIL developed an adaptation plan focused on, among other objectives, strengthening its operational posture, securing local communities support, and enhancing the missions profile. Another objective is to support the mechanism created by the cessation-of-hostilities arrangement to monitor, verify, and assist in ensuring enforcement of the commitments outlined in the arrangement. This is a reformulated version of the tripartite mechanism established following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, which consisted of representatives of UNIFIL, the IDF, and the LAF, and was chaired by UNIFIL. Under the terms of the cessation-of-hostilities arrangement, the revised mechanism is chaired by the US and hosted by UNIFIL. It also includes France.

On 16 April, Qatar announced that it would be sending 162 military vehicles and a $60 million donation towards the salaries of LAF officers. In March, the US State Department reportedly approved an exception to the 90-day foreign aid funding freeze imposed by US President Donald Trump, allowing $95 million in military assistance to the LAF.

Municipal elections are scheduled to be held in Lebanon in four phases starting on 4 May. This will be the first time since 2016 that the Lebanese people will vote to elect local government bodies. Municipal elections were originally planned for May 2022 but were initially postponed to May 2023 to avoid their coinciding with the May 2022 legislative elections. Polls were again postponed in April 2024 following a vote by the parliament to extend the term of local government officials until 31 May 2024.

From 10 to 13 March, a fact-finding mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Lebanon. The press release issued at the end of the visit welcomed the Lebanese authorities request for a new IMF program to support their efforts to address Lebanons significant economic challenges. Lebanon did not implement most of the reforms envisaged by a previous preliminary agreement with the IMF, requiring that a new agreement be reached. On 24 April, the Lebanese parliament approved amendments to banking secrecy legislation, one of the issues that had long been identified by the IMF as needing reform.

In a 5 March statement, Amnesty International said that it investigated four Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities and medical vehicles in Lebanon that killed 19 healthcare workers between 3 and 9 October 2024. The statement called for the attacks to be investigated as war crimes, adding that Amnesty International did not find evidence that the targeted facilities and vehicles were being used for military purposes at the time of the attacks. The statement called on Lebanon to provide the International Criminal Court with the jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute international crimes committed in Lebanese territory.

Key Issues and Options

Supporting the full implementation of the cessation-of-hostilities agreement between Israel and Hezbollah remains the Security Councils foremost immediate priority.

Council members could consider issuing a press statement that urges all parties to fully implement the arrangement and the Security Councils relevant resolutions, calls on the international community to support Lebanons reconstruction, and stresses the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Council Dynamics

Council members agree on the need for the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon to hold and the importance of guaranteeing safety and security for UNIFIL peacekeepers.

There are sharp differences in Council members views of Hezbollah. Some members distinguish between Hezbollahs political and military wings and have only designated its military wing as a terrorist organisation; other members, including the UK and the US, have listed Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organisation. On the other hand, Russia sees Hezbollah as a legitimate socio-political force in Lebanon.

China and Russia have opposed the Council taking positions they perceive as overly prescriptive regarding Lebanons internal affairs.

France is the penholder on Lebanon.

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AFRICA

Libya

Expected Council Action

In May, the Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution renewing for one year the authorisation for member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya, bound to or from Libya, that they have reasonable grounds to believe are violating the arms embargo. The current authorisation expires on 31 May.

The Council will also receive the biannual briefing of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, on the ICCs Libya-related activities.

Key Recent Developments

The Security Council last renewed the authorisation for maritime inspections through resolution 2733, adopted on 31 May 2024, in which it requested the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the measures within six and 11 months of the resolutions adoption. The first report was published in November 2024 and covered the period from 15 April to 31 October 2024. It described the fragile security situation in the country, marked by clashes among armed groups in Tripoli and western Libya and heightened tensions between western Libyan forces and the Libyan National Army in the southwest. In this context, the report emphasised that the effective and comprehensive implementation of the arms embargo remains essential to reduce violence, support the political process, enhance security, and prevent arms proliferation and illicit transfers by air, land, and sea. At the time of writing, the second report had not been published.

According to the Secretary-Generals November report, the EU naval operation EUNAVFOR Med IRINI (Operation IRINI) remained the only regional arrangement to inspect vessels under the authorisation. During the reporting period, it conducted 2,192 hailings (making contact with other vessels), 70 friendly approaches (consensual visits to vessels that can be carried out without flag state approval and without the use of enforcement measures), and two vessel inspections related to the arms embargo. It attempted but did not carry out two additional inspectionsone because the vessels flag state refused consent and the other because of the vessels brief transit through Egyptian and Libyan waters and short travel in the area of operation. (The authorisation requires good-faith efforts to first obtain the consent of the vessels flag state prior to any inspections.) No cargo seizures were reported.

Besides renewing the maritime inspection authorisation, the Council is expected to receive a briefing this month from Khan on the ICCs activities related to Libya. The Council referred the situation in Libya to the ICC through resolution 1970, which requested biannual updates from the prosecutor. The court has jurisdiction over crimes listed in the Rome Statute committed on Libyas territory or by its nationals from 15 February 2011 onward. The ICC opened investigations in March 2011 related to alleged crimes against humanity (including murder, imprisonment, torture, persecution, and other inhumane acts) and war crimes (including murder, torture, cruel treatment, and outrages upon personal dignity). There is currently one open case before the court, centred on Saif al-Islam Qaddafi, the son of deposed Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. On 27 June 2011, the court charged Qaddafi with two counts of alleged crimes against humanity and issued a warrant for his arrest. He remains at large.

In his last Council briefing on 19 November 2024, Khan informed members that Pre-Trial Chamber I unsealed arrest warrants for six individuals from the Al-Kaniyat armed group that the court believes are responsible for Rome Statute crimes committed in Tarhuna. Khan requested the Councils assistance in ensuring the execution of these warrants, the arrest of these individuals, and their participation in fair, independent, and impartial trials. He also noted that investigations into detention-facility crimes and crimes relating to the 2014-2020 period were progressing and that he anticipated further applications for arrest warrants in the next reporting period.

On 18 January, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Osama Elmasry Njeem, suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Libya from February 2015 onward. Njeem allegedly oversaw Tripoli prison facilities, where thousands were murdered, tortured, raped, and subjected to sexual violence. On 19 January, Italian authorities arrested Njeem in Turin, Italy. On 21 January, however, the Rome Court of Appeal (an Italian appellate court) ordered his release because of a procedural error. That same day, Italy returned Njeem to Libya, citing security concerns. The ICC claims Italian authorities failed to notify them of any warrant issues. As a result of the incident, Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and two ministers concerning the repatriation of Njeem to Libya despite the ICC warrant for his arrest.

The political impasse in Libya continues over the holding of national elections that would reconcile the countrys divided government. During the Councils most recent briefing on the situation in Libya held on 17 April, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh briefed about her consultations with Libyan political, military, security and judicial actors; oversight institutions, political parties, civil society and women leaders; and the diplomatic community since her appointment in February. She also explained how UNSMIL was supporting the Advisory Committee set up in February to address outstanding issues hindering the holding of elections in Libya. The committee is expected to conclude its work by the end of April.

Key Issues and Options

The key issue for the Council in May is to renew the authorisation for maritime inspections off the coast of Libya. From 2016 until 2023, the Council has renewed the authorisation annually through straightforward rollovers. Last year, however, the Council adopted resolution 2733, which provided for an enhanced role of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee in approving the disposal of seized items. An option for the co-penholders is to propose reauthorisation of maritime inspections for another year with no changes.

An option ahead of the authorisations renewal would be for Council members to continue the regular practice of convening an informal interactive dialogue to discuss its implementation with an EU representative.

Regarding the briefing by the ICC Prosecutor, Council members that are party to the ICC could hold a joint press stakeout in connection with the meeting. A longstanding and persistent issue for the Council is how to help foster common ground between Libyas rival legislatures to agree on electoral laws to unify the countrys divided governments. Council members are likely to continue reiterating their support for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process to resolve the ongoing impasse over the holding of elections, as well as for Tettehs efforts in supporting these initiatives.

Council Dynamics

Until 2022, the Council unanimously renewed the maritime inspection authorisation every year. Since then, Russia has abstained on the vote, questioning the viability of the authorisation. It has noted that Operation IRINI has failed to uncover significant arms supply channels and has alleged that the operation conducts its inspections in a selective and non-transparent manner.

During last years negotiations on the draft authorisation renewal resolution, Russia proposed language that would strengthen the Councils oversight; in this regard, by requiring member states acting under the authorisation to obtain the 1970 Committees approval prior to disposing of seized materials. China and A3 plus one also supported this proposal. These six members abstained during the vote, noting that the co-penholders at the time (France and Malta) did not fully address their concerns. The US and European members of the Council have traditionally been very supportive of Operation IRINI. It is unclear how some of the members who joined in January 2025 will vote on this matter.

Russia has also criticised the work of the ICC. During Khans November 2024 Council briefing, Russia said that it did not consider Khan to be an independent prosecutor and saw no benefit in listening to his briefing. Russia described the court as mired in politicization, double standards and corruption and having no bearing on the fight against impunity.

Although less forceful in their criticisms, some other Council members have also expressed reservations about the courts work. China has described it as a violation of the principle of national sovereignty, while African members have long expressed concerns about the courts perceived disproportionate focus on their continent. Those Council members that are state parties to the Rome Statute of the ICCcurrently Denmark, France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the UKare generally supportive of the courts work.

The position of the US, which is not a party to the Rome Statute, has varied depending on the administration. On 6 February, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC and Khan in response to the courts decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The first Trump administration imposed similar sanctions on the ICC in June 2020 because of the ICCs investigations into alleged war crimes involving US personnel in Afghanistan. The Biden administration later lifted those sanctions.

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Maritime Security

Expected Council Action

In May, the Security Council will hold an open debate on maritime security under the agenda item Maintenance of international peace and security. This will be the signature event of Greeces May presidency. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to chair the meeting. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and representatives from a UN agency and the private shipping industry are expected to brief the Council.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The Council has traditionally approached maritime security by focusing on specific geographic hotspots and addressing threats in isolation. A notable exception was its first thematic meeting on maritime security in August 2021, during Indias Council presidency, which sought to frame the issue more holistically by examining the wide-ranging security, economic, and environmental impacts of maritime crime. Following that meeting, the Council adopted a presidential statement, which identified a range of maritime threatsincluding piracy, armed robbery at sea, terrorist activities exploiting maritime routes, and attacks on shipping, offshore installations, and critical infrastructureand recognised the importance of international and regional cooperation. It emphasised the need to enhance information-sharing and strengthen national capacities to promote maritime safety and security.

The Councils initiative in 2021 followed years of effortscontinuing to this dayto address maritime security threats across different regions. In May 2022, the Security Council adopted resolution 2634, spearheaded by Ghana and Norway, to draw attention to the growing threat of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea following a notable increase in such incidents in 2020. This was the Councils first resolution on the matter since resolution 2039 of 29 February 2012, which had called on the Gulf of Guinea states to convene a summit and formulate a regional counter-piracy strategy. That initiative served as the catalyst for the development of the Yaounde Code of Conduct, which laid the foundation for the regions maritime security architecture. On 21 June 2023, the Council held an open briefing at the request of Ghana to underscore the need for sustained regional and international efforts to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

In response to the surge in irregular migration across the Mediterranean, the Council adopted resolution 2240 of 9 October 2015, authorising member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect and seize vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected of being used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking. The European Union (EU) Naval Force operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) conducted inspections under the authorisation granted by resolution 2240 to counter migrant smuggling until 2024 when France and Maltathe co-penholders on the fileinformed Council members that they would not pursue a further renewal. These members apparently maintained that the use of EU aerial assets could sufficiently monitor and address the issue moving forward. Operation IRINI was launched in March 2020 to implement the arms embargo on Libya under resolution 1970 of 26 February 2011, as strengthened by resolution 2292 of 14 June 2016. It continues to implement the arms embargo measures, which are set to expire on 31 May.

The Council has played a central role in addressing the Red Sea crisis, which escalated sharply following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on 7 October 2023. Beginning in mid-November 2023, Yemens Houthi rebel group launched a series of sophisticated attacks against merchant and commercial ships transiting the Red Sea. These attacks, initially portrayed by the Houthis as retaliation against Israels military actions in Gaza, expanded to indiscriminate attacks on vessels from numerous nations, severely disrupting international shipping and global supply chains.

In response, the Council adopted resolution 2722 of 10 January 2024, which, among other things, demanded that the Houthis cease attacks on vessels and acknowledged member states right to defend their vessels from attacks, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms. The resolution requested the Secretary-General to provide written monthly reports on further Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, a mandate extended by resolution 2768 of 15 January until 15 July. In December 2023, the US announced the formation of an upgraded multinational task force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, which has since conducted retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. On 15 March, the US unilaterally launched a series of precision strikes aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the region. The EU also established Operation Aspides (EUNAVFOR Aspides), a defensive operation headquartered in Greece that protects and accompanies vessels in the Red Sea.

Sanctions Related Developments

The final report of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee, dated 11 October 2024, suggested that the Houthis are exploring options to extend their area of operation and carry out attacks at sea from the Somali coast. According to the report, the Houthis have been reportedly deepening their collaboration with Al-Shabaaba terrorist group affiliated with Al-Qaidato that end, including through increased smuggling activities between the two, mostly involving small arms and light weapons. In resolution 2776 of 3 March, which extended the 2713 Al-Shabaab sanctions regime, the Council expressed concern about the flow of weapons and ammunition from Yemen to Somalia and emphasised the importance of preventing Al-Shabaab from developing relationships with listed groups in the region.

Key Issues and Options

Maritime security has emerged as an important issue on the Councils agenda, shaped by the convergence of traditional threats and emerging challenges. Recent escalations in the Red Sea region have exposed the fragility of global maritime trade routes and demonstrated how disruptions at critical choke points can impact international commerce and undermine economic stability. A related issue is the threat from emerging technologies and proliferation of advanced weaponry, including drones and missiles, which has transformed maritime conflict dynamics. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in targeted attacks on critical maritime infrastructure, including port facilities. With the digitisation of ports, vessels, and logistics networks, these systems have become highly susceptible to cyber-attacks. Private companies are affected, facing higher costs for security, rerouting, and insurance, as well as risks to the safety of seafarers and vessels.

A significant issue is organised crime at sea, along with the growing nexus between terrorism and maritime crime. Addressing underlying causes, such as weak governance, poverty, and limited economic opportunities, remains a key challenge in countering these threats, ensuring regional security, and promoting sustainable economic development. Additionally, environmental and climate-related risks are exacerbating maritime insecurity through rising sea levels and the degradation of marine ecosystems. Illegal fishing, pollution, and unsustainable resource exploitation remain significant threats, particularly for vulnerable coastal and island states.

An important issue is how the Council can work with a broad range of actorsincluding national governments, local authorities, civil society and the private sectorto develop coherent and holistic responses to the threats to maritime security. While the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the primary international framework for maritime governance, contemporary maritime challenges have prompted the development of new mechanisms and initiatives that bridge traditional divides between civil, military, and private actors. The evolving threat landscape in the maritime domain has underscored the need to enhance situational awareness and strengthen international cooperation to ensure effective maritime governance.

The open debate in May might offer Council members an opportunity to take a more integrated and strategic approach to maritime security, fostering a comprehensive discussion about the interconnected nature of maritime threats and the need for coordinated international responses.

Some members may suggest the need for regular reporting from the Secretary-General on maritime security, moving beyond incident-based updates to comprehensive assessments that identify emerging trends and vulnerabilities. Such reporting could help raise awareness, highlight gaps in existing provisions, and inform early response strategies. To galvanise efforts and keep the Councils attention on the issue, Council members may consider organising informal briefings to consider adequate responses to contemporary challenges in the maritime domain and invite industry experts to share insights, best practices, and emerging trends that could promote policy coherence.

Council Dynamics

Council members acknowledge that the wide-ranging peace and security threats posed by maritime crime demand coherent and effective multilateral approaches, particularly because of the transnational nature of these challenges. Given that all Council members are littoral states, they have a direct stake in maritime security. Along with Greece, the other elected members for the 2025-26 termDenmark, Pakistan, Panama, and Somaliaalso prioritise the issue. Vessels owned or operated by companies from Denmark, Greece, and Panama have been targeted by Houthi forces in the Red Sea; Pakistan has participated in maritime security operations in the western Indian Ocean; and Somalia has long been engaged in counter-piracy off its coast.

The Council has previously referred to the strengthening of state institutions, economic and social development, and the respect for human rights and the rule of law as necessary conditions for the eradication of piracy and armed robbery at sea. Certain Council members, however, may be reluctant to acknowledge the Councils role in addressing matters they consider as further removed from maritime security and crime, such as the protection of the marine environment and the depletion of natural resources through illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

During the negotiations on the August 2021 presidential statement, China reportedly opposed references to IUU fishing as a threat to maritime security, as well as a request for the Secretary-General to produce a standalone report on maritime security threats. As a result, these references were removed from the final text of the presidential statement.

The US and China differ sharply in their legal interpretations of UNCLOS, particularly regarding the principle of freedom-of-navigation. China, a party to UNCLOS, asserts claims in the South China Sea, which other states view as excessive. The USdespite not being a party to UNCLOSregards its principles as customary international law and rejects Chinas maritime claims. To reinforce its interpretation of navigational rights and freedoms, the US routinely conducts freedom-of-navigation operations in the region using its naval and air forces. As a result, language on maritime security has often been sensitive for China during negotiations on Council products, with China favouring wording that reflects a narrower interpretation of UNCLOSs scope and universality.

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Overview

In May, Greece will hold the presidency of the Security Council.

As a signature event of its presidency, Greece is expected to convene a high-level open debate on maritime security under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to chair the meeting. The anticipated briefers are UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and representatives from a UN agency and the private shipping industry are expected to brief the Council.

In May, the Security Council will hold its annual debate on the protection of civilians. The expected briefers are Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, and a civil society representative.

The Security Council and the General Assembly will hold an election in May to fill the vacancy in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following the resignation of Judge Nawaf Salam (Lebanon) on 14 January.

African issues on the programme in May are:

South Sudan , renewal of the 2206 South Sudan sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, as well as the mandate renewal of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which was last renewed in April until 9 May; and

Libya , briefing by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the courts Libya-related activities, reauthorisation of measures under resolution 2292 to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya, and an informal interactive dialogue (IID) on the implementation of resolution 2292.

Middle Eastern issues on the programme include:

Regarding European issues, the semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to take place in May. As in previous months, there may also be one or more meetings on Ukraine this month.

In terms of Asian issues, Council members are expected to receive a briefing in consultations on the work of the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee.

Other issues could also be discussed during the month, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, depending on developments.
THEMATIC ISSUES

Protection of Civilians

Expected Council Action

In May, the Security Council will receive the Secretary-Generals annual report on the protection of civilians (PoC) in armed conflict and hold its annual open debate on the topic. Greece, the Council president in May, is convening the debate as one of its signature events. The expected briefers are Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger. A civil society representative may also brief.

Key Recent Developments

The Secretary-Generals most recent report on PoC, dated 14 May 2024, provides an overview of the general state of PoC in 2023. The UN observed a significant increase in civilian casualties that year, with over 33,400 recorded deaths, constituting a 72 percent rise from 2022. The proportion of women and children killed doubled and tripled, respectively, while incidents of sexual violence increased by 50 percent. Over two-thirds of recorded deaths occurred in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Israel, primarily among women and children, making it the deadliest conflict for civilians in 2023. Civilians in other ongoing conflicts, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine, also suffered from significant violence. In light of these trends, the Secretary-Generals report described the state of PoC in 2023 as resoundingly grim and overwhelmingly tragic.

Since then, humanitarian conditions in these and other conflict situations around the world have continued to deteriorate. According to numbers cited by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of 22 April, the total death toll in Gaza has surpassed 51,000 as the territory likely faces what OCHA calls its worst humanitarian crisis since the current war began in October 2023. Over 420,000 people have been newly displaced, and humanitarian operations are being stifled by a combination of expanded military activity, the Israeli governments blockade on the entry of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies [since 2 March], killing of aid workers and attacks on their premises, and severe movement restrictions. The escalating security situation in eastern DRCwhere the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group has significantly expanded its territorial control since Januaryhas reportedly resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths, serious human rights violations and abuses, and mass displacement. The conflict in Sudan entered its third year in April and has continued to have catastrophic consequences for civilians: on 11 April in North Darfur province, the Rapid Support Forcesthe paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese governmentlaunched a large-scale assault on the city of El Fasher and two displacement camps that killed over 100 people, including over 20 children and at least nine humanitarian personnel. In Myanmar, a massive earthquake that struck in late March exacerbated already dire humanitarian conditions for the civilian population caught in ongoing fighting between the military junta and opposition groups, which impeded subsequent emergency relief efforts. The limited ceasefire agreements that the US announced in March between Russia and Ukraine were not implemented, and Russia has continued what Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described in a 13 April statement as the countrys devastating pattern of assaults on Ukrainian cities, in which hundreds of civilians were killed and more than 20,000 people displaced in the first two months of 2025 alone.

Violence has also increased against civilians performing protected functions in armed conflict. At the Security Councils 2 April briefing on the implementation of resolution 2730 of 24 May 2024, which concerns the protection of UN and humanitarian personnel, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya noted that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers, with 377 killed across 20 countries100 more casualties than in 2023, which had seen a 137 percent increase from 2022. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP), a non-profit organisation, 2024 was also the deadliest year for journalists since the CJP started keeping records over 30 years ago, with 124 reporters killed across 18 countries, constituting a 22 percent increase from 2023. Both surges in fatalities were largely driven by the war in Gaza, where over 400 aid workers and 175 journalists have been killed since the beginning of the conflict.

Widespread impunity for violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) appears to be a key driver of the increasingly prevalent and flagrant targeting of civilians in armed conflict. While the international legal and institutional structures governing the conduct of war have grown increasingly robust since the introduction of PoC as a stand-alone item on the Councils agenda in 1999, the implementation of these frameworks has become more inconsistent, selective, and politicised as geopolitical tensions have intensified in recent years. In a February 2024 policy brief, OCHA identified non-compliance with IHL as a growing challenge to the PoC agenda, exacerbated by a lack of effective accountability mechanisms, and observed that the gap between the agendas expanding normative framework and the realities experienced by civilians in specific contexts has remained, if not widened, over the past five years. Similarly, the Secretary-Generals 2024 PoC report refers to a range of contemporary conflict situations in which compliance with [IHL] and human rights law is often lacking; and in which the demands of the Councils [PoC] resolutions of the past 25 years have gone largely unheeded. More recently, during his 8 April Council briefing on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Fletcher bemoaned the discrepancy he had observed between the Councils mandate to uphold IHL and recent trends in Ukraine, as well as in other conflict situations such as Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan. In these places, Fletcher said, the Security Council and the international community are not only failing to stand robustly for international law, but in some cases [are] supporting its debasement.

Against this backdrop of soaring civilian needs and harm, recent budget cuts by member states have exacerbated the chronic underfunding of humanitarian operations. Notably, the USthe worlds largest humanitarian donorhas slashed its aid contributions since President Donald Trump took office in January. As a result of the austere funding environment, OCHA faces a budget shortfall of $58 million and announced on 10 April that it would reduce its workforce by nearly 20 percentfrom 2,600 to 2,100 staffwhile scaling back operations in Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Zimbabwe. During her 2 April Council briefing, Msuya said that the funding shortfalls are forcing humanitarian organisations to make impossible choices between our mandate to serve the most affected people and the safety of our teams.

Key Issues and Options

The overarching protection challenge for the Security Council is the continued erosion of IHL and the normative framework on which it rests, as civilians increasingly bear the brunt of armed conflicts worldwide. Attacks either perpetrated or supported by Council members themselves have contributed to this trend.

Strengthening accountability for IHL violationsincluding through sanctions, referrals to the International Criminal Court (ICC), or the establishment of ad-hoc tribunals and investigative mechanismsremains a key option to counter impunity and deter future abuses. Geopolitical divisions within the Council, however, have often hindered such measures. To address this gap, Council members could consider establishing a standing reporting mechanism to notify it of conflict situations in which there is a documented pattern of IHL violations and signal its intention to consider such reports, similar to the mechanisms established by resolution 2730 on the protection of UN and humanitarian personnel and resolution 2417 of 24 May 2018 on conflict-induced food insecurity.

Another option is to expand the Councils engagement on certain drivers and methods of civilian harm. Explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) have caused the majority of civilian casualties in conflicts such as Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine. Council members could reiterate the Secretary-Generals call for states to endorse and implement the 2022 Political Declaration on EWIPA and take measures to reduce the use of these weapons in particular contexts, such as by imposing arms embargoes to prohibit or limit their transfer to conflict parties with an established pattern of EWIPA-related IHL violations.

Attacks on humanitarian and UN personnel also remain a serious concern. As requested by resolution 2730, the Secretary-General issued recommendations in November 2024 for preventing and responding to such attacks. The Councils follow-up of these recommendationswhich included embedding safety and security considerations in mission mandates, countering misinformation and hate speech, and promoting survivor-centred responsescould be discussed in the Councils Informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians.

To maintain momentum after Mays open debate, Greece could consider producing a chairs summary outlining key proposals and recommendations made during the meeting.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Council members still express broad rhetorical agreement that protecting civilians in armed conflict remains a core component of the Councils mandate to maintain international peace and security. Deep divisions persist, however, over how the Council should implement the PoC agenda in both thematic and country-specific contexts.

One recurring area of divergence concerns the frameworks guiding humanitarian assistance. While Western members typically invoke the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, othersparticularly China and Russiaemphasise the General Assemblys 1991 resolution on the UNs guiding principles for humanitarian assistance, which stress state sovereignty and host-country consent. These tensions have typically affected Council negotiations on PoC language across mandates and resolutions.

Similar disagreements have emerged in peacekeeping contexts. China, Russia, and some African members underscore the primary responsibility of the host state to protect civilians, whereas other members stress that the Council has an obligation to act in contexts where state authorities are unwilling or unable to ensure protection. This debate has taken on renewed salience as several UN peace operations with PoC mandatessuch as those in the Central African Republic, Mali, and Sudanhave drawn down or transitioned amid worsening security conditions, often at the request of host governments.

Council members also differ in their views on the scope of the PoC agenda. Some have expressed concern that linking PoC to other thematic areas, including emerging threats such as climate change or artificial intelligence, could dilute the agenda or exceed the Councils mandate. Others view such linkages as necessary to reflect contemporary protection challenges.

Geopolitical tensions have further strained discussions of accountability. Western members have condemned IHL violations by Russia in Ukraine, while Russia and many Arab states have criticised Israels conduct in Gaza and alleged Western double standards. These dynamics have contributed to accusations of selectivity in the Councils engagement on PoC and have complicated consensus on country-specific outcomes.

Finally, shifting US positions since Trumps return to office have fractured the traditional consensus among Western members on several of these issues. While the US under former President Joe Biden joined its allies in criticising Russias targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and in expressing cautious concern about the humanitarian impact of the war in Gaza, the Trump administration reportedly blocked a G7 statement that would have condemned Russias 14 April attack on the city of Sumywhere two missiles struck a crowded street during Palm Sunday celebrations, killing at least 34 peopleand it has expressed full support for Israels resumption of military operations in Gaza, which has sparked renewed international concern. The US has also adopted a more confrontational stance toward international accountability mechanisms such as the ICC, re-imposing sanctions against the court similar to the ones it had issued during Trumps first term, which Biden later lifted.

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AFRICA

South Sudan

Expected Council Action

In May, the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution to extend the South Sudan sanctions regime, which expires on 31 May, and renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, which expires on 1 July.

On 30 April, the Council members unanimously adopted resolution 2778, extending the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until 9 May, to allow time for further deliberations.

Key Recent Developments

The past few months have witnessed a dramatic deterioration in the political and security situation in the country, placing the peace process at serious risk of collapse. In early March, violent clashes broke out in Nasir, a town in Upper Nile state, leading to the towns capture by the White Army, an armed youth group composed of members of the Nuer community. This led the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF)the governments forcesto reportedly conduct airstrikes and launch attacks on opposition barracks outside Juba. In a 9 April press release, Human Rights Watch alleged that the government used improvised incendiary weapons during at least four attacks in Upper Nile state, resulting in the deaths of at least 58 people. Violent incidents involving government and opposition forces also escalated in other states, including Western Bahr el-Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Unity, and Jonglei. (For more information, see the brief on South Sudan in our April 2025 Monthly Forecast and 15 April Whats in Blue story.) According to media reports, on 20 April, the SSPDF announced that it had recaptured Nasir town from the White Army following intense clashes that reportedly resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

On 17 March, the South Sudanese government confirmed that Ugandan troops were in the country under a bilateral agreement for technical support and training. The Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) condemned the deployment, accusing the Ugandan forces of violating the UN arms embargo and participating in attacks in Upper Nile stateallegations that Uganda has denied.

Responding to the escalating security situation, the government detained several political and military figures aligned with the SPLM-IOs leader, Riek Machar. On 26 March, government security forces placed Machar under house arrest in Juba, accusing him of inciting rebelliona move that sparked widespread domestic and international reactions, including calls for his immediate release and a return to dialogue.

These developments have placed significant strain on the SPLM-IO, exposing internal rifts and underscoring the fragility of South Sudans peace process. Following Machars arrest, senior SPLM-IO figures, including Deputy Chairman Oyet Nathaniel, fled to neighbouring countries or went into hiding amid a security crackdown. On 7 April, Oyet announced the suspension of four members of the SPLM-IO Political Bureauincluding Stephen Par Koul, the minister for peacebuildingaccusing them of conspiring to replace Machar and fomenting disunity in the group. Koul rejected the suspension, arguing that Oyet lacked the authority to make such a decision.

On 9 April, a group of SPLM-IO members convened in Jubawithout the participation of several top officialsand declared an interim leadership, appointing Koul as interim chair. Koul reportedly said that the interim leadership structure is temporary and will cease once Machar is released. Nevertheless, the absence of internal consensus and any attempt to displace Machar from his statutory role as First Vice President under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) has raised serious concerns about the destabilisation of the peace framework. Recent weeks have also seen a series of significant military defections, with senior opposition military commandersalong with large numbers of personneljoining the SSPDF, undermining the security sector reform process outlined in the revitalised agreement.

On 16 April, Council members held an open briefing on the situation in South Sudan. Special Representative and Head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom described a rapidly deteriorating security environment, warning that, if the current trajectory continues, the conflict risks shifting from sub-national and community-based violence to a more complex crisis involving signatory parties and foreign actors.

Haysom added that UNMISS is concentrating its efforts on preventing a relapse into widespread conflict and refocusing attention towards the implementation of the revitalised agreement. He underscored the importance of UNMISS protection mandate in light of the deteriorating security situation. He said that the mission has responded proactively to the situation by increasing its patrols and enhancing security at its bases, with the Quick Reaction Forces on standby to address unexpected situations. Haysom highlighted, however, that UNMISS faces operational limitations in implementing its mandate, particularly due to access denials.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 14 March, the Panel of Experts assisting the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee circulated its final report to committee members.

On 15 April, the Secretary-General transmitted to the Council an assessment report on the implementation of the benchmarks outlined in resolution 2577 of 28 May 2021 for modifying, suspending, or progressively lifting the arms embargo. The report found that the transitional government has made some progress in implementing two benchmarks, namely the completion of the Strategic Defense and Security Review process contained in the revitalised agreement and the formation of a unified command structure for the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF). It noted, however, that progress remained limited and slow. Disagreements between the SPLM and the SPLM-IO continue to hinder the formation of a unified command structure of the NUF, thereby increasing the risk of further destabilising the fragile security environment.

Furthermore, since April 2024, no progress has been made on the remaining three benchmarks, which relate to the establishment and implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process; the proper management of existing arms and ammunition stockpiles; and the implementation of the Joint Action Plan for the armed forces on addressing conflict-related sexual violence. The Secretary-General expressed concern over the stalled progress, highlighting the persistent lack of political will and insufficient funding for the DDR process and the management of weapons and ammunition. He warned that these continued shortcomings gravely undermine the prospects for lasting peace and security in South Sudan.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a 27 March press release, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed deep concern over the countrys rapidly deteriorating security situation. The Commission warned that, without adherence to the revitalised agreement, South Sudans escalating crisis could spiral further, destabilising an already fragile region. Cautioning against the imminent risk of a return to full-scale conflict, the Commission urged South Sudanese leaders to engage in dialogue across political divides to de-escalate tensions and address their differences. The Commission also called on regional and international partners to intensify diplomatic pressure to secure the immediate and full implementation of the peace agreement.

Women, Peace and Security

Jackline NasiwaFounder and Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justicebriefed during the Councils 16 April meeting. She warned that the conflict in South Sudan is having a devastating impact on women and girls while also deepening food insecurity and displacement, eroding civic and political space, and weakening democratic processes. Nasiwa called on the Council to demand that the parties jointly declare an immediate cessation of hostilities and recommit to the revitalised agreement. She urged the international community to urgently support grassroot peacebuilding and early warning and atrocity prevention mechanisms. Regarding the Councils negotiations on the renewal of UNMISS mandate, Nasiwa highlighted the importance of prioritising gender across the implementation of the UNMISS mandate and urged Council members to work together to preserve and renew this mandate in full.

Key Issues and Options

An immediate key issue for the Council is the extension of the South Sudan sanctions regime (targeted sanctions and the arms embargo) and renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the sanctions committee. In their discussions in May, Council members are likely to be guided by the findings and the recommendations of the panels 14 March final report and the assessment provided by the Secretary-General in his 15 April report.

One option for Council members is to renew the sanctions measures and the panels mandate for one year while maintaining the benchmarks and urging the parties to the revitalised agreement to make urgent progress in their implementation. Another option for Council members would be to consider listing individuals or entities found to be in violation of the sanctions regime.

A significant issue for the Council is how to prevent South Sudan from descending into civil war while addressing the structural issues that contribute to recurring violence and political instability. Although the revitalised agreement has so far prevented large-scale clashes, local violence persists, with recent unrest heightening fears of a return to a full-scale conflict. Council members could consider holding a private meeting with relevant AU officials and regional stakeholders to discuss approaches to resolving the political and security tensions. They could also consider issuing a press statement to respond to the rapidly evolving security situation.

Council members could also consider a visiting mission to South Sudan to assess the situation on the ground and engage with the various parties to the R-ARCSS. (The last Council visiting mission to South Sudan took place in 2019.)

Council Dynamics

The sanctions imposed on South Sudan remain a divisive issue in the Council. When the Council last renewed the sanctions regime in May 2024 through resolution 2731, six Council members abstainedAlgeria, China, Guyana, Russia, Sierra Leone, and then-Council member Mozambique.

Several Council membersincluding France, the UK, and the UScontinue to view sanctions as an essential tool for maintaining pressure on parties in South Sudan to implement the revitalised agreement. These members argue that the arms embargo, first imposed in July 2018 through resolution 2428, has played a significant role in reducing violence by limiting the flow of weapons into South Sudan. They have expressed concern that lifting the embargo could worsen the security situation by enabling greater access to arms in an already volatile environment. Given the deteriorating security situation and South Sudans vulnerability to regional security dynamics, particularly the war in Sudan, several members are also likely to emphasise strict adherence to the arms embargo provisions.

On the other hand, China and Russia have long opposed the South Sudan sanctions regime. These members argue that sanctions imposed on the South Sudanese government have hindered its ability to build and consolidate its security institutions and should be lifted or adjusted to support the countrys peace efforts. African members of the Council have also expressed concerns about maintaining the sanctions regime, which, in their view, undermines progress in the political and security spheres. It remains unclear how certain A3 plus members (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana) and newer Council members, such as Pakistanwhich have generally been sympathetic to the host governments concernswill approach the vote on renewing the sanctions regime, especially amid the deteriorating security landscape.

In response to the deteriorating political and security situation in South Sudan, the US (the penholder on South Sudan) apparently proposed a draft resolution in April. It appears that while some Council membersincluding France, the UK, and other like-minded statesexpressed support for the initiative, others, such as China and Russia, pushed back against the resolution. During the Councils 16 April meeting, Russia argued that the situation in South Sudan is under the control of the current [g]overnment and emphasised that the Councils priority should be to support the authorities stabilisation efforts rather than apply undue pressure. The A3 plus members engaged on the substance of the draft resolution but apparently favoured a press statement instead of a resolution. At press time, it remained unclear whether deliberations on the draft resolution would continue.

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Status Update since our April Forecast

Protection of Humanitarian and UN Personnel

On 2 April, the Security Council held a briefing on the implementation of resolution 2730 of 24 May 2024, which concerns the protection of humanitarian personnel and UN and associated personnel and their premises and assets (S/PV.9889). The briefers were Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gilles Michaud, and International NGO Safety Organisation Executive Director Nic Lee. Switzerlandwhich was the author of resolution 2730 during its Council termparticipated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

West Africa and the Sahel

On 3 April, the Security Council held a briefing, followed by consultations, on West Africa and the Sahel (S/PV.9890). The briefers were Special Representative and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simao and Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center in Nigeria.

Myanmar

On 4 April, Council members issued a press statement regarding the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March (SC/16038).

On 30 April, Council members convened for a private meeting on Myanmar (S/PV.9910). Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar Julie Bishop and Special Envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chair on Myanmar Tan Sri Othman bin Hashim briefed. The meeting was requested by the Republic of Korea and the UK, the penholder on file.

Ukraine

On 2 April, Russia convened an Arria-formula meeting on Ukraine titled Disinformation and Sabotage of Peace in Ukraine. Russias aim in holding the meeting was to revisit the events that took place in the Ukrainian city of Bucha nearly three years ago and to provide Council members with what the concept note it prepared for the meeting described as first-hand information on the crimes of the Kyiv regime committed in the Kursk region. The briefers were Maxim Grigoriev, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, and local residents of villages of Russias Kursk region.

On 8 April, the Security Council held a briefing on Ukraine (S/PV.9893). Ukrainewith support from Denmark, France, and the UKrequested the meeting following the 4 April Russian missile attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in multiple civilian casualties. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher briefed. Ukraine and several regional states participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure, while Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the EU Delegation to the UN, participated under rule 39.

On 17 April, the Council convened for a private meeting (S/PV.9901) followed by closed consultations on the situation in Ukraine, under the agenda items Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine and Threats to international peace and security, respectively. Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Edem Wosornu briefed the Council in the private meeting, and Ukraine participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. There were no briefers at the closed consultations.

On 29 and 30 April, at Frances initiative, the Council held a briefing on Ukraine (S/PV.9908 and Resumption I). Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher briefed. Ukraine and several regional states participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure, while Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the EU Delegation to the UN, participated under rule 39.

Arria-formula Meeting on Small Arms and Light Weapons

On 4 April, Sierra Leone convened an Arria-formula meeting on Small Arms Control and Weapons Management in UN Sanctions Regimes. Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Adedeji Ebo; African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns Mohamed Ibn Chambas; Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) Assistant Director for Policy, Innovation and Strategy Callixtus Joseph; and Savannah de Tessieres, a UN sanctions committee arms expert, briefed.

Arria-formula Meeting on Artificial Intelligence

On 4 April, Security Council members held an Arria-formula meeting on artificial intelligence (AI) titled Harnessing safe, inclusive, trustworthy AI for the maintenance of international peace and security. The meeting was organised by Greece, together with France and the Republic of Korea, and co-sponsored by Armenia, Italy, and the Netherlands. The briefers were: Giannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Strategic Foresight at the Presidency of the Hellenic Government and Coordinator of Greeces National Advisory Committee on AI; Yasmin Afina, AI Researcher in the Security and Technology Programme at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR); and Charlotte Scaddan, Senior Adviser on Information Integrity at the UN Department of Global Communications.

UN Peacekeeping

On 7 April, the Security Council received a briefing from the heads of military components of UN peacekeeping operations (S/PV.9892). Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the heads of military components of two UN peacekeeping operations: Force Commander of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes and Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Major General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz briefed the Council, focusing on the role of UN peacekeeping operations in ceasefire monitoring.

Kosovo

On 8 April, the Security Council held a briefing on the situation in Kosovo (S/PV.9894). Special Representative and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Caroline Ziadeh briefed on the latest Secretary-Generals report (S/2025/200). Marko uric, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure and Donika Gervalla-Schwarz, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, participated under rule 39.

Somalia

On 9 April, the Security Council convened for a private meeting on Somalia (S/PV.9895). Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) James Swan briefed on the Secretary-Generals 28 March report (S/2025/194) on the implementation of the mandates of UNTMIS and the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). Acting Head of the African Union (AU) Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Sivuyile Thandikhaya Bam provided an update on the implementation of the missions mandate, in accordance with resolution 2767 of 27 December 2024.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

On 11 April, Council members held an informal interactive dialogue (IID) on the Democratic Republic of Congo. The IID was split into two parts. In the first part, the DRC and Rwanda participated via videoconference (VTC) and delivered introductory remarks. Qatar also participated in person in this part of the meeting and briefed Council members on its role in support of African-led mediation processes. In the second part, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia briefed. Council members also heard from representatives of Angola, Kenya, and Zimbabwe in their respective capacities as the current chairs of the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Western Sahara

On 14 April, Council members received a briefing in closed consultations on the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy to Western, Sahara Staffan de Mistura, and Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) Alexander Ivanko briefed.

Sudan

On 15 April, Security Council members held closed consultations on Sudan, at the request of Denmark, Slovenia, and the UK (the penholder on the file). The meeting was focused on the countrys deteriorating humanitarian situation in light of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the town of El Fasher and the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). It also discussed initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire and advancing political dialogue. Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra and Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Edem Wosornu briefed.

On 17 April, Council members issued a press statement, authored by the UK, strongly condemning the repeated attacks on El Fasher, as well as on Zamzam and Abu Shouk IDP camps (SC/16046). They reiterated their demand for the RSF to lift the siege of El Fasher and called for an immediate halt to the fighting in and around the area.

Great Lakes Region

On 16 April, the Security Council held an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the situation in the Great Lakes region (S/PV.9899). The briefers were Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and Tete Antonio, Angolas Minister of External Relations in his capacity as Chair of the Executive Council of the African Union. DRCs State Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, as well as representatives of Kenya and Rwanda, participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

Haiti

On 21 April, the Security Council held an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Haiti (S/PV.9902). Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Maria Isabel Salvador briefed on recent developments in Haiti and the Secretary-Generals latest report on BINUH (S/2025/226). The National Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kenya Monica Juma, and Pascale Solages, the Co-Founder and General Coordinator of Haitian civil society organisation Neges Mawon, also briefed. Salvador participated in the consultations as well.

Colombia

On 22 April, the Security Council held an open briefing on Colombia (S/PV.9903). Special Representative and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu briefed on recent developments and the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on the mission (S/2025/188). The Council was also briefed by Hilda Beatriz Molano Casas, the coordinator of the technical secretariat of the Coalition against the involvement of children and young people in the armed conflict in Colombia (COALICO). Colombia participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laura Sarabia represented her country for the first time since assuming her role in late January.

Arria-formula Meeting on The Impact of Unilateralism and Bullying Practices on International Relations

On 23 April, China convened an Arria-formula meeting on The Impact of Unilateralism and Bullying Practices on International Relations. Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and Wang Huiyao, Founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing, briefed.

Counter-Terrorism

On 25 April, Council members issued a press statement condemning the 22 April terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed at least 26 people and injured many more (SC/16050).

UN High Commissioner for Refugees

On 28 April, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi briefed the Security Council (S/PV.9905) on the effects of forced displacement related to conflicts across the globe.

Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

On 29 and 30 April, the Council held its quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (S/PV.9907 and Resumption 1 and 2). France, the Council president for the month, convened the meeting at the ministerial level. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot chaired the meeting. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed.
MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In May, the Security Council is expected to hold a meeting on political and humanitarian developments in Syria. UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen and a representative from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are expected to brief.

Key Recent Developments

The Security Council held two meetings on Syria in April. On 10 April, the Council held an emergency briefing following a 7 April letter from the Permanent Mission of Syria to the Council (S/2025/216), which described Israeli attacks on Syrian territory as a serious threat to international peace and security and a violation of international law and the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria. (For more information, see our 9 April Whats in Blue story.)

On 25 April, the Council held its monthly political and humanitarian briefing on Syria. Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani participated in the meeting. Addressing the Council, Shaibani highlighted advances made by the caretaker authorities in recent months, including the establishment of the new transitional government. He also said that the interim government will soon be announcing a transitional justice body, a commission for missing Syrians, and steps to form a representative national parliament.

During the meeting, Special Envoy Pedersen briefed on the challenges currently facing Syria, including the need for more political inclusion and more economic action, which are essential for the political transition in Syria to succeed. He stressed the need for substantive efforts towards inclusivity, transparency and openness in the process of establishing the interim parliament to ensure that it represents Syrias unity and diversity.

On the economic front, Pedersen noted that the situation is disastrous and that without economic recovery and stability, the countrys political stability and transition will suffer. Both Pedersen and Shaibani also made strong appeals for the urgent easing of sanctions impeding the countrys recovery following 14 years of war. On 24 April, Syrias central bank governor and finance minister attended meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to discuss the countrys reconstruction, in which IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that they intend to help Syria rebuild its institutions and reintegrate into the world economy. This followed announcements made by Saudi Arabia and Qatar that they will repay Syrias outstanding debt to the World Bank.

Syria also continues to reel from the repercussions of Marchs sectarian violence in the countrys coastal northwestern region (For more information, see the Syria brief in our April Monthly Forecast and our 14 March Whats In Blue story). On 11 April, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa extended the deadline given to the independent fact-finding committee established to investigate and report on the coastal violence by three months. Reports of ongoing attacks against Alawites in the area have also continued to emerge.

Following the 10 March agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), there have been further encouraging steps signalling de-escalation and reintegration for Syrias SDF-controlled northeastern region. Among these were the 4 April withdrawal of SDF fighters from Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo; and the SDF ceding control of the Tishreen Dama key irrigation and hydroelectric power sourceto the governments forces on 12 April.

Against this backdrop, in mid-March, the UN Secretariat apparently circulated a non-paper to Council members noting that the Secretary-General has directed the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) to lead an integrated strategic assessment of the changing situation in the country, which will culminate in a report due by the end of May. On 14 April, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo visited Damascus to hold meetings with interim government officials on Syrias political transition.

In a 21 April statement, the UNs Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis David Carden announced that his position would be abolished on 22 April. His role involved coordinating the delivery of cross-border humanitarian assistance into northwest Syria and has been phased out following the decision to create a unified coordination structure under the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Damascus. Carden said that so far this year, the UN has dispatched 936 aid trucks through the cross-border modality, which is more than all of 2024.

In her 25 April briefing to the Council, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya stressed that Syria remains one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises, with three-quarters of the population in need, more than half facing food insecurity, and over seven million persons displaced. In addition to highlighting the need to continue de-escalating conflict and ensure protection of civilians, Msuya warned that the ongoing provision of critical assistance by the UN is being severely strained due to funding cuts.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 14 March, the UN Syria Commission of Inquiry (COI) submitted a report to the Human Rights Council on developments relating to respect for human rights and international humanitarian law since the fall of the Assad regime. Noting Syrias key challenges, the report examines the measures required to address the justice-based needs of the Syrian people and re-establish the countrys stability amid ongoing tensions.

On 26 March, the COI concluded its mission to Damascus after the retaliatory attacks in the coastal regions. A subsequent press release commended the authorities for their determination to restore Syrias social harmony and ensure human rights and accountability for its people despite the challenges ahead, while also noting the importance of the international community in bringing forth tangible actions to assist in Syrias transition.

In a 7 April press release, UN experts underscored the importance of ending ISIL-related arbitrary detention in northeast Syria. Around 42,500 individuals are held in camps without legal process, including family members and associates of ISIL suspects, as well as IDPs and human trafficking victims. The experts underscored that the political transition is also an opportunity to bring to justice those suspected of involvement in genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and called on the caretaker authorities to plan for the safe, dignified and voluntary reintegration of Syrian detainees back into their communities, among other recommendations.

Women, Peace and Security

On 27 February, the Informal Experts Group (IEG) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) met on the situation in Syria. Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Najat Rochdi briefed. According to the 31 March summary of the meeting, in their engagement with the UN, Syrian women have expressed their expectation that the transitional process, including the constitution-making process, will guarantee womens and girls rights, including their meaningful participation in public and political life, and access to public services. The summary notes that the situation in Syria has been covered in the annual report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) since 2012 and warns that, unless transitional justice mechanisms integrate measures on CRSV focused on justice, truth and non-repetition, these crimes may disappear from the historical record.

UN Women, as the IEG Secretariat, recommended that, in any upcoming decision on Syria, the Security Council urge the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of diverse Syrian women in a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition, with a minimum participation threshold of 30 percent. Among other recommendations, UN Women advised the Council to call on the caretaker authorities to urgently secure and preserve information and evidence of atrocities. UN Women further recommended that the Council demand unhindered humanitarian access across Syria and that humanitarian personnel are able to operate safely and without any form of gender-based discrimination.

Key Issues and Options

A priority for the Council is to encourage and support Syrias interim government as it works to introduce a credible, transparent, and inclusive political processgrounded in the principles of resolution 2254. An issue for the Council is ensuring that the interim governments actions align with its priorities of meeting the aspirations of all the Syrian people, ensuring the protection of all Syrians, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, and advancing representative governance. Council members are also likely to pay particular attention to how the interim government handles the issue of sectarian violence against Alawite minorities and transitional justice.

The future of the UNs role in Syria is another key issue for the Council. Council members are likely to use the findings of the UNs integrated strategic assessment as a basis for discussing how to best utilise the UNs expertise to support Syrias transition. Depending on those findings, this could include considering a Council product which updates resolution 2254 to reflect the new context and could also include adjusting the UNs presence in the country. During these discussions, members will have to consider what the country needs most, what the Syrian interim government would allow, and what is practically possible given the UNs beleaguered financial situation.

The security situation in Syria is also a significant problem for the Council. Israels encroachment into the country and its airstrikes on Syrian territory, the threat of ISIL/Daesh resurgence, and the presence of foreign terrorist fighters are all issues that contribute to the overall security situation and feature prominently in the Councils discussions on Syria.

Council members could also consider holding a high-level public briefing on the interrelation between the dire economic situation, the detrimental effects of sanctions, and the humanitarian crisis in Syria, featuring briefings from the Secretary-General and a representative of the IMF. Following the meeting, members could hold a press stakeout calling for increased support for economic recovery and the further easing of sanctions on Syria.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Council members are aligned on the need for the Syrian authorities to advance an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process that is based on the key principles of resolution 2254. They also agree that the Syrian interim government must credibly pursue transitional justice and reconciliation efforts and take measures to prevent any further violence against minorities as part of this process, in line with the Councils 14 March presidential statement. Members are closely monitoring steps taken in this regard.

Several members have expressed cautious optimism at actions taken so far by the interim authorities, with many emphasising that the current period represents a critical and hopeful moment for the country. There is broad agreement that the new Syrian government requires international support to rebuild Syria and its crippled economy, including through the easing of sanctions. Several members have announced steps taken in this regard. On 10 April, the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations with Syria, paving the way for bilateral economic cooperation and trade. On 24 April, the UK further eased its sanctions on the country, including restrictions on the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, national media institutions and on key sectors such as financial services and energy.

On the other hand, the US continues to use its sanctions to pressure the interim authorities. During the 25 April Council meeting, the US reiterated that it will hold Syrian interim authorities accountable for the following steps to fully renounce and suppress terrorism, adopt a policy of non-aggression to neighbouring states, exclude foreign terrorist fighters from any official roles, prevent Iran and its proxies from exploiting Syrian territory, destroy weapons of mass destruction, assist in the recovery of US citizens disappeared in Syria, and ensure the security and freedoms of all Syrians.

Israels presence and military activities in Syria remain a point of contention for Council members. Many members believe Israels actions are fostering tensions and instability in an already fragile Syria, but the US sees its actions as defensive in nature and tied to ensuring its national security, in line with Israels position.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In May, the Security Council will hold its monthly meeting on Yemen. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and a representative from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are expected to brief on political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country.

The mandate of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) expires on 14 July.

Key Recent Developments

The US continues to conduct near-daily air strikes on military and strategic targets in Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebel group (also known as Ansar Allah). The strikeswhich have intensified under President Donald Trumps administrationare part of a campaign to degrade the Houthis capability to conduct attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and on Israel. Since the onset of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea, as well as multiple missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory, most of which have been intercepted. The Houthis are part of a coalition dubbed the Axis of Resistance, which is supported by Iran and includes Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and they claim their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Since 15 March, US strikes have hit targets in Yemens capital, Sanaa; the key Red Sea port city of Hodeidah; and the governates of Marib and Saada. According to media reports, the Houthis claim that over 250 people have been killed since the US intensified its airstrike campaign. A 17 April strike on Ras Isa oil portwhich the US claimed is an important source of fuel and revenue for the Houthisreportedly killed over 80 people. On 28 April the Houthis reported dozens killed in US strikes in Sanaa and on a detention centre in Saada, which reportedly killed at least 68 African migrant detainees. In a 27 April press release, US Central Command said that since the start of the campaign it has struck over 800 targets, killing hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders, leading to a reduction of ballistic missile and drone attacks.

On their part, the Houthis announced that the continued aggression will be met with more counter-attack and attack operations, clashes and confrontations and said that they had carried out missile attacks on sites in Israel and on US aircraft carriers and Reaper drones. The group has now reportedly launched at least 20 ballistic missile attacks and several drone attacks on Israel since Israeli forces resumed large-scale military operations in Gaza on 18 March, all of which have been intercepted or have fallen short of their intended target.

A 19 April statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General expressed grave concern about the US airstrikes on Ras Isanoting that they also resulted in the injury of five humanitarian workersand alarm that the strikes have caused significant damage to the port infrastructure and possible oil leaks into the Red Sea. The statement also expressed deep concern about the Houthis attacks on Israel and in the Red Sea and called on them to cease such attacks immediately, underscoring the need to fully respect resolution 2768.

On 20 April, Grundberg also issued a statement echoing the Secretary-Generals concern regarding the impact of the strikes on civilians. Grundberg noted that the cycle of attacks between the Houthis and the US jeopardises peace efforts and risks drawing Yemen further into the regional conflict and said the attacks must stop with credible guarantees that protect the Red Sea from becoming a prolonged arena of conflict.

In closed consultations on 15 April, Grundberg briefed Council members on the latest developments and apparently said that recent escalations have added complexity to the already fraught situation in Yemen, as prospects for peace in the country are being entangled with conflict in the wider region. He also warned that political progress for peace in Yemen should not be conditioned on regional factors and emphasised the need to allow space for dialogue through de-escalation by all parties, stressing that a resumption of attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea must also be avoided.

Although the UN-mediated truce of April 2022 continues to hold, progress on the intra-Yemeni political and peace processes remains deadlocked because of the persistent threat of escalation in the Red Sea and regional attacks. In recent weeks, an increasing concern is that the US campaign against the Houthis, including sanctions imposed through its re-designation of the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, is shifting the strategic calculus for the factions of Yemens internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). The Wall Street Journal has reported that Yemeni factions are planning ground operations aimed at retaking territory controlled by the Houthis, while a senior PLC military source has reportedly told local media that the Houthis are planting mines around Hodeidah port in anticipation of a ground attack. During the 15 April consultations, Grundberg apparently noted the increased military activity in Yemen and a heightened level of risk; he also stressed, however, that the front lines remain stable.

The Houthis also continue to hold more than 50 UN, non-governmental organisation, civil society, and diplomatic mission personnel in detention, further undermining efforts to advance the Yemeni peace process. In the 19 April statement, the Secretary-General also reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.

Briefing the Council during the 15 April Council consultations, OCHA Director Edem Wosornu warned that funding shortfalls are posing huge challenges for the humanitarian response. She apparently informed the Council that OCHA is working on reprioritising the 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and reviewing the humanitarian architecture to better address the situation within the current operational and budgetary constraints.

Key Issues and Options

Yemen is facing immense challenges on the political, security, and economic fronts. Preventing an escalation of hostilities in Yemen and the Red Sea and relaunching the stalled intra-Yemeni political process remain priorities for the Security Council. Should the risks of a resumption of hostilities between Yemeni factions and the Houthis escalate, Council members could consider action that could de-escalate the situation and encourage the parties to resume negotiations for a nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive political settlement. Any resumption of hostilities in Yemen would have grave implications for the already dire humanitarian situation and push the country further away from the peace process.

At the same time, the Council will seek to maintain pressure to protect the safety of navigation and shipping in the Red Sea and avoid a scenario in which the Houthis resume attacks on merchant ships and global supply chains. Given the Houthis use of the conflict in Gaza as a justification for their attacks in the Red Sea and on Israel, addressing this situation separately from the broader regional context remains a challenge, especially as the Council is divided over whether the two situations are directly linked or not.

One option for the Council would be to issue a presidential statement stressing that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen and demanding that the Yemeni parties resume concrete discussions on establishing a roadmap under UN auspices for inclusive peace in the country. The statement could also reiterate provisions from Council resolution 2768, emphasising the need to address the root causes of the attacks in the Red Sea and calling on all member states to adhere to the arms embargo imposed by the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen also continues to be a pressing issue. The US air campaign against the Houthisincluding its strikes on Hodeidah and Ras Isa ports, which are critical infrastructure for humanitarian and commercial activitieshas raised concerns about its impact on the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. Additionally, the 10 February UN pause on operations and programmes in the Saada governate continues, impacting the UNs ability to deliver aid to those in need.

In light of the increasingly fraught humanitarian context, Council members could consider holding a public briefing, possibly at high level, focused specifically on Yemens humanitarian crisis, which could also allow members the opportunity to highlight the urgent need for bolstering funding pledges.

Council Dynamics

Council members are largely aligned in support of an inclusive intra-Yemeni political process, the need to improve humanitarian conditions in the country, and the need to restore freedom of navigation and security to the Red Sea. Advancing mediation efforts towards a resumption of dialogue and a peace process under UN auspices remains an overarching priority for members.

Nevertheless, Council members have divergent views on what is fuelling the political stalemate and insecurity in Yemen. In Council meetings, Algeria, China, Pakistan, and Russia have stressed that the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea cannot be discussed in isolation from the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, and some have directly blamed Israel for instability in the region. Russia has also accused the UK and the US of undermining security in Yemen through their retaliatory strikes on the Houthis. On the other hand, the P3 members (France, the UK, and the US) have been critical of Irans role in supporting the Houthis, including militarily.

The US has taken an increasingly hawkish stance against Iranian support, viewing it as the key facilitator of the Houthi movement. In the Security Council, the US has also made clear that any resolution of the security situation in the Red Sea must include pushback against Irans support to the Houthis. For example, during the 6 March Council meeting on Yemen, it stressed that the Council must respond to Irans flagrant violations of Council resolutions through its continued arming of the group.

The UK is the penholder on Yemen.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 1. Pini Althaus, CEO of the American investment firm Cove Capital, met with Uzbek officials at the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan to discuss key areas of collaboration, Trend reports.

The discussion centered on promising opportunities in the mining sector, with a particular focus on investment projects related to the exploration and development of strategically significant mineral deposits. Special emphasis was placed on attracting investment in critical minerals, implementing innovative technologies in geological exploration, and facilitating the exchange of expertise with international specialists.

The convening leveraged synergies established during the ministrys task force engagement in Washington on April 8-9, 2025.



At the culmination of the assembly, both stakeholders reiterated their dedication to propelling the proposed initiatives forward.



Cove Capital operates as a specialized investment entity focused on the intricacies of geological exploration and the strategic advancement of critical and rare earth mineral deposits. The organization engages in multifaceted initiatives spanning the continents of North and South America, as well as the regions of Australia and Asia.
Seeing Machines reported continued growth in its automotive business in the third quarter of its 2025 financial year on Thursday, with the number of vehicles equipped with its driver monitoring system (DMS) technology reaching over 3.24 million globally.

The AIM-traded driver monitoring technology specialist said that represented a 77% increase year-on-year, driven by rising regulatory momentum and broader OEM adoption across Europe and other key markets.

Quarterly automotive production volumes rose to 358,162 units, up 34% from the prior quarter and 14% higher than the third quarter of the 2024 financial year, marking a recovery from the second quarters industry-wide softness.

Year-to-date automotive production volumes totalled about 1.03 million units, representing a 39% increase over the same period last year.

Seeing Machines also confirmed that commercial production of its Guardian Generation 3 aftermarket safety product started at the end of March.

Production was expected to reach a run rate of 6,000 units per quarter by the end of June, supporting growing demand in the commercial transport and logistics market.

A referral agreement signed in February with Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America was now being executed, with sales activities underway across North America following joint marketing efforts.

While the company received prepayments on minimum royalty guarantees tied to several automotive programmes during the quarter, those volumes were not yet reflected in reported unit totals, and would be recognised as production commences.

Looking ahead, Seeing Machines said it expected steady growth in automotive royalty revenues as European OEMs moved to comply with the EU General Safety Regulation, which mandates the inclusion of Advanced Driver Distraction Warning systems in all new vehicles from July 2026.

The company reiterated its expectations for cumulative production volumes and high-margin royalty income to remain on track through 2026.

It is encouraging to see our automotive production volumes increase again in the third quarter, and I am confident that this momentum will continue as additional new programmes start production this year and we move closer to the EU's General Safety Regulation requirement for Advanced Driver Distraction Warning, with significant uptick expected as we move through the 2026 financial year, said chief executive officer Paul McGlone.

In our commercial transport segment, Guardian Generation 3 production is now well underway, and we are seeing positive results from a range of trials we are involved in across the Northern Hemisphere.

We look forward to more of these trials as we work with Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America to leverage their vast customer base in America.

McGlone said the companys innovative Guardian Generation 3 technology delivered superior automotive-grade technology, which would reduce false alerts, enabling the firms Guardian Centre to operate more efficiently and ultimately result in increased customer satisfaction and safety outcomes.

While we are cognisant of the broader and fast-moving global macro picture, the committed regulatory drivers in our industry remain unchanged, as new road safety regulatory requirements come into effect, led by the EU.

Our strong financial position, best in class product and continued cost discipline support our ongoing focus on achieving our cash flow break-even run rate during the calendar year 2025 and we are doing everything in our power to succeed in that.

Finally, we are pleased with the successful secondary placing carried out by Stifel to support Federated Investors' sale of Seeing Machines' stock to a range of existing and new institutional shareholders, demonstrating long-term confidence and support amongst our shareholder base as we focus on the opportunities ahead.

At 1154 BST, shares in Seeing Machines were up 6.1% at 1.83p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on mining giant Glencore from 400.0p to 380.0p on Thursday after the firm's 2025 started "on a soft note".

Berenberg updated its model on Glencore following the company's Q125 operating update on 30 April, which was seen as a miss by both the analysts and the wider market.

"Operationally, a mixture of weaker grades, mine sequencing and some weather impacts at key assets resulted in production volumes coming in lighter than our expectations, particularly in copper and zinc," said Berenberg.

The German bank, which has a 'buy' rating on the stock, noted that guidance across the group was maintained, with the exception of a cut in thermal coal guidance to 87-95m tonnes from 92-100m tonnes.

Berenberg said "perhaps more disappointing" was the fact that Glencore's marketing business was tracking to the mid-point of its $2.2bn-3.2bn underlying earnings guidance range. Berenebrg said this would appear to mean that marketing was "not performing as well as the market was hoping" amid such global volatility.

"We update our model for the quarter, and move to the lower ends of the guidance range for copper and zinc. This reduces EPS by 6%. We then make negative adjustments to our marketing margins to bring EBIT in line with guidance; this takes our total EPS reduction for 2025 to -19%," said Glencore.

"The share price reaction likely reflects the market's concern about further risks to volume guidance and weaker marketing performance. The shares are trading on 0.65x NAV and 2.7x 2025E EBITDA; in our view, Glencore needs a decent Q2 (we have been given implied Q2 volumes via the H1/H2 volume split), coupled with stronger thermal coal prices and/or some self-help levers being pulled to drive a re-rating."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
All eyes at the end of the week will be fixated on the release of the US non-farm payrolls report for the month of April.

Economists' forecasts are calling for a 130,000 increase in non-farm payrolls, after March's outsized gain of 228,000.

The rate of unemployment meanwhile is pegged to remain at 4.2% with average hourly earnings seen rising again at a clip of 0.3% month-on-month.

Euro area consumer price figures for the month of April are also scheduled for release, at 0900 GMT.

Earlier, at 0800 GMT, S&P Global will publish its euro area factory sector Purchasing Managers' Index for that same month.

Investors will also be reacting to the latest updates out of Amazon and Apple due out overnight.

The analyst consensus for the two tech giants' latest quarterly earnings per share was $1.61 and $1.35, respectively.

Friday 02 May

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Beazley, The European Smaller Companies Trust

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

BlackRock American Income Trust, CT UK High Income Trust, CT UK High Income Trust B

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Factory Orders (US) (15:00)

Non-Farm Payrolls (US) (13:30)

Unemployment Rate (EU) (10:00)

Unemployment Rate (US) (13:30)

GMS

Strategic Minerals

AGMS

DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited (Sing.Reg), Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (CDI), Hongkong Land Holding Ltd. (Sing.Reg), HSBC Holdings, Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd (Singapore Reg), Mandarin Oriental International (Singapore), Pearson, Pulsar Helium Inc. Npv (Di), Rotork

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Banco Santander S.A., Glanbia (CDI), Globaldata, Smithson Investment Trust

Q1

Air Astana Joint Stock Company Gdr (Each Repr 4 Com Shs) (Reg S), Shell , Standard Chartered
UK stocks edged higher on Thursday, with strong gains from Whitbread and Rolls-Royce providing a lift, as market sentiment was bolstered by impressive Big Tech earnings a deal between the US and Ukraine overnight.

The FTSE 100 was up 0.1% at 8,502.10 in morning trade, inching past the 8,500 mark for the first time in four weeks. The last time the index traded at this level was on 2 April  the day Donald Trump unleashed his sweeping tariffs on Americas trade partners and sent global financial markets into a frenzy.

Eagerly awaited results from Wall Street giants Microsoft and Amazon impressed investors overnight as first-quarter numbers topped market forecasts, with shares in both rising strongly in after-hours trading.

Microsoft and Metas better than expected results should help quash any fears that the Magnificent Seven group of tech companies have gone off the boil, said Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell.

The positive market reaction in pre-market trading to Microsofts and Metas numbers represents a turning point for mega cap tech stocks which have endured a poor showing year-to-date."

In other news, the Trump administration reached a minerals deal with Kyiv that will see the US invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine in exchange for preferential access to natural resources deals.

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, said treasury secretary Scott Bessent in a statement.

Thursday is set to be another busy day for economic data, with consumer credit and mortgage approvals due out in the UK, and Challenger job cuts figures, jobless claims and two key manufacturing PMIs scheduled in the US.

Whitbread impresses, Lloyds disappoints

Leisure group Whitbread was a high riser, jumping 4% after announcing a 250m share buyback following its full-year results. The company reported a 19% drop in annual profits but said its five-year plan was still on track.

Lloyds fell after raising its bad debt provision in the first quarter 309m from 57m a year earlier, citing downside risks from the impact of US tariffs. Net income rose 4% to 4.4bn while pre-tax profit fell 7% to 1.5bn as the bank reaffirmed full-year guidance.

Rolls-Royce gained after reporting a "strong" start to the year and saying it expects to be able to offset the hit from US trade tariffs. In a trading update issued ahead of its AGM, the engineer's chief executive officer said that the company was taking "mitigation actions" with respect to the tariffs.

In contrast, shares in FTSE 250-listed Clarkson slumped after the ship broker issued a profit warning, citing the impact of US tariffs. The company said underlying pre-tax earnings would now be 85m-95m this year, down from 115.3m last year. Clarkson shares tanked in March after it warning that geopolitical and macro challenges would result in lower freight rates and asset values.

A host of stocks were also trading lower after going ex-dividend, including 4Imprint, Centrica and Greggs.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 8,502.10 0.09%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,924.56 0.20%

techMARK (TASX) 4,572.36 -0.12%

FTSE 100 - Risers

Whitbread (WTB) 2,699.00p 4.09%

Scottish Mortgage Inv Trust (SMT) 928.80p 3.22%

Anglo American (AAL) 2,092.00p 3.10%

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 267.80p 3.00%

easyJet (EZJ) 508.40p 2.79%

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 773.20p 2.52%

Informa (INF) 745.60p 2.45%

Smurfit Westrock (DI) (SWR) 3,208.00p 2.43%

Entain (ENT) 652.80p 2.38%

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 8,126.00p 2.32%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

BP (BP.) 343.50p -1.94%

Centrica (CNA) 157.55p -1.62%

GSK (GSK) 1,462.00p -1.45%

AstraZeneca (AZN) 10,586.00p -1.32%

Shell (SHEL) 2,410.50p -1.23%

Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 72.44p -1.15%

Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 384.80p -1.08%

Beazley (BEZ) 875.00p -1.07%

BT Group (BT.A) 172.05p -1.01%

Hiscox Limited (DI) (HSX) 1,088.00p -1.00%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Ferrexpo (FXPO) 65.60p 11.38%

Close Brothers Group (CBG) 341.00p 4.99%

Polar Capital Technology Trust (PCT) 300.00p 3.99%

Pets at Home Group (PETS) 244.60p 3.38%

Burberry Group (BRBY) 746.60p 3.18%

Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust (USA) 230.00p 3.14%

Wizz Air Holdings (WIZZ) 1,676.00p 3.08%

Allianz Technology Trust (ATT) 365.50p 2.96%

Mobico Group (MCG) 32.00p 2.89%

JPMorgan American Inv Trust (JAM) 950.00p 2.48%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Clarkson (CKN) 2,875.00p -12.48%

4Imprint Group (FOUR) 3,055.00p -10.15%

Dr. Martens (DOCS) 52.35p -4.82%

Coats Group (COA) 70.00p -3.31%

Me Group International (MEGP) 195.00p -3.23%

Harbour Energy (HBR) 148.90p -2.68%

Morgan Advanced Materials (MGAM) 192.20p -2.34%

Greggs (GRG) 1,816.00p -2.21%

PPHE Hotel Group Ltd (PPH) 1,222.00p -2.08%

Genuit Group (GEN) 374.50p -1.71%
UK stocks are expected to open at their highest levels in four weeks on Thursday with sentiment lifted by forecast-beating tech earnings and a deal between Ukraine and the US.

The FTSE 100 is tipped to rise around 0.6% from Wednesdays close of 8,494.85, pushing past the 8,500 level for the first time since 2 April  the day Donald Trump unleashed his sweeping tariffs on Americas trade partners and sent global financial markets into a frenzy.

Wall Street giants Microsoft and Amazon impressed investors with the first-quarter numbers overnight, with shares in both rising strongly in after-hours trading.

Both Microsoft and Meta beat earnings expectations, which could lead some to argue that concerns about Chinas threat to US AI dominance was overdone, said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB.

The earnings reports [...] have also boosted hopes that big tech can weather the tariff storm. Apple will be another test, however, because it has a larger consumer element and is highly leveraged to China, even if it does report weakness in its earnings, it may not weigh on the entire sector, Brooks said.

In other news, the Trump administration reached a minerals deal with Kyiv that will see the US invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine in exchange for preferential access to natural resources deals.

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, said treasury secretary Scott Bessent in a statement.

Thursday is set to be another busy day for economic data, with consumer credit and mortgage approvals due out in the UK, and Challenger job cuts figures, jobless claims and two key manufacturing PMIs scheduled in the US.

In UK corporate news, Lloyds Bank increased its bad debt provision in the first quarter citing downside risks from the impact of US tariffs. The UK lender lifted its impairment charge to 309m from 57m a year earlier. Net income rose 4% to 4.4bn while pre-tax profit fell 7% to 1.5bn as the bank reaffirmed full-year guidance.
Persimmon reported in line trading for the year-to-date with its rate of private sales and selling prices having risen.

Its network of outlets meanwhile continued to grow, the company said in an update, for the year to 27 April, published ahead of its AGM.

Chief executive officer Dean Finch added that recent geopolitical uncertainty had not yet had an immediate impact on the business, nor on consumer confidence.

He also reiterated guidance for full-year completions of between 11,000-11,5000 - should the UK housing market stay stable.

Net private sales per outlet, per week, rose 1.0% from the same period of 2024 to 0.74, forward sales were up by 12% to 2.34bn.

The number of outlets meanwhile increased 5% to 275 and its land holdings by 2% to approximately 83,000.

For Aarin Chiekrie at Hargreaves Lansdown, the positive sales momentum helped profits "continue their growth after two prior years of declines".

As well, the analyst noted Persimmon's in-house materials business, labelling it a "key differentiator" that gave it quicker and less expensive access to key materials, allowing it to same about 5,500 per plot.

Its houses are also usually priced more than 20% beneath the newbuild national average, so its sales tended to be more resilient when faced with uncertainty, Chiekrie said.

"With shareholder payouts a key focus and Persimmons valuation sitting some way below the long-term average, this could mark an opportunity for long-term investors."
Ukraine focused miner and iron ore pellet producer Ferrexpo surged on news that the Trump administration reached a minerals deal with Kyiv that will see the US invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine in exchange for preferential access to natural resources deals.

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, said treasury secretary Scott Bessent in a statement.

Genus surged again after a jump on Wednesday in response to news that a key product won approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Shares in ship broker Clarkson slumped on Thursday after the company issued a profit warning, citing the impact of US tariffs and weaker US dollar.

The shipping services company said underlying pre-tax earnings would now be 85m - 95m. Clarkson shares tanked in March after it warned the US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, political tensions and economic weakness had resulted in lower freight rates and asset values.

At the time it had also unveiled record profits of 115.3m. Shares in the company fell 10.6% in London

In a trading update ahead of its annual general shareholder meeting, Clarkson said shipping rates were running 7% lower in dollar terms than anticipated at the time of the full year results on March 10.

It warned that if US dollar exchange rates remained at current levels to the end of 2025 profits would be reduced by 9.5m compared with previous expectations.

Market Movers

FTSE 250 - Risers

Ferrexpo (FXPO) 70.40p 19.52%

Genus (GNS) 2,010.00p 9.12%

Endeavour Mining (EDV) 2,124.00p 5.36%

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 70.85p 5.20%

Mobico Group (MCG) 32.46p 4.37%

Wizz Air Holdings (WIZZ) 1,697.00p 4.37%

Polar Capital Technology Trust (PCT) 299.00p 3.64%

C&C Group (CDI) (CCR) 142.60p 3.63%

Allianz Technology Trust (ATT) 367.50p 3.52%

Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust (USA) 230.00p 3.14%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Clarkson (CKN) 2,945.00p -10.35%

4Imprint Group (FOUR) 3,060.00p -10.00%

Coats Group (COA) 69.90p -3.45%

Harbour Energy (HBR) 148.20p -3.14%

Elementis (ELM) 122.40p -2.24%

Greggs (GRG) 1,816.00p -2.21%

Energean (ENOG) 866.00p -1.81%

Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund Limited (SEQI) 74.50p -1.72%

Bellevue Healthcare Trust (Red) (BBH) 120.00p -1.48%

Diversified Energy Company (DEC) 929.00p -1.33%
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to US$ 10 million to Unibank Commercial Bank OJSC. The loan, which is disbursed in local currency, will be redirected toward financing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

This partnership marks not only a renewal of cooperation between EBRD and Unibank but also a significant milestone in the development of the private sector in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The transaction aim is to enhance the competitiveness of local SMEs and expand their access to financial resources through a strong and agile financial intermediary like Unibank.

At the signing ceremony, it was noted that EBRD would also support Unibank in developing its MSME lending strategy, product offerings, and monitoring mechanisms. As part of this process, the implementation of an environmental and social management system at the bank is also planned.

Heybat Gadirov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Unibank, stated:

Unibanks cooperation with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development traces back many years, and we are very pleased to restore this productive partnership. At Unibank, we consider the development of the SME sector and the sustainable growth of the national economy among our strategic priorities. This collaboration will enable us to provide greater financial support to entrepreneurs. The raised funds will further strengthen Unibanks SME lending strategy and contribute to the diversification of the national economy.

Nataly Mouravidze, EBRD Head of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted:

We are pleased to reboot our partnership with Unibank, a systemically important financial institution in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Agreements like this are highly valuable for the countrys economy. With this financial package, we are supporting the growth of local businesses and enhancing the lending capacity of the financial sector.

About Unibank:

Unibank CB OJSC is one of the leading commercial banks in Azerbaijan. The bank provides a wide range of financial services to both individuals and corporate clients. Known for its leadership in digital banking and support for entrepreneurship, Unibank collaborates with international financial institutions to create new financial opportunities for local businesses.

About EBRD:

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is one of the largest institutional investors in Azerbaijan, having invested close to 4 billion in nearly 200 projects across the country. The Banks renewed country strategy focuses on supporting the non-oil sector and the green economy.

yir.
Air India and Air India Express have appointed dnata as their General Sales Agent (GSA) and Representative Agency (RA) in the United Arab Emirates, respectively, as part of their commercial expansion plans in the Gulf. As per the agreement, dnata will handle sales, marketing, and distribution services for both the airlines across the UAE, excluding Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for Air India.

This alliance was signed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai and seeks to promote better connectivity for travelers and trade partners alongside supporting the growth strategy of Tata-owned airlines in the region. The collaboration occurs when India continues to be the largest source market for Dubai International Airport, delivering 3 million passengers alone in the first quarter of 2025.

Large Indian cities like Mumbai and New Delhi are some of the busiest city-pairs for travel to Dubai, reflecting high demand for business, family, and tourist travel. Air India currently operates 82 weekly flights between India and the UAE, with 32 flights on the DubaiIndia route. Air India Express, meanwhile, has more than 240 weekly flights connecting five UAE cities Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah to India. Dubai is the biggest international market for Air India Express, and hence a vital gateway in the airline group's network.

The UAE is a crucial market in our global network. We're looking forward to collaboration with dnata, whose deep understanding of the region and established track record in travel services will enable us to better engage with customers, drive demand, and improve service delivery," added Kaizad Postwalla, Head of International Sales GMEA & North America, Air India.

Simon Woodford, Vice President of Global Air Services at dnata Travel Group, remarked,  Vice President of Global Air Services at dnata Travel Group, remarked,  The Air India group is providing increasingly accessible and affordable travel options for both leisure and business between the UAE and India. We represented Air India in Dubai for passenger sales for nearly 50 years from 1967 to 2014, and we are thrilled to be appointed by the Air India group as its operations continue to expand and support millions of travelers.

Air India operates to 45 domestic and 43 international cities, and Air India Express to 38 domestic and 17 international cities. The group continues to be committed to regional alliances to improve global connectivity and service delivery.
In a major diplomatic foray, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal ended his visit to Norway, the first by an Indian minister in more than 25 years. Goyal stressed that the bilateral relationship between India and Norway is on the cusp of a new era of trust and economic cooperation.

On the occasion of the visit, Goyal had high-level meetings with Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth. The meetings were centered around implementing the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and ways to increase bilateral trade and investment relations.

"Completed my fruitful trip to Norway, the first one by an Indian Commerce and Industry Minister in the last 25 years", Goyal tweeted on X, which was earlier known as Twitter. "My interactions with the country's political and business leadership instill in me great confidence that our relationship is poised to reach a new level of trust and growth", he further said.

Goyal was a panelist with the top Norwegian investors where he addressed the opportunities opening up in the capital markets of India and GIFT City potential. "Deliberated on investment prospects of India's capital markets and GIFT City's potential to be a new gateway for investors with the changing economic landscape of the world", he said.

India-Norway business community highlighting India's better business environment. "Spoke on strengthening of Ease of Doing Business in India, the investment climate of the country, world leadership in talents, tech expansion, and TEPA-driven possibilities for Norwegian investors", Goyal stated. At the 'Innovation Norway' centre, he interacted with thehighlighting India's better business environment. "Spoke on strengthening of Ease of Doing Business in India, the investment climate of the country, world leadership in talents, tech expansion, and TEPA-driven possibilities for Norwegian investors", Goyal stated.

He also co-chaired the Norway India Business Executive Roundtable with Minister Myrseth on innovation-led growth and strategic business partnerships. Goyal also called on the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) and met with 'some of the prominent members'.

The Norway trip was a part of Goyal's five-day visit to London, Oslo, and Brussels to boost India's trade and investment ties with the UK, Norway, and the European Union.
South Indian Bank (SIB), one of India's leading scheduled commercial banks, hosted the inaugural edition of the National Co-lending Summit  SEED (Synergizing Emerging Enterprises Digitally) Season 1 on April 29, 2025, at SIB Tower in Kochi, Kerala.

Organised by the Bank's Strategic Alliances & Digital Business Department, the summit marks a significant step towards strengthening co-lending partnerships with emerging and established NBFCs and HFCs. This flagship initiative aligns with the Bank's long-term vision to invite, identify, and engage potential co-lending partners across the Retail, Agriculture, and MSMEs (RAM) segments.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. P R Seshadri, MD and CEO, South Indian Bank, said, "In the backdrop of the RBI's proposal to extend the co-lending guidelines to cover all regulated entities and lending segments, we were excited to host Season 1 of the National Co-lending Summit  SEED. SEED is a nurturing platform for both fintech innovators and lending institutions to co-create smart, scalable and inclusive financial solutions for Indian borrowers."

Season 1 of SEED proves to be a powerful platform to explore innovative financing solutions that support inclusive credit access and business growth, particularly for underserved and semi-urban markets. The summit focuses on diverse lending verticals where co-lending can create real impact and scale on the following:

Retail lending - Home Loans (Prime and Affordable Housing Finance), Personal Loans and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, Gold Loans (Agri and Non-Agri), Vehicle Loans (New and Used  Retail and Commercial), Education Loans (Secured and Unsecured)

Agriculture - Term Loans and Supply Chain Finance

MSMEs- Loan Against Property (LAP), Commercial Vehicle & Equipment Financing (New and Used), Equated Daily Instalments (EDI)

The National Co-lending Summit  SEED serves to be a nurturing platform for both fintech innovators and lending institutions to co-create smart, scalable, and inclusive financial solutions for Indian borrowers through South Indian Bank.

Many prominent NBFCs/HFCs participated and presented tailored co-lending propositions, along with real-world use cases, to the key decision-makers at SIB. This paves the way to develop faster and quality-driven partnerships and growing the Bank's topline & bottomline.
In a historic breakthrough that may reshape India's green energy sector, the Telangana Government has announced green investments of over Rs 1,500 crore to set up world-class biogas plants in the state. This big boost is part of a novel cross-border partnership between South Africa's Biovest Holdings, and Indian companies Spantech Engineers and EcoMax Energy Pvt Ltd.

At the core of this project is a pioneering technology transfer agreement between Biovest Holdings and Spantech Engineers. Spantech will produce Biovest's innovative Herba technology a cutting-edge, containerized modular anaerobic digestion system that has the potential to yield up to three times more biomethane than conventional biogas systems. The system will be produced locally in Hyderabad, taking advantage of Spantech's expertise in gas purification through its patented BioGenie systems.

Hyderabad-based EcoMax Energy will be the sole deployment partner of this technology in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The firm has planned to construct an initial 20 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants in Telangana, with a long-term plan to have one in each district. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed between EcoMax and Spantech in the presence of high-level Telangana government officials.

"This is a game-changer for India's renewable energy dreams", said Mr. M Rithvik Rao, Managing Director and CEO at EcoMax Energy. "Our vision is to make Telangana a green energy hub, completely independent in compressed natural gas, creating thousands of green jobs and elevating rural economies. We are also in advanced talks with European green funds and development banks to raise funds, affirming the global impact of this project".

The modular and scalable design of the Herba system is well-suited for decentralized energy generation, and it fits India's increasing thrust toward sustainable rural development. The technology also presents huge scope for energy generation from agricultural waste, providing a double advantage for farmers and consumers alike.

India has been instrumental in facilitating this trilateral cooperation. H.E. Gideon Labane, South African Consul General in India, showed unstinted support for the collaboration, describing it as 'a bold step toward a cleaner, greener future'. The South African Consulate General inthis trilateral cooperation. H.E. Gideon Labane, South African Consul General in India, showed unstinted support for the collaboration, describing it as 'a bold step toward a cleaner, greener future'.

"Herba is not only a technology; it is an innovation-driven vision turned into reality through collaboration. This collaboration is the best example of what can be achieved when countries come together to address global issues with collective solutions", Labane added.

Through this collaboration, Telangana is emerging as a national pioneer in the biogas revolution, creating a benchmark for how international collaboration and technological advancement can fuel sustainable development and energy security.
Starting from May 1, 2025, changes will come into effect regarding the ticket purchase procedures for flights operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on the BakuFuzuliBaku route.

According to the new rules, citizens of Azerbaijan can now purchase tickets for this route directly through AZAL's official website or mobile application without the need to present any special permit. This applies to both one-way and round-trip tickets.

The system will automatically generate the necessary travel permits, eliminating the need to submit an additional request via the Yolumuz Qarabaga portal.

These changes have been introduced to simplify procedures for Azerbaijani citizens and make the travel process more convenient. Foreign nationals, however, are still required to obtain prior permission from the relevant state authorities to travel to Fuzuli.

It should be noted that BakuFuzuliBaku flights are operated twice a week  on Saturdays and Sundays.
Labour Day is not only an off day but also a moment to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices of workers, and fight for fair treatment, and better work conditions. It commemorates the struggles and successes of the workers' movement to achieve fair remuneration, a safe working environment, and labour rights. While most nations celebrate this day with festivals and public holidays, it also serves as a stage to bring awareness to pertinent issues at the workplace and fight for social justice. The International Labour Organization (ILO) usually gives Labour Day annual themes revolving around topical issues at the workplace. The origins of the day go back to the eight-hour workday battle of the labor movement that grew in intensity during the latter half of the 19th century, and more specifically with the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, in which workers agitated for the right. Labour Day is observed on May 1st as a public holiday across most countries but also as a day of action and reflection. Following are the reasons for Labour Day being seen as just a holiday in India.

Continued Layoffs

The tech sector is seeing major layoffs in 2025, following the trend in 2024, with top firms such as Google, Infosys, Meta, and Microsoft having layoffs. These companies are under fire for how they treated their employees, especially Infosys, which made news recently after laying off 350 employees in one go. The firm says these firings resulted from "mutual separation" following that employees had failed three internal tests after foundational training. But this is not according to NITES, which disagrees with the figure and estimates the number of impacted employees to be nearer 700. Likewise, Google has revealed it would be laying off members of its cloud and HR staff in order to "operate more efficiently" and simplify its structure, having already shed hundreds from its platforms and devices division so far this month. This movement creates apprehension regarding treatment in the workplace in India and dashes the dreams of employees aiming to have a career in the technology sector.

The Indian government is actively responding to the ongoing issue of layoffs, particularly in the tech sector, by intervening in cases of alleged unfair termination, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and protecting employee rights. However, there is no use as that creates apprehension regarding treatment in the workplace in India and dashes the dreams of employees aiming to have a career in the technology sector.

DELAY OF WAGES:

In India, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 mandates definite timelines for wage payment that depend on the number of employees in a company. Nevertheless, non-payment and late payment of wages are common practices that are found more in some sectors. These activities may lead to legal implications and fines against the employers. Under the Act, employers are obliged to determine a wage period, which should not be more than one month, and wages have to be paid within seven days from the expiry of this period. In the event of termination of employment, wages have to be paid within two days from the date of termination.

Regrettably, most organizations are not meeting these minimum wage demands and offering such necessary benefits as provident funds to their employees. This late payment of wages not only hits employees' finances but also decreases their motivation and passion at the workplace. Therefore, most employees are forced to look for secondary sources of income to survive. The continued problem of wage puts forth the need for stricter enforcement of labor laws and greater accountability of employers towards ensuring equitable treatment of employees in India. This delay in wage payments diminishes employees' motivation and enthusiasm, prompting them to seek alternative sources of income.

Long hours, no overtime pay

The Factories Act of 1948, among other such Acts in states, requires that the workers must not work for over 48 hours a week and 9 hours a day. Nevertheless, increased working hours are now a real burden to the majority, particularly in urban towns. In metropolises like Bangalore, most people spend typically 10 hours in the office and another 2 to 3 hours travelling, sometimes more. Most of them eat, sleep, and put make-up for work on public transport itself.

One of my friends in another city begins her day at 7:30 am by reading work emails, despite her official workday starting at 9 am and running until 11 pm, five days a week, for a big US consulting firm. She says the lengthy hours leave her "tired and anxious," frequently giving up sleep in the quest for private time. "I don't know how people do marriages, children, and elder care with such demanding work schedules", she said. The similarity between all these workers who work for the long hours is they serve multinational corporations (MNCs), many of whom are not paid for the additional time worked.

Conclusion:

Precisely, employees are not voicing their concerns effectively to the government despite optimistic answers from officials. As a result of overpopulation, numerous people in India find it challenging to get jobs and hence employees prefer having job security than a comfortable working environment in the prevailing job crisis. Theres a saying, Work hard, Play hard, and people today are conveniently used to it. Although, most appreciate their employment in this competitive work world, but they hardly feel satisfied with their work environment as a whole.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Vince Vaughn towered over the gaggle of media personalities and fellow cast members at Wednesdays New York premiere of Netflixs Nonnas.

At one point between camera flashes and general glitz, he embraced the character he portrayed, the real life Joe Scaravella from Enoteca Maria in St. George.

Nonnas follows the restaurant trajectory of Scaravella, an entrepreneur who started Enoteca Maria with the premise of grandmothers (the now-world famed Nonnas) as rotating chefs. St. George resident Jack Turner, a fan and regular at Enoteca, produced the film. He and his family came to know Scaravella over the years, a relationship that fueled inspiration for the venture. The films script was written by Liz Maccie, a work that captures the local spots color and character.

The restaurant journey

Scaravellas menu originally was orchestrated by about a dozen nonnas direct from Italy, who brought their regional recipes to Staten Island. As it has evolved over 20 years, Enoteca runs on the concept of Nonnas of the World, relying on the talents of women who come from all corners of the globe. The name of his eatery honors his mother and her kitchen traditions expressed through the love and cooking of these real-life grandmas.

Through actors Vaughn, Joe Manganiello (playing Joes childhood friend, Bruno) and Michael Rispoli (judgmental neighbor Al), those in the food industry might relate to the restaurant journey in Nonnas." Without spoiling the plot, generally speaking, other award-winning talents include Drea de Matteo and Talia Shire.

With a cookbook and now a movie adding to his New York City restaurants legacy, Scaravella held up his arms in celebration at the movie premiere. On Wednesday night, he looked like a Hollywood pro in the mix of his Nonna doppelgangers  Lorraine Bracco (Roberta), Susan Sarandon (Gia) and Brenda Vaccaro (Antonella).

Hollywood culled from Scaravellas experiences in the business through his ups and downs building a dream. Nonnas offers a glimpse into those travails from squabbling nonnas to a kitchen fire to dealings with the Department of Health.

The heart-warming tale with its laugh-out-loud moments can be a tear-jerker at times. But its largely wholesome message of cooking through love can greatly stoke an appetite. Foods look mouthwatering and the superstar Nonnas appear to have fun putting it together.

Ultimately, Staten Islanders know Enoteca Maria as a success story. It is currently one of the boroughs most well-known eateries by Michelin and influencers standards.

Towering over the crowd, here is Nonnas executive producer and lead Vince Vaughn. He plays "Joe Scaravella" in the movie. Joe is the owner of Enoteca Maria in St. George which has both a movie and a song dedicated to it. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Walking the red carpet

Scaravella had met Vaughn on the set and reunited with him once again on the red carpet. The Staten Islander shared, I was watching these amazing people on the set. I was awestruck. Individually I sat with Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro...shes a hoot. Shes amazing.

There were some behind-the-scenes chatter about Nonnas from the actors themselves. For instance, pre-teen Theodore Helm who played Scaravella as a boy shared one moment: He fainted on set. It wasnt from over-consumption of zeppole on the set or from a food coma, courtesy of Enoteca Marias catered meals. The kitchen and indoor space in which the movie was shot, said Helm, was super hot.

In another interview, Bracco admitted she had not sampled food from the Staten Island restaurant itself. Instead, she enjoyed Enotecas victuals while filming in Elizabeth, N.J.

Bracco said, Staten Island plays a significant role in the movie. I happened to be in Sicily when they planned to do the tour of Enoteca Maria but they cooked and brought food in.

A 10-year veteran of Enoteca Maria, 91-year-old Nonna Maria savored the limelight. Known for her stuffed calamari, meatballs and zucchini lasagna, she took time with press folk to complement her colleagues at the restaurant.

She told the Advance/SILive.com, [My colleagues] like Carmelina are beautiful. Every dish is special at the restaurant. I make stuffed calamari. I make meatballs. I make like a lasagna with zucchini. I make it with mozzarella...the sauce. I put it in the oven.

She added, Everyone says, I like it. I want to take it home.

After the movie promotions are over, Nonna Maria will return to her cooking station at 27 Hyatt St., St. George. When its business-as-usual, her day starts at 11 a.m. and she enjoys giving hugs to customers.

In his intro to the movie shown at The Paris Theater, director Stephen Chbosky quipped that Enoteca Maria would be busier than ever after the movie debut on May 9. Based on the sweet Staten Island story told to worldwide audiences, he wasnt kidding. Not only was Enoteca Maria the star of the show but when the credits roll they include the eaterys North Shore address.

Enoteca Maria's Joe Scaravella hams it up for the camera at the Nonnas New York premiere. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

Pamela Silvestri is Advance/Silive.com Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
Some leaning poles are pictured on Staten Island on April 22, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  So many utility poles on the Island look like theyre about to collapse!

That comment, posted to Instagram, highlights a phenomenon Staten Island is all too familiar with.

These poles are either pulled taut in one direction by a slew of wires or precariously perched atop rocks to keep them balanced.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to a poles stature dipping one way or another.

Thats why the Advance/SILive.com took pictures of a slew of leaning poles in the borough on April 22, which include the following locations:

Castleton Corners : Manor Road and Schmidts Lane

Elm Park : Morningstar Road near LaSalle Street

Emerson Hill : Endor Avenue and the Staten Island Expressway Service Road

Emerson Hill : Witteman Place and the Staten Island Expressway Service Road

Grant City : Richmond Road and Lincoln Avenue

New Dorp : Ebbitts Street and Manila Place

Port Richmond : Port Richmond Avenue at Orange Avenue

The Advance sought to get answers about the leaning poles, noting it could be different city agency or utility companies that claim ownership for each one.

After reaching out to Con Edison, the pole at Richmond Road and Lincoln Avenue will be repaired, though at this time the extent of the repair is to be determined, said a company spokesperson.

What to do when you see a leaning pole

Leaning utility poles on Richmond Road at Lincoln Avenue on April 22, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

In the event that one of these poles is near your house, you might be wondering: What do I do?

First things first  You need to find out which entity the pole belongs to. On Staten Island, poles typically belong to one of these three organizations:

Con Edison

The Department of Transportation

Verizon

After identifying the rightful owner, the next step is to reach out to the organization to alert them of the issue.

From there, it will be up to the organization responsible for the pole to assess the situation and make a move.

Any member of the public who suspects an unsafe condition should call 1-800-75-CONED. Con Edison will respond promptly because we place the safety of the public and our workers first. In some instances, a utility pole leans due to weather, contact by a vehicle or other reason, but poses no hazard. In making our evaluation, we prioritize safety and will replace or repair equipment as needed for everyones protection, Con Edison spokesperson Allan Drury said.

Customers who wish to report damaged or potentially impaired Verizon property can always call 1-800-VERIZON, said Diana Alvear, a Verizon spokesperson.

In the worst-case scenario, and ownership of the pole belongs to neither Con Edison nor Verizon, residents are encouraged to report it to 311. According to a DOT spokesperson, the 311 report will give the DOT the opportunity to explore the poles ownership before raising the issue to the appropriate authorities behind the pole.

#fyiSI

"As a born-and-raised Staten Islander, I know the issues that plague borough residents, whether it be torn-up sidewalks or unplowed streets," said Reporter Jillian Delaney. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

Do you have a leaning pole that you think needs a bit more attention?

I want to hear from all of you about the things that dont make national headlines, but are of utmost importance to Staten Islanders.

If youd like to reach out, please email me at jdelaney@siadvance.com. Put #fyiSI in the email subject line and include your name, neighborhood and contact phone number.

Want to tag us on social media? Use #fyiSI on all your quality of life posts.
All four Staten Islanders elected to the State Assembly voted against legislation Tuesday that would implement medical aid in dying. Advance composite

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  All four Staten Islanders elected to the State Assembly voted against legislation Tuesday that would implement medical aid in dying.

The Medical Aid in Dying Act  for which State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore and South Brooklyn, is a major backer in the Senate  passed the Assembly on an 81-67 margin following a lengthy debate.

Assemblyman Charles Fall, who represents the North Shore along with parts of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, was one of several Democrats who joined with Republicans in opposing the bill.

He said his opposition was due to a lack of safeguards in the bill, a possibility of terminal misdiagnosis, and the risk of normalizing suicide through a state-backed program.

While I deeply understand the intentions behind the Medical Aid in Dying Act and the compassion it seeks to offer terminally ill patients, I have voted against this legislation due to significant concerns about its potential for misuse and the adequacy of its safeguards, Fall said.

While I acknowledge the suffering of terminally ill patients and the desire for autonomy at the end of life, I believe that the current bill does not provide sufficient safeguards to prevent potential abuses. I urge my colleagues to engage in further deliberation and to consider alternative measures that prioritize both compassion and the protection of vulnerable populations, he added.

The legislation would implement a lengthy process under which terminally-ill adults with prognoses of six months or less could be prescribed medication from a doctor, and later self-administer it to end their own life.

Similar legislation exists in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Former Delaware Gov. John Carney vetoed his states medical aid in dying bill last year, but new Gov. Matt Meyer is expected to sign the bill after it passed earlier this year.

Participants in the New York program would need to be found able to make their own decisions, fill out a written request to obtain the medication, and have two witnesses sign off on the decision.

Those witnesses cannot be family members of the patient, stand to gain materially from the patients death, or be employees of a healthcare facility where the patient received treatment.

Additionally, there is no list of diagnoses for which prospective patients could seek medical aid in dying, and people could not qualify only because of their age or a disability.

Assemblymember Michael Reilly, a Republican representing the South Shore, also pointed to an existing law that makes promoting a suicide attempt a low-level felony.

While the bill that passed the Assembly includes a number of protections for prescribing doctors, including the ability to not list the medication as cause on a death certificate, the legislation does nothing to address what some see as a conflict with existing law.

Reilly said that conflict, and concerns about security of the medication were part of the reason he voted against the bill.

For me, it was more of a struggle between having empathy and thinking that this isnt going down the right path, he said. Youre torn because you dont want to see people suffer.

Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, a Republican representing the East Shore and South Brooklyn, raised a series of similar concerns, including a lack of security for the medication once a patient takes it home.

I recognize the profound emotional weight of this issue. Witnessing a loved one suffer at the end of life is truly devastating, and every individual deserves dignity and compassion during such a difficult time, especially when facing a terminal illness, he said. Ultimately, I believe our responsibility as lawmakers is to protect our communities and ensure no one is put at unnecessary risk. For these reasons, I could not support the Medical Aid in Dying Act.

Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, a Republican representing the Mid-Island, declined comment, but voted against the legislation.

The bill still has a long way to go. It needs to pass the State Senate and receive the signature of Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has not taken a stance on the bill.

In voicing her support for the legislation that has been pushed in Albany for over a decade, Scarcella-Spanton pointed to the two local stories of Brian Moffett, and Daren and Amy Eilert, which the Advance/SILive.com has chronicled in recent years.

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 to pass, Moffett condemned New York lawmakers knowing he would not live long enough to see the legislation pass. 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.

Since day one, I have been an ardent supporter of this legislation, because I believe that it is grounded in giving terminally ill people a choice to end their suffering with compassion, dignity, and humanity. That is what Brian Moffett, Ayla Eilert, and countless other New Yorkers deserved, Scarcella-Spanton said. I will continue advocating for this legislation in their memories, and will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that this passes in the Senate, and becomes law.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.

Mary Teresa Capdevielle (nee Mondido), 64, passed away peacefully at home in Parlin, New Jersey on April 28, 2025. Born on April 29, 1960, in Brooklyn, she moved to Staten Island with her family as a young girl. Mary attended St. Margaret Marys School, St. John Villa Academy, and later earned her degree from St. Johns University. She spent much of her career at the Seton Foundation before retiring. In 1984, she married John Capdevielle, and together they shared 40 beautiful years of marriage. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who had a passion for baking, cooking, and arts and crafts. Read the full obituary on SILive.

RECENT OBITUARIES

Geraldine A. Del Bagno passed away on April 24, 2025. Born on December 20, 1951, in Staten Island, New York, Geraldine was endlessly social, charming, funny, and charismatic. She was a proud graduate of the Class of 1969 at Countess Moore High School. In 1984, Geraldine became a mother to her dear daughter Julia Marie, who was the apple of her eye. Fiercely independent and smart, she worked for years in administration at Manhattan law firms and spent decades as an aide at Staten Island Borough Hall. Geraldine will be remembered for her impeccable personal style, her love for her furry friends, and her unshakable bond with her daughter. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by Advance/SILive.com staff.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has made the most definitive statement yet on rumors that her marriage to husband Barack, the former president, is on the rocks.

Speaking on an episode of The Diary of a CEO With Steven Barlett, Obama said that everybody would know if the celebrated couple were struggling with their marriage.

He would know it, Obama said, referring to her brother and IMO podcast co-host Craig Robinson. And everybody would know it.

Im not a martyr, the former FLOTUS said. I would be problem-solving in public. Let me tell you what he did.

If they were having a problem, Robinson joked, I would be doing a podcast with him.

Obama said that she and her husband would never quit at their relationship, per the New York Post. The couple married in 1992.

Thats not who we are, she said. And I know that about him. He knows that about me.

Rumors about the marriage started with unfounded gossip that Barack Obama, who served two terms in the White House, had been romantically involved with Friends superstar Jennifer Aniston.

Obama made some stunning remarks about his marriage situation during an appearance at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., last month.

When asked by college President Steven Tepper what hed been up to, Obama said hed mostly been working on the next volume of his memoirs.

Beyond that, look, I was in a deep deficit with my wife, Obama said, so I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.

The marriage gossip gained traction when the former president was seen solo at the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter and at President Donald Trumps inauguration.
President Donald Trump isnt at loggerheads with every member of the Cuomo family.

During a town hall appearance on NewsNation, Trump told host Chris Cuomo that he appreciated the call the newsman made to him following the assassination attempt on Trumps life last year.

I do remember your call, Trump said. I appreciate your call and I actually appreciate your family. Ive known your family for a long time. You know that.

Cuomo, brother of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said he took a lot of flack when he revealed that he made the comfort call to Trump, who was running for president at the rime.

There was a lot of heat that came my way, Cuomo said. As if I shouldnt have been making a comfort call to Donald Trump.

Trump was wounded by an assassins bullet during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024.

Andrew Cuomo, who is now running for New York City mayor, has made heated remarks about the president, a fellow Queens native.

We all know this man, Cuomo said during a campaign stop in March. He came from Queens. I dealt with him for four years. I fought with him for four years. I know him,

Cuomo said, He, in many ways, has learned from his first administration to his second, and hes more diabolical in this administration.

Cuomo on Palm Sunday last month labeled Trump a bully and recalled how he and Trump had battled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And you know what I learned about Mr. Trump? He is a bully, the ex-gov said. And you know what you do with a bully? You stand up to a bully. When they put their finger in your chest, you step forward. You dont step back  Were going to stand up to the bully.

Trump in April dished on his relationship with the former governor.

Ive always gotten along with him, the president told reporters on Air Force One. Weve had our ins and outs a little bit.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. The Information Technology Department under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan has completed the process of acquiring services for the development of digital education resources, Trend reports.

The department has finalized relevant procedures and signed a contract with Edumedia-Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company (LLC) to implement these services.

Under the agreement, a payment of over 1.9 (1,957,866) million manat ($1.1 million) has been made to the LLC for the execution of the tasks.

Edumedia-Azerbaijan was officially registered in 2011. The company, with a charter capital of 60 manat ($35.2), is legally represented by Orkhan Abasov.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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First cab off the rank is the companys brand-new entry into the audio space with its StudioSonic headphones, which are professional-grade monitoring headphones specifically designed for field production, post-production, and live events.

In following the wireless trend, Atomos has also launched its TX-RX Series video transmission system, designed to transfer data in a reliable and low-lag format from camera to monitor without the need for messy wires.

In probably its boldest move to date, the company has also jumped into the world of artificial intelligence with its new A-Eye PTZ camera range.

The AI-powered PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras are remotely controlled devices that can automatically track and frame subjects, adjust setting and even recognise faces. Atomos has pinpointed a wide range of users likely to adopt this product including those working in live production, education, conferencing and the streaming markets.

Lastly, the company has launched it ATOMOSphere cloud offering, which allows users to directly upload content from video devices to the cloud for storage and distribution. ATOMOSphere operates as a subscription model, opening up the company to a new and recurring revenue stream. And with the platform open to multiple technologies, the company expects to pick up new clients outside its own existing community.

Atomos Limited chief executive officer-elect Peter Barber said: The work we have done over the past year to rebuild and restructure the Company has laid a strong foundation for the future. We are creating a more agile, resilient organisation  one that is better positioned to navigate change and seize new opportunities. I believe Atomos has an extraordinary opportunity to expand into new markets, drive broader innovation, and build upon its proud history of pioneering technology in the video production and content creation space.

Despite macroeconomic headwinds including rising tariffs which have bruised US sales, Atomos still managed $8 million in cash receipts for the quarter and secured a new $13.7 million debt facility to reinforce its balance sheet.

The company was also able to make headway on its cost cutting program with the cash burn easing to $2.3M for the quarter compared to $4.04M for the previous three months.

The main savings came from product manufacturing and operating costs which were trimmed down to $6.2M from $7.8M while staff costs were shaved back to $2M from $2.2M in the last period.

However, the restructuring efforts are still ongoing with the company expected to slice a further $1M from its monthly fixed costs by July aided by strategic redundancies and cost-cutting initiatives. The company is also pushing toward a direct-to-consumer sales model, particularly in Europe, as a hedge against geopolitical tariff risks.

With $6.4 million in available liquidity, the company still appears to have plenty of financial headroom.

In a world where tech companies sink or swim on their ability to evolve fast, Atomos is making sure it stays above the waterlineand with Barber now at the wheel, the companys is looking firmly to the future.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
Woolworths customers are paying slightly less for long-life pantry, cooking, freezer and snack items as the supermarket giant has cut prices to keep customers in the grocery price war and home brand products remain popular.

Australias biggest grocery chain said it had lowered prices on 340 items by an average of 1.2 per cent in the 13 weeks up to April 6, during which its supermarket sales grew by 3.4 per cent.

Woolworths is hoping to convince customers it is good value. Credit: Louie Douvis

The latest quarter marks the fifth quarter of flat or lower average prices for customers, Woolworths chief executive Amanda Bardwell said on Thursday morning. However, fruit and vegetable prices had continued to rise modestly as abundant supply had made them cheaper in the prior year, she said.

This contrasts with Coles over the same period; the supermarket rival on Wednesday reported falling prices for fresh produce such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and tomatoes.
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 Cole Haden is singing to me. His band Model/Actriz are playing at a Manhattan venue called Night Club 101, and hes on the dance floor, prowling amongst the crowd, and now hes maybe a metre away from me, eyeballing me seductively while singing Doves, a spiky ballad from the bands new album, Pirouette. Im simultaneously thrilled and mortified  the louche, flamboyant Haden is wildly charismatic, but this kind of attention makes me squirm. Luckily for me, Im not his only target. Intense crowd interaction is a staple of a Model/Actriz live set, and he soon moves on to serenade others in the audience. Unlike me, theyre clearly delighted to have their moment. When I meet Haden for coffee in Brooklyn a few days later, he recognises me from the gig. Were you there with that man next to you? he asks. No, he was cute though, I respond. Haden agrees. I was hoping you were a couple and that I was breaking you up, he says impishly. I was flirting with you both. Haden on stage with Model/Actriz at Pitchfork Music Festival last July. His confrontational performance style is influenced by Marina Abramovic. Credit: WireImage The characteristically sweaty, raucous gig was a small one-off show ahead of Model/Actrizs biggest tour yet, with at least 32 dates booked across the US and Europe until September. The band formed in Boston in 2016 after drummer Ruben Radlauer and guitarist Jack Wetmore saw Haden, a fellow student at the Berklee College of Music, perform. After watching him writhing on the floor in a corset, fake blood dripping down his face, they immediately asked him to join their band. In 2019, bassist Aaron Shapiro completed the four-piece. Two years after the triumphant tour of their acclaimed debut, Dogsbody, comes Model/Actrizs second album, Pirouette. The music within remains compellingly abrasive: tense, menacing noise rock full of scuzzy, distorted guitars and mercurial percussion, while Hadens voice ranges from a sultry murmur to an operatic soprano to a guttural growl. Lyrically, Pirouette finds Haden moving away from the myth and metaphor he favoured on Dogsbody and exposing more of his own vulnerabilities. The grungy Diva begins as a boast about Hadens sexual conquests in Europe, but really, hes looking for something more/ A home to take you home to.

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There are sweet odes to his sisters (Baton) and grandmother (Acid Rain), while on standout lead single Cinderella he reminisces about his five-year-old unrealised desire to have a Cinderella birthday party. And when the moment came, and I changed my mind/ I was quiet, alone, and devastated, he moans (in the songs transgressive music video, he finally gets to act out his dream). A 90-second spoken-word interlude called Headlights is about a high school crush on a friend of a friend. Over time I started hating him, or I started hating myself/ But I hated most how Id pray each night/ Asking God to make him see me in all the ways I couldnt, Haden sings. The process of finishing Dogsbody felt like a new dawn, Haden says. I had a chip on my shoulder then, and I was really bitter about my love life, and I was angry about a lot of the sadness that I carried with me from childhood. Lady Gaga put out Bad Romance and I started figuring it out  yeah, Im gay! Haden is gentler with himself now, and on Pirouette hes more able to make peace with the pains of his past. I really wanted to speak to my inner child, that was the mission statement, he says. I wish I could have heard my future self speaking to my younger self as a child, and I appreciate the ways our music can help people see themselves, especially people who might feel lonely. Haden says he didnt have any deep friendships until he was around 14. Before that, I was a very lonely kid and I didnt really know how to help myself, he says. And then Lady Gaga put out Bad Romance and I started figuring it out  yeah, Im gay!

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Gaga was a formative influence on Haden. Like Germanotta, Stefani/ Pull the weight from under me, he sings on Dogsbodys Crossing Guard, referencing both Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) and Gwen Stefani. On Pirouette, Haden channels Gaga and fellow divas such as Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Kylie Minogue, infusing the heavy riffs and anxious beats with a dance-pop spirit thats especially evident in the live shows. What I love about [Minogue] so much is that she doesnt really carry a lot of baggage in her music, he says, naming Aphrodite as his favourite Kylie album and her 1988 gem Turn It into Love as one of his favourite songs. I think she represents what an unabashedly fearless pop song should sound like, he says. Legendary performance artist Marina Abramovic is another, less obvious influence on Hadens stage presence. In high school, he travelled to New York with a friend to take part in her project The Embrace. I hugged Marina for about two minutes and I cried, he says. Another of Abramovics projects, The Artist Is Present, was composed of prolonged staring contests. Marina showed me that eye contact doesnt have to be scary, he says, as Im reminded of his intense gaze the other night. Its more multitudinous. Pirouette is the bands second album after their acclaimed debut, 2023s Dogsbody. Credit: When I tell my friends, big fans of Model/Actriz, that I found the show hectic  in a good way  they tell me it was tame compared with other gigs, where they would go home with bruises from all the moshing and slamming their bodies into other crowd members. For the band, the shows are even more taxing. Jack was limping at the end of our last European tour, Haden says. He was banging his guitar into his hip so much there was a bruise all down his leg, and he couldnt walk. After screaming into the microphone for nights on end, Haden was often left with bleeding vocal cords. My throat will bleed again, probably, he says with a laugh and a shrug. Outwardly queer frontmen are not the norm for noise rock bands. Possibly for this reason, people would often come up to Haden on the Dogsbody tour and ask if he was really gay. I was like, Am I really standing here right now? he says. I thought, OK, it needs to be even clearer on this album because I dont want there to be any question about it [his gayness]. I want someone who needs someone like me to listen to, to have no question that Im there for that.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 1. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baxtiyor Saidov, and Japans Minister of Justice, Keisuke Suzuki, held a meeting to further strengthen the strategic partnership between their countries, Trend reports.

We discussed a number of regional and global topics and key areas of bilateral cooperation, including legal reforms, judicial modernization, and the exchange of best practices in governance and rule of law. We also explored new avenues for institutional collaboration between our justice systems, contributing to the implementation of a reform agenda in our country, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan in his post on X platform.

In the interim, the trade turnover metrics between Uzbekistan and Japan reached a substantial $188.2 million during the period spanning January to May 2024. Based on the metrics provided by Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency, this statistic reflects a substantial 162 percent escalation relative to the corresponding timeframe in the previous fiscal year ($71.7 million during JanuaryMay 2023).

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
DEECA says an overpopulation of koalas in Budj Bim has presented an ongoing management issue for 20 years, and the department undertook a proactive approach to manage koalas. It said the shooting operation was not linked to this program. This artificially high koala abundance sets the stage for major animal welfare problems when plantations are harvested, as huge numbers of displaced koalas are left without sufficient habitat to support them, Youngentob said. Without intervention, these cycles of boom and bust will continue, creating repeated crises for both koalas and land managers. Burnt and unburnt sections of Budj Bim National Park. Credit: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change DEECA Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said animals were assessed for their injuries and, where possible, were given care or rehabilitation so they could recover.

However, due to direct impacts of the fire, the poor health and low likelihood of survival of many animals due to the ongoing drought conditions and lack of food post-fire, many of the animals are requiring euthanising. A DEECA spokesman confirmed, however, that ground crews had only been able to safely access 13 per cent of burnt park to assess koalas for injuries before they were euthanised. In the other 87 per cent of park, animals had been assessed from helicopters, some 30 metres in the air, by crews using binoculars and other visual aids. All other methods which have been considered are not appropriate given the inability to safely access large areas of impacted landscape by foot due to the remote location of animals often high in the canopy, the extremely rugged terrain, and in consideration of the safety risks of working in a fire affected area, with fire impacted trees, Todd said. The options were to just leave them to deteriorate or take proactive steps to reduce suffering by using aerial assessments.

The environment department maintains the decision to euthanise wildlife in a poor welfare state was in line with best-practice animal welfare principles, and had been made in consultation with animal welfare experts. Wildlife Victoria chief executive Lisa Palma said her organisation had not been consulted about the operation, but had been informed after DEECA made the decision. A koala clings on in a tree outside a recently cleared section of bluegum plantation last week. Credit: Jessica Robertson/Koala Alliance We do not support culling of wildlife as a first resort, she said. After bushfires, the tragic reality is that theres often substantive loss of life and suffering of wildlife. Very, very few animals are not impacted by a major bushfire, and it is very much the norm that the most compassionate course of action for wildlife suffering severe burns and injuries is euthanasia.

Koala Alliance president Jessica Robertson, who first alerted the media to aerial shootings a fortnight ago, said she believed the program was a de facto cull. Robertson last week saw mature trees that had been banded in the north-eastern tip of the national park, which she said represent a missed opportunity to relocate koalas. Banded trees proliferate in the north eastern tip of Budj Bim National Park. Credit: Jessica Robertson/Koala Alliance The population was so high in the park because of recent [plantation] clearing, she said. We believe that due to recent clearings, the surviving koalas naturally migrated into the park because thats all they have, essentially, and we believe that this was in some ways, a cull.

A spokeswoman for RSPCA Victoria said the organisation had had no involvement in the aerial program. This is a heartbreaking situation with no perfect solution, she said. Loading We are calling on DEECA to conduct a thorough review of their program to ensure improvements and refinements are made to any future programs that may include aerial euthanasia methods in order to better protect animal welfare after extreme weather events. James Fitzgerald is a volunteer firefighter and trustee of Two Thumbs Wildlife Trust, which operates as a koala sanctuary in Cooma, south of Canberra.

He visited Budj Bim last week, six weeks after the fires started. The chopper was still going around shooting  we saw it come down and then fire; we heard the gunshots, he said. Thats six weeks post-fire. Youre telling me an animal thats lived for six weeks after a fire is severely injured? I think anything thats lived that long post-fire would be savable. He urged the Victorian government to use smaller fires like in Budj Bim to develop protocols for rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife after bushfires. Helicopter shooting of koalas, is a wasted opportunity. We know that climate change is intensifying bushfires, making them more common and larger. Small bushfires, like the Budj Bim National Park bushfire, is an opportunity to develop and perfect our wildlife disaster rescue response. A DEECA spokesman said the department was still determining how many koalas had been shot.
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 There is one thing you absolutely cannot get wrong when trying to sell clothes on Shein. Its all about the first image. Its all about photography, because thats your storefront, says Tara Skene Haygarth, Sheins first director of product in Australia. That will get the click-through, which will get the conversion rate. If you dont have great photography  you dont really get the sales. Skene Haygarth is steering the Chinese-founded fast-fashion retailers latest initiative Down Under: Aralina, the first house brand designed by Australians and manufactured by Shein. The launch of Aralina has provided the first glimpse inside the local machinations of the US$50 billion ($78 billion) global behemoth that fosters a competitive internal culture among hundreds of in-house brands to stimulate sales. Its a bid to bring the Australian lifestyle to the northern hemisphere  a marketing exercise to sell beachy, relaxed vibes to online shoppers from the US, Europe and the Middle East. Billed as feminine, flowy and dainty, the new products are designed, photographed and released for sale every week. Models posing on the sand are photographed wearing pieces selling for as little as $8. Aralinas approach to product photography, shot beachside rather than in the studio, is necessary to distinguish itself from hundreds of other labels produced by Shein.

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Its all very competitive, says Skene Haygarth. Its really about having such a unique point of view with the creative art direction, the way you shoot  So it is tough, but its all just about performance, too. Loading Getting cut-through is key to success at Shein. Its model of mass production  the company is estimated to have as many as 600,000 items for sale at any given time  depends on a perpetual cycle of trendy styles. Part of the strategy is to design as much as possible and see what sticks. A Shein product typically isnt sold for more than 90 days. A team of seven designers is behind the Aralina label, which spans swimwear, resortwear, activewear, sleepwear, casual wear, and a curve collection. We really have the scale under the Shein Group, says Skene Haygarth. Obviously, [the] Australia [market] is there, but its the smallest part, really, of the business because the customers are northern hemisphere. After joining the business in June last year, Skene Haygarth says she had to learn an entirely new business model and way of working. Its so ahead of where Australian retail is, but it really is the future of retail.

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By copying designs at a rapid pace and flooding the market with low-cost versions, companies like Shein fundamentally undercut Australian designers, who are investing in this market and employing local people, she says. Quaintance-James and this masthead are not suggesting that Aralina has copied designs. Its really sad that some retailers and brands are not really able to keep afloat and keep moving forward, because some of them are absolutely incredible, says Skene Haygarth. Everyones shopping online. The way I knew retail 10 years ago doesnt even really exist any more. No ones doing catalogues. Stores are an experience, and its a different model to an online tech-based business. Designs on demand Aralina has already sold 250,000 items around the world, 15 per cent of which are from the Curve collection, since it launched. Only about 10 to 15 per cent of Aralina items have gone back into production.

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Internally, Shein has set a high bar for its designers through its on-demand production model, which Skene Haygarth says is part of the companys sustainability efforts. This model, which has been at the heart of Sheins business since its inception, allows Shein to test and learn in real time by producing small quantities of each product. Shein will produce more stock, or rebuy, when demand hits an undisclosed threshold. Its what allows the company to keep prices low for customers and respond to trends at a rapid pace. Skene Haygarth says this model means there is no real waste at the front end, given the company does not run the risk of sitting on unwanted inventory, by producing only what consumers demand. The on-demand model really isnt spoken about, says Skene Haygarth. I feel like for us, the operating model is quite sustainable. Courtney Holm, a former fashion designer and founder of Circular Sourcing, says the on-demand model is very clever, pointing out many small businesses use a similar model, albeit on a smaller scale. However, Holm says low-waste claims need to be viewed in the context of the total volume of clothing being produced  while it may eliminate overproduction of a finished piece of clothing, it doesnt curtail large amounts of fabric waste produced by the fashion industry. Fabric is not made on demand. There are minimum order quantities, and there are typically huge amounts of excess fabrics left over from production because of this, and this is pervasive across the industry, said Holm.

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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 investigative reporter at the centre of Ben Roberts-Smiths defamation case has given evidence for the first time in the years-long battle after the former soldier won a court bid to use a secret recording of the journalist as part of an attempt to overturn his damning defamation loss.

Nick McKenzie, a reporter at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, told the Full Court of the Federal Court in Sydney on Thursday that he was really anxious during the defamation case to prove Roberts-Smith was a war criminal, and we had to find evidence to do that.

Nick McKenzie and Ben Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Thursday. Credit: Peter Rae

Im a naturally very anxious person, and I was extremely worried that wed lose the case at times, he said.

The multi-award-winning journalist agreed he wrote in his book that he had felt like he had his balls in a vice during the litigation and that his career would have been over if he lost the defamation case over articles accusing Roberts-Smith of war crimes in Afghanistan.
A Brisbane couple who paid for a surrogate mother to give birth to their child overseas could face criminal charges after a Family Court ruling on their bid to gain parental rights.

However, an expert in surrogacy law says she would be surprised if the pair ended up in front of a criminal court, as no one has ever been prosecuted in Queensland for having a baby through surrogacy  even before new laws came into effect 15 years ago.

In the latest case, the baby was born in 2024 to a couple living in Brisbane who said they had been trying to have a child for 15 years.

Under Queensland law, paying for surrogacy carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail. Credit: Luis Ascui

In evidence they gave to the Family Court, they said they had paid 84,000 (about $A140,000) to a foreign surrogacy service.
A successful businessman has appeared in a Perth court over allegations he was driving without a valid licence last month, leading to the impoundment of his Mercedes-Benz Coupe just months after police seized his $100,000 Maserati and converted it into a patrol car.

Hyung Dae Shin, also known as Tommy Shin, a successful chief executive within the tech industry, has a history of drink-driving that led to a court order last year that meant he could not drive without an alcohol interlock device on his car.

Perth businessman Tommy Shin had his Maserati confiscated and converted to a police patrol car. Now, another one of his luxury vehicles could be set for the same fate.

But in September, he was caught ignoring that order, leading to the removal of his drivers licence.

His $100,000 Maserati was also impounded as a result of that offence, police later seeking a seizure order.
Rio Tinto has fended off an activist investors bid to strong-arm the miner into commissioning a review of its dual-listing structure, with a shareholder vote ending a year-long campaign.

London-based hedge fund Palliser Capital had urged shareholders to back a probe into the merits of unifying the miner under a single listing in Australia by collapsing a structure it deemed archaic.

Dominic Barton, chairman of Rio Tinto Group, at the companys annual meeting in Perth. Credit: Bloomberg

But 19.35 per cent of the miners shareholders threw their support behind the proposal to review  which had been staunchly opposed by its board  just shy of the 20 per cent required to trigger a requirement for further consultation under UK corporate governance rules.

The $160 billion global miner has had dual listings on the London and Australian stock exchanges for more than 30 years.
Peter Dutton dropped a truth bomb on Thursday morning when he returned to his home turf in Brisbane and sought to remind Australians that the election is all about the pressure on households from the cost of living.

This election, really, is a referendum not about the election campaign but about the last three years of government, he said. Are you better off today than you were three years ago?

Peter Dutton sings the national anthem with members of the Salvation Army at Club Pine Rivers in his electorate of Dickson on Thursday. Credit: James Brickwood

This is correct, of course. And also revealing. It is obvious that Dutton does not want the election result to be about the campaign  because his campaign has been so poor. How poor? Atrocious, says one Liberal. But it is also true that many Australians will look past the daily campaign when they cast their ballots  and some will blame Labor for their genuine financial pain.

Anthony Albanese conveys more confidence by the day, but he had to hedge this week on a central question at the National Press Club: are Australians better off now than they were before he was elected? The prime minister had an answer  mostly about his arguments with Dutton  but it lacked a simple word: yes. Albanese cannot claim voters are better off because that would be the biggest lie of the campaign.
The best way to get new clients is to train winners.

That is the simple scenario facing James Cummings, who will officially part ways with Godolphin before the new racing season starts in August.

James Cummings is planning for life after Godolphin. Credit: Getty Images

There are so many unknowns following Wednesdays news that Cummings would no longer work exclusively for racing giant Godolphin. Their eight years together netted 50 group 1 winners.

It has already been flagged Cummings could be returning to Randwick and Leilani Lodge, where his famous grandfather, turf legend Bart Cummings, prepared so many winners.
Kyrgyzstan advances ADB-financed Issyk-Kul road project with new construction deal

Kyrgyzstan signed a contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation to upgrade a 75-km section of the BarskoonKarakol road under the ADB-funded Issyk-Kul Ring Road Improvement Project. The project includes widening to four lanes, building sidewalks and bus stops, and improving safety and drainage.

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No other Australian city lets you soak up the heritage vibe quite like Hobart, where cobblestone streets wind past a captivating mix of architectural styles, from elegant Georgian warehouses to striking Victorian and Gothic influences that tell the story of its past. And no other part of town offers quite as much old-world charm as Battery Point.

Thats where you will find Mauds Cottage, a delightful wooden hideaway with the best of Hobart within strolling distance, including Battery Points many inviting eateries (the scallop pies at Jackman & McRoss are a must-try). Mauds secret weapon is a copper bathtub under a retractable roof. Soaking in a hot bath on a cool night, stars blazing above you: now thats a relaxing way to end a day of Off Season adventures.

Soak up the serenity in a stunning copper bathtub, courtesy of Mauds Cottage. Credit: Ros Wharton

Discover the delights of the north

For some, Blakes Manor is all about the rooms, and its not difficult to understand why. Housed in one of Deloraines oldest buildings, each of the self-contained suites in this boutique property is opulently furnished. A favourite is the Blakes Mews Suite, with its rich red velvets and its antique brass bed.

What is loved most about Blakes Manor, however, is the custom itineraries hosts Georgia and Peter have created for guests. From bushwalks at Cradle Mountain and the marvels of the Marakoopa Caves to tracking down the areas best provedores (dont miss Ashgrove Cheese and The Honey Farm), they will help design your perfect winter trip. Picture the crisp, invigorating air accompanying your explorations, followed by the warmth and luxury awaiting you back at Blakes Manor. Whether you dream of a snowy hike or indulging in local delicacies by a crackling fire, Blakes Manor is perfectly situated to provide an unforgettable winter escape with local experts at your fingertips.

Hole up in a high-style haven

Experience the breathtaking Tasmanian night sky from Kittawa Lodge, where the vast expanse of stars creates a truly unforgettable and secluded escape. Credit: Jason Charles Hill

Now heres a surprise. King Island is known for its majestic landscapes where striking natural beauty unfolds along its captivating shores, but this also happens to be where you will find one of the most stylish stays around.

Kittawa Lodge is tucked away in the islands south-west, comprising over 750 metres of coastline and filled with an abundance of grassy dunes, private valleys, forested nooks and natural-spring dams. Your stay at the lodge crafts elements of luxury with the peaceful embrace of outdoor connection, with the seclusion to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views in the comfort of your own privacy.

Unwind in a bush retreat

In Tasmania, it is easy to get away from it all. Take St Martins, a beautiful heritage-listed stone church nestled in the fishing village port of Dunalley. Transformed into a boutique home and events space, the design masterfully blends the striking Japanese shou-sugi-ban charred timber technique with a beautifully modern kitchen and bathroom, creating a truly unique ambience. St Martins serves as an ideal base for exploring the regions culinary delights, including the personalised tours to meet local food and wine producers around Dunalley.

Just a short 30-minute drive from Hobart airport, the Tasman Peninsula boasts a collection of remarkable vineyards, including Bangor, Cape Bernier, and Bream Creek. These vineyards contribute to the peninsulas exquisite offerings, easily accessible for visitors staying at locations like St. Martins.

This Off Season, explore seasonal offers and events, regional guides, winter travel tips and must-do experiences. Become a winter person in Tasmania between MayAugust. Uncover even more winter activities at Discover Tasmania.
Chinas best-known sights, such as the Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, most famous bits of the Great Wall and Guilins superb landscapes, are all inland. Dont be misled into thinking China isnt a cruise destination, however.

Viking Yi Dun in Shanghai.

Think about it, and it should come as no surprise that Chinas coastline is packed with oodles of history, venerable port towns and pulsating megacities that showcase the nations mind-boggling economic development, of which Shanghai is the most spectacular.

The cruise market in China showed a sharp rebound in 2024. Admittedly, much of that was driven by the domestic cruise market, which the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences estimates could be worth CNY550 billion ($119 billion) by 2035.

Adora Magic City, the first large cruise ship built in China, became profitable within two months of its launch in January 2024, an unheard-of achievement in the business.
My husband and I booked tickets to Samoa for 10 days in June. Where and how should we spend our time? We both enjoy regional cultures, but food is our raison detre.

M. Blums, Mornington, Vic

To Sua Ocean Trench in Upolu Island, Samoa. Credit: iStock

Samoa consists of nine islands, although for practical purposes you can discount all but the largest two, Savaii and its little brother, Upolu, where the capital, Apia, is located and where most of the population lives.

The sheer physicality of Upolu is staggering. At its centre, the volcanic peak of Mount Fito forms a waistband from which the island falls like a giant skirt, pleated with rainforest and ribboned with gushing streams, descending ever lower to a final frill of beach trimmed with coral reefs. From the top drawer of the islands accommodation, Coconuts Beach Club & Resort brings a dollop of style to the traditional palm and thatch architecture of Samoa, with bathrooms that open to sun-struck verandahs and a choice of overwater fales or handsome beach villas.

If you feel the need for exercise, theres the usual hothouse choice of diving, fishing, snorkelling, sea-kayaking and surfing. The pilgrimage to Villa Vailima, the house built by Robert Louis Stevenson at the foot of Mount Vaea, where he dressed his Samoan servants in Stuart tartan, is obligatory.
What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Singapore: There is another election on Saturday. Unlike Australias go at it, everyone knows this one will be no close-run thing.

General elections in Singapore are semi-regular exercises in choosing the Peoples Action Party (PAP)  that of the nations deified founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.

Lee Kuan Yew and Australias Andrew Peacock, then-minister for industrial relations, in Melbourne in 1981. Credit: David James Bartho

So dominant is the PAP, parliament reserves 12 seats for non-constituency MPs (NCMPs)  the best performing losers  to ensure a semblance of opposition, even if the PAP wins every seat.
London: Its a stark and grainy video filmed on a dark and stormy night. The shocking footage of the famous Sycamore Gap trees last stand begins with the rumble of the wind, overtaken by the sound of a chainsaw snapping to attention.

The black-and-white video of the majestic trees final two minutes and 41 seconds was introduced into evidence in the UKs Newcastle Crown Court during the trial of two men charged with criminal damage for cutting the tree down and toppling it onto the ancient Hadrians Wall.

It offered a rare glimpse of a crime allegedly caught in action by an accomplice, as the culprit cut into the beloved trees trunk on September 28, 2023.

An excerpt of the final 24 seconds of the mobile phone video released by the Crown Prosecution Service on Wednesday, Newcastle time, showed a solitary figure silhouetted beneath the towering canopy. The shaky footage shows the person in a struggle with the old tree, leaning into the task as the saw whines and the wind crackles.
But Trump and Zelensky met again in St Peters Basilica on Saturday, without aides, minutes before the Popes funeral. Zelensky later said the meeting had the potential to be historic, while the White House said it was productive. After that encounter, Trump  having previously criticised Zelensky for not having the cards to end the war  rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he had complicated peace negotiations last week with his very bad timing, when he launched deadly strikes on Kyiv. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko sign the agreement to establish the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Credit: X/US Treasury The accord was reached as Trump marked the first 100 days of his current term and is under pressure to secure victories as polls have shown an erosion of his popularity, driven largely by angst over his economic policies. He has also been frustrated in delivering on promises to bring quick solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The focus will now shift to negotiations over a peace deal. Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Putin in Moscow last week but so far hasnt been able to secure a lasting ceasefire.

While the US Congress is unlikely to appropriate new money for Ukraine beyond what has already been allocated, its important that the US continue intelligence sharing, which is basically irreplaceable, Charles Lichfield, the deputy director of the Atlantic Councils GeoEconomics Centre in Washington, said. Loading Any positive step, anything that keeps the US engaged, is worth having, Lichfield said. Bessent said the deal signalled to Russia that Trump was committed to a peace process centred on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. 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, he said. 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.

For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid. Washington has been Ukraines single largest military donor since Russias 2022 invasion, with aid of more than $US72 billion, according to the Kiel Institute in Germany. Before the deal was signed, Trump repeated on Wednesday that the US should get something for its aid to Kyiv, thus the effort to secure a deal for Ukraines plentiful deposits of rare earth minerals. The US 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 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. After Kyiv felt the initial US draft of the deal disproportionately favoured 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 US military aid would count towards the American share. Loading Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraines path towards European Union membership  a key provision for Kyiv. The Ukrainian cabinet approved the agreement on Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko  who flew to Washington to help finalise the deal  to sign it. It still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament before it can take effect. In announcing the deal, the US Treasury said the partnership recognised the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defence of Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion.

Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling on peace efforts 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. Loading Putin backed calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters, adding that before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances. Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money  a complaint he repeated on Wednesday during his cabinet meeting. Russia has in effect 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.
PHILIPSBURG: --- Concerns have been raised regarding Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelinas alleged decision to grant preliminary approval for St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) members to manage and operate Festival Village. Critics argue that this move may have sidestepped the rules laid out in the Corporate Governance Code, sparking questions over transparency and accountability.

According to reports, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina, representing the Council of Ministers (COM), is accused of granting his approval behind closed doors to SCDF members without following established oversight protocols. This development comes even as the government works towards renewing the Stichting Overheidsgebouwen (SOG) board, the entity responsible for public building management. Opponents of this decision caution that ongoing governance reforms should not be an excuse to bypass the regulations to safeguard proper administrative conduct.

Recent Legal Actions Against SCDF

Adding to the controversy is the recent legal action SOG took against SCDF, underscoring the strained relationship between the two organizations. SOG recently took SCDF to court over unpaid fees and reportedly placed a lien on their accounts to recover the owed. These developments are believed to have influenced the Prime Ministers controversial decision to grant SCDF management rights over Festival Village, further fueling concerns about governance and financial accountability.

Accountability issues within SCDF

Longstanding allegations surrounding SCDF's financial management practices further fuel the controversy. Sources indicate that certain foundation members have not provided financial statements to the government in recent years, a critical requirement for ensuring public funds are spent responsibly. These accusations have raised red flags about the organizations internal controls and oversight of public funds.

One of the key allegations points to the hefty fees received by SCDF directors. Current reports suggest that unnamed directors of the foundation have been awarding themselves monthly payments of up to $10,000. Critics argue that such payments are not properly documented in the organizations financial records, adding to suspicions of irregularities.

Lack of Transparency in Advertising Revenue

Another concern revolves around the lack of a clear policy governing advertising fees that SCDF charges businesses for commercial visibility during events. Critics hint that informal and opaque deals may be made regarding these fees, raising questions about how such revenue is being handled. The absence of a formalized policy is seen as fertile ground for potential abuse and a lack of accountability.

Despite the presence of a president, Mr. Edwardo Radjouki, there are claims that a single director effectively runs the organization. Critics say this undermines the foundations structure and raises additional questions about transparency and governance.

Calls for Clarity and Adherence to Governance Standards

While the government has not yet issued an official response to these allegations, observers are calling for stricter adherence to the principles of the Corporate Governance Code. They argue that decisions regarding the management of public assets, such as Festival Village, must be conducted transparently and in compliance with established regulations.

The concerns raised highlight the importance of accountability and open governance in ensuring public trust. Moving forward, many hope that any decisions made regarding the management of the Festival Village will address these issues and prioritize transparency, financial oversight, and adherence to the rule of law.
Kyrgyzstans clean energy gains shine in 2024 - IRENA

Photo: Website of the President of Kyrgyzstan

In 2024, Kyrgyzstan saw an increase in its renewable energy capacity to 3,258 MW. The overall electricity production in Kyrgyzstan also rose compared to the previous year, with hydropower plants contributing the largest portion.

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Microsoft reports strong results driven by cloud and AI



San Francisco, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Technology giant Microsoft posted robust quarterly results on Wednesday, with revenue rising 13 percent to $70.1 billion, powered by a strong performance in its cloud computing and artificial intelligence businesses.

The results, which solidly beat analyst expectations, drove Microsoft's share price more than five percent higher in after-hours trading.

All eyes will be on what the company says about its outlook for the future in a call with analysts, with worries high that US multinationals could suffer due to the high tariff policies of President Donald Trump's administration.

Microsoft has remained more discreet in its support for Trump than its rivals, many of which contributed money to the president's inauguration fund and announced major investments in the United States.

Microsoft, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, saw net profits climb 18 percent to $25.8 billion, compared to the same period last year.

Crucially, Microsoft Cloud revenue reached $42.4 billion, growing 20 percent year-over-year, which Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood attributed to "continued demand for our differentiated offerings."

Microsoft was one of the first tech giants to double down on artificial intelligence when the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 rocked the tech industry.

Like its rivals, it has spent massively on building the infrastructure necessary to power the AI revolution, with analysts keeping a close eye on the return on investment.

The company in January said it was on track to pump about $80 billion into artificial intelligence this fiscal year.

Microsoft this quarter said its relationship with ChatGPT creator OpenAI was evolving and that it would no longer be the exclusive provider of the startup's colossal computing needs.

It has been a major backer of OpenAI, mainly by providing the heavy computing capacity required to build AI models.

The company's Intelligent Cloud segment, a key part of Microsoft's business, showed particularly strong growth with revenue of $26.8 billion, up 21 percent.

Its Azure and other cloud services revenue surged 33 percent, reflecting the increasing adoption of Microsoft's cloud platforms.

The Productivity and Business Processes division, which includes Office 365 and LinkedIn, generated $29.9 billion in revenue, a 10 percent increase.

The company said it returned $9.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter.
US judge says Apple defied order in App Store case



San Francisco, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2025



A US judge on Wednesday accused Apple of defying an order to loosen its grip on the App Store payment system to the point that criminal charges could be warranted.

US District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found that Apple "willfully" violated an injunction she issued at trial, with the company instead creating new barriers to competition with the App Store and even lying to the court in the process.

"That it thought this court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation," Gonzalez Rogers said in an order allowing Epic Games to enforce the injunction against Apple.

"As always, the cover-up made it worse. For this court, there is no second bite at the apple."

Fortnite-maker Epic launched the case in 2021 aiming to break Apple's grip on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of acting like a monopoly in its shop for digital goods or services.

After a trial, Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple's control of the App Store did not amount to a monopoly, but that it must let developers include links to other online venues for buying content or services.

The judge also found at the time that the 30 percent commission Apple charges on App Store sales allowed it "supracompetitive operating margins" that were anticompetitive, according to the injunction.

Apple's response to the trial order included charging a commission on purchases made linking out of its app store, according to the judge.

Apple also imposed new barriers and new requirements including "scare screens" to dissuade people from buying digital purchases outside of its App Store, the judge concluded.

"In the end, Apple sought to maintain a revenue stream worth billions in direct defiance of this court's injunction," Gonzalez Rogers said in the ruling.

"In stark contrast to Apple's initial in-court testimony, contemporaneous business documents reveal that Apple knew exactly what it was doing and at every turn chose the most anticompetitive option."

An Apple spokesperson told AFP it strongly disagrees with the judge's decision and will appeal to a higher court, but plans to comply.

"Apple's 15-30 percent junk fees are now just as dead here in the United States of America as they are in Europe under the Digital Markets Act," Epic Games chief executive Tim Sweeney said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Sweeney's post included a "peace proposal" promising to drop current and future litigation on the matter if Apple extends the court's "Apple-tax-free framework" worldwide.

The judge called on the US Attorney's office to investigate whether punitive criminal contempt sanctions against Apple are warranted "to punish past misconduct and deter future noncompliance."
Iran strives to establish railway corridor between ECO countries

Photo: Ministry of Roads and Urban Development of Iran

The article narrates about Iran's plans to commission a railway corridor between the ECO members. As Advisor to the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran Amin Taraffo said, it's planned to commission the corridor before the meeting of the ministers of road and transport of the ECO members to be held in Iran's Mashhad. He added that this project can significantly contribute to the increase in freight transport and transit

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Russia may have helped North Korea with new warship, Seoul says



Seoul, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2025



North Korea's newly unveiled warship could have involved Russian help, South Korea's military said on Thursday while cautioning it was still conducting "a more detailed analysis".

Pyongyang recently unveiled a 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel named Choe Hyon that some analysts said could be equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles.

Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Lee Sung-jun told reporters in South Korea that Russia may have given help with the warship.

"Looking at the weapons and equipment that were revealed, we believe that there is a possibility that they received technology, funds or assistance from Russia," Lee said.

"We are conducting a more detailed analysis."

North Korea confirmed on Monday for the first time it had deployed troops to Russia to support Moscow in its war in Ukraine.

The two countries also announced this week that they had started building the first road bridge linking the two neighbours.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the first day of a two-day weapons test of the vessel this week, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency, during which he ordered officials to work on "accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy".

North Korea has said the destroyer, which it claimed is equipped with the "most powerful weapons", would "enter into operation early next year".

During the test, Kim said the North'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".

Lee said its deployment is likely to require more time.

"In the case of warships it takes several years to build and even after completion it takes additional time for them to become operational," the JCS spokesperson said.

"So although the Choe Hyon has been unveiled it seems likely that considerably more time will be needed for its (operational) deployment."
Where to live

Golden Visas: the four European countries where you can still get citizenship by buying property

Four European countries still offering golden visas to property buyers
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. Iran has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, said the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Trend reports.

Speaking at a meeting with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, on the sidelines of a BRICS security officials' gathering in Brazil, Wang Yi emphasized that it is encouraging that Iran continues dialogue with all parties involved in discussions on its nuclear program and added that Beijing supports Irans principled stance in these negotiations.

The Chinese official noted that based on the comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement between China and Iran, Beijing will further deepen its bilateral ties with Tehran. He also said the upcoming visit of the Iranian president to China would be of special importance for the development of relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Ali Akbar Ahmadian stated that Irans principles and positions in indirect talks with the United States are clear and that Iran always keeps its strategic allies informed about the negotiations.

Ahmadian noted that Iran seeks to elevate its strategic ties with China, which is an important political and economic partner for Tehran.

Cooperation between Beijing and Tehran can influence the international balance against unipolarity and help safeguard the long-term interests of nations," he added.

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
The prosecutor in charge of the case has since said there was no evidence that another person was involved in their deaths, and that murder-suicide was the likely cause.
Prof Booth, who is also a professor in gene therapy and paediatric immunology at UCL, added: I saw Eisa last week and to see him essentially living a normal life  without hospital admissions, without preventative medicines, back to a family life where they can go out and do things with their siblings and their family  thats what feels really good.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. Iran has strongly condemned the United States' recent sanctions targeting several legal and physical entities, citing Iran's economic and trade collaborations with various countries, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, Trend reports.

In a statement to local media, Baghaei pointed out that the US sanctions, dressed up as cooperation with Iran in various sectors, are a clear violation of international law. He pointed out that the recent sanctions slapped on companies and individuals from Iran and other nations were a clear attempt to throw a wrench in the works of the legitimate and friendly ties among developing countries.

"The sanctions imposed by the US under its maximum pressure policy against Iran are in direct contradiction to the US officials' declared commitment to advancing diplomacy, and the responsibility for this contradiction lies squarely with the US, he noted.

To note, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on April 30 that new sanctions had been applied to several companies registered in the UAE, Iran, and Turkiye, as well as to a tanker allegedly operating on behalf of the Iranian government.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. US President Donald Trump confirmed that an agreement has been reached on US access to Ukraine's mineral resources, Donald Trump said at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports.

"We made a deal where our money is in a safe place and we can start digging and doing what we need to do," he said.

He noted that this deal is beneficial for Ukraine.

"It is good for them [Ukraine] because there will be an American presence in the excavation area, and the American presence will prevent many bad actors from entering the country or rather the area where we are excavating," he noted.
The United States offensive to reduce Chinese influence in Latin America has another key player this week: the head of the U.S. Southern Command, Admiral Alvin Holsey. The U.S. official is on a three-day visit to Argentina, with stops in the capital Buenos Aires and in the southern city of Ushuaia, the countrys gateway to Antarctica. In the capital, Holsey met on Tuesday with Argentine President Javier Milei, with Defense Minister Luis Petri and with the top brass of the Armed Forces. But the highlight of the trip came on Wednesday, when Holsey traveled to Ushuaia, where Milei is planning to build an integrated naval base and a large Antarctic logistics hub.

This is a unique project that will be built in several phases. The integrated naval base will have its own facilities and will carry out maintenance and repair work with private participation, according to military sources cited by the newspaper La Nacion. The government has not provided official figures so far, but unofficial reports suggest an approximate investment of $360 million.

Washingtons geostrategic interest in this project goes beyond political ideologies. Argentinas former president Alberto Fernandez had first approached China to seek funding, but nothing materialized. As soon as Milei succeeded Fernandez, the Biden administration took advantage of the new far-right presidents gestures of alignment with the United States to send the then-head of Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, to Ushuaia. A year later, Holsey has repeated her visit.

In April of last year, the Argentine president traveled the 1,860 miles separating Buenos Aires from this city of 80,000 residenst to meet briefly with Richardson and announce the creation of the joint naval base. This is a major logistics center that will constitute the closest development port to Antarctica and will make our countries the gateway to the white continent, Milei said at the time.

U.S. Southern Command personnel in Ushuaia on April 30, 2025. RR.SS @Southcom

Ushuaia is 620 miles from Antarctica. The Chilean base at Punta Arenas is 870 miles away. These are shorter distances than those of other countries in the Southern Hemisphere: South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

The official purpose of the visit was to supervise firsthand the role of Argentine forces in protecting key maritime routes for global trade, according to the statement issued by the Southern Command. The Trump administration is also interested in the Ushuaia bi-oceanic passage, in parallel with the pressure it is exerting on Panama to secure control of the Canal. In both cases, Trumps move seeks to displace Beijing from strategic spaces in Latin America following the Asian powers advance on the continent in recent years.

Mileis enthusiasm for the United States presence in the far south of the country contrasts with the attitude of the provincial governor, the Peronist Gustavo Melella. On Wednesday, as he did a year earlier, Melella criticized the visit of someone he considers an ally of Great Britain: We do not and will not support the installation of military bases or radars that could serve British interests in the South Atlantic. At the national level, a large segment of Peronism  the political movement born out of the populist ideas of 20th-century president Juan Peron and his wife Evita has also expresses discontent with Mileis decision to align with the United States, thus upsetting the balance established by his predecessors between the two competing powers.

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Ian Froeb | Post-Dispatch Restaurant critic Follow Ian Froeb | Post-Dispatch 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

Obviously, you cant fit an entire city into the Creve Coeur restaurant Oh London. Bring your tape measure to be sure, though. This is a cavernous space, with a bar area bigger than most dining rooms and a dining room like a castles great hall.

The size inspires fanciful comparisons. It doesnt suggest a locally owned restaurant where the executive chef might visit the table during your meal. For several years, it was home to a location of the Granite City Food & Brewery chain. My charitable memory of dining at Granite City is thinking, Boy, this place is big!

The previous attempt to fill this storefront, the Reserve Restaurant & Lounge, made it only a year, give or take.

Still, I wouldnt bet against Oh London owners Raj and Shweta Pandey and the married duos business partner, Sanjiv Shekhar. They also operate Black Salt in Chesterfield, which since opening in 2023 has claimed the title of St. Louis best Indian restaurant and a spot among the areas best restaurants of any style. I ranked it in the Top 25 of this years STL 100.

Black Salt alone could keep the team busy. The team has debuted a second location in the same Creve Coeur shopping plaza as Oh London, and packaged meals under the Black Salt brand are available for retail purchase in some 120 stores across multiple states.

Oh London, which opened in February, doesnt draw on Black Salts menu. You wont even find a token curry to acknowledge, maybe cheekily, the profound impact Indian cuisine has made on British culture.

Instead  boldly  Oh London stands on its own. Even more boldly, executive chef Brigithe Gilardi doesnt only undertake fish and chips, Scotch eggs and other British fare. The menu, nearly as capacious as the restaurants footprint, also features what you might broadly call upscale American cuisine and sometimes nods to international influences.

Given the restaurants name, if not its lack of cozy pub vibes, you might begin with those fish and chips. Oh London plates three pieces of tender, but not collapsing, haddock in a crunchy jacket of batter. The requisite tartar sauce and malt vinegar are served on the side, each in its own ramekin, but by itself the haddock is surprisingly flavorful for such a mild fish, as if brushed with lemon juice.

The chips are steak fries. Im not a reflexive hater of steak fries  Ill vouch for them at Kreis Steakhouse & Bar, for example  but the plank-like cut demands careful preparation. At Oh London, the steak fries are halfway there, thankfully not mealy or mushy, but not gloriously crisp and pillowy, either. The result is a dish better described as fish (with chips) than the dual billing of fish and chips.

(Those steak fries also accompany Oh Londons fine deluxe burger with cheese and bacon and its housemade black-bean veggie burger.)

Oh Londons bangers and mash captures its inspiration more completely. The plate brings a generous portion of three snappy, juicy sausages  bratwurst or seasoned to approximate bratwurst  smothered in sauteed onions on a bed of peas and creamy mashed potatoes.

Mashed potatoes also accompany the bavette steak, but those with my order were pasty and lacked both the accent of salt and the richness of butter or cream. Cooked to my requested medium rare, the steak itself showcased a brawny flavor and a pleasantly juicy chew. Yet the kitchen had barely browned its exterior, robbing it of that crucial Maillard reaction richness.

To be fair, the bavette steak is a tricky cut, exceptionally thin  it resembles a flank or skirt steak  and demanding a quick sear to retain its full flavor. Thankfully, with the steak Gilardi includes a ramekin of a bracingly verdant chimichurri. With a few dabs of this, I quickly forgot the steaks lack of crust.

These touches distinguish her cooking and Oh London at their best. Duck a lorange brings a welcome note of continental elegance to the menu with its tender roasted leg and thigh meat and especially the puckering gastrique that sharpens the citrus sauce.

Oh Londons British roots and international influences certainly suggest the restaurants forward more than the scattershot American fare. You can hear the kitchens sigh in plates of fried calamari and chips with an insipid cheese sauce. The Scotch eggs (listed as Little Birds Nest on the menu) are a keeper, but the ground beef packed between the egg and its crunchy shell needs more pizzaz.

In recent months, Ive encountered a few modern riffs on sticky toffee pudding. Oh London sticks to the classic dessert, with a moist crumb and the elegant sweetness of dried fruits. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, the sticky toffee pudding is nearly enough to fill an appetite as big as the restaurant.

Rating Recommended: The Post-Dispatch evaluates restaurants on the following scale, lowest to highest: not recommended; recommended, but with reservations; recommended; highly recommended; essential. The rating reflects how the restaurant succeeds on its own terms  and how it meets a diner's good-faith expectations of quality food and hospitality  regardless of cuisine, location or cost.

If you go WHERE: 11411 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur MORE INFO: 314-296-4455; ohlondonusa.com MENU: Classic British and upscale American cuisine HOURS: Lunch and dinner daily; brunch Sunday

How much Deluxe Burger $19 Fish and chips $26 Duck in orange sauce $28 Bavette steak $45
ST. LOUIS  A man who was paid $15,000 for killing another man at the behest of a major multi-state drug dealer was sentenced Thursday to life in prison.

Moreion Lindsey was convicted in January of killing Titus Armstead, who was flown to St. Louis from New Jersey after the drug dealer suspected Armstead of robbing a stash house containing millions of dollars in cash and drugs. The crime carried a mandatory life prison sentence.

But Lindsey remained defiant Thursday, saying in a statement to U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp that it wasn't in his character to kill anyone.

He was betrayed by his conspirators, he said  the drug dealer, Ray Bradley, and Jerome "Mujaa" Williams, who was working at the time for a city violence reduction program.

"I was dealing with people that I thought were friends," Lindsey said, "and this is how it turned out."

Schelp said he didn't buy it.

Lindsey had been convicted by a jury after just 45 minutes of deliberation. There was overwhelming evidence of his guilt, including cell phone records and social media posts featuring the cash he received to carry out the hit, prosecutor Angie Danis said in court. Williams also testified against him.

Armstead's sister said in a letter to the court that her brother's death has caused her great pain.

"(Lindsey) threw away his life for $15,000  an amount that could've been earned in six months at any minimum-wage job," the letter said.

Lindsey's attorney said he plans to appeal.
ST. LOUIS  A group of Washington University faculty and graduate students are urging university leaders to take a public stance against the federal governments actions toward higher education.

Faculty recently organized a chapter of the American Association of University Professors after leaders said WashU needed a more united front to induce administrators to oppose threats to the university. The national arm of the AAUP works to protect academic freedom and has taken a hard line against Trump administration policies.

I think the current moment in politics has galvanized a lot of us to get involved in ways we havent before, said Prof. Seema Mukhi Dahlheimer, the chapters vice president.

The group, so far made up of about 200 faculty and graduate students, was behind a letter circulating around WashU this week that urged Chancellor Andrew Martin to sign a public statement condemning federal overreach in education.

The statement, called a Call for Constructive Engagement, broke a collective silence from higher education institutions in the U.S. with nearly 600 signatures from university leaders from community colleges to the Ivy League. Signatories agreed the Trump administrations unprecedented government overreach and political inference endangered American higher education.

St. Louis University President Fred Pestello and Southern Illinois University System President Daniel Mahony were co-signers.

Noticeably absent, the WashU faculty group said, was Martin.

Over 603 alums, students, faculty, staff and donors wrote Martin to urge signed him to add his name to the list.

If the chancellor is not going to sign this letter, we as members of the university community at the very least can show that there is support on this campus for the same message, said Scott Ross, a WashU lecturer in sociocultural anthropology.

The demand for a public stance came after White House threats to cut federal research funding if universities refused to satisfy certain government demands.

WashU  a hub for world-class research  has for the past two years ranked No. 2 in the amount of funding it receives from the National Institutes of Health.

The university is already on one of the federal governments lists. On March 14, the U.S. Department of Education said WashU was one of 45 universities it opened investigations into for engaging in race-exclusionary practices in graduate programs by partnering with the Ph.D. Project, an organization that aims to increase workforce diversity.

The Education Department did not respond to a message seeking comment on the status of the investigation.

In an email Wednesday evening, Martin pushed back against the assumption that administrators were sitting back in passivity.

He said hed been to Washington, D.C., several times since the beginning of the year. Full-time staff members in the nations capital also engage with leaders behind the scenes on a daily basis.

And WashU continues to partner with peer institutions and professional organizations to make the case for higher education through strategic, collective advocacy, Martin added.

The efforts may not take place in the public eye, he said, but theyre happening and theyre making a difference.

This approach has been, and will continue to be, far more effective than any joint letter or petition I could sign, or any institutional statement we could make, Martin said in the email to students, faculty and staff.

Seth Graebner, an associate professor of French and global studies, said he started formally organizing WashUs chapter of the AAUP early this semester. But the original kernel of the groups membership came together last May.

Graebner, now the chapters president, handed out brochures outside of a faculty senate meeting on May 8 where where faculty questioned university officials about their response to pro-Palestine protests the previous months.

University leadership would later override a vote from the faculty senate to launch an independent investigation into the protests, saying only the universitys Board of Trustees held the right to do so.

Part of the chapters purpose is to bolster shared governance between faculty and administrators, Graebner said. Itll also push for policy responses and provide advisement for those who teach at WashU during disputes or disciplinary actions pertaining to academic freedom.

WashU faculty and students feel incredibly vulnerable when their administration is doing nothing visible and giving us no assurance that there is any red line they would not cross, Graebner said. We are left simply to hope that the day someone in the Trump administration says, You must abolish African American studies and Women, Gender and Sexuality studies, that our administration would tell Washington, No.
President Donald Trump says he could bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador if he wanted to. But he insists the 29-year-old Salvadoran, who had been living in Maryland and is married to an American citizen, is a member of the violent MS-13 gang and the kind of person who should not be allowed to live in the United States.

The Republican administration is dug in on its contention that the government should not have to repatriate Abrego Garcia. The Supreme Court has said the administration must work to bring back him back.

For weeks, officials alternated between admitting that Abrego Garcia was deported in error and arguing that the U.S. has no more power in the matter because he is now in El Salvador.

But Trump, told during an ABC News interview Tuesday marking his 100th day in office that he could use the telephone on his Oval Office desk to call El Salvadors president and ask him to return Abrego Garcia, replied, I could.

And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that, Trump said.

Here is a look at what judges, federal officials, the president and his lieutenants have said about Abrego Garcias case.

A claim of MS-13 gang activity

SPRING 2019: Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains Abrego Garcia and, according to court records, asserts that an informant has identified him as a verified gang member. An immigration judge denies bond, saying Abrego Garcia is confirmed to be a ranking member of the MS-13 gang.

The official Notice to Appear in immigration court, however, focuses only on the undisputed fact that Abrego Garcia previously crossed the U.S. border without legal status, and says he was not then admitted or paroled after inspection by an immigration officer. Abrego Garcia and his lawyers deny gang affiliation; he has never been charged with a related crime.

FALL 2019: Another immigration judge grants Abrego Garcia protection from removal to El Salvador, affirming Abrego Garcias claim that he would be endangered by local gangs. But the judge denies blanket asylum, noting that withholding from removal, in contrast to asylum, confers only the right not to be deported to a particular country rather than the right to remain in the U.S. This point will become key to the Trump administrations arguments.

MARCH 12, 2025: According to court documents, ICE agents arrest Abrego Garcia, telling him his immigration status has changed. He is later deported to El Salvadors CECOT prison.

MARCH 31: The Trump administration writes in a court filing that ICE was aware of his protection from removal to his home country but Abrego Garcia was removed to El Salvador because of an administrative error.

Comments on Abrego Garcias whereabouts and status

APRIL 4: Justice Department attorney Erez Reuveni says in court: We concede he should not have been removed to El Salvador. Pressed for a reason he is being held, Reuveni replies: I dont know.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis orders the government to facilitate Abrego Garcias return. The White House questions her power. We are unaware of the judge having jurisdiction or authority over the country of El Salvador, press secretary Karoline Leavitt says.

APRIL 6: Attorney General Pam Bondi confirms on Fox News that Reuveni has been placed on leave because of court statements.

He shouldnt have taken the case, he shouldnt have argued it if thats what he was going to do, Bondi says. She compares his exchanges in court to a defense attorney walking in, conceding something in a criminal matter about their client.

APRIL 11: The government tells Xinis it doesnt know Abrego Garcias whereabouts. Drew Ensign, deputy assistant attorney general, says the administration is actively considering what could be done in response to a Supreme Court order that it must work to bring him back. But Ensign says he has no personal knowledge of Abrego Garcias status.

APRIL 12: For the first time, a U.S. government official confirms Abrego Garcia is alive and in the CECOT prison.

It is my understanding based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center, writes Michael G. Kozak, identifying himself in the document as senior official in the State Departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. He is alive and secure in that facility.

Kozak amplifies the administrations contention that the U.S. no longer has jurisdiction over Abrego Garcia: He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador.

APRIL 13: Evan Katz, of ICE, files a status update saying Abrego Garcia should not have been removed to El Salvador. Still, Katz reintroduces the argument that Abrego Garcia is no longer eligible for withholding because of his membership in MS-13.

APRIL 17: Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., meets in El Salvador with Abrego Garcia. Van Hollen posts a photo of the meeting on X, saying he also called Abrego Garcias wife to pass along his message of love. El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele also posts images of the meeting, saying, Now that hes been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvadors custody. Van Hollen returns to metro Washington the following day and addresses reporters, standing with Abrego Garcias wife.

APRIL 18: Homeland Security officials release details about a Tennessee traffic stop in December 2022. Officials say Abrego Garcia was stopped for speeding and the officer suspected human trafficking, but no citations were issued or arrests made. The facts reveal he was pulled over with eight individuals in a car on an admitted three-day journey from Texas to Maryland with no luggage," Tricia McLaughlin, assistant homeland security secretary for public affairs, says in the statement. The facts speak for themselves, and they reek of human trafficking.

In a statement issued through his lawyers, Abrego Garcias wife said: Kilmar worked in construction and sometimes transported groups of workers between job sites. ... He was not charged with any crime or cited for any wrongdoing. Unfortunately, Kilmar is currently imprisoned without contact with the outside world, which means he cannot respond to the claims or defend himself.

Digging in at the Oval Office

APRIL 14: Multiple Trump officials speak on the matter as Trump and Bukele meet.

Bondi puts the burden on El Salvador. Thats not up to us, she says, adding, If they wanted to return him, we would facilitate it. Meaning provide a plane.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller highlights as fact the allegation that Abrego Garcia is in MS-13. So, Miller reasons, Abrego Garcia was no longer eligible for any foreign immigration relief in the United States and was deported under a valid order.

Then, according to Miller, a district court judge tried to tell the administration that they had to kidnap a citizen of El Salvador and fly him back here.

Bukele declares it preposterous even to ask his intentions. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course Im not going to do it, he says, adding he doesnt have the power to return him.

Later, the administrations daily status update echoes the White House rhetoric: Abrego Garcia is in the domestic custody of a foreign sovereign nation, writes Joseph Mazzara, acting general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. Abrego Garcia is no longer eligible for U.S. court protection given that the administration has declared MS-13 a foreign terrorist organization, the update says.

APRIL 29: Questioned about the case during the ABC News interview, Trump gave conflicting answers.

Im not the one making this decision. We have lawyers that dont want to do this, Trump said, meaning return Abrego Garcia to the U.S.

But when told that the buck stops in the Oval Office, Trump said, no, no, no, no. I follow the law. You want me to follow the law. If I were the president that just wanted to do anything, Id probably keep him right where he is.

After interviewer Terry Moran said the Supreme Court says what the law is, Trump grows testy and insists that, I was elected to take care of a problem.

When we have criminals, murderers, criminals in this country, we have to get em out, Trump said. And were doing it.

Court calls the Trump administrations defiance shocking

APRIL 17: A three-judge federal appellate court panel in a blistering order called the administrations claim that it cannot do anything to free Abrego Garcia shocking.

Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III writes that the judges cling to the hope that it is not naive to believe our good brethren in the Executive Branch perceive the rule of law as vital to the American ethos."

This case presents their unique chance to vindicate that value and to summon the best that is within us while there is still time, he wrote.

AT THE WHITE HOUSE: That day, asked by reporters whether he believed Abrego Garcia was entitled to due process, Trump said: I have to refer, again, to the lawyers.

He adds: I had heard that there were a lot of things about a certain gentleman  perhaps it was that gentleman  that would make that case be a case thats easily winnable on appeal. So well just have to see.

Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.
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.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon piloted by the 8th Fighter Wing's commander taxis out of a hangar at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, on April 23, 2025. (Karissa Dick/U.S. Air Force)



This story has been corrected

The U.S. 7th Air Force is forming a second Super Squadron of 31 F-16 Fighting Falcons at Osan Air Base, its largest installation in South Korea and the one closest to the North Korean border.

The shift will draw down resources at Kunsan Air Base, about 115 miles southwest of Seoul, and means that, eventually, no forces will be assigned to the two fighter squadrons there.

The Air Force began evaluating the concept of a super squadron  which includes one-third more aircraft than standard units  last summer to determine whether it could generate more sorties with fewer resources, 7th Air Force spokeswoman Maj. Rachel Buitrago said by phone Thursday.

In July, nine aircraft and 150 airmen from Kunsan arrived at Osan to establish the first 31-jet squadron.

This month, additional F-16s and roughly 1,000 more airmen will begin the process of relocating from Kunsan to Osan to form the second squadron, Buitrago said.

Assignment notifications will begin in the next couple of weeks and all aircraft and personnel will be in place by October, she said.

While 7th Air Force described the movement of personnel and aircraft as a temporary measure in an April 24 news release, details suggest a more substantial shift.

This Super Squadron effort demonstrates our steadfast focus on readiness and combat capability to achieve U.S. national security objectives, 7th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. David Iverson said in the release.

Iverson said the first consolidated unit at Osan has already improved readiness and combat performance, although it has revealed some operational challenges.

With this success were now expanding the scope, he added.

The restructuring reflects broader U.S. military planning in the Indo-Pacific. While consolidation may enhance peacetime efficiency, big bases like Osan could become vulnerable targets in the event of a conflict, particularly with China, analysts say.

In the event of conflict, however, they become a bigger target, Ralph Cossa, former president of the Pacific Forum think tank in Hawaii, said by email Thursday. Presumably there are also dispersal plans in the event of increased tensions; if not, they just become a more tempting target.

The new squadrons will optimize combat power at bases in South Korea but that doesnt preclude repositioning forces if needed, said Dan Leaf, a former deputy commander of what is now called Indo-Pacific Command.

The super squadrons will get the most capability out of available aircraft, personnel, and facilities, he said by email Thursday.

Kunsans 80th and 35th Fighter Squadrons are sending their aircraft to Osan, Buitrago said. Eventually, no forces will be assigned to them.

Despite the drawdown, the 8th Fighter Wing will continue operating Kunsan as a rotational and exercise base, according to the Air Force. The base will maintain flightline operations, war reserve materials and munitions stockpiles at multiple locations across South Korea.

We acknowledge this is a major shift in how we operate here at Kunsan, 8th Fighter Wing commander Col. Peter Kasarskis said in the release. Well meet this change with the same warfighter mindset the Wolf Pack has maintained through our history, and strengthen our ability to accept follow-on forces, defend the base and take the fight north.
A B-1B Lancer bomber takes off from Misawa Air Base, Japan, on April 22, 2025. (Mattison Cole/U.S. Air Force)



A U.S. bombers emergency landing that shut down a shared runway and canceled commercial flights in northeastern Japan has drawn sharp rebuke from local officials, who demanded stronger safety measures from the Air Force and Japans Ministry of Defense.

The B-1B Lancer, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, landed at Misawa Air Base around 6:05 p.m. Tuesday after declaring an in-flight emergency, said Capt. Leeroy Stark, a spokesman for the 35th Fighter Wing.

The runway  shared with commercial flights at Misawa Airport and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force  was closed for about 90 minutes as a precaution before reopening around 7:30 p.m., he said by email Thursday.

Japanese media footage showed the bomber immobilized on the runway surrounded by emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Japan Airlines said a flight from Tokyos Haneda Airport was forced to return without landing, and its return flight was also canceled, affecting about 200 passengers.

The B-1B paused on the runway as a precautionary measure to allow first responders to inspect the aircraft before clearing it to taxi off the runway, Stark said.

The incident prompted protests from Misawa city and Aomori prefecture leaders, who on Wednesday issued formal requests for preventative action to both the base commander and Japans defense ministry.

We believe that the incident causes anxiety to the people of the prefecture, where Misawa Air Base is located, the Aomori prefectural government wrote in the letter, which was posted on its website. We deeply regret that it occurred despite our request for civil stability and safety measures made on April 18.

Misawa city filed a similar protest, urging the base and the Tohoku Defense Bureau  an arm of the defense ministry  to determine the cause, disclose further details and implement measures to prevent a recurrence. A city base affairs official told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday that the incident caused great concern among residents.

The April 18 safety request followed the arrival of at least two Lancers at Misawa for a bomber task force deployment, part of the Air Forces ongoing mission to bolster regional security. Stark confirmed the aircraft involved in Tuesdays emergency was part of that mission.

Bomber Task Force deployments support the larger Indo-Pacific strategy to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said. No matter the airframe, Misawa Air Base is dedicated to ensuring safe and effective flight operations.

While the Air Force has not disclosed the number of bombers or personnel deployed, Stark said the base works closely with Misawa Airport to balance military and civilian operations.

Conducting successful and safe operations is a top priority of the U.S. Air Force, he wrote.
On Wednesday afternoon, Carlos Yuniel Valle held his 16-month-old daughter Kailyn in his arms and headed to the neurologists office at a Tampa clinic. Although he was always the one to drive on these occasions, it was the mother who normally entered the doctors office, held the childs hand, calmed her down, laid her on the examination table, and helped place the multicolored wires on her head as part of a study to decipher the cause of her repeated seizures. This time around, it was the father who took her in. The little girl began screaming and crying with tremendous force, leaving Valle and the doctors exhausted. All she was screaming was Mom, Mom, the father recounted shortly afterward. It broke my heart.

Over the days, Kailyn has understood that her mother isnt around anymore. When she hears Heydi Sanchezs voice over a video call, she gets nervous: Mommy, come back, mommy, come back. Since Sanchez has been gone, life is agony, this house is in an emotional rollercoaster, says the 40-year-old man.

On the morning of April 22, the family went in for a routine appointment for the mother with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They didnt know it would be their last day together. At one point, Sanchez called her husband, who was waiting outside in the car. She asked him to please pick up their daughter, saying she was about to be deported to Cuba. She was in tears, Valle recalls. I heard her screaming. Then the lawyer and an immigration officer handed the child over to me. I told them to please let me say goodbye to my wife, to give her a hug. But they said no and took me out of there.

Two days later, Sanchez, who worked as a home health aide, was deported to Cuba along with seven other women on a return flight with a total of 82 migrants, the fourth such flight that Havana has received since the beginning of the year. She had sold her apartment on the island in 2019 to embark on a migration journey to the U.S. via the Mexico border, but her life in the United States was overshadowed by a deportation order, I-220B, issued after she mistakenly missed an appointment with authorities but which had not been acted on  until now.

Maiker Espinosa with his daughter Antonella.

The father, a naturalized Cuban American, recalls that terrible day at the ICE facility when his wife asked that if they were going to deport her, she wanted her daughter to come with her. She told them to send her and her daughter to Cuba. But they said no, because her daughter was an American citizen. Now, while Kailyn tirelessly asks to be breastfed, back in Havana her mother has to pump and discard her milk.

The case of this Cuban family from Tampa has garnered the attention of the local press and politicians. In a letter to President Donald Trump, Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor of Florida asked that due process be respected and that humanitarian parole be considered for Sanchez, for what she considers cruel and unlawful treatment. It is unconscionable and wrong for your ICE personnel to harm families in this way. Ms. Sanchez is entitled to due process, and her husband and daughter (both U.S. citizens) deserve to be treated with the dignity we value as Americans, the congresswoman said in the letter.

Tom Homan, the border czar, was questioned this week about the deportation to Honduras of three U.S.-born children with their mothers. According to Homan, the children were returned at their mothers request. Were keeping families together. So when a parent says, I want my two-year-old baby to come with me, we make it happen, he said at a White House press conference. This doesnt appear to be the case with Sanchez.

We havent heard anything more about the baby

But the intention of keeping families togetherwhich contrasts with the separation of some 4,600 migrant children from their parents during Trumps first termwas not what the government applied to Kailyn or to Maikelys Antonella Espinosa Bernal. Antonella, as she is known, is a two-year-old girl living in a foster home under the supervision of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, despite the fact that her mother, Yorely Bernal, 20, requested that she come with her when she was deported to Venezuela just over a week ago.

We havent heard anything more about the baby, says her paternal grandmother, Maria Escalona Fernandez, 56, from her home in the Venezuelan state of Barinas. We dont know her condition, where she is, or who she is with, she says in tears.

At the end of March, Maria, a seamstress, received a call from one of her daughters in Colombia. The young woman said, Mom, are you sitting down? Maria jumped. Her son, Maiker Espinosa, 24, was one of the 238 Venezuelans who arrived on the first flights to the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), the mega-prison created by President Nayib Bukele in El Salvador. The image of Maiker Espinosa caught her sisters attention, among all the shaved, white-clad inmates, kneeling in the prison facility. The young man began to feel ill and said he wanted to vomit, to the deaf ears of the authorities.

Espinosa and Bernal had met in Peru after emigrating from Venezuela in 2018. Six years later, after a journey to the Mexican border, the couple and their baby surrendered to U.S. authorities. However, they never set foot beyond the Texas prison where they remained for more than a year. The baby, according to the grandmother, was taken away from them. The parents were never released. They only left prison to be deported: Maiker to El Salvador, and Yorely back to her native Maracaibo in Venezuela.

Like dozens of other people, the two were accused of being members of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. The charges were based on the tattoos they bear on their bodies featuring stars, comic book drawings, the names of close relatives, and a crown. Neither of them has a criminal record in the countries where they have resided.

However, U.S. authorities insist that the father was a lieutenant for the Tren de Aragua, while the mother directed the recruitment of young women for drug smuggling and prostitution, according to a statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the Nicolas Maduro government accused them of stealing Venezuelan migrant children.

The mother claims that, before boarding the deportation flight, authorities promised her they would send her daughter back with her, but that never happened. DHS, for its part, insists they are keeping the child away from her parents for safety and well-being. We will not allow this child to be abused and further exposed to criminal activity that endangers her safety, they stated.

During their time in detention, the parents were only able to find out about their daughter through photos and videos that her caregiver sent to her grandmother in Venezuela. But now theyve lost track of her. Maria says that her daughter-in-law, since arriving back in Venezuela, has been in very bad shape. They have to sedate her to get her to sleep, she says. She says she spends her days looking at photos of the little girl and wondering how shes doing and when shell be able to have her back home, where she belongs.

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Marine Corps Pfc. Emily Laragonzalez and Pfc. Nayeli Dominguez clean their room at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., on April 10, 2025. (Luke Rodriguez/U.S. Marine Corps)



WASHINGTON  The Marine Corps barracks improvement effort is being hindered by uncertain congressional funding and the federal hiring freeze as the service has pushed back its completion goal to at least 2037.

[Our Marines] dont ask for much  just a decent, quiet place to lay their head at night. With a continuing resolution, all that comes to a screeching halt, Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, said Thursday at the Modern Day Marine expo in Washington.

With a price tag of about $11 billion, the Marine Corps Barracks 2030 initiative aims to modernize unaccompanied housing for single Marines, streamline barracks maintenance and refresh furniture and appliances every 10 years. The initiative, with an initial target completion of 2030, is now on track to have Marines in modernized barracks by 2037, service officials said this week.

But delays in funding, such as the stopgap measure under which the federal government is operating, could push the completion date to as late as 2045. Additionally, President Donald Trump implemented a federal hiring freeze in January that is preventing the Marine Corps Installations Command from hiring about 150 civilian housing specialists to do work now being done by Marines. Those specialists were slated to start in February but are unable to do so until the hiring freeze is lifted.

The federal government has been operating under a full-year continuing resolution since March 14, after lawmakers failed to agree on appropriations for fiscal 2025, which began Oct. 1. The stopgap funding bill is a temporary extension of last years funding, plus an additional $6 billion for pay raises for junior troops as well as weapons purchases and operations.

You cant hire the labor. You cant buy the building or materials. You cant start a new project. So, you continue to put lipstick on a pig, and you keep the old barracks around for just another year, and another year, and another year, Smith said.

About 17,000 junior enlisted Marines were living in squalid barracks as of 2023, according to the Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog report. During barracks inspections at various installations, the GAO observed mold, pests, sewage issues, and extreme temperatures.

With questions about long-term funding, the Marine Corps is doing what it can now to improve the barracks, service officials said. Eric Mason, unaccompanied housing team lead for the Marine Corps Installations Command, said Wednesday that the number of Marines living in poor conditions was lower than 17,000 now.

I can only tell you that number has decreased, and it will continue to decrease. Once we get out to our potential 2030  or 2035, 2037  [completion date], that number should hopefully go away, Mason said.

The service has 11 ongoing renovation projects, with 12 more in the pipeline. Additionally, programs are being rolled out at Marine Corps bases that are collecting data on streamlining maintenance and improving barracks security.

The service launched a pilot program in March at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., that installed common access card-enabled door locks on nine barracks. A common access card is the standard identification for active-duty troops.

The program at Beaufort is meant to provide better security for troops, as they swipe into their private rooms rather than using a key or a key card. Troops also must swipe into common areas in the barracks buildings.

The program will run for one year before it potentially expands to other installations. If approved by the Defense Department, Mason said CAC-enabled locks would likely not become standard for Marine barracks until at least 2027.

The Marine Corps also rolled out a program for troops living in barracks to submit maintenance requests to building managers to streamline repairs for issues such as leaks, mold and pests. The online portal is already seeing widespread use, capturing 1,000 requests per week.

As someone from public works, thats a bit of a concern. We want to get that number down. We dont want the main source of things that need to be fixed in the building to be the Marines seeing the problem, said Jason Canfield, program manager for QSRMax, the new service portal that Marines use to register maintenance requests.

While the service initially aimed to make certain current junior enlisted Marines would see improved barracks conditions, the new timeline for 2037 or later means they might not benefit from the Barracks 2030 initiative. But service officials said fixing the barracks remains a top priority.

When you start hearing Marines say, I am going to my home [when] referring to barracks  I think thats a great way to measure the success that we have had on improving the quality of life, Mason said.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025. The Navy is investigating what caused a Super Hornet and a towing tractor to fall into the sea earlier this week. (Madelyn Cuevas/U.S. Navy)



A hard turn by an aircraft carrier isnt enough on its own to cause a $67 million Navy fighter jet to slide off a ship, a Defense Department official said as investigators determine how a plane fell into the Red Sea on Monday.

The notion that a maneuver by USS Harry S. Truman was a factor in the loss is speculative, said the official, who spoke to Stars and Stripes on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly by name.

On Monday, the Navy said one person was slightly injured when the F/A-18E Super Hornet and a towing tractor moving the plane in a hangar bay fell overboard. The Navy didnt specify the cause.

The next day, a Pentagon official speaking on background released a statement to media outlets indicating it happened when the move crew lost control of the aircraft while the Truman was dynamically maneuvering. A U.S. official told CNN the turn was taken to avoid enemy fire.

There is likely a broader explanation, the Defense Department official who spoke with Stars and Stripes on Wednesday and Thursday said.

A ship at sea should not have aircraft slipping off it, regardless of the sea state  or maneuvering, the official said.

The official pointed to Navy processes and procedures that account for turns, weather and other challenges in ensuring aircraft remain secure. An investigation will reveal the cause and any contributing factors, the official said.

Since March 15, Truman has been conducting daily flight operations as part of Operation Rough Rider, a U.S. effort to degrade the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthis.

The Pentagon says U.S. forces have struck more than 1,000 targets, including multiple command and control facilities, air defense systems and weapons storage and production facilities.

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman sails in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility April 8, 2025. The Navy is investigating what caused a Super Hornet and a towing tractor to fall into the sea earlier this week. (Kaitlin Young/U.S. Navy)



Its unknown why Truman would have been steered in a way that could send a plane overboard.

Evasive maneuvers against anti-ship missiles (ASM) are not a standard procedure and would not generally be relevant or effective given the great difference in speed between ASMs and ships, said Jan van Tol, a retired Navy captain and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington.

An aircraft carrier would rely on escorting ships, its own fighters against some threats and/or its own passive defensive measures to provide its best defense, van Tol said in an email.

One of Trumans escort ships, such as the cruiser USS Gettysburg, presumably would act as the carriers shotgun defense platform, ready at a moments notice to fire weapons at an incoming missile threat, said Steven Wills, an analyst with the Center for Maritime Strategy at the Navy League of the United States.

One would think that we would have heard something about weapons being fired in self-defense by one of the carriers escorts in addition to hearing that the carrier maneuvered to avoid attack, Wills said.

A sudden, hard turn at high speed could produce the type of list that could upset a trailer towing an aircraft near an elevator where it might fall off the ship, Wills and other analysts said.

Use of such a maneuver to help a nearby ship or an aircraft get a better shot at an incoming missile is plausible, said James Holmes, chair of the maritime strategy program at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

But there are other explanations, such as a freak accident perhaps related to constant operations and crew fatigue, Holmes said.

The loss of the Super Hornet is the third major incident involving Truman in about four months.

On Dec. 22, an F/A-18F launching from the deck of the carrier mistakenly was shot down by the cruiser USS Gettysburg, U.S. Central Command said at the time. Both aviators aboard the aircraft were recovered safely.

In February, Truman was involved in a collision with a commercial ship near the entrance to the Suez Canal, necessitating a nearly weeklong stay on the Greek island of Crete for repairs.

An analyst noted that Truman and its escort werent transmitting their location at the time of the late-night collision, as required when a Navy ship is in congested waters. Trumans commanding officer was fired a little more than a week after the Feb. 12 collision.

Those incidents remain under investigation.

The Navy wouldnt say whether it intends to recover the jet involved in the most recent mishap or whether the aircraft was equipped with upgrades, such as an infrared search-and-track system useful in pinpointing stealthy aircraft.

But keeping salvage units in place for a prolonged period in an area vulnerable to attack is probably not a good idea, van Tol said, adding that Super Hornets are older aircraft and not as much of a concern when it comes to potential foreign exploitation as the newer F-35 Lightning II.
(Mark Oliva/Stars and Stripes)



Somewhere in Southern Iraq, April 1, 2003: Sgt. Christopher Merkle (left) and Sgt. Jose Rodriguez ducked doctors, hitched rides, begged for gear and even thought about stealing a humvee to return from a shock trauma center in Iraq to their Marine unit after sustaining injuries in a truck accident.

I had a sense of responsibility to finish the mission, Rodriguez said. I made a personal promise to myself to bring everyone of my Marines home, so I had to come back to take care of them.

Read how Merkle and Rodriguez made their way back to their fellow Marines through a war zone and without weapons here.
An Alpakas Eifel patron walks through the countryside with alpacas by his side during a hike in Plutscheid, Germany, April 13, 2025. When the weather is clear, the hike offers stunning views of the western Eifel region's rolling hills. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)



Like many a peaceful countryside walk, the one my husband and I took on a recent Sunday through quiet farmland near the Luxembourg border had rolling green hills, a cooling breeze and birdsong.

Side by side, we ambled amid the stillness you get by wandering off the beaten path. Of course, most Sunday strolls dont come with a four-legged, fleece-covered hiking partner.

But thats the norm at Alpakas Eifel, a small, family-run trekking business in the bucolic village of Plutscheid that invites guests to explore the countryside with a leashed alpaca by their side.

After my booking, owner Dirk Laures sent a GPS pin via WhatsApp, and we found his small family farm, about an hour and 30 minutes from Kaiserslautern and just 20 minutes from Spangdahlem Air Base, without issue.

He greeted us warmly and led us into the corral, where each of us was paired with the alpacas he had chosen for us.

Ive always had a bad case of the Sunday scaries, and theyve only intensified since our move to Germany. An alpaca hike seemed to check multiple boxes: a unique outdoor adventure, an easy Instagram flex and top-tier material for Mondays inevitable what did you do this weekend? conversation.

Alea the alpaca is shown during a hike in Plutscheid, Germany, April 13, 2025. Dirk Laures, owner of Alpakas Eifel, takes visitors on hikes in the surrounding countryside with one of his nine alpacas chosen to accompany each customer. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)

Humans and alpacas take in some fresh air during a hike with Alpakas Eifel in Plutscheid, Germany, April 13, 2025. Owner Dirk Laures offers tailored alpaca hikes to customers and also brings the creatures to senior homes and other events to share their therapeutic presence. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)

Alea the alpaca stops for a snack break during a hike in Plutscheid, Germany, April 13, 2025. Alpakas Eifel owner Dirk Laures is a believer in the therapeutic benefits of spending time with the sensitive creatures. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)



Our hike was a little under 3 miles and took just over 90 minutes, but Laures tailors the experience to match each groups pace and preferences.

The loop wound through open pastures and quiet back roads, not a strenuous trek but a peaceful, meditative stroll while holding the leash of our respective alpaca wingmen walking alongside.

My husbands alpaca, Pico, was best friends with mine, Alea. The two walked shoulder to shoulder the entire time. Laures told us alpacas are highly social and prefer to move in pairs or groups.

Theyre also surprisingly therapeutic. Their calming presence and uncanny sensitivity to human emotions make them ideal therapy animals, Laures explained.

Spending time with alpacas can help ease post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and even dementia, he said. Thirty minutes into the hike, I was a believer.

Alea was hesitant at first, but she warmed up quickly and followed my lead as we wandered through the open fields and winding country paths. There was something quietly affirming about being accepted by such an adorable, intuitive creature.

A recent unpleasant encounter with a camel had me worried the alpacas might be smelly or prone to spitting. Not the case. And once we passed their silent vibe check, they let us pet their thick, soft fleece.

Their wool repels moisture, keeping them warm and dry even in cold or wet weather, which means hikes are offered year-round.

Laures adopted his first alpaca after the death of his wife in 2023 led him to try an alpaca hike of his own. He said the animals have changed his life and those of his three children.

He now shares that joy with others, offering hikes for individuals, families and groups of all sizes. Hes led solo visitors and teams of as many as 40. In addition, he brings the alpacas to senior homes and special events.

Alpacas enjoy the sunny weather at Alpakas Eifel in Plutscheid, Germany. The family-owned alpaca trekking business allows visitors to enjoy a serene walk through the German countryside with a fuzzy alpaca companion. (Alpakas Eifel)

A leash attached to an alpaca allows a hiker to walk alongside the animal in Plutscheid, Germany, April 13, 2025. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)



Laures currently has nine alpacas, though hes hoping Alea will soon welcome a new cria, or baby. Pico, still technically a juvenile, is expected to reach adulthood within the next year and start contributing to the herds future.

On our drizzly Sunday, we were the only people there, which made the setting feel like our own private petting zoo with a scenic backdrop. Laures walked with us the entire way, sharing stories about his animals and answering all our questions.

By the time we returned to the farm and watched the rest of the herd enthusiastically welcome Pico and Alea back into the corral, I felt lighter. I wasnt sure I believed in alpaca therapy when I started, but I definitely left with fewer worries and a full heart.

Turns out that a leisurely stroll with Pico and Alea was the Sunday reset I didnt know I needed.

Alpakas Eifel

Directions: Address: Kehrweg 20, 54597 Plutscheid

Hours: Hikes depart from Plutscheid on Fridays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. The reservation line is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost: 20 euros per alpaca, 10 euros per adult, 5 euros per child.

Know before you go: No dogs allowed on hikes.

Information: Phone: +49 173 182 2439; Online: alpakas-eifel.de; Instagram: @alpakas_eifel
Megumu Gomi, left, and his wife, Megumi, pose outside D-13, a cafe they founded in an old flat house used as service member housing near Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



The aroma of coffee, curry and baked goods emanate from a vine-covered and historic flat house just a five-minute walk from the main gate at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.

Named after its original U.S. military housing unit address, Cafe D-13 is a renovated structure that was used as military family housing in the 1950s and 1960s. Uncovering this time capsule feels like discovering a speakeasy, and the sense that one is let in on a secret. The only indicator of its existence is a small, faded and easily overlooked wooden sign.

When I was looking for a house to renovate for a shop, I came across D-13 and thought it would make a great coffee shop, said co-owner Megumu Gomi. I think Fussa is a city with wonderful diversity and culture that simultaneously feels Japanese, yet not Japanese.

Megumu Gomi, co-owner of Cafe D-13, makes a latte in his shop near Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



Tucked into a neighborhood immediately adjacent to the air base, the leafy green cafe is surrounded by several other historical U.S. military flat houses but distinguishes itself by its Instagram-worthy photo appeal.

Once inside, the coffee bar proudly displays a beautiful Italian espresso machine and all the coffee making tools required of a master barista. The classic wood-finished interior, black pellet stove, reading nook with built-in bookshelves, two cozy rooms with seating, and displayed baked goods combine to create a soothing atmosphere perfect for sipping coffee over a book or quietly chatting with a friend.

Cafe D-13's wood-finished interior, black pellet stove, reading nook, cozy rooms with seating, and displayed baked goods create a soothing atmosphere perfect for sipping coffee over a book or quietly chatting with a friend. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



With an assortment of beans from around the world and eight years of experience, Megumu, who operates the cafe with his wife, Megumi, masterfully serves pour-over-filtered coffee and espresso-based drinks, complete with skillful latte art, that are easily the best in the area. Their menu boasts an adequately refined selection of drinks to include oat milk options for the lactose intolerant as well as noncaffeinated drinks.

Before I started my own shop, I was working at a company and often went to coffee shops where I fell in love with coffee, so I wanted to open my own shop, said Megumu. I make coffee every day, hoping the people who come to D-13 can enjoy delicious coffee. Thats the source of my passion.

Cafe D-13 in western Tokyo offers a selection of espresso-based, and filtered, pour-over coffee drinks as well as a small selection of non-caffeinated drinks, baked goods and food. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



The menu, equally refined, offers a variety of baked goods, toast and quiche, as well as two Indian curries that are all expertly presented and equally delicious. The Keema curry is set, but the quiche and a second curry vary from day to day.

If youre looking for a great coffee, good food and a peaceful reprieve, Cafe D-13 wont disappoint.

Many customers who work at Yokota Air Base, as well as people from the U.S. and other countries come, so its interesting to hear stories and culture from overseas, Megumu said. Im at the store almost every day, and just listening to their stories makes me feel like Ive traveled to different places around the world.

Cafe D-13's wood-finished interior, black pellet stove, reading nook, cozy rooms with seating, and displayed baked goods create a soothing atmosphere perfect for sipping coffee over a book or quietly chatting with a friend. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



Just minutes away from the main gate of Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Cafe D-13 offers great coffee, baked goods, curry and quiche. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



Cafe D-13

Location: 2219-4 Fussa, Tokyo, 197-0011

Hours: Open daily, except Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Prices: Drinks range from $3 to $5, and food is $3 to $8.

Dress: Casual

Directions: A short walk from Yokota Air Bases main gate, but the shop has two parking spaces available.

Information: instagram.com/cafe_d13
A volunteer helps a Joan K. Mendel Elementary student pound mochi during JaPANDAsia, an annual festival at the school on Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 29, 2025. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  Springtime at Joan K. Mendel Elementary School means JaPANDAsia, an annual celebration of Asian culture at this American airlift hub in western Tokyo.

Around 500 students, teachers and volunteers took part in this years event, named after the schools panda mascot, who wears a samurai helmet.

This is a highlight of our year. The way that the Japanese share their culture with us in a loving, gentle way, third-grade teacher Danielle Bowles said at Tuesdays celebration. I showed up with my kimono looking like a hot mess, and they fixed me right up.

They really love that were excited to learn about their culture, she added, and theyre really excited to teach us about it, which is neat.

Third-grade teacher Danielle Bowles and her daughter, Brooklyn Bowles, try on kimonos during JaPANDAsia, an annual festival at Joan K. Mendel Elementary School on Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 29, 2025. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)

Taiko drummers perform at Joan K. Mendel Elementary during JaPANDAsia, an annual event at the school on Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 29, 2025. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



This years celebration featured origami, kimono dressing, mochi pounding, karate demonstrations, and a traditional matcha tea ceremony. Students also observed the preparation of lumpia, a Philippine spring roll, and tai chi, a Chinese martial art.

Sumu Sunaga, a Japanese culture teacher at Mendel and one of JaPANDAsias founders, said the event was partly inspired by his own experience as a high school student in Kentucky.

The people in the States, they were so nice to me, he said. I didnt speak English at all, but my friends helped me so much. I have a good memory  they were so kind.

Joan K. Mendel Elementary students join a taiko performance during JaPANDAsia, an annual event at the school on Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 29, 2025. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)

Joan K. Mendel Elementary students learn about Japanese tea ceremonies, during the JaPANDAsia event at the school on Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 29, 2025. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)

Joan K. Mendel Elementary students learn how to play a Japanese stringed instrument called a taisho-koto, during the JaPANDAsia event at the school on Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 29, 2025. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes)



Fourth-grader Rosie Polansky said she enjoyed the Nichibu and Tanabata stylized dance performances the most.

I think its really cool because Im actually a quarter Japanese, she said. So, I like learning about my culture. I hope the other kids learn more about my culture, and they get to eat some good food.
Air Force civil engineers can now work outside Andersen Air Force Base to help the Guam government manage the islands stray dog population. (Adasha Williams/U.S. Air Force)



The Guam government and U.S. military have reached a novel agreement that lets civil engineers work outside Andersen Air Force Base to help rein in the islands stray dog population.

The 36th Wing at Andersen will provide vehicles, animal-handling equipment, kennel maintenance assistance and personnel, according to a Tuesday news release from the U.S. territorys Agriculture Department.

This is a first-of-its-kind agreement and shows the amazing relationship between Andersen Air Force Base and the Government of Guam, Marlyn Aguilar, an attorney adviser at Andersens Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, said by email Wednesday. We are proud to continue supporting the local communities and building strong connections across the island.

The agreement marks a significant step toward coordinated efforts to control Guams strays  known locally as boonie dogs  according to the Agriculture Department and the wing.

Significantly, it permits the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron to assist with off-base operations, Guam territorial veterinarian Dr. Mariana Turner said by email Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske, commander of the 36th Wing, and Guam Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio shake on an agreement allowing Andersen Air Force Bases civil engineers to work outside the installation to manage the islands stray dog population, April 24, 2025. (Adasha Williams/U.S. Air Force)



A 2014 Humane Society International survey estimated approximately 24,500 strays are living on Guam, which spans 212 square miles  about the size of Chicago. In September, the Agriculture Department established a Dog Population Management Task Force to pursue humane solutions. The Agriculture Department conducted a survey earlier this year to update the decade-old information, but the results have yet to be released.

Guams stray dogs have been blamed for attacks on people and pets, traffic hazards, and the spread of disease and pests, according to the Agriculture Department. Many suffer from starvation, injuries and illness.

The Agriculture Department division in charge of animal health and control is passionate and dedicated to finding solutions, yet we are restrained by limited resources, Turner wrote. The collaboration with Andersen AFB serves as a force multiplier for our efforts.

Andersens civil engineers have been supportive in recent years by capturing strays and helping with adoptions, wing spokesman Capt. Casey Bell said by email Wednesday.

Airmen from the base have also repaired damaged fences and kennels at Guam Animals in Need, and the wing expects to deepen its relationship with that shelter, Bell said.

Turner credited wing commander Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske with helping to finalize the agreement.

General Palenske has been very active with pursuing a solution to the free-roaming boonie dog population on Guam, she wrote.

No funds are transferred under the agreement, which allows the Agriculture Department and the wing to share resources and expertise and creates a formal process for each party to request support services, according to Tuesdays release.

The agreement is valid for up to 10 years, the release said. Both sides will conduct annual reviews to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the community.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks with Lasso Mana the acting director at the National Disaster Center in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, July 15, 2024. (Shannon M. Smith/U.S. Navy)



The U.S. Defense Department is funding a $400 million fuel storage facility in Papua New Guinea as part of the growing military ties under a 2023 defense agreement between the two countries.

The facility will have the capacity to store almost 70 million gallons of fuel, the U.S. Embassy to Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu said in a news release Monday.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, on Friday personally informed Papua New Guineas deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the funding, according to the release.

U.S. armed forces will have access to the facility and the fuel as part of the 2023 agreement.

The complex will be built by DGCI Corp., an aerospace and defense company based in McLean, Va. Construction is projected to be completed in 2030.

DGCI has a successful history of constructing and operating large scale fuel facilities in Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia, the release said.

The announcement follows a U.S. Navy search for alternative fuel storage facilities with the closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii.

A massive fuel spill at Red Hill in late 2021 contaminated the aquifer near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Red Hill had a capacity for 250 million gallons of fuel.

In his March 2022 order to permanently close the World War II-era underground storage facility, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said a centralized fuel hub makes less sense now than it did in the 1940s.

The distributed and dynamic nature of our force posture in the Indo-Pacific, the sophisticated threats we face, and the technology available to us demand an equally advanced and resilient fueling capability, Austin said in the announcement. To a large degree, we already avail ourselves of dispersed fueling at sea and ashore, permanent and rotational. We will now expand and accelerate that strategic distribution.

Papua New Guinea, lying just northeast of Australia, is significantly closer than Hawaii to the South China Sea and Taiwan, which are major hotspots in the relationship between the U.S. and China. The island nation would likely be central in the event of military conflict with China.

The 2023 defense agreement is spurring other U.S. military investments in the country.

On Tuesday, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command broke ground for two key facilities at Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, north of the nations main island, the embassy said in a Wednesday news release.

The Regional Maritime Training Center and the Small Boat Team and Bosun Facility are intended to support maritime readiness, enhance the capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, and support long-term regional security in the Indo-Pacific, according to the release.

The $16 million projects are expected to be completed by next spring.

The Bosun Facility will provide maintenance and operational space for three Papua New Guinea military small boat teams, which conduct coastal operations and respond to maritime threats, the release said.

On Friday, the U.S. Army wrapped up the two-week Tamiok Strike exercise in the capital city of Port Moresby and several other locations.

Among the training events were staff planning exercises, medical training, infantry tactics drills and a construction project.

The relationship that we have with the U.S. military and [Papua New Guineas defense force] is built on our shared history and values, Brig. Gen. Larry Opa, the defense force deputy commander, said during the closing ceremony, according to a Tuesday news release. Tamiok Strike is a demonstration of the progression of this relationship.
The five seconds that plunged Spain into darkness Energy experts were surprised by the inability to isolate the blackout to a single area, forcing the system to be rebooted from scratch, but they say restoration of service was quick given the circumstances

The incident is a fact, and a major one at that: an entire afternoon without electricity in Europes fourth-largest economy. But the black box is still missing. Technicians at Red Electrica de Espana (REE), the grid operator, are working against the clock to figure out what led to the worst-case scenario: a system completely devoid of energy, a nightmare situation that several generations of engineers had only encountered in simulations.

First, the facts. Shortly after noon on Monday, and in a matter of seconds, something suddenly caused the frequency to drop below the usual 50 hertz. The interconnection with France automatically tripped to prevent further damage in the form of a massive contagion in the rest of Europe. Some 15 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generation, nearly 60% of energy in use at the time, were lost, and millions of people in Spain and Portugal were left without power across the Iberian Peninsula. This is the known sequence of events; the key now is to understand what caused this sudden drop in power, leading to the largest blackout in recent European history. Pending an analysis of thousands of data records, the preliminary theory put forward by REE on Tuesday is that an incident at two photovoltaic plants in the southwest of the peninsula could be responsible. Less than 24 hours later, REE President Beatriz Corredor, clarified, however, that it is not right to link the incident to renewable energy.

Everything that happens in the electrical system is recorded. So, with complete certainty, well be able to know where and what caused the blackout, underscores Luis Atienza, a former president of REE. Just like the other specialists consulted for this article, Atienza expressed surprise at the failure to activate of the automatic mechanisms that would normally have contained the outage and confined it to a specific area, instead of impacting nearly the entire peninsula. It will take days, he says, before the reason for this is known.

Barcelona on Monday from the Montjuic. Gianluca Battista

The failure of a photovoltaic plant, however large, doesnt seem likely to be the cause of the collapse of the entire electricity system, says Pedro Fresco, general director of the Valencia Energy Sector Association and former general director of Ecological Transition for that eastern region. Nor is it true that there werent enough synchronous sources at that time: there was nuclear, a lot of hydropower, some solar thermal and combined cycle power, and even cogeneration, coal, and renewable waste In fact, there was more synchronous power than at other times.

The great blackout did not turn out to be as some feared. During the 2022 energy crisis, the prophets of doom sounded their trumpets for months, projecting a drop in supply that never materialized. Generation, they claimed, would not be enough, and consumers would be unable to turn on the lights, run the washing machine, or charge their cell phones. The reality was different: at midday on Monday, demand was neither particularly high nor supply at its lowest (on the contrary, solar was operating at almost full capacity, covering almost 60% of consumption, with water and wind together providing another 20%, and four nuclear reactors operating). It was barely necessary to resort to combined cycle natural gas-fired power stations, whose profitability has long been questioned, but which remain essential during peak consumption periods and when there is no sun or wind.

Until the origin of the problem is 100% clear, fixing it is going to be difficult: for now, its as if a plane had crashed and we didnt have access to the black box, compares engineer Javier Revuelta, head of the electricity practice at the Swedish consulting firm Afry. The first thing to determine is whether the problem was due to low synchronous power or if it was something else, adds Oscar Barrero, the partner responsible for energy at PwC. Most likely, it was a combination of both. Industry experts are greatly surprised at the inability to isolate the blackout to a specific area, which forced the system to be re-energized from scratch.

The benefits of renewables, which make the Spanish wholesale market one of the cheapest and cleanest in Europe, remain clear. Despite the short but brutal impact of the blackout on businesses and individuals, it doesnt seem likely that a debate will be opened on a change of model, especially given that the competitiveness companies gain as a result is one of the factors that explain the improved performance of Spanish GDP compared to its European counterparts. However, some voices, such as those of the consultants Barrero and Revuelta, are calling for adjustments. The penetration of wind and, above all, solar power, when it is massive, creates challenges in the management of the electricity system. Synchronous backup power is needed, not only during times of high demand, but also when there is surplus electricity, argues the former. Operating criteria will have to be reviewed to be even more cautious: its worth conducting an in-depth analysis of how solar and wind generators have performed, and they will likely need to demand more technical performance. Perhaps by requiring or incentivizing them to incorporate batteries to mitigate frequency drops in milliseconds, explains the second, who worked for several years at REE.

Madrid's M-30 ring road on Monday, during the power outage. Claudio Alvarez

The fact that the Iberian Peninsula is, in practice, an energy island hasnt helped. Interconnections with the rest of the continent remain far lower than the European Commission demands. And its not because Spain doesnt want them, but because France has been resisting them for years. Some experts attribute this attitude to Frances attempt to protect its powerful nuclear sector from the competition posed by the much cheaper Spanish solar power. Laying more cables with the neighboring countryone is already under construction in the Bay of Biscay, but it still wont be enough to meet the European Commissions targetcould also be part of the solution. The Brussels report on what happened could put additional pressure on France to end its reluctance.

Another weakness to be addressed is Spains delay in the mass deployment of batteries, which has already taken place in Germany, Australia and the U.S. state of California. Storage, in the form of large-scale batteries or pumped hydroelectric storage, would mitigate the problem, making the system more robust. Batteries and strong interconnections are the best antidotes to blackouts. We need to install more of the former, which make photovoltaic and wind power synchronous, and improve the latter, urges Fresco.

The outage has fueled a debate that, like so many others, long ago leaped from the technical to the cultural war: the future of the five nuclear power plants still operating in Spain, with a timeline that calls for their closure by 2035. In this case, its not so much a nuclear yes or no debate, but rather whether synchronous generation, which also includes other technologies such as combined cycles and hydroelectric power, contributes to mitigating potential blackouts, Revuelta concludes. I dont know if it makes much sense for the prime minister to have spoken out so strongly so soon, he notes, referring to Sanchezs recent criticism of those who have linked the incident to the lack of nuclear power plants. The governments initial analyses suggest that the presence of nuclear power in the mix did not make the system more resilient, and even delayed normalization by making it necessary to send energy to maintain them.

Agile response

The most positive interpretation of the nightmare is that power returned relatively quickly. Monday afternoon dragged on, yes, but by nightfall, most of Spain and Portugal had power back. A few hours, for an incident of this magnitude, is a short time. The restoration of service during this blackout has been impeccable, says Atienza. Its worth comparing it with the blackouts in Italy or northeastern U.S., both in 2003. It took days to restore power. In the Texas blackout of February 2021, it took more than two weeks.

Could a blackout of this magnitude happen again? Zero risk doesnt exist and never will, but the probability of it happening is lower today than on Monday because everyone will be treading carefully, Barrero suggests. As with plane crashes, the emergence of the black box should help us learn from what happenednot only in Spain but also around the worldand thus try to prevent it from happening again. Its an extremely unlikely event. I dont think well see one like this again in our lifetime, Fresco concludes.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers remarks to troops at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Mich., on April 29, 2025. (Alexander Kubitza/U.S. Navy)



Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran early Thursday that it will pay a price for its support of the Yemen-based Houthi group that for more than a year has launched strikes at U.S. warships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Hegseth said LETHAL Iranian support of the Houthis risked U.S. retaliation, in a post on the social media site X.

We know exactly what you are doing, Hegseth said. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

Message to IRAN:



We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing.



You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 1, 2025

Hegseths comments come amid ongoing U.S. negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. The two sides are slated to meet in Rome on Saturday.

Hegseth did not specify what prompted him to issue a new warning to Iran. However, his comments come as tensions ratchet up in the area.

On Monday, a sailor was injured when an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet aboard the Truman fell overboard while operating in the Red Sea, defense officials said. An investigation into the incident is underway.

The Yemen-based Houthi group claimed Monday that it had carried out a drone and missile attack on the U.S. aircraft carrier. There were no reports of damage to U.S. ships.

Hegseths post directed at Iran aligns with previous statements by President Donald Trump, who said March 17 that the attacks from Yemen all emanate from, and are created by, Iran.

The Pentagon stepped up attacks on the Houthis with an intensified bombing campaign that began March 15. Since then, the U.S. says it has hit more than 1,000 targets.

On Wednesday, the British military launched its own airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
A Patriot missile is launched by soldiers at an airborne target during a live-fire exercise at an undisclosed location. (Kyle Fisch/U.S. Army)



The State Department has approved a potential sale to Kuwait for upgrades to its Patriot missile defense systems, bolstering a key regional ally amid heightened tensions with Iran.

The $425 million sale includes software, maintenance, spare parts, training, integration, test support, and engineering from the U.S. government and contractors, the State Department said in a statement Wednesday.

The deal awaits congressional approval and comes amid billions of dollars in recent Patriot sales to U.S. allies in the Middle East and on NATOs eastern flank.

The approval on Wednesday will further Kuwaits ability to meet current and future threats, the department said. The country is home to about 13,500 U.S. troops, based primarily at Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the infrastructure of a major non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, the State Department said.

The Patriot, developed by Raytheon, is considered one of the militarys most advanced air defense systems and has been used in battle recently by Ukraine and Israel. The system  consisting of truck-mounted launchers, radars and a control station  is designed to detect and shoot down ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and advanced aircraft.

Raytheon will be the principal contractor for the sale to Kuwait. Three to five U.S. government workers or contractors would travel to Kuwait periodically over the next decade to assist with maintenance and sustainment operations.

The State Departments approval of the potential sale comes as the U.S. continues its pressure campaign against Iran.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned during Irans early morning hours Thursday that Tehran would face consequences for its support of Houthi militants in Yemen, who have launched strikes on U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels.

Meanwhile, American diplomats are expected to be in Rome this weekend for another round of nuclear talks with Iranian officials.
Army Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, the services deputy chief of staff for personnel, testifies April 30, 2025, at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Tens of thousands of civilian employees who work for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force are voluntarily resigning as part of the Defense Departments effort to trim its workforce, forcing the services to restructure to minimize operational gaps.

Personnel chiefs for each of the services told a House Armed Services Committee subpanel on Wednesday that they will feel an impact from the Pentagons deferred resignation program and early retirement initiative and are analyzing where the effects will be felt most.

The civilians maintain an important role for us, for our readiness, for our continuity, said Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, the Armys deputy chief of staff for personnel. We are doing some reorganization because of that. Thats something were looking closely at to make sure we dont have a gap in our coverage as far as the mission is concerned.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the offers of voluntary separations last month and said mass reductions were necessary to put resources in the areas where we need them most and supercharge our American warfighters.

Hegseth is aiming to cut the Pentagons nearly 900,000 civilians by about 60,000 people. About 21,000 employees volunteered for deferred resignations offered by the Office of Personnel Management earlier this year.

The direct offer by the Defense Department found even more takers.

About 16,000 civilians who work for the Army have signed up for deferred resignations, Eifler said, calling the number significant. The Air Force will be losing about 12,000 civilians, according to Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, the services chief of staff for manpower and personnel.

The Navy and the Space Force are expecting to shed about 10% of their civilian personnel. About 1,600 civilians are resigning from the Marine Corps, including some more senior, more experienced staff, said Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs.

Were looking at the impacts of what losing those individuals are and restructuring as appropriate to handle that challenge, he said.

Miller said she was worried about the effect the resignations will have on recruiting for the Air Force and other military branches.

If there is an uncertainty about coming into a service, on whether or not youll be able to maintain that position, that I think is going to impact, she said. We have done tons of work over the last several years to really express the goodness of our service  and a lot of it is job security.

Vice Adm. Richard Cheeseman, deputy chief of naval operations for personnel, said he was particularly concerned about how the resignations could affect schools and payment systems for sailors.

Weve done a lot of work in the last two years in modernizing our pay systems, he said. We are, as far as Im concerned, the gold standard in getting paid transactions on and taking care of sailors. I dont want to see any impact at all and well be paying attention to that to make sure we mitigate appropriately.

The Space Force, the militarys youngest and smallest service, is bracing for an outsize impact to its operations.

About one-third of its 17,000-person force is made up of civilians and it relies heavily on the Air Force for support, said Katharine Kelley, deputy chief of space operations for human capital.

We have to look very carefully at how to mitigate that 10% [loss] and how to be very, very intentional about making sure that does not have a direct mission impact, she said. This is going to be a challenge for us.
The U.S. Navy announced Wednesday that it has awarded another $12.4 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat as payment for two previously authorized Virginia-class submarines, as well as salary increases for shipyard workers. (Dreamstime/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  The U.S. Navy announced Wednesday that it has awarded another $12.4 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat as payment for two previously authorized Virginia-class submarines, as well as salary increases for shipyard workers.

The Navys agreement to boost pay comes as Electric Boat hires at unprecedented levels in an effort to meet aggressive Pentagon goals for modernization of the U.S. nuclear submarine fleet in the face of Chinas rapid naval expansion and its aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, ranking member of the Seapower Subcommittee of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, called the money for wages a welcomed development for our effort to hire and retain a highly-skilled shipyard workforce in southern New England.

From the standpoint of the U.S. House Seapower Subcommittee, the ability of the submarine industrial base to successfully execute production of Congress submarine building plans depends on growing a new generation of shipbuilders, said Courtney, a Democrat whose eastern Connecticut district includes Groton and Electric Boat.

In addition to the salary money, the contract award includes billions of dollars more for completion and modification of two submarines approved in last years budget.

It provides Electric Boat with the funding to build two more Virginia class submarines and builds on a record backlog of work already in the queue at the Electric Boat shipyard to respond to the contested environment across the maritime domain, Courtney said.

The shipyard has been hiring at a furious pace  5,300 in 2023, 4,100 in 2024, and another 3,000 projected this year  to meet the Navys production schedule. In addition to the nuclear-powered Virginia class attack submarines, EB is building the massive nuclear-powered Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which the Pentagon has made its priority project.

The Navy wants more than 60 Virginia submarines at more than $4 million each and a dozen Columbias, which cost more than $9 million a ship. The U.S. has also agreed to sell at least three Virginia class submarines to Australia under a security agreement intended to contain China.

In a letter to Courtney Wednesday, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelen underscored the Pentagons commitment to hire and retain the workforce needed to sustain submarine production.

I appreciate the continued congressional support to fund the highest priority and near-term needs of our nuclear shipbuilders to improve productivity across our submarine and carrier production lines, Phelen wrote These investments you made, which are included in the contract, will increase capacity, enhance capabilities, and help grow the skilled workforce needed to support new construction nuclear shipbuilding efforts and our maritime industrial base.

The salary money sent to Electric Boat amounts to a recognition that the Navy needs to rejuvenate a moribund national manufacturing base if it is to be successful in harnessing the supply chain necessary to meet production goals.

While Electric Boat has been a leader in the hiring and retention of shipyard workers, it has reached a contract impasse with its marine draftsmans union, which is threatening to strike. The Navy salary money is likely to become a factor in those talks.

Courtney has been pushing the Navy to adopt measures to expand what has become known as the submarine industrial base.

In the short term, Courtney said $500 million approved in a short term defense spending measure late last year should be directed to salaries at EB and Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, a secondary contractor on the Virginia and Columbia sub programs..

Looking farther ahead, Courtney has advocated a budgeting reform that would allow shipyards to cover salary overruns on submarines under construction by accessing contract money awarded in advance for construction of future ships.

As a measure of the importance it places on expanding the submarine industrial base, the Navy said that in the decade ending in 2027, it plans to have invested $3.5 billion in areas such as supplier and workforce development. While submarine construction has increased drastically, the number of suppliers to the industrial base has dropped to about 5,000 from the 17,000 companies in business during the last submarine construction surge in the 1980s, the Navy said.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Army to reduce and restructure manned attack helicopter formations and augment them with inexpensive drone swarms, among other measures outlined in a memo issued April 30, 2025. (Justin Ashaw/U.S. Army)



Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week ordered a broad restructuring of the U.S. Army that will trim the number of generals, merge headquarters commands and prioritize drone swarms needed to counter Chinas growing military.

Hegseth directed Army leaders in a memorandum Wednesday to streamline force structure and overcome parochial interests to rebuild the militarys largest branch.

To build a leaner, more lethal force, the Army must transform at an accelerated pace by divesting outdated, redundant, and inefficient programs, as well as restructuring headquarters and acquisition systems, Hegseth wrote.

The memo calls for the largest reorganization of the Army in many years, in part by shedding weapons and units that have long been part of its identity.

Top priorities also include improving long-range precision fire and building a Golden Dome program intended to serve as a missile defense shield for the homeland.

In a memorandum on April 30, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a broad restructuring of the Army. His directive calls for an improvement of long-range precision artillery fire. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



Hegseths directive calls for big changes in how some fighting forces are organized. The service would reduce manned attack helicopter formations and augment those units with inexpensive drone swarms capable of overwhelming adversaries.

The Army also would trim armor and other aviation units under the broad directive.

The service will be expected to increase its forward presence in the Indo-Pacific by expanding pre-positioned stocks, rotational deployments, and exercises with allies and partners to enhance strategic access, basing, and overflight, Hegseth said.

The focus is in line with the Pentagons push to prioritize missions in the Pacific to counter China. The memorandum did not mention how operations in Europe would be affected or whether rotational deployments to the Continent were expected to continue.

The Pentagon has stated that U.S. allies must carry the bulk of the security burden in Europe, freeing up the U.S. to do more in Asia.

The Army also will merge two four-star headquarters, Army Futures Command and the Training and Doctrine Command, into one.

Futures Command, launched in 2018, was intended to help the Army gain a better view of its long-term needs. The necessity of a separate command to handle issues that previously were part of TRADOCs mission was long debated in Army circles.

U.S. Army North and U.S. Army South will be combined into a single headquarters focused on homeland defense and partnership with Western Hemisphere allies, the memorandum stated.

Consolidating and realigning headquarters and units within Army Materiel Command, including the integration of the Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, are also part of the directive.

Hegseth said the Army will reduce general officer positions in a manner that streamlines command structures for the warfighter. He didnt detail how many general officer slots will be abolished.

In the tactical realm, the Army should field long-range missiles capable of striking moving land and maritime targets by 2027, Hegseth said.

The service also will improve counter-drone capabilities and integrate them into maneuver platoons by 2026 and maneuver companies by 2027, he said.

Meanwhile, the Army should seek savings by canceling legacy systems, such as outdated manned aircraft and ground vehicles, the memorandum said.
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., left, and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., during a heated discussion at a congressional hearing on Feb. 26, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, is asking Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and other agency leaders violated federal law when they made an urgent request for $3 billion to close a budget shortfall that did not exist.

In an April 29 letter to Bondi, the congressman accused former VA leaders of submitting materially inaccurate budget figures and delaying the disclosure of corrected information until lawmakers had appropriated $3 billion in emergency funds for fiscal 2024.

VA leaders also asked for another $12 billion to cover an anticipated shortfall for fiscal 2025 but later reduced the projection by nearly half.

Bost said the House Veterans Affairs Committee is seeking to learn whether actions by McDonough, Shereef Elnahal, the former VA undersecretary for health, and Joshua Jacobs, the former undersecretary for benefits, violated federal law, including the submission of false statements to Congress, obstruction of oversight, fraud or misappropriation of federal funds.

Bost said he asked the Justice Department to review VA finances over concerns about a pattern of troubling actions by its former leaders that persisted as they formulated, justified and communicated fake budget shortfalls.

If any civil or criminal violations occurred, those responsible must be held accountable, he wrote.

But Rep. Mark Takano of California, the top Democrat on the House committee, dismissed the request as a political stunt.

Secretary McDonough and his team led VA through one of its most successful eras in history. I am appalled by his recommendation and blatant weaponization of the judicial system, he said.

Takano said veterans deserve better than sham investigations and political theater becoming the new normal.

Bost referred in his letter to two reports by the VA Office of Inspector General published last month that examined the reasons for the miscalculations in VA requests for an additional $3 billion in fiscal 2024 and another $12 billion for 2025.

The VA is the federal governments second-largest department with a $469 billion annual budget.

Bost wrote the inspector generals findings raised significant concerns about whether VA leaders knowingly withheld material budget information, submitted inflated funding requests, provided false testimony to Congress or otherwise acted to obstruct congressional oversight.

When McDonough asked Congress for the $3 billion emergency appropriation in July 2024, he warned veterans were at risk of not receiving their regular monthly benefits on time without the injection of funds.

Bost said this week that when he questioned how the VA had arrived at the figures, officials doubled down in testimony that the extra dollars were needed to deliver veterans their benefits.

Jacobs told lawmakers at a hearing in September 2024 that the VA had validated its forecast before disclosing the information to Congress.

McDonough attributed the need for the emergency supplemental funding request for fiscal 2024 to more veterans receiving VA compensation, according to the IG report.

Congress passed a supplemental appropriations bill that former President Joe Biden signed into law Sept. 20, 2024, to cover VA disability compensation, pensions and other benefits for more than 7 million veterans through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.

But by November, VA leaders informed lawmakers there was no shortfall in 2024. The VA actually closed the fiscal year with a surplus of $5.1 billion, according to the agency.

For fiscal 2025, which runs from Sept. 30, 2024, to Oct. 1, 2025, higher costs for an increase in health care enrollments, payroll and equipment purchases have fallen within original budget estimates, the VA said.

The $12 billion budget gap that VA leaders projected was expected to be closer to $6.5 billion, the VA later reported.

The Veterans Benefits Administrations Office of Financial Management knew after the laws enactment on Sept. 20 they did not need the funding for the compensation and pension account, according to the inspector generals findings.

But VBA officials did not communicate to Congress until more than a month later that the compensation and pension funding was not needed to pay veterans their benefits, according to the findings.

The inspector general found improved financial management practices would have reduced the risks of inaccurate projections.

From March through September 2024, the Veterans Benefits Administration continued to emphasize the risk to veterans in its communications to Congress, even though the data increasingly suggested there might actually be less need for supplemental funding as time went on, the report stated.
Former presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during the Emerge event. Godofredo A. Vasquez (AP)

Kamala Harris reemerged on a public stage on Wednesday, just as Donald Trumps administration was marking 100 days in office. The former U.S. vice president and presidential candidate abandoned the low profile she had maintained since her election defeat to criticize the Republican president at a charity gala in San Francisco. Instead of an administration working to advance Americas highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals, she said in her longest speech since leaving the White House with Joe Biden last January.

Harris has been rarely seen since then. She has been captured by photographers only a few times in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband, Doug Emhoff. One of these occasions was after the massive wildfires that destroyed the communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, where she met with some of the volunteers and firefighters battling the blazes.

The former presidential candidate was the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of Emerge, an organization that has prepared approximately 6,000 women to join the ranks of the Democratic Party. The organization supported approximately 400 female candidates across the country in the last election. Andrea Dew Steele, the organizations founder, coordinated Harris campaign for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, the position that launched her into national politics.

With her speech on Wednesday, Harris sought to energize the Democratic camp. We all know, President Trump and his administration and their allies are counting on the notion that fear can be contagious [...] But what theyre overlooking, what they have overlooked, is that fear isnt the only thing thats contagious. Courage is contagious, said Harris, who was greeted with a standing ovation at the Palace Hotel.

With a speech that barely lasted 15 minutes, Harris is once again putting herself in the spotlight, at a time when her party is seeking voices willing to speak loudly and clearly about Trumps excesses and the chaos his administration has unleashed in just a few months.

Its 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, Harris said. All while abandoning allies and retreating from the world. And folks, what we are experiencing right now is exactly what they envision for America. Right now, we are living in their vision for America. But this is not a vision that Americans want.

The former vice presidents reappearance comes after weeks of rumors suggesting she is considering launching a campaign for the governorship of California, her partys biggest prize. The current governor, Gavin Newsom, is reaching the end of his term with no chance of reelection in 2026. Several prominent Democrats and a couple of Republicans have already announced their intention to participate in the fall 2026 elections. But Harris, who received 9.2 million votes last year in the state, would immediately become the favorite.

Harris continues to receive donations despite her defeat. The 2024 election surpassed $1.5 billion in support, making it the second most expensive race in history behind the 2020 presidential election. The former vice president continues to solicit funds through the Harris Fight Fund, a committee that receives support from the national Democratic Party and state agencies. Harris has about $4.5 million to spend.

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The alleged show of strength saw a crowd of around 40 masked men gathering in the estate before making their way towards the Ballymac Centre.

Twenty-two arrests were made in relation to a masked gathering at Pitt Park in east Belfast

Alleged UVF boss Stephen Matthews has been found not guilty of charges relating to an alleged loyalist show of strength in a Belfast housing estate.

Matthews co-accused Derek Lammey (60) was found guilty of intimidation over the same February 2021 incident in the Pitt Park area in the east of the city.

Derek George Lammey

The alleged show of strength saw a crowd of around 40 masked men gathering in the estate before making their way towards the Ballymac Centre.

It was the crowns case that Matthews, of Meadow Park in Ballywalter, and Lammey, of Hill Crest in Bangor, behaved in a threatening and intimidating manner when the approached the centre, where women and children were sheltering.

Those inside included the daughter and wife of murder victim Ian Ogle.

Following a non-jury trial at Belfast Crown Court, on Thursday Judge Kerr gave his ruling.

Stephen 'Mackers' Matthews

The judge said that primary evidence against the two men was their identification during the incident by two police officers who were at the scene.

Similar clothing seen being worn by the accused in body-worn footage was seized from their homes in subsequent searches, the court heard, but this clothing was generic.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

The judge spoke of how cell site analysis showing both men in the area at the time of the incident does not exonerate or implicate, as they lived in the area at the time.

While the judge accepted the identification of Matthews and Lammey at the scene, he found Matthews not guilty on all three counts.

Lammey was found not guilty of affray and unlawful assembly, but guilty of intimidation.

Judge Kerr said Lammey would be sentenced at a late date.

More to follow
Derek Callaghan (65) pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on January 19, 2022.

A grandfather who had a stellar career in the army is due to be sentenced later for possession of over 13,000 of cannabis.

Derek Callaghan (65) pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on January 19, 2022.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence that when gardai searched Callaghan's address at Ashfield Grove, Huntstown, Dublin 15, they found 608g of cannabis, worth 13,608, in the house.

3,110 in cash was also found during the search, along with other drugs paraphernalia, a ticklist and a burner phone.

After caution, Callaghan accepted responsibility for the drugs, but denied selling them.

While gardai were in the house, they answered a phone and, on this call, a person asked for '25 bags'.

Callaghan also told gardai that the cash was savings. He denied selling drugs from his address.

When interviewed, Callaghan repeated his admissions. He said the cash was his, disputing that it had come from selling drugs.

Callaghan has one previous conviction for a road traffic offence.

Cannabis (Stock image)

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

The investigating garda agreed with Carol Doherty BL, defending, that Callaghan has an otherwise unblemished record and that it is strange for a man of his age to come before the court on such a serious charge.

He agreed that Callaghan had a stellar army career, has three adult children and grandchildren.

The garda further accepted that Callaghan had been put under pressure.

Ms Doherty asked the court to take into account the garda's evidence that her client was acting as a result of various forces in the background.

She said her client understands he engaged in criminal activity and must face the consequences of this.

Her client is deeply embarrassed, ashamed and worried for his future. Counsel said Callaghan has two dogs and is concerned about their future care.

A number of testimonials, medical reports and other documents were handed to the court.

Ms Doherty asked the court to consider not imposing an immediate custodial sentence.

Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for finalisation later this month.
The woman has been awarded nearly 100,000 by the Workplace Relations Commission

The former fiancee of an allegedly sex-addicted businessman who sacked her as his company secretary after she confronted him about using a gay dating app and an escort website while on a family holiday has been awarded nearly 100,000 by an employment tribunal.

The bulk of the sum, 93,362 was awarded by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for the womans losses from dismissal after she gave evidence that the businessman cut off her pay and had her company car towed after he left the family home in 2023.

She had told her partner she didnt want to be involved with a programme of treatment for sex and other addiction he had proposed and that she planned to separate from him, the tribunal heard.

Complaints by the woman under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 were upheld by the tribunal in an anonymised decision published this morning by the WRC.

At a hearing in Dublin last winter, the woman told the tribunal she and the businessman were engaged to be married at the time he was establishing the business and that he had fathered her second child.

Her evidence was that after the businessman encouraged her to give up her job to work for him, she took up a 48,000-a-year position as company secretary, working mainly from home.

In the summer of 2023, while away on a family holiday, the woman said, she discovered that her partner had downloaded the dating [or] casual sex app, Grindr.

This was specifically oriented for [the] LGBTQ+ community, and it was clear to her that her partner was engaged in prolific homosexual encounters [or] liaisons, she told the WRC.

She also referred to seeing a message from a website called Escort Ireland on the businessmans phone during the holiday.

Confronted about the matter, her partners position was that he planned to undergo treatment for sex and other addiction and wanted the complainant to be involved in that programme, the complainant told the tribunal. She told him she didnt want to participate, she said.

After that, the businessman terminated [her] employment, ended their relationship and moved out, she wrote in her complaint form.

Grindr app. Stock image: Getty

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

Adjudicator Patricia Owens wrote that she was satisfied the arrangements for a hearing in late 2024 into the case were properly communicated to the businessman, but noted he neither attended nor gave the WRC any response to the complaints.

She upheld the unfair dismissal claim in the absence of any evidence contradicting the complainants position that she was summarily dismissed, awarding 63,362 for loss of earnings and a further 30,000 for losing access to a company car

Ms Owens also awarded 3,712, three weeks salary, as compensation for the non-provision of a contract of employment and 2,000 under the working time legislation. The total sum awarded in the case was 99,074.

The decision was anonymised to shield the identities of the womans children and in light of separate legal proceedings, the adjudicator noted.

The complainants evidence had been that her pay was stopped in the winter of 2023, leaving her with no income and building up a lot of debt while unemployed. Family commitments had meant she could only find part-time work, she added.

While she was waiting for social welfare payments to be approved, she had to rely on the support of Womens Aid and St Vincent de Paul to provide for the basic needs of herself and her children, she told the WRC.

At one stage she resorted to selling household items to pay her bills, she said.

She also described waking up one morning in late 2023 to discover that her company car had been towed away overnight leaving her panicking about getting her children to school. Her mother, a retiree, drew on savings to pay for a replacement, she said.

Ms Owens assessed the loss of the use of the company car at 30,000, factoring that into the award for losses.
Writer Louise Penny, in Barcelona for the presentation of one of her works, on March 29, 2024.

Knowlton would be one of those towns where, as Frank Sinatra sang, theres only one perfect crime possible: killing time. That is, of course, if it werent for its most famous resident: crime novelist Louise Penny. Her novels, featuring a French-speaking detective named Armand Gamache, always take place in a fictional village called Three Pines, a place beloved by her millions of readers. Penny drew inspiration for Three Pines from Knowlton, a charming town in Quebecs Eastern Townships, about an hour from Montreal, where she recently welcomed EL PAIS.

The crime rate here is very low  thankfully, thats not the case in my books, says the author, who is still shaken by the first homicide in Knowlton in a long time. A man was found dead  Penny suspects it was a drug deal gone bad in Montreal  in a burning truck just a couple of streets over from the English-language bookstore where the interview took place. In the store, theres a corner dedicated to the 20 novels starring Gamache and a world map covered with pins placed by fans to mark where they came from to visit the mythical setting of the books.

That murder has shaken up the quiet life of Knowlton, a community near the U.S. border, where residents, like the rest of Canada, have been in turmoil for months over Donald Trumps annexation threats. The U.S. president wants to turn them into citizens of the 51st U.S. state, insults their prime minister by calling him a governor, and has launched a nasty tariff war against his long-time trade partner.

Because of all this, Penny erupted last month on Facebook, announcing that she was canceling her planned tour of the United States. That included an event before an audience of about 2,500 people at the Kennedy Center, a major cultural institution in Washington that Trump has co-opted to serve his conservative revolution.

Instead, she will go on a Canadian tour, starting in Ottawa, the capital, and ending at a library on the Vermont border, which has also been caught in the storm, as part of its building lies in one country and the rest in the other. Trump has ordered the closure of a border crossing that runs through it  a crossing that had, in effect, remained open for a century.

Alfred Molina as Commissioner Armand Gamache, in the television series inspired by the novels of Louise Penny.

Like many Canadian writers, Penny has strong ties to the neighboring country, which in her case are also political: she co-wrote the political thriller State of Terror with Hillary Clinton. The decision to cancel her U.S. tour will have a considerable economic impact on both the author and her publishers, though she says they chose to support her regardless.

I almost certainly wont debut at number one on the list, as I usually do. For that, you need to sell 100,000 copies in the first week. The most astonishing part is that one of the plots in her new novel, Black Wolf, plays with the idea of a U.S. invasion that turns Canada into the 51st state.

Question. It seems that, in addition to your talent for crime fiction, you also have the ability to get inside Trumps head...

Answer. I had the idea about three years ago, and I wrote the novel last year. I was thinking about the environment. The United States is running out of water. Is there anything more vital? Canada has plenty of natural resources. And what happens if youre running out of water, but you have a lot of missiles? Youd probably use one to get the other. I think Trump is thinking about that, and certainly not about controlling fentanyl trafficking [the reason he gave for launching his first trade threats]. With him, its always about getting resources: its like that with Greenland, and also with Ukraine.

Q. Where was the Canadian nationalism that Trump has awakened?

A. In the book, theres an invasion, Canada falls quickly, and a resistance emerges. It was easy to imagine something like that. Suddenly, the unimaginable is happening. It seems to me that this nationalism was sort of a slow burn. Im not so much as surprised as thrilled. There is of course a dark side to nationalist that we need to be aware of. Thats what drove Nazism, and its driving Trump and his people. But I think we Canadians will be able to stay on, lets say, on the moral side.

Q. Would you say Trump is leaning towards fascism?

A. Oh, yeah. I read a brilliant op-ed recently in The New York Times whose headline was, Canada, May I Introduce You to Ukraine. It quoted [Vladimir] Putin just before he invaded the country and compared it to what Trump is saying now. It is disconcerting. Were witnessing a coup. I think it has to be the Republican Party and the MAGA [Make America Great Again] people who react. Not simply because the tariffs are wrong and the price of bread is going to go up, but because what hes doing is morally wrong. The way he is bringing other nations to their knees! Its disgusting

Q. You were talking about an op-ed earlier. Did you read the one your friend Hillary Clinton wrote about the Trump administration, in which she marveled at its incompetence?

A. I thought the part where she said the United States was a banana republic was fabulous. She sent it to me before publishing it. Oscar Wilde said theres no sin except stupidity, and that all others spring from it. I agree that theres no shortage of stupidity in Washington these days. I dont know how many times a day I tell myself I dont understand whats going on. Its like I woke up in an opposite world, like in that episode of Seinfeld where George Constanza wakes up in a world where everything rational is irrational. How can anyone vote for Trump? Who would have thought he would come out of the gate on day one the way he has?

Q. Trump spent the campaign promising this. He said he would be a dictator for a day

A. I think I woke up in an opposite world a week or two after he was inaugurated, when it became clear to me that there was no pushback, that the Republican Party had given up. Thank God for [new Canadian Prime Minister Marc] Carney and for [Justin] Trudeau, who finally found his voice, set the tone

Q. What did you think of the speech he gave opposing Trumps tariffs?

A. He made me proud, not just of his words, but also of how he passed the baton to Carney [at the head of the Liberal Party].

Q. Isnt it surreal that Canadas elections turned into a referendum on your neighbors president?

A. Thats true. But in an election, you dont always vote for the candidate you like the most, but the least objectionable.

Q. Do you boycott U.S. products?

A. Of course. I was at the grocery earlier. I love oranges, but I saw the Made in the US sticker, and with a heavy heart, I returned them.

From left, Louise Penny, Hillary Clinton, and Seth Meyers, on the latter's late-night show in 2021, when Penny and Clinton published their joint book, 'State of Terror.' NBC (NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Q. What did you learn about U.S. politics from writing your book with Hillary Clinton?

A. Some of what happens behind closed doors, though not much. Also, that not all politicians are the same. They may all compromise over time, but I know from my relationship with Bill and Hillary and others Ive met that there are also those who believe profoundly in public service and decency, and who cant believe whats happening, and how the country they love is sliding down this self-destructive path. We vacation together, and I know they hang out with ordinary people: they have friends who are schoolteachers, jewelers, people they grew up with, not billionaires with private jets.

Q. Do you think Canadian politics could be good material for a thriller?

A. One of the interesting things thats happened and that makes me very happy is that the world has started respecting Canada as it always should have. Were not a light version of the United States.

Q. A nation of overly polite people...

A. Yes, polite and slightly laughable, a place where theres only snow and maple syrup. Im really happy that Canada is now seen as a country that knows how to stand up for itself.

Q. Where does all this leave King Charles III, Canadas head of state?

A. Trump has also managed to make Canadians angry at the King. Hes someone who is going to host with all the honors a president who has declared a trade war on us. I wish a referendum could be held. Its not going to happen, because it would require the support of all the provinces, and they would demand something in return, making it impossible to organize. If it did happen, I would vote against the monarchy. I have nothing against the monarchy for the U.K., but for us? Its ridiculous. Its embarrassing just to think of an independent country having a foreign monarch as a head of state.

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In 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.

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 hed stab 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 9, 2022.

Mahamud Ilyas

The jury at the Central Criminal Court today heard extracts from Mr Doroscan's interviews with gardai, which were read out by counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Murphy BL. In 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.

Accused men Viorel Doroscan and (right) Otniel Richardo Clejan.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

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 ditch, 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 8, 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 he 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 Thuesday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men.
Arlo Kilpatrick is accused of a campaign of stalking which also involved recording dozens of love songs and publishing a photograph of himself outside the victims home

Arlo Kilpatrick, 21, also took a photograph of himself outside the victims home and disclosed that he had written more than 30 love songs for her, a judge was told.

A Belfast student allegedly made online posts about wishing rape and death on a woman in a bid to get her attention, the High Court heard today.

Arlo Kilpatrick is accused of a campaign of stalking which also involved recording dozens of love songs and publishing a photograph of himself outside the victims home.

The 21-year-old was granted bail after a judge warned of the consequences for any such sinister activity.

Mr Justice Paul McLaughlin said: This is a disgraceful and shocking means of communication which must be thoroughly condemned in light of the terrifying effect on the victim.

Kilpatrick, of Florenceville Avenue in the city, faces charges of stalking and threatening communications on March 28 this year.

The court heard police were initially alerted last June after the complaint discovered her TikTok videos and associated sexual fantasies had appeared on a mens self-improvement website.

Despite joining the forum and asking Kilpatick to stop posting about her, he allegedly continued the campaign before taking a photo outside her home.

Messages posted on the site included: Shes an evil b****, I hope she dies, rape and murder on my mind 24/7, and I support the rape and killing of women in real life.

It was further claimed he recorded more than 30 songs about the woman, uploading them on YouTube and music streaming platform SoundCloud.

During interviews Kilpatrick stated his intention was to p*** her off.

Arlo Kilpatrick, 21, also took a photograph of himself outside the victims home and disclosed that he had written more than 30 love songs for her, a judge was told.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

Opposing bail, prosecution counsel argued: He accepted wishing death upon the complainant and wishing she was raped, and that he wanted her to see the posts and suffer from stress.

Defence barrister Kelly Doherty disputed previous assertions that the comments were made on an Incel website.

She argued that the initial communication had been part of a love-hate relationship which involved no direct threats.

Obviously things took a darker turn in the last number of weeks, Ms Doherty said.

If he put up very outrageous material he would get her attention and she would then contact him.

Expressing astonishment at Kilpatricks alleged motives, Mr Justice McLaughlin responded: I cant imagine any woman would welcome that type of attention from any man in any circumstances.

Granting bail, however, the judge said he had been reassured by the defendants parents attending court to offer their support.

The Ulster University student was ordered to live at an address outside Belfast, banned from any contact with the victim and prohibited from accessing online forums.

Mr Justice McLaughlin warned him: Whatever erroneous and misconceived impression you may have had that this was a forum where anything could be said without consequences must immediately be dispelled from your mind. It has no place in our society.

The attitude that threats of death and threats of rape directed against women by men is in any shape or form an acceptable means of communication is utterly wrong.
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.

In evidence with lead investigator Detective Garda David Kelleher, the jury viewed video of interviews with the Irish Independent, RTE and 96FM in which Mr Satchwell pleaded for information about his missing wife.

Tina, come home  my arms are open. It has been horrible [without Tina]. I cry myself to sleep. There are no good days. I cuddle the dogs in my arms every night to comfort them, Mr Satchwell said at the time.

I wouldnt lift a finger to hurt my wife. I told the truth  I have nothing to hide.

Richard Satchwell and his wife Tina Satchwell

Richard Satchwell told gardai his wife Tina wore the trousers and regularly beat him, trial told

Mr Satchwell told the media outlets he was sick with worry about his missing wife, could not sleep, was losing weight and that he was existing not living without his beloved Tina.

There is absolutely no joy left.

Mr Satchwell (58) appeared in court on the third day of his murder trial before the Central Criminal Court yesterday where he wore navy slacks, a white T-shirt and a cream checked shirt.

The Leicester native has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife Tina (45) at a time unknown on March 19/20, 2017, at his home at Grattan Street in Youghal, contrary to Common Law.

Tinas badly decomposed body was discovered by gardai in October 2023 in the Satchwell family home in a shallow grave underneath the stairs and topped with concrete.

Mr Satchwell told gardai his wife would routinely assault him and on two occasions had knocked him out cold.

Richard Satchwell and his wife Tina Satchwell

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

The English truck driver insisted to gardai that he never retaliated to his wifes regular alleged assaults on him, but would drive away on his own and have a cry.

Inspector Daniel Holland told the trial on Tuesday that he met Mr Satchwell at Midleton garda station on June 8, 2017, the day after gardai conducted their first non-invasive search of his home.

Insp Holland stressed that it was a voluntary meeting and represented a general conversation and an exchange of information.

He explained to us he had given up a lot in his life to be with Tina, he said.

Mr Satchwells English family opposed his relationship with the Irish woman and, he claimed, no longer spoke to him.

The truck driver described his wife as very headstrong and determined.

Tina Satchwell went missing in 2017 - her body was found in 2023

He also alluded to the fact she had physically assaulted him, Insp Holland said. On two occasions [he said] she knocked him out cold, unconscious.

Just one week before she vanished in March 2017, he claimed Tina had again assaulted him, with her mood darkening after 2016.

Insp Holland said that Mr Satchwell explained that while he wanted children, Tina did not. When she wasnt in a mood she was the perfect person he had long since accepted this dark side.

The inspector noted Mr Satchwell stressed that he was obsessed with his wife.

The truck driver also explained that substantial Western Union money transfers  details of which were found during the June house search by gardai  related to the couples ongoing attempts to adopt two marmoset monkeys from an international animal welfare agency.

Gardai who searched the Satchwell home on June 8, 2017, discovered the Cork property in a filthy condition with dog faeces on the floor, a soiled parrot cage that had not been cleaned, dirty dishes lying in the sink and unfinished refurbishment work throughout the house.

Richard Satchwell

Retired garda sergeant John Sharkey said he sought a search warrant for the home in June  less than three months after Mr Satchwell claimed his wife had left their home without warning.

Mr Satchwell told gardai in October 2023, just hours after human remains were found in his home during a second more invasive search, that his wife Tina attacked him with a chisel on March 20, 2017.

In late May or early June, having reviewed the evidence, I formed the opinion that something criminal may have occurred

He said she went limp after he tried to protect himself by holding her away from him with a belt, with her weight on the belt by her neck.

Mr Satchwell put her body in a chest freezer and then buried it in a one-metre grave he excavated under the stairwell of their home.

Her remains were found six-and-a-half years later only after a forensic and invasive search by gardai.

Sgt Sharkey said he became aware that Mr Satchwell had reported his wife as missing at Fermoy garda station on March 24, 2017.

This was four days after he claimed she had left the house without warning while he was on an errand in Waterford.

He told gardai that Tina had left home suddenly because of difficulties in their relationship. The truck driver claimed she had left her beloved dogs, Heidi and Ruby, behind but had taken two suitcases and 26,000 in cash.

Richard Satchwell denies the murder of his wife, Tina

A formal missing-person report was filed by Mr Satchwell on May 11, 2017, at the urging of gardai.

Sgt Sharkey said: We monitored the situation. The hope was that Tina Satchwell would return home or come to notice in some form. But as time passed, our concern for the welfare of Tina Satchwell grew.

In late May or early June, having reviewed the evidence, I formed the opinion that something criminal may have occurred.

He went to Youghal District Court on June 2 and got a search warrant for the Satchwell home.

In cross-examination, Sgt Sharkey said he was not alone in having concerns by late May that something suspicious had happened to Tina.

Sgt Sharkey said he feared there had been a criminal event.

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 were provided for that purpose.

Garda Cathal Whelan was the first into the Satchwell home on June 7, 2017, and photographed the entire property.

One of the items photographed by Gda Whelan was a new wall under the stairs.

Tina Satchwell was 45 when she was last seen alive (Family Handout/PA)

It [the house] was untidy. It was unkempt. There was dog faeces on the floor. There was a bird cage that had not been cleaned. It was unkempt. There were dishes in the sink [that were] not washed.

Gda Whelan said the second floor was packed with womens clothing, while another room had a sunbed.

There was a room full of clothing. It was new clothing still covered in plastic. There were hundreds of outfits.

Gda Whelan said parts of the house, including the staircase, had refurbishment work, which was unfinished with unpainted walls and untreated woodwork.

Several upstairs rooms were also very untidy.

Garda Denis Barry said the property was very, very untidy dirty would be a better description.

Forensic Science Ireland official Dr Edward Connolly examined the house using a special Blue Star test for blood but found nothing.

The prosecution is led by Gerardine Small SC with Imelda Kelly BL.

Mr Satchwells defence team is led by Brendan Grehan SC with Paula McCarthy BL, instructed by Cork solicitor Eddie Burke.

The murder trial, before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven women and five men, is expected to run until June 6.
MEP Ciaran Mullooly has written to Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan urging him to look into case

Family of Liam Farrell (87) believe someone killed him, as inquest records open verdict

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan has been called on to urgently intervene after the family of Leitrim pensioner Liam Farrell said they have lost all faith in the investigation into their fathers suspicious death.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly recently wrote to the minister, asking him to use his powers to direct that a new independent inquiry by a separate policing team be carried out into the circumstances of the death of Mr Farrell.

The severely bruised and bloodied body of the 87-year-old grandfather was found lying at the back of his home near the village of Rooskey on January 11, 2020.

His children believe he had been subjected to a violent attack and might even have been tortured before his death.

Their suspicions were supported by Dr Jack Crane, the former state pathologist for Northern Ireland, who reviewed the post-mortem photos.

Mr Mullooly said that given the highly suspicious circumstances of the case, he has asked Mr OCallaghan to treat it as urgent.

New evidence is being called that represents a frankly unbelievable series of events to be looking into

The MEP, who attended an anniversary mass for Mr Farrell in January, said his Independent Ireland colleagues also intend to raise the issue in the Dail over the coming weeks.

I have met again with the family of Mr Farrell and have now been informed by the family that they have no confidence whatsoever with regard to the ongoing policing investigation, the Midlands-North-West representative told the minister in a letter sent on April 17.

In particular I am concerned over the belief of the Farrell family that new evidence is being called that represents a frankly unbelievable series of events to be looking into.

These inquiries do nothing but undermine the confidence of the family in the initial garda inquiry.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly

The intervention comes after the family of the widower said they were left flabbergasted and distraught following a meeting two weeks ago with senior gardai to discuss the findings of an internal review of the original investigation.

At the meeting, a senior officer told brothers Peter and Brendan Farrell that the review had produced 23 recommendations, and while no new inquiry was to be launched, new lines of investigation will be pursued.

However the family said they were left stunned when it was revealed that one of the recommendations was to consult an expert in Labrador behaviour to assess whether Mr Farrells dog, Marley, could have removed his socks and shoes before his death.

We have been left distraught and feel this investigation has been botched from the start

Since we heard that coming out we have lost all faith in the garda investigation We have been left distraught and feel this investigation has been botched from the start, Brendan Farrell said.

The family have said they now want their fathers remains exhumed for a forensic examination.

This was our dad. We found him in horrific circumstances, injured from head to toe. We had expected a lot more at that meeting  some kind of public appeal, maybe a reconstruction, Mr Farrell added.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

That was promised, and yet it was not included in the recommendations. From the pictures of the body, it can be seen that Daddys collar bone appeared to be broken and we want that examined.

Unfortunately, evidence of the other injuries our father had clearly received, the extensive bruising, will not now be available. No one has yet answered our question as to why a proper forensic examination was not carried out, as is the practice everywhere else in the country.

Mr Mullooly said he finds the circumstances of the investigation are highly questionable.

I am urging the Minister for Justice to act urgently in the interests of restoring confidence in the investigation of this death and similar events of this nature, he said.

Brendan Farrell and his wife Bernie at the family home in Rooskey where Liam Farrell's body was found. Photo: Frank McGrath

The Farrell family believe that someone in the local community may have information about what happened to their father, but is afraid to come forward.

Of particular concern is that gardai would not confirm whether they had interviewed a local man who allegedly told Peter Farrell after his fathers funeral in 2020: Your father did not die where he was found  he was dragged there.

The inquest in September was told that the person concerned had declined to provide a statement for the hearing.

That is another major issue for us as a family  what did this person tell the gardai, or was he ever interviewed? We dont know and that is a question that must be answered, Brendan Farrell said.

At the coroners inquest in Carrick-on-Shannon last September, Dr Crane said that in his opinion the deceased had been assaulted, which precipitated his death.

A post-mortem examination showed that Mr Farrell, who lived alone near Rooskey, died as a result of a heart attack caused by severe coronary heart disease.

The pathologist who conducted the post-mortem told the inquest that he would have referred the case to a forensic pathologist had he known Mr Farrell had been found in suspicious circumstances.

The Justice Ministers spokesperson was approached for comment.
General Secretary Karl Dalton also said the flow of contraband into Irelands prison is now so bad, prisoners are having to stockpile drugs.

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan has been warned first hand that there is nothing to stop criminals who use drones to fly drugs, alcohol and phones into Irelands prisons from also sending in a firearm.

Addressing the Minister at the Prison Officer Associations Annual Delegates Conference in Galway this morning, General Secretary Karl Dalton also said the flow of contraband into Irelands prison is now so bad, prisoners are having to stockpile drugs.

The level of contraband in our prisons is at unprecedented levels, he said, to the extent that prisoners are now storing drugs and phones, such is the level of contraband already in circulation.

Drone incursions into our prisons are, at the very least, a daily occurrence.

The current netting that covers a lot of our prison yards is not sufficient, it has failed.

These nets have been burnt through by firebombs dropped by the drones; in some cases, they have collapsed under the weight of snow leaving some prisons without exercise yards for prisoners.

Drones are so sophisticated nowadays that the only way to stop the steady flow of contraband into our prisons is to stop the drones from flying past the perimeter walls of a prison in the first place.

Prison officers are simply not able to intervene to what is essentially an external threat.

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan. Photo: PA

Mr. Dalton described the dangers posed to prison officers by drones as unquantifiable.

Officers are putting their own health and safety at risk to retrieve this contraband on a daily basis. Minister, I am not here to sensationalise this issue but if drugs, phones, alcohol, and even weapons(knives) can be sent in by drone then whats to stop them sending in firearms?

What is it going to take to ensure that the Department of Justice takes some sort of meaningful action to address this most serious issue.

If it takes a legislative change and a review of interventions in other jurisdictions Minister, then it is your departments responsibility to make that change, irrespective of cost.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

Addressing delegates in relation to the drone issue, Minister OCallagan said 5 million had been allocated for the erection of steel drone proof nets.

I am pleased to say, he said that 5 million has been allocated by government for the installation of steel netting capable of withstanding fire-bombing by drones.

This new netting has already been installed in Mountjoy prison and will be installed in Wheatfield prison shortly.

I am aware that one of the most pressing issues affecting the security of yourselves and those under your care is the flow of contraband into prisons.

You are dealing with the impact of this every day, and the Government, along with the Irish Prison Service and POA, are committed to doing what we can to reduce this flow.

Minister OCallaghan also highlighted the effectiveness of Operation Throwover which has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of multiple drug smuggling drone operators.

The Irish Prison Service continues to work closely with An Garda Siochana on initiatives including Operation Throwover, which has had a lot of success in its goal to disrupt, interdict and prosecute attempts to introduce contraband into prisons, he said.

Earlier this week, I was pleased to witness the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the Director General of the IPS Caron McCaffrey and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

This MOU will enable both agencies to collaborate more effectively across a range of areas including prison security, intelligence gathering, evidence preservation and data sharing.

This collaboration will significantly help to prevent contraband entering prisons.
"Its seems crazy to me. If it was a teacher or a hospital worker, they'd be suspended pending the outcome of the case

A Co Wexford woman has said that it is crazy that a man accused of serious sexual offences against a minor continues to work as a taxi driver while on bail awaiting trial.

The taxi driver is charged with numerous sexual offences over a period of years with a teenage girl.

The mother of the alleged victim, who is now an adult, has stated that she was appalled to find that the man continues to operate a taxi service while the case slowly moves its way through the courts. It is understood that the man is on bail.

"Weve been in court a few times, the womans mother said. But weve been told it could be next year by the time a court date is fixed for the case to be heard.

In the meantime, the man continues to operate as a taxi driver.

Without getting into the specifics of the case, the alleged victms mother said: "This all started when my daughter was around 15 years old and went on up until she was around 19 or 20.

Among the charges levelled at the man are engaging in sexual activity with a child and defilement.

While in law the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty in court, the alleged victims mother is concerned that nobody has seen fit to suspend his taxi drivers licence until the case is heard.

"Hes still driving a taxi around the place, she said. Id have concerns over the safety of passengers. He could even be carrying children in that car.

Stock image: Getty

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

"Its seems crazy to me. If it was a teacher or a hospital worker, they'd be suspended pending the outcome of the case. I mean a taxi driver is providing a public service and you have to be garda vetted when getting your taxi drivers licence.

The concerned mother says that she's asked Gardai about the situation and has been informed that theres nothing they can do until the case is heard. Under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, being convicted of a sexual offence would result in mandatory disqualification from holding a taxi licence.

"I just think its unbelievable, she said. I understand hes innocent until proven guilty, but hes potentially driving young girls around or children.

When contacted for comment, the NTA stated that they had no role in the situation, An Garda Siochana being the licensing authority for taxi drivers.

Stating that they could not comment on individual cases, a Garda spokesperson said: In general terms, every citizen has a constitutional right to the presumption of innocence until convicted of a criminal offence.

Bail, during court proceedings, are ultimately a matter for the courts, not An Garda Siochana.

Moving onto taxi driver licences, the spokesperson said: An Garda Siochana takes its responsibility as the current Licensing Authority to grant licences to drive small public service vehicles very seriously and with the utmost gravity.

It was pointed out that someone convicted of an offence like the one referenced can be disqualified for life from carrying a taxi drivers licence.

The spokesperson further added that Section 12 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, as amended provides that An Garda Siochana, as the current Licensing Authority, can revoke or suspend a SPSV licence.

However, the licence holder also has the statutory right to make representation and ultimately appeal to the District Court any decision by An Garda Siochana, as the current Licensing Authority, to revoke a licence.

"While any such decision to revoke or suspend a licence, has been appealed to the District Court by the holder of the licence, the decision to revoke stands suspended until the appeal has been determined or withdrawn, they added, before going on to state that An Garda Siochana cannot comment on any matters that may be before the District Court.
Gardai say the investigation into the serious public order incident on the Malahide Road last July is continuing

The former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, which was at the centre of a protest over plans to redevelop it to house asylum seekers (Niall Carson/PA)

A teenager has been arrested by gardai investigating the Coolock riots that broke out in Dublin last year.

Gardai say the investigation into the serious public order incident on the Malahide Road last July is continuing.

This brings the total number of arrests to date in this investigation to 40, a Garda spokesperson said.

The male adult teenager was detained for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda station in North Dublin.

He has since been released pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

The former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, which was at the centre of a protest over plans to redevelop it to house asylum seekers (Niall Carson/PA)

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

Investigations are ongoing.

The site on the Malahide Road has been the scene of considerable unrest over plans to develop the former Crown Paints factory located there into accommodation for international protection applicants and Ukrainians who have fled the war in their home country.

The government have previously said they plan to house up to 500 international protection applicants in the former factory in Coolock.

For months, groups of protestors had camped outside the site and held a number of demonstrations condemning the plan to house asylum seekers in the building.
RTE Investigates: Christian Brothers, The Assets, The Abusers, reveals how the order ran a total portfolio of more than 800 properties since 1990

Two Christian Brothers who managed the congregations assets as senior leaders and are now convicted child sexual abusers are to be exposed in a new RTE Investigates documentary.

RTE Investigates: Christian Brothers, The Assets, The Abusers, reveals how the order ran a total portfolio of more than 800 properties since 1990.

Over the course of the hour-long documentary, RTE Investigates reporter Rita O'Reilly examines what the Christian Brothers own and how they handle property and school lands.

The programme also reveals how child abusers inside the religious congregation were at the heart of its leadership, managing its financial and business affairs in recent decades.

Victims representatives say they are deeply concerned following the revelation including that of Br Martin OFlaherty (73) who was jailed for historical child sexual abuse in six successive trials over the last three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The latest, just last month, saw him being sentenced to five years on 15 counts of indecent assault on seven boys at Kilkenny CBS Primary School between 1976 and 1981.

Martin O'Flaherty

The RTE doc details how OFlaherty was a senior member of the Christian Brothers leadership for Ireland, England and Europe in the 12 years from 2002 to 2014.

RTE Investigates has discovered that as a founding member of the trustee company that manages the congregations assets, he was a trustee of its English properties until December 2019, over a year after he was formally questioned by gardai.

Despite this, he remains a trustee listed on the deeds of other congregation properties in Ireland, including Christian Brother retained lands at Monkstown CBC, where he was involved in a legal change to the propertys deed in 2022, over a year after he was charged with indecent assault.

The Christian Brothers stood out in the wake of last years Scoping Inquiry that predicted a vast scale of historical child sexual abuse in Irish schools, and recommended redress for victims, with the largest number of schools and the highest number of allegations.

RTE Investigates has uncovered hundreds of property transactions by trustees who hold assets in trust for the beneficial ownership of the congregation, as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the Christian Brothers assets and abusers.

It has established that over the past 35 years the Christian Brothers ran a total portfolio of over 800 properties since 1990.

Senior Brothers, acting as trustees, held, sold, or transferred the 800 properties on behalf of the congregation in this time, while the Christian Brothers still own at least 270 properties.

Another senior Brother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of the leadership and involved in the trusteeship of congregation assets, and has also been convicted for historical child sexual abuse.

He controlled a project that received significant monies from a special Children at Risk fund established under the Department of Education as part of the response to revelations of clerical child sexual abuse in the 1990s.

He was also involved in decisions on the Christian Brothers approach to civil cases taken by child sexual abuse victims in the courts.

Child abuse survivor and victims advocate, Damian OFarrell was at the forefront of a campaign in response to the Brothers leaderships use of legal tactics against victims in the courts.

In response to tonights findings he said: Now we know that there was two people in the leadership that have convictions. Were they behind some of that direction, you know, that disdain for victims

To date, the state has funded the bulk of redress for abuse in residential industrial schools - many of them managed by the Christian Brothers - and for limited redress for survivors of Magdalen Laundries.

Dr James Gallen, Associate Professor at the School of Law & Government in Dublin City University, said the bill for redress for historical child sexual abuse in day and boarding schools is expected to be billions.

He cited a Central Statistics Office survey estimating that when a Government-promised Commission of Inquiry is held, there might be as much as 41,000 men and women, affected by sexual abuse in day schools.

John Boland, one of a group of victims of a then Christian Brother teacher, Sean Drummond, at Creagh Lane CBS national school in the late 1960s, said that they believe the Christian Brothers holds all the power in the courts.

OFarrell, who successfully campaigned for the Freedom of Drogheda granted to former Christian Brother leader Br Edmund Garvey in 1997 to be disregarded in 2023, said he believed the Christian Brothers has taken a step backwards since the Ryan Commission report into institutional child sexual abuse.

They haven't moved, I would say they're worse since the time of the Ryan Report and since the time of the industrial school redress scheme, he said.

In response to tonights RTE Investigates documentary, the Christian Brothers said it reiterated ...our apology for the physical and sexual abuse that occurred in many former CBS schools and stated that they cannot comment on individuals, not least as some remain subject to ongoing legal processes.

Watch RTE Investigates: Christian Brothers, The Assets, The Abusers tonight, Thursday, 01 May, 9.35pm on RTE One and RTE Player
William OReilly Jr (23) has been accused of organising boat trips to bring Irish migrants from Canada to the US

Law Enforcement (SPC-LE) 33-foot Special Purpose Craft used for counter-drug and migrant missions along the U.S. maritime border

An Irishman has appeared in a US court charged with smuggling Irish nationals into America by sea.

William OReilly Jr (23) has been accused of organising boat trips to bring migrants from Canada to the US.

OReilly who was arrested on April 28 in Northern California is being held in a jailed in the Bay Area, after prosecutors argued in court that he is a potential flight risk.

According to court records, the 23-year-old roofer who had been living in Charleston, Massachusetts, has been identified by prosecutors as the leader of an alien smuggling enterprise spanning the United States and Canada.

The charges that were filed on March 18 in New York federal court, accuse OReilly of working with others to smuggle people into the United States.

One of the other suspected co-conspirators, who is referred to in court records by an alias, reportedly told federal investigators that OReilly and the unnamed person would prepare a boat to smuggle aliens from Canada into the United States.

The unnamed co-conspirator later told authorities that they believed some of the Irish brought into the United States were involved in criminal activity, Mercury News is reporting. and that OReilly  who was born in Co Cork, Ireland  would be paid in cash for his work.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

According to court records, this unnamed co-conspirator offered to give up the information after being arrested and charged with alien smuggling last November,

OReilly, who remains in the Bay Area pending extradition to New York, has reportedly not had a chance to respond to the charges in court or enter a plea.
Alexis Von Yates (35) was allegedly caught red-handed engaged in oral and penetrative sex with the boy by her husband

A Florida nurse who is accused of the statutory rape of her stepson (15) has lost her medical license.

Alexis Von Yates (35) was allegedly caught red-handed engaged in oral and penetrative sex with the boy by her husband.

The Florida Department of Health has revoked her single-state nursing license as she awaits criminal trial.

Nurses are placed in a position of trust, therefore, it is imperative that they demonstrate good judgment and good moral character, they told Law & Crime.

Alexis Von Yates

Ms. Yates decision to engage in sexual activity with a minor child and/or her decision to engage in oral and penetrative sex indicates that she lacks the good judgment and moral character necessary to be a registered nurse, the statement on the April 25 suspension read.

The incident allegedly occurred on July 26 2024 after Yates put her two children to bed, the pair played video games, smoked a THC vape and watched movies when the boys father was at work.

According to Yates arrest affidavit, the boy said she had been making sexual jokes in the week leading up to the alleged crime, and repeatedly saying how horny she was.

The boy told police that around 1 am the accused put on a horror film and told him she was horny because she had not had sex in two weeks and she was on her period.

The boy said he asked her to cuddle, but she said it might be weird.

They began to kiss, with Yates allegedly declaring: I wish you were 18, because youre not old enough.

They then engaged in oral sex and intercourse without a condom, during which the boys father, Yates husband, arrived home.

Yates hid under a blanket while the boy fled to a bathroom, and following a confrontation, the victim asked his father to leave the home with him.

As he packed a bag, he heard his father calling his wife a c*nt and a child predator, to which she claimed the boy looked like his father when he was younger.

The pair drove to his grandparents house, and on the way, his father stopped at a shop and bought beer which he began to drink agressively.

The morning after the incident, Yates spoke to the boy on the phone and gave him a sexual rating adding that had they not been caught they could have continued sexual contact.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

The boy said this left him disassociating, feeling f*cked up and unable to sleep or eat.

The alleged crime only came to light when an anonymous tip was made to the Marion County Sheriffs office after the boys father failed to make a report.

In an interview, the boy told detectives that he felt angry after realising that the numerous family members he had made disclosures to were attempting to cover the incident up.

Alexis Von Yates was arrested last November, and is charged with felony lewd or lascivious battery with a victim age 12 to 16.

Yates is charged with felony lewd or lascivious battery with a victim age 12 to 16. She has pleaded not guilty.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article you can call Rape Crisis Ireland on 1800 778 888, text SPUNOUT to 50808 for TextAboutIt services, or contact Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or via webchat.
Signalgate, the scandal in which a group of senior officials in Donald Trumps administration exchanged messages on Signal about bombing Houthi rebels in Yemen, has claimed its first casualty. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to dismiss his National Security Advisor Mike Waltz  the creator of the messaging group  a month after the scandal broke, according to U.S. media reports.

This will mark the first dismissal of a senior official during Trumps current term and comes as his administration reaches its 101st day. Waltz may be replaced by Steve Witkoff, the current White House special envoy for negotiations with Russia and on the Middle East, according to CBS News, the first outlet to report the advisors departure.

Signalgate came to light when Waltz mistakenly added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of progressive magazine The Atlantic, to the Signal group. While the journalist remained in the chat, several high-ranking officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, shared classified details about planned bombings  such as the types of aircraft to be used and their scheduled departure times.

After the scandal erupted, President Trump was privately furious with Waltz  not only for his mishandling of sensitive information, but also for having the phone number of a journalist considered unwelcome by the Republican White House. Still, Trump waited to dismiss Waltz until after his administrations 100-day milestone celebrations. He recalled the early days of his first term, when frequent dismissals contributed to an image of chaos in the administration. Back then, the first major departure was also a national security advisor  Michael Flynn, who resigned after reports of his ties to Russia emerged.

In Waltzs case, distrust had already been brewing within Trumps inner circle. The 51-year-old former military officer and Florida congressman was viewed by some in the Trump movement as a neoconservative who supported foreign interventions  an absolute red line for this administration. Trump, who selects his team based on loyalty and their ability to communicate effectively on television, reportedly found Waltz ineffective at conveying the administrations message in the media.

In recent weeks, Waltz had been increasingly sidelined in both meetings and public events. During a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre last week, Trump invited Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak to the press  but not Waltz. The national security advisor was also notably absent from Trumps 100-day rally in Macomb County, Michigan, on Tuesday.

Along with Waltz, his deputy Alex Wong is also set to be dismissed.

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The people concerned were Georgian nationals and the flight left Dublin Airport on Wednesday night and landed in Tbilisi, Georgia Thursday morning.

Gardai have released images of a deportation operation carried out yesterday in which 39 individuals were removed from the State.

The group, including 30 men and four females as well as five children who are part of family groups, were taken on a chartered flight that left Dublin Airport yesterday evening for Georgia.

The people concerned were Georgian nationals and the flight left Dublin Airport on Wednesday night and landed in Tbilisi, Georgia Thursday morning.

In line with previous operations, the returnees were accompanied on the flight by Garda personnel, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer, the Department of Justice stated.

In a statement issued this morning, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan announced the completion of the successful deportation operation to Georgia.

This morning, deportation orders were enforced against 39 people who have been removed from Ireland by charter flight, he said.

This is the second operation conducted since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations earlier this year.

A total of 39 people were removed

On February 27, 2025, a chartered flight to Georgia removed 32 people who were subject to deportation orders.

The minister added: Stepping up enforcement and securing our borders is a central commitment of mine. Swift and fair returns of people whose applications have been refused is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.

If people wish to move to Ireland, they must do so using the appropriate legal pathways. Removal operations send a clear message that our laws are to be respected and underscores this governments intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.

I want to thank the members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their continued work to ensure that if a person is ordered to leave the country, that they do so. There will be further charter operations to ensure a faster and more efficient removal system.

It is also important to note that many members of the Georgian community are legally in the State. They contribute to the economy and the cultural and social fabric of our society. They are welcome here and we thank them for their contribution.

According to the Department of Justice, charter flights are used in addition to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances where a group of people are being removed to the same destination.

These operations are conducted under a contract signed by the State last November for the provision of charter aircraft for these purposes. Access to these services has significantly increased the capacity of An Garda Siochana to enforce deportation orders. Further operations are expected as the year progresses.

The operation underway at Dublin Airport

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

Enforced removals are carried out as a measure of last resort when the person concerned has not removed themselves from the State or availed of assisted voluntary return measures.

Minister OCallaghan added: Before a deportation order is made, the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily, this is the preferred option. In addition to enforced removals, my Department is achieving significant increases in the number of people leaving voluntarily and I am asking those who are given this opportunity to avail of it.

Welcoming todays flight, Minister Colm Brophy said:

A modern firm migration policy will have as its central message, that if you do not leave voluntarily when told, you will be deported.

Todays flight is part of underscoring that fact. Regular deportation flights are absolutely essential to my commitment of ensuring that those who have a legal right to be in the state are able to do so, and those who do not, will be removed.

I want to thank members of An Garda Siochana for their ongoing excellent work, and to make it clear that this flight will form part of an ongoing process of deportations for people who do not have a right to remain in the State.
Once (Dealz) arrived at our cattery, her true personality emergedsweet, affectionate, and desperate for love. After weeks of isolation, she simply melted into care.

Dealz had become stuck inside the walls of the store in Athenry. Photo: @galwayspca on Instagram.

Dealz the cat has been rescued by Galway SPCA. Photo: @galwayspca on Instagram.

A cat trapped within the walls of a shop in Galway has finally been rescued after six weeks of efforts to retrieve it.

The young feline had become lodged in the walls of Dealz in Athenry, with public concerns for its wellbeing leading to a series of reports of distressing noises coming from the structure of the building.

Initial efforts to rescue the cat in the last number of weeks proved unsuccessful, with reports from Galway SPCA saying it was not interested in moving away from its makeshift den.

Dealz the cat has been rescued by Galway SPCA. Photo: @galwayspca on Instagram.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

However, on the morning of April 30, concerns hit breaking point, with reports that the feline had become increasingly distressed and likely needed recovering  leading rescue attempts to be ramped up.

Galway SPCA described the area she had been hiding as a narrow corner shaft at the back of the shop, with the young feline using support beams to move herself through the buildings inner walls.

Dealz had become stuck inside the walls of the store in Athenry. Photo: @galwayspca on Instagram.

After initial efforts to coax the cat out of the structure proved unsuccessful, a joint operation between Galway SPCA and Dealz maintenance staff eventually saw the cat retrieved.

With the cat, aptly named Dealz, now in the care of Galway SPCA, focus now turns bringing the six-month-old feline to full health. The animal charity says the cat is significantly underweight and has also suffered damage elsewhere.

Recounting the event on social media, Galway SPCA paid tribute to those involved in the rescue and outlined the next steps for the young cat.

Once (Dealz) arrived at our cattery, her true personality emergedsweet, affectionate, and desperate for love. After weeks of isolation, she simply melted into care.

But the damage is clear. At only 6 months old, she weighs just 1.2kgbarely a third of what she should. Her paws are damaged and sore from constant climbing, and we suspect the presence of several large, unneutered male cats lingering nearby added to her fear.

We are so grateful to the Dealz teamthe staff, the management, and the maintenance crewfor coordinating access, providing equipment, and saving her life.
Kevin Farrells upbringing made him man of warmth and tact, says friend

A childhood friend of the Dublin-born Cardinal who is effectively running the Catholic Church at the moment confirms that if Kevin Farrell is announced as the next Pope he will attend his consecration in Rome.

Cardinal Farrell was born and grew up in Dublin before leaving Ireland at the age of 16 to join the priesthood abroad.

He has since risen to the role of Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the cleric charged with keeping the Church going until the election of a new Pope and has been labelled an interim pope.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell (centre) says a prayer over the body of the late Pope Francis. Photo: AP

The other morning I watched the service in the Vatican, where he was the celebrant and it was bringing the Popes body into St Peters. He was speaking and praying in Latin, but you could hear his Dublin accent. It really brought it home to me, smiles Alan Whelan.

Alan grew up alongside Kevin and his family in the working class south Dublin suburb of Drimnagh, with their respective parents having jobs in a local cigarette factory.

Molly Kirwan (Mrs Farrell) and my mother were good friends and they worked together for several years in the Player Wills Cigarette Factory during World War II years, he recalls.

They both got married about the same time and, with their husbands, went to live in the newly-built parish of Mourne Road Drimnagh.

Kevin was the second of four brothers born to Edward (Ned) Farrell and Molly Kirwan: Brian, Kevin, Paddy and Eamon. They lived in Galtymore Park, a small quiet street in Drimnagh.

My parents lived a few minutes away on Errigal Road and the two families often visited one anothers homes in the evenings. Our mums were particularly close and often helped one another out financially until their husbands respective paydays.

Mourners in Rome thronged into St Peters Square to bid farewell to Pope Francis

Kevin was my age (here is six months between us) and his brother Brian is three years older.

We did socialise and play with one another and other local children in our settled working class community, which to some extent centred around Mourne Road Church and St John Bosco Youth Club (with its strong Salesian influence).

Alan remembers the Farrell brothers were sent to St Teresas Christian Brothers School on Donore Avenue in Dublins Liberties.

There was a lot more knocking around in those days, he recalls. We were always out of one anothers houses. Where Kevin and Brian lived it was a quiet little street. There wasnt a lot of cars in those days. You were playing in the street late at night and so on, and his road in particular you could play out until nine or 10 at night and nobody would bother the least about it, youd be totally safe.

Alan Whelan grew up with Kevin Farrell

Alan went to the CBS on Jamess Street and recalls the order which Kevin and Brian later joined, the Mexican-originated Legionnaires of Christ, coming around to the school looking for vocations.

My mother was at both of the boys ordination, and even though there was three years between them, there was nine or 10 years between both of their ordinations, he remembers.

The branch has been compared to Opus Dei.

I remember my mother coming back from one of them (ordinations) and from her point of view being disgusted at the affluent outward lifestyle, like having cufflinks on  by the way, Vatican II was going back then there was a great liberation in terms of how clergy would have dressed and so on, but the Legionnaires of Christ would have been exceedingly conservative.

Alan emigrated to England at the age of 18 and began working in teaching, with among his famous students TV presenter Dermot OLeary.

At one stage he was principal of Londons only joint Roman Catholic and Church of England School.

He followed 77-year-old Kevins career closely down through the years, with the Dubliner becoming Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, Bishop of Dallas and then in 2016 appointed as a Cardinal by Pope Francis.

Mourners in Rome thronged into St Peters Square to bid farewell to Pope Francis

Alan, who is also president of Englands Catholic Secondary Schools Parents Association, met Cardinal Farrell again in 2018 when he came to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis visit here.

We had a good chat about old times and shared lots of stories, he recalls.

Alan admits he is naturally delighted about Cardinal Farrells rise within the Church. Just two previous Popes who have been in Cardinal Farrells Camerlengo role have been elected as Pope, the last being Pope Pius X11 in 1939.

It will also be the Camerlengos duty to announce that a new Pope has been selected as the famous white smoke emerges to signal a new leader of the Catholic churchs 1.4 billion flock.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is charged with keeping the Church running

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

I was not surprised when Cardinal Farrell was asked to become Carmerlengo, as he is a man of warmth and of tact, says Alan.

I see so much in his early home circumstances and social background that Pope Francis would have found appealing  particularly for someone who has some quite personal tasks to perform.

If he was chosen, Im sure he would be a good Pope. I think its highly unlikely though, and I think it more unlikely that he would be wanting or willing to be. Why would anyone want more headaches (laughs).

I would imagine he will be particularly influential, he will be very well known because of his role in the United States, because of his linguistic abilities and because his role at the Vatican has taken him across the world for all sorts of family and laity events.

A member of Cardinal Farrells family here told us the family have taken a collective decision not to comment on his elevated role in the Church.
Deirdre Dee Finn (53), of Ballinteer, Co Dublin, was a detective in the Dun Laoghaire district

Detective Garda Deirdre Finn was due to retire the following year

An inquest into the death of a detective garda in a boat fire on the Shannon heard of frantic efforts to save her.

Deirdre Dee Finn (53), of Ballinteer, Co Dublin, was a detective in the Dun Laoghaire district and had served over 30 years in An Garda Siochana.

Det Gda Finn had been due to retire the year after her death on August 7, 2023.

Sligo and Leitrim coroner Fergal Kelly, sitting in Carrick-on Shannon courthouse, heard evidence from nine witnesses, including close friends of Det Gda Finn in the boating community and emergency responders and gardai.

The inquest heard she was a popular member of the boating community and owned her own cruiser called Doll Finn.

On the night before her death, she attended a gala dinner in the Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon to mark the end of the Inland Waterways Shannon Boat Rally.

The funeral of Detective Garda Deirdre 'Dee' Finn

In his deposition, Cormac Smyth, from Dublin, said he was woken at about 7.55am on August 7, 2023, by his wife Eibhlins screams.

Gda Finn Finns boat was in flames, and Mr Smyth said he immediately ran along the jetty and discharged two full fire extinguishers into the vessel, but it had little effect as the fire had taken hold.

The inquest heard boat owners in the marina discharged up to 20 of their personal fire extinguishers into the stricken vessel before the arrival of the fire service.

Mr Smyth said he and his wife had won first prize in the rally, and the couple hosted a small gathering on their vessel following the gala, as was a tradition in the boating community.

He re-entered the vessel, but was quickly overwhelmed by heat and suffered singe burns to his back

At about 4.15am, Det Gda Finn left the Smyths boat to go to bed in her cruiser, which was about 40 metres away.

Mr Smyth walked her the short distance and ensured she was on board safely, as is also custom in the boating community.

I was happy Dee was on the boat. I always see my friends home, he said.

The inquest also heard harrowing details of efforts by Robbie Garland, a close family friend of Det Gda Finn, to save her.

Struggling to maintain his composure, he detailed multiple attempts by him to access the burning vessel.

Mr Garland was alerted by his son Adam to the fire at about 7.55am.

Although the vessel was largely engulfed in flames, Mr Garland tried to break windows and open the hatch above Det Gda Finns bed.

I eventually got the hatch open, he said, but black smoke billowed out.

He took a deep breath and stretched into the vessel and managed to extract a duvet.

As he was barefoot and dressed in boxer shorts, he used the duvet as protection and again took a deep breath and re-entered the vessel, but was quickly overwhelmed by heat and suffered singe burns to his back.

Detective Garda Deirdre Finn was due to retire the following year

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

The inquest heard Ms Smyth screamed at Mr Garland that he had to get off the vessel as she feared it was about to blow.

Adrienne Garland, the wife of Mr Garland, told the inquest she and Ms Finn enjoyed a night of laughter and dancing before her best friends death.

At 4.18am, Ms Garland sent Ms Finn a picture of them together, and Ms Finn replied at 4.20am.

The inquest heard the friends said they loved each other.

State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers told the inquest Det Gda Finn died of inhalation of combustible products, including carbon dioxide, and there were no contributory factors to her death.

The inquest heard she was found in bed.

The forensic investigator found it was probable that the flame of the gas-fired fridge ignited the fire

An expert forensic report found the fire was caused by a defective LPG gas pipe supplying the refrigerator on the boat, which caused a gas escape.

The forensic investigator found it was probable that the flame of the gas-fired fridge ignited the fire.

Coroner Mr Kelly returned a narrative verdict that Det Gda Finn died of inhalation of combustible products including carbon dioxide.

Det Gda Deirdre Finn

Extending his sympathies to her family and friends, the coroner said he was moved by the evidence of the close friendship between Det Gda Finn and Ms Garland and praised the very heroic and extremely brave actions of Mr Garland.

He also set out in his verdict a recommendation that Waterways Ireland carry out an information campaign highlighting the dangers of LPG appliances on boats.

Extending his sympathies to Det Gda Finns family, including her father, Pat Finn, Mr Kelly said he saw a picture of her on Rip.ie and could tell she was a really nice person you could have fun and banter with.

Mr Finn thanked Mr Kelly for his efficiency and compassion.

He also thanked his daughters garda colleagues for their excellent work investigating her death, and for their empathy.
The prison system is now operating at 115pc bed capacity nationally

More than 350 prisoners are sleeping on the floors of cells in jails because of overcrowding, the annual conference of the Prison Officers Association (POA) will hear today.

POA president Tony Power will outline how prison overcrowding is causing a potentially explosive situation and making rehabilitation of inmates impossible. The conference, being held in Galway, will hear there were 5,344 in custody in our jails yesterday, with 358 of those sleeping on floors.

The prison system is now operating at 115pc bed capacity nationally, with Limericks female prison operating at 152pc and its male prison running at 123pc.

In Mountjoy Prison in Dublin, 87 inmates are sleeping on mattresses in cells while doubled-up in cells with other prisoners.

Mr Power will say the issue continues to be a major concern for prison officers, creating a dangerous situation for officers and prisoners.

Mountjoy Prison has been affected by overcrowding. Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

He will be drawing attention to a speech by former justice minister Simon Harris at the 2023 conference, when he said it was not good enough for what was then 167 people sleeping on mattresses on cell floors, or for their cellmates who have little or no room to move about.

There is over double that number now sleeping on floors in our prisons, Mr Power will say. Previous ministers made hollow promises of 650 extra spaces with new builds promised for Cloverhill, Midlands and Castlerea and a four-storey block on the grounds of the old separation unit in Mountjoy. Two years on and not a sod has been turned on any of these projects.

If we dont find an immediate solution to this problem, we will have a tragic event or some form of crisis on all our hands

It is our contention that the safe working capacity of the present-day prison estate is 4,300  that is over 1,000 less than what is currently in custody.

I dont want to sound alarmist, but if we dont find an immediate solution to this problem, we will have a tragic event or some form of crisis on all our hands.

Overcrowding has led to large numbers of prisoners being granted temporary release from jails. In a recent answer to a parliamentary question by Aontu leader Peadar Toibin, the Department of Justice estimated that more than 1,000 prisoners had been released from jail last year within 24 hours of committal, nearly double the number of 2022.

POA deputy general secretary Gabriel Keaveny recently told the Irish Independent that in terms of temporary release the revolving door is back and its in full flight.

He added: Any minister thats saying theyre going to be hard on crime, are they going to appoint extra members to the judiciary? Are they going to hold extra court sittings? Well, none of that can count at all when theres nowhere to put prisoners when they come into custody.

Todays conference will be told that rehabilitation is impossible when there is no living space, school spaces or workshop spaces to allow prisoners to engage constructively during their sentences.

An idle mind is the devils workshop, Mr Power will say.
I feel emotional today because this is a new adventure for myself, because this is where my mothers journey began.

X Factor winner Shayne Ward has opened up about his Irish Traveller background by revealing his mother was born in a caravan near a shrine in Co Louth.

Shayne, who has also starred as Aidan Connor on Coronation Street and featured in the last series of Strictly Come Dancing, tells celebrity chef Anna Haugh on her TV cookery programme how emotional he is at visiting St Brigids shrine near Dundalk.

Im super excited to show you Co Louth, the birthplace of my mum Philomena, dad-of two Shayne (40) tells Dubliner Anna.

My parents were born into the Travelling community. My grandparents were Irish Travellers.

I feel emotional today because this is a new adventure for myself, because this is where my mothers journey began.

She was born in 1957. Her parents were Travellers. Started here in a barrow wagon. They were obviously just passing through Dundalk. Then my mum was born somewhere near St Brigids Shrine.

Shayne, who sold over 1.3 million copies of Thats My Goal after winning the X Factor in 2005, joyfully explains more about his ancestry.

My mums parents, and of course grandparents and so on and so forth, all come from Ireland. They were obviously from the Travelling community, he says.

Anna and Shane get peeling for their dinner

When they moved over [to England] with my mum in 1958 they pretty much settled, from what Ive been told, they settled pretty much straight away with relatives.

It was around Longsight in Manchester, so my mum was obviously brought up in a house.

Of course, shes not been here [the shrine] since shes been born. So now that Im here Im going to bring her back. I think that would be an even more special moment. Just to reconnect. I want to learn a lot more about my ancestry.

Shaynes grandfather was a tinsmith in Ireland before he moved to Manchester and the entertainer gets to meet James Collins to find out about the craft.

Tinsmith James lives on a Travellers site on the outskirts of Dublin and has been making tin cups, utensils and tin whistles since he was a boy.

Shayne and Anna chat about his heritage

Today's News in 90 seconds - Thursday, May 1

My connection to this is that my mothers father, Martin Joyce, he was a tinsmith, reflects Shayne.

And my mum is so proud of that, she always tells me Im very proud to be a tinsmiths daughter and so just watching you do this, I felt like I was transported to a time that my grandfather was doing this and I felt proud watching you. Even though its noisy I found it very relaxing, because you have a very good rhythm to it as well, he says.

This for me today has just connected me to so many stories that I have heard of growing up with my ancestors. You have brought a little bit of magic to it, you have made it real.

Shayne gets to pick cabbage with Pat Hickey on his farm, before he and Anna cook up a traditional dinner of bacon, cabbage and potatoes, a dish he admits he had regularly while growing up.

All the time, because Im one of seven kids, he says. Ive got three brothers, three sisters. It was an amazing but mad household. There was always something being peeled, always food, so we never went without. My mum would always be doing the cabbage, would always be doing the potatoes  there was a lot of potatoes.

There was also lots of music. There was always singing going on, its kind of like the musical Waltons, he says.

Shayne Ward on stage

Someone was always singing a song from a room. Whoever was singing the song the longest or the loudest in the room, youd have to give up and sing their song with them.

Its a strange thing. I always had a vision, even as a youngster, I was going to do something.

I remember saying Im going to be on TV one day, and then fast forward 20 years later, thats what I do. I do a crossover between singing and acting, he says.

He admits Ireland is his favourite place to perform.

I love coming here, he says. The moment I won the X Factor, I was over here all the time. What was so beautiful for me at such a young age as well, is just how welcomed I was... the moment I stepped into Ireland Im home and I always felt that, its just the best feeling in the world.
The Tauranga-based medical aid ship YWAM KOHA is ready to embark on its next mission, setting sail this coming month for Fiji and the small island nation of Tuvalu.

Over the next six months, the ship will extend its medical services to these regions, aiming to make a significant impact on the health of thousands.

Director Marty Emmett expressed his gratitude to the vast network of partners and supporters who have made this journey possible.

We anticipate our health teams will touch the lives of thousands, a feat made possible by the vast network of partners and supporters who are integral to this KOHA journey. Thank you, Koha family, Emmett said.

The YWAM KOHA is set to leave Tauranga harbour at midday on Friday, May 2. Photo/Supplied.

After months of dedicated effort from the crew and an incredible team of volunteers, the ship is buzzing with activity as preparations for the voyage are finalised.

Emmett said by Tuesday evening, a full complement of exceptional mariners would be on board, and the galley team is stocking final provisions to ensure the crew is well-nourished for the months ahead.

On Wednesday afternoon, the mariners fuelled the vessel with 50,000 litres before setting the course for Suva, Fiji.

Tauranga dental nurse Sharon Dawson at work onboard the YWAM Koha in Fiji. Photo / Supplied.

Over the past four years, more than 12,000 people have received health services they couldnt access otherwise. Over 30,000 services have been delivered at no cost. Emmett said the vision for 2025 is to believe for more.

The YWAM KOHA team has three main goals including expanding the reach from Fiji into Tuvalu.

A brand-new location with new people to serve and partnerships making it possible.

For years YWAM ships have been a bridge between resources and communities in need.

In 2025 we are growing that impact. More access, more services and more lives changed. Every life changed is because of generosity.

There are roles for dentists, engineers, nurses, mariners, cooks and volunteers to help.

Emmett extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has prayed, volunteered, and contributed financially.

You are making it possible to further our mission to empower health in remote villages and communities across the Pacific. Each deployment of the YWAM KOHA is a testament to divine intervention, and this week is no exception, he said.

In early March, an appeal was launched to raise $250,000 to ensure the vessel could return to the Pacific. Emmett shared the exciting news that they are just $50,000 away from reaching their goal. We still have a small funding need for deployment, he said.

The YWAM Koha on deployment in Fiji. Photo / Supplied

Emmett encouraged those who havent yet contributed to consider donating this week to cover the last major expense: the fuel bill for bunkering.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering this partnership in our final push, he said. Donors can contribute by visiting YWAM Ships Aotearoas donation page.

Emmett said the vessel will be leaving the Port of Tauranga in the coming days.

If you want to wave the ship off follow YWAM Ships social media for updates.

Trinity Koha Dental Outreach on the East Coast

The third main goal for 2025 is to improve oral health in New Zealand, with over 4000 people already helped. Clinics are lined up for the East Coast, Bay of Plenty, South Waikato and Auckland regions.

We need dentists, dental assistants and volunteers to help make it happen.

The Trinity Koha Dental team treated over 180 locals on the East Coast, in partnership with Turanga Health. Photo/Supplied.

The Trinity Koha Dental team recently completed a significant outreach on the East Coast, centred around Gisborne. In partnership with Turanga Health, the team treated over 180 locals.

The optical team from the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Optometry team joined them for a week of the outreach providing a free appointment to 707 people.

The optical team from the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Optometry joined the Trinity Koha Dental team on the East Coast for a week providing a free appointment to 707 people. Photo/Supplied.

Emmett praised the teams efforts, highlighting the positive feedback from local partners and the real impact on the community.

The feedback from our local partners was so encouraging. You would be proud of the TKDC team and the work that they do, meeting the real needs of Kiwis.

A video showcasing the outreachs impact in the East Coast region can be viewed here:
An artificial reef programme aims to restore marine life in Tauranga Harbour.

After Cyclone Gabrielle, Tauranga Harbour saw a massive decline in biodiversity, with a colossal build-up of sediment covering reef systems.

Deep Dive Division, led by Tua and Courtney Karalus, has created an underwater reef system to help the necessary larvae and algae find a new home.

The project, involving local iwi and universities, aims to support marine ecosystems and the blue economy.



Tua and Courtney Karalus, co-owners of Deep Dive Division.

The rest is the circle of life, Tua Karalus said.

Deep Dive Division is a Hamilton-based company specialising in commercial and scientific diving services across Aotearoa.

Its the only Maori and Pacific-owned dive company in New Zealand, combining Maori perspectives with environmental science and advanced technology.

The nine reefs, situated 13m deep in Tauranga Harbour, are collectively named Peara, meaning pearl in te reo Maori and symbolising the nucleus of change, growth and life, Karalus said.



The team at Deep Dive Division get ready to send the artificial reef to the ocean floor.

The artificial reefs are also given another name, Social Housing for Crayfish, and use natural fibres and marine-grade concrete along with proven techniques in how to deploy and rig them to the ocean floor.

Artificial reef systems have been deployed in the water to biomimic the habitats of our natural marine ecosystems and restore and protect biodiverse native marine life.

Six of the structures were manufactured at Hynds Pipe Systems Ltd under the leadership of Hynds Holdings director and R&D director Aaron Hynds.

Artificial reef systems have been deployed in the water to biomimic the habitats of NZs natural marine ecosystems and at the same time, the remaining three were constructed using a unique 3D concrete printing technique.

The project is a consultation between Deep Dive Division, the University of Waikato, local iwi, Hynds Pipe Systems Ltd and the Port of Tauranga.

The trial is scheduled to run for an initial period of 24 to 36 months.

The effects of the artificial reefs on marine life are plain to see and happen fast, he said.



Processed with VSCO with dog3 preset Tua Karalus out on the Tauranga Harbour.

Karalaus had started installing the second reef at the Tauranga Harbour, and when he returned to the first reef, crayfish were already crawling on it.

It went straight to the hole that was designed for it.

Projects like Peara are a push into the blue economy and the beginning push into aquaculture, he said.

We embrace this industry because there will be jobs for local people.

It is a very purpose-driven project, starting with surveying the water and marine life and understanding the situation in Tauranga Harbour in real time, Courtney Karalus said.

There is also a very purposeful New Zealand-led and based approach to creating these artificial reefs, she said.

Many reef systems going in New Zealand are being bought in from Australia.

Deep Dive Division recognises the strong cultural identity New Zealand has regarding the ocean and freshwater, Karalus said

Weve got a marine heritage that we need to acknowledge.

Deep Dive was established in 2018 and involved with urban ocean agriculture structures, with a more real-world approach to environmental science.

She said the idea for the artificial reef, followed by the initial meeting with their partners in the Tauranga Harbour.

We were sitting in our home office whiteboard and sketching something up.

University of Waikato professor Chris Battershill and professor David Schiel from the University of Canterbury have led Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)-funded research to assess marine life loss in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.



Chris Battershill, Tua Karalus, Aaron Hynds

Battershill has worked closely with Karalus on the development of Peara, providing scientific guidance on the conditions needed for marine ecosystems to regenerate.

The Peara reefs are designed to support the growth of seaweed and shellfish, act as a wave break, and attract marine life. Inbuilt harmonics also help deter whales and reduce the risk of beaching.

By introducing hard substrates, such as natural marine rock or engineered structures like Peara, the reefs provide essential footholds for marine life to grow in sandy or silty environments that typically lack structure.

Reef structures and their acoustic properties are designed using matauranga Maori to support the colonisation of native marine species in harbours, said Battershill.

These native colonisers help resist the spread of invasive species.

Native kelps such as Ecklonia and Carpophyllum forest species, along with mats of turfing red seaweeds, provide habitat for important taonga like crayfish, kina and other invertebrates that also serve as food for fish, Battershill said

These reef outcrops offer refuge for marine biodiversity that is now rare or absent in the harbour.
The introduction of paid parking on more Tauranga city centre streets will create real problems, a shop owner says.

Paid parking will be extended to the city centre fringe between Arundel St, which is between 4th and 5th Aves, and Park St, north of the CBD.

The decision was made by councillors at a Tauranga City Council meeting on Monday when they adopted the Tauranga Parking Management Plan.

The introduction date and fees for the new parking areas were yet to be decided.

Vetro Mediterranean Food owner Liz Cerdeira said paid parking outside her 3rd Ave store would have a big impact on staff.

The majority of her team had to drive because the buses did not run early enough or from the areas where they lived.

There are no buses available for them to get in and out easily in the times that they need.

All big cities have decent public transport, Tauranga doesnt.



Vetro Mediterranean Food owner Liz Cerdeira is concerned paid parking will impact her staff. Photo / John Borren

Cerdeira was worried staff wouldnt want to work there if they had to pay for parking.

Its going to create real problems. The retail workers who are on lower wages, theyre going to suffer.

Its a real problem when you start charging people all-day parking and you dont offer alternatives, thats just unfair.

She hoped parking would still be free on Saturdays because it was her biggest retail day.

Cerdeira said she had not been consulted about paid parking since the council first talked about extending it in 2023. The plans were put on hold after public opposition.

Its unfair that theyve just put that through without another consultation and they should also be showing that the bus system is better than it was.

Vetro had some parking for customers, so it wouldnt impact them too much, but Cerdeira was worried about other businesses.

We are competing against the malls that offer free parking, so people arent going to come into town where they have to pay.

Council will literally just kill the centre of town.



Excelso Coffee owner Carrie Evans in 2020. Photo / Andrew Warner

Excelso Coffee owner Carrie Evans shared Cerdeiras concerns about buses.

Her workers could not take a bus because their shifts started at 6.15am or 6.30am, she said.

Many surrounding businesses were industrial, so having paid parking did not make sense because there was no need to encourage parking turnover, she said.

Paid parking on streets where there arent [retail] businesses is not the answer.

Evans suggested having a 10 or 15-minute period of free parking to support businesses like hers.

She was concerned if customers didnt pay for parking and were fined, they wouldnt come back.

Small businesses are having such a hard time right now.

Allure Nail Studio co-owner Margaret Fraser said it provided customer parking and so paid parking would not impact the business.

It also had staff parking at its Monmouth St business, she said.

The on-street parking was always full, so it had to provide parking for clients, Fraser said.



Tauranga City Council city development and partnerships general manager Gareth Wallis. Photo / Alex Cairns

Council city development and partnerships general manager Gareth Wallis said there would not be any changes to weekend parking.

The parking plan aimed to balance the needs of residents, commuters, and customers who competed for limited parking, Wallis said.

City centre workers were encouraged to use long-term parking facilities, parking buildings, public transport or walk or cycle, he said.

The council supported improved public transport, but responsibility for public transport planning and delivery lay with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Wallis said.

The regional council made some network changes aimed at improving reliability on Monday, he said.

Improved public transport wont negate the need for parking management, and our team will continue to monitor and adapt to demand.

Consultation on the draft parking strategy was held in 2021 and there was ongoing informal engagement with city centre businesses, Wallis said.



Recommendations for the Tauranga Central City Parking Management Plan. The purple area will have paid on-street parking. Image / Tauranga City Council

The council also received regular feedback from city fringe residents about the ongoing issue of commuters occupying on-street parking and moving their vehicles during the day to avoid time restrictions or fines, he said.

Regional council acting transport operations manager Simon Bell said most Tauranga urban bus services ran between 6am and 7pm.

There were no plans to extend those hours, which were comparable to services in other similar-sized New Zealand cities such as Hamilton, he said.

Services are planned to meet a broad range of needs across the network within available budgets and are reviewed periodically.

As part of the city councils plan, more two-hour time-restricted parking (P120) areas will also be added to the streets between 11th Ave and Marsh St.

The council would also hold community engagement on the development of a Mount Maunganui Parking Management Plan.

 LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
As hundreds gathered around the Katikati War Memorial Hall at dawn on Anzac Day, a tiny slice of moon and one lone star shone down.

The community were honouring Kiwi servicemen and women of all eras whove risked their lives for our freedom.

Returned and current servicemen and women lined up beside representatives from the police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and a number of other service organisations outside Katikati Library at 5.55am.



The crowd watches Katikatis Anzac Day dawn at the War Memorial Hall service underneath a tiny moon and lone star in the sky. Photo / Merle Cave

They marched to the front of the war memorial hall  to the sound of a drum beat from the Katikati Band  to stand at attention for the 6am dawn service.

After an opening prayer, Katikati RSA president Trevor Gilbert said this years Anzac Day was particularly poignant as it had been 110 years since the Gallipoli landing, 80 years since the end of World War II, and 50 years since the Vietnam War concluded.

The late Clive Kenyon

In Katikati [here at Anzac Day] we also pay tribute to our last World War II veteran who passed away recently.

Clive Wilson Kenyon died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 15, 2025, in his 101st year.

We will now create a Clive Kenyon Memorial Scholarship. This will be awarded annually to a direct descendant of servicepeople, to enable them to continue their studies or vocation, Gilbert said.

Followed by a moments silence, Gilbert said: We should now embrace those veterans that have served this country since the time of war in Malaya and Borneo, Vietnam, Bosnia, East Timor, Iraq, and Palestine and many peacekeeping operations that they have been involved in.

We should also remember that there are those who are still serving who deserve our support and appreciation. And the wounds that are the result of war and conflict are not always visible.

After an address by Colonel Selwyn Heaton RNZE, Katikati College head students Jack Harray and Hannah Gourlay, accompanied by deputy head students Rajveer Sania Kaur and Charlotte Tanner, took the stand.

Student connection to Maori Battalion

Gourlay talked of her family connection to World War II. This is about my great uncle Andrew, who my dad is named after.

Andrew, better known as Andy, volunteered for the army shortly after the outbreak of WWII, said Gourlay.



Katikati College head Student Hannah Gourlay with her father Andrew Gourlay, who was named after her Great Uncle who fought in World Ward II as part of the Maori Battalion. Photo / Merle Cave

He enlisted but was discharged as medically unfit because he had tuberculosis as a child. Not to be outdone, he re-enlisted several months later under his brother Roberts name and arranged someone else to sit the medical.

Andy was posted to the 28th Maori Battalion in 1941 and saw action in the western desert for two years, Gourlay said.

In 1943, when the battalion reached Tripoli, Andy was suffering tuberculosis. He was sent back to New Zealand on a hospital ship. He spent over a year in hospital and was discharged in 1944.

He returned home to Maketu but remained unwell until he passed from a combination of tuberculosis and sand in his lungs on July 31, 1946, at 27 years old. Just 17 days later his nephew, my grandfather, was born.

Gourley told the Katikati News after the service that for as long as she could remember shed run through her grandmothers house, past a photograph of her great uncle and his medals.

Every time we always asked who he was, and recently I [learned more by] looked him up on Auckland Museums Online Cenotaph.

He was very, very determined to go [to war], said Gourlay, who is of Ngati Whakaue and Ngai Tahu descent of the Maketu-Rotorua area  as was her great uncle.

Its very special and cool to be able to talk about him at an Anzac parade, and while being head girl, and being able to share his story.

Head student Jack Harray said in his speech that its a weird thing, trying to understand the scale of something like Gallipoli.

Over 2700 New Zealanders lost their lives there. Thats like our entire school, times three, gone in just a few months. And that was only the beginning of a much longer war.

About all personnel

Harray also echoed the sentiment that Anzac Day isnt just about Gallipoli.

Its about every New Zealander and Australian whos served since  through world wars, in peacekeeping missions, in disaster relief. Its about sacrifice, service, and courage that carries on even today.



Returned servicemen stand to attention with representatives from police, fire and a number of other service organisations. Photo / Merle Cave

He asked the crowd, in the cold and quiet of the morning, to take a second to really feel the weight of history, the silence of respect, and the hope that we, the next generation, will carry these stories forward  not just today, but every day we stand up for whats right.

To all those who served, and those still serving  thank you. We remember you. We honour you. Lest we forget.

Then Gourlay read The Ode of Remembrance in te reo Maori , followed by Charlotte Tanner reading it in English.

The dawn service concluded with Katikati RSA deputy president Ross Vaile lowering the New Zealand flag, then a closing prayer and the parade being dismissed.
Vanessa Cardenas, 49, was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where she lived until she was 14, when she returned to the United States. She was the first person in her family to attend college, and a prolific career led her to work on Joe Bidens first-term presidential campaign, the EMILYs List political action committee that advocates for pro-abortion candidates, the Center for American Progress, the Latino organization LULAC, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). As executive director of the pro-immigrant organization Americas Voice, she advocates for immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. In this interview with EL PAIS, she criticizes the Trump administrations immigration policies, which have led to increased racism and are only aimed at strengthening the presidents political base. Cardenas lives with her family outside Washington, DC, in Northern Virginia.

Question. The definition of undocumented migrants seems straightforward, but the recent torrent of legislative action and anti-immigration measures has created a lot of confusion about the term. What about people whose permits are being revoked by the current administration, such as those who have benefited from humanitarian parole, TPS, or those who applied for asylum through the defunct CBP One application?

Answer: The definition used is that of a person who does not have current authorization to be in the United States. Technically, they are not undocumented. They arrived under a legal process that the Biden Administration granted them. However, we are seeing something unprecedented: an administration that is revoking established programs for immigrants at a very accelerated pace, stripping them of their legal status and telling them they must self-deport. Just as the Executive Branch has the ability to implement these policies for immigrants, it also has the ability to take them away. Biden created the programs to legalize these people, and Trump is taking them away.

Q. The cancellation of these programs increases the number of undocumented immigrants. Isnt that contradictory to the idea of reducing the number of people living in the country without papers?

A. Absolutely. By canceling these programs, what youre doing is increasing the number of undocumented immigrants in this country. And not only that, youre pushing them further into the shadows, into illegality, with these policies that seek to instill fear in the immigrant community.

Even if the court were on our side, I wonder if this Administration would follow the order of the courts. We will see if the system holds up. That is why it is so important not only for immigrants but for Americans in general

Q.There is a widespread view that the immigration system is broken and needs profound reform. Many of Trumps executive orders have imposed radical changes.

A. Its clear theres no sincere interest in improving the system or trying to find a solution. What theyre doing is feeding their base, because immigration is part of their political strategy to advance their ideology. The humanitarian parole program is one of the most innovative things theyve done; it creates legal channels so people dont have to put themselves in the hands of a coyote. If the United States wants to have a functioning immigration system, it must open legal avenues; eliminating them all isnt the solution. Besides, we already know the labor needs there are.

Q. One of the recently announced measures includes reviewing the social media accounts of individuals applying for immigration permits. Have you made any recommendations in this regard?

A. Its very problematic because were seeing not only immigrants at airports, but also citizens being asked for their phones to check their social media accounts. This goes against freedom of expression. Unfortunately, were in a situation where were telling our co-workers and family members that they have to be more vigilant and careful than weve ever been beforeto check their social media accounts to avoid any problems with immigration.

Q. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident who was deported to El Salvador despite having judicial protection, has gained a lot of notoriety. Do you think it is an isolated case?

A. No, weve heard of several cases of people, especially Venezuelans, who had no criminal record and are now in prison in El Salvador. Whats different about this case is that the government has admitted it made a mistake. Its extremely dangerous for the same government to say that, despite making a mistake, they cant bring them back. This shows how aggressively this administration is trying to remove as many people as possible from the United States, regardless of the consequences for their families, even if theyre here legally or if they are citizens. Its very dangerous, not only for immigrants but for all of us because it has implications for our rights, for our freedoms. If we let this happen, they will be unstoppable.

Q. Are you confident that the courts will stop Trumps more aggressive policies?

A. I have some hope that the Supreme Court justices will stand by their oath to the Constitution, even though a majority of justices are from the conservative wing. I would like to say that I am confident because the facts are on our side, but I have doubts because of the political moment we are in, because of the ideology that is advancing with this Administration. Even if the court were on our side, I wonder if this Administration would follow the order of the courts. We will see if the system holds up. That is why it is so important not only for immigrants but for Americans in general.

Q. What has changed in your organization since January 20?

A. As one of the national pro-immigrant groups, we are very exposed. We discuss what that means among our colleagues and try to protect ourselves as best we can with the resources we have. We are at a point where one has to recommit to the cause to which we have dedicated so many years, knowing that today our voices, our work, our advocacy are more important than ever.

Q. What do you recommend to migrants?

A. They should talk to a lawyer and explore how to protect themselves as soon as possible. Although there are no guarantees, this is what they can do. Despite everything, immigrants are very resilient, very positive. We are fighting with a very resilient population. Thats what we need to hold onto. Most people get up every morning to go to work to support their families under terrible circumstances. And that spirit is what will save us from this situation. The only thing we can do is live our lives taking the necessary precautions and have faith that the policies of this Administration will be rejected in the upcoming elections.

Q. Do you think that racism and xenophobia have increased among the population?

A. There has certainly been a rise in racism. And its not surprising given the combined strategy of putting millions of dollars into anti-immigrant ads, the digital coordination of extremist groups with the narrative that immigrants are bad for the United States, and the economic instability that people feel.

Theres a lot of frustration with our immigration system, and groups advocating for change have been saying this for almost 30 years. The problem is that when we dont have solutions that people can believe in, and we only hear from one party 24/7 that migrants are committing crimes, people believe it. But the things Trump and his allies say about immigration arent based on real facts. Immigration is positive for the United States. There are countless economic studies that talk about the contributions of immigrants, that they are essential to the economic prosperity of this country. That is the true and real narrative about immigration. However, a narrative that isnt based on facts has been accepted, as part of a political strategy, and Americans are accepting it because they dont feel there is a viable solution.

Q. The severity of the measures against migrants will also have its detractors

A. Yes, we also see that people are very uncomfortable when deportations are affecting established families who are rooted in communities. We saw this in Trumps first term, when families were being separated. People are saying they want the system better organized, that we need to get people out, but they dont want it to affect their neighbor, who has been here for decades, and they dont agree with deporting people without criminal records. The more they understand the human and economic consequences, the more they will reject this agenda of mass deportations.

Q. What immigration policy do you consider to be the most controversial one of this Administration?

A. Whats having the greatest impact is sending people with no criminal record to the prison in El Salvador, without access to a lawyer, just abandoning them in another country. Most people understand how dangerous it is, and thats why Mr. Abrego Garcias case is going to be so important.

Q. What do you expect from this Administration in the coming years?

A. Were going to see more of what weve seen these past three months. Attacks so that undocumented immigrants will not be counted in the census, not because undocumented immigrants are voting, but because thats a fundamental part of their argument to ensure that elections go in their favor. Were going to see more attacks on birthright citizenship. This Administration is truly committed to meeting the goals of Project 2025 and theyre going to accelerate those efforts. At the same time, as they did in the first Trump Administration, theyre going to change the processes to reduce legal immigration.

Fundamentally, the goal is to change the definition of who an American truly is. Theres an ideology behind these efforts, and immigration is a key part of enforcing their agenda.

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Regina Sotorrio Thursday, 1 May 2025, 14:52 Compartir

Those writing about art history usually regard Malaga as being always on the outside looking in, never at the heart of the cultural action. Not so. Mucac La Coracha makes its debut on the contemporary art circuit by aiming to dismantle this belief with a reinterpretation of what the city's artistic heritage has to offer. This building, the old Mupam municipal heritage museum on Paseo de Reding, has no external signage yet, but "it will come", they say. Its conversion into one of the two venues making up the new municipal museum is based on these objectives: a showcase for Malaga's creative output and a place committed to the objectives of sustainable development. The second venue, the former CAC, now called Mayoristas, will re-open in mid-2026.

Zoom Two works by Moreno Villa (r). A painting by Felix Revello de Toro (l) Migue Fernandez

The heart of this museum is what occupies the two central floors now called Espacio Uno and Espacio Dos. These two spaces are filled with the city council's art collection: many purchased from the former CAC and some more recent purchases with this project in mind, donations from bequests (especially the huge bequest from Mingorance's estate) and pieces on loan (Carmen Riera as one such benefactor). The exhibition, entitled Ayer. Coleccion 1940-1990, brings together 123 pieces by some 70 artists, nearly half from Malaga, endeavouring to show that creative output in Malaga "keeps pace with international creative output, always influenced by the social context", says Salvador Nadales, exhibition curator and advisor to Mariana Pineda's municipal culture team.

As such, this first exhibition aims to rewrite Malaga and Andalucia's place in art history. 'El canto de los muertos', a Picasso collaboration with poet Pierre Reverdy, opens the tour through eight sections marked out by the most recent pieces. The section on Exile and Surrealism includes a very recent municipal acquisition, an interesting take on Jose Moreno Villa's Three Black Graces, together with a rare item on loan from this Malaga-born artist's estate: a graphumo on paper, an art technique of his own invention. There is a piece from Luis Fernandez's Picasso period and a real seafaring one by Jose Caballero, reminding us of fellow artists in exile like Alberti.

Zoom Brinkmann and Barbadillo Migue Fernandez

The arrival of Franco's regime erased the avant-garde and imposed an academic realism that exalted traditional values, here represented by paintings by Felix Revello de Toro and Manuel Mingorance. Next up is the first female artist present in this exhibition, Carmen Laffon. Her simple still life displays "a silent resistance to the socio-political context of the moment." There is no parity possible here as history made female artists invisible, yet there is clear intent to give them their space throughout this exhibition. Pepa Caballero's work is very prominent and the final section is named New Feminist Languages and Practices, featuring Marisa Gonzalez and Paloma Navares, among others.

The section on The '50s generation in Malaga does not represent a single-minded group of artists, but rather several individuals breaking with tradition to restore the avant-garde. This movement emerged with the Pena Montmartre, the group of young artists from Malaga who travelled to visit Picasso in Cannes to later become the Picasso Group. Names such as Enrique Brinckmann, Stefan Von Reiswitz, Manuel Barbadillo and Gabriel Alberca.

Zoom A colourful painting by Joaquin de Molina. Migue Fernandez

From the 1950s onwards, the break with traditional art formed two main lines of rebellion: informalism and geometric abstraction. "This is happening in Spain, but it is also happening in Malaga," says Nadales. Representing informalism are works by such as Pepa Caballero (including a new acquisition), Miguel Berrocal (a sculpture on loan) and a Tapies on loan from the Carmen Riera collection. For the latter movement, Jorge Lindell, Pepe Bornoy and Manuel Barbadillo stand out. In this room, attention focuses on a sculpture group by Lugan acquired by the CAC and never before exhibited.

At the top of the stairs, the MUCAC reserves a space for the Palmo Collective, exhibiting one of its most iconic portfolios of graphic art, 'Cantos de Al Andalus' (1981), next to a striking painting with sculptural touches by Stefan von Reiswitz. The 1980s were the years of the counterculture, of an art linked to urban subcultures and committed to its time. Malaga's college of architects plays an essential role here, lending pieces by the Agustin Pareja School collective and Joaquin de Molina that demonstrate their irreverent and innovative spirit. They stand alongside powerful pieces from the Carmen Riera collection, like Miquel Barcelo's Goat 1 and Juan Munoz's Seven figures on the balcony.

MUCAC is committed to ecology in all its exhibitions. Part of the ground floor (Espacio Cero), curated by Marta del Corral, will be dedicated to 'sustainable Malaga', the first showing, entitled The Weight of Fragility, is by French artist Francoise Vanneraud.

Zoom A selection of pieces from the exhibition. Migue Fernandez

The top floor offers an immersive experience into the vastness of the municipal collection under the umbrella of Nature in Resistance. Some 90 pieces from different periods and styles are on show here, designed for impact and totally random. There is a succession of landscapes, sea views, birds and countryside by classical artists like Carlos de Haes and Verdugo Landi, very contemporary artists like Cristina Iglesias, Evaristo Guerra, Laura Brinkmann and Juan del Junco, and international names such as Marina Abramovic and Louise Bourgeois. A small sample of Malaga's artistic heritage yet to be shown.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Colorado man has been accused of getting on a plane to travel to Central New York to kill someone, federal prosecutors said.

The man, Jerry P. Gordon, was charged with making a threat using interstate communications, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday in federal court in Syracuse.

Gordons plan came to the attention of federal authorities in December, according to an affidavit from FBI agent John Hogan.

An individual called the FBI to say Gordon described a detailed plan to set up a snipers nest and use a rifle to kill someone with the initials J. W. in Cayuga County. The court papers did not identify the intended victim.

Gordon sent a mass email last Thursday to local governments and law enforcement agencies, Hogan said. Gordon wrote that he intended to start my vengeance tour and I will accomplish my mission at any cost.

I have very specific targets and am not looking to involve any innocent bystanders, Gordon wrote. If people leave me alone and let me simply do my job with the intended targets, then nothing else will happen.

Gordon said he also would be initiating action on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca.

Hogan said a review of cell phone records showed Gordon sent threatening text messages to J. W.

Gordon runs a website called ReportAbuseCayuga.com, where he makes a variety of accusations against Cayuga County officials.

Gordon boarded a United Airlines flight last Friday from Denver to Newark, N.J., Hogan said, where he intended to take a connecting flight to Syracuse.

Law enforcement observed Gordon at the Newark airport, Hogan said, though it was not clear in the court papers precisely when or where he was taken into custody.

Spokespeople for the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys office for the Northern District of New York declined to answer questions about the case.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
The state is funding a top-to-bottom rehab of a South Avenue house for a families displaced by lead paint renovations. Douglass Dowty

Syracuse, NY -- A $265,000 renovation has taken a century-old Syracuse house down to its studs in an effort that shows the extreme measures needed to completely remove lead paint.

The 2,100-square-foot home at 1216-18 South Ave. will reopen later this year as a safe haven for families whose homes are being renovated to remove lead paint.
WASHINGTON - The families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago called Wednesday for the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to help bring their loved ones home.

After meeting with U.S. officials and legislators in Washington, the families held a press conference to make a public appeal, stressing how little time there is left and voicing hope Trump himself will become actively involved in the abduction issue.

Takuya Yokota, who heads a group representing the families, said he has not given up hope in the promise Trump made during his first presidency to work toward an immediate resolution of the issue.

The group met officials including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Trump's deputy national security aide Alex Wong, a former diplomat who handled U.S. talks with North Korea during his first term, and Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty, a former ambassador to Tokyo.

A bipartisan group of U.S. legislators sent a letter in early April to Trump asking him to prioritize in his dealings with North Korea the immediate return of Japanese nationals abducted in the 1970s and 1980s.

The group praised Trump for bringing the issue into the international spotlight in his address to the U.N. General Assembly in 2017.

The families were joined on their trip by Japanese lawmakers, including Keiji Furuya, a former chief of Japan's National Public Safety Commission.

Yokota's sister Megumi, who has become the issue's symbolic figure, was abducted on her way home from school in 1977 at age 13.

Among 17 nationals Japan officially lists as having been abducted by North Korea, five have been returned. Japan also suspects North Korea's involvement in many other disappearances.

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

Father of woman abducted by North Korea dies at 96 without reunion
The cheapest Wiz Khalifa tour tickets are available on StubHub. AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Wiz Khalifa and Sean Paul are joining forces for the Good Vibes Only Tour, which kicks off July 6 at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, N.Y., near Buffalo.

The co-headlining run will feature special guest DaBaby, along with supporting acts Chevy Woods, Fedd the God, and DJ Bonics.

Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 2, at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster and verified 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 Darien Center concert will be the artists sole stop in Upstate New York. Other stops include cities like Camden, Toronto, Chicago, and Atlanta. A full list of tour dates is available here.

Khalifa, best known for hits like Black and Yellow and See You Again, recently released Kush + Orange Juice 2, a sequel to his breakout 2010 mixtape, and is wrapping up a separate tour with his Taylor Gang labelmates in June.

Paul, known for hits like Get Busy, Temperature, and his work with artists like Beyonce and Sia, is coming off a U.K. arena tour and continues to release international collaborations, such as a remix of Tylas Push 2 Start.

DaBaby, joining as a guest performer, first broke through in 2019 with his hit Suge and has since released multiple chart-topping albums and singles, including Rockstar with Roddy Ricch. Despite public controversies in recent years, he continues to release new music, such as his April collaboration Motion with DDG.
The first portion of the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" traveling exhibition at Skanonh  Great Law of Peace Center. This is CNY

The Skanonh  Great Law of Peace Center, which overlooks Onondaga Lake  the birthplace of democracy  is hosting an interactive traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution dedicated to the foundation and evolution of the United States government.

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, open now through May 30, utilizes signage, historical and contemporary photos, interactive videos and texts, historical objects and memorabilia to document how an emerging nation founded a governing structure, how that system has evolved, and how different groups of people have been able to participate or had that right restricted.

An interactive display on voting rights, part of the "voices and Votes: Democracy in America" exhibition. This is CNY

Skanonh (pronounced scan-oh) is one of 12 sites across New York state selected to host Voices and Votes, and it was chosen for its unique perspective.

Skanonh is an Onondaga Historical Association museum developed with and staffed by Onondaga Nation members.

OHA designated the center as the site for the exhibition because of the history that the United States has with the Haudenosaunee people, said Emerson Shenandoah, an Onondaga Snipe Clan member and executive director of the Skanonh  Great Law of Peace Center.

Specifically, we, the Haudenosaunee people, influenced the United States.

The cultural center, located at 6680 Onondaga Lake Pkwy., Liverpool, preserves and shares Haudenosaunee culture, practices and teachings, with an emphasis on the Onondaga Nation, through oral history videos, artifacts and other displays.

Benjamin Franklin wrote this excerpted quote in a letter a few years after hearing Haudenosaunee leader Canassatego talk about the Confederacys government and systems during the Treaty of Lancaster meetings. This is CNY

Americas founding fathers drew inspiration from the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace as they wrote the U.S. Constitution.

Leaders of the womens suffrage movement were influenced by the prominent role of women in Haudenosaunee culture.

We thought this was the perfect place for it because, youll see as you go through, its pretty all-encompassing but it leaves out the Haudenosaunee perspective, said Colin McVey, marketing & communications manager at OHA.

Three rooms on the museums first floor feature large displays explaining grievances that led to the fight for independence, the importance of voting rights and equal participation, the progression of political parties, the right to protest and the question of a shared ideal of citizenship.

A response banner created by Skanonh and OHA with items from the center's collection, including a framed letter, on top of the glass case, from then-President Bill Clinton to then-Chief Leon Shenandoah. This is CNY

A response exhibition by Skanonh and OHA, Nations to Nation: Haudenosaunee Influence on American Democracy, fills in the knowledge gaps left by the main exhibitions narrative, centering the influence and impact the Haudenosaunee and Onondaga Nation had on the people who shaped the United States political foundation.

Informational banners provide insight into the specific ways the Haudenosaunee Confederacys structure and values influenced democracy, the womens suffrage movement and the Onondaga Nations sovereignty.

Items in the centers collection, such as a deerskin treaty pictograph and a letter from then-President Bill Clinton to then-Chief Leon Shenandoah, reinforce the relationship.

I hope that people, when they leave here, they have a better understanding of the history of their country, and the true history of it and what really went behind creating it, Emerson Shenandoah said, as well as understanding how hard their ancestors fought for the rights that they have today and especially that they fight just like them  to keep their rights.

A part of the traveling exhibition "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" with a display case with lacrosse sticks, a jersey and Onondaga Nation travel documents at Skanonh  Great Law of Peace Center. This is CNY

Voices and Votes is adapted from a larger permanent exhibition at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History.

The exhibition comes to Syracuse through a National Endowment for the Humanities grant awarded to the Museum Association of New York and is made possible by the Smithsonians Museums on Main Street, which brings scaled-down versions of permanent exhibits to smaller museums and communities.

Response exhibitions are part of MANYs A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy initiative, which helps museums amplify the role the state and its people had in the formation and evolution of the United States democratic system. The Skanonh banners created for this exhibition have been traveling to the other 11 sites.

The top section of this display looks at political party symbols from the United States' past. Below, the evolution of political parties is traced through the 1800s. This is CNY

Liverpool Public Library will host programs in collaboration with OHA that further tie the exhibitions themes to local history, including a discussion on The Rev. J.W. Loguen, as a Slave and as a Freeman: A Narrative of Real Life, facilitated by OHAs curator of history Robert Searing.

Young children and their families can learn more about Haudenosaunee storytelling, while teens can make protest posters about a current topic. Skanonh is planning to host a Nation elder to speak about the Haudenosaunee connection to American democracy.

Existing displays at Skanonh  Great Law of Peace Center educate visitors on Haudenosaunee culture and practices, and illustrate a fuller picture of American history. This is CNY

In May, OHA will debut a second response exhibition, Revolutions and Relationships: The Evolution of American Democracy, at the downtown museum. It will remain open into 2026 and trace the development of American democratic ideals over the last 250 years, in conjunction with a celebration of the semiquincentennial anniversary of our nation.

The Skanonh  Great Law of Peace Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
Before and after photos of homes in Oswego, New York, renovated with financial assistance from the Oswego Renaissance Association. (Provided photos) Provided photos

Oswego, N.Y.  Paul Stewart knows a thing or two about fixing up neighborhoods. Over the years, hes helped hundreds of homeowners across 40 city blocks improve their houses.

His work in Oswego could prove an example toward improving Syracuses housing stock.

Stewart, a psychology professor at SUNY Oswego, is the head of the Oswego Renaissance Association, a neighborhood improvement group that issues grants to homeowners and landlords to fix up the exteriors of their properties.

The program relies on neighbors to band together and pledge to improve their homes over the course of a summer. In return, they get matching grants to help pay for the work.

Last summer, neighbors on 14 city blocks participated in the program. Some installed new stonework and flower beds. Others transformed their porches from battered to brand-new with some new flooring, stairs and banisters.

John Rice was able to hire contractors to fix up his landscaping and replace his shutters through the program last year. He and several of his neighbors who live at West 3rd and Prospect streets have worked with the group for multiple years.

The people are very easy to work with, Rice said.

In the end, the association and homeowners spent $356,381 last year helping over 112 homeowners fix up their properties.

And that was just one summer.

In 12 years, the effort has meant $6 million of improvements for houses across 40 blocks, helping hundreds of homeowners in this city of 17,000.

The program focuses on four target zones in the city with a lot of middle-market housing, blocks with homes that needs sprucing up but arent yet unsafe or abandoned. Theyre in between, theyre transitional, Stewart said.

Its a similar approach to the Syracuse Housing Strategy leaders are implementing in the Salt City.

In fact, Syracuses Division of Neighborhood and Business Development has reached out to Stewart to see how his work in Oswego could translate to Syracuses housing strategy.

Already, Syracuse last year formed the Syracuse Housing Strategies Corporation.

The board, much like the Oswego Renaissance Association, will issue financial grants to improve middle-market neighborhoods.

Its already selected four neighborhoods to start work on: the first wave consists of Tipperary Hill and Salt Springs; the second wave consists of Eastwood and Elmwood.

The board is working on finalizing its plans for Salt Springs by the end of this spring. Homeowners in Salt Springs can begin applying for grants this fall. They can send questions and input to the board at goto.syr.gov/housing-survey.

How it works in Oswego

Stewart runs the group under the Healthy Neighborhoods Approach, a method by Baltimore neighborhood strategist David Boehlke in the late 1970s. The core concept behind the approach is motivating neighbors to take an active role in improving their community.

Applicants must recruit five to 15 properties to commit to the Renaissance Block Challenge to qualify for a grant to improve their block.

Each grant matches half of the homeowners investment, up to $1,000. For example, if a property owner spends $2,000, the group matches that with a $1,000 grant, the maximum given. Homeowners on the corners of intersections can receive up to $500 more.

The money for the grants comes from donations from local businesses and institutions such as the Richard S. Shineman Foundation and Pathfinder Bank. The Oswego Renaissance Association manages the grants through Invest CNY, a nonprofit run by the regional economic development organization CenterState CEO.

The Oswego association has also received some public funding in the past. In 2021, the Oswego city government awarded them a $20,000 grant to offset the COVID-19 pandemics impact on the groups fundraising efforts. The money came from the citys allocation from the American Rescue Plan, the federal governments pandemic stimulus initiative.

The household that gets their block together for a project is known as the Block Leader. They can receive up to $1,500 in matching grants.

Those who want to apply for a paint job can apply on their own and are eligible for a $1,000 matching grant, which they can add onto a block challenge grant.

This map shows four target zones in Oswego, N.Y., where homeowners can apply for small, matching grants to help them paint, landscape, improve siding and do other exterior work. A previous version of this map displayed an incorrect shading for one of Oswego's middle-market housing target areas. It has been updated. Source: Oswego Renaissance Association

Why middle-market is the target

While the Oswego Renaissance Association has proven effective in the middle-market blocks in Oswego, its not one-size-fits-all, Stewart cautions.

In areas with high levels of crime, violence, abandonment and distress, the program doesnt work. Instead, he and his group focus on the blocks at risk of heading there, rather than the already-afflicted areas.

Traditional community development has a place, he said. Its not that its wrong, but it typically focuses on one type of problem, like housing affordability, and usually starts working in the very worst areas first.

But to ignore the middle-market, Stewart says, is like if your only medical approach to health is to wait until people get cancer or very sick.

Cimone Jordan, director of housing and neighborhood planning in Syracuse, agrees. The initiatives, she said, are built on already-existing programs for the places that need the support the most.

Improving those middle-market neighborhood helps increase the tax base. It also can act as a feedback loop, with improvements and investments spreading into worse-off areas.

In these middle-market areas, its also easier for homeowners to meet up together to discuss how to improve their neighborhood.

But thats much more difficult in a city like Syracuse, where 60% of its residents rent their homes. Those landlords often dont live in the blocks they own, if even in the city at all.

To fix this, Jordan said, the city would go through other routes to address non-compliant landlords. For example, if the city deems a rental property unfit, it will pay a contractor for emergency repairs. If the landlord doesnt pay, that cost ends up on their tax bills.

We plan to use both carrots and sticks, Jordan said. We definitely want to bring landlords along as long as theyre open to collaborating with us.

Neighbors working together

Getting neighbors to work together to improve their blocks is a vital part of the program, Stewart says.

Meeting with people face-to-face is also crucial. Social capital among neighbors, Stewart says, is key to fixing up a block.

You have to show that youre not doing it alone, but your neighbors are doing it with you, Stewart said.

Real estate agent Connie Ryan continually encourages Oswego residents to apply for grants through the Oswego Renaissance Association. The biggest hurdle, she says, is dispelling the misconception that the projects would increase their property taxes.

A painted deck and rails wont increase your property taxes, she said. Ryan compared the program to a fresh coat of lipstick versus a major renovation.

She knows the process well herself  last summer, she applied for a painting grant. After moving to the area, she had bought the house across the street, one she fondly remembered from her childhood, as a rental property.

The grant came through. Now the house is restored to its original deep maroon.
The "Spirit of Light" stainless steel sculpture adorns the National Grid building in downtown Syracuse. 12/18/97 ('07 scan) David Lassman | The Post-Standard

Syracuse, N.Y.  Upstate New York residents are facing double-digit increases on their electric and gas bills if the state Public Service Commission approves a deal National Grid and PSC staff members are pushing.

Two years after the new rates start phasing in, a typical household would pay 20% more for electricity and 27% more for natural gas.
2024 was the worst season ever for harmful algal blooms, or HABs, in the Finger Lakes according to Inside Climate News, with Seneca, Canandaigua, Skaneateles and Cayuga lakes each reporting more than 100 HABs. Cayuga County Health Department

The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry today announced that it will receive a $2 million donation from Sam and Carol Nappi for research into the cause of algal blooms on Skaneateles Lake.

This generous donation from Sam and Carol Nappi will significantly advance our understanding of the causation of algal blooms on the Finger Lakes and help us develop tools to better forecast and prevent blooms, said Dr. Stephen Shaw, who is leading the research project.

Algal blooms have become a regular and unwelcome feature of CNY summers, often resulting in closed beaches and stinky shorelines covered in green muck.

While Skaneateles Lake will provide a living laboratory for ESF scientists, the research there will help address a problem common to all the Finger Lakes.

2024 was the worst season ever for harmful algal blooms, or HABs, in the Finger Lakes according to Inside Climate News, with Seneca, Canandaigua, Skaneateles and Cayuga lakes each reporting more than 100 HABs.

HABs produce toxic cyanobacteria that threaten swimmers, pets and lakeshore homeowners who draw drinking water from the lakes and public water systems.

Skaneateles Lake and the Finger Lakes region have held deep personal significance to the Nappi family for four generations, the Nappis said. We look forward to seeing the solutions that come forward from Dr. Shaws research and forging additional partnerships to expand this work.

ESF plans to collaborate with other university and community partners. The project team comprises experts from ESF, Florida International University, and Clarkson University with additional experts joining in later phases.

Scientists will begin by studying the different pathways by which phosphorus and other nutrients enter Skaneateles Lake, using satellite imagery for daily monitoring of algal blooms.

Scientists will also create predictive models, conduct risk assessments, and test new filter materials to manage nutrient levels and mitigate algal blooms.

The project will also include semi-annual meetings to review new data, a new water management course at ESF, and field experiences for ESF students.

We have sincere gratitude for this generous contribution, said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. Carol and Sam Nappi are making it possible for water research done at ESF to be deployed right here in our Central New York community for the benefit of everyone.



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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.
President Donald Trump is reacting to some comments on deportations from one of his most visible supporters. A member of law enforcement stands near an entrance to an apartment complex during a raid by federal agents, Feb. 5, 2025, in east Denver. (David Zalubowski | AP Photo) David Zalubowski | AP Photo

President Donald Trump shared his thoughts on a warning about deportations from one of his most visible supporters during a new interview with ABC News.

Trump was asked during the interview about comments in April from podcaster Joe Rogan that pushed back against the administrations aggressive deportation moves.

Rogan, one of the worlds biggest podcasters with an audience of millions, said April 17 that rounding up gang members and shipping them to El Salvador with no due process was dangerous, according to ABC.

We gotta be careful that we dont become monsters while were fighting monsters, Rogan said.

Trump was asked in the ABC interview if Rogan was right. He said he was.

Oh, I agree with that a hundred percent, yeah, Trump said, according to ABC. We want to be careful. We are careful.

But Trump also said he was elected to crack down on illegal immigration.

Listen. I was elected to take care of a problem that was  it was  a, a unforced error that was made by a very incompetent man, Trump said, referring to former President Joe Biden, according to ABC.

Rogan endorsed Trumps candidacy during the campaign last year.

His comments on due process werent the first time he has discussed the Trump administrations immigration policies.

In an earlier podcast episode, Rogan called one of the administrations deportation operations horrific and mentioned the case of Andry Jose Hernandez Romero, a makeup artist who was deported to El Salvador.

Federal authorities accused Hernandez Romero of belonging to a gang based at least in part on his tattoos, according to MSNBC. But experts pointed out that the gang he was accused of belonging to isnt known for using tattoos to identify members.

Rogan has also spoken out against some of Trumps actions on tariffs, according to The Associated Press.

During the ABC interview, Trump also discussed the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia is a Salvadorian national who was living in Maryland legally, but was mistakenly deported.

The Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return, but he is still not back.

Trump alleged that Abrego Garcia was a violent gang member, even though judges have said such claims have not been proven, ABC said.

Trump went on to acknowledge he could get Abrego Garcia back, but did not plan to.

And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that, Trump said in response to an ABC reporters questioning. But hes not.

Note: This story was updated to reflect the fact that Rogans comments referring to a deportation operation as horrific were made as he discussed the case of Andry Jose Hernandez Romero, not Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
After seven years, the Golden Snowball returns home to Syracuse. The last time Syracuse won the competition was in 2018.

The actual trophy is virtual. There are numerous legends about its existence, you can read about them here.

Syracuse competes against five other Upstate New York cities for the highest average snowfall: Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo and Rochester.

Syracuse won the competition this year with 115 inches of snow as of April 14. The total was still below the normal seasonal average of 127.8 inches of snow. Last years total snowfall as of the same time last year was 60.8 inches.

Rochester came in second with 87.8 inches of snow, Binghamton had 79.9 inches, Buffalo had 77.2 and Albany had 43.9 inches of snow.

Syracuse also placed first in the annual Snow Globe competition, beating out 24 other cities across the nation. Erie, Pennsylvania was second, and Rochester was third.

Barring a freak storm, Syracuse can once again claim bragging rights for being the snowiest city.
MANILA - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Vietnam and the Philippines through Wednesday hoping to offer up Japan as a reliable partner at a time when U.S. tariffs and China's attempts to further expand its clout in Southeast Asia are causing concern.

With President Donald Trump's tariffs shaking members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, diplomacy experts said Ishiba underscored that Japan, which has long maintained stable cooperation with the region, can play a dependable role.

Japan's support for ASEAN countries, such as through its "official security assistance" program to help enhance defense capabilities, will also benefit Tokyo by promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and peace in the South China Sea, they said.

After returning to the White House in January, Trump, who has championed his protectionist "America First" agenda, announced severe "reciprocal" tariffs in early April, which could have an extremely negative impact on ASEAN economies.

The United States announced duties of 49 percent on Cambodia, 48 percent on Laos, and 46 percent on Vietnam, compared to 24 percent on Japan, although Trump later suspended most for 90 days while leaving in place across-the-board 10 percent levies.

Before leaving Tokyo for Southeast Asia, Ishiba told reporters that U.S. tariffs prompted him to "shape policies" to minimize their repercussions on the economy by "hearing" the voices of Japanese companies operating in the region.

Among the background factors behind the high rates imposed on Southeast Asia is the shift of many manufacturing businesses from China to the region following the Sino-U.S. trade war during Trump's first administration, which began in 2017, the experts said.

It is more than an economic matter. Jeffrey Hornung, a senior political scientist at the U.S. research organization Rand, said the tariffs are "probably going to cause friction and difficulties" between the United States and ASEAN nations.

In addition, Trump has so far shown little interest in ASEAN. If the United States "continues to lack commitment" to the bloc, Southeast Asia's frustration would provide a window of opportunity for China to "build allies" in the region, Hornung said.

Trump's tariff push has renewed the rivalry between the world's two largest economies, with China criticizing the U.S. moves as "hegemonic and bullying" and taking retaliatory actions that have led to another tit-for-tat trade row.

In mid-April, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was believed to be reluctant to open the country's markets to the world, toured Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, in a show of Beijing's emphasis on working with Southeast Asia to deal with the tariff issue.

However, most ASEAN nations still hope the United States will remain committed, especially in terms of security. None want Southeast Asia to be dominated by a single power, even though China's enormous economy is attractive, the experts say.

Under the circumstances, Japan, a close U.S. security ally, can function as an intermediary between ASEAN members and the United States, given that Tokyo and Southeast Asia uphold fundamental values like freedom, democracy and the rule of law, they added.

During his visit, Ishiba agreed to beef up security cooperation, including establishing a vice-ministerial-level foreign affairs and defense dialogue framework with Hanoi, and launching discussions on concluding an information-sharing pact with Manila.

Moreover, Japan, which has renounced war and the use of force to resolve international disputes under its pacifist Constitution for around 80 years, has aided coast guards and sold surveillance radars to the Philippines in recent years.

Hornung, the Japan lead for the Rand National Security Research Division, said Tokyo's focus on Southeast Asia has "benefited the United States" as Washington "does not provide the same level of commitment," adding Japan has taken on greater importance.

Tomotaka Shoji, director of the Regional Studies Department at the National Institute for Defense Studies, echoed the view, saying Japan is regarded as a trusted partner by ASEAN, as it has forged extremely stable cooperative ties with it over a long period.

Joanne Lin, a senior fellow and co-coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre at the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, stressed the significance of Japan's official security assistance program to supply defense equipment to like-minded partners.

Under the defense aid scheme introduced in 2023, Japan has decided to offer patrol boats, rescue boats and radars to the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and others. Vietnam may also accept based on Ishiba's agreement with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday.

Security assistance-related measures allow Japan to "support regional stability while reinforcing its vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," Lin said.

Japan's "nonoffensive" equipment provision is not "escalating tensions" but "aligns with ASEAN's preference for nonconfrontational methods in addressing regional security concerns" while sending a "clear signal of strategic backing" from Tokyo, Lin added.

Related coverage:

Japan, Philippines agree to begin talks for security pacts

Japan, Vietnam to launch vice-ministerial foreign, defense dialogue
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
TOKYO - A "baby hatch" at a Tokyo hospital has been used for the first time since it was opened as an avenue for distressed parents to leave infants anonymously when they believe they cannot raise them, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

San-ikukai Hospital in Sumida Ward opened the "baby hatch" on March 31, becoming the second medical institution in the country to offer the service after Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, introduced it in 2007.

The Tokyo hospital has vowed to be "the last line of defense" for the protection of babies' lives after seeing an increasing number of women suffering from unplanned pregnancies and isolated births, as well as a string of cases of infant abandonment.

It has also launched a "confidential birth" system which allows women to give birth without revealing their identities except to the hospital.

For the baby hatch, the hospital accepts babies up to 4 weeks old, and the institution's website provides information on the procedure for leaving a child and what precautions to take.

Staff attend babies within one minute after they are left, after which the hospital will notify a child welfare center.

The Tokyo government, which has jurisdiction over the capital's child welfare centers, said it will establish a specialized verification committee to monitor the hospital's baby hatch operation.

Related coverage:

Japan's 2nd "baby hatch" opens in Tokyo

Japanese "baby hatch" man empowers kids via program to live best life
Minister Heydon and Minister of State Grealish announce 5.9m for new ICT, environmental, animal welfare and bioeconomy research

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, and Minister of State with special responsibility for research Noel Grealish, TD, today announced 5.9 million in research funding under the international strand of the Departments Research Programme.

Recipients attending Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Offices; (back row l to r): Dr Ian Short (Teagasc), Professor Fiona Doohan (University College Dublin), Dr Gary Gillespie (University College Dublin), Dr Samuel Browett (South East Technological University), Professor Alan ORiordan (Tyndall National Institute), Dr Achim Schmalenberger (University of Limerick), Dr Ciaran Hearn (Teagasc); (front row l to r) Dr Mahjabin Siddique (University College Dublin), Dr Tamiris Da Costa (University College Dublin), Dr Adriana Cunha Neves (South East Technological University), Minister of State with special responsibility for research Noel Grealish TD, Dr Yuansong Qiao (Technological University of the Shannon), Dr Aine Macken-Walsh (Teagasc), Dr Laura Boyle (Teagasc), Dr Saorla Kavanagh (Teagasc)

Announcing the awards, Minister Heydon, said: As one of the key funders of research in Ireland, my Department considers international collaboration a priority. Given the complexity of some of the scientific challenges facing our sector, and considering the commonality of these across countries, it makes sense for researchers to collaborate internationally. I am therefore delighted to announce 5.9 million in combined funding which will enable Irish researchers to lead or participate in fourteen projects with partners across the EU and the US. These projects have been successful in three competitive European research calls and the US-Ireland Research and Development Partnership. The Irish researcher participation is made possible due to financial support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. For his part, Minister of State Grealish, said: We have excellent research talent here in Ireland and I am delighted that this has been recognised by the success of the Irish participants in the fourteen projects across these four international research calls. The collaboration and sharing of expertise, resources and ideas will be across a wide range of areas including ICT and data technologies for farmers, bio-circularity, agroecological approaches at farm level, soil health, climate adaptation, crop breeding, and animal health and welfare.
OSAKA - A car rammed into a group of elementary school pupils who were on their way home after school in the city of Osaka on Thursday, leaving seven injured, local police said.

The 28-year-old driver, Yuki Yazawa, was arrested on charges of attempted murder, following the incident. "I was sick of everything. I tried to run over and kill the elementary school pupils," he was quoted by the police as saying.

The pupils were sent to hospital and are conscious, the police said.

According to the city's educational committee, four male pupils and one female student in the second grade, and two male pupils in the third grade were on their way home after lunch on a shortened school day.

Related coverage:

Car crashes into guardrails near Tokyo's Imperial Palace, no injuries

3 die, 10 injured after head-on crash on eastern Japan expressway

Man gets suspended term for auto accident that left girl unconscious
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A recent report by Ofcom, the UKs communications regulator, has revealed the best and worst-performing providers in the broadband, landline, mobile, and pay-TV sectors, based on customer complaints.

The report, which covers the quarter from October to December 2024, shows that while overall complaint levels were slightly lower than the previous quarter, there were notable differences in performance among individual providers.

In the fixed broadband sector, NOW Broadband and TalkTalk received the highest volume of complaints. NOW Broadband saw an increase in complaints compared to the previous quarter, while TalkTalk managed to reduce their complaint numbers. In contrast, Plusnet and Sky were the least complained-about broadband providers.

NOW Broadband also generated the most complaints for landline services, with complaint numbers increasing. Utility Warehouse, however, stood out as the least complained-about landline provider.

For pay-monthly mobile services, O2 received the highest volume of complaints, primarily driven by customer dissatisfaction with how their complaints were handled. On the other end of the spectrum, EE, Sky Mobile, and Tesco Mobile were the least complained-about mobile providers.

In the pay-TV sector, EE and Virgin Media attracted the most complaints. Customers cited issues with changing provider and complaint handling as the main reasons for dissatisfaction with EE, while billing, pricing, and charges were the primary sources of complaints against Virgin Media. Sky and TalkTalk were the least complained about pay-TV providers.

The Ofcom report also noted that, when comparing year-on-year data, the relative volume of complaints has decreased across all four service categories: fixed broadband, landline, pay-monthly mobile, and pay-TV.



https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/service-quality/telecoms-and-pay-tv-complaints

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In a move to enhance user experience with artificial intelligence, Google launched a new update to the Gemini AI app.

According to the company, the update adds an AI-powered image editor that makes it easier to modify photos directly within the app. It reflects the broader trend of bringing AI into everyday tools, giving users new ways to get creative with their images. The new feature began rolling out yesterday.

Gemini users can now edit both AI-generated images and photos uploaded from their devices. The new feature will let you change backgrounds, replace objects, and add new elements to images, offering a toolkit if you're keen on digital artistry or casual photo editing.

"We're rolling out the ability to easily modify both your AI creations and images you upload from your phone or computer," said David Sharon, Group Product Manager for Gemini apps, in its blog announcement.

Google's initiative also introduces an image-based storytelling capability. Users can ask Gemini to create a first draft of a bedtime story about dragons, accompanied by complementary images, encouraging an interactive and illustrative narrative experience.

This update builds on a foundation laid with an AI image editing model that Google tested on the AI Studio platform back in March. The tested model evolved into the public tool now accessible directly within the Gemini app on both Android and iOS devices.

Ethical AI Image Watermarking?

Google also introduced SynthID, a watermarking system designed to address ethical concerns prevalent in the AI community, such as the creation of deepfakes and the removal of watermarks. The system includes an invisible digital watermark added to any image created or modified through Gemini, ensuring that changes made by AI can be tracked. According to Digital Trends, the SynthID watermark does not impact image quality and remains even if the image is cropped or further modified, allowing systems like Google Search to label the image appropriately as AI-generated or edited.

Google plans on adding a visible watermark system soon.

The tech company promises to extend support for more than 45 languages and aims to make it available in most countries soon. As the launch expands, users will gain access to existing image editing models, too.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Brasilia, Brazil, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua)

BRASILIA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday here met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, expressing the willingness to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation.

Lula said that Brazil and China have built strong mutual trust and deepened cooperation across various fields, showing that Brazil's steadfast friendship with China is the right choice and a model for South-South cooperation.

He said that he looks forward to maintaining close high-level exchanges with China, further strengthening economic and trade ties, and expanding the mutually beneficial cooperation in finance, energy and other fields.

China's firm and forceful countermeasures against the "reciprocal tariffs" is admirable, said the Brazilian president, noting that China's just actions have received widespread support while certain country's irresponsible and unilateral practices warrant joint resistance.

Brazil is willing to work with China to advocate free trade, defend international rules, and counter any power overriding international justice, the president added.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Brazil to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for more outcomes in building a China-Brazil community with a shared future.

China will strengthen its cooperation with BRICS and Global South countries, adhere to multilateralism and safeguard international rules, he said. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2nd R) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (3rd L), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Brasilia, Brazil, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua)
Moment famed tree chopped down played to UK court



London, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Mobile phone footage was played to a UK court on Wednesday of the moment one of the country's most famous trees was cut down with a chainsaw, sparking national outrage.

Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, have denied causing criminal damage over the 2023 chopping down of the tree at Sycamore Gap, which had stood for nearly 200 years in a dramatic dip in the ancient landscape next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian's Wall.

Prosecutors at the trial of the two men in Newcastle, northeast England, allege that a two-minute and 41 second video taken from Graham's phone is a recording of the tree being brought down.

The sycamore tree was a symbol of northeastern England and a key attraction photographed by millions of visitors over the years.

It was also used for a scene in the 1991 blockbuster film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" starring Kevin Costner.

The coordinates of where the mobile phone footage was filmed from the video's metadata showed the location to be Sycamore Gap, next to the ancient Roman fortification, a police analyst told the court.

Although the recording was made "in darkness", prosecutor Richard Wright said the video featured "the unmistakable sound of a chainsaw, and a tree falling".

He said a police expert had enhanced the video and although still "extremely dark", what appeared to be the outline of a tree could be made out, initially upright and then on the ground.

Wright told Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday that the pair drove to the site in Graham's Range Rover and felled the tree on September 27, 2023, slicing through the trunk in "a matter of minutes".

"Having completed their moronic mission, the pair got back into the Range Rover and travelled back towards Carlisle" where they lived, he said.

The pair are jointly charged with causing pound622,191 ($832, 821) of criminal damage to the tree and pound1,144 of damage to Hadrian's Wall, which stretches from northwest to northeast England.

The felling triggered intense feelings in Britain and jurors were asked if they had any emotional connection to the much-loved site during the selection process on Monday.
Less-thirsty rice offers hope in drought-stricken Chile



Niquen, Chile, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2025



A cold, dry part of Chile might not sound like the best place to grow rice, a famously thirsty grain that thrives in tropical conditions.

But a new strain of the world's favorite cereal developed by scientists in the drought-plagued South American country has generated hope that rice can be grown in seemingly inhospitable conditions.

Using an innovative planting technique, Javier Munoz has been trialling the "Jaspe" strain created by experts at the Agricultural Research Institute's (INIA) Rice Breeding Program.

It is one of several research efforts worldwide to come up with less resource-hungry crops at a time of increased water scarcity in parts of the world due to global warming.

Using Jaspe in combination with a growing method that requires only intermittent watering cut the Munoz family's water consumption in half in a country that has for generations cultivated rice in flooded fields, or paddies.

At the same time, yields rocketed, with each seed yielding about 30 plants -- nearly 10 times more than a conventional rice field.

Irrigating rather than flooding rice fields "is a historic step... towards the future," Munoz, 25, told AFP at his farm in the Nuble region, a near five-hour drive south from the capital Santiago.

Next year, he said, he hoped to increase his production area from one hectare to five.

Chile's Maule and Nuble regions contain the southernmost rice fields in the world.

Typically grown in wetter, tropical areas, rice cultivation in Chile has been hampered by an unprecedented megadrought, now in its 15th year and driven by climate change, according to scientists.

Each Chilean eats on average 10 kilos (22 pounds) of rice per year -- nearly half of which is grown domestically and 80 percent of that in flooded fields, according to the SRI-Rice research center at Cornell University.

The flooding method, which requires about 2,500 liters (660 gallons) of water per kilo (2.2 pounds) of rice, is used around the world to combat weeds and regulate the temperature around vulnerable seedlings.



- Less methane -



The Jaspe rice strain was obtained by INIA agricultural engineer Karla Cordero and colleagues by crossing a Chilean seed with a Russian one better adapted to cold and dry climates.

The modified seed is then grown using the SRI growing technique developed in Madagascar in the 1980s that involves spacing the seedlings further apart in enriched soil, and watering only sporadically to build a more resilient root system.

Cordero presented the results of nearly 20 years of experimentation -- conducted with backing from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture -- at an International Rice Research Conference in Manila in 2023.

The findings have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, but Chile's Agriculture and Livestock Service, an arm of the agriculture ministry, gave the green light in 2023 for the new strain of long-grain white rice to be rolled out commercially.

Apart from using less water and fewer seeds, the new Jaspe-SRI method also emits less methane, a potent planet-warming gas more famously produced by cows.

Rice cultivation in flooded paddies crawling with microorganisms is responsible for about 10 percent of human-caused methane emissions, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).



- 'Climate-smart' -



Jaspe has proven to be more resistant to storms, floods and heatwaves. "The plants are much more robust, which allows rice to be produced without flooding," Cordero said.

Makiko Taguchi, a rice cultivation expert at the FAO, told AFP the Chilean work amounted to "a promising approach to improving rice production while reducing the environmental impact."

Pointing to similar work being done in Japan, she said: "Obtaining resistant varieties is one of the main ways to increase resilience to climate change."

Cordero said the results suggested the approach could also work in other parts of the world "where large quantities of rice are produced and where there are droughts."

The team hopes to test Jaspe soon in Brazil -- the largest rice producer in the region -- and in other South American countries.

"This is the future," said Munoz. "If we want... food security and care about the environment, this is the way."
CANBERRA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Australia's opposition has released modeling showing that the country's budget deficits would be higher over the next two years but lower in the medium-term if it wins Saturday's election.

The Coalition on Thursday released the costing of its policy platform, revealing that the combined budget deficit for the next two financial years if it wins power would be 7.9 billion Australian dollars (5 billion U.S. dollars) higher than forecast by the governing Labor Party.

The Coalition modeling claims the party would deliver a total deficit 21.8 billion Australian dollars (13.9 billion U.S. dollars) lower than Labor in the following two years for a total deficit over the four-year period 13.9 billion Australian dollars (8.8 billion U.S. dollars) lower than forecast by Labor.

In the same period, it estimated that Australia's net debt would be 40.8 billion Australian dollars (26 billion U.S. dollars) lower under a Coalition government than the incumbent Labor government.

The majority of the Coalition's forecast budget improvement would be delivered through its planned spending cuts.

The conservative party has previously announced a plan to cut 41,000 public service jobs in Canberra by 2030.

According to the modeling released on Thursday, doing so would save the federal budget by 17.2 billion Australian dollars (10.9 billion U.S. dollars) over the next four years.

The party, which is led by alternative Prime Minister Peter Dutton, has also pledged to cut Australia's permanent migrant intake from 185,000 in 2024-25 to 140,000 in 2025-26. The permanent migrant intake would then increase to 150,000 in the following two years then to 160,000 after that.

It said on Thursday that the migration cut would cost the budget 4.2 billion Australian dollars (2.6 billion U.S. dollars) over four years, but that it would be recouped by increasing visa application fees.

The Coalition would also cut Australia's foreign aid budget by 813.5 million Australian dollars (519.7 million U.S. dollars).

New polling published by the Australian branch of Britain-based market research firm YouGov on Thursday found that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor government is on track to win a second term in power.

Updated data published by the Australian Electoral Commission showed that 4.8 million of Australia's 18 million registered voters had cast their ballots at pre-poll locations as of Wednesday and that an additional 1.3 million had returned postal ballots. 
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Agatha Christie is to be resurrected nearly 50 years after her death to teach a writing course for the BBC.

The bestselling mystery writer behind Belgian detective Hercule Poirot began her career in 1916; her works have sold more than two billion copies, including 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections.

She died in 1976, aged 85, leaving behind an imitable legacy for the crime fiction genre.

Aspiring writers will now be able to learn from the legend herself, through the online learning platform, BBC Maestro, using innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The Murder on the Orient Express author will be brought to life with the help of actor Vivien Keen. Christies likeness will be reconstructed using AI-generated images and her voice will be restored through audio recordings.

Experts pored through the writers works and archival interviews to distill her teachings and philosophy on writing, story structure, cast creation, plot twists, red herrings and the art of suspense. The result is that every word spoken by Keene will be Christies own.

The course itself is delivered across 11 videos, each less than 20 minutes long, and costs 79 to purchase. Alternatively, Maestro subscribers can enjoy the class as part of their annual fee, which costs 120, and allows the user access to other courses on a variety of subjects, including writing by other bestsellers such as JoJo Moyes.

open image in gallery Writers image as recreated by AI and a performance by actor Vivien Keene ( BBC Maestro )

The writers great-grandson James Prichard, the chairman and chief executive of Agatha Christie Limited, said: The team of academics and researchers that BBC Maestro has assembled have extracted from a number of her writings an extraordinary array of her views and opinions on how to write.

open image in gallery Agatha Christie remains one of the worlds bestselling authors ( PA Archive )

As a lifelong fan of Agatha Christie, bringing this course to life has been a dream come true, and I am immensely proud of it, said Michael Levine, chief executive of BBC Maestro, which runs online courses and developed Agatha Christie Writing with BBC Studios, the writers estate and a team of experts.

Levine said that the course promises to enable students to learn through her own words, exactly how she does it; her background, her inspirations, her craft and the lessons she learned along the way.
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Martin Scorsese is set to produce a documentary which will feature a series of conversations between the late Pope Francis and the director, as well as the pontiffs last on-camera interview.

Titled Aldeas  A New Story, the documentary is also being produced by the film production company of Scholas Occurrentes, an international non-profit organisation founded by Pope Francis in 2013.

The subject of the documentary is a cinema programme named Aldeas, which will focus on the late popes interest in cinema, education, and community building as not only a means of expression but a path to hope and transformation. The documentary will reportedly show young people in Indonesia, Gambia, and Italy who are part of the programme and their journey making short films.

Through hands-on workshops, communities from around the globe will create scripted short films that celebrate their unique identities, histories, and values, a press release said. The behind-the-scenes stories of these shorts will be interwoven with previously unseen conversations between Pope Francis and Scorsese.

No release date has been announced yet for the documentary.

Aldeas is an extremely poetic and very constructive project because it goes to the roots of what human life is, human sociability, human conflicts  the essence of a lifes journey, Pope Francis said in a statement before his death earlier this month.

Now, more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to one another cross-culturally. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by sharing the stories of who we are, reflected from our personal lives and experiences, said Scorcese.

It helps us understand and value how each of us sees the world. It was important to Pope Francis for people across the globe to exchange ideas with respect while also preserving their cultural identity, and cinema is the best medium to do that.

In 2023, Scorsese announced that he would be making a film on Jesus after he had a meeting with the Pope ( EPA )

In 2016, the Shutter Island director hosted a private screening of his film Silence, adapted from Shusaku Endos 1966 novel about 17th-century Jesuit priests and the persecution of Christian converts in Japan, in Vatican City. The film starred Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Tadanobu Asano, Ciaran Hinds, and Liam Neeson, and was nominated at the Oscars for best cinematography,

In 2023, Scorsese announced that he would be making a film on Jesus after he had a meeting with the Pope.

I have responded to the Popes appeal to artists in the only way I know how: by imagining and writing a screenplay for a film about Jesus, he said at the time. And Im about to start making it.

After Pope Francis death on 21 April, Scorsese paid him tribute, describing him as a remarkable human being.

The loss for me runs deep  I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth. The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished, he said in a statement.
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Alec Baldwins Rust is finally set to land in theaters three and a half years after the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021. However, the film doesnt appear to sit well with critics, many of whom found it to be haunted by Hutchins tragic death.

The Western drama  which will play in a limited capacity at select theaters beginning Friday  follows a recently orphaned 13-year-old boy whose grandfather takes him on a journey to old Mexico after hes been sentenced to death for an accidental killing.

Its a handsome and watchable indie art Western, set in 1882, that turns into a sentimental cross-generational buddy film, Varietys Owen Gleiberman wrote. Yet I cant say that the movie, in the end, is especially good. Its got a bare-bones plot, it lopes along more than it takes wing, and for no good reason its two hours and 19 minutes long.

Gleiberman, however, found Hutchins dusk-and-sunset cinematography, abetted by the work of Bianca Cline to be the best thing about Rust.

The Guardians Jesse Hassenger felt similarly, hailing Hutchins as the movies saving grace.

Without her work, it wouldnt be worth a look at all, he said in his two-star review, adding that otherwise, Rust felt ghoulish in addition to dull.

Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' ( YouTube )

USA Todays Brian Truitt agreed. Where Rust stands out is in its look, a gorgeously shot production with an emphasis on contrasts and dark colors thats a testament to the talents of Hutchins and fellow cinematographer Bianca Cline, he argued, adding that storywise, its a solid if overlong tale of family and redemption  fans of Yellowstone or Horizon will find stuff to love.

Is it a good movie? That depends on your definition of good, I suppose, TheWraps William Bibbiani shared, saying its hard to celebrate any production where such an unthinkable, avoidable event took place.

The resonance of Rust doesnt emanate entirely from its story, he continued. Rusts sadness, guilt and grief are amplified by the unfortunate fact of the films own existence, the tragedy that took place mid-production. Lets be clear: that cannot make it better. The very implication is ghoulish. But it does have an impact, and it leaves the film with an aura thats inexorably grim.

The film is competently made and absorbing at times, Lovia Gyarkye wrote for The Hollywood Reporter, but theres a workaday quality that slows its momentum. Its a handsomely made project, but a story about such a complicated set of characters should make us feel more strongly, and Rust struggles to accomplish that.

Rusts forthcoming release follows a turbulent few years for its star Baldwin, who was dismissed of involuntary manslaughter charges for the accidental shooting of Hutchins.

In October 2021, Baldwin discharged a prop gun while practicing a gun-drawing technique on the set in New Mexico. The gun fired a live round that ended up killing Hutchins and striking the director Joel Souza in the shoulder.

Baldwin, 67, whos maintained that he pulled back the hammer, but not the trigger, was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2023, along with armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. The actor was ultimately dismissed of his charges. However, Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.
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A Simple Favour, released back in 2018, turned out to be the ideal lockdown film come 2020. It summoned high glamour and high drama in the same domestic settings everyone found themselves stuck in, as mommy vlogger Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) became embroiled in the Gone Girl-esque faked death of Emily Nelson (Blake Lively), with one martini consumed for every ludicrous plot twist.

While it did well during its theatrical release, it became a downright sensation on Prime Video during the pandemic, leading Amazon to the natural conclusion that it needed a sequel tout de suite, despite its director Paul Feig (of Bridesmaids and Spy fame) having never indulged in one before. And, really, a film about two women  one the perky naif and the other the elusive seductress  revealing so many secrets that they become borderline unrecognisable to each other doesnt naturally lend itself to more plot. Theres also the small matter of Emily being in jail.

Yet returning writer Jessica Sharzer, and new co-writer Laeta Kalogridis, have responded simply by acknowledging that unnaturalness and leaning so far into absurdity that their sequel, succinctly named Another Simple Favour, threatens to topple headfirst over the railings. Its noticeably less sharp, dark, and sexy, but also far more giddily camp than what came before. That makes it prime material, really, for a straight-to-streaming release. The narrative turns are wild, but plainly laid out, while its storyline conveniently requires Stephanie and Emily to pack their bags and head to the luxurious island of Capri.

Stephanie, in the aftermath of her tussle with convicted murderer Emily, has pivoted from mommy vlogger to mommy-slash-true-crime vlogger, and is currently on the circuit promoting her new book about her experiences, The Faceless Blonde. Emily crashes one of her bookstore signings in a prison-stripe suit and announces shes freshly out of the clink and about to get married. Shed love  nay, compels via blackmail  Stephanie to be her bridesmaid. Is it all an elaborate trap to enact her vengeance and chuck her body over a cliff? Maybe! Whatever happens, itll make a good sequel to the book.

Theres a bit of mafia action thanks to Emilys fiancee, Dante (Michele Morrone), and some borderline Italian giallo chicanery with gloves, murders, and family secrets. Emilys mother (Elizabeth Perkins, replacing Jean Smart), aunt Linda (Allison Janney), and ex-husband Sean (Henry Golding) all have a part to play. Feigs always been generous with his actors, most especially his actresses. His women have been given the freedom to be remorselessly nasty yet somehow wholesome, with Emilys favourite aside to Stephanie (brotherf***er), here delivered with the enthusiasm of a bear hug.

Lively, especially, has found the perfect angle with Emily. Shes a delightful creation, taking all that languorous, cool girl inflection of hers and poisoning it with little more than a well-placed smirk or the cock of her head. Shes careful to never overplay a scene, knowing that Renee Ehrlich Kalfuss costumes do so much of the talking. Emilys appearance in an oversized straw hat drew gasps from the audience. Theres a blood-red trim to her wedding dresss veil, while, in another scene, she rocks up in a full-blown Al Capone look. These are costumes you simultaneously laugh at and envy.

A delightful creation: Blake Lively in Another Simple Favour ( Prime Video )

Certainly, theres a sense that Another Simple Favour is short-changing its own material. Sharzer and Kalogridis float a critique of the true crime industrial complex past our eyes, only to pull their punches at the crucial moment. But, clearly, Another Simple Favour has no aspirations beyond being a quick morsel. And a morsel it is.

Dir: Paul Feig. Starring: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, Henry Golding, Allison Janney. Cert 15, 120 minutes.

Another Simple Favour streams on Prime Video from 1 May
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Ryan Coogler, director of the forthcoming X Files reboot, has confirmed he has spoken to Gillian Anderson, the shows original lead.

The 38-year-old Black Panther director has just celebrated the release of his new horror film, Sinners, starring Michael B Jordan. Coogler said he was looking forward to turning his attention back to the series, which is immediately next on his slate.

Ive been excited about that for a long time and Im fired up to get back to it, he said on the Last Podcast on the Left. Some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really f***ing scary.

The original show ran for nine seasons between 1993 and 2002 (and two revived seasons in 2016), and followed FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate paranormal phenomena.

Coogler confirmed he had spoken with Anderson about the show as she was finishing off work on the forthcoming science-fiction movie,Tron: Ares.

Shes incredible and fingers crossed there, he said. Were going to try to make something really great, bro, and make something for the real X-Files fans and maybe find some new ones.

News of the reboot was confirmed in 2023, although the shows creator, Chris Carter, had suggested at the time that Duchovny and Anderson would not return.

open image in gallery Coogler said he had spoken to Anderson about the shows reboot ( Getty )

Last year, Carter revealed that the shows producers had originally been hesitant to recruit Anderson, as she did not fit their idea of sexy. She subsequently went on to become a firm fan favourite.

Carter was asked Where is the sex appeal? about The Crown actor.

Even though Gillians beautiful, she wasnt their idea of sexy, he explained. First, because they didnt understand what I was trying to do with the show. And she was an unknown, so that never helps.

open image in gallery Anderson starred as FBI Agent Dana Scully in the popular series ( FOX )

Anderson was eventually cast as Agent Scully and the shows success ignited her acting career, which has seen her land roles in Netflixs The Crown, Sex Education, and the BBC drama series The Fall.

She previously opened up about the network disagreeing with her casting.

All these other actresses from the theatre community in New York were being flown in because I wasnt good enough for The X Files, she said on the NPR podcast Fresh Air. So I was auditioning suddenly with Jill Hennessy and Cynthia Nixon. Anyway, eventually I ended up getting the job.
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Good Morning Britain viewers watched on as Susanna Reid clashed with her co-host Ed Balls in a debate over fly-tipping.

On Wednesday (1 May), Reid introduced a discussion on the subject after ministers warned the issue is soaring with more than 1.1 million fly-tipping incidents in England each year.

Lets talk about something that is very relevant and may even unite the panel here, she said, sharing her view on how to improve the situation.

I think bins on streets. When you come out of schools for instance and youve got loads of children and theyve been to the shop and they have loads of rubbish, where do they put the rubbish? I dont mind if they put it in my bin.

Reid grew increasingly frustrated as Balls kept interjecting, and added: Ed doesnt agree with me, and Im really confused why this is a debate.

Balls chimed in: I dont think everybody can have two bins, one in their house and then one on the street.

Reid attempted to explain how the proposed setup would work, but Balls continued to disagree with the idea, replying: You wouldnt let [people] come onto your property and put rubbish in your bin. Would you put a sign up saying, Bin available? You dont do that.

Viewers couldnt help but notice that the pairs debate got more heated than usual and, in a rare instance, they continually spoke over each other to get their points heard.

What a racket, one viewer at home wrote on X/Twitter in response to the debate, with another, bemused by their interaction, asking: Whats going on?

GMB hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid clashed ( ITV )

New measures are being introduced to prevent the increase in fly-tipping. Those caught doing it will have their cars and vans seized and crushed under a new crackdown, with drones and mobile CCTV vans deployed to identify vehicles used to dump waste.

Those responsible for fly-tipping will also face up to five years in prison under new legislation.

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
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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.

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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FXs Emmy-winning drama series Shogun has confirmed key production and cast details for its highly anticipated second season.

The big-budget samurai show became one of 2024s most-watched programmes, with particular praise heaped upon its lead stars Hiroyuki Sanada, 64, and Anna Sawai, 32.

Upon its release, creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks said Shogun  an adaptation of James Clavells 1975 novel  was designed as a limited series, meaning it would not be continuing beyond its 10 episodes.

To the delight of fans, though, this decision has been reversed and production for season two of the show is set to start in Vancouver in January 2026.

The U-turn has been largely credited to the series history-making win of 18 Emmy awards. Meanwhile, Sanada pledged he would reprise his role as Lord Yoshii Toranaga should the show be renewed.

Cosmo Jarvis, 35, who plays English pilot John Blackthorne, is confirmed to be returning to the Shogun cast alongside Sanada. Both stars will also act as executive producers on season two of the show.

Shoguns second instalment will be set 10 years on from season one and will be a wholly original new chapter away from Clavells novel, co-creators Kondo and Marks have said.

open image in gallery Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga in Shogun ( AP )

Season one saw Lord Toranaga meet John Blackthorne after his European ship became marooned in a nearby village during a Japanese civil war.

FX said the second series continues the historically-inspired saga of these two men from different worlds whose fates are inextricably entwined, per Deadline.

Last September, FX chairman John Landgraf told the publication that  regardless of viewer appetite  there are no plans to film season two and season three of back to back in January.

I dont know that were certain there will [be] three seasons, he revealed.

open image in gallery Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne in Shogun ( AP )

But in really looking at the characters in the history thats being depicted here, albeit in a fictionalized manner, it still feels to us like three is the right number of seasons to really do it justice.

Some Shogun fans have remained skeptical about the need for a second season of the show. Conflicted #Shogun DOES NOT need a second season! It was a PERFECT 10 episode limited series. A masterpiece, one person wrote on X/Twitter after Sanada pledged to return last year.

An additional fan stated: Should just leave it as a limited series, continuing will take away the compliment on how good it really was.
JERUSALEM, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said it launched two drone strikes on Thursday in southern Lebanon, killing two Hezbollah militants, including a member of the group's elite Radwan Force.

In a statement, the military said the first strike targeted a Hezbollah operative in Mays El Jabal who was "operating in the area of the border and gathering intelligence for Hezbollah," and the second strike killed a Radwan Force fighter in the same area.

It did not name the dead but released aerial footage showing drones striking a parked vehicle and another moving car in which the Radwan fighter was allegedly sitting.

Earlier in the day, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said in a statement that one Lebanese and two Syrians were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Mays El Jabal.

Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France has been in effect between Hezbollah and Israel, bringing an end to more than a year of clashes triggered by the conflict in Gaza.

Despite the truce, the Israeli army continues to carry out near-daily strikes in Lebanon, claiming to be targeting Hezbollah "threats." It has also maintained its presence on five hilltops along the Lebanese border, in violation of the agreement. 
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The 2025 Met Gala will welcome back influencer Emma Chamberlain as its red carpet special correspondent.

She joins Teyana Taylor, Saturday Night Lives Ego Nwodim, and TV star La La Anthony as hosts of the red carpet on Monday in support of the forthcoming spring exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

Chamberlain is responsible for the short interviews with guests before they walk the carpeted steps into the glamour-steeped event.

This will be her fifth year hosting the carpet.

Two years ago, the 23-year-old content creator, who first launched her career on YouTube, marked a significant moment in pop culture when she burst out laughing after Jack Harlow cheekily bid her adieu by saying, Love ya, before the 2022 In American: An Anthology of Fashion celebration. The interaction spawned several memes and praise from at-home viewers, resulting in the two A-listers' highly anticipated reunion the following year. Chamberlains been a Met Gala mainstay ever since.

open image in gallery Emma Chamberlain, 23, was named as Vogues returning Met Gala red carpet livestream hosts ahead of the annual event on May 5 ( Getty )

So, who exactly is influencer Emma Chamberlain?

Born in San Bruno, California, Chamberlain is an entrepreneur, podcaster, vlogger, influencer, and fashion ambassador. She has over 14.89 million followers on Instagram and 12 million subscribers on YouTube.

Chamberlain launched her career on YouTube in 2016 when she was only 16. Her weekly, sometimes more frequent, videos are both laid-back and chaotic. While Chamberlains early posts gave people a raw, unfiltered look at her day-to-day as a West Coast teenager, they now range from relaxed, random trips to the farmers market in Los Angeles with her dad to running around Paris Fashion Week with her stylist and best friend, Jared Ellner.

open image in gallery Chamberlain is an entrepreneur, podcaster, vlogger, influencer, and fashion ambassador rolled into one with a following count of 26.89 million ( Getty Images )

About a year after she started posting on YouTube, Chamberlain had enough subscribers to justify dropping out of high school for a full-time content creation career. She subsequently shared a video to explain her decision to leave formal education, noting that she had also been battling depression and was only really going to school three times a week before anyway.

In 2024, she received her high school diploma after she passed the California High School Proficiency Exam. I got my high school diploma, she wrote on Instagram next to a carousel of photos of her in a cap and gown.

While she may have left school to focus solely on her YouTube career, shes since launched several projects, partnerships, and business ventures.

Chamberlain started her own coffee company, Chamberlain Coffee, in December 2019. At first, the company was mail-order only, but it has now expanded to include inventory at major retailers such as Target and Whole Foods. Her products include canned lattes, coffee beans, matcha, tumbler cups, tote bags, and even candles.

The creator rang in the new year with the opening of her flagship, brick-and-mortar Chamberlain Coffee shop in Los Angeless Westfield Century City Mall.

Her podcast, Anything Goes, was released in February 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Episodes, which come out twice a week (Thursday and Sunday), take a deep dive into a range of topics from mental health to philosophy. Special guests have included Kendall Jenner and Rainn Wilson. The first official guest she interviewed was none other than the podcast queen herself, Alex Cooper.

On top of her businesses, Chamberlain has partnered with a string of high-fashion and accessory brands as the face of their seasonal campaigns. The list includes Miu Miu, Warby Parker, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Lancome.
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In the grey skies above the city of Salford, Zeus, Hera and Hermes recline, playing with the fates of the mortals living below. Powerless to their might, a band of Olympians defy their commands, wrestling to regain control of their freedom and their lives. The message of Gods of Salford  an original play thats just been staged in Manchester  is blunt. Its meant to be. This was a production that didnt at all shy away from its working-class origins.

It was also the product of 25 young, first-time actors from working-class backgrounds, who were tasked with reimagining tales from Greek mythology as raucous testaments to class-driven defiance. The play came about between Salfords Lowry Theatre, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the not-for-profit Not Too Tame, which has long incorporated working-class people and culture into the fabric of its being.

It shows people what Salfords made of and to remember us, the plays director Jimmy Fairhurst tells me. Were not something small. Were here, were big, were bold, were northern, and thats what the shows all about.

The approach feels timely, too, in the wake of the Netflix sensation Adolescence, which followed a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. Actor Stephen Graham, who also co-created the series, discovered its young star, Owen Cooper, through an intentional auditioning process that targeted working-class communities in the north. Cooper, who lived on a Warrington council estate at the time of his audition, is soon set to star in Emerald Fennells adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Graham calls the young actors success the shows greatest achievement.

Coopers rise to fame is unusual, though, with the current landscape in British acting relatively bleak when it comes to working-class talent. A study last year found that working-class representation in the TV and film industry has plummeted to its lowest level in a decade, with only 8 per cent self-identifying as from that background.

Fairhurst, who also plays Hermes in the production, is only too aware of that fact. Describing himself as a modern-day Billy Elliot, Fairhurst says it took years for him to overcome doubts about his ability  or his right  to pursue a career in TV and theatre. It was a big hurdle to overcome, he says. If youre from a certain background and your parents arent headmistresses or prime ministers, youre told Dont make a fuss.

open image in gallery Gods of Salford starred 25 young working-class talents ( Patch Dolan Photography )

It was something felt in each of the young people cast in the show as well, adds Jenny Riding, director of learning and engagement at the Lowry. Giving themselves permission has been a massive challenge for the actors, she says, adding that the young stars have often struggled with feelings of self-sabotage.

As a response, Riding, Fairhurst, and their team have developed a person-centred approach that puts the needs of young performers at the forefront. Each part of the process takes into account their sensitivities, with several individuals overcoming complex life circumstances such as mental health, homelessness and foster care, to make it to the stage. Support that is offered includes things as simple as the use of fidget spinners in rehearsals  which have helped performers with conditions including anxiety or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)  to transport help for those unable to afford it. More often than not, though, what is most provided is a sense of hope.

Sometimes, because they dont feel that theyre worth it, it can feel easier to quit and leave than it is to be told that youve failed again, Fairhurst says. This is where the pastoral care side of it comes in. In a professional setting they might have lost their chance, but we reconnect with them and give them some support and encouragement and help get them back in the room.

open image in gallery The production is a collaboration between Lowry Theatre and charity Not Too Tame ( Patch Dolan Photography )

He continues: There is an untapped scene on the coalface of culture, and that is because working-class people dont consider themselves or dont believe that they are artists, says Fairhurst. Theres a bloke down the road from me who passed away and there were boxes of poetry under his bed. No one knew. And all these people go, Oh thats not for me, or the likes of me, and I think theres something [important] about us going, no it is. If you dont hear your voices or see your stories, how do you know that youre relevant? How do you know youve got a voice?

Hes seen the promise of this first hand. A 55-year-old friend of his, a joiner by trade, found his first job in the media via a set-building company that provides props for TV and film. Its proof, Fairhurst adds, that its never too late to change your life.

For 19-year-old Callum, who lives in supported accommodation, the change has been immediate. He first came across the Lowry through a scheme that provided those at risk of homelessness with free theatre tickets (in addition to other support). I came to a show called My Beautiful Laundrette and I met Jenny for the first time at the doors, he says. I was talking about how good the show was and asked who I would talk to about actually getting on stage. I said, one day Im gonna be on that stage and now a year later, I am on that stage. Currently, he dreams of one day starring in Coronation Street.

Sixteen-year-old Alesha adds that she and the rest of the actors working in the company cant help but bring their own experiences of resilience and strength to the stage. I grew up with a lot of bullying as someone who is Black and plus-size, she says. Its been really hard to deal with that. I guess coming into these rehearsals I was worried that I wouldnt fit in  but its diverse and theyve looked after me.

open image in gallery The play reimagines Greek mythology as raucous tales of working-class defiance ( Patch Dolan Photography )

Its like being with your friends, explains 19-year-old Nia, who came to the Lowry through a programme for young carers. This is one of the best groups Ive worked with.

The groups choice to use Greek myths as the medium to channel their message was also intentional. Power struggles and this idea of class really permeates all of it, says Riding. [Characters] with power make decisions  without much understanding of how it affects the people at the bottom of the pile.

But beyond the contents of the work itself, Not Too Tame is underpinned by something far more primal, and something felt by anyone who considers themselves an artist: the desire to make a mark.

My brother wrote the song at the end of the performance, says Fairhurst, choking up. The group belted it out in rehearsals. They were looking at each other and crying, but they were also singing it to Media City from the balcony with tears in their eyes, and they were just repeating it: Remember, remember, remember my name.
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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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A celebrity hairdresser, bedridden with Crohn's disease, describes feeling "blessed by angels"after a member of a Middle Eastern royal family offered her a five-figure sum to colour the hair of five princesses.

Catherine Boden, a 42-year-old colourist from Oldham, is known for her signature "Hollywood Colour Blend" technique.

She had cultivated an impressive client list over her 20-year career, including actors Michelle Keegan, Helen Flanagan, and Kym Marsh.

However, in June 2024, a severe Crohn's disease flare-up, the first in a decade, forced her to stop working for six months.

Ms Boden, who boasts 60,000 Instagram followers, feared for her business.

But as the year drew to a close, a life-changing phone call from a Middle Eastern princess offered a glimmer of hope, requesting Ms Boden fly overseas for a royal appointment.

open image in gallery Ms Boden has recently opened a new salon in Cheshire

I got a call and she said Ive followed you for four years. It was one of the princesses, Ms Boden said.

Now, Ms Boden travels to the Middle East every month or two, accompanied by a salon assistant and her 10-year-old son, Max, to style the princesses and their mother.

Now, with her salon flourishing, she is focussed on the future, grateful for the unexpected opportunity that saved her career.

Ms Bodens career began at Toni & Guy in Manchester, but she almost abandoned hairdressing in her 20s due to dermatitis, a reaction to hair-washing products.

open image in gallery Inside Ms Bodens luxurious new salon

During this time, she trained as a makeup artist, specialising in bridal hair and makeup.

Upon recovery, she returned to colouring, opening a small salon in her mother's garage, eventually building her reputation and clientele to its current celebrity status.

Inspired by the colour theory she had learned as a make-up artist, Ms Boden developed and trademarked Hollywood Colour Blend  a technique similar to balayage which involves bleaching hair then applying a range of dyes to create a natural-looking multi-tonal look that needs to be redone only around every six months  and began charging 250 per appointment in 2010.

Over the next few years, word spread about her expertise and wealthy clients began to fly in from all over the world.

open image in gallery Ms Boden is put up in five-star hotels when she travels to Dubai for work

She was able to raise her prices to between 400 and 500 per appointment and opened her first standalone salon in 2016.

She coloured the hair of celebrities including pop star Tulisa and Coronation Street stars Helen Flanagan and Lucy-Jo Hudson.

She also became the go-to colourist for many of the WAGs of Manchester, including Michelle De Bruyne, wife of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Fodens fiancee Rebecca Cooke.

Business continued to boom and Ms Boden hired a friend to manage a second salon in Ashley, Cheshire, but when the pandemic hit and lockdown rules meant neither salon could operate, Ms Boden decided to close the Ashley site permanently and bring all her staff under one roof, upsizing again in 2023 to a converted farmhouse in the Cheshire countryside.

open image in gallery Ms Bodens son Max, who travels with her to the Middle East, enjoys the lavish food and accommodation

The following year, she had a dream come true moment when she coloured actor Michelle Keegans hair for the National Television Awards.

Ms Boden suffered a huge flare-up of Crohns disease for the first time in a decade starting in June 2024.

Inflammation in her colon, bleeding, and pain like childbirth left her bed-bound.

She had to visit hospital every eight weeks to receive a drug infusion which produced crazy side effects.

open image in gallery Ms Boden has to go to hospital every eight weeks to receive treatment for Crohn's disease but is now symptom-free

You put on loads of fluid weight, you cant stop eating because your appetite goes through the roof and you cant sleep because of the steroids, she said.

(The doctors) dont know how long Ive got on these drugs because they never know when your bodys going to reject them or build antibodies.

The mother of one was unable to work for six months as a result, and her salon business was going further and further into debt.

But towards the end of the year, Ms Boden received a life-changing phone call from a Middle Eastern princess  Ms Boden asked that their country not be named  asking her to fly over for work.

open image in gallery Ms Boden travels to the Middle East every month or two to colour the hair of the princesses

The princess offered to fly Ms Boden out to the Middle East, business class, all expenses paid, plus a massive fee to go and do their hair.

Determined to save her ailing company, Ms Boden agreed to travel to Dubai for her first royal appointment, despite still being severely ill.

I ended up in hospital because I was that poorly, but I needed to go and get that money for the next months rent, she said.

I was literally wheelchaired through Manchester Airport because I couldnt walk. But I was saved. I didnt have to close the business down.

open image in gallery Ms Boden coloured Michelle Keegan's hair for the National Television Awards

When she travels to the Middle East, there is a hair salon in the palace, a massive banquet is laid on each time and she is provided with five-star hotel accommodation.

Because they know Ive got Crohns disease, they put me up in a wellness retreat spa, where they do fresh juices every morning for me, she said.

They properly look after me. Thank god Ive been blessed by angels.

At the moment, she is symptom-free and feeling optimistic despite the many setbacks of the last few years.
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A London-based couple has shared their unconventional path to parenthood, celebrating the "Colombian fairy godmothers" who helped them have three children through surrogacy.

Shaun Thomas, a 36-year-old pharmacist, and his partner, 40-year-old banker Paul Brennan, found the UK surrogacy process daunting and expensive. Determined to start a family during the pandemic, they explored options abroad.

The couple's research led them to Colombia, drawn by its affordability, ethical practices, and "high class egg donors," they said. Despite the language barrier, they forged strong connections with the women who carried their children. Their twins, Margot and Tomas, are now two years old, and their youngest, Rian, is nine months old.

Reflecting on their experience, Thomas and Brennan expressed gratitude for the Colombian women who made their family possible. They are now encouraging their children to learn Spanish to connect with their heritage.

Thomas also offers guidance to other prospective parents navigating the complexities of international surrogacy through his website and consultancy service, The Surrogacy Father.

open image in gallery Shaun and Paul decided to start a family during the pandemic ( Patty Gambini Photography/PA Real Life )

He and Brennan initially found the UK surrogacy system challenging, particularly the legal landscape and financial burden, and discovered that many others seeking surrogates turn to private online groups. Their journey saw them to consider various countries, including the US, Cyprus, and Canada, before settling on Colombia in 2022.

Shaun told PA Real Life: You have to be very careful (using the Facebook groups), its almost like an underground operation.

Its not regulated and there can be so much misinformation.

You see other people finding their surrogates on there and it makes you question yourself to think why havent we been picked?.

It can be a really lovely thing for other people but trying to find a surrogate is a very tricky thing.

During the pandemic, Shaun and Paul began re-evaluating (their) lives and decided to start researching their options for becoming parents.

They chose the surrogacy route as they liked the idea of having a biological connection to their children.

However, after consulting friends with surrogate children and lawyers and conducting their own research, they realised that surrogacy in the UK would be a challenging and long process.

According to the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985, it is illegal in the UK to advertise for a surrogate or to arrange a surrogacy agreement for commercial gain.

Non-profit organisations can support intended parents and surrogates but any agreement made is not legally enforceable.

open image in gallery Shaun found the UK's surrogacy system 'tricky' ( Patty Gambini Photography/PA Real Life )

Shaun explained: To join one of the not-for-profit organisations, youd pay around 1,000 as a joining fee and they dont match you with potential surrogates.

We, like a lot of people, were hoping to meet a best friend who would also agree to be our surrogate but we thought that would take two to four years just to find one surrogate when we wanted more than one child.

These issues have led to the popularity of Facebook groups where parents hope to meet a surrogate.

Shaun joined one of these groups and discovered it hosted casual meet-ups between surrogates and intended parents but found it felt a little artificial.

Because of the law, when posting in there, members must not be too explicit on what they are looking for to avoid advertising themselves.

If a surrogate is found, in the UK, the potential obstacles dont stop there.

At birth, the surrogate is the childs legal parent, and if the surrogate is married or in a civil partnership, her spouse is usually the second legal parent unless they dont consent.

Legal parenthood can only be transferred through a parental order or adoption, with the courts intervening if disputes arise, based on the childs best interests.

He said: In an ideal world we would have had a UK surrogate journey for so many reasons  the language, the logistics, and having an even longer bond with the surrogate.

They explored other options, such as the US, but found it would cost between 145,000 and 200,000 for one child.

A friend also suggested Kenya, but they felt it was not appropriate for (them) as a same-sex couple.

While continuing their search online, the couple discovered Colombia as a potential surrogacy option, costing around 50,000 per child, and were intrigued having both visited the country on holiday.

After their lawyer confirmed it was a regulated and welcoming destination for same-sex couples, they connected with agencies, lawyers and parents, finding it met all their criteria with affordable, ethical services and high-quality egg donors.

In 2022, they decided to go ahead.

Shaun and Paul used the same egg donor, with half of the eggs fertilised by Shaun and the other half by Paul to create embryos.

Each set of embryos was transferred to a different surrogate, with their menstrual cycles synchronised to enable transfers on the same day.

This method aimed to replicate a twin pregnancy, and both transfers were successful.

Shaun said: We just felt so lucky that it took the first time, we couldnt believe it and were very excited.

The only cons Shaun and Paul encountered during the pregnancy was the time difference and language barrier between them and the surrogates.

Shaun said they were kept informed of all scans and appointments and they flew out for the 20-week scan to meet the surrogates again before the birth.

Both babies were due on the same date, but Margot, conceived using Shauns sperm, was born six days earlier than Tomas, who was conceived using Pauls sperm.

It was a whimsical experience and no matter how much you read about becoming parents, its still brand new to you, Shaun said.

Its a magical thing.

open image in gallery Shaun and Paul decided to have their children via surrogacy in Colombia ( Patty Gambini Photography/PA Real Life )

Paul took six weeks of paternity leave, while Shaun took a year off to look after the children.

In 2023, Shaun and Paul had three embryos remaining and felt they owed it to themselves to attempt further transfers.

The first transfer failed, the second ended in miscarriage, but the third, using Pauls sperm, was successful.

Their son, Rian, was born in July 2024.

Shaun said: We felt like the luckiest people in the world and we just experience so much joy with having our children.

Since then, they have remained in contact with the surrogates and have books that explain to their children they were born through surrogacy.

Shaun said: We see the surrogates as Colombian fairy godmothers, but theyll always be part of our lives, because if it wasnt for them, we wouldnt have our children.

As their egg donor was Colombian, the children are half Colombian, and Margot and Tomas are bilingual in Spanish and English to give them as much opportunity to explore their roots when they are older.

Shaun has also launched a website and social channels, The Surrogacy Father, to support others exploring surrogacy and is an independent international surrogacy consultant.

To further help prospective parents, Shaun will be speaking at Growing Families UK/EU Surrogacy and Donor Conception Conference on May 10 in London. For more information, visit: www.growingfamilies.org/london-event-2025.
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Restauranteur Keith McNally is reflecting back on his heated interaction with James Corden three years ago.

In 2022, the 73-year-old, who owns three of New Yorks mainstay brasseries, wound up banning the 46-year-old comedian from his restaurant, Balthazar, after Corden supposedly made a female server cry. Following their confrontation, McNally called out Corden on Instagram for his obnoxious behavior.

Though, at the time, McNally was adamant about criticizing Corden publicly, hes now admitted his reasons for doing so were unethical.

In an audio excerpt obtained by People magazine from his new memoir, I Regret Almost Everything, the food connoisseur said he wasnt necessarily sharing his thoughts online out of respect for his staff. In fact, he was mostly trying to help grow his business social media presence.

By exposing Cordens abuse, it appeared as though I was defending a principle, when all I was doing was seeking the approval of my young Balthazar staff, he wrote.

Corden called me four times the day the (Instagram) post came out, each time asking me to please delete it. On the last call he sounded desperate, McNally recalled. Relishing my hold over someone so famous, I told him I wouldnt delete it. Like a little dictator, I was intoxicated with the power Id received.

Keith McNally reflects on his actions after banning James Corden from his New York City restaurant in 2022 ( Getty )

For someone whos hyperconscious of humiliation since suffering a stroke, it now seems monstrous that I didnt consider the humiliation I was subjecting Corden to, he continued. Especially as I hadnt personally seen the incident I so vividly described on Instagram.

According to People, McNally also referred to Corden as a gift from heaven at one point in his new book  a stark 180 from his previous public comments attacking the actor-comedians behavior.

James Corden is a Hugely gifted comedian, but a tiny Cretin of a man. And the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers since the restaurant opened 25 years ago, he wrote on Instagram in October 2022.

I don't often 86 a customer, to today I 86'd Corden. It did not make me laugh.

McNally then went on to recount two incidents that, he claimed, had been reported to him by a manager at Balthazar.

The first report claimed Corden showed one manager a hair hed found in his food. Corden was extremely nasty and said, Get us another round of drinks this second. And also take care of all our drinks so far, the report read.

The second detailed a time when Corden was at Balthazar with his wife for brunch.

A few minutes after they received the food, James called their server, M. K. and told her there was a little bit of egg white mixed with the egg yolk. M. K. informed the floor manager, G. The kitchen remade the dish but unfortunately sent it with home fries instead of salad, the report said. That's when James Corden began yelling like crazy to the server: You can't do your job! You can't do your job! Maybe I should go into the kitchen and cook the omelette myself!

The report claimed Corden was pleasant to the manager but nasty to the server.

Shortly after his mid-day sit-down at Balthazar, Corden apologized for some of his behavior that got him banned and unbanned from the establishment during an episode of The Late Late Show.

He specifically expressed remorse for his comment about making the omelette himself.

It is a comment I deeply regret. I understand the difficulties of being a server, Ive worked shifts at restaurants for years, I have such respect for anyone who does that job, Corden said.

I didnt shout or scream. I didnt get up out of my seat. I didnt call anyone names or use derogatory language, he continued. I have been walking around thinking that I hadnt done anything wrong, right? But the truth is I have. I made a rude comment, and it was wrong. It was an unnecessary comment. It was ungracious to the server.
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Robert De Niro has shared his love and support for daughter Airyn, who has come out as transgender.

The Oscar-winning star of The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull shared a statement after Airyn opened up about her transition in a new interview.

Airyn, who started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) last November, said that seeing trans women be honest and open online made her realise it wasnt too late for her.

HRT is an important part of the transition process for many trans people and involves the administration of hormones to align a persons physical characteristics with their gender identity.

I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter, De Niro told Deadline in response.

He continued: I dont know what the big deal is. I love all my children.

De Niro, 81, welcomed Airyn and her twin brother Julian in1995 with his ex-partner, model Toukie Smith.

In a new interview with Them, Airyn said she wanted to publicly address her transition as she feels she hasnt been seen yet.

She also revealed that, when she attends gatherings with her fathers side of the family, they often speak about how happy her father was when he was in a relationship with her mother.

Airyn, Robert De Niros daughter, has come out as transgender ( Instagram/Getty )

It was these conversations that made Airyn want to be perceived in the same way her mother is.

Whether its just turning on the charm or not putting on a mask, but wanting to be feminine in a way thats inviting and warm and welcoming, she said.

Addressing her Hollywood actor father, Airyn said that she doesnt see herself as a nepo baby.

I wasnt brought up having a side part in one of dads movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres, she said. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.

Earlier this week, at an event celebrating Francis Ford Coppola, De Niro jokingly thanked the director for not casting him in The Godfather as Sonny, the role played by James Caan, as it freed him up to play the young version of Brandos character in the 1978 sequel.

The star, who went on to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role, described it as the best job I ever, never got.
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A Texas man has been arrested after setting three separate fires, one of which was at a childrens daycare, and another that killed an elderly couple.

John Howard Ore, 36, of Denton, now faces four arson charges, following an investigation into the deaths of 103-year-old Dante Bassi and 83-year-old Marilyn Bradley-Bassi in December.

According to the Denton Police Department, the three incidents occurred over a month from December 17 to January 21.

The first fire occurred around 3 a.m. on Dec. 17 at a restaurant, which resulted in significant fire damage to the building but no injuries.

Denton Fire Department responded to another fire the next day at 10:54 p.m. at Houston Place. Firefighters rescued the two victims, later identified as the Bassis, from the home, but the couple later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

open image in gallery John Howard Ore, 36, of Denton, faces four arson charges, following an investigation into the deaths of 103-year-old Dante Bassi and 83-year-old Marilyn Bradley-Bassi in December. Detectives allege he also set fires at a restaurant and at a daycare ( Denton County Jail )

Just over a month later, on January 21, the fire department extinguished a fire at a local daycare, with no injuries recorded.

Surveillance footage showed a man breaking a window with a stone, spraying a liquid through the window, and igniting a small fire in the building.

Evidence collected by authorities from each location showed that the fires were started in similar ways. Additional footage and other evidence led investigators to identify Ore as the suspect in all three arsons.

open image in gallery Evidence collected by authorities at three locations in Texas showed that the fires were started in similar manners. Additional footage and other evidence led investigators to identifying Ore as the suspect in all three arsons ( Denton County Jail )

Ore was arrested on January 23 and charged with two counts of Arson for the restaurant and daycare fires.

Since then, the Tarrant County and Dallas County Medical Examiners Offices have ruled the manner of death for the Bassis victims as homicide.

Denton police and fire investigators have now secured two additional warrants for arson causing serious bodily injury or death, the second of which was served on him on Tuesday afternoon.

Ore is being held in the Denton County Jail on a bond of $2.1 million.
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An Idaho judge struck down another effort by Bryan Kohbergers defense to remove the death penalty from the table if he is convicted in the 2022 slayings of four University of Idaho students.

Kohbergers defense team tried to strike the death penalty in a recent hearing, arguing the discovery produced by the prosecution had been large in volume and unorganized, meaning they were unable to meaningfully review it. Judge Steven Hippler said the defenses claims ring hollow.

[Kohberger] has been receiving discovery in the same manner for over two years, Hippler wrote. [Kohberger] has not sought additional resourcesto hire additional staff to review discovery or obtain litigation document control software to help organize and sort the evidence. His lead counsel insisted that she be allowed to take on a second high-profile capital case despite the voluminous discovery in this case.

open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger was arrested weeks after the 2022 slayings and is expected to stand trial later this summer ( via REUTERS )

Hippler also pointed out that Kohberger's lead defense attorney, Anne Taylor, indicated that her practice is to personally review all the discovery herself, rather than rely on associates and staff to review materials to cut through the less relevant information and point to what materials need review by lead counsel.

Kohbergers attorneys had also filed a motion asking the judge to sanction prosecutors for failing to turn over evidence by removing the death penalty.

But Hippler denied the request Tuesday and said the sanctions are not warranted because there was no violation by prosecutors in the discovery process.

In the cases cited by Defendant where the courts have struck the death penalty as sentencing option, the defendant had demonstrated that the prosecution either willfully or inadvertently (but with extreme resulting prejudice) violated discovery obligations. Here, however, Defendant has not established discovery violation, Hippler wrote.

This is the 13th time the judge has ruled against the defenses attempt to remove the death penalty, the Idaho Statesman reported.

Just last week, Hippler denied a separate effort by Kohbergers defense, which cited Kohbergers autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

open image in gallery The off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho where four students were killed in their beds ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

His team argued that executing someone with autism would constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Mr. Kohbergers autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reduces his culpability, negates the retributive and deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that he will be wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death, defense attorneys wrote in court papers.

Prosecutors argued that under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, the only mental disability that precludes imposition of the death penalty is an intellectual disability  and Kohbergers diagnosis was of mild autism without accompanying intellectual...impairment.

The judge ruled that prosecutors can pursue the death penalty against Kohberger if hes convicted despite the defendants recent autism diagnosis.

Prosecutors have long said they intend to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted of the brutal slayings.

open image in gallery Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were killed in November 2022 ( Instagram )

Kohberger, 30, is charged in the deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, during the early morning hours of November 13, 2022.

The criminal justice graduate student, who studied at Washington State University at the time of the killings, was arrested in Pennsylvania weeks later.

Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene.

Kohbergers trial is expected to start with jury selection on July 30 and opening statements slated for August 11.
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Two men were arrested after they allegedly opened fire at a barbershop in California, killing an innocent bystander who was on the scene with his two children to get haircuts for Easter.

Kobe Chantharangsy and Adrian Echeverria are facing charges in the killing of 44-year-old Jampier Quintero, according to the Fresno Police Department.

The deadly shooting happened at the Los Viejones Barbershop in central Fresno on April 19.

Police believe Chantharangsy was getting his hair cut when he began shooting from a barber's chair through the cape covering his chest. It was not immediately clear what triggered the violence.

Besides Quintero, two other people were shot, but they have since been released from a local hospital, according to officials.

Police say Quintero had brought his children to get haircuts before Easter when the shooting occurred.

Quintero and his family had immigrated to the U.S. from Caracas, Venezuela just a couple of years ago, seeking asylum and a better life in a safer area, according to YourCentralValley.com, which interviewed the family.

Quinteros wife, Gabriela Lopez, said she was relieved when the suspects were arrested.

Hes a danger to humanity, completely, she said. His face represents evil. A very bad evil.

Chantharangsy was identified by police after they linked him with another shooting that injured another man on April 18, said police officials.

He was arrested last Saturday and charged with suspicion of murder, among other offenses related to the shootings, police said.

Echeverria was arrested and charged with accessory to the crime.
CARACAS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello on Wednesday accused U.S. authorities of kidnapping children of Venezuelan migrants in the United States.

"Imperialism has no choice but to resort to extremes, including kidnapping Venezuelans and trying to divide families by stealing the children of migrants," Cabello said during an official event in Caracas.

The minister was speaking at a commemoration marking the sixth anniversary of the defeat of a failed coup attempt near an air base in the Venezuelan capital.

Cabello said that the U.S. government, along with its local "accomplices," has incited attacks against Venezuelan migrants after facing repeated setbacks.

The Venezuelan government had previously condemned U.S. authorities for separating a two-year-old child, Maikelys Espinoza, from her mother moments before her deportation to Venezuela. 
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A brother and sister are in police custody for allegedly kidnapping a mother and her baby in North Carolina after the family refused to give them $1 million, police said.

Miguel Angel Duran Duran, 23, and Paola Duran Duran, 25, were arrested on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after they broke into a home in Garner and made the alleged demands.

According to the Garner Police Department, three masked suspects armed with guns, two men and a woman, broke into the home of Eliuth Alejandro Martinez late Monday night.

A third suspect, Eleodoro "Leo" Estrada-Hernandez, 37, remains at large, according to the FBI, who has issued a $10,000 reward for his capture. His status was not clear.

open image in gallery Miguel Angel Duran Duran, 23, and his sister were arrested after they allegedly kidnapped a mother and baby on Monday ( Garner Police Department )

When Martinez allegedly refused to hand over the money, the suspects tied him up with duct tape and kidnapped his wife, Alondra Michelle Benitez De Jesus, 26, and their 11-month-old daughter, Grecia Salome Alejandro-Benitez, and then sped off in a black Nissan Altima, police said.

Early the next morning, the kidnappers released the mother and baby, who fled to a nearby home in Wake Forest where the homeowner called 911.

The siblings were tracked down later that same day following a joint effort by the local police, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI.

open image in gallery Paola Duran Duran, 25, was arrested along with her brother ( Garner Police Department )

They both now face two felony counts of first-degree kidnapping and one felony count of second-degree kidnapping.

They appeared on video from jail Wednesday where the judge informed them that they could receive at least 231 months in prison if convicted of the charges.

open image in gallery The siblings were taken into custody less than 24 hours after the alleged abduction ( Garner Police Department )

The siblings, who are being held on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (detainers and are believed to be Mexican citizens, were denied bond as they are considered flight risks, according to police.

Estrada-Hernandez, meanwhile, has been charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of second-degree kidnapping, one count possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of assault by pointing a firearm.

open image in gallery Eleodoro Leo Estrada-Hernandez is still at large and the FBI has issued a $10,000 reward for his capture ( FBI )

He is described as five-foot-four, approximately 190 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos on his forearm and was last seen wearing a red t-shirt and blue jeans.

The Duran Duran siblings are expected to be back in court on May 16.
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A Texas elementary school teacher has been accused of using a dog whistle to get a six-year-old autistic student to listen when they got overstimulated.

Amber Escamilla, 46, a former teacher at Bells Hill Elementary School in Waco, Texas, was arrested Tuesday on an injury to a child or disabled person charge.

The unnamed boys parents said they provided him with earmuffs to wear at school because he was sensitive to sound.

The victims mother described how the beginning of last year, the victim would come home and cry about going to school because the fire alarms would hurt his ears, the arrest affidavit states.

open image in gallery Escamilla no longer works at Bells Hill Elementary School (pictured) Waco Independent School District says ( Google )

A witness claims that in September last year Escamilla went into the boys classroom and used an electronic whistle to gain his compliance.

The witness observed the child covering his ears and pleading for the defendant to stop, according to the affidavit. The defendant utilized the whistle a second time in which the victim responded in the same way.

The witness claims the child was in visible pain while the whistle was being used.

Bells Hill Elementary Schools principal told detectives that they confiscated a whistle from Escamilla in November, officials said.

Child Protective Services workers alerted police from the Waco Independent School District about the alleged incident.

open image in gallery Escamilla no longer works at the school ( McLennan County Jail )

Escamilla told detectives she would only exhibit the whistle to the victim as a threat to gain compliance, according to the affidavit.

She is no longer employed by the school and worked there for less than a year, Waco Independent School District spokesperson Wendy Sledd said.

The actions under review do not reflect the values or expectations we hold for our staff, she added. Waco ISD remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.

The accused was in jail on Wednesday on a $3,000 bond, records showed. The defendant could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
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A man is facing charges after police say he broke into a womans home intending to sexually assault her.

Investigators say Juan Miguel Hernandez, 49, broke into a womans home in League City, Texas. The woman, who has not been identified, says she suddenly awoke on April 15 to see a naked man at the end of her bed touching her leg, Click2Houston reports.

Thats when she realized it was her neighbor, she said.

The woman said she screamed, at which point the man climbed on top of her. She pushed him off and reached for her phone as he fled, using her balcony.

"I was like, 'What are you doing in my apartment?'" the woman told ABC 13. "And as soon as I said that, he stood up and he was completely naked."

open image in gallery Juan Miguel Hernandez broke into a woman's League City, Texas home last month, police say ( League City Police Department )

As soon as I got on the phone, he hurried up and pulled his boxers up and ran out of my apartment, she added.

"It's definitely terrifying.

Police arrested Hernandez on April 25 during a traffic stop. He is now charged with burglary with intent to commit a sexual offense.

Security footage appears to show Hernandez scaling the womans back patio to enter her apartment, ABC 13 reports. He entered at 11 p.m., but the woman didnt see him until 12:30 a.m.

"He was there that whole time, and I had no clue, the woman said. It makes me question, 'Had he been in my apartment before?'"

Officer Jose Ortega of the League City Police Department said he may have targeted other women.

"We aren't ruling out the possibility that there are other victims," Ortega said. "We would like to urge and encourage anyone who might have been in a similar situation, who might recognize his mug shot, to contact Detective Dimasi at the League City Police Department."

Hernandez is now being held in the Hernandez County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and is subject to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.
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Apple has been accused of flouting a court injunction amid a wide-ranging set of new legal findings that could change how the App Store works.

It is just the latest in an ongoing fight between the iPhone maker and Fortnite maker Epic Games, which argues that Apple has too much control over its App Store.

The two have been in legal proceedings for years, with Epic arguing that Apple should be forced to allow developers to process their own payments within apps, and criticising the cut that Apple is able to take from those payments, for instance. Apple has argued that it is an important security restriction to keep users safe.

Now a US federal judge has said the company had violated a previous injunction that had intended to curb some of that control over the App Store.

Apple says that it does not agree with the finding but will comply while it pursues yet more legal proceedings.

US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had previously ordered Apple to stop prohibiting app developers from linking customers to their own purchasing mechanisms, and not require them to go through Apples payment systems.

But in a judgment on Wednesday in the US, she said she was referring the matter to a district attorney in California to investigate whether criminal contempt proceedings are appropriate, accusing the tech giant of effectively ignoring the initial ruling.

The judge found Apple violated a 2021 injunction which, she wrote, sought to restrain and prohibit the iPhone makers anticompetitive conduct and pricing.

Apples continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated, she wrote in Wednesdays ruling, which held Apple in contempt.

The judge ordered that Apple no longer impede developers ability to communicate with users nor will they levy or impose a new commission on off-app purchases.

She also accused Apples vice-president of finance Alex Roman of outright lying under oath.

The case links back to a lawsuit filed by Epic Games in 2020, which accused Apple of building an illegal monopoly via its App Store by forcing app developers to use Apples own payment system, and taking up to 30% commission on transactions made through that system, making billions of dollars in the process.

The monopoly claims were rejected, but Apple was ordered to lower the barriers around payments, and allow developers to show consumers links to alternative ways of making purchases.

In a post on X, Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney welcomed the ruling, and offered Apple a peace deal on the subject.

Epic puts forth a peace proposal: If Apple extends the courts friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, well return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic, he said.

Apples 15-30% junk fees are now just as dead here in the United States of America as they are in Europe under the Digital Markets Act. Unlawful here, unlawful there, Mr Sweeney added.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Marks & Spencer has said the fallout from their major cyber attack will cost the company 300 million and last for several more weeks after the attack left shelves empty in some stores and online orders unfulfilled.

The British high street retailer took systems offline after being targeted by hackers around the Easter weekend - a move which is now having a knock-on effect on its operations.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed detectives from the forces cyber crime unit launched an investigation which remains ongoing.

Marks & Spencer 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.

The ongoing disruption raises questions about the nature of the incident and the company's recovery process.

Here is a closer look at what has happened, and why it has taken the firm so long to recover.

What has happened to Marks & Spencer?

The retailer has been struggling with its internal services for more than a week after being hit by what it is calling a cyber incident over a week ago.

The incident first affected the firms contactless payment and click and collect orders, before M&S then paused online orders through its app and website. These have remained down since.

In addition, some M&S stores have now been left with empty shelves.

A spokeswoman for M&S said on Tuesday that it had taken some of its system temporarily offline as part of its management of the incident, and this had meant pockets of limited availability in some stores.

On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed it was investigating the incident.

How long will disruption last?

Marks & Spencer has said disruption from the cyber attack is expected to continue through to July.

The retailer revealed on Wednesday morning that online sales and profits in its fashion, home and beauty business have been heavily impacted.

Disruption to online operations is set to continue throughout June and into July as we restart, then ramp up operations, it said.

It added that clothing and home sales have been resilient in stores and shoppers will see improvements over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, food sales were affected by reduced availability but the business stressed this is already improving.

What was taken in the cyber attack?

Customer personal data, which could have included names, email addresses, postal addresses and dates of birth, was taken by hackers in the attack.

A statement on their website tells shoppers: As we continue to manage the current cyber incident, we have written to customers to let them know that unfortunately the nature of the incident means some personal customer data has been taken.

Importantly, there is no evidence that this data has been shared and it does not include useable card or payment details, or account passwords, so there is no need for customers to take any action.

To give customers extra peace of mind, they will be prompted to reset their password the next time they visit or log onto their M&S.com account on our website or app, and we have shared information on how to stay safe online.

Has anyone claimed responsibility for the attack?

open image in gallery The Marks & Spencer website stating that the company has paused online orders (marksandspencer.com)

A hacking cartel calling themselves DragonForce told the BBC it was behind the attack as well as similar hacking attempts on the Co-Op and Harrods.

The group originated as a pro-Palestine hacktivists allegedly based in Malaysia that has been active since August 2023.

DragonForce are believed to have expanded their hacktivism to ransomware operations claiming to have attacked Coca-Cola, the Ohio State Lottery and even Yakult Australia. Previous DragonForce operators seemed to be non-native English speakers.

Ransomware incidents involve hackers gaining access to a computer system and using malware to steal or block access to files  often encrypting them  before demanding a payment, usually in cryptocurrency, to return the impacted data.

Reporting by Bleeping Computer, suggests other links to Scattered Spider, a financially motivated threat group of native English speakers, likely including teenagers based in the UK or the US.

Many cybersecurity experts, and the official advice in the UK, urge organisations not to make ransom payments in incidents like this, because there is no guarantee that the hackers will return the stolen data, and making payments can help criminal enterprise and encourage others to carry out similar attacks in the future.

Can you still shop online?

No, the retailer has paused all online transactions, purchases on apps and over the phone but welcomes shoppers to browse online before making in-store purchases.

What happens to outstanding orders?

Marks & Spencer has been telling customers that orders placed after April 23 would be cancelled and refunded.

The retailer added you should wait for your ready to collect notification email before turning up at a store after shoppers complained on social media of not receiving pre-ordered items.

open image in gallery Marks & Spencer has seen empty shelves and its market value slashed due to the cyber attack ( PA )

What have M&S bosses said?

Chief executive Stuart Machin described the incident as a bump in the road and said he hopes the company will come out in a better shape.

Mr Machin said: It has been challenging, but it is a moment in time, and we are now focused on recovery, with the aim of exiting this period a much stronger business.

There is no change to our strategy and our longer-term plans to reshape M&S for growth and, if anything, the incident allows us to accelerate the pace of change as we draw a line and move on.

This incident is a bump in the road, and we will come out of this in better shape, and continue our plan to reshape M&S for customers, colleagues and shareholders.

What have cybersecurity experts said?

Dan Coatsworth, Investment Analyst at AJ Bell, said: The 300 million expected impact of Marks & Spencers cyber-attack on profits shows the severity of the situation. It suggests hackers have caused considerable damage to the company from a financial and reputational perspective.

Marks & Spencer has lost a significant number of sales after temporarily halting online orders. Disruption to supplies meant gaps on the shelves and more lost sales in-store. It has also incurred extra waste and logistics costs, all having a negative impact on profit.

The fact online operations might not be back to full power until later in the summer means the company still cannot achieve full earnings potential for some time to come. Marks & Spencer will be able to lower the total hit to profit once it claims on insurance, among other factors, but the cyber-attack has still knocked the business for six.

open image in gallery Marks & Spencer is also working with experts from both the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre ( PA )

Theres still a big unknown regarding any potential fines on Marks & Spencer from the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), which enforces data protection regulation.

He added: Shoppers may eventually forget about the cyber-attack, but Marks & Spencer can take no chances in the near term. It needs to be on the ball, get customers back on side, and ensure its systems are as secure as Fort Knox.

Will there be legal action following cyber attack?

Thompsons Solicitors will this week launch a class action suit against the company which could result in huge compensation payouts, according to the Daily Record.

Senior partner Patrick McGuire told the paper: We have a situation here where one of the most famous retailers in the UK have allowed criminals to pillage the personal details of hundreds of thousands of Scottish customers.

We have been inundated by Scots M&S clients who have been caught up in this online heist and are contacting Thompsons given our experience in this area.

I think this will be the biggest data theft case we have ever been involved in.
MANILA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were killed, including six children, and at least 30 others injured in a five-vehicle collision on an expressway north of Manila at noon on Thursday, authorities said.

NLEX Corp. Assistant Vice President for Traffic Operations Robin Ignacio told a local radio interview that the crash occurred around 12:08 p.m. in Tarlac City in central Luzon, involving a passenger bus, three sport utility vehicles, and a container truck.

Ignacio said the crash started when a speeding bus rear-ended the vehicle in front of it, creating a domino effect on the three cars queuing to pay for the highway toll fees.

"The four vehicles in front of the bus were almost stopping or stopped as they waited for their turn to pay the fees when the crash happened," Ignacio added.

He said emergency and rescue workers took the injured to a local hospital.

Police have taken into custody the bus driver as an investigation into the fatal crash continues. 
OTTAWA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday spoke with the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, highlighting the country's economic ties with the European Union.

According to a readout issued by the prime minister's office, Carney emphasized Canada's role as a stable and reliable trading partner.

The leaders agreed to strengthen the close economic relationship between Canada and the European Union, said the readout.

Carney also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed their ongoing work to deepen defence and commercial ties between the two countries.

Carney's Liberal Party won Monday's parliamentary elections in Canada and will form a minority government. 
The old and new will come together in the heart of Sydneys CBD after ClearVue Technologies secured a supply contract for the installation of its integrated photovoltaic technology as part of a $308M upgrade of the historic Tattersalls Club in Sydney.

The companys BIPV (building integrated photo-voltaic) solar feature glass will form a key part of the $600,000 roof section for the project which will be its first installation of a ClearVue product on a high-rise building and its first application in Sydneys CBD.

ClearVue Technologies will supply integrated solar power generating feature glass to the refurbishment of the historic Tattersalls Club building in Sydneys CBD.

The Tattersalls redevelopment is designed to restore and refresh the 126 year-old building and ClearVues involvement represents a powerful endorsement of the companys innovative technologies.

The BIPV installation will deliver solar power-generating glass roofing to the upper terrace area of the refurbished building.

ClearVues solar facade solutions are vital for achieving top energy efficiency performance and a 6 Star NABERS rating for this project... ClearVue Technologies global CEO Martin Deil

The glazed area has been designed to provide aesthetically pleasing pure-black feature glass across the roof area of the terraces between the 44th to 51st floors of the building and to merge seamlessly with other non-solar architectural features.

The installation is being undertaken by SRG Globals curtain wall facades team, acting for Richard Crookes Constructions. SRG Global is an ASX-listed diversified infrastructure services company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia.

ClearVue Technologies global CEO Martin Deil said: We are proud to be a part of this iconic project in Sydney for the City Tattersalls Club building. ClearVues solar facade solutions are vital for achieving top energy efficiency performance and a 6 Star NABERS rating for this project. The Tattersalls redevelopment will create a new landmark in Sydneys CBD and supports the City of Sydneys Net Zero objectives.

The NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) provides standard lists of efficiency objectives and employs rating calculators to measure the environmental performance of buildings, tenancies, and homes in Australia.

SRG Global project manager Sayeed Ansari, said ClearVues proprietary solar glass BIPV solutions will deliver a sustainable, energy-efficient alternative technology which will enhance the buildings sustainability and energy performance targets.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
By now, its no secret that young people are the biggest voting group. While no demographic fits neatly into either the Labor or Coalition camp  or completely agrees on any given issue  it will be a relief for many young Australians to know they are more than an afterthought this election.

Neither party has been exceedingly visionary, but as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton jet around the country in a final scramble to cement their messages in the dying days of the election campaign, one leader will be tossing and turning far less when they hit the hay every evening.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits the Nova studio in Perth on Thursday. Credit: Getty Images

For the past few decades, voters have tended to be rusted on to the major parties. That is, there wasnt much anyone could do to change their minds in the weeks leading up to election day  and safe seats, where one party was practically guaranteed to win, were actually safe.

But young people have thrown a spanner in the works. Not only do Gen Z (born after 1996) and Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) make up more than 40 per cent of the national vote  outnumbering Baby Boomers for the first time  but they are increasingly pulling their support from the major parties.
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Hefty pizza by the slice? Or a lighter, crisper Roman style? Why not both at this new south-side pizzeria, by a co-owner of Park Street Pasta & Wine.

After a wave of recent openings  from hatted fine diners to all-day eateries and sandwich shops  South Melbourne has put itself back on Melbournes dining map.

But it hadnt yet realised its pizza potential, according to Italian-born brothers Lino and Gabriele Torre, who previously worked at Carlton institution D.O.C (as a manager and head pizza chef, respectively), for about seven years.

Owners and brothers Lino (right) and Gabriele Torre previously worked at D.O.C. Michael Pham

I love South Melbourne and Ive always been looking to do another venue here, says Lino, who also co-owns Park Street Pasta & Wine in the suburb. In terms of pizza, theres not much around, which feels like a shame.

So, he and Gabriele opened Pizzateca Lupa, a 34-seat Roman pizzeria in a prime street-facing South Melbourne Market site. Named after a she-wolf in Roman mythology, Lupa is also backed by Salvatore Malatesta, owner of nearby coffee stalwart St Ali.
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Exclusive FoodBaking RecipeTin Eats confirms Bill Granger rumour speculation as trolls weigh in In Nagi Maehashis first interview since the plagiarism row erupted, she admits to feeling scared, and says people are combing her site for examples of her own copy-cat recipes. Ardyn Bernoth 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

RecipeTin Eats founder and Good Food columnist Nagi Maehashi has confirmed the late Bill Granger is another author whose work she believes has been plagiarised by baker Brooke Bellamy in her book Bake with Brooki. One of Australias most popular recipe writers, Maehashi made allegations on April 29 of copyright infringements by Penguin Random House, the publisher of Bellamys book, claiming the author, influencer and bakery owner stole two recipes from her website and from other authors, including cookbooks. Nagi Maehashi holding her second cookbook. James Brickwood Bellamy strenuously denies the allegations, making a statement via her lawyers. I do not copy other peoples recipes, she says. 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.

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In an exclusive interview with Good Food, Maehashi confirmed social media speculation that Bake with Brooki may have copied virtually word for word the Portuguese tart recipe from Grangers 2006 cookbook Every Day. It is so blatant to me that the wording in the method part of the recipe is copied almost exactly. To me, it is the biggest and strongest example of plagiarism that I have seen by this author, Maehashi says. I was so shocked when I saw it. Bill is an icon of the Australian food scene. When I became aware of it, I knew that including it in my statement would make it stronger but I left it out at the request of Bills family. Grangers widow, Natalie, who continues to run the cafe and restaurant empire built by the famed Sydney chef after he died in December 2023, has been contacted by Good Food but chose not to comment.

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Jane Morrow, publishing director of Murdoch Books, said we are aware of the allegations of plagiarism involving the uncredited use of a recipe by Bill Granger. We take any suggestion that his work has been reproduced without acknowledgement seriously. We are currently reviewing the concerns raised. Sally McKenney, the US-based baker behind the Sallys Baking Addiction website, has also alleged her vanilla cake recipe was used by Bellamy after a tip-off by Maehashi. Maehashi admits to feeling scared and nervous in the midst of an internet storm over her allegations and says she is being trolled by people combing her recipes to find examples of plagiarism on her website. She says the reason she has gone public with her allegations is because I want people to take responsibility for their actions and to remind influencers and publishers that stealing work is not OK. Related Article Baking bad: What you need to know about the RecipeTin Eats v Brooke Bellamy recipe row

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She also took to Instagram on Thursday night to encourage people to stop attacking Bellamy. I made the statement knowing that it would come with a barrage of hate against me, and social media did not let me down. Im asking you to stop the personal attacks against Brooke Bellamy. Thats not the way to speak your mind and thats not the kind of support I want. Loading Maehashi says she alerted Penguin months ago about the similarities between two of her recipes  caramel slice and baklava  along with Grangers Portuguese custard tart, and the recipes printed in Bake with Brooki. They refused to take responsibility and they have not done anything proactive to remedy this other than to quietly offer to replace the recipes in future reprints. All they have done is deny, Maehashi says. I am not a martyr. I am not pretending I am pure, but this is of a magnitude that I felt I had to speak up. Nagi Maehashi

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It has historically been difficult to prove recipe plagiarism, especially when recipes such as baklava, caramel slice and Portuguese custard tarts are not original ideas but versions of traditional recipes that have been tweaked and replicated thousands of times. Maehashi says she is not across the fine details of copyright infringement, though she has engaged a lawyer specialising in intellectual property, but she says it is the fact that some phrases in the method section of Bellamys recipes in her view appear to have been literally copied and pasted from the originals that sparked her to speak out. That is what stood out to me. If you strip the [legal] talk about recipe plagiarism and just look at the [fundamental meaning of] plagiarism ... that is what I am objecting to, she says. RecipeTin Eats caramel slice (left) and Brooke Bellamys recipe from her cookbook Bake with Brooki. Nagi Maehashi; Sophie Chan Andreassend (Penguin Books) In a statement published to the RecipeTin Eats website on Tuesday, Maehashi said she was no stranger to her recipes being copied online, but was shocked to see their reproduction in such a highly publicised book.

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My recipes [were] printed in a book launched with a huge publicity campaign from one of Australias biggest publishers, she said. It has sold over $4.6 million worth of sales in under six months. This masthead does not suggest the accusations of plagiarism are true, only that they have been made. Penguin has denied the allegations, stating (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 a post on Maehashis Instagram page. Related Article Two authors are warring over claims of recipe theft. But is there really such a thing? Bellamy also said in her statement via her lawyers 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.

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My priority right now is to ensure the welfare of the fantastic team at Brooki Bakehouse and that of my family. Maehashi says that if Penguin had admitted there was a problem when she contacted them last year, she would have let it go and not gone public. The thing that really bothered me is that they did not take responsibility no matter how many examples I showed them. I could not sleep knowing what I knew. I am not a martyr. I am not pretending I am pure but this is of a magnitude that I felt I had to speak up. I am not after money. Related Article RecipeTin Eats founder accuses Bake with Brooki author of stealing recipes Related Article Bill Granger honoured with SMH Good Food Guide Legend Award
1 / 7 Rabbit tagliatelle. Simon Schluter 2 / 7 Inside Rosas Canteen. Simon Schluter 3 / 7 Ricotta and asparagus. Simon Schluter 4 / 7 Calamari dish. Simon Schluter 5 / 7 Lamb spezzatino. Simon Schluter 6 / 7 Grilled calamari with fennel and orange Simon Schluter 7 / 7 Buffalo mozzarella with roasted radicchio and crispy fiocco Simon Schluter Previous Slide Next Slide

Italian$$$$

Its a scene more akin to Sunday lunch at nonnas than a sleek spot in Melbournes legal precinct: the procession of home-style pastas, stovetop coffee on the burner and matriarch Rosa Mitchell  a bandana wrapped Axl Rose-style around her forehead  keeping a watchful eye over all that goes on. But thats the play at this no-fuss eatery, where suits from the law courts tuck into simply Italian plates by the namesake owner-chef.

Youll find Mitchell at the pass plating up ribbons of housemade green tagliatelle with tender pork in a lively white wine sauce; chewy casarecce tossed with prawn meat, capers and chilli; and involtinistyle farsumagru, the Sicilian classic of sliced mortadella, boiled egg and silverbeet, rolled in beef then simmered in red sauce. Mitchells even piping crisp-shelled ricotta cannoli to order, a treat you will absolutely want to finish with.
A man will remain in custody after children in Australia and overseas were rescued following his arrest for drug and child exploitation charges.

Samuel Emmerson Howard Blackley has been accused of using the internet to sexually exploit children in south-east Queensland and the Philippines.

Blackley, 31, was arrested during a police search of his home at Kippa-Ring, north of Brisbane, on December 7, 2024.

Samuel Emmerson Howard Blackley was arrested in December 2024 as part of Queensland police operation Xray Cato. Credit: Queensland Police Service

Investigators alleged they found child exploitation material in Blackleys home showing two alleged victims later identified as being in south-east Queensland.
A female teacher previously facing trial accused of grooming a 15-year-old male student for sexual abuse has had all charges against her dropped.

Chelsea Jane Edwards, 30, was committed at Brisbane Magistrates Court in January 2024 to stand trial on two charges of facilitating the procurement of a child to engage in a sexual act as a carer.

Edwards, of Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, was working as a teacher at Indooroopilly State High School when prosecutors previously alleged the offences took place.

Chelsea Jane Edwards was teaching at Indooroopilly State High School when prosecutors previously alleged the offences took place. Credit: Nine

Crown prosecutor Hannah Mangione in January 2024 claimed Edwards wrote an email to herself about her fondness for the 15-year-old student at a time when she was previously alleged to seek engagement with the boy outside of school.
Most days when the weather is mild, Bob Arnold will launch his kayak into the gently rolling backwaters of the Goulburn River, which flow just metres from his home.

The list of birds he has seen on the water has reached 135 species, and he expects it will grow as he continues exploring the riverine environment at Kirwans Bridge in northern Victoria.

Bob Arnold on the water at Kirwans Bridge. Credit: Justin McManus

There are mammals, too. Once, when Arnold was out paddling, he spotted six platypuses  the most he has seen in a single trip.

But Arnold fears this rich ecosystem is under threat from plans for a tourism development by the water at Kirwans Bridge. The proposed tourism project, Nagambie Waters, features 80 glamping style tent units at the site of an existing restaurant, which is temporarily closed.
The upmarket regional private school at the centre of a strapping abuse scandal could be forced to close its boarding houses after the state governments education regulator launched an official review of its registration as a residential facility.

The Victorian Registration and Quality Authority (VRQA) confirmed on Thursday that it had opened a review of Ballarat Grammars boarding houses, using its powers under the Education and Training Reform Act, and will determine if a commitment to student safety is embedded in their leadership, governance and culture.

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The school community has been in turmoil since February when 10 senior boarding students were sent home, accused of the systemic abuse of younger boys at Grammars Dart House residential facility.

Two seniors have been expelled, and another group of boys were removed from Dart House and are being housed in an off-campus property which the school owns in the town, as Ballarat police continue to investigate assaults alleged to have been committed at the boarding house in 2023 and 2024.
Software developers work at a gaming software company at Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkiye, April 30, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's startup ecosystem is moving into 2025 with promising momentum, with regulatory reform, investor appetite, and government support as key drivers, analysts said recently.

According to a recent report from KPMG, startups in Turkiye completed 331 investment deals in 2024, up from 297 in 2023, while the total transaction value soared more than fivefold, from 497 million to 2.6 billion U.S. dollars.

In the first quarter of 2025, venture capital investment volumes rose 18 percent year-on-year, with fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), software-as-a-service, gaming, and cybersecurity leading the way, it said, forecasting a 10-15 percent increase in transaction volumes for 2025, and a more than 3-billion-U.S. dollar total investment if macroeconomic stability holds in Turkiye.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted last year by the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD) found 42 percent of Turkiye's largest corporations invested in or partnered with startups in 2024, up from 22 percent in 2022.

Cloud services exports rose by 38 percent last year, while international revenues from gaming climbed 26 percent, TUSIAD said.

"Turkiye's startup scene is rapidly maturing and becoming more attractive to global investors," Elif Karadag, a venture strategist at Tech Partners in Istanbul, told Xinhua.

Fintech, in particular, remains a strong performer, supported by favourable regulation and a young, tech-savvy population, Karadag said.

"The ambition of Turkish entrepreneurs has shifted; more are building products for international markets from the outset," she said, adding, "Turkiye is keen on positioning itself as a technology bridge between Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East."

Under a national tech plan launched in 2024, Turkiye aims to create 100 unicorns and 100,000 tech enterprises by 2030, and to set up startup support offices across all 81 provinces, the first of which opened in Ankara in March last year.

"We're seeing a more predictable operating environment for startups, especially in fintech and AI," Burak Alpan, an analyst at Next Research in Ankara, told Xinhua.

"This is crucial for building long-term investor trust," he said. 
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has revealed everything was put on the table during the recent meeting between the clubs hierarchy and senior players, but says its factually incorrect to label it an intervention.

The Eagles football department met with a core of the clubs senior players last month following West Coasts disastrous 0-5 start to the season.

The West Coast Eagles have had a grim start to the season, with the club now 0-7 after last weeks loss to Hawthorn. Credit: Getty Images

Players were free to air their thoughts and grievances at the meeting, and it led to a much-improved performance in their two-point loss to Essendon just days later.

Last-placed West Coast are now 0-7 following last weeks 50-point defeat to Hawthorn, but McQualter hopes the meeting has provided a path forward for the club to fix any problems.

The meeting had been labelled an intervention in the press, but McQualter says that wasnt the case.

Look, I just knew it was factually wrong, McQualter said on Thursday.

That was my reaction.

I mentioned it two or three weeks ago. We havent kept this as a secret.

I think any organisation thats underperforming that doesnt get their most influential people in a room to figure it out is being negligent.

We dont shy away from it. We want to improve as quickly as we can.

Were not happy with where we are. It was a super productive meeting. Everything was on the table.

West Coast have stumbled from one bad headline to the next all season.

Captain Oscar Allen, who is a free agent, issued a public apology to fans earlier this season after it was revealed he had met up with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell.

West Coasts training standards have been brought into question, with even forward Jake Waterman suggesting the clubs younger players need to lift their act.

In more bad news, Elliot Yeos return may be further delayed, with the star midfielder having met a surgeon this week.

Yeo injured his ankle and knee during the pre-season and is yet to play this year.

He was initially expected to return in the first third of the season, but is now listed as TBC on the clubs injury update.

In another development, theres reports premiership forward Liam Ryan, who is contracted until the end of 2026, is open to leaving the club at the end of the year.

AAP
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.
SEOUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's top court on Thursday sent back the election law violation case of Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of South Korea's majority liberal Democratic Party, to a high court, striking down the appeal court's acquittal ruling. 
TARIFF TALKS with India going great





 By Yoshita Singh :

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with India over a bilateral trade deal are coming along great and he thinks Washington will haveadeal with New Delhi. Trump made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to reporters before departing the White House for a rally in Michigan marking the first 100 days of his second administration.India is coming along great. I think well haveadeal with India, said the president.

The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) as you know was here three weeks ago, and they want to make a deal.Well see what happens,he added.PrimeMinister Modi visited theWhite House in late February. Earlier in the day, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reportersin theWhiteHouse that the US is very close to a trade deal with India. He said that Americas Asiantradingpartners and allieshavebeen the most forthcoming interms of doing the deals. At a press briefing, he spokeabout Vice President JD VancesIndia visit lastweek.

Ithink thathe and (Prime Minister Narendra )Modi made some very good progress. So I could see some announcements on India.Bessent added that he can alsosee the contours of a deal with South Korea coming togetherand substantial talkswithJapan. Responding to a question onthe timeline for a trade deal, hesaid, I think that we are veryclose on India and India, in afunny way, is easier to negotiatewith (than) many other countries because theyhave very high tariffs and lots of tariffs.
14 killed in Kolkata hotel blaze; PM announces ex gratia





KOLKATA :

AT least 14 people were killed when a massive fire swept through a low-cost hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata, police said on Wednesday. Most of the deceased lost their lives reportedly due to suffocation, and the blaze also left 13 others injured, officials said. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma initially confirmed 15 fatalities but later revised the number to 14 after cross-checking with hospitals and rescue records. The initial reports mentioned 15 casualties. There was some confusion. But after verification, the number has been corrected to 14. That is the confirmed figure we have at the moment, Verma told reporters. The fire, which was first spotted around 7:30 PM on Tuesday, quickly turned the four-storey building into a furnace. Of the 14 deceased, 11 were men, the police said. Eight have been identified so far. A woman and two children - a boy and a girl - were among the deceased, an officer said. The cause of death in most cases was suffocation, while a few may have died after jumping from the upper floors of the hotel in panic.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as flames leapt through windows and thick black smoke choked the corridors. Trapped guests screamed for help, while some jumped from windows to escape the inferno. Firefighters, aided by ladders and ropes, pulled out scorched survivors as cries rang out from the engulfed structure. Ten fire tenders were deployed, and after nearly 10 hours of intense firefighting, the blaze was brought under control early Wednesday morning, the State Fire and Emergency Services Department said.

A senior officer said the Rituraj Hotel, a low-cost lodging facility, had 88 guests staying in 42 rooms at the time of the fire incident. Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose also initially said that 15 people had died in the fire, but later corrected the toll to 14. PM Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance to the victims families. 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. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, the Prime Ministers Office posted on X. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also confirmed the death toll at 14 and ordered a thorough investigation.
786 Pakistanis exit India; 1,465 Indians return home







NEW DELHI :

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 withlong-term Indian visashave crossed over to India from Pakistan through the international border crossing located in Punjab since April 24.

TheLeave India notice to the Pakistaninationalswasissuedby the Government after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed byPakistan-linked terroristsinPahalgam in Jammu and KashmironApril 22.Thedeadline for exiting India for those holding SAARC visas was April 26. For those carryingmedical 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 NewDelhiweredeclaredPersona Non Grata on April 23 and they were given one week toleave India. Fivesupport staff of these defence attaches were also asked to leave India.India hasalsowithdrawn its defence attache from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

However, those having longterm, diplomatic or official visas were exempted from theLeaveIndiaorder.Theofficials toldPTI that altogether 94 Pakistani nationals, including 10 diplomats, left India through the Attari-Wagah border crossing point onApril 29; 145Pakistanis, including 36 diplomats, their dependents and support staff, left on April 28; a total of 237 Pakistanis,includingninediplomats and officials, left India on April 27; 81 left on April 26; 191 on April 25 and 28 on April 24. Sixty Pakistani women married to former Kashmiri terrorists were deported to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border, said officials onWednesday. These women were picked up from Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara,Budgam, andShopian districts and were escorted in buses to Punjab for handover to Pakistaniauthorities.Mostof the women had entered Kashmir under the 2010 rehabilitation policy for former terrorists.

Pak troops resort to unprovoked firing

JAMMU,

April 30 (PTI)

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 torespond effectively, officials said on Wednesday.The firing,which beganwith small arms,was reported from the Pargwal sector along the IB in Jammu district, and the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors in Rajouri district. Thismarked the sixthconsecutivenight 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.

Mah man claims terror suspect spoke to himaday before Pahalgam attack

JALNA,

Apr 30 (PTI)

A YOUNG man from Jalna city in Maharashtra, who recently returned from Kashmir, has claimed that one of the suspected attackers in the Pahalgam terror case spoke to him a day before the carnage. Hinduhokya.Youdontlook likeyou arefromKashmir,said AdarshRaut,recallinghisinteractionwithaman ata food stall in the Baisaran Valley on April 21. Days after the massacre of tourists, security agencies released sketches of three suspected attackers, and one of themmatched the person who had spoken to him, Raut told the media on Tuesday. According to Raut, he had gone horse riding in Pahalgam on April 21 and had stopped at a Maggi stall for food when a man approached him and asked him if he was a Hindu. He also told Raut that he did not look like a Kashmiri. The suspect then turned tohiscompanion and said, Theres less crowd today, said Raut. The Jalna resident said he found the conversation a bit disturbing but did not grasp the full implication of it until the following day, when terrorists killed over two dozen tourists in cold blood in the same area.
GOLD sales touch Rs 150 cr mark in city on Akshaya Tritiya





By Ravi Chandpurkar :

Rising price fails to dampen buying spree as city records a robust 25% rise in sale of yellow metal

ON THE auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, jewellery stores across the city witnessed heavy demand for gold despite its elevated prices, with an estimated sales of Rs 150 crore in the city on Wednesday. Since, Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring wealth and prosperity on purchasing gold, people with great enthusiasm thronged various jewellery showrooms in the city on this special day. At the Nagpur Sarafa Oli, Itwari gold was quoted at approximately Rs 95,400 per 10 grams, while silver was at Rs 96,000 per kg (Without GST, Hallmark charges and making charges). A prominent jeweller of the city, Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of the All India Gems and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), said, There is a robust 25 per cent surge in jewellery sales compared to last year.

Most of the 3,000 jewellers in the city witnessed above average footfall at their shops. Gold is one the best assets for long-term investment, offering trust, security and good returns, he said. People braved the heat throughout the day and lined up at the showrooms in Dharampeth, Sadar, Itwari and other markets to buy the trendy jewellery. Out of the total jewellery business posted on Wednesday, gold contributed nearly 80 per cent, while the share of diamond and silver was at 15 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively. Kishor Sheth, Director of Batukbhai and Sons Jewellers said, Akshaya Tritiya witnessed a massive demand for gold, diamond and silver jewellery with a rise of 20 per cent as compared to last year in the same period. Most people follow the tradition of buying gold to enhance family wealth and prosperity. And thus people do not want to miss the opportunity. Pradip Kothari, Director of Karan Kothari Jewellers, said that there was a fantastic response on Akshaya Tritiya.

There was a rise of 20 per cent in sales as compared to last year. A significant number of customers made bookings in advance and took the delivery on Akshaya Tritiya, in line with the auspicious tradition, he added. Rajesh Khandelwal, Director of Khandelwal Jewellers, elaborated that, there was record high demand for gold jewellery and coins on Akshaya Tritiya. In addition, customers also showed interest in buying diamond and silver ornaments as most of the jewellers offered attractive schemes and offers on making charges. According to Manubhai Soni, a gold wholesaler and manufacturer, light-weight gold ornaments, necklaces, bangles, earrings, mangalsutras, were in great demand.
Govt announces caste enumeration in next Census





NEW DELHI :

IN A major decision, the Government on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be included in the next Census exercise in a transparent manner and slammed the Opposition parties for using caste survey as a political tool. The Congress and other Opposition parties have been vociferously demanding a nationwide caste Census, making it a major election issue, and some States like Bihar, Telangana and Karnataka have conducted such surveys. The Government decision comes ahead of Assembly elections in Bihar, where several parties including some BJP allies have been coming out in support of the caste Census. Announcing the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Census comes under the purview of the Centre, but some State Governments have done caste enumeration in the name of surveys non-transparently which has created doubts in the society. Noting that caste was not included in all Census operations conducted since Independence, Vaishnaw alleged that the Congress Governments have always opposed caste Census and the party had used the issue as a political tool.

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, he said, adding that this will strengthen the social and economic structure of our society while the nation continues to progress.The minister alleged that the States ruled by Opposition parties have done caste surveys for political reasons and emphasised that the Modi government has resolved to transparently include caste enumeration in the forthcoming pan-India Census exercise. The Opposition INDIA bloc had made caste Census a major poll plank in the recent elections, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promising representation to people based on their population. Better late than never, Congress General Secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, reacting to the Government announcement.

The last nationwide Census was completed in 2011 and the next decadal one was to commence in April 2020 but got delayed due to the Covid pandemic. Though Home Minister Amit Shah had said late last year that the Census would be conducted very soon, there is no clarity as yet on when exactly the exercise would be carried out. 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, Shah wrote on X in Hindi. He alleged 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. Vaishnaw said in 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 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 after most of the political parties had recommended a caste Census.

Despite this, the Congress Government decided to conduct only a survey instead of a caste Census. That survey is known as SECC. It is well understood that the Congress and its INDI alliance partners have used Caste Census only as a political tool, the minister alleged. The first caste enumeration in independent India was conducted in 2011 and was known as the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011. The Census during the British rule between 1881 and 1931 included caste enumeration, but post-independence the Government decided in 1951 not to include caste in the Census, except for SCs and STs. Vaishnaw said that under Article 246 of the Constitution, the subject Census is listed in the Union list under entry 69 and according to the Constitution, the Census is a Union subject. He said some States have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. Some States have done this well, while some others have conducted such surveys purely from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Such surveys have created doubts in the society, he said.
Indias restaurant sector has potential to provide 1.5 cr jobs by 2028 given right impetus: NRAI





INDIAS restaurant sector has the potential to provide employment to 1.5 crore people by 2028, from 85 lakh at present, provided it gets the right impetus from the Government including an industry status and benefit of input tax credit on GST, National Restaurant Association of Indias (NRAI) Vice President Zorawar Kalra said on Wednesday. The NRAI claims to represent 5 lakh restaurants across the country.

The association has been at loggerheads with food delivery aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato primarily over the aggregators foray into the quick-commerce space with their own private-label brands, arguing this move undermines fair competition and harms independent restaurants. We dont have a separate industry status, that would be a big positive move, as it would give us a voice, Kalra told PTI. The NRAI Vice President, who is also the Founder and Managing Director of Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd, described the lack of input tax credit on GST as a major issue faced by the countrys restaurant industry, expressing hope that the issue will be taken up as the Association was in talks with the right people. Under the prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, restaurants fall under the 5 per cent GST rate, with no option to claim input tax credit (ITC) or the 18 per cent GST rate, with ITC claims. The Delhi High Court has set May 9 as the date to hear pleas of restaurant bodies including the NRAI and Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India challenging an order against the mandatory levying of service charge on food bills. Asked about the service charge issue, Kalra refrained from commenting saying the matter was subjudice. He, however, argued that the service charge levy was a globally accepted norm and it is fully optional. So if youre unhappy with somebodys service, you can choose to remove it. So that was always the case. It was never forced, it was never mandatory, it was always optional, the NRAI Vice President said. Kalra emphasised that there has to be more dialogue between the industry and the aggregators.

The aggregators are doing some moves that are beneficial for the industry, and sometimes some moves happen that are perhaps not in the best interest of the industry, or, you know, all members of the of the equation, all aspects of the equation. So I think theres more dialogue required. They have to understand the trials and tribulations of the industry. He further expressed hope that the issues with the aggregators will be resolved in an amicable manner that helps the restaurant industry, arguing that the industry is the one that is feeding the platforms. Kalra said provided the restaurant industry get the right tools and resources to grow including an industry status, provision of ITC on GST, and resolution of issues with the food delivery aggregators and service charge levy, it can provide jobs to 1.5 crore people by 2028.
National Security Advisory Board revamped





NEW DELHI :

Ex-R&AW chief Alok Joshi new NSAB Chairman

THE Government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) -- a move that came amid speculations about Indias possible retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in view of its cross border linkages. It is learnt that former R&AW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as NSAB Chairman. The NSAB is an advisory body that provides inputs to the National Security Council Secretariat. The new members appointed to the NSAB are former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lt General A K Singh and Rear Admiral (retd) Monty Khanna, sources said. Former diplomat B Venkatesh Varma and retired IPS Rajiv Ranjan Verma have also been appointed to the NSAB as its members, they said.

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 was convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Wednesday 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 Ministers residence. 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 had 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 Indias response.
One who tries is always a winner, says ISC topper Khadija Husain





By Nitisha Jain :

A PERSON who tries never fails in life. The effort and determination in trying always makes one a winner, we either learn or win be it an exam or any situation in life, asserts class XII ISC topper in Science stream Khadija Husain. A student of MBS Educational Institute, Khadija has scored 93 per cent. How does it feel to be a topper? It feels amazing when your hard work pays off. Flooded with congratulatory messages and calls, how does she feel as things have changed overnight. Well, nothing happens overnight. For me, combination of consistency, hardwork and smart work is the secret of success. Her father Murtaza, a chemical engineer and mother Rashida Husain, a Quality Controller in medical transcription, are extremely proud of her achievement. Khadija aspires to be a doctor and the motive behind it is to heal, to care and to make a difference in peoples lives.

She is currently preparing for NEET and does not want to get carried away with the results. In her free time, she likes to talk to her friends. Everyone knows how tempting social media can be, so how she managed to keep her hands off the gadgets? To this she admits using social media but in a restricted manner, she adds. I was mostly occupied with studies. With the fierce cut-throat competition, one cannot afford to waste time because if you are not studying someone surely is.

The topper feels AI and social media are definitely a boon only if used judicially and effectively. Unnecessary scrolling takes you nowhere and is definitely a waste of time. When asked about her role model, she says, she does not idolise anyone but her teachers and parents always motivate her to do good in life. She is highly influenced by the preachings of his holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. What is her favourite quote, she recalled the one her father read out to her early in the day, When you are up, your friends know who you are. When you are down, you know who your true friends are.
Panicked Pak kicks up war hysteria





ISLAMABAD :

Suspects Indian attack in next 24-36 hours

Minister holds emergency press meet at 2 am

Pak Navy vessels kept on standby, airspace restricted

AMID looming fears of strong action from India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar held an emergency press meet at 2 am on Wednesday, saying that there were Intelligence reports of military action against their country within the next 24 to 36 hours. Tarars statement comes soon after the recent statement by Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had stated a military incursion from India was imminent. Asif had also warned that Pakistan would only use its nuclear weapons if there were a direct threat to the countrys existence from India. The statement from Pakistan side came 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, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Government sources said.

Addressing an emergency press conference, Tarar said, We have credible Intelligence-based information that India is planning a military offensive against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours. Any action by India will be responded to with full force, he said. Pakistan will defend its territory at all costs and will respond with its full might. The nation will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity by all means necessary. If India tries to impose a war on Pakistan, it will be solely responsible for the disastrous and devastating costs, he added. Tarar also called on the international community to take note of Indias planned aggression against Pakistan, stating that even though Islamabad offered cooperation in a neutral and credible investigation, New Delhi has not provided any proof of Islamabads involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

The late-night emergency press conference by Pakistans Information Minister has come amid heavy military deployments by both sides on their borders, while the political temperature is rising every passing hour. Both sides have unleashed a range of measures against each other, with Pakistan closing its airspace for Indian airlines and India putting the crucial and critical Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, among other measures. Meanwhile, sources in the countrys 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.

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. In another instance, Pakistans 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 Pakistans tacit support to terror operatives.
ADEN, Yemen, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. selection of targets in its recent airstrikes in Yemen based on unreliable sources "raises serious concerns about intelligence practices," a Yemeni security analyst told Xinhua recently.

"While professional OSINT (open-source intelligence) can provide valuable insights, amateur analysis without proper verification poses significant risks when used for military operations," said the analyst who requested anonymity.

The analyst was commenting on a report published Wednesday by Iranian media Press TV, saying that the U.S. military had been using amateur OSINT data shared by social media users on virtual platforms, particularly X, to attack civilian facilities in Yemen, falsely identifying them as military targets.

"Following a U.S. strike on Monday near the Yemeni capital that killed eight civilians, social media posts have emerged suggesting that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) relied on dubious assessments to select targets in Yemen," the report said.

CENTCOM has not commented on specific intelligence gathering methods used in its operations in Yemen.

The United States resumed airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen on March 15, which it said were intended to deter the Houthis from targeting Israel and U.S. ships in the Red and Arabian Seas. 
Political optics !





THAT the Armed forces have full freedom to decide the mode, the target, and the timing of the countrys response to Pahalgam terror strike, means India has moved its preparedness to hit back to another level. This is something the entire country had been waiting for. This green signal by a high-level meeting of Defence Minister, National Security Advisor, chiefs of three Forces under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modis chairmanship demonstrates Indias heightened readiness to teach Pakistan a lesson it will never forget. Now what will matter is when the strategic decision is actually made and implemented -- so that the Pakistanis are brought down to their knees most comprehensively. The common people now see major developments on the border as well as in the national capital. They sense that things are getting keener as time passes.

True, the Government has yet not made up its mind on the final strike -- and the common people expect that to be done sooner than later. That may not actually happen as per the peoples wish, all right. But the fact that high-level meetings are taking place in corridors of power and major issues are being discussed, is good enough for the people to be assured that the Government is in no mood to tolerate nonsense anymore. For the people who are sick of terrorism and its Pakistani sponsorship, this assurance, too, is good enough. However, there also is an opinion doing the rounds in the country -- that the Governments grant of full freedom to the Forces to make their choice of mode, target and timing of attack has no value greater than political optics. In other words, the Government appears interested more in creating some tough sounds but may not take actual quick action to teach the Pakistanis a genuinely harsh lesson. If such so-called tough sounds keep emanating from corridors of power without any accompanying action, then the people will feel disheartened after some time.

Of course, if the common people can sense such a risk, then the powers that be in the Government, too, must be conscious of the tame outcome. Seen from this angle, it may, therefore, be appropriate for the people to keep patience and allow the Government to handle matters as it feels fit. For, when stake are very high, a haste in making decisions may be detrimental to find long-term national interest. The common people do understand this tricky area. They are willing to wait for the right time the Government chooses to hit back at Pakistan. Yet, they have a genuine issue to contend with -- that a too much of delay in hitting back may taper off the current sharpness and intensity of popular sentiment in the country. In any case, that must not be allowed to happen. The Government must recognise the delicateness of peoples sentiment on the issue. For, the people -- the nation as such -- have suffered a lot on this count for decades on end. It has seen many a terror strike before as well.

Some of the previous attacks did have the Pahalgam-style detail -- like the killing of about two dozen people in a bus in Doda district many years ago on similar lines. But in Pahalgam strike, the common people saw many television images on what actually happened and how. That is the actual cause of peoples anger. The Government can only ill-afford to ignore that angle. For record, the Government would insist that it knows the intensity of public sentiment. But if there is an inordinate delay in response, then the people would lose faith in the Governments ability to take revenge in right time. At this moment, the people do not want political optics. They want actual action so that peoples collective anger is assuaged appropriately.
JAKARTA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged on Thursday that the government would continue working hard to establish a fair, productive, and sustainable labor system, ensuring welfare and justice for workers.

To realize this, Prabowo announced that his administration would promptly form the Termination of Employment Task Force in response to the recent wave of mass layoffs in the country, which is home to over 250 million people.

"We will work tirelessly to ensure all Indonesian citizens receive the best healthcare services and access to affordable medicines. This is our current priority," Prabowo stated during his speech at the International Labor Day commemoration in Jakarta, as quoted by the Presidential Secretariat Office.

The event reportedly drew participation from over 200,000 workers and laborers from various regions across the Southeast Asian nation.

Prabowo noted that workers would no longer face unjust dismissals with the task force in place.

Additionally, he pledged to enforce measures to enhance protection and welfare of workers and laborers in the country. 
Yes  Significant efforts are being made

No  Much more needs to be done

Some progress  But there are still critical gaps

Vote

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ABU DHABI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, reaffirming his country's support to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

During the phone conversation, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation within the framework of their strategic partnership.

President Mohamed bin Zayed thanked the Russian president for Moscow's cooperation in making previous mediation efforts successful, emphasizing the UAE's commitment to continuing its humanitarian engagement in the conflict.

President Putin expressed his appreciation for the UAE's successful mediation in the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine last month. He praised the UAE's consistent and constructive efforts in the humanitarian domain.

On April 19, the UAE announced that its mediation efforts had led to the largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began. The exchange involved 246 Ukrainian and 246 Russian prisoners, as well as the repatriation of 31 wounded Ukrainian and 15 wounded Russian soldiers, bringing the total number of prisoners exchanged through UAE mediation to 3,771.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it marked the 14th successful mediation undertaken by the UAE during the conflict, reflecting the country's strong ties with both sides. 
People visit the second Myanmar Power and Solar Energy Storage Lighting Expo 2025 at the Yangon Convention Center in Yangon, Myanmar, May 1, 2025. The expo kicked off on Thursday at the Yangon Convention Center in Yangon. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The second Myanmar Power and Solar Energy Storage Lighting Expo 2025 kicked off on Thursday in Yangon.

The expo featured a wide range of products, including lithium batteries, inverters, solar panels, power stations, generators, solar fans, solar lights, pumps, and other power products.

More than 80 companies from around the world will showcase hundreds of brands at the expo, said Wang Zhang Cheng, general manager of Myanmar DPES Exhibition.

The expo, which included the latest advancements in solar and power technology, serve as a key platform for the power storage and energy industry, he added.

The first day of the event attracted thousands of distributors, retailers and customers. The four-day event will run until Sunday. 

People visit the second Myanmar Power and Solar Energy Storage Lighting Expo 2025 at the Yangon Convention Center in Yangon, Myanmar, May 1, 2025. The expo kicked off on Thursday at the Yangon Convention Center in Yangon. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
ULAN BATOR, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has recorded 49 new cases of measles infection over the past 24 hours, bringing the national caseload to 1,035, according to the country's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on Thursday.

The majority of new measles infections were among school-age children who have had only one shot of the measles vaccine, the NCCD said in a statement.

In this regard, the NCCD advised parents to protect their children from a potentially severe disease by getting them two doses of the measles vaccine.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact.

Common complications include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat and inflamed eyes. The disease can be prevented by immunization. 
HUANGSHAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Hui Opera is a traditional form of Chinese opera originating from the ancient Huizhou area and is one of the major local opera genres in east China's Anhui Province. In 2006, it was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

Since 2023, the Huangshan Hui Opera Theater has selected and recruited a group of young Hui Opera actors, addressing the shortage of inheritors and improving the preservation system of Hui Opera.

These young actors have steadily gained experience, improved their skills, and expanded the influence of Hui Opera through performances in village opera festivals and promotion events held in rural areas and schools. They have developed a confident stage presence, bringing new vitality to this ancient art form with their solid foundations and richly expressive singing.

An aerial drone photo shows young Hui Opera actors practicing movements in the Huangshan Hui Opera Theater in east China's Anhui Province, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Fan Chengzhu/Xinhua)

Young Hui Opera actors practice their basic skills in the Huangshan Hui Opera Theater in east China's Anhui Province, April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan)

Young Hui Opera actors practice their basic skills in the Huangshan Hui Opera Theater in east China's Anhui Province, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Fan Chengzhu/Xinhua)

Young actors perform Hui Opera during a rural opera festival in Huangshan, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 23, 2023. (Photo by Fan Chengzhu/Xinhua)

A Hui Opera actor puts make-up on at a theater in Huangshan, east China's Anhui Province, April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan)

Young actors perform Hui Opera on an ancient stage in the Huangshan Hui Opera Theater in east China's Anhui Province, April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan)

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
A devastating fire at a hotel in the Mechhua Fruit Market area of Burrabazar claimed 14 lives last night, shaking central Kolkata.

Among the deceased are 11 men, one woman, and two children, police sources confirmed. Thirteen others were injured, of whom 12 were discharged after preliminary treatment, while one remains under treatment.

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The fire broke out around 7.30 p.m. in a hotel located in a congested bylane connecting Central Avenue and Bidhan Sarani. The blaze reportedly originated on the second floor and rapidly spread across the six-storey building, trapping several occupants. At the time, 88 guests were lodged in 42 rooms.

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Ten fire engines battled the flames for nearly eight hours to bring the situation under control.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by the Deputy Commissioner of the Central Division, to probe the cause of the fire and any lapses in safety measures. A forensic team is expected to visit the site for further analysis.

According to preliminary findings, highly flammable materials stored inside the hotel may have caused the fire to spread rapidly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said. She announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief, tweeting: Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata 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. Miss Banerjee, currently in Digha for the Akshay Tritiya inauguration of a Jagannath temple, said she had been monitoring the rescue operations throughout the night. She lauded the efforts of the fire brigade, police, and local residents, who helped rescue 99 people. The presence of combustible materials inside the hotel led to the fast spread of the fire, she reiterated.

Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, police commissioner Manoj Verma, and state minister Shashi Panja were present at the site until 3 a.m, overseeing the operation.

Anand Paswan, one of the victims, jumped from a cornice in an attempt to escape the smoke and flames. He succumbed to his injuries at the Kolkata Medical College Hospital. Locals described the hotel as having turned into a gas chamber due to the dense smoke, making it difficult for firefighters to enter. Using ladders, they broke through windows on the fourth and fifth floors to reach trapped guests. The area where the fire occurred is tightly packed with shops and residential buildings, raising concerns about fire safety regulations and enforcement in Kolkatas older neighbourhoods. Investigations are underway to determine whether there were serious lapses in safety compliance.

Leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, meanwhile, blamed administrative negligence. This happened because the entire state administration went on a three-day holiday to Digha, he alleged in a post on X.
On a politically charged Wednesday, while Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari held a counter-programme in Contai, former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh took a divergent path by honouring an invitation from the state government and visiting the newly-inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha.

Despite Adhikaris call for a Sanatani Samavesh in Contaiheld after securing legal clearance from the Calcutta High Court following initial denial by the state administrationDilip Ghosh chose not to attend the event. Instead, he travelled nearly 200 kilometres to Digha, reaching the Jagannath Temple around 5.30 p.m, more than two hours after chief minister Mamata Banerjee officially inaugurated the temple.

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The former BJP state president, who recently got married went to the temple accepting the invitation but also held a meeting with Miss Banerjee and exchanged pleasantries with her party colleagues, minister Arup Biswas and Kunal Ghosh.

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Mr Ghosh heaped praises on the temple project in the presence of the chief minister. Mr Ghosh said: Im a disciple of Lord Ram and also a true follower of Jagannath.

Mr Ghosh asked the CM about her visit? To which, the chief minister replied that she was camping there for the last three days.

Heaping praises on the temple, Mr Ghosh said: It is wonderful. He also said he had come after watching the inauguration on television.

By early Wednesday afternoon, it became evident that he would head to Digha, bypassing Contai, which lies en route. When asked why he didnt stop in Contai, where Suvendu was leading the counter-event, Ghosh said: I wasnt invited there. I have been invited to Digha and to Shyampur, so I went there. There are numerous programmes on Akshaya TritiyaI cant attend all of them. I go where Im invited.

Emphasising the spiritual significance of the day, Ghosh remarked: Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day. We usually engage in worship and religious events on such occasions. Since the Jagannath temple was being inaugurated today and I was invited, why wouldnt I go? In a characteristically witty note, he added: If the Lord has travelled 350 kilometres to meet us, cant I travel 200 kilometres to meet Him?

While many invited guests had already left Digha by the time Ghosh arrived, he said his primary purpose was to offer prayers. Let me first pay my respects to the deity. Ill decide later whether to stay overnight.

Sukanta Majumdar, the BJP state party president said his party does not endorse it and Mr Ghosh should have ignored it.
Officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the residence of the late Central Intelligence Bureau officer Manish Ranjan Mishra at Ward 7 in Jhalda town, where they spoke with his wife and children.

The NIA team, which had come from Ranchi, arrived in the evening and showed the family sketches of suspected terrorists. The elder son of the deceased reportedly identified one or more of the suspects.

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Jaya Mishra, the widow of the martyred officer, has fallen ill following the brutal killing of her husband in Pahalgam. The terrorist attack claimed 26 lives in total.

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Three of the victims were from West Bengal. As part of its investigation into what is considered the most significant terror attack in recent times in Kashmirand the first ever targeting tourists in Indiathe NIA has already visited the homes of the other two victims from the state over the weekend to speak with their families.

Union minister of state for defence, Sanjay Seth, also visited the Mishra family in Jhalda and offered assistance. The family has requested that a teaching post be granted to Jaya Mishra at a Central School.

Rahul Ranjan Mishra, brother of the deceased, stated that the NIA officials had taken only Jaya Mishras statement. She informed investigators that her husband had died while attempting to save around a dozen tourists by directing them to safety. In doing so, he exposed himself to the terrorists, who opened fire on him.

All of us want exemplary punishment for the guilty terrorists. So many families have been devastated by the Pahalgam attack, Rahul Ranjan Mishra added.
The grand inauguration, led by the chief minister Mamata Banerjee, was broadcast live in towns across various districts. At the district level, the ceremony was screened on a giant screen within the premises of the historic Mahesh Jagannath Temple. A large number of people gathered to witness the event virtually and be part of this significant moment.

Piyal Adhikari, secretary of the Mahesh Jagannath Temple Trust, remarked: Bengal now has another Jagannath Temple at Digha, following the Mahesh Jagannath Temple. It closely resembles the original temple in Puri and is located near the seashore, just like the original one.

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The district magistrate, commissioner of police, SDOs, BDOs, senior officials of the district administration, and prominent leaders of the Trinamul Congress (TMC) were present at the occasion.

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District magistrate Mukta Arya stated: Across the district, giant screens were set up to allow the public to witness this memorable and sacred event. People from all walks of life, regardless of religion, caste or creed came together to celebrate. This demonstrates the spirit of unity, brotherhood, and communal harmony that our society cherishes.

Since coming to power, the Chief Minister has taken special initiatives to beautify Digha, a popular seaside tourist town.
Three migrant labourers from West Bengal  two from Birbhum district and one from East Burdwan  have been detained in Gujarat on suspicion of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

The families of the two labourers from Birbhum have filed a complaint via the Didi Ke Bolo helpline, urging chief minister Mamata Banerjee to intervene and secure their release.

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Five days have passed since their detention, and none of them has been released. Their families remain in the dark about their whereabouts and are living in fear.

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Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Union home ministry has instructed all states to apprehend Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals who have overstayed their visas or remained in India illegally.

The two Birbhum residents, Sultan Mallick and Sheikh Ataur Rahaman, are from Kusumgoria village under Labhpur police station. The East Burdwan labourer, Kamaruzaman Mullick, hails from Khardattapara village under Purbasthali police station.

The two workers from Birbhum had been living in Gujarat for the past eight years and were employed in a textile factory in Ramnagar, Surat. The labourer from East Burdwan had been residing there for about a year.

According to family sources, all three men are related. They were reportedly taken into custody in the early hours of Saturday from their place of residence and brought to a police station for questioning.

Today marks the fifth day since their detention. The families have submitted documents proving their Indian citizenship, including certificates issued by the Chowhatta panchayat samiti pradhan.

Kajal Sheikh, sabhadhipati of Birbhum Zilla Parishad, said he was unaware of the incident but assured that the administration would raise the matter with the appropriate authorities. He added that the party stands in support of the families.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijendra Gupta chaired a meeting at the secretariat on transforming the existing library into a state-of-the-art e-Library through a structured process of digitization, leveraging advanced IT infrastructure, modern gadgets, and software solutions.

According to an assembly official, the Parliament Secretariat has extended its support to assist in this digital transformation.

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The meeting was attended by the Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh.

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During the meeting, Speaker Gupta expressed the hope that various stakeholders would contribute meaningfully toward achieving the shared goal.

He emphasized the significance of this initiative in strengthening legislative research and ensuring seamless access to information in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

He said the establishment of an e-Library would not only help preserve invaluable archival materials but will also enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability across legislative functions.

The Delhi Legislative Library has a rich historical legacy. It was established in 1952 with the formation of the first legislative assembly and was initially part of the Vidhan Sabha. However, its operations ceased in 1958 following the reorganization of states.

The library was later brought under the control of the Delhi Administration Secretariat, and in 1989, administrative oversight was transferred to the Metropolitan Council Department.

With the reconstitution of the Delhi Assembly in 1993, it was officially renamed the Delhi Legislative Assembly Library. Presently, it houses a valuable collection of over 40,000 documents thereby continuing its vital role in supporting informed legislative processes.

Several experts from leading academic and administrative institutions also participated in the meeting and shared valuable suggestions to guide the planning and execution of this digital transformation. Their inputs covered a wide range of areas, including best practices in library digitization, effective use of metadata, integration of modern library management systems, and user accessibility.

Dr. Pravin Babbar from JNU, who was also in the meeting, highlighted that the universitys library holds over 600,000 books, and 800,000 news clippings have already been digitized.

Similarly, Dr. E. Rajalakshmi, Librarian at NSD, reported that their entire collection of drama-related materials has been fully digitized.

The Delhi assembly has reiterated its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to build an efficient, inclusive, and digitally empowered knowledge ecosystem for both legislators and the public.
BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday unveiled revised regulations to strengthen the protection of rights to new plant varieties and to encourage innovation in the seed industry.

Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the new regulations, which are set to take effect on June 1.

New plant varieties refer to those that are artificially bred or developed from discovered wild plants, characterized by novelty, distinctness, uniformity and stability, and assigned an appropriate denomination, according to the regulations.

Like patents, copyrights and trademarks, rights to new plant varieties fall under the category of intellectual property rights.

The new regulations include stipulations on implementing the Essentially Derived Variety (EDV) system, specifying that authorities will release the EDV implementation scope and assessment guidelines and clarify the conditions required for testing bodies.

The protection period for woody and vine plants has been extended from 20 to 25 years, and for other plants from 15 to 20 years.

China implemented regulations on the protection of new varieties of plants in 1997. This marks the third revision of the regulations. 
Television actress Ankita Lokhande has decided to cancel her upcoming USA tour in light of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam.

Expressing grief over the heartbreaking incident, the actress shared that it didnt feel right to continue with the shows while the nation mourns. She emphasized that the tour is only postponed and will be rescheduled at a more appropriate time, urging fans to stand united in this moment of national sorrow.

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On Wednesday, the Pavitra Rishta actress took to Instagram to announce the news, writing, Hello everyone, With a heavy heart, I want to share that we are cancelling my upcoming USA shows. In light of the tragic terror attacks in Pahalgam and the pain our nation is going through, I feel it would not be right to go ahead with the tour at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. As an Indian, I stand with everyone grieving this heartbreaking loss.

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The tour is not cancelled permanently  we will be rescheduling it to a later date when the situation feels more appropriate. I look forward to meeting you all soon under better and more peaceful circumstances. Thank you for your love, understanding, and constant support. Love and light, Ankita, she added.

To note, Ankita Lokhande also uses Instagram to connect with her fans and extend heartfelt wishes on special occasions. Today, on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, she also shared her warm greetings through a post on her Instagram stories.

On April 29, she also marked International Dance Day with a tribute to her love for dance. She posted a video of her dancing on the song Titli from Chennai Express.

Ankita captioned the post, Dance is the souls oldest language raw, beautiful, and eternal. Long before words found form, it was movement that spoke of joy, sorrow, longing, and love Every twirl tells a tale and every rhythm awakens memories Happy International Dance Day.
Get ready to witness a heartwarming romance unfold on the big screen this summer! The highly anticipated romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, starring Vikrant Massey and debutante Shanaya Kapoor, finally has a release date.

The film will hit cinemas on July 11, much to the excitement of movie lovers everywhere.

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Announced through an exciting social media video on Wednesday, the films release is ready to make waves as Shanaya Kapoor steps into the world of Bollywood with her first major role.

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She will be seen alongside the talented Vikrant Massey, who has already captured the hearts of fans with his impressive performances in films like 12th Fail and The Sabarmati Report.

Directed by Santosh Singh, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan promises to be an emotional rollercoaster. The films story, penned by Niranjan Iyengar and Mansi Bagla, explores the complex emotions of love, longing, and connection between its two lead characters.

The soothing music, composed by Vishal Mishra, will undoubtedly complement the films romantic atmosphere.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Studios (@zeestudiosofficial)

Produced by Zee Studios and Mini Films, the film is ready to be a visual treat, with Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla at the helm of production.

While Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is generating all the buzz, Vikrant Massey isnt slowing down anytime soon. He has another major project in the pipelineWhite, in which he portrays the spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

This film is shaping up to be a global thriller, exploring Colombias 52-year-long civil war and how it finally saw an end. Directed by Montoo Bassi, White will have backing of producers Siddharth Anand and Mahaveer Jain.
Angolas President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco will begin a four-day visit to India on Thursday, to boost relations between the two countries.

This will be his first official state visit to India.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, This is the first visit by an Angolan President to India in 38 years. It comes as India and Angola mark 40 years of diplomatic ties this year.

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During his stay, President Lourenco is expected to meet separately with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Both sides are likely to sign several agreements to enhance cooperation in various fields.

The Angolan leader will travel with a high-level delegation that includes Ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders.

He will be given a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 3.

Later, he will meet with President Murmu for bilateral talks.

President Lourenco will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honour, the MEA said in a statement.

The statement added, A number of MoUs and agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which will give a boost to bilateral relations.

On May 4, 2025, President Lourenco will attend a business event in New Delhi aimed at promoting investment and commercial linkages between the two countries.

Business leaders and stakeholders from India and Angola are expected to attend the event and explore potential collaborations in sectors like oil and gas, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining.

India and Angola enjoy a friendly and expanding relationship, underpinned by strong energy cooperation.

In the financial year 202324, trade between the two nations reached $4.192 billion, according to the MEA.

They also collaborate closely on international platforms and frequently support each other at the United Nations.

President Lourencos visit will be a significant step forward in bilateral relations, with both sides looking to broaden and deepen strategic engagement in the years ahead.

The visit is expected to set the stage for a more dynamic partnership, reflecting the shared priorities and aspirations of India and Angola.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has hailed the Centres decision to approve the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming Census 2025.

Taking to social media platform X, Sarma said, We welcome #Census2025, which will further strengthen the agenda of social justice and is a tribute to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, and several other greats. The Modi government has always stood for the representation and rights of our backward communities.

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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while announcing the decision, said the exercise will be conducted in a transparent manner under the Centres purview.

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He criticised opposition-ruled states for conducting similar surveys in a non-transparent manner under the guise of state-level caste surveys, which, he argued, have created societal doubts and confusion.

The move follows mounting pressure from opposition parties, including the Congress, which has made a nationwide caste census a key electoral issue.

States like Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana have already conducted their own caste-based surveys. In Bihar, where assembly elections are due, even BJP allies have expressed support for the caste census, making the Centres decision politically significant.

Caste-based enumeration was last included in the 1931 census during British rule. Although data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been collected since independence, detailed data on other backward classes (OBCs) has been absent.

Demands for a full caste census have intensified in recent years, with proponents arguing that it would lead to better targeting of welfare schemes and affirmative action policies.

The last attempt at caste data collection was during the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011, which faced issues of data quality and was never fully released.
The Rajasthan Congress celebrated the fulfillment of the partys demand of the caste census by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government by distributing sweets among the cadres even as former chief minister Ashok Gehlot urged the Centre to announce the date schedule for the mega enumeration drive.

The OBC Cell of the PCC Thursday afternoon organised a seminar on Boost to the socio-economic elevation of the poor and the downtrodden of society. Speakers at the seminar, including the partys state general secretaries, Jaswant Gurjar, Pushpendra Bhardwaj, Swarnim Chaturvedi, and OBC Cell Chairman Harsahai Yadav said that our leader, LoP Lok Sabha, Gandhi raised the caste-based census demand, evolved it as national narrative and has been persistently run nationwide aggressive campaign in Parliament and on the streets to press up on it.

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They held, This was because RahulJi and we all in the party had been having strong belief that the exercise would herald a new era of socio  economic development. This, in turn, will revolutionise the social life of smaller and economically weaker castes and groups that so far remained unnoticed and neglected in the present day exercise of the national development agenda.

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Thus, the Modi governments decision for adopting this new version of census has given a ray of hopes to the aforementioned strata and in a way also vindicted LoP Lok Sabha Gandhis plank and his determined crusade over the issue.

Party spokesman Chaturvedi said this gives us reason to celebrate. So, on the directives from the state president Govind Singh Dotasara, we celebrate our partys success by sharing  distributing sweets among ourselves  the party leaders, workers. State chief Dotasara and LoP Rajasthan Assembly Tika Ram Jully is away in Punjab, he added.

Meanwhile, welcoming the Modi governments decision and praising LoP of the Lok Sabha for his crusade, Gehlot said that the Centre should immediately announce the date and schedule for the implementation of the decision.
The Congress party on Thursday smelled a rat in the intention of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre to honestly carry out a time-bound caste-based census.

Modiji used to say that those who talk about caste-based census are urban Naxals. So, has Modiji now become an urban Naxal? Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned while addressing a press conference.

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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 had announced.

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Addressing a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting Mr Vaishnaw had 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.

Citing a December 2019 Union Cabinet meeting press release, stating that the Cabinet has approved the proposal for conducting the census of India in 2021 at the cost of Rs 8,254 crore, Mr Ramesh argued but the department that carries out the census has been allocated only Rs 575 crore in the 2025-26 Budget.

Stressing for a time-bound nationwide caste-based census, Mr Ramesh demanded that the government lift the Supreme Courts arbitrary ceiling of 50 per cent on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

He also demanded that the government bring legislation to implement Article 15(5) to provide reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in private, unaided, non-minority educational institutions.

Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mastered the art of coining headline without deadline, Mr Ramesh recalled party leader Rahul Gandhis demand for a clear roadmap and timeline for the caste enumeration in the upcoming census.

Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had on Wednesday welcomed the governments sudden decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming population census, stating that it comes after 11 years of opposing it. He, however, demanded that the government present a budget and a clear timeline for its implementation.

Mr Ramesh said that the government should have gotten the census carried out in 2021. But, under the guise of the COVID pandemic, it was not done even though more than 50 countries carried out their census during the COVID. He further pointed out that, though the pandemic was not there in 2023 and 2024, the government still did not get the census done.
Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Sadanand Date, on Thursday, visited the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam to take stock of the spot where 26 tourists were gunned down by terrorists on 22 April.

An NIA team had visited Pahalgam a day after the incident in which terrorists sprayed bullets at the tourists after examining their religious identity.

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The anti-terror agency took over the probe into the attack from the J&K Police on Sunday and registered a fresh FIR following an order of the Union home ministry.

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The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack, though it later denied its role.

Five days after the incident, the NIA began its investigation, following a visit to the site by its team. Officials confirmed that the NIA is now leading the probe. The agency plans to conduct a detailed assessment of the attack site, collect forensic evidence, and identify those responsible.

This move comes as intelligence agencies compiled a list of 14 local terrorists operating in the region. These individuals, aged between 20 and 40, are suspected of providing logistical support to foreign terrorists from Pakistan.

The police have already issued sketches of three terrorists and announced a reward of Rs. 20 lakh on their heads.

Meanwhile, security forces have intensified their operations in Jammu and Kashmir to track down the terrorists behind the attack.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday slammed the Congress for trying to give credit for the Centres announcement to include caste enumeration with the national census to LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying the decision highlights the difference between empty slogans and true intentions.

The BJP-led NDA governments decision to include caste enumeration in the next census came as a surprising move ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.

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As soon as the government announced the decision, a wave of celebration swept through the Congress, with its leaders giving credit to Rahul Gandhi, who had long been raising this demand on every platform, be it Parliament or his election rallies.

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Gandhi welcomed the decision and urged the government to provide a clear timeline for its implementation.

A large poster was also put up outside the Congress headquarters, crediting Rahul Gandhi for forcing the government to act on the caste census. Jhukti hai duniya, Jhukane wala chahiye (The world bowsif theres someone who can make it), read a line on the poster.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing a press conference on Thursday, said: Yesterday, when this decision was taken, some people got agitated. They were saying sarkar unki hai, system hamara hai Who was in control of the government and the system in 1951?

He further stated: It was well known that if Babasaheb and Mahatma Gandhi were not there in the country, if there was no issue of social sensitivity in Nehrus mind, if the Constituent Assembly need not be consulted, then there would not have been reservations in the country today. Nehru was a staunch opponent of caste-based reservation Who kept the Mandal Commission report locked in the dungeon for 10 years? In the government led by VP Singh, the Mandal Commission report was implemented on our (BJP) suggestion

Pradhan also accused former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi of giving long speeches against the OBC reservation.

What can we expect from those whose social justice is limited to justice for their families? The Congress Party has always been against the deprived, tribal, Dalit, and backwards classes of the country. That is why their hypocrisy is visible today, he added.

He claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had made the announcement regarding this a year ago.

This policy decision has been taken for the first time since the first census after Independence, that, along with the census, a caste enumeration exercise will happen. The census was supposed to happen in 2021, but had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. The Home Minister (Amit Shah) had talked about this decision a year earlier. This shows that the PM Modi-led NDA government is committed to giving the rights to the backward sections of society, Pradhan added.
Former Union Minister Dr Girija Vyas passed away at a private hospital in Ahmedabad on Thursday evening.

The former chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Dr Girija Vyas (78), was referred to Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad from Udaipur on March 31 with 90 per cent burn injuries. After battling for life for a month, she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday evening.

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A three-time former MP from Udaipur, Vyas sustained grave injuries on March 31 when her sari accidentally caught fire from an earthen lamp during the Navaratri festival at her residence in Udaipur.

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Besides representing Udaipur for three terms in the Lok Sabha, Dr Vyas also held key positions in the Congress party, including the Congress Rajasthan state president and the All India Mahila Congress president.

The two-time former MLA also served as a minister in Rajasthan and at the Centre.

Expressing grief over her sad demise, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal said, Sad and shocked to learn about Girija Jis demise. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, along with Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara, expressed grief and sorrow over Vyass demise, describing it as an irreparable loss for both the party and the states political arena.
Four men were killed while three others suffered serious injuries when a speeding car overturned after hitting a road divider in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh in the wee hours of Thursday.

According to the police, the incident occurred near the Bhadaura town at around 2.30 am.

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There were seven men in the car returning to Rijoda village in the Shivpuri district after attending a wedding ceremony at Maawan village in Guna district.

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After attending the wedding procession, the seven youths left Maawan in the night for Rijoda village, but unfortunately their vehicle met with the mishap near Bhadaura town under the jurisdiction of the Myana police station. Police station in-charge Gopal Chaubey said that the deceased included Govind Raghuvanshi (28) Sonu Raghuvanshi (35), Veeru Kushwaha (24) and Hitesh Bairagi (24), all residents of Rijoda village in Shivpuri.

The injured were admitted to the Guna district hospital, from where one was referred to Bhopal for advanced treatment in a serious condition.
CANBERRA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) could soon play a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders, a study by the Australian National University (ANU) said on Thursday.

The study marks a significant step toward more precise, personalized medicine by harnessing the power of new data tools, according to an ANU news release.

Published in Nature Communications, the study combines AI-powered protein models with genome sequencing to better understand how mutations affect human health.

It uncovered why some proteins are more vulnerable to harmful mutations than others, through the use of Google DeepMind AlphaFold's cutting-edge AI to analyze the effects of every possible mutation across the full range of human proteins, said the release.

"Our study reveals that evolution has built resilience into the most essential proteins, shielding them from harmful mutations that disrupt protein stability. Less critical proteins seem not to have evolved this inherent ability to absorb damage," said ANU Associate Professor Dan Andrews, the research lead.

Researchers from ANU's John Curtin School of Medical Research and School of Computing help explain why seemingly less vital genes often play a larger role in genetic conditions.

"It's important to identify which genetic system is dysfunctional in a given person, which helps us potentially choose the most effective treatment," Andrews said.

"Our future goals include developing automated systems to flag effective treatment for individuals, based on their genetic and pathology data," he added. 
Inner strength and consistent hard work are the true drivers of social transformation, said Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel here on Thursday.

Speaking at the launch ceremony of her biography Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai, which was graced by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar at Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow, the Governor described the book as a narrative of empowerment, self-reliance, and the transformative power of hard work. The book that chronicles the Governors remarkable life journey was released by the Vice-President.

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The Governor shared that the book not only reflects her personal story but also serves as an inspiration for others, especially women, to overcome challenges and create positive change in society.

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She also expressed her gratitude to Vice-President Dhankhar and his wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, for their presence. She praised Mrs. Dhankhar for her work as an Ayurvedic practitioner, calling her an example of womens empowerment who not only heals herself but also helps others.

Governor Anandiben Patel praised CM Yogi Adityanath for his leadership in maintaining law and order in the state and ensuring development, highlighting his unique role as both a saint and chief minister, guiding Uttar Pradesh through challenges.

She further said that the date for the book release was purposefully chosen to coincide with Labour Day. She emphasized the importance of workers in nation-building, stating that many construction workers may not be highly educated but still build roads, bridges, and buildings with precision. To honour their hard work, this day was chosen, she said.

She also mentioned how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had washed the feet of workers who built the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and how CM Yogi had shown respect to those working on the Mahakumbh preparations.

She also reflected on her early life, sharing that she was born in a farming family in Gujarats Mehsana district, where water was scarce and salty. We had land but lacked resources, she said. Her father, a follower of Gandhian values, left his teaching job to farm and raise awareness among villagers. She recalled fighting against social evils like child marriage and the discrimination faced by widows.

Citing a personal anecdote, she said once she had to call the police to stop her own nephews child marriage. She also led campaigns to restore respect and dignity to widowed women. One turning point in her life, she shared, was during the Narmada movement when she saved two girls from drowning.

That moment led her into politics. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, she organized the Mahila Morcha and worked with farmers to support the Narmada dam and canal project, helping bring water to the fields.

She also recalled her journey to Jammu and Kashmir during the peak of terrorism in the 1990s. In the Ekta Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, I was the only Gujarati woman to reach Lal Chowk and hoist the national flag, she said. She also reflected on her time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and now Uttar Pradesh.
A meeting was held under the chairpersonship of Union Minister for Communications and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia to promote investment in the North Eastern Region.

The Minister held a series of meetings in Mumbai with leading industrialists, including Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani, Kumar Mangalam Birla of Aditya Birla Group, and Tata Sons N. Chandrasekaran.

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The interactions focused on region-specific growth sectors, including agro-based industries, textiles, and tourism.

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At these meeting, Minister Scindia emphasized the Government of Indias strategic vision to position the Northeast as a new growth engine for the country.

The goal is to integrate the eight states into one unified development goal as Indias growth engine, he said.

He also underlined the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating sustainable development in the region.

The Minister further shared with the industrialists some of the key initiatives undertaken by MDoNER, which included the formation of a High-Level Task Force with the Chief Ministers of all eight Northeastern states, the establishment of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in each state, among others.

Dharmvir Jha, Statistical Advisor Ministry of DoNER, also presented key investment opportunities spanning all eight Northeastern states.

Notably, these meetings were part of the ongoing engagement ahead of the Investment Summit, Rising Northeast Summit 2025, scheduled for May 23-24, 2025, at Delhi.

The Rising Northeast Summit 2025 will continue this momentum by bringing together key stakeholders, investors, and policymakers on one platform to unlock the regions economic potential.

The summit is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on May 23-24, 2025.
Amid the tension on the borders with Pakistan following the killing of 26 tourists in the Pahalgam terror attack, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Thursday assumed the charge of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command.

Lt General Sharma comes in place of Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, who relinquished the Northern Command on 30 April.

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A highly decorated officer, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma is an alumnus of NDA, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He was commissioned into the Madras Regiment in December 1987. He is qualified on the Higher Command Course and has also attended the course at the National Defence College, New Delhi.

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The General Officer has a rich operational experience. He commanded an Infantry Battalion, Brigade, and Division along the Line of Control and has commanded a Strike Corps in the Western Sector.

The General Officer has a varied exposure in staff and instructional appointments, including being a staff officer in a UN Mission. He has held important appointments at the Military Operations Directorate and the Military Secretary Branch in the Army Headquarters.

He was also the Director General of Military Operations and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), prior to taking over as GOC-in-C, Northern Command.

On assuming the command, the GOC-in-C conveyed his greetings to all ranks and expressed his commitment to take forward the excellent work by his predecessors and all ranks of Northern Command.
Opposition leaders in Maharashtra gave credit to Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday after the Central government announced that a caste census would be conducted.

We welcome the decision to conduct a caste wise census. The Congress along with Rahul Gandhi had consistently demanded this. We have consistently presented the position that the greater the number, the greater should be the share. However, what is the reason for taking this decision suddenly after so much opposition from the ruling party? After all, earlier, the government had submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that the government cannot conduct a caste wise census. Now, at the Cabinet Meeting on Political Affairs, they announced that they will conduct a caste wise census. It seems that they took this

decision keeping the Bihar assembly elections in mind, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar said.

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However, VBA president Prakash Ambedkar also criticised the governments move, calling it a fraudulent decision. The government has announced that it will conduct a caste census but there is no clarity about when exactly it will be conducted. It also contradicts the central governments own submission before the Supreme Court that a caste census is not possible. I suspect that this decision has been announced to divert the peoples attention away from the Pahalgam terror attack, Ambedkar said.

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Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut also said that the credit for the Modi government announcing that a caste-based census would be carried out, should go to Rahul Gandhi.

The credit for the governments announcement to conduct the caste census goes to Rahul Gandhi who consistently brought up the issue. We welcome the governments decision. However, by announcing this move, the government aims to divert attention from the criticism it faced after the Pahalgam terror attack. Also, with elections approaching in Bihar and West Bengal, the government felt pressured to address the caste census issue, Raut said.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who is also a prominent OBC leader in Maharashtra, said, I am pleased with the decision, since a long-pending demand has been fulfilled. The last caste census was carried out in 1931, and since Independence, several leaders had advocated the need for a caste census. In 2010, along with Gopinath Munde of the BJP and Sameer Bhujbal of the NCP, around 100 MPs had proposed a resolution regarding a caste census. Even the Union government had conducted a socio-economic survey but the outcome was not made public. On January 8, 2020, the Maharashtra assembly unanimously passed a resolution for a caste census. Now, after this governments statement about caste census, OBCs and nomadic tribes will get justice and political reservations can also be restored, Bhujbal said.

Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena spokesperson Sushma Andhare urged the government to be transparent about the process. This announcement should not turn into a mere assurance with an eye on the Bihar assembly polls. The government should explain when this census will begin and disclose the process, Sushma Andhare stated.
The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Thursday credited Rahul Gandhi for the Narendra Modi governments decision on Wednesday to include a caste enumeration in the next census.

MP Congress Chief Jitu Patwari pointed out that Rahul Gandhi has been waging a relentless fight for the issue for the past 10 years. The BJP and its leaders had been opposing it for so many years, but Rahul Gandhi kept fighting for it. Now, Rahul Gandhi has achieved victory, he asserted while addressing media persons at Bhopal.

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Patwari said that the MP Congress would invite Rahul Gandhi to Bhopal in June and organize a huge event, as Rahul Gandhis aim to empower all sections of society through the caste enumeration is fulfilled.

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The state Congress chief hailed Rahul Gandhi, saying his perseverance has paid off.

Patwari also claimed that Rahul Gandhis pressure and protests had also led to the ruling BJP to backtrack on several other undemocratic decisions in the past too.

Elaborating on his contention, Patwari claimed that it was due to Rahuls efforts that Engineers are getting pension, after he raised the issue in Parliament on July 3, last year. Likewise, the Centre withdrew the new draft of the Broadcast Bill last year after Rahul Gandhi protested that it was against the freedom of expression, Paywari claimed.

He added that lateral entry in the government sector was also rolled back due to Rahul Gandhis pressure.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the SP of Seoni district and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Dhuma police station, seeking replies on affidavits explaining why no action was taken for over two months in connection with the vandalisation of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkars statue in the district on 10 February.

A division bench of the MP High Court comprising Chief Justice S K Kait and Justice Vivek Jain ordered the Seoni SP and Dhuma police station SHO to submit signed affidavits explaining in detail why no action was taken in the matter.

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The court passed the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the matter on Wednesday. The bench also issued one-week returnable notices to the Seoni Collector and the MP government seeking their reply on the incident.

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Seoni resident Jitendra Ahirwar, who filed the PIL, contended that the police registered an FIR against unidentified accused in the matter, but instead of apprehending the accused, the police allegedly moved the damaged statue to an unknown location and installed a new one in its place.

He further stated that over two months have passed since the incident, but the police have not arrested a single accused person.

The court has listed the case for the next hearing on 7 May.

Similar cases were also reported from other districts in the past few months.

On Wednesday too, the bust of Dr Ambedkar in the Ambedkar Park in Ashok Nagar city was smeared with black colour. Police have registered an FIR against unidentified miscreants in the matter.

The incidents have prompted strong criticism from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The BSP has declared to hold a protest against such incidents on 2 May.

The main opposition Congress has also alleged that insults to Dr Ambedkar and the Dalit community are occurring at regular intervals in Madhya Pradesh.
External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar said on Thursday that he discussed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and said the perpetrators and planners have to be brought to justice.

In a post on X in the morning, the EAM wrote, Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US@SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.

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The post comes after Rubio spoke with Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, amid escalating tensions between the two countries after terrorists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir brutally killed 26 people.

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Rubio urged the leaders of both countries to work to de-escalate tensions between them and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

He reaffirmed the USs commitment to cooperate with India against terrorism and urged Pakistans cooperation in investigating the unconscionable attack in Kashmir and stressed the need to condemn it.

Earlier, Tammy Bruce, the US State Department Spokesperson, said that in his call with the EAM Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio, 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.

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.

Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence. The Secretary urged Pakistani officials cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack, said Bruce.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack after The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for it.

Meanwhile, for the seventh consecutive day on Thursday, the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian positions on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

A Defence Ministry spokesman said, During the night of 30 April and May 1, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC opposite Kupwara, Uri and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These were responded (to) proportionately by the Indian Army.

For the last seven days, Pakistan has been resorting to unprovoked firing on the LoC and on Wednesday, Pakistan Rangers fired with small arms at the Indian posts along the International Border in the Pargwal sector of Jammu district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport to the nation on Friday, May 2, placing the country on top of the global maritime map.

The commissioning of the Vizhinjam Seaport on Friday will mark a rare event in Indian port history, reminiscent of the inauguration of the Cochin Port nearly a century ago. Prime Minister Modi, who is expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday evening, will on Friday morning take a helicopter ride from the Pangode helipad to the Vizhinjam Port helipad, reaching there around 10.05 am, ahead of the ceremony. He will first visit the ports operations building to inspect the control systems and interact with the staff. He will then proceed to the berth to observe the container-handling operations.

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The commissioning ceremony will be held at 11 am on Friday. The inauguration ceremony will be held at a special venue at the port entrance. Prime Minister Modi is expected to address the public at this venue, which has a seating capacity of 7,500. The ceremony will also be attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi, George Kurian, state ministers, and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani.

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The Vizhinjam Seaport is the countrys first dedicated container transshipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in Indias maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.

Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project that will contribute to strengthening Indias position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 metres and location near one of the worlds busiest sea trade routes further strengthen Indias position in global trade.

In 2015, the Kerala government signed an agreement with the Adani Group to develop the Vizhinjam Port under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. In October 2023, the Vizhinjam Port project also came closer to reality when the cargo ship Shen Hua 15A, with cranes from China, anchored off the coast.

Vizhinjam, which has been given the international location code IN TRV 01, is a unique port in India with direct access to the worlds major shipping lanes, opening new doors of global logistics opportunities for the country. The port, which started its trial run on July 13, 2024, officially started commercial operations on December 3, 2024. The port has already handled more than 246 container ships and 5 lakh TEUs of cargo. The total revenue earned was Rs 243 crore.

The capital city of Thiruvananthapuram has been put on high security alert in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit. PM Modi, who is expected to arrive here on Thursday evening, will stay overnight at Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Kerala Governor.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling him a young Chief Minister and the hero of Uttar Pradesh.

He said that when people older than Yogi call themselves young, it clearly shows how young and energetic Yogi is. He said UPs remarkable development under CM Yogi over the past eight years deserves academic study.

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The Vice President was speaking at the launch of UP Governor Anandiben Patels autobiography titled Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai in Lucknow. He praised UP for its remarkable progress under CM Yogis leadership, calling the Mahakumbh one of the most extraordinary gatherings in the world. The arrival of over 60 crore people at Mahakumbh will be remembered for centuries, he said.

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The Vice President mentioned that this has never happened anywhere else in the world and credited CM Yogi as the guiding force behind the event. Speaking about Uttar Pradeshs economic growth, he mentioned that it is a subject worth researching. In just eight and a half years, without imposing any new taxes, the states economy has grown from Rs 12.5 lakh crore to nearly Rs 30 lakh crore, he said.

He highlighted the sharp rise in per capita income and praised the massive development in infrastructure. He pointed out that 55% of Indias expressways are in UP, six cities in the state have metro rail servicesthe highest in the countryand there are 16 airports, including 4 international ones. He also mentioned the upcoming Jewar Airport, saying, The world is waiting for it.

The Vice President also praised CM Yogis fearless approach to leadership. He said, Running away from challenges or showing indifference is a sign of cowardice, and there is no trace of cowardice in the Chief Ministerthis doesnt need any medical test.

He acknowledged UPs significant improvement in law and order, noting that eight years ago the state had a very different image. He praised CM Yogi for confronting challenges head-on, saying the positive results are now clearly visible.

The Vice President emphasised the need to respect constitutional posts, stating that the President and Governor hold the highest positions under the Indian Constitution. He noted that these roles uphold and safeguard the Constitution, and remarked that commenting on such dignified offices warrants serious reflection.

He emphasised that all institutions must fulfil their responsibilities sincerely and called for better harmony among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. We must respect our constitutional institutions. Each of us has our own limits, and our Constitution expects coordination among us, he added.

Sharing his own experience, he said, I deeply respect the judiciaryI have worked in this field for 40 years. Our judges are among the best, but I appeal that we must work together with cooperation and coordination.

Speaking about Governor Anandiben Patels autobiography Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai, the Vice President described it as a source of inspiration for everyone. He praised her courage and firm stand against injustice, saying, She likes challenges because she never tolerates injustice.

Dhankhar appreciated the choice of the day and venue for the book launch, noting that it coincided with Gujarat Foundation Day and Labour Day. He said hosting the event at Abdul Kalam Technical University reflects Indias progress in the age of technology.

He also admired Anandiben Patels courage, saying, Writing such a book honestly is not easy. The biggest challenge is writing something titled Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai. He called Swami Chidanand Saraswati a cultural ambassador of India and affectionately mentioned the Governors daughter, Anarben Patel, referring to a famous dialogue from the film Zanjeer, saying, Anarben has a mother whose strength is no less.

The Vice President praised PM Narendra Modi, calling it the nations good fortune to have a strong leader for a third term. He said, He has turned challenges into opportunities, pointing to progress like electricity, toilets, tap water, internet, and health facilities reaching every household.

Highlighting the strength of Indian philosophy, Dhankhar said that in times of crisis, one should turn to the Vedas, Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, which emphasise unwavering commitment to duty.

Speaking on Uttar Pradeshs development, he said the state gave India its first waterway and the first rapid rail. Opportunities are rising like bubbles here, he noted. He also referred to the Emergency as a dark chapter in history and questioned the belief that people forget easily: Have we forgotten the Emergency? He called upon everyone to uphold their constitutional duties and contribute to strengthening democracy.
Buddha (6th Century BC) was born a Hindu and died a Hindu. He set out on a spiritual quest following a course prescribed by Hinduism. He became a Paribrajaka Sannyasi after renouncing his hearth and home. The question which disturbed him most was the question of Dukha (human sufferings). He saw Dukha as an ineluctable fact of life. But he was determined to find its origin and a means to overcome it. Buddha went to sages for guidance. Their teachings aided him to proceed. He was otherwise well versed in the scriptures. Finally, he resolved to meditate intensely.

He spent six years at a stretch in deep study, practice and meditation, and ultimately emerged successful. He became The Enlightened one. He then proclaimed his message to the world at large like a Rishi of yore. He said Dukha exists, it has an origin, there is a way to its cessation, and the way is a path comprising eight disciplines. He termed these truths as Arya Satya, on which he laid the foundation of his faith. Scholars say: Buddha was primarily an ethical teacher and reformer, not a metaphysician. When any one asked Buddha metaphysical questions  he avoided discussing them. Metaphysics, he pointed out, is no cure for miseries of life.

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But by what method did he practice meditation? Sixth century BC was a time when spiritual seekers of India practically followed the precepts of Maharishi Kapila (7th century BC) whose process for concentrating the mind on the self was then considered most scientific and efficacious. Kapila, too, dealt with the problem of human sufferings or Tapa. Buddha, conjecturally, took to his teachings. For the path he preached for emancipation from Dukha after his Nirvana resembles the Astanga Yoga of Patanjali (2nd century BC) who later developed his Yoga Aphorisms for the practice of meditation for Samadhi and realisation of the supreme Self depending on Kapilas teachings.

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Patanjali says Yoga stops the mind from taking different modifications (vrittis) by relentless practice (abhyasa) and nonattachment (vairagya), so that the aspirant would be eventually established in his own Self (Swarupa). He then gives out the procedure of how to quell and cleanse the mind of its accumulated dross for its concentration on the object of his meditation. Given the consummate vairagya and vyakulata (urgency) in him, Buddha carried out his abhyasa without any break in a procedure similar to Patanjalis, and thereby purged his mind of its past tendencies. As a result, he at last accomplished Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the highest spiritual attainment that liberated him from all worldly afflictions.

An ordinary sadhaka does not survive after such an experience. But Buddha survived and lived for a long time, proving he was different and extraordinary. It was, indeed, to happen in his case because he was ordained to remain in his body for lokakalyan (the good of humanity). He was born as an example of the truth pronounced in the scriptures that God comes in a human form whenever there is decline in religion. His advent and work neatly showed he was God born in blood and flesh with the exceptional capacity of re-establishing the declining religion.

Therefore, Hindus had no difficulty in recognizing and worshipping him as an Incarnation of God. Buddha left an indelible mark as a rebel child of Hinduism. His rebellion was against the corrupt priests who deviously shut the doors of religion to the masses and enjoyed the monopoly over it, exploiting the rich. The priests devised tricks to satisfy their own desires by means of complicated ritualistic performances which required enormous wealth. They did everything in Sanskrit which was the language of the learned and Greek to the commoner having no access to learning. Buddhas heart bled observing the egregious poverty, ignorance and neglect of the ordinary man.

He rejected the Karma Kanda of the Vedas which contains rituals and is the hold of the priests. He taught his faith pragmatically in the spoken language of the illiterate, opening the doors of religion to the deprived multitudes, who reposed faith in him. But Buddha never repudiated the authority of the Jnana Kanda (knowledge portion) of the Vedas. His teachings reflect the ideas of the Upanishads which are the integral part of Jnana Kanda. He did not deny the existence of the Supreme Self (Paramatma). However, he denied the existence of the apparent self (jivatma) which is also the conclusion of the Upanishads. The sense of self in the body with its adjuncts, which is impermanent, the Upanishads say, is false since it is born of Ajnana (ignorance) embedded in man.

They also tell that with the realization of the Real Self man knows the falsity of that apparent self and never commits such a mistake again which causes him sufferings unnecessarily. Hence, Buddhas Anatmavada doesnt contradict the Upanishadic idea of the Self and it should be understood in the context of the unreality of the apparent self only. On the other hand, he accepted and applied Karmavada of Hinduism as a pivotal concept in his teachings on reincarnation of man, through his theory of Pratityasamutpada (Dep  endent Origination). The Sangha Buddha created with his follower monks was unprecedented. But, when he had to include nuns in it after some time, he knew its degeneration was likely. In his lifetime itself anarchy began in it and took an ugly shape.

Things went out of his control quickly. Even an attempt was made from within it to do away with him by poisoning. Despite these ironies, he remained absolutely unperturbed and spread his message of Maitri and Karuna to all and sundry, till he breathed his last in a tragic death, after eating stale pork from a poor outcaste. Buddhas dir  ect disciples and devotees could not comprehend his teachings. They held a council im  mediately after his demise to give them a concrete shape, in order to pursue his faith in an organized manner. But they failed to do so. There was too much difference of opinion among them as to what Buddha had really said and meant. One hundred years later Buddhists held another council with the same purpose in mind, when Buddhas direct disciples were no more.

It failed once again, ending in a schism. Whatever, therefore, was propagated in the name of Buddha was the consequence of speculation. Thus, with the passage of time until recently countless Buddhist philosophical perceptions have evolved. It so happened that not knowing much of what he had exactly thought about metaphysical questions, pundits gave philosophical interpretations of his sayings to individuals according to their diverse beliefs and imaginations, and passed them off as his philosophy. Buddhas powerful influence worked on Indians for 800 years, during which the country flourished in every walk of life. People worshipped him in his beautifully sculpted images with rituals, although image worship had no place in his religion. After a time they tired of the dry moral dos and donts, to which it was reduced, with its effect diminishing on them. Thats how it gradually disappeared from its birth place. Buddha is unforgettable.

Like scholars, saints also adore him. Swami Vivekanandas love for him was very deep. His penetrating study of Buddhas life and teaching brought forth truths hitherto unintelligible. On several occasions he made extensive speeches on them abroad. For instance, at the Parliament of Religions on 26 September 1893 he said comparing Buddha with Jesus: I am not a Buddhist, as you have heard, and yet I am. If China, Japan, or Ceylon follow the teachings of the Great Master, India worships him as God incarnate on earth. You have just now heard that I am going to criticise Buddhism, but by that I wish you to understand this only. Far be it from me to criticise him whom I worship as God incarnate on earth. But our views about Buddha are that he was not understood properly by his disciples.

The relation between Hinduism (by Hinduism I mean the religion of the Vedas) and what is called Buddhism at the present day is nearly the same as between Judaism and Christianity. Jesus Christ was a Jew, and Sakya Muni (Buddha) was a Hindu. The Jews rejected Jesus Christ, nay, they crucified him, and the Hindus have accepted Sakya Muni as God and worship him. But the real difference we the Hindus want to show between modern Buddhism and what we should understand as the teachings of Lord Buddha lies primarily in this: Sakya Muni came to preach nothing new. He also, like Jesus, came to fulfil and not to destroy. Only, in the case of Je sus, it was the old people, the Jews, who did not understand him, while in the case of Buddha, it was his own followers, who did not realise the import of his teachings.

As the Jews did not understand the fulfilment of the Old Testament, so the Buddhists did not understand the fulfilment of the truths of the Hindu religion. Again, I repeat, Sakya Muni did not come to destroy, but he was the fulfilment, the logical conclusion, the logical development of the religion of the Hindus. Swamijis analysis went to the root and made a clean breast of the mistake of Buddhas disci  ples. He said: On the philosophic side the disciples of the Great Master dashed themselves against the eternal rocks of the Vedas and could not crush them and on the other side they took away from the nation that eternal God to which every one, man and woman, clings so fondly.

And the result was that Buddhism had to die a natural death in India. He further said: But at the same time, Brahminism (ancient Hinduism) lost that something ~ that reforming zeal, that wonderful sympathy and charity for everybody, that wonderful leaven which Buddhism had brought to the masses and which had rendered Indian society so great. Swamiji was convinced that Hinduism cannot live without Buddhism, nor Buddhism without Hinduism. Every Hindu as well as Buddhist ought to treasure this precious truth in his or her bosom jealously which Swamiji skilfully thrashed out in his lecture on Buddhism before a global audience.

(The writer is associated with Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendra)
SYDNEY, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have successfully mapped the complete genome of the Southern Corroboree Frog, one of Australia's most iconic and endangered amphibians, offering new hope for its survival, an Australian study has revealed.

Australia's University of Melbourne said in a news release on Wednesday that researchers now aim to use this genomic data to breed disease-resistant frogs for eventual reintroduction into their native habitat, and apply the findings to support other amphibians threatened by chytridiomycosis, an infectious, deadly fungal disease.

"This is the first time the genome of this species has been sequenced, and it was not easy due to its enormous size," said the study's lead author Tiffany Kosch from the university.

The sequencing effort, nearly a decade in the making, revealed that the frog's genome is more than three times the size of the human genome, with over 80 percent consisting of non-coding DNA, genetic material that doesn't directly code for proteins, the release said.

Once native to the Snowy Mountains in Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW), this unique and visually striking species is now considered functionally extinct in the wild due to the deadly fungal disease. With no self-sustaining wild populations, the frogs now rely entirely on captive breeding programs such as the one run at Melbourne Zoo, it said.

As one of the highest-quality frog genomes ever produced, it provides critical insight into the genes linked to disease resistance, Kosch said.

"Our focus now turns to using what we have learned to selectively breed frogs that are resistant to chytrid fungus and able to not only survive but thrive naturally in the environment, without ongoing human intervention," she said.

The study, published in Wellcome Open Research, was a collaboration with the Vertebrate Genomes Project at Rockefeller University in the United States and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 
The brutal attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists singled out and murdered Hindu tourists in cold blood, has shaken not just Kashmir, but the collective conscience of the nation. It is a reminder that beneath Kashmirs postcard-perfect landscapes, the cruel hand of cross-border terror still runs. The targeted nature of the killings ~ men separated, names asked, lives ended ~ was not just an act of terror; it was a calcul  ated assault on Indias pluralism and its sense of internal peace.

In response, the government has closed more than half of Kashmirs 87 tourist destinations, an extraordinary step that underscores both the scale of the threat and the urgency of restoring a semblance of order. This comes just as the summer season was beginning to bring thousands to the Valley, enticed by its beauty and reassured by a few quieter years. That illusion now lies shattered. The very act that sought to destabilise the region economically may have succeeded in doing so ~ at least in the short term. While the administrative decision to shut tourist spots is understandable in the context of im mediate security, it is also a blow to a region whose eco nomic revival increasingly depends on tourism.

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Hotels, guides, small businesses, and transport providers ~ many of them locals ~ stand to suffer. Fear drives away not only tourists but also investment and hope. Yet, there is little choice. The safety of civilians must come first. What cannot be allowed, however, is for this moment to spiral into a cycle of rhetoric and bombast. Tensions with Pakistan have flared, predictably, with accusations, denials, and even talk of imminent military escalation. The temptation to do something is immense. But India must tread carefully. Provocative statements may score political points but risk escalating a volatile situation. The moral high ground must be held with firmness, not fury. What this attack calls for is both resolve and restraint.

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India must enhance intelligence co ordination, secure vulnerable areas, and improve rapid response mechanisms ~ without allowing the Valley to slip back into an armed camp. The state must reaffirm its commitment to the safety of every citizen, regardless of religion or region, while also making it clear that terror ~ whether domestic or externally backed ~ will be met with zero tolerance, and repulsed. To support this, civil society ~ across India ~ must raise its voice for peace, not polarisation.

Religious leaders, artists, educators, and business leaders all have roles to play in resisting the tide of hate and fear. Healing cannot be the governments burden alone. It must become a national mission, rooted in empathy and courage. Ultimately, the attackers sought to sow fear and divide. The best rebuke we can offer is unity, clarity of purpose, and the unyielding will to keep Kashmir open ~ not just for tourism, but for peace, coexistence, and the promise of a better tomorrow. Kashmirs healing is incomplete, but it must not be abandoned. Not now. Not again.
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 worlds 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.

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When it is assembled at the ITER site in Southern France, the Central Solenoid will be the systems most powerful magnet, strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier, it was announced on Wednesday.

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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 ITERs 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 ITERs 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.

ITERs geopolitical achievement is also remarkable: the sustained collaboration of ITERs 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 ITERs 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 ITERs 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 fusions 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 ITERs 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.
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.

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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.

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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 services 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.
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.

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According to a statement released by Lebanons 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.

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He cited Israels occupation of five strategic hills and ongoing violations as the main obstacle to completing the armys 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 Israels ongoing daily violations and aggressions undermine Lebanons 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 Lebanons 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 regions 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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss the Pahalgam terrorist attack. According to a press note shared by the White House, Rubio expressed deep sorrow over the innocent lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack.

Rubio reaffirmed the United States commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.

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As tensions soared between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack,

the US Secretary of State also encouraged New Delhi to work with Islamabad to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

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After the phone call with Rubio, Jaishankar stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice.

Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice, Jaishankar stated in a post on X.

In a separate press note, the White House also informed that Rubio spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif amid tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack.

According to a statement from the US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, Rubio emphasised the need for Pakistan to condemn the April 22 terror attack and to fully cooperate in the ongoing investigation.

Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence, Bruce said.

The Secretary also encouraged Pakistan to re-establish direct communications with India and work towards reducing regional tensions.

The developments come a day after Pakistan expressed fears that India may take military action against the country over the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam.

On April 22, at least 26 people were killed and several others were wounded, some of them critically, after terrorists opened fire at innocent tourists at Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam town in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district.
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German auto expert highlights the Shanghai Auto Show as the world's most important, reflecting China's leadership in EVs and battery technology. He stresses the need for China-Germany cooperation, combining innovation and engineering for mutual success.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Do you often find yourself torn between hitting the snooze button or squeezing in an early workout? In todays fast-paced world, balancing sleep and exercise can feel like a constant struggle. Yet both are essential pillars of physical and mental well-being, deeply interconnected and equally important. Experts share insights on how to navigate this common dilemmaand why prioritising both can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.

The morning workout at the gym or walk outside often helps one start the day fresh and focused. However, when you force yourself out of bed and cram a workout into the morning routine, it could leave you frustrated and irritated as well.

How to prioritise sleep or morning workouts?

If one is getting a consistent sleep of 6-7 hours and adding a morning workout to your routine, then you are set for a good start. But if it's less than six hours, then experts suggest not to choose the morning workout as it could lead to more harm than good.

Lack of sleep contributes to weight gain and also triggers an increase in cortisol levels impacting blood sugar. This could lead to heart attack and stroke.

Though staying active is important, prioritising sleep is way more important. Cutting sleep to fit in exercise is not a good idea, experts point out.

According to sleep medicine experts, the best approach is to organise your routine to allow sufficient sleep and regular exercise. "Getting enough sleep, which is generally seven to nine hours for adults, should be your foundation, as sleep is essential for overall health, recovery, and exercise performance," David Rosen, MD, a sleep medicine physician was quoted by the Health website.

Also, high-intensity workouts without adequate sleep could risk multiple injuries.

Losing sleep both short-term and long-term causes health consequences. Sleep deprivation is linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes and mental health issues including depression and anxiety.

Sleep deprivation could lead to:

Increased stress hormones

Increased appetite and food cravings

Mood swings, anxiety, irritability

Impaired immune function

Disrupted hormonal balance

Mental health issues

Faster aging

Risks of chronic diseases

Tips to balance sleep and exercise:

Schedule your days in a way of getting both adequate sleep and regular exercise

Practise good sleep hygiene

Be flexible and adapt based on your energy levels

Split workouts

Establish consistent sleep and wake times
As India-Pakistan tensions heat up following the Pahalgam terror attack, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

The U.S. Secretary of Defence @PeteHegseth spoke to Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh earlier today and expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.



Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S.    / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) May 1, 2025

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his first public remarks on the terror attack vowed to avenge those who died in the attack.

#PahalgamTerroristAttack | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Har vyakti ko chun chun ke jawab bhi milega, jawab bhi diya jayega..."



"This is the Narendra Modi government; no one will be spared. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and pic.twitter.com/TPVZPJCcDK  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

Hegseth expressed his "deepest sympathies" for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement issued by the Defence Ministry said that Hegseth conveyed to Singh that his country stands in solidarity with India and supports India's right to defend itself. "He reiterated the strong support of the US government in India's fight against terrorism."

Meanwhile, Shah said, "Whoever carried out the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam will not be spared."

We will hunt down each and every perpetrator of the Pahalgam terror attack, he added.

#WATCH | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have given a strong reply to everything, be it the North East, the areas of Left Wing Extremism or the shadow of terrorism in Kashmir. If someone thinks that by carrying pic.twitter.com/SdXGuDrJqQ  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

Shah stressed the Narendra Modi-led NDA government's commitment to uproot terrorism from the country. "The whole world is standing with India in this fight," he said.

As India plans strategies, the Pakistani military is continuing its build-up on the borders and has deployed air defence and artillery units at forward locations expecting retaliation.

Also, unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan continue in Jammu and Kashmir. Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan talked over the hotline to discuss the ceasefire violations.

Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a conversation with his US counterpart Marco Rubio over the phone and discussed the Pahalgam terror attack, that claimed the lives of 26 people.
In a gesture of respect and support, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has given a job to Nazakat Ahmad, the brother of Syed Adil Hussain Shah  a horse ride operator who was killed in the terror attack on tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, on April 22. The attack claimed the lives of 25 tourists, apart from Adil.

Adil, a resident of Hapatnarr village, situated about 20km from Pahalgam, was shot during an argument with the terrorists after they opened fire on the tourist group he was accompanying.

According to Adils father, Syed Haider Shah, his son was shot when he confronted the attackers and asked why they were targeting innocent tourists.

He was shot four times: twice in the chest, once in the neck, and once in the arm, Shah told The Week. I am proud of my sons courage.

On Thursday, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi handed over the appointment letter to Nazakat in Srinagar. She said the move was meant to honor Adils bravery and sacrifice.

Handed over appointment letter on Compassionate grounds in J&K Waqf Board to the brother of Syed Adil Hussain who lost his life in Pahalgam terror attack. Bravery Award was also given posthumously to the martyr Syed Adil Hussain.



BJP J&K President Sat Sharma, General Secretary pic.twitter.com/cpzLeNFHsg  Dr Darakhshan Andrabi (@drdarakhshan) May 1, 2025

Syed Adil Hussain laid down his life trying to save others. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, she said. Giving a job to his brother is a small way of showing our gratitude and standing by the family in their time of grief, she said.

ALSO READ | Pahalgam attackers were behind 2024 Z-Morh tunnel massacre, likely hiding in South Kashmir: Sources

Nazakat thanked the Waqf Board for its support and spoke with pride about his brother.

Adil was a kind soul. He loved his work and the people who came to visit Kashmir, he said. He gave his life trying to protect others.

Nazakat recognised that the job was not just support for the family, but also a recognition of Adils bravery. Adil is now seen as a local hero, and his courage has been widely praised.

He had been married for six years but had no children.

Jammu and Kashmirs Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior members of his cabinet attended Adils funeral. Senior BJP leaders, including Ravinder Raina, also visited the family to offer their condolences.
National Investigation Agency Director General Dadanand Date has arrived in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam where a ghastly terrorist attack killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, last week.

The anti-terror agency took over the probe into the attack from the Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and registered a fresh FIR on Saturday, following an order of the Union home ministry.

#WATCH | NIA DG reaches J&K's Pahalgam, as the agency investigates the 22nd April terror attack on tourists pic.twitter.com/4y42KI6rCr  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, though it later denied its role.

An NIA team had visited Pahalgam a day after the incident in which 5-6 terrorists sprayed bullets at the tourists after examining their religious identity.

The NIA team is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the attack site, collect forensic evidence, and help in identifying the perpetrators, reported ANI.

The intelligence agencies recently released a list of 14 local terrorists who, the investigators believe, had helped the foreign terrorists to carry out attacks against in the country.

These terrorists are mainly affiliated with three Pakistan-based terrorist organisations: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The attack, the deadliest in the region in decades, has heightened tension between India and Paksitan as New Delhi alleged cross-border links to the attack.

Search ops on

Meanwhile, the security forces, have intensified their operations in Jammu and Kashmir to track down the terrorists behind the attack.

Police said the searches were carried out across the length and breadth of Srinagar city at 36 locations. Most of the premises belong to terrorists or terrorist sympathisers.

As part of the stepped-up anti-terror operations, security forces have raided more than 600 locations in the Valley in just six days and grilled hundreds of suspects. Authorities have also demolished nine houses of suspected terrorists and overground workers of terror outfits since the April 22 attack.
The terrorist group that is behind the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, is reportedly responsible for the 2024 massacre near the Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg. They are believed to be hiding in South Kashmir, according to sources in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

It is believed that more terrorists might be hiding in the region to support the Pahalgam attackers in the event of an encounter by the security forces. They are also reportedly equipped with food and other provisions to stay in the forests without help from outside.

Hashim Musa and the Z-Morh tunnel attack

NIA sources have revealed that Hashim Musa, who is one of the key suspects in the Pahalgam attack, was involved in the Z-Morh attack in October 2024. The victims included a doctor, Dr. Shahnawaz from Budgam, and six labourers.

#WATCH | J&K: Tourists continue to arrive in Pahalgam to enjoy the scenic beauty of the town. pic.twitter.com/9trRznKibH  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

Junaid Ahmed Bhatt, one of the Z-Morh attackers, was neutralised in 2024 while two others were also killed by security forces.

Pahalgam plot revealed

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been plotting the massacre over weeks. They reportedly conducted recce at four tourist spots, including Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and an amusment park. However, these areas were under heavy security protection and the terrorists decided to camp in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam proper.

On April 22, the attackers came of the surrounding pine forests. They asked the victims to recite Islamic verses and shot dead those who failed to do so. Following the massacre, the terorrists jumped over a wall on the park's left side and fled.
Pakistan Army's unprovoked firing targeting Indian posts across the Line of Control continued unabated for the seventh consecutive night on Thursday. India retaliated "proportionately" to these attacks.

According to Indian Army officials, the Pakistan Army carried out unprovoked small arms firing targeting Indian posts across LoC on the intertwining night of April 30 and May 1. "During the night of 30 April-01 May 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite Kupwara, Uri and Akhnoor in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. These were responded proportionately by the Indian Army," officials told ANI.

Pakistan has been resorting to ceasefire violations along the LoC since the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. As many as 26 persons were killed in the brutal attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the worst attack since the abrogation of Article 370. In the attack, 24 tourists from across the country, a Nepali citizen and a local horse rider were killed by terrorists allegedly linked to LeT.

Pakistan's provocation comes despite India issuing a stern warning on Tuesday against ceasefire violations. Defence sources said the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries talked over the hotline to discuss the situation.

India announced a series of diplomatic measures against Pakistan following the terror attack. India suspended the Indus water treaty, suspended visas for Pakistani nationals, closed the Attari border and declared three defence advisors and their support staff at the Pakistan Embassy in Delhi as Persona Non Grata. India also recalled its defence advisors from its embassy in Islamabad.
The 2021 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan is under serious strain following a sharp rise in firing along the Line of Control (Loc), triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local guide, Syed Adil Hussain.

For the first time since the agreement was signed, the firing has spread from Kashmir into the Jammu region, including areas along the International Border (IB). This has raised fears of a wider military escalation.

According to a defence spokesperson, the Pakistan Army has opened fire for six consecutive nights, targeting Indian positions along both the LOC and the IB. The firing involved small arms such as rifles and light machine guns and was described as "unprovoked". It occurred in several sectors, including Kupwara, Poonch, Sunderbani, Nowshera, Akhnoor, and Pargwal.

No casualties have been reported on the Indian side so far. The Indian Army has responded "proportionately". More than a dozen confirmed ceasefire violations (CFVS) have been reported since 24 April.

Although heavy weapons like mortars and artillery have not been used yet, the increase in small arms fire could lead to further escalation.

Before the Pahalgam attack, CFVS had almost stoppedonly one was recorded in 2022, none in 2023, and two earlier in 2024. Security has been tightened in border areas, with more vehicle checks and patrols. '

Residents in Kupwara and nearby regions have reported late-night movement of Army vehicles and temporary restrictions on civilian movement. In some villages along the Loc and IB, people have started clearing out their bunkers in preparation for emergencies. These bunkers are reinforced shelters made of cement and steel, with proper ventilation.

Villages near the LOC in north Kashmirs Uri and Karnah are watching the situation closely.

In the past, these areas have suffered damage and loss of life due to shelling and gunfire. Some villagers have even suffered amputations from past incidents. Residents of Uri and Karnah told The Week that while things are currently calm, they are staying alert.

Javid Iqbal, a resident of Uri, said daily life continues as normal for now.

There is no fear or panic yet. If something happens, we will take steps to protect ourselves, he said. Waseem Baba from Karnah added, Tension is in the air. We just hope the situation does not get worse.

The central government has decided to respond firmly to the Pahalgam attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces full freedom to decide on the scale, timing, and location of retaliation. Meanwhile, senior military officials from both sides have spoken via hotline, with India warning Pakistan against further firing. The 2021 ceasefire agreement had brought rare peace to the border areas. But after recent violence, its future is now uncertain.
The Supreme Court on Thursday rapped petitioners for seeking judicial probe over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Following the apex court's criticism, the petitioner withdrew his plea.

A PIL petition was moved in the apex court seeking a judicial probe over the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed. Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh slammed the petitioner and said it was an "irresponsible petition" given the sensitivity of the situation.

Observing security forces must not be demoralised, the bench said, "This is the crucial hour when each and every Indian have joined hands to fight terrorism. Don't demoralise the forces. Look at the sensitivity of the issue," Bar and Bench reported.

"Since when have we acquired expertise of investigation?", asked the bench questioning petitioners plea to appoint a former Supreme Court judge to probe the terrorist attack. "You are asking a retired SC judge to investigate. They can only adjudicate. Don't ask us to pass an order," the bench observed.

After the apex court came down heavily, the petitioner sought directions for the protection of Kashmiri students in other states. The bench allowed the withdrawal of the plea and allowed petitioners to approach high courts for matters related to students' safety.

As many as 26 persons were killed in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The deceased include a Nepali citizen, a local horse rider and 24 tourists from various parts of the country.
In view of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the Kerala capital to inaugurate the Vizhinjam seaport, the Thiruvananthapuram international airport has issued a special advisory to the passengers.

The airport has advised passengers to start early from homes on May 1 and 2 in view of the traffic regulations in place.

"In light of the upcoming VVIP visit in Thiruvananthapuram, traffic regulations will be in effect on 1 and 2 May 2025. We kindly advise passengers to allow extra travel time when heading to the airport. We appreciate your understanding and support," it said.

In light of the upcoming VVIP visit in #Thiruvananthapuram, traffic regulations will be in effect on 1 & 2 May 2025. We kindly advise passengers to allow extra travel time when heading to the airport.



We appreciate your understanding and support. #ThiruvananthapuramAirport pic.twitter.com/oys7odRJEO  Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (@TRV_Airport_Off) April 30, 2025

The Thiruvananthapuram airport, the second busiest in Kerala, is 16 km away from the seaport.

The deep-water Vizhinjam international port was developed by the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India's largest port developer and part of the Adani Group.

Being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore, the port is expected to be fully operational by 2028 after completing the second, third and fourth phases.

The port received the commercial commissioning certificate on December 4 last year following the successful completion of its trial run.

According to an official statement, the strategically important port has been identified as a key priority project that will contribute to strengthening India's position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transhipment.
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has appointed Asim Malik, the current director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as the country's new National Security Adviser (NSA).

Malik will hold the position as an additional responsibility alongside his current role as the chief of the country's premier intelligence agency, an official of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Army, told Xinhua on Thursday.

Malik was appointed as head of the ISI in September 2024. His elevation to the NSA role positions him at the core of Pakistan's national security decision-making at a time of growing regional complexity and evolving security dynamics.

The NSA office plays a key role in shaping Pakistan's strategic direction, coordinating national security policy, and advising the prime minister on internal and external security affairs. 
Israel has shut down major roads, evacuated towns and has requested international assistance following intense wildfires raging near Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a "national emergency," warning citizens that the fires are likely to continue for a while.

Thick smoke blanketed highways as emergency services battled what authorities described as some of the most severe blazes in recent memory. Several people have been injured, and the Israeli military has deployed troops to support exhausted firefighting teams on the ground.

The crisis interrupted Israels Memorial Day, a solemn national observance honouring fallen soldiers. Scheduled ceremonies were cut short, and televised tributes were replaced with footage of residents fleeing on foot along smoke-filled roads. More celebrations planned for May 1 have been largely cancelled due to the ongoing fires and adverse weather conditions, including high winds.

Eyal Caspi, head of Israels Fire and Rescue Service, called the event one of the toughest he has ever faced. He noted that aerial firefighting operations were being hindered by strong winds and dangerous conditions. The fire was advancing at a speed of eight metres per second. Weve never seen anything like this, he said, attributing the fires intensity in part to the effects of climate change.

Netanyahu echoed this sentiment in a public address, citing a deadly combination of wind and dryness as key factors in the fires escalation. He urged the mobilisation of all available fire engines and the creation of firebreaks well beyond the current containment lines. The priority right now is defending Jerusalem, he said.

Israel has appealed to countries including the United Kingdom, France, Greece and Italy for immediate assistance. The Palestinian Authority has, meanwhile, offered support, although Israeli officials have not confirmed whether the offer will be accepted. Palestinian crews had previously aided in combating a major fire near Jerusalem in 2021.

In a potentially alarming development, police arrested a man in his 50s from the Umm Tuba neighbourhood of East Jerusalem on suspicion of attempted arson. Officers found a lighter and other flammable materials in his possession after he was reportedly seen trying to ignite vegetation in southern Jerusalem. The Shin Bet security service has launched an investigation into the broader cause of the wildfires, working alongside police and fire officials to determine if multiple instances of arson may have occurred.

Meanwhile, Yair Netanyahu, son of the prime minister, drew criticism for a provocative social media post in which he suggestedwithout evidencethat left-wing activists might be involved in the blazes. Referring to anti-government demonstrators, he wrote: I really hope the arson was only carried out by Arabs, without any collaboration from our own people.

According to latest updates, 119 firefighting teams remain active across the Jerusalem hills. Although highways 1, 38, and 3 have reopened, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as containment efforts persist.
The recent slashing of growth prospects for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region this year by the World Bank and IMF to 2.6 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively, is a harbinger of greater political instability in the region. The pessimistic outlook for the region is partially due to the downward revision of the global growth forecast in the face of tariff wars and the risk of a global recession. The region was already witnessing a very low growth rate of 1.9 per cent in 2023, which moderately increased to 2.7 per cent in 2024. The phasing out of oil production cuts by the OPEC+ producers, with consequent implications for MENA oil exporters as global demand shows signs of weakening, is expected to have a cascading regional effect. Some oil-rich countries, like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, have swung back to fiscal deficits after having a surplus in 2022, and some of their infrastructure spending will be constrained.

Political conflicts in the region have been persistent and often coincide with various ethnic, sectarian, and religious fault lines. Despite abundant hydrocarbon reserves, the region has been trapped in a low-growth syndrome, offering far fewer economic opportunities for its rapidly growing youth population. Educated youth unemployment is the highest in the world, illustrating the limited absorptive capacity of these economies. Low regional economic growth makes the generation of employment opportunities to productively engage the predominantly young population a daunting task for governments. The dependence of the private sector on cheaper and more efficient expatriate workers in several countries has made governments efforts to generate employment for their nationals more challenging and complex.

Sameena Hameed

Moreover, MENA is the most unequal region in the world, and its decade-long conflicts and the Covid pandemic have led to mass pauperisation, with millions experiencing multidimensional deprivation of opportunities and access to basic amenities. According to the World Bank, it is the only region in the world where poverty line (US$3.65) has increased over the past decadefrom 12.3 per cent in 2010 to 18.1 per cent in 2023. This does not fully reflect the displacement and dispossession of people during the ongoing Gaza war and its regional spillover. The need for reconstruction of war-torn Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and the Gaza Strip, and the rehabilitation of displaced people, are among the most daunting tasks facing the region. Several countries, like Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon, face tremendous pressure from refugee populations. Increasing socio-economic disparities have often created deep social fault lines that acquire political overtones and feed into geopolitical instability within countries and across the region.

The capacity of governments to appease their restive populations greatly depends on the flow of oil revenues in the oil-exporting countries and on the growth of the non-oil private sector in other countries of the region. As global growth comes under pressure and multilateral collaboration falters during Trumps presidency, uncertainties remain over the flow of international aid and investment in the region. Arab countries have proposed a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip in response to Trumps suggestions of relocating Palestinians for Gazas reconstruction. However, much of the Arab initiative will hinge upon the growth of their economies and the flow of oil revenues. The apparent progress in US-Iran talks and the possibility of easing sanctions have had an impact on oil markets and investment. The possibility of more Iranian oil entering the international marketan estimated addition of 4 per cent to global supplywould put further pressure on the international oil price, which is on the decline. Even if the US-Iran deal remains a distant prospect, slowing global economic growth would inevitably reduce oil demand, with an expected fall in oil export revenues for the regions oil producers unless OPEC+ production cuts are extended for the year.

In recent years, GCC countries have productively channelled oil revenues into economic diversification initiatives such as tourism, logistics, digital technologies, and knowledge sectors, generating both job opportunities and growth impetus. They have projected themselves as beacons of stability through fixed exchange rates and continuity in business-friendly policies, thus attracting their highest number of FDI projects in 2023. However, translating these investments into productivity gains through innovation and the skill development of nationals will be key to sustained non-oil growth and resilience to oil price cycles. During periods of low oil prices, several large projects are delayed or stalled. There are emerging reports of significant delays and financial struggles for flagship projects like Neom (Saudi Arabia). The domestic pressures of sustaining high public expenditure to meet the targets of their vision documents are likely to constrain their regional economic outreach in the face of low economic growth and a weaker international oil market. With conflicts raging and governments increasing military expenditures even as their economies falter, the wider population of the Middle East will be engulfed in greater economic uncertainty and political instability.

Professor Sameena Hameed teaches at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
Iran has executed Mohsen Langarneshin, a 36-year-old former IT consultant, after convicting him of espionage for Israels Mossad intelligence agency in connection with the 2022 assassination of a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officer in Tehran. The execution, carried out by hanging at Ghezel Hesar prison early on April 30, has sparked outrage among human rights organisations and renewed scrutiny of Irans opaque judicial processes.

The gravest charge against Langarneshin was that he had a key role in the assassination of Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, who was gunned down outside his home in Tehran by two assailants on a motorbike. Iranian investigators accused Langarneshin of purchasing the bike used to follow Khodaei and giving real-time intelligence to the assailants.

According to Iranian state media, Langarneshin had been recruited by Mossad in 2020 and received training in covert operations during meetings with Israeli intelligence officers in Georgia and Nepal. Over the next two years, he reportedly supported several Mossad-linked operations inside Iran, including logistical support for attacks on defence-related infrastructure and the use of secure communication tools such as the Red Windows system to liaise with Israeli agents.

Irans judiciary described Langarneshin as a senior spy who had facilitated terrorism, sabotage and espionage. He was tried in a revolutionary court presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavatia figure notorious for issuing death sentences in politically sensitive cases and sanctioned by both the US and the EU for human rights abuses. Langarneshin was convicted of Moharebeh (enmity against God) and Efsad-fil-Arz (corruption on Earth), charges that carry the death penalty under Irans Islamic Penal Code.

However, Langarneshin's family and international rights groups insist he was innocent. They claim his confession was extracted under torture and that the court refused to consider extensive evidence supporting his innocence. His mother made an emotional plea on social media a day before his execution: Please pray for my child I do not know if he will see the sunrise tomorrow or not.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group called the trial deeply flawed. 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 added, labelling the killing an extrajudicial execution.

Iran has long accused Mossad of operating within its borders to undermine national security through assassinations and sabotageespecially against nuclear scientists and defence installations. The 2020 killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Irans top nuclear scientist, was attributed to Mossad by Iranian officials, and Western analysts suggest the Israeli agency has an active presence inside Iran. However, activists warn that in the absence of captured agents, Iranian authorities often pin blame on local scapegoats.

Israels operatives usually escape before Iranian security forces can respond, an Iran-based human rights researcher told The Guardian. This leaves innocent civilians vulnerable to show trials and executions.

Langarneshins execution is part of a broader rise in capital punishment in the Islamic Republic. According to Amnesty International, Iran is the worlds second leading executioner, with over 900 capital punishments in 2024. The IHR has records of at least 339 executions so far in 2025, with many of them connected to political crimes. Critics allege that Iran increasingly uses capital punishment as a tool to curb dissent, target opposition and project strength during internal and external crises. Most of these are orchestrated by Revolutionary courts, which are notorious for secretive hearings, inadequate legal representation and quick verdicts often based on coerced confessions.

Geopolitically, Langarneshins execution has come at a tense moment for Tehran. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has resumed negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme, even as both Tel Aviv and Washington threaten coercive action if diplomacy fails. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the next round of nuclear talks with the US would take place in Rome on May 3, with parallel meetings planned with European powers.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities reiterate that Langarneshins execution followed due process and was commensurate with the gravity of the crimes committed. The judiciarys official statement said: The criminals high-level operational training made him a professional in executing missions, but he was ultimately identified and apprehended by Irans vigilant security forces.

However, human rights advocates insist that justice in Iran remains elusive. As long as confessions obtained under torture are used as evidence in court, and as long as trials are conducted behind closed doors without independent oversight, executions like that of Mohsen Langarneshin will be viewed not as justice, but as state-sanctioned vengeance, said Amiry-Moghaddam.
US President Donald Trump's national security adviser Micheal Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong will be, reportedly, stepping down from their posts. Reports said that they are expected to leave the White House posts on Thursday.

Waltz, a former Republican congressman from Florida has served as Trump's principal national security adviser since January.

Also read | Inadvertent mistake by White House officials got Trump's Yemen war plan LEAKED. Here's what happened

Lately, Waltz faced several criticisms and caught himself in the middle of the controversy after he put together a Signal chat and mistakenly included 'The Atlantic's' Jeffrey Goldberg, disclosing the top national security plans for the military strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. The text group also included Vice President J.D. Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and others.

BREAKING: The Trump admin accidentally texted a journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, from The Atlantic, their top-secret war plans on Yemen.



Texts are below between Vance and Hegseth, in which the journalist was included.



Imagine if Biden did this! So incompetent. pic.twitter.com/CGIkNq0iNX  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) March 24, 2025

Goldberg in an article revealed that he was included in the Signal chat titled 'Houthi PC Small Group' that had a total of 19 members.

The timing of the strikes and the weapons packages used were also included in the leaked classified conversation. The Signal app was not approved by the US government for exchange of such sensitive discussions.

The incident drew backlash from senior officials and fueled internal concerns on security within Trump's administration.

After the 'leakage' of classified information, there was immense pressure on Waltz from the White House top officials to step down from the post. However, Trump has supported Waltz publically and has not asked for a formal resignation.

Wong served in the first Trump administration as deputy special representative for North Korea and also as deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the State Department.
Pakistan has announced the closure of specific portions of Karachi and Lahore airspace citing security reasons.

The country has put all its airports on high alert amid mounting tensions with India after the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan has been building up its military deployments along the border anticipating retaliatory strikes by New Delhi.

The restricted airspace will be closed daily in May from 4:00 am to 8:00 am local time.

The Civil Aviation Authority said that the closure will not significantly affect commercial flight operations. The Authority also added that during the restricted hours, the aircraft will be rerouted via alternative flight paths.

The closure of airspace comes a day after Pakistan's national carrier cancelled all flights to and from Gilgit, Skardu and other northern areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir due to security reasons.

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir has killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Though Pakistan has denied India's allegation that Islamabad was behind the attack, the relationship between both countries hit a new low.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a high-level meeting and gave complete operational freedom for the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack.

Pakistan has demanded an independent and transparent probe by neutral investigators in the Pahalgam attack.

Regarding the air traffic restrictions, authorities confirmed that traffic in and out of major airports such as Jinnah International in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International in Lahore will continue with minimal adjustment.

New directives to all flight movements, including foreign airlines transiting through Pakistani airspace, were issued by the Air Traffic Control authorities.
Pakistan has appointed Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik as National Security Adviser (NSA) amid rising tensions over the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Asim Malik who is currently serving as the director general of Pakistani spy agency ISI will continue in the role while taking over as the NSA. He began helming the espionage agency in September 2024.

Why did Pakistan pick ISI chief as NSA?

Asim Malik is Pakistan's 10th NSA. The position has been vacant since April 2022. This is the first time in Pakistan's history that an incumbent ISI chief has been given the NSA position. The move is seen as as Islamabad's move to coordinate efforts of the country's security policymaking and the military intelligence.

#WATCH | J&K: Tourists continue to arrive in Pahalgam to enjoy the scenic beauty of the town. pic.twitter.com/9trRznKibH  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

"Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik HI (M), DG (I), shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect," a notification by the Cabinet Division of the Pakistani government stated.

This comes after India recently rejigged its National Security Advisory Board and appointed former RAW Secretary Alok Joshi to head the body.

Other members of the NSAB include former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, retired IFS officer B Venkatesh Sharma and retired IPS officers Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh.

Ajit Doval will continue as the National Security Adviser.

On Tuesday, Modi gave "complete operational freedom" for the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
After a dramatic Oval Office showdown between President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in late February that almost jeopardised US-Ukraine diplomatic relations, the two sides on Wednesday finally inked an "economic partnership agreement" in Washington, DC.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who announced the agreement, said the newly created US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund signals to Russia about Trump's commitment to a peace process that ensures a "free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term".

Bessent confirms the US and Ukraine have agreed to a new economic partnership, or as Trump calls it, the rare-earth deal.



This will allow the US to recoup war funding, via Ukraines minerals, natural resources, etc.



One step closer to peace!



pic.twitter.com/rTpjICeIDV  Clandestine (@WarClandestine) April 30, 2025

He clarified that countries and individuals who supported Russia's war efforts will not be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.

How the deal will affect Ukraine's EU membership bid?

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said his country would still have "full control over subsoil, infrastructure, and natural resources" as per the deal. He also clarified that the deal will not affect Kyiv's bid to become part of the European Union. Ukraine will also not have any debt obligations to the US, something that the war-torn nation has been trying to negotiate for months.

Ukrainian Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko said, "We are gaining not only investment, but also a strategic partner committed to working with us to drive economic growth and innovation."

Ukrainian economic ministry said Washington would contribute directly to the fund or via military aid while Kyiv would put in 50 per cent of the revenues generated from the natural resources. The fund will be used solely for the benefit of Ukraine in the first 10 years. After this period, the "profits may be distributed between the partners".

Interestingly, both the US and Ukraine would have equal decision-making powers regarding the fund. However, the deal would only cover the future military assistance from the US.

"This agreement is the outcome of extensive negotiations, and I am grateful to both negotiating teams for their professionalism and dedication. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial framework," Svyrydenko added.

Impact on war with Russia

With Trump promising more assistance to Ukraine, experts feel that Russian President Vladimir Putin will stop further aggression while keeping current territorial gains intact, including Crimea and four other eastern provinces of Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy is unlikely to easily agree on this as he has often maintained that the move would be unconstitutional. The US had earlier softened its policy towards Russia in a bid to push Putin to agree to a truce.
Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the outskirts of Damascus on April 30, targeting what it described as operatives responsible for attacks on Druze civilians. The strikes marked a sharp escalation in an already volatile situation, as sectarian clashes intensified between Syrias new Islamist-led government and Druze militias. The violence has led to growing concern about the future of minority communities in Syria and has drawn in regional powers such as Israel, which have longstanding ties with the Druze.

The latest cycle of violence began reportedly with a controversial audio clip, allegedly featuring a Druze cleric insulting the Prophet. Though the cleric denied the accusation and Syrian government later cleared him of involvement, the clip sparked outrage among Sunni Muslims and triggered two days of deadly violence in the Druze-majority areas of Jaramana and Ashrafieh Sahnaya. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 39 people have been killed in the clashes, including 22 on April 30 alone.

Clashes broke out between Druze militias and forces aligned with the ministries of defence and interior, as well as other pro-government proxies. Syrian officials described the armed Druze groups as outlaws and accused them of attacking security checkpoints and vehicles. In a press conference, the areas governor, Amr al-Sheikh, confirmed that 14 people were killed on April 28 and 11 more government personnel died in renewed fighting two days later. While he did not explicitly name the Druze militias, his repeated insistence that weapons should be in the states hands suggested a veiled rebuke of their actions.

The Druze, who make up roughly 3 per cent of Syrias pre-war population of 23 million, are concentrated in the southern province of Sweida, with smaller communities near Damascus. A highly secretive monotheistic sect rooted in Islam, the Druze do not accept converts and have historically maintained a cautious distance from Syrias broader Sunni-Shia power struggles. During the civil war that began in 2011, the Druze largely avoided conscription and focused on protecting their enclaves rather than aligning with either president Bashar al-Assads forces or the opposition.

Since Assads ouster in December following a 13-year civil war, the situation has changed dramatically. Syrias new transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, heads a Sunni Islamist government whose roots lie in rebel factions once affiliated with Al Qaeda. While al-Sharaa has pledged to protect Syrias ethnic and religious minorities, a wave of recent sectarian violenceincluding the killing of hundreds of Alawite civilians in the coastal regionshas led many minorities to fear for their safety.

Israel has been making use of the Druze issue to get itself further entrenched in Syrian affairs. There are around 1.5 lakh Druze in Israel and the Golan Heights, and most of them have links with the Druze in Syria, giving the Netanyahu government an opportunity to pursue an active role. The Druze in Israel are largely integrated into society, with most holding citizenship and serving in the military. By contrast, the roughly 23,000 Druze in the Golan largely reject Israeli citizenship and continue to identify as Syrian.

The airstrikes on April 30 followed an earlier warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. In a joint statement, they said Israel had conveyed a serious message to the Syrian government, making clear that it was expected to act to prevent harm to the Druze. Israel's military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, further signalled that Israel was prepared to strike Syrian government targets directly if attacks on Druze civilians continued. He said the airstrikes were aimed at operatives who had been involved in the recent violence near Damascus, particularly in Ashrafieh Sahnaya and Jaramana.

Syrias foreign ministry condemned the foreign intervention, though it did not directly name Israel. Meanwhile, UN special envoy Geir Pedersen expressed deep concern about the violence and warned of the potential for escalation in an already fragile situation.

In southern Syria, where the Druze stronghold of Sweida lies, militia leaders expressed deep scepticism about the governments intentions. A local Druze commander said foreign and extremist fighters nominally affiliated with the Syrian government were behind the attacks. He also suggested the controversial audio clip may have been fabricated to provoke violence and settle old scores from the civil war. His remarks echoed widespread fears among minority communities that Syrias new leaders are not sincere in their promises of protection and reconciliation.

In the face of growing instability, efforts have begun to integrate the countrys many armed groups into a unified national army. It is, however, not an easy task because of the deep divisions caused by years of sectarian conflict and also because of the vested interest of the new ruling elite.

Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria after Assads ouster, but most of them were aimed at stopping arms proliferation among groups hostile to Tel Aviv and to preempt the establishment of military bases near its borders. However, the latest escalation hints at a more active policy of protecting the Syrian Druze and to have a major say in the emerging security calculus in Syria.

While the Syrian Druze have largely rebuffed Israeli overtures, Netanyahu insists that his country has a moral responsibility to defend the community. 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, said the prime minister.
BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Prior to International Workers' Day 2025, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing -- the heart of China's political life -- welcomed a proud assembly: over 2,000 exemplary representatives drawn from the country's vast workforce of hundreds of millions.

In a ceremony on Monday, President Xi Jinping joined technicians, judges, nurses, and farmers to recognize not only their vital contributions, but also the spirit of dedication and hard work that fuels a nation.

Hailing the honorees as exemplars of the people and pillars of the country, Xi called on citizens to draw inspiration from them -- staying grounded and working hard -- so that, step by step, they can turn the grand vision of national rejuvenation into reality.

Xi sent the message at the gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. It drives home a point he has long emphasized -- great dreams are not achieved by waiting or chanting slogans; they are earned through hard work and determination.

A LEADER FORGED THROUGH HARD WORK

Xi's respect for hard work is built on his own past.

In 1969, just shy of 16, Xi arrived at Liangjiahe, a rugged village on the arid Loess Plateau in northwest China, to work the fields alongside the farmers who called the rural community home.

He took on nearly every kind of task, but spent an especially large number of hours on one in particular: building the dams by compacting the earth layer by layer with heavy stone pounders.

Xi threw himself into the labor. Day one left his hands blistered; day two saw them bleeding. Still, he kept working without complaint.

"What a fine lad," remarked the locals.

The hard work did not end when Xi was elected Party chief of Liangjiahe in 1974. He rolled up his sleeves and led villagers in digging wells, building terraced fields, and installing biogas pits -- gradually transforming the community.

Living and working alongside the farmers for seven years, Xi grew from a slightly bewildered teenager into a man determined to serve the people.

"Most importantly," he later said, "I learned from my fellow farmers the values of respecting facts and working hard with perseverance."

Those formative years left an indelible mark on Xi, shaping the strong work ethic that has been his character either as village Party chief or general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He works tirelessly, juggling domestic meetings, inspections and overseas visits -- his schedule always packed to the brim.

In a rare reflective moment during a foreign media interview, Xi was asked about life as China's leader. His candid reply laid bare his sacrifice. "My personal time? It's all consumed by work," he said. "Entrusted by the people ... I must put them first, serving with unwavering diligence."

MODEL WORKERS AS STARS

"What a galaxy of stars," Xi said at a conference room ahead of International Workers' Day in 2013.

By a "galaxy of stars," he was referring to the 65 role models before him, those honored for their hard work in their industries over the past decades.

Liang Jun, one of the earliest model workers, recounted how she helped turn northeast China's barren land into a national granary.

After listening to Liang's story, Xi told the then 84-year-old lady, "Your deeds are well known to our generation. As the first female tractor driver in China, you are truly remarkable."

As a leader who emerged from the ranks of the working people, Xi not only respects them but is also committed to ensuring that their needs are met.

Since Xi took the helm of China in 2012, the country has introduced more measures, laws and regulations to safeguard workers' rights and interests.

Moreover, Xi often visits workers during domestic inspection tours to personally assess their working and living conditions.

In 2023, he inspected a residential community in Shanghai built to house workers such as construction laborers, delivery drivers and sanitation staff.

He stepped into their homes and shared facilities -- public kitchens, laundries -- and spoke with them to understand their living conditions firsthand.

"Migrant workers, who come to contribute to Shanghai, are equally the city's masters," he stressed. "It is our responsibility to ensure they can arrive, settle down, live comfortably, and thrive here."

INVESTMENT IN SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

At Monday's celebration ceremony, Xi underscored the importance of adapting to the new wave of technological and industrial transformation and enhancing the workforce's capabilities.

"High-quality development cannot be achieved without high-quality work and innovation," he said.

This resonates with his consistent emphasis on the crucial role of skilled talent in advancing the manufacturing sector.

Over the years, Xi's passion for craftsmanship has taken him to factory floors across the country, where he encouraged engineers, technicians and workers to hone their skills and push boundaries.

"Times may change and missions may shift, but the spirit of hard work, unity, and unyielding effort should never change," he said at Monday's ceremony. 
Chief Justice John Roberts appears to hold the key vote over whether the Supreme Court will allow the nations first publicly funded religious charter school in Oklahoma.

Roberts was the only justice whose vote seemed in doubt after the court heard more than two hours of arguments Wednesday in a major culture-war clash involving the separation of church and state.

The court seemed otherwise deeply divided.

Four other conservative justices seemed firmly on the side of the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School and the state charter school board that approved it.

Theyre not asking for special treatment, not asking for favoritism, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said. Theyre just saying, Dont treat us worse because were religious.

The three liberal justices seemed just as likely to vote to affirm an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that held that the taxpayer-funded school would entangle church and state in violation of the First Amendment.

Charter schools are in every respect equivalent to regular public schools, Justice Elena Kagan said.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools.

If Roberts sides with the liberals, the court would be tied 4-4, an outcome that would leave the state court decision in place, but would leave the issue unresolved nationally.

If he joins his conservative colleagues, on the other hand, the court could find that the taxpayer-funded school is in line with a string of high court decisions that have allowed public funds to flow to religious entities. Those rulings were based on a different part of the First Amendment that protects religious freedom.

Roberts wrote the last three of those decisions. He acknowledged at one point that the court had previously ruled that states couldnt exclude religious participants, suggesting support for St. Isidore.

But he also said the states involvement in this case is much more comprehensive than in the earlier ones, a point that could lead him in the other direction.

St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.

Opponents warn a decision to allow the school to open would sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.

Greg Garre, the lawyer defending the Oklahoma decision, repeatedly urged the justices to consider the broad impact of a ruling for the school.

This is going to have a dramatic effect on charter schools across the country, Garre said.

Representing the state charter school board, lawyer James Campbell said Oklahomas charter school law discriminates against religion by encouraging diversity, but deeming religion to be the wrong kind of diversity.

The case comes to the court amid efforts, mainly in conservative-led states, to insert religion into public schools. Those include a challenged Louisiana requirement that the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms and a mandate from Oklahomas state schools superintendent that the Bible be placed in public school classrooms.

St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.

Opponents warn a decision to allow the school to open would sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.

The state board and the school are backed by an array of Republican-led states and religious and conservative groups, though the case has divided some of Oklahomas Republican leaders.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters support using public funds for religious schools, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond has opposed the idea and sued to overturn the state boards approval of St. Isidore.

A key issue in the case is whether the school is public or private. Charter schools are deemed public in Oklahoma and the other 45 states and the District of Columbia where they operate. North Dakota recently enacted legislation allowing for charter schools.

They are free and open to all, receive state funding, abide by antidiscrimination laws and submit to oversight of curriculum and testing. But they also are run by independent boards that are not part of local public school systems.

Just under 4 million American schoolchildren, about 8%, are enrolled in charter schools.

(AP)
The Trump administration is moving to cancel $1 billion in school mental health grants, saying they reflect the priorities of the previous administration.

Grant recipients were notified Tuesday that the funding will not be continued after this year. A gun violence bill signed by Democratic President Joe Biden in 2022 sent $1 billion to the grant programs to help schools hire more psychologists, counselors and other mental health workers.

A new notice said an Education Department review of the programs found they violated the purpose of civil rights law, conflicted with the departments policy of prioritizing merit and fairness, and amounted to an inappropriate use of federal money.

The cuts were made public in a social media post from conservative strategist Christopher Rufo, who claimed the money was used to advance left-wing racialism and discrimination. He posted excerpts from several grant documents setting goals to hire certain numbers of nonwhite counselors or pursue other diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

No more slush fund for activists under the guise of mental health, Rufo wrote.

The Education Department confirmed the cuts. In an update to members of Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press, department officials said the Republican administration will find other ways to support mental health.

The Department plans to re-envision and re-compete its mental health program funds to more effectively support students behavioral health needs, according to the notice.

President Donald Trumps administration has cut billions of dollars in federal grants deemed to be related to DEI and has threatened to cut billions more from schools and colleges over diversity practices. The administration says any policy that treats people differently because of their race amounts to discrimination, and it argues that DEI has often been used to discriminate against white and Asian American students.

(AP)
President Donald Trump said Thursday hes nominating his national security adviser Mike Waltz to serve as United Nations ambassador in a major shake-up of his national security team.

The president said Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve simultaneously as acting national security adviser while maintaining his position at the State Department.

Trump announced the moves shortly after news broke that Waltz was leaving the administration, just weeks after it was revealed that he had added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.

I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first, Trump wrote on social media.

In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN.

There is precedent for the secretary of state to serve simultaneously as national security adviser. Henry Kissinger held both positions from 1973 to 1975.

Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen.

Trumps decision to move Waltz to the U.N. comes weeks after he pulled his pick for the job, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, from consideration.

Stefanik went through a confirmation hearing, but her nomination was pulled in March because her vote to advance Trumps agenda remains crucial to Republicans in the House.

Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation, Waltz said of the nomination.

A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, had been targeting Waltz, telling Trump in a recent Oval Office conversation that he needs to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the Make America Great Again agenda.

Waltz served in the House representing Florida for three terms before being tapped for national security adviser.

In his second term, the Republican president had been looking to avoid the tumult of his first four years in office, during which he cycled through four national security advisers, four White House chiefs of staff and two secretaries of state.

The Signal chain episode also showed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop. Waltz had previously taken full responsibility for building the message chain and administration officials described the episode as a mistake but one that caused Americans no harm. Waltz maintained that he was not sure how Goldberg ended up in the messaging chain, and insisted he did not know the journalist.

Trump and the White House  which insisted that no classified information was shared on the text chain  have stood by Waltz publicly throughout the episode. But the embattled national security adviser was also under siege from personalities such as Loomer, who had been complaining to administration officials that she had been excluded from the vetting process for National Security Council aides.

In her view, Waltz relied too much on neocons  referring to hawkish neoconservatives within the Republican Party  as well as others who Loomer argued were not-MAGA-enough types.

As reports began to circulate that Waltz could be leaving the administration, Loomer appeared to take credit in a post on the social media site X, writing: SCALP.

Hopefully, the rest of the people who were set to be fired but were given promotions at the NSC under Waltz also depart, Loomer wrote in another post.

Loomer had taken a similar victory lap when several other NSC officials were dismissed last month one day after she met with Trump.

Questions are also swirling around Hegseth and his role in the Signal chat.

While Waltz set it up, Hegseth posted times for aircraft launches and bomb drops into the unsecured app and shared the same information with dozens of people in a second chat, including his wife and brother.

The Associated Press reported that Hegseth also bypassed Pentagon security protocols to set up an unsecured line for a personal computer in his office - beside terminals where he was receiving classified information. That raises the possibility that sensitive information could have been put at risk of potential hacking or surveillance.

The Pentagon inspector general is investigating Hegseths use of Signal, and he has faced criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans. It has added to the turmoil at the Pentagon at a time when Hegseth has dismissed or transferred multiple close advisers. Nonetheless, Trump has maintained public confidence in Hegseth.

Waltz shift from national security adviser to U.N. ambassador nominee means he will now have to face the Senate confirmation process he was able to avoid January.

The process, which proved to be difficult for a number of Trumps Cabinet picks, will give lawmakers, especially Democrats, the first chance to grill Waltz on his decision to share information about an imminent U.S. airstrike on Signal. The group chat, which Waltz created, included several high-level Trump administration officials and the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine.

(AP)
North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road link, the two countries announced, hailing the construction of a bridge over a border river as a major development that will further expand their booming ties.

Russias Tass news agency reported that the bridge would be 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) long and its construction is expected to take 1  years. North Koreas Korean Central News Agency said Thursday the bridge would expand cross-border travel of people, tourism and circulation of commodities.

Relations and exchange programs between the two countries have been flourishing in recent years, with North Korea supplying ammunitions and troops to support Russias war against Ukraine.

North Korea has been receiving Russian tourists since February 2024 amid slowly easing pandemic curbs, but Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled.

In 2023, about 97% of North Koreas external trade was with China, while 1.2% was with Russia. There are currently at least 17 active road and rail links across the long, porous border between North Korea and China, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry.

One railway bridge and air service already connect North Korea and Russia, and in June 2024 the two countries agreed to construct a bridge for automobiles over the Tumen River, which runs along North Koreas borders with Russia and China.

On Thursday, North Korea and Russia simultaneously held a ground-breaking ceremony for the bridges construction in their respective border cities, according to the two countries state media agencies. The agencies said North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attended the ceremony via video links.

Pak said the bridges construction would be remembered as a historic monument in bilateral ties, KCNA reported Thursday.

This is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relation, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said, according to Tass. We are creating a reliable basis for closer cooperation between our two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue.

On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it has sent combat troops to Russia to help it reclaim parts of the Kursk region that Ukraine forces seized in a stunning incursion last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers for Russia.

According to a South Korean government intelligence assessment shared with lawmakers on Wednesday, North Korea has sent about 15,000 soldiers to Russia, and 4,700 of them have been killed or wounded. In return for North Koreas supply of conventional arms, Russia has given it air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches, according to the South Korean assessment.

(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 Khameneis 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 Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which oversees Tehrans ballistic missile arsenal and operations abroad targeting the Islamic Republics enemies.

Those associations come as authorities still havent 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.

Its 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 its 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.

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 Irans 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 Saturdays explosion struck just next to Sinas terminal at the port, shredding the facility and the containers stacked nearby.

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 foundations 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 countrys police, the Defense Ministry and the Guard as well.

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

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.

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.

(AP)
A deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region last week has spiked tensions between India and Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of backing the massacre, a charge Pakistan denies.

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.

A look at the countries nuclear capabilities, and what might lie ahead:

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 neighbors 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.

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.

Thinktanks 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.

Both prefer limited strikes on specific targets

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 said it 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.

The international community is more involved

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.

Pakistans wealthy allies in the Gulf have expressed their desire for stability and security, while India has contacted G7 members about the crisis.

(AP)
A wave of arson attacks has struck Bat Yam, with multiple fires breaking out across the city, including a dangerous blaze at the Beit Belev nursing home. Several residents were trapped as emergency responders battle to contain the situation.

According to reports, ten firefighting crews, led by Shift Commander Chief Fire Officer Oshri Basson, were on the scene at the nursing home on Abba Berdichev Street, where thick smoke has engulfed parts of the building. Firefighters are focused their efforts on rescuing trapped individuals from the smoke-filled structure. Medical teams provided immediate assistance, evacuating the injured to a safe area for treatment.

The fire at Beit Belev is part of a broader string of suspected arson incidents in Bat Yam, with authorities reporting multiple fire outbreaks in the vicinity.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Jerusalem, Israel  As major fires ravaged multiple regions across Israel on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri took to X to demand harsh action against Palestinians he claims are responsible, urging the IDF to eliminate from the air those identified as arsonists.

The Shin Bet security agency is investigating the fires causes, and 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.

Deri wrote, Arsonists during wartime are terrorists in every sense. I call on the prime minister to instruct the IDF to eliminate from the air any terrorist identified as an arsonist. He further stated, Whoever starts fires during a heatwave and war  their blood is on their own head. This is a ticking time bomb, just like someone who fires a weapon.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Firefighters were still battling fires at six locations on Thursday at midday, but a Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said all evacuated residents can now return to their homes.

Winds had weakened, and weather conditions on Thursday were in favor of the firefighters. However, powerful winds are forecast to resume from 4 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., raising the risk of a resurgence of fires.

A Fire and Rescue Authority spokesperson said early Thursday morning that the wildfires that began in the Jerusalem hills on Wednesday are not yet under control after 163 firefighting teams battled the flames overnight. Firefighters were still battling flames at 11 locations on the outskirts of Jerusalem and seven yishuvim were still evacuated of their residents.

Over 150 firefighting teams are still working at full capacity in all the fire hotspots in the Judean Plain area, a spokesperson said. About 23 firefighting teams are operating in the Beit Meir and Shoresh area, and 10 firefighting planes are assisting the forces in the field.

The police announced on Thursday morning that Highway 1 and all other blocked highways have been reopened to traffic, including Highways 3 and 38. Overnight, over 100 abandoned vehicles from Highway 1 were towed to the Latrun parking lot, after drivers were forced to abandon their cars on Wednesday and flee for their lives, including mothers holding babies in their arms.

The Fire and Rescue Services announced that lighting fires in open areas is forbidden throughout the country, except in designated places. Israel Police announced that a ban on lighting fires and barbecues in public areas will be enforced throughout Yom Haatzmaut.

Planes from foreign countries, including Greece, Croatia, Romania, France, Spain and Italy, are expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon.

About 10,000 residents were evacuated due to the massive fires from the yishuvim of Eshtaol, Mesilat Tzion, Beit Meir, Neve Shalom, Nachshon, Mevo Horon, Shoresh, Yad Hashmona, Neve Ilan and Nataf. The residents of Eshtaol, Neve Shalom and Nachshon and Mevo Choron have been allowed to return to their homes.

The fire caused immense damage to the forests in the area, and Canada Park was severely damaged. According to an initial assessment yesterday by the KKL, about 20,000 dunams were burned yesterday in the fires in the Jerusalem hills.

This is an event of unprecedented magnitude, said Anat Gold, director of KKLs central region. This is one of the largest fires in the country, she added, noting that half of the areas that caught fire are forested areas, including Canada Park and Eshtaol Forest.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Trump administration threatened Iran with military action over its support of the Houthis in Yemen amid ongoing negotiations between the two countries over the Islamic Republics nuclear program.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth conveyed a message to Iran on X on Wednesday night.

Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis, he wrote.

We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
MOGADISHU, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations relief agency on Thursday called for immediate emergency assistance to support 45,000 people affected by flooding across Somalia.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), four individuals, including two children, lost their lives after being swept away, while over 45,000 individuals have been affected by flash floods caused by moderate to heavy rainfall in various regions of Somalia since April 15.

OCHA said the Shabelle River burst its banks on Monday in Jowhar district, displacing over 6,000 people and inundating about 11,000 hectares of land.

"OCHA has reached out to partners to provide whatever emergency assistance they can deliver to those affected, particularly shelter, sanitation facilities, and relocation support," it said in its flash update released in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The UN agency said the flooding is occurring at a time when partners, especially national non-governmental agencies that often serve as frontline responders, are facing crippling funding reductions, which have severely limited their ability to respond to emerging needs.

The floods were triggered by moderate-to-heavy rains during the Gu (April to June) main rainy season, which typically begins on April 15 in parts of Somalia and the Ethiopian highlands, where the Juba and Shabelle rivers originate.

"The rains have, however, brought relief following six months of prolonged dry conditions by replenishing water points and pasture," OCHA said. 
After about 30 hours, Chief Fire Eyal Caspi announced at 6:30 p.m. that control had been achieved over the massive fire in the Jerusalem hills.

The Fire Chief has instructed to gradually reduce forces, a statement said. The firefighters will continue to work at low intensity but with a strong presence on the ground to prevent the fire from rekindling. The Fire Chief thanks all the forces and parties that assisted in the national effort to extinguish the fire.

The main hotspots on Thursday were Latrun, Burma Road, Eshtaol, Mesilat Zion, Taoz, Canada Park, Shaar HaGai, Kedoshim Forest, and Shoresh.

According to the Fire and Rescue Authority, a special investigative team has launched a probe into the circumstances of the fire, and an in-depth investigation is underway.

About 20,000 dunams of land were destroyed in the fire, including 13,000 dunams of forest.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
National Grid boss John Pettigrew will retire this year after almost a decade leading the energy infrastructure giant.

The group said Pettigrew, who joined National Grid as a graduate in 1991 before taking on a variety of senior roles, would depart in November.

He will be succeeded by Zoe Yujnovich, who until recently was a member of Shell's executive committee and the energy group's director for integrated gas and upstream.

Yujnovich, who has also held senior roles at mining giant Rio Tinto, will join in September before taking on the top job when Pettigrew exits two months later.

She will be charged with overseeing National Grid's ongoing strategy shake-up, which sees the group refocus its investments and streamline operations since May last year.

National Grid, which manages Britain's energy network but also runs gas and electricity businesses in the US, unveiled plans in December to invest 35billion in its electricity-transmission business as part of an upgrade to Britain's energy infrastructure.

National Grid's next CEO Zoe Yujnovich

Outgoing Pettigrew said Yujnovich has 'all the attributes required to deliver on the significant growth opportunity ahead and to guide National Grid on the next stage of its journey'.

Chair Paula Reynolds added: 'An internationalist in outlook, she has a strong sense of purpose and is an inspiring leader.

'Further, she will arrive with a notable track record of delivering complicated, large scale capital projects in complex political environments.'

National Grid shares were down 1 per cent to 1,072.5p in early trading. They have added around 10 per cent over the last 12 months.

Yujnovich said: 'I firmly believe in the vital function energy companies play in driving change and creating value.

'On both sides of the Atlantic, National Grid has an essential role to play in making energy secure, affordable and reliable for our customers and communities.

'I'm excited about leading National Grid as it delivers on the growth opportunities ahead.'
Drax Group lifted annual profit guidance on Thursday, having been bolstered by strong pellet production and biomass generation.

The group, which generates energy by burning wood pellets, told investors it now expects its annual adjusted core profit to come in at the top end of analyst forecasts.

Drax said its pellet production arm was performing well, with output ahead of last year, while operations at Drax Power Station, Britain's largest single source of round the clock renewable power, was also progressing well.

Drax, which generates around 6 per cent of Britain's electricity, said it still planned to generate recurring adjusted EBITDA of around 600million to 700million beyond 2027.

Analysts' consensus for 2025 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was 874million, with a range of 848million to 896million.

Drax shares rose 0.41 per cent or 2.5p to 619.50p on Thursday, having risen over 20 per cent in the last year.

Share performance: Drax shares have risen by around 20% in the last year

Chief executive Will Gardiner, said: 'Through delivering strong operational performance we have supported energy security.

'Thousands of workers at Drax and throughout our supply chain keep the lights on for millions of this country's homes and businesses.

'The UK's target for a clean power system and increase in intermittent renewables means more dispatchable and reliable generation will be required to help keep the lights on when the wind isn't blowing or the sun isn't shining.

'We are working to create value and growth in the short, medium and long-term, aligned to the UK's energy needs and underpinned by a strong balance sheet and cash generation, a disciplined approach to capital allocation and attractive returns for shareholders.'

Last month, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was accused by some US activists of being complicit in the pollution of a town in Mississippi by handing billions in taxpayer cash to Drax.

Drax operates a power plant in Selby, North Yorkshire, that generates electricity by burning wood pellets. Many of these are sourced from forests in the US and shipped to Britain.

Activists from Gloster in Mississippi, where Drax runs a wood pellet factory, claimed pollution from its plant has caused health issues for people nearby, including heart disease, cancer and respiratory problems.

Drax burns millions of tons of wood pellets each year. It claims this is carbon neutral, because the planting of new trees can compensate for the carbon dioxide produced. Environmental groups dispute these assertions.

It has received billions in green energy subsidies from the government. In February, Ed Miliband agreed to hand the firm another 2billion in taxpayer cash over four years.

In April, a Drax spokesman said: 'The safety of our people and the communities in which we operate is our priority, and we have created a community advisory panel made up of local leaders and citizens to help us better understand and respond to their concerns.

'All Drax facilities in the United States have been below the permitted air emissions requirements since December 2023.'

In March, Drax announced it had secured agreements to provide 434 megawatts of capacity primarily from its pumped storage and hydro assets.

The group said in March that the deal had a value of around 24million and covered the period October 2028 to September 2029.

It also secured a provisional agreement to provide 24 megawatts of capacity for the refurbishment of Glenlee power station in the Galloway region of Scotland.

That deal covers the period October 2028 to September 2043 and has a value of approximately 20million.
Rio Tinto has survived the latest attempt to force the mining giant to abandon its dual listing and the London Stock Exchange after a shareholder vote on Thursday.

Activist hedge fund Palliser Capital has been pushing the miner to scrap its dual listing structure, which sees Rio trade on both the LSE and Australian exchanges, and replace it with a single listing in the latter territory.

Such a move would mark a major blow to the London market, stripping Rio's 76.9billion market cap from the FTSE 100.

Palliser says it could unlock $28billion in value for holders of Rio Tinto's London shares, which trade at a discount to their Australian counterparts.

The hedge fund is backed by influential proxy adviser firms Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, and more than 100 other shareholders including Norway's sovereign wealth fund Norges Bank Investment Management.

But the miner's board argues this would not be tax efficient and that such a move is not required to provide it with strategic flexibility.

Rio's dual listing structure seeing it trade on both the LSE and Australian exchanges

Rio Tinto said on Thursday that 19.35 per cent of its shareholders had voted for a review of the company's dual-listed structure.

This falls just short of the 20 per cent of shareholders required under City rules to force the company to consult more widely with shareholders.

Rio's London listing comprises about 77 per cent of its investor base, but the Australian-listed shares are trading at a premium of about 25 per cent, partly due to tax advantages available to shareholders in the country.

The board has periodically reviewed the DLC structure many times since it was established, and completed a further comprehensive review in 2024 with advice from leading external experts.

Rio said: 'The [dual listed companies] structure delivers benefits in terms of capital markets access, shareholder returns and efficient franking credits utilisation.

'Any unification of the DLC structure under Rio Tinto Limited would give rise to material issues, including expected tax costs in the mid-single digit billions of US dollars.

'Rio Tinto consulted widely with shareholders of both Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited on the Requisitioned Resolution prior to the annual general meetings and received significant support for the Board's conclusion that unification of the DLC structure is not in the interests of shareholders and Rio Tinto as a whole.

'Rio Tinto also received feedback that shareholders want the Board to remain focused on the execution of the Group's strategy and delivery of long-term, sustainable value for shareholders, and that a further review of Rio Tinto's corporate structure so soon after conclusion of the Board's previous comprehensive review would be duplicative.

'Shareholders also expressed concerns with aspects of the review required by the Requisitioned Resolution, which would be a clear deviation from long established corporate governance principles.'
Moorcroft Pottery has ceased trading more than 100 years after first opening in Britain.

On 30 April, the Stoke-on-Trent based company announced with 'deep sadness' that its directors had appointed Moore Recovery to help it go into voluntary liquidation.

As a result of the company's collapse, 57 members of staff lost their jobs this week.

On its website, Moorcroft said any creditors would be contacted by insolvency experts at Moore Recovery 'in due course.'

Earlier this year, Moorcroft warned of potential redundancies and said the firm's energy costs had risen by nearly 250,000 in just two years.

Great Pottery Throw Down judge Keith Brymer Jones said no company could sustain such an increase in energy costs.

Gone for good: Moorcroft Pottery has ceased trading more than 100 years after first opening

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Brymer Jones said: 'It's incredibly sad news.

'We've been crying out for support for the ceramics industry and Stoke-on-Trent as a whole for years.

'It's never been considered a major industry in this country.'

He added: 'It's 57 families that are connected to those jobs and the surrounding area, the support network, the shops, the cafes that all go with it.

'We're bloody good at making stuff here, there's a longstanding tradition of ceramics and we sell ceramics all over the world and we literally can't afford to lose this skillset.'

GMB Organiser, Chris Hoofe, said on Thursday: 'The closure of Moorcroft is devastating news for workers and their families, but unfortunately it's not a surprise.

'The high cost of energy is crippling the ceramics sector in the UK and has directly led to the loss of 57 jobs at Moorcroft.

'The Government must act and act now to support the ceramics sector and protect workers in this sector.'

Call for action: Great Pottery Throw Down judge Keith Brymer Jones said the ceramics sector needs more support

A spokesperson for Ceramics UK, also based in Stoke-on-Trent, told This is Money: 'Ceramics UK is deeply saddened to learn of the announcement that Moorcroft Pottery has ceased trading after more than 100 years.

'This regrettable news underscores the significant challenges currently facing the UK ceramics sector, including soaring energy costs, increased international competition, and a difficult trading environment.

'These pressures are making it increasingly difficult for even established and celebrated manufacturers to remain viable.

'Ceramics UK is actively engaging with the government and relevant stakeholders to highlight the urgent need for support for our vital industry.'

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: 'We know this will be a concerning time for Moorcroft Pottery workers and their families.

'Ministers continue to engage closely with the ceramics sector to understand the challenges and provide support, ensuring the industry is globally competitive as part of our plan for change.'

History of Moorcroft

Moorcroft Pottery traces its roots back to 1897 and has been based at its current headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent since 1913.

The first pieces of fine art pottery from Moorcroft were designed by William Moorcroft and launched in 1897 while he was employed at James Macintyre & Co.

William Moorcroft was a graduate of what is now the Royal College of Art in London.

In 1913, and with the aid of substantial funds from Liberty, William Moorcroft was able to move production of his art pottery to the present factory in Sandbach Road under the name of W. Moorcroft Limited.

In 1928, after winning many gold medals and prestigious international awards, Moorcroft was appointed 'Potters to H. M. The Queen', an honour which William Moorcroft accepted on behalf of his company.

Walter Moorcroft became the company's sole Moorcroft designer in 1945. Walter Moorcroft developed his own style and introduced many exotic flowers into the firm's pottery designs.

Bolder colours and designs began to emerge from the Moorcroft kilns after the Second World War.

From 1993 until 1997, design at Moorcroft was spearheaded by ceramic graduate, Rachel Bishop. Before its demise this week, Moorcroft had five ceramic designers.
Photo taken with a mobile phone on Feb. 10, 2025 shows a customer shopping for eggs at a Costco store in Azusa, Los Angeles County, California, the United States. (Xinhua/Gao Shan)

"The economy is likely to fall into a recession by the standard measure of two negative quarters," said an economist.

WASHINGTON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. GDP shrank 0.3 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

It marked the first quarter of negative growth in three years, raising concerns of a looming recession.

"I expect sour consumer sentiment and business uncertainty to drag down Q2," said Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a non-resident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Many economists have expressed concern over sweeping tariffs of President Donald Trump's administration, warning they could slow global economic growth.

"The economy is likely to fall into a recession by the standard measure of two negative quarters," said Barry Bosworth, economist and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

He added that domestic demand could weaken further in Q2 "unless Trump does more to reverse his trade measures."

Bosworth called it "truly bizarre" that the administration seems intent on policies that could lead to stagflation, driven by a misunderstanding of what causes trade deficits.

Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told Xinhua that there are reasons to expect "slower growth," especially in investment.

The decrease in GDP also reflected an uptick in imports, which are subtracted from GDP calculations. Bosworth said the "domestic demand was actually quite strong" due to an import surge in anticipation of Trump tariffs.

The current administration campaigned on reviving U.S. manufacturing, appealing largely to its working-class voter base. But critics said revamping the global trade system is a tall order.

"Trump wants to remake the global trade system, but he overestimates American power. In such a big and complicated world, no single country can impose its will on all the other countries," said Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West.

Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, said the administration lacks "a coherent economic plan."

He noted that while the administration protects heavy industries, it under-prioritizes high-tech and light manufacturing, and leaves services and financial sectors exposed to retaliatory tariffs.

Moreover, the sweeping tariffs could backfire.

"If the second quarter number comes in negative, it will be known as the Trump recession," West said.
There are hundreds of thousands of inaccurate entries on the electoral register, the commission tasked with overseeing elections has estimated.

An Coimisiun Toghchain, or the Electoral Commission, said it is deeply concerned about legacy accuracy issues in electoral registers maintained by local authorities across the country.

The commission said it is simply not possible at present to determine exactly how many names are on these registers when they should not be, but its chief executive said it is safe to say that the lists contain hundreds of thousands of inaccurate entries made up of duplicates, dead people, and people who have emigrated.

It means that it is also not possible to give accurate estimates on the completeness of electoral registers, which is the percentage of a given population that has actually registered to vote in any local authority.

The first report on Irelands Electoral Registers is published today by @ElecCommIRL This report assesses the current status of the accuracy and completeness of the registers and how they are managed by Irelands 31 local authorities.https://t.co/zkLCAlOcGs pic.twitter.com/WgAs5P61NG  An Coimisiun Toghchain, The Electoral Commission (@ElecCommIRL) May 1, 2025

This issue goes back decades, with people registered more than once in one or more local authority areas, people who have emigrated and people who have died remaining on the registers.

But Art OLeary, the chief executive of the commission, said there was no evidence to suggest that election integrity had been challenged by the discrepancies.

There were 11 local authorities with registration rates that were more than 100% of the eligible population based on 2024 Central Statistics Office data, indicating widespread inaccuracies.

The worst local authorities by this metric included Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Longford and Monaghan.

Reporters were told that the process of removing a suspected redundant or duplicate name from the register could be lengthy, but that workers in local authorities used a variety of indicators to identify such issues.

This included viewing posts on RIP.ie and listening to local radio death notice services.

The commissions lengthy report comes after the busiest year in the history of the State for elections experienced in 2024, and examines an issue which the body said was much more complex than first anticipated.

At a briefing on Thursday, reporters were also told there were discrepancies across local authorities regarding dedicated funding and resourcing towards maintaining accurate registers.

The commission found that a move away from a system which allowed for third-party registrations to individual responsibilities following the Electoral Reform Act had resulted in legacy issues around duplication of entries.

There are 31 individual registers for voters across the country and only four  the ones associated with Dublin  allow for cross-reference.

The Department of Housing is running a scheme  the Local Government Electoral Registration System (LGERS) project  to develop a centralised register for the purpose of analysis.

The project is expected to be significantly advanced by next year.

But the commissions head of electoral operations said LGERS is not going to solve accuracy issues alone and added: There is another body of work required.

Tim Carey, head of electoral operations at the commission, said that the organisation did not know the full extent of the inaccuracies in the register.

Mr Carey said that this was because there was a risk of individual data gaps or discrepancies between the registers maintained by separate local authorities being migrated into the central database.

He said this dark matter on the electoral registers also meant that it was impossible to give estimates of turnout in elections in some local authorities.

He added that there would continue to be accuracy issues in registers until resourcing of franchise teams in local authorities was addressed.

Mr Carey said there was no plan in some local authorities to manage these issues.

He said there was no magic wand nor fairy dust to fix the issues with registers, adding that it required funding for professional, dedicated staffing.

While there would be a presidential election towards the end of this year, the commission said it was hopeful that the electoral register would be much more accurate by the next expected wave of electoral events in 2029.

Mr OLeary said the future is bright for creating a more accurate register for later elections.

The reports key recommendations set out the need for accuracy audits of each register, a national awareness campaign focused on accurate voter registration, the setting of standards for accuracy, the increase of resources for local authority electoral register functions and increased prioritisation of the registers and multi-annual plans in local authorities.

The Department of Housing and Local Government welcomed the publication of the report.

Asked about the concerns raised over inaccuracies and resourcing, a spokesman said that Minister James Browne has made more than three million euro available to local authorities in 2025 for the electoral register including funding for additional staff to undertake specific data quality tasks in relation to standardisation, deceased electors, potential duplications and translation.

The spokesman added: This is building on funding of over three million euro between 2023 and 2024, all of which is additional to Local Authorities own funding of the electoral registration function.

The conclusions and recommendations in the report will be carefully considered.
An aerial drone photo taken on April 30, 2025 shows cargo ships berthing at a container dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

This photo taken on April 30, 2025 shows trucks at a cargo dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

A worker checks the piling of containers on a ship at a cargo dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 30, 2025. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 30, 2025 shows a cargo ship berthing at a container dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

This photo taken on April 30, 2025 shows trucks at a container dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

Workers cast off the ropes for a ship bound for ASEAN countries at a container dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 30, 2025. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

Workers prepare to cast off the ropes for a ship bound for ASEAN countries at a container dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 30, 2025. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

This photo taken on April 30, 2025 shows trucks at a cargo dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

This photo taken on April 30, 2025 shows a container dock of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. This year, Qingdao port has actively expanded its international shipping routes, especially for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The direct cargo shipping routes from Qingdao Port to the ASEAN countries has increased to 50, with the cargo volume from Qingdao to ASEAN countries up six percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
Tonight we share a bevy of links related to local streets, consequences and, of course community outreach.



Check TKC news gathering amid the aftermath of a great deal of cowtown human misery . . .

Infectious disease test ordered for woman connected to KCFD paramedic's death 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...

Father accused of helping son escape after he ran over police officer with ATV, court docs say An Independence man is charged with hindering prosecution of a felony after taking his son to Colorado Springs after his son allegedly ran over a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer with an ATV.

Kansas wants to use AI to spot guns in schools. One major company won't say how often the system fails Kansas schools now have state funding to use AI to spot guns in schools. But ZeroEyes, one of the few companies offering this service, has sent police false alerts before.

Man faces murder charge after deadly shooting Monday night at east Kansas City, Missouri, liquor store A man faces a murder charge after a deadly shooting Monday night at an east Kansas City, Missouri, liquor store.

Families settle lawsuit over GPS tracker linked to 2022 murder-suicide in Lenexa 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.

Vacant building fire near 8th and Woodland under investigation in Kansas City Fire crews returned to the scene of a vacant building fire in downtown Kansas City on Wednesday morning.

Man pleads guilty for role in 2021 Independence double homicide A 48-year-old Higginsville, Missouri man has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a 2021 double homicide in Independence.

Man says fatal shooting at Kansas City liquor store was done in self-defense A Kansas City liquor store shooting left one dead. A man said he shot in self-defense, while another faces a murder charge for his role.

Bankruptcy fraud leads to prison sentence for KC healthcare company's owner The owner of a Kansas City healthcare company has been sentenced to prison for bankruptcy fraud and ordered to repay tens of thousands of dollars for selling rented medical equipment.

Independence allocates $100K to bolster rewards, investigate cold-case homicides The Independence City Council unanimously voted Monday, April 21, to allocate $100,000 toward cracking five cold-case homicides.

Problems at the pump: How staying alert at the gas pump prevents issues AJ Agbebaku's wife didn't get very far after filling up at a Shawnee gas station back in January. Mechanics say it happens more often than some may realize.

'Head on a swivel': Paramedic explains pressures of job Graham Hoffman ultimately died doing Firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman's death has brought safety discussions to the forefront, especially for emergency medical professionals.

Kansas City 911 dispatcher pay jumps nearly 10% In an effort to recruit more qualified candidates and alleviate hold times, starting May 1, 2025, Kansas City will officially bump the starting pay for dispatchers.

Developing . . .
Feds seem to be taking it easy on this adult teen college student despite tough talk from right-wingers regarding potential domestic terrorism charges.



Accordingly, we wanted to share this quote that sheds more light on this ongoing investigation and federal case . . . Check-it:



A federal judge agreed to release McIntire from custody last week.



According to federal court documents, McIntire's attorney argued he should be released citing "serious and ongoing" medical needs and treatments that McIntire's attorney believed could not or would not be provided while in federal detention.



The defense filing says McIntire is undergoing treatment for depression, and is receiving gender affirming care that began in March of this year  and that care would likely be interrupted or terminated in federal custody.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Fox4: Suspect in Kansas City Tesla arson freed from federal custody

Developing . . .
Let's start with a bit of political history . . .

Kansas City has been HORRIBLE about renaming local streets.

Rather than follow the process laid out in the muni-code . . . Politicos mostly look to silence any discussion and hope that a rowdy mob of about two dozen people will put on a good show and push through flimsy legislation . . . Remember that Mayor Q was embarrassed at the outset of his tenure when the rename of The Paseo was ultimately overturned.

And now . . .

ONCE AGAIN ACTIVISTS DEMAND A NEW NAME FOR TROOST!!! SADLY, EVERYONE IS AFRAID TO SAY THAT "TRUTH AVE." IS LAME!!!

Yes, we know the new name honors an abolitionist from Battle Creek, Michigan and the lack of a local connection is actually one of many big problems with the idea.

Moreover . . .

- Critics of the plan believe Council Lady Melissa Robinson is trying to avoid any opposition or real discussion of the idea.

- City Hall notices are being downplayed and given low priority . . . Again, there is no effort to debate the plan, only to rally support.

- And let's not forget that the last time activists tried this power move . . . Many neighbors and biz owners rejected the proposal because they didn't think it was worth the trouble.



And so . . .

Today we're highlighting the impending Troost switcheroo and noting that there is, in fact, opposition to the plan which STILL seems to be skipping quite a few steps in order to accomplish activist goals.



Here's word sent our way from a local who would rather discuss the topic than join the fan club of council members and activists . . . Check-it:



"Troost must be preserved not only for its historical significance to the Civil Rights movement in America, and Kansas City, but also a living testament to how much and how far we've come. History should be never allowed to be erased."



And, in fairness, here's a quote from the East side juice man who has been at the forefront of the issue:



"For the past three years in June, we have engaged with the community, listened to the broader voices, engaged elected officials, and added a placemaking component to our efforts. Every Troost address holder has been notified multiple times. Weve surveyed stakeholders and gained broad support. Thousands have said yes.



"The time is now to remove the longstanding stigma we have always known as the redline of Kansas Citythis idea that a street should divide us. Its time to end the perpetual celebration of evil."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com screenshots . . .

And here's a more official look at the process that seeks to rally supporters without engaging in "difficult conversations" with the entire electorate . . . Check-it:

Developing . . .
Here's the inside word and a sneak peek a future controversy regarding a decision that we all know is RIGGED . . . Check-it . . .

Mayor Q Knows Or Doesn't Care

Today's the big day. Mayor Q picks his third city manager in 6 years.



It is widely known that one candidate has a troubling issue in their background that, if exposed, would cast a negative light on the Mayor and Council. Allowing such a candidate to advance without addressing this risks severe reputational damage for everyone. It also sends a message to all employees suing the City that Hernandez level payouts will be easy to get because the new boss is compromised.



Neglecting thorough vetting of city manager candidates could spell disaster for the council and Kansas City. The Council must explicitly ask each candidate whether their personnel records hold anythingpast or presentthat could embarrass the city if revealed. Failure to do so invites public scandal and further deteriorates Kansas City's credibility in its leaders.



Q and the Council cannot afford to ignore this red flag after the Hernandez/Platt debacle. The city managers role demands absolute integrity especially now. Residents expect clear, verifiable answers in interviews to ensure no hidden issues surface later. It's Q going to allow that to be asked or cover it up.

################

Developing . . .


Shaza Hotels Debuts in Bahrain with Mysk Al Fateh Signing at Arabian Travel Market



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - April 30th, 2025 - Shaza Hotels, a leading hotel management company inspired by the rich cultures of the Silk Route and Arabian hospitality, has announced its entry into the Kingdom of Bahrain with the signing of a management agreement for Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain with Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co. B.S.C. (c), a prominent Bahraini investment company. The agreement was formalised between Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, and Ghazi Abdulla Nass, Chairman, Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co. B.S.C. (c) in Bahrain.

The partnership was unveiled during an exclusive ceremony held at the Shaza Hotels stand at the Arabian Travel Market by Simon Coombs and Faisal Ali Al Farsi, Board Member of Nuzul Holdings B.S.C. (c). The event was attended by senior leaders from both organisations, including Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President  Business Development and Growth, and Franck Descat, Vice President  Asset Management at Shaza Hotels; as well as Islam Abdelhakim Abo Alam, Board Member of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., and Ms Mona Ahmed Al Musallam, Board Member at Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co.

This strategic milestone marks the debut of Shaza Hotels in Bahrain and reinforces its commitment to expanding its presence across the GCC through distinctive lifestyle hospitality offerings.

Speaking on the occasion, Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, stated: We are delighted to mark our entry into the Kingdom of Bahrain with such a special property. Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain is a perfect fit for our growing Mysk portfolio  combining contemporary luxury with a sense of place and purpose. Our partnership with Nuzul Holdings reflects a shared vision to bring meaningful hospitality experiences to the region, and we look forward to delivering exceptional value to our guests and stakeholders alike.

Ghazi Abdulla Nass, Chairman, Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., commented: This partnership with Shaza Hotels  a brand known for its cultural depth and operational excellence  reflects our long-term commitment to developing high-quality hospitality assets that meet Bahrains evolving tourism demand. Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain is designed to cater to the increasing number of long-stay guests, executives, and families seeking a modern, serviced living environment in one of the most connected and cosmopolitan areas of Manama.

Ideally situated in the heart of Juffair, one of Bahrains most vibrant residential districts, Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain is a bespoke property catering to the needs of todays discerning traveller. The 15-storey twin tower development features 118 contemporary suites, including elegant one, two and three-bedroom residences and four exclusive penthouses  each thoughtfully designed for business and leisure guests. With state-of-the-art fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, modern meeting spaces, and curated family-friendly amenities, the property redefines upscale urban living in the Kingdom.

Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain will officially open its doors to guests on 1st May 2025, offering a unique and enriching stay experience that blends modern comfort with warm Arabian hospitality.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for the Kingdoms tourism industry. Bahrain witnessed nearly a 20% increase in visitor numbers in 2024, driven by renewed regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and government-backed tourism initiatives. The governments Tourism Strategy 20222026 aims to surpass 14 million annual visitors by 2026 and raise the tourism sectors contribution to GDP from 7% in 2022 to over 11% by 2026.

Major developments are further fuelling growth, including the $1.1 billion Bahrain International Airport expansion, which has doubled capacity to 14 million passengers annually, and the Exhibition World Bahrain, now the largest MICE venue in the Middle East.

Shaza Hotels invites industry professionals to visit its stand HC 3445, Hall 2, at Arabian Travel Market 2025 to explore how the brand is redefining hospitality excellence for the modern traveller.

###


Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : SAFARI TRENDS FROM ACACIA AFRICA: WHATS DRIVING AFRICAN TRAVEL IN 2025 Industry: Adventure

With the main safari season almost upon us, Acacia Africa is releasing five key trends.



(TRAVPR.COM) UK - April 30th, 2025 - With the main safari season almost upon us, Acacia Africa is releasing five key trends. The tour operator claims safaris are being reshaped by a new mindset, with travellers wanting more than iconic sightingsthey are looking for journeys with substance. Whether it's the rise of solo female adventurers or families prioritising purpose-led encounters, one thing is clear: African travel is becoming less about escape and more about engagementwith the continent, its people, and the animal kingdom.



Arno Delport, Sales & Marketing Manager, Acacia Africa, comments, Travellers today are looking for depth, variety, and meaningtheyre not just ticking off the wildlife; theyre collecting experiences. Africa, with its sheer scale and diversity, is answering that call in ways no other destination can.



Multi-country journeys are on the rise, with travellers satisfying their oversized bucket lists in a single holiday. Longer excursions into the wilderness lasting several weeks, Acacia Africa's adventure tours and small group safaris provide opportunities to explore multiple countries in depth, all without the hassle of logistics. According to Acacia Africa, revenge travel has largely evolved rather than disappeared, with more ambitious escapes being planned and the focus on experiences rather than escapism. Covering eight countries, key stops on the 58-day Gorillas to Cape Town include the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Etosha, and Chobe national parks. Travellers trek gorillas in Uganda, unwind on beaches from Zanzibar to Chitimba, explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro, and enjoy desert adventures in Namibia, with the experience-rich Adventure Camping tour ending in Cape Town. From 8,275pp (no single supplement) + Adventure Pass from 1,069pp + Gorilla & Chimp permit from 820pp, including all highlights, transport, accommodation (49 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights in twin share pre-erected ensuite tents, 2 nights in a dorm room, and 3 nights in a tourist class hotel), most meals, and services of a tour leader and driver. Starts Nairobi - ends Cape Town.



"The cost-of-living crisis might well affect how people travel, but based on the 2007-09 financial crisis, people will likely still go on safari," says Delport; bookings during that period skewed to Acacia Africa's camping tours. In terms of "best value" destinations, the tour operator's top pick is Namibia. With the country's Etosha National Park offering roughly eight months of wildlife viewing a year (May to December), it pays to book flights outside of peak season in May or November. Acacia Africas 11-day Cape Town to Namibia Camping tour journeys from South Africas southern coast into the heart of the Namib Desert. Travellers experience the dramatic contrast of landscapesfrom Table Mountain and the Orange River to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the imposing terrain of Spitzkoppe. With floodlit waterholes at Etosha, there's also ample opportunity to spy Namibia's iconic wildlife. From 1,525pp (no single supplement), including all highlights, transport, accommodation (8 nights camping in 2-person dome tents and 2 nights in a dorm), most meals, and the services of a tour leader and driver. Starts Cape Town - ends Windhoek.



South Africa remains a firm favourite with families, but Zimbabwe is increasingly stepping into the spotlight when it comes to those with teens in tow. The country's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matobo National Park stands out for its fascinating blend of wildlife, conservation, and culturesustainable travel of increasing importance to the younger generation. Guided walks offer a more heightened sensory experience and packed with real-life teaching moments, children have the opportunity to engage with rangers from the Matobo Rhino Trust and learn about rhino protection firsthand. An outdoor classroom, ancient rock art and sacred sites open up further conversations about Africas past and early civilisations.



Delport, comments: "Families are increasingly seeking experiences that matter. They want their presence to have purposeand Zimbabwe delivers with raw beauty, rich culture, and sustainable impact from supporting grassroots conservation efforts. Its a destination that turns travel into a meaningful encounterone that informs, inspires, and connects across generations."



Combining wildlife viewing in South Africas iconic Kruger with Zimbabwes lesser-known Matobo National Park, the 7-day Kruger and Matobo Rhino Encounter (Accommodated Small Group Safari) costs from 1,735pp (two sharing) + Safari Pass from 304pp, including all highlights, transport, accommodation (twin share rooms with en suite facilities), most meals, and services of a tour leader and driver. Starts Pretoria - ends Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. From 8 years.



An increasing number of Acacia Africas bookings are from women travelling alonea movement the tour operator has championed through its #WomenGoSolo initiative. Growing in popularity, the 2024 Solo Traveler Reader Survey backs up the trend, 90% of respondents (83% of whom were female) indicating that they prefer to join tours some or all of the time. Offering a thrilling cocktail of wildlife viewing, camaraderie, and space to venture solo, Acacia's tours are the perfect mix for women who want to combine their love of travel in a group setting. For example, running from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, the 13-day Kenya & Tanzania Adventure balances structure with freedom. An adventure camping tour that is ideal for first-time visitors who want to kick back and experience a seamless journey across East Africa, highlights include game drives in the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater; cultural encounters with the Maasai; and downtime on Zanzibars beaches. From 3,425pp (no single supplement) + Adventure Pass from 643pp, including all highlights, transport, accommodation (7 days camping in 2-person dome tents, 2 nights bush camping in pre-erected tents at Serengeti/Ngorongoro (equipment supplied), and 3 nights in a tourist class hotel), most meals, and services of a tour leader and driver.



Acacia Africas 34-day Zanzibar to Cape Town Adventure Camping tour embraces the rising demand for multi-ventures, with travellers increasingly seeking out tours packed with a wealth of contrasting pursuits. Showcasing six African countries, the itinerary shifts gear with compelling regularity featuring opportunities to swim with dolphins along Zanzibars coast, hike above the cascading waterfalls of the Lake Malawi escarpment, explore the historic streets of Stone Town and fat bike across Namibias stunning red sands. Etosha and Chobe deliver classic big game viewing, while the Victoria Falls ups the adrenaline with white-water rafting and bungy jumping. From 4,535pp (no single supplement) + Adventure Pass from 295pp, including all highlights, transport, accommodation (27 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 1 night in twin-share pre-erected en suite tents, 2 nights in a dorm room, and 3 nights in a tourist-class hotel), most meals, and services of a tour leader and driver. Starts Dar es Salaam - ends Cape Town.



All prices exclude return flights. Year-round scheduled departures. Acacia Africa's Small Group Adventure Camping and Small Group Adventure Accommodated Tours are aimed at travellers aged 18+. Small Group Safaris from 8 years. Acacia offers pre- and post-accommodation and a wide selection of city breaks and short stays. Acacia Africa (020 7706 4700). ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED. ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: S E Credo Company: Acacia Africa Phone: 020 7706 4700 Email: info@acacia-africa.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS
ADEN, Yemen, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Multiple commercial vessels anchored at the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa fuel port in Yemen are being forcibly detained despite having proper UN clearance, Britain's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Thursday.

"UKMTO has received multiple reports regarding vessels anchored at RAS ISA, Yemen. Vessels have been denied permission to leave despite having UNVIM clearance," UKMTO said in a maritime security alert posted on social media platform X.

The Houthis have demanded that vessels, including commercial ones, "proceed to berths alongside from their anchorage," said the organization.

"These directions are reported to have been issued under threat of violence, with at least one incident of warning shots being fired, and other vessels boarded by armed personnel," it said.

It said the reported incidents "reinforce the threat to vessels visiting Houthi-controlled ports that they are likely to be held or restricted from safely departing."

The United States has intensified airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen since mid-March. In response, the Houthi group launched multiple attacks on the U.S. aircraft carriers and other U.S. warships in the Red Sea.

On April 17, the U.S. army launched a series of attacks targeting and destroying Ras Isa port and concrete tanks storing imported fuel, killing at least 80 people and injuring some 150 others. 
By Nicole Lyons, April 30, 2025

Professor Emeritus Gail Crump, Ph.D., prepares to cut the ribbon for the newly-named G.B. Crump Reading Room.

From left, Marc Joseph, Ph.D., chair of the Department of English; UCM President Roger Best; Miriam Fuller, Ph.D.,

professor of English; Crump; Pat Smithson, former Director of Development with the UCM Alumni Foundation;

and Charles Martin, Ph.D., professor of English.

During a reception filled with fond memories and humorous stories, the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Department of English dedicated the G.B. Crump Reading Room on April 23.



The room in the Martin Building is now named in honor of Gail Crump, Ph.D., professor emeritus of English, for his years of distinguished service to UCM and his generosity in supporting its students and programs.



The space serves English students in various capacities, including as a meeting place for the Arcade literary magazine and the Sigma Tau Delta honor society and as an informal lounge where students can work and relax individually or in groups. Naming the room in honor of Crump seems especially fitting, given his ongoing strong commitment to helping students succeed at UCM.



During his tenure, Crump said the room was used by faculty as a kind of home away from home, promoting collegiality and community.



Now I come in and see faculty and students, and it seems like theres a sense of community that is very admirable and carries on the tradition, Crump said after thanking those who made the renaming and upgrades possible.



Crump earned Bachelors degrees in English and English Education from Truman State University and a Masters and doctoral degree in English from the University of Arkansas. He joined the faculty at Central Missouri State College in 1969, teaching courses such as first-year composition, general education literature classes, and courses for English majors and graduate students.



From 1969 to 2011, Crump instructed and mentored thousands of UCM students. Marc Joseph, Ph.D., chair of the Department of English, said that students remarked upon Crumps patience, cheerfulness and enthusiasm for literature. One student said that in class, he loves to laugh because he is in love with world literature. Another said Crump is a great man [who] will help any student who needs it.



Besides his work in the classroom, Crump served the university in multiple leadership and administrative roles. He chaired the Department of English and Philosophy, was interim chair for both the Departments of Geography and Modern Languages, served for two years as associate provost, and chaired many department, college and university committees. As a fiction editor for Pleiades, he has read tens of thousands of pages of submissions and has been a stalwart supporter and promoter of the magazine.



In recognition of this work, Crump was honored in 2010 with the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Distinguished Service Award.



UCM President Roger Best said Crump sets the standard for UCM faculty and has been an impactful faculty member and administrator.



Charles Martin, Ph.D., professor of English, offered remarks about Crump as a teacher, scholar, chair, philanthropist, patron of the arts, feminist and humorist. He said Crump published his work at a time when it was discouraged for faculty to do so and advocated for hiring women faculty members when men dominated the department.



He also spoke highly of Crump as a friend.



Hes always been gracious and supportive of me, always been friendly, always been helpful. I value that friendship, Martin said. I am tremendously grateful, and everybody else who considers Gail a friend is grateful for that friendship and understands how loyal he is as a friend. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Gail.



Since retiring, Crump has continued to serve the department, the college and the university. He has held leadership positions in the UCM Emeriti Association and the CAHSS Advisory Board. Crump even still has a mailbox in the department office.



Crump is also a long-time contributor to the UCM Alumni Foundation, supporting student scholarship opportunities and other initiatives. He has made generous gifts to establish the G.B. Crump Scholarship in English Endowment and bring other Foundation funds up to fully endowed levels.



During the dedication ceremony, the UCM Alumni Foundation shared that more than 40 donors and the UCM Emeriti Association made gifts in Crumps honor to coincide with the room's renaming.



For more information about the Department of English, visit ucmo.edu/english.
BEIJING/HONG KONG, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Florian Simmendinger runs a music technology company and has been living in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in the south of China for a decade. Having developed a musical smartwatch that enables musicians to feel the beat, the German expat is in a good position to explore the dynamic rhythm of China and feels positive about it.

Simmendinger is from a musical family and learnt to play piano when he was growing up. He still remembers the "pain point" of using a traditional metronome during piano practice, saying that it proved very annoying. "My piano teacher would tap me on the shoulder to give me the beats. It was torture," he laughed.

In 2014, fresh out of university, Simmendinger had a smart idea, asking himself -- why not make a vibrating metronome that enables musicians to feel the beat of music, just like the vibrating smartwatch used for fitness purposes?

"Every single musician in the world from beginners to professionals, from drummers and pianists to guitarists, every single one has to practice from time to time. I wanted to make music practice easy and addictive," Simmendinger said in an interview with Xinhua.

Inspired by this idea, Simmendinger decided to start up a music tech company in his home country. "When I started, I just had the idea for a smartwatch, without any background or funding or anything," he recalled.

Simmendinger quickly found himself running into issues, as all the components for his future products were manufactured in Asia, requiring about a month to be transported to Germany.

Then he met an investor from the HKSAR by chance, who suggested Simmendinger go to the city of Shenzhen, a tech hub in south China's Guangdong Province, located close to the HKSAR. "You will find the full ecosystem of manufacturing there," the investor told him.

Simmendinger embraced the investor's advice and flew to Shenzhen, where he found that Huaqiangbei, one of the world's largest wholesale electronic products markets, contained almost all the components he needed.

In 2015, he decided to move to the HKSAR and established his company there, because "it would be much easier for both product development and mass manufacturing."

Simmendinger's company, Soundbrenner, has since developed five major products, and its corresponding mobile application has recorded 15 million downloads. "There are over 1,000 musicians practicing with our products every minute of each day," Simmendinger revealed.

The company's products are available on Chinese online shopping platforms like Taobao and JD.com -- at prices ranging from roughly 600 yuan (about 83.3 U.S. dollars) to 1,500 yuan. Soundbrenner achieved sales amounting to 3 million U.S. dollars last year.

Simmendinger attributes his success to choosing the HKSAR as base. A major advantage in terms of starting up businesses in the HKSAR lies in its proximity to technology powerhouse Shenzhen, which means securing easy access to a strong supply chain, he said.

During the initial stages of establishing his business, Simmendinger regularly took high-speed train trips to the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province to visit factories and look for good business connections -- a process he found "super convenient and efficient."

Simmendinger's story underlines the appeal of the HKSAR as a startup hub. With China advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the HKSAR beat is demonstrating even more vigor and vitality.

Fang Zhou, director of a HKSAR-based think tank, said that while the Tokyo Bay Area and San Francisco Bay Area are both impressive, there is no place that has as many sectors, ranging from trade and finance to manufacturing and technology, as the GBA -- illustrating its unique advantage for global entrepreneurs.

In reviewing both his decade-long stay in the HKSAR and travels to different Chinese cities, Simmendinger said that what he saw and experienced had smashed the stereotypes of China with which he had previously been presented.

One of these stereotypes concerns Chinese workers, who were portrayed as a poorly paid labor force grinding along in undesirable working conditions. However, Simmendinger came across a very different scenario at the many factories he visited. "I would be happy to send my children there for the summer to work on the assembly line, so that they can get some basic skills."

Now the German entrepreneur is targeting the broader Chinese market. "I recently discovered something really interesting -- Chinese children learning to play piano outnumber the total number of pianists in the rest of the world. I see a vast market in that," he said.

"I'm looking forward to building a Chinese marketing team, setting up our own e-commerce presence, and running our own stores, thereby enabling us to introduce our products to all Chinese customers," Simmendinger added. 
Researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) conducted a panel discussion April 13 with members of the media on the ongoing impacts of cuts to federally funded research. The panel offered several insights on how lifesaving interventions could be hampered by the loss of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) like clinical trials exploring the use of GLP-1 antagonists to treat drug addictions and the development of blood tests for early cancer diagnosis.

University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD, opened the panel, which featured several NIH-funded faculty across the School of Medicine: Wilbur Chen, MD, Sarah Kattakuzhy, MD, and Stuart Martin, PhD. It also featured faculty at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Nursing, and University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, including Man-Kyo Chung, DMD, PhD, Ian Kleckner, PhD, MPH, Audra Stinchcomb, PhD, and Kim Mooney-Doyle, PhD, RN, all esteemed leaders in their respective fields.

UMB has recently seen several clinical trials that were underway halted from a sudden cessation in grant funding and is the process of considering appeals.

This wave of underfunding is hitting us, Gladwin, who is also vice president for medical affairs at UMB and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor, said in his opening remarks. NIH has awarded $2.8 billion less in funding than this time last year. We have nearly $60 million in grants this year that have fundable scores and are on hold.

Each faculty member presented critical examples of current and future advancements in medicine that could be at risk.

Pending continued federal funding, Kattakuhzy, who is associate professor of medicine at the Institute of Human Virology at UMSOM and associate director of the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine, is set to launch a first-of-its-kind clinical trial examining the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic in treating cocaine use disorder. Nearly 50 percent of people use cocaine alongside opioids and emerging research suggests that semaglutide may influence impulse control. We want to explore if this is safe and efficacious, Kattakuhzy said. People with cocaine use disorder have no viable therapeutic options right now.

Martin, who is deputy director of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and interim chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at UMSOM, discussed potential impacts in the ability to detect cancer early. A recent advancement in cancer screening includes a liquid biopsy or blood test that can detect it more than one year before imaging scans. It was made possible by the Human Genome Project and NIH research, which sequences mutated DNA shed by tumors into the bloodstream.

Cancer is a disease that affects many American citizens and impacts many families, he said. Research is really the only way to make progress and improve the treatment of cancer.

Faculty at the UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center have treated nearly 200,000 Marylanders and are currently undertaking more than 250 active clinical trials.
05/01/2025

By Ed Brennen

Neath Taing needed to be in two places at once.



As a peer leader for the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), she recently had the opportunity to visit the Lowell headquarters of UKG, the global human resources, payroll, workforce management and culture solutions company that sponsors the peer leader program.



But Taing, a junior computer science major from Cambodia, was also on the schedule to work her campus job as a student support analyst for the universitys Information Technology office.



Taing decided to switch work shifts and visit UKG because it was an opportunity I didnt want to miss.



Shes glad she did. On a guided tour of UKGs vibrant office space, Taing and her six other OMA peer leaders saw why the company is consistently ranked among the best places to work. And during a panel discussion with four UKG employees  including UML computer science alum Shawn Jordan 23  the students learned about career development, workplace culture and other topics.



It was an eye-opening experience, Taing says. Two of the panelists had backgrounds similar to mine, which made their advice even more relatable. I learned that its OK to change your career path if needed, and I got practical tips on job searching, interview techniques and overcoming nervousness in professional settings.





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Karnataka SSLC Result 2025 - Steps and Link to Check

Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) is declaring Friday the result of the Senior School Leaving Certificate (Karnataka SSLC) 2025, also known as Pre University and Class 10 exams on its official website karresults.nic.in and kseab.karnataka.gov.in

Thursday May 1, 2025 5:26 PM , Ahmed Abdullah Faizee

Karnataka SSLC Result 2025: The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) is declaring Friday the result of the Senior School Leaving Certificate (Karnataka SSLC) 2025, also known as Pre University and Class 10 exams on its official website karresults.nic.in and kseab.karnataka.gov.in.

Karnataka SSLC 2025 Result Date, Time

The SSLC or Class 10 board exams of the year 2025 in Karnataka were conducted from March 21 to April 4, across the state. Soon later the assessment and evaluation of the exam papers were done.

A total of 8,96,447 students - including 4,61,563 male and 4,34,884 female, appeared for the SSLC exams this academic year.

The examinations were conducted at 2,818 centres, with 65,000 assessors deployed across 240 evaluation centres to ensure smooth and timely assessment of answer scripts.

The Karnataka board is now in the final stage of preparing the result.

The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) has officially confirmed the exact date and time to release the SSLC result. The board said the KSEEB SSL result will be declared tomorrow i.e. Friday May 02, 2025 at 11:30 AM.

"Madhu Bangarappa, the Minister for School Education and Literacy, will formally declare the results on Friday at 11:30 am at the KSEAB office in Bengaluru", the board said.



The Karnataka SSLC result will be available on official as well as other websites after the release.

Steps to check Karnataka SSLC Result 2025

Go to the official website: "karresults.nic.in" or "kseab.karnataka.gov.in"

Click on the link marked as "SSLC Result 2025".

Enter Reg Number and other details that are asked.

Click on Submit button.

Karnataka SSLC 10th Pre University Exam results are also accessible on the websites "kseeb.kar.nic.in", "pue.kar.nic.in" and "results.nic.in".

SSLC Karnataka result of previous years

In 2024, KSEEB SSLC exam was held from March 25 to April 6, 2024 and result was announced on May 09, 2025 when the board had registered an overall pass percentage of 73.40% .

In 2023, KSEEB SSLC exam was held from March 31 to April 15, 2023. The Karnataka SSLC Result 2023 was declared on May 08, 2023. The overall pass percentage in 2023 was 83.89% with over 61,000 students securing A+ grade (90 to 100%) and 1,47,634 students passing with A grade(80 to 89%).

The overall pass percentage in Karnataka 10th exam in the year 2022 was 90.29%. A total of 145 students scored 100% marks to emerge toppers in 2022.

In 2021, nearly all students were declared passed with the Karnataka board registering a pass percentage of 99.99% for the first time in the history of SSLC 10th exams. Overall pass percentage in 2020 was 71.80%.

The state board had not released the merit list and details of toppers in 2021 as the academic year was hit by the Pandemic.

In 2020, the Class 10 exam result was announced on August 10 and the overall pass percentage recorded in the state was 71.80 per cent, which is nearly a two per cent drop from 2019.

Karnataka Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) had announced the results of the Second Year Pre-University (2nd PUC) or Class 12 2025 on April 08, 2025.

[The writer, Ahmed Abdullah Faizee, is Staff Writer at ummid.com.]

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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The Queen of Sheba in Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Queen Saba or The Queen of Sheba, a figure shimmering between history and legend, occupies a unique and resonant space within the sacred narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Thursday May 1, 2025 11:56 PM , V A Mohamad Ashrof

[Ruins of the ancient Barran Temple, also called Throne of Bilqis, dedicated to the Sabaean god Almaqah (or Ilmuqah), Marib, Yemen.]

Queen Saba or The Queen of Sheba, a figure shimmering between history and legend, occupies a unique and resonant space within the sacred narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Her encounter with King Solomon, recounted in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 10, 2 Chronicles 9) and elaborated upon with distinct theological depth in Quran (27:20-44), presents one of the most compelling portrayals of female sovereignty, intellectual prowess, and spiritual autonomy in canonical scripture.

While interpretations have varied dramatically across centuries and cultures, often coloured by patriarchal assumptions or embellished with fanciful folklore, a critical hermeneutical engagement reveals a figure profoundly embodying principles of justice and agency.

This essay undertakes such an engagement, operating within the stream of interreligious scriptures in dialogue. It argues that when approached through interpretive lenses prioritizing justice, reason, and inherent human dignity, the Queen of Sheba emerges not as a historical footnote or a mere foil for Solomons glory, but as a powerful archetype of leadership, rational inquiry, and ethical integrity across the Abrahamic traditions.

The challenge lies in navigating the layers of reception history that have frequently obscured the inherent strength within her scriptural portrayals. In Islamic tradition, while Quran presents a remarkably empowered figure, subsequent traditional exegesis (tafsir), often influenced by patriarchal socio-cultural milieu and extra-Quranic Israiliyyat (Judeo-Christian lore), tended to subordinate her significance, framing her primarily as a testament to Solomons prophetic stature or reducing her to legendary tales that diminished her independent agency.

Similarly, while the Hebrew Bible offers a concise yet potent image of her wisdom and sovereignty, later Midrashic and folkloric traditions sometimes sexualized or eroticized her, diverting attention from the core narratives emphasis on intellectual exchange and diplomatic parity.

To counter these limiting readings, this essay employs a hermeneutical framework grounded in the pursuit of justice and the affirmation of human agency, drawing methodologies from Progressive Islamic exegesis and feminist biblical hermeneutics.

The Progressive Islamic approach, emphasizing the foundational principle of Tawhid (Gods absolute oneness, implying human equality), Adl (justice), contextual understanding, reason (aql), and the ethical objectives (maqasid) of scripture, provides robust tools for critiquing interpretations that perpetuate hierarchy and for uncovering Qurans inherent affirmation of female capacity.

Complementarily, feminist biblical hermeneutics, with its commitment to recovering marginalized voices, challenging patriarchal textual interpretations, and highlighting female agency and leadership, offers invaluable perspectives for analysing the narrative in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

By bringing these interpretive streams into dialogue, focusing on the scriptural texts themselves while critically engaging with their reception histories, we can consolidate the key arguments and evidence for the Queen of Sheba as an embodiment of justice and agency.

This essay will first elaborate the hermeneutical framework, then delve into the Quranic narrative, followed by the Biblical account, highlighting the convergences and divergences in their portrayals while consistently focusing on reclaiming her image as a paradigm of empowered, rational, and just leadership relevant to contemporary ethical and interreligious discourse.

Hermeneutical Framework: Justice, Reason, and Agency in Interreligious Dialogue

Before embarking on the textual analysis, establishing a clear and coherent interpretive framework is crucial. This essay utilizes a hermeneutic deliberately focused on excavating themes of justice, reason, and agency within the Abrahamic portrayals of the Queen of Sheba.

This approach operates within the broader context of interreligious dialogue, seeking common ground and comparative insights while respecting the distinct integrity of each traditions scripture. It draws significantly from Progressive Islamic exegesis and feminist biblical hermeneutics, finding synergistic principles that enable a richer, more ethically attuned reading.

A. Foundational Principles: Justice, Reason, Agency

At the heart of this framework lie three interconnected concepts deeply embedded within the Abrahamic ethical landscape:

Justice: In Islam, Adl is a paramount divine attribute and human mandate, encompassing fairness, equity, impartiality, and setting things right (Quran 4:135, 5:8, 16:90). It demands upholding rights and opposing oppression in all forms, including those based on gender. In Judaism, Tzedek (righteousness/justice) and Mishpat (judgment/justice) are foundational covenantal obligations, requiring ethical conduct, social responsibility, and the protection of the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 16:20, Amos 5:24). A justice-oriented hermeneutic insists that interpretations of scripture must align with, rather than subvert, these core ethical imperatives. Readings perpetuating hierarchy or discrimination are thus subjected to critical scrutiny. Reason: Islamic tradition values Aql (intellect, reason) as a divine gift enabling humans to understand revelation, discern truth, and make ethical choices. Progressive thought, in particular, champions the compatibility of faith and reason. Judaism similarly esteems Chokhmah (wisdom) and Binah (understanding) as crucial for interpreting Torah and navigating life ethically. A reason-focused hermeneutic prioritizes interpretations that are logically coherent, ethically sound, and intellectually honest, challenging those based on blind imitation, superstition, or irrational biases. Agency: Both traditions affirm human beings as responsible moral agents accountable for their choices. In Islam, humans are Gods khulafa (vicegerents) on Earth (Quran 2:30), endowed with the capacity for independent thought and action. While acknowledging divine sovereignty, the emphasis is on individual responsibility. Biblical anthropology likewise portrays humans as created in Gods image (Genesis 1:27), possessing free will and moral accountability. A hermeneutic of agency seeks to highlight instances where scripture portrays individuals, particularly those often marginalized like women, exercising autonomy, making independent choices, and taking responsibility for their spiritual and temporal lives.

Progressive Islamic Hermeneutics: Tools for Reclaiming Agency

The interpretive approach outlined in the prompt, rooted in Progressive Islamic thought, provides specific methodologies highly relevant to reading the Queen of Sheba narrative justly:

Tawhidic Paradigm: The absolute oneness of God fundamentally negates any inherent ontological hierarchy among humans. Gender, lineage, or status cannot confer intrinsic superiority. This principle directly challenges interpretations that assume female subordination or limited capacity.

The absolute oneness of God fundamentally negates any inherent ontological hierarchy among humans. Gender, lineage, or status cannot confer intrinsic superiority. This principle directly challenges interpretations that assume female subordination or limited capacity. Justice (Adl) as Universal Principle: Applying Adl universally means interpretations supporting gender injustice are deemed incompatible with the Qurans ethical core.

Applying Adl universally means interpretations supporting gender injustice are deemed incompatible with the Qurans ethical core. Contextual Reading: Understanding the 7th-century Arabian context of the Qurans revelation helps distinguish timeless principles from culturally specific descriptions or practices, preventing the unwarranted universalization of potentially limiting historical norms.

Understanding the 7th-century Arabian context of the Qurans revelation helps distinguish timeless principles from culturally specific descriptions or practices, preventing the unwarranted universalization of potentially limiting historical norms. Holistic and Intra-textual Reading: Interpreting verses in light of the entire Quran (reading the Quran by the Quran) prevents isolating passages to support biased views. The Queens story must be read alongside other Quranic narratives about leadership, wisdom, and faith.

Interpreting verses in light of the entire Quran (reading the Quran by the Quran) prevents isolating passages to support biased views. The Queens story must be read alongside other Quranic narratives about leadership, wisdom, and faith. Critique of Biased Exegesis (Tafsir): Acknowledging that classical commentators were products of their time allows for a critical assessment of interpretations potentially reflecting patriarchal biases rather than the inherent meaning of the text. This includes scrutinizing the uncritical acceptance of Israiliyyat that often diminishes female figures.

Furthermore, the orientations of Progressive exegesis bolster this approach:

Primacy of Reason (Aql): Encourages interpretations that are rationally sound and ethically coherent, rejecting purely traditional or literalist readings that defy logic or justice.

Encourages interpretations that are rationally sound and ethically coherent, rejecting purely traditional or literalist readings that defy logic or justice. Emphasis on Ethical Objectives (Maqasid al-Shariah): Focusing on the higher goals of Islamic guidancejustice, mercy, dignity, public welfare (maslaha)ensures that interpretations serve the spirit, not just the letter, of the text.

Focusing on the higher goals of Islamic guidancejustice, mercy, dignity, public welfare (maslaha)ensures that interpretations serve the spirit, not just the letter, of the text. Historical Consciousness: Distinguishing the eternal divine message from its historical applications allows for re-evaluation of past interpretations in light of core principles and contemporary understanding.

Distinguishing the eternal divine message from its historical applications allows for re-evaluation of past interpretations in light of core principles and contemporary understanding. Rejection of Taqlid (Blind Imitation): Encourages direct, critical engagement with the Quran, utilizing reason and contemporary knowledge, guided by foundational ethical principles.

This constellation of principles facilitates a reading of the Quranic Queen of Sheba that foregrounds her inherent dignity, rational capacity, and autonomous spiritual journey, liberated from accumulated patriarchal overlays.

Feminist Biblical Hermeneutics: Recovering Womens Voices

Complementing the Progressive Islamic approach, feminist biblical hermeneutics offers critical tools for analysing the Queen of Sheba in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles:

Hermeneutics of Suspicion: Approaching texts and traditional interpretations with an awareness of their potential patriarchal biases, questioning assumptions that marginalize or silence women.

Approaching texts and traditional interpretations with an awareness of their potential patriarchal biases, questioning assumptions that marginalize or silence women. Hermeneutics of Retrieval/Recovery: Actively seeking out and highlighting narratives, like Shebas, that portray women exercising agency, leadership, wisdom, and theological insight, challenging dominant narratives of female passivity or subordination.

Actively seeking out and highlighting narratives, like Shebas, that portray women exercising agency, leadership, wisdom, and theological insight, challenging dominant narratives of female passivity or subordination. Focus on Justice Themes: Reading biblical texts through the lens of social justice, critiquing interpretations that uphold oppressive structures and celebrating narratives that model equality and liberation.

Reading biblical texts through the lens of social justice, critiquing interpretations that uphold oppressive structures and celebrating narratives that model equality and liberation. Challenging Androcentric Language and Interpretation: Identifying how male-centered language and perspectives have shaped the understanding of texts and seeking alternative readings that affirm female experience and authority.

Identifying how male-centered language and perspectives have shaped the understanding of texts and seeking alternative readings that affirm female experience and authority. Valuing Womens Experience: Recognizing that womens lived experiences can provide unique insights into interpreting scripture, leading to readings that resonate with contemporary struggles for equality.

Applying these principles to the Queen of Sheba narrative in the Hebrew Bible allows for a reading that emphasizes her sovereignty, intellectual parity with Solomon, diplomatic skill, and theological discernment, resisting interpretations that reduce her to a mere admirer or exotic curiosity.

Synergy in Interreligious Dialogue

Bringing these Progressive Islamic and feminist biblical hermeneutical frameworks into dialogue reveals significant synergy. Both share a fundamental commitment to justice as a core interpretive principle. Both value reason and critical inquiry in engaging with sacred texts. Both strive to recover and affirm the agency and dignity of figures often marginalized by dominant interpretive traditions, particularly women. Both necessitate a critical engagement with tradition, distinguishing foundational ethical principles from culturally conditioned interpretations.

In the context of analysing the Queen of Sheba, this combined approach allows for a robust, multi-perspectival reading that honours the integrity of each scripture while highlighting the powerful, cross-traditional resonance of her figure as an archetype of just and agentic leadership.

This framework provides the necessary tools to move beyond simplistic or biased readings and uncover the profound ethical and theological significance of her story for contemporary interreligious understanding.

The Queen of Sheba in Quran (27:20-44): An Embodiment of Justice and Agency

The Quranic narrative concerning the Queen of Sheba (often identified in tradition as Bilqis, though unnamed in the text) presents one of the most detailed and affirmative portrayals of a female leader in the scripture. Situated within Quran 27:20-44 depicts her encounter with Prophet Solomon not merely as a historical anecdote, but as a profound discourse on sovereignty, wisdom, diplomacy, faith, and the nature of true submission.

Applying the hermeneutical framework outlined aboveprioritizing justice, reason, agency, and textual integrity while critiquing traditional patriarchal overlaysreveals a figure of exceptional capacity and autonomy.

Deconstructing Traditional Overlays: Clearing the Interpretive Ground

Before analysing the Quranic text directly, it is essential to address and critique the prevalent interpretations within traditional tafsir and popular lore that have often obscured the Queens inherent strength. These limiting tropes, frequently influenced by Israiliyyat or reflecting the patriarchal assumptions of their time, tend to diminish her independent stature:

Conflation of Submission: A primary distortion involves misinterpreting the nature of her eventual submission (islam). While the Quran explicitly states her submission is to God (27:44), many traditional readings frame it implicitly or explicitly as submission to Solomon. Her entire journey is thus reduced to acknowledging Solomons superiority, making her principally an instrument for validating his prophetic authority and divinely granted power. Her own intellectual process, rational conviction, and autonomous spiritual decision are side-lined. A Tawhid-centric reading vigorously resists this, emphasizing that ultimate submission is due to God alone. The wording to God, Lord of the Worlds is unequivocal. Influence of Extraneous Folklore (Israiliyyat): Tales absent from the Quranic account frequently embellish her story, often detrimentally. Legends about Solomon seeking to marry her (sometimes to neutralize her power, investigate rumoured non-human ancestry, or scrutinize alleged physical oddities like hairy legs or donkey hooves) serve to domesticate her powerful image, reducing her political significance to marital dynamics and reinforcing patriarchal control over female autonomy. These stories often portray her using feminine wiles or being easily overawed, perpetuating limiting stereotypes. An approach grounded in textual fidelity and reason insists on interpreting the narrative solely based on the Quranic verses, rejecting these extra-Quranic additions which often contradict the Qurans dignified portrayal and focus on faith and governance. Diminutive Interpretation of Actions: Even her intelligent actions are sometimes misconstrued. Her strategic decision to send a gift (27:35) can be misinterpreted as mere bribery, feminine trickery, or weakness, rather than recognized as a calculated diplomatic manoeuvre by a prudent ruler seeking information and avoiding conflict. Her cautious and precise response upon recognizing her altered throne (27:42) or her initial misperception of the glass floor (27:44) might be unfairly cast as gullibility or being easily overwhelmed, instead of rational responses to extraordinary, divinely orchestrated events designed to test perception and convey deeper spiritual truths.

By critically identifying and dismantling these overlaysthe conflation of submission, the reliance on diminishing folklore, and the biased interpretation of her actionsa hermeneutic committed to justice and reason clears the path for appreciating the Queen as the Quran itself presents her.

Progressive Re-Reading Focused on Justice and Agency: Analysing the Quranic Verses

A close reading of Quran 27:20-44 through the lens of justice, reason, and agency reveals a multi-faceted portrayal of empowered leadership and autonomous faith:

1. Legitimate Sovereignty and Political Authority (27:23)

The narrative begins with the Hudhud (hoopoe bird) reporting to Solomon about the kingdom of Saba: I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given of everything, and she possesses a mighty throne.

Analysis: The Quran presents her rule as a statement of fact, reported neutrally by the Hudhud. There is no hint of condemnation, surprise, or questioning based solely on her gender. The description highlights the prosperity (given of everything) and established authority (mighty throne) of her realm.

The Quran presents her rule as a statement of fact, reported neutrally by the Hudhud. There is no hint of condemnation, surprise, or questioning based solely on her gender. The description highlights the prosperity (given of everything) and established authority (mighty throne) of her realm. Justice/Agency Perspective: This verse is pivotal. It provides unambiguous Quranic acknowledgement of a woman holding supreme political power. The text itself normalizes female sovereignty, framing it without prejudice. This directly counters later interpretations within some Islamic legal traditions that sought to prohibit female headship of state, often based on selective readings of Hadith rather than explicit Quranic injunctions. The Quranic description implies her competence and the legitimacy of her rule, judged by its apparent success, not by the rulers gender. It establishes her from the outset as a figure of significant political stature and legitimate authority.

2. Rationality, Consultation (Shura), and Deliberation (27:29-34)

Upon receiving Solomons commanding letter calling her and her people to submit to God (27:29-31), the Queens response is methodical and consultative: She said, O chieftains, advise me in my affair; I would not decide a matter until you witness [and advise] me' (27:32).

Her advisors pledge loyalty and military strength but defer the final decision to her: They said, We are possessors of strength and possessors of mighty valour, but the command belongs to you; so see what you will command  (27:33).

She then displays sharp political insight: She said, Indeed kings, when they enter a city, ruin it and make the honoured of its people humbled. And thus do they behave' (27:34).

Analysis: The Queen immediately initiates shura (consultation), a principle highly valued in Islamic governance (cf. 3:159, 42:38). Her advisors explicitly acknowledge her sovereign authority. Her subsequent analysis reveals a pragmatic understanding of power politics and a clear desire to avoid the devastation of war.

The Queen immediately initiates shura (consultation), a principle highly valued in Islamic governance (cf. 3:159, 42:38). Her advisors explicitly acknowledge her sovereign authority. Her subsequent analysis reveals a pragmatic understanding of power politics and a clear desire to avoid the devastation of war. Justice/Agency Perspective: These verses powerfully showcase the Queens rationality, competence, and adherence to just governance principles. Her use of shura demonstrates mature, accountable leadership and directly refutes stereotypes of female impulsivity or incapacity for complex decision-making. The difference of her male advisors affirms her established and respected authority, challenging patriarchal assumptions about leadership. Her astute political analysis (27:34) highlights her intelligence, strategic thinking, and prioritization of her peoples welfare (maslaha), positioning her as a responsible and capable stateswoman embodying reason and deliberation.

3. Astute Diplomacy and Strategic Assessment (27:35)

Choosing diplomacy over immediate confrontation or capitulation, the Queen decides: But indeed, I will send to them a gift and see with what [reply] the messengers return (27:35).

Analysis: This is a calculated diplomatic probe, not a sign of weakness or simple bribery. It serves to test Solomons character (is he motivated by wealth or higher principles?), buy time for assessment, and keep communication channels open, potentially averting the conflict she wisely foresaw.

This is a calculated diplomatic probe, not a sign of weakness or simple bribery. It serves to test Solomons character (is he motivated by wealth or higher principles?), buy time for assessment, and keep communication channels open, potentially averting the conflict she wisely foresaw. Justice/Agency Perspective: This initiative underscores the Queens proactive agency and independent decision-making in foreign policy. She actively shapes the encounter based on her judgment, demonstrating a preference for peaceful resolution and intelligent statecraft. This act retains her control over the situation while gathering crucial intelligence. Solomons rejection of the gift (27:36-37), emphasizing Gods superior bounty, gives her exactly the information needed about the nature of his power and motivations, validating her strategic approach.

4. Intellectual Curiosity and the Pursuit of Truth (27:41-42)

Solomon tests her perception by having her throne miraculously transported and disguised: He said [to his attendants], Disguise for her throne; we will see whether she will be guided [to recognize it] or be of those who are not guided' (27:41). When shown it, she is asked, Is your throne like this?  Her response is precise and intellectually honest: She said, [It is] as though it is it' (27:42).

Analysis: The Queen avoids hasty conclusions. She perceptively notes the uncanny resemblance while implicitly acknowledging something extraordinary has occurred, indicating its not exactly her throne in its original context or state.

The Queen avoids hasty conclusions. She perceptively notes the uncanny resemblance while implicitly acknowledging something extraordinary has occurred, indicating its not exactly her throne in its original context or state. Justice/Agency Perspective: Her measured response showcases remarkable discernment, analytical thinking, and intellectual integrity, directly countering stereotypes about female gullibility or lack of reason. She engages rationally with perplexing evidence. Her entire journey can be seen as motivated by an earnest intellectual curiosity to investigate the source of Solomons power and wisdom. She is portrayed not just as a ruler, but as an active seeker of truth, whose path to faith is paved with critical observation and rational assessment.

5. Autonomous Spiritual Transformation and Submission to God (27:44)

The climax occurs when the Queen enters Solomons palace, mistaking its glass floor for water: It was said to her, Enter the palace. But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water and uncovered her shins [thinking she would wade through]. He said, Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass.' This moment of corrected perception triggers her declaration of faith: She said, My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to God, Lord of the worlds' (27:44).

Analysis: The glass floor serves as a potent metaphor for illusion versus reality, catalysing her insight. Mistaking the glass for water parallels her peoples previous error of mistaking the created sun for the Creator (27:24). Recognizing the illusion prompts her recognition of the ultimate realitythe One God.

The glass floor serves as a potent metaphor for illusion versus reality, catalysing her insight. Mistaking the glass for water parallels her peoples previous error of mistaking the created sun for the Creator (27:24). Recognizing the illusion prompts her recognition of the ultimate realitythe One God. Justice/Agency Perspective: This verse is crucial for understanding her autonomous agency in faith. Her submission (islam) is explicitly directed li-llahi (to God), the ultimate sovereign. The phrase maa sulayman (with/alongside Solomon) signifies joining him in a shared state of submission to the same Divine Lord. It denotes partnership in faith and spiritual equality before God, decisively not subordination to the male prophet. Her declaration includes personal repentance (I have wronged myself), indicating a conscious moral and spiritual awakening. Her conversion is portrayed as the culmination of her own journey of observation, reasoning, and experiencean independent act of conscience directly engaging with the Divine. She provides a powerful Quranic model of individual spiritual agency.

Read through the lens of justice and agency, the Quranic Queen of Sheba is transformed from a historical curiosity or anomaly requiring explanation into a compelling archetype of human excellence. Quran itself showcases her as:

A legitimate Head of State whose rule is acknowledged factually and respectfully.

A rational leader committed to consultation (shura) and pragmatic deliberation.

An astute diplomat prioritizing peace and strategic assessment.

An intellectually curious seeker of truth, engaging evidence with discernment.

An autonomous spiritual individual whose journey culminates in conscious submission to God, placing her alongside, not under, Gods prophet in faith.

This interpretation, grounded firmly in the Quranic text and aligned with the rational-ethical spirit of Progressive exegesis, offers a powerful, scripturally rooted counter-narrative to enduring patriarchal assumptions. She stands as a Quranic paradigm affirming that leadership, wisdom, political acumen, and profound faith are human capacities bestowed by God, irrespective of gender, offering enduring inspiration for justice and equality.

The Queen of Sheba in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12): Reason, Agency, and Diplomatic Acumen

The Hebrew Bibles account of the Queen of Sheba, though considerably more concise than the Quranic narrative, offers a similarly potent portrayal of female agency, reason, and sovereignty.

Appearing within the narrative arc celebrating King Solomons wisdom, wealth, and international renown, the Queens visit serves as a high point, confirming his stature while simultaneously showcasing her own remarkable qualities.

Analysing this encounter through a hermeneutical lens prioritizing justice, reason, and agency, particularly informed by feminist biblical scholarship, reveals a figure who challenges patriarchal norms and embodies intellectual and political leadership.

A. Introduction to the Biblical Narrative: Context and Framing

The story is situated within the Deuteronomist History (primarily 1 Kings) and the Chroniclers History (2 Chronicles), both of which frame Solomons reign as a golden age characterized by divine blessing, wisdom, peace, and prosperity. The Queen of Shebas visit functions within this context to underscore the global reach of Solomons fame, particularly his wisdom linked to God. However, the narrative structure grants the Queen significant initiative and focus, preventing her from being merely a passive admirer.

B. The Queens Initiative and Rational Agency

The narrative explicitly states the Queens motivation and action: Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions (1 Kings 10:1; cf. 2 Chron 9:1).

Analysis: The journey originates from her initiative, sparked by reports of Solomons wisdom, specifically linked to his relationship with YHWH. Her purpose is explicitly intellectual and evaluative: to test him with hard questions, riddles, perplexing sayings. She undertakes a long and arduous journey from a distant land (likely Southern Arabia), demonstrating determination and autonomy.

The journey originates from her initiative, sparked by reports of Solomons wisdom, specifically linked to his relationship with YHWH. Her purpose is explicitly intellectual and evaluative: to test him with hard questions, riddles, perplexing sayings. She undertakes a long and arduous journey from a distant land (likely Southern Arabia), demonstrating determination and autonomy. Justice/Agency Perspective: This framing immediately establishes the Queen as an agentic subject, a seeker driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire for verification. She is not summoned, nor is her visit primarily about tribute (though gifts are exchanged later). Her agency lies in her decision to travel, her formulation of challenging inquiries, and her role as the active interrogator. Feminist hermeneutics highlights this initiative as profoundly counter-cultural in ancient patriarchal societies, where womens movements and intellectual pursuits were often restricted. She embodies rational agency, embarking on a quest for knowledge based on her own volition.

C. Embodiment of Sovereignty and Political Authority

The text describes her arrival with significant pomp and wealth: She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices, and very much gold and precious stones (1 Kings 10:2a; cf. 2 Chron 9:1b). The subsequent exchange involves lavish gifts from both sides (1 Kings 10:10, 13; 2 Chron 9:9, 12).

Analysis: The description emphasizes her status as a powerful monarch. She commands substantial resources and travels with a large delegation befitting her rank. The mutual exchange of valuable gifts signifies a diplomatic encounter between peers, typical of interactions between independent sovereigns in the Ancient Near East, rather than the offering of tribute by a vassal.

The description emphasizes her status as a powerful monarch. She commands substantial resources and travels with a large delegation befitting her rank. The mutual exchange of valuable gifts signifies a diplomatic encounter between peers, typical of interactions between independent sovereigns in the Ancient Near East, rather than the offering of tribute by a vassal. Justice/Agency Perspective: The narrative presents her political authority factually, without any gender-based critique or questioning of her legitimacy. Unlike other foreign female figures in the Hebrew Bible who sometimes wield power problematically (e.g., Jezebel), the Queen of Shebas rule is implicitly accepted and respected within the narrative framework. Her interaction with Solomon is portrayed as one between equals on the world stage. This normalizes female sovereignty and leadership, providing a biblical counter-narrative to assumptions that political power is exclusively a male domain. Her ability to command wealth and engage in high-level diplomacy underscores her effective reign and independent authority.

D. Intellectual Engagement and Discernment

The core of the encounter is the intellectual exchange: And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her (1 Kings 10:2b-3; cf. 2 Chron 9:1c-2).

Her reaction is one of profound, reasoned assessment: And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her (1 Kings 10:4-5; cf. 2 Chron 9:3-4).

She then articulates her verified conclusion: The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard (1 Kings 10:6-7; cf. 2 Chron 9:5-6).

Analysis: The Queen engages Solomon directly, posing challenging questions that cover all that was on her mind. Solomons ability to answer demonstrates his exceptional wisdom, but the framing emphasizes the Queens role as the examiner. Her subsequent astonishment is not depicted as irrational awe but as a reasoned conclusion based on empirical observation (my own eyes had seen it) of multiple facets of Solomons rule: his wisdom in discourse, his architectural achievements, the organization and prosperity of his court, and his piety in worship. Her final statement explicitly confirms the veracity of the reports through personal investigation.

The Queen engages Solomon directly, posing challenging questions that cover all that was on her mind. Solomons ability to answer demonstrates his exceptional wisdom, but the framing emphasizes the Queens role as the examiner. Her subsequent astonishment is not depicted as irrational awe but as a reasoned conclusion based on empirical observation (my own eyes had seen it) of multiple facets of Solomons rule: his wisdom in discourse, his architectural achievements, the organization and prosperity of his court, and his piety in worship. Her final statement explicitly confirms the veracity of the reports through personal investigation. Justice/Agency Perspective: This sequence highlights the Queens intellectual agency and rational discernment. She is not passively impressed but actively evaluates evidence. Her testing is successful in verifying Solomons reputation. Her careful observation and articulated judgment showcase her critical thinking skills. Feminist hermeneutics contrasts this portrayal with figures like Eve, sometimes depicted as easily deceived; the Queen of Sheba embodies epistemic virtueseeking truth, testing claims, and forming conclusions based on reason and evidence. She represents a powerful model of female rationality and intellectual authority within the biblical text.

E. Theological Insight and Moral Vision

Following her assessment, the Queen offers a theological interpretation of Solomons success: Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness (1 Kings 10:9; cf. 2 Chron 9:8).

Analysis: This is a remarkable statement. A foreign monarch not only acknowledges YHWH but articulates a sophisticated theological understanding of Solomons kingship. She attributes his position to Gods delight and eternal love for Israel, and crucially, identifies the purpose of his rule as the execution of justice and righteousnesscore tenets of covenantal ethics.

This is a remarkable statement. A foreign monarch not only acknowledges YHWH but articulates a sophisticated theological understanding of Solomons kingship. She attributes his position to Gods delight and eternal love for Israel, and crucially, identifies the purpose of his rule as the execution of justice and righteousnesscore tenets of covenantal ethics. Justice/Agency Perspective: The Queen demonstrates profound theological insight and moral vision. She recognizes the divine source of true wisdom and links legitimate rule to the pursuit of justice. Her ability, as an outsider and a woman, to articulate this central biblical ethic is highly significant. It positions her not just as intellectually astute but as spiritually perceptive, capable of discerning Gods purpose in the world. This transcends ethnic and gender boundaries, affirming her capacity for theological reasoning and moral judgment. Jesus later leverages her example in Matthew 12:42 and Luke 11:31, contrasting her earnest seeking of wisdom with the rejection he faced, thereby cementing her status as a paradigm of receptive faith and intellectual humility.

Feminist Hermeneutical Implications: A Text of Triumph

The Queen of Shebas narrative serves as what feminist biblical scholar Phyllis Trible might call a text of triumph amid texts that often depict violence against or marginalization of women.

Challenging Patriarchy: Her story directly challenges patriarchal assumptions about female capacity for leadership, reason, and theological insight. She operates autonomously and authoritatively on the international stage, engaging the wisest king as an intellectual peer.

Her story directly challenges patriarchal assumptions about female capacity for leadership, reason, and theological insight. She operates autonomously and authoritatively on the international stage, engaging the wisest king as an intellectual peer. Reclaiming Female Authority: Feminist readings reclaim her as a positive model of female power, wisdom, and agency, resisting interpretations that might seek to diminish her significance or sexualize her encounter with Solomon. Her narrative provides scriptural grounding for arguments supporting womens leadership in religious and secular spheres.

Feminist readings reclaim her as a positive model of female power, wisdom, and agency, resisting interpretations that might seek to diminish her significance or sexualize her encounter with Solomon. Her narrative provides scriptural grounding for arguments supporting womens leadership in religious and secular spheres. Dialogue and Mutual Respect: The interaction between the Queen and Solomon is characterized by mutual respect and dialogue, not hierarchy or domination. This offers a model for gender relations starkly different from more patriarchal narratives.

The interaction between the Queen and Solomon is characterized by mutual respect and dialogue, not hierarchy or domination. This offers a model for gender relations starkly different from more patriarchal narratives. Countering Restrictive Interpretations: Her powerful portrayal provides a biblical counter-argument to later texts or interpretations (like some readings of 1 Timothy 2:12) used to restrict womens roles. The Hebrew Bible itself presents a compelling example of a woman excelling in domains often claimed as exclusively male.

Contesting Later Interpretations

While the biblical text presents a dignified and empowered Queen, it is important to acknowledge that later traditions (Jewish Midrash, Islamic lore) expanded her story, sometimes adding elements of romance, magic, or demonic associations. While these later traditions attest to her enduring fascination, a hermeneutic focused on the biblical text itself must prioritize the portrait offered in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles: a sovereign, rational, and discerning woman engaging in a high-stakes encounter centered on wisdom, diplomacy, and the recognition of divine justice.

In sum, the Hebrew Bibles Queen of Sheba, when read through a lens attentive to agency, reason, and justice, emerges as a formidable figure. She embodies autonomous leadership, intellectual rigor, diplomatic skill, and theological perceptiveness, offering a timeless biblical paradigm of empowered womanhood that challenges patriarchal constraints and affirms the universal human capacity for wisdom and righteous engagement with the world.

Interreligious Dialogue: Convergences, Divergences, and Enduring Significance

Bringing the Quranic and Biblical narratives of the Queen of Sheba into dialogue reveals both striking convergences in her portrayal as a figure of agency and justice, and significant divergences reflecting the distinct theological emphases of each scripture. This comparative perspective underscores her unique status as a powerful female archetype resonating across Abrahamic traditions.

Convergences:

Legitimate Sovereignty: Both traditions unequivocally present her as a reigning monarch of a prosperous kingdom, exercising legitimate political authority. Neither text questions her right to rule based on her gender.

Both traditions unequivocally present her as a reigning monarch of a prosperous kingdom, exercising legitimate political authority. Neither text questions her right to rule based on her gender. Rationality and Wisdom: Both scriptures highlight her intelligence and reliance on reason. Quran details her consultative process and strategic thinking; the Bible emphasizes her testing of Solomon with hard questions and her discerning assessment of his wisdom and kingdom.

Both scriptures highlight her intelligence and reliance on reason. Quran details her consultative process and strategic thinking; the Bible emphasizes her testing of Solomon with hard questions and her discerning assessment of his wisdom and kingdom. Agency and Initiative: In both accounts, she is the primary actor initiating key decisions: The Quranic Queen consults, sends envoys, and undertakes the journey; the Biblical Queen initiates the journey specifically to test Solomon. She is not a passive figure but an autonomous agent shaping events.

In both accounts, she is the primary actor initiating key decisions: The Quranic Queen consults, sends envoys, and undertakes the journey; the Biblical Queen initiates the journey specifically to test Solomon. She is not a passive figure but an autonomous agent shaping events. Diplomatic Engagement: Both narratives depict a high-level diplomatic encounter characterized initially by testing and assessment, followed by mutual respect (evidenced by gift exchanges in the Bible, and the overall tone of the interaction in Quran).

Both narratives depict a high-level diplomatic encounter characterized initially by testing and assessment, followed by mutual respect (evidenced by gift exchanges in the Bible, and the overall tone of the interaction in Quran). Recognition of Higher Truth/Divine Source: Both accounts culminate in the Queen acknowledging a truth beyond her previous understanding, linked to the Divine. In Quran, this is an explicit conversion to monotheism and submission to God. In the Bible, it is a profound recognition of YHWH as the source of Solomons wisdom and the mandate for just rule.

Both accounts culminate in the Queen acknowledging a truth beyond her previous understanding, linked to the Divine. In Quran, this is an explicit conversion to monotheism and submission to God. In the Bible, it is a profound recognition of YHWH as the source of Solomons wisdom and the mandate for just rule. Potential for Anti-Patriarchal Readings: Both narratives, when interpreted through hermeneutics of justice and agency (Progressive Islamic or feminist biblical), provide powerful scriptural resources to challenge patriarchal norms and advocate for gender equality in leadership and intellectual/spiritual capacity.

Divergences:

Narrative Detail and Focus: The Quranic account is significantly more detailed, providing insights into her internal deliberations, her interactions with advisors, and a more elaborate sequence of events (letter, gift, throne test, glass palace). The Biblical account is more concise, focusing primarily on the wisdom contest and the mutual recognition between the two sovereigns.

The Quranic account is significantly more detailed, providing insights into her internal deliberations, her interactions with advisors, and a more elaborate sequence of events (letter, gift, throne test, glass palace). The Biblical account is more concise, focusing primarily on the wisdom contest and the mutual recognition between the two sovereigns. Nature of the Climax: The Quranic narrative climaxes with the Queens explicit declaration of islam (submission) to God, marking a clear spiritual conversion and joining the community of monotheists alongside Solomon. The Biblical narrative climaxes with her acknowledgment of Solomons unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, and her blessing of YHWH for establishing his just reign, without explicitly stating her own conversion or change in religious practice. Her recognition is more focused on Gods action through Solomon for Israel.

The Quranic narrative climaxes with the Queens explicit declaration of islam (submission) to God, marking a clear spiritual conversion and joining the community of monotheists alongside Solomon. The Biblical narrative climaxes with her acknowledgment of Solomons unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, and her blessing of YHWH for establishing his just reign, without explicitly stating her own conversion or change in religious practice. Her recognition is more focused on Gods action through Solomon for Israel. Solomons Role: While both narratives feature Solomon prominently, Quran places slightly more emphasis on the divine signs manifested through him (Hudhud, throne transport, glass palace) as catalysts for the Queens realization. The Bible focuses more directly on Solomons personal wisdom and the observable effects of his righteous rule.

While both narratives feature Solomon prominently, Quran places slightly more emphasis on the divine signs manifested through him (Hudhud, throne transport, glass palace) as catalysts for the Queens realization. The Bible focuses more directly on Solomons personal wisdom and the observable effects of his righteous rule. Explicit Theological Goal: The Quranic narrative clearly frames the encounter within the context of calling polytheists to Tawhid (absolute monotheism). The Biblical narrative frames it more as a testament to the universal recognition of the wisdom bestowed by YHWH upon Israels king and the importance of just governance.

Enduring Significance of Queen Sheba

Despite these divergences, the convergences are profound. Across two major Abrahamic scriptures, separated by centuries and distinct theological frameworks, the Queen of Sheba stands out as a remarkably positive and empowered female figure. She is not defined by marriage or maternity, but by her sovereignty, intellect, agency, and engagement with profound questions of wisdom, power, and divinity.

Her enduring significance in interreligious dialogue lies in her capacity to serve as a shared archetype:

A Model of Leadership: She offers a scripturally grounded model of effective, rational, and (in the Biblical accounts emphasis) just leadership that transcends gender.

She offers a scripturally grounded model of effective, rational, and (in the Biblical accounts emphasis) just leadership that transcends gender. An Affirmation of Reason: Her commitment to inquiry and rational assessment validates the role of intellect in governance and in the pursuit of truth, spiritual or otherwise.

Her commitment to inquiry and rational assessment validates the role of intellect in governance and in the pursuit of truth, spiritual or otherwise. A Symbol of Agency: Her autonomous actions and independent decision-making provide a powerful affirmation of individual agency, particularly female agency, within religious narratives.

Her autonomous actions and independent decision-making provide a powerful affirmation of individual agency, particularly female agency, within religious narratives. A Bridge for Dialogue: As a figure respected in both traditions, her story offers common ground for interfaith conversations about gender justice, leadership ethics, the relationship between faith and reason, and the universal human quest for wisdom and understanding.

By engaging with her narratives through hermeneutics focused on justice and agency, contemporary believers across Abrahamic traditions can reclaim the Queen of Sheba from interpretations that have diminished her, restoring her to her scriptural stature as a compelling embodiment of human potential and a testament to the diverse ways individuals encounter and respond to divine truth.

The Long-term Legacy of the Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba, as portrayed in Quran and the Hebrew Bible, emerges from a critical hermeneutical analysis not as a marginal figure defined by folklore or patriarchal constraints, but as a formidable archetype of justice and agency.

By employing interpretive lenses grounded in Progressive Islamic exegesis and feminist biblical hermeneuticslenses that prioritize textual integrity, reason, context, universal justice, and the recovery of marginalized voiceswe can consolidate a powerful, cross-traditional image of female leadership, intellectual depth, and spiritual autonomy.

This essay has argued that both scriptures, despite their distinct narrative details and theological emphases, present the Queen as a legitimate sovereign ruling effectively, a rational agent driven by intellectual curiosity, a skilful diplomat navigating complex international relations, and a discerning individual capable of profound theological or spiritual insight.

The Quranic narrative (Q. 27:20-44) meticulously details her consultative governance, strategic prudence, intellectual honesty, and culminates in her conscious, autonomous submission to God, positioning her as an equal partner in faith alongside Prophet Solomon.

This portrayal serves as a potent Quranic counter-narrative to restrictive interpretations, including the often-cited hadith questioning female leadership, affirming female capacity for the highest levels of political and spiritual attainment.

Similarly, the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 9) depicts her initiating a challenging intellectual encounter with King Solomon, exercising critical discernment based on observation and reason, engaging in diplomacy as a respected peer, and articulating a profound understanding of divine justice as the foundation of righteous rule. This narrative, read through a feminist lens, stands as a text of triumph, challenging patriarchal norms by showcasing female sovereignty, rationality, and theological perception without censure.

The convergences in these portrayals are striking, offering valuable resources for contemporary interreligious dialogue. The Queen of Sheba stands as a shared symbol challenging gender-based hierarchies, affirming the compatibility of faith and reason, and modelling leadership rooted in wisdom and justice. Her story compels believers in both traditions to critically re-examine inherited interpretations that may obscure the egalitarian potential within their own sacred texts.

Ultimately, reclaiming the Queen of Sheba through a hermeneutic of justice and agency is not merely an academic exercise; it is an ethical imperative. Her enduring legacy invites contemporary Muslims, Christians, and Jews to embrace interpretations that foster equality, celebrate intellectual engagement, and affirm the full human dignity and potential of all individuals, regardless of gender, to lead, to reason, and to seek profound connection with the Divine. She remains a timeless icon, speaking across centuries and traditions, calling us toward a more just, rational, and liberated understanding of faith and human possibility.

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[The writer, V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, is an independent Indian scholar specializing in Islamic humanism. With a deep commitment to advancing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress, his work aims to foster a just society, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He is dedicated to creating pathways for meaningful social change and intellectual growth through his scholarship. He can be reached at vamashrof@gmail.com.]

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KABUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of nine Afghan nationals who were set free from prison in the Sultanate of Oman recently would soon reunite with their families in Afghanistan, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Thursday.

Six out of the nine former detainees have already returned to their homeland and the remaining three are on the way back to their home country, the state-owned media outlet added without providing more details.

Welcoming the step as a sign of good gesture, the state-run media outlet hoped for further expanding brotherly relations between the Afghan interim government and the Arabian state.

Hundreds of Afghan nationals have already been released from jails in Pakistan and Iran and returned to their homeland over the past months. 
ADEN, Yemen, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Two government soldiers were killed and five others injured during a Houthi ground attack on government forces' positions in southern Yemen's Lahj province early Thursday, according to a military official.

The Houthis targeted government-controlled sites near the Hadd Yafea front in Lahj with rocket-propelled grenades in a large-scale offensive, the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Government forces responded to the attack, killed four Houthi attackers, and forced the Houthis to retreat, the official said.

The official indicated that the attack was launched out of concern that government forces might launch ground operations to advance into Houthi-controlled northern provinces.

The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, have been fighting the internationally recognized government since 2014. 
In a surprising move first reported by the South China Morning Post, retired Harvard University chemist and nanoscientist Charles Lieber has joined Tsinghua University as a chair professor, marking a new chapter in his illustrious yet controversial career. Lieber, aged 66, was convicted in 2021 for failing to disclose his connections to a Chinese talent program, a case that highlighted tensions in U.S.-China academic collaborations. Now, he is set to conduct research at Tsinghua's Shenzhen International Graduate School, a hub launched in 2019 by one of China's top universities.

Lieber's pioneering work in nanotechnology, particularly its applications in biology and medicine, has earned him global recognition. His decision to join Tsinghua comes after a high-profile legal battle in the United States, where he faced charges related to nondisclosure of his involvement with China's Thousand Talents Plan. The conviction drew significant attention, raising questions about academic freedom, international partnerships, and the scrutiny faced by researchers with ties to China.

At Tsinghua, Lieber aims to advance his research in the vibrant and innovative city of Shenzhen, a global tech hub. The Shenzhen International Graduate School is known for fostering cutting-edge research and attracting top talent, making it a fitting destination for a scientist of Lieber's caliber. His appointment underscores China's ongoing efforts to bolster its academic institutions by recruiting prominent global researchers, even amidst geopolitical tensions.

This move also reflects broader trends in academic mobility. Tsinghua has recently attracted other high-profile researchers, such as AI scientist Alex Lamb, who joined its College of AI as an assistant professor. These recruitments highlight China's strategic focus on advancing fields like artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, positioning institutions like Tsinghua as global competitors in scientific innovation.

Lieber's transition to Tsinghua has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as a testament to China's growing appeal as a destination for top-tier researchers, while others see it as a controversial move given his legal history. The case continues to fuel debates about the balance between national security and the open exchange of scientific knowledge, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations.

As Lieber embarks on this new role, his work at Tsinghua could shape the future of nanotechnology and its applications. His presence in Shenzhen may also strengthen academic ties between China and the global scientific community, even as it prompts ongoing discussions about the complexities of international research collaborations.
The ruling freed 26-year-old Columbia University graduate student Mohsen Mahdawi after more than two weeks in immigration custody. He emerged from the Burlington, Vermont, federal courthouse to supporters chanting "No fear!" and raised peace signs while declaring, "We are pro-peace and anti-war," according to BBC News.

The decision followed a petition from Mahdawi's lawyers, who argued he was being punished for political speech. Crawford cited First Amendment concerns and "the public interest in his freedom,". "A light of hope, hope and faith in the justice system in America," Mahdawi said of the ruling.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers had detained Mahdawi on April 14, 2025, during what he believed would be the final step of his naturalization interview. He was held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans. Born and raised in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, he arrived in the United States on a student visa and co-founded Columbia's Palestinian Student Union. Video recorded by a friend showed plain-clothes Department of Homeland Security agents escorting him while he flashed a V-for-victory sign.

Government attorneys sought his removal under the Immigration and Nationality Act, arguing that his campus activism "could have serious consequences for U.S. foreign policy," BBC News reported. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed his actions might undermine the Middle East peace process, noted USA Today. "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, and harass Jews, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country," said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

"The claims against Mohsen Mahdawi are baseless and a disgrace to the U.S. Constitution," said attorney Luna Droubi. She called the arrest "direct retaliation for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinians" and confirmed a civil lawsuit alleging violations of his free-speech rights.
JERUSALEM, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said here Thursday that defeating Hamas is Israel's main goal and takes precedence over securing the release of the hostages still held in Gaza.

"We have many goals in this war. We want to bring back all our hostages ... It is a very important goal ... But the war has a supreme objective, and this supreme objective is victory over our enemies," Netanyahu made the remarks during a speech as the country is marking its 77th Independence Day.

The remarks marked a shift from Netanyahu's previous statements, in which he described the return of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza as equally important as defeating Hamas. They also came amid a stalemate in mediated talks over a potential ceasefire deal, and as weekly protests continue in Israel to demand an end to the war to secure the hostages' release, while Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners insist the war must continue.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing most of the hostages' families, issued a statement saying Netanyahu is "aligning" with his far-right ally and pro-settler leader Bezalel Smotrich, who has repeatedly declared that releasing the hostages "is not the most important goal" and has urged Netanyahu to reoccupy Gaza and hold it indefinitely.

Speaking at a separate Independence Day ceremony in Jerusalem, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the Israeli military "is ready and prepared to strike (Hamas) a decisive blow."

"We will use all the strength at our disposal, increase the pace of operations, and intensify the power. If necessary, we will do so soon," Zamir said.

Meanwhile, Israel's Army Radio reported that Netanyahu is expected to convene on Friday a special meeting with senior defense officials ahead of expanding the air and ground offensive in Gaza.

The last exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees took place under a ceasefire that came into effect in January. Israel ended the ceasefire in March after about two months and resumed its deadly offensive in the Palestinian enclave.

The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed 2,326 Palestinians and injured 6,050 others, Gaza health authorities said Thursday, adding the death toll in the enclave since the war began in October 2023 has risen to 52,418, with 118,091 injured.

On Tuesday, well-informed Egyptian sources told Xinhua that Israel insists on disarming Hamas as a precondition to its acceptance of Egypt's six-month Gaza truce proposal. 
UWs Lydiah Nganga, a professor of elementary and early childhood education, gives a UW mug to Martin Njoroge, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at United States International University-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Nganga is completing her Fulbright U.S. Scholar semester there. (Lydia Nganga Photo)

Lydiah Nganga, a professor of elementary and early childhood education in the University of Wyoming College of Educations School of Teacher Education, is completing her Fulbright U.S. Scholar semester at United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Her award runs through June and focuses on a comparative study of how democracy and citizenship are taught in higher education across Kenya and the United States.

During her time at USIU-As School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nganga has immersed herself in collaborative teaching, research and institutional exchange. Her Fulbright project -- Cross-cultural Perspectives on Education for Democracy and Citizenship -- examines the teaching strategies university faculty members use to foster civic responsibility, critical thinking and global citizenship in students.

This experience has shown me the power of international exchange in building shared civic values and global solutions, Nganga says.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Nganga has contributed to multiple institutional initiatives. She co-facilitated a themed section on political socialization, democracy and civic responsibility in an introductory politics course in the Department of International Relations. She also served as a guest lecturer on topics such as gender in education, democratic citizenship and comparative politics.

Additionally, Nganga has facilitated faculty development workshops; conducted postgraduate seminars on academic publishing; and participated in curriculum review sessions aligned with democracy education. These focus groups are informed by her ongoing research and emphasize reflective practice as a key component of professional development in higher education.

Beyond the classroom, Nganga has served as an academic ambassador for UW, introducing students and faculty members at USIU-A to UWs global education initiatives and fostering new institutional partnerships.

The University of Wyoming isnt just producing great educators; its a place that welcomes international collaboration and contributes to solving global social issues, she says.

Key Fulbright outcomes include:

-- Publications and editorial leadership: Nganga has been invited to serve as guest editor for a 2026 special themed issue of the Journal of Social Studies Research, focusing on democracy and global civic education.

-- Book development: She has a book under consideration with Teachers College Press on Indigenous histories and curriculum decolonization, integrating perspectives from Kenya and Wyomings Wind River Indian Reservation.

-- Research dissemination: She presented initial findings from her Fulbright project to fellow Fulbright Scholars in Kenya at update sessions hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, and to USIU-A students and faculty through campus workshops.

-- Cross-national scholarship: She is co-writing a series of scholarly articles with Kenyan colleagues on democracy, civic engagement and comparative education systems.

-- Mentorship and capacity building: She led academic writing workshops for graduate students and emerging scholars at USIU-A.

Ngangas Fulbright is enhancing UWs profile abroad while bringing global insights home. She will return to Wyoming in June with new teaching strategies, cross-cultural research data and strengthened institutional ties.

Working across continents has deepened my understanding of what it means to educate for justice, equity and democratic citizenship, she says. This Fulbright has reaffirmed my commitment to preparing educators who can think globally and act locally.

In her remaining time at USIU-Africa, Nganga will continue collaborating with faculty members on her research initiatives and will lead a workshop for students in May titled Diasporic Citizenship: Rethinking Global Belonging in Higher Education -- A Global Perspective. The session will bring together students from diverse backgrounds to explore how higher education can cultivate democratic citizenship through an inclusive and global lens.

As migration, displacement and transnational ties reshape the meaning of belonging, the workshop centers on the experiences of diasporic and transnational youth navigating multiple identities.

In todays global context marked by inequality and democratic backsliding, it is essential to center these voices and redefine higher education as a space for justice, dialogue and civic possibility, Nganga says.

Nganga aims to carry these global insights into her ongoing research and teaching at UWs College of Education, deepening her comparative work and fostering new scholarly collaborations. She says her Fulbright experience has reaffirmed the transformative power of cross-cultural engagement in advancing inclusive, democratic education and preparing future educators to lead with justice, purpose and global awareness.
People watch the news report on Lee Jae-myung on a TV at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, May 1, 2025. South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal court's acquittal ruling on Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the majority liberal Democratic Party, in his election law violation case. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

SEOUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal court's acquittal ruling on Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the majority liberal Democratic Party, in his election law violation case.

Cho Hee-dae, the top court's chief justice who referred the case to the full bench, delivered the ruling televised live, saying the former leader of the Democratic Party made false statements during the last presidential campaign.

The Supreme Court decided on the dismissal by 10-2, sending the case back to a high court to the effect of guilt.

On March 26, the Seoul High Court acquitted Lee of the election law violation, overturning the verdict of the Seoul Central District Court that sentenced Lee to one year in prison, suspended for two years, last November on charges of dissemination of false information during the 2022 presidential election.

Prosecutors had sought a two-year jail sentence for Lee in the first and the appeal trials.

Lee was absent in the courtroom as a defendant's attendance is not mandatory for the Supreme Court's ruling.

With the top court's decision, the high court will be required to deliberate the case again and refer it to the Supreme Court for the finalized decision.

By law, Lee would be restricted from running for office for five years if he received a fine of over 1 million won (700 U.S. dollars) for election law violation finalized by the Supreme Court.

Lee, who lost the 2022 presidential election to the now ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol by the country's narrowest margin, has been widely seen as the most powerful contender for the upcoming snap presidential election on June 3.

A recent survey showed Lee came out on top with a support rate of 42 percent, taking a big lead over conservative presidential hopefuls.

Lee's support rate hovered above 30 percent since December last year when Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3, which was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.

Lee was indicted in 2022 over statements he made during a media interview in December 2021 as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, when he denied he had known a senior official at the urban development arm of the city of Seongnam where he was mayor from 2010 to 2018.

Lee said he was unable to remember the late official during the TV interview, but prosecutors argued that Lee lied to voters to distance himself from corruption allegations over a land development project of the urban development arm.

Lee was also accused of making false claims during a parliamentary audit in October 2021 when Lee, then Gyeonggi province governor, said he was threatened by the land ministry of then conservative government and changed the designation of land use for a separate land development project in 2015 when he was the Seongnam mayor.

Prosecutors said there was no threat posed by the land ministry, but Lee stressed that the land ministry pressured Seongnam city despite his admission of exaggerated expression. 

People watch the news report on Lee Jae-myung on a TV at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, May 1, 2025. South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal court's acquittal ruling on Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the majority liberal Democratic Party, in his election law violation case. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)
Strong magnitude 5.4 earthquake at 11 km depth

1 May 16:09 UTC: First to report: GFZ after 5 minutes.

1 May 16:09: Now using data updates from EMSC

... [show all] ... 1 May 16:10: Magnitude recalculated from 5.7 to 5.8.

1 May 16:13: Epicenter location corrected by 6.2 km (3.8 mi) towards WSW.

1 May 16:28: Now using data updates from USGS

1 May 18:15: Hypocenter depth recalculated from 24.35 to 11.00 km (from 15.1 to 6.8 mi). Epicenter location corrected by 4.1 km (2.5 mi) towards W.

Update Thu, 1 May 2025, 16:12

Magnitude 5.8 earthquake strikes near Chilecito, Departamento de Chilecito, La Rioja Province, Argentina



The quake hit at an intermediate depth of 131. km beneath the epicenter near Chilecito, Departamento de Chilecito, La Rioja Province, Argentina, around noon on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 1:04 pm local time. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.

Our monitoring service identified a second report from the citizen-seismograph network of RaspberryShake which listed the quake at magnitude 5.8 as well. A third agency, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), reported the same quake at magnitude 5.8.

Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake should not have caused any significant damage, but was probably felt by many people as light vibration in the area of the epicenter.

Weak shaking might have been felt in Vinchina (pop. 2,800) located 59 km from the epicenter, Tinogasta (pop. 14,500) 61 km away, Chilecito (pop. 42,200) 62 km away, Arauco (pop. 13,700) 81 km away, Villa Bustos (pop. 2,200) 95 km away, and La Rioja (pop. 178,900) 116 km away.

VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 occurred only 7 minutes ago 62 km northwest of Chilecito, Argentina, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported.The quake hit at an intermediate depth of 131. km beneath the epicenter near Chilecito, Departamento de Chilecito, La Rioja Province, Argentina, around noon on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 1:04 pm local time. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.Our monitoring service identified a second report from the citizen-seismograph network of RaspberryShake which listed the quake at magnitude 5.8 as well. A third agency, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), reported the same quake at magnitude 5.8.Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake should not have caused any significant damage, but was probably felt by many people as light vibration in the area of the epicenter.Weak shaking might have been felt in Vinchina (pop. 2,800) located 59 km from the epicenter, Tinogasta (pop. 14,500) 61 km away, Chilecito (pop. 42,200) 62 km away, Arauco (pop. 13,700) 81 km away, Villa Bustos (pop. 2,200) 95 km away, and La Rioja (pop. 178,900) 116 km away.VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app . This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake.

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Earthquake details Date & time May 1, 2025 16:04:53 UTC - Local time at epicenter Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 01:04 pm (America/Argentina/La Rioja GMT -3) Status confirmed (manually revised) Magnitude 5.4 Depth 11 km Epicenter latitude / longitude 28.5439S / 67.4794W Famatina, La Rioja Province, Argentina Also near: Chile 179 km (111 mi) away Seismic antipode 28.5439N / 112.5206E China Quality 99 seismic stations Shaking intensity VI Strong shaking near epicenter Felt 54 reports Primary data source USGS (United States Geological Survey) Nearest volcano Tipas (183 km / 114 mi) Weather at epicenter at time of quake Scattered Clouds 22.5C (72 F), humidity: 21%, wind: 2 m/s (4 kts) from NE Estimated seismic energy released 7.9 x 1012 joules (2.21 gigawatt hours, equivalent to 1898 tons of TNT or 0.1 atomic bombs!) | equivalent to ONE quake of magnitude 5.4 | about seismic energy

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Quake possibly felt by 1.1 million people According to preliminary estimates from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake might have been felt by over 1.1 million people across 2 countries: Argentina (1.1 million) and Chile (2,830). Approx. 3,780 people were in areas with According to preliminary estimates from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake might have been felt by over 1.1 million people across 2 countries:(1.1 million) and(2,830). Approx. 3,780 people were in areas with Moderate shaking (intensity V), while approx. 1,660 people might have been affected by the highest-expected shaking intensity of VI, or shaking (intensity V), while approx. 1,660 people might have been affected by the highest-expected shaking intensity of VI, or Strong on the on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale . MMI Level

Shaking (1,061,900 in total) (1,061,900 in total) Possible damage I Not felt None II Very weak (2.01%) 21,300 None III Weak (86.66%) 920,200 Probably none IV Light (10.82%) 114,900 None or minor only V Moderate (0.36%) 3,780 Minor VI Strong (0.16%) 1,669 Minor to Moderate VII Very strong Moderate VIII Severe Significant IX Violent Heavy X Extreme Catastrophic Estimated number of people exposed to shaking from the earthquake by intensity (data coverage corresponding to attached map) Map of expected ground shaking intensity according to the MMI scale (shakemap, source: USGS) Map with population density (from white to black) in the area around the quake's epicenter (source: USGS) Alert level for this earthquake: Level GREEN Based on seismic and statistical models, USGS estimates that the risk of fatalities and damage from this earthquake is low. The main factors that contribute to this evaluation are: The maximum expected ground shaking from this quake was unlikely to reach dangerous levels over populated areas; it should not have surpassed intensity VI ( Strong ) on the MMI scale significantly.

) on the MMI scale significantly. A large number of people was exposed to shaking from the quake, but only to weak intensities. Based on seismic and statistical models, USGS estimates that. The main factors that contribute to this evaluation are: Comment Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and rubble/field stone masonry construction.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake 112 km south of this event struck Caucete, Argentina on November 23, 1977 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 430,000 at intensity VIII and 20,000 at intensity IX or greater, resulting in a reported 70 fatalities.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Source: USGS Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Expected fatalities The risk of fatalities from this quake is considered low and classified as Level The risk of fatalities from this quake is considered low and classified as Level GREEN , the lowest on a color scale from Green (low) to Red (very high). USGS estimates that there is a 65.3% chance that there are no direct fatalities as effect of shaking and a 30.2% chance that between 1 and 10 fatalities occurred. The likelihood that there are more than 100 fatalities is less than 1%. Expected economic damage The economic impact of this earthquake is expected to be minimal or small (Level , the lowest on a color scale from Green (low) to Red (very high). USGS estimates that there is a 65.3% chance that there areas effect of shaking and a 30.2% chance that between 1 and 10 fatalities occurred. The likelihood that there are more than 100 fatalities is less than 1%.The economic impact of this earthquake is expected to be minimal or small (Level GREEN ). Only light damage if any should have occurred. USGS calculates an 67.8% chance of total economic loss in the range of 0-1 million US Dollars and a 29.9% risk of losses between 1 and 10 million US Dollars. Total economic loss from this quake is not likely to surpass 10 million US Dollars (less than 1% chance). ). Only light damage if any should have occurred. USGS calculates an 67.8% chance of total economic loss in the range of 0-1 million US Dollars and a 29.9% risk of losses between 1 and 10 million US Dollars. Total economic loss from this quake is not likely to surpass 10 million US Dollars (less than 1% chance).

Ground shaking from this quake Map of estimated ground shaking (source:USGS) Ground accelleration map for this quake Map of estimated ground accelleration (source:USGS) Most recent quakes Top 20 past 24 hrs Quakes in Argentina

User-reports for this quake (63) felt in up to approx. 450 km (280 mi) distance, with isolated cases to have felt the quake even 1,098 km (682 mi) away.





The majority of reports came from Cordoba (20 reports), a city of 1.3 million people in 450 km (280 mi) distance southeast of the epicenter, Argentina, La Rioja (11 reports), a city with more than 180,000 inhabitants in 114 km (71 mi) distance southeast of the epicenter, and Catamarca (3 reports) (166 km or 103 mi to the east). See the Argentina . Out of these, 54 people indicated they felt it. The quake was reported to have been, with isolated cases to have felt the quake even 1,098 km (682 mi) away.The majority of reports came from, a city of 1.3 million people in 450 km (280 mi) distance southeast of the epicenter,, a city with more than 180,000 inhabitants in 114 km (71 mi) distance southeast of the epicenter, and(166 km or 103 mi to the east). See the list of places where most people reported this quake further below. User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Contribute:

Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it.

Flag as inappropriate.

Mark as helpful or interesting.

Send your own user report! Translate Cordoba, Argentina (448.1 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Felt very dizzi, not common over here, I live on 5th floor.. I hear screams while it was rocking | 5 users found this interesting. Cordoba, Departamento de Capital (450 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 5-10 s : Estamos en un octavo piso, sentimos como la puerta del placard vibro, luego empezo a balancearon horizontalmente el edificio, lo se porque las persianas empezaron a moverse lateralmente. | One user found this interesting. cordoba, capital (458 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : Aproximadamente a las 13:07 senti el temblor en Barrio Nueva Cordoba, Cordoba Capital en un septimo piso. Pense que era un mareo, despues vi que mi silla de escritorio, en la que estaba sentada, se movia levemente en sentido horizontal y la lampara de pie en sentido vertical. Fui hasta la ventana a ver algo si se movia afuera, pero solo vi las cadenas de los blackouts moverse Tinogasta Catamarca (53.8 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : En planta alta fue un bramido de unos segundos que anticipo luego un sacudon vertical muy fuerte, como si sacudieran una gran alfombra bajo la silla Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina (450.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Recostada en sofa, mirando television, comence a marearme, se movia lamparas y cortinas de lado a lado, sofa como si fuera agua en movimiento, vibracion de patas del sofa, dolor de cabeza intenso como si me vibrara el cerebro. Villa Allende, Departamento de Colon, Cordoba (441.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Estaba durmiendo y me desperte pensando que tendria que ir al medico porque estaba teniendo mareos(estoy en reposo absoluto) La Rioja, argentina (114.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : I was laying down on the 2 story watching a movie and I could feel my body and bed shaking. Then I heard the windows rattling Cordoba capital (449.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I was sitting in my chair, suddenly me and my lamp started shaking sideways for 10 seconds | One user found this interesting. Catamarca, Departamento de Capital (166.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : things moved but nothing too serious | One user found this interesting. San blas de los sauces (108.7 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s Cordoba Capital (450.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Estaba sentado frente a la computadora y me asuste, porque senti movimiento, como un mareo, pense que me iba a descomponer. Estaba en un sexto piso. Fue como una ondulacion, parecia que me burbujeaba la espalda, y pense que seria algo de mi circulacion sanguinea y despues paso y segui con la PC. Recien a la noche me entere del sismo en Famatina y fui a chequear el horario. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Buenos Aires / not felt (reported through our app / not felt Cordoba (447.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) Santos Lugares, Tres de Febrero / not felt (reported through our app / not felt La Serena, Provincia de Elqui, Coquimbo Region (396.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Severe shaking (MMI VIII) (reported through our app / Severe shaking (MMI VIII) cordoba (450 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) La Rioja capital (116.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Temblor moderado, el agua de la pileta llena, se ondulo y un poco salio afuera Villa Carlos Paz, Departamento de Punilla, Cordoba (424.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) La Rioja (117 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Movimiento horizontal perceptible moderado Ingeniero Pablo Nogues, Partido de Malvinas Argentinas, Buenos Aires / not felt (reported through our app / not felt la rioja capital (115 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 1-2 minutes La rioja . Capital (116.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Santa Catalina - Dique Lujan, Partido de Tigre, Buenos Aires / not felt (reported through our app / not felt LA RIOJA, LA RIOJA CP: 5300 (114.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Chilecito, La Rioja (69.9 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Quilpue, Provincia de Marga Marga, Valparaiso (627.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt FRIAS, SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake La Rioja Capital (116.1 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s 27 km of Chilecito, La Rioja (42 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : movimiento de paredes piso se movio el escritorio etc Fiambala / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 20-30 s : Temblo todo, puertas, camas, el.piso At home, La Rioja, Capital (113.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Show more Show more List of cities/places with most reports Place Distance from epicenter Average reported Shaking Intensity Nr. of reports Cordoba, Cordoba Province, Argentina (Pop.: 1,317,298) 450 km (280 mi) SE of epicenter III: Weak shaking 20 La Rioja, La Rioja Province, Argentina (Pop.: 178,872) 114 km (71 mi) SE of epicenter IV: Light shaking 11 Catamarca, Catamarca Province, Argentina (Pop.: 159,139) 166 km (103 mi) E of epicenter IV: Light shaking 3 Chilecito, La Rioja Province, Argentina (Pop.: 42,248) 69 km (43 mi) S of epicenter IV: Light shaking 3 Tinogasta, Catamarca Province, Argentina (Pop.: 14,509) 54 km (33 mi) N of epicenter III: Weak shaking 2 Arauco, La Rioja Province, Argentina (Pop.: 13,720) 67 km (42 mi) E of epicenter IV: Light shaking 2 Villa de las Rosas, Cordoba Province, Argentina (Pop.: 2,535) 445 km (276 mi) SE of epicenter II: Very weak shaking 1 San Miguel de Tucuman, Tucuman Province, Argentina (Pop.: 548,866) 293 km (182 mi) NE of epicenter IV: Light shaking 1 San Francisco, Cordoba Province, Argentina (Pop.: 59,062) 611 km (379 mi) SE of epicenter IV: Light shaking 1 Andalgala, Catamarca Province, Argentina (Pop.: 14,068) 156 km (97 mi) NE of epicenter III: Weak shaking 1 Note: Only reports with latitude/longitude coordinate positions given (63 in total) could be used for statistics. What is Intensity and the Mercalli Intensity Scale?

The amount of shaking that occurs on the surface due to an earthquake is called the intensity. It is commonly measured on the so-called Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) ranging from 1 (not felt) to 10 (extreme shaking), and given in Roman numerals as I,II,...IX, X, and often displayed with color codes ranging from light blue to dark red.

Earthquake intensity depends mainly on the magnitude and depth of the quake as well as the distance from the epicenter: The further away, the less shaking intensity occurs.

Read more about the MMI scale! The amount of shaking that occurs on the surface due to an earthquake is called the intensity. It is commonly measured on the so-called Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) ranging from 1 (not felt) to 10 (extreme shaking), and given in Roman numerals as I,II,...IX, X, and often displayed with color codes ranging from light blue to dark red.Earthquake intensity depends mainly on the magnitude and depth of the quake as well as the distance from the epicenter: The further away, the less shaking intensity occurs. Number of reports by intensity Shaking intensity Number of reports Min-Max distance from epicenter (*) Average distance (*) I: Not felt 8 4491,090 km (279678 mi) 879 km (546 mi) II: Very weak shaking 3 443451 km (276280 mi) 448 km (278 mi) III: Weak shaking 22 53458 km (33284 mi) 278 km (172 mi) IV: Light shaking 16 41452 km (25281 mi) 321 km (200 mi) V: Moderate shaking 7 42116 km (2672 mi) 104 km (65 mi) Notes

(*) Reports are filtered to exclude those that are likely highly inaccurate or esaggerated.

Only reports with latitude/longitude coordinate positions given (63 in total) could be used for geographic statistics. further below.

Compare Quake Data Data for the same earthquake as reported by different agencies The more agencies report about the same quake and post similar data, the more confidence you can have in the data. It takes normally up to a few hours until earthquake parameters are calculated with near-optimum precision. Mag Depth Time GMT 2025-05-1 Epicenter Agency 5.4 11 km 6.8 mi 1.8 km 16:04:53.143 53 km S of Tinogasta, Argentina Epicenter uncertainty:  6.4 km USGS (United States Geological Survey) 5.36 16 km 9.9 mi 16:04:54.22 0.15s La Rioja Province, Argentina 9 km (5.6 mi) epicenter difference with USGS Epicenter uncertainty:  5 km GFZ (German Research Centre for Geosciences) 5.8 10 km 6.2 mi (*) 16:04:53 La Rioja Province, Argentina 8.5 km (5.3 mi) epicenter difference with USGS RaspberryShake (RaspberryShake) 5.56  0.29 10 km 6.2 mi (*) 16:04:53.348 0.21s Event of magnitude 5.6, near of Tucuman 18 km (10.9 mi) epicenter difference with USGS Epicenter uncertainty:  6.6 km RENASS (Reseau National de Surveillance Sismique (ReNaSS)) 5.4 14 km 8.5 mi 16:04:53.43 0.41s LA RIOJA, ARGENTINA 5.1 km (3.2 mi) epicenter difference with USGS Epicenter uncertainty:  4.1 km EMSC (European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre) 5.4 11 km 6.8 mi 16:04:53 LA RIOJA PROVINCE, ARGENTINA 0 km (0 mi) epicenter difference with USGS IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology) 5.6  0.2 51 km 31 mi 16:04:57.73 La Rioja Province, Argentina [Land: Argentina] 1.9 km (1.2 mi) epicenter difference with USGS Epicenter uncertainty:  3.1 km INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) 5.3 16 km 9.7 mi 6 km 16:04:54.471 0.91s La Rioja Province, Argentina 6.1 km (3.8 mi) epicenter difference with USGS Epicenter uncertainty:  3.8 km GeoAu (Geoscience Australia ) Notes:

(*) A depth given as 10 km often means that the the depth of the quake could be not determined with sufficient accuracy.

Aftershocks for this quake No aftershocks have been recorded so far. When aftershocks are detected, we will update this section.



What are aftershocks?

Larger earthquakes (above magnitude 5 or so) such as this one are usually followed by smaller ones known as aftershocks that occur in the same area during the days, weeks, months or even years after the main shock. [More info]

Aftershocks are typically at least one order of magnitude smaller than the main shock. Their size and frequency decreases with time.

What about this quake?

Based on its magnitude, the fault that was active during the quake likely ruptured beneath a surface area of approximately 25 km2 (10 square miles) as a first-order estimate. The length of the rupture zone thus was probably around 9 km (5 mi). [More info]

Aftershocks for this quake can be expected to occur during the days and few weeks following the quake at or near the same fault, at distances of up to approx. two times the length of the rupture zone, or in this case 17 km (11 mi). The often broadly linear arrangement of aftershock epicenters encompasses the rupture zone of the main shock ( Aftershocks for this quake can be expected to occur during the days and few weeks following the quake at or near the same fault, at distances of up to approx. two times the length of the rupture zone, or in this case 17 km (11 mi). The often broadly linear arrangement of aftershock epicenters encompasses the rupture zone of the main shock ( see map below ).



Larger earthquakes (above magnitude 5 or so) such as this one are usually followed by smaller ones known asthat occur in the same area during the days, weeks, months or even years after the main shock.Based on its magnitude, the fault that was active during the quake likelyas a first-order estimate. The length of the rupture zone thus was probably around 9 km (5 mi). Recorded aftershocks, latest first (0 quake) Date and Time GMT Mag

Depth Distance Region Details May 1, 2025 01:04 pm (La Rioja)

8 weeks ago - felt 5.4

11 km 0 km - This quake Famatina, 69 km N of Chilecito, Chilecito, La Rioja Province, Argentina Main Shock (this quake) More

Map of aftershocks No aftershocks have been recorded so far. When aftershocks are detected, we will update this section.
PHNOM PENH, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia encourages businessmen, entrepreneurs and investors to participate in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), to be held from Nov. 5-10 in east China's Shanghai, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

"The CIIE is a major business event in China and an important business platform for international trade cooperation, investment and business partnership between all participating countries and China," the ministry said in a statement.

"The exposition will feature country pavilions, including the Cambodia Pavilion, which will once again be designed and constructed by the Ministry of Commerce," it added.

The ministry said the CIIE will contain a wide range of commercial booths showcasing medical equipment, healthcare products, automobiles, technical equipment, general consumer goods, agricultural products, trade in services and innovation products.

A variety of business forums will also be held on the sidelines of the expo, it added.

Earlier, Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the expo has provided a good opportunity for international companies to showcase their products and services to potential Chinese consumers and investors.

"The CIIE has given a boost to trade and investment volumes between Cambodia and China," he told Xinhua. "Our export to China has steadily increased, as more Chinese investors have come to invest in Cambodia."

Sovicheat said the CIIE truly reflects China's steadfast commitment to promoting global free trade and multilateralism and to opening up the Chinese market broader to the world. 
KABUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's central bank, known as Da Afghanistan Bank, said Thursday it has collected and incinerated a total of 660.7 million afghani (nearly 9.3 million U.S. dollars) of worn-out banknotes in western Herat province.

The worn-out afghani banknotes, including 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 denominations, were collected from the western zone of the country and set on fire in the presence of a government delegation in Herat province, the bank posted on its X account.

The bank incinerated more than 3.3 billion afghani (about 46 million dollars) of worn-out banknotes in April.

The bank authorities have reiterated their commitment to withdrawing worn-out banknotes from circulation, encouraging the public to be more mindful of the proper handling of afghani banknotes in their daily dealings and business transactions. 
Casina del Salvi opens to the public, offering coffee and free study facilities with a Colosseum view.

Rome has reopened the Casina del Salvi, a 19th-century coffee house in an archaeological park near the Colosseum, with a study room open to the public.

With its view of the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the neo-classical Casina del Salvi returns to its original 19th-century purpose, offering visitors refreshments in its cafeteria on the ground floor and outdoor terrace.

In addition, the building has been added to the city's network of free study rooms that are opening up in public libraries, museums and cultural centres.

The building's new study rooms, on the upper floor, are equipped with wi-fi and tables with power points for charging mobile devices.

The study area will be open free of charge seven days a week, from 09.00 to 19.00.

The restored building in the Celio Archaeological Park was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of the city's mayor Roberto Gualtieri and culture councillor Massimiliano Smeriglio.

"We are in one of the most beautiful places in the world" - Gualtieri stated - "in the centre of the city and yet it seems like we are in the countryside, in the calm, in the greenery and among the ruins of ancient Rome".

Describing it as the building's "first real inauguration", Smeriglio said: "It may seem absurd but in reality this wonderful place has never taken off since the end of the 19th century. It was originally supposed to be a coffee house but decade after decade it was abandoned."

The archaeological park is also home to the Museo della Forma Urbis which houses the remaining fragments of the Forma Urbis Romae, the giant marble map of ancient Rome engraved between 203 and 211 AD under Emperor Septimius Severus.

Visitors to the museum can walk over a glass floor under which the original marble fragments are displayed over a map of Rome created by Giovanni Battista Nolli in 1748.

Visitors to Rome's new Forma Urbis Museum on the Caelian Hill can walk across a glass floor with fragments of a massive marble map of the city engraved in the early third century by order of Emperor Septimius Severus. pic.twitter.com/3h89t8JeaW Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) January 11, 2024

Located on he north-west area of the Caelian hill, roughly between the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum, the Parco Archeologico del Celio contains the perimeter foundations of the Divo Claudio, or Temple of Claudius, dating to the first century AD.

The enhancement of the park is part an ongoing project called the New Archaeological Walk to create a "large pedestrian ring" linking Rome's ancient sites.

The route reimagines the public spaces and walkways around the Roman Forum, Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla and the Circus Maximus, incorporating also the Caelian, Palatine and Capitoline hills.

The Casina del Salvi was built in 1835 at the behest of Pope Gregory XVI. It was designed by architect Gaspare Salvi who was inspired by Rome's Casina Valadier on the Pincio.

How to visit

The Parco Archeologico del Celio and Museo della Forma Urbis has entrances on Viale del Parco del Celio 20/22 and Clivo di Scauro 4.

Opening hours

The park is open every day from 07.00 to 17.30 (winter time) and from 07.00 to 20.00 (summer time). Closed on 1 May and 25 December.

The Museo della Forma Urbis is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00 (last admission one hour before). Closed on Mondays, 25 December, 1 May.

The Casina del Salvi cafeteria and study hall are open every day 09.00 to 19.00.

Photo Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali
Gardai have arrested a teenager in connection with the investigation into the Coolock riots, which occurred on July 15th of last year.

This brings the total number of arrests in this investigation, which focuses on events on July 15th at or near the former Crown Paints factory on Malahide Road, to 40.

There were violent scenes in the area after the Government announced plans to repurpose the building to house international protection applicants.

The male adult teenager was detained for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda station in North Dublin.

He has since been released pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

Gardai said investigations are ongoing.
On the first day of summer, Visit Waterford officially launched its ambitious 2025 tourism campaign, Dig Into Waterford, inviting domestic and international visitors to explore Irelands oldest city and its surrounding regions, in a year of monumental celebration.

Marking Waterfords 1,111th birthday, the campaign promises a deep and engaging journey into the citys rich heritage, vibrant culture, thriving food scene, scenic coastline and outdoor adventures.

The aim of the campaign will be to encourage visitors to not just see Waterford, but to dig into its stories, its spirit, and its significance in shaping the Ireland of today.

Pictured Digging Into Waterford in front of Irelands oldest civic building, Reginalds Tower is six-year-old Viking James Quinlan and 3-year-old Viking Isaac Quinlan. Photo Patrick Browne

Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Jason Murphy said: "Waterford is the birthplace of urban Ireland. At 1,111 years old, our city stands proudly as the oldest in the country.

"This campaign gives us an incredible opportunity to celebrate our past while welcoming the world to experience our present and our future.

To help visitors tailor their trips, Visit Waterford has curated six unique, Dig In itineraries and each of them are themed and will guide visitors through some of the regions most captivating locations.

From the charming coastal villages of Dunmore East, Ardmore, and its own Gaeltacht, An Rinn, to the iconic destinations of Tramore, Lismore, and Dungarvan, each itinerary offers a different slice of Waterfords character.

Naturally, the historic city of Waterford itself takes centre stage, with walking tours, exhibitions, and cultural experiences that will bring over a millennium of stories to life.

Topics such as: Dig into the Past, Dig into Nature,  Dig into Luxury,  Dig into Flavour,  Dig into Culture,  and Dig into Comfort can all be explored on visitwaterford.com

Commenting on the initiative, the Chairperson of Visit Waterford, Clare Barrett said: "Waterford is where Ireland truly began - the heart of our urban story."

Pictured Digging Into Waterford is in front of Irelands oldest civic building, Reginalds Tower, is 6-year-old Viking James Quinlan and 3-year-old Viking Isaac Quinlan with Viking Gudrun and Cllr Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford City and County. Photo Patrick Browne.

With regard to the overall campaign she said it wasn't just "a call to visit" and went on to describe it as an open invitation to explore everything the city and county has to offer.

"Dig Into Waterford isnt just a call to visit, its an invitation to uncover the layers of our heritage, from the Vikings to the Victorians, and everything in between," she said.

"We aim to inspire curiosity, pride, and discovery," she added.

In addition to the 'Dig into Waterford' campaign, as part of the 2025 celebrations, Visit Waterford has also launched a brand new podcast titled, 'Digging Into Waterford'.

A spokesperson for Visit Waterford told Waterford News & Star that the first episode, focuses attention on ritual landscapes and Viking legacies.

The podcast is now available on Spotify and gives fascinating insight into the city and county.

The podcast explores pivotal moments and lesser-known tales from Waterfords long and fascinating history and provides intriguing insight into the legacy of tales that shaped the city and county making it what it is today.

Featuring interviews with local historians, archaeologists, artists and community figures, the podcast offers an immersive way for listeners to connect with the Deise city and county both from afar but also as a guide during a visit.

To podcast is now online is available online on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/0IDIckDEjtXIbSR1kuqGk7?si=YwQLDZrUQoGpEtZEl1GgOw&nd=1&dlsi=5b55e713074543c6

We wanted to create something that could deepen peoples understanding of Waterford, even before they arrive, said Clare.

The podcast is both a tribute to our past and a tool for our future," she added.

She also said it would help new audiences experience the unique soul of the city and county.

In a further celebration of local culture and community, Visit Waterford is also putting out a call for folklore submissions from the public.

Local people are being are encouraged to share their favourite stories, whether they are myths, legends or personal memories, but mostly with a drive towards local curiosities for inclusion in the Waterford Folklore Heritage Ebook, which will be released later this year.

"We are delighted to announce this community-driven initiative, said Clare.

"Waterfords history doesnt just live in books and museums, it lives in the voices of its people," she added.

Clare went on to comment: "This is a chance to preserve those voices and local history stories for generations to come.

Submissions for the folklore project will be accepted throughout the summer, with the final collection to be unveiled in September and published before the end of 2025.

Full travel information, downloadable itineraries, the events guide and podcast access go to www.visitwaterford.com and through Visit Waterfords social media channels @visitwaterford.

Dig Into Waterford is proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council and Failte Ireland.
Travel Counsellors Ireland has been honoured with the prestigious Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) and three women from Waterford are among the recipients.

Travel Counsellors Ireland is part of a global network of 2,000 travel professionals, with over 85 based in Ireland and since launching in 2005, the company has built its reputation on a highly personalised service empowering clients with seamless, tailor-made experiences.

The Waterford-based Travel Counsellors are Eleanor Roche, Liz Murphy and Lynne Keane.

The Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation is awarded by the AIBF, an independent national accreditation body that champions excellence among Irish businesses. Speaking on their latest accolade, Travel Counsellors Irelands Managing Director, Cathy Burke said: Receiving the Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation as we mark 20 years in business is an incredible milestone for our team."

"It reflects not only the dedication and care we put into every journey but also the trust our clients place in us, whether its for a dream holiday or a critical business trip," she said.

"Weve always believed that travel should be deeply personal, seamless and enriching, and were proud to lead the way in bringing that vision to life every day," she added.

Announcing the news of Travel Counsellors Irelands achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBFs Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: This accolade celebrates the companys collaborative spirit, customer-first approach, and commitment to delivering personalised, seamless travel experiences.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the AIBF, Kapil Khanna, added: Travel Counsellors Ireland is a shining example of excellence in the travel industry. Their customer-centric approach, seamless travel planning, and strong teamwork have set them apart as a leader in bespoke travel. This accreditation recognises their unwavering commitment to innovation, trust, and outstanding service over the past 20 years."

In deciding on the recipient adjudicators evaluate company's backgrounds, trustworthiness and performance, and they also speak to customers, employees and vendors.

They anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back their findings. Businesses also go through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process.
A 67-year-old woman will serve 15 months in prison for a series of 'opportunistic' thefts she carried out in Waterford, Wexford and Dublin.

Caroline Duffin, of 16 Mount George, Wexford, appeared for sentencing at Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O'Kelly.

Detective Garda Sean Lane gave evidence at the sentencing hearing.

The Court heard that on October 8, 2021, Duffin stole a handbag from a woman in Penney's on Barronstrand, Waterford City. The bag was put down by the victim because she had mobility issues. The victim had taken out her life savings, over 4,200, to repair the boiler in her home. Duffin was identified through CCTV inside the shop.

On September 17, of the same year, Duffin stole the handbag of a woman sitting in the Food Hall at City Square Shopping Centre.

Det. Gda. Lane told the Court that the defendant had 174 previous convictions prior to the matters at hand: 170 for theft and four for failure to show in Court.

On October 12, 2024, Duffin stole a purse containing 180 in a Dunne's outlet in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. On January 30, 2025, at a Dunne's on Henry Street, in Dublin, she stole two handbags.

According to defence counsel Gareth Hayden, the defendant had been engaging with probation services since 1983. Mr Hayden said that his client had a very tragic youth, having been sent to a mother and baby home and having her child taken from her against her will.

Duffin had a diagnosis of kleptomania, a mental health disorder that causes the sufferer to steal compulsively. Mr Hayden stated that his client had a diagnosis of esophageal cancer and would need a great deal of medical care and support while in custody.

Judge O'Kelly referred to the victim impact statement which detailed the sorrow and fear felt by the injured party in the aftermath of the theft at Penney's. The crime left her in a state of always 'looking over her shoulder'.

Judge O'Kelly sentenced Duffin to 15 months in prison.
Tesla chair Robyn Denholm on Thursday denied a Wall Street Journal report that said board members had reached out to executive search firms to find a new replacement for CEO Elon Musk.

The Journal had reported on Wednesday that Teslas board members had reached out about a month ago to several executive search firms to find the companys new CEO, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump in a Tesla at the White House. Credit: AP

Denholm said on X that the report was absolutely false and said that the EV makers board was highly confident in Musks ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead. Musk also said on X that the report was a deliberately false article.

Musk last week said he would cut back significantly on the time he devotes to the Trump administration and spend more time running Tesla.
This illustration shows the mechanism of QT12 interacting with the protein complex NF-Y to alter heat-tolerance of rice. (Huazhong Agricultural University/Handout via Xinhua)

WUHAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have identified a key gene that enhances rice's heat tolerance while maintaining grain quality and yield, which addresses growing threats to rice production under extreme heat.

The discovery, made by a team from Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, was published on the website of the journal Cell on Wednesday.

Under high temperatures, the gene, QT12, interacts with the protein complex NF-Y to protect rice grains like a firewall inside the grains, deterring extreme heat while also stabilizing starch and protein synthesis, said Li Yibo, the corresponding author.

Li noted that, during last year's high temperatures, the team conducted large-scale field trials in the Yangtze River basin. The results showed that inserting QT12 into the hybrid rice breed "Huazhan" increased yields by 49.1 percent, 77.9 percent and 31.2 percent in the cities of Wuhan, Hangzhou and Changsha and improved quality.

Li said the Yangtze River basin produces around two-thirds of China's rice, but extreme heat in recent years has threatened rice farming.

The discovery provides a novel molecular mechanism and breeding solution to achieve both high yield and quality in rice under a high-temperature environment, he said, adding that the team has partnered with domestic companies to accelerate breeding applications. 
When asked if he was worried about losing his marginal Queensland seat of Dickson, Dutton did not mention the Labor candidate trying to unseat him and instead focused his attacks on an independent challenger.

Betting markets suggest Labors Ali France is a better chance at unseating Dutton than independent candidate Ellie Smith. Last election, France whittled down Duttons margin to 1.7 per cent.

But asked on Perth radio station 6PR moments ago if he had one eye on Labor trying to unseat him in Queensland, Dutton spent little time talking about the threat that France posed.

Thats continued on for a long period of time, Dutton replied.

Ive got a teal candidate whos actually a Green, but I think people are smart enough to see through that. And weve got a lot of money being spent. Its come out of Sydney.

And the Greens in Sydney are obviously funding Kate Chaneys campaign here as well. And we just need to stare that down.

Betting markets still favour Dutton to retain his seat.
An aerial drone photo shows three cruise ships berthing at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Tourists exchange currency at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A foreign tourist poses for photo with a performer at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Tourists line up to pass through passenger clearance procedures at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Tourists line up at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Passengers line up for embarkation procedures at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

An aerial drone photo shows three cruise ships berthing at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua)

This photo shows the waiting hall of Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

An aerial drone photo shows three cruise ships berthing at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. Tianjin International Cruise Home Port welcomed the simultaneous berthing of three international cruise ships on the first day of May Day holiday, which was the first time since its resumption of operations. According to statistics, on May 1, the number of inbound and outbound passengers reached nearly 15,000, with over 400 travelers applying for visa-free entry with a period of 240 hours. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement to establish the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, the U.S. Treasury Department announced on Wednesday.

"This economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talent, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery," the department said in a press release.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed the agreement as a "historic economic partnership," saying it is a signal to Russia that the U.S. government is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.

Both the United States and Ukraine will quickly operationalize the economic partnership, according to the press release. 
ABUJA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar on Wednesday said the most popular African country will never fail in its commitment to a fairer and more inclusive global order, to which it is ready to contribute meaningfully, under the framework of the BRICS bloc.

"In a world facing complex challenges from climate change, technological disruption to global economic instability, Nigeria stands with BRICS for reforms that reflect today's realities and empower the Global South," Tuggar said in a statement released by his office in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on Wednesday.

The statement quoted Tuggar as saying in a keynote address at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, affirming the bloc's commitment to inclusive multilateralism.

The Nigerian foreign minister said that BRICS offers a collaborative alternative to outdated international structures, pointing to initiatives like the New Development Bank and discussions on a common payment system.

While declaring Nigeria's readiness to contribute meaningfully in areas such as peace and security, sustainable development, health cooperation, and responsible governance of artificial intelligence, he said Nigeria fully aligned with the six priorities of the 2025 BRICS chairmanship by Brazil, which, according to him, were "signs of a balanced global order in the making."

He underscored the importance of South-South Cooperation, describing the Global South as not merely a recipient of global policies but the driving force behind inclusive and sustainable solutions.

"Nigeria brings a youthful population, a dynamic tech sector, and a strategic geographic position that makes it a natural partner in advancing BRICS goals and strengthening intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area," he said.

Tuggar said Nigeria stands ready to help shape a new era of global cooperation, one that is grounded in equity, solidarity, and mutual respect, while calling for urgent reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to reflect the aspirations and realities of the 21st century. 
SHREVEPORT, La. -- The Shreveport Police Department will once again partner with local law enforcement agencies and Special Olympics Louisiana for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.

On Friday, officers will carry the Flame of Hope through the Shreveport-Bossier area to raise awareness for the Special Olympics Louisiana State Summer Games.

Law enforcement agencies from across the state will take part in this inspiring event that celebrates inclusion, strength, and support for Special Olympics athletes.

Torch Run kickoff locations: Each begins at 9:45 a.m.

East Side (Bossier City): Agencies will meet at the Bossier Civic Center. After lighting the Flame of Hope, officers will begin a 3-mile run.

West Side (Shreveport): Agencies will meet at the Caddo Correctional Center. Torch lighting and 3-mile run will begin.

Joint ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m.

A joint proclamation ceremony with the mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City will be held at Caddo Parish Courthouse.

After the ceremony, officers will continue the run for an additional 7 miles, concluding at Walmart Neighborhood Market on Bert Kouns Industrial Loop.

Community cheer stations

Residents are encouraged to cheer on officers at the following locations:

 Cheer Station #1  Mile 3 Location: 3300 Youree Drive (E. Kings Highway and Youree Drive parking lot) Estimated Time: 11:30 a.m.

 Cheer Station #2  Mile 5 Location: Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4100 Youree Drive (Leo Avenue and Youree Drive) Estimated Time: 11:50 a.m.

 Cheer Station #3  Mile 6 Location: Chilis Grill & Bar, 6620 Youree Drive (E. 70th Street and Youree Drive) Estimated Time: 12:05 p.m.

The Shreveport Police Department invites the community to line the route, show support, and help share the spirit of hope with local and state Special Olympics athletes.
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Students and faculty from Northwestern State Universitys Department of Social Work spent two days at the Louisiana State Capitol to learn about policy and governance. On the front row from left are Adjunct Professor Trini Gibson, Artisha Waldrup of Natchitoches, Assistant Professor Kirby Peddy, Alexandra Whittlesey-Stapp of Sicily Island, Malachya Lilly of Zwolle, Chloe Vascocu or Robeline, Rylie Grice of Natchitoches, Eva Perry of DeRidder, Kaci Green of Keithville, Makenna Cates of Quitman, IV-E Coordinator/Assistant Professor Lisa Mount, NSU Chief of Staff Drake Owens and Melissa Horton, DCFS Executive Advisor to the Secretary. On the second row are Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel, Jarae Neal of Destrehan, Jakobie McCormick of Franklinton, Amanda Spraggins of Shreveport, Anayah Allen of Jonesboro, Jadyn Brunk of Alexandria, Tamera Burney of Benton, Tyliayah Smith of Minden, Nilah Pollard of Shreveport and NSU President James Genovese. On the back row are Dr. Andrew Fultz, Louisiana Title IV-E program manager, Manford Marcantel of Mamou and Dr. MaryAnne Candley, MSW coordinator.
SYDNEY, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A virus long dismissed as a scientific oddity has been found hiding in plain sight, and it may help fight dangerous bacteria, a Monash University study said on Thursday.

Researchers from the Australian university have discovered that a little-known virus, called a telomere phage, is surprisingly common in Klebsiella, a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia and serious drug-resistant infections.

"For more than 20 years of intensive bacterial genomics, telomere phages had remained hidden in plain sight. We have missed an entire aspect of biology," said the study's senior author Trevor Lithgow, head of Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Bacterial Cell Biology Lab.

These viruses aren't just passive passengers as they may actually help good bacteria wipe out neighboring bad ones. The team discovered that bacteria carrying telomere phages produce toxins that kill off rival bacteria, said the study published in Science Advances.

"We now want to understand how the host secretes the toxin and also understand how the toxin wheedles its way into the unsuspecting bacterial neighbors," said the study's first author Sally Byers from the Lithgow Laboratory.

The team believes these helpful viruses could exist in many other bacteria, too. 
The sons of a woman who died in a road tragedy in Castlebar paid a heartfelt tribute to their mother at her funeral mass earlier this week.

Chris (Christina) ODonnell (nee Walsh) of Rathbawn Road and formerly of Clogher, Bohola, died after she was struck by a lorry while walking on Rathbawn Road in the town on Thursday, April 24 around 9.55am.

Ms ODonnell, who was in her 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the lorry was taken to the hospital for treatment.

A large crowd of mourners attended her funeral at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Ms ODonnells son, Neil, said his mother had worked in the UK for a short time after finishing school before returning home to Castlebar, where she worked as a receptionist at the Welcome Inn for 20 years. She then worked for the HSE for over 20 years as a receptionist in the Radiology Department in Mayo University Hospital.

Mam always spoke glowingly of the great time she had working in the Welcome Inn, said Neil. Numerous people have commented on how helpful she was while working at the Hospital, and that was recognised in the huge guard of honour that was formed when she left the Hospital last Friday.

She was a wonderful mother, always encouraging and good craic. Her son Ronan spoke of Ms ODonnells commitment to her family.

Mam loved and adored her grandchildren and was always eager and willing to do whatever she could to support us, he said.

He thanked all of the people who had supported the family during their difficult time.

Nothing prepared us for what we have been faced with over this past week, but I know she will be there to give us the strength to carry on. Rest in peace, Mam.

Burial took place afterwards in the New Cemetery in Castlebar.

Following the mass, Ms ODonnells remains were taken from the church for burial at Castlebar New Cemetery.

Ms ODonnell is predeceased by her parents, Michael and Margaret, brothers-in-law Seamus, Johnny and Glen, sisters-in-law Maureen and Ruth and Nephew Darren (Gallagher).

She is survived by her husband Vinny, sons Neil and Ronan, daughter Mairead (Massey), son-in-law Pierre, daughter-in-law Mairead, grandsons Ryan, Luan, and Kian, granddaughter Elise, brothers Tommy (Clonmel), Gerard (London) and Jimmy (New Jersey), sisters Rosaleen (McHugh, London), Marion (Murphy, Ballinrobe), Jacqueline (Gallagher, London) and Rita (Delaney, London), brothers-in-law Eamon, Pat, Tommy, Chris, Tom and Pat, sisters-in-law Nora, Mary, Elaine and Agnes, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Met Eireann confirmed that a new provisional record-high April temperature was recorded in Ireland yesterday (Wednesday, April 30).

25.9C was observed at the Athenry (Co. Galway) station yesterday afternoon.

This value will be quality controlled and verified to confirm the new record.
DECLAN NERNEY has spent a lifetime bringing joy to stages across the country.

On Friday, May 16th, Westport Town Hall will come alive with the unmistakable sound of one of Irelands most beloved country music legends. Declan Nerney, a name synonymous with feel-good rhythms, heartfelt ballads, and ceaseless energy, is returning to the stage  and to the hearts of fans  in what promises to be an unforgettable evening with special guests John McNicholl and John Hogan.

For over four decades, Declan has been a cornerstone of the Irish country music scene. From his early days in Drumlish, County Longford, to chart-topping hits like Stop the World and The Marquee in Drumlish, Nerney has crafted a legacy thats as enduring as it is endearing. His music blends traditional roots with a uniquely Irish spirit, and he continues to draw audiences from every generation  from those who grew up dancing to his records, to newcomers discovering his sound for the first time.

What sets Declan Nerney's show apart is not just the music, but the atmosphere he creates. His live performances are marked by warmth, humour, and an almost familial connection with the audience. Its no exaggeration to say that a night with Declan is more than a concert  its a celebration.

Westport Town Hall, with its intimate charm and acoustics tailor-made for live music, is the perfect setting for such a performance. As the town embraces a spring season full of culture and community, Nerneys appearance feels like a natural highlight  a moment for neighbours, friends, and visitors alike to gather, dance, and sing along.

Tickets are selling quickly, and for good reason. If youre looking for an evening of music that lifts the spirit and stirs the soul, make sure youre in Westport Town Hall Theatre on May 16th.
Olivia Kelleher

A woman jumped from a massage table in shock after a masseur in a hotel spa in Cork sexually assaulted her shortly after he asked her if she would like a surprise at the end of the session.

Lenon De Souza Seara of Granary Court, North Ring Road in Cork appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court having pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of a woman at the hotel spa where he was employed on July 4th 2024.

Sgt Brendan McBridge told Judge Helen Boyle that the 35-year-old hotel employee, who is a native of Brazil, asked the 40-year-old woman if she would like a surprise. She was under the impression that the surprise might involve additional oils.

The woman was lying on a table with a towel wrapped around her. She had a pair of disposable underwear on and her face was covered with a small towel. The court heard that she was completely shocked when Mr De Souza Seara licked her vagina.

Her victim impact statement was read in to evidence by Sgt McBridge. In it she said that she felt completely violated by what had occurred in the hotel spa.

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.

The woman left the spa in the immediate aftermath of the incident. She reported the matter to gardai the following day after discussing it with her husband. She said that she flip flopped between speaking out on what occurred and 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

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 BL said her client had co operated with the garda and made full admissions to them. Ms Audley said that client accepted full responsibility for his actions which he said arose due to a misunderstanding on his part.

Ms Audley said that Mr De Souza Seara was exposed to sexualised behaviour from a young age and had certain difficulties with interacting socially. He had grown in poverty and a brother of his was murdered.

She said that her client had lost his job arising out of the incident. He apologised for his actions. He is retraining and no longer works in the spa industry. Ms Audley said her client would be prepared to leave Ireland in order to avoid a custodial sentence.

Judge Helen Boyle remanded Mr De Souza Seara in custody for sentencing on May 21st next. Judge Boyle indicated that the case merited a custodial sentence.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
All That Jive

A four-week jiving course begins in Belmullet on Tuesday, May 6th, in Aras Inis Gluaire. Whether youre a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, youll learn the basics of the jive followed by advanced moves to have you ready for country fests, weddings and social events!

A Day in the Bog

Keeping his home fires burning for over 60 years, Mixie Barrett continues to cut turf by hand in the traditional ways of North Mayo.

Mixie's story is told in a 45-minute documentary recorded over several seasons that follows him as he goes about his craft, narrating what he does and telling tales of old along the way.

On Saturday, May 3rd, which is Mayo Day, a movie entitled Mixies Bog will be shown in Aras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet at 8pm with music by Sean Harrington. The movie was composed by Aidan Barrett and it features his brother Mixie in his bog cutting the sod and enjoying the banter.

There will be a Trad session also on the night. It is an event not to be missed.

Ballyglass RNLI News

Congratulations to Ballyglass RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) Padraic Sheeran and launch authorities Robbie Barrett and Pat McHale who successfully completed their compulsory assessments with assessor trainer Sean Ginnelly.

In line with the safe crewing for maritime SAR operations effective from April 1st, 2025, all launch authorities must have completed training plans and have passed out in order to continue to operate in those roles.

Lots of time, hard work and commitment go into all the various roles at our station to make sure all is ship-shape at all times.

Congratulations also and well done to Kyle Geraghty on successfully completing his Inshore Lifeboat Tier 1 pass out. He put in a lot of hard work and commitment into the preparation for the assessment. Some of the modules covered were launch and recovery, policies and procedures, roles and responsibilities, anchoring, veering, VHF and local knowledge.

Congratulations to Gerry Martin, Pat Coyne and Sean Reilly who recently successfully completed their ALB Tier 1 pass outs at station. There was a lot of hard work, effort and time put in by all concerned over the past six months on numerous ALB exercises. The assessment was conducted by station lifeboat assessor trainer Allen Murray. The units covered were anchoring, towing, mooring and berthing, search and rescue (locate and assist).

A number of classroom and online units were also completed by lifeboat training co-ordinator James Mangan, comprising stability introduction, local knowledge, operate vhf and roles and responsibilities. The-next stage in their training plan is Tier 2. When completed, they will be fully fledged all-weather life crew and can then progress to substantial crew roles such as ALB navigator or ALB mechanic.

Congratulations to PJ Walker on successfully completing his final assessments to qualify as coxswain. This is a very important role at the station and means being in charge of bringing the all-weather lifeboat and her crew safely to sea and home again. The training is intense and entails hard work, commitment, and trips to the RNLI lifeboat college in Poole for further training.

PJ had assessments both on and offshore in areas such as search and rescue, navigation, emergency procedures, etc. He has been on the crew for 20 years. He qualified as a navigator two years ago and has served as helm on the Ballyglass inshore lifeboat since 2012.

Thanks to the RNLI coastal training team and Sean Ginnelly for the on-going training and support. Thanks also to trainer/assessor Stephen McNulty for conducting the pass-out. Pat Walker, PJ's father, was the first Coxswain in 1989 and served for many years with Ballyglass RNLI.

Big thanks to the team at Solas in Eachleim for taking a collection box on behalf of Ballyglass RNLI. Pictured above are manager Marie and Fergus.

Solas is a great advantage to the Erris area. When touring the Barony be sure to call and enjoy the food and the amazing history that is available in the fabulous location. Thanks to Ballyglass' own Kathleen Keane for putting all in place.

Car wash success

Belmullet Fire Service would like to thank all who attended and donated to the its fundraising car wash recently. A big thank you to Allen and the lads at Ballyglass RNLI for helping out.

It was a great day and the final amount raised for the Friends of Belmullet Hospital Palliative Care Room was 1,977.40. Congratulations to the raffle winners Ken Kelly, Brendan Lynch and Fiona Ui Chionnaith. Also a special thank you to sponsors and donors Lorraine Shevlin, Linda Conway (Lindas Corner House), Donal Shevlin (Shevlins Complete House Finish), Michael Conroy (Michael Conroy Motors), Ricky Geraghty (Belmullet Motor Factors), Joe Cuffe (Cuffe's Centra), Pat Gaughan (PG Tints and Prints), Lorraine OConnor (Careys Newsagents) and Michelle Healy.

Special mention to Allen and Elise who kept the show going and continued washing cars while the others responded to a fire call. Thanks again to everyone who helped make the day such a success.

Well done to the girls of Barnatra NS, winners of Erris area Cumann na mBunscol. They now advance to the Mayo quarter-finals.

Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club News

There was another great night at Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club's Good Friday Table Quiz with 28 teams battling it out. Thanks to the brilliant quizmaster Ian McAndrew and to everyone for supporting.

First prize went to The Bruise Brothers (Brendan and Peter McDonagh, Loretta and Donal Murphy) and joint second went to An Foireann is fear a bhi an riamh (Kathleen Doocey, Mary Ginty, Mairtin Harrington and Steve Denton) and Rodai Reidh (Lorraine and Steve Keane, PJ King and Sean Harrington).

Best team name: Ive got 99 problems and this quiz isnt one of them (Geoff Goonan Team).

Thank you to all the members for donating items for the raffle hampers and to everyone in the Erris Coast Hotel for hosting the club. A total of 2,000 was raised for the club training fund.

Erris Pool League

The John Healy Memorial 2025 in the Erris Pool League raised 6,500 for Crumlin Childrens Hospital.

JP Doherty became the first player to win the title twice as he got the better of Padraic ODonnell in the final while Jack Gaughan won the U16 Cup with a win over his brother Darragh.

JP looked beaten on more than one occasion on his way to the final but as the tournament went on he just got better and better. However, Padraic ODonnell will look back on two missed blacks in the final which could have made it much closer. Padraic played some excellent pool throughout the day coming through a tough side of the draw to make the final including a dominant semi-final win over Dara McAndrew.

Last years winner Adam McAndrew pushed JP all the way in the other semi-final but it was JP who came through in a final-frame decider before he played some clinical pool in the final to win 5-1 in the end.

In the U16 event, it was brothers Jack and Darragh Gaughan who reached the final as they came through after being pushed all the way in the semi-finals. Jack had a 3-2 win over Finn Gallagher and Darragh also needed to be at his best to win a final-frame decider against Sean Reilly.

The final was played on Saturday evening and Jack was on top form and was a worthy winner.

An amazing 6,500 was raised for Crumlin Childrens Hospital over the weekend and it was nice to see Aiden McGrath there to present the cup to the winner. Aidens son Rhian spent a number of months in the hospital and to be able to give something back is a credit to the Healy family for all their hard work in making sure the event was a success.

Big thanks to all the main sponsors of the competition and to all the local businesses that gave prizes for the raffle.

Thanks to Anthony Healy for sponsoring two pool tables for the weekend. Its much appreciated and helped the event run smoothly. Thanks to Sinead and Alan Noone and David Gallagher for all their help in the lead-up to the weekend and over the last two days.

Thanks also to John Cafferkey for helping out on commentary on the live stream and to Lorcan Barrett for his excellent co-commentary on the U16 Final. Lorcan is a real star in the making on and off the table.

Finally, thanks to all the players who took part over both days as the success of the event wouldnt be possible without you.

Disability Awareness Workshop

Erris Workability is hosting a Disability Awareness workshop on Thursday, May 1st, in Belmullet.

This workshop is open to employers, employees, and school staff  anyone who could be working with someone with a disability, or providing customer service to someone with a disability. Bear in mind that 80% of disabilities are actually invisible!

Last years workshop was a fantastic success, with feedback from employers and staff members such as "exceeded my expectations, "effective, engaging and really enjoyable and worthwhile".

The workshop will commence at 10am and finish at 2pm, including a lunch break with refreshments. There is no cost for this opportunity  it is being funded by Erris Workability. Places are limited and are already filling up fast. If you or your staff members wish to take part, please get in touch by emailing siobhanscanlon@mayonortheastldc.com or telephone 087-4996605.

Kiltane GAA Club News

There was no winner of this weeks Kiltane GAA Club weekly lotto jackpot of 5,600.

The two 50 winners were Tony Calpin, Doohoma Head and Michael Devlin, Bangor, while Brian and Eimear Cosgrove, Naas and Edel and Phil Thompson, Mountjubilee both won 25.

The two online winners were Patrick Corrigan, United Kingdom (50) and Gerard Sweeney, United Kingdom (25).

Bingo will take place in the GAA Complex in Bangor this Tuesday, April 29th, at 8pm. The jackpot will be 850 in 52 calls or less.

Kilcommon Lotto

The draw was held in the Kilcommon Community Development Lotto on April 21st and the numbers drawn were 7, 11, 17 and 20. There was no winner of the jackpot of 10,500.

The house prize winner of 100 winner was James Healy, Glencullen and the two 30 offline winners were Priyah and Saran Moran, Glenamoy and Sarah McGuire, Barnatra. The two 30 online winners were Jo Croghan, Roscommon and Vincent McGrath, Glenamoy.

Next weeks jackpot is 10,600 with the draw in the Lighthouse Tavern.

Erris Darts

Another brilliant day of darts was had on Easter Monday with a new-look team competition to spice things up in The Valley Inn Bar, Pullathomas.

A total of 39 players took to the oche with the trio of John Reilly, John James Conway and Jack O'Grady coming out on top in a very close final against Jimmy Lavelle, Micheal McBride and Padraig McCafferty. Well done to all. Thanks as always to Mixie, Hannah and Mia for their hospitality.

A special mention has to go to the four youngest players on the day - Callum Kerrigan, Ryan McBride, Mikey Conroy and Ryan Moran - who played some outstanding darts and checked out some great legs much to the surprise of some of the more seasoned players.

It is great to see the next generation getting stronger every week; keep up the good work, lads.

Gaeltacht Iorras Lotto

The jackpot in the Gaeltacht Iorras Lotto has now reached 19,400. The 50 winner in the draw on April 17th was Trisha Connors (online) and the 25 winner was Fran McNulty, Doolough. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 28 with bonus number 6.

Camogie

Since its formation, Gaeltacht Iorras has strived to develop camogie in the Erris region. The club is delighted that Saoirse Leneghan, Ballycroy has been selected on the Mayo U14 Camoige panel. Congrats to Saoirse on her dedication and the club wishes her the best of luck in 2025.
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 very comfortable overnight.
TEHRAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Thursday strongly condemned fresh U.S. sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran and other countries on the pretext of cooperating with Tehran in different areas, calling them a clear sign of U.S. attempts at "economic terrorism."

The sanctions imposed over the past few days were a clear sign of U.S. policymakers' insistence on law-breaking and violation of other countries' rights and interests, as well as their bids to disrupt friendly and legal relations among developing states through economic terrorism, Baghaei said in a statement.

They are "another conspicuous proof of the U.S. decision makers' contradictory approach and lack of goodwill and seriousness in advancing the path of diplomacy," he said.

Baghaei was reacting to sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department and State Department on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, on six Iran-based individuals and 13 entities in Iran and other countries for their alleged involvement in trading Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals and procurement of ballistic missile propellant ingredients on behalf of the Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps.

It came as the fourth round of the Omani-mediated indirect talks between Iran and the United States, which was originally scheduled for Saturday in Rome, has been postponed. 
South African Minister of Employment and Labor Nomakhosazana Meth speaks at the May Day rally marking International Workers' Day in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Shakirah Thebus/Xinhua)

CAPE TOWN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- In a world marked by deepening inequality, tariff wars are among the tactics used by the global far right to undermine workers and threaten jobs, a senior South African official warned on Thursday.

Nomakhosazana Meth, minister of employment and labor, made the remarks while addressing the crowd at the May Day rally held at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town to mark International Workers' Day.

"The extreme right is on the ascent in the United States and many other countries, and among their first actions is to attack workers. The manifestation itself is the tariffs, tariff wars that will impact workers in the market," Meth said in her speech.

On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a set of sweeping tariffs, which he referred to as "reciprocal tariffs," including a 31 percent tariff on imports from South Africa.

Despite the dreary weather, hundreds gathered for the annual May Day rally, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by workers and the poor in South Africa. The rally, held each year on International Workers' Day, was organized by the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the country's largest trade union federation.

Meth said that while many legislative victories have been achieved, enshrining the rights of workers and borne from the struggle of workers, the fight is far from over.

"We are living in a time when workers are once again being subjected to a new and evolving form of exploitation. The barriers shifted, but they remain as fierce, as relevant as ever. While we have made progress, the challenges before us are formidable," she said.

Meth noted this May Day is taking place in a world full of uncertainty and mounting threats to the working class.

"Our world is more unequal than ever, with only one percent of individuals and companies owning as much as 95 percent of the global wealth," she said.

The minister specifically noted that youth unemployment remains alarmingly high in South Africa.

"Young people are the lifeblood of our workplace, yet they are being abandoned by a system that has failed to create enough jobs for them," said Meth. "That is why the government has made employment creation the pillar of our policies and actions, including the creation of 1.5 million work opportunities."

Meth went on to say that the automation of jobs is threatening to displace workers on a massive scale, and that while technology could bring enormous benefits, it also has the potential to leave millions of workers behind.

She added that climate change has also had a devastating effect on jobs and threatens to disrupt entire industries.

"Workers in agriculture, energy, and mining are already feeling the effects of this global crisis. The call for a just transition is louder than ever. We need an economic transformation that does not leave workers behind in the fight against climate change," she said. 

South African Minister of Employment and Labor Nomakhosazana Meth speaks at the May Day rally marking International Workers' Day in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Shakirah Thebus/Xinhua)

People attend the May Day rally marking International Workers' Day in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Shakirah Thebus/Xinhua)

People attend the May Day rally marking International Workers' Day in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Shakirah Thebus/Xinhua)
BAGHDAD, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Thursday signed an energy cooperation agreement with Germany's Siemens Energy to bolster the country's power grid capacity.

The agreement includes building new power plants with a capacity of 14,000 megawatts, as well as two maintenance contracts for the Dibis Gas Power Plant and Al-Mussaib Thermal Power Plant, according to statements issued by media offices of the electricity ministry and prime minister.

The two maintenance contracts include a long-term service agreement for the Dibis Gas Power Plant, covering two generating units with a combined capacity of 340 megawatts; and a five-year maintenance contract for Al-Mussaib Thermal Power Plant. The latter includes not only the maintenance of its 750-megawatt units but also the addition of 150 megawatts and measures to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous operations, according to the statement.

Al-Sudani underscored the significance of continued cooperation between Iraq and Germany, stressing that Siemens Energy is a key partner in Iraq's energy sector, which serves as a backbone for all development sectors, the statement added.

Decades of conflict and instability have severely hampered the development and maintenance of Iraq's electricity infrastructure, leaving the oil-rich country grappling with chronic power shortages. 
Syrian security personnel check vehicles at the entrance of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Residents in towns south of Damascus reported a "cautious calm" on Thursday following two days of violent sectarian clashes that killed more than 70 people.

Troops from the Syrian defense and interior authorities regained control of the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, on Wednesday evening, and imposed a tight security cordon, sealed exits, and launched search operations in the area, local residents said.

Life also began to return to parts of the town of Jaramana, southeast of Damascus, on Thursday, with roads reopened and traffic flowing, local residents said.

"This country belongs to all of us," said Fadi Dabeqseh, a resident of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. "Now that the government has regained control, we ask first and foremost for safety."

"We are exhausted," said Suleiman Azmi al-Dasouqi, another resident from Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. "All we want is to live with hope and safety, without discrimination."

Violence erupted earlier this week in Jaramana, which is known for having a majority Druze and Christian population, 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 unrest, initially centered in Jaramana, has since spread to neighboring areas southwest of Damascus, including predominantly Druze towns Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, where clashes between local Druze fighters and pro-government forces have intensified.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Thursday that the total number of people killed in the sectarian unrest has reached 73, after an ambush set by Syrian forces and allied paramilitary units killed nine Druze men earlier in the day, who were en route to support Druze fighters in Damascus.

In a statement issued Thursday, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, spiritual head of Syria's Druze community based in the predominantly Druze southern Suwayda province, urged international peacekeeping forces to act immediately against what he described as "ongoing crimes" against civilians amid the sectarian unrest.

Meanwhile, Syria's foreign affairs authorities said "some groups" are attempting to internationalize the unrest, through calling for foreign intervention, which is "illegitimate and unacceptable."

While the wider region remained on edge, fears run high that the sectarian tensions could further escalate, if they are not properly addressed through political and community reconciliation.

Oxfam, a non-governmental organization, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation near Damascus, and urged all parties to immediately end all acts of violence.

It is important to allow Syrians to live in peace and security during this critical transitional phase, Oxfam said, warning that if the situation continues to deteriorate, its ability to reach vulnerable communities in urgent need of support will diminish with each passing day.

Also on Thursday, Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Syria, expressed deep concern over the sectarian unrest's impact on civilians and humanitarian workers.

The escalating hostilities are worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation and increasing the suffering of vulnerable communities, Abdelmoula said, urging all parties to uphold international legal obligations, protect civilians and aid workers, and immediately halt violence. 
Mayfield recently debuted new welcome signs at the citys east and west entrances with a refreshed logo and color scheme.
JERUSALEM, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sent a stern message to Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Thursday, vowing harsh responses if clashes with the Druze minority continue in Syria.

The minister announced that Israeli troops deployed in southern Syria "are prepared to prevent the entry of hostile forces into the area of Druze villages," adding the forces continue to monitor developments with readiness for "various scenarios."

"I repeat my warning to the head of the Syrian regime," Katz said in a statement, "if the attacks on the Druze in Syria do not stop, we will respond with great severity."

Following clashes between Syrian security forces and local Druze on Wednesday, Katz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the Israeli military "to carry out several warning strikes against extremist elements, and have conveyed a clear message to the Syrian regime that it is responsible for preventing such attacks (on the Druze)," according to the statement.

Earlier on Thursday, two injured Druze Syrians were evacuated to Ziv Medical Center in Safed, northern Israel, to receive medical treatment.

Violence erupted earlier this week in Jaramana, a southeastern suburb of Damascus known for having a majority Druze and Christian population. The violence stemmed from the circulation of an audio recording, which was attributed to a member of the Druze community and contained remarks considered offensive to Islam.

The unrest, initially centered in Jaramana, has since spread to neighboring areas southwest of Damascus, including predominantly Druze towns, Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, where clashes between local Druze fighters and pro-government forces have intensified.

According to the latest update by the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll from the past two days of sectarian clashes near Damascus has risen to 101, including nine documented field executions.

Israel has been working to solidify ties with the Druze community since expanding its territorial control near the border with Syria and in the Golan Heights following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024. 
Eighty years after the unconditional surrender of Hitlers Wehrmacht, Germany is once again emerging as a major military power. Even before the new governments gigantic rearmament plans were passed, Germany spent more money on armaments in 2024 than ever before, and now ranks fourth among all countries in the world. This is according to a report published on Monday by the Stockholm-based research institute SIPRI.

Not a day goes by without politicians and the media lamenting that the German army (Bundeswehr) is in a desolate state and incapable of defending the country. In fact, only the nuclear powersthe United States ($997 billion), China ($314 billion) and Russia ($149 billion)spend more on armaments than Germany ($88.5 billion). Within a year, Germany has risen from seventh to fourth place in global arms spending, overtaking France ($64.7 billion) and the United Kingdom ($81.8 billion) for the first time since German reunification.

Germany has thus increased its arms spending by 28 percent compared to 2023three times the global average rise of 9.4 percent. According to SIPRI, the increase over the last 10 years is as high as 89 percent. A significant portion of the increase in spending, $7.7 billion, is for financing the war in Ukraine, through which the German government aims to subjugate Russia militarily.

The other arms projects launched in 2024 and included in the budget also demonstrate the aggressive nature of German rearmament. In December last year alone, the Bundestag approved 37 arms projects with a total value of over 20 billion. These include new submarines, the PULS multiple rocket launcher and modernisation of the Taurus medium-range missile, the Puma armoured personnel carrier and the Eurofighter. The procurement of two new frigates was already decided last summer.

The bare figures make it clear that this is not about defending against an imaginary Russian attack. According to SIPRI, Western and Central European countries spend a total of $472 billion on their military. Russia, by contrast, spends only $149 billioni.e., less than a third. NATO as a whole accounts for 55 percent of all global military spending, Russia only a 10th of that sum.

All these figures refer to 2024 and do not yet take into account the horrendous rearmament package that the new coalition government rushed through the Bundestag on March 18. It provides for 500 billion in loans to make public infrastructure fit for war and completely exempts military spending from the debt brake restricting new financing.

According to government plans, a further 500 billion in war loans is to be taken out. Even if these were spread over five yearswhich has not yet been decidedGerman arms spending alone would far exceed that of Russia and move towards $200 billion. Germany would then be by far the largest military power in Europe and the third largest in the world.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (Social Democratic Party, SPD) already declared shortly after taking office in January 2023 that Germanys goal must be to have the strongest and best-equipped army in the EU. A little later, he stated that Germany must be capable of winning a war against Russia within three to five years.

Christian Molling, long-time head of the Centre for Security and Defence Policy at the DGAP in Berlin, specified on Monday in Der Spiegel magazine that Germany had at most until 2029 to put these plans into action and called for rapid and massive growth.

Eighty years after the start of the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union, which cost the lives of at least 27 million Soviet citizens, the German ruling class is once again planning war against Russia.

They are following a well-worn historical pattern aimed at dominating Eastern Europe, plundering Ukraine and subjugating Russia in order to incorporate its raw materials and sales markets. The growing trade conflicts with the United States are intensifying this trend.

This arms madness, however, goes even further. The German government seeks to achieve strategic independence from the United States and dominate the whole of Europe militarily and economically.

The co-editor of the conservative Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Berthold Kohler, said this quite openly in an editorial on the day the SIPRI report was published. Fortress Europe needs German soldiers to protect it from Moscows drive for conquest, just as it did 70 years ago [when Germany joined NATO], Kohler explained. But that alone is not enough in view of Americas departure. Germany must also develop the will to lead in security policy.

This leadership will extends across the entire globe. In the coalition agreement setting out the program for the new German government, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) announce they will pay greater attention to strategic interests in the Middle East, counter Russian and Chinese influence in Africa, and expand strategic partnerships with the states of Latin America and the Caribbean. Furthermore, a stable, free and secure Indo-Pacific region is of fundamental interest. China will be confronted with self-confidence and strength, according to the coalition parties.

This insane programme of rearmament and war can be financed only by massive attacks on broad sections of the population. The war credits that have already been approved mean additional annual burdens of several dozen billion euros. The cuts to citizens income, paid to the poor, and the public sector layoffs announced in the coalition agreement are only the beginning. Wage cuts and mass layoffs are just as much on the agenda as are cuts in education, pensions and healthcare. Added to this are job cuts in industry to adapt it for war and trade wars.

This arms race is supported by all parties in the Bundestag. Even the trillion-euro programme of the government does not go far enough for the Greens and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). While the AfD is calling for a regular war budget of 5 percent of GDP (currently around 225 billion), the Greens have made their approval conditional on a further increase in armament. Even the Left Party, which likes to portray itself as an opponent of militarism, approved the arms package in the Bundesrat, though its votes were not even needed.

Behind this united front for war and cuts is the deep crisis of capitalism. Like Trump in the United States, the ruling class in Germany is responding with dictatorship at home and war abroad. The appointment of right-wing hardliners and representatives of the economic oligarchy to ministerial posts is eloquent testimony.

The only way to stop this madness is through the international mobilisation of the working class against capitalism, that is, the mobilisation of all those who create all social wealth and bear the entire burden of war and crisis. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) will present this socialist perspective on May 3 at 9 p.m. (German time) at the International May Day Online Rally. The call for the rally states:

This years May Day rally will present a socialist programme to unite workers internationally in the fight against capitalism. It will outline a revolutionary perspective for ending imperialist violence and building a society based on equality and human needs.
The first part of this article can be read here.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., right, stands with Dr. Ben Edwards, left, outside the Reinlander Mennonite Church in Seminole, Texas, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, after a second measles death. [AP Photo/Annie Rice]

The historical development of the autism diagnosis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly known as autism, is a complex developmental disability. It is characterized by significant challenges in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests.

Historically, autisma term first coined in 1911 by Eugen Bleuler in his description of schizophreniahas been classified under the umbrella term pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), reflecting the variety of symptoms and clinical presentations. Diagnosis typically relies on clinical assessment using established criteria from diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Over time, our understanding of autism has evolved, and research has identified subtle differences in the onset and progression of symptoms.

The field of child psychology and awareness of autism have grown significantly. The earliest research focused on children considered autistic was conducted by Grunya Sukhareva, a Soviet child psychiatrist in the 1920s. In the 1930s and 1940s, Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner described two related syndromes called infantile autism and Asperger Syndrome.

Although autistic children continued to be characterized using various terms related to schizophrenia, important advances were made in diagnosing and classifying autism. By the early 1970s, it was more widely recognized that autism and schizophrenia were in fact distinct mental disorders. In 1980, autism was formalized as a separate diagnostic category in the DSM-III. With improved screening tools and services, diagnosis is increasingly happening at younger ages. Screening and diagnostic methods have improved, contributing to better ascertainment of cases.

Vaccines and immunizationa milestone for public health

During the same decades of growing understanding and diagnosis of autism, major public health initiatives were expanding the use of vaccines, linking these events chronologically, but only coincidentally, not causally.

Decline in deaths caused by vaccine-preventable diseases, over the past 40 years. [Photo: Our World in Data]

Immunization is considered one of the greatest achievements of public health. Programs like the Expanded Program on Immunization (now the Essential Program on Immunization) have achieved remarkable gains in controlling infectious diseases. The following timeline of vaccines demonstrates the tremendous success to the well-being of the global population:

Timeline of vaccine development over the past century

When the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its global immunization program in 1974, few could have predicted its staggering economic legacy. Five decades later, vaccines have emerged as one of humanitys most powerful tools, not just for saving lives, but for fueling economies and slashing healthcare costs. A 2024 CDC report reveals that in the US alone, routine childhood vaccinations for children born between 1994 and 2023 prevented 1.1 million deaths, 32 million hospitalizations, and 508 million illnesses, saving $780 billion in direct medical costs and $2.9 trillion in overall societal costs. Globally, studies estimate vaccines have averted 154 million deaths since 1974, with every $1 spent on immunization returning up to $52 in low-income countries.

The 1994 launch of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program marked a turning point. By covering immunization costs for low-income families, the US achieved near-universal vaccine coverage, preventing diseases like measles and whooping cough from draining resources. For example, Pneumococcal vaccines introduced in 2000 cut childhood pneumonia hospitalizations by 40 percent, saving $4.6 billion annually in treatment costs, according to the CDC in 2024. A 2005 JAMA Pediatrics study found routine childhood vaccines yielded a 16:1 societal return, saving $43.3 billion for the 2001 birth cohort alone.

Yet the benefits extend beyond healthcare.

Vaccinated children are more likely to attend school and enter the workforce, while parents miss fewer workdays. CDC estimates these productivity gains account for 70 percent of the $2.9 trillion societal savings just in the US. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines prevented 20 million deaths globally in 2021 and averted $5.2 trillion in global GDP losses, equivalent to wiping out Japans entire economy, according to BMJ Global Health, 2024. These are just the highlights in the broader public health benefits afforded through vaccines and a cogent public health infrastructure.

While vaccines were leading to historic declines in childhood mortality in the latter half of the 20th century, around the late 1980s and early 1990s, a notable increase was observed in the frequency or incidence of autism in several regions, including California, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Japan.

For example, Denmark saw the prevalence increase from less than 2.0 cases per 10,000 in the 1980s to over 10.0 cases per 10,000 by 2000. The incidence of newly diagnosed autism in the UK, as recorded by general practitioners, increased sevenfold from 1988 to 1999. This observed increase in autism frequency coincided with the widespread use of vaccines like the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Although no actual links existed, the political climate of anti-communism and extreme individualism encouraged attacks on the public health gains made in the previous two to three decades.

Andrew Wakefield and the modern anti-vax movement

This apparent chronological overlapthe more frequent diagnosis of autism because of improved understanding and the widespread adoption of vaccines providing immunity to many common childhood illnessesprovided a plausible basis for speculation about a possible link between the life-saving treatments and the neurological disorder. This hypothesis gained significant traction following a 1998 paper published in The Lancet by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and colleagues.

The paper described a case series of 12 children with pervasive developmental disorders who also had gastrointestinal symptoms and developmental regression. For eight of these children, parents or physicians retrospectively linked the onset of behavioral problems to MMR vaccination. The study proposed a hypothesis that the MMR vaccine might be causally linked to a new syndrome involving specific gastrointestinal conditions and behavioral regression.

However, the Wakefield paper was later found to have serious flaws and willful scientific misconduct. British investigative journalist Brian Deer played a crucial role in exposing the truth behind the fraudulent study, later publishing a book in 2020 titled The Doctor Who Fooled the World. Deers work revealed significant improprieties, including manipulative recruitment of subjects and undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. He uncovered a secret scheme linked to Wakefields work, aimed at raising substantial funds. Deer demonstrated that the appearance of a link between MMR and autism was manufactured. Data included in the study was shown to be deliberately falsified.

Left, Brian Deer. Right, Andrew Wakefield at an anti-vax rally in Poland. [Photo by BrianDeer.com / CC BY-SA 4.0

Following the initial revelations and a forensic investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC), The Lancet retracted Wakefields paper in 2010. Ten of the original 13 authors had previously stated that the data were insufficient to establish a causal link. The editor of the BMJ, Fiona Godlee, in an editorial published in 2011, starkly stated, Wakefields article linking MMR vaccine and autism was fraudulent. The editorial concluded, Clear evidence of falsification of data should now close the door on this damaging vaccine scare. Wakefield himself was struck off the medical register in the United Kingdom in 2010.

The Lancet retracts the Wakefield-led study purporting to link vaccines and autism. [Photo: The Lancet]

Despite the debunking of the Wakefield study and extensive scientific investigation, the vaccine-autism controversy persisted. When the MMR hypothesis was refuted, some proponents shifted their focus, hypothesizing that thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative used in some vaccines, now largely removed from childhood vaccines in the US) or the sheer number of vaccines administered could cause autism. However, these hypotheses have also been consistently debunked by numerous studies.

Extensive epidemiological studies conducted across multiple countries have consistently found no association between MMR vaccination and autism. These studies, using various designs like cohort studies and case-control studies, have provided strong evidence against a causal link. For instance, a large study in Denmark found no association, and a study in Japan found that autism incidence continued to rise even after the withdrawal of the MMR vaccine from the population.

Studies specifically looking for the new variant of autism or developmental regression proposed by Wakefield also found no association with MMR. A 2014 meta-analysis of 10 observational studies, including 6 specifically on MMR and autism, reported no association. More recent studies have also found no link. The evidence has been extensively reviewed by committees of the National Academy of Medicine, all concluding that MMR vaccine does not cause autism.

Why have autism diagnoses increased?

The scientific community overwhelmingly attributes the observed increase in autism diagnoses over time to factors other than vaccines. These include:

 Broadened Diagnostic Criteria: The adoption of broader concepts and criteria allows more individuals to be included under the autism spectrum.

 Increased Awareness and Recognition: Greater awareness among parents, clinicians, and the public leads to more cases being identified and diagnosed.

 Improved Ascertainment and Screening: Better case-finding methods and improved screening tools contribute to identifying more cases, including those with milder symptoms.

 Changes in Reporting Practices: How autism is reported or categorized in databases can influence statistics.

While autism prevalence has risen over recent decades, the rates of intellectual disability and other developmental disabilities have generally declined. A comprehensive analysis of US special education records found that as autism diagnoses increased, there was a concurrent and significant decrease in the diagnosis of mental disorder and learning disabilities. This pattern was observed in most US states, with only a handful showing the opposite trend. The process, known as diagnostic substitution, occurs when individuals who might previously have been diagnosed with intellectual disability or another developmental disorder are now more likely to receive an autism diagnosis due to increased awareness, broader criteria, and the perceived benefits of the autism label in accessing support services.

Recent CDC and academic studies reinforce this trend. For example, a 2024 study led by Santhosh Girirajan found that the apparent rise in autism coincides with a decline in other childhood disorders, highlighting the complexity of prevalence statistics and the importance of diagnostic practices.

Despite the strong scientific evidence disproving any link between autism and vaccines, the controversy has persisted. Indeed, completely unfazed by the scientific communities responses to these allegations and investigations proving the safety of vaccines, Wakefield partnered with activists like Kennedy and Del Bigtree, CEO of the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), to amplify the misinformation. The framing of vaccine mandates as government overreach became a lightning rod for right-wing and conspiracy minded reactionary groups.

This has led to decreased MMR vaccination coverage in some areas, contributing to the re-emergence of preventable diseases like measles as recently evidenced in Texas where two children have died from a preventable disease. Experts have repeatedly emphasized that research funding and efforts should focus on the true causes and potential treatments for autism, as the hypothesis linking it to vaccines has been thoroughly investigated and rejected. The proven benefits of widespread vaccination in preventing serious infectious diseases remain essential for public health.

The science of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerges from a complex interplay of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental influences, with socioeconomic inequities amplifying risks and compounding challenges for affected families. This intricate web begins in the earliest stages of brain development, where genetic blueprints guideand sometimes disruptthe formation of neural circuits critical to social interaction, communication, and sensory processing.

At the heart of ASD lies a strong genetic component, with over 250 genes implicated in shaping prenatal brain development. Among these, CHD8 stands out as a master regulator. This gene orchestrates chromatin remodeling, a process that determines which genes are activated during critical periods of fetal brain growth. Mutations in CHD8 disrupt the delicate balance of neural progenitor cells, leading to abnormal cortical layering and synaptic pruninga hallmark of ASD often observed in brain imaging studies. Similarly, SHANK3, a gene vital for maintaining synaptic structure, is frequently altered in autism. When dysfunctional, it destabilizes connections between neurons, contributing to the social and communication difficulties that define the condition.

A groundbreaking 2024 study published in Science by Wamsley et al. from UCLA provides the most detailed view yet of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) biology. Using advanced single-cell genomic techniques, researchers analyzed over 591,000 brain cells from postmortem samples, identifying disruptions in specific neurons and glial cells tied to ASD. They found that genetic risk factors affect molecular pathways critical for synaptic communication and neurodevelopment. These findings underscore ASDs roots in genetic and developmental processes, not external factors like vaccines.

The studys emphasis on genetic and neurodevelopmental mechanisms directly contradicts long-debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. This aligns with decades of research, including a 2019 Annals of Internal Medicine study of 657,461 Danish children, which found no association between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and ASD. The UCLA team noted that rising ASD diagnoses reflect improved awareness and diagnostic criteria, not an epidemic caused by environmental toxins.

Despite robust evidence, recent political effortssuch as US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s call to investigate vaccines as an ASD causerisk diverting resources from meaningful research.

The Science study highlights the urgency of focusing on genetic and molecular pathways to develop targeted therapies. Promoting vaccine myths not only undermines public health but also stigmatizes autistic individuals by framing their neurotype as a preventable tragedy. As Dr. Peter Hotez emphasized, such rhetoric ignores the lived experiences of autistic people and distracts from efforts to address systemic inequities in care.

While genetics load the gun, environmental factors often pull the trigger. The fetal brain is exquisitely sensitive to external influences, particularly during the first two trimesters. Maternal immune activationtriggered by infections like influenza or autoimmune conditionscan flood the developing brain with pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, that affect language development. Animal studies show that prenatal exposure to IL-6 produces offspring with social deficits and repetitive behaviors, mirroring core ASD traits.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals add another layer of risk. Phthalates, found in plastics and personal care products, interfere with thyroid hormone signalinga system that guides neuronal migration. In genetically susceptible fetuses, this disruption can derail the formation of cortical layers, as seen in mutated mice. Such findings underscore the vulnerability of specific genetic profiles to environmental effects.

The burden of these environmental risks falls disproportionately on marginalized communities. In low-income urban neighborhoods, particulate matter (PM2.5) levels often exceed EPA limits, exacerbating genetic susceptibilities. A 2024 Harvard study linked PM2.5 exposure to upregulated MET gene expression in the fetal brain, impairing synaptic pruning in regions like the prefrontal cortex.

Meanwhile, agricultural communitiesdisproportionately Latino and immigrantface heightened exposure to chlorpyrifos, a pesticide banned in residential settings but still used on crops. Chlorpyrifos inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme critical for neurotransmission, and synergizes with ASD-linked genes like CHD8 to amplify risk.

Financial strain and poor access to healthcare compound these barriers. Families of autistic children spend 35 times more on healthcare annually than neurotypical households, with 40 percent reporting catastrophic out-of-pocket costs. Low-income mothers, already grappling with food insecurity, are 40 percent less likely to meet folic acid recommendationsa critical nutrient that mitigates ASD risk in those with MTHFR gene variants. Chronic stress from poverty elevates maternal cortisol, which crosses the placenta and suppresses BDNF, a growth factor vital for amygdala development. The result is a vicious cycle where socioeconomic disadvantage amplifies biological risk.

Scientifically, the evidence strongly suggests that autisms biological origins are prenatal. This means the foundational biological processes that contribute to autism begin before birth. The developing nervous system is particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins during these critical prenatal and early postnatal periods. Therefore, according to the scientific understanding presented in these sources, the question of when autism occurs points overwhelmingly to development in the womb.

Conclusion

The ongoing deliberate deceit being perpetrated by HHS and NIH to link vaccines to autism, while at the same time effectively creating a new category of life unworthy of life, also means that many of the diseases that had been in check will resurface as vaccines are maligned and public health infrastructure decimated.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last week titled, Modeling Reemergence of Vaccine-Eliminated Infectious Diseases Under Declining Vaccination in the US, the authors warned that at the current pace, measles could become endemic within 20 years after having been eliminated a quarter century ago. Under a scenario with only a 10 percent decline in MMR vaccination, the authors estimate 11.1 million measles cases in the next 25 years. A 50 percent decline in routine childhood vaccinations could lead to 51.2 million cases of measles, 9.9 million cases of Rubella, and 4.3 million cases of polio. This would also lead to an additional 10.3 million hospitalizations and nearly 160,000 deaths.

With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team of anti-science quacks now installed by Trump at HHS, with the entire public health apparatus at their fingertips, the bank robbers are truly in control of Fort Knox. While studies are prioritized into the fake vaccine-autism connection, the NIH has cut funding for grants by $5.5 billion and canceled more than 300 grants announced, including studies on Alzheimers and autism. The Department of Educations Institute of Education Sciences, a major supporter of school-based autism interventions, has been gutted, and programs like Charting My Path for Future Success, which helped students with disabilities transition from high school to college or work, have been eliminated.

The situation is further exacerbated by proposed or enacted Medicaid reductions, which jeopardize access to therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech, and occupational therapy, services that are often lifelines for families of children with autism. Medicaid is the primary payer for many disability services, and cuts could result in reduced therapy hours, longer waiting times, and increased financial burdens for families, particularly those in low-income and rural areas. Disability advocates warn that these funding cuts threaten to reverse decades of progress in community-based care, increase institutionalization, and deepen inequities for some of the nations most vulnerable children and adults.

These issues assume social dimensions in the context of the broad-based attack on the most vulnerable in the population. The defense of science-based public health requires a political perspective that not only offers a correct critique of right-wing conspiracy theories and religion-based distrust of reason and scientific method, but puts forward a solution that places social equality and democratic rights at the center of the fight against the turn to fascistic forms of rule.

While the scientific study of autism unearths many of the biological intricacies of life and how it interacts with the material world, only the remaking of societypolitics, financial institutions, educational and health infrastructurealong anti-capitalist lines can address the needs and well-being of the population. After all, the fundamental collective goal of a humane social order is to produce the best living conditions for all, in particular the most vulnerable, on the basis of democracy and equality.

Concluded

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Kiang, M.V., Lo, N.C., Bubar, K.M., Maldonado, L.K., & Hotez, P.J. - Modeling Reemergence of Vaccine-Eliminated Infectious Diseases Under Declining Vaccination in the US 2025.



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As the Trump administration advances war preparations against China, New Zealand has joined a host of nations drastically boosting their military budgets. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military spending increased by 9.4 percent in 2024 to reach $US2.718 trillion.

New Zealands National Party-led coalition government recently released a multi-billion dollar Defence Capability Plan that will nearly double military spending from just over 1 percent to 2 percent of GDP within eight years. This involves $NZ9 billion in new spending over the coming four years.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the committed amount is the floor, not the ceiling, of funding for our defence force.

The far-right government is escalating its involvement in the war against Russia. Luxon announced on April 22 that up to 100 NZ Defence Force (NZDF) personnel will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers in the UK and throughout Europe, and provide intelligence, liaison and logistics support through to December 2026, bringing the total value of support to $152 million.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shakes hands with British PM Keir Starmer, during a visit to a military base training Ukrainian troops, in the west of England, April 22, 2025. [AP Photo/Finnbarr Webster]

The announcement came on the eve of Luxons latest trip to Europe, which began in Britain with a meeting with Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The pair visited a military training site in the south of England to see the Operation Interflex facility, where NZ has helped train over 53,000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, including conscripts.

Luxon addressed the Ukrainian soldiers, cynically hailing them as heroes while also calling President Volodymyr Zelensky a hero. In fact, Zelensky leads a fascistic police state, which is sacrificing hundreds of thousands of young men in the service of US-NATO imperialism and throwing opponents of war in prison, including the socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk.

The war is part of a global resurgence of imperialist barbarism, including the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza, the bombing of Yemen and threats against Iran and China. Driven by the crisis of capitalism, the imperialist powers are driven to violently redivide the world and its resources. New Zealand, a minor imperialist ally of the US, is seeking to ensure its place in this bloody carve-up.

A joint statement by the UK and NZ governments expressed their commitment to substantially increase defence spending and to renew our historic defence partnership to make it fit for the future, and to deepen cooperation in our defence capabilities and industries.

Starmer welcomed NZs participation in the UK-led Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Indo-Pacific, and ongoing consultations regarding Wellingtons potential opportunities for participation in AUKUS Pillar II, an anti-China military pact involving Australia, the UK and US.

Luxon then travelled to Turkey for the ANZAC Day service, which commemorates the disastrous 1915 landing of British, Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli during World War I. As the WSWS noted, the April 25 holiday in Australia and New Zealand is always a spectacle of militarist reaction and warmongering. This year, it was held under conditions where the imperialist powers are threatening an even greater calamity than previous world wars.

Luxon was the first NZ prime minister in a decade to visit the battlefield, declaring ,Gallipoli is a name etched into New Zealands national identity. While his speech was littered with hypocritical calls for peace, New Zealands ruling class is preparing for war. Echoing calls internationally for whole-of-society militarisation, right-wing New Zealand Herald commentator Matthew Hooton wrote a frothing column last week advocating compulsory military training to transform NZ society.

China is the main target of the relentless war build-up. According to the Defence Capability Plan, echoing US propaganda points, Chinas assertive pursuit of its strategic objectives is the principal driver for strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, and it continues to use all of its tools of statecraft in ways that can challenge both international norms of behaviour and the security of other states. Of particular concern is the rapid and non-transparent growth of Chinas military capability.

China, however, has no overseas military bases in the Pacific. It is the United States which, under successive administrations, has shifted the bulk of its navy into the region to encircle and threaten China, while strengthening military ties with Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, NZ and countries throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Since taking office in November 2023, NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters, leader of the populist NZ First Party in the coalition, has visited nearly every Pacific nation to intensify political pressure to fall into line with the US-led war drive. This has involved a bitter diplomatic row with the tiny NZ semi-colony of the Cook Islands over its new strategic agreement with China.

Peters most recent Pacific trip took him to Hawaii on April 15, where he met with officials, including the US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Samuel Paparo. New Zealands partnership with the United States, he declared, remains one of our most longstanding and important, particularly when seen in the light of our joint interests in the Pacific and the evolving security environment.

As part of the military build-up in the Asia-Pacific, an NZDF contingent has joined Bersama Shield, an annual exercise in the Malayan Peninsula involving militaries from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. According to an NZDF statement, the exercise is designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability by working together in a warfighting scenario, and to deepen its commitment to the South East Asia region.

Defence Minister Judith Collins is visiting the Philippines this week to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, agreed last year, to strengthen military cooperation. Washington and its allies are preparing the Philippines to serve as a staging ground for conflict over Taiwan.

Such preparations are alarmingly advanced. Last September, a New Zealand Navy vessel sailed through the Taiwan Strait alongside Australian and Japanese warships on their way to exercises in the South China Sea, deliberately heightening tensions with Beijing.

In another provocative move aimed at Beijing, a delegation of New Zealand parliamentarians, members of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan, visited the island this month. The seven MPs from National, Labour, NZ First and ACT met with Taiwans Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and President Lai Ching-te.

Last October, Lai Ching-te delivered an inflammatory speech to mark National Day, which commemorates the 1911 revolution that led to the founding of the Republic of China, the formal name of Taiwan. Lai challenged the One China policy, antagonising Beijing while expressing support for US imperialism and its preparations for war against the Chinese mainland.

New Zealand does not formally recognise Taiwan but acknowledges Beijings position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Peoples Republic. Beijing opposes independence for Taiwan as it would set a precedent for carving up Chinese territory more broadly, while allowing the island to become a US military staging ground for attacks against the mainland.

Chinas embassy in New Zealand issued a furious statement condemning the Taipei visit. It accused the NZ MPs of wrongdoings and colluding with Taiwan independence separatist forces. An embassy spokesperson said the trip severely violated the solemn political commitments made by New Zealand to China when the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1972.

New Zealands entire political establishment, including the opposition Labour and Green parties, along with the corporate media, are busy stoking anti-Chinese hysteria. Labour leader Chris Hipkins told Radio New Zealand that the new Defence Capability Plan builds upon those made by the previous Labour-led government. In 2023, Labours Defence Minister Andrew Little declared that NZ had a stake in the South China Sea and signed strategic pacts with Fiji and Japan.

An immense price is being paid by the working class for the huge military build-up. The government has frozen wages across the public sector and sacked thousands of workers. The healthcare and education systems are run-down and starved of funds.

The first ever 24-hour strike by senior doctors is being held this week. It is the latest in a rising struggle of medical workers, including young doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians against underfunding, under-staffing and low pay in the public health system, allied with the threat of privatisation. Working people will not accept the imposition of austerity at home and war abroad.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney with Unifor President Lana Payne [Photo: Mark Carney]

Canadas April 28 federal election was dominated by Trumps global trade war and his vow to use economic force to transform Canada into Americas 51st state.

After a campaign in which all the parties trumpeted bellicose Canadian nationalism, the Liberals, under their recently-minted leader, the former central banker and blue-chip corporate executive Mark Carney, were able to retain power.

They did so by riding on a wave of popular hostility to the fascist would-be dictator Trump.

Prior to Trumps barrage of trade war measures and annexation threats and the forced resignation of Justin Trudeau as prime minister in early January, the Liberal government was a dead man walking. For well over a year, opinion polls had indicated that the Conservatives under their far-right leader, Pierre Poilievre, would romp to power in the coming election.

But Trumps return to the presidency proved to be Poilievres undoing. Although the Conservatives gained seats and votes from the 2021 election, above all, by appealing to popular anger over the dramatically rising cost of living, they were decisively repudiated by working people because of their evident affinity for Trump, epitomized by their adoption of Canada First as their main campaign slogan and a Trump-like far-right agenda.

Those workers and youth who voted for Carney and his Liberals in the belief that they represent any type of progressive answer to Trump and all that he representsoligarchy, dictatorship, fascism and warhave been cruelly deceived.

For this the trade unions and the social democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) are principally responsible. They spent the previous five years propping up the minority Trudeau Liberal government, as it implemented the ruling class profits-before-lives pandemic policy, waged war on Russia, massively hiked military spending, backed the Gaza genocide and illegalized strikes. And the unions and NDP have been the staunchest supporters of Canadian capitalisms Liberal government-led trade war counteroffensive, which targets American workers jobs and living standards.

The unions and NDP have for decades shackled the working class to capitalist politics and suppressed mass opposition to austerity and war by arguing that they must ally with the big business Liberals to block the coming to power of the Conservatives, the most open proponents of reaction. Given this, it is hardly surprising that in the face of the threat from Trump, support for the NDP collapsed. Most of the 11 percentage-point surge in Liberal support came at its expense.

The Carney Liberal government will be a government of austerity, rearmament and war, as already indicated by its cribbing of key Conservative policies. In the name of strengthening Canadian sovereignty and economic resilience, it will implement the Trump-like policies that the ruling class is baying for. These include: massive social spending cuts to finance corporate tax cuts and tens of billions of dollars per year in increased defence expenditure; the evisceration of all environmental and other regulatory restraints on capital; and the permanent prohibition of strikes impacting transport, logistics and other critical infrastructure.

Insofar as Carney, Ontario Tory Premier Doug Ford or any of the political representatives of the Canadian ruling class oppose Trump, it is entirely from the standpoint of defending the predatory economic and geopolitical interests of Canadian imperialism.

Far and away the preferred option of the Canadian bourgeoisie is to maintain its longstanding economic and military partnership with US imperialism and secure a duly recognized role as a junior partner of Washington and Wall Street in a Trump-led Fortress North America aimed at securing US global hegemony against China and all comers.

The day after the election, Carney announced he will soon be meeting with Trump toward that end. However, should such negotiations collapse in acrimony, Ottawaas Carney has already indicated by joining the British, German and French governments in pressing for the continued prosecution of the war on Russiawill seek to secure the Canadian ruling classs mercenary interests by joining with other imperialist powers in aggression and war.

Trump is a menace to the workers of Canada and the world.

However, workers can only oppose him, social counter-revolution and war by opposing the capitalist ruling class, all its political representatives, and Canadian imperialisms federal state, uniting their struggles with those of workers in the US, Mexico and beyond and developing a mass movement for socialism.

The principal obstacle to such a struggle are the trade unions, the NDP and their pseudo-left appendages.

For decades they have suppressed the class struggle, while integrating themselves ever more fully into a corporatist partnership with big business and the state.

From the fall of 2021 through the state suppression of the postal workers strike last December, workers mounted a major strike wave. But at every point, working in tandem with the NDP-backed Liberal government, the unions isolated and strangled these struggles.

An essential element in this was the blocking, by the union apparatuses on both sides of the Canada-US border, of joint struggles by workers employed by the same companies, as in auto, on the West Coast docks and the railways, even when they were without contracts simultaneously and were confronting similar concession demands.

The political-ideological cement of the labour bureaucracys corporatist partnership with big business is reactionary Canadian and Quebec nationalism, based on the lie that Canadian capitalism constitutes some type of progressive, gentler, kinder society to the rapacious dollar republic to the south. Thus, even as the ruling class lurches ever further to the right, the union apparatus and NDP are enjoining workers to rally behind it in the trade war in the name of defending Canadian values.

The unions and NDP justify the backing they have given to the Liberal governments onslaught on workers rights and living standards and their incessant flag-waving nationalism during the trade war by claiming that these policies will stop the far-right threat of Trump and Poilievre. In fact, they succeeded not just in strengthening Carney, a ruthless representative of the financial oligarchy, but also in driving some workers behind the far-right demagogue Poilievre, who made a cynical social appeal, exploiting workers anger at the union and NDP-supported Liberal governments responsibility for their economic distress.

The honeymoon of Carneys minority government will prove short-lived. Although it will receive unstinting support from the unions and parliamentary backing from the NDP, the Liberals program of austerity, imperialist war, and increased military spending, and its imposition of the costs of trade war on workers, will bring it into direct conflict with the working class. Millions of workers who voted for the Liberals believing they were opposing Trump, and no small number of those duped by Poilievres demagoguery, will rapidly realize that they were sold a bill of goods.

These struggles will emerge alongside the mounting social opposition in the American working class to Trump. It is to this forcethe enemy within that Trump has labelled the greatest threatto which workers in Canada must turn.

Canada and American workers, as Trumps trade war has so disruptively demonstrated, are exploited by the same giant multinationals and objectively united in the integrated production of innumerable commodities. They also have powerful traditions of joint struggle, which the unions and pseudo-left have long sought to denigrate and obscure.

As the SEP (Canada) explained in its election statement:

All the major upheavals of the working class in North Americafrom the Knights of Labor through the sit-down strikes of the 1930s, and the mass social struggles of the 1960sgalvanized support on both sides of the Canada-US border, including among the French-speaking workers of Quebec. The task today is to appropriate the best elements of these traditions and infuse them with a new, higher socialist content.

The same systemic crisis of global capitalism that is driving Trump to erect a fascist dictatorship in the US and redraw the map by seizing Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal in preparation for war with China is compelling the Canadian imperialist bourgeoisie to resort to no less ruthless methods to intensify worker exploitation and secure its place in the barbarous redivision of the world that is already well underway.

The fight against Trump must be developed as the fight against American and Canadian imperialism, and for the unity of Canadian, American and Mexican workers in the fight for a socialist North America. This means repudiating all efforts to pit workers against each other in trade warfare and divide them along national, ethnic or linguistic lines, like those of the Quebec separatists.

It means coming to the defence of all workers rights, including the right of immigrant workers to live and work wherever they choose without fear of state persecution. Above all, it means workers must take up the struggle to build the revolutionary leadership on the basis of the socialist and internationalist program demanded by the intractable world capitalist crisis.

The fight for this program will be the central axis of this Saturdays International Online May Day Rally. We urgently appeal to all workers who want to fight imperialist war, the threat of fascist dictatorship and the onslaught on their jobs and conditions to make plans to attend.
A protester outside the court hearing Wednesday, April 30 for University of California Santa Cruz student Laaila Irshad

On Wednesday, Santa Cruz County Judge Erika Ziegenhorn partially granted the motion put forward by anti-genocide student protester Laaila Irshad to quash the search warrant from six months ago that had allowed campus police from the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) to seize and access all data on her cellphone, which contains data dating back to elementary school.

Judge Ziegenhorn ordered UCSC police to seal and destroy all information obtained outside a 30-day window around the alleged vandalism incident, as well as any communications with attorneys. Although the court declined to order the immediate return of Irshads phone, indicating a separate legal procedure would be required for that outcome, the ruling provides an important precedent against the normalization of digital surveillance as a tool to suppress campus dissent. This is a victory for the entire working class, whose rights were equally at stake in the courtroom Wednesday.

The ruling also marks the first legal victory for student protesters, who have faced an intensifying campaign of repression on college campuses across the United States for their opposition to the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza. The warrant itself had all the hallmarks of retaliation for Irshads lawsuit challenging UCs violent repression of the UCSC anti-genocide encampment.

The warrant for her phone was served just fifteen days after her lawsuit was announced, in a manner that maximized public humiliation: during a fire drill in the middle of the night outside Irshads dorm, while she was in her pajamas, alongside hundreds of students, including those she supervises as a resident assistant. UC police even used a photograph from Irshads press conference about her lawsuit as identification while serving the warrant.

In the intervening months, the university has argued that all aspects of the sweeping warrant, including its contents and the method through which it was served, were legally appropriate and that the warrant should be upheld without modification.

The hearing was attended by at least 40 students, faculty and other protestersall of whom had to drive up to an hour each way from Santa Cruz to be at the Watsonville courthouse. Protesters expressed strong support for Irshad and fierce opposition to the university administration, and by extension the Democratic Party, which defended the seizure. Irshad is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Protest Law and Litigation and civil rights attorney Thomas Seabaugh, who addressed an assembly of students outside the courthouse after the hearing.

I think it was an important win, Seabaugh told the assembled crowd at the courthouse steps. Its a dangerous time in the world, as everyone knows who has looked out the window recently. This is not a time where anybody should be arguing for weaker interpretations of constitutional rights.

The UC Board of Regents received a richly deserved black eye today, Seabaugh told the World Socialist Web Site. They came in asking the judge to rubber-stamp this warrant, and thats not what happened.

The ruling is particularly significant given that Judge Ziegenhorn was the same judge who initially signed the search warrant and is a former prosecutor. It must also be noted that the UC Board of Regents, which fought to uphold the seizure, includes California Governor Newsom and many other high-ranking Democrats.

Irshad, a third-year undergraduate and resident advisor at UCSC, had her cellphone seized by university police officers on October 1, 2024, just fifteen days after she filed a civil rights lawsuit against the university. That lawsuit challenged the mass banishment of over 110 students and faculty from campus following protests last May against the genocide in Gaza.

The police seized Irshads phone under the pretense of investigating alleged vandalism, utilizing a warrant so broad it authorized searching all data on her device back to the date of inception of first data storageessentially permitting examination of her entire digital life, including data back to when she was in fifth grade.

UCSC police Detective James Watson claimed in a declaration that the warrant was part of an ongoing investigation that began in June 2024, months before Irshad filed her lawsuit. However, he offered no explanation for why the warrant was not sought until mid-September, nor why officers executed it during a fire drill when Irshad was in pajamas surrounded by hundreds of her fellow students.

The university paid for representation by the prominent law firm Munger, Tolles & Olsona decision that drew criticism from protesters gathered outside the courthouse.

UC Santa Cruz is in the most dire budgetary situation of every single UC in the system. And it spent a minor fortune on a top-ranking Democratic Party law firm in San Francisco to come argue against freedom of speech, noted one of Irshads supporters outside the courthouse.

Another protester added, I think its a bigger problem, not just with the campus, the UCSC campus, but overall with the US and in support for Israel. And I think were going down a very authoritarian way in terms of how we deal with protests, with people getting attacked, people getting arrested, their phones being seized, their rights being taken away. Its not limited just to Trump, but again, its just the overall government.

The hearings outcome marks a significant moment in what has become a national crackdown on campus demonstrations against Israels military operations in Gaza. Since April 2024, more than 3,000 students have been arrested on campuses across the United States, with many facing academic discipline, housing evictions, visa revocations and invasive seizures of personal digital devices.

This case has drawn parallels to other instances of retaliation against campus activists, including Cornell Universitys attempts to deport student Momodou Taal for his involvement in protests against military contractors, and Columbia Universitys treatment of Palestinian rights advocates Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation despite being permanent residents.

In Michigan, state police and FBI agents conducted raids on the homes of pro-Palestinian activists in April, seizing electronic devices in a manner similar to the UCSC case, also citing alleged vandalism as a pretext.

The UCSC crackdown reflects the bipartisan nature of the assault on democratic rights in America. The initial mass arrests at UCSC occurred under the Biden administration in May 2024, and enforcement actions have continued and intensified under Trump. University of California administrators, predominantly affiliated with the Democratic Party, have been at the forefront of these repressive measures.

UC administrators remain prepared for brutal repression of dissent. The UCSC administration purchased what campus documents described as military equipment to be used against protesters last year, including drones, breaching tools, and grenade launchers with sponge and chemical rounds, according to university records obtained by student activists.

Irshads case has galvanized support among students, faculty and community members concerned about the erosion of First Amendment protections on university campuses. It demonstrates that there is popular support for the defense of democratic rights, foremost in the working class.

Broader questions remain about the legality of the universitys militarized response to the encampments last May, which the LA Times reported cost millions of dollars and involved police agencies from across California. According to court documents, one student suffered a stroke allegedly resulting from overly tight zip-tie restraints after pleading with officers to loosen them.

The ruling Wednesday in Irshads case establishes decisively in court that the university overreached in its attempts to repress, intimidate and terrorize student protesters.

Victory was only possible through a concerted legal challenge, which won widespread support among students and workers. Every attack on democratic rights can and must be challenged. The defense of democratic rights cannot be left to any faction of the Democratic Party, which stood solidly on the opposite side of the barricades.

However, legal challenges alone are not enough to safeguard democratic rights, as Trumps open defiance of court rulings makes clear. The working class must lead the fight in defense of democratic rights, including through industrial action.

Student protesters, including Irshad, have made enormous sacrifices to oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the Trump administrations accelerating drive toward fascist dictatorship. Achieving these just aims requires a turn to the working class, just as workers must come to the defense of victimized student protesters to defend centuries of hard-won rights.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is contesting the local government elections in Sri Lanka to be held on May 6, fielding 13 and 21 candidates respectively for the Karainagar Divisional Council in the northern war-ravaged Jaffna district and Kolonnawa Urban Council in the suburbs of Colombo.

SEP meeting in Oori village at Karainagar on April 27, 2025

The SEP has held a series of election meetings on April 27 in Oori village, Karainagar; on April 26 in Matara in southern Sri Lanka; on April 9 in Colombo; and on April 7 in Jaffna. Our final eventan open-air meeting near Bank of Ceylon premisesis scheduled for Saturday, May 3 in Kolonnawa.

Kolonnawa is one of the densely populated local council areas located near Colombo city center. According to statistics issued in 2024, it has an estimated population of 204,484 or over 8 percent of the Colombo Districts total population of 2.46 million.

The area is home to public sector workers, daily wage workers, small traders and other impoverished people. It has many industrial and commercial buildings, including stores, warehouses, container yards, tea-packaging factories and state-owned electricity and petroleum facilities.

Karainagar is one of the small islands surrounding the predominantly-Tamil Jaffna Peninsula. It was devastated by the 26-year long communal war waged from 1983 against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). As a result, its population has dropped precipitously to 10,500 from around 80,000 in the 1970s.

Members and supporters of the SEP and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) have campaigned in recent weeks across Sri Lanka for a socialist program against imperialist war, austerity and dictatorial forms of rule.

During our discussions, people have repeatedly complained about the impact of the governments austerity measures, dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government has broken the promises during last years presidential and parliamentary elections to improve living conditions.

SEP campaigner speaking with a trishaw driver at Kolonnawa on April 20, 2025

A trishaw driver, who lives in Meethotamulla, said: My daily earnings are not steadysometimes I earn 2,500 rupees [$US8.40] and some days nothing. He noted that the JVP/NPP also is going by the IMF program, but they earlier said they would not accept the IMF.

The JVP/NPP had dumped its posturing as a party of the poor, and was now working to defend the capitalist property system, he said. There must be a system to solve these problems. A new party must come.

A youth from Meethotamulla spoke about his frustration at the lack of jobs. He is currently taking a course related to the hotel industry and aims to migrate to Germany. Campaigners explained what it was like in Germany: cuts on social welfare, the rise of far-right forces, huge government spending on the military and the growing threat of a third world war.

I am against wars. I actually want to stay in this country. Our parents and relatives are here, he explained, adding that life in other countries was not rosy. I thought about leaving because of the economic situation in our country, and because of the job problems [In Meethotamulla], young people have no jobs, no way to get an education and no money to pay for courses. Their hopes are dashed.

SEP meeting in Kalvanthalvu village at Karainagar on April 18, 2025

The SEP has campaigned at the Sanhinda Sevana flats near the Kolonnawa city center. Sanhinda Sevana is an 11-storey building with 240 flats, each just 42 square metres. These have been provided for poor families from Colombo city, forced out of their homes to make way for urban development to attract wealthy investors.

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is responsible for these flats, but does not maintain them adequately: waste disposal is not done properly, the lifts always break down and noise levels are high due to poor design. Many people said they lost their jobs after being compelled to move.

Colombo port worker Asgar criticised the JVP/NPP: Before coming to power, it spoke on the side of the poor people and joined the protests. Now, it is on the other side [the rich] acting against those poor people.

The worker opposed the police arrest and detention of Mohamed Rusdi, a 22-year-old Muslim youth, for pasting a sticker at a shopping center opposing Israels genocidal war in Gaza. He condemned the US role in the Gaza genocide, saying due to America, Palestinians suffer at the hand of Israel who does not care about lives of the people. It is clear that an anti-war movement is essential.

Asgar also expressed concern over the growing threat of war in the region. [India] is trying to become the regional power with the support of America. If the Indus River is blocked, many people [in Pakistan] will lose electricity and water, which will cause great destruction, he said. India withdrew from the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Indian-held Kashmir.

Despite the fact that America has caused so many disasters, the Sri Lankan [JVP/NPP] government has embraced American imperialism, he added.

The SEP has also campaigned among plantation workers in the Hatton and Maskeliya areas in central Sri Lanka, where skyrocketing prices have created intolerable living conditions. Many workers said that they voted for the JVP/NPP in last years general elections, expecting some change for the better. Now the situation has only worsened.

The workers were hostile to the traditional parties and also the plantation unions, which function as political parties, such as the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), Up-Country Peoples Front (UPF) and National Union of Workers (NUW).

V. Alaki, 52, a female plantation worker from the Brunswick estate Maskeliya, said: [We] find it very difficult to live, with a 1,350 rupee daily wage under this cost of living. Even to get this wage, we have to fulfill our target of plucking 18kg tea leaves per day. Under these intolerable conditions, I am compelled to get early retirement.

Another worker recalled the fascistic terror campaign waged by the JVP during 19871990, killing workers, trade unionists and political opponents. Many tea and rubber factories were burned by the JVP, he said. During the daytime we cooked meals at the house and after dinner we went into hiding among tea bushes and bunkers that were made by our parents. He did not vote for the JVP/NPP.

Shanmugam Sellamuthu, a 76-year-old woman from Karainagar, explained that her family was affected by the war, when the government launched a massive military operation in 1991 to capture the area.

At that time, our family fled and stayed in the village of Moolai, which lies beyond the Karainagar island. My son, Sakthivel, was 18-years-old then and was studying at a technical college. He left Moolai to bring his elder uncle and aunt from Karainagar. However, before he could return, the military had captured Karainagar.

A few days later, Sellamuthus family found through a message from the Red Cross that the military arrested their son along with many other young men.

Since that day, we have been searching for him in many places, including all the military camps. But we have not found my son, she said. We had three daughters and only one son [who is missing]. She said many young men were simply shot by the military.
Demonstrators march in downtown Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people gathered in downtown Los Angeles, U.S. state of California, on Thursday for International Workers' Day rallies and marches, organized by the Los Angeles May Day Coalition, to advocate for workers' and immigrants' rights.

International Workers' Day, also known as May Day in the United Starts, happens every year on May 1. May Day also has American origins. It started after Chicago's 1886 Haymarket Affair where workers joined a national strike advocating for an 8-hour workday.

Typically, May Day protests and rallies in Los Angeles commemorate the achievements of labor unions and workers. This year, the planned demonstrations are expected to become a platform to protest the Trump administration's deportation push aimed at immigrant communities.

Thousands of community organizations, labor unions and human rights activists filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles since Thursday morning, and they were seen with posters, union shirts and banners while workers carried banners at the head of the march, reading "One struggle, One fight - Workers unite."

Yolanda Mims-Reed told local new outlets LAist.com that she was there "to stand in solidarity" for the things "we need to fight for."

"We need fair wages. We need our jobs to not be outsourced. We need immigration rights," she said. "We need them not bringing ICE onto our campuses and we also need decent wages and respect."

Yvonne Wheeler, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, told LAist that her message was one of unity.

"Immigrants are being deported and workers are under attack, and so we have to stay united and in solidarity with one another," she said. "One fight, one message, one struggle, one fight. Workers are united today."

About a dozen of rallies to honor the International Workers' Day were also held on Thursday in other cities across Southern California. 

Demonstrators march in downtown Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Demonstrators rally in downtown Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Demonstrators march in downtown Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Demonstrators rally in downtown Los Angeles, California, the United States, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)
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]

On Wednesday April 30, Mohsen Mahdawi, a student at Columbia University and a legal permanent resident of the United States, was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody by a court order from US District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford.

Mahdawi was taken into ICE custody on April 14 after appearing at the Colchester, Vermont, office of Citizenship and Immigration Services, for what he was told was an interview for citizenship. In fact, it was a trap which ICE had prepared to snatch Mahdawi. The deportation was halted by the order of Judge William Sessions III, in response to a habeas petition filed by Mahdawis lawyers. The Trump administrations attorneys sought to have the petition quashed in order to keep Mahdawi in ICE custody and ultimately deport him from the US.

Mahdawi was a leading figure alongside Mahmoud Khalil in the student protests against Israels genocide in Gaza at Columbia University in 2023 and 2024. Khalil remains in ICE detention in Louisiana after being kidnapped by agents from his New York City apartment in a warrantless raid on March 8.

Born in the West Bank in Palestine, Mahdawi is a personal witness to the crimes committed by Israel and American imperialism against the Palestinian people.

Judge Crawford compared the detention of Mahdawi and other international students and protesters to the Red Scare of the 1950s, and described the detention of Mahdawi as being intended to have a chilling effect on free political speech, intended to shut down debate.

The two weeks of detention so far demonstrate great harm to a person who has been charged with no crime, Crawford said, before ordering Mahdawis release. In the release order Crawford said Mahdawi has a substantial claim that the government arrested him to stifle speech with which it disagrees.



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, Crawford noted.

Even if he were a firebrand, his conduct is protected by the First AmendmentThe court is aware that he has offended his political opponents and apparently given rise to concerns at the State Department that he is an obstacle to American foreign policy. Such conduct is insufficient to support a finding that he is in any way a danger as we use that term in the context of detention and release.

The argument of the government in this case is the invocation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, also known as the McCarran Act, legislation which dates to the period of the McCarthyite witch-hunts. The government has argued in court that because Secretary of State Marco Rubio has determined that their presence and activities in the United States would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise compelling U.S. foreign policy interest, Mahdawi and other anti-war students should not be allowed to remain in the United States despite their legal status as students and residents.

In an attempt to slander Mahdawi, the government put forward baseless claims from a closed 10-year-old investigation which it used to argue that he was a threat to national security. In response, Mahdawi said 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. I am heartbroken to have such appalling words, which stand in complete contrast to my philosophy on life and spiritual beliefs, misattributed to me.

The government also dug up expunged records, and grossly exaggerated prior cases against Mahdawi, such as claiming he was arrested for possession of schedule 1 drugs, including Methamphetamine, when in fact the only drugs in his possession were medications prescribed by his doctor. Mahdawis lawyer characterized the methods utilized by the government as digging into the very depths of the barrel to try to find anything they can on Mr. Mahdawi.

Government lawyer Michael Drescher argued that the District Court judges have no jurisdiction over deportation proceedings and claimed total authority for the executive branch to remove anyone, including legal permanent residents and naturalized citizens, with no oversight from the courts or due process: 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.

In his statements to an audience of supporters outside the court, Mahdawi said:

Judge Crawford, who ruled to release me against all of the heinous accusations, horrible attacks, chills of speech, First Amendment violationshe had made a very brave decision to let me out, and 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. I am saying it, clear and loud, to President Trump and his Cabinet, Im not afraid of you. We must 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 included in his remarks an appeal for the freedom of other students targeted in the Trump administrations crackdown on anti-war speech: 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.

As of this writing, it is estimated that over 3,000 students have had their visas or Green Cards revoked. The Trump administration is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to parse mass data surveillance to identify and target students for their political viewpoints, as a part of their catch and revoke program.

The logic of the assault on political free speech does not stop with the proscription of anti-war and anti-Zionist political viewpoints. The methods and arguments made in the case against Mahdawi will be used against anyone, including citizens who express any opposition to the policies of the Trump administration and the capitalist ruling elite it represents.

While Mahdawi has been freed from ICE custody, the case for his removal from the US is proceeding. The government is seeking Mahdawis removal as the spearhead of Trumps efforts to establish a dictatorship in the United States. It is not only an assault on the First Amendment free speech rights of student visa holders and legal permanent residents, but of the entire population.

To oppose the Trump administrations push for a dictatorship, it is necessary for workers, youth, and students to take up the fight for the defense and expansion of democratic rights and to build a mass movement of the international working class on the basis of a socialist program.
Socialist Equality Party campaigners, led by Senate candidate in the federal election Taylor Hernan, spoke with workers and young people over the weekend in Footscray, Melbourne, where police shot dead 35-year-old Abdifatah Ahmed on April 17.

The police killing of a homeless and mentally ill man has triggered an outraged reaction, with hundreds of local residents rallying in the last two weeks at a vigil and demonstration. The SEP team distributed a World Socialist Web Site article that condemned the killing, outlined the class issues involved in what is only the latest in a series of police violence incidents, and indicted the Labor Party for its law and order agenda that has seen stepped up police repression on working-class communities.

Dut Dut

Dut Dut told the WSWS: Well, this is actually not lawful. It was not just one round [of bullets] thats happened, its a few rounds. This was actually unlawful.

It shouldnt be the police reactionthey could have tasered and taken him and have him to calm down. He was a homeless person and he was suffering with his mental health. He didnt know what he was doing; he was not a trouble maker. He was just a person trying to live, this person was an innocent person. I know the police have a duty to do their job, but at the same time we need the public and the council to build housing for the homeless people. We need the whole youth and community to act on that, and build social housing for others, and community and families too. There are kids on the street also.

He continued: We have elections coming on May 3 and the public needs to act and bring about change, because this matter is a matter for all the public.

Darren and Carmel

Carmel explained her reaction: I thought it was really cruel. The police shouldnt shoot homeless people. It was just really, really very cruel.

Asked about what should have been the response, she replied: They should have called in the CAT [Crisis Assessment and Treatment, mental health response] team, because he had mental health issues. I really feel sorry for him, I really do. You know about the conditions in Footscray; theyre getting more serious, with the police coming through as more aggressive. They are coming through more frequently, and since this shooting has happened they are coming through more, and theres been a lot more of them.

Darren added: If youve got a badge, uphold the law properly. Dont take the law in your own hands, especially with mental health. If youre going to be a police officer, use the position to uphold the law properly and not take the law in your own hands. They hide behind their badge, and they hide behind the commissioner, and the commissioner backs them. We homeless people, were in the worst situation of all, so why should we suffer?

Rose said: Its absolutely horrifying! Its so sad that they thought that they had no other way of managing a situation like that outside of taking a life. Lots of things should change, I think that the situation requires a multi-pronged response. If the response is to be holistic, it needs to respond to the root causes of the mental health and AOD [Alcohol and Other Drugs] situation that were seeing.

Im reluctant to say that throwing money at mental health is going to get to the bottom of this. I think people need to have other supports, you know, not everyone can go into a psych office and solve all their problems then and there. I think people need jobs. People need to be in community. People need to have a purpose in their life and see themselves reflected in the society as being a valuable contributor, and some types of mental health solutions arent going to do that.

Frank, a middle-aged Footscray resident, explained that he knew Abdifatah Ahmed: I used to give him cigarettes when I would walk past him, adding: Where were the tasers? Is that what they teach the police now? How to shoot in the head first and not even release the buckle of the taser? It spins my head around, because I have no doubt in my mind that they could have 100 percent done something to prevent that. You have to be in arms reach to stab somebody, but Im sure that they shot him from a distance.

Frank continued: I was homeless myself not too long ago and my mate put me up. And hes unemployed and he earns around $800 a fortnight, $500 of that goes to his rent, and the welfare is supposed to help people like that. Its just a joke. There needs to be better access to public housing, and rent to be 30 percent of your income, not 65 or 70 percent. Its a real joke.

He explained that when homeless he was told the waiting list for public housing was 710 years. Asked if there was any assistance from the major parties, Frank responded firmly: No, not at all. They might talk the talk but when it comes to walking the walk I really dont have an answer but I just know that its scary, you know. Ive got three kids under twelve. What hope have they got by the time theyre adults?

A young woman named Sore said: I feel like the killing was unfair, it was an injustice. I believe that the police should have used different strategies. The outcome was terrible. The way they went about it, it could have been done differently. I believe that its unnecessary for anyone to be shot, however many times they were. I think maybe if we had more rehab, different facilities and organisations for the homeless, then they wouldnt end up in the situation that Abdifatah was in. I think he needed more than rehab. I think he needed someone to care for, to listen to.

He was homeless, and he was also dealing with mental health problems. So he needed help, and then the police were the first to respond. So its very unfortunate that the shooting happened from the people that were supposed to be there for him. I myself am one of those residents who have lived in public housing. So I know the benefits and the impacts it has on us. I think housing is really important for a lot of reasons. Its a necessity, its not a choice. Everybody deserves to have a shelter over their heads. Its a human right. So without having those, someones rights are being breached and thats not good.

Labor and Liberal are not really focused on housing and whats necessary for the people. I think theyre more focused on the rich. You know, making the rich richer. It would be nice if we can have a party that advocates for the disadvantaged. And then so we wouldnt have incidents like what happened on Easter.

Theo

Theo said, Its another example of state violence. And the lack of a complex approach to the complex issues that we face in society, and a willingness to engage with those issues, rather than revert to the gun and engage in violence.

There needs to be security in terms of housing, in terms of support, being able to provide someone with regularity, with a sense of stability and security. There need to be good jobs and affordable housing. The ability to find help and to have financial stability, for Centrelink to be enough for people to not have to stress about how to get by day to day, where to find food, where to find shelter. All those, there are many things that can be improved.

Theo added: I think that is a class issue, the way in which the demographics of these areas are being changed, moving populations around. There is a move to push working-class people out of the inner city and to replace them with private housing. Now that rich people want to live in the inner city, it just means that those people who provide services now have to travel way more, they have more stress placed on their lives. The flow-on effects of that are huge.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
TEHRAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Thursday that the fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States, scheduled for Saturday in Rome, has been postponed at the mediator Oman's proposal.

He made the announcement in an address to reporters, adding that the new dates would be announced later, according to a statement by the ministry.

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran's determination to use diplomacy to safeguard the nation's "legitimate and legal" interests and to end the sanctions and economic pressure against Iran.

The spokesman stressed that "since entering the talks with goodwill, the Iranian delegation has been discussing specific frameworks based on the country's principled positions under international law regarding using nuclear energy peacefully and ending illegal sanctions, demonstrating its seriousness in result-oriented talks aimed at achieving a just, rational, and sustainable agreement."

Earlier in the day, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi officially announced on social media platform X that the fourth round of the Iran-U.S. talks scheduled for Saturday had been postponed for "logistical reasons," adding, "New dates will be announced when mutually agreed."

Oman has been facilitating the dialogue between Iran and the United States to help narrow differences between the two countries and promote regional stability. With the Omani mediation, the first and third rounds of Iran-U.S. talks were held in the Omani capital Muscat on April 12 and April 26, and the second one in Rome on April 19. 
HONG KONG, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong has emerged as a top destination for Chinese mainland outbound tourists, recording over 300,000 visits as of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, the first day of the five-day May Day holiday, of whom more than 182,000 were from the mainland.

The concept of eco-tourism has gained traction among visitors, who are seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of cities. On Thursday morning, a large crowd of Chinese mainland visitors, equipped with professional hiking gear, passed through the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point, eager to explore Hong Kong's natural beauty.

Jiang, a tourist from Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, expressed her excitement about hiking the iconic MacLehose Trail, a tough but rewarding route with some of the most stunning mountain and sea views, which has been hailed by the National Geographic magazine as one of the world's best trekking routes. Her itinerary includes three days of the hiking, followed by two days of "citywalk."

At the West Kowloon Station, the arrival hall buzzed with activity. Chan, a visitor from southeast China's Fujian Province, recalled that his previous trips to Hong Kong were merely stopovers. This time, however, he decided to fully experience the city's attractions.

"I haven't set a budget cap for this trip; I want to return with unforgettable memories," he said. He booked a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui near Victoria Harbor, easily accessible to Hong Kong's must-see tourist spots.

To reinforce its traditional strengths while innovating service models to improve visitor experiences and satisfaction, the Hong Kong Tourism Board launched a special consultation webpage for the May Day holiday, featuring information on attraction hours and hiking tips.

For the convenience of hikers, shuttle bus services to Sai Kung, where the MacLehose Trail starts, have increased in frequency and now support mobile payment options. Approximately 19 shopping malls are offering discounts and cashback promotions, and some hotels have introduced panda-themed suites with corresponding dining experiences.

In addition to these attractions, traditional cultural events such as the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival are taking place during the holiday period. On Thursday evening, a themed drone show lit up the waterfront of Wanchai, featuring classic scenes from such intangible cultural heritage as the Bun Festival and the dance of Qilin, all set against the backdrop of the city skyline.

The nearly 12-minute spectacle concluded with a display of the characters for peace and good fortune, drawing cheers from the audience and leaving visitors eager for their upcoming adventures in Hong Kong.

The Travel Industry Authority reported that on Thursday, Hong Kong's Labor Day, also Day One of the Chinese mainland's five-day May Day holiday, 258 tour groups from the Chinese mainland visited the city, marking a strong start to the holiday season.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has predicted a total of more than 800,000 visits from the Chinese mainland during the May Day holiday period. 
NAIROBI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has submitted its Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, outlining its roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change from 2031 to 2035, a senior official said.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit revised NDCs, or national carbon-cutting targets, every five years. Kenya met its submission deadline of April 30, 2025, and its new submission aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2035, equivalent to eliminating 75.25 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

"Kenya envisions a climate-resilient society where livelihoods, communities, socio-economic sectors, infrastructure, and ecosystems, will thrive despite the current and projected impacts of climate change," Deborah Barasa, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Wednesday evening.

Barasa said that the NDCs demonstrate Kenya's resolve to pursue bold, inclusive, and forward-looking climate action, including adaptation strategies and mechanisms to finance loss and damage, despite global uncertainties.

"Kenya reaffirms her leadership in global climate change and calls upon the international community to support this bold and ambitious agenda which aims to unlock sustainable development opportunities," Barasa added.

To realize the new climate blueprint, the Kenyan government plans to fund 20 percent of the target through domestic resources and will seek international support to cover the remaining 80 percent. This includes climate finance, investments, technology development and transfer, capacity building, and participation in global carbon markets, Barasa said.

The updated NDCs also aim to drive transformative economic development, innovation, and inclusive growth across key sectors. The government estimates it will require approximately 56 billion U.S. dollars for mitigation and adaptation efforts between 2031 and 2035, contributing about 2.1 billion dollars annually from domestic sources. 
People watch a televised address by Han Duck-soo at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, May 1, 2025. South Korea's acting president and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on Thursday in a televised address to the nation. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

SEOUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's acting president and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on Thursday in a televised address to the nation, amid wide expectations for his presidential run.

Han said that he decided to step down in order to do what he can and has to do at the time of crisis faced by the country, noting that unless the extreme politics are abandoned and the foundation for cooperation is established, division and conflict will be repeated no matter who will be in power.

He emphasized that he will go all the way to be the best for South Korea at this moment and in the future to the end.

With Han's resignation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok will serve as acting president.

Han is widely predicted to announce his bid for the June 3 snap presidential election on Friday.

He has been one of the favored presidential hopefuls for conservative voters following the removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol from office over his botched martial law imposition.

A recent survey showed Han garnered a support rate of 13 percent, surpassing approval scores of the conservative People Power Party's presidential contenders.

It was far below the 42 percent support for Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the majority liberal Democratic Party.

The result was based on a poll of 1,000 voters conducted from Monday to Wednesday. It had plus and minus 3.1 percentage points in margin of error with a 95-percent confidence level. 

People watch a televised address by Han Duck-soo at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, May 1, 2025. South Korea's acting president and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on Thursday in a televised address to the nation. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

People watch a televised address by Han Duck-soo at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, May 1, 2025. South Korea's acting president and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on Thursday in a televised address to the nation. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)
Lenin Peak, a towering giant in the Pamirs, has attracted climbers for decades. We examine its first ascents (one from the south and one from the north) as well as two expeditions that ended in tragedy, including the deadliest-ever mountaineering disaster.

Lenin Peak

Lenin Peak (7,134m) is located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the Pamir Mountains. Its northern slopes are in Kyrgyzstans Alai Province, and its southern slopes are in Tajikistans Gorno-Badakhshan region. The summit lies on the border, making it a shared peak between the two countries.

It is the highest peak in the Trans-Alay Range, and the second highest in both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, surpassed only by 7,495m Ismoil Somoni Peak in Tajikistan and 7,439m Jengish Chokusu in Kyrgyzstan.

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Lenin Peak is one of five 7,000m peaks in the former USSR. Climbers must summit all five to achieve the prestigious Snow Leopard Award. Decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, climbers still pursue the Snow Leopard challenge.

Lenin Peak. Photo: Nihongarden

A peak with many names

In 1871, the peak was named Mount Kaufman after Konstantin Kaufman, the first Governor-General of Russian Turkestan. In 1928, it was unsurprisingly renamed Lenin Peak.

The current official name differs between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In Kyrgyzstan, it is called Lenin Chokusu (Lenin Peak), while in Tajikistan, it is Qullai Abuali Ibni Sino (Ibn Sina Peak or Avicenna Peak). Tajikistan renamed the mountain in 2006 after the Persian scholar Abu Ali ibn Sina.

Local Kyrgyz names include Jel-Aidar (Winds God) and Achyk-Tash (Open Rock).

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Well call the mountain Lenin Peak, as it bore this name for three of the four expeditions we cover in this article.

Renowned as one of the most accessible 7,000ers, hundreds of climbers visit Lenin Peak annually. Most climb the classic north face route, approaching from Osh in Kyrgyzstan. However, the mountains reputation as the easiest 7,000m peak is misleading because of its high altitude, unpredictable weather, and avalanche risk.

The western Pamirs in Tajikistan. Photo: Michal Knitl

The first ascent

In September 1928, a Soviet-German expedition targeted Lenin Peak. The team included German climbers Eugen Allwein and Karl Wien, and Austrian Erwin Schneider, supported by Soviet climbers and porters. The expedition was a joint effort to map the Pamirs.

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They approached from the south side, starting in the Saukdara River Valley, continuing up the south slope of the Trans-Alay Range, and then ascending via the Greater Saukdara Glacier. Their route wound from Krylenko Pass (a saddle that connects the Greater Saukdara Glacier to the upper slopes of Lenin Peak at 5,820m) to the northeast ridge toward the summit.

The three climbers faced brutal conditions with rudimentary gear: canvas jackets, wool layers, and leather boots with nail soles. High winds and subzero temperatures tested their endurance. On September 25 at 3:30 pm, Allwein, Wien, and Schneider reached the summit.

During the descent, the climbers suffered severe frostbite that required medical care in Osh. They left no summit proof on top, leading some to question their success. Despite some skepticism, authorities accepted their ascent, marking a historic first. The team also set a new mountaineering altitude record, surpassing that set by Alexander Kellas on 7,128m Pauhunri in 1911.

Erwin Schneider. Photo: Wikipedia

The first ascent from the north

In 1934, Soviet climbers tried from the northern side. The expedition, backed by the Red Army, included siblings Vitaly and Yevgeny Abalakov, Kasian Chernuha, and Ivan Lukin.

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They started from Achik-Tash Canyon, ascending to Lenin Glaciers western ice slope on the north face. They reached the crest of the northeast ridge at approximately 6,500m and continued along the ridge to the summit. En route, they established camps at 5,700m, 6,500m, and 7,000m.

On September 8 at 4:20 pm, Chernuha, Vitaly Abalakov, and Lukin summited after a four-day climb. Abalakov placed a bust of Vladimir Lenin on the summit.

Lenin Peak. Photo: Allen Steck

The 1974 tragedy

In 1974, Lenin Peak hosted an international mountaineering camp, attracting nearly 200 climbers.

A Soviet all-female team led by Elvira Shatayeva planned a traverse, ascending via the Lipkin Ridge on the north face, and descending the Razdelnaya Route on Lenin Peak's northern side.

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The women topped out on August 7, despite warnings from base camp of an approaching storm. The storm, the worst in 25 years, caught them below the summit. The wind exceeded 100kph, shredded the partys thin cotton tents, and exposed Shatayeva's team to temperatures below -20C. They didn't want to abandon each other, and all eight stayed together until their last breath.

The eight women who died on Lenin Peak in 1974. Photo: CNN

Shatayeva maintained radio contact with base camp, reporting dwindling supplies and frostbite. American climber John Roskelley and some nearby Japanese alpinists attempted a rescue but were repelled by the blizzard. Over two days, the women succumbed to hypothermia and exhaustion.

Shatayevas last radio message was: "I'm alone now, with just a few minutes left to live. See you in eternity."

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All eight women perished, and climbers later found their bodies scattered along the summit ridge. The disaster, caused by inadequate gear and the ferocity of the storm, shocked the mountaineering community.

The deadliest mountaineering tragedy

In the summer of 1990, 45 climbers, primarily from the Leningrad Mountaineering Club, were at Camp 2 (5,300m) on what is now called the Razdelnaya Route on Peak Lenin's north face. The party included Soviet climbers Leonid Troshchinenko, Vladimir Voronin, and Alexei Koren (among others), six mountaineers from the former Czechoslovakia (including Miroslav Brozman), four Israelis, two Swiss climbers, and one Spaniard.

Some of the routes on Lenin Peak. Photo: Centralasia Travel

On July 13 at 9:30 pm, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake (with its epicenter in Afghanistans Hindu Kush) shook the Pamirs. It dislodged a serac from nearby Chapaev Peak, triggering a massive avalanche. Snow and ice hit Camp 2 on Lenin Peak, burying the climbers in seconds, and killing 43 people from five nations.

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Koren and Brozman, who were positioned at the camps edge, survived with a broken arm and leg, respectively. They heard the trapped climbers cries as the debris froze into the glacial ice.

According to Charles Huss's report for the American Alpine Journal, a few other climbers were lucky to survive. Vladimir Balyberdin had decided at the last minute to move to Camp 3 with some friends, and six English climbers escaped because they had established their bivouac some distance from the main camp.

Rescue efforts

Soviet helicopters searched for the avalanche victims but initially could only recover one body. In 2004, because of glacial melt, human remains surfaced at 4,200m, with more emerging in 2008.

A plaque near the Achik-Tash base camp commemorates the victims of the 1990 disaster. It remains the deadliest single mountaineering accident in history.
COLUMBUS A Tuscarawas County teen recently returned from a 10-day trip to the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, where she gained valuable insights into agriculture and culture.

According to an announcement, Maggie Hamilton was one of 15 Ohio 4-H members who participated in the Ohio 4-H Greece Immersion Trip. The trip was organized by Ohio 4-H and aimed to immerse participants in Greek culture while exploring diverse career pathways in agriculture and related fields.

Throughout the trip, Hamilton and her peers engaged in activities, including hands-on agricultural experiences, cultural excursions and interactive workshops. They explored ancient landmarks and learned about sustainable farming practices, gaining insights into Greek culture and the agricultural industry.

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Maggie exemplifies the drive and openness we hope to spark in every young person, said Steve Brady, assist professor and 4-H educator who led the trip. This experience in Greece allowed her to step outside her comfort zone, engage with new cultures and take important steps toward becoming a thoughtful, globally minded leader.

Ohio 4-H is the youth development program of OSU Extension, the outreach program of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Tuscarawas County 4-H member participates in trip to Greece
What's in a name? If you live in or around certain Missouri communities, perhaps a laugh, an eye roll or a long story.

On a recent refresh of its state-by-state features, World Atlas tallied up "7 Bizarrely Named Towns" in the Show Me State, the "quirky communities (that) also prove that Missouris first settlers may have had a slightly mischievous sense of humor."

For the residents of these towns, and/or long-term Missourians, the article might elicit little surprise. But it's worth digging into these names a little further along with World Atlas.

The Gateway Arch of St. Louis, Missouri, and the Mississippi River as seen from East St. Louis, Illinois, on June 27, 2022.

Climax Springs

County: Camden

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Population: Around 120

What's behind the name: The moniker "supposedly derives from the excitement felt by its discoverers after looking so hard for the waters source," World Atlas notes.

Cooter

County: Pemiscot

Population: Around 350

What's behind the name: The "subject of much local debate," the name is sometimes assigned to a local turtle. But "the more likely explanation is that its a misspelling of the family name" Coutre that belonged to a group of French Canadian settlers, the article explains.

World Atlas continues: "Whatever the case, the name itself certainly draws attention for a slang term that we wont get into here (you can always look it up!), with day trippers visiting to grab a selfie standing next to the town sign."

Humansville

County: Polk

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Population: Around 900

What's behind the name: The community was "named in honor of an early settler named James Human in the mid-19th century," World Atlas tells readers.

Knob Noster

County: Johnson

Population: Around 2,800

What's behind a name: "Knob Noster owes its title to two local topographical features," World Atlas explains: "prominent knobs (or hills) in the otherwise flat surroundings" and the "Noster" part of the name is translated from the Latin for "our," meaning "our hills."

More: 2 mid-Missouri communities make list of Missouri's 'friendliest little towns'

Licking

County: Texas

Population: Around 2,900

What's behind the name: "Despite what you might be thinking, Licking owes its unusual name to a natural salt lick in the area where wildlife once gathered," World Atlas notes.

Peculiar

County: Cass

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Population: About 4,600

What's behind the name: According to World Atlas, in the late 1860s, a list of potential town names was rejected, one-by-one, for their use elsewhere; "in exasperation, the local postmaster reportedly said he didnt care what they called it, so long as it was something 'peculiar.' "

Tightwad

County: Henry

Population: Around 80

What's behind the name: The postmaster strikes again: "Legend has it that it a local postmaster, frustrated after being charged an extra 50 cents for a watermelon, called the shopkeeper a 'tightwad,' " the article notes.

Read more on these town names at https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-bizarrely-named-towns-in-missouri.html.

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Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: World Atlas chooses 7 most 'bizarrely named' Missouri towns
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Frankfort man has been charged with arson after a deadly fire killed two Franklin County teens early Wednesday.

The Franklin County Sheriffs Office told FOX 56 crews were called to the scene around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, to a home on Flat Creek Road.

The sheriffs office hosted a news conference on Thursday to give an update on a fire investigation.

Upon arrival, the Franklin County Fire Department, the Frankfort Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriffs Office found the one-story home completely engulfed in flames. We were immediately made aware that multiple individuals were potentially trapped inside, said Dwayne Depp, chief deputy with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office.

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RELATED | 2 teenagers killed in Franklin County house fire

Authorities said a witness at the scene made it known that not everyone from the building was accounted for.

I think there was an individual that was on scene that advised how many people lived in the home, and they were not present, Cpt. Daniel Wills with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office told FOX 56.

Officials said two teenage boys were found dead inside, and no one else was in the home.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Dustin Fields, 43. (Franklin County Regional Jail)

According to the sheriffs office, 43-year-old Dustin Fields was charged with first-degree arson and lodged in the Franklin County Regional Jail.

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The arrest citation noted that Fields used accelerants to set the fire and was detected by a K9 on his shoes and throughout the home, specifically where the bodies were discovered.

Court documents showed the victims were his two sons. Fields reportedly knew the boys were inside, and his statements were inconsistent and conflicted with witnesses.

On Thursday, the sheriffs office also confirmed that a dead dog was found inside the home.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

Franklin County Coroner Will Harrod said in a news release on Thursday that autopsy results will not be available for 16 to 20 weeks.

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We continue to talk to different people throughout the day. Were continually getting phone calls, people with information wanting to give us, wanting to share, so this is ongoing, Wills noted.

Officials said the investigation may result in additional charges as it remains ongoing

Fields is held on a $2 million bond and is set to be arraigned at 10 a.m. on May 5.

Daegiona Wilson and Madylin Goins contributed to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
DANVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  One man has been arrested, and authorities said more arrests are pending in a Danville drug bust carried out by Harrodsburg police and deputies with the Boyle County Sheriffs Office (BCSO).

Just after 11 a.m. on Thursday, the Harrodsburg Police Department (HPD) posted on Facebook that officers carried out a search warrant in Danville that led to the discovery of a large amount of cash and drugs, including marijuana and cocaine, as well as at least two guns.

The Harrodsburg Police Department wrote on Facebook that Officers seized suspected marijuana and cocaine. Officers also seized firearms and US Currency. (Harrodsburg Police Department)

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Pernell Doneghy, 62, was arrested in connection with the drug investigation on Wednesday and booked in the Boyle County Detention Center just after 1 a.m. on Thursday. He was charged with:

First-degree trafficking in a controlled substance  first offense  greater than or equal to four grams of cocaine

Trafficking in 8 ounces to less than five pounds of marijuana  first offense

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

The drug investigation remains ongoing by Harrodsburg police with the help of the BCSO, authorities wrote.

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.
Two people died Wednesday after being swept in floodwaters as heavy rain struck Oklahoma and Texas, where around 16 million people were under high water alerts, officials said.

A man in Pottawatomie County died after his vehicle was swept off a roadway around 12:30 p.m., and a sheriffs deputy who tried to save him also became trapped in the water, the sheriffs office said. Firefighters rescued the deputy.

"Tragically, despite every effort made, the individual in distress could not be reached in time and passed away at the scene," the sheriffs office said in a statement on social media. "Our hearts are heavy tonight for this loss of life, and we extend our deepest condolences to the mans family and loved ones."

A water rescue near Highway 102 and Macomb in Pottawatomie County, Okla., after flooding Wednesday.

A view of the water rescue in Pottawatomie County.

Meanwhile, an 86-year-old woman identified as Eileen Sanders, of Prague, Oklahoma, drowned in Lincoln County Wednesday after her vehicle entered high water around 3 p.m. and got swept away, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety said.

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Both she and a passenger were able to exit the vehicle, but Sanders went underwater and did not resurface. The Prague Fire Department rescued the passenger with her.

The deaths occurred as roadways and other areas in central Oklahoma and the Dallas area flooded due to heavy rain caused by a stalled frontal boundary, according to the National Weather Service.

The heavy rain there came a day after severe weather contributed to the deaths of four people in Pennsylvania, one of whom was electrocuted as he tried to extinguish a mulch fire, police said.

Around 2 inches of rain fell in Wichita Falls, Texas, and 2.8 inches in Lawton, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, which set daily records, forecasters at the weather service in Norman, Oklahoma, said. Radar estimates, which have not yet been verified, show areas of up to 8 inches in the state over the 72 hours leading up to Wednesday night.

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Around 16 million people were under flood watches or warnings in Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri on Wednesday afternoon, according to the weather service.

Tornado watches also covered an area where almost 5 million people live, from eastern Texas to northern Louisiana and most of Arkansas, on Wednesday afternoon, it said.

In Skiatook, north of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol used an airboat on city streets as it monitored rising floodwaters from Bird Creek and prepared to assist with any rescues, according to a post on X.

The heaviest rain threat was for southeastern Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, and western Arkansas, the weather service said.

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The heaviest rain had moved out of southeastern Oklahoma by late Wednesday afternoon, according to the weather service in Norman, but rivers were expected to continue flooding through Thursday.

In the Dallas area, a flood warning remained in effect for Rowlett Creek near Sachse until 7:50 a.m. Thursday. Moderate flooding was expected, the weather service said.

The rain for the south-central United States is expected to end Thursday, but the risk of thunderstorms will then move to the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys, the weather service said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One driver was injured Thursday morning after running into the back of an Independence police vehicle on Interstate 70.

The incident happened while Independence police officers were blocking traffic at the scene of an earlier crash on the interstate near Noland Road.

Police chase ends with officers shooting, killing suspect accused of shooting ex-wifes partner

According to a news release from Independence police, a driver in a westbound Chevrolet Malibu failed to yield to emergency vehicles and struck the back of a parked police SUV that had its emergency lights on.

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No one was inside the police SUV at the time of the crash, and no injuries were reported to any emergency personnel.

The driver of the Chevrolet was injured and taken to a hospital.

All lanes of I-70 were reopened by 7:20 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
One person was taken to the hospital after a reported shooting in a Dayton neighborhood Wednesday night, a Montgomery County dispatch supervisor confirmed.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Dayton police were called to the 900 block of Haller Avenue on reports of a shooting before 10:45 p.m.

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Storm Center 7 weather cameras captured a large police presence heading towards the scene.

The dispatch supervisor said one person was hospitalized with minor injuries.

It is unclear if police have any suspects in this incident.

Additional information was not immediately available.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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ULAN BATOR, May 1 (Xinhua)-- The Mongolian leg of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language proficiency competition for foreign university students was held here Thursday.

This year's competition was organized with the theme "One World, One Family."

A total of 21 finalists from five universities across Mongolia competed in the final round of the "Chinese Bridge" contest in three categories: a themed speech, a quiz, and a talent show.

Nomin, a fourth-year female student from the Mongolian National University of Education, emerged as the champion and will proceed to the final round in China.

The competition was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and organized by the Confucius Institute at the National University of Mongolia.

It aims to provide Mongolian university students with a dream stage to showcase their Chinese proficiency and Chinese talents, inspiring children's enthusiasm to explore China. 
One person was killed and three more residents injured when a fire broke out early Thursday morning in a Jersey City apartment building.

The deceased victim was identified only as a man in his 40s, WABC reported. A woman, also in her 40s, and two children under 10 years old were hospitalized.

Four firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, according to News 12 New Jersey. Three were treated for burn injuries while one suffered from smoke inhalation.

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The fire erupted around 3:30 a.m. in a mixed-use building that includes a laundromat on the bottom floor and apartments above it, WPIX reported. The building sits at the corner of Summit Ave. and Mercer St., about 3 miles west of Manhattan.

Investigators said the fire appeared to start in the kitchen of a second-floor apartment, according to WABC. Cops said it was not considered suspicious.

The Red Cross said it will help 18 residents from six units find temporary housing while the building is repaired, WNBC reported.

Thursday mornings blaze was the second deadly fire in Jersey City in the past two months. Terrance Culbreath, 53, was killed in a March 11 fire that ripped through his apartment on Van Nostrand Ave. No other injuries were reported in the afternoon blaze.

That fire was also not considered suspicious, and investigators said it also started in the kitchen of Culbreaths second-floor unit.
Three local men rescued a 10 ft. stranded great white shark near the town of Ardrossan in South Australia on Tuesday, April 29

Tourist Nash Core was visiting the area with his family when he saw the locals gathering near the shark, which was stuck in shallow waters on a sandbank near the beach

The three men used tools to help move the shark into deeper water, spending nearly an hour on the rescue

A 10 ft. great white shark was rescued from shallow waters by locals in Australia.

Three men were able to return the shark, which was stuck on a sandbank, to deeper water, saving it from being beached, near the coastal town of Ardrossan in South Australia on Tuesday, April 29, according to ABC News.

Getty Great white shark Great white shark

The outlet reported that tourist Nash Core saw people gathering near the stranded shark while traveling with his wife Ash Core and their sons Parker, 11, and Lennox, 7. He filmed the scene using a drone before going into the water with Parker to see if additional help was needed.

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We were off to go to some crab breaking, what the locals do down here in South Australia, and we were approaching a headland and we [saw] some people just standing on the cliff, looking out, Core told AP News. We thought, Whats going on here? So [we] had a bit of a look ourselves and we [saw] a shark in the shallow waters, not too far off the land.

In his drone footage, the shark can be seen stranded in the shallow waters with three men standing nearby.

Core admitted that he had some nerves about the rescue operation.

Getty The cliffs around Ardrossan in South Australia The cliffs around Ardrossan in South Australia

Related: Nantucket Beachgoers Push Stranded Great White Shark Back into Ocean: 'It Was So Helpless'

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To be honest, I sort of did have some thoughts about Why am I going out here? but as we were going out, my young son Parker turned to me and said, Dad, my hearts pounding. I said, Yeah, mines beating pretty fast too,' " he recalled to AP.

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By the time the father and son arrived on scene to help, the three men had used crab rakes to move the shark into deeper water, according to ABC.

Related: Brave Good Samaritans Save Large Shark Stranded on Florida Beach in Dramatic Rescue Watch!

Core reportedly decided not to directly involve himself in the rescue, saying he thought it was "not a good idea to go any further" since the shark was already "into deeper water."

"Thats its territory and Ill stay back, he told ABC.

Hamish Anderson, one of the locals who helped rescue the shark, told ABC Radio Adelaide, per Australian Broadcasting Network, that the shark "never tried to turn around or anything like that. It sort of just let us help it."

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"It was a bit hard to get it off the sandbank itself but the deeper the water, the easier it got," he continued, adding, "It still didn't want to go so we had to go in again and give it a bit more of a shove."

Core also recalled his conversation with the rescuers.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

I was talking to them on the way back in; we were all just having a laugh. They just took it in their stride like it was just something that happens every day, Core told AP. I said, Is that something youve seen before?' They're like, No.' "

PEOPLE has contacted South Australia Police for comment but did not hear back at the time of publishing.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection to a San Francisco cold case homicide, police announced Wednesday. The victim, 30-year-old Karl Holmberg, was fatally stabbed in the Hayes Valley neighborhood on Saturday, August 3, 1991.

Holmberg was at Hayes and Laguna streets around 9:40 p.m. when he was attacked by a group of young men, according to the San Francisco Police Department. As he was being assaulted, one of the men stabbed Holmberg.

San Francisco homicide victim Karl Holmberg (Photo: San Francisco Police Department)

After the attack, Holmberg walked to the area of Laguna and Fell streets where he collapsed from his injuries, SFPD said. He would later be pronounced deceased at San Francisco General Hospital.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact SFPD Investigator Thomas Newland at 415-553-1145. Outside of business hours, people can call the Operations Center at 415-553-1071. Anonymous tips can be made at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
In the days after gunmen killed at least 26 people in the picturesque tourist resort of Pahalgam in India-administered Kashmir last week, India and Pakistan announced a string of diplomatic moves against each other, including shutting down cross-border trade and suspending visas.

New Delhi accused Islamabad of involvement in the April 22 attack, suspended Indias participation in an Indus River water-sharing agreement that ensures Pakistans water supply and trimmed down diplomatic missions.

Islamabad has denied Indias accusations, called for a neutral investigation into the attack and announced it would suspend all trade with India, including through third countries, among other retaliatory measures. India-Pakistan trade relations have been frozen since 2019.

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Both countries have also closed the Wagah-Attari crossing, the main land border between India and Pakistan.

But while official figures show minimal trade between the neighbouring countries, experts said billions of dollars of hidden, backdoor trading does continue.

So what is the real scale of trade between these archrivals? And will the suspension of trade and closure of the land border truly impact trading still taking place between the two countries?





Have India and Pakistan traded freely in the past?

Yes. Trade between India and Pakistan began after the two countries were created out of British India in 1947 through partition.

Trading volumes grew when New Delhi bestowed Islamabad with the most favoured nation (MFN) status in 1996  a World Trade Organization rule that ensures a country treats all its trading partners equally with respect to tariffs and trade concessions.

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But amid broader bilateral tensions between the nuclear armed neighbours, trade never fully took off. At least officially.

In the financial year 2017-2018, total trade between India and Pakistan stood at $2.41bn, compared with $2.27bn in 2016-2017. India exported goods worth $1.92bn to Pakistan and imported goods valued at $488.5m.

But in 2019, India revoked Pakistans MFN status after a suicide bombing in Pulwama in India-administered Kashmir killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.

From 2018 to 2024, bilateral trade fell from $2.41bn to $1.2bn. Pakistani exports to India plummeted from $547.5m in 2019 to just $480,000 in 2024.

How much and what do India and Pakistan officially trade now?

According to Indias Ministry of Commerce, the countrys exports to Pakistan from April 2024 to January 2025 amounted to $447.7m. Pakistans exports to India during the same time period were just $420,000.

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Indias exports include pharmaceuticals, petroleum, plastic, rubber, organic chemicals, dyes, vegetables, spices, coffee, tea, dairy products and cereals.

Pakistans main exports include copper, glassware, organic chemicals, sulphur, fruits and nuts, and certain oilseeds.

Shantanu Singh, an international trade lawyer based in India, told Al Jazeera that due to the current trade ban, the immediate impact will be witnessed in Pakistans pharma sector: Pharmaceutical products are Islamabads main imports from India.

He also noted that the closure of the Wagah-Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), which was the only land port through which trade was permitted between India and Pakistan, will increase the cost of trade.

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So typically, land ports allow for a lower cost and ease of transport, and with the closure of this land port, you would see a rise in costs of any kind of trade. It will also particularly hurt trade from Afghanistan since imports from Afghanistan utilised this land route. The local economy built around the ICP is also likely to be affected, Singh added.

Is real trade between India and Pakistan higher?

While official figures have pegged Indian exports to Pakistan at $447.65m, the real trade volume is thought to be much higher as traders route goods via third countries to bypass restrictions, avoid scrutiny and command higher prices upon relabelling.

Unofficial Indian exports to Pakistan are in fact believed to stand at $10bn a year, according to the India-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

How does this unofficial trade work?

GTRI said this has been achieved largely by finding alternate routes through ports in Dubai in the United Aab Emirates; Colombo in Sri Lanka; and Singapore.

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Explaining how the system works in a LinkedIn post, GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava said: Indian goods are sent to Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo. The goods are then stored in bonded warehouses in transit hubs. While in storage  still duty-free  the documents and labels are changed. The products are re-exported to Pakistan under a new country of origin  say, UAE instead of India.

Srivastava added that while such trade is not always illegal, this grey-zone strategy highlights how trade adapts faster than policy.

He added that such trade, by bypassing formal trade restrictions, fetches better prices, even after re-export markups and it maintains plausible deniability  no official trade, yet commerce continues.

Does this sort of trade happen elsewhere?

Yes. Foreign trade experts said rerouting goods by taking them to facilities where they are transferred to other ships to avoid international trade restrictions is a common practice.

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India, for instance, has been a location for such practices since Russias invasion of Ukraine, said Jayati Ghosh, economics professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. They reroute fuel from Russia to European countries, such as Germany, to skirt sanctions, Ghosh said.

Since the Ukraine invasion, India has become one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil, importing an average of 1.75 million barrels per day in 2023, a 140 percent increase from 2022. Russian oil accounted for about 40 percent of Indias total crude imports in 2024, up from just 2 percent in 2021.

China has been doing the same with India for decades, trade economist Biswajit Dhar said, by routing goods to India via the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar.

If China brings exports directly to India, they attract higher tariffs. With ASEAN, India has a retail agreement, Dhar said. Businesses will do everything possible to meet a demand wherever it exists in whichever country.





Will informal trade between Pakistan and India continue?

Since the Kashmir attack, government officials in India have been collating data on indirect exports to Pakistan and are reportedly lobbying to curb the practice. Pakistans latest trade ban against India includes trading through third countries, which means the authorities in Pakistan are also well aware of this informal trade.

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Preventing it could be tricky, however, as rerouting and relabelling goods in third countries are carried out by private entities, including importers, exporters and traders, and not through official government channels, according to Singh.

It is really for the customs agencies in Pakistan to determine whether the relevant nonpreferential rules of origin, if any, in Pakistan are met, Singh said.

This is usually done through some sort of provision of proof that the importer of the product has to provide to satisfy the requirements that may be there in the law in Pakistan. So this is a question for the authorities in Pakistan to determine whether the good is actually originating in the third country or is it in fact a circumvented good which is coming from India.

The challenge now is for customs authorities in Pakistan to determine how to tackle this circumvention through third countries, Singh said.

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That would require them, to some extent, to increase the scrutiny of the goods which are coming into Pakistan.

Ultimately, it will be hard to prevent this trade because it meets demand. This trade is bound to happen because [India and Pakistan] have common cultures. And there is a huge demand for Indian products in Pakistan, he said. That demand has to be met from somewhere.

Traders are unlikely to want to relinquish a business that provides higher profit margins than official trade.

This tactic [banning trade via third countries] works when we believe that the traders will act honestly and that the Indian traders will understand the message that the government of India is trying to convey by these measures, Dhar said.

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However, if the traders dont want to do that, if they want to be unscrupulous, then there is nothing that can be stopped, Dhar added.





Have India and Pakistan sparred over trade before?

Yes.

The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War severely disrupted trade, leading to a suspension of economic ties, but the Tashkent Agreement in 1966 restored diplomatic and economic relations, allowing trade to resume gradually.

The 1971 war resulting in the creation of Bangladesh further strained relations and trade halted during the conflict. The Simla Agreement in 1972 emphasised peaceful resolution of disputes, indirectly supporting trade normalisation. But trade ties have continued to be on a seesaw for decades.

The 2019 suicide bombing in Pulwama strained bilateral trade further. After the attack, India slapped an import duty of 200 percent on all goods from Pakistan, including fresh fruit, cement and mineral ore.

Six months later, in August 2019, India unilaterally revoked the semiautonomous status of the part of Kashmir it controls and reorganised the erstwhile state into two federally governed territories.

Pakistan, which never gave India MFN status, further downgraded diplomatic relations with India and suspended trade after New Delhis Kashmir moves. Since then, talks to resume trade with India have not taken place.




DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  On Monday night, search efforts began in northern Wisconsin for a missing 12-year-old boy, and after a multi-agency search, officers say he returned home nearly 24 hours later.

Around 9:30 p.m. on April 28, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office say they were called to a residence in the Patzau-Foxboro area for a report of a missing 12-year-old.

Green Bay Police: Foul play not suspected after womans body recovered from East River

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Deputies were then told that the child had gone missing around 9 p.m. after he didnt come back inside when he completed chores. Search efforts immediately began, including the usage of drones, K9s, and the Town of Summit Volunteer Fire Department.

Ultimately, search efforts were suspended around 2 a.m. until authorities began again later that morning.

Several agencies joined in the search efforts on April 29 throughout the day.

Deputies say the boy eventually returned home around 6 p.m., noting that it is still unclear where he was, but foul play is not suspected. The boy was missing for roughly 21 hours.

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Police department in Wisconsin listening for loud exhausts, could result in citations

The release noted that assistance from other agencies was phenomenal. Assisting agencies included the following:

Carlton County Sheriffs Office

Douglas County 911

Duluth Police Department

FBI

Hermantown Police Department

Minnesota Emergency Management

Minnesota State Patrol

St. Louis County Rescue Squad

St. Louis County Sheriffs Office

St. Louis County Emergency Management

Superior Police Department

Town of Summit Volunteer Fire Department

Town of Superior Volunteer Fire Department

U.S. Border Patrol

Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation

Wisconsin Emergency Management

Wisconsin State Patrol

Sheriff Matt Izzard also thanked some local businesses for their help, including the Drifters Bar, Four-Corners Store, Amnicon Bar, Walmart, and the countless community volunteers.

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While it was a trying day for everybody, this outpouring of support serves as a good reminder of why we choose to live here and call this home, Sheriff Izzard stated.

No additional information was provided.

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A 13-year-old boy was found unresponsive Wednesday after an SUV and a dirt bike crashed shortly after 3:30 p.m. on the 18000 block of Lomax Road, according to a news release from Whiteside County Sheriffs Office.

Although deputies and EMS personnel rendered medical aid, the boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Whiteside County Sheriffs Office was assisted at the scene by Prophetstown Fire & EMS, the Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, the Whiteside County Coroners Office, and Randys Towing.

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The Whiteside County Sheriffs Office Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the incident. No further information was available at 8 p.m. Friday.

A response from the school district

On the Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD Facebook page, Superintendent Heidi Lensing posted a response to the tragedy.

It is with deep sadness that I share the loss of one of our students as a result of the tragic accident that occurred today, the post says. This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts go out to the family and all who are grieving.

As a district, we are committed to supporting our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time. We will have counselors, social workers, and area ministers present (May 1) at the 6-12 campus to provide comfort, guidance, and a space for students to process this tragedy.

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Please take time to talk with your child, as students may respond in a variety of ways and may need additional support in the coming days.

The district will not release the students name at this time, the post says. It continues: Please keep the students loved ones and our school community in your thoughts and prayers.

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The teen who shot up the Cabana Live club in Sanford last year was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after pleading no contest this week to multiple counts of attempted murder.

As part of his plea agreement, Christopher Bouie, now 17, also was handed five years of probation and required to undergo mental health treatment in addition to the prison bid. The plea was filed in Seminole County court Monday, exactly one year after the shooting that injured 10 people and a week before jury selection was set to begin for his trial.

But on Wednesday, Bouie filed a notice to appeal his sentence in state court, which will draw out his case as he sits behind bars.

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Bouie was charged as an adult in the shooting, which took place at an event hosted by Cabana Live called the Nobody Leaves Sober Pool Party, which the Orlando Sentinel previously reported was likely held without proper permits.

Surveillance video showed a crowd of more than 200 people scattering as gunfire erupted seconds after a fight broke out inside the club. Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was among those injured in the shooting before a security guard tackled Bouie and disarmed him.

The incident was among 502 mass shootings reported in 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive, with Florida the site of 32 of them.

Its not clear what prompted the fight or how the teen was allowed inside. Months later, the Seminole County Sheriffs Office named a second shooter who fired back inside the club but court records show prosecutors never brought charges against him.

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In addition to Bouies criminal charges the shooting refocused attention on Cabana Lives past run-ins with law enforcement. Sheriff Dennis Lemma said deputies were called 85 times in the year before the incident for reports ranging from fights to crowd overflows in the parking lot.

The club has faced a number of lawsuits filed by the shooting victims claiming inadequate security that night resulted in the incident. Those lawsuits are ongoing.
TOKYO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A man was arrested in the western Japanese city of Osaka on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly plowed his car deliberately into seven schoolchildren on Thursday, local media said.

At around 1:30 p.m. local time, the children, who had been on their way home from an elementary school in Nishinari Ward, Osaka, were hit by the car near the school. They were injured and rushed to hospital, but all seven reportedly remained conscious, public broadcaster NHK said.

Police said the 28-year-old suspect, Yuki Yazawa from Higashimurayama City, admitted to the allegation.

The suspect told investigators that he was "fed up with everything," so he rammed the car into the group of children in an attempt to kill them, the report said. 
April 30 (UPI) -- Two NASA astronauts plan to participate in a 6-hour, 35-minute spacewalk Thursday to upgrade the International Space Station's power generation capabilities and relocate a communications antenna.

Expedition 73 Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers are scheduled to leave the ISS at 8 a.m. EDT, according to NASA. NASA will begin live coverage at 6:30 a.m. on NASA+.

They would be the fifth all-female walk in NASA history and the first this year. The 275th spacewalk is "in support of space station assembly, maintenance and upgrades," according to NASA.

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It will be the third spacewalk for McClain, 45, and the first for Ayers, 36.

They plan to install a mounting bracket before additional panels are put in place later this year when a SpaceX Dragon performs a resupply mission.

The panels are lightweight power sources that provide more energy than traditional solar arrays and weigh a lot less.

They will increase by 30% total available power from 160 kilowatts to up to 215 kilowatts.

The antenna will be moved a foot and a half to "clear one of the antennas from structural blockage," Diana Trujillo, spacewalk flight director, said at a news conference last week.

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The antenna allows ISS to communicate with arriving spacecraft.

There are seven aboard the ISS.

Commander Takuya Onishi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and NASA Flight Engineer Jonny Kim will assist them getting in and out of their spacesuits. Kim is a trained medical doctor.

Also aboard the ISS are three cosmonauts from Russia: flight engineers Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, Kirill Peskov.

For several hours, the spacealkers will breathe pure oxygen for several hours to get rid of nitrogen in their bodies. They will be tethered to the ISS.

Kim also photographed tomato plants growing for a space agriculture experiment. They are studying if crops can grow without photosynthesis in microgravity, possibly increasing plant cultivation on Earth and in space.

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On Tuesday, the Expedition 73 crew learned how to manufacture nanomaterials, which can possibly lead to new therapeutics, vaccines and regenerative medicine.

McClain and Kim were inside the Kibo laboratory module mixing solutions to create DNA-like nanomaterials. The samples will be analyzed using an electromagnetic light tool and will be returned to Earth for further examination.

Kim later partnered with Ryzhikov and Zubritsky for vein scans inside the Columbus laboratory module. Onishi operated the Ultrasound 2 device so doctors on the ground could look at the crew's neck, shoulder and leg veins.

In November, the ISS will mark 25 years of astronauts onboard. The ISS since Nov. 2, 2000, has never been unmanned.
In less than two weeks, two extraordinary elements of the Donald Trump legal saga will collide  the battle to bring down Trumps tariffs, and the Trump administrations fight to prevent judges from blocking his policies across the country.

The Court of International Trade is set to hold oral argument on May 13 in one of the growing number of cases that challenge the bulk of the Trump tariff regime. The lawsuits, which are strong on the merits, argue that the tariffs are not legally authorized under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, the law that Trump has invoked.

At issue is a motion for a preliminary nationwide injunction to put a stop to the tariffs filed by the Liberty Justice Center, which is representing a New York-based alcohol importer and distributor known as V.O.S. Selections, along with four other small businesses that say the tariffs could decimate their companies.

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Just one wrinkle: Two days later, the Supreme Court will consider whether to crack down on judges power to check the administration in precisely this way. The justices will hear oral argument in the Trump administrations request to overturn a series of nationwide injunctions currently halting Trumps executive order to end birthright citizenship.

Trump and advisers like Stephen Miller have been enraged by the ability of a single lower court judge to issue injunctions that hamstring the presidents agenda across the country. The administration has asked the Supreme Court to prevent universal injunctions from becoming universally acceptable, so the courts handling of the issue is being closely watched by lawyers across the country  including those handling the tariff cases.

If the Supreme Court does end up striking down nationwide injunctions, it could pose a huge hurdle to those who oppose the tariffs, which have upended the global economy and emerged as one of Trumps biggest political liabilities in his first months in office. And a few outcomes are possible.

Outwardly at least, some lawyers in the tariff cases are projecting confidence.

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This is an issue where it would be impractical for the Supreme Court to apply tariffs to half the states, but not the other half, Oregon state attorney general Dan Rayfield said in a statement. Rayfield and Democratic attorneys general from 11 other states have filed their own suit challenging the tariffs in the Court of International Trade. This isnt a concern, he added.



He may be right about the practical implications, but it remains to be seen how the litigation will shake out, and other lawyers in the cases are warier.

Obviously, if they were to find that nationwide injunctions are unconstitutional or somehow not allowed, that would be bad for our lawsuit, a lawyer in a different tariff case told me. The attorney was granted anonymity in order to speak candidly about strategy in ongoing litigation.

There are at least seven pending cases challenging Trumps tariffs under IEEPA across the country, and the plaintiffs have all reserved their right to seek injunctions that could apply nationwide.

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As it stands now, any court in the country could in theory issue a nationwide injunction blocking Trumps tariffs under IEEPA. Any such order would almost certainly be quickly appealed by the administration, but in the meantime, it could apply to every importer in the country  and ease the severe economic pain that is widely anticipated if Trump fully implements all of the tariffs hes threatened.

The Supreme Court has considerable leeway in how to tackle the injunction question in the context of the birthright citizenship case, but the Trump administration has made its position clear: All nationwide injunctions are unconstitutional, the governments lawyers claim, because they exceed the district courts authority under Article III and gravely encroach on the Presidents executive power under Article II. The administration has urged the justices to declare that enough is enough and rule that lower courts can issue injunctions that apply only to the parties in the cases before them.

That would cause implementation of the tariffs, as well as the tariff litigation, to become more fragmented and chaotic. Certain businesses would be spared the costs of the tariffs, while others would not.

If the Supreme Court were to adopt the Trump administrations position, every importer in the country who wanted to challenge the legality of the tariffs might need to find a lawyer to represent them in court. That would generally benefit larger companies with the money to hire lawyers and disadvantage small businesses who lack those resources.

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The lawyer I spoke with seized on this point: It seems like you would want to have a consistent policy on whether tariffs were enjoined because you would basically be giving a huge competitive advantage to the litigants  enjoining tariffs against them but having tariffs against their competitors. That would be a little bit strange.

Opponents of nationwide injunctions who believe they are unconstitutional sometimes point to other mechanisms that lawyers can use to seek broad relief that effectively applies nationally, but it is far from clear that those mechanisms would prove to be adequate substitutes  or would even be available  in the tariff cases.

Plaintiffs, for instance, can file claims under the Administrative Procedures Act to set aside unlawful agency actions, but the law may not be applicable in tariff litigation; the Supreme Court has held that the APA does not apply to actions taken by the president himself.

Plaintiffs can also attempt to file class action lawsuits, but that is easier said than done. There are a variety of both factual and legal challenges that come with filing class actions.

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The lawyer I spoke with was skeptical that a class action lawsuit would be a reasonable substitute for a nationwide injunction. At least in this case, it would be problematic because itd be hard to move quickly and also try to certify a class, they said.

Moreover, if you have a case in which you want immediate relief  for instance, because the government has taken an unlawful action that could quickly devastate your small business  adding the step of certifying a class is just going to either delay that or not be done until after you get the injunction anyway.

The upcoming argument before the Court of International Trade will undoubtedly be closely watched by lawyers in all of the pending tariff cases, and it could ultimately prove to be the most promising forum in the short term for those who want a ruling declaring the IEEPA tariffs invalid across the country.

The chief judge of the court assigned the case filed by the Democratic attorneys general to the same three-judge panel handling the V.O.S. case, and in a potentially intriguing development, the judges invited the states this week to weigh in on the pending motion in the V.O.S. case prior to the argument. Thats a sign that the judges are taking the cases seriously and are cognizant of the sweeping implications.

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Meanwhile, the challenges are getting some potentially unexpected backup. I think theres a reasonable chance the [trade court] would enjoin the tariffs, Robert Lighthizer, Trumps first term U.S. trade representative, said at a Council on Foreign Relations event, though he equivocated on the point. A raft of prominent conservatives  including Federalist Society co-founder Steven Calabresi, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey and judge Michael McConnell  have also filed amicus briefs in support of the plaintiffs across the country.

The Trump administration has been working to transfer cases challenging the tariffs in other courts to the Court of International Trade, including a case filed by the state of California. Lawyers for the government argue that the court has exclusive jurisdiction over challenges to tariffs, and they have already prevailed on this argument in at least one case.

That may ultimately prove to be a boon to the challengers who want to see the tariffs thrown out across the country. That is because one of the better arguments against nationwide injunctions is that they create the risk of inconsistent rulings by lower court judges in different jurisdictions, but that argument has little weight when a single court has been entrusted by Congress with interpreting the relevant laws.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule in the birthright citizenship case sometime this summer, but it is unclear how quickly the Court of International Trade could rule in the V.O.S. litigation. That could create a potentially awkward dynamic for the judges handling the case, who may find themselves considering whether to issue a nationwide injunction at the same time that the Supreme Court is considering whether that remedy is even available as a matter of law.

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Needless to say, it is not clear how the justices will resolve the issue. In the narrowest possible resolution, the Supreme Court could issue a ruling that applies only to the nationwide injunctions in the birthright citizenship cases and kick the can on whether these sorts of injunctions are available in other cases.

That outcome would be a victory for plaintiffs in the tariff cases, but its unclear how likely it is. A targeted ruling like that could ultimately prove unappealing to the justices  particularly the Republican appointees  given the sharp political controversy that has emerged since lower court judges have issued nationwide injunctions blocking many of Trumps executive actions in his first months in office.

Alternatively, a majority of the justices could uphold the use of nationwide injunctions. But there are also a variety of intermediate options. A majority of the court could, for instance, heighten the standard for issuing nationwide injunctions, perhaps by requiring lower court judges to find that there has been a violation of settled law before issuing such orders. A majority of the justices could also limit the geographic scope of injunctions, perhaps limiting them to the district or circuit in which the courts sit.

Both disputes, over tariffs and nationwide injunctions, have the potential to be among the most consequential of Trumps second term, and they are about to become intertwined. The future of the American economy  and Trumps presidency  could depend on how it all shakes out.


CHICAGO (WGN)  Authorities in Chicago are asking for help in the search for a person who used Molotov cocktails to set fire to two cannabis dispensaries on the North and Northwest sides in recent weeks.

According to Chicago police, during each of the two incidents, which unfolded in the early morning hours, an individual broke the front window of a cannabis dispensary before using a Molotov cocktail to start a fire inside.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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According to police, the first incident unfolded around 3:13 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at a dispensary located in the 4700 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park on the Northwest Side.

The second incident unfolded a little over a week later at a dispensary located in the 4000 block of North Damen Avenue at around 3:49 a.m. on Sunday, April 27.

Officers said the perpetrator was spotted wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a mask during each incident. He was also seen carrying a black fanny pack that was being worn across his body and around his shoulder.

During at least one of the incidents, officers said he was also seen wearing black sweatpants and black gym shoes.

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Police believe the individual responsible was a male who stands around 5-foot-9 and weighs between 190 and 240 pounds.

How can business owners avoid falling victim?

Chicago police say there are several steps business owners can take to avoid falling victim to a similar incident or break-in.

Officers said business owners should start by notifying neighboring businesses about the recent string of crimes.

Police advise businesses to keep the perimeter of their property well-lit and ensure surveillance cameras are functional and recording. Police say businesses should keep doors and windows secured and advise owners to quickly repair any broken windows, doors or locks.

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Business owners are advised to pay special attention to suspicious individuals or vehicles loitering in the area before closing hours.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers advise businesses to ensure any existing surveillance cameras are functional and recording, and if video of the incident is available, a copy should be made for authorities.

Those who fall victim to a similar incident are advised to call 911 immediately to provide officers with a detailed description of the individual responsible and any vehicle description or license plate information.

Anyone with information on the arsons is asked to contact the CPD Arson Section at 312-746-7618 or dial 911.

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Those with information that could help detectives in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
NICEVILLE, Fla. (WKRG)  Niceville Police Department officers arrested a Crestview man after he allegedly left two dogs in a locked car, leading to their deaths.

Boil water notice issued for Milton, Florida residents

According to an NPD Facebook post, officers were called to Northwest Florida State College on Monday, April 28, around 1:20 p.m. after a concerned citizen reported that there were animals distressed inside a vehicle.

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When officers arrived on the scene, they said they found one of the dogs dead and first responders doing CPR on the second dog. Both dogs were pronounced dead on the scene.

A mugshot of Sampson Graham (Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

Preliminary investigation indicates the dogs had been left inside the vehicle for an extended period with windows closed and no apparent ventilation, the post said.

Officials said it was 85 degrees at the time, and the estimated temperature inside the vehicle was 130 degrees.

Sampson Matthew Graham, 34, allegedly owns the vehicle and was found on the NFSC campus and placed under arrest.

Santa Rosa County offers drive-through pet microchip clinic

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He was charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, which is a third-degree felony.

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Two Hamtramck councilmen, one of whom is running for mayor, strongly deny allegations made by a private investigator hired by Hamtramck they live outside the city.

At a contentious city council meeting on April 25, a private investigator the city contracted with to probe whether political candidates running this year for council or mayor said that councilmen Abu Musa and Muhith Mahmood live in Warren and Troy, respectively. Speaking at the meeting via a video feed, the investigator, Jeff Dickison, said his firm conducted surveillance using GPS trackers on the councilmen's cars, interviewed their neighbors, and combed through public records and databases to conclude they "were not residing with the city of Hamtramck."

From left to right: Hamtramck city councilman Abu Musa, Mayor Amer Ghalib, councilman Muhtasin Sadman and councilman Muhith Mahmood attend a city council meeting on April 25, 2025, to discuss allegations made by an investigator that Musa and Mahmood don't live in the city, which the councilmen deny. From livestream by Hamtramck Public Library.

Musa and Mahmood both denounced the allegations at the meeting, banging on the council's table and raising their voices. Tearing up a stack of papers, Musa shouted at the investigator while slamming his hands on the table: "I've been a councilman for more than a decade. I disagree for the investigation and I'll see you in the court, definitely." Musa added that he hopes the cost of the investigation is not paid for by Hamtramck taxpayers. Mahmood held up a stack of papers, slamming them down: "I'm going to deny the allegations. ... I'm really frustrated. I'm angry. ... Every freaking piece of paper is here. If anybody wants to see it, I can show it right now."

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Mahmood told the Free Press later he does have a home in Troy, but that's not his primary home.

"I never denied that I don't have a house in Troy," Mahmood said April 29. "This is my secondary house, but I always live in Hamtramck." Mahmood said he has "all the documents" to prove it, saying he was talking while at his home in Hamtramck. Regarding the GPS tracker that the investigator claims shows he lives in Troy, he said his children sometimes use his car and so that doesn't reflect that he lives in Troy.

"So that allegation was completely false," he said.

Hamtramck Clerk Rana Faraj said the city did not just target the two councilmen, but were looking at the residencies of all who had filed to run for elected office in Hamtramck this year.

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"There was a lot of talk about residency and we wanted just to confirm that all residents who apply for any position are in fact residents," Faraj said at the council meeting. "We didn't just pick one or two people to do this investigation."

More: Hamtramck clerk asks AG Dana Nessel to take action on election fraud allegations

City rules require political candidates to sign an affidavit when they run declaring they have been a "bonafide resident" of Hamtramck for at least one year, Faraj said. Their Hamtramck home must be the place where they pay taxes, "habitually sleep" and keep their personal belongings and conduct daily affairs, she said. Their voter registration and driver's license must match the address and the home can't be just a place where they are staying occasionally.

Faraj said they first did background checks on all the candidates. Those who did not meet requirements were disqualified; those who did qualify were then investigated further to ensure they lived in the city.

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Faraj told the Free Press on April 29 that the issue will be settled next month.

"Council will decide at the next City Council meeting on May 13," Faraj said. City officials said it's up to the council to decide on the investigator's claims.

The debates come as three council seats and the mayor's seat are on the ballot this year in Hamtramck. Mahmood is running for mayor and trying to get on the ballot, while Musa is running for reelection. Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, who was picked by President Donald Trump in March to be ambassador to Kuwait, announced on April 22 he is endorsing Adam Alharbi, his campaign manager, to be the next mayor of Hamtramck. If he makes the ballot, Mahmood may be Alharbi's most formidable challenger.

Mahmood said he was concerned that the allegations against him came "all (of) a sudden, one day before the deadline" for candidates to withdraw their candidacies. The deadline to file to run for office was April 22 and the deadline to withdraw was April 25, the day of the council meeting. He said that if people suspected he lived outside of Hamtramck, he should have been told earlier about it instead of waiting close to the filing deadlines.

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More: Nessel asks for special prosecutor in Hamtramck voter case due to anti-Muslim bias claims

Odey Meroueh, a city attorney for Hamtramck, said "the council is technically the judge" in this case and will ultimately decide on the allegations made by the investigator. He said the council did not have a quorum during the April 25 meeting to make a decision, as only three councilmen attended.

The two candidates accused are "innocent until proven guilty," Meroueh said.

The debate over residency of the candidates comes as prosecutors investigate voter fraud with ballots allegedly involving other members of city council. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is asking for a special prosecutor in that case. Faraj has alleged there is absentee ballot fraud taking place in the city.

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hamtramck investigator: 2 Hamtramck councilmen live outside city
At least two people were killed and 33 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional authorities reported on May 1.

Russia launched 170 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, and 5 Iskander-M ballistic missiles overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Air defenses intercepted 74 drones, while 68 vanished from radars  likely used as decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. The assault was countered using a combination of electronic warfare units, aviation, anti-aircraft missile systems, and mobile fire groups.

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Russian drone strikes in Odesa killed two people and injured 15 others. The attack damaged residential apartment buildings, houses, a supermarket, a school, and vehicles, with fires breaking out in several locations, Governor Oleh Kiper said.

Further north, 13 people, including eight children, were wounded in Kharkiv Oblast, where Russian forces launched 28 attack drones and 20 precision-guided aerial bombs, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

In Kherson Oblast, two people were injured as Russian forces shelled social infrastructure and residential areas, damaging five apartment buildings and 12 houses, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

A 35-year-old woman was injured in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where a private enterprise, two houses, an outbuilding, and a car were damaged, according to Governor Serhii Lysak.

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Donetsk Oblast reported one injury in Dobropillia, and Zaporizhzhia Oblast also recorded one injury after Russian forces launched 458 strikes on 12 settlements, Governor Ivan Fedorov said.

"For over 50 days now, Russia has been ignoring the American proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X.

He added that Ukraine had also proposed halting strikes on civilian infrastructure and establishing "lasting silence" across land, sea, and air.

"Russia has responded to all this with new shelling and new assaults," he said.

In Odesa, debris is still being cleared at the residential building hit by a Russian drone. Numerous fires broke out in the city overnight. In total, Odesa was attacked by 21 drones. Tragically, there have been fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones. All those pic.twitter.com/zGsRIUl0X8  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) May 1, 2025

Read also: Who are Russias allies, and can Kremlins war machine survive without them?

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2 suspects allegedly installed card skimmers at Akron grocery stores: Police

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  The Akron Police Department is searching for two suspects accused of setting up card skimming devices at local grocery stores.

The two men, captured on security camera video, were seen installing the devices on credit card pads at Save-a-Lot stores on Tallmadge Avenue and S. Arlington Street, Akron police said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Courtesy of Akron police

Investigators said the suspect also allegedly targeted a Save-a-Lot location in Barberton.

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Westlake officials warn residents about coyotes after recent attacks on small dogs

Anyone with information on the crime or the suspects should reach out to Akron police detectives at 330-375-2490 or through the Akron Police Department Tip Line at 330-375-2TIP.

Tips can also be sent to Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-2677.

Akron police officials are urging anyone who sees the suspects to call 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  State and local officials are investigating an overnight house fire in Franklin County that took the lives of two teenagers.

First responders were on Flat Creek Road investigating the tragic incident all day Wednesday.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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The Franklin County Sheriffs Office told FOX 56 that crews were called to the scene around 12:45 Wednesday morning. They found a house across the creek in flames.

Officials said two teenage boys were found dead inside, and no one else was in the home. The boys identities have not yet been released, and an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday morning.

The sheriffs office will continue its investigation on Thursday alongside the state fire marshal to determine what caused the fire.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

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The sheriffs office also plans to host a media conference sometime on Thursday to release new information about the investigation.

We have reached out to the Franklin County School System to confirm if the victims were students, but we have yet to hear back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department is investigating after a shooting in the parking lot of a Walmart in Antioch left two teens injured  one of them critically.

Metro Dispatch received the call at about 6:38 p.m. Wednesday at the Walmart in the 3000 block of Hamilton Church Road. A spokesperson for the MNPD said that a preliminary investigation suggested the victims were meeting in the rear of the parking lot when they were shot.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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The spokesperson added that suspects fled prior to officers arrival.

An 18-year-old sustained non life-threatening injuries as a result of the shooting. However, another teen was also critically injured.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, the spokesperson added.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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More than 25,000 people joined left-wing demonstrations in Germany's two biggest cities, Berlin and Hamburg, to mark International Workers' Day, police said on Thursday.

Unlike in previous years, the protests have remained largely peaceful.

International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, was established in 1890 as a day of protest and solidarity for the labour movement. It remains a key date for rallies and demonstrations across the country.

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Some 15,000 to 18,000 people took part in the "Revolutionary May 1 Demonstration" passing through Berlin's Kreuzberg and Neukolln neighbourhoods, according to police estimates.

A handful of demonstrators threw fireworks at officers and some participants were detained, police said.

Some protesters chanted pro-Palestinian slogans, while some were carrying posters saying "Fight fascism," "Smash repression," "Against racism and repression," and "War on war."

The demonstration, organized by left-wing and far-left groups, has repeatedly been the scene of clashes between protesters and police in the past.

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Two people injured as shots were fired in Kreuzberg, but police said the incident occurred away from the protest route, without providing further details.

Earlier, some 1,800 people joined a rally passing through Berlin's wealthy Grunewald district on the western outskirts of the city, held under the motto "Billionaires to Mars."

Thousands protest in Hamburg

More than 9,000 people joined three separate demonstrations organized by left-wing and far-left groups in the northern port city of Hamburg, according to police estimates.

All demonstrations were peaceful, with fireworks being set off in some cases, it said.

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Some 9,000 people also joined a rally organized by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), with some 6,500 joining a protest in Berlin, according to the DGB.

Elsewhere in Germany, far-right and left-wing groups clashed on Worker's Day.

Scuffles broke out between a left-wing group and supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party at a former coal-mining site in the western German city of Dortmund.

A policeman suffered a minor injury when officers intervened to separate the two sides, police said.

Police said some 50 AfD supporters had been looking to visit the site in the morning, when some 30 people from left-wing groupings tried to stop them.

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Police used riot batons and temporarily detained 20 people during clashes with leftist activists protesting at a right-wing demonstration in the western city of Gelsenkirchen.

Police blocked the leftists from breaking through police barriers, a police spokeswoman said. She said that two attempts had been made, with the detentions made during the second attempt.

She added that one officer had suffered minor injuries but remained on duty.

Chancellor Scholz marks Workers' Day

Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced support for workers and trade unions in a message on the May 1 public holiday, as his time in office draws to a close.

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"There are still far too many people who have to work hard for too little money," the centre-left SPD leader wrote on X. "That is why I support decent wages and strong trade unions. They are vital for the social cohesion of our country. That's what May 1 is all about!"

The chancellor's centre-left Social Democrats have long-standing ties to organized labour groups. Scholz is set to leave office on Tuesday and be replaced by conservative leader Friedrich Merz.
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The spirit of the 1955 Bandung Conference continues to shape international cooperation among developing nations, Pakistani experts have said, underscoring China's pivotal role in promoting South-South solidarity, peaceful coexistence, and equitable global development.

These views were expressed on Wednesday during a seminar titled "The Bandung Spirit (1955-2025): Seven Decades of Solidarity, Sovereignty, and South-South Cooperation," organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), a think tank in the Pakistani capital.

Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute and chief guest at the event, hailed the 1955 Bandung Conference as a landmark in post-colonial diplomacy and a catalyst for unity among Asian and African nations.

"Bandung marked the birth of a new global consciousness," said Sayed.

Highlighting contemporary manifestations of the Bandung legacy, Sayed pointed to China's flagship initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and other multilateral platforms as evidence of China's continued leadership in fostering inclusive global development.

Speaking on the occasion, Sohail Mahmood, former foreign secretary of Pakistan and director general of the ISSI, recalled Pakistan's active role in the original 1955 Bandung Conference, emphasizing that its core principles -- sovereignty, solidarity, and non-interference -- remain central to Pakistan's foreign policy to this day.

"Strategic partnerships, particularly with China, reflect Pakistan's unwavering adherence to the Bandung vision," he said.

Other speakers, including Zamir Akram, Pakistan's former permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, executive director of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South, underlined the Bandung Conference's lasting contribution to the emergence of a multipolar world order. 
Ivette Taboas, the Frederick County Public Schools 2024 Teacher of the Year, died of cancer on Tuesday.

The former Urbana Elementary School teacher was diagnosed in the spring of 2024.

Her son, Anthony Taboas, watched her surprise celebration last year when she won the Teacher of the Year award.

It was a beautiful ceremony, he said in an interview on April 24. It was just fantastic to see her recognized for the hard work that shes put into herself, into the community and into the school system.

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Ivette Taboas grew up in Miami, Fla., and in 2009, moved to Urbana with her husband, Willie Taboas, and three children  Anthony, Frank and Anais.

She taught at Hillcrest Elementary from 2009 to 2013; at Centerville Elementary from 2013 to 2018; and at Urbana Elementary since 2020 as the multilingual education program teacher.

Ivette Taboas was also an FCPS Itinerant Multilingual Education teacher for four schools from 2018 to 2019.

Anthony Taboas said she spoke English and Spanish, and had a huge passion for kids with language barriers.

That was something that always drove her, he said. She was always an advocate for that. Always an advocate for diversity and inclusion, and making sure that voices that otherwise wouldnt be heard were heard.

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In April 2024, Ivette Taboas was surprised at Urbana Elementary with the FCPS Teacher of the Year Award.

Tracy Hilliard, the principal of Urbana Elementary School, said in an interview that nominating Ivette Taboas for the award at the school level was an easy choice.

Hilliard added that she was sure it wasnt difficult for FCPS to choose Ivette Taboas as the Teacher of the Year districtwide.

She always went above and beyond and never had to ask. It was just what she did, she said. You never had to ask, or even if you did ask her, [she would say] Absolutely. I can take care of that.

Hilliard said Ivette Taboas was intermittently working at the school for the past three months, and has been absent for the past three weeks.

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On April 25, Urbana Elementary celebrated Disney Day as a tribute to Ivette Taboas love for Disney. Staff members and students were also invited to wear sandals to school, which Hilliard said was Ivette Taboas daily uniform.

Hilliard said it can be 2 degrees outside or be four feet of snow on the ground, and the Florida native would still be wearing sandals.

Noemy Merlos, a literacy specialist at Urbana Elementary, worked with Ivette Taboas at Hillcrest, Centerville and Urbana elementary schools.

Merlos said that when she and Ivette Taboas, whom she called a colleague, a friend and family, were at Centerville as multilingual learner program teachers, enough students tested out of the program and numbers lowered so much that it didnt warrant two positions anymore.

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We were doing our job so well, and now were being separated, she said.

Merlos said she and Ivette Taboas became co-workers again at Urbana Elementary during the COVID pandemic.

Once again, we were back together again, Merlos said. Its great when you come to work and you love the people you work with.

She said Ivette Taboas Teacher of the Year celebration was such a joyous day. Merlos said she and other teachers helped to decorate Mickey Mouse ears and a sash using a Disney font for Ivette Taboas special day.

She always said that we all won that award with her, Merlos said. She was like, I dont do this job by myself. I have a team, and youre part of my team.

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Anthony Taboas said the family received Ivette Taboas diagnosis in the spring of 2024. She had stage 4 pancreatic, endometrial and potentially lung cancer.

Anthony Taboas said that in mid-April, Ivette Taboas was in the chapel at Johns Hopkins Hospital in a wheelchair.

He said there was a woman in the chapel crying after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

My mom found the strength to get out of her wheelchair, approach this stranger that she doesnt know and wrapped her arms around her and embraced this stranger, Anthony Taboas recalled. Shes very much a person that [needed] consoling, and my mom found it in her to pour into that woman.

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He said Ivette Taboas was always an advocate and a champion for those around her, whether she knows you or not, to be a level of support, even if shes the one that needs it.

FCPS Superintendent Cheryl Dyson wrote in a statement that she was struck by [Ivette Taboas] passion for helping children and families who are new to our community and, in many cases, just beginning to learn the English language.

Through her empathy, her humility and her kindness, Ms. Taboas helped Urbana Elementary students build the confidence and skills that will lead them to success, Dyson wrote.

Merlos said Ivette Taboas impact is going to be with us forever.

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She made such an impression on all of us in a positive way, she said. Her love for life and her love for her profession and her students, it was just amazing.

Hilliard said Ivette Taboas was instrumental in engaging the parents of multilingual learners at the school and created an initiative called Day in the Life of a Multilingual Education Student.

The initiative is to walk parents through what a day in their childs life would look like at Urbana Elementary.

Hilliard said Ivette Taboas was the one that opened that door for us.

A light will be missing here at our school. I miss her already, she said. Her spirit and compassion was great, and its going to be missed but she left a great mark on our staff and our students that were here and got to experience who she was.

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Anthony Taboas said Ivette Taboas had a relentless determination for those around her.

Everyone in her life that has been touched by her presence is a better person because of it, and thats something that I would very strongly say, he said.
NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH)  A 26-year-old was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Wednesday for murdering his wife and endangering the life of her son during an arson fire in New London in 2022, according to the division of criminal justice.

Navy sailor pleads not guilty to killing wife in New London

George Dodson, 26, pleaded guilty to charges of murder, risk of injury to a minor and arson in February.

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New London police responded to an emergency 911 call of a fire at a house in July 2022 to find Dodson outside the home. New London firefighters extinguished the fire and found an unresponsive woman in the home, suffering from significant trauma to her head and torso and her 13-month-old in a crib on the second floor.

The woman succumbed to her injuries, but the child survived. Dodson admitted to bludgeoning the woman with a hammer and then setting the house on fire.

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.
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A 28-year-old Lamar resident died in Wednesday mornings shooting on W. Lynches River Road in Darlington County, Coroner Todd Hardee said.

Shaquille Wright was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting, which happened at about 2 a.m. Wednesday, Hardee said.

Deputies responded to the 1000 block of West Lynches River Road and remained on the scene until at least 3:25 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities said other individuals were hurt in the incident and taken to the hospital, but no additional information was immediately available.

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The shooting remains under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Darlington County sheriff and coroners offices.

* * *

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.

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.
A judge has issued a second temporary restraining order against Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond in the escalating fight for control of the countys jail.

The Franklin County sheriff cant order his deputies to take guns or Tasers from the jail or violate other court orders, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Brandon Johnson issued a preliminary order aimed at preventing Raymond from commanding his employees to do anything else that would violate a court order. It specifically mentions taking back guns or Tasers from the jail.

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On Friday, another judge approved a temporary order preventing the removal of the equipment from the jail until a full hearing could be held in early May.

Sheriff Raymond disputes whether that judge had the proper authority and took the matter into his own hands, ordering his deputies to seized the weapons.

Some deputies objected and the unions representing the commanders and deputies asked a judge to intervene, resulting in the second restraining order.

Other deputies followed Raymonds orders and he announced during a Monday news conference that he seized 50 guns from the jail.

The Franklin County Prosecutors Office quickly filed a motion for Raymond to be found in contempt for violating the first court order. There has been no ruling on that motion.

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The application that we have filed does not have anything to do with who is the best entity to run the jail, union attorney Dan Thenell told the Tri-City Herald. It says, Were going to follow a valid court order until another court overturns it, because the rule of law should mean something.

Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond has questioned whether the new county corrections department has the legal authority to allow corrections officers to carry weapons, including guns. He seized 50 guns from the jail on Monday.

Sheriff vs. commissioners

The fight over the guns and Tasers is part of a larger struggle between Raymond and the Franklin County commissioners over control of the jail and security at the courthouse.

The commissioners approved two resolutions last week that stripped Raymond of his authority over both.

While the move is not unusual, Raymond has called it unconstitutional.

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As part of his reaction to the order, Raymond said he would remove the jail staffs commissions as law enforcement officers, which gives them authority to be armed inside the courthouse in Pasco and to enforce laws.

He also said he would take control of the weapons issued by the sheriffs office.

The guns are used by corrections officers when taking inmates to court and the hospital or when traveling to other places. They are not carried inside the jail.

Jail Commander Keilen Harmon wrote in an affidavit as part of the motion that the guns also are needed in case there is a riot inside the jail.

And Civil Deputy Prosecutor Jeff Briggs argued taking the weapons away makes the officers less safe.

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Initially all of the Benton and Franklin Superior Court judges recused themselves because of a conflict of interest. They appointed Benton County District Court Judge Jennifer Azure as judge pro-tem to make an initial ruling.

She approved temporary order preventing Raymond or other deputies from removing guns, Tasers, pepper spray and riot equipment from control of the jail.

But Raymond didnt believe she had the authority to sign it.

Thenell responded to Raymond in an email on Monday telling the sheriff that his commands were in violation of a valid court order.

Raymond replied by vowing to fight the county in court for control of the jail.

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This morning we seemed to have experienced a mutiny while attempting to recover the firearms that are owned, registered and controlled by the Franklin County Sheriffs Office from a jail facility that is not authorized to store or carry firearms. All because a temporary judge was fooled into signing a restraint order which I was not even made privy to, Raymond wrote in an email to Thenell.

Raymond responded to the unions attempts to get a restraining order by saying that they are getting involved in attempts to undermine the Office of the Sheriff along with the Board of County Commissioners, in a Facebook post following the filing of the temporary restraining order.

He said the refusal of deputies and commanders to follow his commands will be handled internally. And the insubordinate employees have returned to work.
Authorities have recovered the bodies of three teenage girls who went missing last month while fishing along the Missouri River in Nebraska.

All three bodies were found in the river in north Omaha, one on Saturday night and the two others on Tuesday morning, a public information officer with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office confirmed to HuffPost Thursday.

Lah Tray Moo, 18, Lainana Green, 18, and Eh Cress Moo, 12, had been fishing near the river on April 15 with a fourth teenage girl when three of them entered the water and started struggling, KETV previously reported.

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A 13-year-old girl who was reportedly at the river with them was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

The skyline of Omaha, Nebraska, is pictured behind the Missouri river. Education Images via Getty Images

Evidently they lost a phone or pole or something, went into the river trying to retrieve it and they got swept out by the current, Public Information Officer Spencer Head told HuffPost.

The Missouri in that stretch is a very dangerous stretch of river with a current undertow, he said. Its almost always like that.

Lainanas aunt, Nichelle Griffy, told 3 News Now that theyre heartbroken but relieved to have closure.

Right now feeling relieved that we have all three girls physically now  sad but were thankful that we have them now, she said.

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Community advocate Chrome Louis, who helped with local search efforts, also told 3 News Now that he hopes the tragedy educates the public about the rivers dangers and leads to more warnings along its banks.

Because through this process I learned a lot about the river, that I didnt even know. The average person dont know how really seriously dangerous this river is, he said.

The Omaha Fire Department expressed its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls in a Facebook post announcing the girls recovery on Wednesday.

The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead, the department said.

Related...
The Senate almost passed a resolution to block Trump's April 2 tariffs.

It was a symbolic vote. The House isn't taking it up, and Trump would veto it.

Still, the vote highlighted opposition to Trump's tariffs within the GOP.

The Senate barely defeated a resolution on Wednesday to block President Donald Trump's tariff policies, which would have been a symbolic blow to his sweeping tariffs on foreign imports.

If the resolution had become law, it would've terminated the national emergency that Trump declared on April 2  dubbed "Liberation Day" by the president  which allowed him to enact a 10% tariff on most foreign imports and additional "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of countries.

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The additional tariffs have been paused for 90 days, and the administration has said that it's negotiating with various countries to change their trade policies.

The House wasn't expected to take up the resolution after Republicans passed a rule that specifically blocks this type of resolution until the end of September. Trump would've also likely vetoed the resolution if it reached his desk.

The 49-49 deadlocked vote nonetheless highlighted, for the second time in one month, that Trump's trade agenda does not have majority support in the upper chamber.

The resolution would likely have passed if not for the absences of Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, both of whom oppose Trump's tariff policies.

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Three GOP senators joined Democrats in voting for the resolution, including:

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky

Those three GOP senators, along with McConnell, voted for a resolution earlier this month to block Trump from imposing tariffs on Canada.

Separately, seven GOP senators have signed onto a bill to limit Trump's tariff powers. The bill requires Congress to approve any new tariffs within 60 days of their enactment.

Several other Republicans who have not signed onto that bill have also been critical of Trump's tariffs, warning that they could lead to higher prices and significant economic damage in the long run.

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Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has warned that tariffs could make even domestically manufactured cars much more expensive, citing conversations with a Big Three auto manufacturer, while Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told BI that the tariffs are bringing "a massive amount of disruption" for businesses.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. (WTNH)  South Windsor police say three Massachusetts 18-year-olds were arrested early Thursday morning after allegedly running from police in a stolen vehicle, then on foot.

Jovanie J. Candelaria, 18, of Springfield, Teyvaun C. Williams-Santiago, 18, of Greenfield, and Zachary D. Hardy, 18, of Gardner were each charged with:

Engaging police in pursuit

Interfering with an officer/resisting

Third-degree burglary

Second-degree trespass

Conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle

Second-degree criminal trover

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Suspect flees after striking South Windsor police department gate

The charges stem from around 3 a.m. Thursday, when police said they were alerted to a stolen vehicle heading southbound on Route 5, coming from East Windsor.

When officers tried to stop the vehicle, they said it did a U-turn and headed back north on Route 5. Police were later able to use stop sticks to deflate the tires of the vehicle, which was found abandoned in the area of Strong Road.

A state police K9 and a drone from Manchester police assisted in the search for the suspects now on foot. They helped locate Candelaria just before he got into an Uber, according to police.

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Man arrested for allegedly striking juvenile 3 times in South Windsor

Williams-Santiago and Hardy were later found locked in a shed on a property on West Road, after officers smelled marijuana.

Police said they were presumably accidentally locked there by Candelaria after he went to find the Uber.

All the suspects were taken into custody without further incident.

Candelaria and Williams-Santiago were held on $10,000 surety bonds and Hardy was held on a $20,000 surety bond. They were all scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court Thursday.

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When 3-year-old Kingsley Wright was killed in a December dog attack while at her fathers home in Roselawn, it was the first time the child had gone to stay with him, prosecutors said.

Warren Houston, the childs father, appeared in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on May 1 seeking to have his bond reduced. He was indicted in February on involuntary manslaughter, endangering children and reckless homicide in connection with the girls death.

Prosecutors said the 45-year-old Houston violated his duty of care to protect Kingsley when he left her asleep by herself in the living room on Dec. 27, in the same room where his two dogs were kept but not properly locked away.

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The toddler was mauled by the dogs in her sleep and suffered mutilating injuries to her head and neck, prosecutors said.

Vicious: Dog attacks maim, disfigure and kill every year. How Ohio law fails victims

According to 911 call recordings and police documents, Houston called Cincinnati police at 7:50 a.m., just after he reported waking up. He said he walked into the living room and found Kingsley lying dead on the floor.

Houston had just learned Kingsley was his biological daughter and she was killed during her first stay at his house, said Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Christopher Lipps.

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Hamilton County Dog Warden Beth Ward previously said the dogs, which Houston described in a 911 call as terriers, were euthanized at their owners request.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Virginia Tallent agreed to reduce Houstons bond to $100,000 at 10%, meaning he must only pay $10,000 to be released from jail. He was initially required to post $20,000 as part of a bond set during his February arraignment.

His attorney, Tad Brittingham, said theres no evidence that Houston purposefully caused the death of his young daughter.

Warren Houston, 45, appears in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on May 1. Houston is charged in connection with the fatal mauling of his 3-year-old daughter, Kingsley Wright, by two dogs he owned at his Roselawn home.

Brittingham said that Houston intended to turn himself in when he learned a grand jury had indicted him, however, uniformed officers arrested him before he could surrender himself to authorities.

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This is a tragic situation for everybody involved, he said. The attorney described Kingsleys death as a terrible accident.

While investigating Kingsleys death, authorities found numerous firearms at Houstons home and a workbench where Houston made guns, according to prosecutors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives became involved in the case to investigate the guns, but its agents found no illegal alterations to the firearms and no charges were filed, Brittingham said.

If Houston can post bond, the judge imposed strict restrictions, including house arrest with an ankle monitor and a court order prohibiting him from owning firearms.

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Tallents ruling came after Kingsleys mom, Gina Smith, voiced her opposition to Houston being released from the Hamilton County Justice Center.

I dont think he should be able to get out like that, Smith said in an emotional statement in court. My daughter is dead and I have to live that  every morning.

Its just not fair, she said through tears.

Kingsley left her mom's home in Wilmington on Dec. 23 to spend Christmas with her dad in Cincinnati, Smith previously told The Enquirer. She called every day to check on Kingsley and to make sure her daughter was OK.

Smith last spoke to Kingsley on Thursday night on FaceTime before the girl went to bed, she said.

Two dogs attacked and killed Kingsley Wright, 3, while she was staying at her father's home in Cincinnati on Dec. 27. Children are often the victims of dog attacks and are overrepresented in fatalities.

The next morning, the girl's older sister messaged Smith, saying she needed to call. It was about Kingsley. That's when Smith was told Kingsley had died and that the girl's father had been taken by police for questioning.

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Its obvious to everybody in this room that, you know, your child died while in your care, Tallent told Houston.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Prosecutor: Child mauled by dogs during first visit to dad's apartment
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani security forces overnight raided a militant hideout in northwest Pakistan, sparking a shootout in which three officers and one suspect were killed, police said Thursday.

The raid occurred in Bannu, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police Arshad Khan said. Other insurgents fled the scene.

Khan said the insurgents were Khwarij  a phrase the government uses for the Pakistani Taliban.

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The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, are separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban, which seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Last week, Pakistani security forces killed 71 militants when they attempted to cross into the country from Afghanistan, according to the military.
Thirty cats were found living in grimy, excrement-filled cages near a Bethpage State Park trail  where a homeless hoarder set up camp after falling out with his mom, officials said.

The cat and kitty colony off the Southern State Parkway had little food and water and were left exposed to the elements at the hoarder camp marked by fallen trees, piles of empty soda bottles and other assorted trash, according to rescuers and photos of the scene.

A homeless hoarder on Long Island whose mother had an order of protection against him had an unkempt encampment in the woods off Southern State Parkway with about 30 cats for days, officials said. Facebook/John Debacker

The cages, which were discovered Tuesday night by kids riding their bikes, also had gaping holes in them, leaving the cats vulnerable to wandering into nearby 55-mile-per-hour traffic.

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Ive handled pretty bad situations, but this was one of the worst, animal rescuer John Debacker, vice president of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution, told The Post.

There were about five cats to a cage or playpen, which were filled with feces  while their food and water dishes were bone dry, he said.

It was quite sickening when I came upon itand they easily could have wandered out onto the parkway.

A 29-year-old homeless man, Thomas McDermott, is believed to have been keeping them in the disgusting cages for about a week  including through an intense rain storm on Saturday night, according to Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

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Its very sadwe could tell right away he was hoarding these cats, she told The Post of the scene Tuesday night.

McDermott had been arrested for criminal contempt after violating the order of protection his mother had filed against him, barring him from her house, the DA added.

The cages were discovered Tuesday night by kids riding their bikes near the Bethpage State Park trail. Facebook/John Debacker

I opened a criminal investigation into the [McDermott] who claims these are his cats.

The hoarder, who told CBS News New York that he is a handyman, claimed he took good care of the animals.

I love them, he told the station.

Theyre my cats. Ive been taking care of them for years, and I do everything I can. I spend a lot of money on them  $20 of food every two days.

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The cats were taken to the town of Oyster Bay animal shelter on Wednesday, where they were being medically evaluated.

Animal rescuer John Debacker, vice president of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution, told The Post, Ive handled pretty bad situations, but this was one of the worst. Dennis A. Clark

The cats were left without food or water, and their cages were filled with feces, Debacker said. Dennis A. Clark

We know that they need vaccines. We know some of them need to be hydrated, Donnelly said.

They are now evidence in a potential case against McDermott, but will be put up for adoption afterward, Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said.

People will be emotionally moved and want to adopt and take care of these beautiful, defenseless creatures.

Debacker has already committed to getting the word out on adopting the cats when they become eligible  but there may be other cats still in the wild near the popular biking and walking destination.

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There was a gray and white one that climbed up a tree that we were not able to rescue, he explained, encouraging the Massapequa and Farmingdale area to be on the lookout.

He has set up trail cameras around the wooded area with food and will continue to monitor them to try to find other cats from the encampment.

Its hard to tell right nowsometimes cats wander off never to be seen again, but hopefully that isnt the case here, he said.
by Xinhua writer Liao Lei

BRUSSELS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- As Washington continues its aggressive trade measures by levying tariffs on the world with little restraint, the European Union (EU) is stepping up its response -- this time in the digital realm.

Last week, the EU imposed a combined 700 million euros (about 792 million U.S. dollars) fine on U.S. tech giants Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act, the first major enforcement action since the Act came into effect.

While EU officials maintained that the penalties were unrelated to the ongoing trade tensions, the timing -- coinciding with EU-U.S. negotiations over tariffs -- suggests otherwise.

Unlike goods trade, services trade -- especially in the digital sector -- has long been America's economic stronghold. Now, by playing the digital card, the EU is hitting Washington where it hurts most. U.S. tech giants earn about 30 percent of their profits in Europe and dominate its cloud computing market. Now, facing a 100-billion-euro trade deficit in services trade, the EU is targeting this key U.S. advantage.

In response to Washington's so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the EU swiftly drafted a retaliation list that could slap tariffs of up to 25 percent on various U.S. products.

Although the EU has delayed the immediate implementation of retaliatory tariffs to give negotiations some space, the bloc has not laid down its arms. EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, had warned that while the EU was ready to negotiate with Washington, the bloc was also prepared to respond with countermeasures.

Brussels' hardened position did not emerge overnight. It is the product of decades of fraught trade battles with Washington. From the bitter steel tariff dispute of 2002 to the protracted Boeing-Airbus subsidy battle and the 2018 tariffs on European steel and aluminum, Europe has learned the hard way that conciliation only invites further U.S. pressure rather than reciprocity and respect.

For the EU, the economic stakes are considerable. In 2024, the EU exported goods worth 531.6 billion euros to the United States while imports totaled 333.4 billion euros. Industries such as automotive, machinery and agriculture rely heavily on the U.S. market. A disruptive tariff conflict would not only undermine critical economic metrics but also place millions of European jobs at risk.

In response, the EU is accelerating efforts to diversify its trade ties and reduce dependence on the United States. In December 2024, it concluded free trade talks with the South American trade bloc Mercosur, and in March 2025, it held with India the 10th round of negotiations for a free trade agreement. Also in March, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic visited China, signaling a commitment to deepening EU-China economic cooperation. The EU is pivoting toward the Global South to broaden its trade horizons.

While Washington increasingly resorts to tariff-centric trade measures and other unilateral means that erode transatlantic trust and undermine the foundations of the global multilateral trading system, the EU appears poised with a calibrated, multi-pronged strategy -- ready to respond decisively when necessary. 
More than 300,000 households face losing hot water and heating when electricity meters are switched off on June 30.

Energy firms have admitted they are unlikely to replace thousands of Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters with smart meters before the old technology is phased out next month.

According to Energy UK, at the end of March, 430,000 households still used RTS which relies on the BBCs longwave radio signal to switch meters between peak and off-peak rates.

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Longwave also powers BBC Radio 4, however the BBC is now shutting down the technology as it is becoming obsolete.

The trade body for energy companies has agreed with the regulator Ofgem to switch off RTS meters, which date back to the 1980s, and move customers on to smart meters instead.

The rollout of smart meters has been controversial because of data privacy concerns and dumb meters that left thousands of customers with incorrect bills. Smart Energy GB said the switch-off was not related to the nationwide drive to encourage more households to adopt smart meters.

Energy UK has said that more than 1,000 RTS meters are now being replaced every day.

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But this suggests hundreds of thousands of homes will not be switched over in time and could be left with a meter that does not work. It means they will either lose heating or have it stuck on constantly.

Ned Hammond, Energy UKs deputy director for customers, told BBC Radio 4s You And Yours programme that the rate of replacement is rising.

However, he said: Obviously wed need to increase from there significantly still to replace all the meters by the end of June.

When asked whether it would be impossible to replace every RTS meter by the deadline, he said: I wouldnt want to say impossible  but clearly very, very difficult to get to that point.

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The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to the watchdog and the Government warning that the replacement effort is dangerously behind schedule.

Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: Our member organisations across the country will continue to do all they can to support the transition and raise awareness of the switch, but urgent action is now required.

There is a very real risk that over 300,000 households will find their RTS meter stops working properly come July 1 2025.

With pressures on the replacement programme growing and with limited engineer availability, especially in rural areas, theres a real risk of prolonged disruption, particularly for vulnerable households.

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Government, regulators and energy firms need to face up to the looming crisis and ramp up efforts to help people switch.

At the same time we now need to ensure contingency measures are in place for those who do not make the deadline and require energy suppliers to ensure fair metering and billing practices.

An Ofgem spokesman said the RTS upgrade programme was an urgent consumer welfare issue and it was determined to ensure customers were protected when the technology goes out of action.

They continued: In recent weeks we have seen evidence of suppliers significantly stepping up their activity in these remote areas, such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and solutions to improve smart meter connectivity in the north have been launched.

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So, we urge any customers who may have previously struggled to get their RTS meter replaced to please contact their supplier again to arrange an appointment.

Ofgem has also demanded action plans from every supplier, which we are scrutinising on an ongoing basis to ensure that robust contingencies are in place to protect any customers who remain on RTS meters after the phased switch-off process begins.

A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: We demand that suppliers must meet their obligations to consumers and ensure that no one loses heating or hot water. This includes rapidly increasing the pace of replacements so that there is a smooth transition and consumers are protected. The Government will do everything it can to ensure that all consumers are protected.

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(KRON)  Deputies conducting a foot patrol through a Santa Cruz County protected habitat on Tuesday uncovered more than $30,000 worth of high-end bikes and construction tools, according to authorities.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office said it was responding to community concerns about crime spreading from the Arana Gulch area into Live Oak when the discovery was made. Deputies also spotted drug paraphernalia near a tent in the protected area, the sheriffs office said, where camping is illegal.

A man, later identified as Joshua Morris, fled on foot from the approaching deputies before being detained a short distance later, SCCSO said. Morris was allegedly found with over 100 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, cash and police scanners.

(Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office) (Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office)

Morris told deputies that the multiple mountain bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and dozens of tools were not his, the sheriffs office said. He was arrested and booked for two felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for sale and misdemeanors of possession of paraphernalia, intercepting public safety radio communications, resisting an officer and trespassing on private property.

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No charges have been brought against Morris in connection with the stolen property, court records show.

Several of the items recovered were returned to their rightful owners, SCCSO said. Other who believe their property may be among the recovered items is asked to contact Detective Alex Spencer at 831-454-7636 or alexander.spencer@santacruzcountyca.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 KRON4.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  More than $30,000 in grants has been awarded to seven different Sioux Center organizations.

According to a release from the city of Sioux Center, the Sioux Center Community Foundation has awarded the grants as part of its 2024 Generations Grants program.

New bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sioux City to be ordained

The grants went to multiple organizations, ranging from the fire department to a health organization and more.

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The foundation awards grants yearly and has provided over $264,000 in grants since the program began.

You can view this years winners below.

Promise Community Health was awarded $3,400 for a blood pressure machine and stand

Rising Arrows was awarded $5,000 for their library summer program

The Sioux Center Fire Department was awarded $5,000 for equipment upgrades

The Sioux Center Police Department was awarded $4,600 for police ballistic shields

Sioux Center Christian School was awarded $5,00 for an outdoor activity court

Northwest Iowa Baby Shower was awarded $4,00 for baby items

Immigrant Connection of Northwest Iowa was awarded $4,600 for office set-up, including computers and furniture

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of 36 former juvenile detention detainees, alleging that King County officials and employees perpetrated or enabled decades of systemic sexual abuse at those facilities.

The suit, filed in King County Superior Court, details allegations of misconduct and abuse going all the way back to the late 1960s.

The plaintiffs  men and women who were minors when detained, some as young as 11 years old  describe being allegedly assaulted by correctional officers, probation officers, healthcare staff, and even a sitting Superior Court judge.

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In the suit, many allege they were subjected to rape, molestation, forced sexual acts, grooming and threats of retaliation  often isolated and under the watch of county staff who failed to intervene, according to Bergman Oslund Udo Little (BOUL), the PNW law firm representing the individuals.

The complaint also claims that the county fostered a culture of abuse and impunity, ignoring red flags, failing to train or adequately supervise staff, allowing for blind spots in surveillance, and refusing to implement safeguards

Those who are a part of the lawsuit are seeking damages for physical, emotional and psychological trauma.

This case is about accountability, said Ruby Aliment, BOUL attorney representing the plaintiffs. King County silenced our clients through threats and shame to hide the alarming rates of sexual abuse in its detention facilities. By exposing the truth and demanding justice, we hope to ensure this never happens again.

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In a statement to KIRO 7, a spokesperson for the King County Executive Office said:

We will be thoroughly investigating each claim. We are committed to the safety and well-being of all youth in our juvenile detention facility. We will continue to uphold robust standards that have been put in place over the course of many years to protect young people in our care from harm.

This case follows two previous lawsuits filed against multiple juvenile detention facilities throughout Washington state on behalf of 364 survivors in 2024.

That suit accused more than 100 state employees, including guards, counselors, medical staff, and even the head of security at some facilities, of participating in or facilitating the abuse.

The facilities involved in the lawsuit span across Washington, including well-known juvenile institutions such as Green Hill School, Echo Glen Childrens Center, and several other state-run juvenile detention facilities.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Thirty-seven suspects were arrested in connection with three different organized retail theft operations in San Francisco, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced in a news release Wednesday. The retail theft operations happened in the citys Ingleside neighborhood.

Four adult suspects were booked into San Francisco County Jail. The other 33 suspects were cited and released at the scene. The stolen property totaled more than $2,500 worth of merchandise.

According to SFPD, merchandise was taken from the Safeway on 3350 Mission St. and the Walgreens on 965 Geneva Ave. Among the stolen items recovered were Haagen-Dazs ice cream, Starburst candy and coffee.

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Luigi the Musical, about accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer, to debut in SF

Thirty-seven arrests were made in connection with stolen property that totaled more than $2,500. (Photo: San Francisco Police Department)

The merchandise has been returned to its rightful stores, police said. SFPD says any business that would like to participate in an organized Retail Crime operation can email sfpd.retailtheft@sfgov.org.

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.
Four San Luis Obispo residents were arrested on suspicion of operating a drug house last month after police found large amounts of meth, fentanyl, LSD and more than $3,000 cash, the San Luis Obispo Police Department said in a Wednesday news release.

Shane Parker, 38, was first arrested on March 20 after officers served a search warrant on a vehicle stopped on Santa Rosa Street near the Meinecke intersection.

Parker was arrested on a felony warrant, on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale. He was also in possession of a substantial amount of cash, and a small quantity of fentanyl was found in the trunk of the car, police said.

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Court records show he was charged with that crime, as well as obstructing a police officer and possessing drug paraphernalia in January in relation to a July incident. It is unclear at this time whether the felony warrant was related to the January filing.

The search warrant continued at the property where Parker lived at the 800 block of Murray Avenue, the news release said.

Detectives found 50 grams of methamphetamine, 56 grams of fentanyl, LSD tabs and two jars of a liquid solvent for the production of dimethyltryptamine, also known as DMT, which is a hallucinogenic drug. The SLO County hazmat team responded to the property to facilitate safe collection of the liquid.

San Luis Obispo Police Department detectives found two jars of liquid solvent for the production of dimethyltryptamine, also known as the hallucinogenic drug DMT, inside a suspected drug house in the 800 block of Murray Road in San Luis Obispo on March 20, 2025.

Also found inside the house was brass knuckles, a stun gun, a metal baton known as a billy club, scales, plastic baggies and more cash.

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Parker was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of operating a drug house, possessing metal knuckles, two counts of possessing a controlled substance for sale and possessing a controlled substance for sale with prior convictions  all felonies  and misdemeanor possession of a stun gun.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office inmate database shows Parker was no longer in custody as of Wednesday.

Three other residents of the Murray Avenue property were also arrested, the news release said.

William Phelps, 45; Shannon Sanda, 40; and Evan Dyer, 39; were all arrested on suspicion of felony operating a drug house. Phelps and Sanda were also arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance with prior convictions, and Phelps had an additional suspected felony possession of a controlled substance for sale charge.

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None were in jail custody as of Wednesday.

Court records show the San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office has not yet filed formal charges against any of the suspects as of Wednesday evening.
This weekend, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024. Five of them were from Florida.

The 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will also honor 70 more firefighters who died in previous years.

Each of these 140 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others  a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism, Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF said in a release. Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families, and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served.

Families and colleagues of fallen firefighters hold candles aloft in the National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service on May 4, 2024.

There will be two events open to the public at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland: a candlelight service on Saturday, May 3, and a memorial service on Sunday, May 4. Both events will be livestreamed.

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Private events will be held for the families and fire departments of the honored firefighters, the NFFF said.

Flags in Florida expected to fly at half-staff May 4 to honor fallen firefighters

In 2001, then-President George W. Bush signed Public Law 107-51 requiring the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters each year, coinciding with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

"When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition," the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation said.

As of April 30, President Trump has not yet issued a proclamation for 2025, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet issued a proclamation ordering state flags to be lowered to half-staff. On April 25, DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor fallen law enforcement officers around the state.

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Here are the Florida firefighters who will be honored at the events. Information provided by the NFFF.

Lieutenant Andy Eyster, Melbourne Fire Department

Lieutenant Andy Eyster of the Melbourne Fire Department is one of five Florida firefighters who died in 2024. He will be honored in the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend May 3 and 4, 2025.

Ester, 51, died on May 10, 2024, after a 3-year battle with cancer.

He devoted his life to the service of his community, starting with the Harbor City Volunteer Ambulance Squad and then the Satellite Beach Fire Department before joining the Melbourne Fire Department, where he retired as a lieutenant. Ester also served as a flight paramedic for First Flight and trained and mentored paramedics.

Ester is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Eyan and Brett; and his stepchildren, Jordan, Trent, and Averi.

Lieutenant Joseph J. Geld, Melbourne Fire Department

Lieutenant Joseph J. Geld of the Melbourne Fire Department is one of five Florida firefighters who died in 2024. He will be honored in the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend May 3 and 4, 2025.

Geld, 65, died on December 23, 2023, from complications of cancer.

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He began as a volunteer firefighter, ultimately joining the Melbourne Fire Department in 1988, where he trained others, built props for firefighter safety during training, and ran the driver development program. Geld also provided training at Florida Fire Training Institute and Eastern Florida State College.

Geld is survived by his wife, Jackie; children, JR (Nikki), Jason (Courtney), John, and Andy; and grandchildren, Rory, Brinn, Charlee, and Connor.

Firefighter/Paramedic James Nathan Leonard, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department

Firefighter/Paramedic James Nathan Leonard of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department is one of five Florida firefighters who died in 2024. He will be honored in the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend May 3 and 4, 2025.

"Nate" Leonard, 43, died on January 12, 2022, from complications of cancer.

Since joining the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in 2007, Leonard has earned a Unit Citation, three Lifesaving Commendations, and a Meritorious Duty Commendation. He served for many years on the department's Dive Rescue Team.

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Leonard is survived by his wife, Nina; his parents, Jim and Marilyn; and his sister, Valerie.

Engineer Heath Joseph O'Shea, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department

Engineer Heath Joseph O'Shea of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is one of five Florida firefighters who died in 2024. He will be honored in the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend May 3 and 4, 2025.

O'Shea, 44, died on April 13, 2024, from an aortic aneurysm.

He began his 20-year career with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in 2003, calling it the best job ever. O'Shea saved countless lives, helped deliver at least eight babies, and even rescued several kittens along the way.

O'Shea is survived by his wife, Melanie; his son, Simon (18), and his daughter, Lily (11).

Firefighter/EMT Jason C. Tucker, Pasco County Fire Rescue

Firefighter/EMT Jason C. Tucker of Pasco County Fire Rescue is one of five Florida firefighters who died in 2024. He will be honored in the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend May 3 and 4, 2025.

Tucker, 53, died on April 23, 2023, after a 22-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.

As a young boy, Tucker responded to calls with his grandfather, a forestry service employee who started several volunteer fire stations in Alabama. He went to serve 19 years as a firefighter and EMT. When Pasco County moved forward in cancer prevention, Tucker got the specialty certificates needed to work on their decontamination truck that rolled out in April 2020 and later moved to their special operations truck.

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After his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Tucker moved to light duty but continued helping to train firefighters and make improvements in the training center. A new burn tower in the Pasco County Fire Rescue training center has been named for him.

Tucker is survived by his wife, Wendy; his son, Austin; his mother and stepfather, Carolyn and David McKoy; and his father and stepmother, Jerry and Theresa Tucker.

How can I watch the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend events?

The candlelight service will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

A memorial service will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

The NFFF will live stream both events on their website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

Flowers adorn the memorial to fallen firefighters at the Capitol in Tallahassee.

How can I honor fallen firefighters?

Even if you can't make it, there are ways to pay tribute to this year's honored firefighters.

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Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters (April 27 - May 4: Light your homes, businesses, landmarks or fire departments with red lights.

Bells Across America (May 3-4): Sign up to ring bells across the country.

Sound the Sirens (May 4): At noon, many fire stations will sound their sirens in honor of fallen firefighters.

Sign the Remembrance Banner: You can pay tribute to a specific firefighter or share a story.

Why do so many firefighters die of cancer?

Four of the five honored Florida firefighters died from cancer or complications from it.

Firefighters put themselves at risk from more things than raging flames. Multiple studies have shown increased risks for cancer due to the smoke and hazardous chemicals firefighters and EMT personnel are exposed to in the line of duty.

When houses burn, carcinogens are released from the many synthetic and plastic materials in the home that can be inhaled or absorbed into the skin. Older homes may still have asbestos insulation, and diesel exhaust can be a factor.

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According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. Cancer was responsible for 70% of the line-of-duty deaths for career firefighters in 2016, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network said.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Fallen Firefighters Memorial to honor 5 Florida men who died in 2024
President Trump made unleashing American energy a cornerstone of his platform on the campaign trail and a focus of the first 100 days of his second term.

He has made his priorities in how to accomplish that goal clear, repeating a slogan of drill, baby, drill and making moves to boost fossil fuels while going after renewable energy, climate science and environmental regulations.

Here are five ways the Trump administration has reshaped energy and environment policy:

Speeding up fossil fuel and mining projects

The administration has made speeding up fossil fuel and mining projects a key focus. On his very first day in office, Trump declared an energy emergency  which his team said would unlock additional powers to jump-start energy production.

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Last week, the Interior Department moved to fast-track fossil fuel and mining projects on federal lands by drastically shortening the timeline for environmental reviews.

Recent laws have already shortened these assessments to two years or less, but historically they have taken several years.

The department announced that projects that choose to be part of a special alternative process can now have their environmental analyses completed in two weeks to a month.

The administration described the move as cutting through unnecessary red tape, but environmental advocates have raised concerns about whether a projects potential impacts would be adequately reviewed.

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The administration has also made moves to bolster mining  invoking wartime authority to expand extraction of minerals and coal and prioritizing these activities on federal lands.

It is also fast-tracking 10 mines that would produce a range of materials including coal, gold, copper and lithium.

Downplaying climate change and fighting against climate action

Trump has repeatedly sought to deny or downplay the impacts of climate change  and targeted policies and scientific efforts that aim to combat or highlight the phenomenon.

This week, the administration dismissed hundreds of scientists who were working on the Sixth National Climate Assessment  a congressionally mandated account of climate impacts in the U.S.

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An internal budget document obtained by The Hill also indicated that the administration wants to eliminate the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research office at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

And the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that it wants to reconsider its endangerment finding, which said that climate change poses a threat to the public and underlies numerous regulations.

The agency has also indicated that it would roll back a number of Biden-era climate regulations, including those on cars and power plants.

In addition, the administration has targeted grants that it says are part of the green new scam. In particular, it has sought to terminate grants issued under a green bank program that provided funding for climate-friendly projects around the country.

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Trump has directed the Justice Department to go after state-level climate actions as well.

The administration has also targeted climate-friendly renewable energy  and particularly wind power. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order that blocked the government from approving wind farms on public lands and oceans.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, meanwhile, has sought to halt construction on an offshore wind project, claiming that the Biden administration did not give the project a thorough review.

Implementing tariffs, spooking the oil and gas sector

While Trump has championed the fossil fuel industry and has exempted oil from his global tariffs, the sector is not immune to the impacts of his tariff agenda.

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Trumps tariffs have sparked fears of a recession  and those fears have brought oil prices down.

Low oil prices often mean consumers are paying less money at the pump, and that companies are less incentivized to drill.

In an anonymous survey of oil and gas companies released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas earlier this year, energy executives raised concerns about uncertainty due to Trumps policies.

The administrations chaos is a disaster for the commodity markets, one company said in the survey, which was released a few days before Trumps global tariffs were officially announced. Drill, baby, drill is nothing short of a myth and populist rallying cry. Tariff policy is impossible for us to predict and doesnt have a clear goal. We want more stability.

Rolling back pollution protections

The Trump administration has sought to roll back not only climate action and research, but also environmental protections more broadly.

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In what EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described as the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen, he indicated that the administration could roll back regulations on pollution into waterways and those that seek to restrict power plant emissions of the neurotoxin mercury and general emissions of a cancer-causing chemicals from sterilizer plants.

Trump exempted dozens of power plants from the mercury rule in the interim term  while the EPA set up an email address allowing companies to request additional regulatory exemptions.

In addition, the administration has indicated that it may roll back air pollution limits for deadly soot.

It has also indicated that it is likely to reduce the stringency of safety screenings for potentially harmful chemicals. Among the chemicals currently undergoing the screening process is vinyl chloride, a toxic substance used to make PVC plastic that was released, along with other chemicals, in a train derailment in Ohio in 2023.

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The administration also signaled plans to roll back Biden-era rules that aim to prevent chemical disasters at 12,000 industrial facilities, including chemical manufacturers and distributors, oil refineries, food and beverage manufacturers and agricultural supply distributors.

Cutting staff at energy and environmental agencies

The Trump administration has sought to axe staffers at a number of environmental agencies.

It initially announced layoffs of probationary workers at agencies across the federal government. After some legal back-and-forth, many agencies ended up placing staff on administrative leave. However, the Commerce Department, which includes NOAA, has refired its probationary workers.

Meanwhile, the EPA has fired 280 staffers who worked on an area known as environmental justice  which seeks to tackle pollution in communities facing high levels of it, including minority and low-income neighborhoods. The agency has framed this effort as part of a broader pushback against government diversity programming.

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In a massive purge at the Department of Health and Human Services, meanwhile, employees who worked on environmental health, including on programs related to childhood lead exposure, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were among those let go  as were those who worked on a program that helped low-income Americans afford heating and air conditioning.

Agencies across the federal government, including energy- and environment-focused agencies, have offered buyouts to staff.

The administration is also expected to carry out reductions in force that could terminate large swaths of workers at the other agencies.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A man heads to a polling station for local elections in Preston, Britain, May 1, 2025. Voters across England went to the polls on Thursday for local elections in the first major electoral test for political parties since the general election last year. More than 1,600 seats are being contested in councils across England. The elections also cover six mayoralties and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby in Cheshire, the first since last year's general election. (Photo by Jon Super/Xinhua)

LONDON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Voters across England went to the polls on Thursday for local elections in the first major electoral test for political parties since the general election last year.

More than 1,600 seats are being contested in councils across England. The elections also cover six mayoralties and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby in Cheshire, the first since last year's general election.

The elections are seen as a major test for the ruling Labour Party. According to The Telegraph, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's net approval ratings currently stand at -29 percentage points, the lowest on record for any incumbent prime minister to enter their first by-elections.

The staggering economy doesn't help either. Last week, the IMF downgraded its growth forecast for Britain this year to 1.1 percent, from the 1.6 percent it had previously forecast, while the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, said Britain faced a "growth shock" from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies.

The rise of the right-wing Reform UK party is a major concern in the elections, according to The Guardian. It is considered one of the front-runners to overturn Labour's near 15,000 majority in Runcorn and Helsby. Reform UK could also fare well in some of the mayoral contests, the newspaper reported.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has been hoping to build on the momentum he gained last year at the general election, even expressing his ambition to replace the Conservatives as the main opposition party.

The by-election result and some mayoralties will be declared overnight on Thursday, but the majority of the council results are not expected until well into Friday. 

A woman heads to a polling station for local elections in Preston, Britain, May 1, 2025.

Voters across England went to the polls on Thursday for local elections in the first major electoral test for political parties since the general election last year.

More than 1,600 seats are being contested in councils across England. The elections also cover six mayoralties and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby in Cheshire, the first since last year's general election. (Photo by Jon Super/Xinhua)

A woman heads to a polling station for local elections in Preston, Britain, May 1, 2025.

Voters across England went to the polls on Thursday for local elections in the first major electoral test for political parties since the general election last year.

More than 1,600 seats are being contested in councils across England. The elections also cover six mayoralties and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby in Cheshire, the first since last year's general election. (Photo by Jon Super/Xinhua)

A staff member places a sign outside a polling station in Daresbury, Cheshire, Britain, May 1, 2025.

Voters across England went to the polls on Thursday for local elections in the first major electoral test for political parties since the general election last year.

More than 1,600 seats are being contested in councils across England. The elections also cover six mayoralties and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby in Cheshire, the first since last year's general election. (Photo by Jon Super/Xinhua)
MANITOWOC  A lucky Powerball player who bought their ticket at Superior Discount Liquor on Calumet Avenue in Manitowoc has won $50,000 in the April 30 drawing.

The win marks the third $50,000 Powerball win in Wisconsin in the past five days.

Wisconsin Lottery said in a news release the winning ticket from Manitowoc matched four of five numbers (1-2-3-57-59) plus the Powerball (9).

For the April 28 drawing, the $50,000 winning ticket was sold by Kwik Trip on Elkhorn Road in Whitewater.

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For the April 26 drawing, the winning ticket was sold by Kwik Trip on Inman Parkway in Beloit.

Read more: Lakeland Care, serving seniors & adults with disabilities, moves to new Manitowoc office

2025 has seen 10 winning Powerball tickets worth $50,000 so far.

The estimated jackpot for the May 3 drawing is $44 million.

Wisconsin Lottery retailers who sell winning tickets of more than $599 receive a 2% Retailer Performance Winning Ticket Incentive, up to $100,000.

Read more: 'May Day' anti-Trump rally planned for Saturday at Manitowoc Shipbuilders Park

Players have 180 days from the draw date to claim their winnings. Information about how to claim a prize is available at wilottery.com.

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Powerball drawings are every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. Tickets, which are $2-$3, must be purchased before 9 p.m. to be included in a drawing.

Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Winning Powerball ticket worth $50,000 sold at Manitowoc liquor store
Thousands of people attended May Day protests across the country Thursday in response to the Trump administrations controversial moves against immigrants and federal workers over its first 100 days.

Scores of people filled the streets in cities including Los Angeles, New York City, Denver, Chicago and Washington, DC, for May Day  or International Workers Day  to protest what they call an assault on immigrants, workers and students exercising their right to free speech.

The protests are organized under the banner of the 50501 movement  short for 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement  which states it supports the fight to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach.

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Trump and his billionaire profiteers are trying to create a race to the bottom  on wages, on benefits, on dignity itself, the movements website says. This May Day we are fighting back. We are demanding a country that puts our families over their fortunes  public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, prosperity over free market politics.

Causes come together in united protests

New York Citys first May Day protest on Thursday brought together several causes, with chants of Free Palestine, signs calling for the freedom of detained Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil and workers rights signs reading, Trump: Hands Off Our Unions.

Trump has poor and working-class people forgetting who our enemies are, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation said to the large crowd gathered in New York Citys Union Square. Our enemies are not international students that organize on their campus. Our enemies are not undocumented workers that contribute to their communities, that pay taxes and cant get services. Our enemies are not workers that work for corporations.

No  this racist, sexist, anti-worker, homophobic, xenophobic, transphobic system is our enemy, the organizer said as the crowd cheered in response.

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A group of roughly 150 people marched a little over 20 blocks from Union Square to the New York Public Librarys Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, where the rallies continued on its front entrance steps.

People gather at New York Public Library after marching during a May Day rally on Thursday. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Demonstrators chanted and cheered while carrying Palestinian flags and signs that read, People demand: Stop the deportations. Multiple speakers spoke about the governments targeting of immigrants and the US funding to Israel for weapons and military equipment as the civilian death toll in Gaza continues to rise.

During a second energetic May Day rally in New York City, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told thousands of attendees, as estimated by CNN crew members, When they see us gather in the streets, Washington politicians get very afraid.

She pointed to the large gatherings of people rallying for May Day in cities across the country, mentioning Sen. Bernie Sanders was at a rally with thousands of people in Philadelphia.

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The Vermont senator spoke Thursday at City Hall in Philadelphia alongside labor unions and immigrant rights groups demonstrating against the current administrations recent policies and decisions.

Brothers and sisters, we tell these greedy oligarchs this country belongs to all of us, not the billionaire class, Sanders said.

Protesters waiting in anticipation for Sanders speech told CNN they have concerns, including Kilmar Abrego Garcias deportation and the administrations threats against students like Tufts University PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk, who was snatched by masked immigration officers in broad daylight.

Im in distress, Kate Overath-Speck told CNN. I came out and demonstrated during his first regime, like every weekend, there was something to protest. But now were not supposed to be protesters. Were supposed to be protectors of democracy, the rule of law, the US constitution.

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Following the Philadelphia rally, 70 demonstrators were arrested for obstructing a highway after officers issued multiple warnings to clear the roadway, the Philadelphia Police Department said Thursday night. Protesters were inspired by the actions of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and Dr. Martin Luther King and the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike, the Philadelphia AFL-CIO said in a news release.

What we saw today, from the large crowds who rallied with us at City Hall, to the over 50 leaders and activists who were arrested with me earlier this evening, makes it abundantly clear that workers in Philly will not sit back while our rights are stripped away by billionaires like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, Philadelphia AFL-CIO President Daniel Bauder said.

As part of her speech, Ocasio-Cortez criticized the mass cuts to the federal workforce since the start of the Trump administration, along with the crackdown on immigration enforcement.

Weve seen our federal workers laid off, cuts across the board, she told the crowd. We can see individuals calling for a ceasefire getting locked up, she said, alluding to protest organizers like Khalil.

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50501, which describes itself as a decentralized movement with events organized by independent volunteers, originated from a Reddit forum launched on January 25 that gave rise to a wave of nationwide protests led by grassroots organizations following Trumps inauguration. What began as an online movement quickly spilled into the streets, with at least four major demonstrations in the past four months.

Before the May Day protests, the most recent came on April 19 when crowds of people attended over 80 protests at state capitols, courthouses and city halls in several states to oppose what organizers describe as President Donald Trumps executive overreach, including deportations without due process, the dismantling of federal agencies and threats to higher education.

Protesters demand the return of wrongfully deported man

In downtown Los Angeles, vast numbers of people rallied and chanted in opposition to the Trump administration and what speakers described as efforts to undermine Black and immigrant communities.

The real parasites of this country are those billionaires that are destroying this countrys institutions, said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, the founder of the Pilipino Workers Center.

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The crowd broke into multiple chants: When I say workers, you say power! When I say immigrants, you say power! When I say union, you say yes!

Enough with the senseless attacks on our brothers and sisters who came to this country seeking a better life, said Carmen Roberts, vice president of SEIU Local 2015, the largest union in California representing over half a million long-term care workers.

Let us choose unity over division, she said, adding Si, se puede, Spanish for Yes, it can be done, a nod to the rallying cry of the farm workers movement led by Cesar E. Chavez, who fought for fair wages, humane treatment and safer working conditions for Californias farm workers through nonviolent marches, boycotts and fasts.

Similar crowds made their way through the streets Washington, DC, where the wife of Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongly deported to El Salvador last month, spoke to demonstrators.

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My husband was illegally detained, abducted and disappeared, thrown away to die in one of the most dangerous prisons in El Salvador with no due process because of an error, Jennifer Vasquez Sura said as the crowd responded with chants of shame.

Demonstrators march during a May Day protest in Los Angeles, on Thursday. - Jae C. Hong/AP

This pain is indescribable. My children  have been left to live in a silence of their (fathers) absence, and they miss him more than anything, she added. Stop playing political games with my husbands life.

The Trump administration has taken extraordinary measures to crack down on immigration, aggressively pressuring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to pick up the pace of migrant arrests and touting mass deportation plans. The recent crackdown has included the wrongful deportation of Abrego Garcia. On Tuesday, Trump acknowledged he could secure the return of Garcia, but refuses to do so.

Illinois Rep. Delia Catalina Ramirez, the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, also spoke to DC protesters.

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We understand that this president wants to divide us. He wants to pit us against each other, Ramirez said.

But look around, friends. We are Black, we are brown, we are Asian, we are Arab, we are Muslim, we are Jewish, we are White, we are working class and we are congresspeople saying, enough is enough.

Ramirez pointed to mobilization and actions such as the May Day protests as the only thing that will stop fascism.

This is what resistance looks like, she said. Theyre going to try their best to continue to divide us. But this is a moment where it doesnt matter if you come from Colombia, Jamaica, Venezuela, Poland, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Mexico. If youre coming from Afghanistan, from Gaza, we all come together now.

Protests continue as Trumps approval rating drops

The protests Thursday are part of a partnership with the group May Day Strong, Gloriann Sahay, the co-founder and digital director of Political Revolution PAC, told CNN.

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We will not stand by as this administration kidnaps our neighbors, tramples our rights, jails judges, harms people in our marginalized communities, and turns the evil Project 2025 into a reality. When the government attacks even one person, they are attacking every American, Sahay said.

Protesters hold up various signs and banners demanding Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be brought back to the US during a protest on Thursday, in Los Angeles. - CNN

The protests come two days after Trump marked 100 days in office. In that short period, he has moved to upend the world order by instituting tariffs that threaten global trade; dismantling the administrative state under the Department of Government Efficiencys slapdash cuts; rolling back protections for transgender people; and exercising executive power with disdain for checks and balances.

Trumps 41% approval rating is the lowest for any newly elected president at 100 days dating back at least to Dwight Eisenhower over six decades ago  including Trumps own first term, according to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS. Approval of Trumps handling of the presidency is down 4 points since March, and 7 points lower than it was in late February. Just 22% say they strongly approve of Trumps handling of the job, a new low, and about twice as many say they strongly disapprove (45%).

Trumps first presidency was met with immediate mass protests in the form of the Womens March following Inauguration Day in January 2017. The second time around, protests were slower to develop on a significant scale until more recently.

The Hands Off protests on April 5 targeted both Trump and billionaire Elon Musk in response to what the organizers called a hostile takeover and attack on American rights and freedoms.

Nearly 600,000 people had signed up to attend the events, some of which took place in major cities like London and Paris, according to Indivisible, one of the organizations leading the movement.

Then on April 19, the 50501 protests gathered across the US in a similar show of disapproval for the Trump presidencys actions, with one of they key concerns of that protest being Abrego Garcia.

Hundreds of Tesla Takedown demonstrations have also taken place in the US, Canada and Europe as activists ramp up their opposition to Musks efforts to slash federal government staffing and budgets through DOGE.

CNNs Kristin Chapman, Shania Shelton, Danny Freeman and Mina Allen contributed to this report.

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SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (KCAU)  After three days of public hearings, members of the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit application from Invenergy.

The application from Invenergy was for a proposed 64-turbine wind farm.

A previous application from the company requesting permission for a 79-turbine farm was denied back in October of 2023.

The approved application comes with three conditions. Financial security must be provided before construction, an aircraft detecting light system must be installed following FAA approval, and the county engineer will research and review alternative locations for the project.

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Big Sioux Levee Trail reopens in Dakota Dunes

Either party is able to appeal this decision within the next 30 days.

The lead developer of the Red Rock Wind project, Joe Crowley, released the following statement.

We are pleased that the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment has approved Red Rock Wind Energy Center and grateful to the Board for their thoughtful deliberation. This would not have been possible without the hundreds of landowners and local supporters who stepped up to advocate for the significant and long-term economic opportunities that this project will bring to their community. Joe Crowley, Lead Developer of Red Rock Wind

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A school bus driver is off the job after a child was attacked during his route, Georgia deputies said.

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On Wednesday, Bulloch County Student Resource Officer Dep. Julian Brown received a report about an attack on a child during the morning bus route on April 18, our sister station WSB-TV reported.

The sheriffs office said it was later confirmed that seven students, ages five through 14, initiated a physical fight on a 7-year-old student during the morning bus route to the Mattie Lively Elementary School.

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Authorities said the attack happened while the bus was traveling on Highway 301 North in Statesboro.

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Investigators said after reviewing bus camera footage, the seven students were identified and charged with battery.

Also, investigators said the bus driver, 70-year-old Joey Edwin Jackson, was arrested and charged with cruelty to children in the second degree and failure to report child abuse.

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According to the sheriffs office, Jackson is no longer employed by the Board of Education.

As for the students, all seven have been suspended from their respective schools. Their arrest information has been sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice for further court proceedings.

The incident remains under investigation.

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  Hospitals are closing all over the state of Wisconsin. In our area alone, the closure of the HSHS/Prevea Hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls has left a lot of uncertainty. The Healthy Wisconsin Alliance (part of the Wisconsin Hospital Association) wanted to know how deep the concern in the state went. They commissioned a series of questions to be released as part of the Platform Communications Badger Battlegorund Poll. 500 likely voters were asked questions to gauge concern over the closures, their opinions of hospitals, insurance companies, and if they or someone they love had experienced barriers to receiving care caused by insurance companies.

Overwhelmingly, Wisconsites are concerned about the closing of hospitals. 70% of respondents were At least somewhat concerned about additional hospital closures. Additionally, 50% of those concerned said they are most worried about difficulty accessing care. Specifically, in our area of the state, 85% of Eau Claire-area residents were concerned about future hospital closures.

67% of Wisconsinites believe that hospitals would act in their best interest, while only 6% believe insurance companies would do the same. Those numbers represented majorities across all voter demographics. 83% of the Democrats, 55% of the Republicans and 60% of the Independents believe that hospitals have their best interest in mind.

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Finally, nearly 1 in 3, or 33%, have personal experience with difficulty receiving care due to insurance companies denying coverage. Those numbers are mostly unchanged from the last time this question was polled in August of 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud.
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL)  More than two decades after a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped and raped in Auburn, her attacker has finally been brought to justice.

Bobby Pitts, 77, has pleaded guilty to Rape in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, and Kidnapping in the First Degree for the 2003 abduction and sexual assault. He has been sentenced to 14 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections. Under Alabama law, he must serve at least 85% of his sentence, making him ineligible for parole until age 91.

The 14-year sentence was the result of a blind plea. Under Alabama Law this means Pitts pled guilty without a sentencing agreement in place. In a blind plea, the judge has complete discretion to decide the sentence after reviewing the facts of the case, any victim impact statements, and arguments from both the prosecution and defense. A District Attorneys Office does not determine or agree to a blind plea sentence. The prosecution role ends at presenting the case. In Alabama, judges have broad sentencing authority within statutory limits.

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This case is a clear example of why we never stop pursuing justice, said Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere. Thanks to persistent investigative efforts and a courageous survivor, we have secured a conviction that protects the public and provides long-awaited accountability.

On the day of the attack in 2003, Auburn Police received a report that a 12-year-old girl had gone missing from her yard. A search was launched immediately. Hours later, the child emerged from a nearby wooded area and reported she had been sexually assaulted. She had visible injuries, was treated by EMS, and taken to East Alabama Medical Center where a sexual assault kit was collected.

Despite an intensive investigation at the time, no suspect was identified.

Years later, a breakthrough came when DNA evidence from the assault matched Bobby Pitts in the national CODIS database. Auburn Police reopened the case, with Detective Chris Murray and Lt. Jimmy Butler resuming the investigation. The survivor confirmed she was ready to move forward, which ultimately led to Pitts conviction.

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Senior Assistant District Attorney Cathey Berardi prosecuted the case, working closely with law enforcement and the victim.

I want to personally thank Detective Chris Murray and Lt. Jimmy Butler for their outstanding work, Ventiere said. Their drive, professionalism, and commitment to justice made this possible. This conviction not only brings justice to a brave survivor, but it also reinforces our message to the community: we will pursue those who harm othersno matter how many years have passed.

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.
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

ROY, Utah (ABC4)  An elderly woman is in the hospital after she was hit by a car while crossing the street in Roy, according to officials. The driver of the vehicle that struck her has not yet been found.

The woman, aged 77, was crossing the street at 2350 W 4400 S just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Roy City Police told ABC4.com. Officials said the victim was taken to a local hospital in stable but critical condition.

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One killed in wrong-way crash on I-15 near Tremonton

Witnesses reported that the involved car was white and may be an Audi. The vehicle is suspected to have damage to its grill and the front passenger side of the vehicle.

Police are asking for information from anyone who may have details on the incident.

There is no further information at this time.

Latest headlines:

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CLIFTON, Colo. (KREX)  Gabriel Howell, who listed for the Marines, states, There was quite a bit of emotion. Its really cool being able to have my family here being able to see it.

Wednesday morning was an exciting day for nine students from Central High School to define themselves as Americans and join the military.

Sgt. First Class John Pennington, the Central High School JROTC Army instructor, states, I am very elated that these young men and women that we have here today have decided to make the ultimate choice to stand up and serve their nation and stand up for our freedoms and our rights, and knowing full well that possibly they may have to do, give the ultimate sacrifice, but theyre willing to do that.

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As emotions were in the air some parents were overwhelmed to see their childs next chapter in life.

Miriam Rodriguez, Giovannis mother, states, For today, Im just very excited for all of these kids that have chosen to enlist.

Giovanni Mace Rodriguez, who enlisted in the Marines, states, I feel pretty good. They didnt really, more or less, they did care what I wanted to do. They just more or less wanted me to be well educated in what I was going for.

WesternSlopeNow spoke with Hayden Gundt, and Howell, who enlisted in the Marines and for them it was someone from their family who inspired them to enlist. For Gabriel, it was his father.

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Howell states, He was in the Marine Corps as well, same as my grandpa and my brother. Its just a continuation of my family legacy. So its really cool being able to do that and show him. Hey, I was able to make it. I was able to make that big jump that most cant.

Gundt states, My grandpa, he was in the Air Force and he really showed me what it was to be like a man. It really gave me that opportunity.

Amongst those in attendance were blue star mothers, a nonprofit organization which helps and supports individuals who start their journey in the military.

Cheryl Masters, the president of the Blue Star Moms, explains, We take them on as our kids. We know theyre not ours, but theyve joined the military, and since we are Blue Star Moms and our kids have also joined, we kind of take them on and adopt them as ours.

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Howell states, Im pretty excited. Theres always been the thought of, theres a little bit of a hurdle called boot camp, and then after I get over that, then I will be able to further myself and my future.

In total, three students enlisted for the Marines, four for the Army, one in the Air Force and one in the National Guard.

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BRUSSELS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The eurozone economy expanded by 0.4 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, surpassing analysts' expectations, according to a flash estimate by Eurostat on Wednesday.

This growth was partly driven by a surge in exports to the United States ahead of anticipated tariffs. However, economists warn that this boost may be short-lived due to rising U.S. trade barriers, weak domestic demand and delayed fiscal stimulus.

EXPORT SURGE FUELS GROWTH

The eurozone's GDP grew by 1.2 percent in Q1 from a year earlier on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. The broader European Union economy also increased by 1.4 percent, maintaining the same pace as the prior quarter.

Some economists attributed the better-than-expected economic growth to a surge in exports to the United States ahead of the higher tariffs.

Germany, the EU's largest economy, saw a 0.2 percent uptick in Q1, partly due to the U.S. tariff policy, said Timo Wollmershauser, deputy director for macroeconomics and surveys at Germany's ifo Institute.

The tightened trade measures prompted advance purchases of German goods, in turn supporting exports and industrial production, Wollmershauser added.

Ireland experienced a notable 3.2 percent GDP increase, likely influenced significantly by front-loading of exports ahead of U.S. tariffs, said Franziska Palmas, senior Europe economist at Capital Economics.

However, Palmas added that beyond Ireland, the impact of front-running U.S. tariffs appeared limited. Goods exports declined in both France and Spain during the same period, while Italy's official GDP release also indicated a drop in net exports.

UNCERTAIN OUTLOOK

Economists cautioned that despite Q1's GDP growth, the data is "already ancient history" and offers little guidance for the economy's trajectory.

According to consulting firm Trading Economics, economic momentum is expected to weaken in the coming months. The rollout of new U.S. tariffs is likely to weigh on EU exports, while elevated uncertainty could dampen both investment activity and household consumption.

In response to these challenges, many European governments are introducing fiscal measures to stabilize growth. Germany, for instance, has amended its Basic Law to allow for higher levels of public borrowing. An expected 500 billion-euro (566 billion-U.S. dollar) fund, spearheaded by the incoming government, aims to address the country's persistent infrastructure deficits and help spur economic recovery.

Palmas noted that any boost from Germany's fiscal stimulus is unlikely to materialize before late in the year. She projected that U.S. tariffs could shave around 0.2 percentage points off eurozone GDP growth in the next six months.

Palmas also believed the recent nationwide blackout in Spain could cut as much as 0.4 percentage points from the country's GDP growth in Q2. Her forecast shows eurozone GDP stagnating in Q2 and expanding by just 0.1 percent in Q3.

Looking ahead to the full year, Peter Vanden Houte, chief economist for the Eurozone at ING, projected that eurozone GDP growth in 2025 is likely to reach just 0.7 percent at best -- roughly in line with 2024. 
(Photo illustration by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

A South Dakota board overseeing the 911 emergency system approved a plan Thursday to create a grant program helping call centers pay for technology upgrades. The program is possible because of an increase to the states 911 surcharge lawmakers approved in recent years, board members said.

The monthly, per-line charge applies to landline and cellphone service, and is used to help local governments fund their 911 call centers. Legislators and then-Gov. Kristi Noem adopted a 75-cent increase in the surcharge last year, from $1.25 to $2. Lawmakers and Gov. Larry Rhoden made the increase permanent this year.

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Before last year, lawmakers had not increased the surcharge since 2012, and it was supporting only 30% of local call centers operational costs while local governments funded the rest, said Jason Husby, the states 911 coordinator. He told board members the increased surcharge is covering about 45% of those costs.

Seventy percent of revenue from the surcharge is remitted to the local agency where the surcharge was collected, and 30% is deposited into the 911 coordination fund overseen by the state Department of Public Safety.

The increase raised the states surcharge revenue from $2.8 million in fiscal year 2024 to $3.1 million in fiscal year 2025. Husby told board members that some of those extra funds can go toward creating a continuous grant program for 911 call centers to make necessary improvements. Considering other costs paid by the coordination fund, he said itll leave about $80,000 a month to use for call center grants.

South Dakota is ahead of other states regarding its 911 infrastructure, Husby said. The state set up redundancies in case a call center is offline or overwhelmed, rerouting incoming calls to the nearest dispatcher. That redundancy was used during statewide 911 outages in April and July last year.

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The next step is to extend that redundancy and coordination to emergency responders through improved radio networks. The improvement was recommended in the states 911 efficiency study, published in January.

Board member and Watertown Police Chief Tim Toomey said the surcharge increase was a lifesaver for his local 911 call center. The agency was hundreds of thousands of dollars in a deficit, and the surcharge increase for the locality is filling in the gap.

But technology replacement costs, such as radio equipment, are staggering to the point that our city cannot even fathom a budget for that, Toomey said, requiring additional support.

The grants can also be used to facilitate consolidation among several call centers currently discussing the matter, Husby said.

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There are upfront costs if County A and County B want to combine, and I would hate for those upfront costs to dissuade what would be an eventual efficiency, Husby said. To me, thats where I see the board come in to fund and review the cost to move radios, technology and all the things together. We can help those governments and, in the end, theyre becoming more efficient.

The board unanimously approved of the grant program. Husby hopes to move the program forward quickly to assist call centers in desperate need of radio updates. He said hell provide a more detailed plan at the boards next meeting in June.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A man accused of being involved in a motorcycle race on an Abilene street that killed another participant has been indicted.

Malik Winfield was indicted by a Taylor County Grand Jury Thursday for Racing on Highway Causing Death in connection to the death of Braydon Shockley, who was killed in a crash on the 4300 block of Pine Street in February 2024.

Court documents state that just prior to the crash, Winfield, Shockley, and a third motorcyclist were traveling down Pine Street at a high rate of speed. Witnesses describe the bikes passing each other and speeding to catch back up.

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The documents also reveal officers reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and learned that the motorcyclists were, traveling at speeds well in excess of other traffic and in the close proximity to each other indicating that they were comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of their respective vehicles.

Eventually, the documents state Winfields and Shockelys bikes collided, causing Shockley to crash into a sign. He died on scene from his injuries.

Winfield was released from the Taylor County Jail after posting a $75,000 bond.

No further information has been released.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A retired Vietnam veteran shares stories and tragedies from the final days of the Vietnam War, including his account of the Fall of Saigon.

April 30, 1975, marks the day Saigon fell to North Vietnamese troops, signaling the official end of the Vietnam War. Now, 50 years later, the stories shared by those who served often reflect a mixture of duty, heroism, and loss. It is crucial to understand what these brave men and women faced during the pivotal final moments of the Vietnam conflict.

One of those heroes is retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Larry Gordon, who served as a radio operator during multiple tours in the Vietnam War and was present during the Fall of Saigon. Gordon now lives in Abilene, but in the 1960s, he was stationed in Hawaii with his wife and two children.

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Gordon was attached to many significant missions during his deployment, but recalls one particular mission, Operation Babylift. The goal of this mission was to transport over 3,000 Vietnamese children, who had been orphaned due to the conflict, to secure locations outside of Vietnam to later be adopted. This mission began tragically when the first flight out of the country on an Army C-5A carrier plane, carrying over 300 babies, small children, and American crew members, crashed due to mechanical issues. This accident resulted in about 150 fatalities, an event that Gordon recalls.

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The same plane that we got off of was the same plane they had loaded the orphans on. I remember when I was in the DAO compound, which is sometimes called Pentagon Far East, I happened to be there when the pilots and crew came in from the crash. And Ill never forget the look on their faces the horror of what they went through trying their best to land that plane safely with all those precious lives I still have that etched in my memory, Gordon said.

When the evacuation order for troops in Saigon finally arrived, Gordon recalls his actions on the final day and the challenges they faced in leaving the country.

I was probably the last person manning the satellite system when other people were evacuating. I was there to make sure, until the very last minute, because there was so much communication being, even there at the last minute when it was over. So, on the way out, they tried to bring us down with everything they had: small arms fire. You could hear the pinging on the body of the helicopter as the rounds hit, Gordon said.

Gordons journey back to American soil and his family was a long one. After leaving Vietnam, he was transported to a secure location in the Philippines, where he spent a brief and confusing time waiting to return to Hawaii. During his time in the Philippines, Gordons wife was not updated on his status and was told that he was missing in action. Finally, Gordon returned to the United States and recalls his reception and the struggles that came after.

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When I arrived back in Hawaii, there was no fanfare. There was nobody to meet me except for my wife. Thats all I needed. It took me days to realize that I was back home, you knowa loving wife and two loving kids. We tried our best to do everything that would get my mind off of that, Gordon said.

Because of the recent loss of his wife, Gordon joined a grief counseling group with his local church. After some time of sharing his grief, Gordon feels that he now has clarity on why his life was spared during the Vietnam War, and says that with that clarity comes a new purpose.

I just lost my wife not too long ago, and thats where I got involved. Now Im involved in helping other people, and Im sitting there telling myself, God, this is where you wanted me. You saved me for this, said Gordon.

Gordon explained that he doesnt believe his story is any more special than any of the others whove served, but he feels it is important to share these experiences not only for personal health but also so that others may better understand our past.

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A year into Floridas ban on most abortions after six weeks gestation, the network of groups and doctors providing access to pregnancy terminations hasnt vanished.

Still, the six-week ban led to a sharp decline in the number of abortions. By the states count, there were 19,198 fewer abortions in 2024 than in 2023. Another estimate from the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive health policy and research organization tracking medication abortions from pills shipped through the mail, places the decrease in abortions at 12,100.

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As of March 31, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration reported 8,682 abortions.

In interviews with the Florida Phoenix, representatives of Planned Parenthood this week stressed that its clinics are still providing people with access to health care services that run the gamut.

Were still here. Were still going to be here. Planned Parenthood has always been around. I cannot imagine it not being around, said Dr. Cherise Felix, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida.

Weve expanded our service line. I think its important for the community to know we do much more than abortion care. We do vasectomies, we do prenatal care, we do fertility care. We do menopausal care. Its not just abortions and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). But I think the community is learning that. Theres a large need for Planned Parenthood.

Contraception and reproductive health changes

The Florida Supreme Court last year upheld a 15-week abortion ban, which cleared the way for a more restrictive six-week ban Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in 2023 to take effect May 1, 2024, presuming the outcome of the court ruling.

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The law bans abortions after six weeks gestation, before many people know theyre pregnant. There are exceptions for people who get pregnant as a result of rape, incest, or human trafficking. They can obtain abortions up to 15 weeks, but they must show a restraining order, police report, medical record, or court document showing that a crime is the reason they want to terminate the pregnancy.

Other exceptions to the states six-week ban require two doctors to certify that the termination of the pregnancy is necessary to save the pregnant womans life or avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.

A single physician can approve the procedure if no other doctor is available. Abortions in the third trimester are legal if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. A proposed constitutional amendment to allow abortions up to the point of viability was approved by a majority of voters but didnt receive the necessary 60% approval to pass.

In the year since the restrictive six-week ban took effect, Felix said, more of her patients are requesting longer-acting reversible contraception (LARC) implants.

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And some patients are asking for more permanent birth control, she said.

Something I didnt expect is to see an increase in vasectomy patients  men that are seeking vasectomies because its not safe anymore to not have really good contraception on board. And sometimes things fail, birth control pills fail, birth control sometimes fail, she said. So we see a lot of men who are there who arent really willing to leave it up to chance anymore and so they are starting to be a lot more involved in contraception as well.

Dr. Robyn Schickler, chief medical officer, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (photo via Planned Parenthood.)

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robyn Schickler says that since the six-week ban shes seen an uptick in patients with miscarriages diagnosed by other physicians who refer them to a Planned Parenthood center because they dont know if they can take care of them under Florida law.

The clinic is seeing patients seeking exceptions to the six-week ban either because they were raped or are having maternal health complications or their fetus has a fetal abnormality, Schickler said.

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Florida law defines a fatal fetal abnormality as a terminal condition that, in reasonable medical judgment, regardless of the provision of life-saving medical treatment, is incompatible with life outside the womb and will result in death upon birth or imminently thereafter. Two physicians must certify in writing that there is a fatal fetal abnormality in order to qualify for an exception to the six-week ban.

The definition is narrow and leaves pregnant people in a tough situation. Schickler said that it locks out some women with fetuses with genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.

When it doesnt qualify, its something really bad but, medically speaking, you cant give a definitive, Yes, of course the fetus will die, you know, in the uterus or right after birth. Theres some things you cant, you cant say for sure. And so it doesnt fit that narrow exception, Schickler said.

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Navigating abortion travel

Some of Schicklers patients arent even aware of the six-week abortion ban and are shocked when they first present and are told they cannot obtain an abortion.

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I would say the most common is they just start crying like they cant believe it. Devastation, Schickler said, describing their reactions. Sometimes well get someone, you know, asking if you can make an exception and just do this one, which of course we cant legally. Most of the time, though, its just its really sad like, you know, immediate crying, complete devastation.

Planned Parenthood affiliates across Florida refer patients to their patient navigation program, which indentifies clinics in states where they can still obtain an abortion. Statewide, more than 3,000 Florida patients have used the system in the last year, according to Planned Parenthood.

Additional groups in Florida provide money for abortions in and out of the state, which entails paying for flights, hotels, and rideshares. This year alone, the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund has helped around 1,100 people end pregnancies, said Bree Wallace, the organizations director for case management. Most of the people the fund helps end up obtaining appointments in D.C. and Illinois.

Now, people can go within a few days sometimes, so its definitely more expensive, Wallace said. Flights alone have been, like, $600 to $800, usually, and if someone wants to bring someone with them, that doubles.

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TBAFs logistical support to help people get to their appointments added up to $91,000 last year, according to its impact report.

Its definitely been more expensive. I mean, every case is different, but you could definitely spend almost $2,000 alone on travel for someone going out of state, Wallace said.

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Legal challenges for minors

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Aside from the six-week ban, there are other restrictions in Floridas abortion laws. Only doctors are authorized to provide abortions and telehealth is banned, which means physicians must be in the room when women are administered abortion medication.

Florida has a 24-hour waiting period and a requirement that patients undergo a sonogram exam before obtaining an abortion. Minors must notify their parents and secure their approval but a judge can waive those requirements.

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The Tampa fund helps minors connect with The Jane Network, which provides free legal services to get a judicial bypass.

While the rate of approval for a judicial bypasses remained steady since the six-week ban went into effect, the number of petitions declined by 43% from 2022 to 2024, according to annual reports from the Office of the State Courts Administrator.

Out of 130 petitions minors filed for a courts approval to seek an abortion last year, judges approved 123. Amanda Greenfield, founder and executive director of The Jane Network, said minors seek judicial bypass because their parents are abusive or they may be estranged and not living at home.

Often a young person will reach out to us and, by the very next day, they will have an attorney and be able to go to court, and, hopefully, get that judicial bypass granted, Greenfield said.

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Since the six-week ban, minors have been contacting the pro bono group before they know theyre pregnant, Greenfield said.

We are seeing a lot of fear with young people. Young people contact us all the time, even before they know theyre pregnant, because they think theres a chance that theyre pregnant, she said. If so, they wanna make sure they will be able to meet all the requirements before six weeks.

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President Donald Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine on his first day in office  but Republican voters featured in a new ad campaign say hes turned his back on the nation.

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Its been abysmal, a GOP voter from New Jersey named Howard said in the new compilation video from Republicans for Ukraine.

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Related: "The Simple Answer Is That I Dont Want To Die": Women Are Sharing Why They Won't Have Kids After Trump Won The Election, And This Feels So Dystopian

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A Pennsylvania Republican named Ruth referenced the White House meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They bullied him so badly, she said.

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Related: Ted Cruz's Daughter's Priceless Reaction To Her Dad's Trump Praise Is Going Viral

The campaign includes voters whove supported Trump in the past, even some who have voted for him three times, the organization said. With their voices, the organization is hoping to build public pressure on U.S. leaders to support Ukraine.

The voters warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin wont stop with Ukraine if he has his way  and that allowing him to take the nation could embolden China to invade Taiwan.

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Republicans for Ukraine is part of Defending Democracy Together, a conservative advocacy organization that has frequently campaigned against Trump and his MAGA backers in Congress.

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Sarah Longwell, executive director of Republicans for Ukraine, said in a news release that Republican leaders used to have no problem recognizing Putin as a murderous dictator.

Now, Donald Trump is making up the fiction that Ukraine started the war, its Zelensky who is the dictator, and America should wash its hands of its global leadership role, she said. But there are still Republicans and conservatives out there who understand that standing with our international allies is the right thing to do, and according to recent polling by NYT/Siena, a majority of Americans agree.

The organization released a YouTube playlist featuring 60 GOP voters urging Trump to back Ukraine, some of the 180 testimonials theyve collected over the past two years.

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The group has also released a scorecard grading each Republican in Congress based on how theyve voted on issues related to the war in Ukraine.This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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May 1 (UPI) -- South Korean acting president Han Duck-soo resigned his position as prime minister Thursday ahead of a likely run for president in a June 3 election called to replace President Yoon Suk Yeol who was removed from office over a botched bid to impose martial law.

Han said that he stepped down to "do what I can, do what I must, for us to overcome the crisis we face," he said, referring to recent political upheaval and the threat it posed to South Korea's economy and well-being.

"Thinking of the weight of the responsibility I carry at this grave time, after thinking long and carefully about whether such a decision is right and inevitable, I decided that if this is the only way, I must take it," he said in a televised address in which he did not explicitly announce his candidacy. "I have two roads in front of me. One is to complete the important mission I currently have, while the other is to lay down that important mission and bear a greater responsibility."

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Han's resignation came hours after the Supreme Court ordered a retrial of Democratic Party candidate and front-runner for president, former Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung for alleged election law violations dating back to 2021, for which he received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, in November.

A lower court subsequently acquitted Lee but the decision by the highest court in the land to overturn the ruling, saying it considered him guilty, puts his candidacy under renewed pressure due to rules barring anyone fined $700 or more for election law convictions from standing for elected office for five years, or 10 years if a prison sentence is handed down.

Yoon's People Power Party called for Lee to be disqualified from the race or step aside of his own accord, but Lee vowed to fight on, alleging the charges against him were trumped up and politically motivated.

"I will only trust the people and move ahead confidently," he said in a statement posted on social media in which he said voters and not courts should determine the fate of South Korea.

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Elements of the PPP, which is due to select its candidate Saturday, are backing a Han presidency even though he does not belong to South Korea's second-largest party or any other party -- meaning he would have to work out a deal with whoever the party selects over who heads the PPP ticket in June.

The two candidates vying to represent the PPP on the ballot -- former party leader Han Dong-hoon and former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo -- have both indicated a willingness to have Han on their tickets.
Civil liberties have come under threat since United States President Donald Trump took power in January. The Trump administration has primarily targeted more vulnerable groups, such as immigrants, tourists and non-American activists, as US law does not grant them the same protections as US citizens.

Some immigrants and tourists have found themselves trapped at the border for long periods of time. In some cases, they have been held due to social media posts critical of Trump. That has raised the question  what should a person be prepared for when theyre going to encounter US immigration agents?

Points of entry

Crossing the US border is a point of particular vulnerability for targets of Trumps crackdown.

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US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained Lebanese physician and assistant professor at Brown University Rasha Alawieh, as she attempted to re-enter the United States in March, and eventually deported her after agents allegedly discovered images related to Hezbollah on her phone. The agency provided no evidence that she had any connection to the paramilitary group, and she tried to explain that she did not support them before she was eventually sent to Lebanon.

Tom Bowman, policy counsel at the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), says crossing the US border raises distinct privacy concerns, because Customs and Border Protection has more authority to search people than regular law enforcement. They are allowed to search peoples electronic devices without a warrant or probable cause, he says.

If you are a citizen, they cannot deny you entry into the country on the basis of refusing to unlock your phone. They may confiscate the phone, but they cant deny you entry, says Bill Budington, a senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). If you are at risk of deportation, then it might be advisable to comply with any requests by customers and border enforcement, but that doesnt mean you cant minimise the amount of data youre carrying with you.

Some travellers choose to limit what data they carry across the border, says Bowman. That may involve using a travel-only device, storing essential information in the cloud and logging out of all accounts, or removing sensitive apps and files entirely. Others opt to shut down devices completely before arriving at the border, relying on full-disk encryption to protect their contents.





Surveilling social media

The ICE has been targeting student protesters who support Palestine, and it often surveils social media to do so.

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Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, was seized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March as he returned to his home following a Ramadan iftar. ICE alleged Suri, who was born in India and was in the US on a student visa, was spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media, which his lawyers have denied.

Two days earlier, US Citizenship and Immigration Services had announced that it would screen the social media accounts of people applying for permanent residence and non-citizens affiliated with educational institutions for evidence of antisemitic activity.

Punishing protest

While the Trump administration has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act, it is punishing people for protesting  non-citizens, for now.

The administration has notably been trying to deport a student activist at Columbia University named Mahmoud Khalil because of his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, and his is just one of several similar cases.

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I think people should be very concerned, says Daniel Solove, a professor of intellectual property and technology law at George Washington University. Were living in a surveillance society, and the government can use facial recognition technologies and AI-assisted surveillance technologies to systematically identify and track protesters. Were already seeing the government go after protesters.

Cornell University student and activist Momodou Taal had his student visa revoked and recently decided to leave the US to avoid deportation. Yunseo Chung, a Columbia student and activist and a legal permanent resident who moved to the US from South Korea at age 7, has also been targeted by ICE.

Federal agents might use video surveillance, social media monitoring, facial recognition or geolocation data to identify who is participating in protests, Bowman says. He says people documenting protests with photos and videos can also unintentionally identify who participated in a particular demonstration, so people should be careful about how theyre using their devices.

One basic protection is to turn your phone on airplane mode when youre going to a protest. That will ensure that youre not sending your data in real time, says Budington. You can still navigate streets with offline maps. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps have a way to do that.

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Protesters can also use messaging apps like Signal to communicate during protests, because then their messages can be encrypted. Some might recommend just leaving your phone at home, but you might want to have it in case of an emergency or if you want to document wrongful police actions.

It is essentially impossible to avoid all government snooping and keep ones data completely secure 100 percent of the time, but there are actions people crossing the border or attending protests can take that will help reduce the risk of them being targeted by the government.

Americans are becoming more aware of their need for privacy, and theyre looking for ways to protect themselves. Buddington says people seem to be a lot more concerned about privacy than they were five or 10 years ago.

The government already has massive troves of personal data and is using it improperly. The government already has countless surveillance technologies and is using them, Solove says. Were already in a Constitutional crisis. It seems that this administration will push as far as they can until they are stopped.
Gail Reed opened her garage door on a Friday late in the afternoon to two deputies enquiring about a person who was threatening to kill themselves. Reed, surprised, said she believed that person was her son, who was in his room with the doors closed.

He has a mental illness, Reed is heard saying in the body camera footage released by the Orange County Sheriffs Office. Hes been off his medication for about a month.

Antonio Scippio was 33 years old and, according to his family, had been battling schizophrenia, paranoia and bipolar disorders for years. On Feb. 21, Scippio was shot several times by Orange County deputies after he made a 911 call himself, saying Im about to kill myself.

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Its still very hard for me to step back into this house, and every time I step, I see him lying there in a pile of blood that was uncalled for, Reed said.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina said right after the shooting, which was recorded on a body camera, that this outcome was unusual.

He continued to walk toward the deputies with the knife, including refusing several commands, Mina said. We respond to a little over 3,000 calls for service involving people who are having a mental crisis, and very rarely they get to this type of ending.

This is one case highlighting why mental health advocates with the National Alliance on Mental Illness say Florida should require training for all law enforcement officers, saying the consequences of not doing so are too severe.

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Its important to make sure that we are getting people trained to properly deal with mental health because its not going away, said Freddie Morello, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. I say mental health is the one thing in this world that doesnt discriminate, and its always going to be there. So, we need to handle it better.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office said its trained nearly 1,000 of its deputies in crisis intervention training to better respond to mental health calls since it introduced the Behavioral Response Unit in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Orlando police chief said it requires this and said all patrol officers are trained.

Every call is different. As you said, there are multiple mental health issues people go through, said Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith.

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According to a police report from 2023, Rachel Ellis was threatening to hurt herself and others when her boyfriend called 911. A grand jury review of the 2023 case later found that Orlando police should, when possible, dispatch a crisis intervention team officer involving a confirmed or suspected mentally ill person in crisis, which is why the agency now has a co-responder model, which includes a mental health expert and a program in which only officers respond.

However, while all Orlando police officers are trained, Smith says there will always be challenges.

I know a lot of people think that an officer couldnt use Tasers and all those kinds of things, Smith said. But they have to understand that when somebodys charging with a knife, thats deadly force, and if you mess with the Taser, you mess with any other kind of less than lethal munition. The person going to you may lose your life.

The sheriffs offices from Flagler, Brevard, Orange, Sumter, Seminole, Marion and Volusia counties all told 9 Investigates that crisis intervention training is mandatory for their deputies. In Osceola County, however, the training is encouraged but not required. In Lake County, the sheriffs office requires a de-escalation training.

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NAMI partners with law enforcement agencies to help train its officers on how to best respond to calls involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Their training includes learning how to identify different mental health conditions and de-escalation techniques. For example, law enforcement officers wear headphones, with loud voices speaking at them, to understand how a person with schizophrenia feels.

Just in the past two years, NAMI trained about 1,500 in Orange, Osceola, Brevard and Seminole counties have gone through the training to include scenarios they might encounter when called to de-escalate a real-life situation, just like the case of Scippio.

When they call for help, it should be a protocol at that point when they are calling when they get to the house, Reed said. Protocol, training, extensive training put in place.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is pushing  and hoping  for Crisis Intervention Team training to be mandatory across the state of Florida.

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Supporters of a state program providing free test preparation to students at public universities and some community colleges said Wednesday the effort has saved students over $8 million in just two months, but needs $10 million in state funding to remain in operation.

Illinois launched the program in late February, becoming the first state to offer free comprehensive test preparation for college students and already serving more than 200,000 students statewide. The program, a collaboration between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the educational service company Kaplan, allows students free access to more than 40 prep courses including graduate-level admissions exams such as the LSAT for law school, as well as courses in data analytics, cybersecurity and real estate.

Lawmakers would have to provide the additional funding by June 30 to keep the program available for a full school year. At a news conference Wednesday to call attention to the program, Dave Adams, a senior vice president with Kaplan, said the true sign-up period for all these courses and test preps is not slated to begin until the fall.

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There are always barriers when you spend taxpayer dollars, said state Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat who led efforts to secure $10 million in the 2024 budget to fund the program. It has to be debated, and it has to be proven to be worthy so thats what were doing and were going to continue to get evidence that this is worthy, so that when we go into our budget debates we could continue to push for it with evidence.

Since late February, more than 2,200 students across the University of Illinois system have enrolled in Kaplan courses for free through the program, saving them almost $6 million, according to Janet Gooch, chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield. About 500 students have enrolled in courses, primarily under the physician assistant and lawyer topics, in the Southern Illinois University system. Nick Marquez, a graduate student at UIS, said the program allowed him to pursue his goal of attending law school.

Without it, I simply wouldnt have the tools and resources to compete at the same level as others who could afford professional test prep courses, Marquez said. Having structured weekly classes, personalized practice tools and life tutor support has been a game changer for me.

Adams said over 60% of the students utilizing this state program are minority students and over a third are low-income or first-generation students.

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Erin Steva, vice president of external affairs at Chicago State University, said her schools faculty often helped students pay for test preparation resources before the state program went into place. About 89% of Chicago State students are low-income, over 60% struggle with their basic needs and about 22% of students are parents, Steva said.

Access to standardized tests and test prep services is a huge barrier, Steva said. We have to be intentional about getting our students into college, through college and into those careers, and this is an absolutely essential investment in

that pipeline.

In addition to helping students, the program also brings a return on investments for the state, according to state Sen. Michael Halpin, a Democrat from Rock Island. Halpin said the program encourages students to attend college in the state, supports higher rates of employment in the state workforce and motivates students to give back to their universities once employed.

The Illinois Academy of Physicians Assistants also strongly supports continued funding for the program, said Jayson Coble, a physician assistant at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield.

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It helps solve two separate but growing crises in Illinois  inequitable access to health care and the growing shortage of qualified health care professionals, doctors, nurses, PAs, pharmacists and the like, Coble said.

While Ford is only asking for state funding to support the universities and community colleges now participating in the program, he said other community colleges and even some private institutions have asked to be included. Expanding the program would depend on funding approval by the legislature.

But let us be clear here today that it is just the beginning, Ford said. Funding for this program must be reauthorized. If we believe in equity, if we believe in workforce readiness, in building a better Illinois, we need to make sure that this program continues, continues to impact the future of our state and the lives of our students and our public universities.
BERLIN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured in a violent shooting incident in Berlin, Germany, on Thursday evening, according to local police.

The incident occurred in the Kreuzberg district, where suspects fired multiple shots from one or more vehicles, Berlin police said on the social media platform X.

The two victims were transported to hospital. According to the newspaper BILD, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. 
Marcella Patino gives a customer a pedicure while working at a salon in Holladay, Utah on April 30, 2025. (Courtesy of Marcella Patino)

Marcella Patino, 34, knows the difficulties of navigating work requirements.

Patino, who works full time as a nail technician and esthetician at a salon in Holladay, is a single mother of three. She relies on financial assistance for child care  $600 a month for day care  so she can keep working full time, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits  around $400 a month  to keep food on the table for her family.

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To receive that financial assistance, she and her employer must already prove to state officials that shes working. Lately, Patino said its been easier to produce the required documentation and jump through the administrative hoops. But she said thats only because her employer keeps track of her hours and willingly validates them with the government.

That hasnt always been the case, she said.

It was a huge issue, she said, adding that in the past, it was really hard because her previous employers did not log her hours on her paychecks. She said shed been cut off from those benefits multiple times because her previous bosses wouldnt fill out the required paperwork or would drag their feet to prove she indeed worked the required hours.

Marcella Patino gives a customer a manicure while working at a salon in Holladay, Utah on April 30, 2025. (Courtesy of Marcella Patino)

Luckily, she said now her current employer cooperates. So balancing her job, taking care of kids and making ends meet has been easier than it has been in the past, but Patino said the work requirements still add constant stress and uncertainty to daily life.

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I still worry about my hours, she said.

Child care assistance and SNAP benefits already have work requirements. But theres another crucial program for low-income Utahns that state officials are looking to re-impose that requirement on  after more than five years of it being suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

And it could put thousands of Utahns at risk of losing their medical coverage.

Utah is the next state in a national movement looking to impose work requirements on certain Medicaid recipients under a Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trump.

Leaders of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) intend to submit for a new federal waiver to re-implement work requirements on the states Medicaid expansion program, with a list of allowable exemptions. That list excludes those working at least 30 hours a week, those who are 60 or older, pregnant, physically or mentally unable to meet the requirements, parents with a child dependent under the age of 6, among others.

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Currently, about 75,000 adult Utahns are enrolled in the states expansion program, which allows Medicaid eligibility to Utahns whose annual income is up to 133% of the federal poverty level (roughly $20,800 for an individual or $42,760 for a family of four, according to national thresholds). The federal government covers $90% of the cost of the medical coverage, while the state pays for the remaining 10%.

Of those 75,000 adults enrolled, an estimated 7,900 (or 10%) would not fall under an exemption and be subject to work requirements if the state submits the waiver and its approved by federal officials under President Donald Trumps administration, according to state Medicaid officials.

That means 7,900 Utahns  if they dont start working or submit documentation showing theyre applying for at least 48 jobs during a three-month period, along with completing required online job training with the state  could lose their Medicaid coverage.

Thats according to Jennifer Strohecker, the states Medicaid director, who this week confirmed to Utah News Dispatch that leaders of DHHS intend to re-submit the work requirement waiver to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sometime in June.

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But first, state officials must hold a 30-day public comment period to field input on the proposed waiver. Friday, the DHHS will be holding the first of two public hearings. Its scheduled to take place at 12:30 p.m., at the Multi-Agency State Office Building, at 195 N. 1950 West in Salt Lake City. The state will also be offering a virtual option to join the meeting.

I can say now the intent is to submit (the waiver), but we will evaluate all the public comments that we receive  and take that into consideration as we evaluate the proposal thats been drafted and consider what the next steps are, Strohecker said. But at this point, yes, the intent is to submit the waiver.

Inefficiency and cruelty, advocates say of work requirements

Low-income, disability and health advocates are sounding alarms about state officials decision to pursue that work requirement again, raising concerns that it will impose administrative burdens on an already vulnerable population of Utahns and will inevitably result in loss of medical benefits for many.

Its forcing red tape upon people that will ultimately just act like scissors because its going to cut so much coverage, said Stephanie Burdick, consumer representative on the states Medical Care Advisory Committee.

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Evan Done, advocacy and public policy director for USARA, a nonprofit serving Utahns recovering from the effects of substance use disorders, said implementing the work requirements would be a cut to Medicaid, plain and simple.

Its forcing red tape upon people that will ultimately just act like scissors because its going to cut so much coverage.

 Stephanie Burdick, consumer representative on the states Medical Care Advisory Committee

A cut by any other name is still a cut, Done said. Medicaid serves as a vital lifeline for many Utahns. Evidence shows work requirements often cause people to lose healthcare coverage due to the administrative complexity of navigating the system, rather than an unwillingness to work. Utahs attempt to implement a work requirement for Medicaid beneficiaries aims to save money by cutting otherwise deserving recipients from care.

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Nate Crippes with the Disability Law Center, an organization that advocates for Utahns with disabilities, also described the proposed work requirement as nothing more than a cut to (Medicaid) services.

While the state has exempted people with disabilities, we know the paperwork required will also lead to numerous individuals with disabilities, especially those with mental illness, being kicked off of Medicaid, Crippes said. We are working hard to oppose cuts at the federal level, and we would encourage our state leaders to rescind this proposal and help us ensure that Medicaid is protected.

Of the 75,000 enrolled in Utahs Medicaid expansion program, 22,000 were homeless last year, according to DHHS estimates, and many have substance use or mental health conditions that they receive treatment for, Burdick said.

Burdick acknowledged that yes, 90% of Utahns enrolled in the states Medicaid expansion program would be exempt, but how they prove that theyre exempt is where it becomes an administrative burden.

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Bill Tibbitts, deputy executive director of the Crossroads Urban Center, an advocacy group for low-income Utahns, encouraged state leaders to instead create a voluntary program to help people working low-wage jobs without healthcare benefits to get better jobs.

The Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

People who are homeless and working out of their car do not need extra negative incentives to want to find a better job, Tibbitts said. Threatening to take away peoples healthcare if they do not do a bunch of busywork is not really helpful  especially if most of the 48 jobs people are being forced to apply for do not have better pay or provide health insurance benefits.

Burdick urged state leaders to take a different route, not resort to requirements that will only create a vicious cycle of inefficiency and cruelty.

(These people) deserve to be treated with dignity, she said. They dont deserve to be stacked with paperwork that could lead to them losing coverage and potentially losing their life or having severely more negative health outcomes.

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Strohecker stressed that Utahs yet-to-be filed waiver is not yet final, and state officials welcome feedback.

This is a proposal. It can be modified, we can make adjustments based on the feedback that we get, she said.

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Addressing advocates concerns, Strohecker said theres also opportunities to build good supports that will help people actually connect to training or education or even employment services. And what do those support services look like?

Strohecker also pointed out some details that differentiate Utahs proposed waiver. She noted that previously, if a person did not fulfill requirements for Medicaid coverage within the first three months, their coverage would be terminated.

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But in this iteration were actually suspending coverage, giving them additional opportunity to fulfill those requirements for an additional three months, she said.

Strohecker also said in their proposal, state officials have built in something that were calling member supports, and thats to be defined as we work with CMS and work with our partners to really consider what are the opportunities that we have to really connect a person to job training to employment opportunities, to really fulfill some of the community engagement requirements that are outlined, and how do we support the individual along that pathway of compliance?

Thats a key piece that would be really helpful, Strohecker said, to have partnership with our advocates and community stakeholders to really envision the array of services that we could build to assist the person in fulfilling community engagement and actually truly getting connected to job training, employment supports  that we could actually help facilitate that in a meaningful way.

Why is Utah looking to re-impose work requirements on Medicaid expansion?

Strohecker said theres important historical context that precedes state agency leaders decision to resubmit the waiver.

After Utah voters approved Medicaid expansion by a ballot initiative in 2018, the Republican-controlled Utah Legislature was forced to act. In 2019, the Utah Legislature passed legislation to implement the states Medicaid expansion program. Strohecker pointed to that law, which requires state officials to apply to CMS for a waiver that, among other provisions, includes a path to self-sufficiency, including work activities as defined by federal law.

In 2020, state officials included a work requirement in their waiver request, and after it was approved by CMS (at the time under Trumps first administration) that requirement went into effect January that year. However, it only lasted a few months, because by April 2020 it was suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Then, in 2021, when Utahs waiver was up for renewal, former President Joe Bidens administration required the state to remove that work requirement.

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Now, with Trump back in the White House and a new administration thats likely to approve a waiver that includes a work requirement, Utah officials have decided to resubmit it.

There is historic precedent to this, but also as we consider whats happening on the federal side of things today, it is our intent to align our program with our current federal initiatives and priorities, Strohecker said. Certainly mandated work requirements are considered a top item by Congress as far as looking at the budget reconciliation package. And I think our intent was to align with sort of our past approved waiver, and this administrations current initiatives.

Pressed on who specifically made the decision to include the work requirement in the new waiver application, Strohecker said leaders of Utah Department of Health and Human Services ultimately made the decision, but that they also did so based on talks with legislators and Gov. Spencer Coxs office.

Its actually a decision by the department to take this step, she said. It was definitely done in consultation with the governors office and lawmakers. But I would say it was a decision by the department.

Advocates say Utah doesnt need to pursue a new waiver  and shouldnt

Burdick argues Utahs Medicaid statute does not explicitly require state officials to submit the waiver again years after it was pulled back. She also contends its not needed, pointing out Utahs Medicaid expansion fund has gotten quite large, with more than $300 million available to use.

Its not like theyre running out of money, she said. Theres definitely people who are eligible and not enrolled in Medicaid expansion right now.  We have a bunch of money, and yet were going to implement a work requirement?

Utah is just the latest state to pursue the work requirement under the new federal landscape. Republicans in Congress and several other states including Ohio, Iowa and Montana are pushing to implement work requirements for nondisabled adults, arguing a mandate would encourage people to find jobs and ultimately reduce their need for public assistance, the health policy outlet KFF Health News reported. But, the outlet also pointed out, few programs actually help enrollees find jobs.

Last week, Paul Ray  who served as a Republican House lawmaker before resigning in 2021 and taking a position as director of legislative affairs for the DHHS  sent an email to lawmakers notifying them of the looming waiver request.

In that email, Ray said the state aims to implement the requirement (referred to as a community engagement requirement) to increase an individuals health and wellbeing through incentivizing work and community engagement; increase their sense of purpose; help build a healthy lifestyle; and increase employment and wage earnings of able-bodied adults while focusing funding on the states neediest individuals.

However, Burdick argued states like Arkansas that have tried work requirements for Medicaid have found they were burdensome, led to adverse effects on even working adults, and resulted in loss of coverage for thousands. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also recently issued a report estimating the financial impact of implementing work requirements, which would result in an increase of up to $6 million a year for administrative costs and $60 million a year for employment and training services.

Burdick said work requirements are actually less fiscally responsible  not more.

Youre wasting taxpayer dollars by not spending the expansion money, she said. Then youre going to take more taxpayer dollars to deal with the administrative burden.

Asked about whether state officials have an estimated cost of what it would cost the state to implement its work requirements, Strohecker said given its still a proposal that has not yet been formalized, we dont have costs estimated.

In response to calls to implement an employment support program rather than hinging Medicaid coverage on a work requirement, Strohecker said state officials want that feedback during the public comment period thats now open.

Wed like to hear what the public has to say regarding employment supports and how this could be meaningful for folks, recognizing that well have to work to mitigate what could be an administrative barrier, she said. We could work through some of those challenges  to support individuals in achieving our goals.

Below is a handout Utahs DHHS provided that includes more details about Utahs proposed work requirements:

FINAL_Community Engagement Overview_4.2025 (1)

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
DENVER (KDVR)  An arrest affidavit is shedding new light on how a Missouri juvenile was kidnapped and held inside a Colorado sex offenders home for months.

For Fort Collins Police Services, the case began on April 18 with a call from the Boone County Sheriffs Office Cyber Crimes Task Force about a kidnapping in the Missouri jurisdiction. The sheriffs office said the victim was a 16-year-old girl who was reported missing on Dec. 6, 2024.

Teen sentenced to decades for role in shootings that killed 15-year-old, Iraqi refugee

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Police noted that this was her first time running away. Several students at her school told officials she had mentioned running away at least a month prior and spoke about going to Colorado.

An arrest affidavit described how her phone and social media were completely silent since Dec. 6, 2024, until April 16, when a detective was contacted by a student who said they had a friend who had been contacted by the missing girl the day before. She told the classmate she was in a different state.

Based on the Instagram account and information obtained from Meta, detectives were able to determine that she was likely living in Fort Collins at an address associated with Maximilian Nicholas Bondrescu, 44, a registered sex offender who had been convicted of communication with a minor for immoral purposes. Police arrested Bondrescu on April 18 at his home Fort Collins.

According to the arrest affidavit, when police arrived at the address to serve the search warrant, Bondrescu denied there was a juvenile in the house, but said there may be an adult female, according to the arrest report. Police reported they searched the house and found the teen hiding in a bedroom closet.

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Later, in interviews with law enforcement, the teen said she started talking to Bonrescu in November 2024.

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She described how Bondrescu rented a car, drove to Missouri, and picked her up from her house in the middle of the night. She said when they got to Bondrescus house, it was still dark, and he wrapped her in a blanket and carried her into the house so no one would see her.

She told law enforcement that two other roommates lived in the house, and she had never met them or seen them because Bondrescu said they would get in trouble for her being there. According to the arrest affidavit, she said that the few times she was allowed out of the house, Bondrescu made her dye her hair and wear glasses and a facemask.

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She talked about how she had asked to go home in January and February, but he told her he didnt have the money to get her back home. When police asked the teen what would have happened if she just left, she noted it was cold and she didnt know anyone in the area to ask for help.

Boulder police, SWAT arrest wanted suspect

The teen allegedly told officers there was a sound machine in Bondrescus bedroom so his roommates wouldnt hear them talking, and said Bondrescu had taken her ID and other items, telling her it was so no one would find it.

In the same arrest affidavit, Bondrescu denied having sexual contact with the teen and stated she was only at the house for a few weeks.

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Bondrescu is facing charges of second-degree kidnapping, sexual assault on a child, second-degree assault, false imprisonment of a minor, failure to register as a sex offender, child abuse, harboring a minor and obstructing a peace officer.

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KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  If the next pope is from sub-Saharan Africa, he would be the first in Catholic Church history. Catholic Africans think it is a long shot, though some are cautiously optimistic that Pope Francis successor could be a Black cardinal from their continent.

The answer will come soon, as the cardinals eligible to elect the new pope open their conclave next Wednesday at the Sistine Chapel.

Who are the Africans considered papabile?

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At least three African cardinals are among those currently cited as papabile," the term used by Vatican observers to describe possible contenders to lead the Catholic Church.

They are Cardinals Robert Sarah of Guinea, Peter Turkson of Ghana and Fridolin Ambongo of Congo.

If any of them is selected, he would be the first African pope in more than 1,500 years and the first ever from sub-Saharan Africa. That historical record makes many in Africa eager for change  but not overly hopeful.

Before the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, there was much media attention around Francis Arinze, a highly respected cardinal born in Nigeria, raising questions even then about whether the world was ready for a Black pope from Africa.

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A continent where Catholicism is growing

Two decades later, Catholicism continues to decline in Europe while it grows in the developing world. The number of Catholics is growing faster in Africa than anywhere else.

At least 20% of global Catholic community is in Africa, which is characterized by a highly dynamic spread of the Catholic Church, according to a recent Vatican report.

Some say having a pope from Africa, or Asia  which is also seeing strong Catholic growth  would signal a powerful message of inclusion. But as Francis' papacy showed, inclusive efforts can alienate many others and even breed dissent.

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The three possible papal candidates from Africa  Sarah, Ambongo, and Turkson  are seen as holding orthodox views on some of the hot-button issues that the Catholic Church is grappling with, reflecting wider social conservatism on the continent of 1.3 billion people. Catholic orthodoxy in Africa was at odds with Pope Francis pastoral vision of mercy and understanding for all marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ Catholics.

The real-life situation was reflected in the fictional Oscar-nominated film Conclave, in which one of the four contenders vying for the papacy was a socially conservative cardinal from Nigeria.

What stances have the African contenders taken?

Congo has the highest number of baptized Catholics in Africa.

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Ambongo  the archbishop of Congolese capital, Kinshasa, since 2018  last year signed a statement by the conference of African bishops rejecting a Vatican declaration to allow priests to offer spontaneous, non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples seeking Gods grace.

That statement, seen as a rebuke of Francis, asserted that same-sex unions were contrary to the will of God." It cited biblical teaching condemning homosexuality and asserted that same-sex relations are contradictory to cultural norms in Africa.

But it is Sarah, the Guinean cardinal who is the Vaticans former liturgy chief, who posed a more public challenge to Francis.

A favorite of traditionalists, Sarah prefers silent prayer and is an adherent of the old Latin Mass. He is a staunch defender of longstanding doctrinal faith.

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After Francis in 2021 reimposed restrictions on celebrating the Latin Mass that Benedict had relaxed, Sarah responded with tweets quoting Benedicts original 2007 law to relax the restrictions. His posts were accompanied by a photo of Benedict wearing the red cape that Francis had eschewed the night of his election.

A year earlier, Sarah had orchestrated a media firestorm by persuading Benedict to co-author a book reaffirming priestly celibacy at a time when Francis was considering ordaining married men to address a clergy shortage in the Amazon. As the scandal grew, Benedict removed himself as a co-author.

Sarah, 79, officially retired in 2021 but remains eligible to attend the conclave. Since the death of Francis on April 21, he has emerged as a favorite of European traditionalists who want to see a reversal of Francis progressive policies.

For many Africans, Pope Francis was beloved

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But in Africa, where Francis was widely loved for his engagement with the continent's crises, many Catholics simply want a pope who will be a faithful leader for everyone.

For us, it does not matter whether he is African, white, or Black. What matters is having a good, holy pope who can unite Catholics across the world, said Luka Lawrence Ndenge, an emergency officer with the Catholic charity Caritas in the remote town of Wau in South Sudan.

The father of two said he believes an African can rise to the papacy, especially as we already have African cardinals who are fully capable.

Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin, primate of Adigrat in the Ethiopian region of Tigray, said he hopes the next pope will be as compassionate as Francis, who repeatedly called attention to war in Tigray in 2021 and 2022.

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But the prospect of having a Black African pope is exciting, he said.

For me, having a passionate, dedicated and competent African leading the Catholic Church is very important to me as an African and to see it in my lifetime is my absolute wish, he said.

Emily Mwaka doesnt like speculating about the next pope, especially on the color of his skin. So when the head of the Catholic laity in Kampala, Uganda, recently came upon a small group of Christians discussing a newspaper article about possible papal contenders  including some from Africa  she asked them to stop it.

Even if the next pontiff is green, she said, he will be for all of us.

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___

Associated Press reporters Samuel Getachew in Tigray, Ethiopia, and Michael Atit in Wau, South Sudan, contributed to this report.

___

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.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Attorney General Russell Coleman is continuing to defend the constitutionality of a Kentucky law that requires registered child sex offenders to use their full name on social media.

The Attorney Generals Principal Deputy Solicitor General Jack Heyburn presented the Commonwealths case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on May 1. In 2024, the General Assembly unanimously passed SB 249, sponsored by Senator Lindsey Tichenor. An anonymous registered sex offender challenged the law and asked the federal court to prevent Daviess County Attorney John Burlew from enforcing it.

Daviess County Attorney John Burlew reacts to defense of child sex offender social media bill

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Officials say in a brief filed last year before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, General Coleman asked the court to lift a lower courts ruling and to allow the law to take full effect. On Wednesday, the Attorney Generals Office argued that the law complies with the First Amendment and is a reasonable safeguard to protect Kentuckys children from online predators.

As Attorney General, and a father, I will not tolerate those who target our most vulnerable. We must be on constant guard against predators who seek to exploit Kentucky children online, said Attorney General Coleman. We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the General Assembly, including my own Senator Lindsey Tichenor, to keep Kentuckys parents informed about who is contacting our kids.

Daviess County seeking misdemeanor charges for unpaid child support

The law that is being challenged obtained overwhelming bipartisan support in our state legislature and then was subsequently passed into law by the Governor. Its a common-sense law aimed at preventing sexual predators from targeting individuals on social media by using fake or anonymous names, said Daviess County Attorney Burlew. I am thankful and honored to have the Kentucky Attorney Generals Office represent our side of the case in this important matter  and we look forward to the appellate courts ruling.

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AG Colemans office says the appeal was argued before three appellate judges, who now have the matter under consideration.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Attorney General William Tong announced Thursday the largest civil penalty ever imposed in Connecticut for illegal cannabis sales.

Tong said he secured a $4.93 million judgment against Planet Zaza of East Haven and its owner, Mohamed Alraishani, in his personal capacity, following persistent illegal cannabis sales despite a court order and repeated law enforcement visits.

Tong first sued Planet Zaza and Alraishani in January 2024 for violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act after multiple unannounced inspections conducted by the Department of Consumer Protection and Office of the Attorney General found numerous high-THC cannabis edibles.

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Boy dead in domestic violence homicide in Branford, suspect arrested

Investigators also discovered unauthorized labels, including fake prescription labels, falsely indicating that the store was a licensed dispensary and that the illegal products were medical-use cannabis. The products were not produced in a licensed facility or tested in accordance with state law, and many contained youth-appealing packaging.

On Nov. 12, 2024, the judge issued a temporary injunction ordering Planet Zaza and Alraishani to cease illegal sales, but they ignored the courts order.

The court this week ordered Planet Zaza and Alraishani to pay $5,000 for each of the 621 days they willfully violated CUTPA, and $25,000 for each of the 73 days the defendants violated the courts temporary injunction, for a total civil penalty of $4.93 million.

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The State of Connecticut is not playing around. Legal cannabis is not a free-for-all. If you are unlicensed, if you sell untested, unregulated cannabis, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable, Tong said in a statement.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Three people pleaded guilty this week in different cases, which resulted in prison time, the El Paso District Attorneys Office announced on Wednesday, April 30, in a news release.

The DAs Office said that Jan Carlo Castillo, 25, and Cesar Alejandro Roa, 25, of Horizon City, pleaded guilty to murder on Thursday, April 17, in separate cases. Victor Hugo Escobedo, 53, of New Mexico, pleaded guilty on Thursday, April 24, to aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon.

Jan Carlo Castillo

Jan Carlo Castillo, 25, of El Paso.

Castillo pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 45 years in state prison for breaking into another mans apartment and attacking him with a machete in 2023 at a Lower Valley apartment complex, the DAs Office said.

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Man arrested, charged in murder at Lower Valley apartment complex

The DAs Office said Brian Valentin Almanza, 34, was found dead in September 2023 by his former wife. She had told El Paso Police Department (EPPD) officers that they would message every day, and she felt something was wrong when he didnt respond for two days.

She went to Almanzas apartment on the 9100 block of Kernel Circle in the Lower Valley and found his door slightly ajar with signs of forced entry. She spotted him inside, covered in blood, and called 911, the DAs Office said.

EPPD said Almanza had multiple large slashes and lacerations over his body.

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The DAs Office said EPPD used the apartment complex surveillance video to identify Castillo, who was spotted jaywalking on Alameda Avenue weeks later after the incident. He was arrested after a short chase.

Mr. Almanza was brutally killed with no apparent motive, District Attorney James Montoya said. His killer was apprehended thanks to the outstanding investigative work by the El Paso Police Department and the witnesses who were willing to provide information. My office is committed to working tirelessly to ensure that dangerous defendants are removed from our community.

Assistant District Attorney Enrique Esparza represented the State of Texas in the prosecution of the case.

Cesar Alejandro Roa

Cesar Alejandro Roa, 25, of Horizon City.

The DAs Office said Roa pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 30 years in state prison for shooting and killing a 16-year-old girl and leaving her body in a far East El Paso alleyway in 2023.

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He also pleaded guilty to two charges related to the manufacturing and delivery of controlled substances, for which he was sentenced to 10 years for each drug charge and will be served concurrently, the DAs Office said.

Bond reduction denied for El Paso man charged in teens death

The DAs Office said that in February 2023, EPPD officers were called to the 14300 block of Coyote Trail Drive about an unattended death. The body of Jazmine Estrella Adame, 16, was found in the alley with a gunshot wound to the back of her neck.

EPPD investigators later learned that Adame, with several friends, had come up with a plan to steal drugs from a person they met on social media. During the deal, one of the friends grabbed the drugs, and they all ran off, the DAs Office said.

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The DAs Office said that as they ran, the drug dealer, later identified as Roa, opened fire, striking Adame. One of Adames friends who heard about the shooting went with her mother to the scene, found Adames body, and called 911.

Through interviews with Adames friends and by scouring social media and residential surveillance footage, EPPD investigators identified the shooter as Roa. He was arrested in March 2023, the DAs Office said.

Ms. Adame had her whole life in front of her and she should still be here, Montoya said. Drug dealing and drug trafficking are inherently dangerous activities and far too many young El Pasoans have lost their lives in robberies like this one.

If you commit acts of violence, we will hold you accountable and you will go to prison, Montoya added.

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Assistant District Attorneys Talisa Gutierrez and Jose Garcia represented the State of Texas in the prosecution of the case.

Victor Hugo Escobedo

Victor Hugo Escobedo, 53, of New Mexico.

The DAs Office said Escobedo pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to seven years in state prison for kidnapping a woman and her child at gunpoint from the Cielo Vista Mall parking lot and forcing her to withdraw thousands of dollars of cash from a bank last year.

Docs: Kidnapping suspect steals $5K, phone from woman

In September 2024, EPPD officers were called to the Cielo Vista Mall parking lot about a

kidnapping and robbery, the DAs Office said.

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The DAs Office said the victim told officers she and her 2-year-old daughter were in the mall parking lot when a man she didnt know approached them, flashed a handgun and then forced her into her truck.

She said the man ordered her to drive to a nearby bank and then told her to go into the bank to withdraw $5,300. The victim said the man threatened her and her daughters life if she didnt comply, the DAs Office said.

The DAs Office said officers were able to identify Escobedo using fingerprints lifted off the victims truck. The prints matched a record on file for him in Albuquerque. He was arrested at his home a week later.

Despite his lack of prior criminal history, this was a case that clearly warranted a sentence of

imprisonment, Montoya said. A mother witnessing her young daughter being threatened at gunpoint by a complete stranger is unthinkable and can shatter the sense of safety not just for the victim, but for the community, as well. I commend the El Paso Police Department officers and detectives who were able to find the man responsible for this crime.

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Assistant District Attorneys Elena Esparza and Jesse Mende represented the State of Texas in the prosecution of the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
CORNING, N.Y. (WETM)  The union representing healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital reached an agreement on Wednesday with the hospital for a new contract that will last several years, according to a release from the union on Thursday.

The union, 1199SEIU, reached a three-year tentative agreement with Guthrie Corning Hospital late Wednesday night, April 30, just hours before the previous deal expired. Workers expressed the need for improved staffing levels, quality and affordable health insurance, and competitive wages to help retain and recruit more workers.

Previous post: Union Healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital vote to hold informational picket

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The agreement comes as workers celebrate the 30th year since forming the union at the hospital. Deliberations were held for numerous days as the union prepared for an informational picket if an agreement wasnt met within 10 days of the notice.

1199SEIU represents more than 450 healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital. These workers include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, service and maintenance workers, clerical workers, and technicians.

Now that an agreement has been reached, a ratification vote is scheduled for Tuesday, 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
In a one-month period, artificial-intelligence-assisted cameras mounted on Los Angeles Metro buses generated nearly 10,000 citations for parking violations, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

Cameras were first installed on the windshields of some Metro buses last year, but the first tickets were issued in mid-February. Initially, the only buses to have cameras were along line 212, from Hollywood/Vine to Hawthorne/Lennox stations via La Brea Avenue, and line 720, from Santa Monica to downtown L.A. via Wilshire Boulevard. Line 70, which services Olive Street and Grand Avenue, and lines 910 and 950 that serve Metro's J Line have since been included.

The AI-powered cameras scan for illegally parked cars and compile a video of each violation, a photo of the license plate and the time and location, according to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Each citation is reviewed by a human.

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At a minimum of $293 per violation, there's nothing artificial about the ticket's price tag.

Read more: AI-powered cameras installed on Metro buses to ticket illegally parked cars

In the second half of March, the program gave out 3,093 citations over cars blocking bus lanes or stops. That number more than doubled in the first two weeks of April, when 6,681 citations were issued.

Before the cameras were installed, officers typically issued around 570 tickets for impeding bus lanes monthly, the transportation department told LAist.

Without enforcement, a single parked car in a bus lane can delay dozens or even hundreds of riders. So, this is not just about issuing tickets, its about making sure our Metro buses run on schedule and get our riders to their destinations on time, said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn.

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The program, designed by technology company Hayden AI, is meant to improve bus times, increase ridership and address mobility concerns. Metros board of directors approved an $11-million contract with the company last year to roll out 100 camera systems. The agreement started in December and is supposed to last roughly five years.

Read more: A rich L.A. neighborhood donated surveillance technology to the LAPD  then drama ensued

Although the AI-powered security cameras constantly scan for illegally parked cars, Charles Territo, Hayden AIs chief growth officer, said the technology is trained to record only when a potential violation is observed.

If the bus is moving and theres no vehicle parked in the lane, its not recording any data, he said. Only when the system observes a vehicle parked illegally in a bus lane or a bus stop does it record the license plate and capture video of the event.

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Similar programs are being used in Washington, D.C., and New York City as the use of AI continues to expand for travel safety.

Recently, Southern Californias regional rail system Metrolink was granted $1.3 million to develop an AI-powered security system to detect unexpected movement on the tracks.

Times staff writer Colleen Shalby contributed to this report.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In a one-month period, artificial-intelligence-assisted cameras mounted on Los Angeles Metro buses generated nearly 10,000 citations for parking violations, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

Cameras were first installed on the windshields of some Metro buses last year, but the first tickets were issued in mid-February.

LA is only the latest US city to adopt this technology in traffic policing and similar programs are being used in Washington, DC, and New York City as the use of AI continues to expand for travel safety.

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The AI-powered cameras scan for illegally parked cars and compile a video of each violation, a photo of the license plate and the time and location, according to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Each citation is reviewed by a human.

At a minimum of $293 per violation, there's nothing artificial about the ticket's price tag.

In the second half of March, the program gave out 3,093 citations over cars blocking bus lanes or stops. That number more than doubled in the first two weeks of April, when 6,681 citations were issued.

Before the cameras were installed, officers typically issued around 570 tickets for impeding bus lanes monthly, the transportation department told LAist.

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"Without enforcement, a single parked car in a bus lane can delay dozens or even hundreds of riders. So, this is not just about issuing tickets, it's about making sure our Metro buses run on schedule and get our riders to their destinations on time," said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn.

The program, designed by technology company Hayden AI, is meant to improve bus times, increase ridership and address mobility concerns. Metro's board of directors approved an $11-million contract with the company last year to roll out 100 camera systems. The agreement started in December and is supposed to last roughly five years.

Although the AI-powered security cameras constantly scan for illegally parked cars, Charles Territo, Hayden AI's chief growth officer, said the technology is trained to record only when a potential violation is observed.

"If the bus is moving and there's no vehicle parked in the lane, it's not recording any data," he said. "Only when the system observes a vehicle parked illegally in a bus lane or a bus stop does it record the license plate and capture video of the event."

Recently, Southern California's regional rail system Metrolink was granted $1.3 million to develop an AI-powered security system to detect unexpected movement on the tracks.
Pete Hegseths 100-day tenure as defense secretary has brought an unceremonious end to the careers of numerous top military officers - but it has also created unexpected avenues for advancement, including for one Marine who has thrown his lot in with the controversial Pentagon chief.

Biden-era officials say they were flabbergasted when Ricky Buria, a respected officer who worked closely with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, abruptly set aside a promising future in uniform to retire from the military and assume a political position as a senior adviser to Hegseth, whose security lapses and anti-diversity agenda have fueled widespread calls from Democrats, and at least one Republican, to resign.

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The change in course by Buria, who had been seen as a rising star in the Marine Corps, underscores the different ways in which Hegseths disruptive approach is impacting the military ranks - such as the summary ouster of at least nine senior officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - while creating unconventional and professionally risky opportunities for others.

It also illustrates how the increasingly politicized climate enveloping what has been one of Americas most independent institutions has created risks even for allies of the defense secretary, as White House officials and other Republicans voice concern about Buria - even after his recent, unexpected retirement - because of his association with Austin and his status as one of the few top aides who span the administrations.

In a place with a lot of purity tests, one person familiar with the issue said, that could be a kiss of death.

Buria did not respond to a request for comment. Neither did spokespeople for Hegseth.

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Some Republicans loyal to the president have sought to block the elevation of Buria, whom officials say Hegseth has openly considered for his next chief of staff following a purge of top aides, by alerting the White House to his background, said two people familiar with the issue. Officials there have begun to ask questions about him, one of those officials said. Like others, they spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters.

Buria, an MV-22 pilot who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has emerged as a top contender for one of the Pentagons most powerful jobs only months after being named as Austins junior military aide. In a prestigious but unglamorous role, a junior military aide typically acts as a defense secretarys body man, shadowing him at the Pentagon or overseas, getting his meals and ensuring necessary documents are in hand for meetings or public remarks. The job exposes officers to top-level operations and typically opens doors leading to the militarys highest ranks.

Former officials who worked alongside Buria in the Biden administration said the Marine was usually the first person to greet Austin at the Pentagon in the morning and would typically remain until the retired general was ready to go home. They described Buria as competent and focused, and said he never gave any indication about his political views or suggested he disagreed with Biden-era policies.

He was an absolute professional, one former official said.

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When Austin stepped down in January, Buria posted words of praise and gratitude for some of the outgoing secretarys political aides, including deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh.

I cant wait to serve with you again, Buria wrote on LinkedIn.

When Hegseth arrived at the Pentagon in January, Buria quickly became close with the former Fox News host and his wife, Jennifer, according to people familiar with the inner workings of Hegseths team. They attributed that partly to Burias role, in which he saw Pete Hegseth daily and traveled with him on weekends to Tennessee, where the Hegseths own a home. Hegseth, who came to his role with little Washington experience, also bounced ideas off Buria, they said.

His stature in Hegseths circle grew in February when Hegseth fired Burias boss, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short, whom Austin had appointed as senior military aide, another nonpartisan role typically held by a three-star military officer who bridges administrations and has often gone on to be promoted to a high-profile job.

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Her firing left a vacancy that Hegseth let Buria fill temporarily. As such, he was seated alongside Hegseth for bilateral meetings with foreign dignitaries, an unusual move for an officer of his rank. His relative influence expanded again when, in a sign of upheaval among his top advisers, Hegseths chief of staff, Joe Kasper, stepped aside and other senior aides were forced out amid a leak investigation.

That Buria had assumed Shorts role rubbed some the wrong way at the Pentagon, where hierarchy and tradition can be sacrosanct. Generals and other military staff grumbled about Buria, who was promoted to the rank of colonel only last fall, delivering curt messages from Hegseth to officers far more senior, two officials said.

The arrival in April of Army Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve as Hegseths new senior military assistant shifted the dynamics again. Buria was due to return to his less-influential role, which people familiar with the issue said made the prospect of leaving the military for an advisory position appealing despite the controversy that has largely defined Hegseths stewardship of the institution.

It was going to be hard for him to step back into the JMA role, one person familiar with the issue said, using an acronym for junior military assistant. He was telling certain folks that he was willing to retire and become a civilian person all the way back in March.

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Burias move appears all the more surprising because of the stark contrast between the two men he has served in the Pentagons executive suite: Austin, a reserved retired four-star general who largely avoided the spotlight after becoming the first African American defense secretary, and Hegseth, a former National Guard major and conservative TV personality who has routinely attacked critics on social media and focused on rooting out the militarys diversity programs.

Despite Democrats criticism of Hegseth, he has remained defiant - and President Donald Trump has voiced his support.

I have so much confidence in him, Trump told supporters in Michigan on Tuesday night. The fake news is after him, really after him, but hes a tough cookie. They dont know how tough he is.

Some former officials who praised Burias performance under Austin questioned whether his gamble would pay off.

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It seems like a miscalculation, with Hegseth on the ropes, one former official said.

He went from being in a low-key, safe position under Hegseth to a white-hot dangerous one, said another.

Former officials noted that successful chiefs of staff at the Pentagon, with its budget of more than $800 billion and a famously unwieldy bureaucracy, often have broad experience across government agencies and Congress, credentials many military officers lack.

Given Hegseths lack of experience in Washington policymaking, he really needs ballast in the team underneath him, one of the former officials said.

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For Buria to retire with his current rank, a consideration with significant implications for his retirement pay, he would need to either serve as a colonel for two years or seek and receive a waiver from the Defense Department, defense officials familiar with the issue said.

In recent days, Buria has stepped out as a voice for the Make America Great Again movement, setting up a social media account on X and boosting posts from Hegseth, the White House and other administration accounts that boast about Trumps record and tout the militarys expanded role on the southern border and its steps to tighten fitness standards for troops.

He has also echoed attacks by Trump and Hegseth on the media, a frequent target of both officials when they face criticism.

Resultsnot fake news! Buria wrote. Thank you President Trump for your clear leadership!

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LOS ANGELES, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of labor union members on Wednesday launched a massive rally in downtown Los Angeles that snarled traffic and saw 14 arrests.

"More than 10,000 striking union members held a rally at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration with a march through the Civic Center. The action culminated with 14 members being arrested for non-violent civil disobedience -- an act meant to shine a light on County management's rampant law-breaking throughout contract negotiations," the rally's organizer said on its official website Wednesday evening.

The rally was part of a 48-hour strike organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, a labor union representing public works employees, public mental health professionals, social workers, and parks and recreation personnel in the most populous county in the United States.

More than 55,000 members of the union took part in the strike that concluded Wednesday evening. The union accused county management of refusing to bargain with union members in good faith and alleged retaliation and surveillance of union members.

"This is the workforce that got L.A. County through emergency after emergency: the January wildfires, public health emergencies, mental health emergencies, social service emergencies, and more," David Green, SEIU 721's executive director and president, said in a statement when the strike was announced.

During Wednesday's rally, union members, most wearing purple shirts and many waving signs, marched through the downtown area. Workers carried banners at the head of the march, reading "LA County Workers on ULP Strike," and "We are the Safety Net."

The two-day strike impacted a number of services, including non-urgent health clinics, public libraries, wildfire debris removal, trash pickup services and homeless encampment enforcement. 
President Donald Trump's travel on May 1 will take him from Washington, D.C. to Alabama to Florida.

Vice President JD Vance is also on the move and separately heading to Palm Beach, Florida, the White House press schedule and Federal Aviation Administration notices indicate.

The Boeing 747-200s that the president flies on, known as Air Force One when he's aboard, are highly secured and specially equipped. The Palm Beach Post previously reported that the aircrafts cost about $200,000 an hour to fly.

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Using that figure, the May 1 costs to get Trump to his presidential duties and back to the Winter White House could ring up to more than $700,000.

President Trump to speak in Tuscaloosa before heading to Mar-a-Lago

Trump will be speaking at the University of Alabama on May 1 in his first commencement-related appearance of this presidency.

The press guidance from the White House shows he will be headed to Tuscaloosa from D.C., where he had a swearing-in ceremony, an intelligence briefing and a National Day of Prayer Event on the calendar.

After his remarks, he will fly to Palm Beach International Airport and is expected to arrive at Mar-a-Lago at 11:15 p.m., his schedule states.

Trump's travel cost on May 1 total to $700k+

There is no ticket price to fly on the Air Force presidential planes, per say, but the Palm Beach Post estimates it costs about $200,000 per hour to operate the Air Force One military aircraft.

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The planes are equipped with advanced communication systems, medical facilities and defensive technology. But operating the plane isn't the entire cost of Trump's travel; another plane is used to carry the presidential helicopter, and cargo planes carry the motorcade vehicles.

Using the time it takes to get to his destinates today as calculated by FlightTimeCalculator.org, Trump's May 1 travel could cost could total to more than $700,000.

Vice President also headed to Palm Beach on Air Force Two

Vance traveled to Huger, South Carolina on May 1 with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to tour a steel manufacturing facility, according to a news release from his office. Pool reports state he is taking Air Force Two to get there, and he is expected to be interviewed by Fox News anchor Brett Baier later in the day.

Another "VIP Movement" FAA Temporary Flight Restriction issued for the Palm Beach area indicates Vance could be making the trip for the afternoon. Though the FAA notice does not mention Vance, it is the presidential-level notice usually posted ahead of Trump's visit, The Palm Beach Daily News reported this week. He is likely to leave by 9:15 p.m.

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The vice president's office pointed to a reported fundraiser in Palm Beach that Vance is scheduled to speak at in regards to his travel schedule.

Even if Vance and Trump shared an itinerary, a long-standing security practice would likely prevent them from traveling together.

Vance flies in a C-32, according to Business Insider, a military-configured version of the Boeing 757-200 commercial intercontinental airliner.

Contributing: Jennifer Sangalang, Alexandra Clough, Antonio Fins, John Bisognano, Lianna Norman, Nayeli Lomeli, 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: Air Force One costs: Trump and Vance making stops on way to Palm Beach
The Air Force has started ground testing its first Anduril-made semiautonomous drone wingmen known as collaborative combat aircraft, which could be flying within months.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Allvin announced the beginning of the ground testing phase in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Thursday morning. It included a video of hangar doors opening dramatically to reveal Anduril Industries YFQ-44A, which the company previously referred to as Fury.

This is a huge milestone and another step toward first flight and rapid delivery [of CCAs] to our warfighters, Allvin said. These unmanned fighters are going to be badass!

Ground testing is officially underway for our Collaborative Combat Aircraft program! This is a huge milestone and another step toward first flight and rapid delivery to our warfighters... These unmanned fighters are going to be badass! (1/3) pic.twitter.com/HiuWMzmcc7  General David Allvin (@OfficialCSAF) May 1, 2025

Now that ground testing of Andurils CCA has begun, the company said in a statement, it expects to start flying the YFQ-44A this summer.

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Together, Anduril and the United States Air Force are pioneering a new generation of semi-autonomous fighter aircraft that will fundamentally transform air combat, said Jason Levin, Andurils senior vice president of air dominance and strike. YFQ-44A delivers highly capable, mass-producible, and more affordable fighter capability at the speed and scale required to stay ahead of the threat.

The Air Force also said it wants to locate the first aircraft readiness unit for CCAs at Beale Air Force Base in California. That unit will be in charge of provid[ing] combat aircraft ready to deploy worldwide at a moments notice, the service said in a statement.

The Air Force in April 2024 announced it had selected Anduril and General Atomics to design, build and test the first iteration of CCAs, which will fly alongside aircraft such as the F-35 and the Next Generation Air Dominance fighter now known as the F-47.

CCAs will use autonomous software to fly themselves with minimal direction from the pilots they accompany, and will be able to carry out missions such as airstrikes, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or serving as decoys to lure enemies away from crewed aircraft.

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The Air Force has suggested it could have a fleet of about 1,000 CCAs, and said they will be cheaper than traditional fighters. The service wants them to extend the services reach at a time when pilots and advanced fighters are in short supply.

Allvin also said on social media that the Air Forces CCA strategy heralds a new way of acquisition, that focuses on quickly iterating new designs instead of sustaining existing models for decades.

Our new mantra needs to be built to adapt rather than built to last, Allvin said in the post.

Those comments underscore remarks Allvin made in June 2024, in which he said the Air Force wanted to keep CCA missions simple and costs down, so they can be fielded in large numbers and replaced after a decade or so with fresh models. Allvin also suggested CCAs could be modular and heavily adapted with new technologies to keep them relevant.

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Ground testing of General Atomics YFQ-42A has not yet begun. In a statement, the company said, We remain on schedule to test and fly YFQ-42 in the coming months.

General Atomics said it is on track to start testing and flying its collaborative combat aircraft, the YFQ-42A, in the next few months. (Stephen Losey/Defense News)

Allvin said in the Air Forces statement that the beginning of ground tests for the Anduril CCA bridges the gap between design and flight and reduces the risk that comes from integrating a new system. He also said both Anduril and General Atomics are meeting or exceeding key milestones, and innovative design and acquisition strategies are speeding up the process for fielding CCAs.

Were moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability, Allvin said. CCA is about delivering decisive advantage in highly contested environments.  These aircraft will help us turn readiness into operational dominance.

An advantage of pilotless CCAs is that they will not have to be flown daily to maintain pilots readiness, the Air Force said.

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That means the readiness unit planned for Beale would be able to keep CCAs in a fly-ready status and flown minimally, the service said, which will require a substantially lower number of support airmen such as maintainers than other aircraft require.

The Air Force plans to make a decision in fiscal 2026 on which of the two CCA versions to move into production. Also that year, the service expects to start developing the second so-called increment of CCAs, which it hopes will have a broader suite of missions it can be used for and integrate cutting-edge technology.
Al Jazeera Media Network has been honoured with two prestigious Peabody Awards, one of the most esteemed accolades in broadcast storytelling.

The awards recognise the Al Jazeera English Fault Lines documentary The Night Wont End in the News & Documentary category, and the Al Jazeera English Digital film One Day in Gaza from the series Close Up, in the Interactive & Immersive category.

The 85th annual Peabody award winners were announced on May 1, 2025, in advance of its annual ceremony in Los Angeles on June 1, 2025.

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The awards honour intelligent, powerful and moving stories told in broadcast and digital media.

Al Jazeera Englishs Fault Lines documentary The Night Wont End uncovers the tragic human cost of war. It depicts the realities of the unrelenting Israeli bombing campaign on Gaza, the unsafe safe zones, and arbitrary executions through the eyes of three families during the initial 15 months of the war.

The film investigates the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was waiting to be rescued from a car where her family members had already been shot dead. Two medics dispatched to rescue her were also killed, as verified by a forensic watchdog agency.





Laila Al-Arian, executive producer of Fault Lines, stated, No single piece can fully capture the scale of the atrocities in Gaza, but we aimed through investigative journalism and on-the-ground storytelling to offer a glimpse of what life has been like. We are honoured by this recognition because it helps bring more attention to a continuing story the world needs to see. Though we filmed this over a year ago, the horrors we documented remain a daily reality for more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

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To date, The Night Wont End has garnered multiple awards, including in the coveted International Current Affairs category at the Royal Television Society Awards in the United Kingdom, the Overseas Press Club prize for best TV, video or documentary about international affairs, and the long-form award from the Centre for Information Resilience Open-Source Film Awards.

The One Day in Gaza film from the series Close Up is a compilation of videos recorded by 10 individuals in Gaza, who were asked to document moments throughout their day, thereby helping viewers understand the immense hardships and constant dangers faced by Palestinians living under the constant bombardment in Gaza.





Juan Carlos Van Meek, director of digital innovation and programming, expressed his gratitude for awarding the team the Peabody Award, stating, I am immensely proud of our teams relentless efforts in amplifying the humanity of Palestinians living in Gaza under constant bombardment. Through the brave voices of people on the ground, we have captivated millions of viewers and helped sustain global attention on the ongoing genocide, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.

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The recognition of these documentaries underscores Al Jazeeras commitment to highlighting the profound human experiences amid conflict.

As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, The Network remains dedicated to shedding light on the stories that matter, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard on a global platform.
Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, speaks during a debate over a bill changing the make-up of the Birmingham Water Works Board on May 1, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Carns, R-Vestavia, passed the House over the objections of Jefferson County Democrats. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to reorganize the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) over the objections of Jefferson County Democrats who called it state meddling in local affairs.

SB 330, sponsored by Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, allows each of the following entities to appoint one member to the board of the utility: the City of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, Jefferson County Commission, Blount County Commission, Shelby County Commission, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor. The governors appointment is restricted to a resident of Jefferson County.

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The legislation passed the Senate last week unanimously.

I say its a miracle because Ive been here a lot of years, he said. Never, ever have I ever seen a bill where Jefferson County was involved that passed out of the Senate 30-0.

The legislation is broadly worded but effectively targets the BWWB, which supplies water to Jefferson County and surrounding areas has drawn criticism over rates and governance. Democrats in the Jefferson County delegation have long resisted efforts to reorganize the board, saying it would give officials outside Jefferson County power over a local resource. Critics have also noted the plans would give majority-white counties control of an asset in a county that is 67% Black.

Jefferson County Democrats spoke on the bill for over two hours Thursday morning.

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For over a century, the Birmingham Water Works Board has provided safe, clean and reliable water to hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses across our region, Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, said. Their work is not only essential, its exceptional.

While Carns said he would not take any amendments on the legislation, four members of the delegation tried. Sellers said the board should not be politicized by elected state officials being eligible for appointment. He offered an amendment that would prohibit any of the appointees from being a lawmaker.

The amendment failed 70-28.

Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Bessemer, offered an amendment to return appointing authority for one seat on the board to Birmingham City Council instead of the Blount County Commission because there are fewer customers in Blount County than in Jefferson County.

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We are silencing the voices of Jefferson County when it comes to being able to control their own water, which is a very precious resource, Tillman said. We are losing that because we allow an outside source that serves maybe 100 people in certain areas, maybe 8% outside of Jefferson County, to be able to control the water.

The amendment failed 70-28.

Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, offered an amendment to limit the lieutenant governors appointment to a resident of St. Clair County, which is served by the BWWB. He said hed only ever support the legislation if St. Clair County was represented.

We are a customer. We dont like to be treated that way, as if we are not important, Hill said. If you think were big enough, if you think were important enough, if you think we ought to have representation on a board that we contribute $3 million in revenue to a year then let us have a seat.

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The amendment failed 54-38. Hill abstained on the final vote.

Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, offered an amendment to restrict the boards appointees from having ownership or interest in any sewer system located in the county the authorizing municipality is located.

So any potential complications with this bill have not been fully considered, particularly considering the Jefferson County sewer system, Rafferty said.

The amendment failed 69-29.

Rafferty began protesting the legislation as the House adopted the Special Order Calendar. He said the bill is an assault on local governance.

Each of us in this chamber would be rightfully concerned if outside representatives attempted to dictate how water systems operate in our districts without consulting us or even including us at the table, or, hell, even the room where this legislation was created, he said.

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Sellers said during debate that there are other issues with water supply and sewage in the state that are more important than restructuring the BWWB.

Lowndes County, a significant portion of this majority black, low-income community, lacks proper sewer infrastructure, leading to raw sewage exposure in homes and public spaces, he said. Why now? Why the Birmingham Water Works Board?

Rep. Kelvin Datcher, D-Birmingham, called the bill undemocratic after it passed 66-27.

What happened is undemocratic, and it absolutely destroys the opportunity for us to continue to work together as a region, he said.

The bill goes to Gov. Kay Iveys desk to be signed into law. A message seeking comment from her office was sent Thursday afternoon.

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  On Tuesday, the Alabama Legislature passed SB138, co-sponsored by Representative Parker Moore and Senator Rodger Smitherman, without opposition.

Senator Smitherman and Representative Parker Moore deserve recognition for leading the charge on this bipartisan, common-sense public safety legislation that reduces bureaucratic red tape and empowers job creators, said Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward. As the Bureau continues its core mission of protecting communities across the state through enhanced supervision and law enforcement operations, SB138 complements this work by addressing one of the key drivers of recidivism: lack of employment. By helping qualified individuals gain access to stable, in-demand, good-paying jobs, Rep. Moore and Sen. Smitherman are supporting the Bureaus efforts to reduce repeat offenses and enhance community safety. This is one of several bills before the Legislature this session that recognize and commend the agencys vital contributions to both reentry and public safety across Alabama. We deeply appreciate the support and expertise of our private sector partners, including Alabama Power, the Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, NFIB-Alabama, the Alabama Community College System, Ingram State Technical College, and many others who helped move this important legislation forward.

A broad coalition of businesses and industries support SB138 and see it as a benefit for workforce development and public safety.

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Alabama is currently facing a workforce shortage with only 50 active workers available for every 100 job openings.

SB138 will eliminate barriers that prevent qualified individuals with criminal records from reentering the workforce.

The bill will also present parolees and probationers the opportunity to obtain licenses without automatic disqualification by a licensing board for those whose crimes have no relevance to the positions.

According to officials, the workers would receive a Certificate of Employability from the Bureau  a document that also protects employers from legal liability for hiring former felons.

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The bill excludes anyone convicted of violent offenses or sexual misconduct.

In Alabama, one in five jobs requires a license, but many individuals with criminal records face barriers to obtaining these licenses, which limits their access to stable employment.

SB138 empowers Alabamas businesses to make decisions that are in the best interest of their operations and communities, while also ensuring that individuals with criminal histories have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A bill that would change the way the water works board for the second largest city in Alabama has passed both houses, awaiting Gov. Kay Ivey signing it into law.

SB330, which passed the Senate 66-27 Thursday, would essentially taken the Birmingham Water Works Board out of the hands of the city and into state control, turning it into a regional board where board members can be appointed by officials outside the city.

On Wednesday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin stood with other city officials in protest of the bill, claiming it was overreach by the state.

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Lets call it what it is, this is a political power grab that is not in the best interests of the rate payers, Woodfin said.

Over the years, the BWWB has faced several challenges, from being nearly $1 billion in debt to rising rate increases.

One of the bill sponsors, Rep. Jim Carns, said new leadership is needed for the water system.

In the private sector, if this was a business, they would come in and clean house and it took 19 years for this to happen, Carns said. I never hear anyone thats happy with the Birmingham water system. I hate it. Its just not something that I wanted to hear, not something that I wanted to be involved with. This has taken a lot of effort and its been painful for a lot of people. Every time you make major change, there is pain involved. The old saying no pain, no gain and I expect a lot of gain out of this.

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The bill outlines a new 7 person board with each person being appointed by a different entity. The Birmingham City Council, Birmingham mayor, President of the Jefferson County Commission, Shelby County representative, Blount County representative, Governor and Lieutenant Governor would be the seven appointing bodies for the water system.

The power of the people is always stronger than the people in power, said Rep. Neil Rafferty. If this bill does not deliver the lower rates or stabilized rates that the sponsor was telling us that it would, we can always go back and change it back up the way we need to to make sure that the process is honored, that its locally dealt with and that the people get the best product for the best price that they can.

Rep. Juandalynn Givan, who is running for mayor of Birmingham, issued the following statement after the bill passed:

Today marks a deeply disappointing moment for the City of Birmingham as the Municipal Appointing Authority and for the thousands of ratepayers who rely on the Birmingham Water Works Board. The passage of House Bill 330 represents a blatant overreach a takeover of an authority that rightfully belongs to the City of Birmingham and its residents. This move is not only absurd, it is dangerous, and its long-term consequences could be devastating in ways we may never fully recover from.

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I have fought tooth and nail against this legislation, raising my voice at every opportunity to protect local control and accountability. The Birmingham Water Works Board, while not without its own challenges, should never have been subjected to such a politically motivated power grab.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge that some of the difficulties we face today were self-inflicted. I also cannot help but express my disappointment that more of Birminghams leadership did not publicly and forcefully join this fight when it mattered most. Our unity could have made a difference.

Though this was not the outcome we wanted, I remain steadfast in my commitment to the people of Birmingham. I will continue to be a voice for our community and to advocate for transparency, equity, and the local authority that our city deserves.

The changes are set to go into effect immediately once its signed into law.

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Mayor Woodfin released the following statement regarding the bills passage:

My concern is for the Birmingham ratepayers. This bill is not in their best interest. The city does not own the water works nor operate it but the passage of this legislation clearly weakens the voice of a major portion of the utilitys ratepayers. While I have raised concerns about BWWB over the years, the current board has taken steps to improve. That momentum has now been halted by this power grab from state lawmakers in Montgomery who clearly did not consider the best interest of our residents. Mayor Woodfin

The Birmingham Water Works Board also released a statement following the passage of SB330:

The Birmingham Water Works Board remains united in condemning Senator Roberts and Representative Carns harmful efforts to silence the voices of the people of Birmingham and Jefferson County. SB 330 is both misguided and unnecessary.

At its core, this bill represents the culmination of a dream some suburban legislators have had for years to take control of Birminghams most important natural resource, the water produced and distributed by BWW. This effort was never about representation, management or quality; its about control. The appointing authorities included in the bill confirm that fact. SB330 opens the door for the very corruption and cronyism that plagued the system in the past.

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This board fought this extensive overreach for a few reasons: to continue to provide the best quality of water and opportunities for our customers, to continue to build an organization that supports and uplifts its employees, and to help grow the city of Birmingham and the small businesses that call it home. We are endlessly proud of the progress we have made on all three fronts, and are disappointed that our work will not continue.

This board, while vehemently opposing SB330 and its proposed fixes, will commit to make sure that any transition is done so smoothly and in the best interest of the people who matter most  our customers and our employees. There will be no interruption to service, customer service or any of the vital needs we meet for our customers every day due to this legislation, including ongoing improvements to infrastructure. We will ensure our services remain unaffected.

What a new board will find is a very dedicated group of employees who work hard to serve our customers and an organization that in the last year has gone through significant changes to make our operations better than ever before. It is just a shame this discovery was not made before putting the great work the system is currently doing at risk.

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BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A Warrior man was convicted of child sex crimes, according to Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey on Wednesday.

Gary Michael Stewart, 39, was convicted of two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and one count of second-degree child abuse.

Prosecutors showed evidence Stewart started subjecting a girl to sexual contact when she was around 5. Prosecutors argued the abuse continued until the child was about 13.

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Former Homewood finance director sentenced to 3 years in prison after stealing nearly $1 million from city

A conviction of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, which is a class B felony, is subject up to 20 years in prison. Second-degree sexual abuse is a class A misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in prison.

I am so proud of this young lady, Casey said in a statement. When these children come forward and disclose acts of sexual abuse, they often become ostracized by family members and blamed for hardships created as a consequence of the perpetrators actions. These children carry this additional burden and often blame themselves. I dont understand how anyone can blame a child for the consequences of the perpetrators deviant acts.

A sentencing hearing for Stewart is set for July 17.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (TRIBUNE)  Prim F. Escalona, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, announced on Wednesday that a group of men who were part of a conspiracy to sell stolen checks and bank login information have been sentenced for their crimes.

The defendants included the administrators of multiple scam Telegram channels, a former U.S. Postal employee who received bribes to steal checks from the mail, and a credit union employee who misappropriated customer account information. Among those sentenced this week were:

Joshua Kendarius Rogers, aka Lucky Luciano, 24, of IrondaleRogers was an administrator of a Telegram channel called The Lucky Shop, which sold stolen checks and bank login information. Rogers 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. Rogers pleaded guilty to the charges yesterday.

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Michael Christopher Rowser, aka Muney Mike, 24, of McCalla.Rowser abused his position as a U.S. Postal employee by taking bribes to steal checks that were sold on The Lucky Shop channel. Rowser 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. A federal jury convicted Rowser of those charges in January.

Duane Wiley Smith, aka Dubskii, 24, of SpringvilleSmith was an administrator of The Lucky Shop and similar channels called Glass House Records and Glass House Records V2. Smith 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. Smith pleaded guilty to those charges in October 2024.

Levar McGhee-Parrish, aka Ja Moracks, 25, of FultondaleMcGhee-Parrish was an administrator of The Lucky Shop and a similar channel called GRUBHUB. McGhee-Parrish was sentenced to 40 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud. McGhee-Parrish pleaded guilty to the charge in March.

According to court documents, The Lucky Shop operated as a criminal marketplace. Rogers, its primary administrator, obtained stolen checks from Rowser, a mail handler at the U.S. Postal Services Processing & Distribution Center in Birmingham, and then posted redacted copies of those checks on the channel to market them for sale.

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When customers of The Lucky Shop paid Rogers to purchase stolen checks, a portion of their profits would be kicked back to Rowser.

The evidence established that Rowser received approximately $106,000 in bribe payments over the course of a year for his role supplying checks to the Telegram channel.

In addition to stolen checks, Rogers also sold bank login information, which he obtained from a corrupt credit union employee.

Smith and McGhee-Parrish assisted Rogers with the administration of The Lucky Shop, but also had their own Telegram channels where they sold stolen checks to scammers looking to commit bank fraud.

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Beyond that, Smith and McGhee-Parrish worked with Rogers and others to commit bank frauddepositing fraudulent checks, submitting fraudulent loan applications, initiating fraudulent Automated Clearing House transfers, and using stolen passcodes to withdraw funds from ATMs.

This case was brought as part of a crackdown on scam Telegram channels operating out of the Northern District of Alabama.

Other defendants who have been prosecuted in related cases include Mekhi Diwone Harris, who ran a Telegram channel called Work Related, and Gabriel Samuel Odiot, who ran a Telegram channel called RICH OFF PLAYS. Together, these channels are responsible for the sale of tens of millions of dollars in stolen checks.

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Leigh Gwathney, left, Chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and Darryl Littleton, center, an associate member of the board, listen to testimony during a hearing in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. A House committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would make changes to the size of the board and its appointment powers. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama House committee narrowly approved a bill on Wednesday that changes some of the rules pertaining to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles amid some final minute dramatics that required one lawmaker to return to the meeting to cast his vote.

The House Judiciary Committee approved SB 324, sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, by a vote of 8-7. Initially, the measure would have failed because of a tied vote, but Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, the committee chair, requested that someone reach out to Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Bessemer, to return to the committee after leaving to cast the tie-breaking vote that ultimately led to bill getting approved by the committee.

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I got some work to do, Chambliss said in an interview after the vote. I will work with all the interested parties. You know, I have seen bills that are further apart than this one. We sit down and talk through it all and see what everyone can live with.

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The vote came a day after the Senate voted to cut funding for the board in the final version of the General Fund budget and made its remaining funding contingent on updating the parole guidelines which are used to determine whether an applicant should be granted parole.

SB 324 increases the number of people who can serve on the parole board from three to five; moves the power to appoint the chair from the governor to the board itself and establishes guidelines for the board when they set the next parole hearing for applicants who are denied.

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The original version of the bill Chambliss filed remained largely intact when it was approved by the Senate last week except for a single amendment proposed by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, pertaining to the timeline for nominating a candidate to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The board members, regardless of whether their terms have expired or not, will be appointed by the Governors Office based on a list of names from a nominating committee comprising the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

SB 324 also lays out timelines for parole hearings. For those serving up to 20 years in prison, the parole board may set the next hearing no more than two years from the time that the persons parole application was denied.

Those serving a life sentence after committing one or more violent Class A felonies are permitted another hearing within 10 years of being denied. People who are considered for parole for medical reasons may receive another parole hearing within 180 days after the parole board rejects their application.

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Others are eligible for another parole hearing with five years of getting rejected for parole by the Board.

Chambliss introduced SB 324 Wednesday by referring to a meeting of the Joint Prison Oversight Committee in October 2023 in which Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles Chair Leigh Gwathney answered lawmakers questions in ways they considered meandering or unresponsive.

Chambliss characterized the meeting as a little bit of a fiasco.

The law says that those guidelines are to be updated periodically, Chambliss said to the committee during the meeting Wednesday. And the law says that they have to do that. Well, they have not done that. As a matter of fact, they only adhere to the guidelines 20% of the time.

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According to data obtained from the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, the conformance rate, the percentage that the parole boards decisions match with Bureaus recommendations based on the guidelines, is between 22%-27%.

The Alabama Attorney Generals Office publicly stated that it opposed the legislation.

Needless to say, the makeup of the parole board is a very delicate thing, said Katherine Robertson, chief counsel for the Alabama Attorney Generals Office. As we know from recent history, it has a very direct implications on public safety.

She also referred to the General Fund budget.

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There was an amendment added to the General Fund budget that would address the guidelines issue that was added by the Senate that says the Board doesnt get their money until they do what he (Chambliss) is talking about on the guidelines, Robertson said. I am sure they have gotten the message when it comes to that.

Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Cobb supported the legislation.

We want the state to stop wasting money holding individuals who have proven they are no longer the same person when they were convicted, she said. And have either through their health, or their prison record, demonstrated they would be almost impossible to reoffend.

Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, a longtime critic of the board, was among the strongest supporters of the legislation.

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This is about the ability to have oversight over the system that could potentially go out of control either way, he said in an interview following the meeting. Set aside how you feel about releases, and who is getting out and who is not, just look at how broken the process is.

Other committee members voted against the bill in the hopes that others would have more time to provide feedback.

I do think this is the makings of a good bill, said Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne. I do think this is something I am very eager to hopefully get together to get more people on and have a conversation. I do think we have to bring more people to the table, specifically VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency).

VOCAL opposed the legislation.

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Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City (center) speaks to Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, in the Alabama House of Representatives on April 29, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. A Senate committee Wednesday approved a bill sponsored by Butler that would extend the state's 'Don't Say Gay' law through all grades in public school. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama Senate committee Wednesday approved an expansion of the states Dont Say Gay law.

HB 244, sponsored by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, prohibits discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation during instructional time in public schools. The law currently prohibits such discussions in K-5, but Butlers bill expands it to pre-K-12 to be in line with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January.

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When a student enters a school, they still carry with them their First Amendment rights. They can absolutely talk to a nurse, a teacher, a counselor, whoever they want, Butler said. This is banning classroom discussions.

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The Senate Education Policy Committee also held a public hearing on the legislation, which was heavily populated by opponents.



Paige Gant, a math professor, said the legislation does not accomplish anything.

Kids in middle school and high school are aware that gay and transgender people exist as they have access to the internet, she said. Attempting to stifle discussions of such topics will not change these realities.

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The legislation also bans insignia like pride flags from being displayed in a classroom. Gant added that the bill only bans such in a classroom and not in a hallway where students could still be around them.

This bill is frankly a waste of the Senates time, she said.

Erin DeJager also spoke against the bill, arguing that it bans something that is not defined in Alabama law. The Legislature rushed a bill that defines sex-based terms at the beginning of the 2025 session.

This term, gender identity, is used to describe flags or insignia. This can be interpreted to be a box of girl scout cookies, as the Girl Scouts are certainly based on gender identity, she said.

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The lone supporter of the bill that spoke, Ted Halley, who said he detransitioned back to male after 12 years of identifying as a woman, repeated his comments from other related public hearings.

When you enter the glitter club, youre welcomed. But when you leave, you get a target on your back, he said.

Detransition and regret are different concepts, a Harvard Medical School study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests, which may overlap in some people, but they are sometimes mistakenly viewed as synonymous. Halley also spoke in favor of a bill Wednesday to allow parents to claim religious exemptions from vaccines without giving a reason.



Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, speaking at a Senate Education Policy Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, said the Legislature does not get to legislate morality.

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You lost me when you said the executive order of President Trump. The gentleman has 34 felonies, he said. In addition to that, woke is this strange kind of language thats being used. Id rather be woke than asleep.

Hatcher was the sole no vote, but Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, said he had reservations about the bill.

If youre going to take a bill thats going to take this type of stand in our school systems, we should have seen this bill the first week, he said in an interview. Its just a timing thing.

Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, the chair of the committee, told Butler after the bill was approved that it is unlikely the Senate will pass it because of the timing.

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Were going to get it out of committee, but Im not going to make any promises as to where this bill goes from here, Chesteen said. If youre going to bring something like this next year, you need to get it early so that were not backed up with all the House bills that we currently have before we try to move forward with anything like this.

Although the bill was filed early in the session, the House Education Policy committee did not approve the legislation until April 10, after a public hearing on April 3.

There are four legislative days left in the 2025 legislative session.

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SACRAMENTO, United States, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A federal judge ordered the U.S. Border Patrol to stop conducting warrantless immigration stops across California's Central Valley on Tuesday, dealing a significant blow to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.

U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Thurston issued a preliminary injunction that restricted Border Patrol agents from stopping people without reasonable suspicion or making arrests without a warrant unless they had probable cause that someone might flee.

"You just can't walk up to people with brown skin and say, 'Give me your papers,'" Thurston said during Monday's hearing, according to court documents obtained by CalMatters, a non-profit news website in California.

The American Civil Liberties Union, a leading civil rights organization in the United States, filed the lawsuit on behalf of United Farm Workers after agents from the El Centro Border Patrol sector conducted a three-day sweep called "Operation Return to Sender" in Kern County this January.

Agents detained farmworkers, day laborers and others at various locations, including a Home Depot parking lot and alongside highways.

Court testimony revealed troubling details about the operation. According to sworn declarations filed in court, agents slashed tires, physically removed people from vehicles, threw people to the ground, and used derogatory language toward farmworkers.

While Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino claimed agents specifically targeted individuals with criminal and immigration histories, a CalMatters investigation revealed the agency had no criminal or immigration history on 77 of the 78 people arrested.

U.S. government attorneys argued the lawsuit was unnecessary because the agency had already begun retraining approximately 900 agents on Fourth Amendment requirements. However, when Judge Thurston asked how this training was conducted, government attorneys could not provide details.

The court also ordered Border Patrol to document every stop and provide reports within 60 days, despite government attorneys claiming this requirement would burden agents.

Elizabeth Strater, national vice president at the United Farm Workers, called the ruling significant but overdue. "It's not legal to snatch people off the street for looking like farmworkers or day laborers," she told reporters.

The injunction applies to the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, including 34 counties, from the Oregon border to Bakersfield and from the coastal mountains to the Nevada border. It covers almost 8 million residents.

And the injunction will remain in effect while the case moves through the courts.

The California Central Valley, which covers about 51,800 square km, is a major agricultural region, supplying a significant portion of the nation's food and producing a wide variety of crops.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Central Valley, using fewer than 1 percent of U.S. farmland, supplies 8 percent of U.S. agricultural output (by value) and produces 25 percent of the nation's food.

The California Farm Bureau said fears in the Central Valley have led to migrant farmworkers not showing up for work after the U.S. Border Patrol's crackdown in January, which had virtually halted the area's citrus harvest. 
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  The Alabama Senate Education Policy committee passed a bill Wednesday that would ban discussions about sexual orientation in public schools from pre-K through 12th grade.

The logo of the Human Rights Campaign is an equal sign, said Aaron De Jager, who is against the bill. Can we ban math teachers from using those equal signs?

Its extremely dangerous to propose this to youngsters, said Ted Halley, who was advocating for the bill.

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This is a bill that does not accomplish anything besides further creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in school, Paige Gant said.

The bill in question would prohibit the display of gender identity flags in classrooms. State Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, said the discussions are already banned in kindergarten through fifth grade.

There is clearly a dissatisfaction with what we are doing in public education, Butler said. One of the biggest complaints I hear from parents is the woke ideology and the sexualization of our children, and I would encourage you to pass this bill.

Mark Kerr came to Alabama to make a name for himself in the UFC. He left as The Smashing Machine

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The bill would also make it unlawful for teachers to refer to students using pronouns that are different than the students biological sex. As an educator, state Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, said lawmakers cannot legislate morality.

The substance of a bill that basically says that This is what happens when your fears gain a hearing, and then people get invalidated, Hatcher said.

Hatcher said people should be able to make decisions about gender identity for themselves.

People may be engaging in this kind of thoughtful conversation around what they might choose to do, Hatcher said. As for our body, I dont think that this is the place for us if we are actually going to be serious about governing.

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But Butler said students will still be able to make their own decisions.

When a student enters a school, they still carry with them their First Amendment rights, Butler said. They can absolutely talk to a nurse, a teacher or a counselor  whoever they want. This is banning classroom discussions of such.

State Sen. Donnie Chasteen (R-Geneva), the committees chairman, told Butler in the meeting he cant make any promises about getting the bill to the Senate floor. Thats because there are only four days left in the session.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man recently convicted of a deadly gang-related shooting that killed an 11-year-old boy at Isotopes Park is now being sentenced for a different crime. Nathen Garley, 22, will spend the next 20 years in prison for attempting to smuggle 94,000 fentanyl pills into New Mexico. In 2023, police stopped Garley and his girlfriend and found 24 pounds of fentanyl in his trunk.

Santa Fe man accused of killing wife will remain behind bars

The federal drug arrest came just one week after Garley was involved in a tragic shooting that left 11-year-old Froylan Villegas dead and his cousin paralyzed. Garley was sentenced to 20 years on federal drug trafficking charges. His sentencing for the murder of Froylan Villegas is set for May 21.

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More evidence leveled against illegal immigrant and alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia adds further controversy to the track record of a man many Democratic leaders have rallied behind and even visited while imprisoned.

While the newly released claims of spousal abuse are a legal matter separate from the mans deportation, the significant media coverage and political backing Abrego Garcia has garnered in his deportation case continues to grow.

The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday posted a second domestic abuse filing against Abrego Garcia made in a Maryland district court in 2020 by his wife, Jennifer Vasquez.

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In her petition for protection, written in her own handwriting, Vasquez detailed the abuse she says she and her three children faced at the hands of her husband, including slapping her, pulling her out of the car by her hair and then leaving her on the side of the road, locking her children in a room while they cried and breaking her phone and her childs tablet.

In the second petition against Abrego Garcia that Vasquez filed in 2021, it accused him of punching, scratching, bruising and ripping off the clothes of Vasquez.

Both petitions, however, were rescinded, and Vasquez wrote in her reasoning to dismiss the 2020 request that Abrego Garcia agreed to continue counseling and if not (is) willing to sign divorce papers.

Since then, Vasquez  aside from politicians and his legal counsel  has been her husbands most vocal critic on his deportation, which a now-dismissed Department of Justice attorney claimed was an administrative error in a court filing.

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Despite the findings, Abrego Garcias attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, argued that the domestic abuse allegations do not pertain to his deportation case.

If the government believes it has a strong case against him, they should bring him back and give him a full and fair trial, he said, per NBC News. At that trial, they can introduce all of this evidence, and Mr. Abrego Garcia can respond in his own voice. Until then, were all talking about him and talking for him, but he hasnt had the chance to speak for himself.

If Abrego Garcia returns to face trial in the U.S., it is unclear how the courts will assess the evidence as a whole.

Political pressures to return Abrego Garcia

To this day, hes never been convicted of any crime in the U.S. or in his home country of El Salvador. Still, President Donald Trump further reiterated his administrations stance that Abrego Garcia will likely not return in an interview with ABC News on Wednesday.

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When asked how he plans to comply with the U.S. Supreme Courts order to facilitate Abrego Garcias return, Trump said, This is not an innocent, wonderful man from Maryland, but someone who came into the country illegally.

When pressed on whether he had the power to get Abrego Garcia back, Trump agreed that he could, but stated that he would follow the law and leave it up to his legal experts.

But according to The New York Times, the White House sent a diplomatic note to El Salvador officials regarding the return of Abrego Garcia, but was apparently turned down by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukeles administration because he is a citizen of their country.

Politicians from both sides have expressed disappointment in the Trump administrations handling of the Abrego Garcia case, citing a lack of due process under the U.S. Constitution.

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U.S. Rep. Blake Moore told his Utah constituents in a telephone town hall on Tuesday that he believes Trump should follow the higher court order and return Abrego Garcia.

They made a mistake in one of the deportations, and the Supreme Court weighed in. There should be an honoring of the Supreme Court by saying this individual needs to be brought back and put through the process. That is something I clearly agree with, he said, according to KSL.

Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen flew to El Salvador and met Abrego Garcia, and many democratic lawmakers have made the attempt to also do so, including Florida Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost.

Were in a situation where the administration has sent someone here to El Salvador by mistake, admitted to it, a Supreme Court decision has come down to say, You need to facilitate the return of this man back to the United States so he can go through due process, and the administration is saying, No, were not going to do it, Frost said during his visit.

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It appears to remain a tense issue for Democratic lawmakers, as evidenced by a post on X, where Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar swore at a Daily Caller News Foundation reporter after being asked if more of her colleagues should travel to El Salvador to advocate on behalf of Abrego Garcia.

The judge overseeing the high-profile deportation case postponed further discovery of information until April 30, regarding the Trump administrations efforts to return Abrego Garcia to the United States.

But on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis denied the DOJs request for additional delay in the case and to answer and respond to all outstanding discovery requests, per CBS News. By no later than Wednesday, May 7, plaintiffs may move for leave of court to conduct two additional depositions of individuals with knowledge and authority to testify regarding the matters.

For weeks, 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. Defendants have known, at least since last week, that this Court requires specific legal and factual showings to support any claim of privilege. Yet they have continued to rely on boilerplate assertions. That ends now, she added.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An alleged drug dealer has been indicted for murder after a fentanyl overdose death in Abilene.

A Taylor County Grand Jury indicted Antonio Pena on Thursday for Murder in connection to the death of Michael Henderson.



Court documents reveal Henderson was found deceased from an apparent overdose in January 2024 when members of the Taylor County Constables office went to serve him with an eviction notice to vacate his grandmothers shed on the 1400 block of Locust Street due to continued drug use.

Officers saw Henderson lying face down outside the shed. The documents state he, did not show signs of life and had fluid coming out of his mouth.

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The documents state an autopsy revealed Henderson died from methamphetamine and fentanyl toxicity and that his body showed signs that his death occurred shortly after ingesting fentanyl.

Grand Jury List: Two accused drug dealers indicted in Abilene on charges related to meth, LSD, mushrooms, cocaine, and marijuana

During the investigation into his death, the documents state Antonio Pena was identified as the person who gave Henderson fentanyl.

Pena allegedly told Hendersons grandmother he was sorry for giving him fentanyl. Pena also told her they did fentanyl and cocaine together the night before Hendersons death and that he gave Henderson a fentanyl pill when he left Penas house in the morning, according to the documents.

Pena remains held in the Taylor County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

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Essex Police is facing criticism after the press regulator threw out its complaint about The Telegraphs reporting of its investigation of Allison Pearson.

The force claimed that a column by Pearson and a news report of a visit made to her home by officers on Remembrance Sunday last year were inaccurate, but the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) found that its complaint was without foundation.

Mark Lewis, Pearsons lawyer, said he was bemused as to why the police found it appropriate to file a report to a regulator in the first place.

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Pearson was visited by two officers at her home, who told her she was being investigated over a tweet she had posted on X one year earlier  and subsequently deleted  that a complainant claimed had stirred up racial hatred.

Allison Pearson speaking at a public meeting in London in November - Elliott Franks

The Essex force claimed that The Telegraphs reporting was inaccurate because Pearson had said she was told she was being investigated for a non-crime hate incident (NCHI), when the force said she was actually the subject of a criminal investigation.

But Ipso said The Telegraph had correctly reported Essex Polices written statement that the inquiry was into a criminal offence, notwithstanding Pearsons belief that she had been told on her doorstep that it was a NCHI.

In its ruling, Ipso said that when The Telegraph had put Pearsons claims to the force before publication, its response made clear that the police were investigating the matter as a criminal offence [but] the position regarding what the writer had been told during the visit had not been disputed or corrected.

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By including Essex Polices response to Pearsons claims, care had been taken not to publish inaccurate information, Ipso said.

Pearson is suing Essex Police and the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner for damages.

Mr Lewis said: I welcome this ruling so that we can press ahead with Allisons claim against Essex Police to determine the truth about what happened on that Remembrance Sunday.

Pearson said: I am delighted that Ipso has confirmed I was entitled to tell the public what happened to me on the morning of Remembrance Sunday over a tweet deleted a year earlier. I felt it was in the public interest, and still do.

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My legal team will now pursue my case against Essex Police and the commissioner of police.

Essex Police has been contacted for comment.

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The Government has already spent almost 100 million on nationalising British Steel.

Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, confirmed that 94 million of taxpayers money has gone towards the bailout to date.

Ministers took control of British Steels plant in Scunthorpe last month to prevent the last blast furnaces in Britain from closing.

Jingye, which was the Chinese owner of British Steel, had planned to shut the furnaces and build electric arc furnaces instead.

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At business questions in the Commons on Thursday, Mr Reynolds was asked by James Wild, a Tory MP, to be straightforward about how much money had been spent so far.

He replied: The amount of working capital provided for British Steel to date stands at 94 million, which is considerably less, of course, than if we had given a large amount of money to Jingye, or if we had to deal with the complete loss of the entire British Steel site and business.

The remarks by the Business Secretary in the Commons on Thursday are the first time that the cost of the Governments intervention to date has been revealed.

It came after Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, asked his opposite number to be a bit more specific about where the money was coming from.

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Mr Reynolds said: There was the allocation of the green steel fund of 2.5 billion. And of course that came in addition to the 500 million for Port Talbot for the transformation, which was agreed under the previous government, but wasnt in the departmental accounts, he knows it was in a heavily oversubscribed Treasury reserve.

But yes, the green steel fund will be there to support what weve had to do at Scunthorpe.

Mr Griffith went on to note that it was widely agreed that the nationalisation of British Steel could end up costing billions of pounds.

He continued: Isnt the truth that sooner or later, this will have to come from his departments budget at the expense of financial support for the automotive sector, for exporters, or hard-working trade negotiators?

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Mr Reynolds replied: First of all, the total collapse of British Steel would have had an incredible exchequer cost, well over 1 billion.

The request, the second option, from Jingye for 1 billion, which apparently the leader of the Opposition says she did or didnt agree to in some way with it going to Teesside, [there would be a] very significant cost to that.

What we have done so far is provide working capital to British Steel in order to pay wages, in order to continue the purchase of raw materials, and the operation of the business.

Sir Keir Starmers drastic decision to pass an emergency law paving the way for nationalisation saw Parliament recalled for the first time in four years on Saturday April 12.

We need more steel, not less

The Prime Minister said Donald Trumps trade war meant we need more steel, not less and that the UKs economic and national security would be under threat without the steelworks.

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There had been concerns that the Scunthorpe plant could have effectively closed within 10 days after warnings Jingye had cancelled orders for iron ore and coking ore.

Mr Reynolds has repeatedly said that while the Governments preferred option is to find a buyer for British Steel, permanent nationalisation was the most likely option.

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, warned nationalisation had to be a last resort and said the steel plant was only in danger because of Labours wrong choices.

But Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, has called for the full nationalisation of British Steel and said it must form part of a wider push to re-industrialise Britain.

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Students from Perkins Elementary School in Barrio Logan experienced a unique educational opportunity on Wednesday as they boarded Holland Americas Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship for a field trip.

The trip allowed the fourth graders to explore the ship and learn about various maritime jobs, offering them a glimpse into potential future career paths.

Education is more than what we learn in the classroom, said Fernando Hernandez, the principal of Perkins Elementary School.

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The students had the opportunity to explore the exciting features through the 11 decks of the Nieuw Amsterdam, which can accommodate about 3,000 passengers, including the crew.

They visited various departments on board, including the bridge, and got to ask the staff questions about the ships operations. For many of the students, this was their first time on a cruise ship.

It felt like we were going to drive the ship, said Joseph Arvayo, a fourth grader.

I was amazed by the pool and the elevator, said Miah Parada, another fourth-grade student.

Other students, like Valerie Martinez, were amazed by the all-you-can-eat food available on cruises: My favorite part about the ship is the food, I had like a bunch of fries, a bunch of sodas, she said. I had a hamburger and a pizza.

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Along on the field trip were three San Diego Harbor Police Officers. The Harbor Police Department Foundation partners with Perkins Elementary through weekly readings with a cop, and other events including, Fish with a Cop and Shop with a Cop.

Officer Gary Page spend several days a week reading to the students, helping their reading levels while also building positive relationships between the students and law enforcement.

It becomes a welcoming presence and it gives them approval to trust police officers, he said.

Principal Hernandez highlighted the importance of exposing students to new experiences, noting that around 35% of the students at Perkins experience some form of homelessness and many of them are isolated due to their circumstances.

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This is how we plant seeds, he said, referring to the potential for the students to see opportunities beyond their current environment.

As the cruise ship prepares to set sail for its new port home in Canada, the students from Perkins carry with them new memories and aspirations.

All facts from this article were gathered by FOX 5/KUSI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by FOX 5/KUSI staff.

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The Nebraska State Capitol. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A measure to remove a lifetime ban on public food assistance for Nebraskans who have served sentences for drug felonies passed another hurdle Wednesday.

An amended Legislative Bill 319, designated as a priority by Bellevue State Sen. Victor Rountree, advanced on a 31-14 vote to final reading.

State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Current Nebraska law offers a narrow exception to the ban for people with one or two drug possession or drug use felony convictions. They can access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, if they have completed a licensed and accredited treatment program.

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Rountrees bill would open the door for other felony drug offenders who currently cant access SNAP benefits, as long as theyve completed their sentence or are on parole or under post-release supervision.

An amendment that passed Wednesday, on a 32-14 vote, added a requirement that those with three or more felony drug convictions undergo a substance abuse treatment program to be eligible, unless a licensed health care provider determines that treatment is not necessary.

State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

State Sens. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln worked with Rountree on the amendment. Bosn said she did not think that food should be withheld as a form of punishment.

Jacobson said he felt strongly that a treatment component be included. He believes addiction is not a choice and is a disease that requires a constant and lifelong commitment to stay clean.

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If we want to try to keep them from reoffending, we need to give them every opportunity to try to be gainfully employed. And that starts with putting food on the table, Jacobson said.

He said 152,000 Nebraskans currently receive SNAP benefits and the proposed legislation, if enacted, could add about 1,000 more. SNAP benefits are fully paid with federal funds, though administrative costs are split between the state and federal government.

State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

A fiscal analysis said the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services could absorb the additional workload of administering the expansion without additional cost unless demand proved larger than anticipated.

State Sens. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and Bob Andersen of Sarpy County were among those voicing continued opposition. On first reading April 10, the measure moved forward on a 32-5 vote. Kauth said a concern was taxpayers being on the hook for chronic offenders.

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At some point we have to put a barrier up that says, If you continue to make these choices to engage in criminal activity, the taxpayers deserve to say no more, she said.

Andersen said the state pays for prosecution and incarceration. He added, At what point do we stop feeding the beast  At what point do we quit being enablers?

State Sen. Robert Dover of Norfolk. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service)

State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk characterized himself as a conservative who does not promote rewarding people for bad behavior. He said, however, he believes punishment should not be prolonged after a person has paid their debt.

If you think someone should suffer longer, increase the sentence then, he said. It should not just go on and on and on.

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Update: The bill passed out of the Senate early Thursday morning.

DENVER (KDVR)  A controversial bill regarding transgender rights is being heard in committee Wednesday evening. After parents across the state raised concerns about it, bill sponsors said they are making changes.

Language that outlined deadnaming as a form of abuse is being removed from a bill designed to protect trans people. Parents and advocates came to the Capitol to weigh in on a bill regarding legal protections for the trans community. Opponents are raising concerns that the bill could violate parental rights.

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Kelly Loving Act: Colorado lawmakers push for more transgender protections

We have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of our children. And what this is doing is criminalizing loving, caring, parenting and we are also seeing that it is incentivizing situations and divorced parents to claim custody rights over a child if one of the parents decides not to gender affirm, said Lori Gimelshteyn, Colorado Parent Advocacy Network Executive Director. There are many layers of this bill that are very problematic. But the attack on parental rights: coercive control, defining parental decision making and responsibility as coercive control or as abuse is inappropriate and its illogical and it is not based in the freedoms of our country and our constitution.

Senator Faith Winter, a Senate sponsor of the measure, said the bill seeks to strengthen rights for transgender people in state law.

We actually already passed in Colorado law that we should be using childrens chosen names in schools and were just clarifying that to make sure it gets implemented. This also ensures that you are not discriminated against in the workplace and makes sure thats part of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, Winter said.

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The bill originally called for family courts to consider deadnaming, using a childs birth name rather than their chosen name, or misgendering a child, to be considered a form of coercive control, specifically in decisions involving child custody and determining parenting time. Winter said they are striking that part out of the bill.

We want to be able to pass the strongest bill possible. And there was enough concern and confusion around that piece that we are going to continue working on that over the summer, Winter said. This does not take away parental rights. And we are striking the section on family courts. And even before that, it didnt take away parental rights. It just affirmed that.

Hundreds of people signed up to testify on the matter. Senators decided they will hear four hours of testimony from supporters and four hours of testimony from opponents of the bill to make sure both sides are heard.

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WASHINGTON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- In a letter sent to the White House, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned against "irreparable harm" to small businesses and a potential economic recession, calling for immediate tariff relief.

In a statement released on Thursday, the chamber said it had sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday.

"The Chamber requests the administration take immediate action to save America's small businesses and stave off a recession," the letter read.

The chamber asked the administration to address the impacts of tariffs by granting automatic exclusions for any small business importer, establishing a process for companies to apply for an exclusion if the company can demonstrate that tariffs pose a risk to employment for American workers, and providing exclusions for all products that cannot be produced in the United States or are not readily available.

"As each day goes by, small businesses are increasingly endangered by higher costs and interrupted supply chains that will cause irreparable harm," said Suzanne P. Clark, president and CEO of the chamber, in the statement.

"Whether it is coffee, bananas, cocoa, minerals or numerous other products, the reality is certain things just can't be produced in the United States," she said. "Raising prices on those products will only hurt families struggling to pay their bills." 
American-Statesman Editorial Page Editor Bridget Grumet has won the National Headliner Award for local newspaper columns, a prestigious honor recognizing the best community-based commentary in newspapers of all sizes across the country.

The award, announced Wednesday, recognizes Grumets 2024 work as Metro columnist covering the sudden sweep of an Austin homeless encampment without the support services the city had promised; the state refusing for a year to hear the appeal of a Texas Ranger disciplined over the response to the Uvalde school shooting; and the resolution of Attorney General Ken Paxton's securities fraud charges that failed to deliver the reckoning sought by many Texans.

In announcing the award, the judges praised Grumets work for excellent use of shoe-leather reporting, memorable details, snappy quotes and passion to shine a light on wrongdoing.

Mario Fonseca pulls a cart with his belongings after he was removed in March 2024 from a homeless encampment off Brandt Road in Southeast Austin. American-Statesman columnist Bridget Grumet's coverage of that sweep and the aftermath was among the works recently honored by two journalism organizations.

"Once again, Bridget has been awarded for her commitment and passion for her community by digging into issues that are often glossed over or intentionally recast by those in power. She is the voice of reason we so desperately need at this moment in time," Executive Editor Courtney Sebesta said.

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"There's no one better at uncovering wrongdoings and exposing hypocrisy of elected officials than Bridget."

The National Headliner Awards honor the best journalism in the United States, with various categories for newspapers, TV, radio and digital media. The annual contest, created by the Press Club of Atlantic City in 1934, is one of the oldest and largest in the country that recognizes journalistic merit in the communications industry.

Other finalists in local newspaper column writing were Karen Tolkkinen of the Minnesota Star Tribune and Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Separately, Grumets work earned second-place honors in general column writing in the Texas Managing Editors Awards over the weekend. That entry included an in-depth piece about Austins handling of homeless camp sweeps, in which city officials acknowledged Grumets earlier coverage of the mishandled cleanup off Brandt Road in Southeast Austin was a wake-up call and a catalyst for developing a policy on addressing encampments.

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Last year, Grumet received the national Sigma Delta Chi Award for general column writing and the Best of Gannett honors in opinion writing for other pieces published in 2023. Her series on the 2003 murder of Ortralla Mosley on an Austin high school campus received the top honor among the Best American Newspaper Narratives of 2023, and the series was a finalist last year for the Edwin "Bud" Shrake Award for Short Nonfiction, a prize for newspaper and magazine writing administered by the Texas Institute of Letters.

Grumet left the Metro columnist role in March to oversee the Statesman's Opinion section.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: American-Statesman's Bridget Grumet wins National Headliner Award
A Republican-led Congress returned to Washington, D.C., this week with committees focused on identifying significant spending cuts.

But a recent analysis found these reductions could fall far short of paying for President Donald Trumps priorities.

Trumps one big, beautiful bill" could increase the national debt by as much as $7 trillion over the next decade, according to an analysis by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, a nonprofit group that promotes fiscal responsibility.

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The Peterson Foundation says unless Congress does much more to cut deficit spending than it did during the first Trump administration, the analysis found the bills impact on the national debt will include:

$3.8 trillion from renewing previous tax cuts

$1.5 trillion from other unfunded tax changes

$1 trillion from associated interest costs

$500 billion from new spending programs.

Other nonprofits, and Republicans peg the total cost at $4 trillion over 10 years. And without an extension of the cuts in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Republicans say, taxpayers are looking at a $4 trillion tax hike  the largest tax increase in American history, House Speaker Mike Johnson says.

Either way, fiscal conservatives are rooting through the budget, looking for places to cut.

What is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act?

The president continues to pressure Republicans in Congress to extend the tax cuts, which are set to expire in December.

President Donald Trump speaks about investing in America in the Cross Hall of the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. | Alex Brandon

As one of the landmark legislative accomplishments from Trumps first term, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:

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Reduced the income tax for corporations from 35% to 21%.

Lowered individual tax rates for most income levels by 1-4%.

Doubled the child tax credit from $1,000 per child to $2,000.

Congress is attempting to entrench these changes by including them in a massive budget reconciliation package that includes new spending on national security, immigration and energy.

But making Tax Cuts and Jobs Act policies permanent will ensure these sources of government revenue remain off the table as the United States fails to keep up with more than $36 trillion in national debt driven by $2 trillion annual budget deficits.

Sen. John Curtis on opposition to spending cuts

The conservative solution, according to some GOP lawmakers, is to shrink the size of government to match the tax cuts.

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But deciding exactly what to cut is  as always  the tricky part, Utah Sen. John Curtis told the Deseret News on Friday.

Theres a lot of pushback on cuts, Curtis said. And those are good conversations to have; theyre conversations we should have been having for a very long time.

Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, speaks at a roundtable discussion, Powering Utahs Economy: Boosting Energy Production, Manufacturing, and Workforce Development, with participants from Utah energy producers, local officials and business groups, at AES office in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 25, 2025. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle are wary to see a tax hike, Curtis said, and are working as hard as (they) can to find pay-fors to make that goal a reality.

If Democrats are honest, they would not increase taxes either, Curtis said. I dont think anybody in Washington, D.C., wants to see those tax rates go up.

How much will Congress cut?

Before initiating the reconciliation process, both chambers voted on a budget framework to instruct committees that oversee different areas of spending.

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The House originally approved a measure that required committees to identify $1.5 trillion in cuts. This was amended by the Senate to a minimum of just $4 billion.

But the budget resolution only received final passage in the House after Senate leadership assured holdouts that they would look for cuts of at least $2 trillion.

Even if committees can come up with significant cuts, the reconciliation is likely to increase the national debt significantly over the coming decade, the Peterson Foundation said.

When lawmakers return from recess, they should work to pay for their priorities and at the very least do no fiscal harm with this years budget legislation, Peterson Foundation CEO Michael Peterson said in a statement.

U.S. voters worried about the debt

Earlier this month, the Peterson Foundation commissioned a Democratic polling firm and a Republican firm to survey 1,000 U.S. voters about their feelings regarding the national debt.

A person carrying an umbrella walks past the National Debt Clock, Monday, April 7, 2025, in New York. | Yuki Iwamura

What they found is that the bipartisan concern over federal debt approached unanimity.

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Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents  regardless of party affiliation  said they were worried about lawmakers adding trillions to the debt through this years budget bill, the poll found.

More than three-quarters of respondents said their concern has increased in the last few years, with the same share saying Congress should spend more time addressing the national debt and should make it a top-three priority.

Between 80%-90% of Republicans and Democrats said their fears about the debt crisis have increased because of recent economic turmoil in financial markets.

Trump has said that the new tariff regime announced in April could someday replace the income tax as a source of government revenue.

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To raise the equivalent amount, tariff rates of more than 100% would need to be placed on all goods imported to the United States, multiple reports have found.

This is assuming that American levies on foreign imports would not shrink the tariff base by disrupting international trade.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  AmeriCorps is the latest federal organization to have money cut by the Trump administration. Here in Central Illinois, a group they fund just got a stop work order.

Many services are set to end, including the Illinois Justice Corps. They place volunteers in courtrooms across the state. The members help people who cant afford a lawyer, which a former worker told WCIA is valuable, especially now.

Impacts of USDA cuts, tariff flip flops take center stage at Illinois Capitol

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I thought it would be a good way to help resolve what we call the access to justice crisis, said former volunteer fellow Jack Popovich.

Popovich is about to go to law school. In the meantime, he wanted to help make legal information more accessible for people who cant afford it.

They come into our office and we help them select paperwork, go over their cases and understand what theyre what theyre doing and what they need to do, Popovich said. Understand all the court procedures and stuff that they have to do to get a court date.

But, as of Monday, Popovich was told he was out of a job.

We received a stop work order and a notification that our grants was being cut, Popovich said. And I have a contract through August.

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He said he wont receive the stipend money he was promised through August and is no longer allowed to work at the courthouse. Now, theyre services are only open every other day compared to daily.

VA employees scared to death over federal cuts, dismissals

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly previously said in a statement in part: AmeriCorps has failed eight consecutive audits and identified over $45 million in improper payments in 2024 alone.

Illinois Justice Corps Program Director Jenna Kearns said its something they felt could happen.

It was something that we were kind of living in  in the fear of this happening, But it really did come out of the blue because we are in the middle of a program here.

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Popovich said in the meantime, theyre not so much worried for themselves as they are the people they help.

Because they are going to have one less person to talk to, Popovich added. Like I said, the offices are only going to be staffed for half the week, which means that on time sensitive stuff, they arent going to get what they need at the time they need it.

Kearns said theyre looking at other sources of money to keep the Justice Corps in business. For now, they havent found anything to match grants theyve gotten in the past.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Amy Betros, the director and co-founder of St. Lukes Mission of Mercy, died on Wednesday at the age of 71.

In the mid-1990s, Betros sold her successful restaurant, and along with the late Norm Paolini, she founded the mission in 1994 after buying the property of Saint Lukes Parish on Walden and Miller Avenues on Buffalos East Side.

Amys care and concern for all along with her ministry and presence on the East Side of Buffalo

is a great loss, Rev. Michael Fisher said in a statement. She never wavered from her trust in the Lord and I join the St. Lukes Mission Community, Catholics and non-Catholics throughout Western New York who experienced Amys love and compassion in praying for her and asking the Lord to comfort all who will miss her. May she rest in the Lords peace.

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Saint Lukes serves over 1,000 meals per day and provides clothing and shelter to families. It offers a variety of programs to help residents of the neighborhood.

The mission is currently preparing to open a new facility for homeless men later this year.

Paolini, the missions cofounder and dear friend of Betros, also died on April 30, 2018, at the age of 71.

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ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriffs Office have asked for the publics help in an investigation involving $76,000 in stolen laptops.

Related video: Property crime statistics

According to the sheriffs office, a business located on Innovation Way ordered laptops and other packages. The suspect, deputies said, hacked into the companys system and changed the delivery address to the Walgreens on North Main Street.

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Surveillance at the store shows the suspect walking into the store and signing for the packages.

Authorities said that the suspect remains at large.

The sheriffs office asked that if you have any information regarding the suspect or the incident, to call the office number at 864-260-4400, or to send an anonymous tip at www.p3tips.com/1038.

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27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
[Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.]

COLUMBUS (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team has found Mackenzie Shirilla just lost her second appeal this week tied to her murder conviction for a deadly car crash investigators said she caused on purpose, killing two passengers.

The court docket shows, on Thursday, Cuyahoga County Judge Nancy Margaret Russo denied an appeal on the grounds it was filed late.

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Earlier this week, the Ohio Supreme Court 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.

Women forced into prostitution at local massage parlors: AG

A docket entry from Russos courtroom shows, As the filing by defendant was untimely, this court is without jurisdiction to consider the merits/arguments of any of the pleadings.

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.

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After the crash, authorities found psilocybin mushrooms and a digital scale, the FOX 8 I-Team reported.

Mom punches man who tried to take child: Police

Shirilla was found guilty of 12 counts, including murder and possession of drugs and criminal tools.

Wednesday, a statement from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office said, We are pleased with the Ohio Supreme Courts decision to decline jurisdiction to hear Mackenzie Shirillas appeal.

Earlier, 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.

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Karen Read accused Jennifer McCabe of lying on the stand after Day 7 of her murder retrial, telling reporters outside court that McCabes witness testimony is another instance of perjury.

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 Brian Albert following a night of drinking.

McCabe was with Read when she found OKeefe in the snow outside of 34 Fairview in Canton on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

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The court is not in session on Thursday, but when it resumes Friday, McCabe is expected back on the stand.

Much of the focus on Wednesday was the cross-examination of McCabe by Reads attorney Alan Jackson, who challenged her recollection of events and suggested she coordinated with other witnesses to make sure all their statements matched up  something she denied.

Read, she said, was running around and screaming so much that police suggested she sit in a police cruiser. The three sat together praying, and McCabe remembered, Read wondered aloud who would take care of OKeefes two adopted children. As OKeefes body was moved to an ambulance, Read screamed for Roberts to go check on him and wondered if he was dead.

Then, McCabe testified that she was standing next to a police officer and a paramedic as Read told them I hit him three times  corroborating earlier testimony from paramedics.

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But Jackson challenged McCabe, questioning why those comments couldnt be found in earlier police reports or in the 227 pages of her grand jury testimony. Instead, Jackson said she told the grand jury that she recalled saying to a paramedic, Did I hit him? Could I have hit him? Is he dead? Is he dead? Is he dead?

In point of fact, in your entire grand jury testimony, you never said my client said the words I hit him, he said.

McCabe insisted she had told police what Read said  even if it wasnt in the reports  and that it wasnt in the grand jury testimony because she wasnt asked specifically about it. As for the comments in her grand jury testimony, she said there were many conversations with paramedics and police at the scene.

I hit him. I hit him. I hit him is just as fresh today as it was three years ago, she said.

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After Wednesdays full day of heated testimony, Read was asked outside Norfolk Superior Court, How did Jen McCabe do?

Another witness, another instance of perjury, or instances I should say, Read answered. Its just more of the same. Inconsistencies, every statement is different...This is very similar to what we saw a year ago.

Read was then asked, Why do you think she [McCabe] is so inconsistent? She responded, Because shes lying.

Read also denied the accusation that she instructed McCabe to Google how long it takes to die in the cold.

On Tuesday, McCabe 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.

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McCabe said she was awakened the next morning by a call from OKeefes niece. Read then got on the phone screaming, she said.

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!

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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.

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.

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Based on the low-accuracy information, yes, he said.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

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.

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Polish police are investigating the removal of a Ukrainian flag from the city hall building in Biaa Podlaska on Wednesday 30 April during a rally held by Grzegorz Braun, presidential candidate and member of the European Parliament.

Source: Polish news portal RMF FM, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Lublin police reported on Thursday that officers from Biaa Podlaska are investigating the incident that occurred during an election rally of presidential candidate Grzegorz Braun.

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"Officers have identified the man who removed the Ukrainian flag from the city hall building. Recordings related to the incident are being thoroughly analysed. All gathered materials will be handed over to the prosecutors office," police stated, adding that the act may result in legal consequences.

Footage from Brauns rally posted online shows a man climbing a ladder to the balcony of the city hall, unhooking the Ukrainian flag, and handing it to Braun. The man then placed a Polish flag instead. Braun shook his hand in gratitude. The crowd could be heard chanting "This is Poland" during the incident.

Following this, Braun addressed the crowd. "I take all of you as witnesses that Mr Kacper, acting as my assistant appointed to carry out duties of a Polish MEP, acted upon my request and my clear instruction. Therefore, I take responsibility," Braun declared.

He announced that the Ukrainian flag would be delivered to the nearest Ukrainian consulate.

Background:

Ukraines Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar condemned the act at the campaign of the anti-Ukrainian presidential candidate in Biaa Podlaska, where the Ukrainian flag was torn down, calling it a deliberate provocation aimed at harming relations between the two countries.

In the summer of 2024, Braun also removed a Ukrainian flag from the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow, claiming it was displayed in the "wrong location".

Braun is known for his pro-Russian views: he is frequently quoted by Russian media, was the only MP not to vote in favour of a Sejm resolution in early 2023 calling on the EU and NATO to support Ukraine in the war with Russia, and was linked to an anti-Ukrainian rally in Warsaw that no one attended.

Tak wyglada wiec Brauna w Biaej Podlaskiej. Ludzie weszli na budynek Urzedu Miasta i zerwali ukrainska flage. Polityka nienawisci zbiera zniwo. To nie jest patriotyzm. To hanba. pic.twitter.com/qxpPrmkchg  Marta Wciso #Trzaskowski2025 (@WcisloMarta123) April 30, 2025

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NEW YORK, May 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will leave his post, according to multiple media reports.

Both Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong are expected to leave as soon as Thursday, which would mark the first major shakeup in Donald Trump's second term of presidency.

The White House has not made a formal announcement on Waltz's departure from the Trump administration.

Waltz came under fire in recent weeks for a leaked group chat discussing an upcoming strike in Yemen.

He has been marginalized in policy-making though Trump publicly defended him in the beginning.

Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was invited on March 11 to join a group chat named "Houthi PC Small Group" on Signal, a popular encrypted messaging app used by journalists and government officials.

High-ranking officials from the Trump administration, including Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, discussed plans for a forthcoming strike on the Houthis in Yemen.

On March 25, Waltz said he took "full responsibility" for the incident. 
ROME, Italy (AP) 

As cardinals gather in Rome for the start next week of the conclave, where they will vote for the successor to Pope Francis, two longtime papal tailors are also pondering the transition.

There are no clear frontrunners for pontiffs  unsurprisingly, given the secretive nature of a process that is supposed to be more about inspiration from the Holy Spirit than politicking.

And the tailors said they haven't received orders yet to make different-sized cassocks.

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Raniero Mancinelli, who's been working on papal vestments since the early 1960s, said he's prepped three robes  sizes small, medium and large  to donate to the Vatican anyway.

He recalled that the very quality of the fabric depends on a pope's preference.

Francis preferred things that were much simpler and practical, Mancinelli said inside his shop, just down the street from one of the Vaticans main entrance gates. Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) liked slightly more choice fabrics.

Lorenzo Gammarelli, the sixth-generation owner of an ecclesiastical tailor shop in downtown Rome, recalled the family lore that when John XXII was elected, the cassock was too small.

So they had to intervene in the background, use pins to take it out so he could appear on the balcony, Gammarelli said.

___

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department on Wednesday responded to a SWAT situation that resulted in a man being detained in the 5800 block of Wellington Drive.

In a media briefing, Corporal Matthew Nonweiler said officers with the gang unit served a federal warrant at 3:30 p.m. for the U.S. Marshals to a 35-year-old wanted man who lives on Wellington Drive.

Nonweiler said APD set up a containment zone and attempted to serve the warrant. However, the man refused to come out of his apartment after one hour of being asked to do so leading to officers prompting a SWAT callout.

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APD said after a brief SWAT stand-off the man surrendered himself to police peacefully. He is now in custody, and police said there is no threat to the public.

No one was injured in the incident, according to Nonweiler.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Atlanta police have identified a homicide victim after releasing photos of her distinctive tattoos.

Officers said Angela Yajahira Cortes Villegas, 20, was found shot to death in the woods along Marietta Boulevard NW on April 20.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police said Villegas, who is from Utah, didnt have any identification on her at the time of her death.

Investigators released photos of the womans distinctive tattoos and surveillance video in the hopes it would help identify her.

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Police said the investigation into Villegas death remains active.

Anyone who may have information can call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 and be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

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The Apostle Supper Club, which opened three years ago in a new development across the road from the Xcel Energy Center, will close next month.

Owner Brian Ingram of Purpose Restaurants (Hope Breakfast Bar, The Gnome, Salt & Flour) made the "heartbreaking" announcement on Tuesday, saying it will be closed as of June 1.

"But after pouring in millions of dollars, countless hours, and navigating three of the toughest years weve ever seen in the industry, weve come to the devastating conclusion that its simply no longer sustainable to operate in downtown Saint Paul," he said.

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In the lengthy closure announcement, Ingram highlighted the challenges facing downtown St. Paul currently, which has experienced growing office vacancy levels since the start of the pandemic and has seen the exit of a number of prominent retailers, including Lunds & Byerlys, downtown's only major grocery store.

Ingram cites crime as a reason behind the closure, saying the business has seen multiple break-ins, "overdoses on our patio and inside our bathrooms," and "daily safety concerns."

"Weve seen and endured things no restaurant should have to," he wrote.

The Pioneer Press notes that crime has declined so far this year in downtown St. Paul, with reports of crimes against property and individuals down by double-digit percentages compared to last year, though complaints about hotspots of crime and drug use has been a common refrain from building and business owners leaving St. Paul in recent years.

Apostle Supper Club

Ingram also makes the claim that the Minnesota Wild could leave the Xcel Energy Center, though the Wild and its owner Craig Leipold seem committed for now to the X, pledging $250 million investment as it seeks taxpayer funds of the X, and recently signing a new naming rights deal.

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Purpose Restaurants retains a presence near downtown St. Paul, with its original Hope Breakfast Bar still operating near United Hospital and Childrens Hospital a quarter of a mile from the Apostle Supper Club.

Apostle Supper Club opened in fall 2022 with tiki-style decor and live piano players, and received positive early reviews, with Twin Cities food critic and radio personality Jason DeRusha among those with praise for the restaurant. More recent reviews posted on Google and TripAdvisor are more mixed, with some complaints about the service and prices.

Ingram posted another statement in the wake of the closure announcement, saying that his business has been on the receiving end of online hate "from strangers who dont know our story, our team, or the heart behind what we built" in the hours that followed, though there have also been "thousands of messages filled with love, memories, and encouragement."

He concludes by calling for action to be taken to boost business in downtown St. Paul, saying he "still believes in St. Paul."

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"We still proudly operate two Purpose Restaurants here and will continue to serve this city the best way we know how  with food, with heart, and with purpose," he writes.

"This isnt giving up. Its taking a painful, honest look at whats working  and whats not. Right now, downtown Saint Paul is simply not a viable place for small, independent restaurants to thrive."
Aquaspirit will provide the Ukrainian military with combat boats to reinforce them at sea. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are already actively using their products.

Source: Mezha, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravdas holding company; Brave1, a Ukrainian platform to bring together innovative companies with ideas and developments that can be used in the defence of Ukraine

Quote from Brave1: "Testing organised by the Armed Forces of Ukraine's Innovation Directorate confirmed the reliability and effectiveness of the equipment. The boats were approved for use in the Armed Forces and can be included in the regular equipment."

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Details: Brave1 reports that over 100 modern boats have been handed over to the Armed Forces and the National Police of Ukraine.

Background:

Ukraine began developing naval surface drones after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They proved to be effective in combat, for example, in the summer of 2023, when they attacked the Crimean Bridge. Also, the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Ropucha-class landing ship of the Russian Navy, and the SIG, a large Russian oil tanker, were attacked using the naval surface drones.

The French Navy tested a new kamikaze marine drone as part of the POLARIS initiative, which aims to prepare for high-intensity combat operations.

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Researchers discovered tools dating as far back as 11,500 years.

The tools could be evidence of the earliest human settlement in Scotland.

Nomads likely crossed into the Isle of Skye via Doggerlandan area that is now covered by the North Sea.

Humans love convenience, and that's a love as old as time (well, maybe thats a stretch).

The oldest tools discovered thus far date back to our early ancestors, around 2.6 million years ago . While these tools were rudimentary (often unaltered sticks and rocks found on the ground), they played a key part in the broader story of human evolution. Not only were they helpful to the early humans who used them back then, but early tools like these also serve as valuable clues for scientists today.

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Case in point, a research team just found tools on the Isle of Skye which shed light on Scotlands oldest inhabitants. Researchers dated these new-found Scottish tools back to between 11,500 and 11,000 years ago, during what is called the Late Upper Paleolithic. The Upper part of the Paleolithic Period is a subdivision marked by the development of more advanced tools. The discoveries mean the west coast of Scotland now represents the largest concentration of evidence proving the early presence of people in the area, according to a press release .

The team consisted of researchers from universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Leeds Beckett, and Flinders in Australia. Together, they worked to reconstruct the landscape and changing sea levels of the time. They determined that nomads likely crossed into Skye when much of western Scotland was buried under ice after the Younger Dryas a sudden cooling period that froze much of the Northern Hemisphere. Researchers theorize that the pioneers crossed via Doggerland, which is now covered by the North Sea.

According to Karen Hardy, leader of the team, the nomads journey to the Isle of Skye was the ultimate adventure story. She explained in the release that as they followed animal herds northward and entered Scotland, the landscape changed to one that was icy and treacherous.

A good example of the volatility they would have encountered can be found in Glen Roy, Hardy said in the press release, where the world-famous Parallel Roads provide physical testament to the huge landscape changes and cataclysmic floods that they would have encountered, as they travelled across Scotland.

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Once in Scotland, the pioneers had to adapt to live among the melting glaciers, oceans, and mountainsconditions that were shockingly different from their former homelands in the northwestern Great European Plains. Hardy believes the settlers strategically chose where to base themselves to best access coastal and riverine resources. They also began to value ochrea pigment that was important to ancient cultures.

Although the exact terrains the nomads crossed can no longer be visited, they can be imagined at places like Sconcer, a township on the same island where the tools were discovered. Needless to say, these findings were crucial in advancing knowledge of ancient Scotland.

This is a hugely significant discovery which offers a new perspective on the earliest human occupation yet known, of north-west Scotland, Hardy said.



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Archaeologists recently discovered precious artifacts from a burial siteone of few that hasnt been lootedleft behind by the ancient Alanian people of Eastern Europe.

Early Alans were nomadic horse lords who created elaborate equine decorations, including a tourmaline-studded bridle found at the site.

Originating from Iran, the Alani eventually diverged from the Sarmatians and went to conquer parts of Eastern and Western Europe and North Africa.

Just west of Grozny, Chechnya, lies the ancient Alkhan-Kala necropolis. The Alani people, or Alans, of the Pontic-Caspian steppe once sent their dead to the afterlife here. Though many of the richer burial mounds, or kurgans, at the site have long since been looted, the excavation of one of them recently revealed Alanian treasures that have not seen sunlight for at least 2,500 years.

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Glittering green tourmalines set in gold were unearthed by a team of archaeologistsled by Azamat Akhmarov of the Academy of Sciences of the Chechen Republicwhen they excavated a rare undisturbed kurgan from the early period of Alanian culture. What they were looking at was a bejeweled harness made by horse lords who followed in the nomadic footsteps of the Sarmatians and Scythians before them. They found several harnesses, a bridle, three bladed weapons, vessels made of imported metal, and a handful of garnets, all dating from the 5th to 2nd centuries B.C. It was a wonder that this grave had not been ransacked.

Whoever was buried here had to have been among the Alani elite. The intricacy of this persons grave goods, along with the fine materials they were crafted from, was clearly the craft of skilled artisans whose work was intended for someone with a high rank in society. Early Alani were nomads who roamed the steppes on horseback (though they would later become more a settled, pastoralist culture). Perhaps this was the grave of a military leader who died heroically after leading horsemen into battle.

While the identity of this individual remains unknown, the Alansmuch like the Scythians and Sarmatians from whom they would later divergewere an Indo-European people who originated in what is now Iran. They spoke an Iranic language that would spread through the North Caucasus and across much of Eastern Europe, some of Western Europe, and the northern parts of Africa. Some Alans would eventually either integrate with the Hunnic Empire of Attila barging into Rome, or join forces with Romans and Goths in defeating the Huns. Others rode with the Vandals (who also sacked Rome) and more Germanic tribes on their way to Gaul and Spain.

Alkhan-Kala was first excavated by Count Alexey Bobrinsky, the illegitimate son of Catherine the Great who rose to prominence as head of the Imperial Archaeological Commission of Russia. This find adds to the few early Alanian burials that have not been plundered by grave robbers. Gilded swords inlaid with garnets had been buried with a fallen warrior at the Brut burial ground in the North Caucasus. At a site near Komorovo, Saint Petersburg, another wealthy figure (this time a woman) was buried with intricate gold jewelry and figural plaques. Another Alanian necropolis yielded pottery and a gold harness ornament carved with birds. Motifs involving animals are often seen in Alanian art and jewelry, such as bracelets carved with cats and a necklace with what appear to be ram heads functioning as a clasp.

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The Zmeisky catacomb cemetery may be the most recognized Alanian burial ground. Though the burials here are from the 8th to 12th century A.D.far later than the one discovered in Alkhan-Kalait is where one of the most elaborate and unusual equine ornaments surfaced. From the grave of yet another warrior came a gilded bronze brow piece in the form of a woman holding a cup. She is thought to be either Dzerassa or Satana, both epic heroines, holding the magical cup of Uatsamong. Drinking from it would reveal if heroic deeds were true, or merely bluster and brag.

This undisturbed burial offers a unique window into an era we know very little about, Akhmarov told The Archaeologist. It allows us to better understand the social structure, burial practices, and cultural connections of the Alans.

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Illinois Senator Dick Durbin will not seek re-election, he announced in April, saying the decision was not easy.

I love my job. Its a great job. But there comes a time in your career when the torch must be passed, and Ive reached that point, Durbin said in a video he posted on social media.

Durbin went on to clarify that he will continue serving through the rest of his term, ending in January 2027.

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Upon completion of his final term, Durbin, 80, will have been the longest serving popularly-elected senator in Illinois history.

He began his political career in 1982, representing the state in the House of Representatives before winning a senate seat in 1997.

For area Democrats like Amy Buttram, Chair of the Vermilion County Democratic Party, the announcement serves as a reminder to build upon his legacy.

For over 40 years, Senator Dick Durbin has been a champion for working families and veterans not only in his home state of Illinois but across the nation, Buttram said. His leadership, integrity, and willingness to tackle tough issues will be missed when he retires from Public Service.

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As we look to the future of Illinois and National politics, the Vermilion County Democratic Party stands ready to protect and build upon his legacy and the future of the Democratic Party leadership, Buttram added.

In an April 23 press release, fellow Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth spoke of the impact Durbin has had on her career.

The first time I met Dick Durbin was just 12 weeks after my shootdown  at a point so early in my recovery that I could barely sit up for any length of time, even in my hospital bed, Duckworth said.

Duckwork previously served as a pilot in the Army National Guard. She lost both legs in 2004 when her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down by a rocket grenade in Iraq.

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But when Dick looked at me, he saw past the wounds, saw past the wheelchair. He saw a Soldier in search of her next mission. And he recognized well before I did that just because I would no longer be flying Black Hawks for the Army didnt mean that I couldnt find a new way to serve my nation, Duckworth said of Durbin.

She went on to call Durbin a leader who embodies what it means to be a true public servant and a friend and mentor.

[Durbin is] someone who has never, ever stopped speaking out for those who far too often feel voiceless. Someone who has never, ever stopped fighting to hold the special interests in our country accountable, Duckworth said. Someone who has never, ever stopped caring enough about our nation to do the hard, grueling work necessary to make her a little more fair, a little more justone day, one bill, one constituent at a time.
PwC has told its 23,000 UK staffers to be in the office three days a week. Jack Taylor/Getty Images

PwC has been tracking its employees' office attendance for three months.

The firm's HR boss said three days in the office is best for employee engagement.

PwC's internal data also showed that working in the office boosted productivity, she said.

The Big Four firm PwC has been collecting data for three months on its latest RTO mandate, and the results are in  three days in the office is the sweet spot for employee engagement.

In January, PwC increased its weekly in-office requirement for its 23,000 UK employees to a minimum of three days. The accounting firm had previously asked staff to come into the office two or three days a week.

Since the new policy began, PwC has been monitoring employees' attendance through their badge swipes into the office and shared IP addresses, if staff are out at client sites, Phillippa O'Connor, PwC's UK chief people officer, told a UK government committee on home-based working.

Staff can use a self-declaration form to highlight whether there's a valid reason they can't come into the office, which will be reflected in the data.

After the first quarter of monitoring employees, O'Connor said there was "a really clear correlation between time in the office and the utilization of our people."

PwC also cross-referenced the attendance data with preliminary data from its annual employee engagement survey and found that those coming in three days a week were the most engaged.

"The initial data there shows us that where we have people in the office three days a week, they are more engaged," she said. "Where they're in the office five days a week, they're less engaged."

PwC UK is monitoring badge swipes into its office buildings. Richard Baker/Getty Images

The accounting giant believes that in-person work for the majority of the week is best for its business and clients and for driving innovation, O'Connor said.

It's also "absolutely critical" for training the 1,000 graduates who join the firm's UK branch every year, she added.

O'Connor told the government committee that this was "not a one policy." PwC is in "listening mode," and providing flexibility and exemptions, particularly for parents and neurodivergent employees, is key to the firm's approach, she said.

Lindsay Pattison, the chief people officer of the advertising giant WPP, also gave evidence to the committee, which was set up to consider the effects and development of home-based working in the UK.

WPP has asked employees to return to the office four days a week, including two Fridays a month. After the policy was introduced, thousands signed a petition calling on the firm to rethink its four-day RTO mandate.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  The Johnson City police officers and firefighters, as well as other first responders, participated in Active Shooter Incident Management (ASIM) training in Bristol, Virginia on Wednesday.

Organized by the Johnson City Fire Department, the multi-agency training uses the advanced NIMSPro #D Simulation System, which places participants inside realistic active shooter situations.

WCSO: Duo found with gallon-sized baggie containing suspected meth

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The training may look like a video game, but its important training for area law enforcement, firefighters, medics and dispatchers.

Fifty-four first responders from more than half a dozen agencies took part in the three-day course facilitated by C3 Pathways.

What were trying to do is to reduce the time that it takes to neutralize the threat, reduce the time that it takes to treat and transport the injured off of that site, said Russell Woody, an instructor with C3 Pathways.

Woody said funding comes from several sources, including FEMA, making it free for area agencies. He said C3 Pathways uses information from 434 past active shooter events for the training.

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The training tries to depict an event from start to finish and helps agencies from neighboring jurisdictions practice working together.

Jason Powell, Assistant Chief of Administration with the Johnson City Fire Department, helped organize the event. He said its important to get representation of all agencies that would respond to a critical event.

One result of that is when we come together like this, we find that were really more similar than we are different, Powell said. And it just helps us to be able to have that confidence and, more importantly, the trust that were going to do our thing and our law enforcement counterparts and our dispatch counterparts. Theyre going to do their thing to take care of those needs.

Powell said the training is especially important for newer employees. Since real-life events like those in the simulation dont happen very often, the training gives them a chance to get experience.

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If we just wait for those experiences to come, were not going to do very well, Powell said. Were not going to live up to the expectations that weve set for ourselves and the expectations that our communities have for us. So we have to put our younger folks through these paces and get them some experience and training. So theyve at least had some or some point of reference that they can refer back to.

The training even includes how to talk to the media through mock interviews.

Dispatchers are now considered first responders in Tennessee, and Washington County, Tennessee dispatcher Cynthia Vanhoy said the training has been invaluable by giving her confidence to handle such an event in the future.

Ive learned so much, and I feel so much more prepared than I was for if and when an incident like this happens in our jurisdiction or even a neighboring jurisdiction, because weve learned so much about mutual aid and helping other agencies, Vanhoy said. But yes, this has by far been the best training Ive ever been to.

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The training includes a pre-test and post-test so all first responders can evaluate what theyve learned.

The ASIM course ran from Tuesday through Thursday. In addition to the Johnson City agencies, the following agencies also participated: Bristol, TN Police, Bristol, TN Police Communications, Bristol, VA Police, Bristol, VA Police Communications, Bristol, VA Fire, City of Johnson City Communications and Marketing, Washington County-Johnson City EMS and Washington County 911.

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The founder and executive director of a network of Arizona charter schools serving autistic children has been named the U.S. Education Departments deputy assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services. Education Secretary Linda McMahon made the announcement while touring the Arizona Autism Charter Schools Phoenix location.

Diana Diaz-Harrison, whose son is autistic, said that in her new job she hopes to continue her efforts to help others launch autism charter schools throughout the country. Her schools, she said in remarks captured on video by AZ Central, are a testament to what happens when parents like me are empowered to create solutions.

My vision is to expand school choice for special needs families  whether through charter schools, private options, voucher programs, or other parent-empowered models, she said in a statement to The 74. .

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The five-school network uses a controversial intervention that attempts to train children to appear and behave like their neurotypical peers. Created by the researcher behind LGBTQ conversion therapy, applied behavior analysis, or ABA, is widely depicted as the gold standard despite scant independent evidence of its effectiveness and mounting research documenting its harms.

Diaz-Harrison opened the networks first school in 2014 as a free, public alternative to private schools for autistic children, which are popular in Arizona but typically charge tens of thousands of dollars a year in tuition. Her Arizona charter schools are a 501(c)3 nonprofit financed by state and federal per-pupil funds. ABA is specifically endorsed by Arizona education officials as a strategy to use with autistic students.

In the time since those charters opened, ABA has grown to be a national, multi-billion-dollar industry, with for-profit companies tapping public and private insurance to pay for as much as 40 hours a week of one-on-one therapy. The intervention uses repeated, rapid-fire commands that bring rewards and punishments to change a childs behavior and communication style.

A 74 investigation last year showed that most data supporting ABAs effectiveness is drawn from research conducted by industry practitioners. Independent analyses, including a years-long U.S. Department of Defense review, found little evidence the intervention works. Former patients who underwent the therapy as children reported severe, lasting mental health effects, including PTSD.

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Diaz-Harrison told The 74 the therapy is both valuable and sought-after. For the autism community, specifically, many families seek schools that integrate positive behavioral strategies, she says. The evidence supporting behavioral therapy is extensive and well-established. It has been endorsed by the U.S. surgeon general and the American Academy of Pediatrics as an effective, research-backed approach for individuals with autism.

During her visit, McMahon told students and staff she was eager to tell President Donald Trump about the schools. He doesnt believe any child, whether they have neuro-difficulties or any other problems, should be trapped in a school and not have the facilities that they need, she said.

Since Trumps second inauguration, he has issued numerous orders that have alarmed disability advocates and the autistic community. Though both edicts contradict longstanding federal laws, in March he ordered the closure of the Education Department and said responsibility for special education will be transferred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

About half of the Education Departments staff has been fired, including most of the people responsible for investigating what had been a backlog of some 6,000 disability discrimination complaints. Though its unclear whether Trump and McMahon may legally disregard special education funding laws and allow states to spend federal dollars as they see fit, both have said they favor giving local officials as much decision-making power as possible.

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Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stoked fear in the autistic community by announcing a new effort to tie autism to vaccines or other environmental toxins  a hypothesis discredited by dozens of studies. The man he appointed to head the study has been cited for practicing medicine without a license and prescribing dangerous drugs to autistic children.

Last week, the new head of the National Institutes of Health announced that an unprecedented compilation of medical, pharmaceutical and insurance records would be used to create an autism disease registry  a kind of list historically used to sterilize, institutionalize and even euthanize autistic people. HHS later walked back the statement, saying the database under construction would have privacy guardrails.

Related

Advocates Still Alarmed Even as HHS Walks Back Autism Registry Announcement

Among other responsibilities, the offices Diaz-Harrison will head identify strategies for improving instruction for children with disabilities and ensure that as they grow up, they are able to be as independent as possible. The disability community has raised concerns that the administration is retreating from these goals.

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Advocates have said they fear the changes pave the way for a return to the practice of separating students with disabilities in dedicated special ed classrooms rather than having them attend class with typically developing peers. The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act guarantees special education students the right to instruction in the least restrictive environment possible.

Families preferences vary widely, with some parents of autistic children refusing any form of behavior therapy, while others want their kids in settings with children who share their needs. Many insist on grade-level instruction in general education classrooms

Diaz-Harrison has a masters degree in education and worked as a bilingual teacher in California early in her career. From the late 1990s until she began supporting her son full time, she worked as a public relations strategist and a reporter and anchor for the Spanish-language broadcast network Univision.

In 2014, frustrated with her sons school options, she organized a group of parents and ABA providers who applied for permission to open what was then a single K-5 school serving 90 children. The network now has about 1,000 students in all grades and features an online program.

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Related

Americas Most Popular Autism Therapy May Not Work  and May Seriously Harm Patients Mental Health

At the end of the 2023-24 academic year, 9% of the networks students scored proficient or highly proficient on Arizonas annual reading exam, while 4% passed the math assessments.

In December 2022, the network won a $1 million Yass Prize, an award created by Jeff and Janine Yass. The billionaire investors have a long track record of donating to Republican political candidates and organizations that support school choice.

One of the awards creators, Jeanne Allen, is CEO of the Center for Education Reform. The center nominated Diaz-Harrison for the federal role.

Yass award winners were featured at the 2023 meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, a conservative forum where state lawmakers are given model bills on education and other policies to introduce in their respective statehouses.

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Diaz-Harrison has partnered with a Florida autism school to create a national charter school accelerator program to help people start schools like hers throughout the country. She told The 74 the effort has so far supported teams of hopeful school founders from Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Alabama and Nevada.

Parents of young autistic children and autistic adults often disagree about ABA. Told by their pediatrician or the person who diagnosed their child as autistic that they have a narrow window in which to intervene, families fight to get the therapy. Adults who have experienced it, however, report lasting trauma and have lobbied for research  much of it now at risk of being defunded by Kennedy  into more effective and humane alternatives.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A suspect in two Arizona shootings, one deadly, was airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital after being shot in a gunfight with police.

The Mohave County Sheriffs Office reports it was called to a residence in Golden Valley, near Kingman, Arizona, on Wednesday, April 30, to investigate the deadly shooting of a woman. Investigators identified the suspect as Jeremy Muse, 36, of Kingman, who was also identified as the suspect in a separate shooting.

According to the sheriffs office, Muse was spotted in a car about four hours after the shooting, and officers attempted to stop him, which led to a chase and Muse firing at the police, striking one patrol vehicle. Muse got out of the vehicle after crashing, and gunfire was exchanged between Muse and the officers until Muse was struck and taken into custody.

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Muse was initially taken to a Kingman hospital and then airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the officer-involved shooting. Kingman is about 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
OCEANSIDE, Calif.  On Wednesday, during the Marine Educators Workshop, those from Arkansas who are attending traveled to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside to learn about weapons and the field training recruits would have to do.

While at Camp Pendleton, educators went to Edson Range, where they each took part in learning about the history of the range, what would be required from potential recruits during boot camp, and how to shoot with a rifle the recruits would use to train.

Arkansas educators experience Marine workshop in San Diego

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Kelsey Beasley, a teacher at Caddo Academy, said she had a good time learning how to shoot the and she could see her students wanting to learn more.

I think a lot of our students would enjoy this specifically. Beasley adds, most of our students I believe come from a background of hunting and fishing and I believe they could excel in this.

Gunnery Sgt. Cristoval Melchor, a Senior Drill Instructor, has been leading the Arkansas teachers, among others, during part of the workshop. Melchor is also a native of the Natural State.

Im from Northwest Arkansas. I was born in Rogers and I grew up in Springdale, Melchor said.

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He also explained its important for the educators to learn what they can and bring it back to the students in Arkansas, knowing he was once a student there.

I know our core values of honor, courage, and commitment will resonate really well with Arkansans, Melchor said.

Melchor has served for 16 years and said its here young people can find purpose and direction.

We teach them the fundamentals of weapons handling and weapon safety and when they fire that weapon, you can see that newfound confidence they have, he said.

6 Arkansas teachers learn about life as a Marine

Throughout the day, educators also experienced field training through teamwork obstacle courses. Edward Tucker, the Principal of Hamburg High School says he liked when instructors with the Marines talked about the success rate, and he cant wait to share that information when he goes back to campus.

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I want to be able to go back and say this is what it will look like, Tucker said. we want to ensure that every kid when they get out of high school has a definite path or options when they move on to post-secondary education.

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JACKSONVILLE, Ark.  Arkansas State Police investigators working with two out-of-state agencies executed search warrants in Jacksonville and Sherwood that resulted in an arrest related to a long-time and far-reaching burglary spree.

The arrest of 40-year-old Curtis Lee Barton of Jacksonville is due to his being a suspect in over 30 commercial burglaries in northern Missouri and southern Iowa over several decades, officials said. ASP investigators said they found evidence Barton used in committing the crimes while searching his Jacksonville home.

Little Rock police arrest man in connection with apartment shooting on John Barrow Road

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ASP officials said they were working in cooperation with the Wapellow County Sheriffs Office of Iowa and the Lewis County Sheriffs Office of Missouri in the investigation.

The Lewis County Sheriffs Office served Barton with five arrest warrants, and he is facing charges of burglary, theft, and property damage. Officials said they used an arrest warrant from Lewis County, Missouri, to book Barton into the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center, where records show he is being held without bond.

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TAMPA, Fla (WFLA)  A man accused of fraud resulting in the displacement of more than 100 senior citizens from a Tampa retirement community has been arrested.

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Criminal Investigations Division announced the arrest on Wednesday.

DFS said Ronald Schuck acquired the Unisen retirement community from bankruptcy.

In 2024, they filed for bankruptcy, stopped operations, and displaced 109 residents, DFS said.

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Diane Solomon lived at Unisen Senior Living, formerly known as University Village, for 10 years.

When my husband died, I dont know what I wouldve done if I werent living at Unisen, said Solomon. It was a great place. It was a fabulous place.

Solomon said even after the communitys two bankruptcies, the quality of life remained the same. That was until a year ago, when she and 108 other residents were displaced.

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I was very upset, said Solomon. It was very, very difficult for many of them.

Bennett Napier is the Executive Director of the Florida Life Care Residents Association. He connected 8 On Your Side with Solomon.

Weve never seen a situation in Florida where residents actually were displaced from a continuing care retirement community. So this is uncharted water, Napier said.

Napier said the first bankruptcy affected occupancy, then COVID happened, and he said by 2024, the Office of Insurance Regulation started enforcement and gaining access to more information.

This brings the arrest of Tampa Life Plan Village Board President Ronald Schuck on charges of continuing care contract fraud.

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I dont see it at all, said Solomon. Ron Schuck, as far as I could tell, was a really good guy. He wanted the place to succeed.

DFS said Schuck is accused of misappropriating funds from reserves, mismanaging residential services, resulting in resident displacement. Napier said there were efforts to address these concerns in the Senate Committee, and said that is where change could come from.

If laws are not adequate to ensure full protection of resident rights and investments, those should be acted upon by the legislature, Napier said.

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Solomon said he wants to see what will come from the investigation.

Im appalled and shocked, said Solomon. He did what he could to make it as easy as possible when it became impossible to run the place.

If convicted, Schuck faces up to five years in prison.

DFS asks that residents or families affected by the mismanagement at Tampa Life Plan Village come forward and report their experiences by calling the state Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236.

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Police are asking for the publics help locating a second suspect accused of robbing an East Boston convenience store on Wednesday morning.

Officers on patrol in the area of 67 Bennington Street around 8:22 a.m. were flagged down by a visibly distressed East Coast Variety employee who claimed the store had been robbed by two male suspects walking down the street, according to investigators.

The officers quickly exited their cruiser and pursued the suspects, detaining one man, identified as 51-year-old Josein Cruz of Boston.

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Police say Cruz was armed with a firearm, later determined to be a BB gun, and the second suspect pictured was carrying a machete.

BPD Community Alert: Detectives Seek Publics Help Identifying Individual in Armed Robbery Investigation https://t.co/1auFpALUek pic.twitter.com/lA8KnvhDXC  Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) May 1, 2025

According to investigators, both Cruz and the second suspect robbed the convenience store, stealing cash, lottery tickets, and various store items.

Both suspects allegedly damaged the cash register and took the victims cell phone and the stores landline phone so the victim couldnt call for help.

One person in custody following armed robbery in East Boston, police say

During a pat frisk, police say Cruz tried to flee but was quickly detained.

Officers allegedly recovered an undisclosed amount of money in various denominations from Cruz, an unscratched lottery ticket, a four-pack of Zyn nicotine pouches, an unopened browning, and a cordless landline phone.

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Cruz received medical attention for a non-life-threatening injury, according to police. Afterwards, he was placed under arrest and charged with armed robbery while masked, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated witness intimidation and unlawful possession of a firearm.

He will be arraigned in East Boston District Court.

Anyone with information about the incident or the second suspect is urged to contact District A-7 Detectives at (617) 343-4234.

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Police in Colombia have arrested a suspect in the killing of Sara Millerey Gonzalez, a transgender woman who was raped, beaten, and had her legs, hands, and arms broken before she was tossed into a ravine.

Juan Camilo Munoz Gaviria, alias Teta, and a reputed member of the El Mesa drug trafficking gang, was arrested Wednesday, the Spanish-language Vanguardia reports. He was captured by a special task force created by the countrys national police and prosecutors in response to the outrage over the crime.

Millerey Gonzalez, 32, was raped, had her hands, arms, and legs broken, then was thrown into a stream in a deep ravine to drown in Colombia on April 4, LawyerMonthly reports. Rather than helping, some witnesses recorded her on video trying in vain to escape the ravine and stream, which they later posted to social media. She was killed in Bello, Antioquia, a high-crime area that was once the turf of the late drug trafficker and narco terrorist Pablo Escobar.

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Police said they were able to track Munoz Gavirias movements from the scene of the crime to his eventual arrest. They have released little further information about the suspect and the crime as the investigation is ongoing. Police are reportedly looking for at least one other man as a possible suspect but believe up to five men may be implicated in the Millerey Gonzalez's death.

In an investigative action coordinated by the Attorney General's Office, CTI personnel and the police arrested one of the alleged perpetrators of the murder of a trans woman, whose given name was Sara Millerey Gonzalez, in Bello, Antioquia, on April 5," Colombian prosecutors announced on social media. "In the coming hours, he will be brought before a judge, and a local prosecutor will charge him with aggravated homicide and torture.

 (@)

Millerey Gonzalez's mother, Sandra, told the Spanish-language news El Pais, last month that she saw many people watching and filming her daughter, but nobody was trying to save her. Sandra also said she was prevented from entering the fast-moving stream.

Millerey Gonzalez was eventually rescued by first responders and taken to a local hospital.

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"Mom, Im going to die, Sandra said her daughter told her after she was pulled from the stream.

Although Millerey Gonzalez suffered a punctured lung as well as her broken bones during the attack, Sandra said the hospital didn't consider her an emergency because she wasn't shot.

I knelt down and hugged her and told her that I loved her very much," Sandra recalled. "I told her she was going to be with God because no one in heaven was going to humiliate or discriminate against her for being her.

Millerey Gonzalez suffered two cardiac arrests the following morning, with the second proving fatal. She asked her mother to bury her in a white dress, but the mortician said a closed-casket funeral was more appropriate due to the severity of injuries to her face and extremities.

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The public, activists, and politicians quickly responded to news of the attack.

What happened in Bello is fascism, President Gustavo Petro said in a post to X. Fascism is the violent erasure of human difference  be it political, religious, ethnic, or sexual. There are Nazis in Colombia.

Bello Mayor Lorena Gonzalez Ospina also issued a post to social media, expressing outrage and a resolve to bring her killers to justice.

I raise my voice as mayor but above all as a human being to reject with total forcefulness the murder of Sara Millerey, a trans woman victim of a heinous and hateful act, Gonzalez Ospina said in a post to social media. Sara was violated, her arms and legs were broken, and she was thrown into the river.

Authorities are still offering a reward of 50m pesos (around $11,000) for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killers of Sara Millerey Gonzalez.
Harvey police said a 19-year-old South Holland man is in custody and charges are pending in the shooting death Tuesday of a teen from that village.

Amari Binion, 17, of the 14800 block of Perry Avenue, was pronounced dead at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

He had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and his death was ruled a homicide.

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The shooting occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday when Binion stepped out of the EZ Pawn shop at 468 E. 147th St., Harvey said in a statement.

The teen walked toward Perry Avenue, when gunfire was exchanged between him and a group of individuals standing in the driveway of McDonalds at 226 Sibley Blvd., police said.

Binion was struck in the midsection and fled south on Perry Avenue before collapsing in neighboring South Holland, according to the statement.

According to the medical examiners office, the teen lived in South Holland although Harvey police said he lived in that city.

Harvey police said the investigation is ongoing and ask anyone with information to contact police at 708-331-3030.

Dolton, Riverdale deaths

The medical examiners office also reported a homicide in Dolton involving a Chicago man.

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Marqual D. Murphy, 26, of the 1100 block of East 91st Sreeet, was shot in the left shoulder in the 1500 block of East 154th Street, according to the office.

He was pronounced dead at 3:16 a.m. Sunday at the University of Chicago Medical Center and his death was ruled a homcide, according to the office.

In Riverdale, Michael R. Walls, 39, of the 0-100 block of East 140th Court in that suburb, was shot in the left shoulder and died at 11:22 a.m. Sunday at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to the office.

More information about the Dolton and Riverdale homicides was not immediately available from police.
City of Washington police have filed charges against a man for a deadly shooting on Monday.

Chief Steve Devenney says an arrest warrant has been issued for Trevon McCrary, 30, who is suspected in the deadly shooting of Nasstylejah Wilkerson near an elementary school.

Devenney says that while processing the crime scene for evidence, investigators identified and found a vehicle of interest. The amount of evidence collected in the first 24 hours after the crime is why police felt they had enough information to apply for an arrest warrant.

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Online court records show McCrary faces multiple charges, including criminal homicide, recklessly endangering another person and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

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Panic, dread and confusion are running high as President Donald Trump made good on his promise to impose tariffs on imported goods. Eighteen countries and the European Union, which comprises 27 countries, are paying a minimum of 10% in tariffs, but those classified by Trump as the worst offenders, which is most of them, are paying more.

Find Out: 4 Surprising Things That Could Impact Your Wallet If a Recession Hits

Read Next: 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses

On April 5, 2025, the 10% baseline tariffs went into effect on the following countries: United Kingdom, Singapore, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Colombia, Argentina, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Custom tariffs for worst offenders went into effect on April 9. These groups pay an elevated rate: European Union: 20%; Vietnam: 46%; Thailand: 36%; Japan: 24%; Cambodia: 49%; South Africa: 30%; Taiwan: 32% and China: 104%.

Americans of all wealth statuses are concerned about the impact of tariffs on the prices of various goods, but members of the middle class and below have the most reason to be. A recent study by The Budget Lab found that the tariffs enacted on April 9 would cost an average family an extra $4,700 a year  an amount of money that many households cannot afford to part with.

How can the middle class tariff-proof their wealth? Lets see what financial experts recommended.

Prioritize Essentials and Your Emergency Fund

The first thing you need to do to protect your wealth amid tariffs is to prioritize essential expenses  even more so than you do now. You should also ensure your emergency fund is well funded (six months of living expenses set aside).

Focusing on necessities like housing, food, transportation and healthcare can help maintain stability when prices start to climb, said Einat Steklov, co-founder and CEO at Kashable. Its also wise to set aside a small rainy day amount whenever possible. Even a modest emergency fund can act as a buffer when costs exceed what was originally budgeted, helping to avoid high-interest borrowing or delayed bills.

Learn More:6 Things the Middle Class Should Sell To Build Their Savings

Analyze Your Budget Every Month

Youre probably no stranger to budgeting  much of which hinges on being able to predict as many incoming expenses as possible. Right now, were in a little bit of a limbo as we havent yet seen just how profoundly well feel the impact of tariffs. We know costs will go up on many everyday items, and we know some retailers are being very upfront about raising prices, but we dont have 100% transparency. Though we cant accurately predict how our budgets will be hit by tariffs, we can respond by analyzing our budgets each and every month.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian artist who painted a portrait of Donald Trump that was given to the U.S. president by Vladimir Putin says he never suspected his work would become an instrument of Russia-U.S. diplomacy.

The painting by Nikas Safronov depicts Trump clenching his fist in a gesture of defiance in the moments after a gunman tried to assassinate him at a rally in Pennsylvania last July.

Safronov told Reuters he was impressed by Trump's courage. "I went to a nearby church and prayed for him. And then I started to make sketches," he said.

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But the portrait's unlikely journey to the White House via the Kremlin came as a surprise, Safronov added. He said he was approached by former clients, whom he did not name, who requested that he give them the painting for a period of time.

Safronov said he agreed and gave it away for free. Later, he said, he heard media reports that Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff had said that Putin had gifted Trump a painting by a famous Russian artist.

"Somehow I couldnt piece together that those people (who took away the portrait) work for the president of Russia," he said.

Witkoff, who has met Putin four times, said in March that he had brought back the painting, which he said Putin had commissioned from a leading Russian artist, and Trump had been "clearly touched" by it.

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But Safronov said he only realised that the portrait given to Trump was his when he received a call from Putin.

"The president called me. He thanked me and said he liked the work. It was a short conversation," he said.

He now hopes it will help foster a breakthrough between the two countries, which since Trump's return to the White House in January have launched diplomatic contacts on ending the war in Ukraine and repairing bilateral relations.

"I hope it will play its role and bring peace to the world," said Safronov.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Credit - Mikael Owunna

The U.S. has a long history of police brutality against Black and brown people. But in the early 2010s, as camera phones and social media became more ubiquitous, images of this violence spread across the country and around the world. These visuals were essential in starting conversations and in launching the global Black Lives Matter movement. Crucially, they also highlighted the systemic abuse of Black bodies, which have all too often been reduced to symbols of crime, death, and hatred, further perpetuating harmful stereotypes. In the wake of the tragic losses of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown Jr., Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others, artists have looked for ways to spotlight humanity that is frequently overlooked and to awaken compassion in society at large.

Clockwise from top left:Carrie Mae Weems, Alex Christopher Williams, Mikael Owunna, Andre Ramos-Woodard, Alanna Styer, Irene Antonia Diane Reece, Cornell Watson Courtesy of Artist (Weems: Audoin DesforgesRolex; Owunna: Ajamu X; Reece: Mamadou Kaba Dia; Watson: Peyton Sickles)

Here, we present seven carefully selected pieces that touch upon the climate of racial injustice in the U.S. In one, artist Carrie Mae Weems presents a stark image of her hometown of Portland, Ore., during a protest; in another, photographer Mikael Owunna presents an iridescent man in motion as a way of capturing the boundless possibility of Black life. We asked each of the artists to reflect on their work and share how their perspective has changed in the years since they created it.

Cornell Watson

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"The idea for this photo came after listening to a friend describe the Black experience days after police murdered George Floyd. In a year when Breonna Taylor was also murdered by police and Ahmaud Arbery was killed by a white mob, my friend, like many Black people, was overwhelmed by Americas racism and the thought of raising his two Black boys in it. On July 4, 2020, I made this photo to illustrate the drowning sensation of being submerged in Americas racial violence on Black bodies.

Five years later, police reform policies have been dismantled, Black Lives Matter murals are being scrubbed, and DEI is public enemy No. 1. The symbolism of this photo is just as relevant today, if not more than it was in 2020."

-Cornell Watson

Alex Christopher Williams

"It was Atlantas summer heat and unbearable humidity that brought me to meet this man and his two sons at the water fountain in August 2015. He shared with me how he walked his children to school each morning in a respectable outfit before changing into work clothes at his construction job. It was important for him to educate his sons on how to carry themselves in public, and that dressing and carrying themselves with respect would garner respect from others. He led by example. I was truly struck by this mans dedication to being a good father and asked to photograph him as he was.

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The image of this man was every father to me, a man who did what he had to do to protect his young boys and ensure their success. Ten years later, now a father myself, I am reminded of how these small gesturesacts of protection, lessons in dignityare acts of resistance. In a world where so many young Black boys have lost their lives simply moving through it, this fathers presence and care hold even greater weight."

-Alex Christopher Williams

Irene Antonia Diane Reece

"My eyes fell on the spectators bearing witness to the America I grew up in. It had already been two years into Trumps presidency, more violence inflicted, performance, and protests alike. We had experienced the mass media circulation of Black life being taken away, over and over again. To a point that the rest of the world once again became desensitized to Black life. It was bitter. You were met with it. I had rage. Then I cried not out of fear but out of loss. You go through the different stages of grief, having not known folx. That transferred into my work for those first two years. Its what created Home-goings, and this installation piece you see, Im sorry I couldnt save you.. Each face is placed on a communion wafer symbolizing that a sacrifice has been made once again in America, and once again, it is my community. It might seem sacrilegious to some, but I see it as canonizing our beloveds.





In recent years, I have found that neutrality will not save us. I must acknowledge the fight, grit, and love our community has given back to ourselves. Keep going. I am waiting for the rest of the world to do the same."

-Irene Antonia Diane Reece

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Carrie Mae Weems

Carrie Mae WeemsGladstone, New York, Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, and Galerie Barbara Thumm, Berlin

"My 2021 series Painting the Town was made after a visit to my hometown of Portland, Ore. During the massive demonstrations in reaction to the murder of George Floyd, protesters wrote texts on the panels that shopkeepers had used to board up their windows as a precautionary measure against looting. The authorities then rendered the slogans illegible by covering them with large patches of black, brown, and gray paint. As is often the case, I used these images to explore what it means to be a witness to an ongoing history of violence. At first glance, the photographs resemble abstract paintings, but in fact, they represent the unintended consequence of governmental censorship.



Amid the uprising, I felt glimmers of hope, but these days, with daily decrees dropping from the White House denouncing DEI, I find myself back where I started, asking why Black life doesnt matter."

-Carrie Mae Weems

Andre Ramos-Woodard

"I had an intense urge to make what would become WEAPON in the middle of the night in June 2019. I went to my studio at around midnight to execute it, but to my surprise, the outside of the building was littered with cops. Now, even though I know I had done nothing wrong, I couldnt help but feel like the cops were going to bust up in my studio and arrest me for making a piece that calls them out on their racial wrongdoings. It took me over an hour to create the piece because I kept stopping to look outside and make sure nothing crazy was happening.

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For a moment in 2020 it seemed like there was some hope for progress, but now it seems like the need to stand up to cops and the prison industrial complex has dissipated. Thats why work like this will always be importantwe as working-class people should be standing together against [police], against ICE, and against the 1%."

-Andre Ramos-Woodard

Mikael Owunna

"When I set out to make Infinite Essence in 2017, I wanted to articulate the beauty, majesty, and boundless possibility of Black life in the face of relentless violence. During this shoot, I vividly remember the hush that fell over our small crew the moment the model emerged from the blackness, shimmering with the painted constellations. We had spent hours meticulously painting the body in the dark, referencing cosmic lineages from Dogon cosmology like Ammas womb, merging past, present, and future. With each brushstroke, I felt a sense of reverence, as if we were channeling an ancestral force. With the click of my ultraviolet camera flash, we saw the Black body transformed into a vessel of cosmic life.

Now, after everything that has happened since George Floyds murder and the collective mobilization that followed, this image has gained a new resonance for me. The spiritual dimensionevoked by Ammas Wombreminds us that within Blackness lies a sacred space where we can imagine futures rooted in love and dignity."

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-Mikael Owunna

Alanna Styer

1. Jimmie Lee Jackson

Place: Mack's Cafe, Marion, Ala.

Date: Feb. 18, 1965



2. Eleanor Bumpurs

Place: Sedgwick Houses, the Bronx

Date: Oct. 29, 1984

"I began Where It Happened in 2014 to process the pain of Mike Browns death and help others understand the history of violent policing in America by documenting where 58 people of color [10 shown here] were killed by law-enforcement officers. I knew the story of Jimmie Lee Jackson and decided to research murders of Black men by police officers. The scope of my project evolved to be inclusive of all people of color killed by police. While doing research for this project, I found a disparity between the many news articles and police reportsa testament to the lack of standards around disseminating information after fatal police encounters.

Looking back, I often think about why I expanded the project. I was terrified of betraying the victims by conflating their stories. I was just beginning to understand the intersectionality of oppression. Racial profiling, policing, and incarceration target Black people; but systems of white supremacy negatively impact us all."

-Alanna Styer

3. Anthony Dwain Lee

Place: 9701 Yoakum Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Date: Oct. 28, 2000



4. Henry Glover

Place: Miss. River Levee (body found), New Orleans

Date: Sept. 2, 2005

5. Oscar Grant III

Place: Fruitvale BART Station, Oakland, Calif.

Date: Jan. 1, 2009



6. Aiyana Stanley-Jones

Place: 4054 Lillibridge St., Detroit

Date: May 16, 2010

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7. Charles Livingston III

Place: 2062 Frayser Blvd., Memphis

Date: Dec. 27, 2012



8. Jordan West-Morson

Place: Eight Mile and Gratiot Avenue, Detroit

Date: May 1, 2013

9. Eric Garner

Place: 202 Bay St., Staten Island, N.Y.

Date: July 17, 2014



10. Tamir Rice

Place: Cudell Recreation Center, Cleveland

Date: Nov. 22, 2014

This project was created in partnership with the Center for Policing Equity.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The politically-charged situation surrounding Northern Irish rap band Kneecap continues, as British police said today that counterterrorism detectives will investigate comments made about the Middle East and British politics.

As reported earlier this week, one of these videos appears to show a band member shouting Up Hamas, up Hezbollah, while the other allegedly shows the group calling for the deaths of Conversative MPs.

Londons Metropolitan Police force said the videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offenses linked to both videos.

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The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Mets Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time, the force said in a statement.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Kneecap to face prosecution over the two videos.

The Belfast trio, known for satirical lyrics and on-stage provocations, apologised earlier this week to the daughter of murdered Tory MP Sir David Amess, and have denied supporting either Hamas or Hezbollah. They maintain the comments were taken out of context and that they are victim to a smear campaign.

Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah, Kneecap said in a statement. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nations history. We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.

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Regardless, there have been increasing calls for the band to be dropped from summer festival line-ups  including the Glastonbury Festival programme. A handful of the group's gigs have been cancelled already  like the ones in Berlin and at Cornwall's Eden Project.

Now, fellow musicians have come to the rappers defense.

Kneecap at Britain Independent Film Awards - 2024 - AP Photo

Several dozen performers, including British rock group Primal Scream, Irish band Fontaines D.C. and Pulp have signed an open letter criticizing a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform Kneecap and opposing political repression of artistic freedom.

The letter reads: "As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.

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"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."

It also accuses politicians of "strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band" while ignoring a "genocide" in Gaza.

"Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story," it says. "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."

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Signatories also include Paul Weller, Annie Mac, Blindboy, English Teacher, Enter Shikari, Idles, Shirley Manson, Sleaford Mods, The Pogues and Thin Lizzy.

Iconic trip-hop outfit Massive Attack have also issued a statement on the ongoing controversy, titled Kneecap are not the story.

Massive Attack wrote: If senior politicians can find neither the time, nor the words to condemn, say, the murder of fifteen voluntary aid workers in Gaza, or the illegal starvation of a civilian population as a method of warfare, or the killing of thousands & thousands of children in the same territory, by a state in possession of the highest precision weapons on earth; how much notice should a music festival take of their moral advice on booking performing acts?

The statement continues: As a band that has spoken publicly for more than 30 years about the illegal occupation, apartheid system and killing with impunity of thousands of Palestinians, we are hyper aware of the both the human cost of abject political silence, and the commercial implications of publicly expressing solidarity with an oppressed people.

At the time of writing, the bands appearances at Glastonbury, TRNSMT and other European festivals remain scheduled.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Some Ascension Parish residents voted on Saturday, May 3, to approve new property taxes for infrastructure maintenance in the Belle Maison and Belle Savanne subdivisions.

Complete but unofficial election results show the Belle Maison proposition passed with 100% of the vote.

For the Belle Savanne Subdivision proposition, 75% of voters said yes while 25% voted no.

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Each proposition will authorize a 15-mill property tax on all taxable property within the respective subdivision. The funds will be used in perpetuity, beginning in 2025, to support the maintenance of public infrastructure, including streets, drainage, bridges, and culverts.

A breakdown of the two proposals:

Belle Maison Subdivision Proposition

Since approved, Belle Maison will levy a 15-mill tax expected to generate approximately $26,325 annually.

Read the full proposition text from the Secretary of States Office here.

Belle Savanne Subdivision Proposition

Since approved, Belle Savanne (Phase 1, 2A, and 2B) will also levy a 15-mill tax, projected to generate about $99,225 annually.

Read the full proposition text from the Secretary of States Office here.

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May 3 Election Results: See who won vacant House District 67 seat; did tax to fund DAs office pass or fail?

Latest News

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 Louisiana First News.
Atrium Health Levine Childrens Hospital is providing a new service thats a first in the United States.

Children in the Charlotte area will now be able to receive high-quality medical care from the comfort of their homes.

ALSO READ: Nurse brings joy to Levine Childrens Hospital patients with personalized art

The new program is part of Atriums Advocate Health, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.

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Providers will be able to give IV medications and fluids, breathing treatments, wound care, and post-surgical care.

The program will also free up hospital beds for critically ill pediatric patients.

VIDEO: Nurse brings joy to Levine Childrens Hospital patients with personalized art
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA)  An attorney for the boat operator who crashed into a Florida ferry on Sunday has released new details from his clients side of the events.

In a Tuesday letter addressed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 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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Authorities initially said that a boat struck the Clearwater Ferry shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday near the Memorial Causeway Bridge and fled the scene. The FWC later said evidence showed Knight remained on the scene but left before police arrived.

Haysletts letter agreed, explaining that Knight did not leave the scene immediately after the crash with the Clearwater Ferry as authorities initially alleged. 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.

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Knights attorney said Knight told the ferry captain that he could take some of the injured to nearby 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.

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.

VIDEO: Deadly Clearwater ferry crash caught on camera

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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.

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 sober and cooperating, 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.

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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.

The FWC previously said Knight was cooperating with the investigation.

Attorney: Poor lighting led to reduced awareness

Haysletts letter also mentioned that there was credible concern that the ferry did not have the required navigational lights at the time of the accident, particularly a stern light visible for a distance of two miles.

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.

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Jeff Knight steps down from Jannus Live after Clearwater Ferry crash

The attorney also said lighting experts who analyzed the crash video believed it may have been 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.

Additionally, FWC said there was no slow speed or minimum wake in the area where the crash happened. Frank Morton, a captain and maritime expert, told WFLA that Knights vessel should have given way to the ferry.

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Theres a safe speed rule in the rules of the road. And that says that a vessel is traveling at a safe speed when it can either maneuver or stop in order to prevent a collision, Morton said.

Haysletts 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, who stepped down from his management role with a local concert venue on Wednesday, 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 Queen City News.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Attorneys are answering legal questions from people across the state for free until 9 p.m. Thursday. Ask a Lawyer Day is a tradition going on nearly 50 years.

Attorneys took shifts at the Oklahoma Bar Association in OKC and Tulsa to take give Oklahomans free legal advice over the phone and email.

LOCAL NEWS: Hundreds of metro elementary school students fitted for free shoes

They answered questions that answered if they have a case and what the process would look like.

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We obviously are not litigating anything today, but were pointing people in the right direction, said Ed Wunch, Co-Chair of Law Day Committee with the Oklahoma Bar Association.

This is my favorite day of the year. I wait all year for this, said Katherine Bell, an attorney who is in charge of volunteers answering emails.

Bell said not everyone has equal access to justice.

A lot of people dont have the resources to like go and have a consultation with an attorney and they just need a place to start, said Bell.

Wunch said they get a wide range of questions, from family law, immigration, criminal, and beyond.

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We had a question we were bouncing around about a patent issue, said Wunch.

Why is it you think you have a good malpractice case? one of the volunteers said over the phone.

Thats why the room is always filled with attorneys practicing different kinds of law.

LOCAL NEWS: OU Health kicks off 15th annual wheelchair basketball tournament at Bishop McGuinness

If I dont know the answer to the question on the phone I can reach out to my neighbor sitting next to me and sometimes theyll have the answer, said Wunch.

Its also a win-win. Both Wunch and Bell said, attorneys have an ethical obligation to serve the community and offer pro-bono services.

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We have a duty to impart our knowledge and to assist people that havent had the same opportunities as us and dont have the same breadth of knowledge, said Bell.

The numbers to call are 405-429-4290 and 918-340-5297 or email AskALawyer@okbar.org.

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.
Virginia Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate John Reid with his boyfriend Alonzo Mable after a speech at a rally in Henrico County on April 30, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)

A newly surfaced recording of an April 27 conversation between Matt Moran, the top political strategist for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and members of Republican John Reids campaign appears to contradict Morans sworn affidavit  directly challenging his claim that he never pressured Reids team to leave the lieutenant governors race.

The audio, obtained and reviewed by The Mercury on Thursday, captures Moran and attorney Tim Anderson, a former state delegate, during the meeting at the Offices of LINK Public Affairs in Richmond, in a conversation with Reids campaign manager, Noah Jennings, and Reids longtime partner, Alonzo Mable.

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Jennings confirmed in a text message that he was present during the conversation and that the recording is accurate. In response to a request for comment on the recording, Morans lawyer George Terwilliger sent the following statement:



For a full understanding of the meeting, one should have the full recording. But even the selective couple of minutes is consistent entirely with Matts statement in his affidavit that he was giving sound political advice to a candidate as to what was in his best interest and that of his party. 

The conversation came at the height of a growing crisis inside the Virginia GOP, as party leaders wrestled with how to handle damaging material linked to Reid, a conservative radio host and the first openly gay candidate on a statewide ticket in Virginia history.

In the affidavit Moran released Wednesday, he flatly denied wrongdoing, asserting: I never attacked John and did not threaten or coerce him. I communicated what I truly believed was in his best interests.

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On the recording, Moran, the head of Youngkins political organization Spirit of Virginia PAC, can be heard explicitly framing Reids exit as the only way to stop the release of damaging opposition research.

If he stays in the race, it is going to continue, Moran says in the recording. That hurts our candidates up and down the ticket. Him getting out of the race is the only way it stops, and then, yeah, it absolutely would have to stop. Forevermore after that.

In a video posted on X after the meeting Sunday afternoon, Reid alleged that Youngkins political team told his campaign the attacks would stop only if he withdrew  framing the offer as the kind of pressure that borders on extortion.

Reids campaign followed up Monday with a cease-and-desist letter accusing Moran of defamation, asserting that the political consultant had falsely linked him to the explicit Tumblr account  which Reid said he had nothing to do with.

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While this account shared a common username with our clients Instagram, he is not and never has been associated with the account, the letter from Reids lawyer Charles Spies stated.

Morans affidavit portrays the vulnerability report at the center of the dispute as standard campaign work, saying Reids team was fully informed. But the audio reveals Moran and Anderson discussing the need for formal legal agreements to lock down the damaging material.

So, the worst thing for John is he resigns and he still gets f***ed, Anderson says in the recording, adding that any agreement would need to seal it shut with an assurance from the governor. Moran agrees, calling it a reasonable request, and speculates that Youngkin would commit to ensuring the material never surfaced.

Jennings and Mable, meanwhile, repeatedly asked Moran for documentation, with Moran offering to send a four-page summary and a 16-page report. Moran had previously said Reids campaign knew these details.

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The emergence of the recording marks another flashpoint in a political storm that has shaken Virginia Republicans for the past week, deepening internal fractures and fueling charges of political backstabbing just months before the November elections.

The controversy began after The Richmonder reported that Youngkin personally called Reid to urge him to drop out, citing concerns over explicit posts shared by a Tumblr account using Reids social media username.

For days, Moran stayed silent. Then, on Wednesday evening  less than two hours before Reid took the stage alone at a Henrico County GOP rally where Youngkin canceled his appearance  Moran broke his silence with a public post.

Let me be clear, facts matter, and they will demonstrate the accusations against me are unfounded, Moran declared on X.

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Morans attorney, Terwilliger, followed with a sharply worded letter rejecting Reids claims as misinformed, warning that continued accusations could carry legal consequences, and insisting Moran never attempted to extort, coerce, or pressure Mr. Reid. The letter also floated the possibility of a private call to resolve the matter.

Several Republican officials, alarmed by the deepening controversy, have publicly called on Youngkin to fire Moran, arguing that the strategists continued presence is damaging the partys credibility and distracting from its November election efforts.

For Moran, 36, the high-stakes fight is the latest chapter in a political career spanning more than a decade.

He began as a campaign manager and legislative aide before becoming spokesman for then-House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, and later chief of staff to Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights.

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When Youngkin took office, Moran joined the administration as director of policy and legislative affairs  notably working without a state salary while remaining on leave from his consulting firms, Creative Direct and Link Public Affairs.

Whether the newly surfaced recording leads to legal action or further fractures Virginias Republican Party remains to be seen, but it has injected new urgency into a race already engulfed in controversy  and added yet another element to the political storm surrounding Youngkins team just months ahead of a critical election.

Editors note and correction: This story has been updated to add a statement about the audio recording from Matt Moran via his counsel, George Terwilliger. It was also updated to correct that Tim Anderson did not appear the meeting as a witness for Moran.

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Warren Buffett will soon host another of Berkshire Hathaway's annual meetings. REUTERS/Ryan Henriksen

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway will host its famous meeting this weekend.

The colorful event, featuring a long Q&A with the investor, has been dubbed "Woodstock for capitalists."

BI spoke to seven Berkshire gurus about why they're attending this year.

Tens of thousands of investors, from hedge fund managers and tech executives to students and retirees, will soon descend on Omaha to hear from the patron saint of level-headed investing.

Warren Buffett, 94, is riding high after cashing in $158 billion of stocks over the last two years, before President Donald Trump's tariffs tanked the market.

Berkshire Hathaway's billionaire CEO rarely speaks publicly, but on Saturday, he will answer questions onstage for nearly five hours  the high point of his conglomerate's annual shareholder meeting.

"Woodstock for capitalists" sees attendees immerse themselves in all things Buffett for one weekend a year. Many of Berkshire's businesses offer cut-price goods at a two-day shopping event. There's also a picnic and 5K run.

Omaha's hotels, bars, stores, and restaurants fill with subscribers to Buffett's philosophy of seeking bargains, owning for the long run, and remaining calm when others panic. They forge relationships with fellow tribe members, trade stock tips and investing stories, and debate Berkshire's latest moves.

It might sound like an investing conference, but devoted attendees told Business Insider it was a "pilgrimage," a "celebration," and a "blessing."

Theron Mohamed/BI

"The gathering offers a unique blend of wisdom, camaraderie, and tradition," Lawrence Cunningham, the author of several books about Berkshire and the director of the University of Delaware's Weinberg Center on Corporate Governance, told BI.

Cunningham said the meeting is far more than an investor retreat; it's a "pilgrimage where shareholders connect, learn, and celebrate shared values of integrity, learning, and community."

David Kass, a finance professor at the University of Maryland who's been attending the meeting for 20 years, told BI he's going for the "excitement of being in the same room" as Buffett and 40,000 other investors.

"I will also be renewing friendships with several value investors and meeting other investors for the first time," he said.

Paul Lountzis, the president of Lountzis Asset Management, told BI he began attending the meeting after joining the storied Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb in 1991, and has now gone more than 30 times. He's returning with his two sons this year to see Buffett impart his knowledge and to reunite with friends, join meetings, and enjoy the city.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department on Wednesday asked the public for help in locating 74-year-old Saleemah Hatem.

Hatem was last seen leaving for a walk on Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. from 2011 East Sixth Street, according to the press release.

APD said she needs daily medication and has a slight cognitive impairment.

The Austin Police Department on Wednesday asked the public for help in locating 74-year-old Saleemah Hatem. (Austin Police Department Photo)

Authorities described her as being 53 tall and 175 pounds. She was wearing a black dress and a silver or tan hijab.

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If seen APD asks that you call 911.

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.
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Austintowns new police chief, Valorie Delmont, was sworn in this past March as the townships first female chief.

She has been with the department since 2007, working her way up through the ranks, but she says being in charge comes with new challenges.

Its definitely a big step. Theres a lot more responsibility, and a lot of things that I never envisioned. A roof leak wasnt on my plate before, and now it is, Delmont said. There is a lot more to it than just running the police department or supervising the police officers under your command.

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The budget and staffing are challenges. Voters turned down a levy in November to help fund the department.

We were at 43. We are now at 35 with another retirement pending for later this month, and that is going to drop us down to a very, very low level. Its a struggle. We were maintaining, and were at the point where we need to make some very difficult decisions, Delmont said.

Delmont says Austintown voters will see a renewal for the general fund levy on the May 6 ballot that she hopes they support.

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.
Sydney, Australia  When Mary votes in Australias national elections on Saturday, the countrys chronic shortage of affordable housing will be at the top of her mind.

For two years, the 59-year-old former postal worker has been staying in short-term accommodations in regional New South Wales along with her daughter and her dog.

Mary receives income from a fortnightly old age pension of 1051.30 Australian dollars (US$673) and seasonal hospitality and retail jobs, but she cannot afford the median rent on a house or apartment of 560 dollars (US$360) a week.

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Mary, who asked to be referred to by her first name, tried applying for social housing but was told the waiting list was very, very long.

Once the money we had went on rent, and with no work, we landed here, Mary told Al Jazeera.

Now I have to pay storage to keep our lives in storage or lose everything. A situation I never envisioned I would ever find myself in.

Mary intends to vote for Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses centre-left Labor Party, which is favoured to return to power, though she is not enthusiastic about any of the main parties.

I will probably vote Labor, although neither party is doing enough. I never vote Coalition, she told Al Jazeera, referring to Peter Duttons conservative Liberal Party and the rural-focused National Party.

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I find them non-transparent and rooted in fluffing up their own bank balances and those of their elitist mates at the expense of those who pay their taxes, which so many politicians dodge.

Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) talks with Australias Opposition Leader Peter Dutton at the Wishing Tree at Parliament House in Canberra, on November 6, 2024 [Tracey Nearmy/AFP]

Australias property and rental prices are among the top issues in an election race that has been dominated by concerns over the rising cost of living.

Australia, where property is a national obsession, is home to some of the highest house prices on the planet.

Sydney, the countrys largest city, ranks as the second-least affordable market out of 94 urban centres worldwide, according to the most recent Demographia International Housing Affordability survey, with a median price-to-income ratio of 13.8.

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Research by property consultancy PropTrack has found that a household in Sydney needs to earn about 280,000 Australian dollars a year (US$180,000) to afford the median house price of 1.4 million Australian dollars (US$0.9m).

Both Labor and the Coalition have unveiled a number of housing policies to attract voters, who have been casting their ballots in early voting since April 22, although campaigners say neither appears prepared to tackle the root causes of the problem.

Labor has pledged to build 100,000 homes for first-time buyers and increase financial support, while the Liberals have promised to train more construction apprentices, invest in essential infrastructure, and allow younger Australians to withdraw their pensions early to pay for their housing deposit.

Both parties have also taken aim at foreign buyers and immigration, with Albanese earlier this year announcing a two-year ban on non-citizens buying existing homes.

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Economists have pointed to a lack of supply as the fundamental cause of the housing crisis.

Australia had the lowest housing stock per capita in the developed world at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately 400 houses per 1000 people, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

While the supply of housing has improved somewhat since then, it has been far outstripped by demand driven by record inward migration.

Australias population grew 2.1 percent in 2024, even as the countrys birthrate sank to a 17-year low.

The construction of social housing, in particular, has fallen by the wayside.

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In 2023, there were 169,000 households on a waiting list for public housing, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Yumi Lee, chief executive at Older Womens Network NSW, said many older women in particular find it harder to secure housing due to having smaller pensions compared with their male peers.

A 2021 KPMG report found women aged 60-64 had 57,207 Australian dollars (US$36,608) less in their pension pot than men, on average.

We are called the so-called lucky country, but so many older women are having to choose between food, medicine or rent, and its not a matter of luck, its a matter of neglect, Lee told Al Jazeera.

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Kris, a 71-year-old pensioner in the Blue Mountains, near Sydney, said she nearly became homeless last year after being forced to sell the family home following her divorce.

I hear story after story of these sorts of things happening, Kris, who asked to use a pseudonym, told Al Jazeera.

Experts say a range of factors have aggravated the housing shortage, including NIMBYism and a lack of tradesmen.

More controversially, housing advocates have directed blame towards negative gearing, a type of tax relief that allows landlords to write off losses incurred from their investment property.

New high-rise buildings and an old apartment block are seen in Casula in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Australia, on February 25, 2025 [Kirsty Needham/Reuters]

After pledging to scale back negative gearing, Labor ditched the proposals during the 2022 election after it suffered two consecutive election defeats.

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Maiy Azize, the national spokesperson for the pressure group Everybodys Home, said neither of the major parties seemed willing to tackle the issue.

This is a crisis that took decades to create, and its going to take decades to fix, but we do need someone to step up and take the first steps, Azize told Al Jazeera.

If a party was inclined to start a program to really boost social housing and to do that tax reform, they could make a big impact really quickly, but it is something thats gonna take time to fix, she said.

Bernie Barrett, the acting chief executive of Better Renting, said a positive step forward would be for the federal and state governments to develop nationally consistent rental laws.

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Around 30 percent of Australians rent their home, and even though were such a large demographic, our issues have largely been ignored by politicians and policymakers, Barrett, whose organisation has rated Labor as slow and the Liberals as getting worse for progress on rental policies, told Al Jazeera.

Andrea Leong, a 38-year-old renter and microbiologist living in Albaneses New South Wales electorate of Gryandler, said she feels neglected by both major parties.

In Australia, we have been given this idea that owning a home is the Australian dream. Renting your home is seen as an unfortunate or a temporary situation, Leong told Al Jazeera.

I want the prime minister and all sides of politics to recognise that renting is a legitimate way of living.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Officers are looking for a man who was captured on camera stealing a heavy-duty truck Tuesday.

Police were notified about the theft from Pike Industries on Vermont Route 14 at roughly 9 p.m. Tuesday. The vehicle was later recovered on Thursday in Barre, but authorities are still looking for the suspect.

Courtesy: VSP

Courtesy: VSP

Those with information about the situation can call VSP at 802-229-9191.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
More than 400 workers in West and Middle Tennessee will be laid off in June from Adient, a manufacturer of auto seats. (Photo: Getty Images)

More than 400 workers will lose their jobs in June with the closure of two automotive seat manufacturing plants in West and Middle Tennessee.

Adient will permanently close its facilities in Henderson and Maury counties by June 27, according to notices submitted to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development earlier this month.

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The company began layoffs of the 95 workers at its Columbia manufacturing facility in Maury County on April 17. Layoffs of the 320 workers at its Lexington plant in Henderson County began April 21.

Adient operates three other Tennessee manufacturing plants in Athens, Murfreesboro, and Pulaski, according to its website. A representative for Adient could not be immediately reached for comment.

Employees at the Columbia plant are represented by United Automobile Workers Local 1853 in Spring Hill. Union representatives were not immediately available to comment. Lexington facility employees did not have union representation. The Southwest Local Workforce Development Area rapid response team will coordinate services for affected employees, according to the notices.

Adient invested $23.5 million to expand its Lexington facility in 2020, pledging to grow its workforce there to 330 employees. It was the companys second significant investment in Henderson County since 2018, according to a January 2020 announcement from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD).

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About 8,000 people lived in Lexington in 2020, according to the census. Lexington Mayor Jeff Griggs declined to answer questions about the closure, but said in a statement that the City of Lexington is committed to providing resources and support to those impacted by this closure.

State records show the company was offered $2.5 million in grants for its first expansion of the Lexington facility in 2018.

The states economic development arm offered Adient a $155,000 grant for a 62-employee expansion at its Murfreesboro plant in 2024 and a $90,000 grant for a 90-employee expansion at the Columbia facility in 2019.

A representative for TNECD did not immediately respond to a request for more details on the grant agreements.

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Open positions remained posted on Adients website for its Murfreesboro and Pulaski locations as of 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The company will host a conference call on May 7 at 8:30 a.m. eastern time to discuss its 2025 second-quarter finances.

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As Republican lawmakers across the U.S. have implemented laws allowing individuals to request the removal of books they believe are harmful to minors  such as in neighboring Idaho as shown in the photo above  Democratic Oregon lawmakers are taking a different approach through Senate Bill 1098. (Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun)

Oregon lawmakers are taking steps to protect access to library materials written by diverse authors or that include themes of race, gender or sexual orientation.

On Wednesday afternoon, the House Education Committee heard public comments on Senate Bill 1098, which would prohibit schools and library districts from removing books with stories about religion, disability, LGBTQ+ issues or other characteristics of a protected class in Oregons anti-discrimination law in public education.

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As Republican lawmakers across the U.S. have passed laws to restrict access to certain books and limit discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion, Democratic Oregon lawmakers are taking steps to ensure that books by diverse authors remain accessible to readers.

The bill does not remove existing standards for determining if a book is appropriate, but it adds the additional requirement that a book cannot be excluded or removed because of the perspective it represents, said bill sponsor Sen. Lew Frederick, D-Portland.

Sen. Lew Frederick, D-Portland, at the Oregon Legislature on Feb. 12, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

If folks only allege theres inappropriate material when that material is by or about a protected class, then thats when theres a problem, Frederick said.

Public libraries and schools saw more attempts to remove books between July 2023 and 2024 than in any year since the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse at the State Library began tracking challenges. Nearly 90% of those challenges were to books written by or about underrepresented groups, according to a letter State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen submitted to lawmakers.

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This is the second time Frederick brings this bill to the statehouse. Frederick proposed a similar bill last year, which passed the Senate in a 17-12 vote, but the bill died as the five-week 2024 legislative session ended. This years attempt passed the Senate on nearly a party-line 18-10 vote, with Sen. Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City, voting in support of the bill. It awaits action in the House.

Most testimony in support of bill, but Republican lawmakers call it redundant

Most of the fifteen people who signed up to speak to the committee supported the bill, including several parents, an author and representatives from LGBTQ+ and library advocacy groups such as ACLU of Oregon and the Oregon Library Association.

This bill is a tool to save Oregon schools and parents time and energy, said Bridget Tyler, a Corvallis parent. It doesnt take power away from parents. It sets limits that prevent people who dont have children in our kids schools from interfering in our choices.

Three Republican lawmakers spoke in opposition to the bill, including Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction, who said he is concerned that public school libraries carry inappropriate materials that are sexually explicit and have heavy profanity.

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Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, said the bill is redundant because schools already must follow non-discrimination policies.

Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, said the bill would silence parents and school boards who raise concerns about education materials presented in Oregon public schools.

The committee will decide whether to advance the bill during a work session at a later date. From there, it would need a vote by the full House and then head to Gov. Tina Kotek, who could choose to veto the bill, sign it into law, or allow it to become law without her signature. Upon becoming law, the bill would take effect immediately.

Editors Note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Senate Bill 1098 did not pass the Senate on a full party-line vote.

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North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), huddles with Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne), right, during a House vote on Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts would be banned from North Carolina government under a bill passed by the House on Wednesday.

House Bill 171 bans mandatory DEI training, consideration of diversity and equity in hiring, dedicated DEI offices or positions and the use of any taxpayer dollars on the efforts. It defines DEI as anything that promotes differential treatment based on identity.

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The measure is part of a trio of Republican-led bills wiping DEI from all corners of the public sector  government, higher education and K-12 education. It passed the House on a 69-45 vote, as protesters and visiting members of the historically Black Divine Nine fraternities and sororities looked on from the gallery.

State workers who violate the measure could be subject to removal, a fine of up to $5,000 and potential civil litigation. And the state auditors office, currently held by Republican Dave Boliek, would conduct periodic audits on agencies.

Over the course of an extensive, wide-ranging and tense debate, Republican proponents described the bill as a long-overdue return to the idea of prioritizing merit in government.

It restores the principle that should never have been lost: can you do the job? said House Majority Leader Brenden Jones (R-Columbus). Did you earn it? Are you qualified?

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Democrats warned that the bill would set the state further back as it struggles to fill vacancies within government, and that it could dissuade agencies from hiring workers who could be perceived as DEI hires.

Why would you want to be  somebody that sets off those alarms? House Democratic Leader Robert Reives (D-Chatham) said. We know thats the effect. Dont pretend otherwise. This makes people say, its not worth the trouble.'

The hours-long discussion featured lawmakers speaking on terms both broad and personal.

Rep. John Blust (R-Guilford) read passages from books he described as seminal documents for DEI, while remarking that the U.S. gets a bad rap relative to the global history of slavery. (Reives later commented that he was happy to help with history lessons.)

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I dont think were getting an honest assessment of what DEI is from the debate opponents, Blust said.

Rep. Carolyn Logan (D-Mecklenburg) (Photo: NCGA video stream)

And Rep. Carolyn Logan (D-Mecklenburg) recalled being recruited as the only Black woman to serve on the NC Highway Patrol for more than a decade. And she asked who had taken issue with diversity and equity being used within the state workforce.

Who was complaining about this? Who are the state agencies who say they were having a problem? Logan said. Is it going to be cookie cutter? Were going back to all white males?

Republicans, who control the North Carolina legislature, have made a more concentrated push against DEI efforts this session in the wake of the White Houses crackdown on those programs and practices nationally.

The legislation now goes to the Senate. Bills banning DEI in both higher education and K-12 schools have already passed that chamber and are awaiting further action in the House.
Improving barracks conditions and investing in personnel quality of life is paramount to maintaining Marine Corps readiness, service leaders said Tuesday at a Washington defense conference.

Panelists at Modern Day Marine  including Lt. Gen. James Adams III, Maj. Gen. Ryan Rideout, and Maj. Gen. Jason Woodworth  vowed to forge ahead with the massive Barracks 2030 overhaul in order to fix dilapidated Marine Corps housing.

The idea is not to fix it and forget it, Adams said. Its to fix it correctly and then maintain it, because, quite frankly, we got ourselves into the position were in now because we didnt fix it and we did forget it.

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Barracks 2030, announced in early 2024 with a target completion date of 2037, is a nearly $11 billion overhaul of Marine Corps barracks that primarily house unmarried troops. The plan promises to repair rooms, update furniture and professionalize housing management.

Marine Corps barracks have come under fire in years past for documented problems with mold, broken appliances and vermin.

Adams said Barracks 2030 sat firmly at the top of the Marine Corps Commandants unfunded priority list, which is a wishlist of necessities that fall outside of the services budget.

The program doesnt officially start until 2026, Woodworth clarified, so a portion of the renovations and revamping wont apply to service members leaving before then. However, the Marine Corps had already installed new furniture in 109 buildings since the program was announced and spent about $125 million in 2024 on renovation and repairs, according to Woodworth.

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The Marines unmanned ground vehicle will look a lot like the Armys

It was revealed at Modern Day Marine that the renovation plan had run into a slight hitch, but the goal remained the same.

Leaders agreed the investments were desperately needed to revive the declining conditions of the housing facilities.

I grew up  my first duty station was Camp Pendleton back a couple years ago  and I didnt even recognize Mainside because the buildings and facilities had fallen into such disrepair, Adams said.

But he had reason to be optimistic.

When Adams met with new Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, he said he expected Feinberg to focus on designs and weapons systems.

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Instead, he went a different route.

He wanted to talk about Barracks 2030, Adams said.

Demolition would also be an integral part of the 2030 initiative, particularly for cost-saving measures.

Woodworth pointed out that the service currently had enough barracks to accommodate about 200,000 Marines from the 2012 era when the service was growing. But he said they needed to scale that down to align with the smaller service size of 2025, which he said was closer to 175,000 troops.

The price of maintaining those rooms  even unoccupied ones  tallied close to $2,500 per year for keeping on power, lights, water and fire systems, among other costs.

We really need to be very focused on taking down as much as we put up, Woodworth said.
Cambodia inaugurates 3 China-funded national roads in southwestern provinces

Xinhua) 09:40, May 01, 2025

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)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
We recently compiled a list of the 15 Best Stocks to Buy During Recession. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) stands against the other stocks.

As per BlackRock, 2025 started with a bumpy ride for the US stocks. That being said, the asset manager believes that the sentiment has been a critical driver, but fundamentals seem to be healthy. This makes up for an optimistic longer-run outlook. Despite the tariff shocks creating difficult markets, the firm is constructive in its outlook and opines that volatility is an opportunity to capitalize on stock dispersion. Furthermore, Asia continues to exhibit a diversification opportunity for making investments in the AI theme, with equities providing low correlation to US counterparts.

Amidst Worries, There Is a Silver Lining

The trade and tariff uncertainty, which fueled the early-year volatility, advanced at the beginning of Q2 due to the US tariff pronouncements, according to the investment management company. This resulted in a global market meltdown and revived fears related to recession. However, as the quarter progressed, the tariff tensions took a backseat, and there was some optimism visible in the broader US markets. The asset manager believes that, while tariffs remain a critical measure, the potential for market-supporting policies like deregulation and corporate tax cuts provides some room for emergent optimism.

The firm highlighted the importance of an active approach in a bid to capitalize on inefficiencies and to make precise and intentional decisions amidst historic change and transition. While the results of bilateral tariff negotiations remain unpredictable, having a pulse on company dynamics, mainly when the macro picture remains unclear, can act as a differentiator for portfolios.

Policy Measures Likely to Support Moving Forward

The firm opines that corporate strength has supported the US equities momentum, and it comes through in earnings and market share. As per the firm, relatively pro-industry policies have stimulated healthy FCF. Several companies throughout different time frames have deployed the cash for future business growth. Even though the policy uncertainty in the current time of transition led to the pause in large investment decisions, the company believes that moves toward deregulation and the reshoring of supply chains once policy gets settled can result in the revival of CapEx spending throughout industries, such as technology and industrials. Despite tariffs dominating, the asset manager expects that deregulation and other policy priorities can regain attention. The high drive for innovation is the long-term secular trend that can support the US equities.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) has released body camera footage of a deadly officer-involved shooting at a motel on Gwenadale Avenue.

Authorities said officers were responding to a disturbance call involving a male suspect at the Super 6 Inn and Suites on Sunday, April 20. When they arrived, officers located the suspect, who was later identified as Kevin Vallian, 34.

The police and Vallian exchanged gunfire before a bullet struck him. Vallian later died at the hospital. No officers were injured in the shooting.

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Baton Rouge officers on leave after motel shooting incident

Body camera footage shows the suspect lifting a rifle in the air and firing gunshots

In a statement released on Thursday, May 1, Chief Thomas Morse said officers found the suspect, Vallian, inside the vehicle with its alarm going off, in a parking lot. Body camera footage shows officers instructing Vallian to exit the car with his hands raised.

The suspect, however, grabbed and fired an AR-style rifle during this interaction with law enforcement. In response, one officer was able to return fire, fatally wounding the suspect, Morse said.

In the video, Vallian can be seen raising the rifle, with visible sparks and the sound of multiple gunshots following. Police later replay the footage in slow motion, highlighting the moment the rifle is raised and fired.

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Police are then seen removing the rifle and a handgun away from the suspect.

The two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. Morse said that an internal investigation is underway, and added, However, based on my preliminary review of all related videos, I do not anticipate any discipline for either officer involved.

Watch the video here.

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In a meeting of the House Judiciary Committee, Democrats repeatedly failed to use the power of the purse to bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from carrying out deportations without due process.

Representatives of the minority party proposed multiple amendments to a budget bill currently undergoing the thorny process of reconciliation. The first would have disallowed ICE from carrying out deportations without due process. The second, made in the wake of deportations of US-born children, would have kept ICE from using funds to deport US citizens for any reason.

The move comes after President Donald Trump floated the idea of sending U.S. citizens to a maximum security prison in El Salvador while speaking to that country's president, Nayib Bukele. The Trump administration has already carried out several deportations of Venezuelan immigrants to the notorious prison, without offering them a day in court.

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"The fact that Democrats and my colleague Representative Pramila Jayapal feel the need to even introduce an amendment that says ICE cannot deport U.S. citizens is bats**t crazy, Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif. said. "It is not even a question. U.S. citizens cannot be deported by ICE. Its the law, its the Constitution."

ICE cannot deport US citizens. This should not even be a discussion.



Astounded Republicans voted against this. pic.twitter.com/IYxw4Tmxns  Rep. Ted Lieu (@RepTedLieu) April 30, 2025

Other Democrats laid into their Republican colleagues' tacit support of circumventing the Fifth Amendment. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., wondered if his GOP counterparts would be able to sleep at night if they voted down Jayapal's amendment.

"I don't understand how you'll be able to look yourself in the face," Moskowitz said.

Both amendments were ultimately unsuccessful.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A Bay Area woman is suing American Airlines, accusing the airline of allowing a known sexual predator to fly, which then turned her into a sexual assault victim.

In April 2024, Barbara Morgan says she was flying from San Francisco to Dallas on an American Airlines red-eye flight to visit her son. However, in a lawsuit filed Wednesday against American Airlines, Morgan says her experience soured when she claims she was sexually assaulted by a passenger next to her.

Morgan said she was touched inappropriately across her body. She said she yelled at the man to stop but was too scared to alert flight attendants.

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I was distraught, it was dark, it was past midnight, people had masks on, earmuffs on, no one can hear me, and I felt I was sitting in silence, Morgan said.

Once the flight landed, Morgan said she told a gate agent, but airline staff said they couldnt do anything post-flight. Morgan says she filed a complaint but never received help.

Rare two-headed snake hatches at Berkeley pet store

Morgan eventually filed the suit because she claims the airline knew about the previous abuse allegations against 54-year-old Cherian Abraham but still allowed him to book a flight.

Wheres my protection? Why dont they care? I was just a number. Im speaking because no woman needs to feel unsafe on a flight, Morgan said.

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At the end of March, the FBI charged Abraham with abusive sexual contact for repeatedly touching another woman on an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Seattle  citing multiple allegations from other flights in addition to Morgans.

The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority. We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation. American Airlines

He got away with it, I was ashamed, angry and so frustrated. I reported what happened because I believed that American Airlines would take me seriously, but they blamed me, Morgan said.

American Airlines says Abraham is banned from flying with them, and they are cooperating with investigators. The case is set to go to trial in August.

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AURORA, N.C. (WNCT)  Two Beaufort County Schools forums were cancelled this week to talk about the possible closing of S.W. Snowden Elementary School in Aurora.

Weve heard from the administration that the open meetings that are scheduled for Tuesday night and for Thursday night have been shelved, and they will be shelved until the commissioners come up with a final budget. Beaufort County Commissioner, Stan Deatherage said.

At the first community forum earlier this month, Beaufort County Schools say a commissioner suggested possibly setting aside money in the budget for the fiscal year to help Snowden stay open, which is why they decided to postpone the meeting.

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They want to see how much money theyre going to get to run the schools this year. Theyre talking about that. Theyve had a lot. They have a lot of deficits. They were talking about $6 million. They would need extra, Deatherage said. They I think they want the commissioners to come up with that $6 million. That wont happen. I dont think theyll get the votes, if they do get the votes, the public is going to go crazy because this is a reevaluation year.

Stan Deatherage, a Beaufort County Commissioner, says that he is for keeping the school open, but other commissioners are for closing it.

Snowden school is in very good shape. It does not need to be closed. It does not need to run down because of closure. To sell it would mean that very little money would be gained. Deatherage said.

Many people in Aurora are trying to fight not only for the school, but for the children who learn there.

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These kids are the ones that are in this  the balance of this  these struggles, and I just feel like that these kids have to be the first consideration, President of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Joy Dunn said.

This closure is affecting more than just those who work and learn at the school.

Thats a hard one. Even in my business, because if a school goes away, less chance of more people moving into town, which brings more customers as well as the children, if they have to get bused somewhere else, even if its a community or halfway to, its still just too far and too hard for our little kids to go that far. Owner of the Blue Crab Boutique, Beverly Horvatch said.

Beaufort County Commissioners are currently looking at the budget, and will have it finalized soon.

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Clashes have erupted in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya on the outskirts of the Syrian capital, Damascus, this week.

The violence, which initially involved local armed men from the Druze religious minority and unknown gunmen from other towns, has killed at least 30 people.

Syrian security forces intervened to restore calm, but then Israel attacked Syria, claiming it was defending the Druze.

The unrest comes as the Syrian government, in power since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, tries to assert its control over the whole country.

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So, whats going on in Syria?





How did the latest unrest in Syria start?

Observers agree that the unrest seems to have started when a voice recording of a man cursing the Prophet Muhammad circulated, with claims that a Druze leader was speaking. The authenticity of the recording is questionable.

But it provoked the fury of many Syrians, and on Tuesday, a group of unknown gunmen attacked the mostly Druze town of Jaramana.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior says that its forces went to break up the clashes, before being attacked themselves.

The dead on Tuesday included at least two members of Syrias General Security Services, the authorities said, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said six Druze fighters and three attackers were also killed.

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Then, on Wednesday, fighting spread to Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, another town in the Damascus suburbs with a significant Druze population.

A source in the Syrian Interior Ministry told Al Jazeera that 16 members of the security forces were killed in an attack on a security checkpoint in Sahnaya. That prompted more fighting, and six Druze fighters were killed, according to the SOHR.

Israel then launched air attacks on Sahnaya, targeting security personnel, according to the Interior Ministry, while Israel said it had attacked extremists.

The Syrian authorities have since announced that calm has been restored in both Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.





What led to the violence?

Syrias new administration is trying to stabilise the country, but fallout from 12-plus years of war, the many armed groups in the country and the instability that comes with big changes have made for a volatile environment.

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The worst unrest was in early March when hundreds were killed in Syrias coastal region.

Fighters loyal to the Assad regime attacked security forces, setting off the violence as fighters from other areas came in to fight, and widespread attacks were reported against civilians, many from the former presidents Alawite sect.

There is fear in Syria that al-Assads supporters will keep trying to overthrow the new authorities, who have not yet been able to exert power and provide security across the whole country.

Some of that fear has morphed into suspicion of minorities such as Alawites and Druze.

The minorities, in turn, fear this suspicion and worry about the fact that there are still armed fighters with backgrounds in groups such as al-Qaeda.

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The new government has emphasised that all are equal in the new Syria, but that has yet to quieten these fears.

Add to this mix the potential for fake news to spread on social media, and the country is rife with the tensions that led to the most recent fighting in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.





Why is Israel involved?

Israel seems to have stepped up its attacks on Syria and is occupying more and more land since the fall of al-Assad.

It already illegally occupied part of the Syrian Golan Heights along the border, and regularly bombed sites in Syria it claimed belonged to pro-Iranian groups like Lebanons Hezbollah.

When al-Assad fled, Israel saw an opportunity, analysts say, and stepped up its attacks, claiming that the new government is extremist and cloaking itself as a defender of the Druze in Syria, part of whose community lives under Israeli control.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he would not allow Syrian government forces to operate in Syrian territory south of the capital, Damascus, calling for the full demilitarisation of the area.

Some Israelis have called for taking control of Druze-majority areas in southern Syria, claiming that would create an alliance of minorities across the Middle East.

On Wednesday, after the fighting in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, the Israeli military said that it had taken three Syrian Druze to Israel to receive medical treatment.





Who are the Druze, and who do they support?

The Druze, an ethnoreligious Arabic-speaking group that grew out of Ismaili Shia Islam, live in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as Israel, especially the occupied Golan Heights.

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Nobody can claim to know who all the Druze support. Individuals or sub-groups within each national community will have differing opinions.

The Druze population in Israel is estimated at 150,000, and Israel conscripts their young men into the army, whereas it does not conscript Palestinian citizens of Israel.

The Druze in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria are openly supportive of the Palestinian cause, while Syrian Druze leaders have vehemently rejected the idea of friendlier ties with Israel.

The communities are important players in their countries politics, particularly in Lebanon, where Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has been influential for decades.

In Syria, many Druze were active in the opposition against al-Assad, and have been publicly supportive of the new government.




May 1 (UPI) -- An American citizen detained in Belarus has been released, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"Thanks to @POTUS, Belarus has released another wrongfully detained U.S. citizen," Rubio said Wednesday in a statement on X. "No president has done so much, so quickly to keep Americans safe abroad."

Rubio did not identify the released American, but officials confirmed to CNN and Axios that it was lawyer and activist Youras Ziankovich, who had been detained for more than 3 1/2 years.

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Ziankovich was captured in Moscow in April 2021 by four men who were waiting for him outside his hotel room, according to the James Foley Foundation.

With a hood over his head, he was forced into a car and then driven more than 400 miles to Minsk where he was wanted for his criticism of the country's dictatorial president, Alexander Lukashenko.

He was later convicted in a secret trial, the foundation said.

"It's a relief to see Youras Ziankovich -- an American citizen wrongfully detained in Belarus -- on his way back to the U.S." Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H, and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. "I'm grateful to those who worked tirelessly to facilitate his return, including @StateDept career staff."

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"Welcome home, Youras," she continued.

In a statement reported by Radio Free Europe, Ziankovich's wife, Alena Dzenisavets, thanked President Donald Trump, Rubio and those who had aided in advocating for her husband's released.

"It took 1,480 days but he survived and is on his way home to me and to America," she said.

Ziankovich was one of thousands arrested for opposing Lukashenko following mass protests that erupted in the country after the president's election to a sixth term a year prior in a contest that has been widely discredited.

According to the Viasna human rights center, there were 1,198 political prisoners in Belarus as of Thursday.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said in a statement that she is "relieved" to see Ziankovich released, and that "we'll keep fighting to free all 1,200 political prisoners held hostage by Lukashenka's criminal regime."
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Winning the Kentucky Derby takes immense skill, great teamwork, and a little bit of luck.

Horse racing and luck have a long history that goes hand-in-hand, or should we say hoof-in-hoof?

From four-leaf clovers to rabbits feet to knocking on wood, luck is a tricky concept. Especially in the world of horse racing, its something you are either a full believer in;

Yeah, sometimes, Anne Marti said.

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Or a full-blown skeptic.

No, I think its talent, explained Tim Wall.

MORE KENTUCKY DERBY:

And everyone has their reasons.

Maybe it depends on your confidence, said Louise Frisvold. If you believe you have more luck, youre more confident, and maybe it is more likely to happen.

I dont think so, Wall detailed. I think the trainers are very good. The jockeys are very good. They research horses; they know what they do when their racetrack is; they know what theyre doing when they bring them up.

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Regardless of where you stand, its hard to deny the deep-rooted connection between horses, luck, and the Kentucky Derby.

In about the 10th century, with Saint Dunstan, who is the patron saint of blacksmiths, explained Curator for the International Museum of the Horse Noa Leibson. The story goes with him, the devil came by with a horse and asked to be shod. But Sir Dunstan tricked him and actually shod the devil instead. With this iron horseshoe being another protective material. Said to drive off the fey evil, and the devil, in his fright and great pain, threw off the shoe. So, the belief came to be that if you hung up a shoe, it would keep the devil out. It would keep evil out.

And despite what you might have heard, there is no wrong way to capture a horseshoes luck.

Read more of the latest Kentucky Derby news

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The shoe facing downward allows the luck to be sprinkled into different communities, different people, the home that it is said to protect, Leibson said. Whereas other people believe that the horseshoe facing up keeps all the luck inside, and if you turn it down, then it will spill out and you will have no luck.

Just take the Kentucky Derby trophy, for instance.

Look closely and youll notice a horseshoe prominently in the center, but depending on whose trophy you look at, youll notice a difference in the horseshoes orientation.

The only thing thats changed on the trophy is up until 1998 or 1999 is when they turn the horseshoe right side up, Susanne Blackinton-Juaire, whose family makes the Derby trophy. So, the luck wont run out.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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So, whether you believe in luck or not, when it comes to the Kentucky Derby, it never hurts to have a little bit on your side.

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BELOIT, Wis. (WTVO)  Beloit Police said a raid on two massage parlors this week was part of an investigation into human trafficking.

According to police, multiple complaints from the community led authorities to suspect that sexual services were being offered at two massage parlors, in the 2700 block and 2200 block of Prairie Avenue.

An investigation was launched by Beloit Police, the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, Janesville Police, Rock County Sheriff, U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Services, Rock County District Attorneys office, and other agencies that resulted in search warrants being issued for the businesses.

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On Tuesday, April 29th, officers raided the massage parlors and collected evidence and conducted interviews that Beloit Police said were part of a broader effort to combat human trafficking and the operation of establishments that promote or maintain prostitution.

No arrests were announced, but authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

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This story is published through the Indigenous News Alliance, which ICT is part of.



Sonam Lama Hyolmo

Mongabay



In Native Hawaiians genealogical stories, says Solomon Kahoohalahala, the coral polyp is considered the oldest ancestor, and they hold spiritual relationships with migratory animals, including the Kohola, or humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).



Kohola is the manifestation of our god of the sea and is revered for its ability to dive into the depths of the deep sea and the realm of the sacred place of our creation, far beyond our imaginations, he said. Their care and protection are vital for the existence of species and Native Hawaiians.



For generations, the traditional ecological knowledge, values, and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous peoples related to forests, lands, waters, and territories have helped conserve nature and its resources. We do not see ourselves above nature, which is quite different from the colonial perspective that sees dominion over all things, said Kahoohalahala, chairperson of Maui Nui Makai Network, a group of community and partner organizations across the Hawaiian Islands.



For these reasons, during one of the worlds largest convenings of Indigenous peoplesthe U.N. Permanent Forum in New York Cityrepresentatives of Indigenous and coastal communities gathered to push for their integration into all aspects of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), sometimes known as the High Seas Treaty. In 2023, the U.N. adopted the agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity and ecosystems within the two-thirds of the worlds ocean that lie beyond any countrys jurisdiction.



These are the first-ever calls by Indigenous and coastal communities as members attending the forum begin steps to prepare for the agreements entry into force.



On the high seas, threats to marine ecosystems are escalatingfrom overfishing and rising ocean temperatures to acidification and potentially devastating deep-sea mining. Indigenous and coastal community leaders say these changes are directly undermining their land, food, water sovereignty, and cultures. Studies show that ocean warming and acidification cause the depletion of fish stocks and other marine species, and have affected communities access to marine resources, income sources, and food security.

Solomon Kahoohalahala, chairperson of Maui Nui Makai Network, a group of community and partner organizations across the Hawaiian Islands. (Latoya Abulu, Mongabay)

Even if international policy determines that the high seas are owned by no one, delegates say Indigenous and coastal communitieswho depend on migratory species and have spiritual connections to the deep seashould be included. Their participation could include roles in governance, environmental management, and best-practice strategies grounded in traditional ecological knowledge and values.



Its a responsibility to include Indigenous peoples in a meaningful way, said Ghazali Ohorella, adviser to the International Indian Treaty Council, adding that they can play a key role in ocean management and conservation. Historically, Indigenous peoples were included only on the sidelines, as we have seen in other processes.



Studies show that two-thirds of the high seas, which host a range of undiscovered biodiversity, support important fisheries for Indigenous and coastal communities and provide migratory routes for numerous marine species. Meanwhile, these areas harbor rare ecosystems such as deep-water corals and species yet to be discovered.



The treaty includes elements to build ocean resilience, support sustainable fisheries, and ensure environmental impact assessments, while promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine genetic resources. However, some environmental experts and Indigenous and coastal communities criticize the treaty for not directly regulating deep-sea mining and exempting it from environmental impact assessmentsan omission they say could backfire on conservation efforts.



Possibilities of involvement



To strengthen the participation of island communities in ocean conservation under the agreement, Kahoohalahala said Indigenous peoples should be included in each subsidiary body and committee (smaller units that handle specific tasks) that will be part of the treatys implementation. This, he said, will help bridge existing gaps that exclude Indigenous people from conservation decision-making.



It is no longer appropriate to merely acknowledge our presence, but to seek our input, counsel, and our collective decision-making for ocean conservation and solutions, says Kahoohalahala.



This idea has already attracted the interest of some national representatives during closed-door meetings, he shared.



Representatives of Indigenous organizations also called for the implementation of traditional knowledge and perspectives in the scientific and technical subsidiary bodies, as well as in the implementation and compliance committees. The upcoming Conference of the Parties for this agreement, they say, should establish a stand-alone committee for Indigenous peoples and local communities to uphold Indigenous rights, inclusion, equitable participation, partnership, and benefit-sharing.



According to Clement Yow Mulalap, legal adviser for the Federated States of Micronesias permanent mission to the U.N., other possibilities exist as well. The agreement could incorporate the knowledge of Pacific coastal communities on migratory species populations, discuss regulations on hunting in or near the high seas, and include Indigenous peoples and coastal communities in environmental management and best practices.



Leaders who attended the meetings said that capacity building and the transfer of marine technologya section of the agreement focused on developing and sharing knowledge and technology for marine researchmust become a two-way process for sharing skills and knowledge between Indigenous peoples and other stakeholders.



Some parties also discussed the need to achieve equality between science and traditional knowledge, the latter of which is mentioned in the agreement.



They are not otherwise ranked or tiered, said Yow Mulalap. So, there will be a need to operationalize that textual parity into practical terms.

A coral reef and marine life in the waters off Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua province, Indonesia. (Photo courtesy of Econusa via Mongabay)

As one potential model, Sara Olsvig, president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, said the council has developed its own ethical and equitable engagement protocols aimed at making scientists more accountable to Indigenous peoples and their knowledge.



Challenges exist, but the uniqueness of this structure is that Indigenous peoples are at the table and we are part of the decision-making, Olsvig said.



The BBNJ agreement will enter into force when at least 60 countries ratify it. So far, 113 countries have signed the agreement, while 19 have ratified the treaty. Delegates hope the agreement will enter into force by the 3rd U.N. Ocean Conference in June 2025.



While treaty ratification continues to gain momentum, Kahoohalahala said unity is vital for Indigenous and local communities across the Pacific.



Although divided within Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, we belong to one ocean. It is important for us to begin erasing some of these boundaries to protect the ancestral knowledge that is common to us as Indigenous peoples and coastal communities.
FARMVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  The town of Farmville is losing a staple in the community. After more than twenty years in business, The Duck-Rabbit Brewery will be closing its doors.

Owner Paul Philippon making the announcement on Facebook, believing it to be the right decision. While it may be the right decision for Philippon, the closure of the brewery is being felt throughout the community.

The Duck-Rabbit was the largest brewery in Eastern North Carolina, which is very successful for a brewery of its size. The business was something Farmville residents were very proud of.

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Philippon told WNCT on Wednesday that he is not ready to talk about the decision to close Duck-Rabbit right now. For more information, click on the video above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Stocks to Buy According to John W. Rogers of Ariel Investments. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG) stands against John W. Rogers' other stock picks.

John W. Rogers Jr. is a prominent American investor and hedge fund manager who serves as the chairman, CEO, and CIO of Ariel Investments. Rogers graduated from Princeton University in 1980 and spent two and a half years as a stock broker at William Blair. Three years later, he founded Ariel Investments, the first Black-owned mutual fund company in the United States, with $200,000 supported by family and friends. Howard University would be Ariel Investments' initial customer, with the firm receiving $100,000 to manage its endowment. The next year, the city of Chicago granted Ariel $1 million to operate a pension plan. By 2009, Ariel Investments was managing $3.3 billion in assets, which has since increased to a staggering $12.9 billion.

Notably, the investor's flagship Ariel Fund's faced one of its first hurdles back on October 19, 1987, the day of the crash known as Black Monday. The next major test came after the dot-com crisis in 2000, with the Ariel Fund rebounding strongly, returning 29% that year and 14% in 2001. During the 2008 financial crisis, Rogers' investments in equities, such as real estate investment firm CBRE Group and newspaper publisher Gannett, caused the fund to lose 48% before returning 63% in 2009.

Rogers appreciates patience as he looks for companies that he believes will reach their full potential in a set period of years. This strategy of scooping up value stocks, pioneered by famed investors Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham, involves buying stocks whose worth may be undervalued by the market. Speaking on a Bloomberg Invest Conference, the investor stated that market enthusiasts might get overly focused on short-term trends, and those prepared to look three or five years ahead may still uncover opportunities.

Ariel Investments remains steadfast in its belief of value investing, even within the current market climate. This confidence in its strategy was reaffirmed in the fund's Q1 2025 Investor Letter. Here is what Ariel Fund had to say:
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  District Attorney Scott Thomas has announced that Marvin Ramone

Berry, Jr., age 22 of New Bern, N.C., plead guilty to Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and

Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and was sentenced to an active term of 70-96 months in the

Department of Adult Correction.

In June of 2024, Berry followed a female victim near the 700 Block of Pollock, St. in downtown New Bern around 9 p.m. The victim, who was walking through downtown and did not know Berry, stopped briefly and Berry pulled a revolver on her and demanded her purse before fleeing the scene.

Once Berry got away, the victim called law enforcement and was able to give a description of Berry, including his physical appearance, the book bag he was carrying, and the clothing he was wearing. Using that information, New Bern Police were able to identify Berry who was found walking down Bloomfield St. nearby. Berry was stopped and searched and inside of his bookbag, officers found a .38 revolver, the victims purse, passport, cellphone, and other identifying information.

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Berry has previously been convicted of common law robbery, larceny of a motor vehicle, and possession of firearm by a felon.

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A 52-year-old man who had been incarcerated in Tutwiler, Mississippi, was being held Wednesday on sexual abuse charges in connection with complaints involving minor victims from 2011-2016, Scott County Court records show.

According to Scott County Court arrest affidavits, David Pai, who was arrested on a warrant, faces 13 felony charges, including six charges of second-degree sexual abuse, three charges of third-degree sexual abuse, two charges of child endangerment  bodily injury, and two charges of drug distribution to a person under 18, according to Scott County Court arrest affidavits.

David Pai (Scott County Jail)

A supplemental affidavit in Scott County Court says on or about Sept. 22, 2024, a report was filed with Bettendorrf Police alleging Pai sexually, physically, and emotionally abused children between 2011-2016.

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One victim was between the ages of 11-12 and the other 9-14, Scott County Court records say.

The victims reported that Pai hit them in the head with his hands, hit them with objects such as a broom stick, and deliberately hit their heads together. Also, the Scott County Court affidavit says Pai held down one minor, choked the victim, and flashed a Taser by a victims head. Additionally, the report says Pai locked the victims in a dog kennel as a form of punishment.

Both victims said Pai gave them marijuana, according to Scott County Court documents.

One victim filed a report regarding similar sexual and physical abuse in Lamoille County, Vermont, according to an affidavit, which says from that investigation, Pai was arrested, convicted and incarcerated for multiple offenses against a victim and the victims mother.

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According to Scott County affidavits, Pai was incarcerated through the Vermont Department of Corrections and was housed in a facility in Tutwiler, Mississippi.

Pai, who was being held Wednesday on a $75,000 bond in Scott County Jail, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 9 in Scott County Court.

In February, Pai was listed as a Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities fugitive.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
In 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.
The worlds biggest tech firms have been left scrambling to adjust to the tumultuous first 100 days of President Trumps second term, despite their efforts to cozy up to the president and his tech-heavy administration.

Trumps unpredictable approach to tariffs, his administrations continued accusations of censorship and the decision to double down on antitrust enforcement have underlined the limits of Big Techs approach, even as it sees some wins on deregulation.

These efforts to build close relationships have not altogether paid dividends, said Andrew Lokay, a senior research analyst at Beacon Policy Advisors.

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Its a tough time to be a tech CEO in Washington, D.C., and I think that may come as a little bit of a surprise to some of the CEOs who thought that investing in the relationships with Trump would have a bigger payoff in terms of policy, he added.

Big Tech had a contentious relationship with Trump throughout his first term, and it took a turn for the worse after numerous social media platforms banned the president in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, riots.

Following Trumps win last fall, the biggest names in tech seemed keen to start anew with the incoming president, visiting him at his Mar-a-Lago resort and offering million-dollar donations to his inaugural fund.

These tech leaders  including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook  attended Trumps inauguration in January, sitting side by side in prime seats in the Capitol Rotunda and giving the appearance of a new rapport with the president.

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With Tesla CEO Elon Musk and several other Silicon Valley figures joining the administration, it also appeared as though Big Tech would have key allies in the White House.

Silicon Valley was perhaps expecting low taxes, low regulation, pro-business perspective in the White House, and to some extent, weve seen some of that, with the push for tax cuts in Congress and the presidents deregulatory agenda, Lokay said.

But at the same time, tech remains in the crosshairs, he added.

Trumps back-and-forth on tariffs has wreaked havoc on the tech industry, threatening to disrupt supply chains central to the flow of electronics.

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In March, the president announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs, including massive import taxes on goods from China and Taiwan  key prongs in tech supply chains.

Trump ultimately backed off as the markets panicked, opting for a 90-day pause on most tariffs. However, the levies against China remained in place and continued to rise as Beijing and Washington went tit for tat on tariffs.

As a result, Chinese imports in the U.S. now face a 145 percent tariff, and U.S. imports in China face a 125 percent tariff.

The tech industry received a reprieve earlier this month when Trump announced that electronics would be exempt from the tariffs. However, the relief was short-lived, as the president signaled he would levy separate sector-based import taxes.

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The administrations rapid shifts have left tech companies scrambling to keep up.

Its been a Nightmare on Elm Street, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said. No one expected it wouldve been this turbulent.

Everyone knew reciprocal tariffs [were] going to come.  No one thought we were going to basically put a shut-off valve for China, which is the heart and lungs of the supply chain, he added.

After Punchbowl News reported Tuesday that Amazon was planning to show customers how much Trumps tariffs added to the cost of an item, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed the move as a hostile and political act, holding up a photo of Bezos.

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The e-commerce giant later denied the report, saying the plans were not approved and not going to happen.

At the same, Big Techs efforts at reconciliation with Trump have seemingly not tempered Republicans frustrations with the industry over what they view as censorship of and bias against conservatives.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched a probe into leading tech firms policies related to content moderation and user bans in February, suggesting they could amount to illegal censorship.

The administrations efforts have been accompanied by those of GOP leaders in Congress. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has sent off dozens of subpoenas to major tech companies, demanding information about potential censorship.

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Now that Republicans hold both chambers of Congress and the White House, I expect this is an issue that they will pursue more aggressively, Lokay said.

The Trump administration has also declined to pull any punches on antitrust enforcement against Big Tech, taking Meta to court over monopoly allegations and pushing forward with an effort to break up Google.

Both cases were brought during the first Trump administration. The Biden administration pushed ahead with an aggressive antitrust approach, bringing additional cases against Google, Amazon and Apple.

However, as Trump took office a second time surrounded by Silicon Valley moguls, it was unclear whether his administration would take up the antitrust mantle with the same vigor.

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His picks to fill key roles at the FTC and Department of Justice (DOJ) hinted at continued scrutiny of Big Tech, which was reinforced by the DOJs decision to follow through with the prior administrations push to split Google and Chrome.

The FTCs trial against Meta also got underway earlier this month, despite Zuckerbergs reported efforts to lobby Trump for a settlement. The Meta CEO was called to the stand as the agencys first witness and spent three lengthy days answering questions.

There has continued to be a rather aggressive pursuit of antitrust actions against some of the leading tech companies, said Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in tech policy at the Cato Institute.

Still, Trumps second term hasnt been entirely negative for the tech industry. Deregulation has been a key emphasis for the administration, including on artificial intelligence (AI), where officials including Vice President Vance have instead placed a heavy emphasis on innovation.

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This administration appears to likely be taking a lighter-touch approach to artificial intelligence, although we dont fully know what that approach will look like yet, Huddleston added.

Shortly after taking office, Trump revoked former President Bidens executive order focused on AI safety, which Huddleston noted was seen as more restrictive and prescriptive when it came to the future of the technology.

The administration has yet to release its own AI policy but put out a request for public comment on its AI Action Plan in February, which received more than 10,000 responses, the White House said earlier this month.

With President Trump, its always worth keeping in mind, expect the unexpected, Lokay said. He can be unpredictable, and you can be on his good side one moment, you can be on the outs another moment.

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I wouldnt be surprised if tech continues to try to build those relationships with the president, he continued. But at the same time, theres no guarantee that that could yield results in terms of policy outcomes.

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Students line up as they return to school in Durham County. (File photo)

The North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would allow employees and volunteers of K-12 private schools to carry concealed firearms on school property Tuesday afternoon.

Senate Bill 280 would allow employees and volunteers at these schools to possess handguns and stun guns with the consent of school administrators and written notice to parents. They must hold a concealed carry permit and complete additional training before becoming eligible to possess firearms on school property.

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The proposal is part of a larger trend in the North Carolina legislature in which Republican lawmakers have sought to respond to the rise in school shootings by equipping adults with firearms and defensive implements. A bill with a similar approach passed the House Judiciary 2 Committee a day prior allowing schools to store tasers, pepper spray, and other less-than-lethal weapons in biometric safes.

A separate provision in SB 280 allows for firearms to be carried by attendees of worship services, funerals, weddings, and other religious events held at places of worship located on the grounds of private schools at the discretion of school administrators.

Sen. Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson) said the bill balances safety with individual rights through stringent criteria for training, permitting, and school oversight.

This bill simply strengthens the safety in North Carolinas private schools while respecting the unique needs of our communities, Jarvis said. It allows private school employees or volunteers with concealed carry permits to carry firearms on school grounds, but only with the explicit authorization of the school board and/or the administration director.

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Sen. Sydney Batch (D-Wake) proposed adding a requirement that private school employees and volunteers affected by the bill be vetted against the states Responsible Individuals List, which tracks adults implicated in the abuse and serious neglect of children. Jarvis said he would follow up with her suggestion at some point in the future.

Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the implications that other bills around concealed carry would have on these new exceptions. Sen. Terence Everitt (D-Wake) noted that the Senate passed a bill allowing permitless concealed carry in March, warning that this would undermine SB 280s reliance on permit training and safety requirements.

Sen. Lisa Grafstein (D-Wake) expressed concerns about the lack of an age requirement, noting that the permitless carry bill would allow 18-year-olds to carry concealed firearms  and by extension, SB 280 could allow them to bring them into schools.

Robert Ryan, an attorney with the General Assemblys Legislative Affairs Division, said that even with the existence of permitless concealed carry, this bill would still require a permit for individuals to carry weapons onto school grounds  leaving intact the training and age requirements. North Carolina would continue issuing concealed carry permits even under the March bill to maintain reciprocity with states that do not have permitless carry.

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Among the speakers during the public comment part of the meeting were leaders at religious private schools who urged lawmakers to pass the bill so they and their students could feel safe.

We do everything that we can within the law to protect these precious children from danger, said Matthew Floyd, a faculty member at Greenville Christian Academy. We love these children as our own and many are willing and able to be trained, you know, with rigorous training to be able to be an immediate line of defense against the horrible thought of a gunman entering the property.

Ron Baity, a pastor who founded a Wilkes County Christian private school in the 1970s, said every day we are horrified at the prospect that a shooter could attack their school.

I hear it said that innocent people could be killed if a shooter comes on the property and our staff is armed, Baity said. The truth of the matter is, if we have no resistance against the individual whos armed, he can kill all of our staff, he can kill all of our students, and we have no way to protect anyone.

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Amanda Lierman, a substitute teacher in Wake County with Moms Demand Action, said bringing guns into schools would only place an undue burden on school staff. She was the only member of the public to speak against the bill.

My friend and her sons experienced a shooting at their elementary school last year, when a staff administrator was shot and killed by their ex-husband, Lierman said. My friend described the running students and the chaos that ensued  having more guns among that chaos would have increased the risk of more casualties.

After passing the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, SB 280 will next be heard by the Senate Rules Committee, where it can then be scheduled for a vote by the full Senate.
Political commentator Bill OReilly said on Wednesday hes fine with diversity and inclusion efforts but criticized the push for equity in the popularized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Im fine with diversity, OK? I agree with [James] Carville on diversity. Its a strength. And Im fine with inclusion. I think everybody should have an equal pathway to pursue happiness, the former Fox News host told media personality Steve Bannon on NewsNation on Wednesday night.

I hate equity because equity then favors one group or gender over another, OReilly continued.

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The conversation took place during a NewsNation town hall on President Trumps first 100 days of his second term. The president called in for an interview, and the media personalities held a discussion afterward.

Donald Trump, the president, was very clear on NewsNation tonight that he does not want that, OReilly said, referring to the push for equity. That if you are going to be admitted to a school or be accepted for a job, you do it on merit, not on gender or skin color.

The Trump administration has taken numerous steps to push schools to drop DEI efforts.

The Education Department announced on Wednesday it would cut $1 billion in mental health funding for schools because of DEI concerns. The move comes as the department has already cut millions in education research funding over alleged DEI efforts.

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In the town hall on Wednesday, Trump said historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have nothing to fear amid his administrations pressure campaign against higher education institutions.

Asked whether HBCUs should be concerned about the administrations cuts, Trump said not at all.

And let me just tell you, Im glad you brought up historically Black colleges and universities. I saved them  they were going out of business. They came to me, about 50 people that head it up, and they came to me the first year and I took care of them, Trump said.

And by the way, they love Trump, every one of them, the president added.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Alabama legislators passed a bill on Thursday that would strip Birmingham of control over the state's largest water board and transfer power to the governor and surrounding suburbs, reigniting a decades-long, polarizing debate.

Proponents of the bill point to frequent rate hikes and say that the move will prevent catastrophic events that have happened in cities like Jackson, Mississippi, or Detroit, Michigan. Opponents of the bill say that it is a power grab that diminishes the power of Black residents in Birmingham, Alabama.

Birmingham city officials currently appoint six of the nine board members' seats, giving Birmingham leadership unrivaled influence over the decisions affecting the city's water. Board members approve rate hikes and manage infrastructure projects.

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If signed into law, SB330 would make the board just seven people. The mayor of Birmingham and the Birmingham city council would appoint two board members, while the governor, lieutenant governor and three neighboring county commission presidents would each appoint one board member.

Five counties rely on the Birmingham Water Works Board, but over 40% of the utility's 770,000 customers are concentrated in the city of Birmingham, and 91% are in Jefferson County. The new system would give more weight to Birmingham's neighboring counties that house the reservoirs that supply the system.

Republican lawmakers from the Birmingham suburbs sponsored the bill, saying that it will improve the efficiency of the system. They say aging infrastructure and lack of investment means residents pay for water that just gets leaked out of old pipes.

So many elected officials have been getting so many complaints, and Im sure yours have too, about the quality and the price of Birmingham water, said Republican Rep. Jim Carns, who represents Blount County, one of the places that will now appoint a board member.

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The water board had approximately $1 billion in debt in 2023, according to the most recent financial statements, and the board has the second highest credit score, according to bond rating agencies.

Carns said that the regional board would make the utility more frugal. AL.com reported that the utility has been accused of lacking transparency in recent years and has sometimes made costly errors in distributing bills. Trust in the board was further undermined in recent years after high-profile ethics scandals.

Many in Alabamas vocal Democratic minority conceded that the board wasn't perfect, but they also condemned the move as a political takeover that would wrest power from Birminghams majority Black residents and redistribute it to customers in the city's mostly white suburbs.

Frankly the language used today was insulting, with words like competence being thrown around as if the city of Birmingham is not growing by leaps and bounds, Democratic Rep. Kelvin Datcher of Birmingham said after the bill passed. He questioned how the new board's composition would address any of the bill sponsor's concerns about efficiency.

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Democratic legislators also took issue with the fact that they were excluded from the overall process.

Each of us in this chamber would be rightfully concerned if outside representatives attempted to dictate how water systems operate in our districts without consulting us or even including us at the table, or, hell, even the room where this legislation was created, Rep. Neil Rafferty of Birmingham said.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin joined Birmingham city council members for a press conference to echo those concerns.

The ratepayers deserve to be at the forefront of this conversation, and they have not been, Woodfin said. Lets call it what it is. This is a political power grab. This is not in the best interest of our citizens.

The bill passed along party lines 66 to 27. It now goes to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey's desk.
An Assembly committee backed away on Wednesday night from a controversial provision in a proposed bill to end solar credits for 2 million owners of rooftop solar systems, saying it would apply only to those who sold their homes.

Assembly Bill 942, introduced by Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), targeted long-standing programs that provide energy credits to Californians who installed solar panels before April 15, 2025.

As originally drafted, the bill would have limited the current programs benefits to 10 years  half of the 20-year period the state had told rooftop owners they would receive. The committee nixed that provision, leaving another that would cancel the program for those selling their homes.

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With the amendment, the bill passed 10 to 5, sending it on to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Scores of rooftop solar owners attended the hearing, asking the committee members to vote no. Some said that even with the amendment they believed the measure would reduce the value of their home.

"We just put our home up for sale yesterday," said Dwight James, a resident of Simi Valley, who is still making payments on a loan he took out to pay for his solar system. "We didn't expect the state to break its promise to us."

Calderon, a former executive at Southern California Edison, said she proposed the bill because the financial credits given to rooftop solar owners for excess electricity they send to the grid are raising electric bills for those who dont own the panels.

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Edison and the states two other large for-profit electric companies supported the bill, along with members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Major utilities use unionized labor to build and repair equipment, including the lines connecting distant industrial-scale solar farms in the desert. Companies installing rooftop panels generally don't use union workers.

Read more: Former Edison executive Calderon, now a lawmaker, seeks to cut rooftop solar credits

The legislation doesnt affect customers served by municipal utilities.

Several members of the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee said at the hearing that their offices have been overwhelmed with calls and emails from solar customers.

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"I've gotten more opposition to this bill than to any other by eight- to tenfold," said Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita), who voted no.

Before the hearing began, an analyst who reviews legislation for the committee recommended the 10-year sunset provision be removed from the bill. She cited a state requirement that solar owners sign a consumer protection guide that calls the arrangement a "contract" and says the credits are "guaranteed" for 20 years.

Keeping that provision, said analyst Laura Shybut, the committee's chief consultant, could pave the way for legal challenges to the legislation.

The bill prompted protests this month by owners of the rooftop solar panels, who said they had invested thousands of dollars in the green energy systems based on assurances the incentives would last for 20 years.

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Also opposing the bill were schools, businesses, apartment owners and others who had installed the rooftop panels.

A group of school districts including Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified and the Alameda County Office of Education filed a letter to the Assembly committee in opposition to the proposed legislation.

"School districts made good faith investments in solar energy technology based on the commitments of the state," the schools wrote. "It is unfair and could raise legal concerns to retroactively change the rules."

"The state should be supporting investments in rooftop solar to meet our climate goals and to promote affordability for all customers, not undermining those who heeded its guidance and mandates to make these investments," the schools wrote.

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Committee members said that with the amendment the schools would no longer be affected.

Also opposing the bill were dozens of environmental groups, consumer organizations and the rooftop solar industry, which argued that electric bills are rising because of excessive utility spending  not from credits given to owners of the green energy systems.

The value of the credits  provided to panel owners at the retail rate of electricity  has increased rapidly as the state Public Utilities Commission voted to approve rate increases requested by the utility companies.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Calderon appeared with members of utility worker unions, saying the credits were shifting billions of dollars in costs to people who did not own the panels, which was especially hurting the poor.

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This is about fairness and equity  nothing more, she said.

Read more: California officials push to cut energy credits to households with rooftop solar panels

Rooftop solar advocates have challenged that assertion, citing statistics from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that show 39% of the owners of the rooftop panels in 2023 had household incomes of less than $100,000. About 12% had incomes below $50,000.

Several committee members said Wednesday night that they had heard from solar owners of all income levels.

"I have to push back on the narrative that these are all high-income people," Schiavo said.

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Some also questioned whether those without solar panels would actually see a reduction in their electric bills if the measure passed.

"How much of this will go back to the consumer?" asked Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel), who voted no. Her question wasn't answered.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  A bill that would eliminate DEI from state agencies passed in North Carolina House Wednesday.

House Bill 171, entitled Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI, seeks to remove DEI from state and local governments. It says state agencies are prohibited from promoting, supporting, funding, implementing, or maintaining DEI, including using DEI in state government hirings and employment, maintaining dedicated DEI staff positions or offices, or offering or requiring DEI training.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: NC House lawmakers delay vote on bill that targets DEI within government

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Under the bill, state officers and employees who do not comply with the DEI ban are subject to removal from office or employment and a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each violation. They may also be subject to civil action in county court.

Republican sponsors of the bill described it as common sense fairness. One sponsor, Republican state Rep. Brenden Jones, told lawmakers he doesnt believe the bill is radical.

This restores the principle that should have never been lost, Jones said. Can you do the job? Did you earn it? Are you qualified?

Democrats said the bill is an attack on marginalized communities. They pointed to a 30% vacancy rate in state agency jobs, stating the bill will exclude more people from jobs theyre qualified for.

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Bills like HB171 are being duplicated across the nation, Democratic state Rep. Amos Quick told lawmakers. They are built on two false pretenses, that diverse means inferior and there are no more isms in our society that need to be addressed.

The bill passed in the North Carolina House along party lines. It now heads to the North Carolina Senate.

NAACP North Carolina condemned the bill and called on the state Senate to reject it.

House Bill 171 is a direct attack on racial and social justice under the guise of fair hiring practices, NAACP President Deborah Dicks Maxwell said in a statement. It seeks to eliminate critical initiatives that are necessary to dismantle systemic racism and ensure equal opportunities for all people, regardless of their race, gender, or background.

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This bill sends a dangerous message that fairness and inclusion are less important than political agendas, she said in her statement.

HB171 can be viewed below.

House Bill 171Download

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The Binghamton Buzz finished their inaugural season in the NA3HL with a strong push to the Fraser Cup Playoffs, where they were knocked out in pool play. The next step to prepare for their second season was the draft.

The team went offense-heavy in the 2025 NA3HL Draft, securing three forwards.

In the first round, and the 35th pick overall, they selected Evan Clark, who heads to the Southern Tier from the Chicago Mission 18U AAA team.

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The team would then move to get two second round picks. As the 43rd pick overall, they selected Alec James, who in the 24/25 season did time with the WB/Scranton Knights 18U AAA team, where he scored 5 and assisted on 13 in 22 games, and the Lehigh Valley Saints, where he played in 6 games, scoring 7 times and assisting on 3.

For their third pick, and 73rd overall, they went with Maxim Delage, a Canadian playing in the United States with Hoosac Prep, who scored 6 goals and tallied 12 assists in 21 games with the team.

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While much of corporate America has pulled or cut guidance this earnings season, Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) surprised investors by raising its profit forecast.

The cruise operator lifted its adjusted earnings per share forecast for the full year to a range of $14.55 to $15.55, beating analysts' estimates of $14.78 per share.

The company said better-than-expected revenue performance in the first quarter, currency exchange rates, and lower fuel costs drove the hike in earnings expectations for the remainder of the year.

Royal Caribbean stock initially jumped 3% following the results but then pared gains to trade roughly flat. Cruise line peers Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which reports earnings tomorrow, and Carnival (CCL) also traded lower on Tuesday.

Read more about the latest stock moves and market action.

Travel stocks have had a rough year, but cruise lines might be a bright spot for investors.

The "WAVE season was the best in our company's history, putting us in a strong book position for the remainder of the year and for 2026," Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty told investors and analysts on their earnings call this morning. (Wave season refers to when cruise lines offer the best deals for upcoming cruises.)

The upbeat outlook comes after air carriers like JetBlue (JBLU), American Airlines (AAL), and Delta (DAL) told investors they're bracing for a year of macroeconomic uncertainty. JetBlue was the latest airline to yank its full-year guidance amid softness in demand and consumer confidence.

Credit and debit card data from Bank of America showed monthly cruise spending in March increased 6.4% year over year compared to a 4.5% annual gain in February. Cruise spending grew 15.6% from February, slightly below the 2015-2019 average increase of 20%, while overall travel spending fell 3.5% year over year, with airline spending down 6.6% and hotel spending down 2.6%.

Royal Caribbean lifted its adjusted earnings per share forecast for the full year to a range of $14.55 to $15.55, beating analysts' estimates of $14.78. (Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)  Horacio Villalobos via Getty Images

The resilience in cruise spending may stem from travelers trading up in value, as a cruise is "inherently less expensive than an equivalent land-based vacation," Jefferies managing director David Katz told Yahoo Finance. "Our estimate is that ~1/3 of RCLs bookings are new to cruise," Katz added.

The cruise industry held its pricing trends. According to data from Jefferies, pricing trends were slightly favorable: Royal Caribbean's prices rose 0.7%, Carnival's increased 0.2%, while Norwegian Cruise Lines' fell 0.2% compared to the previous month.

However, there is a growing fear that the travel slowdown that has already hit the airlines could soon affect cruises too.
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Capitol Hill late Wednesday to cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate that killed a bipartisan effort to rebuke President Donald Trumps trade policy.

Earlier in the evening, the Senate rejected the resolution that would have effectively blocked Trumps global tariffs by revoking the emergency order the president is using to enact them. Two senators who were set to vote for the resolution, Republican Mitch McConnell and Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, were absent, allowing the resolution to fail 49-49.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune then moved to ensure that tariff opponents were unable to bring their resolution back up at a later date, forcing Vance to the US Capitol to put an end to the matter. It marked just the second time the vice president has used his tie-breaking authority.

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In his second term, Trump has placed historic tariffs on a wide variety of imports. Hes put a 10% tariff on virtually everything coming into the United States; imposed 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos and many items from Mexico and Canada; and placed a tariff of at least 145% on most Chinese goods imported to the US in by far the most significant trade action to date.

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who cosponsored the resolution to block the tariffs, argued that Vance having to break the tie worked in the resolution-backers favor.

They are so dead set on this tariff idiocy that is wrecking the economy that theyre going to bring the vice president over to completely own it. Great, let them do it. Let them do it, he said. The American public needs to know who to blame for this. And they are showing everybody tonight who is to blame for this.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also hit at Republicans for preventing a future vote, saying that Thune and the Republicans are working to keep Trumps tariffs in place.

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GOP Sens. Rand Paul, who cosponsored the resolution, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted along with Democrats in support of the resolution, but they were unable to pull together the needed votes to adopt it with the key absences Wednesday.

McConnell would have voted for it had he not been under the weather.

The Senator has been consistent in opposing tariffs and that a trade war is not in the best interest of American households and businesses. He believes that tariffs are a tax increase on everybody, his spokesman said.

Even had there not been key absences and the resolution had been adopted, the resolution was dead on arrival in the House. There, Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this year tucked a provision into a rule to prohibit consideration of the measure until September 30.

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The Senate moved earlier this month to symbolically condemn Trumps tariffs on Canada, and House Republicans used the same procedural tactic to ensure that resolution couldnt be considered in their chamber.

The president, for his part, has remained defiant in the face of congressional criticism, previously vowing to veto any such resolution if necessary.

This headline and story have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Dave Goldman contributed to this report.

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Talli Nauman

Buffalo's Fire

Oglala Sioux Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out says U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum should deny a major media request to reveal the Black Hills Claim accounting record. Speculation is that interest earnings are worth over $1 billion on the $102 million land payment that federal courts adjudged to the Sioux Nation 50 years ago.

The Oglala and their six fellow Teton Sioux bands never took the 1974 federal claim money offer for the theft of their Black Hills treaty-guaranteed territory. So, the Interior Department, as their legal trustee, invested the nations behalf through its Bureau of Trust Funds Administration.

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CNN Investigative Unit reporter Casey Tolan, a data journalist, filed the request under Freedom of Information Act terms. He asked the Interior Department for the most recent statement available listing the total amount of money held in trust by the department. Oglala leaders recently rejected the idea after being notified by the department.

When Interior officials notified the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Star Comes Out said the request is just an underhanded way to ultimately get the Oglala Sioux Tribe to implicitly accept the 1980 Black Hills Claim. He told Buffalos Fire: All the Sioux tribes have informed the United States since 1980 that 'The Black Hills Are Not For Sale'.

The Indian Claims Court determined the award in 1974, six years later the Supreme Court affirmed it. However, the Oglala Nation never agreed to any settlement of the Black Hills Claim, Star Comes Out said in the official response to Interiors February notification.

The Oglala told Interior in their March response that the department has a fiduciary duty to keep all the information requested by CNN confidential: Case law supports that argument under Exemption 4 of the FOIA.

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The response, obtained by Buffalos Fire through official channels, asserts that disclosure of the information in question would harm the interests of the tribes. It says that wide dissemination of the amount of money in the Black Hills award trust account would likely lead to the Sioux tribes being subject to harder bargaining in commercial dealings and transactions with third parties.

Furthermore, disclosure would help individuals to put pressure on the tribes to make immediate distributions from the Black Hills award trust. That would challenge tribal leadership policies that such distributions run counter to tribes long term interests, it says.

Asked for a comment, Star Comes Out said: Why now? Why is CNN all of a sudden interested in the current balance of the 1980 Black Hills award, especially during the Trump Administrations recent actions to cut government appropriations for Indian tribes. I would like to know who prompted Mr. Tolan to make the FOIA request.

Tolan did not answer Buffalo's Fire attempts to ask about his actions.

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Oglala Sioux Tribal Treasurer Cora White Horse sent the Interior Department a notarized affidavit stating she cannot release the information without a tribal council resolution.

The Black Hills statement information requested by CNN has  never been disclosed to the public nor been shared with any private commercial entity, nonprofit organization, or with any state, local, or other tribal government, White Horse stated in the affidavit.

Furthermore she said, the information is subject to physical security measures and cybersecurity measures instituted and maintained by my office to prevent the trust account statements from either being hacked or otherwise leaked or disclosed in an unauthorized manner to others.

Oglala Sioux Tribal Attorney Mario Gonzalez drafted the tribal response to the CNN FOIA request -- in consultation with President Star Comes Out and Treasurer White Horse. Gonzalez was the attorney who stopped payment of Black Hills Claim money to the Oglala Sioux Tribe in 1980. His litigation in the 1973 Claims Distribution Act ultimately kept the money in trust for all the Sioux tribes with no call for them to cede the territory.

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Star Comes Out told Buffalo's Fire, We will never sell out our holy lands, the Black Hills, to the United States for monetary compensation.

He said: "I believe, however, the Sioux tribes would be open to engaging in nation-to-nation consultations under mutually agreed-to protocols with new Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to find innovative ways to resolve the Sioux land claims without having to sell out our homelands.

The Oglala Sioux and Standing Rock Sioux tribal councils have a pending request for such consultations with Secretary Burgum," Star Comes Out said.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Blue Springs police announced Thursday that they are looking for a mother who is wanted for allegedly kidnapping her child.

Amber K. Harmann, 34, has been charged in Jackson County Circuit Court with one count of child abduction after prosecutors said she failed to return her 4-year-old daughter to the childs legal custodian following a visitation period last month.

Jackson Co. assessor could become elected position if MO voters pass amendment

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The child was reported missing to the police department on April 22.

Blue Springs police said in a Facebook post that they believe Amber Harmann left the state of Missouri and took the child to Texas after she lost custody of the 4-year-old.

Police also said they do not believe there is an immediate threat to the childs safety.

Amber Harmann is described as a white woman who is 5 feet and 7 inches tall, weighing around 220 pounds.

The child, identified as Amelia Harmann, is 4 feet and 2 inches tall and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call Blue Springs Det. Austin Garcia at 816-894-7312 or call the police department at 816-228-0151.

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The bodies of two teenagers and a 12-year-old girl have been found in the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska, following a two-week search.

The bodies of 18-year-olds Laiana Green and Lah Tray Moo, and 12-year-old Eh Cress Moo were all recovered from the Missouri River as of April 29, the Omaha Fire Department confirmed on Facebook on Wednesday.

Laiana, Lah and Eh went missing on April 15 while fishing at N.P. Dodge Park recreational area in Omaha, according to local stations KETV and WOWT.

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A witness said they saw four girls fishing when one of the girls slipped into the river and the others went in to rescue her, WOWT reported. Only one of them, a 13-year-old girl, managed to avoid being swept away and safely returned to shore, according to the station and her family.

A look at the Omaha, Nebraska, skyline from a pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River.

Officials found Lahs body on the night of April 26 and later found Laiana and Eh the morning of April 29, the fire department said.

"We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the department wrote on Facebook. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead."

USA TODAY has reached out to the Omaha Fire Department for additional information.

Families of victims lean on each other

Laiana's aunt, Nichelle Griffy, said her family feels relief the search has ended despite the tragedy and the families are leaning one another, KMTV reported.

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"We're feeling relief that we have all three girls physically now. We're sad but we're thankful," Griffy told KMTV, adding that they're finding comfort in each other. "We are a community that is strengthening. The gain is ... the support that we have for each other because we're all sharing the same loss right now."

A GoFundMe page for Laiana Green's family said that the 18-year-old, who went by the nicknames LaiLai or Pooh, "acted selflessly and bravely in a moment of chaos." The page said it is seeking donations for funeral services and has raised over $3,000 as of April 30.

A separate GoFundMe page for Lah and Eh said that Lah was Eh's aunt, and that the tragedy has been a nightmare for the family. The page, which is seeking financial support for funeral expenses, raised nearly $7,000 as of April 30.

The families of the victims are urging officials to improve safety measures such as adding more warning signs and enforcing lifejacket usage along the river, WOWT reported.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bodies of 2 teens, 12-year-old girl found in Nebraska's Missouri River
The bodies of three girls who went missing in the Missouri River have been recovered, Nebraska officials said Wednesday.

The three girls, identified by CBS affiliate KMTV as Lah Tray Moo, Lainana Green and Eh Cress Moo, went missing two weeks ago. Eh Cress Moo was Lah Tray Moo's niece, KMTV reported.

The girls were reported missing on April 15, while fishing in the river, KMTV said.

The Omaha Fire Department said its special operations team had worked alongside local and state agencies, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to find and identify the girls. Boats, drones, sonar equipment and helicopters were used to search the area, KMTV reported. The search turned into a recovery mission on April 16, KMTV said.

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The body of Lah Tray Moo was found over the weekend, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, which includes Omaha, said on social media. A fisherman spotted the remains, KMTV reported, and kept them from floating away until police arrived.

Aerial view of Omaha, Nebraska and Missouri River. / Credit: Marli Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The bodies of Lainana Green and Eh Cress Moo were found on Tuesday morning, KMTV reported.

"We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the fire department said in a statement on social media. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead."

Lainana Green's aunt, Nichelle Griffy, told KMTV that the two families are leaning on each other and are "relieved that we have all three girls physically now."

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The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States. It is usually between 10 and 20 feet deep in Omaha, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

Extended interview: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on deportations involving children and more

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a new lawsuit against body armor manufacturer ShotStop Ballistics from Stow, Ohio, for allegedly importing Chinese-produced plates and labeling them as made in Ohio and compliant with standards from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Department of Justices testing arm.

The lawsuit stated that the alleged actions by ShotStop, its Vallmar Studios affiliate and owner Vall Iliev violated the Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA).

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Reports of the alleged scandal surfaced in May 2024 when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned the Akron Police Department that its SWAT officers were using counterfeit ballistic plates, according to Ohio television station WKYC. A police department spokesperson said it was his understanding that ShotStop was accused of providing the fake armor.

ShotStop had filed for bankruptcy about a week before the report.

Yosts lawsuit stems from a cross-agency investigation regarding the allegations. In February, the DOJ charged Iliev with smuggling the armor and selling it to customers that included law enforcement from around 2017 to October 2023.

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In May 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at a Washington port of entry stopped a Canadian-registered truck transporting over 200 ballistic body armor plates in boxes from China. The agents found the boxes pre-labeled and addressed to Vallmar Studios.

Test results revealed that the plates did not meet NIJ standards for Level III protection, which can stop 7.62-millimeter FMJ lead core rifle ammunition. The company marketed the armor as Level III and IV.

According to the DOJ release, Iliev allegedly collaborated with a Chinese broker company to find cheap manufacturers to make the body armor. The DOJ said Iliev would tell his employees to attach the false labels before selling the products. The agency noted that ShotStops U.S. location had no means of producing the thousands of body armor plates that investigators found.

Yosts lawsuit seeks restitution for consumers who purchased the defective bulletproof vests. The lawsuit noted that realizing the extent of consumer losses will require further legal discovery because of ShotStops bankruptcy filing and the federal governments seizure of company records.

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Police in San Bernardino County arrested a 46-year-old U.S. Navy veteran from Arizona who was found in possession of enough explosive precursors to potentially manufacture improvised explosive devices earlier this week, officials announced.

Chino Police Department officers initially responded to a Motel 6 at 12266 Central Avenue on April 28 after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle.

At the location, police spotted firearm components within plain view inside the parked vehicle.

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The owner of the vehicle, identified as Jorge Moreno, was contacted in his hotel room by police and found in possession of an unregistered firearm.

A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed chemicals and supplies consistent with precursors of an explosive device, along with several airsoft guns, a ballistic vest and two gas masks, a Chino PD news release stated.

A Motel 6 location at 12266 Central Avenue in Chino is seen in this undated photo. (Google Maps)

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as members of the Ontario Fire Departments Bomb Squad, assisted in securing the scene and taking custody of the chemicals.

Terrifying, real life murder mystery unfolding in Los Angeles apartment complex

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Further investigation found that the retired veteran had specialized experience in explosive ordnance and ammunition.

An additional warrant was issued for Morenos hotel room where officers recovered more materials, a written formula for a smoke bomb and narcotics.

The 46-year-old was taken into custody and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for possession of materials with intent to make a destructive device, police said.

An investigation into the retired veterans activities and intentions is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Chino Police Department Detective Reggie Barber at 909-334-3144.

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A woman who was a bookkeeper for a Georgia church has learned her fate as she was convicted of wire fraud.

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In October 2024, Judith Alane Chavis, 58, of Sorrento, Fla., pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud in connection with a disaster benefit and 10 counts of money laundering.

According to court documents, from 2018 until August 2022, Chavis was a volunteer bookkeeper for the Glory Church of Alapaha and its charity, the Peanut Butter and Jesus Outreach (PB&J).

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She was allowed to write checks and the church and charitys bank statements were only sent to her.

Officials said between August 2020 and March 2022, Chavis applied and was granted $163,500 of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration on behalf of the Church and PB&J without the Churchs or PB&Js permission and using the churchs letterhead.

Authorities said Chavis also lied about being the treasurer to get money, signing the letter herself.

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On March 7, 2022, Chavis submitted a signed certification stating members of the churchs finance committee approved the second revision of the loan, but no approval occurred, officials said.

The SBA granted the requests and deposited $15,000 in the churchs account. The Middle District of Georgia Attorneys Office said Chavis transferred almost all of the EIDL and advance funds from the churchs and PB&Js accounts, totaling $173,500, to her checking account.

The DA said she used the money for personal expenses, including travel and large purchases.

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Individuals who use places of worship and charitable organizations for their fraud and theft will be rooted out and face consequences for their criminal actions, said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker.

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On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Chavis to serve 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release and $173,500 in restitution.

Chavis betrayed the confidence the church had placed in her by misappropriating funds intended to support its mission, said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. We hope that this federal prison sentence offers some measure of closure to the church and its congregation and serves as a warning to others who might exploit the trust of faith-based or charitable institutions for personal enrichment.
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is making noises like she might make a run for U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff's seat in 2026. Al Drago/Getty Images

Brian Kemp is not a large man, but he is the Big Dawg. The scramble doesnt start until the two-term governor says it starts.

But once Kemp makes up his mind whether to run for the U.S. Senate next year, he will set off a mad dash by politicians of both parties hoping to move up a notch or two in Georgias political hierarchy. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is making noises like she might be one of them.

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I dont mean to scare you. Greene is one of those politicians who cant be beaten within her district, but who cant win outside that district. She cant win a statewide general election in Georgia. She probably cant win a statewide primary either.

Look at the numbers: In the 2024 election cycle, Donald Trump carried Greenes north Georgia district by 37 percentage points, while Greene won it by 29 points. If you underperform Trump by 8 points in your own district, if a good number of your own voters are willing to embrace Trump but find you too bizarre, then trying to win statewide is a fools mission.

Which by definition means she might try anyway.

On Saturday, standing before a banner reading Save America. Stop Communism, Greene told an annual convention of her home-district Republicans that the Democrat Party is overcome with evil, and she urged them to help the GOP take back the U.S. Senate seat won five years ago by Jon Ossoff.

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It was never theirs to begin with, Greene said to cheers and applause. That was stolen, that Senate seat was stolen, and so was Warnocks Senate seat stolen, just like Donald Trumps election was stolen in 2020.

Its always tempting, and often unfair, to use a partys more extreme personalities to characterize the party as a whole. Republicans do it, and so do Democrats. But in listening to Greenes comments, I was struck by the fact that in the second Trump administration, Greene is closer in tone and content to the Republican mainstream than she was in his first term. She has gone from outlier to MAGA mainstream, and it isnt Greene that has moderated her attitude. The second Trump regime has moved much closer to Greenes view of the world.

Consider the role of free trade. In her remarks, Greene offered a pretty accurate description of Georgia and its current importance in the global economy.

Georgia is the economic hub of the Southeast, she noted. Georgia has the third largest port in America. That is incredible control of shipping and trade. Georgia has the busiest airport in the world, in the city of Atlanta. Georgia has two corridors, I-75 and I-85, that run through our state, branching out into our neighboring states. Thats more trade, thats interstate, thats commerce. Georgia is the economic hub of the Southeast, and the Democrats want to take control of it just like they took control of California years ago and just like they control New York.

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The economy that she describes is the investment of generations, investment that has made Georgia more productive and prosperous than most of its Southern neighbors. Everything she cites  our ports, our highways, Hartsfield-Jackson airport  are publicly funded infrastructure.

But as were about to be reminded in the next few months, a Georgia economy built on logistics and global commerce is also much more vulnerable to the disruptive, chaotic and undisciplined trade policies of the Trump regime. In fact, its probably not accurate to describe them as policies at all. They seem to be more the product of urges and resentments than of rational planning.

Thats certainly how Greenes economic theory comes across.

Im tired of our state leaders importing foreign countries companies to our state, claiming job creation, she told the crowd. You want to know the reality? That big old battery plant in Cartersville.? Heres the reality: Theyre bringing in something like 200 to 300 families from Korea to work in that battery plant.

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They didnt create jobs in Georgia by doing this, they are importing jobs into Georgia.

That big old battery plant is a joint venture between two Korean firms, expected to employ thousands to build enough electric batteries to power 300,000 electric vehicles a year. At the Indeed job-search site, the plant is advertising engineering jobs paying up to $120,000 a year, shift supervisors making $34 an hour, jobs that provide 401ks and health insurance, with production slated to begin later this year.

But according to Greene, thats not what Georgia needs to be doing  theyre not helping Georgia be Georgia. Its changing Georgia, and weve all witnessed this for years now, starting with the Hollywood tax credits.

I do not want to associate with those (Hollywood) people. I dont like their values, I dont like their award ceremonies, I dont want them living in our state and taking advantage of our tax dollars  We need to be supporting Georgia-born and -bred companies in our state.

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Georgia has been invaded, she asserted. Georgia has been watered down. Georgia is on the verge of being lost.

As Greene noted, thats the Georgia First version of the America First approach taken by Trump, and both versions are economically illiterate and irrational. The damage that they could potentially do  the damage that has already been done  will undo the work of generations and require generations to repair.

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HONG KONG (Reuters) - Asian hedge funds tiptoed back into the market last week, adding to their positions in Japan and India shares, after quickly cutting exposure when U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed sweeping tariffs at the start of the month, Morgan Stanley said.

They were also buyers in Taiwan, mainly driven by short coverings, but reduced positions in Australia and China, the prime brokerage note sent to clients on Tuesday shows.

Japan and India stood out when global investors struggled to find cover amid the market turmoil and a loss in confidence in U.S. assets.

A woman walks past an electronic screen displaying the stock index prices of Asian countries outside a brokerage in Tokyo

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 has already recovered all the losses since Trump unveiled his "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, and is slightly up this month; Indian stocks were among the first in the world to bounce back from losses, with the NIFTY 50 rising more than 3% this month.

Investors are betting on these countries to successfully negotiate a trade deal with the United States after the Trump administration's 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries except China.

Hedge funds snapped up materials, tech, and industrials shares in Japan, Morgan Stanley said, but in China, they mainly sold or added bearish bets against consumer discretionary stocks.

Washington raised tariffs on China to 145% in April, prompting China to retaliate with 125% levies on U.S. imports, escalating a trade war between the world's two largest economies.

Economists believe the macro data in China will show weakness in the second quarter due to trade war damage.

A separate note by Goldman Sachs showed Chinese equities led the net selling flow by hedge funds in Asia for the month until April 24. The selling was focused on Hong Kong and U.S.-listed Chinese shares.

Although Asian hedge funds' leverage level is recovering, it is still "far below pre-tariff selloff levels", Morgan Stanley said.

(Reporting by Summer Zhen; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
DANVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Scams can lead to members of the Kentucky community losing thousands of dollars, whether scammers convince their victims that they are in debt or claim to be family members in need of money. In Boyle County, the community came together on Wednesday afternoon to help a woman keep her money from being lost to a scam.

The Boyle County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) posted on social media that around 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies were asked by Bluegrass 911 to try to find an elderly woman who had taken $24,000 out of her bank account and left in an unknown direction.

It was reported that the woman had been compelled to withdraw the money by perpetrators who she believed to be federal law enforcement authorities, BCSO deputies wrote.

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Deputies wrote that the woman had been told to withdraw the $24,000 and deposit it into a different ATM and another persons account. She was also told not to tell her family what she was doing or give them her location.

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BCSO deputies and officers with the Danville Police Department were able to use Flock cameras to find the woman and meet her in downtown Danville, where she was unharmed and still had her money.

This is a reminder to please remain vigilant and dont fall for these scams, the sheriffs office wrote.

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BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County is providing free meals to children this summer through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program.

Children ages 6 to 10 can receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost, according to a news release. The program is open to all children and teens, regardless of income level or club membership.

Arkansas Department of Health releases measles vaccine data

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Feeding America reports that one in three children in Arkansas experience food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food, according to the release. School meal programs that support many families during the academic year are not available during the summer months.

During the school year, often thats the only meal or food that those kids are getting, said Cheryl Hatfield, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County. So in the summer, it becomes really important for these kids to have a place where they can go and get a nutritious meal.

Meal pickup locations and times:

Rogers Clubhouse: 8 a.m.  10 a.m. (breakfast); 11:30 a.m.  1:30 p.m. (lunch)

409 S. 8th Street, Rogers, AR

Rogers Teen Center: 8 a.m.  10 a.m. (breakfast); 11:30 a.m.  1:30 p.m. (lunch)

704 W. Cypress, Rogers, AR 72756

Bella Vista Clubhouse: 8:30 a.m.  9 a.m. (breakfast); 11:15 a.m.  11:45 a.m. (lunch)

2260 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, AR

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.
SAO PAULO (AP)  A Brazilian judge ruled Thursday that former President Fernando Collor can serve his sentence from a 2023 corruption conviction under house arrest instead of prison because of his poor health.

Collor had been arrested late last week and ordered to begin serving eight years and 10 months in prison. But on Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes accepted a defense request for house arrest because of the former leader's advanced age of 75 and deteriorating health.

Collor's lawyers said that he suffers from Parkinson's disease, severe sleep apnea and bipolar disorder.

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Collor, who led the country from 1990 to 1992, had been convicted of receiving 20 million reais ($3.5 million) to facilitate contracts between a state company and a private firm for the construction of fuel depots.

He remained out of prison as his lawyers continued to lodge appeals. But he was arrested April 24 in the northeastern state of Alagoas, where he lives, on a warrant that said the start of his sentence was overdue.

Under the Brazilian legal system, cases concerning presidents, Cabinet ministers and members of Congress go directly to the Supreme Court.

The case stemmed from the Operation Car Wash, a sweeping corruption probe that has implicated top politicians and businesspeople across Latin America  including current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was arrested in 2018 and imprisoned for nearly two years.

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Collor, 75, was the first Brazilian president elected by popular vote, in 1989, after a 21-year military dictatorship.

He was impeached and removed from office by Congress in 1992 following corruption allegations. In 2007, he was elected as a senator representing his home state of Alagoas in northeastern Brazil.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
By Ricardo Brito

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The Brazilian Supreme Court has authorized former Brazilian President Fernando Collor de Mello to serve house arrest after being sentenced to almost 9 years in prison on corruption and money laundering charges, according to a court order seen by Reuters on Thursday.

Collor was arrested on April 25 in the northeastern city of Maceio after the Supreme Court rejected his challenges against a previous conviction and ordered him to start serving jail time.

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The top court sentenced Collor, the first president to win the popular vote after the end of Brazil's last military dictatorship in 1985, to eight years and 10 months in prison in 2023 on corruption and money laundering charges.

According to the order by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, Collor will wear an ankle bracelet while under house arrest.

The 2023 conviction came after Brazilian prosecutors accused Collor of receiving around 30 million reais ($5.28 million) in bribes from a then subsidiary of state-run oil company Petrobras.

Collor took office as president in 1990, but did not finish his term as Congress decided to impeach him two years later amid a separate corruption scandal for which Supreme Court acquitted him in 1994.

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He was later elected as a senator representing the state of Alagoas. He left Congress in early 2023 following an unsuccessful bid for governor of Alagoas.

(Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Ana Mano; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Brazilian former president Jair Bolsonaro left intensive care on Thursday, almost three weeks after undergoing intestinal surgery.

He remains under observation in hospital in the capital Brasilia, Bolsonaro said in a post on X.

Bolsonaro has suffered from abdominal problems ever since he was stabbed in 2018 as he was campaigning for the presidency. He has had several operations since, including the most recent on April 13.

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"At the moment I am clinically stable," said Bolsonaro, adding he is not in pain, does not have a fever, the tube has been removed and his blood pressure is under control.

The former president, in power from 2019 to 2022, published a picture showing him sitting in an armchair in his hospital room.

It is not clear when he will be discharged, after his health deteriorated a week ago.

Bolsonaro is facing charges for allegedly plotting a coup against the government of his leftist successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following his election defeat in October 2022.

If he is found guilty, he could face several years in prison.
By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -The minds and bodies of children in Gaza are being broken following two months of aid blockade and renewed strikes, the Executive Director of the World Health Organization Emergencies programmes said on Thursday.

Since March 2 Israel has blocked the entry of medical, fuel, and food supplies into Gaza.

"We are breaking the bodies and minds of the children of Gaza. We are starving the children of Gaza. We are complicit," Deputy Director General Michael Ryan told reporters at the WHO's headquarters.

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"As a physician I am angry. It is an abomination," he said.

Israel says the decision to block the supplies was aimed at pressuring Hamas to free hostages as the ceasefire agreement stalled.

"The current level of malnutrition is causing a collapse in immunity," Ryan said, warning that cases of pneumonia and meningitis in women and children could increase.

Israel has previously denied that Gaza was facing a hunger crisis. It has not made clear when and how aid will be resumed.

Israel's military accuses Hamas of diverting aid, which Hamas denies.

The United Nations warned this week that acute malnutrition among Gaza's children was worsening.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by Alex Richardson and Ed Osmond)
The Trump administration escalated its assault on transgender youth Thursday with the release of a controversial new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that promotes conversion therapy and discredits gender-affirming care. Advocates and experts have said the report is filled with misinformation about both.

Commissioned under President Donald Trumps January Executive Order 14187, the 409-page report falsely claims medical transition is harmful and unproven, and promotes exploratory therapya rebranded version of conversion practices widely condemned by major medical associations.

The order directed HHS to attack WPATHs standards of care, revoke federal funding for transition-related treatments, and reshape public health policy to align with Trumps political agenda.

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NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has no background in gender-affirming care, introduced the report. Bhattacharya rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a co-author of the controversial Great Barrington Declaration, which pushed to lift lockdowns and allow widespread infection to build herd immunitya position sharply rejected by public health experts.

The HHS report claims that gender-affirming care lacks evidence of benefit, but makes this argument by dismissing peer-reviewed research and reframing therapeutic approaches as medical risks. It labels the gender-affirming care model as experimental and portrays puberty blockers and hormone treatments as unethical interventions pushed by activists rather than doctors. While the document stops short of issuing policy mandates, critics say it lays the groundwork for future federal restrictions.

Notably, the report endorses what it calls gender exploratory therapy, which it positions as an alternative to what it derides as affirmation-only approaches. But experts say this is simply conversion therapy under a new name. They can call it whatever they want, said Kellan Baker, executive director of the Whitman-Walker Institute. The idea is the sameit is a practice with a predetermined goal: to try to change who someone is. That is the definition of conversion therapy. Baker warned that the rebranding is a deliberate attempt to avoid the legal and political liabilities now associated with a discredited and widely banned practice.

In its press release, HHS emphasized that the reports authors would remain anonymous. While unnamed authorship on agency reviews is not unprecedented, a former HHS official told The Advocate it is highly irregular for the department to spotlight the anonymity.

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Medical and legal experts immediately denounced the reports implications.

Todays report seeks to erase decades of research and learning, replacing it with propaganda, said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. It promotes the same kind of conversion therapy long used to shame LGBTQ+ people.

GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis called the document discredited junk science.

A report in the suggestion that someones authentic self and who they are can be changed is discredited junk science, Ellis said in a statement. This so-called guidance is grossly misleading and in direct contrast to the recommendation of every leading health authority in the world. This report amounts to nothing more than forcing the same discredited idea of conversion therapy that ripped families apart and harmed gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people for decades.

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Janna Barkin, author of Hes Always Been My Son and A Grand Love, has a 27-year-old transgender son who transitioned as a minor. In an interview with The Advocate, Barkin called the report deeply troubling and extremely disappointing.

My child was struggling, depressed, and anxious until he received thoughtful, lifesaving care, Barkin said. We found medical professionals who helped guide our decisions, and after he got the care he needed, his light came back. He was able to live fully and happily as the man he is.

She warned that this kind of government interference not only undermines science but endangers lives.

I feel like trans people are being used to push an agenda that seeks to eliminate not just trans people, but other marginalized communities as well, Barkin said. It is terrifying. Trans kids are waking up afraid. Trans adults are afraid. This administrations focus on erasing people is not about protecting childrenits about control.

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The Trevor Project warned the report may further endanger trans youth, who already face high rates of suicide. Research consistently shows that gender-affirming care improves mental health outcomes, while conversion efforts increase the risk of depression and suicide.

It is deeply troubling to see the countrys top authority on health publish a collection of recommendations that seemingly have no basis in following established health care best practices, science, or input from providers who actually administer the type of health care in question," director of law and policy at The Trevor Project, Casey Pick, said in a statement. "This report not only rejects health care best practices for transgender people  it goes a step further by recommending conversion therapy, though under a new, rebranded name, exploratory therapy. Despite the reports claims, this is, in fact, the same harmful practice of conversion therapy, just using friendlier language."

Baker, a nationally recognized, Johns Hopkins-educated expert on health equity, told The Advocate the HHS report is a political document pretending to be science.

This is conversion therapy under a different name, Baker, who is trans, said. It is a cynical, dangerous attempt to rebrand a practice thats been proven to harm people and dress it up as exploration. But the intent is the same: to deny trans youth the care they need.

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Baker emphasized that every major U.S. medical association supports gender-affirming care because it saves lives and affirms dignity.

This document does the opposite, he said. It undermines trust, spreads misinformation, and leaves families and providers wondering if theyll be prosecuted for doing the right thing.

Its gaslighting, plain and simple, said Barkin. Theyre trying to paint care as danger and danger as protection.

The Endocrine Society, the worlds oldest and largest organization of hormone researchers and clinicians, also weighed in. Representing 18,000 members who treat and research diabetes, obesity, fertility, bone health, hormone-related cancers, as well as gender dysphoria, the Endocrine Society believes in access to health care, and that medical decisions should be made by the clinician and the patients family based on scientific evidence, the organization said in a statement to The Advocate. It is currently reviewing the report.

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Adrian Shanker, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy in the Biden administration, criticized the administrations approach: Trans people, like all Americans, deserve the highest quality health care and deserve to know the science behind our health decisions, which is why this report is so concerningits a compilation of junk science parading as a scientific report.

Shanker also highlighted procedural issues, noting that the reports conclusions were predetermined by the executive order: This administration has missed no opportunities to remove the rights and health of trans people, and theyve really proven just how far they will go for an anti-trans agenda.

Shanker emphasized, Efforts to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity have been attempted for decades, and in every instance theyve caused harm. Conversion therapy doesnt convert anyone, and its not therapy; its just harm.

Editor's note: This developing story has been updated with additional reporting.
We were dropped off at the end of the UK's longest dead-end road. It felt like we had lost contact with the rest of the world. The wilds of Scotlands Knoydart region stretched before usprimal, remote, and magnetic. Somewhere out there lay The Old Forge, Britain's most remote mainland pub in the tiny village of Inverie. My partner Ines and I love a challenge. But before ordering drinks at the bar, we had two days of hiking aheadthrough some of the Highlands' toughest and most diverse landscapes.

Departing for the wild

Duncan Lomax stops along the Cape Wrath Traila remote hike that overlaps slightly with the hike to the Old Forge. Photograph by Emily Macinnes

Hikers can cozy up next to the fireplace at A'Chuil bothy for a pitstop during the 46-kilometer (28-mile) hike from Glenfinnan to the Old Forge, Knoydart. Photograph by Emily Macinnes

Our journey began aboard the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston train station. Watching the manic city fade as we drifted to sleep, knowing we'd wake in the untamed Highlands, felt like a small adventure. Stepping off the train in Fort William, we were taken by taxi to the tiny settlement of Kinloch Hourn, where our 15.2-mile hike began under the glare of midday sunshine.

From Kinloch Hourn, we skirted the steep southern shore of Loch Hourn, a narrow, fjord-like sea loch cutting between the Glenelg and Knoydart peninsulas. The path twisted through rugged, rolling terrain, sometimes clinging to the loch's edge, and all too frequently deteriorating into marshy ground that clung to our boots and splashed our legs with mud. But the inconvenience seemed trivial when we were rewarded with the majestic views over Loch Hourn.

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(Related: Whats it like to run one of the UKs most unusual pubs?)

Knoydarts rich history

Once a drovers' and deerstalkers' route, this ancient path also has a darker history as a coffin road, where bodies were taken to Kilchoan burial ground in Inverie. The isolation was profound; aside from our conversation and the occasional cascade from the hillsthere was no sound. A nearby herd of highland cows eyed us suspiciously, seemingly wondering whether this group of bipeds would disrupt their tranquil glen. A serene stillness hung in the air over a land both unforgiving and regal.

In preparation for the hike, we learned about Knoydarts fascinating local history. This 55,000-acre wilderness sits between two lochs, Nevis and HournGaelic for "heaven" and "hell." The irony isn't lost when reflecting on the region's past. Once thriving under the clan system, Knoydart was devastated when tenant farmers were forced out to make way for sheep during the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries. Thousands were uprooted, leading to mass emigration and a decline in Gaelic culture.

A drone captures a birds-eye view of A'Chuil bothy and the surrounding area in the morning.

Emil Nieters, a boy scout from Berlin, shows the route on his map. Photograph by Emily Macinnes

Deer graze on the mountainside during the hike from Glenfinnan to the Old Forge, Knoydart. Photogrpah by Emily Macinnes

Today, just 120 people live here, maintaining a way of life that's rare in the modern world. As a testament to the sense of solidarity in this remote area, the community came together to rescue The Old Forge in March 2022, which means most of these residents now have a stake in the pub.

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(Related: 8 activities to do under the stars in Scotland.)

Bothy and beyond

After an arduous five-hour hike, we arrived at our destination for the night, Barrisdale Bothy. We were tired but in good spirits. Like most bothies, it's a basic stone cottage with a communal room and wooden bunks, but Barrisdale offers rare luxuries: cold running water, electricity, and a toilet. Maintained by the local landowner, the bothy has a 5 (U.S. $6.63) per-person fee, payable via an honesty box. Beds are first come, first served, so bring a sleeping bag and mat. Alternatively, camping is allowed for the same fee.

After a restful night, we were on the upward slope to Mam Barrisdale, the route's highest point. Swarms of midges thrived in the humid, overcast air, but these were minor irritations compared to the exhilaration of looking back at the cobalt loch. Our sights were now set on pushing through the misty peaks toward the 450-meter (1,476-foot) trig point. The reward was a prime view of Ladhar Bheinn Knoydart's highest mountain, often hailed as Scotland's wildest Munroa Scottish mountain with an elevation of more than 914 meters (3,000 feet).

(Related: 10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland.)

These old ruins are found at the base of the trail before it ascends 1,700 feet.

On the multi-day hike to The Old Forge, hikers may spot Highland cows, identified by their long, shaggy coats and horns.

Despite being downhill from there, we still had to trudge through the boggiest terrain, which at one point decided it wanted my boot. Eventually, the path dried, allowing our pace to quicken as we headed towards the sparkling waters of Inverie Bay. Turning one last corner, we saw a post office among a handful of shops on the tiniest main streets and The Old Forge signpost overlooking the "heavenly" Loch Nevis. We had made it!

A warm welcome to The Old Forge

Visitors and locals hang outside of the Old Forge, Knoydart.

Aerial drone shots of The Old Forge, Knoydart.

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The pub is a modest, whitewashed building with a cozy interior, and it was surprisingly busy with a vibrant mix of day trippers, locals, and hikers. As we took our seats with celebratory pints in hand, Will O'Neil, the pubs manager, welcomed us with a warm smile. "It started as a bit of a joke, but then we wanted to buy our pub," said Will, who epitomizes the spirit and resilience of this tiny corner of Scotland. He added, "Running a pub as remote as this is hard work. Many of the shareholders give their precious time to help out. There's so much to do but we love it."

Locals hang out making jokes, entertaining the newest member of the community, 7 week old Finn, and enjoying the live music.

Danny Gorman works for the Knoydart Forest Trust and is seen with Bo (the dog) outside the Old Forge, a popular meeting spot on Saturday in Knoydart. Photograph by Emily Macinnes

Musicians, including violin player Evie Waddell (left) and local flute player Mark Harris (right), perform at the Old Forge while locals and hikers enjoy pints and food. Photograph by Emily Macinnes

Hikers Ryan Petrie and Josh Macaskill from Dundee, Scotland, enjoy a pint outside the Old Forge after hiking.

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The pubs Business Development Manager, Stephanie Harris, who grew up in Knoydart and founded Visit Knoydart, captured the collaborative attitude of the village best when she said, The best part of being a shareholder is playing an active role in the pubs future. She added, I want to offer my skills in any way that would be useful.

As we sipped our pints and rested our aching limbs, we reflected on Will's words and wondered if Inverie's story could be a blueprint for struggling communities. We couldn't think of a better one.

(Related: These British pubs serve food worth traveling for.)

What you should know

If you're planning to hike to The Old Forge, preparation is key. This is a remote and demanding route, so bring a map, GPS, and plenty of food and water. Also, let someone know your planned route and estimated arrival time. A lightweight sleeping bag and mat are essential if youre staying in a bothy.

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(Related: Editors picks: 10 of our favourite UK pubs for summer.)

Peter Elia is a travel journalist and photographer who explores the worlds less traveled hiking trailsfollow him on Instagram @themanwhohikedtheworld
Aston Martin, Stellantis and Mercedes are among the automakers affected by the introduction of a 25% tariff on all car imports to the US on 3 April. Photograph: Priyanshu Singh/Reuters

The British sportscar maker Aston Martin is limiting exports to the US in the face of Donald Trumps tariffs, while its counterparts Stellantis and Mercedes withdrew their financial guidance for the year, blaming the uncertainty around changing US policy on import levies.

Aston Martin, known for producing the cars driven by James Bond in the spy films, said it was currently limiting imports to the US while leveraging the stock held by our US dealers.

The US is the key market for the lossmaking carmaker, which generated about a third of its 1.6bn revenue for 2024 in the country. It said on Wednesday it was carefully monitoring the evolving US tariff situation and would respond to changes in the operating environment as they materialise.

Related: Nissan warns of 4bn loss as costs rise and Trump tariffs loom

Aston Martin, Mercedes and the Fiat owner, Stellantis, are among the automakers affected by Trumps sweeping levies, which threaten to upend car markets and disrupt global supply chains.

The US administration introduced a 25% tariff on all car imports on 3 April, as part of its shake-up of global trade, and in a move designed to bring auto production back to the US.

However, Trump announced on Tuesday plans to water down the sweeping tariffs, by scaling back some of the duties on foreign cars and parts to give a reprieve to US carmakers, after the domestic industry warned his strategy would increase costs for American manufacturers by tens of billions of dollars.

Carmakers subject to a 25% tariff on imports will not be subject to other levies Trump has imposed, such as those on steel and aluminium, while US carmakers will be allowed to apply for temporary tariff relief on a proportion of the costs imposed for imported parts.

Meanwhile, Stellantis, the maker of Jeep, Fiat, Vauxhall and Peugeot cars, said on Wednesday it was suspending its 2025 financial guidance for a moderate recovery in its business, as a result of uncertainties around US tariff policies.

The group, which suffered a drop in profit in 2024, reported a 9% fall in car shipments in the first quarter to 1.22m units, compared with a year earlier, as well as a slide in net sales.

The German carmaker Mercedes-Benz Group also withdrew its financial outlook for the current year on Wednesday, as a result of uncertainty around Trumps tariffs.

The company  which produces some vehicles in the US but also ships European-made cars to North America  said there was considerable uncertainty for the world economy as a result of the USs tariff policy and countermeasures from other governments, making it difficult for the company to issue forward-looking statements.

Volatility around tariffs is too high to reliably assess business development this year, Mercedes said, adding that its operating profit, cashflow and margins could all be affected if US tariffs remained in place.
British RAF fighters have joined the American campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, striking targets which, the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Secretary are eager to tell us, were picked through an extensive intelligence effort; they were struck at night and with every intention to minimise civilian harm. What is less clear at this stage is why, and what the desired result of military action in Yemen is.

The Houthis are a menace. They are pirates, attacking targets willy-nilly in the Red Sea. They have cost the world many hundreds of billions in additional barriers to shipping and trade. They field child soldiers who are stolen from their parents by conscription. Their ideology is that of international terrorism. They are an outgrowth of the sectarian project of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, committed to the destruction of the revolutions enemies  and that includes Britain.

The United States has launched an extensive campaign against the Houthis since Donald Trump took office. Operation Rough Rider more than picked up where a series of strikes carried out by America and Britain against Houthi targets under Joe Biden left off.

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So, Britain has engaged the Houthis before, and the wheels did not come off. But why, then, do I believe its a mistake to strike these targets? Recent history is my guide.

Other people have fought in Yemen over the last sixty years and they did not tend to win. Egypt fought a war in Yemen with a strong air force component and it turned into their Vietnam. Saudi Arabia attempted to support the UN-recognised government in Yemen against the Houthis and it resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe. The Saudi oil economy has been deluged by Iranian and Houthi missiles and drones ever since.

But we and the Americans are not Saudi Arabia. We are not Egypt. Might we be able to beat the Houthis in a way which is real and sustainable? In theory, maybe. But not in practice. Think, if you will, about the recent conflicts to which Britain and the United States have been party.

We fight a lot of air wars because it is what we are good at. But do those air wars result in permanent victories? The American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were largely air wars after 2014. In Iraq, an air war halted the advance of the Islamic State. But it did not defeat it. Sectarian fighters working on Americas behalf did that.

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And does the modern Middle East seem stable and at peace as a result of that decision? In Afghanistan, Trumps taking office in his first term resulted in a great expansion of the air war against the Taliban and the Islamic State. One of his local commanders even licensed the use of the MOAB (Mother of All Bombs) against ISIS targets.

But Trump got frustrated eventually and cut a deal which permitted the Taliban to win the war. Now Afghanistan is a Taliban emirate, with a large and growing ISIS insurgency, which carries out spectacular attacks in Russia and Iran  and will target Europe, too.

Lobbing a few missiles is easy, almost cathartic. But what long-term plan lies behind it? America gets bored and loses all of these wars eventually. Why must Britain consent to being taken along for another ride?

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By David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Britain's special representative for the AUKUS defense project, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, has been briefing U.S. officials in Washington this week about a review of the project he presented to the British government this year, a British official said on Thursday.

The AUKUS defense partnership was formed in 2021 by Australia, the United States and Britain to address shared worries about China's growing power.

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It envisages Australia acquiring U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines from 2032 and its deployment from 2040 of a new class of submarine built jointly with Britain using U.S. technology, as well as development of advanced weapons such as hypersonic missiles.

Lovegrove, Britain's national security adviser when AUKUS was formed, was commissioned last year to review Britain's progress towards meeting its core commitments under the project and identify barriers to success.

A British official told Reuters Lovegrove had briefed Pentagon officials and senior U.S. lawmakers on his report and was also due to meet officials of the U.S. State Department.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Lovegrove has also discussed the report with Australian officials in London and Washington and will travel to Australia soon, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Lovegrove's Washington visit comes just ahead of a national election in Australia on Saturday.

The two main parties contesting the poll back AUKUS, which is Australia's biggest-ever defense project, but the opposition Liberal Party had been more vocal on the need to step up defense spending.

Before Australia takes ownership of submarines under AUKUS, four U.S. and one British commanded submarines will provide a "rotational force" at Australia's Indian Ocean naval base in Perth from 2027, giving Washington a coveted strategic position to operate from in the Indo-Pacific.

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Trump's tariff plans have raised some concerns about AUKUS in Australia and questions remain as to whether Washington can boost U.S. submarine production to meet its own targets and allow sales to Australia.

Among other obstacles, U.S. controls on sensitive defense exports, relaxed for Australia and Britain and the AUKUS project last year, still apply to certain submarine technology, requiring the issuance of special licenses that can be time-consuming to obtain.

There have been concerns too about the Australian Labor government's reluctance to discuss using AUKUS submarines against China, something that could hurt U.S. deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific if U.S. vessels are transferred.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney and Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
A British-made stealth plane has claimed a new world record for the longest continuous flight, spending 67 days in the stratosphere.

The unmanned Aalto Zephyr, which was built in Farnborough, Hampshire, flew for more than two months from Kenya to Australia, before ditching in the Indian Ocean.

The flight beat a record that has stood for more than 50 years for the longest duration plane flight. It bested a record set in 1959 when American pilots Robert Timm and John Cook flew a Cessna Skyhawk continuously for 64 days and 22 hours in Nevada.

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The Zephyr has a wingspan of 85ft, but weighs just 75kg and flies using solar power.

The plane can operate as a spy plane, offering Earth observation and reconnaissance capabilities. It can also provide 4G and 5G communications, acting like a mobile mast in the sky. The aircrafts longest previous mission was a 64-day flight in 2022.

The Zephyr is a high-altitude platform station (or Haps) originally developed by British defence company QinetiQ before the project was sold to French aerospace giant Airbus in 2013. Operations remain based in Britain.

The Aalto Zephyr was built in Farnborough, Hampshire - Paul Grover

The solar panels on its wings, which are thin as film, allow the plane to fly continuously, recharging its batteries during the day.

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It is designed to fly above 60,000ft, delivering communications to remote areas. It can also carry powerful cameras and sensors, meaning the aircraft can act as an eye in the sky for border forces or police operations.

These technologies position the Zephyr to challenge businesses such as Elon Musks Starlink for providing communications to disaster zones or military operations, or for boosting mobile signals for major events. It could also provide an alternative to spy satellites.

The project has similarities to Facebooks Aquila, a solar plane that was also built in the UK but later mothballed.

Google, meanwhile, attempted to design high-altitude communications balloons through its Loon business, but scrapped the division in 2021. Japans SoftBank has developed a high-altitude plane called Sunglider that is currently undergoing trials.

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Last year, Aalto received $100m (75m) in funding from Japanese investors and banks, although Airbus remains its majority shareholder. It plans to launch commercial services in Japan next year.

Hughes Boulnois, Aaltos chief executive, said: With this new world-record flight, we have pushed the boundaries again for the burgeoning Haps industry and aviation globally with a solar-powered, stratospheric aircraft.

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Two British teenagers charged with making hoax swatting calls to American and Canadian police have been pictured for the first time.

Dylan Ash, 18, Keiron Ellison, 18, and Liam White, 22, appeared in court on Thursday following a two and a half year-long investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Swatting is a harassment tactic used to trick squads of armed police officers into responding to a fake emergency called in at a victims address.

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Dylan Ash smiled as he left Liverpool magistrates court while wearing a pair of golden sunglasses and dressed in a white shirt and smart trousers.

He is accused of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Dylan Ash smiles as he leaves the court - Freelance Photos North Wales

The trios charges relate to an online group which planned, advertised and carried out calls to emergency services and internet celebrities reporting fabricated serious, life threatening incidents [and] active shooter threats to prompt an emergency response between October 2022 and April 2023.

Mr White, Mr Ash and Mr Ellison allegedly conspired together and with others to commit a series of acts in the jurisdiction of Canada and America between Oct 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the court heard.

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The trio are also said to have done the same in the USA between July 1 2023 and Oct 30 2024.

Mr Ellison was pictured wearing a grey T-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and trainers in the courtroom on Thursday.

Mr White, from Western-super-Mare in Somerset, attended the hearing via a remote video link.

The men spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and ages during the 10-minute hearing, and did not enter pleas.

All three men granted bail

James Clarke, the District Judge, granted all three men bail to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on May 29.

Under their bail conditions, Mr Ash and Mr Ellison are barred from using social media channels including Discord, Telegram and X.

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Mr White was told not to contact the other two defendants.

Det Sgt Steve Frame said: The charges are the culmination of an extensive investigation by Merseyside Police working with US law enforcement, including the FBI.

They relate to the online activities of an internet-based group between October 2022 and April 2023, which planned, advertised and carried out calls to emergency services and internet celebrities reporting fabricated serious, life-threatening incidents, active shooter threats to prompt an emergency response.

Bethan David, the head of the Crown Prosecution Services counter-terrorism division, said: The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these three defendants are now active and that they have the right to a fair trial.

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It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.

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Ethel Caterham, here celebrating her 115th birthday, lives at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey

A 115-year-old British woman born in the Edwardian era has become the worlds oldest living person.

Ethel Caterham, who was born in 1909, is the oldest known Briton to ever live and was born near the end of Edward VIIs reign.

She took the title after the previous record-holder, Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun, died at the age of 116 on April 30.

Mrs Caterham, who lives at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, previously said I do what I like when asked what she credits for her longevity.

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Never arguing with anyone, I listen  and I do what I like, she said last year after turning 115.

Ethel Caterham met her husband, Lt Col Norman Caterham, in 1931 and they married at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933 - Lydia Goldblatt

Research organisations LongeviQuest and the Gerontology Research Group, which verify ages for the Guinness World Records, said Mrs Caterham now holds the title.

Born in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, on Aug 21 1909, Mrs Caterham was raised in Tidworth, Wiltshire, as the second youngest of eight children.

Aged 18, she became an au pair to a military family in British India before returning to England three years later, where in 1931 she met her husband Lt Col Norman Caterham.

They married at Salisbury Cathedral, where he had been a choirboy, in 1933.

Ethel Caterham was raised in Tidworth, Wiltshire, as the second youngest of eight children

Her husband served as a senior officer in the Royal Army Pay Corps and the couple were stationed in Gibraltar and Hong Kong, where Mrs Caterham set up a nursery.

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The couple had two daughters and returned to Britain, where her husband died in 1976.

Mrs Caterham has lived in Surrey for 50 years and has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey in 2020, she said: Ive taken everything in my stride, the highs and lows.

Ive been all over the world, and Ive ended up in this lovely home, where everyone is falling over themselves for me, giving me everything I want.

Ethel Caterham has two daughters, three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren

In 2022, she added: Family is the most important thing in life, to be able to leave memories with your children and grandchildren.

Possessions dont matter a bit in the end  all you need is someone to look after you.

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Mrs Caterham is the first Briton to claim the title of the worlds oldest person since 1987, when 114-year-old Anna Williams was the record holder.

John Tinniswood, from Southport, Lancashire, was the worlds oldest man until he died at the age of 112 in November last year.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The City of Topeka announced on Thursday that the USS Topeka namesake committee wont be attending the citys ceremony to honor military service members due to budget constraints.

Members of the USS Topeka namesake committee were planning to present the city with memorabilia from the recently decommissioned submarine. According to an email from a city spokesman, the cancellation comes as the Navy works to prioritize warfighting.

Due to unforeseen budget constraints, members of the USS Topeka Namesake Committee can no longer attend the event, City Spokesman Dan Garrett said. However, the celebration will continue as planned with performances by the Topeka West High School Band, Color Guard, and Drill Team, along with proclamations and special recognitions, including students entering military service and more.

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Topeka could vote to cut its DEI Office, affirmative action

The City of Topekas ceremony to honor military service members will proceed as scheduled on Monday, May 5 at 5 p.m. in the Cyrus K. Holliday Building parking lot.

Its with my deepest regret that I must cancel our hometown visit to the lovely city of Topeka, said the Commanding Officer of the USS Topeka, Christopher W. Clevenger. As the Navy reprioritizes warfighting, some other programs, like namesake visits, were cut. I truly appreciate all of the hard work and time the city has dedicated to the visit, and we will continue looking for ways to have it funded.

Gov. Kelly declares state of disaster for fuel supplies

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The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Topeka specialized in anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surveillance and reconnaissance, according to the U.S. Navy. It was originally commissioned on Oct. 21, 1989 and is one of a handful of vessels that are named after Topeka. The USS Topeka was scheduled for decommissioning in 2024 alongside a number of other vessels, according to the U.S. Naval Institute.

You can read more about the planned event by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Lawmakers convene in a joint session in the Florida House of Representatives chamber to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis deliver the State of the State address on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

The Florida Legislature will not vote on a budget for at least another 10 days, as leaders of each chamber say theyre still working on a deal.

The legislative session is set to end Friday but, without agreement on the only bill lawmakers must pass, they will have to come back to Tallahassee before July 1 to fund the government for the next fiscal year.

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We continue to have productive conversations with the House. Were putting together a framework for a budget, and Im optimistic that well have more news to share very soon, Senate President Ben Albritton told senators Thursday morning, adding that they need not plan on being in Tallahassee next week.

The two chambers started about $4.4 billion apart on total spending, reflecting different philosophies on tax cuts.

The initial House proposal targeted permanent sales tax cuts, while the initial Senate proposal emphasized sales tax cuts on inexpensive clothing and shoes plus tax holidays and a study on future property tax relief. Gov. Ron DeSantis has his own ideas, preferring a massive property tax rebate ahead of elimination of the tax through a ballot measure next year.

Obviously, today is Day 59; as we get towards the end of the 60 days, we are still in conversations with the Senate, House Speaker Daniel Perez told lawmakers, adding that they do not need to be in town next week.

Perez said the House will debate legislation Thursday and Friday as the remaining bills go back and forth in negotiations with the Senate.



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(L-R) Gianna Floyd; daughter of George Floyd, looks on as Philonise Floyd, George Floyd's brother, and Attorney Ben Crump speak to reporters after a meeting with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) on Capitol Hill on May 25, 2021 in Washington, DC. Credit - Drew AngererGetty Images

My dissertation advisor, a veteran of segregated Chicago, liked to say that social science is not rocket scienceits a lot harder. Social systems and social progress have a lot more variables than physical ones and behave much less predictably.

The five years following George Floyds lynching have demonstrated the wisdom of his words.

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In 2020, after the largest protests in U.S. history, there was no shortage of outrage. No lack of political will. No confusion about what people wantedaccountability, dignity, safety. Police unions and politicians who once claimed racism was over suddenly spoke publicly about the need to do something in response to such a grotesque event. For a moment, our nation had moral clarity, and it felt like we might finally be on the cusp of change that was as large as our collective outrage.

But then the variables changed, and the social systems largely did not. Perhaps that is because there is still a bit about large-scale social progress that is like a moonshot. The launch is hard enoughcontrolling the explosion of energy, the singular mission, the sense of purpose. But the magic comes in sustaining momentum long enough to stick the landing. And, in the wake of 2020, we have not stuck the landing.

There has been no lasting, federal changes in public policy. The burst of local reforms has slowed considerably, with progress haunted by promising programs disappearing. And the piecemeal change that seemed too small to match the outrage that erupted then would now be considered by many to be radical. Five years hence, we find ourselves living in the shadow of the second Trump administration, with a government that seizes immigrants off the streets and disdains not only efforts to redress racism but the proposition of equal justice itself. The rocket not only failed to land; it exploded.

How did that happenand where do we go from here?

If history is any indication, big innovations depend on three pillars: A clear vision, often framed in morally appealing terms; people who obsess over understanding the details; and funding to sustain both, through failure and success.

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Giant leaps like the 1969 moon landing were built on all three. Most remember the morally clarion calls of President John F. Kennedy marshaling the nation behind NASAs mission, or Buzz Aldrins iconic words broadcast back down on Earth. But few recall the legions of dedicated technical experts behind the scenes, which included women like Katherine Johnson, a Black mathematician from West Virginia, who began her career in a segregated NASA research center before performing critical calculations on the Apollo mission. Not to mention the record-high funding the space program enjoyed through multiple false starts.

Social change operates on the same principles, but it is far harder to meet even one of these conditions. Funding tends to be the least stable pillar. There is also no money in trying to solve racismat least, not for the people doing it. And, unlike a moon landing, vaccines that eradicate disease, or artificial intelligence that can fabricate art, most people cannot easily imagine what ending racism looks like.

Having spent more than a quarter century studying the psychology and history of racism, and the past two decades merging social science with advocacy in more than 60 jurisdictions across the U.S. and abroad, I have seen the financial landscape grow bleaker than it has been at any time before in this century. Federal grants designed to study unnecessary police stops and uses of force have evaporated, philanthropy is being spread thinner, and I have seen financial support for changing public safety evaporate.

The fate of the space program illustrates the importance of robust, durable funding. Since the moon landing in 1969, we have seen comparatively minor innovations in space travel. Absent a clear next goal supported by consistent financing, signal events have all but disappeared.

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Social problems without a clear vision for solving them experience a similar deceleration. With excruciating balance, however, we can succeed on the strength of the other two pillars: the moral clarity to mobilize people and the depth of knowledge necessary to achieve lasting change.

Racial justice advocates have pulled this off before. Just a century after slavery, activists, lawmakers, and everyday people dedicated to a more just nation secured passage of the Voting Rights Act. Civil Rights lawyers did it with Brown v. Board of Education, marking less than 90 years from slavery to the end of legal segregation.

Holding On (Blue), 2025, by Tajh Rust

In both cases, accomplishing progress required moral vision and technical expertise working in tandem; one cannot create durable progress without the other. We have seen this throughout history: Behind every landmark victory are numerous, often unnamed professionals who understand what levers to pull and how to find themthe mechanics who make change happen. Martin Luther Kings famous I Have a Dream speech, for instance, was made possible by the logistical and technical brilliance of advisor Bayard Rustin, who organized the March on Washington and other iconic protests. Achieving that balance has yielded successes under other banners as well, like the right to organize, for women to vote, and for consumers to be protected from harmful products. All of these landmark achievements followed a clear vision and leaders with deep expertise in how the systems they struggled to changeor toppleactually functioned.

Collective action needs moral claritysimple, powerful calls to action that cut through apathy and inspire people. But that same clarityso essential for mobilizationcan obscure complexity and downplay technical expertise. The glare of a galvanizing vision means we often squint at problems and champion solutions that feel right in the moment but do not hold up under scrutiny or serve our long-term goals.

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In other words, without delicate balance, we risk building around a goal without recognizing the means necessary to achieve it. Justice also faces an additional obstacle: Unlike with most aerospace research, there are often active enemies of social progress deeply invested, culturally or materially, in the status quo. That means that cycles of backlash must be included in the calculations of our moonshots for social change.

Failing to account for this phenomenon can breed catastrophe. My first exposure to this idea came in May 1985, as a kid growing up in Philadelphia. The city tried to evict members of MOVE, a Black liberation group that had sparked neighborhood complaints of noise, trash, and threatening behavior, by using a police helicopter to drop a bomb on the West Philly rowhomes where members lived. The bombs started fires that killed 11, including five children within a few years of my age; displaced 250 people; and destroyed two city blocks.

I was seven years old when the bombs dropped. I could not understand the context that led then-Mayor W. Wilson Goode, Philadelphias first Black Mayor, to that catastrophic decision, but I was terrified by the images. One of those victims, a child named Phil Little Phil Africa, even shared my first name.

A few years later, my parents brought me along to a dinner hosted by a close family friend, Lucius Outlaw Jr., a brilliant professor of philosophy who retired from Vanderbilt University in 2023. Uncle Lou, as I called him, would often host Black academics and activists at his table, including an up-and-coming professor named Cornel West. When I asked the adults about the bombing, there was outragebut also shame and regret.

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These luminaries were not naive. They believed in their revolutionary vision and the forward trajectory of racial justice. There was a sense around that table, and throughout my formative years, that those who planned for change had an obligation to include the cycles of backlash into their calculationsand that failing to do so sufficiently was part of the way we ended up here. In retrospect, the MOVE bombing was part of a backlash cycle that yielded tough-on-crime policies and mass incarceration. Not least was the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Actlegislation that still shapes the way law enforcement operates around the country.

Failing to account for backlash against racial progress at this point feels negligent precisely because it is so historically predictable at this point. Reconstruction gave way to Jim and Jane Crow. Brown v. Board and the victories of the 50s and 60s gave way to the racially regressive politics of Nixon, Ford, and eventually Reagan. The election of the nations first Black president catalyzed the Tea Party and, eventually, Donald Trump.

Given the reliability of these cycles, the only option is to treat moments when public opinion and progress align as narrow windows when change is possible. The task must be to wield fleeting power effectively for durable gains. Get what you can while you can, then come back for the rest. That means there is little time for clarity and expertise to be at odds.

In the wake of Floyd's death, there were calls to mandate less police violence, hire more diverse police forces, track police performance, and make it easier to hold officers and departments accountable. Advocates and police chiefs largely agreed that police are tasked with too much and that we should have alternatives to police in many cases and focus on preventing crises rather than just responding to them where possible.

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But there were also loud disagreements on whether improving police behavior was a fools errand. So, collectively, we didnt. Advocates and elected leaders debated whether short-term improvements to our public safety systems were counterproductive to a long-term goalas if, absent violent revolution, a clear goal married to technocratic change has not always been the path that racial progress traveled in this country.

Consider the failure of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The legislation was not close to everything the nation needed to end racism in public safety, but it aligned with public opinion and, despite the critiques of some activists, represented real progress. Measures such as a national database that would have kept corrupt cops from securing jobs in other jurisdictions, a national ban on chokeholds, or a new legal standard that would make it easier to pursue claims against policeall on the table at one point or anotherwould have saved lives.

2020 failed to produce the balance between moral clarity and policy complexity that might have led to durable gains. And so infighting flourished while momentum faded. The money (such as it was) dried up and 2020 did not produce the changed nation so many wanted.

Working within systems may not be enough. But those who walk away from the table in service to a sense of moral purity are often leaving lives in the balance. To outlast the backlash and achieve more than symbolic gains, both vision and progress are requiredeven if the progress is unsatisfying.

So, how do we honor the spirit of 2020 without losing hope when the progress is slow to materialize?

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The first step is recognizing that progress cannot be sustained by moral clarity alone. To be clear, the language that engages communities and brings supporters off the sidelines is a necessary ingredient to progress. Lasting solutions, however, require both that clarity that inspires action and the knowledge of how systems work.

The second step is understanding that moral clarity is not the enemy of complexity. We do not have to abandon a bold vision of the type of society we want to live inbut we do have to ground our long-term demands in the rigorous, strategic work that ensures they lead to substantive change. People who dreamed of going to Mars do not call NASA traitors for landing on the moon. Nor should positive changes to public safety be maligned for being too small or working within systems that should not exist. The systems do exist. And if we want to save lives, we cannot walk away from every table that does not feature our preferred moral centerpiece.

The third step is abandoning the idea that justice is a single achievementa moon landing, one legislative win, one landmark court ruling, one budget reallocation that will fix everything. Justice is not a single scheme. It is not a destination. It is a sustained effort, something that must be secured over and over again. Insufficient gains are still gains. While legislation documenting habitually abusive police is not enough, neither is it meaningless.

We do not launch rockets once and say that space is conquered. We keep building. We reach for new frontiers. Those striving for progress must attempt the same. Every victory is a step, not the final destination. We do not get to rest long. We do not aim to be permanently satisfied. We win a battle, then we get back to work. Because, as history keeps reminding us, the moment we stop pushing upward is the moment gravity starts pulling us down.

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Solomon is the Carl I. Hovland Professor of African American Studies and Psychology at Yale. He is co-founder and CEO of the Center for Policing Equity

This project was created in partnership with the Center for Policing Equity.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  Burlington Coat Factory has assumed the lease of the JoAnn location in Boardman.

Read next: Kimberly-Clark commits to Trumbull County plant

According to a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, Burlington will assume the lease with property owner RAF Investments LTD in Liberty.

Burlington will assume the lease on June 1. Any objections must be filed within 14 days.

Burlington will also assume the leases of 45 other JoAnn locations, including ones in Columbus and Cincinnati, but no other Valley locations are listed.

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JoAnn initially filed for bankruptcy in March 2024 and later emerged as a private company, but after operational challenges continued to pile up, JoAnn filed for bankruptcy again in January.

Joanns roots date back to 1943, with a single storefront in Cleveland, Ohio. And the retailer later grew into a national chain. Formerly known as Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the company rebranded itself with the shortened Joann name for its 75th anniversary.

First News has reached out to Burlington to find out its plans for the building and is awaiting a response.

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We recently published a list of 12 Best Warren Buffett Stock Picks For Beginners. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) stands against other best Warren Buffett stocks to invest in.

Warren Buffett, one of the most renowned names in the world of finance, was inspired by two famous economists from the 1930s, Ben Graham and Philip Fisher. From Graham, Buffett learned the idea of a margin of safety, which means he seeks companies whose stocks are trading for less than what their assets are actually worth. He also picked up Grahams belief that it is pointless to obsess over daily market ups and downs, since real success comes from holding investments for the long term. From Fisher, Buffett developed a strong focus on the quality of a companys management. He realized that great leadership can make a significant difference in a businesss long-term value. Fisher also warned that over-diversifying could backfire, making it harder to properly monitor each investment. Buffett clearly follows this thinking, since his $267 billion portfolio is concentrated in just 38 stocks as of Q4 2024.

Warren Buffetts investment strategy is a masterclass in disciplined and fundamentals-driven investing. His focus is on companies with durable competitive advantages, which he refers to as economic moats, combined with strong management and solid capital allocation. The Oracle of Omaha is against chasing trends. Instead, he looks for long-term value and buys only when a company is trading below its intrinsic worth. Buffetts approach with the iPhone-maker is a great case in point. He was not just impressed by the hardware; he saw the value in its services ecosystem, like the App Store and iCloud, which generate consistent, high-margin revenue.

During the height of the 2008 financial crisis, the Berkshire billionaire shared a remark with investors that remains just as relevant in the current stock market landscape. He wrote:

Over the long term, the stock market news will be good. In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.

Buffett also emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. Despite his success as a stock picker, he recommends low-cost S&P index funds for most investors, believing they outperform most professionals over time. At its core, Buffetts strategy is not flashy, and he offers a blueprint for sustainable wealth creation. This article presents the Warren Buffett stock picks that are especially suitable for new investors looking to build a strong portfolio.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Big plans are in the works for the Old Sky Chef building on Ualena Street near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Were putting out a contract in May of this year that we would award in October to move forward with construction by late this year, to demolish that building and completely erase it, get rid of it, so that we can have this place available to build a new bus facility in that area, Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen explained.

Preliminary report released for fatal Kamaka Air crash

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In December 2024, a Kamaka Airlines cargo plane crashed into the building shortly after take-off, killing the two young pilots onboard.

Are you wearing the right color lei for Lei Day? Kumu Lum explains

The building, which is owned by the state, was built in the 1970s and has been abandoned for some time.

DOT is budgeting between $2 million and $3 million for the demolition and clearing of the area.

Visiting paradise comes with a price: 8 things to know about Hawaiis new tax

According to Sniffin, the building should be gone by early 2026, and DOT will be able to start construction on the new electric bus facility.

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The bus facility, right now, is in the Diamond Head concourse area, the area where its going to be, so we have to move it, he explained. So when we do move it, we need another area for us to service our buses and store them, so thats where its going to be.

Sniffen said they are working with HECO to ensure the new facility has the required charging capabilities.

In a statement, HECO said: We had preliminary discussions with the Department of Transportation about this project. At Hawaiian Electric, the growth of EV charging infrastructure is foundational to Hawaiis adoption of electrified transportation.

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DOT is still using diesel buses for its Wiki Wiki bus service at the airport.

A DOT spokesperson confirmed that they have ordered four electric buses but could not confirm when those buses would arrive. DOT said that the electric buses will be charged by the service provider until the new facility is finished.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

The new bus facilities are going to range from $100 million to $150 million, Sniffen said.

No word on when construction on the new bus facility is expected to be completed yet.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
ASHLAND An Ashland woman learned the hard way how difficult it is taking care of loved ones when theyre ill.

With many years of experience in health care, Mandy Kidwell took care of her husband of her husband, Merle, when he died of cancer.

It gave me a whole different perspective, she said.

Since then, shes bought a franchise in Hallmark Homecare, a California-based business that recruits experienced caretakers looking for work and those needing help in their home. Kidwell said she matches caregiver and client based on geographic location and needs and can continue as a liaison between worker and client.

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After a week of training at the corporate offices, Kidwell started the local business in September and currently has six caregivers and five clients.

Different caregivers bring different skills and qualifications to the table, but Kidwell said corporate rules say each must have at least two years of experience. Kidwell said she prefers to hire those with at least five years of experience. She said she also expects verifiable, professional references and she does background checks. Help available includes dementia care, companion care, assistance in daily living skills, personal care, light housework, meal preparation, transportation to appointments and grocery stores.

The business will cover territories from Ashland to Mount Sterling, with towns across the Ohio River included. Cost is $22 to $25 an hour, depending on the level of experience of the caregiver; no extra charge is paid for the service of matching client to caregiver. Kidwell said there also are live-in options that might be cheaper than per hour.

So far, one of her caregivers is a man, but she said she hopes more men will apply. In fact, shes hoping to recruit many more caregivers, as well as clients.

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Hallmark Homecare, is a private pay business matching clients to caregivers. To reach owner Mandy Kidwell, call (606) 775-0308.

Kidwell has been an occupational therapist for last 20 years. She also has worked in First Steps, an early intervention program through the state for children with developmental delays or disabilities and she was a cofounder of the local nonprofit I Believe Foundation.

She said she believes services like Hallmark Homecare are crucial.

I think its a desperate need, she said. As a country, the way we take care of the elderly needs a lot of work. Medicare doesnt pay for any type of in-home caregiving services. Medicaid goes, but it comes with a waiting list.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will take part in a town hall with the liberal veterans organization VoteVets later this month in Iowa.

The town hall, which the group said is a part of a broader effort to lift veterans voices during the Trump administration, will take place on May 13 in Cedar Rapids.

Buttigieg is expected to discuss the impact President Trump has had on veterans during his first 100 days in office.

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The event marks Buttigiegs first public, in-person appearance since leaving office earlier this year. Last month, Buttigieg publicly passed on a Michigan Senate run. A source familiar with Buttigiegs thinking told The Hill the move sets him up for the strongest possible position to run in 2028, noting that running for governor and senator would have taken that off the table.

The source added that while the Democratic Party has been in discussions about going to new places to reach people, Buttigieg has been doing that since Day 1.

Buttigieg adviser Chris Meagher told CNN, which first reported the news of the town hall, the former secretary is trying out different formats including town halls, in an effort to reach people.

Were trying out several different formats  town halls, Q&As with different people on his social media, going out to podcasts and shows both political and non-political, and more  to try to reach people where they are, both in-person and online, Meagher said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

BETHANY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Caddo man was arrested by the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office after admitting to breaking into a womans home and sexually assaulting her, according to Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr.

According to a release, on May 30 at 1:44 p.m., patrol deputies were dispatched to the 9800 block of Lake Lane in Bethany, Louisiana, after receiving reports of a man attempting to break into a residence while the female homeowner was on the phone with 911.

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CPSO says the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Joshlyn S. Hawkins, was able to force his way into the home. He then threw the woman to the ground and began to assault her sexually.

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When deputies arrived at the home, they heard loud yelling and screaming inside the house. They quickly entered the residence and were able to place Hawkins into custody without incident.

The whole incident was recorded through the 911 call.

After the detectives read Hawkins his Miranda rights, he admitted to breaking into the victims home and sexually assaulting her. After his interview, he was arrested and transported to the Caddo Correctional Center, where he was booked on one count of first-degree rape, one count of home invasion, and a probation fugitive warrant.

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The victim was taken to Willis Knighton South for treatment of her injuries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
After a couple of years of losing residents, Californias population is once again on the upswing.

For the second straight year, Californias population increased in 2024, marking a turnaround from the exiting trend that emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As recently as 2023, researchers found that more people were moving out of the Golden State than were moving to it.

In 2024, however, the state added about 108,000 people, according to the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, to reach a population of 39,529,000.

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People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected, Newsom said in the release. As the fourth largest economy in the world  from the Inland Empire to the Bay Area  regions throughout California are growing, strengthening local communities and boosting our states future. Well continue to cut tape, invest in people, and seek real results from government to ensure we build on this momentum  all of which are at risk with the extreme and uncertain tariffs.

Newsoms office also took aim at the years of population decrease, citing U.S. Census Bureau numbers showing the losses were far smaller than initially thought and, in some cases, years of decline were actually years of slight increases.

Despite the common myth of a continually declining population, California has only saw a short period of population loss in its 174 year history  during the peak of the COVID pandemic, when it decreased by 379,544 people (which represents about 1% decrease over those two years), according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the release explained.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California Democrats rejected on Thursday a Republican-backed effort to advance a policy to increase penalties for soliciting and buying sex from 16- and 17-year-olds, an issue that's caused friction among Democrats and prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to weigh in.

Republicans argued for the policy on the floor after a legislative committee removed it from a bill earlier this week.

It's a simple thing before us: Do 16- and 17-year-olds deserve the same protection as all other minors when it comes to child prostitution? Republican minority leader James Gallagher said before the vote, adding, This body needs a moral compass."

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The move was supported by several moderate Democrats, who said buying sex from older teens should be a felony. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said in a statement after the vote that California already has some of the strongest laws against trafficking and that lawmakers are committed in protecting children. Democrats backed an amendment saying they plan to adopt the strongest laws to protect 16- and 17-year-old victims."

Protecting children, standing up for trafficking victims and stopping crimes are among my top priorities as Speaker, Rivas said.

It's the latest example of the split among Democrats over how best to crack down on crime and punish criminals. Some moderate Democrats want to see harsher punishments to protect more children, while others say the measure could be misused by parents upset about interracial or LGBTQ+ relationships to target older teens involved in the relationship. Newsom often declines to weigh in on pending legislation but has stepped in over the years to advance child trafficking measures.

The law should treat all sex predators who solicit minors the same  as a felony, regardless of the intended victims age. Full stop, his office said in a statement.

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Assemblymember Maggy Krell, a Democrat with a prosecutorial background, wanted to expand a law Newsom signed last year to make it an automatic felony for those who solicit and buy older teenagers for sex, among other things. The current law, which makes it a felony if the victims were under 16, doesnt go far enough and leaves a loophole for older teens, supporters of the measure said.

Democrats in the Assemblys public safety committee this week said they need more time to study the issue. They advanced Krells bill this week without the provision for older teens. On Thursday, they removed her name from the legislation.

I don't care whether my name is on the bill, but I'm happy to support it if it includes the protection for 16- and 17-year-olds," Krell said before the vote. Krell was among a small group of Democrats who sided with Republicans.

Democrats in the Senate last year rejected a similar effort to increase penalties for soliciting older teens.

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Republicans are seizing the moment to rail on Democrats' agenda, accusing them of protecting predators and being out of touch with voters.

The message sent today with the vote is its open season on 16- and 17-year-old minors in the state of California for sex traffickers, Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio said after the vote.

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and Christine Pelosi, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis daughter, have taken to social media in support of the proposal.

As a mom of a 16-year-old child, I 100% believe it should be a felony to purchase one, Christine Pelosi said in a post on the social platform X directed at Democratic lawmakers. In what world do you think voters will trust a party that considers buying a 16-year-old to be only a misdemeanor?

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Assembly public safety chair Nick Schultz said that it's already a felony in California to contact a minor for sex. The proposal would have added another tool for law enforcement to enhance sentences.

Schultz said hes now planning to bring the measure back after lawmakers have a chance for more discussion in the coming weeks.

We will have a solution, Schultz said. That's my commitment.
For the record:

6:12 p.m. May 4, 2025: An earlier version of this article said Anaheim was among the states three major cities to lose people in 2023. The year was 2024.





California's population increased for the second consecutive year, with much of the growth coming to the state's biggest cities, according to new data from the state Department of Finance released Thursday.

The latest numbers for calendar year 2024 confirm the end of the so-called California exodus that saw the Golden State's population shrink for the first time in decades.

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Seven of the state's 10 largest cities recorded population growth as they bounced back from the shrinking seen earlier in the pandemic, which hit hardest in most of the state's urban centers.

By the end of 2024, the state's population nearly eclipsed its pre-pandemic peak, but was still around 9,000 people short of the high-water mark from April 2020, reflecting slow growth in the years since then.

From April 2020 to January 2022, the state lost some 360,000 residents, according to data from the California Department of Finance. California added about 108,000 people in 2024 after adding nearly 200,000 in 2023. If growth continues, the state should eclipse its pre-pandemic population figure in 2025.

People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "As the fourth largest economy in the world  from the Inland Empire to the Bay Area  regions throughout California are growing, strengthening local communities and boosting our states future."

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"Well continue to cut tape, invest in people, and seek real results from government to ensure we build on this momentum  all of which are at risk with the extreme and uncertain tariffs, Newsom said.

The biggest population winners were Bakersfield, which grew by 1.2% in 2024, and San Diego, which grew by 1%. Los Angeles grew by 0.4%.

Read more: How major demographic changes of Asian and Latino immigrants are transforming California

In the Bay Area, San Jose and San Francisco saw their populations contract slightly  each by less than half a percentage point. Anaheim was among the state's three major cities to lose people in 2024.

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Natural increase, or the difference between births and deaths, was responsible for a gain of 114,805 people in 2024, but the state's population increased by only 108,000 overall. The difference is explained by net migration out of California of around 7,000 people.

Over the last few years, California has recorded more people leaving for other states such as Texas and Arizona than it gains from internal migration. International immigrants, who now mostly come from Asia, bolster the state's population against the loss from those who leave for other states.

On the housing front, the state's slow growth continued: Housing grew at 0.84% in 2024, a similar figure to 2023, which lagged many other states. One in five new homes built in 2024 within California were Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs.

ADU production has increased by over 10% in each of the last two years, and with each passing year ADUs constitute a larger fraction of new housing built in the state.

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The population growth is a welcome development but is still smaller in magnitude than Californias pre-pandemic history of growth, said Dowell Myers, a professor of policy, planning and demography at USC.

"It's very small movement, but it's two years in a row on the upswing. That's good," he said.

A bright spot in the data is the housing numbers, he said. The state's housing stock grew more than its population, which is "a step in the right direction" as "we're losing people because they can't find enough housing."

Still, over the years, Californians have "accumulated a huge housing deficit and are catching up," as an aging population typically requires more housing, Myers said.

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"It's a very big group that was grossly under-planned for," according to Myers. After the housing bubble crash in 2008, a tight credit market made it difficult for home builders and buyers to get loans, and "the housing recovery was stalled all the way until 2017."

The "failure to recognize demographic changes was brutal," and cost a generation access to affordable housing, Myers said.

The whole nation faces a housing shortage, but Californians have been hit particularly hard, he said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
As California's High-Speed Rail Authority awaits word from the Trump administration over its future support for the train, leaders who oversee the project sounded the alarm about its financial viability.

The authoritys board of directors voted Thursday to approve contracts for the development of Central Valley station designs and to solicit and approve construction bids for the Fresno station. Ahead of the votes, board member James Ghielmetti raised concerns over the potential loss of funds from the Department of Transportation and the risk of moving forward on payment commitments when federal funding is in jeopardy.

"I'm very nervous about receiving the federal funding," Ghielmetti said. I want to make sure my fellow board members are aware that if the federal money does not come through, somebody's got to backstop these contracts."

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Authority staff said that contracts include termination clauses if there isnt enough money and that contingency funds existed to make up a shortfall if funding fell through. Ghielmetti argued that the termination of any contract would only move the project further off course and stressed that if the goal is to get back on schedule, those funds need to exist.

The board consists of nine members, each serving a four-year term, tasked with approving policies related to the project's businesses, finances and strategies. Board member Martha Escutia echoed Ghielmettis concerns and said that a financial plan needs to be cemented as the board continues to vote on how money will be spent.

Read more: High-speed rail leader says project needs to find new funding or costs and timeline will expand

We are obviously in trouble, she said.

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The Department of Transportation initiated a compliance review of the project in February following calls for an investigation by Republican lawmakers over delays and costs. The review is focusing on a $4-billion promise made under the Biden administration for construction in the Central Valley .

Garth Fernandez, Central Valley regional director for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, talks about the Cedar Viaduct last month in Fresno. (Godofredo A. Vasquez / Associated Press)

The project, which originally set out to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco via train by 2020, is $100 billion over its original budget and years behind schedule  a problem that rail experts have said will only worsen if the funding pool shrinks. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called it a crappy project and said that his department's review would analyze whether the spending aligned with the authoritys agreements with the U.S. government.

The authority has provided documentation and expects findings soon.

Roughly $14 billion has been spent on the project, Board Chair Tom Richards said. The bulk of that funding  82%  has been supplied by the state; the remaining 18% has been granted by the federal government. About $4 billion is in the bank, Richards said.

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Despite uncertainty over federal funding, Chief Executive Ian Choudri said the immediate goal is to finish construction along a 119-mile stretch between Madera and Shafter in the Central Valley. Choudri, who took the CEO role last year and reports to the board, also said that investment from the private sector would be key to the projects future. Pending state approval, he hopes to have a financial plan in place by end of summer that would include that relationship.

The idea of the projects need for public-private partnerships, and reliance outside of the government, is one thats been floated in board meetings and has regularly been raised by members of the state-appointed committee who advises the board.

Even with that support, Choudri said it could take roughly two more decades before the train is completed.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
EBENSBURG, Pa.  A Johnstown homicide case was continued Wednesday after counsel met in Cambria County Judge Tamara Bernsteins chambers.

Jamil Q. Branche was scheduled to appear before the judge for a status conference for his alleged role in the October shooting death of Isaiah Hixon on Ash Street in the Hornerstown section of Johnstown.

Cambria County Public Defender Michael Filia, Branches attorney, asked the case be postponed.

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Filia said he was still drafting pretrial motions he intended to file and needed additional time to finish those documents.

Bernstein granted the motion and set the next status conference for June.

Branche faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, firearm not to be carried without a license and recklessly endangering another person.
OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian government said on Thursday it laid 200 charges against steelmaker ArcelorMittal's Canada unit for violating the country's Fisheries Act.

The charges stem from several investigations launched by the Canadian environment ministry's enforcement officers.

The concerned subsection of the law prohibits depositing or permitting "the deposit of a deleterious substance in water frequented by fish or in any place where the deleterious substance may enter any such water," the government said.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese)
By Luciana Magalhaes

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian airline Gol on Thursday announced that it has struck a new deal with key creditors, paving the way for the company to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection likely by the end of June.

The agreement, which involves investors holding a portion of the airline's senior secured notes due in 2026, will provide $125 million in financing, according to a regulatory filing.

With the new development, Gol has now secured at least $1.375 billion in financing to exit bankruptcy, the filing showed.

Gol said that support from this majority group of creditors will substantially increase the chances of its restructuring plan being approved.

The airline will now adjust its recovery plan to reflect the terms of this new accord, which also foresees that creditors who are not part of the investing group will be eligible to receive up to $100 million in new debt. Those securities will not be convertible into shares.

Additionally, other investors outside of the main group will have the opportunity to participate in the financing, with up to $50 million available, Gol said in the filing.

The carrier has been in bankruptcy proceedings since early 2024.

(Reporting by Luciana Magalhaes; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
CANTON, Miss. (WJTV)  Members of the Canton community gathered Wednesday night to advocate for justice in honor of slain gun violence victims.

Loved ones of the victims shared the same pain and frustration because some cases are unsolved. Some said years have gone by, and nothing has been done to bring justice or closure for them.

State Rep. Lawrence Blackmon (D-District 57) said he was at the scene of a shooting that happened the night of the primary runoff. He said something must change before matters get worse.

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Canton police arrest man in fatal apartment shooting

We have to get our streets in order, and we have to get these families some justice. We have to give people some answers as to why these homicides have not been solved. Now, we have 12 plus unsolved homicides in a five year span in a very, very small town, Blackmon said.

Some said theyre are frustrated with elected officials, as well as those who refuse to speak up on the cases.

The killer could be walking around saying, Hey, and you dont know. Just like for my uncle, they saying someone from his childhood killed him, said Gabrielle Flemming, who lives in Canton.

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Canton neighbors plan to attend the next Board of Aldermen meeting to demand answers from city officials.

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A Cape Cod boatbuilder was found guilty of raping a woman at his place of business following a four-day jury trial, authorities announced Thursday.

Jurors in Barnstable Superior Court on Wednesday returned a guilty verdict, convicting 59-year-old Peter Eastman, of Barnstable, for the rape of an acquaintance at Howard Boats on Sept. 4, 2023, according to Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois.

Eastman is the owner of Howard Boats, located at 164 Beale Way in Barnstable.

Galibois office said that Eastman was taken into custody and held without bail pending his sentencing.

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As a result of the conviction on the rape charge, Eastman will be required by the state to register as a sex offender.

Eastman also has cases pending in both Barnstable Superior and District courts on charges of three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, violation of abuse prevention order, threat to commit a crime, five counts of possessing a large-capacity firearm, and violating a restraining order, according to the Galibois office.

The pending cases are said to involve a different victim from the rape case.

Eastman is due back in court on May 15 for a sentencing hearing.

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TOKYO (AP)  A man in Japan was arrested on suspicion of driving his car into seven schoolchildren who were walking home, injuring them, one seriously, police said.

Police were handling the case as attempted murder rather than reckless driving because the suspect, Yuki Yazawa, 28, told investigators that he was sick and tired of everything and on Thursday drove his car into the children to kill them, officials said.

Osaka prefectural police said Yazawa was arrested at the scene and is facing charges of attempted murder.

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The injured schoolchildren were aged 7 and 8 and were walking home from an elementary school nearby, police said. A 7-year-old girl suffered a broken jaw, while the other six  all boys  were slightly injured, Osaka police said.

Television footage showed ambulances parked on a narrow back street with medics giving first aid to the children.

NHK public television quoted a witness as saying that the children had fallen to the ground, screaming, and that the driver, who was silent and appeared to be in a daze, stayed in his seat until police came.

Violent crimes are rare in Japan, but in recent years there have been a number of high-profile attacks involving knives or home-made explosives.

In a car attack and a knifing rampage in 2008, a man drove down his truck on a street in Tokyo's Akiharbara electronics shopping area, slammed into a crowd of people and killing three, then got out of the vehicle and stabbed four to death.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  More than 100 employers took over the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on Wednesday, April 30, for the Star Advertisers Career Expo 2025.

Visiting paradise comes with a price: 8 things to know about Hawaiis new tax

Its all part of an effort to help aspiring workers with a variety of companies and departments, including those at the City and State levels.

The City and County of Honolulu had 14 departments in attendance to help meet one of Mayor Rick Blangiardis top priorities  recruiting and hiring.

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Officials said they are still on the lookout for federal employees, especially with all the uncertainty coming from Washington, D.C.

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Potential employees got to choose from a selection of various positions, with some companies even prepared to hire on the spot.

We [had] careers that those who are finishing college want to come down and check out whats available. We [had] summer jobs available as well, explained Denis Ching, Star Advertiser Director of Operations and Advertising.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Ching added that they hope to help the community by getting people back to work.

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CARENCRO, La. (KLFY)  Residents and business owners are encouraged to voluntarily register their security cameras with the Carencro Police Department. It is an initiative police say can significantly aid in addressing and solving local crimes.

Corporal Oren Haydel with the Carencro Police Department spoke on the expansion of their crime camera program.

This year, we expanded on our crime camera program in the city of Carencro, he said. So instead of just having street cameras where we can see traffic patterns and different levels of activity, were now reaching out to the community where homeowners and businesses can get involved.

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The way the program works is that it allows homeowners to register their cameras with the police department and also businesses in two different methods. One is a registration program where homeowners can register their cameras with the police department.

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That allows us to know where the cameras are located and that homeowners are willing to assist the police department should an incident occur, and it also lets us know they have working cameras that we can pull video from if needed, he said. It doesnt give us access directly to their cameras but, it allows the investigators to reach out to the homeowner and say that there was an incident that occurred in their neighborhood, and wed like to see if theres video footage that they could share with us.

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Corporal Haydel says the program will save police time on certain investigations.

Our registry program allows them to do that with us using special software that we have set up, he said. Where it doesnt require us to send an investigator or a police car to their house. Basically, they can log into a system and send us whatever necessary video that they may have in relation to a crime that we are working, and it saves us from having to send a police car out to their house because some people dont necessarily like a police car at their house.

The second program is an integration that is made for businesses and allows police to put a small box at a business which gives them access to their camera feeds, whichever ones they decide to share, and it gives police real time access to their cameras should anything happen on their property during the night. During the day, the police will have full access to their camera system if they allow them to do so.

It also gives them a backup system to where it records secondarily on a second device and gives them more security at their business, added Haydel. Whenever they register their cameras with our program it is totally anonymous to anyone other than the police department. Were the only ones that have access to their name and their phone number, and it doesnt give us access to their cameras directly. We still have to reach out to them and request that they look at their cameras and if they find something that may be helpful to the police department, then they can in turn upload that to our server.

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Currently in the Carencro police department crime camera program, they have over 100 cameras situated throughout the city on various street corners.

You may see the white boxes inside of town and basically that gives us the opportunity to view streets, traffic patterns and if a crime does happen, it gives us real time access to those cameras in a patrol car and also inside of our command center to where we can have live views of the cameras as the incidents happen, he said. With us rolling out this registry program, it now gives us a map that were able to map the different residences and businesses that have chosen to share their cameras with us. So instead of having an investigator having to canvass the neighborhood, looking for houses that have cameras on them now, they can sit in the office and locate these homeowners that would have cameras.

Carencro police department also collaborates with the Lafayette Police Department who uses the same system.

We work very well with that agency and all of our cameras are shared within each other. So it also helps the investigators whenever its time to investigate crimes without having to go all the way to Lafayette and look at their cameras. We can kind of share our resources and bring it all in under the one roof, he said.

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Any residents in Carencro that would like to participate in that program can find more information to register here. Residents can also call the police station at 337-896-6132 and they will be happy to walk you through it.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in an interview this week that President Trumps ambitions for territorial expansion will never happen under his leadership.

Speaking to the BBC as polls were closing amid Canadas election this week, Carney stressed the importance of mutual respect between the neighboring nations before they meet to discuss the nature of the partnership going forward.

I would distinguish between what the president wants and what the president expects. Yes, he has this view of  his territorial views. Thats never, ever going to happen with respect to Canada, Carney said, referring to Trumps frequent musings about the United Statess northern neighbor becoming the 51st state.

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The prime minister continued, Frankly, I dont think its ever going to happen with respect to any other of  whether its Panama or Greenland or elsewhere  so the question is, when are we ready to have that discussion?

Trumps foreign policy agenda has also included retaking control of the Panama Canal and acquiring the Danish territory of Greenland.

On whether he plans to visit with the U.S. president, Carney said, It depends.

Ive been to Washington. Ive been to the White House. Ive seen it. Ive seen all the monuments. Ive been to Florida even, the newly elected leader continued. So Im not going as a tourist. Ill go when theres a serious discussion to be had.

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The BBC reported that, since the interview, Carneys office said the two leaders have spoken and agreed to meet in the near future.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

The Canadian leader expressed an openness to building a strong economic and security relationship with the U.S. but said Canada is exploring other trade opportunities and that any partnership would be on Ottawas terms.

Well have a partnership on our terms, he said. Theres a win-win possibility there, but on our terms, not on their terms.

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Mark Carney has engineered one of the most unlikely victories in political history, saving Canadas Liberal Party from near oblivion and going from the outskirts of politics to prime minister in a matter of months.

But the former Bank of England governors biggest challenge still lies ahead: protecting Canadas economy from Donald Trump.

Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed Canada will become the cherished 51st state and levied heavy tariffs on the USs northern neighbour. In his victory speech Carney said Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never happen.

Credit: Reuters

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As it stands, the US has placed a blanket 10pc tariff on Canadian goods. There is also a 25pc levy on all aluminium and steel imports from Canada, though the Trump administration exempts products covered by the USMCA trade deal that covers the US, Canada and Mexico.

In response, Canada has imposed tariffs of around 32bn on US goods.

Carney and Trump have spoken since this weeks Canadian election and agreed on the importance of Canada and the US working together  as independent, sovereign nations  for their mutual betterment, the prime ministers office said.

But Carney said on the campaign trail that the return of Trump meant Canadas economy must fundamentally change.

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What is clear is that our trade and our security relations are too reliant on the United States. We must diversify, the prime minister told reporters in London.

In February, Mary Ng, the then trade minister, visited Australia with a delegation of over 140 businesses as the government sought to build closer ties with the country.

Prior to calling the snap election, Carney travelled to the UK and France in March to meet with both Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron as he emphasised his countrys bond with Europe.

But with around 75pc of Canadas exports heading to the US  compared to Britains 16pc  diversifying will prove easier said than done.

0105 America is Canada and Britain's top importer

Its like separating London from Oxford, says Daniel Trefler, a professor at the University of Toronto. Were so integrated in so many dimensions.

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Many of Canadas key sectors, such as steel production and the automotive industry, are closely tied to American businesses  with supply chains that criss-cross the border. Dozens of companies have factories in Canada that ship directly to the US.

While Trump wants to end that practice and force jobs into the US, Prof Trefler is sceptical.

Toyota is not going to suddenly close its plants in Ontario and move them to Ohio because of a 25pc tariff. Theyre going to have to be sure that a tariff is going to be staying for like a decade before theyre going to make a decision like that.

In the meantime, Canadas economy will suffer.

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The OECD has warned that the trade war will hit growth in Canada and slashed its forecasts for the country. It expects the Canadian economy to grow by just 0.7pc in 2025 and 2026, compared with its previous forecast of 2pc for both years.

Tariffs to cost Canadians $2k a year

A lot is at stake for Canadian households. Modelling by Deloitte Canada has estimated that the impact of tariffs from the US is set to cost the average Canadian $2,000 (1,500) annually.

Theres no doubt that tariffs are already having a significant cost to the economy, just in the uncertainty that theyve injected into investment decisions around the continent, says Lars Osberg, a professor of economics at Dalhousie University, Halifax.

Carney is not the first Canadian prime minister to attempt to shift the countrys trade away from its reliance on the US.

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Thats been a strategy which Canadian governments have tried to follow for maybe 70 years, Osberg says.

Back in the 1950s, under the Conservatives of [former prime minister John] Diefenbaker, there was a big push to try and resurrect some of the trade with the UK  that had been so prominent during the 1930s. But it didnt really amount to much.

Britain is likely to be central to Carneys diversification efforts this time around too.

The UK is already Canadas third-largest trading partner. Canada exported 10.3bn in goods and services to the UK in the 12 months to the end of September 2024, with crude oil, inorganic chemicals and aircraft among its biggest exports.

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Trefler says: It seems like there is room for Carney to lead a massive trade delegation to the UK to try and promote trade between the two countries  There is plenty of room for something like that without having to write new agreements.

Im not sure that theres any other country like the UK which has a kind of social stability that we would be looking for in a trading partner.

QEA Tech, based in Markham, Ontario, is an example of a Canadian business targeting the UK for growth.

The environmental software business has begun working on projects in Britain and Germany as part of efforts to find new markets outside of the US.

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Peyvand Melati, the companys chief executive, says: Recent events obviously bring the thought that we need to expand internationally.

Traditionally we have relied on the largest trade partner which is the US, as it is the nearest large market that is accessible for us. But the recent uncertainty brings to mind that we need to look outside of North America.

Reshaping Canadas trading relationships will be a difficult, years-long task.

For now, perhaps the easiest route to boost Canadas economy would be to smooth things over with Trump.

Frederique Carrier, the head of investment strategy at Royal Bank of Canada Wealth Management, says: A stable government will be a relief for financial markets and should put Canada in a stronger position to negotiate trade issues with the US. We expect the new government to start to engage with the US administration to diffuse trade tensions.

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She added that the new government was likely to focus on stimulus efforts in a bid to help the Canadian economy manage the impact of the recently imposed tariffs, with the countys fiscal deficit expected to rise as a result.

De-escalation may be the easiest route but Carney is still using fighting talk.

At a rally in Windsor, Ontario, on Saturday, he deployed a ice hockey metaphor that he used repeatedly on the campaign trail: We didnt ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops their gloves.

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LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  Brady Carpenter broke Lisbons single-game strikeout record with 19 during the Blue Devils 4-3 victory over Wellsville.

Carpenter threw 114 pitches through 7 innings, striking out 19 and permitting 5 base runners on hits and two on walks.

Ashton Hinchliffe went 2 for 3 at the plate, while Carpenter scored twice while reaching base two times on walks.

The Blue Devils even their record at 7-7 following their third win in a row. Lisbon will travel to meet the Chaney Cowboys on Thursday.

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For Wellsville, Tyler Landess finished 3 for 3 with two RBIs.

Landon Ramsey tossed 6 innings, was assessed 3 earned runs and struck out 8 in the Tigers narrow defeat.

Wellsville (3-14) will be back in action on Friday when they meet Jefferson County Christian for a doubleheader.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Former Tennessee Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson, continued to testify for a third day in the federal corruption trial against former House Speaker Glen Casada, R-Franklin, and his one-time top aide.

Defense lawyers for Casada and Cade Cothren, who once served as Casada's chief of staff, cross-examined Smith on April 30.

Smith pleaded guilty to one federal count in exchange for cooperation with federal prosecutors in the case. Smith admitted to working with Casada and Cothren, who resigned his General Assembly job after a racist and sexist texting scandal, to set up a shadowy political consulting firm called Phoenix Solutions.

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Phoenix was operated by Cothren, who worked with Casada and Smith to conceal his identity from legislative staff and lawmakers due to what Smith testified was his "radioactive" reputation at the time. Smith has testified she used her influence as a lawmaker to recruit clients for Phoenix and pressure legislative staff, who grew suspicious of the firm, to fulfill Phoenix's invoices.

Smith and Casada then received a cut of Phoenix's profits, which Smith testified were "kickbacks." Casada and Cothren both face bribery and kickback charges. They have pleaded not guilty.

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada arrives with his attorneys at the Fred D. Thompson Courthouse for his trial on federal charges ranging from theft to money laundering conspiracy Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn. Casada and his former top aide Cade Cothren face 20 fraud related charges that could to decades in prison.

In hours of cross-examination, Cothren's defense worked to demonstrate the work Phoenix Solutions did for lawmakers was legitimate, and that any profits the trio received was legitimate compensation, not illegal kickbacks.

Phoenix Solutions delivered "mailers" to more than a dozen lawmakers, tapping into a legislative payment account allocated to lawmakers every year to communicate with their constituents.

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Smith repeatedly maintained that while there was nothing illegal about sitting lawmakers providing these services to other lawmakers, the effort to conceal Cothren's involvement was "doubling down on lies, over and over and over again."

A recorded phone call between Smith and Rep. Ron Gant, R-Piperton, was played for the jury where Gant pushed Smith for details on who was involved with Phoenix.

"The further we got into this hole, the more lies we had to tell," Smith said.

Cothren's attorney Cynthia Sherwood also pressed Smith repeatedly about her plea deal with prosecutors, at one point asking Smith if prosecutors "threatened" her with a bevy of charges if she didn't agree to flip and testify against Cothren and Casada.

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"The government hasn't threatened me," Smith said.

Meanwhile, one of Casada's defense attorneys, Jonathan Farmer, questioned Smith repeatedly about Casada's involvement in establishing Phoenix Solutions, showing the jury multiple emails and text exchanges between Cothren and Smith about establishing the firm that did not include Casada. In one exchange, Smith told Cothren Casada shouldn't even "know the word Phoenix."

"He had loose lips, he liked to brag a lot and drop names," Smith said.

Smith also testified current House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, had a "long-standing political feud" with Casada that began when Sexton rose in GOP caucus leadership. Sexton has previously confirmed he cooperated with federal investigators probing Phoenix Solutions, and he's expected to testify as a government witness in the coming days.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Casada, Cothren attorneys press prosecution's star witness
Apr. 30LIMA  After hearing testimony Wednesday in Lima Municipal Court, a case concerning an April 18 fatal stabbing in Lima will go to an Allen County grand jury for consideration of criminal charges.

A probable cause hearing was held Wednesday in Lima Municipal Court for Marcus Tyson, 45, who was arrested April 18 in Adams County, Indiana, in connection with the stabbing death of Anthony Townsend, 47, in the backyard of his North Elizabeth Street home.

During the hearing, Magistrate Kevin Smith heard testimony from Townsend's widow, Tamblyn Carter, as well as Lima Police Detective Jesse Harrod, after which Smith determined enough probable cause existed to send the case to the grand jury.

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During her testimony, Carter described the events that led to the alleged murder. She said the incident began that afternoon when Tyson came to Townsend's residence to mow his lawn. After a brief conversation inside the house, Tyson had gone out to begin his work, Carter said, when he came back to the house and called for Townsend to join him outside. Carter said she witnessed the conversation as she was washing dishes, as the window above the kitchen sink faced the backyard.

"There's a tree that fell over from the neighbor's yard; it's an abandoned house," Carter said during her testimony. "Marcus is standing there, and he says, 'I can't cut your (expletive) yard with this big (expletive) tree branch.' So my husband walks out, and he tries to start moving the tree branch."

After Townsend was unable to move the fallen tree limb, he told Tyson he would call another lawn care service to do the yard, Carter said. The discussion then moved to money Tyson owed Townsend, according to Carter's testimony, with the two men becoming increasingly confrontational.

"Then I see ... Marcus Tyson's right shoulder jerk," she said. "I see my husband turn around. He takes two steps, and he falls back. I take off running out of the house because he has seizures. So I thought that's what he was having. When I take off running out the door, I see Marcus Tyson with the knife in his right hand walking to his truck."

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Harrod testified Townsend was transported to Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center, where he died at approximately 3:15 p.m. An autopsy performed the next day determined the cause of death to be a stab wound to the left side of Townsend's abdomen, and the death was ruled a homicide.

Immediately after being notified of the incident, Harrod said, the department began an investigation which led to Tyson's cell phone being pinged to determine his location.

"Mr. Tyson's phone initially was pinged in the area of his residence out in Spencerville on Allentown Road," Harrod said. "After there, it looked like the phone ping began moving toward Indiana, crossing into Indiana, and then several different pings in the state of Indiana."

Once investigators determined the vehicle Tyson was driving, the information was passed on to law enforcement in Indiana. Officers in Adams County then located Tyson's vehicle, initiated a traffic stop and took Tyson into custody, Harrod said.

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Harrod also testified a search warrant executed at Tyson's residence led to the discovery of three knives, which are in the process of being sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation crime lab for testing.

After determining the evidence warranted the case moving to Common Pleas Court, Smith also deemed the $1 million bond imposed on Tyson to be warranted, given that Tyson had a prior history of infractions, including felonious assault, and that he had already fled the state in connection with this incident.

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Our count grew to about 800 last year, and my simply signing one item per person took about 2 12 hours, Buffett wrote in his February 2010 letter. 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.

Travelers from beyond the U.S. have been part of the scene in Omaha since at least the mid-1990s, when Buffett began noting their appearances in his annual letter to shareholders. In the 2000s, he and Munger held receptions for visitors from outside the U.S. and Canada. The number of foreign attendees eventually grew too large to host them at a special event.

This years meeting comes as the investing world wrestles with a trade war, volatile markets and an uncertain outlook for both American companies and their foreign counterparts. The audience in Omaha, and many others watching on television, are eager for words of wisdom from Buffett that might guide them through this uneasy moment.

Overseas admirers of Buffett say they are making the trek to Omaha at least partly because they know the legendary stock picker, who is 94, wont be there forever. Others are drawn by the calendar of investment and social events that fill out what Buffett has called Woodstock for Capitalists.

Thousands of visitors head to Berkshire Hathaways shareholder meeting each year for the chance to hear from Buffett, the conglomerates chairman and chief executive, and mingle with fellow enthusiasts. In recent years, some longtime attendees say, the gathering has taken on an increasingly international flavor.

And then there is Yu Shu, an artist who has traveled from Taiwan to a Colorado foundry that has cast bronze sculptures she created of Buffett and his friend and partner, Charlie Munger, who died in 2023 . She will carefully pack them into a borrowed car before driving across eastern Colorado and Nebraska.

This year, fund manager Aileen Chang is making her way to the site of Berkshire Hathaways annual meeting this weekend from her home in China. Christopher Walsh, who runs a personal-finance website, is coming from New Zealand, and Patrik Rosenquist, from Sweden.

Once a year, fans of Warren Buffett and his style of value investing flock to Omaha, Neb., from near and far. Some from really, really far.

Story Continues

This year, Berkshire had sent out more than 138,000 meeting tickets by Friday to shareholders who requested them, including some 3,200 to those who live outside the U.S., according to a person familiar with the matter. The company had also sold more than 6,000 tickets through its eBay listing, charging $5 a pair, to offer seats to those who might not own Berkshire stock.

Berkshire doesnt expect nearly that many people at the weekends marquee event, a question-and-answer session with Buffett and his deputies on Saturday. Meeting credentials also give access to a shopping exhibit that is the sole attraction for some attendees, and most shareholders who request tickets ask for the four they are entitled to, even if they might ultimately come alone.

Shareholders can also gain entry at the door by showing that they owned shares on March 5, the date Berkshire is using to determine eligibility to vote.

Attendees during the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting last year. - Dan Brouillette/Bloomberg News

In a sign of Buffetts global appeal, CNBC will webcast the question-and-answer session in Mandarin as well as English.

Not everyone is content to follow along at home. New Zealanders undertaking the big trip can consult a guide Walsh posted on his website, MoneyHub, with his tips on everything from how to traverse the final leg to Omaha (Amtrak) to how to secure a prime spot in the arena (The earlier youre in the line, the better your seatsbut you will need to run, and run fast, despite security reminding people its no running).

Walsh attended his first Berkshire meeting last year, intrigued by the festivities surrounding the main event as well as the opportunity to see Buffett. He wanted to return this week to again catch the nonagenarian investor as the headliner.

If the Rolling Stones are performing every April or every May at that date and you know you can go, you want to keep going, he said.

Chang, a value investor who was born in South Korea but lives in China, first visited Omaha in 2022 to see Buffett and Munger. When she returned the following year, a friend brought her to a meeting of longtime individual shareholders. She found the experience humbling.

You see these people here who do not speak fancily, who do not use any of those industry jargons, Chang said. But when you look at their returns, many of them probably beat most of the managers, and they invest very, very long term.

This year she plans to return to the groups gathering and meet with other investors, though she will skip Saturdays big question-and-answer session.

Aileen Chang and Lyle McIntosh, a member of a group of longtime Berkshire shareholders, held a hat displaying the groups name at a previous annual gathering. - Asit Verma

Rosenquist, who works for an insurance broker in Sweden, credits Buffett and Munger for helping to transform how he handles his personal investments. In the past, he would make short-term bets in unfamiliar businesses. Now he takes the long view and sticks to what he knowsone of Buffetts classic investing tenets.

Sometimes you need a reminder to not go astray, so that is what it does for me, he said of hearing Buffett speak at the annual meeting. Of course, I could go and listen to it virtually, but it wouldnt be the same thing.

This will be the 11th Berkshire annual meeting for Yu, a native of China who immigrated to the U.S. as a young adult but now lives in Taiwan to pursue her artistic career. She discovered Munger years ago while educating herself about investing and later became a client of a money manager who regularly attends the Omaha gathering.

Warren Buffett is more than just a businessmanhe is a great artist as well, she said. Businessmen and artists, the only difference is we have a different medium as our blank canvas. We manipulate different media to both create something from nothing.

And like her fellow artist, whose portfolio of Berkshire businesses plan to sell candy, sportswear and other merchandise this weekend at the meetings marketplace, Yu aims to engage in a little capitalism, too.

Her limited-edition, 45-pound bronze busts of Buffett and Munger will be available for sale at $24,000 apiece.

Write to Karen Langley at karen.langley@wsj.com

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NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN)  Every year since 2019, members of the New Castle Police Department have participated in a Law Enforcement United ride to honor one of their fallen officers.

Law Enforcement United was founded in 2009 with the purpose of honoring officers who died in the line of duty and ensuring that their surviving family is supported and never forgotten. Its a fundraiser made up of law enforcement chapters across the country that take part in a commemorative bicycle ride in honor of those fallen officers.

NCPD participates as a member of the Pennsylvania Chapter and will take part in a ride that begins in Reading, Pennsylvania and ends in Washington, D.C.

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The department began participating in the ride in 2019 in honor of Sgt. Brian Cuscino, who passed away in 2018 after suffering a heart attack while off duty.

Its kind of dedicated to Sgt. Cuscino, and his wife participates and kind of spearheads the whole thing every year for us, said Chief David Cumo.

For the first time this year, Chief Cumo will be participating as a cyclist. Hell be joined in the bike lane by two fellow officers and former Chief Robert Salem, who retired last year. Two additional New Castle officers will be participating on motorcycles as an escort for the bicyclists.

The ride, which covers around 250 miles over the course of three days, will take place May 10-12. It coincides with Police Week, with a candlelight vigil held on May 13 at the Capitol followed by a nationwide police memorial on May 15.

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Chief Cumo said they met their fundraising goal of $10,000, but additional donations are still more than welcome. Donations can be sent via Venmo to @Fop-Newcastle, by mail to the NCPD at 303 E. North St. New Castle, Pa. 16101 c/o LEU or online here.

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May is National Military Appreciation Month. Even if youre not connected to the military, nows a good time to honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving. This includes those who have given their lives for our country. Its also a time to remember the families of military members, as they, too, make many sacrifices.

Every May, Americans celebrate National Military Appreciation Month. But how did this commemoration come to be? When did it start, and why? Heres a brief look at the history of this important month.

A 1999 Joint Resolution of Congress established National Military Appreciation Month. The Resolution called for the designation of May as National Military Appreciation Month.' In doing so, it ensured the nation properly recognized the contributions of our men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

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Since then, every American president has issued an annual proclamation declaring May as National Military Appreciation Month. One of the most popular ways to show support for the military during this month is to fly the flag. Homes and businesses across the country display Old Glory proudly throughout May, and many people also wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotism. Others choose to volunteer their time or make financial donations to organizations that support troops and veterans.

Observances and Tributes

TOWER BARRACKS, Germany  An honor guard organized by members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10692 leads a parade into the fest area of the 62nd annual German-American Volksfest Aug. 4, 2023 in the Grafenwoehr military community. (U.S. Army photo by Bryan Gatchell, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs)

Celebrate this festive month in several ways. Observances typically include public events and tributes from businesses and organizations. Local and state governments issue proclamations and military members and their families are recognized.

Honoring Our Veterans

One way National Military Appreciation Month is celebrated is by honoring our veterans. Attend a local veterans parade or visit a veterans home or hospital to thank them for their service. You can also write a letter or postcard expressing your gratitude or donate to a veterans charity of choice.

This month is also a great time to learn more about the histories of veterans in your community. Many libraries and historical societies offer exhibits and programs featuring the personal stories of local veterans. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with these heroes more personally and hear about their unique experiences firsthand.

Supporting Our Troops Overseas

Recruits assigned to Recruit Training Command distribute Operation Gratitude care packages to their shipmates. Operation Gratitude annually sends more than 150,000 care packages and personal letters of appreciation to new recruits, veterans, first responders, wounded warriors, care givers, and service members deployed overseas. Recruit Training Command Great Lakes trains approximately 37,000 volunteer civilian recruits annually, transforming them into basically trained Sailors. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. Adam Demeter/RELEASED)

Another way to observe National Military Appreciation Month is by supporting our troops deployed overseas. One way to do this is by sending care packages through organizations like Operation Gratitude or Soldiers Angels. These groups provide detailed lists of items that our troops need and appreciate, so you can be sure your package will go to good use. You can also donate to one of these organizations or choose another military charity.

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If you know someone deployed overseas, take some time this month to send them an e-mail, postcard, or care package letting them know youre thinking of them. Hearing from friends and family back home is especially motivating during a deployment.

Days include in National Military Appreciation Month

May 1st: Loyalty Day. Congress established Loyalty Day in 1921 as a day for the nation to reaffirm its loyalty to the United States of America. On this day, we remember those who have fought for our countrys freedom.

2nd Friday in May: Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the sacrifices that military spouses make.

3rd Saturday in May: Armed Forces Day pays tribute to all men and women serving or serving in the United States Armed Forces.

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Last Monday in May: Memorial Day is a federal holiday where we remember all service members who have died while serving our country.

National Military Appreciation Month is a time to reflect. Without their bravery and courage, we would not be the country we are today. During May, we come together as a nation to honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Attend local events, send care packages to troops deployed overseas, or simply take some time to learn more about the personal histories of veterans in your community.

However you choose to celebrate this important month, take some time to appreciate the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. Fly the flag, wear patriotic colors, or donate your time or money to a military charity. There are many ways to show your support for our men and women in uniform during National Military Appreciation Month. How will you be honoring them this May?
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Summer break is right around the corner for students, but it wont be a break for the states school districts, which received plenty of homework from the state legislature.

Of all the law changes coming in the 2025-2026 school year, Pulaski County Special School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janice Warren said Bell to Bell, No Cell is the most challenging. The law requires students phones to be stored during school hours.

Arkansas educators experience Marine workshop in San Diego

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Warren said all changes made by new laws are among her biggest responsibilities this time of year.

Whenever the session closes, you are trying to figure out, okay, what law impacts what, Warren said. What laws have to do with registration? Which ones are the academic pieces?

She also categorizes changes by when they are coming which is usually one of three ways.

They could take many years, like the full implementation of school choice vouchers. Some laws require adjustments over one summer, like Bell to Bell, No Cell and free breakfast for all. Others are implemented immediately, such as a law passed this Spring requiring donated copies of the Ten Commandments to be hung in every classroom.

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New laws going into effect in Arkansas from the 95th General Assembly

Some laws require curriculum changes and guidance from the Department of Education. Among them is a law requiring annual firearm safety instruction for students starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

The big thing about that is figuring out what grade level, what subject area are you going to add this new law if its gun safety or whatever, Dr. Warren explained.

Communication with staff and parents is a big part of preparation. PCSSD will be doing a trial phase of Bell to Bell, No Cell within middle schools starting May 5, which has generated much feedback.

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Its just a task keeping up with all of them and making sure that were implementing them correctly, Warren said.

Another law going into effect next school year requires all schools to offer accelerated learning courses.

Bill to place audio recording devices in Arkansas school locker rooms headed to governors desk

A few laws are set to be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year. Act 478 requires the Founding Fathers religious beliefs be taught. Act 134 requires education on communism and autocratic governments. Act 908 requires public schools to place audio recording devices in school locker rooms.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A central Arkansas youth organization is feeling the effects of recent federal budget cuts, which have left some of the areas most vulnerable children with fewer resources.

At Carters Crew, teenagers gather to hang out, paint, learn, and more.

Disability Rights Arkansas not taking new clients due to federal funds hold up

Right now, the cuts affect the kids the most, Carters Crew executive director Amber Govan said.

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Carters Crew is more than just a program; its a safe outlet for youth.

We work with kids and families that are typically written off, whether thats because theyre involved in the criminal justice system. They might have behavior issues or other things that might contribute to that, Govan said.

Govan says its crucial for kids to have a place where they know people care about them. Carters Crew offers a wide range of services, from after-school programs and educational materials to a food pantry. But now, she said, that list is getting shorter.

Because of that, we have had to roll back the days we are open, we have had to take away transportation options for those families, and we had to roll back on our family nights, doing those every other month instead of monthly, she said.

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Thousands expected to rally nationwide Thursday against Trump war on working people

In the past six weeks, Carters Crew has lost more than $200,000 in federal funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, part of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The food pantry, once open weekly, is now only available monthly. And its summer program, which used to run every weekday, will now be limited to just three days a week.

And so that time leaves the kids open to getting into trouble in the community, Govan said.

All of Carters Crews programs are completely free, something the organization has proudly maintained for the past seven years. Despite the setbacks, Govan says they remain committed to their mission.

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We all know the work that weve done for the community and the progress our kids are making, how successful they areand that just motivates all of us who are working here to continue forward and keep pushing, Govan said.

Latest poll shows support for President Trumps handling of economy, foreign policy, slipping, voter divide on immigration at 100 days in office

A program fundraiser is taking place June 5. For more information, head over to CartersCrewAR.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 KARK.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly referred to autism as an epidemic over the past few weeks, a characterization angering parents, advocates and people with autism alike.

Hearing a government official limit people like my son and other people that we serve as just data points, and just talking about them as if they will never contribute to society  I just think its hurtful and its harmful, parent and advocate Laura Baird said.

Ohio University closing diversity offices, women and pride centers

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Baird, board president of Autism Society Central Ohio, said Kennedys assertion that autism is a disease that is becoming more prevalent and severe frustrates her personally and professionally. Her 11-year-old son has autism, and she said Kennedy is harming him and the people she works with. NBC4 also received tips from frustrated viewers about the subject.

Baird cautioned against broad generalizations when considering autism, as it is a spectrum disorder. According to the CDC, autism is a difference in the brain that presents differently in every autistic person. Currently unknown, Kennedy wants to find the cause by September, although experts disagree with his theories that vaccines or environmental toxins contribute to diagnoses.

Kennedy said many autistic children were fully functional before they regressed into autism around 2 years old. Although autism can typically be diagnosed around age 2, medical experts agree autism is something individuals are born with.

Baird and national experts said there is still a lot of research needed to better understand autism. Even when gathering state-by-state data, there are large differences in reported prevalence. NBC4 considered state prevalence estimates, averaging Autism Speaks and the CDCs estimates to generate an estimate for each state.

Kennedy pointed to new CDC research that found one in 31 American children had autism in 2022, where one in 150 children had a diagnosis in 2000. However, the study echoed prevailing expert opinions that it is unclear how much higher prevalence rates are influenced by changes to the clinical definition of autism spectrum disorder and better efforts to diagnose it.

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The Autism Science Foundation said varying prevalence rates across states indicate access to services and destigmatization have more to do with increased prevalence then any other factor.

Ohio lawmakers revive Statehouse bill to restrict drag queen shows

I think autism has always been around, Baird said. Its just something that wasnt diagnosed until the last 20 years when autism began to be diagnosed more and more frequently, and so educators and doctors and scientists are more aware of what autism is and how to help people with autism to lead full lives.

Kennedy also drew criticism for his claims that most cases are now severe, estimating 25% of people with autism do not speak or use the restroom alone. However, new research being announced at this weeks annual International Society for Autism Research meeting found autism cases with moderate or significant symptoms were largely consistent from 2000 to 2016, according to NBC News.

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Kennedy said many kids with autism will never pay taxes, hold a job or go on a date. Baird said she personally knows many people with autism who do all of those things. Pointing to his claim that people with autism will never write poetry, she said her son is one of many people with autism who are incredibly creative writers, artists and musicians.

If youve met one person with autism, that means youve met one person with autism, Baird said. Every data point that were discussing in the news recently is representing a person. So its representing a child, a family, a community, and those people deserve respect and opportunity and connection.

Baird said understanding that autism presents differently in everyone is crucial when discussing the disorder. She was especially concerned about this understanding when discussing the National Health Institutes plan to create a registry of people with autism by pulling from private medical records.

We have been hearing from a lot of local parents who are very concerned about this, myself included. They are asking how to prevent doctors, schools and therapists from sharing these records, Baird said.

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Transgender group urges Ohio lawmakers to reject anti-trans budget measures

Federal representatives have told various news outlets they are not creating a registry of autistic people, but the department has not publicly walked back the plan.

Baird said Kennedys comments are harmful and limiting. She was especially concerned about Kennedys assertion that autism destroys families or is a burden.

My son is not a burden to me or my family, Baird said. Hes made us stronger, and hes changed me for the better as a person, and all of the people that we serve through the Autism Society have helped us to be better people and to see the world in a different point of view.

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Baird encouraged people with autism to use Autism Society Central Ohio as a resource. The society serves 12 counties in central Ohio and offers support groups, programs and events to help individuals and families.

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.
ALVORD, Texas (AP)  Talk about some serious coin.

Millions of coins spilled onto a Texas highway this week after a tractor-trailer hauling $800,000 in dimes rolled over in an accident, authorities said.

The spillage led to the closure of a portion of the southbound lanes of U.S. 287 in Alvord for about half a day as workers got on their hands and knees to pick up the coins in addition to using brooms and shovels and large industrial vacuums.

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The tractor-trailer rolled onto its side at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday after veering off the road and overcorrecting, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The highway reopened at about 7 p.m. that day, DPS said.

The driver and a passenger were transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life threatening, DPS said.

Alvord is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Dallas.

The tractor-trailer appears to be part of the fleet of trucks operated by Western Distributing Transportation Corporation, which has a division that moves cargo for the government in armored vehicles with armed personnel. A person answering the phone at the company Thursday said they had no comment.

The U.S. Mint says on its website that it's the nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coins. A message left with the agency on Thursday was not immediately returned.
President Trump dropped an executive order this week about "sanctuary cities," of which California has many.

Not to mention we are a sanctuary state.

Alone, that order should grab the attention of cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento, where the commitment to protecting our immigrant neighbors, regardless of documentation, is strong.

But stack it with a few other recent Trump moves, and we have what promises to be a summer filled with dissent, fear and a flurry of military maneuvers, questionable arrests and attempts to hobble efforts to protect immigrants, documented or not.

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At the nexus of these efforts by the administration is a push to centralize ever-greater power at the federal level, never mind that Republicans have long been the standard-bearers for the federalist principle of states' rights. Remember all those 1776 patriots who have suddenly gone silent? "Don't tread on me" has morphed from a MAGA war cry to a Democratic plea.

"We're still a federal state, and that means that there are powers that are given to the federal government in D.C. and powers that are given to states and localities," Ross Burkhart told me. He's a political science professor at Boise State University who studies patterns of democracy. "I worry about the balance being tipped toward a heavily centralized state."

First, there's Trump's executive order from April 11 that hasn't made too many ripples, despite being a bonkers expansion of military authority over civilians. Trump turned over from the Interior Department to the Department of Defense a swath of land at the southern border that crosses three states  California, Arizona and New Mexico  known as the Roosevelt Reservation.

That 60-foot-wide strip is now considered part of Ft. Huachuca, though the Arizona military base is in reality 15 miles away. No matter. The Roosevelt Reservation is now patrolled by military personnel, and entering it is considered trespassing on a military base  a criminal act.

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The overt premise of this unusual military takeover is to detain those crossing the border illegally.

But what happens if a U.S. citizen crosses into that zone without permission? Maybe protesters, for example? Or aid workers, the kind who bring water to the desert?

They too could be subject to military detention.

Read more: Chabria: Rep. Garcia returns from El Salvador with a sliver of hope for deported gay hairdresser

Of course, federal law, in the form of the Posse Comitatus Act, forbids the use of the military for civilian law enforcement. Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center, a nonprofit law and public policy institute, called the act "an absolutely critical protection for our freedoms and our democracy."

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Its single sentence reads: "Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the [armed forces] ... to execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

That sentence was originally written as a compromise to remove federal troops from the South during Reconstruction after the Civil War. Those troops had been protecting Black voters. But a disputed presidential election threatened stability, and so a deal was struck with still-angry white Southerners that soldiers couldn't be used to enforce civil laws  thereby removing the largest impediment to the Jim Crow era, but also putting that critical protection in place that prevents the military being used to suppress citizens. A doubled-edged sword with profound consequences.

The Posse Comitatus Act in the most simplistic of terms eventually led to the rebellion that was the civil rights movement, and subsequent laws that have pushed for equality and equity. That in turn has led us to this moment, when the powers that be are seeking to undo those gains.

Which brings us to the "except in cases and under circumstances" part of the Posse Comitatus Act, a Trumpian loophole if ever one was written.

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If Trump's first 100 days have proved anything, it's that anything is on the table. Take the Insurrection Act, for example, another piece of loophole-filled law Trump has recently mentioned with interest.

Imagine, for example, if sanctuary cities were deemed to be violating federal law. If their leaders were accused of harboring and helping undocumented fugitives who somehow made it past the Roosevelt Reservation, or protests in the street were deemed violent rebellions.

In his executive order Monday titled "Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens," Trump hinted at such scenarios.

"Yet some State and local officials nevertheless continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws," it reads. "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."

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That sounds a lot like the Insurrection Act getting ready to leap through the Posse Comitatus loophole.

The order then suggests that some state and local officials could even be in violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, most commonly used against organized criminal enterprises such as the mafia, and promises to "pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to end these violations."

"The thing about the Insurrection Act is that it is intended to be used only in very extreme, severe emergencies where there's an immediate and overwhelming threat to public safety or to constitutional rights that the state and local authorities cannot or will not address," Goitein said. "Unfortunately, the actual text of the law is much broader and so it is vulnerable to being exploited by a president who is unconstrained by norms."

The same day, Trump also signed another executive order, Strengthening and Unleashing Americas Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens, which instructs the Defense and Justice departments to "determine how military and national security assets, training, non-lethal capabilities, and personnel can most effectively be utilized to prevent crime.

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Read more: A Trump-appointed Californian shakes up civil rights unit at the Justice Department

Taken together, those orders are a huge expansion of the federal powers of policing, a move toward a "security state" where the president could have the ability to enforce martial law, and arrest or detain anyone who opposes him.

Although the idea of arresting politicians, activists or even everyday folks still seems a surreal bit of exaggeration, it has already happened.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by FBI agents last week, charged with obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent an arrest.

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Well-known social justice activist the Rev. William Barber was arrested with other religious leaders while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday, as part of a protest against Republican budget cuts.

An Oklahoma woman and her daughters, all U.S. citizens, were rousted from their beds in the middle of the night last week, in their underwear and at gunpoint, by federal authorities (who refused to identify themselves) looking for undocumented immigrants.

And Stephen Miller, the Santa Monica native and Trump immigration architect, had this to say after Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called for peaceful protests against Trump's authoritarian moves: "His comments, if nothing else, could be construed as inciting violence."

Maybe the type of "violence" that leads Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act?

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Although a hot Trump summer is on the horizon, Goitein said she has hope that people will push back successfully.

She points out that although Trump does not seem to care about crossing boundaries, he does care about his image. Currently, his popularity in polls is tanking and he is persona non grata on the international stage. The pressure, and power, of nonviolent protests may still keep this administration from treading on democracy.

The people, Goitein said, are not helpless.

"We are not there yet," she said. But things are heating up.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In Dover, you would see them: the container lorries coming through the port, packed full of freight but sometimes also something else. Human cargo, hidden at the back, maybe six to 10 people. If you opened up the lorry, there they would be, having crossed the English Channel illegally in the hope of claiming asylum in the UK.

It was the turn of the 21st century and I was Director of the UK Immigration Service (UKIS), with overall responsibility for staff and operational activities at all points of entry to the UK.

I sometimes sat in on the interviews, where those who had been smuggled into the country made their case to be granted asylum here. Some were clearly genuine and I felt deeply sorry for them. I sometimes reflected that in their position, I might have done exactly the same. Others were clearly economic migrants and not eligible for asylum.

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The same is true today, and they keep on coming. But now a very small minority arrive by lorry - with most making perilous crossings on small boats instead.

These crossings, as many politicians have said, must be stopped.

The problem is how to do it. There is no silver bullet, but my 40 years of experience in frontline border control  primarily in HM Customs & Excise (as it was then known), but also including three spent on secondment to UKIS  has given me insight into how we could do better. It comes down to the three Ds: deterring, detecting and deporting.

We have to ask ourselves what it is that makes the UK so attractive to those who would risk it all to come here illegally. In the year ending September 2024, despite our small size, we received the fifth highest number of asylum applicants in Europe. Those who come here illegally have passed through other safe countries to reach our shores, but they choose to endanger their lives, and hand over vast sums of money, to cross the Channel. Every person arriving should be fully questioned as to their reasons, and intelligence should be gathered about the traffickers.

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Unlike many other European countries, we dont have identity cards here. These would make it harder for illegal migrants to find work and also to escape law enforcement.

The UK meanwhile provides asylum seekers with social benefits including housing and cash support. These incentives must be countered by disincentives. I had my doubts about how much of a deterrence the Conservatives planned Rwanda scheme would have been but the thinking was correct: there must be more deterrents.

For those who remain undeterred, the next thing we need is better intelligence gathering and detection. That will require greater cooperation with law enforcement agencies not only in the EU but also more widely.

In 2023, the UK agreed to provide more than 475 million as part of a three-year deal with France to support its efforts to prevent unauthorised migrants from reaching our border. This did not prevent almost 37,000 people crossing the Channel in small boats last year, with even greater numbers likely in 2025. It seems beyond belief that so many boats (where are they all coming from?) can launch from French beaches undetected and unimpeded.

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Recently, it emerged that the French authorities are providing life jackets to small boat migrants to ensure they can safely make the Channel crossing. These jackets are then returned to the French once the British authorities have rescued the migrants in our waters. Its hard to avoid seeing this as symptomatic of Frances failure to stop the boats from setting off from their shores in the first place.

French authorities have been providing life jackets to small boat migrants to ensure they can safely make the Channel crossing - Bernard Barron/ AFP

France surely has a duty of care to stop people boarding these dangerous boats. Instead, it transpires, they are shadowing them, escorting them to British waters, where British cutters will bring them ashore safely. What is the strategic purpose of locating the cutters in mid-Channel? They are neither preventing nor deterring those attempting the crossing (quite the opposite).

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said we need to smash the gangs. Doing so, and in particular targeting those who lead them, will require much better intelligence gathering.

Following the money, as the authorities are already no doubt doing to some extent, is a core element of that. The vast sums involved are difficult to hide.

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The Government has set up a new Border Security Command with the aim of cracking down on the gangs, but a question mark hangs over whether any of its measures go far enough. As I saw during my four decades working for HM Customs and Excise and lastly as Head of National Operations for Detection  smugglers are adept at finding ways to evade detection.

The third prong must be swiftly deporting failed asylum seekers (and others here illegally), before they disappear.

In 2023, Home Office officials admitted they did not know what had happened to more than 17,000 asylum seekers whose claims had been discontinued.

Starmer stated in January that a record number of 16,400 failed asylum seekers and foreign criminals had been returned since Labour came to power.

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Yet already in 2025, more than 10,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to Britain  the most to have arrived by this point in any calendar year. Many more times that number were already here illegally. The current deportation rate is a drop in the ocean.

Clearly, the current approach isnt working or going anywhere near far enough. Very importantly, significant changes need to be made to the existing legal framework, which is exploited by immigration defence lawyers (on occasion resulting in some very odd decisions by Appeal judges), and is seriously undermining our ability to deport those who shouldnt be here.

As with the smuggling of goods, we will never be able to stamp out illegal crossings altogether. It is also worth stressing once again that those who arrive by small boats are only a small fraction of the overall number of people who are here illegally in one way or another (many more, for example, outstay legitimate visas).

But we need to do much more. Until we step up the three Ds, the smuggling gangs will continue to get rich off the back of a lethal business.

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CHATHAM, Ill.- On Wednesday, Volunteers and businesses in Chatham, Illinois, came together to show their support for the victims of the YNOT school camp tragedy that claimed four lives.

On Tuesday morninga day after the incidentImpressions Design posted a link for We Are Chatham Strong T-shirts. Within 24 hours, they had 2,700 orders from across the country.

Coming here and helping is taking my mind off of it, making me feel a little bit better about volunteering and helping, said Jerzi Hinds, a senior at Glenwood High School.

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Ashley Hinds is the owner of Impressions Design and said the shirts are helping community members grieve.

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We want to be together to help our community get through this and I think thats where it started. It is not just a saying; it is truly how we get through life right now, Hinds said.

Hinds said volunteers of the tight-knit community are leaning on each other while the community mourns the lives lost.

Everybody is saddened and heartbroken by what happened. Even if they didnt know the children who passed away or that were injured. Together, as a community, we support each other, Marissa Boyd, a volunteer, said.

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All of the proceeds from the shirts are going to the families.

The link to the shirts can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo on sweeping changes for the Army.

The focus on future warfare includes AI, drones, ammunition stockpiles, and force restructures.

The Army and larger military under President Trump have been about the ideas of lethality and readiness.

Less crewed helicopters, more cheap drone swarms. That's just one of the directives listed in a memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on sweeping changes to the US Army.

Hegseth envisions a future Army in which drone swarms capable of overwhelming enemies replace crewed helicopters and augment the remainder of that fighting force. There's much more to the plan though.

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The defense secretary's memo addressed to Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll was shared on Thursday and included strategic transformations, force restructuring, and cuts to certain programs and systems. The plan represents one of the largest Army overhauls since the Cold War, and the initiative is expected to cost billions.

Some planned changes, like plans to give every division 1,000 drones within the next two years, have clear timelines and immediate impacts. Others, such as "modernizing language training programs to improve mission effectiveness," are vague.

Drones, ammunition, and the Indo-Pacific

Soldiers operating drones at a Project Convergence technology demonstration. Army Futures Command

Hegseth has directed Driscoll to "transform the Army now for future warfare."

Within the next two years, every Army division will have uncrewed aerial systems. Counter-UAS systems, too, should be integrated into maneuver platoons by then and maneuver companies by the following year, 2027.

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By 2027, the Army should also be fielding long-range missiles that can strike moving land and maritime targets. Some Army systems that could fit that bill include the surface-to-surface Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), the Mid-Range Capability Typhon system, and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon.

The service should also achieve dominance over the electromagnetic spectrum and air-littoral spaces, both of which have been deemed critical subdomains for future wars, and artificial intelligence-driven command and control at the Army's theater, corps, and division headquarters.

US Army soldiers fire an M777 towed howitzer during live-fire drills in Hawaii. US Army photo by Spc. Jessica Scott

Among the directives is a call to "modernize the organic industrial base to generate the ammunition stockpiles necessary to sustain national defense during wartime," with a goal of full operations by 2028. Driscoll recently told BI that strengthening the defense industrial base and deepening the Army's magazine was a priority for him, especially when thinking about a possible war with China, an Indo-Pacific power and top rival.

In line with that thinking, the memo directs the Army to strengthen its forward presence in the Indo-Pacific by expanding the Army's caches of warfighting equipment, conducting military exercises with allies and partners, and rotating deployments in the region. US President Donald Trump, Hegseth, Driscoll, and other officials have all identified countering China as a top priority.

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"The President gave us a clear mission: achieve peace through strength," Hegseth wrote in the memo. "To achieve this, the US Army must prioritize defending our homeland and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific region."

The emphasis on heavily transforming the Army ahead of 2027 raises questions about the motivations. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has directed the Chinese People's Liberation Army to be ready to execute an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Though that goal does not mean action is guaranteed, US military officials have used China's deadline as a readiness guide.

'A leaner, more lethal force'

Soldiers at Fort Hood prepare to enter an underground facility in full protective gear during dense urban environment training. Capt. Scott Kuhn/US Army

Hegseth and others in the Trump administration have highlighted their intentions to cut what they deem as wasteful spending in the Pentagon. The Army memo goes into that but still leaves some questions unanswered.

The defense secretary is instructing the Army to substantially rework its force structure, which includes merging headquarters to synchronize kinetic and non-kinetic fires, implementing space-based capabilities, and adopting uncrewed systems.

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As already noted, Hegseth's memo also includes a plan to "reduce and restructure crewed attack helicopter formations and augment with inexpensive drone swarms capable of overwhelming adversaries." It also includes plans to "divest outdated formations, including select armor and aviation units" across the Army.

Major reforms are intended for some Army headquarters, including the merging of Army Futures Command and Doctrine Command into one and Forces Command and US Army North and South into a single entity focused on homeland defense and Western allies.

Additionally, some weapons systems and capabilities deemed obsolete are being axed, including certain crewed aircraft programs, ground vehicles like the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or Humvee, and outdated UAVs. Driscoll's staff recently told BI that some legacy systems could be on the chopping block in pursuit of lethality.

The US Army's Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training in Hawaii tested soldiers' capabilities in tropical war-fighting conditions. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ryele Bertoch

Workforce reduction is also a priority and falls in line with larger priorities from Hegseth and Trump. Information in the memo on this is sparse. It calls on the Army to "optimize force structure to achieve maximum readiness" and "prioritize merit and skill needed for today's battlefield across the uniform and civilian workforce."

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Revisions to civilian hiring and firing policies and cuts to general officer positions are planned.

When asked about Hegseth's priority for a "learner, more lethal force" and what that means for the workforce, Col. David Butler, communications adviser to Chief of Staff of the Army, told BI that the likely intention is to make cuts to "staff and bureaucracies," not maneuver or warfighting formations.

Butler said Army leadership believes cutting those areas will lighten the organizational structure and "better serve the warfighter."

Conversations around a "leaner" Army have been a major topic in recent weeks. Earlier this month, sources told Military.com the Army was quietly considering a reduction of up to 90,000 active-duty troops. The Army labeled the story "wrong," writing on X that it was "building more combat power while reducing staff and overhead."

Hard decisions for the Army

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on a visit to Fort Bliss, Texas. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew R. Sveen

Many of these changes indicate sweeping plans and reforms for the Army. Talking to Fox News on Friday, Driscoll said that while "these are hard decisions," especially ones around legacy systems and weapons reform. That said, "the old way of doing war with no longer suffice," he explained.

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The Army secretary said he and the service have been "empowered to go make the hard decisions and the hard changes to reallocate our dollars to best position our soldiers to be the most lethal that they can be."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The election victory of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who declared Canada would "never yield" to U.S. pressure, according to CNN, coincides with strong performance from ETFs focused on Canadian markets despite growing economic challenges between the two nations.

As Canada-U.S. relations deteriorate under trade pressures, investors looking north have several ETF options showing resilience, with etf.com data suggesting money is moving toward both equity exposure and currency funds while Canada's new leadership charts an independent economic path.

BBCA Has Delivered Strong Returns

According to etf.com data, the JPMorgan BetaBuilders Canada ETF (BBCA) has delivered a more than 16 % return over the past year while charging a 0.19% expense ratio. The fund, which tracks large- and mid-cap Canadian equities, has attracted $38 million in year-to-date inflows.

BBCA's performance comes at a time when Carney has stated, "America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country," as reported by CNN. The fund holds Royal Bank of Canada as its top position at 7.7%, followed by Shopify Inc. (SHOP) at 5.3%, but uniquely includes Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (2.8%) in its top 10 holdings, per etf.com data.

Canadian ETFs Show Strength

While all three major Canadian equity ETFs share similar core holdings, they differ in both methodology and investor appeal. BBCA excludes small-caps but maintains $7.7 billion in assets with the highest year-to-date performance among its peers, etf.com data show.

The iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) shares the same top holdings but includes Canadian Natural Resources Limited (2.8%) in its top 10, while excluding Agnico Eagle Mines. Despite its higher 0.5% expense ratio, EWC has attracted $74.9 million in year-to-date flows and maintains $2.7 billion in assets, etf.com reports.

The Franklin's FTSE Canada ETF (FLCA) offers the lowest expense ratio at just 0.09% with a portfolio composition similar to EWC. According to etf.com, FLCA uses an RIC-compliant index structure to avoid large stock concentrations but has experienced $7.5 million in year-to-date outflows despite posting the best one-year performance at 16.2%.

The Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust (FXC) takes a different approach, offering pure currency exposure rather than equity holdings. FXC has gained 4.3% year to date and has seen $20.9 million in three-month inflows at a time when Carney is seeking to strengthen the Canadian economy independently from the U.S.

Canadian ETF Performance and Flows

Source: etf.com Comparison Tool

Carney Takes on Economic Challenges

Carney has promised to "build things in this country again" while seeking stronger ties with European allies, CNN reports. The former central banker told podcast host Nate Erskine-Smith in October that he understands "how the world works" and knows "people who run some of the world's largest companies," positioning himself as someone who can navigate this economic challenge.
CHEROKEE, Iowa (KCAU)  A Cherokee man has pleaded guilty to possessing a large collection of child porn.

According to a release from the Department of Justice, Roger Strickland, 62, pleaded guilty on April 25 to two counts of possession of child pornography.

City of Sioux City looking at steps to comply with DEI mandates

Officials investigated Strickland between June 2022 and May 2023 possibly receiving and possessing child porn. After speaking with Strickland and informing him that he was being investigated, officials were once again informed that from August 2023 and February 2024, Strickland had retrieved and possessed even more child porn.

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The release stated that in total, officials had discovered 225 videos and 8,000 images that contained child pornography on devices owned by Strickland.

Strickland now faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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May 1The rows of cherry trees at Buena Vista Orchard in Bigfork last week were flaunting thousands of buds of the delicate white flowers that will eventually turn to delicious fruit this summer.

The picturesque scene offered a stark difference from last year, when a harsh January freeze stopped the flowers from developing at orchards along Flathead Lake. After a near total loss in 2024, local cherry growers anticipate a solid comeback this year, beginning with the peak bloom at the end of this week and into the next.

"There's buds all over the place," Bruce Johnson, owner of Buena Vista Orchard and board member of Flathead Cherry Grower's Co-op, said while inspecting a branch. "This year, the chance is there."

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The east shore of Flathead Lake is unique in its ability to grow cherries, where fruit trees absorb calmer weather due to Flathead Lake. The lake acts as a "heat sink," Johnson explained, moderating weather that comes across it. While temperatures could be below zero in Kalispell or Lakeside, they are often higher south of Bigfork, where cherry orchards cover the land on either side of Montana 35.

"That usually holds true, that moderate effect," Johnson said. "But that did not hold true last year."

Johnson produced 3,000 pounds of cherries in 2024, only 10% of a normal year's crop. And he was one of the luckier ones, he said, with a lot of orchards having a total loss season.

"I've never seen a year that bad," Johnson reflected on his 25 years as an orchardist, walking the rows of trees that survived.

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At the time it had been 33 years since the last big freeze in 1991 that affected orchards around Flathead Lake. Severe drops in temperature freeze the existing blossoms so pollination can't happen, an essential process for the continuation of growth. As a result, like springtime last year, the trees grew leaves but no flowers, meaning no cherries.

"This year our winter was a little more normal and we didn't have the severe drop in temperature. We had some cold weather, but it was gradual. These trees can handle cold weather, as long as there is not an abrupt change," said Brian Campbell, a Flathead cherry grower and field representative for Monson Fruit Company, the Washington-based company that helps growers process their crop.

Campbell predicted that if spring weather continues to be pleasant, growers will be looking at a potentially very big crop this year.

Monson Fruit Company collects 80% of Flathead Cherry Growers Co-op harvests, which are processed, packaged and marketed at a price determined by surrounding cherry crops, mainly in Washington. They sell cherries domestically and some internationally.

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A new challenge this year will be navigating the sale of international cherries to countries affected by President Donald Trump's elevated tariffs. With the intention of boosting the manufacturing capabilities of the United States, the tariffs have alternatively thrown the global economy into uncertainty with higher prices.

"I can't foresee how [tariffs] would help us," Campbell said.

He said that Monson does not distribute many cherries to China, but they do sell to Canada and Mexico, which were also targeted by Trump's tariffs.

This year's harvest could peak at the end of July into August. Orchardists anticipate stocked cherry stands along the east shore of Flathead Lake at that time.

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"Last year people got wind that there was no crop, so a lot of people didn't make the effort to come buy cherries apparently," Campbell said. "This year will be really good for that."

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.

Bruce Johnson looks over a section of apple trees with his puppy Stryder at Buena Vista Orchard on Thursday, April 24. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

Bruce Johnson looks over a blossoming lapins cherry tree at Buena Vista Orchard on Thursday, April 24. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

A hive of bees rests on a platform in a row of lapins cherry trees at Bruce Johnson's Buena Vista Orchard on Thursday, April 24. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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Casey Kreider

Bruce Johnson looks over a young sweetheart cherry tree with his puppy Stryder at Buena Vista Orchard on Thursday, April 24. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

Bruce Johnson looks over a blossoming lapins cherry tree at Buena Vista Orchard on Thursday, April 24. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

Bruce Johnson inspects a lapins cherry blossom at Buena Vista Orchard on Thursday, April 24. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider

Bruce Johnson looks over a blossoming lapins cherry tree at Buena Vista Orchard on Thursday, April 24. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  Chesapeake Police said the missing family of five out of Chesapeake has been found safe in northern Virginia.

A concerned family member contacted police on Wednesday after not hearing from the family since Monday and indicated this was not normal behavior.

The familys vehicle was originally reported to have been last seen Monday in Laurel, Maryland at approximately 11 p.m.

Thursday morning, Chesapeake Police said the family was found safe in the northern part of Virginia.

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10 On Your Side has reached out for more information on the incident.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A fluffy new baby has been welcomed to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) this month, marking a milestone in conservation of a critically endangered species.

The newest addition to the zoo, an African penguin chick, made its grand debut and hatched on April 8. At just 22 days old, CMZoo said the chick now weighs 983 grams  up 901 grams from its first weight of 82 grams on April 11. Thats an average of 41 grams per day.

This little one is an important ambassador for African penguins, CMZoo said. In 2024, African penguins were officially uplisted to critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with the number of wild breeding pairs falling below 10,000. If current trends continue, these charismatic birds could be extinct in the wild by 2035.

Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

CMZoo said guests can keep an eye (and ear) out for the chick in the penguin building in Waters Edge Africa. While its usually snuggled in the nest, guests might see it wriggle out, or hear it peeping.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Felony charges have been filed against a Chicago man who was allegedly found to be in possession of around two dozen sexually explicit videos and images involving children.

Marcos Fuentes-Robledo, a 29-year-old Gage Park resident, has been charged with one count of dissemination of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, deputies from the Cook County Sheriffs Office announced Saturday.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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According to deputies, the charges against Fuentes-Robledo were handed down following an investigation that began in October 2024 after the Sheriffs Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a user on a social media app who had allegedly uploaded files containing child pornography.

After obtaining subpoenas and search warrants, deputies were able to confirm that the content on the account, which allegedly belonged to Fuentes-Robledo, contained child pornography.

Investigators finally met with Fuentes-Robledo on Thursday, April 3, and after he was issued his Miranda Warning, he allegedly admitted to viewing child pornography on his cell phone.

Photo provided by the Cook County Sheriffs Office shows 29-year-old Marcos Fuentes-Robledo who deputies say has been charged with one count of dissemination of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Investigators then seized his cell phone and obtained a search warrant for it.

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Following a forensic analysis of the cell phone, investigators allegedly uncovered approximately two dozen sexually explicit videos and images involving children.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Fuentes-Robledo was finally taken into custody on Friday and the Cook States Attorneys Office approved charges against him shortly after. He appeared in court for his initial hearing on Saturday.

Fuentes-Robledo is just one of 53 people who have been charged in connection with cases involving the victimization of children and child pornography, thanks to investigations conducted by the Sheriffs Police ICAC Unit since 2020.

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Three German children have been rescued from a horror house in Spain where they spent years living under a Covid lockdown allegedly imposed by their parents.

Spanish police arrested the adults, who allegedly forced their children to remain in the house wearing face masks and nappies long after the end of Covid restrictions.

An investigator told Spanish media that as soon as we got them out, all three children began to breathe deeply, as if they had never been outside before.

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Speaking to El Comercio newspaper, investigators suggested that the parents suffered from Covid syndrome and had continued to live in fear of the virus for several years.

We have all been affected by Covid syndrome and the consequences of the pandemic. We can reflect on what led a family to live in confinement for so long, the investigator said.

The children appeared to be amazed that they were finally allowed outdoors, and went to touch the grass on the lawn, investigators said.

They had been forced to wear three face masks on top of each other before officers entered the house, Bild reported.

An investigator told Spanish media as soon as we got them out, all three children began to breathe deeply, as if they had never been outside before - Paco Paredes/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The family were living in the northern town of Oviedo in a villa that was raided by police during this weeks major power cut.

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The parents initially demanded that the officers put on face masks as they searched the house.

People living nearby said the family were extremely reclusive and never left the house, with food being delivered to the door as if the pandemic was still ongoing.

After entering the house, police found a large supply of face masks and medicine, along with huge amounts of rubbish.

A seriously ill cat was also found, which had seemingly not been taken to the vet because the parents feared they would catch coronavirus.

Investigators had to speak in English to the children, eight-year-old twins and a 10-year-old, because they had not been attending school and never learnt Spanish.

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The family was reported to have been living under lockdown conditions since 2021, despite Covid restrictions being lifted in Spain in March 2022.

The German newspaper Die Welt, which referred to the villa as a horror house, said that the familys mother had both German and US citizenship, but police had few other details about where they came from.

The house in the northern Spanish town of Oviedo where a couple are said to have held their children captive - Pablo Lorenzana/AFP

The pandemic broke out in early 2020 and is widely suspected to have originated from a biological laboratory in Wuhan, China.

Earlier this year, German newspapers revealed that Berlins foreign intelligence agency carried out its own investigation, which found an 80 to 95 per cent probability that the lab leak theory was accurate.

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The report was controversially buried by both Angela Merkels administration and that of Olaf Scholz, her successor.

The CIA has also stated that it believes that a lab leak in China was more likely to have caused the pandemic than natural causes.

The CIA assesses with low confidence that a research-related origin of the Covid-19 pandemic is more likely than a natural origin based on the available body of reporting, a spokesman said earlier this year.

The CIA continues to assess that both research-related and natural origin scenarios of the pandemic remain plausible, they added.

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House Republicans have warned that China is becoming more aggressive in the Caribbean following a trip to the region.

The chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, and Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas visited Guyana, Suriname, and Barbados last week. Crawford told Politico that China is set to overtake the U.S. in terms of regional influence unless Washington increases trade and investment with Caribbean nations.

We have taken our eye off the ball in our hemisphere, and that has allowed an entree for the Chinese to fill that void, and theyve done it pretty masterfully, right under our nose, and theyre becoming more aggressive, said Crawford.

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China is interested in the deposits of gas and oil in the area, as well as strategic sea lanes. It is making significant investments in the region through its Belt and Road international infrastructure effort, which includes building ports, bridges, and upgrading the electrical grid.

Rep. Rick Crawford wants the U.S. to increase its engagement with Caribbean nations as Chinese influence is on the rise in the region (Getty Images)

Crawford told Politico that such projects are giving China a power base in the region, which may grow into a threat to the U.S.

If the Chinese say they would like to put a port in the Dominican Republic, well, of course they would, because theyd like another Djibouti [military base] right here in close proximity to the U.S. homeland, he told the outlet.

Several countries have established bases in Djibouti due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of Africa, near the Gulf of Aden.

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In the Caribbean, China is also pressuring countries to cut their connections to Taiwan, which has relations with Belize, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Former special assistant to the leader of U.S. Southern Command, Leland Lazarus, told Politico that There are 12 countries that recognize Taipei and five of them are in the Caribbean, so its a key flank in that struggle.

Crawford noted that Congress has neglected the Caribbean, partly because of the optics of it being a place for tropical vacations rather than an area of strategic importance.

Who wants to be out in Jamaica, or Barbados, or Trinidad on the government nickel and be thought of as Youre just vacationing, said Crawford.

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The Trump administration has said that creating a deeper connection with the Caribbean is a foreign policy priority.

Chinas Shandong aircraft carrier sailing near Taiwan in March. Beijing lays claim to the island republic, which is officially recognized by only a handful of nations  including several in the Caribbean

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last month that the administration wants to address illegal immigration, seek to dismantle criminal networks and push back against malign influences that threaten the stability of our hemisphere.

Also last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now also the interim national security advisor, visited Suriname, Guyana, and Jamaica. During his visit, he cautioned Venezuela, a Chinese ally, against military adventurism following a dispute over territory with Guyana. He also slammed the terrible state of roads built by the Chinese.

Crawford told Politico that he wants the U.S. to engage with the Caribbean Communitys Regional Security System and increase economic exchange. However, taking part in the Regional Security System would require legislation approved by Congress or joint action by Trump. Crawford noted that he hasnt planned any such action yet.

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He also suggested deploying the Army Corps of Engineers to help with infrastructure development, adding that financing by the Inter-American Development Bank could be a source of funding. The bank is a regional multilateral lender working to create economic growth in the Caribbean and Latin America. A top State Department official sits on the banks board.

Guyana native Wazim Mowla heads the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council.

He told Politico that the regions development challenges are skyrocketing  energy insecurity, food insecurity, spikes of crime and violence.

There is a lot of financing and technical assistance that is needed for the region, and at the moment, there hasnt been a single country to step up and raise their hand, he added.

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Weve got to give them some options so that they can actually do business with us, said Crawford.

However, Trump has placed 38 percent tariffs on imports from Guyana and 10 percent on other Caribbean countries, which could provide an opening for China in the region.
We recently published a list of 12 Best Warren Buffett Stock Picks For Beginners. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) stands against other best Warren Buffett stocks to invest in.

Warren Buffett, one of the most renowned names in the world of finance, was inspired by two famous economists from the 1930s, Ben Graham and Philip Fisher. From Graham, Buffett learned the idea of a margin of safety, which means he seeks companies whose stocks are trading for less than what their assets are actually worth. He also picked up Grahams belief that it is pointless to obsess over daily market ups and downs, since real success comes from holding investments for the long term. From Fisher, Buffett developed a strong focus on the quality of a companys management. He realized that great leadership can make a significant difference in a businesss long-term value. Fisher also warned that over-diversifying could backfire, making it harder to properly monitor each investment. Buffett clearly follows this thinking, since his $267 billion portfolio is concentrated in just 38 stocks as of Q4 2024.

Warren Buffetts investment strategy is a masterclass in disciplined and fundamentals-driven investing. His focus is on companies with durable competitive advantages, which he refers to as economic moats, combined with strong management and solid capital allocation. The Oracle of Omaha is against chasing trends. Instead, he looks for long-term value and buys only when a company is trading below its intrinsic worth. Buffetts approach with the iPhone-maker is a great case in point. He was not just impressed by the hardware; he saw the value in its services ecosystem, like the App Store and iCloud, which generate consistent, high-margin revenue.

During the height of the 2008 financial crisis, the Berkshire billionaire shared a remark with investors that remains just as relevant in the current stock market landscape. He wrote:

Over the long term, the stock market news will be good. In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.

Buffett also emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. Despite his success as a stock picker, he recommends low-cost S&P index funds for most investors, believing they outperform most professionals over time. At its core, Buffetts strategy is not flashy, and he offers a blueprint for sustainable wealth creation. This article presents the Warren Buffett stock picks that are especially suitable for new investors looking to build a strong portfolio.
The News

Chinas export orders dropped sharply in April as US President Donald Trumps tariffs took a toll on the worlds second-largest economy.

American importers have cancelled or delayed orders, causing a gauge of new export orders to drop to its lowest level since COVID-19 shut down China in 2022.

While the country has quietly offered some concessions in its brewing trade war with the US, reportedly easing retaliatory tariffs on some US goods, Beijing has vowed to never kneel down to American pressure.

While the strain of tariffs has pushed China to boost stimulus efforts, it is holding off on additional measures, Reuters reported, betting on Washington blinking first in a drawn-out trade conflict.
HOBE SOUND, Fla. (WFLA)  Evacuations were ordered Thursday morning after a 150-pound cylinder used for water treatment began leaking chlorine gas near a Florida neighborhood.

The leak resulted in one person being taken to a Jupiter hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Martin County Fire Rescue said.

Hurricane season is just a month away. Are you prepared?

Multiple units, including a Hazmat team wearing Level A protective suits, were dispatched to the area where the leak originated near Southeast 3rd Street and Southeast Dixie Highway in Hobe Sound.

(Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue) (Credit: Martin County Fire Rescue)

Crews arrived around 11 a.m. and began setting up a 330-foot perimeter. All residents within that area were asked to evacuate. Dixie Highway was also shut down while units worked to remove the leaking tank.

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The team then underwent a full decontamination process, and a second crew was dispatched to monitor chlorine gas levels in the area.

According to the CDC, breathing in high amounts of chlorine gas can immediately cause breathing problems. People may also experience blurred vision, burning feelings in the nose, throat and lungs, nausea or vomiting, chest tightness and respiratory failure.

Efforts to improve air quality remained ongoing Thursday afternoon, but authorities said around noon the area would be reopening soon. No other injuries were reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Chris Krebs, President Donald Trumps former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said his membership in Global Entry has been revoked. Krebs, who has repeatedly attested to the security of the 2020 election, told CNN he finds it hard to believe this isnt another act of retribution from the administration.

On Wednesday afternoon, Krebs received an email saying that his Trusted Traveler Program status had changed. He logged into the program and learned his Global Entry program membership had been revoked, he told CNN. Global Entry is the US Customs and Border Protection program that gives low-risk travelers expedited clearance when they arrive in the US.

Trump earlier this month stripped Krebs of any existing security clearance he may still hold since leaving office and ordered the Justice Department to probe the former official.

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CNN has reached out to the White House and Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Krebs, a Republican appointee in his first term, received bipartisan praise for telling the truth about the 2020 election, which aroused the ire of Trump, whose lies about the election led to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. On April 9, Trump signed an executive order instructing his government to punish Krebs in various ways, including ordering the attorney general to investigate him, though there is no evidence he has committed any crime.

Time magazine recently asked the president if his order wasnt exactly what he accused President Joe Bidens administration of doing to him.

I think Chris Krebs was a disgrace to our country, Trump said. I think he was  I think he was terrible. By the way, I dont know him. Im not  I dont think I ever met him.  I know very little about Chris Krebs, but I think he was very deficient.

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A Florida-based Christian organization with a history of child sex abuse allegations against it has been hit with a lawsuit claiming one of its missionaries sexually assaulted a minor overseas 15 years ago.

Ethnos360, a nonprofit formerly known as New Tribes Mission, sends missionaries and their families throughout the globe. In 2019, multiple women told NBC News that they had been sexually abused decades earlier by their dorm dads  missionaries who were supposed to care for children at the missions boarding schools while their parents served in foreign countries.

The group settled several suits related to those allegations and issued a public apology to the abuse survivors following the 2019 NBC News report. It also said it had incorporated significant child safety training after an independent party commissioned by New Tribes Mission shared recommendations in 2010 amid the abuse allegations.

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But Wednesday's lawsuit, filed in Circuit Court in Seminole County, Florida, says the group failed to offer any care or professional assistance to the family of an American child who came forward to report inappropriate sexual conduct in 2012, two years after those recommendations were issued.

The girl, Kayla McClain, is now 24, lives in Michigan and recently graduated from nursing school. NBC News does not normally identify alleged victims of sexual assault, but McClain opted to be identified by her full name in the legal filing.

Im tired of being quiet and tired of being invisible, McClain said in her first public remarks about the case. I just want people to know what really happened and that theres actually a face and a name behind whats going on.

David Doyle, an attorney for Ethnos360, said the group takes allegations of this nature very seriously and categorically denies any merit to allegations made against it.

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McClain was around 5 years old in 2005 when she met her alleged abuser, Nate Horling, the lawsuit said. Like McClain and her family, Horling lived with his wife and children in housing in Indonesia provided by what was then New Tribes Mission. He had a child about McClains age whom McClain would play with, the legal complaint said, adding that the alleged abuse by Horling started with inappropriate touching while McClain was playing with his child. Afterward, Horling would allegedly tell McClain he was sorry and instructed her not to tell anyone and blamed her for what occurred, the lawsuit said.

The abuse escalated after both families relocated to a different part of Indonesia in 2009, where Horling later allegedly sexually assaulted McClain in a closet, according to the lawsuit.

Horling, who is not named as a defendant, told NBC News in an email that he absolutely denies all allegations.

The lawsuit comes less than a year after another legal filing against Ethnos360, which alleged the group failed to protect a girl from repeated sexual misconduct by a peer at its missionary training center in Missouri in 2016 and failed to adequately investigate the abuse allegations.

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That lawsuit is ongoing, though Ethnos360 has filed a motion to dismiss it, arguing in court documents that because the alleged abuse occurred in private residences on Ethnos360 property, not while children were under Ethnos360 staff supervision, the group did not have any right and /or duty to control, occupy, or monitor the families and activities within the residences.

Boz Tchividjian, the attorney who filed last years lawsuit as well as Wednesdays, said Ethnos360 needs to examine why it has faced so many allegations of inappropriate behavior.

Its not in a vacuum. This is over, and over, and over again, said Tchividjian, who was the founder and former executive director of Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment, or GRACE, the group hired to make the 2010 recommendations on handling abuse to Ethnos360 when it was called New Tribes Mission. He is no longer part of GRACE.

Wednesdays lawsuit said the GRACE report outlined multiple instances of sexual abuse within Ethnos360 and accused the organizations leadership of failing to properly respond to child sexual abuse allegations. On its website, Ethnos360 acknowledges past missteps and has a section dedicated to child safety, in which it says it has safeguards to protect kids, including background checks for anyone applying for Ethnos360 membership and specialized training for all new members.

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Yet the lawsuit claims that when McClains family contacted Ethnos360s child safety leadership team in Indonesia, there was limited response.

McClain said her father had reached out to the child safety team in 2012 after she disclosed to her parents that she was engaging in sexual conduct with other children  a behavior that can be an indicator of a child being abused by an adult. The lawsuit said that several members spoke with her parents in the months that followed but did not open an investigation into the sexualized behavior. It also said Ethnos360 did not offer any care or help to McClain or the other minors and acted as if the conduct was typical sexual exploration between children.

McClain said it was not until years later that her parents found out she had been sexually abused by an adult. Her attorney said that, at that time, her emotional state was too fragile to consider filing charges.

The child safety team never talked to me. I really needed someone who was trained to and knew how to talk to a kid in this situation, because I didnt know how to share what had happened, McClain said.

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McClain started struggling profoundly with her mental health in 2018 once she and her family returned to the United States from Indonesia, the lawsuit said, adding that she had flashbacks of her alleged abuse and attempted to take her own life in 2019. After undergoing treatment, she decided to report her experience to Ethnos360 in 2021 through IHART, a review team commissioned by Ethnos360 to investigate claims of abuse, according to the lawsuit. After several hours-long interviews, Ethnos360 allegedly offered no counseling to McClain and did not report the allegations to child protection agencies, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit accuses Ethnos360 of negligence in failing to protect McClain from abuse and failing to provide adequate training to its employees to identify and report child abuse. It seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial.

McClain said her experience has caused her to have post-traumatic stress disorder and has made her question her view of God.

The abuse that happened was horrible, but what has really affected me is the response from Ethnos and the child safety team and IHART, she said. They need to be held accountable. I want the silence to stop.

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If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. The hotline, run by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can also access RAINNs online chat service at www.rainn.org/get-help. Confidential chats are available in English and in Spanish.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Chuck Schumer is increasingly a man alone.

His decision to break a filibuster on legislation to avert a government shutdown on the GOPs terms still echoes in the minds of his colleagues. Schumer this week faced the question yet again  what is he doing about his stagnant and dreadfully low approval rating?

A CNN poll released Tuesday found that just 17 percent of Americans have a positive view of the New York senator, compared to 44 percent who disapprove of his performance.

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The 74-year-old senior-most Democrat in Congress was forced to defend himself to CNNs Manu Raju against the accusation that he has become a liability for his party.

Polls come and go. Our party is united. Were on our front foot, were stepping forward, going after Trump and having real success, Schumer insisted.

But by the evening, he was the latest target of wrathful Bernie Sanders, now  like other progressives  on the warpath, in his own way, against the establishment of his party responsible for the debacle that played out in 2024.

United around what? Sanders scoffed, answering CNNs Kaitlan Collins after he was asked about the Senate Democratic leaders comments. Are we united around guaranteeing healthcare to all people? [...] Are we united in tackling a corrupt campaign finance system? Now you tell me, youre an observer of these things.

Sen. Bernie Sanders responds to Sen. Schumer saying Democrats are united. You need an agenda. United around what? Are we united around guaranteeing healthcare to all people? Are we united in tackling a corrupt campaign finance system?" pic.twitter.com/8EY93AZl3m  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) May 1, 2025

Wednesday evening marked Schumers latest embarrassment.

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Democrats acceded to calling a vote on a resolution ending Donald Trumps national emergency declaration over perceived trade imbalances, only to see that vote fail as two senators in support of the bill were unable to show up  Sheldon Whitehouse was returning from South Korea, and Mitch McConnell was ill. Whitehouse and Schumer both faced criticism from party insiders after the vote failed.

This was a miscalculation, since it had been known that Whitehouse would not be back in time, one unnamed Democratic senator told the Washington Examiner. It all fell flat because we were counting on Republicans who had previously supported a similar resolution, and that was a mistake.

Schumer portrayed his party as the winners in comments afterwards to reporters, claiming that Republicans now own Trumps tariffs.

Chuck Schumers approval rating is just 17 percent (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

We forced a vote to stop the damage Trumps tariffs are doing to American families, he crowed on Twitter after his party lost the vote. But Senate Republicans just voted to keep the tariffs in place that are hurting families.

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It will be very difficult for Schumer to dig himself out of this hole. The party is once again facing a surge of calls for new leadership. The Senate Democratic leader himself is beset by rumors of a primary challenge from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who led him in a poll released in early April. Even if she declines to wait until 2028 to seek higher office, he could end up losing the support of his caucus well before then.

And the senator himself does not seem able to make his own rhetoric match the tenor of his party. It was all CNNs Dana Bash could do, apparently, to avoid mocking him to his face during an interview Sunday on State of the Union after he declared that hed sent a very strong letter with eight very strong questions for the president  who is now approaching the one-month mark of openly defying a Supreme Court order demanding the White House facilitate the return of a wrongfully deported man.

Bash could only deadpan in return: Well, youll let us know if you get a response.
Warnings the bill could harm consumers notwithstanding, the legislation passed the state Senate unanimously. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current)

A bill before state lawmakers would allow Southwest Gas and other natural gas utilities in the state to ask the Public Utilities Commission to depart from traditional rate-setting in favor of alternative rate-making, a policy shift that could pose a cost burden to customers, according to opponents.

Southwest Gas currently applies for rate increases via a general rate case every three years, in which the PUC analyzes the utilitys expenses and revenue requirements, and adds in a permitted rate of return for the company.

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Alternative rate-making allows the utility to submit a rate plan determined by additional factors, and potentially extend the rate, which could be automatically adjusted via a predetermined formula, for longer than three years.

Nothing in this bill removes any of the PUCs authority over the rate-making process. It does not issue Southwest Gas, or any other natural gas utility, a blank check to raise rates on its customers, said Scott Leedom, director of regulation and public affairs for Southwest Gas, at a hearing before the Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure in April.

Senate Bill 417 suggests a number of rate-making mechanisms for which natural gas utilities could apply:

Performance-based rates, which are tied to outcomes, such as a utilitys ability to reduce carbon emissions or increase efficiency. The utilitys success in achieving the goal determines the rate;

Decoupling, or disassociating a utilitys financial results from the sale of natural gas, thereby eliminating the utilitys incentive to promote consumption; and,

Multi-year rate plans, which call for the PUC to set rates beyond the three-year duration set in general rate cases.

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An amendment to SB 417 proposes allowing the PUC to establish methods to automatically adjust rates based on a pre-determined formula. The formula can include a method to recover the costs of capital expenditures, be adjusted for accumulated depreciation, deferred taxes, property taxes and any other costs established by the Commission.

Proponents suggest formula rates streamline the lengthy and complicated process of a general rate case.

Alternative rate-making creates more predictable rate changes and lowers administrative costs, with the savings passed on to consumers, Leedom said, adding rate changes would potentially no longer have the cumulative stair-step increases to reflect the cost of providing service and rates. Instead, these adjustments would be smoother and incrementally smaller.

Proponents, which include the Retail Association of Nevada, the Nevada Trucking Association, and a variety of chambers of commerce, cited predictability and the potential for lower costs in their testimony supporting the measure.

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SB 417, they contend, mirrors a 2019 bill sponsored by then-Sen. Chris Brooks, which allowed electric utilities to apply for alternative ratemaking. The measure was signed into law by then-Gov. Steve Sisolak.

It is not a mirror of SB 300, said Ernest Figueroa, Consumer Advocate and Chief Deputy Attorney General of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. The measure, unlike SB 300, Figueroa said, does not state how the plan aligns an economically viable utility model to state public policy goals.

Additionally, Figueroa said he believes the inclusion of provisions regarding formula rates unfairly tips the scales in the utilitys favor to the detriment of the ratepayer.

Other opponents, including the Sierra Club and the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition, argue the proposed process is opaque.

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Kristee Watson of the Nevada Conservation League noted that lawmakers, in the 2023 legislative session, established an integrated resource planning process for natural gas utilities. Southwest Gas is slated to file its first IRP this summer. Watson said that process should be permitted to play out before considering alternative rate-making.

This is not the time to give gas utilities more tools to raise rates with less scrutiny, she said.

Last year, Arizonas five-member elected body of utility regulators passed a measure approving formula rate plans for utilities, including Southwest Gas, which also operates in that state.

Consumer advocates in Arizona and nationally have warned against ratemaking plans that reward utilities for engaging in high risk planning that can often lead to devastating consequences for ratepayers, reports the Energy and Policy Institute.

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Jermareon Williams, government affairs manager for Western Resource Advocates, an environmental nonprofit, testified that general rate cases act as safeguards for customers and shelter them from unneeded investments a utility may choose to pursue to increase their profits.

The Senate passed the measure 21-0.

Reno resident Bari Levinson, a member of the Energy Coalition, testified that former Nevada Consumer Advocate Jon Wellinghoff, who also served as a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), opposes the measure. In a statement read by Levinson, Wellinghoff said that giving Southwest Gas the right to have their rates set on a future test year with estimated costs used to set rates charged to customers, rather than using actual known and experienced expenses will definitely drive up costs for consumers. We do not want our rates to skyrocket like they have in California.

California began decoupling electric and gas rates in the early 1980s.

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Sen. Rochelle Nguyen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure, asked PUC attorney Garret Weir if the bill lacks guardrails present in SB 300, as opponents asserted.

Weir, who testified in neutral, said he was unaware of any guardrails in SB 300, but noted the PUC imposed robust regulations via rulemaking. He also noted the legislation only allows natural gas utilities to apply to the PUC for alternative rulemaking.

Ultimately, the commission would still have the obligation to ensure that any rates adopted pursuant to this statute were just and reasonable and in the public interest, he said.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Pasos Economic and International Development Department will host its first-ever Small Business Fair in honor of National Small Business Week.

The event, hosted by the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS), will be from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, located at 201 W Main Dr.

According to the news release by the City of El Paso, the fair will offer an opportunity for small business owners to network, gain practical insight and access resources that can help them grow.

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The Small Business Fair is free and open to the public. You can register for the event here.

The importance of small businesses to our local community cannot be overstated, Director of Economic Development Karina Brasgalla said. They provide not only job opportunities but also contribute to a stronger local economy by directly supporting families, friends, and neighbors. Small businesses also help maintain the cultural spirit of our neighborhoods. We encourage everyone to support local businesses whenever possible.

According to the City, the following featured panel discussions will be included in the fair:

Advice for New Entrepreneurs Mayor Renard U. Johnson Moderator: Dante Acosta, District director, U.S. Small Business Administration, El Paso District Office

Marketing with Purpose Moderator: Alejandra Chavez, City Rep. District 1 Denisse Olivas, Digital Marketing chief Mike Matthews, President & CCO Crystal Bocanegra, VP of Operations, Commercial Screen Printing

Buy El Paso  Open Rewards by the Better Business Bureau El Paso Carlos Pedrueza, Marketing manager

Lessons Learned in Business Moderator: Alejandro Munoz Mendiate, Managing Partner, No Border Ventures Mayda Gomez, CEO & founder, Risas Doradas Roberto Carbajal, General manager, Group Trade



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We are proud to recognize and celebrate the resilience of our small business community, Assistant Director of Economic Development Mirella Tamayo said. This fair provides an important platform to connect our business owners with valuable resources that will help them continue to succeed.

National Small Business Week runs from May 4 through May 10, according to the City.

Since 1963, National Small Business Week has been celebrated annually to honor the contributions and small businesses to the U.S. economy, according to the City.

In addition, the week recognizes the critical role small businesses play in job creation, innovation and community development, the City said.

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For more information, you can call (915) 212-0094 or visit the Economic and International Development tab on the City of El Pasos website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Tampa city leaders will discuss ways to mitigate the effects of the South Howard Flood Project, Thursday.

Neighbors and business owners are split over the traffic and economic impacts along the narrow road.

You got to be kidding me, this plan is terrible, One owner said during a recent meeting.

Water inundates South Howard Avenue and the surrounding areas when theres a hurricane or heavy rainfall.

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Weve known that this watershed and several others within the city have had insufficient drainage systems for decades, Vik Bhide with the City of Tampa said.

I think this is an absolute wonderful plan, an owner said.

The South Howard Flood Relief Project is a $65 million effort to improve drainage along the road, upgrade infrastructure, and create wider sidewalks.

It is expected to have no lanes open on Howard Avenue for at least two years due to the construction, according to Bhide.

Thursday, city staff will talk with council members about avoiding local roads and the New Suburb Beautiful neighborhood during the project.

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A study is underway to determine which alternate routes are the most reasonable. The research explores factors like accessibility and environmental impacts.

Some business employees worry about the financial effects of the project.

Its really a death by 1,000 cuts, is how youre going to do it, youre going to start at the south end and youre going to destroy all of those businesses as you head north, an owner said.

City staff have been in contact with the SoHo Business Alliance as they create plans for the works. Staff members will reveal results from the study in early June.

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.
We recently published a list of the Top 15 Energy Companies with the Highest Upside Potential. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) stands against other top energy companies.

After posting notable gains in the first three months of 2025, the energy sector witnessed significant declines in April, primarily due to the ongoing global trade war sparked by President Trumps tariffs and the prospects of an economic slowdown. The overall energy sector has now slid by around 3.8% since the beginning of the year, against a decline of about 5.8% by the wider market. Unsurprisingly, the downturn is led by the oil and gas sector, which has fallen by over 15% YTD.

READ ALSO: 11 Best Solar Energy Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

The primary reason behind this fall is the declining global price of crude oil, caused by the continued uncertainty surrounding global trade, demand fears, and the recent decision by OPEC+ to increase supply. The West Texas Intermediate crude price is currently hovering at a multi-year low level of just under $62, down by over 25% YoY. To make matters worse, the International Energy Agency recently cut its 2025 oil demand growth forecast by 300,000 barrels per day compared to last month, warning the world to buckle up amid the escalating trade tensions.

That said, there are sectors in the energy industry that are still significantly bullish, with liquified natural gas being a prime example. The United States of America is already the largest LNG exporter in the world, with exports growing consistently over the last decade. Still, the industry continues to boom after it received significant support from the Trump administration, which has made boosting Americas fossil fuel sector its primary agenda. According to Wood Mackenzie, 15.5 million tons per annum (MTPA) of long-term LNG offtake contracts were signed in the first quarter of 2025, following a record 81 MTPA last year. These numbers are expected to spike in the coming months after more and more countries are looking to export American LNG to narrow their trade gap with the US, following a tariff threat by the White House.

Another important growth driver for the energy sector is the ongoing AI boom and its accompanying power-hungry data centers. According to a study by the American Clean Power Association, electricity demand in the US is expected to surge by 35-50% by 2040, driven by domestic manufacturing growth, data centers, and mass electrification. A primary candidate to satisfy this huge demand is natural gas, which is clean, reliable, and abundant. According to energy data provider Enverus, a total of 80 new gas power plants could be constructed in America by the end of the decade. That said, natural gas is not as cheap as it was a year ago, as prices have surged by around 36.6% over the last 52 weeks.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The city of Sioux City will be looking at possible steps to take to comply with federal DEI mandates at City Council on Monday.

A recent directive from the U.S. Department of Transportation requires that anyone who receives grants from the department to discontinue programs or polices that rely on classifications prohibited under federal law, including certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a release from the city states.

McCook Lake residents to cleanup more debris this weekend

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The release includes a letter from the United States Secretary of Transportation dated April 24 that reads, Whether or not described in natural terms, any policy, program, or activity that is premised on a prohibited classification, including discriminatory policies or practices designed to achieve so called diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, goals, presumptively violates Federal law. The release states that this letter was sent to all recipients of DOT funding.

As part of Mondays City Council agenda, the city will be looking at reclassifying the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator position in the Human Resources Department into a Human Resources Specialist position. Additionally, they will be looking at the dissolution of the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee, rescinding the resolution adopting an inclusive language notice, and rescinding the resolution approving and adopting an affirmative action program.

The changes that will be discussed at the meeting aim to maintain the citys eligibility for future funding and maintain compliance with federal legal guidelines.

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.
Civil servants at energy regulator Ofgem have threatened strike action in a row over jobs and pay as fears grow of a summer of discontent.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, which represents almost 200,000 civil servants across Whitehall, has accused Ofgem managers of being deliberately provocative in their dealings and driving through sticker plaster solutions.

A union insider claimed that Ofgem, which governs the energy price cap, was struggling to deliver its functions because of pay disparities.

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The row is over a complaint that pay at the regulator is nearly 20pc lower than in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which is responsible for it. This means people leave and their expertise goes with them.

The insider said this makes it harder for Ofgem to actually keep a grip on energy providers and therefore bills for consumers and that an offer to give some staff extra allowances feels like senior managers basically want to throw money at their pals.

Staff are also complaining that people who leave are not being replaced.

The row over pay levels comes after Ofgem this week warned household energy bills will rise to pay for a net zero upgrade of Britains regional power grids. Average energy bills already jumped by 111 to 1,849 a year in April under the price cap.

More than 700 of the unions members who are employed by Ofgem in Glasgow, London and Cardiff are now being balloted for strike action as a result of the dispute.

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The move comes as unions across the country are threatening strike action as Downing Street comes under pressure to hand millions of public sector workers a pay rise of up to 4pc.

Proposed pay rises for teachers and NHS staff put forward by pay review bodies are higher than what the Government had planned for, raising the prospect that ministers may be forced to reject the recommendation and risk industrial action.

The PCS union has also been threatening industrial action over what it calls Victorian return to the office demands, with staff at HM Land Registry and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) amongst those boycotting demands to cut back on home working.

Baroness Meyer said this week that Britain was at risk of being held to ransom by unions as the incoming Employment Rights Bill will make it easier for workers to strike. She warned that the reforms could take Britain back to the economic chaos of the 1970s.

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The Bill, which is being overseen by Angela Rayner will dramatically strengthen the power of unions in the workplace.

Thresholds currently needed to trigger a walkout, such as requiring at least half of a unions members to participate in strike vote, will be weakened and unions could also make pay demands at companies where just 2pc of staff are members, compared to 10pc today.

An Ofgem sokesman said: We are disappointed to hear the PCS has today announced they will be balloting their members on possible industrial action. Around a third of Ofgems workforce are members of PCS and we continue to engage with the union and staff on these important issues.

As with the rest of the public sector, its vital we are as efficient and effective as possible for the households and businesses we serve, while also ensuring we attract and retain the people and skills we need. We still hope to resolve these issues without industrial action, but should they proceed, our priority will be to serve energy consumers across Britain.

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A Civil War reenactor in Tennessee is facing a $10.5 million lawsuit after exposing an alleged years-long affair between her reenactor husband and another woman in their traveling Civil War troupe, allegedly emailing explicit photos and videos of the two lovers to the rest of the groups members, who subsequently expelled the pair over their extramarital affair.

A civil complaint obtained by The Independent says Dr. Lisa Twarks dissemination of the salacious material violated revenge porn laws, invaded her romantic rivals privacy and caused her to suffer mental injury, including but not limited to emotional distress, shame, depression, anxiety, and more.

In the complaint, which was filed April 21 in a Knoxville, Tennessee, federal court, Jane Doe, who successfully petitioned the court for anonymity, claims Twark, a 54-year-old veterinarian in the rural town of Rogersville, discovered the racy snaps by installing spyware on her husbands laptop. Twark, who tried but failed to conceal her own identity when she emailed the compromising images to more than 80 fellow Civil War reenactors, shared the pictures to exact retribution against both her husband and Doe over their clandestine romance, according to the complaint.

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Twark did not respond on Thursday to emails, voicemails and text messages seeking comment. Doe and Twarks husband were unable to be reached.

A Jane Doe claims that Civil War reenactor Lisa Twark discovered she was having an affair with Twark's husband by installing spyware on his computer (AFP via Getty Images)

The sexual relationship between Doe and Twarks husband, who is not identified by name in court filings, began in 2022, the complaint states. They knew each other from their participation in a Civil War reenactment group that, as the complaint explains, traveled together and reenacted Civil War battles. The complaint does not specify if Doe is married or single.

Over the course of their affair, Twarks husband asked Doe to provide him some explicit pictures, which she later emailed to him, according to the complaint. It says Twarks husband also took explicit photographs and videos of Doe, along with ribald pictures and footage or the two of them together, and emailed those to himself.

Everything was done with Does knowledge and consent, the complaint continues.

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Twark, who graduated from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and has lived in Rogersville ever since, runs a local animal clinic called the Dog and Cat Depot.

She enjoys spending quiet time at home with her husband and menagerie of animals, as well as hiking, traveling, and reading, her official bio reads.

Civil War reenactments can draw sizable crowds; Twark, her husband, and Jane Doe all belonged to the same traveling reenactment troupe, according to Doe's lawsuit (AFP via Getty Images)

However, Twark eventually became suspicious of her spouse and placed spyware on [his]... computer, Does complaint contends. Spyware is a type of malicious software that allows access to an electronic device without the users knowledge.

Last December, having gained access to her husbands email account, Twark found the bawdy photos and videos her husband had taken of himself and Doe, as well as the ones Doe had taken of herself for him, the complaint reads.

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An apparently irate Twark responded by emailing selections from the X-rated trove to at least 81 people, including, but not limited to, reenactment group members, according to the complaint. Twark sent the email from a Protonmail account, an encrypted service, in an attempt to conceal [her] true identity, the complaint alleges.

As a result, Doe and Twarks husband were removed from the reenactment group due to the email received by other members of the group, the complaint states.

It does not say whether or not Twark herself remains a member.

Civil War reenactor "Jane Doe" now wants $10.5 million from Twark for, among other things, invasion of privacy (AFP via Getty Images)

Twark created the email and shared these images and videos for revenge against her husband, and to cause emotional distress to Doe, the complaint asserts.

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Upon information and belief, [Twark] had access to numerous other explicit images of her husband and Doe that she located among his emails, and also planned to distribute, but had not yet done so, according to the complaint.

In 2021, a love triangle-gone-wrong between three members of the broader live-action role playing community, known as LARPers, culminated in a pipe bomb attack and a slew of federal charges. Last year, as The Independent first reported, a Texas woman derailed her exs dream job by allegedly sending his new employer sexually explicit photos the man had shared with her during happier times.

Civil War Doe is seeking $7.5 million in liquidated damages for unauthorized disclosures of intimate visual depictions of her and Twarks husband, compensatory damages of $1 million and punitive damages of $2 million, plus court costs and attorneys fees.

She is also asking a judge to issue an order prohibiting Twark from further sharing any of the offending material, an injunction forbidding her from liquidating or transferring any personal assets prior to the conclusion of the lawsuit, and to hand down a temporary restraining order barring Twark from contacting Doe, any associates or members of Does family, and to stay at least 1,000 feet away from her.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Clark County Commission expects to see an updated set of plans to redevelop the historic and expansive  but downtrodden  Commercial Center in Las Vegas, but it will take many years to finish, the chair of the Clark County Commission told the 8 News Now Investigators.

The redevelopment plans, spearheaded by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, include transforming parts of the center into museums and office spaces.

They wiped the whole fund out: Commissioner wants to claw back $8M given to chairmans district

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Were actually buying a couple of buildings here that were going to tear down and make them into, ideally, museums and different office space, Segerblom explained.

The area, once notorious for high crime rates, is now seeing efforts to improve its infrastructure and attract new businesses.

The Commercial Center in Las Vegas is undergoing a redevelopment process, aiming to revitalize the area that has long been neglected since its establishment in the 1960s. (KLAS)

Lotus of Siam, a renowned Thai restaurant, originally opened in the Commercial Center and has been a staple of the community despite the areas challenges.

Old promises of restoring yesterdays Las Vegas underscore revamp of new Commercial Center

People said it was the [scariest] plaza in Las Vegas, Penny Chutima, owner of Lotus of Siam said as she reflected on the areas past reputation.

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Chutima recalled the high crime and rough neighborhood that surrounded their business. The restaurant left the center in 2017, due to these issues, but returned in 2021, with plans to revamp their operations alongside the centers redevelopment.

Penny Chutima, owner of Lotus of Siam, recalled the high crime and rough neighborhood that surrounded their business. The restaurant left the center in 2017, due to these issues, but returned in 2021, with plans to revamp their operations alongside the centers redevelopment. (KLAS)

Derek Stonebarger, owner of Artys Steakhouse, is optimistic about the future of the Commercial Center, despite facing delays and challenges in opening his new restaurant.

This whole area is ripe for revitalization, he said in a 2023 interview. Tuesday, celebrating his 50th birthday, Stonebarger said he expects to be open by his 51st birthday or sooner.

Derek Stonebarger, owner of Artys Steakhouse, is optimistic about the future of the Commercial Center, despite facing delays and challenges in opening his new restaurant. (KLAS)

One way or the other, Stonebarger told the 8 News Now Investigators. Stonebarger has faced numerous delays in his two years trying to open his newest restaurant, including operating on timelines set by utility companies.

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Its been a challenge, Stonebarger said. But its definitely moving forward.

Paula Sadler, owner of A Harmony Nail Spa, has been actively involved in community efforts to improve the center, including organizing neighborhood clean-ups and graffiti removal. She emphasizes the importance of redevelopment while ensuring current tenants are not displaced.

It is taking too long, Sadler, the author of a book entitled The Nature of Miracles, said in an interview outside of her longstanding business at Commercial Center. And while it may not take a miracle to see Commercial Center redeveloped, it will take time.

Sadler told the 8 News Now Investigators she expects redevelopment of Commercial Center to last five-to-10 years.

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The redevelopment is part of a broader vision to create a vibrant community space with mixed-use developments, including high-rises and affordable housing, Segerblom said. However, the timeline for completion remains uncertain, with significant planning still required.

Paula Sadler, owner of A Harmony Nail Spa, has been actively involved in community efforts to improve the center, including organizing neighborhood clean-ups and graffiti removal. (KLAS)

As the Commercial Center undergoes its transformation, local business owners remain hopeful that the redevelopment will bring positive changes while preserving the communitys unique character. The projects success will depend on balancing new developments with the needs of existing businesses.

Im a proponent for redevelopment, I think its wonderful, Sadler said. Its great. Just make sure that they take care of the people that are here now.

Segerblom and Ross Miller, a former Clark County Commissioner for District C and major proponent of the Commercial Center redevelopment, told the 8 News Now Investigators they expect existing tenants to remain in business on the premises, perhaps subsidized by some of the larger businesses they hope to lure to the property.

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All facts from this article were gathered by KLAS journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KLAS staff.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Utah Valley University (UVU) just made school history.

More than 12,000 were honored Wednesday evening at the schools 2025 commencement ceremony  the largest graduating class in school history at Utahs largest university.

You now join the ranks of UVU alumni who, since 1941, have used their knowledge and talents to continue to make the world a better place, UVUs acting president Jim Mortensen told the thousands of new graduates gathered at the UCCU Center in Orem.

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Continue this tradition of embodying our core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability and exceptional results.

Congratulations. Class of 2025!

UVUs Class of 25 is distinctly Utahn. Almost 85% of the 12,000-plus graduates are from the Beehive State  hailing from 28 of the states 29 counties.

Additionally, this years graduates from the Orem institution come from 47 states and 53 countries.

Yvan Brensan cheers as he exits the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The school calls itself a Come As You Are higher education institution. And that student accessibility is reflected in the broad demographics of this years graduates.

About 45% are 25 or older  and more than a third are the first from their families to graduate from college.

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The youngest new UVU graduate? A 16-year-old.

The oldest Wolverine 2025 grad: A 71-year-old.

We meet students where they are and guide them toward success, said Mortensen in a UVU release. 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 President Astrid Tuminez was excused from Wednesdays commencement ceremony. She has been taking a brief sabbatical following the recent death of her husband, Jeffrey Tolk.

Elle Bray laughs with students at the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Bray graduated with a bachelor's in secondary education. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Utah Valley University graduates applaud at the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The Payson High School Pipe Band leads the processional at the Utah Valley University 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Master of nursing graduate Sara Wall, center, applauds during the Utah Valley University 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

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Kyla Watchman laughs before attending the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Watchman received an associate degree in graphic design. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Kyle Reyes, Ph.D., vice president of Institutional Advancement, speaks at the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Reyes gave the welcome speech as Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez is on sabbatical following the recent death of her husband, Jeffrey Tolk. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

A Utah Valley University student enters the UCCU Center for the 2025 commencement ceremony at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Utah Valley University graduates react as confetti flows upon them at the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

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Utah Valley University graduates exit the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Katelyn Adams hugs her counselor before the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The power of resilience

Crystal Maggelet, chief executive officer of FJ Management, Inc., and Maverik, was Wednesdays commencement ceremony keynote speaker.

This day is a day of well-earned pride for you, your families and the communities that surround UVU, said Maggelet. Whether you arrived here on a straightforward path or one full of unexpected detours, you made it  that deserves our full attention and celebration.

The Utah business leader spoke of her own journey that was defined by resilience and building priceless experience while navigating challenges. She learned from her parents the importance of being optimistic and always working hard.

Maggelet encountered difficulties growing up  but they taught her tenacity and persistence.

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I learned that starting over teaches you a lot and makes you better equipped to face the next challenge, she said. When it came time for college, there was no question that I would go.

My parents wanted me to be the first in our family to earn a college degree.

That same resilience  combined with her education  would serve Maggelet well during difficult moments in her own business career. But she remained resilient and worked hard until success was assured.

Even at 60, I continue to learn every day. Resilience has been a crucial part of my journey, especially in the face of big obstacles. And each generation faces its own. As you graduate today, you too face challenges, she said.

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But there are also many reasons for optimism.

This progress hasnt been perfect or linear  but thats what resilience is: the ability to keep moving forward, even when things dont go according to plan, she said.

UVUs newest class of graduates, Maggelet concluded, have earned their place in an imperfect but promising world.

And I believe youll help shape it for the better.

Utah Valley University students walk to the 2025 commencement ceremony in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

We come from every walk of life

In her remarks Wednesday, UVU student body president Mimi Barney noted that none of her fellow graduates have followed identical journeys.

That was one of the things I love most about this university  its incredible diversity, not just in background, but in experience. We each come from every walk of life.

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She saluted her classmates for never giving up and remaining determined during challenging moments.

Take a moment to be proud of who you are and who you have become, said Barney. Your journey may have not been easy  but you never took the easy way out. This is what real resilience looks like, and it lives in every single one of you.

Its what makes UVU such an incredible place.

Student speaker Francisco Calderon-Mora said the most important lesson he learned during his years at UVU was not found in a lecture or a textbook  but in making friends and building relationships along the way.

Relationships are where we get to influence, impact and change peoples lives, said Calderon-Mora. Your life cannot be meaningful without them.

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UVU, he added, offers more than an education. It offered us community and belonging, a place to be seen, a place where authentic, messy, beautiful relationships could grow.

During Wednesdays ceremony, keynoter Maggelet received an honorary doctorate in business, while Baroness Dambisa Moyo of Knightsbridge  a world-renowned economist and member of the United Kingdom House of Lords  was awarded an honorary doctorate in letters.

Roger Connors, a noted author and leader in human performance and leadership, received an honorary doctorate in humane letters.

UVU: An Opportunity College

Last week, the school was named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

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The designation, according to the school, highlights UVU as a model for studying how campuses can create and support student success by providing more access to more people in their communities and fostering high earnings post-graduation.

Only 16% of the nations colleges and universities received a similar Opportunity College and University designation.

UVU reports almost 75% of its graduates securing high-wage, high-demand jobs with 4- or 5-star ratings by the Utah Department of Workforce Services in a variety of fields  including nursing, elementary education, engineering, computer science, finance, and marriage and family therapy.
CLAY COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  Clay County Judge Mike Campbell issued a disaster declaration for the county Wednesday, April 30, due to recent rainfall and severe weather.

The judge also sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott to ask the governor to declare a state of emergency for Texas and a declaration of disaster for Clay County.

In the letter to the governor, Campbell wrote, Since April 1, 2025, the National Weather Service has issued 28 severe thunderstorm warnings, 10 Tornado Warnings, and 8 Flash Flood Warnings. Many areas in Clay County have received over twelve inches of rainfall in the last seven days.

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Campbell also added that the potential impacts of the weather include road crews working overtime to repair roads, and that the repairs could cost more than $100,000.

The local state of disaster activates the county emergency management plan.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Part of the fire-damaged remains of Clayborn Temple collapsed due to strong winds and severe storm conditions, the Memphis Fire Department says.

At 9:30 Wednesday night, the Memphis Fire Department Incident Commander advised dispatch that the east wall of Clayborn Temple had collapsed due to strong winds and severe storm conditions.

ORIGINAL Fire destroys Clayborn Temple, historic Memphis church with ties to Civil Rights movement

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The historic church at the intersection of Hernando Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue went up in flames around 1:30 a.m. Monday.

Photo by Tia McKenzie WREG photo WREG photo WREG photo

Clayborn Temple was the launching point for a march for sanitation workers rights that brought Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Memphis in 1968. The iconic I Am A Man signs used in the march were printed there.

Dr. King planned to march with sanitation workers from Clayborn Temple on April 8, before he was assassinated on April 4 on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. His wife, Coretta Scott King, led strikers and thousands of supporters in his place.

ATF, MFD search for clues after Clayborn Temple lost to fire

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The building dates to 1892, when it was originally Second Presbyterian Church. In 1949, the building was sold to the African Methodist Episcopal church and was renamed Clayborn Temple.

In 2018, the National Trust for Historic Preservation officially named the church a national treasure. In 2023, a $6 million restoration of the temple was completed and is the site of the I Am A Man Plaza.

Mayor Paul Young visited the site Monday morning, saying that the work that went on in Clayborn Temple, one of Memphiss greatest treasures, will continue.

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Clayton County police are asking for the publics help in locating a missing and endangered man.

Kissoon Gilbert, 46, was last seen on Tuesday at 7 a.m. on Highway 85 in Riverdale, Georgia.

Police say he suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

He was last seen wearing a red sweater, blue jeans, and white and blue sneakers. He is not in a vehicle and was walking when last seen.

If you have information on his location, please call 911 or Clayton County police at 770-477-3747.

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Two days after severe weather hit western Pennsylvania, large trees and downed wires are still blocking streets in dozens of communities, including Penn Hills. Thursday morning, there was a welcome sight for many residents: Duquesne Light Company and other crews working in their neighborhood.

Ive never seen anything like this in my life, said Eddie Noone, as he looked around his neighborhood of Churchill Valley.

Two massive trees spanned Rosewood Drive, and those fallen trees took down power lines with them. One of them crashed down onto a car, covering it on the street.

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Neighbors told Channel 11 theyve been fueling their generators nonstop, hoping to salvage hundreds of dollars worth of food.

I just got a bunch of steaks, fresh steaks put in there a couple weeks ago, and I dont want to lose them, said Mike Bucci.

Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese spoke directly to residents through Facebook on Wednesday, letting them know that the townships Department of Public Works is following its Snow Route schedule. That means prioritizing major routes first, then making their way to secondary roads.

Our crews are working as efficiently as they possibly can, Calabrese said in the video.

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Crews from DLC and Penn-Line were in the neighborhood on Thursday, as thousands of people remain without power.

This is probably the worst Ive ever seen it, Bucci said.

Duquesne Light is reminding everyone to treat downed wires as live and avoid them at all costs.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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If you knew your home would burn down exactly one year from today, youd take immediate action. Youd clear out flammable clutter, upgrade alarms, and perhaps install fireproof doors or sprinklers. Youd also prepare for the worst  updating insurance, setting aside savings, and making an evacuation plan.

The human brain responds best to threats when they are clear, and certain. That unfortunate truth helps explain why were struggling to take action on climate change. Despite broad scientific consensus and growing certainty that the climate crisis will continue to worsen, theres no way of predicting how or where it will strike. Knowing the exact dates and locations of disasters may not make it any easier to prevent  but it would likely spur decisive action.

Remember Y2K, the impending doom that would befall us all when ill-equipped computer systems switched from 99 to 00 at the stroke of midnight on December 31, 1999? The threat didnt materialize, and not because it wasnt real. It had a deadline, and the worlds governments and companies invested some $300 to $500 billion in upgrading computer systems and critical infrastructure to avoid it.

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The problem with climate change, and the floods, droughts, hurricanes and fires that come with it: the threats are only going to get more frequent and more intense, but they are, by their very nature, erratic. As carbon dioxide crowds the Earths atmosphere, the planet not only warms but also generates weather systems that increasingly behave in unstable and unprecedented ways. Unpredictability will be a predictable weather watchword throughout all of our lifetimes.

It is precisely this uncertainty that makes the climate crisis so costly and even deadly. While many impacts are predictable, the exact form disasters will take remains unknown  complicating insurance and disaster preparedness. Earlier this year, fires hit Los Angeles. Next, it could be Palo Alto, Phoenix or any number of equally vulnerable cities and suburbs, just as science long warned.

All that leads to a straightforward messaging problem with anything but an easy answer: Over the decades, climate scientists have been striving to improve on their ability to be certain about the causes and impacts of climate change. (For their part, IPCC reports have steadily dialed their declarations up on their own likelihood scale, achieving the holy grail of virtually certain for many key conclusions.)

But that all-too-human desire to close in on perfect certainty is causing us to miss an important point: We can never actually achieve total certitude about the shapes climate change will take, nor do we need to arrive at certitude to take action.

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Nobody takes out insurance because they know their home will burn down with certainty. In fact, no insurance company would offer such an insurance policy in the first place. Every investor, actuary or corporate risk manager understands that it is the element of not knowing that creates the impetus to invest in mitigating risks and adapting to those that remain.

Climate change is no different. Scientists have provided conclusive links between us burning fossil fuels and any number of impacts, from more intense floods and fires to lower student test scores and worker productivity on the one hand, and lower life spans and home prices on the other. All told, the social costs for each ton of carbon dioxide burned by now add up to numbers in the high $200s, with a wide range that is heavily skewed toward much larger costs. Providing such a range is anything but an admission of some kind, or a call to wait and see before we can be more certain.

Climate deniers often point to the unanswered  or unanswerable  questions about climate change and insist those are good reasons to wait, to second-guess, to preserve the status quo. Take Russell Vought, the head of the Office of Management and Budget, who was pushing for the next version of the National Climate Assessment to include more diverse viewpoints, as Project 2025 puts it, before the Assessment was all but cancelled this week. A phrase like "diverse viewpoints" sets off warning bells for many climate scientists, pointing to the transparent effort to continue to foment confusion about the causes and impacts of climate change.

Its nothing new: for decades now, uncertainty has been leveraged by those with an economic stake in the fossil fuel-powered status quo. In response, its tempting for us, as scientists, to point to all of the virtual certainties in our bodies of work, to insist that yes, we do know what the future holds for the climate.

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When we get locked into this back-and-forth, we overlook something crucial: the uncertainty that is baked into this crisis is all the more reason to take urgent and decisive action to address it.

Scientists should not be afraid to acknowledge whats unknowable about the future before us. Perhaps, if we humbly accept this uncertainty, and in fact, trumpet it as a reason to mobilize around rapid decarbonization, we can repurpose uncertainty from the barrier to climate progress that its long been into a benevolent cudgel on the side of spurring climate action.

Lets finally acknowledge how much we dont know, and from that new point of departure, do everything we can to save our home.
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Dive Brief:

Noelle Eder, Cigna EVP and global CIO, resigned from the company on April 22, according to a Monday securities filing. Her resignation is effective May 16.

Pending regulatory approval, Eder will serve as Group Head, Technology & Operations at U.K.-based Standard Chartered, reporting to Group CEO Bill Winters out of the bank's Singapore hub.

Eder joins the company as it works to simplify systems and processes, and will lead Standard Chartereds efforts to deploy emerging technologies, Winters said in a Tuesday statement.

Dive Insight:

Eder, who joined Cigna in 2020 as Global CIO, previously served in leadership roles at Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Capital One and Intuit. The following year, Cigna expanded her position to include data, analytics and automation.

The executive's departure is the latest in a string of recent C-suite changes at Cigna.

In March, the company appointed then-CFO Brian Evanko to serve as COO, overseeing the company's insurance and health services units. Then-deputy CFO Ann Dennison was made EVP and CFO, and the company announced Evernorth CEO Eric Palmers departure.

"Aligning our Evernorth Health Services and Cigna Healthcare businesses under a single leader will accelerate innovation to enhance how we serve our stakeholders," said CEO David Cordani in the March announcement.

The company had been working to expand its use of technology, backing initiatives with $1.5 billion in discretionary capital expenditures last year, according to Evanko.

"Most of that will go toward technology going forward," Evanko said in October during the company's Q3 2024 earnings call. "Some of that [is] customer patient-facing technology, some of that is provider-facing technology and some of that is a broker or field-facing technology as well."

Cigna did not respond to emailed requests for comment Tuesday, but stated in the SEC filing that the decision was "due to personal reasons."

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A company is rolling out a new product to expand access to patients in rural areas.

OnMed showcased its Clinic-in-a-Box on Wednesday to local media and Texas legislators. The company touts that the 8-by-11-foot box combines the accessibility of telehealth medicine with the infrastructure of in-person care.

Eighty percent of counties dont have adequate care. In Texas, 35 counties lack access completely, and 150 have very little access, said Howard Gruverman, the president of OnMed. This is a lower cost, lower footprint, ability to address the access.

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OnMeds Clinic-in-a-Box looks like a typical primary care physicians exam room. There is a scale, a blood pressure monitor and a hand sanitizer dispenser. But the glaring difference is the large, touch-screen monitor in the pod.

Patients from counties where physicians are lacking can enter the device and be connected with a qualified doctor in a larger city in moments, according to OnMed.

Were working with a lot of local and state governments, including the federal government, to look at where the care deserts are, Gruverman said.

OnMed already has 30 clinics in use across the United States, and Gruverman said he expects that number to jump to 200 by the end of 2025. In Texas, there are active ones in Milam County and in Corsicana. Gruverman said his team is working on activating four additional Texas ones soon.

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We become part of the fabric of the community  to connect people to the proper care, whether its primary care, urgent care, specialty referrals, food insecurity, food banks, mental health services [and] behavioral services, he continued.

President of the Texas Medical Association, Dr. Ray Callas, said he thinks a product such as Clinic-in-a-Box could be an excellent tool to connect rural patients to doctors, but he said it is essential that the medical team maintains quality care.

[The team] must be an educated, highly trained physician collaboration, Callas said.

We have been trying to promote that all Texans have the same access  no matter if you live in a large metropolitan area, or you live in a small farm community, or if you live on the border and theres only 1,000 people in that community, Callas said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The Iowa State Fire Marshals Office is investigating a residential fire in Clinton.

A news release from the city says firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of N. Sixth Street on April 30 at about 5:36 p.m. Several 911 callers reported flames and possible occupants inside the building. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire coming from several areas of the two-story home. They immediately requested a second alarm and utility assistance.

Crews controlled the fire quickly and performed thorough searches of the structure and all occupants were found. One person was assessed at the scene, but refused transport. One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was treated and released from the ER. A cat was rescued and returned to her owner.

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Due to the nature of the incident, the Iowa State Fire Marshals Office is leading the investigation. The Clinton Police Department responded and assisted on scene and the Fulton Fire Department provided RIT and support operations. The fire displaced residents and are being assisted by the Red Cross and 1-800-Board-Up. Alliant Gas and Electric and Clinton Public Works also assisted.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced in late February he would not run for an eighth Senate term in 2026, and he may have a surprising replacement.

CNN conservative political commentator Scott Jennings told a journalist at the Swiss ambassadors residence after the White House correspondents bash on Saturday, If the president wants me, Ill run.

If he wants somebody else, Ill support that candidate, Jennings added.

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During President Donald Trumps 100-day rally in Warren, Michigan, on Tuesday evening, Jennings took the stage.

Trump introduced him. We have a man here that I dont know, but hes defending me all the time on CNN. He defends me really well but he cant go too far or hell get fired. He takes it right to the edge, but hed be off the air if he went too crazy, which hed love to do! Trump said.

Scott, come to the stage! Uh-oh, CNN is going to be mad! This is the end of Scott! Trump said, and Jennings joined the president.

The political analyst addressed the crowd, saying, Michigan, we were flying here today, and there were so many farms. I said, I need to get a farm, because when you own as many libs as I do, you need a place to put them all!

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Radio talk show host Erick Erickson posted on X soon after McConnell announced his upcoming retirement, saying he would endorse Jennings if hed run.

Could I nominate @ScottJenningsKY for the United States Senate from the Commonwealth of Kentucky? Hed be a hell of a McConnell replacement, he wrote.

The election for McConnells Senate seat is set for Nov. 3, 2026. The primary election is set for May 19, 2026.
MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampas crew offloaded around 3,750 pounds of cocaine and marijuana during Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday in Port Everglades.

The seized cocaine and marijuana are worth an estimated $12.3 million.

According to the USCG, the seized drugs were a result of two interdictions in the Caribbean Sea by the crew of USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul and their embarked Navy helicopter and Coast Guard law enforcement.

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We train diligently and stand ready to execute interdiction missions at moments notice, said Cmdr. Steven Fresse, Minneapolis-Saint Paul commanding officer. To be able to make an immediate impact so early on during our maiden deployment is a testament to the hard work and skills of the ships crew.

The crews involved in the operation were:

USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul

U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement team

U.S. Navy helicopter maritime strike squadron

Joint interagency task force-south

Seventh Coast Guard District comment center watchstanders

Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale was a great opportunity for our Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps crews to showcase our sea services to communities here in South Florida, said Cmdr. Walter Krolman, Tampa commanding officer. Todays offload demonstrates the value of our collaborative joint force operations far out to sea in protecting and defending Americans here at home from threats abroad.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Editors Note: This article has been updated and removed information pending confirmation from police.

PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A College Park man was charged with the murder of his girlfriend, who was fatally shot over the weekend, police in Prince Georges County announced.

At 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, officers with the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) responded to a Silver Spring hospital for the report of a gunshot victim who had been dropped off at the emergency room.

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A man had left the hospital after dropping off 24-year-old Brianna Burton of Centreville, Va.

Court documents: Man arrested in girlfriends murder in Prince Georges County had history of violence, violating protective orders

Burton died a short time later.

Investigators learned the shooting had taken place in Prince Georges County. Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) detectives took over the investigation on April 28.

By April 29, PGPD arrested 32-year-old Rogerio Palma, of College Park, and charged him with first- and second-degree murder, in addition to other offenses. DC News Now is working to confirm if the man that dropped Burton off was Palma.

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Anyone with information is encouraged to contact PGPD at (301) 516-2512.

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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. Jared Polis signs Senate Bill 25-63 into law at his office in the Colorado Capitol on Thursday. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado school districts will need to adopt policies by this fall about when and why library books can be taken from the shelves under a new law signed by Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday.

The goal is to safeguard public school libraries from the growing trend that targets certain books, often about diverse topics or by diverse authors, for removal.

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Books are so important because names, experiences, identities  these things are being erased. To be able to experience how others are feeling, to learn empathy, to be able to see yourself in books if theres no one else in your world like you  these things are so critical to developing an empathetic society, bill sponsor Sen. Lisa Cutter, a Littleton Democrat, said ahead of the signing.

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Senate Bill 25-63 requires school districts to create policies about the acquisition, retention and display of library books and other materials by September. The policy will also need to govern book challenges and consider the process for removing any books for circulation.

Only parents of students in the school district will be allowed to challenge books, and reviews of individual books will be limited to once every two years.

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The bill passed the Legislature on party-line votes, with Republicans opposed to it.

We are able to have policies in place that will reduce discriminatory censorship and ensure that the books on the shelves and the literature available to our students open their minds, allow for exploration and really foster a growth, Rep. Lorena Garcia, an Adams County Democrat and bill sponsor, said.

Book removal standards will need to comply with a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case that determined school boards cannot restrict library materials simply because they disagree with their content.

In 2024, there were seven attempts to ban 137 books in public schools and libraries in Colorado, according to the American Library Association. The most challenged book in the country that year was All Boys Arent Blue, a memoir written for young adults by queer Black author George Johnson.

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In Colorado, people have tried to remove books including Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Many of the challenged books include LGBTQ+ themes, accounts of violence, and descriptions of discrimination and sexual activity. They are often by or about people of color or LGBTQ+ people.

The bill signing comes as a federal judge ordered Elizabeth School District to return 19 removed books, deemed inappropriate by the school board, back to the shelves. The law now requires school districts to follow a clear and consistent process to remove any books.

This bill is about trusting the experience of school librarians, trusting local communities to make decisions based on the needs of their students and trusting young people to explore, wonder and to think critically, bill sponsor Rep. Jenny Willford, a Northglenn Democrat, said.

Republicans, particularly Rep. Ken DeGraaf of Colorado Springs, argued during the legislative process that certain books are too mature for school students or contain what he deems pornographic material, and therefore should be subject to removal requests from parents and community members.

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They attempted to amend the bill to widen who can challenge a book to include anyone who lives in the school district, parent or otherwise. They also unsuccessfully tried to shield the name of challengers from open records requests.

A similar school library bill died during the 2024 legislative session, though one focused on public libraries was signed into law.

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Sen. Faith Winter, a Broomfield Democrat, speaks at the Colorado Capitol last week. She sponsored a bill that would add protections for transgender people in Colorado. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline)

An amended version of a bill that intends to add legal protections for transgender people in Colorado passed its first vote in the Colorado Senate after eight hours of testimony in the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday evening into early Thursday.

House Bill 25-1312, dubbed the Kelly Loving Act in honor of a transgender woman killed during the 2022 Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, initially proposed various new legal protections for transgender people in education, family legal matters and public accommodation. Sponsors amended out a provision that concerned child custody decisions  which drew intense opposition from parental advocates  and a stripped down version of the bill passed the committee.

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The bill defines deadnaming  when someone calls a transgender person by their previous name  and misgendering as discriminatory acts in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. It would also shield parents who help their child obtain gender-affirming care from laws in other states that outlaw the practice. The amended version removed references to chosen names in a section requiring school policies be inclusive of all reasons that a student changes their name, and it removed language around gender in the section that says schools must allow students to choose from any variation contained in dress code policies.

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The committee removed a section of the bill that would have made judges in child custody cases consider deadnaming, misgendering or threatening to publish information related to an individual or childs gender-affirming care as a form of coercive control in custody proceedings. Much of the testimony against the bill focused on that section, with many witnesses sharing concerns about the government involving itself in family matters. Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat on the committee, said 95% to 99% of the concerns he heard related to the cut section.

If Section 2 were still in the bill, I would have been opposed. I think it was an intrusion into the parent-child relationship that would have had some negative consequences, Roberts said. And while I understand the intent maybe of the original inclusion, I think the policy implications were challenging at best.

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The committee voted 5-2 to move the bill forward along party lines, with Democrats in support and Republicans against it. Some committee members who voted in support of the bill said they still want to see more changes to reflect concerns from certain LGBTQ+ groups and around the shield law provision of the bill, but they said the amended version was better than how the bill started.

I think theyre bringing up some valid legal concerns, not questioning their support for trans Coloradans, Roberts said.  I think theyre bringing up valid legal concerns about the firmness of whats on the paper here if it were to get challenged all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hundreds testify

One Colorado, one of the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in Colorado, initially supported the legislation but has changed course and has since taken an amend position on the bill with concerns that it could jeopardize current protections. After it passed the House with Democratic support, it stalled in the Senate as stakeholder conversations continued. One Colorado has not shared any details on what it wants to see change in the bill, and nobody with the organization testified at the bill hearing.

One Colorado is not testifying today because we want to continue our work with the proponents of this bill and community to make it stronger, One Colorado spokesperson Cal Solverson said in a statement.

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Legislative staff said 726 people signed up to testify on the measure. Committee leadership limited debate to eight hours, four in favor of the bill and four against the bill, and asked those still in the room after witness testimony ended to stand to show if they were for, against, or seeking amendments on the bill.

Does this bill do enough? No, and honestly legislation never will, but it does something ... It gives trans folks harmed across the state more access to legal protections than we have today.

 Anaya Robinson, senior policy strategist with the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado

Those in support of the bill said it will save transgender peoples lives and make them safer.

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Anaya Robinson, senior policy strategist with the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, said his organization has had concerns with how the bill could be challenged at the federal level, but continued engagement with bill sponsors and stakeholders have led to changes addressing concerns as they come up. As a trans man, Robinson said his community needs robust and clear protections that do not rely on federal law, and the bill is a step in the right direction.

Does this bill do enough? No, and honestly legislation never will, but it does something, Robinson said. It gives trans folks harmed across the state more access to legal protections than we have today, and in a time where our literal existence is being questioned, our history being erased, the legality of our bodies and our autonomy is being decided by people who do not believe we have a right to live, we need our elected officials and our community organizations to step up and do something.

Since President Donald Trump took office in January, his administration has issued orders to recognize only two unchangeable genders, stop offering non-binary passport gender markers, and attempted to stop funding care for transgender people under age 19.

Sybil Vane, a transgender woman from Brighton, described herself as an ordinary person who has led a typical American life, and she said none of that has changed since I transitioned. She said despite this, transgender people are not afforded the same respect as others.

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I hope that the members of the committee and all those in opposition to the Kelly Loving Act can see me not as transgender, but as a fellow American, deserving the same dignity we afford to all, Vane said. Until such a day comes when we can see each other as humans first and transgender second, we need the Kelly Loving Act.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Lorena Garcia, an Adams County Democrat, Rep. Rebekah Stewart, a Lakewood Democrat, Sen. Faith Winter, a Westminster Democrat, and Sen. Chris Kolker, a Littleton Democrat.

First Amendment objections

The committee voted to strike a portion of the bill that said Colorado courts shall not give any force or effect to laws in other states connected to taking children away from parents or caregivers who allowed the child access to gender-affirming care. Winter said that change reflects concerns around the Constitutions full faith and credit clause and respecting laws of other states. But the shield provision retains other language that protects people in Colorado from other states gender-affirming care restrictions.

The amendment also clarified how a court should consider intentional, persistent deadnaming or misgendering as evidence of someone discriminating based on gender identity or expression, and it removed a provision around deadnaming and misgendering in a place of public accommodation.

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The language around this is not if you call someone the wrong name by accident, Winter said. This isnt if someone shows up at your workplace and you call them the wrong name or misgender them. There has to be intentionality to cause harm, and so this is about the action to the individual and not just speech.

New additions to the bill include a provision that says someone does not need a court order if they want to change their gender marker on the drivers license or identification a second or third time. Winter said Colorado allows an X gender marker on state IDs, but that has led to some people having trouble with student loans and passport applications, so some people may want to change their gender markers back.

The bill now makes it so that a county clerk can issue a new marriage license to someone who has legally changed their name.

Many who testified against the bill showed skepticism of gender-affirming care and denied that people can be transgender. Others questioned whether provisions of the bill would constitute compelled speech and violate the First Amendment.

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Wayne Williams, a former Republican secretary of state and attorney in Colorado Springs, expressed concerns with the shield law provisions of the bill and said it can create a coercive situation if states do not give authority to the laws of others.

There are a number of issues remaining in the bill that need to be fixed before it could be passed, and it should therefore be killed, Williams said.

Sen. John Carson, a Highlands Ranch Republican on the committee, said its pretty clear that Colorado already has the laws it needs to prohibit discrimination.

Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, extending protections beyond federal law, protects individuals from discrimination based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, religion, age, national origin and ancestry, Carson said. My belief is when we have adequate laws, we should focus on enforcing those.

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The bill will go through the Senate Appropriations Committee before it will be up for debate on the Senate floor. The House will have to approve Senate amendments to the bill before it could be signed into law.

Democrats control strong majorities in both chambers of the Legislature.

The 2025 legislative session ends on May 7.

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polisa potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nominationsigned sweeping new gun legislation earlier this month, creating a permit-to-purchase scheme that could cover most modern semiautomatic firearms. While Polis may limit the impact to AR-15s and similar firearms, the measure still places significant new restrictions on some of the most popular guns in America. The permitting process is complex, requiring most people to take a yet-to-be-created 12-hour training course, pay undefined fees, and wait during a processing period.

The law is the latest example of how Democratic Party leaders are reading the current political moment. Polis, who is viewed as a more moderate Democrat, even libertarian in some ways, had opposed previous attempts to outright ban the sale of AR-15s and other firearms. But unlike other issues on which the Democrats have shifted toward the center since Donald Trump won the 2024 election, Democrats havent budged on gun policy.

Not only has one of the politicians possibly planning to pursue the middle lane in the 2028 primary embraced the strictest gun-control regime in his states history, one of the partys most aggressive gun-control advocates has recently gained influence. Though the gun-control group he helped create is floundering, David Hogg has more power in the Democratic Party than ever before: In February, he was elected as the youngest Democratic National Committee vice chair in history.

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Hogg co-founded March for Our Lives after the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he was a student, and earned a measure of fame for his often incendiary advocacy for gun control.

Has it ever occurred to you I dont give f if you think banning guns is a bad idea? he tweeted in January 2022. The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun isnt a good guy with a gun- its stopping a bad guy like the shooter at my high school from being able to obtain a gun.

F the NRA and especially f the politicians who say they support gun laws but never do anything after getting elected, he posted a month later. Blood is on both your hands.

Though Hogg has faced stiff opposition in the party during his limited time at the DNC, it hasnt been over his views on gun policy. Indeed, while congressional Democrats havent talked much about gun policy, they have been surprisingly united in opposition to the Republican-backed gun bills piling up in the House and Senate.

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Of the five major pro-gun bills introduced thus far, only two have garnered any Democratic support at all. The House versions of the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act and Hearing Protection Act have precisely one Democratic co-sponsor each, and the Senate versions dont have any Democrats on board. The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, the Fair Access to Banking Act, and the Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination Act havent found any Democratic support. Not only that, but on Wednesday Sen. Adam Schiff announced he was introducing an assault weapons ban bill.

Thats a stark contrast to how Democrats handled immigration and border security, areas where the latest Fox News poll finds Trump has the most supportwith border security being the only issue he still enjoys more support than opposition.

The way the Laken Riley Act played out in Congress is a clear example. The Republican-backed bill, which requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal immigrants arrested for serious crimes, saw robust Democratic support: Twelve Democratic senators and 48 representatives voted for the bill, which Trump signed into law at the end of January.

Trumps extremely aggressive approach to the start of his second term, with little regard for getting Democrats on board, has changed the political dynamic since then. Trumps approval rating has collapsed to historic lows for this point in a presidents term, and his administrations forceful tactics have led to widespread backlash in the courts and even on the streets. That backlash has been especially strong among the Democratic base.

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So, just as Trump has moved at blinding speed to try to implement his agenda, Democrats have moved quickly from trying to triangulate policies after an election loss to presenting themselves as the antithesis of the president. That transition has happened so fast that the party never really got to the point of debating its gun stances.

Surprisingly, the issue Trump polls best on outside of immigration or border security is guns, with 41 percent approving of his handling of gun policy in the Fox poll. That could be due to the fact that guns have proven to be a low-priority issue for Trump to this point, with few headline-grabbing moves or adversarial court cases to speak of 100 days in. But many Americans, who generally hold deeply polarized views on guns like they do with most other things, also just like his more pro-gun approach.

Of course, 44 percent also disapprove of how hes handled guns, putting him 3 points underwater on the issue. And his overall approval rating is 11 points underwatersomething many other polls are showing now as well. So, theres little reason for Democrats to reconsider things at the moment, based on those numbers at least.

Trump hasnt shifted his views on guns yet either. While that remains an underrated possibility, the most likely future as of today is one where the two parties, like the Americans they represent, remain deeply at odds on how they think we should regulate weapons. The 2024 election seems to have failed to shift the political dynamics around firearms all that much.

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GREELEY, Colo. (KDVR)  It had never been done before. The mass evacuation of thousands of orphaned children from a war zone, 50 years ago this month, in the final days of the Vietnam War.

And a Colorado nurse helped make it happen.

LeAnn Thieman has a tattered black and white photo, showing her in the back of a van in Saigon with 22 Vietnamese orphans scattered across the car seats and floorboard, on a desperate mission to get out of that country in the final days of the Vietnam War.

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And we had to get the babies to the airport. As the photo shows, its 22 babies. Who knew? Thieman told FOX31.

Plane crash survivor looks back on harrowing evacuation from Vietnam during Operation Babylift

The photo tells the unlikely story of her airlift adventure 50 years ago. It was a mission to rescue and evacuate little kids caught up in a big war.

Back in 1975, Leanne was a nurse when she volunteered to travel with an adoption agency to help care for hundreds of adoptees and bring them to their new families and new lives in America.

When I had agreed to go, the bombing was 100 miles outside of Saigon. But the day before I left, there was bombing within one mile of the Saigon city limits, and thats when I got afraid. she said.

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She spent just five life-changing days in Vietnam, part of what then-President Gerald Ford called Operation Babylift, the harrowing plan to evacuate 3,000 orphans from Saigon as North Vietnamese forces advanced toward the capital. She was supposed to be on the first C-5 cargo plane out of that country as part of the operation, but she got bumped from the flight.

I stood on the runway and watched as the first plane load of orphans, the one I had begged to be on, crashed after takeoff, killing half of the 300 babies and volunteers on board. And when that plane crashed, so did I, Thieman said.

Colorado nun remembers Operation Babylift 50 years after evacuation of Vietnamese orphans from war zone

Even as investigators sifted through that wreckage, volunteers like Thieman continued their work, evacuating more children. So many, they had to place the smallest kids in cardboard boxes in the aisles of airplanes chartered to help with the evacuations.

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There were nine of us to take care of a hundred babies, Thieman said.

Turns out, one of those babies would soon be a part of her family. She and her husband had already been planning to adopt.

To my surprise the next day is when the director said, were going to assign you one of these babies across the desk in Denver, or you can walk into the next room and choose a son. But the good news is I didnt have to, because he picked me. And I walked into that room of a hundred babies. That little booger took one look at me, and he got down on his hands and knees, and he crawled right across the room into my arms, my heart, and our family. We had a son, Thieman said.

To learn more about Thieman and her role in Operation Babylift, watch our special report The Vietnam War: Flight to a New Future, Sunday, May 4 at 9pm ET on News Nation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DENVER (KDVR)  Starting this week, Colorado residents will start receiving their property assessment notices in the mail. These notices will show if the assessed value of the home went up or down, and they will offer a way to appeal.

In Colorado, property is revalued every two years. Back in 2023, many homeowners were hit with huge property value increases and big tax bills. This year looks different.

Home values in the Denver Metro remain relatively flat according to eight county assessors who gathered at the Denver City and County Building Wednesday.

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For example, Boulder Countys residential values are down an average of one percent. Jefferson Countys are up 2%, and Douglas Countys are down 3.5%.

Coloradans lost over $200M in scams in 2024: FBI

Thats not good news from a home equity point of view, or personal finance point of view, but from a property tax point of view, that is really a relief compared to what happened two years ago, said Douglas County Assessor Toby Damisch.

The appraisal reflects values from June 30 last year. The notices will provide residents a way to appeal if they want to.

Really focus on the value and ask the question, can I sell my house for this, or could I have sold my house for this by the appraisal date? Damisch said.

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What most people wont see on the notice this year is the estimate of taxes due, which the Denver assessor said was not very accurate in years past.

It was at best a guess for us because there was so much left to be determined, Keith Erffmeyer said.

Property owners will not know how much they owe in property taxes due in 2026 until the end of the year when both the tax rate and the assessment rate are set for each county.

Residents who want to appeal the assessed value of their home, must do that by June 9th.

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Coalition has launched its Active Cyber Insurance product in the Nordic region through its subsidiary, Coalition Insurance Solutions.

The offering is now available in Denmark and will be introduced in Sweden on 8 May, the company said.

The offering is available on a primary basis to businesses with revenues of up to DKr7.5bn in Denmark and Skr11bn in Sweden, with no minimum premium requirement.

The insurance products are underwritten with capacity provided by Allianz Commercial under a multi-year agreement.

Allianzs existing cyber insurance offering will remain available without changes.

Allianz Commercial Nordics managing director Margaretha Mo said: We are now complementing our established cyber product for complex risks of all kinds and multinational requirements with Coalition's offering.

This allows us to support our customers in Denmark and Sweden even further in managing their cyber risks, quickly identifying damages, and ideally even preventing them altogether."

Coalition supplies training materials to support brokers in communicating cyber risk considerations to clients.

Its cyber risk management platform, Coalition Control, issues alerts to policyholders concerning system vulnerabilities and potential cyber threats.

Coalition Continental Europe head of insurance Tine Simonsen said: Businesses within the Nordics will benefit from access to an offering that combines comprehensive insurance with meaningful cybersecurity insights and tools to help them manage and mitigate cyber threats.

As cyber threats grow exponentially globally, preventing digital risk before it strikes has never been more important, and with the entrance of Active Insurance in the region, Coalition aims to provide greater protection for all European businesses.

Coalition Insurance Solutions, registered in Lyngby, Denmark, has appointed Jacob Bondorff Skrddergaard as head of business development for the Nordic region.

He was previously the head of Nordic business development at RiskPoint.

Last month, Coalition introduced a new surplus lines cyber insurance product in the US, named Coalition Active Cyber Policy.

"Coalition rolls out Active Cyber Insurance in Nordics " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




COLUMBUS, GA (WRBL)-Fifty years ago today, the capital of South Vietnam was captured by the North Vietnamese in what is referred to as the fall of Saigon.

A Columbus resident born in Vietnam during the war escaped to the United States during an airlift from Saigon. We first ran Jason Robertons story in 2008. We thought today would be a most appropriate time to re-air it.

Jasons book From Rice to Grits is an autobiography that is currently being revised. It is scheduled to be released later this year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Marines who want to stay at their current duty stations should be able to do so instead of being forced to make a permanent change of station, or PCS move every few years, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith said on Thursday.

We have to let Marines pick their own duty station, Smith said during the annual Modern Day Marine exhibition in Washington, D.C. If you let a Marine write his own tasking statement, hell get it right 100% of the time.

Smith was not announcing any new policy change, rather, he was speaking about the Marine Corps ongoing efforts to refine its talent management process, a Marine Corps official told Task & Purpose.

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The commandants comments came in response to a question about what the Marine Corps is doing to recruit and retain Marines.

You cant recruit your way out of a manpower crisis, you can only retain your way out, Smith said.

Smith spoke about how some Marines should be able to stay where they are currently assigned if it helps their careers and family life.

If a Marine is at Camp Lejeune, [North Carolina] and they want to stay at Camp Lejeune for nine years or 12 years, thats fine by me, Smith said. Why do I have to move him to Camp Pendleton, [California]? Well, because thats what we do as Marines: We move every three years. Well why? Because thats what we do. Well why? Because thats what we do. Well why? I mean, it doesnt make any sense to me.

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If you want to stay at Camp Pendleton, your spouse has good employment, youre happy in your home there, and you know the terrain and you know the training, why cant you stay there for nine, or 10 or 12 years? he continued. Im not saying you should stay there for your entire 30-year career, but we dont have to move you every three years.

The Marines have done better than most of the other military branches on recruiting in recent years. In February, Marine Corps Recruiting Command spokesman Jim Edwards told Task & Purpose that the Marines are on track to meet their recruiting goal for this fiscal year, as they have for decades.

One reason why the Marine Corps has been able to meet its recruiting goals for so many years is that it holds recruiters who dont make their mission accountable, and that includes relieving them, Smith said on Thursday.

My own son is an officer recruiter, and he knows that if he doesnt make mission, he doesnt get to come home for Christmas, Smith said. Im only a little bit joking about that.

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SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH claims to be focused on lethality and the warfighter, yet he just proudly announced the end of a program that saves American lives and helps us win fights. This morning, he said on April 29, I proudly ENDED the Women, Peace & Security (WPS) program inside the @DeptofDefense, calling it yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troopsdistracting from our core task: WAR-FIGHTING. WPS is a UNITED NATIONS program pushed by feminists and left-wing activists. Politicians fawn over it; troops HATE it.

First, the secretary seems to have overpromised. Hes not ending the program, which is required by law, but, he explained, merely executive [sic] the minimum of WPS required by statute. An anonymous administration official further walked back Hegseths announcement in a statement to the Washington Post: Ending refers to ending the Biden administrations woke WPS initiatives and returning the program to its original intent. This shouldnt be surprising, considering the secretary of state, the secretary of homeland security, the national security advisor, and the president are all proud supporters of WPS.

Second, I commanded one of the key initiatives that informed the WPS strategy and later the WPS Act, which codified in law the governments commitment to involving women in matters of war, peace, and security, and I have serious doubts about whether the program overburdened the force, distracted from war-fighting, and irritated the troops.

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IN 2008, I WAS COMMANDING THE 1ST Armored Division in northern Iraq when we began seeing a disturbing and confounding trend: an uptick in suicide bombings carried out by Iraqi women. A series of these attacks were executed in crowded markets, polling stations, and police checkpointsplaces where the U.S.-Iraqi security posture was already strained. What made this tactic so effective, and so deadly, was that in traditional Iraqi society, male soldiers and police were prohibited from touching or searching women. And there werent any female Iraqi police officers to close that gap. Al Qaeda in Iraq knew that our lack of women was a weakness. And they exploited it.

At first, our intelligence analysts didnt fully understand the dynamics. We couldnt figure out why women were now involved in this al Qaeda network of death. It wasnt just tactical adaptationit was social manipulation.

Throughout our fifteen-month tour, fighting the insurgency didnt just mean lobbing ordnance at bad guys. We were also engaged in a broad campaign to improve governance in northern Iraq by helping local officials develop capacity in law, health, education, and justice. To defeat an insurgency, its not enough just to destroy the enemy; a successful counterinsurgency force must also contribute to the advancement of the society. Our efforts were seeing progress, as rule of law, education, healthcare, and even business initiatives were countering the terrorist message. But I had neglected a key part of the Iraqi society: the women.

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The idea that eventually broke the problem came from a junior female soldier, who suggested something unusual: Sir, we should also hold a womens conference; they have a say in their future society, too. It was, admittedly, an unconventional idea in a male-centric society. But I gave the task to all the female soldiers in our division to pull it off, and a few weeks later, we held that conference in Erbil with more than four hundred women from all of the provinces in northern IraqArab and Kurdish.

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Iraqi womenpolitical leaders, educators, clerics, and civil society figuresgathered to talk about their role in securing their communities. My wife, Sue, opened the conference by addressing the group (through an interpreter) via a satellite video link from Germany. I was one of only two men in attendance, and it sent a clear message that my wife, not I or any other man, was opening the meeting. I was extremely proud when she said, We women must do more to stop the violence, and the Iraqi women cheered.

The spark came during the lunch break. One of the women approached me quietly and said, We can help stop the bombings. But we need you to help get Iraqi women recruits into our police academies. We had built and were operating multiple police academies to train Iraqs next generation of male security forces. But the idea of allowing women to enrollespecially to take on active policing rolesmet deep resistance from the Iraqi chief of police and the minister of the interior in Baghdad. Eventually, both relented. We started small: 27 women were enrolled. They graduated weeks later. Within months, more than 60 female officers were operating in public spaces across Diyala, Kirkuk, and Salah ad-Din provinces. They became the key to breaking the suicide-vest network.

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The breakthrough came when one of the rookie policewomen stopped a 15-year-old girl named Rania from entering a crowded market. Prevented from detonating her vest, she told interrogators she had been drugged and pushed toward a checkpoint by her own mothera widow of a slain al Qaeda fighter. It turned out that many of the women wearing these vests were widows of slain al Qaeda fighters who had been told, after their husbands deaths, there was nothing left for them. No future. No food. No marriage. No status. Many had been forced as teenagers into marrying Iraqi or foreign fighters in the first place and so faced a double social sanction: One for having been married to a terrorist, and another for being a young widow. Join your husband in the afterlife, they were told, and in the process you can take as many infidels with you as you can. We briefed Iraqi officials about Ranias testimony, emphasizing that many of these suicide bombers werent valiant martyrs but abused and coerced victims of terrorism. Their story eventually became a major topic of discussion in Iraqi society, especially after a female radio host dubbed the policewomen Doves of Peace. This wasnt just good counterterrorismit was community transformation.

By the time 1st Armored rotated home, not only was the female suicide-vest cell almost completely destroyed, but the overall level of violence in northern Iraq was down significantly and the Iraqi security forces were able to take the lead.

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WHILE OUR EXPERIENCE in northern Iraq antedated the WPS strategy and the later WPS Act, it is precisely the kind of success story envisioned by the bipartisan champions of the program. Across many departments and agencies of the federal government, the program has four pillars:

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Participation : Ensuring womens meaningful involvement in decision-making about peace and security.

Protection : Safeguarding women and girls from violence, coercion, and exploitation.

Prevention : Addressing the root causes of conflict through inclusive and equitable approaches.

Relief and Recovery: Promoting the roles of women in stabilizing communities and rebuilding post-conflict societies.

Each of these principles was present in what we did in northern Iraq in 2008. And the result was not a woke distractionit was lives saved, violence deterred, and long-term security effectuated.

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With due respect to Secretary Hegseth, his definition of lethality is troublingly narrow. Yes, lethality can be found in a rifle shot or a perfectly executed combined-arms maneuver. But at the strategic levelwhere battles are shaped, alliances are built, and where warfighting serves aims that promote American interestslethality also depends on the ability to secure populations, disrupt enemy networks, and build coalitions of trust.

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Empowering women in conflict zones is not a soft strategyits a force multiplier. It produces better intelligence, enhances legitimacy, and reduces the grievances that feed insurgency. We did not set out to create a womens rights movement in Iraq. We were trying to stop the killing. And we succeeded, because we recognized that the path to security runs through society, not just the battlefield. Our female soldiers werent intent on empowering women for ideological reasons, but because they knew they might be uniquely positioned to solve a problem that men could not.

That insight wasnt unique to our war. As Kathleen McInnes of the Center for Strategic and International Studies has pointed out,

In Afghanistan, for example, U.S. Female Engagement Teams helped tactical and operational level commanders better understand the human terrain of battle spaces, therefore improving kinetic and non-kinetic targeting. Simultaneously, partner forces also became aware that the intentional presence of women in kinetic fights could have a strategic impact. Kurdish womens units were fierce fighters against the Islamic State in part due to their combat effectiveness but also because of the reputational damage to Islamic State fighters being forced to fightand loseto women. In Ukraine, upwards of 60,000 women are serving in the military, including on the front lines, and womens networks are critical components of anti-Russian resistance networks.

That is what WPS stands for: the strategic inclusion of half the population in the fight against instability, terror, conflict and chaos. The WPS program reflects the reality that modern combat is not simply about force and lethalityit is about legitimacy, alliances, information, and the ability to create peaceful solutions that endure.

Killing this program wont make the U.S. military more lethal. But it might make it half blind.

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Passamaquoddy Tribal Rep. Aaron Dana testifies in support of prohibiting eminent domain on tribal lands before the Judiciary Committee on April 4, 2025. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

The Judiciary Committee advanced legislation on Wednesday to prevent the state from being able to seize Wabanki land for public use without consultation, though amended it in a way that appears to assuage at least some of the concerns raised by Gov. Janet Mills administration.

The committee voted 10-4 in favor of an amended version of LD 958, incorporating a proposed amendment from the Maine State Chamber of Commerce that the prohibition would only apply to current reservation and trust lands, meaning land for which the federal government holds the legal title of on behalf of a tribe, and not land that may be put into trust in the future.

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Earlier in April, the governor came out in opposition to the bill, with her legal counsel citing the inability to predict the future needs of state government and uncertainty over the future location of tribal trust land, as the Wabanaki Nations are still eligible to acquire more under the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act.

This thinking was why some on the committee did not back the plan. Sen. David Haggan (R-Penobscot) said he cast an opposing vote because he believes the power of seizing private property for public use, a principle known as eminent domain, is vital for government to properly function.

The vote did not fall along party lines. Haggan was among the three Republicans who voted against the legislation  also including Reps. Rachel Henderson of Rumford and Mark Babin of Fort Fairfield  with Democratic Rep. Dani OHalloran of Brewer joining them in opposition.

While the Judiciary Committee may often be known to complicate matters, Rep. Adam Lee (D-Auburn), who voted for the legislation, argued this issue is straightforward.

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Our relationship with the Tribes is a government relationship and we should not be able to take their land, full stop, said Rep. Adam Lee (D-Auburn).

The relationship between the Wabanaki Nations and the state is complicated by the 1980 Settlement Act, which has overall resulted in the Wabanaki Nations being treated more akin to municipalities than sovereign nations.

LD 958 is the next piecemeal change lawmakers and Wabanaki leaders are seeking to make to afford the Tribes greater sovereignty. While incremental alterations to the Settlement Act have been made in recent years, sweeping change has so far failed due to opposition from Mills, a Democrat.

Mills did not respond to a request for comment about the amendment by the time of publication.

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The U.S. governments authority to exercise eminent domain is restricted by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires just compensation for land taken, as well as some federal laws.

The 1834 federal Indian Nonintercourse Act prohibited land transactions with tribes unless authorized by Congress. However, the Settlement Act specified that that federal law was not applicable to the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation.

LD 958 would amend the Settlement Act to prohibit the state from exercising eminent domain on current trust and reservation land, which is protected under federal law, though fee land  private property for which the owner owns the title  would still be subject to the state taking.

The bill would also amend the 2023 Mikmaq Nation Restoration Act to make this change for the Mikmaq Nation, which wasnt included in the Settlement Act.

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As advanced by the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, the bill was also amended at the request of Wabanaki leaders to remove the portion that had stipulated how the Tribes could reacquire land with such proceeds, which Passamaquoddy attorney Corey Hinton criticized as a paternalistic process. Instead, the bill now simply points to the federal takings process.

LD 958 now heads to the Maine House of Representatives and Senate for floor votes.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  In Warren, Dana Street has been closed for nine years, fielding questions about why. Wednesday, city council members received some answers and proposed an ultimatum.

The road closed sign at Dana Street and Paige Avenue has been up for so long that some of the letters have worn away.

But you do understand how people feel disrespected, said Tiffany Stanford.

As chairwoman of Warrens Traffic and Safety Committee, Tiffany Stanford will recommend at the May 14 city council meeting that the closing of Dana Street be extended another 30 days. After which, if no viable reason is given as to why the closing should continue, then Dana Street should be reopened.

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If it nets us jobs and is beneficial for Warren, there will be no one who would be against keeping the road closed, but this has been going on since 2016, so said Stanford.



So what Id like council to do is give us another extension, said Mike Keys.

Community Development Director Mike Keys said the plan is to redo the intersection of Dana Street and Paige Avenue, eliminating the zig-zag. Theyre waiting on federal approval and federal money.

I wouldnt want to see the public confused by, ok, we open it and a month from now were saying, ok, were putting the barricades back up. Its just like confusing to people, Keys said.



And thats why people are so frustrated. They see nothing, Helen Rucker said.

Rucker was among the council members who brought up Dana Streets AUTOParkit operation and its owner, Christopher Allen, who first asked that Dana Street be closed. All six council members at the meeting wanted an update from Allen  or someone from AUTOParkit  as to why the street should remain closed.



Its almost a deal breaker on whether that street, for me, stays open or closed, if he doesnt come and address us, Rucker said.

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All the people that come up and down that road, Gerald Kerchofer said.

Kerchofer works at the Bloom Land Company near the intersection of Dana and Paige. Kerchofer was frustrated that Dana remains closed because of the demands of one business.

To have Dana Street closed until we decide to start a project in the city. Whens that going to happen? It was supposed to happen eight years ago. Why are we holding our hands here? I dont get it, Kerchofer said.

While the Traffic and Safety Committee is recommending Warren City Council extend the closing of Dana Street another 30 days, there is a chance not all council members will agree. The vote on May 14 should be interesting.





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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced a bipartisan bill alongside Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) on Thursday that would end penny production in the United States in an effort to slash spending.

The Make Sense Not Cents Act comes as penny production has become increasingly spendy, costing nearly four cents to make  a number which has risen 20% year-over-year because of rising costs of materials, the lawmakers said noting ending penny production could save the United States over $85 million annually.

DONT MISS: Is your dime worth millions of dollars? Heres how to tell

Its the opposite of common cents for taxpayers dollars to fund wasteful spending like producing pennies, Sen. Merkley said. The Make Sense Not Cents Act will save taxpayers millionsand that is something that both Democrats and Republicans support to seriously take on government waste.

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Minting pennies costs the American taxpayer millions every year  nearly four times more than the pennies are worth, Sen. Lee added. No private business would produce something at a 4x loss. Its time to stop wasting Americans hard-earned tax dollars making overpriced pennies.

Almost two-thirds of pennies made in the U.S. do not ever recirculate, meaning billions of pennies are buried in couch cushions, or simply lost, never to be used in transactions again, the senators said in a press release, noting only 16% of transactions are made with cash because of online or digital banking.

The idea to end penny production has been floated across the aisle, from former President Obama to President Trump, who ordered the Treasury to cease penny production in February, as reported by the Associated Press.

AP notes that Congress dictates currency specifications such as the size and metal content of coins and could make Trumps order permanent through law.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Emergency declarations are being issued across multiple communities in our region after Tuesdays storms.

Gov. Josh Shapiro joined local officials, including Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, in touring some hard-hit areas.

Weve been engaged directly with the affected counties since the storms onset, he said. We have numerous PennDOT assets on the ground out inspecting bridges and roadways to make sure they are not compromised.

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He called the number of emergency calls Tuesday evening unprecedented.

Gainey and Innamorato both declared emergencies.

This will allow for greater coordination with the City of Pittsburgh and other municipalities that already declared a state of emergency today, Innamorato said.

One of those municipalities is Braddock, where there are still widespread power outages.

The lights went out and I havent had lights since 5 oclock yesterday, Misha Blair said. Its really frustrating. I have to work, and I have to eat and I have to take a shower. Have to get in my garage.

Down the road from Misha, a man was cleaning up after a tree fell and crushed his truck.

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As the cleanup continues, will there be federal dollars to help? We asked Governor Shapiro.

Im not ready to say that. Counties have to assess damage, then the damage gets totaled up and the federal government sets a threshold before dollars can flow.

Shapiro was appointed to the Governors Council by President Trump and is working on the issue following recent, widespread federal cuts.

What we cant sustain are cuts from the federal government when it comes to dollars we need to help communities like this get back on their feet. So, were working with the White House.

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Police are investigating the homicides of two Israeli men found dead in their San Fernando Valley homes on Saturday in what appears to be unrelated incidents that left two businessmen dead, including the brother of an Israeli politician.



LAPD officers were called to a home on the 22200 block of De La Osa Street in Woodland Hills just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 where they discovered the body of 47-year-old Alexander Modebadze, who had been brutally beaten and suffered severe head trauma. He was pronounced dead at the scene.



The LAPD, with agents from the FBI's Fugitive Task Force, soon tracked three men down in connection with the vicious attack: Paata Kochyashvili, 38; Zaza Otarashvili, 46, and Besiki Khutsishvili, 52. A motive was not immediately available, according to the LAPD, who did announce that the men held him captive, assaulted him, and stole property from his home.

LAPD News: Suspects Arrested in Home Invasion Homicide pic.twitter.com/IjTqd2Dnrs  LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) April 28, 2025

Later that day, at 2:30 p.m., police were called to an apartment on the 12600 block of Riverside Drive in Valley Village, to conduct a welfare check after relatives were unable to reach the resident. Upon arrival, they found the body of businessman Meni Hidhra, the brother of Nitzan Prison Warden Moshe Hidhra in Israel, according to the Jewish Journal.

While the cases do not seem to be related at this time, the Jewish community is on edge. "It's terrifying. These do seem like targeted attacks," said Jennifer Feldman, 28, of Valley Village. "Two men with ties to Israel killed on the same day feels frightening to say the least."



Last week the Anti-Defamation League released a report showing a staggering uptick in antisemitic crimes in 2024.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The City of Columbus is asking for community input for the future Mellon Street Pocket Park.

The city has announced their Community Vision Workshop for May 15, which is intended to hear directly from the residents in the parks surrounding area about what they envision for the park.

This project is about more than just building a park  its about investing in the voices of the community and making sure the space reflects what residents want and need, said Rob Scott, Director of Community Reinvestment. Were excited to work together to create something truly special.

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The Citys Parks and Recreation Department will oversee the design and maintenance of the new park.

The workshop will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Macedonia Baptist Church located at 2717 Cusseta Road, Columbus GA 31906, and all community members are encouraged to attend. The Doors will open at 5:30PM and the Workshop will begin at 6PM.

Residents are encouraged to bring their ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm to the workshop. Light refreshments will be provided, and activities will be available for children.

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.
We recently compiled a list of the 15 Best Stocks to Buy During Recession. In this article, we are going to take a look at where The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) stands against the other stocks.

As per BlackRock, 2025 started with a bumpy ride for the US stocks. That being said, the asset manager believes that the sentiment has been a critical driver, but fundamentals seem to be healthy. This makes up for an optimistic longer-run outlook. Despite the tariff shocks creating difficult markets, the firm is constructive in its outlook and opines that volatility is an opportunity to capitalize on stock dispersion. Furthermore, Asia continues to exhibit a diversification opportunity for making investments in the AI theme, with equities providing low correlation to US counterparts.

Amidst Worries, There Is a Silver Lining

The trade and tariff uncertainty, which fueled the early-year volatility, advanced at the beginning of Q2 due to the US tariff pronouncements, according to the investment management company. This resulted in a global market meltdown and revived fears related to recession. However, as the quarter progressed, the tariff tensions took a backseat, and there was some optimism visible in the broader US markets. The asset manager believes that, while tariffs remain a critical measure, the potential for market-supporting policies like deregulation and corporate tax cuts provides some room for emergent optimism.

The firm highlighted the importance of an active approach in a bid to capitalize on inefficiencies and to make precise and intentional decisions amidst historic change and transition. While the results of bilateral tariff negotiations remain unpredictable, having a pulse on company dynamics, mainly when the macro picture remains unclear, can act as a differentiator for portfolios.

Policy Measures Likely to Support Moving Forward

The firm opines that corporate strength has supported the US equities momentum, and it comes through in earnings and market share. As per the firm, relatively pro-industry policies have stimulated healthy FCF. Several companies throughout different time frames have deployed the cash for future business growth. Even though the policy uncertainty in the current time of transition led to the pause in large investment decisions, the company believes that moves toward deregulation and the reshoring of supply chains once policy gets settled can result in the revival of CapEx spending throughout industries, such as technology and industrials. Despite tariffs dominating, the asset manager expects that deregulation and other policy priorities can regain attention. The high drive for innovation is the long-term secular trend that can support the US equities.
President Donald Trumps tariffs  and his 90-day reprieve  are disrupting global trade patterns as countries hurried to ship products to the United States to avoid levies, according to a report.

A variety of businesses around the world rushed to ship goods in the first few months of the year before Trump unveiled his Liberation Day tariff policy on April 2. As a result, in the first quarter of 2025, U.S. imports surged more than 40 percent, new data shows.

One week after his policy announcement, the president issued a 90-day pause on most tariffs while raising Chinas to as high as 145 percent. Businesses around the world are now trying to meet the new July 9 deadline. After the reprieve, imports from the European Union nations are set to face levies of 20 percent while many Asian countries are set to face levies of around 40 percent.

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Roger Lund, owner of the Pennsylvania holiday store The Christmas Haus, said he typically imports a container of 20,000 Christmas baubles, nutcrackers, lights and other items in late July, he told the Wall Street Journal. But due to the looming tariffs, he changed plans, scheduling his container to leave Germany, on June 2. He hopes the cargo will arrive at a port in Baltimore by July 8 to dodge the higher prices.

Quite frankly I still dont know if well make it, he told The Journal. It is maddening as a business owner who relies on certainty to plan my budgets.

Businesses around the world are rushing to ship goods to the U.S. before President Donald Trumps 90-day tariff pause ends (EPA)

IrishAmerican Whiskey plans to ship 14,000 bottles from England to New York on May 5, hoping they arrive within 10 days, Michael McKay, a director of the company, told the Journal.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, workers at a furniture manufacturer are working overtime to meet a 25 percent uptick in orders due to pressure from U.S. importers aiming to beat the July deadline, the outlet reported.

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The international trade deficit  the difference between imports and exports  hit a record high of $162 billion in March, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data. To put matters in perspective, that figure was $92.8 billion at this time last year.

The tariff front-running is exactly what the U.S. didnt want happening, Melanie Debono, senior Europe economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, told the Journal. The U.S. wants to limit trade [deficits] with everyone else.

When declaring a national emergency over the U.S.s foreign trade policy on April 2, the White House said: President Trump refuses to let the United States be taken advantage of and believes that tariffs are necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficitthis is an emergency.

Trumps Liberation Day tariffs have caused confusion for U.S.-owned businesses, many of whom are rushing to beat the price increase (Getty Images)

The U.S. gross domestic product shrank in the first quarter by 0.3 percent, down from an increase of 2.4 percent at the end of 2024, according to a Commerce Department report Wednesday. This contraction reflects the surge in imports.

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Todays [trade] numbers do really highlight the risk that it may well be a negative GDP print and that is obviously setting us up for a very weak 2025, James Knightley, chief international economist at ING Bank, told the Financial Times. This is a big stockpiling effort to get ahead of tariffs... but we expect this to unwind pretty soon: ports data is already slowing.

The GDP figure marks the worst quarter for the U.S. economy since 2022, as the country was still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trump blamed his predecessor after the Commerce Departments report was released: This is Biden.

The stock market in this case is, it says how bad the situation we inherited, he said. This is a quarter that we looked at today, and I, we took, all of us, together, we came in on January 20th.
WEST JEFFERSON, Ohio (WCMH)  A central Ohio community is celebrating after months of fighting against a big project.

That project is a biodigester, a system that converts cow manure and food waste to renewable natural gas, which was proposed for West Jefferson in Madison County. Now, after months of neighborhood effort, the company has pulled out.

NBC4 Investigates first reported the story in December.

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Indoor slide parks first Ohio location eyes May opening

The outcry against the project involved neighbors, area commissioners, and state legislators who, while celebrating, are not stopping their work just yet.

A zoning law technicality would have let the biodigester project move forward and now the group is working to make sure that cant happen in your neighborhood, either.

I am totally thrilled, Steve Dersom, a West Jefferson resident for 25 years, said.

Almost disbelief at first, shock and awe because our group has worked, not just our group, that our whole community has worked so hard to just be heard, Angie Carpenter, who has lived in the area for 57 years, said.

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Vanguard Renewables, a Massachusetts natural resources company, planned to build a biodigester in Madison County, just about 20 miles from Columbus. A biodigester makes renewable energy by taking food and animal waste, breaking it down, and turning it into biogas, which is filled with methane.

Ohio marijuana festival wants to pay five random people $1,000 each to judge products

Before this even started, I did not even know what a biodigester was, and so to learn more and more about the process and to learn how we could protect our community, Carpenter said.

Many disagreed with how close it would be to homes and were worried about prior environmental violations committed by the company. Two hundred people came together for a February meeting to voice these concerns.

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That was the final thing that put the pressure on Vanguard to say they were going to stop the project, Dersom said.

State representatives got involved and introduced amendments to address the lack of regulation when it came to biodigesters.

I actually received a phone call from our State Senator Michele Reynolds, who has been such a huge help, she and our State Representative Brian Stewart, Madison County Commissioner Brendan Shea said.

The 11 biggest weather events in central Ohio history

Reynolds introduced an amendment with strong language to give local input more power on proposed projects. She said this caught the attention of Vanguard, which agreed to stop the project if the Ohio Senate amendment did not move forward.

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It felt like it had been building toward this for a number of months, but just seeing it crystallize in that letter was just words cant describe how happy I was, Shea said.

The residents want biodigester projects regulated like solar projects, which have a variety of laws including giving local governments more power through restrictions.

In a statement, Reynolds said:

The withdrawal of the proposed biodigester project reflects the strength of community advocacy and strategic legislative engagement. After hearing concerns from Commissioner Brendan Shea, Madison County residents and local leaders, I met directly with representatives from Vanguard Renewables to communicate the serious environmental and quality-of-life implications of the project. Representative Brian Stewart and I both took legislative action. While Rep. Stewart introduced an amendment in House Bill 15, while I pursued a separate, Senate-based amendment in SB 2 that addressed the broader consequences of siting industrial-scale digesters near residential areas without direct local involvement. As the House version advanced toward concurrence with the Senate, I engaged with Vanguard in a direct meeting to discuss our mutual concerns. In the course of those discussions, Vanguard agreed to withdraw the project and write a letter pulling their permits from the Ohio EPAavoiding the impact of the Senates stronger language moving forward. This was a collaborative win grounded in local advocacy, legislative leverage, and productive dialogue. I was proud to play a key role in protecting our community and ensuring that state policy remains responsive to the people we serve.

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Vanguard Renewables did not comment for this story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Students work in class at Bugg Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh on Aug. 28, 2024. (Photo: Galen Bacharier / NC Newsline)

School boards would have a bit more leeway in deciding when to start and end the school year under a bill the Senate passed Wednesday.

Senate bill 754 would let schools start up to a week earlier than currently allowed. It passed the Senate with on a 39-7 vote.

Since 2004, a law backed by the tourism industry required schools to start no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday closest to June 11.

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Over the years, House members approved bill after bill to lift those restrictions. The Senate resisted any changes and the House bills died there.

Local school boards have been defying the law. One quarter of the states 115 school districts voted last year to defy it, according to WFAE.

Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance) told senators the bill was a product of weeks of discussions with the NC School Boards Association and the states travel and tourism industry. The industry has a strong financial interest in school calendars, she said.

The change senators endorsed Wednesday would allow traditional calendar schools to open no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 19 and close the academic year no later than the Friday in May before Memorial Day.

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In the House, the chambers K-12 Education Committee on Tuesday approved repealing the calendar law with a bill allowing local school boards to decide on their own when the school year starts and ends. The House Rules Committee was set to vote on the bill Wednesday evening, likely its last stop before it reaches the House floor.

The Senate bill establishes the State Board of Education as a gatekeeper. It will decide whether districts deserve to open a week early. The bill includes penalties for school districts that defy the law. The board would be required to withhold financial support for districts central office administration until the districts comply. Individuals and businesses within school districts would be able to sue those that dont comply with the law. Courts would be able to award claimants up to $10,000 and attorneys fees.

It has been lawsuits in some districts that forced local boards to open schools later than they wanted. The Union County school board backed away from its plan to start school early in 2023 when two parents sued, WFAE reported. The Carteret County school board dropped its plan to appeal a court decision last year that its school calendar was illegal. Businesses sued the Carteret board over a decision to start school in mid-August, the News & Observer reported.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (KOIN)  County juvenile justice directors in Oregon are demanding transparency about the backlog of complaints at the Oregon Youth Authority.

The president of the Oregon Juvenile Department Directors Association has sent a letter to the governors Public Safety Advisor, Valerie Colas, asking for more information surrounding the thousands of cases still open.

Man takes stroller with child, gets punched by mom before fleeing, police say

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Christina McMahan is the director of Clackamas Countys juvenile justice department, but she sent the letter earlier in April as president of the directors association.

In the letter, the directors have four big asks. They want to know if youth from their counties are included in this backlog of complaints, and the nature of those complaints. They also want to know, in writing, what OYA has done to improve youth safety since news of this backlog broke in February.

The directors are also asking for information about who is providing victim services to the youth who complained, saying that it should not be OYA. And last, they want to make sure OYA does not have oversight authority related to this backlog. McMahan said the impact of this backlog at the local level cannot be overstated.

When you have a family member who calls you up and says, I saw in the media that Oregon Youth Authority has had this, backlogged situation. I dont know if my child was somebody who was abused or neglected or molested, she said. Its it puts the county juvenile departments in a very difficult situation.

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McMahan said the letter is about making sure everyone the county directors and OYA is doing everything they can to address the needs of these kids. But she called the backlog the worst crisis of her juvenile justice career, and was frustrated directors found out about it with the rest of the public when the news broke in February.

That has led to a real lack of trust, how we learned about this after way after the fact and how since weve learned about it, we havent had information on, shared with us on a lot of levels, she said.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Oregon Youth Authority and was directed to interim director Jana McLellans statement to lawmakers in Salem at a budget hearing in March. It was there McLellan said she was meeting regularly with Colas to talk about their progress closing these cases.

TLCs newest reality series centers on polyamorous Oregon family

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McMahan said county directors are communicating with OYA but are not having their questions answered. She said the lack of information about the backlog has left their relationship with OYA at an all-time low so she has written to Colas for help. If their requests in the letter are met, McMahan said that relationship could be fixed.

If we knew that we were on the same page with OYA and moving forward with the goal of making sure that we not only address whats happened, but we put measures in place so this can never happen again, and knowing that we did that together, that would help rebuild the trust thats needed, she said.

McMahan said she and Colas had plans to meet on April 30 to discuss the letter. We will provide updates about the meeting when we receive them.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
New Mexico officials say Heads Start programs in the state are stable for now. (Photo courtesy of the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department)

New Mexico officials say Head Start remains stable for now in the state amid mounting concerns about federal efforts to dismantle the program.

While Head Start funding has been an ongoing issue since the start of President Donald Trumps second term, recent reports that the Trump administration seeks its elimination have ramped up pushback.

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On Monday, several Head Start providers and parent associations filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with Secretary Robert. F. Kennedy Jr., for unlawfully attempting to demolish Head Start programs and going against Congress mandate to operate such programs in the country.

All parents deserve the opportunity to provide a better life for their children, Candice Vickers, executive director of Family Forward Oregon, a plaintiff in the case, said in a statement provided by the ACLU. Head Start gives children and families, including Black, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latinx, and immigrant children and families, a fair opportunity to work towards a better life. Taking this program away continues cycles of poverty and unfairly targets the children and families it was created to support.

New Mexico Democrats U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan signed onto a letter this week, along with 40 other U.S. senators, to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding that the administration unfreeze funding to Head Start programs and reverse mass firing of program employees. Lujan frequently comments on his time in Head Start as a child, and points out that he is one of two Head Start graduates to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Already this year, this Administration has withheld almost $1 billion in federal grant funding from Head Start programs, a 37 percent decrease compared to the amount of funding awarded during the same period last year, the letter reads. It is abundantly clear that these actions are part of a broader effort to ultimately eliminate the program altogether, as the Administration reportedly plans to do in its fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.

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The letter also points to a statement made by the National Head Start Association in February, which claimed that programs in 23 states that were awarded federal grants were having problems accessing the money. The association projects more programs have been impacted in the following months.

New Mexico, according to the state Early Childhood Education and Care Departments February 2025 fact sheet, has 2,233 funded Early Head Start slots for New Mexico children and 5,457 funded Head Start slots. Programs provide accessible childcare and prepare children up to 3 or 4 years of age from low-income families to enter school successfully. Programs also provide meals to children and access to community resources for families at no cost.

Thus far, they remain unaffected, officials told Source.

New Mexico Head Start programs are still able to access funds, and we have had no reports of interruptions. We have been in close contact with our Head Start programs to ensure that services continue without disruption, Julia Sclafani, spokesperson for New Mexicos early childhood department, told Source NM in a written statement. We are monitoring developments regarding the proposed closure of regional Head Start offices and any potential federal funding cuts.

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And while the future of Head Start programs is uncertain at this time, Sclafani added that the State of New Mexico remains firmly committed to supporting early childhood services, including maintaining access to Head Start programs for children and families.

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Americans trust in government and politicians is at record lows. In a 2022 Pew Research survey, about two-thirds of respondents said that all or most people who run for office want to serve their own personal interests rather than the communitys.

I have taught political ethics to hundreds of public policy students at the Harvard Kennedy School over the past 25 years. One of the most important concepts we discuss is directly tied to that falling faith in government. Its a term people love to throw around but cant always define: conflicts of interest.

Conflicts of interest pervade public service and jeopardize the quality of government action by degrading officials judgments. Controlling such conflicts is essential to the success of democracy because all citizens rely on millions of officials  from the president down to the person analyzing water quality in your city  to do their jobs conscientiously, using their best judgment. Citizens safety depends on government action in countless ways: to keep drinking water, food and medicines safe; to protect everyone from dangerous products and from individual and corporate predators; to keep airplanes, cars, and trains from colliding; to ensure access to education, health care, and pensions.

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But what counts as a conflict of interest? In the public sector, they arise when an official has secondary, private interests that may affect their judgment about how best to promote the public good. The more intense these private interests are  such as the promise of great financial gain or the welfare of loved ones  the greater the conflict and risk to public good.

Not just money

Secondary interests often stem from financial concerns: future employment prospects, corporate positions, stock holdings, real estate, and gifts. But secondary interests can also arise from concern for the well-being of family members and friends.

A conflict between primary and secondary interests  public vs. private  threatens the public by clouding the good judgment of officials. They may be tempted, even unconsciously, to make decisions that achieve secondary interests at the cost of not doing their best to advance the public interest.

During his last weeks in office, for example, former President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter and, preventively, many members of his family. The Constitution establishes the presidents pardon power as a mechanism to correct miscarriages of justice in the court system. Did Bidens concern for the welfare of his family  a secondary, private interest  cloud his judgment about how best to use this extraordinary power to pardon for the sake of justice, a primary, public interest? It is impossible to peer inside his mind, but anyone can see that there was a strong conflict of interest.

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Many public officials mistakenly deny that there is a conflict at all. Charlie Wilson, a secretary of defense in the 1950s, was previously president and CEO of General Motors, a defense contractor. For years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors, and vice versa, he said during confirmation hearings. The difference did not exist. Our company is too big. It goes with the welfare of the country.

After Trump was elected in 2016, he famously said that the president cant have a conflict of interest. It wasnt true then, and its not true now. Conflict of interest is an ethical principle that applies to everyone acting in a public role. The principal law regulating conflict of interest in the federal government does exempt the president and vice president. However, the emoluments clause of the Constitution prohibits some conflicts of interest.

The president enters his second term with large private assets in social media platform Truth Social and cryptocurrency $Trump  industries that the United States is figuring out how to regulate.

When leaders have a conflict of interest, it doesnt necessarily mean they make bad judgments or act corruptly. Nevertheless, such conflicts can reduce citizens confidence about their leaders judgment.

Cost for the country

Conflicts of interest create three problems for democracy.

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Most important, the public suffers when officials judgments are compromised: When they are no longer doing their level best for Americans because they are concerned about various private interests rather than with citizens rights and well-being.

Second, conflicts of interest reduce trust and confidence in government and democracy. Even if officials who have large conflicts of interest resist the pull of secondary interests, members of the public may  especially in this time of cynicism about government  still suspect that their leaders are acting corruptly.

Third, when officials use their powers to benefit their private interests rather than the public interests, they profit from their offices. This is corrupt and unfair.

Reducing risk

Though conflicts of interest are ubiquitous, there are good strategies to mitigate and manage them.

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Federal agencies, as well as many state and local governments, require officials to mitigate their conflicts of interest by divesting from secondary interests, such as shifting from specific stock holdings to general funds and resigning from positions on boards of directors. Most U.S. presidents since Jimmy Carter have put their substantial assets into blind trusts in order to manage their conflicts of interests. In a blind trust, the owner knows the value of the trust but not the particular stocks and other holdings in it.

Transparency and disclosure is another common management tool. When information about officials secondary interests is publicly available, citizens can better understand the forces that affect the judgment of those in government. For example, people who have undergone Senate confirmation for high-level positions in the federal government must file extensive disclosures that detail their assets and many of their prior sources of income.

Biden disclosed 22 years of income tax returns. Other presidents have sometimes released several years of tax returns or parts of their tax records  in particular, how much tax they paid.

Finally, it is important to create offices and procedures with staff dedicated to monitoring and mitigating conflicts of interest. In the executive branch, the seventy-some staff at the Office of Government Ethics, and many more ethics officers across the federal government, regulate conflicts of interest and other ethical issues. In February 2025, Trump dismissed the offices director, who had been confirmed by the Senate two months before.

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Many states and cities have ethics commissions that adjudicate conflicts of interest, deciding when officials should recuse themselves from particular decisions in which they are conflicted. In 2002, for example, New York Citys Conflicts of Interest Board issued an advisory opinion about how multibillionaire Michael Bloomberg, the mayor at the time, should manage his conflicts of interest. They advised that he should recuse himself from all matters relating to the Bloomberg company, divest from large stock holdings and transfer those assets into professionally managed mutual funds, among other recommendations.

Wealth  and hyperwealth

Many conflict of interest measures are formulated with moderately wealthy individuals in mind. For example, the median wealth of a U.S. senator in 2018 was $1.75 million. At that level, measures such as blind trusts, divestment, and recusal are usually very workable.

Hyperwealthy multibillionaires, however, raise unprecedented conflict of interest concerns that are far more difficult to mitigate and manage. Because their financial interests are enormous and range across many parts of the economy, standard conflict of interest measures have proven difficult to implement.

Archon Fung is a professor of citizenship and self-government at Harvard Kennedy School.

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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The post What are Conflicts of Interest and What Can Be Done About Them? appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
KINSHASA (Reuters) -Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a bid to strip former President Joseph Kabila of immunity so he can face trial on charges of supporting the M23 insurgency in the country's east, where the government is seeking to draft a peace deal this week.

Kabila, who agreed to step down in 2018 after almost two decades in power, has been out of the country since late 2023, mostly in South Africa. He said last month he would return to help find a solution to the crisis in the east, where Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized large areas this year.

A return to Congo by Kabila, who has denied supporting the rebels, could complicate a U.S.-backed bid to end the rebellion in eastern Congo, which contains valuable minerals that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is keen to help mine.

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Justice Minister Constant Mutamba told reporters in Kinshasa on Wednesday evening that the Congolese army's attorney general has asked Congo's Senate to revoke the immunity from prosecution Kabila enjoys as a senator for life.

Congo has amassed clear evidence of "war crimes, crimes against humanity and massacres of peaceful civilians and military personnel," Mutamba said, adding that Kabila should return to Congo to face justice or risk being tried in absentia.

Congo and Rwanda have pledged to come up with a draft peace deal by May 2 and refrain from providing military support to armed groups, according to an agreement signed in Washington on April 25.

It was unclear on Thursday whether anything would be ready for signature by Friday and what the terms would be.

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Kabila came to power in 2001 after his father's assassination. He refused to stand down when his final term officially ended in 2016, leading to deadly protests, before agreeing to leave office following an election in 2018.

Last month, the interior ministry suspended his political party, while the justice ministry said it would seize Kabila's assets and the assets of party leaders.

Ferdinand Kambere, permanent secretary of Kabila's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, said the attempt to lift Kabila's immunity showed the government feared Kabila's return. He blamed President Felix Tshisekedi, a Kabila rival, for causing the crisis in the east.

(Reporting Sonia Rolley and Ange KasongoWriting by Jessica DonatiEditing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Philippa Fletcher)
A Connecticut woman who was being held captive by a man wanted in multiple states made a daring escape Wednesday as police were arriving on the scene to arrest him for other crimes.

The unidentified 35-year-old woman was spotted running away from a home in Bridgeport around 1:30 p.m., cops said in a Facebook post.

She was sprinting away from Nicholas Allwood, a 27-year-old man who was suspected in multiple stabbings in the city, according to Bridgeport police. Allwood was chasing the woman with a knife as she ran, authorities said.

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Cops had gathered outside the home because they were searching for Allwood, who they believed to be inside. However, they were unaware the woman was also inside. Police said she was not harmed in the incident.

Officers were searching for Allwood because he was a suspect in a stabbing that occurred nearby just hours earlier, according to authorities. He was also suspected in a different stabbing several weeks ago in Bridgeport.

Beyond the incidents in Connecticut, Allwood was also wanted in New York on attempted murder charges, police said. Cops said he had felony warrants from numerous states and was also wanted by U.S. Marshals and federal immigration authorities.

Allwood was charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault and multiple weapons crimes in connection with Wednesdays incident.

Bridgeport Police had been attempting to locate him for the past week, the department wrote on Facebook. On Wednesday, that effort was met with success, and possibly saved a life.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The Connecticut House of Representatives voted Wednesday to advance a new piece of gun legislation that could open firearms makers and retailers up to more lawsuits.

New Haven man sentenced to 2 years in prison for gun trafficking

The bill goes back to 2012, when families of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting sued the manufacturer of the rifle that was used in the shooting, arguing that the way the manufacturer marketed the rifle led to it winding up in the hands of the young, unstable man who perpetrated the shooting.

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That lawsuit faced several roadblocks, including a federal law that shields gun manufacturers from many types of legal liability.

The bill today opens those manufacturers up to legal liability under Connecticut law. The bill states that they must exercise so-called reasonable control over their sales practices and opens the door for more civil lawsuits of the type that the Sandy Hook families brought.

Most Democrats support this bill, and most Republicans oppose it.

What this bill does is it essentially requires firearms makers and sellers to implement these reasonable controls over their sales and marketing, and if they dont, then thered be a cause of action under Connecticut law, State Rep. Steve Stafstrom (D) on the judiciary committee said.

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I think generally the concern is, this is probably a trial lawyers dream, State Rep. Vincent Candelora (R), the House minority leader, said. I dont think it does anything to make Connecticut residents safer from gun violence. It certainly will make lawyers a lot richer.

The bill is now heading to the Senate.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
WALKERTOWN, N.C. (WGHP)  A classroom at Walkertown High School suffered considerable damage as the result of a Tuesday night fire, according to the Forsyth County Emergency Services Fire Division.

At around 6:32. p.m. on Tuesday, the Walkertown Fire Department came to 5240 Sullivantown Road, the building that holds both Walkertown Middle and High School, after getting a report of a fire.

Crews arrived at the scene and found the multi-story school building with smoke showing from the outside. School was not in session at the time and the fire was brought under control at 6:52 p.m.

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The fire started on a stovetop in a high school food and nutrition classroom, which suffered considerable damage.

EMS says that around 26 firefighters were needed to get the blaze under control with assistance from several other fire departments.

No one was injured as a result of the fire and its cause remains under investigation.

Remote learning was in effect for both schools on Wednesday and Thursday as a result of the fire. District maintenance staff will be using air scrubbers to clear out the smoke. The health department has to assess the facility before students and staff can return to the schools.

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Walkertown High School and Walkertown Middle School students will have another remote learning day on Friday.

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.
By Fabian Cambero and Daina Beth Solomon

SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Copper output from Chile's state-run Codelco rose 22% in April compared to the same period a year before, with an expected output of 105,000 metric tons, Chairman Maximo Pacheco said on Tuesday.

The world's largest copper producer slightly recovered last year from a quarter-century production low, and is aiming to increase its output once more this year.

Pacheco told an annual shareholders meeting on Tuesday that demand is strong for the red metal, even as he acknowledged geopolitical tensions associated with access to critical minerals.

"The market looks good, it looks very strong in Asia, in China, in the United States, in Brazil," he said.

Codelco previously said uncertainty around U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration had prompted more copper shipments to the United States. He also noted that he was seeing more demand from China in the second quarter.

Pacheco said he has been working to promote the construction of a new copper smelter in Chile, and that Codelco has offered to supply 1.2 million tons of copper annually in a 20-30 year contract as an incentive to investors.

Pacheco also discussed Codelco's efforts to enter the lithium business in Chile, which is the world's second biggest producer of the battery metal.

Pacheco said he is optimistic about securing the approval of China regulators for a joint venture with lithium producer SQM at the Atacama salt flat, although he said the timeline is unclear.

China is the last country whose regulatory approval is needed for the partnership, which will mark the Chilean state's entry into lithium production.

Codelco has already done its part to provide China with all required materials about the planned operation, Pacheco said.

Codelco also aims to enter the lithium business with a new project in Chile's Maricunga salt flat. Pacheco said a partner will be named within the coming weeks or months, after Codelco received binding offers from global companies in March.

(Reporting by Fabian Cambero and Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Alexander Villegas and Daniel Wallis)
HIGHFILL, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Construction of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Arts satellite gallery at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Highfill is now underway.

The gallery will be located just past security near the B gates and showcase a rotating selection of artwork from Crystal Bridges permanent collection, according to a news release from the museum.

(Courtesy: Hight Jackson) (Courtesy: Hight Jackson) (Courtesy: Hight Jackson)

PHOTOS: Northwest Arkansas National Airport releases renderings for terminal modernization project

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We are excited to collaborate with Crystal Bridges to incorporate an iconic piece of Northwest Arkansas cultural identity into XNA, XNA CEO Aaron Burkes said in a news release. This partnership helps create a true sense of place for our passengers and will showcase a premier regional amenity to those who have never been to Northwest Arkansas.

The gallery is scheduled to open this summer with a ribbon-cutting event.

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 construction project at San Pedro High School in Los Angeles revealed nearly 9-million-year-old sea creature fossils buried under the school.

Scientists believe the area was once fully underwater, which would explain the bounty of marine fossils.

Along with beds of shells and millions of fish bones, researchers discovered the fossil of a prehistoric megalodon.

Most high schoolers only get to study fossils through textbooks and videos. But students at San Pedro High School in Los Angeles got a much more up-close-and-personal experience thanks to the discovery of millions of fossils dated millions of years old underneath their campus.

When a construction project to renovate the school kicked off in 2022, fossilsranging from a saber-tooth salmon to shorebirds and sea turtles to a prehistoric megalodonstarted turning up pretty quickly. I thought this stuff was something that never happens, especially around here, student Taya Olson told KABC. It only happens in textbooks.

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And those finds have not slowed. Over the next two years, the fossil finds kept coming, with numbers of bones from sea creatures of all sorts growing into the millions. It represents an entire ecology of the ocean nine million years ago, said Wayne Bischoff, director of cultural resources at Envicom Corporation.



So far, the project has uncovered out over 200 species, but it could take years before experts know the true extent of the find. The fact that millions of fossils have been unearthed on this site has led to a new era of concentrative studies that will bring notoriety to this community and this high school, said Alberto Carvalho, Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent.

Located west of Long Beach on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the campus was unknowingly sitting atop two different fossil hotspotsa bone bed from the Miocene era (nearly nine million years ago), and a shell bed from the Pleistocene era (roughly 120,000 years old ), according to the Los Angeles Times.

Theres never been this type of density of fossils ever found at a site like this before in California, Bischoff told the newspaper, adding that the find confirms the existing scientific idea that ancient Los Angeles was once underwater.

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The oldest of the fossils were trapped within a fossilized algae known as diatomite.The algae concentration points to a nutrient-rich area that could have fed a variety of marine lifeeven including dolphins and whales. Bischoff said that the wealth of fossils mixed with shore material has given rise to the theory that a whole prehistoric island once washed onto what is now the L.A. shore.

The fossilized finds are now mostly in the hands of researcherswhether from the school district, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Cal State Channel Islands, or the natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Milad Esfahani, a San Pedro High School student, even got in on the research at the Natural History Museum by sorting fossilized shells. It was sort of like gold panning, he told the Times, adding he now hopes to become a marine paleontologist.

Mining the fossilized beds can give researchers an exceptional view into the past. Its the entire ecosystem from an age thats gone, Bischoff told LAist. We have all this evidence to help future researchers put together what an entire ecology looked like nine million years ago. Thats really rare.

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The Elizabeth Detention Center was able to remain open after suing the state over its law banning ICE facilities. (Sophie Nieto-Munoz | New Jersey Monitor)

PHILADELPHIA  A federal appeals panel heard arguments Thursday in a high-stakes legal battle over a controversial New Jersey law that bans immigration detention facilities run by anyone other than federal authorities, a move private prison companies say hampers the federal governments immigration enforcement.

Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum from the state Office of the Attorney General argued that the law doesnt ban detention facilities altogether, and that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Customs Enforcement could build or lease a facility and operate it themselves without it substantially interfering in enforcement efforts.

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The law says consider whats available, including to buy or lease private facilities. Thats the preference, he said. They can buy or lease facilities today and operate it themselves. They could buy or lease the Elizabeth Detention Center itself. And then if its not there, go build your own.

At the heart of the case is a 2021 state law prohibiting private companies, as well as local, county or state governments, from renewing or signing new contracts to operate federal immigration detention centers. CoreCivic, the private prison company that runs the Elizabeth Detention Center, sued the state over the law, charging it violates the Supremacy Clause by interfering with immigration enforcement. The Elizabeth jail is the only facility statewide now in use for federal immigration detention.

A federal judge in 2023 struck down the part of the law that bars private companies from detaining immigrants, and the state appealed. That appeal was heard Thursday after 18 months of waiting  and on the heels of a different private company announcing plans to open a new immigrant jail in Newark. A decision is likely months away.

During the two-hour hearing at the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse, the panel of three judges hammered both sides with tough questions. U.S. 3rd Circuit Judge Cheryl Ann Krause called it a complex, very interesting case.

Activists gathered outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on May 1, 2025, to support immigrants during a hearing that could determine the scope of federal immigration detention in New Jersey. (Sophie Nieto-Munoz | New Jersey Monitor)

Outside, activists gathered to voice support for immigrants in a legal fight expected to determine the scope of federal immigration detention in New Jersey. They held signs urging the government to stop kidnapping people.

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Feigenbaum told the appellate judges that the law does not bar federal authorities from detaining immigrants in New Jersey. Instead, it just doesnt allow them to contract the facilities to a private company. If Congress passed a law laying out a private right to provide detention for a company like CoreCivic, then this is an easy case, he said.

The way our law handles competing burdens on private interests is by letting Congress make that choice, he said.

U.S. 3rd Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas peppered him with hypotheticals, like whether a state could ban the U.S. Mint from hiring private contractors to print money or prohibit defense contractors from building munitions for the Department of Defense. Feigenbaum said those cases would depend on how the hypothetical law is written.

New Jerseys law doesnt regulate immigration detention  thats ICEs job  but rather, the market for prison services, Feigenbaum emphasized.

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CoreCivics team countered that the law would be a nightmare for immigration enforcement, which has ramped up dramatically under President Donald Trumps second term in office. Without immigrant detention centers in North Jersey, close to international airports, federal authorities would have to detain people in other states and spend hours transporting them to further locales, said Bradley Simon, CoreCivics attorney.

The federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over immigration enforcement, and this is putting a major, major roadblock in their efforts to do their jobs in the state of New Jersey and would absolutely have a catastrophic effect on the whole area, he said.

The judges questioned whether New Jerseys law would increase the feds immigration enforcement costs.

If the New Jersey statute went into effect, it would have enormous cost, but it goes way beyond cost, the whole analysis, the impact it will have, Simon said.

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Attorney McKaye Neumeister, representing the U.S. Department of Justice, said states cant regulate the relationship between the federal government and companies it contracts with. She also noted the government uses private contractors all the time, for all sorts of things.

There are all sorts of functions that the government relies on contractors, for various reasons. The reasons here are in order to ensure flexibility and for cost savings, she said.

After the hearing, Dante Apaestegui of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice said he wasnt persuaded by CoreCivics arguments that the law would wreak havoc.

I was baffled that they said the law would be the cause of separating families, the cause of separating communities  not the fact that there was a detention center there in our communities profiting off of their incarceration, Apaestegui said.

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bramwell  Officials with the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority are hoping to finish construction in the near future on a new connector route that will link the West Virginia-based trail system with neighboring Virginia.

Once it is completed, riders from the Virginia-side Spearhead Trail system in Tazewell County would be able to cross the state line and connect with the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system in Mercer County. Riders of the Hatfield-MCoy system also would be able to connect with the Virginia trail.

The connector route will extend approximately eight miles and is an extension of the existing Pocahontas Trail system in Mercer County.

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Work on the connector route began last year, but it is not yet finished, according to Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority Executive Director Jeff Lusk.

We havent gotten it open yet, Lusk said. Weve got to wait for some timbering to be done. But we do intend to get that open. It will be a plus for both areas. It will be a plus for Spearhead and for us.

Lusk said sections of the connector route have been completed, but other sections wont be ready until timbering in the area is completed.

We have built sections of it, Lusk saidte. There are just sections of it that cant be completed yet. It is our full intention to get that done and get it open as soon as possible. There is just some timbering work going on.

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Lusk said the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority will be able to sell even more ridership permits once the Virginia-side riders are able to cross over into the West Virginia trail system.

The connector route will essentially link both states and trails together. It will begin near Bramwell in Mercer County and end at the Virginia state line in Tazewell County.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority had to work with several land companies to secure license agreements for the new connector route.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail system currently operates more than a thousand miles of trail and 10 trail systems, including the Pocahontas trail in Mercer County and the Indian Ridge trail in McDowell County.

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The neighboring Spearhead Trail system in Virginia also extends through multiple Southwest Virginia counties. It is operated by the Southwest Virginia Regional Recreational Authority and will connect with the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system near Boissevain in Tazewell County.

While riders of both trail systems will be able to cross the state line once the connector route is opened, they will still have to have permits to ride the respective trail systems. For example, riders of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system will have to have a permit to ride the Spearhead Trail system when they cross into Virginia. And riders of the Spearhead Trail system will have to have a Hatfield-McCoy Trail permit when they cross the state line into West Virginia.

The hope of trail officials is that the new connector route will allow ATV riders to ride seamlessly from one trail system to the next.

Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  After several years of planning, construction is set to begin on the new Taubman Cancer Center at Carilion Clinic. The new facility will replace the 41-year-old existing center on South Jefferson Street.

Carilion said its already growing cancer research team will provide state-of-the-art treatments.

Were starting to bring in more specialists, more subspecialists, and well have new equipment, Nancy Agee, the chief executive officer (CEO) Emeritus of Carilion, said. Were going to be doing accelerated research, collaborating with Virginia Tech, collaborating with Blue Ridge Cancer Center.

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Contractors from Robins and Morton Branch Build (RMBB), EC Pace and Boxley Ready-Mix hosted a brief ceremony, celebrating the beginning of construction at Riverside Circle.

Everyone is excited to get started.

Were a local company and weve been here for over 100 years, Mark Pace, the President of EC Pace, said. To be able to see something happen in our backyard, especially of this caliber, is very exciting for our entire team.

In addition to the ceremony, the contractors unveiled pink wrapped construction equipment, along with its new initiative, #BuildACure.

The goal is to provide a symbol of hop and support for anyone in the community going through a cancer journey.

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Robins and Morton saw that as our opportunity to leave a lasting and positive impact here in the community for years to come, Garrett Kastner, the RMBB project manager said. We really want to utilize that to draw attention to this building, and all of the positive things its going to bring to this community and region.

Officials hope to finish construction by the fall of 2027.

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 WFXRtv.
State Sens. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, left, and Tom Brandt of Plymouth. Feb. 23, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Its been a while since the words low-level radioactive waste have been spoken on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature, but state senators revived the topic two weeks ago.

State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

During debate on a bill allowing the merger of two state agencies, a debate broke out over whether the legislation should include repeal of the 1986 Low-Level Radioactive Waste Act, a package of regulations passed amid the heated controversy over locating a waste repository in Boyd County.

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That controversy divided families and towns in the rural county, spawned a hunger strike by a leading opponent of the waste dump and eventually led to a judges ruling that Nebraska must pay $145.6 million in damages for rejecting the repository, designed to dispose of radioactive waste from five central U.S. states.

The radioactive waste controversy also played a role in the 1990 gubernatorial race. Democrat Ben Nelson, who opposed the waste facility, narrowly defeated then-Gov. Kay Orr, a Republican who backed the project.

This is a good thing?

Two state senators, Tanya Storer of Whitman and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, questioned the need to repeal the waste storage regulations during floor debate on April 22, and asked why it was included in a then-446-page proposal for a merger of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy with the Department of Natural Resources.

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, who introduced Legislative Bill 317 on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, said attorneys with the NDEE advised him that the language was obsolete, and if the regulations were removed, there would be no way for a new low-level radioactive waste depository to be located in the state.

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Storer, whose district includes Boyd County, said that any legislation that impacts the old controversy was of great interest to her constituents.

Removing it is helping protect Nebraska? Ultimately, this is a good thing? she asked Brandt, who responded yes.

More time to review

Despite that, Conrad won adoption of an amendment, on a 34-8 vote, that would retain the low-level radioactive waste regulations in state law.

I just felt it was too rushed and too risky.

 State Sen. Danielle Conrad on removing old regulations for radioactive waste depositories

Conrad said that her amendment would give lawmakers more time to better understand if removing the regulations was a good thing.

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I just felt it was too rushed and too risky to remove the rules, the senator said later.

The overriding bill, LB 317, ended up advancing to the final round debate. It passed this week 34-12. Storer and Conrad still opposed it.

The merger had been promoted by the governor as a way to increase collaboration between the departments that deal with water quantity, water quality, solid waste and manufacturing emissions, and a way to eventually save some money.

Critics said that a fiscal impact statement doesnt show any specific cost savings and that the merger was unnecessary and had been opposed by agricultural groups.

Examiner Reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.

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EDITORS NOTE: A lawsuit represents only one side of a story.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The popular cookie company founded in Logan, Utah, is being sued by Warner Music Group (WMG) for copyright infringement. Crumbl says they are actively reviewing the matter and will respond appropriately through the legal process.

WMG claims that Crumbl has developed a successful brand by using its music in promotions on social media. In the lawsuit, they say that Crumbl has not paid for the privilege to use its music.

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According to a complaint filed by WMG on April 22, Crumbls social media posts and videos frequently feature unauthorized use of Plaintiffs sound recordings and musical compositions  usually featuring chart-topping and award-winning artists  as a principal and indispensable element of the Crumbl Videos.

Some of the artists under Warner Music Group that are mentioned in the lawsuit are Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Bruno Mars and Beyonce.

Did the Utah Hockey Club accidently leak their new name?

In the lawsuit, WMG alleged that Crumbls investment in social media advertisements, and in the Crumbl Videos in particular, has been critical to Defendants success. Because of the success derived from this form of social media advertising, WMG sent a cease and desist letter to Crumbl on April 3, 2023.

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WMG states that Crumbl allegedly did not respond to the cease and desist, and even later posted a video on TikTok that stated legal said we cant use any trending audios.

WMG also mentions previous lawsuits that involved trademark infringement filed by Crumbl against competitors, such as Dirty Dough and Crave Cookies, arguing that Crumbl understood the gravity of infringement.

End to the Cookie Wars? Crumbl, Crave move to dismiss lawsuit

Crumbl is aware of the legal action initiated by Warner Music Group and is actively reviewing the matter. Crumbl respects the rights of artists and creators and will respond appropriately through the legal process. In the meantime, we remain focused on innovation, strengthening our community, and bringing friends and families together, the cookie company said in a statement to ABC4.com.

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WMGS complaint includes three different claims of infringement. The first is direct, meaning they believe Crumbl directly infringed on their rights by posting the videos with their songs on their corporate social media pages. The second claim is contributory, meaning influencers reposting Crumbls alleged infringements also infringed on their rights. Third, and finally, is vicarious. WMG believes Crumbl is responsible for the influencers infringing on their copyright.

Robert Freund, an advertising and e-commerce attorney based in Los Angeles, explained to ABC4, Crumbl is potentially liable for those as well through a vicarious liability theory because Crumbl had the ability to control what was being posted and they could have asked the influencers to reshoot the video or not do it at all.

Warner Music Group is asking the judge to grant up to $150,000 per infringed work, and file a permanent injunction that Crumbl cannot infringe on their copyrighted music and sound again. They allege Crumbl infringed on around 159 songs, which would total a $23,850,000 settlement without the legal fees included. However, University of Utah Law Professor Jorge Contreras explained it probably wont get that far.

These cases usually settle, He said, Were never going to know. Itll be an undisclosed amount.

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An interesting note in the complaint includes a post on TikTok that the legal experts we spoke with say gives Crumbl a harder time making their case. The post in question  from January of 2023  depicts members of their social media team making light of the legal team, apparently telling them not to use popular audio anymore.

Freund detailed, I have to admit thats not a good look. It really does look like, you know, youre aware of what the issue is and yet exactly what you said legal told you not to do. Here you are. Doing it allegedly with 159 different songs.

Contreras added, I suspect that there was an internal meeting of where some unkind words were said.

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Robertson County Sheriff's deputies made their largest methamphetamine bust in history this week after nearly a half-million dollars worth of the drugs were found during a home search in Cedar Hill, officials said.

The search warrant was carried out April 25 by deputies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at a home on Fykes Grove Road, according to a release from the Robertson County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement found and seized 19 pounds of meth during the search, they said.

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Robertson County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Jessica Drake confirmed the seizure as the largest of its kind for the agency.

Robertson County Sheriff Michael Van Dyke noted that the street value of the drugs was about $400,000.

He called it, "a significant disruption to illegal drug distribution in this area," adding, "Illegal drugs will not be tolerated in our community. Our families deserve the peace to live in a community that is free from these illegal activities, and I am proud of the hard work of our Sheriffs Office team and the working relationship with the other law enforcement agencies to make this happen."

A 61-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with the case. Thomas Clinard was arrested and booked into the Robertson County jail without bond.

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Clinard faces possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sale and conspiracy to sell methamphetamine charges.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Middle Tennessee methamphetamine bust makes county history
May 1If you hear unusual noises or see unusual sights this weekend near the Springfield-Beckley Airport in coming days, fear not. The Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing is simply in training.

The 178th Wing is scheduled to hold a military training exercise Friday through Sunday at the Springfield-Beckley Air National Guard Base and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

"This is a routine exercise to ensure all airmen assigned to the wing are prepared for any scenarios they might encounter and know what procedures to take in the event of a real-world emergencies," the wing said in a statement.

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The exercise will involve the use of blanks and pyrotechnics to provide a "realistic training environment," the unit said.

Those in the area near the base may hear gunshots or explosions during the exercise, the wing warned.

There may also be greater aircraft traffic in the area, including helicopters.

"Please do not call 911 to report gunfire, explosions, or unusual activity on the base during that time," the wing asked residents.

About 1,500 people work on the Springfield Air National Guard Base, about 400 of them full-time.
Jimmy Kimmel said a single moment from President Donald Trumps interview this week with ABCs Terry Moran might be the most disturbing moment yet.

Trump says crazy stuff every day, Kimmel said. But most of the time, you know hes full of it. Hes bragging or hes lying or whatever. Hes just throwing crap onto his vision board.

But Kimmel said Trumps conversation with Moran went off the rails when the topic turned to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to a prison in El Salvador.

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Trump insisted that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang. His evidence: a doctored photo in which someone had added MS-13 to Abrego Garcias knuckle tattoos.

To everyone else, this looks like it was created in Microsoft Paint on a Tandy 1000, Kimmel said. But to Donald Trump, this is irrefutable evidence.

When Moran pointed out that the image was photoshopped, Trump threw a fit.

This is why people no longer believe the news, the president said.

This couldnt look worse if Trump had written it in with a Sharpie himself, Kimmel said. Our president is falling for Facebook memes. Not even good Facebook memes. Hes like your aunt who texts you a picture of a Minion and asks, Is this person real?

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Kimmel said Trump is not a rational person and said there are some frightening possibilities here.

Best-case scenario: He needs glasses, Kimmel said. Worst case: We are about to be duped out of the presidency by a Nigerian prince.

See more in his Wednesday night monologue:
The Compleat Food Group has appointed its first chief operating officer as the UK business seeks to supports its "growth strategy".

Having expanded through M&A since the company formed through a merger in 2021, The Compleat Food Group has promoted Brian Byrne to COO. He takes on his new role from today (1 May).

With more than two decades in global supply chain leadership roles, Byrne "will take overall accountability for the end-to-end supply chain, including planning, sourcing, manufacturing and delivery", according to a statement announcing his appointment.

CEO Nick Field said: Brian has already made a significant impact since joining us, and his promotion to chief operating officer is a natural next step as we evolve our business.

"His expertise, leadership and drive for excellence will be instrumental as we continue to build a supply chain that is agile, resilient and built for the future."

The groups portfolio, grown through acquisitions, includes baked goods such as pies and quiches, and sausages. It also features deli items like olives, antipasti and pickles. Pork Farms, Walls Pastry, Squeaky Bean, Unearthed and Vadasz are among the company's brands.

The Compleat Food Group was formed in 2021 when private-equity owner, Paris-headquartered PAI Partners, merged its UK portfolio companies Winterbotham Darby and Addo Food Group.

The first acquisition out of the blocks was pie maker Wrights Food Group in 2021. That business has an extensive portfolio stretching across pasties and sausage rolls, ready meals and bakery.

Dairy-free cheese business Palace Culture followed in 2023, adding the Kimcheeze, The Mouldy Goaty, Sacre Blue and Holy Smokes alternative cheese brands to the group offering.

Then last year, dips and party food specialists SK Foods and Zorba Foods were added to The Compleat Food Group portfolio. Harvey & Brockless, a producer of cheeses, charcuterie, olives and deli products, also joined the line-up last year.

And in 2025, the group acquired fellow UK business The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co. for an undisclosed sum in March, but has also made redundancies at some of its UK factories this year.

Headquartered in Surrey, south of London, The Compleat Food Group employs more than 5,500 people across 16 sites and has an annual turnover in excess of 1bn ($1.3bn), according to the company's LinkedIn page.

Im delighted to take on this new role and help shape the next phase of growth for The Compleat Food Group. We have an incredible team and a strong foundation to build upon," Byrne said.
The City of Jacksonville may have created an illegal gun registry.

Thats the claim of a prominent Republican city council member.

Only Action News Jax spoke with Councilman Nick Howland (R-Group 3 At-Large), who broke down what hes learned about the alleged list of gun owners who have entered at least two city buildings.

Since July 1st, 2023, state law has prevented local governments from prohibiting legal gun owners from carrying concealed in government buildings.

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Its the same day Mayor Donna Deegan officially came into office.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

But Howland told Action News Jax hes learned that same month, private security guards working the entrance of two city buildings allegedly began keeping a list of people who entered with firearms.

He claimed those alleged lists were kept at both City Hall and the Yates Building, which houses the Tax Collector and Property Appraisers Offices.

They were asked to document their first name, last name, contact information and the type of firearm they were carrying, said Howland.

Florida law prohibits the creation of lists of gun owners.

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Violations by local governments come with a civil penalty of up to $5 million and individuals who violate the law could be charged with a 3rd degree felony.

In those notebooks for two years, that info has been gathered. Florida is a no-registry state. So, that is a clear violation of state law, said Howland.

Howland claimed the State Attorneys Office is investigating, but the State Attorneys Office told us it cannot confirm whether an investigation has been opened.

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Action News Jax reached out to the Mayors Office requesting a copy of the alleged lists.

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The Mayors Office didnt directly deny their existence, but told us, A document responsive to this request is not in the City of Jacksonvilles possession.

We followed up asking if the mayors office could confirm whether a document responsive to our request had been given to the State Attorneys Office.

The City of Jacksonville has received and complied with a subpoena from the State Attorneys Office, a spokesperson for the Mayors Office replied. Out of respect and in full cooperation with their review, we wont be commenting further at this time.

Read: Coyote that has been attacking people in Atlantic Beach is dead

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Howland argued that, given the potential consequences if an illegal gun registry was created, its imperative the individual who gave the original order be identified.

It is interesting that this registry starts being kept the same month that this administration has started office, but its not up to me to determine who has given the directive. Its up to the State Attorney, said Howland.

Read: Virginia nonprofit builds playsets in Neptune Beach for kids fighting cancer

According to Howland, the city has retained the Bedell Firm to represent it in handling this matter.

Action News Jax reached out to the Bedell firm to confirm that claim but hasnt heard back.

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Weve also submitted a public records request to the State Attorneys Office seeking copies of the alleged lists.

That request is pending.

Following this story, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded on social media, promising to look into this allegation:

If true, this is a serious breach of Florida law by the City of Jacksonville.

Government gun registries are antithetical to the right of the people to keep and bear arms. My office is looking into this allegation, and we will be in contact with local officials to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

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The boat plot thickens.

After numerous attempts to rescue Deep Thought, the Chris-Craft Roamer that has been marooned in the Lake Michigan shoreline since Oct. 13, Jerry Guyer has been told his services are no longer needed.

"I haven't given up," Guyer, the owner of Silo Marina told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "The county told me to stop."

According to Milwaukee County Supervisor Shelton Wasserman, the county signed a $55,000 contract with a Milwaukee-based company to remove the boat from where it is lodged 4 to 5 feet in the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan between McKinley Marina and Bradford Beach.

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Weather permitting, the removal will happen May 6. Milwaukee County Parks said all southbound and northbound lanes will be closed on Lincoln Memorial Drive during the boat's removal.

Wasserman said the company has prior experience working with the county and picking up overturned semis on the highways. The name of the company has not yet been made public.

Wasserman said the company will bring in equipment to pick the boat up and over the large boulders that form a barrier between the sandy beach and the beach's parking lot.

Guyer's crew had been attempting to remove the boat by removing water and pulling it out of the sand, hoping to loosen it up and then pull it back into the water. Guyer's last attempt to remove Deep Thought was April 28. A pontoon he and his crew were using ended up getting broken and washing ashore in the process.

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Wasserman said the county will pay for the boat's removal but hopes the county can be reimbursed for its efforts. The boat is on county property and its owners, Sherry and Richard Wells, left it after they ran out of gas. The Mississippi couple has expressed an inability to pay for its removal.

To date, two donors have made donations to reimburse whomever removes the boat. This is another reason Guyer is concerned.

Guyer did not have a contract with the city of Milwaukee, said Jeff Fleming, the Milwaukee mayor's spokesman, but he was put in contact with an anonymous donor. Guyer said he has spent $27,000 on salvage efforts. Now Guyer is worried he might not be reimbursed for his attempts, period.

"The parks department does feel this new company is capable of removing it, and doing it in an environmentally safe way," Wasserman said.

Lincoln Memorial Drive and Bradford Beach parking lot to close May 6

The parks department will close Lincoln Memorial Drive between Lafayette Hill Road and East Water Tower Road from early morning to later afternoon on May 6. Detours will direct traffic westbound at both intersections.

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The operation is expected to conclude earlier, but contractors are accounting for additional time out of an abundance of caution, a news release from the parks department says. The time frame of the closure could change based on weather and wave conditions.

The Northpoint parking lot for Bradford Beach will also be closed during the removal effort.

Drake Bentley contributed to this report.

This story was updated to add new information.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County to remove Deep Thought from Lake Michigan May 6
A United States judge has issued a permanent injunction preventing the administration of President Donald Trump from using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (AEA) to deport Venezuelans from South Texas.

Thursdays ruling is the first of its kind  and is likely to be swiftly appealed.

It follows similar, if temporary, orders barring the governments use of the law, as Trump seeks the rapid removal of undocumented immigrants from the country.

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In his 36-page decision, US District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr ruled that the Trump administration had exceeded the statutory boundaries of the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law.

Trump had issued an executive proclamation on March 15 to invoke the law against members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. He argued that Tren de Aragua was perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, thereby justifying such extreme measures.

The Alien Enemies Act, after all, had been invoked only three times before, most recently during World War II.

But Judge Rodriguez said the threat of Tren de Aragua fell far short of the standards necessary to use the Alien Enemies Act, though he did concede the gang participated in activity that unambiguously is harmful to society.

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The Court concludes that [Tren de Araguas activities] do not fall within the plain, ordinary meaning of invasion or predatory incursion for purposes of the AEA, the judge wrote.

The Court concludes that the Presidents invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful.

Since the Trump administration did not possess the lawful authority under the AEA, Judge Rodriguez ruled it could not use the law to detain Venezuelan aliens, transfer them within the United States, or remove them from the country.





Judge Rodriguez is a Trump-appointed judge who assumed his current post under the Republican leaders first term in 2018. His decision applies to the Southern District of Texas, including cities like Houston.

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But while it is the most sweeping ruling of its kind, it joins an array of legal cases and court decisions weighing the Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act.

The law allows the US government to detain and deport citizens of an enemy country in times of war or invasion. Its usage, however, has been highly controversial, with critics calling it unconstitutional.

The Alien Enemies Act was used as justification, for example, to incarcerate tens of thousands of Japanese Americans and other foreign nationals in camps during World War II. That incident resulted in the US formally apologising and offering compensation to Japanese American survivors decades later.

Trump is believed to be the first president to invoke the Alien Enemies Act outside of wartime. Using nativist rhetoric, he has sought to frame undocumented migration to the US as an unbridled invasion of criminals, threatening US communities with violence.

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Since taking office for a second term, Trump has designated criminal groups like Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organisations, a category that makes non-citizen members inadmissible to the US.

But the Supreme Court has ruled (PDF) that, for removals made under the Alien Enemies Act, foreign nationals are entitled to a judicial review of their cases.

Lower courts have also questioned whether the Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act violated that right to due process.

Judges in Colorado, Manhattan and Pennsylvania have issued temporary injunctions against the laws use, and in Washington, DC, Judge James Boasberg has overseen a high-profile case where three planes of deportees were sent to prison in El Salvador under the law, despite an injunction against its use.

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Last month, Boasberg ruled there was probable cause to find the Trump administration in contempt of court for violating his order. Hearings in that case are continuing, but Trump and his allies have argued that Boasberg has overstepped his judicial authority by interfering in matters of foreign policy.





The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been among the plaintiffs fighting the Alien Enemies Acts use in court, and on Thursday, it applauded Judge Rodriguezs decision.

The court ruled the president cant unilaterally declare an invasion of the United States and invoke a wartime authority during peacetime, ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt said in a statement. Congress never meant for this 18th-century wartime law to be used this way.

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Adriana Pinon, the legal director of the ACLUs Texas branch, also framed the decision as a win for immigrant rights.

This permanent injunction is a significant win for preventing unlawful, unilateral executive action that has been stoking fear across Texas, especially within border communities, she said.

Immigrants are, and always have been, an integral part of this state and nation. They, too, are protected by US laws and the Constitution.

Top Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also weighed in, calling Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act unconstitutional.

The Trump administration is patently breaking the law, trying to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport people without due process, Schumer wrote on social media. Americans reject this. The courts are taking them to task. We wont stop fighting for our Constitution.

The Trump administration is expected to appeal Thursdays decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, a conservative-leaning court.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  First responders were called to a car crash in Honolulu near the intersection of Elm Street and Cedar Street.

Sprinklers prevent flames from spreading in Moiliili high-rise

The crash was reported around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, when two vehicles collided, causing one to flip on its side.

Honolulu Fire Department officials said they arrived at the scene to find a 40-year-old female and a 65-year-old female trapped inside the car.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Firefighters first stabilized the car before using hydraulic rescue tools to get the occupants out.

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Both people were successfully removed and were handed off to paramedics with Honolulu Emergency Medical Services for treatment.

According to EMS, the two women were taken to a trauma hospital in serious condition.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Officials added that a 17-year-old male was also in the same vehicle but was able to get out on his own. He was brought to the hospital in stable condition.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Video above: This FOX 5/KUSI video explains what to do during a wildfire emergency.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Crews with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department responded to a vegetation fire off northbound Interstate 15 in the Kensington area on Thursday morning.

According to an SDPD incidet report, the blaze was first reported around 4:50 a.m., just north of Adams Avenue. At least two fire engines and a total of eight personnel were assigned to the incident.

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In an update at 5:35 a.m., fire officials confirmed that the fire was put out and the response had ended.

Disruptions to morning freeway traffic were not reported. Additionally, no evacuation orders were made made, and no one was injured in connection to the fire.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  This week on Crime Stoppers, police need your help tracking down two people wanted on warrants out of Lansing and identifying three men involved in an attempted armed robbery.

If you have information regarding the cases below, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous.

Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information can receive up to a $1,000 award.

Attempted Robbery

The Lansing Police Department needs your help identifying three men involved in an attempted armed robbery on the 3600 block of S Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. during the early morning hours of April 20, 2025.

(Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan)

Rebecca Lynne Couthen

Rebecca Lynne Couthen, 46, is wanted for property damage out of Lansing. She is 55 and 200 lbs., with blonde hair and brown eyes.

Cameron Leroy Conley-Embry

Cameron Leroy Conley-Embry, 37, is wanted for assault with a dangerous weapon out of Lansing. He is 511 and 205 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.

Crime Stoppers

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
The University of Cincinnati is expected to begin demolishing the iconic, albeit polarizing, Crosley Tower early next year.

UC's Board of Trustees approved $47.3 million during an April 21 meeting to fund the remediation and demolition of Crosley Tower and the adjacent Clifton Court garage, according to a university news release May 1.

The funds will allow for the demolition work to be completed, the release states, adding that trustees previously approved $2.6 million to be used to design the tower's demolition.

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Crosley Tower  named for UC alum Powel Crosley Jr.  was completed in 1969 and opened that same year as a lab and research building, according to the release.

A 1969 Cincinnati Post article labeled the 16-story tower's construction "an engineering miracle," with the structure formed in 18 days of continuous concrete pours starting from the ground up.

According to the university, Crosley Tower is the second-largest building nationwide made of continuously poured concrete behind the Hoover Dam.

However, in the decades since its construction, the Brutalist-style tower has been derided as a campus eyesore. In 2017, Architectural Digest named Crosley Tower one of the seven ugliest university buildings in the U.S.

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The magazine wrote that the building "looks more like a Disney villain's lair than a part of the University of Cincinnatis campus."

UC has been inching toward the demolition of the 56-year-old structure for years.

In 2018, the building was at 50% capacity, The Enquirer reported. UC issued a timeframe of five to 10 years to tear it down. The university announced in 2020 that the project could start by 2025, but had no official timeline.

UC planners determined that Crosley Tower was not a suitable candidate for renovation "due to foundation and concrete age as well as adaptability limits to an outdated layout" that no longer serves the university's needs, the release states.

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Officials said demolition is expected to begin in January 2026 and be completed by the end of the calendar year.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Crosley Tower to be demolished in early 2026; trustees approve funds
A Stamford man has pleaded guilty to federal charges after authorities accused him of defrauding multiple people out of nearly $3.5 million through a hedge fund scheme.

Justin C. Murphy, 50, appeared Tuesday in federal court in New Haven where he pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut. The charges combined expose him to 30 years in prison, officials said.

According to federal authorities, Murphy owned and operated Greenwich-based Mara Investment Group, LLC, which was also known as Mara Investment Management LP and Mara Investments Global Management LLC. He purported the group to be a hedge fund that solicited investments and used a quantitative strategy that balanced long and short positions in securities.

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According to officials, between around 2016 and September 2022, Murphy defrauded investors by pursuing a much riskier investment strategy than he disclosed and diverted substantial investor funds for his own personal use. Authorities alleged that he also informed victims that their investments were performing more favorably than they were.

Murphy allegedly went as far as to provide investors with account statements that falsely represented their account balances and federal tax forms that falsely reported business income that required them to pay taxes on money they believed they had made, officials said.

Murphy has been accused of stealing about $3,465,812 through the scheme, reportedly using the money for personal expenses and to purchase a personal stake in his relatives startup company, according to authorities.

Murphy was arrested in Brazil on Dec. 6, 2023, and was detained for nearly 11 months while awaiting extradition to the U.S. He has been released on $250,000 bond since November 2024. His sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
By Alessandro Parodi and Gianluca Lo Nostro

(Reuters) -Adyen, one of the world's largest payment companies, reported quarterly revenue below market forecasts on Wednesday, but maintained its sales outlook for this year and next, saying so far global trade tensions have not affected its business.

Adyen Chief Financial Officer Ethan Tandowsky told Reuters that while economic volatility might affect some of its clients, it would not change the company's strategy or its outlook, and so far it has not had any significant impact.

The Amsterdam-listed company has been relying on its U.S. clients, such as eBay and Cash App to win more market share in the country, where its main competitors include fintech giants PayPal and Fiserv.

"We see the opportunity in the U.S. the same as it was before," Tandowsky said.

"We're focused on what we can control: deepening relationships with existing customers and onboarding new ones."

Adyen's first-quarter net revenue rose 22% to 534.7 million euros ($608.3 million), missing analysts' average estimate of 541 million euros, according to a Visible Alpha consensus provided by the company.

Its processed volume, or the value of all transactions on its payment platform, totalled 318.8 billion euros in the quarter, below the 336.1 billion euros forecast. J.P. Morgan analysts attributed the miss to a revenue loss from a partnership with one large client.

Still, the group maintained its forecast that 2026 net revenue growth will be in the low- to high-twenties percentage range, and core earnings (EBITDA) margin will top 50%.

Adyen also confirmed its earlier 2025 forecast of higher revenue growth, albeit with a caveat that global trade tensions might yet affect economic activity and its clients.

"If market volume growth slows, achieving the anticipated acceleration may prove more challenging," Tandowsky said in a statement.($1 = 0.8790 euros)

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro and Alessandro Parodi in Gdansk; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Savio D'Souza and Tomasz Janowski)
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  In 2018, Florida passed a law allowing private beaches, only in Walton County. It set off years of legal battles, with the courts siding with the private landowners.

Prior to this years legislative session, State Senator Jay Trumbull announced he would file a bill repealing the 2018 law, restoring all the beaches to public use.

The Senate passed the bill last week. The House unanimously passed it on Tuesday.

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Im personally ecstatic, and I am very pleased for our county. Weve been through a lot in the last six or seven years. And the counties spent a lot of money on attorney fees. And weve had an uphill battle. And to know that we only had two negative votes in the whole legislature because it was 38 to 2, Walton County Commissioner Danny Glidewell said.

If Governor Ron DeSantis signs off, it could mark a major shift in how Florida handles public beach access, especially in tourist heavy communities like Walton County whose economy is 70% based on tourism.

President Trump invites Walton County Sheriff to the White House

On average, you know, we have anywhere from 4, 5 to 6 million people that come to Walton County every year. To, you know, go to the beach to enjoy our restaurants, enjoy the shops, events, attractions. I think we would be naive to believe that there hasnt been some impact directly related to the confusion on the beach, Walton County Tourism Director Matt Algarin said.

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Walton County thrives on tourism, bringing in almost 5 billion in economic impact and supporting more than 30,000 jobs. Most of those workers understand the need to create a good experience for tourists.

You know, lugging a whole, you know, caravan with the two babies, it makes it just that much more difficult. I mean, obviously we dont have a boat right here that we just pull up and boat around, tourist Dr. Anis Khalaf said.

If the bill is signed by Governor DeSantis, it will go into effect immediately.

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DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (KCAU)  The Dakota City Fire Department will be remembering fallen firefighters over the weekend.

The ceremony, a Bells Across America service, will be held Sunday, May 4, at 1 p.m. at the Dakota City Fire Hall at 208 S. 21st Street. During the ceremony, the fire department will pay tribute to the 70 firefighters across the nation who died in the line of duty in 2024.

There will also be a special tribute the departments three fallen members: Captain Andy Zalme, Captain Eric Speck, and Firefighter Lowell Satterwhite. Zalme was recognized at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in October 2016, Speck and Satterwhite were recognized in October 2017.

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Bells Across America is a way to honor the firefighters who passed away in 2024, said Clint Rasmussen, Dakota City Fire Chief. It is also a way to honor and remember Dakota Citys three fallen firefighters, Andy, Eric, and Lowell. These firefighters paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving their communities.

SUX Fly & Drive fly in, car show, and pancake breakfast happening Saturday

The service is part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held in Emmitsburg, Maryland each year. the foundation asks that local communities and other groups use take time on the day to remember any firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and the previous years. More information about Bells Across America can be found at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundations website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  A Danbury man was charged for allegedly trafficking multiple kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico on Wednesday, according to the Department of Justice.

41-year-old Roman Santiago Jr. was allegedly involved in trafficking where at least 11 kilograms of cocaine were shipped from Puerto Rico to different addresses around Connecticut through the U.S. Mail between September 2024 and February 2025.

Santiago was charged with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

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New Britain man gets 43 months in prison for drug trafficking

Investigation revealed that multiple packages were intercepted by USPS officials, all intended for Santiago.

He was arrested on Feb. 12 on a federal criminal complaint and was released on $50,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
NEW ORLEANS (WJTV)  The man charged in connection to the abduction of two Louisiana girls, which ended with one of them deceased in Mississippi, has been found competent to stand trial.

Daniel Callihan passed his competency hearing in New Orleans on May 1, 2025. This means he will stand trial in his federal case, which has been scheduled for July 28, 2025.

Callihan is suspected of killing Callie Brunett, 35, in Loranger, Louisiana, in June 2024.

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Tangipahoa Parish Coroner Rick Foster said Callie Brunett died of multiple sharp force injuries. He said there were multiple stab wounds to her head, neck, chest, abdomen and back. Foster also said Brunett had what appeared to be defensive wounds to her arms.

Trial set for woman in Louisiana girls abduction, murder case

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said Callie Brunett was found dead by her father on the floor of her bedroom inside her locked mobile home on North Cooper Road after having been reported missing by her parents 24 hours earlier.

Investigators told the Associated Press that Callihan and Callie Brunett had dated.

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According to Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, 3-year-old Erin Brunett was found deceased in a wooded area off of Boozier Drive on Thursday, June 13. Her sister, 6-year-old Jalie Brunett, was taken to a Jackson hospital for treatment and later released.

Daniel Callihan (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center) Victoria Cox (Courtesy: Hinds Co. Detention Center) 6-year-old Jalie and 3-year-old Erin Brunett (Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office)

The Hinds County coroner said Erin Brunett died from asphyxiation due to suffocation.

The Jackson police chief said there was evidence of possible human trafficking at the location on Boozier Drive, including small animal cages.

Authorities said the Amber Alert was issued for the two girls, who were abducted after their mother was killed in Loranger.

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Tupelo man arrested for killing mother with shovel

Callihan and Victoria Cox were both arrested in Jackson. Wade announced on June 17, 2024, that Callihan had implicated Cox in the case.

A Hinds County Grand Jury previously indicted Cox for capital murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery in connection to the case. She pled not guilty in Hinds County Circuit Court. The grand jury also indicted Callihan for one count of capital murder, two counts of kidnapping, three counts of sexual battery, and one count of receiving stolen property.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner Sean Tindell said Callihan and Cox will be tried in both Mississippi and Louisiana.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Through summer heat and winter storms in recent years, state lawmakers have often weighed how to best keep older Texans safe during power outages. Devastation during Hurricane Beryl in 2024 revived the push for more backup power generation and other emergency preparedness efforts.

Dr. Suleman Lalani, D-Sugar Land, said his constituents reported heartbreaking stories about older people left completely alone in independent senior living facilities and complexes during the summer storm.

BACKGROUND: Push to require backup generators at senior living facilities after Texas winter storm

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Abandoned by property managers, and the families feeling misled or betrayed, he told lawmakers on the House Human Services Committee this week. Imagine an elderly grandmother on a fixed income, trapped alone on the fourth floor of a building because the elevators no longer worked.

The committee heard testimony on Tuesday about Lalanis proposal to create a statewide database of emergency preparedness plans for senior living complexes. He said he is particularly concerned with independent senior living facilities, which are not regulated by the state in the same way as nursing homes or assisted living but often market to people ages 55 or 65 and older.

Protecting seniors in storms: Texas lawmakers eye emergency preparedness after Beryl

In an interview last fall about the proposed legislation, now known as HB 863, Lalani told KXAN he believes a database of these health and safety plans could help state and local first responders or emergency management agencies better coordinate their response to these facilities during disasters.

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We are talking about seniors that have disabilities. They have challenges; they have chronic illnesses. We had people with amputations stuck on the third floor. We had people with memory impairment, he told KXAN at the time.

MORE: How many Texas senior living facilities have backup power? HHSC reveals survey results

Carmen Tilton, the Vice President of Public Policy at the Texas Assisted Living Association, testified against the bill this week. She said the bill, as written, directs landlords to do more than they legally can or should. She pointed to parts of the Texas Property Code, that regulates landlord-tenant relationships, and said if landlords are providing a certain level of care to older tenants, they would essentially need to be licensed as a long-term care facility and regulated further by the state.

This is a significant shift in how the Texas legislature has traditionally viewed the relationship between a landlord and a tenant. The expectation in an independent living facility is that the resident is independent. In that independence, it is expected that a resident would manage their own personal needs, even during an emergency event, she said.

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PREVIOUS: Some Austin nursing homes, assisted living facilities still without power

She also noted concerns about a provision in the bill that would also require these independent facilities to have an emergency generator or another source of backup power.

For years, KXAN investigators have followed efforts to require more backup power at places where older people live. Some types of facilities are already required to have a certain amount of backup generation in at least parts of the building, but many previous efforts to increase or expand these requirements have failed. Opponents of these efforts, including Tilton and the association, argue the move is cost-prohibitive and not practical for many smaller homes.

In 2022, Tilton told KXAN investigators, You cant just put forth this mandate and expect everybody to make it, particularly when some of our providers in rural and underserved communities are just barely hanging on.

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RELATED: After Hurricane Beryl, Texas lawmakers push for generators at senior living facilities

She reiterated those concerns in Tuesdays hearing about the impact of increased regulation on an already strained supply of facilities to care for Texas growing older population.

Tilton and a representative from LeadingAge both applauded parts of the bill that aimed to improve communication and assistance to these types of locations during disasters. They said their organizations would be open to working with Lalani.

The bills author insisted the state could not do nothing.

HB 863 is not just a wish or a want. It is a desperate need, he said.

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Apr. 30A Dayton man found guilty of stabbing and killing another man was sentenced to up to life in prison.

Exco Tremarsean Kennedy, 46, was sentenced by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Angelina Jackson to 15 years to life in prison for two counts each of murder and felonious assault, as well as one count of aggravated possession of drugs.

He was also found as a violent offender, so will have to register at the local sheriff's office annually for 10 years.

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The charges stem from the stabbing death of Randall Middleton, 43, July 7, 2024 following an argument.

Just after 10 p.m., Dayton police were called to the 500 block of Deeds Avenue for a stabbing on the sidewalk, Maj. Brian Johns said.

Police found Kennedy on top of Middleton, who had a large laceration on his torso, according to an affidavit filed in Dayton Municipal Court.

"Kennedy told responding officers he believed Middleton was going to stab him, so he (Kennedy) stabbed Middleton first," the affidavit said.

In a sentencing memorandum, Kennedy's attorney said that the victim had a history of violence and was intoxicated at the time of the confrontation, adding that Kennedy was "distraught beyond words" when he learned Middleton had died.

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The judge noted in sentencing documents that murder carries a mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in prison.

The argument was reportedly captured on video surveillance, with the affidavit saying, "During the stabbing incident Kennedy is observed pulling a pocket knife from his person and rubbing Middleton's blood on the knife and throwing the knife into the street nearby."

Middleton isn't seen on the video with a weapon or heard making comments about having a weapon, court documents said. Medics took him to Miami Vally Hospital, where he died, Dayton police Lt. Steven Bauer said.

Kennedy was arrested at the scene early the next morning.

Staff writer Kristen Spicker contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police have identified the 19-year-old who was killed after a triple shooting in the Petworth neighborhood.

On Tuesday, April 29, around 9 p.m., officers responded to the sound of gunshots in the 800 block of Taylor Street, Northwest and the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, Northwest.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Man dies, two hurt after shooting in Northwest DC, police say

Officers found a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy who had been shot multiple times on Georgia Avenue.

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DC Fire and EMS took the man to the hospital, where life-saving efforts failed and he was pronounced dead.

He was identified as 19-year-old Zephaniah Wright of Northeast, D.C.

Another man, a third victim, took himself to the hospital for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Detectives determined that he was injured on Taylor Street.

The shooting remains under investigation.

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Apr. 30From Albuquerque to Denver and as far north as Salem, Oregon, the fentanyl flowed in 2024 as agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration tracked what is being described as one of the largest fentanyl trafficking organizations in history.

The investigation became public Monday after a coordinated DEA takedown of locations in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Oregon, in which agents recovered more than 4 million fentanyl pills, more than $4.4 million in cash, 79 pounds of methamphetamine, along with heroin, cocaine and more than 41 weapons, according to federal records filed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque.

The alleged leader of the organization, Heriberto Salazar Amaya, was picked up in Portland, Oregon, and at least five other defendants are being held in Albuquerque, where a grand jury issued a 12-count indictment against a total of 14 defendants. Charges include conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute and unlawful employment of an illegal alien.

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"Defendants ran a continuing criminal enterprise ... and they did so across a large swath of the United States," states a motion filed by prosecutors seeking to hold the defendants in custody pending trial. The motion, which included drug overdose charts from each of the five states, was granted for three defendants in Albuquerque on Wednesday. Other hearings are expected in the coming days.

"The nature and circumstances of the conspiracy are sobering. The destruction that occurred in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Colorado at the hands of the (Heriberto Salazar Amaya drug trafficking organization) mandate that defendants remain in custody pending trial," the motion states. "Defendants terrorized five states while operating one of the largest fentanyl (drug trafficking organizations) in history."

Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Molzen in Albuquerque, defendants Cesar Acuna-Morena, Vincent Montoya, and David Altimirano Lopez pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Also charged in the April 24 indictment are Bruce Sedillo and David Anesi, who are also being held in custody.

The motion noted that several of the defendants "have direct ties to Mexico and are Mexican nationals." But no further details were released Wednesday.

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The DEA has been investigating the drug trafficking organization since 2024, using physical surveillance, undercover operations, vehicle trackers, financial analyses and wiretaps on defendants phones, court records state.

In its operation, federal prosecutors say, the organization received orders for drugs from customers and dispatched couriers to deliver the orders. The couriers followed daily schedules coordinated by the trafficking organization to make bulk deliveries across several metropolitan areas. The organization operated in Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Nevada, Salem, Oregon, and Layton, Utah.

During Monday's search in Albuquerque, baggies of fentanyl pills were discovered in bins inside a Northeast Heights storage facility. Meanwhile, $300,000 in cash, 365,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, cocaine and 39 weapons, including a high-powered sniper rifle, were seized at a residence associated with Montoya, according to federal court records.
Citi says Edison Internationals (EIX) updated Eaton disclosure preliminarily suggests that Southern California Edisons transmission equipment likely caused the fires ignition. While not a huge surprise, we view this update slightly negatively, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Although Edisons investigation is ongoing and it hasnt concluded that its equipment caused the fire, it is not aware of evidence pointing to another source of ignition, which led it to conclude that material loss is probable, Citi points out. The firm keeps a Buy rating on Edison with an $86 price target The stock in morning trading is down 8% to $54.30.

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Dear Mr. President, we say no to your power grab, and this week people are taking to the streets to protest it. Rallies, marches, town halls, and other direct actions have been increasing over the past month, and today more than a thousand protest events will take place across all 50 states. While organizers tell us the primary focus of Thursdays May Day demonstrations is rallying against the billionaire takeover of the federal government, grassroots opposition is on the rise as Americans feel the ramifications of your policies.

We the people say no to executive overreach and your flagrant amassing of authority by purging thousands of civil servants so you can fill them with zero-sum loyalists or eliminate their positions entirely under the guise of efficiency. We say no to intimidation, to stonewalling court orders, and to flouting the rule of law itself when its not to your liking. Most fundamental of all, we say no evading checks and balances, the very foundation of how our government has operated since the Constitution you swore to uphold was first ratified. Thats not governance, its not making anything great, and we the people say hell no.

We must be active, smart, and resilient in how we fight back and put a stop to these abuses. That means seeing the big picture and where were all headed if we do not resist and speak out. We must also provide a positive vision. Were saying no to many things the Trump administration is doing, but we are also saying yes to making life in the nation actually great.

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We know well that times are hard for a huge number of Americans and that many of us feel disempowered: financially, culturally, geographically, you name it. We know, Mr. President, that you tapped into those feelings during the election  after all, who among us doesnt want their government to be more efficient, who doesnt want to feel safe?  and we know that youre a consummate salesman who convinced 77 million people that your leadership was the countrys best choice even after you finished your last term as a serial-lying, insurrection-raising, Muslim-banning, family-separating, bankruptcy-filing, hush-money-paying, business-record-falsifying, classified-document-stealing, liable for sexually abusing, abortion-ban-producing, twice-impeached, election-subverting felon. Thats impressive.

So too, Mr. President, is your flood-the-zone strategy, a blitz of executive orders, announcements, and a daily assault on rights and governance meant to stun and immobilize those of us who oppose your agenda  a strategy we recognize as a page from the classic autocratic playbook that it is. Putting aside the recurrent onslaught and day-to-day chaos of the administration, the massive amount of money allowed in our politics, and even the horribly bungled implementation of so many of your policy rollouts  firing, rehiring, and keeping government workers in limbo; explosive tariff mania thats jacking up prices, started a global trade war, and is sending the stock market zigzagging downward  lets step back and name some of the things we oppose about the first 100 days of your second term.

We say no to defying the judiciary by selectively disregarding due process as enshrined in the Constitution, arguing that presidents have absolute powers over the executive branch that the judiciary cannot usurp, filing motions to disqualify judges, and calling for the impeachment of those ruling against your administration, all while disregarding court orders that conflict with your agenda.

Demonstrators in L.A. holding signs, flags, and a large Trump balloon flood the streets during the nationwide Hands Off! rally against the president and Elon Musk on April 5, 2025.

We say no to chainsawing the federal workforce and dismantling large parts of the government via a so-called Department of Government Efficiency, no to your gutting the U.S. Agency for International Development and Department of Education, and no to the massive layoffs and reckless firings of essential workers at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Health and Human Services Department, the IRS, FEMA, AmeriCorps, and the Social Security Administration.

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We say no to your shameful efforts to erase transgender identity, so often by hiding behind the fig leaf of religious freedom. We are all your administrations constituents, Mr. President, and ostracizing any of us is an attack against all of us. From blocking new passports for trans and nonbinary Americans to trying to ban transgender people from serving in the military and from your housing trans women in male prisons to erasing trans history and public health data from government websites, we say no.

We say no to withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, the landmark global initiative to address the climate crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions signed by every nation on Earth except Yemen, Libya, and Iran. We say no to your doubling down on fossil fuels, to rolling back fuel economy standards, and to ending requirements that big polluters disclose how much carbon dioxide and other planet-warming gases they emit. We do not approve of your canceling $20 billion in climate grants, ending climate standards on household appliances, and moving to repeal dozens of the nations most significant environmental regulations.

We also say no, Mr. President, to effectively switching sides on the war in Ukraine, blaming Ukraine for starting the war, being deferential to Vladimir Putin, and allowing members of the Cabinet to spout the Russian governments talking points. We say no to walking away from our allies and fostering an adversarial relationship with the European Union. We say no to pledging to retake the Panama Canal, no to insisting that the U.S. will acquire Greenland (which we imagine will go about as well as your endless 2016 promises that Mexico would build and pay for a wall along the southern border), and no to saying that Canada should become part of the U.S. We say no to renaming the Gulf of Mexico and proposing that the U.S. take over Gaza, displacing the entire Palestinian population of the devastated enclave and turning it into the Riviera of the Middle East.

Ill say this for you, Mr. President. When you hate something, you really hate it. While nobody is advocating to keep violent criminal migrants in the country, many of us draw a distinction between civil removal proceedings and criminal prosecutions, and we say no to your firing immigration judges when theres a backlog of cases. But whats really galling is the cruelty, lawlessness, and overreach of your crackdown.

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We say no to deporting anyone without due process. We say no to illegally deporting people from the United States to El Salvador (255 and counting). And we say no to your deporting anyone because of an administrative error, especially to a foreign prison notorious for its inhumane conditions, and then refusing to bring him back even when a court orders you to do so. We say no to your deporting two-, four-, and seven-year old citizens, no to your saying undocumented immigrants shouldnt get trials, and no to insisting that your administration should be able to deport unauthorized immigrants without appearing before a judge.

We also say no to terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the federal government, to blaming DEI for the deadly midair collision over the Potomac in January, and to withholding federal funding from states and districts with diversity programs in their public schools orders that are designed to ensure equal opportunity for all  and we say yes to equal access to jobs, housing, health care, and education for everybody.

When it comes to our nations health, we say no to withdrawing from the World Health Organization (again), no to gutting the National Institutes of Health to the tune of 1,300 fired workers, no to terminating employees and active research grants at the National Science Foundation, as well as your canceling $2 billion in federal research grants that include clinical trials for Alzheimers disease and cancer. These are the things that affect our lives and loved ones. So we are going to keep saying no to extensive staff reductions that include scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Environmental Protection Agency, and no to the Department of Health and Human Services abruptly discontinuing $11.4 billion in state grants used to track infectious diseases and to support mental health services, addiction treatment, and other urgent health issues.

As for institutions, we say no to your freezing, reducing, and eliminating billions of dollars in funding to an ever-widening group of universities in federal grants and contracts because you dont like their politics. Fighting the insidiousness of antisemitism and all other forms of hate is momentous, necessary, and to be applauded, Mr. President. But bullying exceptional schools with lists of demands based on your ideology is unacceptable. We say no to detaining international students, no to sending permanent legal residents to ICE detention centers, no to entering student housing, and no to plainclothes officers physically restraining students before showing their badges, all of which have happened during your campus crackdowns. Beyond universities, we say no to your vengeful targeting of political opponents and threatening perceived enemies including law firms, news organizations, television networks, former officials, and cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center.

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By coming together, being creative, fighting back against your creeping authoritarianism masquerading as American exceptionalism, and insisting on better choices and sorely lacking congressional oversight as we move forward, we the people will indeed ensure the nations greatness, Mr. President.

Watch us as our ranks swell and our protests grow. Listen as our chorus gets louder. Feel how our unity is spreading.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Franklin County Coroners Office said a death investigation is underway after two bodies were recovered from a residence on Flat Creek Road on Wednesday after a fire.

Just after 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, Franklin County Coroner Will Harrod said in a news release that two people were recovered from an early morning fire on Wednesday at a residence on Flat Creek Road in Frankfort.

Officials told FOX 56 that 44-year-old Dustin Fields was arrested for allegedly starting a fire that claimed the lives of two teenage boys and a dog.

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Upon arrival, the Franklin County Fire Department, the Frankfort Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriffs Office found the one-story home completely engulfed in flames. We were immediately made aware that multiple individuals were potentially trapped inside, said Dwayne Depp, chief deputy with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office.

According to an arrest citation, Fields used accelerants to set the fire and was detected by a K9 on his shoes and throughout the home but specifically where the bodies were discovered.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

The sheriffs office said a witness at the scene made it known that not everyone from the building was accounted for.

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I think there was an individual that was on scene that advised how many people lived in the home, and they were not present, Cpt. Daniel Wills with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office told FOX 56.

Investigators wouldnt confirm if there is any relationship between the victims and Fields on Thursday, who is being held in the Franklin County Regional Jail on a first-degree arson charge. But court documents filed the following day note that the victims were his two sons.

I cant answer that at this time, Wills said when asked if Fields owned the home that was on fire.

An arrest citation states that Fields knew the boys were inside, and his statements were inconsistent and conflicted with witnesses.

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Initial autopsies were performed on Wednesday, but final results will not be available for 16 to 20 weeks, the coroner said. The names of the boys have not been released.

This investigation is comprised of multi-agency efforts. Hours and days of testing, collaboration and investigation are necessary, Coroner Harrod said. Although, we believe to know the identifications, we rather rely on scientific facts to confirm identification, age and gender of the decedents. All agencies are working diligently but methodically to form a conclusion to this investigation.

Franklin County authorities said more information about the investigation will be released as it becomes available.

We continue to talk to different people throughout the day. Were continually getting phone calls, people with information wanting to give us, wanting to share, so this is ongoing, Wills noted.

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Leaders said the investigation may result in additional charges.

Fields is held on a $2 million bond and is set to be arraigned at 10 a.m. on May 5.

Matthew Duckworth, Madylin Goins, and Daegiona Wilson contributed to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
The city of DeBary delivered a cease and desist letter to the Volusia County school district, demanding an immediate halt to plans for building a new school on Spring Vista Drive.

We issued the letter to be proactive as Volusia County Schools will be spending a lot of taxpayer money on design, engineering and other preconstruction costs only to realize they cant build a school at the Spring Vista site, said city manager Carmen Rosamonda.

City officials argued Thursday that the proposed site violates Florida law and is inconsistent with DeBarys comprehensive plan. Rosamonda said the proposed K-8 school would negatively impact nearby residential neighborhoods.

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In a strongly worded warning, city leaders said if the district attempts to move forward or break ground, they will escalate the dispute to the City Council and pursue legal action.

School boards are not exempt from local government comprehensive plans, said Rosamonda.

The school district, however, paints a different picture. Officials said DeBary needs additional educational infrastructure, citing a disproportionate number of schools compared to the areas growing student population.

It was purely because it had been a of a lack of options for sites that would accommodate a school, said a representative with Building Tomorrows Schools.

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The district did not comment on the cease and desist letter, stating it was due to pending litigation.

In January, the school board said many DeBary students attend Enterprise Elementary in neighboring Deltona, a campus built in 1960. The district says the aging school is beyond repair and cannot accommodate a rebuild, making DeBary the logical next location.

Rosamonda said an alternative plot two miles away on Buckley Drive does align with the citys development plan.

In January, both parties participated in a four-hour public hearing. City officials ultimately decided to stop the project, and the school district did not appeal the decision, making it final.

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Now, with the cease and desist letter delivered and the city poised for a legal showdown, the fate of the proposed schooland the future of education in DeBaryhangs in the balance.

Rosamonda said if the district continues with plans on the proposed site, he will take the matter to the City Council and recommend legal action.

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A former Pepitos restaurant will be torn down after sitting vacant for many years.

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The Kettering City Council is working with the owners of the decaying former Pepitos on Wilmington Pike to demolish the building in the next month.

City officials said they agree to reimburse the property owners half the cost of demolishing the building and removing the parking lot.

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Ketterings Economic Development Manager Kyren Gantt said the city is making strides to improve the business corridor along Wilmington Pike.

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He said these improvements are made possible through the Facade and Site Improvement Program and the Demolition Grant Program.

The citys Demolition Grant Program can pay up to $50,000 in the cost for demolition. The total cost for the project will be determined after the bid process.

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Huber Heights resident Marsha Burton grew up in Kettering and said fewer restaurants could bring other businesses to the area.

Well, Kettering could get some more shopping. They dont have any shopping, Burton said.

Burton said she sees the former Pepitos demolition as a sign of stability for the area.

The city has acquired a string of parcels along Wilmington Pike and has identified several other parcels to activate for economic development, Gantt said.

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Its April 1952. U.S. troops are dying in Korea, President Harry Trumans popularity is cratering, and steel is the arsenal of democracy. When union leaders threaten a strike, Truman issues Executive Order 10340 and seizes every major steel mill in the country. Now, a bit of alternate history: Before the mills can sue, the White House circulates a memo directing the attorney general to seek sanctions against any law firm that challenges the administration and rolls out firm-specific executive orders threatening to tear up existing defense contracts, yank security clearances, and blacklist any businesses that work with those firms.

The pressure works. Several marquee firms planning to challenge the order stand down; their corporate clients cant risk losing multimillion-dollar government contracts. Public-interest firms that contemplate stepping in are barred from entering government-seized mills to investigate, while their board members and donors weigh the risks of being labeled supporters of subversive organizations. No lawsuit is filed. Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer never reaches the U.S. Supreme Court, and Trumans sweeping claim of wartime power becomes a tool available to all future administrations.

That disturbing alternate history is no longer hypothetical. Todays White House has a strategy to erase tomorrows landmark checks on executive power by punishing firms that would bring such cases in the first place. Specifically, the administration is wielding two separate weapons: (1) a memorandum ordering the Justice Department to pursue sanctions against attorneys who file unreasonable and vexatious lawsuits; and (2) tailormade executive orders that cancel current federal contracts, revoke security clearances, and blacklist the clients of a number of named law firms. If the administration successfully bullies lawyers away from the courthouse, the Constitution wont merely be stretched. It will be sidelined entirely.

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With the Founders emphasis on rigorous judicial review in mind, the White Houses intimidation of law firms is an existential threat to the rule of law. The basic presumption underlying our judicial system is that, to preserve life, liberty, and property, government actions must be testable in an adversarial process where independent judges apply meaningful constitutional scrutiny. If, instead, the president starves the pipeline of litigation, the White House has effectively outmaneuvered the entire system.

Since the Founding, presidents of all persuasions have pressed for new powers or exemptions in the name of war, national security, financial crises, or public health. Sometimes judges insisted on robust evidence and careful alignment with enumerated authority, forcing the executive to justify or scale back the scope of its actions. But in other moments, the courts did little to stand in the wayor worse, rationalized the executives misbehavior. A shameful example is Korematsu v. United States (1944), where the Court upheld the mass internment of Japanese Americans; Justice Robert H. Jackson warned in dissent that the decision sanctioned a principle that lies about like a loaded weapon, ready for the hand of any authority that can bring forward a plausible claim of an urgent need.

When the public cheers the White Houses assumptions of expanding authority, courts can be tempted to acquiesce. Those expansions pile up, decade after decade, shifting the balance of power the Constitution was carefully designed to maintain. The alternative is a tense but necessary clash between the branches, one that has heated up in recent years: The president issues sweeping executive orders, certain federal courts halt or slow down the implementation of those orders, and the White House publicly rails against activist judges. Is that ideal? Certainly not. But this dynamic is still more or less in keeping with the checks-and-balances designassuming the judges stand by their rulings and the president challenges unfavorable rulings through the appellate process.

That friction is hardly new. In 2015, a federal district court in Texas halted President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program, leading the White House to denounce the ruling as an inappropriate obstacle to lawful, commonsense immigration reform. And in Trumps first term, a federal district court judge in Hawaii enjoined portions of his travel ban, a ruling that the president called a ridiculous decision made by a so-called judge.

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Yet for all their fierceness, those fights involved a direct executive-judiciary clash that remained in public view. Litigation was happening. Courts weighed evidence, analyzed arguments, and explained their reasoning. If the White House believed that a broad injunction was truly overkill, it could (and did) ask higher courts to narrow the injunction or expedite the governments appeal. If the White House believed that a lower court decision was wrong on the merits, it could (and did) appeal. Thats how the system is supposed to work. The president can square off with the courts in a public disputeloud and messy, perhaps, but at least visible to the public and shaking, rather than shattering, our Constitutional order.

Now, though, the White House is simultaneously wielding a sanctions memo and issuing firm-specific executive orders that heap additional penalties on any practices that represent the Trump administrations critics. But who decides when vigorous advocacy against the administration becomes frivolous, or whether a specific firm is engaged in dishonest and dangerous activity? The administration, apparently.

The memorandum to the Department of Justice invokes Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, the rule designed to punish truly baseless or bad-faith lawsuits, which imposes a high standard so judges dont chill legitimate legal claims that might be novel or creative. (Courts reserve that remedy for objective abuses of the judicial systemthink of the 2023 Mata v. Avianca fiasco, where lawyers were sanctioned after filing a brief that cited completely fabricated, AI-generated cases.) But dont let that nod to Rule 11 fool you. Courts dont easily grant Rule 11 sanctions, not because judges are too lax, but because they must ensure that only lawsuits without any factual or legal foundation are penalized. By making such determinations and imposing consequences outside the courts, however, the administration is effectively paying lip-service to Rule 11 while avoiding the judicial safeguards that protect ordinary advocacy.

The administrations maneuver is clever, to be sure. A sufficiently intimidated legal industry means no lawsuit, no judicial testing of executive action, no friction with the judicial branch, no losses in court, and more resources for the administration to focus into its other priorities. If enough attorneys bow out, an executive action could become effectively unreviewable. Even the most principled, engaged judge cannot address constitutional questions that never make it into court. Its akin to blocking the main road to the courthouse, ensuring a victory by default. Some large firms, including Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale, have been willing to risk the White Houses ire on principle, but theyre also private businesses that weigh reputational and financial pressures. If the White House threatens to revoke a law firms existing federal contracts and those of its clients for retaliatory reasons, or damage its reputation with clients, those existential threats will be enough for plenty of firms to cry uncleeven if some try to resist.

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Whenever prior administrations even hinted at retaliating against specific law firms, the legal communityand ultimately the administration itselftreated it as an obvious breach of rule-of-law norms. In 2007, for example, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Charles Cully Stimson went on the radio, read aloud a list of law firms representing detainees at the U.S. detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, and suggested that businesses should reconsider working with firms who represent the very terrorists who hit their bottom line back in 2001[.] The backlash was swift: Bar associations condemned the remarks, businesses refused the thinly-veiled call for a boycott, the Pentagon publicly disavowed the statement, and Stimson resigned within three weeks. Today, the episode appears in professional-responsibility casebooks as a warning about unethical government retaliationnot as a blueprint. This White House, by contrast, has converted the same threat into official policy.

As the Trump administrations executive orders rolled out, firms responded in dramatically different ways. Some opted to avoid further confrontation by making deals with the White House, whether preemptively or after being targeted. Critics see these bargains as capitulations to the administrations bullying, while the firms have generally described them as pragmatic measures to avoid existential risks. Skadden Arps, for example, described its preemptive deal as being in the best interests of our clients, our people, and our Firm. Despite those risks, several targeted firms have chosen to fight back in an effort to hold the administration accountable in the open, before a judge, rather than giving in to private pressures behind closed doors. Yet even for these firms, the damage is likely already done: By refusing to strike a deal, wary clients may still walk away, important contracts are still in jeopardy, and firm resources are diverted into litigationconsequences that will linger even if they ultimately prevail in court.

These concerning developments recently stimulated a broad and diverse coalition of civil liberties organizations, including the Institute for Justice (where I work), the American Civil Liberties Union, the Cato Institute, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and others, to submit an amicus brief in support of the law firm Perkins Coies lawsuit against the administration. The brief warns that if allowed to stand, the administrations tactics would chill any law firm from participating in similar advocacy and deprive courts of the expert counsel necessary . . . for a full and fair adjudication of constitutional issues. That result would not just be bad for lawyers, but for every American who might one day try to hold the government accountable through litigation.

In 1788, Anti-Federalist John Lamb warned Alexander Hamilton that any powers entrusted to the virtuous General Washington would one day pass to a far less scrupulous General Slushington. Ultimately, the moral of that cautionary exchange is that the entire nation, including its future citizens, will reap whatever whirlwind we allow to be sown today. The measure one president uses to achieve your preferred outcome today will be in the hands of General Slushington tomorrow. The Founders knew that liberty is not long for a world where independent courts become rubber stamps or presidents can circumvent the judicial system entirely.

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If the judicial citadel is meant to continue guarding personal liberty, judges must have the courage to meaningfully scrutinize government overreach, and lawyers must be free to represent clients of their choosingwithout being singled out for professional annihilation.

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Defense attorneys for a Pinellas plastic surgeon accused of killing a Largo attorney have withdrawn from the case, citing ethical conflicts.

A Pinellas judge on Thursday granted a request by Tomasz Kosowskis attorneys after a hearing. The development is expected to delay Kosowskis first-degree murder trial, scheduled to begin May 19, in the death of Steven Cozzi. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Defense attorneys Bjorn Brunvand, J. Jervis Wise, Amanda Powers Sellers and Debra Tuomey filed a motion to withdraw Wednesday, citing an unspecified ethical conflict of interest. Judge Joseph Bulone granted the motion during a hearing Thursday.

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In a phone interview after the hearing, Brunvand said one factor that prompted the request to withdraw was comments Kosowski made during jail video visits with his mother. The comments, which came to light this week, indicated Kosowski was unhappy with Brunvands representation.

He was giving her instructions about making sure that I dont get paid, about how theyre going to file a grievance against me, how theyre going to sue me, Brunvand said.

When Kosowski was asked in court Thursday if he wanted to fire Brunvand and hire another attorney, he just wouldnt respond to any of that, Brunvand said.

Brunvand told Bulone he had concerns about other issues that prompted the request to withdraw but did not feel comfortable discussing them in open court, so he asked if he could meet privately with the judge without Kosowski present. Kosowski objected to that and said he would waive attorney-client privilege, but Brunvand held firm.

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The judge agreed that the law is pretty clear that, if it potentially hurts the client, I dont have to elaborate on those types of things, Brunvand said.

Bulone then granted the motion to withdraw and set a hearing for May 9. Kosowski now must decide whether he wants to represent himself or hire another attorney.

Even before Thursdays development, it was questionable whether the trial would begin on May 19. Brunvand on Monday filed a motion to continue the proceeding, stating that he and his co-counsel did not have enough time to prepare properly to provide Kosowski with an effective defense.

The motion states that discovery material in the case is very voluminous and not complete.

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While the defense team has been extremely diligent in conducting discovery depositions, reviewing the voluminous discovery and consulting confidential experts based on new experts listed by the state, additional time is required to evaluate the same, the motion states.

Kosowski, 46, is a plastic surgeon who worked in Pinellas County and Miami. In 2023, he was representing himself in a lawsuit he filed over a medical billing dispute. Cozzi represented one of the defendants.

The doctor and the lawyer had faced each other in a series of depositions, some of which reportedly became contentious. After one meeting, witnesses recalled, the doctor accosted the lawyer in a law office restroom.

Cozzi vanished one morning in March 2023 after showing up for work at his Largo office. Surveillance videos showed him arriving at the office but never leaving. He did not call in to a telephone hearing in Kosowskis lawsuit scheduled for that morning, but Kosowski did.

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A fellow lawyer found Cozzis phone and personal items at his desk, where his computer was open to the text of an unsent email. Investigators would find blood in the offices restroom. Videos also showed a person, who detectives believe was Kosowski, entering the law office that morning with a cart and later leaving with a large object on top of it.

Cellphone records, among other evidence, led authorities to charge Kosowski with murder. Cozzis body has never been found.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Commander Jim Phillips spoke with cadets majoring in criminal justice at Marion Military Institute about his time in law enforcement.

Phillips is the commander of the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office Narcotics and Criminal Interdiction Unit. His presentation for the cadets covered a wide range of law enforcement topics, drawing from his experience during his career and current trends impacting Alabama and the nation.

Man charged for spying under mobile home in Fort Payne

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Phillips spoke candidly with students about the highs and lows of his law enforcement career, Alabama state laws and pressing issues such as illegal drugs and the evolving threat of fentanyl.

He emphasized the deadly consequences fentanyl continues to pose and the rate at which it is being found in communities across the county.

We pride ourselves not only in enforcement, but in education, Phillips said. Our unit is relentless in the fight against drugs and human trafficking, but we also recognize the power of prevention. Talking to young adults and students about the real dangers of illegal narcotics is just as important as any arrest we make.

Phillips thanked MMI for the opportunity to speak with future leaders in criminal justice and law enforcement.

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Each chance we get to speak to younger generations is a chance to stop the spread of poison that is being brought into this country and distributed across our state, he said. It was truly an honor to speak to the cadets at MMI.

Phillips also expressed gratitude to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden for his ongoing support.

Sheriff Welden has empowered our unit to do more than just make arrests  hes allowed us to educate, to lead, and to make a lasting impact in our communities, Phillips said.

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Welden commended Phillips for his work and said MMI couldnt have picked a better person to speak to its cadets.

They couldnt have chosen a better person to speak with these students, Welden said. Jim is highly knowledgeable in his field and also possesses the ability in conveying this knowledge to his audience. He has such a passion for his job, and it shows in everything he does.

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Delayed cluster munitions exploded in a forest park area in Kyiv on May 1 following an overnight Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, injuring one woman, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said.

Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko said "about 10 explosions" were recorded near the park, with an additional blast damaging the roof of a residential building.

Tkachenko added that the detonations likely stemmed from cluster munitions scattered by Russian drones, although confirmation will depend on results from an expert examination. Klitschko said the explosions "went off with a delay."

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Sappers, emergency responders, and medics are working at the site, while police units are securing the area to prevent civilian access.

Last month the State Emergency Service of Ukraine warned of Russian drones dropping explosive objects, saying the "risk is extremely high also because the time of explosion of such munitions is unknown."

The overnight attack on Ukraine saw Russia launch 170 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Ukrainian defenses intercepted 74 drones, while 68 disappeared from radar, likely used as decoys to overwhelm air defense systems. The attack was countered using a mix of electronic warfare units, anti-aircraft missile systems, aviation, and mobile fire groups.

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Cluster munitions disperse multiple submunitions over wide areas and pose severe risks to civilians both during and long after attacks.

Their use in populated zones can constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.

Read also: Who are Russias allies, and can Kremlins war machine survive without them?

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EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI)  Dozens of quahoggers took to Greenwich Bay Thursday to assist the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) with transplanting more than 60,000 pounds of the states signature shellfish.

Dave Ghigliotty, vice president of the Rhode Island Shellfish Association, has been quahogging in Greenwich Bay for decades.

Its not a job, its a lifestyle, he said.

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Ghigliotty was one of nearly 60 quahoggers who assisted the DEM with the transplanting process.

Anna Gerber-Williams, a marine biologist for the DEM, told 12 News Greenwich Cove is currently closed to shellfishing due to low water quality.

[The quahogs] have higher levels of bacteria in them, Gerber-Williams explained. Theres not a lot of flushing [in Greenwich Cove], so the bacteria sort of sits.

Greenwich Coves excess bacteria makes the quahogs unsafe for human consumption, she added.

RELATED: Hunt is on for the reason behind RIs declining quahog population

Thats why the DEM has asked the quahoggers to rake hundreds of the clams up off the sea floor. Those quahogs are then brought to designated Shellfish Management Areas and released back into the ocean.

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The water quality is much better [in the Shellfish Management Areas], Gerber-Williams said. It allows the shellfish to depurate and clear out the bacteria.

By the time December comes around and the clams are harvested, theyre safe for human consumption, she continued.

The quahog transplant doesnt come without an incentive. The Narragansett Bay Commission gives the quahoggers $15 for each 50-pound bag of clams.

Ghigliotty told 12 News his haul from Greenwich Cove consists of roughly 50 bags.

After depuration, the quahogs will be put on the market and eventually on someones dinner plate, he said.

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Gerber-Williams said the goal of the transplant is not just to support the shellfish market, but to also bolster the states declining quahog population.

We have a rich history in the quahogging industry in Rhode Island, Gerber-Williams said. It used to be one of the top fisheries back in the day.

Its an industry thats unfortunately on the decline, and thats why we want to keep we want to keep these transplants happening each year.

The DEM regularly offers quahog transplants  both volunteer and paid  throughout the year. The next volunteer quahog transplant is slated for May 15 from 8-11 a.m. in Warwicks Apponaug Cove.

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**Editors note: This article contains graphic descriptions and events that may be disturbing to some.

DEMING, N.M. (KRQE)  A Deming mother accused of physically and sexually abusing her eight children, whose ages range from 16 years old to 6 months, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Monday.

Valerie Cordell, 41, is facing 18 charges, 16 of which are abuse of a child (does not result in death or great bodily harm), one charge of conspiracy to commit abuse of a child, and one charge of criminal sexual penetration in the first degree.

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Albuquerque man convicted in childs murder sentenced on separate federal drug charges

Her husband, Melvin Cordell, 50, is also facing 24 charges, including criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact of a minor, abuse of a child, aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence.

New Mexico State Police began investigating the Cordells in October 2024 after receiving a report from Roswell Police. Their 16-year-old daughter reported the abuse while at the New Mexico National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy, and RPD was alerted.

The 16-year-old told investigators that she and her siblings were forced by their parents to participate in sexual acts with each other in front of adults.

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The teen said she had been pregnant twice, once at the age of 13 and second at her current age, and told investigators that she had unwanted sex with her father and two other adult relatives who live in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to court documents.

Melvin Cordell is accused of performing two at-home non-consensual abortions on the 16-year-old and destroying, changing, or hiding the two aborted fetuses, court documents stated.

The 16-year-old also told investigators that her parents starved the kids as punishment, recalling instances where they were not fed after they called 911 and CYFD visited the property. Officials believe the abuse took place between 2014 and 2024.

In addition to the sexual abuse, the teen said her parents and siblings lived in underground caves made of mud on a 35-acre property on Opatah Drive NW.

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The property was described in court documents as resembling a city trash landfill, as there were buckets of feces, mountains of trash, rotting food, animal skeletons, broken appliances, broken campers, vehicles, and clothes scattered across the property.

Valerie and Melvin Cordell were arrested on Feb. 21, 2025, and remain at the Luna County Detention Center.

Court records show Melvin Cordell is set to be arraigned on May 5.

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.
Enterprise Financial (EFSC) and First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) announced the signing of a purchase and assumption agreement by their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, Enterprise Bank & Trust and First Interstate Bank, pursuant to which Enterprise Bank & Trust will acquire twelve branches from First Interstate Bank. The acquisition consists of two separate franchises, with ten branches in Arizona and two branches in Kansas. The purchase and assumption agreement provides for the transfer by First Interstate Bank to Enterprise Bank & Trust of the facilities and other associated assets of the branches, approximately $740 million in deposits, and certain, mostly commercially-oriented, loans with outstanding balances of roughly $200 million. Upon closing of the transaction, the following branches will become a part of Enterprise Bank & Trust.

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An 87-year-old Democrat is reportedly hoping to nab a top seat on the powerful House Oversight Committee.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has represented the District of Columbia as a congressional delegate since 1991, is currently mulling a run to be the ranking member of the investigative panel, she told Axios.

I may, Holmes Norton told Axios in an interview at the Capitol Wednesday when asked if she would consider succeeding current ranking member, Rep. Gerry Connolly.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced he would be stepping down from the role soon. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Connolly, 75, announced earlier this week that he would be stepping down from the role soon amid a battle with esophageal cancer.

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Holmes Norton claimed she hadnt given it much thought, but confirmed to Axios that she was considering the position.

Holmes Nortons office did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for comment.

Massachusetts Rep. Stephen Lynch, 70, is slated to temporarily fill in for Connolly and serve as an interim ranking member in the meantime. He has expressed his intent to properly run for the role later, with Connollys backing.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) previously ran for the role last year. / Alex Wong/Getty Images

The House Oversight Committee is one of Congress most powerful bodies.

It is an investigative panel that serves to keep the entire federal government in check, including the White House and the entire executive branch. The ranking member job is an important role that sets the priorities for the minority members of the committee, which is currently the Democrats.

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Other House Democrats that are also reportedly eyeing the role include Rep. Jasmine Crockett, 44, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 35.

Ocasio-Cortez previously ran against Connolly for the role last year, before losing by a 131 to 84 margin in December. The fight for the seat spurred an intergenerational and ongoing civil war between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party, spotlighting the partys continuousmany have argued harmfulpattern of favoring its older members whose time has come over its new talent.
WASHINGTON  Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) on Thursday ripped his Republican colleagues for using a sneaky procedural maneuver to block his effort to force an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of Signal, a third-party messaging app, for sharing classified war plans with intelligence officials, his wife, his brother and others.

Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, recently filed a resolution of inquiry directing the Trump administration to turn over all communications related to Hegseth last month discussing an impending military attack on Yemen in a Signal group chat with top intelligence officials, and separately, with members of his family.

Any member of Congress can file a resolution of inquiry; its a tool that lawmakers have for obtaining information from the executive branch. When someone files a resolution of inquiry on a given subject, the committee with jurisdiction over it has 14 days to act on it. If the committee doesnt act, anyone can bring it up on the House floor and force a vote on it.

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Smiths resolution of inquiry never got a vote in the House Armed Services Committee. That meant it was on track to ripen, essentially, by the end of next week, at which point Democrats could force a vote on it.

But late Monday, during a House Rules Committee hearing, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) slipped language into an unrelated resolution that set up the rules for debating five bills on the House floor on Tuesday. Buried in these rules was this provision: Provides that each day during the period from April 29, 2025, through September 30, 2025, shall not constitute a legislative day for purposes of clause 7 of rule XIII (Resolutions of Inquiry).

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) slipped language into a procedural measure aimed at killing a Democratic effort to force an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth using Signal, a third-party messaging app, for sharing classified war planning details in a group chat with intelligence officials and members of his family. House Rules Committee

Translated into everyday language, this provision prevents House members from forcing a vote on any resolution of inquiry until October. When the House voted Tuesday to pass the rules for debating those five bills, they also killed Smiths effort.

Every Democrat voted against passing the rules.

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Smith fumed Thursday about Republicans providing cover for Hegseth, whose use of Signal for sharing classified information wasnt just a stunning breach of national security; a journalist was also mistakenly let into the group chat with top U.S. intelligence officials.

President Trumps national security team risked the lives of U.S. service members and compromising the mission when they shared sensitive U.S. military plans ahead of operations against the Houthis in Yemen, he told HuffPost in a statement.

Mondays Rules vote to block the Resolution of Inquiry I led to get answers so that we could help ensure such a security breach never happens again is a blatant partisan ploy to cover up the incompetence revealed by that failure, said Smith. That incompetence has been underscored by Defense Secretary Hegseth refusing to acknowledge obvious operational security errors or correct course. The impact of that whitewashing threatens to inflict further damage to our national security.

A spokesperson for Johnson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Related...
Democrats newly buoyed by President Trumps steadily sinking approval ratings are stubbornly divided over their resistance strategy and path back to power.

One hundred days into Trumps second term, liberal Democrats on and off Capitol Hill are stepping up their hard-line opposition to the norm-smashing president, advancing aggressive tactics  backed by the partys progressive base  that now include formal articles of impeachment.

Yet such actions are receiving a cold reception from more moderate lawmakers, who want Democrats to focus on the stark policy differences between the parties on a handful of issues  including health care, financial security and consumer costs  that resonate most deeply with voters.

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These Democrats fear wading into an impeachment debate could boomerang back on them, as much as such moves feel popular with a part of the base.

The dynamics have challenged a national Democratic Party thats beginning to see the political winds shift in its favor after a bitterly disappointing November, but still faces nagging disagreements over how best to resist Trump and capitalize on his slide in popularity.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), who delivered the Democratic response to Trumps joint address to Congress earlier this year, has been critical of the progressive response to Trump.

Last week, she said Democrats must shed the public perception that the party is weak and woke.

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The swing state senator has also urged progressives to stop using the term oligarchy when criticizing Trump and his allies, an apparent reference to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs (D-N.Y.) Fighting Oligarchy tour.

Sanders pushed back on Slotkins suggestion Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press, pointing to the massive crowds the tour has drawn.

I think the American people are not quite as dumb as Ms. Slotkin thinks they are, the progressive senator said.

Slotkin is far from alone in her approach.

On Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) appeared on stage with Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to announce a new series of fighter jets for the base. The governor was also photographed hugging the president on the tarmac after he arrived.

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While Whitmers working relationship with Trump can be viewed as a political gamble, Slotkin argued the results were worth it.

I think its going to be controversial no matter what. She went to the White House, she made a specific ask, and she got it delivered, the senator said.

Slotkin also noted that when she was elected to the Senate last fall from Michigan, many cast ballots for both her and Trump.

I wouldnt be here if there hadnt been people who voted for both me and Donald Trump, and my job is to represent the entire state, she said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has gone as far as having guests from the MAGA universe on his podcast, including Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Critics argue the move is motivated by Newsoms future political ambitions.

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Other Democratic governors have taken a more aggressive stance against Trump. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) called for mass protests against Trump during a speech in New Hampshire on Sunday, proclaiming these Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.

Unlike Whitmer, Newsom and Pritzker come from deep-blue states. But all three governors have been floated as potential 2028 presidential contenders.

We cannot be a one-size-fits-all party, especially when dealing with what Donald Trump is doing and the damage he is causing, one national Democratic operative said. Its important that the Democrats continue to find new ways to fight back.

But Democrats have struggled to come up with a concise message 100 days into the administration as Trump and Republicans move at breakneck speed to implement his agenda.

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A part of the problem is that many grassroots Democrats are eager to see their party fight back.

People want to know that somebody is fighting for them, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said. We have never seen such a lawless and corrupt administration, certainly not in my lifetime. So it may have taken us a moment to figure out how to respond to that kind of massive, unabashed corruption.

Democrats are united against Trumps domestic plan for tax and spending cuts, which GOP leaders hope to adopt this summer. But they remain at odds in how to push back against Trumps flood-the-zone strategy of executive actions, even as polls show the president has been weakened with public opposition to his tariff regime.

Divisions emerged, for instance, over how best to approach the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Some Democrats wanted to highlight the episode as an example of Trumps disdain for human rights and legal due process. Others said it was a political mistake to rush to the defense of Abrego Garcia, who had entered the U.S. illegally.

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More recently, the Democrats strategic tensions were on bright display after Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) this week introduced seven articles of impeachment for actions Trump has taken in his first 100 days, including unlawful deportations.

Within 24 hours, the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), had rejected Thanedars gambit as impractical, saying the party would focus instead on highlighting the more unpopular elements of Trumps policy agenda.

A short time later, three of the four House Democrats who had formally backed the impeachment effort removed their names from Thanedars resolution after learning leadership hadnt endorsed it  a signal that even some liberals are wary of feeding Trumps frequent claim, embraced by his supporters, that hes a repeat victim of political persecution.

The voided endorsements quickly drew the ire of progressives outside the Beltway, who accused Democrats of pulling punches in the battle against a president who goes after his political adversaries without apology.

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The divide over impeachment is also evident in the Senate. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), arguably the most vulnerable Democratic Senate incumbent, told a constituent at a town hall last week that he strongly agrees Trump needs to be impeached. Ossoff noted the scenario was unlikely, given Democrats are in the minority.

However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) gave a less direct answer when asked whether he agrees with Ossoff, noting during an interview on CNN its too far away to judge.

Progressive House candidate Kat Abughazaleh, who is running for Rep. Jan Schakowskys (D-Ill.) seat, called Schumers remarks cowardice.

Theyre scared of him, Abughazaleh said. If you want him to stay in power, join the Republican Party.

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By Bo Erickson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Several U.S. Democratic senators introduced a resolution on Thursday to potentially compel a State Department review of human rights issues in El Salvador, particularly concerning the imprisonment of men deported in recent weeks from the U.S.

The resolution calls for a review of human rights in El Salvador, focusing on conditions at a maximum-security prison where migrants deported from the U.S. are being held and potentially having an impact on future U.S. security assistance to the Central American nation.

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The resolution, supported by Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, centers on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who was mistakenly deported from Maryland and remains in a Salvadoran prison. The resolution could potentially result in the termination of security assistance to El Salvador, depending on the report's findings or if a report is not returned.

"If you think we'll forget you violating the human rights of American citizens, you're wrong. We will remember this forever," Kaine said in a warning to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.

Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said: The facts are clear: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a violent illegal alien who abuses women and children. He had no business being in our country and we are proud to have deported this violent thug.

Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, Abrego Garcia's lawyer, said in an email: "The government needs to bring him back and give him a full and fair trial. They can introduce all of this evidence, and he can respond in his own voice."

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To pass in the Republican-controlled Senate, at least some Republican lawmakers would have to side with Democrats and none have signed on as yet to the resolution.

(Reporting by Bo Erickson; additional reporting by Ted Hesson; Editing by Howard Goller)
An engineer works at a cargo port storage yard. Tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump have generated uncertainty about the economy for many businesses and consumers, according to economic forecasters. (Photo by Vithun Khamsong/Getty Images)

Over a buffet lunch Wednesday, a roomful of bankers got a mixed picture of the national economy in the short term. For Wisconsin, the longer term outlook appears more certain, although there may be little comfort from that.

Dale Knapp, chief economist for Forward Analytics, speaks to a Wisconsin Bankers Association luncheon on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner)

Speaking at an economic forecast luncheon hosted by the Wisconsin Bankers Association and the news outlet WisBusiness, part of WisPolitcs.com, Dale Knapp, director of research at Forward Analytics, reviewed the persistent demographic slump that has put Wisconsin on a troubling trajectory for the coming decades.

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That trajectory has been evident already for some 20 years, Knapp said, and it centers on the population bulge from baby boomers  people born between 1946 and 1964. That generation was 65% more numerous than the group born in the previous 19-year period, he said. And the subsequent generations have been about 20% smaller in number or even less.

The baby boom produced an explosion of demand for everything from toys to homes to schools and universities, Knapp observed. Now the last of that generation is passing into retirement, and with smaller populations in the generations that follow there are worker shortages all across the state, Knapp said.

A Help Wanted sign in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner)

Between 2020 and 2040, the working age population, ages 18 to 64, is projected to fall by 15% on average in all but six Wisconsin counties, Knapp said. Automation may pick up the slack in some industries, including manufacturing and possibly fast food service, he suggested.

Immigration is another remedy, Knapp said  but also a challenge given whats going on in the White House now.

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We need to fix the border problem to a degree, Knapp said. If you do that, then maybe you can get the two parties in Washington together and say, OK, we need to fix legal immigration by expanding it.'

Knapps other proffered solution is to invest funds to offer families $16,000 to move to Wisconsin from out of state. With 3,000 families a year, the money could be repaid with the added income and sales tax revenues, and we could fund it forever, he said.

National economic uncertainty

Outlining the current state of the nations pocketbook and its near-term forecast, economist Andrea Sorensen of US Bank in Minneapolis said that the economy is actually doing probably better than most people think.

Thats despite the uncertainty that has ballooned since President Donald Trump took office in January, she said. That uncertainty also looms over the horizon, however.

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The nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP)  the broadest measure of the overall economy  has been growing by more than 2% over the last couple of years through the end of 2024.

US Bank economist Andrea Sorensen speaks at a Wisconsin Bankers Association luncheon Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner)

Data issued Wednesday morning showed GDP shrank 0.3% in the first quarter. Sorensen said that was for an unusual reason, however.

U.S. businesses stocked up on goods from overseas to get ahead of the tariffs Trump imposed after taking office, she said. She attributed the slight first-quarter dip to those imports, because their value is subtracted from GDP.

The GDP estimate released Wednesday is the first of three that will be produced for the quarter, and Sorensen said her economic team believes the next two estimates will be better.

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She views other indicators as relatively favorable.

The national labor market remains strong. Month-to-month employment growth has cooled some since the hiring spikes that followed the economic crash from the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, we still consider it to be quite healthy, she said.

People who have jobs have money to spend, Sorensen said. So as long as the labor market is holding up, we think the economy could be OK.

Consumer spending also remains strong, she said, even though surveys show dramatic declines in both consumer and business confidence.

We know it means people are not happy and they dont have high hopes, Sorensen said. But if were talking recession, that sort of depressed sentiment needs to translate into actual economic activity. And so far, it hasnt. And were not actually sure if it will.

Tariffs are a wild card

The Trump administrations tariff policies, however, remain a major wild card.

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A broad 10% tax on imports that took effect April 5 remains in place with a few exceptions. Tariffs of up to 50% on about 60 countries are on a 90-day pause. An active tariff remains on goods from China  initially 125% and more recently raised to 145%.

Overall thats netted out to a U.S. effective tariff rate  the net tariff on all imports from other countries  between 25% and 30%. Thats 10 times the effective tariff rate of 2.5% a year ago.

This hasnt happened in over 100 years, Sorensen said. The economy is just structurally very different, and we can try to make forecasts and comparisons  and we do all day every day  but we dont know. There is just so much unknown what this will do.

For that reason, economic uncertainty is sky high, she continued. I dont think anyone really knows whats going on.

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Businesses are kind of paralyzed, Sorensen said. How can you make a business investment decision if you have no idea what tariffs are going to be tomorrow, next week, next year?

Some larger employers have already begun announcing plans to reshore work in the U.S. But Sorensen said in response to one audience members question that isnt an option for many smaller employers.

A company that sources products overseas might gain a temporary advantage by returning production to the U.S., she said.

They cant risk making the wrong choice, however, Sorensen said. What were hearing is they dont trust that that tariff will remain in place. So, they cant make the investment decisions to bring production back to the U.S. because they might want to undo it again as soon as policy changes.

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In addition, our supply chains are so intertwined that everything has some input thats imported, she said.

Tariffs will also squeeze low- and middle-income households, where spending takes a larger share of their earnings  households that were already struggling, Sorensen said.

Migration presents another pressure point. Policies to reduce immigration and deport immigrants will hurt some states and some sectors of the economy more than others, she said.

Yet an additional unknown is how the escalating trade conflicts with the rest of the world will affect services  where the U.S. has a trade surplus.

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President Trump has never mentioned that, because he probably doesnt want us to know that, right? It makes trade look a little more fair, but thats not the story he wants, Sorensen said.

So far, other countries havent targeted U.S. services in retaliation for the tariffs it has imposed.

Nevertheless, if countries really want to get us economically, they would go after services, Sorensen said.

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Demonstrate for Democracy organizers will hold a 25-hour "People's Filibuster" to protest President Donald Trump's administration in Murfreesboro May 1.

The event will start at 7 a.m. May 1 and end by 8 a.m. May 2 on the public sidewalk along Medical Center Parkway, organizer Lora Hortert of Murfreesboro said.

The demonstrators will be near the Murfreesboro office of Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais located in the Fountains at Gateway office, residential, restaurant and retail development, Hortert said.

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"We strongly feel this president is violating the U.S. Constitution," Hortert said.

'I think it's asinine': Federal job cuts concern VA Murfreesboro patient, park service visitor at Stones River National Battlefield and cemetery

The demonstrators have concerns about the constitutionality of deportations of immigrants who are "entitled to due process," Hortert said.

Courts should determine if immigrants can be lawfully removed or permitted to stay legally in the United States of America, suggested Hortert, who has worked as a 17-year paralegal and earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

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Previous demonstration: Protesters of Trump plan Murfreesboro 'Stop the Coup March for Democracy' April 5

Demonstrators want Congress to hold Trump accountable

Molly Steen holds signs dressed as clown as she demonstrates with others against US Rep. Scott DesJarlais on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Fountains, near DesJarlais Murfreesboro office.

The demonstrators also want DesJarlais, serving District 4 including Rutherford County, and other members of Congress to use their separation of powers authority to challenge the president.

"They have the power to check him," Hortert said.

The Daily News Journal reached out to DeJarlais office's spokesman Alex Swisher Monday for comment.

DesJarlais offered a recent comment to The Daily News Journal pertaining to the Trump administration decision to revoke visas of six MTSU international students.

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President Trump is fulfilling his promise to fix our broken immigration system," DesJarlais said.

"There are a myriad of reasons why a student visa may be canceled, and the American people hired President Trump to enforce the law  something the previous administration did not do.

Immigration issues: MTSU student body president, US Rep. DesJarlais speak out about 6 student visas being revoked

Demonstrators to read U.S. Constitution

Participants of the People's Filibuster will start with a couple of short speeches, Hortert said, before reading out loud the nation's founding documents.

Readings will include the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution, the oath of office of Congress members, and the Federalist Papers that are essays written by three of the leaders who joined others in crafting the Constitution: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay.

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The idea for the People's Filibuster came from the recent 25-hour filibuster of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, in protest of Trump's administration, Hortert said.

MTSU Constitution Day: Former VP Mike Pence defends certifying Biden's victory in 2020

Organizers hope 50 people will participate in demonstration

Hortert has about 30 participants committed to read in the People's Filibuster so far.

"We're hoping to get up to 50," Hortert said.

Those interested can email demonstratedemocracy@gmail.com or call Hortert at 615-995-9845. She and her 22-year-old daughter, Rachel Hortert, are the main organizers of the People's Filibuster.

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The organizers also have a Demonstrate for Democracy Facebook page for more information.

This is a developing story.

Free speech scholar Nadine Strossen: Rutherford County school board violates law by removing Pulitzer Prize winning novel, "Beloved,' and other books

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Demonstrators plan 'People's Filibuster' against Trump in Murfreesboro
This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com

More than 100 faculty members, staff, and students held a walk-out at Seattle Central College on Thursday as part of a nationwide May Day Day of Action.

Holding signs and chanting, demonstrators said teachers across the system face threats of layoffs and furloughs due to increasingly tight higher education budgets.

The state has not been investing in higher education for decades, Helena Romero, a teacher at Seattle Central College, said. Our allocation models are not equitable. Our taxation models are not equitable, and if we had progressive taxation in this state, we wouldnt be in this problem.

Protesters carried signs opposing Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The demonstration remained peaceful.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Chants of No means no! echoed across the Brooklyn Bridge on Wednesday as hundreds of marchers, clad in denim, turned the city into a platform of support and solidarity for survivors of sexual assault.

Angelina Rosado was among those leading the charge, her voice ringing out alongside fellow survivors and supporters.

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The annual Denim Day event brings people together to raise awareness about sexual violence and protest victim-blaming by wearing denim, a powerful symbol with a global history.

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My story was that I was sexually molested around the age of five or six. It was a family friend, Rosado shared, explaining that she didnt speak about her experience until she was 23.

Like Rosado, advocates and survivors addressed the crowd gathered at Brooklyn Borough Hall before marching together across the bridge to Foley Square. Their stories and presence sent a strong message about the importance of breaking the silence and supporting one another.

It would definitely have a major impact because theyre seeing that we are the face of change, because were bringing light in a place where there is so much darkness, said Angie Martinez, another survivor.

Denim Day began after a 1990s Italian court overturned a rape conviction, arguing that the victims tight jeans implied consent because they were difficult to remove. Outraged, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in protest, sparking a movement that spread worldwide. Since then, wearing denim on this day has become a symbol of protest against harmful myths and attitudes about sexual violence.

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This years event started with speeches and an all-denim fashion show, setting the tone for a day focused on education and empowerment.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Michelle Kaminsky, Chief of the Gender-Based Violence Division at the Kings County District Attorneys Office, emphasized the importance of supporting survivors in the justice system.

So we are very much aware of this. It is part of our education of the community in terms of the cases that we bring in court and how were constantly educating jurors, and challenging belief systems, Kaminsky said.

For Rosado, speaking out marked a turning point. Now the executive director of Sisters In Purple, she leads efforts to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

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My storys gonna help save somebody. What I didnt realize is actually being able to speak it out loud actually freed me even more. And Im able to stand in front of you and say it without crying, Rosado said.

As marchers crossed the bridge in their denim, they said it was more than just a march. It was a powerful message of solidarity.

The message that I have for anyone that is experiencing sexual assault currently or has experienced it in the past is that youre not alone, Rosado said.

If you are a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, visit the Sisters in Purple website.

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Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and the younger son of President Donald Trump, criticized the current financial system as outdated and inefficient, suggesting that cryptocurrency offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative.

What Happened: Speaking this week in Dubai, he warned that traditional banks could become obsolete within the next decade if they fail to adapt.

In a thorough critique delivered during his visit to the UAE, which is an emerging hub for digital currencies, Trump called SWIFT "an absolute disaster."

Trending: Trade crypto futures on Plus500 with up to $200 in bonuses  no wallets, just price speculation and free paper trading to practice different strategies.

He said, "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," in a conversation with CNBC.

"The modern financial system is broken, it's slow, it's expensive," he said. "If the banks don't watch what's coming, they're going to be extinct in 10 years." He argued that decentralized finance allows for private, low-cost transactions and said that the U.S. banking system "favors the ultra-wealthy" and is politically weaponized.

To establish his point about the increasing irrelevance of banks, Trump said: "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.





See Also: Grow your IRA or 401(k) with Crypto  unlock the power of alternative investments including a Crypto IRA within your retirement account.

Why It Matters: Trump's remarks come at a time when major banks like JP Morgan are creating blockchain platforms and crypto services to keep up with the rapid scale of digital transformation. His comments also coincide with increasing regulatory scrutiny of crypto markets after notable episodes of volatility and collapses.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has fashioned itself as a champion of digital currencies, and the Trump family is entangled with initiatives such as the World Liberty Financial and American Bitcoin.

Eric Trump's comments come just ahead of his father's scheduled trip to the Gulf from May 13 to 16, with stops in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The visit will mark the first time a U.S. president has visited the Emirati sheikhdom since George W. Bush in 2008.
DENVER (KDVR)  The place of artificial intelligence in society is a widely discussed and scrutinized topic. Some are concerned with the ethics involved, others are hooked on the idea that it can enhance the world, and others are fearful that Hollywood scenarios of AI takeovers may come into fruition in the not-too-distant future.

While there are no definitive answers and not every person can be satisfied, one Denver company is trying to use the power of AI to help people diagnosed with autism in their journey to find a fulfilling career.

Denver bar named one of North Americas 50 Best Bars

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The Denver-based PhotoPacks.AI, an AI imaging company, partnered with the Autism Society of Colorado to help the autistic individuals in its network develop AI-enhanced, professional-caliber headshots that can be used in employment endeavors.

Getting a job in 2025 is a far cry from the process it took to get one in the past. A 2023 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found that increasing job application rates have increased applicants chances of not receiving a job offer from 38% to 43% over the last four decades.

Gone are the days of walking into a business, handing them a physical copy of your resume and hoping for a follow-up phone call.

Most people can feel the strain of the job hunt, but for those diagnosed with autism, another barrier is piled onto the load, the company said.

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Too often, autistic job seekers are judged before theyre heard, CEO and founder Jeremy Gustine said in a press release. A professional headshot is more than a photo  its a first impression, a boost of self-assurance, and in many cases, a signal to the world that I am ready to work. Were proud to use our technology to highlight the strengths, passions, and humanity of the autistic community.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every 36 children is diagnosed with autism, and a large number of adults with autism face increased barriers to meaningful employment.

The organizations said that through this collaboration, Coloradans on the spectrum can receive personalized headshots that visually reflect their aspirations, while reinforcing their sense of confidence and belonging in the workforce.

PhotoPacks.AI takes a headshot of the subject and then uses AI to enhance the image. The company said this initiative offers a hopeful glimpse into how AI can be used ethically and empathetically to create real opportunity.

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Watch: Heres how Ball Arena changes from Avs rink to Nuggets court

Michael Hardwick, a participant in the program, said that his newly enhanced photo boosted his confidence a lot. Hardwick previously worked as the Disability Policy Coordinator for the Lieutenant Governor of Colorado.

He said that individuals with autism bring deep focus and servant leadership to the workplace.

For more information on the collaboration, visit the PhotoPacks.AI website and the Autism Society Colorado website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (KDVR)  The family of a man who died in a traffic crash on Wednesday says he leaves behind a wife and two young children, one of whom is battling cancer.

Relatives say Brian Licon was hit on his motorcycle Wednesday morning at the intersection of Sheridan Boulevard and West 32nd Avenue.

Wheat Ridge Police say the driver of the other vehicle did stay on scene.

Brian Licon and family. (Courtesy Destiny Garcia)

A cousin said the 25-year-old was heading southbound on Sheridan on his way to work.

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Motorcyclist deaths in Colorado hit an all-time high in 2024: CDOT

When it becomes your own family, it kinda hurts, said Licons cousin, Destiny Garcia.

A posted sign says the speed limit is 35 mph.

He was a really good kid. He was a family man, for sure, said Garcia.

Garcia says they are not receiving much information from authorities. Police are continuing their investigation.

I think its really tragic, the way he had to go, Garcia said.

If you would like to donate to the family, you can visit this GoFundMe.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Denver metro area ranked among the cleanest U.S. cities in a recent study, but the Mile High City was one of the dirtiest in some categories.

Carpet cleaning company Oxi Fresh conducted the study on the 35 largest U.S. metro areas and used the most recent data available from the Census Bureaus American Housing Survey and the Environmental Protection Agency, which was collected from 2019 to 2023

Morrison restaurant named best under-the-radar steakhouse in Colorado: Cheapism

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The study analyzed each metro areas cleanliness across seven main factors: population density, rodents, cockroaches, vandalism, litter, air quality and tap water quality.

The Denver-Aurora-Centennial metro area ranked at No. 8 overall and earned a B grade.

The Denver metro areas population is not as dense as some cities, and the city had a relatively low rate of things like cockroaches, rodents and vandalism, according to the report.

In the Denver metro, 91.9% of homes are free from vandalism or abandoned buildings within half a block. More than half of the cities included in the study had fewer than 90%.

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Only six cities had fewer signs of cockroaches than Denver, where 2.5% of housing units showed signs of cockroaches being inside over the past 12 months.

However, Denver scored among the worst when it comes to air and tap water quality.

According to the report, the Denver metro area only had 78 days when air quality was classified as Good for all pollutants in 2024, including CO, NO, Ozone, PM10, and PM2.5.

Over numerous checks from 2021 to 2023, Denvers tap water had an average of 12.5 contaminants at levels higher than what is considered healthy to drink by the Environmental Working Group. Meanwhile, Detroit recorded an average of 5 contaminants and Baltimore recorded an average of 7. The report shows that 12 cities had more water contaminants than Denver.

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Airbus A380, the worlds largest passenger aircraft, lands at DIA

Here are Denvers data points for the key factors in the study:

Population density: 360 people per square mile

Rodents: 9% of housing units show signs of mice, rats or other rodents inside in the past year

Cockroaches: 2.5% of housing units show signs of cockroaches inside in the past year

Vandalism: 91.9% of homes do not have vandalism or abandoned buildings within a half-block radius

Litter: 88.1% of homes do not have litter, trash or junk on the streets or properties within a half-block radius

Air quality: 78 days in 2024 when the Air Quality Index values were classified as Good for all pollutants

Tap water quality: 12.5 different types of contaminants exceeding the Environmental Working Group health guidelines were detected in drinking water

The cleanest cities were found to be Portland, Seattle and Rochester. At the bottom of the list was New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston and Washington, D.C.

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More information can be found in the full Oxi Fresh report online.

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DENVER (KDVR)  More showers and cooler temperatures move into Denvers weather forecast Wednesday night into Thursday.

Weather tonight: Showers, cool

Scattered showers will continue Wednesday night into Thursday as a cold front moves across the area. Temperatures will fall to around 40 degrees for much of the metro and into the eastern plains.

FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar

Snow levels will drop to around 8,000 feet, so watch for snowfall in the mountains.

Weather tomorrow: Clouds, showers and cooler temperatures

More showers are forecast for Thursday. This, plus a northerly shift in wind, will limit high temperatures to around 60 degrees, which is about 5 degrees below normal for this time of year.

Looking ahead: Dry start to the weekend, more spring showers

Warmer and drier air moves in for the end of the workweek and the start of the weekend. Friday, sunshine will help temperatures climb to the upper 60s, then temperatures jump nearly 10 degrees for Saturday and Sunday.

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Saturday will be breezy ahead of a chance for a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms Sunday.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team

A more active weather pattern moves in for the start of the next workweek. There will be a chance for scattered showers Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by cooler but more seasonal temperatures in the mid-60s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Apr. 30GRAND FORKS  Entities ranging from local businesses to the Department of the Air Force have cut ties with Bruce Gjovig since a Friday report documenting the entrepreneur's email exchanges with convicted former state Sen. Ray Holmberg.

A Department of the Air Force spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that Gjovig is no longer an Air and Space Force Civic Leader. Civic Leaders are community members selected by the Air Force Chief of Staff who serve as unpaid advisers and liaisons between the Air Force and communities with a significant military presence.

Gjovig, who was appointed to the role in 2016 and most recently held emeritus status with the program, is no longer affiliated with the Civic Leader program as of Monday, the spokesperson said.

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Gjovig

was honored with the department's Distinguished Public Service Award

last year.

Grand Forks' convention center, its principal health care provider, the nearby aviation park and the operators of the Olive Ann Hotel are also among the entities that have ended their association with Gjovig in the past few days.

Gjovig told Mayor Brandon Bochenski he is stepping down from the city's Base Retention and Investment Committee, the mayor shared with the Herald on Wednesday.

On Friday, a report from The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead

detailed email exchanges between Gjovig and Holmberg

in 2009 and 2011 where Holmberg boasted of his sexual exploits and at one point stated "no one is ever (too) young," a phrase referenced by prosecutors during the senator's sentencing hearing.

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Holmberg, who represented Grand Forks as a Republican in the North Dakota Senate from 1977 until his resignation in 2022, was

sentenced to 10 years in prison

last month for traveling to Prague multiple times between 2011 and 2016 with plans to sexually abuse children.

GrandSky Engagement Director Scott Meyer said Tuesday the aviation park is cutting ties with Gjovig in light of The Forum's report.

Gjovig was closely associated with efforts to develop the city's unmanned aerial systems industry and served as an unpaid "strategic adviser" for the aviation park.

"The abuse of children is appalling, which makes the recent release of Bruce Gjovig's correspondence so disheartening," Meyer said. "We believe it's best to end any relationship with him in light of these revelations."

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Gjovig has said through his attorney, Cash Aaland, that he was unaware of the "criminal nature" of Holmberg's sexual activity and was "appalled" to learn of the former state senator's conduct.

"As a gay man and a Republican, Mr. Gjovig has been an easy mark for political and media attacks,"

read a Sunday statement from Aaland.

"Holmberg created the biggest political scandal in recent North Dakota history. Mr. Gjovig condemns Holmberg's conduct. However, there are always those who, with rumor and innuendo, attempt to exploit scandals for sensational and political reasons."

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Since the publication of the Forum story, several Grand Forks businesses that displayed artwork from Gjovig's personal collection have taken down the art or removed public references to their display.

Landon Bahl, vice president of 322 Hospitality Group, said that Gjovig's artwork is no longer being displayed at the Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea in the Olive Ann Hotel as of Saturday.

"Due to recent news, we decided to make that decision," Bahl said.

Sweetwaters previously

displayed four pieces of original artwork

used in Cream of Wheat advertisements between 1913 and 1924. Wheat millers first manufactured the porridge mix in Grand Forks in the late 1800s.

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322 Hospitality Group owns and operates the downtown hotel.

Altru Health System spokesperson Ken Hanson wrote in a text message to the Herald that the health care provider had begun the process of returning Gjovig's art "in light of recent, very concerning developments."

Art from Gjovig's collection had previously been displayed at the Altru Professional Center at 4440 S Washington St.

"Altru is committed to fostering a space of healing and respect for all," Hanson wrote.

The Alerus Center, the city-owned event and convention facility, has taken down its webpage promoting the Bruce Gjovig Collection, a gallery of Gjovig's private collection and a rotating gallery of works from local artists displayed at the Alerus Center's conference center.

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General Manager Anna Rosberg wrote in an email to the Herald that the Alerus Center had an agreement with the Public Arts Commission to display the art and did not have a formal relationship with Gjovig. She said the gallery had previously been scheduled for removal this week in advance of a remodel of the conference center and "the future of the public art gallery will be assessed post-renovation."

The Public Arts Commission wrote in a Tuesday evening email to the Herald that Gjovig's art had been removed from the Alerus Center as of that day. It said Gjovig had not served on the commission's board for several years and had not provided financial support since then, "nor has any association with the Public Arts Commission."

The commission released a public statement late Wednesday afternoon saying it is working to remove art from Gjovig's collection from its permanent galleries.

University of North Dakota President Andy Armacost

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told UND community members in a Tuesday email

that he was "sickened" by Holmberg's actions and "the inaction of those who had direct information about his misdeeds."

"Information shared in these recent reports mentions several former UND employees connected to Holmberg," Armacost said. "While they have not been accused of criminal action, we will ensure that they have no connection to our university community."

Gjovig founded UND's Center for Innovation in 1984 and served as its CEO until stepping down in 2017.

Dakota Venture Group, UND's student-run venture capital fund affiliated with the Center for Innovation, has scrubbed references to Gjovig from its website. Gjovig co-founded the venture capital fund in 2006 with investor Bart Holaday and served until recently on the fund's advisory board.

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Jim Poolman, a Fargo businessman and former Republican lawmaker,

resigned his position as board chair of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation

on Tuesday after acknowledging federal agents interviewed him about Holmberg in September 2023.

Poolman, who has not been charged with a crime, said he has heard nothing from investigators since that interview. He said he resigned because he doesn't want to be a distraction.

On Saturday morning, Grand Forks Herald Publisher Korrie Wenzel

ended the newspaper's relationship

with Gjovig, who for years had served as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce's Herald Business Advisory Committee. The group meets quarterly to discuss business news and trends in the community and region.

Gjovig

resigned from the committee on Monday.
Heidy Sanchez was so distraught that she got on the rooftop of a house in Havana to get Wi-Fi connection and send her daughter a bedtime lullaby via WhatsApp.

The Tampa-area mother was deported to Cuba last week without her 17-month-old U.S.-citizen daughter, who has a history of seizures and was still being breastfed, she and her lawyers told NBC News.

My daughter tells me over the phone, Come, mama. And when she cries, she just keeps saying, Mama, mama, mama. Its overwhelming ... I cant even sleep at night, Sanchez said by phone from Havana.

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Sanchezs case illustrates the stepped-up pace of deportations of immigrants who dont have criminal charges or convictions, even though President Donald Trump said during his election campaign the focus would be on deporting violent criminals.

Heidy Sanchez with her daughter.

Sanchezs deportation occurred around the time two other mothers were deported to Honduras with their U.S. citizen children, including one with stage 4 cancer. In those two cases, attorneys have said the mothers wanted their children to stay in the U.S. but were not allowed to make the arrangements.

In the case of Sanchez, she said everything happened very fast. They never gave me the option to take my daughter, said Sanchez. Her attorneys said the same.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment on the case, but the administration has said in previous comments that deported parents have been given the choice to take their children or not.

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Sanchez said her daughter starting having seizures three months ago and is seeing a neurologist in the Tampa area. Her daughters bedtime routine consisted of breastfeeding, lullabies and then sleeping together in bed.

Now her daughter just cries, Sanchez and her husband, Carlos Valle, said in separate interviews. Valle, who's a naturalized U.S. citizen, remains in Tampa with their child.

Sanchez was scheduled to check in at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Tampa on April 30, but her appointment was bumped up, her Miami-based attorney, Claudia Canizares, said.

Sanchez went to the appointment with her daughter and Canizares associate in Tampa, while Valle, Sanchezs husband, waited outside because he was not allowed in the room.

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At the appointment Sanchez was informed she was being detained and she needed to arrange for someone to pick up her child. According to Sanchez and the attorneys, Sanchez started crying, saying she couldnt leave her baby. The officers told her the child could visit her in Cuba.

Heidy Sanchez and her daughter.

The child was handed to the attorney who was in the room and she carried her outside to her father. According to the attorneys, the officers didnt let Sanchez say goodbye to her husband or give the baby to him. When Valle asked if he could say goodbye, they told him no and said he had to leave.

Valle said he does his best to console his daughter. He has reached out to members of Congress seeking help to bring Sanchez home.

Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla. sent a letter to Trump, which was shared with NBC News, asking for the return of Sanchez to the U.S.

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Valle will meet with Castors office on Friday.

The office of Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., responded with a letter, viewed by NBC News, which stated that our office is unable to assist you in this legal matter and suggested Valle speak with a private attorney.

Canizares said she was given the run-around when she found out Sanchez had been detained on Tuesday and was working to file a stay of removal on humanitarian grounds so she wouldnt be deported.

Its very taxing and very overwhelming, Canizares said, adding she couldnt contact Sanchez or confirm her exact whereabouts. She said when her firm went to file documents on Thursday she was told Sanchez had already been removed from the country, though she thinks she was still there and deported later.

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Its very scary because we have rule of law, and as an attorney I have to abide by those rules, said Canizares. But if the government is not abiding by those rules, then what can I do?

Sanchez applied for U.S. asylum in 2019 during Trumps first administration. Under his Migrant Protection Protocols, asylum-seekers had to wait in Mexico for their hearings in U.S. immigration court.

Heidy Sanchez said she worries most about her daughter, as "she's the most affected one."

Sanchez said she missed her scheduled hearing in the U.S. because at the time she was required to wait in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she said it was too dangerous to cross the international bridge at 4 a.m. Because of her missed hearing, she was ordered deported in absentia. But she later went to the port of entry and was allowed into the U.S.; she was placed in detention for nine months and later released under ICE supervision with regular check-ins.

Sanchezs husband is a naturalized U.S. citizen who is also from Cuba. He was in the process of trying to get Sanchez a green card.

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Canizares is considering requesting humanitarian parole for Sanchez, though she acknowledged its going to be a stretch, because she has an order of removal that's already been executed. Other processes being considered are complex and could take years.

The only thing we are asking for is to be reunited once again, said Sanchez. Were not asking for money. Were not asking for food ... our daughter is suffering. She is the most affected one and that scares us. We hope this message reaches the pertinent people.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services was at the Capitol on Wednesday, answering questions about millions in unused pandemic dollars.

Commissioner Allie Friesen has been in the hot seat for quite some time, surrounding funding and possible cuts to services.

The Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) released its findings concerning the finances of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services on Monday.

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LOFT executive director, Regina Birchum, testified in front of House lawmakers after she said she spent the past six weeks wading through the departments budget.

I believe that the agency does need a new budget, one that reflects reality, said Birchum.

On Wednesday, the Senate Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding met to review projects that have received funding, assessing their progress and performance.

Several agencies spoke up in front of the committee, but the only one that seemed to have encountered problems was Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

This is no surprise to anyone in this room that the conditions at the memorial have needed attention for a very long time, said Commissioner Friesen to the committee when discussing Griffin Memorial Hospital.

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LOFT shares findings of Dept. of Mental Health investigation with lawmakers

The agency said that they were scrapping the plans for the Donahue Behavioral Mental Health Center in the metro, that it was overbudgeted, and that they might come back to it later.

Having the central location in the metro area is very bad when we are facing significant workforce shortages, as youre acutely aware, said Commissioner Friesen.

They were asking that the funding they received from ARPA go to Griffin Memorial and an alternative location for the center.

Given the exorbitant funding gap that would pose and the burden on taxpayer dollars, we did not want to, said Commissioner Friesen.

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Commissioner Friesen said that it was over budget by about $125 million, and the timeline was nowhere near being able to be completed by next year.

The problem of overbudgeting was seen after LOFTs recent report, where they found that the agency over-budgeted around 115 projects. The Donahue project seemed to be one of those.

They had gotten approved originally for around $87 million in ARPA funds, they asked that the money be reallocated to a new site.

The new reallocations would be around $50 million from the ARPA funds.

It was announced that around $6.4 million had already been spent, but that they dont know the exact estimate.

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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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Amid controversy over its finances, the embattled Hope Florida charity will expand into public schools, with two Central Florida school districts the first to take part, Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced this week.

Public schools in Lake and Orange counties will train Hope Florida liaisons as part of a Florida Department of Education pilot program, DeSantis said Wednesday at Fruitland Park Elementary School in Lake.

Theres been a lot thats been done, a lot of positive momentum, but we want to keep it going, Gov. DeSantis said of Hope Florida.

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Hope Florida, the passion project of Casey DeSantis, aims to get needy residents off welfare by connecting them with services provided by private organizations.

Its not really a program as much as its a philosophy, DeSantis said.

However it is described, Hope Florida has been embroiled in controversy this spring  one that consumed much of the Legislatures current session  about how it ended up with $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement and how much of that money was later funneled to a political action committee. Some lawmakers also raised doubts about how many people the organization actually helped as it has not provided any firm data.

In public schools, the new Hope Florida liaisons, DeSantis said, will serve as a dedicated person on staff who can act as a point of contact for Hope Florida resources for students, parents and staff, helping them connect with local charities and faith-based organizations.

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DeSantis said Orange County Public Schools had started the training program with a liaison in every school.

School staff have always collected information on community resources and provided that to families in need, said OCPS spokesperson Michael Ollendorff in an email. Once staff is trained, they will also connect families to Hope Florida navigators, he said.

Sherri Owens, spokeswoman for Lake schools, said the liaisons were not paid positions but instead an additional responsibility assigned to an existing staff member, usually a mental health liaison or counselor by each school principal.

They have received a training video to watch, but there are some additional materials they will receive as well, Owens wrote via text.

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Florida lawmaker shelves Hope Florida investigation  for now

Hope Florida, once thought of as a platform for a potential gubernatorial run by Casey DeSantis next year, has instead this spring faced an investigation by the Republican-led House.

Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, looked into $10 million the Hope Florida Foundation received as part of a $67 million Medicaid overpayment settlement agreement Florida made with Centene Corp., a managed care contractor.

Hope Florida then donated that money to two dark-money groups  so called because they do not have to identify their contributors  that then donated $8.5 million to a political committee, set up by now-Attorney General James Uthmeier, which helped DeSantis defeat last Novembers ballot initiative to legalize marijuana.

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Andrade said he has evidence Uthmeier and Orlando attorney Jeff Aaron engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. Both have denied wrongdoing.

The investigation was shelved last week when two nonprofit executives were no-shows when called to testify before the Legislature, though Andrade said he thought the U.S. Department of Justice should now take it up.

DeSantis called the investigation political when he spoke at the elementary school. People smear what they fear, and if Hope Florida represents a threat to their worldview, theyre going to go at it if the First Lady represents a threat, potentially, to what theyre doing.
Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, fields questions from reporters at the state emergency operations center in Tallahassee in advance of a winter weather event on Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the Department of Homeland Security to grant the states emergency management agency authority to temporarily house immigrants detained for deportation.

The governor floated this idea during a press conference with federal immigration officials, praising Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, for his ability to move resources during hurricanes.

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DeSantis and officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection claimed a large-scale operation, nicknamed Tidal Wave, in the state last week resulted in 1,120 arrests.

We have the capacity to set it up quickly, but were not going to do that without the approval of the Department of Homeland Security, and I know theyre working on exactly what they want to do after Tidal Wave. This is what they have focused on, DeSantis said at the ICE office in Miramar.

So, Kevin Guthrie, Division of Emergency Management, they can actually absolutely do that, and that could be potentially a short-term support for the lack of space that the feds may have.

Guthrie attended the press conference but didnt speak. The emergency agencys X account posted that its staff participated in Operation Tidal Wave.

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Another idea DeSantis pushed for is to deputize military judicial officials within the Florida National Guard to act as immigration judges under the U.S. Department of Justice.

Those plans are not new, though. Larry Keefe, executive director of the new State Board of Immigration Enforcement, initially talked about them in a public meeting in March. Keefe, who organized Gov. Ron DeSantis migrant flight from Texas to Marthas Vineyard in 2022, views involvement by DEM as essential to enacting President Donald Trumps promise of mass deportations.

Orlando Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani criticized the idea of DEM housing immigrants when Keefe first mentioned it publicly.

FDEM should be focused on responding to hurricanes and natural disasters  not engaging in immigration enforcement, Eskamani said. I will also add that the main beneficiary of this concept will be the for-profit private prison industry, who will receive our tax dollars to hold individuals without due process.

Overcrowding at ICE centers

ICE already faces overcrowding in Florida detention centers. Immigrant-rights groups, detainees, and Democrats have raised alarms about conditions at detention centers in Miami and Pompano Beach.

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Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old from Haiti, died in ICE custody on Friday, according to a Tuesday announcement from ICE. Her cause of death is under investigation.

Meanwhile, ICE acknowledged a temporary structure at the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami that Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson described as a tent city that could house 400 people. Wilson and Democratic U.S. Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick announced plans for a visit Friday to the Pompano Beach ICE center.

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The Trump administration has named overdose prevention among its top drug policy priorities, but a preliminary budget proposal that was recently leaked suggests that it would cut about two dozen substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.

In a document published last month by the presidents Office of National Drug Control Policy, the first strategy listed under the first objective reads: To combat the drug crisis and the opioid epidemic, largely driven by fentanyl, the Administration will expand access to overdose prevention education and life-saving opioid overdose reversal medications like naloxone.

However, among the potential cuts listed in the budget proposal in April was a program that directly expands access to naloxone: a $56 million annual grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, that helps distribute kits and trains first responders and others on how to use them.

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In fiscal year 2023, the First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, or FR-CARA, program distributed more than 101,000 opioid overdose reversal medication kits and trained nearly 77,000 people on how to administer them, according to a budget request document from SAMHSA. Plans for fiscal year 2024 raised that goal to distributing 130,000 kits and training tens of thousands more.

Spokespeople from the White House Office of Management and Budget and the US Department of Health and Human Services said that no final decisions have been made about the upcoming fiscal budget, including potential cuts to the naloxone program. A reorganization at HHS will consolidate SAMHSA under the new Administration for a Healthy America, an effort that the agency says is meant to more efficiently coordinate chronic care and disease prevention programs and harmonize health resources to low-income Americans.

But advocates worry that the loss of a key part of the strategy to address the overdose epidemic in the US could set progress back.

Naloxone - the antidote to an overdose - saves lives every day and naloxone distribution programs have been part of the federal governments overdose response for over a decade, Regina LaBelle, director of the Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at Georgetown University, said in an email to CNN.

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The Administration recently renewed the opioid public health emergency but at the same time its calling for the elimination of programs that are working to bring down overdose death rates. These actions make the emergency declaration ring hollow and worse still, if the programs are eliminated, will have serious negative impacts on communities nationwide.

The Cherokee Nation has received about $1 million through the FR-CARA grant, which it has put toward the tribes harm reduction program. It estimates that 25,000 kits with Narcan  one of the brand names of naloxone  have been dispersed to law enforcement, schools and communities in northeastern Oklahoma.

With this grant we also trained law enforcement officers, emergency management services and firefighters in our Cherokee Nation Reservation training to dispense Narcan, and armed them with Narcan to save lives when they roll up to the scene of an overdose. We know it has saved hundreds of lives not only Cherokee citizens, but Oklahomans, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in an email to CNN. All of these agencies could not afford Narcan if we did not provide it, so we are hopeful the grant continues because we know its powerful and effective.

Annual overdose deaths have dropped about 23% since reaching a peak in mid-2023, according to provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts have said that the decrease is probably the result of a wide range of persistent efforts starting to make an impact  including expanded access to naloxone.

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Despite the hopeful trend, more people are dying from overdose now than before the Covid-19 pandemic, and experts say its not the time to be complacent.

Ive been working on this issue for almost two decades, and Im very scared at whats going to happen and what lies ahead, because its not just about getting rid of bureaucrats, its about undermining the entire system weve spent decades building up, LaBelle said. Im really afraid of going backwards.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has talked about his own 14-year heroin addiction and recovery but has generally focused on the importance of preventing addiction through faith and community.

At a drug summit in Nashville last week, Kennedy called addiction a source of misery but also a symptom of misery. He emphasized that young people need a sense of purpose in their lives to prevent them from turning to drugs  even suggesting that banning cell phones in schools could help decrease drug addiction.

He did not address recent cuts to HHS that many fear could jeopardize public health, including overdose prevention.

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By Anna Peverieri and Alban Kacher

(Reuters) -Europe's top steelmakers showed more resilience than expected in their first-quarter earnings, but warned that global trade tensions, weak European prices and market volatility are clouding the outlook for the rest of the year.

ArcelorMittal, which reported on Wednesday a smaller-than-expected drop in its quarterly core profit, flagged trade disruptions as a risk to its 2025 steel demand forecasts, particularly in the U.S. and China, sending its shares down more than 5%.

"Heightened uncertainty around the terms of global trade is hurting business confidence and risks causing further economic disruption if not quickly resolved," the CEO of the world's number two steelmaker Aditya Mittal said, echoing concerns raised by Swedish rival SSAB.

SSAB, which also reported a smaller-than-expected drop in earnings on Tuesday, said the proximity of its facilities to customers, and specialised products helped cushion the immediate impact of new U.S. tariffs, but warned of a "more uncertain than usual" second-quarter outlook in its steel division.

The results of Luxembourg-based steel group Aperam also came slightly above expectations on Wednesday, which it credited to higher volumes in Europe and the contribution from the consolidation of its U.S.-based business.

Aperam, which makes stainless and speciality steels and alloys, operates mainly in the EU and Brazil, and has limited exposure to the U.S. market.

The group warned that pricing pressure would weigh further on its earnings in the second quarter, though it should improve compared to the previous three months' performance.

However, its admission that it was difficult to provide an outlook for the quarters further ahead sent its shares down in early trading.

"Reliable projections for the remainder of the year are challenging in the current volatile environment," group CEO Timoteo Di Maulo said.

According to Oddo-BHF analyst Maxime Kogge, second quarter could bring some relief with trade restrictions expected to lift prices, European players further reducing their exposure to China, and restructuring efforts paying off.

However, a mix of high energy costs, competition from cheap Chinese producers and higher tariffs on exports to the United States loom large over the European steel industry at a time when the global market already grapples with excess capacity.

"Global steel excess capacity is expected to continue rising, (...) fuelled by cross-border investments by Chinese steel companies," the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said in a report earlier this month.
The estranged husband of an Australian woman accused of triple murder with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington told a court on Thursday he declined an invitation to the lunch because he felt uncomfortable about it. The jury also heard that the woman invited her guests over to tell them she had cancer  but prosecutors said she did not actually have the disease.

Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with three murders  of the parents and aunt of her estranged husband. She is also charged with one attempted murder.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all counts, with her defense saying the fatal beef-and-pastry meal, laced with death cap mushrooms, was the result of "a terrible accident."

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On the second day of a trial that has drawn global attention, the accused woman's husband, Simon Patterson, described seeing his parents in the hospital after they had been poisoned.

"Dad was substantially worse than mum. He was really struggling," he told the court.

"He was lying on his side, he was hunched," Simon Patterson said, adding that his father's face was "really discolored."

"He wasn't right inside, he was feeling pain," he said.

Erin Patterson looks on in Melbourne, Australia, April 15, 2025. / Credit: James Ross/AP

Simon Patterson had been invited to the lunch in late July 2023 at his wife's home in the sedate Victoria state farm village of Leongatha. But he told the court he declined, texting her that he was "uncomfortable" with the invitation.

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She urged him to reconsider, saying she had cooked a "special meal" and spent a "small fortune" on beef eye fillet.

"I hope you will change your mind," said her text, read to the court. "I hope to see you there."

Woman claimed she had cancer, prosecutors say

Erin Patterson had invited the guests under the guise of telling them about a health issue, the court heard.

Simon Patterson did not turn up to the lunch but his parents, Don and Gail Patterson, did, along with his aunt Heather Wilkinson and her husband, local pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Within days, Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson were dead. Ian Wilkinson, the pastor, survived after nearly two months in the hospital.

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During the lunch gathering, Erin Patterson said she had cancer and asked for advice about how to tell her two children, crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers has told the court. Medical tests later found no evidence she had the disease, according to the prosecutor.

The four guests developed diarrhea and vomiting within 12 hours of the meal and were raced to the hospital. They were diagnosed by treating doctors with poisoning by death cap mushrooms.

At the hospital, Simon Patterson said his father informed him of his wife's claimed cancer diagnosis, of which he had not previously heard.

His parents were "really strong" in encouraging the couple to resolve their marital issues, he said.

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Simon Patterson told the court his wife "got along well" with her father-in-law as they "shared a love of knowledge and learning and an interest in the world."

"I think she loved his gentle nature," he said.

Simon Patterson and his wife separated in 2015 but maintained a good friendship, even going on holiday with their children together.

By 2022, things had become tense and conversations were mostly limited to logistics involving the children, he said.

Erin Patterson was a "devoted mother" to their children and supported their involvement in a variety of activities, her husband said.

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The prosecutor says she deliberately poisoned her guests and avoided consuming the death caps herself.

Instead, it is alleged, she pretended to be suffering from similar symptoms to cover up that she had not eaten the mushrooms.

A police officer and dog investigate at the property of Erin Patterson in Leongatha, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. / Credit: James Ross/AAP Image via AP

While the jury might wonder about the reason, "motive is not something that has to be proven by the prosecution," Rogers said at the outset of the trial.

Erin Patterson's lawyer, Colin Mandy, told the court the poisoning was a "tragedy and a terrible accident." She ate the same meal with death cap mushrooms but did not fall as sick as her guests, Mandy said.

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Patterson is being tried in the Latrobe Valley Law Courts in Morwell, south of Melbourne. Justice Christopher Beale urged the jury to "dispassionately" weigh the evidence in the case, using their heads and not their hearts, the BBC reported.

The trial is expected to last about six weeks.

Poisonous mushrooms

Police say the symptoms of the four sickened family members were consistent with poisoning from wild amanita phalloides, known as death cap mushrooms.

Death cap mushrooms sprout freely throughout wet, warm parts of Australia and are easily mistaken for edible varieties. They reportedly taste sweeter than other types of mushrooms but possess potent toxins that slowly poison the liver and kidneys.

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Death caps are responsible for 90% of lethal mushroom poisoning globally, the BBC reported. In 2020, a spate of poisonings in Victoria killed one person and hospitalized seven others.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that Erin Patterson had written in a statement that she had cooked a Beef Wellington steak dish for the lunch using mushrooms bought from a major supermarket chain and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery store. She wrote that she had also eaten the meal and later suffered stomach pains and diarrhea.

Her children, who were not present at the lunch, ate some of the leftover beef Wellington the next day, the BBC reported. The mushrooms had been scraped off the dish as they do not like them, she said.

Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

Sneak peek: The Bathtub Murder of Kendy Howard

Extended interview: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on deportations involving children and more
On the morning of April 28, several respected Black clergy in our city stood beside Mayor Mike Duggan in support of his campaign as an independent candidate for governor. Two weeks earlier, at the Detroit Free Press' Breakfast Club forum, the mayor, when asked why he left the Democratic Party, said that the party left him.

As someone who has spent decades fighting within the Democratic Party to secure justice, equity, and opportunity for Black communities, I must ask my beloved friends in the ministry: Are you sure the Democratic Party left you, too?

This isnt an attack  its an invitation to reflect. The Democratic Party  flawed though it may be  has long been a vehicle for our peoples progress. Through the party, we fought for and won civil rights, voting rights, affirmative action, fair housing and access to education and health care. It gave us a voice at the table of power, even when others tried to keep us off the guest list entirely.

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Many of the preachers now standing with an independent candidate played a critical role in achieving those victories. I respect that history, but I also recognize the risk of forgetting it.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he feels like the democratic party left him as he describes his run for Michigan Governor switching his party affiliation to independent as he speaks to Carol Cain who hosts the Detroit Free Press Breakfast series at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham on Monday, April 14, 2025. The Past, Present and Future of Detroit: A conversation with Mike Duggan, as part of the 2025 Breakfast Club speaker series presented by PNC Bank and Henry Ford Health.

Reform the party, don't leave it

Duggan and his family have undeniably benefited from the Democratic Party. His son even held a leadership role in Vice President Kamala Harris campaign. So it is worth asking: What does it mean when we support a candidate who now turns away from the very party that helped him  and helped us  build pathways to leadership?

This isnt about loyalty to a party line. Its about accountability to the people who are still fighting for basic access to jobs, credit, quality schools and affordable housing. What message are we sending to the young organizers, single parents, seniors and entrepreneurs who still believe the Democratic Party is their best shot at the American Dream?

To be clear: No one speaks for all Black people. Not me. Not any pastor. But I will not stay silent as the narrative shifts. The Democratic Party hasnt abandoned Black Detroit. Many of us are still here  reforming it, challenging it and pushing it to deliver on its promises. Thats real power: staying in the room, not walking out of it.

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Lets not confuse frustration with abandonment. Lets not allow a moment to undo a movement.

To my friends in the cloth: Youve always preached redemption. Lets extend that same principle to the party that helped open the doors we now walk through.

Keith D. Williams is Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus and Publisher of the Detroiter Speaks, an independent Black news voice for truth, equity, and purpose. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response.

Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you.

Keith D. Williams

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Democrats left us, say Detroit pastors, Mike Duggan| Opinion
AUSTIN (KXAN)  An internal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo filed in court this week indicates what could be new guidance for when an international student can have their legal status terminated, though the policy has not been published in the official journal of the federal government, which shows agency rules and public notices.

The change in guidance comes after ICE abruptly terminated the status of thousands of international students from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS  a database that tracks the minute-to-minute status of international students attending schools and participating in job training in the United States.

Last week, after nearly 100 lawsuits were filed challenging the terminations, the federal government informed federal judges through a statement that it would reactivate the SEVIS records for thousands of students it had terminated from the system in recent weeks. Some universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, indicated that some students have had their visas reactivated in the SEVIS database.

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ICE restoring international students visa registrations

The filing from the federal government said, in part, 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 NCIC finding that resulted in the recent SEVIS record termination.

That lasted about 24 hours over the weekend. We got updates saying that ICE was deleting the sentence about we will not revoke or terminate SEVIS terminations for the same reasons, according to Denver-based immigration attorney Brian Green. It makes it sound like theyre going to re-terminate some of those people again for the same reasons Its a changing landscape basically every day.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to KXANs questions about the new guidance or the SEVIS terminations.

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The new guidance, dated April 26, appears to expand the reasons why a students legal status can be terminated in SEVIS. The policy states that the Student Exchange and Visitor Program, or SEVP, can terminate a students record in SEVIS if the state department revokes their visa.

Its not clear at this point if this is the new policy that they promised, because it hasnt been broadcast to the schools. So, we are still kind of trying to figure out what exactly that means, and there are some concerns about the new claims that the government is making in that document, Maryland-based immigration attorney Anna Stepanova said.

KXAN confirmed that at least 104 international students based in Texas had visas revoked or had their immigration status marked as terminated in SEVIS in recent weeks. Our reporting partner, the Texas Tribune, reports the number is at least 252 statewide. KXAN has reached out to universities across the state to independently verify those numbers.

Green is currently representing more than 30 students across the country who were deleted from SEVIS, including six people based in Texas.

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Immigration statuses revoked for dozens of international students at Texas universities

According to Green, all the individuals deleted from the system appear to have had some interaction with law enforcement during their time in the U.S., which was recorded in the National Crime Information Center database.

The offenses, according to Green and other immigration attorneys, range from traffic citations to more serious crimes like driving under the influence. In some cases, immigration attorneys say charges were never filed or were dropped.

Stepanova said none of the cases she is aware of meet the current laws criteria for a status violation.

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The law is very specific. It has to be a conviction for a crime of violence for which a term of imprisonment should be one year or more, Stepanova said.

Green said his clients got notice in early April that they had been terminated from the system. Along with a message saying, Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has a visa revoked.

His lawsuit, filed on behalf of 23 international students, argues that the termination was unlawful, violated the students Fifth Amendment rights to due process and put them at risk of abrupt detention without prior notice.

Court records indicate that the six Texas-based international students represented in the lawsuit had recently graduated and were completing their Optional Practical Training, or OPT, which allows eligible international students on F-1 visas to temporarily work in the United States in a field related to their studies.

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DHS Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a press release that it would consider aliens antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.

There is no room in the United States for the rest of the worlds terrorist sympathizers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said.

Theyre reinstating 4,700 people in the SEVIS system. Maybe those people will be terminated again in a week or two. Theres a lot of stress on a lot of students right now, Green said. Foreign students are really upset and worried about what is going to happen to them.

KXANs Digital Data Reporter Christopher Adams contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Laura Loomer sowed doubts about Mike Waltz, Donald Trumps departing national security adviser, during a meeting in the Oval Office last month that resulted in the dismissal of multiple staffers on the National Security Council.

In a podcast interview on The Tara Palmeri Show released Thursday, Trumps favorite far-right conspiracy theorist said that shed had concerns about Waltzs loyalty after he signed off on the hiring of individuals whod previously criticized the president.

In the infamous meeting where she presented her so-called evidence to support the firing of several more traditionally neoconservative foreign policy hawks, Loomer had wanted to present a supposedly damning video of Waltz to the president too. Loomer claimed shed been unable to show the video to Trump because Waltz had entered the room, but she shared the video on Palmeris podcast.

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Loomer played a 2016 advertisement for an anti-Trump PAC featuring Waltz, in which he criticized Trumps statement mocking service members whod been captured in combat. Its something that I just personally cant stomach, Waltz said in the video.

So if you cant stomach it, why do you want to work for President Trump? If you cant stomach it, why do you want to work for the administration? asked Loomer, who evidently has a strong stomach for moral bankruptcy, as she has described herself as pro-white nationalist and a proud Islamophobe.

The far-right activist clarified that she hadnt been gunning for Waltz during the meeting. No, I was not trying to fire Michael Waltz. My question is, if Michael Waltz is telling the president of the United States that these people are good people, that he personally signed off on, and that he personally vetted, well, what does a Michael Waltz vet entail? And is it biased, given the fact that he himself has made anti-Trump comments in the past? she said.

I wasnt trying to get him removed, I was just making the point that, you know, hes not exactly a Trump loyalist, Loomer said.

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Loomer was adamant she hadnt been trying to get Waltz sacked, and claimed she was simply doing her due diligence while stressing her own enduring loyalty to the commander in chief.

I dont want you framing this as, Oh, Laura Loomer tried to get Michael Waltz fired! I didnt go in there trying to get him fired, I was just making the point that Im a Trump loyalist. I never saidI never campaigned against Trump. Michael Waltz was working with a PAC that was trying to actively campaign against Donald Trump in 2016. So my point was, Michael Waltz is not going to have the same standard of loyalty that I have because he himself was a Trump hater, right? So I was trying to explain that, she insisted.

But how would that not make Trump want to fire him? Palmeri asked.

I think its important that President Trump see these things, Loomer replied. She said that she didnt know if Trump had been made aware of the video before tapping Waltz.

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When Palmeri asked the White House whether Waltz had ever spoken to Trump about his critical comments, a Trump administration official responded with the following statement: Mike has supported President Trump since after the primaries of 2016. He is a steadfast supporter of the presidents America First agenda, and works everyday to implement it.

Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, are expected to leave their posts by the end of the day Thursday, but Trump announced that afternoon that he was nominating Waltz to serve as the ambassador to the United Nations.

Crucially, its not clear that Waltz was removed from his post over concerns about loyalty. The hapless national security adviser had been the subject of multiple scandals during his brief time in the Trump administration, including mistakenly inviting a reporter to join a Signal group chat about plans to bomb Yemen.
The year is 2019. President Donald Trump has fired his hawkish national security adviser for being an obstruction to diplomacy. The year is 2025. President Donald Trump has demoted his hawkish national security adviser for being an obstruction to diplomacy.

Trump announced in a May 1 post to Truth Social that Mike Waltz, formerly national security adviser, will now serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take over the White House's National Security Council in the interim. Although Trump praised Waltz's service, the move was clearly a demotion, and officials told CNN that Trump had "lost confidence" in Waltz.

The firing came after a free-for-all struggle over foreign policy staffing involving Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Waltz stands out as a hawk among the three. Although Hegseth is far from a principled peace dove, he pushed back on plans to attack Iran. And Witkoff, who seems to have supplanted even Secretary of State Marco Rubio as Trump's most trusted diplomat, is negotiating to wind down several wars.

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Waltz's rise and fall had some striking parallels to the story of John Bolton, national security adviser in 2018 and 2019 during the first Trump administration. Both of them were old-school Republican hawks, never really at home in Trump's movement, and both were fired after (quite predictably) becoming an obstacle to diplomatic initiatives. Bolton served as U.N. ambassador before the Trump administration; Waltz seems to be ending this stage of his career in that same post.

And both of them drew staff from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a nonprofit that has become a central incubator for Washington's hawks. Bolton brought FDD senior adviser Rich Goldberg onto the National Security Council, and FDD controversially continued to pay Goldberg's salary while he worked under Bolton. Similarly, Waltz hired Merav Ceren, a former Israeli defense ministry official and a former national security fellow at FDD.

In Trump's first term, it was negotiations with North Korea and Iran over their nuclear programs, and with the Taliban over ending the war in Afghanistan. Today, Trump is (again) negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program, and with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine.

Trump said that he initially brought on Bolton in order to project strength: "I'd be with foreign leaders, and I didn't even have to act tough because they said, look, that moron John Bolton, he's crazyThey'd give me everything I wanted because the guy's a nut job."

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But months after being hired, Bolton had "become a vocal internal critic" of Trump's Iranian and Afghan talks, PBS News reported. His most infamous example of obstructionismthe one Trump cited in his firingcame during talks with North Korea.

Bolton told CBS News in April 2018 that he was "looking at the Libya model." Given that Libya's leader was tortured to death on camera after giving up his nuclear program, North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un was offended by the comparison, and Trump said that talks "were set back very badly" by Bolton's comments.

Waltz undermined Trump's messaging toward Iran, although in a less dramatic way than the "Libya model" comments. At the beginning of his term, Trump had said that "the only thing" he wanted from Iran was to avoid building a nuclear weapon, a demand that the Iranian government called "doable." Waltz, however, hinted that he was going to make maximalist demands on Iran's conventional military forces.

Before joining the administration, Waltz had tried to tie Trump's hands on Afghanistan, voting alongside former Rep. Liz Cheney (RWyo.) to restrict any U.S. troop withdrawal from the country, all while Trump was talking to the Taliban. Waltz was also a maximalist hawk on the Russian-Ukrainian war, although he tried to pitch escalation as a way for Trump to end the war more quickly.

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More than his position on any specific issue, Waltz's unreliable image in Trump's eyes may have done him in. During the 2016 primaries, Waltz had appeared in an attack ad calling Trump "a man that I don't think is tough in any way, shape, or form. He's been fed through a silver spoon." In March 2025, Waltz accidentally added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, a personal enemy of Trump, to a White House group chat to discuss the war in Yemen.

"Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and he's a good man," Trump told NBC News after the leak.

Reportedly, Trump didn't want to give The Atlantic a victory lap. Nevertheless, he fired six members of Waltz's staff after conservative journalist Laura Loomer showed up at the White House on April 2 with a list of National Security Council members she considered disloyal.

Yet it wasn't Waltz who took the most heat for the group chat scandal in the following weeks. Reports began to emerge in the press about Hegseth's sloppy handling of classified information on group chats. And the Department of Defense fired three of Hegseth's staff in a leak investigation.

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"I think there clearly is a very strong coalition within the United States that wants to see another war in the Middle East, and it crosses both parties," one of the fired officials, Dan Caldwell, told the Tucker Carlson Show last week. "We were threatening a lot of the established interests in our own separate ways, and we had people who had personal vendettas against us, and I think they weaponized the investigation against us," he added.

Earlier this week, the New York Post released an article accusing Witkoff, the special envoy, of getting steamrolled in negotiations with Russia and Iran. It was filled with unfavorable claims from anonymous "administration insiders" and on-record criticisms from FDD experts. Trump's hardline supporters mobilized quickly in response.

Conservative journalist Charlie Kirk shared a screenshot of Reason's earlier coverage of internal administration debates, writing that "anti-Witkoff forces are anti-MAGA." Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., retweeted the post and added that "Deep State neocons are smearing Steve Witkoff because they're trying to undermine my father's foreign policy agenda. The establishment wants forever war!"

Kirk had named the FDD as the center of the "anti-Witkoff operation." FDD head Mark Dubowitz quickly took to X to deny any kind of conspiracy. "We completely agree with Secretary Hegseth and NSA Waltz that Iran must fully dismantle its nuclear capabilities," he wrote.

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The next day, Waltz was fired. As with Bolton's case, no amount of political cunning could save someone whom Trump considered disloyal. But unlike Bolton's downfall, Waltz's demotion is not just about bureaucratic obstructionism. Trump's base of support now has a bloc that is opposed, on principle, to what the hawks are offering.

The post Did Mike Waltz Just Go Down John Bolton's Path? appeared first on Reason.com.
Former Florida congressman Mike Waltz is stepping down from his role as national security adviser in President Donald Trump's cabinet after only 101 days, according to sources familiar with the situation. Trump announced in a post to Truth Social on May 1 that he was nominating Waltz to be ambassador to the United Nations.

"I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump wrote. "From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department."

The move came weeks after Waltz took responsibility for accidentally inviting a journalist to join a chat on the commercial app Signal with other high-ranking national security officials to discuss operational details about an airstrike in Yemen. The journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic Magazine, published stories about what happened.

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Is that the shortest time in office for a U.S. national security adviser?

Michael Flynn was gone in 24 days

During Trump's first term, he went through no less than four national security advisers and two acting advisers.

Since the position was established in 1947, the fastest any official national security adviser has left the job was Retired Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn, who spent two years as former President Barack Obama's director of the Defense Intelligence Agency before he was dismissed for his combative style.

Flynn came under fire as Trump's national security adviser for his appearances on a Russian network and allegations that he might have interfered with U.S. relations with Russia while a private citizen by discussing the sanctions the Obama White House imposed on Russia. After Trump fired Flynn after 24 days in office, he admitted he "briefed the vice-president elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian Ambassador."

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The Pentagon opened a probe into Flynn and former acting attorney general Sally Yates testified before a Senate Judiciary panel that she felt Flynn was vulnerable to blackmail and could even face criminal charges. Flynn later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with a Russian ambassador. In 2020, Trump pardoned him.

Flynn has remained a staunch Trump ally, appearing at Florida campaign rallies.

'Team of felons': Pardoned criminals, conspiracy theorists backing Trump's 2024 run

How many national security advisers has Trump had?

In his first term, Trump's national security advisers were:

Michael Flynn: 24 days

Keith Kellogg (acting): 7 days

H. R. McMaster: 1 year, 48 days

John Bolton: 1 year, 154 days

Charlie Kupperman (acting): 8 days

Robert O'Brien: 1 year, 124 days

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By comparison, former President Joe Biden had one national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, throughout his term. Bill Clinton had Tony Lake and Sandy Berger. George W. Bush had Condoleeza Rice and Stephen Hadley. Barack Obama had three: James Jones, Tom Donilon and Susan Rice. Of that group, none were in office less than 20 months and most lasted years.

During his two terms, the first president to have a national security adviser, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also had four of them and one acting adviser.

But both of them have been beat.

Reagan had six national security advisers

During his two terms, President Ronald Reagan had six national security advisers and two acting ones.

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Richard Allen: 348 days

James Nance (acting): 35 days

William Clark: 1 year, 286 days

Bud McFarlane: 2 years, 48 days

John Poindexter: 356 days

Alton Keel (acting): 35 days

Frank Carlucci: 326 days

Colin Powell: 1 year, 58 days

What does the U.S. national security adviser do?

According to a memo Trump sent out on Jan. 20 about the organization of the National Security Council, "The National Security Advisor shall be responsible, as appropriate and at the Presidents direction, for determining the agenda for the NSC (National Security Council), ensuring that the necessary papers are prepared, and recording and communicating Council actions and Presidential decisions in a timely manner."

Traditionally, the role is that of a senior aide, advising the president on all national security issues. The job and influence changes from administration to administration.

The National Security Council was created in 1947 at the start of the Cold War and made part of the Executive Office of the President in 1949, but the national security adviser position wasn't set up until 1953.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: National security advisers don't last long under Trump: the list
GRAND RAPIDS (AP)  Theres no question about how Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant, was killed.

Lyoya was fatally shot in the back of the head while on the ground by a Michigan police officer, who was subsequently charged with second-degree murder. The question before a jury this week is whether the use of deadly force against the Black man was justified.

High-ranking Grand Rapids officers defended Christopher Schurrs actions Thursday, the fourth day of trial, as his attorneys tried to show that he was forced to use his gun after Lyoya got possession of his Taser. If convicted, Schurr faces up to life in prison.

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We dont have to wait for someone to hurt us to do something, said Capt. Chad McKersie, a Taser expert in the Grand Rapids department.

Schurr pulled over a vehicle driven by Lyoya for improper license plates in April 2022 in a residential neighborhood in Grand Rapids, roughly 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of Detroit.

Video footage shows Schurr struggling to subdue Lyoya as they grappled over the officers Taser. Schurr told him to stop resisting and drop the weapon multiple times throughout the encounter.

While Lyoya was facedown on the ground with Schurr on top of him, the officer took out his gun and shot him once in the back of the head.

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McKersie told the jury that Lyoya had complete control of Schurrs Taser, a weapon that fires electrically charged probes intended to freeze muscles and stop an aggressor.

Its possible that Lyoya could have pressed the Taser against Schurr in drive stun mode after two cartridges were already spent, McKersie said.

Its perceived like a blowtorch. Its unbelievably painful, he testified.

But during cross-examination, prosecutor Chris Becker asked McKersie to point to a Grand Rapids policy that says deadly force can be used when an officers Taser is taken away.

Youre looking for the black-and-white answer. Its the totality of the circumstances at that time, McKersie replied, noting that Schurr was exhausted and Lyoya wouldnt stop resisting during a fight that lasted more than two minutes.

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Grand Rapids Officer Jason Gady, a firearms instructor, said there was nothing unreasonable about the shooting. He said training does not recommend officers fire a warning shot or a shot to the extremities if presented with a deadly threat.

Schurr, 34, was fired by city officials at the recommendation of Chief Eric Winstrom after he was charged. At the time, Winstrom said his recommendation was based on video of the encounter, the prosecutors review of a state police investigation and Schurrs interview with internal investigators.

Police spokesperson Jennifer Kalczuk declined to comment Thursday about testimony from local officers in support of Schurr, saying it would be inappropriate. The trial will resume Friday.

Earlier in the week, a representative from Axon, the company that makes Tasers, said Schurrs device was fired twice but apparently didnt strike Lyoya. Bryan Chiles agreed with defense lawyers that the officer could have been seriously injured if Lyoya had turned the Taser on Schurr and used in drive stun mode.

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Lyoya's death prompted calls to reform the police department. People who support Schurr and the victim have protested outside the Kent County courthouse during the trial.

Mary and Frank Hillyard, retired teachers, stood outside Thursday with signs that said Justice 4 Patrick.

I have a lot of people that I know in law enforcement, Frank Hillyard said. I appreciate their service. But this kind of stuff is just out of bounds.

Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday after calling witnesses in the neighborhood who saw the fight, as well as two experts in the use of force.

Seth Stoughton, a South Carolina law professor and former police officer, said deadly force can be justified if there is an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm against an officer.

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In my opinion, that was lacking in this case, Stoughton told the jury.

He noted that Schurr had time to tell Lyoya that he might shoot him, a warning that might have defused the conflict.

Nicholas Bloomfield, an expert from New Mexico and a former police officer, said the shooting was unreasonable, excessive and contrary to generally accepted police practices.

He noted that the video shows Lyoya trying to get away from Schurr  not get closer. Bloomfield said Schurr should have known that Lyoya couldnt use the Taser to incapacitate the officer because the weapons two powerful electric cartridges had already been fired.

Patrick Lyoya did grab ahold of the officers Taser and there was a struggle over the Taser, Bloomfield testified. But again, in this circumstance, there was nothing that we termed to be aggressiveness or combativeness on the part of Mr. Lyoya toward the officer.
Witness testimony from R&B singer Cassie Ventura continued Wednesday on day three of Sean Diddy Combs's sex trafficking trial. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul has spent the last seven months in a Brooklyn jail after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face life in prison. A 12-member jury panel, which was finalized Monday morning, will decide his fate.

By day three of the trial, jurors have now seen the 2016 surveillance video of Combs assaulting Ventura, his then girlfriend, in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel several times. In addition to Ventura's testimony, jurors have also heard testimony from a hotel security manager who filled out an incident report about the 2016 hotel assault and a male escort who said he was paid by Ventura to have sex with her while Combs watched.

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Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, took the witness stand Tuesday morning and provided an emotional account of her tumultuous over-10-year relationship with Combs, which was frequently marked by violence and physical abuse.

She testified that Combs had control over many aspects of her life, including her appearance and career, as well as her participation in "freak offs," drug-fueled sexual encounters between Ventura and male escorts that would last for days while Combs watched. Ventura said she numbed herself with drugs before the "freak offs" and felt obligated to participate because she feared what Combs would do if she declined.

When asked how many times Combs beat her like he did in the 2016 video, she replied, "too many" to count.

What has Diddy been accused of?

According to the indictment, Combs  also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy  abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.

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It contains a litany of shocking allegations, claiming that for decades, Combs used his business empire to conduct freak offs, drug-fueled sex performances in which women were allegedly coerced to participate.

The Bad Boy Records founder is accused of arranging, directing and masturbating during these freak offs, which he would often record, sometimes unbeknownst to the victims. The freak offs would last for days with multiple sex workers involved.

Sean Combs at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2023. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Combs allegedly distributed drugs  including ketamine, ecstasy, GHB, psilocybin and methamphetamine  to the victims to keep them obedient and compliant. After the days-long sex sessions, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion, the indictment states.

Combss employees allegedly arranged for the sex workers to cross state lines. Theyd also allegedly book hotels, stock rooms with freak off supplies, including more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant and arrange for travel for victims. The recordings Combs made of the freak offs were used as collateral to ensure the silence of the victims, according to the indictment.

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The indictment also alleges that Combs used guns, kidnapping and arson to control his victims.

Who are Combs's accusers?

Cassie Ventura and Combs at the Met gala in 2018. (John Shearer/Getty Images)

No victims were identified by name in the indictment, but allegations involving Victim-1 appear to align with a March 2016 incident in which Combs was recorded on surveillance video hitting, kicking and throwing a vase at then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel.

In a separate incident outlined in the indictment, Combs allegedly dangled a victim over an apartment balcony.

Who are Combss lawyers?

Attorney Marc Agnifilo outside federal court in New York, Sept. 18, 2024. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

Combss legal team is led by veteran criminal defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who has experience in high-profile cases, having previously represented NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere and Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli, among others.

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Combss other lawyers include Teny Geragos, Alexandra Shapiro and Brian Steel, who represented rapper Young Thug in a racketeering case in Georgia and was the subject of a recent New Yorker profile.

What will they argue?

Combs being arraigned on a superseding indictment in New York on March 14. (Courtroom sketch by Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

At a pretrial hearing last month, Agnifilo offered a preview of his defense, arguing Combs was engaged in a swinger lifestyle, and that the sexual behavior was consensual, even common.

"There's a lifestyle, call it swingers or whatever you will, that he thought was appropriate because it was common," Agnifilo said in court. "Many people think it's appropriate because it's common.

Agnifilo also argued that the incident captured on video with Ventura was not evidence of trafficking but of an isolated domestic dispute.

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"It's our defense to these charges that this was a toxic, loving 11-year relationship," Agnifilo said.

He had previously called the prosecution of Combs unjust.

He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal, Agnifilo said in a statement following his indictment. He looks forward to clearing his name in court.

Who are the prosecutors?

A team of eight U.S. attorneys is arguing the case for the government, including Emily Johnson, Madison Smyser, Mary Slavik, Meredith Foster and Mitzi Steiner, who are listed as the lead lawyers on the docket.

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The prosecution team also features Maurene Ryan Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. In 2022, she helped secure a conviction against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse underage girls. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Who is the judge?

Arun Subramanian at his Senate confirmation hearing, Dec. 13, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images)

The judge overseeing the trial is Arun Subramanian, who was nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by then-President Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed by the Senate in 2023.

He is the first judge of South Asian descent to serve on the courts bench.

Subramanian, a Columbia Law School graduate who clerked for the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was a partner at the Manhattan law firm Susman Godfrey, where he specialized in commercial and bankruptcy law.

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The Diddy case is believed to be his highest profile trial yet.

Who else is expected to testify?

NBC News reported that prosecutors are also expected to call Dawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist who testified at R. Kellys federal trial and at the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial. Shes also expected to testify in Harvey Weinsteins retrial on sexual assault and rape charges.

Who else has been seen in the courtroom?

King Combs, right, son of Sean Combs, holds an umbrella for Janice Combs, mother of Sean Combs, as they arrive at federal court Wednesday. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

Members of Combss family, including his mother, Janice Combs, his sons and his daughters, have appeared in the courtroom in support of Combs during the first few days of the trial.

Will the trial be televised?

No. The trial will not be televised, as broadcasting of federal court proceedings is generally prohibited.

How long is the trial supposed to last?

The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
Reinsurer Everest Group has reported net income of $210m for the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), down from $733m in the same period the previous year.

The company's net operating income also declined to $276m for Q1 2025, compared with $709m a year ago.

Its net written premium for the quarter was $3.7bn, a 4.2% reduction from $3.9bn recorded in the prior year period.

The reinsurance segment saw a 4.5% decrease in net written premium, totalling $2.8bn.

Meanwhile, the insurance segment's net written premium remained flat at $896m.

Everest Group repurchased common shares totalling $200m during the quarter, which equated to 574,000 shares at an average price of $348.43 each.

Dividends on common shares were declared and paid at $2 per share, totalling $85m for the quarter.

Pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of estimated recoveries and reinstatement premiums, were substantial, amounting to $461m.

These losses were primarily due to the California wildfires, which alone accounted for $442m.

The quarter also saw reinstatement premiums of $62m, in contrast to the prior year quarter, which had no such premiums.

Everest president and CEO Jim Williamson said: The industry experienced the highest level of Q1 catastrophe losses in over a decade, primarily from the California wildfires. As expected, this affected our underwriting results for the quarter. Given our disciplined approach to catastrophe risk underwriting, our losses were within our expected range.

We continue to see opportunities to deploy capital at excellent expected returns, as evidenced by our successful execution of the January and April first reinsurance renewals. In insurance, the execution of our US casualty remediation remains on track to be completed later this year, while we still see significant opportunities in property and specialty lines. Everest is delivering on its strategic plan, and I am confident in our ability to achieve our return objectives.

In Q4 2024, Everest Group logged a net loss of $593m, compared with net income of $804m in the same quarter a year earlier.

For the full year 2024, the company reported net income of $1.4bn, down from $2.5bn in 2023.

"Everest Group net income drops to $210m in Q1 2025 " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




A California man has pleaded guilty to hacking a Disney employees personal computer last year and stealing more than 1 terabyte of confidential data.

Santa Clarita resident Ryan Mitchell Kramer, 25, pleaded guilty to two felony charges, including one count of accessing a computer and obtaining information and one count of threatening to damage a protected computer. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

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According to the plea agreement, in early 2024 Kramer posted a computer program on various online platforms that appeared to be used to create AI-generated art, when it really contained a malicious file to gain access to victims computers.

Between April and May 2024, a Disney employee downloaded the program, and Kramer gained access to the victims personal and work accounts, including a non-public Disney Slack channel. Kramer dowloaded approximately 1.1 terabytes of confidential data from thousands of Disney Slack channels. In July, Kramer contacted the victim by pretending to be a member of a fake Russian hacktivist group called Nullbulge and threatned to leak their personal information and Disney Slack data. On July 12, Kramer publicly released the data, including the victims bank, medical, and personal information on multiple online platforms. According to the plea deal, at least two other

On July 15, the hack was made public in a report by the Wall Street Journal, and Disney said it was investigating the breach. The FBI is also investigating the hack.

Kramer admitted that he hacked the computers of at least two other victims through his malware. He is expected to make his first appearance in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

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A Ryanair flight en route to Corfu was forced to divert to Italy after two disruptive passengers needed to be removed from the plane.

Flight FR2100 left Manchester Airport on Tuesday, 29 April, at 5.30pm for a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Corfu, Greece, due to arrive at 10.40pm.

However, the plane had to change its course last minute and diverted to Bologna after two passengers became disruptive onboard.

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Police met the Boeing 737 on arrival and removed the disruptive passengers from the plane.

The flight then continued its journey onward to Corfu that night. Passengers did not arrive until 1.47am local time, around three hours after they were supposed to land.

There were reports that two passengers were involved in a fight on board, the Manchester Evening News reports. They had been seated apart, but later moved seats to sit next to one another.

Footage obtained by the publication shows a woman being carried off the plane by police officers and was attempting to resist them.

The video, taken from the plane window, shows her being carried to a police car at the gate.

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A spokesperson for Ryanair told The Independent: This flight from Manchester to Corfu (29 April) was forced to divert to Bologna after two passengers became disruptive onboard.

Crew called ahead for police assistance, who met the aircraft upon landing at Bologna and removed these two disruptive passengers before this flight continued to Corfu later that same night.

The airline added it had a strict zero tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour, ensuring that all passengers and crew travel in a safe and respectful environment, without unnecessary disruption.

The incident came less than a week after Ryanair customers travelling from Agadir, Morocco, to Manchester witnessed disruption from a drunken and aggressive passenger, which saw their plane divert to Faro, Portugal.

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However, the 177 passengers found themselves stranded overnight on the Algarve after Ryanair said the UK Civil Aviation Authority would not permit a replacement aircraft to take off.

After police removed the disruptive passenger, the aircraft was refuelled to continue the journey to Manchester, however, a technical issue was then found that required the attention of an engineer.

Ryanair DAC chief executive Eddie Wilson told The Independent: Its utter bull**** that people were put into hotels last night.

The aircraft is operated by a subsidiary, Ryanair UK, which flies routes that do not serve points in the European Union and was set up after Brexit to allow flights between the UK and countries outside the EU.

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A Ryanair UK engineer was not available in Faro, so the airline's main operating unit, Ryanair DAC, offered to provide an identical aircraft and crew to fly the passengers home, but the CAA refused permission.

A UK Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said: We encourage UK operators to create strong resilience plans for when planes have to be grounded to minimise the impact on passengers.

These plans need to be consistent with the legal framework that applies to UK aviation following EU Exit, which requires UK-based companies to have sufficient UK registered aircraft to operate their schedule.

Ryanair has been well aware of this position for a considerable period of time. Ryanair UK has chosen to operate a flight schedule that requires 18 aircraft, but has only allocated 15 aircraft to its UK registered business to fulfil this schedule.

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Ryanair has prioritised the placement of aircraft within their other EU based business over the UK, leaving UK passengers at a higher risk of disruption.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
Editors Note  Some details of the case, as laid out by the U.S. Attorneys Office, may be disturbing. Please use discretion when reading or sharing the content.

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The United States Attorneys Office for D.C. (USADC) announced that two leaders of a violent extremist network that has ties to child exploitation cases across the country were taken into custody.

Leonidas Varagiannis, also known as War, 21, and Prasan Nepal, also known as Trippy, 20, were both arrested and charged for allegedly running an international child exploitation network known as 764.

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Varagiannis, who is a U.S. citizen and lives in Greece, was arrested on April 29, and Nepal, was arrested in North Carolina on April 22.

According to an affidavit in D.C., the 764 is a network of violent extremists who engage in criminal conduct in the United States and abroad. The groups activities spanned from late 2020 and continued into early 2025 and sought to destroy and exploit vulnerable people, who are often children, officials said.

Chesapeake family of five found safe in northern Virginia

Varagiannis and Nepal are accused of engaging and coordinating the 764, which operated through encrypted messaging applications. The pair allegedly directed and caused the production and distribution of child sex abuse material (CSAM) while manipulating and grooming minors.

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The group then used the CSAM to create digital lorebooks, which they used as digital currency to trade and to recruit new members.

The attorneys office said Varagiannis and Nepal encouraged their victims to harm themselves and engage in psychological torment. Some of the content included cut signs and blood signs, where young girls will cut symbols into their bodies.

In multiple instances, Varagiannis and Nepal threatened and caused victims to engage in self-mutilation, harm animals, sexual acts, murder, suicide, acts of violence and more, a release states.

Officials said Varagiannis and Nepal are also accused of exploiting at least eight children across multiple jurisdictions. Some of the content traced back to children as young as 13.

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Police offer up to $150k for Bethesda mail carrier robbery tips leading to arrest

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.

These arrests expose one of the most disturbing online child exploitation networks weve ever encountered, added NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. A group that glorified violence, weaponized abuse, and targeted children to advance a deeply depraved ideology. Through the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the NYPD is proud to have partnered with federal and international authorities to dismantle this horrific operation and protect the most vulnerable among us.

If convicted, Varagiannis and Nepal both face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  With the New York State assembly approving a bill that would allow patients near death to end their life with the oversight of a doctor, Dr. Daniel Mendelson is emphasizing what he sees as the larger benefit of all this.

Mendelson, who has provided palliative care in the Rochester area for 25 years, says the option to end ones life will encourage more people to broach a difficult topic with their doctor.

The two, he says, can then talk about other options, like end-of-life, or palliative, care.

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The experience in Oregon, less than two thirds of the patients who get a prescription actually end up taking it and many patients who ask physicians about medical aid in dying dont ever take a prescription, but all of them get good, thoughtful, compassionate end-of-life care and that to me is whats most important, Mendelson says.

While some oppose this bill on religious grounds others argue it devalues human life and could provide a slippery slope where the current restrictions or guardrails erode or are reduced leading to a place where the practice occurs in scenarios most would currently find unacceptable.

Mendelson, though, says the bill provides something valued by most people: choice.

The peace of mind of is really important to patients, Mendelson says. So even those who dont actually even talk to a physician, having the peace of mind that they know whatever level of suffering they put up with its because they choose to and not because they have to is a huge relief and it empowers people to deal with their issues longer because they know that its a choice and I think thats important to most Americans and most adults, is to know they have choice in the matter.

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In the current bill, only terminally ill patients would be eligible for this prescription and the patient would have to administer the medication themselves.

The state senate now as to vote on the measure before it heads to the governors desk.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Grad students spoke to the media Wednesday about a human rights complaint recently filed.

Former doctoral student and teaching assistant at University of Rochesters Eastman School of Music Rebecca Bryant Novak filed the complaint which alleges unlawful expulsion in retaliation for reporting verified harassment and institutional misconduct.

If the Department of Human Resources finds probable cause, Bryant Novaks case could proceed to a public hearing.

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Students are on strike as they demand a fair process to form the graduate labor union.

If there had been a union in place at the time Rebecca went through what she went through, she would not have had to deal with the absurd procedures at the University of Rochester, campaign organizer Ashwini Sukthankar said. The union would have been in place and would have been able to negotiate the kinds of protections from discrimination and harassment that are desperately needed.

The Universitys Eastman School of Music in which they responded saying they are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all and that they are handling issues raised by Bryant Novak.

FULL STATEMENT FROM UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER:

The Universitys Eastman School of Music is fully committed to being a community that is safe, welcoming, and respectful to all. In keeping with this commitment, the University makes robust and supportive resources and processes available to actively address any report of harassment or retaliation that members of the community may submit, maintaining comprehensive policies to address such concerns. Illegal harassment and retaliation are prohibited here. At all times, the University strives to follow and act in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations when reviewing and addressing complaints under University policy. The University has complied with all state and federal law in its handling of the issues raised by Rebecca Bryant Novak. University of Rochester

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Kentucky Derby has fans from all over the globe, but here in the Commonwealth, it just means more.

It doesnt matter where you are from. From Pikeville to Paducah, the Kentucky Derby means something different for everyone.

During this years Spring Meet at Keeneland, FOX 56 asked people why they felt the Run for the Roses is so special.

Its a cultural piece; its our lifestyle, a way of life in Kentucky, said Bardstown resident Joshua Whitehouse. Its our whole industry that the whole state is engulfed in: horses and the breeding industry and the racing industry. So, its everything to us.

MORE KENTUCKY DERBY:

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Its a Kentucky tradition, explained Frankfort resident Ashley Stanley.

The crowd, the legend, Lexingtons Tom McDermott said.

I mean the horses, the hats, the bourbon, the food, everything, detailed Amy Mefford from Frankfort. Its like a holiday.

Its a good time; it lets you know springs here. Thats right! said Winchester couple Diana & Martin Kirk.

And whether youre watching the famed race on the grounds of Churchill Downs or at home on a TV screen, every Kentuckian has that one memory that keeps them looking forward to the first Saturday in May every year.

Secretariat, Lexington resident Brian Hall said. I know I was really young then. But another was Affirmed and Alydar.

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When I was younger, our family always went to the Derby breakfast when it was an actual big breakfast, recalled Mefford. That was probably my best memory.

Snow, snow on Derby one year, the Kirks remembered. Always had a Derby party, and I remembered when it had snowed on Derby Day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  The Dominican Republics Constitutional Court has banned law enforcement in the Caribbean country from publicly bestowing nicknames on police operations or court cases, a common practice in the region.

Until recently, Dominican officials had used an array of colorful words to describe such cases in public: larva, medusa, falcon, chameleon and anti-octopus.

The name of the so-called anti-octopus case was born after a prosecutor investigating government corruption suggested that the brother of a former president had tentacles reaching into all government agencies.

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The so-called larva and falcon operations centered around drug trafficking, while the case nicknamed chameleon was an investigation into allegations including fraud, embezzlement and identity theft.

Meanwhile, an operation nicknamed medusa focused on officials accused of corruption, including the countrys former attorney general, Jean Alain Rodriguez.

Attorneys for Rodriguez recently asked that the court ban the public use of nicknames for cases and police operations, saying that it violated his dignity.

The Constitutional Court agreed in a ruling Wednesday, saying such nicknames should only be used as a secret strategy and not for public knowledge, adding that they violate a suspects presumption of innocence and could affect a judges impartiality.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
BOSTON (WWLP)  A Dominican national was arrested and charged on Tuesday in connection with hundreds of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and multiple overdose victims, including a two-year-old child.

The charging documents stated that 41-year-old Jose Radhame Sanchez of Haverhill and Methuen allegedly sold approximately 600 fentanyl pills in April of 2025.

Westfield police searching for suspects connected to Home Depot hit-and-run

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On April 9, Sanchez allegedly distributed approximately 200 suspected fentanyl pills pressed to resemble 30-milligram oxycodone pills in Lawrence. During the transaction, Sanchez reportedly had a child with him in the car.

On April 17, Sanchez allegedly distributed approximately 400 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl at a restaurant in Methuen. Further investigation into Sanchez revealed that multiple suspected overdose victims had been found at his Haverhill residence in 2024.

In February 2024, law enforcement came to Sanchezs home and found a woman who had overdosed. At the time, Sanchez told officers that he had found the victim on the side of the road in his neighborhood and allowed her into his home and denied knowing that the female was a drug user. However, recent phone records revealed that Sanchez contacted the woman 171 times in less than a week in March 2025.

Charging documents further stated that in April 2024, a two-year-old child had been found unresponsive and not breathing at Sanchezs residence, and later tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine. At the time, Sanchez had also allegedly tested positive for cocaine. The victims in both incidents survived.

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Sanchez was arrested on Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 6.

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A 41-year-old Dominican national who lived in Haverhill and Methuen was arrested Tuesday after prosecutors say he sold hundreds of fentanyl pills to a cooperating source.

Jose Radhame Sanchez is charged with a single count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He is being detained pending a hearing set for May 6, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foleys office said.

Prosecutors say Sanchez sold 600 fentanyl pills to a cooperating source across two different sales last month. He is accused of selling approximately 200 suspected fentanyl pills that were pressed to resemble oxycodone on April 9, then selling about 400 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl at a Methuen restaurant on April 17.

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Sanchez had a child with him in the car during the April 9 sale, according to a statement from Foleys office.

Read more: How one machine supercharged illicit drug manufacturing in Mass.

On two separate occasions last year, overdose victims were found in Sanchezs Haverhill residence, prosecutors say. In one instance in February 2024, law enforcement found a woman who had overdosed inside the home.

The woman survived and Sanchez told investigators that he found her on the side of the road in his neighborhood and let her into his home. He also denied knowing she was a drug user, according to prosecutors.

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But Sanchezs phone records show he had contacted the woman more than 100 times in less than a week in March 2025, Foleys office said.

In April 2024, months after the February 2024 incident, a 2-year-old was found unresponsive and not breathing inside Sanchezs home. The child, who survived, tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine. Sanches also tested positive for cocaine, according to the statement.

If convicted, Sanchez faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. He also faces deportation following the completion of any sentence.

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Todd Lyons, a native of South Boston and a graduate of Boston College High School in Dorchester is the new Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In his first sit-down television interview since being appointed to the position in March by the Trump administration, Lyons spoke with Boston 25 News investigative reporter Ted Daniel to discuss the agencys direction and his personal connection to the region.

Lyons, who in a previous role served as the Director of ICEs Boston Field Office under President Biden, acknowledged the political firestorm surrounding the agency. However, he emphasized his focus remains squarely on upholding U.S. immigration law, and not the raging debate surrounding it.

During the interview, he reflected on his career trajectory within ICE, which began in 2007 at the ground level. Ive had the opportunity to do pretty much every job within ICE, Lyons stated, adding that being tapped for the director role felt almost surreal and a dream come true.

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Daniel first met Lyons in 2023 at an ICE field office in Burlington, when Lyons said the agencys primary focus was on apprehending individuals described as the worst of the worst  those wanted in their home countries for serious crimes such as fentanyl trafficking, rape, and murder.

While Lyons affirmed that removing violent offenders remains a top priority, he noted a significant shift under the Trump administration. ICE now has the authority to target any individual in the U.S. who is in the country unlawfully including students whose visas are revoked by the U.S Department of State. Lyons cited an estimated 12 million migrants are unaccounted for nationwide, identifying Massachusetts as a particular hot spot. He said many people are drawn to the state by available public benefits.

Under the Healy administration, Massachusetts has reportedly spent more than $700 million this year providing shelter to migrants and other unhoused individuals.

Addressing concerns about enforcement tactics, Lyons dismissed as falsehoods the notion of ICE agents conducting raids in sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and churches. However, he clarified that if a criminal is hiding in a hospital, ICE would enter to make an arrest. He contrasted this with the previous administrations policies, which he claimed required a lengthy chain of command approval for such actions.

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Recent ICE arrests in Massachusetts have garnered significant attention, including the detention of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts PhD student from Turkey, over her alleged ties to Hamas and the apprehension of Juan Carlos Baez, a Dominican man, with a prior drug conviction, captured outside a Boston courthouse where he was on trial for allegedly obtaining a false identity from the RMV.

A controversial incident in New Bedford, where an ICE agent shattered a car window, was also discussed. Lyons defended the officers actions in that instance, citing officer safety concerns. I dont want my officers standing there, that person could have a gun, that person could be calling someone else to come and attack officers, he explained.

ICE is out enforcing federal law. And if you dont comply... Youre going to get arrested. You might get tased, you might get handcuffed. If you run, you may get chased. Its just like a regular law enforcement operation, Lyons said.

Looking ahead, Lyons indicated that Massachusetts would be a focus for future ICE operations due to the high number of people that he said are here unlawfully. He stated that he is fully aware that some people will disagree with ICEs mission. But I think on the whole, when people see the criminal aliens that we arrest, you cant argue why we want to remove that sex offender, why we want to take that human trafficker out, Lyons asserted.

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While President Trump had previously promised to immediately deport millions of immigrants, that has not materialized in his first 100 days back in office. Lyons stated that ICE will continue to prioritize criminal aliens but emphasized that if agents encounter individuals without legal status, they can and will be removed.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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By Rajesh Kumar Singh

CHICAGO (Reuters) -JetBlue Airways and United Airlines have been negotiating a partnership, three industry sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The New York-based airline has been seeking partnerships after a federal judge blocked its so-called Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023.

The partnership with United is envisioned as quite different from the NEA, the sources said. While the alliance is expected to focus on providing greater connectivity to customers and allowing them to earn and burn frequent-flier miles, the two carriers will not coordinate on schedules and pricing, they added.

The sources said the two airlines have yet to finalize all the details and cautioned that things could still change.

Asked for comment, a JetBlue spokesperson referred to remarks made earlier on Tuesday by the airline's president, Marty St. George, on a conference call after the company released quarterly results.

St. George told analysts and investors that the company was negotiating with a domestic airline with a larger network and that an announcement was expected in the current quarter. He did not elaborate.

Chicago-based United said it does not comment on industry speculation.

JetBlue has been struggling to return to sustained profitability after the COVID-19 pandemic. It has managed to post a profit in just two of the past nine quarters.

Its shares have fallen about 47% this year. In a sign of bearish investor sentiment, short interest in the company's shares has risen by 35% since early February.

A slump in travel demand as a result of the economic uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump's trade war has only exacerbated its pain. Earlier on Tuesday, JetBlue withdrew its outlook for 2025.

Growth in its revenue generated from customer loyalty programs, aided by new partnerships, is currently one of the airline's few bright spots. The company is relying on alliances with other airlines to bolster that revenue stream by offering customers greater connectivity.

It had also been discussing a new partnership with American Airlines. But the two sides failed to reach an agreement and the Texas-based carrier has filed a lawsuit seeking damages after the collapse of the NEA, American's vice chair, Steve Johnson, said in a letter to employees on Monday.

JetBlue's falling market capitalization has also led to speculation that it could become a potential acquisition target.

In January, following market talk that United was considering a bid for JetBlue, the Chicago-based airline had to inform the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it was "not in negotiations or discussions with any other airline regarding a merger, acquisition or similar strategic transaction."
President Donald Trump has nominated former national security adviser Mike Waltz to now serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The move comes just hours after news broke that Waltz would be stripped of his White House post amid internal clashes and public criticism.

Trump, 78, took to Truth Social on Thursday, May 1, to reveal that Waltz, 51, will shift to a more distant role rather than leaving the administration entirely, writing, "I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations."

"From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first," Trump continued. "I know he will do the same in his new role."

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The president also shared that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim national security adviser "while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department."

Related: Trump Is Ousting National Security Adviser Mike Waltz After He Put a Journalist in the Signal Group Chat: Reports

ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Sen. Marco Rubio at his Jan. 15 confirmation hearing to become Secretary of State Sen. Marco Rubio at his Jan. 15 confirmation hearing to become Secretary of State

Waltz's new appointment came as a surprise after outlets including Politico, The New York Times and CBS News warned that he would be booted from the White House as early as Thursday.

Waltz, whose foreign policy views allegedly clashed with MAGA hardliners, had been on thin ice after creating a private group chat on Signal with top administration officials and accidentally adding The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.

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Related: Trump's National Security Adviser Struggles to Explain on Live TV How He Added Journalist to Secret Group Chat

In screenshots of the group chat published by The Atlantic, top Trump officials planned a bombing of Houthi rebels in Yemen. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was shown in screenshots sharing a TEAM UPDATE about the planned attacks before they took place.

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at an Oval Office meeting on Feb. 24, 2025 Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at an Oval Office meeting on Feb. 24, 2025

Waltz has been chosen as the ambassador to the U.N. after GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik withdrew her nomination at the request of Trump in order to maintain Republicans' narrow House majority.

Related: Donald Trump's Final Cabinet Picks: Everyone He Tapped to Join His Administration

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Trump wrote in a March 27 Truth Social post that he asked Stefanik to keep her House seat to help "advance" Republicans' "America First Agenda."

"I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN," Trump wrote.

He added, "With a very tight Majority, I dont want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elises seat. The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations."

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.

Stefanik became the second Trump Cabinet pick to have their nomination withdrawn after former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz pulled himself from consideration for attorney general in November 2024.

Gaetz withdrew amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sex trafficking, sexual misconduct with minors and illicit drug use.



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Elon Musk says Donald Trump sometimes invited him to stay overnight in the White Houses Lincoln Bedroomand once offered him late-night ice cream. The billionaire gave a Q&A session with news outlets in the White House's Roosevelt Room as he prepares to step back from his role within the Trump Administration.

Elon Musk says he slept in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom at the invitation of the U.S. Presidenta room usually reserved for world leaders and high-profile celebrities.

In an hour-long Q&A session with news outlets in the White House's Roosevelt Room, Musk answered a series of questions about his cost-cutting DOGE team as he prepared to step back from his role within the Trump administration.

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In one exchange, Musk revealed that Trump, whom he described as a "good friend," would occasionally invite him to sleep in the White House's Lincoln Bedroomoften when he returned late from travel.

"He was like: 'Where are you staying?' I was like: 'I don't know. At a friend's house, I guess.' And then he was like: 'Why don't you stay here?' I was like: 'Sure,'" Musk told reporters.

He also recalled one occasion when the president asked him to pick up ice cream from the White House kitchen.

Hell actually call late at night and say, Oh, by the way, make sure you get some ice cream from the kitchen, Musk said, jokingly adding: Dont tell RFK.

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Musk also spoke about his West Wing office, which he called comically tiny" and said it only got a "glimmer of sunlight."

The Tesla CEO said he planned to keep it to use when he's in Washington, which he said will be just one to two days a week.

Musk has been under pressure to return his focus to his companies, especially Tesla, which has suffered from his controversial role within the Trump administration.

Despite Musk's decision to scale back his Washington presence, the billionaire has said that DOGE will continue without him.

Musk's team was set to run until July 4, 2026, but the billionaire suggested that the group could help oversee federal spending until the end of 2028.

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"DOGE is a way of life, like Buddhism," he said. "Buddha isn't alive anymore. You wouldn't ask the question: 'Who would lead Buddhism?'"

DOGE's $2 trillion dream

Musk also acknowledged that DOGE had fallen short of some of its loftier goals.

The billionaire had originally promised to slash $2 trillion from the federal budget by the end of the fiscal year. However, DOGE's current savings are at $160 billion.

Some critics have argued that the cost of layoffs, legal fights, and rehiring may cost the taxpayers more than the cuts themselves.

He acknowledged that the team had not been "as effective" as he would have liked, but praised the group's overall effort.

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"In the grand scheme of things, I think we've been effective. Not as effective as I'd like ... but we've made progress," he told reporters, adding that some of the resistance to DOGE had come from inside the administration.

"There's a long way to go," he said. "It's pretty difficult ... It's like: How much pain is the Cabinet and Congress willing to take? It can be done. But it requires dealing with a lot of complaints."

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
President Donald Trump has admitted that his tariffs on China might have a stark impact on U.S. goods.

Trump brushed off concerns, saying, "Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30."

The U.S. Commerce Department reported on Wednesday, April 29, that the economy had shrunk 0.3% during the first quarter, but Trump placed that blame on his predecessor, President Joe Biden.

President Donald Trump has admitted how his foreign tariffs may impact American consumers following a new report about the U.S. economy.

During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, April 30, Trump was asked about his tariffs on goods from China and how they might continue to affect the U.S. marketplace. In early April, the president upped the tariffs to 145% and Bloomberg reported this week that cargo shipments from China have since fallen by an estimated 60%.

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"Somebody said the shelves will be open. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30. Maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally," Trump said of the tariffs' effect on U.S. goods.

"But we're not talking about something where we'll have to go out of our way," he continued. "They have ships that are loaded up with stuff, much of which we don't need. And we have to make a fair deal. We've been ripped off by every country in the world, but China, I would say, is the leading one."

Related: Experts Warn of 'Higher Costs Across All Aspects of the Wedding World' Due to Trump Tariffs

On Thursday, May 1, the U.S. Commerce Department released a new report indicating that the American economy shrank by 0.3% during the first quarter of 2025.

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However, on his Truth Social page, Trump was quick to place the blame on his predecessor, President Joe Biden.

"This is Bidens Stock Market, not Trumps. I didnt take over until January 20th," he wrote. "Tariffs will soon start kicking in, and companies are starting to move into the USA in record numbers."

"Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden 'Overhang,' " he continued. "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!!!"

The tariffs on China are some of the only ones that actually went into effect following Trump's April 2 "Liberation Day" speech, in which the president threatened tariffs on nearly all imported goods.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty President Donald Trump announces sweeping international tariffs in the White House Rose Garden on April 2, 2025 President Donald Trump announces sweeping international tariffs in the White House Rose Garden on April 2, 2025

After the stock market plummeted and China upped their own tariffs on American goods in response, Trump  who had claimed he "knew "what the hell [he was] doing"  almost immediately put a 90-day hold on nearly all of the planned international tariffs, excluding China.

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Related: Trump Calls Groceries an 'Old-Fashioned' Word During Tariff Speech: 'It Sort of Says a Bag with Different Things in It'

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Trump has not hesitated to bash critics of his turbulent economic plan. After Americans expressed concern about the "Liberation Day" stock market crash and the state of their retirement savings, he urged them to stop being "Panican."

The term, which he coined in that moment, was apparently meant to mean "weak and stupid people," he explained on Truth Social.

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"The United States has a chance to do something that should have been done DECADES AGO," he said. "Don't be Weak! Don't be Stupid! Don't be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!)"

However, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that top economists believe this downturn could continue throughout Trump's first year back in office.

We think the downturn of the economy will get worse in the second half of this year,' said Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics. Corrosive uncertainty and higher taxes  tariffs are a tax on imports  will drag GDP growth back into the red by the end of this year.'



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PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)  April is National Donate Life Month, where places like Horizon Health look to bring awareness to organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Wednesday morning, a program was held at the hospital, with Gift of Life, for those affected by donations to share their stories.

Franci Rubin, Quality Coordinator at Horizon Health, said her brothers life was saved by an organ donor.

Four and a half years ago, my brother was the recipient of a heart donor, Rubin said. He is doing amazing and so today we got to celebrate him and thank those families that chose to be a donor, so that people like him could continue on.

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For families on the other side of the donation, it is both one of the toughest moments of their lives and through donation, something that helps them with the tough times that come after you lose a loved one.

Karlee McCollum, Patient Access Manager at Horizon Health, said she lost her stepmom just a few years ago.

My stepmom, we lost her in 2018, McCollum said. She was an organ donor. She had donated all the organs she was able to, at the time, and we worked with the Gift of Hope. They really helped us through the process and the grieving stages as well.

McCollum said seeing the people saved by her stepmom is moving.

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Its amazing, McCollum said. I had one of the recipients in my wedding, in honor of my stepmom, then we met the other recipient. Its great to see that they are able to live on.

Rachel Kelley, Chief Nursing Officer at Horizon Health, said every time someone dies and becomes an organ donor, Horizon Health and Gift of Hope honor them in a special way.

It is an informational code that is announced through the facility, to let everyone know that we have a donor, Kelley said. They are giving the gift of eyes, bones, and tissue at this facility. This Code Hero allows us to celebrate those donors that are giving the gift of life to someone else.

If you are not a registered organ donor and want to become one, you can do that at the BMV when applying for, or renewing, your drivers license or online here.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The Rocky Heights Middle School principal sent a letter to the community on Wednesday, seeking to ease fears about a potential threat made in connection with an upcoming choir concert.

The schools letter to families said that the Douglas County Sheriffs Office thoroughly investigated and determined the threat is not credible.

Douglas County School Board votes to consolidate 3 elementary schools

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This is a standard practice in our school and we work diligently to pull our team together to investigate every report, every concern, and every misguided teenage use of inappropriate or concerning language to ensure that we are supporting our kids and providing them with a safe place to learn each and every day, wrote Rocky Heights Middle School Principal Chris Cooke.

A Facebook group was created by concerned school community members who believe more is more. The concert is scheduled for May 13.

One parent, who said their son had been bullied at the middle school, also said they met with the districts assistant superintendent on Wednesday. The parent said they became aware of the possible threats on April 21 and shared concerns that current policies are too loose and allow danger into the schools.

However, school officials said community members are spreading unfortunate misrepresentations.

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Several of us here at Rocky Heights have seen the unfortunate misrepresentations being shared online and appreciate families reaching out to question or seek clarification in regard to these claims, the principals letter stated. The reports associated with our choir concert and our school have become vastly inaccurate on social media platforms, have been fully investigated and have been found to have no credibility.

The principal noted that any member of the school community, including students, can reach out at any time to an RHMS or DCSD staff member, law enforcement or Safe2Tell at 1-877-542-7233.

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While it is a powerful tool, when rumors are perpetuated on social media, they quickly spread and cause unnecessary concern and a disruption to our learning environment, the principal wrote. Please know if there is ever a legitimate threat to our school, I will communicate that to you as soon as I can.

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I fully understand the concerns you may have, given what you have heard or read. We will continue to have a security presence at our building out of an abundance of caution. And again, I want to stress that, in collaboration with DCSO, this situation was fully investigated and no credible concern was found, he added.

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GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Community members in Greenville County are asking for the publics help to keep The Reedy River clean. The plea comes after they said they collected thousands of pounds of trash from the waterway in an early March cleanup.

Representatives with Conestee Nature Preserve and Friends of The Reedy River told 7NEWS around 90 volunteers collected at least 11,000 pounds of trash from The Reedy River during a major sweep.

Organizers for the cleanup said they pulled hundreds of pounds of tires from the water, as well as mattresses, car seats and shopping carts.

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Tires are always an issue. Were always on the lookout for abandoned or illegal dump sites, said Scott Butler, who serves as the president of the board of directors for Friends of The Reedy River. Its very gratifying to be able to get that much trash out of the river, but we look forward to the day where we get 180 or 200 volunteers together and we just say, sorry, lets just go to the afterparty. Theres nothing left in the river to clean up.

Butler and Conestee Nature Preserve Advancement Director Josh Zalabak are asking people to get involved with joining or hosting a cleanup of their own. They also said folks should be mindful of how they dispose of their trash.

Helene obviously caused thousands of trees to fall in the preserve, and those trees that fell in the waterways effectively serve as dams that collect a lot of trash. And so, you do see some of those rafts of trash kind of along the river, said Zalabak.

Zalabak said garbage thrown on sidewalks and driveways often ends up in the Reedy River. He explained it negatively impacts the rivers biodiversity and local recreation.

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We have plenty of need for cleanup around the preserve, Zalabak went on to say. Were a flood plain of The Reedy River. It means every time it floods, all the trash that goes down the storm drains that feed the Reedy River, it kind of ends up here in Conestee.

Representatives of both organizations said some of the garbage in the water can only be collected by boat. There are several ways for people to help out on the Conestee Nature Preserve and Friends of The Reedy River websites.

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Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have asked the Senate to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila so he could face trial on charges of supporting a rebel uprising in the countrys east, the justice minister says.

Constant Mutamba told reporters in the capital, Kinshasa, on Wednesday evening that authorities have amassed clear evidence implicating the former president in war crimes, crimes against humanity and massacres of peaceful civilians and military personnel in the east.

Mutamba said the attorney general of Congos army has asked the Senate to revoke the lifetime immunity from prosecution that Kabila enjoys as a former president and senator.

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The former president is accused of treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity and participation in an insurrectional movement, the justice minister added.

His successor, President Felix Tshisekedi, last year alleged Kabila was supporting the M23 rebels and preparing an insurrection in the eastern DRC with them, a claim Kabila denied.

Kabila led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, taking office at the age of 29 and extending his mandate by delaying elections for two years after his term ended in 2016. His father, former President Laurent Kabila, was assassinated in 2001.





Last month, he returned to the DRC after having left in 2023 in part due to deteriorating relations with the government of Tshisekedi. He arrived in the rebel-held eastern city of Goma, where he planned to participate in peace efforts, according to one of his associates.

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Fighting in the eastern DRC surged once again in January, and the M23 have captured the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, leaving devastation in their wake.

The fighting has killed about 3,000 people and worsened what was already one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises with about seven million people displaced.

M23 is one of about 200 armed groups vying for a foothold in the mineral-rich eastern DRC near the border with Rwanda. The rebels are supported by about 4,000 soldiers from neighbouring Rwanda, according to UN experts.

Despite the DRCs army and M23 having agreed to work towards a truce this month, fighting continues in the eastern province of South Kivu.

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Ferdinand Kambere, the deputy secretary-general of Kabilas Peoples Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, said the justice ministers actions amount to relentless persecution.

For us, these mistakes that those in power keep making against the former president, thinking they are humiliating or intimidating him, actually show that the regime is nearing its end. They have nothing left to use against Kabila, Kambere told The Associated Press news agency.




By Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) - Apple faces a possible criminal contempt probe after a U.S. judge said it violated an order to open its lucrative App Store to more competition and misled the court.

Here is a look at how Apple got here and what comes next in the blockbuster lawsuit brought by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games.

WHAT DID THE JUDGE SAY?

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland on Wednesday ruled Apple was in willful violation of an injunction she issued in 2021 in an antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games.

Epic sued in 2020 to loosen Apple's control over transactions in applications that use its iOS operating system and how apps are distributed to consumers. The judges prior order required Apple to give developers more power to steer app users to non-Apple payment options that avoid Apple's 30% commission.

Apple failed to convince the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the injunction, and it went into effect in early 2024. The new ruling concerned whether Apple had complied with terms of the injunction.

The judge accused Apple of insubordination and said it had tried to cover up its decision-making process from the court.

WHAT MUST APPLE DO NOW?

Gonzalez Rogers said Apple must end several practices that she said were designed to circumvent her injunction, including a new 27% fee it imposed on app developers when Apple customers complete an app purchase outside the App Store.

She also barred the company from using scare screens to deter consumers from using third-party payment options. Apple had denied violating terms of the courts order.

WHY DID THE JUDGE MAKE A CRIMINAL CONTEMPT REFERRAL?

On top of finding Apple took steps to evade her injunction, Gonzalez Rogers referred Apple and one of its executives to federal prosecutors for a possible criminal contempt investigation.

"Apple sought to maintain a revenue stream worth billions in direct defiance of this courts injunction," she said, finding that internal records showed "Apple knew exactly what it was doing" and that a finance executive had lied under oath.

Federal judges have authority to ask an investigative agency such as the U.S. Justice Department to probe whether companies and individuals should be prosecuted criminally for violating court orders.

Gonzalez Rogers declined to say whether the government should bring a charge. That will be up to the U.S. attorney who oversees the San Francisco and Oakland federal prosecution teams.

Companies found to be in criminal contempt can be subject to fines, and individuals can face jail time.
SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)  A suspect is in custody after two children and an adult were struck by a vehicle on South Carolinas Sullivans Island Thursday.

Sgt. Matt Storen with the Isle of Palms Police Department said law enforcement officials responded to the scene of the incident at around 12:48 p.m. ET to find that the driver had struck multiple children near a local church. The driver then allegedly fled the scene, he said.

Storen said one adult and one juvenile were taken to an area hospital with injuries, while a third was treated at the scene and released to a parent.

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Amid search efforts, traffic on roads near the scene of the accident were restricted on Thursday afternoon. A checkpoint was set up on the Ben Sawyer causeway, which leads to and from Sullivans Island, while residents were advised to shelter in place.

Driver who killed 4 after hitting Illinois after-school building may have had medical emergency

Authorities said the suspect had been seen on foot with a knife, but its unclear if they were armed when taken into custody.

This is a developing story.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Depew man was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 years in prison and had his license permanently revoked for causing a crash that killed an Eden man in 2023, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said.

Around 5:30 a.m. of July 24 that year, Zachary Poisson, 34, was driving under the influence of cocaine on Clinton Street in West Seneca when he crossed into the other lane and caused a head-on collision, officials said. David Sion, 49, died as a result.

Poisson pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter among other charges last month. He originally faced a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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LANSING, (Mich.) WLNS  The University of Michigan Health-Sparrow released its annual drug report Wednesdayand it shows decreases in drug deaths all across mid-Michigan.

Six of the seven counties Sparrow serves as the office of the medical examiner saw drug-related deaths drop compared to 2023. Amanda Wallace, the chief investigator for the medical examiners office, said theyre encouraged by the current trend.

Its such a great thing to see that were trending in the right direction. We are really glad to see these numbers start to come down. It looks like its pretty much the lowest its been since the epidemic first hit, said Wallace.

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According to the forensic pathology office at Sparrow, there were 51 fewer drug-related deaths in Ingham County in 2024 compared to 2023. Some experts thank a societal shift in how we view addiction.

One of those experts is Corey Warren, the president and CEO of RISE Recovery Community.

Corey Warren (WLNS)

It seems like were kind of dismantling the old addiction stigma, and were starting to look at addiction and alcoholism in a whole different light, one that were seeing them as sick rather than criminals, said Warren.

In total, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties, there were 57 fewer drug-related deaths in 2024 than there were the previous year.

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Local drug rehabilitation facilities are encouraged, but Warren acknowledges that theres work to be done.

There will always be something that people will try to escape. The easiest drug of them all is alcohol, and we dont even view it like that, said Warren This is not the end, this is the beginning, now we have to look at this even wider.

But, even though theres more to do, hes optimistic about the future.

So, Michigan especially, weve done a great job. Ive gotten 2 18-year-old kids into rehab within the last 14 days, 18-year-olds that are speaking up finally: Hey dude, I know where this is heading, I know whats gonna happen if I stay on this path. Thats cool, thats a stigma break right there, said Warren.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can call 1-800-662-4357 or seek out resources at these three links.

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Tensions in Syria have escalated following a deadly ambush that left at least 15 members of the Druze minority dead, according to a monitoring group, sparking calls for international intervention.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the victims were targeted late Wednesday on the DamascusSweida highway in an attack allegedly carried out by Syrian security forces and pro-government militias.

The victims were reportedly armed Druze men going to help other Druze in the town of Sahnaya, where there had recently been deadly clashes.

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A Druze source in Sweida confirmed the incident, telling dpa that no one could have carried out this massacre without cover from government forces.

Nine men were said to have been executed at the scene, with some bodies burned.

The killings are part of a broader surge in violence in a country that had been wracked by war for more than a decade. Since Monday, at least 56 people have been killed in clashes between Sunni militias and armed Druze factions, the UK-based observatory said. The group collects information via a network of local sources.

The unrest was reportedly sparked by an audio recording perceived as insulting to the prophet Mohammed. Although initially blamed on a Druze individual, Syrias Interior Ministry later said the person had no connection to the recording.

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In a strongly worded statement, Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned the attacks, accusing the government of deploying ideologically driven militias against civilians. A government does not kill its own people using militias, he said, urging international intervention to prevent further bloodshed.

Members of the Syrian security forces check cars arriving in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, following deadly clashes between members of the Druze minority and pro-government fighters. Moawia Atrash/dpa

Burnt-out cars are seen in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, following deadly clashes between members of the Druze minority and pro-government fighters. Moawia Atrash/dpa

Member of the Syrian security forces are deployed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, following deadly clashes between members of the Druze minority and pro-government fighters. Moawia Atrash/dpa

A member of the Syrian security forces stops a car in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, following deadly clashes between members of the Druze minority and pro-government fighters. Moawia Atrash/dpa

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Tensions in Syria have escalated following a deadly ambush that left at least 23 members of the Druze minority dead, according to a monitoring group, sparking calls for international intervention.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the victims were targeted late Wednesday on the DamascusSweida highway in an attack allegedly carried out by Syrian security forces and pro-government militias.

The victims were reportedly armed Druze men going to help other Druze in the town of Sahnaya, where there had recently been deadly clashes.

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A Druze source in Sweida confirmed the incident, telling dpa that no one could have carried out this massacre without cover from government forces.

Nine men were said to have been executed at the scene, with some bodies burned.

The killings are part of a broader surge in violence in a country that had been wracked by war for more than a decade. Since Monday, at least 70 people have been killed in clashes between Sunni militias and armed Druze factions, the UK-based observatory said. The group collects information via a network of local sources.

The unrest was reportedly sparked by an audio recording perceived as insulting to the prophet Mohammed. Although initially blamed on a Druze individual, Syrias Interior Ministry later said the person had no connection to the recording.

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In a strongly worded statement, Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned the attacks, accusing the government of deploying ideologically driven militias against civilians. A government does not kill its own people using militias, he said, urging international intervention to prevent further bloodshed.

The Druze are a religious minority that today resides primarily in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. The religious community emerged from Shiite Islam in the 11th century.

During the reign of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, many Druze in Syria were close to the government. Since his overthrow, some Druze have become critical of the new Islamist-led leadership in Damascus. Others are cooperating with the new government.

The latest violence underscores the deepening fragility of intercommunal relations in Syria and the risk of renewed sectarian conflict.

Member of the Syrian security forces are deployed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, following deadly clashes between members of the Druze minority and pro-government fighters. Moawia Atrash/dpa

Member of the Syrian security forces are deployed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, following deadly clashes between members of the Druze minority and pro-government fighters. Moawia Atrash/dpa
FAIRMONT  Dunbar Foundation Board Secretary Howard Brooks envisions a bright future for the Dunbar School as a future community resource.

First, however, it needs to settle the mess left behind from an investigation into the alleged misuse of COVID-19 pandemic funds.

Dunbar is a historical landmark, and its been in dire need of repairs for quite some time, Brooks said. If you recall, they had the Dunbar STOP Foundation that was still there. With all that going on, weve formed a new board and are trying to get Dunbar School back on track again and used for the heritage we intend on to be used for.

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Brooks spoke during the open comment section of the Marion County Commission meeting on Wednesday. He gave commissioners notice that the Dunbar Foundation was seeking funds to support the preservation of what Brooks called a most precious historical landmark. Commissioners only consider distribution of funds after a request is put on the agenda.

Brooks said the plan is to refurbish the school into a space that hosts community programming, such as workforce training, and into a museum that preserves Fairmonts Black history. However, after being closed for roughly two decades, Brooks said the building is suffering heavy disrepair. Before work to refurbish the interior of the building can begin, the crumbling roof needs to be repaired.

Refurbishing the Dunbar School could cost over $500,000, Brooks said. He estimates the roof may cost $50,000 to repair. However, an investigation into federal COVID-19 funds previously managed by Romelia Hodges, former executive, by the U.S. Department of Justice is bottlenecking funds the foundation can access. The DOJ and West Virginia Department of Healths Office of Inspector General accused the STOP program, which Hodges led, of using grant funds for nepotism, excessive executive salaries and bonuses, ATM withdrawals, luxury vehicle rentals, travel and food, according to court documents.

Last year, a federal judge ordered the organization to hand over documents related to the case.

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Brooks said theres still funding left over from when Hodges ran the program. However, while the case remains unresolved, the funds are out of reach for the Dunbar Foundation. With all the cuts to agencies that give federal grant funding for community projects, Brooks said the funding situation is unclear.

However, the Foundation is taking steps to begin moving forward again. Brooks said they revamped the board last summer. The Foundation is also looking at the local community for help, asking for whatever funds the County Commission can provide, as well as considering donations from different organizations and businesses such as Lowes or Ace Hardware.

All this effort is worth it because Dunbar School is a vital piece of Fairmonts history that ties back to the Citys segregation era. Preserving that history is important, he said. The Dunbar Foundation is also planning to partner with the Marion County Historical Society and Museum on the restoration.

Its a part of the history, especially for the African-American people that are here, and not just for us, but for anybody what wants to know about the history of Marion County, Brooks said.

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County Commission President Ernie VanGilder threw out one idea for how the Foundation could make a little headway on the planned revitlaization. He said when he still owned V&W Electric, they ordered an electrical panel for the Marion County Board of Education but the panel was never utilized. He suggested approaching the new owners of V&W Electric to see if theyd be willing to donate the expensive piece of equipment to the Foundation.

In other business:

County Commissioners also approved $500,000 in funding to the North Central West Virginia Airports Apron Project. The airport sought funds from Harrison County, Marion County and Bridgeport, with the funding dependent on participation from all three entities.

It was certainly a group effort, VanGilder said.

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He added the new airport terminal is nearing completion and should open later this year.

Finally, Commissioners tabled a request from Grant Town Emergency Medical Services Inc.. The organization sought funding for new equipment, but Commissioner Bobby DeVaul asked that the item be tabled in order to gather more information about the request. VanGilder said the commission didnt have enough time to review the cost of the item that Grant Town EMS wanted.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 14.
DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troop R in Dunmore held its annual memorial service to honor fallen troopers and pay tribute to those who served before them.

Wednesdays ceremony wasnt just about remembering the past, it was about honoring legacy, reflecting on sacrifice, and bringing together generations of troopers who share a bond that goes beyond the badge.

Since 1905, the PSP has served the commonwealth, and each year, troopers gather to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

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We have and unfortunately will continue to suffer loss. The names of 104 troopers who have been killed in the line of duty, somberly and resoundingly illustrate this reality, PSP Captain Michael Walsh said.

Six of those 104 troopers served under Troop R, which covers Lackawanna, Wayne, Pike, and Susquehanna Counties.

A wreath is placed out front of the barracks to honor their sacrifice.

Suspect in House of Horrors murder speaks out

Today we honor their bravery, their memory, their legacy, we honor these individuals who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, Captain Walsh explained.

The ceremony brought back memories for many retired troopers, who once served alongside those being remembered.

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Everyone they named today, I worked it. It brings sadness to your heart. You know, they were all good men, retired state trooper Joseph Sarkis said.

Its important to remember, you know it started in 1905 and thats a lot of years, just to remember the friends, fellow troopers, people you worked with, and just that they died and its very sad, Retired State Trooper Ronald Grzybosi told 28/22 News.

For current members, the service is also a time to reconnect and reflect.

Its really nice to see everybody come back and get together, and everybody tells old stories about how things were and what they are now. With law enforcement, its like a brotherhood or a sisterhood also, Pennsylvania State Police Community Services Officer Trooper Bob Urban said.

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Whether theyre active or retired, members of PSP say this memorial is a reminder that their brotherhood and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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Four days after a ransomware attack hit DuPage County computers, officials have offered little information about the incident  including whether there was any breach of data  but offered assurances that the government continues to function.

Thanks to extensive planning and preparedness efforts, we have been able to ensure the continuity of operations for the residents of DuPage County, Chief Judge Bonnie Wheaton, Circuit Court Clerk Candice Adams and Sheriff Jim Mendrick said in a joint statement Wednesday in response to questions over where the situation stands.

Asked whether any sensitive information was compromised by the attack, county spokesman Evan Shields declined comment, citing an active investigation.

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Initially described as a cyber incident, the event was first detected about 2:30 a.m. Monday, according to county officials. By Monday afternoon, the county confirmed it had been the target of a ransomware attack that impacted the sheriffs office, circuit clerks office and courthouse. The attack forced systems across the three offices offline while tech personnel worked to determine the full extent of the strike, officials said.

The county contacted the FBI and U.S. Secret Service about the incident.

Through the course of the event, courtrooms have remained open and judicial matters continue to proceed, officials said in their joint statement Wednesday.

The countys Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management provided back-up telephone and internet service to the sheriffs office early Monday morning. IT staff have also been working around the clock to assist these offices as needed, officials said.

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According to the FBI website, ransomware is a type of malicious software  or malware  that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return.

It can be unknowingly downloaded onto a computer when someone opens an email attachment, clicks an ad, follows a link or visits a website thats been embedded with malware, the site said.

Once the code is loaded on a computer, it will lock access to the computer itself or data and files stored there. More menacing versions can encrypt files and folders on local drives, attached drives and even networked computers, the FBI site said.

You always think its not going to happen to me, said an IT director from another Illinois county that experienced a ransomware attack five years ago.

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The attack infected the countys servers with malware, locking files while attackers asked for $400,000 in exchange for their release, according to the director, who asked to not be named for security reasons.

It was literally like a bomb went off across the county, he said. I mean, just PC by PC, (the attack) locked up everything.

The days that followed were composed of little sleep as the county worked to restore systems, he said. That process started with getting email back up, followed by public safety systems, including the coroners office, emergency management, the sheriffs office and the states attorneys office, the director said.

In all, it took about two months for services to be restored in full, he said.

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Ultimately, the county did not pay attackers and there was no exfiltration of data, he said. The director recalled being told by the FBI  which helped the county respond to the attack  that, We dont negotiate, we dont pay.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  A man in Duplin County has pled guilty to second-degree murder in connection to a shooting that occurred in 2021.

On Monday, Apr. 28, 2025, Jered Grady, 24, of Duplin County, appeared in Duplin County Superior Court where he pled guilty to second degree murder. He received a prison sentence of 12 to 15 years and was placed at the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Duplin County man facing murder charges after Wednesday shooting.

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Back in September of 2021, Grady was arrested and charged following a shooting on Hunting Club Road in Pink Hill that left Zachary Woody dead.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
Moments before it was first reported that hed been ousted as national security advisor, Mike Waltz  standing in front of the White House  appeared on Fox & Friends to discuss the administrations rare minerals deal with Ukraine and other foreign policy issues.

At the same time, it seemed fairly apparent that Waltz had no idea during the interview that he would soon be pushed out of his job, especially as he took time to congratulate another Trump Cabinet member for serving his last day as a member of the Army Reserve.

Following reports of Waltzs removal as head of the National Security Council, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday afternoon that Waltz would now be nominated to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio will do double duty and take over as interim national security advisor until a permanent replacement is found.

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And you saw yesterday, congratulations to EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, who just served his last day in the military, Waltz told Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade at the end of their conversation on Thursday morning.

Zeldin, who transitioned from active duty to the Army Reserve in 2007, eventually achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel as a reservist before retiring this week. Both Waltz and Zeldin sat in on the presidents Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, which featured Zeldin announcing his last day in the service while Waltz heaped praise on the president.

Mr. President, in the last four years, the world experienced a total lack of zero leadership under Biden, and then weve had 100 days of your leadership, Waltz gushed during Wednesdays meeting. With respect, with strength, starting with therell be all hell to pay if you dont let our people go. Dozens, over 40 Americans have come home under your leadership.

Moments before he was fired as national security advisor, Mike Waltz appeared on Fox & Friends and talked about how "excited" he was about the administration's achievements. (Fox News)

Elsewhere in his last Fox News appearance as a member of the Trump administration, Waltz celebrated the recent mineral deal between the United States and Ukraine, touting it as a key step in achieving peace in the war launched by Russia against Ukraine.

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This deal is good for the American taxpayer in that it is recouping the billions of dollars weve put into supporting Ukraine, he told Kilmeade. Good for Ukraine and helping it grow, and helping it grow the pie in terms of its development and reconstruction, and good for its security.

He went on to discuss his role in bringing Russia to the negotiating table while praising the president for trying to bring both sides together, while also commending Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff for applying pressure on Russia. Notably, it has now been reported that Witkoff may be in line to succeed Waltz.

Im so excited about this, Waltz told Fox about the military exceeding its recruiting goals. This is leadership at its finest, led by our commander-in-chief, who loves the troops, and they love him.

At the end of Waltzs fateful Fox & Friends chat and following his tip of the hat to Zeldin, Kilmeade applauded the then-national security advisor for his military career.

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You actually signed up for the National Guard after serving in the Green Berets. So, you never stopped. I just think its pretty impressive, the Fox host declared before lauding the administration for giving Silicon Valley more direct access to the Pentagon.

Weve got to move faster, and weve got to cut through the red tape. They deserve the best, Waltz reacted. Moments later, according to political journalist Mark Halperins reporting, hed find himself fired by the president.

The departure of Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong comes weeks after the former Republican congressman faced intense scrutiny for putting together a Signal chat that mistakenly included The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg. The chat saw Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth  who has also come under increased fire for his use of unsecured group Signal exchanges  sharing highly sensitive attack plans on Houthi rebel bases in Yemen.

Amid the initial uproar over the Singalgate scandal, Waltz admitted to the White House that Goldbergs reporting was authentic but never offered to resign, despite administration officials debating whether he should step down. Publicly, at least, the president backed him and described Waltz as a very good man.

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Additionally, Waltz claimed at the time that he had taken full responsibility for the embarrassing security gaffe, adding that hed learned his lesson and would not be fired. However, according to CNN, Waltz never fully recovered from the scandal, and it was merely a matter of time before he was done in the role.

Sources also told CBS News that the president thinks sufficient time has passed since the Signal incident that Waltz and Wong's departures can be framed as part of a reorganization, adding that he didnt want to fire the pair initially as it could be seen as bending to outside pressure.

Meanwhile, the departures of Waltz and Wong come weeks after a half-dozen National Security Council staffers were fired. Those terminations came a day after Trump met with MAGA extremist Laura Loomer, who showed the president her opposition research that she claimed revealed those staffers were insufficiently loyal to Trump and held neoconservative views.

Following the firings of Wong and Waltz, Loomer took to social media to boast about her perceived role in their removal. SCALP, she blared on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a previous post of hers about Wongs previous work for Mitt Romneys presidential campaign. She also said she showed the president a video last month of Waltz attacking Trump when he first ran for president in 2015.
Fran Horowitz, chief executive officer of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., who has orchestrated one of the retail industrys strongest turnarounds, has been getting nicely compensated for her efforts.

Last year, Horowitz total compensation package totaled $17 million, including $1.4 million in salary, $5.3 million in incentive pay and $10.3 million in stock awards, which tie the CEOs pay to the gains seen by other shareholders. That was significantly more compensation than the year before when the CEOs total compensation package came to $15 million, including $1.4 million in salary, $4.8 million in incentive pay and $8.9 million in stock awards.

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The New Albany, Ohio-based youth specialty retailer generated $4.95 billion in sales last year, up 16 percent from 2023, driven by comparable sales of 17 percent with double-digit comparable sales growth across regions and brands. By division, Abercrombie brands delivered net sales growth of 16 percent on comparable sales of 15 percent, with Hollister brands growing net sales 15 percent on comparable sales of 19 percent. Operating income rose 15 percent to $741 million. In terms of sales and operating income, 2024 was the best in the history of the company.

Much of the companys success has stemmed from being better at chasing orders for hot-selling items, downsizing and remodeling stores for greater efficiency and productivity, to be more efficient, having a strong presence on social media, capturing more customers each year, providing appealing, well-designed product at reasonable prices and being more inclusive in its imagery and marketing.

Horowitz has served as CEO of the company since February 2017. Earlier, she was president and chief merchandising officer for all brands of the company and before that served as Hollisters brand president.

Other executives have also been well compensated. Scott D. Lipesky, executive vice president and chief operating officer, received $5.3 million in total compensation, including $821,154 in salary, $2.7 million in stock awards, and $1.7 million in non-equity incentive plan compensation. In 2023, Lipeskys total compensation came to $4.7 million.

Samir Desai, executive vice president and chief digital and technology officer, last year had a total compensation package valued at $4.1 million, including $721,154 in salary, $1.9 million in stock awards, and $1.4 million in non-equity incentive plan compensation. In 2023, his total compensation came to $4.35 million.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Six former law enforcement officers, an attorney, and a paralegal have all pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a massive, long-running DWI dismissal scheme. But if youve been following our news coverage of the cases, you may have noticed it has not included any of the culprits in court.

KRQE Investigative reporter Gabrielle Burkhart explains why. Its typical in a criminal case for journalists to cover whats happening inside a courtroom. And weve gotten some questions from viewers about why were not seeing the former officers accept their plea deals in the states biggest corruption scandal.

Latest from the DWI investigation

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Former APD officer Harvey Johnson was the sixth law enforcement officer to plead guilty to his role in the corruption scheme. However, KRQE journalists couldnt ask him any questions about his admission in court on Tuesday, because there was no way for us to know when his hearing was happening.

Cameras are not allowed inside federal court for any case. But, with the way plea deals in the DWI corruption scheme are taking place, journalists and the public are not given a heads up about when the officers will be in court at all.

KRQE Investigates has received questions from viewers about why this is, wondering if the officers are being protected from media coverage. So KRQE asked the U.S. Attorneys Office and federal court officials about it.

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Chief Deputy of the U.S. District Court of New Mexico, Heather Small, explained that because prosecutors are filing the charging document in conjunction with the officers plea, the court cant assign a case number to establish the officers case until the plea hearing actually occurs.

What it comes down to, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, is that the people admitting to their roles in the scheme have skipped the judge and jury, waiving their right to a grand jury as part of the plea agreement. That means the charges arent filed until the plea happens, so there is nothing for the public to view in court databases before the officers appear in court.

The plea hearings are fully open to the public, but we certainly understand the challenge it presentswhen a notice of hearing does not exist, Small explained via email. There are a variety of different charging documents the prosecution may use, and a variety of different paths the Department of Justice may take to prosecute a case.

So is this common practice for federal court hearings? Small explained it comes down to how the U.S. Attorneys Office chooses to prosecute a case. In other criminal cases, for example, a charging document can be filed before a person goes through the process of heading to trial or taking a plea.

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But in these cases, the defendants are admitting their guilt right out of the gate, which is rare. So far, eight people have pleaded guilty in federal court for the DWI corruption scheme, including former defense attorney Thomas Clear III, his paralegal, Rick Mendez, five former APD officers, and one former Bernalillo County sheriffs deputy. A New Mexico State Police Sergeant remains on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A former elementary music teacher at Eanes Independent School District who was arrested in February on charges of Possession of Child Pornography is now being charged with Sexual Performance by Child under 14, according to court records.

In February the Texas Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant at Zachary Barnetts residence and seized a total of 13 digital devices according to the affidavit. Among those files the affidavit said DPS found more than 8,000 pictures and videos of female students from Barnetts class.

Former Eanes ISD music teacher arrested in connection with online crimes against children

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Violated our trust, exploited our students and naturally that is very upsetting, said Eanes ISD Superintendent Jeff Arnett.

The affidavit states that the images zoomed into the female students skirts, their underwear, and their crotch area.

Parents KXAN spoke with tell us they worry about where the images could end up.

They [DPS] have worked with national organizations to determine that none of our students images were uploaded and they have taken the additional step, making sure if there were any images of our children that were out there, those would be removed and we are trying to follow those processes with them as well, Arnett said.

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In a letter to parents at Cedar Creek Elementary, Arnett addressed the latest information released to the district.

Especially upsetting, is the new detail revealed in the Travis County warrant that Department of Public Safety (DPS) authorities identified and began surveillance of Barnett on Jan. 13, 2025, while knowing he was a teacher in our school. This was a full month before Eanes ISD police and administrators were made aware of his crimes. Had we been notified at that time, we would have immediately removed him from the classroom and avoided further exploitation of our students. Regrettably, we were not informed for several weeks as the investigation of him began, which is dismaying. While we cannot correct DPSs decision, we have told them of our extreme concerns regarding their delayed notification.  Jeff Arnett, Eanes ISD Superintendent

Some parents told KXAN they dont believe the district is doing enough to keep them informed or keep their kids safe.

This has now spanned about eight weeks for our district, so we have been living this along with the parents, Arnett said. We learned about it at the same time they did. We were disappointed in not being notified about the investigation until a month after DPS officials first learned about this activity.

KXAN reached out to DPS for comment about the investigation, as well as why Eanes ISD was not notified sooner.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) treats every reported case involving child pornography with the utmost urgency. So, while we understand Eanes ISDs desire for information as quickly as possible, its important to point out that an earlier notification in this case may have jeopardized the integrity of the investigation and put even more victims at risk. On Jan. 13, DPS began surveilling the target residence and first identified Zachary Barnett as the suspect in this case. At that time, Special Agents from DPS Criminal Investigations Division began seeking access to numerous online accounts and obtained additional search warrantsincluding one to search seized electronic devices and another to seize 13 additional digital devices that were still in Barnetts possession. Only after those necessary investigative steps had occurredwhich, due to the complexity of the requests and involvement of outside companies, does take timewas it safe for the department to inform Eanes ISD officials that Barnett was the subject of such an investigation. Those investigative steps were completed on Feb. 13, and DPS then immediately notified the school district. -Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesperson

There are online resources that can help parents and victims dealing with similar cases. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers a CyberTipline, as well as Take It Down, which helps remove nude, partially nude or sexually explicit photos and videos of underage people by assigning a unique digital fingerprint  called a hash value  to the images or videos.

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Brenda Thiam, a Republican former delegate from Washington County, speaks to supporters after filing with the Maryland State Board of Elections as John Myrick's running mate in the 2026 race for governor. Myrick, a Prince George's County Republican who filed his candidacy in February, is currently the only candidate to officially enter the race. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Marylands only filed candidate for governor has tapped a former state delegate as his running mate.

John Myrick, a Republican candidate for governor, tapped former Del. Brenda Thiam to round out his ticket as lieutenant governor.

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Myrick, who ran a brief and unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senate in the 2024 Maryland Republican primary, was the first  and so far, only  candidate to officially file for office in February. Following that, Myrick said he established a panel of advisers to seek a running mate.

Quite frankly, one name was at the top of that list from the very beginning, said Myrick, who announced Thiam had filed the required paperwork at the Maryland State Board of Elections just prior to their public announcement.

Myrick has spent the first part of the year speaking to Republican groups. It is not clear how much money he has raised. His first report will not be filed with the state until next year.

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller are expected to seek re-election in 2026 backed by a well-funded campaign machine.

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Other Republicans, including Gov. Larry Hogan, have been mentioned as potential contenders in the Republican primary. Hogan, the first two-term Republican governor in Maryland since Theodore McKeldin, is a seasoned campaigner and adept fundraiser. His entry into the race could present challenges for other Republican primary candidates.

John Myrick, a Prince Georges County Republican, is the first  and so far, only  candidate filed to run for governor in 2026. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Myrick, a Prince Georges County resident, is a staunch critic of Moore especially on budget, tax and economic policies.

Every Marylander wants lower taxes. Every Marylander wants safer streets, Myrick told a crowd of about a dozen supporters gathered Wednesday on the grounds below the south side of the Maryland State House. And were going to give that to them. In order to do that, it takes a bit of common sense, and more importantly, integrity and accountability.

Myrick, in an interview after the announcement, said the cuts to federal jobs in Maryland and other adverse decisions by President Donald Trump are a direct reflection of Moores refusal to work with Trump.

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Pennsylvania hasnt suffered like this. They have a Democrat governor, Myrick said. You know why they havent suffered on this? Because Gov. [Josh] Shapiro up there will work with this administration. He will maintain a cordial relationship with this administration, and he has.

Our governor has publicly said he cant. So what incentive does the federal government have to not savage Maryland? You know, I use that because I honestly feel that way, Myrick said. Theyve savaged Maryland over our top political personalities who refuse to work with them.

Its a punishment on Maryland he said would have also happened had Moores predecessor, Larry Hogan, been in office.

I say that because of Larry Hogans animosity with Donald Trump, the animosity that they have between each other, Myrick said.

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Myrick, who will be 61 later this year, lives in Lanham with his wife Nancy Nevarez-Myrick. He is a federal consultant who previously served as a Harford County deputy sheriff and is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, as well as a civilian intelligence officer, according to his campaign biography.

Myrick, in promoting his lieutenant governor, offered his stark contrasting comparison to Miller.

I cannot govern the state by myself, he said. Unlike the current governor, I knew we needed a lieutenant governor who was the most qualified, best person for the job  not just somebody who can stand there and look cute. Thats what hes got. Thats unacceptable.

Miller, 60, served two terms in the House of Delegates representing Montgomery County. She holds a bachelors degree in civil engineering and has experience as an engineer, planner and transportation official in Montgomery County and Los Angeles County, California.

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While in the House, Miller served four years on the Ways and Means Committee and four years on the Appropriations Committee. She worked on paid family leave, transportation, domestic violence and STEM education, among other issues.

A Maryland Democratic Party spokesperson blasted the blatant sexism of Myricks remarks about Miller.

Its why John Myrick is a failed Republican politician that finished fifth in the Senate primary last year, the spokesperson said. Lt. Gov. Miller is a transportation engineer, former legislator, and proven statewide leader with years of service to the people of Maryland and continues to fight for us as the states lieutenant governor. The remarks today show he doesnt understand what governing actually means, or what kind of leadership Marylanders look for.

Speaking to the gathered supporters Wednesday, Thiam (pronounced cham) said she planned to help right this ship, to champion the values that are important to all of us. Included in those, she said, were reducing taxes and burdensome regulations and a focus on the creation of nongovernment jobs.

Former Del. Brenda Thiam, a Washington County Republican, will be John Myricks running mate in the 2026 gubernatorial campaign. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Were going to make Maryland great again, Thiam said. I can guarantee you that.

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Thiam, a Washington County Republican, was the first Black woman Republican to serve in the House when she was appointed in October 2021 to fill Paul Cordermans seat, when he was appointed to replace retiring Sen. Andrew Serafini. She lost her bid for election to the seat in 2022.

Thiam holds a masters degree in education, focusing on special education, from the University of Maryland, College Park, a doctoral degree in special education leadership from Capella University and a post-graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis from Penn State University.

She has worked in special education for more than 20 years in both public and private Maryland schools as a teacher and, later, as an administrator managing teaching staff and budgets, as well as students with special needs.

My favorite thing is fixing education and returning it to teaching the students, giving them the tools they need to be successful in their life and forgoing all the indoctrination that our current administration seems to think is important to us, Thiam said. All those strains of ideologies that we will not tolerate for our children.

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In an interview after the announcement, Thiam was asked to elaborate on the strains of ideologies that concern her in public education.

Well, when you think about the conversations that are occurring, particularly in Frederick County, with what theyre going through, and having bathrooms for young people who may consider themselves of a different identity, but they can use the (different) bathroom, Thiam said.

When asked if she was referring to students who identify as transgendered, she said absolutely.

Thiam also expressed concerns about books that are questionable on our bookshelves for students to check out and read. She said she did not believe those books were in libraries in Washington County but in Frederick County, that does exist.

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In addition to her time in Annapolis, Thiam also ran an unsuccessful campaign last year for the 6th Congressional District seat.

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Thiam stumbled out of the gate at Wednesdays announcement, saying the lieutenant governor is the president of the Senate. So, the fact that I have served in the House of Delegates, Ive served in this fine institution. I know that I am prepared to get the work done.

In Maryland, the lieutenant governor does not serve as Senate president, who is elected by senators from their own ranks. Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) has held the position for the last six years, and before him the position was held for more than three decades by Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.

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The Maryland Constitution defines the role of lieutenant governor, who is the second-highest officer in state government, but whose duties are limited. Primarily, the lieutenant governor succeeds the governor in the event of a vacancy or fills in as acting governor if the governor is temporarily unable to fulfill the duties of the office. Other than that, the role is limited to duties delegated by the governor.

The lieutenant governor also chairs a half-dozen state panels, including the State House Trust, and serves as a member on four other panels.

Thiam later acknowledged the error when asked by a reporter, saying it was the result of late night research and a historical reference to the duties of the position.

Christopher Christian Cox was the only lieutenant governor to serve as Senate president. He was elected in 1864, at a time when governor and lieutenant governor were elected independently, and served one term before the position was abolished under the 1867 version of the Maryland Constitution, according to the Maryland State Archives.

The position was reestablished by voters in a 1970 constitutional amendment. The recreation of the office fulfilled a promise by Gov. Marvin Mandel, who was House Speaker in 1969 when the legislature elected him to fill the vacancy created when Gov. Spiro Agnew became vice president under Richard Nixon. At the time, there was no clear line of succession for the states chief executive officer.
The nations oldest incorporated Black municipality may soon have another opportunity to host a Black History Museum.

Im really praying that they will have a change of mind and a lot of us have been praying that it will come back here, said Glenn Paige, Owner of Blessed By The Best Barber and Beauty Salon.

Tuesday, State Representative Bruce Antone amended Senate Bill 466, aiming to designate Eatonville, along with St. Johns County and Opa-Locka, as potential sites for the museum. The amendment seeks to rectify previous decisions and ensure a more inclusive selection process.

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My museum would be 30% dedicated to the history of Florida, and the other 70% would be dedicated to black history, meaning were going to remember the past, but were going to celebrate the future, said Antone.

Antones amendment comes after a contentious decision by the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, which previously selected an undeveloped site in St. Johns County over Eatonville despite the rich history and readiness to host the museum.

Orange County wanted to build a facility that included a performing arts center and a hotel off Interstate 4 and argued the former Hungerford School site was best poised for success.

St. Johns County leaned heavily on its history and the heavily weighted scoring to rise above concerns that its rural location was far from anything else and wouldnt be able to sustain a major museum.

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St. Augustine was supposed to do a feasibility study, which they had not done. So, they dont know whether a museum can sustain itself in St. Augustine, but it can certainly sustain itself in Orange County, said Antone.

Antone said the amendment is not to take away from St. Johns County but to more locations that work for everyone.

Senate Bill 466 was passed in the Senate back in April and sent to the House in messages.

The amendment would strike the language in the bill that only creates a Black History Museum in St. Johns County. It would then add language to create three Florida Museum of History locations in St. Johns County, Opa-Locka, and Eatonville.

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The amendment would also include The Department of State partnering with each location, the locations must conduct a financial feasibility study, and budgets must match on a one-to-one basis with any combination of local government funding, grants, or philanthropic contributions not exceeding $75 million over 5 years.

For Eatonville, this development is more than a legislative change but an opportunity to celebrate and preserve its unique heritage. The establishment of the museum would not only honor the towns legacy but serve as an educational and cultural hub for future generations.

Residents said placing the museum on the site of the former Hungerford School would help the town thrive economically. State Rep Antone said Orlandos tourist power marks Eatonville as a viable place for the museum.

The town of Eatonville and Orange County offers a much better prospect for a museum that is able to sustain itself. Meaning enough money would come in just from the admission because the feasibility study for Orange County said that maybe half a million people would visit the museum. If you charge $10, thats 5 million dollars per year that could be used for operational management, said Antone.

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The proposed amendment aims to rectify this by acknowledging multiple historically significant locations, giving Eatonville another chance. Resident said the move would be a step toward inclusivity and recognition of the diverse narratives that constitute Floridas Black history.

We have a lot of hope in Eatonville, said Paige.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  On Wednesday, April 30, the American Cancer Society held a private recognition event celebrating the partnership with ECU Health in making the McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge a home away from home for cancer patients in eastern North Carolina.

The McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge, which opened in the spring of 2002, is the only Hope Lodge community in North Carolina and one of just 31 in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Hope Lodge provides a supportive, nurturing, home-like environment for adults receiving outpatient cancer treatment who live at least 40 miles away from their treatment center. Last year, 454 guests stayed 4,785 free nights at the McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge in Greenville thanks to the generosity and support of donors and the partnership of ECU Health.

A typical cancer regimen of surgery and radiation lasting six to eight weeks, travel often skyrockets the cost of care. Lodging alone can cost up to $17,000.

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ECU Health treats over 80,000 patients a year. 4,000 patients receive a diagnosis of cancer for the first time in their lives at ECU Health every year, so having a facility like this so close by is monumental for these patients.

The facility features 20 guest rooms, a library, computer room, relaxation areas, outdoor walking areas, community kitchen and laundry rooms, on-site caregivers, and much more.

Dr. Mary Raab is the founder of the hope lodge that opened in 2002, with a mission to care for the people of eastern North Carolina.

Patients often think, where am I going to talk to people to get some support that I need to go through this difficult time? I think it only compounds their worries and concerns and definitely impacts their treatment and their outcomes, Dr. Raab said.

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Making this journey just a little bit more comfortable for someone else is the goal of the American Cancer Society Hope lodges in general, Dr. Raab said.

It costs around $1 million a year for the lodge to operate, and thanks to the ECU Health partnership, the lodge continues to keep its doors open.

The Hope Lodge is an amazing place and the only one in North Carolina because of that rural condition of the patients that we serve, Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health said.

They can find a place here thats compassionate, that helps with some logistics, a place to stay, a ride to and from where they need to go. Its a privilege for us to support this because it really helps us fulfill our mission to improve the health and well-being here in eastern North Carolina, Floyd said.

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The latest casualty in President Donald Trumps war on diversity, equity and inclusion is a $1 billion federal grant program to train school counselors and thwart mass shootings.

The U.S. Department of Education notified grant recipients this week it was ending funds to train and hire K-12 school mental health professionals included in a 2022 law that passed with bipartisan support following the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which led to the deaths of 19 elementary school students and two teachers.

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The grants, which were included in a bipartisan gun control law approved by then-President Joe Biden, dont align with the Trump administrations goals, according to a notice of non-continuation sent to grant recipients Tuesday evening and obtained by The 74. Grantees include local school districts, state education agencies and colleges tasked with training some 14,000 mental health professionals and placing them in K-12 schools in virtually every state.

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Those receiving these notices reflect the prior Administrations priorities and policy preferences and conflict with those of the current administration, Murray Bessette, a senior advisor in the Education Departments Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, wrote in the letter. Affected programs, Bessette wrote, violate the letter or purpose of federal civil rights laws, run counter to the departments priority on excellence in education and undermine the well-being of the students these programs are intended to help.

Proponents of the grant program said they were caught off guard by the move, especially since Republican leaders, including Trump, have attributed the unprecedented surge in school shootings to a student mental health crisis.

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Map: In Decade Since Sandy Hook, Nearly 500 Killed in Mass Shootings Across U.S.

Ending these mental health investments will hurt students and families and make our schools less safe, Mary Wall, who was the Education Departments deputy assistant secretary for P-12 education during the Biden administration, told The 74. Its not an exaggeration to say that mental health supports save lives.

An Education Department spokesperson confirmed it would not renew $1 billion in grants, a move that appears to impact the entirety of the largest-ever federal effort to train school mental health professionals included in the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The law also created the first significant federal gun control measures in decades, including background checks on firearm purchases for anyone younger than 21 years old.

Spokesperson Madi Biedermann said in a statement the grants didnt live up to their goal of improving schools mental health support services  and suggested the cuts were part of a broader Trump administration effort to derail programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion in education.

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Under the deeply flawed priorities of the Biden Administration, grant recipients used the funding to implement race-based actions like recruiting quotas in ways that have nothing to do with mental health and could hurt the very students the grants are supposed to help, Biedermann said.

Biedermanns statement echoed a social media post by conservative pundit Christoper Rufo, who turned to X this week to accuse the Biden administration of using the grants to advance left-wing racialism and discrimination.

No more slush fund for activists under the guise of mental health, wrote Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Rufo didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from The 74.

Wall said the Education Department during the Biden administration offered a voluntary competitive priority to applicants who worked to ensure mental health professionals reflected the school communities they serve, but rejected the idea that the grants were a DEI initiative. Instead of creating a plan to support students well-being, she said the Trump administration has sought to rob school districts who have made important groundwork to have clinical services available to children and interrupt them midstream.

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We in no way required any of this to be focused on race or gender or sexuality or anything, Wall said. We were deliberately looking to set these up to be long-lasting, high-impact programs, where we would get the maximum amount of benefit.

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut who introduced the 2022 law, accused the Trump administration Thursday of killing the grant program in order to fund a giant tax cut for the crazy wealthy.



I thought we had a bipartisan consensus around trying to support kids with really serious traumas and mental illnesses with support services in our schools, Murphy said in a statement to The 74. But theres not consensus on anything that helps people in this administration.

Lauren Levin, the chief advocacy officer at the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise, said the cuts hinder students access to those services in schools that are already under-resourced. Though the degree to which mental health care and mass shootings intersect has been long debated, the pandemic exacerbated student rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness.

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New Ken Burns PBS Documentary Offers Raw Look at the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Nationally, there is an average of about 376 students per school counselor, significantly lower than the 250-to-1 recommended by the American School Counselor Association. School psychologists are even more limited, with a national average of 1 for every 1,127 K-12 students, according to the American Psychological Association.

Lauren Levin

After school shootings, we hear a lot of important conversations about the mental health needs and gaps in this country for youth, including from Republican lawmakers, Levin told The 74. In many of these cases with these grants, it means children who are currently receiving mental health services in schools are going to stop getting that help.

In the first few months of the Trump administration, several federal initiatives designed to prevent mass school shootings have faced a similar fate. A 26-person committee of violence prevention experts  also approved as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Axe  was gutted.

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Levin said Sandy Hook Promise, founded after the 2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, has also begun to track cuts to grants authorized under the federal STOP School Violence Act. Trump approved that law in 2018 in response to the high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, which resulted in the deaths of 17 people. So far, Levin said theyve documented cuts to about a dozen grant recipients totaling nearly $20 million, including funding designed to help schools address social isolation among students and prevent bullying.

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Trump Admin Guts School Safety Committee Created to Combat Mass Shootings

One of the reasons that students or any of these shooters are not getting the help that they need is that we have a gap in access to mental health care, said Levin, who noted that schools are among the most consistent places for young people to get help.

If someone is showing signs of wanting to hurt themselves or others, if they are socially isolated, if we see changes in behavior and if there is a school counselor, that school can be their lifeline, Levin said. That could make all the difference.
In a state where one of the only job sectors thats growing is the government, its a terrible idea to implement a new tax that hits private-sector employers and workers hard.

Thats what the payroll tax being considered in Springfield would do.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, wants to adopt a state payroll tax to do something that sounds good  cover paid family and medical leave. Called the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act, Villivalams legislation would impose a new tax based on a workers wages and would be withheld automatically from paychecks, just like Social Security and Medicare. Both the employee and the employer would have to contribute toward this payroll tax.

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Last month, the state Senate extended the normal deadline for considering the bill, suggesting theres some momentum.

Revenue from the program, which would impose a 1.12% tax on paychecks (paid in part by the employee and in part by the employer), would fund benefits in a state-managed paid leave program, giving workers up to 18 weeks of paid family/medical leave each year, plus up to nine extra weeks for pregnancy. The tax would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, for employers with 25 or more workers.

Initially, the tax would apply at companies employing at least 25 people, but by 2029 all employers, no matter how small, would be affected.

Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, as with all new taxes, this one is all but sure to rise with time. Consider Minnesota, which is launching its own leave program and payroll tax. In 2023, legislators enacted a 0.7% payroll tax to take effect in 2026. The tax hasnt even hit employers yet, but lawmakers already have boosted the rate to 0.88% since then.

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If times were better in Illinois, a proposal like this might be worth considering, given the struggles new parents face. Its especially egregious that many women, lacking federal paid leave or job protection, are forced to return to work just a few weeks after giving birth  or risk losing their jobs. But times arent good, not for the states economy or its finances  which continue to be plagued by $144 billion in pension debt and yearly budget deficits.

Theres already a major jobs issue in Illinois, where private-sector job creation is virtually stagnant. As of the end of last year, Illinois gained a net 32,000 nonfarm jobs since the end of 2019, just before the pandemic.

But 73% of them were government jobs. Thats not a recipe for a strong economy.

A state payroll tax would punish businesses for  hiring people, something we desperately need them to do. While intended to help workers afford time off for health and family reasons, it would increase the cost of hiring and maintaining jobs here and expose both employers and employees to future tax hikes if the program runs deficits.

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In other words, its possible that the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act could lead to fewer workers around to take advantage of paid leave.

The last thing Illinois should be doing right now is creating new disincentives to hiring.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Greater Johnstown School District students, faculty and staff and area artists shaped clay and decorated more than 500 ceramic dishes, all to help in the fight against hunger. And thats admirable.

Now in its 14th year, the schools Key Clubs annual Empty Bowls dinner has raised more than $50,000 for local nonprofits to address food insecurity.

Attendees choose handcrafted bowls, and then receive a small meal of soup and a side of bread. The fundraiser supports the Cambria County Backpack Project, the Womens Help Center Inc. and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

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Art teacher and Key Club co-adviser Cindy Maloy told our Kelly Urban that we pick these three (nonprofits) because they are so instrumental in serving our families and our community and homelessness and hunger.

Empty Bowls was started by a Michigan art teacher in 1990 as a way to raise awareness of food insecurity and to allow artists and students to make a difference. Spinoff fundraisers have sprouted since, including at Greater Johnstown, with proceeds going back to the community.

A new addition to this years fundraiser was a Soup R Bowl event at Made in Johnstown. Twenty talented artists competed against each other  and the clock  to create 352 bowls in almost three hours with 400 pounds of clay donated by Made in Johnstown.

Maloy said Empty Bowls is a project that students want to experience.

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She said, Our students have big hearts and they want to give back to the community and make an impact, and this gets them involved and shows that they can do big things.

This annual fundraiser helps our community fight hunger one bowl at a time.
Credit President Donald Trump with the stunning back-from-the-dead victory of the Canadian Liberal Party. Or put another way, Trump just lost a big election, with (North) Americans rejecting him after just 100 days in office.

Only months ago, it appeared that Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus party was on the verge of a knockout by a resurgent conservative movement after a decade at the helm.

But Monday, Trudeaus stand-in, the uncharismatic central banker Mark Carney, led the party to a surprise victory, reversing heavy polling disadvantages to remain as Canadas leader with one simple message: We will resist a newly hostile neighbor to the south.

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Whos ready to stand up for Canada with me? Carney declared at his raucous victory rally. His opponent, Pierre Poilievre, who weeks ago was seen as a lock, even lost his own parliamentary seat, in part thanks to comparisons between him and Trump.

Its not unusual for the U.S. to loom large in the elections of our northern neighbor, or for that matter in many countries around the world, where our political, cultural, social and economic influence remains heavy.

Other nations typically know much more about our domestic political goings-on than we do about theirs, in the same way that its probably wise to keep tabs on giant Amazon if youre an independent bookseller.

This is different. Never before has an election of a close ally revolved so heavily around out and out opposition to the U.S. president. This is not joshing among siblings. Many Canadians see the threats of annexation that Trump has consistently and repeatedly levied as existential, and why shouldnt they?

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Canada wants to stay Canada, not to become Trumps dreamed of 51st state. Trump has, in effect, spent months threatening economic war or even worse against what has long been our best friend and closest ally. In exchange, tourism and cooperation from our northern neighbor has collapsed, while the Carney government has been instituting retaliation tariffs.

As we have tried to point out repeatedly in these harrowing first 100 days of the Trump administration, this is not something that can be fixed easily or perhaps at all. Trust is a finicky thing, and tends to be hard to recover once youve made dire threats against an entire people. Contrary to Trumps sophomoric view of the world, America absolutely cannot go it alone; our industrial sectors are thoroughly enmeshed, as is our security cooperation.

Shifting Canada from friend to foe neatly threatens multiple of the Trump administrations stated long-term objectives, from strengthening our national security to fomenting the development of American business.

Perhaps this realization, and having run out the clock to try to get a friendly government in Ottawa, the Trump team will attempt to change course. If they do, we fear that they will find a set of Canadian counterparts who have staked their reputation precisely on opposing the Trump administration, and who will have seen no reason to really believe that Trump will change or that there even is an underlying strategy at all. Certainly nothing thats happened with the tariffs debacle has shown that theres careful thought or consideration behind any move day-to-day.

At least the Canadians still care in some sense. We imagine that a lot of other countries will be writing the U.S. off entirely.

_____
The Education Department announced Thursday it would be changing how universities change college accreditors while attempting to make it easier for new accreditors to get on the scene.

College accreditation is part of the process universities go through in order to receive federal student aid, with an accreditor evaluating everything a school does from class offerings to admission processes.

The department sent a Dear Colleague letter to universities informing them the process will be simplified for them to change accreditors.

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The federal agency is also beginning reviews to add more accreditors to the arena after applications for new accreditors were paused under the Biden administration.

We must foster a competitive marketplace both amongst accreditors and colleges and universities in order to lower college costs and refocus postsecondary education on improving academic and workforce outcomes for students and families, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said.

The changes come after President Trump signed an executive order that aimed to reform the college accreditation process.

President Trumps Executive Order and our actions today will ensure this Department no longer stands as a gatekeeper to block aspiring innovators from becoming new accreditors nor will this Department unnecessarily micromanage an institutions choice of accreditor, McMahon added.

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The Biden administration had sent out two Dear Colleague letters that put up more barriers to universities changing accreditors. Its guidance that schools needed a reasonable cause to switch accreditors led to a lawsuit filed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in 2023.

Trump has previously described college accreditation as his secret weapon on higher education, with universities at risk of devastating financial consequences if they lose accreditation and access to federal student aid.

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FAT Brands, the parent company of 18 restaurant brands, has named Taylor Wiederhorn as its new co-CEO.

Wiederhorn succeeds Rob Rosen in the role, while Rosen moves into a consulting position focused on debt and capital markets for the company.

Ken Kuick will continue as the other co-CEO and chief financial officer.

Wiederhorn has been with FAT Brands since 2017, previously serving as chief development officer.

In that role, he oversaw the expansion of franchise locations across the companys portfolio.

In 2023, he also took on responsibilities as brand CEO for 15 of the companys restaurant concepts.

Rosen said: It has been an incredible four years at FAT Brands  filled with numerous strategic acquisitions, assuming the role of co-CEO in 2023, and most recently, the IPO [initial public offering] of Twin Hospitality Group. I look forward to continuing to help drive the company forward, maintaining a consulting role focused on debt/capital markets.

FAT Brands owns and franchises more than 2,300 restaurant units worldwide across a range of dining segments: quick-service, fast casual, casual and polished casual formats.

Its portfolio includes brands such as Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery and Bonanza Steakhouses

In early 2025, the company opened a tri-branded location in Roanoke, Texas, combining Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery and Pretzelmaker in a single venue.

"FAT Brands appoints Taylor Wiederhorn as co-CEO" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Education Department has opened a Title VI investigation into Chicago Public Schools over allegations of race-based discrimination.

The Trump administration says the Chicago district is accused of discriminating against students on the basis of race with its 2023-2024 Black Students Success Plan, which focused on measures to help Black students struggling in school.

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, said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.

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Rather than address its record honestly, CPS seeks to allocate additional resources to favored students on the basis of race, he added.

The complaint was filed by Defending Education, a conservative group, after district leaders came together to focus on ways to improve Black students academics.

The department noted that during the meetings regarding the Black Students Success Plan the working group pointed out that students of all races were in fact struggling academically in the district.

The Trump-McMahon Department of Education will not allow federal funds, provided for the benefit of all students, to be used in this pernicious and unlawful manner. To CPS, I say this: Every American student deserves access to a quality education, and the Trump Administration will fight tirelessly to uphold that ideal and ensure all students are treated equally under law, Trainor said.

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The Hill has reached out to the district for comment.

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Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has reported an increase in the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operations: over 83,000 Russian targets were hit and destroyed in April, which is eight per cent more than in March.

Source: Syrskyi on Facebook

Quote: "The unmanned systems units from Ukraine's defence forces achieved significant results in destroying the enemy in April. According to the Unmanned Systems Forces Command, our drones struck and destroyed over 83,000 targets during the month, which is eight per cent more than in March. The strike efficiency also increased by another fire per cent.

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I am grateful to our soldiers for their effectiveness. However, the current high-tech war demands continuous progress, even greater efficiency and scaling up efforts in the drone sector."

Details: Syrskyi reported that he had held a regular monthly meeting on unmanned systems, involving many UAV unit commanders.

He once again emphasised that the UAV sector is a priority, as it allows holding the Russians back and destroying them at a distance, preserving the lives of infantry troops.

Syrskyi also listened to a report from the Joint Staff's intelligence unit, known as J2, on the formation of unmanned forces in Russia, the development of drone units within various branches of troops and forces and new models of Russian UAVs and ground-based robotic systems.

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LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Eight men were arrested and charged with child exploitation charges after a joint online chatroom operation led in part by the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office (LCSO).

The LCSO said it worked with the Northern Virginia Washington DC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NOVA-DC ICAC) to investigate eight men who were attempting to communicate with children under the age of 15 through chatrooms and social media platforms.

Docs: psychological torment; children exploited in operation across US; two charged

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Deputies obtained charges for the men during the week of April 21.

The following men are charged with the use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children:

Michael Peter Sherman, 26, of Rockville, Md. (three counts)

Dhiru Savjibhal Patel, 75, of Aldie, Va. (two counts)

Diego Alejandro Soto Castano, 28, of Alexandria, Va. (two counts)

Ravi Shankar Reddy Gunipalli, 45, of Herndon, Va. (two counts)

Thomas Ian Wallace, 29, of Herndon, Va. (two counts)

Michael Glenn Porter, 25, of Manassas, Va. (two counts)

Johnny Daniel Duran, 47, of Hagerstown, Md.

Ruben Oben Nouta, 28, of Herndon, Va.

Deputies say seven of the men are being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond, and one man was taken to the Montgomery County Detention Center.

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Protecting children from online predators is one of our highest priorities, and I commend our investigative team and partners for their diligent efforts in securing these arrests, said Sheriff Chapman. These disturbing cases underscore the importance of parents actively monitoring what their children do online and on messaging platforms, and teaching them how to stay safe, he added.

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), Herndon Police Department (HPD), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD), United States Secret Service (USSS), Winchester Police Department (WPD) and Virginia State Police (VSP) assisted in the investigation.

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El Salvadors security and justice minister has cast doubt on President Donald Trumps claim that a wrongly deported Maryland dads tattoos prove hes a member of MS-13.

Gustavo Villatoro admitted that the Trump administration has not handed over any evidence linking Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the notorious gang.

If we want to accuse him, we have to receive the whole proof that he is a member of MS, Villatoro told The Telegraph. When asked if that meant El Salvador was uncertain about Abrego Garcias gang ties, he responded, Yes, we are waiting for the evidence.

Gustavo Villatoro has overseen El Salvador President Bukeles war on gangs, which has sharply reduced crime but drawn widespread condemnation for human rights abuses. / Marvin Recinos/Getty Images

His comments come after Trump insisted in an ABC News interview Tuesday that Abrego Garcia was a member of MS-13 because of his tattoos. The president repeatedly claimed that the Maryland father, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvadors mega-prison CECOT in March, had MS-13 tattooed across his knuckles.

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Trump previously posted a photo on social media of Abrego Garcias hand showing four tattoosa marijuana leaf, smiley face, cross, and skull. In the picture, the numbers and letters M-S-1-3 were digitally added above each tattoo, part of an apparent argument that the symbols were a code to signify gang membership.

But it seems even Villatorowho has led El Salvador President Nayib Bukeles crackdown on gang crackdown, which has swept up thousands of innocent peopledoesnt exactly consider tattoos alone to be hard evidence of gang membership.

Criminal justice experts say Kilmar Abrego Garcias tattoos are not associated with MS-13. / Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/X

The security minister said that Abrego Garcia has been transferred from the high security CECOT prison to one of the countrys lowest security prisons, where no gang members are incarcerated, because the United States has yet to send any evidence of his criminal history.

The Trump administration has cited images of Abrego Garcia wearing Chicago Bulls merchandise, the tattoos on his knuckles, and a confidential informants claim that he belonged to the gangs clique in New Yorkeven though hes never lived thereto accuse Abrego Garcia of being an MS-13 member.

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At the time of his arrest, Abrego Garcia was living in Maryland with his wife and three children. He had entered the U.S. illegally in 2011, fleeing gang threats in El Salvador. A 2019 court ruling barred his removal due to the risk of persecution in El Salvador. His lawyers have denied that he is a gang member and said hes not been charged with any crimes.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the U.S. legally with a work permit and was erroneously deported to El Salvador in March. / Abrego Garcia Family / Abrego Garcia Family/REUTERS

After the Supreme Court ruled this month that the Trump administration must facilitate Abrego Garcias return, Trump argued he had no power to force El Salvador to release the father onto U.S. soil.

During Tuesdays interview, however, Trump said that he could bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. but is choosing not to.

Meanwhile, Villatoro told The Telegraph, 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.
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  An elementary student is facing disciplinary actions after they were caught with a knife Tuesday, according to the sheriffs office.

The Charles County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said that on April 29, school staff at T.C. Martin Elementary School were notified during dismissal that an 11-year-old student had a knife.

School administration then found the knife in the students pocket.

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Chesapeake police seek help in locating missing family of five last seen in Laurel

The student was given consequences from the Charles County Public Schools for violating the Code of Student Conduct. However, under the Maryland law, children aged 11 can not be charged.

This incident comes just days after a student at Thomas Stone High School was caught with a knife.

In a letter sent to the school community, T.C. Martin Elementary School Principal Ethel Hosendorf emphasized that any student in possession of knives or weapons will face disciplinary actions and possible charges from police.

Please talk with your child about the seriousness of bringing these types of items to school or on the school bus. Knives are not allowed at school or on the bus and are treated as possession of a weapon. Please encourage your child to turn these types of items into a teacher or staff member if they realize they have something at school that is against school rules, wrote Hosendorf.

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ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WNCT)  On April 25, Elizabeth City Police Department responded to the area of the 500 Block of Hughes Boulevard in reference to an armed robbery. Officers started an investigation and discovered two victims who had been robbed.

Officers were able to identify one of the suspects involved in the robbery and subsequently obtained warrants for a juvenile. On April 30, the juvenile was arrested and transported to the magistrates office and served with a warrant for robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Officers requested a Secured Custody order for the juvenile who was later transported to Perquimans County Detention Center in Winfall, North Carolina.

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This is an active and ongoing investigation, and the Elizabeth City Police Department

urges anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Elizabeth City

Police Department at (252) 335-4321.

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BRADFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WETM)  An Elmira woman has been sentenced to serve time in state prison after officials say she was found guilty of selling large amounts of meth in Bradford County.

Bobbie Jo Cardona, 47, was sentenced to a minimum of six years to a maximum of 16 years in prison after she was found guilty in February on two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and three counts of criminal use of a communication facility, as stated in a release from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office.

Pennsylvania man arrested on drug charges in Chemung County

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In the release, the DA states that Cardona sold 28.91 grams of meth to undercover officers supervised by Pennsylvania State Police in South Creek Township in July of 2024. In a separate incident, Cardona also sold 56.19 grams of meth to an undercover agent also supervised by Pennsylvania State Police. The release further states that Cardona used her cell phone to facilitate these sales, which resulted in her criminal use of a communication facility conviction.

The DA highlighted the severity of Cardonas crime by indicating that the amount of meth she sold was significant, comparing these sales to those observed in the past.

Elmira man faces arson charge after fire at St Josephs apartments

By way of comparison, sales of methamphetamine are frequently less than two and a half grams, making this investigation and conviction extremely serious, stated District Attorney Richard Wilson.

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The DA states that Cardona has a significant criminal history, including menacing, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, driving under the influence, resisting arrest, theft and other pending narcotic sales in Chemung County, New York.

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AUSTIN (Nexstar)  John Bashs campaign to replace Ken Paxton as Texas Attorney General lasted for just 21 days.

Today, Ive made the difficult decision to leave the race for Texas AG, Bash wrote on X Wednesday evening. On Friday, our family had a health scare that threw into sharp focus how I should prioritize my time right now, and that is not running for office.

Bash announced his campaign on April 9, drawing headlines not only for being the first major candidate to enter the race, but for his ties to billionaire Elon Musk. Bash currently represents Musk in a defamation case after Musk amplified social media posts falsely placing a California man at a clash involving far-right protesters near an Oregon Pride festival.

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Bash spoke with State of Texas two weeks ago, highlighting his record as the former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas  contrasting it with the record of State Senator and oil and gas businessman Mayes Middleton, R  Galveston.

Im not a career politician. Ive never run for office before, he said. (Attorney General is) not a position you use to advance your political career. Its a real working position that needs to come up with legal strategies to keep our citizens safe, to keep them prosperous.

In his post announcing the end of his campaign, Bash slightly changed his tune about Middleton.

The other candidate in the race, Senator @mayes_middleton, has served Texas honorably in the Legislature, and I know him to be a good man, Bash wrote. Despite the compliments, he failed to endorse any candidates for the job. I will be rooting for the next AG to represent our great State with distinction and to continue the impactful work of General @KenPaxtonTX.

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With Bash out of the race, Middleton is the only person publicly running to replace Paxton. The election is in November 2026.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
When Elon Musk decided to throw his considerable weight behind Americas conservatives, they celebrated unreservedly.

And how could they not? For the better part of a half-century, the Right and its vehicle, the Republican Party, had been relegated to the uncool kids table. In every elite corner of American society  Hollywood, academia, the press  conservatives were treated as cartoonish, bumbling villains, Wile E Coyote to the Democrats Road Runner, a Tom to be tortured by their Jerry.

At a passing glance, Musks full-throated support for Donald Trump served as the ultimate proof of a vibe shift. A sign that it was no longer unfashionable, or even downright embarrassing, to be associated with the Republican Party. Here was the worlds richest man, completely unmoved by the mainstream medias disdain for him, risking his fortune and the opinion of the establishment to stand alongside them, the masses.

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He was bold, ambitious and brave. He bought Twitter and purged it of cancel culture. He showed up at Trump rallies and donated generously to his campaigns. Perhaps most appealingly, he drove the Left crazy.

But now, as we approach the end of Musks time in the Trump administration, it is time to reckon with what his dalliance with the political world became: an enormous missed opportunity.

Elon Musks ambitions have not gone quite to plan - Evelyn Hockstein/REUTERS

In three key respects, Musks endeavours have been a failure.

First, theres the matter of his well-intentioned brainchild, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Trump announced his plan to create such a commission in September 2024. Not long later, Musk was boasting that, from his forthcoming perch, he could cut federal spending by at least $2 trillion.

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It was a noble goal. For decades, both parties have fuelled the federal governments profligacy, unwilling to court the unpopularity that real cuts and other cost-saving measures would engender among special interest groups and their mouthpieces in the media.

But once in place as a special government employee  Musk is technically a senior adviser to the president, though he appears to exercise full control over Doge  he fell well short of his goal. At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, during which he appeared to bid adieu to his colleagues, Musk announced that Doge had cut $160 billion. Thats not nothing, but it is a drop in the bucket of the United States yearly budget.

Worse yet, Musks haphazard approach to cutting spending and his indiscriminately adversarial treatment of federal employees may well have done permanent damage to the cause of getting the US back onto sound fiscal footing. Theyve certainly galvanised even moderate Democrats in opposition to cracking down on waste, undermining any prospect of bipartisan support for deficit reduction.

Second, Musks actions have lent credence to the idea that, much like the first Trump administration, the second is plagued by infighting. According to reports, Musk has rowed variously with secretary of state Marco Rubio and Treasury secretary Scott Bessent, and supposedly alienated other senior administration officials.

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Musk has clearly had the presidents ear and has every right to make the case for his preferred policies and tactical vision. But his seemingly endemic problems in getting along with some of the Senate-confirmed members of Trumps cabinet is likely to have left voters with the impression that hes a chaos agent within an already chaotic administration. Little wonder that Trumps approval ratings have tanked.

Third, Musk appears to have encouraged some of Trumps worst instincts.

On foreign policy, Musk has been a ceaselessly destructive force, spreading smears about Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Hes called for long prison sentences for journalists. He called one Democrat a traitor after he visited and expressed his support for Ukraine.

Indeed, he seems to have fallen so far off the deep end that his own AI technology reportedly found that more than half of his posts on X are false or misleading.

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Only a few months ago, Musks political potential seemed limitless. He had the money, influence, and ability to emerge from the next four years as one of the more effective and momentous presidential advisers in American history. Now, he heads back to the private sector, having done more damage than good to himself, his party, and his boss.

Isaac Schorr is a staff writer at Mediaite and a Robert Novak fellow

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WASHINGTON  Democrats led by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) want the Trump administration to hand over information about billionaire Elon Musks conflicts of interest as a government employee who owns companies doing business with the government.

In letters to the White House and several federal agencies on Thursday, the Democrats demanded Musk complete a public financial disclosure detailing his various business interests.

In an unprecedented arrangement, President Donald Trump has bestowed expansive and unlawful authority on Mr. Musk, an unelected billionaire, Democrats said in a letter to White House Counsel David Warrington. Mr. Musk is redirecting billions of taxpayer dollars to fund his own financial interests while slashing federal employees, programs, and services on which all Americans depend.

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Democrats have harped on Musks conflicts of interest all year. Thursdays letters are an indication Democrats will continue to highlight Musks prominent role in the Trump administration even as his time in government nears its end. As a special government employee, Musks tenure is legally limited to 130 days, and both he and the president have signaled hes either leaving or scaling back his government work ahead of that deadline.

Musk last week told investors in Tesla, his electric car company, that he will soon spend much less time with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency that Trump created for him. And on Wednesday Trump thanked Musk for his work while suggesting he wont be there much longer.

Youre invited to stay as long as you want, but at some point he wants to get back home to his cars, Trump said during a televised meeting in the White House with Musk and members of his Cabinet.

President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to the press as they stand next to a Tesla vehicle on the South Portico of the White House on March 11 in Washington, D.C. MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images

Musks popularity has plummeted even faster than Trumps as DOGE agents infiltrated federal agencies, accessed sensitive data and initiated layoffs, prompting a wave of lawsuits and interventions by federal courts.

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Musks companies SpaceX and Tesla have been awarded billions in government contracts over the years. Earlier this year, Musk criticized the Federal Aviation Administrations use of SpaceX competitor Verizon for air traffic control technology while the agency separately began using Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, for parts of the air traffic control system.

Federal law forbids government workers from using public office for private gain and discourages even the appearance of conflicts of interest, a standard the Trump administration has consistently flouted, both with Musks private companies and those belonging to the president.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has previously said Musk has abided by all applicable laws and the president has said Musk would recuse himself from government policy decisions that could affect his businesses.

The Trump Administration has failed to make public Mr. Musks financial disclosure filings, hiding the true extent of his conflicts from the public, the Democrats said in their letter, which requested his financial disclosures as well as any White House determinations that they didnt represent a conflict of interest.

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In a separate letter to federal agencies, Connolly highlighted Musks various contracts and asked whether he has fully disclosed all connections, interactions, payments, and business with foreign governments and officials.

Connolly is the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, which typically conducts investigations of the executive branch. Since Republicans control the House, they control the committee and its subpoena powers, something its chairman, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), has shown no interest in using to investigate the Trump administration.

Due to a cancer diagnosis, Connolly announced hes stepping back from his position, for which he defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) in an internal party election last December. Democrats will have to decide who should replace Connolly in the high-profile role.

Ocasio-Cortez declined to tell HuffPost on Thursday whether shell pursue the position.

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Following President Trump's decision to give automakers some tariff relief, General Motors (GM) updated its full-year profit guidance but still sees a big tariff hit.

"Incorporating the positive impact of the Administration's actions this week, we are updating our full-year EBIT-adjusted guidance to a range of $10 billion - $12.5 billion, including a current tariff exposure of $4 billion - $5 billion, GM CEO Mary Barra said in her shareholder letter published Thursday morning.

GM also said net income attributable to stockholders is projected at $8.2 billion to $10.1 billion, down from $11.2 billion to $12.5 billion, and sees adjusted automotive free cash flow of between $7.5 billion and $10 billion, down from $11 billion to $13 billion.

GM stock traded higher in premarket trading.

Read more about GM's stock moves and today's market action.

GM released first quarter results earlier this week. At the time, the company said investors could no longer rely on its prior full-year outlook of 2025 EBIT coming in at a range of $13.7 billion to $15.7 billion, with diluted and adjusted EPS seen at $11 to $12 for the year.

GM, which builds a number of vehicles in Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, is more exposed to Trump's tariffs on foreign imports than its rival Ford. Ford assembles 80% of its vehicles in the US, the highest percentage of any US automaker.

GM CFO Paul Jacobson said $2 billion of the $4 billion to $5 billion hit from tariffs came from importing vehicles into the US, like some of its Chevrolet Silverados, GMC Sierras, and certain midsize SUVs. Jacobson said the new parts tariff offset announced by the White House will "help greatly" but would not fully alleviate its non-USMCA parts exposure.

Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs

Barra promised that GM will do more to offset its tariff exposure.

"Absolutely, we can make changes. We've been working on our supply chain since 2019 to be more resilient," Barra said in an interview with CNBC, citing a 27% increase in parts made in the US.

On the conference call with analysts, Barra noted GM's Fort Wayne truck plant increased production by 50,000 units and said the automaker will announce plans to further increase US production.

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This story is breaking. Please check back for more updates.

Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram.

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Elon Musk said that President Donald Trump asked him to stay in the Lincoln bedroom.

Musk said that the president has also offered him some ice cream.

The moments show just how close Trump has grown to the world's richest man and his biggest backer.

Elon Musk said he is so close to President Donald Trump that Trump has asked him to stay in one of the most historic rooms in the White House.

"We'll be on Air Force One or Marine One and he's like, 'Hey do you want to stay over?' I'm like, 'Sure,' and he sends me to the Lincoln Bedroom," Musk told a small group reporters on Wednesday night. "I haven't requested it  to be clear."

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Musk, who is Trump's self-described "first buddy," has said that he will scale back his time in Washington so he can devote more time to Tesla, his signature company that has borne of the backlash to Musk's de facto leadership of the White House DOGE office.

In the same interview, Musk spoke candidly about the DOGE office's struggles.

At Trump's invitation, Musk has also eaten a lot of ice cream from the White House kitchen.

Trump has repeatedly said that he has grown close to Musk, the world's richest man who spent over $290 million on the 2024 election, most of which went to helping Trump retake the White House.

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The Lincoln Bedroom features a massive rosewood bed that Mary Todd Lincoln is believed to have purchased in 1861, according to The White House Historical Society. In 1945, President Truman placed the bed in what had been President Lincoln's office and formally renamed the room after the 16th president. The White House currently displays a handwritten copy of President Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address.

President Clinton sparked a scandal in the 1990s when it was reported that top donors later received the privilege of spending a night in the room. Clinton White House documents later revealed that scores of celebrities, including Steven Spielberg, Steve Jobs, Jane Fonda, and famed executive Lee Iacocca, also spent nights in the room during Clinton's time in office.

Read the original article on Business Insider
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Emerson College released a poll Wednesday morning that gauged voter perception of President Donald Trumps first 100 days back in office.

That poll reflected diminished confidence among voters in the Presidents job performance compared to prior polling, which has showed a steady decline in approval rating since January.

The Presidents approval rating sits at 45 percent, three points lower than it was in Emerson Colleges March 3 poll that recapped his first 50 days in office.

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His disapproval rating climbed two points over the same period to a matching 45 percent.

The drop in approval has happened more quickly and many of the actions hes taken have been higher in volume and have had bigger term consequences, at least from peoples perceptions, said Virginia Tech professor of political science, Dr. Karen Hult in trying to determine the cause of the approval dip.

The poll found that 34 percent of voters believe the President is outperforming expectations, while another 43 percent feel he has underachieved so far.

Meanwhile, 48 percent believe Trump is outperforming his first term through this point, while a majority 52 percent see his second term going worse.

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Democratic Leader Jeffries says Trumps 100 days filled with chaos, cruelty and corruption

Liberty University professor of government Aaron S. Van Allen says it is not uncommon for a President to see lower approval ratings in their second term.

This has been a consistent characterization that weve seen that [Trump is] less popular in his second term than what he has been in his first term, he said. You could look really at any president that has served two terms, and that has pretty much been the case.

On specific issues, the poll found higher approval rates for the administrations policies on immigration (45 percent approval) and higher education (45 percent approval).

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On the other hand, the administration polled poorly on policies pertaining to the Russia/Ukraine war (52 percent disapproval), tariffs (51 percent disapproval), and the economy (49 percent disapproval).

While 49 percent of polled voters believe the Presidents policies are making the economy worse, just 29 percent believe they are helping it.

According to Hult and Van Allen, those perceptions could have a large impact in determining statewide races in Virginia this fall.

What we do know is really important for Virginia governors races are nationalized factors but certainly how the economy is perceived to be performing in Virginia as well, said Hult.

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The economy is going to be that thing that number one plays a role in President Trumps approval and disapproval numbers, said Van Allen. But I also think someone is going to inherit some good or bad baggage in the commonwealth of Virginia as we start looking at the gubernatorial.

Despite the overall drop in approval, the poll found that 94 percent of Trumps November 2024 voters said they would vote for him again if they could go back in time to the fall knowing what they know now.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Emergency services provider, AmeriPro Health, has signed a new agreement with the Sumter County Board of Commissioners to bring three, 24-hour ambulance trucks to the West Georgia county.

AmeriPro had previously taken over EMS responsibility in neighboring Clay, Quitman and Randolph counties. The companys CEO, Larry Richardson, says this effort between counties will result in an automatic mutual aid system and have allowed emergency response times to be better, exceeding the expected threshold for rural areas.

Our primary goal is to optimize response times and improve out-of-hospital outcomes for the communities we serve, Larry Richardson said. Through strategic investments in advanced EMS dispatch systems, data-driven deployment models, and cutting-edge technology, we are able to streamline operations and significantly reduce response times.

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AmeriPro says they will provide three advanced life support (ALS) ambulance trucks 24 hours a day, along with a quick response vehicle (QRV) staffed by supervisors during peak hours. While regular ambulances are responsible for transporting patients, the QRV will help to provide critical care at any scene until ambulances arrives.

About 18 paramedics and EMTs are expected to be hired under the new contract, along with three senior-level positions. The previous EMS provider was Gold Star EMS.

Sumter County is home to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus. The date that the new ambulances will be in service is still being decided by the county and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  An area in Bradenton Beach has been sectioned off as a gathering ground for Black Skimmers after they were spotted there last week, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

Black Skimmers are known to populate sandy beaches and islands, preferring open sandy areas with sparse vegetation.

Credit: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring

When laying eggs, both male and female skimmers kick sand behind them in a motion called scraping, rotating to create a saucer-shaped depression where they can put their eggs. The average scrape is 10 inches in diameter and one inch deep.

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If they choose to rest in this location, it would mark the first time since 2017 that Anna Maria Island has hosted a colony of nesting Black Skimmers.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring would like to remind the public that since the birds have not settled on this location as a permanent nesting spot, it is important that people stay away from the birds, keeping a distance of at least 300 feet.

In Florida, Black Skimmers are a designated threatened species and are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

If anyone sees people disturbing nesting birds, please report their activities to FWCs Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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For those who wish to learn more about nesting shorebirds and seabirds, you can access more information online.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
In Alberta, Canada, a unique bridge is helping animals safely cross one of the province's busiest highways  and it's changing how people think about road design and conservation.

Nestled between Calgary and Banff National Park, the Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass is a 200-foot-wide crossing built over the Trans-Canada Highway, as Fast Company reported.

Covered in soil, grass, and trees, it looks more like a stretch of forest than a bridge. But it's already making a big difference for wildlife and the people who drive through the region every day.

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This stretch of highway has long been a hotspot for vehicle-wildlife collisions, with nearly 70 reported each year.

Large animals such as elk and grizzly bears frequently cross here, putting themselves and drivers at risk. Now, instead of darting across traffic, animals can use the overpass to safely reach the other side.

The overpass sits above two arched tunnels that carry four lanes of traffic, and it was designed with animal behavior in mind.

Engineering and design firm Dialog worked with wildlife biologists to make sure the structure met the needs of the area's biggest species, per Fast Company.

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The team carefully shaped the slopes so that prey animals could see predators coming, and they chose plants that blended into the landscape without attracting too much attention from hungry grazers.

This isn't just about avoiding crashes. Wildlife crossings also help protect natural migration routes, giving animals a better shot at finding food, mates, and shelter.

And as Alberta plans three more crossings, it's proving that we can build infrastructure that keeps nature connected and people safe.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Other communities are finding creative ways to reconnect habitats and protect wildlife.

Minnesota's solar farms double as native prairies for pollinators, and Dutch cities are transforming bus shelters with green roofs that support bees and other vital species.

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Plans for the world's largest wildlife crossing are underway outside of Los Angeles, with the goal to protect local species, including mountain lions, while improving road safety for drivers.

Want to support the ecosystem where you live? Try rewilding your yard with native species, which can supply food and cover for animals.

"It's not just the engineering professional inheriting the recommendations from the biologist and ecologist or reading the report and then making their own decisions," Dialog project manager Neil Robson told Fast Company. "We're going to those sites together."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
By Elizabeth Piper

LONDON (Reuters) - Voters across parts of England on Thursday will choose a new lawmaker, mayors and councillors in local elections expected to favour the right-wing populist Reform UK party and deal a blow to Britain's two main parties.

Both the governing Labour Party and main opposition Conservatives have played down expectations in the contests, which are often a protest vote against the incumbent party and, in this case, also the one it replaced in July 2024.

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For Reform UK, until less than a year ago written off as little more than a one-issue anti-immigration party, election wins offer it a chance to deepen local networks and cement its place as the best-positioned party to challenge Labour and the Conservatives at the next national election expected in 2029.

As well as 1,641 local council seats and six mayors, also up for grabs is a parliamentary seat representing northern England's Runcorn and Helsby region after its Labour occupant resigned following a conviction for punching a constituent.

Betting odds suggest Reform could win the Runcorn seat and three of the six mayoral elections, while experts see the party winning about a quarter of the council seats. The results will start to come in during the early hours of Friday until later in the day.

"The elections will be tough. Local elections are always challenging for incumbent governments," said a Labour spokesperson. "But of course, we're fighting for every vote."

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The Conservatives, under the new leadership of right-leaning Kemi Badenoch, have yet to recover from their historic defeat by Labour in last year's national election and will feel the losses more because they start from a strong position won in 2021.

For Labour, the party's popularity has slid since it took power after the government limited winter fuel payments to the elderly, got into a row over the use of donations and set out billions of pounds of welfare cuts.

Reform leader Nigel Farage says his party is making the most impact in traditionally Labour-voting areas while he dismisses the Conservatives as "standing for nothing" and a party which will "fall off a cliff" after the local election results.

He has not hidden his drive for Reform to replace the Conservatives, Britain's most successful political party.

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"I encourage all of our supporters to go out and cause a political earthquake on Thursday. Your local council needs Reform," Farage said in a statement.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
ENON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Enon Police Departments future depends on next weeks election.

The village of Enon has a property tax appearing on next weeks ballot that if passed, will keep their police department running.

A 1.75-mill property tax levy is appearing on Enons ballot on May 6. The levy will help keep the towns police department in business for the next five years, costing taxpayers $61 dollars per $100,000 appraised property value.

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The residents of Enon have typically been very supportive of our police levies, so Im hopeful that theyll be supportive of this one, said Enon Mayor Timothy Howard.

Howard says this levy will be familiar to residents but was absent from their taxes this year, since the previous five year tax expired at the end of 2024, leaving this year totally uncovered for police funding.

Taxpayers are getting a little bit of a break, and it would bring us up to the same levels that we had in 2024, said Howard. It would not generate any more money essentially.

Howard says this gap in funding was due to paperwork not being filed in time for the last election. He says safeguards have now been put in place to make sure this doesnt happen again.

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Fortunately, due to carryover amounts we will be okay. But we will need those moneys for 2026, said Howard.

The money generated by this levy would pay for replacing an old police cruiser, maintaining equipment and paying police salaries.

If the levy does not pass on Tuesday, Mayor Howard says it wont be the end of the world, but the village council will need to thinking quickly of a new approach.

As a community, we understand the importance of having a safe community to raise our families, for us to live in, and we want to keep it that way, said Howard. We want to keep Enon safe, we want to keep it a good community for people to move to and live and raise their children.

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Howard has been Enons mayor for the past 13 years. He says he is confident that residents will show out to support their local police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
For now, Harvard Universitys conflict with the federal government centers on some $2.2 billion in federal funding frozen by the Trump administration when the elite school brushed off most of its demands for vast reforms to admissions, discipline and management policies.

But the conflict may turn to another threat to Harvards finances, President Donald Trump has signaled.

On social media earlier this month, he wrote that Harvard perhaps should lose the tax exemption it enjoys as an educational institution, accusing the school of acting instead as a political entity.

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Like numerous public and private schools, Harvards educational mission allows it to register as a charitable organization and avoid the federal corporate income tax. Museums, religious institutions and other nonprofits enjoy a similar benefit for their service to the public.

Harvard has said there is no legal basis for the government to challenge its tax exemption.

The schools endowment is reported to be roughly $52 billion, the largest for any university in the country.

The centuries-old pool of investments grew by 5% last year, or nearly $2.5 billion. If Harvards taxes on its income spiked, the financial hit would be enormous, said Johnny Rex Buckles, an expert on tax law and professor of law at the University of Houston.

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House Republicans have also proposed raising the tax rate from 1.4% to 21% on endowment profits at certain universities with especially heavy endowments, including Harvard. Under that proposal, the school could be taxed more than $500 million annually.

But its the universitys income tax exemption itself that Trump has specifically zeroed in on and referenced in public comments.

Tax-exempt status, I mean its a privilege and its been abused, by a lot more than Harvard, Trump said in the Oval Office this month, shortly after the Washington Post reported that his administration has asked the Internal Revenue Service to reevaluate the universitys tax exemption.

Tax-exempt charitable organizations like Harvard must serve specific purposes, which, according to the IRS, include relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science.

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Harvard is also exempt from state income tax for its educational and research purposes.

Though exempt from property taxes, the university also contributes to the cities of Cambridge and Boston, where it holds significant real estate, through voluntary Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT, agreements.

Trumps suggestion that Harvard be taxed as a political organization would place it in the category of political parties, committees for candidates running for public office, and political action committees, which have different tax requirements than charities or traditional corporations.

But much stands in the way of Harvard losing its charitable tax benefits, Buckles cautioned.

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It would take more than Trumps order, he said: an IRS investigation into whether Harvard violated its responsibilities as a tax-exempt charitable entity, certainly an appeal from Harvard if the agency revoked the exemption, and then a likely court battle.

The tax exemption is particularly valuable for an institution like Harvard, with a monumentally large endowment that can reportedly grow by billions annually, Buckles said. However large the schools endowment is, the exemption provides a real benefit for Harvard, he said  one that the school will go to great lengths to protect.

The exemption also allows Harvard donors to claim tax deductions for their charitable contributions to the school, encouraging future donations toward research, the arts and other initiatives.

If the Trump administration pursued the issue in earnest, Harvard could take the matter to the federal appellate courts or the Supreme Court.

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I think that is how much [Harvard] cares about this, Buckles said. And if it goes that far, he thinks Harvard would win.

But in the shorter term, the universitys lawyers are preparing for a summer court date as they seek to protect billions in federal research funding frozen by the government.

Trump administration officials say theyve targeted Harvard because the university has done too little to protect Jewish students from campus antisemitism.

On 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 Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

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The school says it has taken meaningful, ongoing steps to combat discrimination against Jews, while acknowledging on Tuesday significant work ahead to correct hostilities on campus.

The withdrawal of federal funding, which would affect research on everything from cancer to national defense, has no link to curbing antisemitism, Harvard has argued.

The historical precedent for a university losing its tax exemption is the Supreme Courts near-unanimous 1983 decision upholding the IRS stripping the tax exemption of Bob Jones University, an evangelical school in South Carolina that banned interracial relationships on campus.

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An attempted crackdown on Harvards exemption would hinge on proving the school violated a key federal standard for charitable organizations  they must serve the public interest and not violate an established public policy, such as preserving students civil rights, Buckles said.

In Bob Jones University, the school itself had an official policy that prohibited interracial dating and interracial marriage, he said. It was an official policy. When I think of Harvard having any kind of official policy thats discriminatory, its completely false.

More Higher Ed

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA)  Tensions ran high between Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, the plastic surgeon on trial for the murder of a Largo attorney, and his legal team, who withdrew from his case.

During a Thursday motion hearing in a Clearwater courtroom, bombshell accusations from Kosowskis lawyer Bjorn Brunvand came to light against Kosowski.

Florida middle school teacher, coach accused of having sex with student

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The defendant accused his legal team of fraud and forgery, among other ethical issues and conflicts.

The conflict is money, Kosowski said. Bjorn wants to get paid, basically. Thats the conflict.

In response, Brunvands requested to quit as his lawyer, catching Kosowski off guard.

This all comes as a complete surprise to me, Kosowski said.

Tomasz Kosowski at a motion hearing for the murder of Steven Cozzi on May 1, 2025 (WFLA)

Kosowski was charged in the 2023 murder of Pinellas County lawyer Steven Cozzi. Hes now facing the death penalty for first degree murder.

Brunvand said jail recordings between Kosowski and his mother intend to fire him and sue him for money.

That hes instructing his mother to make sure that I dont ever get a penny and that hes going to ask for every dime back that he paid me, and those are things that I can say that I dont know are really going to be determinantal, Brunvand said. There are other things that Im not comfortable saying,.

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Kosowski replied he would waive attorney-client privilege in open court. The judge then briefly sent the defendant and his legal team away to meet and resolve their internal issues, but ultimately granted Brunvands request.

Kosowski is due back in court May 9, where he will either be representing himself or with a whole new legal counsel.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
ANDERSON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will conduct a public meeting on an Anderson superfund site next week.

During the meeting at the Anderson Public Library from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, EPA officials will explain the superfund process and the site team will answer questions.

The Wheeler well field site, near Broadway and Grand Avenue, was added to the EPAs superfund site in 2018 and is eligible for federal funding. IDEM submitted a request to add the area to the list in August 2017 after years of monitoring and investigation.

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Testing by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management in 2011 reported trace concentrations of volatile organic compounds including trichloroethylene (industrial solvent), tetrachloroethene (dry cleaning of fabrics) and dichloroethene (byproduct of vinyl chloride) in the finished water at the Wheeler Avenue treatment plant.

The EPA has not been able to identify the source of contamination but indicated there were 113 possible sources.

In 2013, vinyl chloride was found in raw water.

Anderson added air strippers to the Wheeler Avenue plant to remove the contaminants. And, according to the citys website, in 2023 all drinking water testing required by IDEM and EPA was performed and it was determined that the water was safe for consumption.

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The city of Anderson is in the process of obtaining funding through an increase in water rates to close the Wheeler Avenue treatment plant and abandon the wells. City officials intend to open a new well field in southern Anderson and construct a new water treatment plant.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has set a hearing on the proposed rate increase to fund the project for May 8 at 9:30 a.m. in Indianapolis.
By Jody Godoy

(Reuters) -Google hopes to enter an agreement with Apple by the middle of this year to include its Gemini AI technology on new phones, CEO Sundar Pichai said in testimony at an antitrust trial in Washington on Wednesday.

Pichai testified in the Alphabet unit's defense against proposals by the U.S. Department of Justice which include ending lucrative deals with Apple, Samsung, AT&T and Verizon to be the default search engine on new mobile devices.

During questioning by DOJ attorney Veronica Onyema, Pichai said that while Google does not yet have an agreement with Apple to include its Gemini AI on iPhones, Pichai spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook about the possibility last year.

A potential deal this year would see Google's Gemini AI included within Apple Intelligence, Apple's own set of AI features, Pichai said.

Google also plans to experiment with including ads in its Gemini app, Pichai said.

Prosecutors have sought to illustrate how Google could extend its dominance in online search to AI. Google maintained its monopoly in part by paying billions of dollars to wireless carriers and smartphone manufacturers, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled last year.

The judge is now weighing what actions Google should take to restore competition. The outcome of the case could fundamentally reshape the internet by potentially unseating Google as the go-to portal for information online.

The DOJ and a broad coalition of state attorneys general are pressing for remedies including requiring Google to sell off its Chrome web browser, banning it from paying to be the default search engine and requiring it to share search data with competitors.

The data-sharing provisions would discourage Google from investing in research and development, Pichai testified on Wednesday.

Provisions that would require the company to share its search index and search query data are "extraordinary," and amount to a "defacto divestiture of our IP related to search," Pichai said.

"It would be trivial to reverse engineer and effectively build Google search from the outside," he said.

That would make it "unviable to invest in R&D the way we have for the past two decades," Pichai added.

Google has said it plans to appeal once the judge makes a final ruling.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler and Nick Zieminski)
NEW YORK  The administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been uniquely embroiled in ethical issues, the citys top investigator  an Adams appointee  said Thursday.

What weve seen over the past few years has been unprecedented, Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said during a New York Law School breakfast. An indictment of a sitting city mayor is unprecedented. Investigations of numerous senior officials in City Hall is unprecedented. Resignations of the type that weve seen  also unprecedented.

Strauber, whom Adams hired in January 2022, was speaking of the five-count bribery case alleging the mayor traded an official favor for upgrades on Turkish Airlines flights, as well as raids and phone seizures that led to resignations in his inner circle. The mayor pleaded not guilty before his corruption case was tossed in April at the behest of President Donald Trumps Department of Justice.

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The agency Strauber oversees has partnered with federal and state prosecutors on the mayors case. Strauber said Thursday that a federal judges decision to dismiss the charges did not call into question the prosecutorial groundwork that went into the indictment.

The decision on the part of the department to dismiss it, and certainly the judges opinion dismissing it, it is not an exoneration, she said. It is not a criticism of how the investigation was conducted. It is not a criticism of the prosecutors who charged the case, or the timing of the case or the motives behind it, or anything else.

Adams has called the case politically motivated and has claimed without evidence that elements of the deep state targeted him for speaking out against former President Joe Biden on immigration.

It was those bogus charges that really overshadowed the success that I had in this city: Bringing down crime. More jobs [than] in the citys history. Affordable housing broke record levels. Tourism second highest in city history, Adams said in an April 16 CNN interview. I can go through the list.

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Straubers comments stood in stark contrast to accusations from the mayor and top Department of Justice officials that the case was politically motivated. Judge Dale Ho, who presided over the proceedings, was not convinced of such accusations and, in his dismissal decision, questioned the DOJs reasons for tossing the case. Ho said everything about that arrangement smacked of a bargain: In exchange for removing the charges, Adams would cooperate with federal immigration efforts.

Former interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Danielle Sassoon made a similar accusation when she, along with several other DOJ officials, resigned in protest rather than carry out the dismissal. Adams has denied a quid pro quo.

Strauber called the dismissal disheartening for DOI prosecutors who worked the case but noted that City Hall has never interfered with her work and that the investigation into the mayor  and any of the other probes into his former aides  does not impugn the larger universe of city workers.

The vast majority of the public servants that we see are good, hard-working people trying to serve the public with integrity, Strauber said. But certainly, I think what we've seen is unusual and raises significant concerns about the priorities at senior levels.

Adams is running for reelection this year as a political independent, having opted out of the Democratic primary he appeared likely to lose. In an interview with POLITICO, he blamed what he considers an unfair prosecution on his sagging poll numbers  though his approval rating was tanking before the charges  and said he needs time to recover his public image.
NEW YORK  New York City Mayor Eric Adams called the $115.1 billion spending plan he released Thursday the best budget ever.

Its unclear by what measure.

The budget  which needs sign-off from the City Council before it takes effect July 1  includes less in savings as a percentage of city spending compared to last years executive budget, even as fiscal threats from President Donald Trump loom.

And future gaps, budget experts recently warned, are growing to unsustainable levels.

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But it is undeniably the politically safest budget of Adams term. And the unusual pomp with which he unveiled it suggests he is not going to let the opportunity go to waste as he faces a perilous path to reelection this year.

This budget makes sure that you don't have to struggle the way my family and I did, Adams said while announcing the spending plan at his high school alma mater. It builds on the work our team has done to make sure that New York City is the best place to raise a family and the best place to realize the American dream.

As POLITICO reported, the budget baselines $1.4 billion in programs that were being funded with temporary federal allocations. Those initiatives include early childhood education, libraries and sanitation services  some of which Adams cut before partially restoring last year amid public pressure. The administration also parceled out $150 million to comply with a state class-size mandate and $20 million for a universal after-school program in the plan the mayor rolled out Thursday.

The event was a departure from typical budget announcements made at City Hall. Instead, the mayor delivered his speech in a half-empty auditorium at his alma mater, Bayside High School in Queens.

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The mayor spoke against a backdrop of children from Bayside and nearby PS159Q, who held signs lauding the budget and got increasingly antsy as the speech went on. Each time Adams announced that funding for a particular initiative had been baselined, he encouraged the pupils to shout, forever!

The Independent Budget Office disputed that notion.

Baselining does not mean forever, IBO spokesperson Malek Al-Shammary said in a statement, emphasizing that the spending plan only covers the next four years and that revenues and expenses could change within that timeframe.

Regardless, the ability to launch new programs and baseline funding came largely from lower asylum-seeker costs. As the number of migrants arriving in New York City has dwindled, the city has continuously revised downward its projected spending, which shrunk by about $1.2 billion in the upcoming fiscal year.

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Municipal bean counters also hiked tax collections upward by $1.6 billion in the current fiscal year and another nearly $1 billion in the one covered by the executive budget announced Thursday.

Fiscal observers lamented that money wasnt socked away instead.

"Despite being flush with cash, Mayor Eric Adams [executive budget] fails to address the dual threats of looming federal budget cuts and a possible recession, Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, said in a statement. Instead of wisely adding $1 billion in next years General Reserve to soften the first blows of federal cuts and $2 billion to the Rainy Day Fund, the budget increases spending to an unaffordable level.

There were also some clouds darkening Adams sunny budget picture.

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The budget commission said the budget is still low-balling likely expenses for the year by more than $3 billion. And Gov. Kathy Hochul has omitted $1 billion for city migrant funding in her budget  a gap Adams plugged in his own spending plan. Additionally, the state is asking the city to contribute roughly $300 million toward child care vouchers that were previously funded by Albany. Adams was displeased.

To now say: OK, we don't want to fund it anymore. That's wrong, he said during a subsequent press briefing.

The mayor and his budget director, Jacques Jiha, acknowledged uncertainty lurking on the horizon: In addition to potential funding cuts, the economy has been shrinking as the White House pursues an aggressive tariff policy, leading the budget office to project a slowdown.

But they countered that reserves  at a record dollar amount but not a record share of spending  would be sufficient to insulate the city from any rocky fiscal stretches.

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The City Council was uncharacteristically supportive of the mayors plan, even though its leader  Speaker Adrienne Adams  is running to oust Eric Adams.

The Mayors Executive Budget, for the first time, includes funding for many of the priorities in the Council's Preliminary Budget Response, which is a credit to our years of consistent budget advocacy with New Yorkers and stakeholders in pushing back on his budget cuts, she and Council Member Justin Brannan, chair of the Committee on Finance, said in a joint statement. This is how the budget process should work, but its disappointing that it took three years for this administration to become tired of being entirely on the wrong side of doing right by New Yorkers.

Yet the pageantry surrounding Thursdays announcement was an indication that, as POLITICO has reported, Adams is sure to use the new spending initiatives in his quest to win over New Yorkers disappointed in his record.

The mayor is seeking reelection as an independent after dropping out of the Democratic primary amid record-low poll numbers. And by front-loading initiatives already sought by the Council into his executive budget, he partially neutralizes Adrienne Adams ability to use the budget fight for her own electoral aims.

All of these factors together make our fiscal year 2026 executive budget the best budget ever, Adams said.

Jeff Coltin contributed reporting.
Added State Senator Chris Ryans statement on Thursday 5-1-2025

PHOENIX, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and the Phoenix non-profit Erins Angels is re-introducing a bill in remembrance of Erin Maxwell. The 11-year-old was murdered by her step-brother in their Palermo home in 2008.

Erins Angels advisory committee is urging lawmakers to pass the Childrens Bill of Rights this time around. NY State Senate Bill 2009-S1510, also known as Erins Law, was first introduced by Senator DeFrancisco in 2009. The bill never passed and has since been renamed to the Childrens Bill of Rights.

As a father, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and horror of what happened to Erin Maxwell. No child should ever suffer the kind of abuse and neglect she endured, and no family should ever have to face such a loss. It is our responsibility as lawmakersand as human beingsto do everything in our power to ensure that preventable tragedies like hers never happen again. We are reviewing the existing legislation, and remain committed to strengthening protections for children across New York State. State Senator Chris Ryan

Right now, the minimum standards for care for children in New York State is abysmally low, said Sheila Dion, founder and director of Erins Angels.

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The bill aims to raise those standards  ensuring that children have access to clean water, sufficient food, proper bedding, hygiene, and other basic necessities.

If you look at the statistics in Oswego County, our abuse, neglect, and maltreatment rate is three times the state rate. I dont see that changing without the introduction or the passage of this bill, said Jackie Flint, president of the board of directors for Erins Angels.

The bill would also strengthen penalties for crimes against children under 14, including heavier sentences for people like Erin Maxwells step-brother, Alan Jones. Jones served nearly nine years in prison for killing Erin. He was released in 2018 and now walks free.

Meanwhile shes not here anymore, and thats atrocious. Shame on us as a community, said Dion.

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If passed, the bill would make the aggravated murder of a child a Class A-1 felony, carrying a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

Our advisory committee doesnt want life to go on anymore. We want to stop it right here and say, No, these minimum standards of care need to be increased. They need to be raised. We need to protect these kids with this law. And so were asking for support from the community to sign our Change.org petition, said Dion.

Dion said about 1,500 people have signed the petition so far. Shes hoping to get 10,000 signatures by September.

There are also many concerns if the bill doesnt pass.

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I think were going to see a lot of the same outcomes. As you look, just since Erin Maxwells death, weve had three more tragedies just in Oswego County alone, said Flint.

The petition can be found here.

NewsChannel 9 reached out to Senator Chris Ryans office for an update on the bill. Were still waiting to hear back.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
EDMOND, Okla. (KFOR)  Memories and the words to describe them.

Amy M. Le works with both to grapple with her family history after the collapse of Saigon, and the destruction of her family.

It was amazing how resilient, not only my mom but the people who were left behind were, she says.

She is the author of several books, including her own memoir from that time.

Only an infant in the Spring of 1975, her father was a South Vietnamese soldier but secretly married to an American.

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He was literally splitting his time between our family and his American wife, learned Amy.

When it came time to evacuate, Amys mother refused.

My mom was like, No. Why would I go with you and your American wife. What would I do there?' said Amy.

previous

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It would be another four years before Amy, her mother, and cousin could try to escape the country.

They did so under the cover of darkness and beneath a hail of bullets, only to be cast adrift on an overcrowded boat.

Amy was stuffed inside a putrid hold.

It was horrible, she recalls. Its one thing that still triggers me when I smell something like that.

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Some of their number fell victim to pirates.

Malaysian authorities wouldnt take them at first.

They burned their boat rather than return to sea.

Stifling tears, Amy relates, We had a lot of women and children who were either stolen from us or raped. But we were lucky, in a sense, that all of us did make it to a refugee camp.

A sponsor from Seattle brought them to the U.S.

Throughout her young life, Amy remained in dire need of heart surgery due to a congenital defect.

Doctors told us they didnt think I would live past the age of five, said Amy.

Shes written about all these things from the perspective of safety.

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Her mothers photograph looks down from a shrine in Les Edmond home, still on guard, still watching.

Its to honor my mom and the incredible woman that she was, smiles Amy.

Amy, her husband, and son moved to Oklahoma several years ago, surprised to find a community filled with similar stories.

She added hers to that collective, the memories always carried forward.

Amy M. Les The Snow Trilogy is a novelization of her mothers struggle to survive those years and live in America.

She has dedicated herself to helping other authors get their own stories into print.

For more information, go to Quill Hawk Publishing here.

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Great State is sponsored by True Sky Credit Union

Follow Galens Great State adventures on social media!

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.






Courts in the EU have put an end to Malta's golden passport program, which essentially allowed foreigners to purchase citizenship.

Critics of the program say it opened the EU to potential corruption and money laundering.

The court decision could have implications for other golden passport programs within the bloc.







Things just got a little harder for those hoping to snag a coveted European Union passport.

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On Tuesday, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Malta must end its golden passport program, which allowed foreigners to purchase citizenship in exchange for an investment of more than 600,000, according to EuroNews. And this decision could have a ripple effect on other countries in the EU with similar programs.

Todays judgment confirms that member states cannot commodify EU citizenship and operate reckless golden passport programs," Maira Martini, the chief executive officer of Transparency International, said in a statement. "Countless cases have shown how these schemes have granted safe haven to corrupt actors from around the world and other suspicious individuals in the EU. The ruling stops not only Malta from selling EU citizenship, but will also prevent other member states from doing the same.

Related: How to Move to Another Country  15 Key Steps



The Commission had argued that Malta's golden passport scheme allowed people to obtain Maltese citizenship without having to show a genuine connection to the country, which then allowed them to live and work anywhere across the EU.

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"The Commission asserts that the scheme, which granted naturalization in return for predetermined payments or investments to persons without a genuine link with Malta, constitutes an infringement of the rules relating to Union citizenship and of the principle of sincere cooperation," the Commission wrote. "It therefore brought an action against that Member State before the Court of Justice."

The Maltese government responded to the ruling, stating that past recipients of the passport program would not be affected and that it plans to comply with the new court ruling moving forward, according to Forbes.

As always, the government of Malta respects the decisions of the courts, a statement by the government reads. At this moment, the legal implications of this judgment are being studied in detail, so that the regulatory framework on citizenship can then be brought in line with the principles outlined in the judgment.

But the government's statement also noted that it takes pride in the wealth generated through this framework over recent years, which enabled the establishment of a national fund for investment and savings to address the needs of both present and future generations."

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This program differs slightly from golden visa programs like those in Portugal, which offered a pathway to citizenship through various investments, including purchasing a home, starting a business, or donating to arts and culture. However, as EuroNews pointed out, the Portuguese government has already scaled back its program, removing the real estate investment option as of 2023. EuroNews added that the Netherlands has also ended its golden visa program, while Spain has also promised to end its real estate program as well.

This case was about more than national citizenship; it was about putting an end to a dangerous policy that put the EUs four freedoms up for sale," Nick Aiossa, the director of Transparency International EU, added. "As long as money can buy EU citizenship, the entire bloc is exposed to risks of corruption from money launderers and criminalsbut no longer. The CJEU ruling puts an end to Malta's controversial golden passport scheme and will prevent other member states from trading in EU citizenship going forward."

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
The iconic picture of Presidents Trump and Zelensky sat face to face in the Vatican discussing only they know what, has in a matter of only days materialised into Ukraines long-term security saviour.

First things first. The US-Ukraine trade deal was months in the making, and has suffered several public missteps along the way  most notably during Trump and Vances shameful and very public dressing down of Zelensky in February to the worlds press gallery. The diplomatic manoeuvring and back-door channels utilised since then has been nothing short of impressive, as both sides privately wanted to get a deal quickly back on the table.

Now as with all deals of this significance, the devil really will be in the detail. What we do know however is that this is by no means an official military-security deal for Ukraine. However, what it most certainly does provide is a blueprint for long-term US economic interdependence with a sovereign, free, and independent Ukrainian state.

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That should be seen as a net win regardless, especially when the optics coming out of Washington have been at times incredibly poor to say the least.

Given that a significant portion  up to one quarter  of Ukraines potentially multi-trillion dollar rare earth mineral deposits are located in occupied territories, it now binds the US to a multi-decade strategy of ensuring peace, if it wishes to capitalise on what is potentially one of the most lucrative and strategically significant trade deals in history.

And for that reason alone, Europe should be thanking Trump. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy  historically no friend of Trump, of course  has already rushed to endorse the deal on X. More may follow suit, but they will do so under veiled breath.

Tying Washington to Ukraines security for generations to come is a demonstrably more favourable outcome for Ukraine than any European notion of a reassurance force, the details of which are still be argued about across European capitals, as country after country fails to provide any meaningful plan to provide for Ukraines security.

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The current military plan has been watered down so much, from an initial land deterrent force monitoring the 600 mile long frontline, to protecting Ukraines energy infrastructure, to now merely a training force. The plan has no teeth, no deterrent effect, no ability to provide mass, and no credibility.

In stark contrast, Trumps signed and delivered agreement with Ukraine provides far more of a deterrent to Russian aggression knowing highly sensitive US commercial and strategic interests will be safeguarded against in a way that the squabbling Europeans could only dream.

Robert Clark is a Fellow at the Yorktown Institute, a trans-Atlantic security think-tank in Washington, DC

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The News

European boycotts of US goods  though still small  are gathering pace as a result of fury over Washingtons policies.

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on the European Union, belittled the continents defense efforts, and launched a crackdown against migrants, causing European consumers to think twice about whats in their shopping cart and potentially signaling a long-term structural shift away from US products and brands, European Central Bank economists wrote in a blog post.

Already, Danish consumers are boycotting Coca-Cola, the drinks bottler in the country has said, while visitor arrivals to the US from Western Europe have fallen sharply and Teslas sales have plummeted. Europeans arent alone in eschewing US goods: Canadians are, too.
PARIS  The European Unions executive arm picked 62 defense projects for a combined 910 million ($1 billion) in financing in the latest funding round by the European Defence Fund, focusing on areas including drones, autonomous mine sweeping and defense against hypersonic weapons.

Flagship projects in the funding round include Eurosweep, which aims to develop an unmanned minesweeping system, ENGRT II to develop a next-generation rotorcraft, and the iMUGS2 project to test unmanned ground vehicles, the European Commission said on Wednesday .

This is a major step to close critical defense capability gaps and reinforce Europes strategic autonomy, European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said in a post on social media . The latest EDF funding allocation supports both advanced R&D and real-world defense capabilities, he said.

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The fund started operating in 2021 to support collaborative defense research and development in Europe, and the latest round means the EDF has now allocated half of its budget of nearly 8 billion through to 2027. The commission picked the most recent winners from a record 297 proposals received in response to the EDF 2024 call for proposals.

Ukraines defense industry was able to participate in EDF projects for the first time, which deepens our cooperation and helps integrate Ukraine into the European defense industrial base, Kubilius said.

The EDF provides significant funding, and its budget for the 2021-2027 period accounts for around 15% of all EU defense R&D spending, with only France and Germany spending more, the International Institute for Strategic Studies wrote in an October report .

Small and medium-sized companies accounted for 27% of total funding in the 2024 call, according to the commission. Thats the highest yet, after three rounds in which SMEs accounted for between 18% and 20% of funding.

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Among specific projects, European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies Phase II or ENGRT II received 100 million in EU funding on an estimated total cost of 160 million. The project is led by Airbus Helicopters at the head of a consortium of more than 40 companies and institutes.

The iMUGS2 project , coordinated by Milrem, received 50 million for field testing and a trial of unmanned ground systems, with the project seeking to develop system architectures to allow new and legacy military vehicles to integrate autonomous and swarming capabilities.

Milrem was founded in Estonia and now belongs to EDGE Group, a state-owned technology conglomerate of the United Arab Emirates.

Eurosweep led by Norways Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt was awarded 28.5 million to develop a naval minesweeping system with autonomous features.

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The EDF also provided 78 million in financing for a classified project that aims to counter hypersonic glide vehicles.

Funding included 35 million for Scepter , a research program to develop interoperable and standardized radar, electronic warfare and communication systems for airborne platforms, coordinated by Spains Indra Sistemas.

The Boosting European Advanced Missile System Technologies project, or Beast , aims to develop a future short-range, air-to-air missile under the lead of Diehl Defence, and received 34.9 million. A project to upgrade European cyber defense led by the Estonian Ministry of Defences CR14 and called Citadel Range was allocated 48 million in funding.

A concept study for a new mid-sized European military transport aircraft with a 20-ton payload, led by Airbus within the Fasett2 project, received 30 million in funding. A Rheinmetall-led project to develop non-jammable precision munition called Ninja2 received 29.6 million.

The EDF also funded five smaller projects working on resilient drone navigation or swarming capability in non-permissive environments, and four projects to apply artificial intelligence for satellite-image analysis, including for the detection and monitoring of military activities.
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Hotel Tech-in is our regular feature that takes a closer look at emerging technology in the hospitality industry.

Theres no excuse for hotels to be wishy-washy on kitchen cleanliness. Now, technology makes it simple to ensure employees wash their hands.

PathSpot Technologies offers real-time, digital kitchen hygiene management with a handwashing validation system for hospitality players looking to protect against the threat and spread of foodborne illness.

The New York-based company launched in 2017 but just last month partnered with Marriott International, which is integrating PathSpot technology across its global portfolio of more than 9,300 properties.

With foodborne illness being a major threat to health and safety, PathSpot has clients across industries. But for hotels, the system ensures travelers have a relaxing and enjoyable stay, not a sick getaway. The tech also drives operational efficiency at Marriott properties, helping save employees time, according to Christine Schindler, PathSpots CEO and co-founder.

Clean hands, safe hotels

Marriott properties are integrating PathSpot technology, including its HandScanner and SafetySuite, in back-of-house kitchen spaces as the hotel company focuses on the health and safety of the millions of guests that our properties serve each day, Stephen Toevs, vice president of culinary operations for Marriott, said in a statement.

Foodborne illness impacts 48 million Americans and results in thousands of deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PathSpots HandScanner uses fluorescent spectral imaging to identify invisible contaminants that lead to common foodborne illnesses like norovirus, E. coli and salmonella, Schindler explained.

Employees place their hands under the scanner and receive results within two seconds  a green checkmark if clean or a red X if contamination is detected  which prompts workers to re-wash their hands before returning to work, she said.

The scanner also displays food safety tips and trainings during the process, maximizing employees handwashing time, Schindler added.

According to PathSpot data, 75% of employees fail a handwashing scan in their first week of using the tech. After consistent training and monitored washes, 95% of handwashes scanned by PathSpot result in a noncontaminated reading, per Schindler.
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The first United States Census was taken at the dawn of the nation in 1790, under George Washingtons presidency and then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson (Census). The Census is the oldest continuous data collection effort run by the federal government, and is collected every 10 years, shaping the countrys data infrastructure for over two centuries.

At its core, it is meant to be an official, complete count of the United States population. It may record details about people such as age, gender and living arrangements. But more than that, the census is critical to the well-being of children and the entire U.S.



Why? Here are a few things the census can do for all of us:

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Representation: The census determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives and is used to draw Congressional and state legislative districts.

Funding: It plays a pivotal role in determining how we fund federal programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), highway planning and the Pell Grant program.

Research: Governments and nonprofits utilize the census data to make decisions, such as planning community services, infrastructure and housing developments, and determining where hospitals get built.

Equity: If done correctly, the census can shed light on disparities within states and communities, helping to fight for racial, economic and geographic equity.

The census isnt perfect, though. Unfortunately, children  especially young children, Black and Brown children, children experiencing homelessness, and children in low-income households  are most often routinely undercounted. This creates serious consequences for education, health care and other pivotal support programs.

And recently, there have been emerging efforts to erode trust in the census through misinformation, loss of advisory committees and attacks on census participation.

In March, following executive orders to terminate unnecessary advisory committees, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick disbanded three critical groups: the Census Scientific Advisory Committee, the National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations, and the 2030 Census Advisory Committee.

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These groups offered scientific and technical guidance, including cybersecurity, survey methodology and strategies for reaching diverse populations. They have historically been bipartisan, improving census quality and community trust. Their loss will make it harder to design effective outreach and ensure vulnerable populations are fully counted.

Undermining the census in these ways weakens the foundation of the Kids Count data we use at the Michigan League for Public Policy  and important data used by organizations across the nation who serve kids and families. Kids Count relies heavily on accurate resident population and demographic estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

When census data is incomplete or unreliable  due to disbanded advisory committees, underfunded surveys, or the strategic addition of sensitive questions to suppress participation  it directly compromises our ability to measure and track child well-being at national, state and local levels.

According to Count All Kids, the count of young children was even worse in 2020 than in 2010. Researchers and advocates cant make the case for necessary policy solutions if we are undercounting vulnerable children. When kids are counted, it gives their communities more power to secure funding for programs that matter.

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Trust is crucial to ensuring full census participation. Title 13 of the United States Code guarantees the confidentiality of census responses, making it illegal for the Census Bureau to publish or share identifiable information. It is important that people know their information is protected under federal law  this helps maintain public trust and participation, even amid political concerns. Building trust through community-based outreach, using locally trusted messengers, remains key. We must also demand policies that restore advisory committees and protect childrens data. Investing in census education and community engagement hubs, and ensuring strong data privacy protections, will be critical for the 2030 Census.

The census is not simply a count  its the cornerstone of fair resource distribution and democratic representation. Preparing and advocating for the 2030 Census shouldnt begin in 2029. It begins today. Protecting our data is protecting our democracy, and we must act to ensure that every person is seen, valued and counted.

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After much back and forth between the two countries, the U.S. and Ukraine have reached an agreement on the long-discussed minerals deal.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced Wednesday that both countries had signed the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund in recognition of the $183 billion the U.S. has given the country since the start of the war.

Since its initial proposals, the deal has changed significantly. Early drafts framed the deal as a debt settlement for funds the U.S. had given Ukraine, but the final agreement has no mention of repayment.

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Similarly, the deal initially required Ukraine to contribute 50% of all revenue earned from future monetization of all Ukrainian government-owned natural resource assets, and the signed deal focuses solely on new natural resource projects.

This partnership allows the U.S. 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 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said of the deal.

The deal will be finalized in the next two weeks, after Ukraines parliament ratifies the agreement, per The New York Times.

Deal creates a joint investment fund between the countries

A White House fact sheet released on Thursday, lays out how the deal will proceed.

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The partnership establishes a fund that will receive 50% of royalties, license fees, and other similar payments from natural resource projects in Ukraine.

The money generated from the fund will then be invested in new projects in Ukraine that will generate long term returns for both countries. The White House adds, Indirect benefits will include a stronger private sector and more robust, lasting infrastructure for Ukraines long-term success.

These joint investments are intended to give the U.S. personal stakes in Ukraines sovereignty while ensuring the U.S. does not continue to send the country blank checks, The New York Times reported.

Partnership will be controlled by a board of Ukrainians and Americans

A six-person board will have a one-to-one ratio of Ukrainians and Americans, who will work together through a collaborative process to make decisions for allocation of fund resources, such as investment and distributions.

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U.S. members of the board will likely come from the International Development Finance Corporation and the Treasury Department.

Previous versions of the deal did not specify how many Ukrainians and Americans would be included on the board, but the 3-3 ratio suggests the final deal prioritizes the two countries as having fair and equal say in the joint investment.

Oil, gas and minerals included in the deal

The White House announced that natural resource projects will include hydrocarbons, minerals and related infrastructure development.

If the United States decides to acquire these resources for ourselves, we will be given first choice to either acquire them or designate the purchaser of our choice, the press release added.

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Currently, 55 minerals are included in the deal, but more can be added on if an agreement is reached, The Associated Press reported.

Deal does not hinder Ukraine from joining the EU

Talks of Ukraine joining the European Union began formally last June, and reporting on earlier drafts stated that the deal could prevent Ukraine from accession.

According to the BBC, the signed deal explicitly states it would not come in conflict with Ukraines intention to join the EU.

Further, it adds that if the EU requires the country to revisit the terms of the deal during the accession process to fulfill additional obligations, the U.S. will negotiate in good faith.

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The White House added that the deal that was reached between the U.S. and Ukraine will in no way benefit Russia.

No state, company, or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine, including participation in projects supported by fund resources, the press release stated.
TAMPA  The crime was notorious and extraordinary.

The victims: a mother and her two teenage daughters vacationing from Ohio, their bodies found one morning in 1989, bound and weighed down with concrete blocks in the waters of Tampa Bay.

The ensuing murder investigation was unlike any other by local law enforcement. The eventual arrest and conviction of the killer became a point of pride for the many investigators who worked the case, most especially the St. Petersburg police detectives.

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So when a retired FBI agent published a book in late 2023 in which she wrote of having played a key role in solving the case, retired cops took notice.

Jana Monroe, a former FBI agent, had little involvement in the case, the investigators contend. Yet, in one 11-page chapter of her memoir, Hearts of Darkness, Monroe discusses the case and portrays herself as having been deeply involved in the investigation from the beginning. She takes credit for motivating local police to pursue the evidence that ultimately led to the killer.

Her account contradicts memories of those who worked the case locally. They were so troubled that they brought their concerns to the St. Petersburg Police Department, which last year sent a letter to Monroes publisher and her attorney.

The letter expressed concern that Monroe was overstating her involvement and contributions and alleged inconsistencies between her account and whats reflected in police records.

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While the department is certainly grateful to Ms. Monroe for her minimal assistance with the case, it was due to the combined effort of many individuals ... that this case was ultimately solved, the letter stated.

Monroes attorney, John Gatti of Los Angeles, later sent a brief reply, saying the departments letter contains inaccurate references that mischaracterize Ms. Monroes FBI work. He did not elaborate.

Reached by phone, Monroe told a Tampa Bay Times reporter she knew of the investigators making claims about her book and called it unfortunate.

I think the problem is I have more of a memory of this than they do because I took such copious notes, she said.

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Those who spent much of their careers in solving the case take offense to Monroes account. The historical record, they say, is being distorted.

They believe that she is taking credit for work that they did, and they have a certain amount of outrage, said Jim Ramey, a retired FBI agent and former St. Petersburg police officer who assisted in the investigation and helped present the case to the agencys behavioral science unit. Theres a real sense of injustice here.

The Rogers murder case

The murder investigation began the morning of June 4, 1989. The bodies of Joan Rogers, 36, and her daughters, Michelle, 17, and Christe, 14, were found at different locations in Tampa Bay, close to St. Petersburg. They were nude below their waists and had ropes attached to concrete blocks around their necks.

The family had driven from their Ohio dairy farm for a weeklong Florida vacation. Their Days Inn motel room off State Route 60 had been abandoned. Their car was found parked at a boat ramp along the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

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The investigation lasted three years and culminated in the arrest of Oba Chandler, an aluminum contractor with a criminal history. Chandler was convicted and sentenced to death. He was executed in 2011.

The story was the subject of the St. Petersburg Times narrative series "Angels & Demons" by Thomas French, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1998.

Part 4 of the series documented how police released images of an unknown persons handwriting, taken from a brochure found in the Rogers car. One of Chandlers neighbors recognized the handwriting as his. She also believed he resembled a composite sketch of a suspect in the rape of a Canadian tourist in Madeira Beach, which was similar to the Rogers case. Her tip ultimately put police on Chandlers trail.

Jana Monroe spent more than two decades in various roles with the bureau. In her book, she writes about time spent assigned to the FBIs Tampa field office in the late 1980s, and how she joined the behavioral science unit in the early 1990s. She led the cyber division shortly after its creation following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, serving as an assistant director for the agency. Her name was mentioned as a possible successor to former FBI Director Robert Mueller.

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A single chapter of Monroes book discusses the Rogers case. Titled Thinking Big, it includes a criminal profile of the then-unknown murderer and recommendations that were made to St. Petersburg police detectives, including advice to enlist the media to publicize the case, in their efforts to identify the killer. Monroe helped create the profile in 1991 in her job with the FBIs behavioral science unit.

Monroe writes that she was standing on a dock the morning the bodies were brought ashore. At one point, she mentions a report from two Canadian women about having been physically assaulted while on vacation in Florida, similar to the Rogers case. She writes that a follow-up visit from investigators put an end to that.

She later discusses the handwritten directions that investigators found in the Rogers car. She writes that the notes were the only and very slim clue we had to go on, and that investigators believed the handwriting was that of Joan Rogers.

She quotes a conversation with unnamed St. Petersburg police detectives in which she asks if theyd compared the notes to samples of Joan Rogers handwriting and whether theyd asked her husband if the writing was hers. She also writes it was her idea to feature the handwriting on billboards in the Tampa Bay area, to see if the public might recognize the penmanship.

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Within 48 hours, Monroe writes, calls had come in from two unrelated people, both naming Oba Chandler as the writer of the directions.

Astonished

The people closest to the Rogers investigation were astonished at Monroes account, said Ramey, the retired FBI agent.

Contrary to whats in the book, multiple people involved in the case told the Times they have no memory of her being there the morning the bodies were brought to shore.

A portion of the St. Petersburg police report, provided to the Times, includes lists of the investigators who went to the U.S. Coast Guard dock the morning the bodies were discovered. The documents name personnel from the St. Petersburg and Tampa police departments, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, the Florida Marine Patrol, local firefighters, prosecutors and a medical examiner. No one from the FBI is listed.

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She was not at the dock, said Glen Moore, the retired St. Petersburg police homicide sergeant who oversaw the Rogers investigation. Theres no evidence that she was at the dock. No one saw her there.

The investigators also took issue with Monroes account of the conversation about featuring the unidentified handwriting on billboards.

Shes making it sound like the St. Petersburg Police Department were a bunch of inept people, Moore said. Making us sound like a bunch of buffoons, yeah, that hurts.

The idea to put the handwriting on a billboard did not come from Monroe, the investigators said. News accounts at the time credited former Pinellas County Commissioner Barbara Sheen Todd with the idea.

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Todd, in a recent interview with the Times, said that she was so disturbed by the murders, having three daughters of her own, that she indeed suggested to police that they might solicit tips by placing the writing on billboards. When told they had no money for billboard space, Todd said she worked a connection with a local advertising company to make it happen.

After Chandler was arrested, Todd said, the police invited her to a ceremony and awarded her a plaque. But she insisted the cases resolution was the result of the work of the St. Petersburg police.

She, too, took offense to what Monroe wrote.

Shes obviously very creative, Todd said. Its not the truth. I respect anyone whos a writer. I like to write myself, but I dont think its right to claim something thats not true.

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Todd is also mentioned in Frenchs Angels & Demons series as the person who suggested putting the handwriting on billboards. French said he didnt start reporting on the case until after Chandlers arrest, but he has no reason to doubt what the retired investigators say about Monroes work.

Theyre not show-boaters, French said. Theyre straight shooters.

Craig Pittman, who covered the Chandler case for the Times as a courts reporter in the 1990s, recalled that the FBIs involvement was limited, and the profile of the unknown killer wasnt especially helpful in solving it.

Everybody wants to claim victory, he said. The fact is this case was solved by one of Obas own neighbors.

In any case, news accounts state that Chandlers neighbor saw the writing in the newspaper, not a billboard.

A retrospective story that Pittman co-wrote in 2011, shortly before Chandlers execution, states that the neighbor, Jo Ann Steffey, realized a year after the murders that Chandler resembled the composite sketch of the suspect in the rape of a Canadian tourist who had been assaulted by a man on a boat in Madeira Beach. The rape would later become a key element in the Rogers murder case.

It took a long time for Steffeys many tips about Chandler to reach investigators. Weeks before the handwriting went up on a billboard, she and a fellow neighbor faxed to investigators samples of Chandlers handwriting from documents hed signed while doing work in the neighborhood, the 2011 story states.

Monroe, the investigators say, didnt become involved in the Rogers investigation until 22 months after the murders. Even then, they say her involvement was limited to helping create the profile of the killer. After Chandlers arrest, she provided advice about interrogation techniques police could use to get a confession. Chandler, however, did not speak with them.

Cindy Leedy, one of the cases lead detectives, said the profile led the investigative team to broaden the interviews they conducted to include police officers, firefighters, delivery people and others who would be considered trustworthy. Ultimately, though, the profile wasnt a key to cracking the case.

I dont know why she would write things like that, Leedy said. Im sure her career was interesting enough without taking credit for things she had nothing to do with.

Responses

When reached recently by the Times, Monroe mentioned that her involvement in the Chandler investigation was not in an official capacity but as a coordinator.

She referred questions to Gatti, her attorney, but he did not respond to multiple subsequent emails and voicemails from the Times seeking comment.

A spokesperson for the FBI in Tampa said federal privacy law prohibited them from commenting on or confirming Monroes employment. A Freedom of Information Act request for documents detailing Monroes involvement in the Chandler case remains pending.

Her memoir isnt the only place where Monroes account has appeared. The 1995 book Mindhunter, by legendary FBI profiler John Douglas, gives an account of the Chandler case that credits her with the billboard idea, consistent with Monroes telling. A representative for Douglas said he was unavailable to be interviewed for this story.

Yet, those closest to the case remain unconvinced.

Doug Crow, the former Pinellas County prosecutor who led the case against Chandler in court, sent a 14-page letter detailing his memory of the case last year to St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway and Assistant Chief Mike Kovacsev. He wrote about discrepancies in Monroes account. He mainly wrote, though, to defend the diligence and competence of the police officers who were responsible for bringing Chandler to justice.

After that, the department reviewed its own records and wrote to Monroes publisher. Kovacsev, who drafted the letter, said he understands the frustration the investigators feel, as the Chandler case meant a lot to so many.

I do feel their pain, Kovacsev said.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A former Fort Bliss soldier was sentenced to over 27 years in a Mexican prison for killing his 19-year-old girlfriend back in 2023 in Ciudad Juarez, officials said.

Saul Luna Villa will face 27 years and four months in prison for the aggravated femicide of 19-year-old Aylin Valenzuela, a mother of two, the Chihuahua Attorney Generals Office announced on Wednesday, April 30.

Fort Bliss soldier accused of killing woman in Juarez extradited

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The Chihuahua AGs Office said Luna Villa will serve his sentence in the Cereso No. 3 prison in Juarez. He was also ordered to pay 1,949,000 pesos (over $98,000) in damages.

As we previously reported, in April 2023, Valenzuelas body was found dumped at the intersection of Paseo del Norte and Agustin Barbachano in the Anahuac neighborhood in Juarez, according to court documents.

Fort Bliss soldier accused of killing woman in Juarez

Autopsy results revealed that Valenzuela was stabbed five times and shot five times.

After dumping her body in Juarez, Luna Villa returned to the U.S. to avoid capture. However, he was arrested by U.S. law enforcement and extradited to Juarez in February of last year, in what officials called a binational operation.

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According to court documents, Luna Villa and Valenzuela were in a four-year relationship, and Luna Villa was very jealous and possessive, and the couple argued very often.

Additionally, Luna Villa had been stationed at Fort Bliss for two years and had multiple domestic violence reports, according to court documents.

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 KTSM 9 News.
Former Fox News host Eric Bolling still has it out for his former employer, asking White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt whether Donald Trump could sue the network over the polls he hates.

Bolling, an original co-host of The Five before the network fired him in 2017 over sexual misconduct accusations, used his turn during Leavitts new media briefing to attack Fox News for its poll, which he accused of being wildly biased against President Trump. He then asked whether Trump would take Fox News to court over the polls methodology, which found the president had a 55 percent disapproval rating.

Trump has frequently expressed his frustration with Fox News polling, complaining on Truth Social last week that Rupert Murdoch hadnt fired the pollster. This pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years, he wrote. White House adviser Stephen Miller also complained about the poll on Foxs airwaves on Tuesday.

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Anchor John Roberts defended the networks polling after the exchange: Here at Fox News we stand by our polling, as we always have.

Leavitt relished in Bollings great question, claiming the Fox News poll was one of many fake polls that undercounted Trumps support while propping up Democrats.

Its always been the case for media polls, they consistently underestimate President Trumps support amongst the public, she said. Thats why we dont really blink when we see them to be honest with you.

Its a clear-cut case of fake polling, she added.

Bolling, who now hosts a YouTube show, took it a step further, arguing the poll amounted to misinformation and compared it to Trumps attacks on CBS News and The New York Times on Wednesday over his pending $20 billion lawsuit against the broadcast network.

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If I may, also misinformation though, right? he said. And maybe as detrimental to the presidency as what CBS has done or The New York Times is doing."

Leavitt agreed and said the president had spoken quite strongly about his anger with the polls.

And I know hes made some phone calls to express his displeasure with it as well, she said.
A school bus driver is off the job after a child was attacked during his route, Georgia deputies said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Wednesday, Bulloch County Student Resource Officer Dep. Julian Brown, who is assigned to William James Middle School, received a report about an attack on a child during the morning bus route on April 18.

The sheriffs office said it was later confirmed that seven students, ages five through 14, initiated a physical fight on a 7-year-old student during the morning bus route to the Mattie Lively Elementary School.

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Authorities said the attack happened while the bus was traveling on Highway 301 North in Statesboro.

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Investigators said after reviewing bus camera footage, the seven students were identified and charged with battery.

Also, investigators said the bus driver, 70-year-old Joey Edwin Jackson, was arrested and charged with cruelty to children in the second degree and failure to report child abuse.

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According to the sheriffs office, Jackson is no longer employed by the Board of Education.

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As for the students, all seven have been suspended from their respective schools. Their arrest information has been sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice for further court proceedings.

The Board of Education, Sgt. Bubba Revell and each school involved continue to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information can call Sgt. Revell at 912-486-5926.
Ex-Politico reporter Ryan Lizza ripped his former outlet for engaging in an alleged censorship campaign against his new Substack blog. Lizza, in an interview with the Columbia Journalism Review on Wednesday, said Politico is threatening him legally because he criticized the outlet for sucking up to President Trump.

Earlier this week, Status reported that Politico believes Lizza violated a non-disparagement clause by launching his Substack, dubbed Telos.

Politico is threatening a lawsuit, which could easily destroy Telos, unless I delete several articles from the Internet in their entirety, which I would never do. Its appalling that they would demand that a news organization delete critical reporting about Trump, Lizza told CJR. I dont know whats going on over there, but John Harris [Politicos global editor-in-chief and a co-founder] and Mathias Dopfner [CEO of Axel Springer, Politicos owner] should be embarrassed.

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He added the good news is that everyone in the Politico newsroom backs his Substack and not their corporate overlords.

Lizza, when he launched his Substack last week, further blasted Politico, saying it was one of several outlets that would grovel before the president. And this week on Telos, he said Politico has demanded he remove several articles, including one in which he said the outlet made a regrettable mistake by sending a reporter to CPAC to smooth things over with the White House.

I think Politicos censorship campaign against Telos validates my initial, quite mild criticism about how Politicos editorial leadership is not equipped to meet this moment, Lizza told CJR on Wednesday. They seem frozen in a pre-Trump mindset about where we are in America when it comes to political journalism. The good news is that its never too late to do better. John Harris is getting up there in age.

He added: He probably only has a few more years left in the business, so hopefully this episode will nudge him to do some self-reflecting about how he wants to be remembered. Does he really want to be remembered for accommodating himself to Trump and suing journalists over criticism?

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A source at Politico, when reached for comment by TheWrap, said it asked Lizza to simply uphold the contract he signed upon leaving the outlet.

Before launching his Substack, Lizza was Politicos chief Washington correspondent for six years. His exit came after he had to stop co-authoring Playbook for Politico last year after his ex-fiancee Olivia Nuzzis personal relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. surfaced.

On that topic, Lizza did not have much to tell CJR. He criticized Pucks Dylan Byers as by far the dumbest reporter he dealt with during that situation  Byers declined to comment to CJR  but said the full story will have to be shared another day.

Suffice it to say that it is the craziest experience I have ever been through in my life, and the full story is a hundred times crazier than what people know, he concluded.

The post Ex-Politico Reporter Ryan Lizza Rips Former Outlet for Censorship Campaign Against His Substack appeared first on TheWrap.
For nearly a decade, Bree Smith was a familiar face in Nashville. But, in January, the mom and former TV meteorologist stopped appearing on the local CBS-affiliated station  a decision she made after months of fighting against deepfakes, which are simulated online images or videos that can seem realistic.

In Smith's case, an image of her was doctored to create explicit pictures and videos, with her face edited onto different, partly nude bodies, and then used to try to extort money from others. "Sextortion" scams like this one have targeted tens of thousands of Americans in the past year alone, according to the FBI.

"I cry myself to sleep most nights, mostly because I don't want my kids to see me," said Smith, who is 43. She recalled first learning about the images in an email, which included a screen grab of an exchange between the sender and an "impersonator" posing as the doctored version of her on the internet.

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The deepfakes quickly multiplied, accompanying offers for private dinners and intimate acts in exchange for hundreds of dollars, and targeting anyone who might recognize Smith. She began to keep track of new accounts using the deepfake in a Google spreadsheet  and added 24 over the course of just one week, among hundreds that she says have emerged online. A fabricated video also surfaced where a deepfake claims to be Smith.

"You're basically taking someone's identity," she said. "You're weaponizing them."

Smith has become a vocal advocate for regulations that could empower sextortion victims to fight back against their offenders. And last week, a bill Smith backed passed in the Tennessee Senate. The bill, called the "Preventing Deepfake Images Act," was sent to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who is expected to sign it into law. It provides a path for people targeted by sextortion scams to sue if images of them are shared without their consent.

"These imposters are trying to take my story, and my story is mine," Smith said. "This is my life. I'm 43 years old and I have worked hard and I have loved well, and I'm not going to just roll over and take this."

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She said "defining it as illegal is a critical first step," but that work still needs to be done, such as figuring out how to stop it and hold people accountable.

As the bill worked its way through the Tennessee legislature, Smith appeared last month before the Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee to share her experience with deepfakes and the ways in which the scam has impacted her and her family. In her testimony to lawmakers, she said deepfake accounts pretending to be her have shown up on Facebook and Instagram, in quantities too large for her to find and report as an individual person, CBS News affiliate WSMV reported.

"I try my best to catch the imposters and block them, but like I said, there have been hundreds of them. It's like whack a mole, they just appear everywhere," Smith told lawmakers. "I'm just supposed to look at them and say, 'nothing we can do, bud?'"

There were over 34,000 victims of sextortion in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. That number climbed to more than 54,000 victims last year. The FBI said financial sextortion, which differs from typical sextortion as it involves an offender threatening to release explicit material unless a payment is met, has been on the rise in the U.S. and targeting minors.

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Hayley Elizondo, who tracks sextortion crimes at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said financial gain is the perpetrators' primary goal.

"These offenders, their whole game is to make money," she said. "I'm not surprised that we are seeing adults also become the target of financial sextortion. Frankly, they're going to reach out to those who can pay them."

Officials say the most important thing for people to do if they think they are a victim of deepfakes is to report them.

"If you come across deepfake content that involves you or someone you know, report it to the platform hosting the content," says the National Cybersecurity Alliance, a nonprofit organization. "This can help in having it removed or investigated, limiting its potential reach."

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The organization also advises reporting it to federal law enforcement, which can be done through the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

Extended interview: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on deportations involving children and more

Mike Waltz leaving post as Trump's national security adviser | Special Report
INPACT Global, an international association of accounting firms, has welcomed one new member in Malaysia and another in Afghanistan.

In Malaysia, INPACT Global has added MSA ASSOCIATES.

The firm in Johor Bahru was founded in 1995. It provides audit, accounting, tax advisory, as well as corporate secretarial services.

Over the years, MSA ASSOCIATES has broadened its capabilities to cover a wider spectrum of financial services. The firm primarily serves small and medium-sized enterprises across various industries.

INPACT Global said that the addition aids its mission to connect top-tier firms worldwide, fostering collaboration and shared expertise.

Besides, INPACT Global has added AMO Elite, its first member firm in Afghanistan.

AMO Elite also maintains a presence in the US, in addition to Kabul. It has expertise in audit, assurance, compliance, and financial consulting services.

The firm assists businesses in meeting financial and regulatory standards. It offers support in areas such as business strategy development and market opportunity analysis.

Furthermore, it supports process optimisation and assessment of customer requirements.

The firms methodology blends global practices with knowledge of the local Afghan market, enabling it to create customised strategies for business growth, INPACT Global said in a statement.

Through INPACT Global, AMO Elite will now benefit from access to a worldwide professional network.

This affiliation is expected to open new avenues for cross-border collaboration and service expansion.

"INPACT expands global network with two new members" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Jennifer Rigby

LONDON (Reuters) -The World Health Organization plans to officially back the use of weight-loss drugs to treat obesity in adults for the first time, a memo reviewed by Reuters on Thursday showed, marking a shift in its approach to treating the global health problem.

The UN agency also called for strategies to improve access to the treatment in low- and middle-income countries.

More than a billion people now have obesity worldwide, according to the WHO, and around 70% of them live in low and middle-income countries, the World Bank estimates.

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The wildly popular obesity drugs - Wegovy developed by Novo Nordisk and Zepbound by Eli Lilly - are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the activity of a hormone that slows digestion and helps people feel full for longer. In clinical trials, people lost 15% to 20% of their body weight, depending on the drug.

The drugs were first launched in the United States with a monthly price tag of over $1,000, and still can cost hundreds of dollars in high-income countries. Studies suggest people may have to take the drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off.

"WHO has been working on a set of new recommendations for obesity prevention, care, and treatment in different age groups  children, adolescents, and adults since 2022," said a WHO spokesperson by email. The recommendations for the drugs, which will be finalised by August or September this year, will include "how and when this class of medications may be integrated as one component of a chronic care model that includes both clinical and lifestyle interventions."

Eli Lilly said on Friday that it was committed to expanding global access to its medicines without giving further detail.

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Novo Nordisk did not respond to a request for comment.

ESSENTIAL MEDICINES LIST

Separately, WHO experts will also meet next week to decide whether to include the GLP-1 drugs in the agency's essential medicines list - both to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The WHO's essential medicines list is a catalogue of the drugs that should be available in all functioning health systems, and it can help make drugs more widely available in poorer countries, as experts say happened in 2002 when HIV drugs were included.

In 2023, the experts decided against adding obesity drugs to the list, with WHO saying more evidence was needed on their long-term clinical benefit.

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However, in the new memo recommending their use as a treatment, the agency says it supports including them on the list this time round.

Still, the WHO also raises concerns over the cost of the drugs and calls for longer-term studies on cost-effectiveness "across all settings, including LMICs" (low- and middle-income countries).

"The same mechanisms that are used in large-scale medicine access programmes may need to be adopted," to improve access, the WHO adds, such as tiered pricing or pooled procurement.

But it also notes that the active ingredient in one of the newer drugs, semaglutide - used in Novo's Wegovy - comes off patent in some markets next year.

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Several companies are planning to launch cheaper generic versions of the drugs then. Liraglutide, the active ingredient in the older generation of drugs, is already available as a lower-cost generic drug, with products approved in the U.S. and Europe, the memo adds.

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby; Editing by Josephine Mason, David Evans and Susan Fenton)
Apr. 30SANTA FE  With New Mexico and other states facing the possibility of federal cuts to early childhood and safety net programs, top state lawmakers have created a new legislative panel to study the implications.

The new 10-member interim committee will meet this summer and present its findings to other legislative panels by the end of this year, said House Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque.

He described the new committee's formation as a way to proactively analyze different federal programs that provide services in New Mexico, along with how they're funded.

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"To me, this isn't about what Trump might or might not do," Martinez told the Journal, referring to the Republican president who took office in January. "We just have to be ready."

While the lifespan of the new committee is only envisioned to be this year, it could be extended into 2026 if necessary, said Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque.

Specifically, the panel could gather data on proposals to eliminate funding for Head Start, which currently provides early education for 5,688 children in New Mexico at a cost of about $90 million.

Other areas that could be studied include expanded work requirements for food assistance recipients and changes to the way infrastructure funds are distributed.

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"We don't have a good handle on what's happening in Washington, D.C.," Stewart said in a Wednesday interview. "We just needed a committee that could focus solely on that."

The interim committee will be led by two veteran lawmakers  Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup, and Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces.

Lundstrom, the former chairwoman of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, said the new panel could help ensure New Mexicans retain access to critical services and resources.

"This committee will focus on making sure that no matter what happens at the federal level, New Mexico is ready," Lundstrom said in a statement. "We will conduct an inventory of existing federal funding streams that our state relies on for infrastructure and local government operations, so that we can begin to proactively prepare for any potential federal funding cuts."

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Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham warned in February that possible federal budget cuts to Medicaid and other programs could prompt her to call lawmakers back to Santa Fe later this year for a special session.

But it remains unclear whether there's an appetite in the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress for such cuts, as some GOP members have expressed an unwillingness to vote for Medicaid funding reductions.

Federal cuts could have an outsized impact in New Mexico, as nearly 840,000 state residents were enrolled in Medicaid as of March  about 40% of the state's population.

Meanwhile, a congressional plan to expand work requirements for food assistance recipients could lead to 52,000 New Mexico residents with school-aged children losing their benefits, according to a report by the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

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Roughly 22% of New Mexico residents were receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits as of February, according to state Health Care Authority data.

The new interim committee, officially called the Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee, was approved without dissent at a Monday meeting of the Legislative Council, a bipartisan group of top-ranking lawmakers. It's expected to hold its first meeting sometime in May, though an exact date has not yet been set.
Non-operational F-16s are being pulled from the boneyard and sent to Ukraine to support the growing fleet of European-donated fighters that the country is now using in combat against Russia. This development was confirmed to TWZ by the U.S. Air Force after photos recently emerged showing partially disassembled F-16s being loaded onto a Ukrainian charter An-124 transport aircraft in Arizona. Flight trackers showed the transport flying to Poland.

According to an Air Force spokesperson, the Department of the Air Force has supported the sustainment of European-donated F-16s to Ukraine by providing disused and completely non-operational F-16s to Ukraine for parts. These F-16s were retired from active U.S. use and are not flyable. Importantly, they lack critical components such as an engine or radar and could not be reconstituted for operational use.

F-16s sit in the boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group was converting these particular F-16s into drone targets. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios

Evidence that the F-16s were headed to Ukraine came last week, when photos began to circulate on social media showing at least three shrink-wrapped F-16s, minus wings, tails, engines, and radomes, being loaded onto an Antonov Airlines An-124 at Tucson International Airport, Arizona.

Spotted in Tucson, Arizona yesterday. Photos just sent to me by a follower.



International Cargo Transporter with Ukrainian flags.



Based out of Ukraine



Interesting. pic.twitter.com/0ski9pONmK  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 26, 2025

While confirming the details of this, I found further pictures posted online by a local transportation company showing a third wrapped F-16 at Davis-Monthan and being loaded into the Antonov An-124. pic.twitter.com/xKCTAPxX03  Keystone Intel (@KSOSINT) April 29, 2025

Publicly available flight-tracking data confirmed that the An-124 in question, registration UR-82027, landed at Tucson on April 25. After the dismantled F-16s were loaded, it took off on April 26, headed for Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland. This airport is a vital transit hub for Western-supplied military materiel bound for Ukraine.

On April 26th, UR-82027 departed Tuscon for RzeszowJasionka Airport in Poland. Located near the Polish-Ukrainian border RzeszowJasionka serves as a key logistic hub for US and allied military support for Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/pCiV8IXL7S  Keystone Intel (@KSOSINT) April 29, 2025

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The evidence pointed toward the United States supplying these jets to Ukraine, although official confirmation was absent until now. There was also the possibility that they were intended to be used by Poland, possibly for spare parts or ground instruction. Poland is also an F-16 operator, although those jets are much more advanced Block 52+ F-16C/Ds compared to the A/B models being flown by Ukraine.

Tucson International Airport is located close to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, home to the U.S. militarys aircraft boneyard, formally known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309th AMARG).

Although the shrink-wrapped nature of the jets means its not possible to identify exactly what versions of the F-16 were involved in this transfer, the apparent presence of bird-slicer IFF antennas on the nose suggests that they are older Block 15 Air Defense Fighter (ADF) variants, which were previously flown by the Air National Guard. We asked the Air Force for more details on the specific aircraft supplied and the number of jets involved, but they declined to provide more information.

Appears that these may be older F-16ADFs mothballed from Air National Guard service in the early 2000s [note what appears to be a bird slicer IFF antenna under the wrap].



They are likely being used for spares and as decoys/ ground trainers. https://t.co/ATxabiXO7h pic.twitter.com/u82fiwA782  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 30, 2025

Earlier this month, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commander, U.S. European Command, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), told a Senate Committee that additional F-16s were being prepared for delivery to Ukraine, although he didnt mention the source.

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In all, around 85 operational F-16s have now been promised to Ukraine, which include 24 from the Netherlands, 19 from Denmark, and 12 from Norway (with the same country providing 10 more that will be used for spare parts), while Belgium says it will supply 30. Of this grand total, it should be noted that at least some of the jets are not being sent to Ukraine but are instead being used for training Ukrainian pilots, primarily at the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Romania.

An earlier view of a Ukrainian F-16 carrying AIM-120C AMRAAM and AIM-9L/M missiles, underwing fuel tanks, plus the Terma pylons with integrated self-defense systems. Ukrainian Air Force

While the airframes provided by the United States wont add to this flyable total, they will nevertheless deliver a significant boost when it comes to supporting Ukraines growing Viper fleet. The U.S. has not been interested in directly supplying Ukraine with flyable F-16s, but that could always change at some point.

F-16s are becoming more scarce than most may realize, even in the United States. Older U.S. F-16s that are still in decent flyable shape have been ported over to the Navy for aggressor use. The USAF also has its own aggressor needs, as well, and many of the airframes stored in the boneyard that were suitable for continued flying have gone to other allies or the Air Forces QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target program. The service is also extending the life of newer block F-16s currently in service so they can serve for decades to come.

As of last fall, the inventory of F-16s at the Pentagons aircraft boneyard are:

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F-16A  150

F-16B  27

F-16C  143

F-16D  22

Once again, many of these aircraft are not capable of being flown again.

A Ukrainian Air Force F-16 returns at low altitude after reportedly attacking Russian military positions in the direction of occupied Kurakhove on Feb. 17, 2025, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Photo by Andriy Dubchak/Frontliner/Getty Images Andriy Dubchak/Frontliner

There have been previous reports that a lack of spare parts has hampered deliveries of additional jets from European allies. Specifically, according to the Belgian Ministry of Defense, limited stocks of spares have delayed the delivery of F-16s promised by this country.

As well as limitations caused by a shortage of spares, the Ukrainian F-16 fleet has also suffered incidents of attrition.

In August 2024, less than a month after the type was first confirmed as being in the country, Ukraine confirmed the loss of its first F-16 and one of its pilots in a crash during a combat mission. The Ukrainian Air Force later stated that pilot Oleksii Mes had been killed while repelling a large-scale Russian missile and airstrike.

Oleksii Mes, a pilot of the Ukrainian Air Force, heroically fought his last battle in the skies.



On August 26, during a massive russian missile and air strike, Oleksii shot down three cruise missiles and one strike UAV. He saved countless Ukrainians from deadly russian pic.twitter.com/Wwc0BiUThO  Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) August 29, 2024

Since then, at least one more F-16 has been lost.

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The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the combat loss of an F-16 on April 12, killing the pilot, Pavlo Ivanov. While the air force has not provided any details concerning the incident, there are unconfirmed reports that the jet was brought down by a surface-to-air missile fired from a Russian S-400 long-range air defense system. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to Ivanov.

Generally, few details have been released about how Ukraine is using its F-16s, although official and unofficial imagery reveals specific details of load-outs used in operational air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

A Ukrainian F-16 pilot has given an interview for the first time.



In the interview, the F-16 pilot, whose name is withheld for security reasons, revealed that he regularly conducts aerial reconnaissance flights over Russian targets and troops. Nearly every day, he carries out pic.twitter.com/6XKDloT9TV  WarTranslated (@wartranslated) March 26, 2025

For combat air patrols, Ukrainian F-16s have been seen carrying the AIM-9X Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missile and AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Other imagery also shows the jets fitted with the earlier AIM-9L/M Sidewinder.

Ukrainian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon returning from a combat air patrol, having expended one of its AIM-120C-series AMRAAM missiles.



Appears to be the first confirmation that Ukrainian Falcons are sporting the more advanced and longer-ranged C-series AMRAAMS. pic.twitter.com/oK7TLUOCbW  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 11, 2025

Interception of an aerial target by Ukrainian F-16 https://t.co/DIO0Y5SHap pic.twitter.com/zbsMkjFZYu  Special Kherson Cat   (@bayraktar_1love) May 1, 2025

Ukrainian F-16s are also frequently seen carrying three external fuel tanks, to maximize endurance, an especially important factor considering Ukraine has no air-to-air refueling assets.

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Meanwhile, a typical configuration for F-16s flying air-to-ground missions comprises GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), carried on BRU-61 racks, each of which can carry four examples of these precision-guided munitions.

Earlier today, footage emerged of what is possibly the first sighting of a Ukrainian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon on a strike mission, making a low-level pass.



These are the first images of a Ukrainian Falcon sporting a full loadout of US-supplied GBU-39 SDB glide bombs. pic.twitter.com/QTyoBffEJX  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 10, 2025

One other store is the AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures pod carried on the F-16s centerline. A podded electronic warfare capability of this kind gives the jet a valuable extra layer of survivability, especially important when flying air-to-ground missions in close proximity to the battlefield and its ever-present ground-based air defense threat. Ukraines F-16s also feature an advanced internal electronic warfare suite that leverages specialized pylons that help in threat detection and countermeasure deployment.

As F-16 deliveries to Ukraine continue, and the type becomes better established in Ukrainian service, the scope of its missions will likely expand. However, keeping any kind of frontline fighter operational is a big logistical task. Ukraine faces the twin challenges of rapidly introducing an altogether new, Western combat aircraft, differing in many respects from its Soviet-era equipment. At the same time, the frontline F-16s supplied by European nations are now very old airframes and require an even bigger support footprint. For this reason, the supply of surplus U.S. F-16 airframes will be very much welcomed by the Ukrainian Air Force.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Federal Aviation Administration officials say they are opening up the airspace over Jacksonville.

The administration lists Florida as the fastest growing market for air travel, and with the summer season approaching, Jacksonville International Airport leaders say opening up the airspace will allow for more planes to fly and hopefully decrease the number of flight delays.

Michael Stewart, Jacksonville Aviation Authority Vice President of External Affairs, said there are things travelers need to be mindful of before they head for departure. He shares these tips:

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Make sure you are not coming through TSA with a firearm or any ammunition

Be Real ID compliant by May 7 or be prepared to show your passport. The traditional drivers license will no longer be accepted to fly, even for domestic flights

Arrive early if you dont have TSA pre-check or if you plan to park

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Stewart also said travelers can expect new flight options from:

Air Canada to Toronto

Avelo to Wilmington, Delaware

Delta to Austin, Texas

Allegiant to Akron, OH, Des Moines, Iowa and Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Stewart said Southwest Airlines has stopped flights to Atlanta, and Jet Blue has stopped flights to Fort Lauderdale.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Claim:

U.S. Capitol police officers arrested the Rev. William Barber II and two others for praying inside the Capitol Rotunda in Washington on April 28, 2025.

Rating:

Rating: True

In April 2025, social media posts claimed U.S. Capitol police officers arrested the Rev. William Barber II, a civil rights activist and ordained minister, along with two other individuals for praying inside the Capitol Rotunda in Washington.

A Capitol police spokesperson confirmed the reports, saying officers arrested Barber and the two others on April 28 following "multiple warnings" for praying "out loud."

Barber's social justice-focused national nonprofit organization, Repairers of the Breach, arranged the group prayer for its "Moral Monday" event, labeling the event a "pray-in."

Police described their act of prayer  one focused on opposition to the Republican-proposed budget bill  as "demonstrating." They were charged with violating a D.C. law against "crowding, obstructing, or incommoding," which carries a maximum fine of $500.

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A story circulating online in late April 2025 claimed U.S. Capitol police officers arrested the Rev. William Barber II, a civil rights activist and ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ denomination, for praying inside the Capitol Rotunda in Washington.

For example, Jack Jenkins, a national reporter for Religion News Service, posted (archived) pictures on X showing Capitol police officers standing near Barber and other people inside the Rotunda. The post read: "BREAKING: Police just surrounded Rev. William Barber, prominent activist and pastor, as he and others prayed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Police then expelled everyone (including press) to (presumably) arrest them. Covered protests here a lot. Never seen anything like it."

Many other social media users also posted about the story.

(@jackmjenkins/X)

Several Snopes readers asked questions about this matter via email, including, for example, "Was Rev. Dr. William Barber arrested for praying?" as well as, "Was Rev. William Barber really arrested in the Capitol Rotunda for praying against the Republican budget?"

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A Capitol police spokesperson confirmed to Snopes that this story was true, saying that on April 28, their officers arrested Barber and two other individuals after "multiple warnings" for praying "out loud," including praying in unison as a group, inside the Rotunda.

Police described their act of prayer  one focused on opposition to the Republican-proposed budget bill  as "demonstrating." The rest of the police statement, featured below in this article, included details about the law they alleged the three individuals violated.

The group prayer took place as part of an organized event called "Moral Monday." Repairers of the Breach, Barber's North Carolina-based, social justice-focused national nonprofit organization, arranged the gathering. The organization's Facebook page hosted a flyer (archived) calling the event "a stand against injustice," as well as a brief, edited video  described later in this article  showing several moments prior to the arrests, including officers clearing all members of the public and anyone identifying themselves as press from the Rotunda.

A representative for Repairers of the Breach had not yet responded to several emailed questions as of this writing. The organization did, however, post (archived) on X a statement in a thread of posts, beginning with the text from the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

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The organization's statement read, in part: "When prayer and peaceful petition are met with arrest, it shows how much work remains to build a true democracy."

The thread identified the other two arrested individuals as the Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and Steve Swayne. Wilson-Hartgrove describes himself on his website as a spiritual writer, preacher and community cultivator, as well as an assistant director for partnerships and fellowships at Yale University's Center for Public Theology and Public Policy. Following the arrests, he appeared in a video interview posted on X. Swayne serves as the director of the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center.

Capitol police statement

In an emailed response to Snopes dated April 30, a Capitol police spokesperson said "yes" in response to a request to confirm the arrests. The statement read:

Three people were arrested for demonstrating inside the Congressional Buildings, which is not allowed in any form, to include but not limited to sitting, kneeling, group praying, singing, chanting, etc. In this case, they started praying quietly and then began to pray out loud. That is when we gave them multiple warnings to stop or they would be arrested. Three people didn't stop.

The spokesperson cited a charge against the three individuals from the Code of the District of Columbia: " 221307. Crowding, obstructing, or incommoding." The charge carries a maximum fine of $500. "Basically, they just have to pay a ticket," they said, adding, "There are other spots on Capitol grounds where this type of demonstrating is allowed." The Capitol Police website hosts a map (archived) of demonstration permit areas. Another page provides information about applying for a permit.

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According to the statement, the Rotunda "quickly reopened," and they only "very briefly restricted" the space during the arrests.

Video shows moments leading to Barber's arrest

A brief, edited video hosted on the Repairers of the Breach Facebook page featured Barber wearing a clergy stole imprinted with the words, "Jesus was a poor man." The clip's caption read, "Today, as clergy - including Bishop William J. Barber, II - and people of moral conscience respectfully prayed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, they were arrested while the public and cameras, including those belonging to press outlets, were banned from the area."

In the video clip, which only showed short segments of the prayer, Barber prayed: "We are here crying to you, oh God, because we've heard the cries of your people." The video then cut to Wilson-Hartgrove, who recited from a piece of paper, "We have also read the budget resolution of this Congress, which calls for $1.5 trillion in cuts to life-saving and life-sustaining programs in order to give a tax break to billionaires." Swayne, also reading from a piece of paper, said, "Deliver us, oh Lord, from the deceptive lie that says our nation will be better off if those who have little get less, and those who have too much get more."

After Barber and the others each spoke about the Republican budget bill during the group prayer, they and other unidentified individuals all recited together, "Against the conspiracy of cruelty, we plead the power of your mercy."

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A uniformed man identifying himself as a captain with the Capitol Police then informed the group, "Right now, you're participating in an unlawful demonstration. If you don't cease and desist the activity, you are subject to arrest." The video showed other officers also warning the group, including unidentified people recording videos, telling them they may be arrested if they did not exit the Rotunda.

One unidentified officer said, "It doesn't matter if you're press." The clip showed that same officer moments later informing another officer, "They're not allowed in there right now. The press isn't allowed in."

An article from Religion News Service, authored by Jenkins, featured an interview with Barber conducted after the arrests, reporting the praying lasted for around 15 minutes, as well as the fact that Barber called his interactions with Capitol police officers "cordial."

According to Bing, DuckDuckGo and Google, the incident followed arrests of Barber in past years also pertaining to demonstrations. In one of Barber's more prominent national appearances, he delivered the homily during an interfaith Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service hosted by Washington National Cathedral following former U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration in January 2021.

Sources:

" 221307. Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding." Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Law Library, https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-1307.

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" 223571.01. Fines for Criminal Offenses." Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Law Library, https://code.dccouncil.us/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-3571.01.

Barber II, William J. "Read the Rev. William Barber's Sermon From the Inaugural Prayer Service." TIME, 21 Jan. 2021, https://time.com/5931343/william-barber-inaugural-prayer-service-sermon/.

"Bio." Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, https://jonathanwilsonhartgrove.com/bio/.

"Clergy and People of Moral Conscience Arrested for Praying Inside the United States Capitol." Facebook, Repairers of the Breach, 28 Apr. 2025, https://www.facebook.com/brepairers/videos/clergy-and-people-of-moral-conscience-arrested-for-praying-inside-the-united-sta/1404160800617566/.

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Dias, Elizabeth, and Ruth Graham. "'This Moment Is Critical.' Whither Progressive Christians After Pope Francis?" The New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/us/pope-christians.html.

"First Amendment." Constitution Annotated, https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/.

Jenkins, Jack. "Rev. William Barber Arrested in Capitol Rotunda after Praying against Republican-Led Budget." RNS, 28 Apr. 2025, https://religionnews.com/2025/04/28/william-barber-arrested-in-capitol-rotunda-after-prayer-challenging-republican-budget/.

---. "The Rev. William Barber Arrested in Capitol Rotunda after Praying against Republican-Led Budget." Episcopal News Service, 29 Apr. 2025, https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/04/29/the-rev-william-barber-arrested-in-capitol-rotunda-after-praying-against-republican-led-budget/.

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"Moral Mondays in DC at the Capitol." EveryAction, https://secure.everyaction.com/ApnxbEa9U0yff72sWvsAjw2.

"NC Rev. Barber Holds Major Role at Inauguration Service." The Associated Press, 21 Jan. 2021, https://apnews.com/general-news-987c3df9450eb41bca08dfbcb64a1890.

"Prohibited Items." U.S. Capitol - Visitor Center, https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/prohibited-items.

Quillin, Martha. "Rev. William Barber Arrested While Praying at US Capitol. Here's What We Know." The News & Observer, 29 Apr. 2025, https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article305303081.html.

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Repairers of the Breach. https://breachrepairers.org.

Spectrum News Staff, Raleigh. "Civil Rights Activist Rev. William Barber Found Guilty in Court." Spectrum News 1, 6 June 2019, https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/news/2019/06/06/civil-rights-activist-rev--william-barber-found-guilty-in-court.

"Steve Swayne." St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, https://www.stfrancis.today/steve-swayne.

"Visitor Guidelines." U.S. Capitol - Visitor Center, https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/capitol-etiquette.

"William J. Barber II." Charles F. Kettering Foundation, https://kettering.org/fellow/william-j-barber-ii/.
Claim:

A post from U.S. President Donald Trump showing Kilmar Abrego Garcia's hand tattoos was unedited and proves he was affiliated with the Salvadoran gang MS-13.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

Although the original image held by Trump in the photo was genuine, it had been edited to insert the text "MS-13" above the symbols tattooed on Abrego Garcia's hand.

What's False:

There is no clear evidence proving a link between Abrego Garcia's hand tattoos and MS-13.

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During an April 29, 2025, interview with ABC News, U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly referenced a rumor that Kilmar Abrego Garcia  a Maryland man who immigrated to the U.S. illegally from El Salvador in 2012 and was deported in March 2025  had the gang name "MS-13" tattooed on his knuckles, even after journalist Terry Moran told him those letters had been edited onto a photograph of Abrego Garcia's left hand (at timestamp 22:00 in the video below).

Trump first shared the supposed proof of Abrego Garcia's gang membership in a photo posted on X and Truth Social on April 18, 2025. In the photo, Trump is holding a piece of paper featuring a separate picture purportedly showing the tattoos across Abrego Garcia's hand.

(X user @realDonaldTrump)

Other users shared a cropped version of the photograph showing a close-up of the tattoos:

(X user @WesternDecline_)

Snopes readers searched the site and wrote to us asking whether the photograph was real and if it proved Abrego Garcia was affiliated with MS-13. While publicly available evidence confirmed the image shared by Trump was authentic in origin, it also confirmed the image had been altered to insert the text "MS-13" above the actual tattoos  in effect annotating them. There was no clear evidence the symbols on Abrego Garcia's fingers proved an affiliation with MS-13.

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Abrego Garcia was mistakenly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on March 12, 2025. According to CASA, an immigration advocacy organization involved in Abrego Garcia's legal defense, he had no criminal convictions in either the U.S. or El Salvador. In 2019, a judge ordered that he not be returned to El Salvador on the grounds that he would face persecution. Three days after his detainment in 2025, however, the government sent Abrego Garcia to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center prison, or CECOT, without a hearing, according to The New York Times.

The Trump administration itself called his detention and removal an "administrative error."

Even after acknowledging it had made a mistake, however, the administration repeatedly claimed that it ordered Abrego Garcia be sent to the Salvadoran megaprison because he was a member of MS-13. (Snopes previously investigated the little evidence the administration has used to justify Abrego Garcia's gang affiliation and concluded there was not sufficient evidence to prove he was in the gang.) Trump shared the photograph as supposed proof of such a connection, and the post's caption claimed Abrego Garcia had "MS-13 tattooed onto his knuckles."

Other photos of Abrego Garcia provided confirmation that he has four knuckle tattoos, as shown in the picture held by Trump. Trump's picture had been edited to add the text "MS-13" above the tattoos, but there was no actual evidence demonstrating a link between the tattoos and the El Salvadoran gang.

Trump's photo of the tattoos was edited, likely in an attempt to add context

The photo held by Trump shows four knuckle tattoos  a marijuana leaf, a smiley face with X's for eyes, a crucifix and a skull. We confirmed the existence of these tattoos on Abrego Garcia's hand by cross-checking with other images of him. Two separate photos in USA Today stories (one came from El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele's social media and the other was credited to CASA) featured the knuckle tattoos, although only the skull and cross were visible in one of them.

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However, Trump's "proof" also contained "MS-13" spelled across the knuckles and a description of the four tattoos underneath  "marijuana, smile, cross, skull." When Moran pushed back against Trump in the April 29 ABC News interview (at timestamp 22:00), Trump made it clear he believed the text "MS-13" present above the symbols was real, not annotated with editing software.

"It says M-S-one-three," he told Moran.

Those elements were not present in the other photos in the USA Today articles, indicating they were added to Trump's photo after the fact. Moran tried to move on by saying the tattoos could be "interpreted" as connecting Abrego Garcia to MS-13 (this is not really true, as we'll see in the next section), but Trump did not budge.

"He had MS as clear as you can be. Not 'interpreted,'" Trump said.

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Moran pointed out that other photos of Abrego Garcia clearly showed he did not literally have the gang's name tattooed on his knuckles. Trump still refused to acknowledge he was wrong.

"He's got MS-13 on his knuckles," he said.

Despite what the president claimed, Abrego Garcia did not have the gang's name literally "tattooed onto his knuckles."

Abrego Garcia's tattoos did not match known MS-13 tattoos

Snopes reached out to several experts in gang tattoos to learn more about the symbolism in MS-13 tattoos and whether Abrego Garcia's tattoos matched those symbols. We also reached out to ICE for comment. We had not heard back from any of them at the time of publishing.

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Looking at other photos of MS-13 gang tattoos, however, revealed that members of the gang have its name literally tattooed on their bodies in some form, generally an "MS," a "13" or both. A source from ICE reportedly told the New York Post that if Abrego Garcia was a member of MS-13, getting such a tattoo would have been a requirement. However, Snopes was unable to independently verify this claim.

If MS-13 members are required to have a rather blatant "MS" or "13" tattoo and if Abrego Garcia was actually involved with the gang, the Trump administration would presumably be able to share a photo of such a tattoo. The fact that the four knuckle tattoos, none of which were "MS13," were the supposed proof undermined the administration's claim of his affiliation with the gang.

The ICE source who reportedly spoke to the New York Post also said he had "never heard of those resemblances being made" when asked if Abrego Garcia's knuckle tattoos signified membership in MS-13.

Regardless of whether Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13 or not, the U.S. Constitution grants him the right to due process and the Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration on April 10 to "facilitate" his return. As of this writing, the administration had not complied with the ruling.

Sources:

"A Man Was Sent to El Salvador Due to 'administrative Error' despite Protected Legal Status, Filings Show." NBC News, 1 Apr. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-was-sent-el-salvador-due-administrative-error-protected-legal-stat-rcna199010.

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CASA Demands Justice For Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia  We Are Casa. https://wearecasa.org/casa-demands-justice-for-kilmar-armando-abrego-garcia/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Clarke, David Culver, Abel Alvarado, Evelio Contreras, Rachel. "Tattoos Transform from Signs of Gang Allegiance to Art." CNN, 14 Apr. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/14/americas/el-salvador-cecot-gang-tattoo-intel/index.html.

Deng, Grace. "Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Wife Confirms She Filed Protective Order, Says They Worked out Problems with Counseling." Snopes, 18 Apr. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/abrego-garcia-restraining-order/.

---. "Vance Was Wrong: Maryland Father Accidentally Deported to El Salvador Isn't 'Convicted MS-13 Gang Member.'" Snopes, 4 Apr. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/deported-maryland-father-vance/.

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"Due Process." LII / Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/due_process. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

"El Salvador President Bukele Says He Won't Be Releasing a Maryland Man Back to the US." AP News, 14 Apr. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-white-house-el-salvador-kilmar-abrego-garcia-ad338d6b4558a6aba80e8290fd3eece9.

Feuer, Alan, and Karoun Demirjian. "What to Know About the Deportation of Abrego Garcia to El Salvador." The New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/article/abrego-garcia-trump-deportations-el-salvador.html.

Garrett, Luke. "House Democrats Land in El Salvador, Demand Abrego Garcia's Return." NPR, 21 Apr. 2025. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/g-s1-61500/house-democrats-land-in-el-salvador-demand-abrego-garcias-return.

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"Inside the Trump Administration's Fight to Imprison a Wrongfully Deported Immigrant." The Independent, 14 Apr. 2025, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/kilmar-abrego-garcia-trump-supreme-court-b2729085.html.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia and MS-13: What Is Alleged and What We Know. 19 Apr. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1k4072e3nno.

"Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Wrongful Deportation Spotlights Trump Immigration Policies." USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2025/04/15/kilmar-abrego-garcia-deportation-trump-immigration-photos/83104318007/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

News, A. B. C. "Wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia Says Seeing Photo of Him Alive Is 'Very Overwhelming.'" ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/wife-kilmar-abrego-garcia-photo-alive-overwhelming/story?id=120941345. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Penzenstadler, Eduardo Cuevas, Michael Collins and Nick. "Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Block Order to Return Deported Maryland Father." USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/07/kilmar-abrego-garcia-order-trump-el-salvador/82956985007/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Taer, Jennie, and Emily Crane. Trump Says Deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Tattoos Show That He's MS-13 as Social Media Is Flooded with Theories. 18 Apr. 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/social-media-flooded-with-theories-about-kilmar-abrego-garcias-ms-13-tattoos/.

"Trump Appears to Hold up a Altered Image of Wrongfully Deported Man's Hand." The Independent, 19 Apr. 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-kilmar-abrego-garcia-hand-b2735920.html.

"US Still Won't Say Whether It Will Return Mistakenly Deported Man, despite Supreme Court Decision." AP News, 12 Apr. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-maryland-father-deported-el-salvador-6de340ac95f2abb5fd3688fc1679fd66.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the assailants behind last month's attack on tourists in Kashmir to the "ends of the earth".

India says two of the three "terrorists" involved in the attack were from arch-enemy Pakistan, although Islamabad has denied any involvement. The nuclear-armed nations have announced several tit-for-tat diplomatic and other measures, but Pakistan has said it expects India to launch a military incursion soon.

WHAT HAS INDIA DONE PREVIOUSLY?

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2019: On Feb. 14 that year, tensions escalated between the neighbours after a suicide car bombing killed 40 paramilitary troops in Pulwama in Kashmir, a mountainous region also claimed by Pakistan. The attack was claimed by Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammad.

In response, India said its warplanes struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad training camp near the Pakistani town of Balakot in the early hours of Feb. 26. New Delhi said "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis ... were eliminated". Later, Indian officials put the number of fatalities at 300 militants.

Pakistan acknowledged that Indian jets had crossed into its territory, but said they bombed a hillside without hitting anything substantial.

As the air forces of the two countries engaged, Pakistan captured an Indian pilot whose MiG fighter jet crashed in enemy territory after a dogfight with a Pakistani JF-17. Pakistan returned the pilot days later, and the situation cooled.

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2016: On September 18 that year, gunmen stormed an Indian military base in Uri in the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, near the border, killing 19 Indian soldiers. Pakistan denied Indian charges that it was behind the attack.

Ten days later, India said it had carried out "surgical strikes" on militant bases across the de facto border. Pakistan denied that any incursion had occurred on its territory.

HOW ARE THE COUNTRIES PREPARING NOW?

Pakistani government ministers have said a military incursion by India was imminent and that they have reinforced their defences. Indian forces have also carried out exercises across various parts of the country.

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Troops from the two sides have exchanged small arms fire across their frontier for the past seven nights, but no casualties have been reported so far, India has said.

HOW DO THE COUNTRIES' DEFENCES COMPARE?

India easily outnumbers Pakistan in active military personnel and combat aircraft, but their nuclear arsenal is nearly the same. India has 172 warheads and Pakistan 170.

(Reporting by Krishna N. Das in New Delhi; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
(Reuters) - Ukraine and the United States 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 following is an overview of the critical minerals, including rare earths, and other natural resources in Ukraine:

WHAT ARE RARE EARTHS AND WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?

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Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to make magnets that turn power into motion for electric vehicles, cell phones, missile systems, and other electronics. There are no viable substitutes.

The U.S. Geological Survey considers 50 minerals to be critical, including rare earths, nickel and lithium.

Critical minerals are essential for industries such as defence, high-tech appliances, aerospace and green energy.

WHAT MINERAL RESOURCES DOES UKRAINE HAVE?

Ukraine has deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critical, according to Ukrainian data. They include industrial and construction materials, ferro alloy, precious and non-ferrous metals, and some rare earth elements.

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According to Ukraine's Institute of Geology, the country possesses rare earths such as lanthanum and cerium, used in TVs and lighting; neodymium, used in wind turbines and EV batteries; and erbium and yttrium, whose applications range from nuclear power to lasers. EU-funded research also indicates that Ukraine has scandium reserves. Detailed data is classified.

The World Economic Forum has said Ukraine is also a key potential supplier of lithium, beryllium, manganese, gallium, zirconium, graphite, apatite, fluorite and nickel.

The State Geological Service said Ukraine has one of Europe's largest confirmed reserves, estimated at 500,000 metric tons, of lithium - vital for batteries, ceramics, and glass.

The country has titanium reserves, mostly located in its northwestern and central regions, while lithium is found in the centre, east and southeast.

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Ukraine's reserves of graphite, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and nuclear reactors, represent 20% of global resources. The deposits are in the centre and west.

Ukraine also has significant coal reserves, though most are now under the control of Russia in occupied territory.

Mining analysts and economists say Ukraine currently has no commercially operational rare earth mines.

China is the world's largest producer of rare earths and many other critical minerals.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE DEAL?

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.

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. She also said the accord provides for new assistance, for example air defense systems for Ukraine. The U.S. did not directly address that suggestion.

Svyrydenko said the accord allowed Ukraine to "determine what and where to extract" and that its subsoil remains owned by Ukraine.

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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. It also complied with Ukraine's constitution and Ukraine's campaign to join the European Union, she said.

The draft did not provide any concrete U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, one of its initial goals.

WHICH UKRAINIAN RESOURCES ARE UNDER KYIV'S CONTROL?

The war has caused widespread damage across Ukraine, and Russia now controls around a fifth of its territory.

The bulk of Ukraines coal deposits, which powered its steel industry before the war, are concentrated in the east and have been lost.

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About 40% of Ukraine's metal resources are now under Russian occupation, according to estimates by Ukrainian think-tanks We Build Ukraine and the National Institute of Strategic Studies, citing data up to the first half of 2024. They provided no detailed breakdown.

Since then, Russian troops have continued to advance steadily in the eastern Donetsk region. In January, Ukraine closed its only coking coal mine outside the city of Pokrovsk, which Moscow's forces are trying to capture.

Russia has occupied at least two Ukrainian lithium deposits during the war - one in Donetsk and another in the Zaporizhzhia region in the southeast. Kyiv still controls lithium deposits in the central Kyrovohrad region.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DOES UKRAINE OFFER?

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Oleksiy Sobolev, first deputy economy minister, said in January that the government was working on deals with Western allies including the United States, Britain, France and Italy on projects related to exploiting critical materials. The government estimates the sector's total investment potential at about $12-15 billion by 2033.

The State Geological Service said the government was preparing about 100 sites to be jointly licensed and developed but provided no further details.

Although Ukraine has a highly qualified and relatively inexpensive labour force and developed infrastructure, investors highlight a number of barriers to investment. These include inefficient and complex regulatory processes as well as difficulty accessing geological data and obtaining land plots.

Such projects would take years to develop and require considerable up-front investment, they said. (This story has been corrected to fix language in paragraph 5)

(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Neil Fullick)
Apr. 30A Fairborn man was found guilty as charged after he was accused of shooting at undercover detectives who had a warrant for his arrest in a Columbus murder case.

Breyon Xavier Bryant, 32, was found guilty of three counts of felonious assault, each with three-year firearm specifications, according to the Greene County Prosecutor's Office.

The charges could lead to more than 30 years in prison, though the date of his sentencing is to be determined, the prosecutor's office said.

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On Jan. 24, 2024, the Columbus Division of Police asked the Fairborn Police Department for help, saying that the Franklin County Municipal Court had just issued an arrest warrant for Bryant charging him with murder, the prosecutor's office said. Columbus police asked Fairborn police to help execute the warrant, since Bryant lived at an apartment in the 400 block of West Funderburg Road.

That afternoon, undercover detectives in two unmarked vehicles set up surveillance near a parking lot while multiple patrol vehicles with uniformed officers responded to the general area, according to an affidavit filed in Fairborn Municipal Court.

At about 4:50 p.m., Bryant left his apartment and went to his vehicle, then went back inside before returning to his vehicle, the affidavit said. As he opened the driver's door, one of the surveillance vehicles moved to block Bryant's vehicle.

"Before officers could even exit the surveillance vehicle, Breyon produced a handgun and opened fire," the affidavit read. He fired two rounds that both hit the vehicle, documents said.

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Bryant then fled on foot, pointing his gun back at the detectives, before hiding between two vehicles in a nearby parking lot, the prosecutor's office said.

The officers got out of their vehicle as he ran, with one police sergeant following him and firing six rounds, court documents said. No one was hit by gunfire and Bryant dropped his gun and surrendered, police said.

As he was arrested, Bryant told officers that he did not know that they were police, saying that, "he fired on the vehicle because he has had recent death threats and thought he was being ambushed," the affidavit said.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was asked to process the crime scene.

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Bryant is charged with murder in Franklin County for the March 5, 2013, death of 22-year-old Daviena Clay in Columbus. The charge was filed Jan. 24, 2024 after a Fairborn detective alerted Columbus police that an officer interviewing Bryant's wife in an unrelated crime said that "Breyon Bryant confessed to her that he killed Ms. Clay by strangling her," according to an affidavit. He reportedly made his confession after Columbus police in December visited his Fairborn residence to collect his DNA, the document stated.

In addition to the above two cases, Bryant is also scheduled for trial in Greene County Common Pleas Court May 19 on a separate case, where he was indicted on felony charges of rape, kidnapping, gross sexual imposition, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and three counts of felonious assault, as well one misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.

Following this second Green County trial, Bryant will be extradited to Franklin County for the pending murder case, the prosecutor's office said.

Staff writer Jen Balduf contributed to this report.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG)  Nurses from Thomas Hospital stepped into a courtroom earlier today, not for a real trial, but for a training exercise designed to prepare them if they need to testify in a sexual assault case.

Fairhope residents voice concerns over librarys book review process, explicit content

And these arent your typical nurses, theyre SANE nurses, which stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and theyre trained specifically to help sexual assault victims that come in for care.

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These nurses are some of the first ones, even before law enforcement that take a victims recounting of what happened, Baldwin Countys Chief Assistant District Attorney Teresa Heinz said.

These nurses are the latest Baldwin County Recruits. Theyve spent more than 40 hours in SANE training to help sexual assault patients, and now their final test is stepping into the courtroom

Most nurses, when they sign up to be a part of this program with the sexual assault nurse examiner, they havent had any experience about what it would be like testifying at trial, Heinz said.

This mock trial with the Baldwin County District Attorneys office gives nurses hands-on experience facing questions from real attorneys and learning how the evidence they collect may be used in a real case.

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Juries want physical evidence they want to hear that that somebody was looked at by a medical professional, Heinz said. So these SANE nurses are critical to those types of prosecutions.

Exercises like this have saved lives: Gulf Shores International Airport trains for disaster

And now these nurses are walking out of this courtroom with tools that could make a major difference in a sexual assault victims life.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
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Temporary finance chiefs remain the most-sought after interim leaders, topping the list of on-demand talent need requests in 2025, a recent report by Business Talent Group, a Heidrick & Struggles company, found. Amid skyrocketing requests for overall on-demand talent, requests for C-suite leadership made up the majority  while requests for interim CFOs made up 51% of all C-suite leadership asks, the report found.

This marks a continuation in an ongoing trend, with demand for interim finance chiefs seeing a surge in 2023, followed by a smaller, but still significant jump in requests in 2024, CFO Dive previously reported, citing past BTG reports. As companies in 2025 continue to face economic uncertainty, that demand for interim CFOs is definitely not slowing down, said Sunny Ackerman, global managing partner for on-demand talent at Heidrick & Struggles, an executive search firm.

I think it highlights a bit of the need, the essential role that I'd say finance leaders play in organizations to help them navigate big transitions or restructures, as well as economic headwinds, Ackerman said in an interview about the rising spotlight on interim CFOs.

Finance, strategy go hand in hand

The demand for interim leadership at all levels has continued to skyrocket over the past few years  growing 310% since 2020, the report found.

The jump comes as businesses continue to navigate a challenging macroeconomic environment, while simultaneously looking to prepare for long-term growth. Companies today are also taking a second look at how they engage their employees, whether on-demand  those hired for short-term projects or specific initiatives  or permanent, Ackerman said.

The ability for business to plug talent in quickly to either, support an executive or support an interim project is something that more organizations are now starting to realize is a real benefit in terms of talent acquisition, Ackerman said of the jump in interim leadership demand.

Ackerman has served in her current role at the Chicago, Illinois-based company since February 2024, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her previous experience includes serving as president and divisional CEO, Americas for life sciences and engineering talent platform SThree, as well as serving as president, Americas for Frank Recruitment Group.

Ongoing economic headwinds are also putting financial skills under a spotlight for companies, the report found. Financial controls, accounting and audit topped the list of skills currently in demand, while financial planning, analysis and modeling was the third-most requested skillset.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  Families continued to mourn following the deadly mass shooting at Florida State University that killed two and injured six others.

For the first time publicly, attorneys representing Tiru Chabba, one of the men killed on campus that day, are now speaking out.

Civil rights Attorney Bakari Sellers alongside Jim Bannister and J. Robert Bell, said as the family mourns their loss, they are now trying to figure out what exactly happened.

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The family wants to know why, said Bakari Sellers, civil rights attorney. As you can imagine, losing a father, having children, and you cant explain why. When your dad goes on a work trip, theyre supposed to come home.

Its the last week for students in the semester, finals are happening, and graduation is this weekend, and as they try their best to recover from the tragedy that occurred merely 2 weeks ago, very few details about the investigation are being released and victims families want answers.



Were asking that there be thoroughness, so we can find out the what, the when, the why, and the how this occurred, Sellers said.

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Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father and husband was killed when a gunman opened fire just outside of the student union.

We had a funeral that buried a great man last week, and the only conversations that our family has had with law enforcement was when they were notified of his death. And so were asking that there be some level of transparency, Sellers said.

He was on FSUs campus that Thursday as an employee for Aramark, a vendor the university used.

The Chabba family has realized that theres a mourning period that will really never end, Bannister said. 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, to have his grandchildren, and he wont be there with his loving wife to grow old with her as they had planned. That was appropriate for then, and that was the focus for the funeral, celebrating his life. But now its time to try to get some answers to the why and the what.



The question for legislators, the question for the university, and the question for stakeholders is how do we make sure this doesnt happen again, and the only way you can do that is by fully diagnosing what did happened, Sellers said.

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University President Richard McCullough said he also wants answer for what happened.

I appreciate the words of the Chabba familys attorneys today. I and everyone else at Florida State share the familys grief, McCullough said. We share their anger. We share their desire for answers. I can assure you Florida State University is fully cooperating with law enforcement, and we too look forward to the day when all the facts are known.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
What happened to Liz Hamel?

A local 18-year-old was found unconscious after plunging from a California university dorm room. She died days later.

Was it an accident? Or something more sinister?

Revelations were announced by private investigators tonight. Could it lead to closure for her family?

Liz Hamel seemed to have the promise of a bright future when she graduated from Bellevue High School in 2024. But less than a year later, she died under mysterious circumstances, and her family wants to know why.

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No one has been able to find the last person with whom she was seen.

Ive said this a number of times, that she was kind and everything, Alain Hamel said, his voice breaking. A second, please. 

Hamel still struggles to talk about his daughter, 18-year-old Elizabeth, Liz, he called her.

Yeah, that she was kind, he said. I really appreciated that.

The last time Liz was seen alive was on Valentines Day. She and friends, students at the University of California Santa Barbara, were celebrating at a local restaurant. Just after 10 p.m. that night, Liz left with a young man her friends did not know.

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Less than a half hour later, she had fallen several feet from a breezeway on campus.

Third-story breezeway that then landed on concrete, explained her father.

Another student called 911.

The first responders came, Hamel said. They found that by the time they arrived, she was in cardiac arrest due to an obstructed airway and, of course, due to the trauma of the fall.

She lived six agonizing days before she died. The man she was last seen with hasnt been seen since.

So, Hamel held a news conference in Santa Barbara to do what he says the police did not: release the last known photographs of the young man to be with his vibrant young daughter.

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He is the last person that we know of that had contact with Liz, he said. And just if he has information with respect to her last moments, that could be useful.

Hamels heart is broken over his daughters death, and he and his wife want any help they can get to find this young man.
(FOX 5/KUSI)  In the heart of San Diegos vibrant Little Saigon community of City Heights, along a small six-block stretch of El Cajon Boulevard, nearly every shop and business owner has a story about second chances. The Tran family is no exception.

Brittany, Nicholas, Victoria, Vu and San are siblings. Their family built the Vien Dong World Foods Supermarkets after escaping at the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon.

Nicholas Tran was just 4 years old. His memories are still vivid. We didnt choose to leave Vietnam. Im emotional now, thats what I remember they had to do.

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On April 30, 1975, the Fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War and the beginning of a mass exodus of Vietnamese refugees fleeing their country.

Read more stories about the 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War

You had to walk through the swamp to get to the ocean. It was so scary, because it was so dark and you were walking through the mud, trying not to get detected, said Nicholas.

With four children in tow  including a toddler and a 3-month-old the family left Vietnam in the middle of the night, hiding aboard a small fishing boat.

Brittany Tran Olarsch is the eldest of the siblings. She was just 6 years old when the family escaped. We had no food, no water for three days at sea. I remember hearing children crying, begging for water. It was the most painful memory for my mom.

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People were so thirsty they were drinking saltwater, we had a couple of people die. The bodies, they threw them overseas and you keep moving, Nicholas recalls.

Read more stories about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

After surviving days out at sea, the family spent over a year in a Malaysian refugee camp. Eventually sponsored by an American church, they arrived in San Diego in March of 1979 with no money and just the shirts on their backs.

Nicholas Tran will never forget what his father had to say. My mom cried, and she asked my dad, How are we going to survive? And my dad said, We didnt come this far just to fail.'

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The family survived on donations and lived in a 2-bedroom apartment with other refugees. Sen, their father, a businessman in Vietnam, saw a need.

Victoria Tran talked about her fathers desire to open a grocery store. He missed home, and we were always looking for our own kinds of food, so thats why he started a grocery store, to help the refugees connect back to our homeland.

So, from a small streetside market, Vien Dong quickly grew into a cornerstone of the community. What began as a way to bring a taste of home is now not one, but two thriving stores in City Heights.

Weve come a long way. Our parents made so many sacrifices, not knowing what the outcome would be. But they took a chance, a risk, said Brittany.

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From the Fall of Saigon 50 years ago, to the heart of San Diego today.

The American Dream really is that you can be anything you want if you work hard enough for it. Even if the odds are against you, if youre willing to work hard enough, and youre here in America, its possible, said Vu Tran.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Recent documentaries like Hulus Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke and Netflixs Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing should have society  or at least social media  shook. Both projects shine a spotlight on abuses of minors in the hugely popular family-vlogging space. Behind the shiny-happy presentation of children, tweens and teens is a mostly-unregulated environment that can bend (if not completely breaks) child labor laws, enable online predators and create unknown damage to the psyche of developing brains.

Instagram and YouTube are where most of these parents offend, two activists featured in Bad Influence, which examines troubling behind-the-scenes behavior of adults involved with Piper Rockelles popular YouTube channel, mainly her momager Tiffany Smith, told The Hollywood Reporter. Though YouTube gets the most play in the documentaries (and for good reason: the 20-year-old site with 20 billion videos gets the largest share of TV viewership of any media company, including Disney), Instagram may be the more potentially-dangerous platform, both experts said, as it allows an accounts followers to pay for walled content  with some restrictions.

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Chris McCarty, the founder of Quit Clicking Kids, said it is particularly concerning when you have exclusive content of kids that is behind a paywall  the implications of that are pretty serious.

As of April 2024, Instagram does not allow accounts that predominantly post photos of children to monetize exclusive content. Such accounts cannot receive gifts or receive badges (both are Instagram currency), a Meta spokesperson told THR.

The platforms introduction of Teen Accounts in September 2024 added more privacy and messaging restrictions, the spokesperson said. (Anyone under 18 is automatically enrolled in a Teen Account, though 16- and 17-year-olds can then opt out; kids under 16 need a parents permission to opt out of a Teen Account.)

In a separate conversation with THR, Sarah Adams, the founder of Kids Are Not Content who goes by mom.uncharted on social media, called Instagram particularly bad because  theres a lot of predators on there.

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From October-December 2024, Instagram removed two million pieces of child-exploitation content from Instagram, over 99 percent of which was found proactively before being reported.

Users as young as 13 can create their own Instagram accounts, but minor-created accounts have never had a monetization option available to them. Children under 13 are allowed to have a presence on Instagram, but the account must be actively managed by a parent or manager, who is responsible for the accounts content, privacy settings and interactions with others, the spokesperson said.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, says it takes child safety very seriously. Instagram uses technology to prevent potentially suspicious adults from interacting with teen accounts, and with accounts that predominantly feature minors, the company said.

Like Instagram, 13-year-olds can set up their own YouTube channel; children under 13 can have a supervised channel linked to a parents channel. Unlike Instagram, there are no paywalls on YouTube channels.

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We want creators to have fun and be creative, but they must also follow our Community Guidelines, Creator Responsibility policies and applicable laws, YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle told THR. If we see that a creators on- and/or off-platform behavior is harmful to the wider YouTube community we take swift action.

Swift action here included a 2022 indefinite suspension of monetization on Piper Rockelles channel for off-platform behavior. And in August 2023, the month Franke was arrested (and later pled guilty to) child abuse charges, YouTube terminated two channels linked to her.

YouTube developed a set of quality principles to help guide YouTubes kids and family creators, Bullwinkle continued. These principles were developed in partnership with child development specialists, and are based on extensive research.

Ruby Franke during a virtual court appearance.

McCartys and Adams respective websites are considered sister sites in the fight against the exploitation of children on social media. They share a similar cause  one we should all share, frankly  but approach the problem differently.

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McCarty, a 20-year-old Political Science and Chinese double-major honors student at the University of Washington (Seattle), became appalled by the lack of accountability in the space after reading about Myka and James Stauffer, married midwest family vloggers who shared the process of adopting a two-year-old special needs child from China with their substantial YouTube audience. Two-and-a-half years later, they essentially gave the child back, citing an inability to meet all of his needs. The swift online backlash is chronicled in HBO documentary series An Update on Our Family.

Then 17, McCarty began cold-calling and cold-emailing Washington state legislators, pushing a homemade policy to combat such exploitative sharenting (a term first coined in the Wall Street Journal in 2010). LOL, teenagers, right? Except this teenagers optimism and passion (mixed with, yes, some healthy naivete) worked.

I wasnt expecting anyone to take me up on that, McCarty said, but they did!

Though McCartys bill was first introduced in Washington state (as HB 2032), it was first picked up in Illinois (SB 1782), where it received bipartisan, unanimous support. Other states (and that bipartisan, unanimous support) followed, including California (SB764), arguably the most important state for all of this. McCartys lobbying efforts there coincided with the release of the Demi Lovato cautionary-documentary Child Star, which featured McCarty.

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I dont know how the universe worked out that way, but it did, McCarty said. Theres this really great photo of [Lovato] being there at the bill-signing with Gov. Gavin Newsom. It was really a satisfying moment to look at that and think, Oh, I helped put those two people together in that room.

McCartys bill has two primary components: 1) It ensures a percentage of revenue (at least 15 percent, similar to Hollywoods Coogan Law) earned from a minors participation in social-media videos is set aside for them, and 2) It allows the child performer to request the deletion of content featuring them as a minor when they come of age. As kids, they couldnt consent to it, McCarty argues. Most  but not all  local lawmakers agree on that second piece. Even if YouTube already does.

YouTube has supported efforts to compensate kids who appear in YouTube content and provide a pathway to remove content made when they were a minor (YouTube already does this voluntarily), Bullwinkle said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom joins Demi Lovato to sign legislation to protect the financial security of child influencers.

Dont freak out on us here, normal parents who share normal stuff about their kids in a normal way on social media: McCartys bill only applies to accounts where a minor is featured in 30 percent of the posted videos within the past 30 days and those videos are generating at least 10 cents in revenue per view. As cute as your kids are in their Christmas morning videos, theyre probably not get-you-paid cute.

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McCartys bill is a great start, but it cannot completely protect kids from parental exploitation in the space. What it can do those is enforce protections on the components of sharenting that are measurable. The government is very interested in how much income one brings in (Meta and YouTube-parent Alphabet are publicly-traded companies; theyll comply), and it is also not debatable as to when a child becomes an adult  18, in most countries.

Unfortunately, unlike a film and TV set, thats about where the protections for vlogging must feasibly end. (Not that protections for children on film and TV sets have been perfected: IDs Quiet on Set showed us that there is still a lot of room for improvement even within the Hollywood studio system.)

McCarty wishes the bill could require set teachers or regulated work hours, but neither McCarty or Adams see how that can be enforced when the filming in question is done among family, by family and often within the family home.

I think it would be very difficult to get into the homes and monitor how much these kids are working, Adams, said. Some [family vloggers] would argue that [the kids] are not working  theyre just filming their life.

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And that argument would be nonsense in the cases were discussing: scaled-up, monetized family vlogs.

Trust me, these kids are acting. They know when the camera is on that they have to perform, they have to say something cute. Who knows what thats doing to their psyche as they develop a sense of self and always have to feel like theyre in performance mode? Adams said. But when it comes to regulating, like the labor kids, or like the schooling hours, I think it would be extremely difficult on a state or federal level.

So instead, Adams, 39, is more interested in shifting the culture of sharenting than the laws against it. Her approach is a pragmatic one (perhaps that comes to us all with age, for better or for worse).

If I can help parents look through a different lens at this  in the way they share their kids, in the way they consume content online  then thats what I can offer, she said.

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A local government legal battle is jeopardizing the future of a nearly 100-year-old theme park in New York

County officials in Westchester County, N.Y., are at odds with the management company Standard Amusements after theme park managers alleged that the local government did not honor its contracts and construction obligations. The county denies these claims

Rye Playland is 96 years old and has been open every summer since since 1928, expect for 2020 during the COVID pandemic

A historic New York theme park is in jeopardy after its management said that it may not be able to run it this summer  and longtime fans are in uproar.

Rye Playland is a historic, 96-year-old, 280-acre amusement park that sits along the Long Island Sound in Rye, N.Y. located about 30 miles outside Manhattan  that has been open every summer (other than 2020) since Calvin Coolidge was president and has even been featured in movies like Tom Hanks' Big and Fatal Attraction.

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Officials in the state's Westchester County are uncertain of the park's future, according to reports from Gothamist and Fox 5 NY, as the park's management, Standard Amusements had accused the county of improper conduct when it comes to their contract.

Chet Gordon/NY Daily News Archive/Getty The "Mind Scrambler" ride in Playland. The "Mind Scrambler" ride in Playland.

Related: Mom Sues Disney for $2 Million After Claiming a Mammoth Wave Injured Her in a Typhoon Lagoon Kiddie Pool: There Was Blood

Playland, Westchester County and Standard Amusements had a privatization deal that allowed the county to own the land that the park sits on while the company operates the park, per the outlets. Although Standard Amusements had signed a 30-year contract to manage Playland, the company has accused Westchester County of failing to finish construction and meet contractual deadlines  but the county is denying these claims, trigging a local government controversy.

County officials are now speaking out about the deal, which they called "one-sided" and said that local taxpayers have been left to deal with the fallout. Westchester County communications director Catherine Cioffi criticized former county executives for brokering the deal that has cost taxpayers $125 million and left the park in "heartbreaking" condition, despite initially being promised as $30 million, in a statement to Gothamist.

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This is exactly what happens when someone with a radical ideology, no real experience, no financial skill, and no understanding of how budgets and contracts are built seeks an executive position, she said.

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County Executive Ken Jenkins added during his "State of the County" address last week that he planned to open the theme park this week despite the controversy, according to the outlets, although he did not share specific dates.

Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock Playland was originally built in 1928. Playland was originally built in 1928.

Related: Universal Announces 'Thrilling' New Theme Park, but Its Not in Florida or California

"Playland is more than just a park; it is a cherished treasure, the crown jewel of Westchester  a place where memories are made, and community thrives," Jenkins said, per Gothamist. "Despite the legal challenges we face with Standard Amusements, on a bad deal handed to us by a previous administration, a deal that I ultimately voted against because it requires the county to repay all of Standard Amusements investments, my intentions remain to open Playland for the 2025 season."

The park typically opens on Mother's Day, which will be Sunday, May 11, 2025.

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The county also accused Standard Amusements of failing to properly conduct several safety checks, but the company denied those allegations to the Rockland/Westchester Journal News.

As managers of Playland, Standard Amusements prioritized both the improvement and maintenance of rides to the highest standard, including the winterization of rides after the end of the 2024 season consistent with both previous years and industry standards," a spokesperson told the outlet in a statement. "This is yet another baseless claim from the County to try to distract from its own failures to prioritize Playland.

Locals in Westchester County have shared their disappointment more than anyone  as visiting the park has been a generations-long tradition for some families.

"It would be heartbreaking," a Rye resident told Fox 5 of the prospect of the park not opening.

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"My husbands birthday is on Mothers Day, and [Playland is] where we were going to be," local grandmother Kathryn Burke, who wrote a book on a history of Playland in 2008, told the Journal News. "I dont think thats happening this year."

Read the original article on People
Scuffles broke out between a left-wing group and supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party at a former coal-mining site in the western German city of Dortmund on Thursday, International Workers' Day.

A policeman was slightly injured when officers intervened to separate the two sides, police said.

Police said some 50 AfD supporters had been looking to visit the site in the morning, when some 30 people from the left-wing spectrum tried to stop them.

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"There was a brief physical altercation between the two groups in which, as far as we know at present, nobody was injured," police said in a statement.

A total of four people were charged with criminal offences, it said.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Theres an educational farm in Youngstown that teaches people to live off the land. It has a new battery system that will help improve its efficiency and means less work for those who enjoy being off the grid.

Bending Oak Educational Farm is 25 acres where you can explore possibilities in a more sustainable world.

If youre looking to become more self-sufficient or if youre looking to build more environmentally-friendly features at your own home, you can come here and get ideas, said Nancy Duker, the director of the farm.

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It has cabins and campsites where you can stay and learn.

All of the power for a water pump, lights and rechargeable tools comes from the sun. Its now being stored in a saltwater battery system.

Farm Manager Jim Matalik found it while searching online.

Saline saltwater battery that you cant screw up. You can drain it to zero and back up. I thought it was too good to be true, he said.

The saltwater battery was invented in Pittsburgh. It uses a water-based electrolyte that is nontoxic.

It has the safety that lithium doesnt. It has the longevity that lead acid doesnt. So it really just  it fits a particular application very well, said Jared Mitchell, director of process development.

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The new battery creates a lighter footprint.

Bending Oak uses permaculture principles to grow fruits, nuts, berries, and more to create and sustain abundance. Its working with nature to improve plant growth and production in farm situations.

Everyone is welcome to come down here, and explore, and learn and figure things out for themselves, Duker said.

Bending Oaks opening day is Saturday. You can go to the site at 100 Cottage Grove Dr. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn more about its workshops and take a self-guided tour. Children can also come and become nature detectives.

For more information, visit its website.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Members of the Siouxland community took to the runway on Wednesday in an effort to raise money for a local non-profit that mentors boys and girls.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland partnered with Rooted Boutique for a spring fashion show called Fashion for a Cause.

SUX Fly & Drive fly in, car show, and pancake breakfast happening Saturday

People took turns walking the runway, showing off the stylish outfits at The Warrior Hotel. Non-profit officials said there were 150 tickets available for the event.

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Organizers said the fashion show offers an opportunity to invest in the future of children in the community. Proceeds from the event will help match a caring adult mentor with a child who needs someone to look up to.

The show also included a pre-party and post-party shopping event at Rooted Boutique in the downtown Sioux City area.

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MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4)  A motorcyclist has passed away after colliding with another vehicle Wednesday night in Midvale.

Sgt. Aymee Race with Unified Police Department confirmed that Raul Alexis Silvasanchez-Stockseth, 24, collided with another vehicle at 8000 South and State Street. Police say crews were called out shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday night.

Motorcyclist dies after collision leaves vehicle engulfed in flames. Motorcyclist dies after high-speed collision with another vehicle. Motorcyclist dies after high-speed collision.

According to preliminary investigations, police believe Silvasanchez-Stockseth was traveling at a high rate of speed before colliding with another vehicle that was turning left.

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Bystanders were able to pull Silvasanchez-Stockseth from the motorcycle before it became fully engulfed in flames, Race told ABC4.com. Police and fire personnel attempted life-saving measures but he died on scene. The driver of the vehicle had minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

There is no further information at this time.

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By the numbers: Q1 2025

Net sales: $5.9B

Up 27.8% year over year

Net sales packaging North America: $3.7B

Up 6.2% year over year

Net sales packaging EMEA: $1.66B

Up 345.4% year over year, following DS Smith acquisition

Net loss: $105M

Compared with a net earnings of $56M in Q1 2024

M&A boost: International Papers first quarter 2025 results showed higher sales and earnings, which it largely attributes to the January acquisition of London-based DS Smith. Still, both the North American and European packaging markets are showing demand weakness, said CEO Andy Silvernail on Tuesdays earnings call.

Year in review: Silvernail reflected on the companys transition during his one year as IPs CEO, a position he assumed on May 1, 2024. He detailed the companys step-change improvement in performance, including from the 80/20 optimization strategy he launched last year. Plus, cost reductions have helped, including numerous facility closures. Hopefully what you're seeing now is predictability and repeatability of the message because of the actions that we're taking to control our own destiny, Silvernail said, reiterating the focus on controlling what we can control.

80/20 progress: Executives updated progress on bringing the 80/20 strategy to DS Smiths European facilities, a move that executives announced in March during IPs investor day. By mid-summer, IP will have initiated the full ramp of initial 80/20 launches through every region in Europe, Silvernail said, mentioning that he spent 10 weeks in Europe at the beginning of the year to get that off on the right foot. He also highlighted the irrelevance of whether the company improvements are specifically coming from 80/20 measures or synergies. I don't care, right? We're talking about improvement and [getting] better, and the last thing were going to do is get caught up in who owns which impacts, he said.

Economic uncertainty: IP shifted some of its expectations for the coming quarters, based on shaky conditions across the broader economy. While it originally anticipated a solid U.S. economy this year and improvements in Europe, the new projection is for softer industrial production driven by weaker consumer demand. It tamped down the previous prediction of 1% to 1.5% demand growth in North America to demand that is flat to down approximately 1.5% year over year. The external world is a little wild right now, Silvernail said. If we see meaningful weakness from here, its going to stretch us.
UPDATE 5/01/25 3:20 P.M.: LSP officials continue the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Officials said the incident claimed the life of 30-year-old Justin Rhine of New Iberia.

According to authorities, deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office, assisted by officers with the New Iberia Police Department were attempting to take Rhine into custody on an order of protective custody.

Officials said when they arrived Rhine fled from officers. They said Rhine allegedly produced a firearm, which resulted in NIPD officers discharging their firearms. Rhine was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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This investigation remains active, and further information will be released when it becomes available.

ORIGINAL STORY: IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)  Authorities are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting in Iberia Parish that resulted in someone being shot and pronounced dead on the scene.

Officials said today, shortly before 8 p.m., officials with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the New Iberia Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred near the intersection of Ann Street and Buckeye Street in New Iberia.

According to authorities, one person was fatally shot at the scene of the shooting by a New Iberia police officer. No officers were harmed during the incident.

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This is an active investigation, and further information will be released when it becomes available.

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Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact LSP.

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The U.S. House took a trio of votes this week targeting Californias decades-old authority to enforce its own environmental standards, setting the stage for a faceoff in the Senate, where Democrats say GOP leaders would have to defy long-standing protocol to get the measures passed.

The votes called into question Californias waiver from the Clean Air Act of 1970, an authority that has allowed the state to set stricter pollution guidelines and empowered its leaders to set an alternative standard on car emissions to those of the federal government.

On Thursday, Republicans in the House, joined by a handful of Democrats, voted to prohibit California from banning the sale of new gasoline-only cars by 2035. The day before, the House voted along similar lines to end Californias ability to set emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and to combat smog levels in the state.

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For decades, automakers have bent their car production lines to meet California mileage standards, in part due to the size of the California market and in part because the industry has found it a safer bet  with changes in power so common in Washington  to be more stringent on fuel efficiency standards than the alternative. Today, more than a dozen states follow California's standards, including New York, Colorado, Massachusetts, Washington and Oregon.

Read more: Trump, congressional Republicans seek to block California's 2035 ban on gas-powered vehicles

But since President Trump took office, the Environmental Protection Agency has questioned whether that authority amounts to a technical rule that allows for the Senate to disapprove of the waiver with a simple majority vote, under the Congressional Review Act.

Trump campaigned on a promise to reverse government programs promoting the sale of electric vehicles  often derided by critics as "EV mandates"  advocated by then-President Biden and the California government, which aims to phase out the sale of new gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 with its latest program, Advanced Clean Cars II.

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Over the last two months, two independent offices  the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office  have found that Californias waiver authority is not subject to review under the act.

Californias waiver, the GAO said, is not a rule under the law, noting that the matter had been reviewed multiple times over the last 60 years. The EPA's recent submission is inconsistent with this caselaw, the office found.

But those rulings were not enough to stop votes from proceeding in the House.

It now falls to Senate Republican leadership, under Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), to decide how to proceed  and Thune has "made no commitments" either way, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said Thursday in an interview with The Times.

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"I hope for the best, but I prepare for the worst," Padilla said. "In my heart of hearts I think that he wouldn't. He has made statements about respecting the parliamentarian's determinations.

"But given the start of the year that we've had, and how the Republican Congress, including the Republican majority in the Senate, are just sort of caving and giving Donald Trump everything he's asked for  we have to prepare for anything," he continued. "I wouldn't put it past him, I guess I should say."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, described the House vote as a "lawless" act of defiance against the Senate parliamentarian's findings.

"Our vehicles program helps clean the air for all Californians, and we'll continue defending it," Newsom said.

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The office of state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said he was "monitoring the situation closely," suggesting litigation may follow if Senate Republicans proceed with a vote.

"The Congressional Review Act was designed to provide a mechanism for congressional oversight of new rules by federal agencies  not for partisan attacks on duly-adopted state laws," Bonta said. "Not only would the misuse of the CRA undermine the integrity of our democratic process, but it would also be unlawful."

An EPA spokesperson declined to comment on the process to come in the Senate, but noted that Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican senator from West Virginia, put out a statement in support of the House measures shortly after their votes.

Read more: Newsom orders 2035 phaseout of gas-powered vehicles, calls for fracking ban

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Climate activists are expressing concern over the activity on Capitol Hill, with the Center for Biological Diversitys Climate Law Institute characterizing the Republican actions as a "sneaky and illegal" procedural trick "to try and kill Californias clean air protections."

Others that have long advocated against California's influence over fuel efficiency standards hailed the votes on Thursday.

In a statement, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President and Chief Executive Chet Thompson and American Petroleum Institute President and Chief Executive Mike Sommers said that action in the House was "a huge win for U.S. consumers," asserting that states are far from achieving their target sales numbers under Advanced Clean Cars II.

"We are one step closer to restoring consumers ability to choose the cars that best meet their needs," the executives said. "Californias unlawful ban should never have been authorized, and Governor Newsom should never have been allowed to seize this much control over the American vehicle market."

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"We urge the Senate to act swiftly," they added.

California Sen. Adam Schiff's office said he would urge others in the Senate to adhere to the GAOs findings, noting that Thune previously committed to following regular order on votes  which, traditionally, has meant heeding the parliamentarian and GAO offices.

Republicans have themselves admitted that the Congressional Review Act is not a tool at their disposal to ignore the law and overturn precedent, as has the Senate Parliamentarian, Schiff said in a statement.

We will fight this latest attack on Californias power to protect its own residents, he added, and I will urge my colleagues in the Senate to recognize the severe implications of proceeding with this violation of states rights, as well as the dangerous precedent it would set by flouting the unanimous opinion of Congress trusted arbiters.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The father of the man accused of running over a Kansas City police officer on an ATV is now also facing charges.

Marc Coleman, of Independence, appeared in Jackson County court on Wednesday. Hes charged with hindering prosecution.

Infectious disease test ordered for woman connected to KCFD paramedics death

Court documents say the 49-year-old was likely the first person contacted by his son, Kendall Coleman, after the incident, and never contacted law enforcement.

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Court documents say the detective responded to Marc Colemans residence on April 22 and attempted to speak with him. There was no answer at the door, but a business card was left in the door on his vehicle, which he was later seen driving.

During an interview, Marc Coleman acknowledged he had received the card but did not contact police because he believed they would be contacting him again later.

Marc Coleman stated his son called him the night of the incident and told him he could not tell him what he did, but he was in big trouble, someone was trying to kill him and he needed to get out of there.

Marc Coleman then drove his son to Colorado in which Kendall Coleman told his sister he had gotten in a fight with someone, which is why he was staying in Colorado with her for a while, court documents say.

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Marc Coleman stated he did not know about the ATV incident until after he was back from Colorado.

Kendall Coleman is charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action, aggravated fleeing a stop and is being held without bond.

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers were conducting a traffic stop on Saturday, April 12, around 7 p.m., for a group of ATVs and motorcyclists at Truman Road and Main Street.

During the stop, a KCPD officer attempted to stop an ATV driver, later identified as Kendall Coleman, and take him into custody.

Court documents say Kendall Coleman reversed the ATV, causing the officer to fall to the ground. While the officer was crouched down, Kendall Coleman lifted his ATV into a wheelie then dropped the front wheels of the vehicle onto the officer, running him over with all four tires before leaving the scene.

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Officers later located Kendall Coleman near 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard, but he fled again  eventually ending up on I-35, where he was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic, weaving between the lanes.

Court documents say an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip led to the identification and apprehension of Kendall Coleman.

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FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS)  Recently announced cuts to the Fayette County Fire Levy budget have sparked local debate, leading to record breaking attendance fora county commission meeting where department budgets were addressed.

Members of the Fayette County Firefighters Association have said plans by the Fayette County Commission to cut nearly half of fire department levy funding creates an unprecedented danger to the community.

While allocations to individual departments were been made as a result of a recent meeting of the commission, little was said during the meeting specifically to address overall cuts to the Fire Levy budget itself, which Fayette County Commission President John Breneman says will still remain in effect.

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Brenemen said he feels the commission sufficiently addressed budgetary issues, though local fire workers indicated they are frustrated and feel that their concerns are not being addressed in a meaningful way.

Ive reached out to them multiple times to talk about the budgets and stuff and I never get an answer, says Joshua Davis, Vice President of the Fayette County Firefighters Association.

Brenemen said, weve been able to work with them and take care of all the things that theyve been talking about.

He siad the cuts were made, in part, to accommodate tax cuts to Fayette County residents. Fayette County delegate Elliot Pritt stated the tax cuts are negligible by comparison to the loss of valuable levy funding.

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They say [they] want to do it to put money back in our taxpayers pockets  its pennies per individual taxpayer, and I think most people in this county are just fine paying a little extra for fire employee service because they approved the levies by over 80%.

Pritt says the funding offered to departments will not be enough to sustain fire service needs in the long term, characterizing the commissions reassurances as, smoke and mirrors, despite the insistence of commission members that department members can come to them for assistance with whatever resources they may need.



In the meantime, departments will continue to operate primarily on remaining funds from the previous levy cycle.

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WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  The FBI Springfield Field Office conducted activity based on a federal arrest and search warrant in Williamsville Wednesday morning.

Sangamon Co. man admits to arranging murder-for-hire of business associate in Florida

According to Special Agent Jake Griffin of the FBI Springfield Joint Terrorism Task Force, the activity was conducted alongside some local and state partners. The United States Attorneys Office: Central District of Illinois is expected to share more information on the situation on Thursday.

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There is no further information at this time.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  For the second time in recent months, the Food and Drug Administration is bringing back some recently fired employees, including staffers who handle travel bookings for safety inspectors.

More than 20 of the agencys roughly 60 travel staff will be reinstated, according to two FDA staffers notified of the plan this week, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential agency matters.

Food scientists who test samples for bacteria and study potentially harmful chemicals also have been told they will get their jobs back, but have yet to receive any official confirmation.

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The same uncertainty hangs over employees who process agency records for release to lawyers, companies and journalists under the Freedom of Information Act. About 100 of those staffers were recently eliminated, according to an agency official with direct knowledge of the situation.

But in recent days the FDA has missed multiple court-ordered deadlines to produce documents, which could result in hefty fines. That's prompted plans to bring back a significant number of those staffers.

The apparent reversals are the latest examples of the haphazard approach to agency cuts that have shrunk FDAs workforce by an estimated 20%, or about 3,500 jobs, in addition to an unspecified number of retirements, voluntary buyouts and resignations.

In February, the FDA laid off about 700 provisional employees, including food and medical device reviewers, only to rehire many of them within days after pushback from industry, Congress and other parties.

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The Department of Health and Human Services hasn't detailed exactly which positions or programs were cut in the mass layoffs.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has repeatedly said that no FDA scientists were fired as part of the reductions. But at least two dozen food scientists who worked in a San Francisco testing laboratory and a Chicago research center were let go in March.

An HHS spokesperson suggested the apparent mix-up was due to the fractured, outdated HR infrastructure we inherited from the Biden administration and are now actively overhauling. The spokesperson did not respond to specific questions about which employees are being reinstated but said the administration will streamline operations and fix the broken systems left to us.

About 15 scientists working in FDAs Division of Food Processing Science and Technology in Chicago were told last week they be will reinstated, according to a staffer who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential agency matters. But a week later there has been no written confirmation and the scientists have not returned to the office. The groups research includes studying ways to prevent harmful bacteria from growing on produce and preventing the spread of microplastics and other particles from food packaging.

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I hope Commissioner Makary continues to assess these ill-informed cuts and works to bring back impacted employees expeditiously, said Susan Mayne of Yale University, the FDAs former food director. His legacy as commissioner is on the line.

With more than 15,000 employees remaining across various U.S. and foreign offices, the FDAs core responsibilities are reviewing new drugs, medical products and food ingredients as well as inspecting thousands of factories.

Makary has said no inspectors or medical reviewers were fired as part of the recent reductions. But current and former FDA officials note that those frontline employees are often supported by teams of administrative staff.

FDA inspectors, for example, have long relied on travel bookers to coordinate trips to India and other countries that often involve visa permissions, security measures, ground transportation, tech support, translation services and other logistics. Inspectors can spend up to half the year traveling, a grueling workload that makes recruiting and retaining staff a challenge.

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For a brief period last month, inspectors were told they would be booking their own travel. The FDA set up a hotline to assist with making the arrangements. Then, agency leaders developed a plan to hire an outside contractor to perform the work.

On Monday, staffers were informed that about a third of the fired staff who performed the work would be returning.

___

AP reporter JoNel Aleccia contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have shut more than 1,000 religious schools over fears of possible retaliatory military action from India over last weeks deadly attack in the disputed region, as tensions soar between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

India blames Pakistan for the gun attack that killed 26 people on April 22 in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi providing his military complete operational freedom to deal with it.

Denying any involvement in the attack, Pakistan has said it has credible evidence that India is now planning an imminent military strike, promising that any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response.

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Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a televised statement early on Wednesday that the attack could take place in the next 24 to 36 hours.





Readying underground bunkers

Fearing a military escalation, authorities have shut more than 1,000 religious schools in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

We have announced a 10-day break for all madrassas in Kashmir, Hafiz Nazeer Ahmed, head of the local religious affairs department told the AFP news agency.

A department source said it was due to tensions at the border and the potential for conflict.

About 1.5 million people live near the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where residents are also readying simple, mud-walled underground bunkers  reinforced with concrete if they can afford it.

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For one week we have been living in constant fear, particularly concerning the safety of our children, Iftikhar Ahmad Mir, a 44-year-old shopkeeper in Chakothi near the LoC, told AFP.

We make sure they dont roam around after finishing their school and come straight home.

Emergency services workers in Muzaffarabad, the main city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, have also begun training schoolchildren on what to do if India attacks.

We have learned how to dress a wounded person, how to carry someone on a stretcher and how to put out a fire, said 11-year-old Ali Raza.





Will India attack?

On Wednesday, Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, the second such meeting since the Pahalgam attack, the state-run Doordarshan broadcaster reported.

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Meanwhile, as the neighbours continued to exchange gunfire along the LoC dividing Indian and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, other world leaders stepped up diplomacy in an attempt to ease spiralling tensions.

India on Wednesday also closed its airspace to Pakistani planes, after Pakistan banned Indian planes from overflying.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the United States to press India to dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked both nations to de-escalate tensions, a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Rubio urged Pakistani officials cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack, according to White House spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Also on Tuesday, the spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he had spoken to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, offering his help in de-escalation.

While it is unclear what course of action India could take, it has in the past used a range of military tactics like covert military operations, publicised surgical strikes, aerial strikes, attempts at taking over Pakistan-controlled land, naval missions and a full-blown military conflict.

India and Pakistan have fought over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir since the violent end of British rule in 1947.

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Rebels in the Indian-run area of Kashmir have waged an armed rebellion since 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

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 people and wounding 35.

Indian fighter jets carried out air strikes on Pakistani territory 12 days later.




A Trump-appointed federal judge rejected the Trump administration's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to remove alleged Venezuelan gang members of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. NBC News' homeland security correspondent explains.
DENVER. (KDVR)  With Cinco de Mayo celebrations happening across the city this weekend, specifically along Federal Boulevard, businesses and Denver police are in preparation mode.

Starting tomorrow, Denver police will be reducing traffic to one lane in each direction along Federal Boulevard for the celebration. They are also encouraging safe and sober driving. The lane reduction will be from Sixth Avenue to West Mississippi Avenue.

Airbus A380, the worlds largest passenger aircraft, lands at DIA

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Federal Boulevard is lined with Mexican and Hispanic-owned businesses, like El Camello Western Wear. There, manager Angel Torres says its preparation time for a big weekend.

It might be a little chaotic, but hopefully itll bring some business to us also, thats really what we are hoping for, get a little more traffic coming into the store, Torres said.

Theyre going to have live music and other vendors set up in front of the store in partnership with a neighboring restaurant. Torres says El Camello is a family business and they look forward to enjoying the weekend, seeing cruisers ride and celebrate.

People like to cruise up and down Federal, so hopefully with that traffic, it will catch peoples eyes. We are going to have a curb sale going on out front, so hopefully thats another eye catcher for us, Torres said.

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DPD says its important to perform these lane reduction measures every year and plan to have officers out to enforce.

This is done because we need room for our emergency personnel, fire, paramedics, police to be able to have the ability to get north and south to get into the neighborhood, but also creates safe environment for those who want to celebrate Cinco De Mayo, said Brad Qualley, District 4s Commander.

See the latest traffic conditions in Denver on FOX31

Qualley says if they start to see a lot of heavy congestion into neighboring streets they will begin phase two of these traffic calming measures. Thats where they potentially can close off certain east and westbound streets into those neighborhoods to allow for residents to move through their areas.

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DPD is also encouraging safe and sober driving.

Its going to be a really nice weekend it looks like, so we are anticipating a lot of folks out there. We are asking for patience with people getting in and out of the neighborhoods. We really want people to enjoy themselves, but we also want them to do it safe, Qualley said.

There will be a city-wide juvenile curfew. Those under 18 years old will be subject to curfew enforcement beginning at midnight on Friday and Saturday and 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.

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We recently published a list of Jim Cramers Game Plan for This Week: 16 Stocks in Focus. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) stands against other stocks that Jim Cramer discussed.

On Friday, Mad Money host Jim Cramer took a close look at what he called one of the most important stretches of the earnings season, which came alongside major economic developments.

We made it. Yep, we got through another stretch without the White House upending the whole market, which therefore led to the second-best week of the year.

READ ALSO Jim Cramer Put These 16 Stocks Under a Microscope and Jim Cramer Recently Talked About These 15 Stocks

Still, Cramer warned that the real challenge lies ahead, as the market now enters another week where important earnings are reported. He expressed concern that the reprieve from political interference may be short-lived, just as investors need to stay focused on corporate performance. Cramer pointed out that clarity on President Trumps influence wont be long in coming. With the president in Europe for a funeral, Cramer speculated he may still pursue trade talks behind the scenes.

But theres no doubt that hes going to probably try to nail down some trade deals this weekend, maybe with emissaries from Japan and South Korea. Hey bears, be aware, if any countrys willing to compromise with Trump, the rest of the world might fall in line. And honestly, if we cant win over Japan and South Korea, two countries where we have a ton of military bases, well, we might as well throw in the towel.

Looking ahead to the end of the week, Cramer emphasized the significance of Fridays upcoming non-farm payroll report from the Labor Department. The prior weeks market strength, he noted, was partially due to President Trump taking a break from criticizing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Cramer hoped that the restraint would last, though he remained skeptical, calling it a temporary stay of execution. The data on employment could shape the Feds next move, he explained.

Cramer believes that a weaker jobs number might help Powell justify a rate cut in the near future. He added that the Fed is in a tough spot: Its mighty hard to cut rates when youre raising the price of everything imported by a pretty hefty sum. The central bank, he said, must balance economic pressure from tariffs with the need to act quickly if unemployment rises sharply. While he doubts the Fed can afford to make a move right now, he stressed that they must be ready to cut rates at the next meeting if job losses spike.
HILLSBORO, WV (WVNS) -The federal government abruptly terminated around $440 million in federal grants nationwide, including AmeriCorps grants to nine West Virginia agencies.

Sarah Riley, the executive director of one of the impacted agencies, said the grants were awarded federal contracts.

The agencies which lost competitive federal grants were High Rock Educational Corporation in Pocahontas County (69 members) and Grow Ohio Valley (13).

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Federal officials abruptly slashed state formula AmeriCorps grants for Tygart Valley United Way (22), City of Weston (19), Preservation Alliance of WV (25) and WomenCare FamilyCare (5) and a planning grant for the WV Food and Farm Coalition, Riley stated in an email to other AmeriCorps directors.

She added that United Way of Central West Virginia in Charleston also lost 15 members through a federal slashing of the VISTA program and that the WV Youth Promise Alliance lost 14 members.

Three national VISTA programs which place volunteers in West Virginia also lost funding.

Favorite foods across West Virginia

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This list was a random cut list, Riley stated in the email. It does not reflect the value, effectiveness, or competitiveness of our AmeriCorps programs

April Elkins Badtke, executive director of Steward Individual Placement in Beckley, an AmeriCorps agency, said on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, that rural West Virginia is going to be impacted.

She called the loss devastating.

Its the ripple effect, that thats going to impact. It could be a local food bank, Badtke said. It could be a local Boys and Girls Club or a YMCA Center or a school thats going to miss those mentors or those tutors.

Riley is the executive director of High Rocks.

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She said on Wednesday that federal Americorps grants that had been promised to her agency were cut without warning on Friday, after an unofficial list was circulated on social media.

She said the official cuts reflected those that had earlier been published on social media.

Trump Administration officials said AmeriCorps, which receives one billion dollars in tax funding, had failed eight consecutive audits and that the federal cuts are designed to eliminate government waste.

Pipestem Resort State Park to kick off Homegrown Music Series

Riley said High Rocks, however, has a nearly 100% success rate in helping participants find employment, education or job training, and that necessary services in West Virginia were being targeted by appointed federal officials.

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Nobody can make sense of that list. Theres not a reason that were on that list, she said. There is nothing about the High Rocks program that is waste, fraud or abuse. Were really good at what we do. 

West Virginia has one of the lowest work force participation rates in the nation and one of the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths, according to recent national governmental data. It is the least educated state in the U.S., according to World Population Review data.

Riley said her AmeriCorps volunteers, mostly young people, are among 209 in the state whose positions were cut.

She said that they are all native West Virginians, some of them in addiction recovery and some of them using the program to help pay for college.

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They live at the poverty level as volunteers, she said, and, as volunteers, they do not qualify for unemployment.

Prosecutors say text messages show Natalie Cochran tried to put distance between Michael Cochran and his family

Theres no safety net for them, she said. They dont have parents that are making their car payments. They are working to improve their lives and the lives of the people around them, and theyve done this service as a key way to move themselves forward, to go back to school, to get personal and professional development, to build their resume so they can be the work force that West Virginia needs.

Riley said former Gov. Jim Justice, who is now a U.S. Senator, had been a supporter of AmeriCorps.

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The Corporation for National and Community Service ranks West Virginia first in the nation for AmeriCorps enrollment.

About two dozen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, questioning the legality of the cuts and alleging the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ordered them without authority.

West Virginia, as of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, was not among the plaintiffs.

59News contacted Gov. Patrick Morissey on Wednesday regarding potential state funding availability for AmeriCorps programming but did not get a reply.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
May 1Community organizations in Maine are scrambling to respond to nationwide cuts to the AmeriCorps program that have put more than 120 positions here in jeopardy and that could result in a loss of public services.

About two dozen states, including Maine, have joined a federal lawsuit over the dismantling of the federal program after an announcement Friday that it would be canceling nearly $400 million in grants.

"This has an impact on Maine communities and also those AmeriCorps members who answered that call to serve," said Brittany Gleixner-Hayat, executive director of Volunteer Maine, the state commission that administers federal AmeriCorps funding for several programs in Maine. "This is undermining their ability to do that."

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Volunteer Maine supports eight AmeriCorps programs in Maine that include more than 120 members and receive about $2.5 million in annual funding. There are more than 200 AmeriCorps fellows in Maine total, including programs that receive funding directly from the federal government and not through Volunteer Maine.

Volunteer Maine had 46 members working across the state when it received notice Friday that its grant funding would be terminated. The commission also was scheduled to have more than 70 additional members start work last Tuesday.

Gleixner-Hayat said Thursday that members' work has now been paused as the state tries to figure out next steps. The federal lawsuit filed in Maryland last week alleges that President Donald Trump's cost-cutting efforts illegally gutted the agency created by Congress and reneged on grants funded through AmeriCorps.

The lawsuit also asks for a temporary pause on the dismantling of AmeriCorps programs while the case works its way through the court.

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AmeriCorps is a national service program that places people with nonprofits, community organizations and public agencies for work in areas including education, health, disaster relief and environmental conservation.

Workers who participate in the programs through Volunteer Maine receive living allowances for housing and food, health insurance coverage and are eligible for an award to cover educational expenses at the end of their service, Gleixner-Hayat said.

The 70 people who were scheduled to start work this week are on hold and those working in Volunteer Maine programs are uncertain about whether they will continue to receive stipends and health insurance.

"They have no clarity about the next steps, and that opportunity for them to serve has been taken away," Gleixner-Hayat said.

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It was not clear on Thursday if all of the more than 200 AmeriCorps members in Maine are affected by the cuts, but a spokesperson for Volunteer Maine said it is aware of two AmeriCorps programs that receive direct federal funding and also received similar termination letters.

An AmeriCorps media contact did not respond Thursday afternoon to questions about the workers in Maine and the impact of the cuts.

'WE HOPE IT WON'T GO AWAY'

The Maine Resilience Corps at the Greater Portland Council of Governments has 12 AmeriCorps fellows serving in municipal offices, at nonprofits and at regional planning agencies in Cumberland and York counties, working on issues including environmental sustainability, safe drinking water and energy efficiency.

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"This is upending the lives of 12 young people, many of whom moved to Maine for the first time and are doing really invaluable work for communities across Maine," said GPCOG Executive Director Kristina Egan. "We feel like this program is the embodiment of cost efficiency. We have low-cost stipends for very talented people. They come here for a one-year commitment to provide community service for the residents of Maine."

The GPCOG positions are funded through a mix of AmeriCorps funding, other federal funding and host site fees and member dues from GPCOG, Egan said. She said the regional planning organization is trying to keep its members working through June 30, but the AmeriCorps funds are critical to keeping them on through the end of the year, as they had originally planned.

"Our hope is the Trump administration will reconsider and that our federal delegation will help them reconsider," she said. "This is really an efficient use of money and the program should continue. We hope it won't go away, but we depend on federal help for that."

Ellie Hughes moved to Maine for an AmeriCorps post working on wildfire mitigation and energy issues on Chebeague Island, including helping island residents lower their energy costs. Some of her projects include finding ways to divert wood waste from the town transfer station and organizing a brush cleanup.

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"This kind of work is less robust without support from fellows like me," Hughes said. "The island has historically relied on these fellow positions and it's going to suffer. Both communities and young people like me will suffer."

REQUEST TO MAINE DELEGATION

Nearly 50 state lawmakers sent a letter this week to members of Maine's congressional delegation asking them to work to reinstate AmeriCorps funding.

"These massive funding cuts mean that AmeriCorps members will be forced to exit their programs prematurely or not begin them at all," Rep. Morgan Rielly, a Westbrook Democrat who spearheaded the letter, said in a written statement Thursday. "Many members will be facing housing, food, health care and other financial emergencies as a result of losing their living stipends. Additionally, our communities will lose the crucial support they rely on from our AmeriCorps members, like help with sustaining local food systems, reducing poverty and supporting substance use prevention and recovery programs."

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A spokesperson for Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said Thursday that King has signed on to a bicameral letter urging Trump to support AmeriCorps. The letter is also signed by Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District.

It calls on the administration to reverse the dismissal of young people who work in AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps as well as broader reductions in force across the agency.

"We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combating the fentanyl epidemic, and much more," the letter said.

Sen. Susan Collins said in a written statement that she has reached out to AmeriCorps for more information.

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"The Trump administration has the right to examine ways to streamline services and identify waste, fraud and abuse where it exists, but I am opposed to making sweeping, indiscriminate cuts to AmeriCorps," Collins said.

A spokesperson for Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District, said he also opposes the cuts to AmeriCorps.

"Congressman Golden is a strong supporter of AmeriCorps and highly values the opportunity it gives young people to serve their country. He's received the Legislature's letter, and has simultaneously been working with the bipartisan For Country Caucus to address these cuts  something he's eager to share more about soon."

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Apr. 30MITCHELL  Local law enforcement officers are on task to reduce underage drinking and vehicular fatalities in Davison County.

The Mitchell Police Department and the Davison County Sheriff's Department were granted approval by their governing bodies to seek federal grants for paying officers and deputies overtime while conducting alcohol compliance checks to reduce underage drinking and performing traffic stops in highly-frequented roadways. The hop is to reduce fatalities within Mitchell and Davison County.

Davison County Sheriff Chief Deputy Tim Reitzel is requesting $48,637 in funding, $13,000 of which will be for overtime reimbursement and $20,900 for equipment. The sheriff's department is seeking $7,000 for speed, seat belt and DWI enforcement.

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Mitchell Chief of Police Dean Knippling is requesting $9,629 in funding for alcohol compliance checks, and $17,772 for speed and seat belt enforcement.

A key component of the law enforcement grants is battling underage drinking in Davison County, though Knippling explained alcohol consumption by minors hasn't necessarily increased.

Numbers can be skewed, Knippling warned. One house party can have 30 or 40 kids who receive citations for underage drinking.

"It's just whether or not we happen to catch them at the time," Knippling said. "If you catch two or three parties, your numbers are going to go up drastically."

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The department deals with a small percentage of Mitchell juveniles on a regular basis, according to Knippling.

The Davison County Sheriff's Office and the Mitchell Police Department are part of the South-Central Alcohol Task Force, with the goal of combating the purchase of alcohol by underage individuals in their jurisdictions.

In 2023, there were 168 arrests involving underage consumption of alcohol in Davison County. In 2024, there were 115. As of March 31 this year, there were 37 arrests.

The Mitchell Police Department hires a confidential informant at $30 per hour to conduct alcohol compliance checks, a process to verify if retail clerks check for photo identification and age before allowing alcohol to be purchased. Nine compliance checks, estimated at 3.5 hours of work each, comes out to $945 in contractual labor.

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Two Mitchell police officers conduct the compliant checks, which must be conducted on an overtime basis, according to grant guidelines. Each compliance check takes an estimated four hours of work for each officer at a rate of $68 per hour for a total of $5,451.

The confidential informant also receives a preliminary breath test before and after the alcohol compliance checks to verify that they have not consumed alcohol. The breath test machine cost $399. The confidential informant wears an audio recorder, priced at $310 and requires 9-volt batteries, which allows for officers to hear the alcohol transaction as it happens.

Additionally, as stated in the Mitchell Police Department's grant application, an estimated five compliance checks, as part of the South Dakota South/Central Alcohol Task Force, are performed outside of city limits in Davison, Aurora and Minor counties by sheriff's deputies at an estimated cost of $510 for car rentals and $150 for gas. Overtime rates for the deputies are at a rate of $37 per hour for a total cost of $555.

The total compliance check project cost is $9,629.

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In 2024, Miner and Aurora counties were at 100% compliance. In 2023 and 2024, Davison County alcohol compliance checks had a 85% success rate at local retailers.

In January,

four Mitchell businesses failed alcohol compliance checks.

In March,

one business failed.

Clerks who fail to verify age are cited for selling alcohol to the underage individual. The subsequent police report is forwarded to the State Attorney's Office for prosecution of the clerk and to the South Dakota Department of Revenue for action against the alcohol license holder.

The grants require that efforts be taken to identify high-crash sites and place law enforcement presence there to reduce the amount of fatalities from crashes in those locations.

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"You don't go out to a rural area that sees one car in an hour," Reitzel said.

In 2023, alcohol-involved crashes made up 5.8 percent of total crashes, but 26.6% of all fatal crashes in South Dakota, according to the Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Summary.

"Obviously, on the speed grant, we're looking for people speeding and not wearing seat belts. That's a focus. And on impaired driving, we're looking for impaired-driving, alcohol and drug violations," Reitzel said.

The Mitchell Police Department will focus on school zones during the school year and on parks during the summer months, according to Knippling. The department will work to reduce work zone fatalities as well by having a police presence to encourage drivers to slow down.

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The Mitchell Police Department has not been as active with overtime due to past officers being unwilling to work overtime, according to Knippling.

The 2026 grants are federally-funded by the United States Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety's Highway Safety office. Each grant requires a 20% soft match from the local government.

A 2025 grant of nearly $16,000 enabled the purchase and installation of cameras in four Sheriff's Department patrol cars, according to Reitzel. The 2026 grant request of $20,900 will complete the cameras in the county's five other patrol cars. The sheriff's department also applied for a homeland security grant.

Previously, county commissioners approved the annual purchase of cloud storage to keep track of footage from patrol car cameras.

A previous $5,200 grant enabled a sheriff deputy to go to training at a California law enforcement school. The 2026 grant is requesting funds to send a sheriff's deputy to a training in Baltimore for $3,000. The Mitchell Police Department is requesting to add four radar units for speed enforcement at $3,193 each for a total of $12,772.
A federal judge ruled today that the Donald Trump administration's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) of 1798 to remove alleged members of a Venezuelan gang from the country is unlawful.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., a Trump appointee, issued a permanent injunction barring AEA-based removals from the Southern District of Texas. Rodriguez found that the Trump administration's March 15 proclamation that the gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) was a terrorist organization perpetrating an "invasion or predatory incursion" of the U.S. under the AEA did not match the historic understanding of the law or its plain text.

"The question that this lawsuit presents is whether the President can utilize a specific statute, the AEA, to detain and remove Venezuelan aliens who are members of TdA," Rodriguez wrote. "As to that question, the historical record renders clear that the President's invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statute's terms. As a result, the Court concludes that as a matter of law, the Executive Branch cannot rely on the AEA, based on the Proclamation, to detain the Named Petitioners and the certified class, or to remove them from the country."

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The ruling is in response to a federal class-action lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of three Venezuelan nationals being held at the El Valle Detention Center in Texas who face the risk of immediate removal to El Salvador because of their alleged ties to TdA.

The ruling is likely to be appealed to the conservative U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, but it is yet another setback for the Trump administration, which has struggled to find judges willing to entertain its unprecedented claims of executive power.

The Supreme Court ruled last month in a different ACLU lawsuit that Venezuelans subject to removal under the proclamation must be given proper notice and a chance to file habeas corpus petitionscontrary to the administration's claims that the removals were unchallengeable and nonreviewable.

However, the Supreme Court did not address the use of the Alien Enemies Act itself, and Rodriguez's order today is the first major court ruling on the merits of the proclamation.

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It did not go well for the Trump administration. Citing the three previous uses of the Alien Enemies Act by presidential administrationsduring the War of 1812, World War I, and World War IIand the ordinary meanings of invasion and predatory incursion when the law was drafted, Rodriguez found that the White House's proclamation did not establish the authority to invoke the law.

"This decision correctly recognized that the president cannot simply declare there's an invasion and invoke a wartime authority during peacetime," Lee Gelernt, a lead ACLU attorney on the case, told The New York Times. "As the court recognized, Congress never intended this law to be used in this manner."

However, Rodriguez declined to address several other important aspects of the proclamation, such as whether Venezuela is in fact coordinating with TdA as a hostile foreign nation. The judge also ruled that the administration is not required to give subjects of AEA removals a chance to voluntarily leave the country.

Rodriguez also noted that the administration could continue to pursue removals under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The post Federal Judge Rules Trump's Alien Enemies Act Proclamation Is Unlawful appeared first on Reason.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday fought back against criticism over its handling of a raid of an Oklahoma City home as part of a migrant smuggling investigation, saying the people living there havent been ruled out as suspects.

The updated statement by Homeland Security came after the agency initially said the home's previous residents were the intended targets. The initial statement was followed by backlash from congressional Democrats and by the family that lives in the targeted home.

The family  a mother and her three daughters  told KFOR-TV they had just moved into the home about two weeks earlier and had tried to tell the agents that the suspects listed in the search warrant did not live at the house.

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The television station did not name the mother, who said she and her daughters were traumatized by the experience, as a group of 20 armed men busted through their door early in the morning on April 24.

The mother said the agents forced them out of the home, outside in the rain, wearing only their undergarments.

She said the agents were dismissive as she tried to tell them they had recently moved into the home from Maryland and that the names on the search warrant were not hers or anyone in her family.

The agents took their phones, computers, and life savings in cash, the mother said.

In a previous statement, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official said the search warrants had included the location of an address where U.S. citizens recently moved. The previous residents were the intended targets.

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But in the updated statement issued Thursday afternoon, a Homeland Security official said the raid was targeting a property, that was a hub for human smuggling, not specific individuals.

The Homeland Security official said agents had conducted surveillance on the home and confirmed through utility records that a member of the Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization was still paying utilities at the house.

The official said the search warrant was issued by a judge and based on an 84-page affidavit that detailed how the address served as a stash house for human smuggling.

The search warrant authorized the seizure of evidence such as electronic devices and documents, regardless of who was present, the official said.

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This court-authorized search was a critical strike against a dangerous human smuggling network in furtherance of our mission to protect American communities from the chaos unleashed by the Biden administrations open-border policies, the official said in a statement.

Homeland Security said officials have not ruled out the homes current occupants involvement in the smuggling ring. The home's occupants were not arrested during the raid.

The Homeland Security official said the investigation has resulted in the indictment of eight Guatemalan citizens for their alleged roles in the smuggling operation. The indictment, filed in the Northern District of Oklahoma, which does not include Oklahoma City, alleges that people without legal status were smuggled to Tulsa. The indictment, issued April 21, made no mention of the home in Oklahoma City. Court records showed that some of the suspects had been arrested in Oklahoma City.

Homeland Securitys updated statement on the raid came after Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee posted on the social platform X a video of one of its members, U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, from Vermont, criticizing the raid during a recent committee meeting.

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Armed federal agents breaking into homes, even of U.S. citizens, traumatizing them, taking their possessions. This is Trumps America, Balint said.

President Donald Trump's administration has been criticized by Democrats, civil rights groups and others for the warrantless arrests of people at courthouses, people suspected to be in the U.S. illegally and international students.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  The leader of a drug trafficking organization that sold large amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana across Hampton Roads was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

38-year-old Donte Hampton, aka Messiah, is the final member of the conspiracy to be sentenced.

Hampton, who is from Suffolk, is a member of the Gangster Disciples gang.

Donte Demille Hampton, aka Messiah. Image from 2018 news coverage.

According to a news release from the Department of Justice, Hampton and conspirators Mandi Green and Antonio Beale packaged and distributed drugs and firearms at a home in Norfolk.

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On June 10, 2021, investigators searched that home and recovered 514 grams of meth, 16.7 pounds of marijuana, THC edibles, four firearms, $5,553, a digital scale, and packaging materials.

A new release states Hampton would order organization members to violently assault his enemies and his own employees who stole narcotics from him. In one instance, Hamptons employees recorded video of themselves pistol whipping and beating an employee because he failed to pay for two ounces of meth.

Several other members of the drug trafficking organization were taken into custody as a result of this investigation.

Below is a breakdown of the suspects in this case and a timeline of their sentencing details.

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Antonio Beale, 49, of Norfolk, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced on March 31, 2022, to 30 years in prison.

Mandi Green, 42, of Norfolk, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced on May 26, 2022, to 25 years in prison.

Dashawn Walker, 34, of Norfolk, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced on Sept. 1, 2022, to 24 years and seven months in prison.

Kenneth Mack, 47, of Chesapeake, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on Oct. 27, 2022, to eight years and five months in prison.

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William Stennett, 38, of Virginia Beach, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on Dec. 13, 2022, to nine years and seven months in prison.

Robert Tippit II, 29, of Chesapeake, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on Dec. 6, 2022, to eight years and 10 months in prison.

Joseph Grullon, 34, of Norfolk, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on April 26, 2023, to 11 years and nine months in prison.

Benjamin Hogan, 42, of Norfolk, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by means of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced on July 20, 2023, to 12 years and six months in prison.

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Donte Hampton, 38, of Suffolk, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced April 1, 2025 to 35 years in prison.

Hampton was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle, an Assistant Commonwealths Attorney with the Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Office, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. DePadilla and Luke Bresnahan, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.

Suffolk man sentenced in 2018 triple shooting in Hampton

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In October 2023, Donte Demille Hampton was sentenced for his role in a 2018 triple shooting at a home on Kathann Drive in Hampton. One of the shooting victims, Anthony Carel Floyd, Jr., died at the scene. Court records show Hampton was given ten years to serve for this crime. A tip that came from inside the Norfolk City Jail led to his arrest. The Norfolk Sheriffs Office has a special Security Threat Unit (STU) that gathers intelligence on criminals and gang members in jail.

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 WAVY.com.
Miles Morrisseau

ICT



It is an historic dozen. The most Indigenous candidates in Canadian history were elected in the federal election this week and will be heading to Parliament Hill.



In races that were close in a number of ridings or voting districts, Indigenous candidates and the Indigenous vote made an impact, pushing Mark Carney and the Liberal Party into leadership if only with a minority government.



The Liberal Party won 169 seats in Parliament, but will require the support of at least three Members of Parliament, known as MPs, from other parties to meet the minimum of 172 votes to pass legislation.



Of the MPs chosen by voters in the April 28 election, 12 were Indigenous  the most ever to sit in Parliament. The most number of Indigenous MPs elected to the House of Commons previously had been 11. It was initially thought that a dozen Indigenous candidates had been elected in 2021, but Liberal Randy Boissonault later admitted he was not Indigenous and resigned from the cabinet.



Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak praised the Indigenous candidates and the Indigenous voters who helped put a record number into office.



We recognize all First Nation candidates that ran in this election, Woodhouse Nepinak said in a statement. We are proud and inspired by your courage to step forward. Importantly, we lift up First Nations citizens across the country who took the time to vote, including those casting a ballot for the first time.



She continued, Thanks to you, First Nation voices mattered in this campaign. I am very proud of our people.



She also congratulated Carney on his victory and said she looked forward to working with the new government.



What we heard from Prime Minister Carney was a commitment to fully and meaningfully advance First Nations priorities by immediately introducing legislation on the right to clean drinking water, fully implementing the [United Nations] Declaration, and reforming child and family services, Woodhouse Nepinak said in the statement. We look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Carney immediately to discuss how we can move forward together with these commitments.



The national chief said she is also looking forward to working with First Nations MPs from all parties.

Shifting political strengths



The last minority government led by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had an agreement in place with the left-leaning New Democratic Party in order to push through legislation, and it is likely that Carney will try and make a deal with them to support his government.



Although the NDP was devastated at the polls, dropping to seven seats and losing official party status, which requires 12 seats, they could still hold significant influence in the incoming government.

Related: 'Canada Strong': Anti-Trump sentiment keeps Liberals in power

Two of those seven remaining seats for the NDP are held by Indigenous ridings representing vastly different constituencies.



In Winnipeg Centre, Leah Gazan, Wood Mountain Lake Nation, is representing the NDP in an urban riding with a large Indigenous population. Lori Idlout, Inuk, is representing the vast northern riding of Nunavut, with a largely Inuit population.



Gazan posted to X to thank her team, the voters and the other candidates.



Thank you to my campaign team and volunteers for running a joyful and loving campaign. I am so grateful for the confidence and trust bestowed upon me and our #WinnipegCentre team, she wrote. I truly love Winnipeg Centre and I am looking forward to continuing to work with organizations and individuals to keep community at the centre in Winnipeg Centre. I would also like to acknowledge the other candidates. I recognize the decision to run for office is commendable and my respect is extended to all of them.



Idlout was running against two other Inuit candidates and the race was close, with counting continuing into Tuesday, April 29, the day after the election. Idlout finished with 2,945 votes, just 77 more than Liberal candidate Kilikvak Kabloona, who received 2,868 votes. Conservative Party candidate James Arreak finished in third with 2,055 votes.



Both MPs may have a larger voice in the new Parliament if the Liberals strike a deal with the NDP.

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Other Liberal Party winners



The governing Liberals have five Indigenous MPs, with three new seats flipped to the party. All eyes now are watching to see if any of the five will be invited to be part of Carneys new cabinet.



Jaimie Battiste Mikmaw, from Eskasoni First Nation, was re-elected to his riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish after a spring in which he challenged for the Liberal leadership. Battiste stepped down before the convention and threw his support behind Carney.



Wade Grant, a member of the Musqueam Indian Band who served on band council, won the riding of Vancouver Quadra in British Columbia. Grant will be heading to Parliament in a riding that has been with the Liberal Party since 1984.



Buckley Belanger, Metis from Ile-a-la-Crosse, flipped the riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River from the Conservative Party to the Liberal Party. Belanger was the only Liberal red  the Liberal Party is depicted as red in Canada  in a sea of Conservative blue in the prairie province of Saskatchewan.



Rebecca Chartrand, Anishinaabe, Inninew, Dakota and Metis, defeated Nikki Ashton, NDP, who had held the riding since 2008 in the vast northern territory of Churchill-Keewatinook Aski.



And Mandy Gull-Masty, Cree, who had served as grand chief of Cree Nation of Quebec, won in Quebec, where liberals were able to flip a seat from the Bloc Quebecois in the riding of Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik-Eeyou.

Conservative Party



The Conservative Party will be adding two new Indigenous MPs to Parliament to go along with two incumbents.



The West Coast province of British Columbia elected two Indigenous Members of Parliament.



Marc Dalton, Metis, was re-elected to represent Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge, a seat he has held since 2019.



And Ellis Ross of the Haisla Nation was elected from the Conservative Party to represent the voting district of Skeena-Bulkley Valley, which has been an NDP stronghold for over two decades.



In Alberta, former chief of the Enoch Nation, Billy Morin, was elected to represent Edmonton-Northwest, in what was the first election in a newly created voting district.



And in Ontario, Adam Chambers, Metis, was re-elected as the representative from Simcoe-North.



I congratulate PM Mark Carney who earned the seats required to form a government, Chambers posted to his Facebook page. I will work with the government on areas of shared interest such as defending our national interest against any country or entity that challenges or undermines our beautiful country. Canada must always remain strong, united and free.

Bloc Quebecois



The Bloc Quebecois finished in third place in the April 28 election, with 22 seats.



The bloc will be represented in the northern riding of Saint-Hyacinthe-Bagot-Acton by Pierre Savard-Tremblay, a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation in Quebec who has represented the riding since 2019.

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International climate action has long rested on the consequential distinction between the Global North and the Global South. Wealthier, earlier-to-industrialize nations contributed the most to a warming planet while developing countries bear the brunt of the climate crisis. As a result, developed countries have been called on to help developing nations reduce their carbon emissions and adapt to climate change by providing financial assistance, technology, and other resources.

This essential premise has been embedded in various climate agreements signed since the 1990s, including the most recent pact inked at the 29th Conference of Parties, or COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan, late last year. There, wealthy countries agreed to provide $300 billion per year to developing nations by 2035.

Wealthy countries, however, have frequently failed to live up to their promises, slowly eroding the Global Souths trust in a multilateral approach to the climate crisis. Over the last three months, the Trump administration has only accelerated that process. First, President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, the 2015 climate treaty to keep global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Then, Trump cut funding for various international climate programs, including the Just Energy Transition Partnerships and other initiatives supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development. And most recently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, or IMF, prominent financial institutions that have made climate a priority in recent years, for straying from their mission.

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The IMF was once unwavering in its mission of promoting global monetary cooperation and financial stability, Bessent said last week. Now it devotes disproportionate time and resources to work on climate change, gender, and social issues.

These changes in the U.S.s stance are taking place at a time when the European Union is also slashing its development funding, which includes climate aid. Countries including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands have cut as much as 37 percent of their aid budgets, moving the money instead to defense and stimulus measures. According to one analysis, the aid cuts add up to nearly $40 billion.

While its unclear exactly how much total climate aid will be lost as a result of these changes, the figure is a substantial portion of international climate finance. The U.S. alone provided $11 billion last year  8 percent of global climate aid. Much of that has already been lost this year through cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Green Climate Fund.

We are at a very uniquely devastating moment, said Harjeet Singh, founder of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, a nongovernmental organization based in India, and a climate justice activist. The U.S. retreat, more fossil fuel production, no climate finance or aid, and trust in the multilateral system at the bottom  thats where we are. Its not inspiring.

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The resulting vacuum in leadership is increasingly being filled by countries in the Global South, primarily China. In the wake of the Trump administrations yo-yoing on tariffs, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Chinas commitment to climate action at a meeting of global leaders. In a speech last week, Xi announced that China would set more stringent emission targets ahead of COP30, the annual climate conference taking place in Brazil later this year.

However the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, he said.

At the same time, China is forging stronger alliances across the world. With tensions rising between the United States and European countries over tariffs, China has been deepening diplomatic ties in Europe. Similarly, it has called for a Dragon-Elephant tango with India, a country with which it has historically clashed over border disputes.

Were seeing an inflection point in the global world order, said Kaveh Guilanpour, a climate finance expert at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and a former climate negotiator for the United Kingdom, European Union, and small island states. Its accelerated in a matter of weeks, something that was probably going to take decades.

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The shift in the global order toward the East is being recognized by top climate officials. COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago told reporters last month that with the U.S. retreating from climate leadership and Europe prioritizing defense spending, countries in the Global South have an opportunity to step forward.

The Global South has an important role to play at this stage, he said. We followed the agreements and engaged in extensive debates but remained constructive. We accepted the Paris Agreement, among others. However, the Norths commitments related to financial support and accelerating emission reductions have not materialized as planned.

Its unclear exactly what these changing political dynamics might mean for climate negotiations in Belem, Brazil, in November. For one, the distinction between developed and developing countries has been enshrined in climate agreements since the convening of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the 1992 international treaty and process by which countries limit global temperature rise. That crucial classification was based on countries economic status at the time  and hasnt been revised since. As a result, even as countries like South Korea, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates have grown economically and contributed increasingly more to climate change, they continue to be classified as developing nations during climate negotiations.

While developing countries have worked to preserve the distinction on paper, many have contributed funding to poorer nations outside of the United Nations framework in recognition of their responsibility to help tackle climate change. According to one estimate, China, for instance, has provided $24 billion in climate aid to Global South countries since 2016. In 2023, during COP28 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates pledged $100 million to help emerging economies manage the losses that have already resulted from a warming planet. Similarly, Brazil, Russia, and India have also contributed billions of dollars to multilateral banks and other international institutions that provide climate aid.

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Ultimately, these shifts in climate action and funding may allow for new partnerships to form and new climate leaders to emerge.

If advanced economies are pulling back and ceding power and influence, and other countries are stepping up, shouldnt we recognize that? said Joe Thwaites, an expert on international climate funding at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council. That realignment is going to determine how successful a lot of climate action is going to be in the next decade or two.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Who will finance global climate solutions? Not the West. on May 1, 2025.
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter.

For months, the Capital One-Discover deal had been spotlighted as the bellwether for how bank mergers and acquisitions could go under a second Trump administration.

Not just the will-they-or-wont-they (as in, would regulators sign off on the combination?), but how long will transactions sit in evaluation? Which potential stumbling blocks would be eased or de-emphasized?

In the two weeks since the deal received green lights from the Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, its fair to say bank M&A is off to the races.

Perhaps the first clue that the bank-mashup floodgates had opened came last Wednesday, when Columbia Banking System said it would buy Pacific Premier Bank in an all-stock $2 billion deal that would cement the Pacific Northwest juggernaut deeper into Southern California.

But the dominoes continued. The next day, Boston-based Eastern Bank announced it would merge with in-state competitor HarborOne in a $490 million cash-and-stock deal. A day later, Cadence Bank said it would buy Industry Bancshares, the beleaguered holding company that owns six community banks in Texas, for between $20 million and $60 million in cash.

And thats just banks that hold $25 billion or more in assets. Smaller deals in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, for example, have followed  as has a partial-bank transaction in which St. Louis-based Enterprise Bank & Trust will acquire 10 locations in Arizona and two in Kansas from Montana-based First Interstate Bank.

That M&A is ramping up shouldnt be a surprise. Christopher Olsen, managing partner and co-founder of investment-banking firm Olsen Palmer, told Banking Dive last month that smaller banks, in particular, have felt consolidation pressure for several years, adding that Trumps reelection could act as sort of the powder keg to drive that trend.

Shorter timelines

Some of the participants, on the other hand, may be a surprise. It would be understandable if Columbia had been trigger-shy on acquisitions. Its $5.2 billion merger with Umpqua Bank, announced in October 2021, took more than 16 months to close  and did so less than two weeks before Silvergate, Signature and Silicon Valley Bank failed.

Columbia CEO Clint Stein, in a call last week addressing the Pacific Premier deal, pointed to a "seismic shift in the operating or rate environment" during the Umpqua integration, according to American Banker. Stein, however, characterized todays M&A environment as more conducive by comparison.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A total of eight apartments were affected by a fire on Sunset Drive Wednesday in Marion.

Second Assistant Chief of the Marion Fire Department Matt Hobbs said they first responded to the Durham Estates apartments at 4 p.m. and spent around 45 minutes putting out the fire. Five other agencies also responded to the scene and assisted.

Hobbs shared with News 8 on scene that this fire couldve been a lot worse had it not been for one factor.

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Theres a concrete firewall, and that held it at bay from spreading down into the next adjoining apartment, Hobbs said.

Patty Brendlinger lives in a neighboring apartment to where the fire started, and was the primary person to alert others in the building of the emergency. She shared in an off-camera interview what happened while she was knocking on her neighbors doors.

I was knocking on doors, and one of the residents came out of her apartment with black smoke following her out into the hallway, Brendlinger said. I asked her if her apartment was on fire, she said yes and then just kept walking. So, I called 911.

It is unclear at this time the number of people were displaced. Red Cross has been called to assist those living here.

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The cause of the fire is yet to be determined by investigators.

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A magnet school in Marina del Rey was placed on lockdown Wednesday after a firearm allegedly brought by a 13-year-old student was discharged inside a classroom.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. at Westside Global Awareness Magnet School located in the 100 block of East Anchorage Street.

Today, a student allegedly discharged a possible firearm inside of a classroom and thereafter fled the campus. No students or staff were injured, a Los Angeles Unified School District spokesperson stated in messages to the magnet school community.

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Students and staff are safe. School Police and District are on campus. There is no imminent threat to any student at this time, families were told by the School District.

The lockdown was lifted after officers swept the campus.

Westside Global Awareness Magnet School in Marina del Rey is seen in this file image. (KTLA)

Law enforcement told the Los Angeles Times that a gun may have been discharged accidentally from inside the teenage students backpack.

As a reminder, students should not bring any dangerous items to school, including items that may resemble or imitate a dangerous object, the School District stated.

Los Angeles school police will be providing on-campus support and extra patrols for the remainder of the week.

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A Zoom meeting to share further information was also scheduled for later Wednesday afternoon.

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.
bluefield  Confiscated firearms auctioned off to licensed dealers has brought in thousands of dollars to the Bluefield Police Department and other law enforcement agencies across West Virginia.

State Treasurer Larry Pack visited the city Tuesday and presented a $23,022.25 unclaimed property check to the Bluefield Police Department. The money was raised last March when the firearms from police departments across the state were auctioned off at the state treasurers warehouse in Kanawha City.

When a law enforcement agency is finished with confiscated firearms and a county prosecutor approves the transfer, the State Treasurers Office collects them, Pack said at the Bluefield Municipal Building.

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Once we inventory them, we go through all the federal regulatory requirements and at some point we have an auction, he said. We had an auction about a month ago, Its the largest auction that weve ever had. The City of Bluefield had the most money out of that auction, about $23,000 that we were able to return back to the police department.

The firearms are auctioned off only to federally-licensed dealers, Pack said.

This is an on-site auction so they come into our warehouse. We have people on staff to run auctions, so we do it there to keep costs down so we can return the money back to the various departments for them to be able to use to really keep their officers safer, he said.

Lt. J.C Whitt with the Bluefield Police Department said the funds will be used to purchase equipment. The department sent several hundred firearms to the auction.

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We see all types of guns, Whitt said. You see handguns, shotguns. We had rifles. I think we had a couple of muzzleloaders. We had pretty much everything covered.

Pack said his offices firearms auction program helps get guns off the streets while helping police departments clear out their inventory rooms.

They have storage constraints so we often do that, he said. We help them with things that are not guns. We help them get rid of other stuff, but its very rewarding. Any time we help our law enforcement, help the people who are there when we make that 911 call, its always rewarding because their budgets are constrained. Theyre very tight, so anything we can to to enhance their budget is just a blessing to be able to do. Were thankful that the Legislature allows us to operate this program. Thats where we get the power to do so with help from people like Delegate (Marty) Gearheart (R-Mercer) whos a big supporter of this program. Its been a blessing.

Pack then said that auction program is growing. Over the last fiscal year, around $500,000 was returned to various police departments. Weapons from 18 departments were sold at last months auction.

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Thats kind of two fold. Partially the number of guns, but also the type of guns and ammo, Pack said. So these firearms dealers, they have serial numbers and all the data on each gun, so when they come to bid they know what theyre bidding on. We had some valuable guns this time.

There were a variety of firearms up for auction.

A lot of hunting rifles, shotguns, sometimes Im told that the guns are more from domestic-type situations where police departments will get those, Pack said. Hunting rifles will be the same and a lot of handguns. Handguns generally come from the criminal area and then we also get a lot of ammo as well.

Probably the most unique gun for me was a .50-caliber gun that was sold. I lifted it up, Pack said. Its too much gun for me because its quite heavy. That created a lot of interest and so forth when they were bidding on that, so you see some really unique guns that you dont always see.

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The State Treasurers Office had at least two in-person firearms auctions a year and its starting to do more online auctions.

The advantage of online auctions is gun dealers from further away can bid, he said. We think that would further increase the price of what were able to get. Weve been doing this four or five years but we still tinkering around with whats the best way to approach it and go about it.

Confiscated firearms with filed-off serial numbers and other problems are not sold.

If there is not a legible serial number, we do not auction it off. It will be destroyed, Pack said. There are firearms that the feds consider dangerous that we dont sell, so if you have something that has a more military use than a domestic use we will not sell those as well. We work a lot with the ATF to make those decisions. If you cant figure out the serial number, if theres some modification thats not legal, we will not sell that gun. 

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
Several firefighters responded to a house fire in a local neighborhood Thursday morning.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Eaton Firefighters were dispatched around 2:42 a.m. to the 100 block of Vine Street on reports of a structure fire, according to a social media post.

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Initial scanner traffic indicated there was heavy smoke and flames when firefighters arrived.

The scene has been cleared after the fire department asked the pubic on its Facebook page to please avoid the area.

We will update this developing story.

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FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS to oppose the Trump administration and the damage it has been doingfrom reckless firings and cuts, to a lawless deportation regime, to democratic backsliding toward authoritarianismthe first hundred days of this second term have shown that there is a strategy worth pursuing, one familiar to underdogs the world over: Push the aggressor beyond their limits.

The Trump administration seems immensely powerful, controlling the executive branch and backed by a servile congressional majority. But its capabilities are finite, and less extensive than they appear. For the administration, pretending to have more power and energy than it actually does is part of the trick, an attempt to get people to do Trumps bidding without a fight.

Hurting immigrants and foreign students, establishing that due process can be violated and court orders be ignored, defunding and trying to take over universities, silencing and chilling speech, resegregating the governmentthese are their top priorities. And apparently no amount of convincing, including even a sharp downward slide in Trumps popularity, can dissuade them.

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But the administration can be delayed, spread thin, confused, frustrated, overwhelmed. The more they stall out, the fewer people they hurt, and the less appealing they look to all but the most cultish supporters.

They have limited time and attention.

They have limited control over the executive branch, and with Elon Musks DOGE are destroying significant government capacity.

They have limited resources and personnel. Yes, they have awful people in key positions, but they dont yet have loyalists all the way up and down the Department of Justice, the FBI, the military, or the intelligence services. Theyre having difficulty finding lawyers willing to argue absurdities in court.

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Smarter authoritarians would have coasted on the positive economic trends they inherited, gradually purging the government of law-followers and installing loyalists. The Trump team started smashing things and bullying in many directions as soon as they got power.

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And in the first hundred days weve seen that the way to exploit these weaknesses is to meet them head on in as many places as possible. Peacefully, nonviolently, get in their way. Fight them in court. And a lot can be accomplished with one simple trick: When met with an unreasonable, unethical government demand, say no.

Columbia University didnt do that, attempting appeasement instead. The Trump administration accused the university of an insufficient response to antisemitism and canceled $400 million of federal funding for research via NIH and other agencies. Those cuts are arguably illegal, but rather than sue to restore them, Columbia agreed to Trump administration demands, such as placing the Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies department under academic receivership, and giving the government a degree of oversight over admissions. Nevertheless, as of late April, the federal funding for medical research, climate research, and other projects at Columbia are still canceled.

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Giving the bully your lunch money doesnt make him leave you alone. It shows him youre an easy mark, and encourages him to come back for more.

By contrast, witness what happened when Trump came for Harvard. The government cut federal funding and sent a threatening letter, effectively demanding political commissars overseeing hiring, admissions, and classes. The school responded with a letter of its own, saying, The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights and cannot agree to demands that go beyond the lawful authority of this or any administration. Harvard sued the government, arguing that the cuts were unlawful. In response, the Trump administration announced an investigation by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services into what they say are Harvards violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for engaging in race-based discrimination.

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Columbia gave away some independence and integrity and still lost federal funding. Thats because the government attack on universities is ideological, part of an effort to crush or co-opt any societal institution that can authoritatively counter their lies.

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As history teaches, appeasing fascists does not work.

Harvard standing up to Trumps bullying is significant because its the oldest, most prestigious university in the United States and others follow its example. It has the largest endowment, over $50 billion, and received a surge of donations after challenging Trump. Its alumni hold influential positions in government, law, finance, business, medianearly every powerful part of society. Of all higher education institutions, its in the best position to weather Trumps attacks, and to tie up regime resources in the process.

The Trump administration sent threatening letters to sixty universities, but followed through just on Columbia and Harvard. That highlights their limitations, underlining that theyd prefer to squeeze universities one by one, or ideally get a big symbolic victory and see the rest voluntarily fall in line. To counter that, higher education institutions should seek strength in solidarity, like the Big Ten universities that have formed a Mutual Defense Compact, pooling legal and financial resources to defend any member from government pressure.

Billions of dollars in canceled federal grants will have lasting damage on higher education in America. The government wont reverse the cuts, because the White Houses goal is damage. And if litigation manages to reverse any, it will be a fraction, and will take time. But its worth remembering that blocking research funding was one of the biggest cards the authoritarians had. They cant play it a second time.

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And the attack isnt popular. In the April 2025 New York Times/Siena poll, 49 percent strongly oppose the Trump administration withholding federal funds from certain universities, more than double the 23 percent that strongly support it, and bigger than strongly support and somewhat support combined. As the economic damage of the cuts starts to hit and ripple out, that will likely grow.

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ON THE IMMIGRATION FRONT, the Trump regime escalated again in the last week, in at least two ways. In one incident, ICE sent a 2-year-old U.S. citizen to Honduras with, as federal judge Terry Doughty determined, no meaningful process. In another, the FBI arrested a Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan, accusing her of obstruction of justice for supposedly interfering when ICE tried to arrest a man leaving her courtroom.

These are both serious, concerning, authoritarian actions that highlight Americas backslide away from rule-of-law democracy. But they also show that the regime is running into resistance.

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The charges against Judge Dugan are flimsy and probably wont go anywhere in court. While the experience will still be burdensome for Dugan, she is in a better position than most to mount a legal defense.

Another Wisconsin judge, Monica Isham, emailed her fellow judges, noting that Judge Dugan was arrested and charged because she honored her constitutional oath to provide due process. Judge Isham vowed to honor her oath as well, and wrote that, without official guidance and support on this matter, she wont hold court. If this costs me my job or gets me arrested, Isham concluded, at least I know I did the right thing.

Arresting judges like this will likely galvanize more of the legal profession, snapping them out of complacency. This isnt just their own power, but the entire reason their job exists. The rule of law itself is under attack.

Some conservative lawyers and judges are ready to scrap conservative legal principles and advance a lawless authoritarianismbut not that many. One of the lawyers on Judge Dugans defense team is Paul Clement, who served as solicitor general under President George W. Bush. Judge Doughty, who rebuked the White House for refusing even basic due process, was appointed by Trump in 2017. And as Trump keeps trying to abuse the legal system, the number who act like Clement and Doughty will likely grow.

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The criminals in the White House have made progress against the rule of law, committing impeachable offenses on an almost daily basis. But theyre far from absolute power, and the courts have made some difference.

An emergency court order from Judge James Boasberg about the Alien Enemies Actthe 1798 law to counter invading foreign soldiers that the Trump administration is absurdly stretching to target nonviolent immigrantsgot ICE buses that were on the way to the airport to turn around. Even the Supreme Court, which last year made Trump effectively immune from criminal prosecution, ruled 90 that sending Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a prison in El Salvador violated due process, ordering the administration to facilitate his return. And in an unusual late-night emergency order, the justices ruled 72 that the government cannot deport people under the Alien Enemies Act without due process.

The Trump administration will blatantly defy some court orders and not follow others by pretending they dont say what they say, but theyre following some. The confrontation will likely escalate, which has dangerous implicationsbut a constitutional clash between the courts and the executive branch is a lot better than the courts forfeiting the rule of law without a fight. Every case takes up more of the regimes limited resources, every success spares people from suffering, and the process costs Trump more of his limited political capital.

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LOST COURT CASES AND REBUKES FROM JUDGES signal that something is wrong in a way political rhetoric and social media posts do not. Judge Arrested and Government Violates Due Process and especially Trump Defies Court Order get media attention and public discussion. Polls show declining approval, both in general and on immigration specifically, which has long been Trumps strongest issue.

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Now hes below 50 percent approval on immigration, losing support amid court losses, and political actions such as Sen. Chris van Hollen (D-Md.) going to El Salvador, getting a meeting with Abrego Garcia, and succeeding in having him moved to a lower-security facility. Some polls have Trumps overall approval rating down around 40 percent, the lowest in the last eighty years for a president within the first hundred days. And thats before the effects of the actions taken during these first hundred dayslike the economic problems caused by Trumps tariffs and DOGEs mass firingsstart to be really felt.

These polls arent just numbers for politicians and media to discuss, they represent millions of opinions. Its an inexact gauge, of course, but a sizable, multi-month drop like this indicates a change throughout society. Call it a vibe shift, one more connected to reality than the sweeping Trumpist vibe shift proclaimed in the aftermath of last years election.

It means more people in more conversations, online and in-person, saying they dont like whats going on, and more feeling comfortable to act in opposition.

It means larger protests.

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It means more of the Trump voters who bought into his economic pitch realizing they were had.

It means businesses that have to raise prices telling their customers the cause.

It means more law firms, universities, and other civil society institutions Trump bullies saying no instead of attempting appeasement.

It means more politicians rediscovering their spines and ambitionseeing more political opportunity in opposition than acquiescence.

And all of that means more strain on the regimes formidable, dangerous, but ultimately limited resources, and more cracks in the image they work so hard to project. If enough Americans resist illegal, immoral, anti-American actions in ways big and small throughout the country, the authoritarian efforts falter. The regime might react drastically, desperately, even violently.

But in the end, thats how they break.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Learjet flying to the South Pole, then to the North Pole, took off from Wichita Wednesday night. Its an effort to raise money for the Classic Learjet Foundation to restore the first-ever Learjet delivered.

A flight captain on the crew said that its the first-ever Learjet to make this journey.

Brenda Lear, the widow of Bill Lear Jr., the son of Learjets founder, was in attendance. She became emotional as the plane was named in honor of her late husband.

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Im going to cry for allowing this flight to be the William Powell Lear Junior Mission, Polar Mission, Lear said.

It is the emotion behind keeping Wichita aviation history alive.

This is a pretty unique, new experience for all of us, Polar Mission Captain Bart Gray said.

He said more than a year of planning for their crew of four to make history was well worth it.

A lot of late nights and all-night working on this and thinking about it; now that its finally here, this town is amazing. When it comes to Wichita, no matter who you talk to, theyre tied to aviation, which is such a cool place to be, Gray said.

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Barts co-captain, Josh Podlich, said they successfully raised their goal of $100,000 for the Classic Learjet Foundation.

It will be used to restore the first-ever Learjet delivered, the Lear 23, Serial Number 3.

Its important to keep the name alive however possible; that way, the leader of business aviation, the first Learjets, arent forgotten and dont go by the wayside, Podlich said.

Bill Lear Jr. had special hats made before his passing so he would still be in the air. His wife is giving the final one to the crew before takeoff. Her way of knowing theyll make it back to Wichita safe.

Kansas WWII paratrooper to make his final jump this weekend

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This is going to keep everybody safe on the flight, because theyre taking Bill Jr. with them, Lear said.

Click here to track the flight. If you would like to donate to the cause, click here.

The crew shared that they hope its clear over Antarctica so they can get a glimpse of the South Pole. They plan to land back in Wichita this Saturday.

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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The U.S. Air Force and Anduril have offered what appears to be the first look at a production representative example of the YFQ-44A drone, also known as Fury. General Atomics has also released a new image of its YFQ-42A, but it is unclear if it shows a prototype that is intended to fly. Both drones are being developed under Increment 1 of the Air Forces Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

A head-on look at the YFQ-44A production representative test vehicle. Courtesy photo via USAF

The Air Force announced today that it has kicked off ground testing of the Increment 1 CCA designs, both of which are expected to fly later this year. The service has also announced that Beale Air Force Base in California is set to be home to the initial CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit.

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. David Allvin had said on social media on Tuesday that a major announcement regarding the CCA program was imminent. The Air Force selected General Atomics and Anduril to produce flying prototypes of their respective Increment 1 CCA designs last year. The service announced the new fighter drone FQ designations for the two uncrewed aircraft in March.

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Ground testing is officially underway for our Collaborative Combat Aircraft program! This is a huge milestone and another step toward first flight and rapid delivery to our warfighters, Allvin declared in a post on X today. These unmanned fighters are going to be badass!

Ground testing is officially underway for our Collaborative Combat Aircraft program! This is a huge milestone and another step toward first flight and rapid delivery to our warfighters These unmanned fighters are going to be badass! (1/3) pic.twitter.com/HiuWMzmcc7  General David Allvin (@OfficialCSAF) May 1, 2025

Starting ground tests is a key milestone for the CCA Increment 1 program, Allvin also said in a statement accompanying an Air Force release regarding todays CCA news. This phase bridges the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence, and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter.

The CCA ground test phase includes rigorous evaluations of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A production representative test vehicles  developed by General Atomics and Anduril, respectively  focusing on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration, and ground control interfaces, the release adds. These assessments will validate performance, inform future design decisions, and prepare the systems for flight testing later this year.

Only models and renderings of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A have previously been shown publicly. The first look at the production-representative YFQ-44A prototype today is particularly interesting.

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The test drone notably has what appears to be a forward-facing camera system of some kind on top of the nose, which has not previously been seen in renderings and on mock-ups of the design. Anduril told TWZ today that it could not currently provide further details about the drones mission systems, but a nose-mounted camera would at least help provide visual inputs for control and additional situational awareness during initial testing. The production aircraft will be semi-autonomous (near autonomous), where no human flies the aircraft remotely in a traditional sense. The YFQ-44A also has a flight-test data probe installed at the front of the nose, which is a common feature on aircraft about to make their first flight and during critical parts of flight testing.

A close-up of the apparent camera system on top of the YFQ-44As nose. Courtesy photo via USAF

The YFQ-44A could possibly accommodate an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor in the same position on top of its nose. Anduril did unveil a family of passive infrared sensors called Iris last year. Iris sensors are primarily intended for use on crewed and uncrewed aircraft, and could be used as part of missile warning or targeting systems, according to the company. Its also worth noting that an IRST sensor has previously appeared in a similar position on one of Australias MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones. Passive sensing capabilities, including IRSTs, are expected to be a key feature of future CCAs, and the Air Force has been testing these capabilities on other drones as part of broader work tied to the program.

We also have a new look at the YFQ-44As air intake, which has a more pronounced angular shape than we have seen before. The design has something of an underbite and looks to have some low-observable (stealthy) features, possibly including a forward rake.

A head on view of the YFQ-44A prototype and its air intake. Courtesy photo via USAF

We now have a clear look at the drones tricycle landing gear and bays, with the nose gear bay door having a clear trapezoidal shape associated with stealthy designs. A row of what looks to be conformal antennas, as well as an auxiliary air intake, are prominently seen on top of the fuselage, as well. There is at least one additional small air intake, as well as an open section behind a screen, on the sides of the nose.

A close-up look at the center fuselage of the YFQ-44A prototype. Courtesy photo via USAF TREVOR DALTON

Andurils design, also known as Fury, traces its origins back to the late 2010s and a company called Blue Force Technologies. In 2023, Anduril acquired Blue Force Technologies. You can learn more about how Fury came to be in this past highly in-depth TWZ feature.

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Today, just one year after Anduril was selected to produce production-representative prototypes for the CCA program, the Air Force announced that Andurils YFQ-44A has begun ground testing, Dr. Jason Levin, senior vice president of Air Dominance & Strike at Anduril, said in a statement. We are on schedule to fly YFQ-44A this summer.

Together, Anduril and the United States Air Force are pioneering a new generation of semi-autonomous fighter aircraft that will fundamentally transform air combat. YFQ-44A delivers highly capable, mass-producible, and more affordable fighter capability at the speed and scale required to stay ahead of the threat, Levin added. Building trust is fundamental to any first-in-class capability. By delivering YFQ-44A at unprecedented speed, we are ensuring that warfighters have ample opportunity to experiment and build the trust required to support operational fielding of CCAs before the end of the decade.

General Atomics has also released a new image of its YFQ-42A, seen below, but it largely reflects views of the design that the company offered in the past. There may be a new fairing seen underneath the nose. The design leverages work the company has already done with the XQ-67A, an uncrewed aircraft that is flying now and was originally developed for the Air Forces Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program. TWZ was first to report on the XQ-67A, and you can read more about how that drone is otherwise feeding into the Air Forces CCA developments here.

General Atomics

The CCA program represents a groundbreaking new era in combat aviation, and we remain on schedule to test and fly YFQ-42 in the coming months, David R. Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. division, said in a statement. Over the past three decades, GA-ASI has pioneered more than two dozen different unmanned aircraft types for the U.S. and its allies, including multiple unmanned combat jets flying today, and logged nearly 9 million total flight hours. Our work on YFQ-42 will further expand the field of unmanned aviation, and we remain excited for the future.

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Alexander noted that his company will be showing a full-scale YFQ-42A model at an upcoming community event at Beale Air Force Base, further highlighting the basing decision also announced today.

Demonstrating further progress toward operationalizing CCA capabilities, the DAF [Department of the Air Force] has selected Beale Air Force Base, California, as the preferred location to host a CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit (ARU). The mission of the ARU is to provide combat aircraft ready to deploy worldwide at a moments notice, according to the Air Forces release today. CCA are semi-autonomous in nature so the ARU will not have to fly a significant number of daily sorties to maintain readiness. The aircraft will be maintained in a fly-ready status and flown minimally so the number of airmen required to support the fleet will be substantially lower than other weapons systems.

Beale currently serves as the main hub for the Air Forces U-2S Dragon Lady spy plane fleet, which the Air Force is looking to retire as early as next year, barring Congressional intervention. Prior to 2022, the base was also home to the bulk of the services RQ-4 Global Hawk drones. In recent years, it has also been tied to advanced uncrewed aviation developments relating to a highly secretive, very stealthy, and high-flying drone commonly referred to as the RQ-180, though the current status of that program is unclear.

U-2S Dragon Lady spy planes, as well as T-38 jet trainers and KC-135 tankers, seen on the runway at Beale in 2024. USAF

The ARU basing announcement is especially significant given the major questions the Air Force, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, still have to answer regarding how future CCAs will be integrated into their broader force structures, as well as operated and sustained on the most basic levels, let alone how they might be utilized in actual combat. TWZ highlighted all of this just yesterday after Marine Corps Col. Derek Brannon talked about how just flying CCAs and crewed aircraft in close proximity without them colliding remains a major challenge. Brannon is currently head of the Cunningham Group, a Marine Corps organization charged with plotting out the services overarching future aviation vision.

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The Air Force has already established an Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to help in the development and refining of CCA concepts of operations and associated tactics, techniques, and procedures. The service has also been using various crewed and uncrewed aircraft for years now as CCA surrogates.

A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in fiscal year 2026, the Air Force said today, but questions do remain about the services CCA acquisition plans. Air Force officials have said in the past that they could buy between 100 and 150 Increment 1 CCAs, at least. The service also plans to acquire additional CCAs through further increments. What are expected to be significantly different requirements for Increment 2 are now being finalized.

A composite rendering of the YFQ-44A (at top) and YFQ-42A (at bottom). USAF

Were moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability, Allvin said today. CCA is about delivering decisive advantage in highly contested environments. The program is accelerating fielding through innovative design and acquisition strategies  and both vendors are meeting or exceeding key milestones. These aircraft will help us turn readiness into operational dominance.

The Increment 1 CCA design is now one step closer to actually taking to skies.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Kongsberg Maritime has received a contract from Capital Group for the delivery of K-Sim Engine Room and Cargo Handling simulators for a new training facility located on the island of Chios, Greece.

This initiative aims to improve training standards for the crew, focusing on both Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) training and familiarisation with onboard automation systems.

The delivery of the simulators is set to be completed by the end of June 2025.

The simulators will incorporate K-Chief automation systems, which are currently in use on Capital Groups tankers and LNG gas carriers.

This setup is designed to offer crew members practical experience with the automation systems they will encounter while operating the fleet.

Capital Ship Management (Chios Branch) Captain Ioannis Tsirigos said: Simulation training is a critical component of our crew development strategy.

The ability to train on familiar automation systems, such as K-Chief 600 and K-Chief 700, ensures that our personnel gain hands-on experience, improving safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

The decision to award the contract to Kongsberg Maritime stems from Capital Group's use of the K-Chief 600 and K-Chief 700 automation systems. These systems are utilised throughout the companys operations.

Kongsberg Maritime Maritime Simulation managing director Are Follesdal Tjonn said: Our mission is to support the maritime industrys transition toward smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.

The fact that we can deliver both proven automation system technology in addition to immersive simulation of the systems, puts us in a unique situation in supporting shipowners maximising operational efficiency and safety.

In February this year, Kongsberg Maritime obtained a contract to provide an integrated equipment package for Bibby Marine's new eCSOV.

The eCSOV, touted as the world's first fully electric offshore vessel, is expected to be delivered in 2027.

"Kongsberg to supply advanced training simulators to Capital Group in Greece" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




First responders honor the life of fallen TPD Lieutenant

TOPEKA (KSNT)  A Topeka police officer is now laid to rest.

53-year-old Topeka police Lieutenant Eddie Stanley died unexpectedly last week. The Lieutenants funeral procession brought first responders from around Kansas together in the capital city. Officials said the Lieutenant died early last week following a medical emergency. Stanley joined the Topeka Police force back in 2001.

A Topeka Fire Commander told 27 News his decades of service and dedication made Stanley a standout in his field.

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Hes never going to be forgotten, Topeka Fire Shift Commander Chris Stanley said. Every first responder, every military agency will never forget the sacrifices that he gave. I can tell you just from doing the jobs that we do, he was one of those individuals that woke up every day and tried to make our community a better and safer environment.

The Fire Commander added that Lieutenant Stanley was always positive, coming into work with a demeanor that brightened the scene and put a smile on everybodys face.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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
POLAND TWP., Ohio (WKBN)  Poland Township has partnered with Boardman in support of a new wellness center for Mahoning County first responders.

Poland Township Board of Trustees Chairman Eric Ungaro announced Thursday theyve partnered with Boardman Township in providing financial support to the wellness center.

The Clarence R. Smith, Mahoning Valley First Responders Wellness Center will provide a centralized space to support the mental health of police, fire, EMS and dispatch personnel.

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This partnership reflects our deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by first responders and their families, said Poland Township police Chief Greg Wilson. By joining forces with Boardman Township, we are taking a proactive step in ensuring that those who protect and serve our communities receive the support they deserve.

The center will serve the 58 responder agencies in Mahoning County and, eventually, agencies in Trumbull and Columbiana counties as well. The goal is to have the center up and running by National First Responders Day on Oct. 24.

The financial contribution from Poland Township will help expand the centers services, enhance outreach efforts, and ensure that first responders have access to specialized care. The collaboration sets a precedent for other local governments, fostering a regional commitment to first responder wellness, according to a release from the township.

Poland trustees still have to vote on giving money to the project, but it plans to use money from an opiate settlement.

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You know theyve been saving lives, theyve been narcaning people, theyve been arresting people, putting them in jail, getting them out of jail, trying to help them. Its mentally grueling, said Poland Township Trustee Eric Ungaro.

The center is named after Clarence Smith, who donated the property to the township upon his death.

Abigail Cloutier contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
wardell, va.  Despite some design changes, including a move toward trout, a large-scale fish farm for Tazewell County is still on target for a 2026 opening.

The Pure Salmon project was announced several years ago, and is planned on land adjacent to Southwest Virginia Community College. The project is expected to create more than 200 new jobs for the region.

The company recently implemented some design changes for the fish farm, including a reduction in the total square footage. It is also moving from salmon to steelhead trout, according to Tazewell County Administrator Eric Young.

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In their current design they have consolidated buildings and made some changes to the facility surrounding the large tanks in an effort to reduce the total square footage, Young said. I believe the 750,000 square foot figure is still accurate for the largest building, but there will be more activities under that roof than originally planned and fewer buildings.

Pure Salmon is an international aquaculture company based in Abu Dhabi. The company is developing a vertically integrated aquaculture facility for the local Tazewell County project.

Young said the company still anticipates creating more than 200 new jobs with the fish farm project.

The jobs number is still 218, Young said. In our working with them to have the water and waste water needs met we are all working on a schedule that allows them to begin operations at the end of 2026.

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The project was originally envisioned to produce fresh salmon for markets on the Eastern Seaboard. But the Tazewell County facility will now produce steelhead trout, which is a larger form of trout, according to Young.

The fish farm, also known locally as Project Jonah, has been in the planning stages for a number of years.

When completed, the fish farm will be about 30 feet tall with different levels inside to handle the entire process, from growing the trout to processing and packaging, and ultimately getting the product ready for market.

Other support industries also are expected to be developed near the fish farm to help with the needed products and services it will require for its daily operations.

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Talk of a possible fish farm for the region dates all the way back to 2013. That was when Delegate James W. Will Morefield, R-Tazewell, visited Israel in search of an economic development project for the region that ultimately took shape as Project Jonah.

More than 200 acres of land near Southwest Virginia Community College was later purchased in the summer of 2020 for the project.

Contact Charles Owens at

cowens@bdtonline.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Today, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced that flags will fly at half-staff in honor of Kansas City Fire Department firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman.

The announcement calls for flags at government buildings in Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte Counties. Additionally, flags at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City and firehouses statewide will be ordered to half-staff, Kehoes release says.

Procession route released for fallen Kansas City firefighter, paramedic

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Graham Hoffman was a young man who was full of compassion, a desire to help others, and a dedication to saving lives, Governor Kehoe said.

This past weekend, as he worked an overtime shift, Firefighter/Paramedic Hoffmans life was tragically cut short by senseless violence as he treated a patient. We pray for Grahams loved ones and the entire Kansas City Fire Department family as we mourn the loss of this young first responder.

Graham Hoffman was fatally stabbed by patient Shanetta Bossell early in the morning of April 27 while transporting her to a hospital after what KCFD said was a routine medical call.

To read the Governors full release, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
MIAMI, Okla.  For the second time this month, Miami is dealing with flooding.

Unfortunately, were well-versed in flooding. We know when its going to happen and we are prepared, said Glenda Longan, City of Miami grant coordinator and emergency manager.

Neosho River flooding impacts Miami

The City of Miami is now in its second wave of flooding this month.

Same as the previous time, its causing roads to close due to high waters

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Last week we had flooding. We got up to over 20 feet, which caused State Highway 125 to be closed and a lot of other areas, said Longan.

Longan says this time, its near that amount again, closing Veterans Boulevard and all of Riverview Park. She says this time the river isnt expected to crest until Thursday.

Really one of the major factors is the rainfall and how much water is released from Pensacola Dam, said Longan.

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Each time it floods, city crews, including emergency manager Glenda Longan, have been assessing each area and securing it for safety.

We have barricades on trailers. We, the guys, know when high winds come through, were going to get ready, said Longan.

But with debris flowing through the water, she says it can become an issue for those trying to get around.

It is really not a pleasant situation because people cannot get around town like they need to our egress and ingress into the city, said Longan.

Including a hindrance for first responders.

Flooding can cause a lot of detour issues and response time from first responders. EMS and fire can be greatly inhibited, said Longan.

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Flooding isnt the only challenge in Miami. Tuesdays storms also left trees and power lines down.

Strong winds, damaged buildings and windows, and uprooted trees were just some of the issues northeast Oklahoma dealt with on Tuesday.

Officials with NEO confirmed damage to their library administration building, and were without e-mail and internet services as of April 29.

I want to shout out to our street department and to our utility crews. They have been out working nonstop, taking some rest breaks, but they have been out on this, said Longan.

Crews from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, have been assisting city crews, and so far, power has been restored to 95 percent of customers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A Florence man was sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, the Department of Justice said.

David Antwan Johnson, 45, was sentenced to five years in federal prison to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision, the DOJ said. There is no parole in the federal system.

On the evening of Dec. 22, 2022, a Florence County sheriffs deputy tried conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle Johnson was driving, the DOJ said. Johnson initially refused to stop before eventually coming to a halt in a yard and running from the car.

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During the chase, Johnson changed from running away from law enforcement to running toward law enforcement with a hand in his pocket, according to the DOJ. As Johnson was being detained, a loaded.357 gun fell from his jacket.

In addition to the gun, authorities also found various drugs at the scene, including a marijuana blunt, the DOJ said. In total, authorities found 26 grams of marijuana, nearly four grams of crack cocaine and nearly seven grams of cocaine in Johnsons vehicle.

Johnson was sentenced by US District Judge Joseph Dawson III.

* * *

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
A bill that would designate a four-mile stretch of road in Palm Beach County as President Donald J. Trump Boulevard. is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed the bill (HB 987), which includes a series of road designation.

The Trump designation would be placed on Southern Boulevard from Kirk Road, south of Palm Beach International Airport, to Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club on South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach.

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The House approved the measure Wednesday. The bill also would designate part of West South Street in Orlando as Geraldine Thompson Way, to honor the longtime Democratic state lawmaker who died in February.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Kraft Heinz lowered its full-year sales and earnings guidance Tuesday, citing weaker customer spending in the U.S. and the impact of President Donald Trumps tariffs.

It's the latest big food company to sound the alarm over trade tensions and weak consumer demand. Last week, PepsiCo lowered its full-year earnings forecast, also citing tariffs. And earlier Tuesday, Coca-Cola noted a pullback in U.S. consumer spending due to economic uncertainty.

Kraft Heinz acknowledged that its in a tough spot. It needs to keep prices low to prevent consumers from migrating to cheaper store brands of products like ketchup, mayonnaise and macaroni and cheese. But tariffs  which impact imported ingredients like coffee  will add to its expenses.

In regards to pricing for the tariffs, we are trying to do everything we possibly can to minimize the amount of price necessary, Kraft Heinz Chief Financial Officer Andre Maciel said Tuesday during a conference call with investors.

Maciel said the company is looking at many alternatives, including shifting suppliers and, over the longer term, reformulating products. Kraft Heinz also said it built up some inventory earlier this year to help cushion the impact from tariffs.

Kraft Heinz, which is based in Pittsburgh and Chicago, said its North American revenue fell 7% to $4.5 billion in the January-March period. Weakness in the U.S. overcame some stronger results in Canada.

Kraft Heinz said it expects its operating income to fall up to 10% this year. It had previously expected a decline of up to 5%. The company said it needs flexibility to offer promotions and step up marketing. It also wants to add value options, like a new 11-ounce Kraft Mac & Cheese that's designed to feed a family, about 50% more than the original 7.25-ounce box.

The company said it also may need to respond to changes in federal regulations. Last week, U.S. health officials urged food makers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nations food supply.

Kraft Heinz CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera said Kraft Mac & Cheese has been free of artificial flavors and colors since 2016. But some of the company's products, like Kool-Aid, do contain artificial colors.

Kraft Heinz said its net revenue fell 6% to $5.9 billion in the January-March period. That was shy of the $6.0 billion Wall Street was expecting, according to analysts polled by FactSet. The company now expects its adjusted revenue to fall 3.5% this year; it previously expected a 1.5% decline.

Kraft Heinz shares were flat in afternoon trading Tuesday.
TALLAHASSEE  Florida is on the verge of repealing the decades-old free kill law that bars some families from suing for pain-and-suffering damages if a loved one dies because of medical malpractice.

The Florida Senate voted 33-4 on Thursday to repeal a statute that critics say treats victims of malpractice differently based on whether they are married or have children. The bill now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

It needs to be repealed, said Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, the measures sponsor. It is unjust. It shouldnt be on the books.

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The 1990 law states that if a doctors mistake kills someone whos over 25, unmarried, and without children under 25, no one can sue for pain and suffering. This bars loved ones from pursuing malpractice lawsuits because the payout for economic damages they can seek often is so small that no lawyer will take the case.

For years, families affected by the law have pushed for the statute to be repealed, arguing it allows medical providers to dodge accountability.

Lauren Korniyenko, an advocate from Brevard County, applauded the Legislatures decision and urged DeSantis to sign the repeal.

We are thrilled, said Korniyenko, who is convinced shoddy care led to her mothers death in 2023 but was unable to sue. The Legislature has listened to the voice of the people and repealed a 35-year-old unjust law.

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DeSantis has not indicated whether he will sign or veto the bill.

The House passed the bill in late March, and the Senate seemed close on Wednesday but then the effort stalled when Yarborough tabled the bill.

Health care and business groups lobbied for a cap on pain-and-suffering damages to be added to the legislation. Senators narrowly rejected a $1 million cap on Wednesday.

Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, said those caps were needed to keep and recruit physicians. Florida has some of the highest malpractice insurance rates in the country, she said.

This is going to have a devastating impact on medical malpractice premiums  both for hospitals and for providers, Harrell said.

Others, though, argued caps would put a price on human life, and wrongful death lawsuits represent a small number of malpractice cases.
A Florida man was banned from Disney World after allegedly attempting to sneak a wallet full of cocaine into the Magic Kingdom.

Dustin Lee Wallace, 44, was arrested on March 29 and charged with possession of cocaine, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. He pleaded not guilty on April 2, per court records.

Around 5:20 p.m. on March 29, Wallace and his son were at the Magic Kingdom bus loop security checkpoint when they entered the security guards line and were scanned with a metal detector. The scanner then set off an alert about Wallaces back pocket, according to a statement the sheriffs office collected from the Disney security officer.

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Security then asked Wallace to empty his pockets, at which point he appeared to get nervous, the affidavit said. When the security officer opened his "bulky" wallet, he allegedly found a bag of powdery white substances.

AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Disney security then told Wallace to leave the park and warned him not to return to any Disney parks, hotels, or property. After a field test allegedly came back positive for cocaine, cocaine, security then called the sheriffs office to report Wallace.

When deputies from the Orange County Sheriffs Office arrived at Magic Kingdom, they took a statement from Wallace who said that he had been using cocaine for approximately one month because of stress from work, the affidavit said.

Wallace admitted to police that he put cocaine in his wallet and was attempting to bring it inside the Disney park, deputies alleged in Wallaces arrest affidavit.

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.

He was then taken into custody and booked in a nearby jail, deputies said.

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Wallaces bond was set at $2,500, according to Orange Circuit Court Records. His case is still pending.

Wallaces attorney could not be immediately reached by PEOPLE for comment on his case.



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CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man was arrested after police said he was caught placing several compromised and counterfeit gift cards on a stores gift card display.

Police were called to a Cape Coral store on Del Prado Boulevard South on Wednesday after a loss prevention officer reported that someone had placed the counterfeit gift cards on their rack.

Officers said they found the suspect, identified as Sebastian Garcia Gallego, in the parking lot.

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Loss Prevention Officers told investigators they watched Garcia Gallego go into the store and conspicuously place numerous compromised gift cards throughout the gift card rack.

I wish you well in hell: Florida nurse sentenced to life after murdering adoptive daughter, abusing 2 other kids

This is a common scam in which suspects will preciously steal the gift card account number and PIN information, then put them back on the rack, the Cape Coral Police Department said on Facebook. Once the gift cards are legitimately purchased, the suspects will then remotely drain the funds from the cards and leave the unsuspecting customer with a zero balance.

Investigators believe Garcia Gallego placed more than 50 gift cards on the stores rack, which ranged in price from $20 to $500. Managers at the store removed all gift cards from the display.

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According to police, Garcia Gallego visited other businesses in Cape Coral to commit the same crimes.

Detectives said a large bag with over 200 compromised gift cards was found in Garcia Gallegos car.

Gallego Garcia confessed that he gets paid to drive to a new city every week to distribute hundreds of compromised gift cards. He also admitted to distributing hundreds of gift cards at additional locations in Cape Coral, police said.

Garcia Gallego was taken into custody on larceny, fraud and property damage charges.

Officers said customers should keep their receipts when purchasing gift cards to have proof of purchase if they find themselves in a similar situation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Thousands of Americans experience identity theft each year  and when a bad actor starts using your information, theres no telling what theyll do with it.

Identity thieves put victims names on all sorts of fraudulent accounts, such as credit cards and loans.

Don't miss

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The fraud can also involve cellphone service, as one Florida man, whos nearing his birthday, discovered earlier this year.

Mike Battista of Tarpon Springs, northwest of Tampa, was sent a cellphone bill from Verizon after someone used his information to open a new account. Even though he immediately reported the issue to the company, Verizon denied his fraud claim and still expected him to pay the bill left by the fraudster.

Thats when he reached out to a local news station for help resolving this issue.

Verizon denies Florida mans fraud claim

Battista, a retired law enforcement officer with 28 years of experience, found an unexpected phone bill in his mailbox.

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The bill, which contained his name, address and personal information, was for $198.30. It reflected the purchase of a new phone and a new phone line through Verizon.

Not only did Battista not approve this new phone line; he isnt even a Verizon customer.

He went to the local Verizon store in Tarpon Springs to sort things out.

They said they couldnt do anything, Battista said. I had to go to a corporate store.

At a second Verizon store, he was told no when he tried to close the account. From there, he immediately filed a fraud claim with the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office. After submitting his police report and fraud details to Verizon, he was shocked when they denied his claim.

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In a letter to Battista, Verizon said, We are unable to substantiate your claim that this account was opened without your knowledge or consent.

Running out of options, Battista contacted a local news channel, ABC Action News. A consumer investigative reporter, Susan El Khoury, contacted Verizon about the issue. On the next day, Battista received an email resolving the claim.

Read more: Here are 5 must have items that Americans (almost) always overpay for  and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

How to protect yourself from identity theft

Identity theft can wreak havoc on your financial life. Unfortunately, reporting identity theft to a company doesnt necessarily mean youll have the issue resolved. Companies dont have a financial obligation to victims of identity theft.

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But if you are impacted by identity theft, seeking recourse with the company is a valid option. In the best-case scenario, the company will not expect you to pay for purchases made by a fraudster.

However, if the company doesnt waive your responsibility to pay for the purchases, consider reaching out to a consumer protection group, like the Federal Communications Commission (FTC) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to file a complaint about the situation. If you want more help, even your local police station may offer guidance.

Battistas recommendation for anyone going through a similar situation: If something doesnt seem right, mention it to somebody, never surrender.

But, of course, preventing identity theft before it happens is ideal.

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One way to stop fraudsters is to freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

It just takes a few minutes to request to freeze your credit report, and then if you decide that you need to open new credit yourself, you can unfreeze it, said Anna Marie Fiallos, an investigator and outreach coordinator with Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection, to ABC Action News.

Additionally, take measures to protect your personal information. Never share details about your finances with anyone over the phone, online, or via email. If possible, shred documents with sensitive information before throwing them away.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. (WFLA) A man was arrested after taking more than $800,000 from a 92-year-old man in a bank and a romance scheme, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office announced.

In June 2022, the victim from Sun City Center transferred thousands from his Fidelity account to his Wells Fargo account, where the money was depleted to multiple people.

The money was depleted through Uphold, a cryptocurrency platform, peer-to-peer transactions, ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, and various other ways, deputies said.

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On March 10, 2025, Otiz Swinton Jr., 37, was seen on camera at a Publix in Orlando using the victims Wells Fargo card to make a purchase.

Deputies said from March 13 to April 2, five counterfeit checks were made payable to Swinton Jr. from the Wells Fargo account. The total amount of the five checks was $14,300.00.

Other charges were made using the card during that time and totaled more than $5,000.00.

Swinton Jr. was previously in Florida State Prison for fraud, HCSO said.

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During an investigation, detectives determined that Swinton Jr. had someone withdraw money from the victims account while he was in prison.

These predatory schemes rob our residents of the security and financial stability theyve spent their lives building, said Sheriff Chad Chronister. Those who deliberately prey on the elderly are the worst kinds of criminals as they exploit vulnerability, trust, and often isolation for personal gain. We will continue to pursue anyone who targets our seniors with every resource at our disposal.

Swinton Jr. was arrested on April 30 in Orlando and has been charged with fraudulent use of personal information of an elderly person, fraudulent use of personal information over $5,000 or 10 but less than 20 victims, and fraudulent use of a credit card over $100.00, and five counts of uttering a forged instrument.

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.
The Florida House of Representatives has advanced two bills, HB 1221 and HB 7033, that threaten to dismantle the very foundation of Florida's economic powerhouse: the tourism industry. These bills propose significant changes to the states highly successful Tourist Development Tax (TDT), redirecting its funds from destination promotion to property tax credits. The result would be a devastating blow to local businesses, jobs and communities that rely on tourism to thrive.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Florida's economy. The TDT, paid by visitors and not by Floridians, is reinvested in destination promotion efforts that attract even more visitors. This cycle generates jobs, fuels local businesses and supports critical public services. Eliminating TDT funding for this purpose would severely hinder our ability to compete for visitors, leading to long-term economic pain.

Additionally, reallocating these dollars to provide property tax relief to property owners diminishes the importance of tourism marketing and promotion across the state. With millions of residential and commercial properties in Florida, a reduction of property taxes amounts to a negligible benefit for individual property owners. In contrast, every Florida household is currently saved $1,910 in taxes per year since tourism is one of the reasons why the Sunshine State remains state tax-free.

Tourism is vital to Florida's economy

Tourism development councils such as Discover The Palm Beaches drive hundreds of thousands of visitors to the county's coastal areas each year, like these beachgoers in the sand near the William O. Lockhart Pier in Lake Worth Beach in March 2021

Tourism in Florida is powerful. Millions of visitors support the livelihoods of countless people across the state. Visitors generate billions in direct spending and contribute significantly to the local economy. Tourism connects communities and creates places where people want to visit, live, work and invest.

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Opinion: I'm a Canadian who lives in Florida. Dont let tariffs ruin our relationship.

Milton Segarra, President and CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches

If these changes to TDT become law, Florida will lose not only the revenue generated by tourism but also the jobs, beach renovations and much more funded by it. The long-term economic damage will be felt across the state as the tourism industry, a key pillar of Florida's economy, loses its ability to thrive. This is a statewide issue that's important to every tourism destination in Florida, including Palm Beach County, where more than 9.9 million visitors in 2024 supported the livelihoods of approximately 90,000 people.

Milton Segarra is president and CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida tourism is vital to our economy. Don't stifle it | Opinion
The big story: Most Florida school districts hire lobbyists to work the halls of Tallahassee.

A handful have representatives lobbying Congress, too. And those efforts have raised questions of whether the results justify the cost  especially as schools confront staffing shortages and limited resources.

The Lee County school board drew criticism when it moved to hire D.C. representation earlier this year.

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Forget about lobbyists, said Robert Rioux, a carpenter for the Lee school district who begged board members for higher wages during the meeting. We need your help. People are leaving, whether its a bus driver or construction worker. Read more from Florida Trident.

Hot topics

Achievement gaps: A group that sued Pinellas County schools over low Black student achievement says that although progress has been made in the past decade, more work remains.

Budget cuts: More than 800 Orange County teachers were informed their jobs were being eliminated because of enrollment declines, Orlando Weekly reports.

Hope Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis said he wants to expand the reach of the Hope Florida program into school districts, WKMG reports.

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Security: School security experts from across the nation gathered in Orlando say creating strong school relationships is key to campus safety, WKMG reports.

State Board of Education: The state Senate barely confirmed former Broward County school board member Daniel Foganholi to the State Board of Education after he penned an editorial saying college students should be allowed to carry guns, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Student health: Absences were double the usual number at a Broward County high school after a student was diagnosed with tuberculosis, WFOR reports.

Substitute teachers: Some St. Johns County substitute teachers worry their pay might decrease as the school district begins to use Kelly Services to hire subs, WJAX reports.

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Superintendents: The Marion County school board completed its contract with interim superintendent Danielle Brewer, the Ocala Star-Banner reports.

Under investigation: Florida International University has banned a longtime law professor from campus while investigating allegations of inappropriate sexual misconduct, the Miami Herald reports.

From the police blotter ... A Charlotte County middle school teacher was arrested on accusations of unlawful sexual activity with a minor student, WBBH reports.  A Manatee County elementary teacher who resigned faces charges of non-sexual grooming of a student, WWSB reports.

From the court docket ... A conservative national organization has filed a brief supporting a Leon County familys appear of a lawsuit in which the family accused the Leon County school district of keeping secret their childs social transitioning, Fox News reports.  The Volusia County school district settled a lawsuit with a student who was a victim of a teacher convicted of sexual abuse on campus, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.  A Brevard County teacher arrested in relation to a teen party where alcohol was served faces an added charge of resisting an officer without violence, Florida Today reports.

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Today in Tallahassee ... The Senate is set to convene at 11 a.m. It has four education-related bills on third reading: HB 1255 on education (train), HB 1105 on dual enrollment, HB 875 on teacher preparation and HB 1115 on charter schools. The House is scheduled to convene at 11 a.m. It has five education-related bills available on special order including SB 140 on charter schools and SB 102 on special education.

Dont miss a story. Heres a link to yesterdays roundup.

Before you go ... Herb Alpert is 90. And hes back on tour.
Florida is poised to become the second state to outlaw the addition of fluoride to its public water, despite concerns from dentists and public health advocates.

Lawmakers approved broader legislation Tuesday that included a provision banning the use of certain additives in a water system. It now awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who has publicly criticized fluoridation efforts.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo issued guidance in November recommending against community water fluoridation, citing its potential health effects.

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Floridas bill adds to the growing backlash against fluoride. The push to ban the additive comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed skepticism of and sometimes outright hostility toward water fluoridation, which is considered one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Utah was the first state to ban fluoride in the water supply. The measure is scheduled to take effect May 7.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that helps to prevent tooth decay by strengthening and rebuilding weakened tooth enamel. Water fluoridation has occurred in the U.S. since 1945, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends community fluoridation as a cost-effective way to improve Americans oral health.

Major medical associations and public health groups  including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the CDC  also endorse adding fluoride to drinking water to help prevent cavities.

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Jeff Otley, president of the Florida Dental Association, said in a statement that the group does not support any legislation that removes local governments authority to provide water fluoridation in their communities.

He added that fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, not a medication.

Water fluoridation has been researched for more than 80 years, and overwhelming, credible scientific evidence consistently indicates that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective at preventing and repairing tooth decay.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (D) said in a statement she was deeply disappointed with the legislations passage.

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A decision like this  which impacts the health and well-being of all Florida families  should be left to local communities to determine what is best for their residents, Levine Cava said. In Miami-Dade we know that our community trusts dentists, not politicians, on whether or not we should fluoridate, and thats why I continue to believe that listening to medical experts is the best way to safeguard our health.

Kennedy and others in the Trump administration have said fluoride doesnt improve water quality. Since fluoride was introduced into community water systems, it has become ubiquitous in U.S. households, especially in toothpastes. They also cited health risks of it in large quantities.

Kennedy has called fluoride an industrial waste and pledged to get rid of it in the nations water supply.

During a Cabinet meeting Wednesday, he praised Utah for being the first state to ban fluoride, and touted his plan to change federal fluoride recommendations. Kennedy has said he will tell the CDC to stop recommending that cities and states add fluoride to public water systems.

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Kennedy cited a federal report from last year that found an association between high fluoride levels and lower IQs among children, though not at the low fluoridation levels found in U.S. drinking water.

The more you get, the stupider you are, and we need smart kids in this country, Kennedy said.

Updated at 7:50 p.m. EDT.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Lactalis is set to further deepen its presence in Portugal with the acquisition of local cheese maker Queijos Tavares.

The France-headquartered dairy giant said it has bought the cows, sheep and goats cheese business from Lisbon-based private-equity firm Crest Capital Partners. Financial terms were not disclosed in a statement from Lactalis.

Lactalis' latest deal in Portugal follows its acquisition of Sequeira & Sequeira in March last year.

Founded in 1996, Queijos Tavares produces cheeses in the regions of Seia and Fundao in central Portugal.

The company supplies products under the brands Seia do Tavares, Serras de Penela, Damar, and Monte da Soalheira.

It supplies cheese to food distributors and the hospitality sector. Its range includes three products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

The deal includes the acquisition of Queijos Tavares two production facilities located in Seia and Fundao. It will increase Lactalis production sites in Portugal to four, including Sequeira & Sequeira, which was integrated in 2024, according to the statement.

As part of the transaction, 120 employees will join Lactalis' operations in Portugal, bringing its total workforce in the country to approximately 820.

The transaction is subject to approval by competition authorities.

Crest Capital had not responded to Just Food's request to comment on the transaction at the time of writing, and why it had opted to sell the business.

A family-owned group founded in 1933 in Laval, France, Lactalis operates across 50 countries with nearly 270 dairies and cheese dairies.

In April, the group announced it exceeded 30bn ($34.1bn) in revenues last year for the first time.

However, the companys net profit dropped 19% in 2024 to 359m due to an unquantified and unspecified tax settlement late in the year with the French authorities.

Early in 2024, the privately-owned company reportedly came under investigation by the Parquet National Financier (PNF), or the National Financial Prosecutors Office, for alleged tax fraud dating back to 2018.

Nevertheless, revenue rose 2.8% to 30.3bn, but slowing from the 4.3% growth in 2023.

Operating income increased 4.3%, although Lactalis did not provide an end figure, while net income dipped from 428m in the prior 12 months.

Last year, the dairy giant said it invested over 1bn in its manufacturing network, including facility upgrades in France, Italy, the US and Australia.

These upgrades included improvements at its Larceveau creamery for Ossau-Iraty cheese, and installation of new production and packaging lines at facilities in Certosa, Italy; Tulare, US; and Bendigo, Australia.
Hoosiers planning to travel this summer should double check that they have a Real ID before boarding any flights. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

After years of delay, Hoosiers and other state residents will need a Real ID to pass through airport security and enter federal government buildings starting on May 7. In Indiana, a black star cutout in the upper right-hand corner signifies if a drivers license is Real ID compliant.

The law establishing a Real ID passed in 2005, following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission to establish a national standard for government-issued identification, such as drivers licenses.

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But implementation took longer than anticipated. Federal entities repeatedly extended the deadline for 14 years to give state motor vehicle departments time to comply, according to a 2022 NPR story.

An Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles spokesperson told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that Indiana started offering Real ID on Jan. 1, 2010. A recent CBS News analysis found that 81% of Indiana drivers licenses are compliant  which the agency attributed to slow and steady growth over the years.

Since the introduction of Real ID, the BMV has adhered to all federal mandates regarding the documentation required to apply for a Real ID credential, said Sarah Dickerson, a communications and engagement manager, in a statement. We encourage Hoosiers who are interested to reference the Real ID Checklist on our website, since many specific documents are needed.

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Such documentation includes the following: proof of identity, proof of name or gender changes, proof of lawful status, proof of social security and proof of Indiana residency.

As detailed in a BMV list, this can include multiple other forms of identity, such as an unexpired U.S. passport, original birth certificate, social security cards, certificate of naturalization and more.

Difficulties rolling out Real IDs

The requirements can be challenging for some to meet. For instance, a W-2 form can be proof of Indiana residency  but only if it includes the full, nine-digit social security number and not only the last four digits.

Married women or those who changed their name for another reason face another hurdle, especially those who married decades ago and must produce their original marriage certificate to prove their name change.

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Dorothy Ballone, who changed her name seven decades ago, had her Real ID application rejected when she couldnt produce her original marriage certificate, she told a Rochester, New York TV station.

Neither the church where she got married nor the town hall kept records that far back.

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The rule also impacts those who transitioned to another gender, adoptees or couples who choose to hyphenate their last names.

The BMV documentation checklist includes a caveat at the bottom specifically for Hoosiers who fall into this category.

If your current name does not match your identity document due to a name change  you may need to provide additional government-issued documents to support any or all name changes, according to the footnote. For example, if you were born Jane Smith and then married Tom Cooper and your legal name is not Jane Cooper, you will need to bring your marriage license.

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Having a valid passport with your changed name would also meet the requirement.

Dickerson, with the BMV, urged Hoosiers in this category to work with their local branch to meet documentation requirements.

Customers with complex situations face challenges similar to those theyve had for years. This is seen more frequently with married women and those going through a divorce, said Dickerson. Our branch staff are well-trained and skilled in completing Real ID transactions. Often, if a customer doesnt have all the proper documents, a staff member will explain what is needed to ensure they are able to complete the transaction next time.

To learn more about Real ID and answer specific questions, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website or contact your local BMV branch.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Folds of Honor accepted a generous donation from Williquors Wednesday.

The store gave $1,000 to go towards scholarships for the families of wounded or fallen service members and first responders.

Madison police, DSU plan for Noems appearance

So a thousand dollars that we get, thats, thats twenty percent of a full scholarship to some family in South Dakotas gonna get, said Brad Coleman, Folds of Honor South Dakota Chapter President.

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During an event earlier this month, a portion of any purchase of Horse Soldier Bourbon went towards the check.

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.
We have a tendency to romanticize the past. Think about the food your great grandparents (or even their parents) ate in childhood and you might imagine farm fresh produce, pure milled grains, and pristine meat and dairy. But if they were living in the United States during the mid-to-late 19th century, that vision of food utopia wasnt likely reality.

Before 1906, there were no federal food safety regulations in the US. Local grocers were a wild west of unlabeled additives, untested chemicals, and inedible fillers. In the gap between the industrialization of the food system during the mid-1800s and those first laws dictating what could be sold as food, working class Americans spent decades eating mostly crap, says Deborah Blum, a Pulitzer-Prize winning science journalist. In her 2019 book, The Poison Squad, Blum details the origin story of the landmark Food and Drug Act.

As more folks left farm life behind and came to rely on manufactured food an enormous amount of food fraud emerged, Blum tells Popular Science. Nowadays, the overwhelming majority of people continue to purchase their food from grocery aisles, but the food we buy there is much less liable to make us sick. So, how did we get from that past to our current present? And, with regulatory agencies including the FDA facing enormous cuts, what might the future hold?

Ground Shells, Brick Dust, and Bones

European countries, including Britain, Germany, and France passed food safety regulations about 50 years before the US did. In classic American style, we eschewed top-down restrictions and allowed the free market, free rein. In lieu of federal regulation, there was a haphazard patchwork of state and local laws surrounding certain foods pre-1906. Massachusetts, for instance, passed An Act Against Selling Unwholesome Provisions in 1785. But unsafe practices consistently fell through the cracks and into consumers stomachs, says Blum. In some cases, food wasnt food at all.

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Pre-pasteurization, milk spoilage and bacterial growth was a major problem. Away from the farm, dairy had to travel farther and keep for longer if people in cities were going to buy it. So, the dairy section became a hotbed of questionable additives. Borax, which you may recognize as a general-purpose pesticide, was used as a milk and butter preservative. Formaldehyde (AKA embalming fluid) was also a common milk additive and antibacterial agent. In addition to preserving the milk, formaldehyde also reportedly had a slightly sweet flavor, which helped improve the taste of rot, Blum explains.

A cartoon titled Poisoning by Food Adulteration. In November 1858 a confectioner bought Plaster of Paris from a druggist to add to lozenges. Instead of Plaster of Paris, he was acidentaly sold arsenic and 20 people died out of the roughly 200 people poisoned. This case gave ammunition to those trying to get legislation against food adulteration through Parliament (Scholfield Act of 1859). Illustrated by John Leech (1817-1864) an English caricaturist and illustrator, and dated to the 19th century. Arsenic was also used to dye food. CREDIT: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Universal History Archive

In cheese, lead compounds were added to boost its golden color. Plaster of Paris, gypsum, and other white, powdery fillers made their way into milk and flour for color and texture. Flour was often portioned out by the grocer in-storewith mixed results. If you went to a very honest grocer, you might get real flour. If you didnt you might get a mix, she says.

Coffee and spices were particularly terrible offenders. Ground coffee was often about 80 to 90 percent adulterated in the mid-19th century, says Blum. It might be made up of ground bone, blackened with lead, or charred seeds and plant matter. Spices were frequently 100 percent adulterated. Or, in other words, entirely made up of something other than what they were sold as. Cinnamon was frequently brick dust. Ground pepper could have been ground shells or charred rope. Probably a good half of these products had some adulteration, depending on what you were looking at and how much you were willing to pay, she says. The wealthy were generally able to afford higher quality, authentic, uncontaminated products.

But for everyone else, the problem of food fraud was so prevalent that people developed a suspicion of ground coffee, Blum says. Consumers started opting for whole beans instead, wherever possible. Suddenly, there was a market for counterfeit whole coffee beans, made of pigeon beans and peas, or even wax and clay. You can find flyers that went to grocers that said, you can, multiply your profits with our super cheap dirt beans.

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In her research, Blum found a record of a congressional hearing, where a food manufacturer described producing and selling a strawberry jam that was entirely red dye, corn syrup, and grass seed. His defense for the practice: we have to be competitive in the market and other people are doing it too, paraphrases Blum.

As all of the above was going on, people had little idea what they were consuming. There was no labeling, she notes. Though there were many cases of people falling ill. In an Indiana orphanage, multiple children died from formaldehyde poisoning. In New York state, an estimated 8,000 infants died from adulterated swill milk in a single year.

[ Related: FDA bans Red No. 3 dye found in many of your favorite snacks. ]

Pushing for Purity

Calls for change came from multiple fronts, including womens groups and the growing pure food movement of the late 1800s, says Blum. But one chemist and physician, Harvey Washington Wiley, proved particularly dedicated and ultimately influential.

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Wiley began noting and publishing reports on food contaminants during his work at the USDA in the 1880s and 90s. His primary job was to develop alternatives to sugar cane, but he started studying and cataloging adulteration in butter, milk, and honey and later spices and alcoholic beverages. Thats where much of our data on food adulteration at the time comes from, notes Blum. Soon, Wiley was releasing regular bulletins on food adulterants and advocating for national laws.



Many of his early attempts ended in failure. Congressional representatives received a lot of money from the food industry, and werent receptive to Wileys science-backed pleas for labels, transparency, and contamination regulations, says Blum. He keeps pushing for it. The industry keeps shooting it down, and the political dog fight continues, she says.

Hubert E Mills of the Department of Pasteurized Dairy Products and Dora Morris, technician for the Maryland and Virginia Milk Products Association, checking samples taken from a farm for purity. Circa 1955. CREDIT: Photo by Evans/Three Lions/Getty Images. Evans

But then, Wiley shifted tactics. He began conducting a series of experiments that he called the hygienic table trials with a group of USDA employees, later dubbed the poison squad. All of the dozen or so participants willingly and knowingly signed up to receive three freshly prepared meals, seven days a week, for six months from the newly created USDA test kitchen. Yet, along with their nourishing meals, a subset of the participants were also fed additives commonly found in adulterated food. You could never have gotten this sort of study approved today, says Blum. He poisoned his co-workers.

The group worked their way through borax, boric acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, copper sulfate, and saltpeter among other things. Unsurprisingly, the squad was frequently sick and the experiment garnered a ton of publicity. If you go to newspapers of the time, every single one had a storyAmericans are eating poison, Blum says.

The fervor, paired with the public outcry in response to Upton Sinclairs book The Jungle, about Chicagos meatpacking plants, led politicians to change their tune. In 1906, Congress passed both the Meat Inspection Act and the Food and Drug Act (colloquially known as Wileys Law). Later, the Food and Drug Act would be replaced by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics act of 1938, which has been extensively revised and updated since. From these laws, the modern USDA responsible for regulating meat and poultry products and FDA, responsible for all other foods and pharmaceuticals, emerged.

The Future of Food

Since the start of federal food regulation, states have beefed up their policies and the food industry has adopted its own standards. Many companies have even signed on to efforts like the Global Food Safety Initiative, which involves third-party testing beyond whats legally required. Plus, the mere existence of federal law means that people can sue when things go wrong. Litigation is a big driver of compliance and caution at the corporate level, says Blum.

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Yet the FDA still plays a key role in oversight, research, and responding to emerging threats like bird flu in milk, says Brian Schaneberg, a chemist and director of the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) at Illinois Tech.At IFSH, academic researchers collaborate directly with industry and FDA scientists and the institute hosts multiple federal projects and labs. Research there includes work on improving infant formula safety, food contamination from packaging, pathogen prevention in food manufacturing and produce, investigating the causes of illness outbreaks, and Grade A milk validation. We really touch a lot of areas, Schaneberg tells Popular Science.

Recently, the Trump Administration slashed more than 3,500 FDA jobs, amid broader slap-dash federal cuts. Despite claims to the contrary, these layoffs included dozens of scientists who conduct quality control and proficiency testing on everything from infant formula to dairy products and pet foods. The cuts have temporarily left the Center for Processing Innovation at IFSH almost entirely unstaffed, Schaneberg notes. From 15 staff, theyre down to four. Other labs across the country were also impacted.

After public pushback, FDA leadership promised to reinstate scientists in key roles and re-open a handful of the shuttered labs last week. At Schanebergs institute, federal scientists have been told theyll be reinstated. Though, he notes they havent received formal notices confirming their re-hiring. The long-term fate of FDA research and testing labs also remains uncertain as proposed major budget cuts and a massive reorganization looms. The currently proposed Trump Administration plan would shift most food testing to the states.

[ Related: How to properly wash fruits and vegetables. ]

Im definitely concerned, says Schaneberg. He doesnt see any clear, immediate threat to consumers, but in the long-term he is worried about the FDAs ability to ensure food safety if the agency is equipped with fewer staff and resources. I still think all the big companies are going to do the best thing they can because they dont want to hurt their brands and they dont want to impact people. And many states might have the ability to fill gaps. Yet theres always bad actors, new brands, new additives, and unknowns, he notes.

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It may be much rarer than it once was, but the FDA still detects unsettling instances of food contamination. In 2023 and 2024, the agency investigated high lead and chromium levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches, marketed to children, notes Martin Bucknavage, a senior food safety extension specialist in the Department of Food Science at Penn State University. Theres those types of things that pop up, and its like who who else is going to go through and do that?, he says. The FDA has expertise in the science and the supply chains that few other institutions do, Bucknavage says, along with the ability and authority to respond quickly.

With rapid changes and reorganization on the horizon, its hard to predict what the effect will be, he adds. I think immediate-term, our food supply is going to be safe, Bucknavage says. After all, FDA inspections are far less frequent than companies own safety tests and measures. But without the final layer of oversight, its possible something could be lost down the line, he says.

Blum, with all her knowledge of the treacherous food landscape of decades past, agrees. Im not sitting here saying catastrophe, because we dont actually know, she says. But theres nothing in what the [Trump Administration] is doing that you would look at and say, oh this makes us safer.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Researchers believe active wildfire management practices, like forest thinning, may do more harm than good.

Many of the things being done in forests will potentially make them more flammable, not less, said David Lindenmayer, distinguished professor with the Australian National University.

Existing research

Lindenmayer says he, along with a team of researchers, began studying active management strategies shortly after a number of wildfires tore across Australian forests in 2009.

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In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a new wildfire management strategy. The plan called for the Forest Service to treat 50 million acres of federal, state, tribal, and private lands through prescribed burns and forest thinning. The Biden administration committed nearly $3 billion to the strategy, including hazardous fuel reduction projects.

Earthquake rattles Wasatch, Utah counties overnight

According to a statement from a USDA spokesperson, Current studies and data shows the benefit of fuel treatments positively influencing fire behavior and reduce fire severity.

I think the key thing here is evidence. Do all these things work? For some ecosystems, including western USA, the evidence is very slim if at all, Lindenmayer told ABC4.com. There will be situations where actions like salvage logging, will make it worse, not better.

How logging leads to increased flammability

Lindenmayer says his research shows that when a forest is logged and regenerated, it can have a pulse of flammability as the forest regrows.

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Rebecca Diehl, the Utah representative for Eco-Integrity Alliance, says one fuel reduction logging project caused the Yellow Lake Fire, which scorched 33,000 acres in the Uinta Mountains in 2024.

RELATED: Logging company fined $16K for Yellow Lake Fire

This is one of countless timber sales across Utah and the West that the Forest Service has approved under the guise of forest health and fuel reduction,' Diehl said.

According to the USDA, logging contracts in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest are sold to contractors as a part of fuel reduction efforts. Thinning and prescribed burns are also used to reduce fuel.

How active management damages ecosystems

It tends to be drier, warmer, and windier, because there are all these gaps in canopies across the landscape, Lindenmayer said. Theres also fuel left over after logging including debris left over that can add to a forests flammability.

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According to Diehl, salvage logging can also destroy the habitats for a number of species.

Disaster team deploys to Moab for wildfire mitigation

Theres this perception that when we see dead trees its bad, but dead trees are such a fundamental part of the ecosystem, Diehl told ABC4.com. The forest is doing a better job managing itself than we are.

USDA policy calls for the suppression of all human-caused fires but allows some wildland fires to burn. Naturally ignited fires are sometimes managed to achieve ecological benefits if conditions are safe, according to a spokesperson with USDA.

Alternative management strategies

Incorporating new data enables us to make intentional management decisions so that we can provide for ecological integrity and decrease fire behavior. USDA said.

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We need to make sure theres a good evidence base for the kinds of things that are being done. Lindenmayer told ABC4.com.

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POLK COUNTY, Iowa  The former President and CEO of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce has admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from the organization and to altering records in an effort to cover up her crimes.

Melisa Cox, 47, appeared in a Polk County criminal courtroom Wednesday afternoon, where she withdrew her not guilty plea to eight felony charges. Instead, she took action on a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to four felony counts in exchange for the rest of the charges to be dropped. She originally faced nearly a dozen charges. She also agreed to pay restitution on all charges and not seek a deferred judgment, which means the conviction will remain on her record, according to the Polk County Attorneys Office.

Former Ankeny Chamber of Commerce CEO, Melisa Cox, in court on April 30, 2025.

I used property and money that was not mine in excess of $10,000, she admitted to Judge David M. Porter.

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Cox, of Johnston, is accused of stealing more than $250,000 in 2023 and 2024. She was dismissed from the organization in November 2024 after an internal audit found alleged financial irregularities. In a statement issued to WHO 13 at the time, a representative for the Chamber said the organization had insurance to help cover these types of occurrences.

OODPDownload

Iowa programs impacted by AmeriCorps cuts

Cox surrendered in January after she was charged. She entered a not guilty plea in February, before she accepted the deal offered by the state.

At one point during the nearly 20-minute-long hearing Wednesday, Cox became emotional and dabbed away tears as she spoke about her crimes. She admitted that she used thousands of dollars in Chamber money to pay for personal expenses and property without permission and did not intend to pay it back. She also stated that she altered financial entries to conceal and disguise how the money was spent.

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I altered records, corporate records, to hide what I had done, she said.

The plea deal encompassed three Class C Felonies of Money Laundering, First-Degree Theft, and Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card, as well as a charge of Second-Degree theft, which is a Class D Felony. Class C felonies can carry up to a 10-year sentence and thousands of dollars in fines. Class D Felonies can carry a sentence of up to five years, plus fines.

Cox testified that she had no other charges pending against her anywhere in the U.S. and that she has been undergoing therapy.

A pre-sentence investigation will now be conducted, with Cox sitting down with investigators with the Department of Correctional Services to discuss her crimes. During the sentencing hearing, the findings will be presented and the state will make its recommendation, while the defense will have a chance to make its own argument.

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The judge could sentence her up to 35 years in prison if the charges run consecutively, or up to ten years if concurrently. She could also be given a suspended sentence, where she would not serve time behind bars. Cox will be sentenced on June 16 at 2 p.m.

Metro News:

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Former Brevard County teacher Karly Anderson is currently headed to trial after a judge rejected a motion to dismiss misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication, and resisting an officer without violence.

The charges are related to a January Cocoa Beach house party.

Defense Attorney Kenneth Weaver attempted to get those charges dropped earlier today.

Weaver told a judge, What Ms. Anderson is accused of is verbal; under the case law, its almost never a crime.

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However, the judge found the defenses motion to be legally insufficient. Weaver has the option to refile.

The state has made an undisclosed plea offer.

According to Cocoa Beach Police, the house party that led to Anderson landing in court was held at the home of a colleague, former Roosevelt Elementary School principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan.

She is facing felony charges in the case, including one count of child neglect and five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She has been suspended from Brevard Public Schools without pay.

Anderson resigned from the district last week.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A former Buffalo police officer was found guilty on Wednesday of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, the Erie County District Attorneys Office confirmed to WIVB News 4.

The charge is related to Cariol Horne trying to obstruct police from conducting interviews with two people suspected of looting on Bailey Avenue during the December blizzard in 2022.

According to the Erie Country District Attorneys Office, Horne was accused of pushing a police officer during the incident.

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Horne originally faced a harassment charge, which she was found not guilty of, and a disorderly conduct charge, which a judge dismissed.

She was fired from the Buffalo Police Department in 2006 after she tried to stop another officer from choking a suspect. She sparked the creation of Cariols Law, which protects Buffalo police officers who intervene if they believe excessive force is being used.

Horne won her pension back in 2021 after a State Supreme Court judge vacated a ruling that upheld her firing.

Latest Local News

Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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It was just a few days ago when we heard that Air India was interested in buying the refused Chinese planes that China turned away as the result of the tariff war. And that gave aerospace stock Boeing (BA) a boost back then. Now, another potential buyer has come forward, ready to deal, and that is also giving Boeing a boost. As a result, Boeing shares are up over 2% in Monday afternoons trading.

Protect Your Portfolio Against Market Uncertainty

Aeroflot stepped in after hearing several Boeing aircraft were available for immediate purchase, though not without some caveats. Air India then stepped up as well, without the caveats, ready to make a deal. Now, Riyadh Air in Saudi Arabia is ready to join in the hunt, and there may be enough planes to go around.

Reports noted that there may be dozens of planes involved here, and Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas has made it clear Riyadh Air is ready to deal. What weve doneis made it quite clear to Boeing, should that ever happen, and the keyword there is should, well happily take them all, Douglas said in an interview with Reuters. Given that the jet market remains tight, it is a safe bet that the Chinese planes will easily find new buyers. We have already seen three such buyers step forth.

Bernstein Boost

Meanwhile, analysts are giving Boeing a leg up as well. Douglas Harned, analyst with Bernsteinwho has a four-star ranking on TipRanksboosted the rating and the price target on Boeing, which likely contributed to Boeings gains today. Harned bolstered the rating from Market Perform to Outperform, and sent the price target up from its previous level of $181 to a new $218.

That represents, roughly, a 23% premium against Fridays closing numbers, reports note. Basically, Harned notes, Boeings turnaround project is bearing fruit, and in a big way. Boeing has now basically recovered to the point where it is on track to grow like the Alaska Air (ALK) door plug incident never happened. Naturally, Boeing still has problems. Controversies aplenty, government overwatch, and more are all on the table. But Boeing is likely to come out of all of this stronger, Harned notes.

Is Boeing a Good Stock to Buy Right Now?

Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on BA stock based on 15 Buys, three Holds and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 4.9% rally in its share price over the past year, the average BA price target of $200.47 per share implies 10.2% upside potential.
Robert Gates, a former CIA director and secretary of the Department of Defense, said during a forum at University of Kansas that President Donald Trump's firing of federal workers had damaged the national security agencies. He also expressed concern about severing of federal research grants to colleges and universities and dysfunction in Congress that inhibited manufacture of military hardware. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Dole Institute's YouTube channel)

LAWRENCE  Former CIA director and defense secretary Robert Gates is convinced zealous decisions by President Donald Trump to fire thousands of federal government probationary employees wiped out a generation of personnel committed to public service at the national security agencies.

Gates, a Wichita native who served under eight presidents during his career, said during a question-and-answer forum Wednesday at the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas that the Trump administrations dismissal of newly hired staff in the first 100 days of his term caused sustained damage.

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There has been harm, he said. The firing of probationary employees at defense and at CIA, I think, was a supremely bad idea and will have long-term consequences because who they have fired are all the young people. These people are really the future of these agencies. I worry this is going to discourage this sort of stratum of young people interested in public service.

Trump fired probationary employees across the federal government based on assertions they had to be terminated due to poor performance. The dismissals have been challenged in court with some individuals ordered reinstated by federal judges. Most of these workers were lower-level staff, but some were experienced federal employees who recently transitioned to new positions.

Gates, who was recruited into the CIA while working on a masters degree at Indiana University, was the only career officer in CIAs history to rise from entry-level employee to director. He was the only secretary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that job by a newly elected president, moving from an appointment by Republican President George W. Bush to serve in the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama.

People die

Gates said it would be foolish to pretend disruption among senior-level leadership at the Department of Defense under Trump hadnt been a distraction. He said those individuals were preoccupied with questions about whether they would be terminated, who would replace ousted staff in the chain of command and how defense policy would be summarily altered.

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The nation ought to be skeptical of people in government committed to a mantra in which they routinely made rapid decisions designed to crack the status quo, he said.

That works in the private sector actually, Gates said. But if moving fast and breaking things means people dont get their Social Security checks, thats actually a problem. There is sort of this feeling on the outside, if only business people could get in and run the government, then everything would be okay. Well, the problem is government isnt a business. If something breaks in the private sector, people lose money. If something breaks in the government, people die.

He said a leadership style dedicated to smashing international institutions was a formula for disaster. No one in the Trump administration has publicly argued on behalf of the NATO alliance, spoke of the value of United Nations agencies or championed the World Trade Organization, he said. It was disappointing to watch as the Trump administration obliterated the U.S. Agency for International Development, he said.

Gates, who serves as chancellor of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, said he was distressed Trump showed a willingness to undercut the system in which the federal government provided funding for basic research carried out at public and private universities. This innovation pact has incubated research talent and fueled gains in the U.S. economy, he said.

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It was worth the federal government investing money, Gates said. It was pretty efficient in many respects. Now, were there crazy projects that got funded over the past 25 years? You can bank on it. But, for the most part, they have propelled the United States ahead economically and in terms of our technical prowess that is the envy of the world.

He said the stream of federal investment brought the worlds smartest people to the United States where a portion of immigrants established major U.S. companies.

Theres already been damage because lots of research projects have been interrupted, Gates said. Fundamentally, if this research isnt done in universities, it wont get done. We will begin to lag technologically. Were playing with the future here and my hope is this is a temporary disruption. Putting Humpty Dumpty back together again is going to have costs.

He said social science faculty on college and university campuses could benefit from self-reflection about the tendency to offer one-sided instruction of history and government.

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Disarray in America

Gates was in Lawrence to participate in the KU Security Conference aimed at understanding Chinas geopolitical objectives and how they influenced U.S. national security. He was asked by Dole Institute visiting fellow Jerry Seib to step into the shoes of Xi Jinping, president of the Peoples Republic of China, and examine the political, military and economic landscape.

Well, I think Im in pretty good shape because my principal adversary is not. There is a lot of disarray in America, Gates said.

He said Xi was leading the worlds second-largest economy and had built a massive military force, including a rapidly expanded Navy driven by huge investments in ship production. From 2017 to 2024, Gates said, China built 150 warships during a period in which the number of U.S. Navy ships remained static.

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China has been wrestling with a demographic time bomb due to the one-child policy, a 21% unemployment rate among young people and unprecedented tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Gates said. Rigidity of a Chinese Communist Party that prioritized internal security over economic progress was a weakness, he said.

The one area of consensus among Republicans and Democrats in Congress was hostility toward China, Gates said, but that rhetoric in Washington, D.C., could be useful to Xi as he sought to rally domestic support.

Hes probably prepared to be patient, Gates said. The last thing he can do is show weakness in dealing with the United States and President Trump. I think he must be worried about the possibility of significant unemployment in turning tens of millions of workers out of those factories that are not going to be delivering goods to the United States.

Gates said it was unlikely a trade war would lead to armed conflict involving China and the United States. He said lack of open communication between the two governments should be a concern given Chinas aspirations to control of Hong Kong, Taiwan and the South China Sea.

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Gasbags in D.C.

The U.S. military industrial base has eroded at the same time China dedicated resources to expanding production of military hardware, Gates said. China possessed 250 times the ship-building capacity of the United States, he said. China holds more than half the global capacity to build ships while the United States possessed less than 1%, he said.

He said Congress was partly to blame because it had been 15 years since the House and Senate produced a regular budget for the Department of Defense. The approach made it difficult to comply with demands from politicians to be nimble in development of new technology or to create an effective military acquisition network, he said.

Youve got all these people making speeches up on the Hill about how slow the defense department is to integrate new technologies. Youve got them all yelling and theyre waving their arms about the lack of ship-building capacity and so on. And theyve not appropriated a single dollar to do anything, Gates said.

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He said the Department of Defense required authority to enter lengthy contracts for ship and ammunition manufacturing that couldnt be broken in two or three years.

The fundamental thing is for the gasbags in Washington to stop talking and start doing, Gates said.
DENVER (KDVR)  A former Denver police officer who was shot and died while responding to a shooting at a central Pennsylvania hospital in February was hit by friendly fire, the York County district attorney revealed Wednesday.

DA Tim Barker and Pennsylvania State Police provided an update on the investigation through a press conference held Wednesday.

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Andrew Duarte was working with the West York Borough Police Department at the time of his death and had responded to the scene through a mutual aid request. Duarte worked with the Denver Police Department from May 2017 to May 2022.

The gunman, later identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, took hostages at UPMC Memorial Hospital before he was killed by police in a shootout that also left Duarte dead.

Barker said Wednesday that Archangel-Ortiz had taken a healthcare worker hostage as a human shield and was in the hospitals ICU area. An officer reportedly shot at Archangel-Ortiz and hit him from behind, but a pellet from the shotgun ricocheted and hit an officer, and also hit Duarte.

Barker said Duarte was shot twice: Once on his side where his tactical vest didnt cover him, and also in his left arm. Barker said that Archangel-Ortiz was shot 15 to 20 times during the incident, leading to his death.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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MOUNT CARMEL BOROUGH, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  The former Northumberland County district attorney fired a shotgun in Mount Carmel early Wednesday morning after reporting to 911 that two people, armed with weapons, broke into his home and attempted to steal his dog, according to a search warrant filed by Pennsylvania State Police.

According to the warrant, state police say around 4:30 a.m., former district attorney Anthony Matulewicz told them two intruders, one with a gun and another with a slingshot, broke into his home located on North Oak Street in Mount Carmel Borough and tried to steal his dog.

Police say that when they arrived, they found Matulewicz, who appeared to be intoxicated in the street with a handgun, according to the search warrant.

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Firefighter found burning in Hazleton had also been shot

In that search warrant, state police say Matulewicz admitted to consuming alcohol, as well as chasing the intruders toward a creek and firing at least one shot outside the home.

Police say in the search warrant witnesses told them they observed Matulewicz fall down a flight of stairs while running up the street.

Matulewicz declined a gunshot residue test and did not answer anymore questions, police said in the search warrant. He was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police say they recovered a .45 caliber handgun and shotgun at the scene, according to the court document. They say they determined the round fired by Matulewicz had come from the shotgun.

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Both Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township officers cleared the home to make sure it was empty after Matulewicz told police his sister and four unknown people were inside, court documents stated.

The Pennsylvania State Police were requested to handle the investigation after the home was secured.

As of the time of this publication, no charges have been filed.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  A former Fairfax County public school teacher has been charged with attacks on a student and fellow teacher.

Fairfax County Police arrested Mary Simons, 63, on Monday after police said she turned herself in to them.

Simons is accused of the March 28, 2025, attacks at Parklawn Elementary School, where she worked at the time.

Not cool, not cool, said Steve Barrett, whose granddaughter is a student there.

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Investigators said that the school district placed Simons on administrative leave after it first heard of the allegations.

Woman arrested for robbing bank in Annandale, police say

Its a little concerning and disappointing since, you know, most of them are six months, seven months, five days a week there they are with our daughters and our kids at school, said Shine Chuenyam, a parent. So it is a little nerve-wracking sometimes to hear that.

Investigators said Simons retired shortly after she had been placed on leave. She had been with the school district since 2009.

Student and staff safety remain our top priority. We are working in partnership with FCPD on this matter, the school district said in a statement.

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Specialists are working with the victims to make sure they receive proper care.

Im wondering whether I should homeschool my kid, you know, said Amos Kim, another parent who is frustrated with recent problems involving Fairfax County schools.

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May 1---- A former custodian with the Lac qui Parle Valley Schools will serve 60 days in jail as part of his sentence for a felony conviction of interfering with privacy against a minor under age 18.

Nicholas Leon Nehring, 32, of Boyd, was sentenced April 25 in Swift County District Court. District Judge Allison Whalen sentenced Nehring to 12 months in prison, but stayed the sentence for two years while he serves supervised probation.

He was ordered to serve 30 days immediately and has been in the custody of the Swift County Jail since the afternoon of his sentencing. He may serve the remaining 30 days on electronic home monitoring, and was given credit for two days already served.

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The sentencing order requires that Nehring register as a predatory sex offender, abstain from alcohol or drug use, and follow the recommendations of a psychological sexual evaluation. He cannot have any unsupervised contact with juveniles, and may not possess pornography or have access to the internet and certain programs.

If he successfully completes probation, he will not have to serve the prison sentence.

Nehring pleaded guilty on Dec. 31, 2024, to one count of interfering with privacy against a minor under age 18. A second felony count, charged under another provision of the same statute but carrying a longer maximum sentence, was dismissed.

The Appleton Police Department arrested Nehring after responding to a report that a man in a bathroom at the Appleton-Milan Elementary School had lowered his cellphone under the wall of the bathroom stall and taken a picture of a child in the adjoining stall during the morning of Aug. 17, 2023.

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According to the criminal complaint, an 8-year-old boy and a friend were overheard by a staff member of the child care center located in the school. The two were talking about the incident shortly after it occurred. The information was immediately reported to police. A video was reviewed that showed Nehring was in the bathroom at the same time as the youths.

Nehring was employed as a custodian by the

at the time. He left the school that day after reporting a back problem, but later told police he had been painting and doing other work in the Appleton school building that morning.

Appleton Police Chief Sedrick Borsgard interviewed the defendant and obtained a search warrant for his phone. Nehring initially denied he had lowered his phone to take pictures.

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In response to further questions by the chief, Nehring said that "maybe" his phone contained improper pictures and he began to cry, according to the criminal complaint and a transcript of testimony by the chief during a hearing in the case.

The chief turned the defendant's phone over to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Borsgard also asked the defendant for the passcode to it, and informed him that the BCA had the ability to eventually access the phone without the code. In a subsequent phone call to the home where the defendant was staying, the passcode was relayed to the chief.

According to the complaint, the BCA extracted 10 images from the phone. They were described as showing nudity of children under age 18, including images of young children simulating sex.

Another court document said the phone data contained two videos that "purportedly" show children using restrooms at the Appleton-Milan Elementary School.

Nehring's guilty plea was made after the court denied legal challenges by the defendant seeking to suppress evidence collected from the phone. The defendant's attorneys had argued his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination were violated when he was asked for the passcode to his cellphone.
A former Mt. Juliet commissioner is suing the City of Millersville and its former police chief Bryan Morris and assistant police chief Shawn Taylor for their involvement in a 2024 undercover sex sting operation.

The suit, filed in January by Ray Justice in Sumner County, seeks $5 million in damages plus $1.5 million in punitive damages from Taylor and Morris over what his attorney Ben Rose calls illegal search violations.

Rose is asking for a jury trial.

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He argues in the lawsuit that Taylor became obsessed with investigating a child pedophilia ring in Middle Tennessee and sought to carry out an operation with mostly private individuals.

Taylor conducted unauthorized and illegal searches into the criminal and financial histories of private Tennessee citizens, which included Justice and other perceived enemies of Taylor and Morris, Rose wrote in the lawsuit.

When reached for comment May 1, Rose declined to answer questions, citing the pending federal litigation.

Geoffrey Lindley, the attorney for Millersville said he planned to file a motion to dismiss the city from the lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

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Justice, 62, is a former Mt. Juliet City commissioner who retired as a Wilson County Sheriff's Office deputy in 2017.

I spent a lot of years defending and enforcing the law, and its highly offensive to me someone would violate my individual rights the way these people have, Justice said of the lawsuit.

Justice was hired by former Millersville police chief Melvin Brown and worked with the department for about four months, before Taylor and Morris were hired in early 2024, he confirmed.

Millersville is a city of about 6,200 people, about 16 miles north of Nashville.

More: Controversial Tennessee police leader retires, joins long list of departed in this town

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This isn't the first lawsuit triggered by the sex sting.

A federal lawsuit was filed in January by Millersville police captain Todd Dorris and detective Michael Candler against Kim Kelley and Phillip Drake, both representatives from private companies who were aiding the investigation, which was carried out between May 17-20, 2024, resulting in one person's arrest.

Rose argues in his lawsuit that Taylor's actions during the operation led to a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe.

Taylor and the city came under fire in September after TBI agents raided the police department and Taylor's Robertson County home.

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Morris said the TBI took laptops and case files as part of the departmental raid.

Taylor said in a recording posted on social media Sept. 9 that TBI agents peed in his bathtub and tracked it through his house while conducting their search.

TBI refuted the claim, saying there was a dog in the home's bathroom and it had urinated. Agents took the dog outside so it could finish relieving itself, the agency noted.

Taylor resigned in late 2024 amid the TBI investigation. Morris has since resigned as police chief.

In the lawsuit, Rose argues Morris had full knowledge of Taylor's operation and violated Justice's Fourth Amendment rights, specifically against unreasonable search and seizure.

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After Justice left the department, he said his former commanding officer Trey Burroughs, a detective with the Millersville Police Department, told Justice he saw Taylor with a red binder with Justice's name on it along with other private citizens like former Millersville commissioner Cristina Templet, all believed to be enemies of Taylor and Morris.

There was no legal basis for Millersville police to investigate Justice, who was a private citizen at the time, Rose said.

Several months later, the TBI confirmed to Justice that someone at the Millersville Police Department had performed illegal searches on Justice, which included the Federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Rose said in the lawsuit.

The paperwork also says Taylor and Morris conducted unauthorized searched against U.S. Senators, District Attorney's General and sitting state circuit court judges.

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In response to these searches, TBI restricted Millersville's access to the Federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network database.

Rose argues in the lawsuit that Millersville was negligent in hiring Taylor and Morris.

Taylor is described by Rose in the lawsuit as a "gypsy cop" and "conspiracy theorist" who became obsessed with investigating and prosecuting purported child pedophilia rings originating with the debunked "Pizzagate" hoax that asserted Hillary Clinton and other high-ranking Democrats were involved in a child sex trafficking ring operating out of a pizza restaurant in Washington.

Rose also notes in the lawsuit that Taylor and Morris are unfit to perform any job in law enforcement.

This story was updated to include new information.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee town, ex-police chief, assistant under fire after sex sting
The post Former Possessed Guitarist Brian Montana Killed in Armed Standoff with Police appeared first on Consequence.

Brian Montana, an early guitarist for long-standing death metal band Possessed, was killed in an armed standoff with police in San Francisco on Monday (April 28th).

According to the San Mateo Daily Journal, the incident started when 60-year-old Montana got into an argument with his neighbor over a tree that had branches and leaves spilling into his own backyard. Montana apparently began shooting firearms during the dispute.

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When officers arrived at the scene, Montana allegedly began firing at the cops, who returned fire and killed the metal musician. According to authorities, alcohol played a part in Montanas actions.

On the shooters side, there was some alcohol involved, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe stated. His death is a tragedy, but its fortunate that nobody else wasnt hit or injured more seriously.

A press release from the South San Francisco Police Department reads as follows:

This investigation is still active. Information could change as the investigation continues.

South San Francisco Police Department in conjunction with the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 28, 2025 at about 5:52 pm. at a home on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive. South San Francisco Police Department received a 911 call regarding an active disturbance where a suspect was brandishing a firearm at a neighbor on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive. Officers began arriving on scene at 5:55 pm and immediately requested additional units because the suspect with the firearm was now actively shooting into an occupied residence. The suspect then re-positioned himself into a driveway of that neighboring residence and concealed his location behind parked vehicles while still armed.

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Over the next 25 minutes, the suspect armed himself with three different types of firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) and fired at officers from different locations within the driveway while seeking cover and concealment using both vehicles in the driveway and landscaping. Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barage of gunfire and were able to return fire. Officers were able to strike the suspect, effectively preventing him from continued shooting at officers and nearby residences. Once the suspect was confirmed he was no longer a threat to officers, an approach to take him into custody was made and he was found to be non-responsive. Life saving measures were performed and medical personnel were called to the scene. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

One resident from the home that the suspect was shooting at sustained a non-life threatening injury and was transported to a local trauma hospital. Nearby residences were also checked and officers confirmed no one else was injured. No officers were injured during this critical incident.

We are able to confirm there are two officers who fired their weapons. Both officers have been placed

on paid administrative leave, as is customary in Officer Involved Shooting protocols. In the coming weeks, we intend to release additional information, including audio and video recordings. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is encouraged to contact the South San Francisco Police Department.

Montana was a member of Possessed from 1983 to 1984. While he didnt perform on any studio albums, his playing can be heard on the bands 1984 demo Death Metal. After exiting Possessed, Montana became a member of the short-lived band Abnormal, appearing on their lone demo, Demon-Stration.

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Possessed acknowledged Montanas death in a social media post, writing, Rest in Peace, Brian Montana, alongside a photo of the guitarist on the bands Facebook stories. A screengrab of that post, along with a couple of TV news reports, can be seen below.

Possessed FB story

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George Santos is bracing for prison and warning the Bureau of Prisons in advance.

Ahead of serving his over seven-year sentence, the former congressman claims that any harm done to him behind bars would spark serious repercussions. His bold statement came shortly after his sentencing in a Long Island courtroom, where he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.

George Santos, who won a seat in New York's 3rd district in 2022, was expelled from Congress less than a year into his term following a string of scandals and criminal charges.

Former Rep. George Santos Wants His Protection In Prison Guaranteed

Rod Lamkey / CNP/ MEGA

The 36-year-old sentenced to over seven years for wire fraud and identity theft is expected to report to prison on July 25. Ahead of his incarceration, Santos admitted he is afraid of what could happen behind bars.

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Santos expressed serious concern for his safety, saying the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) would have a serious problem on its hands if he were harmed in any way.

TMZ reports that he claimed that if he is physically or sexually assaulted in custody, the fallout would be significant, suggesting his legal team would go public immediately.

"We know in theory the BOP is for the well-being of inmates, but we know in practice a lot of sh-t happens to inmates. I don't want to be a BOP statistic," he explained.

The Disgraced Congressman Hopes For Protective Custody

Annabelle Gordon - CNP / MEGA

With just weeks left before he reports to federal prison, Santos is not staying quiet and is doing everything he can to avoid a worst-case scenario behind bars.

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The former politician states that he has requested protective custody through his legal team while also pushing for a possible pardon, clemency, or sentence reduction.

Santos admitted to feeling anxious and mentally scattered as his surrender date approaches. He claims he is avoiding self-defense training, saying he is a nonviolent person and has no interest in learning to fight his way through prison.

Santos says he is keeping a low profile and spending time with family while he still can. With fears mounting about what prison might hold, Santos admits to being "all over the place" mentally.

Inside The Former Customer Service Representative's Prison Sentence

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Santos was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison last week after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft in a Long Island courtroom.

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The Blast reported that he admitted to using a campaign donor's credit card in 2022 to make unauthorized purchases. His guilty plea came after months of denying wrongdoing and calling the case a witch hunt.

The judge handed down an 87-month sentence well above the two-year minimum he faced, signaling a tougher stance on the ex-lawmaker's crimes.

Santos was also ordered to pay over $370,000 in restitution and give up additional assets, pushing the total financial cost to $580,000.

The Brazilian Native Requested Solitary Confinement, Citing Safety Fears

Rod Lamkey - CNP / MEGA

Santos wants to serve his time in solitary confinement, claiming his safety would be in danger in the general population following his 87-month prison sentence. On the eve of his sentencing, Santos voiced his fears that his past political stance against gang violence could put a target on his back behind bars.

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Santos said he planned to request isolation for his protection formally. While it is unclear whether prison officials will grant the request, reactions to his sentencing spread quickly online, and many were not sympathetic.

Critics flooded X with harsh comments, mocking his fall from grace. One joked, "That will complete his 2 terms," while another suggested, "He'll be dropping the [soap emoji] a lot"

Some brought up his previous scandals, with one user writing, "Shouldn't have stolen puppies from the Amish if he wanted any public sympathy."

George Santos Faced FBI Heat After Allegedly Scamming Disabled Veteran Over Dying Dog

Rod Lamkey - CNP / MEGA

Santos' legal troubles deepened in 2023 when the FBI and Justice Department hit the disgraced former congressman with a long list of federal charges.

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The ex-lawmaker reportedly faced accusations ranging from credit card fraud and falsifying credentials to misusing campaign funds. But one of the most shocking allegations came from a disabled Iraq War veteran who claimed Santos stole money raised for his dying service dog.

Veteran Richard Osthoff said the incident happened in 2016 while he was homeless and living in a tent on the side of a New Jersey highway with his dog, Sapphire. After Sapphire was diagnosed with a stomach tumor, Osthoff struggled to cover the $3,000 needed for her surgery.

That is when he claimed Santos, going by the alias Anthony Devolder, stepped in under the guise of helping. But instead of following through, Osthoff claimed the money disappeared, and Sapphire eventually died.

Will George Santos get his solitary confinement?
By John Revill

ZURICH (Reuters) -Logitech International will mitigate the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policy by shifting some production of its computer mice and other peripherals away from China.

Chief Executive Hanneke Faber said she would take an active approach to handling trade barriers, an issue of particular concern for Logitech, which produces all of its products outside the United States, though the country is its biggest market with 35% of sales.

"We are going to play offence while exercising strong cost discipline and acting with agility," Faber told analysts after the webcam and keyboards maker reported fourth-quarter earnings slightly below estimates.

The Swiss-American company presently makes roughly 40% of its products sold in the United States in China, creating a difficult situation after Washington imposed import duties of 145% on goods from Beijing.

Logitech now wants to reduce the share of China-made products shipped to the U.S. to 10%, by switching more of its production to Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and Mexico, where it has arrangements with contract manufacturers.

"We're in the fortunate position that we have invested in a really diversified manufacturing footprint," Faber said. "So while I won't say it's easy to shift volume, our team is doing a fantastic job at shifting volume fast to mitigate tariff impacts."

Other moves included raising prices in the United States by around 10% to compensate for tariffs, while the company would also remain focused on the rest of the world where it gets 65% of its sales.

In addition costs would be reduced, for example by delaying hiring, and cutting back on spending on travel and other expenses

The plan was unveiled as Logitech reported non-GAAP operating profit fell 16% to $133 million in the quarter ended March, missing analysts' estimate of $134 million.

Quarterly sales were flat at $1.01 billion, below estimates of $1.03 billion, the consensus of analysts compiled by Visible Alpha.

Bank Vontobel analyst Michael Foeth was encouraged by Logitech's plan, while the stock was trading 1.5% higher in early trading in Zurich.

"From a position of competitive and financial strength and with a highly agile production set-up, the company has a convincing track record to compete successfully in difficult times," Foeth said.

(Reporting by John Revill, Janaki Venugopalan and Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Christian Schmollinger)
South Koreas top court has cast doubt on frontrunner Lee Jae-myungs eligibility to run in next months snap presidential election, while the resignations of the prime minister and finance minister shook the interim government in place since Decembers martial law.

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho took over as acting president, the third since the martial law decree, in advance of the June 3 snap election. The vote was called after the Constitutional Court removed former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office over his brief martial law attempt.

That race was rocked by a Supreme Court ruling that could threaten the candidacy of former opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung, who has dominated opinion polls.

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The Supreme Court overturned an earlier ruling that had cleared Lee, saying he had violated election law by publicly making false statements during his 2022 presidential bid. It sent the case back to the appeals court and ordered it to issue a sentence, which could bar Lee from running for office for up to five years.

South Korea has been led by a rotating cast of acting presidents since Yoon was impeached on December 14, hampering efforts to steer Asias fourth-largest economy through the choppy waters of US tariffs.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has been serving as acting president, announced on Thursday he would resign before an expected entry into the presidential race.

But the person who was set to replace him as acting leader, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, then abruptly resigned as well, when parliament restarted impeachment proceedings against him for decisions he made when previously serving as acting president.

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Choi, who has played a leading role in the response to US tariffs, apologised in a statement for not being able to continue his work while the country faces severe economic conditions at home and abroad.

Education Minister Lee, the next in line by law to serve as the countrys acting president, took the helm late on Thursday.

Lee, 64, is an economist and professor and was named education minister in November 2022 by Yoon. He also served as education minister under a previous conservative administration.

Former president indicted

Earlier, South Korean prosecutors indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol for abuse of authority without arrest, the countrys news agency Yonhap said.

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The indictment adds further legal jeopardy for Yoon, who is already facing an ongoing trial on insurrection charges, brought against him over his brief imposition of martial law last December.

Armed soldiers were deployed to parliament under the decree, but the order lasted only about six hours as it was swiftly voted down by opposition MPs, who scaled fences to enter the building. Parliamentarians later impeached Yoon over the martial law declaration.

Yoon, 64, was stripped of all power and privileges in April by the Constitutional Court, which upheld the impeachment motion. He was soon forced to move out of the presidential residence.

Prosecutors first indicted him in January, when he was still president, as the ringleader of an insurrection, a charge not covered by presidential immunity.

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We have since proceeded with the [insurrection] trial while conducting supplementary investigations into the abuse of power allegation, leading to this additional indictment, prosecutors said in a statement on Thursday.

The new charge also comes a day after investigators raided Yoons private residence in Seoul as part of a probe into bribery allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee, and a shaman accused of receiving lavish gifts on behalf of the former first lady.

If convicted of the insurrection charge, Yoon could be sentenced to life in prison or death, although South Korea has had an unofficial moratorium on executions since 1997.

Yoon was the second South Korean president to be removed from office, and the third to be impeached by parliament.




BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A former St. Helena Parish Sheriffs Office deputy was fired and arrested after being accused of bringing drugs into the St. Helena Parish Jail.

According to deputies, Gregory Goods, 56, worked as a jailer at the parish jail since April 2024. Investigators discovered he was bringing contraband, including cigarettes, drugs and cell phone cards, into the facility.

He was arrested and booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center as a fugitive from St. Helena. He was transported to St. Helena and booked on charges of malfeasance in office, five counts of contraband taking to and from penal institution, and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I drug.

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The sheriffs office said more charges against Goods are possible.

This is an ongoing investigation.

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A former Georgia state Representative has been found dead inside a hotel room.

Ben Harbin was pronounced dead at a Fairfield Inn in Augusta on Wednesday evening just after 7 p.m., WJBF-TV reported.

Harbin was first elected to the Georgia House in 1994 and served as the House Appropriations Committee chairman until being replaced by the late House Speaker David Ralston.

He resigned his seat in July 2015.

Please read my statement on the passing of former Representative Ben Harbin: pic.twitter.com/E1vducrj6P  Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) May 1, 2025

In a statement on X, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Harbins service to the state of Georgia:

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Our entire family is mourning the passing of former state representative and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Ben Harbin.

A dedicated public servant, he helped to balance out state budgets and maintain our AAA bond rating during the most difficult financial time in modern history - the Great Recession.

We are praying for his family and loved ones in the days and weeks ahead during this time of grieving.

The Richmond County coroner confirmed to WJBF that Harbins death is not being considered suspicious.

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Cynthia Sherwood, attorney for defendant Cade Cothren, both pictured, grilled one of Cothren's co-conspirators Wednesday in Cothren's trial for corruption charges. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

The federal governments chief witness in Tennessees political corruption trial sparred Wednesday with a defense attorney, repeatedly saying she had to lie and conceal the identity of the person running a shadowy company that handled constituent mailers for lawmakers in early 2020.

Under questioning from Cynthia Sherwood, the attorney for defendant Cade Cothren, a former staffer who secretly ran New Mexico-based Phoenix Solutions, former Rep. Robin Smith said she testified in error previously when she said she was unaware of committing a crime when they were running the secret company.

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Yet she also said at one point, I was very well aware of lying and doubling down and concealing the roles of Cothren and former House Speaker Glen Casada in the business scheme. Smith also said she pressured the states director of legislative administration to expedite payments to the company when they hit a delay.

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada arrives at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse in Nashville on April 30, 2025. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Photograph by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout 2025

Smith, who resigned from her legislative seat and signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, is charged with one count of honest services fraud in connection with a fraud and kickback scheme she allegedly ran with former House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff, Cothren. According to testimony, they had to conceal Cothrens role in running Phoenix Solutions after he resigned the post amid a racist and sexist texting scandal in April 2019. Casada stepped down from the House speakers post in August because of a no-confidence vote by the House Republican Caucus.

Casada and Cothren, in contrast, face 20 charges ranging from theft to fraud and honest services fraud.

Asked by Sherwood if she understood the elements of honest services fraud, Smith responded it meant she told numerous lies to keep the invalid vendor in operation. The trio grossed nearly $52,000 from work on Republican lawmakers constituent mailers, which are paid for through the states postage and printing program.

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Apparently put off by Smiths continual expounding on answers, Sherwood said, A lots on the line for you today.

Smith responded, Theres a lot on the line for everybody.

Sherwood then reminded her the jury already heard that Cothren hid his identity.

Under questioning, Smith also said she talked with her attorney, Ben Rose, since taking the stand Monday and had met with U.S. attorneys at least six times since her home and office were raided in January 2021.

Stunned, said former state Rep. Robin Smith, pictured with her attorney, Ben Rose, of her reaction when FBI agents raided her home in January 2021. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Sherwood asked her to describe the discussions she had with Rose, eliciting laughter from the courtroom. U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson advised Smith that attorney-client talk is private, yet she still tried to give explanations to yes-or-no questions.

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Sherwood told the judge she might request later that Smith waive her attorney-client privilege because of her answers.

Smith described the morning FBI agents came to her home in early 2021, saying she went to the door in her sweat pants while holding back her dog. She said she chatted with them until they gave her the chance to call her attorney. She said she left a message and resumed the conversation until her attorney told her not to talk anymore.

Smith said she welcomed the FBI into her home but tried to withhold as much as a talkative person like myself can. Early in Wednesdays testimony in U.S. District Court in Nashville, Sherwood displayed several mail pieces produced by Phoenix Solutions and asked Smith if she thought the work was good. She agreed it was.

Smith said when federal agents came to her home on Jan. 8, 2021, she was stunned and wasnt certain what was happening.

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ST. LOUIS  The former police chief of the Velda City Police Department, who also served as the citys administrator, is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands in city funds through a series of fraudulent transactions.

Daniel Paulino, 51, has been charged with three counts of wire fraud, according to a federal indictment returned Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that Paulino was appointed to the city administrator position in 2021 and also served as police chief until the department was dissolved in 2024, following the resignation of the entire Velda City police force.

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Blues beat Jets 5-2 in Game 6 to force Game 7; Hellebuyck rattled again

The indictment alleges that Paulino made more than 800 charges for personal expenses with the citys credit card, totaling around $145,000. Investigators say he also transferred around $44,000 to his business, R&B Towing, and his spouses business, Renovations-STL, with the citys credit card.

In total, Paulino is accused of misappropriating $313,420 in city funds. Various funds were used for personal expenses such as travel, automobiles, pool supplies, utilities at his personal home, according to the indictment.

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The indictment further alleges that Paulino transferred around $59,000 from his personal or business bank accounts to Velda Citys bank account and credit cards to conceal crimes. Investigators say such transactions were made without knowledge or authorization of the city, its mayor, treasurer or Board of Aldermen.

The FBI has assisted with this investigation. The next court date in the case has not yet been set.

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.
DENVER (KDVR)  FBI Denver special agents arrested a Fort Carson staff sergeant in the U.S. Army on Wednesday night on charges related to cocaine distribution.

Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, a 28-year-old Fort Carson staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, faces federal charges. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado on Thursday said he was charged by complaint with one count each of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

An arrest affidavit obtained by FOX31 on Thursday afternoon showed that he was also suspected of trafficking firearms, including those with high-capacity magazines, to undocumented immigrants. However, a charge for that has not been filed.

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The attorneys office said Orona-Rodriguez was one of approximately 17 active-duty U.S. Army service members present at a Colorado Springs underground nightclub at the center of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration operation earlier this week. Of the 17 soldiers who were at the venue at the time of the raid, 16 were patrons and one was working there in a security role, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public.

Orona-Rodriguez appears to hold a leadership role in a business called Immortal Security LLC, which provides armed security at nightclubs  including an afterhours, unlawful nightclub called Warike  within Colorado Springs, Colorado, a U.S. attorneys office release stated. On numerous occasions, the Colorado Springs Police Department received 911 calls related to Warike citing a wide variety of alleged crimes, including weapons violations, assault, narcotics, and other violent crime.

Orona-Rodriguez  a Staff Sergeant in the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the 4th Infantry Division  appeared briefly in federal court in Denver Thursday afternoon.

Rodriguez received more than a dozen Army awards during his almost nine years in service, including an Army Commendation Medal with combat device, which is earned during a deployment where the soldier was performing meritoriously under the most arduous combat conditions, according to Army descriptions of the award.

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At the request of a federal prosecutor, Orona-Rodriguez will continue to be held until a hearing to discuss his detention on Tuesday. His lawyer, Josh Lilley, did not address the allegations against him during the hearing.

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According to an arrest affidavit, Orona-Rodriguez had received counseling from his commanding officer in March 2025 related to his role with Immortal Security. The affidavit says Orona-Rodriguez was told at that time that Immortal Security Operation LLC is off limits to members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, he was told, according to the affidavit, you are prohibited in engaging in off-duty employment without the approval of the Battalion Commander IAW 4ID

The attorneys office said Orona-Rodriguez sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent in April. After obtaining a search warrant for Orona-Rodriguezs phone, the investigation found text messages dating back to September 2024, which appeared to show him purchasing and selling cocaine.

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According to an arrest affidavit, agents executed the search warrant on April 10. The court document outlines conversations allegedly discussing drug sales dating back several months.

The same document describes how FBI and DEA agents conducted a controlled purchase from Orona-Rodriguez on April 21 and 22 near the military members home in Colorado Springs. The substance that was purchased tested presumptively positive for the presence of cocaine and was submitted to a DEA laboratory for testing.

Affidavit describes sergeant selling firearms

The affidavit says that throughout September 2024, Orona-Rodriguez was texting with an undocumented immigrant about the sale of firearms.

The affidavit says the investigators believed the payment for the purchase was made partially of cocaine and partially of cash. The affidavit also includes a photo of a Glock handgun with a high-capacity magazine that was allegedly texted by Orona-Rodriguez to the immigrant on Sept. 6.

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There was also a photo message sent from his phone on Sept. 7, 2024, according to the affidavit, showing a separate gun. The text thread allegedly described payment of about $500 for the weapon.

Multiple investigations underway by multiple organizations

The DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and officials at Fort Carson helped FBI Denver with the investigation and the arrest. Meanwhile, the investigation is being conducted by the Denver FBI and the DEAs Colorado Springs Resident Office.

We are aware the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Army CID, took a Fort Carson Soldier into custody. We will continue to cooperate with all agencies involved, a Fort Carson official told FOX31.

Both the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division separately told FOX31 that they are aware of the situation and are conducting a joint investigation with the FBI. The FBI is leading an ongoing investigation and more information cant be provided at this time.

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This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, the attoneys office said.

The Associated Press and FOX31s Jacob Factor contributed to this story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A Fort Lauderdale senior home under fire for removing all of its residents to convert into luxury apartments is now accused of fabricating evidence in a Broward County court case about the controversial evictions.

Oasis Living Quarters said in an emergency motion last week that it provided residents with a written notice in January informing them that they would have 45 days to leave, well before they were forced out in March. The motion included a copy of the alleged notice as evidence, along with an affidavit from an employee saying she knocked on residents doors and personally handed it to them.

But the attorney representing one of Oasis residents said in a motion Tuesday that such a notice not only never existed but was created after the fact solely to defraud the court, pointing to affidavits from several residents and family members, a state inspection report, and video footage of the chaotic March meeting where residents said Oasis administrator first informed them they would have to leave.

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Oasis allegations and attached exhibits must be viewed as an attempt willfully and knowingly to defraud the court with fabricated evidence, wrote David Comras, the attorney who filed the original suit on behalf of his aunt, Rema Comras, who was a bedridden resident at Oasis.

Comras died on April 21, shortly after her family moved her out of the facility.

The document listed as defendants exhibit A is entirely fraudulent and its creation was meant solely to defraud the court, David Comras motion continued. At no time did any of the residents EVER receive such letter advising them that they had to vacate the premises.

Comras is now seeking sanctions against the facility for the alleged fraud.

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The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported earlier this week that Oasis is connected to a family of notorious New York landlords. Jay Podolsky, a convicted felon, and his son, Lee, began operating the facility in 2022 and regularly visited the premises. Over the last three years, conditions deteriorated such that many residents left of their own accord.

Last May, the facility, operating under the Podolskys and overseen by administrator Steven Gottlieb, forced all of the residents to move from the independent living side into assisted living with only a few days notice, telling them it was for renovations. That building is now Waterview luxury apartments.

Oasis was recently issued a stop-work order over doing construction without a permit. The apartment company also never registered as a business with the city of Fort Lauderdale, according to city officials. City spokeswoman Christine Portela told the Sun Sentinel on Wednesday that the owners representative had requested to meet with the building inspector to discuss next steps to bring the property into compliance.

Footage depicts tense meeting

On March 5, Gottlieb stood before a podium and announced to residents they would have to leave for upgrades before introducing them to representatives from three other senior facilities, according to several attendees, a Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration report, and video footage recorded by a meeting attendee and recently obtained by the Sun Sentinel.

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Gottlieb later told the AHCA inspector that he was not in a meeting, where Residents were told they had to leave, nor was he at the facility when other facility representatives were there doing a presentation, according to the report.

Residents and employees told the Sun Sentinel and the inspector that the March meeting was the first time anyone had heard about their removal and that they had not received anything in writing, over a month after the Jan. 30 date on which Oasis is now alleging it provided the notice.

Several times in the March meeting, Gottlieb avoided telling residents they would be permanently removed at all, according to the footage. Asked several times for written notice, he repeatedly said that Oasis lawyers were working on it. He spent much of the meeting praising Oasis for offering residents three other facilities from which to choose.

Management has decided theyre going to continue to do upgrades, Gottlieb told residents, according to video footage of the meeting. But that being said, they expect it to take 90 to 120 days. So, we were commissioned to speak to different communities that will be able to accept you guys as their long-term residents.

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AHCA later cited Oasis for not giving residents 45 days notice and for not helping them find a new home in a manner that did not violate their freedom of choice. One employee of a nearby senior living facility told the inspector that Gottlieb had informed them they would have to agree to pay Oasis a fee for every patient they got from their facility, according to the report. He said such practice damages their industry, and he wanted nothing to do with it.

According to video taken at the March meeting, Gottlieb was repeatedly questioned by residents about the details of their forced removal and when or if they could come back.

He reassured them that their upcoming expulsions would not be as abrupt as in May 2024, when residents said they were forced out of the building that is now Waterview apartments with a few days notice.

Today is unlike May 6th. For May 6th, we said thank you very much and moved you all to the other side and it happened instantaneously, he said, according to the footage. This will not happen at the same degree. This will take considerably more time as were not looking to rush anyone out the door tomorrow.

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So, why dont you just say youre shutting down the place? asked a woman in the audience at the meeting.

Thats incorrect, Gottlieb replied. Were not shutting down the place. Were remodeling the entire community.

Is this in writing anywhere where we can actually read it, understand it? another man asked.

Those lawyers are currently crafting a letter that will be posted, Gottlieb said. But understand this, were not leaving you guys without a great option  You guys will actually be benefiting from this.

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So are you going to close assisted living and memory care? Its yes or no. We dont care when. We want to know if you are closing, the woman said.

The answer is the building will be emptied out, Gottlieb began, As such  

Theyre closing! the woman interjected.

Were not closing, Gottlieb said. Thats incorrect.

Meeting attendees also repeatedly pressed Gottlieb about when residents would be required to leave.

We are not forcing you out, he said. We are not saying this is the last day; were saying that weve created this relationship with these communities. If you want to move there sooner, great, if you want to move there in a reasonable period of time, thats also great.

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Define a reasonable period of time, another attendee said.

Finally, after further pressure, Gottlieb said, expectations are the end of March to the very beginning of April, or about 30 days from the date of the meeting.

Your presentation lacks a lot of empathy, a man said.

Trust me, its not a lack of empathy, Gottlieb said later. If I had a lack of empathy, I wouldnt have had these relationships here today.

A fraudulent document

A Broward judge issued a temporary injunction halting the removal of Oasis residents following a hearing on April 2, saying it was to prevent abuse of the at-risk population of Oasis Living Quarters. Attorneys for Oasis did not attend the hearing.

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In the emergency motion filed last week, Oasis attorney, Kevin Fabrikant, argued that Oasis was going through a significant remodeling effort and gave residents notice multiple times, beginning with the Jan. 30 notice as well as two notices of town hall meetings. He concluded that the court must vacate the injunction entirely, saying that the series of events leading up to it shocks the conscience.

A judge denied Fabrikants original motion last week because he had not conferred with Comras beforehand. Fabrikant re-filed the motion on Tuesday.

Fabrikant also filed sworn affidavits last week from three employees. In one, Oasis floor manager said that on Jan. 30 she knocked on each residents door, handed them the notice and explained what it was about, as well as taped the notices on each door, in elevators and common areas. She also said that she knocked on Rema Comras door and handed her nurse a notice.

In another affidavit, Oasis head nurse said that she had seen the 45 days notices taped to residents doors and in common areas.

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The floor manager also said that she attended both town hall meetings. Fabrikants motion had also said Oasis held two meetings, one in February and one in March. According to Comras and seven affidavits from residents and family members attached to his motion, Oasis canceled the February meeting and had only one town hall meeting in March.

Comras motion called the affidavits on behalf of Oasis a sham and referenced footage from the meeting, questioning why residents would be so surprised about their impending displacement if they had all received notice in January. He described the January notice as a fraudulent document which presumably did not exist at the time this injunctive relief was requested.

All seven residents and family members stated in their affidavits that they had never seen any such notice, with several adding that the series of actions taken by Oasis had negatively affected their general health and caused them mental distress.

Gottlieb himself did not mention such a 45 days notice when an AHCA inspector asked him to in March, according to the report, which the motion also cites, instead providing a Feb. 7 letter about dining room improvements.

We are pleased to announce that we will be making improvements to the facilities dining room, the kitchen area and corridors to enhance your overall experience, the letter reads.

David Comras told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Wednesday that he had conferred with Fabrikant this week but they did not reach an agreement. Comras had been willing to agree to dissolve the injunction against Oasis, given that his aunt had since died and all of the residents except one had moved out, but he was not willing to vacate it.

We felt it would basically say, mea culpa, we filed it wrongfully, well agree to vacate it as though it never happened, Comras said, which is something I just dont morally agree with.

Fabrikant did not return calls or emails Wednesday afternoon. He has not yet filed a response to Comras motion for sanctions.

Fabrikants motion had also argued that Rema Comras voluntarily removed herself. In his Tuesday motion, Comras denied this, saying he held Oasis responsible for her death.

Rema Comras did not want to vacate the facility at any time, did not want to move in her medical conditions, and did not want to endure the worry and anxiety of having to move at the behest of defendants improper actions and failure to provide adequate notice and time, he wrote. As a matter of fact, the undersigned as well as other family members of Rema Comras firmly believe that her passing was directly related to defendants callous actions.
Editors Note: This story contains graphic content.

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Fort Smith doctor has pled not guilty to multiple charges including rape and video voyeurism, according to court documents.

Ladaryl Lankford, 46 (Courtesy: Sebastian County Detention Center)

Ladaryl M. Lankford, 46, was arrested by the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) on April 29 on charges of rape, sexual assault in the second degree, possession or use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), introduction of a controlled substance into the body of another and video voyeurism.

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A public defender was appointed for Lankford, according to court documents. Lankford continues to be held in the Sebastian County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

Case background

FSPD said the investigation began March 30 after a victim came forward, reporting offenses that allegedly occurred between January 1, 2016, and March 30, 2025.

A release from FSPD said multiple victims have been identified during its month-long investigation, including a juvenile known to Lankford.

A heavily redacted affidavit states the victim told police on March 30 that Lankford touched them while they slept, waking them up. FSPD began its investigation that same day.

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Registered sex offender, former school teacher facing parole violation charges in Arkansas after 2016 child porn-related conviction

The victim said Lankford had secretly installed cameras in their bedroom and bathroom, recording them showering and changing over several years, according to the affidavit. Investigators found videos dating back to 2016 and showed one to the victim, who confirmed it was them changing in the bedroom.

Investigators found in the videos that Lankford had stood over the alleged victim sexually assaulting and raping them after they were asleep/drugged, according to the affidavit.

Lankford allegedly exchanged pills in the victims pill bottles with others that looked identical. Triazolam was reportedly found at Lankfords home, which is a controlled substance used to induce sleep.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Democrat Helena Foulkes has outraised Gov. Dan McKee in the latest fundraising quarter as she gears up for an all-but-announced bid for governor next year.

Foulkes raised $609,000 in the first three months of 2025, according to her report with the Board of Elections (BOE).

Its incredible to see the outpouring of financial support and the energy and enthusiasm around Helena, Foulkes spokesperson Jon Romano said. As she travels the state meeting people at coffee shops, kitchen tables, community gatherings and fundraisers, its clear that Rhode Islanders know the potential our state has and that we can get our state back on track and working again.

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McKees BOE report said the governor raised $256,000, which is less than half of what Foulkes took in.

The McKee campaign is pleased and grateful for donor support in the first quarter, McKee campaign spokesperson Mike Trainor said. These results keep us on plan to have the necessary funds to run a successful reelection campaign next year.

The sizable gap between the two were also mirrored in their cash on hand, with Foulkes having $1.56 million in her account and McKee having $748,000.

Foulkes, who nearly defeated McKee for the Democratic nomination in 2022, also outraised him during last years first quarter. McKee snagged the financial edge back in the period of April 1 through June 30, and then Foulkes regained that advantage the following quarter.

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READ MORE: Foulkes raises nearly 3 times more than McKee as both eye 2026 race for governor

Since its a new calendar year, both Foulkes and McKee were able to get the maximum contribution  now $2,000 after a new state law took effect last year  from people who already donated that much in 2024. Foulkes had 195 maximum contributions from individuals during this quarter, and McKee had 46.

No polling has been done yet for next years gubernatorial contest, but a recent survey by Morning Consult showed McKees approval rating sitting at 43%, matching President Donald Trumps number in Rhode Island.

ALSO READ: Poll: McKee and Trump approval ratings match in Rhode Island

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Last month, McKee confirmed hell be seeking another term by releasing a campaign kickoff video, an effort to tamp down speculation that he might retire instead. Other names seen as potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates are Attorney General Peter Neronha, who is term-limited, and House Speaker Joe Shekarchi.

Neronha hasnt held back on his criticisms of McKee and has suggested Foulkes would be a strong candidate. He raised $9,600 and has $122,000 on hand, according to his BOE report.

Shekarchis BOE report showed he raised $287,000. His account, which now has $3.4 million, also collected an additional $30,000 in interest.

NEXT: Matos almost quit everything amid signature scandal that derailed congressional bid

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Four men were arrested on Wednesday following a Springfield Police Anti-John undercover operation at an area Springfield Hotel.

Three Massachusetts men arrested after police pursuit in South Windsor

An Anti-John operation is done to deter prostitution and the related drug activity that is associated with it. The undercover prostitution operation was held due to neighborhood complaints and quality of life issues near an area Springfield Hotel.

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During the operation on Wednesday, law enforcement officers posed online as a juvenile escort so individuals would offer money or something of value in return for a sexual act(s) inside a designated hotel room.

From 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the following four Johns came to the hotel room and were subsequently placed under arrest for charges in connection with underage prostitution.

Dany Mazariegos (Springfield Police Department) Joseph Stephens (Springfield Police Department) Yaroslav Dzyubenko (Springfield Police Department) John Colburn (Springfield Police Department)

44-year-old Joseph Stephens of Holyoke is charged with:

Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child under 18

Entice a Child under 16

Attempt to Commit a Crime (Rape of a Child)

21-year-old Dany Mazariegos of Turners Falls is charged with:

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Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child under 18

Entice a Child under 16

Attempt to Commit a Crime (Rape of a Child)

32-year-old Yaroslav Dzyubenko of Agawam is charged with:

Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child under 18

Entice a Child under 16

Attempt to Commit a Crime (Rape of a Child)

31-year-old John Colburn of Agawam is charged with:

Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child under 18

Entice a Child under 16

Attempt to Commit a Crime (Rape of a Child)

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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LONDON  The buzzy British retailer End. has tapped fashion management veteran Sebastian Suhl as chief executive officer.

Suhl will join the company this summer as it embarks on a new chapter focused on sustainable growth and continued innovation in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

More from WWD

As part of the transition, the current CEO Parker Gundersen has stepped down from the role with immediate effect. Chief financial officer Karen Dracou will serve as interim CEO until Suhl arrives.

Company chairman Martin Brok said, Suhl brings exceptional leadership, a strong strategic vision, and a deep understanding of our industry. We would also like to sincerely thank Parker for his contributions and leadership during his tenure, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Suhl served as CEO of Trussardi from 2020 until 2023, when he left the Italian brand amid a company shakeup. He was previously managing director of global markets at Valentino, and before that, he served as CEO of Marc Jacobs International. Suhl has also worked at Givenchy and Prada Group.

Last October End. was acquired by private equity firm Apollo Global Management from The Carlyle Group. End. founders Christiaan Ashworth and John Parker, who launched with one store in Newcastle, England, in 2005, have since stepped back from the business.

There are now concept stores in London, Milan, Manchester and Glasgow. In London and Milan, there are often long lines snaking outside the stores, especially when limited-edition collaborations are being dropped.

In an interview last December, Gundersen said that under the new ownership, the retailer was looking to declutter and return to growth mode by embracing its roots in fashion curation.

End. is also looking to reinforce its long-standing relationship with core customers and brand partners and boost its visibility in the market.

The company is marking 20 years in business this year with a steady stream of events, collaborations, and exclusive releases aimed at embracing its existing community and attracting new customers.

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The foreign minister of Oman has announced that a fourth round of talks with the United States about Irans nuclear programme had been postponed.

Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi made the announcement on the social media platform X on Thursday, just days before the talks were expected to begin in Rome.

For logistical reasons we are rescheduling the US Iran meeting provisionally planned for Saturday May 3rd, he wrote. New dates will be announced when mutually agreed.

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Al-Busaidi had previously mediated three rounds of talks between Iran and the US. The first took place in Omans capital of Moscat on April 12, with a follow-up in Rome the following weekend. A third round of negotiations returned to Moscat on April 26, with the US touting progress towards a nuclear deal.

But tensions between the Iranian and US governments have been simmering beneath the near-weekly meetings.

The administration of President Donald Trump has said its aim is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, though Tehran has long denied armament as a goal. It frames its nuclear programme as a civilian energy project.

The Trump White House has hinted its goals may extend further, though, to the total dismantlement of Irans nuclear enrichment programme. In mid-April, US special envoy Steve Witkoff released a statement saying that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program as part of a final deal.

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Earlier on Thursday, before the postponement was announced, Iran accused the US of issuing contradictory behaviour and provocative statements about the nuclear negotiations.

And on Wednesday, the US made a series of aggressive moves as part of its maximum pressure campaign against Iran, heightening the already uneasy relations.

First, the US Department of State sanctioned seven entities involved in the trade of Iranian oil products, on the basis that the proceeds support its terrorist activities and proxies. Then, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered his own remarks, warning that Iranian support of the Houthis, a Yemen-based armed group, could result in US retaliation.

Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing, Hegseth wrote on social media on Wednesday.

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You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

Trump himself later chimed in with a social media message on Thursday, warning the international community to stop its purchases of Iranian oil products.

Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form, Trump wrote.





Despite the heated rhetoric, Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Thursdays postponement came at the request of Omans foreign minister. Iranian spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also emphasised that his country was committed to achieving a fair and lasting agreement with the US.

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Still, a senior official with the Iranian government told the Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity that the recent US actions were tied to the delay.

US sanctions on Iran during the nuclear talks are not helping the sides to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomacy, the official told Reuters. Depending on the US approach, the date of the next round of talks will be announced.

Other media reports, meanwhile, indicate that the US was not completely on board with the prospects of renewed talks in Rome this weekend.

An anonymous source told The Associated Press that the US had never confirmed its participation in this weekends anticipated talks, but that further negotiations were expected in the near future.

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Successive US administrations have sought to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. One recent effort culminated with a 2015 agreement called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The multilateral agreement, forged during the administration of US President Barack Obama, created a framework for Iran to receive relief from international sanctions, in exchange for reducing its uranium enrichment and submitting to inspections of its nuclear facilities.

But when Trump succeeded Obama as US president, he set into motion plans to withdraw the US from the JCPOA in 2018, causing the deal to crumble.

Instead, during his first term as president from 2017 to 2021, Trump pursued a campaign of maximum pressure against Iran, a strategy he has returned to since taking office a second time in January.





When Trump launched a new round of US attacks against the Houthis in March, he warned he held Iran responsible for Houthi strikes against ships in the Red Sea  and he hinted he would consider using force against that country as a result.

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Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire! Trump wrote on March 17.

More recently, the US president threatened military action could also be an outcome if a nuclear deal were not reached.

In an interview with Time Magazine, published on April 25, Trump addressed the pressure from the USs ally Israel to confront Iran militarily, saying he had not ruled it out.

Its possible well have to attack because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, Trump said at one point. Ultimately, I was going to leave that choice to them, but I said I would much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped.

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He later added, If we dont make a deal, Ill be leading the pack, seemingly referring to military intervention.

But the US president emphasised he was optimistic that the talks with Iran would pan out. He even expressed willingness to meet with Irans leadership personally.

I think that were going to make a deal with Iran. I think were going to make a deal with Iran, he said. Nobody else could do that.
In separate filings Wednesday, Fox Corporation and Smartmatic sought summary judgments in the voting systems companys $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against the conservative-leaning news network over claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

Foxs effort came after a New York appeals court rejected its bid to dismiss the suit in January. In court documents obtained and reviewed by TheWrap, its strategy in pursuing a summary judgment  which calls on Judge David Cohen to decide the case without a full trial  is highlighting the ways in which Smartmatic differs from the Dominion voting systems company. (By contrast, Fox News reached a $787 million settlement with Dominion over its election fraud claims in April 2023.)

Fox argues that unlike Dominion, Smartmatic at the time of the 2020 election was a failing business mired in controversy and scandal and its now looking for a litigation lottery ticket.

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Smartmatic, meanwhile, argued in its competing request for summary judgment that Fox News knew that the claims of election fraud it promoted after President Joe Bidens victory over President Donald Trump were false, but that they became standard practice across the network as an audience strategy to boost ratings. That strategy, it said, cost the company billions of dollars. It argued that a jury should decide the damages owed.

Fox made Smartmatic the central villain in their manufactured conspiracy, the filing said.

Co-defendants in Smartmartics 2023 defamation lawsuit against Fox Corporation also include on-air personalities Jeanine Pirro and Maria Bartiromo (pictured above), along with Debi Segura, the administrator of the late Lou Dobbs estate.

In its filing Wednesday, Fox argued that all of its hosts, including the named co-defendants, accurately reported the presidents claims while also providing their opinions on a fast-moving and evolving issue of national importance. Trump and his political allies to this day say the 2020 election was rigged against him; Fox argues that their on-air talent were simply reporting on that fact. Any additional opinions shared are protected under the First Amendment.

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Smartmatics lawsuit, Fox said, is intended to to chill speech and generate headlines.

Smartmatic has previously settled defamation lawsuits with other conservative news networks over the voting fraud claims: Newsmax revealed in a regulatory filing in March that it paid out $40 million to the Florida-based voting systems company, and One America News Network (OAN) settled its own suit in April 2024.

The post Fox and Smartmatic Separately Seek Summary Judgments in $2.7 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Over 2020 Election Fraud appeared first on TheWrap.
In this photo from 2023, storage tanks on Longhorn Pad A peek out over a field of goldenrod in Elk County, Pennsylvania. (Audrey Carleton/Capital & Main)

This story was originally published by Capital & Main.

Just beyond a fenced-off access road in fields of tall grass on public land in Pennsylvanias northwest sits a natural gas well pad that sat idle for close to a decade. The old fracking site suddenly roared back to life in 2022, spewing noise and pollution and rattling residents who were used to hunting pheasant on the quiet, bucolic terrain.

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Diversified Energy turned on the well pad, known as Longhorn Pad A, to funnel the natural gas into on-site generators powering cryptocurrency-mining supercomputers that churn away at numbers at all hours . The company set up and started the mine in Elk County without securing a required air quality permit from state regulators, Capital & Main reported last year.

Now, after a little more than two years, the company has packed up and left, abandoning the wells and associated crypto infrastructure in violation of state law, according to state regulators.

Diversified Energy, which disputes the states finding that it abandoned the wells, has billed itself as innovative, giving new life to aging, low-producing gas wells that would otherwise be uneconomical to operate. Cryptocurrency aids that goal: It allows the company to monetize wells that lack pipeline infrastructure that is typically crucial to selling gas.

Pennsylvania has an estimated 350,000 orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells, more than any other state.

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The company has, in just a few years, amassed a portfolio of wells bigger than that of any of its peers in the U.S., many of those wells low-producing, despite evidence that Diversified may not have adequate resources to plug them all at the end of their lives. This has stoked concerns among environmentalists about who will be on the hook for cleanup should the company abandon them. When a wellhead crypto mine suddenly shuts down it raises a host of new concerns, chief among them: What happens when operators decide its time to move on without plugging the wells?

Worries about the long-term environmental costs have mounted in Appalachian and other oil and gas-producing communities across the country. Diversified appears eager to try to squeeze a few more years profits out of old wells by burning the remaining gas to power energy-hungry computers. But they have shown less zeal when it comes to safely closing them, often shirking their obligations to plug them to prevent the ongoing release of greenhouse gas pollution.

Companies abandon wells when they walk away from them without plugging them after they are no longer lucrative, increasing the likelihood that they will be left to leak planet-warming methane gas into the atmosphere for years to come. Abandoning wells violates the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act and saddles states with the cost and responsibility of plugging them. Pennsylvania, the birthplace of the U.S. oil industry, has an estimated 350,000 orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells, more than any other state and responsible for close to 8% of the states methane emissions.

Site of the Longhorn A pad on state game lands in Elk County. (Audrey Carleton/Capital and Main)

The wells, which sit atop a pad called Longhorn A on state game lands in rural Horton township, were drilled under the ownership of another natural gas company, EQT, in 2011, but sat inactive for all those years, considered abandoned by regulators. Diversified Energy brought them back to life in December 2022. The company applied for a permit for generators to power cryptocurrency mining equipment atop the pad but didnt wait to receive them from state regulators before firing up the loud and polluting equipment.

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Capital & Main reported last year that the firm was unresponsive to questions from state agencies about its plans with the well pad, even as residents raised concerns about noise and its threat to neighbors and wildlife. The company received its permit to add crypto-mining equipment to the well pad in December 2023.

A Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection inspector visited the well pad earlier this year to find the cryptocurrency mining equipment gone. Inspectionreports from a March 4 visit show metallic sheds sitting empty on the gravel well pad.

The department issued Diversified a notice of violation for abandoning the well on March 10, requesting a response from the company within two weeks.

Daniel O. Frick, a director in the Environmental Health, Safety Regulatory Department at Diversified Energy, told regulators in a March 18 email that technically the site isnt abandoned, and that the company plans to resume pulling gas from the well.

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Plugging an oil well can cost more than $100,000, so its common for operators to try to avoid those obligations.

Regulators have also accused the Birmingham, Alabama-based company of violating a consent order and agreement when it abandoned Longhorn A. In the 2021 agreement that company representatives signed when it acquired the wells from fracking company EQT, Diversified agreed to plug them and 13 others at the end of their lives.

Diversified Energy did not respond to Capital & Mains requests for comment.

State officials arent the only ones concerned. Environmental advocates have warned for years about the environmental risks of Diversified Energys large portfolio of low-producing wells across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. They now fear abandonment of wells snatched up by the company across Appalachia for short-term windfalls will leave the public with the long-term costs of closure and cleanup.

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Diversified must not be allowed to walk away and leave others to clean up its mess, said Charles McPhedran, senior attorney at Earthjustice, an environmental law nonprofit. McPhedran has previously urged regulators not to issue Diversified a permit for crypto mining at the site, citing noise concerns and the companys unaddressed environmental violations.

Dave Gustafson, deputy executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which regulates and leases out the state game lands on which Longhorn A sits, said the agency wouldnt consider these wells abandoned and that the company had not expressed their plans to move forward with production nor have they indicated they intend to plug the well.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection disagrees.

The wells are not equipped for production, Tom Decker, a department spokesperson, told Capital & Main in an email. Diversifieds claim that the wells are still equipped is contrary to the Departments observations during the recent inspection and has not been further verified by Diversified.

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The department has given the company until September to plug the wells.

Plugging a well can cost more than $100,000, so its common for operators to try to avoid those obligations, said Ted Boettner, senior researcher at the nonprofit think tank Ohio River Valley Institute.

They lift the well and get it to produce some puffs of gas and say, Were back in our active status, and they wont check for another 10 years, Boettner said.

Diversified one of many natural gas companies throwing its weight behind the coming AI boom.

A 2022 report by the Ohio River Valley Institute argued Diversified Energy was operating with a business model built to fail Appalachia because it relied on obtaining aging wells from other operators and squeezing the value out of them before the end of their useful lives, all without having enough funds to plug its entire inventory of assets.

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In doing so, Diversified has acquired the largest portfolio of low-producing wells in Appalachia, which the Institute researchers wrote could become a wave of soon-to-be-orphaned wells that could be offloaded onto the public.

In recent months there have been new doubts raised about the companys commitment to well-plugging. In December, Diversified reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit brought by West Virginia landowners who argued the company had abandoned wells on their properties; it agreed to plug nearly 3,000 wells across Appalachia by 2034. Within the first two weeks of January, the Department of Environmental Protection slapped Diversified with 11 notices of violation for abandoning shale gas wells in Pennsylvania.

Boettner said the state should do more to penalize the practice of abandoning wells. Without strong enforcement, he said, Were going to end up left with all of these wells to plug. Theres nothing stopping them.

Meanwhile, even as it is walking away from well pads, Diversified is expanding its offerings. Just days after inspectors visited Longhorn A, Diversified announced a large-scale partnership with fuel cell company FuelCell Energy and energy infrastructure company TESIAC to power a growing industry of off-grid data centers using natural gas from fracking wells and coal mines. Its one of many natural gas companies throwing its weight behind the coming AI boom, threatening to prolong the life of polluting industries.

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But the Longhorn A well abandonments raise questions about the companys ability to care for such projects at the end of their lives, as a broader data boom raises concerns among environmentalists about air pollution. The company has also applied for state grants for well-plugging elsewhere in Pennsylvania, according to records Capital & Main obtained under Pennsylvanias Right-to-Know Law.

Diversified CEO Rusty Hutson Jr. bought his first set of oil and gas wells in 2001 as a personal investment, taking out a home equity loan to afford a package of 35 wells that his father, a third-generation oil and gas worker, found in a deal, he said in a 2023 interview with Mountaineer Media.

Wed go out in cold, heat, fix leaks, work on wells together, Hutson said. And I did that for two or three years before we started really growing the company.

As it has added new wells to its portfolio, Diversified has written into its balance sheets lower-than-industry-standard asset retirement obligations  or estimates for the cost of plugging and closing off wells at the end of their lives.

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The strategy has alarmed environmentalists, who fear the company is, at best, giving a lifeline to wells in need of decommissioning and, at worst, creating a massive taxpayer liability should it go under.

The only thing they can do is keep buying wells, and as long as they dont have to be accountable for those liabilities, it works. ~ Ted Boettner, senior researcher, Ohio River Valley Institute

But Hutson is proud of his firms unique strategy. While most oil and gas companies focus on drilling new assets, Diversified keeps its eyes on their leftovers.

Our game is acquiring existing mature production, operating it more efficiently than everyone else would, driving costs down, enhancing production on wells that hadnt been given much time, or attention, or capital, driving margins and then paying dividends to our shareholders, he told Mountaineer Media.

The company was listed only on the London Stock Exchange until December 2023, when it went public in the U.S. on the New York Stock Exchange.

That same day, House Democrats opened a probe into the firms practices and emissions.

Diversified Energy is responsible for remediating a substantial share of the countrys aging oil and gas wells, but we are concerned that your company may be vastly underestimating well cleanup costs, members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce wrote in a letter to Hutson. The company responded at the time, saying its business model is based on stewardship that includes delivering well retirement and reclamation efforts.

Boettner estimates that all but a small fraction of the vast trove of old wells Diversified has acquired in recent years are totally uneconomical, and one of his reports found that more than half could, by some definitions, be classified as inactive. In 2022, the company offloaded a set of 2,500 of them in Ohio. In January 2024, the company sold another part of its stake in Appalachia.

Theyre able to squeeze out this money in these assets because of economies of scale, Boettner said. The only thing they can do is keep buying wells, and as long as they dont have to be accountable for those liabilities, it works.

On the ground in Horton township, home to Longhorn A, local supervisor PJ Piccirillo said hes heard nothing from Diversified staff about their plans to abandon the wells and remove the associated crypto mine. He believes the company stopped running the well pad after the township issued an ordinance setting noise and light pollution limits on Bitcoin mines in 2023, shortly before the state issued Longhorn A its permit.

The generators had been pulled and those big tanks had been pulled out, he said.

Without any communication from the company, Piccirillo is concerned about future industrial development. He runs into abandoned wells in his corner of Elk County often that, he said, I dont know if anybody knows about. The township lacks jurisdiction over well abandonment, so theres nothing he can do about them from his position as a supervisor.

All we know is that that property seems to have been abandoned, he said of Longhorn A. What might be next?
Faced with numerous allegations calling into question his conduct when he was a police officer, Franklin Mayor John Nelson continued to deny any wrongdoing during an event April 30 at the Franklin Public Library.

Nelson allowed residents to submit questions about the allegations against him during a public town hall at the library. Community members wrote their names and questions on cards, which were read aloud by moderator Genene Hibbler of Oak Creek, and then answered by Nelson.

Being an employee there for nine years, in my employee file was nothing but two accolades and nothing else, Nelson said about his time with the Waterford Police Department. If its non-criminal, why  if there were no complaints, there was no violation of policy and procedure, rule or regulation  why were we put on paid administrative leave?

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Nearly 100 Franklin residents attended the meeting.

Nelson, his partner and several other officers from the Waterford Police Department were placed on administrative leave May 6, 2024. Nelson, a lieutenant, retired from the department on Oct. 11, 2024, amid an internal investigation into multiple complaints about his conduct.

According to documents related to the investigation and obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the allegations against Nelson include:

Fostering a hostile work environment.

Sexually harassing or making inappropriate comments toward female officers, making them feel verbally violated.

Sexual comments and ongoing flirting toward female civilians.

Showing inappropriate images of females Nelson allegedly dated or had sexual relations with to other officers.

Improper use of Town of Waterford resources while campaigning for mayor and conducting mayoral business for Franklin.

Derogatory/unprofessional phone conduct while on duty in the presence of other personnel.

Preferential treatment in scheduling officers.

Retaliation against some officers.

Failure to use the FTO program, a full-time officer program related to training.

Oversight of an unauthorized private security service getting paid in cash.

Dissemination of sensitive information containing an employees personnel file to other department members.

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In an April 28 interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Nelson denied all allegations, claiming there were never any official complaints or grievances filed against him. He said the accusations were part of a "he said, she said" narrative targeting him.

Nelson repeated those denials during the town hall, accusing media outlets and social media users of attacking him over the allegations.

He characterized the investigation as an effort to discredit him, allegedly led by former Town of Waterford Chairwoman Teri Jendusa-Nicolai, whom Nelson said he once considered a friend.

He said Jendusa-Nicolai weaponized the investigation.

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As she sits in this room, I would've never done this to you," he said. "I considered her a friend for almost nine years  we talked often. We talked about officials, we talked about the challenges of being elected officials."

When a resident asked Nelson how he could accuse Jendusa-Nicolai of weaponizing the investigation without evidence, Nelson said Jendusa-Nicolai had no facts or complaints to support the claims.

During a post-meeting interview, Jendusa-Nicolai denied this claim.

Nelson further alleged that a female officer who had filed a complaint against him was later placed on the Brady list, a list compiled by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office of law enforcement officials who have allegations of dishonesty, bias or past crimes.

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Jendusa-Nicolai said after the town hall that the female officer was not on the Brady list.

Audience reaction to Nelson's comments was mixed, with some applauding him and others opting to leave before the meeting was over.

Franklin Mayor John Nelson is seen before the start of a public meeting to address misconduct allegations during his time as a Waterford police lieutenant at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Franklin, Wis.

Nelson also addressed allegations related to his time at the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office

Nelson also faces allegations about his conduct from his 26-year tenure at the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office prior to his time in Waterford.

TMJ4 has reported that disciplinary records show allegations of Nelson cheating on law enforcement exams and sexual harassing a female corrections officer.

Nelson said the allegations aren't true and that the woman involved in the complaint had issues with other employees in two different locations while he was a lieutenant at the sheriff's office.

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"I tried to get her repositioned somewhere else," he said. "I offered to take it to internal affairs, and then (she) made some crazy allegations about me that was investigated. They were unfounded."

Nelson also said the reports about him cheating on his exams were not true and claimed that he offered to take the test orally in front of the class.

The Journal Sentinel has submitted an open records request to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office for additional information.

Former Town of Waterford Chairwoman Teri Jendusa-Nicolai denied Nelson's claims that she weaponized the investigation

After the town hall, Jendusa-Nicolai told the Journal Sentinel she went to the meeting to see what Nelson had to say and that never in a million years would she think she'd be in the spot she was put in.

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"There's been a lot of things going on for the past year," Jendusa-Nicolai said. "It's been a long time that we weren't able to tell people what was going on while the investigations were happening. I'm sure people understand while investigations are happening, we can't talk about them."

When asked about Nelson denying the accusations, she said the transcripts speak for themselves.

"You have numerous officers who were interviewed and they said what they said," Jendusa-Nicolai said. "I had nothing to do with any of that. These are pretty heavy allegations, so we needed to do something about it."

The investigation finished when Nelson retired because the town did not want to keep spending money once he left the department Jendusa-Nicolai said.

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Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne Davis at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Franklin Mayor denies police misconduct allegations at town hall
This is the third part in NBC4s Columbus 2.0 series, The Rise of Franklinton. Read part one here and part two here. A 30-minute special is airing now on the NBC4 Columbus digital TV app.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  If a city is growing, its also changing. In Franklinton, Columbus oldest neighborhood, residents are seeing persistent change. For many of those residents, its a welcome, but not entirely comfortable, change.

It just feels like home, Hakim Callwood, a noted muralist and visual artists who has many of his works on display in the neighborhood, said. You go for a stroll around the neighborhood, you know people.

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A cozy cove of artists is how Franklinton Market owner Rasheedah Crawley describes it.

At its core, Franklinton is an artisan community. Its a neighborhood of painters, muralists, sculptors, musicians, poets and creators. Galleries and studios are frequently spotted between older houses and warehouses.

Its just such a community aspect among the people and the businesses here that just make it, Joey Aich, a rapper and recording artist, said. It makes it cool to a point where theres sometimes, I dont even leave this bubble.

In fact, youll find art in places youd rarely expect it. At the Franklinton Market, Crawley displays local art and jewelry on her store walls and shelves.

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The best way to make friends is to open your doors, bring Franklinton into the store, she said.

The best restaurants with outdoor seating in the Columbus area, according to Yelp

LaTeef Barrow opened Sonnys Barber Shop last year on Sullivant Avenue, and his space serves many purposes. Hes an artist himself and an Ohio State graduate who recently took up hair styling. His building also serves as an event space and an art gallery. The art displays frequently change to give local creators a unique showcase.

Why not merge all of my different talents and ideas into one space? he said.

They all add to the creative culture in the neighborhood, but whats also being created is a daily symphony of construction sounds.

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Every day you come here and youre like, Where did that come from? Theres a building here now, Crawley said.

Modernization in Franklinton is a critical part of Columbus overall plan to modernize and boost housing stock in the city and attract more people to live in the downtown area.

Modernization, however, often runs into an uglier term gentrification. Its the terminology for reshaping an older neighborhood through affluent investment and potentially displacing the current residents.

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Displacing people that have been here for a very long time and made the place cool before the developers started to come in and change different things, Callwood said.

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Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said the citys plan is to build housing inventory, upgrade utilities and improve safety in the neighborhood.

We need more units and we know that will help to bring rents down, make things more affordable, he said. We want folks to be able to age in place, especially in a neighborhood like Franklinton.

To many long-time residents in Franklinton, theyre thinking more about the benefits of a more vibrant, safer neighborhood.

You clearly cant have much improvement without that nasty word, gentrification, but it just happens, Bruce Snyder of the Franklinton Historical Society said.

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There are concerns about how much of the new housing will cater toward residents who qualify for affordable housing, giving people more options to remain in Franklinton.

Ohio marijuana festival wants to pay five random people $1,000 each to judge products

New people are new potential clients and there is no like you cant stop the advancement in technology or the growth of a city or something like that, Callwood said.

Barrow said the improvements are already changing the neighborhood.

People have the stigma of the west side; weve had no break ins, weve had no disorderly conduct, no soliciting, he said. It doesnt feel like were all pushed out, where its just money, money, money. It doesnt feel like that here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A non-profit social services organization located in the west Columbus neighborhood of Franklinton is being sued by the city for attracting criminal activity.

Sanctuary Night, which is located on 1195 Sullivant Avenue, is facing a nuisance lawsuit filed by Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. The lawsuit details more than 200 calls received by Columbus police and fire to the property for alleged criminal activity that took place between June 2022 and January 2025.

On its website, Sanctuary Night describes its mission as serving vulnerable womxn who are at risk for sexual exploitation, with the Sullivant Avenue location providing a place to rest, eat, connect and get desired resources.

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Ohio marijuana festival wants to pay five random people $1,000 each to judge products

Court documents said that large groups would gather outside the facility when it first opened in 2022, with some people in those groups allegedly using drugs. Other nuisance activity began to increase over time, with neighbors reporting porch pirate thefts and people bathing, urinating, defecating, or engaging in sex acts near the property.

Over the span of two years, Columbus Fire was called 40 times for substance-abuse events including 16 overdoses. Police surveilled the area early in 2025 and determined traffic patterns mimicked those regularly seen with prostitution, which court documents allege happened outside the property after it closed at night.

A staff member told police that other staff members at Sanctuary Night allowed drug use inside the property, according to the city attorneys office.

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This February, the citys property action team sent the organization a letter demanding it mitigate nuisance activities. The city states Sanctuary Night did not agree to the letter, leading to the lawsuit.

Sanctuary Night issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, calling it an unnecessary escalation that will negatively impact a vulnerable community of women in central Ohio.

Over the past few months, we have made progress in addressing issues and will continue working toward solutions that meet the needs of our community, neighbors and most importantly, the women we support, said company representatives in the statement. We are committed to continuing to improve and hope to resolve this situation swiftly for the good of the women in need.

You can read the full lawsuit below.

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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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The Transportation Intermediaries Associations (TIA) April 2025 Fraud Report, the second in its ongoing series, delivers a powerful message this week: Freight fraud is escalating in both volume and complexity, and even the most vigilant companies are struggling to keep pace.

Based on six months of the companys Watchdog platform data and a member survey conducted in early 2025, the report paints a detailed picture. While the industry has made strides in prevention, fraudsters continue to innovate by leveraging identity theft, document manipulation and insider knowledge to infiltrate freight networks.

Cargo theft continues to be the most financially damaging type of fraud. TIA cites National Insurance Crime Bureau figures that peg total cargo theft losses at up to $35 billion annually, with a 1,500% increase in reported incidents since 2021. But in terms of frequency, unlawful brokerage has emerged as the No. 1 threat. These scams, in which criminals pose as legitimate brokers or carriers to hijack loads or payments, accounted for 402 reported incidents in just six months.

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Identity theft and spoofing also remain prevalent, with 42% of respondents citing them as their most common fraud experiences. The combination of these tactics has made it increasingly difficult for even the most experienced logistics professionals to separate real from fake.

Among the most harrowing case studies is that of Shine Logistics. Despite verifying a carriers 95/100 rating and insurance credentials, the company lost nearly $300,000 in cargo when criminals used a leased truck under false pretenses and hijacked a legitimate identity. The load, artificial nails, was transloaded and vanished without a trace. Insurers refused coverage, and the criminals walked away untouched.

In another case, Victor Louis of One Logistics Network traced a stolen aluminum shipment back to an international crime ring. His efforts to alert authorities were largely dismissed, exposing another deep vulnerability: Law enforcement often treats freight fraud as a civil matter, even when international actors and coordinated deception are involved.

Fraud is not evenly distributed across the country. Texas (19%) and California (14%) are the two leading states where fraud originated, followed by South Carolina and Washington. These are key freight hubs, making them prime targets for organized fraud rings.

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As for whats being stolen? High-value, low-traceability items top the list: Household goods (23%), electronics and appliances (15%), and frozen foods (9%) are the most commonly targeted commodities.

The financial impact is jaw-dropping. Nearly one in four survey respondents reported losses of over $200,000, while more than half said they lost at least $10,000.

But its not just the theft, its also the time. Sixty-five percent of companies said they spend more than two hours per day on fraud prevention, and 37% spend that much time responding to incidents.

TIAs data shows that nearly all companies surveyed (94%) are actively investing in fraud prevention. These efforts include everything from multisource carrier verification and real-time tracking to internal Do Not Use lists and strict protocols for high-value loads. However, prevention comes at a steep cost: 51% of respondents reported spending between $5,000 and $100,000, and 10% spent more than $200,000 in the past six months alone.

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The Watchdog platform has also become a critical tool. The 1,611 fraud incidents reported between September 2024 and February 2025 is a 65% increase over the previous period.

(GIF: Tenor)

Fraud infographic of the week

Calling all freight fraud fighters!

Is your company battling fraud like a pro? Know a tech tool or team thats shutting down scams before they start? Its time to shine the spotlight on the heroes behind the scenes.

The FreightWaves Fraud Fighters Awards are celebrating the boldest and most relentless innovators protecting the freight world from scams, swindlers and shady schemes. From double-brokering busters to identity theft stoppers, were honoring the brains and tech keeping the supply chain safe and sound.

Does your solution:

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Verify carrier credentials with precision?

Track shipments in real time to outsmart fraudsters?

Detect scams before they can strike?

Then you (or your favorite fraud-busting partner) deserve a nomination!



Nominations close: May 8 at 5 p.m. EDT

Winners revealed: May 14 at Freight Fraud Symposium, Dallas

(GIF: Tenor)

Keyed up and shipped out

A nine-month investigation unraveled a high-end auto theft ring that stole over $6 million worth of luxury vehicles, including dozens of BMWs, Mercedes-Benz models and a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, from homes across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The thieves gained entry by stealing key fobs during home invasions, allowing them to quietly drive off without triggering alarms. The operation ran illegal showrooms out of Bronx parking garages, where buyers paid cash to ship the vehicles overseas.

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Authorities found 72 stolen cars packed in shipping containers at the seaports of Elizabeth, New Jersey and Staten Island, destined for buyers in Gambia and Ghana. Eleven suspects were charged in New Jersey and eight in New York. All face racketeering charges carrying up to 20 years in prison.

Investigators say this international smuggling pipeline is part of a broader black-market network that fuels crime and instability abroad. Learn more about the crimes here.

(GIF: Tenor)

Registration open for May Freight Fraud Symposium in Dallas

Be part of the solution that stops freight fraud in its tracks. Lets cut through the noise and address this issue head-on!

Freight fraud has reached a crisis level, and it impacts everyone in the industry. Its time for us to come together to address this critical problem and share best practices on how to mitigate it.

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Join us on May 14 in Dallas at the Freight Fraud Symposium, where transportation executives, freight leaders and technology buyers will come together to discuss the issues we all face, share lessons learned and get insights on the latest technology to tackle this problem.

Space is limited, so register now to save your spot!

Articles by Grace Sharkey

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The post Fraud flowers in April showers appeared first on FreightWaves.
Members of Detroit Newspaper Guild Local 22, which represents reporters, photographers, assistant editors, web editors and others at the Detroit Free Press, approved a new two-year contract with Gannett Co. Inc., owner of the publication.

The agreement, passed Wednesday with more than 90% support, delivers across-the-board raises, improved benefits and increased starting wages for certain job classifications.

"We are very pleased to have reached an agreement on a two-year contract for our talented journalists in Detroit to continue serving the community with relevant local content and essential journalism. The ratified contract by membership enables further stability and growth for our local publications, said Kristin Roberts, Gannett Media chief content officer.

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The Free Press Guild has 74 members; the agreement covers 78 total employees. Negotiations took more than six months, with the previous contract expiring on Nov. 17, 2024.

"Free Press members have gone for years without a raise  so this rectifies that, but also adds some important things that folks were looking for. Importantly, it also protects our health care and our pension, which we think are great benefits," said Eric Lawrence, the Free Press unit chair and president of the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, CWA Local 34022.

The new contract raises starting hourly wages by $5 for several job classifications, including editorial assistants, reporters, and photographers. Employees covered by the guild contract who do not get a raise from the new minimums will receive a $1.25-per-hour increase in the first year and a 75-cent raise in the second. The increases amount to as much as 29% for the lowest-paid workers, with all employees receiving at least a 2.6% raise.

In addition to pay, the contract expands personal days from one to three, guarantees 10 weeks of parental leave for employees working 30 hours or more, and allows new hires earlier access to healthcare. Health care and pension protections were also preserved.

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An agency fee provision included in the deal requires non-union employees in the bargaining unit to contribute financially, as they benefit from the union-negotiated contract.

"We feel that this is a good contract," Lawrence said. "We had a robust and engaged group of people who worked hard to get this done. We think that the overwhelming ratification vote shows that the members appreciate and recognize it as the significant win that it is."

The agreement applies only to Free Press employees. Detroit News employees, though represented by the same local union, are bargaining under a separate contract.

In January, Gannett announced the sale of its Sterling Heights Operations Facility, resulting in the loss of 115 jobs. The closure will result in the production of 32 newspapers, including the Detroit Free Press, being moved to other facilities.

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The facility will print its last copies of the Detroit Free Press on Sunday, Aug. 3, for Monday delivery.

The printing plant closure will not affect the newsrooms at the Free Press or the News, which operate under a Joint Operating Agreement that expires at the end of 2025. Gannett controls the agreement, which allows for separate newsrooms but combined business operations; the News has a separate owner. The newspapers have not announced whether the JOA will extend beyond 2025.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Free Press union members ratify 2-year deal with Gannett
A Grammy Award-winning musician rattled Donald Trumps spokeswoman with an entertaining, but serious, question.

Winston Marshall, former banjoist for Mumford & Sons, asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a briefing Monday if the Trump administration would grant asylum for British citizens prosecuted over hate speech in the U.K.

Marshall said people in his native country have been incarcerated for reposting memes and that the U.K. has extensive prison sentences for Tweets [and] social media posts and general free speech issues.

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These harsh punishments are the result of the British government reportedly cracking down on free speech ever since army veteran Adam Smith-Connor was arrested in November 2022 after praying silently near an abortion facility that was designed to shield vulnerable women.

Marshall claimed the U.K. has had a quarter of a million people issued non-hate crime incidents since that time.

He eventually asked Leavitt, Would the Trump administration consider asylum for British citizens in such a situation?

The question appeared to catch her off-guard, as Leavitt responded with, I have not heard that proposed to the president nor have I spoken to him about that idea, but I certainly can talk to our National Security team and see if its something the administration would entertain.

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Marshalls proposal got mostly favorable reviews from his followers, with some congratulating the musician on his new political fame and others saying he should be a regular attendee at these press conferences.

But he did get some hate, as well.

Retired banjo player Winston Marshall asking the White House to offer political asylum to British bigots, one X user wrote.

That well-known British reporter and member of the White House press pool, Winston Aubrey Aladar deBalkan Marshall, another quipped on X, referencing Marshalls full name, which reflects his familys roots in France, Hungary and Romania.

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Marshall played with Mumford & Son from 2007 until his removal in 2021 for speaking out against COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

He now hosts The Winston Marshall Show podcast. Marshall had also done a podcast for The Spectator, which is owned by his father, Sir Paul Marshall.

Read the original article on MassLive.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A federal complaint was filed by the Federal Trade Commission and the Nevada Attorney General against an online company for defrauding more than $1.2 billion from consumers over the past seven years.

The complaint refers to IYOVA, which also uses the names IM Mastery Academy, iMarketsLive, and IM Academy, as a business venture scam that entices consumers, usually young people, to buy its educational materials and take courses on financial topics and investments by using false or baseless claims about the earnings they can make.

According to the complaint, IML instructors teach consumers how to make significant income trading in the foreign exchange, cryptocurrency, and stock markets, but mostly it encourages people to join IML as salespeople who will earn a commission by selling its training services to other people and encouraging those people to be salespeople.

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The breadth of this scam is remarkable, from brazen earnings claims to the fact that their so-called investment trainers are often nothing more than salespeople, Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection said. The harm to consumersespecially young people seeking to earn a livingis immense, ongoing, and we are glad to work with our partners in Nevada to bring it to an end.

The company focuses its marketing on young adults by posting to college social media pages. Marketing included claims about retiring in their 20s; salespeople flaunting luxury travel and products; and claims about making money in minutes or in your sleep, according to the FTC news 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 KLAS.
Key Points

Mastercard continues to deliver low-teens revenue growth.

Net income grew slower than revenue, but operating income was up at a higher rate.

Total card issuance continues to climb as well, with revenue growing even faster on increased utilization.

Here's our initial take on Mastercard's (NYSE: MA) first-quarter financial results.

Key Metrics

Metric Q1 FY24 Q1 FY25 Change vs. Expectations Revenue $6.3 billion $7.3 billion +14% Beat Earnings per share $3.22 $3.59 +11.5% Beat Gross dollar volume (change % in local currency) $2.3 trillion $2.4 trillion +9% n/a Total Mastercard-branded cards 2.97 billion 3.2 billion +8% n/a

Appearance of Slow Earnings Growth Is Deceptive

Another quarter brought another period of low-teens revenue growth for Mastercard. It's one of the largest issuers of credit, debit, and other payment cards and the operator of the networks those cards run on. Revenue was up 14% to $7.3 billion, while gross dollar volume was up 9% (on a currency-neutral basis) to $2.42 trillion.

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Mastercard continues to see solid growth in total cards being used too. Active cards surpassed 3.5 billion in the quarter, up 6% over the past year, while switched transactions increased 9% to 40.1 billion. In other words, the company continues to see strong and growing demand for its cards and access to its payments network, and cardholders are using their cards more often and for larger transactions.

One more look at revenue and where it's growing: Payment network revenue was up 13%, while value-added services and solutions revenue was up 16%. This part of the business is helping drive better profitability. It's also worth noting that on a currency-neutral basis, net revenue was up 17%.

Further down the operating statement, you'll note that net income increased at 11% on a GAAP basis and 15% adjusted. Both are lower rates than revenue growth and not typical of what we usually see and expect from Mastercard. However, a quick look at the operating statement allays those concerns. Operating expenses increased 13%, in line with revenue growth, while operating income was up 15% and pre-tax income was up 13%.

Immediate Market Reaction

As investors have come to expect, Mastercard shares were up modestly ahead of the market open following the earnings release. Its results were slightly better than expected (as they often are), and management was optimistic in its guidance, which was not adjusted substantially in lieu of the ongoing tariff and trade negotiations that sent the U.S. economy into negative growth in the first quarter.
After months of turbulent negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine finally signed a long-anticipated minerals agreement in Washington on April 30.

U.S. officials framed the agreement as a sign of lasting support for Ukraine, and it comes amid an apparent resetting of relations between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Previous iterations of the deal were viewed by many to be exploitative of Ukraine's natural resources, state institutions, and infrastructure. The latest version appears to be much more favorable to Kyiv.

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Ukraine will retain "full control over subsoil, infrastructure, and natural resources," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said shortly before the deal was signed, adding: "The agreement does not provide for any debt obligations."

But 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."

Below is the full text of the agreement signed on April 30 as released by Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers.



Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United States of America on the Establishment of a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund

WHEREAS, the United States of America has provided significant financial and material support to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022;

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WHEREAS, the American people desire to invest alongside Ukraine in a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine;

WHEREAS, the United States of America and Ukraine desire a lasting peace in Ukraine and a durable partnership between their two peoples and governments;

WHEREAS, the United States of America and Ukraine recognize the contribution that Ukraine has made to strengthening international peace and security by voluntarily relinquishing the world's third largest arsenal of nuclear weapons;

WHEREAS, the United States of America and Ukraine wish to ensure that those States and other persons that have acted adversely to Ukraine in the conflict do not benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine following a lasting peace;

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WHEREAS, the United States of America and Ukraine seek to create the conditions necessary to, among other objectives, increase investment in mining, energy, and related technology in Ukraine by third parties including, but not limited to, international investors based in the United States of America, the European Union, and other States supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia's full-scale invasion;

WHEREAS, the United States of America acknowledges Ukraine's intention to avoid conflicts in the drafting of this Agreement with Ukraine's obligations related to European Union accession or agreements with international financial institutions or other official creditors;

WHEREAS, Ukraine has, in accordance with international law, sovereignty over its natural resources located in its territory as well as in its territorial waters, in addition to sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, which allow for Ukraine to conclude this Agreement and fulfill the aims of this Agreement;

WHEREAS, Ukraine retains the right to determine the areas within its territory as well as in its territorial waters, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf to be made available for the exercise of the activities of prospecting, exploring for, and producing natural resources, and the rights to be conveyed in the LP Agreement referenced herein are applicable to the entirety of such areas; and

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WHEREAS, this Agreement does not prejudice the rules in Ukraine governing the system of property ownership, including rules related to state-owned property and privatization.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United States of America (each a "Party" and together the "Parties") hereby enter into this Agreement on the Establishment of a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund ("Agreement"), as set forth herein.

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Article I: Definitions

Each capitalized term used in this Agreement that is not defined in the relevant Article has the meaning set forth in Appendix A.

Article II: Enabling the Establishment of a Partnership

It is the policy of the Parties to have the United States International Development Finance Corporation (the "U.S. Limited Partner" or the "U.S. Partner"), an agency of the United States of America backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and the State Organization "Agency on Support Public-Private Partnership" (the "Ukraine Limited Partner" or the "Ukraine Partner"), an agency of Ukraine representing Ukraine whose obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of Ukraine (together with the U.S. Partner, the "Principals" or the "Limited Partners" or the "Partners"), conclude an agreement, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms (the "LP Agreement") to establish the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund in the form of a limited partnership (the "Partnership"). The Government of Ukraine shall take all steps to empower its agencies and instrumentalities to execute and implement this Agreement and the LP Agreement, including by adopting, maintaining, and enforcing legislation as may be required to execute and implement this Agreement and the LP Agreement, including for the purposes of legal stabilization. The Government of the United States of America affirms that it has put in place 2 the necessary measures to allow the relevant United States parties to execute and implement this Agreement and the LP Agreement. In recognition of the fact that the economic activity related to the Partnership will take place in Ukraine, the Government of Ukraine shall ensure that, notwithstanding any new legislation of Ukraine or amendments to legislation of Ukraine that may be adopted in the future, it shall continue to accord to the Partnership and its Limited Partners treatment no less favorable than that required by this Agreement. To that end, the Government of Ukraine shall ensure that in case of any inconsistency between legislation of Ukraine and this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. Further, the Government of Ukraine agrees that it may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for any failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

Article III: Objective of the Agreement

It is the objective of this Agreement and the policy of the Parties to further economic cooperation between the Parties, which will be facilitated by the LP Agreement. This 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 Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and in pursuit of a peaceful, sovereign, and resilient Ukraine. The Parties acknowledge that Ukraine's recovery requires not only financial investment but also structural, institutional, and technological transformation, aligned with democratic values, market principles, and the rule of law. The Parties further affirm that this Agreement is an expression of a broader, long-term strategic alignment between their peoples and governments, and a tangible demonstration of the United States of America's support for Ukraine's security, prosperity, reconstruction, and integration into global economic frameworks. The Partnership is intended to serve as a flagship mechanism for encouraging transparent, accountable, and future-oriented investment into 3 1. critical sectors of Ukraine's economy to support Ukraine's recovery strategy.

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Article IV: Taxation and Tariffs

In recognition of the fact that the economic activity related to the Partnership will take place in Ukraine, the Government of Ukraine shall take all actions necessary to ensure that any and all income of the Partnership (including any such income allocable to the U.S. Partner), any and all contributions and other payments to the Partnership from the Ukraine Partner, any and all other payments to the Partnership relating to the Partnership's revenues, earnings, and other payments contemplated under the LP Agreement, and all distributions and other payments from the Partnership, in each case, shall not be subject to taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees, or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority of Ukraine. The Government of the United States of America affirms that under United States Internal Revenue Code Sections 871, 872, 881, and 882, only income of a foreign person from United States sources or income effectively connected to a United States trade or business is subject to United States federal income tax. Given that the Partnership will invest in projects within Ukraine, the Government of the United States of America expects that the Ukraine Partner will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholdings (including backup withholding) with respect to the Partnership's revenue, earnings, and distributions or other payments from the Partnership. The Government of the United States of America expresses its expectation that it would not impose tariffs pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on any articles obtained pursuant to the market-based offtake rights addressed in Article VIII of this Agreement and set forth more fully in relevant provisions of the LP Agreement.



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Article V: Currency Convertibility and Cross-Border Transfers

The Government of Ukraine shall ensure the free convertibility of Hryvnia into Dollars and transferability from any relevant account in Ukraine and into such account(s) of the Partnership established inside or outside of Ukraine as the General Partner or any other authorized party acting on behalf of the Partnership may from time to time direct, in each case without cost, condition, or delay, with respect to (i) any and all payments to the Partnership requested in Dollars relating to the Partnership's revenues, earnings, and other payments contemplated under the LP Agreement; (ii) payment of any distributions requested in Dollars under the LP Agreement; and (iii) any payment of fees and expenses to the General Partner or by the General Partner requested in Dollars under the LP Agreement. The Parties take note of the commitment in the LP Agreement to consult in good faith on any exceptions and limitations to the convertibility and transferability arrangement described in the first sentence of Section 1 of this Article V, which may be proposed by the Government of Ukraine in recognition of any agreements, obligations, or treaties between or among sovereign nations and/or international financial institutions under which Ukraine is bound, obligated, or otherwise required to perform, as well as considerations of macroeconomic and financial stability. In the event of a deterioration in the balance of payments or a significant reduction in the level of gold and foreign exchange reserves that threatens Ukraine's macroeconomic and financial stability, the Government of Ukraine, after consulting with the United States Department of the Treasury, may take reasonable protective measures in the form of restrictions on the conversion of Hryvnia into Dollars and the transfer of funds from any relevant account in Ukraine to such account(s) of the Partnership opened inside or outside of Ukraine and will provide, to the extent possible, a time frame for the lifting of such measures. If any costs, conditions, or delays are imposed by the Government of Ukraine at any time and for any reason with respect to such payments, the Government of Ukraine shall indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership (and the U.S. Limited Partner and the General Partner, as applicable) for all losses, costs, and expenses arising therefrom. During the period of martial law in Ukraine and for three (3) months after its cancellation or termination, the Parties agree that the conversion of Hryvnia into Dollars and the transfer of funds from any relevant account in Ukraine to such account(s) of the Partnership opened inside or outside of Ukraine shall be carried out within the limits determined in accordance with the LP Agreement. The location of the bank accounts of the Partnership will be as determined in the LP Agreement.

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Read also: Whats next for North Korean troops fighting for Russia? A possible Ukraine deployment, experts, officials say

Article VI: Contributions to the Partnership

Each Party plans to make contributions to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of the LP Agreement. In exchange for the initial issuance of partnership interests in the Partnership to the Ukraine Partner, the Government of Ukraine shall ensure that the contribution to the Partnership of the Ukraine Partner is made on the Effective Date in the form of an irrevocable right to receive the Ukraine Agreed Revenue. The Government of Ukraine shall ensure during the term of the Partnership that the Ukraine Agreed Revenue will be remitted to the Ukraine Partner, and that the Ukraine Partner shall remit the Ukraine Agreed Revenue to the Partnership to implement the LP Agreement. In furtherance of Section 3 of this Article VI, the Government of Ukraine shall ensure that all sources of Ukraine Agreed Revenue are remitted to a special fund of the state budget. By operation of law, such Ukraine Agreed Revenue shall be remitted from the special fund of the state budget to the Ukraine Partner, and thereafter be remitted from the Ukraine Partner to the Partnership to implement the LP Agreement. If, after the Effective Date, the Government of the United States of America delivers new military assistance to the Government of Ukraine in any form (including the donation of weapons systems, ammunition, technology or training), the capital contribution of the U.S. Partner will be deemed to be increased by the assessed value of such military assistance, in accordance with the LP Agreement.

Article VII: Investment Opportunity Rights (1)

Each Governmental Authority of Ukraine that is authorized to issue a license or special permit for subsoil use for any Natural Resource Relevant Assets shall include in such license or special permit, and in the related agreement on subsoil use conditions or production sharing agreement with 6 subsoil users, a provision requiring the recipient thereof, at any time it is seeking to raise capital, to make relevant investment information available to the Partnership in accordance with the LP Agreement. Each Governmental Authority of Ukraine that is authorized to approve a public-private partnership contract, a concession, or other agreement to construct or operate significant infrastructure relevant assets (as defined in the LP Agreement) shall include in any such contract, concession or other agreement, a provision requiring the recipient thereof, at any time it is seeking to raise capital, to make relevant investment information available to the Partnership in accordance with the LP Agreement. The requirements to make relevant investment information available to the Partnership as set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 1 are to be carried out in accordance with applicable law and the Ukraine EU Obligations. If, after the signing of this Agreement, Ukraine needs to assume additional obligations related to its European Union accession that could impact this provision, the Parties shall consult and negotiate in good faith to adopt adjustments, as appropriate. Furthermore, when the Partnership expresses formal interest in participating in a project of the kind described in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section 1, the relevant license, special permit, authorization, agreement on subsoil use conditions, production sharing agreement, or agreement with respect to infrastructure relevant assets shall require the recipient thereof to (i) engage in good faith negotiations with the Partnership in accordance with the procedures set out in the LP Agreement, and (ii) refrain from granting to any third party materially more favorable financial or economic terms for a substantially similar investment opportunity as that offered to the Partnership.



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Article VII: Investment Opportunity Rights (2)



2) The detailed procedures and conditions for the investment opportunity rights described in this Article VII shall be set forth in the LP Agreement and implemented in accordance with applicable law and the Ukraine EU Obligations.



Read also: More traitors in Russia  Ukrainian intel officer shares secrets of recent deep-strike drone successes

Article VIII: Market-Based Offtake Rights

Each Governmental Authority of Ukraine that is authorized to issue a license or special permit for subsoil use for any Natural Resource Relevant Assets shall include in the terms of such license or special permit and in the related agreement on subsoil use conditions or in a production sharing agreement with subsoil users: (i) a provision allowing the U.S. Partner (or its designee or assignee) to negotiate for, in accordance with the terms of the LP Agreement, offtake rights on market-based commercial terms during the term of such license or special permit; and (ii) a requirement for the recipient to, for a period of time and on conditions to be specified in the LP Agreement, refrain from offering to any third party materially more favorable financial or economic terms for offtake of a substantially similar quality or quantity of product. In recognition of the shared interest in ensuring that this Agreement and the LP Agreement are consistent with the strategic interests of both Parties, the Government of Ukraine shall cause each Governmental Authority of Ukraine that is authorized to issue licenses or special permits for subsoil use for any Natural Resource Relevant Assets to include in the terms of such licenses or special permits certain restrictions on entry into offtake arrangements with counterparties, on terms to be specified in the LP Agreement. The detailed procedures and conditions for such offtake rights are to be set forth in the LP Agreement and implemented in accordance with applicable law and the Ukraine EU Obligations. If, after the signing of this Agreement, Ukraine needs to assume additional obligations related to its European Union accession that could impact this provision, the Parties shall consult and negotiate in good faith to adopt adjustments, as appropriate.



Article IX: Dispute Settlement

The Parties shall endeavor to agree on the interpretation and application of this Agreement and shall make every attempt through cooperation and consultations to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution of any matter that might affect its operation. To the extent that a dispute arises regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement, such dispute shall be resolved by mutual consultation.



Article X: Amendment

This Agreement may be amended by written agreement of the Parties. When so agreed and approved in accordance with the legal requirements of each Party, an amendment shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force on such date as the Parties may agree.



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Read also: Russias torture of Viktoriia Roshchyna shocks world, but dozens of Ukrainian journalists still in captivity

Article XI: Entry into Force and Termination

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the later note in an exchange of notes between the Parties indicating that each Party has completed its internal procedures for entry into force. In the context of Article XI, Section 1, the Parties acknowledge that entry into force of this Agreement requires the ratification of this Agreement by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. This Agreement shall remain in force until such time as the Parties agree to its termination.



Done at Washington, DC, on this 30th day of April, 2025 in the English and Ukrainian languages, both texts being equally authentic.

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For the Government of Ukraine: Yuliia Svyrydenko First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy

For the Government of the United States of America: Scott K. H. Bessent Secretary of the Treasury

Read also: Ukraine, US sign minerals deal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Its a story thats almost too gruesome to be true. A funeral director in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been accused of betraying thousands of grieving pet owners who allegedly paid the man for pet burial and cremation services, but received the remains of unknown animals instead.

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General believes over 6,500 people have been scammed by the funeral director. In total, people handed over $650,000 to Patrick Vereb, owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, but didn't receive what they paid for.

According to KDKA, Vereb allegedly threw out the remains of the pets he was charged with cremating and gave pet owners different ashes. Prosecutors said that Vereb acted between 2021 and 2024  meaning that there were thousands of people who were misled.

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CBS Pittsburgh reports that the 70-year-old ran about 20 different veterinary businesses, where he allegedly threw the remains of the animals in landfill. He then swapped the ashes for the remains of unknown animals.

Related: Woman Witnesses Tragic Mystery of a Vulture 'Funeral' and It's Awe-Inspiring

Speaking with the news outlet, Tiffany Mantzouridis said she worked for Vereb Funeral home as an intern and quickly noticed strange things going on. The woman said that many of the animals bodies were kept in garbage bags on top of the freezer and that there were huge discrepancies in their record keeping.

"He would take the ashes back from the crematory, and they come back in a big bag with plastic bags with twist ties on them that have the metal tag twisted onto them, she recalled.

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And then, for some unknown reason, would take that bag into his apartment, close the door, mess around with the ashes, and they would all come back and zip lock baggies with no tags," she added.

Its unclear where Vereb got the remains he gave to grieving families. But the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office is now asking anyone who used Verebs services for their pets between 2021 and 2024 to fill out a form online.

They say that the following where the business impacted by Verebs actions: Affordable Care, All About Pets, Always Compassionate, Imperial Animal Hospital, Kapr Funeral Home, Kiski Valley Animal Clinic, K-Vet, Loyalhanna Animal Hospital, Meadowlands, Plum Animal Hospital, River Valley, Dr. Mary Ann Bender, Pet Haven Pet Cemetery, Frankie's Friends, Sable Kennels, Little Creek Farm, Golden Mile Animal Clinic, Greengate Animal Clinic, Salem Animal Hospital and Monongahela Animal Hospital.

The man has since been arrested and faces felony counts of theft by deception, receiving stolen property and deceptive business practices. He surrendered to authorities on Monday afternoon and was arraigned on the charges before he was released of his own recognizance.

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In a press release on Sunday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave called the case disturbing.

"Our pets are members of our families, and this defendant betrayed and agonized pet owners who entrusted him to provide dignified services for their beloved cats and dogs, he said. [This case] will cause devastation and heartache for many Pennsylvanians.



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CUMBERLAND  With the ever-present risk of cyberattacks to governments and businesses around the world, many specialists are needed to stop them.

Students at Allegany College of Maryland will be able to gain valuable, hands-on experience in the digital cybersecurity world thanks to the installation of a state-of-the art cyber range on campus.

Known as the BCR Cyber Series 3000, the range places students directly into simulated cyberattacks and introduces concepts that are used in the real world on a daily basis.

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A ribbon cutting for the range was held Wednesday morning on the schools Cumberland campus.

Through Marylands Cyber Workforce Accelerator program, the Cyber Series 3000 can now be found at 16 community colleges across the state.

ACMs was partially funded by a $617,400 grant through the Senator George C. Edwards Fund.

In ACMs Technology Building, a makeshift secure operations center, was created to host the programs servers.

A SOC is what a government, a business or a bank uses, said BCRs Senior Vice President Chris Shank.

Students will complete 40 hours of asynchronous training and then complete an eight-hour, intensive simulation in the operations center.

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Our virtual architecture has a variety of the tools that current cybersecurity professionals use, Shank said. Theyre going to be confronted with the type of thing that they might see in the private sector.

According to Shank, students will be able to learn how to program firewalls and use a variety of vital computer programs that will serve as a guide for their careers in the future of information technology.

They could see a ransomware attack, a website being defaced, any number of things that they are likely to see, Shank said.

Even more important to Shank is the doors that the program will offer to students futures in Western Maryland.

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It allows them to connect to skills that they could use elsewhere, Shank said, and not have to leave Allegany County to do it.

Since many jobs in the cybersecurity industry are remote, Shank said the program is more accessible to those who want to pursue a career in the field from the local region.

This space you will see downstairs is for you, ACM President David Jones told students at the event. To learn, to practice, to grow and to lead the community.

James E. House, chair of the colleges Computer Technology department, said industry partners from companies such as IBM will occasionally observe students as they face simulations on the cyber range.

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That, to me, is a great recruitment tool, he said.

With 30,000 jobs open (in cybersecurity), its game on.

House presented a live map of the more than 9 million cyberattacks that had occurred over the last 24 hours across the world.

Its ongoing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, House said. Its a great way to visualize the importance of cybersecurity and specialists we need.

According to House, a deficit in specialists in cybersecurity needs to be replenished. He said getting students on track to take on the challenge from Western Maryland is crucial.

To learn about getting a cybersecurity certificate from ACM, visit their website or go to https://catalog.allegany.edu/current/programs/comp-tech-cybersecurity-cert.html

To learn more about BCR Cyber and their training and development programs, visit their website or go to https://bcrcyber.com/
ORLANDO, Fla. (BLOOM)  Gatorland, the Orlando-based wildlife park known as the Alligator Capital of the World, officially launched Gatorland Global, an international conservation nonprofit aimed at protecting alligators in Florida and crocodiles across the globe.

The organization, which was originally founded in 2018, was formalized this year as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Its mission is to conserve, protect and educateby rescuing at-risk reptiles, supporting global conservation efforts, and teaching the public about the ecological importance of these ancient animals.

As the world leader in alligator safety and education since 1949, we are extremely proud to now be leading the way in global alligator and crocodile conservation, said Mark McHugh, Gatorlands president and CEO. From rescuing nuisance alligators locally to supporting endangered crocodilian species globally, this is our next step in making a lasting impact.

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In Florida, the organization works with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and licensed trappers to save so-called nuisance alligatorssome up to 50 years oldthat would otherwise be euthanized and harvested for their meat and hides. These animals are instead relocated to Gatorlands expansive lakes, where they live out their lives in safety. The park has rescued more than 100 alligators to date.

One of the most well-known rescues is Jawlene, a malnourished alligator found in Sanford in 2023 with her entire upper jaw missing. Now a viral sensation, she has gained six pounds, grown three inches, and lives in a custom habitat alongside Nelly Wafer, a rare albino turtle.

Internationally, Gatorland Global supports conservation projects in Cuba, Jamaica and Venezuela. These include work with Cuban crocodile preservationists at the Zapata Swamp, breeding and release programs in Jamaicas Holland Bay Sanctuary, and efforts to protect Venezuelas critically endangered Orinoco crocodile through the Back to Llanos Project. Two Orinoco hatchlings raised at Gatorland will be released in Venezuela this year.

Gatorland Globals educational outreach is also expanding. In 2024, it reached 32,000 students with wildlife presentations and raised $45,000 to support conservation efforts. It also partnered with Save A Fox Rescue to save three red fox siblings from a fur farm.

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A powerful force for crocodilian conservation, Gatorland Global builds lasting relationships and shares vital knowledge that helps protect Florida wildlife and wildlife around the world, said Savannah Boan, international ambassador for the organization.

Founded in 1949, Gatorland today spans 125 acres and remains a popular family-friendly attraction featuring thousands of reptiles, educational shows, and unique adventure experiences like the Screamin Gator Zipline and Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure. In 2024, the park celebrated its 75th anniversary.

For more information or to contribute to the conservation efforts, visit www.gatorlandglobal.org.

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Paul Almeida, dean and William R. Berkley Chair at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business: Business interacts dynamically with policy, international relations, politics, and other fields to shape the economic and social future of countries and individuals

Georgetown University will expand its international offerings this fall with the launch of a Masters in International Business and Policy in Dubai, combining resources from its McDonough School of Business and School of Foreign Service.

The program, which begins in September, marks Georgetowns second academic initiative in the United Arab Emirates, following its Executive MBA offering at the DIFC Academy. The move comes as U.S. and European business schools are deepening their presence in the Gulf to meet growing demand for graduate education in business, finance, diplomacy, and energy.

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This is a program for those who understand that businesses dont operate in isolation, says Paul Almeida, McDonough dean and William R. Berkley Chair.

Business interacts dynamically with policy, international relations, politics, and other fields to shape the economic and social future of countries and individuals. This is why Georgetowns Masters in International Business and Policy combines ideas, tools, and expertise in business and international affairs to prepare graduates to lead organizations in a complex and evolving world.

A SUDDENLY CROWDED REGION

Several leading B-schools have expanded into the Middle East in recent years. NYU Stern now offers a full-time MBA program through NYU Abu Dhabi. Hult International Business School has operated a Dubai campus for more than a decade. Duke Universitys Fuqua School of Business has offered programs in Dubai since 2009, and Carnegie Mellon University maintains a campus in Doha offering undergraduate business degrees.

Georgetown itself already has a presence in the Middle East: Georgetown University in Qatar, based in Dohas Education City, opened in 2005, offering undergraduate degrees in International Politics, International Economics, Culture and Politics, and International History. The new Dubai program will be the universitys first business program in the region, however.

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U.S. B-schools presence in the Middle East-North Africa region is relatively new compared to their European counterparts: INSEAD maintains an executive campus in Abu Dhabi, London Business School operates an EMBA program in Dubai, and HEC Paris delivers executive education programs in Qatar. Other B-schools such as ESCP, EDHEC, ESSEC, SKEMA, and Sorbonne Business School have also established presences across MENA.

Long-established American institutions also play a major role in shaping business education in MENA. The American University in Cairo offers highly regarded MBA, EMBA, and Master of Science in Finance programs through its triple-accredited School of Business. Similarly, the American University of Beirut operates the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, offering undergraduate degrees, an MBA, an Executive MBA, and specialized masters programs. Both AUC and AUB have served as key hubs for American-style business education in MENA for decades.

And then there are the newcomers: IIM-Ahmedabad, widely considered the premier Indian business school, announced in April that it will open its first satellite campus in Dubai in September.

A MODULAR FORMAT WITH GLOBAL COMPONENTS

Adapted from Georgetowns Washington, D.C. program, IBP Dubai will target early- to mid-career professionals across industries, according to a McDonough news release. Participants will earn a joint degree from the McDonough School and the School of Foreign Service.

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The programs 10-month structure includes seven six-day modules (five in Dubai, two global immersions, in Jakarta, Indonesia and Washington, D.C.), an online course on finance operations, and a Social Action Project completed over the course of the program.

Faculty will be drawn from Georgetowns campuses in the United States and Qatar, aiming to balance regional expertise with a broader global curriculum. Graduates will also have access to career services from both McDonough and SFS, and join Georgetowns global alumni network of more than 220,000.

Georgetown McDonough is ranked fourth in the United States for International Business in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report  a slight drop from its second-place ranking in 2024.

A GROWING & COMPETITIVE MARKET

The launch of McDonoughs IBP Dubai comes as Gulf governments continue to invest heavily in education, finance, and innovation initiatives to diversify their economies beyond energy. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, in particular, have been active in attracting branch campuses and partnerships with top universities.

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Consequently, competition among business schools in the region has intensified. NYU Stern, London Business School, INSEAD, and HEC Paris all offer degree programs designed to serve working professionals and executives based in the Gulf. Georgetowns entry adds another high-profile option for those seeking American-accredited graduate education without relocating abroad.

Applications for IBP Dubais first cohort are now open, with a final deadline of July 14, 2025. According to its brochure, Georgetown is seeking candidates with a bachelors degree and at least two years of work experience; no specific background in business or policy is required.

For more information, visit georgetowndubai.com/ibp-program.

DONT MISS HOW U.S. NEWS RANKS THE TOP U.S. B-SCHOOLS BY MBA SPECIALIZATION

The post Georgetown McDonough, Entering Crowded MENA Market, Plants A Flag In Dubai appeared first on Poets&Quants.
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WBTW)  Georgetown police are investigating after a woman said her home and vehicle were hit by gunfire late Wednesday night.

Officers were called at about midnight to the 1900 block of Gilbert Street to investigate a shots-fired call. The woman told them her home was hit three times and her vehicle twice.

A stop sign at the intersection of Alex Alford Drive and Gilbert Street was also damaged by gunfire, police said, adding that officers recovered multiple shell casings at the scene. No additional information was immediately available.

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Anyone with information is asked to call 843-545-4300 or 843-545-4400 and reference case number 20250430-002.

* * *

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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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  German American Bank says it has awarded thousands to HOPE of Evansville to assist with affordable housing in the Evansville community.

German American Bank announced it awarded HOPE of Evansville $55,000 in grant funds through the Community Multiplier  Member Match Program. The $55,000 grant will support HOPEs efforts in working with low-to-moderate income households to break down barriers to homeownership.

KY overdose deaths decline by over 30 percent in 2024

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Officials note funds will allow HOPE to strengthen its foreclosure prevention program, giving the on-staff HUD-certified housing counselors the ability to provide individualized foreclosure mitigation services. These services explore alternatives to foreclosure through loss mitigation counseling, budgeting and credit analysis and guidance through complex mortgage processes.

It truly takes a village to carry out our mission to provide, promote, and sustain affordable housing in our communities, states Josh Calhoun, HOPE Executive Director. We are so thankful for community partners like German American Bank. Their enthusiasm to work with us to apply for and receive this grant is a testament to their dedication to build better communities.

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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
BERLIN (Reuters) -Mercedes-Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF) on Wednesday pulled its earnings guidance for 2025 amid uncertainty over the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on car imports, as the German automaker posted sharply lower first-quarter profit.

"Clearly Mercedes-Benz is a global player ... we don't fear competition in any direction," CEO Ola Kallenius told analysts. "But that's not the environment we're operating in."

He said "constructive" talks with the Trump administration over boosting Mercedes' U.S. manufacturing presence were ongoing, but declined to provide details.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm told analysts that, given the uncertainty over tariffs, full-year guidance "cannot be provided today with a reliable degree of certainty."

But he said that if tariffs remained in place all year, it would reduce profit margins by 300 basis points on cars and 100 basis points on vans.

Mercedes faces challenges in all its major markets, from Trump's tariffs, to competition from fast-moving rivals in China and new CO2 emissions targets in the European Union.

Mercedes-Benz showcases a concept version of its new Vision V van series at an event in Shanghai, China April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Victoria Waldersee  Reuters / Reuters

It joins a growing number of automakers pulling their annual forecasts.

Stellantis also said on Wednesday it was suspending its guidance. On Tuesday, Volvo Cars withdrew its earnings forecast for the next two years, citing uncertainty over the tariffs.

Meanwhile, German rival Volkswagen on Wednesday posted a steep drop in first-quarter profit and said it expected its annual operating profit margin at the lower end of guidance.

Mercedes told analysts at the end of March it had been stockpiling inventory in the U.S. to mitigate the impact of tariffs.

The premium automaker's car and van sales dropped 7% in the first quarter, led by 10% declines in both Europe and China, though sales were up 1% in the U.S. market.

The company's sales fell 3% last year, led by a 7% drop in China.

Mercedes reported a first-quarter profit margin for its car business of 7.3%, down from 9% in the same period last year.

Group earnings before interest and taxes plunged 41% year on year to 2.3 billion euros ($2.62 billion) in the quarter.

As part of its bid to regain lost market share in China, Mercedes last week unveiled a new all-electric luxury limousine van series called "Vision V" at the Shanghai car show.

(Reporting by Rachel More. Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Mark Potter)
A large majority of Germans back plans by the incoming coalition government to cut payments to newly arriving Ukrainian refugees, according to a YouGov opinion poll commissioned by dpa and published on Thursday.

The survey found 77% in favour of ceasing to pay the standard social security benefit normally paid to German citizens in need of assistance to Ukrainian refugees as well. The Ukrainians should instead receive the lower payments for asylum seekers.

Of the 2,275 eligible voters polled, 11% opposed this decision taken by the new coalition comprising the centre-right CDU/CSU alliance and the centre-left SPD, while 12% declined to respond.

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The coalition government, which is set to be sworn in when parliament meets on Tuesday, has agreed that Ukrainian refugees entering Germany after April 1 should receive only the standard asylum-seeker's allowance, to the extent that they are in need.

A special European Union directive passed in 2022 provides for Ukrainian refugees to gain right of residence without applying for asylum.

Germany currently hosts more than 1.25 million Ukrainian refugees, more than 60% of them female.
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has voiced support for workers and trade unions in a message on the May 1 public holiday, as his time in office draws to a close.

There are still far too many people who have to work hard for too little money, the centre-left SPD leader wrote on X. That is why I support decent wages and strong trade unions. They are vital for the social cohesion of our country. Thats what May 1 is all about!

International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, was established in 1890 as a day of protest and solidarity for the labour movement. It remains a key date for rallies and demonstrations across the country.

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This year, under the slogan Mach dich stark mit uns! ("Get stronger with us!"), the German Trade Union Confederation has organized hundreds of events calling for higher wages and better working conditions.

The chancellor's centre-left Social Democrats have long-standing ties to organized labour groups. Scholz is set to leave office on Tuesday and be replaced by conservative leader Friedrich Merz.
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  Heatstroke Prevention Day is May 1, 2025, and the Governors Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is urging West Virginians to stop and look before they lock.

According to a press release, vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-collision vehicle-related death in children 14 years of age and younger in the nation. GHSP is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage parents and guardians to educate themselves and share about the dangers of leaving kids in cars as the temperatures begin to warm up: Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock.

In the time since safety advocates began tracking data in 1998, heatstroke has been the cause of death for more than 1,000 children, the release stated. According to recent data, one child dies from heatstroke every 10 days in the nation from crawling into an unlocked vehicle or from being left in a vehicle. These deaths are all preventable.

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Federal cuts to AmeriCorps impact rural West Virginians

Temperatures inside vehicles can become up to 50 degrees higher than those outside, the release detailed. Cool days could even pose a risk to children, as their body temperatures increase at a rate three to five times faster than an adults body.

39 children died due to vehicular heatstroke in 2024, an increase from the 29 children that died from vehicular heatstroke the previous year. Although a decrease in the rate of heatstroke death decreased in 2020, it has steadily increased in time time since. Averages show that 37 children die yearly due to vehicular heatstroke.

May marks the start of Motorcycle Safety Month

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Smaller children, such as toddlers, are also at risk for vehicular heatstroke due to them being more likely to climb into unlocked vehicles unsupervised. Nearly a quarter of hot car deaths result from children gaining access to a vehicle, the release stated. It is important to teach children that a vehicle is not something to play in, and to play in or around one is a dangerous thing to do.

Parents and caregivers think this sort of tragedy could never happen to them. Sadly, never does happen. Anyone is susceptible to forgetfulness. It doesnt matter who is taking care of the child, what their background is, or where they come from: Routines are often upended. It is during these moments of hurriedness and change in routine that many of these tragedies occur. Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock. Jack McNeely | Director, Governors Highway Safety Program

Annual Rhododendron Festival begins in May

NHTSA encourages caregivers and parents to take these three simple precautions to prevent vehicular heatstroke deaths:

When getting out of a car, check the entire vehicle every time.

Never leaave a child unattended inside of a vehicle, not even for a minute.

Always lock the vehicle and keep the keys where children cannot reach them.

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For more information regarding vehicular heatstroke and steps to take if you see a child trapped in a car, as well as warning signs of heatstroke, visit the NHTSA website. To access current data regarding heatstroke, visit noheatstroke.org. For more information regarding the Governors Highway Safety Program, visit their website.

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Giant Eagle announced that its offering a discount on all groceries on Sunday to help Western Pennsylvania residents restock following mass power outages.

The company will give a 15% discount on all purchases made at all Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene and Indiana County locations on Sunday, May 4.

Shoppers will receive a coupon when they enter the store or at the checkout. Customers picking up curbside grocery orders or receiving home deliveries on Sunday will automatically receive the discount.

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As the Pittsburgh community continues to recover from Tuesday evenings severe weather, our teams are working diligently to support our neighbors in need, said Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman. We know that Pittsburgh is counting on us to help families restock their refrigerators and pantries, particularly when so many face the reality of unplanned  and unbudgeted  additional grocery store trips in light of widespread power outages. Thats why we are offering 15% off across our Pittsburgh stores this Sunday.

Purchases not eligible for the discount include milk, alcohol, fuel, tobacco, cigarettes, gift cards, prescriptions, any other items prohibited by law and all third-party transactions including DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart.

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It turns out that the Gilbert Goons are not only a predator gang of mostly well-off teens who attacked innocent victims in the East Valley, culminating in the killing of 16-year-old Preston Lord and leading to seven murder charges being filed by the Maricopa County Attorneys Office.

It turns out that the goons are also  heaven help us  an inspiration.

An article by The Arizona Republics Maritza Dominguez describes an ugly, 60-page police report detailing how park rangers in Mesa formed their own Goon Squad, complete with embroidered patches, then targeted homeless people.

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One of the rangers, Joshua Amado, was arrested on April 22 on suspicion of possession of a stolen firearm, which the report said he found in the backpack of a homeless man.

Park rangers' actions 'do not reflect Mesa's values'

A photo of the Mesa park rangers fleet shared to the city department's social media accounts on January, 29 2021.

City officials, stating the obvious, said they were deeply disturbed by the preliminary findings."

Mesa City Manager Chris Brady, in the prepared statement, added that the city has zero tolerance for this type of misconduct.

Adding that, The actions uncovered during this investigation do not reflect Mesas values or the standards we expect from public servants.

They do say something about societys values and standards, though. Or whats lacking.

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Opinion: 'Gilbert Goons' problem is much wider than we think

Police will oversee the rangers. A little late for that?

The behavior of this particular batch of goons, though disgusting, wasnt deemed to be prosecutable by the Maricopa County Attorneys Office, however.

The prosecutors office told The Republic that the case was turned down due to no reasonable likelihood of conviction.

Meantime, the city is conducting an independent investigation of misconduct, using an outside counsel.

And it has decided as well to transfer command of the 16-person park rangers unit from the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department to the Mesa Police Department, in order to ensure appropriate oversight and professional standards are maintained.

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Yeah, well, a little late for that.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mesa park rangers mimic teen gang to beat up homeless people | Opinion
GLADEWATER, Texas (KETK)  The City of Gladewater welcomes all coffee lovers to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Starbucks opening in early May.

Photo courtesy of Gladewater Chamber of Commerce

Starbucks new drive-thru in Texas is the coffee giants first 3D printed store in the US

The Gladewater Chamber of Commerce said the new Starbucks at 1006 E Broadway Ave. will have its grand opening on May 5 at 10 a.m.

According to the Associated Press, Starbucks is seeing an upswing again. The company reported its first quarterly sales increase in over a year for the January-March period.

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But the coffee giant said that its turnaround effort is far from complete, and its fiscal second quarter also saw lagging store traffic and lower-than-expected earnings, Associated Press said.

Starbucks imposes new limits on what baristas can wear under their green aprons

The new Starbucks will be one of the only coffee shops in Gladewater, with a majority being locally owned, such as Brew to Revive and Texas Traditions.

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The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that global health is at serious risk as donor support dries up and severe budget cuts loom.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that the agency is facing the greatest disruption to global health financing in memory as contributions fall sharply across the board.

The crisis deepened after the United States, formerly the organisations biggest funder, pulled out in January, saying the health agency had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises. The US had previously covered nearly a fifth of the WHOs budget.

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In response, the WHO has revised its financial plans, scaling back its current spending and proposing a 21 percent cut for the 2026-2027 budget cycle.

An internal memo seen by the news agency Reuters outlines a reduction from $5.3bn to $4.2bn as well as significant staff cuts.





It is of course very painful, Tedros said, warning that slashing the budget will directly impact healthcare systems around the world, particularly in the most vulnerable countries.

Across-the-board cuts

The WHO plans to make cuts across all levels of its operations, including its headquarters in Geneva and regional and country offices. Some offices in wealthier nations may be closed entirely.

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Assistant Director General for Business Operations Raul Thomas said about 25 percent of the WHOs salary budget remains unfunded over the next two years, adding that its too early to say how many roles will be lost because that would depend on staffing levels and locations.

While the US exit added pressure, Tedros pointed to deeper structural problems. The WHO currently relies on a handful of countries for 80 percent of its budget through voluntary contributions. He said the agency must diversify its funding sources to survive long term.

Tedros told reporters he remains in contact with US officials and continues to provide them with information although he has had no direct communication with President Donald Trump.

With a shortfall of nearly $600m this year alone, WHO officials are urging donors to act swiftly. Without renewed support, they warned, the ability to respond to international health emergencies and sustain basic services could collapse.
The military services are poised to lose thousands of their civilian employees to the Trump administration's push for them to resign and are bracing for effects on pay processing systems, child care and more, personnel officials for each of the services told lawmakers on Wednesday.

About 16,000 Army civilians, 1,600 Marine Corps civilians and 12,000 Air Force civilians took the administration's deferred resignation offer, officers from those services said at a House Armed Services Committee personnel subcommittee hearing. About 10% of Space Force civilians -- or about 500 people -- also took the offer, the service witness said. The Navy witness did not have a servicewide number, but said about 10% of the civilians in his personnel office took the offer.

"I can probably speak for everybody here that civilians maintain an important role for us, for our readiness, for our continuity," Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, the Army's deputy chief of staff for personnel, said at the hearing.

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Read Next: Military Zone Along Border Means New -- Potentially Harsher -- Penalties for Newly Detained Migrants

The Trump administration has focused a large portion of its first 100 days on slashing the size of the federal government through hiring freezes, mass firings and resignation offers. Pentagon officials have said their goal is to cut about 5% to 8% of the department's workforce -- or about 50,000 to 60,000 jobs that include thousands of veterans.

As the firings have run into lawsuits and other hurdles, the administration has been relying more heavily on the resignations in order to meet its target of shedding tens of thousands of employees.

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The deferred resignation program was originally offered in January when billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, office sent its infamous "Fork in the Road" email to all federal employees. The program allows government workers to leave their jobs while still getting paid until October.

The Pentagon reopened its deferred resignation offer last month, giving civilian employees until mid-April to decide to leave or risk getting fired later.

With the resignations fresh and reshuffling still being worked out to cover any holes, the service officials told lawmakers on Wednesday that they were still analyzing exactly what vacancies there will be and what functions might be hit. But some offered examples of where they are most worried about staffing gaps.

"I am very concerned about my force development pipeline, how it will affect the school houses and how it will affect our pay systems going forward, depending on how that shakes out," said Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman, deputy chief of naval operations for personnel. "We've done a lot of work in the last two years in modernizing our pay systems. We're in a much better place. We are, as far as I'm concerned, the gold standard in terms of getting pay transactions done and taking care of sailors. I don't want to see any impact at all, and we'll be paying attention to that to make sure we mitigate appropriately."

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Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel for the Air Force, expressed concern that the uncertainty over job stability could cause some ripple effects on recruiting employees in the future.

Miller also later noted that some child-care services have already been curtailed because of the hiring freeze and the first round of deferred resignations at the beginning of the year.

"We've had to shift some of our staffing in our child and youth programs into CDCs just to make sure that the CDCs are covered," she said, referring to child development centers. "We're working through, as we get to the summer, there's a lot of child and youth programs that we may have to decrease the hours available."

While the total number of civilians resigning from the Marines and Space Force is small compared to the other services, officials from those branches warned that the resignations will have an outsized effect on them since the branches are small.

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"We're a third civilians of a total force of 17,000, so the impact of losing civilians is exponentially hard on the Space Force," said Katharine Kelley, deputy chief of space operations for human capital. "We have to look very carefully at how to mitigate that 10% and how to be very, very intentional about making sure that that does not have a direct mission impact. I will tell you, because we rely heavily upon the Air Force for support and that the preponderance of our Guardians, military and civilian, are operationally focused, this is going to be a challenge."

At a service expo in Washington, D.C., this week, Marine Corps officials also spoke about the resignations affecting their units. Lt. Gen. James Adams, the Marine Corps deputy commandant for programs and resources, noted they were not evenly distributed and that civilian-heavy entities such as installations, logistics and systems commands took disproportionate hits.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, the commanding general of the service's training and education entity, also said at the expo Wednesday that while his element is still mission capable, "the most challenging thing about it is the unpredictable nature of who takes the buyout."

"That's the reconciliation we're going through right now to figure out, how do we maintain mission accomplishment capability with the workforce that we have?" Adams said, noting that the Pentagon-wide hiring freeze is also contributing to that calculus.

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"You combine those things together, the workforce is shrinking and potentially to the point where we need to adjust billets across the enterprise to be able to accomplish missions," he said.

Related: Pentagon Civilians Again Told They Can Resign Now, or Face Potential Firings in the Future
The national election returns last November gave the Democrats a comeuppance. They may not have lost the White House or Congress by large margins, but they cannot take solace in that. The election returns showed support for their party is dangerously eroding among the people on whom they once depended - the young, and black and Hispanic voters - as well as further slippage in support from once thoroughly Democratic blue-collar workers.

To put it starkly, in the last election almost all the counties in the blue state of California drifted in Trumps direction.

Whether Democrats win back voters depends on their willingness to reengineer their agenda. They need to address the concerns of the great mass of voters, rather than drive an elitist grievance agenda.

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For ideas on how the Democrats can get back on track, the party cant do much better than read "Abundance," a new book by Ezra Klein of the New York Times and Derek Thompson of The Atlantic. It is a roadmap for making government work better for everyone.

Here is one sentence that illustrates the books approach: "While Democrats focused on giving consumers money to buy what they needed, they paid less attention to the supply of the goods and services they wanted everyone to have."

The title of the book - "Abundance" - speaks to their argument that we can have a comfortable future if we do the right things now.

The subtitle of this book could be "How liberals make it so difficult to get anything done." In the authors words, "Liberals speak as if they believe in government and then pass policy after policy hamstringing what it can actually do."

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Take the issue of affordable housing. We do not have enough. One reason is that we have anti-growth regulations. California is a good example. As a result of zoning restrictions designed to prioritize high-value enclaves, the number of homes completed each year is less now than it was during the 1950s and 1960s. Meanwhile, the number of homeless in the state is a disgrace that gives ammunition to Republicans.

The solution to the housing problem, argue Klein and Thompson, is to think differently, for instance, building more boarding-house type dwellings. In many communities, these have a bad name and are banned. But arent they better than tent encampments?

Many liberals are distraught over the Trump administrations efforts to dismantle regulations. But many, many Americans in big and small businesses applaud, even if they dont like the clumsy way the dismantling is done. In the case of housing, the number of rules faced by home builders slows construction and raises the price of homes.

The same criticism can be leveled against the projects the government takes on itself. In 2022 President Biden signed legislation providing $7.5 billion to build electric vehicle charging stations. By December of last year, 37 stations had been completed.

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Why? States must submit complicated plans to an office jointly run by the Energy and Transportation departments. The bidding process is an ordeal that takes months, even years. Although this is not an example in "Abundance," the lesson is the same for many of the problems the book does treat: Dont let the danger of doing something wrong get in the way of getting something worthwhile done.

Remember, too: It is not only that we need more charging stations. Much of that $7.5 billion is spent on putting people to work building them.

A common anti-government theme is that it cannot do anything efficiently. But comparisons with other countries show that governments can be more efficient than ours. The average cost to build a kilometer of rail in the United States is $609 million. In Canada and Japan the average cost is less than half that.

The federal government has shown that it can speed up projects - if it wants to. Legislation in 2024 exempted semiconductor-manufacturing facilities subsidized under the CHIPS and Science Act from environmental reviews. In his first administration, President Trump was able to speed up border security construction thanks to fast-tracking legislation that was passed years before.

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Projects often have too many objectives. With regard to the CHIPS and Science Act, not only were environmental reviews required in the initial call for proposals to build electric vehicle charging stations, but bidders were required to say how they would address such social considerations as inclusion of minority-, veteran- and female-owned businesses and promotion of workforce diversity.

As Klein and Thompson note, these are laudable goals. But given the urgency of getting underway, were they necessary for this project? "There is some margin at which trying to do more means ultimately achieving less."

Our attitudes toward science are similarly counterproductive. American advances in science have come in large measure because of talented immigrants. But the share of international students on academic visas who apply to stay has declined by more than one-third since 2007. The reason is backlogs in processing. Applicants have given up waiting and gone elsewhere.

At the same time, science funding has done what academic research routinely does - favor derivative projects that make incremental advances. Rather than playing safe, the National Institutes of Health and other science-driven government organizations could make big gains by leaping at bold ideas.

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Again, too, the rules at NIH and elsewhere pile up in mountains of paperwork. Writing those reports takes away time from doing research; reading the reports distracts bureaucrats from looking for talented individuals to solve problems and finding ways to apply the solutions quickly.

In so many ways liberals have contributed to illiberalism, whether canceling people with views they dislike or, as the book "Abundance" shows us, applying zoning restrictions that limit the amount of affordable housing.

Klein and Thompson have accomplished something rare: writing a wonky book that is highly readable. Their ideas come from deep research in history and social science. Their writing and their message are compelling.

This think-outside-the-box book does not provide all the answers as to how Democrats can make things right in our country. But it is a good start toward thinking about an agenda that will attract voters and make their lives better.

John Maxwell Hamilton, an RCP columnist, is the Hopkins P. Breazeale Professor at Louisiana State Universitys Manship School of Mass Communication. His most recent book, Manipulating the Masses: Woodrow Wilson and the Birth of Government Propaganda, won the Goldsmith Book Prize.
WASHINGTON  Emily Stensons life changed forever when she learned that her daughter, Charlie, then 3, had stage four germ cell cancer.

Charlie, now 5, is cancer-free. But the clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health that Stenson says saved her daughters life are at risk, with the Trump administration weighing whether to slash billions more in funding and fire hundreds of scientists from the agency in an effort to downsize the federal government.

Her life was saved from research, Stenson said in an interview. The trials provided us with the drugs that were needed to save her life. Another trial provided us with an option to preserve her fertility if she wants to be a mom when she grows up.

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Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee tasked with managing the federal budget, slammed the administration Wednesday as she gaveled in an oversight hearing on the subject.

These actions put our leadership in biomedical innovation at real risk and must be reversed, Collins said.

Collins said in an interview before the hearing that the administration needs a surgical approach, not a sledgehammer, when it comes to the NIH.

I think its better that Congress make it really clear in our legislation, in our appropriations bills, that we want the funding to be there, that we dont want arbitrary caps, and that we want to be more efficient. There may be some savings that make a great deal of sense, but weve got to be careful, Collins said.

Emily Stenson with her daughter, Charlie, at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing to make the case against proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health at the Capitol on April 30.

With Charlie in tow, Stenson flew across the country, from Washington state to the nations capital, to testify before the bipartisan panel of senators.

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Im hoping to put a face to childhood cancer and to show that were real families, that its not just kids on commercials to pull at heartstrings. Were real people, we are their constituents, and we rely on research. We cannot have them cutting things that are saving our kids lives, Stenson said, tearing up as she watched Charlie color beside her.

Stenson began her remarks before the committee by saying: I sit before you not only as a mother, but as a witness to what federally supported research can make possible and what it would mean to lose it.

Earlier this year the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, fired more than 1,000 researchers, scientists and workers at the NIH, and issued a mandate to cut more than $2 billion in contracts. A leaked draft restructuring plan at the Department of Health and Human Services, run by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., proposed a 44% cut to the overall NIH budget, according to the document obtained by NBC News.

Collins argued that Republicans, who are in full control of Washington, have a great deal of ability to push back on the administrations policies. She has privately discussed the matter with Kennedy as well as others in the administration, but stressed the importance of holding public hearings, too. Collins suggested the administration has broken the law with some of its unilateral actions on funding at the NIH, including imposing a 15% cap on administrative and facility costs.

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Im hoping that we can show what the impact is of arbitrarily reducing staff by thousands of people, by cutting grants all around the country and by causing clinical trials to be halted. When people realize, and when the administration more fully realizes that it acted too quickly, without looking at the devastating effects, I think well see a reversal of many of these policies, Collins said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Appropriators in the Capitol anticipate an updated budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 as soon as Friday, according to three sources with knowledge of plans. It comes as a Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 77% of Americans are opposed to reducing federal funding for medical research.

Sen. Patty Murray, of Washington, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, invited her constituent, Stenson  who also advocates for other families battling childhood cancer  to testify before the panel.

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Asked if the administration understands the impacts these cuts could have, Murray said she believes they sit in an office someplace and have no idea that there are Charlies and Emilys out there that are counting on them.

Collins argued that President Trump has always wanted the United States to be the world leader in everything, but that the cuts could actually cause the United States to be displaced by China or some other country.

Murray agreed.

How can you say to a little girl at Childrens Hospital in Seattle that wed love to help you, but we cant, because China has the research and you dont? Murray said. We wont own the research. We dont have access to it unless China says that we have access to it.













This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican telecommunications giant America Movil on Tuesday reported a 39% jump in its first-quarter net profit compared to the same period in 2024, citing an increase in operating profit and a decrease in financing costs.

The company, which operates across over 20 countries in Europe and Latin America, posted a net profit of 18.70 billion pesos ($914.07 million) in the quarter.

Revenues of the company, controlled by the family of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, came in at 232.04 billion pesos for the period, up 14% year on year and just short of an LSEG average forecast of 233.3 billion pesos.

America Movil said its core earnings, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), rose 13% in the quarter to 91 billion pesos.

The company added 2.4 million net post-paid customers in the quarter, driven by gains in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. There were 1 million disconnections in the pre-paid segment due to declines in Mexico and Brazil, America Movil said.

Company executives said in February they were monitoring pre-paid clients in Mexico on concerns of a slowdown in the local economy.

($1 = 20.4604 pesos at end-March)

(Reporting by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Cassandra Garrison)
Republican senators expressed disappointment Thursday over reports that national security adviser Mike Waltz would be stepping down from his post after he became embroiled in a controversy over inadvertently sharing sensitive information with a reporter on Signal, a commercial app.

Several hours after those reports surfaced, President Trump announced he would nominate Waltz to serve as ambassador to the United Nations.

Prior to the announcement on Truth Social, GOP senators had expressed dismay that Waltz would no longer be national security adviser.

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He did a very good job as national security adviser. Its the prerogative of the president to decide who his team will be, but I was sorry to see that news, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said Waltzs departure is a pretty significant modification and a pretty significant change to President Trumps national security team.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) wasnt happy to hear about Waltzs sudden departure as national security adviser

Disappointing, hes a good guy, he said.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said he wanted to learn more about the circumstances of Waltzs resignation before commenting on the matter.

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Im not going to react because I heard it during the hearing, I dont know any context, he said.

Many Republican senators thought Waltz was a good fit for the job, with one GOP lawmaker telling The Hill he had a very good background.

Waltz graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and later served as a special forces officer and was awarded four Bronze Stars.

Waltz, a former member of the House, served on the China Task Force during his career in Congress and is viewed as a China hawk.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who views China as the biggest challenge we have, said he hopes Trump will appoint someone with similar views to replace Waltz.

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But he acknowledged the national security adviser serves at the pleasure of the president.

Theres one guy whose opinion matters most and thats the president of the United States and I think all those folks serve at the pleasure of the president, which means you may not be there as long as you thought you would, he said.

Updated at 3:15 p.m.

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State Auditor Dave Boliek has appointed (left to right) Stacy Clyde Eggers IV, Francis DeLuca, and former state Senator Bob Rucho to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. (File photos)

State auditor Dave Boliek. (File photo)

The state Board of Elections changed from a Democratic to a Republican majority on Thursday as state Auditor Dave Boliek exercised his new powers to appoint members to the five-member board.

The change to the boards partisan makeup has implications for GOP Appeals Court Judge Jefferson Griffins ongoing challenge to the results of the state Supreme Court race.

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Griffin sued the elections board in his attempt to have votes thrown out as he seeks to unseat Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs. With a Democratic majority, the board had resisted that effort and fought in court against tossing votes. That could now change.

Bolieks appointments come the day after the state Court of Appeals greenlighted a state law that moved elections board appointments and oversight from the governor to the new Republican state auditor. A three-member panel of Superior Court judges had ruled last week that the law was unconstitutional, but Wednesdays ruling okayed a Republican request to stay that decision.

Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement Wednesday he would appeal to the state Supreme Court.

In a Wednesday X post, Stein said the Appeals Courts quick decision was an attempt to steal the Supreme Court election.

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I fear that this decision is the latest step in the partisan effort to steal a seat on the Supreme Court, Steins post said. No emergency exists that can justify the Court of Appeals decision to interject itself at this point. The only plausible explanation is to permit the Republican State Auditor to appoint a new State Board of Elections that will try to overturn the results of the Supreme Court race.

Federal District Judge Richard Myers has prohibited the Board of Elections from certifying the Supreme Court elections results, essentially declaring a winner, until he gives the okay.

Republican board appointees were nominated by the state Republican Party chair.

We are pleased to have tremendous individuals serving on the State Board of Elections & thank everyone who expressed interest in these crucial positions, state GOP Chairman Jason Simmons said on X. These board members will ensure North Carolinians have fair, free, honest, and transparent administration of elections.

Francis X. DeLuca of Wilmington

DeLuca is a former president of the Civitas Institute, a conservative policy organization. Under his leadership, Civitas sued the state Board of Elections over same-day registration in 2016. The federal lawsuit claimed the timing of address verification meant some invalid votes would be counted.

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When he ran for Congress in 2019, DeLucas campaign website credited him with creating the website Mapping the Left and opposing left-wing Rev William Barber and the Moral Monday Movement.

Civitas merged with the John Locke Foundation in 2021.

Former state Sen. Robert Rucho of Catawba County

Rucho was a long-time member of the Senate. As co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, he was a key cheerleader for state tax cuts. He also led the chambers redistricting efforts, defending district lines from claims they were unconstitutional.

Stacy Four Eggers IV of Boone

Eggers is a current elections board member. He is the managing partner of the Eggers law firm and a former member of the Watauga County Board of Elections.

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The Republican majority in the state legislature tried for years to weaken or eliminate governors control over the state Board of Elections, starting before former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, took office in 2017.

Boliek said in a press release he is ready to appoint Democrats when he receives nominations from the state Democratic Party chair.
MIRAMAR, Fla. (WFLA) Governor Ron DeSantis and officials hold a news conference at the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Miramar on Thursday.

DeSantis will be joined by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan, State Board of Immigration Enforcement Executive Director Larry Keefe, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise.

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan announced the arrest and removal of 1,100 illegal immigrants in Florida and several violent gang members.

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Officials said 250 local, state law enforcement, and national guard

Ill stand by the fact that, if youre in this country illegally, you are a criminal. You will be deported, you will have the opportunity to be able to come back into this country through the correct immigration processes, Sheahan said.

According to Dinise, border patrol agents who are on the highway are looking for reactions, running the license plate of that vehicle, and then running information from the license plate through their database.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
KANSAS (KSNT)  Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation as she says Kansas and surrounding states are facing fuel shortage problems.

According to the press release from the Kansas Adjutant Generals Department, states are facing fuel shortages and long lines at the pumps. The press release said there is a need for drivers to increase their hours to deliver fuel.

I am issuing this declaration to help alleviate the delay in getting the fuel to the end user, Governor Laura Kelly said. This is not just a Kansas issue; our neighboring states are experiencing the same delays.

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Diesel has been the most impacted, but gasoline could be affected as well, according to the press release.

Topeka could vote to cut its DEI Office, affirmative action

Chairman of the Kansas Corporation Commission Andrew French said the emergency proclamation will last for 14 days and waive federal regulations limiting the hours carriers and drivers can operate.

The Kansas Highway Patrol acknowledges the Governors proclamation and will ensure enforcement efforts concerning commercial motor vehicles are consistent with these developments, said Colonel Erik Smith, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

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27 News reached out to the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for more information on the shortage. KCC Director Linda Berry said the shortage is mostly impacting western Kansas, particularly Scott City and Great Bend.

Wichita County Emergency Management in western Kansas explained the decision on social media.

There is a bottleneck in the supply chain, not an overall shortage of fuel, the post says. The extension of hours is to mitigate potential consequence of bottleneck and allow drivers to deliver fuel in a timely and efficient manner.

For more Kansas 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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill into law that encourages South Carolina students to take part in work-based learning on Wednesday in Columbia.

The law allows students in the states public school system to participate in extracurricular activities like Future Farmers of America and Four-H programs, forcing school districts to excuse 10 days of missed school.

The law references work-based learning experiences but was inspired by Future Farmers of America.

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Ian Headly from the State Department of Education said its important to pass laws like these that allow for them to expand, even beyond students in agriculture programs, to other relevant organizations that provide these extremely valuable real-world experiences to our students, he said.

Hundreds of students showed up to support the bill signing. Cameron Williams, the SC State F.F.A. president, said this bill will help students maximize experiences and engage with organizations to prepare them for their lives.

I think this bill is just going to increase that number, increasing not only the number of people within the F.F.A. and increasing the number that are active, but also the number that are also going and doing these events and going and being active within their chapter, Williams said.

He added that this opportunity with F.F.A. is what has shaped him, and he can guarantee this law will shape other students, no matter the organization.

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The leadership skills these students learn are just an amazing thing to have happened through college and into life.

Gov. McMaster technically signed the bill into law on Monday and said he was pleased that this bill is going to support the growth of students and South Carolinians.

South Carolinas the best place in the whole world to live, work and raise a family, right here where you stand, he said to the students.

Williams said he knows of several students who had to miss events because they were not able to get excused absences, which he says held them back.

The ten days of excused absences for work-based activities dont affect the other days students are allowed to miss if theyre sick.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT)  Governor Josh Stein announced that $55 million in grants have been distributed to 2,812 western North Carolina small businesses.

These grants will go a long way in helping western North Carolinas beloved small business owners keep their doors open after Helene, Governor Josh Stein said. But the volume of unfunded applications makes it crystal clear  more help is desperately needed. Im ready to work with the legislature to deliver support for small businesses that power our mountain economy.

These grants were provided by the Dogwood Health Trust, the Duke Endowment, and the State of North Carolina through the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. More than 7,300 businesses applied.

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The Dogwood Health Trust is proud of this partnerships work to support small business owners in western North Carolina, Dogwood President and CEO Dr. Susan Mims said. The Dogwood Health Trust created the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative last fall as part of our larger Helene relief efforts. These businesses are vital to the health of our communities, and we must continue to support them.

The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, started by the Dogwood Health Trust and expanded by the State of North Carolina and the Duke Endowment, awarded grants of up to $50,000 to small business with an annual revenue of up to $2.5 million. Governor Stein then announced the new $55 million Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program that will provide $1 million grants to local governments to help rebuild public infrastructure like sewers and sidewalks, which is important in attracting business for small businesses. Governor Steins second Hurricane Helene relief budget proposal will include support for small businesses in western North Carolina.

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 WNCT.
Gov. Greg Gianforte speaks before a bill signing ceremony for a suite of bills that make changes to Montana's environmental laws. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

Three state representatives joined Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte for a bill signing ceremony for five new laws making changes to the Montana Environmental Policy Act.

At its simplest, MEPA is a process that ensures that we think about the potential environmental impacts of our decisions, Gianforte said in remarks to press. Last year, the Montana Supreme Court issued a series of rulings that led us to develop solutions to reduce potential litigation and provide certainty to Montana businesses, large and small, that are trying to make a living here in our state.

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The suite of laws came as a direct response to the decision in the Held vs. Montana lawsuit, in which a district court judge found that the state could not limit the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions during the environmental review process.

When the Montana Supreme Court upheld the ruling last December, incoming Republican legislative leaders told the courts to buckle up and brought a number of bills aimed at changing the judicial system as well as addressing the Held decision.

In the Held v. Montana court case, they tried to twist MEPA into something it was never meant to be  a tool to deny permits and block development, House Speaker Brandon Ler, R-Savage, said at the signing ceremony. With the signing of this MEPA reform package, were making it clear that Montanas environmental policy is about reform decision making, not weaponizing and litigation.

Earlier during the session, House Democrats pushed back against many of the bills related to MEPA, including one brought by Ler.



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Montanans expect us to defend their Constitutional right to breathe clean air and drink clean water, and thats exactly what House Democrats did, said Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula, in a press release. But some Republican politicians are determined to erode what makes Montana the last best place. We will continue to fight those efforts every step of the way.

The Held lawsuit, brought by 16 youth plaintiffs from across the state, was the nations first constitutional climate change trial. A district court judge in Lewis and Clark County sided with the plaintiffs in 2023, and in December 2024, the Montana Supreme Court upheld the decision.

The court found in a 6-to-1 decision that Montanas constitutional guarantee of a clean and healthful environment includes a stable climate system.

Plaintiffs showed at trial  without dispute  that climate change is harming Montanas environmental life support system now and with increasing severity for the foreseeable future, the order stated.

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In response to the Supreme Courts decision Democrats introduced bills that sought to strengthen MEPAs role in protecting the environment, although none passed.

The majority of bills introduced, including the five signed on Thursday sponsored by Republicans, put sideboards on the environmental review process and clarified the states existing laws.

Speaker Ler introduced House Bill 285, which he said was designed to provide clarity and efficiency to MEPA.

The bill emphasizes that MEPA is a tool for assessing environmental impacts, not a regulatory mechanism.

House Bill 285 sets the record straight: MEPA is procedural, Ler said. Its a way to gather facts, weigh impacts and then make informed decisions, not dictate them. This bill reaffirms the Legislatures intent.

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Lers bill passed both Legislative chambers along party lines.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, signs a law making changes to the states environmental law while Republican Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, R-Savage, looks on. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

Other MEPA-related bills drew more bipartisan support.

House Bill 270, introduced by Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, updates MEPA language to remove the parts invalidated by the Held decision, alters the process if someone fails to comply with the act, and prevents state agencies from vacating permits without considering the economic effects.

Her bill saw unanimous support in the House and saw only a handful of opponents in the Senate.

Similarly, Senate Bill 221, carried by Sen. Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, also drew support from both parties.

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His bill directed the Department of Environmental Quality to develop guidance on greenhouse gas emission assessments while aiming to prevent industry and development from getting bogged down in litigation.

Our next steps will be to develop that guidance document that will outline exactly how we will do greenhouse gas assessments for fossil fuel activities, as well as what parameters well look at for non-fossil fuel activities, said Sonja Nowakowski, director of DEQ. These will be very open and transparent processes, and we look forward to engaging with the public and getting everyones input as we move forward.

Gianforte also signed House Bill 291, which prevents the state from adopting more stringent standards for air pollutants than the federal government; and House Bill 466, which defines categorial exclusions for projects that do not require environmental assessments, similar to the National Environmental Policy Act.

Combined, Gianforte said the package of bills would help protect the states environment while bolstering the economy.



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Left unchecked, the rulings would have impacted our energy sector at a time when Americans have seen the cost of electricity soar nearly 30% over the last four years, Gianforte said.

Anne Hedges, director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, criticized many of the bills Gianforte signed, especially SB 221 and HB 285, saying they reduced MEPA to a paper exercise.

Without the requirements in MEPA to fully analyze a projects impacts, the state does not have a mechanism to comply with the publics constitutional rights to know, to participate, and to have a clean and healthful environment, Hedges said in a prepared statement. The people of this state will not stand for a loss of these constitutional rights, and so these bills will only result in conflict and wasted state resources.

Gianforte has signed 222 bills into law, as of Thursday afternoon, out of a total 878 passed by the Montana Legislature, according to the states bill tracker.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT)  According to the state Department of Labor, 3.3% of Alabamians are unemployed as of March this year. Greene County has the highest unemployment rate at 7.7%, while Shelby County has the lowest at 2.7%.

For college graduates, its usually a happy time celebrating a great milestone and accomplishment. But many University of Alabama students said the job market is tough right now, bringing with it some stress about what happens after they turn the tassel.

It gets annoying, but I need to make money, I need a job, said graduating UA student Jameson Marshall.

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Marshall began applying to jobs in the fall. Hes sent out at least 60 applications, only to hear back from a handful. Hes started a new tactic on his job hunt.

Theyre not going to see just a resume online. Call them. Let them remember some sort of something, he said. Once you, like, start doing it, you call, call somewhere, theyre not going to be like mean to you. Theyll answer. Be yourself, it wont be bad.

The job hunt is also still on for Gianna Renaldo. Shes only heard back from three jobs out of the more than 70 applications shes sent in.

I took some steps, and I paid someone to go over my resume and redo it. Im hoping that helps. But Im definitely going to keep applying and keep going to interviews and hope I can get something soon, Renaldo said. Its definitely just, I dont have the experience needed, even with all the internships.

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Some graduating UA students say the lack of experience is a problem for many trying to enter the workforce.

I think a lot of companies also are going through things like hiring freezes, so its hard to even find a job to apply for, and then, if youre competing with people within the company, youre not going to take an entry-level compared to an experienced professional, said UA senior Hailey Kilian.

University of Alabama students weigh in on President Donald Trumps commencement address

Kilian and Chloe Rickley get to skip the job hunt this year as they head into grad school.

The second everyone was applying for jobs, I literally said, I am so relieved that Im going back to school, and I dont have to be doing this right now,' said Rickley.

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Some graduating students like Travonda Ward believe it now takes more and more schooling to land a job.

I have been attending different professional development seminars, so just trying to have different things to add to my resume, obtaining different certifications, and this is actually my second masters degree, said Ward. Im just trying to get as much as I can to make myself more marketable to employers.

Given the current job market, students like Ross Bozeman feel grateful to have a job lined up after graduation.

I was one of the lucky ones, so I feel for them, Bozeman said. I know one of my friends is moving to Nashville and shes moving without a job, without a paycheck, and I just feel for her.

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According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, hiring projections are up just 0.6% from last year. You can see the full report from NACE here.

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It's almost time to turn those tassels.

University and college students across the state are getting ready for spring graduation. That takes organization, planning, last-minute cramming and some hopes for good weather. But many in the Classes of 2025 have already made it through the last of pandemic disruption, challenging economies and all the personal challenges that come with being a student  so celebrating them should be a breeze.

Here, we looked to share a few commencement plans lined up for schools in Delaware.

Delaware State University

A graduate streams on social media as she turns her tassel during the Delaware State University 2023 commencement ceremony at Alumni Stadium in Dover, Friday, May 12, 2023.

Delaware State University is gearing up to celebrate its 133rd commencement, with just under 1,000 soon-to-be graduates. It all kicks off for undergraduates at 8 a.m., May 9, in Alumni Stadium. Then, the graduate students ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in DeLauder Theatre.

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The university is also celebrating its first-ever associate degree awarded to Early College School graduates. Celebrating its 10th year connected to the HBCU, the Early College School serves 600 students from 7 to 12 grades. Students from across Delaware can earn up to 60 college credits before they even graduate  and more than 67% head straight over to Delaware State.

The Dover institution landed some special guests to help mark the occasion.

For undergrads that's the "Olivia Pope of Silicon Valley," per Delaware State. Jotaka Eaddy, CEO of Full Circle Strategies, advocates for increased diversity and impact in the tech sector and serves as a board adviser to several tech start-up companies, like Maker's Row, Gauge, Tech Dojo and Hustle, Inc.

Looking to the graduate ceremony, Maj. Gen. James Benson  the Delaware National Guard adjutant general  will keynote the afternoon ceremony.

The details

Undergraduate commencement: 8 a.m., May 9  Alumni Stadium

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Graduate commencement: 1 p.m., May 9  DeLauder Theatre, E.H. Building

Goldey-Beacom College

Graduates turn to cheer their supporters at the suggestion of speaker US Senator Chris Coons as Goldey-Beacom College holds its 130th commencement Friday.

Goldey-Beacom's graduation is coming up quickly. By now, graduates should be set for spring commencement, with their tickets, their regalia and even parking passes in April. Guests without tickets are welcome to tune-in via livestream and overflow parking is available at Faith Baptist Church.

Now, this graduating class can just look forward to gathering in their gym, off Limestone Road, to be honored all morning. All the pomp and circumstance lasts from about 10:45 a.m. to noon, on May 9, but graduates must check in before 10 a.m.

The keynote speaker will be E. Thomas Harvey III, a lifelong Wilmington resident who serves as the Chairman & CEO of Harvey Hanna and Associates. Harvey owns and manages several management and real estate property investment companies, encompassing some 3.5 million square feet in buildings.

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And bonus: A tradition on the night before, "Caps & Cork," promises a night of celebration and nostalgia with college staff serving as special guest bartenders at Cork & Barrel tavern.

The details

2024-25 Commencement ceremony: 10:45 a.m., May 9  Joseph West Jones Center Gymnasium

Tickets: Required for in-person ceremony. If you missed GradFest, contact the Registrars Office (registrar@gbc.edu).

Delaware Technical Community College

Beatrice Cruz shows off her superhero shirt after receiving her degree as Delaware Technical Community College Stanton and George (Wilmington) campuses graduate nearly 700 students at its 2019 annual commencement at the Bob Carpenter Center Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

DelTech's spring commencements will not only celebrate graduates from spring 2025 but also those of summer and fall 2024, according to the college. Campus ceremonies will cover the state, with that of Stanton and George Campuses taking place in University of Delaware's Bob Carpenter Center.

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And it all happens from May 15 to May 20.

Graduates should lock in their places soon, picking up tickets and Delaware Tech regalia available at various graduation parties until the end of April. Tickets are required for attendance, according to the college. Details on commencement speakers are soon expected.

The details

Stanton/George Campuses: 7 p.m., May 15  Bob Carpenter Center at the University of DelawareCommencement Speaker: Michael J. Hare, executive vice president for development at The Buccini/Pollin Group and member of the Delaware Tech Board of Trustees

Terry Campus: 6 p.m., May 19  DoverCommencement Speaker: Col. Joseph Cooke Jr., Delaware National Guard commander

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Owens Campus: 6 p.m., May 20  GeorgetownCommencement Speaker: Patti Grimes, executive director of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and member of the Delaware Tech Board of Trustees

University of Delaware

University of Delaware students embrace during the 2021 commencement ceremony at Delaware Stadium in Newark.

Delaware's largest university will have several commencements and ceremonies across its disciplines, from May 20 through May 24. There are some nine colleges' worth of students to celebrate.

On May 24 will be a universitywide ceremony. Details on various college-based commencement and convocation ceremonies can be found online, including parking. All of these events are ticketed. Ticket reservations opened April 17, and the window to secure those spots closes May 9.

UD rankings: University of Delaware physical therapy ranks No. 1 in graduate programs by US News, again

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Matt ODonnell, a longtime news anchor for 6ABC and a 1994 Blue Hen, is set to deliver this years commencement address. ODonnell earned his degree in English/journalism, according to UD, with a minor in political science. He was also news director of WVUD-FM and worked as a reporter for The Review.

The 175th commencement for the University of Delaware is set for 9:30 a.m., with the Class of 2025 expected to fuel an estimated 4,000 graduates, with some 16,000 family and friends packing Delaware Stadium. Parking lots open at 6:30 a.m., gates 7 a.m. Graduates get four guest tickets, as families from across the country and farther will make their way to Newark.

The details

Commencement for the Class of 2025: 9:30 a.m., May 24  Delaware Stadium

Tickets required: Available online, April 17 to May 9

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Virtual options: UDLive

Widener University Delaware Law School

Widener University Delaware School of Law honors 151 graduates in its 44th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 19, 2018.

Commencement for these law-school students is right around the corner. And for many, that's a mixed bag.

"Commencement is a time for you to reflect with pride on your accomplishments on completing your legal studies," wrote Dean and Professor of Law Todd Clark to his soon-to-be graduates last year. "For those of you who will soon be taking a bar exam, there is good news and bad news."

The good news is, education at Delaware Law has prepared then for an intense next few months of studying. Naturally then, the bad news is they can't yet relax or party too hard post-graduation.

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Commencement will be held at 3 p.m. on May 16, on Widener University's Chester campus under a tent on Memorial Field. Guests do not require tickets, and all seating is first-come, first-served. Regalia is sold at the Widener Bookstore.

"The time to celebrate in earnest will be after that exam!" Clark said.

The details

Delaware Law School Commencement: 3 p.m., May 16  Memorial Field

Wilmington University

Wilmington University College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business commencement ceremony at the Chase Center Sunday, May 19, 2019 in Wilmington where 338 graduates took part.

WilmU is ready to mark its 54th commencement ceremony.

By the end of May, all graduates should have applied to take part in spring commencement, coming on the first Sunday in June. Four ceremonies stretch from June 1 to June 2, across colleges and degrees. Grads need to arrive an hour early. All guests need tickets to take part in these festivities housed in the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

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"On behalf of Wilmington University, we extend our sincere best wishes to the graduates and to all who have supported you in your accomplishments," writes the university online.

The details

53rd Commencement: Chase Center on the Riverfront

Tickets: Required, and graduates should have received an email about the number of tickets available and ticketing procedures.

Ceremonies:

10 a.m., June 1:College of Business, masters and doctoral graduates  Wilmington HallCollege of Health Professions and Natural Sciences, all graduates  Riverfront Ballroom

1 p.m.:College of College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, all graduates  Wilmington HallCollege of Business, associates and bachelors graduates  Riverfront Ballroom

4 p.m.:College of Education and Liberal Arts, all graduates  Wilmington HallCollege of Technology, associates and bachelors graduates  Riverfront Ballroom

4 p.m., June 2:College of Technology, master's graduates (last names A-L)  Wilmington HallCollege of Technology, master's graduates (last names M-Z)  Riverfront Ballroom

Got a story? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on X @kpowers01.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Class of 2025 commencements set across Delaware colleges, universities
(KRON)  Felony charges have been filed against the grandfather of a 3-year-old boy who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound last month in Antioch, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office.

Jamal Edwards was charged Monday with first-degree criminal storage of a firearm and willful child cruelty in connection with the fatal shooting at an Antioch residence, court records show. Neighbors told KRON4 that the toddler frequently stayed in the house on Clearbrook Road with his grandparents.

A 911 call on April 8 reported that the 3-year-old had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot, according to Antioch Police Department Lieutenant Bill Whitaker. Emergency responders arrived soon after and were seen by neighbor Linda Corbetta carrying the toddlers body away from the home.

Police officers are seen at an Antioch home where a toddler was fatally shot on April 8, 2025.

He was limp. His little head was rolled back. Its shocking. We couldnt believe that this could happen, but it did, Corbetta said.

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Lt. Whitaker said the heartbreaking shooting appeared to be accidental.

Edwards is scheduled to be arraigned on charges June 3 at the Arnason Justice Center in Pittsburg.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Mullen Group plans to acquire the Cole Group, a privately owned logistics services company, adding to Mullens portfolio of independently managed business units, according to an April 14 press release.

The transaction  which is expected to close this quarter  brings more than 700 employees and 43 locations across the U.S. and Canada to the Canada-based companys logistics network. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Not only is the Cole Group an industry leader in customs brokerage and trade consulting, which happens to be one of the most talked about issues of the day, they have a sizeable 3PL freight service offering, a service that aligns very closely with our U.S. & International Logistics segment, said Murray Mullen, chair and senior executive officer of Mullen Group, in the release.

Dive Insight:

Mullen Group has a long history of acquisitions within the logistics and transportation industries, as a means to grow its service offerings.

Last year, Mullen purchased Pacific Northwest Moving, a less-than-truckload carrier, and ContainerWorld Forwarding Services, a logistics service provider to the alcohol industry of Western Canada.

Cole Group includes subsidiaries Cole International  with customs brokerage, freight and trade consulting department  and Abco International Freight, a freight forwarding company. In recent years, Cole International has worked to expand its presence in the U.S., opening new branches in Buffalo, New York; Columbia, South Carolina; Detroit; Port Huron, Michigan; Seattle, and, most recently, Houston.

The acquisition will align with Mullen Groups U.S. and international logistics segment, which currently has one business unit: Haulistic, a Chicago-based third-party logistics provider. The public company acquired QuadExpress in 2021 and rebranded it as Haulistic that same year.

When I first met the owner of Cole Group, Mr. Don Lucky, it was evident that our companies shared in a very similar set of values  integrity, people focused and customer service as the centerpiece of the company, Mullen said in the release, adding that Cole Group will continue to be overseen by its existing leadership team.

Mullen Group plans to fund the Cole Group acquisition with existing cash and credit facilities, the release states. According to its Q4 earnings report, Mullen Group had working capital of $281.5 million, including $126.3 million in cash, as of Dec. 31.
Glimmering, deep-blue solar panels carpet rooftops in Pakistans largest cities and dot the perimeters of houses in villages across the country.

Pakistan, home to more than 240 million people, is experiencing one of the most rapid solar revolutions on the planet, even as it grapples with poverty and economic instability.

The country has become a huge new market for solar as super-cheap Chinese solar panels flood in. It imported 17 gigawatts of solar panels in 2024, more than double the previous year, making it the worlds third-biggest importer, according to data from the climate think tank Ember.

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Pakistans story is unique, said Mustafa Amjad, program director at Renewables First, an energy think tank based in Islamabad. Solar has been adopted at mass scale in countries including Vietnam and South Africa, but none have had the speed and scale that Pakistan has had, he told CNN.

Theres one particular aspect fascinating experts: The solar boom is a grassroots revolution and almost none of it is in the form of big solar farms. There is no policy push that is driving this; this is essentially people-led and market driven, Amjad said.

Pakistans solar story is not a straightforward good news story; its complex and messy with potential trouble ahead as the energy landscape changes radically and rapidly. But many analysts say whats happening here undermines an increasingly popular narrative that clean energy is unaffordable, unwanted and can only succeed with large-scale government subsidies.

Contrary to the notion that renewables only thrive on subsidies or are forced onto the Global South, Pakistanis are actively choosing solar because it makes financial sense, said Harjeet Singh, climate advocate and founding director of Satat Sampada Climate Foundation.

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As the country grapples with severe and deadly heat waves  temperatures nudged toward 122 degrees Fahrenheit in April  there is also hope access to solar can help people afford the cooling systems on which they increasingly rely to survive.

A bottom-up revolution

Pakistans solar boom is due to a perfect storm of factors, said Waqas Moosa, chair of the Pakistan Solar Association and the CEO of Hadron Solar.

Chief among those are the tumbling cost of solar panels from China coupled with sky-high electricity prices.

Pakistans electricity woes can be traced back to the 1990s when it entered into expensive power agreements, many tied to the US dollar, where producers were paid regardless of whether they produced electricity, said Asha Amirali, a research associate at the Centre for Development Studies at the University of Bath.

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The sharp depreciation of the Pakistani rupee combined with falling electricity demand  in part due to the rise in solar  have pushed electricity prices upward. Russias war in Ukraine added an extra layer of pressure as gas prices increased.

Electricity costs have shot up 155% over the last three years, Amjad, from Renewables First, said. In addition, grid electricity is unreliable with multi-hour blackouts common in parts of the country.

Businesses and households able to afford it have turned to cheap solar.

While precise data on the amount of solar installed is sparse, analysts estimate around 15 gigawatts was installed last year compared to peak electricity demand in the country of about 30 gigawatts, said Dave Jones, Embers global insights program director. The scale is just mind boggling, he told CNN.

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A Google Earth search of big cities such as Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore reveals the sheer amount of solar, said Jenny Chase, a solar analyst with BloombergNEF. There are more solar panels than youll see almost anywhere else in the world in terms of roof coverage, she told CNN.

An official from Pakistans Power Division told CNN the government has to be given full credit for this boom, citing programs including zero tax on solar panels and a net metering system, which allows people to send excess solar energy to the grid and currently accounts for about 4 gigawatts .

But many analysts disagree, pointing to the absence of largescale government solar spending. The solar boom has been very bottom up, Amjad said. It was essentially the people forcing markets to import more solar panels.

A solar project in Islamabad, Pakistan, on October 27, 2021. - Saiyna Bashir/Reuters

Its changing the way Pakistanis think about electricity.

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Moosa, from the Pakistan Solar Association, compares it to the rise of social media. In the same way sites like TikTok and Instagram have allowed people to bypass traditional media and become publishers, the solar revolution is allowing Pakistanis to become electricity producers as well as consumers.

Once you combine solar and batteries, suddenly all the power goes in the hands of consumers, Moosa said.

 But

This revolution is not all upside.

Our grid is going to suffer, Moosa said. There are concerns it will enter a death spiral, where expensive electricity pushes people away from the grid and toward solar, reducing the revenue utilities get, leaving those still on the grid facing higher prices, which in turn pushes more people to solar.

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The Pakistan Power Division official said the government may take appropriate but necessary measures to ensure the stability of the grid but did not specify what these might be.

The solar boom is also driving a further wedge between Pakistans rich and poor, Amirali said. Solar is only available to those with deep enough pockets and everybody else is still stuck on the extremely expensive, often extremely unreliable, dirty fossil fuel-based grid, the researcher said. I think Pakistan can only teach you what not to do right now.

Others take a more positive view. While there are people being left behind, solar is not limited to the rich, Amjad said.

People are using simple solar systems in areas that maybe get only a handful of hours of grid electricity a day, he said. Think the village tire shop bringing out a single solar panel every morning, or the families that group to convert their diesel-powered irrigation wells to solar.

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This is what cheap solar means, BloombergNEFs Chase told CNN. It means people who have never had power before, having power.

Solar panels installed on the roof of a building at Skardu in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region where multi-hour daily power cuts are common. - Manzoor Balti/AFP/Getty Images

Pakistans solar boom may be imperfect but some analysts say it holds broader lessons, especially for countries where grid electricity is expensive, unreliable or both.

There are two crucial takeaways, said climate advocate Singh. Falling costs mean renewables are often the most rational economic path away from fossil fuels but Pakistan also underscores the absolute necessity of proactive planning and timely investment to ensure the grid can cope, he said.

Chase believes many countries may experience similar solar booms but warned the solar market is unpredictable.

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South Africa, for example, saw a rapid uptake of solar in 2023 when electricity supply was increasingly erratic and blackouts common. It looked like the start of a solar boom to some analysts, but take-up dropped when the government invested money in making the grid more robust.

For now, Pakistan has become a poster child for energy transition in the developing South, Amjad said. People are watching and the stakes are high.

If the goes revolution wrong, it will affect the way solar is seen globally, he added. The country must ensure its solar story becomes a fairy tale and not one that is talked about as an example of things not to do.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  News 8s Lisa Carberg will emcee the 2025 Greater New Haven Heart Walk on Sunday, May 4, at Lighthouse Point Park.

Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the walk kicking off at 10 a.m.

Superhero Sunday 5K raises over $100,000 for Connecticut Childrens

Nearly 500 people are expected to walk along the Connecticut shore to support the American Heart Associations mission of fighting heart disease and stroke.

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Click here to register for the walk or to donate.

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.
May 1Officials with the Greene County Board of Elections say they acted within the bounds of the law in handling a would-be Bellbrook public safety tax levy  whose submitted language was wrong by a single number.

However, Bellbrook officials say the whole incident should raise concerns about government efficiency when it comes to placing a ballot issue before voters.

It is the responsibility of the political subdivision (city, township, school district, etc.) to follow up on the status of their tax levy filing, Greene County Board of Elections Director Tracy Smith said, and to comply with applicable election law.

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"It's a legal document," he said. "That's why we don't make decisions and don't change things at this level."

While on paper the ballot language was off by one number, a difference in the start of the collection year of a tax levy would have had serious consequences, Smith said.

"If that filing had gotten through our office and gotten through the Secretary of State ...'25 to '26 is a little more than just one digit  it's a full year of taxation," Smith said.

Smith started his position as Board of Elections director on March 11, though he previously served in the same role from 2005 to 2011. Smith said in his time in the position, he didn't know of any time that he had notified a jurisdiction of incorrect ballot language.

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"Somebody doesn't hand me an ordinance and we immediately start working on ballot language," he said. "People will walk in literally at 3:59 before the 4 o'clock deadline, and you're not going to get the ballot language done for a few days with the whole process."

Additionally, if the board had notified the city, the ordinance would still have been required to go back to the Bellbrook City Council. Under Ohio law, if a jurisdiction's ballot language is rejected for any reason, the process of filing an ordinance would need to have started all over again from the beginning with passing an ordinance with city council.

Bellbrook's ballot language was rejected on March 4, about a month after the filing deadline for the May election, meaning Bellbrook had no way to resubmit their filing in time, even if they had been aware.

"It's a bad situation all around," Smith said. "As a BOE we don't like the fact that that happened, but there was no clear way to fix it at that point ... it's not an easy fix any way you look at it."

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Bellbrook officials say they are still on a "fact-finding mission" to see if the weeks-long process to identify a scrivener's error (the legal term for a typo) could be changed. Further, the fact that the city would have to start all over again with the November election over a typo was "a red flag for common sense," City Manager Rob Schommer said.

"The process is flawed, in our opinion," Schommer said. "We're hoping there are improved efficiencies that can come out of this process that creates more transparency, accountability, and knowledge of the workflow for very important language and documentation."

The original tax measure was passed by Bellbrook City Council on Dec. 23 of last year, and filed three days later with the county auditor according to a timeline provided by the Greene County Board of Elections.

The 2.2-mill public safety levy, which would fund both the city's police and fire departments, was filed with the Greene County Board of Elections on Jan. 28, six business days before the filing deadline for the May election.

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On Feb. 14, the ballot language was sent to the secretary of state for review, and returned on Feb. 25, when it was sent to the Greene County Prosecutor's Office. The Board of Elections received a confidential memo from the Greene County Prosecutor on March 3, and the Board denied the ordinance on March 4.

An identical police and fire levy is expected to be on Bellbrook residents' November ballot, as city council passed legislation to that effect Monday, starting the process all over again.
A Griffin couple who were standing trial after being accused of trying to starve a child to death have pleaded guilty.

Tyler and Krista Schindley pleaded guilty to all of the charges against them, including cruelty to children, false imprisonment and more.

They were sentenced to 40 years in prison followed by 20 years of probation.

Opening statements in the trial were delivered on Wednesday and witnesses were expected to start being called on Thursday, but the couples change of pleas stopped the trial.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2s Tom Regan was in the courtroom as friends and family members, including one of their older children, delivered victim impact statements.

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Evan Schindley, then just 10 years old, was found wandering the neighborhood looking for food in 2023. He weighed just 36 pounds and had lost 15 teeth because of a lack of dental care.

Before being sentenced, both Tyler and Krista Schindley apologized for what they did to their son.

I would like to apologize to all of our children. I know the older children have family around them and love them, and Im thankful for that, Krista Schindley said tearfully.

I definitely want to apologize to all my family and everyone that I have associated with this, that have had to go through this, Tyler Schindley said.

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Prosecutor Kaitlyn Leonard said that in all her years of trying cases, she has never seen any child treated worse than how the Schindleys treated their son.

Never have I seen a case that showed the depth of human depravity like this one, Leonard said.

Judge Benjamin Coker had the final word, scolding them for the abuse and neglect.

When Evan ran away from your residence, Mrs. Schindley, and you were stopped by police, and you never even asked if Evan is okay, Judge Coker said.

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CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel attended a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for a new building at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.

Tressel talked about the amazing foresight someone had years ago to buy the Canfield property and what its become today. Hes also excited about the next step  a new health and wellness center at MCCTC.

Together, we are building more than a health center. We are building a healthier, stronger and more connected community, said Kathleen Harley, president of St. Elizabeth Youngstown.

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The center will expand access to primary and walk-in medical care, including mental health services. It will also create a school-based health clinic and strengthen healthcare training programs.

The center is more than just a building. Its a bold statement about what we value as a community, said Matt Kriesic, CEO of Cadence Care Network.

The health and wellness center is costing $7 million to build. Over $5 million of that is coming from an Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Grant Program. When finished, the center could serve more than 6,500 people a year, right on location in Canfield.

So this is critical, what weve always been doing here and now mesh it with health care, Tressel said.

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Tressel said Ohio will have about 500,000 more jobs by 2030, and MCCTC has been training people for in-demand careers.

The workforce needs are extraordinary, but really, we look at it as the workforce opportunities, Tressel said.

The Health and Wellness Center will be open to all. It will offer walk-in care, enabling patients to see a primary care physician the same day with no appointment needed.

Primary care is the front door to health care, and we know that access improves the outcomes of health, Harley said.

It puts health care and a clinic where people are and ties it to the community. MCCTC is again in the middle of making a difference.

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I cant wait till you come up with one more thing to build. Every time we come out here, hes expanding, making a difference.

Construction is expected to be complete in the summer of 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 WKBN.com.
Gulf war veteran Jeffrey G. Hutchinson is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection in Florida on May 1 for the 1998 murders of his girlfriend and her three young children in Crestview.

Hutchinson's attorneys have blamed his actions on brain damage and cognitive impairment from injuries suffered during the Gulf War, but an appeal to the Florida Supreme Court was unanimously denied on April 21.

Maria DeLiberato, executive director of Floridians for Alternatives for the Death Penalty and liaison for Hutchinson's legal team, told USA TODAY that there are significant questions around Hutchinson's competency to be executed.

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"There should be a pause to have a full and fair and complete hearing to determine the significance of his long-standing mental illness and brain damage and how that impacted him back then, at the time of trial, his sentencing, and how it impacts his ability to proceed with this execution," DeLiberato said.

However, when the state Supreme Court upheld an April 4 ruling against Huchinson from Okaloosa County Circuit Judge Lacey Powell Clark, the court said facts "that he was exposed to sarin gas and numerous explosions while serving in the Middle East as well as his various post-war symptoms" were well-known during or before his trial.

If the execution goes as planned, Hutchinson will be the fourth execution in Florida and the 15th in the United States this year. A fifth Florida execution, for convicted murderer and serial killer Glen E. Rogers, is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2025.

The previous executions were James Ford on Feb. 13, Edward James on March 20 and Michael Tanzi on April 8. Florida did not execute any inmates in 2020, 2021 and 2022 but put to death six men in 2023 and one man, Loran K. Cole, in 2024.

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Here's what to know.

Who is Jeffrey Hutchinson?

Jeffrey Glenn Hutchinson, now 62, was convicted and sentenced to death for the quadruple murder in 1998 of his girlfriend Renee Flaherty, 32, and her three children, Geoffrey, 9, Amanda, 7, and Logan, 4.

A former mechanic and security guard before joining the Army and becoming a paratrooper and Army Ranger, Hutchinson was raised in Florida but was living with Flaherty in Spokane, Washington, before they moved to the Sunshine State. Flaherty was estranged from her husband, who was stationed in Alaska, and Hutchinson was twice-divorced.

Jeffrey Hutchinson: War 'broke' Army veteran before quadruple murder of mom, 3 kids, defense says

How were Renee Flaherty and her children killed?

According to court records, Hutchinson and Flaherty had been fighting on Sept. 11, 1998, before he packed some clothes and firearms into his truck and went to a nearby bar. As he drank, he told the bartender (an acquaintance) that he was "pissed off."

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Prosecutors said Hutchinson came back to the house with a Mossberg 12-gauge pistol-grip shotgun and shot and killed the occupants within an hour of leaving the bar. He shot each of the victims once in the head, they said, with the oldest child also shot in the chest.

Hutchinson called the police and told a dispatcher, "I just shot my family." Police arrived to find him spattered with blood and lying in a daze on the garage floor, still holding the phone.

During Hutchinson's sentencing, Florida Circuit Judge G. Robert Barron found that the veteran's Gulf War service didn't correlate to the murders, and said that Geoffrey's death was particularly heinous because he was alive and wounded in the chest when he was killed with a head shot, the Associated Press reported at the time.

"The terror suffered in that moment is incomprehensible to this court," Barron said. "The defendant walked over to that 9-year-old boy and without pity, and without conscience, aimed the shotgun one final time."

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A broken promise: He promised to care for Washington mom and her 3 kids. Then he killed them all in Florida.

At times, Hutchinson claimed the murders were carried out by two masked men, that he was heavily intoxicated at the time so it couldn't be first-degree murder, and that he had diminished responsibility due to mental disorders from his service.

Hutchinson was diagnosed as suffering from Gulf War Syndrome, but the trial judge ruled him competent to stand trial. He was found guilty and given three death sentences for the children's murders and a life sentence for Flaherty.

Multiple appeals over the years have been rejected or dismissed by the Florida Supreme Court, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

When is Jeffrey Hutchinson scheduled to be executed?

Hutchinson's execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Florida State Prison in Raiford.

How many death row inmates has Florida executed?

From 1924 until May 1964, the state of Florida executed 196 people. There were no executions from May 1964 until May 1976.

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In 1972, the United States Supreme Court struck down the death penalty, but it was reinstated in 1976. Florida has carried out 107 executions since then.

When is the next execution in Florida?

Glen Rogers, known as "The Casanova Killer" or "The Cross Country Killer," is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Rogers was convicted and sentenced to death in 1997 for the stabbing murder of Tina Marie Cribbs near Tampa two years previously.

In 1999, Rogers was tried in California for raping and strangling Sandra Gallagher and was sentenced to death again. The two women were part of the four Rogers was believed to have killed, all red-haired and in their 30s, as he was driving across the country in 1995.

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At one point, Rogers claimed he'd killed nearly 70 people, although he later said he was kidding. He also claimed to have been paid by O.J. Simpson to kill Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994, as explained in the documentary "My Brother the Serial Killer."

James Powel, USA TODAY NETWORK, contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida execution today: Jeffrey Hutchinson to die for murders
RICHLAND, Mich. (WOOD)  Gull Lake Community Schools will be closed on Thursday due to an ongoing investigation after a threat of school violence.

The Richland Police Department on Wednesday shared a letter from Gull Lake Superintendent Christopher Rundle to the school community explaining the closure.

Rundle said the school got word of an anonymous threat of violence to Gull Lake High School that specifically mentioned May 1. When the threat has been adequately addressed by authorities, school will resume, the superintendent said.

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All school buildings will be closed and Advantage Child Care and after-school activities are canceled Thursday.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information should contact Gull Lake High School principal, Don Eastman, or school resource officer Deputy Eric Root.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Andrew Duarte, an officer with the West York Borough Police Department (WYBPD), was killed in the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania on Feb. 22

York County District Attorney Tim Barker shared new details about his death in a press conference on April 30

The gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, was fatally shot 15 to 20 times



New details have been revealed about the death of Andrew Duarte, the officer who was killed at UPMC Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania after a gunman opened fire and held staff hostage in February.

The borough of West York previously announced on Facebook that Andrew Duarte, an officer with the West York Borough Police Department (WYBPD), was killed in the shooting.

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Police officers, one from Springettsbury Township and the other from Northern York County Regional Police Department, were injured during the Feb. 22 incident, as well as a deputy sheriff from the sherrif's department, York County District Attorney Tim Barker said during a press conference on Wednesday, April 30. Three hospital staff members were wounded.

During the press conference, Barker said Duarte was killed in the line of duty by gunfire intended for the gunman Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz.

Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP Law enforcement respond to the scene of a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 Law enforcement respond to the scene of a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025

Barker said that hospital staff and police were unaware that Archangel-Ortiz's stolen 9mm Taurus pistol was already out of ammunition after he pointed his firearm at a worker at approximately 11:11 a.m.

While it was unknown at the time if Archangel-Ortiz had any additional rounds, police say he then grabbed another worker at gunpoint at approximately 11:13 a.m., and "exited the main door of the ICU."

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"The officers that were in their tactical positions, immediately created a reactionary gap and backed up in order to take full recognition, and to make full determinations of the hostage situation that was in front of them," he said.

That is when officers from both sides of the doorway began to open fire.

Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP Law enforcement respond to the scene of a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 Law enforcement respond to the scene of a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025

After officers began shooting from the left side, those on the right side proceeded to shoot, and one of those bullets fired from an "officer who was positioned closest to the wall on the right side" struck Archangel-Ortiz on the "back upper shoulder area on the left side."

The hostage was not struck, although some of the bullets also hit the wall. One projectile, however, did hit an officer who was holding a shield in "his right hand and traveled into his arm."

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"At that pointer Officer Andrew Duarte is diagonal and slightly behind to the officer with the shield. He is turned slightly to the left," said Barker.

"Two shots strike Officer Duarte. One shot strikes him in the left arm and goes across his chest. The other strikes him at the left side chest area, at the mesh area where his tactical protective vest would not have coverage, and strikes him at the mesh and goes across his chest," he said.

A third officer on the left side was also then struck in the leg by another shot.

Barker said that Archangel-Ortiz was fatally shot 15 to 20 times, but that it was difficult to be precise given the nature of the injuries. His death was ruled a homicide as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, per WGAL.

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He also said that after Duarte declared that he was struck, he attempted to help the officer who was struck from the leg down.

"That officer at this point is now being pulled by another officer," said Barker. "Officer Duarte leans over to the officer who is down and now is starting to be moved. Officer Duarte then, after leaning down towards that officer, succumbs to his injuries and collapses to the ground."

Archangel-Ortiz's firearm was found and collected by another officer who discovered it was "unloaded at that time."

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"Again, as I stated previously, this fact was unknown to any officer and was unknown to the health care workers who were inside the ICU," said Barker.



Read the original article on People
EVANSVILLE  A local celebration of Haitian culture has been canceled by event organizers after U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement descended on Evansville this week.

Gelina Mascoe, director of the Haitian Center of Evansville, announced Tuesday that in light of the ICE raids, the Taste of Haiti event planned to celebrate Haitian Flag Day would be canceled.

Mascoe said she cannot put the city's Haitian families at risk.

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"I don't want to be responsible for that," she said. "This is too heavy of a burden to carry. I'm not willing to carry that burden."

The event was planned for May 17 at Wesselman Park. Community members were invited to the free event to learn about Haitian culture, try Haitian food, listen to music and visit a variety of vendor booths.

May 18 celebrates the creation of the Haitian flag, originally created in 1803.

The Haitian Center of Evansville had planned to hold the cultural festival on May 17. May 18 is the day the Haitian flag was created in 1803.

In a video posted to social media, Mascoe said the last few days, weeks, months and years have been "exhausting."

"I think sometimes as an Evansville community we tend to separate the immigrant community," she said. "These are your neighbors. These are people who your kids go to school with their kids. They are human beings who deserve to be cared for."

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Mascoe said they can't celebrate their culture in this environment.

"It's not good for our mental health to keep going. People expect us to keep going," she said. "We're not robots. We're human beings. We have children. We have these families who depend on us."

Tuesday, it felt like they were acting as a task force for Evansville's immigrant community, Mascoe said.

"So no, we don't get to celebrate our culture. You won," she 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."

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Haitian Center cancels cultural celebration after Evansville ICE raids
May 1 (UPI) -- A Haitian woman died last week while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, prompting Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to demand a full investigation into Marie Ange Blaise's death.

Blaise, 44, died Friday evening at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Fla., nearly two months after being detained by ICE.

Speaking before the House on Wednesday, Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, rebuked President Donald Trump's ongoing crackdown on immigration, calling it "sloppy and reckless since day one," and saying it has put the lives of migrants at risk.

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"I am calling for a full, transparent investigation into Marie's death, and I will be visiting the Broward Transitional Center very shortly," she said.

"It is this neglect and cruelty that is really hurting our American families, who are being even deported at this very moment. We must have transparency; we must have justice."

According to a Tuesday press release from ICE, Blaise entered the United States without admission at an unknown date and location.

On Feb. 12, Customs and Border Protection detained Blaise at the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix, Virgin Islands, while she was attempting to board a flight to Charlotte, N.C.

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Blaise was issued a Notice of Expedited Removal. On Feb. 14, she was transferred to ICE custody in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then, on Feb. 21, she was transferred to the Richwood Correctional Center in Oakdale, La., before being moved to the Pompano Beach facility on April 5.

She was pronounced dead Friday at 8:35 p.m. EDT.

The cause of death is under investigation, ICE said.

During her floor speech Wednesday, Cherfilus-McCormick suggested ICE neglect contributed to Blaise's death.

"Marie had been complaining about chest pain for hours. They gave her some pills and told her to lie down. Unfortunately, Marie never work up," she said. "Her loved ones deserve answers. They deserve accountability."

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Blaise was detained and died as the Trump administration seeks to deport hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants.

According to ICE statistics, during Trump's first 100 days in office, the federal government has deported 65,682 undocumented migrants, and agents have arrested nearly 66,500 more.

ICE states it has "significantly ramped up arrests and removals."

Cherfilus-McCormick chastised the Trump administration for holding migrants, such as Blaise, in inhumane and unsanitary facilities.

"Immigrants are being treated without basic dignity and being denied medical care," she said.

ICE said that all those in custody receive medical, dental and mental health screening and "at no time during detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care."
Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and House Oversight Committee Chair Brian BeGole (R-Antrim Township) at a press conference on April 30, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

As the Michigan Department of State works to transition its campaign finance data into another system, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) is slamming the new platform, prompting the House Oversight Committee to look into how the funding for the system was being spent.

The Department launched its new personal financial disclosure system on March 14, 2025, and has faced strong criticism since its launch from reporters, campaigns and transparency advocates.

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Neil Thanedar, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, criticized the system in a social media post earlier this month saying the new portal provides less information to the public than the previous portal, making it harder for the nonprofits investigators to do their jobs monitoring political spending in the state.

An investigation from Bridge Michigan in March found that the upgraded system  produced through a $9.3 million contract with Texas-based Tyler Technologies  provides less information to the public than the previous system. The investigation noted lobbyist registrations no longer listed clients, and expenses could not be easily viewed, while access to the states prior system was locked behind a login screen.

Hall criticized Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is running for governor as a Democrat, saying she should get off the campaign trail and fix her website.

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He also called the system a $9 million boondoggle, telling reporters his House Oversight Committee should investigate what happened with that funding.

I mean, you spent $9 million and its worse, he said.

The House Oversight Committee has authorized a subpoena against the Department of State following five months of requests from Election Integrity Committee Chair Rachelle Smit (R-Martin) for materials used to train election workers. Smit maintains the materials she requested are basic materials provided to election clerks, while members of the Department of State have warned that disclosing these materials unredacted could carry consequences for the states election security.

The House Oversight Committee, after rejecting the departments multiple attempts to provide the requested materials in a way that protects the security of our election system, instead voted to issue an unnecessary subpoena for this sensitive information, Angela Benander, Bensons chief communications officer said in a statement.

Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) at a press conference on April 30, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

This includes materials that show active screens of the Qualified Voter File; specific information that could be used to compromise the technology used by local election officials; specific procedures for securing voting equipment, ballots, and other election-related materials; information that could be used to gain improper access to secure communication channels used to report security risks; specific locations of election administrator training and templates for official election notices, Benander said.

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Hall compared the Departments response to the Department of Technology, Management and Budgets decision to deny a public records request from the Detroit News on the occupancy levels in state office buildings.

This is the same thing that they said about the election manuals. So Benson, I cant give you the election manuals because of security reasons. Now, Whitmer administration, The state workers, where are they working? We cant give that to you for security reasons, Hall said.

Are they coming in the office or not? Were going to find out, and we are going to bring the government workers back to the office. Were just going to do it. Were going to force them to do it in the state budget. And were going to get the information, even if we had to subpoena them, Hall said.

Benander told the Michigan Advance in an email that the states contract with its previous system, MERTS, expires this year, meaning the department needed to create a new system and migrate and convert massive amounts of old data, putting the department behind schedule.

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Those delays dramatically impacted the departments ability to conduct pre-launch data testing, Benander said, noting that theyd been finding errors and problems with the systems performance as a result.

We understand this is a problem. We are working to fix it as quickly as possible but have had to prioritize the parts of the system that allow filers to meet their legal requirements by the filing deadline. Once the project is complete, this system will be much more transparent and accessible than the old system and the temporary issues were experiencing now will be fully resolved, Benander said.

Our priority right now is to fix the problems and get the new MiTN system fully up and running over the next several weeks, She said.

Debates over road funding continue as Senate Dems offer education proposal

Alongside his criticisms of Benson, Hall took shots at Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), who has said she has been working to meet with Hall, without success.

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Thats just false. Theyre not making any effort to have meetings with me, Hall said.

However, emails reviewed by the Michigan Advance show Brinks staff made multiple attempts to schedule a weekly meeting with Hall, without success.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) on the Senate floor on Feb. 21, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

Hall further argued Democrats had created a false narrative of funding roads versus funding education, with House Republicans passing their road funding plan in March and Senate Democrats putting forth their School Aid Budget proposal on Tuesday.

House Republicans plan removes the states 6% sales tax on gasoline and instead increases the motor fuel tax by 20 cents, designating that funding for road upkeep. However, the gas tax contributes more than $700 million a year to the states School Aid Fund, which Hall has suggested could be replaced with money from the states general fund, which House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri said was robbing Peter to pay Paul.

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Hall emphasized that education was among House Republicans funding priorities, alongside roads and public safety, challenging Brinks to put forth her own road funding plan.

The people of Michigan dont care if Winnie Brinks and I like each other. If she has solutions on roads, put them up for a vote, and then well negotiate. Simple as that. Governor Whitmer is trying to do that, and if she cant do it, then at least empower Governor Whitmer, because what Governor Whitmer is doing is much more effective than what Winnie Brinks is doing, Hall said.

Brinks spokesperson Rosie Jones directed the Michigan Advance to the majority leaders comments in a Wednesday report from Crains Detroit Business, where she questioned if Hall was serious about coming to an agreement on roads and said Hall should stop insulting Senate Democrats.

While Senate Democrats are considering ideas from both Halls proposal  which largely consists of funding from eliminating or halting economic development spending  and Whitmers proposal  which would draw more than half of its funding from a tax on large corporations and big tech companies  Brinks told Crains she did not intend to pass a deal without making a deal first, emphasizing that any road funding plan should move alongside the state budget.
On April 26, a man drove an SUV through the Lapu-Lapu Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured. According to ABC News, the victims were nine females and two males, ranging in age from 5 years old to 65.

Among those killed was Jen Darbellay, 50, a painter who is married to actor Noel Johansen. Johansen has appeared on, Psych, Supernatural, Fargo, The Good Doctor, and several Hallmark Channel shows or movies, including Garage Sale Mystery: All That Glitters, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, Harvest Love, Reunited at Christmas and Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery. Johansen has also done extensive voiceover work for animated shows.

Darbellay and Johansen share two children: son Ford, 15, and daughter Darby, 7. Both Johansen and Darby were also injured in the Lapu-Lapu tragedy.

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At a vigil for the victims, Global News Canada reports that Johansen addressed the crowd while on crutches, choking back tears as he said, "What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because whats inside my heart is broken. Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident.

He continued, "She never celebrated herself in her life. She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her. So dont be small in life, be big, reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have, and please remember us who went through this.

Jen and Noel, theyre just the sweetest, kindest people I know, family friend Michael Daingerfield Halltold the Vancouver Sun. Just another level of kindness."

According to the Vancouver Sun, Darbellay had a Master's Degree in fine arts in theatre design from the University of British Columbia, and at the time of her death, she was in the process of organizing face-painting lessons for the children at Darby's elementary school for their end-of-the-year party.

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A GoFundMe has been set up by Hall to help support the family moving forward.

"I am literally in shock as I write this - but I want to do something for Noel and his 2 children, Ford (15) and Darby (7). This is an incredibly difficult time for Noel, and moving forward with his life is going to feel insurmountable," wrote Hall

He continued, "I know that his work will undoubtedly be affected, and I would really like for him and his family to be supported during this time. There will be many costs, including airfare for immediate family, food, child care, counselling, funeral expenses, etc. Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgment, and had the sweetest voice."

Johansen's colleagues have been posting the link to the GoFundMe, including the When Calls the Heart costume designer, Barbara Gregusova and actress Jill Morrison.
Hallmark star Noel Johansen is mourning the loss of his wife Jen Darbellay.

Darbellay, 50, was killed in Vancouver on Saturday, April 26, when an SUV drove into a crowd celebrating Filipino culture at a Lapu Lapu festival. In an interview with Global News Canada, Johansen, on crutches, remembered his late wife.

What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because whats inside my heart is broken, he told the outlet during a vigil honoring the victims and their families. Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident.

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She never celebrated herself in her life, the actor said of Darbellay. She never thought of herself, she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her. So dont be small in life, be big, reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have and please remember us who went through this.

Related: 5-Year-Old Girl Among Victims of Vancouver Car Attack That Killed 11 as Suspect Is Named and Charged with Murder: Police

GoFundMe Jen Darbellay Jen Darbellay

Johansen and Darbellay shared two children, Ford, 15, and Darby, 7, who were also at the event during the incident, which left 11 dead and several others injured.

PEOPLE reached out to a representative for Johansen for comment.



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Related: 1-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Vancouver Festival Attack, His Devoted and Loving Father Also Hospitalized

A GoFundMe set up by the actors close friend describes Darbellay as one-of-a-kind.

She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman, the message reads. A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice. She was not only special to me and my family (wife and kids), but she was special to many other friends and people.

The page, which has raised nearly $170,000 of its $200,000 goal, highlighted Darbellay's involvement in each member of her familys lives and the impact that the grief has taken on those who knew her.

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This is an incredibly difficult time for Noel, and moving forward with his life is going to feel insurmountable, the friend wrote. I know that his work will undoubtedly be affected and I would really like for him and his family to be supported during this time. There will be many costs including airfare for immediate family, food, child care, counselling, funeral expenses, etc.

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.

Darbellay was one of 11 people who died on Saturday, April 26 when 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo allegedly drove his car at high speeds through a crowd and striking multiple attendees at the Lapu Lapu Day street festival. The following day, he was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in relation to the attack.

PEOPLE previously reported that Lo was "known to police" and had "a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals, related to mental health."

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In a statement on X, the Vancouver Police Department confirmed that the dead ranged in age between 5 and 65. According to the BBC, the attack also left "more than two dozen others injured.

"The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated," authorities said in their statement.

Read the original article on People
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni emphasized the importance of early intervention and community partnerships during remarks at the Holyoke Taxpayers Associations annual meeting.

Economic growth slowing in the U.S. so far this year, according to recent study

The event was held on April 17 at The Delaney House. Gulluni spoke to an audience of business owners, civic leaders, and elected officials.

(Courtesy of the Hampden D.A.s Office)

Gulluni outlined his offices prevention and intervention strategies aimed at reducing crime and promoting public safety. He underscored the significance of engaging youth and steering them away from the criminal justice system before issues escalate.

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Public safety doesnt begin in the courtroom  it begins in our communities, in our schools, and in the lives of young people, Gulluni said. Our prevention work is about investing in better outcomes, and Holyoke is a key partner in that effort.

District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni joined the Holyoke Taxpayers Association on Thursday, April 17 for their annual meeting, sharing information about his work and the office of the District Attorney and how it ties to Holyoke. (Courtesy of the Hampden D.A.s Office) District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni joined the Holyoke Taxpayers Association on Thursday, April 17 for their annual meeting, sharing information about his work and the office of the District Attorney and how it ties to Holyoke. (Courtesy of the Hampden D.A.s Office)

The DAs office has implemented a number of initiatives focused on providing support and mentorship to young people, particularly through community-based programs. Gulluni noted that Holyoke continues to play a vital role in the success of those efforts, serving as a central hub for outreach and intervention.

During a brief Q&A following his remarks, Gulluni fielded questions on topics ranging from reducing recidivism to business involvement in the Emerging Adult Court of Hope (EACH) program.

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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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  April 30th, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon that officially ended the Vietnam War; one of the bloodiest wars in American history.

Over 58 thousand US service members lost their lives in Vietnam.



All this week, our parent company, Nexstar TV and all of its stations across the country are airing war stories about Vietnam Veterans, thanking them for their service, sacrifice, and bravery.

A lot of people probably dont know this, but canines played a big role in the war.

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Maude and prison decisions feed 2026 governor race

We met one of the dog handlers who says he probably wouldnt be here today if not for his four-legged friend.

When they say a dog is a mans best friend

Most people didnt even know they were there, Vietnam War dog handler Russ Freeburg said.

thats an understatement when it comes to the Vietnam War.

Russ Freeburg of Garvin, Minnesota, was a Sentry Dog Handler at Da Nang Air Base from July of 1967 to July of 1968.

As a security policeman, Freeburg was assigned Prince, a nine-year-old German Shepherd.

Prince and Freeburg became the best of friends. He even still has copies of Princes military dog records, whose serial number was 025E.

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Freeburg has a vest depicting his unit and his love for Prince.

Just my best buddy, you spend every night all year out on the perimeter, you know keeping the perimeter secure, Freeburg said.

Over 4,000 dogs were used in the war for their keen senses of smell and hearing.

Freeburg says the dogs are credited with saving thousands of lives.

Especially the scout dogs, if Charlie was set up for an ambush and our Marines were walking into it, the scout dogs could pick that up quick, Freeburg said.

When Freeburgs year-long tour in Vietnam was up and it was time for him to go home, he couldnt bring his buddy back with him.

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Thats hard, yeah, one of the pictures shows the last day. He said goodbye to him. I was down on one knee, shaking his paw and hes looking up at me and thats tough, Freeburg said. Youre one, you are with him every night, and I think he was probably saying you know Russ, we made a good team while we were here, we helped keep the perimeter secure, so you go home and be with your family and Ill stay here and do what I do.

When the war was over, the Department of Defense classified the dogs as equipment, and most were left behind and were euthanized, including Freeburgs buddy, Prince.

I still miss him, you know, I always will, Freeburg said.

When Freeburg returned home to Minnesota, he got himself another dog; a German Shepherd, like Prince, only he named this one Lucky.

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Freeburg would also like to see a statue made of a dog handler and his dog and placed next to the Vietnam Memorial in Pierre.

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.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris rebuked President Donald Trump in her first major speech since leaving office, accusing her former rival of setting off the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern history through his across-the-board tariffs, and warning that his conflicts with the courts were moving the nation toward a constitutional crisis.

Harris spoke Wednesday evening at the Emerge Gala in San Francisco, benefitting an organization that supports women interested in entering politics. The 2024 Democratic presidential nominee marked the first 100 days of the second Trump administration during her address, saying that instead of an administration working to advance Americas highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.

And what we are also seeing in these last 14 weeks is Americans using their voice and showing their courage, Harris added.

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The former vice president delivered a series of attacks on the administration, blaming Trump for the economic turbulence caused by the tariffs he has imposed on goods imported from major trading partners.

Harris called Trumps tariffs reckless and said, as I predicted, they are clearly inviting a recession.

Harris said those import taxes will hurt workers and families by raising the cost of everyday essentials, devastate their retirement accounts that people spent a lifetime paying into, and paralyze American businesses, large and small, forcing them to lay off people.

Trump has said the across-the-board tariffs are meant to correct a trade imbalance with other countries and restore US manufacturing jobs. However, the administrations policy changes have rocked global markets and added to mounting economic pressure on the US economy. Official data released Wednesday showed the economy contracted in the first quarter by 0.3%.

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Harris told Democrats there is a method behind the break-neck pace of policy rollouts of the Trump administration, calling the president a vessel of a much larger conservative project.

Friends, please, let us not be duped into thinking everything is chaos. I know it may feel that way, but understand, what we are in fact witnessing is a high velocity event where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making, the former vice president said.

The path forward for Harris and the Democratic Party

Harris speech on Wednesday comes at an inflection point for the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, with weighty questions about both her own path forward and that of her party.

In the wake of last years loss, Harris and her team began debating her next steps, considering another run for president in 2028, or a return to her home state for a 2026 gubernatorial run. Notably, Harris public address on Wednesday took place in California. Its wonderful to be home, Harris said during her speech.

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Harris advisors believe that getting into the governors race would require making her intentions clear at the latest by the summer of 2025, but she faces some pressure to make a decision soon  that contest is heating up, with Democratic former Rep. Katie Porter, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, and several other prominent contenders having already launched campaigns.

Whether she enters the California race as a heavy favorite, or holds out for the 2028 presidential primary, a less certain proposition, Harris remarks Wednesday also reflect a deliberate reemergence, months after her defeat, as Democrats look for leadership amid the turbulence of the new Trump administration.

As she lambasted the Trump administration Wednesday night for attempting to divide and conquer, Harris urged Democrats to stay together.

She also highlighted several lawmakers across the partys ideological spectrum who she said have in different ways have been speaking with moral clarity about this moment. Harris named New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

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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, Harris said. And straight talk: Things are probably going to get worse before they get better, she said. But we are ready for it. We are not going to scatter. We are going to stand together, everyone a leader.

Returning to the public eye

For Harris, the speech was part of a slow return to the public eye after leaving office in January.

The former vice president is slated to do a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee in New York City on Tuesday, per a source who received an invitation. In recent months, Harris has also been regularly soliciting funds for the committee using the extensive email list she helped develop during the 2024 campaign.

Earlier this month, Harris began ramping up her public criticism of her former rival, appearing at the Leading Women Defined Summit, also in California, to share her misgivings about the course of events since Trumps inauguration. There were many things we knew would happen, Harris said in a video of her remarks. Im not here to say I told you so, she added before laughing.

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Harris speech Wednesday included sober warnings about the potential for a constitutional crisis as she suggested that checks and balances within the government had begun to buckle amid the administrations clashes with the courts.

We are living in a moment where the checks and balances on which we have historically relied have begun to buckle, Harris. And we here know that when the checks and balances ultimately collapse, if Congress fails to do its part, or if the courts fail to do their part, or if both do their part but the president defies them anyway - well friends that is called a constitutional crisis. And that is a crisis that will eventually impact everyone.

She added, The one check, the one balance, the one power that must not fail is the voice of the people.

From immigration fights to defending President Trumps federal government cutbacks, the Justice Department has responded to more than a hundred emergency lawsuits in the first hundred days, in some case clashing publicly with judges as the administration lays out an expansive view of executive authority.

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Harris condemnation of the administration Wednesday  her most direct comments this year  adds to an increasingly crowded Democratic chorus. Several other prominent party members have been active during Harris quiet period, taking advantage of the leadership vacuum to elevate their national profiles, some with an eye toward 2028.

Sen. Bernie Sanders has been touring the country with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in an attempt to galvanize the partys progressive base around fighting oligarchy; California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sparred with far-right leaders on his new podcast in an effort to broaden Democratic messaging; and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker traveled to the early-voting state of New Hampshire and accused parts of his own party of simpering timidity in the face of Trumps sweeping early actions.

Meanwhile, Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, has been publicly reflecting on lessons learned from the tickets loss last year. And Walz also spoke to the delicate balance of setting the stage for the 2028 presidential race during an appearance earlier this week at Harvard University.

If people think youre hungry for the office rather than the moment that were in and the fighting of this, I think theyre going to bury you. I think people are like, not very patient right now for the politics as usual, Walz said.

CNNs Arlette Saenz and Edward-Isaac Dovere contributed to this report.

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Kamala Harris returned from a long political hibernation on Wednesday to launch a scathing critique of Donald Trumps first 100 days in power.

Speaking to an audience of Democrats in San Francisco, the former vice-president called on Americans to stand together against the US president, who she accused of creating the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern history.

She also claimed the US was at risk of a constitutional crisis if the courts and Congress failed to resist Mr Trump and his reckless policies.

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That is a crisis that will eventually impact everyone, Ms Harris said. Because it would mean that the rules that protect our fundamental rights and freedoms, that ensure each of us has a say in how our government works, will no longer matter.

Ms Harriss 16-minute address, which struck a defiant tone, marked her first major speech since her defeat to Mr Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Credit: Reuters

Following the loss, she retired to her home in Los Angeles to weigh up her next move, including a possible run for California governor next year, the countrys largest blue state, or another presidential bid in 2028.

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The Democrat addressed her months-long absence by saying: Everybodys asking me: Well, whatve you been thinking about these days? However, she did not mention any future aspirations to be governor or president.

Drawing inspiration from San Diego Zoos elephants  which were seen huddled together during a recent earthquake in California  Ms Harris hailed the animals actions as a powerful metaphor as she urged Americans to come together.

She also claimed that Mr Trumps policies only benefited the rich and accused him of having a narrow, self-serving vision.

Ms Harris alleged that his administration punish truth-tellers, favour loyalists, cash in on their power, and leave everyone else to fend for themselves.

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The Democrat further argued that Mr Trumps tumultuous start to his second term was by design, noting that it followed Project 2025, the deeply unpopular conservative policy blueprint that the Republican disavowed during his campaign.

Please, let us not be duped into thinking everything is chaos, Ms Harris said. What we are, in fact, witnessing is a vessel being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making.

Ms Harris said that Mr Trumps tariffs were clearly inviting a recession, adding as I predicted.

Democrats divided

Since returning to the White House, Mr Trump has already signed 142 executive orders, more than any recent president, and sparked a global tariff war that sent global markets into meltdown, forcing a significant rollback by Washington.

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The US economy also shrunk in the first three months of the year, official figures revealed on Wednesday, the first such contraction in three years.

Meanwhile, Mr Trumps approval rating has dropped to 42 per cent, while only 36 per cent of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, according to recent polling by Reuters/Ipsos.

However, Democrats have so far failed to find a unified approach to oppose Mr Trump.

Some have opted to lay low  a roll over and play dead strategy  hoping that his own policies will ruin him, while more progressive representatives have been actively campaigning on the streets.

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Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have attracted huge crowds to their Fighting Oligarchy rallies in Los Angeles and Denver, and have been touring Republican regions in the hope of firing up amenable voters.

Ms Harris praised the resistance of Democrats and activists, while urging Americans to keep organising and standing up for fundamental rights. In the face of crisis the lesson is: dont scatter, she said, adding: Courage is contagious.

However, with the party out of power and Mr Trump ramping up pressure on the countrys constitutional system, she warned: Things are probably going to get worse before they get better.

Speculation has been mounting that Ms Harris will run to replace Gavin Newsom as California governor in 2026, with her speech viewed by some as the starting gun for her campaign.

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The former Democratic candidate reportedly sought Hillary Clintons advice over her next move and may announce her candidacy in the coming months, according to The New York Times.

Mr Trump mocked Ms Harris at a campaign-style rally in Michigan on Tuesday, sarcastically calling her a great border tsar and claiming he knew nothing about her before she replaced Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket.

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Donald Trump by name Wednesday in her first major speech since losing the 2024 presidential election.

Speaking at a San Francisco event promoting women running for office, the citys former district attorney reflected on Trumps first 100 days in office.

We all know President Trump, his administration and their allies are counting on the notion that fear can be contagious, she said. They are counting on the notion that, if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. But what theyve overlooked is that fear isnt the only thing thats contagious. Courage is contagious.

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Alluding to Trumps reckless tariffs, Harris praised the courage of Americans who are banding together in the face of the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.

The former presidential candidate added that the presidents economic agenda will 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.

Harris also commended other signs of resistance, like Harvard defying unconstitutional demands that threaten the pursuit of truth and academic independence.

Judges, too, have shown courage uphold[ing] the rule of law in the face of those who would jail them, she said.

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Harris, a child of immigrants, also called out the Trump administrations controversial deportations of lawful residents, like university students, and its interrogations of U.S. citizens, like immigration lawyers.

Speaking at a San Francisco event promoting women running for office, Kamala Harris reflected on President Donald Trumps first 100 days back in office. / Getty Images

It is not OK to detain and disappear American citizens or anyone without due process, she said.

Wednesdays appearance is just the first in a series of public events where Harris plans to take on the Trump administration after largely remaining silent for his first few months in office.

She has made a few appearances in public but hadnt mentioned Trump by name until this week. The decision to hold off criticism was part of a tradition of letting the next administration get its sea-legs, a source close to Harris told the Daily Beast earlier this week.

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The former vice president is also set to appear at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee in New York City next week.

Speculation about Harris running for California governor began floating soon after her defeat to Trump.

An April poll by Politico and the University of California Berkeley found that political insiders in California felt indifferent to a possible Harris run, while registered voters appeared to feel stronger, with reactions both for and against her candidacy. Joyful, outraged, or hopeless were the most popular responses.

In her speech on Wednesday, Harris has also embraced Democrats who are publicly standing up to Trump and his administrationthe most high profile of which was Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who on Sunday called for widespread resistance across the country.

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Harris warned that things are probably going to get worse before they get better, but also expressed confidence that Democrats were ready to face the moment.

Organizing is as important as ever. Mobilizing is as important as ever. Running for office is as important as ever, she said. Lets lock it in, gear up for the hard work ahead, and please always remember, this country is ours.
By Judith Langowski

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called on Wednesday for Americans to stand up together against U.S. President Donald Trump and what she called "the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history".

Harris made the remarks in her biggest speech since leaving office, marking something of a political re-emergence for the Democratic presidential candidate since she lost the election to Trump last year. She is seen as a strong candidate for California governor next year, if she runs, and could be a presidential contender again.

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Speaking on Trump's 100th day in office, Harris said the tariffs that have been the hallmarks of Trump's economic policy were "clearly inviting a recession".

She said Trump's politics benefited the rich and described his "narrow, self-serving vision", where they "punish truth tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power, and leave everyone else to fend for themselves".

She made the speech to a hometown crowd in the San Francisco Bay Area at an event hosted by Emerge America. The organization works to elect Democratic women to office and started after Harris' first run for office in San Francisco.

In a tumultuous start to his second term, Trump has signed 142 executive orders, more than any recent president, according to the American Presidency Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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The end of the first quarter also marked the first contraction in the U.S. economy in three years. Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for the weak GDP and sought to highlight strong domestic demand.

Trump's approval rating has dropped to 42%, while 36% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, according to recent Reuters/Ipsos polling. Reuters/Ipsos polling also showed that Democrats are less confident in their leadership than Republicans are in theirs, 71% to 83%.

Democrats have not found a unified response to Trump. Some party members want to lay low and expect Trump's policies to ruin his reputation, while others including progressive representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders are holding rallies around the nation.

Harris came out for open opposition, urging her allies to speak out loudly, and praising Senators Cory Booker, Sanders, and activists for "moral clarity" and courage. "Courage is contagious," she said.

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She warned of a looming constitutional crisis if Congress or the courts "fail to do their part". She encouraged Americans to work together: "In the face of crisis the lesson is: dont scatter."

A mid-April survey by Emerson College Polling, Inside California Politics and The Hill found that if Harris ran, she would lead the race in the June 2026 primary for governor of California, with 31% support among registered voters.

In the same poll, voters were split 50/50 when asked whether Harris should run for governor. Other high-profile Democratic politicians have already announced their candidacy, including Xavier Becerra, who served as health and human services director under Biden and former U.S. Representative Katie Porter.

Though her speech was generally motivational, Harris described a long effort to counter Trump.

"Things are probably going to get worse before they get better," she said.

(Reporting by Judith Langowski; Editing by Stephen Coates)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A federal grand jury indicted a Harrisburg man for drug trafficking and firearm possession.

According to the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Kyree Ross, 30, of Harrisburg, was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute crack

cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; possession of a

firearm with an obliterated serial number; and two counts of possession of firearms

by a felon.

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The indictment alleges that Ross possessed a firearm with an obliterated serial number in April 2022 and possessed 28 grams of crack cocaine with intent to distribute on Nov. 30, 2022, the attorneys office said.

Ross was a convicted felon at the time of allegedly possessing a firearm and ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Harrisburg Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Local first responders helped a longtime Harrison Township resident celebrate a milestone occasion with style.

Ruby Blanks recently celebrated her 101st birthday.

Photo courtesy of Harrison Township Photo courtesy of Harrison Township

Local first responders helped celebrate Blanks with a parade at Sienna Woods Care Center.

Blanks was born in Prentiss, Mississippi in 1924. Blanks moved to the Miami Valley in 1956 and has been a staple in the community for almost 70 years.

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Click here to see a brief video of Rubys birthday celebration.

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.
Harvard Universitys release this week of a long-awaited, 300-page report addressing antisemitism on campus is the latest milestone in an issue that has been incredibly painful for the campus community  and incredibly powerful for its biggest critic: the Trump administration.

The Ivy League school doesnt entirely disagree with the White Houses position that antisemitism is a major problem at the university, according to the task force report on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias, released alongside one on anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias.

But Harvard and the White House still strongly disagree over who should have the final say on what reforms are required and who should oversee them: federal officials or the university. The sticking points are at the heart of the schools lawsuit seeking the release of $2.2 billion in federal money frozen this spring over its handling of antisemitism and a slew of other issues.

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The governments demands are not always entirely clear: A letter it sent the school April 11 referred to changes such as meaningful governance reform and restructuring and competence and good faith but also made highly specific requirements, like defunding certain campus groups and submitting to annual auditing of viewpoint diversity in hiring.

Meanwhile, Harvards antisemitism task force report offers its own mix of sweeping and detailed recommendations, some of which seem to dovetail with what Trumps administration has said it wants. Here are some key areas of overlap  and continued disagreement  between Harvard and the White House on the heels of the task force reports release:

Addressing antisemitism on campus

The Trump administration has been unrelenting in its descriptions of the Harvard campus as an unfriendly place for Jewish students and faculty.

Harvard is an Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart, President Donald Trump said on social media last week without giving examples or evidence.

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While the schools task force report doesnt use the presidents inflammatory rhetoric, it acknowledges antisemitism is a serious problem at Harvard, especially in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza.

The militant group that has controlled Gaza since 2007 killed 1,200 people in Israel and took hundreds hostage that day in a series of gruesome attacks. Since then, Israels attacks in Gaza have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians  mostly women and children  and sparked an ongoing humanitarian crisis, international groups have said.

Citing dozens of examples of Jewish students saying they were ostracized on campus or made to feel responsible for the suffering of Palestinians, the task force report says:

The report also shows the significance of the problem goes beyond protests, the leader of a university Jewish student organization said. Were talking about a pervasive atmosphere of discrimination and harassment that has built over years and is grounded in some of the instruction that happens in certain parts of Harvard, said Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, executive director of Harvard Hillel.

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Task force recommendations include updating the admissions process to focus on the need to work alongside people of differing viewpoints and be prepared to accept disagreements. The admissions department also should:

And given antisemitism has become so widespread around the globe, Harvard should become a hub for antisemitism research and dedicate a faculty member to its study, the task force adds.

That comes on top of steps the task force said the university already has taken, including developing mandatory training on combating antisemitism for all students and staff, reviewing curriculum and limiting disruptive protests, including in places like libraries and dorms.

The university separately responded this week to a mid-April Department of Homeland Security letter that refers to Harvards failure to condemn antisemitism and requests information required by law about international students, including each student visa holders known illegal activity as well as their dangerous or violent activity. Harvard did not detail what information it handed over.

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Still, the Trump administration demands go further. Its April 11 letter insists Harvard submit a comprehensive report to the government every three months, at least through the end of Trumps second term, that would:

The governments actions threaten Harvards academic independence and place at risk critical lifesaving and pathbreaking research that occurs on its campus, the universitys attorneys argue in their lawsuit. And they are part of a broader effort by the Government to punish Harvard for protecting its constitutional rights.

Expanding viewpoint diversity

Conservatives have long complained Ivy League institutions engage in groupthink and policing of ideas, and Harvard President Alan Garber has acknowledged the need for a wider spectrum of views.

We need to ensure that the University lives up to its ideals by taking concrete steps to reaffirm a culture of free inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and academic exploration, he wrote April 21 in a statement announcing the universitys lawsuit against the government.

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An unwillingness to agreeably disagree helped lead to an atmosphere of fear for Jewish students, the task force report says, noting:

The task force recommends Harvard instructors stay away from extraneous politics in the classroom and avoid decisions that appear to favor one side of a political dispute, such as when some canceled class in fall 2023 so students could attend pro-Palestinian protest. Harvard should, the report says:

Instructors also should be chosen with greater expertise on related topics, given, the report says:

Meanwhile, the Trump administration demands in its April 11 letter that Harvard conduct audits of:

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Harvard in its April 21 legal complaint argued it should not be bound by the Trump administrations definition of diversity: The Government wielded the threat of withholding federal funds in an attempt to coerce Harvard to conform with the Governments preferred mix of viewpoints and ideologies.

Governance and leadership reform

Some Harvard academic programs outside the classroom  including institutes and study abroad programs  didnt have enough oversight from top university faculty members, the antisemitism task force report says.

The task force recommends the university fill vacant positions at Harvards Center for Jewish Studies and create an Office of Religious, Ethical, and Spiritual Life, as well as hire a professor:

While many White House priorities are similar, the Trump administration demands more broadly in its April 11 letter that Harvard commit to:

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Harvard has bristled at the idea that the government would claim a role in its classroom decisions: The Governments demands seek to overhaul Harvards governance, control Harvards faculty hiring, and dictate what faculty may teach Harvard students, the universitys lawsuit stated.

Reforming student discipline processes

One issue Jewish advocates such as the Anti-Defamation League have raised is what happens to people who break Harvards rules, especially when it comes to protests. With each of Harvards undergraduate programs and graduate schools traditionally handling its own discipline, students with complaints often have cowered at getting involved at all.

Of disciplinary processes, the task force report says:

Garber last week announced a new central panel to consider disciplinary cases involving more than one school. Certainly, different consequences may be appropriate for similar conduct by a first-year undergraduate as opposed to a third-year professional school student, he wrote. But no student should receive different discipline based on nothing more than the Harvard School(s) in which they are enrolled.

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These changes seem aligned with the governments demands for how Harvard handle discipline:

Further, the task force recommends all schools give students clear instructions as to where and how to file complaints, with greater consistency in disciplinary procedures.

Again, the Trump administration demands more, including a mask ban at protests punishable by suspension and the use of campus police to stop deplatforming  or preventing someone with views regarded as unacceptable from contributing to a debate, especially online, its April 11 letter said. Harvard also must defund the National Lawyers Guild, which provides legal assistance to protesters and political activists, and other four organizations because of what the White House called anti-Semitic activity.

The Trump administration has been adamant about eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion efforts  designed to create equitable opportunities for people from marginalized communities  from the government and academia. The president called DEI dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences in an executive order signed the day after his 2025 inauguration.

Recasting diversity, equity and inclusion

Harvard this week changed the name of its Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Community and Campus Life, its lead officer, Sherri Ann Charleston, announced in an email to the campus community. The purpose of the office now includes expanding and supporting programs that give members of our community greater opportunities to engage across difference and enhancing support for first-generation and low-income students, the email said.

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Exactly what changes are in store for the office were not immediately made clear, with Charleston writing change would come in the weeks and months ahead.

The task force recommends adding to the office a new team member:

Again, the Trump administrations demands require more:

Despite some areas of common ground, Harvard has not signaled it is willing to bend to give the Trump administration more power over its operations. The universitys academic independence is non-negotiable, its lawyers wrote to the government April 14, broadly refusing the White Houses demands.

The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights, they wrote. Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.

For now, the schools federal funding continues to hang in the balance, pending oral arguments in its lawsuit set for July 21.

CNNs Annette Choi contributed to this report.

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Some Harvard faculty members have pledged to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school in its fight against the Trump administration, following the administration's decision to freeze $2 billion in federal funding for the university, which has prompted a lawsuit from the school.

In a letter shared online, the organizers behind the effort asked senior faculty to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school for a year or until the situation is resolved.

"We are heartened by the Universitys rejection of the Trump administrations demands. We also recognize that the University now faces severe financial damage for its defense of academic freedom," the letter states. The Trump administration has already cut off more than $2 billion in grants, is considering revoking the Universitys tax-exempt status, and has threatened to revoke its certification for enrolling foreign students.

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These financial consequences are halting research, limiting graduate student enrollment, and stopping hiring of both faculty and staff. Many faculty are already affected by salary freezes, it adds.

The letter was signed by Ryan Enos, Jeff Flier, Archon Fung, Oliver Hart, Rebecca Henderson, Steve Levitsky, Eric Maskin, Martha Minow, Dani Rodrik, Theda Skocpol, and Steve Walt.

How the funds would be used wasnt detailed in the letter, but the organizers said theyre putting together a plan and requested that others sign the non-binding agreement to privately share their backing as they move ahead with the process, NBC 10 Boston noted.

"We envision that faculty who have made the pledge will hold a vote and if the majority agrees that the university is making a good faith effort to use its own resources in support of staff, student, and academic programs, faculty will proceed with their donation," the letter notes.

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As many as 84 professors signed on to the effort, according to WCVB 5.

Faculty at Harvard University pledged to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school as it fights the Trump administration over its academic independence (Getty Images)

Harvard has become a target for the Trump administration after it called on the school to end all preferences based on race, color, national origin, or proxies thereof.

It also pushed the school to put in place merit-based policies by August, prompting Harvard to respond by defying the administration as it uses its control of federal educational funding to push its agenda on universities.

The Trump administration has accused several universities of not doing enough to prevent antisemitism last year in connection with campus protests against the war in Gaza.

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Harvard leadership has said that the school will not bow to the president, calling his administrations actions a threat to academic freedom and the independence of all universities.

Previously this week, the Trump administration announced federal probes into Harvard as well as the Harvard Law Review following allegations of race-based discrimination.

After the release of an internal report on antisemitism and bias against Arabs, Harvard pledged to put in place its own reforms.

Hearings for the funding lawsuit filed by Harvard are set to take place at the end of July.

The financial costs will not be shared equally among our community. Staff and students in many programs, in particular, are under greater threat than those of us with tenured positions, the letter notes, going going on to state that signing on to the effort would signal a commitment by faculty to use means at our disposal to protect the university and, especially, staff and students who do not have the same protections.
Harvard University has provided the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) information required by law about foreign students illegal activity and records, according to an email sent to Harvard community members Wednesday.

Meredith Weenick, Harvards executive vice president, didnt specify in the email what information had been provided.

Harvard was faced with an ultimatum by DHS in an April 16 letter: it could refuse to respond to its demands and lose its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification allowing international students to study there  27% of its undergraduate and graduate population  or give up information about its foreign student population.

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We take seriously the data retention and reporting obligations that enable participation in the SEVP. In our response, the University reiterated our steadfast commitment to sponsor the visas that facilitate our international students study at Harvard. Additionally, we made clear that Harvard does not seek to withdraw from SEVP, Weenick wrote.

Our participation in SEVP is unchanged at this time, and any withdrawal by DHS of Harvards certification would be involuntary, she said.

Prior to Harvard handing over some foreign student information, the institution publicly resisted demands of the Trump administration, which called for an overhaul of the institution, including changes to government and leadership and to the universitys admissions policies.

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Harvard President Alan Garber called the demands beyond the power of the federal government.

Following the refusal to cooperate, the federal government pulled $2.2 billion from Harvard and the university fired back with a lawsuit against the federal administration.

What were the demands?

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.

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If Harvard doesnt comply with the request, which Noem said is required by law under Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations, it will be treated as a voluntary withdrawal and the SEVP certification will be automatically taken away from Harvard without subject to appeal.

What could happen next?

Depending on the information handed over by Harvard, foreign students could be in jeopardy, according to Charles Kuck, former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

In an interview before the Harvard letter was sent, Kuck warned that if Harvard responded to the demands, it would likely endanger foreign students at Harvard.

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.

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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 earlier in April, 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.

Our thousands of international students who hail from more than 140 countries enrich the University community  and this nation  immeasurably with their presence and contributions, Weencik said.

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If the federal government revokes the SEVP certification following its response, Harvard could go to federal court to ask for an injunction to temporarily keep it, according to Kuck.

The university would have a strong case because the questions theyre asking have nothing to do with the certification of the program, Kuck said.

More Higher Ed

Read the original article on MassLive.
The Russian-born Harvard cancer researcher who has been locked in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility for the last 10 weeks released a statement blaming herself for failing to declare scientific samples she had packed in her luggage, but denied telling lies to immigration officials.

Kseniia Petrova, 30, flew from Paris to Boston on Feb. 16 with the frog embryo samples that her boss had asked her to bring back to the lab at Harvard Medical School.

The U.S. visa-holder said ICE officers questioned her before she was sent to the agencys Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe, Louisiana.

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Petrova said in her statement that she has the utmost respect for the laws and institutions of the United States and is sincerely grateful to the United States for the opportunity to do lifesaving work at a renowned institution.

I take full responsibility for not properly declaring the frog embryo samples. What I do not understand is why the American officials say I am being held because I am a danger to the community and a flight risk, she said.

I only want to be in the lab working on research. That is my lifes purpose. That is what Im all about.

Petrova wanted to clarify what happened with the frog samples from her perspective.

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Because these embryos are non-toxic, non-hazardous, and non-infectious, I did not expect any issues in bringing them into the country, she said. I should have reviewed U.S. customs paperwork requirements. But as a scientist, I was more focused on getting the samples to the lab before they degraded to ensure we could continue the experiment.

Her lawyer, Gregory Romanovsky, told HuffPost that such errors usually result in a small fine.

But Petrova was told her visa would be taken away.

In her statement, Petrova explained how she was never asked whether she was carrying any biological material into the country when she first presented her passport at customs. Later, she said that immigration officers gave her a statement of the events that transpired at the airport for her to sign. She pointed out a mistake in the statement and believed that when she saw the female officer typing, the officer was making the correction.

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I never provided false information to any government official. Some of my words were misunderstood and inaccurately reflected in the statement that the officer presented for my signature, Petrova said.

A self-described nerd, Petrova said she believes the officers may have mistaken her nervous laugh for irreverence and that certain texts she sent to colleagues gave a misleading impression of me.

Petrova studies early cancer detection. She wrote code that tells a computer how to read images taken by a cutting-edge new microscope at the forefront of cancer diagnostics  making her one of the only people who can analyze the images. With her absence, an element of cancer research has stalled.

Petrova told NBC News last month that ICE detention was like being in a machine.

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We are in this machine, and it doesnt care if you have a visa, a green card, or any particular story. ... It just keeps going, she told the outlet.

The administration of President Donald Trump has targeted institutions of higher learning in its war against immigrants, detaining many students and academics who participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations. Officials likened the protests to terrorism and claimed that they put Jewish students at risk.

But the threats to immigrants have made it harder for the nations premier universities and institutions to recruit top talent, potentially stalling or setting back American scientific research in its entirety.

Petrova left Russia for the U.S. because she disagreed with the countrys war on Ukraine and feared reprisal, her lawyer said. If deported back to her home country, she could be prosecuted for voicing her dissent.

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Her next hearing is scheduled in two weeks in Burlington, Vermont.

The May 14 hearing on her release is critical, Romanovsky said. The immigration court is not likely to hear her asylum claim until sometime next year, and ICE is unlikely to release her on parole until that case is resolved.

Petrova thanked the people who sent her books on scientific topics and came to visit her in detention from Boston.

Their kindness has been a source of strength for me, she said.

Related...
Harvey Weinsteins lawyers took aim at accuser Miriam Haleys high-flying life, and her decision to seek out civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred, during her first day of cross-examination at the movie moguls sexual assault retrial in Manhattan.

Weinsteins defense team painted Haley and two other accusers as money-hungry opportunists, with his lawyer Arthur Aidala contending in his opening argument they had four million reasons to lie.

On Thursday, defense lawyer Jennifer Bonjean zeroed in on Haleys decision to seek out Allred  who represents victims in high-profile sexual misconduct cases  when several women came forward in 2017 accusing Weinstein of being a sexual predator.

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You didnt call up the Victims Services Unit at the District Attorneys Office.  Instead, you retained a civil attorney, correct? Bonjean asked the 48-year-old former TV production assistant. Even after the D.A.s office reached out, she took months to speak to them, Bonjean added, saying, Instead, you did your press conference and went on some press appearances.

Haley accused the fallen film producer of sexually assaulting her on July 10, 2006, pushing her onto a bed in his Soho loft and yanking out her tampon before forcibly performing oral sex on her. She also testified about a second unwanted encounter about two weeks later, in his room at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.

After news reports about Weinstein came out in October 2017, Haley said she wanted to make an anonymous statement, but soon decided to come out publicly, with Allred at her side.

But Bonjean suggested that Haley only started working with prosecutors so she could file a civil lawsuit.

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You did not come forward to the D.A.s office to find justice for any other women. You did this so you could sue him, she said, to which Haley responded, No.

Haley testified that she got $475,000 from a victims settlement fund in 2021 in exchange for dropping any civil claims, and that her taking the stand at the retrial does not affect that settlement.

Bonjean also grilled Haley on her travel history, plus her connections with A-listers like SNL producer Lorne Michaels and Paul McCartney, at one point asking her, Who is Paul McCartney? leading Haley to reply, He was in the Beatles.

Haley, who lived in London, testified that she worked as an assistant for TV producer Michael White, but she lost her job when White fell ill and closed his business in 2005.

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Nevertheless, she traveled to Geneva, Paris, Buenos Aires, New York City, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, the Kentucky Derby, Morocco and East Hampton.

How did you manage all that wonderful travel given the financial hardships you were allegedly suffering? Bonjean asked.

Haley said she had recently gotten an inheritance, and wasnt paying rent because she was living with a friend in London.

Haley connected with Weinstein at Cannes, at an after-party for The Aviator premiere, and Weinstein asked her to meet him at Miramaxs offices at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes.

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Haley said Weinstein asked for a massage at that meeting, and she rejected him, then left the hotel feeling humiliated. Still, she left with his number, and wound up getting some off-the-books work on Project Runway.

Bonjean pointed out that Haley did not bring a resume and questioned why she thought one of the most powerful film producers in the world would consider her for a job.

You were looking for a favor, Bonjean said.

I was looking for work, Haley replied.

Haley also testified at Weinsteins first Manhattan Supreme Court trial in 2020, which ended in his conviction on first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape charges.

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The states highest court overturned that conviction in April 2024, ruling that the trial judge shouldnt have allowed testimony from women accusing him of sexual assaults not covered by the charges against him.

The retrial covers separate allegations by Haley and aspiring actress Jessica Mann, as well as new allegations by a third woman, Polish model Kaja Sokola. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty.

Haleys cross-examination continues Friday.
NEW YORK  Harvey Weinsteins lawyers took aim at accuser Miriam Haleys high-flying life, and her decision to seek out civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred, during her first day of cross-examination at the movie moguls sexual assault retrial in Manhattan.

Weinsteins defense team painted Haley and two other accusers as money-hungry opportunists, with his lawyer Arthur Aidala contending in his opening argument they had four million reasons to lie.

On Thursday, defense lawyer Jennifer Bonjean zeroed in on Haleys decision to seek out Allred  who represents victims in high-profile sexual misconduct cases  when several women came forward in 2017 accusing Weinstein of being a sexual predator.

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You didnt call up the Victims Services Unit at the District Attorneys Office. Instead, you retained a civil attorney, correct? Bonjean asked the 48-year-old former TV production assistant. Even after the D.A.s office reached out, she took months to speak to them, Bonjean added, saying, Instead, you did your press conference and went on some press appearances.

Haley accused the fallen film producer of sexually assaulting her on July 10, 2006, pushing her onto a bed in his Soho loft and yanking out her tampon before forcibly performing oral sex on her. She also testified about a second unwanted encounter about two weeks later, in his room at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.

After news reports about Weinstein came out in October 2017, Haley said she wanted to make an anonymous statement, but soon decided to come out publicly, with Allred at her side.

But Bonjean suggested that Haley only started working with prosecutors so she could file a civil lawsuit.

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You did not come forward to the D.A.s office to find justice for any other women. You did this so you could sue him, she said, to which Haley responded, No.

Haley testified that she got $475,000 from a victims settlement fund in 2021 in exchange for dropping any civil claims, and that her taking the stand at the retrial does not affect that settlement.

Bonjean also grilled Haley on her travel history, plus her connections with A-listers like SNL producer Lorne Michaels and Paul McCartney, at one point asking her, Who is Paul McCartney? leading Haley to reply, He was in the Beatles.

Haley, who lived in London, testified that she worked as an assistant for TV producer Michael White, but she lost her job when White fell ill and closed his business in 2005.

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Nevertheless, she traveled to Geneva, Paris, Buenos Aires, New York City, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, the Kentucky Derby, Morocco and East Hampton.

How did you manage all that wonderful travel given the financial hardships you were allegedly suffering? Bonjean asked.

Haley said she had recently gotten an inheritance, and wasnt paying rent because she was living with a friend in London.

Haley connected with Weinstein at Cannes, at an after-party for The Aviator premiere, and Weinstein asked her to meet him at Miramaxs offices at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes.

Haley said Weinstein asked for a massage at that meeting, and she rejected him, then left the hotel feeling humiliated. Still, she left with his number, and wound up getting some off-the-books work on Project Runway.

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Bonjean pointed out that Haley did not bring a resume and questioned why she thought one of the most powerful film producers in the world would consider her for a job.

You were looking for a favor, Bonjean said.

I was looking for work, Haley replied.

Haley also testified at Weinsteins first Manhattan Supreme Court trial in 2020, which ended in his conviction on first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape charges.

The states highest court overturned that conviction in April 2024, ruling that the trial judge shouldnt have allowed testimony from women accusing him of sexual assaults not covered by the charges against him.

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The retrial covers separate allegations by Haley and aspiring actress Jessica Mann, as well as new allegations by a third woman, Polish model Kaja Sokola. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty.

Haleys cross-examination continues Friday.

_____
NEW YORK (AP)  Harvey Weinstein s lawyers got their turn Thursday to question a woman who alleges the one-time Hollywood heavyweight held her down and forced oral sex on her nearly two decades ago.

Miriam Haley, testifying for a third day at Weinsteins rape retrial, was grilled about details of her recollections  such as exactly how she once propped open an apartment building door  and the bigger picture of her story.

Defense lawyer Jennifer Bonjean underscored that Haley, who was then looking for entertainment production work, stayed in touch with Weinstein despite feeling humiliated when he complimented her legs and asked for a massage at a meeting a few months before the alleged 2006 assault.

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You understood these were sexual overtures? Bonjean asked.

Haley said she did.

You rebuffed them, and he still gave you his phone number, right?

Yes, said Haley, who got a short gig on the Weinstein-produced Project Runway shortly after that meeting, which happened in his company's hotel suite during the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.

Haley has repeatedly testified that she was pursuing only job opportunities, nothing else, from Weinstein.

Bonjean also sparred with the witness over her decision to get a lawyer and hold a press conference airing her allegations as the #MeToo movement exploded in October 2017, fueled by other women's claims that the Oscar-winning producer had sexually assaulted or harassed them.

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Weinstein, 73, has pleaded not guilty and denies sexually assaulting anyone. His lawyers argue that all of his accusers consented to sexual encounters in hopes of getting work in show business.

Haley, who has also gone by the name Mimi Haleyi, is the first of three accusers expected to testify at the retrial. She is reprising and adding some new details to testimony that led to Weinsteins since-overturned 2020 conviction.

She testified Wednesday that Weinstein assaulted her after inviting her to his apartment for what she expected to be a friendly, professional meeting. She said he pushed her onto a bed, ignoring her pleas of: No, no  its not going to happen.

She and two friends testified that she told them soon after that Weinstein had sexually assaulted her.

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Haley testified that she took a prearranged flight to Los Angeles on Weinsteins dime the next day, and a few weeks later agreed to meet him at a Manhattan hotel. She said she had expected to talk in the lobby, but was instead directed to his room, where she says she had unwanted, but not forced, sex with him.

Even after that, Haley testified, she kept in touch, sometimes sending emails signed Lots of love to Weinstein and his assistant. She said that she was still trying to capitalize professionally on knowing Weinstein and that she "suppressed a lot of things to cope with them.

Bonjean pointed out Thursday that when Haley went public in 2017, she didnt mention her subsequent sexual encounter with Weinstein, nor their continued contact.

You told the press only part of the story, correct? Bonjean asked.

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I told the part that was relevant to what I was trying to share, Haley said.

She denied Bonjeans suggestion that she spoke out in hopes of suing Weinstein, though she later sued and got a roughly $475,000 settlement.

Focusing on the Cannes meeting, Bonjean pressed Haley on what to make of the fact that she had secured a meeting with a top producer while she had limited experience herself.

So, as somebody in my position, I should have turned it down, is what youre saying? Haley shot back.

Im not saying you should have done anything, Bonjean replied.

She will step away from Weinsteins defense team to attend to another trial after she finishes questioning Haley, who is due back on the stand Friday.

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Weinsteins retrial includes charges related to Haley and another accuser from the original trial, Jessica Mann, who alleges Weinstein raped her in 2013. Hes also being tried, for the first time, for allegedly forcing oral sex on former model Kaja Sokola in 2006.

Mann and Sokola also are expected to testify.

The Associated Press generally does not name people who allege they've been sexually assaulted unless they give permission for their names to be used. Haley, Mann and Sokola have done so.
A Hawaiian Airlines flight took proper precautions after a dropped cellphone began emitting a peculiar smell.

On Monday, April 28, flight attendants aboard Flight 457 from Honolulu to Tokyo were alerted of a passengers phone being stuck between seats after noticing an electrical smell circulating in the cabin.

The pilot promptly declared an emergency, which granted the aircraft priority handling once they landed in Haneda Airport. A spokesperson for Hawaiian Airlines told Business Insider that this was done out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the passengers and crew members.

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Related: Plane Ceiling Collapses Mid-Flight as Passengers Hold It Up with Their Hands Before Fixing It on Their Own

After all of the passengers disembarked the aircraft, the airlines crew was able to retrieve the device from the seats. In a statement to the publication, the spokesperson added, Safety is our priority, and we apologize to impacted guests for the inconvenience.

PEOPLE reached out to Hawaiian Airlines for more information, but didn't immediately hear back.

A similar incident occurred the following day on a Lufthansa flight from Los Angeles to Munich. According to Gulf News, Airbus A380, carrying 461 passengers, had to make an unscheduled landing at the Boston Logan International Airport in Boston due to an iPad being lodged between two seats.

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A Lufthansa spokesperson spoke to Business Insider and revealed that the device had already begun to show signs of deformation due to seat movements. "At Lufthansa, the safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority," said the airline in a statement.

Getty Male hand holding suitcase and phone with isolated screen at airport Male hand holding suitcase and phone with isolated screen at airport

Related: Flight with Fumes in the Cabin Makes Emergency Landing in Boston After Striking a Bird

As outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as most portable electronic devices have a lithium battery, flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin. Passengers are encouraged to notify their flight crew immediately if their devices become lodged in between seats, as this can lead to overheating, expanding, smoking or burning.

Portable devices that are in checked baggage need to be completely powered off and protected to prevent accidental activation and potential fires. Most personal electronic devices are allowed in carry-on baggage, including but not limited to cellphones, smartphones, data loggers, PDAs, electronic games, tablets, laptop computers, cameras, camcorders, watches and calculators.

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As outlined by the FAA, this also covers dry cell batteries, lithium metal, and lithium ion batteries for consumer electronics, such as AA, AAA, C, and D batteries, coin cell batteries, camera batteries and laptop batteries.

Read the original article on People
It's not often you hear about a single high school class making a six-figure difference in someone's life. But according to new research, one course  personal finance  could be worth roughly $100,000 to students over their lifetime.

And it's not just theory. Real data shows that learning about money early on can lead to better financial decisions, stronger credit scores, and even more wealth down the road.

Don't Miss:

Scrolling To UBI'  Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.

Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? The percentage may shock you.

The $100,000 Impact of Personal Finance Education

A 2024 report from consulting firm Tyton Partners, in collaboration with nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance, found that taking a one-semester personal finance class can lead to a lifetime benefit of about $100,000 per student. The calculation factors in things like avoiding costly debt, securing better loan rates, and smart investing habits.

And with more young people jumping into investing  even during rocky markets  this kind of education is becoming even more valuable. "We say it's $100,000 but as we start to see more and more young people investing, that number is only going to increase," Tim Ranzetta, co-founder and CEO of Next Gen Personal Finance, told CNBC.

Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.

Why Financial Literacy Matters Early

It turns out that a little bit of financial knowledge goes a long way. The Tyton Partners report shows that students who take personal finance courses are:

More likely to avoid carrying credit card debt

Better equipped to get lower-cost loans and grants for college

Able to build stronger credit scores early in adulthood

The Financial Industry Regulation Authority reports that 66% of Americans are financially illiterate. Young adults with a background in personal finance education tend to have better credit scores and lower debt delinquency rates.

It's not just about avoiding mistakes, either. "Teaching students about the financial markets is the greatest asset for building wealth," Yanely Espinal, director of educational outreach at Next Gen, told CNBC.

See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm  invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now.

A Growing Movement  But Gaps Remain

The good news? More states are catching on. As of early 2025, 27 states now require high school students to take a personal finance course before graduating, according to CNBC. Kentucky recently became the newest to join the list.
BOSTON (SHNS)  Gov. Maura Healey shot down the idea of charging tolls on the Cape Cod bridges on Wednesday, after a local official raised the idea earlier this week.

Mashpee Select Board Vice Chair David Weeden floated the idea at a meeting Monday.

Id advocate for tolls to be imposed at the bridges, Weeden said. Over 35 million vehicles come across those two bridges combined annually. Even if you did $2 an axle, only calculating cars, youd bring in about $70 million a year. That money should be earmarked specifically to leverage [state revolving fund] funds and go towards coastal and water quality issues.

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Weeden suggested the state could look into just tolling people coming from off-Cape, using EZ Pass technology to identify residents so they could get on and off the bridges without paying tolls.

Massachusetts reaps the benefits of Cape Cod tourism, and its a significant amount of money that comes into the state through the tourism that we receive here, and on the Cape they come over here and they leave their stuff behind, and then were left to deal with it. So, you know, charging a modest rate, Weeden said.

Asked about the idea after an unrelated event at the State House on Wednesday, Healey immediately shot it down.

I dont support the tolls on the bridges, she said.

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Healey talked about her administrations efforts to replace the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. The Healey administration is eyeing 2027 to start work, beginning with the Sagamore Bridge, though the state has so far only secured just half of the two-bridge projects more than $4.5 billion price tag.

I hope to make continued progress on the bridges, Healey said. Thats been something that weve prioritized, to move ahead on. But, no tolls on the bridges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Erin Kiernan was joined by Dr. Andy Nish, an integrative medicine doctor, to talk about healthy aging and how we can achieve it.

What is the exposome?

Dr. Nish and Kiernan talk about what exposome is and its role on aging.

What can we control?

Dr. Nish and Kiernan discuss how the things we do and dont have control over can affect our health.

Do genetics determine our fate?

Dr. Nish explains how genetics can play a role in our health and how we age.

What does the research show?

Dr. Nish and Kiernan discuss what recent research has shown in regards to nutrition.

What is processed food doing to us?

Dr. Nish and Kiernan dive into the controversial topic of processed food and its potential effects on the human body.

Sugar

Dr. Nish explains how sugar affects a persons health.

Grading Erins breakfast

Dr. Nish provides a thumbs up or thumbs down to what Kiernan typically eats for breakfast.

Community is key

Dr. Nish talks about the powerful impact that relationships can have on health.

Taking care of each other

Dr. Nish and Kiernan discuss why people should care about public health and the importance of compassion.

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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 who13.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Camas School District announced to staff they need to make major cuts to next years budget amid a multi-million-dollar funding shortfall.

To balance the budget for the 2025-26 school year, expenditures must be reduced by 10-12%, or about $13.3-15.6 million, the Camas School District said.

PD: Man takes child in stroller, gets punched by mom

Several staff members within the district were told on Monday that their contracts will not be renewed in the fall, while others are facing a pay cut.

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Michael Sanchez is a music teacher at Skyridge Middle School and the vice president of the teachers union, the Camas Education Association. He told KOIN 6 News he is heartbroken about being impacted by the cuts and nervous about the future of the school district.

Sanchez and others were at the school board meeting Monday night, where it was revealed to the public that 39 contracts will not be renewed next year.

Sanchez said he learned last week that he will be one of five music teachers taking a pay reduction. In addition, Sanchez also wont be teaching his zero period class next year.

Kids are always at the heart of what we do. And our hearts are breaking right now because of whats going on, Sanchez said.

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Sanchez said its up to parents and district members to use their voices if they want to change the course of these cuts.

Though district members made their voices heard during Washingtons legislative session, Sanchez said state lawmakers ultimately didnt deliver when it comes to funding their schools.

Oregon Zoo mourns death of Tilly, the river otter mom and 30 Rock guest star

What were hoping is that our community continues to be engaged, and that they do advocacy on their own, Sanchez said.

Andrea Leonard is a parent urging district leaders to think outside the box to address the budget issue.

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They should use their creativity as leaders and administrators and find places in the budget that they can cut that arent people, she said.

Leonards son, Mose Pearlman, is learning to find his voice as a theater kid at Camas High School.

Ive seen him grow in confidence, Leonard said. Choir and drama are what keeps him motivated on a regular basis.

Now, the high schools music and theater programs could be impacted by the multi-million-dollar budget deficit.

Choir and theater and band all provides a sense of community for them, and thats really, really important, especially when all of us and them are struggling with community on the daily, Leonard said.

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Man robbed over 100 PDX stores: DA

Pearlman was among the many people voicing their concerns about the deficit.

I have seen how the arts have provided a safe space for those outside the margins, he said.

District officials said theyre doing everything they can to keep music programs but they might have to alter them to help make up for money lost.

KOIN 6 reached out to the superintendents office for comment but we have not heard back.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Signs chart the progress in meeting sales goals at Smart Green Solar's fifth floor office in downtown Providence in the spring of 2024. The Rhode Island Office of Attorney General has a lawsuit pending against the company over alleged 'deceptive conduct.' (Photo by Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current)

The state is shining the spotlight on solar panel sales companies, with a new law and registry system taking effect Thursday that holds retailers accountable for door-to-door sales tactics, financial disclosures, and contract terms.

The updated state regulations and new, online public registry system reflect legislation passed during the 2024 legislative session and signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee on June 10. Consumer complaints over solar panel sales skyrocketed in recent years, with a majority directed at one company being sued by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronhas office for allegedly preying upon and deliberately misleading senior and disabled residents.

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The 2023 lawsuit against the company, Smart Green Solar, and its CEO, Jasjit Gotra, remains pending in Providence County Superior Court.

Meanwhile, complaints against Gotra and Smart Green are still piling up. More than half of the 116 solar sales-related complaints logged with the AGs office pertain to Smart Green. Another 25 of the 35 complaints submitted from January through March 2025 are directed at the same company, according to information from the AGs office.

Which is why state regulators are turning to a registry, and new code of regulations, to prevent other potential bad actors from taking advantage of consumers.

Rhode Islanders want to do their part to mitigate climate change, but they are rightfully weary of being taken financial advantage of in the solar sales space, as my Consumer Protection Team knows all too well, Neronha said in a statement. Todays launch of the Solar Sales Registry is a significant step in putting much needed guardrails on the industry, so that consumers arent disincentivized by the deceptive behavior of certain companies. I look forward to seeing the implementation of this registry and am certain it will help move Rhode Island closer to meeting our climate goals.

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Like other licensed industries regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, the department is relying on consumer complaints to inform enforcement, said Elizabeth Dwyer, department director.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, Dwyer had yet to hear from any aggrieved solar company customers. But if and when she does, the department stands ready to investigate. Violators could face fines of up to $5,000, along with cease-and-desist orders.

New rules limit hours for door-to-door solar sales from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless appointments outside those hours are pre-arranged. There is also a required financial disclosure form prior to any signed contracts, listing names and contact information for solar sales representatives, financers, and installers. A chief complaint voiced by Smart Green customers in interviews with Rhode Island Current was the inability to reach Gotra or other company representatives after signing a contract, even if problems arose.

The regulations also codify the seven-day window for customers to cancel signed contracts, which is standard to other industries. Sales companies are also required to make a good faith estimate on project costs and expected energy savings.

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Rhode Islanders deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to solar energy salesthats exactly what this new program delivers, McKee said in a statement. My administration is committed to protecting consumers while continuing to support the growth of clean energy in Rhode Island.

Smart Green Solar is led by CEO Jasjit Jay Gotra. The Office of Rhode Island Attorney General claims the companys sales tactics violated state trade laws. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Our goal is to be as reasonable as possible

Separate from the immediately enforceable sales regulations, DBR has also launched a public-facing registry. Companies that sell solar panels in Rhode Island must pay $750 to register, and renew their registration each year for the same cost.

There is no firm deadline by which companies must complete registration. Dwyer said Thursday she expects the department will begin taking action within 30 to 60 days if it finds out eligible retailers failed to sign up.

Our goal is to be as reasonable as possible, she said. The purpose is to get as many people as possible to sign up.

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The public portal does not show any registered companies as of Thursday, though applicants must be approved before their information is posted online.

Registered companies risk having their licenses revoked if they violate any of the states rules around sales practices and contract terms.

Dwyer estimates fewer than 50 solar panel companies are subject to the registry requirements, which do not extend to individual salespeople. The department plans to oversee the new licensing and enforcement rules with its existing staff, and is using software with a contracted vendor, Tyler Technologies, for the online registry.

There are some costs, but they are interior costs, Dwyer said, referring to legal and licensing advice. We felt this was a small enough group, we could absorb it into our current workload. We will reevaluate if we feel theres a need.

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The department sent emails to solar panel sales companies over the past few weeks to inform them about the registration launch. So far, no one has complained to Dwyer about the cost to register, or other rules, she said.

Gotra, who denounced the registry and accompanying regulations last year as a barrier to achieving the states decarbonization goals, did not respond to inquiries for comment Thursday.

A consent order entered on March 14, 2024, in the states lawsuit against Gotra and Smart Green stipulates Gotra must refrain from misrepresentations in his interactions and marketing to customers, along with other disclosures, until the case is adjudicated or settled. A procedural hearing on the case is scheduled for May 8, according to the public docket.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The United States Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could green light the first religious school funded by taxpayer dollars in the U.S.

The case involves St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School and the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board versus the Oklahoma Attorney General, Gentner Drummond.

Jim Campbell, Chief Legal Counsel from Alliance Defending Freedom, represented the SCSB. He argues St. Isidore is not violating the First Amendments Establishment Clause, separating church and state.

Sketch courtesy Dana Verkouteren

RELATED: Supreme Court to decide fate of nations first religious charter school

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Specifically, the free exercise clause protects the right for religious organizations to be treated equally with others, said Campbell.

In an interview earlier this month with News 4, Attorney General Gentner Drummond stood firm, saying St. Isidore violates the United States Constitution.

To be able to enter into a contract with the state of Oklahoma to form a charter school, it has to be open to all without discrimination and non-secular, said Drummond.

Some of the courts conservative justices argued, excluding religion is discriminatory.

Mustang mayor faces allegations of child sex abuse

You cant treat religious people and religious institutions and religious speech as second class in the United States, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh said during Wednesdays oral arguments.

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However, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor raised concerns about favoring one religion over another.

Really, what youre saying is the free exercise clause trumps the essence of the establishment clause, Justice Sotomayor said.

Governor Kevin Stitt weighed in on Wednesdays hearing, issuing a statement:

The United States Supreme Court heard a case that goes to the very heart of what makes our nation great freedom of religion. Im proud Oklahoma is standing firm for the constitutional rights our Founding Fathers enshrined, including the right of religious institutions to participate equally in public life. The idea that a school should be disqualified from serving students simply because its rooted in faith is discriminatory and un-American. Every child deserves access to a quality education, and every family should have the freedom to choose a school that reflects their values. Ultimately, parents should have more options for their kids, not fewer. Im grateful to the Trump administration, the governors, attorneys general, and members of congress who are with us in this fight. Governor Kevin Stitt

Although Attorney General Gentner Drummond attended the hearing in Washington, D.C., he also released a statement:

This case is ultimately about safeguarding religious liberty. Religious liberty means every citizen is free to worship as he or she sees fit. It does not mean the government should back religious indoctrination, said Drummond. The justices were clearly engaged. Their questions were robust and meaningful. Gregory Garre, a former U.S. solicitor general under President George W. Bush, argued on behalf of the Attorney Generals Office that St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Catholic Charter School is unconstitutional. At issue, he said, is whether a public charter school is a public school. Garre noted that charter schools bear all the classic tenets of a public school. They are funded by the state, regulated by the state and can be closed by the state. If not for being established by the statutorily created Oklahoma Charter School Board, St. Isidore would not be able to exist. In June 2023, the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board (the previous name of the board) approved a contract with St. Isidore, prompting Drummond to file suit against the board several months later. His position was reaffirmed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in July 2024. All eight justices today posed questions to the attorneys. Justice Amy Coney Barrett was absent, having recused herself from the case. The court is expected to render a decision this summer. Attorney General Gentner Drummond

As mentioned in the above statement, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case due to close ties to someone involved in the case.

A final decision is expected June 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The Heidelberg Project, a beloved, bigger-than-life outdoor art installation in Detroit, will celebrate its 39th anniversary this weekend, and area residents are invited to become part of the event by sharing their memories.

The all-day celebration takes place on Saturday, May 3, at Spot Lite Detroit, kicking off at 11 a.m. Friends of the Project are invited to bring old photo prints and stories of their visits to add to Heidelbergs historical archive.

Tyree Guyton, left, the founding artist at the Heidelberg Project, stands in the middle of Heidelberg Street next to Andy Sturm, executive director of the Heidelberg Project in Detroit on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Its really simple, said Heidelberg executive director Andy Sturm. If people have old, physical photographs, stuff thats laying around or in a photo album somewhere from a time that they visited two years ago, 10 years ago, 30 years ago, that they really love, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Spot Lite, they can come down, bring their photo, and we can scan it. Well ask a few questions so we can contextualize it, like, Who took the photograph? What was it of?

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The other side of that is, if you dont have a photograph but you have a story of having been there and having an experience, well also have someone whos taking oral histories at the same time. This is all through partnership with Wayne State Universitys archival program.

From 3-6 p.m., Spot Lite will host childrens activities and a dance party. Starting at 7 p.m., an all-star lineup of DJs will perform through the end of the night. The live music lineup features Kenjiro, Turtle Bugg, and WDET hosts and DJs, Liz Warner, Shigeto, and Wajeed.

Spot Lite is donating all door proceeds from the show to the Heidelberg Project. Advance tickets are $22.85 and can be purchased at https://ra.co/events/2153014.

Popular now: Detroit Zoo's new baby penguin, Atticus, finally viewable to public: When you can see him

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See also: Detroit's Hannan Center called one of Michigans best-kept secrets for senior citizens

The Heidelberg Project is a special place, said Spot Lite owner and Heidelberg Project board chair Roula David. Were honored to throw a party in the spirit of creativity, community and cultural legacy that the Heidelberg Project represents.

Sturm said a fundraiser like this is important at a pivotal time for the arts in America.

You know, its a wild time out there for arts funding, he said, and so coming up with creative ways to secure the legacy of the Project is important. This is something Roula came up with and put out there. Theyve done it with other organizations in the past, and since theres such an ongoing collaboration between the two of us, it just seems like a really interesting way to do it. And, hopefully, the plan is that we will actually take some of the photos that we get scanned during the day and project them onto the wall during the nights dance party.

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It all goes down Saturday at Spot Lite, 2905 Beaufait St., No. 4, Detroit.

For more on The Heidelberg Project, visit heidelberg.org.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Heidelberg Project seeks community photos, memories at event Saturday
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A robbery suspect is at large, stemming from an April 13th Robbery.

A release obtained by Eyewitness News says the Henderson Police Department has gotten a first degree robbery arrest warrant for Mason Jones.

Jones is a suspect in an April 13th robbery. Police are asking anyone with information on Joness whereabouts to contact HPD at 270-831-1295.

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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Gracelynn Vick, 6, of Saucier, Miss., went outside to play on the farm where she lived with her mom on April 13  and hours after she disappeared, she was found and pronounced dead

Police, who have called her death a "tragic accident," said Gracelynn died after she crawled inside a nearby barrel and got trapped inside

Gracelynns death is the latest tragedy for mom Vicki Hutcherson, who has lost three children in about four years, a family member tells PEOPLE

Jackie Polk, the aunt of Gracelynn Vick  a 6-year-old girl whose tragic death last month rocked her family and their Mississippi community  remembers her niece as an adventurous girl who loved being outside, especially on the farm in Saucier, where she lived with her mother, Vicki Hutcherson.

Gracelynn was an exuberant child," Polk, 55, tells PEOPLE. "I mean, full of energy, full of sass."

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"She just loved the outdoors," adds her aunt. "You could give her sticks, mud and rocks and a tree to climb. And she was super happy."

At approximately 12 p.m. local time on April 13, Gracelynn went outside to play in the front yard and then disappeared, according to the Harrison County Sheriff's Office. Authorities spent hours searching for Gracelyn before she was found at approximately 6 p.m. and pronounced dead.

Related: Mom Honors Twins Who Died After Toy Chest Closed with Them Sleeping Inside: 'I Lost Half of My Heart'

Four days after Gracelynns death, Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley said that her death was a "tragic accident" and that while playing, she crawled inside a nearby barrel, closed the lid from inside and got trapped.

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"There were absolutely no signs of foul play," Haley at the news conference. Although her cause of death has yet to be announced, the sheriff said that due to the heat index on the day of her death, Madelynn "would have experienced a combination of heat stress and limited oxygen supply inside the barrel."

"This effect would be similar to that of a child being stuck in a hot car during the summer," he added.

Harrison County Sheriff's Office Gracelynn Vick Gracelynn Vick

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Polk, who lives 20 miles away in Hancock County, recalls getting a phone call from Hutcherson, 46, after the mom noticed her daughter had disappeared. "She could not find her," Polk says. "She had been calling out to her and she had been searching."

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When she arrived at her sister's farm, police and emergency responders were already present. There were so many people everywhere," she says. "I mean, I counted at least five search dogs."

Polk says a Mississippi task force investigating officer was the one to find Gracelynn. Vicky was next to the investigator, Polk says. When Gracie was found, she screamed and I ran to her. This all happened within seconds.

The Kind Hearts Organization A vigil was held in memory of Gracelynn Vick at Saucier Park in Mississippi on April 22, 2025 A vigil was held in memory of Gracelynn Vick at Saucier Park in Mississippi on April 22, 2025

Related: 'Loving Mother' of 2 Found Dead by Her Daughter After Being Suffocated in 'Defective' Lift Bed

Gracelynns death is the latest tragedy for Hutcherson, who has lost three children in about four years.

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In July 2021, her son Larry Hart died at the age of 17. They said he had a missing enzyme in his liver, Polk says, sharing that her nephew used a feeding tube and never talked or walked, but "could recognize voices because we could see that based on his behavior and reaction."

"[Gracelynn] loved her brother, Polk says. She would get on the bed when she was even a tiny babyShe would rather climb than walk, and she would climb all over his hospital bed and lay up there and go to sleep."

In March 2024, Gracelynns sister Victoria, 13, was killed in a crash. They loved each other very much, Polk says of the sisters' relationship. There are tons of videos with them on vacation."

Six months later, Hutcherson's fiance was diagnosed with a rare cancer and died. Our family has been through mortal hell, says Polk. We have seen more of our family and extended family over the last four years than we have our entire lives because we've had so many funerals.

The Kind Hearts Organization Zach Coulter, a preacher of Persimmon Hill Baptist Church, speaks at the vigil for Gracelynn Vick at Saucier Park in Mississippi on April 22, 2025 Zach Coulter, a preacher of Persimmon Hill Baptist Church, speaks at the vigil for Gracelynn Vick at Saucier Park in Mississippi on April 22, 2025

Gracelynn's funeral was held on April 21 and a candlelight vigil took place at Saucier Park the following day. The event was mounted by local nonprofit group the Kind Hearts Organization, which raised money to pay for Gracelynns funeral and burial. Extra funds will be used to place a memory bench and a tree that blooms pink flowers at Saucier Elementary, Gracelynn's school.

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Dannette Necaise, the groups founder, tells PEOPLE that the organization first learned what happened to Gracelynn through social media while the girl was still missing. I just kept telling others in the group, We need to do something. I don't know what, but we need to do something,' " Necaise says.

The Kind Hearts Organization Scene from a vigil held for Gracelynn Vick at Saucier Park in Mississippi on April 22, 2025 Scene from a vigil held for Gracelynn Vick at Saucier Park in Mississippi on April 22, 2025

Related: Family of Boy, 9, Who Died After Becoming Trapped Between Rocks at a Beach on Easter Sunday Says Their 'Hearts Are Broken'

About 150 people attended the vigil, including family, community members and emergency responders who took part in the search, Necaise recalls. We had a local pastor come out and speak to the crowd and pray over everyone, she says, adding that it was moving to "see how many people that this small child had touched.

Read the original article on People
Pacific Seafood, a US-based fishing to processing and distribution business, has opened its first office in Europe as a gateway for EU expansion.

The family-owned business, headquartered in Clackamas, Oregon, has established its presence in Hamburg, Germany, with the new office to be led by Stephan Kleemeyer, according to a statement.

Kleemeyer is an experienced seafood industry executive whose most recent posting was as managing director for the European operations of Trident Seafoods, where he oversaw the companys Pickenpack business in Riepe, Germany.

Ashton Meier, the vice president of processing for Pacific Seafood, confirmed with Just Food that the company currently supplies the retail and foodservice channels in the EU.

Establishing a physical presence in Europe allows us to better support these customers and continue building long-term partnerships.

He added: While this is Pacific Seafoods first European location, we are actively exploring opportunities to further invest in vertically integrated fishing, processing, and distribution businesses.

These investments will strengthen our footprint and enhance the value proposition and diverse product mix we offer to both customers and consumers.

Pacific Seafoods product range includes wild whitefish, coldwater shrimp, salmon and aquaculture products such as steelhead and oysters, along with an added-value offering, Meier said.

Kleemeyer will head up business development across the EU and will seek to strengthen partnerships with existing customers and identify growth opportunities, according to the statement.

Establishing a permanent presence in Europe is a bold but natural next step in our expanding global footprint, Meier said in the statement. Stephan brings deep experience and strong relationships in the region, and were confident he will help us deliver even greater value to our European partners.

Pacific Seafood was set up in 1941 by Frank Dulcich. It manages all parts of the supply chain from harvesting to fishing, processing and distribution.

The business has launched its so-called Mission 31 strategic initiative to expand the companys operations within a timeframe to 2031, with Europe now playing a part in that endeavour.

Pacific Seafood said the project was launched last year and has already resulted in undisclosed and unspecified investments in Alaska and Florida.

Late last year, Pacific Seafood acquired the processing assets of Trident Seafoods in Kodiak, Alaska, including three plants.

The Kodiak operations are engaged in the processing of a varied assortment of seafood, encompassing halibut, flatfish, rockfish, crab, herring, pollock, salmon and Pacific cod.
The city of Passaic will create a scholarship in memory of Jennifer C. Contreras, the 23-year-old local woman who died in the April 8 Jet Set nightclub disaster in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The scholarship will help local youth with costs associated with obtaining cosmetology certification, officials said.

"It's been added to the citys current training program," Mayor Hector Lora said. "We have a partnership with Passaic County Community College. The scholarship will cover the full cost of the program."

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Contreras was among 231 people confirmed killed when the roof at the iconic nightclub collapsed. Seventeen of the deceased were Americans, published reports said. At least four were from New Jersey, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way said in April.

Picture of the late Jennifer C. Contreras, 23, a Passaic resident, who was among the 231 who died in the April 8 collapse of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Her body was found among scores of others on April 9. This photo was taken in 2016.

Before she left for Santo Domingo, Contreras was planning to open her own beauty shop in the city. She was a graduate of Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne.

Her brother Anthony said she had been in Santo Domingo to complete a certification class on eyebrow micropigmentation.

Lora said he announced the scholarship last month at a vigil held outside Contreras' home on Passaic's Hammond Avenue.

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More: In Passaic, familiar foes face off for mayor's race, newcomer seeks City Council seat

The scholarship will help both residents and local businesses, the mayor added. The latter, he said, would get trained workers for their shops.

The initial $10,000 in funding for the scholarship will come from government Urban Enterprise Zone funds, but the mayor also hopes to gain support from local businesses and residents.

For instance, one hope is that local hair salons or barbershops will sponsor individuals and assure employment after program completion.

It can cost between $8,000 and $18,000 to obtain certification from private beauty schools and community colleges.

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The city will help but will require the money to be paid back if recipients don't finish the training, Lora said. How much each scholarship provides will depend on circumstances.

Cosmetology is among the various job training opportunities the city offers with the assistance of schools like Passaic County Community College. The city also assists with training for phlebotomy, pharmacy assistant, security and commercial drivers' licenses.

The city's Urban Enterprise Zone website will be posting the scholarship application shortly, Lora said.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic scholarship to honor resident who died at Jet Set nightclub
Demonstrators during the "Rise Up for Trans Youth" rally against President Donald Trump's executive actions targeting transgender people at Union Square in New York, on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2025. Credit - Stephanie KeithGetty Images

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a report on Thursday, May 1, aiming to discredit gender-affirming-care and instead encouraging transgender and nonbinary individuals to try exploratory therapyor psychotherapyand stating that mental health care alone is a way to treat gender dysphoria in children.

There is a dearth of research on psychotherapeutic approaches to managing gender dysphoria in children and adolescents. This is due in part to the mischaracterization of such approaches as conversion therapy, the report said. Psychotherapy is a noninvasive alternative to endocrine and surgical interventions for the treatment of pediatric gender dysphoria.

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Though the report argues that this exploratory therapy is not the same as the long practice of conversion therapywhich is a practice of attempting to change someones sexual orientation or gender identityadvocates see little difference.

This report not only rejects health care best practices for transgender people, it goes a step further by recommending conversion therapy, though under a new, rebranded name, exploratory therapy, said Casey Pick, director of law and policy at the LGBTQ+ advocacy group the Trevor Project, in an emailed statement. Despite the reports claims, this is, in fact, the same harmful practice of conversion therapy, just using friendlier language. We urge this Administration to respect and support people for who they areand to let families and doctors make decisions based on what keeps people healthy, not government ideology.

Read More: Is Conversion Therapy the New Frontier for Anti-LGBTQ+ Groups?

The report arrives following a Trump Executive Order, titled Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation, which threatens to cut federal funding to hospitals and medical providers that provide gender-affirming-care to people ages 19 or younger. The Executive Order directed HHS to release a report on the existing literature for treatment for children with gender dysphoria in 90 days, which fell on April 28.

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The language used in the report expresses a shift in policy and in sentiments regarding gender-affirming carereferring to the practice only as Pediatric Medical Transition and referring to gender confirmation surgery as sex reassignment surgery. This shift is in line with language brought about by Trumps Jan. 20 Executive Order which proclaimed that there are only two sexes and that gender identity is disconnected from biological reality, calling for an erasure of the term.

Read More: The Implications of Trumps Executive Order on Sex

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the orderand though the order hasnt fully been enforced, some federal offices, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, issued notices stating that they will change their practices to comply with Trump's restrictions on gender-affirming-care.

Conversion therapy aims to alter someones sexual orientation or gender identity. It has been proven to be ineffective and harmful to LGBTQ+ people, and it can include a wide variety of practices.

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"Endorsing this kind of therapy is devastating, says Shannon Minter, vice president of legal of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Being gay, being transgender is not a choice. No amount of talking or persuasion or any kind of counseling can change that.

Gender-affirming-care is supported by the major medical associations in the U.S., including the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association. Meanwhile, conversion therapy has been discredited by numerous medical associations.

As the Trump Administration ushers in an era of anti-trans policy at the federal level, Supreme Court cases could also dictate LGBTQ+ rights. In March, the nations highest court announced it would be hearing oral arguments for Chiles v. Salazar, which challenges Colorados conversion therapy ban under the premise that it infringes on free speech. A decision for U.S. v. Skrmettiexpected in Junewill decide whether gender-affirming-care bans for minors are unconstitutional.

Those cases just raise the stakes of the issue even higher and create really maximum danger for transgender young people, says Minter. Worst-case scenario would be for the Supreme Court to uphold state laws banning essential medical care for these young people, and then turn around and strike down state laws protecting LGBTQ+ youth from conversion therapy. That would be a devastating double blow.

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A 2022 report estimated that there were some 300,000 transgender youth ages 13 to 17 in the U.S., according to UCLA School of Laws Williams Institute.

Trumps Executive Order on gender-affirming-care also called for investigations into this type of health care in sanctuary states, stating that medical professionals were maiming impressionable children. Trump also declared April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in his proclamation stated that he is taking action to cut off all taxpayer funding to any institution that engages in the sexual mutilation of our youth.

More than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced on the state level for the 2025 legislative session, per the ACLUs legislative tracker. In Kentucky, legislators voted to overturn their existing conversion therapy ban, legalizing the practice in the state. Attacks on gender-affirming-care have been much more rampant in recent years, as 26 states have passed laws limiting access to such care for trans and nonbinary people, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

This isn't about us as doctors. This is about our patients and ensuring that they continue to get the science-based, evidence-based, standard-of-care medicine that really keeps them whole and healthy, says Dr. Morissa Ladinsky, an academic general pediatrician at Stanford Medicine who treats children with gender dysphoria. Ladinsky was named as a plaintiff in Ladinsky v. Ivey, a 2022 lawsuit against an Alabama law that criminalizes parents for allowing their children to access gender-affirming-care. (The case was later taken down and another lawsuit against the Alabama law was filed.)

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Experts and advocacy organizations warn of the detrimental effects of conversion therapy. A peer-reviewed study conducted by the Trevor Project in 2020 found that young LGBTQ+ people who underwent conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to report attempting suicide compared to those who did not.

Nearly half of all U.S. states ban the controversial practice, though attempts to ban it at the federal level have never proven fruitful. A 2023 Trevor Project report found that conversion therapy still happens across the country. Two years ago, there were at least 1,300 practitioners believed to be still offering the practice in the U.S.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Several Smith County roads along with Lake Tyler and Lake Jacksonville, are closed due to high water concerns.

Thursday Morning Forecast: Widely scattered storms today

Smith County Roads

County Road 112 near Antioch and CR2193 off Rhones Quarter Road will remain closed until washed-out culverts are repaired.

County Roads 112, 2138, 2147 and 2180 are closed because of high water over the roads.

Water over CR 129 has receded and is now reopened, but could flood again if the area sees more rain. Drivers are advised to not go around barriers and use alternate routes

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East Texas school districts announce closings, delays due to power outages, flooding

Lake Tyler and Lake Jacksonville

Lake Tyler. Courtesy of Lake Marina Owner, Brent Allen

The City of Tyler Water Utilities is temporarily closing all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East.

Ramps are being closed due to boating hazards resulting from debris washed into the lakes by the recent rains and to reduce damage from shoreline erosion caused by boat wakes, City of Tyler said. In addition, the lakes are closed to boat traffic from lake residents.

Lake Jacksonville will also be closes to all boating traffic due to heavy rainfall, the City of Jacksonville said.

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This measure is necessary to protect both public safety and lakeside properties from the impacts of elevated water levels, the city said. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to safeguard residents and their homes.

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.
The Ivan Hilton Science Building at New Mexico Highlands University. (Courtesy photo by Michael Remke)

New Mexico Highlands University faculty and staff say they are still assessing work safety issues after learning earlier this week that the federal government had abruptly ended an evaluation of health hazards on campus.

Last October, workers at the university in Las Vegas, N.M. asked the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct a health hazard evaluation centered on the Ivan Hilton Science Building, which had closed a month earlier due to improperly stored chemicals. Their unions and school administrators worked together to invite the agency on campus, and investigators interviewed many people, union officials say.

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Earlier this week, NIOSH informed the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico that it had ended the evaluation because of cuts by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, President Whitney Holland told Source NM in an interview.

NIOSHs website states, Due to the reduction in force across NIOSH, no new health hazard evaluation requests can be accepted.

Highlands faculty and staff still need medical evaluations, industrial hygiene exposure assessments and behavioral health support, Holland said.

This truly is a regional issue for Northern New Mexico, and the federal governments abrupt cancellation of these critical supports jeopardizes our communities wellbeing in both the short- and long-term, she said.

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Emails and voicemails seeking comment from NIOSH and Highlands administrators had not been returned as of Thursday morning.

Dr. Kathy Jenkins, a professor of exercise physiology and Faculty and Staff Association president, told Source NM the evaluations final report was completed in March and she expected it to reach her soon.

To find out last week that the case was closed and it doesnt look like theres any opportunity to reopen it, was a little devastating, Jenkins said.

Marty Lujan, a longtime custodian at Highlands who often cleaned the science building, died last fall. His official cause of death is not yet determined, but union officials say he showed signs of chemical exposure.

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The science buildings closure, the relocation of classrooms and Lujans death caused extreme stress for many people on campus, Michael Remke, an assistant professor in the schools Department of Forestry, told Source NM.

If the evaluation had been completed, NIOSH would have offered free in-person counseling to faculty, staff and students, he said. The university offered five free sessions on an online therapy platform, he said, but no additional psychiatric or behavioral health support.

This felt like a nice, productive avenue forward, and now were left scrambling to try to figure out how we can get somebody else to step up and provide this for us, Remke said. If theyre not providing this, then who can?

Jenkins said the chemical spill last fall was the event that led outsiders to come into the science building and discover that for at least a decade prior, chemicals had been improperly stored there.

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NIOSH would have also been able to conduct a long-term epidemiological study to trace health patterns among people who have worked in the building, Jenkins said. New Mexico doesnt have the resources to do that on its own, she said.

Theres concerns of people that have worked in the building for the past decade because of whats been uncovered, Jenkins said. There are concerns on children born with low birth weights. There are concerns of a few people with auto-immune diseases. There have been some people that have died.

No one will be able to absolutely determine the concerns cause, Jenkins said, but people want to know how to help themselves in the future if something were to develop.

The easy thing is to fix it, she said. Then the next step is, what do you do to address the chronic parts of all this? Maybe there are no chronic parts, I have no idea, but maybe there are.

Its not going to stop us

Remke started working at Highlands in August 2023. He recalls a strong, fumy smell in his office on the buildings first floor, near the chemical storage room. Before the situation escalated, he said he spent up to 80 hours cleaning up legacy chemical hazards in the science building.

Michael Remke (Courtesy photo)

He said he initially experienced burning in his throat and eyes, and then chronic gastrointestinal symptoms that persisted until this February. The universitys insurer denied his workers compensation claim, he said, so he had to pay hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for blood tests to try to resolve his symptoms and determine his illness cause.

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Remke said during the evaluation, NIOSH officials interviewed him for two hours about his account of what happened in the building and the kinds of services the university needs.

Safety practices on campus have improved generally since the evaluation began, he said, including more support and advocacy for proper materials handling, and the hiring of a dedicated chemical hygiene officer who helps clean up chemical hazards.

Jenkins said Highlands reorganized its Environmental Health and Safety Office, which along with the hygiene officer, puts the university back into compliance.

Were working together  the university, the union and the faculty  to make sure this never happens again, she said.

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She said her union holds workplace safety and bloodborne pathogen training on campus, and formed a safety committee to quickly receive reports and resolve situations.

Remke said while future chemical exposures on campus are possible, he thinks the risk is much lower than it was prior to the science buildings closure.

Some support from these outside agencies was going to be very helpful for us but its not going to stop us from trying to organize on our own to make sure that we have an amazing campus with an amazing learning experience for our students, Remke said.
China could be open to starting trade negotiations with the United States, if Washington makes the first move and offers meaningful concessions, an influential Chinese platform wrote on Thursday.

The message was delivered in a post from Yuyuantantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) and which is seen as reflecting government's stance on trade and economic issues.

The post said that the US has reached out to China "through a variety of channels" in a bid to initiate discussions on tariffs, but that there "is no need for China to talk to the US before the US takes any substantive action."

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The state of trade negotiations, including whether any consultations are under way at all, has been a matter of debate in recent days.

US President Donald Trump told Time magazine that talks were taking place, and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him. China's Foreign Ministry fired back, adamently denying any discussions between the the two leaders or their top aides.

Tensions sharply escalated in early April, when the US imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports. Beijing retaliated with levies of up to 125% on US goods. Both sides, however, have issued temporary exemptions for specific items seen as critical - such as certain electronics - in order to mitigate the economic fallout.

The Yuyuantantian post went so far as to suggest that opening a dialogue with the Trump administration could serve China's interests.

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"If the US wants to engage with China, it will not be bad for China at this stage," it read, adding: "China needs to observe and even force out the US's true intentions."

It added that the first country to reach a deal with the US could become a reference point for others navigating Washingtons evolving tariff regime.

Separately, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, citing informed sources, reported on Thursday that Beijing is holding off on serious negotiations until it becomes clear who will lead the talks on the US.
A historic neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta just learned an area of trees and park space will soon be needed for high-tension power lines.

Fulton County gave Georgia Power permission to use their land.

Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach spoke to neighbors, who say they only just found out it was happening within the last couple o weeks, and a month after the deal was done.

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The work moving forward would take away a buffer of trees next to a neighborhood with about 330 homes.

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These trees are the only thing separating these homes from the jail, Arthur Toal told Channel 2 Action News.

A strip of land on the north side of the Fulton County Jail borders the Howell Station neighborhood.

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Now we use it as a de facto park, Toal said.

Toal is on the communitys board. he said neighbors only just found the county turned the land over to Georgia Power, with plans showing it will be used for 115,000 volt transmission lines to connect two substations.

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Homeowners told Channel 2 Action News that it not only removes their visual, sound and light buffer from the Rice Street Jail, but removes two centuries-old trees and reduces property values.

The community said it was also concerned that there would be potential health risks with some homes just feet from the high power lines.

So 50 feet, then the lines, then another 50 feet, Toal said.

Fulton County sold the utility easement, just over 2.5 acres, to Georgia Power for $10.

The resolution passed at the commissions March 19 meeting, part of the consent agenda without any discussion or notice to anyone in Howell Station.

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Neighbors only found out weeks later when they started asking work crews questions.

They clearly didnt do any type of communication before we found them cutting down trees, Toal said.

The neighborhood held a meeting this week and Georgia Power said they plan to meet with the Howell Station Association this month.

In a statement shared with Channel 2 Action News, Georgia Power said they understand the neighbors concerns and will work to minimize disruption, saying we will address residents questions directly; until that time, all tree clearing activities have been paused.

Neighbors told Gehlbach they want to talk with Georgia Power about their options and to see if theyll reconsider, reroute, or bury the lines.

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For the first time, commercial shipping companies will be required to transition to cleaner fuels or they will face fines.

According to the BBC, after nearly a decade of negotiations, countries in the UN's International Maritime Organization agreed on a way to combat polluting gases from ships. The deal passed on April 11.

The deal requires large international vessels to adopt less toxic fuel sources and increase their use or face fines of "up to $380 per ton" of polluting gases released from burning the fuel, per the BBC.

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The BBC said, "The agreement means it is now the first industry in the world with internationally mandated targets to reduce emissions."

Jesse Fahnestock, director of decarbonisation at the Global Maritime Forum, said, "[It] is to be celebrated."

So what kind of fuels could these ships use? According to the European Maritime Safety Agency, there are many options available for vessels that could "enter the market relatively quickly," including "e-ammonia, e-hydrogen, e-diesel, e-methane, and e-methanol."

Companies are working on these alternatives. For example, a Norwegian-based shipping company, Yara, created the first container ship to run on clean ammonia. It's expected to set sail in 2026 and travel between Norway and Germany.

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Another Norwegian company, Purus Maritime, purchased hydrogen fuel worth $2.75 million for a hybrid ship it commissioned. In addition to hydrogen, it will also run on e-methanol, and it features solar panels and batteries.

According to the BBC, shipping accounts for about 3% of global heat-trapping gases, but the industry has had a hard time cutting its pollution because of costs. However, the fines in this deal will go into a fund for more environmentally friendly fuel.

The shipping industry currently has a negative impact on human health. The World Resource Institute said toxic gases affect the respiratory system and put people at risk of heart and lung disease.

Adopting cleaner fuel sources will protect human health and the ocean's health. Economist Impact said reducing polluting gases "will help preserve marine biodiversity [and] restore degraded ecosystems."

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While this deal is the first of its kind, Fahnestock believes more needs to be done.

You can use your voice to let your representatives know you want stricter rules in the shipping industry to reduce the risk of human and ocean health effects. Additionally, you could invest in companies working on alternative fuel sources and ships run by them.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Ukraine managed to wrangle some more favorable terms out of the United States before signing the long-awaited minerals deal on Wednesday.

The agreement on natural resources was finally struck late on Wednesday, after weeks of tense bargaining that at times turned sour and temporarily halted Washingtons aid to Ukraine.

Kyiv eventually convinced US President Donald Trump to drop some of his key demands but failed to make American security guarantees part of the agreement.

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Ukrainian officials touted the final accord as an equal partnership between Kyiv and Washington  a notable shift from some of the earlier drafts which were described by Ukraines leader President Volodymyr Zelensky as the US asking him to sell my country.

The signed deal, seen by CNN, does indeed appear to be more favorable to Ukraine than some of the previous versions. Heres what we know.

Whats in the deal?

Aid: Crucially, the deal does not call for Kyiv to reimburse the US for the aid it has already received  a key concession from Trump who has long framed the agreement as Ukraine paying back the US.

Washington initially demanded a $500 billion share of Ukraines rare earths and other minerals in exchange for the aid it has already provided to Kyiv. When Zelensky rejected that idea, Trump called him a dictator.

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Instead, the agreement that was inked on Wednesday says that future American military assistance to Ukraine will count as part of the US investment into a joint reconstruction investment fund that will be used to pour money into Ukraines natural resources.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko pose after signing the minerals deal in Washington on April 30, 2025. - Yulia Svyrydenko/Facebook/Reuters

Natural resources: The deal gives the US preferential rights to mineral extraction in Ukraine and states that Kyiv will have the final say in what and where is being mined. Ukraine will also retain the ownership of the subsoil.

All resources on our territory and in our territorial waters belong to Ukraine. It is the Ukrainian state that determines where and what to extract, said Ukraines Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed the deal on behalf her country.

And although Trump has referred to the agreement as a rare earth deal, the accord signed on Wednesday goes well beyond that by including other natural resources such as oil, natural gas, gold and copper.

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The tone: In a win for Ukraine, the deal also adopts a strong language on the war with Russia itself. It points at Moscow as the aggressor in the conflict, diverging from some of Trumps previous false statements about Ukraine and Zelensky being responsible for the war.

The deal also spells out the goal of the agreement as a peaceful, sovereign and resilient Ukraine  a notable step away from Trump saying earlier this year that, Ukraine may be Russia some day.

EU guarantees: It also keeps the door open for Ukraines potential future membership in the European Union, saying that investment needs to be made in accordance with Ukraines obligations as an EU candidate state. It adds that if Ukraine was to join the bloc in the future, this deal would be renegotiated in good faith.

A boost for the US: But the terms of the agreement also show the US has secured a host of advantages for itself.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent characterized it as a historic economic partnership, saying in a statement that it 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 agreement seen by CNN also specifies that the earnings and other payments made as part of the deal will be tax-free and not subject to any levies or duties by Ukraine.

It also says that if a conflict arises between the wording of the agreement and Ukraines law, the deal will have a legal precedent.

What is missing from the deal?

Security questions: Ukraine has dropped its key demand that the US provides security guarantees as part of this agreement. It was this demand that ultimately led to the shouty meeting between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office in February.

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Trump then refused to provide security guarantees, saying he wanted Ukraine to sign the agreement first and talk about guarantees later.

At the time, Zelensky refused, but Ukrainian officials have since indicated that they believe that US investment and the presence of American companies in Ukraine will make Washington more interested in Ukraines security.

Exclusive access for the US: While it ensures the US receives preferential access to Ukraines mineral riches, the deal doesnt guarantee any exclusive rights.

Existing resources: The deal is limited to new projects, which means the US and Ukraine will have to invest in order to see profits. Existing mining operations that are already generating revenue for the Ukrainian government are excluded.

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This clause puts a question mark over the benefits of the deal for the US. While Ukraine has large reserves of several valuable materials, the process to extract some of them is expensive and technically difficult.

Gavin Mudd, the director of the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre at the British Geological Survey, told the non-profit Science Media Center that the production of some minerals  such as titanium, lithium or graphite  could be achieved quickly, if the regions where the deposits are are secure.

However, in the case of rare earths, it will take years to ramp up capacity  studies will need to be completed to assess and determine how best to mine the deposits and process the ores and produce rich concentrate, and a new refinery will be needed to produce high purity metals and oxides for use in numerous technologies. All of this sits alongside the need to actually mine the minerals he said.

How does it play into the peace process?

The Ukrainian government has in the past made the argument that its mineral deposits are one of the reasons the West should support Ukraine  to prevent these strategically important resources from falling into Russian hands.

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Experts agree with that idea. Liam Peach and Hamad Hussain, economists at Capital Economics, wrote in an analyst note on Thursday that the agreement provides some reassurance that the Trump administration is not planning on abandoning Ukraine altogether because it establishes US economic interests in Ukraine.

The deal strengthens Ukraines position, but doesnt necessarily bring the war closer to the end as it is separate from any negotiations with Russia. Those talks appear to be stalling, as Moscow continues to refuse a 30-day ceasefire agreement proposed by the US and agreed by Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the devastating war keeps raging. Seven people died in occupied Ukraine Thursday, with Russian and Ukrainian officials trading claims over the attack

Shelby Magid, the deputy director of the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center, wrote in a note that the deal puts the Ukrainians in their strongest position yet with Washington since Trump took office.

Trump and Zelensky were seen talking to each other privately at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday. - Ukrainian Presidency

How was the deal struck?

The road to it was incredibly rocky, with the US temporarily suspending aid to Ukraine after the disastrous Oval Office meeting.

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Negotiations continued behind the scenes in the weeks that followed. In the meantime Trump began losing patience with Putins stalling over a peace deal, giving an opening to Kyiv to repair ties.

In the end, it seems that the two leaders just needed to talk to each other privately, without cameras and away from aides who have derailed the process in the past.

Trump and Zelensky spoke at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday. A photograph of the two of them huddled together inside St. Peters Basilica showed them in a discussion, leaning towards each other.

Zelensky said on Thursday the signing of the minerals deal was the first result of the Vatican meeting.

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President Trump and I used every minute of our time to the fullest. I am grateful for that, he said.

It was after this meeting that Trump questioned whether Russian leader Vladimir Putin wants a peace deal and floated the idea of imposing more sanctions on Moscow. Just days later, the minerals deal was signed.

Ukrainian officials showed they could manoeuvre and persevere to ultimately get a fair deal. While the Trump administration put tremendous pressure on Ukraine to accept earlier deals, Ukraine managed to show that it is not just a junior partner that has to roll over and accept a bad deal, Magid said.

However, there was some more drama on Wednesday, when a last-minute disagreement over which documents would be signed on Wednesday threatened to derail the deal.

Why are the minerals so important?

Materials such as graphite, lithium, uranium and the 17 chemical elements known as rare earths are critical for economic growth and national security.

They are essential to the production of electronics, clean energy technology, including wind turbines, energy networks and electric vehicles, as well as some weapons systems.

China has long dominated the global production of rare earth minerals and other strategically important materials, leaving Western countries desperate for other alternative sources  including Ukraine.

The US largely depends on imports for the minerals it needs. Of the 50 minerals classed as critical, the US was entirely dependent on imports of 12 and more than 50% dependent on imports of a further 16, according to the United States Geological Survey, a government agency.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has deposits of 22 of these 50 critical materials, according to the Ukrainian government.

The country has some of the worlds largest deposits of graphite, lithium, titanium, beryllium and uranium, all of which are classed by the US as critical minerals. Some of these reserves are in areas that are currently under Russian occupation.

CNNs Catherine Nicholls contributed reporting.

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Apr. 30The Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums will be honored six local history projects with a Minnesota History Award and two individuals with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Meeting and Conference on April 24 in White Bear Lake.

Among those honored was Mower County's "The Gertrude Project," the one-act play that shared the life and history of Gertrude Skinner.

"Great example and model for local history," said one of the committee members. "A one-act play is a very creative medium for sharing local history and the organization's collection."

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This is the fifteenth award year. Award recipients completed projects or achieved the criteria for lifetime achievement in 2023-2024.

"We are proud to honor so many creative people and organizations for their efforts to preserve and share local history," said Alliance Coordinator Liz Koele. "In fifteen years, the Alliance has honored over 50 organizations with a Minnesota History Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award, started in 2016, has honored nearly 25 individuals. A complete list of previous award winners is located on the Alliance website.

Award recipients for the 2025 Minnesota History Awards include:

Carver County Historical Society (Waconia) for their Carver County Veterans Searchable Registry project.

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Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (Moorhead) for the Felix Battles Monument.

Lake Minnetonka Historical Society (Wayzata) for their behind-the-scenes project The Consolidation of Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.

Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (Minneapolis) for their interpretive program Black Liberation: Dismantling Racism in Minnesota 1800s-1960s exhibit.

Mower County Historical Society (Austin) for their interpretive program The Gertrude Project.

Ramsey County Historical Society, Dan McGuinness, and Sisokaduta (Joe Bendickson) (St. Paul), for their publication Ramsey County History Magazine Dakhota Issue, Fall 2023.

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Award recipients for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award:

Barbara W. Sommer (Mendota Heights) for over 45 years of service to the Carlton County Historical Society and many other historical organizations and oral history projects across the state & country through BWS Associates.

Sara Markoe Hanson (White Bear Lake) for over 30 years of service to the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society and other Minnesota historical sites and organizations.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Members of the Holyoke Teachers Association are standing up against the states plan to move Holyoke Public Schools out of state receivership.

Whiting Farms Laundromat in Holyoke to celebrate grand opening

Members said these walk-ins are an opportunity to voice their disapproval with the release of exit assurances meant to be a pathway out of state receivership. While Secretary Tutwiler says these exit assurances are meant to support this transition from receivership to local control, Holyoke teachers are saying they feel excluded from decision making

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Theyre also saying these exit assurances will likely keep Holyoke from improving teacher retention and student performance.

Theyre holding all of these things that are preventing us from bargaining including the length of our school day, our calendar, our pay, our professional development, and ultimately it just doesnt allow us as the teachers to advocate for the resources that we need to improve our student outcomes, said Brandi Bellacicco, teacher at Holyoke Public Schools.

Bellcicco adds they hope the state and Holyoke Mayor go back and reverse these exit assurances, so that they can proceed with full bargaining, and advocate for whats best for students.

Holyoke Public Schools has been under receivership for 10 years now. Theyre set to transition out of state receivership on July 1, and these exit assurances will be in place for the next two years.

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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RIO DE JANEIRO/SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras reported on Tuesday oil, gas and gas liquids production of 2.77 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) in the first quarter, down 0.2% from a year earlier.

Petrobras' oil production in Brazil fell by 1% year-on-year, to 2.21 million barrels per day (bpd), said the firm, adding that the Almirante Tamandare floating production vessel (FPSO) started producing in February at the country's Buzios field.

"The start of operations of the FPSO Almirante Tamandare is strategic for Petrobras and represents a sustainable expansion of production," said Renata Baruzzi, head of engineering, technology and innovation in Petrobras' sales and output report.

The firm's results were in line with its guidance for the year, that allows for a 4% variation on its 2.8 million boed production target.

Total sales of oil, gas and derivatives reached 2.86 million boed, said the firm, a 1.9% drop in comparison with the first quarter of 2024.

Total exports fell by 10.4% on a year-on-year basis, to about 760,000 bpd, said the firm.

While exports in general declined, the firm saw the share that it sends to Asia, excluding China, grow from 10% to 33% of oil exports. In the first quarter the firm inked a deal with India's Bharat Petroleum Corporation to export up to 6 million barrels of oil per year, starting in 2025.

"The agreement strengthens commercial relations between Petrobras and the Indian refining sector, highlighting the importance of India as a market for Brazilian oil," said Petrobras in the filing.

Petrobras is set to release full first-quarter earnings on May 12.

(Reporting by Fabio Teixeira in Rio de Janeiro and Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Kylie Madry, Natalia Siniawski and Sonali Paul)
1,100 suspected illegal immigrants have been arrested in the Sunshine State over the past week as part of Operation Tidal Wave, the State of Florida and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency announced Thursday.

Officials described it as one of the largest joint immigration enforcement efforts involving local, state and federal law enforcement in the nations history.

We have a Mexican national taken into custody whose history includes kidnapping and we also have Columbian nationals who were convicted of murder, said ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan.

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While officials focused on the 378 people arrested with alleged long or violent criminal histories, the vast majority of those caught up in the operation dont necessarily fit that bill.

Jacksonville resident Nicole, who asked only to use her first name, told Action News Jax her husband, Marcio, who is a Brazilian national, was one of them.

Read: Councilman claims the City of Jacksonville may have created an illegal gun registry

Nicole, who is a US citizen, said her husband was arrested by ICE agents on his way to work last Thursday.

It was just two weeks after the birth of their first child.

I just started crying and I felt in that moment that the world, it was ending for me, said Nicole.

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Nicole told Action News Jax Marcio entered the country without documentation in 2005.

The couple met while taking English classes at UNF and married in 2016.

Action News Jax was able to confirm Marcio has no criminal history, just a 2018 traffic violation.

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Nicole said her husband has owned and operated a local granite business for years.

And he regrets to this day the way that he entered this country. Thats why we have been fighting and trying so hard, trying to get a legal status for him, said Nicole.

Marcios attorney told Action News Jax, while he did have an outstanding removal order, the couple has been working for the last few years to obtain a waiver that would allow Marcio to go back to Brazil and return to the US legally with a green card.

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Read: JFRD was not prepared: Battalion Chief breaks silence on Blount Island cargo ship fire injuries

Nicole said her husband is currently being held in a detention center in Texas, as the couple attempts to get a stay of removal.

If that fails, Nicole said shell have to move to Brazil, as they wait for their waiver to be approved and allow them to return home to Jacksonville.

But that is not something that I want to do right now, because this is our home. This country is what we call home and here is where we want to stay, said Nicole.

And based on comments made by officials Thursday, we can expect to see more large-scale immigration sweeps, with the Executive Director of Floridas State Board of Immigration Enforcement saying this morning Operation Tidal Wave was a warmup.

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Homeland Security admits Oklahoma raid targeted wrong people

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has admitted that a family who says they were traumatized when ICE agents raided their Oklahoma City home were not the suspects ICE was looking for.

ICE was carrying out a court-authorized search warrant for a large-scale human smuggling investigation. The search warrants included the location of an address where U.S. citizens recently moved. The previous residents were the intended targets, a representative for Homeland Security told Nexstars KFOR.

The admission comes after agents raided the familys home last Thursday. The mother, whom KFOR identified only as Marisa, revealed that she and her daughters were startled awake early that morning when around 20 agents with guns raided the house and seized their phones, laptops, and their life savings in cash as evidence.

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The agents had also ordered Marisa and her daughters outside into the rain before they could even put on clothes, Marisa said.

A tearful mom of three recounted her experience last week, when ICE agents mistakenly targeted her family in a raid. (KFOR)

They were very dismissive, very rough, very careless, said Marisa, who moved with her family and daughters to OKC from Maryland only a few weeks before. 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.

During the ordeal, Marisa said she learned the names on Homeland Securitys search warrant did not belong to her or anyone in her family. Instead, she recognized them as names listed on mail still arriving at the house  likely former residents.

Marisa said she and her daughters were traumatized, and they are struggling to deal with the aftermath.

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ICE restoring international students visa registrations

The intended subjects of the raid, KFOR has learned, were suspected human smugglers from Guatemala.

The Northern District of Oklahoma U.S. Attorneys office told KFOR that U.S. federal agents arrested eight Guatemalan Nationals during a set of raids across the country last Thursday as part of an operation cracking down on illegal immigration ordered by President Trump.

The names of the eight suspects they arrested are the same suspect names listed on the warrant served on Marisas house, where none of them were located.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, also responded to KFORs requests for additional information this week, confirming the raid on Marisas house was part of that nationwide operation. They also admitted for the first time that Marisa and her family were not supposed to be targeted.

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Marisas story began making national headlines after KFOR published its initial report on her familys ordeal. It also caught the attention of attorney Patrick Jaicomo.

I opened my phone and saw this and just thought, Here we go again,' said Jaicomo.

He has a good reason to say that, he told KFOR.

Yesterday morning, I argued a case in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of a family from Atlanta who were the victims of a wrong house raid committed by the FBI, who simply failed to check the address on the house before they sent in a SWAT team, said Jaicomo.

Jaicomo is with the Institute for Justice, a national nonprofit legal advocacy group. They are representing the Atlanta family in their court case free of charge. Jaicomo says his group will represent Marisa for free too, telling us her case fits a years-long pattern of questionable raids.

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Based on the facts as I understand them right now, theres no question that there was a lack of due diligence, said Jaicomo.

Iowa immigrant group is alarmed by a state lawmakers demand for confidential information

Marisa, speaking with KFOR, said her family is questioning everything right now, but doesnt put much trust in the agencies responsible for raiding her home.

Why us? Why? she asked. You see and hear this on the news, and now Im part of the news.

KFOR has sent emails to the offices of Oklahoma Rep. Stephanie Bice and Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin about this botched raid.

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Lankfords office is the only one of Oklahomas federal delegation to respond so far.

The Senator is following the situation, and we are working to get an accounting of what happened, a representative from his office said.

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SAND ISLAND, Hawaii (KHON2)  A transitional shelter on Sand Island is shutting down, the Institute for Human Services said their target date is at the end of May.

Officials call it a planned transition, but residents and even a City councilwoman said they were left in the dark.

Visiting paradise comes with a price: 8 things to know about Hawaiis new tax

Hale Mauliola is a transitional shelter made from refurbished shipping containers and has helped hundreds move off the streets since 2015. Now it is set to close in May, 2025  a full year before the lease expires in 2026 and current residents will have to leave.

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Some of them have gone into other shelters, you know. So were really dead set on helping each person get into, housing, said Connie Mitchell, Institute for Human Services executive director.

IHS admits that there is still no location confirmed for where the program will head to next.

The State and the City are working together to identify a site. I dont have a site yet, Mitchell said.

The City and County said the property  leased from the State  is being returned so the land can be used to expand the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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The City said the current units converted from containers are still in good shape and will be moved once a replacement site has been identified and prepared.

Communication about the change is still under scrutiny, however. One City councilmember said Tuesday was the first time she has heard of the planned transition.

Which, was an elected official for the community, so that we are able to work all those issues out, said Radiant Cordero. What concerns me is that we werent notified about the steps or the closure, whether its the contract ending with IHS.

Hale Mauliola was launched as a 3-5 year pilot project in 2015 and officials said it exceeded all expectations almost 10 years later.

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Placement services are being offered to the 59 residents at the shelter but it is not the same as a roof over their head.

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You know, I mean, we are lining them up as we speak, you know, but, I think youre right. Services do not equate to shelter and housing, navigation center services are actually targeted to providing just that, Mitchell said, So, theyre going to have, if they, dont get into permanent housing now, they will still have the Housing navigator working with them to find that permanent housing for them.

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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The unsolved case of a Horry County woman is coming up on 12 years since she was found dead on the side of the road in 2013.

Amber Berbiglias mom, Michelle Robinson, said shes been asking what happened to my daughter? since May 3, 2013. Police say no arrests have been made in the case.

Berbiglia was found dead on the side of a North Myrtle Beach road next to her still-running car near Robert Edge Parkway, authorities said.

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What its been like every holiday, birthdays? Robinson asked. Its horrendous. It really is.

Officials ruled her death a homicide from blunt force trauma.

[Its] something you think would never happen to you, Robinson said. You see it on TV. It did happen, and its a friggin nightmare. With no answers and hearing that she was brutally beaten, I just cant picture that.

Robinson said Berbiglia was only weeks from college graduation and pursuing a career in the fashion industry. She said she was bubbly, outgoing, and no doubt a fashionista.

For nearly 12 years now, Robinson said shes been left to fight to get justice for her daughter.

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Horry County Police have recently stayed closer in touch, pursuing possible leads, she said. However, she said shes still hurt that her daughters death has gone unresolved for so long.

If it was their daughter, Im certain it would have been right on top, she said They would be having people look left and right and doing their job. Whatever they had to do.

Robinson said its alarming that her daughters killer has walked the streets for 12 years. She said losing a child is a wound that will never heal, but that she knows her daughter wouldnt want her to be sad forever.

Because of that, she said her fire has reignited to continue down the path to get answers.

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I want justice to be served, she said. If it takes forever, Ill keep speaking up.

Robinson said she cant get those answers without the publics help, so shes asking anyone who might know something to call the Horry County police tipline.

Robinson said anyone is welcome to attend a vigil this weekend. Its set for 4 p.m. Saturday on Old Sanders Drive underneath the Robert Edge Parkway overpass.

* * *

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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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Energy, Delta-8 THC products, and police quotas were among the topics for some of the bills that advanced in the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday.

Energy Overhaul and Repeal of Corrupt Legislation

House Bill 15 is heading to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines desk after passing the statehouse with bipartisan support and only three lawmakers opposed to it between the House and Senate.

I truly believe that what we passed today has the opportunity to be transformational for Ohio, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) said.

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Columbus veterinary non-profit launches global outreach program

This is pretty complex stuff, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said. I dont want to say something like, Its the most significant energy bill in the last 30 years because I dont know all of the energy bills in the last 30 years, but others have said that. So, I think its very important.

The legislation aims to address issues like energy shortages to help attract businesses to Ohio.

Theres already folks who are building gas power and other types of power in Ohio, or planning to, based on this bill being passed, Huffman said.

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We cant continue to recruit new kinds of businesses and operations in the state of Ohio without having a clear plan and direction for sustainable energy, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said.

The bill does things like bring more transparency to energy rates while redefining portions of the states energy laws. McColley said there is a key part that will uplift Ohio.

Company pulls out of biodigester project in West Jefferson

Were leaning into the natural gas competitive advantage that we have in the state of Ohio, he said. Most other states do not have the natural resources right underneath their own soil that we have, that is a competitive advantage we can market to the rest of the country, especially at a time when energy is more scarce.

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We see this bill as a compromise that really benefits the people of Ohio, Antonio said.

Democratic leaders like Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said while the bill has positives, there are some missing pieces.

Solar energy project incentive pieces were taken out of that that we had put into the House bill. But overall, I think its still a good bill, Russo said. Does it meet the demands and needs of our grid at the moment? No, this is not that bill, but it definitely has positive components to it.

Among the dozens of provisions in the bill, one piece Russo described as clearly long overdue.

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Repealing the OVEC riders, she said. That is the additional charge for the two coal plants, one of which is in Indiana, that came out of House Bill 6.

The 11 biggest weather events in central Ohio history

Passed in 2019, House Bill 6 exposed the states largest corruption scheme. The parts of the legislation directly tied to the bribery scandal were repealed, but the part that bails out two Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC) coal plants on the backs of Ohio ratepayers has remained intact the past six years.

Huffman said the passage of HB 15 will do more than just close the chapter on the repeal debate.

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Of course, Im glad that the OVEC stuff is going away, but its really a product of getting rid of the subsidies and therefore moving towards a free market system, Huffman said. The government cannot solve this energy problem. It has to get solved by the free market, and thats what this bill is going to do.

DeWine signed House Bill 6 in 2019, so how does he feel about the remaining portions being repealed? Back in January, before the repeal bill was even introduced, DeWine said he is fine with it.

That is not something that was part of [House Bill 6] that I thought was necessary, but it was something that the legislature put in there, DeWine said.

Indoor slide parks first Ohio location eyes May opening

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Last week, though, DeWine changed his tune.

I have not looked at that at all, he said. Ill tell you later.

DeWine has ten days to decide whether he wants to sign or veto the bill once it gets to his desk.

Delta-8, Police Quotas, Jo Ann Davidson

Several other bills took steps forward on Wednesday.

A bill to establish Jo Ann Davidson Day is also on its way to DeWines desk. That bill is in honor of Davidson, the only woman to ever serve as Ohio Speaker of the House.

Legislation to ban the use of police quotas passed the Ohio Senate on Wednesday and now heads to the House for consideration. There is already an identical bill in the House being worked on, which can help fast-track the bill for passage.

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Plus, a bill to regulate Delta-8 products, a low-level THC product, also passed the Ohio Senate. The Ohio House is working on its own versions of these bills, too, but this effort stalled last year when lawmakers could not see eye to eye on whether a ban or just regulation was necessary.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  Day two of the annual House of Representatives budget debate lasted nine hours and added $31.7 million to the spending plan.

Representatives are working their way through 1,650 amendments to this $61.4 billion budget. At the end of day two, a total of nearly $50 million had been added to the bottom line, and 63.7% of the amendments were moved to the done pile.

The first mega-amendment of Tuesday morning consolidated 232 smaller amendments on the judiciary, housing, and public safety. It added well over $10 million in one 154-2 vote. Another mega-amendment cost $16.5 million and consolidated 156 amendments on mental and public health, which passed without debate. After dinner, representatives consolidated 188 amendments on constitutional officers, state administration and transportation with a $4.7 million price tag.

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One notable amendment was proposed by Representative Nick Boldyga of Southwick, looking to require voters to show their IDs at the polls, but after Boldyga forced a roll call, it failed to pass with a 25-131 vote, consistent with party lines. The chairman of the Committee on Election Laws argued that this tactic is used to disenfranchise voters in other states, and the policy will be revisited at another time.

There was some talk of finishing up the budget on day two, but lawmakers were back to their debate on Wednesday morning to work on at least two consolidated amendments.

Wednesdays debate covered energy and the environment, and 22News will keep you informed on how the state plans to spend your taxpayer dollars.

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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Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, laughing in a House Education Policy Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. The committee unanimously approved Smitherman's bill that requires students to take a conflict resolution course in middle school. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama House committee Wednesday unanimously approved legislation that would require students to take a conflict resolution course in middle school.

SB 34, sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, requires the State Department of Education to develop the program.

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Were trying to get these kids to where they understand how you deal with conflicts and situations and not resort to  fighting, knives, guns, et cetera, Smitherman said.

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The House Education Policy Committee adopted an amendment that would require the program to be taught in middle school, instead of high school. Smitherman said the State Superintendent Eric Mackey suggested the change.

Dr. Mackey came over and talked to me. He said we need to start this in middle school, Smitherman said.

A message seeking comment from Mackey was sent Wednesday afternoon.

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Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, supported the legislation and highlighted the importance of conflict resolution.

I think problem solving is important, and I agree with Dr. Mackey on the timing in middle school, she said.

The course must include lessons on: responsible decision-making; the causes and effects of school violence and harassment, cultural diversity, and nonviolent methods for resolving conflict, including peer mediation; the consequences of violent behavior; the causes of violent reactions to conflict; nonviolent conflict resolution techniques; the relationship between drugs, alcohol, and violence; the implementation of voluntary peer mediation programs and the integration of conflict resolution models in classrooms.

Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, also supported the legislation but was worried about the additional stress a new class would put on teachers.

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We do pile too much on the teachers, continuing things that we try to do in the total development of the child, not just academics, Baker said.

Smitherman said it is up to the state Board of Education to decide how often, when and how the course will be taught.

The bill moves to the full House for consideration. There are four days left in the 2025 legislative session.

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A nurse gives an MMR vaccine at the Utah County Health Department on April 29, 2019, in Provo, Utah. The vaccine is 97% effective against measles when two doses are administered. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

An Alabama House committee Wednesday passed a bill that would allow parents or guardians of children in K-12 schools to claim religious exemptions from vaccinations without providing reasons.

SB 85, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would also require public institutions of higher education to offer both religious and medical exemptions to vaccine or testing requirements.

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The [current] process is cumbersome. Some feel like its harassment, claimed Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, who is handling the bill in the House. You have to go to the Department of Education, watch a video and sign some stuff, and some parents have really felt harassed by that for their religious liberties and parental rights.

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Alabamas measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination rate among kindergartners was just under 93.8% in the 2023-2024 school year, a decrease from the 95% rate in the 2021-2022 school year, which is considered herd immunity.

Apriell Hartsfield, Kids Count director for VOICES for Alabama Children, said immunosuppressed children and infants too young for vaccinations could face consequences if more people choose to skip vaccinations. She said that the current system allows for effective monitoring of exemptions and rapid response to potential outbreaks of contagious diseases.

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This bill, by throwing out a system that works in favor of one that is random and unsystematic, will prevent health officials from being prepared to respond rapidly to outbreaks, and with highly contagious diseases that can spread rapidly, such as measles  time is of the essence, and systems that allow rapid response benefit the publics health, Hartsfield said during the hearing.

Hartsfield said after the meeting that measles outbreaks are particularly dangerous, saying that children dont receive the MMR vaccine until about 18 months of age, making day care centers particularly vulnerable, which could have a negative impact on the economy. She said that if day care centers have to close temporarily, as they did during the height of the COVID pandemic, parents may not be able to get to work.

What are these parents going to do who are relying on childcare to be able to work and provide for their families? What are these businesses going to do who are relying on their workers to come in and do their job? Its just going to put everybody in a really bad position, Hartsfield said.

One person spoke in favor of the bill. Ted Halley, a Prattville resident who spoke Tuesday in favor of banning drag performances in libraries and public schools, said that vaccines should not [be] forced on down our throats.

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As you know, theres two sides of every coin. Some people love the COVID vaccine. Some people like me hate it, Halley said, pointing to unfounded claims of adverse effects from the vaccine. Halley also spoke Wednesday in favor of a bill extending the states Dont Say Gay ban in public schools.



Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, asked about the bills language, specifically the term testing, and asked for clarification on whether it referred to school tests or medical tests.

Your bill is not specific. It just strictly says all testing, Holk-Jones said.

Butler said that is something they can fix.

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Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, also expressed concern about the religious basis of the exemption, saying that he couldnt find any religious denomination that explicitly forbids vaccines.

So, Im just wondering, why dont we just call this what it is, which is a personal exemption, instead of trying to call it a religious exemption? Rafferty asked, but Butler maintained it is a religious exemption.

The bill passed the committee on a voice vote and moves to the House floor for further consideration.

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Vehicles travel on Interstate 94 in Fargo on Dec. 23, 2023. (Amy Dalrymple/North Dakota Monitor)

After pumping the brakes on increasing the speed limit to 80 mph on North Dakota interstate highways in the morning, the state House changed its mind Thursday evening.

The House voted 54-36 to pass House Bill 1298, which would increase the top speed limit to 80 mph and adopt a new system of calculating speeding fines on all roads.

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The Senate voted 27-20 to pass the bill Friday morning, sending it to the governor.

The bill failed in a close vote Thursday morning but a rule allowing a member of the prevailing side to ask for a new vote brought the bill back Thursday evening.

Rep. Liz Conmy, D-Fargo, said she was not aware of all of the benefits of a compromise worked out by a conference committee.

She described the increase in fines as moderate and said the streamlining of the formula for speeding fines would provide a huge benefit to law enforcement.

The bill also would allow for varying the speed limit depending on the driving conditions in some areas. Bill sponsor Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, said this likely would have been tested on Interstate 94 in the Valley City area, though the North Dakota Highway Patrol would have to find the funding for the variable speed signs.

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He said by getting vehicles, especially trucks, to slow down during bad weather or an accident, it would help keep the interstates open and traffic flowing.

The bill also called for the Highway Patrol to study the point system associated with driving violations and the fees for traffic violations.

Some representatives questioned whether North Dakota would see an increase in serious or fatal accidents.

Rep. Mike Motschenbacher, R-Bismarck, cited statistics from South Dakota, which raised its interstate speed limit to 80 mph in 2015. He said the change has not had a dramatic effect on the fatality rate.

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He said the higher fines could make the highways safer, citing his own driving habits in Minnesota, where fines are higher.

Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, questioned why no funding was requested for updating speed limit signs.

Koppelman said speed limit signs are routinely replaced as they lose their reflectiveness and money is already appropriated for replacing signs.

The changes would take effect Aug. 1 if signed by the governor.

For highways with a speed limit of 65 mph or higher, the fine will be $20 or $5 for every mile per hour over the limit, whichever is greater.

In slower speed zones, there will be a $20 fine minimum for speeding or $3 for every mile per hour over the limit, whichever is greater.

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For both road categories, $20 is added to the fine if the driver is going more than 16 mph over the limit.

There also are increased fines for areas such as school zones and construction zones. The additional fine for speeding in a construction zone with workers present would increase from $80 to $150.

Koppelman said some local officials had been calling for higher fines to deter speeding on residential streets.

Under the current speeding fee formula, driving 35 mph in a 25 mph zone is a $10 fine. In the new formula, it would be $30.

Sen. Dean Rummel, R-Dickinson, said in a conference committee meeting that North Dakotas fines would still be lower than surrounding states, even with the increases.

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The Senate insisted on raising fines to go along with the higher speed limit though some in the Senate wanted to see a more dramatic increase.

At least were headed in the right direction, Rummel told the North Dakota Monitor.

This story was updated at 8:40 a.m. May 2 to reflect the latest action of the Senate.
The U.S.-China trade war fallout has begun. The Port of Los Angeles anticipates plummeting cargo traffic until a deal on tariffs is reached, but the Trump administration has not indicated whether negotiations are happening. Time is running out, a JPMorgan chief market strategist said.

The U.S.-China trade war has begun, so say goodbye to the goods. The Port of Los Angeles anticipates a drop-off in imports next week compared to a year ago, totaling more than a third of typical incoming cargo traffic.

Its a precipitous drop in volume, with a number of major American retailers stopping all shipments from China based on the tariffs, Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of L.A., said on CNBC Tuesday morning.

While President Donald Trump pressed pause on his sweeping tariff regimen and placed a 10% blanket tax on other countries, he taxed China more. He placed a 145% tariff on China, which retaliated with a 120% duty on American goods. No trade deal has been made, and it is unclear whether there are negotiations happening. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has put the onus on China to come to the table and ink a deal. Still, just under half of the ports business emanates from China, Seroka explained. So things could be bleak until then.

What were going to see next is retailers have about five to seven weeks of full inventories left, and then the choices will lessen, Seroka told CNBC. That doesnt mean shelves will be empty, but in Serokas hypothetical, it could mean if youre out shopping for a blue shirt, you may see 11 purple onesbut only one blue that isnt your size and is costlier.

Nobody wins, he said. China is Americas factory. He later said: The pain is felt on both sides of the Pacific.

Bessent has repeatedly called the tariffs on China unsustainable because the country sells much more to the U.S. than the other way around. He appears to believe China wants a de-escalation because of the exemptions to tariffs it has introduced, but he has still threatened an escalation ladder if that isnt the case. Nonetheless, the Trump administration, according to a recent LPL Financial note, has adopted a softer tone on China. Less than a week ago, the president floated the notion that tariffs on Chinese goods would be reduced substantially.

Well see what that means, but the conciliatory tone was enough to add fuel to the market recovery, according to LPL. So far, the three major indexes are relatively flat in early afternoon trading.

Earlier Tuesday, Gabriela Santos, JPMorgan Asset Management chief market strategist for the Americas, told CNBC: Time is running out to see a lessening of the tariffs on China. Everyone knows the tariffs are unsustainable, she said, but markets need to see them actually drop.
Proposed education appropriations legislation in the Iowa House would decrease general funding for state universities. (Stock photo by Warodom Changyencham/Getty Images)

Iowas public universities may see a reduction in their general state funding for the upcoming fiscal year, according to legislation proposed by House Republicans, but the chair of the bills subcommittee said savings from eliminated programs and positions and funding in other areas will more than make up for it.

The House Education Appropriations Subcommittee met Wednesday to discuss House Study Bill 337, which would allocate more than $1 billion in state dollars to the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Board of Regents and its universities, community colleges, departments for the blind and deaf and more.

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Rep. Austin Harris, R-Moulton, chaired the subcommittee meeting and said lawmakers will continue to work on the budget, but he is pleased with its current form.

Im very proud of the budget that the House Republicans have put forward, Harris said. I think its in line with our principles of being fiscally responsible and restrained and making sure that we have good budget practices, also while were making investments across the entire state.

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Each of Iowas public universities would see less general university funding from the state than what they requested, according to the bill, and less than what is proposed in the Iowa Senates version of education appropriation legislation.

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The University of Iowa would receive more than $222.6 million in general university funding, according to the legislation, with Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa set to receive almost $177.7 million and just over $101.4 million, respectively. Both the UI and ISU requested flat funding for fiscal year 2026, and UNI asked for an increase of $2.5 million.

Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, said its very concerning to see general funding for universities decrease when costs have kept rising. Both the UI and ISU would see a decrease of $800,000 under the bill, she said, and UNI would receive nearly $500,000 less in general funding.

Those are our higher education institutions and to not increase their funding, to at least take into account cost of living adjustment, I think is very concerning, Kurth said.

State universities saved more than $2 million by eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs and positions across their campuses, Harris said, and when looking at specific university programs funded in the bill, total appropriations have actually increased.

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Included in the House bill is a section funding the proposed UI center for intellectual freedom with a $1.5 million appropriation, pending Gov. Kim Reynoldss signature on legislation establishing the center. Other university funding Harris noted included $4 million to the UI for rural maternal and mental health professional programs, $1 million for UI cancer research, a combined $4 million for ISU extension offices, agricultural and veterinary programs and $3 million to UNI for an in-state tuition program for students from bordering states.

Both ISU and UNI would see more than $3 million in total state allocations under the bill, Harris said, and the UI would receive an increase of around $5.6 million.

Other departments and organizations seeing funding increases include the Department for the Blind, Iowa School for the Deaf, Iowa PBS and loan and incentive programs.

Community colleges would receive almost $243.9 million under the House legislation, about $8 million more than the Senate bill proposes. Lawmakers voiced their support for this change, but Rep. Elinor Levin, D-Iowa City, said she was concerned with the many status quo line items, or budget items that have remained unchanged from last year, in the bill.

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Despite all of the talk about the importance of early literacy, Levin said there is no increased funding for initiatives to help with this problem in the bill, nor are there increases for postsecondary summer classes for high school students or statewide student assessments.

The bill will move to the House Appropriations Committee after a 5-2 vote.

We obviously know how the process here works, and moving forward, were going to continue to work on the budget to hopefully get us out of here at a decent time, Harris said.

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Iowa Auditor Rob Sand answered questions from lawmakers about misallocated court fees during a House Government Oversight Committee meeting April 30, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The House Government Oversight Committee questioned Auditor Rob Sand Wednesday about his offices work on the misallocation of $27.5 million in court debt funds caused by coding errors.

The committee had brought Iowa Judicial Branch and State Court Administration officials in a meeting earlier in April to learn more about the programming issue that caused seven state funds to be underfunded between fiscal years 2021 and 2024. During that period, money that should have gone to those funds was erroneously sent to the states general fund and two other funds, but remained with the state government.

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The errors were introduced when legislation passed in 2020 and 2021 made changes to the states court debt collection and distribution systems. The state auditors office was first alerted of financial irregularities by the Iowa Department of Transportation in 2022, but did not release an audit on the subject until December 2024.

House Speaker Pat Grassley and Iowa Department of Management Director Kraig Paulsen have criticized Sand for not taking action sooner  and for the issue not being mentioned in audits of the judicial branch for fiscal years 2021 and 2022. But Sand, the sole Democrat to hold statewide elected office in Iowa, told the committee Tuesday that an audit did not take place on a quicker timeframe because the issue was identified as a coding error, which is not a subject his office has employees to address.

I dont think that it was inappropriate for the Reynolds administration and the judicial branch  both of which knew about this issue before the auditors office  I dont think it was inappropriate that they took steps to address the issue together before informing the auditors office, Sand said. Thats because, fundamentally, this was not an audit issue.

After the coding error was identified, the judicial branch contracted with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to review and make recommendations on how to address the misallocations and legal issues caused by the programming error. In a December 2024 statement, State Court Administrator Robert Gast said the judicial branch corrected the coding errors in the case management system as of Nov. 22.

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Some GOP lawmakers on the committee criticized the auditors office not being more involved in the process of correcting and identifying the misallocated court debts. Rep. Judd Lawler, R-Oxford, said the auditors office allowed the problem that has presented itself in 2022 to be farmed out to a third party that has no responsibility to Iowa taxpayers, referencing the judicial branchs work with NCSC.

Sand disputed this characterization, saying the auditors office has no capacity to tell the judicial branch that they cannot hire an outside expert, but that lawmakers have the ability to limit that ability or to appropriate funds for the auditors office to hire a coding expert if they believe these are the correct steps to prevent similar, future problems from arising.

The auditor also said the way the judicial branch approached the issue was not necessarily a sign of wrongdoing or abuse.

Let me put it this way: its not uncommon for entities to dig in an issue and answer some questions first before they notify us, Sand said. Now do I wish that everybody told us right away on day one? That would be great. Immediate notification be great. The trick of that would then become, how many times do we get notified about something and then it turns out to be an issue that actually has a very similar answer, that we dont need to be dialed in on?

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However, some legislators argued the state auditors office should have been more involved  and aware of the issue earlier  because it involved the misallocation of state funding. According to the auditors report, the error caused an under-allocation of $10.4 million for the Road Use Tax Fund and $7.2 million for the Victim Compensation Fund.

While there were audits of these funds that could have spotted the discrepancies, Sand said the amount of money misallocated was a small proportion of overall funding  in the case of the Road Use Tax Fund, a 0.13% variance from typical spending. He also said that because this money, though sent to the wrong accounts, stayed within the state, it was not identified in high-risk areas for consideration during audits.

He compared the misallocation to a situation where a bank incorrectly puts a persons money in their checking account instead of their savings account, emphasizing the money still remains with the person  or in this case, with the state.

Your high-risk areas arent going to be your internal transfers, because if you mess it up  again, its your money in your savings account versus your money in your checking account  you still have the money, Sand said. Youre also going to look at places youre going to flag, large transactions or new areas of review, are typically something that you want to add scrutiny to. But when youre talking about 0.13% variance in internal transfer, even if you realize that you had an issue there, you probably have bigger fish to fry.

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Rep. Charley Thomson, R-Charles City, released a statement after the committee meeting criticizing Sands comments, saying the auditor continued to downplay the significance of the court debt misallocations.

This misallocation has had significant consequences, Thomson said in a statement. Victims of crime have been denied timely compensation owed to them, infrastructure projects such as bridge repairs and road improvements have been delayed, and community safety programs have been underfunded.

Criticisms by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird in October 2024 tied the auditors office not catching the coding issue to crime victims not being able to access services and support through the Victim Compensation Fund.

No domestic violence victim should have to stay with their abuser because they cannot afford to leave, Bird said in the statement. The States self-proclaimed taxpayer watchdog failed at the most basic job of being an auditor: conducting an audit. Crime victims should not have to worry about whether victim services will be there when they need them.

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Sand had argued in the meeting that he was not mischaracterizing the importance of the issue, but stating that the funding did not result in the impacted government accounts like the Victim Compensation Fund running out of money  or denying Iowans services because of the underfunding. The auditors report found this funds lowest balance from FY 2021 to 2024 was just under $2.7 million, and that the other impacted funds also did not run out of funds during this period.

There wasnt anybody at this table, but there are people in the state of Iowa who have asserted that because of the misallocation of judicial branch services werent provided, Sand said. This statement shows that thats not true.

Several Republicans on the committee also asked for verifiable and traceable information, which Sand said was information provided in the audit, but added lawmakers can make further formal requests for information on transactions.

The focus on Sand in the government oversight committee meeting comes as the auditor is expected to run as a Democratic candidate for governor in the 2026 general election. Some of the Republicans who have made statements criticizing Sand over the court debt misallocation issue, like Bird and Speaker Grassley, have also indicated they are considering a gubernatorial run after Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she will not seek reelection in 2026.

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MUNSTER, Ind.  A Northwest Indiana widow is suing two cremation services after her husbands remains were allegedly mishandled.

Darla Smith lost her husband, Darryl, last August.

The love of my life. 23 years we were together, Smith said. He always got the short end of the stick.

And Smith fears that in death, hes been treated even worse.

She contracted with Crown Cremation Services in Crown Point, Indiana, which subcontracted the work to Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

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Smith says she was promised Darryls remains within five to seven days. The time came and went by, and call after call, they told her he wasnt ready yet.

I was told he was a large man and can only be cremated at a certain time of day, Smith said.

After 19 days, she says she received remains. But now she questions whose remains she has.

My worry is that I dont have Darryl, and I dont know where hes at, she said.

Her concerns are triggered by a gruesome discovery and an unprecedented move.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza suspended and filed a complaint to permanently revoke Heights Crematorys license.

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I would equate it to like a house of horrors, Mendoza said.

Mendoza says a tip brought her investigators out there in February, where they found hundreds of boxes of unclaimed cremations and a hundred bodies waiting to be cremated.

My office verified bodies with limbs and faces exposed, stacked on top of each other in coolers, some of them operational, some of them not, Mendoza said.

Her complaint states one body was found mummified, located on the floor of a trailer. Another was found to have significant insect infestation and decomposition.

Her office says some of the bodies found on the Heights property were delivered from Crown in Indiana which isnt even licensed to do business with an Illinois crematory.

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My dog received more dignity in her death and her cremation than these human beings did, Mendoza said. These people should never ever be allowed anywhere near someones deceased loved one and were going to do our part to make sure thats the case.

The Smith family filed a lawsuit Tuesday against both Crown and Heights, alleging breach of contract and negligence.

It really was a rip on the scab. They were finally healing only to discover the unknown, the uncertainty, attorney Scott Yonover said.

Theyre hoping the courts can answer whether Smith really has her husbands remains.

What took place was wrong and disgusting and I want somebody to be held accountable for it, Smith said.

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The person who answered the phone at Heights Crematory hung up when WGN called, but in a legal filing, the business denies the allegations. Crown isnt commenting either.

Smiths lawyer tells us since filing the lawsuit on Tuesday, hes recieved calls from 50 other families worried about what may have happened to their loved ones.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The House Oversight Committee met Tuesday afternoon to discuss a spree of unauthorized drone activity over U.S. military sites. Chief Transportation Correspondent and Pilot MayCay Beeler explains the concerns and increased activity.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Wednesday was a busy night at the State Capitol as lawmakers debated over bills that could impact gun manufacturers and store owners.

It was one of several bills being discussed by state representatives, including bills that affect firefighters and veterans.

Connecticut House votes to advance gun manufacturers liability bill

House Bill, 7042, The Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, could hold gun manufacturers responsible for the first time.

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This particular bill is doing something that has never been done before, State Sen. and Deputy Republican leader Rob Sampson (R-16) said. Which is to say now we are going to hold a manufacturer of a product responsible for what happens when someone purchases it and uses it in an unlawful way.

The bill allows for lawsuits against manufacturers or gun dealers who market or sell to anyone who is likely to commit violence with that gun. It passed out of the house pretty much down party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. Now senators are talking about it as it heads to their desk.

Keeping somebody liable and accountable for their actions, is what we do in private business is what we do in our personal lives, said State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25). We should do that with guns as well, I think everybody would think that is common sense.

Legislature votes unanimously to pass bill benefitting firefighter, veteran and military families

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There is also Senate Bill 1426, which strengthens firefighter cancer relief. It acknowledges that firefighters are exposed to toxins on the jobs and are more likely to develop cancer than the general population.

We have an opportunity to strengthen our statute and make it easier for our firefighters to access the benefits they need, State Sen. Jason Perillo (R-21) said. Its important step and Im certainly voting yes like everybody else will as well.

There is also House Bill 6442, The Connecticut Hero Act. Its comprised of nearly a dozen different measures honoring veterans. It starts by naming November as Veterans Month and new commemorative plates, honoring women and Puerto Rican veterans. It also allows makes it easier for military families to transfer from school to school.

State Rep. Jaime Foster (D-57) noted that will be helpful for veterans who are parents of children with special needs. The parent is an important part of that team, and to make sure that transition move smoothly and making sure that meeting happens very quickly between when the child moves into the district, Foster said.

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All of these bills are headed over to the Senate, and if it passes they are onto the Governor for his signature.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  House lawmakers Thursday passed a bill to remove federal protections for a fish that has become a flashpoint in the debate over Californias water resources.

The roughly three-inch long longfin smelt that swims in the San Francisco Bay-Delta has members of Congress split.

Theyre turning a small fish into a very large scapegoat, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said.

The latest weapon to take water away from farmers, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) said.

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California Republican Doug LaMalfa and Democrat Jared Huffman traded barbs Thursday over Republican efforts to remove the endangered species status for the fish.

Only about 1% of the population is left. Thats like the number of environmentalists left in the Republican party these days, Huffman said.

It seems like were in parallel universes when I hear him starting to talk about defending agriculture, LaMalfa said.

LaMalfa led the push to take the fish off the Endangered Species List after it was added under the Biden administration last summer. The designation aims to help recover the fish by ensuring it gets enough freshwater.

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The House voted 216-195 to undo that Thursday.

LaMalfa says he doesnt think the listing is justified and believes itll lead to less water for farmers in the Central Valley, and as a result, fewer crops.

And that will be denied to the whole country, LaMalfa said.

Huffman says protecting the species is about more than any one fish but preserving a whole water supply that millions rely on.

Its about protecting the ecological health of the entire Bay-Delta, Huffman said. Its health underpins clean drinking water for millions.

Huffman says the Houses vote is a distraction.

The real threats to rural America, to water security and the livelihoods of American farmers are trade wars, Huffman said.

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The resolution now heads to the Senate.

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For the record:

2:07 p.m. May 1, 2025: A previous version of this story listed an incorrect party affiliation for Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a Republican.



House Republicans passed a measure Thursday that would repeal the government's decision to place California's longfin smelt, a finger-sized fish, on the endangered species list.

House members passed the resolution, introduced by California Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), in a 216-195 vote that followed party lines. The resolution now goes to the Republican-controlled Senate.

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We want to block the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's misguided decision to list the San Francisco Bay Delta population of the longfin smelt as being endangered, LaMalfa, who represents a rice-growing region in Northern California, said before the vote.

He said the agencys decision last year to declare the fish species endangered was unscientific and said its making it harder to deliver water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farmers.

The resolution was condemned by Democrats, who said the resolution goes against science and years of study by federal wildlife officials.

They're turning a small fish into a very large scapegoat, pretending it will somehow provide real support to farmers, said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael).

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The longfin population has declined over 99% since the 1980s, Huffman said. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service followed the law, the data and the science, just as Congress intended.

Read more: Another California fish is added to the federal endangered species list

The resolution would repeal the Fish and Wildlife Services 2024 decision under provisions of the 1996 Congressional Review Act , which enables Congress to review and disapprove rules adopted by agencies under certain circumstances.

Opponents said they fear the Senate may also pass the measure. If approved and signed by President Trump, it would be the first action by Congress to use its authority under the 1996 law to strip protections from a species under the Endangered Species Act.

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Longfin smelt, which live in bays and estuaries along the Pacific Coast, are the sixth fish species in the San Francisco Bay estuary to be added to the federal endangered species list. The fish once filled the bay, but federal wildlife officials declared the population endangered after determining it had suffered a drastic decline.

The agencys decision followed a lengthy process that began with a 2007 petition submitted by environmental groups and that involved several lawsuits. The fish were listed by California as threatened in 2009.

Environmental groups said the decline of the longfin smelt, along with other fish species including Delta smelt and Chinook salmon, is linked to water management policies that have reduced flows through the estuary and contributed to worsening water quality.

The resolution would essentially condemn San Francisco Bay's longfin smelt to extinction, said Jon Rosenfield, science director for the group San Francisco Baykeeper. Removing protections for this fish would also be a blow to other imperiled fish populations, fisheries, and clean water in the Delta.

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Supporters of the measure include a group called Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley, a coalition including local leaders, farmers and businesses. Austin Ewell, the groups executive director, said in a letter to Congress that the governments listing of the species exacerbates water scarcity in the valley and that repealing the endangered status is an important step toward ensuring water resources remain available for our communities.

Environmentalists, however, accused Republicans of violating the criteria in the Congressional Review Act, which includes strict timelines for legislators to act. The group Earthjustice argued the measure was introduced too late, saying Congress cannot legally overturn the protections under the legislation at this point.

Cameron Walkup, the groups associate legislative representative, said the action by Republicans could unleash a Pandora's box of deregulatory attacks. He urged the Senate to oppose what he called a dangerous attack on the Endangered Species Act.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The House voted Thursday to block California from enforcing a rule that would ban sales of new gasoline-powered cars in the state by 2035.

Lawmakers voted 246-164 to pass a resolution targeting the rule, which ranks as one of the nations most ambitious policies aimed at combating climate change and promoting electric vehicles. However, it is unclear whether the Senate will follow suit and send the measure to President Donald Trumps desk.

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In forging ahead with the vote, House Republicans sidestepped legal opinions from two nonpartisan watchdogs. The Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office have concluded that Congress lacks the legal authority to prevent states from enforcing such climate rules.

Under the Clean Air Act, California can receive a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to set tougher vehicle emissions standards than those of the federal government. California regulators approved a rule in 2022 that would phase out sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035, and in December under President Joe Biden, the EPA granted the state a waiver to enforce the regulation.

Eleven other states have pledged to adopt Californias rule and end sales of gas cars within their own borders by 2035. Together, the states account for about 40 percent of the U.S. auto market.

Environmental and public health advocates have applauded these state actions, saying they will cause a significant drop in planet-warming emissions and harmful air pollution. But Republicans and business groups have slammed these moves, saying they will prevent consumers from choosing what kind of cars to drive.

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Rep. John Joyce (R-Pennsylvania) introduced a resolution to revoke Californias waiver under the Congressional Review Act, which allows lawmakers to nullify a regulation within 60 days of its enactment with a simple majority vote.

Congress, not California, is the only body that can regulate the interstate automotive market, Joyce said during a Monday meeting of the House Rules Committee, which considered the resolution before sending it to the House floor. What works in Hollywood doesnt work in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Yet the Senate parliamentarian, the nonpartisan arbiter of the upper chambers rules and procedures, ruled last month that the waiver is not a regulation subject to the Congressional Review Act. The Government Accountability Office issued a similar legal opinion in March.

When asked about these legal findings on Monday, Joyce said, Let me get back to you because I am not clued in on that. He declined to comment further as aides whisked him away to another engagement after the Rules Committee meeting.

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Rep. Paul Tonko (D-New York) warned that passage of the resolution could set a dangerous precedent.

It would represent an extraordinary, illegal expansion of the use of the Congressional Review Act, which ultimately could threaten far more than just Californias vehicle standards, Tonko told the Rules Committee. Other executive actions like approval of state waivers for Medicaid programs and energy infrastructure permits could be blocked in the future.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, sponsored the resolution targeting the waiver in the upper chamber. She declined to say Tuesday whether she would push for a vote on the measure despite the parliamentarians ruling.

Were exploring all options, Capito told reporters. That was submitted as a rule by the administration; that should be covered under the Congressional Review Act. So we have a disagreement here, but were looking at what our options could be.

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In the House, 35 Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the resolution targeting the waiver. No Republicans voted against the measure.

Groups representing automakers and oil refiners had lobbied lawmakers to rescind the waiver. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents all the major U.S. vehicle manufacturers, argued in a Monday letter to lawmakers that Californias rule is unachievable and will result in a major loss of auto industry jobs.

But climate activists and electric vehicle advocates warned that the waiver revocation would prevent state officials from protecting the health of their residents.

Congress is not better suited than state governments to decide whether to adopt clean air standards for communities in those states, said Albert Gore, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association, an industry group that promotes EVs.

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A spokeswoman for California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) suggested that he could challenge the waiver revocation in court. All legal options are on the table, spokeswoman Christine Lee said in an email.

Under Biden, the EPA granted California a total of three waivers to enforce its own vehicle emissions rules. The House voted Wednesday to rescind the other two waivers, which would allow the state to slash emissions from heavy-duty trucks.

Regardless of action on Capitol Hill, the EPA could revoke Californias waivers on its own. But that process could take months, whereas lawmakers can act immediately under the Congressional Review Act.

The EPA did not respond to a request for comment.

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The House on Wednesday voted to axe Californias clean truck rules  defying Congresss own internal watchdog in doing so.

The House voted to nix the Biden administrations approval of the California rules, which aim to cut pollution and planet-warming emissions from trucks, using a using a tool known as the Congressional Review Act (CRA).

One of the truck rules the House voted to overturn explicitly seeks to make more trucks electric, while the other seeks to limit emissions of nitrogen oxides, which can form smog and also contribute to asthma and respiratory infections.

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The measures passed 231-191 and 225-196.

Thirteen Democrats voted with Republicans for the resolution on the first vote, and 10 did the same on the second vote. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) was the only Republican to vote with Democrats against the measures.

The CRA allows Congress, with just a simple majority in both chambers and presidential approval, to reverse recent regulations, evading the Senate filibusters 60-vote threshold. Its sometimes used at the start of a new administration to eliminate regulations put forward by the previous one.

However, the votes come in defiance of the Government Accountability Office  a nonpartisan congressional watchdog that sometimes issues legal opinions.

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That office has determined that because the Environmental Protection Agencys approval came in the form of a waiver rather than a rule, it is not subject to the CRA.

By holding the votes anyway, House Republicans are demonstrating they are willing to carry out their agenda regardless of whether the nonpartisan arbiter deems them legal.

Rachel Weintraub, executive director of the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards, a group that supports environmental and other regulations, described the decision to defy the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a violation of congressional norms.

The system has been in place since [the] CRA was established, she said. The unprecedented nature of ignoring the GAO is profound.

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Republicans, meanwhile, celebrated the vote.

The Biden Administration left behind comply-or-die Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush our trucking industry and drive up costs for hardworking Americans, said Rep. John James (R-Mich.), who sponsored one of the resolutions, in a written statement.

Senate Republicans, who also want to go after Californias rules, are facing a similar challenge. The Senate parliamentarian, a rules authority for the upper chamber, has also said the waivers allowing the rules to go forward are not subject to the CRA.

Senate Republicans have signaled they could seek to defy the parliamentarian but have not yet said definitively whether they actually plan to do so.

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If they do, they could be setting up a legal and procedural kerfuffle  especially as the parliamentarian also sets the rules for what provisions can go into a high-stakes budget package that also evades the filibuster.

Sean H. Donahue, an environmental lawyer with the firm Donahue, Goldberg & Herzog, said a legal challenge could be expected if the resolution is ultimately signed into law.

Wed be in uncharted territory, but I think youd have an illegal action  I would expect that there would be pushback, said Donahue, not to be confused with a Trump EPA appointee of the same name.

The House was initially slated to also vote to axe Californias phaseout of gas-powered cars, but postponed that vote until Thursday.

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California is allowed to set its own vehicle pollution rules  with the approval from the EPA  because of a clause in the Clean Air Act that comes in response to historic smog problems in Los Angeles. That provision allows the EPA to waive laws that typically preempt states from setting regulations that go beyond the scope of those set at the federal level.

More than 10 percent of the U.S. population lives in California, giving it a significant share of the auto and trucking markets. And its rules are also adopted by some other states, making them even more impactful.

Updated at 7:04 p.m. EDT

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A congressional push to end two California trucking-related emissions waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, though California is expected to challenge Congress authority to take that step.

The vote in the House was 231-191 to revoke a waiver that permitted California to implement the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. The ACT rule would have mandated a road to increasing use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), among other provisions.

In a separate vote, the House voted 225-196 to revoke a waiver that allowed the Low NoX Omnibus rule, which more tightly regulates nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy duty trucks.

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The measure now goes to the Senate.

California needs an EPA waiver when it seeks to implement an environmental standard more stringent than the national rule. Although that requirement has been in place since the 60s, it has become increasingly controversial.

The immediate legal issue with the vote, however, is whether Congress can overrule a waiver, as opposed to a rule. Earlier this year, the General Accounting Office issued an opinion that said Congress does not have the power to overturn a waiver granted to California.

Should the Senate vote to approve the House measure on the California waivers, it is likely to set up a fierce court fight that would be funded on Californias side by a war chest it established just for the purpose of such battles.

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What might be seen on the surface as a standoff between the federal government and the Golden State has taken on national significance for two key reasons.

First, 10 other states have agreed to follow the provisions of the ACT rule. California has always had a central role in determining national standards for some environmental rules, because OEMs do not want to build two cars: one for the Golden State and one for the rest of the country. Trucks are the same.

The number of zero emission vehicles at the port of Long Beach continued to rise in March even in the absence of the Advanced Clean Fleet rule and questions about the future of Advanced Clean Trucks. Breakdown for March was BEVs 450, +9, and #hydrogen, 78, +1. #trucking pic.twitter.com/vPTCXHqVaA  John Kingston (@JohnHKingston) April 29, 2025

That has set off in recent months a wave of pushback by trucking groups in some of those states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico and Rhode Island.

The second key reason is focused on the Omnibus rule and the Clean Truck Partnership between the state and engine manufacturers. In that deal from July 2023, California backed off its own NoX rule and accepted the less-stringent federal rules, while the engine manufacturers agreed to accept the standards of the ACT. A question that has arisen is whether that agreement is enforceable should the ACT rules waiver disappear due to congressional action.

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Two Washington-based trade groups were quick to praise the action by the House of Representatives.

The national impact of the California rules was referenced in a prepared statement issued by the American Trucking Associations after the vote, which said the resolutions will undo damaging emissions regulations set by California and prevent the Golden State from setting de facto national emissions policies in the future.

California should never be given the keys to set policies that impact our interstate supply chains, ATA President Chris Spear said in the statement.

The Clean Freight Coalition (CFC), a trade group made up of other trucking-focused trade groups like the ATA, issued a similar statement.

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The CFC applauds Speaker Johnson for his leadership and thanks those members of the House who voted to dissolve the waivers for Californias ACT and NOx regulations, the CFC said. Truck dealers in ACT states are already suffering from Californias disastrous policies. If these waivers are not rescinded, it is only a matter of time before the entire trucking industry and supply chain suffers serious negative consequences.

The reference to dealers is tied to multiple reports of retail dealers of heavy-duty trucks pulling back on orders for new vehicles because of the uncertainty regarding the rules they will be facing.

The CFC said it wants the Senate to follow the Houses action, to complete the rescission of the waivers, restore a single national standard, and prevent further damage to an already struggling trucking industry.

Complicating the issue is the decision by California, in the waning days of the Biden administration, to drop its request for a waiver that would permit California to go ahead with the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule. State officials have said the ACF is not dead, but there is nothing to implement without an EPA waiver. For now, ACF is on the shelf.

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ACT governs a level of zero-emission vehicles that truck manufacturers would be required to sell into California and by extension the states that have followed Sacramentos lead. ACF was to govern the types of ZEVs companies needed to hold in their fleets for the next roughly 20 years. The two were designed to work side by side.

But as observers of the California regulatory scene have noted, implementing the ACT without any mandate on buyers to purchase ZEVs creates a host of uncertainties, including the decision by some truck retailers not to stock ZEVs due to the ACT. Their quandary: If nobody is required to buy them, why should they keep them on the lot?

The most immediate rule that was to be part of ACF was the requirement that no new non-ZEV drayage trucks could be registered with the state after the start of 2024. Despite the absence of that mandate, the number of ZEV drayage trucks, at least in Long Beach, has continued to rise.

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The post House votes to revoke Californias trucking-related EPA waivers appeared first on FreightWaves.
Key Points

Berkshire Hathaway disclosed several stock purchases (and one sale) during the first quarter.

While investors will have to wait until May 15 for the full portfolio, they will be able to see if Buffett added to this other investment in the first quarter.

While this investment offers a high yield right now, it's not for everyone.

Roughly 40,000 Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) shareholders will descend upon Omaha, Nebraska the first weekend in May. The annual shareholder meeting hosted by CEO Warren Buffett gives investors an opportunity to ask the Oracle of Omaha questions about Berkshire Hathaway and the stock market in general.

But before the question and answer portion, which lasts hours, Buffett likes to discuss the company's first-quarter financial results. I expect those financial statements will disclose an increase in one of Buffett's biggest investment holdings for Berkshire Hathaway. And he'll likely field several questions about it to give investors more insight on May 3.

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Image source: The Motley Fool.

The growing investment found in Berkshire's financial statements

While investors will have to wait until May 15 to get Berkshire Hathaway's full portfolio disclosure for the end of the first quarter, we already have several big hints as to the moves Buffett and his team have made so far this year.

SEC filings disclosed purchases of three stocks in January and February: Buffett bought Verisign, Sirius XM, and Occidental Petroleum. Those small add-on purchases totaled about $93.5 million. Filings also show Berkshire sold approximately $147.7 million worth of DaVita in order to maintain ownership below 45%.

The only other purchases we know of are Buffett's add-ons to the five Japanese trading houses, which totaled an estimated $2.7 billion.

It's unlikely Buffett made any other big stock purchases. The S&P 500 came into the year near an all-time high and mostly continued its march higher until mid-February. Even after a decline in March, stocks remained near the level they entered the year in aggregate. More importantly, large-cap stocks remained expensive from a valuation standpoint, which has led Buffett to mostly eschew buying very much over the last two years. He's even stopped buying back shares of Berkshire Hathaway.

But Berkshire's portfolio of stocks pays out a lot of dividends, and its wholly owned operating businesses pay out even bigger dividends (in the form of operating income). All of that cash has to go toward something. And that's why I expect Buffett to have added even more to Berkshire's massive stash of Treasury bills.
HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN)  Huber Heights City School District says the district is currently operating in a deficit, prompting an operating levy that could pull them out of the red.

The district says the last time they had an operating levy request on the ballot was 20 years ago, but with rising costs and extensive cuts at stake, leaders say its now time to put it to a vote again.

How Ohio counts voters ballots on Election Day

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It is part of a long term financial plan to make sure our district remains not only fiscally responsible, but were able to be solvent for the years to come, said Jason Enix, Huber Heights superintendent.

On Tuesday, Huber Heights residents will vote on a 6.9-mill operating levy that would generate $7.8 million to help the school district cover its day-to-day expenses.

Were not looking to fund any new programs. This is not anything more than just trying to maintain our current status, said Enix. Its a lot of our salaries and benefits for our staff. It is our regular expenses of paying our paying bills, taking care of curriculum, resources, all the things that make the district operate.

If it passes, the levy would cost residents about $242 a year for every $100,000 of appraised property value, leaving some residents torn.

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I think its important, and I want the kids to get a decent education. My kids went to school in Huber, said Mary Starry, local resident. That sounds kind of like a big increase though, so Im going to have to ponder on that.

If the levy does not pass, the district will be force to make over $7 million in cuts.

That includes teaching staff across the district. That includes a decrease in pay and potential loss of administrative support across the district, facility use, rentals being eliminated, said Enix.

Enix says these cuts will ultimately affect Huber Heights students.

It would be a major strain on the system. Its unreasonable to expect the same level of resources and supports across the district when you have $7.3 million loss, and thats approaching nearly 10% of our operating budget, said Enix.

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This issue will be on the ballot on May 6 for residents in Huber Heights.

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SAO PAULO (AP)  The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is calling for a permanent monitoring system to track Brazils compliance with its recommendation s following the devastating floods that struck southern Brazil one year ago.

Javier Palummo, the commissions special rapporteur, told The Associated Press Thursday the initiative aims to maintain a permanent channel with Brazil's government and "strengthen public accountability, give international visibility to good practices, and monitor risks of setbacksespecially in the most affected areas and for vulnerable groups.

Between April and May 2024, unprecedented floods hit nearly all the municipalities in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Over 2.3 million people were affected. Hundreds of thousands were displaced and 182 died, according to official data. Analysts compared the scale of devastation to Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans in 2005.

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A new report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights released Wednesday highlights stark inequalities in the recovery process. Indigenous and quilombola communities which are home to descendants of escaped slaves, female-headed households, and unhoused people have faced significant challenges in accessing reconstruction aid and public services.

These groups often reported being excluded from recovery planning, Palummo said. The lack of land regularization and limited institutional engagement reinforce historic inequalities.

Palummo visited flood-hit areas in December. He cited the solidarity of a quilombola community where women led relief efforts as especially moving. He also pointed to the Mbya-Guarani people of Eldorado do Sul, who lost their homes and school first to flooding, then to a construction project. Forced to resettle near a highway, they now face insecurity, health risks, and cultural loss.

These disasters are not just naturaltheyre worsened by chronic neglect, he said. They reflect deep structural inequalities and growing climate vulnerability fueled by unplanned urban growth, environmental degradation, and environmental racism.

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The report, he said, is the first of its kind by the commission affiliated with Organization of American States. Palummo will present the findings next week to local communities in Porto Alegre and to federal and state officials. He will also speak at a public hearing May 8 in Brasilia.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Azalin Rothwell, a Conservation Corps member at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, cuts an invasive wineberry shrub. (Photo by Joe Zimmermann/ Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

The Trump administrations dismantling of the federal AmeriCorps program will be felt in Maryland state parks, classrooms, nonprofits and food pantries, state officials said during a Wednesday news conference.

About 250 Maryland AmeriCorps workers were dismissed over the weekend, said Paul Monteiro, Maryland Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation.

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We had to start making calls Friday evening into Saturday morning to inform them of the immediate termination of their grants, Monteiro said. Many of our members will likely face subsistence-level challenges, given that theyre ineligible for unemployment insurance and were already living on very modest stipends.

The list includes 41 members of the Maryland Conservation Corps, who were expecting to continue working through the popular summer season at state parks, maintaining hiking trails, clearing invasive species and educating visitors, said Rachel Temby, deputy director of the Maryland Park Service.

The impacts of this hasty decision have been felt from the mountains of Western Maryland to the shores of the Atlantic, Temby said.

After a stop-work order was issued Saturday, state officials rushed to call all of the workers, some of whom were helping with weekend events such as the Pollinator Festival at Assateague State Park and the Market Fair at Fort Frederick, Temby said.

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They were pulled from service, and then many of them made the independent  and very considerate  decision to return as park volunteers to those activities that weekend, wishing to continue with their commitment to serve in any capacity they could, Temby said.

Members of the 2024 class of Maryland Conservation Corps graduates at the Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area on Aug. 1, 2024. (Photo by Winn Brewer/Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

A primary concern is that the AmeriCorps members will suddenly lose their very modest cost-of-living stipends, Monteiro said, forcing them to reconsider things like housing and health insurance.

Our department is doing our level best to support demobilized members, Monteiro said. The first of the month is here in short order, and [members will be] accessing housing, accessing food, on top of being separated from organizations and networks theyve been invested in over the course of the year.

The members, between 17 and 25 years old, also expected to receive an educational stipend of about $7,000 at the end of their service terms, which they could use to pay student loans, Now, they are likely to receive a pro-rated portion of the stipend  not the whole thing.

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A Moore administration official said Wednesday that the bare bones administrative staff at AmeriCorps, gives me a lot of heartburn about workers benefits.

Maryland is one of 24 states and the District of Columbia that are suing the Trump administration over its steep and sudden cuts to AmeriCorps. The lawsuit says that on April 15 AmeriCorps officials, at the behest of the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), put all members of the National Civilian Community Corps on leave, and told them their service would be terminated on April 30. A day later, the suit says, AmeriCorps put about 85% of its paid staff of about 700 workers on administrative leave.

Last week, AmeriCorps began sending reduction-in-force notices to the paid staff and on Friday, after regular business hours, it began notifying states that about $400 million of AmeriCorps programs were immediately terminated.

The lawsuit argues that only Congress, not the administration, has the power to slash the agency.

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The Administrations abrupt decision to dismantle AmeriCorps flouts Congresss creation of AmeriCorps and assignment of agency duties; usurps Congresss power of the purse and thereby violates the Constitutions separation of powers, the suit says.

Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said Wednesday that the Conservation Corps program, which began in 1984, has had an immense impact on state parks.

If youve hiked on a trail, if youve gone to a bathroom in a state park, you most likely are touching a project that the Maryland Conservation Corps has done over the years, Kurtz said.

DNR was projected to contribute about $1.6 million to the Conservation Corps program this year, the agency said, with AmeriCorps contributing about $922,000.

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According to a DNR news release from last August, that years graduating class improved more than 2,400 acres of parks and public lands; planted more than 9,963 native trees, bay grasses and plants; treated more than 7,902 trees against harmful insects and diseases; and taught environmental education programs to more than 23,750 visitors.

Conservation Corps members have been instrumental in protecting one of the states older forest ecosystems, located in Swallow Falls State Park, said DNR spokesman AJ Metcalf. The area includes thousands of eastern hemlock trees, which have been victimized by invasive hemlock wooly adelgids.

In 2024, Conservation Corps members treated more than 7,000 of the trees, saving them from early deaths. The pesticide application took six days, but will last seven years, Metcalf said.

Hemlock treatment is a simple process but requires significant human energy, Metcalf wrote. Many MCC members report that hemlock restoration work was one of the most rewarding projects of their term.

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For the individuals who spend a year in the corps, the program is a career ladder, Kurtz said, allowing them to gain skills that fuel careers in conservation fields. More than 50 current staff members at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are Conservation Corps alumni, Temby said.

Temby said she supervised teams of Conservation Corps members for about six years, in her role as a Maryland Park Service ranger, and watched the program evolve, propelled by energetic workers.

The sudden decision to terminate AmeriCorps funding for this program has dire impacts on the hopes and dreams of our corps members, but also the operations of the Maryland Park Service, Temby said.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Hundreds of children at a metro elementary school got a shiny new pair of shoes, some socks and even some snacks Wednesday morning, all for free.

Its all thanks to the program Operation Warm who helps kids get shoes and coats across the country.

LOCAL NEWS: De-stressor dog: INTEGRIS Health highlights National Therapy Animal Day

How are you today? a volunteer said with a smile as a child approached to be sized up for some new shoes.

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The warm welcomes and smiles werent going to be dampened by a rainy Wednesday at Council Grove Elementary School in northwest Oklahoma City. Of course, its hard to be gloomy when you know youre getting fitted for a brand new pair of shoes.

I think well do a number 7, what about you? OK? Were going to go with him to get brand new ones, a volunteer said after helping a child figure out their shoe size.

Throw in a couple snacks and even some socks and it makes the whole day for over 400 students.

Its just such a great thing, school principal Stacie Fryer said.

Its been very helpful for our school, our students, who have that extra support, school social worker Lili Casillas said.

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Operation Warm is the organization making it all happen. The national nonprofit partners with others, in this instance Bimbo Bakeries and Thomas, to help kids across the country.

It all starts with our wish list, Operation Warms Volunteer Engagement Manager Jean Burnett said. Our wish list is absolutely free. It lives on our website, operationwarm.org.

Council Grove has signed up for it in the past. Casillas said the shoes and socks specifically make a huge difference for their families.

LOCAL NEWS: Hello Kitty Cafe kicks off 2025 U.S. tour May 3

Especially with this weather, having an extra pair to change in and come to school makes it a lot easier, Casillas said.

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Its a day loved by all. Its also a fitting end as they close out the semester.

We just ended our state testing and its going to be a wonderful end to our school year, Fryer said.

Fryer said they have about a couple weeks left before they are out for the summer.

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.
More than 500 protesters gathered in Detroits Corktown neighborhood to mark May Day by criticizing President Donald Trumps policies on labor, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and more.

The demonstration held during a rainy afternoon May 1 at Roosevelt Park was one of more than 1,000 that took place in every state and abroad as part of International Workers Day, a global labor rights observance held annually on May 1. Organizers said the Detroit protest was aimed at highlighting how protesters believe the Trump administration has harmed workers, immigrants and organized labor.

"The people united will never be defeated," the crowd chanted, with Michigan Central Station as the backdrop. Protesters lined up on sidewalks and held up a plethora of signs, including some that read "When due process dies, dictators arise," and "Stop U.S. Wars. Fund Human Needs."

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The May 1 events are the latest in a wave of protests against Trump since he took office. In Michigan, similar rallies were held in cities all over the state, including Ann Arbor, Novi, Lansing and Howell, with some additional events scheduled through May 3.

May Day traces back to the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where a labor protest for an eight-hour workday turned violent after a bomb was thrown and gunfire was exchanged, resulting in police and civilian deaths.

More: What to know about May Day protests in Michigan

The Roosevelt Park rally was organized by May Day Detroit, 50501 Michigan and Moratorium NOW! Coalition. Abayomi Azikiwe with the Moratorium NOW! Coalition said his coalition opposes tariffs, the administration's anti-immigrant bias and wants to see the wars that are taking place ended, among other demands.

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Brynne Curtis, who sat on a bench holding a sign that said "Nothing to lose but our chains" before the protest officially started, said it's her job to fight for people who can't and to use her privilege to stand up for a better world.

"Doesn't matter what you believe in, what God you follow, what race, creed or color you are," the 35-year-old Detroit resident said. "We as people of the world, deserve to live in a good society that cares about us."

Protesters gather at Roosevelt Park in Detroits Corktown neighborhood to mark May Day by protesting President Donald Trumps policies on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, said she came to the demonstration to support working men and women on May Day.

"Today is the day that we celebrate the rights of workers," Dingell said. "People are really worried about when the federal government takes away the rights of federal government workers to organize, that people are being fired. Today is about a day to fight for worker rights. Sometimes, we take things for granted, but suddenly you can't take anything for granted anymore."

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As demonstrators criticized the Trump administration, a White House spokesperson, Liz Huston, defended the presidents labor record in a statement to the Free Press.

"President Trump has fought harder for the American worker than any President in history," Huston said. "From day one, he delivered trillions of dollars in new investment, rolled back burdensome regulations, ended decades-long unfair trade practices that were ripping off American companies, and created thousands of jobs."

The UAW has expressed support for Trumps work on tariffs, and, as Politico has reported, the Teamsters president has supported his labor secretary. Conversely, the American Federation of Government Employees criticized Trump for ending collective bargaining for federal agencies tied to national security and is now among labor unions suing over the firing of federal workers, according to reports from The Associated Press and Reuters.

Protesters gather at Roosevelt Park in Detroit on Thursday, May 1, 2025 for the nationwide May Day protests against the Trump administration policies.

More: In campaign-style rally, Trump touts accomplishments, roasts Democrats, in Warren

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Detroit resident Frank Hammer also attended the protest, saying he is worried about federal government workers' rights.

"I'm here because I believe that workers currently are under severe attack  and this is the way of showing solidarity with workers across the U.S. and even across the world, and to speak out on behalf of the working class," Hammer, 82, a former president and chairman of UAW Local 909, told the Free Press at the demonstration.

Free Press reporter Darcie Moran contributed to this report.

(This story was updated to add a video.)

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hundreds protest Trump's policies at May Day demonstration in Detroit
Hundreds rally at Louisiana Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day to highlight food insecurity

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Advocates from across Louisiana gathered at the Capitol this week for Anti-Hunger Day, calling attention to food insecurity and urging lawmakers to take action against hunger in the state.

Its really a call to action to make sure people understand there is hunger in our state, said Pat VanBurkleo, executive director of Feeding Louisiana.

VanBurkleo emphasized the urgent need for support as food banks nationwide face significant funding challenges.

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We had over $50 million across the country cut for food banks. So thats a big impact, VanBurkleo said. We are really trying to find resources to feed the people who need us.

He added that the day was about strengthening partnerships between food banks and government agencies to better serve communities in need.

Among the attendees was James McReady, a business owner from Monroe and founder of H2Greaux, a company that partners with local food banks to provide fresh, chemical-free produce to schools and families.

We really wanted to be in the school systems because we saw what our kids were eating, McReady said. We dont know where its coming from. We dont know what kind of chemicals are sprayed on the vegetables. We wanted to make sure that they were getting clean, nutritious food.

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McReady said his companys mission goes beyond feeding familiesits about providing high-quality, safe nutrition.

Chip Peerrin urged fellow residents to take action.

Its an important topic. Its something that we all as Louisianans need to be aware of, and we really need to influence our elected officials to fight for us, said Peerrin.

Business leaders, volunteers, nonprofit workers, and local food banks joined forces during the event to advocate for change and raise awareness about hunger, emphasizing that ending food insecurity will take a collective, sustained effort.

Funding cuts threaten to deepen hunger crisis as rising costs send more families to food banks

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Hundreds of San Diegans took to the streets Thursday as part of nationwide May Day protests.

A number of rallies were scheduled throughout the day across the county, stretching from Carlsbad to Barrio Logan.

May Day is historically a day for labor groups to stage collective action-like strikes and walkouts to commemorate International Workers Day, but this year, it was also used as a rebuke to the Trump administrations agenda and its impact on working people.

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Over 1,000 May Day demonstrations were scheduled across the country by the 50501 organization, the volunteer-led group that helped to plan other major demonstrations this year like the No Kings and Not On Our Watch movements.

The biggest events include a rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and a Workers over Billionaires event in Philadelphia, which Sen. Bernie Sanders is expected to attend.

All of the demonstrations coordinated by 50501 are centered around different aspects of a theme organizers describe as the Trump administrations war on working people.

They specifically criticize President Trumps centering of billionaire backers like Elon Musk, mass layoffs in the federal workforce, rollback on union protections, and spending reductions that they say harm services critical to working class families  from health care to public education.

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Musk, Trump and their fellow profiteers are trying to create a race to the bottomon wages, on benefits, on dignity itself, the organization wrote in a statement on their website. They want to erase labor rights, break our unions, and silence immigrant voices.

The first demonstration of the day in San Diego, however, was a more of a traditional May Day action, even as Trumps actions in his first 100 days in office remained a prominent theme.

The event was a walkout by unionized UCSD Health workers over the University of Californias recent hiring freeze, which they say constitutes an unfair labor practice.

According to the union representing the workers, UPTE-CWA Local 9119, the pause had been implemented without speaking to union representatives, worsening issues like understaffing and high turnover among frontline workers.

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Across the entire UC system, more than 20,000 workers participated in the May Day action, UPTE-CWA Local 9119 said.

In San Diego, those workers were joined by other unions unaffiliated with UCSD Health, marshaled by the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.

Billionaires like Trump/Elon have destroyed our communities for generations; were beyond crisis, the council wrote in a post on Instagram before the protest. Send a powerful message to the billionaires + their suck-ups that we aint going to take it anymore.

May Day protest in Hillcrest on May 1, 2025. (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky)

In the early afternoon, SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky was overhead as the demonstrators spilled into the streets of Hillcrest as they made their way from the hospital to Balboa Park, where a rally was held.

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Hundreds also showed up to a rally at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan Thursday evening.

May Day protest in Barrio Logan on May 1, 2025. (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky)

In Waterfront Park, the peaceful protest celebrated the culture with music and fiery chants, all aiming to create a more welcoming environment for immigrant workers and signal an emergency call to action.

Immigrant rights and worker rights are inextricably linked, said Tony Goodwin, the senior organizer with Amnesty International. They just have a long historical through line.

About 50 people showed up with signs at the rally, joining the hundreds of others across the nation.

Ive seen 80 to 90-year-old people out here, said protester Elisabeth Sullivan. Theyre mad, and they should be mad.

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While recognizing International Workers Day, attendees criticized the Trump administrations policies and the impacts on working people.

I dont feel like anyone should be silent. If youre silent, youre saying its okay. Its not okay. None of this is normal, Sullivan said.

Even Eastlake High School students participated, clipping butterflies to this sign as a symbol of the beauty in migration.

I am a child of two Ghanaian immigrants, and I just cant imagine my life without the opportunities that I was able to have growing up, Aseye Abjasu said. When I look at some of these stories, I see a mirror of myself, and what would happen if it was me immigrating at this time.

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According to the White House, since President Donald Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security deported 139,000 people.

We are a country of immigrants, and to be deporting people just because they want a better life is unfair, high schooler Nicole Alvarez said.

The Trump administration maintains the mass deportation effort to secure the border would protect American citizens, but organizers disagree and ask demonstrators to take action.

An organizer is committed to turning those moments into movements, Goodwin said.

At the rally, Goodwin encouraged activists to call their local representatives to express their opinions to create lasting change.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
By Emma Farge and Cecile Mantovani

GENEVA (Reuters) -Hundreds of U.N. staff protested outside the United Nations' European headquarters on Thursday at job losses within the global body due to major aid cuts by U.S. President Donald Trump and other donors.

Switzerland's Geneva, which calls itself the 'City of Peace', is a humanitarian and diplomatic hub, employing over 30,000 people in the sector, according to cantonal authorities.

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Protesters from the U.N. and its specialist agencies held banners reading: "STOP FIRING UN STAFF NOW!" and chanted: "U.N. staff are not a commodity". Smaller protests also occurred in Thailand and Myanmar on May 1, U.N. staff said.

While short-term contractors and employees at some agencies like the International Organization for Migration have already been informed of redundancies, many thousands more are coming.

The deepest cuts are expected at agencies heavily reliant on voluntary funding from former top donor the United States, like the World Food Programme or the U.N. refugee agency.

"They tried to keep me but it was impossible," said An Cuypers, a human rights lawyer, whose temporary contract at the U.N. Human Rights Office was not renewed. "So we are here now: hiring freeze, no budget."

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Severine Deboos, Chairperson of the International Labour Organization Staff Union, said that up to 250 ILO employees had been made redundant since January.

"We feel lost. We don't know how to face this," she said.

"What is complicated and very stressful, there is no real safety net," she added, saying some did not have access to Swiss unemployment benefits and face expiring visas. An ILO spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Grace, a U.N. employee who declined to give her last name, said it was important to stand up for aid workers who had sometimes risked their lives to help people in conflict.

"The U.N. stands for everybody else but nobody stands up for the people behind the U.N.," she said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge and Cecile Mantovani; Editing by William Maclean)
By Hyunjoo Jin, Heekyong Yang and Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics warned on Wednesday U.S. tariffs could cut demand for products such as smartphones, making it difficult to predict future performance.

Samsung said it expected its semiconductor business to encounter greater uncertainties throughout the year, while its smartphone shipments faced downward pressure in the second quarter.

The cautious outlook from one of the world's biggest electronics manufacturers reflects the uncertainties roiling global trade due to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war, and comes a day after General Motors pulled its annual forecast.

The world's largest memory chipmaker reported a small rise in first-quarter operating profit as customers concerned about U.S. tariffs rushed to purchase smartphones and commodity chips, mitigating the impact of its underperforming artificial intelligence chip business.

It reported 6.7 trillion won ($4.68 billion) in operating profit for the quarter ended in March, up 1.2% from a year earlier and in line with its earlier estimate.

Samsung shares, one of the worst-performing major tech stocks last year, fell 0.4% in line with the broader market.

Steep U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and toughening restrictions on AI chip sales to China, Samsung's top market, threaten to dampen demand for some of the electronics components the company produces such as chips and smartphone displays.

Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, most of which have been suspended until July, threaten to hit dozens of countries including Vietnam and South Korea where Samsung produces smartphones and displays.

Samsung said it was considering relocating the production of TVs and home appliances in response to the tariffs.

Chip demand is expected to remain solid in the second quarter, driven by AI servers and preemptive purchasing activities after the pause in tariffs, Samsung said.

But it warned that the frontloading of chip shipments by some customers may have a negative impact on demand later this year.

We believe that demand uncertainties are growing in the second half as a result of recent changes in tariff policies in major countries, and strengthening of AI chip export controls, Kim Jae-june, a Samsung vice president in the memory division, said on an earnings call.

Samsung CFO Park Soon-cheol said however that "we cautiously expect the overall performance to gradually improve as we move into the second half, assuming the easing of current uncertainties".
Since President Donald Trump began his second term in office, a record-breaking number of undocumented immigrants have been arrested and detained.

Raids on suspected undocumented immigrants are taking place nationwide, including a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in Oklahoma City. The family who is now living at the address of the raid had moved in two weeks earlier, and the search warrant calling for the raid was intended for the previous residents.

With President Trump's goal of mass deportations and a closed border, here's what you need to know about the agency known as ICE.

What is ICE? What does ICE do?

ICE is a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and is one of the agencies that enforces the nation's complex Title 8 immigration laws.

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The agency has offices across the country and detention facilities that house migrants who aren't supposed to be in the country.

What is ICE doing under Trump?

A protester holds a sign during a rally to oppose a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Evansville on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Under Trump's administration, ICE is cracking down on unauthorized migrants and border crossings.

In the first 100 days of Trump's term, there were 66,463 undocumented immigrants arrested and 65,682 deportations, ICE said in a news release on April 29. ICE said three in four of those arrested were criminals.

Border crossings have plummeted since Trump took office, according to data obtained by NBC News. As of April 16, there were 47,928 undocumented immigrants in detention; of those, 30.5% had a criminal conviction, 23.1% had pending criminal charges and 46.4% did not have a criminal record.

What to know about the recent ICE raid in OKC

First reported by KFOR-TV, a woman and her three daughters experienced 20 armed federal agents raiding their rental home on April 24. The woman, referred to as "Marisa," told KFOR the agents tore apart every inch of the house and seized their phones, laptops and life savings in cash as "evidence."

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But the names listed on the search warrant did not belong to the current residents of the home, who had moved to Oklahoma City about two weeks earlier.

A senior Homeland Security official told The Oklahoman the agents had the correct address, but were after the previous residents. However, the department stands by the raid as part of a larger operation.

"ICE was carrying out a court-authorized search warrant for a large-scale human smuggling investigation," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. "The case has been accepted for federal prosecution in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The search warrants included the location of an address where U.S. citizens recently moved. The previous residents were the intended targets."

Contributing: Joyce Orlando, USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What is ICE? What to know in wake of Oklahoma house raid, Trump orders
An Oklahoma woman claims she and her daughters were terrorized when 20 armed federal agents burst into her home in the dead of night with a search warrant  for people who did not live there.

Even while admitting the family who had moved in two weeks earlier were not who they were looking for, agents forced the woman and her minor daughters to stand outside in their underwear in the rain as they tore the place apart, the woman told KFOR-TV. They then made off with the familys possessions  including laptops, phones and their life savings in cash  without leaving any contact information so they could retrieve their items, or giving them a timeline.

The family had just moved to the state from Maryland, and her husband was set to join them this weekend, said the woman, whom KFOR identified as Marisa. She and her three daughters were asleep when the agents, who had a warrant, burst in from the U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI. The names matched those of previous residents whose mail was still arriving at the house. Yet the agents were very dismissive, very rough, very careless, Marisa said. They were treating us like criminals.

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The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return a request for comment by the Daily News, but stood by its raid in a statement to The Oklahoman while admitting the previous residents were the intended targets. The other agencies told the newspaper they were not directly involved.

In the end, the house was trashed, and everything the family owned had been seized as evidence, Marisa said. KFORs footage panned over broken glass, bent doorframes and items strewn throughout the house.

Like, how do you just leave me like this? Marisa asked. Like an abandoned dog.

As they left, one agent said to her, I know it was a little rough this morning, Marisa told KFOR, adding: A little rough? You literally traumatized me and my daughters for life.

________
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Myrtle Beach residents are anticipating a local fast food joint to reopen Thursday, more than a year after the restaurant was damaged in a fire.

After 40 years of serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and Cincinnati-style chili, Burkys Grill had a spontaneous combustion in December 2023.

Owner Wayne Burkart says starting over was not easy.

It was a pit, he said. If it wasnt fire damage, it was smoke damage. So, we just had to throw everything out and start over.

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Almost a year-and-a-half later, Burkys is finally reopening.

Its been a long road for him to get back to opening the restaurant, and Im just excited for him, Kevin Klein, Burkarts hair stylist and a loyal Burkys customer, said. Im excited for his customers and for Myrtle Beach.

Matthew La Gala, a Burkys employee, says Burkart showed him the restaurant is not just about the hot dogs and hamburgers.

It is also about looking out for each other.

When we burned down, he actually financially supported all of his employees for a couple months after it, so everybody could find jobs, La Gala said.

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Burkart says 14 people who worked at Burkys before the fire quit their current jobs to work there again.

Were so fortunate that they all put their notices in and came to Burkys to help me open up, Burkart said. Now, were all family again.

Many customers told News13 they feel like family, too.

The staff is amazing, Joshua Newman said. Its all a homey feel. You can walk in there, and it actually feels like they know you.

We celebrated some really important moments here, Annie Watson, who has brought her family to Burkys for decades, said. After they received their First Communion, we came over here, for each one of my children.

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Burkys customers also love how quickly they can get their food.

Ive got a store to run, so I cant be gone long, David Heller, a local store owner, said. Im able to step over there, get my food, come right back, not miss a beat.

However, Burkart says reopening day will not be about speed.

It will be about accuracy, consistency, and welcoming their customers back home.

Welcome back, Burkart said. Youll recognize the crew, and the crew will recognize you. Nothing has changed, menu-wise and a lot of people-wise.

Burkys Grill is on North Kings Highway and reopens Thursday at 11 a.m.

* * *

Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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Gregory Wayne Jones was well-respected in his community of Mountain Home, Idaho. His work as a director of operations at a daycare and as a pastor made Jones a trusted civilian in the area. That is until he was arrested on heinous accusations.

The investigation into Jones began on January 31, 2025, according to a statement by the Elmore County Sheriff. It was then that multiple alleged victims came forward and provided critical evidence for the case against Jones. Its unclear exactly how many victims have come forward at this point in the investigation.

The pastor was taken into custody on Friday (April 25) and charged with Sexual penetration with a foreign object and Human sex trafficking, according to reports. He is being held at the Elmore County Detention Center in Idaho.

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Jones previously worked at NXT Dream Center, which describes itself as a non-profit 501(c)(3) Community Development Corporation (CDC) providing community support for veterans, seniors and youth. Jones was listed as the Director of Operations for at NXT.



After news of Jones arrest broke, community members came forward to express their shock. I am disgusted. Im angry, Kerstyn Tracy, a parent at NXT told Idaho News 6. And [Im] very distrusting of not only the sheriffs department at this point but daycare facilities in general, she continued.

According to Tracy, NXT never informed the parents or greater NXT community of Jones arrest. Instead, she had to find out through her Facebook friends. They have yet to put out a statement or address any communication, email, text, phone call, in person, Tracy said.

She went on to say she knew Jones, and he worked closely with the kids at the daycare facility. They [NXT] were aware that hes being investigated for sex crimes. And I feel like that is a possibility of a danger to our children. And I am very upset about that, she added.

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In addition to his role at NXT, Jones was also listed as a Pastor/Evangelist on the Liberty Christian Fellowship Churchs website. Jones is also a military veteran and was even honored as Person of the Year in 2013 during the 24th Annual Black History Banquet in Mountain Home, according to Idaho News 6.

Jones is being held on a $1 million bond. Police say they expect more victims to come forward as the investigation continues. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Elmore County Sheriffs Office.

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Commercial nuclear fuel rods are unloaded from a cask inside Idaho National Laboratorys Hot Fuel Examination Facility hot cell in this file photo. (Courtesy of Idaho National Laboratory)

Officials with the state of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to a waiver of the states 1995 nuclear waste settlement agreement, the two sides announced Tuesday.

The new waiver will allow for the shipment of spent nuclear fuel into Idaho for the purposes of conducting research at Idaho National Laboratory in eastern Idaho, officials said.

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The waiver specifically allows for a high burnup nuclear fuel cask from the North Anna Power Station, a commercial nuclear power plant located in Virginia, to be sent to Idaho National Laboratory for research, according to a press release issued Tuesday.

A high burnup fuel cask used to store spent nuclear fuel is seen in this file photo. (Courtesy of Idaho National Laboratory)

The waiver was necessary because the 1995 settlement agreement called for limiting shipments of, and removing certain types of, spent nuclear fuel in Idaho.

The collaborative effort between the state of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Idaho National Laboratory showcases our commitment to advancing nuclear energy research while upholding the goals of the 1995 Settlement Agreement, Idaho Gov. Brad Little said in a written statement.

We are proud to support innovation in nuclear energy that will support national security and energy independence into the future.

Research at INL to support licensing for extended storage of spent fuel at nuclear power plants

Idaho National Laboratory, or INL, is one of 17 Department of Energy national labs, and it employs or contacts with about 6,400 researchers and support staff.

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Much of the nuclear research and energy research conducted by Idaho National Laboratory occurs at a vast research complex referred to as the site that is located in the eastern Idaho desert, between the town of Arco and Idaho Falls.

Idaho National Laboratory is DOEs lead lab for nuclear energy research and development, and it is critical that we continue to grow this research capacity and maintain American competitiveness, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said in a written statement. This agreement between the State of Idaho and DOE ensures the lab can continue its cutting-edge research to advance nuclear technology, helping to meet President Trumps commitment to unleash American energy dominance.

In todays press release, state and federal officials said the research will provide data to support licensing for the extended storage of spent fuel at 54 nuclear power plants in 28 states.

As the nations center for nuclear energy research and development, we look forward to utilizing our unique facilities and expertise to support this critical national need, Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner said in a written statement. We are thankful to the Department of Energy and the state of Idaho for entrusting us with the safe and secure execution of our vital mission.

1995 settlement agreement came after environmental, health concerns from disposal of nuclear waste in Idaho

As part of the new waiver, Idaho National Laboratory will also be allowed to safely manage small amounts of spent nuclear fuel from domestic university reactors. Without the waiver, some U.S. universities could have been forced to shut down their research reactors due to limits on spent fuel storage, officials said.

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Signed in October 1995 by then-Gov. Phil Batt, the 1995 settlement agreement resolved a lawsuit filed by the state amid public concern about the environmental and health risks resulting from disposal of nuclear waste in Idaho. The lawsuit was filed in order to keep Idaho from becoming a dumping ground for the countrys spent nuclear fuel, according to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

The new waiver relaxes the annual limit on the amount of spent nuclear fuel and materials that can come into Idaho, officials said.

The fuel cask is just under 17 feet tall and is just over eight feet in diameter. During storage, it weighs about 105 metric tons, or 231,000 pounds, officials said.

The cask would be shipped by train, and shipment could occur in 2027 under the waiver.

Editors note: This story originally appeared in the Idaho Capital Sun, which is, like The Virginia Mercury, part of States Newsroom.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A crackdown on illegal fireworks was promised at the start of the legislative session, following a deadly New Years explosion that killed six and injured many more. But what made the cut for new laws and will they make our neighborhoods safer?

More than a dozen bills were put forward in January, but only a handful made it all the way.

Slap on the wrist? No jail time for Hawaii fireworks offenders

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Authorities and experts said theres potential in what did survive to toughen enforcement, but it comes down to action on the street from cops, to courts and at our ports.

Visiting paradise comes with a price: 8 things to know about Hawaiis new tax

After a stash of illegal fireworks turned deadly at the start of the year, the governor, lawmakers and authorities pledged swift and decisive action and enforcement.

Arrests and confiscations followed, but no one has been prosecuted to conviction. A slew of bills were introduced, but not many passed into law.

Those that did include a broader spectrum of citation and felony charge options, allowing law enforcement to use drone images as probable cause and another to fund sting operations by the state Department of Law Enforcement.

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If you live next door to someone, after watching what happened New Years Day, it must be terrifying to wonder, is it going to be your neighborhood next. And I think that the legislators understand that, and that these new laws represent that type of frustration that they were feeling from their constituents, explained DLE Director Mike Lambert.

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Im a little concerned that that might not be very effective, given the fact that in the past, strict or strong penalties really havent made that much of a difference, said Bruce Albrecht, Hawaii Explosives and Pyrotechnics.

One surviving bill makes it a Class A felony if anyone suffers substantial injury or death from fireworks, and a Class B felony for serious injury. That same law adds a lower-level citation for a fireworks infraction to hand out as easily as a speeding ticket.

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You make it easy to give tickets, right? Thats motivating for officers. And then when you have A and B felonies, right? I think it sends a strong message to individuals that if youre going to engage in this type of illegal activity, and particularly if it harms someone, its going to be very, very serious.

Illegal fireworks are tracked from the moment they arrive in port until they burn up in the sky. But catching undeclared or misdeclared cargo by illegal traffickers is the real challenge.

Eyes in the sky: Drones take aim at illegal fireworks

To find an efficient way to do that that doesnt take an enormous amount of resources or an unrealistic amount of time, and slow down the importation of all the goods that are required to come through the ports, said Albrecht.

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Lambert said next legislative session, hell ask for a bill to put the full cost of destruction  which can run as high as a million dollars per container to safely destroy  on the busted importer.

Weve asked HPD and Honolulu prosecutors for an update on those arrested and released pending investigation in the Aliamany case.

Prosecutors said theyre actively investigating and police have not yet responded.

Im not privy to what the Honolulu Police Department is doing, but what I have been reassured on is that it is they are looking to make an example, and what that ends up being, I guess time will tell, Lambert said.

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And time will tell if the big promises to crack down from the start of the year come to fruition.

Some people, theres always going to say more could be done. And I guess were going to find out in the next 12 months what that more could be.

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PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WTAJ)  A resident of Honduras, who was found in Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally reentering the United States a fourth time.

Acting US Attorney Troy Rivetti announced that Julian Alberto Rios-Andasol, 31, was sentenced to time served of roughly 31 days of imprisonment and removal from the United States.

According to Rivetti, information was presented to the court that Rios-Andasol was arrested in Moon Township for driving an unregistered vehicle without a license, charges he pleaded guilty to. After the arrest, immigration officials determined that Rios-Andasol was in the United States illegally, and he was arrested by them March 29.

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Rios-Andasol was previously removed from the U.S. on three separate occasions between 2013 and 2019, and didnt receive the required permission to be in the U.S., according to information presented.

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.

He has been in prison since March and will be turned over to immigration custody for his removal from the U.S., which he agreed to as part of his plea.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Samsung Electronics reported Wednesday a sharp increase in consolidated revenue for the first quarter thanks to strong sales of its new smartphones, but its semiconductor business suffered a setback.

The South Korean semiconductor and smartphone giant said in a statement that it posted 79.14 trillion won ($56 billion) in consolidated revenue for the January-March quarter, calling it an all-time quarterly high. It said its operating profit rose to 6.7 trillion won ($4.7 billion), up from 6.61 trillion won ($4.6 billion) in the same period last year.

Samsung attributed the results to strong sales of its flagship Galaxy S25 smartphone and other high-value-added products.

However, the operating profit of the company's semiconductor business fell to 1.1 trillion won ($774 million) from 1.91 trillion won ($1.3 billion) in the corresponding quarter last year.

The company said its profits were squeezed by falling average sale prices, as well as reduced demand for high-bandwidth memory as customers wait for the release of next-generation memory chips.
Illinois is going to need a whole lot more workers to realize its clean energy aspirations.

The state has some of the nations most ambitious climate laws, with a target of transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2050. In 2030  just five years from now  it aims to achieve 40% renewable energy.

The shift away from fossil fuels could create more than 150,000 jobs in Illinois by mid-century, according to a 2022 study commissioned by ComEd, the states largest utility.

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Since 2012, ComEd has offered a suite of what it calls Academy training programs that are helping to meet that need, preparing a diverse pool of more than 1,000 residents from in and around Chicago for entry-level positions in the construction, utility, and clean energy fields.

We are delivering clean energy 24/7, 365 [days a year]  reliable power to 9 million people across Northern Illinois, Laticia Holbert, senior workforce development manager for ComEd, told Canary Media. And so it's our duty to make sure that we are working with our communities to get a talent pipeline. We are proud of the legacy that we have done throughout our training programs, and we continue to expand.

The goal of the programs is two-fold  not only to increase the size of the workforce but also to provide employment opportunities for members of environmental justice communities, who for decades have borne the brunt of adverse effects from fossil-fuel extraction. Training programs aimed at these groups, advocates point out, help to ensure that the clean energy transition does not perpetuate the injustices of the fossil-fuel economy.

We are partnering with the community to make sure that we're bringing in a diverse talent pipeline, by delivering targeted programs to ensure that more local residents are prepared for, I like to say, good-paying jobs [with] family-sustaining wages, Holbert said. We know that is really critical for our communities. We know, with the current climate [and] how clean energy is really revolutionizing, how we need to look at the demand for jobs.

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In mid-April, ComEd and a coalition of companies, labor organizations, and community groups celebrated 73 new graduates from two of the utilitys job training programs, Construct Infrastructure Academy and Craft Academy, at the University of Illinois Chicago Forum. U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D) spoke at the event, as did the CEO of ComEd and representatives of the company United Scrap Metal and the nonprofit Chicago Urban League.

Britney Evans, a 2025 graduate of ComEds Construct program who spoke at the ceremony, said that the training she received sets her up to succeed in the trades.

From the build day to the job shadows and coursework, the Construct program gave me the boost I needed to build my professional network, be challenged, and find new opportunities," Evans said. "It really helped me understand the daily realities and benefits of the construction industry, and now my classmates and I will be able to break through all the glass ceilings and advance further in our lives and careers.



Another of ComEds Academy training programs, which was not represented at the event, is the Power Up Academy, which provides participants the opportunity to earn design and engineering industry-required certifications for careers related to the clean energy sector. Launched in 2023 in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago, the 14-week Power Up Academy program is designed to remove barriers to entry for local residents pursuing engineering-related careers. The program attained accreditation in 2024, enabling past and future participants to qualify for up to 13 credit hours toward future degree programs.

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Each of ComEds three programs provides training at no charge to participants, along with a stipend during the program and ongoing career guidance and financial support after completion, Holbert said.

Approximately 70% of graduates across all of ComEds Academy programs land in entry-level positions with the utility or its more than 40 partner employers, taking on roles such as project coordinators, construction workers, lineworkers, design technicians, and underground locators, who help identify where infrastructure is buried.

Historically, more than 95% of program participants have been people of color, and 25% have been women. This years class of graduates is comprised of more than 90% people of color and nearly 20% women, according to ComEd.

Participants must be at least 18 years old, have earned either a high school diploma or GED certificate, demonstrate 10th-grade-level math and reading skills, and hold a valid drivers license, Holbert said.

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ComEd also requires potential students to complete an admissions interview along with a drug test and background check. However, individuals with past drug use or who were formerly incarcerated are not automatically disqualified. Consideration is made on a case-by-case basis, Holbert said.

So, for returning citizens, we welcome them in the program, Holbert said.

Of the 73 participants who graduated in April, 64 had taken part in the Construct Infrastructure Academy. During the 11-week program, participants learned basic construction skills and earned industry certifications such as a commercial drivers license and Occupational Safety and Health Administration training. They also learned about heat pumps, induction stoves, and solar panels.

Participants also had the opportunity to shadow and learn from industry partners. For instance, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Chicago, this years Construct students helped build homes across Chicagolands South and Southwest Sides as part of their training curriculum. During a recent Habitat for Humanity Chicago Build Day, they tiled bathrooms, hung kitchen cabinets, added trim and molding, and painted walls. The project allowed participants to apply their newfound knowledge on safety techniques, handling basic hand tools, and working as a team.

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Meanwhile, the nine Craft Academy graduates completed a physically demanding six-week training program that requires utility-pole climbing, a prerequisite experience for an apprenticeship to become an overhead lineworker. Overhead lineworkers play a critical role in maintaining and modernizing the power grid. That task is essential for meeting rising electricity demands as people purchase more EVs and electrify their homes and businesses. These graduates are now eligible for scholarships to the Dawson Technical Institute Overhead Electrical Line Worker program of the City Colleges of Chicago, which will enable them to pursue careers in the electric utility industry.

We are honored to have joined forces with ComEd over the last 13 years in connecting members of our communities to training opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives, said Chicago Urban League CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson during the graduation ceremony. The Construct and Craft programs represent a gateway to lucrative jobs that can provide the chance to build lasting careers and generational wealth.

ComEd uses money from its own budget to run the training programs, Holbert said. No federal funds are involved.

I don't think [the present political climate] has any impact at all because we have to hire people to work on our grid, our system, she said. So we need talented people. That's just what our mission is. So nothing's changed about how we're doing and what we're doing.



A clarification was made on May 1, 2025: This story originally stated that Construct students learn about installing heat pumps, induction stoves, and solar panels. The students learn about this equipment generally but are not trained in installation. The story also originally said that about 70% of graduates from ComEds training programs are employed by the utility and its partners. It has been updated to clarify that this figure is for ComEds Academy programs specifically, not all of its training programs.


Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, executive director of the Illinois Head Start Association, was in disbelief when she heard Head Starts funding from the Department of Health and Human Services was on the chopping block.

Both Republicans and Democrats have always supported Head Start because of the crucial work we do in every district across the state, Morrison-Frichtl told Our Quad Cities News.

According to Morrison-Frichtl, the state of Illinois typically receives more than $478 million in funding for Head Start, but that funding is trickling away.

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Illinois has received $59 million less than we did last year at this time, Morrison-Frichtl said. The administration seems to be slow walking head start to the end.

(Cutting Head Start) wouldnt promote enough opportunity for certain individuals to get this type of attention and curriculum and skills that they need, said Autumn Edwards, a Head Start parent.

Morrison-Frichtl said the loss in funding impacts Head Starts two-generational program: Young students and their families.

We serve children with disabilities. so its an inclusive environment, Morrison-Frichtl said. We serve children and families that might not speak English. We have dual-language learners and we provide translation. All of that is at stake.

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The biggest thing Ive noticed is the social exposure. (My son has) gotten a lot of exposure to other children, and thats helped him develop his skills to be around other kids and proper manners, etiquette and all that stuff, Edwards said.

If Head Starts funding is cut, Morrison-Frichtl said the impact would be felt nearly instantly.

All of our programs are a little bit different, Morrison-Frichtl said. Some of them would tell me, Were done now, within a day or two after the funding ends.'

In a time of uncertainty, though, Morrison-Frichtl is trying to remain optimistic.

Well be here in August. Well open our doors, and we will be here, Morrison-Frichtl said.

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Head Start serves more than 28,000 students across Illinois. If Head Start is eliminated, more than 9,000 jobs would be impacted.

For more information about Illinois Head Start, visit here.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- The 49th Annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service will be held today to honor law enforcement officers killed in Illinois in the line of duty, including nine who died during 2024.

Ashes of former Mt. Carmel firefighter allegedly stolen in burglary

The ceremony will be held at the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial Sculpture on the Illinois State Capitol grounds in Springfield. For the first time, K-9 partners killed in the line of duty will also be recognized. This annual ceremony honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. Every man and woman in this difficult and dangerous profession knows the risks they face every time they put on the badge. Like their human partners, the faithful dogs who serve in the police K-9 units are also brave public servants who sometimes pay the ultimate price to keep citizens safe, says Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Chris Southwood. As a former K-9 officer myself, Im proud and humbled to recognize the sacrifices made by all who serve in law enforcement.

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The nine law enforcement officers and three K-9 partners who died in the line of duty during 2024 who will be honored during todays ceremony, are as follows:

Deputy Christina Musil, Dekalb County Sheriffs Department: March 29

Sergeant Andrew J. Faught, Illinois Department of Corrections: April 8

Officer Luis Miguel Huesca, Chicago Police Department: April 21

Deputy Sheriff Rafael D. Wordlaw, Cook County Sheriffs Department of Corrections: July 30

Officer James B. Crowley, Chicago Police Department: August 22

Trooper Corey Steven Thompsen, Illinois State Police: October 18

Officer Enrique Martinez, Chicago Police Department: November 4

Detective Allan Marcus Reddins, Oak Park Police Department: November 29

Trooper Clay Matthew Carns, Illinois State Police: December 23

K-9 Partner Nyx, Rockford Police Department: January 28

K-9 Partner Dax, Lake County Sheriffs Office: April 12

K-9 Partner Odin, Alton Police Department: August 22

Todays observance will begin with a lineup of squad cars from around the state at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, followed by a procession to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a 9:30 a.m. memorial service. The procession will then travel to the State Capitol for the 11 a.m. ceremony.

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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.  What began as a solo act of protest on a sidewalk in Edwardsville is now drawing hundreds and the attention of Illinois top leaders.

Andi Smith never intended to start a movement. But after watching government programs get cut and agencies close, she said she could not stay silent any longer.

In an act of protest, she made a sign, stood alone on a stretch of South Buchanan Street and let her voice be heard.

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Day by day I was more and more upset, Smith said. I was watching government agencies being shuttered and programs being cut.

Before long, others began to join her. First a stranger. Then a few more.

By the end of March, nearly 300 people were lining the street each Friday, holding signs and chanting in solidarity, rain or shine.

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Among the growing crowd was Dr. Catherine Santanello, a local resident who found strength and hope in the movement.

I was just sitting at home watching the news, getting very upset, Santanello said. It felt so empowering to come out here and be with like-minded people.

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The groups concerns vary from threats to public lands and cuts to social services to reductions in federal jobs, but they are united in a call for action and accountability.

Their message has reached the states highest office. In a recent speech, Governor J.B. Pritzker highlighted Smith by name, encouraging others to follow her example.

Today I want to talk to you about those people, Pritzker said. I want their voices to be what we hear, their stories to be the ones that we tell. Andi Smith.

For now, the protesters say they plan to keep returning to that same stretch of street every Friday, standing side by side, pushing for change and hoping to inspire others across Illinois to do the same.

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CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  Two cases of measles have been confirmed in Cook County, according to health officials.

Authorities said a Cook County resident went to a hospital on Monday, April 28th, and was quickly isolated. Another individual was quarantined after traveling through OHare airport in early April.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are three confirmed cases in Illinois so far.

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Most people are vaccinated against measles in childhood.

According to IDPH, measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected with the measles virus. Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, life-long brain damage and death

Exposed individuals that are unvaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) should talk with their doctor about getting MMR vaccine. It is not harmful to get MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps, or rubella, and doing so may prevent severe measles if given early enough after exposure, the IDPH said.

As public health officials around the state continue to work diligently to guard against further spread of measles, we are reminded again that being fully immunized remains the best and most effective way for everyone to protect themselves and those they love, said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 800 measles cases have been confirmed in 2025.

As new cases pop up every week, at least 10 official outbreaks have occurred, according to the CDC. An outbreak is defined as three or more cases of measles that are related.

The largest known outbreak is in West Texas, where the case count nears 600, according to local health officials.

Last year, a measles outbreak was reported at a Chicago migrant shelter, prompting a response from the CDC, and subsequently spread to the suburbs.

If the spread of measles continues as it has been, the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status, a designation the country has had for 25 years.

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The CDC reports 96% of cases so far have been in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. The majority of those sickened have also been children.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  A bill that would ban Styrofoam containers in Illinois has passed the Senate and heads to the House.

Senate Bill 1531 would create a law banning disposable food containers composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam.

However, it would not prohibit the manufacture of disposable Styrofoam food containers for distribution or sale outside of Illinois.

The law would also exclude egg cartons.

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Styrofoam degrades slowly and is non-recyclable, and is said to leach from landfills and can contaminate drinking water.

If passed, the law would go into effect January 1st, 2030.

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  An Illinois State Senator is proposing a new bill thatll require specific facilities to have an AED on site.

Senator Doris Turner is hoping to get the lifesaving machines into nursing homes, assisted living centers, shared housing and other places. Theres a nursing home in Savoy that doesnt have any AEDs, however the nursing director at Clark-Lindsey in Urbana said they have more than 10.

U of I alum named USA Today Woman of the Year

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One patient who lives at the Urbana nursing home said thats what sparked his interest in staying there.

Well because you often dont have much time to respond to a heart attack, and if you dont have AEDs, sometimes you can do CPR, sometimes not, said patient Jim Wardrop. An AED is almost sure to do some good if its possible.

Current state law says physical fitness centers, police departments, public schools and a few other places are required to have AEDs inside their buildings.

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CHATHAM, Ill. (WGN)  Officials from the Illinois State Police announced Thursday the driver involved in a deadly crash that occurred earlier this week in Chatham, Illinois was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Officials addressed the media at a news conference and said the 44-year-old driver may have suffered a medical emergency when her vehicle crashed into the building in the 300 block of Breckenridge Road Monday. The building was the site of an after-school camp.

Three girls and one teen were killed. Those victims have been identified as 7-year-old Kathryn Corley, 7-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe, 8-year-old Ainsley Johnson and 18-year-old Rylee Britton.

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Previous Coverage: UPDATE: Two victims of Chatham crash released from hospital; four more remain

Six others people were injured and taken to the hospital.

The driver was not injured.

State Police said this does not appear to be a targeted attack, but the crash remains under investigation.

Officials said Thursday there have been no decisions regarding charges at this time.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  As storms moved through central Arkansas Wednesday, many trees were flattened leaving building and vehicles damaged.

Viewers from different central Arkansas, including Pulaski County, Polk County, Pope County, Garland County, Lonoke County and more sent in images of damage left from the April 30 storms.

Grannis Russellville Russellville Hot Springs Village Sherwood Sherwood Sherwood Sherwood Sherwood Cabot Lake Hamilton

The Arkansas Storm Team says there is a chance of spotty showers and potential storms Thursday, but most of the state will stay dry. Friday will bring a higher rain chance during the afternoon hours.

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Download the Arkansas Storm Team app

To make sure you are staying up-to-date with the forecast, download the Arkansas Storm Team app to get updates anywhere at any time.

To watch the latest video updates from the Arkansas Storm Team, you can check them out here.

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SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Lender Santander Brasil on Wednesday reported a 27.8% year-on-year rise in its first-quarter net profit, landing slightly ahead of market expectations despite what it called a more challenging global macroeconomic scenario.

Santander Brasil's bottom line for the period came in at 3.86 billion reais ($686.83 million), it said in a securities filing, while analysts polled by LSEG expected net income of 3.77 billion reais.

The result was roughly stable on a sequential basis, the company added.

The lender, a unit of Spain's Banco Santander, is usually the first major private bank in Brazil to publish quarterly results, setting the stage for peers such as Itau Unibanco and Bradesco.

The firm said the latest earnings reflect a strategy it has built over the past few years, being more selective in lending as credit conditions deteriorated.

"In credit, we are still focused on strategic businesses, keeping our strict discipline in capital allocation, while concentrating on higher profitability lines and good asset quality," Chief Executive Mario Leao said in a statement.

"In funding, we continue to make progress in our funding mix with a greater share of individual clients," he added.

Santander Brasil's net interest income - earnings on loans minus deposit costs - rose 7.7% in the first quarter to 15.92 billion reais, while its return on average equity (ROAE), a gauge of profitability, was up 3.3 percentage points to 17.4%.

Both, however, slowed slightly from the previous three-month period.

Allowance for loan losses rose 5.7% on a yearly basis to 6.39 billion reais, while the expanded loan portfolio was up 4.3% to 682.3 billion reais.

Leao said that 90-day non-performing loans remain under control and in line with the bank's target portfolio and the macroeconomic environment, adding that the lender continues "on the path of sustainable ROAE evolution".

Latin America's largest economy is a key market for Santander Brasil's Spanish parent, which reported its own results earlier in the day.

($1 = 5.6200 reais)

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Ed Osmond)
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently signed a bill into law that puts the right to abortion into the state constitution and removes a ban on using public funds to cover abortion care. Starting next year, state employees and those on Medicaid will have their care covered by their insurance.

Polis signed another bill that strengthens a 2023 law to protect out-of-state patients who come to Colorado for reproductive care. It also protects the out-of-state doctors who may have prescribed that care.

Colorado and neighboring New Mexico have become regional oases for women in need of reproductive care from Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Idaho, states where abortion has been banned.

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Oklahoma's Legislature, nearing the end of its 2025 session, has taken no action to modify one of the nation's strictest abortion laws, and time has all but run out. No one expected the heavily conservative Legislature to support any measure to make reproductive care in Oklahoma more accessible, but some expected more of a debate on the topic.

It may well be that supporters of a new law allowing abortions for a specified period of time or under particular circumstances have given up on the Legislature and are hoping to bypass the need for its approval by going directly to Oklahoma voters through a citizens' initiative.

Such a ballot initiative is being actively explored by a group called "repro46," which is working on a plan to reduce the government's involvement in Oklahoma women's reproductive care.

More: Meet the woman heading an effort to improve access to reproductive care in Oklahoma

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"Polls have been done, and they show consistently that a majority of Oklahomans support broader access to abortion care than the laws permit," said Janet Levit, repro 46's executive director.

"An even bigger majority believe that the politicians have overstepped and are trespassing on the freedom and autonomy of Oklahomans," Levit said. "Physicians involved in obstetrics and emergency room care are afraid to practice here because they might cross the wrong side of the line in our abortion laws. In addition to being a health issue, it's also an economic development issue because of the brain drain from states with abortion bans like Oklahoma."

Repro46 plans a series of meetings throughout the state to talk to potential voters and determine whether a direct vote of the people is worth a try.

Some potentially good news for such an effort was announced by NBC News just last week.

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NBC's polling shows that America's youngest generation, dubbed "Gen Z," has much more liberal views on a variety of political issues, including abortion.

Gen Z includes individuals born between 1996 and 2010, which makes them 15-29 years old today  some just entering the voting population (There's a younger "Generation Alpha," but they're not old enough yet to vote.)

Supporters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Boren assemble with their brooms at an Oklahoma City rally in 1974. The "Broom Brigade" slogan was used by Boren as a symbol of his pledge to clean up state government.

Gen Zers are often called "digital natives" because they grew up in a world already deeply integrated with the internet and social media.

NBC noted that only 20% of the young women in Gen Z identified as Republican, half as many as the men. While most Gen Z men said the economy was the issue that mattered most to them, the women said they were most concerned about threats to democracy.

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A significant number of the women  16%  said abortion was their top issue, compared with just 4% of the men.

It would be interesting to know whether repro46 will find the same focus on this issue when it meets with Gen Z women across Oklahoma.

More: OK's abortion ban leaves my patients without a plan and threatens doctors like me | Opinion

And it's hard to estimate how many would be potential voters if a citizens' initiative to give women more reproductive freedom ended up on the ballot in 2026.

But imagine the impact if a group of these young women were to band together into a Freedom Brigade and travel throughout the state asking voters to bypass the old, elephantine state Legislature!

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A far-fetched idea?

Almost 50 years ago another brigade set out to make political history in Oklahoma. It was the "Boren Broom Brigade," a group of campaigners armed with a distinctive campaign symbol. Their marches around the state helped carry to victory a 33-year-old state representative, David Boren, making him the nation's youngest governor at the time. A huge rally of more than 5,000 people carrying brooms was held on the steps of the state Capitol on the eve of the election.

A Gen Z brigade, of course, would have at its disposal a much more powerful weapon than a common broom.

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with social media, and its members are skilled at using it for information gathering and communications. Many are what we've come to regard as "influencers."

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Just what you need in a political campaign.

Bill Wertz

William C. Wertz is deputy Viewpoints editor. You can reach him with comments and story ideas at wwertz@oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: History shows a catchy campaign can overcome the status quo | Opinion
NEW DELHI (AP)  After days of intense firefights, Indian and Pakistani authorities said on Monday there were no reported incidents of firing overnight along the heavily militarized region between their countries, the first time in recent days that the two nations were not shooting at each other.

India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all military actions on land, in the air and at the sea, in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire to stop escalating hostilities between the two nuclear-armed rivals that threatened regional peace.

Within hours of the ceasefire announcement, however, militaries in both the countries accused each other of violations, raising fears if the agreement would hold.

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The militaries of India and Pakistan have been engaged in one of their most serious confrontations in decades since last Wednesday, when India struck targets inside Pakistan it said were affiliated with militants responsible for the massacre of 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month.

Pakistan denies any role in backing the militants who carried out the massacre.

The incident first led to a spat of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures by both the nations, sending their bilateral relations to a near historic low. The two expelled each other's diplomats, shut their airspace, land borders and suspended a crucial water treaty.

After India's Wednesday's strikes in Pakistan, both sides exchanged heavy fires along their de facto border in restive Kashmir region followed by missile and drone attacks into each other's territories, mainly targeting military installations and air bases.

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Senior military officials of India and Pakistan will speak over phone later Monday to asses where the ceasefire stands. As the world awaits what unfolds further, here's a look at multiple conflicts between the two countries since their bloody partition in 1947:

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1947  Months after British India is partitioned into a predominantly Hindu India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan, the two young nations fight their first war over control of Muslim-majority Kashmir, then a kingdom ruled by a Hindu monarch. The war killed thousands before ending in 1948.

1949  A U.N.-brokered ceasefire line leaves Kashmir divided between India and Pakistan, with the promise of a U.N.-sponsored vote that would enable the region's people to decide whether to be part Pakistan or India. That vote has never been held.

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1965  The rivals fight their second war over Kashmir. Thousands are killed in inconclusive fighting before a ceasefire is brokered by the Soviet Union and the United States. Negotiations in Tashkent run until January 1966, ending in both sides giving back territories they seized during the war and withdrawing their armies.

1971  India intervenes in a war over the independence of East Pakistan, which ends with the territory breaking away as the new country of Bangladesh. An estimated 3 million people are killed in the conflict.

1972  India and Pakistan sign a peace accord, renaming the ceasefire line in Kashmir as the Line of Contro. Both sides deploy more troops along the frontier, turning it into a heavily fortified stretch of military outposts.

1989  Kashmiri dissidents, with support from Pakistan, launch a bloody rebellion against Indian rule. Indian troops respond with brutal measures, intensifying diplomatic and military skirmishes between New Delhi and Islamabad.

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1999  Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri fighters seize several Himalayan peaks on the Indian side. India responds with aerial bombardments and artillery. At least 1,000 combatants are killed over 10 weeks, and a worried world fears the fighting could escalate to nuclear conflict. The U.S. eventually steps in to mediate, ending the fighting.

2016  Militants sneak into an army base in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least 18 soldiers. India responds by sending special forces inside Pakistani-held territory, later claiming to have killed multiple suspected rebels in surgical strikes. Pakistan denies that the strikes took place, but it leads to days of major border skirmishes. Combatants and civilians on both sides are killed.

2019  The two sides again come close to war after a Kashmiri insurgent rams an explosive-laden car into a bus carrying Indian soldiers, killing 40. India carries out airstrikes in Pakistani territory and claims to have struck a militant training facility. Pakistan later shoots down an Indian warplane and captures a pilot. He is later released, de-escalating tensions.

2025 Militants attack Indian tourists in the region's resort town of Pahalgam and kill 26 men, most of them Hindus. India blames Pakistan, which denies it. India vows revenge on the attackers as tensions rise to their highest point since 2019. Both countries cancel visas for each other's citizens, recall diplomats, shut their only land border crossing and close their airspaces to each other. New Delhi also suspends a crucial water-sharing treaty.

Days later, India strikes what it calls nine terror hideouts across Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir with precision missiles. Islamabad retaliates and fires missiles and swarms of drones across multiple northern and western Indian cities, targeting military installations and air bases. India then targets Pakistan's multiple air bases, radar systems and military installations. As the situation intensifies, U.S. holds talks with leadership of the two countries, and President Donald Trump announces a ceasefire has been reached.
By Tariq Maqbool, Shivam Patel and Tanvi Mehta

NEW DELHI/MUZAFFARABAD (Reuters) -India's foreign minister said he has told Secretary of State Marco Rubio that perpetrators of the deadly attack in Kashmir last week should be brought to justice, as the U.S. sought to calm tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

The U.S. said Rubio discussed the strained ties between the two neighbours in separate telephone calls on Wednesday, urging them to work with each other to "de-escalate tensions."

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He expressed support to India in combating extremism and urged Pakistan to cooperate in probing the attack that killed 26 people, the State Department said.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in a post on X that he told Rubio "perpetrators, backers and planners" of the April 22 attack "must be brought to justice".

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the U.S. to press India to "dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly," according to a statement from his office.

On Thursday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by phone, and told him that "Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations," Singh's office posted on X.

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"Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S. stands in solidarity with India and supports India's right to defend itself," it said.

Islamist assailants attacked a meadow teeming with tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam area last week, segregated men, asked their names and shot Hindus at close range, officials and survivors said. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

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.

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan, although each controls only a part of the Himalayan region. They have fought two wars over Kashmir and New Delhi accuses Pakistan of supporting and funding an anti-government uprising in Indian Kashmir that started in 1989 but has now waned.

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Pakistan says it only offers diplomatic and moral support to a Kashmiri demand for self-determination.

SEMINARIES CLOSED

The old rivals have taken measures against each other since the Pahalgam attack, with India putting a critical river water sharing treaty in abeyance. Both have closed their airspace to each other's airlines.

Troops from the two sides have exchanged small arms fire across their frontier for the past seven nights, but no casualties have been reported so far, India has said.

Pakistan did not respond to a request for comment.

India's navy issued warnings for several firing drills in the Arabian Sea off the coasts of Maharashtra and Gujarat states. Gujarat shares a border with Pakistan.

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The navy did not respond to a request for comment on the warnings.

The government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir has closed all religious seminaries in the region for 10 days, officials said, citing fears they would be targeted by Indian strikes.

At a check-post in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a Reuters correspondent saw several tourist vehicles being turned back on the road to the Neelum valley, a picturesque tourist spot along the de facto border amid fears of an Indian incursion.

"Given some indications, we have not only stopped fresh travellers but we are also safely evacuating those who are already here," said Nadeem Ahmed Janjua, a local official.

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The head of the Pakistan-administered Kashmir called for international mediation and said his administration was preparing a humanitarian response in case of further escalation.

The United Nations has asked both countries to avoid confrontation. China, a key player in the region, had earlier this week urged them to exercise restraint.

Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his military chiefs that they have the freedom to decide the country's response to the Pahalgam attack, a government source said. Pakistan says military action by India was imminent.

(Reporting by Shivam Patel and Tanvi Mehta in New Delhi, Tariq Maqbool in Muzaffarabad; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, YP Rajesh and Ros Russell)
AHMEDABAD, India (AP)  Its a little past 10 a.m. and the heat is already blazing on the outskirts of the Western Indian city of Ahmedabad.

Sapnaben Chunara, a 30-year-old mother of three, has just finished her morning chores. She seeks respite from the heat in the shade of a neem tree, a species that can withstand high temperatures and drought.

Chunara spends most of the day outdoors in Vanzara Vas, a low-income neighborhood of about 800 families, because her tin-roofed house is even hotter. Indoor temperatures can be even higher, especially when outside they climb above 40 degrees Celsius (104 F).

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That was once rare but now happens regularly. And this year, high heat started three weeks earlier than in previous years, touching 43 degrees Celsius (109.40 F) in early April.

Sometimes it gets so hot, I cant think straight, said Chunara, sporting a black smartwatch that contrasts sharply with her colorful bangles and sari.

Chunara is one of 204 residents of Vanzara Vas given the smartwatches for a year-long study to find out how heat affects vulnerable communities around the world. The watches measure heart rate and pulse and track sleep, and participants get weekly blood pressure checks.

Researchers also painted some roofs with reflective paint to reduce indoor heat and will compare them to homes without so-called cool roofs using indoor heat sensors. Along with the smartwatches, this will help them understand how much cool roofs can help poor households deal with Indias scorching summers.

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Chunara, whose home didn't get a cool roof, said she's happy to participate by wearing the watch, confident the results will help her family, too.

"They might paint my roof as well and they might be able to do something that helps all of us in this area cope with the heat better, Chunara said.

Killer heat is the new normal

Cities like Ahmedabad have always had hot summers, but now they're nearing the threshold beyond which exposure for more than a few hours can be fatal.

In the summer of 2010, the city witnessed nearly 1,300 excess deaths  how many more people died than would be expected  which experts found were most likely due to high temperatures.

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An increasingly hot planet, due largely to burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas that release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, means already hot regions are getting even worse.

A 2023 study estimated that if the global mean temperature continues to rise to just under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), there would be a 370% rise in heat-related deaths around the world and most would happen in South and Southeast Asia and Africa.

This is a big concern, and it also shows the heat divide between the poor and wealthy, said Abhiyant Tiwari, a climate expert with NRDC India and part of the group conducting the research in Ahmedabad.

Following the 2010 tragedy, city officials, with help from public health and heat experts, devised an action plan to warn citizens when the heat is at dangerous levels and prepare city hospitals to respond rapidly to heat-related illness. The plan has been replicated across India and other parts of South Asia.

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The last two years have been the worlds hottest ever, and researchers hope their work can provide an additional line of defense for those who bear the brunt of increasing heat.

Finding solutions to deal with heat

The Ahmedabad study is only one part of a global research project examining how heat is affecting poor, vulnerable communities in four cities across the world. Researchers also are measuring heat impacts using smartwatches and other devices in Africa's Burkina Faso, the Pacific island of Niue near New Zealand and in the Sonoran desert region in Mexico.

More than 1.1 billion people  about one-eighth of the world's population  live in informal settlements and poor neighborhoods that are particularly vulnerable, said Aditi Bunker, environmental health researcher associated with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and Heidelberg University, Germany, who is leading the global project.

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Climate change and heat are ravaging populations. And now the question comes, what are we doing to address this? she said, referring to the motivation behind the research.

In Ahmedabad, Bunker, along with researchers at the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, is constantly collecting relevant health data.

If they find that cool roofs effectively reduce indoor heat, they plan to paint the roofs of all the homes. Researchers hope their study leads to more use of solutions like cool roofs for poor, vulnerable populations around the world  and that policymakers will factor in such solutions when deciding how their countries and communities can adapt to increasing heat exposure.

For now, Vanzara Vas residents like Chunara and her neighbor, Shantaben Vanzara, said they will take any help they can get. Shantaben Vanzara said the heat has made her diabetes worse, but being part of the study has provided her family some respite. We dont get to sleep because of the heat," she said. "After the roof got painted, we can sleep for a few hours a night at least.

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Chunara said temperatures used to be predictable.

Now we dont know when or what will happen, she said. The only thing that we know for sure is that the heat is getting worse every year.

___

This report has been edited to correct the name of NRDC India, previously incorrectly given as the Natural Resources Defense Council.

___

Follow Sibi Arasu on X at @sibi123

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Health officials in India are investigating reports that hundreds of children were served food that had contained a dead snake at a school last week.

More 100 children who consumed the contaminated lunch meals fell ill in the town of Mokama, CNN affiliate CNN News 18 reported. At least two dozen students were hospitalized on April 24.

A school cook dished out the meals after they had removed the snake remains, according to the countrys National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), citing local media.

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Reportedly, the cook served the food to the children after removing a dead snake from it, the commission said in a statement.

Some of the children showed symptoms of dizziness and vomiting, the commission said. The health scare sparked furor among villagers, who blocked a local highway in protest.

The NHRC issued a two-week deadline to police in Bihar for a report on the incident, calling for an urgent update on the health status of the children.

The reports if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the students, the commission added.

India runs the worlds largest free school meal scheme, as a way of providing better nutrition and keeping children in education.

In 2013, pesticides in such meals killed at least 23 students, prompting the government to improve safety standards.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The last Wednesday of April is recognized as Denim Day. People are encouraged to wear denim and raise awareness about sexual violence.

Indiana State University held an event recognizing Denim Day and educating students about the importance of this issue. There were various campus organizations and community partners there, including Union Health, Council on Domestic Abuse, university police, and the Indiana University Office of Equal Opportunity and Title 9. Organizers hope events like these show survivors they have support.

We want to create that visibility around sexual assault because it happens to so many people, and so many people are not willing to come forward because maybe theyre afraid to be believed or theyre scared or whatever the reasons might be, said Olivia Finley, the Deputy Title 9 Coordinator with ISU. Denim Day is a way to show support for those individuals for survivors as well as spread education and awareness.

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Denim Day started in 1999 and is recognized every year all over the world. More information and resources can be found at this link.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Provisions quietly added to the final draft of the next state budget give Gov. Mike Braun control over who sits on the Indiana University Board of Trustees. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

A coalition of ranking Indiana University alumni voiced alarm and anger Wednesday to new state policy that eliminates alumni input in the selection of university trustees and instead gives decision-making power over the boards membership to the governor.

The letter signed by 26 former chairs of the Board of Managers for IUs Alumni Association was in response to provisions that were quietly added to the final draft of the next state budget giving Gov. Mike Braun full control over the membership of IUs board of trustees. The Board of Managers is the supervisory panel for the universitys alumni association.

Gov. Mike Braun answers reporter questions after an event to celebrate his first 100 days in office held Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Separately, the board of trustees serves as the governing body for the states largest postsecondary institution.

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Under current law, Indianas governor appoints five members to IUs board and picks one student representative with the help of a student-led committee. Three other members must be IU graduates and are elected by other alumni.

This short-sighted act, written in a cowardly way so as to prohibit public discussion, tells our alumni that their voices through the ballot box are less important than that of one person who will do the choosing in the future, alumni wrote. Four of the letters signatories additionally served terms as board trustees.

Trustees are not elected due to their politics but for their beliefs about improving and strengthening the quality of education for students and operating the university in a fiscally sound manner, the letter continued. If disenfranchised from voting, how would alumni ever feel they have a voice in the affairs of the university in other ways? Why would they ever want to provide any support?

Braun defended the policy move, emphasizing to reporters Wednesday afternoon that just 1.7% of IU alumni participated in past votes to elect trustees.

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It wasnt representative. It enabled a clique of a few people to actually determine three board members. And I dont think that is real representation, Braun said. If it was more broadly ascribed to, it would be different.

Story continues below.

Governor&PresidentLetter

He said the language came collectively from folks in the legislature while legislative leaders refused to say who requested it.

All the other universities seem to have more value in terms of the education theyre giving us for the cost, and those three trustees that were being arranged by just a small percentage of alumni didnt make sense, Braun said.

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The provision slipped into the new state budget stipulates that all nine members are to be appointed by the governor. Another section gives the governor authority to, at any time, remove and replace a board member who was previously elected by the IU alumni.

Braun says hell keep current board members

If the governor swaps a member out, the new appointee serves until the expiration of the term of the replaced member. Otherwise, any of the existing members elected by IU alumni are allowed to serve out the rest of their term.

The governor suggested Wednesday that he will retain the boards three sitting alumni appointees and allow them to serve out the rest of their terms.

Trustees are not elected due to their politics but for their beliefs about improving and strengthening the quality of education for students and operating the university in a fiscally sound manner.

 an April 30 letter signed by 26 ranking Indiana University alumni

I dont think their terms are that far away from expiring, Braun said. I havent thought about anything other than  you cant imagine the number of people that are interested in being a trustee at IU.

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Other new rules require that at least five of the members appointed to the board must be alumni, and five must be residents of Indiana.

The provisions did not appear in previous versions of the state budget.

When questioned about the last-minute move by lawmakers to approve the language, Braun held that some things, yes, maybe should go through committee and so forth. But he did not make clear whether the IU provision should have been more thoroughly  or publicly  vetted.

You look at all the other things we did  I mean, they were up until two in the morning to get it done, and there was a lot of significant legislation that crossed the finish line, the governor said. You know why that happened? You can ask any legislator  even the ones that didnt come along with us  this is the most anybody from the second floor has been dealing with the third floor in a long, long time.

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I dont know how much Mitch did it back then, but we were wearing (lawmakers) out in a good way. We were there talking to them, Braun said, referring to former Gov. Mitch Daniels. And I think that was welcomed. Theyre going to have a partner on the second floor thats interested in really working with them to take Indiana into places I think we can go that no one imagined before.

How trustees are chosen

At present, all IU trustees serve three-year terms, except the student member whose term lasts just two years.

The new provisions shorten student terms to one year and sets a three-term limit on appointed board members.

No other university boards were altered by the latest budget language.

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How trustees are selected at other Hoosier colleges and universities varies somewhat  but like IU, others have also traditionally allowed alumni to have a say on one or more members.

At Purdue University, for example, three of the 10 board members are elected by the schools alumni association, one of whom must be a graduate of the College of Agriculture. The governor appoints the remaining seven members, including a student trustee.

When it comes to our flagship university, I wish it was paying more attention to what the other flagship university was doing, Braun said, referring to Purdue University. (Purdue) is giving Hoosiers real value by keeping tuition and room and board to where you can afford it. And even though some of our other universities have done it, thats the only place that initiated it, and that was done many years ago.

The governor said he wants better value for Hoosier parents, noting that only half of Indianas high school graduates go on to college, and many of those dont make it to the finish line.

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Theyve lost time, and theyre taking debt along, Braun said. I think Indiana (University) needs to look at how theyre producing degrees that are more marketable, that theyre lined up with where the high-demand, high wages are in our own state economy, and start running (the school) in a way thats more efficient.

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Protesters gathered Thursday at the Indiana Statehouse for a May Day rally in opposition of the Trump Administration.
By Ananda Teresia and Stanley Widianto

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's parliament is set to agree next week to ratify an agreement made with Vietnam that sets the boundaries of their exclusive economic zones in the contested South China Sea, a lawmaker said on Thursday.

The South China Sea is a strategic waterway that has been a source of tension between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours, disrupting fishing and energy exploration in the area.

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Nico Siahaan, a lawmaker in the parliamentary commission overseeing the agreement, told Reuters the parliament and the government would formally agree to ratify it on Monday, with the actual ratification set for that week or the following week.

The agreement, signed in 2022 after more than a decade of negotiations, determines the coordinates of the two nations' EEZs at sea. The Vietnamese parliament also needs to ratify the deal.

Indonesia hopes it could reduce encroachments by Vietnamese fishermen in its waters, a frequent source of tension.

Hikmahanto Juwana, an Indonesian international law expert who was consulted by the parliament last week, told Reuters on Thursday the agreement means the two countries are ignoring China's claims in the sea.

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China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam, and waters off Indonesia's Natuna Islands.

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled that China's claims have no basis under international law. China does not recognise the ruling, and insists it operates lawfully in its territory.

Indonesia's deputy foreign minister, Arif Havas Oegroseno, told Reuters on Wednesday that the agreement would provide legal boundaries for fishermen and clearly define relations between the two countries at sea.

"To Indonesia, as an archipelago with a lot of neighbours, ideally sea borders are done. So we have a legal certainty: where we can make patrols, drill oil," he said.

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Indonesia's signing of a maritime deal with China last year sparked controversy, with analysts saying it could be interpreted as a change in Jakarta's long-held stance as a non-claimant state in the South China Sea.

Indonesia's foreign ministry has repeatedly said the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and has no overlapping jurisdiction with China.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia and Stanley Widianto; Editing by John Mair)
Noel Johansen, a prolific TV actor who has appeared in several Hallmark movies, tearfully paid tribute to his wife Jenifer Darbellay at a vigil held in memory of victims killed in an attack at a Vancouver street festival Saturday.

Darbellay, an artist and costumer for theater and films including The Assassination of Jesse James, died when a driver with a history of mental illness rammed into the crowded Lapu Lapu festival celebrating Filipino culture. She was one of 11 people who died as a result of their injuries in the attack. Johansen and their 7-year-old daughter were also injured.

The actor, who has appeared in Reunited at Christmas and Fargo, spoke on crutches at the vigil Monday about his wife, who was mother to their children Darby and Ford.

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What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because whats inside my heart is broken. Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident, Johansen said in a video posted by Global News Canada.

She never celebrated herself in her life. She never thought of herself, she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach, he said. And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her.

So dont be small in life. Be big, reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have  and please remember us who went through this.

A GoFundMe for the family posted by a friend described Darbellay as one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice.

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Johansen, who holds Canadian, American and British citizenship, also appeared in When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, Harvest Love and Home for Christmas Day.

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Key Takeaways

Sherwin-Williams exceeded earnings expectations on higher prices and lower costs, although revenue missed estimates.

The gains for the paint and coatings manufacturer came from higher sales at its Paint Stores Group.

Sherwin-Williams shares moved into positive territory for 2025 following the report.







Sherwin-Williams (SHW) shares jumped after the maker of paints and other industrial products exceeded profit estimates on high prices and reduced expenses.

The company posted first-quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.25 on revenue that declined 1% year-over-year to $5.31 billion. Analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha expected $2.16 and $5.39 billion, respectively.

Sherwin-Williams credited the strong profit to "higher selling prices in the Paint Stores Group and effective cost control." Sales at the Paint Stores Group rose 2% to $2.94 billion. Consumer Brands Group sales fell 6% to $762.2 million, and they dropped nearly 5% to $1.60 billion at the Performance Coatings Group.

"In a demand environment that remained choppy as we anticipated, Sherwin-Williams continued to execute our strategy and delivered solid first quarter results driven by gross margin expansion and good cost control," CEO Heidi Petz said.

The company anticipates full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $11.65 to $12.05, with the midpoint matching the Visible Alpha outlook of $11.85.

The news sent shares of Sherwin-Williams up nearly 5% and into positive territory for the year.



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ST. LOUIS  The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department announced that one of their officers who was injured last week has been released from the hospital.

The officer, whose name has not been released, suffered from a serious leg injury on April 24. Police say he was on his way to assist with the arrest of a suspect involving a stolen vehicle when his vehicle was involved in an accident at N. Vandeventer and Bell avenues.

At the time of the incident, he was transported to the hospital with serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.

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Thursday, SLMPD said he was discharged from the hospital. His next steps are to go to a rehabilitation facility as he continues to recover.

We appreciate everyones wishes for his speedy recovery. Please continue to pray for him  he has a long road to recovery ahead, a statement from SLMPD 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 FOX 2.
Venezuelan migrants held at a detention center in Texas spelled out the distress signal SOS with their bodies while awaiting deportation by Donald Trumps administration.

Thirty-one detainees being held at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson and dressed in red and orange jumpsuits came together on Monday to spell out the letters, as a Reuters drone flew overhead. The stunt was to protest against their incarceration by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials and appeal for help.

The secure facility, lying 200 miles west of Dallas, has been used to house suspected illegal immigrants from Central America, many of whom the administration has accused of belonging to the notorious Tren de Aragua criminal gang, although in most cases they and their families have denied having any association with the group.

Venezuelan detainees forming the letters 'SOS' with their bodies in the courtyard at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson, Texas (Paul Ratje/Reuters)

A drone flew overhead to capture the protest (Paul Ratje/Reuters)

Reuters reports that 10 days prior to the SOS stunt, on April 18, many of the detainees were formally accused of belonging to the gang and informed they would be deported under the Alien Enemies Act 1798. The act was last used to detain Japanese-Americans as a precaution after the bombing of Pearl Harbor during the Second World War.

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Seven inmates interviewed by the news agency said they had denied the gang affiliation allegation and refused to sign documentation with which they were presented.

They were nevertheless loaded onto a bus destined for nearby Abilene Regional Airport a few hours later, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, only for the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and temporarily block the administrations planned flights, causing the deportees to be returned to Bluebonnet.

Should the court lift its ban, the men being held at Anson could yet be sent to the already-infamous CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador, which has taken delivery of an estimated 137 people deported by the Trump administration so far.

Detainees are awaiting deportation under Donald Trumps crackdown (Paul Ratje/Reuters)

Detainees waving at the drone flying over the courtyard (Paul Ratje/Reuters)

Among their number is Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man whose cause became a cause celebre and who was visited by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen last month to draw attention to his plight.

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The administration has continued to pursue its aggressive mass deportation policy despite growing hostility over its perceived injustices, with stories emerging about the likes of Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal, a two-year-old marooned in foster care without her parents, which have only served to invite further criticism.

The Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson, Texas (Paul Ratje/Reuters)

President Trump himself, his border czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have nevertheless remained defiant, continuing to push hardline anti-migrant rhetoric rather than bow to pressure.

Earlier this week, the administration triumphantly lined the north grounds of the White House with mugshots of people it had deported as part of its crackdown.

Each poster featured the word ARRESTED above the subjects face and listed the crime of which they had been accused but recognized each person only as illegal alien, rather than by giving their name.
The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center  the southern DeKalb County facility colloquially known as Cop City  officially opened its doors Tuesday after four contentious years of development.

The 85-acre campus will serve as the training grounds for the citys police and firefighters, yet it has received strong pushback due to its environmental impact, $67 million taxpayer price tag, and prospect of police militarization being used against Black citizens.

We need this training center so that we can better service you, Roderick Smith, chief of Atlanta Fire and Rescue, said during a December media tour of Cop City. No matter what stories youve heard about whats going on or whats transpiring here, weve been very transparent about what this facility means to each department and what services we intend to provide.

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Cop City was first announced in April 2021 by then-Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as a means of increasing morale and improving retention among Atlanta police officers following a wave of protests during summer 2020.

Activists began organizing to oppose the facility almost immediately, but Stop Cop City  a movement of racial and environmental justice activists  received national and international attention after Georgia Bureau of Investigation SWAT shot and killed 26-year-old Manuel Tortuguita Paez Teran there on the morning of Jan. 18, 2023. The unit was raiding South River Forest to clear out activists known as forest defenders who were camping in the woods adjacent to where the facility is now located.

The shooting spurred protests in downtown Atlanta that led Gov. Brian Kemp to declare a state of emergency. Local elected officials who sought to delegitimize the movement labeled people affiliated with Stop Cop City as domestic terrorists and outside agitators.

Despite Stop Cop City gaining momentum, particularly on local college campuses, the political will to move forward with the facility never faltered.

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In June 2023, Stop Cop City launched the Cop City Vote campaign with the support of organizations like Working Families Power, Community Movement Builders, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

The campaign collected more than 100,000 signatures with the goal of putting the controversial training center on the ballot. Despite support for the referendum from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, former state Rep. Stacey Abrams, and Bernice King, the city refused to count the signatures to determine if enough had been gathered to force a vote.

Mayor Andre Dickens has been a staunch supporter of the facility, asserting that more training is necessary to reduce instances of police brutality.

Now that the training center is open, activists say they remain committed to fighting against the trend of increased spending on policing and decreased spending on public services.

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Our fight isnt over until Cop City falls and Atlanta reallocates funding towards services that actually keep our communities safe, reads a press release from The Peoples Campaign to Stop Cop City, which held a press conference at Jackson Street Bridge on Tuesday. Cop City may be built, but Atlantans resistance remains as strong and determined as ever.

Capital B Atlanta toured Cop City in December for an inside look at the training center. This is what we saw.

Mounted patrol facility

Lt. Greg Lyon, commander of the mounted patrol, talks with the media. The horse stables that were previously located in Grant Park have been moved to the new training center.

Mock city

The name Cop City nods to the mock city that includes a fake gas station/convenience store, school/apartment building, and two-story home where police and SWAT officers will practice conducting raids and responding to hostage situations and active shooter threats.

Walking trail

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Atlanta Police Chief Administrative Officer Marshall Freeman stands in front of the greenspace that will become a 0.9-mile walking trail that is open to the public.

Education center

Police and fire recruits will take public safety courses in the main classroom building, which also has a community space designated for local groups like neighborhood watch to hold meetings.

Emergency vehicle operations course

Recruits, officers, and firefighters will practice driving squad cars, fire trucks, or motorcycles.

Mock fire station

ABOVE: Atlanta Fire and Rescue Chief Roderick Smith stands in front of the mock fire station at the training center. BELOW: In the six-story burn tower, firefighters will practice rescues in full gear and conditions that simulate a house fire.

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The post Inside Cop City: What Atlantas Controversial Training Center Looks Like appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
Credit: Susie Coen for The Telegraph

The collective hum of hundreds of sewing machine needles ploughing through fabric pierces the air as the prisoners get to work.

The factory floor is a sea of yellow uniforms worn by the 2,500 prisoners  and the thousands more they are stitching together.

At Centro Industrial prison in Santa Ana, the low-security jail where Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the El Salvadorian man mistakenly deported from the US, is being held, prisoners are referred to as trusted inmates and given jobs based on their skills in a bid to prepare them to reintegrate into society.

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When The Telegraph visited the prison on Monday morning, there were just a handful of armed guards at the prison, a stark contrast to Cecot, the high-security prison Mr Abrego Garcia was originally sent to where bare-chested inmates with shaved heads are crammed into cells.

Away from the assembly line, trusted inmates in Centro Industrial are tasked with rearing cattle for dairy products, preparing food in the industrial kitchen or painting pictures for public offices.

Credit: Susie Coen for The Telegraph

Some are part of the chess team  and are able to reduce their sentences by spending days practising for competitions on the bank of computers  while others can build furniture for schools and hospitals.

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Following a wave of gang violence in 2022, Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, declared a temporary state of emergency in the Central American country and waived key constitutional rights.

The government arrested some 85,000 people  more than 1 per cent of the countrys population  a crackdown which has fuelled a wave of human rights criticisms.

The mass imprisonment of suspected criminals 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  allegations the government refutes.

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But Santa Ana is one of the countrys good prisons, according to Ingrid Escobar, a lawyer for the nongovernmental legal organisation Socorro Juridico Humanitario.

In Santa Ana people dont die, they are not starving, its a good prison... they respect human rights, Ms Escobar said.

Centro Industrial is vastly different from Cecot, El Salvadors mega-prison where alleged gang members are held - AFP

The Telegraph was granted access to the prison in a choreographed tour during which we were not able to visit the prisons dormitories and were only permitted to speak to people selected by the director.

None of the prisoners The Telegraph spoke to had heard of Mr Abrego Garcia or knew of any new prisoners who had arrived after being deported from the US.

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The Trump administration has insisted that Mr Abrego Garcia is a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, but Gustavo Villatoro, El Salvadors justice minister, says he is being held at Santa Ana because they have not been given proof he is a gang member.

Gabriel Sanchez, 33, who was offered up for an interview, works as a supervisor on the factory floor building furniture.

Sanchez has served five years of his eight-year sentence for theft and hopes to be released next year. He said the prison is not for gangsters.

Mr Abrego Garcia entered the US illegally 14 years ago and was living in Maryland with his wife and children

Speaking as his fellow inmates welded and bent metal around him, he said: We are normal people, we are common people, its not things like a big sentences of prison, just small, like me, eight years.

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He added: I am happy because the president Nayib Bukele gave us the opportunity to be a better person and gave us an opportunity to work.

Sanchez, who said he has had no contact with his family since he entered the prison system five years ago, said: No one can speak with our families... Its hard but its the process.

Outside on the dairy farm, where the prisoners look after 200 cows, Francisco Antonio Reyes Castillo, 32, bottle feeds a two-month-old calf who is struggling to latch on to its mother.

Credit: Susie Coen for The Telegraph

He has spent 12 years in prison for robbery, and is hoping to be released this year or next.

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I have been working with cattle since I was a child... When I arrived they asked what my skills were and they gave me the opportunity to work here. Im passionate about this work, he said.

In the kitchen, a conveyor belt of prisoners wearing black hats and face masks are busy making dinner for the 8,500 inmates.

One group flips tortillas, while another chops peppers and onions.

Credit: Susie Coen for The Telegraph

Samuel Diaz, the prisons director, says the changes among inmates are tremendous with some returning to the prison to work once they have been released.

While inside the prison it appears to be a well-oiled machine, with prisoners chosen to speak to The Telegraph insisting they are well treated, the families outside who have had no contact with their children describe it as torture.

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As you drive out of the prison, plastic packages from the families of residents containing food and work clothes are piled up, the inmates names written on masking tape.

Around 100 metres down the road, businesses have cropped up selling care packages for inmates which include everything from food to work boots.

Samuel Diaz, the prisons director, says the changes among inmates are tremendous - Victor Raison

Among those buying supplies was Blanca Benitez (not her real name), who says her son, 23, was imprisoned three years ago because he did not have his ID on him.

She says he was transferred to Santa Ana from another prison one week ago, and has not had a court hearing. They have had no contact.

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She had made the six-hour journey from her home to the prison to buy her son a care package which includes clothes, soup, shampoo and food.

He didnt have any bad conduct, he always went to work, and came back to the house, she claimed, becoming tearful as she sits on a bench waiting for her package to be prepared.

The worst is not knowing how he is doing, she adds.

I have no more joy in me because when its time for dinner, for lunch, my son is in here, Im unable to work and I miss my son and I have no more joy.

Prisoners learn new skill such as using sewing machines

Ms Benitez, 47, encapsulates the mixed feelings many families feel towards Mr Bukele and his government  on the one hand they can breathe again from the fear of gang violence, but their loved ones have been swept up in the mass arrests.

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Ms Benitez says Mr Bukeles crackdown has been good because theres no more danger like before... But in the case of innocents, like my son... its not just my son, theres a lot of innocents that are unfairly in jail.

Mr Villatoro said the prisoners are under the judicial system and a judge must decide if they are innocent or guilty.

It has to be the judge who took the decision. It is not about [what] the NGO says, its not about [what] the family says... this is about our judicial system... we have to respect our judicial system.

Chris Van Hollen, a US Senator, meets with Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador

Noah Bullock, executive director for human rights group Cristosal, says its easy to do a prison visit that shows one face of a prison from a human rights perspective.

He added: There are certain standards to be able to comply, or to be able to say that we were able to have an independent verification mission, that would mean that youre able to interview prisoners without the presence of other guards... I dont think you have any hope that you would be able to achieve an independent verification mission to a prison in El Salvador.

Wendy Ramos, a spokesman for El Salvadors presidency, said: There is some new media that are saying that the population in prison are tortured, their human rights are not respected, theres a lack of food... the media that are saying this never came here.

Mr Diaz said: You saw with your own eyes nobody is afraid to talk to you. You can see the physical aspects of the people  theyre not ill, theyre not bony or sad.

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Nayib Bukele, El Salvadors millennial president, has in recent months forged a burgeoning and controversial bromance with Donald Trump.

Long a darling of some on the global right for his draconian anti-gang policies and tech bro aura, his international celebrity reached new heights this year after he struck a deal with the US president to lock up illegal migrants deported from the US at his notorious Cecot mega-prison.

Although there has been a marked lack of transparency from the White House, the Trump administration is reported to be paying anywhere from $6 million to $15 million (4.5 million to 11.3 million) to El Salvador to hold the deportees.

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The deal came despite Mr Trump last year accusing the Salvadorian head-of-state  without proof  of deliberately sending notorious Mara gangsters to the United States to wreak havoc.

However, earlier this month, at a meeting in the Oval Office, the president heaped praise on Mr Bukele.

I have a great relationship with this man, he said, adding: I have the best relationship with him.

At the root of the two strongmens growing friendship is their shared goal of industrial scale incarceration of suspected violent criminals with allegedly little or no due process.

Suspected gang members deported from the US arrive in El Salvador by plane - Anadolu

Mr Bukeles approach in El Salvador, where he has locked up 80,000 suspected gang members, is now a perfect match for Mr Trumps aggressive push for mass deportation of illegal migrants, many of whom he labels dangerous criminals.

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During the April Oval Office meeting, Mr Bukele was asked about returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a married father living illegally in the US whom the Trump administration admitted deporting by mistake, while insisting that he is linked to the notorious MS13 gang. Mr Abrego Garcia denies these links.

Mr Bukele backed Mr Trump to the hilt.

The question is preposterous, he said. I hope youre not suggesting that I smuggle a terrorist into the United States.

How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course Im not going to do it.

His public display of loyalty to the US president highlights a fundamental tension in the Salvadorians self-branding  one that once again shines a spotlight on Mr Trumps favouring of autocratic, sometimes brutal geopolitical allies.

Inmates suspected of belonging to the MS13 and 18 gangs are rounded up and sent to Cecot prison - AFP

When you scratch beneath the surface of the 43-year-old former advertising executives claims to represent a game-changing new paradigm of digital native, post-ideological statesmanship, critics say, you actually find a disturbingly familiar figure of Latin Americas turbulent history  the caudillo or strongman.

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Indeed, his claim to have no power over Mr Abrego Garcias fate was so improbable, according to Noah Bullock, an American human rights worker and missionary based in El Salvador, precisely because Mr Bukele now exercises absolute control over all state institutions.

Bukele and Trump both see themselves as disruptors of the rules-based world order, who dont want to be restricted by human rights standards. It is the absence of rule of law, adds Mr Bullock, who heads Cristosal, a Salvadoran charity.

The relationship is warming up now because Bukele is being completely submissive, Will Freeman, a Latin America fellow at the Council on Foreign relations, adds.

That subservience could be the result of compromising information Washington holds on Mr Bukele, he says, suggesting the pair are best described as frenemies.

Nayib Bukele greets supporters with his wife Gabriela Rodriguez de Bukele - Marvin Recinos/AFP

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, had inquired with Mr Bukele about the return of Mr Abrego Garcia but was rebuffed by El Salvador.

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When asked about the exchange, Mr Trump denied all knowledge.

The report came after The Telegraph revealed El Salvadors justice and security minister admitted he had no evidence Mr Abrego Garcia is affiliated with the MS13 gang. Gustavo Villatoro also insisted in an exclusive interview that El Salvador would return him if Mr Trump asked.

The New York Times also reported that, prior to the mass deportation, Mr Bukele had asked for information about the detainees, and whether they definitely had gang links. As it stands, Mr Abrego Garcia remains in prison.

While Mr Bukeles principal achievement, taming  for now  the Mara gangs, has been a key talking point of the Trump administration, his methods have been heavily criticised.

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In 2021, the Biden administration officially blacklisted two of Mr Bukeles aides for striking a secret deal with jailed Mara leaders, including providing them with prostitutes and cell phones, in return for a halt to the gangs killing spree. The revelation was profoundly embarrassing for the president, undermining his potent political branding as a law-and-order hardliner.

More details about those illegal negotiations with some of the worlds most bloodthirsty organized crime groups were set to come out this year at the New York trial of a top Mara leader recently extradited from Mexico.

But the US Department of Justice suddenly dropped the prosecution and the White House deported the suspect, Cesar Humberto Lopez Larios, to El Salvador. Bukele was very focused on avoiding him testifying, Dr Freeman notes.

The Salvadorian presidents iron fist strategy to the gangs has seen one of the worlds most homicidal societies rapidly morph into a public safety oasis, ending the brutal, random bloodshed that ripped apart countless families and acted as a brake on the anaemic economy. It has also pushed Mr Bukeles approval to stratospheric levels, at times topping 90 per cent.

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But the policy has seen the suspension of constitutional rights and the jailing of thousands of innocent people, often at mass trials with little, and in some cases highly problematic, evidence.

Human Rights Watch accuses Mr Bukele of an assault on democratic institutions involving arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture.

Meanwhile, Mr Bukeles handling of the economy, a fundamental issue in a country with per capita GDP of roughly 4,000, has been less than sure footed, especially his extravagant, some say grossly irresponsible, Bitcoin play.

Under Mr Bukele, San Salvador has purchased more than 6,000 Bitcoins, currently worth around 420 million. It even began building a grandiose Bitcoin city in a remote, impoverished coastal region, intended to become a global trading hub for the highly volatile cryptocurrency.

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But in January, the Bukele administration quietly reversed its monetary legislation, dropping the legal obligation to accept Bitcoin in El Salvador.

For now, Mr Bukele continues to bask in the attention of a host of mainly, but not exclusively, Right-wing admirers across the Americas  now including the US president and even more intensely some members of his inner circle.

How long the pairs somewhat transactional relationship will last, however, remains to be seen.

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Shortly after sitting down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of Pope Francis funeral, Donald Trump was left with a lingering concern: perhaps Vladimir Putin was just tapping him along.

The second Trump-Zelensky meeting, by all accounts, was a much more positive affair than their notorious clash in the Oval Office in late February. And on Wednesday it appeared to pay off  with the U.S. and Ukraine finally signing a long-awaited minerals deal.

Now, insiders have revealed details of the Vatican exchange between the two world leaders, and how it may have helped create a diplomatic breakthrough and boost Ukraines fortunes in the ongoing war with Russia.

Donald Trump and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky were captured in remarkable photos deep in conversation (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office)

The setting for the two meetings could not have been more different. In February at the Oval Office, it looked as if Zelensky had wandered into enemy territory, Trump surrounded by his combative cabinet, and the worlds media hanging on every angry word. Tempers soon frayed as Ukraines leader was lambasted for everything from his appearance to his attitude.

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At the Popes funeral, perhaps inevitably, it was a much quieter and seemingly more respectful affair.

After a brief huddle with French President Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer, Trump and Zelensky spoke privately for around 15 minutes in St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican before attending the late pontiffs service on Saturday.

Unlike their first encounter, swarmed by top Trump officials, this time, they spoke alone.

Trump and Zelensky spoke for around 15 minutes in St. Peter's Basilica before the Popes funeral on Saturday (EPA)

Extraordinary photographs captured the leaders hunched forward, sitting mere inches apart inside the marble-clad Renaissance-style church as they discussed tactics to end Russias conflict with Ukraine.

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Good meeting, Zelensky posted on X after the meeting. We discussed a lot one on one.

The other noteworthy difference in Trump and Zelenskys more recent face-to-face - the absence of JD Vance. During the Oval Office clash, Vance had gone on the attack  accusing Ukraines leader of being disrespectful and setting the tone from what became an ugly encounter.

Sources told Axios that the two presidents struck a more positive tone without the U.S. vice president OR White House envoy Steve Witkoff sitting in the wings. The Ukrainians are said to see the latter duo as more supportive of Russias position.

The Vatican meeting was a stark contrast to their Oval Office clash, when JD Vance went on the attack (AP)

During the brief conversation, Zelensky urged Trump to take a tougher line with Vladimir Putin and push for a ceasefire, urging that the Russian president would not budge without the U.S. applying more pressure, sources said.

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One person with knowledge of the conversation noted that Trump responded that he may have to alter his approach to Putin.

Later Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to express fears that he was being played by the Russian leader and accused him of not wanting to stop the war. He questioned whether he should impose new sanctions on Moscow.

Trump reportedly agreed with Zelensky that an unconditional ceasefire should be the starting point for peace talks, one source added. The White House declined Axios request for comment.

After the initial ceasefire push failed in March, the Trump administration switched to pushing a peace deal framework. Zelensky rejected the proposal, in part, because it includes recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.

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During the Vatican meeting, the Ukrainian president reiterated that he wont recognize Crimea as Russian, one source said.

Zelensky was forced to defend himself in what felt like hostile territory (EPA)

The source said Trump replied that he wasn't asking him to, with the plan calling for U.S. recognition, not Ukrainian.

Zelensky allegedly told Trump he is not afraid of making concessions to end the war, provided appropriate security guarantees are put in place.

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal that appeared in tatters just months ago was revived, and Trump pressed Zelensky to sign as soon as possible, a source said.

I was telling him that it's a very good thing if we can produce a deal, that you sign it, because Russia is much bigger and much stronger, Trump told a NewsNation town hall over the phone Tuesday, a day before Washington and Kyiv struck a deal.

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Trump also revealed that part of the talks revolved around the U.S. being pressured to send more weapons to Ukraine.

He told me that he needs more weapons, but he's been saying that for three years, the president said. We're going to see what happens  I want to see what happens with respect to Russia.

However, Trump stated he was very disappointed with Putin for the bombing of those places after discussions.
An investigation continues Thursday after two people, including a child, were attacked by two dogs near a playground in New Hampshire on Wednesday.

Emergency crews responding to a report of an assault in progress in the area of 458 Lake Avenue in Manchester around 12:15 p.m. found an 8-year-old boy and a man who had been bitten by two dogs, according to authorities.

Matthew Buchan, who lives nearby, heard the childs cries for help and raced to the rescue.

He said he saw a pit bull and a Rottweiler attacking the 8-year-old.

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The Rottweiler had him by the arm, and the pit bull, like, looked at me, Buchan recalled. I hauled off and hit him. He came after me and I punched him, he came after me again and I punched him, and then he came from the other side and thats when he got me on my hand.

The child was rushed to Elliot Hospital with serious arm injuries. Buchan was also taken to the hospital for evaluation and will likely need surgery on his hand.

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The child was rushed to Elliot Hospital with serious arm injuries. Buchan was also taken to the hospital for evaluation and will likely need surgery on his hand.

It was a horrible situation, Buchan added.

Its unclear if the owner of the dogs will face charges in connection with the incident.

Police didnt release any additional details.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  With warmer temperatures ahead, many Siouxlanders will be spending their time outdoors at places like parks. Be careful where you step, though, because you might anger a goose.

If youve been out to a park lately, youve likely seen a couple of geese. Wildlife experts are reminding people to avoid getting too close.

Were getting several calls a day on the geese because theyre nesting right now, so theyre being seen more and theyre being seen more in the same spot, said Amanda Hase with Forever Wildlife Lodge & Clinic.

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When geese start nesting, the soon-to-be parents look for the most ideal spot.

North High School ProStart students host barbecue

Geese like short grass, and they love eating the fresh green shoots, said Stacey Bragg with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. So if you want geese around, keep mowing your grass because thats where theyre going to go.

However, some geese arent too picky about where they call home.

Ive actually seen them on the interstate by Dakota Dunes, the playground down by the river front there, Hase said. Some of them are doing it in parking lots and they just have nests in strange places.

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Wildlife experts want to emphasize that you should avoid messing with or getting too close to a goose nest. If you do, these geese will get honking mad!

If you approach geese and they have a nest nearby, they probably will attack and, you know, fight back because theyre protecting their babies and thats what their instincts are to do, Hase said.

Think about the geese as being protective parents instead of aggressive, that would probably help a little bit, Bragg said. Thats all theyre doing, is protecting their nests.

If you find yourself in the crosshairs of an angry fowl, remember that they are federally protected, so harming them is out of the question.

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Probably the best thing to do if you come across a very, very aggressive goose is just to keep eye contact with it and just back off and let it calm down, Bragg said. Trying to scare it away is just going to aggravate it even further.

Sioux City Art Center wins award for Razzle Dazzle project

While it can take roughly a month for goose eggs to hatch, after a week, theyll leave the nest, giving homeowners and businesses enough time to goose-proof their property.

Maybe not cut the grass so low, maybe keep some taller native grasses, as, you know, landscaping around your business, Bragg said. Fence it off a little bit, maybe a little snow fence, chicken wire, something thatll put a little cover between maybe a sidewalk entrance to a business and the actual nest. Mylar, pinwheels, balloons, things like that might help the loud noises before they get a nest going. Those are things to think about.

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On top of leaving geese alone, the Iowa DNR asks residents to leave other baby animals alone if they find them and dont pick them. Wait 24 hours to see if the mother returns and contact experts if you have questions.

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Hundreds gathered at the Iowa State Capitol Feb. 24, 2025 to protest legislation that would remove protections for gender identity under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Iowa Republican lawmakers are trying again to pass a ban on Medicaid funding going to gender-affirming care for transgender Iowans, this time by including language in the proposed budget for health and human services programs.

A Senate subcommittee advanced Senate Study Bill 1237 Wednesday, the HHS appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. The measure included language that the funding allocated for Iowas Medicaid program shall not be used for sex reassignment surgery or treatment related to an individuals gender dysphoria diagnosis.

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Iowa has attempted to ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care law before, but these laws were struck down by the courts for violating the Iowa Constitution and the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The Iowa Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that the states denial of two transgender womens transition-related care through Medicaid violated the Iowa Civil Rights Act. A Polk County District Court judge also ruled in 2021 that a law passed after that state Supreme Court decision, which amended the Iowa Civil Rights Act to allow for the exclusion of Medicaid coverage for transition-related health care, violated the Iowa Constitution.

Earlier this year, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law a measure that removed gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. As activists rallied against the measure for potentially allowing for the legal discrimination against transgender Iowans, one of the arguments posed by lawmakers was the fact that previous laws attempting to deny Medicaid coverage for transition-related health care were blocked through the state Civil Rights Act.

Keenan Crow, policy and advocacy director at One Iowa, said Thursday that one of the major differences between the language in this years Senate appropriations bill and previous attempts to ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care was the reference to all treatment related to an individuals gender dysphoria diagnosis, not just sex reassignment surgery. This could impact transgender Iowans ability to access mental health care and other services, Crow said.

Our first line of intervention on any gender dysphoria case is going to be mental health counseling, period, that is the primary treatment for gender dysphoria, Crow said. And obviously I am not okay with restricting surgical care either, but to go even further and and get into restricting medications and mental health supports and all this other stuff, that is truly wrong.

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Even with the removal of gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, denying transgender Iowans gender-affirming care could still be unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause. The 2021 district court ruling found the law prohibiting Medicaid coverage of transition care violated both state civil rights laws and the state constitution. The Iowa Supreme Court declined to rule on the constitutionality of the law in 2023.

House bill does not include Medicaid restriction, for now

The House Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee met Thursday to discuss its version of the HHS budget bill, House Study Bill 342, which passed unanimously. The House legislation, in its current form, does not include the Senates language.

But House Speaker Pat Grassley told reporters Thursday that the House supports restricting Medicaid funds going toward transition-related health care.

We dont believe the taxpayers  should be paying for surgeries and other hormone therapies, Grassley said. I know that theres a piece of that thats in the Senate bill, I think you will see a piece focused on those two things that I just said on our side. But again, we have not negotiated the Senate language out with them. They may have some different languages where we may settle, but I think you could expect to us to, at least, have that conversation about the taxpayer paying for those two items.

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The chair of the House HHS appropriations subcommittee Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, said she has spoken with Grassley about the provision, and that there will be discussions with the full House Republican caucus. However, she said that the House would likely consider different language on the measure that would not impact Medicaid coverage for mental and behavioral health care for transgender Iowans.

If this were to come before the House, we would just be talking about surgery and hormone therapy, Meyer said.
By Jaspreet Singh

(Reuters) - Snap said on Tuesday it will not issue a second-quarter financial forecast citing economic uncertainty, as U.S. tariffs threaten to disrupt the global economy and digital advertising budgets, sending its shares down 13% in extended trading.

The Snapchat parent faced challenges at the start of the current quarter, even as it continued to diversify both its advertiser base with small- and medium-sized businesses and its revenue sources with the growth of its subscription service.

Snapchat+ subscribers rose 59% to 15 million in the first quarter.

But economic uncertainty could trigger an ad spending shift to bigger rivals such as Facebook and Instagram owner Meta due to their massive user base, analysts have said.

Snap's results come after Google's ad revenue growth beat analysts' predictions for the first quarter.

The company is focusing on direct response ads that are designed to prompt specific actions like app downloads or website visits, amid weakness in brand awareness ads.

Direct response ad revenue reached 75% of Snap's total ad revenue contribution for the first time in the quarter ended March 31.

Total active advertisers grew 60% from a year earlier in the first quarter, driven partly by the company's focus on small- and medium-sized businesses.

"While it's clear that Snap has had success courting small businesses, it's far from the only social platform chasing their ad dollars, making it more difficult for the company to truly make its mark in this realm," eMarketer analyst Minda Smiley said.

Revenue rose 14% to $1.36 billion, slightly beating analysts' average estimate of $1.35 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $108.4 million in the quarter exceeded estimates of $64.7 million.

Daily active users of Snapchat increased by 9% to 460 million, beating estimates of 458.3 million.

The company said its monthly active users reached 900 million, on track to achieve its target of 1 billion.

Snap trimmed its full-year forecast for adjusted operating expenses to between $2.65 billion and $2.70 billion, compared with its prior expectations of $2.70 billion to $2.75 billion.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
An Iraqi asylum seeker who lied about being at risk of an honour killing has won his human rights case to stay in Britain because he lost his passport.

The man who arrived in the UK by hiding in the back of a lorry initially claimed that he would become the victim of an honour killing in his home country because of an affair.

He said he had had an affair with a woman who had been married to a senior Kurdish fighter in order to settle a blood feud. This claim was dismissed as implausible by an asylum tribunal which ruled he made a pre-planned trip out of Iraq.

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After his initial story was rejected, he argued that he could not return to Iraq because he no longer had a passport or national identity card after handing them over to a people-smuggling agent.

An upper tribunal accepted that Iraqis returning to their home country without ID documents can be subject to hostile treatment including torture, in breach of article three of the European Convention on Human Rights which protects against persecution.

His appeal against the rejection of his claim by the lower tribunal was upheld, enabling him to remain in the UK even though he had initially lied over the reasons for leaving Iraq.

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 just 24 days.

The Iraqi left his home country in the summer of 2019, arriving in the UK in Peterborough on Jan 19 2020 in the back of an HGV. He had travelled by plane to Turkey, then to Greece. He initially took his bid for asylum to a first-tier tribunal in 2023, where he made up claims about an honour killing.

But the judgment said: The [Iraqi] was found to have fabricated his core claim that he was at risk of honour killing because he entered into a relationship with a woman who had been married to a senior Peshmerga fighter to settle a blood feud.

The asylum seeker then appealed, arguing that the judge did not properly consider his argument that he should not be deported because he lost his passport and identity card after handing it over to a people smuggler and would face harsh treatment from Iraqi authorities as a result.

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In Iraq, citizens must have a Civil Status Identity Documentation (CSID) or a new biometric Iraqi National Identity Card in order to live and travel within the country. Those who do not have them are susceptible to hostile treatment including torture.

Upper Tribunal Judge Paul Lodato said: I am satisfied there are cogent reasons to conclude, notwithstanding the lies told by the [Iraqi] about his primary asylum claim, that he did indeed relinquish his passport and CSID to an agent during his journey to UK.

He accepted it was credible that the agent took the unremarkable decision to deprive him of any Iraqi documentation in an effort to make removal more difficult.

In broad terms, [he] has never wavered from his account that he handed his CSID card to the agent who was assisting him to reach the UK. Overall, I am satisfied upon consideration of the evidence in the round that the [Iraqi] relinquished his CSID card to an agent during his journey from Iraq to the UK, said the judge.

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Israels largest ever wildfires are rapidly closing in on Jerusalem, prompting Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a national emergency and the countrys foreign minister to call for international assistance.

Firefighters and the Israeli military continued to battle the inferno raging on the outskirts of the city on Thursday morning, with fire crews working almost without a break for more than 24 hours.

Shmulik Friedman, the Jerusalem fire brigade commander, said that the blaze may be the largest there has ever been in this country.

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He added: It will continue for a very long time. We are far from having control.

On Thursday, the severity of the situation led the Israeli prime minister to declare we are now in a national emergency, not just a local one.

He added: The priority right now is defending Jerusalem.

According to estimates by the Jewish National Fund, some 5,000 acres of land were burned on the first day of the crisis, which began at about 9.30am local time on Wednesday near the city of Beit Shemesh. High winds quickly spread the flames to surrounding areas.

Chaos erupted on Highway 1, which connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with the inferno causing people to leave their cars and flee on foot.

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Officials are still unsure of how the fires began, but the police and intelligence services are investigating the possibility of arson after calls went on Arab social media encouraging Palestinians to fan the flames.

Israelis are forced to abandon their cars and flee from the fire - Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty

Israelis abandon their cars and flee from the fire

The police arrested a man from an Arab neighbourhood in East Jerusalem on Wednesday after he allegedly attempted to start a fire in a field south of the city.

Officers immediately to a report from a civilian who spotted the suspect, the Jerusalem police department said.

Upon seeing the police, he tried to flee but was caught after a short pursuit. A lighter, cotton and additional incendiary materials were found in his possession, it added.

The view from the Mount of Olives of smoke from the blaze outside Jerusalem - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty

Meanwhile, Mr Netanyahus son suggested, without any proof, that Left-wing activists could have started the fires.

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Something here is suspicious. The Kaplanist Left has been frantically trying in recent weeks to cancel Independence Day celebrations and the torch-lighting ceremony, Yair Netanyahu wrote on X, with Left-wing protesters often referred to as Kaplanists because of the Tel Aviv street in which they sometimes demonstrate.

Isaac Herzog, Israels president, said that the fire was caused by climate change.

The climate crisis must not be ignored. It requires us to prepare for serious and significant challenges and to make decisions  including appropriate legislation, he said.

Israeli officials have evacuated several towns in the area and dozens of people have been injured, although no deaths have so far been reported.

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The Channel 12 TV station also evacuated its staff from a studio in Neve Ilan near Jerusalem.

Israels military has provided dozens of engineering vehicles to form fire lines to prevent the fire from spreading into other areas.

Israeli officials have evacuated several towns in the area - Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty

The Israeli army also supplied water tanks, while the countrys air force sent C-130J Super Hercules heavy transport planes to participate in firefighting efforts.

On Wednesday, Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, contacted more than a dozen countries for help.

Authorities are now expecting to receive assistance from countries including France, Argentina, Britain, Ukraine, Sweden and Spain.

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The first eight firefighting planes were expected to arrive on Thursday from Cyprus and Italy.

The fires began as Israel was preparing to mark its 77th Independence Day, a celebration that usually involves people taking to parks and forests for barbecues.

On Thursday, however, a nationwide ban on barbecues and open fires was issued.

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Israeli national carrier El Al will restart flights to Moscow on May 1 after a four-month pause, according to the company's official website.

The airline halted its Moscow route in late December 2024 following the downing of an Azerbaijani aircraft during a drone attack, which killed 38 people.

The plane was flying from Baku to Grozny in Russia's Chechen Republic before suddenly changing course and crashing on Dec. 25 near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan.

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The source revealed to Reuters that the Azerbaijani side possesses a fragment of a Russian Pantsir missile extracted from the crashed plane.

El Al said its decision to resume service came after "assessing the current situation" and holding discussions with authorities.

In 2022, Moscow closed its skies to airlines from 36 countries, including all 27 European Union members, in retaliation for Ukraine-related aviation sanctions.

While Israel condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and sent humanitarian aid to Kyiv, it has avoided direct economic measures against Moscow. Kyiv, in turn, expressed solidarity with Israel following the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists in October 2023.

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Russia has lobbied for the easing of aviation restrictions. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on April 11 that Moscow had asked the U.S. to lift sanctions on its state airline, Aeroflot, but Washington had not responded.

Lavrov linked the potential restoration of direct U.S.-Russia flights to that decision.

"The Americans have taken it up, so far we have not seen any reciprocal step," Lavrov told state media TASS. "But we will work on it because this is a return to normality."

Ukrainian officials have warned against such concessions. In an April 30 opinion article for the Guardian, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak argued that lifting aviation sanctions would hand Moscow both military and economic advantages.

Read also: Can Russias war machine survive without outside aid?

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By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - As Catholic cardinals meet to choose a new pope, they will face a big question: Is it time, after three consecutive non-Italian pontiffs, to give the papacy back to the nation that held it for most of the 2,000-year history of the Roman Catholic Church?

For 455 years between the death of Dutchman Adrian VI in 1523 and the election of Poland's John Paul II in 1978, the Italians had total control of the papacy. In all, roughly 80% of the Church's 266 popes have been Italian.

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But John Paul was succeeded by a German, Pope Benedict, who then gave way to Pope Francis -- an Argentine and the first pontiff from the Americas.

Following Francis' death on April 21, cardinals will start their conclave next week to pick a new head of the 1.4-billion member Church. Among the leading contenders is Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who served as the Vatican's number-two official for most of Francis' 12-year papacy.

A veteran diplomat, Parolin has served in Vatican embassies across the world, and speaks English, French and Spanish fluently, besides his native Italian, which is the working language inside the tiny Holy See state.

Prelates taking part in the closed-door discussions are also mentioning at least two other possible Italian candidates in quiet conversations outside their meeting hall.

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There is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna in northern Italy, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the leading Catholic official in Jerusalem.

This means the voting bloc of 19 Italian cardinals may be split among several choices. An expected 133 prelates will elect the next pope at the conclave, which starts on May 7.

Alberto Melloni, a Church historian at the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia who has studied past conclaves closely, said history may be repeating itself. In the past three conclaves  held in 1978, 2005 and 2013  the Italian cardinals did not coalesce around a single candidate.

"The Italians are the ones who decided, by dividing up amongst themselves, that there would not be Italian popes," said Melloni. "They know each other well and are less willing to compromise, which makes other cardinals feel they are inadequate (for the job)."

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It is considered bad form for individual prelates to publicly campaign for the papacy. In media interviews, many of the Italian cardinals are deflecting questions about whether one of their number could reclaim the papacy.

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, a retired president of the Italian bishops, told Corriere della Sera newspaper that the criteria for the next pope "is not about their place of origin, but their intelligence in the faith".

A SCANDAL RESURFACES

For centuries, the world's cardinals were primarily Italian, by a vast majority. Popes since the 1960s have largely sought to diversify representation in the College of Cardinals, diminishing the influence of the Italian bloc.

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Francis accelerated this process and the Italians now represent about 14% of the voting members of the conclave, down from 24% at the last conclave in 2013.

However, staff at the Vatican, a microstate in Italy surrounded by Rome, has remained overwhelmingly Italian.

The pope is elected by the cardinals to serve as the bishop of Rome, the role first held by St. Peter, from which the pontiff draws authority over the global Church.

Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic at Villanova University in the U.S. who follows the Vatican, said many of the Italian cardinals seen as possible papal contenders are notable because they have served much of their careers outside Italy.

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Parolin, 70, was the Holy See's ambassador to Venezuela before becoming a senior Vatican official in 2013. Pizzaballa, 60, has lived in Jerusalem since the mid-1990s, while another Italian occasionally mentioned, 79-year-old Fernando Filoni, was ambassador in Iraq and the Philippines.

"The most visible of the cardinals from Italy are more international than known as pastors of a local diocese in Italy," said Faggioli.

However, a scandal from five years ago has resurfaced in recent days, putting a possible dent in Italy's chances.

One of Parolin's former deputies, Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, was fired by Francis in 2020 and subsequently convicted of embezzlement and fraud by a Vatican court in 2023 following a messy real estate investment in London.

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Becciu has denied the charges levelled against him and is appealing the verdict. After days of debate among fellow cardinals, he said on Tuesday he would not enter the conclave, for "the good of the Church".

The building at the centre of the case had been bought by the Secretariat of State, a department headed by Parolin, although he himself was not accused of wrongdoing.

Historian Melloni said the debate on whether Becciu should join the conclave was a "showdown" between him and Parolin, and could end up reflecting badly on all Italians, who in previous generations had a reputation for behind-the-scenes scheming.

"We will see in a few days ... if it will be seen as the solution to a problem, or an Italian duel that diminishes the authority of the Italian cardinals," he said.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; editing by Crispian Balmer and Philippa Fletcher)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  One Springfield elementary school held a career day for its students, introducing them to different professions in our area.

22News Reporter Jack Wu was one of the guest speakers, who was joined by people from a wide spectrum of professions. They talked about the process of getting to where we are now and our day-to-day routines.

Springfield among Mass. casino cities losing community mitigation funds

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The Brookings School has been hosting Career Day for 12 years now. Everyone from Springfield firefighters to Zumba dance instructors taught students about different career paths. School counselor Gianna Allentuck told 22News about why they host Career Day year after year.

Its just a great way for the kids to be able to see, we talked to them about believing in themselves, Allentuck said. We talk to them about dreaming, their strengths, their talents, everything that they can share with you, with the community, with the world.

Jack Wu had the privilege of introducing children to the green screen with the help of computer science teacher Mrs. Kendall and mapping out how they can become TV news reporters.

They followed up with a wide variety of great questions. Mrs. Kendall helped relate the concepts Wu talked about to the topics they teach every day.

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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By Waylon Cunningham

(Reuters) -Starbucks will invest more in staffing and less on equipment, including an automation system that it previously touted, CEO Brian Niccol said on Tuesday, breaking with a wider industry trend to rely more on technology for store operations.

Niccol said additional staffing was critical to improving the customer experience  his main objective since assuming leadership in September.

"Over the last couple of years, we've been removing labor from the stores, I think with the hope that equipment could offset the removal of the labor," Niccol said in an investor call. "What were finding is that wasnt an accurate assumption with what played out."

On Tuesday, Starbucks reported North American same-store sales fell 1% for the fiscal second quarter ended March 30, worse than the 0.24% drop estimated by analysts in an LSEG poll. The company said sales in Canada returned to growth in the quarter.

Margins at Starbucks have shrunk for five straight quarters, falling 590 basis points in the second quarter reported on Tuesday.

Starbucks increased its staffing levels at five stores as a pilot since Niccol took the helm. By May, between 1,500 and 2,000 U.S. stores will have increased headcount, with around 3,000 by the end of the year.

The increased labor will add to costs, Niccol said.

"Were banking on some growth to come with the investment in the labor and the store experience."

Starbucks will pull back from a deployment of its Siren system, a suite of tech and equipment rolled out in 2022 intended to streamline drink-making.

As recently as October, the company had slated the system for a widespread roll-out, according to executives on its earnings call. Then by January, executives said it would only be deployed to the top-quartile of stores by sales volume.

On Tuesday, Niccol said the Siren system would only be installed in very targeted stores, such as those with high drive-through customer volumes and overall sales.

The move cuts against the trend of other large restaurant companies, which have announced significant new investments in technology. For example, Chipotles CEO, who succeeded Niccol when he left the fast food chain, said in February the company would continue efforts at kitchen automation with an eye toward possibly cutting labor costs.

(Reporting by Waylon Cunningham; Editing by Sam Holmes)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  With the passage of a Missouri House joint resolution Thursday, voters will be asked to consider a constitutional amendment that, if approved, would allow Jackson County residents to elect their county assessor.

Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lees Summit, said HJR 23 and HJR 3 proposed a constitutional amendment that, pending the approval of Missouri voters, would require the Jackson County assessor to be an elected position.

Procession route released for fallen Kansas City firefighter, paramedic

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Currently, Patterson said, Jackson County is the only charter county in the state that is not required to elect its assessor.

The passage of the HJR comes amid concerns among residents and legislators regarding how property value assessments have been handled.

Last month, the Missouri State Tax Commission ordered that the county roll back its 2023 assessments, a move County Executive Frank White called shocking and dangerous. The county on April 22 said it was evaluating the order.

The county also recently announced that it has agreed to limit 2025 residential property assessment increases to no more than 15%.

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This is an important step forward in the fight against unfair taxes, Speaker Patterson said in a statement Thursday. With the passage of this legislation, voters in Missouri will get the chance to give Jackson County the right to have its own elected assessor, just like every other county in the state does. It improves accountability, cuts property taxes, and ensures the kind of transparency taxpayers deserve. The days of unchecked overreach by the Jackson County Tax Assessor need to come to an end.

Jackson Countys tax assessment process has been under fire in recent years.

Two county legislators say this will help restore the publics faith in the process.

I have every belief that Governor (Mike) Kehoe is going to sign that piece of legislation, Legislator Manny Abarca said. It gives more power to the people to hold them accountable as an elected position. I think its another damning reference to the failed process of the assessor. This falls under the administration currently as he chooses to maintain.

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FOX4 has emailed the county executives office for comment as well as Legislator Sean Smith.

FOX4 has also asked Pattersons office when voters can expect to see the amendment on the ballot.

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Maryland Housing Secretary Jake Day speaks at the Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards ceremony on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

Jake Day, the secretary at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, is beginning to raise money for a possible challenge to U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), Maryland Matters has learned.

At the urging of leading Democrats, Day, a former mayor of Salisbury and one of the most high-profile members of Gov. Wes Moores Cabinet, has set up an exploratory campaign committee under the Federal Election Commissions testing the waters guidelines for candidates. He is soliciting donations to pay for a poll to gauge his strength in a hypothetical general election against Harris, the lone Republican in the states congressional delegation.

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Day has hired Adeo Advocacy, a powerhouse Baltimore-based fundraising firm that works for Moore and other leading Maryland Democrats, and is expected to engage a pollster soon, several Democrats said.

In a brief interview Wednesday evening, Day confirmed the exploratory effort but was otherwise circumspect.

Im flattered that people are interested in this, he said. Ive heard a lot of messages of support over the past few weeks. Im focused on my day job and time will tell on everything else.

WBOC-TV in Salisbury first reported the existence of the exploratory effort three weeks ago, but the full extent of Days political activities ahead of a potential congressional bid have not previously been publicly known.

Maryland Democrats have long dreamed of knocking off Harris, the chair of the arch-conservative House Freedom Caucus on Capitol Hill who is serving his eighth term. But under the gerrymandered congressional district lines fashioned by Democrats in the General Assembly, the 1st District, which includes the Eastern Shore, Harford County and a slice of Baltimore County, is overwhelmingly Republican. Even highly touted Democratic challengers like former state delegate and ex-gubernatorial candidate Heather Mizeur have fallen far short of defeating Harris over the years.

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Harris won reelection last fall by 22 points over Democrat Blaine Miller III, at the same time President Trump was carrying the district by almost 17 points. Harris reported having $884,283 in his campaign account as of March 31, according to his latest report with the FEC.

But hope springs eternal for the Democrats, who believe Trumps current polling slump and Americans plunging confidence in the U.S. economy could provide rare opportunities for the party in the 2026 midterm elections. At a minimum, Days potential candidacy could bolster Moores reelection efforts next year  particularly if he faces a tough challenge from former Gov. Larry Hogan (R)  by engaging Democrats in a congressional district that the party does not often prioritize.

Day, a 42-year-old Army veteran, has long been considered a rising star in Maryland politics  and perhaps one of the few Democrats who could give Harris a tough race in the 1st District. He served on the Salisbury City Council from 2013 to 2015 and as mayor from 2015 to 2023. But it is often difficult for ambitious and accomplished Eastern Shore Democrats to progress far politically given the regions conservative lean.

Adam Wood, executive director of the Maryland Republican Party  whose chair is Harris wife, Nicole Beus Harris  referred questions about the congressmans reelection to the Harris campaign.

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In a statement provided Wednesday night, the campaign quoted Harris saying he is concentrating on delivering results and tax cuts with President Trump for people of the First Congressional District  not on a candidate who raised taxes three times in his political career and works for a governor who imposed $1.5 billion in new taxes and fees on hardworking Marylanders this year.

Day endorsed Hogan for reelection, rather than the Democratic challenger, Ben Jealous, in 2018. At the time, he argued that Hogan would be a more effective partner for the city than Jealous, though there was undoubtedly a political element to the endorsement as well.

Municipal elections in Salisbury are nonpartisan affairs.

Day also endorsed then-Comptroller Peter Franchot over Moore in the 2022 Democratic gubernatorial primary, citing his longstanding ties to Franchot and his top advisers. But as telegenic, energetic military veterans, Day and Moore have quickly bonded, and Moore has made housing affordability and availability a top priority, elevating Days role in the administration.

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Day has created a fundraising entity through the IRS. If he chooses to run for Congress, hell have to set up another campaign committee with the FEC, and any contributions for his exploratory effort will then be made public. Individual donations for the Democratic primary are capped at $3,500.

But if Day does not go ahead with a congressional bid, the donations to his exploratory committee will not be disclosed.

 This story was updated on Thursday, May 1, to include comment from the Harris campaign.

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Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville went head-to-head with Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg, slamming Hogg over his approach to securing wins for the party in upcoming elections.



You want my strategy? Its to win elections, Carville told Hogg on Wednesdays episode of The Tara Palmeri Show.

Tensions between Carville and Hogg mounted last month when the 25-year-olds organization, Leaders We Deserve, announced plans to spend $20 million to elect younger Democratic primary challengers in traditionally safe, blue districts.

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What were saying is we need to make room for a new generation to step up and help make sure that we have the people that are most acutely impacted by a lot of the issues that we are legislating on  that are actually going to live to see the consequences of this, Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting, told The New York Times.

Hoggs message did not sit right with the 80-year-old Carville, who called the plan the most insane thing in an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper.

Does he really think the problem that were facing in the United States today is because we got 65-year-old Democrats in office? Why dont you take on a Republican? Thats your job, Carville said.

James Carville, left, blasted David Hogg's plans for revamping the Democratic party. Getty Images

After weeks of intense disagreement, the two Democrats appeared on Palmeris show to debate their differences. Carville maintained his stance, calling Hoggs plan to vote out sitting Democrats jackassery of the highest level.

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Theres no nuance to it, Carville said. Its just flat-out wrong. Thats money that could be used to beat Republicans.

Hogg responded that his plan is, in part, meant to address the sinking approval rating within the Democratic Party.

I worry if we dont address the approval rating that we have right now from our own base, its going to be a lot harder to win back the House, so what do we do to address that? Hogg asked.

The two eventually found some areas of agreement, including their belief that President Joe Biden should have dropped out of the 2024 presidential election sooner. Hogg said he regrets not calling for Biden to drop out in 2023, something Carville said he did in 2022.

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Frankly, thats one of my biggest regrets, is not saying that, and Im thankful that you did, James, and Im not going to forget that mistake that I made, and thats why Im trying to speak out now and do what I think is right in this moment, Hogg said.

Dont feel bad, Carville said. If I would have been you, I would have never done this, if Id have been 25 years old and wanted some future in Democratic politics. I was able to do it because there was nothing they could do to me.

As Carville reassured Hogg, Palmeri exclaimed, Aw!

Carville praised Hogg on X following the episode, writing, The DNC needs him.

Just called @DavidHogg111. He reminded me of the story of, after the battle of Shiloh, Henry Halleck urged President Lincoln to fire Ulysses Grant. Lincoln said: I cant fire him. This man fights. David Hogg fights. The DNC needs him.  James Carville (@JamesCarville) April 30, 2025

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Democratic strategist James Carville yelled down Democratic National Committee vice chair David Hogg as the two finally went head to head after months of sparring from afar over the future of the party.

The 25-year-old earned the ire of Carville, 80, when he announced that his organization, Leaders We Deserve, planned to spend $20 million of donor money in safe blue districts to challenge older House Democrats who he says are asleep at the wheel.

That sparked intra-party tension and caught the attention of the Ragin Cajun, who even suggested that DNC members should sue Hogg, who survived the Parkland school shooting in 2018, in response.

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Last month, the veteran Democratic strategist went on CNN and NewsNation on the same evening to air his grievances with Hogg.

Carville told the former that the young upstarts planned primary challenges against ineffective Democratic lawmakers was the most insane thing hed ever heard. Carville dubbed Hogg a contemptible little twerp while on NewsNation.

Naturally, that was a flashpoint when the two met on The Tara Palmeri Show podcast on Wednesday.

Carville criticized Hoggs plan again, calling it abominable and jacka--ery of the highest level for its aim of bumping off sitting Dems rather than beating Republicans. Hogg said he aims to do two things at once.

David Hogg, pictured speaking at the Fast Company Innovation Festival 2024, has been in Carville's crosshairs for weeks. / Eugene Gologursky / Getty Images for Fast Company

You have to understand the nuance here, Hogg attempted to explain, with Carville shooting across him.

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I dont, Carville interrupted. Theres no nuance to it. Its just flat-out wrong. Thats money that could be used to beat Republicans to beat Democrats.

Hogg then quizzed the Democratic Party elder on his plan to deal with our abominable approval rating.

Win elections! Carville shouted, leaning angrily into his camera. Win elections, you see, against Republicans.

You want my strategy? Its to win elections, he added. Its not to win an election in Queens, which you dont ever run against a Republican. Its to help Democrats win elections.

The mood softened somewhat when the two men came together on the partys need to elect the best Democrat possible and its struggles attracting male voters. The pair also had a meeting of the minds over Joe Bidens failure to drop out of the 2024 presidential election sooner.

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After a period of cooling off and a phone call with Hogg, Carville then acknowledged that the DNC needs his young counterpart.

Just called @DavidHogg111. He reminded me of the story of, after the battle of Shiloh, Henry Halleck urged President Lincoln to fire Ulysses Grant. Lincoln said: I cant fire him. This man fights. David Hogg fights. The DNC needs him, Carville wrote on X after the on-air battle.

Carville gained national attention for his work as a lead strategist in Bill Clinton's winning 1992 presidential campaign. / Jemal Countess / WireImage/Getty Images

DNC chair Ken Martin said in a conference call last week that he has warned Hogg that he cant roll out his plan when hes an officer of committee.

Ive said to him, if you want to challenge incumbents, youre more than free to do that, but just not as an officer of the DNC, because our job is to be neutral arbiters. We cant be both the referee and also the player at the same time, Martin said.

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Its important for us to maintain the trust that we have built with Democratic voters and to keep our thumb off the scale as party officers, he added.

In his CNN interview on April 17, Carville questioned whether Hogg was violating his fiduciary duty to the Democrats by raising money to primary members of his own party.

Carville, the lead strategist in Bill Clintons winning 1992 presidential campaign, has previously chided the pronoun politics of the Democratic Party and name-checked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Hogg as being part of the problem.
JASPER, Ind. (WEHT)  Students at Jasper High School are celebrating National High School Radio Day while helping those in need. The annual celebration collects donations for Community CHEW, a Dubois County non-profit that helps feed families. Evan Elrod runs the schools radio station, 91.7 The Curve, giving students the chance to broadcast live for Stuff The Bus.

One of the things that we dont do a lot of that other radio stations do is go live on location, says Elrod. This gives the kids an opportunity to get out of the studio and have that live pressure moment of, Okay, what am I supposed to say now?'

It kind of has helped me find exactly what I want to do and exactly how I can use that in real world experiences, says Jasper senior Ava Bower. Grant Seibert, a junior, says the event helps personally and professionally. It just makes me feel good that Im able to give back for all the great things that the community has provided for me, says Seibert.

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Honor Flight mail sorting begins in Evansville

I was not expecting this many people, adds Bower. Its just really nice to see how many people we impact with The Curve, because youre behind the radio station, you are talking to yourself, basically, she says, so its really nice to know that we are heard.

For some students, its a chance to see what a future in broadcasting looks like with a live report from a special event. For others, like senior Caelyn Lenardo, its a cause that hits close to home.

Personally, for me, I have been on the other side of this. I have been a part of Community CHEW when I was younger, explains Lenardo. I used to go to their Summer program and they would totally help a lot. They would feed me every single day when my parents were at work and I was 12 years old and didnt know how to cook anything other than an egg! Lenardo goes on to say, I love that Im part of something that helps give back to someone that I have been at one point.

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Many students say the turnout for Stuff The Bus exceeded their expectations. Elrod says the community support was never in question. I will never underestimate the power of a strong community, and thats where were at here, says Elrod. We have a really strong community that isnt afraid to give back.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Thursday pushed back sharply against a report that he has discouraged members of his caucus from visiting El Salvador to highlight the Trump administrations mistaken deportation of a Maryland resident to a notorious prison there.

Speaking to reporters in the Capitol, Jeffries said the report, published by the Bulwark earlier in the week, was patently false, although he stopped short of endorsing such visits  past or future.

In terms of the report that alleged that members of House Democratic leadership had some phantom conversation with either the members who took a trip to El Salvador  or any other members  that is a complete and total fabrication, Jeffries said. The only statement that was made to members who went to El Salvador was, Welcome back, we are glad you have returned safely.'

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The debate over the fate of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has divided Democrats on Capitol Hill since he was deported from Maryland to an El Salvadoran prison in the middle of March. Abrego Garcia had entered the country illegally years ago. But he was allegedly a target of gang violence at home, and after an arrest in 2019, a judge blocked his deportation, citing concerns about his physical safety if he were forced to return  a move that allowed him to live and work in the U.S. legally.

In court documents, the Trump administration acknowledged the deportation was made in error. And the Supreme Court had ruled last month that the United States is bound to facilitate his return.

But top administration officials have said they are powerless to force El Salvadoran leaders to deliver him back to the United States. And the countrys president, Nayib Bukele, has rejected the notion of doing so.

Some Democrats have sought to highlight Abrego Garcias plight as an example of President Trumps disdain for U.S. law  due process in particular  as part of his mass deportation effort.

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Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) visited El Salvador last month, where he met with Abrego Garcia and spoke liberally with the press. And four Democratic members of the House  Reps. Maxwell Frost (Fla.), Robert Garcia (Calif.), Yassamin Ansari (Ariz.) and Maxine Dexter (Ore.)  made a similar trip a short time later.

Trump and top administration officials have vowed to target gang members and violent criminals as they conduct their deportations, and theyve claimed that Abrego Garcia has links to MS-13. Abrego Garcia and his family have denied that allegation, but the public safety message had helped Trump win a second term, and some more moderate Democrats have warned that its a political mistake to make Abrego Garcia the poster child of the partys fight against Trumps deportation policies.

The Bulwarks story said Jeffries has discouraged any more visits, citing two anonymous aides and an unnamed lawmaker. Before Jeffriess press conference on Thursday, his office called the story thinly sourced.

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Dive Brief:

Starbucks is putting the rollout of the Siren System on hold as it focuses on improving the employee experience and order sequencing to drive a better customer experience, executives said on a Q2 2025 earnings call Tuesday. The Siren System is a collection of drinkmaking equipment designed to speed up order fulfillment.

Updates to the coffee chains Shift Marketplace tool, which lets staff pick up and trade shifts, boosted the pool of workers available for last-minute shift changes by 10 times, according to CEO Brian Niccol. Starbucks is now seeing record high shift completion, record low turnover at under 50% and rising employee engagement.

What we're discovering is the equipment doesn't solve the customer experience that we need to provide, but rather staffing the stores and deploying with this technology behind it does, Niccol said during the call.

Dive Insight:

Starbuckss turnaround effort is on track, according to Niccol. However, the company still has work to do, and employees will be key to delivering the customer experience necessary to return to growth.

Global comparable store sales declined 1% year over year in the second quarter of 2025, according to a company earnings report. While the performance is still negative, it shows improvement from the 4% year-over-year comparable sales decline reported in first quarter 2025.

We're not just building back our business, we're building back a better business, Niccol said. I know from experience that when you focus relentlessly on the customer, you take care of your people, improve your operations and carefully manage costs, the financial results will follow.

The changes to Shift Marketplace are part of the puzzle. Starbucks filled 500,000 more shifts in the second quarter of 2025 than the same period a year ago, and the length of tenure for cafe workers is on the rise, according to Niccol.

This translates into more moments of connection with our customers, higher transaction capture and a better experience for our partners, Niccol said.

Starbucks also tested a new staffing and deployment pilot, which resulted in improved speed of service and customer connections, according to Niccol. The company plans to invest in labor to better support workers, particularly during the busiest hours of the day.

The companys pilot of an order sequencing algorithm designed to reduce in-store and drive-thru service times  a perennial frustration  without affecting the mobile order experience proved successful. The average cafe wait fell by an average of two minutes, and 75% of wait times were under four minutes at peak times. Starbucks is targeting an average wait time under four minutes.
Protesters rallied against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Protesters took to the streets Thursday to air their grievances with the Trump administration in a nationwide day of rallies timed to coincide with May Day, a day meant to honor the labor movement and workers rights.

In Trenton, one of at least a dozen protests around New Jersey, the protest signs bobbing in the blue skies addressed everything from tariffs to climate change and immigration to national parks. With less than six weeks until New Jerseys primaries, though, it didnt take long for protesters to coalesce around one message  vote.

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Activist Michelle Marcella-Morales led the crowd in a chant of June 10th! to remind protesters when to go cast their primary votes.

We are the many, they are the few. And since were all pretty pissed and we outnumber them, we need to replace them! Make midterms the new mandate! she shouted. We have one major stab at this. They want smaller government. We want stable government. New Jersey, we have to save the Constitution, our democracy, and sickly enough, it falls squarely on our shoulders to save the world.

Rally speakers included labor leaders, a state senator and activists, and drew a crowd that packed the plaza across from the Statehouse.

Lisa Saladino of Parsippany showed up dressed in a Ruth Bader Ginsberg collar and robe. She lamented the Trump administrations recent attacks on judges, as well as President Donald Trumps right-leaning judicial appointees.

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She was someone who fought for our rights, and we need more people like her in the Supreme Court, Saladino said of the late, liberal U.S. Supreme Court justice. We need the Supreme Court to remember theyre here for us and to uphold the Constitution. We are all going to lose our rights, and I just cant sit back and watch it happen.

State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex) stopped by the protest after the Senates budget and appropriations committee, on which he serves, heard testimony about higher education funding in New Jersey. He warned the crowd that Trump and Elon Musk, Trumps billionaire friend whos overseeing federal cost-cutting, are doing everything they can to dismantle higher education.

Why? Because if you want to go after democracy, what do you do? You go after education, you go after freedom of speech, you go after freedom of expression, you go after the ability to come together and protest, Zwicker said. We will not stand for that, not today, not tomorrow, and not ever.

Several more May Day protests are planned in New Jersey through the weekend.

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Protesters rallied against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Protesters rallied against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Protesters rallied against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex) spoke at a rally against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Protesters rallied against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

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Protesters rallied against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Protesters rallied against President Donald Trump in Trenton on May 1, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

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As airlines tighten their belts and reduce capacities due to decreased demand, JetBlue is adding new flights.

On April 30, the airline started a twice-daily, year-round route between La Guardia Airport in New York City and Tampa and a new daily flight between Fort Lauderdale and Guatemala City.

New York-based JetBlue also announced flights from Boston to Wilmington International Airport (ILM) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) as part of a plan to "build the best East Coast leisure network," the company said in a release. Other new flights starting Thursday included four to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City: Detroit, Michigan (DTW), Hartford, Connecticut (BDL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT) and Providence, Rhode Island (PVD).

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These new routes expand our presence in Boston and connect even more communities to JetBlues broad network across the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, said Daniel Shurz, JetBlues senior vice president of revenue, network and enterprise planning.

More Florida routes from JetBlue

JetBlue announced in February that the winter seasonal service from Providence, Rhode Island to Tampa and Hartford, Connecticut to Fort Myers would be expanded to year-round service. The month before, the airline began flying routes between ManchesterBoston Regional Airport to Orlando, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale.

The new routes came after the airline cut some flights in Florida last June and canceled a direct flight service from Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale.

More Florida airline news: Southwest Airlines announces new fare programs for Florida flights. Here's what to know

How much to check bags on a JetBlue flight?

Blue/Blue Basic/Blue Extra: Off-peak : First checked bag is $45, second bag is $60. P eak : First checked bag is $50, second bag is $70.

Blue Plus: Off-peak : First checked bag is included, second bag is $60. P eak : First checked bag is included, second bag is $70.

Mint: First two bags are included

Mosaic: First two bags are included

JetBlue Plus or Premier Cardmember: Off-peak : First checked bag is included, second bag is $60. Peak : First checked bag is included, second bag is $70.



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Passengers can get $10 off by adding them before check-in, at least 24 hours before departure.

For domestic flights, the third bag is $125 and the fourth is $150. For transatlantic flights, the third bag and every one after that is $200.

Which Florida airports does JetBlue fly out of?

JetBlue currently flies out of 10 Florida airports:

Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)

Fort Myers International Airport (RSW)

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Key West International Airport (EYW)

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)

Tampa International Airport {TPA)

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: JetBlue Florida new flights start with airline slowdown. Here's where
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A new air service has taken off at Norfolk International Airport, as the airline company JetBlue had its inaugural flight into Norfolk from Boston Wednesday.

Passengers from Boston were welcomed to the Mermaid City with cheers, gifts and music.

Im really excited to have a direct flight thats an airline that I like to take frequently and get points on and stuff, said passenger Jessica Estariz. This is the first time Ive done one of these, and it was cool to see, like they had the flags waving when we pulled in and done all of the treats and things really neat.

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The Blue Tickets to Paradise plane touched down in Hampton Roads just after 5 p.m.

Officials with the airport, JetBlue, the city and the state were there to welcome Norfolks ninth airline carrier.

We really appreciate JetBlues investment and involvement in Norfolk and the Commonwealth, and we hope this new route proves to be a great success, said Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III.

Right now, this route is only to and from Boston.

But Norfolk Airport Authority President Mark Perryman hopes its only the beginning.

We hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg with JetBlue and that we will be successful with the Boston route, which will lead to New York, which will lead to more and more routes with JetBlue, Perryman said. [Flying] through Boston, we can now get to get to Europe in a way that we didnt, and probably at a much more affordable price in which we appreciate as well.

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JetBlue has been looking into where theres demand, and the Norfolk market fits the profile.

We know this city is a great destination, said Daniel Shurz, JetBlue senior vice president of revenue network and enterprise planning. We know that the money is flowing in this direction. Dont worry. We know that theres going to bring lots of customers from Boston to experience the Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads area.

In honor of the launch, theres a sale for one-way fares starting at $49.

Im excited to be home and glad that this is happening over the summer, Estariz said, so itll make trips to visit the beach really easy.

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Nearly five years after a fiery explosion aboard the Hegh Xiamen cargo ship at Blount Island that critically and seriously injured nine Jacksonville firefighters, a current JFRD battalion chief is speaking out, saying key decisions made that day put lives at risk.

Battalion Chief Chip Drysdale, who served as the forward operations chief during the June 4, 2020, ship fire, is preparing to retire later this year. But before he leaves the department, he said he wants to set the record straight.

JFRD was not prepared or trained for that day, Drysdale told Action News Jax Ben Becker in an exclusive interview. Absolutely not. No, sir.

The fire that changed everything

The blaze broke out aboard a cargo ship carrying more than 2,400 junk vehicles headed to Africa. Within minutes, massive plumes of smoke poured into the air as fire crews rushed to the scene.

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ORIGINAL STORY: At least 9 Jacksonville firefighters hurt while fighting ship fire at Blount Island

Multiple agencies investigated the fire, including the National Transportation Safety Board, the Coast Guard, and the State Fire Marshal. The NTSB determined that a battery that was improperly disconnected inside one of the cars sparked the fire, which eventually destroyed over 1,000 vehicles and led to multiple explosions on board.

But Drysdale claims those investigations left out critical information, including what he said is a 57-minute gap in the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Departments internal timeline.

READ: COAST GUARD REPORT

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What I found was 57 minutes were missing of action steps, Drysdale said.

He said he pieced together the missing time using timestamps from the incident report and radio logs. The after-action report from the fire, created by JFRD, included only a contracted transcript of radio transmissions, omitting what Drysdale said were vital decisions made during the chaos.

That after-action report was never disseminated to any of us in the fire department, he said. We never read it.

READ: NTSB REPORT

Warnings ignored

Drysdale said he ordered accountability officers to prevent anyone from reentering the ship once it became too dangerous. Tires were already exploding from the heat, and Drysdale himself suffered burns to his face.

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I felt like 500 needles hit my face, he said. So, I immediately realized the conditions had changed.

READ: Audit finds Floridas guardianship program not doing enough to protect seniors from malfeasance

Drysdale said he passed command after sustaining his injuries, but firefighters were later sent back in, even though a thermal imaging camera showed that four of the ships upper decks were glowing white-hot, indicating deadly conditions inside.

According to the Coast Guard, cargo deck vents were manipulated to increase airflow, which triggered three major explosions. Thats when the injuries occurred.

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Thats when all hell broke loose, Drysdale said. I had no idea they were in there. I had no idea that he had ventilated and caused the explosion.

READ: Health care for illegal immigrants costs Florida taxpayers nearly $660 million, according to report

Disputed timeline, limited training

Randy Wyse is the former President of the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters and was one of three members on the committee that produced JFRDs after-action report. When asked about Drysdales claim of a 57-minute gap, Wyse initially told Becker he couldnt confirm whether a full transcript was ever created.

In a follow-up phone call and text message, Wyse said the missing time referred to pieces of silent audio that were removed.

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READ: Military mover issues: Changes made to process after Action News Jax investigation

Wyse later offered to sit down for another interview and provide the radio traffic, but the day he and Becker were supposed to meet, Wyse canceled and instead emailed that there was no cover-up.

Drysdale and federal investigators point to additional issues, including a lack of training. The Coast Guards final report in January 2025 stated:

There was a lack of shipboard firefighting training for JFRD firefighters.

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That contradicts what Wyse told the public the day after the fire:

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This is one of the most dangerous things we do is ship firefighting, and we train pretty heavily for it.

Wyse now said the department has expanded training efforts since the fire.

I think they have been aggressive in covering those areas, Wyse said.

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Nine recommendations, but concerns remain

The JFRD report made nine safety recommendations, including establishing a unified command and enforcing absolute accountability. The State Fire Marshal also issued five key recommendations, among them: do not allow venting operations while personnel are still inside the ship.

Chief Keith Powers, the head of JFRD, declined an on-camera interview. But in a statement through the mayors office, the department said:

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The Hegh Xiamen Ship Fire was fully investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, the Coast Guard, and the State Fire Marshals Office. JFRD fully cooperated with those investigations, and went further, immediately appointing an internal committee comprised of individuals with impeccable credentials and unquestioned integrity. JFRD stands by the findings of the independent state and federal agencies that have investigated the matter. The investigations provided recommendations for the enhancements of current practices, which have been adopted.

RELATED: Multimillion-dollar settlement announced for 2020 Jaxport explosion that injured 11 Jacksonville firefighters

Were not in a much better position

Still, Drysdale said more must be done, especially when it comes to training.

About 15% of our fire department have been trained in shipboard firefighting, he said. Were not in a much better position.

$16 million settlement

A local law firm ultimately reached a $16 million settlement on behalf of eleven firefighters with the terminal operators and shipping companies.

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Apr. 30A Jicarilla Apache police officer could spend the rest of her life in prison after allegations surfaced that she raped and physically abused underage relatives.

Lory Muniz, 48, of Dulce, is facing federal charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abandonment or abuse of a child. She is being held at the Cibola County Correctional Center. She faces up to life in prison if convicted. Her attorney was not available for comment.

The Jicarilla Apache Police Department placed Muniz on administrative leave pending the investigation, Police Chief Joseph Schake said in an April 17 social media post.

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"I am deeply disappointed with the breach of trust that the charges imply," he said. "The charges that were filed are not consistent with the values of the Jicarilla Police Department ... Anyone that will dishonor the badge and this noble profession will not have a place at the table with us and will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Muniz was previously charged with child abuse in 2023 in Jicarilla Apache Tribal Court, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico. The release states Muniz "had not been permitted to see the minors since that incident."

Tribal prosecutors made a deal to give Muniz a deferred sentence, USAO spokesperson Tessa DuBerry told the Journal. She did not elaborate further and said the USAO does not have access to the case information.

Muniz returned to duty as a police officer on March 31, 2025, according to the news release. When asked by the Journal on Wednesday why Muniz returned to the force, Schake did not comment.

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On April 4, a teenage boy told the FBI that Muniz abused him from when he was 7 to 11, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court of New Mexico. He told agents Muniz abused him multiple times, the complaint states.

One time, the boy told agents, she threw him against a wall and punched him in the face, agents said. Muniz would do this every few days, the boy told agents, according to the complaint.

The boy also told agents Muniz raped him multiple times between the ages of 6 and 12, the complaint states. If he did not do what she wanted, the boy told agents, she would slam him onto the bed and slap or punch him, agents said.

A 19-year-old woman, another relative, came forward days later and told agents Muniz physically abused her several times between 2010 and 2021, according to the complaint. When she was about 5, she told police, Muniz hit her and pushed her hard into a toilet bowl, resulting in a broken arm.

The boy and girl's sister told agents she witnessed the abuse but was also abused herself by Muniz, according to the complaint. The sister told agents her sibling would take the blame for something because she was worried the sister would get hurt by Muniz.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  People in Baton Rouge looking for their next job opportunity may have found it at the River Center.

Businesses had the chance to find people who could be the right fit.

Bernell Jones is a junior Psychology student at Southern University, looking for a job at the River Center. He said there should be more events like this.

Looking for job opportunities as a college student, I need help in my career endeavors, like internships, and career development, Jones mentioned. I believe it helps. A young person looking for opportunities  we need help too.



Over 900 people came out looking for their next opportunity.

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Mayor-President Sid Edwards said many industries are looking for the right person, and it just takes finding the right fit.



We want you to stay in Baton Rouge. I wish you the best of luck this morning. We have a wide array of opportunities and positions in Baton Rouge, were excited about where were going with the city, said Edwards.



Organizers agree  and they highlight the many benefits to working in Baton Rouge.

Amanda Stanley with EmployBR said, Weve got a variety of companies here  we have healthcare, Lane Memorial, Baton Rouge General, construction, MMR, Turner.



Jones said he wants more events like this because they would help people living here.



He said, If no one is willing to give you experience, how do you get it?

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(The Hill)  Former President Biden and Jill Biden are sitting down for their first interview together since leaving the White House, appearing next week on The View.

The couple is poised to join the ABC daytime talk show next Thursday to discuss life after [Bidens] presidency, his legacy, Democrats election losses, and the current political landscape, the network said in a Thursday statement.

Biden has been slowly stepping back into the spotlight since exiting the White House following former Vice President Kamala Harris loss to President Trump in November.

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The 82-year-old ex-president has been a frequent guest on The View, appearing 10 times over the years. He became the first sitting president to join the show live last September.

Whitmer says nation in constitutional crisis: This is a very serious moment

Last month, Biden delivered one of his first major public addresses since leaving office at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. In his speech, he criticized President Trump for taking a hatchet to Social Security, weighing in on a critical issue for millions of Americans.

In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. Its kind of breathtaking, Biden charged during a speech that spanned just under a half-hour.

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He also referred to the Republican president only as this guy, rather than by name.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Former U.S. Attorney John Bash, the first to announce a bid to replace Attorney General Ken Paxton, announced on Wednesday he was withdrawing from the race, citing personal family reasons.

Bash, a former Western District of Texas prosecutor and special assistant to President Donald Trump in his first term, said in a social media post that his family had a health scare that threw into sharp focus his priorities.

I still believe I have the right experience and judgment for the job. But the timing isnt right for our young family, Bash said in the post.

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The end of Bashs campaign comes less than a month after he was the first to publicly announce his entry into the attorney generals race on April 10. The opening for a new attorney general was created after Paxton announced his own bid to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for the seat.

Paxton will still serve his full term as attorney general, but cannot run for more than one position. His term ends in 2026.

With Bashs withdrawal, state Sen. Mayes Middleton is currently the only candidate with a public campaign for attorney general. Bash complimented the Galveston Republican in his announcement and said he was a good man who served Texas honorably in the Legislature.

Since resigning from his role as a federal prosecutor in 2020, Bash has worked in the private sector, including representing Elon Musk in a defamation lawsuit brought by a former college student.

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Over his 20 years on the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts has demonstrated an ability to slowly build the scaffolding, case by case, for a major development in the law. At the same time, he is also known for famously decrying jolts to the legal system.

Roberts wrote the three cases that proponents of an Oklahoma religious public charter school relied on Wednesday in a major dispute over the First Amendments protections for religion.

He began in a limited vein in 2017, requiring Missouri to pay for playground resurfacing at a church school as it did for non-religious places. But Roberts then authored decisions in 2020 and 2022 favoring parents seeking student aid and tuition assistance for religious schools, as was available at nonsectarian schools.

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Justice Sonia Sotomayor, among the dissenters who said those cases breached the constitutional separation of church and state, responded in the last one: This Court should not have started down this path five years ago.  I warned (in the 2017 case) that the Courts analysis could be manipulated.

The St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School now argues that the trio of cases leads unavoidably to a ruling that would require states to finance religious public charter schools. Most of the courts conservatives appeared to agree.

And after oral arguments Wednesday, it looked as if Roberts, who led the court to this moment, would be the one to cast the deciding vote. The chief justice, however, at times seemed hesitant to take the leap for which hed laid the ground.

Referring to the three earlier cases, Roberts said, Those involved fairly discrete state involvement with religion. He told James Campbell, one of the lawyers representing the St. Isidore school, This does strike me as a much more comprehensive involvement.

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The new case will be decided by an eight-member court, and the possibility of a tie 4-4 vote exists.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who is not participating, did not officially provide a reason for recusing from the case. But the former Notre Dame law professor has a personal connection to members of the schools religious liberty clinic that helped develop the case.

If Roberts votes with his four conservative brethren, who all seemed ready to side with St. Isidore, theyd have the requisite five-justice majority.

But if Roberts instead votes with the three liberals, who voiced strong reservations about the possibility of a taxpayer-funded religious school, it would be a 4-4 split. The result would affirm the Oklahoma Supreme Courts decision last year invalidating the St. Isidore initiative.

Fellow justices look for opportunities

Throughout the two hours of arguments, Roberts colleagues seemed on high alert for any leanings he revealed and tried to address his interests in their remarks. Right-wing colleagues, especially, referred to his past sentiment that would favor religious conservatives in the Oklahoma case.

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When Roberts expressed ambiguity, justices on the left followed up. Thinking about the chief justices question, Justice Elena Kagan began one line of queries.

Kagan also asked Gregory Garre, arguing on behalf of the Oklahoma attorney general fighting a state contract for the St. Isidore school, to highlight what would happen if the justices suddenly transformed the nature of schools in Oklahoma and the more than 40 other states that regard charter schools to be public.

First, every charter school law and the federal charter school program is unconstitutional, because they all require that charter schools be public schools and that they be nonsectarian, Garre said. This is going to create uncertainty, confusion, and disruption for potentially millions of school children and families across the country.

Garre also emphasized that while the court has enhanced public funding for religious entities, Roberts wrote for the majority in 2022 that states may choose to provide a strictly secular education.

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Wednesdays case arises at the intersection of the First Amendments religion clauses, which prohibit the governments establishment of religion and guarantee the free exercise thereof.

In 2017, the court ruled that Missouri violated the free exercise clause by excluding the Trinity Lutheran Churchs Child Learning Center from a grant program for playground resurfacing, made from recycled tires, based on the centers religious status.

As Roberts pulled together a majority, he insisted his rationale was narrow and covered only express discrimination based on religious identity with respect to playground resurfacing.

Three years later, in the 2020 case, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, Roberts wrote for a majority that found that state had unconstitutionally excluded schools from a state student aid program, supported by tax credits, based solely on their religious character.

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He went further in the 2022 Maine controversy, turning away from an earlier standard focused on the religious entities status, rather than its use of the money. The court said Maine could not exclude religious private schools from a tuition payment program.

In Trinity Lutheran and Espinosa, we held that the Free Exercise Clause forbids discrimination on the basis of religious status, Roberts wrote. But those decisions never suggested that use-based discrimination is any less offensive to the Free Exercise Clause.

Roberts asserted the decision flowed from Trinity Lutheran and Espinoza because the funding was filtered through the private choices of parents.

Yet dissenting justices questioned whether the majority was essentially reading the establishment clause out of the First Amendment as it gave almost exclusive attention to the words in the second clause guaranteeing the free exercise of religion.

Direct funding for religious schools?

While the earlier cases prevented government from excluding private religious entities from generally available state benefits, the Oklahoma case centers on direct funding of religious education.

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Liberal justices said Wednesday that necessarily brought to the fore larger concerns related to the First Amendments establishment clause, concerns that Sotomayor said the schools backers were minimizing.

What youre saying is the free exercise clause trumps the essence of the establishment clause because the essence of the establishment clause was were not going to pay religious leaders to teach their religion, she said. And, here, were paying Catholic leaders, Catholic teachers.

Yet most justices homed in on potential state actions that would exclude religion, and Roberts referred to yet another decision hed written that involved the free exercise of religion, the 2021 case of Fulton v. Philadelphia. In that controversy, the high court sided with a Catholic foster care agency that had been denied a contract with the city of Philadelphia because it rejected same-sex couples as potential foster parents.

What do you do with Fulton? the chief justice asked Garre. You have a state agency that refused to deal with the religious adoption services, and we held they couldnt engage in that discrimination. How is that different from what we have here?

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Garre said there were fundamental differences: Our position doesnt threaten faith-based contractors at all. The adoption agency in Fulton wasnt established by the state through legislative action. It wasnt fully funded by the state. It wasnt controlled by the state.

Roberts colleagues returned to the Fulton case, too, raising the specter that a ruling against St. Isidore would hurt, as Justice Brett Kavanaugh said, the senior homes, food banks, hospitals that receive government funding, participate in government programs, like the foster care program.

In response, Garre said the St. Isidore school proponents were trying to bait this court with concerns, although government contracting programs differ.

Theyre not fully funded by the state. Theyre not controlled by the state in the way that charter schools are, Garre said. Its an easy distinction.

Whether its an easy distinction, or otherwise, likely rests with Roberts.

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John Swinney has been urged to drop the SNP governments opposition to new oil and gas fields after Scotlands only refinery stopped processing crude oil.

Russell Findlay, the leader of the Scottish Tories, said the closure of Grangemouths refinery on the Firth of Forth was the price of the SNP and Labours hostility towards oil and gas.

He told First Ministers Questions that the two parties hostility to allowing more North Sea exploration would lead to the UK relying more on imported gas and oil.

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Mr Findlay also said Mr Swinney was inflicting self-harm on Scotland by blocking all new nuclear developments. A poll this week showed most SNP voters supported nuclear power despite the partys opposition.

His intervention came after owner Petroineos closed the Grangemouth refinery after a century of operations, with the loss of 430 jobs.

Refining oil at Grangemouth has ceased, leading to the loss of 430 of the 2,000 jobs based at the 1,700-acre industrial complex - Stuart Nicol

The Unite trade union said political leaders had utterly failed the workers and the community, and would face electoral wrath. The SNP has called for the refinery to be nationalised, a demand rejected by the UK government.

Sir Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, have also come under fire this week over their ban on oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the North Sea.

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Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB, attacked Sir Keirs bonkers net zero plan and warned there was a growing sense of betrayal among North Sea oil workers.

Mr Smith said the decision not to issue more oil licences was absolute madness. Meanwhile, former prime minister Sir Tony Blair also attacked Sir Keirs net zero policies.

Although oil licensing is a responsibility reserved to the UK Government, SNP ministers have also adopted a presumption against further exploration in the North Sea.

Nicola Sturgeon agreed the previous Tory governments decision to give the green light to the huge Rosebank field was the greatest act of environmental vandalism in her lifetime.

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Mr Swinney also described Rishi Sunaks decision in 2023 to grant hundreds of new oil and gas licences as utterly irresponsible.

The SNP manifesto for last years general election said that decisions on new oil fields must be taken on a rigorously evidence-led, case-by-case basis using a climate assessment.

Uncertain future

Mr Findlay told MSPs: Hundreds of workers at Grangemouth have lost their jobs and face an uncertain future. Scotland has vast oil reserves but will now need to import all of our petrol, diesel and other fuels.

This is the price of the SNP and Labours hostility towards oil and gas. People in the real world know that using Scotlands oil and gas is plain common sense.

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Mr Findlay attacked Mr Swinney for helping bring the Scottish Greens into government when he was Nicola Sturgeons deputy.

He said they were dangerous fanatics who want to shut down all oil and gas production, before being upbraided by Alison Johnstone, the presiding officer and a former Green MSP.

Mr Findlay then referred to them as dangerous cranks, prompting another warning from Ms Johnstone, before he settled on dangerous ideologues.

Challenging Mr Swinney to drop the SNPs presumption against new oil and gas exploration, he said: If John Swinneys government doesnt support business, how can he act all surprised when business fails?

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Mr Swinney expressed his solidarity with the Grangemouth workforce and claimed the closure was premature.

The First Minister said we must recognise the climate emergency that we face and any decision to allow further North Sea exploration must be the subject of a climate compatibility assessment.

The developers of the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields have been told by a court they must seek fresh approval from the UK Government before production can begin as they failed to take into account the emissions from burning the fuel.

Addressing the poll, which showed 52 per cent of SNP voters from the 2021 Holyrood election backed nuclear power, he argued that the rising cost of building the Hinkley C plant in Somerset showed it would not bring down energy bills.

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Starbucks has reported a 2% increase in consolidated net revenues in the second quarter (Q2) of fiscal year (FY) 2025, reaching $8.8bn, which translates to a 3% rise on a constant currency basis.

The period saw the opening of 213 net new stores, bringing the total to 40,789 stores globally, split between 53% company-operated and 47% licensed outlets.

The US and China remain Starbucks' largest markets, constituting 61% of the company's portfolio with 17,122 and 7,758 stores, respectively.

However, global comparable store sales saw a 1% decrease, attributed to a 2% reduction in comparable transactions, though this was slightly offset by a 1% rise in average ticket prices.

In North America, comparable store sales also fell by 1%, with a 4% drop in comparable transactions partly counterbalanced by a 3% increase in average ticket prices.

Specifically, these sales in the US were down by 2%, reflecting the same transaction decline and ticket increase as the broader North American market.

Conversely, international comparable store sales rose by 2%, driven by a 3% boost in comparable transactions despite a 1% decrease in average ticket prices.

China's store sales remained unchanged, with transaction growth neutralised by a reduction in average ticket prices.

The North America segment saw a 1% revenue increase during the period to $6.5bn, largely due to a 5% growth in net new company-operated stores over the past year.

However, operating income dropped to $748.3m in Q2 FY 2025 from $1.1bn in the same quarter the previous year due to deleverage and additional labour in support of Back to Starbucks.

The International segment's net revenues rose by 6% to $1.9bn, spurred by an 8% growth in company-operated stores, expansion in the licensed store business, and additional revenue from the acquisition of a licensed business partner in the UK.

Despite this, operating income for the channel development segment decreased to $217.0m, down from $233.8m in Q2 FY 2024 due to high promotional activity and restructuring costs.

Starbucks chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said: My optimism has turned into confidence that our 'Back to Starbucks' plan is the right strategy to turn the business around and to unlock opportunities ahead. Improving transaction comp in a tough consumer environment at our scale is a testament to the power of our brand and partners getting 'Back to Starbucks.

Starbucks UK has disclosed a pre-tax loss of 35.2m ($44.8m) for the year ending 29 September 2024, marking a downturn from the 16.9m profit recorded in the prior year.
The cause of free speech has produced some unlikely champions, but none more so than the 18th-century libertine John Wilkes. By all accounts he was an unsavoury character but for all his flaws he embodied the spirit of liberty that is a defining characteristic of this nation, which is all too easily undermined by indifference and ignorance.

Wilkes published an anti-government pamphlet called The North Briton, which in April 1763, carried a sustained attack on the Kings Speech. He was arrested and charged with seditious libel  only to be cleared and re-elected to the Commons.

Wilkes fought for the right to publish an opinion, however outrageous it might be, without being told by people in power what to say or prevented from saying what they did not want to hear. Until relatively recently, this was the accepted state of affairs in this country, but no longer.

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In the Commons this week, the name of Wilkes was invoked by Sir David Davis, in response to a ruling against The Telegraph by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). We reported remarks about the Muslim Association of Britain made in the chamber by Michael Gove when he was a minister but were censured because denials by the organisation about an affiliation to the Muslim Brotherhood were not sought.

As Sir David said: Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, and for centuries the right to freely report on the proceedings of this House have been protected in British law. Those freedoms allowing the press to report without any hindrance or conditionality were secured as long ago as 1771 by John Wilkes. While IPSO may think it is being responsible, its reprimanding of The Telegraph undermines those fundamental rights. Indeed so.

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Funds from the former Northeast Joint Fire District still need to be split between Sheffield and Monroe townships.

Sheffield Trustee Alan Kohta, who served on the joint fire districts board, estimated there is $300,000 that needs to be divided.

The district relied on UAN, an accounting software system used by fire departments and municipalities across the state, to complete payroll.

The joint fire district was formed in 2023, and was composed of Kingsville, Monroe and Sheffield townships.

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Kingsville withdrew from the district after township voters repeatedly rejected levies to fund it.

Sheffield withdrew at a Dec. 31, 2024 township meeting, then temporarily rejoined the district until March 31 to officially close it out, but district services did not resume.

The townships need access to the UAN account to distribute the funds.

Kohta said Sheffield and Monroe need to reach out to the lawyer who divided the district to see if and how checks would be made and processed, since the district is gone.

The only thing thats left to do is get the money distributed, he said.

Kohta said the joint fire districts former fiscal officer, Tracy Kohta, has been working with a former district computer to access the UAN software.

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After the district stopped running calls, the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department reached out to the Pierpont Volunteer Fire Department, and agreed to switch 12 hour shifts monthly.

Monroe Fire Chief Jason Coy said the departments agreement with Pierpont has worked out great.

Were doing fine, he said. Were moving forward.

Coy is thankful for the Pierpont Fire Department for the agreement, he said.

Monroes fire department is in a better position now than in January, Coy said.

Sheffield brought back its volunteer fire department after it exited the district.

Volunteer recruitment has gone well, Sheffield Fire Chief Robert Ocasio said.

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Im getting close to 12 so far, he said.

Sheffields volunteer fire department previously existed before the districts formation.

Sheffield entered into a contract with Kingsville for each to provide fire services.

Ocasio said the contract has been going well, and he has already been on some calls in Kingsville.

The Monroe Fire Department returned some gear to Sheffield that had been originally owned by Sheffield and used by the district.

Coy and Ocasio said it was turnout gear firefighters need to have when fighting fires.

Coy said Monroe ordered replacement gear.

Monroe Trustee Roger Sherman, who also served on the joint districts board, could not be reached for comment.
JOPLIN, Mo.  Students at Joplins McKinley Elementary embrace their differences and brighten each others day.

These students are part of the schools ASL clubAmerican Sign Languageand theyre helping lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Joplin Schools teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing, Erin Geeding says the students brought the idea of the club to her as a way to connect to their peers.

Theyre very grateful. Theyll see me again, you know, after a class, or, like, specialist time, or whatever, and theyll say, Did you know that this person knows sign language? They were talking with me! its been really, really cool to see, said Erin Geeding, a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing.

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I have a deaf friend, and I wanted to be able to communicate with her. She was really happy, said Heaven Childers, McKinley Elementary fourth grader.

Its a different language, so theres lots of different people that speak it, and so you can speak with people that you dont know, too, said Iris Allgood, McKinley Elementary fourth grader.

American Sign Language is the third most common language in the United States behind English and Spanish. Its used by between half and three-quarters of a million people.

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By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Jordanian national in Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to six years in U.S. federal prison for threats against and attacks on businesses over their perceived support for Israel, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Rights advocates have noted rising threats in the U.S. against Jews, Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians and Israelis since the start of U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza after an October 2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants.

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CONTEXT

Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, described by prosecutors as "a Jordanian national residing illegally in Orlando," broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, in June 2024, according to prosecutors. He caused more than $450,000 in damage, the Justice Department said in a statement.

He also broke doors and threatened other businesses.

He was arrested in July 2024, charged in August and pleaded guilty in December.

KEY QUOTES

"According to court documents, beginning around June 2024, Hnaihen targeted and attacked businesses in the Orlando area for their perceived support for Israel," the Justice Department said.

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"Wearing a mask, under the cover of night, Hnaihen smashed the glass front doors of businesses and left behind "Warning Letters.""

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
When the judge presiding over Kilmar Abrego Garcias case agreed last week to halt litigation proceedings temporarily, it raised the question of whether the Trump administration was actually working to bring back the man it illegally deported to El Salvador. On Wednesday, the judge rejected the governments motion for further delay, leaving the cases fate still unclear.

We dont know why U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis agreed to the initial delay or declined to extend it. The litigation came in sealed motions. We do know that Xinis had agreed to pause discovery, which is the information gathering process during litigation. The information being sought here is details about the governments efforts (or lack thereof) to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from El Salvador, as ordered by judges at all levels of the federal court system.

One reason Xinis initial pause raised the question of Abrego Garcias possible imminent return is that, prior to granting the delay, she had just excoriated the administration for failing to comply with discovery. Her initial stay order also said it was with the agreement of both sides. So while we dont know what each side said in their sealed court papers, one might wonder why Abrego Garcias lawyers would agree to any delay without meaningful concession, or why Xinis would sign off on it.

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So what happens now?

Xinis also set a new schedule on Wednesday for the discovery process. The government needs to answer all outstanding questions from Abrego Garcias lawyers by Monday, and depositions of certain government officials need to happen by next Friday, May 9. What well hear next about the case could depend partly on the governments compliance with the discovery process going forward and whether Abrego Garcias lawyers raise any new issues to the judge that result in further litigation.

As I wrote previously, a more forceful order from the Supreme Court last month could have helped resolve the case by this point. But in any event, President Donald Trump could seemingly end this needless fight with a phone call to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, with whom he has a good relationship by all appearances. Indeed, Trump said in a recent interview that he could do so.

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A federal judge on Thursday barred the Trump administration from deporting any Venezuelans from South Texas under an 18th-century wartime law and said President Donald Trump's invocation of it was unlawful.

U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. is the first judge to rule that the Alien Enemies Act cannot be used against people who, the Republican administration claims, are gang members invading the United States. Rodriguez said he wouldn't interfere with the government's right to deport people in the country illegally through other means, but it could not rely on the 227-year-old law to do so.

Neither the Court nor the parties question that the Executive Branch can direct the detention and removal of aliens who engage in criminal activity in the United States, wrote Rodriguez, who was nominated by Trump in 2018. But, the judge said, "the Presidents invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statutes terms.

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In March, Trump issued a proclamation claiming that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was invading the U.S. He said he had special powers to deport immigrants, identified by his administration as gang members, without the usual court proceedings.

"The Court concludes that the Presidents invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful, Rodriguez wrote.

In an interview on Fox News, Vice President JD Vance said the administration will be aggressively appealing the ruling and others that hem in the president's deportation power.

The judge doesnt make that determination, whether the Alien Enemies Act can be deployed, Vance said. I think the president of the United States is the one who determines whether this country is being invaded.

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The chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., said in a statement the judge had made clear what we all knew to be true: The Trump administration illegally used the Alien Enemies Act to deport people without due process.

The Alien Enemies Act has only been used three times before in U.S. history, most recently during World War II, when it was cited to intern Japanese-Americans.

The proclamation triggered a flurry of litigation as the administration tried to ship migrants it claimed were gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

Rodriguezs ruling is significant because it is the first formal permanent injunction against the administration using the AEA and contends the president is misusing the law. "Congress never meant for this law to be used in this manner, said Lee Gelernt, the ACLU lawyer who argued the case, in response to the ruling.

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Rodriguez agreed, noting that the provision has only been used during the two World Wars and the War of 1812. Trump claimed Tren de Aragua was acting at the behest of the Venezuelan government, but Rodriguez found that the activities the administration accused it of did not amount to an invasion or predatory incursion, as the statute requires.

The Proclamation makes no reference to and in no manner suggests that a threat exists of an organized, armed group of individuals entering the United States at the direction of Venezuela to conquer the country or assume control over a portion of the nation, Rodriguez wrote. Thus, the Proclamations language cannot be read as describing conduct that falls within the meaning of invasion for purposes of the AEA.

If the administration appeals, it would go first to the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That is among the nations most conservative appeals courts and it also has ruled against what it saw as overreach on immigration matters by both the Obama and Biden administrations. In those cases, Democratic administrations had sought to make it easier for immigrants to remain in the U.S.

The administration, as it has in other cases challenging its expansive view of presidential power, could turn to appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, in the form of an emergency motion for a stay pending an appeal.

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The Supreme Court already has weighed in once on the issue of deportations under the AEA. The justices held that migrants alleged to be gang members must be given reasonable time to contest their removal from the country. The court has not specified the length of time.

Its possible that the losing side in the 5th Circuit would file an emergency appeal with the justices that also would ask them to short-circuit lower court action in favor of a definitive ruling from the nations highest court. Such a decision likely would be months away, at least.

The Texas case is just one piece of a tangle of litigation sparked by Trump's proclamation.

The ACLU initially filed suit in the nation's capital to block deportations. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued a temporary hold on removals and ordered the administration turn around planes that had left with detainees headed to El Salvador, a directive that was apparently ignored. Later, the Supreme Court weighed in.

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The justices stepped in again late last month with an unusual postmidnight order halting deportations from North Texas, where the ACLU contended the administration was preparing for another round of flights to El Salvador.

___

Riccardi reported from Denver. Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst and Mark Sherman contributed to this report.
A recent judges order bars Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, from arresting or deporting four international students at the University of Iowa who are suing the agency over its decision to revoke their status as students. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

After being temporarily barred from deporting four international students at the University of Iowa who are suing the Department of Homeland Security for revoking their status as students, the agency is now contesting the students wish to remain anonymous.

The students lawsuit, filed last month in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, identifies the plaintiffs only as John Doe No. 1 through 4.

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According to the lawsuit, each of the plaintiffs was admitted to the United States on an F-1 student visa. In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs claim the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has violated their due process rights by terminating their student status without legal justification or explanation.

Named as defendants in the case are Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, of which Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is a part. Also named as a defendant is Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons.

On April 25, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger granted the students request for a temporary restraining order, blocking any efforts at deportation. Ebinger concluded the students had demonstrated a likelihood of success as to their legal claims and had also shown they could otherwise be subjected to irreparable harm.

The judge noted there had been no suggestion that any of the recognized, lawful reasons for terminating the plaintiffs status as students  such as providing false information to the government, engaging in unauthorized employment, or failing to engage in an approved course of study  appeared to exist or were even argued by Homeland Security as a justification for its actions.

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In the overwhelming majority of recent, similar cases, district courts have found orders for temporary relief appropriate, Ebinger ruled.

In granting the order before the federal government had a chance to argue against it, Ebinger stated the students had been notified that their deportation could occur at any moment without time permitted to secure possessions or conclude affairs.

Order bars Noem from pursuing deportation

The judges April 25 order instructs Noem and Lyons to restore the plaintiffs status as students and further instructs them that they shall not arrest, detain, or transfer plaintiffs John Doe No. 1, John Doe No. 2, John Doe No. 3, or John Doe No. 4 out of this courts jurisdiction, or order the arrest, detention or transfer of plaintiffs out of this courts jurisdiction, without first providing adequate notice to both this court and the plaintiffs counsel.

In a motion filed April 28, U.S. Department of Justice lawyers for Homeland Security argued the case should not be allowed to proceed with the student plaintiffs identified only by pseudonyms  in part because, as a practical matter, the government needed the identifying information not only to defend the case but to comply with the courts temporary restraining order blocking deportation of the four students.

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According to the response filed two days later by the students attorneys, the government was informed on April 29 of the students identities. However, they argued, the names of the students should not be disclosed to the general public. Such disclosure, they say, would put the students at risk for harassment, retaliation, detention, and deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

They are now asking the court to let the case proceed under pseudonyms and to also issue a protective order regarding Homeland Securitys use of the students personal information.

They argue that while the federal government tries to downplay the level of retaliation, harassment, and government enforcement the students might face if their names were revealed to the general public, the students fear public retaliation, given this hotly contested and socially charged issue  This fear is fueled by emails from the Department of State (giving) each plaintiff warning they could be immediately arrested, detained and deported  and could even be deported to some third country, rather than their home country.

A hearing on the students motion for a preliminary injunction is now scheduled for Monday, May 5.

Students: Homeland Security has sparked chaos

Since beginning their studies, the lawsuit claims, the plaintiffs have maintained their status as students, are in good academic standing and have not committed any serious criminal offenses. Three of the four are studying chemical engineering, economics or exercise science, while the fourth is working for the State of Iowa as an epidemiologist.

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The lawsuit claims that on April 10, 2025, ICE abruptly canceled, without explanation, the plaintiffs status as students within DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems database. The same day, the plaintiffs each received emails from the University of Iowas International Students and Scholars Services informing them of the cancellation and the fact that the university was not responsible for the action.

Four days later, the lawsuit claims, three of the plaintiffs visas were revoked without explanation. The three each received identical messages from U.S. embassies, warning them that remaining in the United States can result in fines, detention, and/or deportation, and adding that deportation can take place at a time that does not allow the person being deported to secure possessions or conclude affairs in the United States. Persons being deported may be sent to countries other than their countries of origin.

The lawsuit claims Homeland Securitys lack of transparency and procedural safeguards created chaos within educational institutions and upended the lives of lawful F-1 visa holders.

The lawsuit emphasizes that the plaintiffs are not challenging the revocation of their F-1 student visas but are instead challenging DHS termination of their student status to create a pretext for future adverse immigration actions against them.

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The terminations are without legal justification, have violated constitutional guarantees of procedural due process, violate DHSs own regulations and policies, and are far beyond DHS statutory authority, the lawsuit claims.

The plaintiffs are represented by University of Iowa law student practitioners under the direct supervision of Katherine Melloy Goettel, clinical associate professor at the universitys College of Law.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A federal judge ordered the Trump administration 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. Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes explains the decision.

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Despite the reams of documents, hours of hearings and the unlawful expulsion of Venezuelan detainees, no judge had ruled on whether the Trump administration can even apply the Alien Enemies Act to these alleged gang members  until Thursday.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., a Trump appointee in the Southern District of Texas, ruled that the administrations contortion of the law  meant to spring to life when a foreign nation or government is carrying out an invasion or predatory incursion into the United States  went far beyond its scope. The Trump administration has argued that the Venezuelan government, through alleged members of the gang Tren de Aragua, is invading the United States.

The historical record renders clear that the Presidents invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statutes terms, Rodriguez wrote. As a result, the Court concludes that as a matter of law, the Executive Branch cannot rely on the AEA, based on the Proclamation, to detain the Named Petitioners and the certified class, or to remove them from the country.

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The AEA had only previously been invoked three times: during the War of 1812 and the two World Wars. Due to the administrations attempt to expel the detainees quickly and quietly  the better to avoid judicial scrutiny  the litigation thus far has largely played out in an emergency posture, centering on attempts to block the expulsions rather than question at the heart of the gambit.

The case in which Rodriguez ruled Thursday splintered off from an earlier, emergency suit that the ACLU brought in the early hours of March 15 as the Trump administration prepared to use the 18th-century, wartime power to send more than 100 Venezuelans to a detention camp in El Salvador.

Trump had secretly signed a proclamation invoking the act, which didnt enter into legal force until it became public during the afternoon of the 15th. Hours later, with ICE having prepositioned Venezuelans for rendition to El Salvador, three planes took off from Texas even as a federal D.C. judge rushed to block the operation from taking place.

The Supreme Court later ruled that all future AEA challenges had to be filed as habeas corpus claims. That ruling nullified the ACLUs D.C. suit, leading it to file a habeas corpus class action lawsuit in the Southern District of Texas on behalf of some of the original Venezuelans whose removal the earlier case successfully blocked.

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On Thursday, Rodriguez dismissed the administrations argument that courts cant touch a presidents power to invoke the AEA.

Construing the language of the AEA does not require courts to adjudicate the wisdom of the Presidents foreign policy and national security decisions, he wrote.

He also agreed with the lawyers for the detainees that even if the detainees were gang members  which many of them deny  their presence does not justify the use of the law.

As for the activities of the Venezuelan-directed TdA in the United States, and as described in the Proclamation, the Court concludes that they do not fall within the plain, ordinary meaning of invasion or predatory incursion for purposes of the AEA, he wrote.

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Its one of several lawsuits filed in judicial districts across the country seeking to block the administration from invoking the law to remove more Venezuelans to CECOT. In one case last month, the Trump administration allegedly moved people out of the Southern District of Texas, where an earlier preliminary injunction barred removal, to the Northern District of Texas, as part of a plan to carry out more AEA removals. The Supreme Court issued a rare, middle-of-the-night intervention that was lightning-fast by its usual standards to block that from happening.

That ruling blocked further removals without getting to the core of whether Trump had the authority to use the law to send people to El Salvador.

Read the ruling here:
David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Starbucks plans to report fiscal second-quarter results after the market closes Tuesday.

The report marks the third since new CEO Brian Niccol took the role in September.

Analysts expect quarterly revenue to improve year-over-year for the first time in more than a year.







Starbucks (SBUX) is slated to report fiscal second-quarter results after the bell Tuesday, marking the coffee chain's third report under new CEO Brian Niccol, who took over the role in September.

Niccols Back to Starbucks turnaround campaign has involved a whirlwind of changes, from the aesthetic (baristas are once again writing names on coffee cups with Sharpies) to the practical (the condiment bar has returned and Niccol has put an emphasis on getting orders filled within four minutes). In February, Starbucks said it would lay off 1,100 corporate employees to create smaller, more nimble teams.

Analysts expect Starbucks to report year-over-year revenue growth for the first time in more than a year, with a consensus forecast of $8.81 billion, up 3% from a year ago, according to Visible Alpha. Still, analysts project a nearly 30% decline in adjusted earnings per share to 48 cents.

Shares of Starbucks wavered between gains and losses in recent trading Tuesday, and have lost close to 9% since the start of the year, slightly underperforming the S&P 500.

Investors will likely be watching closely how Starbucks addresses the current tariff environment. Several companies have pulled their outlooks in recent weeks amid economic uncertainty, and suggested they could raise prices in response to import taxes.



This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect adjusted earnings estimates.

Read the original article on Investopedia
Apr. 30Prosecutors told jurors Wednesday that Thomas Clark fatally shot three people with the intention of stealing a car containing at least $90,000 worth of fentanyl.

Clark, 34, testifying in his own defense this week, told jurors that he fired the fatal shots in self-defense because a group of drug dealers had planned to kill him and dispose of his body on the West Mesa.

Jurors on Wednesday found Clark guilty of three counts of second-degree murder in the Aug. 31, 2023, shooting deaths of Jonathan McGaughy, 31, Genea Oliver, 35, and Randy Lovett, 40.

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But jurors rejected the more serious charges of first-degree murder in each of the three killings. Jurors deliberated for two hours following an eight-day trial in 2nd Judicial District Court before Judge Clara Moran.

Clark faces up to 60 years in prison at sentencing. That hearing has not been scheduled.

Clark's attorney, John McCall, said in closing arguments Wednesday that a group of "big money" drug dealers had accused Clark of stealing and were openly discussing plans to kill him.

McGaughy was a major drug dealer, McCall argued, who moved 30,000 fentanyl pills a week and had a large number of people working for him.

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"This is a drug dealer, a serious drug dealer," McCall said of McGaughy. "These are the people around him, the people who will kill people who steal from them because it's bad for business. Thomas Clark was not in that circle of trust."

McGaughy had summoned at least a half-dozen of his people to a parking lot in Southeast Albuquerque at 4:20 a.m., which McCall described as "an attempted kidnapping and murder" of Clark.

"Everybody is talking about killing him," McCall told jurors. Clark "was exercising self-defense and he did understand that his life was in danger."

Clark and others testified during the trial that Clark was in the back seat of a Mitsubishi Gallant at about 4:30 a.m. when gunfire erupted.

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Prosecutors relied on ShotSpotter gunshot detection recordings to argue that Clark fired nine gunshots in less than six seconds with a 9mm handgun.

"This case starts and ends in less than six seconds," Assistant District Attorney Christine Jablonsky told jurors on Wednesday. "Less than six seconds ended the lives of three human beings."

Albuquerque police found the three victims lying close to the Mitsubishi in a parking lot outside an apartment building in the 300 block of Rhode Island SE.

Jablonsky rejected Clark's self-defense argument and suggested that he may have intended to steal 30,000 fentanyl pills located in the trunk of the car. She estimated the value of the pills at between $90,000 and $300,000 depending on their sale price.

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"It seems as though he was climbing into that front seat in order to take the car," Jablonsky told jurors.

Prosecutors also argued that Clark had been smoking fentanyl and was "freaking out" when he opened fire, which Clark and his attorneys denied.

Nine 9mm shell casings were found inside the car, Jablonsky said.

"We know he fired nine times within the confines of that car," she said. "He shot until there were no more bullets left in that gun. He ran out of ammo."

Testifying in his own defense Tuesday, Clark said he overheard people he knew as dangerous drug dealers discussing plans to kill him and leave his body on Nine Mile Hill, west of Albuquerque.

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"I was in fear for my life, and by their discussion, I knew that I was going to die that night," Clark told jurors.

Clark testified that he was confined to the back seat of a Mitsubishi when he overheard several people accuse him of stealing from the group and urge McGaughy to kill Clark.

Clark said he heard Oliver say, "We'll take this fool out to Nine Mile Hill before we go to the casino." The group planned to go to Route 66 Casino after disposing of Clark's body, he told jurors.
A Georgia jury convicted a man formerly stationed at Fort Stewart of victimizing two children.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Georgia, 42-year-old Cedrick Demon Robinson of Oxford, Mississippi, was accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old and requesting a sexually explicit photo of a 15-year-old between 2013 and 2017.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Robinson abused a child by touching them inappropriately.

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Protecting children from those who would abuse them and seeking justice for sexual predators remains one of our Districts highest priorities, Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons said. We will continue to seek justice for those who would victimize our most vulnerable citizens.

TRENDING STORIES:

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After two days in court, Robinson was found guilty by a jury and convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and attempted production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Mr. Robinsons conviction is a testament to the diligent work of our special agents and prosecutorial partners at the United States Attorneys Office, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Southeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Steven Ausfeldt said. Army CID will aggressively pursue anyone who would abuse or exploit our children.

Robinson is now waiting to be sentenced, once the U.S. Probation Services has finished a pre-sentence investigation.

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LOCKPORT  Jury selection is underway in the in the murder trial of a Falls man accused of gunning down another man on the 2000 block of 18th Street in June 2023.

Niagara County prosecutors and the defense attorney for Juan Ubiles agreed on five of what will ultimately be 12 jurors and two alternates who will hear the case. Lawyers said they were optimistic that a full jury could be seated today and opening statements could begin on Friday morning.

Ubiles, who fled from the Falls after the incident, is set to stand trial on a grand jury indictment that charges him with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the shooting death of Gregory Vincent. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bail pending his trial.

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The Falls man had been the subject of an intense manhunt by Falls Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) detectives and U.S. Marshals before being captured in Philadelphia, almost three months after the slaying of Vincent. A U.S. Marshals task force in Philadelphia, acting on a tip from the marshals Western New York Violent Felony Fugitive Task Force, apprehended Ubiles without incident.

The Western New York task force had conducted a series of searches for Ubiles in the Rochester area in the days immediately after Vincents slaying without success. The local Crime Stoppers program also posted a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to his arrest or indictment.

Ubiles, 39, is accused of gunning down Vincent at around 11:38 a.m. on June 19, 2023 in the 2000 block of 18th Street.

Falls Police patrol officers said they responded to a report of a person shot near the intersection of 18th Street and Niagara Avenue. When they arrived, the officers said they found Vincent, 44, lying on the apron of a driveway and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. Witnesses reported hearing three gunshots and then discovering the victim.

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Vincent was rushed to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators later revealed that Ubiles had tried to kill Vincent almost 13 years earlier, during a shootout and high-speed chase in August 2010.

Ubiles was caught after that incident, convicted on a weapons possession charge and served just five years probation for his crime.

If Ubiles is convicted on his current charges he could face 25 years to life in prison.
Counter-terror police investigating rappers for being offensive? Just when you thought Starmers Britain couldnt get any more authoritarian, our pearl-clutching state outdoes itself.

After footage emerged of Belfast republican rap trio Kneecap chanting up Hamas, up Hezbollah and allegedly calling for the death of MPs at some of their shows, the backlash was swift, brutal and bipartisan.

First they were cancelled, expunged from the bills of shows and festivals across Europe, and now theyre (potentially) being criminalised, apparently for glorifying terrorism and inciting violence. The Labour Government still isnt satisfied, with the security minister Dan Jarvis now leaning on Glastonbury to think very carefully about who is invited to perform there later this year.

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How you feel about Kneecap is now irrelevant. If we want to live in a free society, we cant have politicians dictating festival line-ups and cops combing through rap videos. This isnt even a tough one. I understand the mix of revulsion and cringe that these three idiots provoke in many people. I share it. But it is precisely because I loathe Kneecap that I am so alarmed by this crackdown.

The thing is, Kneecap arent just bigoted Israelophobes. Theyre also painfully lame, a band that cosplay as drug-addled, terrorist-loving hoods for the titillation of girls from Cheltenham Ladies College who want to get back at daddy. Please, I beg you, dont hand them the edgy rep they so clearly crave.

This isnt just about them, either. Creative freedom is on the line. Few will buy Kneecaps statement, insisting they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, given theyve praised the Jew haters onstage and posed with their books offstage. But Kneecap do have a point when they say these were performances. What now? Are the police supposed to lock up actors who portray Islamist apologists, too? How on earth are they expected to tell the difference?

Now, the law is the law, and people have been sent to prison for much less than praising Jew-hating jihadists and joking about killing politicians. We should reject this two-tier speech-policing. What we shouldnt do is demand the censorship be doled out more evenly. That would be an authoritarian race to the bottom.

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For free speech to have any meaning at all it must include the right to say truly obnoxious, hateful things. That includes sucking up to Hamas and Hezbollah. Working with them, donating to them? That of course should be a criminal offence. Anything else is speech and should be fought against in kind. I for one would rather know who these Islamist-curious scumbags are rather than push them into the shadows.

As for inciting violence, that is not free speech. It isnt even protected in America, the land of the First Amendment. But we need to be very careful how we define incitement. Unless speech is both likely and intended to cause imminent lawless action  the standard in US law  it should not be silenced.

Otherwise you are lapsing into censorship. Hoodlum impersonators shouting kill your MP to a room of middle-class Gen Z vegans who have never thrown a punch in their life is not, if were honest, a threat to anyone. Kneecap should be ridiculed, not arrested. Somewhere along the line, Britain lost that crucial distinction.

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(FOX40.com) LODI- Wineries are the economic engine of Lodi.



And just like the grapes, the California wine industry has been crushed by cheap overseas imports and fewer consumers.

[Wineries] are choosing to remove some of their vineyards now, pulling them out and looking at alternative crops to put in, and in some cases, they dont have the resources to do that, Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Wine Grape Commission, said.

Mohr-Fry Ranches is one of the many grape growers in Lodi that have had to remove some of their vines.

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Officials identify fatal Sacramento hit-and-run victim

The family-owned business has grown grapes for over 170 years. Jerry Fry is the President and tells FOX40 theyve lost tens of thousands of dollars as a result of these recent challenges.

The grower, in general, is a price taker and so were dependent on consumption and everything else, Fry said.

This is also affecting the greater community.

When the agricultural economy struggles, the whole economy struggles here the irrigation companies, the fertilizer companies, the farm workers, Spencer said.

Unlike champagne, California wineries have also been falling flat due to a common concern at the top of everyones minds: tariffs and trade wars.

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Wine is often a pawn in these larger trade wars, Spencer said.

Canada is Californias top wine importer, and the devastation from Canadas boycott of American wine and 25% import tax is just the beginning.

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised never to bow down to Trump, and Stuart says California wineries have now reached another big fork in the road.

[Lodi wineries] need to make decisions based on what they know right now, Carney said. And you know, there are a number of properties up for sale, and there are people exiting the wine business.

So will these tariffs protect domestic producers?

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Both Spencer and Fry say its too early to tell.

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When Dan Turner of Turner Hydraulics ordered a custom product for a U.S. steel mill from a Chinese manufacturer back in January, he was expecting to pay a 25 percent tariff on the $49,000 product when it arrived this spring at a port in the United States.

But that was before President Donald Trump announced his April 2 Liberation Day tariffs on countries around the worldand then subsequently paused most of his so-called reciprocal tariffs while simultaneously escalating his trade war against China.

Just days after the custom product shipped, Trump announced China would face minimum tariffs of 145 percent, but the rate can vary by product. Turner is now expecting to pay significantly more than a 145 percent tariff when the item, currently somewhere on a container ship in the ocean, arrives.

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So we are having to pay an $84,000 tariff on a $49,000 item, Turner told The Dispatch in an interview. Were just hoping either the ship sinks or somebody comes to their senses before it hits the dock.

Trump insists that tariffs are going to make our country very rich, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed last month tariffs are a tax cut for the American people. But Turners story and others like it exemplify the reality that tariffs are indeed a tax paid by Americansbusinesses and consumers alike. Its going to take away from our resources. Were going to borrow money from the bank, and thats not what our business plan was for this year. We were planning for growth, Turner said.

He looked into canceling the order and returning the product to China, but concluded that would cost the company $10,000 more than simply paying the tariff. Its not like we ordered a container load of sunglasses, and we can just add $1 on each set of sunglasses. This was completely paid for by both parties before it ever shipped, he said. The particular product Turner ordered from China is a hydraulic accumulator that can store energy: In case of a power outage, Turner said, a hydraulic accumulator allows steel-mill workers to manually tilt a kettle of molten steel so the kettle isnt destroyed by the solidifying steel inside.

Turner expects his business will suffer about a $50,000 loss on the transaction. That amount could either pay for an entire annual salary for one employee or cover the the cost of living increase for all of our employees for the year, he said. Based out of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Turner employs 40 people across two hydraulics businesses. Between tariffs and the business climate, he wouldnt be surprised if layoffs become necessary this year.

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Tariff advocates say one of their objectives is bringing back manufacturing to the United States, but with Trump and his top advisers sending conflicting signals about the overall tariff rates and how long they will last, its hard to imagine many businesses will make long-term plans to build new manufacturing plants in the United States based on the new tariff regime. Hydraulic accumulators use a steel shell that used to be made in the United States, and now its very difficult, if not impossible, to find any U.S. made shells, Turner said. So weve been working with some Chinese companies. Its not my preference, but I didnt really have a choice.

Turner, who voted for Trump in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania last November, said his view of the president has soured. You could say I support President Trump because I voted [for him], but I would say that Ive always kind of questioned how much strategy he uses versus bravado, he said. And I think this whole tariff thing has answered that question. Turner isnt alone: Polling shows that majorities of Americans oppose Trumps tariff policies, and a Gallup poll released this week found that 89 percent of Americans thought tariffs would increase prices.

Another Pennsylvania businessman, Franco Salerno, spoke to The Dispatch this week about how the new tariffs are hurting the bridal store hes owned and operated with his wife for 12 years.

This week, we lost our first bridal sale because a bride who was considering a dress a month or two ago came back and said, I want to say yes to this dress, but now its $534 more, and I cant afford that, Salerno said.

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The tariffstheyre on, theyre off, its really tough, Salerno added. Most wedding dresses come from China. Some come from Indonesia; some come from Vietnam [and] Sri Lanka. He and his employees spent so much time changing price tags and reprogramming the cash register that they just created a surcharge based on the weighted-average the [dress] designer is charging us.

The Salernos shop in Warrington, PennsylvaniaDarianna Bridal & Tuxedohas seven full-time employees and nine part-time employees. We can already see cashflow going down, Salerno said, adding that the business is going to have to eat the cost on dresses that were sold at prices before the tariffs were announced. The bride often comes out eight to 12 months before the wedding to look for her dress.  It takes three to five months for the dress to come in. I just sold several hundred dresses before the tariffs were in place, but the tariff doesnt get charged until the thing ships.

Were going to take a serious haircut, Salerno said.

He declined to say how he voted in November but described himself as a middle-of-the-road guy. Im actually an independent. I vote based on the issues, not on the party.

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My view is there was a better way to do this, Salerno said of Trumps trade war. Its going to hurt consumers, and its going to hurt the country as a whole.

Mary Gordon, the co-owner and president of Central Safety Equipment in New Jersey, heartily concurs with that assessment. Her company employs 32 people and manufactures devices that protect machines from catching fireeverything from machine tools and automotive industry equipment to robotics, 3D printing, and more. We manufacture everything here, Gordon told The Dispatch, but the tariffs increased the cost for anything that we have to import. And we do have to import some of our raw materials because theyre not available in the United States anymore.

Where we can source from the United States, we prefer to use local suppliers wherever possible, she said.

While Gordon stocked up on materials in anticipation of the trade war, that stockpile can only last so long, and she eventually expects a 7 percent increase overall in the cost of raw materials. But her biggest concern about the trade war is dampening sales, particularly in other countries. Our overseas customers are looking for more domestic suppliers for them, she said. Its a domino effect. Its not just one little isolated incident. It impacts every aspect of the business.

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Gordon spoke to The Dispatch on Tuesday morning, shortly before White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the multibillion-dollar business Amazon of engaging in a hostile and political act by reportedly considering listing the cost of tariffs on certain products. Hours after Leavitts rebuke, a cowed Amazon spokesman issued a statement saying the idea was considered but was never approved and is not going to happen.

Asked if there was one message she could send to Trump and his economic advisers, Gordon told The Dispatch: If youre a billionaire, you can probably weather this really easily. Those of us who are down in the trenches that are making sure their employees have a paycheck every week are really going to be suffering.

Read more at The Dispatch

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DETROIT (AP)  The U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits against four states this week, claiming their climate actions conflict with federal authority and President Donald Trump'senergy dominance agenda.

The DOJ on Wednesday filed lawsuits against Hawaii and Michigan over their plans for legal action against fossil fuel companies for harms caused by climate change. On Thursday, the DOJ sued New York and Vermont, challenging their climate superfund laws that would force fossil fuel companies to pay into state-based funds based on previous greenhouse gas emissions.

These burdensome and ideologically motivated laws and lawsuits threaten American energy independence and our countrys economic and national security, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement, noting the office hopes to stop "these illegitimate impediments to the production of affordable, reliable energy that Americans deserve.

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The DOJ lawsuits, which legal experts called unprecedented, mark the latest of the Trump administration's attacks on environmental work and raises concern over states' abilities to retain the power to take climate action without federal opposition.

The DOJs four filings said the state efforts undermine the federal government while "increasing energy costs and disrupting the national energy market. It said the states plans and policies are unconstitutional, violate the federal foreign affairs power and are preempted by the Clean Air Act  a federal law authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate air emissions.

The DOJ argued the act creates a program for regulating air pollution in the United States and displaces the ability of States to regulate greenhouse gas emissions beyond their borders.

It said Wednesday that Hawaii and Michigan battling oil and gas companies for alleged climate damage conflicts with EPA authority and obstructs the agency's discretion to regulate greenhouse gases.

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When burned, fossil fuels release emissions such as carbon dioxide that warm the planet.

Spokespeople for Democratic Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez confirmed the state filed its lawsuit against seven groups of affiliated fossil fuel companies and the oil and gas trade association, the American Petroleum Institute, Thursday, alleging harm to public trust resources, negligence and more.

Green said he is targeting fossil fuel companies that should take responsibility for their role in the states climate impacts, including 2023s deadly Lahaina wildfire.

This lawsuit is about holding those parties accountable, shifting the costs of surviving the climate crisis back where they belong, and protecting Hawaii citizens into the future, he said in a statement.

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Meanwhile, Democratic Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel last year tapped private law firms to go after the fossil fuel industry for negatively affecting the states climate and environment.

This lawsuit is at best frivolous and arguably sanctionable," Nessel said in a statement Thursday. Nessel noted that Michigan hasnt yet filed its lawsuit, but confirmed her intent to, and said the White House and the oil industry "will not succeed in any attempt to preemptively bar our access to make our claims in the courts. A spokesperson for Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers office deferred to Nessel when asked for comment.

Thursday's filings called the states' Superfund Acts  modeled after the 45-year-old federal superfund law enacted to address the harm associated with hazardous waste sites  a transparent monetary-extraction scheme. Trump has said the superfund laws extort money from energy entities.

New York is looking for $75 billion and has been previously challenged by 22 states for its law; Vermont hasn't specified its target amount. Both laws were approved last year.

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The DOJ argued the states' acts are also looking to regulate greenhouse gas emissions  nationwide and globally  violating federal government authority, along with discouraging investment and innovation in the fossil fuel industry, further burdening interstate commerce.

A spokesperson for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said the governor "believes corporate polluters should pay for the damage done to our environment  not everyday New Yorkers. We will not back down, not from Big Oil, and not from federal overreach.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said the state's climate superfund law ensures that those who contributed to the climate crisis help pay for the damage they caused."

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark said she looked forward to representing Vermont in this case. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott's office did not immediately respond to request for comment.

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In its filings, the DOJ repeated the Republican presidents claims of Americas energy emergency and crisis.

At a time when States should be contributing to a national effort to secure reliable sources of domestic energy, all four states are choosing "to stand in the way, the filings said.

Legal experts raised concern over the government's arguments.

Michael Gerrard, founder and faculty director of the Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, said it's typically the case that the DOJ asks a court to intervene in pending environmental litigation  as is the case in some instances across the country.

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While this week's suits are consistent with Trumps plans to oppose state actions that interfere with energy dominance, its highly unusual, Gerrard told The Associated Press of the cases of Hawaii and Michigan. What we expected is they would intervene in the pending lawsuits, not to try to preempt or prevent a lawsuit from being filed. Its an aggressive move in support of the fossil fuel industry."

Ann Carlson, an environmental law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has previously consulted on climate litigation, noted that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said his agency is seeking to overturn a finding under the Clean Air Act that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare.

On the one hand the U.S. is saying Michigan, and other states, cant regulate greenhouse gases because the Clean Air Act does so and therefore preempts states from regulating, Carlson said. On the other hand the U.S. is trying to say that the Clean Air Act should not be used to regulate.

Trump's administration has aggressively targeted climate policy in the name of fossil fuel investment. Federal agencies have announced plans to bolster coal power, roll back landmark water and air regulations, block renewable energy sources and double down on oil and gas expansion.

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Read more of APs climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment.

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Associated Press writers Isabella Volmert in Lansing, Mich. and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, N.Y., contributed to this report.

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Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org.

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The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal were arrested on allegations of "operating an international child exploitation enterprise known as '764,' " authorities announced

"These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said

According to media reports, the "764" has satanic and neo-Nazi ideologies, and has targeted children as young as 13 years old

The Department of Justice announced the arrest of two men who allegedly led one of the most disturbing online child exploitation networks federal authorities say they have ever encountered.

According to an announcement made by the U.S. Attorney's Office on Wednesday, April 30, Leonidas Varagiannis (who is also allegedly known as War) and Prasan Nepal (who is also allegedly known as Trippy) were arrested by federal authorities on accusations of allegedly operating the group known as "764."

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The Attorney's Office claims that two men directed, participated in, and otherwise caused the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material and also allegedly facilitated the grooming, manipulation, and extortion of minors.

Varagiannis, 21, was arrested in Thessaloniki, Greece, while Nepal, 20, was arrested in North Carolina. The two men face life in prison if convicted, according to the Justice Department.

It is not clear when the defendants are due to appear in federal court and whether they've entered a plea. PEOPLE has reached out to the Justice Department for more information.

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, Attorney General Bondi said in a statement. We will find those who exploit and abuse children, prosecute them, and dismantle every part of their operation.

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Per the Attorney's Office, Varagiannis and Nepal allegedly ordered their victims to commit acts of self-harm and engaged in psychological torment and extreme violence against minors. The two mens online group had targeted vulnerable children online as young as 13 years old, authorities claim.

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.

Additionally, the two suspects were allegedly coercing the children into producing degrading and explicit content under threat and manipulation, with the Attorney's Office claiming this content includes cut signs and blood signs through which young girls would cut symbols into their bodies.

Several members of the "764" have been arrested in the last year, according to Sky News, WIRED and The Times, which also reported the group's activity include the use of satanic and neo-Nazi ideologies.

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The federal government alleges that the two men encouraged young members of their group to create so-called lorebooks, which the group used as digital currency within their own community. According to authorities, members traded the currency and used the content to recruit new members or maintain status within the group. It's alleged that Varagiannis and Nepal set content production expectations for new recruits of the group.

In multiple instances, [Varagiannis and Nepal] threatened and caused their victims to engage in self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder, the Attorney's Office said.

The allegations in this case are not only disturbing, they are also every parents nightmare U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. said in a statement. The number of victims allegedly exploited by these defendants, and the depths of depravity are staggering. Justice demands that our response be swift in order to ensure public safety, hold the wrongdoers accountable, and bring the victims some sense of closure so they can heal.

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.

Read the original article on People
Rep. Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort, on March 4, 2025. A compromise Erickson made with the Senate on K-12 private school scholarships passed the House on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A bill that would allow up to 15,000 K-12 students in South Carolina to receive $7,500 scholarships next year for private tuition headed to the governors desk Thursday after the House agreed to a compromise with the Senate.

Opponents of the bill in the Senate proposed a number of changes, none of which passed. Democrats in the House put up a final stand Thursday, even while acknowledging they didnt have the votes to actually stop the bill.

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This proved to be the case: The House sent the compromise to the governors desk with a vote of 73-32. No Democrats voted for it. Three Republicans voted against it.

Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to quickly sign the bill into law.

The issue was a top priority for Republican leadership after the state Supreme Court struck down private tuition payments last September as unconstitutional.

Private donors have been paying tuition for roughly 800 students since then.

In the coming school year, the bill would provide scholarships to up to 10,000 students whose families make up to 300% of the federal poverty level.

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Eligibility would increase in 2026-2027 to 15,000 students living in households with incomes up to 500% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that would be nearly $161,000 under 2025 guidelines.

Students who are in public school and whose families make less than 300% of the federal poverty level would get priority in receiving the scholarships through early application windows.

While the compromise doesnt create universal school choice like the version the House passed, it does leave the door open for legislators to put more money into the program if more than 15,000 students apply.

Providing parents with more options for educating their children is in the best interest of our students, parents and the state of South Carolina, said House Education Chairwoman Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort.

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Ultimately, the state Supreme Court will decide if the law takes effect.

The bill is almost certain to bring another legal challenge. In a statement soon after the bill passed, the South Carolina Education Association called the bill unconstitutional. The teachers advocacy group filed the last lawsuit that led to Septembers ruling.

Diverting these funds from the many for the benefit of a few, by whatever means, undermines our public schools and threatens the quality of education that is vital for all South Carolinians, the statement read. Our children deserve better.

Supporters of the bill are hopeful that drawing from a different revenue source or sending the money through a trustee hired by the state superintendent will make this version constitutional.

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That combines ideas from the House, which instituted the idea of a trustee, and the Senate, which wanted to pull from state lottery revenue. The final compromise leaves it for legislators to decide whether to take the money from lottery profits or the states general fund.

We listened, we learned, we took both sides of the (Supreme Court) opinion, and we sat down and wrote what we thought was the best solution, Erickson said.

Opponents werent convinced.

Regardless of the specific source, the money is still public, said Rep. Kambrell Garvin. The state constitution bars public money from directly benefitting private schools.

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Its a bad idea because it is clearly unconstitutional, the Columbia Democrat said.

Lottery profits are primarily used to pay for scholarships to colleges  both public and private. High school graduates receiving the scholarships can use them at the South Carolina college of their choice.

Supporters in the Senate argued scholarships for private K-12 schools should be legal too.

Garvin, who spent three years as a school teacher, questioned whether using lottery profits for K-12 scholarships could reduce funding available for college scholarships. That would require legislators to dip into the general fund to provide all the scholarships they qualify for by law.

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I think what will happen is that were going to bite off more than we can chew, Garvin said.

Democrats saw the bill as a step toward universal school choice, which would allow every student in the state to access the money, regardless of income level. The 500% poverty level already incorporates most families in South Carolina, including parents already paying for private schools, House Democrats said.

Garvin also pointed to what opponents say is a lack of accountability over the program. Private schools dont have the same oversight as public schools, meaning the state will have little control over the quality of education students receive once they use the money, he said.

That could lead to any number of issues for students, he said.

We are opening Pandoras Box, Garvin said.
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motors Corporation reported a 7.4% decline in global sales to 287,884 units in March 2025, from 310,752 units in the same month last year, due to falling domestic and overseas demand. Sales in Japan dropped by 13% to 72,185 units in March, the first decline in 15 months, while overseas sales fell by 5.3% to 215,699 units.

In the last financial year (FY2024), from April 2024 to March 2025, Suzukis global sales rose by 2.3% to 3,240,385 units, with sales in Japan rising by 6.4% to 717,720 units while overseas sales were just 1.2% higher at 2,522,665 units.

In India, Suzukis largest single market, sales were up slightly to 1,795,259 units in FY2024, while production rose by almost 6% to 2,101,761 units  reflecting strong exports.

In the first quarter of 2025, Suzuki sold 877,161 vehicles globally, down by 0.9% compared with 885,094 units a year earlier, with domestic sales falling by 2% to 201,039 units while overseas sales were just 0.6% lower to 676,122 units. Sales in India increased by 0.9% to 494,323 units, while production rose by 7.2% to 588,930 units.

In Japan, production declined by 1.6% to 994,710 units in FY2024 and dropped by 13.3% to 228,783 units in the first quarter of 2025, while exports from Japan fell by 6.6% to 216,941 in FY2024 and plunged by 32.5% to 42,923 units year-to-date.

"Suzukis global vehicle sales fall 1% in Q1" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Kansas State Universitys (K-State) Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab will continue its work after federal funding was reinstated earlier this month.

According to K-State, the lab was part of the Feed the Future Innovation Labs which opened in 2013. Last month the university announced that the labs would close on April 12 following Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts.

On Wednesday, K-State announced the Cereals Lab would continue its work. A university spokeswoman told 27 News that other grant-funded innovation labs remain suspended.

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Thank you to Senator Moran and his team for their dedicated efforts in supporting and ensuring the continuation of this important research at Kansas State University, said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. Advancing agricultural innovation and ensuring resilient crop production are critical priorities for global food and national security.

What new Kansas laws go into effect on July 1, 2025?

In 2023, the Climate Resilient Innovations Lab received a $22 million award from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with an overall award ceiling of $37 million. The project aims to advance the breeding of sorghum, millet, wheat and rice to address global food security issues.

Nina Lilja, associate dean in K-States College of Agriculture said USAID has invested close to $128 million in K-State innovation labs for agricultural research. Last year, K-State was awarded $50 million over the next five years to fund agricultural research on multiple continents.

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For more Kansas 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.
Americans do not want Donald Trumps vision for the country, Kamala Harris has said, as she urged voters to have the courage to speak out.

The former vice president issued a stinging rebuke of Mr Trump in her most extensive public speech since losing the 2024 election, blasting her successor for mishandling the economy, foreign policy and for wrecking US institutions.

Addressing the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, an organisation that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, Ms Harris accused the president of overseeing the wholesale abandonment of American ideals and deploying fear tactics to stun his opponents into silence.

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Instead of the administration working to advance Americas highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals, she said.

This is not a vision Americans want.

They [Mr Trumps team] are counting on the notion that if they make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others, she added.

In her speech, which came the day after Mr Trump reached 100 days in office, Ms Harris charged the president with breaking his promises to the American people and enriching his allies.

On the economy - an area where the Democrats were roundly defeated in last years election - the former vice president said Mr Trumps reckless tariffs were responsible for the greatest man made economic crisis in modern presidential history.

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Highlighting their impact on working people, she said that the presidents policies are not lowering costs, not making life more affordable and not what they promised.

She added that Mr Trumps agenda is a narrow self-serving vision of America, where they punish truth tellers, favour loyalists, cash-in on their power and leave everyone to fend for themselves.

Ms Harris speech marked her most scathing critique of her former opponent to date - Justin Sullivan

Attacking Mr Trumps foreign policy, where he has threatened to withdraw aid to Ukraine and proposed invading Greenland and Canada, Ms Harris accused him of abandoning allies and retreating from the world.

The San Francisco native - who is hotly tipped to be the next California governor - went on to praise protesters, judges and universities who have defied Mr Trumps orders, and urged Americans to join arms in opposition.

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Power ultimately lies not with the wealthy or well connected, but with all of us, with we, the people, she said.

What they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing that is contagious. Courage is contagious, she added, in an echo of remarks she made at a forum of black female leaders in April.

Mr Trump has taken a wrecking ball to US institutions since returning to office, gutting government agencies, triggering chaos in the markets and upending the global order.

His shock and awe tactics have left Democrats in disarray, with a few notable exceptions finding their voices in recent months.

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Ms Harris commended Democratic allies including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders and Corey Booker - who spoke for 25 hours on the Senate floor in March - for their moral clarity.

Ms Harris was a guest of Emerge America, an organisation that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office - CAMILLE COHEN

Drawing inspiration from the elephants in San Diego zoo - who huddled together in an earthquake in recent weeks - Ms Harris urged Americans to come together and make their voices heard.

In the face of a constitutional crisis, she said, the one check, the one balance, the one power that must not fail, is the voice of the people.

Mr Trump mocked Ms Harris at his campaign-style Michigan rally on Tuesday, sarcastically calling her a great border tsar and claiming he knew nothing about her before she replaced Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket.

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Having barely mentioned Mr Trump by name since conceding Novembers election, Ms Harris speech marked her most scathing critique of her former opponent to date.

It comes amid widespread speculation that she will run to replace Gavin Newsom as California governor in 2026 and will be viewed by some as the starting gun for her campaign.

The former Democratic candidate has reportedly sought Hilary Clintons advice over her next move and is likely to announce her candidacy in the coming months, according to The New York Times.

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Sounding a lot like a candidate for something, Kamala Harris returned to her old stomping ground of San Francisco tonight to warn Americans the apparent chaos of Donald Trumps Project 2025 fueled agenda is a ruse to distract from the long-lasting wounds being inflicting on the body politic, civil society and the Constitution.

Instead of an administration working to advance our highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals, the former VP said Wednesday to the the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala of Trumps attacks on the Constitution and the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.

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Let us not be duped into thinking everything is chaos, the 2024 candidate added at the Bay Area citys Palace Hotel. It may feel like that. But understand, what we are, in fact, witnessing is a high velocity event. Where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making.

Kamala Harris delivers the keynote address during the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala at the Palace Hotel on April 30, 2025 in San Francisco, CA (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Speaking to a very friendly crowd at big-ticket sold-out event for the Democratic female candidate training organization that her career inspired, keynote speaker Harris called out the rule of law flouting Trump on the 101st day of his current administration.

In a remarks much sharper than often seen on the 2024 campaign trail, Harris heaped scorn on Trumps agenda to slash public education, an agenda to shrink government, and then privatize its services, all while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest among us. Garnering applause from the crowd filled with past, future and current candidates, the one-time POTUS candidate also took swipes at the Elon Musk-led DOGE gutting of the government, the cruel deportation policies that sweep up children and American citizens, the floundering economy, collapsing guardrails. Advocating the power of the people, Harris predicted a constitutional crisis that many believe is already here. Looking for the upside, Harris also praised the judges, protesters and progressives politicians like Sen Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Rep, Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)who have stood up to the MAGA administration over the past 100 days.

Warming up to her subject and her old rivals shortcomings, Harris asserted that Trump and his crowd have a narrow, self-serving vision of America where they: punish truth tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power, and leave everyone else to fend for themselves. Looking outside Americans borders, on the day Ukraine inked a minerals deal under pressure from the USA for more military aid against Russia, the ex-vice president added: All while abandoning allies and retreating from the world.

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And folks, what we are experiencing right now is exactly what they envision for America. We are living in their vision of America. And this is not a vision that Americans want.

Even with polls finding Trumps approval rating at just 42%, Harris bluntly told the EMERGE audience: Things are probably going to get worse before they get better.

Sounding a lot like her stump speeches of last years election, Harriss anti-Trump remarks at the EMERGE gala were her strongest since leaving office in January. Granted, giving in to Harriss longtime misplaced desire to seem like just a regular person, a distracting story about the protective nature of elephants at the San Diego Zoo during an earthquake went nowhere metaphorically or practically  and the expected GOP symbol joke never came. Otherwise, Wednesdays speech clearly shows the ex-VP does not see her defeat on the national stage last November as the end of her public career.

In fact, it may be the start of a new chapter  and not just for the inevitable deep pocket deal for her inevitable memoir.

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If Harris really is going to enter the Golden States 2026 governors race, the speech tonight reveals a bit about her agenda. With its roots in grassroots politics, and its aim on a New American Majority, EMERGE exactly the type of group the former California Attorney General and Senator will need to build a campaign infrastructure around.

To that electoral end, the speech at EMERGE comes on the same day that the increasingly unpopular Trump tried to blame the downturn in the GNP from his tariffs policy on predecessor Joe Biden. Those false assertions by Trump were uttered during a fawning cabinet meeting that often seemed drawn straight from the boardroom scenes in The Apprentice reality show, North Korea or a SNL cold open  which ever one is worst

SNL cold open https://t.co/wqSJzIPNK3  John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) April 30, 2025

That gathering was one day after an ill-informed Trump had a contentious 100-days interview with ABC News Terry Moran. Tuesday also saw Trump hold less than full celebration rally in Michigan and put some tariff relief in place for car manufacturers. At his cabinet meeting Wednesday, as well as issuing more legal threats against the New York Times for reporting he didnt like, the president also told American children they didnt need so many toys and retaliatory tariffs from China would stop American adults from buying so much stuff we dont need.

On a more personal level to Harris herself, her words Wednesday came just over 24 hours after her husband Doug Emhoff (who was at the EMERGE event tonight) was pinked slipped by Trump from the board of the U.S. Holocaust Museum, along with other Biden appointees.

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The most strapping pushback against MAGAland by Harris since Trump was sworn back in as POTUS, tonights fighting words are not the first time the ex-Veep has spoken out the past 100 days. At the same time, unlike the seemingly reticent three living Democratic ex-POTUS, Harris has been doing a bit more than merely pulling the political fire alarm since Trump 2.0 began.

In February, a month after she and President Biden exited the White House, Harris spoke at the NAACP Image Awards and warned of the shadows gathering over our democracy. Earlier this month the ex-VP made a not quite spontaneous appearance at Leading Women Defined Summit in Orange County. Trying out some lines she used tonight like courage is also contagious, Harris on April 3 decried organizations and corporations that are capitulating to clearly unconstitutional threats.

On both those occasions, like tonight, Harris had the air of a politician contemplating a second act not a retreat.



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Former Vice President Kamala Harris, in her sharpest remarks about President Trump since leaving office, blasted his policies as a dangerous betrayal of the nation's founding principles and warned Wednesday of a looming constitutional crisis.

"Now I know tonight's event happens to coincide with the 100 days after the inauguration," she told about 500 people at a fundraising gala at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. "And I'll leave it to others to give a full accounting of what has happened so far. 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."

The end result  cutting the size of government, privatizing services, giving tax breaks to the rich and slashing public education  predate Trump and are the outcome of decades-long efforts to reshape the nation's norms and safety net, she said.

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"Its 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," Harris said. "All while abandoning allies and retreating from the world. And folks, what we are experiencing right now is exactly what they envision for America. Right now, we are living in their vision for America. But this is not a vision that Americans want."

A Trump spokesman dismissed Harris' remarks.

"A failed loser desperately clinging to relevance as she spirals into the political abyss," White House spokesman Steven Cheung posted on X.

Harris roughly 15-minute speech at a fundraiser for Emerge, which focuses on electing female Democrats, comes amid mounting speculation about whether she will run for California governor in 2026 to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom. Harris has been criticized by top Democrats already in the race for not announcing her intentions thus far. Harris, 60, could forgo that race and instead decide to run for president for a third time in 2028.

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Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates

Since losing the presidential election to Trump in November, Harris has appeared in public a few times but largely avoided wading into the political turmoil that has consumed the nation since she left office in January.

After conceding defeat in the presidential race, Harris spoke to students in the Maryland Corps service year program. Harris also made brief remarks after meeting with firefighters and volunteers in Altadena hours after attending Trumps inauguration, taking in a Broadway show, accepting an award from the NAACP in February and making a surprise appearance at a national conference of Black female business and political leaders in Dana Point.

Read more: In O.C., former Vice President Harris says she'll stay politically active: 'I'm not going anywhere'

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In those appearances, Harris spoke about the erosion of rights for minorities, women and the LGBTQ+ community under Trump, without mentioning him by name, and pledged to stay active in politics.

But Harris remarks Wednesday were her most pointed to date, taking place one day after Trumps 100th day in office, in the city that launched her political career by electing her district attorney in 2003 and was her first stop in California after becoming the Democratic presidential nominee in 2024. Her speech was also the first time since leaving office that she's publicly mentioned Trump by name.

Read more: News Analysis: 'Disrupt, break, defund': Trump's imperial first 100 days

Harris argued that citizens' dissent is the strongest, most effective way to stop Trump's policies.

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"We all know, President Trump and 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," she said. "But what theyre overlooking, what they have overlooked, is that fear isnt the only thing thats contagious. Courage is contagious."

She pointed to Americans' protests over Trump policies that she said have created "the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history." Such policies are raising the cost of living and sinking the value of retirement savings, threatening Social Security and the deportation of citizens and others without due process, she said.

"The courage of all these Americans inspires me," Harris said.

Harris said she has been asked about what's on her mind these days, and she pointed to the viral video of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park forming a circle to protect their calves during an earthquake this month.

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"As soon as they felt the earth shaking beneath their feet, they got in a circle and stood next to each other to protect the most vulnerable," she said. "Think about it, what a powerful metaphor."

Harris said while some use fear to divide and conquer, the animals demonstrated the power of standing together.

"In the face of crisis, the lesson is, don't scatter. The instinct has to be to immediately find and connect with each other and to know that the circle will be strong," Harris said. "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."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris mercilessly lashed President Donald Trump in her first extensive remarks since leaving Washington, D.C. in January.

Harris spoke at the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, an organization that supports Democratic women for public office, which partly grew from her San Francisco district attorney campaign in the early 2000s.

I know tonight's event happens to coincide with the 100 days after the inauguration and I'll leave it to others to give a full accounting of what has happened so far, Harris said at the event at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

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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 noted.

Harris took aim at Trumps shrinking of the federal workforce and his tariffs, which, as I predicted, are clearly inviting a recession, she underscored.

She said Trumps tariffs are creating the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history which harms workers and families by raising the cost of everyday essentials.

Harris championed protesters who have stood up to the administrations actions, saying it is not okay to detain and disappear American citizens or anyone without due process.

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She also praised judges who have upheld the rule of law in the face of those who would jail them  referring to Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who was taken into custody by the FBI last week after she was accused of helping two immigrants avoid federal agents in her courthouse.

As for the road ahead, Harris said the country is currently witnessing a high velocity event to slash public education, shrink government, then privatize its services and give tax breaks to the wealthy.

We are living in a moment when the checks and balances upon which we have historically relied have begun to buckle. We here know that when the checks and balances ultimately collapse, if Congress fails to do its part, or if the courts fail to do their part, or if both do their part, but the president defies them anyway, well, friends, that is called a constitutional crisis, Harris said.

Harris warned of the worst and the best.:Things are probably going to get worse before they get better, she cautioned, but we are ready for it. We are not going to scatter. We are going to stand together.

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The vice presidents comments followed Trumps celebration of 100 days in office at a Michigan rally on Tuesday. During the event, Trump mockingly referred to Harris as a great candidate and great border czar.

Harris, on the other hand, has barely mentioned Trump by name publicly in 2025 and did not name him once during her remarks Wednesday, even though he overshadowed all of her warnings.

Earlier this month, she spoke at the Leading Women Defined Summit in Dana Point, California, reflecting on the outcome of the 2024 election.

"Im not here to say I told you so," said Harris, laughing. "I swear, I wasnt going to say that."

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At the time, she encouraged Democrats to stand up to the unconstitutional threats facing the country.

There has been speculation that Harris might launch another campaign for office, specifically the California governorship, after her failed presidential bid.

Despite the outcome of the national election, Harris is still viewed as a pivotal figure in the Democratic Party, and state voters will be electing Governor Gavin Newsoms replacement in 2026.

The Harris Victory Fund had a reported $4.5 million campaign war chest at the end of March.

The former vice president didnt acknowledge or refute the rumors of a state race on Wednesday, but did add: Running for office is as important as ever.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday night made her first major speech since leaving office, assailing her 2024 presidential rival Donald Trump and urging the crowd at the event in San Francisco to lock it in for the fight ahead.

In a 16-minute speech at a gala organized by Emerge, an organization that supports Democratic women who run for political office, Harris criticized Trump on some of the central issues of his presidency so far: his tariffs plan, his haphazard immigration policy, his attacks on the judiciary and his threats to universities.

Let us not be duped into thinking everything is chaos. I know it may feel that way, but understand what we are, in fact, witnessing is a high-velocity event where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making, she said.

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Harris praised Democratic lawmakers who have taken prominent action against the administration in recent months, lauding their moral clarity in the face of Trumps onslaught. But she offered little else besides her criticism of Trump and her remarks of encouragement to challenge him.

The Democratic Party has struggled to find unity in how they respond to Trump, and potential 2028 contenders have shown contrasting approaches in how they may be staking out their ground. In her first major appearance in months, Harris  who is seen as a potential contender for California governor in 2026 and for president in 2028  presented no suggestion of a vision for the Democratic Partys future nor shed any light on her own.

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, she said. And, straight talk, things are probably going to get worse before they get better, but we are ready for it.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined political content creator Kenneth Walden in one of the internets latest dance trends. Walden, who operates under the handle 2rawtooreal on Instagram and 2rawtooreal2 on TikTok, welcomed the 60-year-old to open up on how she maintains her Black joy.

I have a husband who is here right now, she elaborated from behind the scenes at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala at the Palace Hotel on Wednesday (April 30) in San Francisco. And, an incredible circle of friends who are family, and family. And, I think its just important to be with those people who love you and care about you, and get you.

The moment continued with 2rawtooreal teaching Harris the popular line dance that accompanies the 2024 Boots On The Ground song by 803Fresh. After making sure he knows she is serious, the Howard University graduate gets a personal tutorial on each step.

The event marked Harris grand return to the political scene after taking a hiatus following her presidential election defeat. Not only did she put her Boots On The Ground at the gala, the California native delivered her first major public message since exiting the White House and used the opportunity to slam President Donald Trumps actions as Commander in Chief.

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Some people are describing whats been happening in recent months as absolute chaos. And of course I understand why. Its certainly true of those tariffs. Tariffs that  as I predicted  are clearly inviting a recession, Harris exclaimed while giving the keynote address at a gala for Emerge America in San Francisco, per NPR.

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a keynote address during the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala at the Palace Hotel on April 30, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Kamala Harris delivered her first public speech since leaving office in January.

That is a crisis that will eventually impact everyone, because it would mean that the rules that protect our fundamental rights and freedoms, that ensure each of us has a say about how our government works, will no longer matter.

Harris ended with, Things are probably going to get worse before they get better.

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday said President Donald Trumps tariffs are clearly inviting a recession as she tore into his reckless trade policy from his first 100 days in office.

In a speech in San Francisco, delivered on the same day the U.S. Commerce Department released an economic report thats politically damaging for Trump, Harris blasted the president and his allies for trying to spread fear, while tanking the economy.

What they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing thats contagious, she said. Courage is contagious, the courage of Americans who are banding together in the face of the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.

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Across the country, Americans are reeling over the effects of Trumps reckless tariffs, Harris added.

Gross domestic product shrank by 0.3% in the first four months of the year, the U.S. Commerce Department said on Wednesday, after having increased 2.4% at the end of last year, in a worrying sign for the U.S. economy.

Instead of working to reassure the public, Trump blamed the bad news on his predecessor, Joe Biden, insisting that he had nothing to do with it.

Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden Overhang, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. This will take a while, has NOTHING TO DO WITH TARIFFS, only that he left us with bad numbers.

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BE PATIENT, he added.

He later also suggested Americans will just have to learn to live with the consequences of his trade war.

During the 2024 campaign, Harris had criticized Trumps plans for widespread tariffs, telling MSNBC the measures would effectively act as a sales tax on the American people.

Now, nearly six months after Election Day, Harris said her fears are coming true.

Some people are describing whats been happening in recent months as absolute chaos and, of course, I understand why, she said. And its certainly true of those tariffs, tariffs that as I predicted are clearly inviting a recession.

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Harris also accused Trump of failing to meet one of his signature campaign pledges of lowering costs for Americans.

Folks, what we are experiencing right now is exactly what they envision for America, she said. Right now, we are living in their vision for America. But this is not a vision that Americans want.

Harris did not weigh in on her political future as she is reportedly considering entering the 2026 California governors race.

Related...
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Kansas City man is searching for his dogs ashes after he says a thief stole the urn from his girlfriends car, along with other sensitive items.

The Kansas City Police Department says theyre investigating as well.

Infectious disease test ordered for woman connected to KCFD paramedics death

Benjamin Weiner said it happened Sunday afternoon outside Ballys Casino, near Front Street.

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Its a box with his picture on it, a little memorial thing, Weiner said.

Its obviously ashes. I just cant believe that somebody would just take that.

Weiner said a thief stole the wooden urn from his girlfriends car parked in the lot outside Ballys Casino.

The report says that his girlfriend told police she locked the doors. However, she admits she left a window cracked for her dog.

Weiner believes thats how the thief got inside, stealing suitcases full of personal items. He said they took the womans ID and credit card, along with the title to the car.

Fortunately, her dog is still there; they didnt take her dog, Weiner said.

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But they took everything else.

Weiner said they also stole the urn, with his late dog Jacks ashes inside. He lost his four-legged friend in November after an unforgettable 11-year friendship.

Free spring birding hike on May 10 at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

He meant a lot to me, I really miss him a lot, Weiner said.

I would just really like to get the urn back because thats all I have left of him.

Weiner contacted the casino searching for surveillance footage. He said an employee told them Ballys would be in touch with police and cooperate with the investigation.

FOX4 emailed and called Ballys. An employee took down our information, but weve not heard back.

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If you have information about the stolen urn, call Kansas City Police at (816) 234-5000

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The governors office says some areas of Kansas and surrounding states are experiencing a fuel shortage. This is causing long lines at fuel terminals and disrupting supply delivery, so government officials are making it easier for truckers to work longer hours.

Some of them are even getting it as far away as Texas and into Colorado and places like that to find fuel so they can come back and keep their customers supplied. So right now, its just creating a hardship for the distributors primarily, Brian Poster, the executive director for Fuel True Independent Energy & Convenience, said.

Several factors, including work on a pipeline and the switch to the summer fuel blend, are contributing to this.

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Hopefully, we can have the pipeline up at full capacity. Hopefully, all the refineries will be completely at their peak and well be able to, you know, go back to our normal fuel supply here in the next two weeks, Poster said.

Governor Laura Kelly has issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation to allow a waiver for hours of service for motor carriers in Kansas.

I am issuing this declaration to help alleviate the delay in getting the fuel to the end user, Kelly said in a statement. This is not just a Kansas issue; our neighboring states are experiencing the same delays.

A new release from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management says diesel has been affected, but gasoline could also be affected.

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Wichita County Emergency Management in western Kansas explained the decision on social media.

There is a bottleneck in the supply chain, not an overall shortage of fuel, the post says. The extension of hours is to mitigate potential consequence of bottleneck and allow drivers to deliver fuel in a timely and efficient manner.

The Kansas Corporation Commission is granting a 14-day temporary waiver of federal regulations limiting service hours for all intrastate and interstate motor carriers and drivers operating commercial motor vehicles that provide direct assistance.

This action will assist in efforts to prevent a disruption in supply delivery related to the current fuel shortage by allowing drivers to increase their hours to deliver products, Andrew French, KCC chairman, said.

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The Kansas Highway Patrol acknowledges the Governors proclamation and will ensure enforcement efforts concerning commercial motor vehicles are consistent with these developments, said Colonel Erik Smith, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

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.
Battery materials and technology company Talga Group has appointed engineering services company Worley as the preferred contractor to deliver engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for the Vittangi graphite anode project in Sweden.

A non-binding letter of intent (LOI) has been signed between Talga and Worley, outlining the approach to a binding EPCM contract, contingent on a positive final investment decision (FID) by Talga's Board of Directors.

The LOI specifies key workstreams and the alignment towards commercial terms and is set to expire by 10 April 2026 unless mutually extended.

Talga's board is expected to approve an FID on the Vittangi anode project upon completion of key milestones including customer supply agreements and financing structures.

Talga Group CEO Martin Phillips said: This partnership marks a major milestone in Talgas mission to become Europes leading sustainable anode producer, combining Worleys engineering excellence with Talgas integrated, low-emission graphite solutions.

Their expertise will complement the Talga project delivery team and we look forward to working together to finalise pre-FID activities towards execution.

Worley has been involved with the Vittangi anode project since 2019, contributing engineering services to various study phases.

Additionally, Worley's ability to facilitate financing solutions could play a crucial role in supporting the project's funding, according to Talga.

The project has already secured a 70m ($79.7m) grant from the EU Innovation Fund and a debt consortium anchored by a 150m cornerstone investment from the European Investment Bank.

Recently, Talgas graphite mine gained Strategic Project status under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act, and the battery anode plant received the status under the EU's Net-Zero Industry Act. These designations strengthen the project's significance to Europes battery supply chain.

Worley CEO Chris Ashton said: This agreement reflects our shared vision and commitment to delivering innovative, future-focused sustainable solutions. Our global teams supporting this project bring deep technical knowledge and experience in critical minerals, with benefits for Europes battery supply chain.

In October 2024, Talga Group secured an exploitation concession for its Nunasvaara South natural graphite mine, part of its Vittangi anode project.

"Talga awards EPCM contract to Worley for Vittangi graphite project in Sweden" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
A routine court hearing for two former Saint Francis Ministries executives accused of defrauding the foster care provider took place on April 30, 2025, at the Kansas federal courthouse in Topeka. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Former Kansas foster care leaders accused of defrauding their old employer of millions of dollars indicated in court that they plan to change their not guilty pleas, avoiding a trial.

William Whymark, the former IT director for the regional foster care provider Saint Francis Ministries, is expected to change his plea later this year as attorneys continue to negotiate a deal. His co-defendant and former Saint Francis CEO Robert Smith is also actively engaged in plea negotiations, Smiths attorney said at a Wednesday hearing.

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Smith faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering amounting to $4.7 million in damages. Whymark faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud. A federal grand jury indicted the two in November 2022.

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse set a May 28 hearing for Smith, whose attorney expressed concern Wednesday with some of the cases numbers and calculations for alleged fraud. Whymark is expected to change his plea at a Sept. 3 hearing.

The two defendants were not present at Wednesdays status conference. Whymarks attorney said Whymark was in the emergency room the night before and is scheduled to receive additional treatment. Smith, who lives in Tennessee, waived his right to appear.

A court filing from Feb. 25 showed Whymark and Smith are presently involved in plea negotiations and anticipate resolving this case without a trial. They face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, plus fines and restitution.

Court documents allege that Smith used Saint Francis Ministries credit cards for personal expenses and that materially false invoices paid Whymarks IT company more than $10 million. Court documents say Saint Francis Ministries had to spend an estimated $3.2 million to repair Whymarks grossly deficient and overpriced work.
Feed the Future labs work internationally to study agricultural issues. Kansas State University has the only lab out of 17 that survived USAID funding cuts. Here, KSU was part of a conference in Senegal that addressed water accessibility. (Submitted)

TOPEKA  The Trump administration defunded 16 of 17 Feed the Future labs across the country when it began wiping out U.S. Agency for International Development projects.

After months in limbo, Kansas State University found out its lab is the lone survivor.

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Two K-State labs that are part of the Feed the Future network received stop work orders in January. In early April, K-State officials received notice that the Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab could resume work, said Timothy J. Dalton, professor of agricultural economics and interim director of the lab.

The second lab, the Feed the Future Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab, which had a $50 million cooperative agreement for its operations, was terminated.

Dalton is unsure what the future funding will be for the Cereals lab. The original cooperative agreement allocated $22 million for five years.

We are just completing our second year, he said. We receive our funding in annual increments. Well see what happens once this fiscal year ends.

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Dalton is pleased to continue the work the Cereals lab began, which involves collaborations with universities around the country, and with national agricultural research systems in Senegal, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

But hes concerned about the long-term impacts of ending 16 labs, each of which was doing work that affects farmers in the United States.

University spokeswoman Michelle Geering said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was helpful in getting the funding reinstated.

K-States innovation lab is helping bolster American agriculture by creating crops that are resistant to drought and disease, Moran said in a press release. I appreciate (U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio) for recognizing the importance of the work being done at Kansas State University and supporting the continuation of this program.

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International and local impacts

The research work at all the labs has implications internationally as well as for U.S. agriculture. Giving credit to another professor, Dalton borrowed an analogy to describe what the 17 Feed the Future labs were designed to do.

Timothy Dalton, Kansas State University interim head of the Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab, is worried about elimination of agriculture research because of USAID cuts. (Submitted)

We train our military to go and fight battles overseas in order to prevent similar problems from occurring in the United States, Dalton said. Its a similar argument. What were doing with the Innovation lab mechanism is working on very similar problems that just happen to be food-related.

Dalton said aligning with other countries to solve agriculture challenges like crop disease resistance pays off for the United States by preparing U.S. farmers for when those same issues come here, which they eventually do, he said.

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For example, research in the 1980s to protect farms in southern Africa from the sugarcane aphid helped U.S. farmers with managing the greenbug aphid, Dalton said.

I have always expressed my deepest concern about the halting of any international collaborative work, that its really going to fall on the shoulders of farmers because theyre the ones who are not getting the type of research to get out in front of these challenges that they will face, Dalton said.

Longterm research

Dalton also raised concerns that halting support for the other 16 labs sets agricultural research back because of the long-term, slow path that research sometimes takes.

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Researchers are usually tied to the crop cycles, so they may only be able to do investigations in the fields during certain times.

The work in Ethiopia has had tremendous impacts, but it started half a century ago, he said. Because ag research moves slowly and its all about persistence over time, rather than stop-and-go funding, you have to think about protecting the long-run interests.

Cereals research

Work will now continue in the Climate Resilient Cereals Lab, where they focus on researching four cereal grains: sorghum, millet, wheat and rice.

In Senegal, research is focused on wheat and sorghum. Its on the border of the Sahara Desert, Dalton said, where its always hot and dry, allowing them to study wheat that is exposed to heat and drought. Those are two issues that regularly affect Kansas farmers.

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Work studying rice in Bangladesh considers, among other things, the genes that rice varieties harbor that are resistant to disease. Identifying ways to fight rice blast, a fungal infection that destroys rice crops around the world, is part of that research.

Dalton said sorghum research is important because there are fewer researchers focused on it than on other grains. More than 50% of U.S. sorghum is grown in Kansas.

There are so many more questions left to be answered about sorghum because it hasnt had that intense level of research, he said.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A 100-year-old veteran is planning to make his final jump this weekend.

Elias Hernandez was a World War II paratrooper, making his first jump at the age of 19. The last jump he made was to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Hernandez returned from the Kansas Honor Flight on Wednesday, where he talked to KSNs Zena Taher about his upcoming final jump.

Veterans remember Vietnam 50 years later

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I love to jump! I love to jump out of airplanes. I get real close to the Lord, Hernandez said. Its an exhilarating experience because you feel all alone up there. All alone and making your own decisions. Whats going to happen when you hit the ground? You never know how, or when, and what time. It just comes up to you.

He said that he would jump every day, 10 times a day, if he could.

As long as the machine works, you use it. Use it! Why not! Do things. Exciting things that youve always wanted to do in your life but couldnt or wouldnt or wasnt able, Hernandez said.

He received multiple accolades during his service, including a Purple Heart after being wounded on the front lines when U.S. forces broke into Germany.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Kansas Corporation Commission members Annie Kuether, Andrew French and Dwight Keen, clockwise from upper right, and KCC attorney Ahsan Latif, upper left, discuss the $60,000 fine assessed against AT&T for failing to follow state law on identification of buried utility lines. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of KCC's channel)

TOPEKA  The Kansas Corporation unanimously issued a $60,000 fine to AT&T for racking up dozens of violations of a state law requiring the marking of its buried infrastructure within two days of requests made by excavating companies operating in Wichita, Olathe, Overland Park, Burrton and Kansas City, Kansas.

KCC staff conducted an investigation of nonresponse tickets submitted by excavators from April 30, 2024, to May 30, 2024, in which AT&T failed to mark underground lines within the allotted time.

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A $1,000 fine was attached to each of 60 infractions sited by KCC staff in a report submitted to the state regulatory commission. The company didnt challenge 60 violations documented by KCC staff, but did contest noncompliance in 20 instances. AT&T asserted the company either performed the utility location work on time or the property in question was cleared because there were no buried utilities in that area.

Kansas law required excavators to provide at least two days notice of intent to dig and utility companies were mandated to mark the underground lines within two days.

The KCCs chief engineer told the three-member commission Wednesday that AT&T apparently made a decision to save money by not completing in a timely manner a portion of requests submitted to the company for flagging underground utility lines.

I do think it could possibly be a systemic problem that we need to continue to look into, said KCC engineer Paul Owings. This is kind of my opinion, its a calculated risk theyre making in terms of locating utilities. Potentially, screening tickets that they view as low risk and saying, It costs X amount to locate. We can screen out whatever percentage  10, 20, 30%  and save this much money.'

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Mark Ciga, an AT&T spokesperson, said the company was disappointed by the KCCs decision to levy a fine. AT&T was reviewing the order to determine appropriate next steps, he said.

Locate requests are marked by third-party contractors and we work closely with them to ensure they complete the work in a timely and accurate manner, Ciga said. The violations cited by the commission represent just 0.18% of the 33,000 location requests we responded to in Kansas during that time frame.

KCC attorney Ahsan Latif said the commissions staff was concerned any period of time chosen to benchmark AT&Ts compliance with the two-day deadline for marking its underground systems would have resulted in a series of violations. He said AT&T was previously fined for the same problem.

Were hoping this gets their attention and spurs action on their part, Latif said.

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He said AT&T indicated noncompliance issues were associated with lack of staffing to meet requests from excavators. Overall, AT&Ts annual net income for 2024 was reported to be $10.7 billion.

During a KCC meeting to consider the latest fine of AT&T, KCC member Dwight Keen said it was concerning the company racked up so many infractions in a short interval.

Im taking at face value what they told you (Latif), Keen said. Im still have a problem with it. Im still thinking, Youve got to be kidding me. AT&T? I just cant believe it. It really was a risk that they rolled the dice on here. There has to be a level of reasonableness here when some managerial class within this company realizes that theyre throwing caution to the wind.

Commissioner Annie Kuether said the KCCs recent assessment of an $8,000 fine against AT&T for failure to timely locate underground systems didnt deter the company.

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Thats an outrageous number of ignoring the rules, Kuether said.

Andrew French, chairman of the KCC, urged commission staff to continue monitoring AT&Ts adherence to state law and encouraged KCC staff to propose additional enforcement actions if necessary. He suggested KCC should consider launching a broader investigation of marking compliance across multiple industries.

Weve had this issue with other companies, not just AT&T, French said. Theyre the culprit right now.

The KCCs penalty order was issued to Greg Clarkson, an AT&T executive with an office address in Oklahoma City. The document advised the company had 20 days to pay the penalty, but also that AT&T would need to decide within 15 days whether to request a hearing on the KCCs decision.

(This story was updated to include comment from a spokesperson from AT&T.)
The hunt is on for an aggressive coyote in Atlantic Beach.

In the last 24 hours, a coyote bit one person and injured a dog. These attacks were confirmed to Action News Jax by the Atlantic Beach Police Department.

But Facebook posts suggest there could have been additional attacks. All of these incidents appear to center around the Begonia Street area.

Right now, because we had several incidents in a 24-hour period, its appropriate that you keep your animals inside the home and dont let them run loose, Atlantic Beach Mayor Curtis Ford said.

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We spoke with Mayor Ford and Atlantic Beach Police Chief Victor Gualillo to get an update on the investigation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

We believe its one coyote, Gualillo said. The ones weve seen out there from reports from the citizens, we believe it is one coyote. We dont believe it is rabid. Nothing about the behavior of the coyote suggests anything unusual.

However, these incidents are leaving residents unsettled. Katie Pacetti is a mother of a 3-year-old and a dog owner. She saw the coyote firsthand Wednesday morning. She said shes not taking any chances with her babies.

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Im definitely probably not going to let either one of them in the yard by themselves at all until the coyote is taken care of, Pacetti said.

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Gualillo said police only learned about the coyote through a social media post Wednesday morning. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation. They sent us this statement:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is aware of recent reports of human-coyote incidents in the City of Atlantic Beach between April 29 and April 30, 2025. Staff are currently investigating the reported incidents and are in contact with the City.

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Unprovoked aggressive behavior from coyotes is unusual. If a coyote is approaching people closely, allowing people to approach closely, or acting in an aggressive manner, we ask that people contact the FWCs Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (8922). More information about coyotes in Florida can be found at MyFWC.com/Coyote ."

We also asked FWC if they believe the coyote is rabid and how they are going about trapping it. They said they could not comment on it at this time.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
SOMERSET, Pa.  Sentencing has been set for a former SCI-Somerset prison inmate convicted of killing Sgt. Mark Baserman in 2018.

Paul Jawon Kendrick is scheduled to appear for sentencing July 31 at Somerset County Courthouse.

Kendrick, now lodged at SCI-Fayette awaiting the hearing, was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to death by a Somerset County jury following a multi-week trial.

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Kendrick was serving a life sentence for a Pittsburgh murder when he attacked Baserman inside the prisons institutional day room, striking him with a series of blows to the head and then kicking him.

Given the jurys verdict, Kendricks sentence was already pre-determined by his conviction, but Senior Judge Patrick Kiniry set a sentencing date after defense attorneys declined to waive a pre-sentence investigation report.

Recent governors, including current Gov. Josh Shapiro, have halted executions in recent years.

Kendricks life sentence is without parole regardless. As a death row inmate, he is entitled to fewer privileges and time out of his cell.

Hell be one of just under 100 people in Pennsylvania sentenced to death.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced an initiative May 1 urging people to "Skip the Line" when completing the driver's license renewal process as new federal and state policies cause longer waits at Driver Licensing Regional Offices.

Driver Licensing Regional Offices have been bombarded in recent weeks as people try to get REAL IDs ahead of the federal enforcement date of May 7. REAL IDs meet enhanced security standards passed by Congress, and residents will need either a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities beginning on the enforcement date.

Were working to do everything we can to provide alternative options for Kentuckians and reduce wait times at our Driver Licensing Regional Offices, Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. We encourage everyone to make a plan and skip the line if they can.

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A state policy that began in January 2025 requires people to pass a vision screening before renewing their driver's license, also adding to the longer lines.

The "Skip the Line" initiative offers four options that allow people to renew a driver's license without waiting in line, including:

Visiting an eye specialist, asking for a vision screening form and uploading it to renew online at DLRenewal.ky.gov.

Visiting a licensing office, getting a vision screening and receiving a passcode to renew online at DLRenewal.ky.gov.

Visiting a licensing office, getting the vision screening, filling out a renewal form on site without waiting and receiving a temporary license via email.

Renewing by mail: Printing and filling out the mail-in form at Drive.ky.gov and attaching a completed vision form from an eye specialist.

Some situations may require an in-person office visit, however. Those situations include:

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Upgrading or applying for a REAL ID.

Changing the address, marital status or photo on a license.

Getting Commercial Driver's License, hearing or noncitizen services.

New Kentucky drivers in need a permit or license after passing a Kentucky State Police-administered test.

Beshear said the Transportation Cabinet is adding staff, implementing new line-management technology and adjusting procedures to make it easier for people to utilize options for remote renewal.

Kentucky officials have stressed that May 7 does not mark a deadline and that REAL IDs will still be available after that date. REAL IDs are also not a state requirement.

Less than 40% of credential holders in Kentucky have a REAL ID, according to KYTC.

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In April, a coalition of Kentucky senators asked federal officials to delay the enforcement date, writing in a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem that the commonwealth is "simply not fully prepared for complete implementation," but the request was denied.

Kentucky also recently changed its laws surrounding driver's permits, which now allow 15-year-old residents to apply for them.

Allen Blair, a spokesperson for KYTC, previously told The Courier Journal that the cabinet has issued more than 4,400 permits to 15-year-old residents across Kentucky since April 1.

Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at kbaarlaer@gannett.com or @bkillian72 on X.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: How to skip the line at Kentucky driver's licensing offices
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The biological mother of a 3-year-old boy who authorities say was killed by his foster mother is suing the county, alleging social workers knew and withheld information about the foster mothers mental health issues and troubled childhood.

Margaret Eichhorst, the foster mother, is charged with first-degree murder and assault of a child under 8. Shes accused of killing Alejandro Perez Jr. last year.

The wrongful death lawsuit alleges county policies have led to the deaths of at least five children placed in foster care over the past six years, including the high-profile disappearance and presumed deaths of Orrin and Orson West. The West boys foster parents were convicted of murder.

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Filed last month, the suit seeks damages in an amount to be determined at trial.

A competency hearing is scheduled in June to determine if a court-appointed attorney will serve as guardian for Alejandros mother, Ashley Sinden.

The attorney who filed the suit on Sindens behalf says she doesnt understand the nature of the proceedings due to mental disability and severe and ongoing drug abuse issues.

Children removed after 1-year-old suffers burns

Alejandro was removed from Sindens care after her then-1-year-old daughter suffered burn injuries in March 2023. Sinden was giving her daughter a bath when she noticed steam rising from the water and the girl started screaming.

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The girl was taken to a hospital and Sinden explained to deputies that a former roommate was responsible both for the burns and the messy state of her home. She claimed the ex-roommate trespassed on her property after being evicted and tampered with the water heater  resulting in the accidental burns to her daughter  and dumped trash inside the home.

Despite her explanation, the suit says, deputies decided to remove the daughter, Alejandro and a teen boy from the home and placed them in protective custody with the Department of Human Services.

They arrested Sinden, but prosecutors decided not to pursue charges.

Some Social Security recipients could get 3 checks in May

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The suit says the home was cleaned up the next day and the teen was returned a few days later.

The family could have been reunited at that point, the suit says, but that is not how DHS operates, once they have possession of children, they maintain possession for a period most usually not less than six months.

Placement with Eichhorst

In subsequent court hearings, according to the suit, DHS didnt give Sindens relatives preferential consideration when deciding where to place the children. On Sept. 14, 2023, they ended up in Eichhorsts home.

They were placed there even though Eichhorst, during the application progress, said she had PTSD, depression and anxiety, and acknowledged her own trauma may impede her ability to provide safe and suitable care, according to the suit.

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Information on her mental health history was withheld from the court that approved their placement.

This gross, inexcusable incompetence led to (Alejandros) tragic death at the tender age of only 3 years old, the suit says.

Alejandro was pronounced dead on Feb., 9, 2024, at Eichhorsts home in the 500 block of El Tejon Avenue. An autopsy determined he died from blunt force trauma to the head, and suffered internal injuries including bleeding to his chest and bladder.

Eichhorst has a preliminary hearing scheduled in June.

She remains in custody on no bail.

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 KGET 17 News.
Alaska's largest mine, the Fort Knox gold development outside Fairbanks, consumes $40 million in power each year. (Kinross photo)

North of Fairbanks, hundreds of workers at Alaskas biggest gold mine dig up, haul, crush and grind thousands of tons of ore each day, year-round.

The sprawling Fort Knox mine consumes $40 million worth of power every year  more than any other business in the state, and some 16% of the power produced by Fairbanks electric utility.

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Generating all that energy isnt cheap. Its also a huge source of planet-warming greenhouse gases.

Kinross, the global company that owns Fort Knox, operates five other mines, spread across the U.S., South America and Africa. Power at Fort Knox costs more and accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than each of the companys other operations, according to Meadow Riedel, a Kinross spokesperson.

Powering Fort Knox generates more greenhouse gas emissions and costs more than at each of the other mines operated by owner Kinross. (Kinross photo)

The story is similar for Pogo, the Interiors other major gold mine and the states second largest.

In other countries, Kinross and Northern Star, the Australian company that owns Pogo, have spent millions of dollars on solar and wind power to curb carbon emissions and costs at their mines.

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In Alaska, theyve opted for a different approach, at least for now: pushing the cooperatively owned utility that sells them electricity.

Behind the scenes, the two multinational gold mining companies have emerged as key players in the movement to get that utility, Golden Valley Electric Association, to invest more in renewable energy.

Mining exec: Alaskas pricy, fossil fuel-based power could thwart investment

So far, their efforts have not fully succeeded: The utility has yet to commit to any large new wind or solar projects, and it continues to generate most of its electricity by burning coal and oil.

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But the miners push underscores how multibillion-dollar resource development corporations have turned into odd bedfellows with Alaskas climate activists  both calling for the states utilities to limit their contributions to global warming.

The corporations, based outside the U.S., have faced social and political pressure from shareholders and government regulators to reduce their environmental impacts. Theyve also seen the cost of solar and wind power fall due to government subsidies and technological improvements, making renewables more competitive with fossil fuels.

New obstacles have arisen, though, as the Trump administration promotes carbon-based fuels and threatens to claw back billions of dollars of clean energy funding.

The stakes are high not only for the mining corporations, but also for Golden Valley Electric Associations more than 36,000 members  including many residents of Fairbanks, who pay less for electricity as a result of the utilitys massive power sales to the mines.

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Renewable energy advocates say replacing fossil fuels with new wind and solar power could lower long-term costs for homes and businesses in Fairbanks and other towns in the Interior. At the same time, a looming shortage of natural gas in Cook Inlet is putting pressure on Golden Valley Electric Association, known as GVEA, to find new ways to generate power.

Offshore oil and gas platforms in Cook Inlet, like this one, once provided a cheap source of energy to Anchorage-area electric utilities, which sold power to the Fairbanks area. But gas has become increasingly expensive to extract from the Inlet, and the utilities have stopped selling power to the Interior and are now looking to import cargoes of LNG to power their generators. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)

The gas crisis and the new administration have really changed how people are approaching this, said Eleanor Gagnon, who works on energy policy at the Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition. I think it has the potential to push us forward toward renewables and carbon neutrality  or push us deeper into our fossil fuel track.

So far, GVEA has taken a cautious approach, with some board members worried that moving too quickly away from conventional energy sources like coal could drive up costs.

But if the utility doesnt invest in new wind or solar and keeps burning large volumes of fossil fuels, Kinross and Northern Star might be compelled to build their own, independent renewables projects.

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That would have consequences across the region: Losing the utilitys two biggest customers could raise electricity costs for thousands of people in Fairbanks, according to Phil Wight, an energy historian at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who is also a GVEA member.

If GVEA does not commit to building out the next generation of renewables, and doing so relatively soon, the mines may go out and get alternative sources of lower-carbon power  and all GVEA ratepayers would be paying more, Wight said.

This is the million dollar question, Wight added. Why is GVEA not moving forward with building generation that, everywhere else in the world, utilities are pursuing because its cheaper?

High costs, high emissions

To separate valuable metals from plain rock, mining companies crush and grind ore into tiny pieces  a heavy industrial process that uses loads of electricity.

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That means energy is usually one of the top expenses for mining companies. If that energy comes from fossil fuels, its also one of companies largest sources of planet-heating emissions.

That dynamic is magnified in Alaska, according to company officials.

Fort Knoxs 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions in 2023 represent 20% more greenhouse gases per ounce of gold produced when compared to the companys second highest-emitting mine, in Nevada, corporate disclosures show.

Fort Knox produced 377,000 gold equivalent ounces last year. (Kinross photo)

The $40 million in yearly power consumption at Fort Knox represents a disproportionate financial expense, too. In Nevada, where the company operates two mines, electricity costs half as much, according to Riedel, the Kinross spokesperson.

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The companys high costs and emissions in Alaska put Fort Knox at a disadvantage in Kinrosss internal decisions about future investments, Riedel said in an emailed statement.

Kinross Alaska is always competing with other Kinross sites for investment, she said.

The company has already been working to reduce energy consumption and climate impacts in Alaska as it seeks to eliminate or fully offset carbon pollution at its mines by 2050. Fort Knox has tweaked its ore grinding process to make it more efficient and shortened haul routes to cut down on diesel use, Riedel said.

For now, Kinross isnt developing any of its own large-scale clean energy projects in Alaska, according to Riedel.

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Building renewables at the mine would be challenging due to Alaskas expansive geography and extreme climate, she said.

But Kinross might consider a smaller scale development, she said. She would not elaborate on how big of a project the company might build, or on what timeline, though the company spent $55 million on a solar farm at a huge mine in Mauritania.

Wind turbines spin at a development on Kodiak Island. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)

Northern Star, which also has a goal of fully offsetting emissions at its mines by midcentury, has indicated that it might invest in wind power at the Pogo mine, which is about 40 miles northeast of the Interior community of Delta Junction. But the company hasnt disclosed any concrete plans to do so.

In a corporate report published last year, Northern Star suggested that it expects to develop a project at Pogo in 2025 that would move it toward a companywide goal of lowering emissions by 35% this decade.

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A Northern Star spokesperson would not provide details about that project, which is labeled simply in the report as Pogo GRID 16 MW. That figure appears to refer to 16 megawatts of power that Pogo draws from the grid.

No major operating mines in Alaska are powered by private solar or wind farms.

At the massive Red Dog zinc mine in Northwest Alaska, which runs on expensive, shipped-in diesel, Vancouver-based Teck Resources said last year that it would install a weather tower to study the potential for generating renewable power.

But those plans fizzled, according to a company spokesperson who declined to comment further.

Frozen funds

Last year, GVEA generated more than 80% of its power from fossil fuels  primarily coal, diesel and naphtha, which is a refined oil product.

The rest comes from a mix of existing wind, solar and hydropower projects.

Until last year, GVEA bought relatively inexpensive gas-fired electricity that other utilities generated in the Anchorage area. But a shortage of natural gas in Cook Inlet has severed that supply indefinitely.

Looking to diversify, GVEA announced last year that it had secured nearly $500 million in federal loans and grants that would help it vastly expand its use of renewables.

That money would pay for two battery systems to store power from new wind and solar projects when its not sunny or windy. It also would cover more than 60 miles of new transmission lines, allowing the utility to tap into proposed wind farms in the Interior.

But boosters of renewables have grown frustrated that the utility still lacks firm plans to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. And now, the federal funds for GVEAs infrastructure upgrades are in limbo amid the Trump administrations broad freeze on green energy spending, according to Ashley Bradish, a spokesperson for the utility.

Federal officials on March 25 gave funding recipients a month to propose project changes that align with President Donald Trumps executive order on unleashing American energy and to remove far-left climate features. GVEA was given only 500 characters to outline those revisions, utility officials said.

Just within the last few weeks, GVEAs job got a lot harder, said Wight, the energy expert.

GVEAs board voted in 2022 to shut down one of its two big coal power plants  a step toward lowering emissions and moving to renewables.

Smokestack emissions are seen along the Fairbanks skyline on March 1, 2023. At left is the coal-fired heat and power plant on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

But the utility reversed course last year, citing the natural gas supply crunch and saying it would keep operating the coal plant until lower-cost alternatives became available.

Then, in August, it signed a new contract with Usibelli Coal Mine  the states only supplier of the fuel  to buy more feedstock for the plant, which burns some 200,000 tons of coal each year.

While coal comes with high carbon emissions, its relatively cheap, and utility leaders fear that replacing it with renewables could boost costs and reduce reliability for consumers.

If Golden Valley adds more wind and solar power, it would need a way to store energy and consistently distribute it, and theres a cost associated with that, Bradish said. Our current battery cant provide that regulation.

The utility has not released an analysis showing how rates would change if it were to replace fossil fuel-fired power with renewables.

Wind turbines spin on Fire Island outside Anchorage. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)

Thats part of what were studying, Bradish said.

Some advocates, like Gagnon with Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, say theres also a cost associated with continuing to burn fossil fuels. GVEA is paying some $14 million to build two storage tanks at the Fairbanks-area oil refinery that it buys fuel from.

The mines support of renewables is evidence for the cost-effectiveness of renewables, said Gagnon. Their bottom line is going to be cost.

Kinross and Pogo  whose mines collectively account for about 30% of the utilitys energy sales  havent said how long theyll wait on GVEA before building their own wind or solar farms.

Riedel, with Kinross, said her company wants to see GVEA take steps soon, but she would not elaborate.

It is not our role to specify to GVEA as to its generation and power supply portfolio, Riedel said. What we need from our provider is electricity that is reliable, low cost and the least environmental impact possible. It is up to the provider to determine how to get there.

GVEA communicates closely with Kinross and Northern Star about their emissions reduction targets, Bradish said.

Losing them as customers absolutely would have an impact on our membership, she added. Its something that is definitely thought about when were moving forward.

Northern Journal contributor Max Graham can be reached at max@northernjournal.com. Hes interested in any and all mining related stories, as well as introductory meetings with people in and around the industry.

This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Nathaniel Herz. Subscribe at this link.

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Brian Cornell, chair and chief executive officer of Target Corp., saw his pay package hit $20.4 million last year with a big boost from stock awards.

Cornells overall compensation rose 6.3 percent and included a salary of $1.4 million, bonus and incentive pay totaling $2.3 million and stock awards valued at $16.1 million.

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Its typical in corporate America for CEOs to get big pay packages that are stock-heavy. The stock awards are one way Target seeks to tie pay to performance, as they are only awarded once certain thresholds are met and their ultimate value fluctuates with the companys shares on Wall Street.

Cornell is among the highest-paid CEOs in retail, but not the highest. Last year his pay package was outstripped by Walmart Inc. CEO Doug McMillon, whose compensation tallied $27.4 million, including stock.

Target has hit some turbulence lately  fourth-quarter comparable sales dropped 4.4 percent  but Cornell has laid out plans to boost revenues $15 billion over the next five years.

Delivering on that promise will in all likelihood be a job for future CEOs.

Cornell has already shown remarkable staying power in the job and committed in September 2022 to stay for approximately three more years, putting a potential exit on the horizon this year or next.

At that time, the retailers board also eliminated a retirement policy that was designed to initiate a discussion regarding the possible retirement of its CEO at the age of 65.

A Target spokesperson said there have been no updates on the CEOs plans.

The retailer does have a long list of prominent executive vice presidents  including chief operating officer Michael Fiddelke, chief commercial officer Rick Gomez and chief strategy and growth officer Christina Hennington  but there is little outward talk of succession.

So Cornell could also stay put, especially as Target does not have employment contracts with its top executives.

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Jurors in Karen Reads second murder trial heard more testimony from Jennifer McCabe, who was with her the morning she found John OKeefe in the snow.

Much of the focus Wednesday was the cross-examination of McCabe by Reads attorney Alan Jackson, who challenged her recollection of events and suggested she coordinated with other witnesses to make sure all their statements matched up  something she denied.

Prosecutors believe 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.

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The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Reads double jeopardy appeal on Monday. Her attorneys asked the highest court to throw out two of the three charges against their client, including second-degree murder, claiming the jury had privately found her not guilty.

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.

Digital forensics expert returns to witness stand in Karen Read murder trial

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.

What did McCabe hear at the scene?

McCabe took the stand for a second day Wednesday, recalling a chaotic scene when they reached house where OKeefe was later found lying in the snow. She called 911 to report a body while Read and another friend, Kerry Roberts, tried to warm OKeefe up and do CPR on him.

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Read, she said, was running around and screaming so much that police suggested she sit in a police cruiser. The three sat together praying, and McCabe remember Read wondering aloud who would take care of OKeefes two adopted children. As OKeefes body was moved to an ambulance, Read screamed for Roberts to go check on him and wondered if he was dead.

Then, McCabe testified that she was standing next to a police officer and a paramedic as Read told them I hit him three times  corroborating earlier testimony from paramedics.

But Jackson challenged McCabe, questioning why those comments couldnt be found in earlier police reports or in the 227 pages of her grand jury testimony. Instead, Jackson said she told the grand jury that she recalled saying to a paramedic Did I hit him? Could I have hit him? Is he dead? Is he dead? Is he dead?

In point of fact, in your entire grand jury testimony, you never said my client said the words I hit him. he said.

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McCabe insisted she had told police what Read said  even if it wasnt in the reports  and that it wasnt in the grand jury testimony because she wasnt asked specifically about it. As for the comments in her grand jury testimony, she said there were many conversations with paramedics and police at the scene.

I hit him. I hit him. I hit him is just as fresh today as it was three years ago, she said.

On Tuesday, McCabe 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 is expected to continue her testimony on Friday.

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Khloe Kardashian's fashion company is still legally butting heads with an ex-employee as a trial looms.

"The Kardashians" star's fashion company, Good American, is preparing for trial after failing to reach a settlement with a former employee who is suing for wrongful termination due to health issues related to cancer.

In 2019, Khloe Kardashian hired an employee who received consistent positive reviews throughout their tenure and was recognized with promotions and raises.

Khloe Kardashian Company's Team Failed To Settle The Conflict In-House

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

The hearing was held yesterday, April 29, concerning the lawsuit filed against Good American by Brooke, who was hired as a Marketing Intern in 2019 and later promoted to Marketing Coordinator in June 2021.

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During the hearing, it was revealed that the parties had previously attempted to settle to avoid trial, but the case remains unresolved, with a jury trial scheduled for August 4 in Los Angeles Superior Court.

In her lawsuit, Brooke claims she received positive performance reviews that recognized her contributions to the team and highlighted her work on projects involving Kardashian and her business partner, Emma Grede.

However, Brooke alleges that the defendants engaged in a campaign of pressure against her, making negative comments regarding her need for accommodations.

Per In Touch, she claimed that her bosses implied her request was detrimental to the organization and suggested she take a medical leave of absence instead of allowing her to work remotely.

The Former Good American Staff Accused The Company Of Medical Discrimination

In the lawsuit, Brooke contended that despite facing pressure from her employers, she effectively continued to perform her job remotely. She also pointed out that she found a job listing for her role while still employed.

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In September 2023, Brooke shared that she submitted another accommodation request to continue working from home. Her request was supported by a doctor's note indicating that she was "extremely immunocompromised" due to a pre-existing medical condition.

However, in October, she alleged that Good American terminated her employment under the guise of a company "layoff." Brooke challenged this situation, noting that the company was still hiring and filling other positions.

She claimed that her termination was actually a result of discrimination related to her medical condition and disability. Consequently, the lawsuit sought damages from Good American and Grede for wrongful termination, cancer discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The 'Revenge Body' Star's Company's Legal Reps Denied All The Accusations

In the lawsuit, Kardashian was not named as a defendant, but her company, Good American, along with Grede, responded to the allegations by denying any wrongdoing.

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Their legal team argued that the plaintiff, Brooke, is precluded from claiming injuries or damages, asserting that any issues she faced were the direct result of her own conduct.

They contended that if Brooke experienced any mental or emotional distress, it stemmed from pre-existing psychological disorders or other concurrent causes, rather than from the actions of the defendants.

Additionally, the lawyers stated that Brooke's claims regarding failure to accommodate were invalid because she had not provided notice of her need for such accommodations.

The legal team emphasized that Brooke had prior mental distress linked to her cancer diagnosis, which they argued existed before her termination. The defendants claimed that her emotional distress was not attributable to their actions and insisted that the lawsuit be dismissed in its entirety.

Inside Brooke's Doctor's Note Provided To The Fashion Company

The former staff claimed she provided a doctor's note in June 2023, written by the UCLA Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology -- to the clothing brand. She said the details in the doctor's note were not received well by the team at the company. According to The Blast, the doctor's note listed:

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She was under a doctor's "professional care."

requesting as an accommodation a "temporary excuse from work."

identifying her as "immune-compromised and sick and lung damaged."

stating that she was "recently discharged from the hospital."

stating that she "needs to complete a course of treatment."

requesting an accommodation, including that "she returns to work remotely."

Brooke filed the lawsuit against a company, alleging a violation of Labor Code section 1102.5. This section prohibits retaliation against employees who report activities they believe to be unlawful or who refuse to engage in activities that are indeed unlawful.

Khloe Kardashian Is Reportedly Looking To Make A Career Transition

MEGA

Before pursuing legal action, the former E! star made a significant decision regarding her professional path. As reported by The Blast, the reality TV personality has been flourishing as the host of her podcast, "Khloe in Wonderland," and is looking to make it her primary focus.

Sources indicate that this shift is well thought out, as she has been preparing for it over time, including conducting test interviews to refine her skills.

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This transition is particularly important for the mother of two, who is reassessing her future with her family's reality show. Insiders reveal that she hopes to expand her podcast brand in the meantime.

Additionally, this career move allows her to gain some independence from the strong influence of her mother and manager, Kris Jenner.

Will Khloe Kardashian's Good American case eventually get to trial?
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Kimberly-Clark announced that it will build a manufacturing plant in Trumbull County.

Read next: Mishap at Girards Prom Promise event sends 1 to hospital

The companys board of directors met to approve the project Thursday afternoon.

I think the spotlight is on us, and its showtime, said Anthony Trevena with the Western Reserve Port Authority. Theres been so much work behind the scenes going into this, its just hard to believe that today finally came. Its great to get the world to hear what the Mahoning Valley has to offer.

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The million-plus-square-foot facility will be constructed on a former steel mill lot off of Pine Avenue in an area that spans Howland and Warren townships. Its an $800 million investment.

Its going to make them one of the largest employers in the Valley immediately, and as other people have said before, this is just the tip of the iceberg. This is just the start. Theres another couple of hundred acres there that they own that they could expand on, said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy.

Kimberly-Clark said in a news release that the Warren facility will provide the capacity needed to unleash future growth for Kimberly-Clarks fastest growing personal care categories.

Our investment in Warren is a pivotal step forward in our North America business and strategy, By establishing a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ohio, were enhancing our ability to serve millions of consumers across the Midwest and Northeast with greater speed, agility, and resilience. Its a once-in-a-career opportunity to build a facility from the ground up that reflects the future of manufacturing, and with the support of local partners like JobsOhio, the Department of Development, Lake to River, Western Reserve Port Authority, and local governments, we have the unique opportunity to create high-quality jobs and long-term economic impact in the region. Tamera Fenske, Kimberly-Clarks Chief Supply Chain Officer

Located within the existing Warren BDM Redevelopment Area, the site was the sixth location to receive site readiness support from the All Ohio Future Fund. A total of $17.2 million from the fund was awarded to the Western Reserve Port Authority to assist in site readiness and road infrastructure.

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We welcome Kimberly-Clarks first investment in Ohio, said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Kimberly-Clark has advanced-production facilities all over the world, and the fact that they are now coming to Trumbull County says a great deal about the areas workforce and Ohios leadership in rebuilding the domestic manufacturing supply.

Thursdays announcement was eagerly anticipated by local and state leaders who awarded the project tax incentives to build the plant in the Mahoning Valley. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.837%, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project. This follows 10-year, 60% tax credits approved by Howland and Warren townships and Trumbull County commissioners.

The plant will create about 491 full-time jobs, generating $49.1 million in payroll by December 2030.

This is a defining moment for Trumbull County, said Rick Hernandez, president of the Trumbull County Board of Commissioners. The Kimberly-Clark project represents more than just a substantial investment; its a catalyst for regional revitalization. We anticipate that this development will not only bring hundreds of direct jobs but also attract ancillary businesses, boost housing, and invigorate our local economy.

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Kimberly-Clark brands include Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll. Its products are sold in more than 175 countries and territories.

Whats great about this is that this is not something we do here. Weve made steel, weve made cars, were doing batteries  all these different things. This is a whole new industry, and whats exciting about that is what comes with it, Trevena said.

Thursday afternoon in the downtown Youngstown offices of Lake to River Economic Development, Alexa Sweeney Blackann and Sarah Boyarko were thrilled with the announcement. Both were instrumental in getting Kimberly-Clark to locate here.

Certainly, there are suppliers that will get involved as part of this and we can certainly attract those. I think there are businesses that are already here that will expand because of these opportunities that this company brings, said Blackann.

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A lot of people outside of our market are paying attention to whats going on today. Theyre watching the news. Theyre asking themselves or mentioning to themselves, maybe we need to be there, Boyarko said.

Stan Boney contributed to this report.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla are putting down some royal roots with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden.

On May 1, the royal couples came together for a rare joint duty and planted a tree together in the Home Park of Windsor Castle.

The sapling was planted in celebration of the coronation of King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023 and the tree planting happened just a few days before the second anniversary of their crowning ceremony.

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King Carl XVI Gustaf, 79, and his daughter Crown Princess Victoria attended the British royals' coronation two years ago, representing the Swedish royals. Seats were limited in the ancient abbey and most other monarchies only sent two people.

YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty From left: King Charles, King Carl Gustaf, Queen Camilla and Queen Silvia at Windsor Castle on May 1, 2025 From left: King Charles, King Carl Gustaf, Queen Camilla and Queen Silvia at Windsor Castle on May 1, 2025

Related: Every Photo from the Coronation of King Charles III

The commemorative tree is a Swedish oak (Quercus robur) tree and was given as a gift from the King of Sweden. The oak is from the Royal Nursery at Solliden Palace, the Swedish royal family's private residence in Borgholm and where they spend the summer months.

It was a rare double duty for Their Majesties. The outing came the day after King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrated his 79th birthday on April 30 with a traditional military celebration at the Royal Palace in Stockholm.

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The ceremony came with a balcony appearance by his family, where baby Princess Ines made her balcony debut! King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, 80, became grandparents for the ninth time in February, when their son Prince Carl Philip and his wife Princess Sofia welcomed their fourth child and first daughter.

YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty From left: King Charles and King Carl Gustaf at Windsor Castle on May 1, 2025 From left: King Charles and King Carl Gustaf at Windsor Castle on May 1, 2025

Related: Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip of Sweden Reveal First Daughter's Name  with a Nod to the Queen!

The couple named their little princess Ines Marie Lilian Silvia, with her middle names honoring both her maternal grandmother Marie and paternal grandmother the Queen.

Tree planting, ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling are staple duties of ceremonial royal roles, and both Sweden and the United Kingdom are governed by constitutional monarchies.

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!

YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty From left: King Charles, King Carl Gustaf, Queen Camilla and Queen Silvia at Windsor Castle on May 1, 2025 From left: King Charles, King Carl Gustaf, Queen Camilla and Queen Silvia at Windsor Castle on May 1, 2025

As King Charles looks ahead to the second anniversary of his historic coronation next week on May 6, King Carl XVI Gustaf will also mark a milestone later in the year  the 52nd anniversary of his accession on Sept. 15.

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Carl Gustaf became King at age 27 in 1973 upon his grandfather's death, as his father, Prince Gustaf Adolf, had died in a plane crash when Carl Gustaf was a baby. He is the longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history and is on track to surpass the reign of his cousin, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, who abdicated in January 2024 on the 52nd anniversary of her accession.



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Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) on Tuesday slammed President Trump over the first 100 days of his second term, calling them a failure.

With the 100th day of the Trump presidency here, its the perfect time to step back and survey the wreckage, Kinzinger wrote on Substack. And when I look across the landscape, I see failure after failure. One phrase from his first inaugural speech keeps coming to mind  American carnage.

In just his first 100 days, Trump has issued more than 130 executive orders, throwing the economy, higher education, the legal system, and much of the federal government into chaos, he added. He pardoned 1,600 insurrectionists who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. And most damaging of all, he declared a trade war with China  and pretty much the rest of the world  sending us hurtling toward a severe recession.

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More than four years ago, Kinzinger and nine other House Republicans voted to impeach Trump for his part in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. The former lawmaker from Illinois has also been a fierce critic of the president in the years since the Capitol riot and backed former Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House last year.

While giving a speech at the Democratic National Convention last year, Kinzinger said that the GOP is no longer conservative.

It has switched its allegiance from the principles that gave it purpose to a man whose only purpose is himself, he said at the time.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, in response to The Hills request for comment, asked, Who is Adam Kinzinger?

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In his Tuesday Substack post, Kinzinger referred to the presidents economic policy as disastrous, and he knocked Trump administration officials such as tech billionaire Elon Musk, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He also went after Trump over his response to the war in Ukraine.

A failure at home. A failure abroad. A failure in the polls. If theres one thing Trump has proven in his first 100 days, its that hes consistently bad at this job. Too bad for the rest of us, Kinzinger said in the post.

The Hill has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comment.

The Hill was directed by the Defense Department toward a statement from Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell.

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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, Parnell said in the Tuesday statement.

Updated at 10:35 p.m. EDT

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  After 20 years, a 2005 federal law will finally take effect in one week, impacting entrance into high-level places like federal buildings, nuclear plants and airports.

Congress passed the Real ID Act back in 2005 and basically said every state has to issue this card with the same set of required documents across all states, said Scott Hardin with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

According to Hardin, the identification is simply a form of stating that you are who you say you are, which is important to TSA security with air travel.

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Its to ensure that every traveler is actually a verified person, as the name that they have on their ID, the name that they have on their ticket, said TSAs Patricia Mancha. So, this is security for all of us.

As of the May 7 deadline, anyone looking to board a flight, international or domestic, is required to have their Real ID as proof of identification.

Debunking Real ID with Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

If you are trying to decide whether to get it, Macha said there are other forms of identification accepted by TSA to board:

A passport

A green card

Department of Defense ID

Identification for those in a federally recognized tribe

TWIC card

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If you dont have any of those, then make sure that you get to the airport early, said Mancha. We say two hours before your domestic flight, three hours before your international flight. But if you dont have a Real ID, add 2 hours to that, because its not a fast process.

Without the Real ID, Macha said, TSA cannot guarantee the ability to travel, but it is willing to work with you.

As much as we can prepare and want everybody to have their Real ID in hand, of course, there are going to be some delays with that, said XNAs Olivia Tyler.

XNA holds topping out ceremony for new air traffic control tower

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Macha also said that those under the age of 18 are not required to have the Real ID, but their parent or guardian will need one.

According to TSA, nationwide, there are still millions of people who have not gotten their Real ID even at eighty-one percent compliance. However, in the Natural State, Hardin said Arkansans are doing their part to secure their Real IDs as the deadline approaches.

The last ten days weve issued more than 50,000 over a ten-day period, so its revenue officers are doing 5000 plus a day right now, said Hardin.

Even with the deadline in one week, Hardin said that you can still get your Real ID after and that obtaining the identification is still a choice.

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To learn more about Real ID, visit the Department of Homeland Securitys website.

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(FORT CARSON, Colo.)  The Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver (FBI Denver) has arrested a Fort Carson staff sergeant on federal charges related to distributing cocaine.

On Wednesday night, April 30, FBI Denver special agents arrested Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, who is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and is currently stationed at Fort Carson.

According to a Fort Carson official, Orona-Rodriguez has served almost nine years in the Army and is currently an active-duty soldier stationed with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. According to a Fort Carson official who shared Orona-Rodriguezs record, he has received multiple awards, including an Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and various Army Achievement Medals.

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According to the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration Rocky Mountain Field Division (DEA RMFD), the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and officials at Fort Carson participated and assisted in the investigation and facilitated the arrest on Wednesday evening.

We are aware the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Army CID, took a Fort Carson Soldier into custody, a Fort Carson official said. We will continue to cooperate with all agencies involved.

Orona-Rodriguez was being held at the El Paso County Jail before he was released to the FBI on Thursday, per the El Paso County Sheriffs Office.

On Sunday, April 27, an operation led by the DEA RMFD took place at an underground club in Colorado Springs where more than 100 people who entered the U.S. illegally were taken into custody, and more than a dozen active-duty service members were found either as patrons or working as armed security at the door.

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DEA is currently conducting a joint investigation with the FBI and the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), a spokesperson with the DEA RMFD said. As this is an ongoing joint investigation led by the FBI, we are unable to provide further information at this time.

FOX21 News has reached out to the FBI and is looking to learn more about the arrest. We will update this article when more information is released.

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Florida authorities arrested a man who they say planned a mass shooting  and had an online relationship with the student who committed a school shooting in Madison late last year.

In mid-December, a 15-year-old girl killed a classmate and teacher and wounded six others at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. The teen died of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack.

In the wake of the shooting, attention turned to online accounts believed to belong to her where violent and racist content was reposted.

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Attention has also turned to a number of others with whom she was connected online, including the man in Florida.

Since the Columbine shooting, a toxic subculture glorifying mass shooters has formed in online spaces. Much of the internal culture and shared language overlaps with white supremacist and other ideologies. The views in these spaces tend to be incoherent and not necessarily a clear political ideology.

Here's what to know:

Man, 22, arrested in Florida talked with Madison shooter

Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies say Damien Blade Allen, 22, talked with Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, 15, through social media in the months before she opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School.

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Authorities arrested Allen on April 29 on charges that he was planning a mass shooting, gathering weapons, posting online about attacks he planned and impersonating law enforcement.

Legal documents show the FBI found conversations where Rupnow and Allen discussed equipment for committing a shooting and possible locations for a shooting, including racially motivated locations. Authorities say the two talked online from May 2024 to the following September, three months before Rupnow opened fire in Madison.

In one message, the girl said she wanted to do a Black church in reference to possible locations. Allen told her he had several places in mind, including a police department, records say.

The documents show online messages between the two. In one exchange, from June 7, Allen said "we go down together."

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"Correct," Rupnow responded, before the two said they love each other.

Florida authorities said Allen had talked with others online about his plans. He was waiting for the proper trigger before he attacked, said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw at an April 30 news conference, according to the Palm Beach Post.

"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."

Investigators found 18 firearms, more than 12,000 rounds of ammunition, combat equipment like ballistic armor, and various uniforms for agencies like the FBI, the U.S. Army Ranger, and a Palm Beach County Sheriff uniform.

Madison, Nashville school shooters appeared to cross paths

Rupnow has also been connected to Solomon Henderson, 17, who killed a classmate and then died of a self-inflicted gunshot in a school shooting in Nashville.

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Theres no evidence the two planned their attacks together, but they shared similar online networks, according to a report by Wisconsin Watch. The news organization's reporting found the two had few direct interactions, but that Henderson appeared to admire his connection with her.

Like Rupnow, Henderson was active on social media in communities that glorified school shootings, according to the USA TODAY Network.

His online presence included a 300-page document posted to X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, and included alt-right paraphernalia, along with numerous racist messages.

Man, 20, detained in California days after Madison school shooting

Days after the shooting in Madison, a 20-year-old California man was detained on suspicion of "plotting" to coordinate a mass shooting at a government building in conjunction with the Madison school shooter, according to court records.

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Alexander Paffendorf of Carlsbad was detained by FBI agents.

On April 28, a three-year gun violence restraining order was imposed on him, though criminal charges have not been filed against him, CBS 8 reported. The order prevents him from owning or purchasing guns for that period.

A San Diego police detective testified at a court hearing this week that Paffendorf had said he discussed the subject with the Madison shooter because he hoped to pursue a romantic relationship with her, the TV station reported.

Paffendorf in the hearing also described the discussions as "highly inappropriate" but also said he did not have substantive plans to commit violent acts or own weapons, according to the TV station.

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David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Madison school shooter ties to Florida man, others
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Here are the top headlines from this morning.

A group of Iowa state senators are calling for action on a bill related to eminent domain.

12 Iowa State Senators refuse to vote for budget bills until eminent domain measure receives floor vote

The city of Sioux City is set to hold a prescribed burn at Ravine Park today.

Prescribed burn taking place at Sioux Citys Ravine Park

Dredge work to clean out McCook Lake is set to begin May 12th.

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McCook Lake residents to cleanup more debris this weekend

Siouxlanders have a chance to rock out for a good cause this weekend.

11th annual Pete Goede ALS Benefit Concert this weekend

Check out these headlines and more in the video above.

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Giselleflissak via Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Smithfield Foods, a Virginia-based company, said selling pork to customers in China isn't feasible because of tariffs.

China is imposing a 125% tariff on goods from the U.S. in response to America's 145% tax on imports from China.

Smithfield believes there will be demand for the pork that may have gone to China in other foreign markets, executives said.







Smithfield Foods, a Virginia-based pork producer, said selling meat in China is no longer viable due to the country's tariffs on American exports.

Sales to Chinese customers accounted for about 3% of Smithfields (SFD) sales in 2024, CEO Shane Smith said on a earnings conference call Tuesday. Still, the company released an upbeat outlook for 2025 because it believes there will be demand for these exports in other markets. China imposed a 125% tariff on American products in April, a response to the White House announcing a 145% tax on goods imported from China.

With China no longer essentially being available, weve really had to pivot our business, Smith said, according to a transcript made available by AlphaSense. While its important, we do believe we have other options.

Smithfield executives expect there to be ample demand for pork that may have gone to China in the roughly 30 other markets where it exports. The company anticipates sales increasing year-over-year in the low- to mid-single digit percent range in 2025, CFO Mark Hall said.

Still, the company acknowledged the possibility that tariffs will have side effects. In its 2024 annual report, it said that tariffs on pork exports could lead to higher domestic supply levels that weigh on prices.

Besides focusing on other markets, Smithfield aims to bolster earnings by increasing its sales of its more profitable products, such as lunch meats and dry sausages, said Steven France, president of packaged meats.

Smithfield reported $3.8 billion in sales for the quarter ended March 30, up 9.5% from the same period last year, according to its earnings report. Net income attributable to Smithfield increased more than 40% year-over-year to $224 million, the filing said.

The stock rose nearly 9% on Tuesday, leaving it up about 3% this year despite a jagged run for the shares.



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Thursdays Top Stories

Thursdays Five Facts

[1] Teen given max sentence after hitting and killing Albuquerque bicyclist  A 13-year-old will stay in custody until hes 21 for murdering an Albuquerque man. The teen admitted he deliberately drove a car into a 63-year-old bicyclist last year. Video showed 63-year-old Scott Habermehl riding his bike to work at Sandia National Labs before three juveniles, ages 15, 13, and 11, in a stolen car decided to hit him. The driver of that car was Johnathan Overbay, who recently pled guilty to second-degree murder. Since Overbay is under the age of 14, New Mexico law only allows him to be detained within the juvenile jail until hes 2.

[2] BCSO release details on fatal deputy-involved shooting  BCSO released additional details in a deadly deputy-involved shooting in northeast Albuquerque. On March 6, deputies responded to a home near Paseo Del Norte and Tramway. The father of 35-year-old Brian Padilla called 911 and reported Padilla was suffering a mental episode, becoming violent and armed himself with various items. A deputy arrived on scene scene and encounters Padilla, armed with a knife and scissors. Padilla did not comply with commands to drop the weapons and walked toward the deputy. The deputy fired multiple shots, striking Padilla.

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[3] Rain and storm chances increase into the weekend around New Mexico  Rain returns this afternoon across northern and northeastern New Mexico with warming temperatures. A cold front will move into New Mexico from the east tonight, bringing east canyon wind into the Rio Grande Valley by Friday morning. This will come with a surge of moisture across the state by Friday afternoon, when a low pressure system starts approaching New Mexico. This will cause scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms to develop Friday afternoon.

[4] Man convicted in childs murder sentenced on separate federal drug charges  A man awaiting sentencing for shooting and killing an 11-year-old boy outside of Isotopes park was sentenced for a separate crime Wednesday. During a traffic stop in 2023, police found 24 pounds of fentanyl in Nathan Garleys trunk. This federal drug arrest came just one week after Garley was involved in the shooting outside Isotopes park. Garley was sentenced to 20 years on federal drug trafficking charges. His sentencing for the shooting is set for May 21.

[5] Adoption fees waived for dogs at the Las Vegas Animal Care Center  The city of Las Vegas Animal Care Center is waiving adoption fees for adult dogs. The center says it is currently over capacity. They say as more dogs continue to come in they need to begin making room immediately. The center is also trying to reunite dogs with their owners and are advising anyone who may have recently lost their dog to come in and see if the dog is there.

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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.
By Ahmed Hagagy

KUWAIT (Reuters) -Kuwait has launched a crackdown on cryptocurrency miners it accuses of being a "major" cause of a power crisis that has led to blackouts, as authorities seek to ease pressure on the grid before the start of a sweltering summer.

Authorities started a "wide-ranging" security operation last week, the interior ministry said in a statement, targeting homes used for cryptocurrency mining, an activity it said was illegal.

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Crypto mining activities "constitute an unlawful exploitation of electrical power  and may cause outages affecting residential, commercial and service areas, posing a direct threat to public safety", the ministry said.

Kuwait has banned cryptocurrency trading but has no laws specifically addressing mining.

OPEC member Kuwait is grappling with a severe power crisis driven by population growth, urban expansion, rising temperatures and delayed maintenance at some plants.

Electricity in the country is extremely cheap and the government has urged residents not to waste it as the need to keep cool amid sweltering summer temperatures heaps pressure on a strained electrical grid.

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Cryptocurrency mining, although a major cause of the power crisis, is not the only factor, a source at the electricity ministry told Reuters.

Mining for crypto uses vast amounts of computing power and has prompted authorities from Kosovo to Russia to curb its use to prevent electricity shortages. The miners tend to base themselves where power is cheap, and often in colder climes where it is easier to cool their servers.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge estimated that in 2022, Kuwait was responsible for just 0.05% of the world's bitcoin mining at the time.

While there is no good data on how much power crypto miners use in Kuwait, "it only takes a very small share of the total bitcoin mining network to have significant impact on the relatively small total electricity consumption of Kuwait," said Alex de Vries-Gao, founder of Digiconomist, a research project tracking crypto's energy use.

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Kuwait's crackdown has targeted homes in Al-Wafrah, Kuwait's southernmost area, where the electricity ministry has previously said around 100 homes were used for mining, some of them consuming up to 20 times normal electricity levels. Energy consumption in Al-Wafrah fell by 55% following last week's operation, the electricity ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

"They saw government subsidies, saw the absence of oversight, and saw no laws in place, so they exploited the situation to their benefit," said Saud Al-Zaid, who formerly served as executive board member of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority in Kuwait.

Kuwait's central bank has warned against investing in crypto. The country's approach to the sector differs to that of some of its neighbours which have embraced the industry.

Dubai this week is playing host to a large crypto event, with Eric Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump's son, among those in attendance.

(Reporting by Ahmed Hagagy; Additional reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft; Writing by Yousef Saba; Editing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes and Freya Whitworth)
On a Sunday morning in January 2022, Freddy Escobar, the longtime president of the firefighters' union representing the Los Angeles Fire Department, clocked in for a 24-hour shift. The next night, he reported for a 14-hour overnight. Then he did it again the night after that.



Escobar isnt just any firefighter. Hes one of ten United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) union board members allowed to take full-time leave from their city jobs while still collecting their LAFD salaries, in a practice known as "union release time."



But an investigation conducted by the Los Angeles Times has revealed that union president Escobar, while working as a full-time officer, also picked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in overtime over the last six years. In 2022 alone, he made $184,034 in overtime pay. His total pay, including benefits, topped $424,000. He then received a $115,962 stipend from the union.



That same year, LAFD employees collected more than $262 million in overtime, which was average of $77,000 per worker. Some earned more than $600,000 in overtime alone.



The LAFD operates around the clock, staffed by more than 3,300 firefighters working ten 24-hour shifts per month. While this schedule allows for long stretches off-duty, it also relies heavily on personnel being available to pick up extra shifts.

Amid staffing shortages, instead of hiring more personnel, the city has leaned on overtime to fill the gaps. Firefighters are often paid time-and-a-half for additional shifts, and in some cases, double or triple pay if they cover holidays or special events.



The result is a feedback loop: burnout, absenteeism, and a system that encourages taking sick leave to avoid burnout, which in turn necessitates more overtime.



"It's the only way weve kept the wheels on," says one LAFD captain.



The cycle has continued this way, despite warnings from union members, who have urged the city to hire more firefighters to regulate overtime costs.



A request for comment from Escobar and the UFLAC was not immediately returned, and Escobar did not respond to the Times questions.



The controversy arrives at a tense moment for the department, as backlash continues over budget cuts impeding sufficient response from firefighters to the Palisades and Eaton fires in January.
Just weeks after Labours loveless landslide in July last year, Rachel Reeves revealed enormous pay rises for the public sector.

She announced the bungs of between 4.75pc and 6pc in 2024 to 2025, as a victory over Tory incompetence. In a statement to the Commons, the Chancellor said: The previous government provided no guidance on what could or could not be afforded to the pay review bodies.

This is almost unheard of. But that is exactly what they did ... I will not repeat their mistakes.

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The answer, of course, was giving staff the pay rise they deserve and agreeing to the demands of the pay review bodies.

This, said Ms Reeves, would prevent the kind of industrial action that wreaked havoc on the public finances and in the NHS alone cost the taxpayer 1.7bn last year.

Well, that didnt last long. Nine months on, and the spectre of public sector strikes is back already.

Because of a change brought in by the Chancellor, the recommendations for 2026s pay rises will be published as early as this summer.

The Government in its own submission has said it can only afford to increase the health and education pay budgets in England by 2.8pc. But the teachers pay review body will recommend a 4pc rise and the NHS body 3pc, according to reports.

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That suggests Ms Reeves wont be able to accept the recommendations in full this time. It turns out governing is a lot harder than sniping from the sidelines.

Widespread public sector strikes are looking likely if the Government doesnt agree to higher salaries or tries to fund them by cutting budgets.

Endless strikes came to dominate the Conservatives dismal final years in office but Labour is going to find out that simply not being the Tories isnt enough. Ms Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer are starting to realise that unions will never stop asking for more; after all, that is the sole, real purpose for their existence.

Handing over bumper pay rises days after entering Downing Street was a short-term fix and came with absolutely no conditions. The most glaring, of course, is the refusal to consider any reform to the ludicrously generous public sector pensions.

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Full-blooded, defined benefit schemes, with enormous employer contributions and guaranteed increases for life, can no longer be borne by the state. The public sector pensions bill is forecast to rise to 55.3bn in 2025-26, according to analysis by Neil Record, a former Bank of England economist.

Workers, quite reasonably, typically want higher salaries when their costs are high, rather than the promise of a good pension in 30 years time when their mortgage will already be paid off.

If teachers, doctors, civil servants and MPs pensions were brought into line with the benefits given to private sector staff, there would be plenty of money to give proper pay rises. Moving to defined contribution plans also reduces the risk that market conditions make the promise to pay income even more expensive.

Torsten Bell, the pensions minister and former head of the Resolution Foundation think tank, is keen to push a third way between defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. Known as collective defined contribution, these plans aim to provide guaranteed income but, crucially, are subject to change depending on how investments perform.

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Mr Bell wants more private sector employers to sign up but they have very little incentive to do so. Why take on more risk?

He should be lobbying the Chancellor to use the public sector as a guinea pig and free the taxpayer from its unbearable burden.

sam.brodbeck@telegraph.co.uk

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For fear of rocking the multicultural boat, last nights harrowing Channel 4 documentary Groomed may not elicit the kind of establishment support received by Netflix TV series Adolescence  but it has reinforced my view that a national statutory inquiry into the nationwide scourge of grooming gangs is needed.

Anna Halls hard-hitting expose reveals the gross institutional failures to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society  school-aged girls, many of whom are in care and targeted at their under-regulated childrens homes, falling prey to predatory male networks who coerced, intimidated, abducted, raped, and tortured them.

Often, these networks demonstrated the toxicity of biraderi-style clannishness which can be found in Britains Pakistani-heritage population  multi-generational family enterprises in tight-knit communities with high rates of occupation in the so-called night-time economy.

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In some cases, victims were ferried around parts of England as gangs of men took turns on them in flats and apartments  subjecting them to forms of sexual brutality and torment which wouldnt be out of place on the history pages of Bangladeshs 1971 struggle for independence from what is now current-day Pakistan.

While known to some who are familiar with street-based grooming  formally known as group-localised child sexual exploitation (GLCSE)  some viewers of Groomed would have been taken aback by the victim-blaming culture which has taken root in public institutions that have a duty to protect.

One example highlighted in the documentary is the following: Chantellewas misusing cannabis and alcoholplacing herself at risk of sexual exploitation  a jaw-dropping sentence to find in a councils case summary about a child in its foster care system. Then theres this one, from an assessment record by childrens services on the subject of 14-year-old Erin (not her actual name). Erinis being exploited into prostitution. She hangs around with a number of men who take her money. She is a very promiscuous girl.

This is not simply about dereliction of duty  it exposes a dark culture which, appallingly, holds vulnerable children responsible for their own misery and suffering at the hands of organised networks of child sexual exploitation.

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Irrespective of the findings of Baroness Louise Caseys rapid national audit into the cultural and societal characteristics associated with group-based sexual exploitation of children, the current framework put in place by the current Labour Government  which includes a paltry pot of 5 million for locally-led work into investigating the matter  is wholly insufficient.

Not only is it peanuts, the risk of local institutions  all too often eager to protect their own reputations  marking their own homework shouldnt be underestimated. Foxes guarding the henhouse springs to mind.

What is needed is a comprehensive independent investigation with the statutory powers to compel witnesses to attend and take evidence under oath.

Considering the rot is so deep, with various organs of the British state implicated  police forces, local councils, social services, safeguarding teams, even state schools  perhaps it would be best for a non-British judge from the Anglosphere to preside over a statutory inquiry into GLCSE (with an international panel of experts).

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In the words of Labour peer Lord Glasman: the decades-long abuse of young girls and its cover-up is a sickness that must be exorcised from the body politic. A national statutory inquiry focused on determining public-sector accountability would go some way towards this.

With cross-party demands for a national statutory inquiry into the grooming gangs now gathering pace, one can only hope that Groomed  where the bravery of survivors and the courage of whistleblowers must be saluted  will spur on the Labour leadership to grow a backbone and commit to one.

But considering it is a political party largely in thrall to multicultural ideology and emotionally disconnected from the white-British working classes, I wont be holding my breath.

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Raze, a youth-led program aimed at preventing youth smoking and vaping in West Virginia for more than 20 years, will end this summer because of state and federal funding cuts. (Raze photo)

Raze, a youth-led program aimed at preventing youth smoking and vaping in West Virginia for more than 20 years, will end this summer because of state and federal funding cuts, the organization said Thursday.

The program will run out of money June 30. Leaders have started to alert participating middle and high schools and adult advisors that there will be no more support for the program after that, said Chaste Barclay, director of health promotions for the American Lung Association, which supports the program.

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We are devastated that the administration in Washington and state leaders eliminated funding support for tobacco education programs for Raze youth and their schools, the organization said in a statement Thursday. Over the years, this program has saved lives and reduced the burden of tobacco use in youth. The program made incredible progress in reducing youth tobacco use in West Virginia, and we cant allow funding decisions to reverse this progress.

West Virginia has some of the highest rates in the country for adult and youth cigarette and e-cigarette use. In 2022, 21% of West Virginia adults smoked, according to the American Lung Association. That same year, 27.5% of teenagers in the state used electronic cigarettes, the organization said.

West Virginia also has among the highest rates for tobacco-caused cancer deaths in the country.

Raze received $315,000 for the 2025 fiscal year, Barclay said. The majority of the funding was from the federal government. That money came from the U.S. Centers for Disease Controls Office of Smoking and Health, which was eliminated as of April 1.

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As for state funding, a spokeswoman for the House of Delegates said the state budget has not included a regular allocation for the Tobacco Education Program since 2017, and a governor has not requested funding for the program since then. The state may have provided the program with supplemental funds since then, she said.

[The American Lung Association] has been around for 120-plus years, and have worked through all the different administrations and the ups and downs, Barclay said. So its just unfortunate the timing. But well continue to look for funding. Hopefully we can get it back in some way and be able to support it.

This year, 1,558 West Virginia teens from 53 different groups participated in the Raze program, the organization said in the statement. Participants completed more than 1,600 tobacco education activities aimed at bringing awareness to the dangers of tobacco use using peer-to-peer education, the organization said.

While the program started with the goal of preventing youth cigarette use, the main messaging from the program for years now has been preventing use of e-cigarettes and vapes, Barclay said.

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Without the program, Barclay said the states youth smoking and vaping rates will increase. The tobacco-related products keep changing, she said, and younger and younger kids are using them.

Weve heard of fourth and fifth graders using [them], she said. So I think without that activism out there, and peer-to-peer education, which has been so successful in the past, I think were just going to see an increase in numbers. And so thatll lead to future generations being addicted, and additional health issues down the line, and billions of dollars in health care.

The organization called on Gov. Patrick Morrisey to include a tobacco prevention bill that died during the regular session on the call for a potential special legislative session this year.

House Bill 3521 would have allocated $1.19 million from a state settlement with the vaping manufacturer Juul to tobacco education efforts in the state. The state settled with the company in 2023 for $7.9 million in a lawsuit that alleged the company targeted minors with their advertising.

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The bill passed in the 93 to 6 in the House of Delegates but was pending in the Senate finance committee when the session ended.

We urge Gov. Morrisey to include this legislation in a special session to ensure that the funding is used for its original intent and continues the good work we have done to reduce youth tobacco use in West Virginia, the organization said.

In an email Friday, Morrisey said, We are happy to consider funding legislation in the future and will discuss this issue and many other important matters with the legislature.

This story has been updated to include a statement from Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  A traffic stop led to a vehicle pursuit and a seizure of marijuana and suspected methamphetamines, Lafayette Police Department said.

Dedrick Senegal, 28, of Lafayette was arrested and charged for aggravated flight, improper equipment/CO, no drivers license, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, resisting an officer, warrant and monies derived from drug proceeds.

According to police, on April 24 they initiated a traffic stop at the 2500 block of Louisiana Avenue on Senegals vehicle due to an obstruction of the license plate. Officers said Senegal refused to stop then made a U-turn and fled northbound at a high speed, entered opposing lanes and disregarded multiple red traffic signals.

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The pursuit ended at on Maryview Farm Road. Once Senegal exited the vehicle he was immediately apprehended by officers, police said.

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Authorities then proceeded to search of Senegal and his vehicle where they discovered $1,037.00 in U.S. currency and 195 grams of marijuana with a D.E.A. street value of approximately $3,900. Further investigation revealed Senegal had active warrants for his arrest, and his drivers license was suspended, police said.

Following this incident, a year-long investigation revealed that Senegal was identified as a distributor of marijuana and methamphetamine within the city, authories said.

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The Carencro Police Department was also investigating Senegal and obtained a search warrant for his residence. During the search, authorities seized approximately 8 pounds of marijuana and one pound of suspected crystal methamphetamine, police said.

The information of Senegals bond has not been released.

Marijuana and suspected methamphetamines seized from the search.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  Lakeview finished with 11 hits  5 for extra bases  as the Bulldogs rolled to a 13-2 win over Niles.

Carter Doran finished with a pair of doubles as he scored 3 times and drove in 5 runs. Nathan Paolucci also closed out his day with two hits and 3 RBIs. Jacob Shaker went 3 for 3 with two doubles. The Bulldogs leadoff batter, Isaiah Lantz, scored 3 times.

On the mound, Paolucci went 3 innings before giving way to Jozef Kuchcinski (1 IP) and Doran (1 IP) as the trio allowed just four hits throughout the five-inning game.

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The Bulldogs (11-5) will welcome Streetsboro on Friday.

AJ Yost led Niles offense with a pair of hits at the top of the lineup.

The Red Dragons (5-12) will make the trek to take on Harding on Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Apr. 30An Idaho judge sentenced William Eyle, of Lapwai, Idaho, to 19 years in prison for shooting and killing 22-year-old Elias Spencer outside his Nez Perce Reservation home in 2023, the Idaho U.S. Attorney announced Thursday.

Eyle, now 21, killed Spencer after Eyle's car broke down outside his home. Spencer had come outside to see what was going on when Eyle shot him five times, according to a release from the attorney's office. There was no disagreement or fight before the murder.

Spencer's family later found his body on the sidewalk, the release said.

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Eyle was on the run for six months until his arrest in Pendleton, Oregon. He pleaded guilty to the crime in January. His mother was also sentenced to 30 months in federal prison last year for advising Eyle to flee.

"The murder of Elias Albert Spencer was a senseless act of violence," acting Idaho U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott said in the release. "My heart goes out to Elias' family, whose strength and resolve during this tragedy has been inspiring. While this sentence cannot bring Elias back, hopefully it provides them some measure of closure, while also preventing future acts of violence by this defendant for a lengthy time."
TikTok, owned by China-based Bytedance, is planning to build its first data centre in Finland, with an investment of 1bn ($1.14bn), reported Reuters citing a company spokesman.

The move marks a step in the company's efforts to store European user data within the continent.

It is also seen as part of TikTok's strategy to address concerns about the potential for the Chinese government to access data from European citizens using the platform.

The company's spokesman, while confirming the investment, refrained from providing further details, the report said.

At the time of reporting, Finland's Prime Minister's office had not responded to Reuters requests for comment on the development.

TikTok has faced scrutiny from lawmakers in Europe and the US.

The company launched new data security initiative, "Project Clover", in 2023. The initiative includes a commitment to invest 12bn over the next decade.

This initiative comes as several countries, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and others have implemented bans on TikTok on staff phones, citing privacy concerns.

The US government has also threatened to ban the app unless TikTok's US operations are divested, citing national security reasons.

TikTok has criticised these bans as misguided, attributing them to fundamental misconceptions about the platform's data handling practices.

According to TikTok's, European user data is currently stored in a dedicated European data enclave, with data centres located in Norway, Ireland, and the US.

The first data centre under Project Clover, located in Norway, became fully operational this month.

With over 175 million users in Europe, TikTok plans to launch additional data centres in the coming years, as per sources.

In March 2025, Reuters reported that TikTok Shop, the e-commerce platform of the social media app TikTok, said it plans to expand its European presence by launching in France, Germany, and Italy.

"TikTok plans to establish 1bn data centre in Finland" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




Las Vegas 911 dispatchers awarded for their help in arresting suspect in deadly shooting of former Nevada state senators son

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two LVMPD 911 dispatchers received Good Ticket awards for their composure and heroic teamwork during a high-speed chase through the Las Vegas valley that stemmed from the murder of a former Nevada state senators son in March.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department 911 dispatchers Alicia Rivera and Kacey Rafferty were presented with the Good Ticket award, which honors staff who demonstrate compassion and courage, Wednesday for their professionalism and composure while fielding calls that night.

On March 27, Rafferty and Rivera were on duty when multiple 911 calls began flooding in about a suspect wanted for a deadly shooting at a North Las Vegas casino. The suspect, identified as Aerion Warmsley, 19, allegedly shot and killed Naonche Osborne, 23, the son of former Nevada State Sen. Pat Spearman, inside the Aliante Casino and Hotel, police said after his arrest.

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Man accused of killing former Nevada state senators son shot him 7 times inside casino: police

Warmsley then went on a crime spree across the Las Vegas valley and was involved in three armed carjackings, reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, struck a bus stop and injured two innocent bystanders, police said. One of those drivers he carjacked tracked him because her phone was in the stolen car.

Usually, pursuits are very quick but going from carjacking to carjacking you just cant explain what you are doing. At the time youre just running on autopilot, Rafferty said.

Man accused of killing former Nevada state senators son asked woman if she wanted to die day before shooting at North Las Vegas casino: police

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With over 19 years of experience between the duo, Rafferty and Rivera said they are the voice behind the badge. Despite the chaos on that day Rafferty and Rivera remained calm, provided real-time updates and relayed critical information to responding officers.

In tense moments like these, Rivera said the first thing that comes to mind is her family.

What if my mom and her husband were out and about and something like this came along their way? What about my brother and his family? I try and put myself in that position and have empathy, Rivera said.

Las Vegas carjacking victim tracks murder suspect with phone: I have his location

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Rafferty and Rivera were awarded a two-night stay at Resorts World Las Vegas, a $500 food and beverage credit and two tickets to the show of their choice.

Recently two officers from LVMPDs Northwest Area Command were given Good Ticket awards for taking the initiative to pay for a tow truck to help a man in need.

Suspect in North Las Vegas casino killing, carjackings faces 28 counts

Warmsley faces a total of 28 counts including murder, robbery, battery, burglary, kidnapping, child abuse/neglect, reckless driving, failure to stop at the scene of a crash, and discharging a firearm inside a building.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The force is strong at the Desert Research Institute, where May The Science Be With You is happening as part of the Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival.

Its a free, family-friendly event on Thursday, May 1, from 4 to 8 p.m., and an opportunity to promote science and technology within the community. There will be hands-on STM activities, lab tours, and free admission into the Atomic Museum. Theres even some lightsaber training with Star Wars characters.

JC was joined by Detra Page, Communications Manager at DRI

The Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival takes place over nine days and has numerous events across the valley. (KLAS)

May the Science Be With You is just one of the many events leading up to the Las Vegas Science and Technology Expo, which takes place on Saturday at the World Market Center.

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There will be more than 100 interactive booths and exhibits, live science demonstrations and stage shows, STEM activities for all ages, robotics, environmental & health science, and much more, according to Sarah Elliot, festival director.

She added theres a special incentive for Clark County School District students to attend and scan a QR code to register for their school. The CCSD school with the most registered attendees will receive a $1,000 donation.

Click here for more information on all the events associated with the Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
On April 29, 1975, communist Vietnamese forces of the Peoples Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong began a final attack on the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon. Nearly 100 aircraft were destroyed on the flight line of Tan Son Nhut Air Base. Just one airworthy aircraft remained: a C-130A Hercules, tail number 56-0518.

The Fall of Saigon prompted a mass exodus (State Department via DoD)

Realizing that the C-130 was the last way out of the country, Maj. Phuong, a South Vietnamese instructor pilot ordered his crew to prep the aircraft to evacuate civilians. A total of 452 people crammed into the cargo plane which typically has a passenger capacity of 92; 32 people squeezed into the cockpit alone. Escaping the Fall of Saigon, the Vietnamese refugees flew to Thailand.

Helicopters approach the USS Midway (CV-41) during Operation Frequent Wind (DoD)

One of those refugees was seven-year-old Tammy Ha. Has mother took her and six of her siblings aboard the C-130 while her father remained in Vietnam with her four remaining siblings. Even then, the family had to abandon all of their personal belongings when they fled the country. They eventually made their way to Houston, Texas and the family was reunited in 1985.

Vietnamese refugees aboard a U.S. Navy ship after escaping the fall of Saigon (DoD)

When Has son, Brandon Ong, learned of his familys story, he developed an interest in the U.S. Air Force. When my mom told me she flew out of Vietnam in an Air Force plane and the history and story behind it  I got really interested in planes, Ong said in an Air Force news story. Ive always loved history, so familiarizing myself with my family background really meant a lot. When my mom said a C-130 was the aircraft she flew out of Vietnam on, I knew that was the plane I wanted to work on.

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Ong enlisted as a Mobility Air Forces integrated instrument and flight control systems specialist. He was assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas and achieved his goal of working on the C-130J Super Hercules. Incredibly, the C-130 on display in front of the bases main gate is tail number 56-0518: the last C-130 out of Vietnam.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Ong, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron guidance and control apprentice, stands in front of the C-130A Hercules outside of Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Nov. 21, 2019. Aircraft 56-0518 was the last C-130 out of Vietnam before the Fall of Saigon, which rescued over 450 refugees including Ongs mother. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine M. Gruwell) Senior Airman Kristine M. Gruwell

Finding out that the plane in front of the bases main gate was the one that saved my mom means a lot, Ong said. Its fate that its here and I am working in the same aircraft. This was an opportunity for me to give back to the United States. Without them and the C-130, I probably wouldnt be here.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting national security adviser to replace Mike Waltz, whom he is nominating as United Nations ambassador.

Trump announced the switch-up shortly after news broke that Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were departing the administration, weeks after it was revealed that he added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.

Meanwhile the administration asked the Supreme Court to strip temporary protections from 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially exposing them to deportation. And the DOJ sued New York and Vermont over their climate superfund laws that would force fossil fuel companies to pay into state-based funds based on previous greenhouse gas emissions.

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Here's the latest:

Former US Sen. Doug Jones speaks at counter rally about a mile from Trump event

Jones, the last Democrat to hold statewide office in Alabama, told the crowd they were there not just as a protest, but as a movement.

You are here today because youre concerned, youre afraid. You understand that this countrys great democracy is teetering right now with what were seeing going on, Jones said.

He urged students and others to make their voices heard.

Whats happening now is not justice. Injustice can be really loud. Injustice can be especially loud when youve got the bully pulpit of the presidency. injustice can be really loud, and thats why justice has to get louder, Jones said.

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DOJ and resettlement groups argue over how many refugees to admit

Trump administration lawyers say it should only have to admit 160 refugees to the United States under a court order partially blocking the presidents efforts to suspend the nations refugee admissions program. A federal judge in Seattle disagrees, suggesting the number is closer to 12,000.

U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead earlier blocked the suspension of the refugee program entirely, but last week the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals significantly narrowed that ruling. The appeals court said only refugees who were furthest along in their processing  those with arranged and confirmable travel plans before Jan. 20 to come to the U.S.  should be allowed in.

Whitehead held a virtual hearing Thursday to discuss what steps the government must take to comply with the 9th Circuits order and what refugees it must process for admission.

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Vance says Trump shifting Waltz to UN is really a promotion

Vice President JD Vance pushed back on characterizations that national security adviser Mike Waltz was let go by Trump 100 days into the administration.

Hes being made ambassador to the United Nations, which, of course, is the Senate-confirmed position, Vance said in an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News Channel. I think you could make a good argument that its a promotion.

Vance said Waltz was brought on to make serious reforms at the National Security Council and he has done that.

Now its time for Mike to do something else, he added.

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The former Florida congressman embarrassed the White House by using the commercial app Signal to discuss military plans and mistakenly inviting a reporter to join the conversation.

Vice President JD Vance appearing at $1M-per-plate fundraiser

Vance is scheduled to be the featured speaker at a Thursday evening dinner in Palm Beach, Florida, that will benefit MAGA Inc., the super PAC that supports Trump. Thats according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly.

 Aamer Madhani

Apple posts stronger-than-expected Q2 results, says most US iPhones will come from India

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CEO Tim Cook said Thursday that the majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. in the current fiscal quarter will be sourced from India, while iPads and other devices will come from Vietnam, as the company works to avoid the impact of Trumps tariffs on its business.

Apples earnings for the first three months of the year topped Wall Street expectations thanks to high demand for iPhones, and the company said tariffs had a limited effect on the fiscal second quarters results.

Cook added that for the current quarter, assuming things dont change, Apple expects to see $900 million added to its costs as a result of the tariffs but remains confident in its business.

US wants to move Georgetown scholars deportation lawsuit to Texas. Judge appears skeptical

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The Trump administration told a federal judge Thursday that a Georgetown University scholars lawsuit against deportation should be moved from Virginia, where it was filed, to Texas, where hes jailed over allegations of spreading Hamas propaganda.

U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles seemed skeptical of the request, which would involve her dismissing the case in Virginia. She raised concerns that such a dismissal would void her March order to keep Badar Khan Suri in the U.S. while his First Amendment case plays out.

David Byerley, a Justice Department attorney, told Giles that he would need to talk to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement about her concern. Byerley said he didnt see why ICE wouldnt honor her order against deporting Khan Suri while the case is refiled in a Texas federal court.

OK, the judge said. Im not going to rely on that. But thank you.

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 Read more about the case

Vance tours South Carolina steel plant

During his visit to the facility, Vice President JD Vance heralded the launch of an industrial renaissance in part due to Trumps moves to boost domestic industry.

Vance made the trip to Nucor Steel in Huger as part of the administrations events marking Trumps first 100 days in office.

I hope every single one of you, you guys in front me, feel a sense of pride, because these are the products that actually make America work, Vance told several hundred guests and steelworkers on a gravel outdoor lot at the sprawling facility. These are the products that make our citizens lives better.

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Nucors corporate leaders have cheered Trumps tariff policies, which have shaken the global economy and proved less popular with other business leaders. The companys stock rose 6% when the administration announced new tariffs on imported steel, though the price has fluctuated since.

It was Vances first visit to South Carolina, an industry-rich state that also plays a pivotal role in national politics.

University of Alabama prohibits disruptions as grads and families await Trumps speech

The university is barring demonstrations, heckling and disruption of other attendees views by standing or raising objects during the presidents speech, which is an optional graduation-weekend event. Signs, flags and noisemakers are among banned items.

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Anyone who engages in prohibited behavior will be disciplined, the university said, with possible punishments including suspension, expulsion, arrest or campus ban.

The university established separate areas for protests and counterprotests.

Hours ahead of the Thursday evening speech, hundreds of graduates and their relatives began filing into the universitys Coleman Coliseum.

Students in caps and gowns took their seats in front of the stage where Trump is scheduled to appear.

Unlike a Trump campaign event featuring signs and flags emblazoned with his name and political slogans, most of the arena was simply decorated in Alabama crimson.

An exception: two signs flanking the lectern that read, The American Dream is back.

Hegseth orders Army to cut costs by merging some commands and slashing jobs

The Army is planning a sweeping transformation that will merge or close headquarters, dump outdated vehicles and aircraft, slash as many as 1,000 headquarters staff in the Pentagon and shift personnel to units in the field, according to a new memo and U.S. officials familiar with the changes.

In a memo released Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the transformation to build a leaner, more lethal force. Discussions about the changes have been going on for weeks, including decisions to combine a number of Army commands.

U.S. officials said as many as 40 general officer slots could be cut. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues.

The Pentagon is under pressure to slash spending and personnel as part of the broader federal government cuts pushed by the Trump administration and ally Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency.

Specifically, Hegseth said the Army must merge Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command into one entity and merge Forces Command, Army North and Army South into a single headquarters focused on homeland defense and partnership with our Western Hemisphere allies.

 Lolita C. Baldor

60 Minutes report that prompted Trump lawsuit is nominated for an Emmy

It got 60 Minutes sued by the man who became president of the United States. Now its up for a major award  for precisely the same aspect of it that so enraged Donald Trump.

Last falls 60 Minutes story on Kamala Harris  the subject of Trumps $20 billion lawsuit against CBS  was nominated for an Emmy on Thursday for outstanding edited interview. Trump, in his lawsuit, complained that the interview was deceptively edited to make his Democratic election opponent look good.

The fallout over the interview still hangs over CBS News. The news division claims to have done nothing wrong, but its parent company, Paramount Global, is reportedly negotiating a settlement with Trump.

 Read more about the Emmy-nominated story that sparked Trumps lawsuit

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to strip legal protections from 350,000 Venezuelan migrants

The administration asked the Supreme Court to strip temporary legal protections from 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially exposing them to being deported.

The Justice Department asked the high court to put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that kept in place Temporary Protected Status for the Venezuelans that would have otherwise expired last month.

A federal appeals court had earlier rejected the administrations request.

The Trump administration has moved aggressively to withdraw various protections that have allowed immigrants to remain in the country, including ending TPS for a total of 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians.

TPS is granted in 18-month increments to people already in the U.S. whose countries are deemed unsafe for return due to natural disaster or civil strife.

Beto ORourke says a counter rally in Alabama reflects the depth of opposition to Trump

The former congressman and failed presidential candidate said a student-led rally to counter the presidents appearance at the University of Alabama is an inspiring example of how far opposition reaches.

You cannot be too red or too rural or too Republican to be written off right now. You also cant be too blue or too liberal to be taken for granted, ORourke told AP after arriving in Tuscaloosa. Youve got to show up absolutely everywhere.

Trump has won Alabama three times, each time by a landslide margin.

Still, ORourke noted the states history of civil rights and social justice protests.

You go back 60 years ago in Alabama history, its John Lewis in March of 1965 leading that march that ends up, with the help of a Texan, LBJ, creating the first truly multiracial democracy in American history, ORourke said. That democracy is under attack right now.

New lawsuit challenges DOGE actions shutting down NEH

Three plaintiffs sued in the Southern District of New York over what they call the Trump administrations dismantling of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The action names the NEH, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and others as defendants.

Among the lawsuits claims: The Constitution grants Congress  not the President  the power to create and prescribe the duties of Federal agencies, and Congress maintains the exclusive power of the purse in directing how Federal funds must be spent. The President cannot unilaterally shut down an agency that Congress has created, nor may an agency refuse to spend funds that Congress has appropriated.

Last month DOGE terminated 75% of staffers and cut the funding and grants programs of state humanities councils, impacting thousands of recipients across the country.

The plaintiffs are the American Council of Learned Societies, the American Historical Association and the Modern Language Association.

Did Donald Trump  or ABC News  choose who would interview the president? Why does it matter?

During a contentious exchange about deportations in his interview with ABC News Terry Moran this week, President Donald Trump brought up  from his perspective  how Moran had gotten into the White House in the first place.

Theyre giving you the break of a lifetime, you know, Trump said in Tuesdays prime-time broadcast. Youre doing the interview. I picked you because, frankly, I never heard of you, but thats OK.

Emphasizing again that it was his choice that Moran was there, the president scolded, Youre not being very nice.

From an ethics perspective, its considered a breach for a news organization to let a newsmaker dictate who will conduct an interview. In the real world of competitive journalism, things arent always so simple.

 Read more about the interview and the choice of Moran to conduct it

Microsoft and Meta Platforms lead Wall Street higher

Microsoft and Meta Platforms led Wall Street higher Thursday after the Big Tech companies reported profits for the start of the year that were even bigger than analysts expected.

The S&P 500 rose 0.6% for an eighth straight gain, its longest winning streak since August. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 83 points, or 0.2%. And the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.5%.

Microsoft rallied 7.6% after the software giant said strength in its cloud computing and artificial intelligence businesses drove its overall revenue up 13% from a year earlier.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also topped analysts targets for revenue and profit in the latest quarter. It said AI tools helped boost its advertising revenue, and its stock climbed 4.2%.

White House to present Trumps 2026 budget

The Office of Management and Budget expects to roll out the federal budget Friday, according to an agency spokesperson.

Its expected to be the initial version of the coming years requested spending plan, a so-called skinny budget, of top-line figures with details still to come.

Capitol Hill is bracing for proposed steep cuts that are likely to reflect Trumps Department of Government Efficiency zeroing out various programs.

But its just a proposal. Federal budgets are often referred to as a statement of a presidents values, as Congress, under its constitutional power, compiles the annual spending bills.

It comes as Congress is already deep into drafting Trumps big bill of tax breaks and other spending cuts.

Trump appoints a career diplomat to run the US Embassy in Ukraine until a new envoy is nominated and confirmed

The State Department announced Thursday that Julie Davis, a 30-year veteran of the foreign service, would be the charge daffaires at the Kyiv embassy during this critical moment as we move toward a peace agreement to stop the bloodshed.

Davis is currently serving as U.S. ambassador to Cyprus.

The appointment came just a day after the U.S. and Ukraine signed an agreement on critical minerals and other resources which could pave the way for additional U.S. military support for Ukraine.

Davis, who has also previously served as ambassador to Belarus and deputy ambassador to NATO, replaces Bridget Brink at the helm of the Kyiv embassy. Brink announced she was leaving the post last month as the Trump administration pushed ahead with plans for Russia-Ukraine peace talks that many believed favored Moscow.

Trump names Secretary of State Rubio as acting national security adviser, taps Waltz for UN envoy

Trump announced the moves on Thursday after news broke that Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were departing the administration.

The announcement just weeks after it was revealed that Waltz added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans. Rubio will also continue to serve as secretary of state.

Trump threatens sanctions against anyone who purchases Iranian oil

The presidents threat comes after planned talks over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program were postponed.

Trump wrote on social media Thursday that All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!

He said any country or person who buys those products from Iran will not be able to do business with the U.S.

The threat came after Oman announced that talks scheduled for this coming weekend have been postponed.

Justice Department sues Hawaii and Michigan over planned lawsuits against fossil fuel companies

The department argues in filings Wednesday that the states lawsuits alleging harms that play a role in climate change would infringe on the federal governments authority.

The federal lawsuits raise questions over states abilities to take climate action without federal opposition.

In court filings, the DOJ said the federal Clean Air Act creates a comprehensive program for regulating air pollution in the United States and displaces the ability of States to regulate greenhouse gas emissions beyond their borders.

When burned, fossil fuels release emissions such as carbon dioxide that warm the planet.

Trump creates a religious liberty commission on the National Day of Prayer

The president signed an executive order creating the panel during a White House Rose Garden ceremony to recognize the National Day of Prayer.

Its members include Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, former U.S. housing secretary Ben Carson and TV talk-show host Phil McGraw. The commission was Patricks idea, Trump said.

Patrick told Trump, There has never been a president who has invoked the name of Jesus more than you.

McGraw said Trump is a man of deep faith  who wants this country to have a heart and have religion.

State Department says US officials met with Syrias interim authorities in Washington

The meeting Tuesday was the first known Trump administration contact with Syrian officials since the fall of President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December.

The new Syrian authorities arrived in the U.S. last week to attend a series of meetings in Washington and New York as part of an effort to urge relief from harsh sanctions that were imposed by America and its allies after Assads brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011 that spiraled into a civil war.

In a statement released Wednesday, the State Department said while they do not discuss private diplomatic conversations, they continue to urge the interim authorities to choose policies that will reinforce stability for Syrians, assure peace with Syrias neighbors, while developing the war-torn countrys economy.

Any future normalization of relations or lifting of sanctions will depend on the interim authorities actions and positive response to the specific confidence building measures we have communicated, the State Department said.

Trump says taxes increasing may make people give up their religion

Addressing a National Day of Prayer Event in the White House Rose Garden, Trump vowed: Were bringing back religion in our country and doing so quickly and strongly.

The president used the occasion to again promise that tax-cut legislation would work its way through Congress.

Trump noted that he was addressing a religious ceremony but added that, to him, Thats part of the religion because, if your taxes go up then some people might give up your religion.

You might have no choice. Youll be working too hard to try and make it, he said.

Sexual assault reports in the US military fell nearly 4% last year, fueled by a big drop in the Army

A Pentagon report released Thursday says there were 8,195 reported sexual assaults in 2024 involving members of the military, compared with 8,515 in 2023.

It was the second year in a row with a decrease, reversing a troubling trend that has plagued the Defense Department for more than a decade.

Defense officials say that while the decline is a good sign, the numbers of reported assaults are still too high and the military needs to do more to get victims to report the often undisclosed crime.

Judge bars deportations of Venezuelans from South Texas under 18th-century wartime law

U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. is the first judge to rule that the Alien Enemies Act cannot be used against people whom the Republican administration claims are gang members invading the United States.

Neither the Court nor the parties question that the Executive Branch can direct the detention and removal of aliens who engage in criminal activity in the United States, Rodriguez wrote Thursday. But, he said, the Presidents invocation of the AEA through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statutes terms.

In March, Trump issued a proclamation claiming the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was invading the U.S. He said he had special powers to deport immigrants, identified by his administration as gang members, without the usual court proceedings.

The Alien Enemies Act has only been used three times before in U.S. history, most recently during World War II, when it was cited to intern Japanese-Americans.

The proclamation triggered a flurry of litigation as the administration tried to ship migrants it claimed were gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

Rodriguezs ruling is significant because it is the first formal permanent injunction against the administration using the AEA and contends the president is misusing the law.

FDA to rehire fired staffers who booked inspection trips, but other workers remain in limbo

For the second time in recent months, the Food and Drug Administration is bringing back some recently fired employees, including staffers who handle travel bookings for safety inspectors.

More than 20 of the agencys roughly 60 travel staff will be reinstated, according to two FDA staffers notified of the plan this week, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential agency matters.

Food scientists who test samples for bacteria and study potentially harmful chemicals also have been told they will get their jobs back, but have yet to receive any official confirmation.

The reversals are the latest example of the haphazard approach to cuts at the agency, which have shrunk FDAs staff by an estimated 20%. In February, the FDA laid off about 700 provisional employees, including food and medical device reviewers, only to rehire many of them within days.

 Matthew Perrone

Trump national security adviser Mike Waltz is out in first major shakeup of Trumps second term

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to depart the Trump administration.

Thats according to two people familiar with the matter, which marks the first major staff shakeup of President Trumps second term.

Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen.

A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, has also targeted Waltz, telling Trump in a recent Oval Office conversation that he needs to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the Make America Great Again agenda.

Waltzs deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to depart, according to the people. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel move not yet made public. The National Security Council did not respond do a request for comment.

 Read more about Mike Waltz leaving the Trump administration

 Zeke Miller, Aamer Madhani and Seung Min Kim

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum says she spoke with Trump about ongoing trade negotiations

It was a good conversation, Sheinbaum said during her daily news briefing. Even though there wasnt a specific agreement, the important thing is that were working on it.

Sheinbaum, who said she and Trump spoke for 10 to 15 minutes Thursday morning, noted that the Trump administration had relaxed some of the tariffs on automobiles and auto parts this week, but said Mexico is still looking for a better deal for the automotive sector, as well as for steel and aluminum which face their own U.S. tariffs.

The U.S. is looking to reduce its trade deficit with Mexico, she said, noting that Mexico was working to find ways to help them do that.

The leaders agreed that their cabinet secretaries would continue negotiating.

It is a good sign that we continue advancing, she said.

From Tokyo to Turin to LA, Trumps policies loom over May Day marches

French union leaders condemned the Trumpization of world politics, while in Italy, May Day protesters paraded a puppet of the American president through the streets of Turin.

Across continents, hundreds of thousands turned out for Thursdays rallies marking International Workers Day, many united in anger over President Trumps agenda  from aggressive tariffs stoking fears of global economic turmoil to immigration crackdowns.

In the United States, organizers framed this years protests as a pushback against what they called a sweeping assault on labor protections, diversity initiatives and federal employees.

In Germany, union leaders warned that extended workdays and rising anti-immigrant sentiment were dismantling labor protections. In Bern, Switzerland, thousands marched behind banners denouncing fascism and war  part of a wider backlash against the global surge of hard-right politics.

 Read more about May Day marches around the world

Trump will address graduating students at the University of Alabama

President Trump will travel to heavily Republican Alabama on Thursday to speak to graduating students at the University of Alabama, where hes expected to draw some protesters despite enjoying a deep well of support in the state.

Trumps evening remarks in Tuscaloosa will be the Republican presidents first address to graduates in his second term and will come as hes been celebrating the first 100 days of his administration.

The White House did not offer any details about Trumps planned message.

Alabama, where Trump won a commanding 64% of the vote in 2024, is where hes staged a number of his trademark large rallies over the past decade. It also is where Trump showed early signs of strength in his first presidential campaign when he began filling stadiums for his rallies.

 Read more about Trumps planned trip to Alabama
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma Senators voted Wednesday to send Lauria and Ashleys Law to the governors desk.

House Bill 1001 was authored by Rep. Steve Bashore (R-Miami) and passed through the House easily in March. It would require anyone convicted of accessory to murder to serve at least 85% of their sentence before they are considered for parole.

The law was named after Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman. The two teenage girls were kidnapped and murdered in Welch in 1999. Their bodies were never found.

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Lauria and Ashley Law adds harsher penalty for accessory to murder

Lorene Bible, Laurias mother, was at the Capitol on Wednesday. She has been working with lawmakers on the legislation for three years.

Its what weve been striving for all along, said Lorene.

Lisa Bible Brodrick is Lorenes niece and has been an advocate for the family.



We didnt really get the victory that wed hoped for in the girls case, but it does feel like a small victory for families in the future, said Bible Brodrick. Thats a really great feeling.

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Ronnie Busick was convicted of accessory in the case of the missing girls. He was there the night they went missing and spent only three years in prison. He was released for good behavior.



It was an insult to the girls. It was an insult to the community. It was an insult to the parents, said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom (R-Adair).

Bergstrom shared his personal attachment to the piece of legislation before the vote on the Senate floor.



Lauria Bible was my student, said Bergstrom. I had her in my class as an English teacher. She was a wonderful kid who laughed and had a great deal of joy.

The law might not be able to help in Bible and Freemans case, but it will make a difference, in their honor, for years to come.



Were still fighting on their behalf so it doesnt happen to somebody else, said Lorene.

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.
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Ben harbin, who represented the CSRA in the Georgia State House for more than 20 years, has died.

According to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, Harbin was found dead Wednesday night at the Fairfield Inn on Washington Road.

Harbin represented District 122 in the Georgia State House from 1994 until 2015. Current local and state lawmakers are reacting to the news.

I received a text from a mutual friend who said that Ben had passed away and I was just frankly shocked. I believe he was ill, but I didnt have details on what his illness was, said Chairman Doug Duncan, Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

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In 2015, Harbin resigned from Georgia State government to become a lobbyist.

Duncan was a longtime friend of Harbins, meeting him in the 80s. He said Harbin was passionate about his job.

Coroner investigating death of former Georgia State Representative Ben Harbin

Ben wanted to make a difference. And thatswhy does anybody get into politics? Well, at first you start engaging issues and then you realize you have to have a seat at the table.

Leaders across Georgia took to social media to express their sorrow at the news of Harbins death.

Governor Brian Kemp saying: Our entire family is mourning the passing of former representative and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Ben Harbin. A dedicated public servant, he helped to balance our state budgets and maintain our AAA bond rating during the most difficult financial time in modern history- the Great Recession. We are praying for his family and loved ones in the days and weeks ahead during this time of grieving.

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Columbia County Commissioner Trey Allen saying: Im simply heartbroken. Ben Harbin was a loving father, a dedicated public servant and most of all, to a lucky few, a fearless friend. Our world is simply diminished for his loss. Prayers and blessings to those who loved him and the countless whose days will be less bright in the absence of his smile and presence.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also releasing a statement saying in part: Bens contributions will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him, and our prayers are with his family at this time.

Duncan told NewsChannel 6 that Harbin was a good man and a good friend and will be missed.

Ben was fun. He was super guy. I go back he was a people person. So very pleasing, fun to be around. And some personalities gel, some dont. Ours did. We got along really well.

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Georgia Superior Court Justice, Barry Fleming was a friend and colleague of Harbins for around 30 years. He said he was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Harbins passing and that he will remember him fondly.

He was a great guy. I mean, hes kind of one of those people that you would like to hang around with. He was fun, gregarious, always had a smile on his face. Professionally, he was very dedicated to his work as a state representative, Fleming said.

Coroner Bowen said Harbins death appears to be of natural causes and is still under investigation.

He was 61-years-old.

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.
An artist rendering of the Donahue Behavioral Health Campus. (Courtesy image)

OKLAHOMA CITY  State lawmakers moved one step closer to abandoning plans to construct a state-of-the-art inpatient mental health hospital in Oklahoma City amid massive cost overruns and construction delays.

A joint legislative subcommittee on Wednesday gave preliminary approval for the State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to abandon plans to build the Donahue Behavioral Health Campus located near the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City campus.

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They instead greenlighted spending millions in federal American Rescue Plan Act money to purchase land and renovate an existing building in central Oklahoma City.

Officials did not reveal where in central Oklahoma City that theyre proposing to open a new inpatient mental health hospital, but said it would house 197 beds. Thats far fewer than the 330 beds that were supposed to be built in the Donahue facility. It was expected to include 55 beds specifically designated for children and adolescents.

Skip Leonard, the agencys interim chief financial officer, said his agency wants to spend $19.1 million to purchase land and $31.5 million to renovate the two buildings on the site.

Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen said the latest hospital design would have less focus on children, but could house criminal defendants needing competency restoration services. Such a renovation would provide the state an additional 32 beds to comply with the recent lawsuit settlement, she said.

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When mental health officials first pitched the Donahue facility, they promised the bed count would increase capacity by 100 beds compared to whats currently available at Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman, which it was intended to replace.

Friesen said property owners at the prospective site have been transparent about the potential flaws at the new site that was constructed in 2001 and last renovated in 2017.

We feel confident that we have a plan moving forward, she said, adding that it still meets the mark of what the agency was aiming for.

It wasnt clear Wednesday how much money the state has already spent on the construction of the Donahue Behavioral Health Campus.

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Leonard told lawmakers during a budget presentation Wednesday that the agency had spent about $6.45 million on the Donahue project, but Melissa Houston said there are actually three different expenditure amounts that need to be rectified ahead of a final vote taken by the full committee. Houstons consulting firm is helping oversee the Legislatures expenditure of APRA money.

Houston said lawmakers initially budgeted about $87 million to construct the new Donahue hospital and expected to net $50 million from the sale of the land in Norman where Griffin Memorial is located. The total project cost was $137 million, and the facility was supposed to open in December 2025, she said.

Currently, theres about a $125 million funding gap in the budget, and the facility will not open until 2028, she said.

The plan to move ahead with a new inpatient hospital location still needs approval from the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding.

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Oregon is taking a big step forward in its attempt to align public investments with climate goals.

The Pause Act would pause investments in private equity funds using state pension money if more than 10% of those funds are invested in dirty fuel companies.

Its goal is to support Oregon's mission to become carbon neutral by 2050. By halting these investments for five years, the bill's sponsors hope to help the state realize its vision, possibly even sooner. The Pause Act had hundreds of letters of support before its first public hearing in March 2025, reported Oregon Public Broadcasting.

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But the Pause Act  formally known as Senate Bill 681  could even help investors get more from their money. Long-term investments in oil and gas are becoming riskier as the global economy moves away from dirty fuels. Companies like PG&E are noticing underperforming stocks, while renewable energy companies are seeing more sustainable growth.

According to the International Energy Agency, solar alone had more investments than oil in 2023. For more profit-making potential, clean energy investments are the way to go, especially for long-term growth.

While the Pause Act aims to move state pension investments away from dirty energy companies, it will also help send a clear message that Oregon supports a clean energy future. If the bill passes, the clean energy industry could attract more investments to boost the funding needed to thrive. And where there's clean energy, there's potential for new jobs and economic growth.

Despite overwhelming support for the Pause Act, it's also had some opposition, including from the Oregon State Treasury. Still, lawmakers have continued to push for the bill or a compromise for all parties.

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"The plan's been out for over a year," said co-founder of Divest Oregon Susan Palmiter, referencing the state's carbon-neutral plan, "but we have no indication that anything has been done in this area. This is why we need Senate Bill 681."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
(Courtesy: Lawrence Co. Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Lawrence Co. Sheriffs Office (Courtesy: Lawrence Co. Sheriffs Office

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Lawrence County Sheriffs Office Swift Water Rescue Team is adding some new equipment for their personnel.

An inflatable Zodiac rescue boat is being added for the members of the team.

The Swift Water Rescue team is comprised of deputies specially trained to perform rescues in floodwater and swift water conditions.

The team responds to water emergencies across 182,000 acres of Bankhead National Forest and throughout Lawrence County and will assist other agencies if requested to do so.

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Our deputies on the team have completed Swift Water Awareness, Swift Water I, and Swift Water II the highest certification offered by the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, said Lawrence County Sheriff Max Sanders.

Floodwaters are extremely hazardous due to hidden debris, as well as chemicals and other toxic materials that may be present, they noted. This boat will allow us to safely retrieve victims from floodwaters, keep them mostly dry, and transport them back to solid ground more efficiently, said Sergeant Steven Carlton and Lieutenant Breland Mitchell.

The inflatable Zodiac rescue boat can be deployed in three minutes by a trained crew and launched almost anywhere in any conditions. They are light yet robust and are suited not only for emergencies but for daily usage, intensive training and a lifespan over 20 years. Their keel line offers a responsive steering making them able to navigate in white waters up to class IV.

The Lawrence County Sheriffs Office Swift Water Recue Team was formed in 2022.

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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 WHNT.com.
MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on Wednesday night mocked President Donald Trump with a new moniker inspired by the hit mob show The Sopranos.

Introducing... Donny 2 Dolls.

The president drew criticism and ridicule earlier in the day after he admitted that Christmas this year for children in America may be a bit more frugal, thanks to hikes in prices on toys as a result of his tariffs.

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, Trump told the latest fawning meeting of his Cabinet.

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ODonnell argued Trumps admission meant there was a new possibility for the now years-old guessing game of what Donald Trumps name would be if he were a character on HBOs Emmy-winning gangster series.

The Last Word anchor also talked about Trumps Scrooge effect on Christmas.

Watch the full monologue here:

Related...
Kevin Carter/Getty Images

Donald Trump's MO is to take credit for the performance of the stock market  but only when it's rising.

The president said the market still belonged to Joe Biden when pointing to the decline in stocks this year.

Trump has tried to take credit for stock gains even when he wasn't in the White House.

Donald Trump has used the stock market as a scorecard in the past, so it might make sense to look at a chart of the S&P 500 year-to-date and wonder if the president thinks his performance could be better.

Judging by Trump's own words on Wednesday, that's not the case.

Following his 100th day in office, data showed the US economy contracted last quarter for the first time in three years. Stocks reacted negatively, but the president said the market still belonged to former President Joe Biden, redirecting blame for the 6% decline in the S&P 500 this year.

"This is Biden's Stock Market, not Trump's. I didn't take over until January 20th," Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Wednesday.

"Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden 'Overhang.' 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," he added.

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For those following along since his first term, it was a familiar sight. The president has often taken credit for stock gainseven during times he was not in the White House  and blamed others for losses.

In March, shortly after returning to the White House and as the market tumbled from all-time highs reached in February, he suggested that investors shouldn't be watching stocks, though he referred to the market's gains during his first term as an "amazing achievement."

"You can't really watch the stock market," Trump said in an interview with Fox News in early March after tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China were first unveiled. "If you look at China, they have a 100-year perspective. We have a quarter. We go by quarters."

Trump suggested that the decline in stocks this year was due to "overhang" from Biden's presidency. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Trump bump

The comments shifting blame are the opposite of what Trump has claimed relatively recently. He has put the success of the stock market front and center as his doing.

The day before his inauguration, Trump said that the rise in stock prices was the "Trump effect."

"Everyone is calling it the  I don't want to say this, it's too braggadocious, but we'll say it anyway  the Trump effect. It's you. You're the effect," Trump said at a rally in Washington. "Since the election, the stock market has surged, and small-business optimism has soared a record 41 points to a 39-year high. Bitcoin has shattered one record high after another."
Layoffs tied to the manufacturing, distribution and freight sectors have surged across the southeastern U.S. since the beginning of April.

More than 1,300 job cuts have been announced, according to media reports and Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notices.

C&S Wholesale Services LLC

C&S Wholesale Services LLC said it is ceasing operations at its distribution center in Baldwin, Florida, and laying off 490 workers.

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The facility will close by July Fourth. The company did not provide a reason for the closure or layoffs.





Baldwin is about 21 miles from Jacksonville.

C&S Wholesale Services does business as C&S Wholesale Grocers, one of the largest wholesale grocery supply companies in the U.S.

Adient Plc

Tier 1 auto supplier Adient Plc announced it is closing two factories in Tennessee, which will result in layoffs for 415 workers.

The company is closing a plant in Lexington and laying off 320 workers, along with a factory in Columbia, affecting 95 workers.





The company did provide a reason for the facilitys closure in a WARN notice filed with the state. Both facilities will close by June 27.

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Adient produces automotive seating and parts for major automotive manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford and Honda.

Adient is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. The company has 70,000 employees in 29 countries and operates more than 200 sites worldwide, according to its website.

Saks Global Tennessee fulfilment center

Saks Global is shutting down a fulfillment center in La Vergne, Tennessee, and eliminating 446 jobs, according to a WARN notice.

La Vergne is about 19 miles southeast of Nashville.

The facility is part of Saks Global, a New York-based holding company of department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Saks Global did not provide a reason for the fulfillment centers closure in its WARN notice. The company recently announced it is laying off about 550 workers across the U.S. as part of an effort to consolidate operations, according to WWD.

Grede LLC

Grede LLC said it will close its iron foundry in Brewton, Alabama, resulting in 220 layoffs, according to a WARN notice and media reports.





The plant, which has been in operation since 1976, produces ductile iron castings for the U.S. automotive market.

The plant employs 130 hourly workers, 30 salaried employees and 60 third-party contractors. Some of the employees are represented by the United Steelworkers union.

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Gredes primary served markets have not rebounded to pre-COVID volumes, resulting in an availability of capacity across some of Gredes U.S. foundries, the company told AL.com. We are transferring work across our network of facilities to maximize utilization of assets and reduce inefficiencies.

The closure is scheduled for May 22.

Grede LLC is based in Southfield, Michigan. The company has 10 facilities in the U.S. and about 3,000 employees.

Bunzl Distribution USA

Bunzl Distribution USA Inc. is closing down multiple units operating at its facility in Memphis, Tennessee, and eliminating 106 jobs.

According to a WARN notice, Bunzls Memphis warehouse operation will permanently close by June 30, affecting Cordova Safety Products, SAS Safety Corp., M. L. Kishigo Manufacturing Co. LLC and Majestic Glove.

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All of the workers affected will be offered the opportunity to transfer to a facility about 20 miles away, according to the state filing.

St. Louis-based Bunzl Distribution USA supplies a range of products to food processors, supermarkets, retailers, convenience stores and other users. The company has more than 8,000 employees across 190 warehouses in North America and the Caribbean.

Saddle Creek Logistics

Saddle Creek Logistics said it is laying off 73 workers from an operation in Atlanta.

The 3PL said it lost a service contract with Del Monte Foods at the location.

Del Monte made the decision to not renew their contract with us. All affected associates received the required WARN notifications on April 2. Separations will begin on June 1, Saddle Creek Logistics said in a state filing.

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Lakeland, Florida-based Saddle Creek Logistics Services specializes in warehousing, packaging and transportation solutions for manufacturers, retailers and e-commerce companies.

Hood Container Corp.

Hood Container Corp. plans to close a factory in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and lay off 60 employees.

The closure will be finalized by June 15, according to a WARN notice. Hood Container did not provide a reason for the facilitys closure.

The Simpsonville plant focuses on producing corrugated metal sheets and offering warehousing services.

Atlanta-based Hood Container is a mill to market company providing a range of packaging and labeling solutions, according to its website.

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The company has 56 facilities across the U.S. and employs more than 1,000 workers.

Corsicana Mattress Co.

Corsicana Mattress Co. is permanently closing its factory in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and laying off 47 employees.

The mattress manufacturers Shelbyville plant will close by June 13. The company did not provide a reason for the factory closure.

Corsicana Mattress Co. is based in Corsicana, Texas. The company has eight facilities in the U.S. and employs more than 500 workers.

Quickway Transportation Inc.

Trucking company Quickway Transportation Inc. said it is shutting down, which will result in layoffs for 45 employees in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

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The closure will be finalized by June 15. The company did not provide a reason for the facilitys closure or layoffs in its filing with the state.

The post Layoffs hit freight-related companies across Southeast appeared first on FreightWaves.
Military personnel officials believe troops quality of life has seen a noticeable uptick in the last few months thanks to congressional initiatives last year, but they still see areas in need of improvement.

However, House Democrats warned that maintaining that better standard of living may hinge on how many civilian defense employees end up out of work in the coming months due to White House efforts to trim the federal workforce.

This administrations assault on our federal civil service threatens the essential support programs for military families and the partnership between military and civilian personnel across our military, said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., during the House Armed Services Committees military personnel hearing on quality-of-life issues Wednesday.

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Last year, as part of the annual defense authorization bill, House and Senate lawmakers approved a host of military quality-of-life initiatives designed to help with recruiting, retention and readiness in the ranks.

Among them were a 10% targeted pay boost for junior enlisted personnel, improvements to child care operations and hiring policies and expanded access to military medical appointments for families.

Troops need better health care access, top enlisted tell lawmakers

Personnel officials testifying at the committee hearing said they have received positive feedback from troops about the changes already.

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I think the quality-of-life focus for the last year has been phenomenal, Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, told lawmakers.

Two years ago, the narrative out in the press was that if you come into the services, youve got terrible living conditions, terrible schools for your children and everything. I think weve turned the corner on a lot of that discussion.

Vice Adm. Richard Cheeseman Jr., deputy chief of naval operations for personnel, noted the targeted pay raise in particular has drawn attention.

Ive heard from plenty of sailors that they enjoy the extra money, he said.

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But the military leaders also emphasized that they see continued areas for additional improvements. At the top of each services list were improvements to barracks and dorms, with better options and maintenance for troops living quarters.

We cant put enough new money into barracks, said Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, Marine Corps deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs.

Katharine Kelley, deputy chief of space operations for human capital, said despite recent improvements in military child care, Space Force personnel still have an urgent need for overnight care options, given the services unique missions.

And all of the service officials promised plans to continue building up family services and base support options for troop to ensure recent quality-of-life advances continue.

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But Democratic lawmakers noted operating those services will likely require continued hiring of civilian support personnel, which may not happen under workforce cuts planned by the White House.

Civilian workers maintain an important role for us, and for our readiness, said Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, Army deputy chief of staff. We are doing some reorganization because of [planned reductions]. Thats something were looking closely at to make sure we dont have a gap in our coverage as far as the mission is concerned.

About 16,000 Army civilian employees, 12,000 Air Force civilian workers and 1,600 Marine Corps civilian staff have agreed to deferred resignation plans, officials said. Navy and Space Force officials expect to lose about 10% of their civilian staff through those same plans.

Houlahan and other Democrats expressed concerns that those cuts could have a severe impact on child care staffing, medical offices and family support programs, even though some of those areas have been exempted from a department-wide hiring freeze.

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We are literally, in some cases, firing or removing people, and then were figuring out what to do about it, Houlahan said. Its just astounding.

Service officials said they have not yet seen negative impacts from the planned and potential civilian workforce cutbacks, but will be monitoring the issue closely in coming months.

Were looking at the impacts of what losing these individuals is and then restructuring as appropriate to handle that challenge, Borgschulte said.
MANILA (Reuters) - At least 10 people were killed and more than 30 others injured in a road crash in the Philippines involving multiple vehicles, the Philippine Red Cross said on Thursday.

The collision occurred shortly after midday on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway north of the capital Manila, and involved five vehicles including a truck and a passenger bus, the Red Cross said in a Facebook post.

The driver of the bus, owned by Solid North Bus Transit Inc, claimed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing a pile-up, GMA News reported, citing information provided by the chief of the Tarlac Provincial Police Office.

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In response to the fatal incident, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the suspension of Solid North's operations, his office announced on Facebook.

The Red Cross said it quickly deployed a team to the crash site to assist in rescue and medical response, adding that the operation was continuing.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Project Prison Reset voted in total agreement Tuesday that the current South Dakota State Penitentiary, located in Sioux Falls, which predates the state itself, should be replaced. The group, which came together after the South Dakota state legislature failed to appropriate money to build a new mens prison, is now examining how big a new facility should be and where it should go.

Different submissions have come in to the governors office from communities in eastern South Dakota. Beyond the Sioux Falls area, theres one section of land in Huron, two outside the city limits of Aberdeen that are about nine miles apart from each other, one outside Mitchell and another in and next to Big Stone City.

Noem talks cybersecurity in California

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In the Sioux Falls area, there are nine possibilities; some are within the city limits, and others are close to Sioux Falls or not far from Canton or Worthing. Two are within the city limits of Sioux Falls: one to the immediate southwest of the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90 and another in the northern part of the city. Three are nearly within Sioux Falls city limits: one at the intersection of 259th Street and Marion Road, another south of Interstate 90 to the west of the city and a third similarly just outside city limits.

Two are in the Worthing, S.D. area: one on Highway 18 and another slightly farther south. Another location is in the immediately vicinity of Canton, S.D.

The location between Harrisburg, S.D. and Canton, where the state had previously focused on putting a facility, remains a possibility as well. There has been vocal and organized opposition to placing a prison in this location, and now, the perspectives of other communities are weighing on the minds of the task force as they consider submissions.

Could you just have them in some way put in, what do the neighbors think of it? Minnehaha County Sheriff and task force member Mike Milstead said Tuesday during Project Prison Resets meeting in Springfield, S.D.

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I think it would be very advantageous to all of us if there was some feedback back from the locations from the people that lived around that if thats possible, Republican lawmaker and task force member Jack Kolbeck of Sioux Falls said at Tuesdays meeting.

Project Prison Resets task force will meet again in early June. And its a safe bet that between now and then, theyll learn what people in the different communities with proposed locations have to say.

I would certainly encourage them to report back on what the neighbors said when they knocked on the doors going down the line of all the new houses of what they thought about the prison going in, Milstead said.

We put out this list yesterday, Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, who is chairing Project Prison Reset, said in response Tuesday. Im guessing in fairly short order well know what the neighbors think.

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The state has summarized submissions on its Boards and Commissions website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
For years, Frischs has been a staple in the Miami Valley, but then the restaurant got behind on rent and closed dozens of locations.

Now, Frischs is in a big legal battle with Big Boy, and Dollys Burgers and Shakes are popping up in the former Frischs restaurants.

Dollys recently opened in Hamilton, and Richard Shroeder was there for breakfast and returned. Im here for dinner and Ill be coming as many times as I feel like it.

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Shroeder is comfortable at the restaurant. He and his wife, Carol, of 58 years, often came to this place when it was Frischs.

They had good coconut cream pie. Good fish sandwich, too, Schroeder said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks],

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But Frischs closed, and Dollys moved in. News Center 7s Gabrielle Enright sat down with Tamer Afr, who is the CEO of Big Boy Restaurant Group and owns Dollys Burgers and Shakes.

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He said, At the time, seeing what was really happening to the brand in this market was really sad.

Afrs company owns the rights and trademark rights for the Big Boy brand everywhere in the world except Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. Those four states are Frischs territory.

When Frischs got behind on rent, its landlord evicted dozens of restaurants. The company announced that two long-time Frischs managers have acquired multiple locations.

The Frischs website shows that there are 31 locations, including three in the Miami Valley. Those restaurants are located in Sidney, Springfield, and Richmond, Indiana.

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Afr said Big Boy Restaurant Group terminated Frischs brand and brand image rights. However, a judge granted Frischs a temporary restraining order, allowing it to keep using the name for now.

According to Afr, Big Boy wanted to come to the Miami Valley but needed a new name.

So, thats why there are Big Boys in some places, and Dollys in others.

Some people may be wondering who Dolly is. She is a character in the Big Boy comics, Afr said.

First published in 1956, The Adventures of Big Boy often featured the bubbly blonde alongside Big Boy.

Some have called Dolly, Big Boys girlfriend and if they are a couple, are they still together, did they break up, or did the breakup?

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News Center 7 found a poster calling Dolly more than a sidekick and a character who could stand on her own.

I think were going to learn a lot more about Dolly in the near future. Theres more to Dolly than we know, Afr said.

Hoping for a love story, customers like Shroeder hope Dolly and Big Boy are a couple. Oh, I love love. I had the best love of all, he said. Shroaders wife, Carol, died in 2020.

When we got married, I knew I would take care of her as long as I could. And thats what I did until we both got sick, he said.

Shroeder now comes to Dollys for comfort food, and that reminds him of Carol.

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I think we have some similarities because again, the initial license and recipes came from us, Afr said.

News Center 7 reached out to Frischs, and a spokesperson said they could not talk about the ongoing court battle.

As for Dollys Burgers and Shakes, Afr said we should expect to see more restaurants.

The goal was originally to save the brand from being tarnished, and thats why we signed originally for the 55ish locations, Afr said.

He wants to add more, and that the blonde is here to stay.

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Dollys is hiring now for these Dayton area locations: Kettering, Huber Heights, Wilmington Pike, Fairborn, Xenia, and Englewood. Of those, Englewood will be the first to open but no timeline has been set. The application link is bit.ly/Dollys.

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The following is a statement from Frischs:

At Frischs Big Boy, our focus remains on delivering great food and memorable experiences across our 31 locations in the tradition our guests have loved for generations. Our priority continues to be serving our communities with the quality, hospitality and value they expect from Frischs.
Middle Tennessee State University's six international students who had visas revoked recently under President Donald Trump's administration regained legal yet uncertain status, MTSU confirmed.

"As of today, the six MTSU students have had their status restored, and the university has been notifying those students," university spokesman Jimmy Hart told The Daily News Journal April 29.

Hart, however, said conditions remain unclear if the six international students can attend classes and participate in campus activities because "legal status and visas are two different things."

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Immigration issue: MTSU student president, US Rep. DesJarlais speak out about 6 student visas being revoked

Students' legal status to be in the U.S. is tracked in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or (SEVIS) the web-based system used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to maintain information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors.

"If their visas are actually revoked, then they are not in the country legally, and thus risk arrest and deportation if they havent left the country," Hart said. "If theyve returned to their home country, they need an active visa to return. But we dont have access to their visa status."

Protesting president: Demonstrate for Democracy plans 'People's Filibuster' against Trump administration May 1-2 in Murfreesboro

What feds do to track international students

Universities have access to the SEVIS system to keep them updated on students' legal status to be in the U.S.

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The Commercial Appeal in Memphis included a further explanation of the issue from Casey Bryant, the executive director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights, a Memphis-based nonprofit law firm that represents immigrants.

The government's termination of SEVIS records isn't a formal revocation of a visa, but it does remove the mechanism by which the school honors a visa, Bryant said in an April 18 article in The Commercial Appeal.

The University of Memphis confirmed that one of five students whose SEVIS records were previously terminated had been reinstated, according to a university spokesperson, the Commercial Appeal also reported.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported on April 25 that the SEVIS statuses of nine international students at UT-Knoxville had been restored after the Trump administration terminated them without warning earlier in April like others around the country.

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Death of student: Crowd gathers at MTSU vigil to remember student; Counseling director offers support

Administration takes steps to reverse course

A USA Today article reported April 25 a Trump administration attorney said the federal government would reverse course to restore the terminated immigration statuses for thousands of international students who were stripped of their visas this spring.

The Justice Department announced the decision in a filing on April 25 in U.S. district court in Massachusetts, according to the article.

"Mark Sauter, an assistant U.S. attorney in Massachusetts, submitted a document that said Immigration and Customs Enforcement was developing a policy to terminate SEVIS records," the article said. "But the registrations will remain active or be reactivated until that system is developed."

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The previous visa terminations sparked more than 100 lawsuits from students who feared immediate deportation, the article said.

The Association of International Educators (also known as NAFSA), tallied roughly 1,400 revocations, USA Today previously reported in April.

This DNJ file photos shows students and others walking along the sidewalk near the student union at Middle Tennessee State University.

MTSU professors help 6 students pursue instruction

A visa allows entry into a country whereas status describes their legal standing while here, said Hart, the MTSU spokesmans.

"Any student that has returned to their home country will require an active visa before they are eligible for reentry into the United States, but we are not aware of the current state of these student visas," Hart said.

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Hart said professors are helping the six students.

"Their professors worked directly with some of the affected students, but the university is not always aware of what accommodations were made for individual students," Hart said. "We do know that some professors allowed their students to complete work remotely."

MTSU Constitution Day: Former VP Mike Pence defends certifying Biden's victory in 2020

MTSU provost informs student government about issue

Mark Byrnes

Legal status in the U.S. should mean international students can attend classes and participate in campus activities, MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes suggested to The Daily News Journal April 30.

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Byrnes on April 10 informed the MTSU Student Government Association (SGA) leaders about the "sketchy" information available from the federal government involving the impacted six international students, according to The Tennessean.

These are international students whose visas have been revoked, so they are supposed to be going home, and if they don't, then they're in violation," Byrnes told the SGA leaders.

Another demonstration opposing Trump: Protesters of president plan 'Stop the Coup March for Democracy' April 5 in Murfreesboro

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Legal status of 6 MTSU international students restored by Trump admin
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD)  A man who is a firefighting legend to many will be awarded South Carolinas highest civilian honor this weekend.

Don Wilkins is set to receive The Order of the Palmetto at the Berkeley County Emergency Training Center on Saturday at 10 a.m.

90-year-old Wilkins was the most senior instructor at the South Carolina Fire Academy when he retired in December 2024.

He has logged over 28,000 hours of instruction time.

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To say this is impressive is a massive understatement and is a feat that will probably remain unchallenged for as long as we will keep putting water on fire, said Central Berkeley Assistant Fire Chief Colt Roy.

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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 WCBD News 2.
Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, asks Sen. Denise Hayman, D-Bozeman, to join him in making a sine die motion. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

Sen. John Esp said he heard about a good trick to stop from getting emotional, as some senators and representatives delivered goodbye speeches on the final day of the 2025 Montana Legislature.

If you clench your butt cheeks together, they will help with that problem, said Esp, a Republican from Big Timber.

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In the House, Rep. Mary Caferro shared in feeling emotional, saying she was grateful to the people who sent her to the Capitol, as she ran 13 times, and in four primaries.

Ive been offered hot tea on cold days and cold beer on warm days, Caffero said. People say, What are you most proud of? and I say, The people I represent.

Wednesday, Esp, the Dean of the Senate, and Caferro, vice chairperson of the House Appropriations Committee, joined other termed-out legislators to give goodbye speeches on the Senate and House floors.

They thanked spouses, children, other family members, friends, constituents, and their colleagues at the Capitol. Esp did so as he learned the clenching trick aint working, but after 16 years of service, he had learned what was important.

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Im convinced its the relationships we take home with us when we leave here, Esp said.

At least in the Senate, the comments infused a warm tone in the chamber that was sometimes rare, and where divisive sentiments returned soon after, when a couple of Republicans characterized the session as a failure.

The work is by nature political, but Esps parting advice to legislators who would continue the job in the future, the young guns, as Sen. Susan Webber described, was to support each other.

Give each other grace. Hold each other up, Esp said.

In the House, several legislators also said their goodbyes, and it included some singing. Rep. Neil Duram, R-Eureka, sang during his final speech on the House floor, a song from Jack Gladstone, a noted Montanan musician.

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He said the song was better shared around a campfire or bedtime for his children, but he sang, and he sang beautifully.

Maybe I didnt show it, Duram said. But Ive always been overwhelmed with the talent in this room.

Leadership in the House thanked their long-time members, bringing several representatives to tears.

In the Senate, Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula, asked that the dean torch, an honorary title given to the longest serving member, be passed to Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, a lawmaker of 13 sessions, and President Matt Regier greeted him as such.

Welcome, Dean Windy Boy, said Regier, R-Kalispell.

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Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, the highest-ranking elected Democrat in Montana, said he brought values to the work that he had learned from his parents and applied the ones he learned in Ovando as a young man working outside many years ago.

He said Montanans care about land, water and critters, and they care about each other.

They care about their friends and neighbors and communities, and theyre always there for them, said Flowers, D-Bozeman. In simple terms, what that taught me is that Montanans take care of each other.

In a gesture he returned, Flowers gave a tie to Republican Sen. Russ Tempel, of Chester, another outgoing senator, a tie Flowers said he had bought for his wifes memorial.

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Flowers said once he had complimented Tempels tie, and Tempel had loosened it and handed it over to him. Flowers wore that tie Wednesday.

Webber, a Democrat from Browning, said her service had been exhilarating and exasperating, and always a mystery that turned out well in the end.

On the final day, Webber extended an invitation to every senator with whom shed served in the session to her lake cabin, and she warned everyone who might visit about Native American hospitality, or protocol.

As an Indian person, be prepared to be fed, Webber said.
He didnt say please.

See, thats the funny thing about dictators. They dont like being told what to do.

Mussolini wasnt too fond of outside criticism when he was spreading facism throughout Italy in the 1920s and 1930s.

Idi Amin wasnt exactly taking opinion polls when he used his brutal army to crush certain ethnic groups and political dissidents in Uganda.

And condemnation did nothing to stop Adolf Hitlers genocidal campaign when he ran the Nazi party at the height of World War II.

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So, what makes President Donald Trump think that a simple social media post is going to be enough to stop Russian leader Vladimir Putins shameless assault on Ukraine?

It was only a few weeks ago that Trump berated Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office for not being grateful enough for American aid.

And, it was only a few days ago that Trump blasted Zelenskyy for not recognizing Russian control of Crimea.

So, after practically paving the road for Putins troops, Trump somehow thought he could end Russias latest missile attack on Ukraines capital city with the same appeal a little boy might use with his big brother whos giving him a noogie: Vladimir, STOP.

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I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Trump didnt exactly condemn the missile strikes on Kyiv, the countrys second largest city. The attack killed at least 12 people and wounded about 90 others, according to Ukrainian officials. It was the deadliest attack in almost a year.

Officials said Moscows assault struck 13 locations in Kyiv, including residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. A search and rescue operation is underway to find people caught under rubble, according to Ukrainian authorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the attacks, saying Putin needs to stop lying.

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He says 'I want peace' and continues to bomb and kill in Ukraine, Macron told reporters during a visit to Madagascar.

Trump, for his part, said the strikes werent necessary, which isnt the same as saying they were evil or inhumane.

He also said it was very bad timing, which suggests that there might have been a better time for Russia to rain deadly bombs from the sky.

Since Trump made his appeal to Putin on social media, it is fitting that it is also the place where he is receiving the most ridicule.

That doesnt even work on my toddler, one critic posted on X.

Vladimir, STOP! is now the official policy of the United States, posted another.

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But this one is the best: To end the war, text STOP to VLADIMIR.

So, since STOP in all caps with an exclamation point  cant forget the exclamation point  is the new foreign policy for egomaniacal dictators, lets see if the strategy works at home.

Donald, STOP! Stop your relentless war on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that ignore the brave and selfless past and present sacrifices of countless Americans.

Donald, STOP! Stop your retribution campaign against your perceived enemies who didnt go along with your attempt to overthrow the government after your loss in 2020. You were simply a sore loser then, and now, youre a sore winner.

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And, Donald, STOP! Just stop it with the tariffs. On Friday, 12 states, including New York, launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block the presidents spate of dangerous tariffs that have upended global trade.

But Trump remains defiant about the tariffs, much like Putin remains determined to continue Russias assault on Ukraine.

The strike objectives were achieved, a Moscow official said. All targets were hit.

Expect Trumps next post any moment now: Cmon Vladimir. Play nice.

_____
Even though the Trump bump in mergers and acquisitions didnt materialize as expected, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said he believes M&A activity will rebound later this year as markets settle down.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office were marked by unhealthy uncertainty, yet he believes that as a new normal emerges, markets will settle down.

Solomon told Bloomberg Television that the current level of uncertainty, which has been fueled by Trumps demandingyet capriciousstance on tariffs, has impacted both the public and private markets, and CEOs have already taken steps to offset the hit, including through layoffs.

The policy actions to date have raised the level of uncertainty to a degree I do not think is healthy for investment and growth, Solomon told Bloomberg. As I am talking to CEOs, talking to our clients, they are holding back on investment and they are certainly tightening their belts.

During the ups and downs of Trumps tariff battle with major trading partners, stocks have lost about 8% of their valuethe worst start for a new administration since Gerald Fords in the 1970s, according to the Financial Times. Trumps tariffs on China, which as of Tuesday stood at 145%, have already caused some Chinese companies like Temu and Shein to raise prices, while apparel companies like Adidas, which rely on China, also warn of rising prices to come.

Still, Solomon added that despite the current uncertainty, mergers and acquisitionsa major source of revenue for the investment bankincreased year over year in the first quarter, and he believes the rest of the year could see better results. Goldman brought in $1.9 billion in dealmaking and underwriting fees in the first quarter, Bloomberg reported, which was just short of competitor JPMorgans $2.2 billion, and down from the $2.1 billion it brought in during the same quarter last year.

If the level of uncertainty grows from here, yes, you wont see the same amount of capital-markets activity, Solomon said. But my own belief is things will settle down, well have a clearer policy perspective and some normalization of capital markets.

Investors expected a bonanza of M&A activity this year fueled by speculation Trump would bring a more relaxed approach to the Federal Trade Commission and do away with regulations. But deals are lower than expected this year as tariff uncertainty has put mergers and public listings on hold, Bloomberg reported.

Solomon said, however, he was encouraged by what he is hearing from the Treasury Department about its plans to ease banking regulations, and added that dealmaking will eventually rebound.
In her first major speech since failing to win the White House in November, former Vice President Kamala Harris called for Americans to come together and speak out against the actions of the Trump administration.

The former vice president described the current political climate as an articulation of President Donald Trump and his allies vision for the country, saying the checks and balances upon which we have historically relied have begun to buckle and warning that results in a constitutional crisis.

The one power that must not fail is the voice of the people, she said.

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Harris spoke in San Francisco on Wednesday at the annual gala for Emerge, an organization that recruits and trains women to run for public office. Emerge was founded in response to Harris first bid for public office in 2005, when she ran for and won the race to serve as San Franciscos attorney general.

For 15 minutes, Harris reiterated many of the overarching themes of her presidential campaign trail last year, including the importance of protecting Americas democratic principles and the American peoples power and potential to rally together to fight back against injustice.

Here in our country, power ultimately lies not with the wealthy or well-connected, but with all of us, with we the people, Harris said.

Harris also talked about the ways in which the first 100 days of Trumps second presidential term have run counter to these ideals  and the response by many Americans already speaking out in protest.

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Instead of an administration working to advance Americas highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals, Harris said. And what we are also seeing in these last 14 weeks is Americans using their voice and showing their courage. We all know that President Trump and his administration and their allies are counting on the notion that if they make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. But what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing thats contagious. Courage is contagious.

Harris directly criticized Trumps economic agenda, singling out the tariffs on foreign goods that have resulted in a drop in value for the American dollar and an increase in daily costs for common household goods.

She also called attention to the recent moves by the new administration to detain and disappear American citizens or anyone without due process. The Trump administration has been dealt repeated judicial rebukes in some high-profile cases, including that of immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, and Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder and pro-Palestinian activist who was detained in March.

Making a reference to the viral circle of trust video showing a herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo protecting one another during a recent earthquake in Southern California, Harris called on Americans to do as the elephants do: Dont scatter. The instinct has to be to immediately find and connect with each other and to know that the circle will be strong.

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Harris ended with a call to action, encouraging people to organize, mobilize and run for office. To everyone, lets lock in.

Speculation remains high regarding whether Harris will run to succeed term-limited Gavin Newsom as governor of California. Harris has reportedly told advisers and friends that she will make a decision by August.

The post Lets lock in: Harris calls for collective action in response to second Trump administration appeared first on The 19th.

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To the editor: The White House called Amazons proposal to disclose cost increases due to tariffs a hostile and political act. ( Hostile and political act: White House clashes with Amazon over idea to disclose tariff costs, April 29). So, apparently President Trump does not want the American people to know how much the tariffs are costing them. Trump announced that the U.S. has made billions of dollars from tariffs. How ironic, since that could actually mean how much the tariffs are costing Americans. That cost is likely added to the cost payable by the companies or individuals buying the product. When companies have a big percent increase in their cost, in most cases, they have no choice but to pass that cost on to their customers, meaning the American people. Bottom line: It is virtually certain that the beautiful tariffs wont be so beautiful when Americans experience significant increases in their cost of living.

Perhaps, Trump might demonstrate how he really cares about the American people by developing a process to pass on all the tariff collections to those medium- and low-income people and struggling small businesses. If not, whats the point of it all other than political appearances?

Sid Pelston, Beverly Hills

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..

To the editor: I note that Amazon confirmed to the White House that it is not planning on displaying tariff information when customers are purchasing on its platform. The state of California is, at the same time, suing the federal government over the imposition of these tariffs.

My suggestion is for California to quickly pass legislation to require all vendors operating physically or virtually in the state to display on the sales record, invoice and in advertising the amount of tariff that has been imposed since Jan. 1 on any goods sold or offered for sale with a value greater than $50. This would provide buyers with information about the true impact of the taxes that are being imposed.

Joseph Fogarty, Palm Desert

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lewiston will receive at least eight license plate readers to install around town, something Police Chief Frank Previte said would be used to help solve crimes.

It gives us the ability to put in a license plate to see if it hits on a certain location, Previte said, adding it would help in cases involving missing persons and determining if a vehicle was stolen or has suspended registration. He assured the town board they would not be used for the likes of speeding tickets.

The board unanimously approved a resolution Monday allowing the technology to be installed in its boundaries, one of nine Niagara County municipalities to do so.

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These readers are funded by a New York State Law Enforcement Tech Grant program the Niagara County Sheriffs Office received, which the governors office announced $127 million worth of funding last May. The sheriffs office received $950,000 with the Lewiston Police Department getting $495,000.

In 2023, the sheriffs office entered into a five-year contract with Flock Safety, a manufacturer of license plate readers and other security technology, to install 67 pole-mounted readers throughout the county. It will be worth $172,000 per year when all of those cameras are operational.

As such, the county sheriff will have the responsibility for maintaining the equipment.

Every police department in the county will have access to the data, Sheriff Michael Filicetti said, noting it would give the department instant alerts if a car related to any investigations passes by a camera.

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He also said the cameras only scan a portion of a vehicle and its license plate. They do not use facial recognition or trace the movements of anyone.

The department said then that the data the system collects is deleted every 30 days on a rolling basis and not sold or shared with third parties.

The only such reader in Lewiston already is on North 2nd Street, with the Lewiston Police Department having the technology in their patrol cars already.

Previte said they would be installed along the state routes going through the town like Routes 18, 31 and 104. The sheriff is still working on determining the exact locations with the state Department of Transportation and when they will be installed.

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This past February, the Niagara Falls City Council agreed to spend $300,100 for 24 Flock Safety solar-powered plate readers for installation, along with its software, storage, and support. Also funded by a New York State Law Enforcement Tech Grant, the city police department received $1.085 million. Their locations are based on crime reporting data.

This technology has been criticized by the American Civil Liberties Union, having called it dangerously powerful and unregulated.
Apr. 30LIMA  Lima native and former Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Sheila Willamowski Boehner, who is currently still active with the Allen County Bar Association, was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court Bar the morning of Tuesday, April 29, according to a press release.

Boehner, a 2006 graduate of Lima Senior High School, traveled to Washington, D.C. to raise her right hand as part of an oath before all nine justices and be formally admitted to appear before the nation's highest court.

"I suppose I'm a lot like (my former boss and mentor) Bob Cupp; he never liked putting himself in the news to congratulate himself," Boehner said in a press release. "I realized I should probably let my hometown news know what I just did so that if anyone hearing this is wondering, 'Could that be me? A kid from Lima?' that they never again let such a doubt stop them."

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President Donald Trump returns home to Florida today, May 1, the same day hundreds of protests against him and Elon Musk take place.

There's one four miles down the road from his private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida.

Less than a month after 1,300 "Hands off!" protests nationwide against Trump and Elon Musk, including 45 in Trump's home state of Florida, protesters are organizing "May Day 2025: National Day of Action" rallies against the pair.

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Earlier this month, USA TODAY reported there were more than 1,000 protests across the country against Trump and Musk on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Over 40 of those were planned for Florida, including some down the road from Trump's private club, Mar-a-Lago.

Many of these mass mobilization rallies have "May Day" plus the name of the city and state and "fight back!" in their titles. They are happening on the weekend that Trump returns to his home, Mar-a-Lago, also known as the Winter White House or Southern White House because of the amount of time spent here during his first and second term.

The "Hands off!" Trump-Musk rallies happened just after April 2, 2025, what Trump called Liberation Day, when he imposed sweeping tariffs affecting all U.S. trading partners and imports.

"May Day: National Day of Action 2025" is the title, filter and group behind the "mass mobilization" nationwide rallies and protests aimed at Trump and Musk, SpaceX and Tesla CEO who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE for short.

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Most of the May Day rallies take place from Thursday to Sunday, May 1 to May 4, 2025.

Below is the YouTube livestream from the Palm Beach Post of the USA TODAY Network and one of Trump's hometown newspapers (the Palm Beach Daily News is the other).

West Palm Beach, Florida: "May Day Strong: We are the Many" rally will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Palm Beach County, 205 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach.

Click on the video below to watch a recap of the protest.

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: Watch Elon Musk, Trump May Day 2025 protest near Mar-a-Lago, Florida
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Jason Riddles home is located on Burton Avenue in Louisville. From his front porch, Churchill Downs peeks through the houses across the street.

When there isnt anything going on, its peaceful; its quiet, said Riddle. We can still hear Churchill Downs doing their work over there, which is fine. It doesnt bother us.

MORE KENTUCKY DERBY:

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But during Derby Week, the sound of wind chimes turns into the tune for the Call to Post, and cheers from the 150,000 fans that travel to the Twin Spires.

I love it because I can hear everything going on over there, Riddle explained.

Riddles family has owned real estate near the racetrack his entire life, but he has never seen the Run for the Roses in person. On Derby Day, he has a different duty. He crams nearly 100 cars onto his property, his fathers, and the rental next door.

Riddle said he charges an affordable rate, so many spectators prefer to park there. Its also only a short walk from the Paddock Gate. Also not far from Riddles home is a parking lot owned by Churchill Downs, but the racetracks impact on the neighborhood runs even deeper.

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Some people dont like Churchill Downs, said Riddle. Some people like Churchill Downs. Some people love it.

Louisville Metro Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell hears the concerns of District 15, including the trash, traffic, and property protection.

Read more of the latest Kentucky Derby news

Churchill Downs can continue adding on, but theres a certain limit when too much is too much, and when does this not become a functional space, said Councilwoman Chappell.

She wants to assure her constituents that right now, Churchill Downs is focused on improving the infrastructure it already owns instead of acquiring more space. Earlier this year, racetrack officials announced a nearly $1 billion investment for its largest renovation ever, hoping to create more unforgettable experiences for fans from all over.

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When youre here, youre also going through our neighborhoods, and youre probably saying these arent the best neighborhoods, even though theyre filled with the best people, said Chappell. So, how can we make sure that were uplifting those communities? Thats really important for us.

In lieu of taxes, Chappell said, Churchill Downs pays about $1.3 million a year to Jefferson County Public Schools. She said the track is looking to expand its Internal Revenue Bond, and Louisville wants to negotiate the terms to include more funding for city streets, first responders, and other local resources.

Is it probably proportional to what they should be giving? No, but I dont want to be remiss that they do help the community in a lot of ways, said Chappell.

To give back, Churchill Downs offers the community tickets to 502s Day and hosts educational programs as well as other outreach efforts. Still, Chappell said her office wants to strengthen its relationship with the track.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Both in terms of investments and also in terms of showing up and making sure that people feel safe and secure in their homes now and forever, she continued.

Its said that many of the days well remember are made at home. A relatable phrase for Riddle.

Ive been here my whole life. Ive got memories here, said Riddle. I dont want it torn down, but at the same time, you know, enough is enough.

For the right price, Riddle said he would sell and consider using some of the money to finally see the iconic race from the stands. Until then, he plans to stay on his side of Central Avenue, parking cars and watching from afar.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Voters in Livingston Parish approved the renewal of a parishwide property tax that supports day-to-day repairs and improvements across the Livingston Parish Public School System.

According to complete but unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of States Office, the tax renewal was approved with 7,375 votes.

The Livingston Parish School Board proposed to renew a 7-mill tax for another 10 years. The tax would generate approximately $4.98 million annually, beginning in 2026, according to the Louisiana Secretary of States Office.

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The tax is not a new property assessment. It was first approved by voters 70 years ago and has funded routine school maintenance and operations across the district ever since.

The vote to renew means the money would continue to be used for the maintenance of public schools, including equipment purchases and facility upkeep.

Click here to view the full ballot proposition.

Also on the ballot in Livingston Parish:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
COLUMBIANA, Ohio (WKBN)- Birdfish Brewing Company is hosting a Dollars for Scholars event to support the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio.

From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, $1 from every draft that is sold will go directly to the scholarship fund.

Every year, ESC helps graduating seniors in Mahoning and Columbiana Counties with financial assistance.

There will also be other activities and donation opportunities at the event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The owner of a local car dealership was arrested after an investigation alleged that he had committed fraud and forgery.

As we previously reported, an investigation into Banks One Stop Auto in Vincennes began in July of 2024. According to a news release from the Indiana Secretary of States office, after looking into the dealerships records and conducting interviews with the affected parties, the division found that the owner, James M. Banks, was engaging in fraudulent activities.

According to the Knox County Sheriffs Office, Banks was arrested on April 29 and faces the following charges:

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James M. Banks 10 counts of Fraud  a level 6 felony. 10 counts of Forgery  a level 6 felony.



According to court documents, Knox County Sheriffs Deputy Camryn Carr stated that in September of 2024, he was contacted by J.T. Hull, an investigator with the Indiana Secretary of State, regarding a criminal investigation involving James Banks, owner of Banks One Stop Auto. According to Carr, Hull stated that the Indiana BMV had received suspected fraudulent or forged documents from Banks One Stop Auto. Carrs statement goes on to say that Hull requested information about the dispatched calls of Knox County Deputies to Banks One Stop Auto regarding physical inspections of a vehicle or watercraft.

REALTED: Vincennes auto dealer license removed by Secretary of State due to fraud

I provided Investigator Hull with the information requested, Carr stated.

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According to the probable cause affidavit (PCA), on April 1, 2025, Carr received a document from Hull with the completed investigation. Carr stated that the document outlined the instances in which Banks One Stop Auto committed the acts of fraud and forgery.

According to the PCA, two Knox County Sheriffs Deputies were provided copies of Indiana State Form 39530 that were provided to the Indiana BMV by Banks One Stop Auto bearing a signature with their names.

Court documents state that one of the deputies stated that he would not have signed the form, as it contained a call sign that was associated with a Knox County Jailer and not a Knox County Merit Deputy.

The other deputy was provided with 14 incidents of the form bearing a signature with his name. The deputy accounted for five of the incidents but stated that he did not complete the other nine forms.

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According to the PCA, in both incidents, a false signature was made at the bottom of the form, indicating that the deputies had performed a physical inspection of the vehicles.

According to the Sheriffs Office Banks was released on bond on April 29.

An initial hearing is scheduled for June 2 at 8:00 a.m.

This is a developing story. WTWO will provide updates as they become available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
SALEM, Ohio (WKBN)  Folks in Salem gathered together Thursday to celebrate the 19th annual National Day of Prayer.

Locals turned out at the Salem Memorial building for the celebration. Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey was on hand to issue a proclamation to commemorate the day.

Attendees enjoyed musical performances and scripture readings by various community and religious leaders in town.

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May 1Plans for one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza chains to expand into New Mexico have come to a standstill.

Marco's Pizza announced in August that it would come to New Mexico thanks to a nine-unit agreement with local franchisees Chris and Kristian Ornelas, who operate 38 Fiesta Auto Insurance locations across three states.

The first two Marco's locations were slated to open in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho areas before the end of March.

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The pair actually signed the agreement in 2022, but a health scare prevented them from moving forward at the time. The couple felt ready to "seize the moment" in 2024, a statement in an August news release said, but on Friday, Chris Ornelas told the Journal in an email that "Marco's and I decided not to open."

Ornelas did not respond to the Journal's inquiry into why the plans didn't move forward. It's unknown if the pizza chain still has plans to open in New Mexico, as Marco's Pizza did not respond to the Journal's request for comment.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  President Trumps decision to impose tariffs on U.S. trade partners throughout the world has left manufacturers, farmers and economists keeping a close eye on prices.

Local manufacturers and business leaders met Wednesday for an event in Sioux Falls. During a panel discussion, they discussed the potential impact of tariffs on our economy and their hopes for the future.

Man tied to $57K COVID relief fraud in theft scheme

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Dakota State University economics professor Dan Talley has been watching President Trumps tariff choices closely.

Because of the incredibly turbulent times weve had with the tariffs, usually whats a fairly boring and stayed topic of conversation now has turned out to be something of national interest, Talley said.

Talley says the Trump administrations reasoning for tariffs include raising revenue and bringing manufacturing back to the United States, but according to the panelists, Trumps decisions have also brought some challenges.

Theres going to be a slowdown, and some economists are worried about, is this going to turn into a recession or not? I have no idea, SDSU economics professor Evert Van der Sluis said.

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In my opinion, he took a sledgehammer not only with DOGE, but with the tariffs, and is spanking everybody when he should have used the scalpel. There is an art to it. You cant just slap tariffs on people because theyre going to slap them back on you, South Dakota international trade specialist Rock Nelson said.

Talley has his own reservations but says tariffs do have the potential to help the economy.

I believe that if in fact the tariffs are being primarily used for negotiations, which I think is the purpose of most of the retaliatory tariffs, that that will be a positive if we end up with good deals, Talley said.

But only time will tell.

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Right now, were in a rough situation, but the administration is saying that there will be pain, but in the end, it will work out well. Im excited to see how it works out in the future because right now, were preparing for the unknown, Nelson said.

Nelson says that there have been companies in the state affected by tariffs. He said four different companies have approached him for advice in just the last week about shipping goods overseas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Earlier this week, a coalition of parents and Head Start providers filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administrations efforts to dismantle the Head Start program.

Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children and families.

The program focuses on promoting school readiness for children from birth to age 5, with a particular emphasis on supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

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Congress appropriated $10.7 billion for Head Start funding in fiscal year (FY) 2021. Of that amount, $10.3 billion was awarded directly to public agencies, private nonprofit and for-profit organizations, tribal governments, and school systems to operate Head Start programs in local communities. To improve the quality of services provided by grant recipients, nearly $247 million was directed to training and technical assistance. Half that amount was awarded directly to grant recipients to be used for local TTA, and the other half funded the regional and national system, the Office of Head Start Programs says on its website.

In a press release announcing the suit, the coalition said:

[This] would be catastrophic for the millions of people who rely on it. By slashing staff, delaying funding, and imposing bans that block programs from fulfilling their mission to support young children from low-income families, the administration is defying Congresss mandate to continue Head Start services nationwide. This multi-pronged attack puts at risk the quality and safe early educational, health, nutritional, and social services that Head Start programs across the country provide to 800,000+ young children and their families every year.

The plaintiffs are:

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Parent groups Parent Voices Oakland and Family Forward Oregon

The Head Start associations of Washington state, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin (represented by the American Civil Liberties Union)

The ACLU of Washington

The ACLU of Illinois

The Impact Fund

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is responsible for administering Head Start, including distributing federal funds, issuing program guidance, and ensuring grantee compliance with federal law.

The complaint alleges that HHS unlawfully implemented the DOGE and anti-DEIA executive orders by gutting the program of staff and resources, delaying access to funds, and issuing vague policies that ban core Head Start programing.

These actions have already caused the suspension or termination of Head Start services and will lead to more program closures, according to the suit.

Plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the dismantling of Head Start unlawful.
The Illiana Genealogical Historical Society (IGHS) Foundation named Timothy Smith as the official honoree at their sixth annual banquet Tuesday, April 29. After accepting several awards and recognitions, Smith gave a speech about the life of one of his favorite research subjects, Uncle Joseph G. Cannon.

The annual awards ceremony and banquet took place at Turtle Run Banquet Center and was attended by around 100 members of the IGHS and others.

The honor is greatly appreciated. I am really tickled that so many people appeared and and showed their interest in Joe, Smith told the Commercial-News.

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A retired attorney, Smith is an area historian and author who has written extensively on Vermilion County historical figures including Cannon, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Originally from Urbana, Smith moved to Danville in 1977 after completing JAG Officer training as part of his NROTC requirements. He worked as a lawyer on the staff of the Navy Judge Advocate General in Washington.

After listening to a speech from historian David McCullough  who lamented the lack of written biographies about legislators  Smith said he decided to research the life of Cannon before his time serving as Speaker of the House.

In his speech at the banquet, Smith shared that Cannon was born in 1836 on a Revolutionary War Battlefield, among other interesting snippets from his life. Cannon, a Quaker, was what Smith called a Lincoln Republican in that he was against slavery.

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Cannons father was an abolitionist and doctor who provided medical care to the African-Americans coming through that part of Indiana on the Underground Railroad, Smith said.

For that reason itself, Joe very proudly voted for the 1875 Civil Rights Act. He was all in favor of civil rights for the black community, he said.

To date, Smith has written 33 essays exploring Cannons life from 1836 to 1895.

Thats what Ive been doing for the past 10 years or so, going into the weeds of his life and the grass too, and observing them and writing about them and answering the question that I had: how did Joseph John Bernie Cannon become Uncle Joe Cannon? Smith said.

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Smith believes he found the answer to that question after all his years of research  work he says he did partially because of how beloved Cannon is in his hometown of Danville.

Danville was very good to me and to my family. My research and my publications for Joe [Cannon] are my gift to the people of Danville and Vermilion County, Smith said.

They need to know just what an extraordinary man he was, but nothing existed to tell them that and Im hoping Im filling that vacuum with what Im doing, he said, calling Cannon one of the best American legislators weve ever produced.

At the banquet, Rheanna Ollis, the City of Danvilles Community Relations administrator, honored Smith for his work.

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Whereas Tim Smith has greatly contributed to the culture and preservation of the history in this area in immeasurable ways ... I, on behalf of Rickey Williams, Jr., mayor of the City of Danville, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 29th of 2025 as Tim Smith Day, Ollis said.

State Representative Brandun Schweizer also congratulated Smith, presenting him with a copy of the speech that was given about him on the floor of the house Tuesday.

This is a symbol of our deep gratitude for the countless hours that you spent sharing the history that connects all of us here. Thanks to you, future generations are going to be able to have a clear window into the past and a stronger sense of where they come from, Schweizer said before reading the speech.

State Senator Paul Faraci also sent along a copy of a proclamation honoring Smith, which was given on the floor of the Senate. It was presented to Smith, along with a plaque from the IGHS Foundation, by the foundations president, Mark Denman, and vice president, Joe Skowronski.

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Vermilion County War Museum Director Larry Weatherford introduced Smith before inviting him up to give his speech about Cannon.

Tim seemed right at home when he came to the Cannon Room, Weatherford said of a tour he gave Smith a few months ago. And I sense that Uncle Joe was happy to have Tim there ... I just had the feeling that if Joe Cannon was seated there behind that massive desk, he would have said, Sit down Tim. Have a cigar, and tell me a story about me. Because thats what Tim likes to do.

Attendees of the banquet were served a chocolate cigar alongside their supper in honor of Cannons love of cigars.

Originally chartered in 1964, the IGHS was the first such organization in Illinois. It was organized in order to collect, catalog and maintain genealogical records and historical materials pertaining to the central Illiana area, according to their website.

The IGHS Library is located at 215 W. North St. in Danville, in a 1892 mansion that originally belonged to Anderson Heinly and later served as the location of both the Berhalter and Pape Funeral Homes.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  2 NEWS is highlighting each candidate for Dayton City Commission ahead of the May 6 election.

In just six days, five candidates will face off, with four being voted to go onto the November ballot to ultimately fill two commission seats.

2 NEWS will be sharing more on each candidate in reverse alphabetical order  today sharing more about Attorney Jacob Davis.

Commissioner Profiles

Davis is a proud Daytonian, an attorney at Nalls and Davis Law Firm and a former Human Resource Center employee for the city of Dayton.

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I want to be a Dayton city commissioner because I love this community, I chose to stay here, Im a small business owner here and I bring a unique skill set, said David.

Daivs is running for commission with hopes to positively engage with Dayton youth and revitalize Dayton neighborhoods.

I have to work on our neighborhoods. We have to have policies, land use policies and grant programs that prioritize beautification, development, sustainability of neighborhoods first and foremost, said Davis.

Davis is a graduate of the University of Dayton, and says that the city has not seen a lawyer on the commission for two decades, something that he says sets him apart.

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Litigating civil rights cases in federal and state court, I know how to find solutions to tough issues. And I think that that helps me stand out, said Davis.

He says his personal love for Dayton runs deep.

Im a husband to my wife, and we have a three-year-old daughter. Every decision that I make as a commissioner will be premised on leaving my daughter a better city, said Davis.

To learn more about Jacob Davis, visit his campaign website.

2 NEWS will share profiles on each candidate in the coming weeks. Click here to see full coverage of the 2025 Dayton City Commissioner race, including other profiles as they become available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Carlos Martinezs nephew, Edson, was getting settled in less than two months after fleeing Mexico City with his younger sister to seek asylum in the U.S. with Martinez and his wife as sponsors.

That was in late January. Then Edson, who is in the country legally under a humanitarian parole program, was detained at a Jan. 28 routine check-in at Knoxvilles Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office and shipped to a Louisiana detention center. Hes still there three months later, but now slated for deportation, something that could come any day.

The 19-year-old has now spent more time behind bars, hundreds of miles from the Tri-Cities, than he did in his new temporary home. Not charged with a crime and seeming to have followed the humanitarian parole rules to a T, Edson now faces an uncertain future.

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Its sad that he has to go back, but at the same time, you know, hes 19, he hasnt committed a crime, he hasnt done nothing, Martinez told News Channel 11. So its also hard for him to be there.

There is Richwood Detention Center in Monroe, La. Its a far cry from the life Edson was beginning after arriving in the Tri-Cities in early December.

He was just there with love, Martinez said. I have two other, smaller children  playing with them, you know, wrestling, things like that.

The outside of Richwood Detention Center in Monroe, La., where Carlos Martinezs nephew has been held since late January. (KTVE)

The familys also home to a 15-year-old boy  another relative the Martinezs have taken under their wing. They bonded together, Martinez said. He became part of the family.

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The good times came to a quick halt the day Edson was taken out the back of the Knoxville center and Martinez made the long drive home without him.

As reported in an earlier News Channel 11 story, the Martinezes soon learned they faced long odds in any effort to get Edson back to the Tri-Cities. President Donald Trump had revoked the humanitarian parole program through which Edson and his sister had entered the U.S. in November.

Despite already being in the country and on track for an asylum hearing, and with no reasons given, Edson left the ICE building that January day not with his uncle, but in ICE custody. After two hours waiting outside, Martinez had asked an ICE agent who walked out about his nephew and been told, yeah, hes not coming out.

Healthcare providers can deny care that conflicts with conscience under new Tennessee law

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Martinez and his wife have learned very little from occasional phone calls with their nephew, who Martinez described as frightened at his new surroundings. Attempts to get information through calls to ICE have yielded nothing.

The hold can be from anywhere from 30 minutes to two and a half, three hours and, you know, they dont give you answers, Martinez said.

McKenna Cox, a local immigration attorney who has worked with the family in the past and on Edson and his sisters case, said Edsons experience doesnt square up with standard due process thats traditionally been granted to anyone in the U.S., citizen or not.

Its been all over the news, but its accurate that there is much less due process, if any, being offered to immigrants once theyre picked up by ICE, Cox said.

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Now, after three months of scrambling, the only bright spots for the family are that their 15-year-old niece seems to have a good chance of remaining with the Martinezes  and that Edson is headed to a different, safer part of Mexico than the one he left.

Its a little town, Martinez said of Edsons destination. We found some family members up there and we talked to them and theyre willing to take care of him of course. But you know, hopefully the gangs dont spread to there.

Credible fear doesnt prevent expedited removal

Edsons path from a poor, gang-riddled part of Mexico City to the seeming safety of the Tri-Cities, then to a prison and presumably back to Mexico can be traced mostly to executive authority  in this case, that of the U.S. president.

Cox said presidents have broad discretion over immigration programs. President Trump had the right to reverse many immigration policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden, and he has the right to order, or at least authorize, removal of many people whove arrived under such programs.

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According to Martinez, Edson and his sister were living with their elderly grandmother in a Mexico City barrio when gang members gave the then 18-year-old an ultimatum: work for them selling drugs or your sister will pay for it.

Their mother had died years earlier. Their father was out of the picture. After Edson learned the Martinezes would be willing to sponsor them under a Biden-era humanitarian parole program, the siblings trekked to the border. At that point, Cox said, a Department of Homeland Security officer would have conducted whats known as a credible fear interview, asking why the two were there.

Are they afraid to return home, and if so, determine if in their discretion it is a valid reason, do a background check to make sure the persons not gang-affiliated, they dont have a huge criminal record, theyre not a known terrorist, that kind of thing, Cox said. If they pass all of that, they are permitted to enter.

They did, and when Edson arrived, his family, along with Cox, expected one thing.

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He would have retained me or someone to file an asylum application, or you can do it yourself, she said.

Carlos Martinez describes his familys experience since his nephew was detained by ICE in late January. (Photo: WJHL)

As the family dotted their is and crossed their ts, Edson went to the Jan. 28 appointment and never returned to the Tri-Cities. The best Cox and the family can figure out, he was there for more than two months before having a hearing before a judge, where he was told there was an order for expedited removal.

Cox said the status is usually reserved for people who have missed an immigration hearing or committed a crime. Edson fit neither category, but with no lawyer, hundreds of miles away from anyone he knew, he stood alone and learned he had to leave the country.

With no communication from the government, Cox said shes in the dark.

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Im not sure how or why there would have been an order for expedited removal for this particular young man since he had never been convicted or even charged with a crime, Cox said. He was in the country lawfully under a program, hadnt missed any appointments, had done everything he was asked to do.

In the end it was the Martinezes who were asked to do something: deposit enough money for Edsons plane trip to Mexico.

It is concerning that were talking about expedited removal for individuals who havent had their due process yet, who would otherwise be eligible for a due process procedure and presenting a defense, Cox said.

For his part, Carlos Martinez said the family was eager to do whatever it took to get Edson, who had studied to be a mechanic in high school, out of detention. Edson called in mid-April to say he was approved for return to Mexico.

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He first thought he was going to start all over here, Martinez said. That didnt happen, but its okay. Im convinced that he will make it.

Family hopeful niece can stay

Edsons sister has struggled emotionally since his detention, but her prospects for remaining here appear better than his.

As a juvenile, shes protected by a federal law, not subject to executive orders, if she receives whats called a special immigrant juvenile classification. The family has successfully gotten legal custody at this point  a first step toward the status.

That enables them to stay here, to go to school, to be able to study and be placed in a safe environment because theres nowhere for them to go at home, Cox said of the juvenile status.

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Cox said both siblings had a bona fide case of fear and no one to protect them.

I think this was a bona fide case of a child, and two children, really, who were scared and who had no one who could protect them or care for them at home, Cox said. And so they needed to come be with family who could do that for them, and that family just happened to be instead of elsewhere in Mexico, in the United States.

At least at this point, she thinks the niece has a good chance of staying.

I certainly hope that for this young person who hasnt done anything wrong and is here just trying to stay safe and to be with adults who want to take care of her and can take care of her, that shes able to continue to do so, Cox said.

Edsons situation has taken an emotional toll on the entire family. The day he returned without Edson, everybody was crying at home.

Meanwhile, Edson continues to wait.

Hes a kid and its hard, Martinez said. Hes called us crying. My wifes usually the one he talks to and she said hes a lot calmer now that he is getting out, but she said hes nervous about going back.

The family has learned that Wednesdays are departure days from Richwood. They didnt hear from Edson last Wednesday night, April 23, and spent the next five days in limbo thinking he might be headed to yet another home.

Instead, he called his aunt Tuesday and said hed been so down about not being sent to the airport on April 23 that he hadnt felt like calling. Martinez said the tight-knit, devout Catholic family is just continuing to pray for the best.

We were going to church with him, and his sister still goes with us every Sunday. We try to be with God and trust in God.

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Cox said shes hearing similar stories to the one that has split this family as deportations rise. That leaves her hopeful but not certain about the familys niece.

We have reason to believe, based on some communications with ICE, that they are not interested in coming for her at this point in time, Cox said. However, thats all subject to change. None of that is binding.

Right now, even though the priorities for deportation of this current administration do not include people who have immigration applications pending, I personally know and I have spoken with many others who personally know folks who have been picked up who do have applications pending. So its not a guarantee.

Cox has been doing immigration law since 2009 and said the immigration approach of the first 100 days of President Trumps second administration is different from his first.

Its a broad net and were going to catch a lot of people in it, she said. Often people who dont need to be deported.

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR)  It takes a very special person to put on the boots, gloves, Kevlar and straddle up on a 114 cubic inch Harley-Davidson motorcycle and enforce the law.

Thats exactly what Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff Aaron Kilbon does every day at work.

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Back in the 80s as a kid, I watched CHiPs, I watched Street Hawk. And while this thing doesnt do 300 miles an hour, its definitely fun to ride. Said Kilbon.

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The show California Highway Patrol was popular in the late 70s to early 80s. According to IMDb, the show follows a new officer, Jon Baker, as he learns from undercover federal investigator Frank Ponch Poncherello.

Deputy Kilbon has been riding the roads in Jefferson County for three years. And he came from a land far and away to do it.

Im from the United Kindom. Im British, he said.

Being a motorcycle police officer is a dangerous duty, and Kilbon has had his share of close calls. That doesnt faze him one bit, he loves what he does.

I like people, and we make about one thousand traffic stops a year. If you like working with people, the job is easy, Kilbon told FOX31.

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The most challenging part of his job?

You have to stay engaged, and you have to be willing to earn the wings and not just keep them. Riding this bike, you get skill fade, so you have to stay engaged. You have to train hard and you have to treat it for the respect that it is, Kilbon said.

For putting it on the line every time Deputy Aaron Kilbon saddles up, this months Support the Shield honor is going in his saddlebag. Ponch and Jon would be proud.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) rocked the campus with some music on Wednesday.

The 2025 Witstock Music Festival took place at parking lot #1 at the colleges Sioux City campus. The free music event brought out many people to sit outside and listen to live music.

WITCCs Student Activities provided the food and games for children to enjoy. Some of the performers that took the stage include Kenny K and the Dead Cowboys and Fair to Compare.

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Its a time for members of the community, both the larger Sioux City community and the campus community, to come together and enjoy some free music and food. come on in and actually see what the students in the Mass Comm(unication) Department do, how thats working and, you know, stuff like that, said Chris Mansfield, Instructional program coordinator for the Mass Communication department at WITCC.

So its an event that anyone can come and take part in and just enjoy a great night of music, games, fun, all that kind of thing, said Luke Larson, a freshman in WITCCs Broadcasting & Multimedia Journalism program.

Larson was this years Master of Ceremonies. The Mass Communication department had the video and audio engineering student take care of all the technical aspects and production of Witstock.

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Once on the brink of extinction, Yangtze finless porpoises in China are rebounding, though they remain critically endangered.

Yangtze finless porpoises, affectionately referred to as the Yangtze River's "smiling angels," are on the IUCN Red List but have recently seen a 23.42% population growth thanks to local conservation efforts that prioritize ecological restoration.

Sadly, climate change and water pollution have impacted their habitat, and in 2013 the animals were officially classified as "critically endangered."

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Along the Yangtze River, ecological restoration has been in process through the principle of "enhancing conservation while halting overdevelopment," according to People's Daily Online. Not only are the beloved porpoises seeing the positive impacts, but fish populations and local biodiversity are also experiencing a boost.

A local initiative from the Porpoise Tracking Project team set out to track the local porpoise population and their habitat in 2023. The team gathered key data and even used AI technology and sonic detection to enhance the accuracy of their efforts.

The porpoises' recovery is a sign that their river system is becoming healthier, driven by pollution cleanup, habitat restoration, and advanced monitoring technologies. These conservation efforts not only protect biodiversity but also benefit local communities by creating green public spaces, encouraging ecotourism, and fostering public engagement with nature.

The success of the project shows how community-driven conservation can transform polluted spaces into thriving public havens. It offers a hopeful blueprint for other regions seeking a cleaner, safer future for both people and wildlife.

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On X, formerly known as Twitter, Global Times highlighted the project's innovation with "tools like satellite tracking and digital public awareness campaigns [that] are boosting conservation efforts and aiding population recovery."

Another X post, from JiangsuNow, highlighted "systematic ecological restoration efforts along the Yangtze River, which has attracted global attention."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The shrinkage of Amazon volumes during the first half of 2025 tracks with expectations, the executive team said. Average daily volume decline is expected to accelerate to 30% in the second half after declining about 16% in the first half of the year.

United Parcel Service is contractually obligated to create 30,000 Teamsters jobs under our current national master agreement. If UPS wants to continue to downsize corporate management, the Teamsters wont stand in its way. But if the company intends to violate our contract or makes any attempt to go after hard-fought, good-paying Teamsters jobs, UPS will be in for a hell of a fight, Teamsters President Sean OBrien said in a statement responding to UPS plan to take out 20,000 jobs.

About 35% of the savings will come from culling 25 million operating hours across the workforce. Semi-variable costs will be reduced by a similar amount through the reduction of 20,000 positions across the entire U.S. network. Both of those cost reductions are directly tied to the separation from Amazon, UPS largest customer. An additional 30% of the savings is attributed to lower fixed costs such as fewer buildings and support functions.

Dykes said the initiative is expected to eliminate $3.5 billion in expenses this year alone.

The optimization plan, called Network of the Future, envisions closing 200 sortation centers over five years. UPS intends to close 164 operational shifts in the first phase of the program, including 73 buildings by the end of June, Chief Financial Officer Brian Dykes said on the earnings conference call. The company, for example, recently disclosed plans to temporarily close a facility in Portland, Oregon, this summer to enable renovations .

Meanwhile, UPS (NYSE: UPS) one year ago announced an aggressive strategy for network consolidation and automation aimed at improving profitability by better matching capacity and labor with lower parcel volumes. Management told analysts on Tuesday that the Amazon transition plan has been factored into the companys network reconfiguration.

The integrated parcel and logistics giant in January reached an agreement to reduce Amazon volumes in its network by more than 50% by June 2026. Outbound deliveries from Amazon fulfillment centers are not profitable compared to returns and outbound volumes from retailers that sell on the Amazon marketplace. About 60% of UPSs Amazon business is lossmaking.

UPS plans to shed about 20,000 front-line positions in 2025 as it manages the decline in unprofitable business from Amazon and a huge restructuring of its delivery network, executives said Tuesday during a first-quarter earnings briefing.

Story Continues

While our building footprint is changing, our pickup and delivery footprint is not. We remain committed to providing industry leading reliability to all customers across the country. Well just do it with fewer buildings, CEO Carol Tome said. For our larger customers, we are working with them to update their operating plan and for our [small and medium businesses] in the areas where were closing buildings, UPS will still be accessible and convenient for customer dropoffs and pickups through its retail stores, drop boxes and access points.

At the end of the network restructuring, there will be 400 facilities that are partially or fully automated, said Nando Cesarone, president, U.S. operations. The end result will be a much more efficient operation with less dependency on labor, he said.

In addition to automating sort centers, UPS is studying the use of robotics for automatic label application, unloading and loading trailers, and other sort functions, Tome said.

The efficiency programs combined with jettisoning unprofitable Amazon business gives management confidence it can hit its 12% target for U.S. operating margin, she added.

UPS earlier this year also launched an efficiency drive aimed at redesigning internal processes that it estimates will save $1 billion by next year.

Some analysts suggested UPS should be generating more savings from its restructuring. Investors were expecting $5 billion in savings over the next 18 months on top of previously announced cost take outs, Morgan Stanley analyst Ravi Shankar said in a client note.

Management is essentially replacing the previous 2028 target of $4 billion in annual spending reductions ($3 billion from Network of the Future and $1 billion from the process efficiency initiative) with a three-year program of undisclosed size but with $3.5 billion coming in 2025  making it very hard to tell how much in incremental savings are still possible, he wrote.

Tariff headwinds

UPS results in the first quarter slightly beat analysts expectations, which were lowered in recent weeks because of the turmoil in global markets caused by the U.S. governments aggressive global tariff policies.

Revenue slipped 0.7% year over year to $21.5 billion, while adjusted operating profit inched up 1% to $1.7 billion.

UPS did not provide updated full-year guidance because of the uncertain macroeconomic environment triggered by the U.S. governments aggressive global tariff policies. But projections in the second quarter are negative year over year.

Revenue is expected to be $21 billion, down from $21.8 billion, with average daily domestic volume down about 9% year over year. International revenue will be down about 2% due to lower demand-related surcharges and tariff uncertainty.

UPS direct exposure to tariffs is limited. U.S. import volume is about 400,000 pieces per day, which represents less than 2% of total global average daily volume. China to the United States is the most profitable trade for UPS, representing 11% of total international revenue. Revenue from other countries to the U.S. is about 17% of total international revenue.

During the first quarter, international revenue increased 2.7%, driven by a 7.1% increase in average daily volume. UPS said it saw demand for U.S. inbound service surge as customers pulled forward inventory purchases ahead of expected tariff changes.

UPS expects weakening demand for U.S. imports from China, which faces tariffs of 145%, to be offset by growth on China-to non-U.S. trade lanes, as well as growth from other parts of the world to the U.S. It is running models for all types of scenarios so it can make operational adjustments as the year progresses.

The companys top 100 customers are exploring a range of tactics to cope with tariffs, including absorbing the costs, passing them to consumers and asking suppliers to eat some of the increase, said Tome. The company has also surveyed nearly 45,000 freight forwarding customers, most of which said they are using existing inventory levels to support sales. Many large importers stockpiled merchandise 30 to 90 days earlier than usual to avoid the tariffs that kicked in earlier this month. The deferred orders are leading to lower shipping activity. Importers also say they are shifting more shipments from airfreight to ocean freight, where possible.

Air cargo containers are moved on a special floor with rollers at the UPS Worldport in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo: Eric Kulisch/FreightWaves)

We do see some volume deceleration in both enterprise and small and medium business, particularly in SMB, because they do not have the tools to deal with the changes that our enterprise customers do. That will put some pressure on revenue per package and margin, Dykes said.

Smaller companies dont have the working capital to pre-order inventory and have less ability to get contract manufacturers to switch to non-China countries than large retailers, Tome added.

Online shoppers on Chinese platforms will experience huge price hikes on May 2, when the U.S. ends a tariff exemption for low-dollar shipments, triggering the 145% duties plus other processing costs. Temu and fast-fashion merchant Shein are showing consumers the import fees during checkout, and Amazon reportedly will do the same thing.

UPS has long promoted its ability to make it easier for small businesses to engage in global trade by accessing its closed-loop global network, expertise and technology. It recently introduced a new tool for retailers called Global Checkout. It uses AI to assess items in the shopping cart and calculate the correct import duty, shipping and handling fees, and taxes at time of purchase

Other domestic developments

Average domestic daily volume was lower than expected because of a pullback by some customers in response to tariff uncertainty created by the Trump administration.

During the quarter, UPS completed the insourcing of its SurePost final-mile delivery product from the U.S. Postal Service and changed the name of its most economical shipping service to Ground Saver. Regaining full control of the product, which is primarily used by large retailers to ship goods to residences, gives UPS more operational flexibility and reliability with nearly no increase in cost after the Postal Service began to raise transportation prices. Tome said on-time delivery for Ground Saver was 97% during the first quarter.

The parcel giant also reintroduced ground delivery with freight pricing for shipments greater than 150 pounds, offering parcel-like pricing for less-than-truckload shipments. UPS sold its UPS Freight business to TFI International four years ago.

Domestic revenue grew 1.4%, driven by increases in air cargo and a 4.5% improvement in revenue per piece, which partially offset a decline in volume. The domestic segment increased operating profit by $164 million year over year.

Average daily ground volume decreased 2.5% year over year, and total air volume was down 9.6%, in part because of the glide down in Amazon business. Excluding the volume decline from Amazon, total air average daily volume grew 6.2% driven by demand from health care and high-tech customers, UPS said.

Revenue at Supply Chain Solutions fell 14.8%, primarily due to the sale of truck brokerage Coyote Logistics. Airfreight revenue was slightly lower year over year due to lower volume, which was more than offset by higher market rates in ocean.

Last week, UPS announced an agreement to acquire Canadian logistics company Andlauer Healthcare Group Inc. for $1.6 billion as part of a strategic effort to focus on higher-margin business as parcel volumes decline.

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

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The post UPS to eliminate 20K jobs as Amazon decoupling accelerates appeared first on FreightWaves.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio (WJW)  The solemn 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon is stirring memories for a local decorated Vietnam combat veteran.

Rick Adler was drafted into the Army in 1969 and served with the Americal Division, 11th Light Infantry Brigade Jungle Warriors.

His walls at his home in North Ridgeville are adorned with multiple military honors including a Purple Heart and Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, but he says one is more important to him than the others.

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The one Im most proud of is CIB which is a Combat Infantry Badge because I was there. I did it because I and all the guys I served with werent about medals. It was about making sure this guy and that guy made it, thats all we cared about, said Adler.

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While April 30, 1975, is considered the day the Vietnam War ended, Adler said he thinks about the 58,000 who died and also all of those who served in a country whose lives were forever changed.

I dont think of the fall of Saigon. What I think of is how the war has never ended for the Vietnam veterans and especially the guys who were in combat. Thats never ended for us, he said. That war is always there and it will never end for me until I take my last breath.

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Adler survived routine attacks and one horrific eight-hour ambush that killed 64 out of 110 U.S. soldiers.

He was severely wounded after being struck three times by fragments from mortar shells, but he continued to fight until being removed from the battlefield by a friend just before another mortar went off near him.

The mortar exploded right where I was, he said.

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But after being hospitalized for 60 days, he returned to the battlefield.

He hopes all Americans will take this time to not only think about the fall of Saigon, but also to recognize and appreciate all soldiers and service members who defend this country.

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If it wasnt for veterans, there would be no United States. Sure, we have our problems, but there is no better place to live, he said. Be grateful and never forget them and always honor them.

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SHEEPSHEAD BAY, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Politicians are claiming that residents of Sheepshead Bay were the victims of a bait-and-switch  where a lot that was expected to be made into affordable housing is now being built as a shelter.

At least seven people were taken into custody during an over 10-hour protest at the Coyle Street lot on Wednesday, according to the NYPD. New York State Sen. Steve Chan has been advocating for voters opposed to the homeless shelter being built there.

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What the hell kind of mayor is that, that is hellbent on locking up all the good citizens, Chan said in a video posted to Facebook.

Councilmember Susan Zhuang also attended Wednesdays protest. She was arrested last year for biting a police officer at a similar protest of an under-construction homeless shelter in another part of her district, but the charges against her were dropped.

Todays protest in Sheepshead Bay is another example of the City using taxpayer resources to coerce minority New Yorkers into submission, she wrote in a Facebook post.

Fellow Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse also applied pressure on the Department of Buildings, demanding that protesters be protected on-site and a full review of the permits.

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The original plan, approved by the local community board and City Council, was for mixed-use affordable housing, she wrote in a letter sent to the city.

The shelter is meant for 169 homeless families, some with school-aged children, according to the mayors office. City officials said the community was informed over a year ago, but conceded that the plans for the site were altered by the owner of the building thats under construction.

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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LOCKPORT  A once prominent Falls attorney left the Niagara County courthouse in Lockport in handcuffs on Wednesday.

New York State Court officers put the cuffs on Robert Koryl after Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes, sitting in as an acting Niagara County Court judge, sentenced him to a 6-month jail term, followed by 5 years of probation, for his conviction on charges accusing him of stealing cash from his clients.

He could have faced a possible prison term of up to seven years.

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Koryl is also required to repay $169,063 in restitution to his affected clients and he will be stripped of his license to practice law.

He had been serving a term of interim probation, in an effort to give him time to pay back the clients he stole from. But prosecutors said he has so far paid back little, if any, of the stolen money.

Koryl, 69, of Youngstown, pleaded guilty in August to two counts of third-degree grand larceny and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny in connection to the alleged theft of client funds as part of a plea deal with Niagara County prosecutors. He admitted to stealing cash from his clients that was supposed to be held in his attorney trust fund.

A Niagara County grand jury originally returned a six-count indictment that charged Koryl with one count of first-degree scheme to defraud, two counts of second-degree grand larceny, two counts of third-degree grand larceny and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny. He pleaded not guilty to those charges.

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Koryl had been free on his own recognizance prior to his sentencing.

Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman said the case represented a violation of the publics trust.

When people go to a lawyers office to deal with complicated financial matters, they put themselves in the trust of that person, Seaman said. An embezzlement by a lawyer is not just a theft, it is also a violation of a fiduciary duty that does harm to the (legal) profession as a whole.

Koryl practiced out of a Pine Avenue law office and his Martindale-Hubell and Lawyers.com profiles show that his work was largely involved with personal injury cases.

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He was arrested in late June 2023 and originally charged in Falls City Court with one count of second-degree grand larceny and one count of third-degree grand larceny.

Prosecutors charged that Koryl stole money belonging to his clients that he was supposed to be holding in his attorney trust account between 2016 and 2023. Investigators from the district attorneys office said they began looking into Koryl after receiving a complaint about his handling of clients funds.

Seaman has confirmed that Koryl was accused of defrauding five individual clients.
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(WJW)  The United States Department of State updated its list of countries with a do not travel warning earlier this week. The department regularly reassesses its travel advisories, offering U.S. citizens a look at how risky a destination may be before they make travel plans out of the country.

US issues new travel advisory for The Bahamas

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The do not travel warning is the Level 4 travel advisory, the highest designation. Anyone choosing to go to these countries anyway is advised by the agency to make sure they have a will and leave DNA samples behind.

Heres a look at the four travel advisories, as outlined by the department:

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, as there is a bit of risk no matter where you travel.

Level 2: Exercise increased caution, as there are heightened risks to safety and security

Level 3: Reconsider travel, as the department says there are serious risks to safety and security.

Level 4: Do not travel, due to a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks

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Here are the 21 countries with a Level 4 advisory as of April 30 :

North Korea

Burkina Faso

Yemen

Iran

South Sudan

Syria

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Afghanistan

Lebanon

Central African Republic

Belarus

Iraq

Ukraine

Venezuela

Haiti

Libya

Somalia

Russia

Burma

Mali

Sudan

Certain parts of Mexico are also on a Level 4, while other areas of that same country are at Level 1. Find a full list of travel advisories right here and a map right here.

The state department reviews its list of travel advisories at least every six months or when there is a change in security concerns.

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By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) - Increased looting of food stores and community kitchens in the Gaza Strip shows growing desperation as hunger spreads two months after Israel cut off supplies to the Palestinian territory, aid officials say.

Palestinian residents and aid officials said at least five incidents of looting took place across the enclave on Wednesday, including at community kitchens, merchants' stores, and the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency's (UNRWA) main complex in Gaza.

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Israeli forces are continuing their aerial and ground offensive across Gaza in the war with Palestinian militant group Hamas that began nearly 19 months ago. Israeli air strikes on Thursday killed at least 12 people, the territory's health ministry said.

The looting "is a grave signal of how serious things have become in the Gaza Strip -- the spread of hunger, the loss of hope and desperation among residents as well as the absence of the authority of the law," said Amjad al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) in Gaza.

Thousands of displaced people broke into the UNRWA complex in Gaza City late on Wednesday, stealing medicines from its pharmacy and damaging vehicles, said Louise Wateridge, a senior official for the agency based in Jordan.

"The looting, while devastating, is not surprising in the face of total systemic collapse. We are witnessing the consequences of a society brought to its knees by prolonged siege and violence," she said in a statement shared with Reuters.

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Hamas deployed thousands of police and security forces across Gaza after a ceasefire took effect in January, but its armed presence shrunk sharply since Israel resumed large-scale attacks in March.

Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the Gaza Hamas-run government media office, described the looting incidents as "isolated individual practices that do not reflect the values and ethics of our Palestinian people."

He said that despite being targeted, Gaza authorities were "following up on these incidents and addressing them in a way that ensures the preservation of order and human dignity".

CHILD MALNUTRITION

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Thawabta said Israel, which since March 2 has blocked the entry of medical, fuel, and food supplies into Gaza, was to blame. Israel says its move was aimed at pressuring Hamas to free hostages as the ceasefire agreement stalled.

Israel has previously denied that Gaza was facing a hunger crisis. It has not made clear when and how aid will be resumed.

Israel's military accuses Hamas of diverting aid, which Hamas denies.

The United Nations warned earlier this week that acute malnutrition among Gaza's children was worsening.

Community kitchens that have provided lifelines for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are at risk of closure due to lack of supplies, and face an additional threat from looting.

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"This is going to undermine the ability of the community kitchens to provide meals to a great number of families, and an indication that things have reached an unprecedentedly difficult level," PNGO's Shawa told Reuters.

More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel's campaign in Gaza, Palestinian officials say.

It was launched after thousands of Hamas-led gunmen attacked communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Much of the narrow coastal enclave has been reduced to rubble, leaving hundreds of thousands of people sheltering in tents or bombed-out buildings.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
A relocation notice is posted in front of a makeshift shelter at the Earhart Boulevard homeless encampment Jan. 13, 2025. Those living near the corridor were take to a state-operated transitional center in Gentilly. (John Gray/Verite News)

A bill to criminalize public camping and create homelessness courts in Louisiana passed its first hurdle Tuesday, despite objections from housing advocates and religious groups.

Senate Bill 196, sponsored by Rep. Robert Owen, R-Slidell, would make unauthorized public camping a crime punishable by six months in jail, a $500 fine or both for the first offense. The second offense imposes a sentence of one to two years in jail and a $1,000 fine.

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A Senate committee advanced the bill in a 4-3 vote along party lines, with Republicans prevailing. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry supports the legislation.

The proposal would also allow parishes to establish a court program for unhoused people, versions of which already exist in other states. They would give defendants the option to have their conviction set aside if they agreed to be placed on supervised probation and enter into long-term substance or mental health treatment. If the person failed to complete the program, they would face criminal sentencing. The defendant would be responsible for paying program costs, unless a judge waives them.

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Prosecutors and judges would have the authority to decide whether homeless defendants, facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, could be diverted to the homelessness court program. People charged with a violent crime or sex offense, or with a past homicide or sex crime conviction, would not be eligible to take part. Owens bill also excludes persons accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that resulted in someones death.

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Disagreement over the bill came down to views on housing solutions. Its supporters argued enough resources exist for homeless people, but they need to be convinced to accept assistance.

We need to have some kind of stick and carrot, essentially, attached to the bill that gives it a little teeth, Owen told the Illuminator after the hearing. He added that amendments to his proposal are likely.

Organizations against the bill are those that advocate and support people without housing. They include the Travelers Aid Society and Unity of Greater New Orleans. Representatives with the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops also testified against the proposal.

They argued the bill criminalizes homelessness without offering housing solutions, funding or support services. Sufficient affordable housing and needed treatment programs simply dont exist in Louisiana, they said.

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Housing costs have doubled in the last 10 years. Sending these people to jail is a travesty, said David Larsen, 50, who told lawmakers on the committee he was homeless for seven years.

Sens. Joe Bouie and Royce Duplessis, both Democrats from New Orleans, expressed skepticism about the expense of setting up homelessness courts falling on state and local governments and lack of housing support for people as they go through addiction or mental health treatment.

Bouie specifically took issue with the bills requirement for a 12-month treatment plan.

Whatre they doing during that time if they dont have housing? Bouie asked. Where do they go? Back on the streets?

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Duplessis noted he lives near encampments in New Orleans, where he often sees homeless people who are not suffering from behavioral health issues and would benefit from simple financial support. According to federal data, 40% to 60% of homeless people in the U.S. have a job, but their wages have not kept up with the cost of housing.

They literally cant afford a place to live, he said.

Meghan Garvey of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys said Owens bill would only exacerbate homelessness in the state.

This isnt informed by any of the best practices the American Bar Association recommends for homelessness courts, Garvey said, stressing the bill is creating a whole new crime.

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Will Harrell of the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, which operates the city jail, testified against opposed the bill. He warned it would worsen chronic capacity issues there. There is no more room in the inn, he said.

According to Orleans Sheriff Susan Hutson, it costs $53,000 to keep someone in jail for a year. Permanent supportive housing costs about $16,000 annually, said Angela Owczarek with the New Orleans housing advocacy organization Janes Place.

These resources dont exist

Christopher Walters, the governors deputy general counsel, appeared before the committee to support Owens bill and rejected opponents framing of it.

I dont believe this is criminalizing homelessness, he said. Its criminalizing actions like erecting tents on public property.

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Walters and Owen suggested sufficient housing vouchers and nonprofit services already exist to help people. Owen also rejected the idea that housing is the solution to homelessness.

I just dont think building more housing is the way out of this, the senator told the committee.

Housing advocates provided data in the meeting to contradict Owens statement.

Jennifer Carlyle of East Baton Rouges Continuum of Care said her homelessness service provider coalition has 2,000 people on its waiting list for housing vouchers, many of whom have waited for months or years for rental assistance.

Louisiana is short 117,000 affordable housing units, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

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Were asking people to get housed without having housing to put them in, Carlyle said.

Some bill opponents also stressed that a persons homelessness does not reflect a lack of desire to be housed. Donna Paramore of Travelers Aid said 98% of the people her nonprofit places in homes stay housed.

Detox and treatment centers often have weeks-long waitlists for beds, according to Owczarek.

These resources dont exist in our state, she said.

Detractors of the bill also said it would likely disproportionately affect people of color, noting that more than 55% of tenants facing eviction in New Orleans are Black women.

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Just weeks ago, a single mom with five kids was sleeping in a van on my corner because no family shelter spaces were available, Owczarek told the committee. Theres nothing to stop this bill from leading to her arrest.

Owens bill comes in the wake of a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that asserted it is not cruel and unusual punishment to arrest people who are sleeping outside when no shelter space is available.

The bill is similar to model legislation supported by the Cicero Institute, a public policy group whose backers include Elon Musk. Cicero has two lobbyists registered in Louisiana.

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Louisiana will seek a waiver from the federal government to prohibit the purchase of soft drinks and candy with federal food assistance.

Gov. Jeff Landry announced his intentions Thursday in an executive order he touted in a video posted on social media.

The Make America Healthy Again movement is not one of words, but of action! Landry posted. That is why today I signed an Executive Order banning soda and candy purchases from Louisianas food stamp program.

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Landrys executive order doesnt actually prohibit these purchases, as he does not have that authority. The order instructs the states Department of Children and Family Services, which oversees the states implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to seek a waiver to do so from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the program.

Landrys executive order does not define either soft drinks or candy.

The governor also urged the Legislature to approve Senate Bill 14 by Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, a sweeping piece of nutrition legislation that, among other things, seeks a USDA waiver to prohibit the purchase of beverages with more than 5 grams of added sugar or any artificial sweetener. Drinks that include milk or milk substitutes would be exempt from this prohibition.

When McMath presented his bill to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee this week, he said he specifically decided not to seek prohibition of candy purchases with SNAP benefits. Many Louisiana residents live in food deserts, and McMath said he did not want to prevent people who might only be able to shop at convenience stores from eating.

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Landrys order also instructs DCFS to find ways to incentivize SNAP recipients to buy produce, such as participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program provides matching aid dollars for fruit and vegetable purchases in more than two dozen states.

The order sets an Oct. 1 deadline for DCFS to submit its waiver application to the Trump administration.

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A logo on the side of an electric car for the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)

Louisvilles air pollution regulator will dispute the Trump administrations termination of a grant that funded an air toxics monitoring study in West Louisville, a larger community effort to study air pollution health impacts in neighborhoods near the Rubbertown industrial complex.

The Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (APCD) received a memo from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency March 31 stating a $1 million grant from the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Program would be terminated because, in part, it was inconsistent with, and no longer effectuates, agency priorities. An EPA official in a court filing wrote recently that the agency was canceling hundreds of EPA grants, most of them involving environmental justice programs.

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Matt Mudd, a spokesperson with APCD, told the Lantern Wednesday the regulator planned to dispute the grant termination with the EPA through an internal process. Rachael Hamilton, the executive director of APCD, in an April 16 board meeting described the option to dispute the grant termination as an administrative remedy that would be sent to a regional EPA administrator. Hamilton said in the meeting last month there had been a fair amount of litigation from other grantees that have had grants terminated.

The funding, announced in 2023 during the Biden administration, was set to support the placement of canisters measuring volatile organic compounds and two other monitors measuring airborne metals. Some of the monitors were to be placed downwind of Rubbertown, a cluster of chemical plants near West Louisville that have long been the subject of complaints from the adjacent neighborhoods and beyond.

Maybe the Biden-Harris Administration shouldnt have forced their radical agenda of wasteful DEI programs and environmental justice preferencing on the EPAs core mission of protecting human health and the environment.

 A statement from the EPA's headquarters provided by a spokesman

The monitors were to be a part of a one-year study to compare the amount of air pollution and health impacts to a previous study done in the early 2000s that found levels of a number of cancer-causing pollutants to be unacceptable high. Mudd said the studys start date was imminent before the grant was terminated.

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Terry Johnson, a spokesperson for the EPA regional office that covers Kentucky, provided a statement from the agencys headquarters that stated the EPA was reviewing all awarded grants to ensure each is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and to understand how those programs align with administration priorities.

Maybe the Biden-Harris Administration shouldnt have forced their radical agenda of wasteful DEI programs and environmental justice preferencing on the EPAs core mission of protecting human health and the environment, the statement read.

Johnson did not answer emailed follow-up questions from the Lantern asking what specific issues the agency had with the grant.

Rep. Joshua Watkins, D-Louisville, who represents parts of West Louisville neighborhoods in the state legislature, said he hoped the city would exhaust all resources to ensure that their mission isnt hindered by any changes  this sort of whiplash of changes  that we see coming from the federal government.

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Environmental justice is a freedom issue, and if you dont have a high quality of air, you arent free to breathe and live a quality of life, Watkins told the Lantern. Clean air is nonpartisan. You need it if youre Republican, you need it if youre a Democrat.

Rep. Joshua Watkins, a Democrat representing West Louisville, center, in a legislative committee in February. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)

Watkins, who noted city residents in predominantly Black neighborhoods in West Louisville have significantly lower life expectancies compared to the east half of the city, questioned why the air toxics monitoring study wouldnt align with the EPAs mission of protecting human health and the environment.

What neighborhoods align, I guess, with the EPA mission? he said. If not for the residents of West Louisville who have documented evidence of significantly worse health outcomes, why would we not focus on those citizens?

The air monitoring study was a piece of a larger project addressing the health impacts of air pollution, involving other community partners including the University of Louisvilles Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, Park DuValle Community Health Centers and Louisvilles public health and wellness department.

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UofL researchers planned to conduct a wastewater sampling study alongside the air toxics monitoring study and collect data from both to determine community health risks; Park DuValle Community Health Centers would use the health impact findings from the project to train health professionals on how to treat exposure to air pollution; and the West Jefferson Community Task Force would hold community meetings to provide feedback on the projects findings and policy recommendations.

Arnita Gadson, the executive director of the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, told the Lantern she was especially interested in how the much needed project planned to help inform community health workers and doctors on how to treat the impacts of exposure to air pollution. She said the health impacts of air pollution can also extend beyond West Louisville, given that residents impacted by pollution can move elsewhere and bring their health issues with them.

This grant was to help everybody, Gadson said. I think we were on the precipice of actually establishing a platform that meant that doctors really could start using some of this.

Attempts on Wednesday to reach the CEO of Park DuValle Community Health Centers and a key UofL researcher involved with the project were not successful.

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Eboni Cochran, the co-director of the grassroots organization Rubbertown Emergency ACTion that seeks to push back against pollution from industries in Rubbertown, told the Lantern while the termination of the grant was sad, APCD could do more to address immediate air pollution impacts. Cochran pointed to ongoing complaints of dust and fires at an industrial plant in the Parkland neighborhood of Louisville.

An important part of what they were doing was to engage medical professionals, right? I think that is vital to the work of environmental justice, Cochran said. However, you can even prevent or reduce peoples likelihood of them even having to get to the medical professional if you listened to the people who live near these industries.

This story has been updated to clarify that the EPA statement came from the agency headquarters.
Performance reviews are about to become much more difficult for the upper echelon of federal government employees.

The Trump administration will soon introduce rules to end what the Office of Personnel Management describes as an "everyone gets a trophy" culture permeating the federal workforce, RealClearPolitics is first to report.

The ranks of the Senior Executive Service, top bureaucrats serving throughout the government and across administrations, swelled to around 8,000 under President Biden. Most live in Washington, D.C. They typically earn an annual salary between $183,000 and $250,000. An overwhelming majority, 96%, according to an OPM memo, receive above-average performance ratings even as public trust in government continues to crater.

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But standards will soon tighten. It is called "forced distribution."

The new OPM rule limits the number of bureaucrats who can earn top ratings, a metric tied to promotions and end-of-the-year bonuses. It also eliminates Biden-era requirements that evaluated executives based on their promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The stated goal is instead an evaluation of job performance, not political ideology. Now only top performers, acting OPM director Chuck Ezell told RCP, will earn top performance rankings.

"The American people deserve a federal government led by executives who are held to the highest standards," Ezell said. "This proposed rule restores accountability, rewards true excellence, and ensures senior leaders deliver real results. OPM is proud to take this important step to strengthen performance among the highest levels of the federal workforce."

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The elite of career civil servants, these senior employees are normally little noticed and non-controversial. Permanent bureaucracy has come under attack during the Trump administration, however, and the White House sees the top ranks of federal employees as the face of the so-called "deep state."

"There are no participation trophies," a White House official said of the new standards, telling RCP that from now on, trophies, in this case top-tier performance rankings, "are for winners."

The new standards come as Trump continues his long march through the administrative state. His administration has already implemented rules to gut civil service protections for government employees perceived as undermining the White House agenda. Thousands of federal workers have been fired. Entire government agencies, in some cases, shuttered.

Critics accuse the White House of trying to politicize the federal workforce and of trying to remake the executive agencies in Trumps image. The Senior Executives Association, a trade group for federal employees with an office in downtown D.C., previously balked at proposed reforms. The head of that organization, Marcus Hill, insisted that top bureaucrats had earned their jobs through merit "based on demonstrated competence, character and capability in their fields of expertise."

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But the administration argues that change is needed because a sclerotic establishment is undermining self-government. This is the mission of Elon Musk and his team at the Department of Government Efficiency.

"If the bureaucracy is in charge, then what meaning does democracy actually have?" Musk asked earlier this year while fielding questions from reporters in the Oval Office.

"If the people cannot vote and have their will be decided by their elected representatives," he said while standing behind the Resolute Desk next to the seated president, "then we dont live in a democracy."

Philip Wegmann is White House correspondent for RealClearPolitics.
Apr. 30Luzerne County's Government Study Commission recently reached a decision on the possible creation of a county jail oversight board and public defender advisory board.

The commission is drafting a revised county home rule charter for voters to consider in the November general election.

Initially, the commission considered a mandate for council to create both boards along with specifications on the board membership.

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After lengthy debate, the seven citizen commission members unanimously agreed to give council the option to create them as it sees fit through this added clause:

"To promote the fair and equal administration of justice and to protect the county against potential litigation and liability, County Council may establish a County Jail Oversight Board and a Public Defender Advisory Board in accordance with state law."

To ensure council seriously contemplates the matter, commission members said wording also will be added in a not-yet-completed transitional section setting a timeline for council to initiate a study of both.

Prison board

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Before home rule took effect in 2012, decisions about prison staffing and operations were made by a prison board comprised of the three county commissioners, district attorney, county controller, sheriff and a judge or judicial representative.

Under the current structure, the county manager oversees prison operations and selects a correctional services division head who must be confirmed by county council.

Study commission member Stephen J. Urban expressed support for a prison board when County Manager Romilda Crocamo appeared before the commission in December.

Urban, a prior county councilman, maintained that a prison board could "offer some advice" and possibly help reduce prison litigation.

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Crocamo told Urban that a prison board could appear to be a good thing in theory, but the facility had "become a political dumping ground" in the past.

Crocamo said two county branches  correctional services and Children, Youth and Families  have more liability exposure due to the nature of their work, but the county has worked to implement positive changes, such as a medication-assisted treatment program for inmates suffering from opioid withdrawal upon arrival.

Crocamo also retained Dauphin County-based Sweeney Corrections Consulting to examine prison operations and said this week a public report on its recommendations and findings will be released soon.

The study commission initially considered requiring a board to oversee the county prison system operation and maintenance and ensure the health and safekeeping of inmates. It would have included seven to nine members, including at least three citizens appointed by the county manager subject to council confirmation.

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Public defender

The commission's consideration of a public defender advisory board evolved from a suggestion by past county chief public defender Al Flora.

The public defender's office must provide legal representation for qualifying indigent applicants.

In a written communication earlier this year, Flora told the commission "the current organizational structure compromises the independence of" the public defender's office and threatens its "ability to provide competent and effective representation."

Among other suggestions, Flora proposed creating a five-person "select committee" to hire and fire the chief public defender and oversee office operations. In this scenario, the county Court of Common Pleas president judge would appoint two members. Three other entities  the chief judge of the county's minor judiciary, the county bar association executive committee and county council  also would each appoint a member.

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Like the correctional services head, the current charter made the chief public defender one of eight division heads nominated by the county manager, with council majority confirmation required for a hiring to take effect.

While the commission did not advance a select committee concept, it added a requirement for the manager to obtain council confirmation to remove the chief public defender.

The commission's initial proposal to create a public defender advisory board would have established a panel of seven to nine members to assist the county manager in ensuring the office "receives the independence and support necessary to fulfill its mission." This panel would have included at least three citizens appointed by council.

Commission debate

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When discussing both boards, study commission members raised questions about their powers and whether their creation was essential to improve operations.

Based on the unknowns, the commission agreed council should be empowered to perform this analysis and act accordingly.

Commission Chairman Ted Ritsick said Wednesday he expects the proposed charter will give council nine to 12 months  a time has not yet been approved  to initiate a study.

"We agree this is important to consider, but it's something better viewed as a legislative function of council," Ritsick said. "The commission only has a very limited amount of time and cannot give this matter the due diligence it needs."

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Commission Vice Chairman Vito Malacari concurred, saying the recommendation will "force council's hand" to examine both boards and publicly report its determination.

"It allows them as a legislative body to do the work of the people," he said.

Malacari also expressed hesitancy to "tie the hands of council" by locking in a new structure for the public defender's office in the charter. He noted there is a movement pushing the state to address funding shortages and other issues encountered by public defender's offices that may impact future decisions.

The commission will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the county courthouse on River Street in Wilkes-Barre, with instructions for the remote attendance option posted under council's online meeting section (scroll down) at luzernecounty.org.

Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.
While the pharmaceutical industry is currently exempt from US tariffs, there is an increased risk to the stability of the pharmaceutical supply chain. With US President Donald Trump leaning towards implementing additional tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, there is potential to disrupt drug development costs and drug prices, with any tariffs increasing the import costs of many raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to GlobalDatas 2025 report, China is currently the worlds second-largest single country market, following the US, with pharmaceutical market sales expected to hit 2trn yuan ($273.9bn) in 2025.

On 4 April 2025, Trump imposed an additional 34% tariff on all Chinese imports, with China responding with a reciprocal 34% tariff on all goods imported from the US. The Chinese government has also subjected an additional 16 US organisations and companies to trade sanctions or export controls, as well as adding 11 companies to the unreliable entity list on 5 April 2025, limiting investment activities in China.

The volatile relations between the US and China are expected to significantly affect the international pharmaceutical market, with any future-imposed pharmaceutical tariffs potentially resulting in increased costs of drugs, limited patient availability, and logistical difficulties, with several organisations considering relocation to tackle this issue. On 9 April 2025, Chinas Ministry of Finance announced an 84% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the US to take place from 10 April 2025, up from 34%, in response to Trumps recent levy hikes. This follows the US imposition of a 125% tariff on Chinese imports on 9 April 2025, up from 104%, accelerating the trade war between the two nations.

Due to the current lack of exemptions for the pharmaceutical industry by the Chinese government, imported pharmaceutical products and vaccines will be subjected to the additional tariffs. Trump has also stated that the imposed tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry will cause organisations to reshore their manufacturing to the US, with no specific timeline on when the pharmaceutical tariffs are to be imposed.

"US tariffs likely to disrupt drug development costs and prices, says GlobalData" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Disruption from the cyber attack at Marks & Spencer could drag on for weeks, it is understood.

The retailer is racing to rebuild, repair and replace IT systems as it grapples with the fallout from a ransomware attack that hit almost a fortnight ago.

However, IT disruption could continue for weeks, sources suggested. Some systems, including its online clothing and homeware orders, are believed to be much more difficult to bring back to normality.

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On Thursday, customers complained they were still facing empty shelves in food halls, while online orders remained down for a seventh day.

The cyber attack has left many Marks & Spencer branches with empty shelves - Holly Williams/PA Wire

M&S is understood to have started rolling out new systems in a bid to rapidly restock food halls after ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

A spokesman for M&S said: The whole team continues to work hard to minimise disruption for customers and our stores are open and ready to welcome them.

As soon as we have any update, including on timescales, our customers will be the first to know.

The warning over further disruption comes almost two weeks after issues first emerged. The retailer pulled click-and-collect options for customers and stopped people from paying with contactless cards over the Easter weekend.

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Since then, it has also been forced to stop accepting online orders and the company has also stopped recruitment.

As of April 22, M&Ss website showed it was recruiting for 232 roles across its stores, warehouses and offices. Now, the company  which employs around 65,000 people  says it has no open jobs.

In a banner on its job website, M&S says: Sorry, you cant search for or apply for roles right now. Were working hard to be back online as soon as possible.

The spokesman added: While we proactively manage the cyber incident, we are temporarily pausing some of our normal processes so we can continue to work hard on offering the best M&S for our customers and colleagues. Job adverts will be up again in due course.

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Last week, M&S confirmed it had been hit by a cyber incident, although suggested it was hoping disruption would be temporary. However, it has struggled to get systems back online.

The attack is understood to have been a ransomware attack, which is where criminal gangs infiltrate a victims computer systems and use a virus to lock the system before demanding payment to unlock it.

Attacks also often threaten to release information on the dark web.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is working with M&S, advises that companies do not pay ransoms.

M&S has also called in Metropolitan Police detectives and the National Crime Agency, as well as cyber experts from Silicon Valley security company CrowdStrike.

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Cyber experts earlier this week suggested that a gang known as Scattered Spider appeared to have been involved in the breach. The gang is largely a disparate group of cyber criminals thought to include British and American teenagers.

Investigators believe the attackers used a hacking tool from a group known as DragonForce, which bills itself as a ransomware cartel. DragonForce typically sells its technology to other hacking groups, making it more difficult to attribute blame.

Earlier this week, the NCSC urged retailers to be vigilant over the risk of cyber attacks.

Asda is understood to have pushed out a forced IT update on Thursday to make sure all laptops were running the latest software. In a memo to workers, it said it was taking the step in light of recent security threats in the retail sector.

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As far as unpleasant female health checks go, its a close-run competition as to which is worse: a cold metal speculum up between the legs for a cervical smear, or the indignity of having your boobs squished in a kind of large sandwich toaster for a routine mammogram.

Neither is exactly fun, and perhaps its no surprise that only 70 per cent of women eligible show up for their three-yearly breast screening, according to 2024 NHS figures. Among those invited for the first time, the most recent figure is just 62.4 per cent. Before the pandemic, almost 75 per cent of women took up their invitation, as its so optimistically phrased.

And now, a new twist means that these figures could plummet further.

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Even for those women who do choose to attend their mammogram, there is a shortage of technicians to scan them. According to the Society of Radiographers (SoR), there is a vacancy rate of 17.5 per cent among screening mammographers for routine tests. For those whove already found a lump in their breast, its even higher, at almost 20 per cent.

In a bid to address this staffing shortfall, the SoR has this week caused a bit of a ruckus. Thus far, screening technicians have been exclusively female. Allowing men to work in mammography would help to reduce shortages  and therefore to reduce waiting lists, said Charlotte Beardmore, the executive director for professional policy at SoR.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she would not want to have breast screening carried out by a man - Ben Whitley/PA

First among those to respond was Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Opposition. I would not want a man doing that, she told a radio station earlier this week.Ive had a mammogram. It is a very, very intrusive process. It involves the clinician holding both of your breasts for a long period of time, feeling them, manipulating them, putting them in the machine.

It is a very, very intimate examination, people are touching you in very intimate ways. So I think pretty much most, if not all, women would want another woman doing that.

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Badenoch went on to suggest that the spotlight needed to fall on larger systemic NHS problems. I think that there is an issue about there not being enough radiographers, she said. So the solution is to get more radiographers, not to ask women yet again to sacrifice their privacy and dignity to deal with a supply issue.

The importance of breast screening

Theres no doubt the NHS believes mammograms are valuable. Experts say the programme  which is aimed at people without symptoms  prevents 1,300 deaths each year in the UK. Data suggests this screening process picked up cancers in 18,942 women across England last year alone.

Without screening, the NHS says such cancers may not have been diagnosed or treated until a later stage.

Women in the UK are invited for their first routine mammogram between the ages of 50 and 53, with further invitations arriving every three years until they reach 71, after which they can request screening.

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But will this new proposal put women off?

One mainstream charity appears to think so. Were acutely aware of the significant shortages across the imaging and diagnostic workforces and the urgent need to address these to secure the long-term sustainability of the breast screening programme, says Claire Rowney, the chief executive of Breast Cancer Now.

And while we welcome every effort to reduce staff shortages and delays in breast screening, we know that concerns about being seen by a male mammographer already deter some women from attending breast screening, even with current staffing being all-female.

This is particularly an issue among women from some ethnic minority communities, who may have greater concerns around preserving their modesty, and among whom current uptake rates are lower, says Rowney. Its vital that efforts to build up the screening workforce do not inadvertently damage uptake of breast screening, especially among groups with already low levels of attendance.

Journalist and writer Rosamund Dean, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 but is now cancer-free - Clara Molden

Rosamund Dean is the author of Reconstruction: How to Rebuild Your Body, Mind and Life After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis. Dean was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 at the age of 40 and, after 18 months of gruelling treatment, is now cancer-free. A mammogram is not the most dignified of experiences  at least you can usually laugh about it when youre with another woman, she says. But I know some women have had traumatic experiences that mean they dont feel comfortable being checked by a male doctor.

Id be suspicious of a man who wanted to do this all day. I would be concerned that he was getting off on it!

After Badenochs comments, we opened the floor to Telegraph readers, many of whom agree that a male mammographer would be inappropriate. Kemi is correct. Awful idea to have men do this! says Emma Pelly.

Telegraph reader Emma Pelly, 53 and an office manager from Hertfordshire, says that having male mammographers would be an awful idea

You have no idea how painful and unpleasant mammograms are, the mere idea of a man grasping, manipulating, squashing and pulling at my breast tissue is out of the question, says Leslie Humphries. Most women will stop attending or walk out when a man presents himself, rather than a female nurse.

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Says TheReal Jan Scott: It isnt something that you have done for the fun of it, whoever does it. It is invasive and uncomfortable and fewer women would turn up for appointments if it wasnt exclusively staffed by female radiographers. Scott points out that many women undergoing mammograms are older and they would particularly dislike this being done by someone who made them feel more exposed and vulnerable.

Anne Anon points out it would also double the required workforce because surely the patients of the male technicians would need a chaperone. I think they would find this triggered an even lower turnout for the screening programme and you would have people turning up and then saying: A man? No thanks! So it would be a huge waste of resources. And I would be a bit suspicious of a man who wanted to do this all day. I would be concerned that he was getting off on it!

Telegraph reader C Young is herself a retired radiographer. As someone who has undergone mammograms, I would not allow a male radiographer to conduct one on me, she says. I have also had to have a transvaginal ultrasound performed by a chaperoned male radiographer. I was not at all comfortable with the situation and if it were to happen again, I would not hesitate to decline the procedure.

If I need a medical procedure, I couldnt care less about the sex of the person I need to attend to me

But other readers  most of them, admittedly, male  disagree that the sex of a medical professional is germane. Nonsense! retorts Gordon Diack. Ive just had my prostate biopsied by a team of three ladies, nurses et al, and thats considerably more intimate I can assure you, and have no issues at all with it. Radiographers are equally professionally qualified, male or female.

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Peter Kronenberg feels similarly. I dont understand why the mammography staff was exclusively female in the first place, he says. Are gynaecologists exclusively female doctors? Are urologists exclusively male doctors? The answer is no. Employ whoever gets the job correctly and professionally done, and try to accommodate patients wishes if possible without jeopardising health care.

Imagine the outcry if a man said he would only want some medical procedures carried out by a male medical professional, says John Mohan.

A minority of female respondents agree the sex of their radiographer doesnt matter, as long as they are good at their job. Ive had pap smear tests and internal examinations done by male doctors on numerous occasions, says JM. My breast cancer surgeon is male and he examines my breasts on a regular basis, as does my male oncologist. The radiation team who treated me post breast cancer surgery was mixed male and female. Im just plain grateful they saved my life!

Allen Graham (male) has a similarly pragmatic approach. If I need a medical procedure, I couldnt care less about the sex of the person I need to attend to me. It is possible to die from embarrassment due to antediluvian attitudes. The cemeteries are full of such people, he says.

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The final word must go to Dean. Early detection is so important, it would be awful if anyone was put off having a mammogram because a man would be doing it, she says. On closer inspection, I saw that the Society of Radiographers have said that, if this were to go ahead, women would still be given a choice if they didnt feel comfortable with a man. As long as its handled sensitively and empathetically, with womens needs and choices taken into consideration, then I cant see a problem.

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US President Donald Trump has shifted his rhetoric regarding Russian leader Vladimir Putin following several months of behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Source: Politico, citing sources within European governments on condition of anonymity

Details: According to Politico, Trump's change of course was the result of lengthy coordination efforts between London, Paris and Washington. Starmer and Macron sought to persuade the US president to ease pressure on Volodymyr Zelenskyy and redirect some of his anger towards Putin, arguing that Putin was making Trump look like a fool.

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Quote: "The US president's public dig at Putin permitted diplomats in London and Paris the smallest of fist pumps, as their endeavours over the past three months appeared to bear fruit."

Details: Politico reported that UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Defence Secretary John Healey had played key roles in the talks with the US administration. Their efforts were coordinated with Mark Burnett, US Special Envoy to the United Kingdom. For his part, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted that he had held 13 conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in 2025 alone, while Starmer and Trump had spoken "almost" as many times.

"Zelenskyy had clearly managed to affect Trump's thinking in Rome," said one former UK ambassador, speaking on condition of anonymity. According to him, the UK and France repeatedly stressed that Putin was "disrespecting [Trump] by consistently breaking the ceasefire he claimed to be implementing".

He suggested that this had become a particularly sensitive issue because Trump "is squeamish about people being killed  it bothers him".

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"For the moment, Trump has understood Putin can't be trusted. It's something that the president [Macron] repeatedly says, and tries to get through to Trump. That's our strategy right now," confirmed an unnamed French official.

However, the UK and France are now left anxiously waiting to see whether Trump's tougher stance on Putin will withstand his impatience to move on quickly.

Steven Pfifer, a senior fellow at the US-based think tank the Brookings Institution, also noted that Trump had had "a blind spot for Putin ignoring US requests". But his recent statements on social media "seemed to suggest he thought he was being played by Putin," Pfifer stressed.

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When Donald Trump launched an unprecedented offensive against prominent law firms, the businesses faced a difficult decision. If they appeased the president, theyd (theoretically) avoid White House punishments  penalties that the firms clients might have a problem with  but their reputations would suffer.

If, on the other hand, they fought back against Trumps authoritarian-style assault, theyd preserve their credibility but risk defeats in court and potentially would lose clients that want legal representation with intact security clearances.

To date, four of the targeted firms have chosen the latter course, but theyre in the minority: Most of the targeted firms reached costly deals with the Republican White House.

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Hows that working out for all involved?

The president certainly appears delighted, not only because some of the nations most important law firms bent the knee, but also because they agreed to hundreds of millions of dollars in free legal services for Trump-aligned causes. The four targeted firms that decided to fight back have reason to be pleased, too, since theyve scored a series of preliminary legal victories.

As for the firms that went along with the White Houses demands, the news is far less good. Not only are the firms starting to realize that their deals with the president are worse than they first realized, at least one of the firms is also learning that the plan to keep prominent clients happy might be backfiring. The New York Times reported that Microsoft has dropped a law firm that settled with the administration in favor of one that is fighting it.

Large companies like Microsoft often farm out legal work to dozens or even hundreds of firms and may move business depending on circumstances, like pricing, expertise or potential conflicts. Microsoft declined to comment on why it changed law firms in a significant case last week, but the switch suggests that a firm that chose to fight the Trump administration could still attract an important client.

While the reporting has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, the switch has been confirmed in official court filings. About a week ago, attorneys at one firm  Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which recently reached an agreement with Trump and his team  informed a court in Delaware that it would no longer be representing Microsoft in an acquisitions case.

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Instead, the tech giant would be represented by the firm Jenner & Block, which is one of the four firms fighting back against Trumps offensive.

To be sure, one big company does not a trend make, but given the larger circumstances, it cant be a reassuring sign to the firms that chose appeasement to see this development unfold.

In the meantime, firms are also contending with a new pressure campaign. NBC News reported last week that a progressive group has launched a media campaign targeting the same firms that have already reached deals with the president.

Big law, stop bending the knee, reads a poster from the Big Law Cowards campaign by the liberal nonprofit group Demand Justice. The group says the ads will be wheatpasted strategically around Washington on Thursday near the locations of the firms that have reached deals with the administration. The group will also have a mobile billboard circulating with ads criticizing the firms, along with a broader digital campaign.

In case this isnt obvious, the underlying point of these efforts isnt to chastise the firms for making the wrong decision; its to remind the firms that its not too late to reverse course and join the ranks of the firms resisting Trumps gambit.

Will any of the firms abandon their existing deals? If one firm does it, will others follow? Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Its not exactly a secret that congressional Democrats see Ed Martin, the interim Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., as an outrageous and scandal-plagued figure whose nomination to a permanent position is indefensible. To date, however, no congressional Republicans had come to a similar conclusion.

This week, as NBC News reported, partisan concerns about Martin became bipartisan concerns.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said he has serious questions for Ed Martin, Trumps pick to serve as the top U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. Martin, a long-time Trump ally, became a known Stop the Steal advocate after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and represented Jan. 6 defendants who faced criminal charges for their actions that day. He has fired over a dozen federal prosecutors who worked on Jan. 6 cases in his time serving as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

Asked if he will support Martin, the North Carolina Republican told NBC News, Im not going to say Im a no now, Im going to say, Im concerned with some of his public comments, and particularly on January 6th.

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Its worth noting for context that Tillis is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is divided 12-10 between Republicans and Democrats. If Tillis ends up balking at Martins nomination, it would almost certainly mean the hyper-partisan prosecutor would not have the support needed to advance.

A day later, Sen. Dick Durbin, the ranking member on the Judiciary panel, planned to force a committee vote on Martins nomination, but the Illinois Democrat backed off  after Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa conceded that he and other GOP members are also seeking additional information about the former far-right activist and Trump loyalist.

I feel strongly that Mr. Martin has not been honest and forthright in his disclosures to this committee, and as weve investigated his background, he is not qualified for this job, Durbin told reporters. I do my best to cooperate with the other side, particularly when it appears that theyre sharing my concerns, the Illinois Democrat added.

These developments on Capitol Hill come on the heels of a Statement of Conscience and Principle signed by more than 100 former federal prosecutors who worked in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and who insisted that Martin is unfit for the position.

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It also dovetails with Martins written answers to the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of his confirmation process, which included evasive answers about his views on Jan. 6 and his prior criticism of Republican politicians.

For those unfamiliar with the Missouri Republican, Martins greatest hits package features misguided and unnecessary fights with the dean of Georgetown Universitys law school, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former President Joe Biden and Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia of California and Eugene Vindman of Virginia  and thats before one adds Wikipedia and prominent medical journals to his increasingly bizarre list of targets. During his brief tenure, Martin has also:

In a piece for New York magazine, Elie Honig recently described the lawyer as Trumps dangerous and ridiculous prosecutor. Martin seems to be going out of his way to prove his many critics right.

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Whats more, the calendar is of increasing relevance: If Martin isnt confirmed by May 20, his interim appointment expires, and hell have to be replaced at the U.S Attorneys Office. Watch this space.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
With just a couple of weeks remaining before Election Day 2020, Donald Trump and Joe Biden faced off in their final debate, which included a rather specific prediction from the then-incumbent.

They say the stock market will rule if Im elected, Trump said, failing to identify who they might be. He added, in reference to Joe Biden: If hes elected, the stock market will crash.

The prediction, of course, turned out to be absurd, which led the Republican to roll out a dramatically different pitch in 2023: Sure, the stock market was soaring under Biden, the Republican said, but voters should credit Trump and not the Democratic president who was in office at the time. The talking point was rooted in the outlandish idea that investors were so excited about the prospect of a second Trump term that they sent markets soaring  more than a year in advance  with their gleeful anticipation.

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THIS IS THE TRUMP STOCK MARKET, the Republican wrote to this social media platform in January 2024, roughly a year before Inauguration Day 2025, BECAUSE MY POLLS AGAINST BIDEN ARE SO GOOD THAT INVESTORS ARE PROJECTING THAT I WILL WIN, AND THAT WILL DRIVE THE MARKET UP.

After Trump returned to the White House, and his radical agenda and misguided trade policies did dramatic economic harm, the president switched gears again. You cant really watch the stock market, Trump said in March, despite his years-long fixation on the stock market.

As his second term reached the 100-day benchmark, and the markets performance became even more humiliating, the president decided that its no longer the Trump stock market. Instead, he declared online, This is Bidens Stock Market, not Trumps.

In other words, Americans were supposed to believe last year that markets were up because investors expected Trump to eventually return to power, and Americans are now supposed to believe that markets are down because investors recently remembered that Biden used to be in power.

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The New York Times summarized the ham-fisted rhetorical tactics in a tidy way:

President Trump seems to have two opposing messages about the economy. Anything good should be credited to him. Anything bad is Joe Bidens fault.

That might seem overly simplistic. It is not. Rather, this is exactly the framing the incumbent president has embraced with unnerving enthusiasm.

Indeed, the push isnt limited to messaging about Wall Street. After the Commerce Department released the latest GDP data, which showed the U.S. economy shrinking in the first quarter of 2025 for the first time in years, Trump said these discouraging developments were Bidens fault, too.

Perhaps realizing that his trade tariffs were likely to have a sustained negative effect on the domestic economy, the Republican added that if the economy continues to shrink in the second quarter, the public should also hold Biden accountable for that.

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In the ensuing hours, Trump continued to insist that his immediate predecessor was responsible for the poor economic conditions again and again.

Remember when Trump told voters last summer, When I win the election, we will immediately begin a brand new Trump economic boom. Itll be a boom. Were going to turn this country around so fast? Evidently, hes forgotten all about it.

As a political matter, the broader question is whether these tactics will work or not. If the president and his allies are expecting his pitch to work, they should probably lower their expectations. There are a few elements to this that are worth keeping in mind.

First, Trumps efforts to shift blame are likely to fail because theyre rooted in obvious nonsense. As a factual matter, the economy is struggling as a direct result of Trumps policies. To the extent that reality affects public attitudes, the presidents arguments will fall short because theyre wrong.

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Second, Trumps attempts will probably prove unpersuasive because theyre meandering and incoherent. The more he careens wildly between give me credit for apparent good news and blame the guy who isnt in office for bad news, the more people will simply tune out his palaver.

And third, the presidents pitiful attempt at the blame game will almost certainly fail because its far too late to work. As New York magazines Ed Kilgore explained, Rarely if ever, and certainly not since FDR, has a new administration taken office more determined to own the country, its policies, and its overall direction.

Trump and his team made a choice: Move fast and break things. Throw caution to the wind. Shock and awe. Overwhelm the opposition. Caution is for losers.

This agenda carried real-world consequences that theyre responsible for  and the phrase you broke it, you bought it now hangs over the White House and its economic agenda.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
For the third day in a row Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt hosted a special press briefing for pro-Donald Trump influencers, who heaped praise on the presidents policies, cracked anti-immigrant jokes and asked Leavitt for parenting advice as she showered them with compliments in return.

We are embracing and empowering new media like never before. You are all a testament to that, she said Wednesday at the third such influencer briefing, as she called it.

The Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who traditionally has covered this institution. Tens of 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, she said at the first influencer briefing Monday.

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A select group of D.C.-based journalists no longer have a monopoly over press access here at the White House, she continued.

But the sessions have unfolded less like an auxiliary press briefing and more like a gathering of pro-Trump propagandists and conspiracy theorists licking Leavitts boots and parroting Trumps favorite talking points.

The first question at Mondays briefing went to right-wing influencer Arynne Wexler, who kicked things off with an anti-immigrant joke.

the first "question" to Leavitt during the WH "new media" briefing: "I can attest to the deportations in Florida. My Uber drivers finally speak English again." pic.twitter.com/pgGxAWcxg9  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 28, 2025

I can attest to the deportations in Florida. My Uber drivers finally speak English again, so thank you for that, she said Monday to laughs in the room before asking a question about how Trumps administration will punish institutions that defy his executive order about men masquerading as trans women.

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Others, when given the chance to ask questions about issues that impact millions of Americans, used the opportunity to heap praise on Leavitt and quiz her about her parenting style.

Youre a very high-profile young mother who seems to juggle and balance it all beautifully. What advice do you have to young parents out there who are starting their careers, having kids, building families and trying to find that balance so desperately? pro-Trump TikTok influencer Link Lauren, branded by the internet as MAGA Malfoy, asked at Tuesdays influencer briefing. Leavitt responded that Trump doesnt get enough credit for hiring parents.

a MAGA influencer in today's White House briefing suggests joe Biden was responsible for rising suicide rates pic.twitter.com/bNZQ8LiNXU  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 29, 2025

Lauren wasnt the only influencer to praise Leavitt for being a mom. Bo Loudon, an 18-year-old influencer with accounts dedicated to Trump, said she was inspiring to his generation because shes a young press secretary who is a wife and a mom. He reminded his followers of this again after the briefing, writing on X: Shes a wife, a mom, and has become widly [sic] popular.

The press secretary returned compliments to the influencers, praising alt-right conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec on Wednesday after he reiterated Trumps talking points about the rise of violence from the far left.

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I absolutely agree with the premise of your question, which I usually dont when I take questions at a podium, Leavitt told Posobiec.

She offered similar praise to Dom Lucre, a conspiracy theorist influencer who asked if Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton would be investigated over supposed election integrity violations.

Its refreshing to actually hear a question on election integrity, because the legacy media would never ask such a question. Theyre so out of touch with where the American people are on this issue, Leavitt responded at Wednesdays briefing.

In an apparent disregard for journalistic ethics, another new media personality told Leavitt she uses her platform to promote Trumps policies.

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We love working with the administration to really tout policies that work for families and work for small businesses in this country, Patrice Onwuka of conservative talk radio station WMAL said Tuesday.

Leavitts special influencer briefings come as the Trump administration ramps up its war with traditional media. In February, Leavitt announced the administration would no longer allow the White House Correspondents Association to manage the rotation of outlets in the press pool, and hours later, the White House informed HuffPosts White House correspondent that he would not be allowed to trail Trump the next day.

Related...
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

The Hollow Man

During his 15 years on the national political stage, Marco Rubio has never come across as a man with a consolidated moral center or core. It takes a lot for that kind of inner emptiness to stand out in Congress, but Rubio always did. Still, his self-reinvention as MAGA Marco is an incarnation that I could not have imagined when he first ran for the Senate in 2010.

While MAGA Marco remains susceptible to deserving mockery, the newest version of himself is unmistakably dark, sinister, and menacing in ways that arent so easily dismissed. To show his MAGA bona fides, Rubio has destroyed USAID, revoked international student visas and green cards, negotiated with El Salvador to use its notorious prison for American citizens, and is now openly defying a Supreme Court order, putting him at the forefront of a historic constitutional clash between the executive and judicial branches.

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The display Rubio put on during yesterdays interminable reality TV Cabinet meeting was astonishing to watch. He didnt just put the Trump administration on a more direct collision course with the Supreme Court in the case of the mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He did so with contempt for the judicial branch, a cavalier disregard of the rule of law, and a glass-jawed swagger that begs for a court to take him down a few pegs:

If there was any doubt that the Trump administrations reported move to facilitate Abrego Garcias release was mere window dressing as it faces possible contempt of court proceedings, Rubios cocky defiance erased it. (I have a full rundown of the days other developments in the Abrego Garcia case here.)

Nothing about the Trump administrations conduct since it deported Abrego Garcia on March 15 reflects a good faith effort to correct its mistake. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele is no fool; he knows whats up. A feeble inquiry from Rubio about releasing Garcia is a fig leaf for them both, an effort to paper over the weeks of defiance of court orders in hopes enough justices are willing to look the other way and deem it sufficient compliance.

For more 

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NYT: El Salvador Is Said to Have Spurned U.S. Request for Return of Deported Migrant

The Guardian: Trump officials contacted El Salvador president about Kilmar Abrego Garcia

NYT: Behind Trumps Deal to Deport Venezuelans to El Salvadors Most Feared Prison

Who Hurt MAGA Marco?

During Wednesdays performative Cabinet meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the administration is trying to negotiate deals with additional countries to use their prisons for mass deportations  but he did so with some of the most toxic language hes used publicly to date: Not just El Salvador, Rubio said. We are working with other countries to say We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries.'

Rubio-Targeted Mohsen Mahdawi Set Free

In a strongly worded ruling comparing the current moment to the Red Scare, the Palmer Raids, and the McCarthy period, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford of Vermont ordered the immediate release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University targeted for deportation as part of the Trump administrations broader retaliation against pro-Palestinian international students who are legally studying in the United States.

The court also considers the extraordinary setting of this case and others like it. 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 wrote.

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Mahdawi, who will remain free while his deportation case proceeds, was swept up in Secretary of State Marco Rubios unilateral revocation of legal status for some international students, who were given no notice before being taken into custody and scheduled for immediate deportation.

Why Louisiana?

Tulane immigration law professors Laila Hlass and Mary Yanik on why Louisiana has become a center of the detention industrial complex:

Louisiana is notorious for a trifecta of compounding barriers to effectuate the rights of immigrants: conservative courts, scarce access to legal support and horrific detention conditions. The resulting black hole, as civil and human rights groups have called it, threatens to erode Americas rule of law well beyond the immigration legal system.

I first covered the emergence of politically connected private prisons in Louisiana in the mid-90s, driven by mass incarceration policies. Its a savage irony that criminal justice reform in Louisiana over the past decade opened up more prison space for undocumented detainees.

The Corruption: Paramount Edition

As mediation began yesterday between Donald Trump and CBS News-parent Paramount over his bogus lawsuit objecting to how 60 Minutes edited a 2024 campaign interview with Kamala Harris, the WSJ reports company executives have discussed a settlement in the $15 million to $20 million range.

The Destruction: RFK Jr. Edition

Wired: HHS Orders Lab Studying Deadly Infectious Diseases to Stop Research

WSJ: RFK Jr. shifts massive $500 million in funding from next-generation Covid-19 vaccines to research for universal vaccines touted by two new acting Trump appointees.

Stat News: NIH cancels participation in Safe to Sleep campaign that decreased infant deaths

WaPo: RFK Jr. will require shift in how new vaccines are tested

Good Catch

The indispensable Chris Geidner points out that the Trump DOJ is using increasingly attenuated language in legal filings to avoid validating the existence of transgender people.

The Retribution: BLM Edition

At least four FBI agents who were photographed kneeling with protestors in DC during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests have been reassigned to positions generally considered demotions, the WaPo reports.

Judge Refuses To Release Alexander Smirnov

A federal judge in California rejected the Trump DOJs about-face in the case of Alexander Smirnov and refused to release the former FBI informant who pleaded guilty to lying about the Biden family. The judges denial came as the Trump DOJ has said it is reevaluating the case, which was pursued by Hunter Biden Special Counsel David Weiss.

The Trump Economy Quickly Tanks

Driven down by the Trumps tariffs, the U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter of 2025 for the first time since Q1 2022.

Quote Of The Day

You know, somebody said, Oh, the shelves are going to be open. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know? And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.President Donald J. Trump, April 30, 2025

Its An Emergency

Jason Stanley, the Yale philosophy professor and expert on fascism who is relocating his family to Canada because of the deteriorating political situation in the United States, offers a parting warning: We seem to be facing the destruction of the United States. I dont see anyone articulating that this is an attack on what it means to be American, on the very idea of America, and its an emergency.

Welcome To The Resistance

Would it be possible to have a cabinet meeting without the Kim Jong il-style tributes?  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) April 30, 2025

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
The New York Times Maggie Haberman said that while the pace of activity of Donald Trumps White House in his early days back in office has slowed in recent weeks, she expects a new wave of aggressive action from the president soon.

I think it will ramp up again, Haberman told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Tuesday during a segment marking the 100th day of Trumps second term.

Trump returned to office with a clear plan for certain things, she noted.

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Clearly, trade has not been some well-thought-out plan, but on immigration it absolutely was, Haberman continued. On a number of the executive orders hes taken, and executive actions hes done, it absolutely was.

Trump this time around has done very little through Congress when compared to his first term, said Haberman, a longtime reporter on Trump.

The president is also not under investigation right now. That is the main difference, she added. He came into office [in 2017] knowing that there was this investigation related to Russia and his campaign [...] and that was a cloud over so much of what he did in the first few months and impacted his thinking for the first few months.

Haberman, however, suggested the recent slowdown was temporary.

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I certainly think youre going to see him go after additional targets for retribution, she said. We have seen him do that from the Oval Office in a way we really just have not seen any president do.

The activity of Trumps first 80 days was not sustainable, though, she added.

Watch the exchange here:

Related...
Comedian and commentator Bill Maher knocked President Trump over his first 100 days in office, painting his administration as chaotic and unproductive.

In a word: sshow, Maher wrote in a blurb for The Free Press summarizing the first 100 days of Trumps second term. I said after he won the election, Im not going to pre-hate anything. But after 100 days, there are probably 100 things to legitimately hate.

Maher mentioned Trump disappearing people as part of his immigration agenda, the inefficiency of DOGE, ignoring the Supreme Court, killing people overseas with drastic aid cuts, firing the guy in charge of his election-integrity office because he wont say 2020 was rigged, tariff-related market collapse and other moves from recent weeks.

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America no longer being seen as a safe place, the third-term talk, the commentator continued, before knocking Trump for suing the media and quipping, I could just keep going.

And I want to emphasize: None of my disapproval for any of this comes from reflexive Republican opposition, he said. On all these issues, its just objectively bad. And they know that, too.

Maher is a frequent critic of Trump, though he recently spoke about his experience meeting the president in person and having dinner with him, an episode the pundit said changed his perspective on Trump.

Im just taking as a positive that this person exists, Maher said of his meeting with the president. Because everything Ive ever not liked about him was, I swear to God, absent at least on this night with this guy.

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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 The Hill.
Gabby Jones / Bloomberg / Getty Images

Visa (V) reported fiscal second-quarter results that beat analysts expectations and announced a $30 billion stock buyback program.

The credit giant reported revenue of $9.59 billion, up 9% year-over-year and above the analyst consensus from Visible Alpha. Adjusted net income of $5.44 billion, or $2.76 per share, compared to $5.11 billion, or $2.51 per share, a year earlier, topping Wall Streets estimates.

Visa's payments volume increased by 8% and its processed transactions grew 9%. CEO Ryan McInerney said, "consumer spending remained resilient, even with macroeconomic uncertainty."

The company also announced a new $30 billion share repurchase program.

Visa shares rose close to 2% in after-hours trading. The stock was up 8% for 2025 through Tuesdays close.

Earlier this month, Visa reportedly offered Apple (AAPL) roughly $100 million in a bid to replace Mastercard (MA) as the provider of the tech titans payments network. Visa and American Express (AXP) have been vying to replace Mastercard as the payments network for Apple's credit card currently issued by Goldman Sachs (GS), the report said.



Read the original article on Investopedia
Numerous companies announced at a prominent energy conference in March that they will invest more heavily in oil and gas, scaling back past commitments to renewables. The news has drawn criticism from environmental advocates.

What's happening?

At CERAWeek, an annual meeting focused on the energy industry held in Houston, Texas, The Guardian reported that some companies made their boldest public statements yet on pushing more money and resources toward fossil fuels.

Murray Auchincloss, chief executive officer at BP, for example, said at CERAWeek that he is "super excited" his company has kicked off an initiative that will cut $5 billion from a previously announced green strategy while increasing its annual oil and gas investments to $10 billion.

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Shell CEO Wael Sawan said the company is "simplifying" its business to grow gas projects, according to The Guardian, echoing an earlier announcement that the company would pull back on renewable energy.

Conservationists have slammed the positions and questioned whether past statements of support for green, clean energy were made in good faith.

Tariq Fancy, former sustainability executive at investment firm BlackRock and current Stanford University lecturer, told the Washington Post for its coverage of the conference that "the public loses faith in the entire system when these companies say things are core commitments and values and then jettison them two years later because the political winds shift."

Why are these statements important?

The remarks at CERAWeek come on the heels of several actions from big companies that indicate they intend to prioritize dirty energy.

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Late in 2024, after disappointing quarterly financial results, BP decided to cut 18 hydrogen projects, saying it would instead value initiatives that generate profits more quickly.

Shell handed out $22.5 billion in investor buybacks last year, money that environmental groups believe should have been earmarked for clean energy instead.

In its CERAWeek coverage, The Guardian reported that early in 2025, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan all said they would pull out of a "[United Nations]-sponsored group, under which members pledge to zero out emissions from their investment portfolios."

These corporate decisions appear largely in line with an agenda set by the Trump administration, which has said it wants to increase oil drilling and reverse many of the Biden administration's climate-focused policies. (It is worth noting that plenty of environmental advocates have had and surely will continue to have policy criticisms regardless of the administration in power.)

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The more oil, gas, and other dirty energy sources are burned, the more heat-trapping pollution is released into the atmosphere, driving higher temperatures and more frequent, more severe weather events, such as droughts and floods.

What can be done about this?

Oil, gas, and coal companies can be among the worst offenders when it comes to greenwashing  in which brands publicly tout their environmental credentials and initiatives while continuing to do damage.

By recognizing when companies are greenwashing, consumers can make informed decisions to support businesses that promote a more sustainable world and avoid those that only talk a big game before quickly reversing course.

Unable to attend CERAWeek "despite attempting to purchase conference tickets at costs of up to $10,500," Environmental Health News reported that advocates called for transparency.

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"The conference has shut out civil society from entering and understanding the projects that are coming to harm our communities," said Yvette Arellano, founder and executive director of Fenceline Watch, an environmental justice organization local to Houston.

Consumers might desire that same transparency from the companies they patronize.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
A sign at the "People's Rally" at the state Capitol on Jan. 18, 2025, in advance of Donald Trump's inauguration. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror

The mass protest marches slated for May 1 across Arizona and nationwide are just the latest show of people power against the seemingly bottomless pit of White House directives aimed at dismantling our democracy.

Organizers predict hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets in all 50 states on May Day, known globally as International Workers Day.

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Millions more are set to rally around the world  not necessarily because of President Donald Trump, but because democracy and workers rights matter.

On the May Day 2025 website, organizers posted this: Trump and his billionaire profiteers are trying to create a race to the bottom  on wages, on benefits, on dignity itself.  We are demanding a country that puts our families over their fortunes

Not a word of that is hyperbole.

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Denying the very real threat posed today by Trump and his abettors, not just in Washington but also at the state and local levels, is to live in a fantasy world of empty patriotism where simply pledging blind allegiance to the flag and chanting U.S.A., U.S.A. passes for a meaningful defense of liberty and justice for all.

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Hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their lives defending our democracy, but we now have a president who is fine with letting people die so long as it furthers his goal of becoming our nations first dictator.

Consider the cutoff of foreign aid thats literally led to more children starving and the premature death of people with AIDS across Africa; or the decision by Trump appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court, whose repeal of abortion rights has fueled a jump in mortality rates for pregnant women in states with abortion bans; or Trumps denigration of vaccines that almost certainly contributed to tens or even hundreds of thousands more COVID-19 deaths that might otherwise have occurred and a subsequent drop in vaccination rates nationwide, including in Texas, where an ongoing measles epidemic has led to the death of two unvaccinated children and the infection of hundreds more.

Former Arizona Democratic Party Chair Raquel Teran, an organizer of Thursdays May Day rally in Phoenix, says, Its important that we speak upand rise up against the atrocities happening at all levels of government. [On May Day] well be marching with workers. Well be marching with immigrant communities. Well be marching with faith leaders. This is a moral crisis.

Indeed. The growth in grassroots activism across the U.S. is in direct response to President Trumps heinous agenda and deep-seated immorality.

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How else do we account for Trumps willingness to deport U.S. residents, without due process, to a notorious prison in El Salvador, as he has done with alleged, not tried or convicted, gang members, and now three U.S.-born children to Honduras, including a Stage 4 victim of cancer.

Let that soak in. U.S. citizens are now being deported.

While Teran believes protest marches serve an important role, mainly as a public display of the popular sentiment, marches are just one piece of the puzzle needed to counter the Trump agenda.

She praised Gov. Katie Hobbs for vetoing dozens of bad bills proposed by Republicans over the past two-plus years. And Joe Murphy, political director in Arizona for the AFL-CIO, lauded Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for her work on at least a dozen lawsuits challenging the Trump administration on multiple fronts.

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In fact, more than 200 lawsuits have been filed against Trumps legally dubious, if not outright unconstitutional, executive mandates. The presidents approval ratings, meanwhile, have dipped dramatically during his first 100 days in office. At 41%, a CNN headline reports: Trumps approval at 100 days lower than any president in at least seven decades.

Still, the Trump administration had proven time and again it could care less if its violating federal statutes. Thats why, in their pursuit of scapegoating immigrants, theres no concern about deporting them on the flimsiest evidence  or no evidence at all, as happened with a Maryland man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the Supreme Court has ordered returned to the U.S., after the Trump administration admitted to deporting him by mistake.

Ironically, Trumps opponents may have the law on their side, but their commitment to abide by the law carries inherent disadvantages, said Arizona Director of Mi Familia Vota Monica Sandschafer, another top organizer of this weeks rally in Phoenix.

Change takes time. Community-led change takes time, she said. Unfortunately, theres been an onslaught of terrible actions coming from the White House. [Trump] has the ability to move very fast and our [efforts] to push back are happening at a slower pace, but that doesnt mean theyre not working.

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In fact, as of April 28, at least 123 of those rulings [in court challenges to Trumps executive orders] have at least temporarily paused some of the administrations initiatives, according to the New York Times.

If you listen to Trump, hes the most popular president that has ever existed, Sandschafer added, but when we march and say hell no and show we oppose everything he is doing, his attacks on immigrants, citizens, workers, students, the environment, our support systems, like Medicaid and Social Security, this is our way of saying he does not have as much power as we have.

We are the majority.

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Beginning on May 7, billions of people around they world will have their eyes fixed upon a single chimney. As per tradition, the 135 cardinal-electors gathering at the Vaticans Sistine Chapel to select the next pope will use smoke signals to tell the world whether or not they have come to a decision. Black smoke indicates that votes have been cast, but no candidate has received the two-thirds majority required to be elected pope. White smoke means that a new pope has been selected.

The color of smoke is also a key element to watch during a fire. Smokes hue can tell firefighters critical details about the properties of the fire itself and be used to better understand its behaviorand save lives.

When reading smoke, the color matters, Glenn Corbett, a fire protection engineer and associate professor of fire science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City tells Popular Science. It tells you what is burning.

[ Related: Pope Francis Climate Change Epiphany. ]

What makes smoke black?

Black smoke tends to be present if heavy fuels are being burned, such as during an oil spill or vehicle fire. It can also mean that plenty of synthetic materials burning, which can signal that the fumes are particularly toxic.

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When you see a lot of black smoke, you can guarantee that theres a lot of carbon involved, says Corbett. Thats what gives you the black, opaqueness to a smoke. When you have particular types of fires where the smoke is really black, its really powerful in the sense that its ripping out of the building at a very fast rate.

During the two-day-long conclave in 2013, a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component in coal tar), and sulfur was used to make the black smoke.

This smoke signal system is also relatively new, in Catholic Church-terms. According to historian Frederic Baumgartner, the tradition only goes back to 1903. Cardinals in 2013 also did not burn the ballots themselves to create the smoke seen from the chimneywhich has been done in the past.

Black smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, on March 13, 2013. CREDIT: Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images. picture alliance

What makes smoke white?

When the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel spouts white smoke, it means that the Catholic Church officially has a new pope. White smoke tends to be a sign that a fire is creating gas or water vapor. It could be an indicator that a fire is either just starting to burn or dying out.

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The key ingredients are what oxidizers [are] in there. Oxidizers accelerate the combustion process, says Corbett. If you introduce oxygen into a fire, it accelerates it exponentially. Thats the key about an oxidizer. It speeds up the process and you get better combustion because of it.

Preparing the conclave after the death of John XXIII and especially the famous stove in which are burned the ballot papers and whose smokes announce the election or not of a new Pope in Rome, Italy, on June 11, 1963. CREDIT: Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images. Keystone-France

In pre-2013 conclaves, the smoke color was a little bit harder to differentiate. The conclave that elected the late Pope Francis used a combination of potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin to create white smoke, which appears to have solved the visibility problem.

What can smoke tell firefighters?

Smoke itself is deadly and smoke inhalation is the leading cause of injury and death during fires. It is the byproduct produced when a material is burned, but not completely consumed by the fire. The three big components of smoke are aerosols, gases (like carbon monoxide), and particulates.

Firefighters have to learn to read smoke, in order to interpret what the fire is doing from as safe a distance as possible. This way, fire chiefs and incident safety officers can make the best decisions possible about when and where to send in their crew.

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We use color of smoke, velocity of smoke or how quickly it is being pumped out of a building, and angriness of smoke, to tell us what were going into, says Corbett.

Angry smoke typically occurs before a flashovera very rapid and often violent phase of fire development. The contents of an enclosed space can all ignite at the same time due to intense heat build-up. Monitoring the smokes anger can help keep firefighters out of harms way.

We [also] use colors also to establish if were controlling a fire, says Corbett. We watch the colors of smoke, which might relate back to the conclave because were [also] watching the color.

What times should viewers look for smoke during the conclave?

According to Americaa monthly magazine published by the Jesuits of the United Statesjust after 7 p.m. local time on May 7 isthe best time to be in St. Peters Square or tune into any livestreams. During the following days, 10:30 a.m., noon, 5:30 p.m., and just after 7 p.m. are also potential chances to see the smoke in real time.

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Predicting when the smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel is not an exact science,  writes Cindy Wooden of Catholic News Service. The time needed for the cardinals prayers, discussions and vote counting can vary.

This story is part of Popular Sciences Ask Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know? Ask us.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Police are investigating a deadly shooting in southeast Albuquerque Thursday.

Homicide unit investigating after person found dead in northeast Albuquerque

Officers in the Southeast Area Command responded to reports of a shooting around 8:40 a.m. on Dallas St., just south of Central Ave. A man in his 20s was found with a gunshot wound and taken to a local hospital, where he died from injuries.

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Homicide detectives were called to the scene to investigate.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Portland man was arrested and accused of attempted murder and child sex crimes following a shooting in Southeast Portland last week, authorities said.

Portland police said they arrested 21-year-old Amir J. Christianson on Tuesday in connection with a shooting near the Hazelwood Neighborhood on April 23 that left one person injured.

Though someone was arrested on the same night of the shooting, the Portland Police Bureau later clarified that the suspect  30-year-old DeShawn R. Nichols  wasnt involved in the shooting.

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Oregon Zoo mourns death of Tilly, the river otter mom and 30 Rock guest star

Police initially responded to the shooting just before 6 p.m. near Southeast Stark Street and Southeast 106th Avenue.

Officers found evidence of gunfire, including 16 ammunition casings, but no victims or suspects at the scene, PPB said in a press release.

Police were later notified of a 41-year-old man who was dropped off at a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds. That individual is still recovering in the hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, officials said.

The scene of shooting that happened in East Portland near Southeast Stark Street. April 23, 2025 (KOIN). The scene of shooting that happened in East Portland near Southeast Stark Street. April 23, 2025 (KOIN).

Authorities were made aware of a description of the car used to drop the victim off at the hospital and an officer later located the vehicle.

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The officer attempted to stop the driver, but he eluded at high speed. Due to the danger to the community and involved officers, they did not initiate a pursuit of the driver hoping he would slow down and stop recklessly driving on public streets, PPB said. Unfortunately, he chose to continue driving recklessly and crashed his car at Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street.

Wyden tells Senate to overturn Trumps tariff power

The driver, later identified as Nichols, was found under a deck following a lockdown and search between Northeast Burnside Street and Northeast Glisan Street and between Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast 127th Avenue. A stolen gun was seized from Nichols car, police said.

The following day, police said their investigation revealed Nichols was not the suspect in the shooting. However, Nichols was arrested on other outstanding warrants and eluding police, authorities said.

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As the investigation continued, witness testimony and evidence led police to arrest Christianson in connection with last weeks shooting, officials said. After being located by detectives Tuesday evening, the PPB SERT and Crisis Negotiation Team successfully took him into custody.

Two handguns were seized as evidence after a search warrant was executed in the 2500 block of Northeast 15th Avenue.

During the investigation of the shooting and the subsequent search warrants, Detectives found information about other crimes committed by Christianson against members of his family, police said.

Man arrested for alleged explosions targeting house

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Christianson was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and is accused of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, second-degree sex abuse-domestic violence, using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct and second-degree encouraging child sex abuse.

Anyone with information about the case or other alleged crimes committed by Christianson is encouraged to contact the Portland police.

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NELSON COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky State Police has asked the public for help finding a Nelson County man accused of receiving stolen property.

KSP announced Wednesday on Facebook that Jason Smith, 45, is wanted for reportedly receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

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Officials described Smith as standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall with brown eyes and brown hair.

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Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Kentucky State Police Post 4 at 270-766-5078.

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By Victoria Waldersee

STUTTGART, Germany (Reuters) -Volkswagen said on Wednesday that profit margins this year were likely to be towards the bottom of its guidance range and joined a chorus of automakers warning that U.S. trade policy was making it almost impossible to make financial predictions.

The German group said it now expected an operating margin at the lower end of its 5.5-6.5% guidance range because of a profit warning by Porsche, in which it holds a 75% stake.

But that forecast doesn't include any potential impact from U.S. President Donald Trump's import tariffs, with finance chief Arno Antlitz telling analysts - despite their pleas - that it was too early to make conclusive statements.

"We stand ready to work with policymakers to find solutions to support the industry while preserving opportunities for workers," Antlitz said, emphasising the importance of Volkswagen's cost-cutting drive in an uncertain world.

Higher battery-electric sales, which more than doubled in Europe in the first quarter, also weighed on margins, Antlitz said, but added that the 25,000-euro ($28,400) ID.2 car being built in Spain could be the company's first EV to yield comparable margins to its combustion engine equivalent.

"There is still a lot of support necessary on the pricing side for battery-electric cars," Antlitz said.

COST CUTS

Automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, General Motors and Volvo Cars have pulled their financial guidance, citing the uncertainty caused by constantly shifting tariff policies.

Porsche, which has no production in the United States, said on Tuesday that tariffs led to a hit of at least 100 million euros in April and May alone.

The Volkswagen Group is highly exposed to the tariffs, with premium brand Audi also lacking U.S. production, though it has said it plans to announce a location to build some of its top-selling models in the market this year.

The group was looking at scenarios to build more models in the U.S., including potentially at a new factory being built for its Scout brand in South Carolina, but no decisions had been made so far, Antlitz said.

Meanwhile, a cost-cutting programme agreed with unions late last year was well underway, with factory costs down at the VW brand and headcount reduced by about 7,000 people, Antlitz said.

"Rest assured that we continue to drive implementation of the agreed measures with full force," he added.

Volkswagen suffered a 40% drop in earnings in the first quarter, and now expects net cash flow this year towards the lower end of its forecast of 2 billion euros to 5 billion euros ($2.3-5.7 billion) and net liquidity close to 34 billion euros.
BERRY HILL, Tenn. (WKRN)  A homeless man well known to the Berry Hill Police Department is behind bars after he allegedly stole an iPad from a business. According to authorities, the business owner was instrumental in recovering her device.

Around 7 p.m. on April 15, law enforcement said 44-year-old Mack Peoples Jr. entered the Berry Hill business through a rear door and took a $1,200 iPad.

The business owner told News 2 it was a frightening experience: Ill be honest, Ive never had that happen. It felt very unnerving to think that somebody had come in.

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According to BHPD, Peoples tried to sell the stolen iPad to a gas station attendant for $50, but when the attendant refused, the chronic offender accepted $5. Then, the attendant reportedly sold it to an electronics store in South Nashville.

Men wanted on grand jury indictments added to Metros Most Wanted list

Surveillance footage of Peoples pushing a shopping cart behind the business was a key piece of the puzzle for police.

Weve had him in the past couple years with trespassing, with breaking into vehicles, shoplifting, assaults on other people, so we are very familiar with him. As soon as I saw his video and his picture, I knew exactly who we had there, BHPD Sgt. Tony Russo said.

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According to Russo, Peoples has been arrested 83 times in Davidson County over the course of seven years.

How does that make your job tough as a cop when you have to keep re-arresting the same people over and over and over dozens of times? News 2s Andy Cordan asked.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

It makes it tough because we keep seeing these guys. We wish they would get some help or get locked up or get something out of this, but we have to keep getting them, bringing them back to jail as they re-offend, Russo replied.

News 2 asked the Davidson County District Attorneys office about Peoples. A spokesperson described the 44-year-old as a habitual offender who typically commits low-level misdemeanors, pleads guilty, serves his time, gets out, and re-offends

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In the meantime, law enforcement said they will keep arresting Peoples and others like him.

They can keep letting them out, but were going to keep locking them back up if they re-offend, Russo said.

Woman accused of punching, scratching employee at Nashville Zoo

The victim told News 2 that she traced her iPad to the South Nashville store and retrieved it, but the store had already reset her device to factory settings.

Neither the store clerks nor the gas station attendant who paid $5 for the iPad have been charged.

The Berry Hill business owner said the incident has been eye-opening, adding that shes changed her locks and upgraded her security.

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It would have been really scary. Just, you know, when youre not there, and I could have been in there and they walked in, so yeah, it definitely was an uncomfortable feeling, the victim said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to the Davidson County Sheriffs Office, Peoples was booked into the Downtown Detention Center on April 22 and is being held on a $15,000 bond for felony burglary and felony theft of property worth more than $1,000 but less than $2,500. The DAs office told News 2 that Peoples is due back in court on Friday, May 2.

The DAs office said Peoples pleaded guilty to a Class D felony in March 2024 and was sentenced as a multiple offender. He served his time and was released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
SWANSEA, Mass. (WWLP)  A man was arrested for allegedly filming a teenager in a fitting room at Target in Swansea, Massachusetts.

A social media post by the Swansea Police Department on Wednesday showed a photo of an individual at Target who officers were looking to identify in connection with an incident in a fitting room. It was reported on Monday at around 8 p.m. that a 17-year-old girl was being filmed on a cell phone while changing in the dressing room at Target at 579 Grand Army of the Republic Highway.

Alleged suspect in Target (Swansea Police Department)

Four men arrested in sting for underage prostitution in Springfield

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During the investigation, the public helped identify the suspect as 25-year-old John Michael Williams of Swansea. On Wednesday, he was arrested at his home and charged with the following:

Photographing Sexual or Intimate Parts of a Child

Possession of Child Pornography

Disorderly Conduct

This kind of invasive and disturbing behavior has no place in our community, Chief Foley said. We take incidents like this very seriously and will always work to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Im proud of the swift and diligent work of our Detectives, Furtado and Rowland, and Officer Stavens. They acted quickly and conducted a thorough investigation that resulted in the identification and arrest of the suspect.

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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Man arrested for false imprisonment, domestic violence

BATTLEMENT MESA, Colo. (KREX)  A man was arrested Wednesday for domestic violence, false imprisonment and more following an incident.

According to the Garfield County Sheriffs Office, an arrest warrant for domestic violence was served to Andres De Jesus Que-Juarez, 25, at the Willow Park Apartments in Battlement Mesa. Law enforcement previously attempted to contact Que-Juarez Tuesday evening, but he had left the scene before deputies arrived.

Andres De Jesus Que-Juarez

Several deputies and other law enforcement agencies were present at the scene because authorities received reports that he possibly had one or more firearms, according to GCSO. However, Que-Juarez was arrested around noon and transported to the Garfield County Jail without incident.

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He is charged with:

Domestic violence

False imprisonment (abduct-no ransom or assault)

Third-degree simple assault

Child abuse-negligence

Criminal mischief around $300-$1,000

Obstruction of telephone services.

The Garfield County Sheriffs Office thanked the Department of Homeland Security, Enforcement Removal Operation, Drug Enforcement Administration and SPEAR (Special Problems Enforcement and Response) for their help in the case. The sheriffs office said, Their assistance (brought) this incident to a safe conclusion, protecting not only those involved in the original complaint but the residents of Garfield County.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
May 1---- A man pinned by a corn planter Tuesday evening at a farm site northeast of Brooten has died of his injuries.

According to a

issued Thursday, May 1, by the

46-year-old Eric Scott Segaar, of Brooten, was pronounced dead at the scene after multiple emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures.

According to the sheriff's office, preliminary investigation by deputies at the scene determined that two men were working on a John Deere DB66 planter, which was having hydraulic issues. Segaar was underneath the planter when it is believed the hydraulic system failed, causing the planter to lower unexpectedly to the ground and pin him.

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Segaar was freed from the planter by multiple emergency personnel, but lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.

The accident was reported at 5:47 p.m. Tuesday at 26338 Stearns County Road 201 in North Fork Township, about 4 miles northeast of Brooten.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Brooten Fire Department, Brooten Ambulance and Life Link Air Ambulance.
At the beginning of April, a man in Mojkovac, Montenegro, was found guilty of illegal logging in a protected state forest.

"During a visit to the Polje region," the Forest and Hunting Directorate stated, as reported by Vijesti, "the regional forester discovered illegal logging in a state forest in the amount of 13.26 [cubic meters]."

The specific forest was not mentioned, though Montenegro is home to some of Europe's last remaining ancient forests, The Times reported.

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Officials filed a criminal charge against the suspect, who admitted guilt soon after. The logs, taken mostly from beech trees, were seized.

As is the case with most (if not all) illegal logging, this inflicted both a financial and environmental blow to Montenegro. Vijesti reported that this specific case "caused damage to the Forest and Hunting Management Administration in the amount of 1090.78 euros."

Despite the consequences, illegal logging remains lucrative. According to a 2019 Interpol report, the illegal logging industry is worth up to $152 billion annually, representing a "major loss in tax revenues" across nations.

The environmental toll is even more tremendous. Illegal loggers usually target protected forests, the last vestiges of many endangered species' habitats. Cutting down these trees hurts biodiversity and shrinks already damaged habitats, as the World Wildlife Fund explained.

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Trees are also crucial to maintaining global temperatures. They absorb carbon, cutting down on humans' air pollution. Unfortunately, forests release carbon back into the atmosphere when they die, which could cause global temperatures to rise even further.

With this in mind, proper forest maintenance (and cracking down on illegal logging) is not only ethical but also necessary for humans' continued existence.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for causing the death of his 5-month-old son in 2022, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Thursday.

Prosecutors said that Benjamin Rodriguez, 43, caused the death of his 5-month-old son Micah Rodriguez by shaking him, resulting in head and neck injuries. The incident took place at a home on Crestwood Avenue on Dec. 20, 2022. The baby died at Oishei Childrens Hospital.

In March 2024, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. He was facing a maximum of 25 years in prison at the time.

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After his release from prison, he will be subject to five years of post-release supervision.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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LINCOLNTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office arrested a man, whom deputies say is possibly from Honduras, for the statutory rape of a child.

According to detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division, the man had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl on multiple occasions.

The juvenile was living with the man at the time of the investigation, and has since been placed in Lincoln County DSS custody pending placement. Detectives say the man is not related to her and the juvenile is not originally from North Carolina.

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The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified and placed an immigration detainer on the suspect, according to detectives.

Yonathan Misael Paz Molina, 22, of Lincolnton (originally Honduras) was charged with seven felony counts each of statutory rape of a child.

Paz Molina received a no-bond hold and is being held in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center.

This is an ongoing investigation.

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CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A man who was hit by a truck in Baton Rouge Wednesday died from his injuries in the hospital.

The Baton Rouge Police Department was called to the scene of a pedestrian struck just before 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. Julius Torres, 20, was hit by a Ram truck while trying to cross in the 9000 block of Airline Highway.

During the investigation, BRPD determined that the truck was heading south in the right lane on Airline Highway. At some point, Torres tried to go across Airline Highway from west to east and was hit by the truck.

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According to BRPD, the truck had a green light at Goodwood Boulevard. Police looked at video footage from BRPD headquarters that showed Torres running across the highway.

Based on multiple witness statements from the scene, as well as video footage, it appeared the pedestrian may have intentionally run in front of the Ram truck, BRPD said.

Torres was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, where he died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

The investigation into this deadly crash remains ongoing.

Man accused of having sex with underage girl at high school in Baton Rouge

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An Arizona man could face multiple decades in prison and more than $1 million in fines for allegedly torching a Tesla Cybertruck at a Mesa, Ariz., dealership last month, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, was indicted this week on five felony counts of malicious damage to property used in interstate commerce. Authorities have alleged that Moses used gasoline and a starter log to try to set the dealership and three Tesla vehicles on fire on April 28, amid a wave of retaliation against tech billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musks involvement in the Trump administration.

The Department of Justice, in a news release announcing the federal jurys indictment of Moses, shared photos of a burned-out Cybertruck that exploded during the attack.

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According to local media reports, the suspect spray-painted graffiti on the side of the building that misspelled the word THIEF.

Mesa Police arrested Moses less than a mile away from the Tesla dealership shortly after the fire started, and he was wearing the same clothes as the person seen in surveillance footage pouring gasoline on the building. Officers also allegedly found a hand-drawn map in Mosess pocket that had the letter T marking the dealerships location.

There is nothing American about burning down someone elses business because you disagree with them politically, Timothy Courchaine, the interim federal prosecutor for Arizona, said in a statement. These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests, they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. If someone targets Tesla with violence, they will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.

If convicted, each count carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement on Mosess indictment that there would be no negotiating on the charges.

If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, Bondi said.

Bondi indicated earlier this year that vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles would be treated as domestic terrorism.

The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism, she said in a March 18 statement. We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes.

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Analyst Ray Wang posted that major U.S. retailers, including Walmart and Target, have reportedly asked Chinese suppliers to resume shipments, with tariffs to be absorbed by the American retailers.

What Happened: On Saturday, Wang posted on X that several Chinese exporters at the ongoing China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) revealed that U.S. retail companies, including Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD), and Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT), have instructed Chinese suppliers to restart shipments that had been halted due to the recent tariff war.

Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target  Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!

However, the cost of the tariffs would be borne by the retailers. The decision by these U.S. retailers came after a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, as per the report in Hong Kongs Ming Pao.





Exporters mentioned by the Ming Pao report that some orders are resuming, while others have been canceled. Due to high tariffs, US retailers like Walmart must either cancel orders for Chinese products or pass the tariff costs onto American consumers, reported Global Times.

See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey  no cost, no obligation.

Why It Matters: This development follows a meeting between President Trump and the CEOs of Walmart, Home Depot, and Target. The meeting focused on the potential impact of Trumps extensive tariff plans on the import-centric business models of these retail giants.

Furthermore, the ongoing U.S.-China trade war has been causing potential shortages in key consumer product areas, pushing the national supply chain towards a critical point. The sudden implementation of tariffs left companies with little time to adjust their sourcing strategies.
Man injured in Spanish Lake shooting: Police

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  Gunshots were reported in the 1200 block of James Patrick Lane in Spanish Lake, Missouri, leaving one man shot.

St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct were alerted to the shooting just after 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday.

Officials say that the man who was shot was taken to a hospital for his injuries. The extent of the individuals injuries has not been confirmed to FOX 2 at this time.

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FOX 2 is obtaining information regarding the incident, and more will be shared once it becomes available in the newsroom.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  An Alexandria man faces up to 20 years in prison for a nearly $3 million scheme defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to the United States District Attorneys Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Jeffrey Williams, 37, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday.

Williams was a career services manager for a Virginia school that offers job training programs to veterans and is funded by the VA.

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We will not be left with another RFK Stadium: Maryland Governor reacts to Washington Commanders return to DC

Court documents say Williams used fake employment letters, certificates, documents, and signatures to falsely appear as if the veterans had received jobs so he could receive the tuition payments.

According to court documents, Williams created false records from July 2022 to May 2024 and received a total of $2.9 million in tuition for at least 189 veterans.

He is set to be sentenced on September 17.

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MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A suspect accused of raping another man on a No. 1 train in Manhattan on Saturday is in custody, according to the NYPD.

Police said it happened around 4:15 a.m. The suspect was accused of making sexual remarks and demanding money from the 27-year-old victim while they were both riding the northbound train, according to authorities.

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Police said the victim was then forced to perform a lewd act as the train approached the Christopher Street subway station. The suspect fled the train at the station, according to authorities.

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Police said the victim was taken to a local hospital for his injuries.

Mohammad Azeem, 36, was taken into custody on Thursday at around 2:50 p.m. and charged with rape in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, and forcible touching, according to authorities.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Overall transit crime is up 25% citywide compared to this time last year, according to NYPD crime statistics. Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged to increase the presence of police officers in the subway system earlier this year, including placing two cops each on overnight trains.

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).

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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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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
DENVER (KDVR)  A man who was initially being held by police for investigation of first-degree murder was sentenced in the same case to 194 months in prison for a charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Tyrell Braxton, 25, of Denver, was charged in connection with a shooting that occurred before 4 a.m. on Aug. 19, 2023, near 28th Avenue and Welton Street. According to the warrant for his arrest, Braxton got into a verbal altercation with 25-year-old Gulian Musiwa.

Toddler dies after car crashes into ditch in Brush

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Braxton allegedly pulled out a handgun during the altercation and shot at Musiwa, along with two other victims. After the initial altercation, 23-year-old Lumumba Sayers allegedly fired his handgun at Braxton, who returned fire and injured Sayers, according to the affidavit.

Both Sayers and Musiwa were pronounced dead, while two other victims were injured by gunfire but survived. Sayers father, Lumumba Sayers Sr., is well-known for his fight against youth violence in Denver, and said his son was everything you could ask for and a beacon of light in the community.

Tyrell Braxtons wanton violence took anothers life, said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell in a release. Our community is safer with him in prison.

Police said that eight different firearms were fired during the incident, resulting in 71 spent shell casings. Investigators said that video evidence captured Braxton shooting six times into a group of people, killing one and injuring two others. He had been released from prison for unlawful possession of a firearm months earlier.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas man was sentenced to over a year in prison after threatening a U.S. federal judge and their family in letters sent to a Las Vegas courthouse, one of which he claimed had anthrax in it, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Senior District Judge John A. Mendez sentenced Hadari Stallworth Wednesday to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for sending a threatening letter to a federal judge and conveying false information and a hoax.

According to court documents, on June 27, 2022, Stallworth mailed a letter to the U.S. District Court Clerk in Las Vegas addressed to a district court judge for the District of Nevada. In the letter, Stallworth wrote that he would, have my people kill whatever you hold dearly first: pets, kids, grandkids, husband and that the people under his control would kidnap and to[r]ture the district judge.

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Man threatened to kill federal judge in Las Vegas, prosecutors say

Stallworth then mailed another letter received on Sept. 20, 2022, by the United States District Court Clerk. The letter said, This is Anthrax. Now Die Traitors! and had white powder placed inside. The DOJ said the letter caused substantial disruption to office proceedings including causing the office to close and people to be quarantined.

Stallworth previously pleaded guilty to one count of mailing threatening communications and one count of false information and hoaxes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Dayton man is headed to prison for a fatal 2024 shooting at a local bar.

Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck, Jr., said Thursday that 33-year-old DeNiro Lamar Barker was sentenced to 24-years-to-life in prison for the murder of Aaron Tigner.

Sheriff places 10 employees on leave after preliminary findings

Tigner was found and pronounced dead when first responders were called to a bar on Patterson Road on March 9, 2024, in reference to a reported shooting.

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Officials determined a verbal confrontation occurred between Tigner and Barker before the shooting. Barker left the bar, got a gun, came back to the bar and shot Tigner, according to Heck.

Barker was indicted in April 2024 on the following charges:

2 counts of Murder

1 count of Felonious Assault  deadly weapon

1 count Felonious Assault  serious physical harm

1 count of Having Weapons While Under Disability

In April, Baker was found guilty on murder, felonious assault and having weapons under disability charges.

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.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Staten Island man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for shooting at a taxi on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and striking a pregnant woman, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Thursday.

Mark Munoz, 37, pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on March 3.

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Munoz was involved in a dispute with the taxi driver on June 26, 2023, prosecutors said. Munoz followed the taxi after a 21-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man were picked up at the corner of 58th Street and Third Avenue in Sunset Park.

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The defendant pulled alongside the taxi on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and opened fire, hitting the woman, who was two months pregnant, in the head, prosecutors said. The taxi driver drove straight to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where doctors saved the woman and her unborn child.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, This was a terrifying and calculated act of violence carried out in the middle of the day on one of the citys busiest highways. The defendant showed a complete disregard for human life when he opened fire on a moving vehicle, striking a young pregnant woman and endangering countless others.

Munoz fled to Staten Island and was arrested on May 24.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Greenville man received an 8-to-12-year prison sentence for a crash that injured three people in July 2024.

Joshua Butler, 35, was also fined $375 and given a five-year drivers license suspension during his sentencing Thursday in Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas, according to a news release from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office.

Butler pleaded guilty on March 13 to aggravated vehicular assault, failure to stop after an accident, assault, OVI and possession of a fentanyl-related compound.

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Butler was indicted by a Trumbull County grand jury following the accident on Route 7, where Butler was driving a pickup truck that went left of center. That caused the driver of an SUV to swerve off the road and crash, injuring the driver and two passengers, including a 10-year-old child.

One of the passengers of that vehicle was in court to say that they could have easily been killed because of Butlers recklessness, the release from the prosecutors office stated.

Butler also left the scene of the crash before he was approached by an off-duty sheriffs deputy, whom he assaulted, prosecutors said.

The judge noted the defendant had a long criminal history, which began at the age of 11.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
ARCHDALE, N.C. (WGHP)  Police are looking for a suspect after a person was shot in the parking lot of a Piedmont Triad business.

According to the Archdale Police Department, just after 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, they were called about shots fired at Aeolus Filter Corporation on Cheyenne Drive. At the scene, officers found a man with non-life-threatening injuries and he was taken to the hospital.

Witnesses told police that the shooting happened in the parking lot and a light-color sedan was seen leaving the scene shortly after shots were fired. The business and a vehicle in the parking lot were also hit by gunfire.

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Police believe this was an isolated incident and anyone who has any information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Chad Mann at (336) 434-7434 or contact Archdale Crimestoppers at 336-861-STOP (7867) anonymously.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

HGTV star Tarek El Moussa is best known for flipping homes in pricey California since debuting on the network with Flip or Flop in 2012. Thats about to change, however, as El Moussa is investing in Arkansas to capitalize on the real estate boom, mainly fueled by Walmarts (NYSE:WMT) expanded 350-acre headquarters in Bentonville.

Im always looking for markets that feel like theyre on the verge of explodingand Northwest Arkansas checked every box, El Moussa told Realtor.com. The first time I visited, I felt it immediately: energy, growth, community, opportunity. It reminded me of what Orange County felt like 20 years agobefore it became the powerhouse it is today.

Don't Miss:

376 Unit Luxury Property

El Moussa is not investing on a small scale. He has joined a group of investors led by Elevate Den Centerton Multifamily Property Owner LLC, which has pooled its resources to buy an apartment complex in Centerton, Arkansas, located within five miles of Walmarts corporate campus.

Elevate has quietly been purchasing the complex over the past two years. According to Talk Business & Politics, they bought Phases I and II of the apartment complex, Watercolors of Centerton for $45.16 million in 2023. The properties consist of 232 one- and two-bedroom units, and the third phase has 144 units.

Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm  invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share.

According to Realtor.com, the 376-unit luxury property has become a key component of the emerging Centerton Community. According to El Moussa, the elevated rental prices of the apartments compared to those in the area are indicative of the upgraded finishes and amenities.

Watercolors isnt just an apartment complexits a lifestyle upgrade. We focused on design, livability, and what tenants actually care about: comfort, convenience, and community, he told Realtor.com.

Galvanizing The Local Community

According to Realtor.com, Walmart has galvanized the Bentonville community. The retailers main office spans 350 acres and comprises 12 office buildings, food halls, a fitness center, childcare facilities, and parking decks, all integrated into the local community.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Police in Portland, Oregon, are investigating a possible attempted abduction after a woman said a man took off with her child in a stroller before being confronted by the mother, authorities said.

The child was safely taken back to her home, uninjured, while the suspect is still at large, police said.

Would $5K baby bonus be enough to boost US birth rate?

The incident happened on Tuesday morning in the citys Mt. Tabor neighborhood. Scottie Grimes, the mother of the child, spoke with Nexstars KOIN about the incident.

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Grimes said she was getting ready to take her daughter, Sonnet, to preschool around 8 a.m. However, she had to pop back into home to grab a few things first. Seconds later, she looked out the window to check on Sonnet, but saw that the stroller was gone.

Scottie Grimes says a man tried to abduct her daughter in her stroller. (KOIN)

Grimes said she ran outside and saw a man dressed in all black walking down the street with her daughter in the stroller.

I dont remember everything I said because I was in panic mode. But I do remember punching him in the face. And swinging the stroller around  and yelling this like, Im going to call the cops,' Grimes said.

The suspect fled and the child was unharmed.

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Grimes was in so much shock that she didnt call the police until two hours later.

Portland Police Bureau said officers arrived around 10 a.m. but they werent able to locate the suspect, nor could they find any security cameras that may have tracked him. The suspect is described as a white man in his 50s, about 6 feet tall, 250 pounds, dressed in a black zip-up sweatshirt, black jeans, a black beanie and a medical-type mask.

The pain is real: Parents say son, 10, was expelled after another student directed slur at him

Grimes said shes confident shes seen the suspect walking around in her neighborhood before. She made a post about the incident on the social media site NextDoor. Someone commented saying their daughter had been followed by a man in all black in the same neighborhood on that same day.

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Grimes said a lot of other people commented on the post, criticizing her for leaving her baby outside. She said she wont ever do that again, but noted that her daughter was on her own property when she was taken.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Portland police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The contract for what officials are calling the largest public works project undertaken in Manchester since the canals were constructed two centuries ago has been awarded to Methuen Obayashi Joint Venture, officials announced Thursday.

The Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project, part of the citys ongoing 20-year, $500 million combined sewer overflow program to improve water quality in the Merrimack River, is a massive undertaking that involves digging up streets and replacing single-pipe structures with two separated systems for sewage and stormwater.

The centerpiece of the work is the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel, a 2.25-mile tunnel that will measure 12.5 feet in diameter and run 30 to 80 feet deep underground.

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Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel

The Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel, a 2.25-mile tunnel that will measure 12.5 feet in diameter and run 30 to 80 feet underground. The tunnel will start just south of the Queen City Bridge on the east side of the Merrimack River. It will go about 2 miles northeast and pop out of the ground on Mammoth Road at the old CVS, across from the new CVS at 271 Mammoth Road. Construction is expected to get underway in 2025.

The tunnel will start just south of the Queen City Bridge on the east side of the Merrimack River and run northeast, popping out of the ground on Mammoth Road at the old CVS, across from the new CVS.

In a news release, Methuen Obayashi said it will use a tunnel boring machine to minimize disruptions above ground. Construction will begin at the outfall south of the Queen City Bridge and include seven drop shafts placed along the tunnel alignment. The shafts will serve as entry points for stormwater and provide access for the construction team.

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Construction is expected to run from 2025 to 2028.

For the majority of its route, the tunnel follows an abandoned railroad bed that the city has obtained a right of way through  though some parcels of land needed to be acquired, along with easements and subterranean easements.

One of those eminent domain takings caused an uproar last October, when the owners of the popular Eighty Eight Coffee shop at 124 Queen City Ave. announced they were closing because the city was taking the property for the project.

The mandated upgrades to the citys 385-mile network of sewer lines are expected to reduce overflow discharges by 74%, according to a 2020 agreement announced jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Justice Department.

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The agreement focuses on the sewer system, which provides sewage treatment to most of the city as well as portions of Bedford, Goffstown and Londonderry.

During heavy rainfall, stormwater overwhelms the capacity of antiquated sewer systems to handle both stormwater and sewage, causing raw sewage to be discharged directly into the river.

In 1999, the EPA ordered Manchester to address the problem. In 2009, Manchester completed a $58 million Phase I project that covered the West Side.

Sewer project

Cyclists ride on the riverwalk near Manchesters stormwater sewage discharge tunnel on Thursday.

117-mile-long river

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The EPA said Manchester alone accounts for about half of all combined sewer overflows in the Merrimack River.

The 117-mile-long Merrimack River forms in Franklin, N.H. It flows through Concord, Manchester and Nashua and the Massachusetts cities of Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill before meeting the Atlantic Ocean in Newburyport.

The river is the source of drinking water to more than 500,000 people, many of whom are minorities and low-income residents and who live in environmental justice communities, according to the EPA.

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) reached a record high in 2024, with 896 million gallons of untreated sewage released along the Merrimack River, about 30% above the average amount in the previous 10 years.

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Massachusetts state Sens. Ed Kennedy, D-Lowell, and Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, held a meeting in March of a bipartisan working group at the Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility to plan ways to move forward with reducing CSOs in the Merrimack River.

We have considered ways to secure federal funding. We also discussed pulling in a diverse group of partners in New Hampshire, said Kennedy.

CSOs occur in five cities along the Merrimack  Manchester, Nashua, Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill.

In 2024, over 90% of the total CSO volume was released in Manchester and Lowell.

Manchester Ward 3 alderman and state Sen. Patrick Long represented the Queen City at the meeting and expressed commitment to preserving the Merrimack River and noted ways in which Manchester has addressed CSOs.

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I am both grateful and committed to collaborating between Massachusetts and New Hampshire on the Merrimack River CSO project, Long said in a statement. The Merrimack River is a gem to both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Manchester, through our citys Director of Public Works, Mr. (Tim) Clougherty, has made great strides in ensuring the river continues to increase in cleanliness.

Merrimack River

The EPA said Manchester alone accounts for about half of all combined sewer overflows in the Merrimack River.
A suspect was arrested on a boat in a South Carolina beach town Thursday, hours after three pedestrians were struck and the driver ran away armed with a knife, Isle of Palms police said.

Two children and an adult were injured a little before 1 p.m. on Sullivan's Island, a coastal community near Charleston that is adjacent to Isle of Palms, said Sgt. Matthew Storen, an Isle of Palms police spokesperson.

"The suspect has been arrested. He is in custody. The area is now safe," Storen told NBC affiliate WCBD of Charleston late Thursday afternoon. "He was found on a boat."

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There was no struggle in the arrest, Storen said. Police identified the suspect as Justin Collin Adams.

Sullivans Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows said at a news conference that he would not comment on the charges and that he has asked the Charleston County Sheriff's Office to lead the criminal investigation.

Police arrested Collins minutes before 6 p.m. after he was spotted by a helicopter, Meadows said. He did not comment on whether the crash was believed to have been intentional or accidental, citing the investigation.

Residents and police in Sullivan's Island on Thursday.

None of the injuries were life-threatening. The adult and one child were taken to the hospital after the crash, and the other child was treated at the scene and released to parents, police said.

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One of those taken to the hospital had been released by Thursday evening, and the second was due to be released, Meadows said.

"Were thankful that those injuries were not as serious as we thought they were going to be," he said.

Calls about the wreck on Sullivan's Island came in around 12:50 p.m., police said.

The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service were among the agencies that assisted in the investigation and the search for the driver, Meadows said. Checkpoints had been set up during the manhunt.

Collins was at the sheriff's office Thursday evening being interviewed "to determine why this happened, what went on and what charges," Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie said.

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"So we don't have those yet, what charges we're going to make," he said. "But there will be charges, obviously."

Sullivan's Island is a town of around 1,800 on the Atlantic coast around 5 miles outside Charleston and next to Isle of Palms.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  San Angelo voters will take to the polls on May 3 to cast their ballots on multiple races and bond propositions that will influence the towns future. Heres where and when you can vote in the election.

Early voting concluded on April 29. A representative of the Tom Green County Elections Office stated that 5,760 people voted early.

RELATED: Over 5K vote early for May 2025 election

Where and when can I vote?

According to information available on the Tom Green County website, eligible citizens may vote on May 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Several polling places will be open during this time for voters to accomplish this.

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The following locations will serve as polling places for the May 3 election, as per the Tom Green County website:

Angelo Bible Church , lobby  3506 Sherwood Way

Belmore Baptist Church , fellowship hall  1214 S. Bell St.

Calvary Baptist Church , fellowship center  2401 Armstrong St.

Christoval Community Center , multipurpose room  20022 Main St.

SAISD Administration Building , first-floor multipurpose room  1621 University Ave.

Concho Valley Transit District (Bus Depot), Annex Building  506 N. Chadbourne St.

San Angelo First Assembly of God Church , fellowship hall  1442 Edmund Blvd.

Grape Creek ISD , Gene Marsh Board Room  8207 N. U.S. Highway 87

Keating Paint and Body , reception area  5050 N. Chadbourne St.

PaulAnn Church , chapel  2531 Smith Blvd.

Oak Grove Senior Apartments , multipurpose room  4359 Oak Grove Blvd.

Southgate Church of Christ , fellowship hall  528 Country Club Road

Southside Recreation Center , multipurpose room  2750 Ben Ficklin Road

Wall Brethren Church , chapel  50 FM 2334, Veribest

MHMR Services of the Concho Valley (Administration Building), Jack Ray Room  1501 W. Beauregard Ave.

Veribest Baptist Church , chapel  50 FM 2334

Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church , fellowship hall  301 W. 18th St.

TxDOT (Building E), training room  4502 Knickerbocker Road

Westlake Ace Hardware, sales floor  1821 Knickerbocker Road

What will I be voting on?

San Angelo citizens will be asked to cast their ballots on several races and bond proposals during the May 3 election.

The elections results will determine which candidates will be the City of San Angelos next mayor, single-member district 2 seat, single-member district 4 seat and single-member district 6 seat.

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Voters will decide who will serve on San Angelo ISDs School Board through the election. Citizens will also vote regarding the districts $397 million Bond 2025 proposition, which, if passed, would fund renovations and new construction at select SAISD campuses.

The fate of a $41.6 million bond proposal that would fund renovations to the CRC Roofers Coliseum, formerly known as the San Angelo Coliseum and Foster Communications Coliseum, will also be decided through the election.

For more information regarding the races and bond proposals that will be on the ballot, visit Concho Valley Homepages Your Local Election HQ webpage.

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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back on a reporters question Wednesday about whether President Donald Trumps administration has requested the return of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador.

The exchange between Rubio and ABC News correspondent Karen Travers occurred during a White House cabinet meeting. It followed Trumps admission Tuesday that he could theoretically bring back Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager and was deported from Maryland last month despite being granted withholding of removal status and legal working papers by a judge in 2019.

Have you been in touch with El Salvador about returning Abrego Garcia? Has a formal request from this administration been made? Travers asked Trumps secretary of state.

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I would never tell you that. And you know who else Id never tell? A judge, Rubio replied. The conduct of our foreign policy belongs to the president of the United States in the executive branch, not some judge.

Rubios judge comment is perhaps a reference to Maryland federal Judge Paula Xinis, who has set Wednesday as the deadline for the government to provide more information about their efforts to secure Abrego Garcias return to the U.S.  a power Trump officials previously suggested was vested in Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. On April 10, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled the Trump administration must facilitate and effectuate Abrego Garcias return. However, he remains in a lesser-known El Salvador jail after spending weeks at the countrys notorious CECOT prison.

The judge who allowed Abrego Garcia to remain in the U.S. said he would likely be persecuted by gangs if deported to El Salvador. Trump and his Republican allies have tried to discredit Abrego Garcia  and Democrats calling for his return  by amplifying questionable claims of his affiliation with international gang MS-13.

_____
A Massachusetts man is facing criminal charges after police say he filmed a teenage girl as she changed in the dressing room of a Target store earlier this week.

John Michael Williams, 25, of Swansea, is slated to be arraigned Thursday in Fall River District Court on charges of photographing sexual or intimate parts of a child, possession of child pornography, and disorderly conduct, according to the Swansea Police Department.

Officers were called to the Target at 579 Grand Army of the Republic Highway in Swansea around 8 p.m. on Monday after they received a report that a 17-year-old girl was filmed in the dressing room, police said.

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The suspect, later identified as Williams, allegedly used his cellphone to take video of the nude victim in the stores fitting room.

Williams was arrested Wednesday night at a home in Swansea after police shared his surveillance image on social media. His cellphone was seized as evidence.

This kind of invasive and disturbing behavior has no place in our community, Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley said. We take incidents like this very seriously and will always work to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

An investigation remains ongoing.

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CHICOPEE  A statewide tenant union is holding a training session for Chicopee Housing Authority renters on how to file reasonable accommodation requests Thursday night.

The requests, which are meant to help reduce housing barriers for disabled residents and provide equal opportunity, often go unacknowledged by landlords, according to Sarah Byrnes, the executive director of Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants, the group holding the training session.

There is a sense from tenants (across the state) that their requests arent taken seriously, she said Wednesday in a phone call. The union is the oldest statewide public housing tenants organization in the nation.

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This training session comes after the U.S. government filed a lawsuit on behalf of residents of the Chicopee Housing Authority in 2021 accusing the authority and its former executive director, Monica Blazic, of engaging in a pattern of racial and disability discrimination.

According to a consent decree, which was signed off by a federal judge in October, the housing authority agreed to make multiple units handicap accessible.

Blazic, who was also ordered to cut ties with the housing authority before Dec. 31, was replaced by Elizabeth Partyka-Narey.

Partyka-Narey did not immediately respond to emailed questions about how many reasonable accommodation requests the housing authority has granted over the last year.

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Byrnes said the training session, which her organization holds at least once a year around the state, will offer insight to tenants in Chicopees public housing, for the first time, on how to make requests.

Local lawyers will also be at the training session, she said.

A tenant does not need to have a formal diagnosis to request a reasonable accommodation, but it has to be filed a certain way, said Byrnes, who explained that medical documentation is helpful to plead a tenants case.

The meeting will be held from 6-7 p.m. in the Community Room at Chicopee Public Library on Front Street on Thursday, May 1.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Massachusetts has been ranked as the best state in the country for working moms, according to a recent report.

Healey pardons would forgive four for crimes in Massachusetts

In a recent WalletHub report, Massachusetts received a national ranking for its child care system and strong paid family medical leave program.

WalletHub compared dynamics across 17 key metrics in all 50 states to determine the top spot, such as child care quality, number of child care workers per number of children, parental-leave policies, and the average length of a womans work week, ranking Massachusetts number one overall. Massachusetts was also number one for its child care system and work-life balance.

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Massachusetts workers are eligible for up to 26 weeks of combined family and medical leave through the Paid Medical and Family Leave program for reasons such as caring for a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health, bonding with your child during the first 12 months after birth, adoption, or placement, caring for a family member who was injured serving in the armed forces, and managing affairs while a family member is on active duty.

Massachusetts is currently the only state in the nation to continue funding federal COVID-era child care stabilization grants at the same level as the federal government.

We are proud to see Massachusetts recognized as the best state for working moms in the country, said Governor Maura Healey. Our greatest strength is our people. We are home to the best child care programs and schools, the most innovative businesses and a strong paid family medical leave program. Our administration has made progress to expand the number of child care seats, increase educator wages and stabilize child care business. We are dedicated to building on this momentum by continuing to invest in our communities, make Massachusetts more affordable, and ensure that we remain the best place to live for future generations.

Our administration has prioritized child care because we know that for many parents, especially working moms, affordable child care is the difference between going for that promotion and cutting back to part-time, said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Child care is an essential part of our economy  its good for families and its good for business. Team Massachusetts will continue to prioritize making child care more affordable and accessible for all families.

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The Healey-Driscoll administration values caregivers in the workplace, and we remain dedicated to delivering a strong support system to help attract and retain Massachusetts workers, said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. This ranking reflects Massachusetts collaborative effort across government, labor, and the business community to lift up resources in support of caregivers, like working moms and beyond, as we grow a more affordable, equitable, and competitive Commonwealth for all.

Through funding proposals, policy priorities and IT investments, we have been focused on building the equitable, accessible and affordable child care system that our children, families, educators and communities deserve, said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. Todays ranking is another example of why Massachusetts is the best place to go to school, raise a family, and work.

In talking with providers and parents across the early education and care system, and being a working mom myself, I know firsthand how vital access to reliable, high-quality child care is to supporting whole families and enabling working women in particular to advance their economic mobility, said Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Early Education and Care. This ranking recognizes the impact of the Healey-Driscoll Administrations intentional efforts and investments to expand and improve access to high-quality care to make Massachusetts a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Local News Headlines

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos has revealed she came close to resigning from her position two years ago when fraudulent signatures were found on her nomination papers and derailed her campaign for Congress.

In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with 12 News, the lieutenant governor said she wrestled with deciding what to do, and there were moments where she thought she would quit everything.

It got to a moment in which it was very overwhelming, Matos said. It is tough to explain to my, at that time, 83-year-old father everything that was going on and also to make sure that he knew that I have not done anything to shame him or his name, that has always been very important to me.

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BACKGROUND: Matos signature scandal spreads across RI; AG now taking the lead on investigation

Since then, two people have been criminally charged in that scandal: Holly McClaren, a contractor hired by Matos campaign to collect signatures, and Christopher Cotham. Cotham told authorities that McClaren hired him to gather signatures.

After stepping back from the public eye, Matos has been focusing on what she describes as a 24/7 job. Below are highlights from some of the other key national and local topics Matos discussed in the interview.

Reducing the price of groceries

At the top of her agenda, Matos has the policy goal of reducing how much groceries cost. She said this year, her office has introduced four bills to take on that issue.

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One bill would mandate supermarkets offering discounts that can be only obtained through an electronic device to make them available for shoppers who cant access an device-exclusive coupon.

The other bills focus on ensuring the Robinson-Patman Act is enforced and preventing restrictive covenants.

Preparing for a silver tsunami

A silver tsunami refers to the expectation that when baby boomers retire in big numbers, there will be questions about succession plans for a lot of small businesses throughout the country, especially if their children dont want to take over, according to Matos.

To combat this, Matos wants to provide businesses with resources to help those who could take over to start putting together their succession plan.

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She said more than 20 other states already have some form of succession planning, citing how Colorado does this within their office of commerce.

All about preserving: Restaurant group seeks to uphold legacy of RI favorites

Immigration

The topic of immigration and recent deportations by the Trump administration is personal for Matos, who immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic.

She said its scary when she hears news about migrants getting detained and sent to a prison that is far away from where they live.

MORE: State leaders call for due process after ICE arrest, protest in Providence

Future of Providence schools

There is a difference of opinions between Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Gov. Dan McKee and R.I. Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green on when the city should regain control of its public school district, which has been under state control since 2019.

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Smiley wants control back this summer, while RIDE says 2026 would be the earliest theyd consider.

Matos believes control should go back to the city eventually, but right now is not the best timing. She thinks the extension of the takeover until 2027 that RIDE made last year should be seen through before theres another evaluation.

RIs primary care doctor shortage

Matos said the current reimbursement rates are part of the problem, but is also concerned about how there arent enough doctors in Rhode Island.

An idea the lieutenant governor floated was bringing in physicians from other countries, which she noted that neighboring Massachusetts does. She also favored increasing the number of nurse practitioners in the state.

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RELATED: McKee rolls out RI primary care reforms; Neronha criticizes half-baked approach

Her political future

One thing is clear: Matos will run for another term as lieutenant governor in 2026. If she wins reelection, shed be ineligible to seek another term in 2030 due to term limits, opening up the door to run for another office.

However, Matos wouldnt add any fuel to the speculations about her political future post-2026. She emphasized her focus on serving as lieutenant governor when asked if a future run for governor or mayor of Providence, where she lives, is in the cards.

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Whole Foods, which is based in Austin, Texas, and owned by Amazon, was initially dismissed as a defendant in the case when it was moved from state court to federal court. Getty Images

You can find original article here Supermarketnews. Subscribe to our free daily Supermarketnews newsletter.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving Whole Foods in which plaintiffs in Texas claim that trace amounts of heavy metals in Earths Best baby food caused their childs autism.

The high court is not hearing the case based on those specific claims but instead based on the way the case has moved through the court system.

Whole Foods, which is based in Austin, Texas, and owned by Amazon, was initially dismissed as a defendant in the case when it was moved from state court to federal court. The case was moved to federal court because Hain is based in Delaware and New York, and therefore the state court in Texas did not have jurisdiction.

After the federal court found that Hain Celestial Group, the maker of Earths Best, was not liable for causing the autism of the plaintiffs child, the plaintiffs appealed the case and added new charges against Whole Foods. By accusing Whole Foods of making express factual representations about Hain baby food, the plaintiffs said, the entire case should be retried in Texas state court because the plaintiffsSarah and Grant Palmquistare based in Texas.

The Fifth Circuit Court agreed with the plaintiffs and sent the case back to the Texas state courts. Now Hain and Whole Foods have petitioned the Supreme Court to preserve the original finding in favor of Hain and to rule that the plaintiffs should not have been allowed to add new accusations against Whole Foods after the retailer had been removed from the case.

Whole Foods, Hain Celestial, and attorneys for the plaintiffs could not be reached for comment.

Retailers generally exempt from liability

Under Texas law, retailers are generally exempt from liability in legal claims against manufacturers of products that they sell, according to the petition to the Supreme Court filed by Hain and Whole Foods. However, the plaintiffs allege that Whole Foods should be an exception in this case because the retailer made claims about the safety and quality of the baby food that the plaintiffs had relied upon.

The original lawsuit is among several that have been filed against baby food manufacturers alleging that heavy metals in their products cause autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In all but one of those cases, no retailers were accused, according to the petition to the Supreme Court filed by Hain and Whole Foods. In the one case in which a retailer was named as a defendant, the courts granted the defendants motion to dismiss them from the case, the petition states.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First News)  Voters in the Town of Killian returned to the polls on Saturday, May 3, to elect the final member of the Board of Aldermen.

Complete but unofficial results show Republican Trevor Clardy was elected with 51% of the vote. Clardy received 143 votes while Republican Bryce Felps received 140 votes.

Clardy and Felps advanced to the runoff after no candidate secured enough votes to win outright during the initial election on March 29.

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Four of the five alderman seats were filled during that election. The winners included Republicans Corey Beasley, Wesley Bignar, and Ronald L. Sharp Sr., along with Nicholas Guthrie, who ran with no party affiliation.

Killian residents also selected a new mayor during the March 29 vote. Caleb Atwell, a Republican, won with 322 votes, defeating Louis McKinney Jr., who received 101 votes.

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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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Voters in East Baton Rouge Parish chose to renew five separate property tax millages that fund key programs, salaries, and operational needs in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.

These are not new taxes. Each proposition will renew an existing millage for another 10 years.

About the propositions:

Proposition No. 1 of 5  Result: Yes

Renews a 0.72-mill tax expected to raise about $3.89 million annually, starting in 2027. Funds would support the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program (also known as the I CARE program).

View the full proposition.

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Proposition No. 2 of 5  Result: Yes

Renews a 1.04-mill tax projected to generate about $5.6 million annually, beginning in 2027. It would fund operations and maintenance of the school system.

View the full proposition.

Proposition No. 3 of 5  Result: Yes

Renews a 5.99-mill tax to raise approximately $32.3 million annually from 2027 through 2036. It would go toward paying and improving salaries and benefits for public school employees.

View the full proposition.

Proposition No. 4 of 5  Result: Yes

Renews a 4.98-mill tax expected to bring in about $26.88 million annually, from 2028 to 2037. Funds would provide additional support for schools, replacing reduced state and local revenue while maintaining operations.

View the full proposition.

Proposition No. 5 of 5  Result: Yes

Renews a 7.14-mill tax projected to raise $38.5 million annually, beginning in 2029 and running through 2038. It would also support public school salaries and employee benefits.

View the full proposition.

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May 3 Election Results: See who won vacant House District 67 seat; did tax to fund DAs office pass or fail?

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
May Day, also known as International Workers Day, is celebrated on May 1. It commemorates the struggle that happened centuries ago to pave the way for our traditional eight-hour workday.

Crowds gathered at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle and near Tivoli Fountain in Olympia, and KIRO 7 News has been there.

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Heres a look at some of the May Day rallies happening around Puget Sound:

Bainbridge Island

Start time: 5 p.m.

Location: Winslow Way East and Washington 305

Bellingham

Start time: Noon

Location: Federal Building at 104 West Magnolia Street

Bremerton

Start time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: Manette Bridge

Federal Way

Start time: 4 p.m.

Location: Pacific Highway and 320th Street

Gig Harbor

Start time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: Point Fosdick Drive and Olympic Drive

Lake Forest Park

Start time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: the corner of Bothell and Ballinger, 17425 N. East Bothell Way

Lynnwood

Start time: 3:30 p.m.

Location: Lynnwood Event Center on the street corner of 3711 196th St. SW.

Mount Lake Terrace

Start time: 4 p.m.

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Location: 236th Street Southwest & 56th Avenue West

Olympia

Start time: Noon

Location: Tivoli Fountain, 103 Capitol Way S, Olympia

Port Orchard

Start time: 12 p.m.

Location: All four corners of the intersection at Bethel Road Southeast and Southeast Lund Avenue

Redmond

Start time: 430 p.m.

Location: Redmond Downtown Park

Renton

Start time: 2:15 p.m.

Location: 128th Ave. SE and SE. 164th St.

Seattle

Start time: Noon

Location: Cal Anderson Park

Seattle

Start time: 10:30am

Celebrate International Workers' Day with a rally and door-to-door outreach to Seattle workers and businesses on May 1st. Rally kicks off at 10:30 AM at the Chinese Information Service Center, 611 South Lane Street, Seattle #MayDayOLS2025 #OneSeattle pic.twitter.com/mijREAtCGL  Seattle Office of Labor Standards (@OLS_SEA) April 30, 2025

Tacoma

Start time: 4 p.m.

Location: Tollefson Plaza, then marching to Northwest Detention Center
Protesters gather outside the Federal Building in Milwaukee to denounce the arrest of Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday, April 25. Groups that took part in the demonstration say Dugan's arrest has given new gravity to this year's protests planned for May Day in support of immigrants and workers. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

Leaders of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM), a national network of immigration reform activists, held a virtual press conference Wednesday, ahead of a nationwide day of action on May 1. Although May Day demonstrations are held annually, this year the protests carry a new gravity. Leaders of organizations including FAIR, composed of 38 immigrant-led groups across 32 states, drew attention to the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, and growing concerns about the Trump Administration targeting immigrant communities.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of the Wisconsin-based Voces de la Frontera, said momentum to resist Trumps policies has grown after the April 1 Wisconsin Supreme Court election. It was a resounding defeat at the voting booth for Trumps endorsed candidate for our state Supreme Court race, and a resounding rejection of Elon Musks blatant efforts to buy our election, Neumann-Ortiz said during the Wednesday press conference.

Protesters gather outside the Federal Building in Milwaukee to denounce the arrest of Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

After the election, Wisconsinites mobilized to participate in mass protests against Trump and Musks firing of federal workers and canceling of federal programs. United, mass actions, Neumann-Ortiz said, will be crucial in the days ahead. The May Day protest, she said, really represents the next iteration in this warring resistance to Trumps efforts to impose dictatorship in this country, and to really challenge the scapegoating of immigrants and refugees for social inequality [while] he is contributing to significantly widening that gap.

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May Day also will be an important platform to build alliances between working-class people, she said. Neumann-Ortiz said communities in Wisconsin had recently experienced an operation that was being conducted by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security investigators under so-called wellness checks of unaccompanied [immigrant] minors and their sponsors homes.

Voces de la Fronterea learned of the operation through a 24/7 immigration emergency hotline the group operates. Neumann-Ortiz told Wisconsin Examiner that Voces de la Frontera is aware of such cases in Milwaukee, Whitewater, and Waukesha. The group had received a call involving an 8th grade student who was home alone when several armed agents arrived, allegedly saying they didnt need a judicial warrant to enter.

So again, it was just these manipulative tactics, Neumann-Ortiz told Wisconsin Examiner. After Voces de la Frontera was contacted, the group sent an immediate community response to assess what was going on. What we uncovered is that basically this was an operation thats being conducted to check in on unaccompanied minors who had come through and had a sponsor like, in this case, a family member. But again, this is not the role of the FBI. Their job is to target organized crime, or trafficking, things like that. They do notThis is not how any kind of wellness check is conducted. This is not the bodythe agency that would do that.

Protesters gather outside the Milwaukee FBI office on April 26. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

Neumann-Ortiz said that Voces members insisted that if agents wanted to interview the minor, they should go to an attorneys office to do the interview. We do feel that this is, I would say, highly suspect in terms of what could unfold.

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Wisconsin Examiner reached out to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offices in Milwaukee regarding the wellness checks. A FBI spokesperson said in an emailed statement that, The FBI is assisting our partners including, Homeland Security Investigations and Office of Refugee Resettlement, with a nationwide effort to conduct welfare checks on thousands of unaccompanied children who have been identified as crossing the border without a parent or legal guardian. Sadly, children crossing the border alone and living in the U.S. without the protection of a loving parent or guardian can be vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and violence. Protecting children is a critical mission for the FBI and we will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to secure their safety and well-being.

An ICE spokesperson said in an email the agency is familiar with the Wisconsin Examiners inquiry, and said to contact the Department of Homeland Security. In response to Wisconsin Examiners inquiry, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in an emailed statement, The previous administration allowed many of these children who came across the border unaccompanied to be placed with sponsors who were actually smugglers and sex traffickers.

McLaughlin added, DHS is leading efforts to conduct welfare checks on these children to ensure that they are safe and not being exploited. Unlike the previous administration, President Trump and Secretary Noem take the responsibility to protect children seriously and will continue to work with federal law enforcement to reunite children with their families. In less than 100 days, Secretary Noem and Secretary Kennedy have already reunited over 5,000 unaccompanied children with a relative or safe guardian.

Protesters gather outside of the Milwaukee FBI office on Saturday, April 26, to speak out against the arrest of Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

Since late March, at least three people have been arrested by ICE agents as they appeared at the Milwaukee County Courthouse for routine proceedings. The most recent arrest also resulted in an FBI investigation being launched against Judge Dugan, who federal agencies accuse of obstructing their effort to arrest a man who was appearing before her. The arrest drew thousands of people into the streets to support Dugan. On Saturday, April 26, over 1,200 people gathered outside the Milwaukee FBI office, decrying Dugans arrest as authoritarian, fascist, and inconsistent with American values.

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On the press conference call Wednesday, Neumann-Ortiz was joined by leaders of FIRM-member organizations from across the country. May Day protests are expected in states across the country. David Chiles, interim executive director of Sunflower Community Action in Kansas said Trumps policies are a race to the bottom and a war on wages, on benefits, on dignity itself. Chiles said that on Thursday, were fighting back. Cathryn Jackson, public policy director of CASA, who will march with groups toward the White House, said, Immigrants and allies are rising up to say enough is enough. May 1, international day of action, we are joining hundreds of marches, rallies, walk-outs, demonstrations with one very clear unified message  One struggle, one fight, workers unite.

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CHICAGO  May Day demonstrations have kicked off in Chicago and nationwide Thursday.

May Day, celebrated annually on May 1, is a day dedicated to international workers rights and marks the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement around the world.

The marches and protests are mainly focused on U.S. President Donald Trumps policies and fears of global economic uncertainty.

The thousands of people attending rallies and demonstrations are calling for stronger protections for workers, higher wages, greater equality and more.

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Organizers are hoping to send a strong message of workers rights to the Trump administration, many pointing a finger at President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who has laid off thousands of government employees.

Participants are also rallying for immigrants who face deportation without due process.

The May Day event in Chicago began in Union Park at 9:15 a.m. with speakers. The march then headed to Grant Park around 11a.m.

We have rights, and they should be respected by everyone, including our own government, U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia said.

The controversial mass deportation policies of President Trumps administration, with reports of 2-year-old citizens forcibly separated from parents, coming under fire.

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This international workers day we join hands with immigrant communities, a speaker at the protest said.

Marchers made their way to Butler Field where among the many speakers was the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Over 100 cities nationwide had organized protests, making 2025 "a historic May Day National Day of Action" to protest the Trump administration.
Alondra Arce, 17, wants to be the person that speaks up to say, "This is not right."

A senior at Waukesha South High School, she turned out with hundreds of others for a rainy May Day march in part of south side Milwaukee advocating for immigrants' and workers' rights.

"We're not going to stay silent, and we're going to stay here and fight," Arce said. "This is our home and our land as well. We should all feel welcome and accepted."

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Many marchers shared Arce's goal of raising alarms about the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. They spoke of pervasive fear in heavily Latino south side neighborhoods, concerns that even citizens and non-citizens alike could be swept up, and the strength in numbers they felt at the march.

People march up S 6th st as part of Voces de la Fronteras May Day March, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers, on Thursday May 1, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Even opening door or running errands carries fear of deportation

Omar Hernandez, 18, marched with fellow students from Carmen High School of Science and Technology. He's been running errands for his parents, who are scared to leave home for fear of being picked up. Many of the students worry about being separated from their parents, said classmate Yasmine Vanegas, also 18.

People even are wary about opening their front doors on the chance an immigration agent might be standing there. Factory worker Manuel Sandoval, 43, of Waukesha, brought his four boys to the march and said having to return to his small hometown in Mexico would limit opportunities for his sons.

"I think all of us are afraid, although we don't show it, because we have to go out to work, we have to go out to the stores," Sandoval said in Spanish. "You don't know where they can be."

17-year-old Alondra Arce holds a protest sign as she prepares to be part of Voces de la Fronteras May Day March, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers, on Thursday May 1, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Immigration policies rattle even U.S. citizens

Anely Santos, 35, of Milwaukee, is a warehouse worker who heard Trump's promise to deport "homegrowns," or U.S. citizens, to a Salvadoran prison. She worries about the possibility immigration agents could profile her as a Latina woman, then arrest her. A number of U.S. citizens have been detained mistakenly in recent weeks, including a 20-year-old Georgia man who was detained at a traffic stop, and a 54-year-old Illinois man who was surrounded by agents after buying pizza.

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But Santos also was optimistic the protest movement  one of numerous marches across the country  could make an impact. In Milwaukee, more than 100 businesses closed during the march in solidarity with the cause, intending to show what a "day without immigrants" would look like.

Santos marched with Ulyses Girado, 35, who works as a janitor. Girado carried a sign he drew of a green alien creature with the words "illegal alien?" to make a point that immigrants are humans too.

Dani Lopez, a high school teacher, is concerned that she could be affected if the Supreme Court throws out the long-established doctrine of birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. The U.S. is going backward, she said.

"The government needs to understand that they cannot treat humans this way, especially immigrants who have given up so much in their past lives to come here," she said.

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Cleaner Blanca Jimenez, 46, of Milwaukee, was marching with her union, Service Employees International. She was frustrated with everything she's seen since Trump took office, from high grocery prices to the Salvadoran prison pledge to all the empty stores and restaurants in Latino neighborhoods, as people stay home to limit their risk of being detained.

"I don't understand why Democrats don't stand up and do something about it," she said.

Manuel Sandoval gives his two-year-old Gael snacks as he participates in Voces de la Fronteras May Day March, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers, on Thursday May 1, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis.

May Day march represents 'a new movement'

Still, among the widespread frustration was a hope that something could change.

"If more people other than Latinos tried to empathize and understand the Latino struggle, I think that would do a lot for the city," said Aidan Riley, 24, a screen printer from Milwaukee.

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Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, characterized the march as an "escalation of the resistance" to Trump administration policies such as immigration arrests at the courthouse.

She hoped the day represented "a new movement that is much deeper and stronger of working class people who are fighting back."

The protest march stretched more than two blocks front to back as it moved from Historic Mitchell Street to Zeidler Union Square, with demonstrators from high schoolers to retirees carrying signs and chanting.

"Sin papeles, sin miedo," read one: No papers, no fear. As people marched, they chanted a common protest refrain: "El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido," or, the people united will never be defeated.

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Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Determined May Day marchers worry over Trump policies, pervasive fear
By Doyinsola Oladipo, Karen Freifeld and Rich McKay

(Reuters) -Lawyers, teachers and politicians marched among thousands of demonstrators across the U.S. on Thursday to protest President Donald Trump's policies on immigration, the targeting of lawyers and judges, and the power of wealthy decision-makers.

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, whose husband Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a U.S. resident the administration sent by mistake to a prison in El Salvador, spoke at a Washington rally that was among the protests organized by lawyers' groups and by a coalition of more than 200 labor unions and immigrant rights advocates.

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"He was illegally detained, abducted and disappeared by the Trump administration, though they admitted it was an error," Vasquez Sura said, adding her husband has endured "50 days of suffering."

"For everyone watching, keep fighting," she said. The crowd responded with chants of: "Bring Kilmar home."

Organizers have accused the Trump administration of prioritizing profits for billionaires and called on it to invest in working families by fully funding healthcare, housing and public schools.

"It's a clear split screen between the priorities of the Trump administration and what regular people want and need," said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, a consumer rights advocacy group and a co-organizer of the Washington rally.

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Organizers expected hundreds of thousands of protesters across the country, hoping for the biggest May Day Protests in U.S. history. Previous protests have garnered thousands of attendees since Trump returned to office.

Federal workers have been fired as Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, a top adviser heading a new Department of Government Efficiency, have moved to slash government departments and fire workers.

U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar told a crowd in Washington the administration's actions were "eliminating oversight so corporations can exploit workers without consequences."

Days after Trump celebrated his first 100 days in office with a campaign-style event in Michigan, the rallies came as Democrats sought a unified response and a galvanizing leader.

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U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont addressed thousands at a rally in Philadelphia.

In New York, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warned protesters that Trump and the Republican majority in the U.S. Congress "are going after Medicaid next."

Ocasio-Cortez, who has been touring the country holding rallies with Sanders, said she had just learned that Republicans "have stopped and suspended next week's Medicaid cuts because they are getting too scared ... But our fight is not over because they have only suspended" the cuts to Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for low-income Americans.

She said there were 6,000 protesters in New York City and tens of thousands more demonstrating in Philadelphia, Idaho, Los Angeles, Denver, and Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

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Also in New York, hundreds of lawyers attended a separate "National Law Day of Action" event, chanting "Respect our judges, give support. Stand behind them, and the court."

Some prominent law firms have pledged millions in free legal work and made other concessions to Trump in efforts to get him to rescind punitive measures against them. Others have filed lawsuits challenging his orders and have been supported by law professors, advocacy groups, state attorneys general, former top legal executives at large companies and others.

Federal judges have claimed the Trump administration has failed to comply with court orders regarding foreign aid, federal spending and the firing of government workers. The administration disputes it has defied judges.

Among the speakers in Manhattan was Stuart Gerson, who served President George H.W. Bush, a Republican, as an assistant attorney general and also served President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, as acting attorney general.

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"This is about country, not about party," Gerson told the crowd, recalling what Bush told him when Clinton asked him to serve in his cabinet. "You don't pledge fealty to an individual, you pledge fealty to the Constitution."

In Los Angeles, demonstrators turned their ire on Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Trump's hard line against immigration, hoisting banners declaring, "L.A. labor stands with immigrants" and "Resist Fascism."

"The constitution is being trampled on," said Mark Diamond, 62, from the L.A. neighborhood of San Pedro. "If it takes four years, we'll be out here 100 times."

(Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo and Karen Freifeld in New York, Rick McKay in Atlanta, and Alan Devall and Jackie Luna in Los Angeles; editing by Donna Bryson, David Gregorio and Diane Craft)
Another round of global protests against President Donald Trump's administration are planned for International Workers' Day on May 1, also known as "May Day."

The May Day protests, organized by the May Day Coalition and the 50501 movement, are the latest in a series of demonstrations opposing Trump's policies and the Department of Government Efficiency's ongoing efforts to significantly cut federal spending.

"This May Day we are fighting back," reads a statement online. "We are demanding a country that puts our families over their fortunes  public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, prosperity over free market politics."

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Events are planned across the country, including abroad in France, Italy and the United Kingdom. In Nashville, events are scheduled for May 1 and May 3.

Here's what else to know.

When, where is the May Day protest in Nashville? What time does it start?

United Volunteers of Tennessee will be hosting two rallies and a march on May 3. Prior to the march, people are encouraged to attend a poster-making event on May 1 at Centennial Park (2500 West End Ave.) from 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Noon - The first rally will take place at Public Square Park, located at Union Street and Third Ave. N.

1 p.m. - Demonstrators will march from the courthouse to Nissan Stadium, located at One Titans Way.

1:30 p.m. - The second rally will take place at Wasioto Park, located at 592 South First St.

What issues are driving the 'May Day' protest? What is the 50501 movement?

According to United Volunteers of Tennessee, the May protests are a call to protect federal programs, fund education and healthcare, and "stop the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration."

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The 50501 movement, which gained traction on social media, grew out of concerns over the actions of the Trump administration. The idea represents 50 protests in 50 states in one day. Since the movement's inception, multiple protests have occurred across the country.

Protesters with 50501 movement march downtown to Broadway to protest project 2025 in Nashville , Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

In February, nearly 150 people demonstrated outside the Tennessee Capitol in support of immigrant and LGBTQIA+ communities. Some chanted about resisting fascism and deporting Elon Musk, the Tennessean reported.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When is May Day protest in Nashville, Tennessee? What to know
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Its the first day of May, or May Day.

Officials provide updates on multi-million dollar Springfield Courthouse project

May Day has come to be recognized as International Workers Day, which means rallies worldwide from workers fighting for better conditions and better pay.

USA Today states that on May 1, 1886, more than 340,000 American workers walked out of their jobs in support of the eight-hour work day, which was proposed by the American Federation of Labor two years prior. After two days, activists organized a union action at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Chicago, and during this protest, police intimidated and ultimately beat the strikers, resulting in the death of at least six people.

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Then, on May 4, 1886, a rally was held at Chicagos Haymarket Square. This protest was meant to be non-violent, but violence took place, and several civilians were killed at the hands of police, and dozens were injured. In 1889, labor advocates deemed May 1 as International Workers Day, or May Day.

Over 1,100 protests against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are scheduled worldwide for Thursday. Here in Massachusetts, protests are planned across the state.

In Springfield, activists plan to stand out at the post office on Main Street beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Massachusetts Nurses Association told 22News theyll be picketing outside of Baystate Medical Center, located at 759 Chestnut Street, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. That comes as another round of layoffs was announced at the hospital this week.

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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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Key Points

Easterly's results met expectations, but investors were more focused on other corporate actions taken in recent weeks.

The company has the potential to be a winner from the effort to streamline government, but investors would be wise to be cautious right now.

Government real estate owner Easterly Government Properties (NYSE: DEA) reported quarterly results that were roughly in line with expectations, but investors are still more focused on disappointing news the company released earlier in the month.

Shares of Easterly traded down 3% as of 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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Resetting expectations

As its name implies, Easterly is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is focused on government properties. The company has been in the spotlight of late due to the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut federal spending, including real estate.

Earlier this month, the REIT said it was reducing its quarterly dividend by 32% and implementing a 1-for-2.5 reverse stock split. CEO Darrell Crate said the move would align the company's dividend payout ratio with industry peers, but some investors had been attracted to Easterly thanks to its relatively high dividend yield. Shares lost 15% of their value on the announcement.

On Tuesday, the company reported first-quarter funds from operations (FFO) of $0.73 per share on revenue of $78.7 million. The FFO number, which is a REIT equivalent for earnings, matched expectations, while revenue missed by $1.3 million.

Is Easterly a buy?

Easterly is in the investor penalty box following the early April announcement, but the latest results at least provide for some hope that the company remains on track. Crate continues to believe it can be a net beneficiary from DOGE, saying, "We have observed the U.S. government to be more receptive to cost saving efforts than in the past" and said Washington could be interested in partnering with private real estate owners instead of relying on government-owned buildings.

The potential is there, but after a tumultuous April, Easterly has become a "show me" stock. Investors without a significant appetite for risk might want to limit this one to the watch list for now.

Should you invest $1,000 in Easterly Government Properties right now?

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The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Easterly Government Properties wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Kansans rally on May 1, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 event in honor of International Workers' Day. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The American dream Maranda Kealy was promised as a kid is nowhere to be found, she said at a rally Thursday in Topeka attended by hundreds in a display of collective action against President Donald Trumps second term.

Its not the one any of us were promised, she said.

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Kealy, a 22-year-old from the small town of Harveyville about 45 minutes southwest of Topeka, held a sign that read, Dude: This is so not the American dream.

We were promised freedom and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Kealy said, but the administration has taken that to mean life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for some people, not all.

The political grassroots group 50501 organized the event in honor of International Workers Day, celebrated on May 1 along with the European holiday May Day. The same group convened weeks before on April 5 at the state Capitol for a day of action, drawing a crowd of thousands. Thursdays protest was more modest, with a crowd of around 300.

Kealy works for the U.S. Postal Service, and she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Both were impetuses for her presence on the Statehouse grounds.

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Every American deserves due process. Every American deserves a chance to live the American dream, and every person deserves a chance to have their voice heard, Kealy said.

A mishmash of anti-Trump, pro-Ukraine, anti-Putin, pro-democracy, anti-Elon Musk signs and American flags  both upside down and right side up  speckled the south lawn of the Kansas Statehouse as the events speakers railed against the Trump administration and the presidents supporters.

The events speakers included 50501 organizers, Overland Park Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher, the vice president of chapter 66 of the National Treasury Employees Union in Kansas City, Daniel Scharpenburg, and the Rev. Nori Rost, a Unitarian Universalist minister in Lawrence and social justice advocate.

The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Scharpenburgs union represents roughly 6,000 employees of the Internal Revenue Service.

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I dont know if youve heard, he said to the crowd, but we are not OK.

The IRSs Kansas City office is facing the possibility of being halved, Scharpenburg said. He lobbed critiques at the Trump administrations moves to clamp down on unions.

I have to say, if they were not afraid of working people, they would not try to union bust, right? he said.

The American Federation of Laborers and Congress of Industrial Organizations, an international federation of more than 60 unions, said May 1 is the day the world celebrates the bravery of workers throughout history who have sacrificed for safety, dignity and justice on the job.

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Our solidarity is our strength, the AFL-CIO said in a Thursday message. We take pride in knowing that we are a global movement standing up to the billionaires who are threatening our rights and freedoms.

Not where I want to be

Holscher reminded the crowd of the presidents promise to lower prices at the grocery store. The crowd laughed.

It is quite apparent, however, in these first 100 days of the Trump administration, we have been sold a bill of goods, Holscher said.

She criticized state Republican leaders, referring to them as MAGA extremists, for a handful of their decisions during the 2025 legislative session, including the creation of the Committee on Government Efficiency and their assault on public education funding.

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She warned of Republicans sending Kansas back to the deficit days of the Brownback administration.

The rally was 61-year-old Army veteran David Becks first time participating in something like it.

This is not where I want to be, he said.

He lives about 90 miles from Topeka and was born and raised in southeast Kansas. Everything is at stake, he said.

What hasnt he harmed? he asked, referring to Trump.

Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, rallies at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, celebrated her birthday by protesting the scary, scary things she sees happening under the Trump administration.

She said she was especially concerned for her husband, a retired active duty Army Gulf War veteran and a federal employee with a year left to retire.

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Hallenbeck appeared at the Capitol dressed in the red uniform of The Handmaids Tale, the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood about a near-future dystopia where women are forcibly assigned to produce children.

It feels like it makes a statement. Somebodys going to see this, Hallenbeck said. Today, May Day, its my birthday, Im 58 years old, and this is what Im doing today, and its a shame that I have to be, but I have to be. We have to be vigilant. We cant have 1930s Germany in the United States.

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

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Daniel Scharpenburg appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

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A protester holds a sign in support of funding for public media during a May 1, 2025, rally at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 national day of action. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

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Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, rallies at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally on May 1, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 event in honor of International Workers' Day. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Jack Harvel appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Daniel Scharpenburg appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Daniel Scharpenburg appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)
Hundreds of marchers and demonstrators gathered at Union Park in the West Loop Thursday morning for a rally on May Day, a celebration commemorating the labor movement.

Organized labor and activist groups are calling for protection of immigrants and fair wages and carried signs that said, Built by immigrant hands, enjoyed by all and We are the engine of this country.

A march to Grant Park is planned for later in the day. City officials warned that motorists should expect rolling street closures along the route of the march and seek an alternate route.

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The planned route spans east on West Washington Street to South Morgan Street, south on South Morgan Street to West Jackson Street and east on West Jackson Street and into Butler Field at Grant Park.

This years rally and march comes nearly 140 years after the Haymarket Affair and just over 100 days into President Donald Trumps second term, a response, organizers said, to a barrage of presidential policies targeting immigrants and workers.

May Day celebrates what happened here, what happened on these streets, said Don Villar, the secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor, at a gathering of labor leaders at the Haymarket Memorial last week. We have some old cobblestone bricks back there. If those bricks could talk, they could tell the struggle that took place here 140 years ago. And you know what? That struggle continues.

Three days before the Haymarket Affair  in which a bomb was thrown during a Chicago labor rally that resulted in the death of eight police officers and at least four civilians  tens of thousands marched on Michigan Avenue in a campaign to reduce the customary 10- to 12-hour workday to eight hours.

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Though the U.S. honors workers in September  with Labor Day, which also has Chicago roots  the May 1886 events are commemorated in Chicago by a memorial on Desplaines Street, north of Randolph Street: A bronze statue of a wagon that served as a speakers platform during the labor meeting.

They rounded up all the labor activists, labor leaders, because they blamed them for what happened here. And whatre they doing today? They are rounding people up, Villar added. Every day people are disappearing because theyre exercising their free speech rights.

What to know about May Day, including its Chicago origins and how it has grown over the years

Organizers have said May Day should signify that immigrant rights are human rights, particularly in Chicago where, early into Trumps second term, some immigrant workers stayed home from their jobs, fearing that federal agents would arrest them if they showed up to work.

They are even more afraid to speak up, said Marcos Ceniceros, the executive director of Warehouse Workers for Justice, a group that helps workers organize for better working conditions.
May Day, celebrated on May 1, is known as a day for marches and rallies across the region particularly surrounding workers rights.

History of May Day  International Workers Day

May Day commemorates the struggle and the lives lost during the fight to ensure the traditional workday we are now accustomed to.

It all began in the 1880s. According to the American Postal Workers Union, industrial workers were tired of long hours and harsh conditions. The organization now known as the American Federation of Labor coordinated a nationwide strike for May 1, 1886 for workers to demand the 8-hour workday.

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In Chicago, anarchists and labor activists began a multi-day strike, which later became known as the Haymarket affair of 1886, according to The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

By the third day, things turned violentwith numerous protesters and police officers dying.

On May 1, 1886, NPR reports that more than 340,000 workers took part in national actions in support of an eight-hour day.

To honor the Chicago workers, Time reports that the International Socialist Conference in 1889 named May Day a labor holiday, creating what many now call International Workers Day.

May Day Turmoil in Seattle

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Protests in Seattle on May Day havent always gone smoothly. For four consecutive years, starting in 2012, anarchists and anti-capitalists dressed in black clashed with police.

2012

Protesters flooded downtown streets, some shattering windows, firing paintballs, setting fires, and blocking traffic. Many businesses went into lockdown as a result. KIRO 7s cameras captured much of the turmoil.

The mayor at the time, Mike McGinn, issued an order that allowed police to confiscate items that could be used as weapons, such as large dowels, handles for signs, ball peen hammers and tire irons.

Several people were arrested.

2013

With the exception of a few minor scuffles, Seattle Police said the May Day March itself went off without a hitch.

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However, two hours after it ended, officers said another group of demonstrators smashed windows and hurled rocks at them.

Protesters ignited smoke bombs and threw fireworks at people, and officers eventually began loading many of them into transport vans.

Eight officers were hurt  mostly bumps and bruises, but one officer was hit in the knee by a fist-sized rock.

A woman driving by the commotion was also hurt. Officers said someone threw a glass bottle at her car and shattered her window.

About 17 people were arrested for offenses such as property destruction and assault.

2014

The Seattle Police Department said an afternoon rally, organized by El Comite, was peaceful. However, a second unpermitted group began causing problems.

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Police said the group hurled bottles, bricks and firecrackers at them and lit several dumpsters on fire.

In total, ten people were arrested  including one man for assaulting an officer.

2015

Two peaceful demonstrations took place before things took a turn in the city. One permitted by El Comite  the other unplanned.

Mid-afternoon, officers spotted a crowd of about 75 people wearing masks near the Federal Courthouse, and thats where things took a turn.

In total, three police officers were hospitalized, and five others were hurt during the events of May Day in 2015.

Sixteen people were arrestedmany carrying knives, hammers, and other types of weapons.

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The violence and arrests were a result, according to police, largely because of an unpermitted march on Capitol Hill, which grew into a full-scale riot.

Video showed people breaking windows of buildings, lighting the American flag on fire and hitting officers with sticks.

The Seattle Police Department said it spent about $288,000 in overtime for the event.

2016

A man threw unlit gasoline-filled beer bottles at Seattle police. One officer suffered leg burns after a flash-bang grenade ignited gasoline from a bottle that shattered at his feet.

The police department said that in total, five officers were hurt.

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Seattle police used pepper spray to disperse black-clad anti-capitalist protesters.

Officers said the group threw rocks, flares, bricks, and Molotov cocktails at them.

At least nine people were arrested.

The violence came after a peaceful protest that happened earlier in the day  similar to years past.

2017

Rioters were arrested in Olympia after protests turned violent.

A confrontation between protestors and onlookers escalated, which led to 9 arrests.

2018

Hundreds gathered and marched in a mostly peaceful demonstration in Seattle.

Only one arrest was made after a masked man threw a rock at the Amazon Spheres.
Four years ago, Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez stood on the steps of City Hall and celebrated the creation of the Youth Development Department.

She had pushed since 2018 for the department, which oversees programs for young people, including a Youth Council to educate them about city government.

On Tuesday, with the city deep in a budget crisis, Rodriguez pleaded for Mayor Karen Bass not to get rid of the department.

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In her proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, Bass suggested that the city fold the Youth Development Department  along with the Department of Aging and the Economic and Workforce Development Department  into the larger Community Investment for Families Department.

The Youth Development Department would no longer exist, though some of its functions would be preserved. Under Bass' proposal, the budget dedicated to those functions would decrease to less than $1.6 million from $2.3 million. Eight employees would be laid off, with 10 remaining.

"Don't undermine and wipe away all those years of work," Rodriguez said at a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday.

She called the mayor's proposed budget "a hatchet to so many programs that Angelenos rely on" and said there was no "rhyme or reason" to some of the suggested cuts.

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Matt Hale, the city's deputy mayor of finance, innovation and operations, said the three departments being absorbed by the Community Investment for Families Department have responsibilities that sometimes overlap.

Like most things in the city, we have divided them into silos, and people who come through our doors saying I need help' are then given a scavenger hunt to perform, Hale said.

At a City Council budget committee meeting Tuesday, Hale said the consolidation would save $5 million and result in better outcomes and more effective services.

Bass spokesperson Zach Seidl said the mayors office is not considering reversing course on the consolidation.

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Read more: Bass proposes laying off about 1,650 city workers, a quarter of them civilians at LAPD

Bass' proposed budget, which is being considered by the budget committee in several weeks of hearings, attempts to close a $1-billion shortfall caused in large part by rising personnel costs, soaring legal payouts and a slowdown in the local economy. The mayor's budget eliminates more than 2,700 city positions  about 1,650 of them through layoffs.

In addition to running the 30-member Youth Council, the Youth Development Department organizes the Youth Summit and the Youth Expo, annual events that help young people get jobs and internships. The department also is reviewing city programs to determine whether they are reaching youths and meeting youths' needs.

If the cuts suggested by the mayor are made, the Youth Development Department would reach about 6,900 constituents, down from about 10,000 last year.

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"To take [the department] away now would not just be a step backwards, it would be a betrayal of the youth  who deserve to be invested in, not ignored," said Monica Rodriguez  no relation to the councilmember  who was a member of the inaugural Youth Council.

Councilmember Rodriguez said that instead of being consolidated, the department should grow, suggesting that the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program should come under its purview. The program, which provides gang intervention and prevention services and community engagement programs, is under the mayor's office and has a proposed budget of nearly $40 million.

"The department doesn't have to go away. The department can sustain itself," the council member said. "This budget document needs to be a reflection of the values of this city, and what's being communicated at this time is young people's voices are subordinate to other priorities  and that's not OK."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo.  McDonald County High School held a special signing ceremony this morningbut not for students-athletes.

Its a military career path for the 11 students who signed on the dotted line today.

6 of them are joining the United States Marine Corps, 4 have enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard and one is joining the U.S. Army. School officials told us the school district has a storied history of military service and today was just another example.

Growing up a lot, I look at all the models in my life, I cant believe I get to be one of them, I hope someone looks at me as their model, I just cant believe Ill be there, said Kesty Thipen.

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Thipens brother is also a marine. He said that wasnt his main influence. He told us the Corps will also give him the opportunity to see the world and experience new things.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The McFarland Greater Chamber of Commerce is set to host a prayer event on the National Day of Prayer.

The event is scheduled for Thursday at 6 a.m. at the Veterans Hall located at 103 West Sherwood Avenue in McFarland.

Officials with the city of McFarland said residents of McFarland are invited to join in a moment of reflection and unity.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
One attorney has been defending President Donald Trump's war against Big Law in court.

That's Richard Lawson, a Florida native who joined the Department of Justice earlier this year.

Lawson's arguments for Trump's executive orders against law firms have so far been unsuccessful.

In President Donald Trump's war against Big Law, a veteran attorney is his chief frontline fighter.

The four major law firms that have decided to hit back at Trump's executive orders with lawsuits have assembled a murderer's row of skilled litigators, all trying to get judges to permanently block the orders that target the firms.

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On the other side of the aisle, representing the Trump administration in the courtroom, is just one guy: Richard Lawson.

Lawson joined the Department of Justice earlier this year as a deputy associate attorney general. In recent weeks, he has been alone in court defending Trump's executive orders against the firms Susman Godfrey, Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale.

"You're a bit outmanned here," a federal judge remarked after Lawson showed up solo earlier this month to a hearing for Susman Godfrey's lawsuit against the Trump administration.

By the end of the hearing, the judge ruled against Lawson, finding the executive order "antithetical to our constitutional republic."

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Lawson  a 52-year-old Florida native who has spent time in the public and private sectors of law  has long had ties to Attorney General Pam Bondi, whom Trump appointed to lead the DOJ.

After leaving government service, he worked in the consumer protection practice of the firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, which is now among the hundreds to sign onto legal briefs opposing Trump's executive orders against Big Law.

Trump has gone after 13 firms so far. Nine, including Paul Weiss, struck deals with the president, collectively promising nearly $1 billion in pro bono work.

Susman Godfrey, Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale chose to sue the government, arguing Trump's orders are unconstitutional.

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In the executive orders, Trump says he's targeted each firm because of their ties to his perceived political enemies and because he believes they discriminate based on race, among other reasons. It's Lawson's job to go into courtrooms and argue that it's perfectly legal to do that.

So far, he has been unsuccessful. The four judges overseeing the lawsuits have issued temporary restraining orders blocking Trump's constraints on the firms, which include stripping employees of security clearances and limiting their access to federal buildings.

The judges are weighing whether to grant more permanent wins to each firm.

Life before the DOJ

In 2011, Bondi, then Florida's attorney general, tapped Lawson to serve as the director of the Consumer Protection Division for her office.

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Leading the team through 2016, Lawson spearheaded inquiries into fraudulent or deceptive business practices and oversaw the agency's enforcement efforts on privacy and data security.

He then went into private practice, becoming a partner in the New York office of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

Lawson's old firm is now on the other side of the courtroom, putting its name on briefs that call Trump's orders "a grave threat to our system of constitutional governance and to the rule of law itself."

Lawson spent a few years working for the firm's consumer protection practice before he linked back up with Bondi in 2021 at the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank founded that year to promote Trump's agenda.

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There, Bondi and Lawson were part of a litigation team that the organization's CEO at the time described as a group "on the frontlines to combat the Left's lawfare against Americans' free speech and election integrity."

America First's chief spokesperson, Jenn Pellegrino, called Lawson a "brilliant litigator and dedicated public servant."

"He led litigation that advanced the America First Agenda at AFPI under the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi and prior represented the state of Florida when AG Bondi was Attorney General of Florida," Pellegrino said in an email to BI.

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Lawson, while at America First, defended a Republican member of the Fulton County election board in Georgia who sued over access to election materials.

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Lawson was also part of the legal team representing Trump in his 2021 censorship lawsuits against Google, Twitter (now X), and Facebook (now Meta).

Lawson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A DOJ spokesperson told BI in an email that Lawson "is a tested attorney with decades of experience across the private and public sectors, including serving in various leadership positions in New York and Florida."

"The Department has full faith that he will vigorously and successfully defend the President's agenda in court," the spokesperson said.

Lawson v. Big Law

The law firms targeted by Trump have argued that his executive orders violate their First Amendment rights, their right to represent their clients unencumbered by government interference, and their clients' rights to choose their lawyers without the government stacking the deck against them.

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In court, Lawson has struggled to persuade judges that Trump has wide discretion to target the firms in the name of national security.

At times, he has been unable to explain to judges what Trump meant with the language in his executive orders.

Trump's order against Susman Godfrey, for example, said the firm supported groups that "undermine the effectiveness of the United States military" through radical ideology.

When US District Judge Loren AliKhan asked Lawson what that referred to, he said he had "no further information" to share and tried to change the subject. He said he was representing the other Big Law cases as well.

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"If I could, there is a theme that will run through as this case progresses," Lawson said, asking the judge whether he could argue about a different legal issue. "Because, obviously, I'm handling the other ones as well"

"Lucky you," the judge interjected.

Later in the hearing, when AliKhan ruled against Lawson, she said the executive order's reference to military effectiveness was "quite vague, so much so that no party here today actually knows what it is referencing."

Lawson fared no better in Monday's summary judgment hearing defending Jenner & Block's executive order. US District Judge John Bates snapped, "Give me a break," when Lawson argued the order should stand because of Trump's claim that the law firm engaged in "racial discrimination."

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Bates again lost patience when Lawson argued that only Jenner & Block's contractors  but not the firm itself  had standing to sue.

Bates said it was clear Jenner & Block was harmed because the whole point of Trump's order was to single out the firm.

"The executive order talks about Jenner and cutting off money to Jenner," Bates said, sounding incredulous. "It's trying to punish Jenner by stopping the flow of money to Jenner. Well, I think it seems to me to be on its face sufficient for standing purposes."

"Well, if the court is so inclined" Lawson began to say.

"Tell me why I shouldn't be so inclined?" Bates snapped.

A solo act

Lawson was joined on the court docket by Chad Mizelle, Bondi's chief of staff, when defending the government against the first Big Law lawsuit, by Perkins Coie.

But in recent weeks, Lawson has been left to fend for himself.

Even if their names aren't on the court docket, other attorneys are most likely helping Lawson write his briefs and doing legal research to defend Trump's executive orders, according to Ellen Blain, who previously supervised the civil division within the Manhattan US attorney's office.

"As a matter of resources and work, obviously, one person can't do it all himself," said Blain, now an attorney at Clarick Gueron Reisbaum.

Lawson may be putting on a solo act because the Justice Department's Trump-appointed leadership doesn't trust career employees  and because there simply may not be many career employees left to take on politically charged cases, Blain said. Since Trump took office, the ranks of the Justice Department's civil division have rapidly thinned, she said.

During a recent hearing in Jenner & Block's case, a federal judge asked why Lawson was defending the government alone.

"The Department of Justice has a lot of lawyers," the judge said. "Why is this all on you, Mr. Lawson?"

Lawson replied, "I, frankly, was supposed to be in Florida, but here I am."

"I don't find that much of an answer," the judge said in response.

Read the original article on Business Insider
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)  A permanent memorial wall honoring Wisconsin natives who died during the Vietnam War was officially dedicated Tuesday, marking 50 years to the day since the war ended on April 30, 1975.

The Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Wall, located behind the Vets and Friends Coffee House on North Richmond Street, features the names and photographs of all 1,249 Wisconsin service members who died in the conflict.

Emplify Health celebrates life-saving efforts of donors during National Donate Life Month

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The outdoor exhibit, made up of 17 aluminum panels, is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to visit.

Its called a face to every name, said Jack Voight, the Vietnam veteran who led the effort to build the wall. It sends another message of it being unbelievable what that person went through.

Voight, who served in Vietnam and Cambodia with the U.S. Army in 1969 and 1970, said he wanted to create something more personal and accessible than the national memorial in Washington, D.C.

Unlike the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall, the Appleton wall features full names, faces, and county-by-county biographical details of each fallen service member.

Every county in this state, 72 counties, had a veteran, except for one, Voight said. That was Iron County, which had a veteran who died in Vietnam.

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The wall is organized by county and includes a locator panel to help visitors find names. Standing seven feet tall and over 50 feet long, the memorial also features flags, eagle statues, and a fallen soldier marker with the inscription All Gave Some. Some Gave All.

The walls total cost was about $70,000, funded entirely by donations, including a $25,000 contribution from Appletons VFW Post 2778.

The dedication ceremony included speeches from local veterans, officials from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and a 21-gun salute.

For many Vietnam veterans in attendance, the wall provided a long-overdue tribute.

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Ive never met some of these people now living in the state of Wisconsin, but I do recognize some of the names from neighboring counties, said Wayne Martin, a Vietnam veteran in the Third Marine Division.

Lifted spirits with his signature wave: Fond du Lac community mourns loss of beloved crossing guard

He also hinted at expanding services at the site, including free meals for veterans and their families, which the nonprofit Vets and Friends already provides monthly.

Please remember, if you see a veteran in the store or gas station, just shake his hand and say thank you. Thats going to make that veterans day, Martin said.

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The three victims killed in a Parker County triple homicide last week were robbed and shot in their home before their bodies were left near a creek, according to new details revealed in arrest warrant affidavits.

And an additional suspect, 18-year-old Michael Morris, has been arrested and accused of tampering with evidence in the case, the Sheriffs Office said Wednesday.

Two of the three victims were husband and wife Tiffany Ann Williams, 44, and David Dewayne Walker, 42. The third victim was Robbie Allen Head, 55, who also lived at the couples home.

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Two suspects, 19-year-old Barrett Copeland and 27-year-old Trin Lawrence McKnight, face capital murder charges in the case.

The charges have been dismissed against another man who had been arrested. Further evidence revealed that Dennis Craig Alexander, 45, was not involved in the murders and he was released from jail, according to a Sheriffs Office news release. Copeland and McKnight gave false information to authorities that initially led to Alexander being identified as a suspect, investigators said.

New details of the investigation

According to arrest warrant affidavits obtained Wednesday by the Star-Telegram, a family member went to the victims home in the 100 block of Myrtle Lane on April 20. The family member knocked on the door and called Williams phone but no one answered, although a car belonging to one of the victims was parked outside.

The family member went back to the house the next day and noticed that the Ring security doorbell had been missing since the day before. She entered the residence through the back door and found the house in disarray, according to the affidavit.

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On April 21, sheriffs deputies were called to the victims residence to take a missing persons report. When an investigator went inside the house, they found a large amount of blood, and evidence of guns being fired, according to the affidavit.

Investigators also found blood in the back seat and back hatch of the 2003 Buick parked outside the house, according to the affidavit.

On April 24, authorities found the victims bodies in northern Hood County, along FM 167/Temple Hall Highway next to a creek, which is a short distance from the house.

The three victims had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. There was a cloth wrapped around Walkers torso, covering his chest and head. There was duct tape wrapped around the fabric around his neck. Heads body was also covered in fabric, according to the affidavit.

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The Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office and the justice of peace confirmed that all three victims were shot and died from homicidal violence, investigators said.

Investigators matched McKnights fingerprints to prints on the drivers side door of the victims car, according to the affidavit.

On April 27, investigators spoke to McKnight and he stated that he had heard there were three murders and the bodies were found, but he said he hadnt been in the neighborhood much recently. McKnight initially was arrested on an outstanding Tarrant County warrant, according to the affidavit.

After his arrest, McKnight told investigators that he had met Copeland and Alexander at the victims house to rob them. McKnight initially claimed that Alexander held the victims at gunpoint during the robbery while McKnight and Copeland searched the house for drugs and money, according to the affidavit.

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McKnight falsely claimed that Alexander shot all three victims in the kitchen and wrapped the bodies, the affidavit states. He said the suspects then took the victims car, drove to the creek and disposed of the bodies.

Parker County investigators and Texas Rangers served a search warrant at McKnight and Copelands homes and found the key to the victims vehicle, according to the affidavit.

During his interview with investigators, Copeland said that he was tired of living at his grandparents house and wanted to be on his own. Copeland said that he and McKnight went to the victims home with guns to take the house from them, according to the affidavit.

Copeland told detectives he could have the house if the victims were no longer in the picture, so he would remove them and then rent it himself, the affidavit states.

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McKnight and Copeland made up the story that Alexander was involved to, get the heat off their backs, Copeland told the investigators.

Copeland also said that Alexander used to live in house that was currently Williams and Walkers home so it made sense to add him to the story, because Copeland believed people would think Alexander killed them to get his house back, according to the affidavit.

Copeland said that McKnight shot all three victims and then followed up with multiple shots to both Walker and Head, the affidavit states.

When Copeland was asked by investigators what he would say about the murders, he told them, it wasnt personal, but that it is a cruel world, and Im sorry, according to the affidavit.

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Copeland told investigators that once the victims were dead, the suspects wrapped up the bodies, placed them by the front door and left. Copeland, McKnight and Michael Morris came back the next day, around midnight, loaded the bodies into a vehicle and moved them, the affidavit reads.

Morris has now been arrested and faces charges of tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, abuse of a corpse, a failure to report a felony, the Parker County Sheriffs Office said on Wednesday.

During his interview with the investigators, Morris said he helped wrap the bodies up in blankets, used duct tape to tie them up and assisted with cleaning up the crime scene, according to the affidavit.

The three suspects remained incarcerated in the Parker County Jail on Wednesday. Bonds for McKnight and Copeland have been set at $1 million each. Morris recommended bond is $38,000, according to jail records.
Americas tax code can be a rather tricky one, making the process of doing your taxes seem incredibly laborious  not to mention expensive. Year after year, taxpayers have to make their way through the complicated and costly tax system to discover whether they are owed a refund or owe the federal government taxes.

Find Out: Heres How Much Your State Collects on Every Type of Tax

Try This: How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State?

Ever wonder why you have to file a complicated return at all?

Reagans Attempt at Eliminating Tax Returns

Forty years ago, in 1985, then-President Ronald Reagan pressed for an American tax system that would be return-free, predicting that over 50% of taxpayers wouldnt file at all  any taxpayer with a basic return would simply receive their refund or a letter notifying them of any taxes owed to the federal government.

Only taxpayers who chose to file their own taxes  which they could initially choose to do or choose because they disagreed with their amount refunded or owed  or who had more complicated returns would file the way all taxpayers currently do.

Check Out: 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth

A More Recent Attempt

Additionally, chief economist for President Barack Obama Austan Goolsbee pushed in 2006 for a simple return, in which taxpayers would actually receive a completed tax form from the government and would only be asked to review the form for any errors.

Goolsbee argued this would save taxpayers at least $2 billion in tax preparation fees.

Why You Still Have To File

Those tax preparation fees, though, are exactly why taxpayers are required to continue filing the more complicated way, per the Nebraska Examiner, which stated that the commercial tax preparation industry continually lobbies Congress to keep the American tax system the way it is.

Free Filing Options Are Limited

Although there are free tax filing options  the IRS Free File program, for one, which partners with public tax preparation services  the government made a deal with the commercial tax preparation industry in 2002 to not compete in the tax prep market and not release a free tax preparation system, the Nebraska Examiner reported.

In 2007, the House of Representatives struck down legislation that would have enacted free government tax prep for taxpayers. In 2019, Congress attempted  but failed  to block the IRS from creating free online tax preparation.

The Private Tax Sector Profits

Time and time again, the private sector tax preparation industry has fought for survival by lobbying Congress not to impede upon its commercial territory, arguing they prevent tax mistakes and tax evasion. With the current complicated tax system, the private-sector tax preparation industry keeps itself necessary for taxpayers confounded by Americas laborious tax code.
Mercedes-Benz said Thursday it will add a core segment vehicle line to its plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala., by 2027. The factory now makes SUVs, and the company didnt specify which model would be added.

The move follows President Trumps increase in tariffs on steel, aluminum and foreign made auto parts, which the president says are geared toward boosting American manufacturing.

We are getting even closer to the U.S. customer by localizing a core segment model in Tuscaloosa, strengthening our ties to the North American market where a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles including the GLE and GLS models have their roots, said Jason Hoff, CEO Mercedes-Benz North America, said in a release.

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On Monday, the Trump administration said it would allow automakers to apply for 15 percent price offsets in the first year of the tariffs and a 10 percent offset in the second year, in hopes of hoisting the domestic production of automobiles.

Twenty-five percent tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts are scheduled to go into effect Saturday.

Mercedes-Benz and others have heeded the White Houses warning about an increase in the cost of foreign auto part production. BMW, Stellantis, Toyota, Kia, Honda and Hyundai also plan to move more vehicle manufacturing to the U.S. according to a White House release.

Tuscaloosa has been a key hub for Mercedes-Benz vehicles for almost 30 years. Its a natural step to bring a further model to Alabama as part of a strategy to deepen our commitment to the United States, a market, which has been our home for more than a century, said Ola Kallenius, chair of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, in a statement.

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The company said that since 1997, more than 4.5 million vehicles have left the Tuscaloosa plant, with around 260,000 vehicles rolling off the line in 2024 alone. The Tuscaloosa plant is home to the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe, and Mercedes-Maybach GLS as well as the EQE SUV, EQS SUV, and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV for all global markets.

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A California City council member is facing federal charges for allegedly arranging to have an SUV filled with the chemical element mercury moved without proper precautions.

Federal authorities on Tuesday arrested Michael Kulikoff, 39, of California City, on an indictment for charges related to improper transportation of hazardous waste and "placing another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury."

The allegations center around a mercury exposure incident that occurred at a car wash Kulikoff owned. Kulikoff is the mayor pro tem of California City, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.

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Read more: An Irish hotelier, Qatari royals and a federal lawsuit involving a Beverly Hills hotel

Kulikoff, who was released following his arrest, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

California City Mayor Marquette Hawkins issued a statement that said the "health and safety of our residents is always our highest priority, and we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness."

Hawkins emphasized that "every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."

"We are actively working to ensure that city operations continue without disruption and that public trust remains strong throughout this difficult moment," Hawkins said. "Any necessary steps to safeguard the public interest and maintain ethical standards will be taken in accordance with the law."

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According to the indictment, in February 2024, Kulikoff learned that an individual, identified only as "PERSON ONE," had spilled a jar holding several ounces of mercury inside the cabin of an SUV.

Also known as quicksilver, mercury is a neurotoxin that can affect the nervous system and kidneys, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When metallic mercury is inhaled, it can result in tremors, headaches and neuromuscular changes.

After the spill, the indictment says, the SUV driver tried to use a vacuum cleaner at Kulikoff's car wash to clean the spill.

The individual then drove the SUV to their mother's home, near a school bus stop, and called 911 after experiencing symptoms of mercury exposure, according to the indictment.

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When city emergency services personnel responded and scanned the SUV, authorities said they detected approximately 20 times the allowable limit of mercury inside the cabin. They put yellow caution tape around the vehicle and shut down the car wash business because of the contaminated vacuum cleaner.

According to the indictment, Kulikoff attempted to clean up the business himself but was told by emergency services that he needed to stop because it was a hazardous materials scene and was unsafe.

The next day, prosecutors charge, Kulikoff returned to the scene and got a quote from an environmental services company to clean the mercury. He then allegedly sent a video to his brother, then the mayor of California City, through Facebook.

"So they're coning it off right now and taping it, but that motherf [is] going to drive it to Boron right now," Kulikoff told his brother, according to the indictment.

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Later that day, court papers say, emergency services personnel left the SUV to respond to a fire that turned out to be a false report. When they returned, the SUV was gone.

Authorities say Kulikoff conspired with another person to move the contaminated SUV outside of the city. He allegedly directed that person to drive the vehicle to the Kern County town of Boron because he wanted it outside the jurisdiction of California City.

Kern County emergency services personnel found the SUV at the home of the individual who had moved it. The driver, who is not identified or charged, also complained of symptoms tied to mercury exposure.

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The environmental services company remediated the SUV and, while doing so, detected high levels of mercury and recovered solid mercury, according to the indictment.

If convicted, Kulikoff faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to transport hazardous waste and up to 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine per day for placing another person in imminent danger.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel wished Friedrich Merz, head of the incoming government in Berlin, "good fortune, and also much strength and good comrades" days before the new government takes power next week.

Speaking to the Phoenix television on the sidelines of a meeting of Germany's Protestant churches on Thursday, Merkel said that an important requirement for the position of chancellor was to take pleasure in the role.

While Merkel and Merz are members of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), they fell out after Merkel gained the party leadership in 2002, with Merz gradually withdrawing from politics to pursue a career in corporate law before returning after Merkel's retirement in 2021.

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Merkel is to observe his election as chancellor in parliament from the visitors' gallery on Tuesday.

She said that even today she would wish to be chancellor, if she had not already held the post. But, asked whether she would consider an international role, Merkel, who is 70, said: "My political time is at an end."

Looking back on her time as CDU leader from 2000 to 2018, Merkel expressed regret that the party had not managed to boost its female membership to 50%. It also had too few young members, she said.

While Merkel has largely kept out of politics since stepping down, she told Phoenix the party should stick to its threefold roots of being liberal, Christian-social and conservative. It should reject the rhetoric of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), she said.

Merz, who is seen as to the right of Merkel, and his party drew intense criticism - including from the former chancellor herself - ahead of the February elections when he put forward a motion on curbing immigration that passed with the help of the AfD.
When Diane DeCillis looks at the night sky, it feels different now than it did before. Says the metro Detroit poet, I think to myself, wow, something Ive written is on the moon.

A poem by DeCillis landed on the moon recently as part of a digitized archive carried by Blue Ghost Mission 1, which launched in January and reached the lunar surface in early March. The mission was operated by Firefly Aerospace in partnership with NASA.

DeCillis is among the writers and artists whose work is included in the Lunar Codex, an effort by Canadian physicist and author Samuel Peralta to gather a huge, multimedia collection of art by thousands of creators from across the globe and send it to the moon.

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Her poem The Artist and His Volcano was chosen to be part of The Polaris Trilogy, an anthology that now has a permanent home on the moon and is devoted to works about the sun, moon and stars.

Metro Detroit poet Diane DeCillis, whose poem "The Artist and His Volcano" is now stored on the moon.

DeCillis says the poem was inspired by visionary sculptor James Turrells epic Roden Crater project. Turrell has spent more than four decades on the ongoing giant artwork located in an extinct volcano cinder cone in Arizonas Painted Desert area.

The internationally famous artist has designed what Smithsonian magazine describes as a series of tunnels and chambers inside to capture celestial light, including one completed tunnel that is more than 850 feet long.

Turrell's observatory for the naked eye is made to be most precise in about 2,000 years, according to the Smithsonian, which notes that his friends "sometimes joke thats also when hell finish the project.

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More: May's full moon is just around the corner. When to see the Flower Moon in 2025

More: Detroit's Hannan Center called one of Michigans best-kept secrets for senior citizens

DeCillis hasnt been to the Roden Crater site, but she says she was extremely inspired by it. The poem I wrote was out of sheer passion. I had been looking at Turrells work an d I was just blown away by it.

The former longtime owner of Southfields The Print Gallery, DeCillis, who is 74, has had two collections of poetry published by the Wayne State University Press. In 2015, her first collection, Strings Attached, was named to the annual Michigan Notable Book list and won the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Award for poetry.

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DeCillis gives her husband, Lou, credit for opening her mind and art to the grandeur of the moon and stars. When I married my husband, I didnt pay attention to the sky too much. I dont know if people do. But hes very interested in astromony and he had a telescope, so hed always be showing me things in the sky, she recounts.

 I just thought it was so cool, because it just made the world seem so much biggerIm thinking how could I not have noticed this.

Fast forward to a trip the couple took to Florida. She wanted to visit an art museum, but he wanted to go to the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex. Im thinking, oh boy, its going to be boring, says DeCillis, describing a tour that included getting to see control rooms and more.

Then DeCillis saw something that hit home emotionally. Ultimately you end up in this room with this gigantic curtain or metal doorand the door slowly opens and what do you see? The Saturn 5 rocket ship, she says, referring to the mammoth vehicles. was used to send astronauts to the Moon, including the first landing in 1969.

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I literally fell to my knees and starting weeping. And I looked at my husband and said, This is the opposite of the word no.

DeCillis saw what she describes as a cosmic yes in the fact that this mammoth was something human beings thought they could  and did  navigate to the moon. She has felt similarly impressed by Turrells Roden Crater project and is looking for a way to contact the artist about her poems recent journey.

DeCillis is working now on her third book of poetry. She also expects to have her work included in a second lunar mission later this year.

In The Artist and His Volcano, she writes eloquently about that first night you were humbled into innocence/drawn into the rapturous sky realizing you could not hold/the immensity of space.

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For poetry and the celestial world, the sky really is the limit.

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroiter's poem placed in digitized archive located on the moon
One of the worlds most endangered amphibians  the primordial and fish-like axolotl  has successfully adapted to a new environment after being released into artificial wetlands in Mexico, scientists say.

In a study that provides hope for the survival of the Ambystoma mexicanuma, a creature that has been pushed to the brink of extinction by pollution and human activity, scientists recently released 18 captive-bred axolotls into two artificial wetlands close to Mexico City.

Researchers fitted the smiley-face amphibians with trackers and found they were feeding at both sites. Lead researcher Alejandra Ramos from the Autonomous University of Baja California told the BBC it was an amazing result.

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The findings were published in the journal PLoS One and suggest the axolotl can be successfully restored to its native habitat.





What is the axolotl?

Legend has it that the axolotl was not always an amphibian. Long before it became Mexicos most beloved salamander, it was believed to be the embodiment of the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl.

While there are no official estimates on its current population, the species  which is endemic to central Mexico  was classed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List of Threatened Species in 2019.

They breathe through their gills and skin, which allows them to adapt to their aquatic environment. They can also regenerate parts of their heart, spinal cord and brain.

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The salamanders skin is typically dark although an albino variety can be bred. They can stay stock still for hours in their natural habitat, buried in mud to conserve energy and wait for prey.

In their main stronghold, Lake Xochimilco, located in the southern part of Mexico City, axolotl numbers have plummeted by 99.5 percent in less than two decades. In 1998, researchers estimated there were 6,000 axolotls per square kilometre in Lake Xochimilco. By 2014, this number had dropped to just 36.

An albino axolotl [Shutterstock]

How at risk is the axolotl?

Mexico is a biodiversity hotspot for amphibians and reptiles owing to its unique and varied habitats from tropical rainforests and deserts to cloud forests and temperate woodlands.

The waters of Xochimilco, once used for traditional farming and flushed with spring water from the mountains, used to teem with large, smiley-faced axolotls.

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But pollution from Mexico Citys expanding urban sprawl has damaged the water quality of the citys canals, which flow into the lakes. Furthermore, rainbow trout, which have escaped from nearby farms, have displaced axolotls in lakes around the capital and eaten their food.

Researchers have also found that increasing numbers of axolotls have died from chytrid fungus, a skin-eating disease causing a catastrophic reduction in amphibian numbers in other parts of the world from Europe to Australia. The fungus has also been found in Mexico although it is not yet a major problem.

Climate change is another factor threatening the axolotl as even small shifts in temperature and rainfall can disrupt ecosystems and erode biodiversity.

In 2013, scientists voiced fears that they might disappear altogether by 2025.

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The axolotl isnt the only species in Mexico facing an uncertain future. The pine forest stream frog, the clarion night snake and the Mexican alligator lizard are some of the other species that are also critically endangered.





How was the conservation effort for axolotls carried out?

To lay the foundations for the rewilding project, researchers meticulously monitored the ecology of the axolotls to establish their ideal living conditions.

Then they worked with local farmers and a team of volunteers to create wetland refuges, or artificial wetlands, near Xochimilco by installing natural filtering systems to clean the water.

The scientists then released the amphibians into two types of wetland environments: restored natural wetlands and the artificial wetlands designed specifically for conservation purposes.

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These environments differ in their ecological structure, water chemistry and temperatures, variables that are critical determinants of amphibian physiology and behaviour.

The axolotls were tagged with radio tracking devices to keep tabs on the amphibians. One of the key findings from the study was the axolotls ability to navigate and inhabit both artificial and restored wetland ecosystems effectively.

While biologists and officials have led efforts to save the species and its habitat from extinction, a parallel, unexpected preservation phenomenon has emerged in recent years as the creature has benefitted from an unexpected resurgence of interest.

The axolotl attracted international attention after the Minecraft computer game added the creature in 2021. That same year, the Bank of Mexico also decided to print an image of the animal on the 50-peso bill.

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Axolotls can now be spotted all over Mexico on murals, clothing and as childrens toys. Some bakeries have caused a sensation with their axolotl-shaped cakes and biscuits.

If we lose this species, we lose part of our Mexican identity, co-lead researcher Luis Zambrano from the National University of Mexico told the BBC.

The axolotl and Lake Xochimilco are represented on Mexicos 50 Pesos 2021 Banknotes [Shutterstock]

Could other amphibians be saved too?

Climate change, habitat loss and outbreaks of disease have taken their toll on amphibians around the world. Half of all amphibian species are in decline while a third are threatened with extinction.

The team overseeing the axolotl study said public funding is key to preventing the loss of other species as well.

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Over his six-year term, however, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who was in office from 2018 to 2024, reduced funding to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources by 35 percent.

While scientists involved in the project hope to restore the axolotls population, they also highlighted the need for government, business and individual engagement.

Many animals are losing their habitat around the world, Ramos said. And restoration projects are not easy, but they can be done. They just need a lot of people.
Mark DeCamp, with nonprofit Protect Tesuque, stands outside of the Roundhouse on Jan. 30, before a Senate Conservation Hearing. (Austin Fisher / Source NM)

The New Mexico Supreme Court issued an order Wednesday requesting all the parties involved in a wastewater disposal dispute in Tesuque submit written arguments by May 19.

The courts decision follows an April 22 emergency petition submitted by attorneys representing nonprofit Protect Tesuque to halt a proposed permit for treated wastewater from Bishops Lodge hotel and 82 adjacent homes in Tesuque Village.

Protect Tesuque argued that the New Mexico Environment Department wrongly applied state environmental laws in the permitting process, and asked the states highest court to intervene.

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In the motion, attorneys for the nonprofit argue that NMEDs permitting policies unequally enforce limitations in liquid waste laws between smaller and larger permits (more than 5,000 gallons of liquid waste per day), which they say amounts to a constitutional violation because it ignores state environmental laws.

Tom Hnasko, the attorney representing Protect Tesuque, said the court could have denied the petition without further argument.

They obviously want to see what the Environment Department and Bishops Lodge have to say about the matter, he said.

Attorneys for both Bishops Lodge and the New Mexico Environment Department requested the states justices deny the petition, and filed documents last week saying they intended to file further arguments.

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The New Mexico Environment Department remains confident in its legal position that Bishops Lodges wastewater treatment system is subject to state ground and surface water quality regulations. NMED has consistently found that the facility meets or exceeds all applicable state water quality standards. Due to ongoing litigation, we are unable to comment further at this time, said Drew Goretzka, a spokesperson at the New Mexico Environment Department in a written statement Wednesday.

Representatives for Bishops Lodge or its parent company, Juniper Capital, did not respond to emailed requests for comment Wednesday afternoon. The hotel and its parent company maintain that the proposal to treat sewage is safe, noting that it installed a new wastewater treatment plant in 2024 designed to meet or exceed all local and national water quality standards.

The draft permit is scheduled for a May 19 hearing before the New Mexico Environment for additional testimony, which at this time, remains in place.

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Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, appeared on the May 1 episode of Steven Bartletts podcast The Diary of a CEO.

In the wide-ranging conversation, Michelle spoke about boundaries, her fertility struggles, and how she felt the White House didnt fully protect her or her family when they lived there from 2009 to 2017.

Michelle also opened up about skipping Donald Trumps second inauguration in January, and how not attending was an example of her practicing boundary setting.







In a new interview, former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama shared the unexpected challenges she and her family faced in the White House, sharing that she felt that the West Wing didnt fully protect her and her husband, President Barack Obama, and their kids Malia and Sasha.

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Michelle and brother Craig Robinson appeared as guests on the May 1 episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast with host Steven Bartlett. In the conversation, Michelle shared what life was like behind closed doors of the White House, where she and her familyincluding her mother, Marian Robinsonlived from 2009 to 2017.

Getty Barack Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama, and Michelle Obama on November 4, 2008 Barack Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama, and Michelle Obama on November 4, 2008

I was a very different First Lady, Michelle said. Not terribly different from Hillary Clinton, but it was a different time. We had small kids in the White House, and that didnt happen often. There were just accommodations and ways that the West Wing didnt think about or work to fully protect all of us in the process as a unit.

Michelle made history as the first Black woman to serve as First Lady, and she spoke about the challenges of Secret Service agents with her young daughters Maliawho was only 10 when her father was elected presidentand Sasha, who was just 7. Michelle shared that the White House revolves around a man, not a family, and added, If I had known what I knew now, I would have asked for different things.

I was trying to make sure that our kids came out of that process not crazy, and whole, Michelle said on the episode released on Thursday.

Getty Malia Obama, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, and Sasha Obama on April 5, 2015 Malia Obama, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, and Sasha Obama on April 5, 2015

In the wide-ranging conversation, Michelle opened up about her fertility struggles and her IVF journey, telling host Bartlett, Imagine your life as youre checking boxesIm waiting, I delayed having kids. Ive found the love of my life, and now Im gonna get pregnant. So you think its gonna be like a box, its gonna happen like that, and no one tells you that there really is a biological clock, thats not false.

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So by the time we started really trying, which worked perfectly for our careers and maturing and having everything set, she continued, adding, while were waiting for our lives to be perfect, that biological clock is ticking.

She added of not being able to immediately conceive, So when it happens to you, a box checker, somebody that thought life was gonna be so and so and you did all the right things to have things not work out, and to know that it was gonna be that way and nobody told you so that youd be prepared for itit just, it was a blow. And then as a woman, youre walking around owning the blow as if its your fault.

Getty Michelle Obama at SXSW on March 13, 2025 Michelle Obama at SXSW on March 13, 2025

Malia was ultimately born in 1998, and Sasha followed in 2001. She said she is continually teaching her daughtersnow 26 and 23boundaries, admitting on the podcast that It takes a lot of work to learn how to say no and how to not be people pleasers, which I think there are more of us out there than wed like to admit.

It takes practice, and it takes decades of practice, she added.

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Michelle, now 61, told Bartlett I think at 61, Im finally owning my wisdom in a way that I didnt. I think it takes women until were about 60 to be like, I think I know a thing or two.

Getty Images Michelle Obama on August 20, 2024 Michelle Obama on August 20, 2024

Michelle put the practice into work when she turned down the invitation to attend Donald Trumps second inauguration on January 20, which she spoke about on the show: You know, as a box checking person who has been checking her whole life, doing the right thing, trying to always be an example, always going highI think I just told myself, I think Ive done enough of that, and if I havent, then I never will. Itll never be enough. So let me start now.

Of potentially letting people down because she didnt attend, People can deal with a little disappointment every now and then, Michelle said.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A doctor from Southfield has been convicted on 11 charges stemming from writing more than 3,000 illegal prescriptions at what federal prosecutors called a sham clinic.

A federal jury convicted Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, on one charge of conspiracy and 10 counts of illegal distribution last Friday for prescribing more than 200,000 pills, including oxycodone and oxymorphone, to people who did not have an actual need for them.

Prosecutors say patients would be brought to Orthopedic Medical Building, a false clinic that operated out of a warehouse in Oak Park, by patient recruiters or marketers. The clinic only accepted cash and charged patients $200-500 per prescription, but did not charge anything if the patient did not receive an opioid prescription.

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Prices were determined on the quantity, type, and dosage of opioids received, which prosecutors say were usually Oxycodone 30mg or Oxymorphone 40mg. The clinic also offered a service where people could pay for falsified medical records.

Prosecutors say Valentine was paid more than $500,000 in cash over around 19 months. about half of the clinics proceeds. She was only paid if she wrote an opioid prescription to a patient.

The other defendants in this case are clinic operator Iris Winchester, Dr. Michele Ritter, clinic employee Kristina Brown, and Joyce Robinson. All three pleaded guilty.

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.
Tuskegee Airmen statue, Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit | Ken Coleman

A bill introduced 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.

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) said that her sponsored legislation, House Bill 4145, would name a section of U.S. 127 between mile markers 39 and 40, near the I-94 interchange, after 2nd Lieutenant Roosevelt Stiger, a Tuskegee Airman and Purple Heart recipient.

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It is a real privilege to advocate on behalf of a true American hero, said Schmaltz in a press release. 2nd Lieutenant 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.

Stiger was born in Mississippi in 1919 and moved to Jackson with his family during his childhood. He trained as a pilot through the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program. Stiger graduated in 1944 and was deployed overseas with the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Roger Bill Terry (center), and other Tuskegee Airmen at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama, December 1944 | National Archives

During a bomber escort mission over the Adriatic Sea on Oct. 7, 1944, he reported issues with his oxygen system. Stigers aircraft was seen descending toward the water and he was never recovered, remaining listed as missing in action.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces, breaking racial barriers during a time of segregation and limited opportunity. Despite facing systemic racism, these men trained rigorously and flew countless successful missions during World War II.

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About 1,000 pilots were trained as Tuskegee Airmen, along with thousands of support personnel. Notable members include Coleman A. Young, who later became the first Black mayor of Detroit, and Charles McGee, a decorated fighter pilot who served in three wars.

The Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, which honors their legacy, is located in Detroit at the historic Coleman A. Young International Airport. The bill was approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and now goes to the full House for consideration.

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Your net worth is the difference between what you own (assets) and what you owe (liabilities). This figure is important because it provides a clear snapshot of your overall financial health. Tracking your net worth helps you determine whether you're building wealth or accumulating debt over time.

According to the Federal Reserves 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (the most recent survey available), the median net worth for all families in the United States is $192,300. The mean (or average) net worth is $1.06 million.

Several factors can impact your net worth, including where you live. Curious how your net worth compares to the rest of the country? Learn more about the average net worth in each state and why it varies.

Average net worth by state

The map below shows both median and mean figures for net worth in each state.

Keep in mind that the mean/average can be skewed higher by extremely wealthy individuals. Thats why its helpful to look at the median, which refers to the middle number in a sorted data set  exactly half of the data points are above it and half below. The median is less affected by extreme outliers, so it gives a more realistic picture of a typical person's net worth.

Why does net worth vary so much between states? There are several factors that can impact the typical net worth in a certain area:

Cost of living: Higher living costs in some states make it harder for residents to save or invest because more of their income goes toward paying for essentials.

Property values: Home equity often makes up the bulk of net worth. So, in states with higher property values, net worths also tend to skew higher.

Income: States with higher incomes on average also typically have higher average net worths.

Local economy: Strong economies and more employment opportunities in certain states tend to positively impact overall financial well-being.

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5 states with the highest net worth

1. Hawaii: $472,600

Hawaii ranks as the state with the highest net worth where the median is $472,600. Although Hawaii has a higher cost of living than most other states, the average salary is also quite high at $65,030, according to data from Empower. Additionally, homeowners enjoy elevated property values; the average home value in Hawaii is $841,274, according to Zillow, versus the national average of $361,263.

2. Washington: $375,100

The second-highest median net worth in the U.S. belongs to Washington at $375,100. The average debt-to-income ratio (DTI) in Washington sits at roughly 1.5, which is considered moderate compared to other states. The average salary in Washington is also $78,130, while the average property value is $603,837  nearly double the national average.

3. Massachusetts: $308,400

Massachusetts residents have a median net worth of $308,400, thanks to lower debt levels and higher incomes and home values. The average DTI in Massachusetts is 1.2, while the average salary is one of the highest on our list at $80,330. The average property value in the state is $635,252.

4. Maine: $307,100

Maine residents have a median net worth of $307,100, with an average DTI of 1.48. The average salary in Maine ($60,000) is on the lower end compared to other states on this list. Property values are also lower compared to other states, but at $400,642, they're still well above the national average.

5. Utah: $305,600

In Utah, residents have a median net worth of $305,600. The average DTI in Utah is 1.8, and the average income is $61,070. Utah has the third-highest average property value on this list at $530,787.

Read more: How much money is considered rich?

5 states with the lowest net worth

1. West Virginia: $96,740

West Virginia is the state with the fifth-lowest median net worth at $96,740. The average DTI in West Virginia is just under 1.2, and the average salary is $52,200. The average property value is $167,589, which is less than half the national average.

2. Arkansas: $93,480

In Arkansas, the median net worth is $93,480  less than half the national average. The average DTI is 1.2, and the average salary is $51,250. Property values in Arkansas are slightly higher than West Virginia at $210,633.

3. Alabama: $90,200

In Alabama, the median net worth is $90,200  also less than half the national average. The average DTI in Alabama is over 1.3, and the average salary is $53,400. Despite having lower average salaries and higher levels of debt, homeowners in Alabama are at a slight advantage compared to the previous two states because the average property value is $228,669.

4. Mississippi: $82,440

Mississippi has a median net worth of $82,440. Residents have an average DTI of 1.4, while the average salary is on the lower end at $47,570. Property values in Mississippi are some of the lowest in the country at $181,232, on average.

5. Louisiana: $71,900

The state with the lowest net worth is Louisiana, with a median net worth of $71,900. The average salary in Louisiana is $53,440, and the average DTI is 1.3. On the bright side, property values in Louisiana are up 0.4% year over year, with the average property value sitting at $201,100.

How to increase your net worth

If your net worth falls short of these averages, dont worry. Your net worth will change over time as your financial situation evolves. And its never too late to make positive changes that lead to a higher net worth.

For example, consider paying off your high-interest debts. Liabilities such as credit card balances and loans can significantly reduce your net worth, even if you earn a decent income.

Additionally, looking for extra ways to earn and grow your income, such as negotiating a raise or taking on a side hustle, can help you increase your savings and pay off debts.

Need more ideas? Here are 6 ways to increase your net worth.
Police in St. Claire Shores, Michigan, are warning drivers following a string of thefts of dashboard screens from select Dodge Ram trucks  a crime they say takes 30 seconds to pull off.

It only takes a couple of screws to get the touchscreen out, Det. Ben Leitch told Fox 2 Detroit in a story published April 7. He investigated 16 thefts in the previous two months.

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This is definitely a crime that probably could be stopped if the manufacturer changed some security features, Leitch noted.

So, who is affected by these thefts, and what can drivers do to protect themselves?

Who is affected by these thefts?

According to the local broadcaster, thieves are targeting touchscreens from Dodge Ram trucks manufactured between 2021 and 2025.

One victim, identified as Dave, says his truck was parked in his driveway when the theft occurred. It had been two weeks and he was still waiting for a replacement screen.

Its still not fixed, so were waiting for parts, I guess, he told Fox 2 Detroit. When I get it fixed, [do] I have to worry about it getting swiped again?

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He added: Ive never stolen from anybody and they do this. Thats what hurts.

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

Police urge drivers to park their vehicles in a garage if possible, beef up home security and report any incidents, per the broadcaster.

Dave had a message for the criminals who broke into his truck.

Youre lowlife idiots, losers, he said. Get a job.

Costs for vehicle owners

Those with comprehensive auto insurance should be able to file a claim for the type of theft described above and receive a full reimbursement after paying the deductible.

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But for those without a comprehensive policy, theft generally isnt covered, and you could be forced to pay for any repairs and replacements out of pocket. Be sure to read over the details of your policy.

Beyond the direct cost of repairs after a theft, increased thefts on certain Dodge Ram trucks could lead to indirect costs for owners. Specifically, car insurance companies might consider it riskier to insure Dodge Ram trucks due to the break-ins, which could lead to a spike in premiums. Hopefully, if it could be easily fixed by the manufacturer, as Leitch suggested, a solution will be implemented.

Drivers who face a hike in premiums, regardless of vehicle, may want to consider shopping around and potentially switch insurance companies if a better rate is found. Additionally, dont forget to look for discounts. For example, you might tap into savings for having a safe driving record or bundling your home and auto coverage.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
A Microsoft data centre is at the heart of an alleged 3m bribery plot involving two British construction companies.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) on Monday raided five properties across London, Kent, Surrey and Somerset and made three arrests, as it launched an international investigation into suspected corruption over construction of the site.

Officials have accused individuals at Kent-based construction firm Blu-3 of paying more than 3m in bribes to former associates of larger rival Mace Group in relation to the construction of a Microsoft data centre in the Netherlands.

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On Wednesday, more than 70 SFO staff searched four homes and one commercial property to gather evidence as part of the investigation. Authorities in Monaco also searched one of the suspects properties in the region.

Reputation of British companies undermined

Nick Ephgrave, SFO director, said: Paying bribes to do business undermines our financial markets, the reputation of British companies and the rule of law and will not be tolerated.

Todays action is a reminder that we will take rapid and robust action to tackle suspected bribery and corruption wherever it appears  at home and overseas.

Data centres, which are used to store and process data, are experiencing rapid growth, driven by huge increases in demand from areas such as cloud computing and streaming.

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This is expected to accelerate further due to the vast troves of data required to power artificial intelligence.

Microsoft operates more than 300 data centres in more than 34 countries worldwide, including its large facility in the Hollands Kroon area in the north of the Netherlands.

It has previously unveiled plans to invest 2.5bn in Britain, including the construction of a new data centre in North London and expansion of computer capacity in Cardiff.

The boom has fuelled a wave of work for construction companies, who are racing to cash in on lucrative construction projects.

However, plans for large new data centres risk sparking anger from local residents.

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Earlier this month, Angela Rayner was accused of annihilating the green belt through a 3.75bn government-backed plan to build Europes largest data centre in Hertfordshire.

A spokesman for Mace Group said: Mace has a zero tolerance approach to breaches of our code of ethics, and takes any allegations of bribery extremely seriously.

We are committed to fully supporting the Serious Fraud Office in investigating allegations against any former associates of the group.

A Blu-3 spokesman said: Blu-3 is currently supporting an external SFO investigation and is fully cooperating with the agency.

We take matters of this nature extremely seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct across all of our operations.

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Microsoft declined to comment.

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(NewsNation)  Starting Thursday, some Xbox consoles and controllers will jump in price worldwide  and more price hikes are expected for games come the holiday season.

The price of its flagship Xbox Series X console is jumping $100 to $599. It had been $499 since launching in 2020, but has seen price increases in other countries before this year. Virtually every configuration of its consoles and accessories is more expensive as of Wednesday.

We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development, the company said on its website.

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Homesellers want nearly $39K more than buyers will pay: Redfin

Microsoft also warned that availability may continue to change over time.

The price of a typical Microsoft-published game is going up by $10 to $79.99 this holiday season. For most of the 2000s, new games cost around $60, but they started going for $70 with the current Xbox and PlayStation consoles in 2020.

Microsoft is not changing the price of its Game Pass subscription service, where players can play a catalog of new and old games.

You can see the full list of Xbox price hikes here.

It follows Nintendos rocky announcement of its upcoming Switch 2. Hours before President Donald Trump announced his tariff plan at the White House, Nintendo unveiled the $449.99 price for its new console, only to shutter pre-orders days later as it sorted out the implications of the tariffs. Nintendo eventually took preorders at that price, but warned the price may go up over time.

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  A proposed carbon-capture pipeline that would traverse through several Midwestern states could face more hurdles in Iowa as a dozen Republican state senators try to force the issue to a vote.

Summit Carbon Solutions already will likely have to readjust plans for their estimated $8.9 billion, 2,500-mile (4,023-kilometer) project after South Dakota's governor signed a ban on the use of eminent domain  the government seizure of private property with compensation  to acquire land for carbon dioxide pipelines.

Now, after several proposals advanced through the Republican-controlled Iowa House, 12 GOP state senators have told their Republican leaders that they will not vote on any budget, which the Legislature is constitutionally required to approve, until they bring a pipeline bill to the floor.

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The people of South Dakota emphatically stated that eminent domain will never be granted for this pipeline to cross South Dakota, and it is past time for lowa to do the same, the senators wrote in a joint letter, saying they believe addressing eminent domain is more important than the budget or any other priority for the 2025 session.

Its unclear if the demands will be met or what a measure that passes the full chamber would look like, given the wide range of views on the issue among the 34 Senate Republicans, who hold a supermajority in the chamber.

The proposed 2,500-mile pipeline would carry carbon emissions from ethanol plants in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota to be stored underground permanently in North Dakota.

By lowering carbon emissions from the plants, the pipeline would lower their carbon intensity scores and make them more competitive in the renewable fuels market. The project would also allow ethanol producers and Summit to tap into federal tax credits.

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The project received permit approvals in Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota, but it does face various court challenges, and its application was rejected in South Dakota last month.

Summit Carbon Solutions has invested four years and nearly $175 million on voluntary agreements in Iowa, signing agreements with more than 1,300 landowners and securing 75% of the Phase One route, Summit spokesperson Sabrina Zenor said in a statement. We are committed to building this project, committed to Iowa, and remain focused on working with legislators  including those with concerns.

Some Midwest farmers, despite loyalty to the ethanol industry, have voiced strong opposition to the pipeline since its inception, objecting to its presence on or near their land and questioning the safety of having the pipeline in their backyards.

Then, a slew of eminent domain legal actions in South Dakota to obtain land provoked a groundswell of opposition in the state, sending the issue to the governors desk. Lee Enterprises and The Associated Press reviewed hundreds of cases, revealing the great legal lengths the company went to get the project built.

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Iowa state Sen. Kevin Alons said the senators who are forcing the issue want an amendment to the bill that mimics South Dakota's new law, but it remains to be seen what provisions, if any, would be included in a final version or whether Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds would give it her signature.

A number of Republican Senators are working on policy surrounding eminent domain and pipeline issues and I am optimistic we will find a legislative solution, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver said in a statement.

The Iowa House has sent several proposals to the Senate. During debate on the House floor, state Rep. Steven Holt expressed plenty of disappointment that the Senate had not taken up the issue in the past.

Regardless of whether the Senates gonna pass it or not, were going to fight for it here because its the right thing to do, Holt said.

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You chose to try to trample on the rights of citizens of Iowa and South Dakota, he added of Summit, and now the chickens are coming home to roost.

___

Associated Press reporters Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Sarah Raza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump is skeptical of congressional Republicans emerging plans to make deep cuts to Medicaid, the safety-net health program covering nearly 80 million Americans, six people close to the president said.

Speaker Mike Johnson and other House leaders are zeroing in on a framework that would roll back part of the Medicaid expansion enacted under President Barack Obama, generating hundreds of billions of dollars in savings to help pay for the rest of Trumps legislative agenda  including sweeping tax cuts plus border security and defense spending.

But while Trump has agreed to target waste, fraud and abuse, he remains profoundly wary about pursuing anything that might be construed as cuts to a program he has vowed over and over again to protect, according to six White House officials and top allies of the president. Having experienced the political backlash that followed his failed 2017 effort to undo other parts of the Affordable Care Act, he has told associates in multiple recent meetings hes uncomfortable with some of the ideas being bandied around on the Hill.

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Trump is definitely not convinced on reductions in Medicaid spending, said one outside adviser granted anonymity to discuss the high-level deliberations. His own instincts are that politically its not good, and Trumps political instincts are pretty good.

The conflict is set to come to a head when senior House Republicans in the coming days are expected to present him with a menu of potential Medicaid changes theyd like to pursue and estimates of the savings they will generate and the impacts on beneficiaries. It will be up to Trump to decide what is palatable.

Among the options the White House has agreed to review  but not yet agreed to accept  is a controversial proposal, favored by some House Republicans, that would cap the federal Medicaid allotment to states. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has requested proposals that would slash drug costs by pursuing a most favored nation policy linking certain government payments for pharmaceuticals to the lower prices paid abroad.

Trump pushed for the drug plan in his first term but ran up against opposition from Republican lawmakers and the pharmaceutical industry. Nobodys losing coverage under that scenario, said a White House official granted anonymity to discuss the talks. The question is: are they willing to fight the pharma companies? I guess well find out. Were willing to fight.

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The high-stakes presidential decision comes after a crash effort by Johnson to personally convince Trump of the merits of targeting the Obama-era Medicaid expansion. House Republicans are moving quickly to assemble the megabill ahead of a self-imposed Memorial Day deadline, with the Energy and Commerce Committee hoping to release legislative text of the Medicaid portion by Monday.

Some Republicans believe deep cuts to Medicaid and other politically sensitive programs are essential to making the big, beautiful bills math work. But Trump is unconvinced that the trade-off is necessary. Hes telling his advisers  I know that everyones telling us weve got to do this, but I dont know, Im not so sure about this, said the outside adviser.

The political anxiety has been compounded by the repeated proclamations from Trump and members of his administration that Medicaid will not be cut. Instead, they have emphasized efforts targeting waste, fraud and abuse and removing ineligible recipients, including undocumented immigrants from the program.

In a New York Post story published Wednesday, chief of staff Susie Wiles vowed Trump would get his bill without any cuts to Medicaid.

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Johnson has been furiously working to secure Trumps support, shuttling up and down Pennsylvania Avenue and calling him multiple times a day to ensure that he and the president remain in lockstep, according to two Republicans granted anonymity to describe the relationship.

The speaker has told confidants that one reason the 2017 ACA repeal effort failed was because Hill Republicans and Trump werent on the same page, and hes vowed not to make the same mistake  keeping him apprised of thorny policy debates and constantly gauging his preferences, the two Republicans said.

Johnson and his team have also stayed in regular touch with Vice President JD Vance and some of the presidents most influential aides, including Wiles, deputy chiefs of staff Stephen Miller and James Blair, and legislative affairs chief James Braid.

The coordination has borne fruit. During a Tuesday night rally in Michigan, Trump debuted a more refined pledge on Medicaid that appeared to leave the door open to changes so long as they dont affect the programs neediest beneficiaries.

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We want to preserve Medicaid for the most vulnerable, for our kids, our pregnant women, the poor and disabled, he said.

That messaging is straight out of Johnsons songbook  mirroring talking points that the speakers office has distributed. Johnson himself echoed the same themes during an Axios event Wednesday, arguing that the goal is to preserve the programs for the people who are genuinely in need and deserve it.

The semantics of the GOPs Medicaid promises are crucial. Virtually all Republicans  the president included  want to implement the first-ever federal Medicaid work requirements for so-called able-bodied adults without dependents, and to root out waste, fraud and abuse. Those changes, they argue, create savings but dont constitute cuts that Trump has promised to avoid.

If you listen to everybody: Donald Trump, JD Vance, Dr. [Mehmet] Oz, even Elon Musk, its Were not cutting Medicaid, said Jim McLaughlin, a Trump campaign pollster. Were going to stop giving this to dead people. Were going to stop giving it to foreigners, and people that are in this country illegally. And we actually should be able to hopefully increase services and benefits to people that are truly in need, like pregnant mothers, disabled and low-income folks.

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But pursuing only those policies promises to reap only limited savings. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) said Wednesday that Republicans could hit $370 billion in savings from work requirements, kicking noncitizens off benefit rolls and more frequent eligibility checks  short of the $600 billion House leaders are targeting.

The question is what additional cuts do Republicans pursue to find savings  and theres where the situation gets dicey.

Johnson has sought to find wiggle room under the umbrella of rooting out waste: House GOP leaders are coalescing around the view that Trumps no-cuts mandate applies only to the programs traditional, lowest-income recipients. That, they say, leaves the door open to targeting the ACA expansion of the program, which required states to expand coverage to nearly all adults making up to 138 percent of the poverty level, with the federal government picking up 90 percent of the cost. A Supreme Court ruling made the expansion optional.

Forty states and the District of Columbia have since expanded Medicaid, extending coverage to roughly 20 million more Americans and making it politically treacherous for lawmakers to rip that safety net away.

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Still, senior House Republicans have been looking at a range of possibilities as part of their desperate search for the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings they need. One far-reaching proposal that would cut the federal cost share for the expansion population is no longer seen as viable on Capitol Hill and wont be presented to Trump as an option, Republicans said. But the per capita caps, which would have a similar effect by limiting the overall federal contribution to states, continues to be on the table.

Some House GOP fiscal hawks are looking to slash more and are concerned by how Energy and Commerce has already seemed to trim its sails. One Republican with direct knowledge of the talks said the committee seems to want to rely on shell games and said work requirements alone could end up actually expanding Medicaid spending by luring some of the 10 non-expansion states into the ACA program.

Is that really the legacy Republicans want? the person asked.

The GOPs bigger political challenge is that no matter what they do, Democrats are ready to rerun their 2017 playbook and skewer them for gutting health care  and theyre well aware. Some proposals being considered could eliminate coverage for up to 10 million Medicaid enrollees, according to numbers seen by two people in the House who have seen estimates that have circulated. That estimate doesnt include the steeper options Republicans have been considering.

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Republicans are looking to rebut those attacks by considering using some of the savings from rolling back the ACA expansion to reinvest in benefits for core beneficiaries, including low-income pregnant women, children and Americans with disabilities, according to multiple GOP officials on Capitol Hill.

[Republicans] are being stung by these ads about how youre going to hurt rural health, hurt women, and hurt pregnant women, said Stephen Moore, an economic adviser to the president. But the whole message is: Were not cutting anybodys benefits. If anything, its talking about providing more and better benefits.

Ben Leonard contributed to this report.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) promised this week that he will work to realize one of Republicans long-held goals: defunding Planned Parenthood.

Johnson announced Tuesday during a keynote speech for anti-abortion organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America that President Donald Trumps economic agenda will include defunding big abortion  a disparaging phrase used by the religious right to refer to Planned Parenthood. Trumps administration has been working with the House speaker to wrap his domestic policy agenda into one big, beautiful bill, as the president often refers to it.

In the weeks ahead, the House is gonna be working on the one big, beautiful bill, Johnson told the gala crowd. Were absolutely making it clear to everybody that this bill is going to redirect funds away from big abortion and to federally qualified health centers.

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This is the first time since Trump took office that Republican leadership in Congress has explicitly stated its plan.

Republicans have been trying to defund Planned Parenthood for decades, and the Trump administration has made it clear that one of its top priorities is to slash federal funding for the group. Most recently, the administration cut millions in family planning grants to the national reproductive health organization.

The federally qualified health centers Johnson referred to could, in theory, still provide reproductive health care, without any attachment to Planned Parenthood. But given that his audience was an anti-abortion activist group, and his comments were about defunding big abortion, its likely House Republicans aim to direct funding away from any centers that provide abortion care. Johnson also spoke positively about anti-abortion pregnancy centers, sometimes referred to as crisis pregnancy centers, known for peddling misinformation based on religious rhetoric that is not medically accurate.

Its also possible the Trump administration plans to designate anti-abortion pregnancy centers as federally qualified health centers, since hundreds of these types of clinics across the country already receive millions of federal dollars.

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Johnson shouted out the over 2,700 pregnancy resource centers that are helping more and more women choose life.

Im so grateful that SBA and the Charlotte Lozier Institute have been so instrumental in raising awareness about these important centers, which provide comprehensive care for the vulnerable, he said. And, you know what, they outnumber big abortion providers 15-to-1, so thats something we can celebrate.

"We're absolutely making it clear to everybody that this bill is going to redirect funds away from big abortion and to federally qualified health centers," the House speaker (left) said this week. Bloomberg via Getty Images

Despite GOP rhetoric, Title X funding does not go toward abortion care  meaning the Trump administrations plan will simply take away critical sexual and reproductive health care. Millions of low-income Americans who rely on Planned Parenthood for things like birth control, STI prevention and testing, and cancer screenings, will have to find care elsewhere.

After months of threats and ongoing attacks on Planned Parenthood and the care health centers provide, Speaker Johnson is finally making it plain: President Trump and his backers in Congress are willing to threaten health care for millions of people by shutting down Planned Parenthood health centers and ending vital access to care in communities nationwide, Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, told HuffPost.

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Defunding Planned Parenthood would be catastrophic to communities, put countless lives at risk and wreak havoc on our public health system.

Planned Parenthood has nearly 600 health centers around the country, providing abortion and other reproductive health care to over 2 million patients annually. Since Roe v. Wade fell, some Planned Parenthood clinics have struggled financially, and its likely to get worse if Johnsons promise to defund big abortion is kept.

Last month, Trump announced the administration had cut $65.8 million in family planning grants under Title X, a federal program dedicated to providing family-planning services for free or discounted prices to about 4 million low-income Americans every year.

The funding cut will have devastating impacts on family planning services across the country, but it will hit Planned Parenthood particularly hard. The organization is one of the largest Title X providers in the country. In the month since Title X funding was slashed, at least six Planned Parenthood health centers have been forced to close their doors.

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The Trump administration also recently joined a Supreme Court case alongside South Carolina, arguing that states should be allowed to exclude Planned Parenthood from their Medicaid programs. If the court sides with the Trump administration, Planned Parenthood would lose critical Medicaid funds. The loss of Title X funding, along with Medicaid programs, would effectively defund Planned Parenthood.

Federal Medicaid funds dont pay for abortion except in rare exceptions, but thats not stopping these lawmakers from going after Planned Parenthood, McGill Johnson said. Theyre set on depriving patients  particularly people who already have the hardest time getting health care  of access to affordable cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment, and many other essential reproductive health care services.

Nineteen million Planned Parenthood supporters in all 50 states are prepared to fight like hell to stop this egregious attack on their health care and make clear yet again that patients  not the government  should be in control of their own medical decisions, she said.

Watch Johnsons full speech below.

This article has been updated to further clarify the type of health centers that could receive federal funding if it is diverted from Planned Parenthood.

Related...
(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that national security advisor Mike Waltz was being nominated U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Reports surfaced Thursday morning that Waltz was on his way out from his current role following an incident where he mistakenly included a journalist on a Signal group chat discussing strikes on Yemen.

From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role, Trump posted on Truth Social.

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Trumps tariffs to further slash West Coast port traffic

He announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would serve as interim national security advisor.

Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation, Waltz said on X.

As with all ambassador appointments, Waltz will have to be confirmed by the Senate, where lawmakers can be expected to grill him on the security implications of his mistake and the use of an unapproved platform to discuss sensitive information.

Politico first reported that Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, will no longer hold positions in the White House.

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Waltzs exit was confirmed by multiple sources familiar with the situation, according to several reports.

Calls for Waltzs departure have continued since a journalist was mistakenly included in a group chat with top Trump officials on the messaging app Signal.

The chat, created by Waltz and led primarily by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed plans for a strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Harris accuses Trump of wholesale abandonment of American ideals

The messages detailed a timeline for the attack, including specific weapons that would be used.

In the aftermath, Waltz, in a cable TV appearance, said he took full responsibility for the group chat: We made a mistake. Were moving forward.

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Previously, Trump told the media, Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and hes a good man. Trump has also stood by Hegseth amid calls for his removal.

The White House as a whole has downplayed the group chats potential for security risks, with Trump in March calling the error the only glitch in two months, and not a serious one.

It is unknown who would take over for Waltz, who is the first departure of Trumps second term.

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.

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 NewsNation.
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For weeks, Washington has been waiting to see how long National Security Adviser Michael Waltz could hold on. The answer, we now know, was 101 days.

Multiple outlets reported this morning that Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, would be leaving the Trump administration. His firing comes roughly seven weeks after he added The Atlantics editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a Signal chat in which top administration officials discussed a strike on Yemen before and after it took place. In legal and security terms, the mortal sin was conducting official business in an unsecured and unpreserved forum; in political terms, it was including Goldberg. Trump acknowledged last week in an interview with Goldberg, and my colleagues Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer, that the scandal was a very big story and that his administration had learned Maybe dont use Signal, okay? Trump reportedly hesitated to fire Waltz because he didnt want to give the media a scalp or acknowledge that he cared, but his resolve apparently weakened.

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Any other national security adviser would have been deservedly fired after the leak, but even without Signalgate, its hard to imagine that Waltz would have survived very long. (He did, at least, outlast the first national security adviser of Trumps first term, Michael Flynn, who didnt reach the one-month mark.) Waltz was one of the more respected and expert hands on Trumps team, and that would have doomed him sooner or later.

Waltzs demise was foretold shortly after Signalgate, when the 9/11conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who holds no government role, persuaded Trump to fire several NSC staffers whom she believed were insufficiently loyal. Implicit in her critique and Trumps acquiescence was a belief that Waltz wasnt really on the team, either. Waltz is a right-winger and a convert to Trumpism, but he is not a blind loyalist. He won four Bronze Stars while serving in U.S. Special Forces. He worked at the Pentagon during the George W. Bush administration, and was elected to four terms in Congress. As national security adviser, he tried to bring his expertise to the service of the president.

The problem is that Waltz was trying to serve two masters. As I wrote in January, Trump doesnt care about national security. Hes not against it, or actively trying to undermine it; hes just not interested. Hes not interested in hearing reasoned advice, developed through a careful process, as the National Security Council has doneespecially if this advice contradicts his impulses or ideology. On an issue like the strikes on Houthis in Yemen, where Trump has fewer interests to balance, problems dont tend to arise. But on marquee issues that Trump cant ignore, and where tough trade-offs and complicated strategy enter the picturesuch as with Ukraine or Chinasomeone has to start giving him news he doesnt like.

Trump doesnt want expertise. He started his presidency by sweeping out dozens of career officials whom his team viewed as Democrats in disguise or creatures of the establishment. Since then, the ground has continued to shift. My colleague Isaac Stanley-Becker reported recently that as Waltzs control of the NSC slipped away, the real powers on the council were the longtime Trump adviser Stephen Miller and Trumps Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff. These two represent very different models: the ideologue and the old pal, respectively. Miller treats the NSC not as a forum to weigh policy options, Stanley-Becker wrote, but as a platform to advance his own hard-line immigration agenda. The handy thing about ideology is that it effaces all the hard choices that a pragmatic approach to the world requires. Witkoff, meanwhile, seems to have neither an ideology nor any expertise that might interfere with his fidelity to Trump. Though he lacks diplomatic experience, he has been friends with Trump for years, and the president has sent him ricocheting around the globewith little to show for it so far.

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Trumps allergy to expertise also helps explain why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appears to be on more solid footing than Waltz despite worse scandals: He, too, was involved in Signalgate. Though Hegseth was not the one who added Goldberg to the chat, Hegseth did share detailed attack plans in it. He also shared sensitive information with his wife and others who had no need for it, installed an insecure line into the Pentagon, and cant manage to keep his staff from turning over. (I think hes gonna get it together, Trump told my colleagues in an interview last week. I had a talk with him, a positive talk, but I had a talk with him.) Waltzs ouster might be an ominous sign, however, for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a traditional Republican and Trump critic turned vassal who holds another delicate foreign-policy job.

Now Waltz joins a list of discarded Trump national security advisers, alongside Flynn, H. R. McMaster, and John Bolton. That unhappy fraternity is only likely to grow. Every administration official serves at the pleasure of the president, and nothing incurs this presidents displeasure faster than trying to get him to care about national security.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
UPDATED, with additional details: Donald Trump said that his national security adviser, Michael Waltz, would be departing that post and will be his nominee to serve as ambassador to the United Nations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as national security adviser in the interim, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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The president wrote, I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role.

Trumps announcement is the first major shakeup of his second term.

Waltz was at the center of so-called Signal Gate, in which he inadvertently added The Atlantics editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a group chat in which top Trump administration officials discussed a planned attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared the attack plans with the group a couple hours before they were carried out.

Journalist Mark Halperin first reported the pending shakeup this morning, and other media outlets confirmed the news before noon.

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According to CNN, Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser, also will depart.

In his first term, Trump went through a succession of national security advisers, including Michael Flynn, who stepped down after less than a month, followed by H.R. McMaster, John Bolton and Robert OBrien.

Even before Trump made the announcement official, Democrats pounced on the news. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, Mike Waltzs abrupt dismissal is further proof of the chaos and incompetence that has reigned over President Trumps White House and national security team during his first 100 days in office. The stunning amount of turnover of senior staff at both the National Security Council and at the Pentagon is alarming.

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A month after taking responsibility for accidentally inviting the editor-in-chief of Atlantic Magazine into an online chat between top national security officials to discuss operational details for airstrikes in Yemen, President Donald Trump's national security adviser and former Florida congressman Mike Waltz will be changing jobs.

Trump announced on Truth Social on May 1 that he is nominating Waltz, a former Republican congressman from Florida, to be ambassador to the United Nations.

"I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump wrote. "From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department."

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A source familiar with the situation on May 1 confirmed Waltz's exit, as well as deputy national security adviser Alex Wong, USA TODAY reported Thursday.

Trump had publicly backed Waltz and other members of the chat, including embattled Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, after they vigorously denied sharing any classified war plans on the publicly available app Signal. The Atlantic editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, published a March 24 story revealing the lapse and followed up with another showing screenshots of the discussion.

But the embarrassing revelation, which became known as "Signalgate," strained an administration that is already seeing a drop in polls.

Was Mike Waltz fired? How long did Mike Waltz last?

Waltz's departure comes 102 days into Trump's second term, making him the first high-ranking administration official to leave since the president's inauguration.

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However, he beat Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who Trump fired 24 days into the job during his first term in February 2017.

Anthony Scaramucci, one of Trump's White House communications directors during his first term who famously lasted 11 days before Trump fired him, posted on X that Waltz "lasted 9.2 Scaramuccis."

The move comes a day after Waltz, along with other cabinet members, publicly praised Trump during a cabinet meeting, saying, "Mr. President, in the last four years, the world experienced a total lack of zero leadership under Biden. And then we've had 100 days of your leadership with respect, with strength."

"It's an honor to serve you in this administration," he said. "And I think the world is far better, far safer for it."

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How many Scaramuccis? Waltz out at White House after Signalgate. Here's what people are saying

Waltz latest Signalgate casualty

On Wednesday, Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, was reassigned to work on special projects at the Pentagon, according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly. In late March, he vowed to crack down on leaks.

Two aides to Hegseth, Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick were placed on administrative leave last week as part of an investigation into unauthorized leaks.

Did Laura Loomer get Mike Waltz fired?

BREAKING:



National Security Advisor Mike Waltz @MikeWaltz47 along with his Chinese deputy NSC Advisor Alex Wong have resigned from the Trump admin today.



Hopefully, the rest of the people who were set to be fired but were given promotions at the NSC under Waltz also depart.  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 1, 2025

"Hopefully, the rest of the people who were set to be fired but were given promotions at the NSC under Waltz also depart," far-right activist Laura Loomer said in a post on X shortly after news broke about Waltz's exit.

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It is not yet known if Loomer, who has been advising Trump and recently encouraged him to fire two senior officials on the National Security Council, had any involvement in Waltz's departure.

Was Pete Hegseth fired?

There has been no word on whether former Fox host and current Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will be affected by Signalgate. Hegseth is the focus of a Pentagon Inspector Generals review of his handling of sensitive military information.

Hegseth has strongly denied that any classified information was shared in the Signal chat. The defense secretary faces increased scrutiny over communications after a new report last week that he also shared the timing of U.S. air strikes on Houthi rebels with his wife and brother on the same encrypted commercial messaging app.

In April, Hegseth fired several top aides for allegedly disclosing sensitive information. Pentagon press secretary Sean Parnell blamed them and the Trump-hating media for reporting on the chats.

What happened in Signalgate?

U.S. national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen, Goldberg, wrote in an article on March 24. I didnt think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling.

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The Associated Press reported that the National Security Council said the messages appeared to be authentic. Goldberg said he received the Signal invitation from Waltz

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was in the text chain, told reporters that Nobody was texting war plans and thats all I have to say about that. Waltz said he'd never met Goldberg and was investigating to see how the mixup happened.

By the next night, as the story raged across the news and social media, Waltz backtracked on his claim that he wasn't to blame for the group chat mistake, telling FOX News that he took "full responsibility" for the chat that included The Atlantic editor, who he still said he didn't know outside of his "horrible reputation."

"I take full responsibility. I built the group," Waltz said on FOX's "The Ingraham Angle." "It's embarrassing. We're going to get to the bottom of it."

What is Signal?

Signal is an encrypted messaging app available to anyone for free in Apple and Google app stores.

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Since launching in 2014, the app has garnered a reputation as one of the most secure messaging platforms in the world. That's because it has no ads, does not track users' data and does not store any metadata such as timestamps, internet addresses or group names.

Signal has become popular among activists, revolutionaries, politicians, journalists and even criminals who may have an interest in keeping government agencies from intercepting or subpoenaing their messages.

However, Signal is not officially approved for use by elected and appointed public officials in the United States doing government business, experts said. Democratic lawmakers and some security experts have raised the alarm that national security information, under U.S. law, should only be shared through the government's own approved secure platforms.

Since Signal deletes messages by default, there are also questions about the use of it to avoid permanent copies of governmental actions, which are also required by law.

Who is Mike Waltz?

Mike Waltz is a decorated Green Beret combat veteran who served three terms as a Florida congressman from Florida's 6th District and won a fourth in November before stepping down to join the Trump administration.

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Waltz has held civilian positions at the Pentagon, served as chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness in addition to the House Intelligence Committee and House Oversight and Accountability Committee, and has supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' war on "wokeness" and Trump's "America First" view of foreign relations.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mike Waltz to be UN ambassador after Signalgate fallout
The state of New York requires drivers to maintain minimum levels of auto insurance to cover the cost of injuries, damage to property, and financial protection from uninsured motorists.

While many in the Empire State purchase policies above state-mandated minimums to protect themselves and their vehicles, the cost of car insurance in New York is rising, and drivers across the state are looking for ways to save.

Read on to learn the minimum car insurance requirements in New York, the types of optional coverage available, auto insurance programs unique to the state, how to get the cheapest car insurance, and more.

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Minimum car insurance requirements in New York

New York is a no-fault state, meaning that each drivers insurance policy covers the costs associated with injuries and damages, no matter which driver caused the accident. The state of New York requires all drivers to purchase the following minimum amounts of basic car insurance coverage.

Personal injury protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection (PIP) covers the medical costs of treating injuries that you and/or others covered in your policy have sustained in an accident as well as certain other related expenses, payment for lost wages, and a death benefit if necessary. The minimum amount for basic no-fault coverage is $50,000 per person.

Important note: You will not be able to obtain no-fault benefits if you were driving while drunk or high, intending to hurt yourself, riding an ATV or a motorcycle, committing a felony, or were in an uninsured vehicle.

Bodily injury liability

If someone is seriously injured or dies in a car accident that you cause, and you are sued by the person or their family and found guilty, bodily injury liability coverage pays for the costs of the damages awarded for pain and suffering. The minimum limits are:

$25,000 for any person who sustains a serious injury in an accident but does not die, or $50,000 if that person dies

$50,000 for two or more people who sustain a serious injury in an accident but do not die, or $100,000 if two or more die (subject to the above per person limits)

You can sue another party for bodily injury due to an accident, but you must have sustained a serious injury as defined in the states insurance law. In addition to pain and suffering, you can also sue for economic damages that arent covered by your no-fault coverage or exceed your policys limits.

Property damage liability

Property damage liability coverage pays for repairing or replacing property that you damaged in a car accident. The minimum coverage amount for a basic policy is $10,000 per accident.

Insurance companies sometimes refer to these minimum bodily and property liability limits as $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 or 25/50/10.

Important note: For both types of liability coverage, your insurance company must provide your legal defense if you are sued by another party who claims you caused an accident, and your insurer is not allowed to reduce your policys liability limits.

Uninsured motorist coverage

If you are in an accident caused by another driver who is either uninsured or a hit-and-run motorist, this coverage will pay the medical costs if you are injured, but not the repair or replacement costs if your car is damaged. The minimum limits are the same as those for bodily injury coverage.

Learn more: How does uninsured motorist coverage work?

Optional NY car insurance coverage

Many New York drivers opt for additional car insurance coverage above the states minimum requirements in order to help protect their vehicles and shield themselves from out-of-pocket costs. While your insurance premium will rise with the more coverage options you add on, you will generally be better protected and more financially insulated from all costs associated with accidents.

Additional PIP coverage. You have the option to purchase more PIP (no-fault) coverage over the basic $50,000 minimum limit.

Additional bodily injury liability coverage. If you own a home and have other assets to protect, its smart to carry insurance limits above the state-required minimum. Your insurance company may offer to bundle increased limits for bodily injury liability and property damage liability, paying one maximum amount for all damages per accident, no matter how many people are hurt.

Supplemental spousal liability insurance. Supplemental spousal liability (SSL) insurance provides additional bodily injury liability coverage for accidents where a spouse is at fault. This provides protection if the driver who causes the accident has lower insurance limits than the person who is injured.

Effective March 26, 2025, insurers must provide SSL coverage when the policyholder includes the name of a spouse on their insurance application  unless the policyholder declines SSL insurance in writing using this form.

Additional property damage liability coverage. Many New York drivers choose additional property damage liability coverage above the $10,000 minimum limit, given the higher value of their automobiles.

Supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorists (SUM) coverage. You can buy supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorists (SUM) coverage with higher limits than the mandatory minimum.

Collision. If you damage your own car, collision car insurance coverage will pay the repair or replacement costs. If you dont have collision coverage and another party is at least partially responsible for damaging your car, you can make a claim against their property damage liability insurance coverage for the damages they caused.

Comprehensive. Any damage you cause to your car that is not covered by collision is covered by comprehensive car insurance, including costs to repair a broken window, damage from flooding, fire, vandalism, falling or flying objects, if you collide with an animal, if your car is stolen, and the costs of a rental car or public transit until your insurance company settles your claim.

Learn more: Most common types of car insurance explained

Car insurance programs only available in New York

The New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP)

If your driving record, lack of experience, or age, for example, prevent you from getting the car insurance you need, you can purchase coverage through the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP). Your existing insurance agent will likely be able to place you in this plan, or you can call the plan directly at (212) 943-5100 or visit the NYAIP website.

You will typically pay higher premiums for NYAIP coverage, but you can obtain a "careful driver" discount after one year in the plan if you are accident- and conviction-free, and if youve had a drivers license for at least four years.

Learn more: What is high-risk car insurance and who needs it?

Cheap car insurance in New York

Heres how to get the cheapest car insurance in New York.

Shop around

Policyholders are encouraged to check their policies or speak with their company representative or agent to discuss their specific needs and the range of optional coverage available, said Cassandra Anderson, president of the New York Insurance Association.

With affordability top of mind in a rapidly evolving economy, insurance is a critical component of financial planning, Anderson said. Insurance carriers are deeply committed to enhancing financial literacy and empowering New York families with the knowledge to ensure their coverage needs are met.

Prices differ from company to company, so it pays to get at least three quotes from different insurance companies, including those that sell through their own agents, those that sell through independent agents, and those that sell directly to consumers via phone, app, or the internet.

Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations based on their experiences, and do your own due diligence by researching the company before committing, said Loretta L. Worters, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute. Make sure the company you choose is reputable and that you're comfortable with the service you get from the insurance professionals you speak to, she added.

Learn more: How to shop for car insurance

Car insurance discounts

Auto insurance companies offer various discounts to their customers, including those who are:

Senior citizens

Students

Loyal customers

Making annual payments or going paperless

Bundling home and auto or renters insurance

Insuring more than one vehicle

Driving less than average

Practice defensive driving and maintain a clean driving record, Anderson said. Additionally, installing dash cams and anti-theft devices improves security and may be eligible for discounts.

Learn more: Car insurance discounts: 17 ways to save

Customize coverage to your personal situation

Increasing your deductible can lower your premiums, but be aware that you may have to pay more out of pocket for any claim, Anderson said. Policies should be reviewed annually to ensure you are not over- or under-insured.

If your older car is worth less than 10 times the insurance premium, having collision and/or comprehensive coverage may not be cost-effective, Worters said. We do caution people that in todays market, older cars hold their value longer than they have in years past, so make sure to check what your car is worth.

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Car insurance quotes in New York

The amount you'll pay for car insurance in New York is impacted by a number of very different factors  some you can control, like driving safely and improving your credit, and some you cannot, like your age and gender.

While not all companies use the same parameters, here's a list of what commonly determines the bottom line on your car insurance policy:

Your driving record

How much you drive your car

ZIP code

Your age

Your gender

The car you drive

Your credit

The type and amount of car insurance coverage

Learn more: What is a car insurance premium, and how is it calculated?

NY car insurance laws

Insurance Information and Enforcement System (IIES)

Insurance companies must report to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles whenever someone buys a car insurance policy, renews one, or cancels one. The DMV tracks this information on its electronic database, the Insurance Information and Enforcement System (IIES), and can detect when vehicles are uninsured. Your vehicle registration and drivers license can be suspended, and you will also be subject to hefty fines if you fail to maintain liability insurance coverage.

DWI/DWAI

It's illegal to drive your car in New York if you have a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) or higher, if youre driving while impaired with more than .05 BAC but less than .07 BAC, or if youre driving while impaired by a drug or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Learn more: Whats the difference between DUI and DWI?

For the first offense of these violations, you will pay a fine up to $1,000 and various surcharges, your drivers license will be revoked for at least three months, and you will face up to one year in jail. The penalties increase per occurrence, and if you are cited with a BAC of 0.18 or higher.

Teenagers under 21 who drive with a .02 BAC to .07 BAC can be cited under New Yorks Zero Tolerance Law. They will have to pay a $125 civil penalty, their license can be suspended for six months, and they will have to pay another $100 fee to lift the suspension.
(This article has been updated to include new information.)

WASHINGTON  Mike Waltz is out as President Donald Trump's national security adviser and is instead his new nominee for ambassador to the United Nations in a major shake-up of Trump's national security team.

Trump on May 1 said Waltz is leaving his White House post, confirming a departure that was reported hours earlier amid continued fallout weeks after Waltz invited a journalist into a chat among top national security officials discussing plans for Yemen airstrikes.

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But in a surprise move, the president said he wants Waltz to continue in his administration as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N.

"From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as national security adviser on an interim basis while continuing to lead the State Department.

Trump had previously picked U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, for the UN ambassadorship, but she withdrew her nomination when a series of special elections jeopardized Republicans' slim majority in the House. The position requires Senate confirmation.

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"Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation," Waltz said in a statement.

Earlier on May 1, a source familiar with Waltz's ouster as national security adviser confirmed the departure, as well as that of deputy national security adviser Alex Wong. Even though Waltz will be retained, their departures mark the first major staff shake-up since Trump's return to the White House in January.

Trump's decision to move Waltz to the U.N. role  and name Rubio the temporary national security adviser  caught even Trump officials off guard.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce was alerted to the personnel shuffle by reporters during a press briefing when Trump announced the moves.

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"Well, there you go  fabulous," Bruce told reporters. "It is clear I just heard this from you."

Trump has publicly stood by Waltz after his national security adviser and other members of the chat vigorously denied sharing any classified war plans on the publicly available app Signal. The chat was revealed when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, published a story on March 24 detailing how Waltz had accidentally invited him into the communications.

Yet behind the scenes, the embarrassing mishap, which even Trump started referring to as "Signalgate," took a toll on the relationship between Trump and Waltz, a former Republican congressman from Florida.

Tapping Rubio as interim national security adviser adds to the multiple hats the former Florida U.S. senator wears in the Trump administration. Rubio is also serving as acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, after Trump gutted the agency, as well as acting archivist of the United States.

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Waltz's ouster just 102 days into Trump's second term marks the first high-ranking administration official to leave a post since the president's inauguration. Yet Waltz lasted longer than Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser, whom Trump fired in February 2017, 24 days into his first term.

The reshuffling comes after conservative activist Laura Loomer has exerted increasing influence in Trump's decision-making, including encouraging Trump to recently fire two senior officials on the National Security Council after a White House visit.

Loomer, on a podcast hosted by reporter Tara Palmeri, recounted a recent Oval Office visit with Trump, saying she was prepared to show the president footage from his 2016 campaign of Waltz criticizing him for remarks he made about U.S. service members.

"I was about to show this video of Michael Waltz, and then President Trump walked into the Oval Office," Loomer said, adding that she has kept it on her phone for "many years."

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On the day of the initial Atlantic report revealing the Signal chat, Waltz said he took "full responsibility" for the "embarrassing" blunder. "We're going to get to the bottom of it," he told Laura Ingraham on Fox News.

Waltz mistakenly added Goldberg, a longtime national security journalist, to a chat on the encrypted messaging app Signal in mid-March that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, and Vice President JD Vance, among other members of the Trump administration's top echelon.

Officials in the group discussed military plans to strike the Houthi militant movement in Yemen, and Hegseth sent a message detailing strike times by U.S. warplanes and drones, as Goldberg reported in the bombshell article.

Trump defended Waltz at the start of the controversy, saying that it was a "mistake" and that "he's not getting fired." But fallout from the incident grew as lawmakers on the House and Senate intelligence committees grilled Trump's intelligence officials and after reports of an additional Signal chat created by Hegseth in which the defense secretary shared sensitive military information with his wife and brother.

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As Hegseth repeatedly denied accusations that he had shared any classified war plans, The Atlantic published screenshots of messages Hegseth sent in the chat that detailed the exact times of planned strikes and how they would be delivered.

Waltz was also defiant for weeks before news of his departure. "No locations. No sources & methods. NO WAR PLANS," he posted on X in March.

A former member of the Armys Green Berets, Waltz served three terms representing the sixth congressional district in north-central Florida. He was replaced in Congress by Republican Randy Fine, who won a special election in March.

Waltz was initially elected to the House in 2018, replacing Ron DeSantis after his rise to Florida governor. An officer in the Army National Guard, Waltz had served in combat zones multiple times. He had been a defense policy director in the Pentagon before being tapped by Vice President Dick Cheney as a counterterrorism adviser in the George W. Bush administration. Waltz retired from the National Guard last fall at the rank of colonel.

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Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver

(Correction: An app notification to this story misstated the position of the national security adviser. It is not a Cabinet-level position.)

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mike Waltz security adviser fired: Trump nominates for UN ambassador
National security adviser Mike Waltz is leaving his post and will become Americas ambassador to the United Nations, marking the first major shakeup of President Trumps second administration.

Waltz had been at the center of a controversy involving a group chat on the Signal app in which national security and defense officials were sharing key details of a military strike in Yemen. Waltz is said to be the person who inadvertently invited Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the chat.

After multiple outlets reported on Waltzs departure from Trumps national security team, the president on Thursday afternoon announced the former congressman would become his U.N. envoy, a role that remains open after Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) saw her nomination pulled due to the GOPs thin House majority.

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Waltzs deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to leave his post. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would serve a dual role as his national security adviser for the time being.

Waltz is the highest-ranking Trump official to leave the administration since the start of the second term. Chief of staff Susie Wiles said in a recent interview that she expects all of Trumps Senate-confirmed Cabinet secretaries to stay in their posts through his first year back in office.

Goldberg revealed in a March 24 report that he was added to the message chain, which the National Security Council confirmed was authentic. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined in Signal the strikes on Houthi rebels  details the White House and Hegseth insist were not classified.

Questioned swirled at the time about if Waltz, or Hegseth, would be fired over the situation but Trump defended Waltz, a former congress member from Florida, saying he has confidence in his top adviser.

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Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and hes a good man, Trump told NBC at the time.

Meanwhile, Hegseth has stayed in the spotlight since then. He reportedly shared attack plans in another Signal chat that included his family and personal lawyer.

Waltz joined Trumps Cabinet meeting Wednesday and spoke briefly while officials went around the table. He also joined the president in Rome on Saturday for Pope Franciss funeral.

He traveled with the president on Marine One on Tuesday when Trump went to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, but he didnt board Air Force One to travel to Michigan with him, CNN reported.

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Earlier this month, six officials from the National Security Council were fired after Laura Loomer, a political activist linked to far-right conspiracies, met with Trump and reportedly brought a list of national security officials who couldnt be trusted.

Those fired from the council included Brian Walsh, senior director of intelligence; Thomas Boodry, senior director of legislative affairs who was also an aide to Waltz when he was in the House; and David Feith, senior director of technology and national security, among others.

Trump downplayed Loomer having anything to do with the firings, saying she makes recommendations on things and people, and sometimes I listen to those recommendations.

State Sen. Randy Fine (R) won the special election for Floridas 6th Congressional District earlier this month to replace Waltz in Congress. Fines win came as a relief for Republicans, who grew increasingly worried about the race as Democrat Josh Weil overperformed Fine in fundraising and some polling.

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Updated at 2:25 p.m. EDT

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Reported sexual assaults in the military dropped by 4% from fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2024, the second consecutive year of significant improvement with Defense Department efforts to combat the criminal activity in the ranks.

But officials noted that sexual harassment reports rose slightly over the same time period, and many victims remain reluctant to file formal complains, blunting some of the optimism surrounding the issue.

According to statistics released Thursday, department officials received 8,195 sexual assault reports in 2024 involving service members, down from 8,515 in 2023.

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Of the 2024 total, 6,973 reports involved troops being assaulted by fellow military members. That total is down roughly 4% from fiscal 2023 and down almost 5.5% from fiscal 2022. The Associated Press said the largest decrease was in the Army, which saw a one-year drop of about 13%.

Pentagon jobs cuts delay plans to expand assault, suicide prevention

Officials said the majority of reports come from young women, although just over 1% of all men who serve in the military have experienced sexual violence by a peer.

Dr. Nathan Galbreath, director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, said that officials are encouraged by the continued rates of reporting even if they are working to reduce all instances of sexual assault.

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The warfighter ethos values respect for ones comrades in arms, and sexual assault and sexual harassment are antithetical to that ethos, he said. Preventing these crimes is essential to maintaining a unified mission ready military.

Sexual harassment complaints rose about 1% from fiscal 2024 to 2025, but still saw a two-year decrease of nearly 6%.

Whether officials will be able to continue that progress remains unclear. During a Pentagon briefing on the report numbers, officials acknowledged that looming staffing cuts throughout the department could impact future work on sexual assault prevention and prosecution.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly pledged to trim tens of thousands of civilian jobs from the department in coming months, as part of a broader White House effort to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy.

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But Galbreath said officials are encouraged by recent improvements to the reporting and legal response processes.

He also acknowledged the extent of the problem is likely much bigger than the annual report shows.

An anonymous, military-wide survey conducted by the services last year found that more than 29,000 active-duty troops had experienced unwanted sexual contact in the previous 12 months.
New York Citys 2 million rent-stabilized tenants will almost certainly see their rents rise for the fifth year in a row after the panel charged with deciding rates approved hikes during a raucous preliminary vote Wednesday evening.

The Rent Guidelines Board agreed to a range of 1.75% to 4.75% increases for one-year leases and 4.75% to 7.75% for two-year leases at the chaotic vote in Long Island City. Those figures will be finalized in a vote this summer.

The vote comes as most Democratic candidates for mayor have expressed support for a rent freeze amid an ongoing housing crisis.

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The nine-person panel of mayoral appointees  two landlord reps, two tenant reps and five public ones  is tasked with weighing the interests of both sides, and decided in a 5-4 vote all but drowned out by the crowd of tenants.

Last year, the board ultimately approved hikes of 2.75% for one-year leases and 5.25% for two-year leases.

Approximately half of all city apartments are rent stabilized, ensuring they remain comparatively affordable. Advocates have long called for the RGB to freeze or rollback the rents as tenants struggle with the twin housing and affordability crises.

If the rent goes up again people will suffer, said Xie Hua Ying, a Chinatown resident and home care worker who spends 30% of her income on rent. This is how they try to push people like us, the working people, out of New York.

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The upcoming primary was front and center for protesters, with widespread criticism of Mayor Adams and signs reading Want our votes? Freeze our rent.

We have the power to decide this election and were going to use that power, said Joanne Grell, co-chair of the Freeze the Rent Campaign. We are going to fight all the way to the ballot box.

But owner groups were also upset by the boards proposed ranges, citing the climbing costs of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.

This RGB panel is on the same course as its predecessors of under-indexing rent increases; the preliminary range inexplicably doesnt follow the math of its own data, which indicates a starting point of 6.3% for this years rent adjustment, said Ann Korchak, board president of Small Property Owners of New York, a landlord group. The RGB must now take bold action, departing from its preliminary range and setting higher rent increases.

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The housing crunch has emerged as a key issue in the crowded Democratic mayoral primary. Freezing rents has become a particularly hot topic, with more than three in four voters in support.

Mayor Adams, himself a landlord, seemingly came out against a rent freeze on Monday and emphasized the need to protect small property owners. Mayoral contender Andrew Cuomo expressed similar skepticism in his housing platform.

Meanwhile, left-leaning Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has made freezing the rent central to his campaign, pledging to appoint board members sympathetic to tenants. Most other Democrats, including Comptroller Brad Lander and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, have taken the more moderate stance of opposing rent hikes this year but not for the long term.

Tonight, the board made a challenging decision to approve a preliminary range for rent-stabilized lease adjustments aiming to strike a balance between protecting the quality of rent stabilized homes as costs continue to rise without overburdening tenants with infeasible rent increases, Mayor Adams said in a statement. But I must be clear that an increase as much as 7.75 percent is far too unreasonable of a burden for tenants, especially as our entire city is feeling the squeeze of a 1.4 percent housing vacancy rate and a decades-long affordability crisis. New Yorkers simply cannot bear these costs.

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Mamdani was the only candidate to appear.

We do not simply say the Rent Guidelines Board made this decision, Eric Adams made this decision, he told the crowd.

He also took a swipe at Cuomo, whom he said wrapped himself in the arms of the Real Estate Board of New York.

The boards final vote will likely take place in June and any changes will take effect Oct. 1.
The most important fact about the minerals agreement signed by America and Ukraine is that no one in Kyiv would regard it as an end in itself; it is only a means to the vital objective of giving America a national interest in the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state.

Donald Trump was never going to support Ukraine against Russias onslaught because of his devotion to international law or the principle that big countries cannot be allowed to dismember their neighbours. Nor was Mr Trump likely to be outraged by the spectacle of Vladimir Putins forces laying waste to European cities, driving millions from their homes and kidnapping thousands of children. No, the only Trump-friendly argument for backing Ukraine is that America might make money from doing so.

Hence this agreement opens the way for US companies to exploit Ukraines critical minerals in partnership with that country. Whether these resources actually exist in sufficient quantities to be commercially viable remains to be seen. There is good reason to doubt that anyone will profit greatly from Ukraines natural wealth. But this is irrelevant: the point is that the agreement creates an argument grounded in Americas national interest for Mr Trump to back Ukraine.

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It comes at a moment when Putins brutal intransigence and his glaring failure to endorse the ceasefire that Ukraine accepted as long ago as March 11 seems to be straining even Mr Trumps patience. America has thus made conciliatory gestures to Ukraine, including releasing $50 million of arms within hours of the minerals agreement being signed.

All of this amounts to good news, but nothing in the deal gives president Volodymyr Zelensky what he most wants: a clear American security guarantee for Ukraine. Yes, America has said that the peace process will be centred on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. True, the Trump administration has finally acknowledged the obvious truth that Russia launched the full-scale invasion. And the ruthlessly exploitative clauses of early versions of the agreement have been excised.

Yet America has still not given a clear pledge to come to Ukraines defence if Putin were to invade for a third time. Only with that guarantee would Mr Zelensky be able to sign a peace agreement without fearing that it was merely a pause before yet another Russian attack. The deal is an important step, but not a destination.

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For Ukraine, the minerals deal with the United States was never primarily about minerals. From the moment that Volodymyr Zelensky suggested the idea last year, his aim was to give the US a direct national interest in Ukraines survival.

What Mr Zelensky wants above all is a clear American security guarantee for his country.

A pledge from the superpower to defend Ukraine against any future attack would be the only way of ensuring that a peace agreement with Russia amounts to more than a temporary respite before Vladimir Putin comes back for a third invasion, designed to conquer his neighbour once and for all.

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But the minerals agreement signed on Wednesday falls short of that vital guarantee. True, the US administration has stated publicly that the whole peace process with Russia will be centred on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine.

And the final version of the deal no longer includes the brutally exploitative clauses in earlier drafts, which would have required Ukraine to hand over a share of its mineral wealth to repay the US for the aid provided since Putin launched his full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Donald Trump persists in saying that the US has given $350 billion (262.6 billion), exactly twice the real figure approved by Congress of $175 billion.

The agreement now only covers future projects, and Ukraine and the US will split the revenues from any new joint ventures 50-50.

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This revision of the deal in Ukraines favour probably reflects two factors: the influence of Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary and a relative moderate in the Trump administration, and mounting American frustration with Putins failure to make peace or even agree to the full ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted in principle on March 11.

But for all Ukraines negotiating success and the likelihood that Mr Trump is at last realising Putin is the obstacle to peace, the minerals agreement does not include a clear American security guarantee.

Mr Zelensky has not yet won the vital assurance that might allow him to compromise on territory in the interests of ending the war.

Even so, the fact that the US is now signed up to benefit from Ukraines natural wealth means Mr Zelensky has succeeded in engaging US interests in his countrys future.

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More weapons and more aid may follow from that. A security guarantee would be the logical progression, but it has not happened yet.

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May 1ROCHESTER  The state of Minnesota is launching a new Rochester facility this summer to inspect "salvaged" vehicles to track fraud and stolen parts.

The new site at 1304 Valleyhigh Drive NW will inspect vehicles that were branded as total losses or "salvage" and then repaired. Dealers and private individuals bring in the cars and trucks to have them inspected. The state checks the vehicles to ensure that they were repaired with legal parts.

"These are not safety inspections. They are not emissions inspections. What we are doing is we're making sure that the vehicles were repaired legally," explained Program Director Greg Loper of Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services. "What we're really doing with this program is preventing what used to be called 'Chop Shops,' the idea that someone would come in and steal a car and then take the parts off of that."

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He hopes to have the Rochester inspection site ready to open by July. It will be staffed five days a week by two vehicle inspectors, who will also inspect area vehicle dealerships.

The state is leasing about 4,300-square-feet of vehicle bay and office space in the 44,000-square-foot industrial building for the inspection site.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services has six inspection sites around the state. The one closest to Rochester is in Brooklyn Park, so this new Med City site should save some drive time for people who use these services.

Loper said the program inspected almost 28,000 vehicles in 2024, which was an increase of 26% from 2023.

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This project brings new life into the 63-year-old Valleyhigh Drive complex located between the Colonial Lanes bowling alley and the Rochester Meat facility.

The building is best known as being used by contract manufacturer Bowman Tool & Machining Inc. The Rochester company moved the bulk of its operation to a much larger building, the former Kmart complex at 660 37th St NW in 2009 . Bowman mainly used the Valleyhigh site for storage in recent years.

In 2022, Bowman sold the property for $1.96 million to Valleyhigh Commons LLC, led by David Haeuszer of Orlando, Florida.
A Minnesota State Patrol trooper has been charged with production of child pornography, the states U.S. Attorney Offices announced Thursday.

Jeremy Francis Plonski, 29, was arrested on a federal warrant after being charged with one count.

The U.S. Attorneys Office has zero tolerance for public officials who violate federal laws  particularly those laws that protect vulnerable children from sexual abuse, said Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Lisa Kirkpatrick in a statement.  While donning his uniform, Plonski committed one of the most vile and predatory offenses imaginable.

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Court documents werent publicly available Thursday and it wasnt immediately clear whether the alleged offense happened while Plonski was on or off-duty, or whether he has an attorney.

Plonski became a state trooper in 2022 and is on leave, with an internal affairs investigation underway.

The allegations in this case are appalling and indefensible, said State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic in a statement.  No badge, no title and no position will ever place anyone above the law. Protecting the vulnerable is our duty. Anyone who violates that duty has no place in this organization or in our profession.

The FBI investigated and thanked their partners at the FBIs Bryan, Texas satellite office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Shakopee police and the State Patrol for their critical assistance in this investigation.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A missing vulnerable adult from Hamburg was found dead at Sprague Brook Park in East Concord Thursday, according to Hamburg police.

James Reahr, 65, was reported missing as a vulnerable adult who may be in need of medical attention on April 30. He also had an intellectual disability, police said. Police said Reahr may have traveled to the park on foot.

He was found dead at the park on Thursday morning.

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Police said they are investigating the incident with the help of the Erie County Sheriffs Office and that there is no threat to the public.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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 News 4 Buffalo.
CARROLL COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  Carroll County deputies said a recent arrest may be connected to a massive vehicle theft ring.

Carroll County Sheriff Clint Walker said his office received a call from the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) on April 30, requesting assistance in locating a vehicle stolen out of Florida. The vehicle was being tracked by GPS.

Fourth suspect arrested in Yazoo City homicide

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Deputies located the vehicle, and after a brief chase, stopped it at the intersection of CR 70 and CR 74 in the McCarley area. Walker said the suspect, Brandon Gordon, 43, was arrested at the scene.

According to the sheriff, investigators found several weapons, a misdemeanor amount of marijuana and electronic tools commonly utilized in the theft of vehicles inside the stolen vehicle.

Brandon Gordon (Courtesy: Carroll County Sheriffs Office)

Gordon was arrested and booked into the Carroll County Regional Correctional Facility on charges of possession of stolen property and possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle with weapon enhancement.

Walker said Gordon was already out on bond from Desoto County on numerous felony charges.

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The sheriff said deputies are working with investigators from both the Memphis Police Department and the Southaven Police Department regarding a massive vehicle theft ring in the Southeastern part of the country. More arrests are expected.

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi's longest-serving death row inmate is set to be executed on June 25, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Richard Gerald Jordan, 78, who was sentenced to death in 1976 for kidnapping and killing a woman, has filed multiple death sentence appeals, the most recent of which was denied in October.

The Mississippi ruling comes on the same day Army Combat veteran Jeffrey Hutchinson was scheduled to be executed in Florida. Before Thursday, 14 people had been executed in the U.S., including three in Florida.

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The order did not specify the manner in which Jordan will be executed. Mississippi law allows death sentences to be carried out using lethal injection, nitrogen gas, electrocution or firing squad.

According to Mississippi Supreme Court records, Jordan kidnapped Edwina Marter in January 1976 and shot her to death in a forest in Harrison County. He then called her husband, Charles Marter, falsely claimed she was safe and asked for $25,000.

Records show that before the killing Jordan had traveled from Louisiana to Gulfport, Mississippi and called the Gulf National Bank, where Charles Marter worked as a loan officer. After he was told Marter could speak with him, he hung up, looked up the Marters' home address and went to the house posing as an electric company employee.

After due consideration, the Court finds Jordan has exhausted all state and federal remedies for purposes of setting an execution, the ruling read.

Mississippi's last execution was in December 2022.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  The Mississippi Supreme Court has set an execution date for the man who has been on the states death row longer than any other inmate.

According to the court, the execution of Richard Gerald Jordan has been set for June 25, 2025. In October 2024, the Mississippi Supreme Court unanimously denied his appeal.

Mississippi justices reject latest appeal from man on death row since 1976

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Jordan was sentenced to death in 1976 for the kidnapping and killing of Edwina Marter earlier that year in Harrison County.

Mississippi Supreme Court records show that in January 1976, Jordan traveled from Louisiana to Gulfport, Mississippi, where he called Gulf National Bank and asked to speak to a loan officer. After he was told Charles Marter could speak with him, Jordan ended the call, looked up Marters home address in a telephone book, went to the house and got in by pretending to work for the electric company.

Richard Jordan (Courtesy: MDOC)

Records show Jordan kidnapped Edwina Marter, took her to a forest and shot her to death, then later called her husband, falsely said she was safe and demanded $25,000.

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Jordan has filed multiple appeals of his death sentence. The one denied in October was filed in December 2022. It argued Jordan was denied due process because he should have had a psychiatric examiner appointed solely for his defense rather than a court-appointed psychiatric examiner who provided findings to both the prosecution and his defense.

Mississippi justices said Jordans attorneys had raised the issue in his previous appeals, and that a federal judge ruled having one court-appointed expert did not violate Jordans constitutional rights.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A man charged in federal court with setting a fire at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City earlier this year was released from federal custody ahead of his Thursday hearing.

Owen McIntire, 19, of Parkville, allegedly made an incendiary device known as a Molotov cocktail and attempted to use it to set a fire at the Kansas City Tesla dealership on State Line Road on March 17.

McIntyre was charged with malicious damage to property and possession of an unregistered destructive device. At a detention hearing on April 24, a federal judge released McIntire into house arrest ahead of his May 1 trial.

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A Kansas City police officer noticed smoke rising from the Tesla lot while passing by around 11:16 p.m., according to court documents. Upon investigation, the officer saw a grey Cybertruck on fire, with the unbroken Molotov cocktail in an apple cider vinegar bottle lying nearby. A burnt rag was found on the pavement next to the homemade explosive, court documents read.

The officer tried to extinguish the burning car, but the fire spread to a second Cybertruck, prompting a visit from the Kansas City Fire Department, according to court documents.

Surveillance footage and DNA evidence contributed to McIntires arrest, as well as phone and digital records and the discovery of his hat in a Leawood backyard, court documents read.

The damaged Cybertrucks were valued at $105,485 and $107,485, according to court documents. The fire also allegedly damaged two charging stations worth about $550 each.

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McIntire, who currently attends college in Boston, was arrested in Massachusetts and first appeared in federal court there on April 18. According to court documents, McIntire was released to his parents house and has been under electronic monitoring, among other restrictive release conditions.

The Stars PJ Green and Kendrick Calfee contributed reporting.
Hundreds of seniors concerned about potential Medicare and Social Security cuts under President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress gathered outside the Minnesota Capitol on Wednesday to protest and hear from Democratic-Farmer-Labor elected officials.

Minnesota DFL Senior Caucus members, including retirees and veterans, chanted slogans such as No one is going to save us, we must keep protesting and Thoughts and prayers will not empty bedpans as they rallied on the 101st day of the Trump presidency.

I am out here for the people that I love who are dependent on Social Security as their only source of income in their retirement, said Nettie Monroe, 68, of Shoreview, a retired special education teacher who collects both a pension and Social Security, but has family members who only have government help in retirement.

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Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has made major cuts in the federal workforce and spending without congressional action. The administration has proposed cutting tens of thousands of jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Its also possible the Republican-controlled Congress could approve legislation to cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid  the federal/state medical assistance program for Americans with low incomes  to help pay for tax cuts sought by Trump.

Trump has said he will veto any cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Speakers at the rally included Attorney General Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Steve Simon and DFL state lawmakers. And many at the rally were self-described Democratic voters who said they have participated in protests in the past.

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However, retired air traffic controller Steve Long and Cecilia Riedman, who retired from a career in the soft drinks industry, said they only recently became involved in protesting against the Trump administration after moving to the Twin Cities from northern Minnesota.

Both described themselves as moderate, independent voters concerned about what they described as abuses of power under Trump, and said they decided to participate in DFL Senior Caucus action at the urging of their more partisan-leaning friends.

Im so tired of hearing them called entitlements. We paid into it pretty much all of our working careers, Long said of paycheck deductions for Social Security and Medicare.

Its in general just the disrespect for the Constitution, Riedman said, adding that beyond cuts to benefits, she was also concerned about damage to higher education and scientific research following sweeping Trump administration cuts.

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced 12 new locations in the state that will receive electric vehicle charging stations.

The charging stations will be located along Interstates 90 and 94, with nearly $10 million in funding being provided through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

The program was part of the Biden Administration's 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress.

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MnDOT says, while the NEVI program was recently suspended by the Trump Administration and its future uncertain, the department was able to secure $4.5 million for the second round of funds received and will provide an additional $4.7 million in state funding to reach $10 million.

The initial round of funding awards was announced in July 2024.

MnDOT remains committed to continuing our work to deliver a high-quality transportation system that meets the needs of Minnesotans. Building an EV charging infrastructure provides greater access to a fast-charging network and continues our progress toward our goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.

While we were disappointed to learn the Trump Administration has chosen to suspend this program, this second round of grants demonstrate we are honoring our commitments and continue to evaluate all options for continuing this important work.

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The following locations will receive new EV charging stations:

I-94

Energy Hunters Minnesota  Barnesville

Francis Energy Charging  Fergus Falls

Love's Travel Stops  Rockville

Kwik Trip  Lake Elmo

I-90

Francis Energy Charging  Luverne

Kwik Trip  Worthington

Francis Energy Charging  Jackson

Francis Energy Charging  Blue Earth

Kwik Trip  Albert Lea

Kwik Trip  Austin

Kwik Trip  Stewartville

Love's Travel Stops  St. Charles

The new charging station locations met all of the requirements in order to receive them: being located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuel Corridor; being less than a mile driving distance away from an interstate exit; having a minimum of four 150kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously; and being open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee to access the chargers.

You can find EV charging stations statewide on MnDOT's 511 traveler information website.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department has launched an investigation after shots were fired at a patrol car after an 18-year-old woman was shot in Madison Wednesday evening.

Officers were called to the 800 block of Old Hickory Boulevard West around 6:30 p.m.

The teen sustained a leg wound, police said in a social media post, and is expected to survive.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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Shortly before 8:30 p.m., MNPD posted to social media the shooting suspect also shot three rounds into the patrol car of Officer Jeff Lubey, though he escaped injury. The post added the officer had been slowly rolling behind the suspect  18-year-old Emmanual Orr  and giving him commands to stop.

(Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Officer Jeff Lubey (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Later, police added that Orr threw down the pistol after firing at Lubeys car and ran into Mallards Restaurant. The MNPD said Orr hid in the restaurants restroom; officers immediately entered and Orr surrendered.

Orr was booked into the Metro jail and charged with felony weapon possession, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, attempted criminal homicide and evading arrest. His bond was set at $380,000.

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Metro police reported Orr was previously convicted of felony aggravated assault in February 2025. He received two years of probation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The Montana Senate is seen during the Wednesday, February 12, 2025 session. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan)

The 69th Montana Legislature adjourned the 2025 session on Wednesday  the 85th day of the session  after finishing up work on a property tax relief package and a litany of speeches by outgoing lawmakers.

The final day was relatively subdued, as both chambers took final votes and waited for the pomp and circumstance that accompanies sine die  the motion to adjourn  which included a chamber-wide rendition of God Bless America on the Senate side led by Sen. Denley Loge, a St. Regis Republican.

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Legislators offered advice for those who will take the torch in the future, along with pleas for the current Montana Legislature continue, because it had come up short on the budget and property taxes, according to some frustrated Republicans.

Sen. Butch Gillespie, R-Ethridge, said the diversity of views in the Senate is positive, and he encouraged the body to work together in the future.

For sure, we dont accomplish much by constant turf wars, Gillespie said. Think about that one a second.

However, when the motion to end was made in the upper chamber, the Senate voted it down not once, but twice, before eventually gaveling out  one final display of the tensions that defined the session in the upper chamber.

Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, sits prior to a Montana Senate floor session on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Jordan Hansen/Daily Montanan)

Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, stood to oppose adjournment, calling the session, and the largest bills passed by the Legislature, failures.

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Five days early? Were going to quit because were done? I dont think weve even showed up, Zolnikov said.

More conservative Republicans in the chamber were frustrated to see their majority split and felt cut out of the conversation around major legislative initiatives, including the budget which many decried as bloated.

This is supposed to be a decentralized process. Fifty people from 50 different areas, each representing 20,000 people each, so everyone in this state has a voice, through us, Zolnikov continued. And we gave that away.

The 2025 session saw 1,759 bills, resolutions and other measures introduced and debated by lawmakers  a record number. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Legislature had sent 484 to the desk of Gov. Greg Gianforte, with another 322 on their way.

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The laws would be celebrated, derided, and some will likely be fought in court in the future, and in the Senate, Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, offered a nod to the ups and downs.

There are days in this building that youre going to want to cry, Esp said. And theres days in this building that youll be moved to laughter. Sometimes you get to do a little of each on the same day.

Among the major pieces of legislation that passed the Legislature was Medicaid expansion, the largest income tax cut in state history, historic investments in education, and a property tax relief package.

There were also several bills that affect transgender individuals, characterized as erasing and harming them by opponents, including one that has already landed in court. Other lawmakers lauded the same legislation as protecting children and women. Legislators also passed a series of bills changing the Montana Environmental Policy Act in response to the Held v. Montana suit, a historic lawsuit concerning the effects of climate change.

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But one of the defining features of the 2025 session was a rift in the Republican Caucus in the Senate that appeared 85 days ago when nine moderate Republicans joined Democrats to change the rules of the Senate to give their coalition more power.

For the rest of the session, the Senate was effectively run by a working majority coalition that pushed through priority bills for Democrats and the Governors office, to the frustration of more conservative GOP members. Numerous times throughout the session, the Senate chamber erupted with accusations of betrayal between Republican camps and baked in votes that routinely passed 27-23 along the coalition line.

Another defining moment was the censure of a sitting Senator, former Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, who was kicked out of the chamber halfway through the session. The punishment, described as everything but expulsion, was a response to ethical violations Ellsworth committed by not disclosing a friendship he had when he signed a $170,100 state contract with a longtime business associate.

Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan)

Despite the roller coaster of events throughout the session, Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, said in a press conference following adjournment that he was still satisfied with the work his caucus accomplished.

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There are many reasons for Senate Republicans to hold their heads high, Regier said. And we will look forward to continuing our efforts in the interim, and also in the next session.

The GOP senators touted many of their wins from the session, including delivering a large income tax cut, bolstering election integrity, and leading the nation with new data privacy legislation.

Were not just protecting Montanas amid technological advancements, but also making sure that our state is open to cutting-edge innovations, Senate Pro Tempore Ken Bogner, R-Miles City said.

One area the Senate GOP said they fell short on was judicial reform  a key priority for the caucus at the start of the session.

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More than two dozen bills were introduced aimed at changing the judicial branch, but only a handful made it through the Legislature. Among those that failed were numerous attempts to make judicial elections partisan.

What we do have is a great foundation for the reform. I think that judicial reform is critical, continuously, said Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, adding that efforts would continue in the next session. Were undaunted.

Despite a long list of bills he considered wins, Regier stood with less than two dozen members of his caucus and called out the missing members of his party.

I do believe the voters sent the Republican Party here to be in control, and from day one, it was not, and I dont see that as sustainable. I think that in the future, the voters are going to speak their mind, Regier said.  I dont believe the people will stand up for another session where the Democrat minority leader and his caucus controls the Senate.

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Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, said the session was one of the hardest hes been a part of, but also one of the most effective  with Democrats pushing through substantially more legislation than anticipated.

In a joint press conference with House Minority Leader Rep. Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, Flowers touted legislation protecting renters, and said every Democrat vote for Medicaid expansion was critical, painting it as a major win for the party.

We didnt just protect the program, Flowers said. We secured it permanently.

Sullivan added that while the session wasnt perfect, Montanans came out in a better place than they were before the session.

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This session, Montana Democrats stood firm in defending our fundamental freedoms under the Montana constitution and our Montana way of life, Sullivan said. When Republicans spent dozens and dozens of hours pushing bills to legislate every aspect of our lives, Democrats fought back.

House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, gives a press conference following the adjournment of the 69th Montana Legislature on April 30, 2025. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

The Democrat leaders also highlighted legislation addressing the states affordable housing crisis that saw bipartisan support.

Its not fixed, Flowers said. But for the first time in a long time, were moving in the right direction for practical solutions and real funding.

While bills pushed by the minority party could be at a higher risk of receiving a veto from the Republican governor, Flowers said he was confident many showcase shared priorities.

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I think, frankly, many of our bills are consistent with the values that he described in his State of the State address, where he focused on child care and education, Flowers said. And I think he should appreciate what were bringing to his desk.

Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle mentioned the possibility of the Legislature returning for a special session, most likely related to potential cuts from the federal government that could affect the states budget.

The Legislatures lower chamber was comparatively calm, a testament to the steady, if unassuming, leadership of House Speaker Brandon Ler, R-Savage.

When I gave my welcome speech, I said, I hope this body would rise above, would keep everything civil and that we would treat each other with respect, and the Montana way of hard work, honesty and neighborliness would guide our deliberations, Ler told his colleagues on the House floor. I believe we lived up to that.

While some hardline Republicans felt cut out of the legislative process  and in the House, Speaker Ler said his door was open  he said the reality is bills need majorities in the chambers to pass, and then support from the governor.

Montana Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, R-Savage, speaks before the signing of House Bill 337 which gives Montanans a $756 million income tax cut over the next four years. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

Speaker Pro Tempore Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, said its a delicate balance to work on legislation that can, realistically, get across the finish line, and also ensure input.

Property tax relief was one measure that passed with substantial bipartisan support in the House, but some legislators expressed their displeasure about it, including that it could land in court.

Critics of the property tax reform said the content didnt match the title of the bill, which could be unconstitutional, but supporters dismissed the accusation.

At least in the House, Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick said he would anticipate legal action following the session, given it hasnt been unusual for bills to be challenged.

I would assume there will be a lawsuit, since its lawsuit season now, Fitzpatrick said.

However, he said legislators worked hard on property taxes from the start, through the very end of the session, and the package that passed reflects the areas of agreement.

It was difficult. I think the product we finally got is just a reflection of the realities that compromise around here requires, Fitzpatrick said.

The final hours on the House floor were joyous, and legislators animately said their goodbyes, took photos together and laughed as they cleared out their desks. They were slow to leave the chamber, and some representatives took in the moment.

Ill carry this experience with me forever, every debate, every challenge and every late night and every handshake across the aisle, Ler said shortly before the session ended. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for believing in this institution. Thank you for meeting and for loving Montana enough to serve her.

Sen. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, with his stack of bills at the end of the 69th Montana Legislature. (Keila Szpaller/Daily Montanan)

In the Senate, a flurry of votes in the final minutes offered a final glimpse of division in the chamber.

Twice, Flowers sought to reconsider one last bill  an increased fee on luxury vehicles registered in the state  which one Senator said he had voted against at least a half dozen times already.

Substitute motions to adjourn failed, the motion to reconsider the bill failed twice, but eventually the chamber reached consensus before boiling over.

Before leaving the chamber, 23 Republican senators  minus the nine  gathered around the rostrum for a group photo.

On the floor, the remaining lawmakers, a working majority, mingled, cleared their desks, and moved on.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  One person was arrested in Miami County after officials executed a narcotics search warrant on Wednesday.

Miami County Sheriffs detectives, deputies and Covington Police officers executed the warrant in the 100 block of South Ludlow Street in the Village of Covington.

University of Dayton hosts preview of James Bond-themed concert

Officers allegedly discovered multiple items, including suspected meth, prescription pills and items that can be used in the packaging and selling of narcotics.

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The warrant was the product of a months-long investigation into the alleged trafficking of methamphetamine.

Photo via Miami County Sheriffs Office.

A Covington resident was arrested and is currently in the Miami County Jail, facing a preliminary charge of felony trafficking narcotics.

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.
President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office on Feb. 11, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

President Donald Trumps proposed budget is expected to eliminate Head Start, the federal program that provides free or low-cost child care to low-income families.

Head Start serves 12,000 children in Minnesota, mostly in rural areas, said Kraig Gratke, executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association. Republicans and Democrats alike have supported Head Start. In 2024, Minnesota U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber and dozens of his Republican colleagues wrote a letter to congressional budget leaders urging them to prioritize funding for Head Start.

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Head Start is funded through Sept. 30, but would expire Oct. 1 if Trumps proposed budget is passed.

Its unconscionable to me to think about taking away critical supports that help families raise their children, said U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison, D-Minn., at a press conference denouncing the proposed cuts.

Minnesota is facing a crisis of child care availability and affordability; the state has some of the highest child care costs in the nation.

Gratke said Minnesota Head Start is already feeling the impact of cuts. The Department of Health and Human Services closed six regional offices, including one in Chicago, which was Minnesotas point of contact for Head Start and other federal programs. In early April, many Head Start staffers were laid off.

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Families that qualify for Head Start also qualify for the similar state Child Care Assistance Program, or CCAP  so Head Start saves the state around $65 million per year by using federal resources to serve families who would otherwise rely on state assistance, Gratke said.

Head Start employs 3,200 people in Minnesota. Eight tribal nations have Head Start centers.

These are very hard pills to swallow when were already dealing with a lot of economic issues and folks are struggling, Gratke said. Trump is expected to release his full budget proposal as soon as next week.
A "fluffy" bundle of "cuteness" has hatched at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

An African penguin chick hatched April 8 at the zoo in Colorado Springs and is "growing up big and strong," according to a news release from the zoo.

The now-22-day-old chick is weighed every few days and currently weighs 983 grams901 grams up from its first weight of 82 grams on April 11.

According to the zoo, the tiny chick is an "important ambassador" for the African penguins, which were officially "uplisted" to "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List in 2024. The number of wild breeding pairs has fallen below 10,000 and could be extinct in the wild by 2035 if the trend continues, the zoo said.

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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo guests and members contributed more than $159,675 to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds in support of conservation for African penguins since 2010, the zoo said.

"Every visit to CMZoo is conservation in action," the release read. "Guests visiting CMZoo can see African penguins up close, including this new chick, knowing their visit helps support a future for this species in the wild."

The zoo suggests guests keep an eye out for the new chick in the penguin building located in Water's Edge Africa. It's usually snuggled up in its nest but guests may see it wriggle out, or even hear it peeping, according to the zoo.
Mainers recite the state attorneys oath on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

More than 600 Maine lawyers signed a declaration urging others in the profession, the government and the public to reject attempts to intimidate or penalize those working in the legal system for representing interests that do not align with the views of the current administration.

While Law Day occurs every year, 100 Maine law firms and 633 Maine lawyers used the occasion on Thursday to publicly renew their commitment to the Constitution by signing the statement.

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The declaration is specific to Maine, but hundreds of people also gathered in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse to reaffirm the oath those in the legal profession take to uphold the rule of law, which was one of nearly 50 such events across the country.

We categorically reject the idea that any government can dictate who lawyers or law firms can choose to represent, said Maine State Bar Association President Susan Faunce, and we reject the dangerous notion that judges should be punished or threatened for doing their jobs in rendering decisions according to the law and the facts.

Faunce and other leaders of Maines legal community used speeches to criticize the Trump administration for defying court orders and targeting prominent law firms with executive orders punishing them  such as stripping their lawyers security clearances and barring access to federal buildings  for employing people or pursuing cases the president dislikes.

Attorney General Aaron Frey commended the firms that have fought back but warned of the precedent set by those that have caved, agreeing to provide free legal services for causes the Trump administration supports to avoid the sanctions.

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While I regret that they have been targeted and they felt that this was the way that they had to go, Frey said, let me just caution that by bending the knee to an illegal executive order, they are legitimizing this unlawful attack on their profession.

Frey outlined the steps he said hes taken to be a good steward of the law, such as bringing suit against the Trump administration for imposing tariffs without the approval of Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture halting federal funds because Maine allows transgender athletes to compete in girls sports.

Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

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Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Attorney General Aaron Frey criticizes attempts to intimidate lawyers for representing clients whose interests do not align with the Trump administration on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Former public advocate Bill Harwood says the country is in a constitutional crisis on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Barbara Cray from Lawyers for Good Government says the "Law Day" rally on May 1, 2025, in Portland calls back to the day's founding principle to guard the nation's heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

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Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Maine State Bar Association President Susan Faunce says the group opposes attempts to intimidate and penalize judges, lawyers and law firms whose rulings or representation is opposed by the government during a "Law Day" rally in Portland. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

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Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Cape Elizabeth resident Jerry Kaufman and Portland resident Emily Miller rally outside the Cumberland County Courthouse on May 1, 2025, for "Law Day." (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers rally on "Law Day," May 1, 2025, in Lincoln Park in Portland outside the Cumberland County Courthouse. (By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

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During the event, speakers made their opposition to Trumps specific actions clear, but the written declaration does not mention the president by name.

Former Public Advocate Bill Harwood, who helped organize the event, told Maine Morning Star the group did not want the declaration to be a stance on any issues but instead to be narrowly focused on the independence of the legal system that settles the issues.

To get lawyers to agree on anything, as people know, is hard work, Harwood said, so were very proud of the declaration.

While the declaration and event are symbolic, Harwood said they are reminders that everyones rights and liberties are dependent on the backing of an independent legal system.

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The idea that a law firm has to give up hundreds of millions of dollars in free legal services to the administrations allies and supporters in order not to be sanctioned with the loss of rights and access to federal documents is just unheard of, Harwood said.

Those who attended the event on Thursday said they felt compelled to add to the show of force, which included former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court Daniel Wathen, who headed the state commission that investigated the Lewiston mass shooting, reading the Maine attorneys oath and those in attendance repeating it back.

It takes more than lawyers, Portland resident Emily Miller said, and they need to know we support them.

While not in attendance at the rally, Gov. Janet Mills issued a proclamation declaring Thursday as Law Day throughout Maine, in which she called back to the proclamation made by President Dwight D. Eisenhower when he designed the first Law Day in 1958.

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Eisenhower said then that Americas protection of equal rights under the law distinguishes our governmental system from the type of government that rules by might alone, Mills said in a statement, in which she then added her own vow: On Law Day, and every day, I urge all Maine people to join with me in standing up to protect the rule of law.

In Portland, Barbara Cray, representing Lawyers for Good Government and dressed in suffragette white, said the rally adhered to the days founding purpose. She said she hoped the action showed judges they are supported in making decisions under the law and not under threat.

But, Cray also took the opportunity to knock the other branch of government for what she criticized as providing an inadequate backstop against the executive branch.

We, unfortunately, have a Congress which is just stalled in craziness, Cray said.

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When asked whether the day of action was also targeted at Maines lawmakers in Washington, D.C., Harwood said it was intended as a call on everyone, including Congress as well as the Maine Legislature.

We need all of us, obviously we need our congressional delegation, to recognize that when we have this constitutional crisis  and I dont think thats too strong a word  that we need to have them stand up, Harwood said.

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ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis woman appeared in court Thursday after being arrested earlier this week on suspicion of child abuse.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called to Woemer Elementary School on April 29 at the request the Missouri Childrens Division and a school official.

Childrens Division had received a tip that two children had been burned by their mother, Sahara H. Abanoor, 36, who used a hot knife as punishment.

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Blues beat Jets 5-2 in Game 6 to force Game 7; Hellebuyck rattled again

Police learned Abanoor struck the children with a charging cord, then placed a knife on the stove to heat it up.

Police said the children told investigators they were being punished because they forgot to clean.

The children were taken into protective custody with the Childrens Division and Abanoor was arrested.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Abanoor with four counts of abuse or neglect of a child. Two of the charges are class B felonies; the other two are class D felonies. She was jailed without bond.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The mother of an inmate who died of dehydration and malnutrition at Wisconsin's oldest maximum security prison last year has filed a federal lawsuit, marking the fourth action brought by relatives of inmates who have died at the troubled institution since 2023.

Donald Maier's mother, Jeanette Maier, filed her lawsuit Monday in federal court in Milwaukee alleging her son was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment at Waupun Correctional Institution. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and names state Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy, former Waupun Warden Randall Hepp and multiple Waupun staffers as defendants.

Corrections spokesperson Kevin Hoffman declined to comment, saying the agency typically doesn't speak publicly about pending litigation. Hepp's attorney, Michael Steinle, didn't return an email Thursday.

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Donald Maier, 62, was found dead in his cell in February 2024 at Waupun. The Dodge County medical examiner determined he died of dehydration and failure to thrive due to malnutrition. Investigators found that guards had repeatedly shut off the water to his cell during the week leading up to Maier's death after he flooded his cell, according to court documents.

Jeanette Maier's lawsuit alleges that Waupun staff failed to document the water shut-offs in violation of prison protocol, didn't tell him when the water was back on and didn't offer to get him any water themselves. He also didn't receive medication at Waupun, even though the state Corrections Department had designated him as suffering from a serious mental illness, according to the lawsuit.

The filing also alleges that staff shortages at Waupun have left workers exhausted and extra shifts have left them resentful of inmates who need help.

Waupun opened in 1854, making it Wisconsin's oldest maximum security prison. It's been plagued by a litany of problems in recent years.

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Inmates filed a federal class-action lawsuit in October 2023 alleging inhumane conditions at the prison, but dropped it in August 2024 after a judge found eight of 10 plaintiff inmates hadn't exhausted an internal complaint process.

Seven inmates, including Maier, have died at the prison since 2023. Family members of three of them  Cameron Williams, Dean Hoffman and Tyshun Lemons  filed federal lawsuits last year. Those case are still pending.

Williams was found dead of a stroke in his cell in October 2023. His mother alleges no one helped him, even though he'd been throwing up blood and begging to go to the emergency room for head pain in the days before he died.

Hoffmann killed himself at the prison in June 2023. His daughter contends he went weeks without seeing any mental health care providers due to a lockdown and received medication only sporadically.

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Lemons died of a fentanyl overdose at the prison in October 2023. His sister maintains that Corrections failed to prevent illegal drugs from entering the prison.

Federal investigators have been probing alleged smuggling at Waupun. The investigation has netted at least one former employee who pleaded guilty to smuggling cellphones and drugs in exchange for money.

Hepp, the former warden, was charged in June with felony misconduct in connection with Maier's death after investigators concluded that he failed to ensure his staff followed policy. He pleaded no contest Monday to a misdemeanor count of violating laws governing state or county institutions in a deal with prosecutors and walked away with a $500 fine.

Eight Waupun staffers were charged in June with abuse or misconduct in connection with either Maier or Williams' death. Charges have been dismissed against one of them and another was fined $250. The remaining cases are pending.
MOUNT VERNON, Ark.  A Mount Vernon man is offering a $4,000 reward for anyone with information as to who fatally shot his dog on Sunday.

Josh Brown said he was returning from Mississippi on Sunday and his elderly father had let out his three dogs to chase rabbits in the yard, not thinking it was turkey season.

It wasnt long after that he came walking up on the porch here and his face covered in blood, Brown said.

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Kitten found tied in bag sparks outcry, push for stronger laws against animal cruelty in North Little Rock

Brown said, judging by the amount of blood on his dog Dracos face, a beagle, that he had to wipe off with a hot rag and the little pellet holes left on his skin, he believes the fatal injuries came from a shotgun.

It was definitely a turkey load, Brown said. But he was just doing what I trained him to do, Im an avid rabbit hunter, I like the sport.

Brown said he trained Draco to hunt rabbits ever since he was three months old.

It was wrong to have him out there this time of year, I get that, Brown said. But we have names on the collars, we have phone numbers on our collars, every dog man does all you have to do is call us.

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Brown said he believes he knows who shot and killed his dog and said there are landowners in the area who let people onto their land to hunt annually.

I know every truck that comes down this road, I know every hunter who hunts this road, Brown said. Its weird that every year theres a certain person that comes here and it seems like theres always a problem.

Man gets prison time for cat-killing spree

Brown said he worried about Draco suffering long from the aftermath of the fatal shot, and possibly having to put him down, but said the dog died on its own.

When something like this happens, youre outraged, youre mad, youre big mad, Brown said.

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Brown said during turkey-hunting and deer-hunting seasons, its practice to not let a dog out for fear a similar incident could occur.

Brown is asking for the communitys help to confirm the name of the person responsible for shooting and killing his dog.

I hope he sees this, and I hope he doesnt do it again, Brown said. I hope it help someone else not do it either.

Brown said he spoke with an Arkansas Game & Fish warden but is not pressing charges or pursuing a legal avenue at this time.

Conway community members concerned after series of shootings that left cats dead or injured

According to the state, anyone who intentionally kills or injures an animal owned by another person without their consent could face up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis police are searching for the suspect involved in a Fox Meadows fatal shooting.

On April 6, at 7:08 p.m., officers responded to a shooting call at the intersection of Knight Arnold Road and Mendenhall Road.

Police say they located a victim who was transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition, where she was later pronounced dead due to her injuries.

Photo Courtesy of MPD Photo Courtesy of MPD Photo Courtesy of MPD

Officers were told that a blue Hyundai Tucson shot at the victims vehicle and sped away from the intersection.

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They said the car was last seen eastbound on Knight Arnold Road from Mendenhall Road after the shooting.

According to reports, the vehicle has exhaust problems, and large amounts of smoke were emitted from the vehicle upon acceleration after the shooting.

No arrests have been made. This is an ongoing investigation.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man out on bond has been arrested for stealing a car, possession of weapons, marijuana, and electronic tools used in the theft of a car on Tuesday in Carroll County, Tennessee.

Brandon Gordon, 43, of Durant and Southaven, was charged with Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of Marijuana in a Motor Vehicle with Weapon Enhancement.

According to the Carroll County Sheriffs Office, Gordon was out on bond from DeSoto County on numerous felony charges.

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On April 30, the CCSO received a call from the Mississippi Highway Patrol requesting assistance in locating a vehicle stolen out of Florida.

Man shot in Orange Mound: MPD

Deputies located the vehicle after a brief chase and stopped the car at the intersection in the McCarley area.

According to the press release, they searched the vehicle and located several weapons, a small amount of marijuana, and numerous electronic tools commonly utilized in the theft of vehicles.

Carroll County Deputies are working with MPD and Southhaven police regarding a vehicle theft ring in the Southeastern part of the county. They say more arrests are expected.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Shelby County Schools hosted a community engagement forum meeting at Memphis Business Academy to discuss gun safety, the effects of drugs on the youth, and the impact of community violence on Wednesday.

The community engagement forum is a new event from MSCS as the district partners with city and county law enforcement.

Just days ago, we lost two students from Booker T. Washington High School to violence, said Roderick Richmond, Interim Superintendent, MSCS.

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Two charged with attempted murder in Millington shooting

The two victims were just 17 and 18 years old and had been shot to death near their school taking a toll on school administrators and fellow students.

We constantly have these meetings, but things are constantly happening. We are not seeing the change, and as a young person, you are ready to see change, said MSCS graduate, Nakyla Curry. One of those young men was about to be a father, and he was trying to put changes into his life, and they killed him in front of the school, and it wasnt okay.

There is still a lot more work to be done because there are plenty of schools out there like the Frayser area I currently live in, and it really hasnt changed in my opinion, said Memphis Business Academy student, Angel Daniel.

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Dr. Richmond says he hears the concerns and his administration is working on a plan to have activities all year for students.

He says a mobile app may soon be on the way, showcasing after-school activities and programs for students.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center held a job fair on Wednesday, April 30, to help connect companies with ready-to-hire veterans and their loved ones.

Some of the more than 30 companies looking to hire on Wednesday included the Colorado Department of Corrections, Spectrum, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, and Phil Long Dealerships.

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell

The biggest thing you want to do is you want to make that contact with that recruiter. So that when your resume does come across his or her desk, theyve gone, Oh, Ive already met John, you know, Ive already talked to him. I know who he is. I think hell be a good fit. So lets go ahead and bring him in for an interview,' said Jon Dix, Director of Transition Employment at Mt. Carmel. And thats the whole purpose of this, is just to get that job interview.

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If you missed Wednesdays event and have questions about the next one coming up, you can contact the Veterans Service Center at (719) 309-4768.

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A Democratic lawmaker shouted down Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene during a House Oversight Committee meeting Wednesday, accusing the far-right lawmaker of calling school lunches and Social Security garbage.

Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico offered an amendment to a tax cuts bill that would help prevent President Donald Trump from slashing or privatizing benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, food assistance and housing income support.

We know that millions of Americans will lose access to health care if these Medicaid benefits get cutour low-income families would lose access to food assistance, whether that's SNAP assistance to buy groceries or whether that's school lunches, Stansbury said.

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Greene hit back, accusing her Democrat colleagues of spreading garbage.

This is a budget process, and so for the American people watching at home, our Democrat colleagues are sitting here trying to score points and spread more lies and divisiveness about Republicans in order to spread more garbage across the country, she said.

Greene accused her Democrat colleagues of spreading garbage and spreading more lies (House Oversight Committee)

Stansbury then asked her colleagues to be conscious of language.

In this room just a few moments ago, our friends across the aisle used the word garbage; to refer to our fight to protect your Social Security, Stansbury said.

I am so sorry. But seniors, veterans, children whose parents have died, kids on school lunches, are not garbage, she exclaimed. The American people are asking us to fight for them, and the fight for their rights, for the funding that keeps them alive, the fight to help the people of this country is not garbage.

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The American people are asking us to fight for them, and the fight for their rights, for the funding that keeps them alive, the fight to help the people of this country is not garbage.

Representative Melanie Stansbury slammed Greene's use of the term 'garbage' (House Oversight Committee)

This comes after Greene claimed it will cost Republicans bigly in the 2028 midterms if they dont fall into line with President Donald Trumps agenda.

In a poll on X this week, Greene asked users if they would vote for Republicans in the 2028 midterms even if they failed to deliver on Trumps promises of no tax on tips, overtime, and social security. Eighty-four percent of users responded no.

Greene posted these results with the caption: Not delivering President Trumps campaign promises of NO TAX on tips, overtime, and Social Security will cost Republicans the midterms bigly.

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The House agreed to a budget resolution Monday that will serve as the vehicle for Trumps big beautiful bill, which would include increased immigration enforcement spending, more energy production and an extension of the 2017 tax cuts.

While most Republicans support implementing Trumps promises, some have expressed concerns and warn that these tax cuts must be accompanied by hard-line spending cuts. Thats because renewing his 2017 cuts are estimated to add an estimated $4.6 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.
Colorado's cannabis testing loopholes have led to consumers being deceived about the safety of the products they buy, with some labs exploiting loopholes to manipulate test results.
(NewsNation)  Police have arrested a man accused of hitting multiple children with a car in South Carolina.

Justin Collin Adams was taken into custody without incident after he was found hiding in a boat near a dock across the street from where the hit-and-run crash happened.

Police confirmed two minors and one adult were injured and taken to the hospital, and one person was treated and released on site. They have not determined if the incident was intentional.

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US Marshals hunt for survivalist considered armed and dangerous

The town issued an alert asking residents to shelter in place while police searched for the armed assailant, who they say hit multiple children near Sunrise Presbyterian Church, an area where there is a preschool.

Sullivans Island PD released an image and the name of the suspect. Adams was spotted by a police sergeant who was in a Charleston County Aviation Unit helicopter.

Sullivans Island PD releases BOLO with suspect identity in hit-and-run incident

Multiple agencies made up a quick response team and went door-to-door searching each home and easily accessible areas like sheds, trailers, boats, and campers. They also searched every vehicle leaving the island.

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I do want to say to the residents, please be wary, please stay inside your house. If you see somebody, do not approach them  call 911, said Sullivans Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows during an afternoon press conference.

Chief Meadows said the car entered the church property, which also serves as a daycare, and struck pedestrians and ran off.

NewsNation affiliate WCBD contributed to this report.

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SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)  Authorities arrested a man accused of striking multiple people with a car outside a Sullivans Island church and leaving the scene.

Justin Collin Adams was taken into custody without incident after he was found hiding in a boat near a dock across the street from where the hit-and-run crash happened.

Sgt. Matt Storen with the Isle of Palms Police Department said the suspect hit at least three people  an adult and two children  near Sunrise Presbyterian Church and fled the scene.

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The adult and one child were taken to a hospital for treatment, while the other child was treated at the scene and released to a parent. Sgt. Storen said in an update Thursday afternoon that he had spoken with EMS and the hospital, and the two were stable.

A warning to shelter-in-place was issued for the island as authorities searched for the suspect they believed to be armed and dangerous. Police said he was last seen on foot with a knife.

The suspect is described as a white, heavyset male, balding with facial hair, wearing a red or burgundy shirt and black shorts.

Sullivans Island PD released an image and the name of the suspect, Justin Collin Adams. Adams was spotted by a police sergeant who was in a Charleston County Aviation Unit helicopter.

Sullivans Island PD releases BOLO with suspect identity in hit-and-run incident

Photo of vehicle used by suspect in Sullivans Island hit and run

Multiple agencies made up a quick response team and went door-to-door searching each home and easily accessible areas like sheds, trailers, boats, and campers. They also searched every vehicle leaving the island.

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I do want to say to the residents, please be wary, please stay inside your house. If you see somebody, do not approach them  call 911, said Sullivans Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows during an afternoon press conference.

Chief Meadows said the car entered the church property, which also serves as a daycare, and struck pedestrians and ran off.

Sullivans Island Police Department has asked the Charleston County Sheriffs Office to handle both the criminal and crime scene investigation.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Elon Musk, preparing to step back from his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency, had a request of the reporters gathered at the White House to interview him: Before he would answer any questions, he wanted someone to tell him a joke.

The tech billionaires request in the Roosevelt Room on Wednesday underscored the surreal and idiosyncratic presence of the worlds richest man at the highest echelons of American power. Over the past few months, his work of downsizing the workforce has sent shocks through the federal government and drawn intense pushback, including protests of his electric vehicle company, Tesla.

Musing about his and DOGEs incongruous role in the U.S. government, he said, It is funny that weve got DOGE."

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Doesn't the absurdity of that seem, like, like, are we in a simulation here or whats going on? But, like, it was a meme coin at one point," he said, laughing. "How did we get here?

Musk, clad in all black but missing the two hats he had worn at Wednesday's earlier Cabinet meeting, defended DOGE's work as he prepares to scale back his government role and spend more time at his businesses. But he gave hazy answers about the work hed been doing and DOGEs future, and he seemed taken aback by the intense backlash hed encountered.

Being attacked relentlessly is not super fun," he said. Seeing cars burning is not fun, he added, referring to the instances of Tesla cars being smashed or set on fire.

In the grand scheme of things, I think weve been effective. Not as effective as Id like. I think we could be more effective, Musk said. But weve made progress.

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DOGE's large-scale slashings have been met with dozens of lawsuits. DOGE's attempts to access sensitive government information, including Social Security data, has similarly met resistance in court. And Democrats this week unveiled an online tracker tallying the federal funds approved by Congress that DOGE has blocked, setting up a constitutional struggle between two branches of government.

Musk wouldnt offer examples of anything hed do differently, though DOGE is nowhere near its original savings goal and has overstated its progress.

DOGE had sought to cut spending by $1 trillion. Musk estimates hes cut $160 billion so far and acknowledged it would be hard to get anywhere close to $1 trillion.

"It's sort of, how much pain is the Cabinet and the Congress willing to take?" Musk said. It can be done, but it requires dealing with a lot of complaints.

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Musk didn't detail any of those complaints and said he has a good relationship with President Donald Trump's Cabinet. But when asked about clashes with certain members, particularly Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Musk said, at times, there will be some disagreements with the Cabinet.

He defended DOGEs attempts to access Americans' personal data, dismissing concerns about a potential surveillance state by quipping, Dont we already have a surveillance state? He said DOGE needs to access the systems in its hunt for fraud, and said, There has to be some way to reconcile the improper payments.

He said DOGE has referred cases of suspected fraud to the Justice Department, though he offered few details, including how many referrals were made. Antonio Gracias, a Musk investor working for DOGE, pointed to the indictment last week of an Iraqi man living in New York on charges he illegally voted in the 2020 election. U.S. prosecutors said DOGE assisted in the investigation.

A Justice Department spokesperson said DOGE is working closely with DOJ to identify potential fraud."

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Musk acknowledged there were some instances in which they had to restore the jobs of government workers who, in his words, were accidently let go, like some people that were doing important regulatory work or taking care of national parks.

When asked if hes found any areas where hed recommended efficiencies beyond cuts, Musk veered into the nation's military strategy and said he has repeatedly recommended to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that he should be spending more money on hypersonic missiles and long-range drones instead of on crewed systems.

Musk said DOGE is also working on improving connectivity for the nations air traffic control system and reviewing plans to improve its software, but DOGEs primary goal is trying to stop wasteful and fraudulent spending."

But on other points, he was vague.

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Who will lead DOGE when he leaves?

DOGE is a way of life, he said. Like Buddhism.

Will he retain the title of senior adviser to the president?

I guess.

Will DOGE wrap up its work by July 2026, as originally stated?

If the president wants us to stick to that date, we'll stick to that date.

How many of the roughly 100 DOGE employees will stay on the job while he winds down?

Some will stay on. Some will not. So it's up to them. This is basically a volunteer organization.

Is DOGE winding down?

No, I think it will gain momentum.

Musk struck up a friendship with Trump during the 2024 campaign and spent nearly $300 million on the election  the bulk of which went toward helping the Republican reclaim the White House. He has since become a constant presence with Trump for much of the first 100 days of the administration, regularly traveling with the president to his home in Florida on the weekends.

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Musk said Wednesday that he was working on DOGE seven days a week during the first months of the administration, at times sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom at Trumps invitation.

He declined to say just how many times he had slept at the White House but said the president had implored him to try the caramel ice cream from the kitchen.

Dont tell RFK, Musk joked, referring to Trumps Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Musk described it as an intense period during which he was trying to understand and map out the federal government.

Its a startup, effectively. A new administration is like a startup, he said.

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But he said he is now scaling back his work on DOGE, spending one to two days a week on it, and he plans to be in Washington less.

Now were getting more of a rhythm so the amount of time thats necessary for me to spend here is much less," he said.

He also pointed to the limitation on his status as a special government employee, which means he can only work 130 days in a 365-day time period.

He said he will keep his tiny office on the second floor of the West Wing that he said has a view of nothing  a feature, he then remarked, that keeps him safe.

Its harder to shoot me, he said. There's not a good line of sight.

___

Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Several local schools were honored with a Purple Star Award recognizing them for their support of military families.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced over 360 schools earned the award on Wednesday, April 16.

Schools qualify by completing all the Purple Star Advisory Board required activities and a bonus activity. The school must have an on-staff Military Family Liaison who acts as a point of contact between military families and the school.

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As for bonus activities, the school can choose between multiple options.

A military event that is separate from Veterans Day.

A system to identify children who are in military families, but not necessarily because of military parents. (Children with siblings in service.)

Host month of the Military Child activities in April.

KinderCare offers free day of care for military families

The Purple Star program is a wonderful way to showcase the many schools in Ohio that are going above and beyond to support their military communities, said DeWine. Year after year, our Purple Star schools put in the time and effort to make sure military-connected students have the support they need to thrive.

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Schools are able to renew their awards every three years. Currently there are over 700 active Purple Star schools in Ohio.

These schools and their staff do incredible work connecting our states military families with resources to help them be successful, both in school and in their service to our state and country, said Dackin. I applaud their dedication to this important work.

Annual 5K Furry Skurry to benefit local pets in Miami Valley

Miami Valley schools earning the designation:

Archbishop Carroll High School  Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Bellbrook High School  Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools

Brantwood Elementary School  Mad River Local Schools

Brookville Elementary School  Brookville Local Schools

Brookville Intermediate School  Brookville Local Schools

Centerville High School  Centerville City Schools

Centerville Primary Village North  Centerville City Schools

Charles Huber Elementary School  Huber Heights City Schools

Dayton Regional STEM School  STEM School

Fairmont High School  Kettering City Schools

Five Points Elementary School  Springboro Community City Schools

Hillel Academy of Greater Dayton

Kinder Intermediate School  Miamisburg City Schools

Miamisburg High School  Miamisburg City Schools

Perry High School  Perry Local Schools

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To view the full list of Ohio schools that have earned the award, click here.

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ROYALSTON, Mass. (WWLP)  Fire crews from several area towns assisted Royalston firefighters in containing a brush fire on Wednesday as dry and windy conditions challenged efforts to prevent the fire from spreading.

Multi-family house fire on Pendleton Ave. in Springfield

According to the Royalston Fire Department, the fire was reported along Athol Richmond Road and was actively spreading when first responders arrived. Crews were able to successfully contain the fire, thanks to support from multiple mutual aid departments.

Courtesy of Royalston Fire and EMS Courtesy of Royalston Fire and EMS Courtesy of Royalston Fire and EMS Courtesy of Royalston Fire and EMS Courtesy of Royalston Fire and EMS Courtesy of Warwick Fire Department Courtesy of Royalston Fire and EMS

Assistance came from Athol, Orange, Richmond, Phillipston, and Warwick fire departments. Royalston fire officials expressed gratitude to their neighboring departments for the swift response and cooperation.

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We extend our gratitude to Athol Fire, Orange Fire, Richmond Fire, Phillipston Fire, and Warwick Fire for their support, the department wrote in a social media post following the incident.

Warwick Fire confirmed that its Squad One, Deputy Fire Chief, and a lieutenant were called as well. Upon their arrival, the fire had already been brought under control, and the crew was cleared shortly afterward.

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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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A man arrested last November after allegedly making a series of violent and hate-based threats against a New York reporter has changed his plea from not guilty to guilty, federal court records show.

Federal authorities arrested Austin Suman of Myrtle Beach in November. Court records show he entered a guilty plea on Wednesday to count one of his federal indictment, which was threatening interstate communications. That charge carries a maximum of five years in prison.

According to a complaint, the threats against the Orange County, New York, woman were made via Facebook and email messages. The threats were motivated by an article the woman wrote several years ago about his arrest for threatening a former roommate with a firearm that resulted in his guns being taken away.

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You are a dumb [sp], we [are] coming for you, one of the messages said. I will end you and your family. You better stay in [N]ew [Y]ork.

In another one of the threats, he said his guns had been returned and that I have more guns than ever, including ful[ly] auto[matic] weapons, the complaint said. The threats also included several ethnic slurs.

Suman is scheduled to be sentenced at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1 in the Southern District of New York, records show.

* * *

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.

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ASHLAND The Boyd County Coroners Office released the identity of the man who died in an officer-involved shooting Tuesday.

William Mohler, 29, of Charleston, West Virginia, has died.

The coroners office was dispatched to the 5200 block of Blackburn Avenue in Ashland in response to the shooting involving Ashland Police.

APD responded to a report of trespassing and burglary complaint at a residence, according to a news release. The suspect, who had a firearm on his person, fled before officers arrived. Police located him near a church along Blackburn Avenue, where he was armed with a shotgun, according to authorities.

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APD engaged the suspect in a standoff and activated the departments Special Response Team, according to the coroners release.

Despite APDs attempts to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the situation escalated, forcing officers to fire their weapons, killing Mohler.

No officers were injured during the incident.

The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is leading the ongoing investigation.
Astronaut Don Pettit is opening up about his return to Earth.

Pettit, NASA's oldest active astronaut, recently returned from a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station, touching down in Kazakhstan on April 20, his 70th birthday, alongside two other cosmonauts, the Associated Press reported. But when he stepped out of the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, Pettit threw up  and the astronaut has now explained it was gravity's fault.

Related: NASA Astronaut Takes Sip of Coffee From Zero-Gravity Cup He Designed Himself

Bill Ingalls/NASA via Getty Don Pettit. Don Pettit.

The astronaut described the experience as "what it's like to come back to Mother Earth," he said in a press conference on April 28, per Space.com. After 220 days of zero gravity, the stark change manifested as "creaks and groans" and physical sickness.

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"I didn't look too good because I didn't feel too good," Pettit said. "I was right in the middle of emptying the contents of my stomach onto the steppes of Kazakhstan."

Thankfully, Pettit continued, the camera crew gave him some privacy during that moment. Photos after his arrival showed Pettit in a chair being carried by a group of men, smiling while offering a thumbs-up to the camera.

His life in space didn't involve the little "aches and pains" that tend to arise while on Earth, he said. He never woke up with a knot in his neck or shoulder because "you're just floating," he said, never stuck in an uncomfortable position.

Related: Astronauts Feast on Dehydrated Thanksgiving Dinner in Space After Being Stuck for Extra 5 Months: 'Gonna Be Delicious!'

nasa/getty International Space Station. International Space Station.

"I love being in space," Pettit said, adding, "Your body, all these little aches and pains heal up. You feel like you're 30 years old again  free of pain, free of everything and you're ready to do your mission work. So I love being in orbit. It's a great place to be."

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Pettit's return comes just over a month after "stranded" astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned from the International Space Station back to Earth on March 18. Though their initial mission to the ISS was meant to only last 10 days, Wilmore and Williams ended up staying for nine months after multiple delays in bringing them back home.



Read the original article on People
This morning, NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers stepped outside the International Space Station inside their Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) suits.

It was an exceedingly rare all-female spacewalk, with the goal of mounting a bracket for a future solar array to increase the station's power generation capacity by up to 30 percent.

But as spotted by NASASpaceflight, the six-and-a-half-hour mission wasn't entirely without hiccups. Less than an hour in, McClain noticed a "slice" in the index finger of her right glove, prompting ground control in Houston to have a closer look.

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"If it helps, when I bend it, it's kind of right at the corner where the finger bends," McClain told Houston via voice link, "but when I bend it, a little tab opens up."

Once a video streaming connection to McClain's helmet camera was established, the team could finally get a closer look.

"You wanna move it a little closer, so we can have a closer view?" Houston told McClain.

"I can kind of see, it's right at the bend," she answered.

"EV-1, this is Houston, thank you so much for your video, we are assessing and discussing on the ground," mission control said.

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Fortunately, the problem wasn't deemed serious enough to impact safety, and the spacewalk proceeded as planned.

"Taking a look, it is a string of the Turtleskin along the seam of the finger," Houston said, referring to a special woven fabric manufactured by NASA contractor Warwick Mills. "No additional checks needed other than keep reporting if you see anything off nominal."

"Using Thursdays imagery and imagery of a similar glove configuration from past spacewalks, NASA determined it was a string along the turtle skin portion of the glove," a NASA spokesperson told Futurism in a statement. "The string posed no risk to McClain, and the spacewalk was able to proceed."

Interestingly, McClain, a current US Army colonel and former professional rugby player, had to wait for her chance to join the all-female spacewalk for six years, as CBS reports, due to spacesuit fitting issues.

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In March 2019, NASA scrapped its plans to perform the first-ever spacewalk by two women astronauts  McClain and fellow NASA astronaut Christina Koch  after the former realized during a previous walk that a "medium"-sized spacesuit torso would fit her better.

At the time, astronaut Nick Hague took McClain's spot since a spacesuit torso in the right size couldn't be made available in time.

The first women-only spacewalk was ultimately performed by Koch and astronaut Jessica Meir in October 2019, seven months after McCain missed her shot.

NASA has encountered many challenges with its aging EMU suits, from "discomfort issues" to a water leak covering the visor of astronaut Tracy Dyson's suit in ice particles last year.

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Women, in particular, have faced spacesuit fit issues for decades. While many of the EMU's modular parts are available in a range of sizes, many components have never fit well, especially for shorter women.

It's an issue that extends far beyond spacesuits as well, especially in male-dominated fields, from ill-fitting army uniforms to fire department safety gear.

A long-awaited successor to NASA's existing EMU, a design that hasn't seen any significant changes since the 1980s, has yet to see the light of day.

Worse yet, the ISS is set to be retired in less than five years, giving the agency less and less time to come up with a replacement.

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And the existing suits are starting to show their age, much like the station itself. In a 2022 blog post, NASA explained how the gloves of its EMU suits  each personally fitted to each spacewalker's hands  go through careful inspection prior to every spacewalk. Photography and closer analysis allow ground control to determine whether they're ready for use.

The mission ended positively: more than five years after her missed opportunity, McClain finally got her shot, completing the fifth-ever all-female spacewalk.

Updated to add a statement from NASA.

More on spacewalks: NASA Contractor Shows Off New Spacesuit for the First Moon Landing in Over Half a Century
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  An astronaut who missed out on the first all-female spacewalk because of a spacesuit sizing issue got her chance six years later on Thursday.

NASAs Anne McClain emerged from the International Space Station alongside Nichole Ayers. Both military officers and pilots, they launched to the orbiting lab in March to replace NASAs two stuck astronauts, who are now back home.

Minutes before floating out, McClain noticed strands of string on the index finger of her right glove. Mission Control briefly delayed the start of the spacewalk to make sure her glove was safe.

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Outside for nearly six hours, the spacewalkers prepared the station for another new set of solar panels and moved an antenna on the 260-mile-high (420-kilometer-high) complex. They were welcomed back inside by the space station's commander, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi.

We are so happy to have you back, and your dinner is ready so dont worry about it, Onishi said.

The space station had to be raised into a slightly higher orbit Wednesday evening to avoid space junk: part of a 20-year-old Chinese rocket.

McClain, an Army colonel and helicopter pilot, should have taken part in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, but there werent enough medium-size suits. The first women-only spacewalk was by Christina Koch and Jessica Meir. The latest was the fifth all-female spacewalk in 60 years of spacewalking.

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Koch soon will become the first woman to fly to the moon. She and three male astronauts will fly around the moon without landing next year under NASA's Artemis program, the successor to Apollo.

Men still outnumber women in NASA's astronaut corps.

Of NASA's 47 active astronauts, 20 are women. And of the seven astronauts currently living at the space station, McClain and Ayers are the only women. It was the first spacewalk for Ayers, an Air Force major and former fighter pilot, and the third for McClain.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Michael Clark was released from custody on Monday after spending 12 years in prison for a murder he maintained for 30 years he did not commit.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell focused on city services, public schools, public safety and housing in his second State of Metro address on the morning of May 1 at the Downtown Public Library.

The 62nd State of Metro came days after residents across Davidson County received their 2025 property reassessments from Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite. The countywide median value increase this cycle was 45%.

"This is an appraisal year, our first since 2021," O'Connell said during his speech. "And since then, many areas have seen significant increases in property value. The costs of serving those areas have gone up, too."

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O'Connell said his 2026 fiscal year budget recommendation, filed before he took the podium that morning, was difficult to prepare amid the mounting costs of running a growing city.

"This is a challenging budget to prepare because there are so many financial variables," he said. "Our national economic outlook is murky. We're phasing out hundreds of millions of dollars of one-time federal COVID relief funding. And we're experiencing an unpredictable overall federal funding outlook."

He made the case that Nashville has been ripped off by the federal government as the city faces cuts to tax dollars already promised by lawmakers in Washington.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell greets Bob Mendes, Metros Chief Development Officer, before the start of the State of Metro address Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Downtown Nashville Public Library.

Cuts to grant programs have pulled funding from local nonprofits, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other entities. Even funds that were previously approved have been halted.

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"Metro has been ghosted on awarded funds of more than $14 million," O'Connell said.

Metro Nashville has joined other local governments in suing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over "devastating" public health budget cuts.

"We must not lose sight of our high aspirations despite the challenges of the time," O'Connell said. "Our response to the chaos of the moment is the competence of the city. This is the Nashville story."

What Mayor O'Connell said about property taxes in State of Metro

O'Connell said when it comes to funding city infrastructure, there is one primary vehicle available to local governments in Tennessee. That's property taxes.

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The mayor's $3.8 billion recommended budget includes a combined property tax rate of 2.814, a change from the 3.254 rate of 2021-2025. That new rate is one of the lowest among Tennessee cities, but it could still translate to property owners paying more in taxes moving forward. It is unclear exactly what the new adjusted rate will be after the reappraisal and equalization process concludes.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell sits in the front row before delivering the State of Metro address Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Downtown Nashville Public Library.

"I know its complicated talking about appraisals, equalization and the impact on tax," O'Connell said. "Especially because we know two things are true at once. Some Nashvillians will pay more in property taxes, even as we're setting the lowest overall property tax rate in Nashville since 1972."

With the mayor's budget now filed, Metro Council will take over, make adjustments and vote to approve by June 30. That process includes any consideration of property tax rate adjustments.

A coalition to oppose a property tax increase has already formed. Members of Americans for Prosperity, Nashville GOP and other groups were outside the Downtown Public Library during the State of Metro address, holding signs reading "No property tax hike."

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"Many of you undoubtedly walked past folks this morning who believe that property tax going up for any Nashvillian by any amount is unnecessary  just more government spending," O'Connell said. "These are the same people celebrating the chaos of federal cuts, which, make no mistake, are not about efficiency."

Protestors gather outside the Downtown Nashville Public Library after Mayor OConnells State of Metro address Thursday, May 1, 2025.

O'Connell recommends $45M for housing, emphasizes schools, safety

The mayor's address broke down his proposed budget into three pillars rooted in community reinvestment: schools, services and safety.

Metro Nashville Public Schools stand to receive a 13% budget increase from last fiscal year. MNPS makes up 37% of the total Metro budget. Focus areas for investment include college and career readiness programs, mental health support, special education support, and additional security and safety measures.

"This budget lets us keep a nurse in every school, and MNPD will add another 23 new school resource officers to enhance safety," O'Connell said.

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The city has already begun program implementation of its transit improvement plan, and the recommended budget outlines the continuation of that process.

O'Connell's budget also recommends a $45 million commitment to increase funding for affordable housing. That includes continued investment in the Barnes Housing Trust Fund, increased funding for the Office of Homeless Services and expansion of the Metro Development and Housing Agency's Payment in Lieu of Taxes Program.

That comes after Metro released its Unified Housing Strategy, a multipronged plan to address high housing costs in Davidson County and promote the creation of affordable homes.

"To be clear, we as a community will need to find room and funding for 90,000 homes over the next decade if we want to have any hope of enough people having secure, stable housing at any income level," O'Connell said.

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The Metro Planning Department will revisit Nashville's existing zoning policies and building codes in order to identify potential changes needed to allow more housing construction, O'Connell said.

Finally, O'Connell reiterated his focus on public safety and outlined recommended areas for investment. His budget proposes an additional $49.6 million for Nashville first responders, including funding for new fire trucks, EMS personnel, additional fire marshal staff and the expansion of the REACH (Responders Engaged and Committed to Help) program, which pairs mental health co-responders with fire and EMS teams.

"The state of Metro today is where many cities would like to be," O'Connell said. "School performance is up. We've improved both benchmarking and performance of city services. Crime is down. People want to be here. And we want to make it easier to stay. And that's much of the work we're going to be leaning into even harder starting today."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: State of Metro: Nashville mayor outlines 'challenging' budget cycle
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The National Association of Letter Carriers will hold its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 10.

Officials with the United States Postal Service said letter carriers across the country will collect non-perishable food donations from customers. Customers may leave their donations in a bag by their mailbox.

Pine Bluff pantry plans food giveaway to help Jefferson County employees

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The donations will go to local food pantries to help those in need.

Officials said the drive has collected more than 1.9 billion pounds of food over the course of its 30-year plus history.

This year will mark the 33rd year of the food drive.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
An agreement between the US and Ukrainian governments on establishing the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund covers 57 minerals. It also mentions US military assistance to Ukraine, though several issues remain unspecified in the document.

Source: European Pravda, having seen the document signed in Washington

Details: Reports suggest that during the negotiations, Ukraine and the United States opted once again to split the agreement into several components.

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The bilateral agreement signed in Washington on 30 April sets out the political framework for cooperation between the two governments on:

the development of critical minerals,

the sale of these minerals,

future US assistance to Ukraine, including military aid.

However, many details, including politically significant ones, will be outlined in a technical agreement that is not yet ready to be signed.

The agreement signed on Wednesday 30 April is only 12 pages long, whereas the earlier draft handed over by the US in March spanned 90 pages, using the same font size.

The parameters of the signed agreement align with most of the key points made by Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Wednesday.

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European Pravda notes that the agreement includes explicit guarantees ensuring it does not conflict with Ukraines commitments to the EU or its EU accession goals. Should any contradiction with the EU accession process arise, the provisions of the US-Ukraine agreement would need to be revised.

Crucially, the agreement does not place Ukraine under US jurisdiction  disputes are to be resolved on a parity basis through consultations.

The document also does not grant US companies the right of first refusal for licences to extract mineral resources in Ukraine. However, it does guarantee that US companies will have access to auctions or negotiations for such resources on terms no less favourable than those offered to other buyers.

The agreement specifies a list of 57 minerals to be extracted: aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barite, beryllium, bismuth, cerium, caesium, chromium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, erbium, europium, fluorine, fluorspar, gadolinium, gallium, germanium, gold, graphite, hafnium, holmium, indium, iridium, lanthanum, lithium, lutetium, magnesium, manganese, neodymium, nickel, niobium, palladium, platinum, potassium, praseodymium, rhodium, rubidium, ruthenium, samarium, scandium, tantalum, tellurium, terbium, thulium, tin, titanium, tungsten, uranium, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, zirconium, oil and natural gas.

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This applies only to new deposits for which Ukraine will issue licences after the agreement enters into force. The list can be expanded only with the consent of both parties.

The agreement does not regulate production or revenues from the extraction of other minerals. It also excludes revenues from Ukrainian infrastructure, as proposed initially by the United States.

Ukraine will contribute to the joint fund using revenues from the sale of licences and royalties from the extraction of these minerals but retains the right to make additional transfers to the fund.

The US contribution will include, among other things, new arms supplies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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The agreement states that if the US government provides Ukraine with new military assistance in any form, including transfers of weapons systems, ammunition, technology or training, the US capital contribution will be considered increased by the estimated value of that assistance.

However, some of the provisions announced by Prime Minister Shmyhal are not included in the signed agreement. For instance, the document does not mention the principles of the funds management or the reported US commitment to refrain from withdrawing income from the fund for ten years, instead reinvesting 100% of the proceeds into Ukraine's recovery. These elements are expected to be set out in the subsequent agreement, which is currently being drafted.

Background: Ukraine and the US will ratify the minerals agreement.

After the agreement was signed, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko outlined how the joint investment fund would operate: the US may contribute financially or through new aid such as air defence systems, while Ukraine will invest 50% of state revenues from new mineral licences. Both countries will jointly decide on projects, with fund income reinvested in Ukraine for the first 10 years.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson met with several sheriffs in Eastern North Carolina on Thursday. Jackson wanted to discuss the fentanyl crises in the state.

Jackson expressed that officials are not just working on enforcement, but also education, recovery, and rehabilitation. This is what a coordinated approach looks like, Jackson said. And to folks who are watching, who are engaged in this criminal activity. You better think twice. You will face the consequences. Look behind me. Look how seriously we take this. And ask yourself if spending the rest of your life in prison is worth making a quick buck.

Other county sheriffs also spoke at the event, saying that they are thankful for the opportunity to work with Jackson on this matter.

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Jackson also talked about the importance of supporting local law enforcement, recognizing them and sharing that he is working with state legislators to award pay raises. For more information, click on the video above.

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 WNCT.
This story was updated May 2, 2025.

After about seven hours of deliberating, a jury found a man guilty of first-degree murder Friday in the beating death of his elderly mother

Christopher McCullough was sentenced to life without parole by Judge G. Bryan Collins Jr. in Wake County Superior Court.

The 31-year-old Raleigh man testified Wednesday that he arrived at his parents house high on Adderall and ice, sleepless for six days, convinced hed been placed under a spell, and so startled by his fathers objections that he punched him twice.

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But McCullough insisted he did not kill his 75-year-old mother, Mary, instead telling jurors he found her face-down in a pool of blood after knocking his father down inside the house.

He flipped his mother over and left her on the floor without helping or calling 911, he said, taking his then 5-year-old son, who witnessed it all.

He loaded his son into the child-safety seat of his fathers Honda despite being high and in violation of a custody agreement, according to Wednesdays testimony, and drove off while also taking his parents pit-bull named Russian.

I was, like, seeing things that were not there, hearing stuff, he said from the witness stand, describing his state of mind that day. I guess you could say I was talking to shadows. .... I thought I was in the Bible. I was talking to the 12 disciples. I thought there was invisible dinosaurs.

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He added that he was trying to reverse a spell he thought his mother had cast, telling jurors, I felt like I had a root on me. They put you in a pie and cook you up. Like a ritual. I believed I was under a spell.

McCullough faced a slew of charges stemming from that day in August of 2023, including murder, second-degree kidnapping and larceny of a dog.

Blunt force trauma

Mary McCullough died of her injuries a few weeks after the assault in their home on Ingate Way in North Raleigh, and an associate chief medical examiner testified she had six fractured ribs, a broken hand and multiple injuries to all sides of her head, including hemorrhaging deep in the brain.

Dr. Paul Yell linked her death to complications from multiple blunt force injuries, noting that her death was hastened by heart disease and COPD. He said he could not rule out that she tripped, but to get such serious injuries on all sides of her head would have required a car crash or a violent tumble down a long staircase.

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The victim in this case also had a do-not-resuscitate order, and her family terminated her life-support. But Yell said there is a low possibility she could have recovered.

McCullough sat stone-faced through her autopsy photographs, shown to jurors on a large screen. He showed the same lack of emotion when his son appeared on-screen, interviewed by police on the day of the assault and captured on an officers body camera footage.

What happened today? Detective Justin Wester asked the boy, who was sitting on his mothers lap.

Chris just hit Nanny and Poppy, he said.

His mother asked, Do you know why?

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The boy shrugged.

Im a mamas boy

On the witness stand, McCullough told jurors he was born in Louisiana and adopted at 3 months old. He bounced between group homes and alternative schools, then spent time in Dorothea Dix Hospital in the 10th grade.

I guess because I had a behavioral issue, he said.

He described a life of constant drug use and dirt bike riding that lasted well into his 20s, all financed by his mother, who he said wanted a companion to smoke cigarettes with on the porch. He was free, he said, to smoke marijuana while wearing a gas mask in his bedroom. His mother discouraged his getting jobs and gave him money for whatever he wanted  often around $500 a week.

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Im a mamas boy, man, he said. Mom was the shot-caller. She called all the shots. All I had to do was ask.

Prosecutors quickly pointed out that McCullough was on probation for violating a domestic violence protective order at the time of the assault in his parents house, and that his father, John, was the person who sought it. McCullough was wearing an ankle bracelet at the time, and he cut it off inside his parents house.

Do you want this jury to believe that John McCullough let you smoke marijuana in your bedroom? asked Assistant District Attorney Melanie Shekita.

She listed several residential recovery programs his father had encouraged him to join, and she noted that his mother called police in March of 2023, telling officers he was not supposed to be there.

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She pulled up a crime-scene photograph showing Mary McCullough on her back next to a blood-spattered staircase.

This is how you left your Mom? she asked. You see the blood pouring out of her chin?

I do, said McCullough.

Did you know her hand was broken?

I did not.

Day of the assault

On the day of the assault, McCullough dropped off his son at his mothers house, and she called 911.

He let the dog Russian go loose near some apartments off Lynn Road. People at the hotel where he had been staying were afraid of him.

I didnt want him to go to the pound, McCullough said, and hes chipped.
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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Over 18,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have been recalled in response to "sodium nitrite levels that exceed the regulatory limit"

The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service was first flagged when company Smith Packing LLC, reported consumers complaining "of products that were off-taste and off-color"

Per a spokesperson from the company's primary distributor, Smith Packing "immediately shut down production, alerted the USDA and determined the products contained an excessive amount of a curing agent"

Nearly 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are being recalled after customers complained about their the taste and color.

On Tuesday, April 29, Smith Packing, LLC issued a recall of roughly 18,792 pounds of product in response to "sodium nitrite levels that exceed the regulatory limit," the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

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The recall accounts for multiple "ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry items" that the Utica, New York-based company produced on dates between Feb. 19 and April 24.

Getty Stock image of deli meats Stock image of deli meats

Related: 10 Million Lbs. of Ready-to-Eat Meat Sold at Trader Joes, Target, Walmart and More Recalled for Listeria Concerns

The issue was first flagged when the company informed the agency that consumers were complaining "of products that were off-taste and off-color." There here has been "no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products," per the FSIS.

The FSIS has now shared a list of 16 products being recalled, from brands including As-Salaam, Smith Packing, Honest John and Beefland USA. The products include Smith Packing Beef Knockwurst, As-Salaam Beef Breakfast Sausage, Honest John Jumbo Franks, Smith Packing Expert Bologna, Beefland USDA Regular Beef Sausage and As-Salaam Roasted Chicken Sausage Garlic.

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They feature the establishment number EST. 4578 or P-4578 inside the USDA mark of inspection and were all shipped to locations in New York, according to the FSIS.

"FSIS is concerned that some products may be in institutional and consumers refrigerators or freezers," the agency noted in its release. "Consumers and institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to consume or use them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase."

Those concerned about illness should contact their healthcare providers, per the FSIS.

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USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Beef Smoked Sausage Links label Beef Smoked Sausage Links label

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a spokesperson for Palmer Foods  the primary distributor  shared that it learned on April 24 that "certain foods" produced by its vendor, Smith Packing, were "inedible."

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"Smith immediately shut down production, alerted the USDA and determined the products contained an excessive amount of a curing agent," the company said.

"In coordination with the USDA, Smith agreed to a recall covering about 18,000 pounds of meat products labeled as Honest Johns, As-Salam and Beefland that may have been affected," the statement continued. "Approximately 90% of that product never left the warehouse, and approximately 34 customers were identified who received potentially inedible meats. Palmer is working with those customers to recover and destroy any potentially affected product."

Per the Palmer Foods spokesperson, all customers have since been contacted as of Tuesday, April 29 and there has been "no information that any consumers were sickened."

"Palmer will continue to work with the USDA and follow all applicable guidelines and procedures. Palmer demands and enforces the highest-possible safety practices in all its manufacturing lines, and its a credit to our employees and partners that this relatively minor issue was identified and mitigated quickly."



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Close to half of all Americans think that the U.S. government is hiding information about the existence of unidentified flying objects, or unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), according to a new poll from NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ.

The poll, which surveyed 521 Republicans, 559 Democrats, 349 independents and 18 other voters, found that 44 percent of Americans believe that the government is concealing UFO information, while 28 percent disagree and another 28 percent are unsure.

Young Americans are particularly suspicious, with 49 percent of Gen Z respondents and 48 percent of millennials believing in government UFO secrecy, compared to just 34 percent of baby boomers.

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The poll revealed demographic differences, with 52 percent of Black respondents and 49 percent of Hispanic voters believing in government UFO concealment, compared to 41 percent of white voters.

Political affiliation also influenced beliefs, with 48 percent of Republicans saying the government hides UFO information versus 39 percent of Democrats. Independents aligned more closely with Republicans at 44 percent.

Men were more likely than women to believe the government is not being transparent about UAPs (47 percent vs. 41 percent), while urban residents showed higher levels of belief (47 percent) compared to rural areas (41 percent).

Education levels also played a role in respondents views. Those with a high school education or less (52 percent) were more likely to believe in government UFO concealment than college graduates (36 percent).

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Regional differences were modest but notable, with the South showing the highest level of belief (48 percent) and the Midwest the lowest (37 percent).

The surveys findings come amid increased attention to UAPs following congressional hearings and Pentagon reports acknowledging unexplained encounters by military personnel.

House Oversight Committee gives no answer on UAP sightings

The House Oversight Committee met Tuesday to discuss unauthorized drone activity over U.S. military sites. Lawmakers pressed Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration officials about the reports and their response.

The hearing was held months after the White House said the mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey at the end of 2024 were not the work of an adversary. The sightings in New Jersey prompted concern from residents for weeks.

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Lawmakers are slated to continue questioning the drone sightings and their place in national security.

The House Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs has said sightings of UFOs above military bases have increased and that those sites are being exposed to surveillance, espionage and potential weaponization.

President Trump had said in January the drones were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The NewsNation/DDHQ survey was conducted April 23-27 among 1,448 registered voters. The margin of error is 2.4 percentage points.

NewsNations Brooke Shafer contributed to this report.

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A high school classroom. (Getty Images)

Nearly all of Kentuckys 171 public school districts have signed an agreement to adhere to the Trump administrations new restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools.

Only two school districts  Fayette and Jefferson counties  did not sign a form from the U.S. Department of Education to certify their compliance with the Trump administrations interpretations of civil rights law, according to documents from the Kentucky Department of Education.

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Sent last month, the federal agencys certification form says that any violation of Title VI  including the use of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) programs to advantage ones race over another  is impermissible and using certain DEI practices can violate federal law. Title VI of the 1963 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

The school superintendents of Fayette and Jefferson counties instead provided alternative documents saying they comply with federal and state laws. Jefferson County has the states largest student enrollment, followed by Fayette County.

KDE provided the documents to the Kentucky Lantern in response to an open records request.

In a joint statement to news outlets last week about the districts decision, Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and school board Chair Tyler Murphy said they want to reaffirm that Fayette County Public Schools remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive. The statement said the decision was based on data about students needs within the district.

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As we affirm each year, we continue to fully comply with the requirements of Title VI and all civil rights laws, not simply as a legal obligation, but as a reflection of who we are and what we stand for, Liggins and Murphy said. We will also continue to support and defend the programs that help our students  all of our students  reach their full potential. That is a commitment that has not and will not change.

Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio wrote in an April 22 letter to USED that the schools within our district are in compliance with federal law, including Title VI. A spokesperson told the Lantern that as of Thursday, JCPS had not received any further communication from USED regarding the form.

Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher has previously said KDE signed the form a couple of weeks ago, but added the form is not without issues, in a message to superintendents across the state. KDE did not suspend or pause any of its existing programs since it received the form from USED.

Fletcher also advised that school districts should consult with board counsel on whether the district will sign the certification form.

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One superintendent, Teresa Morgan of Hardin County Schools, pushed back on USEDs request to sign the form.

It is with great disgust and sadness that I am signing this document, Morgan wrote in an addendum to the form. The fact that federal funds would be withheld from our neediest students  simply because of a refusal to sign a document that serves to further divide our country  is deeply troubling.

Morgan declined to expand on her comment in an email Thursday morning. The federal form outlined possible consequences for a state or local education agency that protects a DEI program that violates the new federal guidance, including losing federal funding or facing a federal lawsuit.

One school district that did sign the form, Bowling Green Independent Schools, did so at the request of the Kentucky Department of Education commissioner, said district spokesperson Leslie McCoy in an email to the Lantern. She added the district believes it is in compliance with all state and federal nondiscrimination laws and has not received further contact from USED about Title VI compliance.

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USEDs targeting of DEI practices comes as Republicans at the national and state levels seek to roll back such measures, particularly in education. The GOP-controlled Kentucky General Assembly passed a law earlier this year to ban DEI programs at Kentucky public universities and colleges. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating DEI programs within the federal government shortly after he assumed office in January.

The 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down affirmative action in higher education admissions has further fueled backlash against DEI programs. That ruling is cited in the USED form K-12 school officials were asked to sign.

In general, DEI initiatives focus on supporting marginalized people in areas where they have been historically excluded. But theyve come under fire, and not just from the right, as discriminatory themselves. DEI programs, the U.S. Department of Education acting assistant secretary for civil rights wrote in a February letter, frequently preference certain racial groups and teach students that certain racial groups bear unique moral burdens that others do not.

Kentuckys legislature has not outlawed DEI in public K-12 schools, although legislation was filed this year to do so. Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, filed bills that would have prohibited DEI initiatives in the states public schools as well as state and local governments. Neither bill got a committee hearing.
Over the last few years, the most bitter battles have been fought between House Democrats and Republicans, with the latter walking out hours before the session ended last year, rather than vote on a property tax measure.
A 9-year-old boy diagnosed with autism is dead after leaving his Nebraska school during recess and drowning in a nearby lagoon.

On Monday, April 28, Matthew Brehmer told WOWT that his son, Kendrix Brehmer, managed to leave the grounds during playtime at Northeast Elementary School in Lyons. Kendrix was in third grade.

The grieving father told the news station that the schools superintendent, Lindsey Beaudette, called him directly to let him know Kendrix had run away.

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Related: 11-Year-Old Boy with Autism Found Wandering on Freeway After Vanishing from Supermarket

Ive never been more afraid in my life, he said.

He was told that his little boy, who was non-verbal, opened a school gate and ran off of the property.

I know that hes just incredibly quick and sometimes hes hard to catch up with, Brehmer said, adding, I just knew we were gonna have problems finding him.

He immediately jumped on his four-wheeler and began searching for Kendrix within their community of about 800 residents.

Approximately one hour later, Brehmers uncle found Kendrix in the lagoon of a nearby park.

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I lost all feeling in my legs. Just collapsed to the ground. Just didnt know what to do with myself at that moment, the dad told the news station.

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Kendrix was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead and taken off life support. He died surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.

Hes just a special kid," Brehmer said of his son. "Everybody loved him. And he loved everyone.

Through his sadness and loss, the Nebraska resident shared a simple plea: I just dont want this to happen to any more kids.

Related: 'I Can't Even Imagine How Scared He Was': Autistic Student Was Left on Hot Bus for Hours Before He Died, Sister Says

He added, I just want answers. I want to know how he got away.

Beaudette issued a statement to the news station, calling Kendrixs death a tragic accident.

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She said emergency responders arrived on the scene where the boy was found and provided assistance on-site before he was transported for additional care.

We are keeping the students family in our thoughts as they process through the tragic event. We are also offering support services for students, staff, and families during this difficult time, she wrote. The Lyons-Decatur school community is strong and caring, and we know we will continue to support one another in the days ahead. We are conducting our own investigation of the incident and cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities as they review the circumstances of the incident.

Beaudette concluded, Out of respect for the family and the ongoing process, no further information will be shared at this time. We are grateful for the compassion and understanding of our community.



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Investigators charged an area school administrator after they said he choked a student.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Emilio Valdez is accused of choking a student at Operation Rebirth, a Boys Christian Boarding Academy, in Saint Paris.

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He is currently facing strangulation and endangering children charges, according to Champaign County Court of Common Pleas records.

Champaign County Sheriffs Office Captain Mike Young told News Center 7 that this all started after kids showed up late to school.

When the students arrived for school that day, they were late, he had a verbal interaction with one of the students and he didnt like the students response, and his response to that was to grab the student by the back of the neck and then under the front of his chin and strangled him and took him to the ground, Young said.

The sheriffs office shared a 90-second video of the interaction with News Center 7s Taylor Robertson.

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It shows Valdez put his hands around the 13-year-olds neck while other students and a teacher watched. At one point, the childs feet were off the ground.

Young said the teacher was Valdezs wife.

We were lucky that we had that video, Young said.

The video is not public yet due to the students age.

Young said students at Operation Rebirth spend the week there and go home on the weekends.

Im not saying theyre behavioral issues, that they cant be in a normal school. They just thrive better in that environment, and your educator, your role model, your protector, thats what you get from it, Young said.

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The school has house parents who watch over the students.

The house parents saw it and talked with his team, they prayed about it, they talked with their board, the board addressed it and called us, Young said.

Operation Rebirth would not confirm if Valdez is still working at the school.

Young said Valdez has not gone to jail for these charges.

I would hope that a judge would place him in jail at some point in time, because I think he needs to be incarcerated at some point in time for the consequences, Young said.

A spokesperson from the school provided the following statement to News Center 7.

At this time, Operation Rebirth, Inc. is not providing public comments or participating in interviews related to the ongoing legal proceedings. We appreciate your understanding as we remain focused on the wellbeing of our staff, students and the integrity of the process ahead. Operation Rebirth Christian Academy spokesperson

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A proposed high-density housing development in Asheboro is raising red flags for neighbors and a nearby campground.

The owner of Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Campground said the area on Crestview Church Road is considerably quiet and still rural. He said its known to draw many people who appreciate the view of nature it offers.

He said the proposed development could impact this.

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That would really impact what we do here and impact people wanting to stay here, Jellystone Park Campground in Asheboro Owner Kent Emirbayer said.

The property in question sits adjacent to the Jellystone Park campground at 1172 Crestview Church Road.

It sits on just over 58 acres.

We found out very recently that they were going to be putting an apartment. A giga-plex is what I call it. Right adjacent to our property is a 50-foot-tall, three-story apartment. Buildings right on our property line is what was proposed. That would be devastating for our park, Emirbayer said.

The developer is McKenzie Real Estate. They want to rezone the land to build 336 multi-family units and 66 single-family homes.

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The developer had a community meeting with neighbors on March 25.

Emirbayer said that recently, the campground had a community meeting on Monday with neighbors who live nearby about the proposal.

Emirbayer said many have similar concerns.

We had a community meeting with our neighbors, and we actually get along great with our neighbors. They love us. They are proud of the park. They are very concerned about this proposed building project, Emirbayer said.

The park sits on 130 acres of wooded land. Emirbayer says the scale of the proposal could damage the experience for visitors.

We get people from out of state to come here and visit this Jellystone Park. This park is unique in many different ways, Emirbayer said. We were originally invited here by the county to build this park, and the premise of that was to build a park that was naturalistic, that was consistent with the zoo, which is really a low-density wooden zoo.

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He said the community is not opposed to development in the area.

The community is not opposed to anything being built there. Its just it needs to fit in with the community, Emirbayer said.

The City of Asheboro said that while the request is currently scheduled for the May 5 planning board and May 8 city council meeting, the applicant has requested that both boards continue the request.

The city said the developer may be working on a new concept.

It will be discussed next on June 2 at the planning board meeting and on June 5 at the city council meeting.

Both will be held at 6 p.m. at the Asheboro City Hall.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
NEWTON COUNTY, Mo.  Southwest Missouri authorities arrested a man Wednesday after they say a search warrant uncovered local utility company property, drugs, and guns.

The Newton County Sheriffs Office said they executed the search warrant on April 30 at Highway 60 and Palm Rd. in Neosho. A detective with the office said the search came from an information tip they received about stolen property.

Law enforcement said they located items reported stolen from Liberty Utilities in Jasper County from March. Sheriff Matt Stewart says officers also found several firearms and approximately 250 grams of methamphetamine.

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Cody Winsett, 38, of Neosho was arrested on charges of stealing, trafficking drugs, and unlawful use of a weapon, NCSO said. He was taken to the Newton County Jail for booking.

This is the 8th search warrant served by the NCSO this year, the office added.

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Bet Shemesh, Israel  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem could reach the city, as he declared the situation a "national emergency."



Thick smoke billowed above highways near Jerusalem as firefighters rushed to control wildfires that have injured several people and prompted the military to deploy troops and other resources to help.



Israel's Magen David Adom rescue agency reported that hundreds of civilians were at risk from the worst brushfires in years.



MDA said it had provided treatment to around 23 people, 13 of whom were taken to hospital, the majority suffering from smoke inhalation and burns. Among them were two pregnant women and two infants under a year old, it added.



It said the alert level had been raised to the highest tier.

An Israeli police officer stands near a wildfire burning on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Israel, April 30, 2025. / Credit: ORI AVIRAM/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty

Speaking from near the city of Modiin as fires burnt on a nearby hillside, resident Yuval Aharoni, 40, said: "It's just very sad because we knew the weather, we kind of knew that would happen and still we feel like they weren't ready enough with the big planes that can drop large amounts of water."



Netanyahu warned that "the western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of (Jerusalem)  and even into the city itself."



"We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines. ... We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one," he added in a video statement. "The priority right now is defending Jerusalem."



Police closed the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway and evacuated residents along the route as brushfires broke out again in an area ravaged by blazes a week ago. Communities housing thousands of people have been cleared out.



"A lot of police arrived, a lot of firefighters, but it didn't really help. The fire had already completely taken over the whole area here," student Yosef Aaron told AFP, speaking on the side of a highway with flames visible in the distance.

Flames and smoke rise from a wildfire that broke out in a forested area between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel, April 30, 2025. / Credit: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu/Getty

Fire chief Eyal Caspi warned at a televised press conference that "our aircraft can't do anything right now due to the weather conditions. ... Our goal is to save lives."



"We are apparently facing the largest fire in Israel in a decade."



The police said on X that they had deployed in force around the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway and the Jerusalem Hills, asking the public to "avoid travelling to the area."

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An AFP journalist at the scene earlier Wednesday said the blaze was sweeping through wooded areas near the main road between Latrun and Bet Shemesh, and that helicopters were working to extinguish the flames.



Soldiers arrived on the scene mid-afternoon, with many drivers abandoning their vehicles to flee the fire.

An Israeli firefighting helicopter pours water on flames as a wildfire burns around Jerusalem, April 30, 2025. / Credit: ORI AVIRAM/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said that since Wednesday, troops with the Search and Rescue Brigade and a regional unit from Jerusalem had deployed, "along with approximately 50 firetrucks of the Homefront Command and the Technological and Logistics Directorate," to work directly with fire fighters in the Jerusalem Hills.

"Overnight, dozens of engineering vehicles started operating throughout the country to form fire lines to prevent the fire from spreading into other areas," the IDF said.



Communities located about 19 miles west of Jerusalem were evacuated, Israeli media reported, airing images of firefighting teams battling fierce flames.



National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir hinted that arson could be behind the fires. Police said they had arrested a resident of east Jerusalem who was caught "attempting to set fire to a field in the southern part of the city."



There was no official declaration directly linking the two.



Ben Gvir said police would arrest anyone "involved in arson terror," while also monitoring for unrest.



MDA said ambulance teams had been positioned near communities close to the fires and were ready to provide medical treatment and assist residents.



High temperatures and strong winds have allowed the fires in wooded areas to spread quickly, prompting evacuations from at least five communities, the police said in a statement.



Ben Gvir, who oversees Israel's fire department, visited the affected area, which is prone to wildfires at this time of year.



In a video statement, he said work was being done to bring more assistance to the affected areas and evacuate stranded civilians.



The foreign ministry has contacted nearby countries including Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy and Bulgaria for assistance.



French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Israel and offered "material support" in a post on X.



Netanyahu's office said three aircraft would arrive soon from Italy and Croatia to help fight the fires.



With personnel stretched thin, Ben Gvir said he had instructed organizers to cancel any evening events tied to Thursday's Independence Day celebrations that would have required the presence of firefighters.



"The decision is aimed at reallocating forces to deal with the fire ... and preparing for the worsening weather conditions according to forecasts," a statement said.

Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

Extended interview: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on deportations involving children and more

Mike Waltz leaving post as Trump's national security adviser | Special Report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said defeating Hamas remains his primary objective in Gaza, while adding that returning hostages still held by the militant group was a very important goal.

Netanyahu, addressing an Independence Day event in Jerusalem, said Israel had many goals in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to The Times of Israel.

We want to bring all our hostages home. Weve so far brought back 147 alive, and 196 total, he said. There are another up to 24 alive, 59 total, and we want to return the living and the dead.

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Its a very important goal, Netanyahu said. The war has a supreme goal, and the supreme goal is victory over our enemies, and this we will achieve.

Netanyahus comments come as Israels military has returned to the Gaza Strip, with ceasefire talks seemingly stalled. Hostage families told The Hill this week that President Trumps upcoming trip to the Middle East made them hopeful of a breakthrough.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Netanyahus comments were alarming given the condition of previously released captives.

Prime minister, the return of the hostages is not less important  it is the supreme goal that should guide the government of Israel, the group said in a statement, according to CNN. The families of the hostages are concerned.

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Many in the region are facing the threat of starvation, as Israel continues to throttle humanitarian aid from entering the territory.

Blocking aid starves civilians. It leaves them without basic medical support. It strips them of dignity and hope. It inflicts a cruel collective punishment. Blocking aid kills, Tom Fletcher, the United Nationss emergency relief coordinator, said Thursday.

Netanyahus comments echo some of the recent remarks from the hawkish far-right leaders of his governing coalition.

We need to tell the truth  bringing back the hostages is not the most important goal. It is, of course, a very, very, very, very important goal, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said last week, according to CNN.

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But anyone who wants to destroy Hamas and eliminate the possibility of another Oct. 7 must understand that in Gaza, there cant be a situation where Hamas remains present and intact.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the victory over Hamas as a more important goal in the Gaza war than the return of the hostages, according to Israeli media reports on Thursday.

The release of the abductees is "a very important goal, but there is a superior goal," he was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel and other outlets.

"The supreme objective is victory over our enemies, and this we will achieve," he said at an event to mark Israel's Independence Day.

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According to the Israeli authorities, 24 hostages and 35 bodies of abductees are still being held in the Gaza Strip.

Relatives of the hostages have long accused Netanyahu of jeopardizing the lives of the abductees with the military operation to destroy Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group.

The mother of one of the abductees reportedly reacted indignantly to Netanyahu's comments, saying she herself now wanted to overthrow Netanyahu in order to get her son back.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, whose motto is "Bring them home now," reacted with shock to the comments.

The return of the abductees should be no less important, and also a top priority for the Israeli government, it said in a statement.
Four positions with the City of Las Vegas's mobile pre-K program were cut. (Photo courtesy of City of Las Vegas)

AmeriCorps service members who helped with tutoring students, school literacy programs and wildfire mitigation were among the 163 people in Nevada recently terminated after President Donald Trumps administration abruptly stopped federal funding to the 30-year-old program.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that supports and funds national service throughout the country.

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Organizations in the state, as well as throughout the country, that relied on AmeriCorps grant funding received letters last week telling them to immediately cease all award activities after the administration determined that the award no longer effectuates agency priorities.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford on Tuesday announced he joined a lawsuit along with 22 other Democratic attorneys general challenging the constitutionality of the administration stopping funding.

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, Ford said in a statement.

Nevada Current asked Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who has made education the centerpiece of his agenda, about the cuts to AmeriCorps programs in Nevada and whether he supported the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of those cuts.

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His office didnt respond.

The lawsuit argues that the administration is free to ask Congress to abolish AmeriCorps, but it cannot simply terminate the agencys functions. In doing so is a violation of the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution.

Though the lawsuit seeks to restore already allocated funding, the cuts are already going to have a significant impact on Nevadans, said Zanny Marsh, executive director with Nevada Volunteers, which oversees AmeriCorps funding in Nevada.

The 163 AmeriCorps members terminated were placed in programs ranging from Pre-K through 12 tutoring programs to health and wellness programs throughout the state, Marsh said. They had served a combined 144,925 hours, she said.

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We have service members who are mitigating areas more prone to wild fire and creating more wild fire resilience and resistance in communities, Marsh said. We had mentors and tutors in Nevada classrooms all over the state.

The positions still had about a third of their contract still remaining. The swift termination of funding caught Nevada Volunteers off guard.

Rather than abrupt cuts, Marsh said it would have made more sense if the administration reached out and had given a dollar amount of how much needed to be cut, allowing Nevada Volunteers to approach it using a criteria that made sense to us.

If circumstances were different, we would have loved to be consulted with the agency in determining what cuts we could have made, she said. It would still have been painful but we would have done it differently. Because we werent consulted and the decisions were already made then it just felt like it caught us off guard.

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AmeriCorps had grants terminated for programs with the City of Las Vegas, the City of Henderson, Walker Basin Conservancy, Nevada Outdoor School, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, the Good Deed Project, Improve Your Tomorrow, Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties, Volunteer Generation Fund, and VISTA Intermediary.

In an email to the Current, City of Las Vegas spokesman Jace Radke said AmeriCorps grants supported 66 positions.

ReInvent Schools Las Vegas, which served several underserved schools within the city, relied on AmeriCrops grants to fund 32 literacy mentors, eight chronic absenteeism mentors and four nutrition mentors, Radke said.

Four positions with the citys mobile pre-K program were cut as well as four mentors with the citys charter school, Strong Start Academy Elementary School.

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Radke said programs are expected to continue operating but may have to scale back certain components.

The City of Henderson said it is still currently assessing the potential impact of these cuts on our program in an email to the Current Tuesday.

Not every program that relied on AmeriCorps was affected, Marsh said. Opportunity Village, Great Basin Institute, Nevada Conservation Corps, and Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation werent included.

Despite much uncertainty, Marsh didnt discount the possibility of Nevada seeing future funding for AmeriCorps.

We are hopeful and planning that our grantees will have another opportunity to participate in the AmeriCorps program this fall, she said.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  An arbitrator sided with the Nevada Police Union on Wednesday, recommending 3% salary increases for the next two years.

The union represents sworn and non-sworn employees of Nevada State Police, University Police and several other state-focused police agencies.

The budget Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo submitted earlier this legislative session did not include any wage or cost-of-living increases, according to the arbitrator. In an interview with the 8 News Now Investigators in March, Lombardo speculated the Legislature would not have the finances for any raises for state employees.

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Last Legislative session, lawmakers approved wage increases totaling 23% in the first year and 11% in the second. Attorneys for the state and the union, however, could not agree on potential wage increases for the next two years.

The order comes amid a state police staffing shortage fueled, according to department leadership, by non-competitive pay. As of February, 218 troopers patrolled statewide. The state budget calls for 392 trooper positions, meaning just about half of the workforce is staffed.

For decades, Nevada State Police have struggled to keep up with pay from local police departments and retirement benefits, leading to a decrease in staff. Starting in July, the amount of money state police employees have to put into their state retirement accounts will increase, erasing gains from two years ago.

In addition to the 3% increase, the arbitrator ordered employees with more than five years of service to receive longevity pay.

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Your NPU team worked extremely hard on this and put in a ton of hours, a post on the unions Facebook page said Wednesday. This just proves that hard work does pay off. We are hoping to hear about Unit L (supervisors) arbitration in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed and we are confident that the arbitrator will rule in our favor again.

It was not immediately clear if the state intended to appeal the arbitrators order.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A mother is still searching for answers after her daughter went missing in Zachary in 2023.

Lynn Rollins, Madison Allens mother, said she never stopped looking.

But I never stop. I never stopped looking for my daughter, and I never will, she said.

Rollins said the last time she talked to her daughter was in November of 2023.

Oldest daughter, Madison Allen, she vanished from the home she was staying in in Zachary, Louisiana, said Rollins.

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She said Allen had just started her new job right when she went missing.

The morning of Nov. 29, I received a text message from her. She said that she had gotten a job and that she was going to go back to school, she said.

Rollins said she didnt find anything unusual, as she said her daughter was usually busy with school and work but would reach out to her when she could. Then as months went by, she heard nothing from Allen.

You know, the last time I spoke with her was Nov. 29, She said. Two nights in a row, I had a dream and woke up with a heavy feeling in my soul. Knowing something that happened to my daughter.

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Rollins said she noticed her daughter didnt contact her for her birthday or at all from that point. She reported her missing in April the following year, first in Mississippi and then in Louisiana.

The next night after that, I was told I had to go to Zachary to report her missing because thats where she was, said Rollins.

She said she got a random Facebook request one day from her daughter, which made her feel everything was okay, but something was still off. She began reaching out to Allens friends, seeing if they knew where she went. She said she later discovered her daughter had a boyfriend at the time, but he never reached out to her, telling her she was living with him.

He never mentioned to me that my daughter was living in his home. And that right there, when I found out where she was living, that threw all kinds of red flags, said Rollins.

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The boyfriend was later questioned by Zachary police about her disappearance. Rollins said the boyfriends responses were alarming after he changed his story twice. First, he said she took everything she owned the day she went missing and got into an unknown car. Then, he later said she left everything at the home, including her phone and laptop.

We have other reasons to believe that hes behind. If he is not responsible, he knows exactly what happened. He has a part in it one way or the other, said Rollins.

Allen has three kids. Rollins said its been a struggle every day since she disappeared.

Its just its just hard. Each day is a struggle. You know, we put one foot in front of the other and do the best that we can to make it through each day, she said.

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But she hopes by sharing her daughters case, someone may have the answers shes been hoping and praying for.

I just ask for awareness, you know, to keep my daughters face out there. So hopefully someone will come forward with some information, said Rollins.

Crime Stoppers and Zachary Police are asking for the publics help in locating Allen. Shes 52 and weighs 115 pounds when she was last seen. She has several tattoos on her body, including angel wing tattoos on her back and tattoos on both wrists.

If you have any information, you can call Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.

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The U.S. Department of Justice has announced it will review the Colorado case that led to the prosecution of former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters, who was convicted in May 2021 of multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to a security breach at her office involving election equipment.
Usually, Im the one asking the questions.

But last week I flew out to California to appear on Gov. Gavin Newsoms podcast to talk about FIGHT, the new book I co-authored about the 2024 presidential election. And this time it was the governor turning the tables and asking me and my co-author Jon Allen of NBC News about how to make sense of the last presidential race.

My next guests, they understand it better than anyone, Newsom said about us in the intro to our episode.

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Its clear that Newsom is one of the people trying to figure out what went wrong for Democrats so he can try to make it right.

The governors name is often bandied about as one of the top Democratic presidential contenders, and he is clearly testing the waters on where Democrats should be and how they can win back the presidency.

Hes also doing something many Democrats are refusing to do right now: Hes having conversations with unlikely guests. Among them: Steve Bannon, the longtime Trump adviser, and Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist.

Newsom seems to think the Democratic Party needs to stop having conversations with itself and do a better job listening to the other side, based on his remarks during our podcast and an interview with The Hill. He spent some time talking about how he knows what appeals to swing state voters because people often forget that California has agricultural jobs too.

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Newsom likes that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) are doing big, energetic rallies. But he also says there needs to be more.

And  not or, he told me last week, meaning both the rallies to the base and more are needed.

Its similar to the approach Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, another top 2028 contender, appears to be taking after not one but two appearances alongside President Trump in recent weeks.

First there was the infamous Oval Office visit where Whitmer tried to hide the fact that she was actually there by seemingly covering her face with a folder. But after she appeared with Trump at an event in Michigan on Tuesday, it appeared to be more intentional.

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My job is to do the right thing for the people of Michigan, Whitmer 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 [it].

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is at odds with that line of thinking. Earlier this week, he slammed the do nothing Democrats  seemingly taking issue with his counterparts in Michigan and California.

Pritzker, who up until this point hasnt been part of the fiery resistance movement, said it was time to fight everywhere and all at once.

Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now.

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These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace, he declared. The reckoning is finally here.

Its clear that none of the governors are confident about their lanes at the moment: Should Democrats be simply energizing their base by taking on Trump and Republicans? Is it too similar to what they did in 2017, during their first resistance run? Or should they be listening to the voices on the other side?

In an interview with The Hill last week, Newsom acknowledged that he was testing those questions with his podcast by inviting on a wide range of guests.

At the same time, Im being tested by it, because the reaction has been a little more bumpy than I even anticipated, he said.

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On his podcast, Newsom likened my co-author and I to political psychologists: You know more about us than we know about ourselves, he said.

But he also acknowledged coming to his own conclusions.

What are the lessons learned? he asked us. The Democratic Party  right now, Ive had strong opinions about where I think our party is right now in terms of just truth and trust, and the sense that we werent being truthful.

Theres a perception that we were gaslighting the American people, he added. They dont trust us on issues and policies and the ability to deliver.

In the final seconds of the podcast, I got to turn the tables and ask him what lessons he took away from the election.

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I think the lesson is we need to have frank and honest conversations, and theres no space for that, he said. And so I have a tactical point. This is the space. This is the place.

A second later he quipped, Are we done?

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Newton Falls man learned his sentence Thursday in his rape case.

Thomas Giljahn, 76, received a four- to six-year prison sentence. He will also be labeled a Tier 3 sex offender after pleading guilty on March 26 to first-degree felony rape, according to a news release from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office.

Prosecutors say Giljahn sexually assaulted a man with an intellectual disability. The victim provided a written statement to the court.

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As a Tier 3 offender, Giljahn will register every 90 days.

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With the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the worlds attention now turns to who will replace him.

Predicting who will be chosen as the next leader of the worlds 1.2 billion Catholics is notoriously fraught with difficulties. In theory, any baptised Catholic male could be made Pope.

In practice, however, the next pontiff will likely be drawn from the cardinals who will gather in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican for the secret papal election known as the conclave.

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After Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013, very few Vatican observers predicted that Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina would be elected as Pope Francis.

This time around, there are no stand-out candidates, making the guessing game even more challenging.

But there are names of potential papabile (likely candidates for the papacy) swirling around the corridors of the Vatican.

Their diverse origins reflect the vast global reach of the Catholic Church.

The contest is likely to come down to a battle between progressives who applaud the late popes comparatively liberal stance on divorcees, gays and the plight of refugees, and conservatives who loathed his agenda.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67

The frontrunner in the betting markets would be the first Asian pope.

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Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines, is a name often mentioned among liberals within the Catholic Church.

Dubbed the Asian Francis for his good humour and progressive views, he has some of Pope Francis humility  at the seminary in the Philippines where he lived for about 20 years, his room had no air-conditioning or television.

Even when made a bishop, he eschewed a car and went to work in a bus or jeepney.

Edward Pentin, a Vatican expert and the author of The Next Pope: The Leading Cardinal Candidates, said: Five or six years ago, he was Pope Franciss favourite to succeed him. Hes head of the important new super-dicastery for evangelisation. Hes quite a strong contender. And hes still relatively young,

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His age may count against him, however  cardinals are wary of appointing a relatively young man because his papacy could last decades, thwarting their own ambitions and squeezing their chances of one day being elected.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76

A key adviser to Pope Francis on issues such as climate change and social justice, Cardinal Peter Turkson would be the first black pope.

Born in Ghana, Pope John Paul II appointed him archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 and, 11 years later, made him the first cardinal in the history of the West African state.

Promotions continued under John Pauls successor, Benedict, who brought him to the Vatican in 2009 and made him the head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace  the body that promotes social justice, human rights and world peace.

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In that role, he was one of the Popes closest advisers on issues such as climate change and drew much attention by attending conferences such as the Davos Economic Forum.

Pope Francis merged Cardinal Turksons department in 2016 with three other offices, leading to what some saw as a power struggle between him and another cardinal.

Cardinal Turkson resigned from that role in 2021 and was appointed to head two pontifical academies on sciences and social sciences.

In 2023, he told the BBC he prayed against the possibility that he would be elected Pope, but some of his detractors said given his media appearances, it appeared he was campaigning for the job.

Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72

For the conservatives, there is Peter Erdo, a Hungarian cardinal and Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest.

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Mr Pentin said: Erdo is a leading contender for the conservative wing of the Church. People like him because he is a strong canonist  hes proficient in Church law.

Many Catholics feel that the Church needs to be brought back from a sense of ecclesiastical lawlessness that evolved under Francis. Erdo would be a safe pair of hands.

He ranks as a conservative in theology, and in speeches throughout Europe, he stresses the Christian roots of the continent. However, he is also seen to be pragmatic and never clashed openly with Francis, unlike other tradition-minded clerics.

That said, he raised eyebrows in the Vatican during the 2015 migrant crisis when he went against Pope Francis call for churches to take in refugees, saying this would amount to human trafficking  seemingly aligning himself with Hungarys nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70

Pietro Parolin, the current secretary of state for the Vatican  in effect, its prime minister  is also considered to be a leading candidate.

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His profile rose during the Ukraine war as the Vatican presented itself as an honest broker that could eventually mediate with Moscow to bring the conflict to a close.

Thomas Reese, an American Catholic priest and the author of Inside the Vatican, said: Hes a very competent diplomat.

Hes been the brains behind Pope Francis international diplomacy. He doesnt put a foot wrong.

He is tarnished, however, by a property scandal in which the Vatican lost millions of euros through the bungled purchase of a former Harrods showroom in London.

Questions will be raised about whether he was incompetent or delegated responsibility to subordinates. Either way, something went wrong, and he was the boss. Theres an ongoing trial, so it could overshadow his papacy, said Father Reese, who is also a columnist for Religion News Service.

Other candidates

Another Italian in the mix is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, the Archbishop of Bologna, a progressive who is regarded as having been close to Francis. The 69-year-old is closely affiliated with the Sant Egidio Community, a Rome-based Catholic charity that was influential under Francis.

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Cardinal Zuppi has extensive experience of conflict resolution. He was part of SantEgidios team that helped negotiate the end of Mozambiques civil war in the 1990s and was named Francis peace envoy for the war in Ukraine, shuttling between Kyiv, Washington, Moscow and Beijing.

He was appointed a cardinal in 2019 and is regarded as a progressive in the mould of Francis. His relative youth may count against him  cardinals could be wary of appointing someone whose papacy could last for many years, concerned that the direction he takes the Church would become too entrenched.

Aside from Cardinal Parolin and Cardinal Zuppi, there is a third Italian name coming to the fore: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a 59-year-old Franciscan who is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He is Italian but has broad experience of the wider world, having spent decades in the Middle East.

He speaks Italian, Hebrew and English. His long years observing the Israel-Palestine conflict mean he is an expert at interfaith dialogue and mediation. He could be seen as a bridge between East and West. Francis appointed him a cardinal in 2023.

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There has never been a Pope from North America but some Vatican observers think Cardinal Robert Prevost may be in with a chance. Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old has plenty of experience working in the global south  he was a missionary in Peru and then an archbishop.

He is currently the head of the Vaticans powerful dicastery (department) for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. But like Cardinal Zuppi, his relative youth may weigh against him  cardinals could be reluctant to choose a pope who could reign for a couple of decades.

Cardinal Jose Tolentino Calaca de Mendonca is a candidate from the liberal wing of the Church. He comes from the Portuguese island of Madeira and was appointed by Pope Francis as head of a department for culture and education.

Staying within Europe, Cardinal Mario Grech from Malta, the secretary-general of the Synod of bishops, is thought to have a decent chance of landing the top job.

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He is seen as having been close to Pope Francis but a conservative at heart, meaning he could fit the bill as a compromise candidate.

Another African who is being mentioned is Cardinal Robert Sarah, from Guinea, who has criticised gender ideology and denounced Islamic radicalism.

Other names of papabile (literally pope-able) cardinals include Jean-Marc Aveline from France, Joseph Tobin from the US, Juan Jose Omella Omella, the archbishop of Barcelona, and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo who, if elected, would become the first black pope.

Forecasting a winner is a risky business

Since Pope Francis was elected in 2013, he has appointed about two-thirds of the cardinals who are eligible to elect the next pope.

Close to half the cardinals are now from the global south. They have issues that are different to issues in Europe and the US. Theyre concerned about global warming, poverty, civil wars, corruption in government, said Father Reese.

All politics is local. Every cardinal wants to know how the next pope will be viewed in their country. Is he someone who will listen to me, who speaks my language? They could choose a cardinal from the global south.

Vatican rules state that cardinals must reach a two-thirds majority when they gather to vote in the conclave, which is held inside the Sistine Chapel. For now, there is no leading candidate.

There are so many variables, and the process is so opaque, that forecasting a winner is a risky business.



Last time around, when Benedict XVI resigned, I predicted that there was no way they would elect a Jesuit pope. They went ahead and elected a Jesuit pope. It proved how poor our understanding was, said Father Reese.

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If HB 230 becomes law, it would be up to city councils, select boards, and other governing bodies to pass public health measures. (Photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin)

The New Hampshire Senate shut down a pair of bills Thursday that would restrict the states ability to mandate vaccines for children, but passed legislation that would take away local health officials authority to enact public health measures.

House Bill 230 is a Republican-backed bill that, if enacted, will revoke the authority of town and city health officers to enact public health measures, a power they currently have under state law. If HB 230 becomes law, it would be up to city councils, select boards, and other governing bodies to pass such health measures.

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The Senate approved the bill in a voice vote Thursday, and it is now headed to Gov. Kelly Ayottes desk. The House approved the bill in early March.

Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, a Portsmouth Democrat, was the only person to speak on the Senate floor about the bill. She argued it would hurt towns and cities ability to react quickly to local incidents. As examples, she listed the need to spray for mosquitos or address a rodent infestation, things that a health officer just needs to do as a normal course of business. She noted that in the vast majority of these situations recommendations made by a health officer already need to be approved by a local board of health in a public meeting.

During a hearing for the bill last month, the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee  which ultimately voted, 3-2, to recommend this bill for approval  heard from Wayne Whitford, with the New Hampshire Health Officers Association, who said that health officers in the state oppose this bill. He argued that the current procedures have been in place for 40 years and are well understood. Margaret Byrnes of the New Hampshire Municipal Association also opposed the bill at the hearing.

The bill is a response to public health measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as masking requirements and social distancing meant to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, the bills sponsors say it goes beyond the pandemic and is aimed at preventing future public health measures.

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One constituent, Julie Smith of Nashua, at the March hearing said she supported the bill in hopes that it would end mask madness, referring to masking requirements municipalities put in place during the pandemic. She hopes this bill can quash out future opportunities for such requirements. Those measures became controversial, mostly among conservatives who argued they were government overreach.

The Legislature tried to enact very similar legislation, Senate Bill 63, last session, but then-Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed the bill. Sununu said the bills wording was confusing and argued it would create uncertainty during emergencies like a pandemic. Ayotte replaced Sununu in the corner office in January.

House Bill 679 would have forbidden the state from requiring that children receive vaccines that havent been shown in clinical trials to prevent transmission of a disease. The Senate rejected this bill as part of the consent agenda.

The bill originated in the House, where it was approved by a 204-165 vote. There, it was supported almost entirely by Republicans. Only one House Democrat, Rep. Jonah Wheeler of Peterborough, voted in favor of it.

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Bill opponents  including members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and House Democrats  argued that the purpose of vaccines isnt necessarily to directly prevent transmission of the illness but rather to reduce the severity of the illness and help reduce transmission through herd immunity. They also feared it would limit the availability of vaccines in the state.

House Republicans backing this bill included Manchester Republican Rep. Matt Drew, who said on the House floor last month that the bill is not about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, but rather it is about whether the state should mandate  force  children to get certain vaccines. The Senate rejected that argument.

House Bill 357 received more consideration from the Senate, but was ultimately rejected as well. The bill would have taken away the authority of the states Health and Human Services commissioner to choose which vaccines New Hampshire children must receive. Under HB 357, the state Legislature would decide which vaccines are required for children.

The immediate result of this bill being enacted would have been varicella, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines no longer being mandatory for children starting July 2026. Diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, rubeola, and tetanus vaccines wouldve remained mandatory as theyre required by state statute, not a rule created by the commissioner. For vaccines to be added to that list under this bill, the Legislature would have had to approve legislation to that effect.

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The Senate Health and Human Services Committee previously voted unanimously, 5-0, to recommend the entire Senate reject this bill, and on Thursday the Senate heeded that advice and killed it through a voice vote. The Senates vote goes against the wishes of Republicans in the House, which voted 195-174 to pass it. Wheeler was again the only Democrat to vote in favor.

Prior to Thursdays vote, Sen. Keith Murphy, a Manchester Republican in favor of the bill, argued it was not about the efficiency of vaccines.

Its a bill about who gets to make the decision, Murphy continued. You may hear the commissioner has not abused the authority and has rarely used it. And that may well be true, but departments change and commissioners and cultures over time. And the wrong person could well begin enforcing those vaccinations in the future.

Sen. Kevin Avard, a Nashua Republican, said that despite being one of the most vocal critics of vaccine mandates in the Senate, he doesnt support this bill because the process the Health and Human Services commissioner follows is already working well and gives the Legislature an oversight authority to monitor any decisions made by the commissioner. He noted that the commissioner has not exercised the power to mandate a new vaccine in the past 20 years. And hes confident that if they were to do so, the Legislatures oversight committees would examine that closely.

HB 357 would in fact short-circuit the rules process that has been working really well and which maintains legislative authority, Avard said.
For the first time, the states highest court applied the right of privacy to a criminal case to restrict the defendants access to the alleged victims confidential counseling and mental health records.

The opinion by the New Hampshire Supreme Court stems from a rape case in Belknap County involving a minor.

Even with protections in place previously, criminal defendants have used such records to intimidate and embarrass victims  and to deter them from disclosing abuse, reporting crimes and seeking justice, according to the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

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An individuals right to live free from governmental intrusion in private or personal information is natural, essential, and inherent, was added to the New Hampshire Constitution in 2018.

The Supreme Courts opinion, issued Thursday, is being called groundbreaking by the coalition and members of the legal community.

Now, an alleged victim must be given notice and an opportunity to object when the defense requests access to confidential records.

The opinion is part of the case against Gene Zarella of Tilton, who was indicted on four counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault of a minor. A Superior Court judge denied a request by the alleged victim to quash the defenses access to her counseling and mental health records.

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According to the indictments, two of the assaults happened between March 2006 and July 2007 and the other two occurred between March 2014 and July 2014.

The alleged victim was not given notice or an opportunity to object to the defenses request for her records, according to the coalition.

Zarellas attorney, William Christie, did not return an email from the Union Leader seeking comment.

The justices used the 2018 constitutional amendment to overturn its prior case law, according to the coalition.

Now, courts are required to engage in a specific process that involves the victim/patient before making any decision about reviewing or disclosing those records, the coalition said.

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David Vicinanzo, attorney for the victim and partner at Nixon Peabody law firm, called it a landmark decision that removed a major obstacle to justice for victims.

He said mental health records will now be treated as first-class privileges, much like attorney-client privileges. The decision Thursday eliminates case law dating back 33 years when views on mental health were much different, he said.

I think it brings us toward eliminating the stigma associated with mental health, Vicinanzo said in an interview.

Vicinanzo said his client is glad her privacy wont be violated as part of the prosecution.

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Criminal defendants will no longer have easy access to rummage through the privileged medical and mental health records of their victims, almost all of whom were women or children in sexual or domestic crimes, he said in a statement.

Coalition Executive Director Lyn Schollett said assault victims can now slowly rebuild their lives with the privacy they deserve.

The outrageous practice of accessing victims irrelevant, personal information ends today, she said in a statement. Granite Staters who have experienced violent crimes and heinous losses can walk into the office of a crisis center or a therapist without fear that their conversations will become public.

jphelps@unionleader.com
The off-duty New Jersey cop charged with home invasion targeted the house of a former boyfriend, breaking in and going on a violent and destructive rampage before threatening to burn it down, court documents revealed Tuesday.

Toms River police officer Rebecca Sayegh allegedly used her baton to smash through the front door of her exs Berkeley house around 11:20 p.m. Friday, confronting him and a woman who was also in the house, according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by NJ.com.

The cop, 32, got into an argument with the pair before she started pushing and shoving both of them, the court docs alleged.

The New Jersey cop is facing a slew of charges. Facebook

Both victims attempted to hold Sayegh down in the living room before the suspect broke free and allegedly smashed items and pictures on the wall, authorities said.

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Sayegh is also accused of brawling with responding cops and resisting arrest.

As she was walking down the driveway, she allegedly threatened to burn down the house, court docs obtained by NJ.com state.

Before the alleged break-in, she was also accused of trashing the hood of one of the victims cars.

Sayegh was charged with home invasion burglary, two counts of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, terroristic threats and resisting arrest.

Her lawyer told the outlet that his client understands how serious the charges are.

She allegedly targeted her ex-boyfriend and another woman. Toms River Police Department

She has been a member of the Toms River Police Department and proudly served her community for almost nine years, Terrance Turnbach said in a statement.

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She is taking all of the appropriate steps to properly address the matter at hand and will remain cooperative throughout the pending legal proceedings.

Sayegh, who previously sued her department for alleged sexual harassment six months before Fridays incident, was suspended without pay, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office told the publication.
From left to right: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks and United States Attorney for New Mexico Ryan Ellison stand along the National Defense Area along the New Mexico-Mexico border in a recent visit to tout recent arrests. (Photo courtesy USAO)

The United States Attorney in New Mexico announced Thursday that 82 people are facing brand new criminal charges aimed at cracking down on illegal crossings where Mexico shares a border with New Mexico.

A recent land transfer from the Department of Interior to the Department of Defense effectively made the 170-mile stretch of United States-Mexico border in southwest New Mexico into a military base, authorizing federal troops to detain and transfer individuals to federal law enforcement for criminal charges, according to a news release.

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Those who are arrested in the buffer zone* can face charges for unauthorized entry into the New Mexico National Defense Areas, according to charging documents, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison.

The names of the 82 individuals charged were not immediately available, though federal court records show that U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, who was named as the United States Attorney for New Mexico on April 18, personally signed 28 charging documents for named defendants on April 28.

The Department of Justice will work hand in glove with the Department of Defense and Border Patrol to gain 100% operational control of New Mexicos 170-mile border with Mexico, Ellison said in a news release. Trespassers into the National Defense Area will be Federally prosecutedno exceptions.

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks joined Ellison for a high-level visit April 25. They touted the newly created criminal charge as a way to leverage expanded military and prosecutorial authority to deter unlawful border crossings, according to the news release.

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Standing on the newly created National Defense Area in New Mexico on April 25, Hegseth warned that anyone caught there would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

If you try to come in illegally as a cartel, or you try to smuggle or traffic. You will be detained by a member the U.S. military, and you will be handed over to US Customs and Border Patrol, and then you will be prosecuted by the US DOJ, and then you will be charged to the maximum extent of the law, Hegseth said, according to video he posted to social media.

The buffer zone along the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico, Arizona and California is known as the Roosevelt Reservation and excludes areas of private or tribal land. Now that its under control of the Defense Department, its treated as an extension of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Huachaca in Cochise County, Arizona.

Rebecca Sheff, an attorney with the ACLU of New Mexico, said in an April 22 news release statement that the newly created military buffer zone represents a dangerous erosion of the constitutional principle that the military should not be policing civilians. She also said U.S. citizens who live near the border could be prosecuted under the newly created statutes.

*UPDATE May 2, 12:38 p.m.: An earlier version of this story described the area under military control as a 60-foot buffer zone, relying on Defense Department statements. But a Source New Mexico analysis, as prompted by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrichs Office, shows the area is actually a swath of land along the border totaling 400 square miles. Read more here.
Project Summary:

This story is part of KXANs Preventing Disaster investigation, which initially published on May 15, 2024. The project follows a fatal car crash into an Austin hospitals emergency room earlier that year. Our team took a broader look at safety concerns with that crash and hundreds of others across the nation  including whether medical sites had security barriers  known as bollards  at their entrances. Experts say those could stop crashes from happening.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  Two months after a deadly crash at St. Davids North in February of last year, there was another incident at the hospital systems south location. A KXAN investigation uncovered the previously unreported crash is among at least five incidents in recent years, some deadly, at medical facilities run by HCA Healthcare, the for-profit ownership partner of St. Davids HealthCare.

Where the van hit, we had no bollards in place

A nursing van rests against a side wall at St. David's South Austin Medical Center on April 10, 2024. (Source Photo)

KXAN reviewed surveillance video, photos and emails obtained from a source, along with public records like 911 calls, radio recordings, dispatch notes and the crash report from the Texas Department of Transportation to learn more about the April 10, 2024 crash at St. Davids South Austin Medical Center.

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The overhead surveillance video, aimed at the Womens Center north entrance parking area, shows a white nursing transit van waiting to drop off a patient at 11:48 a.m. At some point, someone honked, according to investigators, and the driver quickly accelerated. The video shows the van careening into another car before hopping a curb onto a landscaped area.

Photos show the aftermath: The van on a ledge near the hospitals side wall, next to a window and an outdoor seating area. An arriving firefighter remarked over the radio, sounding surprised: Weve got a van that is leaning right up against the building.

The driver still is in there, a woman told 911. We have some healthcare workers trying to get them out.

St. Davids HealthCare said no patients, guests, employees or physicians inside were injured.

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This incident occurred in a location that was not a pedestrian entrance, a spokesperson said, and bollards would not have prevented this.

RESPONSE: Read St. Davids full statement in response to this report

bollards at entrance

Two people inside the van were moved inside the ER to be examined for potential injuries, before Austin Fire and EMS arrived, according to the Austin Fire Department.

The next day, in an internal email we obtained from a source, a top official at the hospital asked about bollards, describing the incident as a very near miss.

It was inches from going through windows and hitting several physicians who were charting in our physician lounge, said St. Davids Souths Vice President of Operations Julia Poirier.

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KXAN investigates: St. Davids lobbyist worked to shut down new Austin hospital bollard law

Poirier mentioned a bollard audit and funding St. Davids North received for them after its deadly ER crash.

Where the van hit, she warned, we have no bollards in place.

an email that addresses a van that hit a building and asking about a bollard audit

In response, St. Davids Vice President of Corporate Services Mark Worsham said yes bollards would be funded once they get a recount on the number you need including the area where the van entered the ground. Worsham mentioned they need to match what was installed at St. Davids North.

The hospital system will not say how many bollards St. Davids South had at the time, how many were added after, and if any are crash-rated to stop another incident. KXAN Investigates counted 33 bollards on a recent visit to the north entrance. Its other entrance is also lined with bollards.

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EXPLORE: KXAN Preventing Disaster investigations uncover 400 crashes at medical buildings

These two crashes, two months apart  neither with barriers at the points of impact at the time  are among at least five crashes at HCA-owned hospitals nationwide since 2016, a KXAN analysis found.

A KXAN interactive map showing crashes KXAN found at HCA Healthcare-owned hospitals across the country from 2016-2024. (KXAN Interactive/Christopher Adams)

Crashes at HCA-owned hospitals

Using data from the nonprofit Storefront Safety Council, TxDOT, police, EMS and media reports, a KXAN analysis previously found more than 20 deaths and 400 crashes involving medical sites across the country over the past decade  a startling statistic that state lawmakers recently highlighted.

map highlighting states and saying there have been more than 20 crashes from crashes at medical sites

On April 20, 2023  a year before the incident at St. Davids South and 10 months before the incident at St. Davids North  a patient drove her SUV into the ER entrance at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital in Kissimmee, reversed and drove through a second time, according to the police report.

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Authorities say the woman refused to leave moments before over a medication dispute. In body camera video, the patient can be heard sobbing, I just need my medicine.

map showing crashes found in a majority of US states

Shes like, I cant believe they dont want to give me my medication, Im leaving,' an officer on scene recounts. She got in her car and literally came through this way.

The patient was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, trespassing, obstructing an officer without violence and a charge related to driving into the building. She spent two days in jail and was sentenced to two years supervised probation, records show.

KXAN asked HCA Florida Osceola Hospital how many bollards it had at the time and if it considered adding any after the incident  including at the point of impact. The hospital did not respond.

On Dec. 28, 2021, a 25-year-old pregnant woman died, but her baby survived, when the car she was riding in crashed through a traffic arm and into a wall at HCA-owned Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area, according to published reports. (Courtesy KRIS-TV) On April 20, 2023, a 31-year-old patient crashed into the ER entrance of HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, twice, after being asked to leave following a medication dispute, according to the crash report. (Kissimmee Police Photo) On Feb. 13, 2024, a 57-year-old woman, whose blood-alcohol level was between 3-4 times the legal limit to drive, according to the toxicology report, crashed through the ER entrance at HCA-owned St. Davids North Austin Medical Center, killing herself and seriously injuring five people inside the lobby. (Austin Police Photo) On April 10, 2024, a driver of a nursing van waiting to drop off a patient quickly accelerated when someone honked, hopped a curb onto a landscaped area and crashed into a side wall next to a window where physicians were working at HCA-owned St. Davids South Austin Medical Center, according to the crash report, photos, surveillance video and an internal email. (Source Photo)

On Nov. 21, 2016, a 56-year-old man died after crashing into a wall near the ER entrance at HCA West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, according to published reports.

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And on Dec. 28, 2021, a 25-year-old pregnant woman died when the car she was riding in crashed through a traffic arm and into a wall at HCA-owned Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area. The baby she was carrying survived, according to published reports.

Hospitals are primed to be hit

These examples show its not just ER entrances that are at risk, according to perimeter security consultant and vehicle barrier expert Jeffrey Halaut of Wimberley. He said hospitals need to be better prepared, more broadly, with bollards.

Hospitals are primed to be hit, said Halaut with Halaut Consulting Security Solutions. The fact that its not being done is ludicrous at this point.

Halaut, who has decades of experience in construction security and specializes in perimeter security design, said there are many reasons why hospitals are vulnerable.

man testifying at a desk with microphones

Whether its intentional  because someones mad about their health insurance  or whether its accidental  because somebody doesnt want to call an ambulance and pay the ambulance fee, so they decide, with a heart attack, to drive themselves to the emergency room, he said. Theres been hundreds of reasons for it to happen. Its only growing.

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In March, Halaut testified at the Texas Capitol in support of Senate Bill 660.

He told the same Senate panel KXAN was invited to testify in front of about our investigations that bollards are cost-effective, minimally disruptive and proven to save lives.

The bill, filed by Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, backed by the Texas Nurses Association and sparked by KXANs investigations, would require crash-rated bollards at most hospitals around the state. It exempts hospitals located in rural areas with a population size of 68,750 or fewer, hospitals with 100 beds or fewer, and facilities that already have crash-rated bollards or another similar safety barrier in place.

In April, the bill cleared the Senate. It is now awaiting debate in the House.

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Its far past time, Halaut said of the statewide bollard proposal. I hope this is just the start of things to come.

KXAN reached out to St. Davids parent company, HCA, eight times since March by phone and email. We wanted to know about its prior crashes and what it would take to consider a system-wide bollard policy across its nearly 200 hospitals and 2,400 care sites to protect patients. As of this report, HCA has yet to respond.

St. Davids referred our bollard-related questions to the Texas Hospital Association  an industry group that testified against the bollard safety bill to a Senate panel and described it in an online post as a one-size-fits-all mandate.

Singling out hospital emergency rooms to install bollards would not prevent, based on the statistics were aware of, the overwhelming majority of these types of accidents, THA Senior Vice President and General Counsel Steve Wohleb told lawmakers in March, referencing the frequency of crashes at business storefronts.

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Because, Wohleb added, they simply dont occur in hospitals.

Digital Data Reporter Christopher Adams, Graphic Artist Wendy Gonzalez, Director of Investigations & Innovation Josh Hinkle, Investigative Producer Dalton Huey, Investigative Photojournalist Chris Nelson, Digital Special Projects Developer Robert Sims and Digital Director Kate Winkle contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Political parties in the Cayman Islands scrambled to form coalitions on Thursday after no single party clinched a majority following a tight general election.

The Peoples Progressive Movement won seven seats in Parliament, the most out of all parties, but was three short of a majority, according to preliminary results.

Meanwhile, two newly-formed parties  the Cayman Islands National Party, founded by a former manager at Ernst & Young, and the Caymanian Community Party, established by members of the dissolved United Peoples Movement  won four seats each.

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Three independent candidates also won seats in Parliament, and parties are expected to court them and form a coalition.

The leader of the party that wins at least 10 of the 19 elected seats in Parliament would have become the new premier. Two other Parliament seats are appointed.

Meanwhile, in one of the biggest political upsets in the recent history of the wealthy British overseas territory, an independent candidate, Julie Hunter, won the seat held by veteran politician McKeeva Bush for 40 years. Local media reported they were cousins.

Bush was a former premier of the Cayman Islands but was ousted following corruption accusations that he denied. His run-ins with the law continued, and in a separate case, he pled not guilty to charges that he groped a female employee at a casino.

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In October 2022, Bush resigned as the speaker of Parliament following other allegations of sexual harassment.

Voters on Monday also participated in a nonbinding referendum. They voted in favor of decriminalizing the possession and consumption of small amounts of marijuana and of creating a national lottery. But they rejected a proposal to develop cruise berthing infrastructure, which environmentalists had opposed.
A judge from northeastern Colorado used his position to aid a friend across multiple cases, and ordered the pretrial release of her boyfriend who was accused of felonies, disciplinary officials alleged in a filing on Tuesday.
House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, prepare to gavel in a joint session to hear from Utah Supreme Court Justice Matthew Durrant at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Utahs top Republican legislative leaders have announced that lawmakers will not be convening a veto override session this year after Gov. Spencer Cox stopped six bills from becoming law.

Even when our perspectives differ, we appreciate the governors willingness to find common ground as we build an even brighter future for our great state, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said in a prepared statement issued Thursday.

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After careful consideration, the Legislature has decided not to convene a veto override session, they said. We will focus on constructive dialogue and thoughtful policymaking during the interim to find the best path forward that benefits all Utahns.

Among the most controversial bills Cox vetoed  and was perhaps one that could have had the best chance of a veto override  was SB296, a bill that would have given the governor and the Legislature the power to appoint the Utah Supreme Courts next chief justice every four years.

Currently, the states highest courts five justices elect their own leader.

It was one of a handful of bills seeking changes to the states judiciary, which has clashed with Utah lawmakers. Republicans have expressed frustration with recent court rulings and they want to have more legislative influence over how the states top court functions.

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Along with SB296, there were several other bills that legal professionals across the state decried as threatening the judiciarys independence and integrity. But after Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant met with lawmakers during the 2025 session, legislative leaders announced a deal with the judiciary that they would abandon three controversial bills  including one that would give legislators a say in judicial retention elections  and instead only proceed with passing SB296.

However, despite that deal, Cox decided to veto SB296, saying it went too far by requiring the states chief justice to be reappointed every four years. He wrote in his veto letter that the decision was mine and mine alone, and that no one from the judicial branch asked him for the veto.

I admit it is very tempting to sign this bill and assure that the Chief Justice would need to stay in my good graces to retain his or her position, Cox wrote. Knowing the head magistrate of our states highest court would have to think twice before ruling against me or checking my power is difficult to reject. I also recognize that refusing power is not en vogue these days and may be seen as weakness. But just because I can, doesnt mean I should.

At the time of Coxs veto, Schultz and Adams said the move undermines that good-faith compromise between the Legislature and judiciary that ultimately led to lawmakers abandoning the other bills, and the Judicial Council and Utah State Bar taking a neutral position. They promised to work with our chambers to determine the best path forward.

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Ultimately, however, they opted not to override.

Another controversial bill that Cox vetoed was SB37, which would have rerouted property tax revenue for schools into the states general fund. Education leaders opposed the bill, arguing it would be a form of money laundering that could divert money away from education.

Cox, at the time of his veto, said it was a matter of public trust, accounting problems, legal issues and sending the wrong message to educators about Utahs commitment to public education.

Then, on the last night he had to either sign or veto bills passed during the legislative session, Cox vetoed four more bills, including:

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SB197 , a bill that would have phased out the states Circuit Breaker property tax relief program for low-income seniors and indigent residents. Cox argued that the bill, while having well-intentioned goals of reforming and streamlining property tax relief programs, would risk cutting off the most vulnerable of Utahs growing senior population while saddling counties with administrative burdens.

HB306 , a bill that would have made Utah the first state in the country to allow vendors to receive payment in gold or silver from the state. Cox expressed concerns that the bill faced problems that made it operationally impracticable. Plus, he worried that a specific entity offered to fund the bill, which could jeopardize the required competitive process in the bill. Cox didnt name the entity in his veto letter, but The Salt Lake Tribune reported that in order to get the states new transaction system up and running, about $147,000 would be paid for by private donors, and Ivory said the money would come from Kevin Freeman, who was a member of the states gold working group and author of the 2023 book Pirate Money.

HB315 , a bill that would have allowed breaking a tie among three or more candidates in elections for midterm vacancies in municipal offices through a game of chance. Cox pointed to language in the Utah Constitution that explicitly prohibits the Legislature from authorizing any game of chance. Cox said he vetoed the bill out of an abundance of caution to avoid creating potential legal issues.

SB106, a bill to appropriate $10,000 to create a trade commission between Utah and Ireland composed of six legislators and five appointees from the Governors Office of Economic Opportunity. Cox said he was wary of creating more boards and commissions in statute, urging lawmakers to not go backward on their efforts to reduce the number of boards and commissions below 400. He also expressed concerns about creating a trade commission for a specific country when others, which are more significant trade partners for the state, dont receive the same treatment.

Though legislative leaders announced they wont be convening a veto override session, theres still a likelihood that the Legislature will convene a special session in coming weeks.

Cox has indicated that he intends to call a special session sometime in May. In his veto letter, he said hed signed several bills with the understanding that they will be amended in a special session.

Those included HB263, a bill focused on election transparency that county clerks had urged Cox to veto, but the governor wrote the bills sponsor, Rep. Norm Thurston, R-Provo, had reached an agreement with election officials to make some important changes.

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Cox also agreed to sign HB356, a bill requiring some counties to elect district-based council members rather than at-large members, but with the expectation that lawmakers would make changes in a special session to avoid unintended consequences, although he did not specify what those might be.

During that special session, Cox also said he wants the Legislature to repurpose $3.5 million it had set aside as part of Utahs bid to keep the Sundance Film Festival, which opted instead to move to Colorado.

Again, more to come soon in a special session, Cox wrote.

That special session call, however, has not yet been announced. A request for comment to the governors office was not immediately returned Thursday afternoon.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Talks of cuts to the federal government continue in Washington D.C. In fact, the proposed 2026 budget from the current administration would eliminate most research done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA ocean research laboratories and cooperative institutes would reportedly close if the budget is enacted, which will then affect the operations of the National Weather Service.

PREVIOUS | The US agency that monitors weather will cut another 1,000 jobs, AP sources say

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The American Meteorological Society, in conjunction with the National Weather Association, released a statement about the proposed budget cuts, which reads in part:

Source: WKRN

In Tennessee, detecting tornadoes and severe weather is a top priority for the NWS. Research by the NOAA developed the U.S. Doppler Radar Network in the mid-90s, which is what the NWS uses to detect tornadoes and severe weather to warn the public.

Right now the Doppler Radar Network has a projected lifespan early 2030s, explained Alan Sealls, president-elect of the American Meteorological Society. NOAA has been doing research with the next generation of radars to replace those in the early 2030s. Part of the budget plan is really throwing a wrench into all of that.

Over half of NOAAs Regional Climate Centers websites go dark due to lapse in federal funding

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NOAAs research into hurricane and tropical storm forecasting has made great strides, as well.

A lot of people dont realize that the hurricane forecast cone over the last twenty years, the accuracy has increased, or basically, the error has decreased by 50%, Sealls pointed out. Can you imagine that? If you were a major league pitcher and all of a sudden you could throw twice as many strikes as you used to have?

Courtesy: National Hurricane Center

Thats what the Hurricane Center is doing. Its not just because they are good meteorologists, which they are, theyre passionate, like all government meteorologists. But its because of the research that has gone into that, Sealls added. Same thing with tornado forecasting and warning. All of it is so much better, its not perfect, but its so much better because of the research that we vitally need to continue.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association is asking people to contact their congressional representatives and senators to let them know how vital this research is.

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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.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Noel Johansen's family is mourning a tragic loss.

The Hallmark star shared that his wife Jen Darbellay was among the 11 killed after a man drove an SUV through the Lapu-Lapu Filipino festival in Vancouver April 26. She was 50.

"It hit us before we knew," Johansen told The Associated Press in an interview published April 29. "I was falling in slow motion, trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement. It's like a giant tidal wave."

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The Harvest Love actor and their son Ford, 15, and daughter Darby, 7, survived the attack.

On April 27, Vancouver police confirmed that a suspect, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.

Following the incident, which also left 32 injured, Johansen reflected on the heartbreaking news.

"What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because what's inside my heart is broken," he told reporters at the scene of the crime April 28, per Global News Canada. "Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident."

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He admitted that his wife, an artist, "never celebrated herself in her life."

"She never thought of herself," he said. "She thought of herself as small in terms of reach. I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her."

"So, don't be small in life," he continued, "be big, reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have and please remember us who went through this."

Noel Johansen/Instagram

Darbellay was also a painter, seamstress, illustrator and costume designer, according to her biography. As the blurb noted, "There has not been a year of her life that she was not a creative artist, she has been very blessed to always work in the arts."

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Over her career, she earned multiple awards for her costuming and began teaching art at The Luminous Elephant in Vancouver last fall.

The studio expressed its condolences following her unexpected death with a heartfelt message about her impact in the community.

"One of the deepest longings of the human soul is to be seen," the April 30 Instagram post began. "Our dearest luminous instructor, friend, mother, wife, artist, humanitarian - Jen, saw everyone. She encouraged every single student in our studio over a threshold to expressing their deepest longings, voices, sorrows, joy in their art and therefore their life."

"She volunteered absolutely everywhere for her children, her community and those quietly privately struggling," the message continued. "Always with the biggest smile in a very very soft way."

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In fact, the studio received emails "begging" them to let Jen teach another course because "she was pure love and joy and so entirely nurturing."

Simply put, "Everyone adored Jen."

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Thursday marks 100 days since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and 95 days since former South Dakota governor Kristi Noem was sworn in as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. In her new job, Noem has made herself the face of the Trump Administrations war on illegal immigration, but thats not all shes focused on.

Illegal immigration has been a main focal point for Secretary Noem during her 95 days in the Trump Administration, but cyber security is another core component of the Department of Homeland Security.

On Tuesday, Noem was in San Franciso speaking at the RSA Security Conference about the nations role in cyber defense making it clear changes are coming for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and criticizing the direction it took while trying to safeguard the integrity of elections.

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Charges dropped in South Dakota familys land dispute

We are going to make sure that we need to put CISA back on mission, Noem said. That many times, CISA is doing important work, but we also saw them get into areas that were not why they were created.

She also mentioned her time as South Dakotas governor.

You know, being in that position, uh, South Dakota at that time was pretty stagnant, Noem said. We werent growing, we werent recruiting new industry or businesses, and I decided that technology and cybersecurity would be our future.

Noem says technology can bring people together but there are also quote bad actors trying to infiltrate our systems.

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When we have critical infrastructure that is threatened, we need to make sure that were going after it and dealing with it and protecting it as much as we possibly can, Noem said.

In a CBS Mornings exclusive with Tony Dokoupil, Noem spoke more about immigration while at the El Paso sector of the southern border. You can watch that full story 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 KELOLAND.com.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  As San Angelo citizens prepare for the upcoming May 3 election, many will seek information to guide their voting decisions. One local student who has made waves on the national stage as a word wizard is aiming to help voters understand their ballots through a nonprofit organization he founded.

Akash Vukoti is a 15-year-old sophomore attending Central High School. To many people outside of San Angelo, however, he is known as a child prodigy, a six-time contestant in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a motivational speaker, a star in several documentaries, the author of Spelling Anything (Even Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis) and much more.

A foundational perspective

One of Akashs most recent endeavors is What Is On My Ballot, a nonprofit based in San Angelo that he founded in late 2024. According to information available on whatisonmyballot.org, the initiative was created to empower voters across America by advocating for candidate statements and wider dissemination of election information.

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The nonprofit was established following the United States November 2024 election, during which American voters cast their ballots on a variety of local, state, and federal topics, including the selection of the next president. Akashs parents were surprised by the number of elections they were expected to vote for, something Akash hopes to help others avoid.

They were surprised to see 2 other candidates for President besides the Democrat and Republican nominees, and even more shocked by the nearly 30 different elections on their ballot, the What Is On My Ballot website reads. Most voters arent aware of these elections, never mind the candidates running in those elections, and I sought to change that.

Over 5K vote early for May 2025 election

In an exclusive interview with Concho Valley Homepage, Akash shared that hes been fascinated with politics for quite some time. One outlet he used to explore this interest is News of the Week, a YouTube video series he ran on his channel.

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Ive always had a lot of interest in learning more about politics, government and just how our country works, Akash said.

His interest in politics would grow into a desire to learn how to best improve conditions for others, eventually leading him to found What Is On My Ballot following the spark of inspiration caused by his parents response to the November 2024 election.

Thats when I realized that, as someone in my age group who is very soon going to be able to vote in the next few years, I want to try and  start a group, a nonprofit, that is going to help raise awareness of the elections that are happening and make sure that everybody knows whats going on, Akash said. That way, we can help increase voter turnout and increase the representation of the American people in our government.

How does What Is On My Ballot work?

Akash stated that What Is On My Ballot seeks to disseminate information regarding elections by conducting interviews with candidates and compiling details about their campaigns. This information is used to create brochures, which can be received in either physical form or via an online newsletter.

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So our plan is to try and share this information with the people in an unbiased, nonpartisan way, to let the people of San Angelo know exactly who will be on their ballot and make sure they get the right idea of who out of the candidates best fits their beliefs, Akash said.

The What Is On My Ballot website has been acknowledged by Tom Green County. It can be found on the Tom Green County websites county elections webpage.

A group of volunteers operates the nonprofit. As of the time of publication, What Is On My Ballot has two chapters: its Texas chapter, which is based in San Angelo, and its Florida chapter, which is based in Boca Raton. Akash said the organization is open to growth, though.

This is something were doing entirely to help benefit the people of San Angelo, and hopefully, over the next few years, more and more communities throughout Texas and the United States, Akash said.

The here and now

The May 3 election is almost upon San Angelo, and Akash shared that What Is On My Ballot is working to compile and present as much information as it can for citizens who will soon be heading to the polls.

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Weve compiled basic information about, more or less, these candidates as well as why they want to run, what theyre planning on doing if they are elected and why the people of San Angelo or the corresponding district should vote for them, Akash said.

However, San Angelo ISD is on the ballot through a $397 million bond proposal and its School Board election. How does Akash and What Is On My Ballot plan to remain unbiased and nonpartisan when the nonprofits founder is still enrolled in the district?

RECAP: 2025 Bond Election Special with KLST

Akash said the organization has chosen to avoid SAISD-related elections to maintain an unbiased stance, also citing difficulties with gathering information from both proponents and opponents of the bond.

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For us, specifically, what weve decided to do is  because, obviously, there is this conflict of interest when it comes to SAISDs bond specifically  weve chosen to try and avoid talking that for the time being, Akash said, and the main reason for that is, in part, because its difficult to be able to directly talk to people who are both favoring and opposing this new bond.

Akash encouraged residents to do their own research into local elections to inform their ballot decisions ahead of May 3.

If theres anything that I think you should do as a voter, its go and make sure to do some research beforehand, understand both sides of the issue and then take your stance depending on which side you think is best, Akash said.

The next generation

Although Akash isnt old enough to vote in elections yet, he believes that young people can play a critical role in influencing election outcomes by encouraging others to vote.

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I think that, perhaps that the biggest influence that young voters  or to be fair, young people as a whole, regardless of whether theyre eligible to vote yet or not  I think the sheer value of encouraging people to vote who are able to do so, I think that is one of the big benefits, Akash said.

He said that young people who are currently unable to vote can be incentivized to participate when they become eligible by voicing their opinions on elections and becoming informed on their current political climate.

Its been shown in various studies beforehand that, in reality, if younger people are more informed about how to vote and the voting process and, for example, the things, the items, the candidates that will be on their ballots, they are usually more likely to start voting once they hit that age of 18, Akash said.

A future undecided

With the May 3 election on the horizon and several more elections to follow, What Is On My Ballot is continuing its mission to prepare voters for the polls while advocating for citizens to take an active role in staying informed.

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For more information about What Is On My Ballot or to see the organizations election brochures, visit whatisonmyballot.org. For more coverage on local elections, including candidate interviews, forums and election results, visit Concho Valley Homepages Your Local Election HQ webpage.

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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  As the community prepares to lay a Kansas City Fire Department paramedic to rest at the end of this week, trauma experts say the road to healing is ahead.

I dont think people have a good understanding of the trauma that first responders witness on a daily basis, Clinical Director for The Battle Within, Jamie Wehmeyer, said.

Infectious disease test ordered for woman connected to KCFD paramedics death

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The Battle Within says its ready and able to provide help and services for those who need it.

We are standing at the ready. With our Frontline Therapy Network, at the beginning of the week, we reached out to them and said, Who has immediate availability to see somebody who is in crisis? Wehmeyer shared.

The Kansas City community and beyond are mourning the loss of firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman.

The community is amazing right now. Everybody is loving on the family. Everyone is loving on the fire department, but in three weeks, people move on because thats what we do, and thats when we need to make sure that we are present because when it gets quiet, thats when we know the suffering starts.

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Hoffman died over the weekend while on the job, investigators say, at the hands of a patient he was serving.

Weve reached out to a lot our folks, our alumni, knowing the impact of an event like this, Wehmeyer shared.

Those first responders, who were either directly impacted, because they were also on the scene, or his station house brothers and sisters, right on down the line, right now, they are just in survival mode, they are just trying to deal with the crisis of getting through the next few days. What we anticipate is that in the coming weeks, we will be getting folks who are really needing additional support and additional services.

Wehmeyer says addressing trauma takes time, and the organization is standing by.



When the parade shooting happened, we had an influx of folks who came into both our five-day program and our Frontline Therapy Network, and I anticipate that will happen again, she said.

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The Battle Within serves veterans, first responders and frontline health care workers, and says all traumas are worthy of treatment.

Suspect in Kansas City Tesla arson freed from federal custody

TBW offers different programs, including the Revenant Journey, a five-day group therapy program created by veterans and first responders to help others suffering from PTSD understand trauma theyve endured in service, provides an introduction to integrative tools that set the stage for healing, and develop a community of support.

Since 2018, there have been 434 Revenant Journey graduates.

Theres also the Frontline Therapy Network, where individuals are interviewed to determine the proper method of therapy and who may be providing it.

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The Battle Within says it offers six free therapy sessions to treat traumas.

TBW says, since 2018, over 2,500 hours of Frontline Therapy services have been provided.

You can learn more and sign up for services here.

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Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) has been released from the hospital after undergoing treatment for a gallbladder infection that progressed to sepsis.

Norcrosss office said in a release Thursday that hes been discharged from the hospital and begun his rehabilitation. He credited the medical staff at Cooper University Health Care, where he was admitted, with saving his life.

The Congressman is making remarkable and steady progress and is well on his way to making a full recovery, his office said. The Congressman thanks the entire Cooper team for the excellent care he received, especially the doctors and nurses who saved his life.

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Norcross, who has represented New Jerseys 1st Congressional District since 2014, was first hospitalized early last month but was considered stable after an emergency medical event concerning his gallbladder. He was admitted to the intensive care unit a little more than a week later after the sepsis developed.

The chief physician executive at the hospital said at the time that Norcross had a gallstone removed and was responding well to treatment but could face an extended recovery requiring physical rehabilitation.

Norcross was transferred out of the intensive care unit about a week ago as his infection had been successfully treated. His office said he was on his way to a full recovery.

Congressman Norcross is in constant contact with his staff and actively monitoring events in Washington and South Jersey as he continues to fight for seniors health care and access to affordable prescription drugs, the office said Thursday. He and his family continue to be overwhelmed by the support and well wishes they have received.

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Sen. Kyle Davison, R-Fargo, speaks on the Senate floor during the organizational session on Dec. 4, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The Senate on Thursday morning narrowly sustained Gov. Kelly Armstrongs veto of a bill that opponents feared would allow the state to shift health insurance premium costs onto employees.

The vote to override the veto failed 31-15. The Senate needed 32 votes.

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Senate Bill 2160, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Davison, R-Fargo, would have changed the state employee health care plan to comply with the federal Affordable Care Act. This change would be irreversible.

In Armstrongs veto message to the Senate, he called the state health insurance plan one of the strongest and most useful recruitment and retention tools. He said the bill disposes of that tool and replaces it with a more expensive alternative.

A fiscal analysis of the bill estimated the plan would cost about $6.6 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle and more than $25 million over the 2027-2029 biennium.

The bills sponsor, Sen. Kyle Davison, R-Fargo, said the bill was important to modernize health insurance for state employees.

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A major draw of the new plan is that it would give workers more free benefits, including preventive health care services like colonoscopy screenings and mammograms. It would also allow co-pays to count toward out-of-pocket maximums.

Senate Bill 2160 is an opportunity, Davison said. The opportunity to increase the rate of preventive care and wellness visits, which could be to reduce spending over the long term.

A prevailing concern, however, is that the bill would allow the state to start charging premiums to employees to offset the additional cost of the plan. Under the current plan, the state cannot charge premiums.

Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, said she voted in favor of the bill in committee but that she had since changed her mind because she believes the impacts of the policy change should be studied more carefully before it is implemented.

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I visited with the governor a couple of days ago, and his concerns were that people who are affected the most have not had nearly enough exposure to what this change makes, Lee told her colleagues on the floor.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Some Sioux City high school students got to try a variety of meats and learn about the process of making them.

Students enrolled in the ProStart culinary program at North High School grilled meats for teachers and classmates at around lunchtime. The students also learned how to prepare and cook the meats.

Midwest 8-Ball Championships kick off in Sioux City

A chef from the local Marriott taught kids the importance of scoring the meat, and also of learning how to cook at a young age.

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People arent getting into cooking nearly as early, and  chef Eric Divis said. A big thing for when I come to these classes is to show them how to do things, but also I want them to start understanding the essential skills of cooking, because not being able to cook going into the real world, going into the relationships, going into the family, learning those skills then is a lot harder then having the ability to learn them now.

This is the second time this event was held thanks to a grant from the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

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The charter schools students arrived at Roadhouse Cinemas, donning attire fit for Hollywood, to walk the red carpet and view the premiere of their original film Weathered Wednesday night.
North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience fighting against Ukraine.

Military analysts told BI they're likely developing drone warfare tactics, among other capabilities.

But the lessons are coming at a high cost in terms of dead and wounded.

Back in February, a Ukrainian officer told Business Insider about the crude and often brutal tactics being employed by North Korean troops against Ukrainian positions in Kursk.

Konoval Ihor Ihorovych, the commander of the reserve group of the 4th Company of the 33rd Assault Regiment, said that troops charged in like something out of a movie, and were being used as "cannon fodder."

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But military analysts say that North Korea's troops are rapidly adapting and appear to be learning valuable battlefield lessons.

Russia acknowledged for the first time this week the role played by North Koreans in fighting against Ukraine.

And in footage released by Russian state media on Monday, North Korean troops were shown training with modern Russian weapons, including a semiautomatic 12-gauge shotgun known as the Vepr-12, which contains a modification to take out drones.

These are lessons that North Korea's southern neighbor, South Korea, is likely watching it acquire with growing concern.

What is North Korea gaining?

Last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a historic security pact, where, in exchange for Russian technological and diplomatic support, Kim agreed to aid Russia militarily.

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It effectively broke the international isolation imposed by the UN on North Korea to pressure it to dismantle its nuclear weapons.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Pyongyang in 2024. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV via Getty Images

Deployed to the battlefield in Ukrainian-occupied Kursk, North Korean soldiers have suffered steep losses; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed in February that 4,000 had been killed or injured.

That's almost half of the 10,000 troops North Korea is estimated to have initially deployed.

But for Kim, it appears to be a price worth paying to strengthen and modernize the country's military, which hasn't fought an active war since the 1950s.

Jacob Parakilas, research leader for Defence Strategy, Policy, and Capabilities at RAND, told BI that the experience they are getting  "not only how you operate under fire and taking losses and how you keep operating, but just the sort of psychological impact of what it does to your individual soldiers"  can't be overstated.

A different type of warfare

North Korean troops are fighting in a war where cutting-edge tactics and technologies are being regularly tested.

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Chief among these are the use of drones, which are ubiquitous on the battlefields of Ukraine, engaged in surveillance and attacks.

According to Ukrainian officials, North Korean troops have adapted to travel in small groups to evade them. Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, deputy chief of Ukraine's HUR military intelligence organization, said that North Korean units had initially "advanced in large groups across snowy fields."

But he told The Guardian that "the next lot won't do that. They are learning new tactics and how to fight in a drone environment."

A Ukrainian drone carrying a bomb. Paula Bronstein /Getty Images

In January, the Wall Street Journal published extracts from the diary of a deceased North Korean soldier obtained by Ukrainian intelligence.

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It described tactics for taking out drones, with one soldier acting as bait to lure the drone, and others shooting it out of the sky.

"The bait must maintain a distance of seven meters from the drone," it said. "The other two should prepare to shoot down the drone from a distance of 10 to 12 meters. When the bait stands still, the drone will stop and it can be shot down."

Parakilas said these tactics show "they're figuring out, again, at great cost, the ways to counter modern technology with traditional soldiering and traditional battlefield skills."

North Korea gains drone deployment knowledge

North Korea's military isn't just gaining valuable knowledge in terms of countering drones, it's also learning how to deploy its own.

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Russian assistance likely played a role in the development of a North Korean AI-controlled drone, unveiled in March.

Joseph S. Bermudez Jr, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in DC, told BI that this was the first chance North Korea had to see drones used on a battlefield, "particularly small UAVs for reconnaissance, tactical reconnaissance and tactical strikes."

He said that, depending on the amount of access Russia has allowed, North Korea is probably also gaining insights into the use of drones for longer-range, strategic missions.

Russia has deployed long-range Iranian-made drones against Ukrainian towns and infrastructure far from the front lines, and North Korea appears to be developing models for a similar purpose.

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Bermudez also pointed to lessons North Korea is learning in assaulting fortified positions, bridging rivers for tanks, and camouflaging and concealing troops.

Mistakes also provide valuable lessons

Before deploying its troops to Ukraine, North Korea provided Russia with thousands of artillery rounds and ballistic missiles. But these proved notoriously shoddy.

Bermudez said that North Korea is likely drawing lessons from that, too.

"Quality control is always an issue in North Korea," he said. "The fact that they've learned that they've had poor quality has probably resulted in an improvement in the manufacture of munitions."

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However, some doubt how quickly North Korea's military system is capable of learning.

Bermudez said that little is known about how North Korea incorporates front-line experiences into its military doctrines and training. "We just don't have a good handle on that yet," he said.

Soldiers stand guard at the border in the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas. Ahn Young-joon/AP

An emboldened Kim Jong Un

North Korea's alliance with Russia has emboldened Kim in his confrontations with South Korea.

But Parakilas said it's not clear how well some of the lessons North Korean troops have likely learned in Ukraine would translate into any potential conflict with the South.

Drones, for example, don't always cope well in the mountainous environments that comprise much of the Korean Peninsula, he said.

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"There are parts of the Korean Peninsula where drone performance would be significantly degraded," he added. "More fundamentally, you're fighting a very, very different kind of atmosphere."

Despite this, the battlefield experience North Korean troops are gaining in the world's most advanced battlefield environment is something that can't be replicated in training exercises or drills.

"If I were in Seoul and I were watching the North Koreans fight and die, but learn and adapt," Parakilas said. "I'd be a bit worried."

Read the original article on Business Insider
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road link, the two countries announced, hailing the construction of a bridge over a border river as a major development that will further expand their booming ties.

Russia's Tass news agency reported that the bridge would be 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) long and its construction is expected to take 1  years. North Korea's Korean Central News Agency said Thursday the bridge would expand cross-border travel of people, tourism and circulation of commodities.

Relations and exchange programs between the two countries have been flourishing in recent years, with North Korea supplying ammunitions and troops to support Russias war against Ukraine.

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North Korea has been receiving Russian tourists since February 2024 amid slowly easing pandemic curbs, but Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled.

In 2023, about 97% of North Koreas external trade was with China, while 1.2% was with Russia. There are currently at least 17 active road and rail links across the long, porous border between North Korea and China, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry.

One railway bridge and air service already connect North Korea and Russia, and in June 2024 the two countries agreed to construct a bridge for automobiles over the Tumen River, which runs along North Koreas borders with Russia and China.

On Thursday, North Korea and Russia simultaneously held a ground-breaking ceremony for the bridges construction in their respective border cities, according to the two countries state media agencies. The agencies said North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attended the ceremony via video links.

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Pak said the bridges construction would be remembered as a historic monument" in bilateral ties, KCNA reported Thursday.

This is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relation, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said, according to Tass. We are creating a reliable basis for closer cooperation between our two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue.

On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it has sent combat troops to Russia to help it reclaim parts of the Kursk region that Ukraine forces seized in a stunning incursion last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers for Russia.

According to a South Korean government intelligence assessment shared with lawmakers on Wednesday, North Korea has sent about 15,000 soldiers to Russia, and 4,700 of them have been killed or wounded. In return for North Korea's supply of conventional arms, Russia has given it air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches, according to the South Korean assessment.
(FOX40.COM)  West Lane Plaza is no stranger to crime and thefts, but it was the focus of the most recent community walks held by the Stockton Police Department.

On Wednesday, dozens of SPD members were on a mission to make contact with surrounding business owners.

Police Chief Stanley McFadden said they chose the location, not necessarily because of any immediate concerns, but because its an area they had not yet covered during a community walk.

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We chose this location because its kind of far north, McFadden said. We dont get over here a lot, but its still very important.

Officials identify fatal Sacramento hit-and-run victim

Their first stop on the map was at Bubbas car wash in the West Lane Plaza near Hammer Lane.

Police met with staff at multiple businesses, addressing concerns from business owners, asking about activities in the neighborhood, and how to better patrol the area, according to several workers.

The community walk route stretched from the businesses on West Lane and over to another strip of businesses just across the street. Police were set to visit roughly 30 businesses.

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I have seen crime, its mostly individuals cars being broken into, smash and grabs, especially for the SF supermarket over there, said Joseph Saucedo, manager at Bubbas Car Wash.

Police said the goal of this walk is to hopefully deter crime and theft, build relationships with business owners, and make their presence known.

More police presence is obviously going to deter crime, its obviously going to make people think twice about doing stupid things that the world has been known to do, Saucedo said.

During the walk, a manager at a cell phone store handed over video surveillance of a recent theft at a cell phone store, saying he is hopeful to see results.

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City council member Mariela Ponce represents this district and shared a message for local businesses.

Were here to address whatever issues that are happening here, Ponce said.

Chief McFadden says this was one of their biggest community walks so far, lasting around 4 hours.

McFadden says these walks have also made a difference in recruiting efforts.

Right now, our staffing levels hover around 380, McFadden said. Were excited about that. Weve already hired more than 60 officers this fiscal year, which is breaking records that we havent seen since 2016, 2017.

This marks the 7th community walk since McFadden took his position as police chief.

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ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  Residents in a Florida beach town are on alert following a series of unusual attacks.

The most recent victim, Thomas Cathey, told NBC affiliate WTLV he was walking to work at a shop on 6th Street in Atlantic Beach Wednesday morning when he noticed he was being followed.

Bradenton Oak & Stone general manager arrested, caught on camera burglarizing own restaurant: BPD

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Only, it wasnt a person  it was a coyote.

Came out of the bushes, sort of circled me, Cathey said. I didnt pay any attention to it at first, then it attacked me from behind.

Cathey showed reporters the bloodied bites and bruises along his leg and elbow as he recalled wrestling with the animal. The coyote took him to the ground, but Cathey continued fighting.

The animal finally backed off after Cathey said he managed to give it a good kick in his ribs.

But hes not the only one whos come away with a harrowing story. Cathey is the third victim in two days around the same area near the marshes off Begonia Street.

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Another person and their dog were attacked the same morning as Cathey. Officials said the dog fended off the coyote but was bitten in the process. Police expect the dog to survive. The first victim who was bitten Tuesday is also expected to be OK.

The reports have led the City of Atlantic Beach to issue a coyote advisory, asking people not to leave food out, keep pets inside when theyre not being watched and report any sightings to 911.

Generally, these animals are going to run away as soon as they see or hear something scary to them, said Police Chief Victor Gualillo. We recommend you make yourself look large, make lots of noise to scare the animal away first.

As of Wednesday, authorities were still trying to determine whether one coyote was involved in all of the incidents or if it was different ones. Officials have not yet pointed to rabies, but Mayor Mike Borno said hes concerned by the fact that its aggressive.

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Cathey is out of the hospital but has to go back for several rabies treatments just to be on the safe side. While he managed to escape with only a few bite marks, Cathey worries about the safety of other, younger residents.

Its not safe. Theres a lot of children around here, Cathey said. A child wouldnt have survived that. He fought harder than a man has ever fought me before.

Crews have set a trap near where the incidents were reported and ask that residents provide pictures of any sightings to help them identify the animal or animals responsible for the attacks.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  On Thursday evening, Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Deputies had the honor of catching up with 13-year-old Devarjae DJ Daniel and his family.

The young man has gained national fame for his continued support of law enforcement despite facing tremendous adversity.

According to a social media post, Sergeant Crow and Deputy Keyser met DJ and his family at a local business along I-49 as the family was traveling through Natchitoches Parish en route to Dallas, Texas.

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DJ and his family have visited more than 900 law enforcement agencies since he was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer in 2018. DJ has had more than 13 brain surgeries. His father, Theodis Daniel, says DJ is currently part of a research study that has given the family hope.

Sergeant Crow said, DJs commitment to honoring those who serve is a powerful reminder of the positive impact one person can have.

DJ was recognized by President Donald Trump during the presidents most recent State of the Union address and was appointed as an honorary Special Agent to the Secret Service in late March.

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President Donald Trump has tapped Mike Waltz to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations after ousting him as National Security Adviser.

The shake-up comes just weeks after the Signalgate scandal, where Waltz inadvertently added a journalist from The Atlantic into a chat discussing war plans in Yemen.

Trump announced the move in a post on Truth Social Thursday afternoon after reports of Waltzs departure broke.

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I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Trump said in the post. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role.

The president added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will pick up Waltzs former role in the interim, while continuing to head up the State Department.

President Donald Trump has ousted National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and nominated him as ambassador to the United Nations. His departure from the role comes weeks after he added a reporter to a Signal app chat involving high-ranking officials. (Getty Images)

The ambassador role requires Senate confirmation.

It was reported earlier Thursday by CBS News and CNN that Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, would be leaving their roles.

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It was made clear to Waltz earlier this week that his time leading the National Security Council had come to an end, CNN reported. Questions swirled about Waltzs role after it was revealed that he added the journalist Jeffrey Goldberg into a chat on the Signal app detailing military strikes. The chat involved high-ranking military and administration members and news of the breach became a blunder for the White House.

Trump publicly backed Waltz after the Signalgate scandal broke and said he was a very good man.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also reiterated in a statement at the time that the president has the utmost confidence in Mike Waltz and his entire national security team.

Waltz took responsibility for adding a journalist into the Signal group chat and the president backed him afterward, but sources said he never really recovered from the embarrassing ordeal. The ambassador role requires Senate confirmation. (Getty Images)

Waltz said he took responsibility for the gaffe at the time. I take full responsibility. I built the group, Waltz said. It's embarrassing. We're going to get to the bottom of it.

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Trump said Waltz had learned his lesson and would not be fired. The president also blamed sharing the messages on an error from one of Michaels people that did not amount to a serious issue.

Sources told CNN that Waltz never really recovered from the Signalgate scandal.

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly reportedly told the network that the Trump administration has the wrong guy, and pointed the finger at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who shared messages with details of the plans.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared war plans with the group on the app but Trump stood by him. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Adviser in the interim, while continuing to lead the State Department. (EPA)

I think theyre holding the wrong guy accountable  I think they fired the wrong guy, Kelly told CNN.

Waltz appeared on Fox & Friends Thursday morning hailing Trumps minerals deal with Ukraine just hours before his departure was reported. At yesterdays cabinet meeting, Waltz praised Trump for his leadership as he hit 100 days in office.

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But even that public display of fealty towards the president wasn't enough to keep the axe from falling on his brief tenure atop the National Security Council.

When the majority of Trump's cabinet reconvened Wednesday afternoon for an event to highlight business investment in the United States during the first 100 days of the president's term, neither Waltz nor Wong were present despite there being reserved seats clearly marked with their names.
EDEN, N.C. (WGHP)  The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a crash in Eden that left four linemen dead.

A City of Eden dump truck reportedly ran a stop sign, hitting and killing four men working in the area and injuring three others, two seriously, on April 24. Due to the crash involving a city vehicle, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and NTSB are investigating.

Fallen Linemen Organization working to help Eden crash victims

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On Thursday, the NTSB provided the following details about their ongoing investigation:

The NTSB, in coordination with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, is conducting a safety investigation into the Apr. 24 crash involving utility maintenance workers and a bulk refuse truck in the City of Eden, North Carolina. The preliminary information we have is that a city-owned bulk refuse truck was traveling northbound when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the work zone. The truck struck multiple utility workers and a bucket truck. As a result, four workers were killed and three were injured. An NTSB team of investigators began arriving on site on Friday, and included specialists in highway factors, vehicle factors, crash reconstruction, survival factors, motor carrier, human performance and a medical officer. The NTSB regularly investigates road and highway crashes to identify possible system-wide safety issues that could have nationwide impacts and makes recommendations on how to prevent similar crashes from occurring in the future. Work-zone safety has been a focus of previous NTSB investigations and an important issue for improving road safety.

Friend of Marine killed in Eden crash remembers him: He was the person to be around

The NTSB says a preliminary report is expected within 30 days and then a full report could come in 12-24 months. The driver of the dump truck was formally charged on Wednesday and the highway patrol is also continuing to investigate.

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BAYSIDE, Queens (PIX11)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to unveil his 2026 Executive Budget on Thursday afternoon during an address at his alma mater, Bayside High School, in Queens.

The $115.1 billion budget, dubbed the Best Budget Ever by Adams, includes plans to improve affordability, public safety and quality-of-life for New Yorkers. The plan includes $1.4 billion to protect programs that would face cuts from the Trump administration.

NYC budget could take big hit amidst Wall Street woes

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From prioritizing access to child care and launching After-School for All to investing in permanent funding for libraries, CUNY, and our world-class institutions that make New York City what it is, to tackling quality-of-life issues and making our streets safer, the $1.4 billion were investing to protect and lift up critical programs will make lives better for families across all five boroughs, Adams said in a statement.

The budget includes funding to maintain clean city streets and parks, expand programs such as early childhood education and universal after-school, build more affordable housing, and hire more police officers to raise the headcount to 35,000 uniformed officers by fall 2026.

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We are doing all of this while maintaining record-high reserves to help us face anything that comes our way, said the mayor.

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The city will use $199 million to permanently finance education programs that were previously under pandemic-era stimulus funding. Additionally, the city will allocate $1.9 billion to programs and services such as cultural institutions, CUNY, summer youth employment and library operations.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Adams budget plan of $115.1 billion is up slightly from his preliminary proposal of $114.5 billion in January. However, it is still short of what the City Council and advocates have called for to fund education programs and the citys library systems.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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Mayor Adams latest budget plan does not include millions of dollars in funding needed to keep thousands of the citys families on child care vouchers, putting a critical program for working families at risk of being significantly chopped down in scale.

Adams had been counting on the state to pony up hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure no parent loses access to their current subsidy. But Gov. Hochul and state lawmakers included only $350 million in the state budget to help avert a looming fiscal shortfall, with Hochul saying the city needed to come up with the rest.

Rather than include that money in his proposal Thursday, Adams told reporters at Bayside High School in Queens that he was still pushing to get the money from Albany  an unlikely scenario given a state budget deal announced earlier this week.

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Were still going to fight, Adams told reporters at Bayside High School in Queens. We believe that this was a state program. We were encouraged to enroll as many students as possible.

This was their project. They funded it  and to now say, We dont want to fund it anymore, thats wrong, he said.

A final municipal budget will be negotiated with the City Council by the end of next month.

Under the terms of the deal in Albany, New York City has to match the states investment in order to receive the new funds, according to the governors office.

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With these new resources, well offer New York City the opportunity to match our commitment, solving this years crisis, Hochul said at the State Capitol on Monday, where she announced the agreement. Every family deserves access to high-quality child care.

A report by The New Schools Center for New York City Affairs estimated the city needed between $823 to $907 million to prevent families from being kicked out of the initiative, known as the Child Care Assistance Program, and other severe disruptions.

In a private briefing on the city budget Thursday morning with Council members, Adams expressed dismay over Albanys arrangement: Theyre making us pick up $300 million of their program, he said in a recording, obtained by the Daily News.

But with budget bills still not printed, sources at the virtual meeting said the mayor urged Council members to keep pushing Albany to provide the extra funding, despite the deal seemingly being in place. Legislative leaders have questioned whether Hochul announced the general agreement too early with other key issues still being hashed out.

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Were still negotiating with the state, Tiffany Raspberry, Adams deputy mayor for intergovernmental affairs, told reporters. Were still in constant conversations every day. So, were going to advocate for New Yorkers until the ink is dry on those bills.

The governors office has defended its position by pointing to the discrepancies between how much the state versus the city contributes to the subsidy program, which is just one facet of the citys complex child care system. Others  such as funding for the citys popular 3-K program or a pilot that extends the hours care is available  were included in the mayors budget on Thursday.

Since taking office, Gov. Hochul has increased funding for child care subsidies in New York City by 124% while city spending has remained relatively flat for over 25 years, said Avery Cohen, a spokeswoman for Hochul. Our increases in funding have advanced an agenda to make child care more accessible and affordable for families statewide.

Even with massive state subsidies, keeping hundreds of thousands of kids enrolled in child care must be a shared responsibility, she said. There are 130,000 New York children covered by the Child Care Assistance Program.

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In the years following the pandemic, the citys Administration for Childrens Services, which administers the program locally, used an increase in child care funding to significantly expand the vouchers.

In 2022, there were about 7,400 children enrolled with a low-income voucher. Today, there are close to 63,000 children receiving assistance, available to families that earn less than 85% of the states median income.

But funding for subsidized care did not keep pace with the uptake in vouchers. Without new funding, ACS previously estimated between 4,000 and 7,000 children could lose vouchers every month, as reimbursement costs rise and more parents on cash assistance  who are first in line for the vouchers  go back to work. The fiscal cliff was first reported by New York Focus in February.

Advocates warned that any funding shortfalls could have profound effects on children and their parents, including their ability to work.

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Pete Nabozny, a policy director at The Childrens Agenda, part of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care that pushed for the voucher funding, said he was waiting for more details before he could tell if the investment was really going to help mitigate the harm.

The prospect of a good chunk of those kids losing care and parents scrambling, wondering how theyre going to pay their bills  , said Nabozny. At scale, it really threatened to be an incredibly disruptive period for families, but also for employers and businesses and our whole economy.
As President Donald Trump passes his 100th day in office  marking the end of a commander-in-chiefs traditional honeymoon period  its been anything but business as usual for members of the states congressional delegation.

In just over three months, the Trump White House has flooded the zone with daily  sometimes hourly actions, starting with a flurry of executive orders issued on the first day, through a campaign to freeze federal grants, begin shuttering down some agencies, step up deportation enforcement, lay off federal employees, reverse previous administrations regulations, and, most recently, pursue tariffs changes.

Detractors see the presidents actions as chaotic  100 days of chaos, is how Democratic U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper put it on X on Tuesday  saying Trumps tariffs policy, for example, has left the stock market shaken and the public bracing for possible economic shocks.

The Republicans defenders, however, view Trumps moves as decisive, insisting hes doing what he said hed do on the campaign trail and delivering for the American people. As GOP U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert tweeted: We have just witnessed the most productive and successful 100 days of a presidency in American history!

Weeks after Trump was sworn in, Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, Colorados longest-serving senator in more than 50 years, began to consider whether he could have more of an impact outside Washington. Earlier this month, he launched a run for governor in next years election.

After becoming only the 14th member of Congress to give birth while in office, U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Lakewood Democrat, put herself and her newborn son in the national spotlight as the faces of a fight over whether to change House rules to let new parents vote remotely, spurred by a procedural vote in the narrowly divided House to advance Trumps legislative agenda.

Two of the states Democratic House members, U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, have become fixtures on cable news shows and in other venues this year, voicing complaints about the latest news from the White House, while articulating a vision of the future of their party, particularly following last years election losses nationally. Neguse, his chambers assistant minority leader, co-chairs the task force charged with coordinating the House Democrats legislative and legal responses to Trump. Crow leads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee candidate recruitment effort ahead of next years midterms.

Boebert, the only Republican House member from Colorado whos been in Washington for more than a few months, has been one of Trumps most consistent and vocal supporters, lauding the administrations illegal immigration crackdown, workforce reductions and general tone. Freshmen U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans and Jeff Crank, for their part, have struck similar tones. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, who replaced Boebert in the 3rd Congressional District after she moved across the state last year, has expressed some qualms about Trumps approach, particularly with calls for Congress to assert its constitutional authority.

Through it all, Colorados Democratic members of Congress and statewide officials have sounded a constant alarm, while the states Republicans have nearly universally applauded the presidents moves, contending that the administration is making good on campaign promises to slash spending and rein in a government that long ago grew beyond its means.

I think that this moment is a perilous one for our republic, as we see an administration thats undermining the rule of law and issuing executive orders that are having dramatic and harmful impacts for countless Americans across our country, Neguse told Colorado Politics. Its clear that Congress has to take a comprehensive approach in responding and pushing back against these abuses of power.

Boebert told the audience on a telephone town hall in late March that she is thrilled with Trumps approach.

For far too long, we have had a government that seems to only want to control the people, but you are the ones who are ultimately in control under our constitutional republic in the United States of America, and it has been a wonderful year so far, Boebert said.

Celebrating the passage earlier this year of the Laken Riley Act, which requires federal authorities to detain undocumented immigrants facing certain criminal charges, Boebert told callers that Trumps deportation program is a success.

We are cracking down hard on violent, illegal, criminal aliens who have no business being here, she said. And let me tell you, under President Trumps leadership, weve seen border crossings drop like a rock. We are working to not only secure the border, but we are draining that swamp, and we are draining it faster than our irrigation ditches in August in the 4th District. Were proving that strong policies work for America.

Democrats decry Trumps orders

With Republicans controlling the presidency and both chambers of Congress, Democrats from Colorado have taken varied approaches to counter Trumps agenda to reshape the federal bureaucracy  mostly by hammering Trump verbally while organizing responses in an attempt to galvanize public opinion. Additionally, Neguses task force and state Attorney General Phil Weiser have joined a flurry of lawsuits and filed briefs challenging the administrations actions in court.

The Democrats rhetorical resistance has ranged from regular press conferences to sending a lot of letters urging the Trump administration to reverse its decisions.

In February, Crow gathered reporters outside Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora to demand that the militarys mission not be compromised by housing immigrants subject to deportation on the base.

In his role as a recruiter for House Democrats, Crow told Colorado Politics that he has a straightforward description of the partys vision in the Trump era.

We are the party of the working class, he said. Were the party of fairness, of leveling the playing field, and were not going to guarantee outcomes for folks. Were not trying to enforce a certain outcome. What were trying to do is make sure that if people who are willing to put in the work or might need help when theyre down, are willing to do that, and well be there for them.

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, the ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committees health subcommittee, joined her fellow subcommittee members outside the Department of Health and Human Services to demand a meeting with Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to discuss cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency.

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Among a steady stream of letters signed onto by Democratic members of the delegation, Hickenlooper released a slew of the missives in the last full week of April, including one calling on Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to protect the nations more than 34 million small businesses from what the senators characterized as threats posed by Trumps tariffs. Another, signed by Hickenlooper, Bennet and Neguse, demanded that the Commerce Department reverse planned cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other Colorado-based research centers.

A third letter Hickenlooper signed asked Trump to comply with the Supreme Courts unanimous order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. from the prison in El Salvador, while also condemning Trumps efforts to deport other immigrants to the same prison without constitutionally guaranteed due process.

Your unprecedented actions threaten the constitutional protections of all Americans and violate the fundamental principles on which this nation was founded, the 26 senators wrote.

Republicans laud Trumps actions

GOP lawmakers, meanwhile, have largely backed Trumps decisions.

The Department of Education is DONE! Thank you, President Trump! Boebert said in a post on X last month in response to an order largely dismantling the federal agency.

Noting that the departments budget has grown over the years while student proficiency has worsened by some measures, Boebert added: Our children deserve a REAL education, not the federal mess we have now. Now the money will go back to the states and well get QUALITY education again.

Crank, a longtime Colorado Springs political operative serving his first term, said hes been incredibly vocal in his support for eliminating the education department. Evans, a former police officer and state lawmaker from Fort Lupton, told Colorado Politics that Trumps order will let parents make more decisions about their childrens education.

For too long, Washington bureaucrats have been making reckless decisions that have led to lower test scores and poor morale across our nations classrooms. Education is essential to success in life and I look forward to working with the president to protect education funding and to support students, not systems, he said.

Evans, the freshman Republican from Fort Lupton, said change is desperately needed, given that 60% of kids cant read at grade level and 70% cant do math at grade level.

And Hurd, a Grand Junction attorney first elected in November, said he shares Trumps concerns about the failures of federal education policy, adding that he believes Washingtons top-down control burdens schools, undermines parental authority and ails students.

But Hurd also distanced himself from the Trump White House when it comes to the presidents tariffs.

Hurd, the only attorney among the states Republicans, led a bipartisan bill that seeks to check Trumps authority to impose tariffs unilaterally without congressional review, citing what he described as a clear constitutional requirement.

Hurd told Colorado Politics that while he supports the aims behind Trumps executive orders, some will require congressional action.

Referring to one of Trumps earliest targets, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Hurd said in an interview, There is a role for executive order orders, as it bears on USAID, but fundamentally this is an institution that was created by Congress, and that I think long-term, systemic change would require some action by Congress. And I say that as somebody that believes in the preeminence of our first branch of government, in the legislative branch.

Hurd added that its without question the presidents prerogative to issue executive orders and understands the driving motivation behind so many of these orders, and also the support that I think so many of them have from people, who he said feel like government is wasteful, its inefficient, theres little accountability, theres little insight into where these dollars are spent.

Im completely sympathetic, but what I would say is, fundamentally, we need to make sure that we respect the role of Congress and how that exactly looks in this context, Hurd said. I think that will need to be determined. But fundamentally, I think we will require some congressional action for a lot of these changes if theyre going to be permanent and if theyre going to be effective.

Bennet defends confirmation votes

After formally launching his campaign for governor at Denvers City Park in early April, Bennet told Colorado Politics that he stood by his decision to vote in favor of confirming about a dozen of Trumps cabinet nominees, saying that it benefits Coloradans when he can communicate with department heads, including the secretaries of agriculture and veterans affairs.

We have one of the highest percentage populations of veterans in Colorado. I understand there are people who believe that I should have voted against every single nominee as a protest vote, said Bennet, who got national attention for his aggressive questioning of Kennedy, the health secretary nominee, and Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps director of national intelligence.

I have chosen, where it made sense to me and where I thought it made sense to Colorado, to approach it differently, Bennet said. Ive supported a handful of nominees in the hopes that it will help Colorado.

Launching his campaign, Bennet told more than 100 supporters he decided that running for governor  and potentially giving up the seniority hes accrued in the Senate  made more sense than staying in Washington to fight Trump, though he emphasized that, Everything we care about now is at stake in our country.

Bennet said years of economic stress have left Colorado families feeling like there arent any good political alternatives.

We can show that people can still work together to get things done together, he said. We can make this the best state to live, work and raise a family, and we can be an example for the rest of the company country on how to fight Trump and drive a stake through Trumpism, which I am committed to do every day.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo.  Residents of OFallon, Missouri, may qualify for a utility tax rebate on telephone, cell phone, gas, and electric taxes paid in 2024.

Filing begins Thursday, May 1, and continues through Friday, May 30. To qualify for the rebate, applicants must be at least 65 years old or disabled. Additionally, a residents annual gross income cannot reach more than $57,800 for a single household or $66,050 for a married household.

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The city is offering assistance to residents filling out the applications at OFallon City Hall, located at 100 North Main Street. Assistance will be available every day during the month of May, except Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To file, applicants are required to bring a photo ID, their 2024 tax return, and copies of their bills to complete the application process.

For more information, contact the OFallon City Hall at (636) 379-5525.

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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OAKWOOD, Ohio (WDTN)  One local school district is asking taxpayers to help update and maintain its school buildings.

Oakwood School District says the proposed bond levy would fund upgrades across its facilities, improving safety while preserving the districts historic charm.

The district says the community created a master facility plan in 2018 to fund district-wide safety upgrades. Phase One passed in 2019, and now its time to vote on Phase Two.

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On May 6, Oakwood residents will vote on Issue 12, a 4.74-mill bond levy that would generate $40 million to upgrade school facilities.

It will take care of the infrastructure for our Smith Elementary School and our Harmon Elementary School buildings, said Dr. Neil Gupta, Oakwood Schools superintendent. About 85 percent of the cost of that bond will go towards HVAC systems, heating, lighting, cooling.

With some buildings being over 100 years old, certain machinery and school structures are outdated, posing possible safety concerns. These issues are a reason why many residents are in support of the levy.

Thats why a lot of people move into this community is because of the school system. The school has to be worth going to, said one Oakwood resident. I had two grandsons graduate from there, so they have to. I would say the improvement of the school would be very important.

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Gupta says the remaining funds will go toward district-wide upgrades at the Junior High, High school and Lange school.

If it passes, the levy would cost residents about $166 a year for every $100,000 of property value.

If it doesnt pass, Gupta says it will be more difficult to make these safety upgrades.

My fear is possibly delaying school or having other things that may happen with that. It just makes us in a reactive standpoint, as far as when something breaks, well probably have to think about it on the on the back end, said Gupta. We know that sometimes things are a little bit more costly when you have to take care of those things.

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Gupta says if the levy does pass, they could start upgrades as early as this summer, just in time for the 2025-2026 school year.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police are investigating an officer-involved shooting on Interstate 29 that caused traffic delays and left a man dead Thursday morning.

At a news conference, KCPD said the suspect being pursued was shot by a Riverside police officer and a Platte County Sheriffs deputy and died at the hospital.

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KCPD said that the suspect was in the parking lot of Argosy Casino when he allegedly shot an individual during a domestic dispute. Police said they believe the man shot his ex-wifes partner multiple times in the parking lot of the Argosy Casino.

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It did sound like a gunshot, a muffled gunshot, Claude Van Zandt said.

He said heard the initial gunfire. Hes staying at a hotel across from the Argosy Casino and Hotel.

My room is right there on the other side of that wall, Van Zandt said, and thats not the kind of wall thats going to stop a gunshot. After you figure out what happened you go, Oh.

Police attempted to pull over the man, but he sped off from police, resulting in a chase.

The suspect stopped at Interstate 435 and Cookingham when his tires deflated from stop sticks, according to KCPD. The chase lasted five minutes.

The Riverside Police Department and Platte County Sheriffs Office asked the suspect to peacefully surrender and exit the car. KCPD said those negotiations lasted 30 minutes.

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When the suspect got out of the car, he pointed a gun at responding officers, according to KCPD.

He was then shot by three responding officers, according to KCPD. He was then taken to a hospital and died from his injuries.

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The person shot by the suspect at the casino was shot multiple times and is expected to recover.

KCPD said the shooting was reported near I-29 and I-435 around 6:40 a.m. The area of the shooting is just east of the Kansas City International Airport.

KCPD officers were not involved in the shooting, according to the department.

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This is a developing story. FOX4 will update this story when more details are available.

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(FOX40.COM)  William Andrew Akens Jr. has been identified as the man who died in a Sacramento hit-and-run Saturday night.

Just after 8:30 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to a fatal hit-and-run in south Sacramento on Lemon Avenue and 65th Street. When crews arrived, they found a man who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hit-and-run involving pedestrian leaves one dead in Sacramento

According to SPD, the vehicle involved had fled the scene before police arrived.

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Officials said that due to the incident, Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the case to learn more.

SPD asks the community if they have any information about this case to call the dispatch center at 916-808-5471.

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Ohios Attorney General is suing a body armor company accused of selling unsafe equipment.

ShotStop Ballistics sold body armor through its website and other retailers, according to Ohio Attorney General David Yost.

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The company claimed it or its affiliate, Vallmar Studios, made the armor and it met National Institute of Justice safety standards, according to the Attorney Generals Office.

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Armor is meant to save lives, not sell lies. Consumers deserve to know that this type of equipment is going to provide the protection promised, Yost said in a news release.

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An investigation involving several federal and state agencies found evidence ShotStop in Summit County was importing Chinese-made plates then labeling them as manufactured in Ohio, according to the Attorney Generals Office.

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Investigators say the plates did not meet safety standards to protect people.

In a separate criminal case, Vall Iliev is charged with smuggling foreign-made body armer and selling it to law enforcement and others, according to the Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorneys Office.

The lawsuit from the Ohio Attorney General is seeking restitution for customers who bought the body armor.

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Ohio voters head to the polls next week to vote on continued state infrastructure funding under Issue 2.

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News Center 7s John Bedell spoke with early voters Thursday in Greene County.

Its important to me to always vote, and early is convenient for me, Yellow Springs resident Connie Crockett said.

Im not going to be in town on voting day, so I had to come today, Beavercreek resident Dawn Combs said.

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Early voters and those who will visit the polls on May 6 will see Issue 2 on their ballot.

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Issue 2 is focused on how communities around the Miami Valley and across the state pay for construction on things like roads, bridges, and water supply systems.

Its the only statewide issue voters will see on their primary ballot.

Ohio voters first approved the funding program tied to Issue 2 in 1987.

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Every ten years, voters either approve or deny the continuation of the funding program.

This years vote on Issue 2 could extend the program for another decade and allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in infrastructure funding.

Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman is the president of the County Engineers Association of Ohio. The association supports Issue 2 and urges voters check yes on their ballot.

You may not know it, but it has touched your life in some way. These are local projects that may otherwise not be funded, Coleman said.

If Issue 2 is passed by voters, the state would be allowed to issue $250 million a year in infrastructure projects for the next 10 years.

If Issue 2 is not passed by voters, it would end the funding program after the current cycle of projects are finished.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio legislators have introduced another adult cabaret performances ban that LGBTQ+ advocates say will outlaw drag queen shows in public.

House Bill 249 was introduced at the Statehouse on Tuesday to ban adult cabaret performances, defined as a show harmful to juveniles that features entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performers or entertainers biological sex. The bill would prohibit these shows in all locations other than adult cabarets, meaning a nightclub, bar, juice bar, restaurant, bottle club or similar establishment.

Dwayne Steward, Equality Ohio executive director, condemned the legislation as censorship that would restrict any gender nonconforming performance in public. Steward argued the bill is a blatant attempt by politicians to suppress cultural expression under the guise of protecting children.

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Across generations from immigrant families, Black communities to LGBTQ+ Ohioans, art has been more than expression; it has been a declaration of existence, resilience, and pride, Steward said. Drag is a powerful embodiment of that spirit. It is vibrant, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in our cultural fabric.  Drag isnt just performance, its power. And its here to stay.

Coined the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, the bill is being proposed by Reps. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) and Angela King (R-Celina) with the support of 42 out of 65 Ohio House Republican representatives. The legislation, which also prohibits nudity and sexual conduct in public, is meant to protect children and families from sexualized performances taking place in public spaces, the lawmakers said.

As a mother and as a legislator, I believe Ohio families should feel safe taking their children to a city park without the risk of coming across an event or person performing in a way that incorporates themes, imagery, and acts intended for mature audiences, said King in a release.

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H.B. 249 is identical to a previous bill introduced by Williams and King also banning adult cabaret performances. Williams has long argued the bills intention is to modernize revised code regarding obscenity viewed by minors, not to ban drag. He previously stressed that the proposal only means to ban shows harmful to juveniles, with events like drag story time readings and plays like Mrs. Doubtfire covered under the First Amendment.

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We are seeing trends of indecent exposure and oversexualized performances taking place in public in the presence of children, Williams said in Tuesdays release. King and I and many other Ohioans dont agree with these acts taking place in the open. This legislation is simply updating already existing law to the times that we are living in.

Like Williams and Kings previous proposal, H.B. 249 outlines the following penalties if entertainers are found violating the legislation:

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A misdemeanor of the first degree if a performance occurs in the presence of a juvenile under the age of 18.

A felony of the fifth degree if the performance is obscene.

A felony of the fourth degree if the performance is obscene and occurs in the presence of a juvenile under the age of 13.

The bills language is modeled after a Tennessee law that also bans adult cabaret performances. The contested measure was ruled unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad by a district judge in 2023, but then reinstated by an appeals court last year. In February, the Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the law.

A conservative Lancaster group advocated for city council to adopt a measure with the same language last year after they argued a performance during a LGBTQ+ Pride event with a drag queen was pornographic. Small business owners in Lancaster said they experienced an influx of customers after their shops were included on a social media post tying them to the debated event.

Bellefontaine, a rural Ohio city, was originally supposed to be the first in the state to vote on whether to ban such performances in public. However, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled last October that the proposed ordinance, which also used the adult cabaret performance wording, would not appear on the ballot given it was submitted fraudulently.

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House Bill 6s repeal, Delta-8 THC among bills moving through Ohio Statehouse

I know a lot of queens who are scared to do certain things now because we are being put under such a microscope, said Blonde Vanity, the Columbus-based drag queen who sparked Bellefontaines proposal.

Next, H.B. 249 will be assigned to a House Committee, where it will receive hearings open for public testimony.

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WINDHAM, NH - DECEMBER 14: An electrical worker surveys damaged power lines December 14, 2008 in Windham, New Hampshire. An ice storm on December 12 knocked out power to 1.4 million people in upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine and President George W. Bush declared a state of emergency in New Hampshire. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Ohio state lawmakers approved an energy deal Wednesday in a pair of back-to-back floor votes. The sweeping legislation aims to encourage investment in new power generation by building a moat around the market and offering tax incentives to new entrants.

Meanwhile the distribution utilities on the outside looking in will get similar tax breaks for new transmission infrastructure, as well as a ratemaking overhaul. For those so-called pole-and-wire companies, some changes are welcome. Others a bit less so.

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The legislation equips the ratemaking process with a statutory shot clock to keep deliberations to about a year at most. Utilities will also get to set rates for three years at a time, so long as theres an annual true up of charges and expenses. But a system theyve relied on for years to avoid full rate cases is going away. So is the controversial coal plant subsidy approved as part of 2019s House Bill 6.

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The legislation amounts to a substantial reworking of the states energy marketplace, but at least in the near term, its unlikely to address the concerns that drove a bipartisan coalition of backers to approve it.

The 13-state energy grid operator PJM predicts energy demand will surpass its supply in the next few years. At the same time, its struggling to get new power plants plugged into its system. Some leaders point to so-called behind-the-meter generation  small, purpose-built power plants for individual customers  as a potential short-term answer to the problem. Others suggest if the line with PJM is too long, maybe its time to look for a different line.

Senate debate

In the Senate, state Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta, spoke in support of House Bill 15. Earlier this week, lawmakers tacked on several tweaks hammered out in negotiations with the House.

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In essence, Chavez argued, it reduces the barriers to entry for power generation, it increases the flow of investments into the state, and it makes Ohio more competitive for industries, while stimulating job creation and economic development.

He also highlighted one important compromise. Instead of eliminating a tax on machinery and equipment, the final version reduced the tax from 25% to 7%.

State Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, urged lawmakers to revisit provisions left out of the final bill. He argued Ohio should launch a pilot program for community solar, saying lessons can be learned in a small scale first, so we can help develop this across the state of Ohio.

But most important, Smith applauded the measure for finally turning the page on H.B. 6.

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House Bill 15 contains huge wins for consumers that have been scarred by the House Bill 6 scandal, he said. But most importantly, it will keep money in the pockets of hardworking Ohioans as we end the legacy generation rider, which is costing Ohio ratepayers over $450,000 a day.

The Senate put the proposal to a vote quickly and approved it unanimously.

Speaking after the vote, Senate President Rob McColley emphasized the importance of behind-the-meter generation. He argued the policy could be one of the most transformational changes state lawmakers make in the energy sector. McColley said hes already hearing from companies that believe it will dramatically reduce the time it takes to get up and running. He added the policy could also offer a way for some power producers to sidestep the PJM backlog.

Eventually some of these projects, once theyre built behind-the-meter, will file an application at PJM to interconnect, McColley said. They will not need permission to interconnect before they can build because they wont be interconnected yet, but the ultimate goal could be that they generate enough power to send it out onto the grid.

House debate

Across the rotunda, House sponsor state Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, praised the legislation as a great step toward making Ohio energy independent.

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We know that PJM has issued significant warnings throughout the last few years, he said, that we are heading towards an energy shortage crisis across the entire market  as soon as next year.

The House overwhelmingly approved the measure, by a vote of 94-2.

Speaking afterward, House Speaker Matt Huffman echoed McColleys praise for behind-the-meter generation. He argued giving large power users an alternative will reduce their impact on the grid and give the system greater flexibility overall.

What that does is make sure theres more reliable energy, and with fewer users on the grid, the cost goes down, he said. So thats hopefully the immediate effect.

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But far from suggesting the approach could help generators sidestep a long interconnection queue with PJM, Huffman floated the idea of sidestepping PJM altogether.

Is PJM the right fit for the state of Ohio? Huffman wondered. Theres another choice, MISO, to the West, which includes Indiana and much of the Big 10  or the old Big 10 when there was only 10 schools in it.

Huffman said hes already begun talking with people at MISO. The 15-state grid operator covers much of the Midwest, and stretches as far south as Mississippi and Louisiana and as far west as the Dakotas and part of Montana.

The speaker complained about PJM agreeing to changes sought by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro that restrict the free market.

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Shapiro sued PJM arguing the price cap at an upcoming auction was too high, and customers in his state could see bills increase $21 billion over the next two years. PJM settled, and federal regulators signed off on the agreement earlier this month.

That gives me, personally, great pause, Huffman said. Is that PJM board acting in the best interest of all of the members, including the state of Ohio? So, we need to ask that question that may help us some on the future issues.

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky.

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The art of filmmaking is nothing new at Colorado Springs' Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning. Now in its 10th year, however, the annual production is bigger than ever.

The charter schools students arrived at Roadhouse Cinemas, donning attire fit for Hollywood, to walk the red carpet and view the premiere of their original film Weathered Wednesday night.

Here comes a limo! one parent shouted as a crowd of family, friends and school staff eagerly awaited outside the theater.

Upon their chauffeured arrival, the movie stars were greeted to red ropes, cheering fans and dinner with their families ahead of their silver screen debut. The 35-minute film is the culmination of students work since the start of the school year through Academy ACLs GeekThink Films program.

The K-8 charter school became the first public school in the country to incorporate film production into its curriculum in 2015.

Academy Director Teresa Brown said the program began when a group of students suggested it and their teacher had them write an original screenplay for them to film.

When a kid says, What if we  we [the school] want to give them the opportunity to give it a shot, she said. If that first group of kids said, What if we made a movie? and that teacher said, Nope, we would not have this today.

Work on the film is done predominantly by the schools high school-level language arts class, but language arts teacher Jason Henry explained that the process changed this year to include input from the entire school. Along with helping to determine students class placement, a writing prompt at the beginning of the school year asked every student what they would make a movie about, if they could.

These ideas across all grades were then deliberated by the class and incorporated into the final screenplay.

They literally read through almost 300 writing samples and they had to take all of those samples and narrow it down to one idea that they wanted to make a movie about, Henry said.

That one idea became what a ragtag group of students would do if they were alone in their school during a major storm. Kids from various grades miss a weather alert advising them to stay home and find themselves breaking into their school for shelter.

Starting off as strangers, they work together, overcome bullying and form new friendships as they weather the storm.

Its a story about big kids helping little kids and the little kids realizing the big kids are there for them even if they're acting a little foolish sometimes, Henry said.

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Henry, who took over the class and program this year, said he worked to expand the program after hearing from students a desire to make bigger movies. In response, the program now features a school-wide casting call and new filming equipment.

The result is a longer film featuring actors from different grades, student-made props, original music and cameo appearances ranging from a class pet to a Colorado Springs police officer.

Penny Gilles is an eighth grader who worked on both this year and last years films and said these investments made a noticeable difference.

I feel like we really stepped it up this year, she said.

In addition to screenwriting and how to operate the new equipment, Henry said the process of making a film teaches students important lessons in collaboration and debating that stretch beyond the class curriculum.

So, learning all these different skills  how to communicate, how to advocate for yourself, how to learn a little bit of humility and concede  is hard enough when theres just two people trying to work on one idea, he said. Then you add 13 kids, and its an interesting process, but they were amazing.

Now in its 10th year, the program is established enough to feature input from school alumni who participated in the past. Some former students even continue to participate years later.

One of our cameo cast members was part of that class that created the whole program, so we brought her back, Henry said. She went from a kid who was involved in making the first film to the school director [in this film]. So, were kind of bringing it full circle.

The audience was treated to a montage chronicling all the GeekThink films since its inception ahead of the new film and behind-the-scenes extras following it.

Plans to expand the film program in the years ahead include forming a summer school program for additional instruction and enrolling students in Denvers 48 Hour Film Project.

Weathered director and eighth grader Karson Whitmore said his memories making the movie will always stick with him, whether he pursues a career in filmmaking in the future.

Its really fun to see all these kids stay after school and put their hearts into this kind of program, he said. Because this is what we know of the only K-8 program in the entire country to do it. So, its really special because not everyone is going to experience this.
Flowers of hemp plants that contain less that 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, to be used for student instruction at the Cleveland School of Cannabis, October 30, 2023, in Independence, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)

The Ohio Senate unanimously passed a bill that would regulate intoxicating hemp and drinkable cannabinoid products.

Ohio Senate Bill 86 would require intoxicating hemp products to be sold only at adult-use marijuana dispensaries instead of allowing them to be sold at CBD stores, convenience stores, smoke shops, or gas stations. The bill now moves to the Ohio House for consideration.

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Current intoxicated hemp products are untested and unregulated, said Ohio state Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City. The bill protects buyers from gaining access to these intoxicating products and ensures adults can still purchase them from existing regulated operators.

Huffman introduced the bill with state Sen. Shane Wilkin, R-Hillsboro. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has implored lawmakers to regulate or ban delta-8 THC products.

The bill would also impose a 10% tax on intoxicating hemp products, ban sales to anyone under 21, and would only allow intoxicating hemp products to be sold at dispensaries if the products have been tested and comply with standards for packaging, labeling, and advertising.

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During discussion on the bill on Wednesday, senators talked primarily about how the bill would protect Ohio kids.

This bill regulates intoxicating hemp products and removes the untested, unsafe items that are marketed toward children from corner stores and vape shops and gas stations, said state Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus. It includes requirements for product testing, safe packaging, age verification. These are all common sense measures.

Wilkin spoke about how a health commissioner in his district came across an intoxicating hemp product that looked like Rice Krispies cereal box.

That is marketed to kids, he said. We dont know whats in them and unfortunately they are, without question, ending up in our kids hands and thats not right.

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Childrens safety and standardization got the Senate Democrats on board with the bill as well, according to Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood.

The more we can narrow in the standardization and some oversight  and the safety of them, the better we are, she said. Is it perfect? No, but does it really get to some of the positive changes for safetys sake? I think so.

CBD store owners previously testified against the bill, arguing this could potentially put them out of business. During testimony in March, Bellefontaine business owner Jaimee Courtney said the bill would eliminate 90% of the non-intoxicating full-spectrum hemp products her business offers, and that the bill would drive consumers to unregulated online markets.

I dont have a lot of sympathy for some of those businesses that are now being forced to not offer a product that was very clearly dangerous and targeted towards children, said Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon. I still think if (shops) were operating before (intoxicating hemp), theyre going to be able to operate after.

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Members of the marijuana business, poison control workers, and religious organizations testified in support of the bill.

The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill says hemp can be legally grown if it contains less than 0.3% THC. Ohio is one of about 20 states that does not have any regulations around intoxicating hemp products, according to an Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center study from November 2024.

Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

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Apr. 30A bill banning intoxicating hemp products from being sold in gas stations, convenience stores or anywhere else outside of a licensed dispensary passed the Ohio Senate 33-0 this week.

The bill, Senate Bill 86, now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration. It's the latest in a growing line of otherwise stalled attempts to regulate intoxicating hemp in Ohio.

The bill targets "intoxicating hemp products," defined as any product with more than two milligrams of delta-9 THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana) or more than 0.5 milligrams of any other "non-delta-9 THC" (like delta-8 or THCA, which can also make users feel high) per package.

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Under current law, those products  derived from hemp and protected under the federal Farm Bill  can be sold just about anywhere in the state and to anyone at the seller's discretion.

Such products are often sold in gas stations, convenience stores or CBD stores, and have frequently been targeted by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other opponents for their potential appeal to children through colorful packaging and subliminal branding.

Under S.B. 86, those products could only be sold by licensed cannabis dispensaries, with a 10% tax that matches the tax Ohio currently has on recreational marijuana.

"This bill simply closes loopholes that allows these dangerous products to be sold to our children," said state Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, who jointly sponsors the bill.

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Robert McClure, a veteran and owner of a boutique "SunMed  Your CBD Store" in Centerville, told this news outlet that it's frustrating for his business  which doesn't sell to customers under 21 and focuses on wellness  to be lumped in with more problematic retailers.

McClure told the Senate General Government Committee last month that S.B. 86 would make it illegal for him to carry most of his best-selling products and would put him "and many others who are doing it right out of business."

In an interview with this outlet, McClure specifically noted that he would no longer be able to sell his "bread and butter:" tinctures of full spectrum CBD oil sold in monthslong supply. His two-month, 3,000 milligram oil tinctures, for example, contain 75 milligrams of THC  far above the bounds of what S.B. 86 allows to be sold outside dispensaries.

McClure said CBD, which is non-intoxicating, trumps the THC contents in those tinctures by as much as 50-to-1.

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When this outlet talked with Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle, they downplayed McClure's concern about S.B. 86 putting him out of business.

"I still think if they were operating before they'll be able to operate after," said Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon.

"What I will say is that there are legitimate products that they can be selling to make money that will not put our children in jeopardy, and that's where I'll leave that," said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood.

McClure doubled down on the threat S.B. 86 poses to his business and maintained that shops like his, offering products like his, are an essential part of Ohio's wellness ecosystem and offer a space to educate people on CBD products.

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"(If) you put these in the hands of the dispensaries, they're not selling this stuff. There's no way they're going to sell this stuff," McClure told this outlet. "That's not their bread and butter. Their bread and butter is selling marijuana, that's what they do."

Note: This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.

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Ohio University is closing their Division of Diversity and Inclusion in response to the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, which was signed at the end of March.

University president, Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez, released a letter to students and staff detailing the changes the university is facing.

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We must make organizational changes in response to the law as it pertains to the prohibition of diversity, equity and inclusion offices and positions at public universities, Gonzalez said in the release.

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Gonzalez highlights the universitys continuing commitment to belonging and community for everyone.

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 said.

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The university is closing the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, and with it the Multicultural Center, the Pride Center and the Womens Center.

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These changes are eliminating staff positions that were dedicated to diversity and inclusion work. They will be given the opportunity to interview for any open positions at the university, if they apply and meet minimum qualifications.

The Office of Accessibility Services, the Veterans and Military Students Service Center and the Office of Civil Rights Compliance will not be impacted by the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act.

The university is now looking for input to help build inclusion and belonging without these programs.

Ensuring Ohio University will always and forever be for every person seeking the opportunity to solve humanitys most urgent challenges will require an ongoing renewal of focus and ideas, Gonzalez said.

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Slow-moving thunderstorms drenched and washed out dozens of roads in Southern Oklahoma Wednesday, and at least two people drowned after being trapped in their cars amid the floodwaters.

In Pottawatomie County, a sheriffs deputy rushed into the water to try to save a driver, but the deputy got caught in a powerful current and had to be rescued. According to the sheriffs office, a team on a rescue boat was able to safely pull the deputy from the water; he was treated and released from a hospital. The driver could not be reached in time and he died at the scene.

In nearby Lincoln County, a driver drowned after a vehicle got trapped along a highway near Prague, the Associated Press reported.

(MORE: Storms Leave At Least 3 Dead In Pennsylvania)

The heavy rain forced some people out of their homes in Lexington. The city's fire department shared photos on social media of the rising water and said a senior center had been opened as a shelter for evacuees.

The Lexington Fire Department evacuated homes as flash floods swamped neighborhoods on April 30, 2025.

Three shelters were also opened in Comanche County, where voluntary evacuations were advised for several neighborhoods.

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Roads were also flooded across parts of Tulsa. Emergency management officials there were expecting several creeks and rivers to crest on Thursday, making some roads impassable. The city also closed the Tulsa Zoo and Mohawk Park on Wednesday due to the heavy rain.

Oklahoma City set a record for rainfall in April. Wednesdays storms helped the city hit 12.55 inches of rain for the month, surging past the previous record of 11.91 inches set in 1947.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM

- Rain, Hail, Extreme Winds Batter Texas

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- Huge Tornado Derails A Train In Nebraska
For the second year in a row, Oklahoma's government will not participate in a federal summer food program worth $120 per eligible child.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT, doles out funds to state and tribal programs, that in turn give residents preloaded cards to buy food while children are on summer break.

Most states have accepted the federal funds and will be providing EBT cards that are worth $120 for the entire summer. Children who qualify for free and reduced school lunches are automatically eligible to receive the funds.

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While Oklahoma will not take part in the program, a handful of tribal nations in the state will, meaning some Oklahoma families may still be eligible for the funds.

Why doesn't Oklahoma participate in Summer EBT?

Gov. Kevin Stitt said in 2024 that he turned down the funds because Oklahoma was fully capable of serving children and students without a federal program that has floundered in other states. He also cited the elimination of Oklahoma's grocery tax as another reason why the state wouldn't be accepting those federal funds.

Oklahoma recently eliminated the collection of a 4.5% sales tax on most groceries. Only 10 states still require sales tax to be collected on groceries, but most U.S. states that have eliminated their grocery tax also participate in Summer EBT.

Oklahomans dont look to the government for answers, we look to our communities, a statement from the governor's office said last year ahead of the 2025 participation deadline.

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Stitt named several programs that provide food year-round, including the Oklahoma State Department of Educations Summer Food Program, Regional Food Bank of Oklahomas Summer Feeding Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Be A Neighbor Initiative, which is a list of community resources.

The state Education Department's Summer Food Program provides bagged lunches that can be picked up at sites like parks, schools, playgrounds, gymnasiums, community centers, churches, apartment complexes or day camps.

Childhood hunger remains a problem in Oklahoma

Despite the efforts made by the state, nonprofits and tribes, and despite agriculture being one of the pillars of the state's economic output, Oklahoma remains one of the worst states when it comes to food security.

According to Feed the Children, Oklahoma ranks fifth when it comes to the percentage of households that do not have access, at all times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.

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"The state of childhood hunger in Oklahoma has not gotten any better," said Chris Bernard, president and CEO of the nonprofit Hunger Free Oklahoma. "It's still between one-in-four and one-in-five kids, and what we're actually seeing now is pressures on families are growing. Things cost more and wages haven't kept up with those costs."

And with the Trump administration again in power, there is likely to be significant changes to the federal government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which has historically been known as "food stamps." A Fox News report this week quoted officials saying they have a "massive plan" to reform SNAP in light of Trump's quest to slash government spending.

"There are fears of everything getting cut right now," Bernard said with a nervous chuckle.

The administration has yet to provide details about how it plans to reform SNAP, but reformers have pushed for increasing work requirements and forcing states to cover a percentage of the benefit cost. Oklahoma residents currently receive over $1 billion each year to buy food, so even a 10% matching requirement would mean the state government would have to find $100 million annually.

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"States that tend to need these benefits the most also tend to be the states that spend the least on social services and cut budgets rather than increase them," Bernard said.

Tribes administer Summer EBT programs in Oklahoma

Only 12 states will not participate this year, including Oklahoma. However, five Oklahoma tribes have signed up for the program:

Cherokee Nation

Chickasaw Nation

Choctaw Nation

Muscogee Creek Nation

Otoe-Missouria Tribe

The tribes can only provide Summer EBT to children living inside their respective reservations or jurisdictional areas, which mostly includes eastern and southern Oklahoma.

Tribal membership is not required to access the program, however, so any student who is eligible for free and reduced lunches at schools within tribal boundaries can receive funds.

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"If people want to make sure every kid in Oklahoma has access, not just kids who live on tribal lands, they need to be calling their state legislators and telling them it's something they want to see," Bernard said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma tribes offer summer EBT after state declines funds again
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Olathe Police Department announced on Thursday that theyve opened a homicide investigation after a 75-year-old woman was found dead yesterday, April 30.

Olathe police officers responded just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, for a welfare check of a woman in the area of N. Persimmon Drive, near Olathe West High School.

When officers arrived on the scene, they located the 75-year-old victim dead inside the residence.

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Police said the circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation at this time. She has not been identified.

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The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

This is an ongoing investigation; FOX4 will provide updates as theyre made 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Herman Evans, who spent decades in prison for a crime he didn't commit, embraces a supporter after a Louisiana Senate committee approved a bill Tuesday, April 29, 2025, that would allow persons convicted by a split jury verdict to seek a retrial. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled split jury verdicts were unconstitutional, but it left it up to states to decide if they would apply the law retroactively to past convictions. (Delaney Nolan/Louisiana Illuminator)

A packed legislative committee meeting erupted with cheers and sobs of joy Tuesday, as a bill advanced a long-awaited remedy for people imprisoned in Louisiana under unconstitutional split-jury verdicts.

Senate Bill 218, by Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, would allow people convicted by non-unanimous juries to petition for their cases to be reviewed. The Senate Committee on Judiciary B approved the proposal in a 5-1 vote.

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Up until 2018, Louisiana and Oregon were the only two states where defendants could be convicted if at least 10 of 12 jurors voted guilty. The standard goes back to a Jim Crow era law intended to nullify the voice of Black jurors. As of 2020, about 80% of people incarcerated in Louisiana on split-jury verdicts were Black based on a Promise of Justice Initiative analysis.

Louisiana voters approved an amendment in 2018 to do away with split verdicts, though it did not impact persons already tried and sentenced by a non-unanimous jury vote. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Ramos v. Louisiana that split-jury convictions are unconstitutional, but justices left it up to states to determine if the ruling would apply retroactively to older cases.

Two years later, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled the change applied only to verdicts after 2018, meaning those convicted by split juries before 2018 had no recourse.

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Duplessis bill would change that, but it still faces long odds in the Republican-dominated legislature. The bill, which found bipartisan support in committee, would need nine Republicans to support it on the Senate floor in addition to all Democrats. Gov. Jeff Landry, when he was attorney general, argued against the abandonment of split-jury verdicts when Ramos was before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Some of Landrys arguments were echoed by the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, which opposes the bill. Its members argue, in part, that it would be too complex and costly to retry people convicted by split juries.

There are currently 773 people incarcerated in Louisiana on non-unanimous jury convictions, according to the Promise of Justice Initiative.

Duplessis bill would allow them to petition for a retrial. If a judge deems the defendant eligible, their conviction would be voided, and a district attorney would then decide whether to re-prosecute their case, offer a plea deal, or dismiss the charges.

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Duplessis and other supporters pointed out any retrials would still favor the prosecutor because they could reuse witness testimony from the original trial, while the defense couldnt necessarily cross-examine those witnesses if they have since died or are otherwise unavailable.

Will Snowden, a Loyola University law professor, said 13 people convicted by non-unanimous verdicts in Louisiana have been exonerated, citing figures from the Innocence Project New Orleans.

Striking testimony for the bill came from Herman Evans, who was convicted in 1980 on a 10-2 jury and spent decades in Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for a murder he didnt commit. The Promise of Justice Initiative had his conviction overturned in 2024.

Evans spoke of losing his father, daughter and three sisters while wrongly imprisoned.

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Every time I tried to make my voice heard over 37 years, I kept getting one word: denied, Evans said. Upon release, he said, I left a lot of people behind that deserve to have their unconstitutional convictions overturned.

Jermaine Hudson, who was wrongfully convicted in 1999 in New Orleans by a split jury, spoke to the committee alongside Bobby Gumpright, whose false testimony as an 18-year-old led to Hudsons conviction. Hudson spent 22 years in prison for an armed robbery that never happened.

On Tuesday, Gumpright wept as he spoke of Hudsons forgiveness.

I couldnt change the past, but I could refuse to live the lie any longer while injustice continued, Gumpright said. Louisiana cant change the past. But Louisiana can refuse to let its injustice live on.

Racism created this problem

Zach Daniels, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, disagreed with the assessment that all non-unanimous jury convictions are unjust.

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Some jurors who dont vote for convictions do so because they actually want stronger charges, such as first-degree murder instead of second-degree murder, Daniels said. He did not offer data on the frequency of such cases, but he disputed the Promise of Justice Initiatives count of people who could be entitled to new trials. The number is much larger than 773, he said.

Sen. Joseph Bouie, D-New Orleans, rejected Daniels arguments.

What about those individuals who were convicted and were innocent? The scope of work should not be an issue. The cost should not be an issue, Bouie said. If we do not afford the opportunity, we close the doors of justice that are the result of a system of racism that created this problem.

Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, agreed with Bouie. If theres just one innocent person serving time for a crime that they didnt do, I dont know how you justify the rationale that [because] this is difficult to do, we shouldnt do it, McMath told Daniels.

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Duplessis also argued it is a disservice to victims to not ensure the right person has been convicted  and that wrongfully convicted people are themselves victims.

The dialogue between Duplessis and Daniels grew heated toward the end of the two-hour hearing, as Duplessis challenged him on several points. He criticized Daniels for not having reached out to district attorneys in Oregon, where more than 700 people were retried after split-jury verdicts and it did not snarl the courts.

I think its a slap in the face to this committee because what it shows us is that youre not trying to solve the problem, Duplessis told Daniels. Im trying to find a solution. The question is: Are you?

After Sen. Robert Owen, R-Slidell, cast the clinching yes vote to advance the bill to the Senate floor, cheers, applause and cries of thank you broke out from the committee room crowd. Owen joined McMath, Bouie, Duplessis and Sen. Jimmie Harris, D-New Orleans, in supporting the proposal.

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Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, cast the only vote in opposition. He briefly noted during debate that no district attorneys showed up to support Duplessis bill at Tuesdays committee hearing.

Theres no daylight between public opinion and doing the right thing on non-unanimous juries, Mary-Patricia Wray, whos lobbied for the Promise of Justice Initiative since 2016, told Illuminator. This issue isnt controversial outside the Capitol. Voters already decided what justice looks like. Now its the legislatures turn to catch up.

In the hallway after the hearing, people who had come to support the bill wept openly and hugged each other.

I feel great, Evans told the Illuminator, smiling broadly before turning away for another embrace.

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Herman Evans, who spent decades in prison for a crime he didnt commit, embraces a supporter after a Louisiana Senate committee approved a bill Tuesday, April 29, 2025, that would allow persons convicted by a split jury verdict to seek a retrial. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled split jury verdicts were unconstitutional, but it left it up to states to decide if they would apply the law retroactively to past convictions. (Delaney Nolan/Louisiana Illuminator)

A packed legislative committee meeting erupted with cheers and sobs of joy Tuesday, as a bill advanced a long-awaited remedy for people imprisoned in Louisiana under unconstitutional split-jury verdicts.

Senate Bill 218, by Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, would allow people convicted by non-unanimous juries to petition for their cases to be reviewed. The Senate Committee on Judiciary B approved the proposal in a 5-1 vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Up until 2018, Louisiana and Oregon were the only two states where defendants could be convicted if at least 10 of 12 jurors voted guilty. The standard goes back to a Jim Crow era law intended to nullify the voice of Black jurors. As of 2020, about 80% of people incarcerated in Louisiana on split-jury verdicts were Black based on a Project of Justice Initiative analysis.

Non-unanimous verdicts in Oregon

Oregon amended its state constitution in 1934 to allow 10 out of 12 members of a jury to convict a defendant of any crime other than first-degree murder. That amendment, made during an era of anti-immigrant and antisemitic fervor in the state, followed a manslaughter conviction for a Jewish man who killed a Protestant man, according to the Oregon Law Review.

Following the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that split-jury verdicts are unconstitutional, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled in 2022 in Watkins v. Ackley that the ban on split verdicts applied retroactively. Under that ruling, anyone with a non-unanimous jury conviction was entitled to a new trial.

In 2023, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 321 to create a pathway for those individuals to seek relief.

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Louisiana voters approved an amendment in 2018 to do away with split verdicts, though it did not impact persons already tried and sentenced by a non-unanimous jury vote. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Ramos v. Louisiana that split-jury convictions are unconstitutional, but justices left it up to states to determine if the ruling would apply retroactively to older cases.

Two years later, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled the change applied only to verdicts after 2018, meaning those convicted by split juries before 2018 had no recourse.

Duplessis bill would change that, but it still faces long odds in the Republican-dominated legislature. The bill, which found bipartisan support in committee, would need nine Republicans to support it on the Senate floor in addition to all Democrats. Gov. Jeff Landry, when he was attorney general, argued against the abandonment of split-jury verdicts when Ramos was before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Some of Landrys arguments were echoed by the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, which opposes the bill. Its members argue, in part, that it would be too complex and costly to retry people convicted by split juries.

Advertisement Advertisement

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There are currently 773 people incarcerated in Louisiana on non-unanimous jury convictions, according to the Promise of Justice Initiative.

Duplessis bill would allow them to petition for a retrial. If a judge deems the defendant eligible, their conviction would be voided, and a district attorney would then decide whether to re-prosecute their case, offer a plea deal, or dismiss the charges.

Duplessis and other supporters pointed out any retrials would still favor the prosecutor because they could reuse witness testimony from the original trial, while the defense couldnt necessarily cross-examine those witnesses if they have since died or are otherwise unavailable.

Will Snowden, a Loyola University law professor, said 13 people convicted by non-unanimous verdicts in Louisiana have been exonerated, citing figures from the Innocence Project New Orleans.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Striking testimony for the bill came from Herman Evans, who was convicted in 1980 on a 10-2 jury and spent decades in Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for a murder he didnt commit. The Promise of Justice Initiative had his conviction overturned in 2024.

Evans spoke of losing his father, daughter and three sisters while wrongly imprisoned.

Every time I tried to make my voice heard over 37 years, I kept getting one word: denied, Evans said. Upon release, he said, I left a lot of people behind that deserve to have their unconstitutional convictions overturned.

Jermaine Hudson, who was wrongfully convicted in 1999 in New Orleans by a split jury, spoke to the committee alongside Bobby Gumpright, whose false testimony as an 18-year-old led to Hudsons conviction. Hudson spent 22 years in prison for an armed robbery that never happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

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On Tuesday, Gumpright wept as he spoke of Hudsons forgiveness.

I couldnt change the past, but I could refuse to live the lie any longer while injustice continued, Gumpright said. Louisiana cant change the past. But Louisiana can refuse to let its injustice live on.

Racism created this problem

Zach Daniels, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, disagreed with the assessment that all non-unanimous jury convictions are unjust.

Some jurors who dont vote for convictions do so because they actually want stronger charges, such as first-degree murder instead of second-degree murder, Daniels said. He did not offer data on the frequency of such cases, but he disputed the Promise of Justice Initiatives count of people who could be entitled to new trials. The number is much larger than 773, he said.

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Sen. Joseph Bouie, D-New Orleans, rejected Daniels arguments.

What about those individuals who were convicted and were innocent? The scope of work should not be an issue. The cost should not be an issue, Bouie said. If we do not afford the opportunity, we close the doors of justice that are the result of a system of racism that created this problem.

Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, agreed with Bouie. If theres just one innocent person serving time for a crime that they didnt do, I dont know how you justify the rationale that [because] this is difficult to do, we shouldnt do it, McMath told Daniels.

Duplessis also argued it is a disservice to victims to not ensure the right person has been convicted  and that wrongfully convicted people are themselves victims.

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The dialogue between Duplessis and Daniels grew heated toward the end of the two-hour hearing, as Duplessis challenged him on several points. He criticized Daniels for not having reached out to district attorneys in Oregon, where more than 700 people were retried after split-jury verdicts and it did not snarl the courts.

I think its a slap in the face to this committee because what it shows us is that youre not trying to solve the problem, Duplessis told Daniels. Im trying to find a solution. The question is: Are you?

After Sen. Robert Owen, R-Slidell, cast the clinching yes vote to advance the bill to the Senate floor, cheers, applause and cries of thank you broke out from the committee room crowd. Owen joined McMath, Bouie, Duplessis and Sen. Jimmie Harris, D-New Orleans, in supporting the proposal.

Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, cast the only vote in opposition. He briefly noted during debate that no district attorneys showed up to support Duplessis bill at Tuesdays committee hearing.

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Theres no daylight between public opinion and doing the right thing on non-unanimous juries, Mary-Patricia Wray, whos lobbied for the Promise of Justice Initiative since 2016, told the Illuminator. This issue isnt controversial outside the Capitol. Voters already decided what justice looks like. Now its the legislatures turn to catch up.

In the hallway after the hearing, people who had come to support the bill wept openly and hugged each other.

I feel great, Evans told the Illuminator, smiling broadly before turning away for another embrace.

Louisiana Illuminator, like the Capital Chronicle, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Ector County Sheriffs Office and the SWAT team have arrested a man after executing a search warrant on a home near Permian High School. Jacob Wysong, 42, has been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

According to Sheriff Mike Griffis, around 6:30 a.m. on May 1, investigators executed a search warrant on a home in the 4100 block of Melody Lane. Amid the search, Griffis said they found more than 840 grams of methamphetamine, numerous vials of liquid steroid, several packages of steroid tablets, and three firearms.

Wysong was arrested at the scene and booked into the Ector County Law Enforcement Center where he remained as of Thursday afternoon. His bond has not yet been set.

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Griffis said because the operation took place within 1000 feet of Permian High School, Ector County ISD Police were notified of the scene and helped secure the area. The active investigation did not interfere with campus or cause any delays in the start of class.

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  One person is injured after being assaulted with a knife on Thursday in Huntsville.

Huntsville Police said that officers responded to the hospital for a person who had been assaulted with a knife around 3:30 a.m.

Around 2 a.m., HPD learned that the victim was at the unsheltered community near the intersection of Derrick Street and Hall Avenue.

Woman in critical condition following early morning shooting on Derrick Street

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According to authorities, the male victim was involved in a altercation with several other people when someone used the knife to assault him.

Police told News 19 that there was no evidence of a disturbance in the camp.

A member of the Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.

The victim received non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

That is all of the information that is available at this time.

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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Monday that it will fine three Denver businesses more than $8 million for allegedly hiring more than 100 people without authorization to work in the country.

ICE issued a notice of intent  which is carried out after an investigation finding a business knowingly hired and kept employing unauthorized workers  against CCS Denver, Inc., PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems Inc., and Green Management Denver.

Its not clear whether these are separate business operations or companies under CCS Facility Services, a commercial cleaning and maintenance firm based in Denver.

The CCS Denver and PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems share addresses at 1900 W. Littleton Blvd., the corporate office of CCS Facility Services, according to Secretary of State business filings.

Green Management Denvers address is listed as 1485 South Lipan St., another location listed on the CCS Facility Services website.

CCS Facility Services and ICE did not immediately respond for comment.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to work without expressed authorization by the U.S. government.

Federal law requires companies that recruit or hire workers to complete whats called the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This process, which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services manages, helps to verify an employees identity and authorization to obtain work in America.

Documents that applicants can submit to verify their identity and show they are legally permitted to work include a U.S. passport, a permanent residency card or an employment authorization document.

In 1996, Congress passed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act, which launched a pilot program that later became E-Verify. The latter is what most companies now use to verify a workers eligibility.

E-Verify relies on records from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm whether a person is eligible to work in the country. The system checks information from the I-9 form against databases maintained by the federal government.

Federal law does not mandate the use of E-Verify. Efforts are afoot in Congress to do so. One proposal would phase in its implementation over time, mandating its use on bigger employers first.

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Several states already require companies to use E-Verify.

In Arizona, state law expressly bars companies from hiring foreign nationals without federal work authorization and requires them to run hires through E-Verify. Under the Arizona law, a county attorney can bring a civil suit to suspend or revoke a business license for knowingly hiring a worker without federal work authorization.

In 2016, Colorado eliminated its own requirements, which mirrored federal law, that employers verify their workers status. And in 2021, the legislature repealed requirements that an individual must be lawfully present in the U.S. in order to apply for a professional license or a public works contract.

ICE issued the largest fine to CCS Denver for allegedly hiring 87 immigrants who are not legally allowed to work in the U.S. The company will be fined about $6.2 million, according to ICE.

The fine was based on a 100% substantive violation rate, which is calculated by the number of violations, such as illegally hiring workers from outside the U.S. or continuing to employ unauthorized workers.

The number of violations are then divided by the number of I-9 forms the company should have had for an inspection.

The size of the business, good faith of the employer, the seriousness of the violation and the involvement of the workers are also taken into consideration when ICE issues fines.

PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems was fined nearly $1.2 million for knowingly employing at least 12 people not authorized to work, ICE said in a news release, based on a 74% violation rate.

Green Management Denvers fine was about $270,000 for 44 workers and also a 100% violation rate.

The employment of unauthorized workers undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts law-abiding employers at a disadvantage, said ICE Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen in the announcement. These penalties reinforce our commitment to uphold the law and promote a culture of compliance.

CCS Facilities has been operating for more than 40 years and has a presence in 10 states, according to its website. It specializes in janitorial services in large commercial buildings, such as office towers, medical facilities and campuses.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  The Spartanburg Police Department have arrested a suspect in connection to a shooting that killed a man and placed schools under lockdown.

At approximately 3:20 p.m., officers were called out to Marion Avenue near the J.C. Bull Apartments regarding a shooting.

Officers said that the caller reported that a man had been shot in the chest and the leg; he was transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

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The Spartanburg County Coroners Office identified the victim as Norman Higgins, 45, of Spartanburg. Higgins died around 4:12 p.m.

Authorities said that, prior to the officers arrival, the suspect had already fled the scene. During the search, several schools in the area were placed under lockdown.

The suspect, identified as Travis Lee Wilkins, 39, was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He remains at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.

This remains an ongoing investigation by the Spartanburg Police Department. Anyone with more information about the shooting is asked to call police at (864) 596-2035 or Spartanburg Crime Stoppers at (888) 274-6372.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Donald Trumps pick to head the U.S. attorneys office in Washington, D.C., is running into roadblocks in the Senate.

Ed Martins confirmation vote wont be taking place Thursday, with Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, saying [i]ts my understanding that we are not going to move forward on the Martin nomination.

The committee chair, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, said in a hearing that Republicans need more time to vet Martin. Grassleys communications director, Clare Slattery told The New Republic that the committee is still reviewing Martins responses to questions for the record and waiting for Martin to return a few routine background materials.

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Martins nomination could only be listed on the [committee] agenda once that process is complete, Slattery said, adding that a vote on Martin would take place at a future date.

In recent days, though, Martins nomination has faced increased scrutiny from Republicans over his comments criticizing police officers at the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. Senator Thom Tillis, for example, said he has serious concerns about the nomination.

Martin has has long been an election denialist and apologist for the Capitol insurrection, but Senate Republicans have other concerns about him, too: Hes made several attacks against some of them, including Senators Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and John Cornyn, for, in his view, standing against Republican priorities and insufficiently supporting the president.

Martin also didnt disclose to the Senate that he had made over 200 appearances on far-right and Russian state media outlets from 2016 to 2024. Martin also has been criticized for praising a January 6 rioter, Timothy Hale-Cussanelli, with a long history of antisemitic comments who has posted pictures of himself dressed as Hitler.

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In the past few months, Martin has served as the interim U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., and gone on a far-right crusade, threatening legal action against Trump and Elon Musk critics, including Democrats in Congress; journalists; and even Georgetown University. Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin has called for Martin to be investigated by the Justice Departments inspector general for violating the law and ignoring legal ethics.

Normally, U.S. attorney nominees dont come with this much controversy or negative news coverage. Will all of this be enough to sink Martins nomination? Trump has ignored media criticism in his appointments before, so he may very well force his Senate allies to ram Martin through regardless of how they feel.



This story has been updated.




OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  A Lee County judge has sentenced 31-year-old Jamario Mitchell to 47 years in prison for the brutal 2021 murder of his girlfriends 2-year-old daughter, Ivy Baker. Wednesdays sentencing comes just weeks after a jury found him guilty under Alabamas Avas Law, which holds offenders accountable for child abuse resulting in death.

I am thankful for the District Attorneys office. Justice was served, and I just pray this never happens to anybody else again, said Ivys father, Laderrian Prince, in an interview with WRBL.

According to investigators, Mitchell was alone with Ivy in a home on Cherry Circle in Opelika during the hours leading up to her death. Forensic testimony described Ivys injuries as consistent with prolonged and severe abuse, including a fatal acute subdural hematoma, broken collarbones, and multiple scalp contusionsinjuries one expert likened to those sustained in a violent car crash.

Mitchells defense urged jurors to rely on facts rather than emotions, emphasizing no one testified to seeing Mitchell harm Ivy. They argued simply being present at the time of her injuries did not prove guilt.

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Testimony revealed a neighbor had urged Ivys mother, Chasity Baker, and Mitchell to seek medical care the night before the toddler died. Instead, Mitchell allegedly refused, saying, No hospital, theyre gonna ask questions. Cant do that.

Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere said the case represents the strength of law enforcement and prosecutorial collaboration.

I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of Chief Assistant District Attorney Clay Thomas and Senior Trial Attorney Madison Grantham. Their dedication, skill, and pursuit of justice on behalf of 2-year-old Ivy Baker were instrumental in securing this verdict, Ventiere said. Avas Law was created to hold those accountable who commit unthinkable acts of violence against children. Todays conviction is a testament to the hard work of our prosecutors and law enforcement officers who stand up for victims who can no longer speak for themselves.

Ivys mother, Chasity, is also facing charges in connection to her daughters death. She is expected to stand trial in the coming months.

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Mitchells bond was revoked immediately following the verdict. His sentence ensures he will not be eligible for early release until serving the majority of the 47-year term.

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Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, introduces a bill on the Senate floor during the 2024 legislative session. This year, he is carrying a bill from the House that would allow students to enroll in neighboring districts (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The split among Senate Republicans over a bill allowing Missouri students to enroll in neighboring school districts widened to a chasm they could not bridge Wednesday after the legislation was tied to an obligation to fully fund public education.

The state Senate debated the legislation, dubbed open enrollment, for five hours, finally setting it aside when no agreement could be reached.

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When the bill passed the Missouri House in March for the fifth consecutive year, 22 of the chambers 110 Republicans voted against it. A similar split in the Senate, combined with Democratic opposition, led to Wednesdays impasse.

The debate marked the first time it reached full Senate.

The bills House sponsor, state Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Republican from Sedalia, has fine-tuned the bill over the years to settle concerns and win over GOP skeptics.

At its core, the legislation would allow school districts to enroll students outside of its boundaries to fill open seats and collect the state funding for those students. Provisions like the maximum number of students that could leave their home district each year have changed over time, with the House passing a 3% cap on departing students and a Senate committee giving the cap room to expand to 5% in some situations.

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Any changes made in the Senate will need to win approval in the House, where the margin is very slim. And the bill brought to up for debate Wednesday by state Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, is loaded with changes reaching into other K-12 education matters.

Pollitt told The Independent that he was part of discussions in both the Senate committee substitute and the floor substitute, confident the changes wouldnt kill the legislation if it returns to the House.

Behind closed doors, the 22-page bill approved by the House ballooned into a 107-page education package negotiated without input from Senate Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, said he received a copy of the bill shortly before the Senate convened.

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This large piece of policy is coming before the body, and we havent even had a chance to have input on it, which weve done in the past on numerous big bills around here that you know about, Beck said. We are basically shut out of this process.

Trent said school districts and other stakeholders were consulted, adding that Beck could offer amendments on the floor.

Beck challenged Trents confidence in the negotiations.

I dont think theres consensus in your own caucus on this bill, he said, saying Senate Republicans had asked him if he was going to kill this thing.

The division emerged when state Sen. Lincoln Hough, the chambers other Springfield Republican, added provisions that would pause open enrollment in years that the state does not fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools. The pause, under Houghs additions, would also occur if teacher salary grants or district transportation costs were not fully funded.

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This body has a tendency to pass laws and then not necessarily financially support the legislation that we adopt, he said.

Hough, the appropriations committee chairman, is the Senates top voice on spending. His amendment, he said, would ensure that future state lawmakers adequately support funding that is key to public education and the operation of an open-enrollment system.

Trent called the amendment a special carve out that could hinder future senators.

I dont think that we should second guess the judgment of future general assemblies, nor should we hold a good idea hostage to arbitrary standards such as this, he said.

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The narrow votes on Houghs proposals showed the depth of the split. The transportation funding requirement was added on a 15-13 vote, then it and the other two requirements were approved 14-13.

The standing division vote did not record individual members positions, but objections were raised when state Sen. Mike Henderson, a Republican from Desloge, refused to take sides.

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, raised a point of order, and Senate President Pro Tem Cindy OLaughlin of Shelbina ruled that Henderson was within the rules by refusing to vote.

Pollitt did not comment on Houghs amendments, saying only that he feels confident in the financial considerations because districts have to opt in to participate.

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If they take kids one year and finance has changed drastically, then come around November 1 the next year, they can say, You know what, were not going to opt in again, Pollitt said. But those kids (already enrolled) get to stay.

Before the bill was laid over, Democratic Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern of Kansas City offered an amendment that would exclude charter schools from open enrollment. The inclusion of charters was not part of the version approved by the House and was added in the Senate Education Committee.

Pollitt said he wasnt opposed to including charter schools in the legislation, since lawmakers added provisions that would protect local tax dollars from going to students outside the district who enroll in a charter school.

Nurrenberns amendment did not come to a vote.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated at 10 a.m. Thursday to correct the name of the non-voting senator.

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CUMBERLAND  A company that wants to construct high-voltage electric lines through parts of wildlands in Allegany and Garrett counties will host a series of open houses beginning next week.

NextEra Energy Transmission plans to build the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link, a new 105-mile line from Virginia to Pennsylvania.

According to the companys website, the transmission system, also known as a grid, moves electricity from various power sources to the communities where it can be used, and is critical to improving the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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Although a specific route for the project hasnt been made public, legislation was recently passed to strip wildlands designations from areas of the states two westernmost counties, and is on Gov. Wes Moores desk.

Senate Bill 399, introduced earlier this year by state Sen. Mike McKay  a Republican who represents Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties  includes that wildland designations will be exempt in areas in the Big Savage Mountain Wildland, Bear Pen Wildland and Dans Mountain Wildland subject to a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to construct the lines.

More than 30 people and organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the Maryland Ornithological Society, opposed the bill.

Recently, McKay encouraged everyone to participate in the public meetings planned in Garrett and Allegany counties.

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Open houses

The open houses will not include a formal presentation, but project representatives will be available to answer questions and provide project-related information, according to NextEras website.

The events will be held from 3 to 7 p.m.:

 May 5 at the Slanesville Volunteer Fire Company, 6951 Bloomery Pike, Slanesville, West Virginia.

 May 6 at the Friendsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, 122 Walnut St., Friendsville.

 May 7 at the Good Will Fire Company Armory, 2 Advocate Court, Lonaconing.

 May 8 at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, 165 Terminal Loop, Wiley Ford, West Virginia.

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 May 12 at the Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia.

 May 13 at the Fairchance Volunteer Fire Department, 31 Pittsburgh St., Fairchance, Pennsylvania.

 May 14 at the Bruceton Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department 142 Union St., Bruceton Mills, West Virginia.

 May 20 at the Gore Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, 7184 Northwestern Turnpike, Gore, Virginia.
SAN FRANCISCO  OpenAI is raising questions over a group behind a now-amended California bill that would have threatened the companys for-profit restructuring plans, and asking if the effort could have links to former business partner turned rival Elon Musk  links the organization denies.

In a letter, obtained by POLITICO, OpenAIs lawyer suggested the Coalition for AI Nonprofit Integrity echoes arguments Musk has made in court against OpenAIs plans to convert to a for-profit structure.

As you may know, Elon Musk has engaged in a coordinated campaign via bad-faith tactics, including multiple lawsuits, to disrupt our operations for his own personal benefit, wrote lawyer Ann OLeary, former chief of staff to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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After POLITICOs initial report, the coalition denied it was financed by Musk.

I can share with you that the coalition is not funded by Elon Musk, the groups spokesperson Becky Warren, told POLITICO in an email. Instead, she said it is a grassroots organization whose funders included Larry Lessig, a Harvard University law professor who briefly ran for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination and has voiced support for AI whistleblower protections.

Warren said the family of Suchir Balaji, the late OpenAI engineer and whistleblower who died last year, was also a funder. Musk has questioned whether Balajis death was a suicide as reported, and his family has appealed to Musk to investigate further , saying they believe he was murdered despite police findings to the contrary.

The letter comes amid an escalating court battle between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and astop California officials face pressure to intervene because the company is based in San Francisco, though incorporated in Delaware.

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The OpenAI letter asks for a meeting with the coalition and its president, Jeffrey Mark Gardner, but also asks the group to disclose its funding sources. The groups funding has yet to be disclosed in tax documents because it was so recently incorporated. State filings show Joel Aurora, of the high-powered law firm Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni, as its agent.

The coalition sponsored a bill introduced in Sacramento in February that, in its initial form, would have complicated  or potentially halted  OpenAIs conversion to a for-profit structure. That bill was suddenly and dramatically amended in March by its author, Assemblymember Diane Papan, who said she needed more time to work on it.

Noting Musks efforts, including a federal lawsuit to stop the changeover, OLeary wrote she was raising the issue, because several of CANIs public positions echo themes and language found in these ongoing efforts. We would welcome clarification as to whether there is any affiliation or coordination with this or any other individuals or organizations.

Musk did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

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Aside from OpenAIs suggestions, there are no other definite indications of the coalition being linked to Musk.

I think the biggest thing is that this is not a Musk group and that OpenAI is doing whatever they can to distract, said Warren, the coalitions spokesperson. Warren said the group is committed to a simple principle: organizations created to develop human-level AI for humanity's benefit should remain true to that mission.

She pointed to support she said the group had received from the likes of AI luminaries including Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton, Meta researcher Yann LeCun, UC Berkeleys Stuart Russell and others.

OpenAI is facing pressure from multiple sides seeking to stymie its plan to make its current nonprofit parent company a shareholder in a new for-profit enterprise. Musk, an initial co-founder who ultimately left and formed his own rival firm xAI, is challenging OpenAIs plan, arguing it deviates from the original mission to provide a public good, which OpenAI disputes.

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Beyond Musks efforts, more than 30 former OpenAI staffers as well as Nobel Prize winners and civil society figures recently urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta and his Delaware counterpart Kathleen Jennings to stop the marquee AI company from making the change.

A powerful group of nonprofits and labor groups have also asked Bonta to intervene, saying the assets OpenAI accumulated for nonprofit purposes should be used as such.

Bonta has already launched a probe and requested documents from the company, but has declined to join Musks legal action. Bontas office has previously declined to discuss the investigation with POLITICO.

The coalitions website calls for OpenAIs hundreds of billions of dollars in assets to be used for nonprofit purposes.
About 1,100 people were arrested as part of the weeklong, statewide immigration enforcement sting known as Operation Tidal Wave, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday, calling the sweep a model for the nation as authorities seek to remove tens of thousands more immigrants living in Florida with deportation orders.

DeSantis stood alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at a morning press conference in Miramar to commend the work as part of President Donald Trumps nationwide crackdown.

Madison Sheehan, ICE deputy director, said the effort led to the single most arrests done by a state in a single week in the agencys history  with more to come.

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I think the governor would agree that this will not be the last one here in the State of Florida but also a model that were able to take to other states to make it a priority that the president has kept to the American people to make sure our communities are safe and continue to be safe, Sheehan said.

Operation Tidal Wave, which concluded last week, was conducted by federal authorities working with state and local agencies which signed agreements to partner with ICE as part of the so-called 287(g) program.

Of the 1,120 people arrested statewide, 387 were said to have received final orders of removal from an immigration judge. Most of the detainees are either from Guatemala, 437, or Mexico, 280. Authorities said many were members of gangs like Tren de Aragua or MS-13, but the number of those identified as such was not mentioned.

Its unclear how many arrests were made in the Greater Orlando area, but the governors office listed Orange County among the sheriffs offices that provided significant assistance for Operation Tidal Wave.

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Reporters were told of two men with criminal records facing deportation: one a Mexican said to have been convicted of human smuggling and another a Colombian with a history of theft and burglary. Those men were arrested in Jupiter and Polk County, respectively.

While a law signed by DeSantis earlier this year requires sheriffs and county jails to join the program, city police departments including in Orlando have felt pressure to take part. Despite the Orlando Police Department signing an agreement last month, the city received threats from Tallahassee for its policy banning city employees and cops from asking about immigration status  an episode DeSantis said was taken care of even though the city has said its policy, called the Trust Act, has not changed.

OPD is among 244 agencies in Florida to have active agreements with ICE as of Wednesday. Between Jan. 1 and April 30 there were 1,018 people booked into the Orange County Jail with an ICE detainer compared to 1,016 similarly booked in all of last year.

Thirty-eight more agencies  including the Central Florida police departments of Belle Isle, Eatonville, Kissimmee, Ocoee, Sanford, Windermere and Winter Springs  are expected to ink a deal with federal authorities.

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Illegal immigration is a problem that affects communities throughout the State of Florida  it does affect criminal activity, it is a way to bring in drugs, bring in human trafficking, a whole bunch of other stuff, said DeSantis, who added that more than 80,000 people live in the state with deportation orders. So theyre all on board, theyve all signed up.

People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Participants of the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail line up to walk to the podium, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel) Bishop William Cavins pastor of Abiding Presence Faith Community speaks during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Participants of the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail chant on their way to the podium, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Labor leader and member of the Central Florida Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Ericka Gomez-Tejada speaks during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Participants of the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail line up to walk to the podium, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Labor leader and member of the Central Florida Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Ericka Gomez-Tejada speaks during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Participants of the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail line up to walk to the podium, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Sister Ann Kendrick holds a sign while chanting during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Labor leader and member of the Central Florida Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Ericka Gomez-Tejada speaks during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Executive Director of the HOPE CommUnity Center, speaks during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) A passenger pulls out a sign as they drive past the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 33People hold signs during the May Day rally outside the Orange County Jail, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)Expand

DeSantis has proposed expanding space in Florida to house detained migrants in collaboration with federal efforts. Specifics on what that would look like have been few, but the governor said Thursday such a move can happen very quickly and plans have already been submitted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Larry Keefe, executive director of the state Board of Immigration Enforcement, was in attendance at the press conference and called the efforts quintessentially a numbers mission and encouraged residents to ensure local law enforcement complies.

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If youre engaged in mass deportation and youre focused on success in mass deportation in Florida, then you got to know how many apprehensions are you having, how many people have you detained, how many people have you deported, said Keefe, who helped orchestrate DeSantis controversial migrant flights to other states in 2022. So it is key for the for the the citizens of the state and the citizens of the country to hold their leaders accountable  to find out what is your sheriff doing, what is your police chief doing.

But the states enforcement efforts are not without controversy. Most recently, a federal judge in Miami issued an order against the state law banning entry without inspection  a misdemeanor offense targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

Despite the order, Attorney General James Uthmeier waffled on whether to continue its enforcement  initially ordering state agencies to not arrest people under that law only to then say he could not stop them from doing so. The latter move prompted U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to consider finding Uthmeier in contempt.

DeSantis said Thursday of the matter: We actually feel confident that well ultimately be vindicated on that.

It should be a crime to enter the State of Florida illegally; we have police power to be able to do that, he added. That does not undercut or interfere with federal efforts. In fact, if anything, it [the legal pushback] buttresses federal efforts.
About 1,100 people were arrested as part of the weeklong, statewide immigration enforcement sting known as Operation Tidal Wave, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday, calling the sweep a model for the nation as authorities seek to remove tens of thousands more immigrants living in Florida with deportation orders.

DeSantis stood alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at a morning news conference in Miramar to commend the work as part of President Donald Trumps nationwide crackdown.

Madison Sheehan, ICE deputy director, said the effort led to the single most arrests done by a state in a single week in the agencys history  with more to come.

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I think the governor would agree that this will not be the last one here in the State of Florida but also a model that were able to take to other states to make it a priority that the president has kept to the American people to make sure our communities are safe and continue to be safe, Sheehan said.

Operation Tidal Wave, which concluded last week, was conducted by federal authorities working with state and local agencies that signed agreements to partner with ICE as part of the so-called 287(g) program.

Of the 1,120 people arrested statewide, 387 were said to have received final orders of removal from an immigration judge. Most of the detainees are either from Guatemala, 437, or Mexico, 280. Authorities said many were members of gangs like Tren de Aragua or MS-13, but the number of those identified as such was not mentioned.

Its unclear how many arrests were made in the Greater Orlando area, but the governors office listed Orange County among the sheriffs offices that provided significant assistance for Operation Tidal Wave.

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Reporters were told of two men with criminal records facing deportation: one a Mexican said to have been convicted of human smuggling and another a Colombian with a history of theft and burglary. Those men were arrested in Jupiter and Polk County, respectively.

While a law signed by DeSantis earlier this year requires sheriffs and county jails to join the program, city police departments including in Orlando have felt pressure to take part. Despite the Orlando Police Department signing an agreement last month, the city received threats from Tallahassee for its policy banning city employees and cops from asking about immigration status  an episode DeSantis said was taken care of even though the city has said its policy, called the Trust Act, has not changed.

OPD is among 244 agencies in Florida to have active agreements with ICE as of Wednesday. Between Jan. 1 and April 30 there were 1,018 people booked into the Orange County Jail with an ICE detainer compared to 1,016 similarly booked in all of last year.

Thirty-eight more agencies  including the Central Florida police departments of Belle Isle, Eatonville, Kissimmee, Ocoee, Sanford, Windermere and Winter Springs  are expected to ink a deal with federal authorities.

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Illegal immigration is a problem that affects communities throughout the State of Florida  it does affect criminal activity, it is a way to bring in drugs, bring in human trafficking, a whole bunch of other stuff, said DeSantis, who added that more than 80,000 people live in the state with deportation orders. So theyre all on board, theyve all signed up.

DeSantis has proposed expanding space in Florida to house detained migrants in collaboration with federal efforts. Specifics on what that would look like have been few, but the governor said Thursday such a move can happen very quickly and plans have already been submitted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Larry Keefe, executive director of the state Board of Immigration Enforcement, was in attendance at the news conference and called the efforts quintessentially a numbers mission and encouraged residents to ensure local law enforcement complies.

If youre engaged in mass deportation and youre focused on success in mass deportation in Florida, then you got to know how many apprehensions are you having, how many people have you detained, how many people have you deported, said Keefe, who helped orchestrate DeSantis controversial migrant flights to other states in 2022. So it is key for the for the the citizens of the state and the citizens of the country to hold their leaders accountable  to find out what is your sheriff doing, what is your police chief doing.

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But the states enforcement efforts are not without controversy. Most recently, a federal judge in Miami issued an order against the state law banning entry without inspection  a misdemeanor offense targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

Despite the order, Attorney General James Uthmeier waffled on whether to continue its enforcement  initially ordering state agencies to not arrest people under that law only to then say he could not stop them from doing so. The latter move prompted U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to consider finding Uthmeier in contempt.

DeSantis said Thursday of the matter: We actually feel confident that well ultimately be vindicated on that.

It should be a crime to enter the State of Florida illegally; we have police power to be able to do that, he added. That does not undercut or interfere with federal efforts. In fact, if anything, it (the legal pushback) buttresses federal efforts.
For over two decades, Venezuela has been trapped in a slow-motion collapse  economic, social and democratic.

Nicolas Maduros regime is a totalitarian criminal enterprise wrapped in the tattered veil of electoral legitimacy. It steals elections, jails opponents and siphons national wealth while leaving millions to scavenge for food, medicine, and basic dignity.

Like a narcissistic child clinging to lies, it blames everyone else for the disasters it alone has caused. There is no pretense left: The regime neither respects the will of the people nor fears it.

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Yet what makes the Venezuelan tragedy more painful is the long, failed experiment of peaceful opposition. For 20 years, exiled and domestic leaders urged their people to trust the vote, to queue at polling stations despite knowing the outcome was predetermined.

Their insistence on a democratic solution, in theory noble, became an alibi for paralysis. They had no Plan B. No contingency. No strategy beyond hoping the regime would one day crumble under its own weight, or the United States would intervene.

Last July, that illusion died. The farce of free elections was exposed again, and this time the population responded with resignation, not outrage.

The opposition fractured even further. Some dropped out of the fight altogether; others slipped into a dangerous neutrality. A few even found accommodation with the regime, trading silence for safety, or influence for access.

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And the once-prominent figures? What happened to Henrique Capriles or Juan Guaido? And where is Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia  the man many inside and outside Venezuela believe actually won the 2024 election? They dont matter. Not to the regime. Not to the outcome. Not anymore.

In January, Maduro was sworn in yet again, and new parliamentary elections are now scheduled for this month  another exercise in performance, not democracy. Everything appears calm. The world shrugs.

As far as the regime is concerned, all has returned to normal. The voice of the Venezuelan people has been silenced so completely, it no longer matters whether they speak at all.

Policy papers, presentations, short YouTube or TikTok videos and endless virtual conferences arm what remains of the opposition. They have ambitious plans to rebuild the oil sector, overhaul public infrastructure, and restore Venezuelas crippled health and education systems.

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But there is still no credible plan to actually unseat Maduro, and without that, all other blueprints are fantasy.

There is one exception, a single figure who still dares to lead with principle and courage: Maria Corina Machado. She has stood against the regime with clarity and defiance, refusing to bow or retreat.

But she is alone. The support she deserves is exiled, imprisoned, co-opted, or simply too afraid. Heroism without an army is poetry, not power. And while her moral authority is undeniable, the machinery to turn it into change is nowhere in sight.

The hard truth is this: What would have been a Herculean challenge 10 or 15 years ago has now become a near impossibility. The regime has fused with the state and the criminal underworld, forming a structure so interwoven and self-protective that no internal reform seems plausible.

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Venezuela has become a cautionary tale not of revolution, but of decay  the kind that happens slowly, painfully and in plain view. And no one wants to do anything about it.

Neither the U.S. nor regional powers like Colombia or Brazil are eager to get involved. They understand the reality: Once you break it, you own it.

A post-Maduro Venezuela would require decades of rebuilding, not just of institutions and infrastructure, but the very fabric of civil society. That is a burden no other nation wants to shoulder.

The humanitarian crisis is already monumental. Reconstructing the country would cost tens of billions and require political will that simply doesnt exist in Washington or anywhere else.

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So the strategy  if it can be called that  is one of containment. Isolate the regime. Target its worst actors with sanctions. Support civil society at the margins. And hope, one day, for a miracle.

But that miracle isnt coming. Because after 20 years under this regime, the people of Venezuela have not only endured, theyve adapted. Theyve learned survival tactics: how to barter, how to navigate black markets, and how to live in silence.

But they havent been taught the skills necessary to flourish in a modern democracy. Who is going to teach them that? Who will invest in political education, civic rebuilding and cultural healing that actual change would require?

The answer, sadly, is no one.

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And perhaps the most damning indictment of this crisis is the one no one wants to say out loud: If Venezuelans themselves arent willing to fight for a different future, why should anyone else do it for them?

This isnt a case of foreign abandonment alone. This is a nation that has, in part, surrendered.

In the land of Simon Bolivar, the cradle of revolutions that once inspired a continent, the guns have gone silent  not because justice prevailed, but because resistance exhausted itself. The proud regional tradition of patriots rising up against tyranny has been replaced by millions just leaving rather than demanding change.

And so, Venezuela is left to rot in a kind of suspended animation. Too broken to be a threat, too messy to be fixed. The world will continue to send food parcels, issue statements and condemn abuses.

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But the calculus is clear: minimize the damage, keep the refugees flowing elsewhere and wait for something, anything, to change.

But that change wont come from above. It wont come from Washington or Brussels. NGOs or envoys wont deliver it. It must come from within. Until then, the world watches. And Venezuela drifts, orphaned by its history and betrayed by both its rulers and its would-be saviors.

Long after Bolivar, the fight for liberty has become a long silence that no one seems ready to break.

Ron MacCammon, Ed.D., is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel and former political officer at the U.S. State Department who has written extensively on security, governance and international affairs. He has lived and worked in Latin America for more than 20 years and was assigned to the U.S. Embassy, Caracas, Venezuela, from 1999 to 2002.

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A Fort Carson staff sergeant who was present at an illegal nightclub during a large-scale federal raid Sunday morning was arrested on suspicion of cocaine distribution Wednesday by the FBI.

Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, 27, is facing one federal count each for distribution and for possession with intent to distribute, connected to his alleged involvement in cocaine distribution, according to a Thursday news release from the FBI. The DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.

During his initial appearance in the Byron G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Denver Thursday, Orona-Rodriguez appeared calm as his charges were read to him. Each count has a possible sentencing of up to 20 years in prison with no more than a $1 million fine, or both a fine and imprisonment. Each charge also would require not less than three years and up to life on a supervised release, Magistrate Judge Timothy P O'Hara said.

According to court records, Orona-Rodriguez's offenses started no later than Sept. 16, 2024, and continued to at least April 9. Between those dates, investigators recovered numerous text messages between Orona-Rodriguez and another unnamed individual. The arrest affidavit obtained by The Gazette states investigators are aware of the other person's identity and know they are "unlawfully present in the United States without admission and is a Mexican citizen." Investigators said they believe that individual is a source of supply for illegal drugs to Orona-Rodriguez.

Other photos and texts outlined in the arrest affidavit indicate Orona-Rodriguez was also allegedly involved with the unlawful sale of firearms. One thread of messages related to firearms in the document lays out texts between he and an alleged potential buyer, "present without admission in the United States."

The affidavit claims that Orona-Rodriguez also sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent just a week before the raid.

Based on documents provided to the DEA, Orona-Rodriguez appears to hold a leadership/ownership role in a business called Immortal Security. The affidavit states Immortal Security provides armed security at nightclubs  including an after-hours, unlawful nightclub identified as "Warike" in the affidavit. That club was the site of the DEA raid on April 27.

According to the affidavit, DEA agents believe employees of Immortal Security, including Orona-Rodriguez, were involved in drug distribution and that some carried firearms while providing security at Warike and similar establishments.

The affidavit also states that Orona-Rodriguez received a developmental counseling form from his commanding officer in the spring of 2025" related to his after-hours security work. He was allegedly told at that time that working for Immortal Security is off-limits to military.

Orona-Rodriguez was one of 17 soldiers present at the raided nightclub April 27.

The raid resulted in 105 arrests, including individuals in the U.S. illegally, officials said. On Monday, a social media post from the DEA showed a busload of 60 people who had been detained in the raid.

More than 300 law enforcement officers from at least 10 agencies raided the property at 296 S. Academy Blvd., at the northwest corner of Academy Boulevard and Airport Road.

The DEA said federal agents are investigating drug trafficking, prostitution and other violent crimes that allegedly occurred at the nightclub.

The Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriffs Office assisted in the operation, officials said. An unspecified quantity of drugs and weapons were found during the raid.

Law enforcement officials said the property had been under investigation for months, and local law enforcement was informed of the raid weeks in advance.

Fort Carson officials confirmed Monday that "several" of its soldiers were present at the club at the time of the raid. The soldiers were either patrons of the club or moonlighting as security, DEA officials said.

Illegal activities of any kind do not represent our military values, Fort Carson officials stated in an email. We will continue to work in coordination with our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure our community is safe.

Orona-Rodriguez has served in the military for more than eight years. He has no prior felony convictions, according to court records.

At the time of his arrest, he was on assignment with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Orona-Rodriguez holds the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device; two Army Commendation Medals; 10 Army Achievement Medals; three Certificates of Achievement; and Meritorious Unit Commendations.

Orona-Rodriguez was being held at the El Paso County jail with a no-bond hold. He was released to the FBI Thursday, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. His preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday.

Gazette's Michael Braithwaite contributed to this report.
NewsNation Chief Washington Anchor and On Balance host Leland Vittert was a foreign correspondent for four years in Jerusalem. He gives you an early look at tonights 9 pm ET show. Subscribe to War Notes here.

Game time: War Notes comes out at 7:05 p.m. ET  that means we are less than 55 minutes away from the NewsNation town hall The First 100 Days.

Bill OReilly joins Chris Cuomo, starting with an interview of President Trump himself.

We will do a postgame show to debrief the town hall at 10 p.m. ET.

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The 100-day mark of President Trumps second term brought another record  a two-hour Cabinet meeting complete with an impromptu press conference.

It comes just over 50 days after his (record) long address to a joint session of Congress and after last nights 90-minute stump rally-esque speech in Michigan. What I am thinking : The Cabinet room is tiny  I cant imagine standing in there for that long. Did it get hot? Did anybody need to go to the bathroom? What happens to the Gulf of America hats sitting in front of each Cabinet member  are they personalized? Can you imagine being one of the audio technicians holding a boom microphone that long? The level of sycophancy by the Cabinet would have made North Koreas Kim Jong Un jealous. The Cabinet members went around the table: Professing their loyalty. Universally praising Trumps performance. Reporting back on all their victories in his name. Plus: Complaining about what a mess former President Joe Biden left. Be fair: Sometimes, they varied the order of these talking points.

Okay: Enough about that. Always winning: Trump learned long ago to flood the zone with so much news that the media cant keep track of it all and to always claim victory. Most presidents run from cameras when embattled, but Trump runs towards them. It muddies the waters  networks will cut away to fact check him, but for most Americans consuming news, this strategy works in his favor. The more Trump says, the less any one issue actually matters. Trump views victory in terms of how much of the news cycle he owns  today, he will own it all. As we told you yesterday, Trump knows he is vulnerable on the economy and tariffs  actions speak louder. Today, he blamed Biden for bad economic numbers: This is Bidens Stock Market, not Trumps. I didnt take over until January 20th. Tariffs will soon start kicking in, and companies are starting to move into the USA in record numbers. Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden Overhang. 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!!! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. This is to be expected. Much like Biden found, even a president cant tell the American people how to feel about the economy  Trump is learning the same lesson. We will see.



Name the villain: America is great because we all love our country  Trump knows this.

Today, he talked about how badly China is hurting because of the trade war. Watch: In the coming days, weeks and months, the Trump administration will brand this like a war. Who wins which battles? What hardships are other countries paying? Why does America need to win?



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100 days in, and we are surprised by the speed of Trumps total victories on the border and DEI.

Similarly, we are surprised by the speed at which hes blown up the world economic order and assumptions.

Now, hes faced with a challenge not seen by an American president since FDR  and one largely of his own making,

We can all hope the economy defines the next 100 days  if its something else, it will be really bad!

Tune into On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 9/8 CT on NewsNation. Find your channel here.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.

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With his Restoring Americas Maritime Dominance executive order last month, President Trump sounded the alarm: Our nation will either rebuild its commercial shipping fleet now or drift further into dependence on foreign vessels, most flying the Chinese flag.

The executive orders mandate for a maritime action plan calls for a serious agenda by various agencies to revive the merchant marine, but meaningful change will require Congress to step up and do its job. That starts with creating real, sustained demand for U.S. shipping.

I grew up in Mobile, Ala., a port city with the maritime industry in its blood. My father worked as a commercial mariner, and Ive had the privilege of representing a district with one of the largest shipyards in the country. Ive seen firsthand how critical the maritime industry is to our economic and national security alike.

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Ive also borne witness to what decades of neglect have done to a once-proud industry. Growing up, I was in awe of the bustling waterfront with enormous cargo vessels of all types pulling in with the Stars and Stripes flying boldly from their flagstaffs, and homeports from the greatest cities in the country painted on their sterns.

Today, less than 1.6 percent of U.S. imports and exports move on U.S.-flagged vessels. The rest are hauled by foreign-owned fleets, often underwritten by our strategic adversaries. China-owned or subsidized shipyards now build 74 percent of the worlds ships  we build 0.2 percent. If this disparity doesnt keep you up at night, it should.

Without a robust domestic shipping fleet, America is economically reliant and strategically vulnerable.

U.S.-flagged ships are required by law to support national defense in times of war or emergency, as they did to critical effect in numerous conflicts in our nations history. In a crisis, if our supply chain depends on a fleet we dont control, were not a maritime power  were a client state.

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President Trumps executive order rightly targets the regulatory gridlock that has eroded American shipbuilding, but it falls to Congress to fill the other half of the equation: ensuring that U.S. ships have cargo to carry. Without steady demand for their services, new ships will just be left to rust at port.

Ill offer three simple ideas to help accomplish this goal.

First, it should double the tax deduction for companies that ship American. Today, U.S. businesses can deduct 100 percent of shipping costs, whether they use U.S.-flagged or foreign vessels. But foreign ships typically operate at lower cost, thanks to less-stringent labor, safety, and tax regimes.

Doubling the current deduction to 200 percent for cargo moved on American ships would almost wipe out that price gap. Its a simple, voluntary incentive that, by some estimates, could boost demand by nearly 20 percent and support the addition of nearly two dozen ships to the fleet.

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Next, Congress should require 100 percent of taxpayer-funded cargo to be moved on U.S.-flagged vessels wherever possible. This rule is already in place at the Department of Defense, but most civilian agencies still operate under a 50 percent requirement to use U.S. vessels.

There is no sound rationale for that inconsistency. If taxpayers are footing the bill, the cargo should support American workers, American ships and American security. This would make a big difference given that the U.S. government is one of the largest shippers in the country.

And finally, we should expect more from American companies. Every week, I see ads touting a companys Buy American values. But when will those same businesses commit to Ship American?

Congress can jumpstart the trend by encouraging the formation of a Ship American Coalition  an alliance of importers and exporters willing to voluntarily commit more cargo to U.S. vessels. Even a 10 percent shift from the likes of Amazon, Walmart and John Deere would have a meaningful impact on fleet demand, and they could benefit from the same patriotic branding they use to sell American-made goods.

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Taken together, these ideas offer a streamlined, practical way to generate the cargo volumes that will sustain an expanded U.S. fleet. They are not merely a nostalgic appeal to maritime romanticism but rather an economic and strategic necessity. America cannot be the worlds leading economic power if we do not own our own ships  and use them.

I know from personal experience that our country doesnt lack the talent or resources to build ships; we just lack the market incentives to justify the investment.

President Trump has taken the biggest step in decades to end the collective apathy that has led to our maritime decline. But unless Congress follows up with real reforms to create demand, the Maritime Action Plan will remain just that  a plan.

Jerry Carl is an American politician and businessman who represented Alabamas 1st Congressional District from 2021 to 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This Monday, President Donald Trump issued yet another executive order, this one titled Strengthening and Unleashing Americas Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens. As the ominous unleashing in the title makes clear, the orders proposals, like so many tough-on-crime approaches, are far more about indulging in cruel punitiveness than in actually reducing crime.

The order's opening line makes it clear that safety is not actually the goal. Safe communities, it says, rely on the backbone and heroism of a tough and well-equipped police force. While data, like that in a recent study, Police Force Size and Civilian Race, makes it clear that policing can help reduce crime, literature reviews such as those produced by the Campbell Collaboration also make it clear that aggressive tactics are unhelpful if not actually counterproductive  as shown in a 2024 paper, The effects of hot spots policing on violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis."

Moreover, it is increasingly apparent that nonpolice interventions can also significantly reduce crime, quite likely more effectively than policing, with additional social benefits and far fewer social costs.

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In other words, this executive order is about retaliation, punishment and brutality. It is wrapped in the veneer of public safety, but pushes policies that are often least likely to produce actual safety.

The order appears to have two goals.

The first half is about politics and messaging. Its an effort to wrest back the narrative about criminal legal reform in support of those who fly Blue Lives Matter flags and instructs the attorney general to do some things she lacks the legal authority to do.

The second  and more troubling  half is about policy. It lays out more viable routes Trump may use to cripple reform efforts, although its generic language makes it hard to pin down precisely what it is threatening.

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The political message of the first half is clear: It argues that the proper way to fight crime is to empower legally unaccountable police to use harsh, aggressive tactics to ramp up the number of people in prison. These tactics may not advance public safety, but they are satisfying ways to exert control over disliked groups.

The order starts by instructing the attorney general to create a mechanism to ensure that police officers are indemnified when unjustly sued  something that is basically not needed. A majority of states already have laws indemnifying police officers, and a study in the New York University Law Review of 45 major police departments found that officers were indemnified in 99.98% of the judgments against them.

This is about messaging, not policy, and the message is police should not be sued, and we stand behind those who are.

What follows in the order are proposals  most of which are outside what the president can do via an executive order, such as using federal resources to increase police officer pay, strengthen legal protections for the police, seek enhancement punishments for those who harm police, and invest in the security and capacity of prisons.

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In almost all cases, federalism rules prevent Trump from directly telling local governments how to do these things. The feds can try to nudge states via incentive grant programs, but historically states have often been relatively unmoved by such programs, and, other than currently appropriated discretionary funds, the funding would have to come from Congress (despite Trumps fight to get more power of the purse).

But like with indemnification, the point here is less about the policy specifics and more about using the presidential bully pulpit to place police at the center of how we think about public safety, and to provide moral (if not financial) support for traditional aggressive styles of law enforcement.

The second part of the order, parts 4 to 6, focuses more on actual policies that the Trump administration may be able to use to subvert reforms and entrench traditional, aggressive policing.

Part 4 first seeks, at a minimum, to ramp up the infamous 1033 program, which funnels retired military gear to local police departments  its how the Los Angeles school district ended up with grenade launchers. (It talks of sharing assets, though what those assets are is unstated, and the legal pathway to sharing them is unclear.)

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The second section of part 4 is the one that has alarmed people the most, but perhaps not for the right reasons. This part calls on the attorney general and the secretary of defense to determine how military and national security assets, training, non-lethal capabilities, and personnel can most effectively be utilized to prevent crime.

This has raised the specter of Trump using the Insurrection Act to circumvent the Posse Comitatus Act (which generally forbids federal troops from engaging in police activity) to use the military to crush protests.

Which is definitely possible!

The federal response to protests in Trumps first administration were often heavy-handed, and Trumps then-defense secretary, Mark Esper, indicated that Trump wished the response had been more violent still (section 6 of the order, urging greater use of Homeland Security Task Forces, also points in this direction). But military tanks on the streets is an escalation that the military itself may resist and that would likely engender significant public pushback.

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Jess Pishko, a journalist whose beat is conservative sheriffs, has pointed to a different, and more insidious, possible goal here, one whose invisibility may make it harder to resist: a massive increase in surveillance, by linking the police and national security resources, and by expanding law enforcements access to intelligence gathering resources. This sort of behind-the-scenes collaboration can greatly expand the reach of law enforcement, but in a way far less likely to spark political resistance than the 101st Airborne marching down Main Street.

The last key part of the order, section 5, points to another angle Trump may hope to use: directing the DOJ to charge and sue reformers.

The first part of section 5 appears to threaten reform politicians by seeking to file federal criminal charges against anyone who obstructs law enforcement from carrying out their duties (although what those charges could be is somewhat unclear). The language is confusing, so it may also just be saying that when reformers refuse to make arrests or file charges, the feds will step in when they can to do so themselves. (The overall tenor of the order, though, seems to caution against assuming the less-harsh perspective.)

Perhaps more significant is the second part of section 5, which suggests that Trump also plans to use the civil rights pattern or practice lawsuits that the Obama and Biden DOJs filed to target abusive police departments to target reformers instead. Their less-punitive practices, the argument goes, are in fact the real source of discrimination and civil rights violations. This could, among other things, result in local reformers getting pushed into consent decrees with the feds that significantly limit their discretion.

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All told, the order represents a serious effort to roll back reforms, both directly (by supplying military gear and by threatening reformers with criminal and civil investigations) and indirectly (by forcefully asserting the tough-on-crime perspective that law enforcement should be encouraged to act aggressively while remaining almost entirely free of any meaningful oversight).

It is not a recipe for actual public safety. But it is one for oppressive cruelty and retribution.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As both a veteran and former secretary of Defense, I believe it is important to give back to those who give so much to this country by putting their lives on the line. Our veterans are the heart and soul of what service to our nation is all about. The least we can do is give them and their families the support they need in order to achieve the American Dream they fought to protect.

The Department of Defense was able to do just that by supporting veteran-owned small businesses that contributed to national security. These businesses were not just agile agents of innovation. Veterans brought knowledge and experience from years of military training to their work.

The veterans who own these small businesses understood the needs of the defense customer and were totally devoted to achieving the mission of making sure the U.S had the strongest military force on Earth. Quietly serving from Huntsville, Ala. to San Diego, Calif., from Orlando, Fla. to Northern Virginia, they do everything from designing lunar landing pads to upgrading cybersecurity to delivering health care to other veterans.

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So why were those veteran-owned small businesses suddenly a target for DOGE?

The Veterans Administration has canceled $2 billion in contracts to veteran-owned businesses. Since then, terminations have been rolling out from every agency, from the Department of Defense to NOAA. These veteran owners have in turn been forced to fire their veteran employees and, in some cases, file for bankruptcy.

As a former chair of the House Budget Committee and director of the Office of Management and Budget in the Clinton administration, I believe in government efficiency and savings. As a matter of fact, we achieved $500 billion in deficit reduction and eventually balanced the budget  following the law and the budget process and carefully evaluating the programs and services that could be reduced and those that should be supported. Congress supported our budgets.

DOGE ignores both the law and Congress and gives little consideration to what works and what fails to.

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In my various positions in government, from Congress to OMB to the CIA and the Pentagon, I have seen firsthand the value of veteran-owned small businesses. They are devoted to doing a good job because they know it could make the difference between life and death.

If the Trump administration really cares about savings and going after waste, fraud and abuse, I would suggest that they focus on the defense procurement process and do a careful evaluation and study of cost overruns that can run into the billions of dollars. That would require adherence to the budget process, fairness, common sense and careful review of all programs, not a haphazard and reckless approach that hurts those who have served their country.

Veteran-owned small businesses are providing services and products at lower prices. They care about protecting the strength of our defense industrial base because they understand what it means to protect the lives of our warriors. These veterans fought to give the American people a chance at the American Dream. We owe it to them to give veteran-owned small businesses the same chance to succeed in protecting the country. They have earned our support.

Leon E. Panetta served as secretary of Defense, CIA director, White House chief of staff and director of the Office of Management and Budget. He represented California in Congress from 1977 to 1993.

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Republicans are falling into a familiar trap. From President Trump to Vice President JD Vance to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a growing number of party leaders have come to believe that coercive labor unions are a permanent part of American politics, so the Republicans might as well forge an uneasy truce if not an outright alliance with them.

To build that bridge, Hawley released his first of several promised pro-union bills in early March. The thinking seems to be: If labor unions are here to stay, why not put political expediency ahead of deeply held Republican principles like worker freedom and equal opportunity?

Fifty years ago, Republicans made a similar argument about another kind of union  the Soviet variety. In the mid-1970s, Republican leaders, along with the Democratic Party and virtually the entire foreign policy establishment, assumed the Soviet Union was here to stay. Two successive Republican presidents  Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford  pursued a policy of detente with a coercive regime that rejected American principles and was actively working toward Americas destruction. What other choice did they have, if the Soviet Union wasnt going anywhere anytime soon?

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One Republican knew better. Ronald Reagan had no interest in playing nice with the Soviet Union. I recently heard William Inboden, author of the Reagan biography The Peacemaker, explain the 40th presidents thinking. Like other Republicans (and like Democrats, too), Reagan believed that two forces were at play. First, the Soviet Union was a fact of life  a regime that existed whether he liked it or not. Second, the U.S. and the USSR were locked in a battle of ideas  a battle between freedom and tyranny. But what made Reagan different was that he believed the second force was more important and powerful than the first.

The only reason the Soviet Union continued to exist was because liberty-loving nations didnt believe freedom could truly triumph over tyranny. But Reagan did believe in freedoms strength, which is why he marshaled Americas economic and military might to pressure the Soviet Union into collapse. His philosophy was summed up in his famous saying, Heres my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose. His vision was widely derided as impossible, yet the Berlin Wall fell within a decade of Reagans election to the White House.

The Soviet Union was obviously a different beast from labor unions, which at their best give workers a voice. But for at least 75 years, American unions have given in to their worst instinct of coercion. Given how long theyve been around, its no wonder that a growing number of Republicans think theyll always be here, though unions represent a smaller share of the workforce with every passing year  now 9.9 percent, the lowest in recorded history.

These Republicans have it backward. As Reagan showed with the Soviet Union, America doesnt have to blindly accept the eternal existence of something antithetical to our national principles. To the contrary, applying those principles  and vigorously reminding the American people of their power and truth  can ensure their victory over injustice.

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In the case of unions, that means fundamentally reforming the current labor model. This doesnt mean going back to the bad old days, when unions were treated as a criminal conspiracy. But it does mean ending the legal favoritism that allows unions to coerce workers, control businesses and advance their selfish interests at the expense of everyone else. The Republican goal should be to make unions earnestly compete for workers support, with neither a monopoly in the workplace nor restrictions on workers ability to choose the union thats best for them.

When is the last time Republicans forcefully advanced such a principled vision? Even before the recent backsliding, Republican leaders rarely made the moral case against forced unionization. Sure, they broadly supported policies that would have empowered workers, and most Republicans still do. But with few exceptions, the party tip-toed around the real stakes. If union coercion is wrong, then anyone who loves freedom has a duty to fight it  without apology and without quarter.

Reagan showed that a principled approach can work, and Republicans may get another opportunity sooner than they realize. Last year, a federal court ruled that the National Labor Relations Board  and by extension, the labor law that governs Americas labor-union framework  is unconstitutional. This case seems destined to end up at the Supreme Court. If the justices strike down the law, will Trump and Republicans side with the unions theyre trying to appease?

Or will they stand with American workers against union coercion, seeking to end injustice the same way Reagan defeated the Soviet Union?

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Joseph G. Lehman is president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The fight for more funding for Oregon public schools is not over yet.

Hundreds of Oregon parents converged on the state capitol in Salem Wednesday to urge lawmakers to shift more money into the education budget before they adjourn their session in June.

On Tuesday night, the Portland Public Schools Board heard from families angry with plans to cut hundreds of jobs to make up a $40 million budget shortfall.

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On Wednesday, parents from across the state, some taking a day off from work, met with lawmakers as part of the Parent Teacher Association and other lobby groups. They urged lawmakers to do better to help keep teachers, staff and even school days from being cut.

What Im concerned about are the stories that I hear across the district of kids falling behind in reading, math and social-emotional issues like mental health support, said Jessica Johnston, a PPS parent. Thats not who we are as a society. And our kids have the potential to be graduating at much higher levels and reading, writing and thriving. They have that potential, but were falling short of helping them realize that, and thats not who we are as a society.

Parents say son was expelled after racist incident

In individual meetings with lawmakers, parents explained how cuts next fall will mean some kindergarten and first-grade classrooms could have 30 kids and one teacher, with no extra help. They urged legislators to invest more in schools, which could help attract more families to places like Portland, where enrollment is declining.

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Make our city a place that people want to live. If you want people to come here for jobs, you want the families to see that theres a good quality education available for their kids, said Portland parent Courtney Campbell. I deeply believe in public education. I consider year after year whether I need to pull my kids and put them in private schools. I have the resources but were choosing not to do that. Theyve got to do something different because in our school system, were having these declining enrollment problems. It will continue and continue to get far worse if they dont fund our education.

State tax dollars cover about two-thirds of K-12 funding in Oregon. Education is competing with other big needs in the state, like homelessness and transportation budgets.

Governor Tina Kotek is recommending lawmakers give schools $11 billion for the next two year, serving half a million school kids.

Though it is an increase, parents hope they can convince lawmakers to put even more into the education budget to prevent cuts.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Oregon is among 19 states suing the U.S. Department of Education over proposed threats to federal funding for public schools. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Oregon education leaders say theyre already following federal student privacy laws in response to an ultimatum from the U.S. Department of Education over federal funding that implied schools are withholding information from parents related to students gender identity.

In March, federal officials wrote to state education agencies demanding proof that schools and states departments of education are following two federal student privacy laws.

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The Dear Colleague Letter, sent March 28 by Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Frank Miller, acting director of the federal education departments Student Privacy Policy Office, gave states until April 30 to respond. In the letter, McMahon and Miller imply many schools and districts are violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA, and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, or PPRA by allowing schools to use workarounds that keep parents and guardians from receiving requested records from schools about their students.

Among the examples listed were schools creating gender plans that are left out of an official student record, and stories McMahon said shes heard from young people who formerly identified as trans about the lengths schools would go to in order to hide this information from parents. McMahon and Miller did not provide evidence of such hiding from any schools or districts but implied the problem was widespread.

Charlene Williams, director of Oregons Department of Education, wrote back Wednesday to remind McMahon and Miller that Oregon codified the rights inferred by FERPA in state law in the 1990s.

FERPA protects students education records. It provides students and their parents or guardians the right to request their education records, request corrections or halt personally identifiable information from being released without their, or their parents or guardians consent.

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Williams enumerated the ways in which the state ensures parents and students understand their rights and what records they are entitled to request.

This includes the ability to request to access, amend, and control the disclosure of education records, as well as clear procedures for exercising these rights, definitions regarding directory information, and effective communication for parents and students with disabilities or whose primary language is not English, she wrote.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment requires parents and guardians to be notified before students are asked questions in surveys regarding their, or their parent or guardians, political affiliations, sexuality, religion, income and a host of other personal details. It gives parents and guardians the ability to review such surveys and opt their student out of them.

Both the Oregon and the federal laws require local school districts to notify parents and students annually about the privacy laws and encourage school administrators to post annual notifications related to the laws on school websites.

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The Oregon Department of Education also provides recurring training on data governance and privacy for school staff, Williams wrote.

The Dear Colleague Letter demanding privacy law compliance was one of several recent attempts the federal education agency has made to leverage and reinterpret existing federal education laws, demanding states show compliance or suffer financial losses.

By law, schools found to be violating FERPA can lose all of their federal funding, according to the Virginia-based nonprofit Public Interest Privacy Center. The U.S. Department of Education has never enforced the penalty, according to a June 2024 report from the center.

In a follow-up letter to Oregon school districts Wednesday, officials at the state Department of Education wrote they would protect federal funding for Oregons kids.

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On April 25, Oregons Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined 19 Democratic attorneys general in suing the U.S. Department of Education over these federal funding threats. Oregon schools rely on about $1.5 billion per year from the federal education agency.

We will not tolerate this unwarranted and unlawful attempt to take away resources promised to Oregon students and paid for by the tax dollars we send to the federal government, Gov. Tina Kotek said in a news release earlier this month.

Miller of the Student Privacy Policy Office said in an email to state leaders Friday clarifying the intent of the letter, that their responses are not a pass/fail exercise, in that our review of the submitted materials will more than likely result in follow-up interactions either wholistically (sic) or on a state-by-state basis as needed.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (D) is re-introducing an historic bill in an effort to enshrine protections for the LGBTQ+ community under federal law.

With Merkley leading the Equality Act in the Senate and Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) leading the bill in the House, the lawmakers held a press conference outside the Capitol on Tuesday advocating for the bills passage alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NK), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

The lawmakers said they re-introduced the bill as part of an effort to push back against escalated attacks from the Trump administration, MAGA Republicans, and state legislatures on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide.

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Three Oregon hotels ranked among best in the country by TripAdvisor

Generations of Americans have marched, voted, organized, and raised their voices to fully realize the vision of America as a land of freedom and equality for all, Merkley said.

As MAGA extremists attack the rights and freedoms of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, I am fighting to end this hateful discrimination, expand freedom, and open the doors of opportunity for everyone. Back in 2007, I led the fight to secure this vision for Oregonians, and it is way past time for Congress to do the same for all LGBTQ+ Americans by passing my Equality Act, Merkley added, referencing Oregon Senate Bill 2 from 2007, which banned discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The Equality Act would amend federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to longstanding bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit and federal funding.

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In an interview with KOIN 6 News on Wednesday, Merkley explained, (The Equality Act) ends discrimination against the LGBTQ community and also against women who still face discrimination in a number of areas in our society. The whole philosophy is that freedom is about the ability to participate equally and fully in every aspect of American society.

Oregon residence seen on TLCs Little People, Big World hits the market

The bills re-introduction comes after it previously passed in the House twice with a few Republicans voting for it; however, its never made it to the Senate.

Merkley told KOIN 6 that the bill takes principles from another bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013, which aimed to bring workplace protections for the LGBTQ+ community.

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While the House didnt pick up the ENDA in 2013, Merkley said he and his colleagues decided now, if the Senates willing to end discrimination and employment, lets end discrimination in everything else, in financial contracts and jury duty, in public accommodations, in housing.

Why not end discrimination now? Why let it continue? In 29 states, there are no state protections for discrimination in housing or public accommodations by that, in other words, you can be thrown out a movie theater or a restaurant or have your lease canceled or told you cant participate on a jury or that you cant get a mortgage. I mean, those are absurd things, so lets end this type of blatant discrimination aimed at making it hard for people to thrive, let them thrive, be full members of our society. Theyll be better off, and our whole nation will be better off, Merkley told KOIN 6.

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Eye on Northwest Politics

During Tuesdays press conference, lawmakers emphasized the importance of passing the bill amid attacks against LGBTQ Americans.

Across the country, LGBTQI+ and trans-Americans are being targeted and attacked, but we refuse to be cowed or intimidated by their hate. Instead, we reintroduce the Equality Act as our declaration that freedom and dignity are the birthright of every American. We will not rest until full equality is the law of the land, said Rep. Takano.

The Equality Act is necessary, urgent, and long overdue, added Sen. Schumer. As the Trump administration and dangerously conservative Supreme Court threaten the safety and security of LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States, it is the obligation of the Senate to ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law  a standard that the United States has long strived for but failed to perfectly meet. I am honored to help lead the reintroduction of the Equality Act and stand with the LGBTQ+ community as we continue to fight for a more equal, just, and loving world.

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The bill comes as the Trump administration has proposed ending a crisis hotline that serves LGBTQ youth and President Trump signed executive orders seeking to ban transgender athletes from womens and girls sports.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
In its 20th year, the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show reached a historic crescendo in fundraising with a record-breaking $960,000 raised for education and community engagement programs.

The fashion show was held April 29 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, featuring a runway show of the fall and winter 2025 collection by American eveningwear designer Pamella Roland.

A performance by Vince Gill was considered a highlight of the show, Hall Strategies director Nancy Floyd said in a statement via email.

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The event welcomed about 650 guests to the Schermerhorn Center.

Floyd said $660,000 of the proceeds raised will serve more than 60,000 students and adults this year.

The programs funded included:

Young Peoples Concerts, dynamic live orchestra performances and lesson plans tailored for K-12 students that reach thousands of students each year

Free Community Concerts, which take place each summer in parks across the region, connecting the Nashville Symphony with tens of thousands of Middle Tennesseans

Classroom visits from Nashville Symphony musicians to inspire students and introduce them to live orchestral music

Hands-on instruction and mentorship for local music students, including side-by-side performance experiences

And the Nashville Symphonys groundbreaking Accelerando program, which provides music instruction and mentorship to Tennessee students. The program prepares highly gifted young performers to pursue careers in music, and provides opportunities for musicians from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented in todays orchestras.

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Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Report: Nashville Symphony fundraiser nets record $960K for education
Razor wire and fencing surround the Orleans Parish Justice Center jail. (Richard A. Webster/Verite News)

NEW ORLEANS  An attorney for Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson cast state Attorney General Liz Murrills attempt to repeal the Sheriffs Offices longstanding immigration policy as baseless during a federal court hearing Wednesday, saying that the state has not offered any proof that Hutsons deputies are violating state law.

The policy was enacted in 2013 following a court settlement in a 2011 civil rights case filed against the sheriffs office. It places strict limitations on honoring detainer requests from federal immigrant authorities and prohibits deputies from initiating immigration-status investigations.

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Murrill, who derisively refers to the directive as a sanctuary policy, has said she believes that the sheriffs office is running afoul of a recently enacted state law that requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration officials. She has asked a federal judge to allow the state to join the case as a named party.

Speaking before federal Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld, Hutsons chief of staff John Williams  who is acting as the agencys attorney in Wednesdays hearing  said the state has not shown that Orleans Parish deputies have hindered any ICE investigation since the law went into effect in May 2024.

Above all, the sheriff is a law enforcement officer  she is one of the chief law enforcement officers of Orleans Parish, Williams said. She will continue to protect and enforce the laws of Louisiana.

Thereve been no direct communications [with ICE] where we were not collaborating or partnering in ways that were appropriate, he said.

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Murrills move to dissolve the policy is part of a broader conservative push  in Louisiana and across the country  to eliminate so-called sanctuary cities, places where local law enforcement is restricted, to one degree or another, from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling on the federal government to publish a list of localities that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

And last week, the U.S. Department of Justice, which had never formally objected to the policy in the 12 years its been on the books, filed a statement of interest in support of Murrills intervention and the dissolution of the Sheriffs Offices policy.

It wasnt immediately clear whether Hutsons office has refused any ICE requests since the law took effect. Reached for comment after the hearing, Williams said he is not personally aware of the Sheriffs Office refusing to honor an immigration detainer from ICE.

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But after the hearing, Brian Acuna, deputy director of ICEs regional office in New Orleans, said the Sheriffs Office has long ignored immigration detainer requests, and has continued to do so even after the state law took effect.

That [OPSO] policy has an effect of allowing criminal aliens back onto the street, Acuna said in a phone interview. That is a huge public safety issue.

This is all premature

The current policy stems from a suit filed by two construction workers  Mario Cacho and Antonio Ocampo, who were picked up in New Orleans on minor charges in 2009 and 2010. At the request of ICE, which was investigating their immigration statuses, the two were illegally held in the citys jail for months beyond their short jail sentences. Under the law, such requests only allow local jails to hold people for 48 hours after they were scheduled to be released.

The pair sued in 2011. Two and a half years later, then-Sheriff Marlin Gusman agreed to a settlement, or consent decree.

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As part of the agreement, Gusman adopted the current policy, which bans the Sheriffs Office from honoring ICE detainer requests without a court order  except for inmates charged with a short list of especially serious crimes  and bans sheriffs deputies from initiating immigration investigations or offering ICE information about inmates release dates or address.

The existence of the policy itself appears to go against the new state law, which bars any law enforcement policy that places limits on honoring ICE hold requests or providing information to ICE. But in court on Wednesday, Williams told van Meerveld that the Sheriffs Office is reviewing the policy and may suggest revisions.

On Wednesday, attorneys for Cacho and Ocampo urged van Meerveld to remember the reason for the consent decree in the first place.

Our clients were overdetained without due process for months on end, Matt Vogel, supervising attorney at the National Immigration Project, said in court. This case was about justice for them and about making sure that that doesnt happen again.

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Zachary Faircloth, principal deputy solicitor for the state, argued on Wednesday that the recent change to state law should have dissolved the OPSO policy based on the language in the 2013 consent judgement, which says the provisions in the order have permanent effect, absent a change in federal or state law applicable to immigration detainers.

The consent decree turns on whether or not there was a change in state or federal law, Faircloth said in court.

But Vogel, like the Sheriffs Office, argued that until Murrill can prove that OPSO has violated state law, its too early for the judge to reconsider the policy.

This is all premature. Its all speculative, Vogel said.

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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.
EBENSBURG, Pa.  Cambria Countys 911 Center didnt need its call logs to gauge the extent of the widespread issues caused by a Tuesday storm.

Until almost noon Wednesday, the center was running on a generator  among thousands of customers in the region without power, Emergency Management Director Tom Davis said.

We have to be prepared for the worst ... just like everyone else, Davis said Tuesday, shortly before power was restored in parts of the Ebensburg area.

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The countys propane-fueled generator system enabled the countys staff to continue answering calls and dispatching incidents to local responders  and Tuesdays storm kept them busy, with widespread reports of outages, toppled trees and property damage.

A steel cellphone tower was bent in half while still planted to its foundation near Sunset Road near Carrolltown. William Penn Avenue remained closed Wednesday near Conemaugh Valley High School after a large tree landed on a series of roadside power lines.

A Munster Road barn north of Portage was destroyed by winds while cattle were trapped inside, Davis said.

We mustve had 10 calls  all at once, said East Taylor fire Chief Alan Buchan said. There were trees on wires everywhere.

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Hospital: Be 'proactive' about maintaining oxygen supplies; seek help if needed

Power outages might disrupt electricity at home, but they should never stop the flow of oxygen supplies for those reliant on medical devices to thrive, Conemaugh Health System officials said.

Thousands of Cambria and northern Somerset County residents werent as lucky as the 911 center Wednesday  many of them still without power at 5 p.m.

And the regions issues werent unique.

As of 9 p.m. Wednesday, Penelec reported 127,713 customers were still without power across a region that spread from Beaver County and Pittsburgh to Johnstown, Altoona and State College.

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More than 270,000 were without power after the storm swept through around 6 p.m. a day earlier.

The utility companys online outage map was cluttered with perhaps 1,000 individual incidents across western Pennsylvania. The Cambria- Somerset region had at least 85 separate outage reports that crews were working to address.

According to PowerOutage.us, 9.383 customers in Cambria County were without power as of 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Penelec spokesman Todd Meyers told The Tribune-Democrat late Tuesday that it will likely take days  not hours  for every outages to all be addressed.

Because much of western Pennsylvania was struck, rather than one concentrated area, Penelec crews and their line repair subcontractors were forced to spread out to repair a long list of issues, he said.

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2 dead as slow-moving storms flood roads across Oklahoma and Texas; outages, 3 deaths across Pa.

A least two people drowned when their vehicles were caught in floodwaters in Oklahoma on Wednesday as slow-moving thunderstorms inundated roads across parts of that state and Texas.

In the Pittsburgh region, at least three people were reported dead after 70 mph straight-line gusts damaged city buildings and sent live wires scattering onto roadways.

The Allegheny County citys main power provider, Duquesne Light estimated 40% of the communitys customers lost power  and that it may be a week before electricity was restored to some neighborhoods.

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Making the best of it

North of Johnstown, East Taylor Fire Department opened its doors for local residents Wednesday after it became clear the outage may continue through the day.

Sandra Heltzel, the departments treasurer and EMS commander, said at least 10 residents stopped in at one point or another through 1:30 p.m.

Some just needed a way to keep their cellphones charged, she said.

One local resident needed a power supply for her portable oxygen tank.

The department was also enabling residents to cook on their stove, if needed.

We have a generator here, and were here if people need us, Heltzel added, noting the station will stay open Thursday, if needed.

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Further up Donruth Lane, John Shirks family was taking turns using their car to charge their cellphones.

But after nearly a full day without power, they werent going to let the outage drain their outlook on the situation.

It is what it is, said his wife, Jennifer, as their children snacked on McDonalds cheeseburgers and played outside near the front porch. Fortunately, its a nice and warm today. Its a perfect day for this.

John Shirk shrugged his shoulders in agreement. He said he planned to fire up the grill for dinner.

You gotta make the best of it, he said.

More common storm

Indiana-based REA Energy Cooperative, which provides electricity to residents in across parts of central and northern Cambria County, indicated nearly 18,000 customers lost power Tuesday.

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By 1:50 p.m., that number was reduced to 14,900, the company wrote.

Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis said this weeks storm is the just the latest of several that have inflicted severe wind damage over the past two months.

A previous storm destroyed barns in Somerset County.

We (avoided) the worst of it (Tuesday) ... but this trend is getting more and more common, Landis said.

He said the public should plan ahead before traveling during or after storms and visit 511Pa.com to look for real-time road closures that might impact their travel routes.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Cambria County's 911 Center didn't need to check its call logs to gauge the extent of the widespread issues caused by a Tuesday storm.

The center was still running on a generator 16 hours later  among thousands of customers in the region still without power, Emergency Management Director Tom Davis said.

"Our power went out at 6:30 p.m. (Tuesday)  and the generator has been on ever since," said Davis. "We have to be prepared for the worst ... just like everyone else."

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The county's propane-fueled generator system enables the county's staff to continue answering calls and dispatching incidents to local responders, without limitations  and Tuesday's storm kept them busy, with reports of widespread outages, downed trees and a steel Carrolltown cellphone that was bent in half while still planted to its foundation near Sunset Road.

A Munster Township barn was also destroyed by winds, while cattle were trapped inside, Davis said.

Cambria and the northernmost area of Somerset County had reports of outages  and in some cases, downed trees and wires.

The region's issues weren't unique Wednesday.

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As of 11:15 a.m., Penelec reported 189,000 customers were still without power across a region that spread from Beaver County and Pittsburgh to Johnstown, Altoona and State College.

More than 270,000 were without power after the storm swept through around 6 p.m. a day earlier.

The utility company's outage map was cluttered with perhaps 1,000 individual incidents across western Pennsylvania, including at least 85 outages in the Cambria-Somerset region that crews were working to address.

Penelec Spokesman Todd Meyers told The Tribune-Democrat late Tuesday that it will likely take days  not hours  for the outages to all be addressed.

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Because much of western Pennsylvania was struck, rather than one concentrated area, Penelec crews and their line repair subcontractors have a long list of issues to address.

Indiana-based REA Energy Cooperative, which provides electricity to residents in across parts of central and northern Cambria County, indicated nearly 18,000 customers lost power Tuesday.

By 9:45 a.m., that number was reduced to 15,000, the company wrote.

Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis said this week's storm is the just the latest of several that have inflicted severe wind damage over the past two months.

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A previous storm destroyed barns in Somerset County.

"We (avoided) the worst of it (Tuesday) ... but this trend is getting more and more common," Landis said.

He said the public should plan ahead before traveling during or after storms and visit 511Pa.com to look for real-time road closures that might impact their travel routes.
Over 1.8 million Ninja Foodi pressure cookers are being voluntarily recalled due to potential burn hazards.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall in a May 1 notice and said the company has received 106 reports of burn injuries, with over 50 of them reporting second- or third-degree burns to the face or body.

Twenty-six lawsuits have been filed as a result, according to the CPSC and Ninja's parent company, SharkNinja.

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Tonka toy ride-on trucks voluntarily recalled due to potential burn and fire hazard

The recall impacts approximately 1,846,400 Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Multi-Function Pressure Cookers with a 6.5-quart capacity that were marketed as an all-in-one appliance with air frying capabilities. The pressure cookers were manufactured in China.

The CPSC notice and SharkNinja recall website state that the lid of the OP300 pressure cookers can open while in use, leading to hot contents leaking out and increasing the risk of a burn injury.

PHOTO: SharkNinja is recalling over 1,800,000 Foodi OP300 Series pressure cookers due to a potential burn hazard. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Recalled pressure cookers are black and feature "Ninja" printed on the front of the appliance and on the product label. Impacted products include model numbers OP300, OP301, OP301A, OP302, OP302BRN, OP302HCN, OP302HAQ, OP302HW, OP302HB, OP305, OP305CO and OP350CO, which are printed on a label on the side of the pressure cooker.

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Ninja replacement pressure cooker lids for any OP300 series pressure cookers are also included in the recall.

Customers with recalled pressure cookers are advised to stop using the appliance's pressure-cooking feature immediately and reach out to SharkNinja for a free replacement lid.

Customers with questions or in need of assistance can contact SharkNinja at (888) 370-1733, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Customers can also reach out via email to sharkninja@rqa-inc.com or online at www.rqa-inc.com/client/SharkNinja/, or under the "Recalls" link or "Support" link at www.ninjakitchen.com.

Customers can also contact SharkNinja toll-free at (800) 365-0135 or by email at Cxleader@sharkninja.com.

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Foodi OP300 series pressure cookers, which retailed for around $200, were sold widely from January 2019 to March 2025 at Costco, Sam's Club, Target and Walmart stores nationwide and online through the Amazon, Costco, NinjaKitchen, Sam's Club, Target or Walmart websites.

SharkNinja states on its recall website that customers can continue using their recalled pressure cooker's air frying feature and other functions.

Air fryers may be collecting personal data, experts warn

In a statement to ABC News on Thursday, a SharkNinja spokesperson said, "The safety of our customers is a top priority for SharkNinja. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, Ninja is conducting a recall to replace the lid on certain Ninja-brand 'Foodi' multi-function cookers in the OP300 model family. This addresses reports that some consumers have been able to open the pressure-cooking lids of certain units of these cookers during use, resulting in burn injuries from hot contents. More information is available at ninjakitchen.com or at CPSC.gov."

Over 1.8 million Ninja Foodi pressure cookers voluntarily recalled due to potential burn hazard originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
When Jim McDonnell took over as Los Angeles police chief late last year, he promised to take stock of the department within 90 days and start overhauling what needed fixing.

Nearly six months later, seemingly little has changed and there are growing questions about when  or even if  McDonnell will shake things up.

Complicating the chief's situation is the possibility of losing more than 400 civilian workers to layoffs as city leaders scramble to close a $1-billion budget gap.

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McDonnell addressed the delays in his reorganization plan during a City Council committee hearing Wednesday, saying that his original three-month timetable was set back by the January wildfires.

Now, the chief said, the challenges ahead are clear.

"I have an opportunity as we move forward with our senior leadership team to reevaluate based on what the budget ends up looking like," he said, "and then to be able to streamline our operations to support our core functions, which is getting out there and answering radio calls for service."

Council members are trying to figure out how to save positions on the chopping block, including by reducing overtime funds or even potentially slowing down the hiring of new police recruits.

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Some have expressed concerns that patrol officers would be taken out of the field to backfill certain desk jobs. Roughly 130 positions  including crime scene photographers and analysts who process fingerprints and ballistic evidence  are not easily replaced, McDonnell warned.

"We know cops aren't going to turn a wrench, and we need somebody to fix" broken-down squad cars, Councilmember Tim McOsker said.

Another council member, Eunisses Hernandez, requested more information from the department about whether the millions spent on its helicopter fleet was justified given the city's financial straits.

Among other changes, McDonnell said he has considered updating the department's so-called basic car plan, which divided the city into small geographical areas that are patrolled by a senior lead officer who is responsible for building ties with community representatives. The city has grown since the program was last studied, he said.

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McDonnell on Wednesday repeated his promise to announce a departmental realignment after the completion of a study by Rand Corp., a global policy think tank brought in last year to conduct a top-down review. McDonnell told council members that the department had received some preliminary recommendations from the study, with a final version expected in the coming weeks.

Read more: A slimmed-down LAPD seems here to stay. What happens to crime with fewer cops?

The chief has also convened numerous working groups, which he has said will "reevaluate the way we've been doing business versus what we may look to do moving forward."

Given the "very difficult financial times," he said, it would be "very questionable" to plan for a future with "major increases" to the department's size.

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Connie Rice, a longtime civil rights attorney who has both sued the LAPD and advised past chiefs on reforms, said McDonnell shouldn't have to wait for high-priced consultants to tell him what's wrong with the department.

Read more: Secret recordings reveal LAPD cops spewing racist and sexist comments, complaint alleges

Among the challenges, she said, are the department's "hollowed out" community policing program and long-standing issues with racism. She noted McDonnell has said little about how he intends to address allegations about a group of recruitment officers who were secretly recorded making derogatory comments about Black police applicants, women and LGBTQ+ co-workers.

"The LAPD is in a world of trouble, and the xenophobic comments are just the start," Rice said.

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Mario Munoz, a retired LAPD internal affairs lieutenant who now runs a firm that advocates on behalf of whistleblowers, said he has heard concerns within the department about McDonnell's inaction.

"I don't think [police officials] know what he's looking for, because he hasn't made his expectations clear," Munoz said, adding that his sense is that even after the Rand audit there will not be major changes or "true reform of the system."

Read more: Mayor and LAPD chief tout double-digit drop in homicides compared with last year

With crime numbers continuing to trend downward, McDonnell has received public support from Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents rank-and-file officers.

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But a faction in the Command Officers Assn., which represents all officials above the rank of lieutenant, has pushed for the union to call a no-confidence vote against McDonnell, citing growing discontent over his performance so far.

Some of McDonnell's backers point out that the chief took a similarly deliberative approach during his last two leadership stints, as chief of police in Long Beach and as Los Angeles County sheriff. Given the challenge of taking over a department as large and complex as the LAPD, it only makes sense that McDonnell should take his time, they say.

In a letter to Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky ahead of his Wednesday presentation to the budget committee, McDonnell argued against eliminating hundreds of jobs and said that the staffing reductions could lead to the closure of three city jails.

"Tasks previously performed by civilian professionals may require staffing by sworn personnel, potentially impacting the number of officers that are available to deploy for protection and service to our communities," the chief's letter said.

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Amplifying the uncertainty, McDonnell has yet to fill several captain and several commander vacancies, and he has not elevated any candidates from the lieutenant's promotional list.

But he has made some personnel changes, including moving Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides from her longtime home base in South Bureau to Central Bureau. She was replaced by Deputy Chief Ruby Flores. He also ousted the civilian head of the department's constitutional policing office, who had drawn the wrath of the police union.

Read more: LAPD chief ousts lawyer blamed by union for disclosing thousands of officer photos

Bernard Parks, a former chief who later served on the City Council, said McDonnell is in a tough spot amid the budget crunch and competing pressures from inside and outside the department.

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Parks said he laid out his reorganization plan within weeks of being appointed chief in 1997, but he didn't fault McDonnell for treading carefully.

"The key is if you have a plan, you should share it as best you can in its totality: We're at Point A, and we're trying to get to Point Z," Parks said. "Stops and starts are the worst thing you can do with an organization because people lose interest quickly."

Others have similarly preached patience for McDonnell.

Councilmember John Lee, who chairs the council's public safety committee, said in an interview last month that the chief had privately shared some plans for the department, which centered on improving recruitment and retention of officers.

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Read more: A rich L.A. neighborhood donated surveillance technology to the LAPD  then drama ensued

Lee said it's "very natural" for some senior officials to worry about their fate under a new chief.

"Theres a lot of different concerns from everybody  it could be a captain whose commuting might change or somebody whos established really good relationships with a community, Lee said.

McDonnell may not be moving as quickly as some would like, Lee added, but we have to put a little trust in him.

Times staff writer David Zahniser contributed to this report.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON  A weight- and route-based user charge directed at the trucking industry is a nonstarter as far as many owner-operators are concerned.

That variant of a user pays funding model was offered up on Capitol Hill this week by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) as lawmakers again try to figure out how to shore up the Highway Trust Fund. At the current pace, the HTF will run out of money by 2028, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Representing AASHTO, Carlos Braceras, executive director of the Utah Department of Transportation, stated in written testimony to a House Transportation subcommittee panel that a truck mileage-based user fee option Congress could consider could vary based on axle weight (for example, higher for trucks with fewer axles) and type of route (higher for travel on lightly engineered routes).

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This would encourage truckers to adopt trailer configurations designed to reduce axle loads and to travel, where possible, on heavily engineered highways or main arterials.

Asked how Congress could ensure that such a fee does not overly tax the trucking industry relative to other vehicles paying into the trust fund, Braceras emphasized the importance of taking into account the weight of the truck.

A tiered program that would address the weight of vehicles is the mileage-based user fee pilot [projects] we are looking at, he said. Making sure that the fair share is attributed as the vehicles put wear on the transportation system  thats how we feel that should be approached.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which supports boosting HTF revenues through reasonable and impartial gasoline and diesel taxes, said AASHTOs proposal is even more complicated than other mileage-based user fee proposals.

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AASHTOs idea would require tracking how far a truck drives, its axle setup at all times, and what kind of roads its on and how those roads are rated, an OOIDA spokesman told FreightWaves.

Since the national VMT [vehicle miles traveled] pilot hasnt made any progress yet, its clear that adding all these extra layers isnt realistic anytime soon. It would create a big reporting burden and cost much more to run than the current gas and diesel tax system, which only takes about 1% of revenue to manage.

Taxing EVs

In addition to raising the fuel taxes, OOIDA and the American Trucking Associations support taxing electric vehicles. Because such vehicles dont use gasoline or diesel fuel, they contribute no tax revenue to the HTF.

The House transportation committee on Wednesday approved a budget package that includes a provision to assess an annual registration fee of $250 on EVs and $100 on hybrids to ensure they pay for their use of the nations roads and bridges, the committee said. If signed into law, the new fees are estimated to generate $38 billion over 10 years for the HTF.

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The [HTF] is on the verge of collapse due almost entirely to the growth in electric and hybrid passenger vehicles, said Henry Hanscom, ATA senior vice president of legislative affairs, in a statement.

No one should get a free ride. The Committee is to be commended for taking a significant step toward meeting the goal for all vehicles to pay their fair share. The trucking industry looks forward to working with Congress to implement this common sense solution.

Related articles:

Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher.

The post Owner-operators reject weight-based road user fees appeared first on FreightWaves.
(FOX 5/KUSI)  Owners of historic homes held a press conference Wednesday to voice concerns over any potential changes made to a program that gives them tax breaks to restore their homes.

Its called the Mills Act, and its a program that gives historic property owners a tax break, but those savings have to be used to maintain and restore their properties.

It works through a 10-year contract between the city and the property owner.

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I know several people who would not have been able to afford their homes given the amount of restoration they had to do had it not been for the Mills Act, said homeowner Barry Hager.

Under the citys proposed preservation and progress initiative, city leaders are taking a closer look at how this program is tracked and implemented to make sure the money is being used towards restoration.

The city maintains that no decisions have been made regarding the program.

Owners say theyre worried any change to the Mills Act will impose great risk on them and limit the opportunity for people to buy historic buildings.

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The Mills Act is not a money grab. We are all taking care of these homes, said one homeowner.

The residents say they plan to launch a petition and are hosting town hall meetings in various neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, the city says homeowners who utilize the Mills Act wont be losing that opportunity either.

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 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
CLARKSBURG  Forty-three years later, John Morris still remembers hearing a thunderous boom and watching a fireball roll through the parking lot of his family home and business, prompting him and his parents to escape up a wooded hillside.

It was 1982, and a Cumberland Farms truck carrying 12,000 gallons of gasoline had crashed into a guardrail on the hairpin turn outside the Golden Eagle gift shop and restaurant on the Mohawk Trail.

Im still terrified of fire to this day. Ill never even get cremated, said John Morris, who owns the iconic restaurant on the line between North Adams and Clarksburg with his wife, Lori.

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Morris and his parents escaped unharmed, but the driver of the truck died and the family business all but burned to the ground. After two years, the family was able to resurrect the gift shop-turned restaurant from the ashes.

Morris recalls turning on faucets at his home and being hit by an overwhelming smell of gas. A well on the site that was contaminated with gasoline was replaced on another side of the property.

Though the fire is a distant memory, a tragedy lives on. A chemical called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, was used in the foam retardant sprayed to fight the 1982 fire.

The chemical has infiltrated the restaurants water supply and is threatening to shutter the eatery and lounge.

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The Morrises filed a lawsuit April 7 in Berkshire Superior Court against the state Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Cumberland Farms and a truck manufacturing company over the matter.

The claim includes allegations of negligence and trespassing against Cumberland Farms and seeks a declaratory judgment against the DEP. The plaintiffs are asking the court to override the state agencys insistence that the Morrises themselves are the responsible party.

The DOT first spread sodium into the restaurants water supply by salting the roads, the complaint says, and the DEP has set the family up for failure with no offers of relief. Lawyers for Cumberland Farms argue their tanker spilled gasoline, not PFAS, onto the road, so the company is not at fault.

A water survey conducted by the DEP in 2022 touched off a series of events the Morrises fear is driving them to the brink of bankruptcy and may leave them without a livelihood in their 60s.

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Whos going to hire us if we dont have this? John Morris asked during an interview at the restaurant. The business has a strong local following and also draws tourists from many nations. I cry about this every day.

The 2022 analysis of the Golden Eagles water supply detected 812.6 nanograms of PFAS6 per liter in the sample. Massachusetts has established a maximum contaminant level for PFAS6 of 20 nanograms per liter.

Spokespersons for all the named defendants in the complaint declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

Morris says the PFAS crisis has cost him and his wife dearly. For one, publicity around the issue and mandatory warnings he is required to post on the restaurants front door, restrooms and other prominent places have cost him business. Lots and lots of business.

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He said that for decades, the business pulled in $1 million in gross sales annually, and that has plummeted to about a quarter-million a year. Since the state mandated the restaurant use bottled water exclusively for cooking, the business spends an extra $23,000 a year on that, John Morris said. Adding to that expense is nearly another $200,000 in fees for attorneys and environmental engineers, he added.

The lounge downstairs is vintage New England, with an old-time jukebox featuring artists like Buddy Holly, Bobby Darren and Jerry Lee Lewis. The upstairs dining room is tidy and rustic.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released data indicating that 158 million Americans have been exposed to PFAS and other forever chemicals.

A multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFS), which includes firefighting agents, is ongoing. Payouts to those who have been determined to suffer serious health problems due to exposure to PFAS have been as high as $500,000, according to coverage of the lawsuit.

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Gov. Maura Healey is requiring the state to remove PFAS chemicals entirely from firefighters gear by 2027.

That year is also the deadline state officials have set for the Morris family to remediate the chemical issues in their water supply. Their lawyer said no such chemical treatment exists.

According to their lawsuit, the Morrises also suffer from non-alcohol related fatty liver disease. The ailment has previously been connected to PFAS exposure in water supplies.

Plaintiffs attorney Elizabeth S. Zuckerman said her clients have been confronted with a mess that seems nearly impossible to fix. You have two people who have worked hard literally their whole lives and theyve been handed this terrible problem, said Zuckerman, of Bulkley Richardson in Springfield.

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Of the timing of the lawsuit, Zuckerman said they were facing statute of limitation concerns. The deadline is relative to the states 2022 water survey, and entails a three-year lookback.

It was now or never, she said.

John Morris said when he initially hired an environmental engineering expert, he was hopeful someone from the state would offer the couple relief. The expert called the case a slam dunk, given the photos of the fiery crash more than four decades ago. Typically, many people who learned they had PFAS exposure had no idea where it had come from, the expert said.

The experts prediction has turned out not to be the case.

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The owners have paid to explore sinking a different well, but the topography that surrounds the restaurant  craggy ledges and steeply wooded areas  made it a non-starter. The state awarded the business $50,000 for the initiative.

The fact that the couple also lives in a two-story apartment attached to the restaurant presents another gut shot.

Our lawyer said we wont be able to have the business here, and we wont be able to live here, John Morris said. Lori and I have no children and have had a thriving business before this all happened. Weve had the best life here.

Zuckerman said while the lawsuit does not ask for a specific dollar amount, the Morrises are looking for any help they can get as innocent parties.

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They just want to be made whole, in some way. Perhaps the state can help them find a new water supply, Zuckerman said.

The lounge is still hopping on weekend nights, and the outside seating on the restaurants patio will draw patrons as the weather warms. But the business is down to four employees including John and Lori Morris, compared to 14 during flush times.

The manager of the restaurant was hired as a dishwasher at 17, and remains there at age 43 as he supports six children, John Morris said. Their other employee is a waitress in her 60s.

The couple said when they were able to withstand the dark times of COVID-19 on hospitality businesses, they thought the future of their restaurant was secure.

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The Morrises are determined to keep the Golden Eagle going.

We came back from the fire when nobody thought we could. We came back from COVID. Well come back from this, he said.

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Paint Rock ISD superintendent announces resignation on May 1.

According to a statement made on social media from the Paint Rock Schools Facebook page, Kristi Mickelson has announced her resignation. The School District says an agreement has been reached which allows Mickelson the ability to pursue other interests and permits the Board to pursue hiring another Superintendent.

The Board and Mickelson have entered into the Agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the District, said Paint Rock ISD. On behalf of the entire District, the Board of Trustees expresses its sincere appreciation to Mickelson for her efforts while serving as Superintendent of this great school district and its wonderful students, parents and administrators, and for the many achievements and accomplishments of the entire District team during Mickelsons tenure as Superintendent.

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The Board extends its best wishes to Mickelson in her future endeavors. On its part, the Board will soon begin its search for a new Superintendent as not to disrupt the Districts operations.

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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
By Tariq Maqbool

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) - The government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir has closed all religious seminaries in the region for 10 days, officials said on Thursday, citing fears they would be targeted by Indian strikes following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir.

Islamabad says it has credible intelligence that India intends to launch military action soon, with New Delhi alleging that the attack on tourists was carried out by Pakistani nationals with ties to Islamist organisations based there.

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The director of Pakistani Kashmir's Department of Religious Affairs, Hafiz Nazir Ahmad, told Reuters that security officials feared Indian forces may target seminaries and label them as militant training centres.

The notification seen by Reuters, dated April 30, only cited a heatwave as the reason for the closure.

"Right now, we are facing two kinds of heat  one from the weather and the other from (Indian Prime Minister) Modi," Ahmad said of the notification, saying they did not mention the risk of attacks in a bid to avoid panic.

India's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India has previously targeted sites in Pakistan alleging they were bases of Islamist militants close to the Kashmir border.

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"We held a meeting yesterday in which it was unanimously decided not to put innocent children at risk," Ahmad said. The President's Office of Pakistani Kashmir also said the closure was due to "precautionary reasons."

There are 445 registered seminaries with over 26,000 students enrolled in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to the religious affairs department.

The seminaries - locally known as madrasas - are Islamic educational institutions run by religious organisations, providing cheap, often free, alternatives to regular schools.

Pakistan has said it will respond "assuredly and decisively" to any military action from India, raising the spectre of war between the two nuclear-armed countries.

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Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is claimed in full, but ruled in parts by both India and Pakistan, and has been the site of two wars and multiple skirmishes.

Many Muslims in Indian Kashmir have long resented what they see as heavy-handed rule by India. In 1989, an insurgency by Muslim separatists began. India poured troops into the region and tens of thousands of people have been killed.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training militants, which Islamabad denies, saying it offers only moral and diplomatic support. Seminaries have been criticised for radicalising youth towards Islamist extremism.

(Reporting Tariq Maqbool in Muzaffarabad; Additional reporting by Charlotte Greenfield in Islamabad and Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Ros Russell)
The Palestine Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the red carpet for its members this Friday night for its annual Member Appreciation banquet.

Chamber Director Angela Howell-Fields said this year they wanted to give their members the star treatment.

We welcomed so many new members this year and want to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to all our members for the participation throughout the year, for the sponsorship throughout the year, Howell-Fields said.

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For this years banquet, Marios Mexican Grill will be catering, serving hors doeuvres with cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m. Howell-Fields said an elevated meal that highlights Marios menu will follow later in the evening. She noted that a dessert grazing table will be provided by Somethin Sweet.

Howell-Fields said this years banquet will be a laid back evening of mingling and networking with a silent auction and photo booth by Alchemy Creative Arts.

She added the program would start around 6:45 p.m. at which time she will be sharing some Chamber highlights from 2024. There will be an introduction of the Chamber Ambassadors and the board. This will be followed by community awards, including a new award, Educator of the Year.

Its been a great year for the chamber, Howell-Fields said. Our Junior Ambassador program has been good and the festivals in 2024 both went really well. We brought back our Leadership Palestine program in 2024. It went really well, we had some really good programs and well talk about that at the banquet and present the certificates of completion awards to those who are able to attend.

Single tickets for this year banquet are still available for $35 per person on the chambers website, palestinechamber.org.
A Palm Beach County man was thwarted in carrying out racially-motivated mass shootings and attacks on law enforcement that investigators say were imminent after he was arrested Tuesday, according to the sheriffs office and FBI.

Deputies and federal agents raided 22-year-old Damien Allens Loxahatchee home, where he lived with his parents, and found 18 firearms, some of which may be fully automatic, 12,000 rounds of ammunition, two-way radios, a Taser stun gun and authentic-looking uniforms from the sheriffs office, FBI and military, according to PBSO.

Damien Allen

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters during a press briefing Wednesday that Allen boasted in online chats and social media sites  including Instagram and Discord  that he planned on attacking churches for racial reasons, as well as ambush law enforcement officers.

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This guy was ready to go, had all the equipment, had the propensity to do it. It was a just a matter of what day was going to set him of to go do it, Bradshaw said. No doubt in my mind, [the investigation] saved a love of lives.

The sheriffs office worked on a tip it received last week from the FBI about Allens disturbing online activity. The FBI discovered his conversations while investigating a separate case law enforcement has not detailed, said sheriffs office Capt. Randy Foley.

Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office Capt. Randy Foley speaks to reporters Wednesday, April 30, 2025, about the arrest of Damien Allen on charges related to a mass shooting the Loxahatchee man is accused of planning to carry out.

In some conversations, Allen and another person discussed not only attacking locations in Florida, but also in other parts of the country, Foley said.

Although Allen wanted to kill people based on race, Bradshaw said his main desire was to harm law enforcement and attack law enforcement facilities.

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Not only did Allen possess firearms and police and military uniforms  including realistic Army Ranger and U.S. Marine Corps dress blue uniforms  he also had a Ford Crown Victoria sedan decked out to look like a police car, complete with a laptop stand in the front seat and a police computer, Foley said.

Included with the deputys uniform was a badge, a gun belt, a body camera that Allen built using a 3-D printer and a radio, said Foley

Investigators also found bogus, yet realistic-looking, certifications claiming he completed Army Ranger training, according to the sheriffs office.

Detectives and FBI agents are investigating how he obtained his weapons, gear and the car, Foley said.

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Deputies and agents also found items with Nazi insignia on them when they raided his home, according to the sheriffs office.

We still have a lot of evidence to shift through, Foley told reporters.

So far, Allen has been charged with written threats to kill or do bodily harm, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and unlawful use of a law enforcement badge. More charges, including federal counts, are likely pending, according to the sheriffs office.

Bradshaw urged people who hear others talking about plans to carry out violence to contact law enforcement immediately.

This will give us the start, the little piece of the puzzle to move forward, he said.
President Donald Trumps sweeping range of more than 130 executive orders and other decisions aim to upend everything from long-standing immigration policy to the control of a performing arts center.

But so far, zoos are not among the many issues the Trump administration has focused on.

That might no longer be the case.

Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, to restore truth and sanity at federal history sites.

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Over the past decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nations history, Trump wrote in the executive order, replacing facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. As a corrective, he instructed Vice President JD Vance to ferret out improper ideology at the Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research centers created and funded by the federal government.

The executive order also applied to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., which has been part of the Smithsonian since 1890.

For Trumps critics, the suggestion that zoos might be indoctrinating visitors was absurd.

NBC Late Night host Seth Meyers joked about the executive order on his show on April 2, characterizing it as evidence of an authoritarian personality.

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Seriously, what the hell is improper ideology at the zoo? Trump is starting to get into weird dictator s, Meyers said.

Meyers astonishment should come as no surprise. Zoos go to great lengths to portray themselves as scientifically objective and politically neutral.

Yet as a scholar of wars effects on American culture and society, I know that zoos have always been ideological, sending subtle  and not so subtle  messages about topics that have little to do with animals.

Historically, zoos have been used to justify colonial exploitation. They have lent weight to eugenicist ideas about racial hierarchy. And they have served as backdrops for all kinds of political theater.

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During the 1920s and 1930s, for example, Italian strongman Benito Mussolini liked to climb inside the lion cage at the Rome Zoo to demonstrate the courage and vitality he associated with fascist politics.

As I argue in my 2025 book World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age, the links between zoos and national politics are especially pronounced in periods of war.

World war zoos

Zoo ownership and funding models depend on the individual zoo, but many zoos receive at least some government funding to operate.

At the start of World War II, most governments required zoos to embrace an ideology of sacrifice  a willingness to set the needs of the state above their own.

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For zoos in North America and the British Empire, this meant slashing workers pay, rationing food supplies and offering uniformed soldiers special access to zoo facilities.

It also meant destroying animals considered a threat to public safety, especially in the event of a bombing or assault that could set them free. In 1939, the London Zoo killed more than 200 animals, starting with the black widow spiders and venomous snakes. Other zoos did the same, slaughtering their animal collections as a precaution against possible escape.

Joan the hippo at the London Zoo gets a drink of water in June 1939. Fox Photos/Getty Images

Authoritarian governments during World War II exercised almost total control over their nations zoos.

Under Adolf Hitler, German zoos enforced Aryan-only visitation policies, festooned their grounds with swastikas, hosted galas for Nazi dignitaries and exhibited animals looted from zoos in occupied nations.

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In Japan, the governor of Tokyo ordered the Ueno Zoo to carry out a series of propaganda killings aimed at strengthening public commitment to the wartime struggle. Starting in August 1943, zoo staff shot, electrocuted, stabbed and strangled more than 20 animals, including a polar bear, an American bison, a python and a leopard cub.

Tokyos zoo also starved to death three elephants named Jon, Tonki and Hanako. Weeks after the zoo held an official funeral for its animals, two of the three elephants that were not actually dead continued to suffer, their cages covered in bunting so the public would not see the ghastly evidence.

Even as the fighting raged, the Soviet government directed its zoos to develop practical measures to help the war effort. At the Moscow Zoo, staff taught people how to breed mice and rabbits for medical applications, such as vaccine testing.

All the while, Soviet zoo employees had to demonstrate ideological vigilance in the workplace. Any slipup could mean official sanction, loss of position or worse.

Cold War zoos

During the Cold War, governments around the world continued to view zoos through an ideological lens.

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This was especially true in Berlin, where the citys two zoos  one in the capitalist West, the other in the communist East  became symbols of competing ideological worldviews.

No zoo animals were more ideologically fraught in the Cold War than giant pandas, endemic to the forested mountains of central China.

In the 1950s and 1960s, American zoos were denied permission by the U.S. government to import pandas from China. The State Department considered them enemy goods.

That changed in 1972, when President Richard Nixon, during a thawing of the Cold War, famously returned from China with Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, the first giant pandas who were gifted to and exhibited in the U.S. in decades.

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The National Zoo unveiled Chinas latest soft power ambassadors in January 2025. Three-year-old pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao are set to remain in D.C. for 10 years  long enough to win the hearts and minds of millions of zoo visitors.

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: John M. Kinder, Oklahoma State University

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John M. Kinder 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.
Virologists around the world are raising warning flags about the spread of the avian flu virus H5N1, which affects birds, animals and humans.

The bird flu, which has decimated poultry in the United States, has spread into cattle herds, and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are showing human cases happening after they are in contact with animals that carry the disease. While the CDC rates H5N1 as a low risk as of May 1, virologists from 40 different countries are concerned about the spread to humans.

In a paper published in The Lancet Regional HealthAmericas, virologists warned that it could lead to another pandemic.

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"The recent emergence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus infections in dairy cows and humans in the U.S. has raised alarms regarding the potential for a pandemic," Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists wrote in the commentary. "Over 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 humans have been affected, including cases of severe disease and the first reported H5N1-related death in the U.S."

What is H5N1 bird flu? Is it a new virus?

H5N1 is not a new virus. It is the same influenza that has been killing off millions of chickens in the U.S., leading to the price of eggs skyrocketing over the last few months.

Variants of bird flu have been around for years, but the H5N1, an influenza A virus, variant was detected in 2024 and continues to plague the poultry industry. It has also started affecting large swaths of dairy herds in 17 states and has been transmitted to humans, according to CDC reports.

The H5N1 bird flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects birds, but can be spread to other animals and even humans.

Could the bird flu be the next pandemic?

The rise in human infections has spurred Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists to issue a warning and plea to world governments to improve surveillance, implement biosecurity measures and prepare for potential human-to-human transmission.

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In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission, the scientists wrote. Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.

The concerns have led scientists to call for "urgent, proactive measures to prevent widespread outbreaks, leveraging lessons learned from prior pandemics."

How many people, animals have been affected by H5N1?

According to the CDC, nearly 1,000 dairy cow herds and more than 168 million poultry have been affected since 2022.

The CDC has also reported 70 known cases of the H5 bird flu in humans and one death due to the virus.

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"While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures," read a statement from the CDC.

What are the symptoms of bird flu?

Bird flu can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, fever, pneumonia and other symptoms in humans.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: A new virus? No, but virologists warn bird flu could be next pandemic
Most weekends, the Facebook pages dedicated to the Orlando Wetlands focus on spectacular pictures of nature in action  huge, hungry gators, mischievious otters and a flamboyant array of nesting birds.

But last weekend, a pair of unwelcome fliers sailed into the 1,650-acre park about 25 miles east of Orlando, causing a commotion that sparked an outcry among visitors and led to the filing of complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and the state Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission law enforcement division.

The fliers piloted motor-powered paragliders into the protected space where even drones are forbidden.

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I saw them coming in, said James McNair, 61, a hospice nurse who spends most weekends with his camera gear at the wetlands and who serves as moderator of the Facebook page Orlando Wetlands Photography

McNair snapped pictures of the fliers, one of whom headed directly toward a cypress tree dome, the main spot for nesting birds, which included wood storks, a long-legged wading species federally listed as threatened.

The wetlands is home to hundreds of species of birds from plain-looking flycatchers to bright pink Roseate spoonbills, and more than 60 kinds of butterflies. Alligators, bobcats, coyotes, otters and raccoons also roam the marshy grounds.

McNair said he watched the paraglider sail toward the rookeries, flying closer and closer before pulling up at the last second. Dozens of birds scattered, abandoning nests and chicks.

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When the paraglider drifted away, the birds slowly returned.

But it definitely spooked a lot of them, McNair said.

The nature community reacted angrily online to McNairs photos of the fliers.

Some called for the FAA to investigate. Others described the fliers as self-entitled and idiots.

Wish they landed on a gator, one post mused.

In response to critics, a man posted an apology in the Facebook group, suggesting he was one of the fliers.

The Orlando Sentinel was unable to verify his identity or contact him.

I respect nature and always try to respect peopleI was out flying around and didnt know the wetlands park was there, the post read. If I would have known, we would have steered clear of it. Never try [to] ruffle anyones feathers, and Im sorry to anyone that might have gotten upset with [us] flying by. It wont happen again since we know its there now.

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Mark Sees, the Orlando Wetlands manager, referred an inquiry to the citys communication team.

Spokesperson Ashley Papagni said the city learned of low-flying paragliders over the Orlando Wetlands from photos and community concerns. One of the individuals involved later contacted us directly, expressed regret, and we were able to clarify the sensitive nature and the importance of protecting wildlife, Papagni said.

She did not name the individual, but said incident was reported to the FAA and FWC.

Chad Weber, a law enforcement officer with the state wildlife agency, said investigators were gathering information about the incident, and it could potentially fall under Florida laws prohibiting harassment of wildlife.

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The city acquired the 1,650 acres in 1986 for about $5.13 million to filter reclaimed wastewater. Water flows through the marsh and the plants, which consume the nutrients before the cleaned liquid spills into the St. Johns River.

In December 2022, the city opened a 2,200-foot boardwalk to allow hikers, birdwatchers and other visitors a view over the water and closer to the coots, egrets, herons and wood storks who nest near the cypress dome.

Its what I consider a hidden jewel of Central Florida, said Bruce Doerle, 77, a nature photographer.

Doerle said the paragliders are probably attracted to the wetlands area for the same reasons as birds.

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Not many houses and a beautiful view from up high, he said.

On its website, the United States Powered Paragliding Association notes that Airspace can be very intimidating to a lot of paramotor pilots.

It means there are some places where we need permission to fly and other places where we dont.

shudak@orlandosentinel.com
The parents of a 4-year-old girl in Alabama claim they rushed their daughter to the hospital after picking her up from school earlier this week and then found out she'd somehow ingested ethanol, according to a report.

In an interview with Fox affiliate WALA, Albert and Mary Singleton alleged that a toxicology report performed at the hospital found their daughter had a blood alcohol content of 0.29%, which is about four times the legal limit if she was old enough to drive.

The Singletons claimed they were contacted by their daughter's school, which has not been named publicly, on Monday, April 28, shortly before the end of the day, WALA reported.

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Mom Mary told the outlet that when they arrived, her daughter's body was limp and she was "slobbering."

Related: Methanol Is Killing Tourists  How to Stay Safe from Tainted Alcohol While Traveling

According to the report, the girl spent two days in the ICU at Childrens and Womens Hospital in Mobile before being released on Wednesday, April 30.

It is unknown how the girl ingested or got hold of the ethanol, but police are investigating, according to the outlet.

Mobile County Public Schools did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Thursday, nor did the girl's father. When reached by phone, the Prichard City Police Department was not immediately able to provide any details.

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Related: 'Friday' Star Anthony 'A.J.' Johnson Died from 'Chronic Ethanol Use': Coroner

As noted by the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) National Library of Medicine, ethanol toxicity can be caused by ingesting large amounts of the beverage ethanol (also known as alcohol) and non-beverage ethanol (which can be found in such products as mouthwash and cough medicine).

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.

Signs of alcohol toxicity depend on the persons BAC, said the NIH. At a BAC between 0.2% and 0.4%, patients can develop nausea and vomiting, hypothermia, dysarthria, amnesia, diplopia, and nystagmus. Those with a BAC of over 0.4% can develop respiratory depression followed by coma and even death.

Read the original article on People
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.  A former Garland County teacher and registered sex offender is back behind bars after authorities said they found evidence related to a past child pornography conviction.

Police said 52-year-old Zachary Nehus was arrested on April 29 for violating parole terms related to his 2016 conviction on 30 counts of felony child pornography charges. He previously worked as a teacher at St. Johns Catholic School and is the husband of Hot Springs School District Superintendent Stephanie Nehus.

Registered sex offender, former school teacher facing parole violation charges in Garland County after 2016 child porn-related conviction

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The Garland County Sheriffs Office confirmed that authorities discovered the new evidence at Nehus home on April 29. He is currently being held without bond in the Garland County Detention Center.

The news of his arrest has sparked frustration among parents in the district, with some calling for Superintendent Stephanie Nehus to resign or be removed from her position.

I love the school district, Sara Jeffers, a parent of a Hot Springs School District student, said. The opportunities my daughter gets are amazing, but this is so disheartening.

Jeffers expressed anger that Zachary Nehus, who authorities stated is a registered Level 2 sex offender, had previously been allowed on a school campus, sparking safety concerns.

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In the state of Arkansas, and a lot of people dont know this, Level 2 offenders are allowed on school property where their child attends, Jeffers said.

School Issues Statement on Employee Arrested on Child Porn Charges

Jeffers said she and several other parents had already voiced concerns to Superintendent Nehus about their childrens safety. In light of the latest arrest, she believes the school board should take action.

Superintendent Nehus addressed the arrest in an internal email Tuesday, stating:

Good afternoon HSSD colleagues. I would like to share some personal information with you. My husband was arrested on a parole violation this afternoon. I am not sure if or when it may hit the media. I do not know much at this time. I will share more when I know more. I simply ask for prayers for our family. If you have questions, please dont hesitate to reach out to me. My number one concern at this time is our children!

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The Hot Springs School District declined to provide a formal statement but confirmed a special executive session of the school board is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Teacher Arrested on Child Porn Update

The meeting will be closed to the public, but Jeffers said she plans to be outside to make her voice heard.

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MONTEZUMA, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) A local park in Montezuma received some touch-ups, all thanks to a Parke County inmate.

Over the weekend, an inmate from the Parke County Jail cleaned up and painted the equipment at Reeder Park. Sheriff Jason Frazier said he has been looking for more ways the outside worker inmates can help the community. He said he was approached by the Montezuma Park Board to start the effort, and they purchased the materials.

It teaches them to take pride in their work, said Sheriff Frazier. Obviously, this particular one did a nice job without any encouragement. I know he was proud and happy in what he accomplished. Give back to the community.

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Sheriff Frazier also said he hopes to continue this as long as they have the staff to do so.

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Editors Note:

All quotes, photos, and lease documents used in this article were provided under the condition of anonymity. At least six current residents of Lake Maggiore Apartments came forward to share their experiences and documentation regarding the recent parking policy change. These accounts reflect their personal perspectives and may not represent the views of all residents.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (BLOOM)  A new parking policy at Lake Maggiore Apartments is forcing residents to walk blocks to their cars or rack up hundreds in Uber and bus fees  essentially commuting to their own homes  while dozens of parking spots sit unused inside the gates. All of this in a complex that markets itself as a luxury, eco-conscious community.

The change, which took effect May 1, restricts each apartment to just one registered vehicle, regardless of unit size or the number of licensed drivers. Townhome residents are allowed two cars, but only if both fit inside their attached garages. Lake Maggiore offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as townhomes, making the policy especially disruptive for multi-driver households in standard units.

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For many, its a dramatic shift from the terms they agreed to when they signed their leases.

We moved in with the understanding that both of our vehicles were registered and approved, said one resident of a two-bedroom unit, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. Now suddenly Im being told I have to park off-site and figure it out on my own. It feels like they changed the rules mid-game. We would not have rented here if this policy was in place up front.

Guest parking is limited to about a 10 spots outside the gate, which now serve as overflow for displaced residents. These spaces fill quickly each evening, leaving others to circle nearby streets (all labeled no parking) or pay for rideshare services just to get home. Multiple car break-ins have been reported in the community, with several emails sent to warn residents to lock their vehicles. Now, many are being forced to park outside the gated area they pay a premium to access  exposing themselves and their vehicles to greater risk.

Residents said these spots outside the gates are designated for building one apartments. This amounts to about half of the available spots outside the gates where overflow is also supposed to park.

I had to Uber from my car to the apartment last night, another resident said. Thats hundreds of dollars a month just to get home from where Im forced to park. And I already pay almost $3,000 in rent, its outrageous!

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Lake Maggiore Apartments is located in deep South St. Petersburg, an area many residents acknowledge has long struggled with safety concerns. Several tenants said the new policy puts them at increased risk, forcing them to walk alone at night or early in the morning through neighborhoods they wouldnt normally traverse on foot. Its not just about inconvenience, one resident said. Its about safety. I shouldnt have to choose between getting to work and feeling secure.

The complex markets itself as a luxury, sustainability-focused community with solar-powered amenities, EV charging stations, and modern design. But residents said the rollout of the new policy has been anything but thoughtful.

Theyre framing this as being about fairness and eco-friendliness, but nobodys buying it, one tenant said. If that were the case, theyd have built enough spots to begin with. This is about poor planning and over-selling units.

Even residents with accessibility needs have reportedly been affected. One man was seen in the lobby furious after learning he and his girlfriend had lost access to their ADA-designated spot.

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It was chaos in there, a resident said. People were angry. There were at least three separate conversations going on with management, and no one was getting answers. They basically just shrugged their shoulders and said its your problem.

Despite advertising a community-oriented atmosphere, management has largely communicated the change via mass email. In a message sent to residents, they offered a $150 gift card or passes for bus rides, e-bikes, or car-sharing as compensation.

Thanks, but a $150 gift card doesnt even cover a month of Ubers, one tenant said. Its like handing someone an umbrella after you already soaked them with a hose.

To make matters worse, the promised transportation gift cards and parking passes still havent been distributed. Residents say management implemented the new policy on May 1 without providing the alternatives they touted in their email, leaving people scrambling for a solution with no support in place. They made the change with zero preparation, then acted surprised when everyone was frustrated, one renter said.

The decision is especially confusing given the abundance of empty spots now visible throughout the lot.

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I walk out and see rows of unused parking inside the gate, said a renter. Its clear they have empty units. So why cant residents with two-bedroom apartments, who signed leases under different terms, be allowed to park their cars?

Residents say theyre not asking for special treatment, just the ability to live under the conditions they agreed to when they moved in.

This policy is making our daily lives harder and more expensive, one resident said. And the worst part is, they dont seem to care.

Not all residents are upset. Some one-bedroom tenants said the policy has made parking less chaotic for them. I only have one car, so I dont mind the change, said one renter. Before, it was hard to find a spot near my building. Now I always can.

Lease Promised Two-Car Parking. New Policy Breaks It.

According to lease documents signed in October 2024 and reviewed by BLOOM, a 30-year-old man and his 24-year-old partner were explicitly granted permission to park two vehicles at Lake Maggiore Apartments. Their Resident Parking Addendum, dated October, 2024, lists both vehicles  including make, model, license plate, and assigned decal  with separate fees paid: $15 for one car and $75 for the other.

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There was no language in our lease limiting us to one car, the tenant said. In fact, the form had room for up to three vehicles, and we were approved in writing.

The lease includes no mention of a one-car-per-apartment policy. Instead, it outlines that registered vehicles must display a valid decal, a requirement the couple met when they moved in.

They took our money, gave us decals, and confirmed everything was approved. Then, six months later, they revoked it without offering a real solution.

The couple is now left scrambling, one commuting from an off-site location and paying out of pocket for Ubers or long walks to reach the car, while dozens of parking spaces inside the gated community sit empty.

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Its hard not to feel like weve been tricked, the resident said. Were paying luxury rent, but this policy has made our lives harder, more expensive, and far less secure.

After Hurricane Helene displaced families across Florida in late 2024, Lake Maggiore Apartments actively marketed units to storm victims, offering discounted deposits and welcome home messaging on social media.

But just six months later, some of those same residents say theyre being pushed out again, this time by policy.

My family moved here after our home flooded, one resident wrote in a public Google review. At first it was stable. Now, were being forced to move again because they changed the lease rules mid-contract.

The resident, who has a young child and relies on two vehicles for work and safety, said management denied requests for flexibility and instead suggested ridesharing, biking, or using public transportation.

None of that is practical or safe for a family with a car seat, she wrote. Now theyre demanding over $5,600 just to break the lease.

In an email to BLOOM, the same resident added:

They knew who they were marketing to  people who had just lost everything. Now, theyre acting like were disposable.

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The complex is owned and operated by RangeWater Real Estate, which manages properties across the Southeast. According to the resident, the companys actions show a clear preference for investor profits over resident stability.

CEO Steven Shores either doesnt know how his decisions are hurting real people  or worse, he does and doesnt care.

She also noted that recurring fire alarms go off at least once a month in the middle of the night, adding one final warning:

If youre a family or someone looking for a long-term home, think twice before signing with Lake Maggiore or any RangeWater property.

The backlash over Lake Maggiores parking policy isnt limited to just a few voices. As of this month, dozens of one-star reviews on Google cite the same issues: mid-lease rule changes, a lack of communication, and what many describe as a failure to plan for real-world living needs.

There is no place to park. Even for residents. This is insane, one reviewer wrote. You are only allowed to have one car per household. No parking for guests. I would not recommend this place!

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Another tenant who said they moved in recently commented:

Everything was going well until I was blindsided by the parking changes. I had no idea this was even being considered. Now Im stuck figuring it out after already signing.

Others expressed frustration over feeling misled or trapped by the sudden change.

They changed the parking policy mid-lease with no option of breaking the lease, one review read. Dishonest and no sympathy for the people who live there.

One former tenant claimed they paid $5,000 to break their lease early because of ongoing issues and called out a lack of basic human decency. Several reviews also noted that compact spots are too small, leading to car damage, and one resident said their vehicle was towed, costing them $240.

Another summed it up bluntly:

This parking situation is an absolute nightmare. They revoked half the complexs ability to park  when the majority of us are couples or families. Where are we supposed to put our second car?

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While management has responded to many reviews publiclyoften citing the desire for fairness and sustainabilityresidents say that doesnt match the lived reality of the policy rollout.

What You Can Do If Youre Affected in St. Pete or Pinellas County

If youre a Lake Maggiore resident, or any renter in the St. Petersburg area, dealing with sudden lease changes or loss of parking access, here are resources and steps you can take:

Document Everything

Save all emails, lease agreements, and communications from management. Screenshot any parking policy changes, fee adjustments, or violations of your original lease.

File a Complaint

Pinellas County Consumer Protection Website: www.pinellas.gov/consumer Phone: (727) 464-6200 They can investigate deceptive rental practices or unfair policy changes.

City of St. Petersburg Codes Compliance Assistance For habitability or access concerns Website: www.stpete.org Phone: (727) 893-7373



Seek Legal Help

Bay Area Legal Services (St. Pete Office) Website: www.bals.org Phone: (800) 625-2257 They offer free legal aid to qualified tenants dealing with unfair housing practices.



Join or Start a Tenant Group

St. Petersburg Tenants Union Instagram: @stpetetenantunion Organizes local renters for collective action. A great option if many residents are impacted.



Speak Out

Write a formal letter or email to your property manager outlining the issue and requesting relief (reimbursement, exemption, etc.).

Leave a review on Google, Yelp, and apartment rating sites to warn future renters and create public pressure.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A woman has been taken to hospital in Kyiv following an overnight Russian drone attack on the capital.

Source: Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko on Telegram

Details: Klitschko reported that the explosive part of a downed drone had detonated with a delay.

An elderly woman, a resident of the Darnytskyi district, was injured.

Update: Darnytskyi District State Administration in Kyiv has urged local residents to observe heightened safety precautions following explosions of delayed-action cluster munitions in the Bortnychi neighbourhood, likely scattered during the overnight UAV attack.

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"In case of discovering suspicious objects, do not approach them, move to a safe distance, immediately call the police and emergency services on 102, and provide the exact location of the object," local authorities said in an appeal to Kyiv residents.

Meanwhile, Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, reported that around 10 explosions had been recorded in a forested park area. He also stated that an explosion on the roof of a residential building had caused partial damage to the roof.

Quote from Tkachenko: "One person has been reported injured. Information is being clarified.

Bomb disposal experts, rescue workers and medics are operating at the scene. Police patrols are securing the scene and preventing unauthorised access.

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The explosions are likely caused by cluster munitions dropped by Russian UAVs, but this can only be confirmed after a specialised examination to determine the origin of these explosive devices."

Background: Russian forces had attacked Ukraine with five Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 170 loitering munitions and decoy drones since the evening of 30 April. Reports indicated that 142 drones failed to reach their targets.

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A temporary patch on a northeast Oklahoma dam has failed, putting the area at risk of downstream flooding.

Water from Lake Waxhoma Dam flows into nearby creeks, including Bird Creek, which moves through the nearby town of Barnsdall, Oklahoma. According to News on 6, the patch failed on the afternoon of April 30, and the water is still gushing from the hole in the dam across County Road 2331.

The nearby Highways 11 and 20 also have closed sections due to being underwater, the TV station reported.

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The patch was created in 2021 when crews used rocks to stabilize the area. While the spillway was earmarked in 2022 for $1.6 million in federal funding, a permanent fix had not been made.

Though the area is rural, officials are concerned about how the flooding will affect downstream communities. The dam is also a key water source for Barnsdall, News on 6 reported.

The Osage County Sheriff's Office is monitoring the situation.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lake Waxhoma Dam patch fails, floods rural Oklahoma roads, creeks
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  As Elon Musks xAI is looking for permits to run gas turbines at their Memphis supercomputer, many are upset about the pollution those turbines might bring.

Wednesday, state Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) held a rally outside the health department.

Right now the Shelby County Health Department is deciding on granting Elon Musk and xAI permits to use their gas turbines in the Boxtown neighborhood of southwest Memphis, something Pearson and his constituents couldnt be further against.

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Permit decision on xAI turbines weeks away, health dept. says

I dont care if it was Barack Hussein Obama or if Jesus the living Christ was leading this project for xAI, Id be against it, one protester said.

Another said, Shelby County has fallen down on their responsibility. They should have shut this facility down as soon as they started running these turbines without a permit.

Aerial view of turbines at the xAI facility in Memphis. (WREG photo)

And while many from South Memphis are leading the charge against xAI, support is coming from all over, including 20-year-old college sophomore Orion Overstreet, who has organized everything from concerts to bake sales to raise money for the Boxtown Neighborhood Association.

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We want our futures to be here, and if our futures are going to be here, then we have to fight like hell against this, because this is going to affect all of us, she said.

xAI hearing draws hundreds, becomes heated debate

During a committee meeting Wednesday, county commissioners recommended TVA and MLGW share an update on the next steps that would be needed for xAI to move to their operation to the electric grid.

But whatever happens going forward many in South Memphis say they just want to be treated equally.

We deserve clean air, clean water, clean soil just like they have in Collierville, just like they have in Germantown, just like these other zip codes where the majority of people are white, said KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution.

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(WHTM) A Pennsylvania lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would exempt all earned income by individuals under 18 from state income tax.

The memo, circulated by State Representative Marla Brown (R-9), says that young people who take on seasonal work or part-time jobs to learn responsibility and prepare for their futures should not be subject to state income tax, as it can discourage work and impose unnecessary complexity on minors and their families.

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The legislation aims to exempt all income earned by Pennsylvanians under 18 from personal income tax as part of an effort to support youth employment and encourage financial literacy.

This exemption would recognize their initiative and remove a barrier to their early financial growth, the memo says.

Learn more about child labor laws in Pennsylvania here.

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Roger Gosson faces a murder charge after being accused of killing Joshua Daywalt

Daywalt was found floating in the Schuylkill River on Feb. 7

After learning of his death, police offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Daywalts killer

A former Pennsylvania contractor who was living inside a bridge was arrested in connection with the murder of a man whose body was found floating in a river earlier this year.

Roger Gosson, 62, was taken into custody Tuesday, April 29 and charged with murder and related offenses in the death of 35-year-old Joshua Daywalt, according to a Philadelphia Police Department press release.

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Daywalt was discovered around 10 a.m. on Feb. 7 after police responded to a report of a body floating in the Schuylkill River near Kelly Drive and Midvale Avenue.

The following day, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office conducted a post-mortem examination and concluded that Daywalt died from a single gunshot wound behind the right ear. He also suffered a possible graze wound to the lower right back of the head.

Philadelphia Police Department Roger Gosson Roger Gosson

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His death was ruled a homicide.

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Police later offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of his killer. Gosson was apprehended after police received calls about a man living inside the Green Lane Bridge, ABC Philadelphia reported.

On the scene, officers discovered a fully furnished tent with electricity inside the bridge, per ABC Philadelphia. They also found a gun, the outlet reported.

Joe Antonini, who knew Gosson, told ABC Philadelphia that the former contractor lost his company, he lost everything, and just living on the street.

Daywalt's mother, Jennifer told ABC Philadelphia that her son had struggled with mental health issues.

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"It was very tough to watch it. Joshua would've never been in the position he was in, or the place he was in, had we been able to stabilize him. He was a normal kid, he was a happy kid, and mental illness took him over," she said.

Gosson is being held without bail at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.



Read the original article on People
Pension giant Phoenix Group has cut ties with a transgender campaigner who vowed to defy bans on trans women using female lavatories.

Phoenix, which is Britains largest long-term savings and retirement business, said it had ended work with Global Butterflies, a consultancy it hired last year to train staff on trans inclusion.

The decision has emerged in the wake of this months Supreme Courts ruling that women should be defined by biological sex, not gender identity.

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The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the regulator of the Equality Act, has since told companies it was compulsory for workplaces to provide single-sex lavatories.

Emma Cusdin, a trans woman who is a director of Global Butterflies, has vowed to defy the EHRC guidance. Ms Cusdin wrote on LinkedIn: I have used female single sex spaces for almost 20 years, without any negative incidents but rather positivity, love and support.

I have a Gender Recognition Certificate which clearly states that my acquired gender is female. I have no intention of using mens facilities. I will not comply.

Ms Cusdin runs Global Butterflies with her trans partner Rachel Reese, who co-founded the group in 2015.

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Global Butterflies provides training on trans issues in the workplace but has attracted controversy for running workshops that inform participants there are more than 150 genders, encourage staff to pull colleagues up for using the wrong pronouns and warn that staring could be considered transphobic.

The consultancy has also lobbied employers to remove gendered language from their HR policies and install gender-neutral lavatories.

Phoenix, which has around 290bn of assets under administration, announced in June 2024 that a new Trans Inclusion Policy was coming soon and said: In conjunction with this we have partnered with Global Butterflies to provide training to colleagues across the business.

The FTSE 100 company, which has around 12m customers, has since sought to distance itself from the group. A spokesman told The Telegraph: We worked with Global Butterflies last year  specifically relating to recruitment.

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We are not currently working with them and have no plans to work with them again in the future.

The company also said the Trans Inclusion Policy promised last year was never published.

Global Butterflies has been instrumental in pushing pro-trans policies across society. It has run training sessions at the BBC, House of Commons and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

In 2019, the lobby group worked with the Government Legal Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to write a guide on drafting gender-neutral legislation and wrote the official Lloyds of London Trans and Non-binary Guide.

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Global Butterflies has also worked with law firms such as Bird & Bird, Ashurst, Hogan Lovells, Pinsent Masons and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner as well as the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Ms Reese, who is a trained solicitor, previously told the People Management trade publication that lavatories were a crunch point around trans employees because trans people, surprisingly, need to go to the toilet too.

She said: You just need to give any employee the choice of where they go to the toilet. Put in a gender-neutral facility for everyone.

If you have multiple bathrooms on multiple levels, just make some of them gender-neutral.

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Stephanie Davies-Arai, the founder and director of Transgender Trend, a parents group calling for evidence-based care for gender dysphoric children, voiced concern that corporate Britain had embraced the teachings of groups such as Global Butterflies.

She told The Telegraph: I dont know why these global corporations have valued a group like this  they are essentially promoting an ideology.

They are Stonewall mark two. All of these businesses which follow this kind of advice need to be reviewing their policies and bring them in line with the law.

Businesses across Britain are grappling with the implications of the recent landmark Supreme Court ruling. The Telegraph reported earlier this week that Barclays had scrapped its policy of allowing trans staff to choose which lavatories they use in the wake of the judgment.

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Global Butterflies was contacted for comment.

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(Stock photo by Darrin Klimek/Getty Images)

As workers around the world unite this May Day to celebrate hard-fought rights and demand justice in our workplaces, let us not forget those who are too often left out of these conversations: people in prison.

People behind bars labor every day  cooking, cleaning, maintaining prison facilities, even fighting wildfires. Yet unlike other workers, they have few rights, are paid pennies or nothing at all, and are without access to the most basic human needs and at the mercy of others with little to no recourse.

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In Colorado, people in prison can be denied family visitation  calls, video chats, or in-person visits  if they choose not to participate in a prison work program. This practice is cruel, coercive, and completely out of step with the values May Day represents.

The Right to Family and Community Connection Act, House Bill 25-1013, would enshrine the right to family visitation as a matter of law  one that cannot be stripped away for refusing to work.

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Prison labor is already a form of economic injustice. But when you tie a workers ability to see their children or speak to a parent to their willingness to work under these conditions, its not just economic coercion, its inhumane.

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Coloradans  regardless of party  know that family isnt a reward. Its a lifeline. Its also one of the most powerful tools for rehabilitation. Research shows that people in prison who maintain strong family bonds are less likely to reoffend and more likely to successfully reintegrate into society.

This isnt just smart public policy. Its basic humanity.

We dont have to look far to see the human cost. David Turner, a 24-year-old father of two, was placed on Restrictive Privileges status for failure to work  punished after being marked absent on days he wasnt scheduled and for a shift he missed while receiving medical care. For 43 days, David was confined 22 hours a day, cut off from his family  not even allowed to send letters to his children.

As David put it, Getting out of prison and back to my family is very important to me, and knowing I can be kept in prison longer if I attempt to choose not to work coerces me to work against my will  I feel like a slave being forced to work against my will by CDOC. Everybody does.

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No one should be forced to choose between enduring forced labor or losing all contact with the people they love.

May Day reminds us that the dignity of labor must be fiercely protected  and that includes the dignity of those whose rights are denied and whose voices are often silenced.

This May Day, lets extend our solidarity to all workers, including those behind prison walls. Lets fight for fair wages, safe conditions, and freedom from retaliation  and for the fundamental human right to stay connected to the people we love.

Every person  no matter where they are  needs the right to stay connected to their loved ones without fear of retaliation or exploitation. The Right to Family and Community Connection Act would guarantee that right.

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Many people have criticized the dynamic of President Donald Trumps Cabinet meetings, which have entailed members of the Trump administration heaping praise on the president with glowing tributes celebrating his second term in office.

During his Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, which focused on the presidents first 100 days in office, Trump was showered with compliments while he and members of the administration touted successes in his second term, which has been riddled with chaos and uncertainty. At one point, Vice President JD Vance referenced the portraits displayed in the Oval Office, saying that most of the presidents featured in the portraits have acted as placeholders instead of men of action.

The reason the media attacks this administration as chaotic is because the president is solving the problems the American people set about to solve, Vance said. Hes actually doing the things that he promised he would do, and Mr. President, its been an honor to be a part of it for the past 100 days.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi followed Vance by addressing the president directly to say that his first 100 days has far exceeded that of any other presidency in this country  ever.

And Trumps billionaire adviser Elon Musk, whos preparing to wind down his role with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, said on Wednesday that whats been accomplished during Trumps first 100 days is more than any administration before, ever, period.

People online criticized all the gushing remarks, with some describing the meeting as cringey. Others argued that it would be hard for anyone to easily perform at their job if they felt they had to praise their boss in such a lavish way.

You cant unsee cabinet meetings where everyone spends their time trying to one up each other in their praise for the president, one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

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But is this acceptable behavior in any other workplace outside the White House? Is it ever productive to create a work environment with such lavish praise for its leader?

Hallie Kritsas, a licensed mental health counselor and therapist with Thriveworks who specializes in self-esteem, workplace issues and anxiety, told HuffPost that while, in general, praise can be a great thing and a useful tool to reinforce positive engagement, it can also be seen as a red flag if a manager or organizational leader receives direct and constant praise.

It can come across as superficial, forced and performative, and less genuine than intended, she said.

Experts weigh in on when praise directed toward management is and isn't appropriate at the workplace. pixelfit via Getty Images

Too much praise, with a lack of constructive criticism, can be a problem at any workplace.

Kritsas said that there can be a line where too much praise given to a manager in a work environment can prevent room for growth if theres an absence of constructive criticism.

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If people feel that they cannot appropriately and safely express concerns with their leadership, the leadership cannot grow, change and evolve, she said. If speaking up with concerns makes someone the odd one out, it might make them less likely to speak up.

Kritsas also emphasized that constant praise given to an employer or someone in leadership at an organization or company can be inappropriate due to the power dynamics in the relationship. The leader should be praising their workers as well, she added.

Krishna Powell, the founder of human capital consulting firm HR 4 Your Small Biz, said that theres not necessarily anything wrong with leaders and managers receiving praise, since leaders deserve praise when appropriate.

But red flags are raised if an employee is ridiculed or ostracized for expressing criticism of leadership, or for providing constructive feedback, she explained to HuffPost.

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An organization or company where leadership receives little to no constructive criticism can have negative consequences, Powell said.

Criticism is not a bad thing if it helps a leader or organization become better, she said, before later adding, If a manager wants to improve, to go from good to great, then the manager must be able to take criticism and constructive feedback along with praise and accolades.

And workplaces can foster an unhealthy environment if employees are not invited to express their concerns and are instead only encouraged to deliver praise to leadership.

Powell said that a workplace without constructive feedback runs the risk of having creativity and innovation hindered. Groupthink becomes the norm, she said.

Here are things you can do if you feel you cant express concerns or criticisms to your boss.

Powell recommended that you write down your concerns and constructive feedback in a clear and concise letter.

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Send it via snail mail anonymously to leadership and/or Human Resources and wait 60-90 days to see if any changes occur, she said. Also, I would ask the employee to ask their coworkers what happened the last time someone shared their concerns with management.

Kritsas said that if its possible, shed recommend speaking to the human resources department if you feel youre in an unsafe situation and environment.

If not, I would encourage them to consider looking for a different work environment where they could feel safer, she added.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  More Oklahomans are being affected by federal cuts.

Palomar: Oklahoma Citys Family Justice Center serves those who are fleeing domestic abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault or criminal violence.

The center partners with other community agencies to provide wraparound services to victims.

Each year, Palomar serves around 6,000 victims, but now federal cuts are threatening its services.

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The bottom line is our programming is vital to Oklahoma City and families and it cannot stop and it cannot be interrupted or people will die, said Kim Garrett-Funk, chief visionary officer and founder of Palomar.

Palomar found out this week that four full-time employees they had through AmeriCorps were let go immediately.

Some of them work in our childrens sanctuary, so they provide trauma informed care for kids who come in from violent environments that need a lot of care and a sensitive training and support, said Garrett-Funk.

Last year alone, the childrens sanctuary helped nearly 2,000 kids.

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As we go into the summer, our rates of children coming in for services will only increase, while our staffing is forced to decrease because of these federal cuts, said Garrett-Funk.

Childcare centers begin to close as state changes funding formula

The AmeriCorps workers were also vital to Palomars Shop for victims.

When families flee, they literally have nothing, but the clothes on their back and now we dont have anybody to run that program for helping with clothes and distributing diapers and formula to families who are most vulnerable, said Garrett-Funk.

Garrett-Funk says the U.S. Department of Justice also stripped them of a $500,000 grant through the Office of Victims of Crime.

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Funded direct services for adults and our case management, so long term support services as people rebuild from chronic trauma, those services have been defunded by the federal government, said Garrett-Funk.

Between both cuts, Garrett-Funk says theyve lost funding for a third of their staff

Can you imagine waking up and like your network being defunded a third and whats heartbreaking is how its being done, people are just getting blindsided by emails telling them theyre terminated, said Garrett-Funk.

The reason for these cuts is because the Trump administration has different priorities.

The cut is shocking and we are appealing it. We appealed it two days later because many of the things we do aligns with the administrations priorities to help hurting children in America, said Garrett-Funk.

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In the meantime, Palomar is asking the community to support them to bridge the gap in federal funding and theyre also exploring different ways to generate revenue for operations.

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.
Ukrainian military surgeon Oleksii Nosulko has carried out one of the most extreme operations while lying beside a wounded soldier in a narrow gap between the concrete slabs of a destroyed building.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia (Life), citing Nosulko's story shared by Ukraine's Medical Forces

Details: Oleksii was a civilian burn care specialist before the full-scale invasion.

He worked at the Centre for Thermal Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery in Dnipro, regularly attended military reserve training and kept his skills up to date.

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He enlisted in Ukraines Armed Forces on 25 February 2022, after preparing his local hospital to receive the wounded.

After gaining experience in military surgery, Nosulko was transferred to an advanced surgical unit in Zaporizhzhia. His first rotation took place in January 2023 near Huliaipole.

Ukraine commenced a counteroffensive in this war zone area on 4 June 2023. Nosulko's team treated around 150 wounded soldiers on the first day alone.

"The first three days were so intense they felt like one endless day," Oleksii recalls. "In the first 24 hours alone, we treated around 150 wounded  from light shrapnel injuries, contusions and acute stress reactions to the most severe injuries: amputations, multiple penetrating wounds to the chest, abdomen and head."

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The most extreme challenge came in the summer of 2024, when an airstrike brought down a building, trapping a wounded soldier beneath it. His legs were pinned by a concrete slab weighing several tonnes.

His brothers-in-arms managed to dig a narrow passage, but there was no way to pull him free. The only chance to save his life was to amputate his legs right under the rubble.

First, an anaesthetist from the brigade crawled into the concrete trap to stabilise the soldier, helping him breathe, inserting a drip and administering pain relief. Then Oleksii reached the wounded trooper.

"I amputated his right leg without much difficulty, but his left leg was partially buried under rubble and concrete," Oleksii recalls. "I had to dig out a niche with my hands, place a tourniquet inside, and begin cutting through the knee joint. The anaesthetic started to wear off, so a syringe with more painkiller was thrown down to me."

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"I broke all the scalpels, and through the same niche, they handed me an ordinary kitchen knife, which I used to continue the amputation," Nosulko says. "With great difficulty, I managed to remove the second leg. After that, both the wounded soldier and I were pulled out of the hole."

The wounded soldier remained conscious for all six hours while his comrades worked tirelessly to free him. Enduring intense pain, he repeatedly asked his brothers-in-arms for a pistol.

"I was asked several times if I was scared or had doubts about going into that hole," Oleksii recalled. "I guess my answer is that it's not for nothing that we wear shoulder straps along with our medical suits. Sometimes, you have to overcome your fear and step up, not just as a doctor, but as a combat officer. My fear is nothing compared to what the patient has endured."

After both legs were amputated, the wounded soldier was evacuated to a stabilisation centre, where his wounds were cleaned, he underwent shock treatment and a conversion of tourniquets. He was later transferred to a hospital for further care.

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"I know that he survived and underwent several major operations," the military surgeon says. "Now, after a long rehabilitation, the lad is walking on prostheses. This motivates me to keep working. However, I'm not sure if this story can influence other doctors. After all, it shows that the service of a military doctor does not always mean a warm, sterile operating theatre and normal safe conditions."

At home, Oleksiis beloved wife and son are eagerly awaiting his return, while his mother worries about both Oleksii and his younger brother, who also enlisted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"My little son is growing up. I realise that everything I do is for the sake of him and other children. So that the war will not be inherited by their generation," Oleksii concludes.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Wichita Police Department is investigating an incident that sent a 37-year-old man to the hospital Wednesday night.

Around 7:40 p.m., officers were called to the 1100 block of N. State St. for the report of a stabbing.

First responders found the 37-year-old man with multiple abrasions. Sedgwick County Dispatch confirmed he received potentially critical injuries.

A Wichita Police Department spokesperson said the injuries happened during a disturbance between the victim and two men he knows.

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The circumstances leading to this incident are currently under investigation, he said.

Its not worth it says a daughter who lost her father to impaired driving

The investigation remains active. If you have any information that could help detectives, call 316-268-4407. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

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.

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.
Its been a rough month for hiring plans. The market volatility ignited by President Donald Trumps tariff policies has made business planning difficult, and that includes any intentions of hiring. Combined with the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence, disruptions to the labor market dont appear to be slowing anytime soon.

Recent surveys indicate that around 25% of U.S. firms have scaled back hiring plans due to tariff-related uncertainty and rising input costs. A Duke University survey of chief financial officers found that tariffs are now the top concern among executives, with one in four businesses lowering their hiring expectations for 2025.

Another factor in the hiring slowdown is the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence. PayPal has cut more than 4,500 employees roughly 15% of its workforce  over the past two years while simultaneously developing a chatbot that now handles the vast majority of its 52 million annual customer-service tickets. Other companies like Duolingo are adopting AI first policies in hiring and performance reviews which will affect who gets hired and retained based on AI proficiency while signaling the company will substitute AI in roles currently filled by contract workers.

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This dynamic reveals a troubling equation: economic uncertainty plus AI proliferation equals automation of human work rather than augmentation.

Labor is almost always the largest expense of any business, and theres a natural tendency to seek ways of restraining those costs to improve the bottom line. Rather than integrating AI alongside workers to enhance productivity, companies often seek to use technology to replace human labor. Doubts about the performance of the broader economy accelerate this phenomenon as businesses become more cautious and cost-conscious.

The result is a labor market where both longstanding employees find themselves in a tenuous position while job seekers face a tightening labor market.

Beyond this economic outlook, AI tends to be applied, at least initially, to entry-level roles that serve as first jobs or stepping stones to better, higher-paying jobs. With AI taking over the simpler tasks that once allowed junior workers to gain experience, career ladders now have missing rungs with many entry-level jobs now requiring three years of experience. Without experience, you cant get the job and without the job you cant get experience  a daunting catch-22 for new workers trying to get their foot in the door.

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The reality is stark: in todays labor market, few occupations remain safe from AI-driven disruption. As Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman bluntly puts it, It does not matter if you are a programmer, designer, product manager, data scientist, lawyer, customer support rep, salesperson, or a finance person  AI is coming for you. Faced with this sweeping transformation, the question is no longer whether jobs will change, but how workers should prepare for when they do.

For students and professionals who have spent years honing technical, knowledge- and service-sector skills, automation is an unsettling development. But it also reveals a deeper truth: technical know-how alone is no longer enough. In an age of intelligent machines, what sets people apart are noncognitive or soft skills  communication, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability and emotional intelligence. These human capabilities not only enable individuals to contribute effectively within teams, but also form the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience and adaptation.

The good news is that investments in AI will pay off  eventually in the form of higher productivity and wages. In the meantime, we are likely to face significant transition and re-skilling challenges that require innovative solutions, including programs that encourage incumbent workers to adapt and new workers to broaden and strengthen their skill sets. Like swimmers caught in a sudden riptide, the trick is to not panic but to work with the current until you find a way out.
A 23-year-old Philadelphia man has been convicted in Berks County Court of first-degree murder in the May 2023 death of a 2-year-old Reading boy.

Charles Acosta was convicted by a jury on Wednesday following a three-day trial. He remains in Berks County Prison awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled in June.

Acosta was convicted in the death of Emiliano Velazquez, who suffered multiple serious injuries while Acosta was babysitting him.

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According to police:

Early on May 5, 2023, the 2-year-old arrived at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Bern Township for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The boy was later flown to the Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Dauphin County for more advanced critical care.

When Emiliano arrived at Hershey, the boy did not have a pulse and had to be resuscitated in the trauma bay. Doctors found several life-threatening conditions, including extensive intra abdominal contamination, septic shock, gastric perforations and low levels of oxygen in his body tissue.

The boy was taken into surgery, but his condition continued to deteriorate. He died shortly after 2 p.m.

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An autopsy revealed Emiliano died of multiple traumatic injuries and his death was ruled a homicide.

Acosta, who was in a relationship with the boys mother and living with them at a home in the 600 block of Schuylkill Avenue, was babysitting Emiliano at the time of the incident.

The investigation was referred to Berks detectives, who first interviewed Acosta on May 8, 2023. Acosta indicated Emilianos mother had left the home about 9 p.m. May 4 to get their laundry from a relatives home.

He and the boys mother told investigators that Emiliano was complaining from stomach discomfort and had vomited, but he was acting relatively normal.

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Nearly four hours later, Acosta called Emilianos mother, telling her to come home immediately because the boy needed to go to the hospital. Acosta later told investigators that Emiliano had been vomiting blood and was lethargic.

When Emilianos mother arrived home about 1 a.m. May 5, she immediately noticed the boys condition had changed drastically over four hours. After being handed the child, she asked Acosta why the childs entire body was swollen.

She got into the car with Emiliano and her other children and Acosta, who started to drive to the hospital while the boys mother called 911. They were instructed by dispatchers to go to St. Joseph because it was just a few minutes from their location.

Acosta was interviewed a second time on June 19 at the county detectives office. In neither interview was he able to give a reasonable explanation for how the boys injuries had occurred while he was supervising the boy.

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Authorities determined the injuries could only have been inflicted by an adult.

Acosta was taken into custody by a U.S. Marshals task force, county detectives and Philadelphia police in July at his home in the Tacony section of Philadelphia.
PROVO, Utah (ABC4)  A meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received thousands of dollars in damages after apparent vandalism, according to the Provo Police Department.

According to a case report, the vandalism was discovered around 12:45 p.m. on April 29 by a family member of a church official. The church was reportedly locked since 10 p.m. on April 28. Upon responding, officials observed damage throughout several areas of the meetinghouse, including an overturned piano, a broken glass panel, broken pipes, and more.

Courtesy: Provo Police Department

Courtesy: Provo Police Department

Courtesy: Provo Police Department

Inside the chapel at the front of the podium area, the ground was littered with plastic pieces, the case report reads. Upon a closer look, it appeared the pieces were keys to the organ that had been broken off.

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Provo police searching for vandals who damaged LDS Church

Officials also reported damage to the womens bathroom and nursing area, with several broken pipes observed. Numerous sinks were left running, leading to water running onto the ground and carpet being sopping wet, the case report said.

The case report also indicates that there was damage in the boiler room and control boxes.

Officials spoke to security officials with the Missionary Training Center, which has a security camera facing the south end of the church building.

TIMELINE: The year-long debate surrounding the now-approved Fairview Texas Temple

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Officials said the total monetary amount of damage was not immediately known, but Provo PD estimated that the vandalism caused thousands of dollars in damage.

At this time there are no known suspects, the case report reads.

There is no further information at this time.

Abigail Jones contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Pierre man has been found guilty in connection with a deadly stabbing over a year ago.

A Hughes County jury convicted 25-year-old David Shangreaux Jr. of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Evie Maxey.

Vietnam veterans remember the war 50 years later

Maxey was stabbed multiple times in the bathroom of an apartment in Pierre in November 2023.

Shangreaux faces up to life in prison.

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A sentencing date has not been set.

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.
PINE BLUFF, Ark.  Questions about the legality of hemp sales in smoke shops led to Pine Bluff police officers seizing 45 pounds of illegal products containing marijuana.

A department release said the investigation began in June 2024 when detectives with the departments vice and narcotics division began investigating smoke shops for selling illegal marijuana products labeled THC-A. Detectives said shop owners told them what was being sold was a legal hemp product with less than 0.3% THCthe active ingredient in marijuanain accordance with federal and Arkansas law.

Could Americas divide on marijuana be coming to an end?

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Officials said products tested by the state crime lab showed to have THC above the legal threshold, in some cases as much as 1% THC.

Pine Bluff marijuana seizure, May 1, 2025

Detectives then visited area smoke shops and seized all flower products labeled THC-A. Shop owners were told the products would be tested, and if found to have illegal amounts of THC the shop would receive a cease-and-desist order.

Medical marijuana sales top $1 billion in Arkansas 5 years after states first dispensary opened

Officials said some shops complied, and others continued to sell the illegal products, which have been turned over to the county prosecutors office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  The Pitt County Association of Educators (PCAE) will deliver a May Day letter to the Greenville office of Congressman Greg Murphy.

Today, Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., PCAE will deliver a letter to Congressman Murphy in hopes of getting him to stand up for public education and defend the role of the U.S. Department of Education.

May Day, International Workers Day, has been globally recognized since the 1880s. It originated from the fight for the 8-hour workday in Chicago.

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Were calling on Congressman Murphy to stand with North Carolina families and protect our public schools and the institutions that support them, like the Department of Education, PCAE President, Mario Blanchard said. We dont need more money funneled into the pockets of billionaires. We need stronger investments in our working-class families, our public schools and the future of our students.

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 WNCT.
Editors Note: This story has been updated with new information from the Church Hill Police Department.

CHURCH HILL, Tenn. (WJHL)  Church Hill police are seeking an armed and dangerous suspect in a homicide after a reported shooting Wednesday night.

According to the Church Hill Police Department, officers were called to the 100 block of Highland Ave shortly before 6:30 p.m.

Father, son arrested after drug investigation in Unicoi County

Photo: WJHL

When officers arrived, they found Joseph William Pennington, 43, dead inside a home.

Photo: Hunter Groves, courtesy of the TBI

Police identified Hunter Groves, 24, as a suspect.

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According to police, an arrest warrant charging Groves with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony has been obtained.

Groves was last seen driving a red Ford F-150 Lariat from 2011-2013. The truck has Virginia plates, according to police.

The Church Hill Police Department described Groves as armed and dangerous and asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police at either 423-357-3487 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.

The police department stated that as of Thursday afternoon, detectives were working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate the homicide.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
DENVER (KDVR)  Police are investigating an early morning hit-and-run crash involving multiple vehicles in west Denver.

FOX31s Jim Hooley first heard about the crash at around 4:30 a.m. He said three vehicles were involved in a hit-and-run crash at Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue. The intersection divides four west Denver neighborhoods: Westwood, Athmar Park, Barnum and Valverde.

Denver police officers on scene told Hooley that two women in a white vehicle reportedly caused the crash and ran from the scene. Officers are still trying to locate them.

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Police have not released a description of the two women.

No serious injuries were reported.

Hooley said the southbound lanes of Federal Boulevard are closed, but have since reopened.

The investigation is ongoing. FOX31 is working to learn more about the factors that may have led to the crash.

This is a developing story.

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AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Police responded to an Austintown apartment complex Wednesday night to investigate after a man was shot.

Read next: Mishap at Girards Prom Promise event sends 1 to hospital

Officers were called to the 1000 block of Compass West around 8:10 p.m.

Police noticed a man lying in the grass repeatedly saying he was shot in the left leg. Police saw a gunshot wound and believed the mans bone may have been broken.

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Police were told by a witness that the suspect, 20-year-old Isabella Repucci, also known as Jordan, was seen with a gun walking out of the apartment. Reports said that this made some people and kids who were outside run inside. Police said the witness had photos of Repucci standing outside, holding the gun.

The witness reported hearing two gunshots. Police said the witness called 9-1-1 after seeing the victim fall and say he had been shot. Witnesses told police that Repucci left the scene in a car before officers arrived.

Austintown police were later notified that Repucci was with Warren police officers in the 400 block of Elm Road. Reports said that Repucci said, Im turning myself in but told them that the shooting was in self-defense.

Repucci reported tossing the gun but led officers to a bike path where a satchel bag containing the gun was found, the police report stated.

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Repucci is charged with felony counts of felonious assault, tampering with evidence, receiving stolen property, improper handling of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon.

Repuccis video arraignment is scheduled for Monday at 12:30 p.m. in Austintown Court.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego police have identified the man fatally shot in a Skyline home on Sunday as the father of the suspect.

Luis Adrian Godinez, 56, was found inside his residence in the 8200 block of Skyline Drive by officers who were responding to a series of reports made in the area regarding an armed man.

Police were first dispatched to the scene around 8:30 a.m. after receiving a call reporting a gunshot and an armed man walking on Skyline Drive, according to SDPD.

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4,200 tickets given out in San Diego in first two months of Californias daylighting law

As officers arrived on scene, they received another call reporting an armed robbery of the Moonlight Liquor store nearby on South Meadowbrook Drive. An employee of the store said the suspect shot towards where they were standing behind the counter, but did not take anything.

A short while later, while canvassing the area, a man matching the description of the suspect was spotted walking into the backyard of the home on Skyline Drive where Godinez was found.

Per SDPD, blood was observed on the man and at the front of the residence. Because of the blood, officers conducted a welfare check inside the home, which is when they discovered the 56-year-old.

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While in the backyard, the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Adrian Godinez, removed his clothes and was seen manipulating a handgun, SDPD said. He then surrendered to authorities in a new set of clothes and without the handgun.

Womans partner a person of interest in her death, San Diego police say

Preliminary findings from the investigation into the incident indicates the shooting inside the home likely occurred before the attempted robbery at Moonlight Liquor, sometime around 8 a.m., according to SDPD.

The 35-year-old was booked into county jail and faces one charge of murder and one charge of attempted murder. His arraignment was set for Wednesday, but has been pushed back at the request of his defense attorneys who argue he is not competent to stand trial.

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A mental competency hearing has now been scheduled for June 10. In the meantime, Godinez will be held without bail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 11, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama Senate committee approved legislation that enhances immunity protection for law enforcement when they are faced with either criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits.

HB 202, sponsored by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, changes the standard by which law enforcement can claim immunity as they perform their jobs and gives them additional procedural protections during litigation.

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I know a couple of the members have worked closely with our team on a couple of amendments, Reynolds told the Senate Judiciary Committee during a meeting on Wednesday.

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The committee approved the bill 9-4 along party lines after approving amendments that would review the impact on the legislation and report the race of individuals and the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Reynolds bill has faced opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups, who said the legislation would make it difficult to hold law enforcement accountable for alleged wrongdoing.

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Supporters including the Alabama Sheriffs Association said it reflects the decisions made in the courts on immunity.

The bill changes the standard for immunity from prosecution. Currently, law enforcement officers may have prosecution or lawsuits if they act willfully, maliciously, fraudulently, in bad faith, beyond his or her authority, or under a mistaken interpretation of the law. Under Reynolds bill, the officer would have to violate rights specifically laid out in the constitutions of Alabama or the United States.

The legislation allows law enforcement a hearing at the start of any civil or criminal case to determine whether the law enforcement officer was acting within his or her discretionary authority. If the court rules the behavior acted within that discretionary authority, the case is dismissed.

If the appeal is rejected, the law enforcement officer may appeal the verdict to the Alabama Supreme Court. Lawmakers approved an amendment that sets a time limit for submitting appeals. If the appeal is rejected, the officer may continue to assert that defense as the case proceeds in court.

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The legislation also prevents a plaintiff from gathering evidence in discovery in civil cases when the law enforcement officer requests the court dismiss the case.

Members of the committee approved a few amendments that modified the legislation on the periphery. One was proposed by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, that allowed plaintiffs to obtain video footage of the incident that pertains to civil lawsuits, but not criminal cases.

Another amendment proposed by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, creates a study commission to evaluate the impact the legislation had on law enforcement recruitment and retention, one of the main justifications that Reynolds proposed the legislation.

A third amendment, also by Singleton, requires law enforcement agencies to collect and submit data to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency regarding the type of excessive force committed by law enforcement officers and the race and ethnicity of both the officer and the victim.

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One proposal offered by Singleton was rejected that would have required law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies that officers would follow while performing their duties before they are given immunity.

The impetus of this is to make sure there is a written policy that these officers have to go by, we are not just going out there going against the Constitution, so that there is a policy where they can be trained on, Singleton said. We will know there is a written policy to go by.

Reynolds said he agreed with the proposal in principle but said he was against the amendment.

I would not want to impose this on sheriffs in the state because they are not even APOSTC (Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission) certified, Reynolds said. There may be some throughout those ranks, but it impacts a lot of things.

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Other Democrats also agreed with Singletons amendment.

To me, there is nothing like transparency, and everybody knows the rules and regulations so they can all be on the same page and be all treated the same, Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile.

Republicans on the committee opposed the amendment.

While I think, especially in my department, we have very sophisticated police departments and sheriffs offices, this is a model, written policy that may or may not exist currently from APOSTC and specifies what should be in the policy, said Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Fairhope. That may or may not differ from the policies that are in effect in our local police departments or sheriffs.

The bill moves to the Senate. There are four days left in the 2025 legislative session.

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Police investigate a fatal shooting involving a juvenile in West Sacramento

(FOX40.COM)  The West Sacramento Police Department responded to Summerfield Park after receiving several reports of possible shots being fired on Wednesday afternoon.

 Video above: How to report a public safety threat

WSPD said when officers arrived at the scene, they found a victim who was then transported to a local hospital.

SacRT lines down due to critical incident, officials say

At around 8:40 p.m., WSPD released an updated statement that said the male juvenile, who is from Sacramento, had passed away after being transported to the hospital.

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According to WSPD, their investigators are actively working this case to find the suspect who was involved. The Yolo County Coroners Office will release who the victim is once next of kin have been notified.

WSPD said, Our deepest condolences go out to the victims family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

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Residents in a small Georgia town are mourning the loss of a mother and her four-year-old daughter.

The Aragon Police Department received a 911 call on Tuesday from a home on Walnut Street, but the caller hung up.

When police went to the home, officers and EMS workers discovered the bodies of a woman and a child.

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Aragon police requested the help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

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After an investigation, agents and police determined there were no ongoing threats to the community.

Please keep our community in your prayers while we mourn the loss of two residents. Please respect the privacy of the family involved, the city said in a statement.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A Jicarilla Apache Nation Police Officer is facing charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abandonment of a child after being accused of sexually and physically abusing minors over the course of several years.

Duo accused of selling fentanyl out of their car in Gallup

The U.S. Attorneys Office says the Jicarilla Apache Police Department alerted the FBI after a minor told their father that Lory Muniz, who is a Jicarilla Apache Nation police officer, had sexually assaulted them from the ages of 7 to 11. A second victim reported that they suffered physical abuse from Muniz from the ages of 5 to 16, including suffering a broken arm. Officials say a witness corroborated both reports and told law enforcement about more incidents of abuse by Muniz.

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Further investigation revealed Muniz had been charged with child abuse in 2023 and had not been permitted to see the minors since that incident. Muniz had returned to duty as a police officer on March 31, 2025. Muniz faces charges for aggravated sexual abuse and abandonment of a child. She faces up to life in prison if convicted.

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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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A suspect surrendered out of the Stones River after an hours-long search in Donelson Thursday afternoon.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Metro Dispatch reported a hold-up at about 1:36 p.m. Thursday in the 3000 block of Lebanon Pike near an area shopping center. According to an afternoon update from MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron, a woman was robbed at gunpoint around that time. The suspect, 47-year-old Nathaniel Williams, fled from the scene to the greenway near the shopping center.

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Officers with the MNPDs Hermitage Precinct responded, as did a police helicopter in the area. The helicopter spotted the suspect on the greenway and officers attempted to bring him into custody along the greenway; however, Williams went into the Stones River.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Aaron said Williams was kneeling on a log in the water and clinging to brush as police officers along the bank waited for him to surrender; officers were also in a boat nearby. Aaron said that Williams was still armed.

As Aaron was giving the interview, Williams surrendered. In a social media post, the MNPD said authorities waited four hours before he surrendered.

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He has just surrendered, Aaron said. Hes in the boat and he will be charged tonight with some serious offenses.

(Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Additionally, Aaron said that Williams had a criminal history in Davidson County dating back to 1995. Williams was convicted of second-degree murder in 1999 and served about 20 years prior to being released. According to another social media post from the MNPD, Williams was wanted on an attempted murder warrant charging him with shooting his brother at about 10:20 p.m. on April 29.

In an arrest document obtained by News 2, Williams had allegedly accused his brother of throwing away his belongings before he started shooting. Williams brother reportedly told officers that he believed Williams was trying to kill him.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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Frederick police believe a family altercation led to a shooting in mid-April in the citys Golden Mile neighborhood, which has led to charges against a Montgomery County man.

Isaiah Jamaar Halliburton, 22, of Derwood, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a violent crime, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, carrying a handgun on a person, carrying a loaded handgun on a person, carrying a handgun in a vehicle, carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle, and two counts of reckless endangerment.

Halliburton was held without bail after a hearing Tuesday in Frederick County District Court.

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An attorney listed in court records could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Police believe Halliburton shot his girlfriends uncle at a family birthday party at a home in the 100 block of Featherstone Place on April 13, according to charging documents in the case.

Members of the family told police that Halliburtons girlfriend, Christina Carroll, had called him and told him she needed him to pick her up after an altercation between several members of the family, according to the documents.

The man who was shot and several other family members were standing outside the home when Halliburton arrived and multiple shots were fired, according to the documents.

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The man told police that he was outside when Halliburton pulled up in front of the house, and that he ran as Halliburton fired multiple shots at him with a large black handgun, hitting him in the face and foot.

The man said he ran to a nearby convenience store and called his mother, who picked him up and took him to Frederick Health Hospital, where police interviewed him.

The man said his childs mother told him shed heard Carroll say, Hes done. I already made the call, shortly before Halliburton arrived, according to the documents.

Carroll told police that the man had struck her and her sister, a minor, and that she had called Halliburton to come pick up her and her daughter, but denied telling him anything else.

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Officers who responded to the call searched for Halliburton, and were told that he had run into a fitness center in a nearby shopping center.

An officer with a K-9 unit located a black 9-mm handgun in some bushes near the fitness center, according to the charging documents.
UPDATE 4:15 p.m. (5/1/25) -- Geovanny Isales has been positively identified outside of Westborough. At this time, we are working closely with outside law enforcement agencies to ensure Geovannys well-being and to facilitate contact with him.

Previous story:

A land and air search is underway for a missing 18-year-old man in Westboro on Thursday.

The Westboro Police Department announced that multiple law enforcement agencies are scouring the area of Smith Parkway and Otis Street in an effort to locate Geovanny Isales.

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Isales was last seen leaving the YMCA in town on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

Westboro Police Department

We are very concerned for his mental health and well-being, the department wrote in a Facebook post.

Massachusetts State Police K9, drone, and helicopter teams are assisting local law enforcement with the search.

Anyone with information on Isales whereabouts is urged to contact Westboro police.

Help us bring Geovanny home safely, police wrote in the post.

There were no additional details immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Heading for overtime and deadlocked on budget talks on day 58 of Florida's 60-day legislative session, Senate GOP leaders lashed out at the House over a string of bills stripped of key Senate-backed provisions, deepening the rift between chambers.

The disdain was echoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who dubbed the chamber the House of Pettiness, but rebuffed by House Speaker Daniel Perez, who accused the Senate of emotional blackmail.

The breaking point on April 30 was a bill (SB 1620) that sought to codify recommendations from a task force on mental health and substance abuse, including a provision to prioritize licensing for short-term residential treatment facilities.

The Florida House of Pettiness in all its glory https://t.co/HUdnMbysQY  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 30, 2025

The Senate bill included a provision creating a substance abuse and mental health research center at the University of South Florida, and named it after Sen. Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg Democrat who has championed the cause of substance abuse recovery after his own battles with drug addiction.

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The House stripped out that piece of the bill and sent it to the Senate, where several members decried the move: This is what we deal with, said Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, lead negotiator of the Senate in budget talks. We will make it right  or else.

Hoopers remark was slammed by Perez, a Miami Republican: 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, the House speaker said in a released statement.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs anti-illegal immigration legislation with Senate President Ben Albritton and Speaker of the House Danny Perez by his side Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

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, he added.

House, Senate still divided over yearly state spending plan

Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, have been unable to bridge a divide on the budget, largely because of the wide gaps in tax cut plans. Perez wants to cut the state sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. Albritton fears that would slash taxes by too much in future years, when economists project a nearly $7 billion shortfall in two years.

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The gap between the House and Senate budgets is $4.4 billion, with the House at nearly $113 billion. After several offers made between the chambers, frustration is spilling into the open after negotiators had been holding out hope for a deal.

Hooper and House budget chief Rep. Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, had already admitted last week that the lack of an agreement meant they wouldnt be able to pass a budget during 60-day session, set to end May 2. That means the Legislature will head to overtime, still needing to pass a spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1.

And the stalemate over the budget threatened to seep into other substantive bills. For example, Albritton's priority Rural Renaissance bill (SB 110) this year is designed to provide more funds, health care and education options in rural areas.

But the House rewrote the bill, watering it down and sending it back to the Senate. Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, called it a bastardized version; the Senate rejected the House changes and sent it back.

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Despite the rancor, some major bills were completed April 30.

Lawmakers passed a bill to give condo owners more time to pay assessments placed on their units to pay for inspections and maintenance resulting from new requirements passed by the Legislature after the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers building in Surfside. The measure is a priority for DeSantis, who has repeatedly slammed the House for pushing forward a condo bill that didnt go as far as he wanted.

Hes also clashed with Perez over the lack of movement on property tax cuts, reductions in spending for state law enforcement agencies and a House probe into the Hope Florida Foundation, the fundraising arm of a program championed by First Lady Casey DeSantis.

The foundation funneled $10 million connected to a settlement over alleged Medicaid overpayments through other groups to a political committee opposed to an amendment on the 2024 ballot to legalize recreational marijuana.

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DeSantis later chimed in on the spat between the chambers over the Rouson naming provision: The Florida House of Pettiness in all its glory, DeSantis posted on X.

At an appearance in Fruitland Park to again defend Hope Florida, the governor once again berated the House, calling it "dysfunctional and unsuccessful."

Whether any progress is made toward a 2025-26 state budget by May 2, he added that "this will go down as the least productive Florida House of Representatives in decades.

Perez defended his chamber, saying they wanted to stick to the recommendations from the task force, and the center to be named after Rouson wasnt among them.

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The Senate created a backdoor appropriations project, Perez said. They did so unilaterally, fully aware that the House did not wish to include additional items in the bill beyond the commissions recommendations.

With the deadline to end the session fast approaching, lawmakers havent decided whether to extend the session to reach a budget deal or adjourn and return to the Capitol in May or June to complete the spending plan  the one job the state constitution requires them to do.

Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis slams 'House of Pettiness' as legislative session sputters
LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP)- For the third year, The Polish National Credit Union held its annual Freedom Day luncheon to bring everyone together to celebrate the 1974 Carnation Revolution.

Massachusetts marijuana businesses set sales record over Patriots Day weekend

On April 25, 1974, the Portuguese community overthrew a dictatorship without a single shot being fired in Portugal. That brought about the democratic government in Portugal.

Luncheon organizers say the luncheon resembles the unity of their culture. The outcome of the luncheon grew this year.

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I think its showing how our culture comes together, whether its in a community or if there is a need, we always unite and were here together, said David Fernandes, VP of Retail at Polish National Credit Union.

The luncheon included a prayer, a Portuguese meal, and words from elected officials.

There was also a moment of silence for a military officer who played a key role in the revolution. Nearly 200 people attended the luncheon. Some were local law enforcement.

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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Environmental advocates are raising questions about Elon Musk's fast track plans to locate a supercomputer in Memphis. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

In recent weeks, billionaire Elon Musks artificial intelligence company, xAI, has found itself at the center of a mounting storm in Memphis. With plans to build and expand a massive data center in the heart of South Memphis  powered by methane gas turbines  this project has become a flashpoint in an ongoing struggle between corporate expansion and community protection.

I acknowledge the goodwill and benevolence of Mayor Paul Young. His intentions for Memphis are rooted in growth and opportunity. But good intentions are not enough when peoples health, lives and futures are on the line. I long for a level of political courage and ideological innovation in his administrations business and public safety strategies. So far, weve seen too much political caution and not enough prophetic vision.

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According to a report, xAI has already begun operations in the area, installing at least 35 methane gas turbines while only getting permits for 15.

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has raised concerns about this saying that the scale of emissions from these turbines necessitates a major source permit due to the significant output of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and formaldehyde, both harmful pollutants.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

These turbines are pumping pollution into the air of predominantly Black neighborhoods. Communities like Boxtown and Coro Lake in Memphiss 38109 ZIP code have long endured environmental racism, facing health risks from industrial pollution. Facilities such as Velsicol Chemical and Sterilization Services of Tennessee have been sources of contamination, affecting air and water quality in these predominantly Black neighborhoods. While the proposed Byhalia Pipeline was halted due to community activism, the lingering effects of these environmental injustices continue to impact residents well-being.

And whos holding the line for these communities?

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Michelle Taylor, Director of the Shelby County Health Department, took the rare and courageous step of publicly challenging the mayor and the city to reconsider the public health implications of this project. She announced plans for a community meeting to address growing concerns, something she should be commended for in an era when transparency and integrity often come last.

Meanwhile, grassroots leaders like KeShaun Pearson and state Rep. Justin J. Pearson, co-founders of Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP), are mobilizing daily to resist this project and protect our people. Their warning is clear: this isnt innovationits environmental racism. Their organizing reminds us that community protection is a spiritual mandate, not just a political strategy.

On the other side of the argument, voices like Ted Townsend of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Young tout the promise of jobs and increased tax revenue. These are the same arguments weve heard for decades  used to justify everything from highways that decimated Black neighborhoods to industries that poisoned our air and water. But no promise of economic gain can justify the human cost of unchecked corporate expansion.

This is not just about Musk. Its about what  and who  our leaders are willing to sacrifice in the name of progress. Musks record of exploitation, labor abuse, and reckless innovation is well-documented. Beyond Memphis, Elon Musks ventures have raised environmental justice concerns in other communities. For instance, in South Texas, SpaceXs operations have faced criticism for environmental impacts on local populations. Additionally, in Bastrop, Texas, The Boring Company  another Musk company  has been cited for environmental violations related to its tunneling projects. These instances highlight a pattern where Musks companies have been scrutinized for their environmental practices in various regions.

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Memphis should not be the next experiment.

As recently reported, there is still time to reassess the viability and values of this project. We need the Shelby County Health Department, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and/or the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a full environmental review. We need real community input  not just performative listening sessions. And we need city leadership that is willing to say no when the stakes are too high.

This isnt just about the next election cycle. This is about the long-term well-being of our peopleour elders, our children, our neighbors. We need leadership that does not put Black lives on the altar of economic speculation, or worse, on the chopping block of billionaire experimentation.

Memphis doesnt need another corporate footprint.

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Memphis needs visionaries.

Memphis needs defenders.

Memphis needs leaders who love our people more than they fear political fallout.

To the administration, the Chamber, and everyone watching: Were not opposed to progress. Were just not willing to pay for it with the health and safety of our people. If this is the future Memphis is building, it better be one that we all can live in  literally.
Eighty years after the fall of the Nazi regime, a majority of Germans fear for the future of democracy and worry about the risk of World War III, according to a YouGov poll seen by dpa.

The survey of around 2,200 adults found that 64% believe democracy in Germany is under threat. Around 60% saw parallels between current developments and the 1930s and 1940s, while 43% said they consider a return to authoritarian rule, similar to the Nazi dictatorship, to be possible.

A majority of 59% expressed fear that a third world war could break out soon.

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The poll also asked about how people view May 8, the day World War II ended in Europe with Germany's surrender in 1945. While 45% of respondents described that day as a liberation, 15% saw it primarily as a defeat. Another 27% said it represented both.

YouGov surveyed 2,196 people in Germany online between March 21 and 24.

Three-quarters (75%) of respondents said they hold the Nazis responsible for Germany's wartime destruction, while 27% blamed the Allies. A majority of 55% said Germany bears a special moral responsibility to promote peace and international cooperation because of its history.

About 67% said the Nazi era continues to shape national identity, while more than half (57%) agreed with the statement that Germany focuses too much on the dark chapters of its history.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Montgomery County Board of Elections officials held a meeting on Thursday discussing changes to polling locations.

At 10 a.m. on May 1, Jeff Rezabek, director of MCBOE, and Russ Joseph, deputy director of MCBOE, talked about changes voters in the county should know about where to vote.

FAQ: Whats on my May primary ballot?

According to Rezabek, a number of locations have been changed.

Joseph claims that voters who have a polling location change will receive a postcard by mail notifying them of the change.

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Montgomery County voters can see polling information by clicking here or calling 937-225-5656.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A memorial for Pope Francis is on display at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center in New Haven.

Diocese of Norwich ordains new Bishop

The display consists of Vatican correspondence, objects and archival documents related to the Knights of Columbus during the 12 years of Pope Francis pontificate.

We have some of the vestments that hes used when he celebrated mass in other places around the world, Peter Sonksi, the director of community outreach at the Knights of Columbus, said. There are papal medallions that are customarily minted each year for his papacy. All of those are here for people to see and enjoy.

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The center is located at One State Street in New Haven and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Im a Baptist and have worshipped at Baptist churches all my life. Yet I have great admiration for Pope Francis, who was funeralized April 26 at St. Peters Basilica in Rome.

From everything Ive heard and read about him, Pope Francis was a humble man who cared about the worlds poor people. That character trait alone touched my heart, and the hearts of many others.

This man of great influence as spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics around the world championed social justice, human rights, and spoke up for migrants and others who are marginalized.

Poor and marginalized people are suffering especially hard

Pope Francis, the first South American pope, was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in a modest Buenos Aires neighborhood in Argentina. As pope, he took the name of the medieval saint who dedicated his life to the poor.

Antonino Siracusa, part of a group of homeless and poor chosen to bid a final farewell to Pope Francis, holds a white rose as he stands behind a fence at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the pontiff is buried, in Rome, Italy on April 26, 2025.

At his funeral attended by world leaders, religious leaders and royals, The New York Times reported that charity groups brought poor people to the front rows to emphasize the popes attention to marginalized people. Afterall, he had washed the feet of criminals and eaten with the impoverished in soup kitchens.

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The popes passion and kind heart notably touch me during this time that is especially tough for poor and marginalized people, including immigrants.

As the current administration seeks to aggressively cut the U.S. budget based on guidance from wealthy advisers, many people are losing what had become their homeland; others are losing the jobs from which they hoped to eventually retire. Still others are losing government grants and former much-needed funding sources.

While college educated government workers have a good chance of finding jobs in the private sector, most poor people  young, old, mentally and physically disabled  dont have financial options.

In fact, those who depend on Medicaid are now anxious and uncertain. It has been reported that the administration is considering slashing Medicaid, a federal-state health insurance program that provides medical care for more than 70 million low-income adults, children and people with disabilities. While congressional leaders say that Medicaid will not be changed, there is a sense of dread and uncertainty among those who depend on the program.

Children and their parents are suffering the effects of government cuts

Similar unease affects the millions who depend on Social Security and Medicare as they retire and grow older. Thats because it has been in print that the government is determined to trim at least $880 billion over the next 10 years to appease the Trump administrations agenda.

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We are told that Medicare cuts are not being considered, but people are still jittery despite having paid into the Social Security/Medicare system throughout their working lives.

Adding to the uncertainty are the announcements that other such government programs are indeed being eliminated. For example, a federal agency that deals with homelessness is being dismantled. In April, staff members were told they are being placed on administrative leave. Around that time, severe cuts were discussed for federal housing programs, including major changes to assistance for low-income families.

Opinion: A cry for help: Homeless young woman hopes for light at the end of the tunnel

Also alarming to many is that the administration is pondering a budget proposal that would eliminate funding to Head Start, a program that offers preschool education and childcare to low-income families. The Head Start Association warned that if the administration were to eliminate the programs funding, it would be catastrophic.

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More than a million parents rely on the program to care for their children so they can go to work. Yes, go to work! The program also provides meals, developmental screening and health care for about 800,000 children.

Cutting off aid to Sudan while people starve is creates catastrophe

The cuts to funding for the poor extend beyond our borders. A small independent agency is being demolished after a visit from Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. The agency focused on economic development in poor countries.

In early April, the administration ended funding for the World Food Program, an agency of the United Nations. If implemented, this could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation, the agency said in a statement.

In Sudan, people indeed are dying, starving to death, because funding for life-sustaining food has been cut off by the United States. Amid a civil war with bombs exploding and constant gunfire, American money stopped, and hundreds of soup kitchens closed within days. The New York Times quoted an aid worker there as saying, It was catastrophic.

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In a front-page story, the newspaper went on to say, The stark consequences of Mr. Trumps slashing of U.S. aid are evident in few places as clearly as in Sudan, where a brutal civil war has set off a staggering humanitarian catastrophe and left 25 million people acutely hungry.

In 2024, the U.S. gave $830 million in emergency aid, helping 4.4 million Sudanese. Trump halted that lifeline in January by dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, the newspaper wrote. It added that within days, more than 300 soup kitchens were forced to close.

Cant White House deliver on tax cuts without stepping on poor people?

Im aware that the president has a mission to save the country billions of dollars to offset his tax cuts. I only wish there was some way to do that without leaving people struggling here in the United States and starving to death on the African continent. How about making an honest effort to cut greed, fraud and corruption?

Something must be done to remedy these dire circumstances for the worlds poor. Other wealthy countries must step forward and help fill the void in places like Sudan. Major corporations in our country must lend a hand to financially boost much needed programs being defunded by the government. And we as individual citizens of this community and this nation should offer more help and resources to those in need.

Lynn Norment

In the Bible we find Scriptures such as, If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord  and he will repay you! (Proverbs 19:17). And then there is Isaiah 58:10: Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness. . .

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Im sure that Pope Francis was familiar with these Scriptures, for his light did shine brightly. He will always be remembered as the pope who spoke for the impoverished and downtrodden. But we can do more than just remember Pope Francis. Lets follow his guidance and do what we can for the poor and others in need.

Lynn Norment, a columnist for The Commercial Appeal, is a former editor for Ebony Magazine.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: U.S. budget cuts threaten low-income Americans' livelihoods | Opinion
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Four New York City local businesses are among the top 100 in the country, including a popular bar in Manhattan, according to a new ranking from Yelp.

Book Club Bar, an independent bookstore and bar in the East Village, landed on Yelps ranking of the most beloved local businesses in the country. Book Club Bar opened in 2019 on East Third Street and recently opened a second location in Bushwick.

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Three other New York City spots landed on the list: Unfade x Muze Salon in midtown, Nature Spa in Queens and Prep and Prime nail salon in Queens.

To find the top 100 spots, Yelp considered a businesss total volume of reviews and ratings. Across different business categories, these 100 spots all received reviews that reflect strong personal relationships, an inviting vibe and good value.

Yelp only considered businesses with three or fewer locations, and only two businesses per state in five different categories: food, retail, personal care and wellness, family and lifestyle, and services.

These NYC spots landed on Yelps ranking of Americas top 100 local businesses:

Unfade x Muze Salon, Manhattan

Book Club Bar, Manhattan

Natura Spa, Queens

Prep and Prime, Queens

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Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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An early morning fire on May 1 destroyed the Fork n' Pint, a popular restaurant in Waterford Township.

Waterford Regional Fire Department Chief Matthew Nye confirmed to the Free Press that the restaurant suffered a total loss.

A call came in around 5:50 a.m. reporting the fire at 4000 Cass Elizabeth Lake Road. Nye said crews arrived within 4-5 minutes to find heavy fire and flames through the roof of the one-story structure with an attic.

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They were pushed out by heavy fire and collapsing structure, Nye said. Its a large structure that was well involved and we tried to make an aggressive interior attack, but (firefighters) were pushed back by heavy fire and the structure was collapsing on them.

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Crews from the Independence Township, Rochester Hills, Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield fire departments assisted in battling the fire, Nye said.

Theres been no confirmed cause of the fire, but Nye said an investigation is underway.

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Nye said that there were no civilian injuries, but one firefighter suffered a minor hand injury.

According to its website, Fork n' Pint offered specials throughout the week including Tuesday burgers, Thursday steak night and happy hour. Live music took place on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant also offered catering and private events. The Cass Lake location is part of a group of restaurants, according to forknpint.com, that also includes the Irish Tavern in Lake Orion, Madison Heights and Waterford, and the Burger Bar Tap in Flint.

At one time, the location on Cass Elizabeth Lake Road was home to the Cass Lake Roadhouse and before that Mitchs. Nye told the Free Press the building had been added on to multiple times.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Fork n' Pint popular Waterford restaurant, destroyed in fire
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Portillos is offering a buy one, get one free deal on Italian beef sandwiches all month long to celebrate National Italian Beef Month in May.

The Chicago-based company announced the deal on its website, which is available to all members of Portillos Perks.

How to Redeem:

In-Restaurant: Add 2 regular Italian Beef sandwiches to your order and either scan your Perks card or give the cashier your phone number at checkout.

Online or In the App: Log into your Portillos Perks account, add 2 regular Italian Beef sandwiches to your cart, and hit apply offer at checkout.

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The promotion runs from May 1st to June 1st, 2025.

Portillos opened a location in Rockford in June 2015, at 6090 E State Street.

Buona Beef, Chicagos Original Italian Beef, also opened a location in Loves Park in September. Buona is celebrating Italian Beef Day on May 24th with a $7.99 beef and fries combo.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portlands watchdog has dismissed city leaders request to investigate a fuel companys communications with public officials.

In a letter sent on Wednesday, City Auditor Simone Rede informed Portland City Council that the Ombudsmans Office would not conduct a report on administrative acts involving Zenith Energys operations at its fuel storage terminal.

Oregon man accused of beating 5-month-old Dachshund puppy with a shovel

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The Ombudsman focuses its limited investigative resources on situations where the City is causing direct and unique harm to community members, particularly those who are vulnerable and lack other recourse, Rede wrote. The Ombudsmans lens is fairness and whether the City has treated people fairly. While transparency and accountability are part of administrative fairness, it is unclear how preparing a report detailing past City actions around the Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) decisions will remedy harm or result in fairer treatment, except in the most abstract sense.

The letter is in response to the measure the councilors approved with an 11-1 vote in mid-March.

In addition to urging Rede to determine whether former city leaders properly handled Zeniths LUCS, Resolution 37702 urged Mayor Keith Wilson to investigate whether the fuel company violated its franchise agreement. The mayor was also asked to pause any administrative acts related to the company until the investigation was complete.

Zeniths operations at its Northwest Portland terminal have been an ongoing point of contention between local officials and environmental advocates.

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J Balvin, Disturbed among headliners coming to Portland in May

In 2021, the Bureau of Development and Services  now known as Permitting & Development  denied the companys LUCS due to its potential impacts on the environment and marginalized communities. The bureau approved the application the following year, after Zenith committed to phase out crude oil transports.

More recently, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality paused the air quality permitting process and issued a $352,600 fine after conducting an unannounced inspection of the companys fuel storage terminal. ODEQ attributed the fine to Zeniths unauthorized use of its McCall Dock, but the company has said the department was given full visibility of the site.

Although City Auditor Redes office will not investigate the matter, she advised officials to request a detailed written account from Permitting & Development and/or ask witnesses to testify under oath.

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Postal carriers to collect Stamp Out Hunger donations

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Postal carriers from the United States Postal Service will once again be collecting food items to donate to area food pantries.

On May 10, postal carriers will collect in-date, non-perishable food items on their delivery routes. Donation items should be in a bag, and placed in a safe place next to their mailbox.

Once donations are collected and combined, they will be delivered to the designated food bank in your region.

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Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nations largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States, said the National Association of Letter Carriers.

The NALC said you can also donate directly to your local food bank.

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A lot of folks are celebrating the passage of House Bill 1461, which gives Indianapolis access to up to $50 million in additional state road funding. But before we pop the champagne, lets be honest: This bill doesnt solve our problem. It puts lipstick on a pig.

HB 1461 provides two funding paths. First, it allows the city to raise the local wheel tax, but Indianapolis isnt maxing out the current rate and Mayor Joe Hogsett's administration has previously said it wont raise the wheel tax.

Second, the bill offers $50 million in state money, but only if the city can match it with new revenue. Theres a catch: That match cant come from existing infrastructure or public safety budgets, which already make up most of the citys spending. So, wed have to either defund other services or raise taxes. And, even then, the money cant be used on greenways, sidewalks or bike lanes to reduce our oversized streets.

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In other words, were being asked to double down on the same overbuilt, underfunded road network that got us here in the first place.

A lot of road and little to no return

A pothole is blocked from traffic on a sideroad near U.S. 31 on Indianapolis' south side on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

The real issue in Indianapolis isnt that we spend too little on roads; its that weve built too many of them. Weve stretched infrastructure across a landscape that doesnt generate enough tax revenue to support it.

This started decades ago. In the 1970s and 80s, the city expanded rapidly under Unigov, pouring money into widening arterials like Shadeland and Emerson avenues. But the development that followed, mostly low-density, single-use housing, doesnt pay the bills.

Take a single-family home on a large lot. It needs roads, sewers, water, streetlights, trash pickup, fire protection and maybe even a school bus stop. But it only contributes a few thousand dollars a year in property taxes, nowhere near enough to cover the costs of service.

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Opinion: Indianapolis makes construction too slow, expensive and exhausting

Multiply that pattern citywide and you get the math problem: long-term infrastructure liabilities that are not supported by surrounding properties. The way weve built is financially imprudent.

Now, imagine that same parcel with an attached duplex or a micro-retail store or small apartment. Same infrastructure, more tax revenue. More people helping to pay for the street they use. Less long-term maintenance liability.

Instead of encouraging this kind of efficient growth, our zoning code locks over 80% of Indianapolis into low-return land uses. In most of Marion County, its still illegal to build anything but a single-family house. Thats a policy choice and its bankrupting our city one pothole at a time.

A broken tax system makes it worse

Just as our costs are ballooning, our ability to raise money is shrinking.

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Earlier this year, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1, capping property tax revenue growth for local governments. Its a budget squeeze that will hit every city in the state, but especially one like Indianapolis, already struggling to pay for the system it has.

Indiana uses a three-tier property tax cap: roughly 1% for owner-occupied homes, 2% for rentals and farmland, and 3% for commercial and mixed-use properties. But, because we zone so much of the city for low-yield residential use, were blocking the higher-return development that could help fund our streets, parks and public safety.

Urban3s land-use analysis conducted for IndyGo showed this clearly: most parcels in Indianapolis cost more to serve than they return in taxes. Our property tax ecosystem makes that imbalance worse.

So, heres the question: Is saving $300 on your tax bill really worth blowing a tire every spring?

The funding formula is pitted against us

Eugene Jackson, a City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works employee, shovels a hot asphalt mix onto the road to fill a pothole, Friday, March 1, 2024, in east Indianapolis. This week will mark 101,000 potholes filled and about 6,500 of 8,200 service requests fulfilled so far in 2024.

Even if we could fix our land-use and tax system overnight, wed still be fighting an uphill battle because Indiana funds roadwork in a fundamentally flawed way.

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The state allocates money based on lane miles, not traffic volume. So, a four-lane arterial in Indy is treated the same as a two-lane local road in Kokomo. That encourages overbuilding and punishes efficient design.

Indianapolis is funded as if it has about 3,300 lane miles, but in reality we maintain more than 8,000. Thats 5,000 miles of road were responsible for, with no funding to back it up.

HB 1461 doesnt fix this. It just patches over the gap without asking why the hole exists.

We need a smarter way forward

City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works employees fill potholes with a hot asphalt mix on E. 16th St. & Bancroft St., Friday, March 1, 2024, in east Indianapolis. This week will mark 101,000 potholes filled and about 6,500 of 8,200 service requests fulfilled so far in 2024.

If a household is struggling to pay its bills, it has two options: Make more money, or reduce expenses. Cities are no different.

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We cant just keep paving our way out of this. Raising taxes is politically unpopular, and cutting roads sparks backlash. But theres a third option: Allow property owners to do more with their land.

When we let people build more housing, small businesses or mixed-use projects, we get more value out of the infrastructure we already have. Thats revenue without raising tax rates and growth without adding costs. HB 1461 simply treats the symptoms and not the disease.

Hicks Braun cut taxes for businesses, but most Hoosiers will pay more

The administration has said it isnt concerned about whats in the bill; only that its passed. Thats not good enough. We need to ask why were in this hole in the first place. HB 1461 solves the short-term funding issue by throwing more money at an inefficient system and then makes it illegal to change that system. Then, it takes away the flexibility we need to grow smarter.

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If were serious about fixing our roads, we need to fix our development code too. That means liberalizing zones, simplifying permitting, and encouraging land uses that pull their financial weight that justify and support our roadways.

We need to stop treating infrastructure as a cost to absorb and start treating it like an investment that has to earn a return.

HB 1461 feels like throwing money down a well expecting to get water  you lose your money, and youre still left with a giant hole.

Jeffery Tompkins is an urban planner. He lives in downtown Indianapolis.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why House Bill 1461 won't fix Indy's pothole problem | Opinion
POWAY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The City of Poway is suing Councilmember Tony Blain for allegedly withholding and destroying public records in violation of state law.

The civil lawsuit filed in San Diego Superior Court is seeking to compel Blain to comply with the California Public Records Act after numerous public records requests over the past few months have gone unanswered.

Despite multiple warnings, he hadnt been following the rules, said Poway Mayor Steve Vaus.

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Vaus, along with other city leaders, are taking one of their own to court.

The lawsuit announced Wednesday against Blain claims he is refusing to produce requested public records from private email accounts, apps and devices.

While Blain denies using private email for official business, the city claims it has evidence showing otherwise.

Texts and emails from Blain to Councilmember Maeda. He would say, I dont have any, or he would say I destroyed them, which is against the law. Meanwhile, Councilmember Maeda would turn them in.

The city also alleges Blain has asked others to delete messages, while encouraging them to use the encrypted signal app.

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Attorney Bob Ottilie says the CPRA ensures transparency and accountability from local government.

The public, a member of the public can file a lawsuit to compel production. If that member of the public wins, the city is responsible for attorneys fees, Ottilie said.

Vaus says taxpayer dollars are funding the lawsuit.

The expenditure thus far, just to this point, is about $40,000. It will probably be well over six figures if this goes to trial, Vaus said.

Blain refused to comment on the lawsuit, only stating his attorney will issue a press release Thursday.

This is where the trust starts, is in this transparency, that doesnt exist in this case if youre concealing things or if youre deleting, and its potentially criminal as well and I would think that the district attorney would want to take a look at this, Ottilie said.

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Moving forward, Ottilie said itll be up to the court to decide whether Blain must turn over and retain the requested communications  and if Blain violates that order, he could be held in contempt and sent to jail.

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A portion of Chelsea was without power Thursday after a tractor-trailer crashed into a utility pole.

Chelsea police responded to the intersection of Arlington Street and Everett Avenue for a crash involving a tractor-trailer.

The tractor-trailer struck a utility pole, causing live electrical wires to fall onto a parked pickup truck, police say.

The crash caused power outages in the area. Utility crews were immediately called in to begin repairs, according to Chelsea police.

We are grateful that no one was injured in this incident. We appreciate the quick response of our officers, the Massachusetts State Police Truck Team, and the utility crews working to restore service to our community," Chelsea police Chief Keith Houghton said in a statement.

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No one was injured in the crash.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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OAK BROOK, Ill. (WGN)  Pre-trial release has been denied for an Oak Park man accused of leading authorities on a high-speed chase along Interstate 290 in DuPage County.

Bryant Allen, 24, has been charged with one felony count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer as well as multiple misdemeanors and petty traffic offenses, including reckless driving and improper lane usage, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin announced Wednesday.

Allens charges stem from his alleged involvement in a high-speed chase that began in Oak Brook on Tuesday.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Prosecutors said it all began when Oak Brook officers were notified about two suspicious vehicles, a Dodge Charger and an Infiniti, that had allegedly run a red light while heading East along Butterfield Road from West 22nd Street.

Officers caught up with the vehicles, near the eastbound ramp off Butterfield Road to Roosevelt Road and activated their lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicles, but prosecutors said the Charger, which was allegedly being driven by Allen, sped off, while the Infinity slowed down.

Officers began a pursuit of the Charger as it headed eastbound along Roosevelt Road and during the chase, prosecutors said Allen allegedly reached speeds of approximately 130 mph near Roosevelt Road and York Street.

Photo provided by DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin shows 24-year-old Bryant Allen who allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase in DuPage Cunty on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

According to prosecutors, after Allen allegedly got onto I-290 from Roosevelt Road, offers deactivated their lights and sirens, but continued to pursue him from a distance, utilizing CPDs helicopter.

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The chase eventually came to an end near I-290 and Harlem Avenue when Allen allegedly drove into the right shoulder of the road in an effort to avoid police but struck a spike strip that had been deployed by Forest Park officers.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

After his car was disabled, officers took Allen into custody.

The allegations that Mr. Allen sped down Roosevelt Road, one of the busiest roads in the County, at 130 mph are outrageous, Berlin said. Mr. Allens alleged actions endangered not only his life, but also the lives of the officers involved and countless innocent motorists and pedestrians. We are all very grateful that no one was injured, or worse, in this incident. The safe apprehension of the defendant in this case sends a crystal-clear message that in DuPage County if you flee from the police, we will use every resource available to us, including the use of a helicopter as in this case, to ensure you are arrested, charged and prosecuted.

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Allen appeared in court on Wednesday, where Judge Joshua Dieden granted the states motion to detain him pre-trial. He is set to return to court on May 27.

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Anya Petrone Slepyan

The Daily Yonder

At the entrance to the New Kituwah Academy in Cherokee, North Carolina, a big red sign reads English Stops Here. The school, which teaches preschool through the sixth grade, is a Cherokee language immersion program. Classes, lunch, and after-school activities are conducted primarily in Cherokee, and the schools books, maps, and diagrams are full of the 85 symbols that make up the Cherokee syllabary.

Among other resources, teachers and students have access to copies of a half dozen hand-printed picture books designed and created by students at Western Carolina University (WCU). The books cover a range of topics, from Cherokee myths and legends to the riparian habitats of western North Carolina.

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The partnership with WCU was initiated by Dr. Hartwell Francis, the curriculum developer for the New Kituwah Academy and an honorary member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

One of the things you realize when you start working with a language of a small population is that there are often no materials, or very few materials. And the materials arent very pretty, Francis said in an interview with the Daily Yonder.

So Francis approached Tatiana Potts, printmaking and book arts professor at Western Carolina University. Potts, who is from Slovakia and grew up speaking multiple languages, embraced the project immediately. She sees it as an opportunity for her students to not only learn new printmaking skills, but also to build cross-cultural connections with a community only twenty miles down the road.

The university is placed on former Cherokee land, Potts told the Daily Yonder. So I wanted that acknowledgement. Not just before every performance we do, but to make a real connection and learn about their culture.

Guarding Treasure

The New Kituwah Academy was created in 2005 as a measure to combat the loss of the Cherokee language.

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You can think of it as guarding treasure, Francis said. A language is a communitys greatest cultural creation, and it has all their wisdom packed into it in different ways.

Though the Cherokee language has been spoken for thousands of years, it was considered critically endangered by the beginning of the 21st century. This was no accident  policies requiring Native American children to attend boarding schools through the mid-1900s were intended to force assimilation and weaken Indigenous cultural ties. Requiring that students speak English and punishing them for any use of their native language drastically reduced the number of Cherokee speakers in the community.

The New Kituwah Academy is a Cherokee language immersion program, created to revitalize the language by teaching a new generation of speakers. (Photo by Anya Petrone Slepyan/The Daily Yonder)

"There was a shift about 65 years ago, where people born before that grew up speaking Cherokee language, and people after that didnt, Francis said. And so by 2005, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians realized their language was gravely endangered, with only adults over traditional childbearing age as speakers.

For the last 20 years, the Kituwah Preservation and Education Program has been revitalizing the Cherokee language by teaching it to new generations. The New Kituwah Academy teaches students from preschool through 6th grade, with the goal that students leave the school speaking the Cherokee language at an intermediate level.

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Access to Cherokee-language learning materials is critical for the schools immersion program. But such materials are not widely available, which has forced Francis and the schools teachers to get creative. The solution  making their own materials  is one that is common among Indigenous language programs, according to Francis.

In Native American language programs, you see people making their own materials. And it has to be that way to a certain extent because they are recreating their cultures after devastating loss.

Tatiana Potts is a professor of printmaking and book arts at Western Carolina University. In addition to screen printing techniques, she says the collaboration with Cherokee language learners helps her students build cross-cultural connections and understanding. (Photo by Anya Petrone Slepyan/The Daily Yonder)

To make the books, Potts and her students meet with Francis and a program of adult Cherokee language learners, who decide the book topic and write the text in Cherokee syllabary each semester. The students submit sketches, which are critiqued by the Cherokee learners from a cultural perspective.

Did they draw this creature in a Cherokee way? Does this resonate with the Cherokee culture? The students really take [the critiques] to heart. They appreciate the criticism and come back with much better work, Francis said.

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Potts said the project allows her printmaking students to engage in cultural research, and helps them be more analytical about their own worldviews.

It makes them aware of this is how I take things in, this is what I think is standard, Potts said. And I see how that process changes when they do research, and how much they gain from that.

Once the art is approved, the students screen print ten copies of their sketches, each with a minimum of four color layers. Finally, Potts and a select group of students glue and bind those pages into ten limited-edition books.

Potts and her students aim to make prints that reflect and celebrate the Cherokee community. The subject and text of the books are decided by a group of adult Cherokee language learners. (Photo by Anya Petrone Slepyan/The Daily Yonder)

At the school, the books are used to support a range of subjects, from science and art to social studies. Because the books are hand-made with New Kituwah Cherokee learners in mind, the elementary-age students have a unique chance to see themselves and their community represented in their school materials.

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For example, one book focused on the architecture of the Cherokee community includes important institutions like the school, museum, post office, and local favorites like the restaurant Grannys Kitchen and Santas Land Fun Park and Zoo.

We can build connections [with the Cherokee community] through creating these images, and by making it beneficial for children and helping them be excited to maintain this language, Potts said.

The project also sparks imagination and creativity among the elementary-aged students who use the books as class materials, Francis said. For example, seeing a college students rendition of the Ulagu, a house-sized yellow jacket from Cherokee mythology, could prompt a third grader to respond with their own drawing.

If you have a picture you can say, well thats a nice giant hornet, but thats not the kind of giant hornet I was thinking of, said Francis. And so these pictures will inspire [the kids] to artistic creation in the same way from their own cultural base.

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The books contents, as well as the language they are written in, support the critical mission of the New Kituwah Academy.

Theres a cultural need to preserve the Cherokee language, and keep the poetry alive, the literature alive, Francis said. And to keep the interactions that happen in Cherokee language alive.

This article was first posted by The Daily Yonder
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Over the last few months, a hospitality group has seemingly taken over some of Rhode Islands most beloved restaurants, but the person behind the purchases is trying to set the record straight.

The Heritage Restaurant Group, also referred to as Audrain Hospitality, has raised local concerns after acquiring several of iconic Newport restaurants, including Brick Alley Pub, The Red Parrot, and most recently, The Reef.

And that pushback has only increased with the groups expansion into Providence with its latest acquisitions of The Old Canteen on Federal Hill and Olyneyville New York System.

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BACKGROUND: Heritage Restaurant Group continues to expand across Rhode Island

However, Heritage Restaurant Group Chairman Nick Schorsch hopes to shift that perception.

We get calls almost, I want to say once a day, but its more than that, from different restaurants that are looking for continuity. Its all about the continuity, he said.

Schorsch said these moves shouldnt be considered a takeover, but rather a conservation effort.

We are not in the business of taking all of our restaurants and homogenizing, he added. Thats the last thing we want to do.

According to Schorsch, The Heritage Restaurant Group simply aims to help former business owners preserve the establishment they created.

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Were not buying broken businesses. Olneyville [New York System] isnt broken. Its a great business. Brick Alley isnt broken. Its a top, top restaurant in Newport. Its getting a 4.6 on Google. We dont want that to change, he said.

The Old Canteen is the only outlier, as its set to become a Wallys Wieners in May.

Brad Head of Wallys Wieners (left) and Sal Marzilli of the Old Canteen (right) (John Villella/ WPRI-TV)

Schorsch said the change is because the previous owner chose not to continue the business. He explained that its purchase was primarily a real estate deal that the buildings historic charmboth inside and outwill be preserved.

MORE: The Old Canteen buyers address pushback, share plans for Federal Hill restaurant

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Schorsch hinted at The Heritage Restaurant Groups plan for more acquisitions in the coming months, saying, We are continuing to work on a number of locations. Theyre all in Rhode Island.

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EL DORADO, Kan. (KSNW)  Butler Community College has announced Dr. Tamara Daniel will serve as its next president, following a nationwide search.

Daniel will become the sixth president in the institutions nearly century-long history when she begins her tenure on June 23.

Daniel has more than 25 years of experience in community college leadership and is currently the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Arkansas State UniversityMountain Home.

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I am deeply thankful to the Board of Trustees for their trust, she said in a statement. Im committed to honoring Butlers proud legacy alongside our dedicated employees, and becoming deeply embedded in the community. Together, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and keep students at the center of everything we do.

Restaurant in Old Town seized for overdue taxes: KDOR

Daniel holds a doctorate and masters in mathematics and a bachelors in psychology from the University of Mississippi. Previously, she was Vice President at Dyersburg State Community College and Associate Dean at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Dr. Jackie Vietti, interim president, expressed confidence in Daniels leadership.

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I am confident that Dr. Daniel has the skill set to lead Butler to its next best level by fostering the enduring culture of the Butler family, Vietti said in the release. During the interview process it became clear that Daniel recognizes the many strengths and innovative work of our faculty and staff and will build upon those, while bringing exciting new ideas to the table.

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(WHTM)  President Donald Trump has been in office for 100 days, and reactions to his policies have been partisan and divided.

The White House press release proclaimed boldly, President Trump accomplished more in 100 days than most presidents do over an entire term  and hes still just getting started.

Testimonials from Republican lawmakers gushed, including praise from Pennsylvanias Mike Kelly, Dan Meuser, Guy Reschentaller, Lloyd Smucker and GT Thompson. Senator Dave McCormick says Trump has triumphed.

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What he promised was two things enormous change and he laid out specific things that he was gonna do and I think the first 100 days hes done both hes brought about change and executed on a number of those specific things, said McCormick.

While most elected Republicans express enthusiastic support, others less so.

New nationwide polling from Emerson College shows 45 percent disapprove of the Presidents first hundred days. Nearly 52 percent believe the U.S. is on the wrong track, only 48 percent say its headed in hte right direction, and yes, its a partisan divide.

Democrats overwhelmingly diapprove of President Trump and his policies, said Matt Taglia of Emerson College polling. Republicans overall approve of President Trump.

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Candidate Trumps perceived strength was how hed handle the economy. This poll shows more than 49 percent disapprove of president trumps economy, likely concerned about tariffs and higher prices.

How is that disconnect explained between thrilled GOP lawmakers, and mostly chilled poll numbers?

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When you bring about change, its disruptive when making these monumental shifts, said McCormick. People are gonna have anxiety and thats completely understandable.

We are more or less where we were just bfore the election, said Taglia.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Donald Trump says immigration remains his top priority, as his administration continues to push forward with mass deportations despite mounting legal challenges and opposition from Democrats.

Were expelling these monsters from our country rapidly, Trump said.

The deportations have drawn controversy, particularly over the administrations decision to send migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador, a move that has triggered a court battle.

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Were having some judge problems. Everybodys reading judges that dont like, you know, killers, murderers being thrown out of the country. So I dont know what their problem is, Trump said.

Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, defended the decision.

These are foreign terrorists operating on our soil. And our gratitude to El Salvador for agreeing to take custody of these terrorists is immense, Miller said.

Senate Democrats are fighting back. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is forcing a vote on a resolution that would require the administration to provide more transparency around the deportations to El Salvador and to report to Congress on efforts to bring back wrongfully deported individuals.

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We are fighting to end lawlessness, Kaine said. If you think you can take steps like this without Congress challenging your executive overreach, youre wrong.

Democrats have focused on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose deportation was challenged and ultimately ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. The justices ordered the administration to facilitate his return.

We know a threat to one is a threat to all, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Despite the ruling, the Trump administration has refused to bring Garcia back, arguing the law still supports its deportation policy.

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I hope the Supreme Court is going to fully understand whats going on. We have to get the criminals out of our country, Trump said.

It remains unclear if any Republicans will support the Democratic-led resolution. Most have remained aligned with the Presidents hardline stance on immigration, although a judge ruled that using the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants is unlawful.

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Companies could be using your data to charge you higher prices than other shoppers when youre shopping online, according to a warning from the Federal Trade Commission.

This is creepy and invasive, and ultimately is not for our own good, says Dr. Alan Mislove, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Northeasterns Khoury College of Computer Science.

Its called surveillance pricing and means two different shoppers could be offered different prices for the exact same item, just because of who they are, where they live, or their different shopping habits.

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Unlike in a brick-and-mortar store, shoppers often have no idea if the price theyre offered is the same as someone else.

The practice starts with data collection.

Data is collected about us almost constantly, said Sara Geoghegan, Senior Counsel with the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

Geoghegan warns that data can be collected by one company, but then shared with others, including advertisers and other third parties.

We might expect some of it to be used for the functionality of whatever were doing online, she said. But we dont expect that this is going to be used downstream in ways we cant even predict.

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Ways like charging you more money on an item online. The FTC warns companies can use your data to determine how much you might be willing to pay for a product, compared to another shopper.

Theres a whole ecosystem of companies who collect data on you for the purpose of marketing and potentially surveillance pricing, Mislove said. You as an individual have very little ability to understand what data is being collected.

That data can be as simple as your IP address, to things as complex as whether you may have children or own a home. Experts say companies are also analyzing your shopping behaviors, like whether youre an impulse shopper or someone who takes time to research the best deal.

All of these data points are used to determine your willingness to pay.

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Everything is sort of stacked against the consumer, Mislove said.

KIRO 7 Investigates spent months working with dozens of journalists across the country to try and catch the practice on camera.

We built a team of dozens of shoppers with very different shopping habits to build a diverse sample. The team included six of us at KIRO 7.

I definitely get a lot of new mom ads right now, said Deedee Sun, morning anchor at KIRO 7.

I barely shop online, said KIRO 7 Executive Producer Dan Herda.

I dont even have an account on any of these websites, said KIRO 7 Managing Editor Rick Boone.

We each checked prices on six products, three times a day, at some of the most popular retail stores in the country.

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While most of our prices stayed the same, we did catch several differences that were difficult to explain.

In one case, in Atlanta, a Lowes Grill shot up $70 when the zip code was changed to one 12 miles away.

In another example, two of our price checkers saw prices jump on a Home Depot pressure washer when their locations changed to Hawaii and Guam respectively. They had not touched their location settings, and arent sure why the change happened.

The price increase was significant, Herda said, whose price was affected.

When prices change online, experts say it can be hard to decipher exactly why.

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Theres many potential explanations, Mislove said.

One difference we could explain is price changes at online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart, where third-party sellers have the ability to set their own prices.

Different sellers meant some of our checkers were offered one Walmart TV for just under $900, while others were offered the same product for over $1,000.

An option was offered to explore other sellers.

Not surveillance pricing, but notable.

Mislove also suspects that companies could be utilizing surveillance pricing practices indirectly, by offering some customers discounts over others.

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Overall, its the lack of transparency that experts say we should be worried about.

Getting insights into this ecosystem is very difficult, Mislove said. A lot of it happens behind the scenes.

KIRO 7 Investigates contacted 14 major retailers and service providers directly to ask them if they used surveillance pricing.

Target, Walmart, and Uber told us explicitly: no.

Home Depot told us they try to keep prices consistent, but said there may be differences based on a customers selected local store.

Amazon told us they let independent sellers set their own prices.

Others, including Lowes, Best Buy, Kohls, Chewy, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Lyft, did not respond to multiple attempts to reach them.

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So, what can you do to protect yourself?

You could try shopping for the same item on a different device, using a private browser, or signing in and out of your account.

Experts say it could work to your advantage  but it could also work against it.

Instead, they advise the solution has to start at the beginning: with data.

The main part to limit surveillance pricing is to limit the collection and use and processing of personal information, Geoghegan said.

Its not easy to do in a world where companies collect your data all around you.

We really do need a much more systemic solution that limits the collection and processing of this personal information to best protect us, she said. I dont think its reasonable to ask people to just not engage with the internet or to not shop online.

Some states are trying to get ahead of it. Lawmakers in California are currently debating a bill that would ban surveillance pricing altogether.

You can read the bill here.
Chinese youths help revive Turfan studies on ancient Silk Road

Xinhua) 10:07, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
Prince William and Kate Middleton teased exciting news in a cryptic video posted on social media following their anniversary trip to the Scottish Isles.

On May 1, the Prince and Princess of Wales took to Instagram with an update that got royal fans talking.

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"Happy May Day ," the royal couple captioned their post before adding, "Coming soon ."

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In the short clip, viewers saw a serene stream, followed by close-ups of a tree with white flowers, purple flowers in a grassy area and water flowing. Gentle music accompanied the video along with white text that read, "Mother Nature."

No other clues or details were offered in Prince William and Middleton's mysterious update.

However, followers instantly fell in love with the gorgeous scenery, with one Instagram user declaring, "So beautiful ."

"Happy May Day  So excited about this.," another shared.

Another declared, "Ooooh this is exciting!! Cant wait to find out what this is about! ."

Royal fans will have to wait to know for sure what the exciting announcement is. However, it might have something to do with their anniversary trip.

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On April 29 (their 14th wedding anniversary), Prince Willam, 42, and Middleton, 43, embarked on a trip to the Scottish Isles. The royals met with the Mull and Iona Ranger Service during the visit. Shortly afterward, the Royal Foundations United for Wildlife programme announced new funding to "secure the future of two ranger positions, preventing the loss of these essential services," according to a news release.

Additionally, the Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme recently announced it would provide grants for two community spaces on the Isle of Mull, GB News reported. As a result, the Aros Hall in Tobermory and Pennyghael Community Hall in the Ross of Mull will both undergo renovations.

Next: Prince William Announces Major Royal Shake-Up With Key Individual Stepping Down
Prince William is sending birthday wishes to a new friend.

On Thursday, May 1, the Prince of Wales' social media pages posted two photos celebrating the 100th birthday of Christina Charlton, a woman he met at the Deirdre Knight Centre in Scotland back in February.

One pic showed Prince William  or, as he's titled in Scotland, the Duke of Rothesay  sharing a laugh with Charlton during his visit. The other featured the birthday girl celebrating her big day, complete with a crown, sash, banner and balloons.

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"Happy 100th Birthday, Chris!" the Kensington Royal account captioned the post. "It was a pleasure meeting Christina Charlton during a recent visit to the Deidre Knight Centre in Forfar, Angus. Yesterday she celebrated her 100th birthday! We hope you had a wonderful day!"

Thank you to the incredible carers and support workers whose compassion and dedication creates such a warm, supportive community at Deidre Knight. pic.twitter.com/EB65GivHt9  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 1, 2025

Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Have a Secret Royal Title in Scotland, and It Sounds Straight from a Storybook

The Deirdre Knight Centre provides day care services and carer respite for older members of the community who may be experiencing social isolation, physical or learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Prince William visited on Feb. 6, and the Centre shared photos from his time there on Facebook.

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"Centre manager Kathleen Blythe showed Prince William around The Deirdre Knight Centre today, he was super impressed with our service and joined in with a few games of curling and dominoes and chatting to members and staff," the post read. "Was an amazing afternoon and a honour for us to welcome him into our service and shown him around and he was impressed with all the work we do."

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In addition to her birthday post from the Duke, Charlton can likely also expect another royal surprise: a card from King Charles!

According to the U.K. government, residents can receive special messages from the monarch for milestone occasions, including birthdays (for the 100th and 105th birthdays, then every year after) and anniversaries (60th, 65th, 70th and every anniversary each year following that).

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The custom dates back to 1917 when King George V began sending telegrams to centenarians. During Queen Elizabeth's reign, approximately 1.3 million cards were sent to mark birthdays and anniversaries across the U.K., the Realms and the overseas territories, per Buckingham Palace.

King Charles continued the tradition shortly after his accession, sending the first round of birthday cards from the palace shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. The cards feature a portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla along with a short note and their signatures.



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The Waleses are having the most romantic time in the Isle of Mull.

Prince William and Princess Catherine have been documenting every minute of their two-day trip to the Scottish island via their joint Instagram accounthaving already shared nine posts from their visit, including rare, love-filled images and videos of the two together.

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One image is particularly lovely, as it shows Kate and Wills standing with their arms wrapped around one another while enjoying a peaceful ocean and mountain view. Wonderful to be back on the Isle of Mull. Thank you to everyone for such a warm welcome  W & C, they captioned the photo.

And in another photo, William is seen placing his hand on his wifes back as they walk. Though the public displays of affection dont seem like a lot, they are a welcome change, as the future king and queen almost never show off their romantic chemistry in public.

The couple kicked off their visit to the island on April 29, the exact day of their 14th wedding anniversary. The occasion was especially meaningful to them, as they first met in Scotland when they were both students at the University of St. Andrews, and they visited the island together early on in their relationship.

Karwai Tang - Getty Images

Chris Jackson - Getty Images

But its not all about the romance. During their time in the Isle of Mull, the Prince and Princess of Wales will connect with local communities and continue their efforts to highlight the importance of preserving the natural environment.

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Brussels, Belgium  The recent arrest of a Palestinian activist in Belgium has raised alarm as the organisation he works for describes the incident as a form of state harassment.

Mohammed Khatib, the 35-year-old European coordinator for Samidoun, a global Palestinian prisoner solidarity network, was arrested on April 21 after attending a daily protest demanding an end to Israels genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Every evening, dozens of people, some sporting keffiyehs, gather on the steps of the former stock exchange in Brussels to drape a Palestine flag down the steps and chant slogans of solidarity in English, Arabic and French.

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A police presence is usual, but Khatib felt uneasy when he noticed an officer photographing him

He left about 7:30pm (17:30 GMT) and was stopped nearby for what he called a spontaneous ID check by local police.

He was arrested and taken in a police van to a central station. About 30 supporters gathered outside, chanting, Free our comrade! before being dispersed by riot police about 10pm (20:00 GMT).

Khatib was then transferred to a nearby station. He was questioned without a lawyer and released about 5am (03:00 GMT).

Khatib said he spent hours waiting in a cell before being asked for a few minutes about an incident in April 2024 during which he was attacked with a knife. There was also a brief trip to the hospital for nonurgent medication.

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They were doing anything they could to keep me, Khatib told Al Jazeera.

The Brussels Public Prosecutors Office told Al Jazeera: Mohammed Khatib was arrested as part of an investigation into events that took place in April 2024. He was released after questioning.

Belgiums tensions with pro-Palestine movement

A Palestinian refugee born in the Ein El Hilweh camp in Lebanon in 1990, Khatib fled to Belgium alone at age 19, claimed asylum and co-founded Samidoun one year later in 2011. Campaigning for the rights of Palestinians incarcerated in Israel is his sole occupation.

Samidouns stance on Israel-Palestine has led to Khatib being designated as a serious security threat by the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (CUTA), an independent body that reports to Belgiums justice and interior ministries.

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Khatib said officers on April 21 justified the arrest initially with the CUTA designation.

It marked the second time he has been arrested. In October 2023, he was arrested at a demonstration after refusing to stop waving a Palestine flag.

The latest detention was nothing in terms of what we are facing, he said, referring to efforts in some Western nations to curtail the pro-Palestine movement.

Samidoun called the arrest a form of state harassment targeting a prominent leader, not only of Samidoun, but of the growing movement against the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine.

Its hard not to see it in that light, refugee and immigration lawyer Benoit Dhondt told Al Jazeera. A lot of people are living in a state of schizophrenia because of how invisible the genocide in Gaza is being made in Europe.

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Meanwhile, disproportionate policing of the pro-Palestine movement makes it very difficult to understand what is actually happening, he said.

The author and journalist David Cronin wrote in The Electronic Intifada: If the Belgian authorities enjoy any success in muzzling Mohammed Khatib and Samidoun, then we have to ask: Who is next? All Palestine solidarity campaigners are at risk.

In May last year, police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse a peaceful protest outside the Israeli embassy in Brussels under instructions from Mayor Boris Dillies, who said the demonstration was unauthorised. An open letter signed by Amnesty International described the measure as contrary to international law.

Earlier that month, police had arrested about 40 protesters when a demonstration at the US embassy went overtime.

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In a report on the state of the right to protest published in July, Amnesty noted that administrative arrest is increasingly used to prevent people from participating in protests in Belgium.

Human rights and immigration lawyer Helene Crokart told Al Jazeera that arrests are not isolated incidents and sometimes amount to outright intimidation.

Samidoun, Khatib in the crosshairs

On October 15, then-State Secretary for Migration and Asylum Nicole De Moor, a Christian Democrat, announced a procedure to strip Khatib, who she called a hate preacher, of asylum.

Even if someone has already been recognised as a refugee but that person turns out to be an extremist, recognition can be withdrawn, she stated.

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On the same day, the United States and Canada blacklisted Samidoun, deeming it a sham charity and accusing it of raising funds for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a designated terrorist organisation.

Samidoun denied the allegation.

Germany banned Samidoun in 2023, alleging it celebrated the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel. Khatib said, Some Palestinians were distributing baklava in the street. And we were there with the Samidoun flag.

Khatib has also been banned from entering Switzerland for 10 years, which occurs only when an individual poses what is considered a concrete threat to national security, according to a Swiss government spokesperson. He was not permitted to enter the Netherlands for a university talk in October.

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During the October 2023 attacks, 1,139 people were killed and more than 200 were taken captive into Gaza. Since then, Israels latest war on Gaza has killed more than 52,000 people, including more than 17,000 children, in the besieged enclave. Israel has justified the onslaught as an attempt to crush Hamas.

According to a CUTA spokesperson, Samidoun is classified as an extremist organisation, which is not a criminal offence.

We are more interested in keeping an eye on the leadership, the members, what they do and say, how they disrupt public order and what group they are potentially targeting, the spokesperson said.





Belgiums right-wing government, appointed in February, is markedly more sympathetic to Israel than its predecessor.

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Prime Minister Bart De Wever of the New Flemish Alliance party said Belgium would not arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest on charges of crimes against humanity. Four months earlier, then-Liberal Premier Alexander De Croo stated the opposite.

The coalition headed by De Wever intends to ban dangerous radical organisations such as Samidoun due to their ties to terrorism or for spreading antisemitism, according to official documents.

But a ban would likely take a long time to implement because Belgian positions depend on European Union and United Nations Security Council decisions.

De Moors successor, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, supports the initiative to revoke Khatibs refugee status. Such a decision is made independently by the commissioner general for refugees and stateless persons and must rely on proof of a serious crime.

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A decision to strip someones status may be appealed, but once finalised, the immigration office could issue an order for a person to leave the country.

The case depends on material that authorities said they are not sharing, even with Khatib.

Dhondt warned of a chilling effect on freedom of expression.

The government is using Khatibs case as a propaganda tool to demonstrate strong policies on extremism, he said, even though it cant really say why [Khatib poses any threat].

Khatib denies all allegations of hate speech.

If they had something they could use against me, I would not be sitting here. I would be in prison.

The goal of this intimidation is to silence the movement, to make an example of us and say, If you do the same, this is your future. We will fight this.

Smear campaign

Khatib has previously called for Israel to be dismantled and said, We do not call Hamass attack in Israel a terror attack. We call it justified resistance.

Seen as hardline positions by some, mainstream activists have distanced themselves from Samidoun but urged Brussels to uphold freedom of expression.

The Human Rights League, a nonprofit organisation that has criticised Belgian authorities for allowing the transit of arms to Israel, does not wholly endorse Khatibs views but reiterates the need to protect freedom of expression, including for statements that offend, shock or disturb, according to the European Court of Human Rights.

While the positions defended by Mohammed Khatib and Samidoun can undeniably be described as radical,  to our knowledge they have never been prosecuted for any criminal offence (including for anti-Semitic statements) nor have they caused any public disorder, the rights group said in a 2024 report.

The group linked Khatibs case to other measures, such as local bans on keffiyehs and other pro-Palestine symbols and the temporary suspension of decisions on Palestinian asylum applications. The report concluded that the lack of a decision on revoking Khatibs refugee status suggests insufficient evidence against him.

The Union of Progressive Jews in Belgium last year denounced a smear campaign against Khatib.

Whatever political differences we may have, this threat is intolerable and shakes the very foundations of our democracy.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A procession route map has been released for fallen Kansas City firefighter and paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday.

Hoffmans procession is Friday, May 2, at 3 p.m. Here is the route the Kansas City Fire Department released:

Procession route map for firefighter and paramedic Graham Hoffman.

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The procession route will include passing by Station 42, Hoffmans last assignment. The 29-year-old lost his life on Sunday, April 27, after police say he was stabbed by a patient inside an ambulance. He was set to turn 30 next week.

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Hoffmans funeral will be held on Friday, May 2, at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and the procession will follow. KCFD said a public visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hoffman began his career with the Kansas City Fire Department in 2022. Prior to serving with KCFD, he started his firefighting career with the Belton Fire Department.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  This week, Metropolitan Ministries learned it had to cut two programs and eliminate dozens of staff due to federal budget cuts.

The cuts impacted its AmeriCorps programs, including the Metro BrigAIDe program and 30 AmeriCorps members who work in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

The Metro BrigAIDe street team works as a mobile unit to help the homeless population with hot meals, healthcare, housing assistance, and benefits navigation.

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According to Metro, since its launch in 2018, the Metro BrigAIDe has received national recognition and has helped thousands of people access critical support.

The Metro BrigAIDe was created to meet a vital community need, and AmeriCorps helped make that possible, said Tim Marks, President and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries. With these cuts, human beings, many of whom have no one else, will be left without help. Were heartbroken, but we are not giving up. We are committed to finding a way forward so that the BrigAIDe can continue this life-saving work.

For me, it was devastating, as I looked at the 19 staff members that I had to let go yesterday, and then to think about the thousands of people that are expecting to see us this week and were gonna let them down, said JohnPaul Comas, Senior Director of BrigAIDe Outreach.

According to Metro, Academic Success Advisors, who joined the Metro AmeriCorps education program in February through a pilot initiative, are also affected.

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In response, Metropolitan Ministries is reallocating funding to create 11 new non-federally funded positions and will try to get the programs back up and running.

In the meantime, Metropolitan Ministries will pause most of its mobile street outreach operations for one month to regroup and restructure.

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WILLIMANTIC  The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut will distribute more than $2.2 million in grants to organizations across the region, supporting work in six core areas.

The grant recipients include Project IMO in Willimantic, which will receive $60,000 over a two-year period. The grant will empower youth leaders to develop public land in North Windham into the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve.

This includes the creation of educational kiosks, media and activities for the community.
The proposed Dodger Stadium gondola hit a major roadblock Thursday when a state appeals court rejected Metros approval of the environmental impact report for the project.

The project, proposed in 2018 by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, requires approval from Metro, the Los Angeles City Council, Caltrans and the state parks agency. None of the other approvals have been obtained yet, and the court decision requires Metro to set aside its certification of the EIR and set aside its approval of the project until a revised environmental impact report can be completed.

Even if the revisions are approved, the delay could jeopardize the potential for the gondola to be up and running by the 2028 Olympic Games, in which baseball will be played at Dodger Stadium.

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Read more: Shaikin: A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it?

Nathan Click, spokesman for Zero Emissions Transit, the nonprofit leading the gondola project, said a grand opening in time for the Olympics is still our goal. However, the 25-month construction timetable cited in the EIR would require it to begin next spring, and project opponents said Thursdays decision potentially allows for another year for serious review.

Our communities deserve a process that is transparent and thorough, said Jon Christensen, spokesman for the Los Angeles Parks Alliance, which joined The California Endowment in filing the lawsuit.

We cannot allow billionaires like McCourt to usurp public resources, grab taxpayer-funded park space, and irreparably harm historic communities like Chinatown and Olvera Street.

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The appellate court ruled that six of the eight arguments made by the plaintiffs were unpersuasive, in particular rejecting the allegation that Metro violated state law by failing to consider reasonably foreseeable development of the Dodger Stadium parking lots as an inevitable consequence of the gondola project.

In the absence of such a proposal as part of the project, and given the dining and entertainment plaza that was completed beyond center field in 2020, the court ruled that the inevitability that large-scale development would follow construction of the gondola was speculative.

Evidence shows development projects at Dodger Stadium have moved forward not as a consequence of the project, but independently of it, the court ruling said.

Read more: LA28 announces Dodger Stadium among new 2028 Olympic venues, lineup nearly complete

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The court based its decision on agreement with the other two arguments: Metros failure to address feasible ways to mitigate the impacts of construction noise and to properly consult with a land conservancy that serves as a trustee to parkland over which the gondola would soar.

The few issues where the court ordered more work to be done are minor, technical matters, which is a common part of the process for important infrastructure projects, Click said. These can be addressed quickly.

It is clear that Angelenos want and deserve efficient, sustainable transit solutions  and the public support for the Dodger Stadium gondola reflects that.

The gondola would run from Union Station to Dodger Stadium and cost $385 million to $500 million to build and another $8 million to $10 million per year to operate and maintain, according to the report. Those costs, it said, could be covered by private bond financing, sponsorships, naming rights and fares  although fans have been promised free rides to Dodgers games.

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Metro approved the environmental impact report 15 months ago. The California Endowment and the Parks Alliance sued to throw out the report, on the basis Metro had not properly followed state environmental laws in approving it. The bid was denied by the Los Angeles Superior Court last August, but the plaintiffs won their appeal Thursday.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The proposed aerial transit project that would connect Dodger Stadium with downtown Los Angeles is facing yet another hurdle after a state appeals court rejected Metros approval of the environmental impact report for the project, as first reported by the L.A. Times.

Officially known as the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit Project, the endeavor would link the stadium to Union Station and Chinatown at Los Angeles State Historic Park via a suspended gondola system funded by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his son, Drew.

None of the other approvals have been obtained, and the court decision Thursday requires Metro to set aside its certification of the EIR and set aside its approval of the project until a revised environmental impact report can be completed, the Times reported.

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Controversial Dodger Stadium gondola project step closer to final approval

Last year, Metro approved the environmental impact report, but the California Endowment and the Los Angeles Parks Alliance sued to throw out the report, claiming Metro had not adequately followed state environmental laws in approving it.

That request was denied by the Los Angeles Superior Court last August, but the plaintiffs won their appeal Thursday, the Times reported.

The project would need to receive approval from Metro, the Los Angeles City Council, Caltrans, and the California State Park agency.

Opponents of proposed Dodger Stadium gondola protest ahead of upcoming public hearings

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The proposed plan has been a hotly debated topic for years after it was first unveiled in 2018. Supporters of the project tout its zero-emission capabilities and its ability to cut down on traffic concerns on Dodgers game days.

However, opponents, including residents who live beneath the pathway of the gondola system, worry the project will ruin views, fly too low near its stations, and encourage drivers to park in neighborhoods where little street parking is available as-is.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A proposed bill that would require state agencies to verify the citizenship or immigration status of those applying for public benefits has moved to the House floor.

House Bill 307, authored by Rep. Chance Henry (R-Crowley), passed the committee with amendments on Wednesday.

According to the proposed bill, all individuals looking for public assistance who are not citizens of the U.S. would be reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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If an applicant is found not to be a U.S. citizen, all public benefits, including welfare, food assistance, housing, and education assistance, would be cut off.

State agencies must submit an annual report with the number of individuals who were reported to ICE and those who lost their benefits.

So this isnt necessarily about benefits, its about informing people to the government so that they can be deported? asked Rep. Mandie Landry (D-New Orleans).

Henry replied, saying, Yeah, so I do not know whats [going to] be done with that information once the feds have it. I cant attest to that, but this is about notifying the proper entities of their being here illegally. Yes, maam.

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The bill will eventually be debated on the House floor.

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(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Zoological Society and the City of Elk Grove announced Wednesday theyd ended plans to build a new zoo.

Elk Groves City Council approved plans for the proposed zoo in May of 2024.

The zoological society cited economic uncertainty and rising construction costs as the major contributing factors in this decision. The first phase of the project was estimated to cost $300,000,000, with Elk Groves City Council kicking in $90,000,000.

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We began to realize that the grand vision that we started with We werent going to be able to bring that forward with the budget that we had, said Robert Churchill, Sacramento Zoological Societys interim CEO. The original vision in Elk Grove was 65 acres. And through a number of changes, over the course of the period of time, It went from 65 acres down to 27 acres.

The original 65-acre plan would have been more than four times larger than the existing zoo in William Land Park.

Reducing the proposed zoos size forced the zoological society to cut vital features like animal habitats, a covered events pavilion, educational classrooms, and overnight suites.

Three of those four are revenue-generating to us, said Churchill.

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Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen also released a video statement to the community, reflecting on what was once an exciting prospect of a new zoo.

Singh-Allen said, I know many of you are disappointed. I am disappointed to.

Despite the Elk Grove zoo expansion folding, Churchill told FOX40 the zoological society will continue to keep their 14-acre space in William Land Park in top condition, We are always working on improving this zoo.

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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  Protesters gathered near a VA Clinic in Elmira opposing federal cuts to veterans programs relating to Medicaid, Medicare and jobs of government employees. The protest was held on College Avenue near the clinic where more than ten people participated.

The protesters brought signs with messages that said, Hands off of our VA and Protect our Vets. Some of the people shared criticism about healthcare benefits being cut and expressed support to veterans who served.

The reason Im here is to support veterans, but also to support the other issues that a lot of people are concerned about with this administration, which includes veterans benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, all the people who work in the government who have been let go and fire for no cause, said Barry Short, a Vietnam veteran.

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Protesters gather in Watkins Glen opposing federal program cuts

I think that any kind of cuts to the VA is immoral, and they deserve to get the health care and benefits that have been set up for them for years, hundreds of years, added Nancy McGowan Lester.

Another protester Margie Rodgers underscored the need for continued support to veterans. She expressed uncertainty about whether cuts have been made or are being threatened and hopes that the demonstration raises awareness.

Below is a statement from the Veteran Affairs national office provided by the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System:

VA health care has been on the Government Accountability Offices high-risk list for more than a decade, and GAO says VA faces system-wide challenges in overseeing patient safety and access to care, hiring critical staff, and meeting future infrastructure needs. Under Secretary Collins, VA is working hard to fix these and other issues. Unfortunately, many in the media, government union bosses and some in Congress are fighting to keep in place the broken status quo. Our message to Veterans is simple: Despite major opposition from those who dont want to change a thing at VA, we will reform the department to make it work better for Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors.

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Marches unfolded in cities across the U.S. on Thursday. In Atlanta, hundreds stopped traffic as they marched through downtown streets.

They started at Liberty Plaza outside the State Capitol building.

Were not having it, Rob Helfenbein said.

He joined a group called Indivisible Atlanta to protest on May Day.

Its a day set aside to honor the labor movement, and this year, critics of President Donald Trumps administration used it to protest his policies that relate to workers, like federal job cuts.

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The impact is just devastating, and it keeps happening day after day, Helfenbein told Channel 2s Courtney Francisco.

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Others showed up to take a stand against tariff decisions, 401(k) losses, and inflation.

I have to spend over half my check just to get back and forth to work. I cant afford to go out and get a car, Theresa Kinard said.

Some criticized the new administrations immigration decisions that have impacted workers and students.

It was incredibly inspiring. The conversations that we have at events like this, and across groups where we build coalitions, is the only way we win, Heflenbein said.

The crowd did not stay put. They marched through the middle of downtown Atlanta streets, stalling rush hour traffic.

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A massive turnout with people standing up for workers rights, GA NAACP President Gerald Griggs said. Standing up against the Administrations attack on DEI, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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Griggs marched with protestors.

I think lawmakers should listen, Griggs said. These are everyday citizens who vote.

With a police escort, organizers were able to lead the crowd around buildings where the rally cries might resonate, like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration headquarters, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements building, and Atlantas City Hall.

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In response to the marches on Thursday, Georgia GOP chair Josh McKoon sent a statement saying: These rent-a-mobs are not fooling anyone. President Trump is delivering for the American people, and they are responding to his message.

Even before the May Day protests started Wednesday afternoon, about 50 attorneys retook their oaths to defend the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Georgia inside Atlanta City Hall on Thursday.

They said they did that because theyre worried the Trump administration is actively engaged in judicial interference and disobeying direct orders from federal courts.

And they worry, the administration is threatening and punishing law firms who argued against it.

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Our founders envisioned a nation of laws, premised on three separate but co-equal branches of government, said Beverly Martin, a retired judge who previously sat on Atlantas 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Andrea Young, who is president of the Georgia ACLU, told Channel 2s Richard Elliot that her organization will continue to fight the Trump administration in court.

We are committed to defend our democracy against the chaos and cruelty and the constitutional violations that we see happening, Young said.

It probably does not surprise you to know that I see this as an increasingly, really, just an exercise in hypocrisy, McKoon told Elliot.

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McKoon is also an attorney and believes the Biden administration weaponized the judicial system against Trump, leading to his indictment on election interference charges in Fulton County.

Its a little hard for me to stomach the idea that the Trump administration is somehow unfairly targeting lawyers, McKoon said.

Pending a ruling from the Georgia Supreme Court, the Fulton County case against Trump and the other election interference defendants remains open.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  As part of a National Day of Action on Thursday, May 1, multiple groups are planning to gather in downtown Binghamton.

Broome County Democratic Legislators, 12:30 p.m.

Members of the Broome County Democratic Caucus of the Broome County Legislature will hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. at the Broome County Courthouse. According to the news release, legislators will be reaffirming their commitment to the U.S. Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.

This event provides an opportunity to connect directly with the community and reaffirm our shared commitment to liberty, justice, and dignity for all, said Kim Myers, Minority Leader for the Democratic Caucus.

50501 Binghamton Protest, 4:00 p.m.

The Binghamton chapter of 50501, an organized group that peacefully protests in the fight for inclusivity, non-violence, and conflict resolution, will gather in front of the Broome County Supreme Courthouse at 4 p.m. to oppose and bring awareness to anti-democratic actions by the Trump Administration. Protesters will walk down Court St. to a Rally held by Indivisible Binghamton at MLK Promenade at 5 p.m.

May Day Workers Rally, 5 p.m.

Local activists for workers rights will gather at the river walk near Boscovs at 5 p.m. to join people across the country advocating for collective bargaining, workers health and safety, child labor laws, the minimum wage, unemployment insurance and Social Security.

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Major events on these issues are being held in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington D.C.

The event is organized by Broome Tioga Central Labor Council, Indivisible Binghamton, Broome County Democrats and Citizen Action.

Broome Republicans respond

Benji Federman, Broome Republican Chairman, released a statement in response to the planned protests in Binghamton on Thursday.

Hard-working folks and retirees on fixed incomes are sick of the endless protests and national divisive politics. These protests are nothing more than an attempt to score political points and distract from Kathy Hochuls affordability crisis as Southern Tier families and businesses pocket less money. Local Democrats and their out-of-touch allies should put down the sloppy handmade signs and work honestly with local Republicans to make life better for the people who live here, Federman said.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Providences 73rd police training academy is set to get underway, sometime in June, according to Col. Oscar Perez.

Perez told Providence City Councils Committee on Finance on Wednesday that the department received about 400 applications during its recruitment period last fall. He added that the department just completed background checks for 40 of the recruits being offered a spot on the academy.

A portion of the academy was paid for in the current fiscal year, with the remaining balance of about $2.4 million owed in the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1.

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Last year, Mayor Brett Smiley increased the citys contribution to the schools by $3 million. In order to find extra money for the schools, Smiley agreed to cut vacant proposed positions and some raises, in addition to waiting to hold the police academy until at least May of this year to be able to delay some of those costs.

Perez said the department had 445 full-time sworn officers at the end of last year, and are currently at 440. The chief said ideally, hed like the department to be closer to 500 full-time sworn officers.

Perez noted 20 of the 40 positions on the academy would be funded by a Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Program Grant from the US Department of Justice. The federal grant provides up to $125,000 per officer for a three-year period.

RELATED: Providence Fire Department cuts millions in overtime costs, prepares to see highest staffing levels in years

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The police departments overall proposed budget increased by 6%, from $111.5 million to $118.7 million in fiscal year 2026.

City councilors asked Perez why the departments budget for callback increased for the upcoming fiscal year and why overtime was projected to increase in fiscal year 2027.

Its so many different factors, Perez said.

The chief said currently 129 officers are eligible to retire  an issue that became exacerbated from not holding any academies from 2010 to 2014.

People are just aging out, Perez added.

Providence is anticipating generating about 10% more revenue, or about $1.3 million, from the citys police department, largely due to money from police red light cameras and school zone traffic cameras.

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The state-run Providence Public School District currently has a contract with BusPatrol, and previously launched a school bus safety program.

All district buses are equipped with stop-arm enforcement cameras to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses and share the evidence with law enforcement to review for potential violations. In Rhode Island, the penalty is $250 for a first-time offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses, with no license points.

Deputy Finance Director Krystle Lindberg explained that in March alone, the cameras generated about $183,000 in revenue, which she described as a significant pickup.

Committee members were surprised to learn the vendor receives 75% of the revenue generated from the violations, with the remaining 25% being split between the city and the state.

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The Smiley administration unveiled a slew of proposed fines and fees to reporters ahead of the mayors budget proposal address earlier this month. In all, city officials estimated the proposed changes could bring in $1.9 million in additional revenue  both administrative and by ordinance  largely generated by the police department.

On Thursday, the City Council will be presented several proposed ordinances that would increase fines and fees across the city. The Committee on Ordinances would vet the proposals and vote on them before getting approval from the full council.

RELATED: Providence mayor seeks to raise fines for parking, pet violations, plus some license and permit fees

The finance committee also heard from the citys telecommunications department on Thursday, whose proposed budget increased by nearly $700,000, or about 6%, for a total of about $11.8 million.

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Director David Radcliffe explained that the city defunded a telephone technician position and a customer service operator position in an effort to fund a radio repair technician role.

Radcliffe also said the department is also working to fill a vacant control center operator position, and explained that when vacant, can generate overtime at a substantial rate.

He said theres a lot of turnover in the department, and that some people are just not cut out for it.

Its a very stressful position, a very taxing career, Radcliffe said. You listen to people dying on the phone.

Residents will get their first opportunity to weigh in on Smileys proposed budget next week.

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The first of two public hearings on the proposed budget is scheduled for May 6 at Providence City Hall at 5:30 p.m.

RELATED: Providence taxpayers confront Mayor Smiley at State House tax levy hearing

In advance of the public hearing, the city released a new online calculator on Tuesday so residents can estimate how much their tax bill would cost under the proposed new levy. The city noted that the estimator is intended for informational purposes only, and results that are generated are based on the information provided and may not reflect the actual tax liability.

Smiley spokesperson Josh Estrella said the tax calculator was created to help residents gain more clarity and understand what their tax bills could look like if the proposed budget is approved.

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Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PROVO, Utah (ABC4)  A Provo man was booked into the Utah County Jail after two potential pipe bombs were located in his apartment.

Hunter Cade Madsen, 28, has been booked on two charges of felony recklessness with an incendiary device.

An employee at a mental health treatment facility where Madsen was staying reported to police that a family member told the facility she had found what appeared to be pipe bombs and materials used to make them at his residence, documents say.

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Bomb squad responds after pipe bombs reportedly found in vehicle near Provo mall

When officers got in touch with her, she explained that she had a key to the apartment as a guarantor, and had entered to retrieve a few things. While in the home, the family member found a container marked gunpowder.

Madsens family member worried this could violate his probation and removed the container, as well as the two supposed pipe bombs. She later turned this evidence over to the police.

Photos of the two devices located in Madsens home were shown to bomb squad personnel. According to the arresting statement, they believed that the configuration of the pipes does not present any other likely use [than] that of a pipe bomb.

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71 explosive devices, bomb-making materials found in Orem mans apartment

Upon testing from the bomb squad, they confirmed that the pipes contained an explosive powder.

This arrest comes only a week after a 41-year-old man was arrested in Provo for possessing several alleged pipe bombs. Police executed a search warrant on his apartment in Orem, finding more than 71 explosive devices inside.

Madsen has been booked into Utah County Jail and is being held without bail.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Owensboro officials are asking for the public to provide feedback for a planning document covering transportation projects over the next 25 years.

The Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization released their Metropolitan Transportation Plan outlining planning projects for 2026 to 2050. Highlights of these projects include the reconstruction of Fairview Drive, Thruston-Dermont Road and Ky-54 by 2031 as well as a new interchange on I-165 and the reconstruction of U.S. 60 and U.S. 231 at Maceo.

The planning document can be viewed online here.

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Residents can send comments by email here or leave a message by calling 270-852-1305. Officials say they also have three public meetings planned for this month at the following times:

May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Kentucky Career Center in Owensboro

May 15 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Green River Area Development District

May 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Daviess County Public Library

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The City of Terre Haute Department of Redevelopment held a public hearing on Wednesday to talk about the potential of a multi-family housing development area near Ohio Boulevard and Deming Park in Terre Haute.

The latest development would bring over 250 lots to the area with a variety of square footage, different floor plans and designs. Plus, this would include a dog park, a pool, and walking trails.

Map Proposal on Ohio Boulevard near Deming Park

Wednesdays meeting gave the public the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions about the future use of the space. Some concerns from the public included traffic flow, bike and pedestrian safety, schools, density of neighborhoods, and overall design.

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The funding for the project comes from a state program known as Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program (RIF) that provides funding and low interest loans to communities to finance infrastructure project that supports residential housing development.

Its important for us as a community, if we want to advance and grow, we have to take advantages like this, said Jordan Marvel, Director of City of Terre Haute Department of Redevelopment. We dont want to just throw an opportunity like this out the window. If we dont take advantage of this 5.5 million, theres another community in Indiana who will.

The 5.5 million dollars in funding will provide assistance for the project in hopes of combating the housing shortage in Terre Haute.

This is a project that if we want to attract employers, big employers with high-paying jobs to come within our community, we need to give them a housing stock so that their employees can look for and say hey, thats perfect for me and my family, said Marvel.

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Out of 13 residential infrastructure projects in the state of Indiana, the City of Terre Haute was granted the largest funding by RIF.

Moving forward, the City of Terre Haute and Redevelopment Commission will meet to discuss public concerns. The next public meeting is set for the month of June.

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LETTERS: Only a matter of time; the protection of US law
Sens. David Bullard, R-Durant, left, and Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, speak on the Senate floor ahead of the chamber's organizational day on Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday sent Gov. Kevin Stitt a bill that would bar obscene performances on public property or areas where minors are present despite concerns that it is unconstitutional and aimed at impacting drag shows.

House Bill 1217 makes it a crime to engage in adult performances, or to permit them, on public property where a minor could view them. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to a fine of up to $1,000, one year in jail or both.

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Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, the Senate author, said the bill does not mention drag shows.

If the behavior is obscene, regardless of dress, then it should not be allowed in front of minors, Bullard said.

Critics said state law already prohibits obscene displays. They said the measure targets drag performances, the LGBTQ+ community and violates constitutionally protected free speech rights.

Lets be clear from the outset that House Bill 1217 is an anti-speech, anti-queer, anti-art bill masquerading as a protection against obscenity, said Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. It does not use the word drag. But make no mistake. This bill is absolutely about drag.

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Opposing the bill is a wink at corruption, said Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin.

We are living in a time where grown men parade around in lingerie and exaggerated prosthetics, performing in front of wide-eyed toddlers in public and at libraries, and some call that progress, Deevers said. Thats not progress. It is perversion. And Jesus calls it evil.

Deevers asked why it is acceptable to arrest someone for exposing themselves at a park, but not when they wear exaggerated prosthetics and gyrate in front of children.

Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, said because the language is so broad, it could ban theatrical performances, cultural performances and cheerleading routines.

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What this is really about is one small group in our community, a group of our neighbors, making another small group in our community uncomfortable, and so were going to have a piece of legislation to go after one group because it makes another group uncomfortable, Mann said.

Sen. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, said there was a time when Elvis Presley, known for gyrating his hips, could only be videoed from the top up because some felt he was so sexually obscene that it was not good for public viewing.

The measure passed by a vote of 39-8.

This story was updated at 3:33 p.m. to better describe the bill.

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I have been shouting into the wind for 15 years that the war on whistleblowers and government sources  started under Barack Obama and continued by Presidents Trump and Biden  was a backdoor war on journalists. Donald Trump has now brought the battle to the front door and his administration is using a battering ram to get inside.

Just ahead of his 100-day mark in office, the Trump administration set off two major earthquakes that shook the media landscape and threatened the foundation of a free press. First, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that federal authorities may once again seek reporters phone records and compel their testimony in leak investigations. Second, Bondi announced that she plans to pursue cases where a Government employee discloses sensitive information for the purposes of personal enrichment and undermining our foreign policy, national security and government effectiveness. She claimed that this conduct could properly be characterized as treasonous.

When the government first started using the Espionage Act to go after leakers (most of whom were whistleblowers), in every single one of the cases, reporters and news outlets featured prominently in the indictments. But there was always an unspoken understanding that the government would not go after reporters directly. When the government first tried to criminalize leaking in this century, the case against NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake imploded and the judge excoriated the government:

Were not going down the path of having reporters called to the witness stand because Im not inclined to incarcerate a reporter who asserts a privilege . . . Thats the last thing we need right now. To the extent that we even think about calling a reporter to the witness stand, I think were really going down a deep, dark hole.

But that was nearly 15 years ago and Trump has shown himself more than willing to go down deep, dark holes, from soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election to inciting an insurrection to summarily deporting U.S. children without due process. Indeed, past examples of the government imperiling journalists are sufficiently chilling before we ever reach Trump and Bondis latest assaults on the First Amendment.

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The Nixon administration convened a grand jury to indict New York Times reporters Neil and Susan Sheehan for obtaining and copying the Pentagon Papers from Daniel Ellsberg. In 2005, reporter Judith Miller was jailed for 85 days for refusing to reveal her source in the Valerie Plame ordeal. In the 2013 leak case against State Department employee Stephen Kim, the government named a Fox News reporter as a co-conspirator. When the government subpoenaed reporter James Risen to testify about the identity of his anonymous source, he faced prison for contempt of court. And in 2024, Trumps prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange became the first successful prosecution of a publisher under the Espionage Act.

During the Biden administration, the Justice Department enacted revised media guidelines, which contained protections such as requiring senior-level Justice Department approvals before seeking court orders for certain information. It also curbed the use of compulsory process  meaning search warrants, subpoenas, etc. to seize reporters records  except in limited circumstances, for example, if the information is imperative to prevent a serious crime or if a journalist is the criminal target.

But an internal Justice Department memo from Bondis office claims that dropping the reporter record policy is necessary to prevent the release of not just classified information, but privileged and other sensitive information  a much broader, undefined category that could expose reporters to law enforcement scrutiny and process for typical news-gathering activity, such as the protection of sources.

Bondi does not seem to understand how the government classification system works, which by its very nature protects sensitive information. The three main levels of classification are confidential, secret, and top secret. The desired degree of secrecy about such information is known as its sensitivity, which is based on a calculation of its potential damage to national security if released. Nor does Bondi seem to understand that information designated as classified does not necessarily make it related to the national defense  the definition in the Espionage Act, which is the law used in the majority of leak prosecutions.

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Bondi also seems to misunderstand that privilege is a rule of evidence  not a classification category  which protects communications within certain relationships from compelled disclosure in a court proceeding (even if it may be relevant). It is shocking that the Attorney General doesnt appreciate this distinction. Its basic law school fare.

Under the reporter regime Trump wants to return to, investigators could secretly obtain journalists records through a court order without the journalists knowledge. News outlets reported in 2021 that prosecutors aggressively pursued communications data from reporters in an effort to identify their sources. A top lawyer at the New York Times revealed that both the Trump and Biden administrations tried to obtain the email logs of four of its reporters. A CNN reporter and reporters from the Washington Post and other outlets reported similar efforts.

Compounding all of this, while most states have reporter shield laws covering the right of news reporters to refuse to testify about information and sources of information obtained during the news-gathering process, there is no such federal law. The bipartisan Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), a federal shield law, could have helped cure this problem. It passed the House unanimously, but in November, Trump instructed congressional Republicans to block its passage, which they obediently did.

The most frightening part of this all, however, is Bondis bald assertion about prosecuting government employees for treason  a crime punishable by death  if they disclose undefined sensitive information for undefined profit (does that include getting a tv gig at Fox?) and undermine government effectiveness. That could conceivably include discussing DOGEs myriad blunders or revealing the United States mistakes in deporting migrants.

Bondi has now joined the sisterhood of the unraveling rants, echoing DNIs Tulsi Gabbard and DHSs Kristi Noem in failing to realize that the First Amendment actually elevates political speech above all other forms of individual expression, and that the most offensive speech is the speech most protected from government action. Perhaps they were too busy being mean girls in middle school to learn that distrust in government was baked into the United States, a nation founded on a rebellion against centralized, executive power. We fought a revolution against a monarch. They can nervously chuckle at the insecure, attention-starved class clown all they want, but it doesn't invert the paradigm by which the people control the government.Attempting to turn it the other way around is real treason.
New Western intelligence suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have shifted his immediate war objectives towards holding occupied Ukrainian territories as well as growing his country's struggling economy, CNN reported on May 1, citing Western officials familiar with the matter.

The assessment, shared by unnamed U.S. and Western officials, suggests a shift in Putin's calculus of the situation, amid previous intelligence that suggested Russia's momentum on the battlefield may provide an opportunity for Moscow to entirety Ukraine.

Despite continuing to make marginal progress on the battlefield and capturing small pockets of territory near the front line, a senior U.S. official told CNN that there was "zero indication" Russia would be able to secure large swaths of land in the immediate future.

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"The Russian objective is to get as much territory recognized as possible and have as weak of a Ukraine as possible," the U.S. official said, as peace negotiations are ongoing.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov insisted on April 28 that the international recognition of its hold over Crimea, as well as the entirety of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, were a condition for peace negotiations. Despite the demands, President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated Ukraine will not recognize any occupied territories as part of Russia under a potential future peace agreement with Moscow.

The U.S. is reportedly considering a de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea as part of a potential peace deal and de facto control over other occupied territories. At the same time, U.S. officials are said to have rejected a demand for Ukraine's complete withdrawal from the other four regions.

The potential shift in attitudes on near-terms objectives for the Kremlin also comes amid growing economic hardship in the country, marred by international sanctions over the war.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to reset relations and potentially increase economic cooperation with Moscow following a negotiated peace deal, but has recently questioned Moscow's intentions to achieve peace, suggesting that the Kremlin may be "tapping me along." Trump has said that the U.S. may impose new sanctions on Russia if a ceasefire is not reached.

A senior European official familiar with the new intelligence told CNN that Moscow was willing to "play along" to improve its standing with the U.S., but added that Russia "clearly hasnt given up on their maximalist war ends."

Despite the potential shift in objectives, U.S. officials remain skeptical of Putin's long-term ambitions in Ukraine, CNN reported.

In February, unclassified intelligence assessment from the Danish Defense Intelligence Service suggested that Russia may find the opportunity to launch a large-scale war on Europe within five years.

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Read also: Zelensky says minerals deal signing first result of talks with Trump in Vatican

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Queens man accused of pushing his ex to the floor while trying to get back the $28,000 engagement ring he bought her was slapped with a restraining order  and he couldnt be happier about it, his lawyer said Thursday.

Carlos Lora Diaz, 38, and his sister, Lucie Lora, 34, were arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on charges of attempted robbery and attempted grand larceny days after Lora Diaz former fiancee told cops the siblings knocked her down in a dispute over the ring.

We are very happy to have the order of protection here because my client agrees that he should have absolutely nothing to do with this woman ever again in his life, Lora Diaz lawyer, James Neville, said in court.

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I told my client, Neville told the Daily News later outside court, and I hope you quote this accurately, that after the case is over and there is no more order of protection my client should send this woman a fruit basket as a thank you, because to not marry her was the best thing ever.

Police said the brother and sister argued with Lora Diazs ex on April 24 while returning some possessions to the Jackson Heights apartment the couple had shared near 32nd Ave. and 90th St.

The couple recently broke up, prompting a dispute about getting back the 34-year-old victims ring, officials said.

Take the ring, Lora barked, according to prosecutors and her brother then allegedly knocked the victim to the ground in an attempt to snatch the ring off his exs hand.

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The victim suffered bleeding, redness and swelling to her hand and substantial pain to her hip, Queens Assistant District Attorney Isabelle Dudek said in court.

The siblings left without the ring, which Neville valued at $28,000.

Neville agreed that Lora Diaz wanted the ring back and that he grabbed the womans hand but claimed that is as far as it went.

He did not throw her to the floor, Neville told the judge. She, the complainant, threw herself on the floor.

Lora Diaz later surrendered to police. His sister was picked up by cops only after they released a wanted poster showing her wearing a tight-fitting revealing top. She wore a baggy sweatsuit in court and cried after the proceeding.

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Despite a bail request from prosecutors, the siblings were freed without bail for now, Lora on her own recognizance and her brother on supervised release.

Lora has no prior arrests while her brother has one previous misdemeanor conviction.
May 1QUINCY  A bust at a home near Quincy yielded guns, explosives and a multi-faceted drug manufacturing operation, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Jason Robert Besel, 43, of Quincy was arrested on various drug charges as a result of the bust.

The investigation by detectives from the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team at a residence in the 15000 block of Road 9 Northwest started April 21, according to GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman, following a domestic violence report at the residence the night before. As Besel was being arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree assault  domestic violence, deputies received information that drug manufacturing was taking place on the property, Foreman said.

Once deputies walked through the property and found that drugs were being manufactured there, they called in the Washington State Patrol SWAT team, which is responsible for clandestine drug lab response. The investigation was interrupted by the discovery of a hand grenade and several explosives. The WSP bomb squad determined that the grenade did not contain explosives. The other explosives were consumer- and commercial-grade fireworks and explosive-making materials. The bomb squad removed the explosive-making materials.

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The fireworks were left at the home because there was no legal reason to remove them, the GCSO wrote in the statement.

Over the next couple of days, INET and the WSP SWAT Team found and removed a methamphetamine lab, a DMT lab and a psilocybin mushroom grow operation, according to Foreman. All were seized as evidence. The remnants of a marijuana grow operation were also found, but having no evidentiary value, it was left in place. INET seized 29 guns found inside buildings on the property, according to the statement.

DMT is a potent hallucinogenic drug classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the 1970s due to its potential for misuse, potentially dangerous effects and potential for the development of psychological dependence, the GCSO wrote. DMT has no known medicinal uses and can only be legally obtained for research purposes with special permissions from the DEA and the Food and Drug Administration.

Besel was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing and distributing meth, manufacturing and distributing DMT and manufacturing and distributing psilocybin mushrooms, according to the GCSO statement. He has since been released from the Grant County Jail after posting $100,000 bail.

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Apart from illegal marijuana grows, drug manufacturing in Grant County is very uncommon, Foreman said. He estimated it had been about 15 years since a methamphetamine lab had been discovered in the county. The reason, he said, is that Washington law tightly restricts the materials used in manufacturing the drug, making it easier to acquire meth trafficked across the border from Mexico.

The lab near Quincy came as a surprise, Foreman said.

"He was not on the radar," Foreman said. "We may never have known that was happening there had the (domestic) incident not occurred."

Anyone who suspects that drugs are being manufactured or distributed in Grant County is encouraged to call the INET Tip Line at 509-754-2011 ext. 2395, Foreman said. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Preston County Health Department has confirmed a case of rabies near Terra Alta.

According to the department, the case was laboratory confirmed in a fox after an encounter with a dog on April 28. This is the first confirmed case of rabies in the county this year.

Around 20-50 cases of rabies are confirmed in wild animals in West Virginia each year, based on West Virginia Office of Epidemiology & Prevention Services data from the past five years. Most of those cases were in the Eastern Panhandle. Preston County had three confirmed cases in 2024, one confirmed case in 2023 and none in 2022 or 2021.

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Bird rescue asks West Virginia anglers to catch fish for its bald eagles

The Preston County Health Department urged residents to make sure their dogs and cats are vaccinated. Pets should be vaccinated against rabies at 6 months old, one year after that, and every three years after that.

If you think you or your pet have been exposed, seek immediate medical attention.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Racist and antisemitic flyers were posted around the same Northland neighborhood where a Black teen was shot and killed a week ago. The flyers were discovered in the North Brook neighborhood off Shoal Creek Parkway Wednesday.

Neighbors already reeling from the shooting death of Charles Sanders, 17, did their best to try to erase those hateful messages, but said it will be tough to erase the hurt the messages caused.

Kansas City man shocked as he continues searching for late dogs ashes

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A neighbor and I drove around and we personally took down about 20 I know there were other neighbors out before and after, Christy Nunez said.

Those anti Semitic and racist signs with messages of white supremacy are so filled with hate and disturbing images, that FOX4 has decided not to show them on TV or online.

I was shaking with anger and fear and rage and others were anxious and afraid with valid reason, Nunez said.

The flyers were posted in the same neighborhood not far from where a Black teen 17 year old Charles Sanders was killed on NE 75th Court last week. No suspects have been arrested. At this point any connection for the timing and location of the flyers is unknown.

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I spoke to a gentleman who is Black and has lived here for 20 years and he said hes always had a great relationship with his neighbors. Hes never felt unsafe and I just told him Im sorry you had to see this and I said this is not our heart, Nunez said.

That heart of the neighborhood was evident Wednesday everywhere you looked as children and others covered sidewalks and driveways with hearts and messages of love outlined in chalk.

Someone on the neighborhood page posted it would be a great idea to spread love in the neighborhood put hearts on do white ribbons on trees. So Im super glad whoever said that did. Because I love to include my kids spreading the love instead of the hate, Tyler Walker said.

Father of man accused of running over KCPD officer now charged

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Its trying to take back the neighborhood. Its trying to say whoever it is, if they do or dont live here, this is not who we are going to be and hate doesnt get to win, Nunez said.

Neighbors say theyve reported these flyers on the MY KC app under 311s hate and bigotry section. A police report was also filed with Kansas City police, which is investigating.

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Milwaukee will see a rainy end of the week, but conditions should clear up for a drier and warmer weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

As of 8 a.m. May 1, the Milwaukee area had gotten between 0.5 to 0.75 inches of rain, with chances of a little more falling throughout the morning, NWS Milwaukee-Sullivan meteorologist Kevin Wagner said.

Road conditions throughout Milwaukee were mostly clear as of 8:15 a.m., though shoulders of I-94 were blocked in at least five places due to disabled vehicles or crashes. Commuters can check road conditions before heading out at 511wi.gov.

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The rain will mostly halt by mid-morning throughout Milwaukee, though some areas may see scattered showers in the afternoon, Wagner said. Chances of showers return overnight into the morning of May 2.

"That should be fairly light, maybe a few tenths of an inch, maybe begin to near quarter of an inch in sunspots," Wagner said. "But generally it should be out of here before daybreak tomorrow."

Looking ahead to the weekend, Wagner said May 2 and 3 will be mostly dry, while the evening of May 4 may bring some light rain. Temperatures on Thursday will linger between 40 and 50 degrees, but it should warm up into the mid 50s to low 60s by Friday in Milwaukee, he added.

"It does look by maybe Sunday into early next week, we start to warm back up into the 60s, maybe even 70s," Wagner said.

Wisconsin weather radar

Wisconsin weather warnings

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: When will it stop raining in Milwaukee today? Plus weekend forecast
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.
ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  Randolph County students are exploring more of the outdoors with the help of a few local organizations.

Randolph County Outdoors is helping local students explore the world around them by hosting its outdoors days for second through fifth-grade students.

Randolph County Outdoors is a collaborative initiative hosted by outdoor organizations like the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, Wonder and Grow, and a few others to help demonstrate the fun behind different sectors of nature.

12 News spoke with Valerie Hart, Coordinator of Randolph County Outdoors, on why its important to introduce subjects like nature in this fashion to students.

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Its amazing when you get a kid outside, how much different they are. Where they may have issues being in a classroom all day, when theyre outside, they get to use all their senses, they get to explore. Most importantly, too, we like to take the kids to nearby parks that a lot of these kids have never been to before. So, exposing them to places that are right here in their backyards, where they can go have fun and explore, is super important to us, said Hart.

Bird rescue asks West Virginia anglers to catch fish for its bald eagles

On Wednesdays trip for second graders, students took a nature walk through Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area, went bird spotting and learned new facts about each bird they found and studied native reptiles and amphibians, which also led to meeting new friends!

Students were also taught how to be good stewards of the earth and how to build debris shelters, although the second graders experience may look different than any other grade.

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Hart also spoke with 12 News about the variety of outdoor activities offered to different age groups.

We have a different outdoor recreation activity like today the second graders are hiking through the woods and then we do canoeing, fifth graders, we teach archery with the 3rd graders and then the 4th graders get to learn how to bike and we think this is really important to teach these skills to kids that maybe spark an interest and theyll want to do this for the rest of their life and a lot of these kids havent done these things before, said Hart.

After a days worth of fun in the sun, 2nd-grade students, Akasha and Lyuhlee were eager to share with 12 News their favorite parts of the day.

I learned about birds that Ive never seen, Akasha said.

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I got to pet the thing in the bucket. The newt, Lyuhlee said.

For more information on Randolph County Outdoors, you can visit its Facebook page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
ST. LOUIS  On April 25, Ranken Technical College hosted its annual Architecture Student Showcase, highlighting the work of 38 junior and senior students who presented class projects aimed at re-envisioning north St. Louis.

The event featured Jody Sowell, president and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society, who delivered the opening remarks.

During his keynote address, titled I Am St. Louis, Sowell spoke to students about the citys rich history and the deep connection between its identity and architectural legacy.

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The event was followed by the student showcase, where they presented layouts of their designs along with physical models of their infrastructures.

This years theme, Building Community in St. Louis Place, challenged students to think critically about community-centered development. Among the projects presented were designs for key infrastructure elements, including a justice center, grocery store, and senior living center.

As part of their four-month project, students were divided into eight groups of four to five and tasked with designing a unique building.

Each group then collaborated to combine their designs into a cohesive neighborhood plan intended to help revitalize north St. Louis. The goal of the project was to improve quality of life in the area.

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Architectural technology instructors AnnaMarie Bliss and Elizabeth Proost oversaw the students projects, which had been in development since January.

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BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON)  A pet store in Berkeley is the birthplace of a rare snake. People paid a visit to East Bay Vivarium on Wednesday to see this two-headed California kingsnake.

The two-headed snake is a result of a rare mutation called polycephaly, which means many heads. The shop says both heads are active, but one head appears to be the main controller of the body.

East Bay Vivarium staff did not expect the snake to live this long since it was born more than six months ago.

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How rare is a two-headed snake? According to The Reptarium, for every 100,000 snakes born, only one will be a two-headed snake. Thats a 0.001% chance of that happening.

Bear found dead on Sonoma County road, likely hit by car: officials

A rare two-headed snake was being displayed at East Bay Vivarium on Wednesday, April 30.

I wasnt sure if I was seeing straight, said East Bay Vivarium employee Zeke White. Is that what I think it really is? Because its something that everybody knows about: two-headed snakes But its not something I ever expected to see or find here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Childrens Agenda has released its yearly review focused on the Rochester City School Districts budget.

Organizers with the agency explained their findings Wednesday, including the most pressing issues according to approximately 70 RCSD parents surveyed.

Three primary recommendations were featured on topics such as funding mental health clinics at all city schools, maintaining funding for the RocRestorative Team, and a consistent monitoring of school bussing to avoid any delays in transportation.

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Angela Colon-Rentas is an RCSD alumni and now, a mother to a kindergartener in the district. Colon-Rentas shared some of the struggles she faced emotionally during her time as a student, including time at the Monroe County Juvenile Detention Center for missing days of school.

I want my daughter to be treated as a human and not as a number. Thats a change I see now. If I were to compare and contrast on things Id love to see happen now, it would be peer advocacy. Having peers with lived experiences that have the systems  in a school  assisting our youth, she said.

Mental health remains at the forefront, according to the survey. 80 percent of Rochester families have identified challenges with transportation to access mental health services, which is part of the reason why advocates are asking for satellite counseling services in all city schools and not some.

Theres still a need. Theres still school districts where kids cant get access, and even if they have clinics, sometimes those arent staffed to the level to meet the needs of those buildings. Weve seen tragedies play out over the last few years when kids dont have access to mental health supports and because of the high rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm in the community, you need that pressure release. You need someone when youre in a crisis, said Eamonn Scanlon, director of community impact for The Childrens Agenda and lead author on the review.

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In addition to these recommendations, the review also included alternatives to suspension policies. According to The Childrens Agenda, RCSD currently has one of the highest suspension rates in New York State at 15 percent last school year.

The hope from advocates is that these concerns will be maintained by the changing leadership in the RCSD.

For advocacy, its about the urgency and being in front of the people who lead and make choices when it comes down to mental health. Especially since my daughter is in the RCSD as a kindergartener. I would not want her to go through the same things I went through. I hope to see in the future that these programs are implemented and are growing, that theyre sustainable and actually effective, said Colon-Rentas.

The Rochester City Council will vote on RCSDs budget June 17, following a variety of RCSD budget hearings over the next few months.

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A link to the full report from The Childrens Agenda can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree, or click on this link to fill out the form. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

Focus on the Divine, not the White House, for inspiration

Re: "NYT's Thomas Friedman is wrong. Don't let politicians steal American optimism," by Cameron Smith, April 24 (online), May 4 (print).

I would like to respond to Cameron Smith's recent column "Washington politics must never crush the American spirit and optimism."

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It must not crush our spirit, but there is a sadness that cannot be ignored. I agree with Mr. Smith that the focus needs to be on our own daily lives, families, etc., the good that can be done instead of dependence on government.

The fact is, though, our leaders matter. They obviously affect our lives, but I agree that we're not to be crushed.

When we live in the Kingdom of God instead of the kingdoms of Trump and Biden there is always future and hope. We need to watch where we live.

Belinda French, Columbia 38401

Don't sugar coat Trump's policies and call them normal

Re: "Trump may lose court battle, but he'll win war on deporting criminal immigrants," by Cameron Smith, March 25.

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Trump claims we are experiencing an invasion. He invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to summarily deport, without due process, those he declares members of Tren de Aragua or MS-13. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is one of the individuals deported to Salvadoran prison with zero due process.

Cameron Smith argues that we should trust Trumps judgment, and in fact Congress must amend the AEA to make it easier to summarily deport.

He denounces activist organizations ACLU and Democracy Forward for scrutinizing Trumps pronouncements. However, Smith, an attorney, failed to mention the constitutional right to due process, as enshrined in the 5th and 14th amendments. Not until his April 18 piece did Smith acknowledge the concept of due process ("Trump can enforce law and obey the court. Stop stalling on wrongly deported man").

Better late than never.

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By that time, the Supreme Court had ordered Trump to facilitate the immediate return of Abrego Garcia. Trump and Stephen Miller, in an open breach of constitutional principles, flouted and attacked that Supreme Court decision.

Smith characterizes this turn of events as baffling and urges the administration to stop playing semantics games.

Correct! But 10 years too late. Shredding the constitution, separation of powers, freedom of the press, and distorting truth itself have been features of MAGA all along.

It is not baffling. This is what MAGA is: neo-fascist worldview rooted in abuse and lies. Stop sugar-coating MAGA and its conservative sycophants. Impeach and remove, now.

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Johnny Epstein, Nashville 37203

Americans need to find common ground more than ever

I appreciate Cameron Smith's viewpoint in re: NYT columnist Thomas Friedman being wrong.

I believe he touches on a very important issue: that all of our states, and obviously all the people in them, need to find common ground to deal with the problems that we individually and collectively face.

As he states, traditionally this is the job of Congress working with the executive branch ... if only the Democrats would join with a large enough group of Republicans to reign in the executive branch, at this time, and in general ... this would help stop some of the egregious missteps and errors that are occurring now

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I would like to hear his ideas on how we as the collective of people/states can effect change to intelligently direct our country's local/national/international policies.

Conrad Worthy, Redway, California 95560

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Letters to the editor challenge Cameron Smith's columns | Letters
In 2020, scientists claimed to have found a sign of life on Venus: hints of a stinky gas called phosphine thats made by microbes on Earth. The claim was swiftly challenged and, years later, is still mired in controversy. Now, another stinky gas has sparked its own alien life debatethis time, for an exoplanet.

Researchers announced on April 16 that theyd used data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to detect a gas called dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of an exoplanet called K2-18b, which orbits in its alien stars habitable zone. On Earth, DMS is mostly made by microscopic phytoplankton. On other planets, it could be whats called a biosignaturea sign of life.

Cambridge University, which hosts several of the researchers involved in the detection, was quick to promote the finding as the strongest hints yet of biological activity outside the solar system. Some media outlets trumpeted the DMS as a likely sign of life. But scientists who werent involved in the discovery arent as euphoric.

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I'm pretty skeptical of this claim, and I wish the press coverage better reflected the skepticism of the astronomical and astrobiological community, wrote astrobiologist Joshua Krissansen-Totton of the University of Washington in an email.

For Clara Sousa-Silva, an astrochemist at Bard College who was involved in the 2020 Venus biosignature debacle, the situation is disappointingly familiar. We did not learn enough from the phosphine on Venus drama, she says.

National Geographic got in touch with ten independent experts to find out what to make of this biosignature claim. (Not all are quoted below, but their views are represented.) The takeaway: Its an exciting discovery, perhaps even an important step on the way to discovering alien life one day. Emphasis on one day. We did not just find aliens.

Heres what you need to know about DMS on K2-18b.

What are the researchers claiming?

If you follow exoplanet news, you might be feeling a bit of deja vu. In 2023, the same research team led by Cambridge astrophysicist Nikku Madhusudhan published JWST observations hinting at DMS on K2-18b.

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Based on the same JWST data, the researchers also concluded that K2-18b was a type of habitable planet called a Hycean world. Madhusudhan and his colleagues coined the term in 2021 to describe a group of hypothetical planets bigger than Earth, smaller than Neptune, mostly made of water, and wreathed in thick veils of hydrogen and helium. Under the right conditions, they could have temperate surface oceans hospitable for life.

The DMS detection from 2023 fell short of the typical statistical standards for discoveries in astronomy. This new study, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, is a follow-up using an instrument on JWST thats sensitive to light at different wavelengths than the original study.

While the last DMS detection was weaker than tentative, this one appears to be much stronger. Madhusudhan and his colleagues claim that their detection of DMS (and/or a similar molecule called dimethyl disulfide or DMDS) reaches a three sigma level of significance. Thats statistical jargon meaning theres less than a 0.3 percent chance that the DMS detection was made by chancestill lower than the gold standard five sigma cutoff for statistical significance, but far more convincing than before.

Given everything we know about this planet, a Hycean world with an ocean that is teeming with life is the scenario that best fits the data we have, Madhusudhan said in Cambridges press release.

Is the dimethyl sulfide even there?

Other scientists arent as sanguine. Some are skeptical that the DMS (or DMDS) is even there at all.

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It's really interesting, a great showcase of the capabilities of JWST, astronomer Laura Kreidberg of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy said in a voice memo. But, yeah, I wouldn't bet my house on it.

Scientists can use JWST to identify gases in exoplanet atmospheres via chemical fingerprints in starlight that has filtered through the planets atmospheres. Those chemical fingerprints show up as wiggles in graphs of the starlights intensity versus its wavelength. The new study tried to match these spectral wiggles to 20 molecules. Thats more molecules than astronomers often do, its just astronomers don't often claim aliens, says Sousa-Silva. Most of those molecules arent structurally similar to DMS and DMDS, either, she notes, so it wasnt exactly a targeted screen of possible false-positives.

Another researcher, astronomer Ryan MacDonald at the University of Michigan went further, criticizing the three sigma claim as statistical hacking on Bluesky.

Kreidberg is more forgiving. I think that the discovery team did a great job, really careful work with the data. But as someone in this business myself, I can say that it is just really hard.

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Already, researchers have formally challenged the biosignature claim. In a preliminary study posted to arXiv.org on April 22, astrophysicist Jake Taylor of the University of Oxford found no strong evidence for DMS and/or DMDS in the new JWST data.

Is K2-18b even habitable?

Though K2-18b orbits in its stars habitable zone, it is not a second Earth. At 2.6 times the radius and 8.6 times the mass of our planet, it is a mysterious and alien worldone that might not even be habitable.

When an independent team recently reanalyzed the Cambridge teams 2023 observations of K2-18b, they found no evidence of DMS, nor of carbon dioxidea blow to the Hycean world scenario, which predicted plenty of carbon dioxide. An earlier study claimed that K2-18b is most likely an inhospitable gassy ball with no surface whatsoever. Another team has suggested an even less hospitable alternative: The planet could have an ocean not of water, but of magma.

Madhusudhan points out that the analysis reporting no carbon dioxide on K2-18b has not yet been peer-reviewed. There are open questions, but they don't preclude habitability, he says. The evidence for CO 2 is certainly there.

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Even if K2-18b is a Hycean world, that doesnt mean it is habitable. Without a reflective deck of clouds, the planets ocean would broil beneath its hydrogen blanket. Thats the likely fate of any ocean that might exist on K2-18b, at least according to a study posted last week.

The simplest explanation of this planet is a very thick gas-giant atmosphere with no habitable surface, says exoplanet scientist Nick Wogan of NASA Ames. There are so many challenges with making a habitable (or inhabited) K2-18b work.

If the dimethyl sulfide is there, was it made by life?

Still, lets say scientists confirm the DMS signal, and K2-18b turns out to be a habitable Hycean world. You still might want to hold off on popping the we found aliens champagne.

Until scientists can rule out abiotic explanationsones that dont involve living thingsfor DMS and/or DMDS, these gases wont be true biosignatures for K2-18b. And as Harrison Smith, an astrobiologist at the Earth-Life Science Institute in Japan, and his colleague Cole Mathis at Arizona State University argued in a 2023 essay, ruling out false positives for exoplanets is very hard.

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At least Venus is a planet we know. We know what it looks like, and what the environment is like, says Sousa-Silva. Without knowing what K2-18bs geochemistry and atmosphere are really like, scientists cant confidently exclude the possibility that alien chemistry, not alien life, is the source of the DMS.

And we already know that nature can produce DMS without life. Last year, chemist Nora Hanni at the University of Bern and her colleagues found DMS on comet 67Pnot exactly a habitable world. Other researchers have found it in interstellar space. And last year, chemist Eleanor Browne of the University of Colorado, Boulder and her colleagues showed that DMS can be produced in light-fueled chemical reactions in lab experiments with synthetic atmospheres.

There's no reason to understand [DMS] as a unique consequence of life, says Mathis. I just, for the life of me, cannot figure out exactly what the argument is about: why they think this could even potentially be indicative of life, given that we've seen abiotic sources.

The study authors acknowledge some of these challenges. Madhusudhan says that neither comets nor interstellar material are feasible sources of the high concentrations of DMS and DMDS his team detected. But finding DMS in unexpected, dead environments shows that we still have a lot to learn about how it forms.

Embracing uncertainty

Other uncertainties haunt the detection. We dont know how life began on Earth, so we cant know if conditions on K2-18b  even if theyd be hospitable for earthlings  could have got life started in the first place. And even if life did evolve there, whos to say that itd produce DMS  and if it does produce DMS, why havent scientists spotted other biosignature gases?

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Still, despite its many, many caveats, most researchers we spoke with agree that theres reason to celebrate this new study of K2-18b. It's really an achievement. Thirty years ago, we didn't even know that there are exoplanets, says Hanni.

Peter Vickers, a philosopher of science at Durham University whos studied life detection claims, was initially skeptical. But then the more I looked at it, the more I thought that it actually is quite significant and shouldn't be underplayed either, he says.

For Madhusudhans part, he doesnt think caution and excitement are mutually exclusive. Even a sliver of evidence for alien life is a transformational achievement he says, but theres a big step from there to a true life detection claim. We need to recognize both: the achievement and the caution.

If we do ever find life beyond our solar system, it wont happen all at once. Well slide slowly into certainty, pushed along by findings like this onehints that theres something more to discover if only wed look closer. And this result is, without a doubt, an invitation to look closer at K2-18b. If we find life there, on one of the first potentially habitable planets weve inspected closely, says Vickers, well have to assume life is common everywhere; if life is rare, the odds of just stumbling upon the right planet are astronomically low.

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We're still only at the question asking stage, but it's amazing that we can ask this question, says astrobiologist Michael Wong of Carnegie Science. What a lucky time to be alive.

Editor's note: This story was updated on April 19, 2025, to clarify the timing of efforts to reanalyze the Cambridge teams 2023 observations and model the composition of K2-18b. It was updated again on May 1, 2025, to include the first reanalysis of the new JWST data.
MOULTON, Ala. (WHNT)  Lawrence Medical Center is closing the doors of its emergency department in May, pushing patients to emergency rooms in other counties.

The medical centers board said the facility was facing financial and staffing challenges that made keeping it open unsustainable, but some who live in Lawrence County are concerned about how the closure will impact the community.

John Scott Jr. laid to rest, his family seeks answers

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There are a lot of sick people in this area, and a lot of them go to Lawrence Medical Center and a lot of them cant afford other places, said Jeffery Steward, a resident of Courtland.

Steward had a triple bypass and needs to have his blood drawn each month. When in the emergency department in Moulton closes, he will have to travel to Sheffield for this care.

Sometimes its bad with traffic or if theyve had an accident, said Steward about the drive to Sheffield.

The nearest emergency departments for those living in Moulton and surrounding communities will soon be the hospitals in Decatur, Hartselle, Cullman and Sheffield. From the center of Moulton, those drives are often 30 minutes or longer.

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Fort Payne man charged for spying on woman

Its really going hurt this community, because I know a lot of people theres real sick, and they depend on that medical center up in Moulton, Steward said.

In May, Lawrence Medical Center will be brought under the umbrella of Decatur Morgan Hospitals license, meaning hospital leadership in Decatur will be in charge of managing the medical center in Moulton.

Kelli Powers, the president of Decatur Morgan Hospital, said leadership is prioritizing outpatient services at Lawrence Medical. Powers said that means expanding options for urgent care.

Were going to increase the hours in the urgent care clinic and their capabilities, Powers said. Were going to have a doctor, Dr. Sullivan, and maybe a few other doctors rotate through the urgent care clinic on Highway 157, and were looking at expanding their hours.

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In the past, the urgent care in Moulton has been staffed by a nurse practitioner, but there will be a physician working in the future. Patients will be able to receive care like an x-ray or stitches.

When it comes to more serious cases, Decatur Morgan Hospital is prepared to take those patients in their emergency room. Powers said many people who live in Lawrence County already arrive by ambulance or drive themselves to the emergency room in Decatur. She said Decatur Morgan is a full service hospital, and their resources are available to those who need them.

I want to make sure that we, Decatur Morgan, do anything that we can to improve and enhance all the outpatient services that they have, Powers said. Were going to build a new building.

Powers said taxpayer dollars help fund Lawrence Medical Center, and she told News 19 they want to make sure that money stays local. In the future, they plan to build a new, more modern medical center in Moulton.

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The emergency department will officially close on May 23.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit in Adams County on Wednesday against a realty company that allegedly locked hundreds of homeowners into unfair contracts after harassing them into signing the contracts.

Weisers lawsuit alleged that the contracts included exorbitant fees and decades-long terms that even applied to the homeowners heirs. The AGs office said in a release that the Florida-based realty company offered Colorado homeowners cash in exchange for using the company as their real estate agent when selling the home.

171 Colorado homeowners released from contracts, can now sell houses freely

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The AGs office said that between 2021 and 2023, the company aggressively targeted people in financial distress, with ads that promised quick cash and no credit checks, framing the offer as one that had no requirement to be paid back.

MV Realty preyed on people who were struggling financially  many of whom were older homeowners  looking for help staying in their homes, Weiser said in a release Using deceptive ads, the company offered small payments to entice homeowners to sign contracts that had terms as long as 40 years, contained punishing fees for early termination, and even locked in their heirs. With this lawsuit, we are seeking to hold MV Realty accountable for their unconscionable behavior and get restitution for the homeowners who they deceived.

The companys tactics, as described by the AGs office, were high-pressure: If there was a lead, salespeople were told to call at least four times in the first 24 hours after they expressed interest, and 14 times within the first several days. The salespeople would send notaries to potential customers homes to get the contracts signed.

The AGs office said that many homeowners signed up without a clear explanation of the 40-year length, without a chance to read the contract in advance. The ad materials for the company promised homeowners could receive cash without the obligation to sell their homes.

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One homeowner reported that, after signing an agreement with MV in 2022 despite having no plans to sell in the near future, they were inundated with calls asking when they planned to sell. The calls lasted for weeks or months, Weisers release stated.

Other issues also arose, according to the AGs office. Early termination fees would be assessed against homeowners in the event of divorce proceedings or other common financial transactions. The fees were extended to the homeowners heirs in the event of their death, according to the AGs office.

If customers did sell their homes, Weiser said they received terrible service, including having trouble locating real estate agents, underpriced homes, pressure to take lowball offers and conflicts of interest.

Colorado property assessments will be sent out soon: What homeowners should know

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Some homeowners were unable to reach anyone at MV at all, only to be penalized when they sold their homes through a different listing agent, the AGs office alleged. Another homeowner found that MVs list of real estate agents included many who lacked Colorado licensure, or who were licensed but lacked experience.

Weisers office said that the Colorado Real Estate Commission forced MV Realty to surrender its real estate license after it was found to have violated conflict-of-interest rules and other matters.

Weisers lawsuit seeks to release the homeowners from their agreements, obtain restitution and end the companys deceptive practices.

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.
Man representing the Freedman's Bureau stands between armed groups of Euro-Americans and Afro-Americans, 1868. Credit - A.R. WaudLibrary of Congress

There is a curious passage in W.E.B. Du Bois 1903 masterpiece, The Souls of Black Folk, that tries to capture the zeitgeist of those closing decades of the 19th century that ended Reconstruction and gave birth to Jim Crow. Reflecting on the epochal defeat of our countrys post-Civil War experiment in Black emancipation and multiracial democracy, Du Bois characterizes the era as the psychological moment when the nation was a little ashamed of having bestowed so much sentiment on Negroes, and was concentrating its energies on Dollars.

I have taught Souls every year of my career as a professor of African American Studies. Still, I confess I never truly grasped the enduring significance of Du Bois insistence on this peculiar description. Reading it amidst our eras rampant recriminations against identity politics, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and wokeness, as well as the backlash against Black Lives Matter and police reform, it is difficult to avoid the force of Du Bois insight: Like with the demise of Reconstruction, the struggle over shame is key to understanding the reactionary politics that we see today in the post-BLM era.

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The rhetoric of racial reaction, to paraphrase economist Albert O. Hirschman, has successfully spread this debilitating emotion. In the aftermath of George Floyds murder in 2020, for instance, support for Black Lives Matter soared to historic heights in polling and protest participation. Shortly thereafter, according to leading Pew Research Center surveys, public supportespecially among white Americans and Republicansfell precipitously as narratives and media coverage from the right reframed the movement. Early portrayals often treated antiracist activism as a disruptive but long overdue reckoning with how racial stigma promotes police impunity or makes the citizenry tolerate enduring, intergenerational injustices like inner-city poverty. Now that the rhetoric of reaction is ascendent, leading narratives dramatize the movement as divisive, dangerous, and corrupt.

Looming over this data is the ubiquitous gender gap in American politics. While women have historically been, especially during the Reconstruction era, advocates and underappreciated drivers of change and support, growing gender divisions structure public opinion. A March 2025 NBC News poll reports that among women ages 18 to 49, 67% say DEI programs should continue, while only 40% of men in the age bracket say the same.

We are living through another of these psychological momentsa time when much of the nation is recoiling in unwarranted shame or even resentment at the moral obligation to repair, remember, and reimagine. What once felt like a shared reckoning has, for many, become a source of fatigue or suspiciona sobering reminder of how quickly a moral awakening can be reframed as a shameful mistake.

Yet, this shame is not simply a private emotion. It is the result of a political strategy, one cultivated to sap the confidence and conviction of those who dared to be outraged about racial injustice, or thought that disruption and solidarity could overcome paralysis and fear. It is akin to the shame that followed Reconstruction, when the project of multiracial democracy was denounced as naive, corrupt, and unnaturalnot simply because it had failed on its own terms, but because of who was involved and what it threatened to upend.

To understand our own moments rhetoric of race politics, we must trace an ignoble inheritance passed down from the enemies of Reconstruction to the present. These so-called Redeemers, as white conservative Democrats anointed their movement in the postbellum era, cast themselves as gallant saviors of a fallen South, determined to rescue their region from the sinful empowerment of formerly enslaved people, federal intervention, and the democratic possibilities unleashed by Reconstruction. With a deep investment in racial hierarchy and a romanticized vision of the antebellum order, they cloaked their counter-revolution in the language of salvation, insisting they were redeeming their states from what they framed as the chaos, corruption, and illegitimate imposition of Negro rule.

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In truth, the Redeemers waged a campaign of violent reassertion indifferent to injusticepast or present. Theirs was a restorationist project carried by terroristic violence, voter suppression and government usurpation, and the deliberate dismantling of government institutions like the Freedmens Bureau and public schools. Redemption became a euphemism for the suffocation of multiracial democracy in its infancy. Their rhetoric provided a rough draft for what Du Bois would later call the propaganda of history: the collective distortion of the past in textbooks, scholarship, popular culture, and memorials into a convenient fairy tale.

There are three key elements of the Redemptionist reaction that especially resonate in the present. First and foremost, the rhetoric of their movement insisted that racial equality is an inherently foolish and futile pursuit due to the intractable incompetence and inferiority of people of African descent wherever they are found on the globe. In an 1867 address to Congress, President Andrew Johnson proclaimed that Negroes have shown less capacity for government than any other race of peoplewherever they have been left to their own devices they have shown a constant tendency to relapse into barbarism. Supreme Court Justice Joseph McKenna, in the majority opinion for Williams v. Mississippi, an 1898 ruling that narrowed the scope of anti-discrimination claims to the explicit text of law, declared that the Negro race by reason of its previous condition of servitude and dependencies, has acquired or accentuated certain habits, temperaments, and characteristics that mark them separate from whites in their carelessness, dishonesty, docility, and lack of forethought. Popularly, the banner of Black incompetence was carried by demeaning depictions in material and theatrical culture, as well as in D.W. Griffiths racist epic film, The Birth of a Nation (1915), which portrayed Reconstruction-era Black legislators as comically idiotic, necessitating the violent restoration of white rule.

This rhetoric is, unfortunately, resonant with todays attacks on DEI, with critics insisting that efforts to recruit, incorporate, and promote Black talent in higher education, the military, and in many workplaces amount to the dangerous promotion of incompetence. President Donald Trump, for example, immediately and falsely blamed a horrific Washington, D.C. plane crash on DEI hiring at the Federal Aviation Administration, despite no supporting evidence and overwhelming testimony to the contrary from aviation officials. Meanwhile, figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have made attacking and dismantling DEI a large part of their public persona, while ignoring legitimate concerns about their unprecedented lack of qualifications for their own roles. High-profile Black leaders like former Harvard president Claudine Gay or former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Charles Q. Brown, Jr., have been targeted for defamation and harassment to drive them out of their positions, similarly to Black elected officials and business leaders in the Reconstruction era. The consequence of these campaigns is a revival, from the highest offices of the land, of the Redemptionist lie that common sense should treat Black people as presumptively unfit for positions of authority or public trust. Those who believe otherwise, then, are caricatured as foolish and sentimental.

These arguments frequently draw their legitimacy from pseudoscientific racism and the related idea of the backwardness of African diasporic peoplesand expand much further than politics. From Silicon Valley to the media landscape, people in positions of power are reintroducing theories of racial hierarchy under the guise of defending free inquiry or realism. As the Scientific American and The Guardian have documented, a network of actors is actively working to launder eugenics-era thought into legitimacy, cloaked in appeals to genetic science, meritocracy, and market rationality. From Tucker Carlsons monologues, to Elon Musks offhand remarks about intelligence and heredity, to the administrations executive order against teaching the social construction of race, a new generation of elites is reanimating the old canard that racial inequality is not the legacy of injustice but the reflection of the fundamental inequality of natural racial kinds.

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Second, we are encouraged to feel shame because of the perversity of consequences. Whatever the good intentions of the last decade or so of racial progressivism, we are told, we have only exacerbated crime, deepened distrust, and stood in the way of economic rationality. Take, for example, the so-called Ferguson Effect, the notion that protests against police brutality demoralize police and exacerbate crime. Just as the reactionary historiography of Reconstruction, led by William Dunning, cast Reconstruction as a misguided, radical experiment in Black suffrage and governance, the Ferguson effect casts protest movements like Black Lives Matter as accelerants of violence and civic decay. Both assert a kind of intuitive common sense that masks deep ideological anxieties. The Dunning historians appealed to the logic of natural racial hierarchy, while proponents of the Ferguson effect draw on a racialized sense of law and order where public safety is presumed to hang precariously on police exercising sweeping authority and compelling broad deference and admiration. In both cases, dissenting scholars have had to work uphill to replace myth with measurement. As social scientists like David Pyrooz and Richard Rosenfeld have shown, the Ferguson effectwhen tested across dozens of major citiesfails to reveal a coherent national trend. Rigorous studies consistently find that changes in policing behavior, while real in some places, did not drive national crime patterns, and where proactive policing declined, crime often did not rise at all.

Importantly, the best accounts have not only rejected the broad claims of de-policing as a driver of crime but have also emphasized the dangers of clinging to these narratives. The fact that cities like Boston and Baltimore are currently experiencing record homicide declines undercut the notion of a generalized crime wave and affirm something protestors proclaimed: that differences in police approaches matter immensely.

Another pillar of Redemptionist rhetoric is the feminization of progressive politics. From Reconstruction to the present, reactionary voices have sometimes attempted to discredit movements for racial justice by portraying their advocatesespecially white womenas naive, sentimental, meddling, and destabilizing. During the postbellum years, white female abolitionists and teachers working with freedpeople were mocked as nigger schoolmarms, accused of spreading delusion and disorder, and often singled out in violent retributions. These women played a vital role in founding schools, advocating suffrage, and supporting Black citizenship, but were often cast by their critics as insubordinate, hysterical, or morally corrupting. This gendered stigma echoed through how Reconstruction itself was characterizedless a serious project of transitional justice and constitutional refounding than a crusade driven by feminine sentimentality run amok. As recent historians have shown, many white women brought genuine moral and pedagogical commitments to the work of abolition and Reconstruction, but navigated a public discourse that portrayed their efforts as irrational and disruptive. Their work, particularly in the South, became one of the earliest battlegrounds where political femininity was equated with moral overreach, excess, and social breakdown.

This trope has only persisted today as figures like Christopher Rufo and other conservative intellectuals have revived a strikingly similar line of attack. Writing in City Journal, National Post, and across the digital right, they framed wokeness and progressive racial discourse as symptoms of what they call the feminization of American culture. The rise of DEI and new norms around pedagogy, student activism, and campus protest culture is attributed to a dangerous excess of feminine traitsemotionality, overprotection, inclusivity, and moralistic judgment. This narrative not only ridicules the intellectual and political work of women but also seeks to cast entire movements for justice as self-indulgent and unserious. It is an old trick: to attribute the presence of injustice not to the powerful who perpetuate it, but to the women and marginalized people who criticize it. What makes this rhetoric particularly potent is that it insists on old gender hierarchies as the norm.

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To understand this history is not merely to lament its repetition, but to arm ourselves with clarity. The reemergence of scientific racism, the delegitimization of Black leadership and achievement, the panic over DEI and protest, the feminization of justiceare not isolated phenomena. They are part of a coherent tradition of backlash, one that knows how to speak the language of realism and reform while advancing the cause of domination. The task, then, is not simply to refute the lies with better data, though that matters. It is to refuse the shame that seeks to make us forget what we glimpsed, however briefly, in the streets in 2020 and beyond: the possibility that this country might confront how far it is from the scale and scope of its promises, and seize upon that reckoning to remake itself.

We will either find a way to remember that aspiration without apology. Or, we will watch another moment where the tentative promise of reconstruction curdles and congeals into something genuinely worthy of our collective shame.

Terry is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and the co-director of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration, and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. His forthcoming book is Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope: A Tragic Vision of the Civil Rights Movement

This project was created in partnership with the Center for Policing Equity.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
MISSOURI  The Red Cross is currently monitoring severe weather in Missouri and sending out crews to assist victims of storm damage.

What weve seen so far is a lot of damage is centralized to northern Springfield, Emma Yannizzi, a community disaster program specialist for Southern Missouri says. Were seeing damage all the way from Neosho to Marshfield. High impact zones are going to be in Springfield, Monette, Pierce City has some damage and then Aurora, other things were seeing is widespread power outages.

According to Yannizzi, fallen trees have been the main cause of home damage, with many tipping over due to strong winds and tornadoes

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Power outages have also been a major concern to the Red Cross, with Springfield facing the biggest outage since 2007.

We were seeing about 50,000 (outages) yesterday, Yannizzi says. Most people that had Liberty Utilities were impacted yesterday as well. Some from Mt. Vernon all the way to Carswell had no power yesterday.

The Red Cross is providing aid such as food, blankets and financial assistance.

Anyone who has experienced property damage due to the recent severe weather is encouraged to contact the Red Cross.

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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
The Denver Gazette and Colorado Politics asked citizens what they thought of President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. Citizens gave mixed reviews, with some praising Trump's efforts to secure the border and raise tariffs to promote fair trade with other nations, while others criticized his deportation process and the impact on American citizens. Some citizens expressed concern about Trump's policies towards queer folks and immigrants.
MURRAY, Utah (ABC4 Utah)  April marks National Minority Health Month, which highlights health disparities affecting diverse communities. As part of its mission to alleviate suffering, the American Red Cross of Utah is working to empower individuals with lifesaving information and to bridge existing health gaps.

For more than 140 years, people from all backgrounds have rallied together to help those in

need. Today, these efforts include providing blood to help ensure patients receive lifesaving

care; supporting hyper-local health partners to better withstand disasters and increase their

capacity in communities with chronic disaster risks and socioeconomic challenges.

The need for blood is constant. Maintaining a reliable blood supply is essential for all patients, especially those with chronic and acute conditions in underserved communities.

For example, according to the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, patients with sickle cell disease have less access to comprehensive team care than people with other genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis.

Yet people with sickle cell disease can require a lifetime of blood transfusions to treat this inherited blood disorder, which affects over 100,000 people in the U.S.  most of whom are of African, Latino and Mediterranean descent.

While groundbreaking gene therapies give hope for those with sickle cell disease, patients accessing these treatments often need ongoing blood transfusions for months to help maintain stable hemoglobin levels and to prevent life-threatening complications.

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As part of its Sickle Cell Initiative, the Red Cross currently tests first-time blood donors who

self- identify as Black, African American and multiracial for sickle cell trait, which is most

common among individuals of African descent.

 In total, about 2.5 million people in the U.S. have sickle cell trait.

 Since launching the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021, the Red Cross has provided more than 260,000 sickle cell trait screenings.

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Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz endorsed Mayor Michelle Wu for re-election Thursday in her bid for a second term against challenger Josh Kraft, a philanthropist and longtime nonprofit leader whose family owns the New England Patriots.

In a statement, Ortiz said the city deserves someone who shows up for all of us.

In the opening months of the campaign, Kraft has accused Wu of governing without regard for the input of Bostons residents and businesses. He has criticized the mayors housing policies as overly burdensome and her installation of bus and bike lanes as unnecessary, and on Thursday said he was not a fan of the redesigned Copley Square.

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Wu has fought back. On Thursday  in response to Kraft calling questions about his father, Robert Krafts, connections to President Donald Trump a complete distraction from the issues facing the city of Boston  Wu said her opponent doesnt understand this moment or this race.

She has also criticized Kraft for moving to Boston and registering to vote in the city shortly before he entered the mayoral race.

Ortiz does not appear to be registered to vote in Boston. He sold his home in Weston four years ago.

But the 49-year-old Hall of Famer, who spent much of his two-decade career in Boston, said the city has always been special to him, and that he cares deeply about its future.

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Ive gotten to know Mayor Wu and Im impressed by her dedication to bringing people together across our neighborhoods, Ortiz said. What makes Boston great is how we support each other as one community. I believe in leadership that listens to all voices and works for everyone in the city.

Big Papi has always represented the heart of our community, and Im honored by his endorsement, Wu said.

The mayor is scheduled to appear with Ortiz at an event at Fenway Park on Thursday night.

Wu is also endorsed by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, eight of the 13 members of the Boston City Council, the citys largest police union and other labor groups.

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Kraft, meanwhile, has been endorsed by the International Longshoremans Association and multiple trade unions. One group flipped to Krafts camp after backing Wu in the mayoral campaign four years ago.

More on Boston's 2025 race for mayor

Read the original article on MassLive.
A beloved Red Sox icon has endorsed Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in her bid for reelection.

Red Sox Hall of Famer David Ortiz on Thursday announced his endorsement for Wu, citing her inclusive leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Boston.

Boston has always been special to me, and I care deeply about its future. Ive gotten to know Mayor Wu and Im impressed by her dedication to bringing people together across our neighborhoods, Ortzin said in a statement. What makes Boston great is how we support each other as one community. I believe in leadership that listens to all voices and works for everyone in the city. Thats why Im proud to support Mayor Wu because Boston deserves someone who shows up for all of us.

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Wu said that Ortizs endorsement means the world to her.

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 20: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox speaks during a pre-game ceremony in honor of the bombings of Marathon Monday before a game at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

To have the support of Red Sox legend David Ortiz means the world to me, not just as a fan, but as someone who believes deeply in the spirit of Boston, Wu said in a statement. Big Papi has always represented the heart of our community, and Im honored by his endorsement. This is our cityand together, well keep making Boston a home for everyone.

Ortiz and Wu are slated to hold an endorsement ceremony at Fenway Park on Thursday night.

Wu is being challenged by fellow Democrat Josh Kraft, the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, in the November election.

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Kraft launched his campaign for mayor on Feb. 4.

A new Saint Anselm College poll shows that Wu holds a 53% to 21% lead over Kraft in her bid for reelection.

View the survey of Boston voters below:

Saint Anselm College poll by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd

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Remains pulled from a submerged car last year have been identified as belonging to a New Jersey woman who had been missing for over 14 years, according to authorities.

Bernadine Gunner, 52, was reported missing by her family on July 11, 2010, the Office of the Camden County Prosecutor wrote in a press release last month. She was last seen driving in her Hyundai Elantra after "threatening to take her own life."

More than a decade later, on May 16, 2024, her car was found submerged in the Cooper River in Pennsauken and human remains were located inside, the prosecutors office said.

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The car was one of three that were pulled out of the body of water at the time, according to ABC affiliate WPVI. The discovery of Gunner's vehicle was made by the nonprofit organization United Search Corps.

Related: Remains Found Along River Identified as Dad Who Vanished Over 2 Years Ago and Was Last Seen Floating on Ice

In a Facebook post shared two days after Gunner's car was found last year, her daughter Julia Young thanked the organization.

Thanks to Doug (United Search Corps) we have closure our family can now give my mom a proper burial, Young wrote. Thank you EVERYONE for the continuous prayers and support greatly appreciate it.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

While Gunners daughter celebrated the discovery, it would be almost another year before the identity of the remains were officially confirmed.

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After the vehicle was towed from the river, DNA was extracted from the remains at a private laboratory in Virginia, which was then sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. The university center confirmed the remains belonged to Gunner on Wednesday, April 16.

We are grateful to all those who assisted with returning Bernadine to her family, said Prosecutor Grace MacAulay in a statement. Missing person cases are heartbreaking because family members are left wondering what happened to their loved one.

She added, While we strongly believed the remains recovered from the Cooper River belonged to Bernadine, the confirmation through forensic DNA testing finally provides her family with a definitive answer and closure.

Related: Remains Found on Island Identified as Woman Who Disappeared After Boating Accident Over 40 Years Ago

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Although Young did feel some closure when she got the call from detectives, her feelings were overall more complex.

I cant truly say if its really closure to me at this point, Young wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend. I know will probably NEVER find out what really happened, so that right there is a hard pill to swallow.

Young announced that she was holding a memorial service for her mom on Monday, April 28.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

Read the original article on People
Rep. Angie Craig speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol Building on December 14, 2021. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A political fund associated with SpaceX  the company founded by worlds richest man Elon Musk  has donated thousands of dollars to Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who announced her campaign for U.S. Senate this week.

The Space Exploration Technologies Corps. PAC is a corporate political action committee that has donated generously to Republican and Democratic members of Congress across the country, including U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum and Minnesota Republicans, in addition to Craig.

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The SpaceX PAC hasnt received donations from Elon Musk, though he is the company CEO. The SpaceX PACs treasurer is the treasury director for SpaceX, and the PAC email address is that of a company lobbyist.

In 2024, Craigs campaign for U.S. House received $10,000 from the SpaceX PAC, while Craigs leadership PAC received a $2,500 donation.

Craig has been a sharp critic of Musk.

Trump and Musk are burning our government down, Craig said in announcing her Senate run.

In a statement to the Reformer, Craigs Senate campaign said she has donated the SpaceX donations to Every Third Saturday, a veterans organization.

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This donation will help support those on the frontlines of Donald Trump and Elon Musks reckless cuts to the VA, part of the dangerous Trump-Musk agenda that Rep. Craig has been fighting tooth and nail since day one of this administration, a campaign spokesperson said.

Musk, whos also a close advisor to Trump, has used DOGE to drastically cut and reshape the federal government and the services it provides.

Craig has criticized Musks access to Americans confidential information, and at a Lakeville town hall earlier this month, Craig said Musk is cutting crucial services for Minnesotans.

With the help of unelected billionaire Elon Musk, theyve taken a sledgehammer to our federal agencies, laying off veterans, public health employees, FSA loan officers  jeopardizing the critical services Minnesotans rely on, Craig said.

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Craig, who has represented the 2nd Congressional District since 2019, will battle Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and former Senate Minority Leader Melisa Lopez Franzen in what is expected to be a grueling Democratic primary.

Among Minnesotas congressional delegation, McCollum has received the most campaign donations from the SpaceX PAC  over $30,000 since 2018.

When Democrats controlled Congress, McCollum held an influential position as chair of the defense subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, giving her a major hand in hundreds of billions of dollars in Pentagon spending. SpaceX, a major defense contractor, received $3.8 billion in federal contracts in 2024, according to The New York Times.

In a statement to the Reformer, McCollums campaign said the SpaceX PAC money was used to help elected Democrats.

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In the 2022 and 2024 congressional election cycles, Congresswoman McCollums leadership PAC and re-election campaign contributed over $1 million to Democratic candidates for Congress and Democratic Party organizations. Every dollar donated by SpaceX employees was deployed to help elect Democrats in Minnesota and across the country.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2017 and 2018 received $2,000 from the SpaceX PAC.

Since 2018, Democrats in Minnesotas congressional delegation have received more support from the SpaceX PAC compared to Republicans.

Republican Rep. Brad Finstad received $5,000 in 2024, while GOP Reps. Pete Stauber and Tom Emmer each received a $2,500 donation.

Overall, however, Musk-related entities have turned sharply right, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into campaigns for Trump and other Republicans. Most recently, Musk dumped about $22 million for a Supreme Court race in Wisconsin, though his preferred candidate lost handily.
WASHINGTON (KETK)  East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran honored the life of a 25-year-old Tyler police officer on Wednesday after the officer died from an off-duty motorcycle accident.

Moran delivered remarks on the House floor on Wednesday honoring the life of Officer Sam Lively, 25, who had recently graduated from the police academy and completed his field training.

According to the Tyler Police Department, on the evening of April 25, officers responded to a crash on Troup Highway in Tyler. Officer Lively, who was riding a motorcycle, was traveling south on Troup Highway in the outside lane while another vehicle, also heading south in the inside lane, attempted to change lanes and struck Lively, officials said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

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Off-duty Tyler police officer dies in motorcycle crash, department says

Moran spoke about Livelys unwavering leadership and how much he was loved by his family, friends and local community.

Officer Lively embodied the very best of East Texas, dedicating his life to serving others and to protecting the community he loved as a member of the Tyler Police Department since 2023, service underscored by courage, compassion and commitment, Moran said. Those who speak of his infectious smile, of his natural leadership, and his dogged determination.

Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Moran

Moran explained that his loved ones said, despite the departure of his physical presence from this earth, they know he resides in his eternal heavenly home.

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Tyler PD Officers gather to remember fallen officer

Sam understood that our hope is not in this world, instead, he knew with certainty that our hope is only in Jesus, Moran said. Although we mourn his untimely loss, we celebrate his impactful life.

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.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) will hold a Service Academy announcement ceremony in Waco this Friday.

The event will be held in honor of Allan Pahmiyer, a student at Live Oak Classical School. Allan will be joining the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2029.

As a Member of Congress, Congressman Sessions has the privilege of nominating the best and brightest from Texass 17th Congressional District for consideration to an appointment into a United States Service Academy.

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The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at 420 S 4th Street.

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 KWKT - FOX 44.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKRG)  Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-02) gave a speech Tuesday morning to honor Alexis Herman on the House floor.

Fairhope nurses train to testify in sexual assault cases

Herman died on Friday, April 25. She was 77 years old.

Herman served as the first African American U.S. Labor Secretary. She was appointed to the role by President Bill Clinton and served from 1997-2001.

She was also a mentor to Rep. Figures.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of a true hometown hero, a legendary trailblazer, a family friend, a mentor to me and many others, and the former Secretary of Labor of this great nation  Alexis Margaret Herman, Rep. Figures said.

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Rep. Figures talked about discussions he had with Herman before he began working with President Obamas campaign and other career opportunities in the White House as she too had worked with a presidential administration. He also reached out to her when he was elected in November 2024 as the representative for Alabama District 2.

Now, to understand Alexis Herman, you have to understand where she comes from, he said. She was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama  my hometown. She came of age with a number of people and names that, if youre from the Mobile area, you would recognize.

Rep. Figures credited Hermans parents for preparing her for the life she ultimately lived.

Her father was actually the first Black person elected in the state of Alabama to any position post-Reconstruction, he said. And this led him to being very active and motivated in Black voter participation and led to him one day actually being run off the road by the Klan. His five-year-old daughter, Alexis Herman, sat in the car and listened as her father was beaten by the Klan. Her mother was a schoolteacher, who Alexis had actually witnessed being thrown off of a segregated bus as a child.

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Rep. Figures discussed how Herman fought for civil rights and womens rights from a young age. Her determination ultimately caught the eye of President Jimmy Carter, who named her Director of the Womens Bureau at the Department of Labor. Just 29 years old, she was the youngest to ever serve in the role.

She worked to promote job training opportunities for low-income Americans, he said. And after that, she didnt quit. She always reached back. She always gave back. She always served as a mentor  to give advice to people like myself who wanted to pursue similar career tracks.

Mobile County Sheriffs Office seeks new info on person missing since 2007

And so today, as I stand here as a Member of Congress  someone who has followed in the footsteps of hers  its not only my father that I seek to make proud in this moment. It is Alexis Herman, he said in conclusion. Because of people like her, I can stand here today.

Watch the Rep. Figures full speech honoring Herman below.

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.
Pueblo, Colorado, a city known as the "Pittsburgh of the West," is uncertain about the impact of President Trump's tariffs on its steel mill, operated by EVRAZ North America. The mill, which was once the largest steel producer in the west, now accounts for nearly half of the rail in the country. While tariffs may bring benefits to the steel sector, they may also cause production costs to increase and employment to fall. The city's major industries are waiting and seeing how tariffs will affect them, rather than making any abrupt changes.
Michigan state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) speaks at a news conference in opposition of a Republican-led House Joint Resolution to institute new requirements to prove citizenship in order to vote on March 11, 2025. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

While speaking with reporters during his weekly press briefing on Wednesday, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) launched into a string of insults leveled at state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren), after she criticized Hall for canceling a legislative session set for Tuesday, the same day President Donald Trump came to Michigan for a rally attended by Hall to mark the Presidents first 100 days in office.

We have this very low IQ representative named Mai Xiong, probably one of the dumbest ones in the Legislature, and I saw this video of her, and shes like the House Speaker is not here today. We need to have session. You know? We need to work for the people of Michigan, Macomb County, Hall said. Well, where was I? While shes doing nothing for her county and for her district. I was in Macomb County, right near her district, delivering a new mission with President Trump for Selfridge Air Force Base. So I hope she thanks me. That would be nice. Wouldnt it be nice if Mai Xiong made a video thanking me because shes not doing anything anyway.

Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and House Oversight Committee Chair Brian BeGole (R-Antrim Township) at a press conference on April 30, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

Hours after the press conference concluded, Xiong responded, posting a video which included Halls remarks and releasing a statement shortly after.

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I am deeply disheartened and disappointed by the recent remarks made by the Speaker of the Michigan HouseThese words werent just disrespectful  they were meant to demean, belittle, and devalue, Xiong said in her statement before criticizing Halls leadership decisions.

Let me be clear: Whats truly dumb is passing a state House bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water thousands of miles away from Michigan and a waste of taxpayer dollars, Xiong said. Whats truly dumb is violating the Michigan Constitution by hijacking nine bills passed by the legislature, including one I authored to support our public workers, and blocking them from reaching the governors desk while pretending to hold veto power he simply doesnt have.

Following a tumultuous lame duck session  where Senate Democrats worked through a record-setting 29 hour session to advance policies before House Republicans took control of the chamber, ending Democrats trifecta in Lansing  nine bills passed during that session have been held in limbo, after former House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) failed to present the votes to the governor.

Senate Democrats have since taken legal action against the House to compel Hall to present the bills. While Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel determined that the state Constitution requires House leadership to submit the bills to the governor, she declined to order Hall to do so, as state courts have previously declined to enforce legislative rules.

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Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) sought to bring the case directly to the Michigan Supreme Court. However, the Court declined to hear the case, instead ordering the Michigan Court of Appeals to expedite its consideration and resolution of this case.

Xiongs bill, House Bill 6058, would increase the amount public employers can contribute towards employees health insurance plans.

In her statement, Xiong further criticized Hall for taking credit for securing additional fighter jets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

While the Speaker uses the press and platform of the Speakership to tear others down, let me remind him, and the people of Michigan  who I am, Xiong said. I am a mother of four young children who will one day ask me why the highest elected official in the House called their mom dumb and low IQ. I am a refugee and immigrant who came here seeking freedom. I am a daughter, sister, a wife, a friend. I am the first Hmong American elected  and currently only Asian American woman in the Michigan House of Representatives.

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TALLAHASSEE  Efforts to repeal Floridas free kill law hit a last-minute roadblock Wednesday, alarming patient advocates who say millions of Floridians are effectively blocked from seeking justice if a loved one is killed by medical malpractice.

The 1990 law states that if a doctors mistake kills someone whos over 25, unmarried, and without children under 25, no one can sue for pain and suffering. This bars loved ones from pursuing malpractice lawsuits because the payout for economic damages they can seek often is so small that no lawyer will take the case.

Senators seemed on the verge of sending a bill repealing the 35-year-old law to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.

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But just before a final vote Wednesday, Sen. Clay Yarborough, the measures sponsor, tabled the bill. Time is running out with the legislative session scheduled to end Friday.

The move stunned advocates who watched from the Senate gallery. Lauren Korniyenko, whose mother died in Brevard County hospital two days after hip surgery, said it appeared to her that special interest groups were working behind the scenes to derail the bill or get changes inserted that would limit payouts in all wrongful death medical malpractice cases.

We are shocked and appalled, said Korniyenko, who is convinced shoddy care led to her mothers death in 2023 but was unable to sue. Its a tragedy of justice. Its a total subversion of how the legislative process is supposed to work.

Several patient advocates say they discovered the free kill law when a loved one died, and no attorney would take their case because of the sharp limits it places on medical malpractice suits. It applies to a vast swath of Floridians  from single adults to widowed seniors.

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The Florida House overwhelmingly approved the repeal bill in a 104-6 vote in late March. But now it faces last-minute resistance in the Senate.

Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, tried Wednesday to amend the bill to impose a $1 million cap on pain-and-suffering damages in wrongful death medical malpractice suits. He described it as a result of negotiations needed to bolster the bills chances of becoming law. Business and health care groups have lobbied for caps, which have been opposed by lawyers.

My goal is to provide justice for the families  and present what I believe would be an equitable solution, Yarborough said.

Senators rejected those caps in an 18-19 vote. In a text message late Wednesday, Yarborough said he pulled the bill so he could try to shore up support for the amendment.

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But Korniyenko said she and other advocates are against any changes that would put caps on malpractice payouts, saying such an amendment would be to the detriment of malpractice victims and their families.

Critics of lawsuit caps argued juries should decide what the appropriate amount of damages should be.

Here we are stepping in and saying, Nope, we are going to give the medical malpractice carriers the biggest gift of the year, said Republican Sen. Erin Grall, a personal injury attorney from Fort Pierce.

Supporters of the caps said they are needed to control rising malpractice insurance premiums, which are among the highest in the country.

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It is going to make it extremely difficult for any provider to come to Florida when you see what is happening with the medical malpractice rates, said Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, whose late husband was a physician.

Advocates are hoping the repeal bill will be brought back for a vote in the Senate before the end of the week. A similar effort to do away with the law failed in 2024.

Sabrina Daviss father died in 2020. The Florida Department of Health ruled his doctor committed malpractice and gave the doctor a small fine and a letter of concern.

Barred from suing, Davis, a Gainesville resident, called on DeSantis to take a public stance on the issue and to urge lawmakers to pass the repeal bill.

He calls it the free state of Florida,' she said Wednesday. Everybody should be free to access the courts.
Vice President JD Vance is slated to make an appearance at a $1 million-per-person fundraising event organized by Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC in support of President Donald Trump, according to a copy of an invitation to the event posted on X by a Daily Mail reporter.

ABC News also reported that Vance will attend the fundraiser for the PAC, which is known as MAGA Inc.

On April 30, the Palm Beach Police Department announced that the 200 block of Worth Avenue would be closed to vehicles from 4 to 8 p.m. May 1.

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There will be security checkpoints in the 200 block of Peruvian Avenue for local vehicle traffic, which Police spokesman Capt. Will Rothrock said may involve "brief screenings" depending on where motorists plan to travel.

Those who parked on Worth Avenue or the neighboring Apollo Lot on the southeast corner of Peruvian and Hibiscus avenues prior to the closure also will be allowed to leave during the four-hour period, he said.

Pedestrian movement will not be limited during that time, Rothrock said.

Donald and Melania Trump listen as JD Vance makes remarks during Trump's Election Night Watch Party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Nov. 5, 2024.

While town and federal officials did not share the name of the person visiting Worth Avenue, the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this week issued temporary flight restrictions for the Palm Beach area that are consistent with those issued for Vance's travel. Those restrictions were in effect from 4:45 to 9:15 p.m. May 1.

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Trump also is scheduled to land in West Palm Beach on May 1. He's expected to arrive after 10 p.m. and leave before 6:30 p.m. May 4, according to flight restrictions issued by the FAA earlier this week.

Trump will likely arrive to a packed house, as his Mar-a-Lago residence and private club will host a fundraiser for Florida Republican governor candidate Byron Donalds. Currently a representative for the Naples-area Congressional district, Donalds announced in late March that he would run to be the GOP candidate in next year's gubernatorial election.

It is unclear whether Trump will make an appearance during the Mar-a-Lago fundraiser.

Trump's return marks his 10th visit to Mar-a-Lago and is accompanied by the Secret Service-mandated closure of South Ocean Boulevard near the private club. The closure extends from South Ocean Boulevard's intersection with South County Road, south to the Southern Boulevard traffic circle.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Report: Vance to headline fundraiser in Palm Beach as road closes
Terry Moran interviewed Donald Trump for ABC News about his first 100 days in office, and it was kiiiiind of all over the place.

There was the moment Trump said Putin's not going to take over Ukraine because of him.

MORAN: You think Vladimir Putin wants peace?TRUMP: I think he does, yesMORAN: Still, even while he's raining missiles?TRUMP: His dream was to take over the whole country. Because of me, he's not going to do that ... you start hitting me with fake questions. You're being pic.twitter.com/pjRaLrNVmQ  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2025

ABC/atrupar/Twitter: @atrupar

The moment he said international tourism to the US is "way up."

TRUMP: Tourism is way upMORAN: Not nowTRUMP: Tourism is doing very well. We're doing very well. Wait until you see the real numbers come out in about six months from now pic.twitter.com/tAzvBiOfYA  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2025

ABC/atrupar/Twitter: @atrupar

It's not.

Related: People Are Obsessed With Pope Francis's Final, Resounding Message To JD Vance After His Visit To The Vatican

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And the moment he was live fact-checked about photoshopped MS-13 tattoos.

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

ABC/atrupar/Twitter: @atrupar

Now, a new one is going viral, and it's very, very funny.

Related: Donald Trump Supporters Are Waking Up To The Reality Of Their Ballot Choices, And The Stories Are A Loooooot

In case you didn't know, Donald Trump put a copy of the Declaration of Independence up in the Oval Office.

He showed it off to Terry and offered up an interesting explanation about what it means to him...

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"Well, it means exactly what it says, it's a declaration. A declaration of unity and love and respect, and it means a lot. And it's something very special to our country."

Terry wasn't buying any of it.

The Daily Show pointed out just how confused Terry was by Trump's answer, and the video is SO good:

Comedy Central/mmpadellan/Twitter: @mmpadellan / Via abcnews.go.com

As this person said, "This Terry Moran interview is going to go down in history."

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Also in In the News: "Honestly Speechless At How Evil This Is": 26 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Week

Also in In the News: Everyone Is Absolutely Losing It Over This Canadian Newspaper Mocking Donald Trump
May 1 (UPI) -- Reports say President Donald Trump will nominate National Security adviser Mike Waltz as the nation's ambassador to the United Nations.

Unnamed sources earlier told Politico, the New York Times, ABC News and other news outlets that Waltz was about to become the first senior-level adviser released by Trump.

Hours after the reports surfaced, Trump announced his plans to nominate Waltz to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

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Trump also said he will name Secretary of State Marco Rubio to replace Waltz as national security adviser on an interim basis.

The Senate must confirm Waltz's ambassadorship and his eventual permanent replacement as National Security adviser.

National Security adviser Mike Waltz appears outside the White House on February 4 and was expected to be replaced soon by President Donald Trump, who said he will nominate Waltz to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI

Trump previously nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, but she withdrew her consideration for the position.

Stefanik might run for election as New York's governor, which has led to tensions between her and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., The Hill reported.

Waltz's possible replacement as National Security adviser had been discussed for weeks within the White House, ABC News reported.

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Some have suggested special envoy Steve Witkoff might step into the role if it becomes vacant.

Witkoff is representing the United States in negotiations with Russia, Iran and Hamas to try to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Other potential replacements include Stephen Miller, who is Trump's primary policy adviser; Richard Grenell, who is the president's special envoy for special missions; and Sebastian Gorka, who is the National Security Council's senior director for counterterrorism, Politico reported.

Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong also might leave his position, the news outlets reported.

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Waltz is a military veteran, a former member of Congress from Florida from 2019 until 2025, and a former member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Waltz accidentally included The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg in a secure Signal app chat discussing pending aerial strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15.

Goldberg afterward reported he had been included in the chat due to a mistake made by a Waltz staffer, who intended to include someone else in the chat and not Goldberg.

The military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen have continued since March 15.

Trump says they won't end until the Houthis stop attacking commercial shipping and U.S. military assets in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and in the air.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for the latest updates.
Multiple news organizations reported early on Thursday that President Donald Trump was ousting national security adviser Mike Waltz.

Fox News said it had confirmed that Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, were removed from the National Security Council.

While many believed Waltz was getting fired, Trump later posted to his social media platform, Truth Social, that he was actually nominating Waltz to be the next ambassador of the United States to the United Nations.

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From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role, Trump wrote in his Thursday afternoon post.

Waltzs history in military and politics

Waltz served as a Republican representative for Florida from 2019 to 2025. He was also the first Army Special Forces soldier to be elected to Congress. He had previously worked with the Bush administration as a defense policy director in the Pentagon and advised former Vice President Dick Cheney on counterterrorism measures.

Just days after his 2024 reelection to the U.S. House, Trump announced that he would appoint Waltz as national security adviser.

Waltz assumed the position in January and has since taken part in a number of high-profile initiatives, including working alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff to negotiate peace for the war in Ukraine and visiting Greenland in March 2025, which was criticized by Greenlanders.

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Also in March, Jeffrey Goldberg, who serves as editor-in-chief of political magazine The Atlantic, reported that he had been accidentally added to a Signal group chat with national security leaders, including Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

Via the group chat, Hegseth shared details of upcoming strikes on Houthi forces.

Waltz took full responsibility for accidentally including a journalist in the group chat.

I built the group, he told Fox News. Its embarrassing. Were going to get to the bottom of it.

Trump initially waived invitations to condemn the members of the group chat.

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After a Thursday morning filled with rumors that Trump was finally acquiescing to in- and out-party demands by firing Waltz, the revelation that Waltz will actually be moved to another prominent role appears to show Trump still supports his outgoing national security adviser.

Trump is shuffling his appointees. Whos going where?

In his Truth Social post, Trump indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as the interim head of the White House National Security Council, while also fulfilling his duties at the State Department.

It is unclear who will permanently replace Waltz in the role.

Witkoffs name has been floated, several sources told Politico, though he is currently wrapped up in peace negotiations with Russia, Iran and Hamas. National Security Council senior director for counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka was also raised as an option. So is foreign policy chief Stephen Miller and special envoy Richard Grenell.

Trump had previously nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to serve as the American ambassador to the United Nations. He withdrew the nomination in March in an apparent effort to preserve the GOPs slim majority in the House of Representatives.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Republican Josh Schoemann, the top elected official in a suburban Milwaukee county, this week created a committee to run for governor in 2026, making him the first candidate from either major party to get into the race.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term. Evers has repeatedly said he will announce his intentions after the state budget is passed and signed into law, which typically happens around early July. Asked for a reaction, a spokesperson for Evers referred to a comment from the Wisconsin Democratic Party.

The Republican primary for governor is going to be a whos who of far-right extremists tripping over themselves to earn Donald Trumps favor  and all Josh Schoemann has going for him is that hes first off the starting line, said Sarah Abel, executive director of the Wisconsin Democratic Party.

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Schoemann, 43, filed to create a campaign committee on Wednesday. He is the executive of Washington County, one of the deepest red counties in Wisconsin, which President Donald Trump won with 67% of the vote in 2024.

Schoemann has never run a statewide race before and is unlikely to be the only Republican candidate in the election that is 19 months away.

Bill Berrien, a Whitefish Bay manufacturing businessman, created a political action committee two weeks ago as he also considers a run. Berrien is a Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision in New Berlin.

Others mentioned as potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who represents northern Wisconsin, and two-time losing U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde, a Madison businessman.

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Schoemann was elected as county executive in 2020 after previously working six years as county administrator and county manager. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and received an honorable discharge in October 2008 from the Army National Guard, according to his biography on the county website.

Schoemann has a historic summer kickoff cookout scheduled for Sunday in West Bend where he is expected to formally announce his candidacy.

Ben Voelkel, a Schoemann spokesperson, declined to comment Thursday when asked if Schoemann would be launching his run on Sunday.
At least 72 U.S. senators are prepared to vote for "bone-crushing" sanctions against Russia and massive tariffs on countries supporting Moscow, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters, in comments reported by Bloomberg on May 1.

The bill would impose new penalties on Russia and slap 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or uranium if President Vladimir Putin avoids serious peace negotiations to end the war against Ukraine.

"The goal is to help the president," Graham said. "I think (U.S. President Donald) Trump's the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senate's view that we see the primary bad guy as being Russia."

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He added that Putin "would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump," calling the sanctions "a tool in President Trump's toolbox."

Graham, a staunch advocate of military aid to Ukraine and a close ally of Trump, said he expects sufficient support for the bill in the House of Representatives.

The announcement comes as U.S. officials intensify efforts to secure a ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine. Despite promising to end the war quickly, Trump has so far avoided introducing new punitive measures against Moscow.

On April 24, after Russia launched 215 missiles and drones across Ukraine, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 87 in Kyiv, Trump called the attack "not necessary" and "very bad timing," appealing directly to Putin with "Vladimir, Stop!" but did not outline any consequences.

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Putin recently announced a symbolic "humanitarian" ceasefire from May 8 to May 11, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations.

President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the move on April 28, calling it "another attempt at manipulation" and reiterated Ukraine's demand for an immediate, full, and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

Kyiv accepted a full 30-day truce proposed by Washington in March, but Moscow continues to reject the plan and press forward with its offensive operations.

Read also: Can Russias war machine survive without outside aid?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE)  Thieves broke into an office space shared by several members of the Republican Party on Tuesday. Lawmakers are now calling for changes as the state continues to grapple with its growing crime problem.

Story continues below

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Senator Joshua Sanchez (R-Bosque) expressed his frustration, When they told me that we were broken into, I was like, you know, here it goes again. Now its close to home.

He wasnt surprised by the incident. We also got laptops put in, all of our phones put in, all the desks set up. So, everything that was on the desks was taken, the laptops were taken, anything that had to do with IT was kind of just sweeped up in a bag, and supposedly the guy made off with it, he said.

The break-in occurred at the Republican Partys office in Valencia County, located at the transportation center in Los Lunas. The party is only weeks away from its planned celebration of its announced use. Sen. Sanchez commented, Ive been working out of town, I was driving out of town, and I got a text message yesterday telling me that we had been broken into, and just, were barely getting the office set up.

This is not the first time a building used by Republicans has been vandalized this year. Last month, the Republican Party of New Mexico headquarters was also broken into and had its front entrance set on fire.

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At this time, there is no indication that this most recent incident was politically motivated. Sanchez noted, You know, its pretty secured area, but it is a high traffic area. Its right there at the Rail Runner. The Transportation Center in Los Lunas is right there where the Rail Runner makes a stop.

He emphasized that New Mexicos crime problem is out of control and needs to be addressed: You know, Ive said it before, and Ill say it again, you know, New Mexico people are sick and tired of just giving these criminals a hug and a lollipop, and they just go on about their business.

KRQE News 13 reached out to the Los Lunas Police Depratment for more information,n but have not received a response.

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 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:
President Donald Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine on his first day in office  but Republican voters featured in a new ad campaign say hes turned his back on the nation.

Its been abysmal, a GOP voter from New Jersey named Howard said in the new compilation video from Republicans for Ukraine.

A Pennsylvania Republican named Ruth referenced the White House meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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They bullied him so badly, she said.

The campaign includes voters whove supported Trump in the past, even some who have voted for him three times, the organization said. With their voices, the organization is hoping to build public pressure on U.S. leaders to support Ukraine.

The voters warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin wont stop with Ukraine if he has his way  and that allowing him to take the nation could embolden China to invade Taiwan:

Republicans for Ukraine is part of Defending Democracy Together, a conservative advocacy organization that has frequently campaigned against Trump and his MAGA backers in Congress.

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Sarah Longwell, executive director of Republicans for Ukraine, said in a news release that Republican leaders used to have no problem recognizing Putin as a murderous dictator.

Now, Donald Trump is making up the fiction that Ukraine started the war, its Zelensky who is the dictator, and America should wash its hands of its global leadership role, she said. But there are still Republicans and conservatives out there who understand that standing with our international allies is the right thing to do, and according to recent polling by NYT/Siena, a majority of Americans agree.

The organization released a YouTube playlist featuring 60 GOP voters urging Trump to back Ukraine, some of the 180 testimonials theyve collected over the past two years.

The group has also released a scorecard grading each Republican in Congress based on how theyve voted on issues related to the war in Ukraine.
House Energy & Commerce Committee Republicans have begun their work of finding $880 billion in cuts to programs under the committees jurisdiction  which includes popular social safety nets like Medicare, Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP)  as House Republicans attempt to put together a reconciliation package.

For months now, congressional Republicans have been insisting that they wont touch Medicare. If that holds true, a massive chunk of their targeted cuts will have to come from Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office already put out a report in March to that effect, saying it wont be possible to reach the goal in the Houses budget resolution without cuts to the program that provides health coverage for more than 70 million low income and disabled Americans.

Republicans have floated a handful of ways in which they can cut the cost of the program while effectively gutting Medicaid as we know it.

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Aware of how unpopular cuts to Medicaid will be back home, vulnerable House Republicans have been loudly insisting they dont want to consider options such as reducing federal funding for Medicaid expansion coverage, including reducing the federal match rate or implementing per capita caps.

But there is one option, among the many being considered, that even the most performatively anti-cut Republicans are saying they would go along with: Medicaid work requirements.

Im all for work requirements, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) told reporters on Wednesday as he walked down the tunnel connecting the Senate basement to the office buildings.

When asked about whether he would support exceptions to those work requirements, Hawley told TPM: I need to see a specific proposal. But in general, Im fine with work requirements.

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The Missouri Republican has been insisting for weeks that he will not support a reconciliation package that would result in cutting benefits or denying eligibility for people who are otherwise working or, as he has described it to reporters before, for people who I think are qualified.

Hawley is not the only congressional Republican who considers the implementation of work requirements a separate issue from slashing the program so many in his state depend on.

They should be seeking the skill sets for better jobs, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), who recently joined a group of House Republicans in saying he wont support a reconciliation package that includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid, told HuffPost on Tuesday. I think most Americans support this. If youre an able-bodied adult with no children, you should be seeking the skills or seeking a better job.

Attaching work requirements to entitlement programs has been a popular refrain among Republican lawmakers for decades.

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But implementing Medicaid work requirements would actually lead to cuts to the widely used program, as eligible individuals would lose their healthcare coverage.

Lets be clear: Republicans so-called work requirements are not about work at all  the reality is the vast majority of people on Medicaid who can work already do, Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said in a Wednesday statement shared with TPM. In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has found these burdensome red tape requirements do not increase employment at all  these requirements are not about jobs but are a cruel way for Republicans to take health care away from millions of people to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations.

Republicans Have Long Pushed For Medicaid Work Requirements

Most recently, some red states experimented with work requirements for Medicaid enrollment during President Trumps first administration.

Weve seen from past experiences that work requirements are more effective at keeping people out of coverage than they are at increasing employment, Allison Orris, Director of Medicaid Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told TPM.

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In 2018, Arkansas implemented work requirements with exemptions under a waiver granted by the first Trump administration. The policy was applied for nine months, from June 2018 to February 2019, before it was halted by a court ruling.

Research has shown that the Arkansas policy reduced Medicaid enrollment and increased uninsurance among low-income adults. In the first seven months of Arkansas Medicaid work-reporting requirement, 18,000 people  one in four subject to the requirement  lost coverage.

On top of that, Orris told TPM: What we saw in Arkansas was how exemptions on paper dont actually protect people. More people lost coverage than had been projected because exemptions were not as foolproof.

The number of enrollees Arkansas deemed non-compliant was much higher than the number of enrollees who did not qualify for an exemption or were not engaged in the implemented work requirements. Many lost coverage not because they were non compliant but simply due to red tape. Many faced challenges in fulfilling the states paperwork requirements and reporting the necessary information, experts told TPM.

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And a recent Brookings report found no evidence that the Arkansas requirement increased employment among the population subject to the policy.

House Republicans also tried to include work requirements for Medicaid recipients between the ages 19 to 55 under their Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023. That legislation failed to pass. But the Congressional Budget Office did estimate at the time that the policy would have led to around 1.5 million people losing their Medicaid benefits and hundreds of thousands being left uninsured in the process.

Implementing Work Requirements Is Expensive

Currently Georgia is the only state that imposes Medicaid work requirements. After a federal judge vacated the Biden Administrations decision to revoke the Peach States Medicaid work requirements program the state began implementing its policy in July 2023.

The waiver program, called Pathways to Coverage, requires adults with low incomes to report at least 80 hours of work or volunteer activities each month as a condition of getting and keeping their coverage.

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Orris told TPM that the work requirements have created strains, causing only a small fraction of eligible people to enroll in the program. Requiring work reporting at the time of application also makes the already complex application process more difficult, deterring eligible people from applying in the first place.

Energy & Commerce Committee Democrats released a report Thursday morning, to emphasize the point that despite Republicans claims that they will only cut waste, fraud and abuse from Medicaid, the burdensome red tape that come with work requirements would slash the program by allowing states to kick people off their Medicaid coverage in order to reduce spending.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said on Tuesday that no one will miss the hundreds of billions of dollars they want to slash from the program.

Were not gutting Medicaid. Were going to reduce fraud, waste and abuse, which every single American should be applauding, Johnson said.

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But analysis shows, in Georgia, even though only a small fraction of eligible people have enrolled in the program, the program has cost about $13,360 per enrollee in the first year. Thats significantly higher than the initially estimated cost of about $2,490 per enrollee, according to the CBPP. About 35% of the spending went towards covering healthcare but a large chunk went to systems modifications to implement the new work reporting requirements.

Theres an upfront and ongoing cost to states to implement work requirements, Orris told TPM. Their eligibility workers will need to be trained. Theyll need new systems. And so certainly, I think states that are looking at what Congress is considering should be thinking hard about how they would operationalize this kind of a policy and talking to their federal lawmakers about the challenges.

Despite Republicans claims, work requirements would actually increase spending on operations while cutting peoples benefits.

Republicans love to talk about waste, fraud, and abuse, but these red tape requirements on Medicaid are leading to massive amounts of money being spent on wasteful administrative costs rather than health care, Ranking Member Pallone said in a statement shared with TPM.
What happens when a nation lives longer but breathes dirtier air? Researchers in Japan set out to answer that question, uncovering the deadly toll of fine particle pollution on the country's oldest citizens.

What's happening?

A study from the University of Tokyo published in the Nature Sustainability journal highlighted the health risks and care disparities that the elderly face from exposure to fine particle pollution, also known as PM2.5.

According to IQAir, PM2.5 levels in Japan are 1.7 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limit.

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By analyzing 170,000 medical records from across Japan, the researchers found that people over age 65 are disproportionately affected by the health impacts of fine particle pollution and limited access to medical care.

This medical access disparity, the researchers noted, stems from the fact that much of Japan's elderly live in rural areas where health care infrastructure is less developed and more costly to maintain.

"Many rural areas lack the specialized hospitals and trained professionals needed to treat diseases exacerbated by PM2.5, such as strokes and heart attacks," lead author Yin Long said in a press release.

Long added: "As we age, our immune systems weaken and our bodies are less able to defend against pollutants. Even moderate exposure can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, leading to higher hospitalization rates and premature mortality."

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Notably, about 30% of Japan's population is age 65 or older, the second-highest proportion among the world's countries and economies after Monaco, according to the World Bank.

Why is the relationship between fine particulate matter and aging concerning?

As Long explained, aging populations are especially vulnerable to fine particle pollution due to weakened immune systems and declining respiratory and cardiovascular function.

Fine particle pollution has been linked to serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory disease, and early death. Because these particles are so small, they are difficult to avoid, making prevention a major challenge.

These risks are compounded by gaps in access to medical care, especially for aging people living in rural areas. But the consequences don't stop with the elderly. Illness and early retirement among older adults can strain entire families emotionally and financially.

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"For some working-age seniors, PM2.5 exposure is linked to increased rates of severe illnesses, forcing many to leave the workforce earlier than planned," Long said in the press release. "This not only affects their financial independence, but also places additional pressure on younger generations to support them."

The researchers highlighted the need for targeted support for aging populations, especially as medical advances allow people to live longer than ever before  in a more polluted environment than ever before.

What's being done to protect aging populations in Japan from fine particle pollution?

The researchers hope this new data will motivate lawmakers to take action against fine particle pollution. They recommended stricter pollution policies, including targeted assistance to protect vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

Increasing green infrastructure in urban areas is another key recommendation, as plants can naturally filter pollutants from the air. The researchers also advocated for broader public health support, including subsidies for elderly care and investments in community health programs.

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Additionally, they highlighted the need for strengthened telemedicine infrastructure to help elderly residents in urban areas access medical care without distance as a hindrance.

By identifying aging populations as particularly at-risk groups, the researchers said their research can help the government "allocate resources more effectively."

"The health of our elderly is not just a personal matter, it's a public issue with profound social and economic implications," Long said in the press release. "Acting now could save lives and reduce long-term costs for everyone."

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COLUMBIANA Co., Ohio (WKBN)  Heavy wind and rain whipped through Columbiana County on Tuesday, even triggering a tornado warning for the southern part of the county.

The remnants of Tuesday evenings storms were still scattered around Columbiana County Wednesday morning. Downed trees and power lines left many residents in the dark.

As soon as the tornado warning hit, it wasnt even a minute that went by before the extremely high winds started pushing through and you saw things blowing across the road and through the parking lot, said Lt. Randy Schneider with the Calcutta Fire Department.

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On Bloomfield Avenue, a tree crashed through a home. The family was inside when the storm blew through, but luckily, nobody inside was hurt.

From trees down on multiple roads throughout the township, and HVAC unit rolled off of a department store here in town. There were trees on fire catching fire near houses, said Lt. Schneider.

Emergency responders were busy juggling calls all night. Calcutta firefighters handled more than 20 incidents, from snapped utility poles on Homestead Blvd to a downed fiber optic line along state Route 7 that had the road closed for hours.

When we see those storms coming up, we kind of expect that its going to be one of those we better get the chainsaws ready because its going to be one of those days. When it kept predicting high winds, we knew we were in for a busy day, said Lt. Schneider.

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In the wake of the storms, fire officials are still asking residents to beware of fallen utility lines, treating every case like its a live wire.

You have to keep consistency because you still have people who are not listening. The message is this  Dont drive across power lines. Dont drive across cable lines. Lt. Schneider said.

The Calcutta Fire Department is also stepping up to help residents still without power.

Theyve pulled together a last-minute drive-thru distribution site for food and water at the Calcutta Volunteer Fire Department. It starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday and runs until supplies run out.

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Theyre handing out water, fruit, and baby wipes. Its all thanks to a big donation from the East Liverpool Walmart and local first responders.

Katelyn Amato contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
A federal judge on Thursday postponed the retrial of of ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza on bribery counts related to former House Speaker Michael Madigan, allowing the new U.S. attorney in Chicago to consider next steps in the case and avoiding the possibility that Madigan would be sentenced in the same courthouse while La Schiazzas jury was deliberating.

The abrupt move came as the parties met for a pretrial conference before U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman in advance of La Schiazzas retrial, which had been set for June 3.

Instead, Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Chapman advised the judge that both sides were in agreement that the trial should be delayed at least until fall, in large part to give prosecutors more time to consider our position, especially with our new U.S. attorney (Andrew Boutros) coming on board.

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Hes basically drinking from a firehose right now in the first few weeks since his arrival, Chapman said.

La Schiazzas attorney said he was in agreement with the delay.

In his first interview with reporters earlier this week, Boutros referenced a series of corruption cases over the past eight months that have ended with the jury deadlocked on some or all counts, most recently last week when a jury failed to reach a verdict on any counts against state Sen. Emil Jones III.

Boutros said his office is looking closely at those cases to see if there are any lessons going forward. He said he suspects some of it transcends the office and the work that we are doing, and could have more to do with societal or cultural shifts, such as the CSI phenomenon from years ago where jurors who watched crime dramas on TV expected prosecutors in real life to always have DNA or other forensic evidence to prove a crime.

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I think these are all learning opportunities, Boutros said. We have to study what is going on. Why are we hanging on some of these counts? We dont want to do the same thing over and over again if there has been a change.

Moving La Schiazzas trial also avoids any conflict with Madigans sentencing, which is currently set for June 13 before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey. The jury in Madigans case deadlocked in February on the lone charge related to La Schiazza, but convicted the former Democratic speaker on host of other corruption charges involving a similar bribery scheme by ComEd.

Gettleman noted that having both proceedings unfolding at the same time was a real concern and that hed already been considering moving the start of La Schiazzas trial until after Madigans sentencing was complete.

Also Thursday, Gettleman said Thursday hes still considering a revamp of the jury instructions in La Schiazzas case, which, like many bribery-related cases, are in flux after the U.S. Supreme Court raised the bar in a ruling last year on what prosecutors have to prove.

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I think weve seen juries hang lately  including ours  because i think these instructions are inherently confusing, Gettleman said.  I dont want another hung jury. And I dont think anybody does. I want these to be as plain as possible.

In the end, Gettleman settled on a new trial date for La Schiazza for Jan. 22, 2026.

Well, I guess thats all we do today, he told both sides. Have a nice June, I guess. Find something else to do.

La Schiazza, 67, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity.

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The charges alleged La Schiazza agreed in 2017 to pay $2,500 a month to former state Rep. Edward Acevedo, Madigans onetime assistant majority leader, through the lobbying firm of longtime Madigan political aide Tom Cullen.

In exchange for the payments, the speaker helped shepherd AT&Ts bill ending mandated landline service through the General Assembly, giving La Schiazza a career notch on his belt and saving the telecommunications giant millions of dollars, according to prosecutors.

La Schiazzas attorneys argued it was nothing more than legal lobbying, and that there was no evidence that Acevedos hiring was tied to any official action by Madigan.

The trial in September was seen as a sort of litmus test for prosecutors in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision last June that the federal 666 bribery statute required an advance agreement by both sides to exchange an official act for something of value, rather than a gratuity given after the fact.

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After a weeklong trial, including three days of deliberation, Gettleman declared a mistrial when the jury announced it had deadlocked. The panel was overwhelmingly leaning toward a conviction, juror Jocelyn Duran told the Tribune, but a lone holdout was not convinced and said there was nothing that could change their mind.

One juror who stayed behind to talk to lawyers in the case in open court, a 62-year-old man from Naperville, told the defense panel that the discussions bogged down over whether there had been an exchange between La Schiazza and Madigan and if La Schiazza knew it was improper.

We really struggled with (La Schiazzas) intent, he said.

Madigan, meanwhile, was convicted on 10 of 23 counts, including one count of conspiracy related to a multipronged scheme to accept and solicit bribes from utility giant Commonwealth Edison. Jurors also convicted him on two counts of bribery and one Travel Act violation related to payments funneled to Madigan associates for do-nothing ComEd subcontracts.

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Madigan also was convicted on six out of seven counts  including wire fraud and Travel Act violations  regarding a plan to get ex-Ald. Daniel Solis, a key FBI mole who testified at length in the trial, appointed to a state board.

But the jurys final verdict was mixed, deadlocking on several counts  including the AT&T-related count and the marquee racketeering conspiracy charge  and acquitting Madigan on numerous others. Jurors also deadlocked on all six counts related to Madigans co-defendant, Michael McClain.

Unlike in La Schiazzas first trial, prosecutors in Madigans case called Acevedo, who suffers from dementia and various other ailments, to the witness stand to testify about the payments he received from AT&T through Cullen.

Prosecutors fought hard to get Acevedo in the courtroom. Hed initially invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify, but the U.S. attorneys office secured a grant of immunity that compelled him to take the stand.

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Acevedos attorney Gabrielle Sansonetti then argued strenuously that Acevedos dementia diagnosis means he is not competent to testify reliably. Blakey determined that Acevedo could take the stand only after interviewing him at length in chambers.

In the end it was unclear whether Acevedos testimony helped the government. He testified that he never asked anyone for a no-show job and even talked about his assignments with AT&T lobbyist Michael Lieteau at the rail, a popular gathering spot in the state Capitol. Acevedo also said that his sons had actually done some work for AT&T, and when he was getting paid he believed he was acting in conjunction with them.

We worked as a team, Acevedo said.

Lieteau, however, later testified that he did not ever recall asking Acevedo questions at the rail.

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Any work that he was performing for AT&T, I was not aware, Lieteau said.

Prosecutors have not publicly revealed whether they planned to call Acevedo in La Schiazzas second trial. A witness list filed earlier this month remains under seal.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
CHICAGO  A federal judge on Thursday postponed the retrial of of ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza on bribery counts related to former House Speaker Michael Madigan, allowing the new U.S. Attorney in Chicago to consider next steps in the case and avoiding the possibility that Madigan would be sentenced in the same same courthouse while La Schiazzas jury was deliberating.

The abrupt move came as the parties met for a pretrial conference before U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman in advance of La Schiazzas retrial, which had been set for June 3.

Instead, Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Chapman advised the judge that both sides were in agreement that the trial should be delayed at least until fall, in large part to give prosecutors more time to consider our position, especially with our new U.S. attorney (Andrew Boutros) coming on board.

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Hes basically drinking from a firehose right now in the first few weeks since his arrival, Chapman said.

La Schiazzas attorney said he was in agreement with the delay.

In his first interview with reporters earlier this week, Boutros referenced a series of corruption cases over the past eight months that have ended with the jury deadlocked on some or all counts, most recently last week when a jury failed to reach a verdict on any counts against state Sen. Emil Jones III.

Boutros said his office is looking closely at those cases to see if there are any lessons going forward. He said he suspects some of it transcends the office and the work that we are doing, and could have more to do with societal or cultural shifts, such as the CSI phenomenon from years ago where jurors who watched crime dramas on TV expected prosecutors in real life to always have DNA or other forensic evidence to prove a crime.

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I think these are all learning opportunities, Boutros said. We have to study what is going on. Why are we hanging on some of these counts? We dont want to do the same thing over and over again if there has been a change.

Moving La Schiazzas trial also avoids any conflict with Madigans sentencing, which is currently set for June 13 before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey. The jury in Madigans case deadlocked in February on the lone charge related to La Schiazza, but convicted the former Democratic speaker on host of other corruption charges involving a similar bribery scheme by ComEd.

Gettleman noted that having both proceedings unfolding at the same time was a real concern and that hed already been considering moving the start of La Schiazzas trial until after Madigans sentencing was complete.

Also Thursday, Gettleman said Thursday hes still considering a revamp of the jury instructions in La Schiazzas case, which, like many bribery-related cases, are in flux after the U.S. Supreme Court raised the bar in a ruling last year on what prosecutors have to prove.

Advertisement Advertisement

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I think weve seen juries hang lately  including ours because i think these instructions are inherently confusing, Gettleman said. I dont want another hung jury. And I dont think anybody does. I want these to be as plain as possible

In the end, Gettleman settled on a new trial date for La Schiazza for Jan. 22, 2026.

Well, I guess thats all we do today, he told both sides Have a nice June, I guess. Find something else to do.

La Schiazza, 67, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The charges alleged La Schiazza agreed in 2017 to pay $2,500 a month to former state Rep. Edward Acevedo, Madigans onetime assistant majority leader, through the lobbying firm of longtime Madigan political aide Tom Cullen.

In exchange for the payments, the speaker helped shepherd AT&Ts bill ending mandated landline service through the General Assembly, giving La Schiazza a career notch on his belt and saving the telecommunications giant millions of dollars, according to prosecutors.

La Schiazzas attorneys argued it was nothing more than legal lobbying, and that there was no evidence that Acevedos hiring was tied to any official action by Madigan.

The trial in September was seen as a sort of litmus test for prosecutors in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision last June that the federal 666 bribery statute required an advance agreement by both sides to exchange an official act for something of value, rather than a gratuity given after the fact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After a weeklong trial, including three days of deliberation, Gettleman declared a mistrial when the jury announced it had deadlocked. The panel was overwhelmingly leaning toward a conviction, juror Jocelyn Duran told the Tribune, but a lone holdout was not convinced and said there was nothing that could change their mind.

One juror who stayed behind to talk to lawyers in the case in open court, a 62-year-old man from Naperville, told the defense panel that the discussions bogged down over whether there had been an exchange between La Schiazza and Madigan and if La Schiazza knew that it was improper.

We really struggled with (La Schiazzas) intent, he said.

Madigan, meanwhile, was convicted on 10 of 23 counts, including one count of conspiracy related to a multipronged scheme to accept and solicit bribes from utility giant Commonwealth Edison. Jurors also convicted him on two counts of bribery and one Travel Act violation related to payments funneled to Madigan associates for do-nothing ComEd subcontracts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Madigan also was convicted on six out of seven counts  including wire fraud and Travel Act violations  regarding a plan to get ex-Ald. Daniel Solis, a key FBI mole who testified at length in the trial, appointed to a state board.

But the jurys final verdict was mixed, deadlocking on several counts  including the AT&T related count and the marquee racketeering conspiracy charge  and acquitting Madigan on numerous others. Jurors also deadlocked on all six counts related to Madigans co-defendant, Michael McClain.

Unlike in La Schiazzas first trial, prosecutors in Madigans case called Acevedo, who suffers from dementia and various other ailments, to the witness stand to testify about the payments he received from AT&T through Cullen.

Prosecutors fought hard to get Acevedo in the courtroom. Hed initially invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify, but the U.S. attorneys office secured a grant of immunity that compelled him to take the stand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Acevedos attorney Gabrielle Sansonetti then argued strenuously that Acevedos dementia diagnosis means he is not competent to testify reliably. Blakey determined that Acevedo could take the stand only after interviewing him at length in chambers.

In the end it was unclear whether Acevedos testimony helped the government. He testified that he never asked anyone for a no-show job and even talked about his assignments with AT&T lobbyist Michael Lieteau at the rail, a popular gathering spot in the state Capitol. Acevedo also said that his sons had actually done some work for AT&T, and when he was getting paid he believed he was acting in conjunction with them.

We worked as a team, Acevedo said.

Lieteau, however, later testified that he did not ever recall asking Acevedo questions at the rail.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Any work that he was performing for AT&T, I was not aware, Lieteau said.

Prosecutors have not publicly revealed whether they planned to call Acevedo in La Schiazzas second trial. A witness list filed earlier this month remains under seal.

____
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described the minerals agreement with Ukraine as a comprehensive economic partnership that will strengthen President Donald Trump's position in negotiations with Russia.

Source: Reuters, citing Bessent, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Bessent believes the deal will demonstrate to the "Russian leadership that there is no daylight between the Ukrainian people and the American people, between our goals".

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Quote from Bessent: "The American people don't make any money if Ukrainians don't prosper. So now we are fully aligned in terms of economics. And again, I think this is a strong signal to the Russian leadership, and it gives President Trump the ability to now negotiate with Russia on an even stronger basis."

Details: The Trump administration official noted that "this isn't just rare earth, it's infrastructure, it's energy".

"So there's the opportunity here for both sides to really win," Bessent added.

Background:

European Pravda previously revealed the main details of the agreement signed on 30 April in Washington. In particular, it mentions 57 minerals and US military assistance to Ukraine.

The signed agreement largely aligns with the key points made public by Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal earlier that day.

Trump stated that the minerals deal will give Washington more than it has spent on supporting Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
(Photo by Phillip Rubino/Getty Images)

It was somewhat of a surprise when our Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that she would not seek reelection in 2026. While her poll numbers have been dropping, most political observers would still wager that her odds of winning another term were much better than ever.

Nonetheless, allowing for a change of mind, it might be appropriate to reflect on the governors tenure to date and what I think is a lasting impact on Iowa. To state it succinctly, if the Iowa government and the state itself isnt the epitome of Trump-Land, we certainly rank in the top 10.

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We can write this as we watch the early steps taken by President Donald J. Trump, as he and his supporters take control of the federal government. The president wants to initiate a voucher program for public education. Iowa already has one. He wants to drastically reduce employment at a host of federal departments and agencies. In her reorganization of the state government, the governor transferred the administration of Medicaid program to the private sector.

Trump seeks to revoke labor union negotiated employment contracts. Reynolds requires all unions to recertify by annual election their right to represent their workers. A common trait of hostility to regulation of environmental issues dominates the thinking of both leaders. The similarity between the Trump government and Iowa is almost identical, particularly when we add in the attempt to ban a womans right to make her own health care decisions, restrictions on voting rights, and an extremely pro-business approach to governing.

Aside from the difference generated by the dichotomy between strictly state and strictly federal issues, it is hard to see a difference between the two. Except one: The governor of Iowa has accomplished almost all of it; the president of the United States is trying to do the same, but he cant even talk about it.

The one the president cannot yet obtain is eliminating income tax as a source of government revenue. Reynolds has now cut the Iowa tax down to 3.8% of taxable income. It is a flat-rate tax, not like before when the tax rate was progressive.

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What so many national pundits have ignored in pontificating about the presidents proposal is the real reason he pursues it. Given the trade disparity, foreign nations are the ones that should be complaining. Nor is this to rebuild Americas factory and manufacturing base. It is that the tariff revenue will serve as replacement money when he and Congress renew the tax cuts. It will also justify the repeal of all federal income taxes in the future.

The president and the Heritage Foundation are in love with the Gilded Age, the period between roughly 1880 and 1910. It was the period of the super-rich, the Rockefellers, J.P. Morgan, and a host of others. Working conditions for the average person were harsh, with little pay, but the wealthy could not have been better off. Some of these advocates hold that one of the darkest days of the nation was when President William Howard Taft, in 1910, introduced a constitutional amendment, the 16th, that allowed what until then was unconstitutional, a federal income tax. The reason for the anger at Taft was at that time, it was tariffs that generated up to 80% of all government income. President Trump apparently wants those days back.

The president can hardly sell his tariff proposals on the real benefit of high tariffs. Peter Navarro, his primary trade adviser, has been advocating for the proposal by emphasizing how much money tariffs will bring the nation. This month, Navarro claimed it would generate $6 trillion over the next decade. Which would build hundreds of factories. His Commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, slipped momentarily when he admitted what the Project 2025 claimed, that it would indeed replace the income tax. He was quickly shut down.

For it or against it, Trump has a hard sell. One half of his political base, the members of commerce, live more quarterly on profit and loss and cannot tolerate the whiplash the president seems to be inflicting daily upon the markets. The other half, your average income earner, is more concerned about what increases in the market value of goods and services will be imposed upon them.

Bottom line: If you really want to live in Trump-Land and you are here, stay here. If you are not here and want to be here, then simply stand still, click your heels three times, close your eyes, and say, There is no place like Trump-Land. You will open them and find yourself in our State Capitol, right outside the governors door.
As Donald Trumps Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy could pursue a rigorous, high-quality study regarding the efficacy of fluoride in drinking water and whether or not its hazardous to our health.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Instead, hes glommed onto a flawed study on the matter and now were here, with Kennedy confidently telling the president at a cabinet meeting Wednesday that all the science on fluoride agrees that the more you get, the stupider you are.

Kennedy mentioned the finding as part of his justification to attempt to change federal guidelines on fluoridation of drinking water.

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[EPA Administrator] Lee Zeldin and I are working together to change the federal fluoride regulations, to change the recommendations, and were looking at the science now, he told Trump. In August, the national toxicity program... did a meta review of all the science on fluoride and found that theres a direct inverse correlation between fluoride exposure and low IQ in children.

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Related: People Are Obsessed With Pope Francis's Final, Resounding Message To JD Vance After His Visit To The Vatican

So the more you get, the stupider you are.

Like many of Kennedys scientific utterances, hes dabbling in half-truths.

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While meta-analyses of fluoride in drinking water have suggested there may be an inverse association between fluoride exposure and childrens IQ scores, the data itself is riddled with problems.

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Related: Donald Trump Supporters Are Waking Up To The Reality Of Their Ballot Choices, And The Stories Are A Loooooot

Steven Novella, M.D., a clinical neurologist at the Yale University School of Medicine, debunked the findings in a blog for Science-Based Medicine in 2023.

Novellas criticisms are primarily twofold:

The studies relied upon are predominantly from communities in China, where the water is naturally fluoridated with much higher concentrations of fluoride than is found in U.S. water. While the CDC recommends 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water, some of the data was as high as 16 milligrams per liter. Even the data with high levels of fluoride exposure isnt all that compelling with respect to cognitive function. The effect, in other words, if it is real, does not appear to be clinically dramatic, said Novella.

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Of course, all potential neurotoxicity to the developing brain should be taken very seriously. Every IQ point is a precious human resource, Novella wrote.

What I think all this means is that current drinking water fluoridation levels are safe, and provide a significant benefit for dental health. But also, we need to conduct higher quality studies to show if there even is a real neurotoxic effect, and to zoom in on the levels in managed drinking water.

BitsAndSplits / Getty Images

The federal government already leaves fluoridation decisions up to state and local governments.

To the great dismay of the American Dental Association, Utah banned fluoride in its public drinking water in March, becoming the first state to do so. Florida is poised to follow suit.

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The American Dental Association strongly supports water fluoridation. Evidence suggests the mineral is strongly correlated with decreased dental diseases.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Also in In the News: "Honestly Speechless At How Evil This Is": 26 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Week

Also in In the News: Everyone Is Absolutely Losing It Over This Canadian Newspaper Mocking Donald Trump
Robert Kennedy Jr. has claimed he is shutting down an alleged government connection to child sex trafficking that has been widely discredited as a conspiracy theory.

The Health and Human Services Secretary was referring to an unsubstantiated allegation made by Donald Trump that more than 300,000 migrant children disappeared during Joe Bidens presidency.

Trump suggested the children may have been trafficked as sex slaves, although there is no evidence to support his claim.

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RFK Jr.s claim at a White House Cabinet meeting was the latest in a series of accusations by Trump officials against the previous administration that some experts have said are a distortion of the facts.

We have ended HHSs role as the principal vector in this country for child trafficking, Kennedy said on Wednesday.

During the Biden administration, HHS became a collaborator in child trafficking for sex and for slavery, and we have ended that, he continued.

Were very aggressively going out and trying to find these 300,000 children that were lost by the Biden administration, he said.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed during a Cabinet meeting that he has ended his department being a

The countrys top health official made the claim as top Trump officials touted their accomplishments during a Cabinet meeting to mark the first 100 days of the presidents second term.

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Kennedys accusation about missing migrant children was similar to ones made by Trump both in interviews and on the campaign trail.

We have 325,000 children here during Democrats  and this was done by Democrats  who are right now slaves, sex slaves or dead, Trump said in his December TIME interview for Person of the Year. And what I will be doing will be trying to find where they are and get them back to their parents.

Trumps border czar Tom Homan has also vowed to track down migrant children he accused the Biden administration of losing. Homan claimed many of them would be in forced labor and the sex trade.

Republicans started making accusations that some 300,000 migrant children were missing after an August 2024 report by the Department of Homeland Security inspector generals office.

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It found that 32,000 unaccompanied minors failed to show up for immigration court hearings from 2019 to May 2024. Another 291,000 migrant children did not receive court notices.

The report stated that those who do not appear for court are considered at higher risk for trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor.

The policy director of the American Immigration Council, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, told the BBC the numbers indicated a paperwork issue rather than anything nefarious.

He said there are valid concerns about children being exploited, but they cant the children are being trafficked.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. touts his department's effort to

The Office of Refugee Resettlement within HHS is typically responsible for unaccompanied migrant children taken into custody. The department is tasked with then finding sponsors for them.

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During his confirmation hearing before the Senate in January, Kennedy repeated the claims that the migrant children were being sex trafficked and enslaved.

He told senators finding the children was a top priority of the Trump administration.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, on Wednesday baselessly claimed that the measles vaccine contains a lot of aborted fetus debris and DNA particles.

During an appearance on NewsNation, Kennedy said the U.S. is faring much better in containing its epidemic compared to other countries facing measles outbreaks, adding that the number of cases has plateaued.

Now, there are populations in our country, like the Mennonites in Texas, who were most afflicted, and they have religious objections to vaccination, because the MMR vaccine contains a lot of aborted fetus debris and DNA particles, so they dont want to take it, Kennedy added.

Kennedys statement is misleading. Even though fetal cells are used to grow vaccine viruses, vaccines do not contain these cells or pieces of DNA that are recognizable as human DNA, the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia notes.

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His claim echoes misinformation spread around the COVID-19 vaccine. The University of California, Los Angeles Health debunked that claim, explaining that none of the COVID shots contained aborted fetal cells.

However, Johnson & Johnson did use fetal cell lines  not fetal tissue  when developing and producing their vaccine, while Pfizer and Moderna used fetal cell lines to test their vaccines and make sure that they work, their website states.

Fetal cell lines are grown in a laboratory and were started with cells from elective abortions that occurred several decades ago in the 1970s-80s, it adds. None of the COVID-19 vaccines use fetal cells derived from recent abortions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 884 cases of measles in 30 U.S. jurisdictions as of Friday. Texas, one of the states affected, has recorded 663 cases since late January, mainly in the western part of the state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Two children in the state who lived in the outbreak area and had not been vaccinated have died.

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Still, Kennedy claimed the media is spending a disproportionate amount of time reporting on measles.

They only want to cover measles, he said.

While Kennedy has conceded that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles, he has made questionable statements about it, including that it hasnt been safely tested.

Related...
SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI)  The recent stretch of dry, breezy weather has put much of Rhode Island in an elevated fire risk, according to fire and emergency officials.

You have to be cautious, State Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin told 12 News.

The combination of windy, warm weather  and the lack of significant rainfall  has created potentially dangerous conditions, he said.

Once it gets dry, like it is right now, and that little breeze, it doesnt take a lot, McLaughlin said. The fires move rapidly because all the stuff underneath, everythings drying out.

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DETAILED 7-DAY: Much Cooler Overnight; More Sunshine Thursday

Much of the state has been under abnormally dry conditions for the last several weeks, according to Todd Manni, director of Smithfields Emergency Management Agency. His town has seen the impacts firsthand.

About a month ago, we started to see an uptick in brush fires, more brush fires than we normally see during the spring, Manni said. Because of the abnormally dry conditions, the brush fires were larger and more intense than wed seen previously.

Those fires prompted a townwide message to residents, Manni said, advising them not to burn anything and be aware of anything that could ignite a fire.

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Its not just careless burning of brush, which isnt permitted in the town of Smithfield, Manni said. It could also be people doing yardwork that produces heat and produces sparks.

McLaughlin said people should make sure they throw cigarettes or other smoking materials away safely.

If youre doing the backyard little fire place, make sure everythings cleared around it. One little spark, its not going to take much right now to get things going, McLaughlin said. We want everybody to go out and have fun and so what they want to do, but we want people to do it safely.

Wildland fires are very costly, Manni added. We live in a very congested state. We have a lot of people who live on the edge of the forest, its certainly beautiful but theres a risk for that.

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Anyone who spots a wildfire is urged to call 911 immediately.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The City of San Angelo invites citizens to attend a ribbon cutting for the new lift station at Lake Nasworthy.

In a press release from the City of San Angelo stated that the ribbon cutting will be held at 1800 South Concho Drive at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1.

The new infrastructure is a major step in improving wastewater service in the Lake Nasworthy and airport areas, increasing capacity fivefold and providing critical support for future development, said the City of San Angelo.

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The city said that San Angelo treats 8 million gallons of wastewater per day and the Nasworthy system produces 500,000 gallons of that total which means half of the citys lift stations are dedicated to moving 1/16th of the communitys total wastewater.

Thats an inefficient system, said the City of San Angelo. The new system includes two cased mains to move wastewater. That provides a failsafe that allows for uninterrupted service should one of the lines fail or require maintenance.

The city mentioned that since they are cased there is a minimized threat of sewage leaking into the environment which is a plus.

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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
By Melanie Burton

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Rio Tinto has not modernised its agreement with an Aboriginal group on whose lands it mines iron ore, failing to fulfil a commitment made five years ago when it destroyed an important Aboriginal heritage site, the group said on Thursday.

Rio Tinto pledged to reform its business practices after it blew up the 46,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelters in Western Australia in 2020 for an iron ore mine. The destruction sparked a huge public and investor outcry, a government inquiry and ultimately the exit of its CEO and chair.

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Deanna McGowan of the Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation said at Rio Tinto's annual general meeting in Perth that the Mesa J mine, the company's largest on the group's lands, had been operating for 30 years.

"You have paid us for three years," she said. When Rio Tinto negotiated the agreement with the group's elders twenty years ago, executives had said there was no need to include the mine because it would soon close, she added.

"And here we're now ... 17 years of payments that Rio has cheated us at Mesa J," she said.

The lands belonging to the Robe River Kuruma group do not include Juukan Gorge but are in the same Pilbara region.

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Rio Tinto Chair Dominic Barton said the company was committed to reaching an agreement on the issues raised by McGowan.

"We want to be able to get to an agreement and a resolution working with you. We've had a number of conversations and we'll be having after this meeting as well, but there is a very, very strong commitment to work through these issues with you," Barton said.

Earlier in the AGM, Barton said the mining giant had relationships with more than 60 Indigenous and land-connected groups globally.

"Many of these are very positive relationships, while a small number remain challenged," he said.

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Inquiries in the aftermath of the Juukan Gorge destruction revealed that past agreements between miners and many Aboriginal groups had prevented the groups from speaking publicly about damage to their heritage and underpaid them royalties for mining on their lands.

As a result, Rio Tinto and other major miners such as BHP and Fortescue pledged to update their land-use agreements with traditional groups.

Failures by Rio Tinto to reach such agreements could disrupt its production schedule.

The miner warned in its quarterly production report that its guidance remains "subject to the timing of approvals for planned mining areas and heritage clearances."

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Additional reporting by Renju Jose; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Wheels up, were heading to the Windy City! Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport announced flights to Chicago will be offered beginning in August 2025.

Its a testament to our community, whose support continues to help enable new routes and enhance capacity at their hometown airport. Big thanks to American Airlines for their longstanding partnership.

In a post released on social media, ROA said American Airlines will soon be offering daily service to Chicago OHare International Airport.

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New Spark by Hilton opening next to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

You can start booking flights on May 5 through the American Airlines website, opening up more connections to American Airlines vast global network.

American is thrilled to bring new nonstop service from Roanoke to our Chicago OHare hub, said Jordan Pack, Americans Director of Domestic Network Planning. Complementing existing service to Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York City, this new service will make it easier for travelers to reach cities in the Midwest and Western United States, such as Minneapolis and Seattle, as well as our new service to Honolulu, Hawaii.

This announcement comes just months after ROA said traveling soared with a new record and services, including direct flights through Allegiant Air to Sarasota-Bradenton, which started on February 14.

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For more information, visit Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airports website.

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Road crews in North Carolina say they want stiffer penalties for drivers after four men were hit and killed in a work zone last week.

Authorities say a driver ran a stop sign in Eden and crashed into a work crew. But Channel 9s Dave Faherty learned the Morganton-based driver is only charged with misdemeanor crimes.

Workers like Matt Houston say the crash had an effect on people in the industry, serving as a reminder of how dangerous their job is.

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My number one rule is you come on my zone, we all go home at the end of the day, Houston said. [The crash] hit everyone hard, we all felt it.

A few miles away in Burke County, road crews are clearing debris from Hurricane Helene. Tony Taylor is directing traffic in the area, but he says not everyone follows the signage.

Very dangerous, Tony Taylor said. The other day, someone ran my stop sign and just looked at me. People are on their phones. They need to put down more laws.

Both men said they were stunned to learn the driver accused of hitting six people in Eden wont be charged with a felony. The suspect, Michael Vernon, is also charged with not stopping at a stop sign, and not having a valid commercial drivers llicense.

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North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers say Vernon struck a bucket truck with a person inside, before going off the road and into a ditch.

Houston believes changing the laws could save lives.

If it was a felony to come through one of our work zones to hit one of us or our crews, I think it would slow people down and make them more aware whats going on out here, Houston said.

He says coworkers are already reaching out to state representatives about the idea. Family members of the men killed also said they believe changes need to be made.

(VIDEO: Driver survives crash into side of Gastonia home)
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  On Wednesday, April 30, the US Attorneys Office of the Western District of Virginia announced that a Roanoke man found guilty of murdering and then burning the body of a man in 2023 has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison.

On January 16, 2025, 30-year-old Joseph Richard Walker pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence in connection with conspiring and murdering a Pennsylvania resident referred to as E.B.

Court documents show that in January 2023, Walker and a second man who also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing on related charges, Garrett Isaac Williams, conspired to distribute marijuana from E.B, who often traveled to Roanoke to meet with them. These meetings were for marijuana sales and frequently occurred at Walkers Roanoke residence.

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RELATED STORY | Man guilty of 2023 killing, then burning body in Bedford County

According to the DOJ, Walker and Williams learned that E.B. inadvertently called Walkers mother in an attempt to collect money he was owed. The call resulted in Walker and Williams creating a plan to end their relationship with E.B., which included ordering more marijuana, stealing it during the delivery, and then scaring E.B. from ever returning to Virginia in the process.

On April 17, 2023, E.B. traveled to Walkers home in Roanoke with around 10 pounds of marijuana and two pounds of marijuana wax. While meeting, Walker confronted E.B. about the call made to his mother before shooting and killing him with a .45 caliber Sig Sauer pistol he had concealed.

Walker then dragged the body from his home and placed it into the trunk of E.B.s car. He then drove to Bedford County and set it on fire.

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Before leaving for Bedford County in E.B.s car, Walker also took the marijuana that E.B. had brought with him.

The Department of Justice has no greater mission than to hold accountable those individuals who commit violence in our communities, Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. Our strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are critical in bringing about successful prosecutions of our most violent criminals. The Department will continue to fight against gun violence through important prosecutions like this one and in conjunction with programs such as Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  The Escambia County Sheriffs Office received a call Wednesday morning about a stolen trailer.

2 dogs die after being left in locked vehicle, Crestview man arrested: Niceville police

Roger Lee Newburn, 50, of Robertsdale, Alabama, is accused of grand theft auto and resisting arrest.

Roger Lee Newburn. (Escambia County Sheriffs Office)

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons believes two suspects hooked the trailer onto their truck and stole it from the owners driveway.

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With the trailer attached, the two suspects pulled into a Tom Thumb in Bellview. The trailer owners neighbor happened to be there and immediately noticed something was wrong.

A neighbor said, Hey, thats not their trailer, so Ill call the owner. The owner and the neighbor, they get there, and they confront these people, Simmons said. They try to take off because theyre using meth. They werent good at securing the trailer to the truck. The trailer dislodges from the truck itself. The truck takes off.

The owner and neighbor took matters into their own hands and followed the suspects out of the gas station. Not long after, the truck crashed and ran off the side of the street on Saufley Pines Road.

Newburn suffered minor injuries and stayed in the vehicle.

The truck the two suspects used to pull the stolen trailer was being towed away after it crashed on Saufley Pines Road. (News 5 photo)

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The meth user that stayed there during his incoherent babble said that he had a gun pulled on him, and all of this nonsense ended up being not the case, Simmons said.

Meanwhile, the other suspect is on the loose.

Fairhope nurses train to testify in sexual assault cases

The stolen trailer has been recovered.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A man from Rochester faces up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing $168,000 from his employer.

Michael Torres, 37, of Rochester, was arrested and charged with financial institution fraud following an FBI investigation.

The investigation found the fraud took place during Torres employment as a Relationship Manager at an unnamed financial institution from September 2021 through February 2022.

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Torres is said to have used his position to apply for 19 loans totaling $168,000 using the names of other individuals without their consent before depositing the funds into accounts he controlled.

He is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.

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ROCHESTER, Ill. (WCIA)  The Rochester CUSD #3A Board of Education and Superintendent Dan Cox will part ways at the end of the school year.

On Wednesday night, the school district announced that Cox will conclude his time as superintendent on June 30, 2025. This comes after Cox was placed on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation, in January.

PREVIOUSLY: 3 vacancies filled in Rochester school board following resignations

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At the time, the school district told WCIA that it is the practice of the Board of Education and the District not to discuss pending investigations and personnel matters.

On Wednesday however, the district said the decision stems from a mutual agreement reached

with respect and appreciation for the work accomplished together over the past five years.

In the statement, the district said in part:

FBI Springfield conducts activity on federal arrest and search warrant in Williamsville

The Board and Mr. Cox part ways on amicable terms, acknowledging the complexities of education leadership today and the shared accomplishments achieved during his service. Both the Board and Mr. Cox wish one another success in the future. Rochester CUSD #3A Board of Education

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By Elizaveta Gladun and Octav Ganea

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Many young Romanians are again scrolling through video-sharing platform TikTok for guidance on how to vote in Sunday's rerun of a presidential election annulled over allegations of Russian meddling via suspicious TikTok accounts.

With around 9 million TikTok users, the nation of 19 million people experienced a surge in such accounts last year during a campaign that eventually led to the annulment of the Nov. 24 election. Moscow has denied the allegations of manipulation.

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In the first round of that cancelled election on Nov. 24, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who had been polling in single digits before the ballot, rose into first place amid an explosion of content on TikTok that favoured him.

Now, George Simion, leader of the radical right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), tops the presidential candidate list with 1.3 million followers on TikTok. Lagging far behind with about 233,600 followers is Victor Ponta, a former leftist prime minister whose politics have turned ultranationalist. The remaining, centrist candidates have even fewer followers.

The 38-year-old Simion's TikTok films combine nationalist rhetoric with an emotionally charged delivery and often use direct-to-camera speeches, footage from political gatherings and behind-the-scenes clips to hone a sense of personal connection.

"The time for rebirth has come," he told followers in a video posted on Tuesday. "Our nation will find its way again ... We have within us the power to be reborn and to move forward, more united and stronger."

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Remus Stefureac, chief executive of INSCOP Research, said all the presidential candidates now appreciated the pivotal role of social media in campaigning.

"If we analyse our presidential campaign..., we can say that each and every one of the relevant candidates tried to build strong operations online and on social media, so they invested a lot of their resources in this type of campaign," he said.

YOUNG AUDIENCE

TikTok's Romanian audience is predominantly young: 64.6% are aged 1824 and 33.7% are aged 2534, according to Start.io, a mobile advertising platform that analyses app-based user data.

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Young people interviewed by Reuters in downtown Bucharest this week said they obtained information from various online sources, among them TikTok.

Andrei, an engineer who declined to give his full name, said he trusted what he saw on TikTok to a limited extent, though news media sites seemed more credible. He said around a third of people he knew based their political decisions on TikTok material.

Andreea, a student who also withheld her full name, said she was influenced politically largely by TikTok videos. She had watched many TikTok political videos and they had helped her feel closer to the lives of candidates.

TikTok says it has formed a task force to ensure effective moderation of content and has launched a media literacy campaign to help users spot disinformation. In January, the company said it had blocked more than 116,000 spam accounts from being created in Romania during the second half of December.

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It also said in a recent report that during the second half of 2024 it had removed over 27,000 accounts operated via a "fake engagement vendor" that had promoted the AUR and Georgescu.

Romania's government has ordered that campaign materials on social media be clearly labelled as such, while local media said the Central Electoral Bureau had ordered the removal of over 500 unverified or mislabelled posts.

In the wake of the annulled election, the European Commission opened formal proceedings against TikTok over its suspected failure to limit interference in the vote.

Stefureac said Romania's experience from 2024 should serve as a lesson for the future of democracy worldwide - "that we cannot take our democracies for granted and we need to find ways to better control and moderate how political and electoral communication is managed through social media".

(Reporting by Octav Ganea and Elizaveta Gladun, writing by Krisztina Than; editing by Mark Heinrich)
OTTAWA  Bruce Fanjoy has the ultimate underdog story in Canadian politics.

Hes a stay-at-home dad who decided to run as a Liberal in the conservative stronghold of Carleton, an electoral district just outside of Ottawa made up of farmers and suburbanites.

Oh, and his opponent was the leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, who had held the seat for over 20 years, and was running to become prime minister of Canada.

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Then Fanjoy began door knocking, starting in 2023, and wearing through two pairs of his sneakers and a pair of boots. People told him he was never going to win, and it was a lost cause. But Fanjoy knew better  especially after Donald Trump started ramping up his threats against Canada.

There was a sea change in what I was hearing at the doors, Fanjoy said in an interview with POLITICO Magazine.

On election night in Canada, Poilievre didnt just lose his bid for prime minister  the partys 25-point lead evaporating in the blink of an eye  he lost his seat in Parliament.

It was a stunning upset, with Fanjoy winning by over 4,300 votes, which helped form the Liberal Partys minority government and left the Conservative Party of Canada scrambling over who will lead them.

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If there was one surprise that I had in this campaign in Carleton, its that Pierre barely showed up, Fanjoy said. After all his time as MP, he took the riding for granted, and nobody likes to be taken for granted.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

A lot of people were very skeptical you could win. Why do you think you had a chance?



We ran a positive campaign, in remarkable contrast to Pierre's style of politics. We attracted a small army of volunteers. As this campaign carried on, more and more and more people believed in what we were doing and that was shown on election night. But we knew it was there for a long time, and it was still very, very gratifying to see it come together.

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So, how did you beat him?



We outworked him. We were present. We were all over the riding. We were connecting with voters. People appreciated the fact that we were present and that we offered a positive alternative to Pierre.



If there was one surprise that I had in this campaign in Carleton, its that Pierre barely showed up. After all his time as MP, he took the riding for granted, and nobody likes to be taken for granted.



The last time we talked, you compared your mission to defeat Pierre Poilievre as an opportunity for Canadians to take down their version of Donald Trump. Do you feel like you saved the country from Maple MAGA?

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I wouldn't go that far. I know that what we did was very important to Canadians, and that's why, not only in Carleton, but the whole country was behind what we were doing.

Across Canada, people see that Pierre is too far right, and that made people very uncomfortable, including people who have traditionally voted conservative in this riding.



This became a referendum on Pierre Poilievre. The result is very clear that Canadians want responsible leadership. They want serious leadership. And this is no time to be flirting with the kind of politics that were seeing down to the south.



You previously said you went door-knocking five days a week. What were you hearing on those doorsteps?

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There was a sea change in what I was hearing at the doors when we moved into 2025. Canadians recognized we were facing another U.S. administration led by Donald Trump and some of his hostile rhetoric toward Canada, our economy and our political sovereignty. And under the change in leadership of the Liberal Party in Mark Carney, we couldnt have anyone better to meet this critical moment in our history. People in Carleton could see that. Carleton was ready to move on from Pierre Poilievre. Theyre very familiar with his style of politics, and quite frankly, a lot of people had enough of it.



What came to mind when you learned you were about to win?



I was just enormously happy for all the volunteers that have worked so hard and poured their heart and soul into this campaign. It was humbling to see hundreds upon hundreds of people arrive at a campaign office wanting to help. The volunteers are the story of this campaign. We had people who were stepping up for the first time in their lives to get active in a campaign. In some cases, people came considerable distances because they saw this as the most important election of our lifetimes. And they recognized that Carleton played a super-sized role in what direction this country was heading.



Has Pierre Poilievre called to congratulate you?

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I haven't heard from him. I don't know that he will. Thats up to him.



What would you say to him if you did talk?



I would say thank you for your call. To be quite honest, I don't know what I would say to him, it would probably depend a great deal on what he said to me.



People run against each other in politics, this is nothing new, and this is a time where we just have to come together as Canadians, and that includes Canadian parliamentarians. The times are too important for people who are putting their party ahead of their country. This is not a time for that nonsense.



Has Mark Carney personally reached out since you won?

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We are going to be talking very soon. Hes been very busy, and I dont expect he got much rest the other night, but Ill be talking to him.



How do you expect the Liberals will govern as they face down Donald Trump?



They will govern with principle. They will govern in the best interests of Canadians.



This Liberal government is filled with people who are committed to their communities and committed to this country. We'll come together. We'll work with other parliamentarians. But Mark Carney is a recognized economic leader, and we're going to do whats necessary to support Canadians, Canadian industry, Canadian workers and families to weather this storm.

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Youre a first-time politician. Are you worried about what politics could do to you or change in you?



No, I know who I am and Im going to be true to my values. I always will. I grew up playing competitive sports, I had a career in the private sector, so I understand what it's like to compete. I know that there will be challenging moments, but that's because we have big issues to deal with. My focus is on getting to work.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The Rotary Club of North Peoria announced it will be awarding the Center for Prevention of Abuse $20,000 on Thursday.

That grant plus a $9,000 grant to the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery will be presented during the clubs weekly meeting at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday at the Barracks Carter Inn.

These funds were raised during the Rotary Clubs Mardi Gras 2025: Taking Action to End Human Trafficking event in February. The event shared information about human trafficking locally and around the world.

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Mardi Gras celebration raising money to end human trafficking

Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, said the grant will supply critical support for the Center.

Human trafficking is when freedom is stolen. From illicit massage facilities to factories and brothels to farms and panhandlers caught up in a begging ring to cleaning crews and domestic servitude, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the world, and it is a serious issue right here at home, Merna said. Our work to serve survivors, and CFPAs efforts to educate and train on awareness and prevention, are our core responsibilities, but we cannot do it alone. We are deeply grateful for the Rotary Club of Peoria North for their partnership and their commitment to the many thousands of people affected by this heinous human rights issue.

The Center provides services for victims of violence. It is the only agency in Illinois that provides services for Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Human Trafficking, Adult Protective Services, and Prevention Education under one roof.

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The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery uses funding to support Community Awareness & Prevention Education projects around the world. Rotary Club of North Peoria President Ashley Schreck said she wants everyone involved in ending human trafficking.

By boosting awareness and supporting human trafficking services, Rotary Peoria North wants to encourage more people everywhere to get involved in ending human slavery, Schreck said.

Anyone who wants to report a human trafficking incident can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

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MIDDLEPORT  The Royalton-Hartland school districts proposed $34.7 million budget for FY 2025-2026 will go to a public hearing May 7. The mostly status quo spending plan calls for a 2.5% increase in the school tax levy.

According to district treasurer Jessica Landers, the budget funds all existing teaching positions, including the posts of six teachers who are retiring this year, and all existing programs for students as well as a fourth full-day Pre-Kindergarten class at the elementary school.

Existing Pre-K classes hold up to 18 students each and based on registration for the 2025-26 year, another class or section will be needed. Thus an additional Pre-K teacher and Pre-K teacher aide will be hired, Landers said. While Pre-K registration has increased, projected general enrollment (K-12) is declining, she added in a Wednesday telephone interview.

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The proposed 25-26 budget foresees a year-over-year total spending increase of $2.4 million (7.5%). In presentations to the school board, which voted last week to adopt the budget, Landers pointed out some of the sources of the increase: salary increases for employees and a rate increase for the Genesee Area Healthcare Plan, leading to a 7% increase in instruction costs and a 7% increase in employee benefit costs; and a 20% increase in projected student transportation costs.

The projected 25-26 tax levy is $11.6 million. Landers said the year-over-year levy increase, $283,000 (2.5%), is below the state-set cap, 4.12%.

In light of the revaluation project in the towns of Royalton and Hartland thats winding down now, Landers estimated the full value 25-26 school tax rate will fall between $14.39 and $14.60 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The current school tax rate in the towns of Royalton and Hartland is $25.06 per $1,000 of assessed value. The rate is dramatically lower in four other municipalities in the district where 2024 assessments matched or were close to full market value: Lockport and Alabama, $14.04, and Ridgeway and Shelby, $14.47.

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The public hearing on the proposed budget will be held at 5:30 p.m. May 7 in the high school media center. The hearing is in advance of the May 20 public vote on the budget, school board members and additional spending propositions.

There is no contest for two of seven board seats up for election. According to district clerk Jenna Snell, Eric Waters and Melissa Bundrock are the sole candidates on the ballot, and they will succeed incumbent board members Brandi Silsby and Jesse Snyder, neither of whom pursued reelection.

The additional May 20 ballot propositions are:

 Authorize the purchase of a new plow truck, at an estimated maximum cost of $100,000, using up to $100,000 in the districts Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment Reserve Fund.

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 Authorize the purchase of up to 200 Chromebooks, at an estimated maximum cost of $100,000, using up to $100,000 in the districts Technology and Security Equipment Reserve Fund. Landers said the new laptop computers would replace existing Chromebooks assigned to students in the middle school and high school.

 Authorize establishment of a new Capital Improvements Reserve Fund, into which up $6 million of savings can be deposited to finance future acquisition, construction or improvement of buildings, facilities, sites and real property by the district.

 Authorize increasing the Royalton Hartland Community Library tax levy to $123,148. The current-year levy is $120,000.
In the areas of Haiti controlled by gangs, nothing moves without their getting a cut: not food, not fuel, not even humanitarian aid.

Their extortion racket is so extensive that the countrys finance minister, Alfred Metellus, estimates that gangs, which charge $2,000 to allow passage for a shipping container, are pulling as much as $75 million a year from the ransoms they charge to allow goods transiting through the Dominican Republic to arrive at their destinations. Metellus made the comments in an interview this week with Haitis Le Nouvelliste newspaper.

That reality is prompting concerns that a plan by the U.S. State Department to designate the countrys gangs as foreign terrorist organizations could exacerbate suffering at a time when more than five million Haitians are struggling to find food and nearly 250,000 of the one million Haitians who are internally displaced reside in makeshift encampments, some with no latrines and dirt floors..

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The reality is that almost no commercial or humanitarian activity takes place in or near Port-au-Prince without some level of negotiation or payment to gangs. Even the U.S. ambassador acknowledged speaking with gangs, said Jake Johnston, an analyst on Haiti with the Center for Economic and Policy Research and author of Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti.

The effect of this policy is likely to be the further isolation of Haiti, a de facto embargo that harms those most impoverished and does little to alter the power of the gangs, he added.

Johnstons concerns were echoed Wednesday by two Democratic lawmakers following a briefing by the State Department to members of Congress about the planned designation, which was first reported by the Miami Herald earlier this month. The designation, already imposed on several Latin American criminal groups by the Trump administration, relies on the use of the centuries old Alien Enemies Act. The designation would allow the U.S. government to target Haitis powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition, now in control of up to 90% of metropolitan Port-au-Prince, and the Gran Grif gang operating in parts of the rural Artibonite region.

Under the plan, gang members and their enablers would face criminal sanctions, including possible imprisonment in El Salvadors maximum-security prison, a senior administration official told the Herald at the time.

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While the plan has support among some groups in Haiti, it is prompting concerns that aid groups and others in Haiti will face the impossible choice of trying to help at the risk of being labeled terrorists or letting the population suffer further.

In a letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, the only Haitian-American member of Congress and current co-chair of the House Haiti caucus, expressed grave concern about the designation.

The lawmakers fear it will unintentionally exacerbate the suffering of Haitians and help gangs consolidate control. They are demanding answers from Rubio on the administrations rationale for the designation.

While we support efforts to target the financial support of violent gangs wreaking havoc on innocent Haitians, we are concerned that an FTO designation, absent a clear, comprehensive U.S. strategy to defeat the gangs and their enablers, is counterproductive and will only exacerbate Haitians suffering, the lawmakers said.

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Meeks and Cherfilus-McCormic noted that the State Department has already made cuts to health services and humanitarian aid while diseases like scabies and cholera are on the rise in Haiti. If aid delivery across Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite region is undermined, Haitians will be further punished, they argued.

A foreign-terrorist organization designation imposes broad legal and financial sanctions that deter non-governmental organizations and international agencies from operating due to fear of legal exposureeven when their work is purely humanitarian in nature, the lawmakers wrote.

Haitians in Port-au-Prince protest against gang violence and the government in Haiti, where more than 1,600 people were killed between January and March 2025, according to the United Nations.

The representatives are not alone in their concerns about the possible chilling effect the designation would have on the delivery of aid in Haiti, where non-governmental organizations, community groups and others employ various techniques  including making donations to gangs  in order to get humanitarian assistance to those living under the control of the armed groups.

Many do so through foundations that several gangs have set up to serve as fronts for aid delivery. The issue, however, is so sensitive that aid groups refuse to speak about it, even privately. They are also reluctant to discuss the planned designation but also note they are concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis.

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We do not take a position on any States use of such designations and refrain from communicating publicly on them, said a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, which operates in Haiti. However, the ICRC will always call to all concerned to make all necessary efforts to prevent further humanitarian consequences on the ground, to facilitate humanitarian action and to preserve the required humanitarian spaceparticularly, regarding Haiti, we call for all concerned to protect the population and prevent a humanitarian collapse in the country.

In a new report published on Wednesday, the United Nations noted that the human rights situation during the first quarter of this year was marked by mass attacks, including killings, kidnappings and sexual violence.

At least 1,617 people were killed and 580 were injured in violence involving armed gangs, self-defense groups and members of the population, between January and March, the report said. At the same time, 161 kidnappings for ransom were documented, 63% of them in the Artibonite region, where two Kenyan police officers were also killed this year.

Along with the intensification of the violence has also come a shift in which armed groups today rely less on kidnappings and more on their extortion rackets. This has allowed them to further insert themselves within local economies and making it more difficult to dismantle them, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, a Switzerland-based group, said in its latest report examining the recent push by Haitis gangs to expand their territorial control. The gangs impose taxes on all activities, within the territories they control as well as on the countrys main roads, as well as around port or border infrastructures, the report said.

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That has raised questions about how the U.S. intends to arrest gang leaders when they have no troops in country, the future of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission remains uncertain and even the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office isnt active.

Some U.S. officials see the FTO designation as a way to escalate pressure and increase the risk for individuals who support gangs. In theory, it could also make it easier to go after individuals or networks involved in arms trafficking, said Diego Da Rin, a Haiti specialist with the International Crisis Group, which closely monitors the security crisis. But the negatives of an FTO designation often outweigh the positives.

Da Rin, said the designation is a heavily politicized tool thats rarely reversible and has limited coercive effect on actors already outside the law. If the goal is ever to bring gangs into a legal framework, the FTO label makes that far more difficult.

Haitis gang problem, which includes the recruitment of children, is unlikely to be solved through force alone, he said, and at some point will likely require a demobilization process, including exit ramps for minors, something an FTO designation would make difficult.

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FTO designations would also disrupt local violence-reduction efforts, humanitarian aid operations, and even trade, particularly since most access and commerce involves negotiation with gangs, Da Rin added.

Businesses and aid groups in these kinds of situations often over-comply, cutting off operations entirely even if enforcement is limited, due to the severe civil and criminal penalties attached to FTOs, he said.

Since he took office, President Donald Trump has invoked the war-time Alien Enemies Act to go after noncitizens, and has designated six criminal groups from Latin America as foreign terrorist organizations. But both the designation and his broad use of executive authority have come under attack, as Venezuelan nationals targeted as members of the Tren de Aragua gang have no criminal records.

That worries both Da Rin and Johnston, who fear the designation could be used to justify deportations of Haitians or visa denials.

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This seems more about domestic politics and giving the administration a justification to deport upwards of hundreds of thousands of Haitians than about addressing the dire security situation inside Haiti, Johnston said.

Correction: A previous version misspelled Diego Da Rins name, which has been updated.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European allies to commit more resources to Ukraine during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, warning that words are not enough to end Russias war and secure a lasting peace, the State Department reported on May 1.

According to a readout from State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio praised Frances leadership in building support for a peace agreement, but stressed that European partners must step up with real resources and political will if they hope to bring the war to an end.

The meeting comes amid growing concern over Europes ability to fulfill its defense pledges. As reported by the Times on April 30, European nations may struggle to provide even 25,000 troops to a proposed multinational deterrence force for Ukraine, far short of the 64,000 target initially suggested by U.K. defense officials.

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The plan, part of a so-called 'coalition of the willing' led by the U.K. and France, aims to secure postwar stability, rebuild Ukraines military, and deter future Russian aggression.

For now, the U.S. has reportedly offered intelligence and logistics support but has denied a troop commitment. For weeks, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pressed Trump for a formal commitment, warning that U.S. backing is essential to the coalition's viability.

According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy's Ukraine Aid Tracker, Europe has surpassed the U.S. in total aid to Ukraine: 138 billion euros ($157 billion) compared to Washingtons 115 billion euros ($131 billion).

Researchers highlighted several recent European aid packages, including Sweden's largest assistance tranche to date worth $1.6 billion and new support from Germany, the U.K., Norway, and Denmark.

Read also: EU will not recognize Crimea as part of Russia, Kallas says

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Apr. 30An impending ruling will determine if a local bookstore will pay thousands of dollars in fines to code enforcement or be allowed to continue sheltering unhoused people in the store's parking lot in Northeast Albuquerque.

Quirky Used Books has been in an ongoing battle with the Albuquerque Code Enforcement Department since July 2024 for allowing the encampment, which the city says is violating the store's mixed-use zoning codes, after the city received numerous 311 complaints from neighboring businesses and residents.

At the end of an administrative hearing Monday, City Hearing Officer Ripley Harwood said he would review the matter and make a ruling by May 9.

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During the hearing, Andrew Coon, a managing city attorney, argued the store at 120 Jefferson NE, just north of Central, is in violation of the Integrated Development Ordinance, which includes zoning and subdivision regulations to govern land use and development within the city.

The city alleges the store is violating four ordinances in relation to weed and litter, outdoor storage, camps and tents when the store is not classified as a campsite and allowable use.

Prior to the hearing, the city offered a settlement to Quirky Used Books, which would have given the bookstore two weeks to remove all unhoused people from the property.

Bookstore owner Gilliam Kerley and his attorney, Billy Trabaudo, rejected the settlement. Kerley said he plans to appeal if the hearing officer rules in favor of the city, sending the matter to district court.

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"The hearing officer indicated that he did not believe he really had the authority to rule on constitutional issues, but the district court certainly does," Kerley said. "The constitutional issues that we're presenting, including protecting the right of unhoused people to seek and obtain safety and to protect their property ... are issues the district court will be able to review in-depth."

Kerley said the business has had a 50% profit increase from the previous year, but did not say whether that was due to the ongoing legal battle between Quirky Used Books and the city. He added that the bookstore provides water and a restroom for the unhoused people to use, but is not financially at a point to "start directly assisting."

Jude Brunner, a manager at the Firestone Complete Auto Care store just around the corner from Quirky Used Books, said that while the business has not noticed a significant decline in customers, it has affected their ability to do larger jobs because customers are hesitant to leave their vehicles overnight with homeless people milling around Firestone.

Coon said the bookstore owner does "not appear to contest the facts that give rise to the violations."

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He added, "In fact, respondents openly admit in their response to the notice of administrative civil enforcement that they are allowing shelters to be set up on the property."

In response to the city, Quirky Used Books said it is not a camping ground and the city does not know what the unhoused people use or don't use on a daily basis and cannot consider their property rubbish.

Trabaudo argued the bookstore didn't get enough time during the hearing to present its evidence.

Coon stated that if the bookstore applies to become a Safe Outdoor Space, they can continue to allow the encampment, but they must go through the proper avenues and approvals. Kerley said becoming a Safe Outdoor Space requires 24/7 onsite support, which could cost the store hundreds of thousands of dollars.
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen speaks with Matt Foster, Valley Regional Hospital CEO, in front of an MRI machine at the hospital last week. Rural hospital leaders have been telling Shaheen and the rest of New Hampshire's congressional delegation about the impact cuts to Medicaid would have on their operations. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin)

At 16 beds, Colebrooks Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital is the smallest licensed hospital in New Hampshire.

We call it frontier medicine, Tom Mee, CEO of the hospitals parent company, North Country Health, said. Its the lifeblood of health care for that community.

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Situated in rural northern Coos County near the U.S.-Canada border, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital is the only hospital nearby, which makes it vital to the health and well-being of area residents.

When an urban hospital closes or cuts back programs, you just go to the other hospital thats five miles away, Mee said. In our community, youre driving hours.

Thats why Mee and other rural health providers are so afraid of Republican proposals in Washington, D.C., to gut Medicaid, the countrys public health care program for those with low incomes and unique needs. They argue this move would further destabilize an already challenging rural health system.

In early April, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve a resolution outlining the federal budget, an early step in the lengthy federal budgeting process. That outline called for $1.5 trillion in spending cuts to renew President Donald Trumps 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  which his opponents and many economists decry as a tax break for the richest Americans.

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The resolution tasks several legislative committees with cutting different areas of the budget. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has been instructed to cut its portion by about $880 billion over 10 years. While it doesnt explicitly specify these cuts come from Medicaid, the program comprises about $8.2 trillion of the almost $9 trillion the committee can cut from. This means, experts say, it would be impossible to do so without reducing Medicaid or Medicare. Some Republicans have proposed shrinking Medicaid by about a third over 10 years.

If that cut went into effect, an estimated 24 million people receiving Medicaid would lose their health care coverage; 10 million of those would be children. In New Hampshire, thats 60,000 people and 30,000 children. One in 7 New Hampshire residents in total receive Medicaid, and 17.1% of all New Hampshire Medicaid recipients live in Coos County, despite the county comprising roughly 2% of the states population.

North Country challenges

Mee said the country must get past this notion that getting people off Medicaid saves money.

There is no model where, from a taxpayer perspective, taking somebody off the Medicaid rolls is a net positive for the taxpayer, Mee said. In the short term, yeah, it sounds good that weve got somebody off the Medicaid roll or that theyre working, but the flip side of that is that these patients then become uninsured, they dont get preventative health visits in general, and they show up in our ERs months later, sicker than they ever were before.

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Hospitals cannot turn away patients who are unable to pay like most businesses can. They are legally required  through a 1986 law called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act  to provide emergency treatment to all patients who need it regardless of ability to pay. Without Medicaid, more people will be unable to pay. Hospitals are forced to absorb that cost.

Mee called it a long-term drain on the system.

Coos County is the states largest county by area (about 1,800 square miles) and its smallest by population (about 32,000 residents). The county has three hospitals  Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center  all operated by North Country Health. All three are designated as critical access hospitals by the federal government, meaning theyre far enough from any other hospital that the government believes theyre essential to ensure that an area has access to care.

On a perfect day, we can drive about 90 minutes between sites, he said. But on a snowy day, youre talking about real life and death at that point if we have to start cutting back on services.

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Mee said that if these Medicaid cuts go into effect, North Country Health would have to consider doing so. About 15% of North Country Healths patients are on Medicaid, he explained.

I dont lie awake at night worrying about our hospitals closing, he said. But I do worry about whether or not were going to continue to offer the full scope of services that we do today.

He said the first services theyd have to consider eliminating are in womens health, including OB-GYNs and baby deliveries, and behavioral health, including psychiatry and substance use disorder. He said the results would be disastrous.

If were not able to deliver babies in Coos County, pregnant women and neonates will die, he said. Its a fact.

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Mee said the health system has already eliminated every non-essential cost.

Weve already picked all the low-hanging fruit, he said. So if Medicaid reductions, or however it looks, force us to look at it again, then were going to have to look at something a bit more draconian than what weve done in the past.

U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander speaks to Dan Perli, Monadnock Community Hospitals chief medical officer, during a visit to the hospital last week. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin)

U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, who represents the North Country  as well as Nashua, Concord, and the western half of New Hampshire  said shes worried about the viability of rural hospitals like those in the North Country and other rural parts of New Hampshire should these cuts be enacted.

What Im hearing from so many rural hospitals in our state is just how fragile they are, Goodlander said. I mean, theyre operating on the slimmest of margins.

Fears of the trigger law in Peterborough

The congresswoman visited Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, another rural critical access hospital, last week to hear from some of those health care leaders.

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We are really concerned about whats going to happen with Medicaid, Richard Scheinblum, executive vice president and CFO at Monadnock Community Hospital, said.

U.S. Rep Maggie Goodlander (center) speaks to Monadnock Community Hospital leaders in Peterborough on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Cynthia K. McGuire, president and CEO, is at left, and Richard Scheinblum, executive vice president and CFO, is at right. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin)

In New Hampshire, the fear of federal Medicaid cuts is twofold. Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal government and states. New Hampshire has a trigger law on the books mandating that if federal funding for the expanded Medicaid program falls below 90%, the state government will revoke its portion of the funding for about 60,000 of New Hampshires recipients who receive coverage through the 2014 expansion.

If expanded Medicaid blows up, thats between a $1 to $2 million loss to us, Scheinblum said. This figure is per year, he said, and he calculated it by examining figures from before expansion was enacted, factoring in recent market developments and updated variables.

Goodlander said shes spoken with state lawmakers who dont seem to understand what the impact of this trigger law being activated would be.

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Cynthia McGuire, president and CEO at Monadnock Community Hospital, said the hospital isnt sure theyd be able to continue employing the entirety of their current staff with Medicaid cuts. The hospital is one of the largest employers in Peterborough. Additionally, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center are the largest employers in their respective towns.

Scheinblum and McGuire said if these cuts went into effect, like North Country Health, theyd also have to look carefully at downsizing their operations.

What Id hope we could do is look at some alternative revenue sources or some other areas to scale back, Scheinblum said, listing philanthropic grants and donations and partnerships with other hospitals as examples. Everything would be on the table.

They noted that due to their communitys financial support theyre really well positioned compared to other hospitals.

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There are a lot of hospitals in our state that will not survive, Goodlander noted.

The hospital leaders emphasized the importance of critical access hospitals.

Were the last stop, McGuire added. We cant shut our door and say were not going to take care of any more people today. Thats what we are here for.

Uncertainty in Claremont

Matt Foster, president and CEO of Valley Regional Hospital, a critical access hospital in Claremont, said this moment feels like December to January 2020 pre-COVID when somethings coming but youre really not sure how to plan.

He said the hospital has started to think about a contingency plan should these cuts be enacted.

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This has come on so quickly were kind of in the reactive phase, he said. Its like Mike Tyson said, which is, Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.

Foster noted the challenges their community faces: Roughly 15% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About one-third of Claremonts population is on Medicaid.

Finances are like oxygen, he said. Theyre not why were here but theyre necessary for life.

Foster, too, explained that Medicaid would force their hospital to make tough decisions about services, specifically on their payroll.

Were about as efficient as we can be, he said. Theres only so many things you can do that dont rely on (employees).

Officials at Valley Regional Hospital, which is operated by Dartmouth Health, explained that cutting Medicaid keeps people from obtaining preventative care and forces them to go to the emergency department for things that should be handled by a primary care physician. Jocelyn Caple, interim CEO of Valley Regional Hospital, likened it to taking a water balloon, going and squeezing it.

It ends up somewhere else, which is not the most efficient or effective place to pay for it, she said.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen spoke with Foster, Caple, and other Valley Regional Hospital officials during a visit to Claremont last week.

You talk about uncertainty, and one of the challenges that weve had in Washington is also uncertainty, Shaheen said.

Shaheen said shes also concerned about rural New Hampshire hospitals ability to remain solvent amid these cuts. Asked what recourse New Hampshire Medicaid proponents have in the event that the trigger law is enacted, Shaheen, who is a former New Hampshire governor, deflected, noting it is a state-level decision, not within her jurisdiction as a federal lawmaker.

Still, she encouraged constituents to call your legislator, call the governor, call everybody you can think of, and let them know that thats not acceptable.

At the same time as federal lawmakers weigh trimming Medicaid, state lawmakers are also proposing changes to the program in New Hampshire. The state Senate passed a bill  Senate Bill 134  in March requiring people to work in order to receive Medicaid in New Hampshire, and the House approved a plan to charge certain Medicaid recipients premiums and increase the share of prescription costs recipients are responsible for in the budget they passed in April.

Gov. Kelly Ayottes office, which originally proposed the premium and prescription cost plan, and would have to sign off on work requirements for them to be enacted, did not respond to the Bulletins requests for comment about state or federal proposals.
Russian forces have attacked the village of Vasyshcheve in the Kharkiv district with drones, causing a fire on the premises of two civilian businesses.

Source: press service for Ukraine's State Emergency Service

Details: The press service noted that the fire had broken out in industrial and warehouse buildings.

Production equipment, raw materials and cars caught fire over an area of 900 sq m.

Reports indicate no casualties.

Background: On the night of 23-24 April, Russian forces attacked a commercial equipment manufacturing facility in Kharkiv, causing no casualties.

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Russian missile strikes have destroyed the agricultural company Tychenko in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district of Odesa Oblast.

Source: press service for Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC)

Details: The company's entire machinery fleet was destroyed in the attack  including tractors, seeders and harvesting equipment.

The warehouses suffered extensive damage: roofs and storage bunkers were destroyed, making the buildings unusable.

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"The scale of destruction is enormous  almost no property survived. Everything we have built over the years was wiped out in a single night," the company commented.

Early estimates place the companys total losses at over UAH 60 million (about US$1.4 million).

The agricultural company cultivates 630 hectares of farmland and is one of the oblasts key producers.

Background: Russian forces attacked the village of Vasyshcheve in the Kharkiv district with drones, causing a fire on the premises of two civilian businesses.

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The Russians carried out a large-scale drone attack on Odesa on the night of 30 April-1 May 2025. Two people have been killed and five injured in the attack and the search for an elderly couple has been ongoing. Residential buildings, social infrastructure facilities and transport have been damaged.

Source: Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov; Suspilne.Odesa, an Odesa-related branch of the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne; Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration

Details: Around midnight on 30 April, Suspilne correspondents reported that a series of explosions had occurred in the city.

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Quote from Kiper: "The enemy attacked Odesa with UAVs. A lot of damage was done to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings. Some fires have broken out. All the appropriate services are currently dealing with the aftermath of the attack."

Updated: At 03:00, Kiper reported that high-rise buildings, houses, civilian infrastructure and cars had been damaged. Several fires have broken out and firefighters have rushed to the scenes.

Damaged residential building

Photo: Oleh Kiper on Telegram

Quote from Kiper: "Two people were killed and five injured in the strike. Medics are providing all necessary treatment to those who were affected in the attack. Work to deal with the aftermath of the strike is ongoing. Tents are being set up on site to provide additional assistance."

    :   ,  https://t.co/tp38Itc7Qb

: Telegram/  pic.twitter.com/IdYabiDGuB     (@ukrpravda_news) May 1, 2025

Details: An elderly couple lived in one of the damaged residential buildings on the top floor, and they are currently missing.

The scene of the attack

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Photo: Oleh Kiper on Telegram

Firefighters extinguishing fire

Photo: Oleh Kiper on Telegram

Trukhanov said four windows had been shattered in one of the city's schools.

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"Russia must come to the table in good faith," newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on April 30 following a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky congratulated Carney on his April 28 election victory in a phone call earlier on April 30. The two leaders discussed Russia's war and Ukraine's cooperation with Canada's Group of Seven (G7) presidency.

"Ukraine has shown its commitment to peace. Russia must come to the table in good faith," Carney said in a post to social media.

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Ukraine has agreed to a full 30-day unconditional ceasefire and has been engaged in talks with U.S. officials, who have been in talks with Moscow to reach a settlement. Russia has not agreed to a full ceasefire.

"This war must end  and Canada will continue our efforts among allies to bring about freedom, peace, and security for Ukraine," Carney said.

The Canadian leader invited Zelensky to participate in an upcoming G7 meeting hosted by Canada.

"I look forward to welcoming President Zelensky to the G7 in Kananaskis, Alberta, this summer," Carney said.

Prior to being elected on April 28, Carney had been in power for a short period since March 9. Carney came to power when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down and initiated a leadership race for the Liberal Party of Canada.

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"I have no doubt that Canada's leadership in defending international law will continue to be felt," Zelensky said earlier on April 30 following his conversation with Carney.

Carney is reportedly set to travel to the U.S. in the coming days to meet U.S. President Donald Trump amid tariff threats from Washington.

Read also: Trump claims 5,000 Russian, Ukrainian soldiers killed each week. Heres what the numbers say

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Russia and North Korea have described the building of a bridge connecting the two countries as a "significant occasion," strengthening their "friendly relations," Korean state media KCNA reported on May 1.

The 4.7-kilometer (3 miles) road bridge will span the Tumen River and cross the border between Russia and North Korea. The bridge is expected to be completed in 18 months time, with a border checkpoint nearby to facilitate crossings.

"The construction of the motor bridge serves as a significant occasion in adding fresh dynamics to the development of the friendly relations between the two countries," KCNA said.

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North Korea has been one of Russia's staunchest supporters since the full-scale war in Ukraine began. Their economic and military cooperation has only deepened and the two countries ratified a mutual defense treaty in November.

The ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the bridge, which took place on April 30 in Khasan and Rason, Russian and North Korean borderland cities, was attended by high-ranking officials from Pyongyang and Moscow.

During the ceremony, Russian Vice Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev highlighted the bridge as another "road of friendship" between the two nations, Russian state media TASS reported on April 30.

"Today, our relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are growing stronger. This bridge will be another road of friendship," Trutnev said.

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Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also attended the groundbreaking ceremony, calling the project a key step in strengthening relations between the two countries.

Currently, the only link between Russia and North Korea is a railway bridge, and pyair services.

North Korean troops have been fighting alongside Moscow's forces against Ukrainian troops in Russia's Kursk Oblast since December 2024, after Kyiv launched an incursion into the region in August of the same year.

Moscow and Pyongyang officially acknowledged the deployment previously this week, as Ukrainian troops were reportedly forced out of most of the oblast, though Kyiv has said some fighting is still ongoing.

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Pyongyang has deployed some 14,000 troops to Russia, mostly consisting of its special operations unit  the figure includes 3,000 that North Korea sent this year to replenish the casualties taken on the battlefield, the New York Times reported on April 27, citing South Korean officials.

Read also: Kremlin says Russia ready for mass mobilization like in WWII at any moment

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Russian forces have ramped up their operations in the southern part of the Dnipro River island system in Kherson Oblast, aiming to land on Buhaz Island, establish a bridgehead and cross the Dnipro River.

Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Defence Forces of Ukraine's South, on the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The enemy is trying to cross the water barriers and has just opened up a front; let's call it a new one. The front where they've intensified their activity and made several attempts to land in the river area over the past few days is in the south of the Dnipro River island system. In the very south, near the village of Kizomys, there is the island of Buhaz. There, the enemy is trying to land on this island, seize a bridgehead and cross the Dnipro River from the south."

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Details: However, Voloshyn stressed that Russian forces are failing and their attempts are currently fruitless.

"Such incidents happen quite often, but I want to assure you that the Ukrainian defence forces are holding the line and trying to repel all enemy attempts to cross the river," he added.

Background: Defence Forces of Ukraine's South reported that the situation on the Novopavlivka front has escalated significantly, with Russian troops pushing towards the border of Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded by saying Ukraine was ready for peace talks in any format if Moscow signed up to an unconditional ceasefire. Putin has previously welcomed the idea in principle, but said that many issues need to be worked out in practice before such a ceasefire can be agreed.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated

A Russian drone attack on Odesa overnight on May 1 killed two and injured five, with fires reported across the city.

Russia regularly strikes Ukrainian cities with missile and drone attacks as it wages its war against Ukraine. At least three were killed and 70 injured in Russian attacks on April 30.

"Two people died and five others were injured as a result of the strike. Medics are providing all necessary assistance to the victims," regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported.

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Multi-story buildings, houses, and a school were among the sites damaged in the Russian attack on Odesa.

"The enemy attack damaged residential high-rise buildings, private houses, a supermarket, a school, and cars," Kiper reported.

Fires were reported throughout the city, Kiper said, adding that tents have been deployed on the ground to assist in recovery efforts.

"Fires broke out in some places, which our rescuers are extinguishing," Kiper added.

On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a so-called "humanitarian" truce to take place beginning on May 8 in Russia's war against Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Putin's proposal for a short-lived truce and pointed to Russia's strikes on civilian targets as proof that Russia does not want to end its war against Ukraine.

"We value human lives, not parades. Thats why we believe  and the world believes  that there is no reason to wait until May 8," Zelensky said.

The Kremlin has shown signs it is unwilling to move forward on a peace deal with Ukraine. Russian authorities have listed maximalist demands in ceasefire negotiations brokered by the U.S.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms. So far, Moscow has refused.

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Zelensky has repeatedly called for a 30-day ceasefire, saying on April 23, Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kremlin says Russia ready for mass mobilization at any moment

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  A Ukrainian drone attack left at least seven people dead and a Russian strike on Odesa killed two people Thursday, officials said, just hours after Kyiv and Washington signed a long-anticipated agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraines mineral resources.

The attack in the partially occupied Kherson region of southern Ukraine, which struck a market in the town of Oleshky, killed seven and wounded more than 20 people, Moscow-appointed Gov. Vladimir Saldo said.

"At the time of the attack, there were many people in the market, Saldo wrote on Telegram. After the first wave of strikes, he said, Ukraine sent further drones to finish off any survivors.

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Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike on the Black Sea port city of Odesa early Thursday killed two people and injured 15 others, Ukrainian emergency services said.

Regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said the barrage struck apartment buildings, private homes, a supermarket and a school.

Videos shared by Kiper on Telegram showed a high-rise building with a severely damaged facade, a shattered storefront and firefighters battling flames.

A drone struck and ignited a fire at a petrol station in the center of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said.

Following the attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia had ignored a U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire for more than 50 days now.

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There were also our proposals  at the very least, to refrain from striking civilian infrastructure and to establish lasting silence in the sky, at sea, and on land, he said. "Russia has responded to all this with new shelling and new assaults.

Agreement on mineral wealth

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.

Zelenskyy originally proposed such a deal last year as a way of helping secure Ukraine's future by tying it to U.S. interests. Ukrainian officials said previous versions of the accord would have reduced Kyiv to a junior partner and gave Washington unprecedented rights to the countrys resources but that the version signed Wednesday was far more beneficial to Ukraine.

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Zelenskyy said Thursday that the signing of the minerals deal was the first result of the meeting he had with Trump at the Vatican during the popes funeral and called the agreement truly historic.

During his nightly address, he said that, per the signed agreement, there were no debts to be paid from past U.S. aid to Kyiv. He said the agreement will be sent to the parliament to be ratified and that Ukraine was "interested in ensuring that there are no delays with the agreement.

According to Zelenskyy, the agreement is truly equal and creates an opportunity for investments in Ukraine.

This is working together with America and on fair terms, when both the Ukrainian state and the United States, which help us in defense, can earn in partnership, he added.

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Despite that, America's top diplomat highlighted the uncertainty of a larger peace deal that the U.S. is trying to broker between Ukraine and Russia.

Theyre still far apart. Theyre closer, but theyre still far apart," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Fox News Channels Hannity on Thursday night. And its going to take a real breakthrough here very soon to make this possible, or I think the president is going to have to make a decision about how much more time were going to dedicate to this.

Views in Ukraine

Tymofiy Mylovanov, former economy minister and current president of the Kyiv School of Economics, said that despite what he described as unimaginable pressure during negotiations on the minerals deal, Ukraine succeeded in defending its interests.

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This is a huge political and diplomatic win for Ukraine, Mylovanov wrote on Facebook. The deal looks fair.

Mylovanov said the deal does not restrict Kyiv to selling only to American buyers. Instead, he said, the deal recognizes contributions from both sides: Ukraines in the form of revenues from new projects, and the U.S. potentially through military assistance.

Kyiv residents voiced mixed reactions to the newly signed U.S.-Ukraine economic agreement, with many saying they had not yet had time to fully understand the deals implications.

Among those who spoke to The Associated Press about the deal was Diana Abramova, who attended a rally in Independence Square demanding information on missing Ukrainian soldiers. Her father, Valentyn Stroyvans, went missing in combat last year.

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Any news is hard to take  whether its about negotiations or anything else, Abramova said. But I still believe and hope that any action will bring us closer to one thing: Ukraines victory. Only victory.

University lecturer Natalia Vysotska, 74, said she wasnt familiar with the details of the agreement but remained cautiously optimistic.

"I dont know what the terms are  they may not be favorable for Ukraine at all. Still, if it was signed, our experts must have weighed the pros and cons. I hope it will be beneficial.

Others shared a more skeptical view. Iryna Vasylevska, a 37-year-old Kyiv resident, expressed frustration and disillusionment with the broader implications of the deal.

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She told the AP she feels terrible that our land is just a bargaining chip for the rest of the world and that we do not have our own full protection, but rely on someone.

My vision is that instead of strengthening ourselves, we continue to give it all away. I feel sorry for our land and for our people, she said.

Russian reaction to the minerals deal

Reaction to the signing was generally muted in Moscow on Wednesday, a holiday in Russia. But the deputy chair of Russias National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said that Trump had forced Ukraine to effectively pay for American military aid with its mineral resources.

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Now military supplies will have to be paid for with the national wealth of a disappearing country," he claimed in a post on Telegram.

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Russian Civic Chambers commission on sovereignty, told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that Zelenskyy had effectively handed Ukraine over to legally prescribed slavery.

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A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Russia's Defense Ministry reported shooting down eight Ukrainian drones overnight on Sunday. The statement was made on Thursday.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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Morton reported from London.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia forces launched drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia late at night on May 1, killing one person and injuring 28 others, local officials reported.

Russia launched attack drones towards the city, striking targets at least 10 times and causing multiple fires, Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Ivan Fedorov said.

The regional military administration later reported that a 61-year-old man had been killed as a result of the attack.

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Footage of the aftermath of the attacks shows multiple homes as well as a residential building damaged as a result of the attack. Fedorov later reported that a local university as well as an infrastructure facility were damaged in the strike.

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Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported that apartment buildings, an educational institution, and an infrastructure facility were damaged in the attack.

Situated near the front line, Zaporizhzhia, home to approximately 710,000 residents before Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, is frequently targeted by Russian forces.

Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities come as Kyiv has offered a 30-day pause on strikes against civilian areas. Moscow signaled it would take the proposal under consideration, but has continued in its strikes in cities across Ukraine.

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Read also: Trumps peace effort ignores thousands of Ukrainians still tortured in Russian captivity

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -Moscow on Thursday accused Kyiv of attacking a busy market in Russian-controlled southern Ukraine in a drone strike it said had killed at least seven civilians and wounded more than 20, while Kyiv said the attack had killed only military personnel.

Reuters could not verify either side's assertions.

Vladimir Saldo, the region's Russian-installed governor, said the drones had struck a market in the town of Oleshky at around 9.30 a.m. local time on what was a public holiday.

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He and two social media users released videos purporting to show some of the incident. Reuters confirmed the location as Oleshky, but could not independently verify when they were filmed.

One of the videos showed an explosion going off beside one in a group of low-slung buildings. Another video showed at least two bodies lying on the ground beside the structure; it was not possible to tell who they were.

Saldo, posting in the evening on the Telegram messaging app, said emergency crews trying to evacuate the bodies of those killed were coming under new Ukrainian drone attacks.

Vladyslav Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military, said Kyiv had targeted Russian troops in part of Kherson region controlled by Moscow and that only military personnel, and not civilians, had been killed.

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RUSSIA SEEKS CONDEMNATION

Russia's Foreign Ministry called on the international community to condemn what it said was an act of terrorism.

"After the first strikes, which had already resulted in casualties, the enemy launched a second drone raid, during which they mercilessly killed the survivors and attacked the rescuers who had arrived," the ministry said in a statement.

"This is yet another bloody war crime."

Local Russian-installed official Sergei Cherevko said around 30 Ukrainian drones had struck the market in four different attack waves, according to state media.

Cherevko alleged Ukrainian forces had used cluster munitions against ambulances gathering at the scene and said two people had been killed - contradicting the death toll of seven given by Saldo and the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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Reuters has requested clarification from Saldo.

In the Russian-occupied part of eastern Donetsk region, Moscow-appointed governor Denis Pushilin said one person had been killed and eight injured from improper handling of explosives after Ukrainian forces had shelled different areas.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of targeting civilians in the course of the war, now well into its fourth year, something both sides deny.

Civilian casualties have been far higher on the Ukrainian side. Russian strikes last month which Moscow said were aimed at military targets killed 19 people in the city of Kryvyi Rih, 35 in Sumy and 12 in the capital Kyiv, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to "STOP!"

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Rodion Miroshnik, a special ambassador for Russia's Foreign Ministry, called the strike on Oleshky a "monstrous atrocity" that made a mockery of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's talk about peace.

Ukraine says it wants a ceasefire of at least 30 days to open the way for talks on securing a just peace. Russia has not agreed to such a truce, but Putin has unilaterally announced a three-day ceasefire next week and the Kremlin says he is open to direct talks with Kyiv.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn, Mark Trevelyan, Philippa Fletcher, Ron Popeski and Diane Craft)
The number of Russian airstrikes with guided bombs on Ukrainian defence positions and populated areas rose in April.

Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence

Details: Ukraine's Defence Ministry reported that Russian aircraft dropped over 5,000 guided aerial bombs on Ukrainian positions and frontline settlements in April. More than 1,200 of them  about a quarter  targeted Ukrainian defence positions in Russias Kursk Oblast.

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Previously: In 2024, Russian forces used about 40,000 guided aerial bombs. Since the beginning of 2025, Russian warplanes have dropped more than 15,000 guided bombs.

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On 1 May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation issued a statement claiming that Moscow "will never allow" the restoration of Ukraines territorial integrity within its internationally recognised 1991 borders.

Source: statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry

Details: The statement repeated accusations against Ukraine and Western countries, alleging so-called "cannibalistic intentions" to "destroy everything Russian".

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Quote: "It is absolutely clear that behind the futile and unfounded demands by the Kyiv regime and its supporters in the West for the so-called restoration of Ukraine within the 1991 borders lies a cannibalistic instinct to annihilate everything Russian.

It is clear that Russia will never allow such a scenario to be implemented."

Background:

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(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department is investigating a critical incident on Wednesday evening.

According to SPD, the incident happened at the 29th Street light rail station at around 5:45 p.m., causing some traffic for commuters.

Police investigate a police involved shooting in Manteca

As crews are working to learn more about what happened, the light rail service on the gold and blue lines has been impacted, officials said.

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Authorities said that a bus bridge has been put in place on the blue line between Broadway and Cathedral Square and the gold line between Sacramento Valley and Power Inn stations.

Officials are asking those who use the lines to get to their destinations to check the Alert SacRT app for service updates.

SacRT said, We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our riders patience and understanding.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego International Airport is preparing for potential delays as the REAL ID enforcement deadline approaches on May 7th.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines at the airport are expected to be longer due to the new requirement, which mandates that travelers 18 and older must present a Real ID-compliant license or identification card to board domestic flights.

The California DMV has been urging travelers to begin the application process online to avoid last-minute rushes, and offices across the state have been opening even on weekends to handle last-minute applicants.

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Our DMV offices are going to be very busy, said Eva Spiegel, California DMV Deputy Director of Public Affairs, highlighting the expected increase in demand for REAL IDs.

Heres what happens if you dont have a REAL ID

Nicole Hall, Public Information Officer at San Diego International Airport, advised travelers to plan ahead, check your ID, and make sure that you have a compliant ID as well as plan to arrive early.

To accommodate the anticipated demand for REAL IDs, DMV locations in San Marcos, Poway, El Cajon, and Clairemont will have extended hours, with the Poway DMV open all day on Saturdays.

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Travelers who have a REAL ID appointment and upload certain documents to the DMV website before their appointment can expect the process to take about 30 minutes once inside an office, according to Eva Spiegel.

REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the upper right corner and contain other security measures. If your ID lacks this marking, it is not compliant.

The San Diego International Airport will have extra staff on duty on May 7th to assist travelers and answer questions.

Travelers can still use passports and other forms of federal government ID if they do not have a REAL ID.

The airport is encouraging travelers to visit the TSAs website to ensure they have the proper documents before heading to the airport.

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With the Real ID enforcement deadline looming, San Diego International Airport and the DMV are taking steps to manage the expected increase in demand and ensure travelers are prepared.

Passengers are advised to check their IDs and plan for additional time at the airport to avoid delays.

All facts from this article were gathered by FOX 5/KUSI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by FOX 5/KUSI staff.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  A Santa Fe man accused of killing his wife and abusing a child will remain behind bars until his trial. On Wednesday, a judge granted pretrial detention, saying 47-year-old Servando Lujan-Castillo is a threat to the community.

Teen given max sentence after hitting and killing Albuquerque bicyclist

New Mexico State Police said he got into an argument with his wife, 46-year-old Minerva Marquez Dominguez, earlier this month. Officers reported to the scene and found Marquez with a stab wound, fighting for her life. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Dominguez died at the scene.

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She was babysitting a child who witnessed the tragedy, resulting in a charge of child abuse in addition to first-degree murder.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  Santa Fe city leaders are uncertain about how tariffs and layoffs from Donald Trumps Administration will impact Santa Fes economy. Mayor Alan Webber is taking caution during the process of creating the citys upcoming budget. This year, we are in good shape with a lot of uncertainty, said Mayor Alan Webber, City of Santa Fe.

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Webber is taking a look at the numbers going into fiscal year 2026. Its a pretty conservative budget. Its pretty tight, said Webber.

Webber is suggesting that departments limit new programs and avoid new spending. The uncertainty, of course, is whats coming out of Washington, D.C. We just dont know what to expect, said Webber.

With concerns over the tariffs and increased layoffs from the federal government, he wondered how it would impact local employment. Mayor Webber is also worried about a recession and what it could mean for a key source of revenue for the city. Weve had a number of economists predicting that its more likely now than before with some of the moves that have come out of Washington, D.C., that well end up seeing a recession, and that could obviously put a real crimp in our the amount of gross receipts tax we receive, said Webber.

Mayor Webber has high expectations for how this tax will fund current budget items. Well get a slight uptick in our gross receipts revenues, and thatll be able to fund the plans we have in the budget, said Webber.

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Its a budget carefully crafted through multiple hearings with city councilors and department heads to meet the citys needs. While you might think its mostly about numbers, and there is a part of it that involves numbers, theres a lot of it that involves just discussion about city priorities, said Webber.

Its a balancing act. The budget is a plan for delivering the highest level of service that our finances will permit, said Webber.

The council will vote on the final budget proposal in an upcoming meeting. From there, it will go to the state government for a final seal of approval.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Sgt. Bill Hooser, the Santaquin officer killed in the line of duty last year, was honored in the Annual Utah Police Memorial Service on Thursday where his name was engraved on the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial Wall.

According to the Santaquin Police Department, it closed its office to the public for most of the day so officers could attend the ceremony at the Utah State Capitol.

EXCLUSIVE: Wife of Sgt. Hooser speaks out for the first time

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Officers, family, friends, and leaders attended the annual event where they held flag ceremonies, a service with bagpipes, and a rifle salute in honor of the 150 officers who have been killed in the line of duty in Utah, according to the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial.

This year, the event fell just days before the anniversary of Hoosers death, and his name was engraved on the Honor Wall as part of the ceremony.

Were here to honor 149 names on this wall, this year sadly were going to add another name, said Maureen Benson, vice president of Utah Law Enforcement Memorial. Each name on this wall is a hero.

On May 5, 2024, Hooser was killed by a semi-truck after initiating a traffic stop. The driver, now identified as Michael Aaron Jayne  allegedly fled from police before making a U-turn into Hooser.

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Bill Hoosers wife, Kinda Hooser, gave an emotional speech at the ceremony, reflecting on his memory and the past year without him.

Its hard to believe Im standing here almost one year after Bill was taken from us. I cant quite put into words how hard its been without him here. I often think about everything hes missed out on in such a short amount of time, she said.

The Santaquin community is honoring Hooser by wrapping city trees with blue ribbons. The tribute was done last year after his death, and the department asked for community help to do so again for the anniversary. The ribbons are still available for pickup at the police department on Thursday and Friday, despite the offices partial closure.

If you decide to participate in wrapping a tree with a blue ribbon, the department asks that you remove it after National Police Week, which ends on May 17.

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In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Words alone cannot convey the depth of appreciation I feel for the unwavering love and support that has helped my family and I through our darkest days. From the state level down to our beloved town of Santaquin, my heart will always belong to you, Kinda Hooser said.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  With the amount of scams out there, it can be hard to keep track of which ones to watch out for.

Thats why FOX4 compiled a list of local and national scams that you should be aware of. These are the scams to watch out for in 2025:

A new text scam is circulating in Missouri.

Scammers claim to be with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), saying you owe money for a traffic ticket.

Missouri Department of Transportation warns of text scam

Whether its a toll fee or traffic fee, if youre getting texts posing as the Missouri Department of Transportation urging you to pay now, thats a scam, a spokesperson for the department told FOX4. MoDOT will never solicit to pay a toll or traffic fee.

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Do not click these links and report any texts you receive, the department advised.

Read more about this scam here.

The Excelsior Springs Police Department issued a scam alert in a Facebook post  urging cell phone users to avoid any texts or calls from individuals impersonating U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Police said the caller claims that theyve intercepted a package addressed to you in an attempt to scare or trick you.

If you receive a call like this, HANG UP immediately, the police department said on Facebook. Do NOT provide any personal information.

Read more about this scam here. Para la traduccion al espanol, haga clic aqui.

Most recently, Leavenworth County officials are warning residents of a phone scam.

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Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said scam callers posing as members of the sheriffs office are falsely claiming that residents have a warrant for missing jury duty.

These scams can look very convincing, Thompson said. The caller uses a number that appears to be from Tonganoxie and pretends to be from the sheriffs office, claiming theres a warrant for your arrest over missed jury duty.

He said you should always verify independently before responding to such calls. To verify, you can call the Leavenworth County Sheriffs Office at 913-724-1313.

You can read more about this scam here.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) warned Kansans of this scam back in September 2024.

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After nearly a year of warning travelers about the nationwide fraudulent texting scam, the KTA is once again urging Kansans to be extremely cautious if they receive a text message about unpaid tolls.

We do not send unsolicited text messages about tolls, said Donnell Brown, KTAs Senior Customer Service Manager. A person only receives a text if they have a DriveKS account and have signed up for text notifications in their account preferences. Then, the person is required to login to their DriveKS account to view their statement and/or pay a bill.

The texts urge quick action to avoid a penalty and includes a link or URL to a fake website that mimics the DriveKS toll payment site, or another toll payment site located elsewhere in the U.S.

The KTA said these fraudulent texts (and instant messages) are being sent to random phone numbers with no regard to actual use of a toll road or ownership of a vehicle.

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Kansans who receive an unsolicited text message suggesting it is from KTA, the Kansas Department of Transportation (who does not collect tolls for any roadway) or another toll agency, should NOT click the link.

Please report the text to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

If payment information has been provided on a fraudulent web site, individuals are urged to contact their bank or credit card company immediately.

More information is available on the KTAs website.

Previous coverage

The Missouri Department of Revenue in April warned Missourians of ongoing nationwide text scams.

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These texts are often threatening, claiming to be from the Missouri Department of Revenue or Department of Motor Vehicles, and often include a warning regarding unpaid traffic violations, outstanding toll charges or fines owed.

The department said in April that it had received a large increase in calls reporting these phishing texts.

You can read more about this scam here.

Leavenworth, Kansas, officials in April warned residents of a viral social media scam.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said scammers are falsely claiming that a female police officer is missing in Leavenworth.

The fraudulent post claims officials are looking for help finding a 27-year-old officer. The post further states the officers vehicle was located last night with her daughter inside and that the officer may be in grave danger.

Officials said Facebook users across the country may have noticed the post circulating on various Facebook neighborhood groups.

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The Leavenworth County Attorneys Office is asking the community to remain vigilant and to rely on official sources for information regarding missing persons or public safety alerts.

Read more about this scam here.

The Johnson County Sheriffs Office said in April that a caller posing as Deputy Lewis has been leaving messages on voicemails, urging citizens to return a call regarding legal matters.

If you get a call from the phone number 660-242-5181, be advised that this number is not associated with the sheriffs office.

If youre not sure whether its genuinely law enforcement reaching out, you can call the sheriffs office dispatch line at 660-747-5511 to verify if a deputy is trying to contact you.

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Read more about this scam here.

The Cass County Health Department in March warned residents about a scam targeting Medicare recipients.

Scammers posing as health department employees are attempting to steal personal information by claiming that they need Medicare details for verification or updated records, county officials said. These scammers are using phone calls to trick victims into providing sensitive information, which can then be used for fraudulent purposes  including identity theft and unauthorized Medicare claims.

The Cass County Health Department said it will never call to request Medicare numbers without a scheduled appointment with a patient.

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For more information, you can contact 816-380-8425.

To learn more about this scam, click here.

Leavenworth County officials in February warned residents about a scam targeting family members of inmates.

County Attorney Todd Thompson told FOX4 that the scammers have been calling family members of people who have recently appeared in court, or who have been listed as inmates on the Leavenworth County Sheriffs Offices online booking log.

The scammer will tell the victim that the court has a smaller bond payment available to release their loved one.

In this case, the caller explained a $4,500 fee would be used for an ankle bracelet, when the original bond was set at $50,000. Thompson said the caller in this case was using a ghost phone number and that they were asking for the victims banking information.

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This was the first time Thompson or anyone in Leavenworth County had heard of the scheme.

To learn more about this scam and how to protect yourself, click here.

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SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  A few welcome showers are moving across the region this morning, including the Sioux Falls area. Since the 7 day forecast is mainly dry, take what rain you can get today and early tomorrow.

On radar, the shower coverage has been better across northeastern SD. More scattered rain should develop in western SD this afternoon.

Here are some of the regional rain totals as of 7am.

Highs yesterday reached the 70s in much of eastern KELOLAND, with cooler 60s in the west.

Keep an eye to the sky for scattered rain chances today with hourly temperatures holding the mid and upper 60s in Sioux Falls today.

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On Futurecast, you can see more development in western South Dakota later today. Most of the scattered rain will end tonight as this weather system departs to the east. Expect highs again in the 60s on Friday with a blend of sun and clouds. We still expect some 30s for lows Saturday morning, but milder weather is on the way for the rest of the weekend.

A storm system to our southwest will move closer to KELOLAND early next week. Right now, we are keeping our rain chances for the far southwest at the end of the 7 day forecast. It may be harder for rain to move toward our East River counties, however. Well keep a close watch on the pattern into early May.

Here are the details of the forecast.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
All students and staff at a school in Baldwin Park evacuated on Thursday as police dealt with a person barricaded in the front office, authorities confirmed.

The incident began at Olive Middle School at about 9:45 a.m. The Baldwin Park Police Department told KTLA that they received a report of a female staff member causing a disturbance in the main office.

School officials then evacuated classrooms, bringing staff and students to nearby Walnut Elementary, where they remained safe.

Students at Baldwin Middle School in Baldwin Park are seen waiting at a nearby school after their school was evacuated following a disturbance on May 1, 2025. (KTLA) Students at Baldwin Middle School in Baldwin Park are seen waiting at a nearby school after their school was evacuated following a disturbance on May 1, 2025. (KTLA)

Images from Sky5 showed SWAT officers outside the office. Its not yet clear if the woman inside was armed or what she did to provoke the SWAT response.

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No additional details were immediately made available.

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LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Examiner)  Lawmakers gave wide final approval Wednesday to two measures designed to shrink the states looming budget deficit by $136 million, the Nebraska Examiner reports.

The two bills are Legislative Bill 650, from State Sen. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, related to trimming business incentives, and LB 645, from State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, related to scaling back school retirement contributions based on how well funded the pension plan is.

LB 650 passed 40-7. LB 645 passed 45-2.

Tax incentives pared back

LB 650 from von Gillern, who chairs the Legislatures Revenue Committee, would reduce or defund various tax incentives with savings this biennium, including:

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Buyer-based exemption for construction contractors to purchase materials tax-free if appointed to do so by a client ($12.9 million).

Credit for retailers collecting sales taxes (reduced, $11.7 million savings).

Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Act for local businesses producing renewable chemicals (defunded after 2025, $8.5 million savings).

Nebraska Relocation Incentive Act offering tax incentives for relocation expenses (reduced, $8 million savings).

Nebraska Advantage Rural Development Act for individuals or companies that increase economic activities intended to benefit rural Nebraska (reduced, $6.8 million savings).

Nebraska Biodiesel Tax Credit Act for retail dealers who sell and dispense biodiesel at a taxpayers retail gas station (reduced, $1 million savings).

Creating High Impact Economic Futures (CHIEF) Act for charitable contributions to community assistance or services helping to alleviate areas of chronic economic distress (defunded after 2025, $900,000 savings).

Nebraska Shortline Rail Modernization Act to offset railroad infrastructure maintenance and capital improvements for Class III railroads (reduced, $500,000 savings).

Food donation income tax credit for grocery stores, restaurants or agricultural producers that donate food to a food bank, food pantry or food rescue (defunded after 2025, $500,000 savings).

Cast and Crew Nebraska Act for qualifying film companies, productions and actors (defunded after 2025, $500,000 savings).

Reverse Osmosis System Tax Credit Act for the one-time installation of a reverse osmosis system at a taxpayers primary residence (reduced, $250,000 savings).

Urban Redevelopment Act designed to grow small businesses and generate investment in Nebraskas urban cores (defunded after 2025, $101,000 savings).

Bill advances to slow annual increases to Nebraska minimum wage

School retirement changes

LB 645 from Ballard, who chairs the Legislatures Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee, would reduce annual contributions to the states school retirement pension plan  for all employees outside Omaha Public Schools, who have a separate retirement plan  depending on the actuarial funding level of the pension plan. The school plan is currently 99.91% funded.

The state currently gives 2% of statewide payroll for employees covered under the plan. School employees contribute 9.78% of their monthly payroll, while school districts match that at 9.88% of the eligible employees in their district.

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Under the amended LB 645, contribution rates would change each July 1 for all three groups depending on whether the plan is:

Less than 96% funded (employees 9.75%, employers 9.85%, state 2%).

Between 96% and 98% funded (employees 8.75%, employers 8.84%, state 0.7%).

Between 98% and 100% funded (employees 8%, employers 8.08%, state 0.7%).

100% funded or more (employees 7.25%, employers 7.32%, state 0%).

Multiple senators said the tiered system could offer a cushion in hard economic times.

Teachers and other school employees could see an immediate take-home pay increase, and school districts could have a property tax reduction. However, if the plans funding level falls, closing the gap would fall back to the state, employees and school districts.

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Ballard, at the urging of State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, earlier this week put in language to LB 645 protecting the states continued contributions of 2% of payroll for Omaha Public Schools employees to the separate district retirement plan each year. That amendment also said it isnt the Legislatures intent to pick up any financial responsibility or liability for the OPS pension, which the state now manages.

Budget impacts

With the passage of LB 650 and LB 645, and with Gov. Jim Pillens expected support  he included both measures in his January budget proposal  the states projected budget deficit would fall by $136 million. The state also would save $187.24 million in the following two-year budget cycle, based on current projections.

Lawmakers still would need to find $259.4 million over the next two weeks to balance the budget and meet a statutorily required reserve limit, according to estimates from the Legislative Fiscal Office.

Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Cate Folsom for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. Follow Nebraska Examiner on Facebook and X.

This story was republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

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POTTSVILLE  Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas judges and other officials on Thursday announced the launch of the new Wellness Court, a program for people with mental health diagnoses and veterans facing criminal charges.

Debra Todd, chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, joined the delegation in a packed courtroom at the Schuylkill County Courthouse for a presentation of the countys latest treatment court. The Wellness Court, which officially launched Thursday, is a diversionary program addressing mental health and substance use challenges affecting people involved in the criminal court system.

Andreah White, treatment court coordinator, presented an overview of the programs goals and structure. She stressed the court aims to promote rehabilitation and not focus solely on punishing people, especially those with mental illness.

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The goal  is servicing and catering to individuals needs, your mental health, recovery, White said. And we want to make sure that youre addressing those issues and that you can live a productive, non-criminal-involved life. Its rehabilitation instead of punishment.

Participants in the treatment court program are given a set of goals to complete in a 20-month period, White said.

If you complete the program successfully, your charges will be dismissed, she said.

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Treatment Court Coordinator Andreah White introduces the Schuylkill County Wellness & Veterans Court inside the Schuylkill County Courthouse in Pottsville Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Treatment Court Coordinator Andreah White introduces the Schuylkill County Wellness & Veterans Court inside the Schuylkill County Courthouse in Pottsville Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Debra Todd, center, attends the introduction of the Schuylkill County Wellness & Veterans Court inside the Schuylkill County Courthouse in Pottsville, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Treatment Court Coordinator Andreah White introduces the Schuylkill County Wellness & Veterans Court inside the Schuylkill County Courthouse in Pottsville Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Treatment Court Coordinator Andreah White introduces the Schuylkill County Wellness & Veterans Court inside the Schuylkill County Courthouse in Pottsville Thursday, May 1, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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White said any Schuylkill County resident, 18 or older, diagnosed with the Axis 1 class of mental disorders according to DSM-5  which includes schizophrenia, bipolar, anxiety and eating disorders  is eligible for the program.

White said the wellness court also includes a veterans track, dealing with those suffering from veteran-related diagnoses.

Those facing certain charges, she said, are excluded from the wellness court. These include voluntary homicide, DUI, felony violence and assault by a prisoner, White said.

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While the district attorney has the ultimate discretion over who can be involved, she said, the court will consider everyone on a case-by-case basis.

Todd, who became Pennsylvanias first female chief justice in 2022, spoke about the need for treatment court programs across Pennsylvania. In the past decade, she said, the state has seen 37 such programs in 19 counties grow to 130 in 60 counties.

The work that you are doing here is a testament to the commitment and dedication you have to the people of Schuylkill County and to your treatment court program, but most importantly, to the participants, Todd said. It takes innovation, teamwork and strong judicial leadership to achieve success on addressing some of the most difficult issues we face in our communities, and we are incredibly proud of your efforts here in Schuylkill County.

The number of defendants with serious, untreated mental illnesses in the criminal justice system has drastically increased in recent years. The traditional court processes have proven to be unsuccessful in changing the outcomes for many of these individual defendants.

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Todd said the states first drug court was established in 1997, in Philadelphia. Since then, the treatment court movement has expanded significantly and led to the introduction of other categories, such as DUI, mental health and veterans.

Todd also noted the success of Schuylkill Countys drug treatment court, which launched in 2017 and is run by Judge James P. Goodman.

She said that treatment courts lead to lower recidivism rates and allow inspiring stories of rehabilitation and recovery.

Counties across Pennsylvania are actively engaged in offering programs and support to individuals and families in need of services that can only be provided through specialized treatment court programs, Todd said.

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Schuylkill County President Judge Jacqueline L. Russell described the extensive collaboration and effort involved in establishing the Wellness Court.

We all know that we have people who get wrapped up in the criminal justice system who just shouldnt be involved in the system, Russell said, because they have mental illness, theyve been involved in the military and have problems related to military involvement. We are hoping for great success.

Russell credited Elaine Gilbert, head of the countys Mental Health and Development Services office, with planting the seed for the Wellness Court through her initial idea for an assisted outpatient treatment system.

In addition to the county judges, the local magisterial district judges, Schuylkill County commissioners and state representatives attended the presentation.

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C.J. Begansky, chief probation officer, described the treatment court as well overdue for Schuylkill County. He said the team that established the court was composed of several people from different offices and organizations.

Theres so many people with co-occurring issues, he said. This is a massive step in the right direction.  (The Adult Probation Office) supervises over 2,100 people in the county, and a lot of them deal with mental health.
SCIENCE HILL, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Science Hill man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch investigation into child sexual abuse material.

State police said in a news release that Ricky Bumgardner, 44, was arrested after an undercover investigation.

RELATED l Pulaski County man accused of uploading child sexual abuse material online

According to a news release, the investigation began when authorities allegedly found Bumgardner uploading sexually explicit images of juveniles to one of his accounts on social media.

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Equipment used to upload the images was allegedly found at his residence in Science Hill on Tuesday. The equipment was seized and taken to the KSP forensic laboratory for examination.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Bumgardner was charged with three counts of promoting a minor under age 16 in a sexual performance, as well as 20 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12. The former charge is a class B felony and could carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison, and the latter charge is a class C felony punishable by five to 10 years, KSP said.

He was lodged in the Pulaski County Correctional Center on Tuesday.

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The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation remains ongoing.

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New evidence has emerged about the connection between air pollution and neurological issues.

Given the findings, researchers recommend that communities incorporate brain health into clean air strategies to improve the health of people of all ages and backgrounds.

What's happening?

As News Medical Life Sciences reported, recent epidemiological and experimental studies show the impacts of air pollution on adverse neurological outcomes.

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Studies show that exposure to polluted air is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, depression, anxiety, impaired decision-making, and poor cognitive functioning. Pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds disrupt the blood-brain barrier and impact brain health.

There is a profound effect on children and adolescents during critical growth periods. Air pollution can lead to reduced attention span, and it's been found to increase the risk of learning disabilities, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young people, per Harvard University.

In older adults, chronic air pollution is associated with greater risks of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. Elderly populations living in places with severe air pollution, such as Los Angeles and Beijing, are at heightened risk of hospital admissions for strokes and slowed cognitive performance.

Why is the link between air pollution and brain health important?

The more studies that directly link air pollution to human health risks, the more likely people will take action to make our air cleaner.

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Governments and regulatory bodies in some countries have established strict air quality standards and regulations for emissions. However, lower-income countries often have weaker regulatory frameworks  while their population centers continue to grow rapidly.

Once brain damage occurs, it is often not reversible, and people must learn to live with serious diseases and reduced mental capacities. Other studies have tied poor air quality to higher suicide rates.

The air we breathe impacts our physical and mental health, and we are only beginning to recognize the damage caused by living in a toxic atmosphere. Unfortunately, air pollution is also worsening as our planet gets warmer because of the changing climate.

What can I do to protect myself from air pollution?

Fortunately, there are small daily steps you can take to lower your air pollution risks as well as larger lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your contributions to pollution.

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For example, it helps to get a HEPA filter or air purifier to clean the air inside your home, especially during high-pollution times or when wildfire smoke is present. N95 and P100 masks can help protect your lungs and overall health from toxic pollution when you must be outside.

In the long term, you can drive gas-powered cars less or switch to an electric vehicle for personal transportation. Similarly, shopping for secondhand goods helps put your money toward sustainability and reuse instead of perpetuating a high-consumption culture that requires the constant production of new products in polluting factories.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
For over a century, astronomers have wondered if there's an extra planet in our Solar System that we haven't been able to detect yet. It seems like we get another "Planet Nine" candidate  formerly known as Planet X, before Pluto was demoted  every few years, and none have been confirmed. But the possibility has never quite been put to bed, either.

Now, an international team of researchers have made a new detection that they say could be a sign of a hidden world  by, poetically, unearthing what went overlooked in very old data.

Their findings, reported in a study accepted for publication in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, suggest that the elusive planet could be up to five to ten times the mass of Earth, and is so far out in the Solar System that it takes 10,000 years to orbit the Sun.

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"It is pretty amazing to think that something as big as Neptune could be sitting out there and no one would have ever noticed it," Gary Bernstein, an astronomer at the University of Pennsylvania who was not involved in the study, told Science. "But if you put it far enough away, it gets fainter and fainter very fast."

One of the strongest hints of an undiscovered planet lies in the Kuiper Belt, a disc of icy objects beyond the orbit of Neptune that's home to comets and dwarf planets like Pluto. According to Planet Nine truthers, the unusually clustered orbits of some of the objects there, including the dwarf planet Sedna, can be conveniently explained by the existence of a stealthy world pulling their gravitational strings.

If there is a planet lurking out there, it should reflect some sunlight that we could detect. For their study, the researchers focused on invisible light, using two infrared surveys of the night sky that were conducted 23 years apart. That extreme time gap, Science notes, would allow them to see a distant, slow-moving object like what Planet Nine is thought to be, represented as a pair of dots  one of its position before, one after.

From there, the team identified thirteen candidate dot pairs which showed positioning consistent with a moving planet. One of the pairs had the same color and brightness, suggesting that both of the dots were from the same object. This, the researchers argue, could be our mysterious undiscovered world.

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"I felt very excited," lead author Terry Long Phan, an astronomer at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, told Science. "It's motivated us a lot."

But others in the field are skeptical. The detected signals are extremely faint and could be random noise or another object. And we could be jumping the gun on those suspicious Kuiper Belt orbits, because we have limited observations of the objects that reside there.

"It would be really cool if there was some kind of pattern there," Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina, told Science. "But I am not convinced, with current data, that you can't just go with the simplest explanation."



Planet Nine or no Planet Nine, we'll soon have a chance to get a closer look than ever with the launch of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile this year, which astronomers anticipate will reveal tens of thousands of objects in the Kuiper Belt.

More on space: Scientists Intrigued by Glowing Cloud Near Our Solar System
Ocean scientists have been utilizing satellite technology to provide a clearer look at the plankton that form the foundation of aquatic ecosystems. What they're finding, according to The New York Times, is that the changing environment is threatening these tiny organisms, and therefore threatening the entire food chain.

What's happening?

Phytoplankton are microscopic marine organisms that use photosynthesis to create energy. They produce a significant amount of the planet's oxygen, and they also serve as the primary food source for zooplankton, the ocean's tiniest animals. Zooplankton are a critical marine food source themselves, feeding everything from shrimp to fish to seabirds  all the way up to blue whales, the biggest animals on the planet.

Because plankton are so foundational to the food chain, tracking them is crucial for understanding the state of the ocean's ecosystems. With the help of NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem satellite, researchers can now do that more effectively and more efficiently, per the Times.

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The PACE satellite measures the entire spectrum of visible light (and a bit beyond), allowing scientists to observe the density and diversity of the ocean's phytoplankton. Combining this information with local observations, they're able to accurately track phytoplankton like never before.

"We're just trying to make this seamless," University of California, San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography biological oceanographer Clarissa Anderson said, "so you can go from that satellite view and drill down all the way to the very near shore: What's happening at my pier? What's happening at my dock?"

PACE satellite observations have featured a few alarming trends. Open-ocean phytoplankton seem to be declining, while huge blooms of the organisms in certain areas are disrupting ecosystems and economies. It's believed that these shifting plankton patterns are connected to rising ocean temperatures.

Why is tracking plankton important?

Phytoplankton are among the most abundant organisms on the planet. They essentially provide food to every ocean animal. A crisis with them could spell disaster for ecosystems around the planet.

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The connection between life on dry land and the state of the ocean is a lot stronger than many realize. Not only do more than 3 billion people depend on seafood for sustenance, according to the World Wildlife Fund, but EarthSky also reported that the ocean creates 50-80% of the planet's oxygen. The main producer of that oxygen? Phytoplankton.

Tracking phytoplankton allows researchers to see the impacts of the changing environment on the world's oceans. It also allows scientists and others to better predict the activity of marine life, as it tends to follow plankton.

What's being done to protect the oceans?

Research to track phytoplankton is just one example of human efforts to protect the oceans. There are many more.

For example, Netherlands-based nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup has removed 17 million pounds of plastic trash and counting from the Pacific Ocean. The company is utilizing drone technology to improve its methods, too.

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If you want to protect the oceans, reducing plastic use is a great start. Upgrading to solar in your home is another option.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CNNs MAGA pundit Scott Jennings was accused of being a Donald Trump shill so that he could secure favors from the president, like hitching a ride on Air Force One.

During a heated discussion on Wednesdays edition of Newsnight with Abby Phillip, former GOP operative Ana Navarro lost her cool after Jennings downplayed the presidents autocratic tendencies.

Donald Trump campaigned on being the retribution, right? That was actually a word he used, said Navarro. He campaigned on the fact he was going to be a dictator. Guess what? Hes living up to what he promised, to [deliver] retribution and to act as a dictator.

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Oh, come on. Come on, Ana. He did not promise to be a dictator, Jennings responded, brushing off his co-panelists insistence that those were his exact words.

You still dont get it. All these months later, the left still doesnt get it, he added, shooting a knowing glance at the camera for approval.

But Navarro shot back: Listen, Im not going to shill for him, even if it doesnt get me a ride on Air Force One.

During an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity in December 2023, Trump said he would be a dictator for day one only.

I love this guy, Trump said of Hannity at the time. He says, Youre not going to be a dictator, are you? I said: No, no, no, other than day one. Were closing the border and were drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, Im not a dictator.

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Elsewhere on Newsnight, Jennings was accused of being a Photoshop denier over his attempts to defend Trumps insistence that doctored images that showed wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia sporting MS-13 tattoos were the real thing.

Navarro asked Jennings: Are you saying the MS-13 that Donald Trump claims are legitimate tattoos on this guy are true? Are you saying the Photoshop

Are you a tattoo truther? Jennings interjected. I mean, I dont understand.

Are you a Photoshop denier? Navarro hit back, before the conversation was shut down by host Abby Phillip.

Jennings briefly appeared onstage at a Trump rally in Michigan on Wednesday night to mark the presidents first 100 days in office, where he was thanked by Trump for defending me all the time on CNN.

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Addressing the crowd assembled in Warren, Trump said of Jennings: We have a man here that, I dont know, but hes defending me all the time on CNN, and he defends me really well, but he cant go too far, because if he goes too far, hell get fired.

President Donald Trump invited Jennings onstage while holding a rally in Michigan on April 30th / Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters

I said, youre amazing. You can take it right to the edge, and he really does a good job. Hes not allowed to go any further. He would be off. You know, he really went totally crazy, which hed like to do. But I think hes terrific. Scott Jennings, Trump continued, before inviting him onstage.

Jennings kept his appearance brief, and used his limited time on the mic to flub a joke about owning libs.

He told the crowd: We were flying in here today, and I said, look at these farms. I got to get a farm in Michigan, 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.

Trump added: Come here, Scott. Oh. CNN, this is the end of Scott. Who cares? Dont worry, well take care of you, Scott. Scott Jennings, hes really great.
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sean "Diddy" Combs confirmed on Thursday that he rejected prosecutors' offer for a plea deal, paving the way for the hip-hop mogul to go to trial next week on sex trafficking charges.

At a hearing in Manhattan federal court, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs, 55, if he had reviewed the offer and rejected it.

"Yes I did," Combs said, dressed in tan jail garb.

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Combs could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on all five criminal counts he faces at trial including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty.

Maurene Comey, a prosecutor with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office, said at Thursday's hearing that Combs faces the possibility of a more severe sentence if convicted at trial than he would have had he accepted the plea deal, but she did not provide further details about the government's offer.

Another prosecutor, Madison Smyser, had previously disclosed that Combs had rejected the plea offer at a hearing last week.

Prosecutors say Combs used his business empire to coerce women to take part in lengthy drug-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers known as "Freak Offs" over a two-decade period.

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The Bad Boy Records founder's defense lawyers have argued that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual, and that there was nothing criminal about Combs and his longtime girlfriends occasionally bringing in a third person to their relationships as part of a "swingers" lifestyle.

Starting on Monday, New York residents summoned for jury duty were asked on questionnaires what they already know about the case, part of an effort toward seating a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates who can be impartial despite intense media coverage of the case so far.

Those prospective jurors who make it past initial screening will return to court starting on May 5 for in-person questioning, known as voir dire. Opening statements are due to kick off on May 12, and the trial is expected to last at least eight weeks.

Also known throughout his career as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, Combs is known for elevating hip-hop in American culture and turning artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige into stars. But his reputation has taken a nosedive after being hit with dozens of civil lawsuits over alleged sexual abuse starting in 2023, and then being criminally indicted last September. He denies all wrongdoing.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Will Dunham)
The secretary of defense has ordered the Army secretary to cut programs, reduce the number of general officers in the ranks and consolidate offices, commands and headquarters, including a four-star command formed in the previous Trump administration designed to reform its acquisition process.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to implement a comprehensive transformation strategy, streamline its force structure, eliminate wasteful spending, reform acquisition, modernize inefficient defense contracts, and overcome parochial interests to rebuild our Army, restore the warrior ethos and reestablish deterrence, he wrote in a memo published Wednesday.

To build a leaner, more lethal force, the Army must transform at an accelerated pace by divesting outdated, redundant, and inefficient programs, as well as restructuring headquarters and acquisition systems, Hegseth stated.

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The Army should prioritize long-range precision fires and air and missile defense, including Golden Dome  Trumps planned architecture to defend the homeland from missile threats  as well as cyber, electronic warfare and counter-space capabilities, the memo lists.

Chain-of-command changes

Much of the memo lays out initiatives already well underway, but the Army would carry them out under an altered chain-of-command structure with fewer general officers.

The changes include the merging of Forces Command with U.S. Army North and U.S. Army South into a single headquarters dubbed the Western Hemisphere Command.

And the Army is consolidating Army Futures Command, which is in charge of developing requirements, into one command with Training and Doctrine Command.

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Army Futures Command was established in 2018 during President Donald Trumps first administration under then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, whom President Trump has sought to disgrace since returning to office, including by having Milleys joint chiefs chairman portrait removed from the Pentagon hallway where it originally hung.

Milley proposed the four-star command he dubbed Army Futures Command as a new way forward, breaking free of the bureaucracy and silos that had hampered the Armys previous major modernization efforts.

Working with other top service officials, Milley shifted billions of dollars into modernization programs including the top priority  long-range precision fires  and based the new command in Austin, Texas, an area known for its innovative, technology-focused workforce.

AFC was formed to focus on requirements development within the modernization process. Prior to its formation, the requirements development process lived within TRADOC, where it competed for attention alongside training, recruitment and professional military education. The more focused organization was built to enable the Army to move faster.

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Hegseths memo also directs the Army secretary to restructure sustainment by consolidating and realigning headquarters and units within Army Materiel Command and integrating Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command to optimize efficiency and streamline support capabilities.

In a letter to the force from Driscoll published Thursday, he announced the Army plans to cut 1,000 staff positions from its headquarters.

Leaner, lethal formations

Hegseth is also ordering changes to formations with plans to merge headquarters to generate combat power capable of synchronizing kinetic and non-kinetic fires, space-based capabilities and unmanned systems, the memo states.

Major changes include reducing and restructuring manned attack helicopter formations and building up inexpensive drone swarms capable of overwhelming adversaries, it reads.

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The Army in early 2024 killed the program to build a Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft after spending billions of dollars on it. Instead, the service decided to use drones for missions previously reserved for manned helicopters.

The Army plans to cancel its AH-65D production, its older model, in favor of a focus on the AH-64E version.

The memo says the Army will reduce and restructure its manned attack helicopter formations and augment with inexpensive drone swarms capable of overwhelming adversaries.

In his letter, Driscoll stated the Army will restructure aviation formations by reducing one Aerial Cavalry Squadron per Combat Aviation Brigade in the active component.

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On the ground side, the Army will convert all Infantry Brigade Combat Teams to Mobile Brigade Combat Teams to improve mobility and lethality in a leaner formation, Driscoll writes.

The Army also plans to eliminate or scale back programs like manned aircraft, outdated UAVs and excess ground vehicles, such as Humvees, Hegseths memo states. Driscolls letter singles out Gray Eagle, its largest UAV, as being on the chopping block.

By 2027, the Army plans to bring online a long-range missile capable of striking moving land and maritime targets. Last year, the Army fielded the first increment of the Precision Strike Missile that could potentially reach ranges well over 500 kilometers. The service is also already developing a seeker that will make the PrSM capable of striking ships.

Every Division will have UAS and ground and air launched effects by the end of 2026, the memo states.

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Every maneuver platoon will have counter-UAS capability by 2026, and every maneuver company will get the capability by 2027. The Army, which is in charge of the Joint Counter-UAS Office, or JCO, has been pushing to expand C-UAS capability across formations for several years.

The memo also requires AI-driven command-and-control to be implemented at the Theater, Corps and Division headquarter levels by 2027.

Operational units will get 3D printing and additive manufacturing capabilities by 2026.

Already underway for several years is an effort to modernize the organic industrial base when it comes to ramping up munitions supply, triggered by the war in Ukraine where the U.S. has sent large numbers of ammunition to the country to help it fight back the Russian invasion. The memo states the modernization effort will be fully operationally capable by 2028.

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A focus on forward presence in the Indo-Pacific, the memo notes, will result in expanded pre-positioned stocks, rotational deployments and exercises with allies and partners.

Buy faster

In early 2024, the service, including then-Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, began talking about flexible funding to buy things like drones, counter-drone and electronic warfare capabilities in order to get the most capable technology rapidly.

The argument was that funding structures at the time resulted in slow acquisition of systems. By the time the service was ready to buy something, industry had already outpaced those capabilities with new technology.

Hegseths memo directs the service to consolidate budget lines and shift to capability-based funding across portfolios  specifically calling out unmanned aircraft systems, counter-UAS and EW.

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The Army will also pursue obtaining the rights to repair its systems where industry intellectual property ownership currently prevents it. In addition, the service will ensure that right-to-repair provisions exist in all new contracts.

The service will also expand its use of Other Transaction Authority agreements, a mechanism provided by Congress to rapidly build prototypes. The Army has relied heavily on OTAs in recent years.

According to Driscoll, the Armys new transformation initiative builds upon the Army chiefs Transformation in Contact initiative he began over a year ago. The initiative focuses on moving programs through acquisition faster, including adding UAS into formations and speeding up the fielding of a modernized Abrams tanks and a Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, among other programs like countering drones.

This is a first step, Driscoll writes. We have already directed a second round of transformation efforts to be delivered in the coming months.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The CEO of the medical training facility MedtoMarket is accused of providing human remains for unauthorized experimentation using embalming fluid, according to the Austin Police Department.

Aaron Ali is the second person to face charges related to the case of alleged experiments on corpses, APD said.

Police arrest an Austin mortuary owner accused of experimenting on corpses

During a press conference Wednesday, Detective Bryce Bishop said Ali is charged with aggravated perjury and abuse of a human corpse. Ali turned himself in at the Travis County jail Monday and was released on bond.

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The charges are completely unfounded, Alis attorney Eric J.R. Nichols told Nexstars KXAN in a statement Tuesday.

The investigation is ongoing, but Austin police said they need former employees of Capitol Mortuary Services  or anyone with information about the case  to contact investigators. APD also said possible victims may get in touch with APD Victim Services at victim.services@austintexas.gov.

Investigating fraudulent death certificates

Adeline Bui, the owner of Capital Mortuary Services, was the first to be arrested in the case last week. Bui, who is facing corpse abuse and government-record tampering charges, is accused of forging death certificates and running experiments on severed limbs.

During Wednesdays press conference, Bishop said the investigation started with a complaint to the Texas Funeral Commission by a former embalmer at Capitol Mortuary Services. The person told the commission that his name and mortuary credentials were used to file for fraudulent death certificates.

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The complainant also told investigators about Buis experiments. The Texas Funeral Commission then reached out to Austin Police.

Earlier this month, APD detectives reviewed evidence related to the investigation, Bishop said.

The evidence included a project thread that was titled Freedom Art Experiment. The thread showed materials including photos of severed arms and discussions on tissue decomposition, mold growth, and the use of materials like fishing line to suture the specimens, Bishop explained.

The detective said APD confirmed at least one body was being abused.

Meanwhile, Bishop said the original complainants name was used 129 times to file for fraudulent death certificates at Capitol Mortuary Services.

How MedtoMarket is allegedly involved

After their initial review of evidence, APD investigators executed a search warrant at Capitol Mortuary Services on April 10. Bui was interviewed the same day and allegedly told police that she was working with MedtoMarket on the experiments.

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These experiments, according to Buis arrest affidavit, involved her injecting formaldehyde into arms to see the effect it had over time on severed extremities. She guessed around 15 bodies were mutilated and subject to experimentation with the permission of MedtoMarket and was updating the company on the outcomes, the records show.

Family recalls experience with mortuary owner accused of corpse experiments

In a search warrant obtained by KXAN, investigators requested access to two devices, an iPhone and an iPad, believed to have additional communication between Bui and a MedtoMarket official.

Aaron Ali, 53 | Mugshot: Austin Police Department Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui (Courtesy: Austin Police Department)

Police now say Bui admitted to forging documents with the former embalmers credentials to process critical documents required for the intake and cremation of decedents, Bishop said.

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Bui also told investigators that her actions were at the request of MedtoMarket.

MedtoMarket responds; CEO arrested

In a statement to KXAN last week, MedtoMarket said it has become aware of certain allegations related to a mortuary MedtoMarket has contracted with in performing its important work and mission. MedtoMarket will cooperate with law enforcement and state regulatory officials as part of any investigation.

The company also said it is an approved anatomical facility, which, according to the Texas Funeral Commissions (TFSC) statements in the affidavit, would potentially authorize it to perform the embalming actions Bui is accused of doing.

TFSCs executive director, Scott Bingaman, gave a statement to police regarding Buis alleged actions at Capital Mortuary: It is unlawful for a commercial embalming establishment to use a dead human body for research or educational purposes.

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Alis attorney released a statement that said, in part:

Contrary to some of the information provided to law enforcement, all of the activities by Dr. Ali and the companies he works with were fully authorized by law. Anatomical facilities work with tissue that is donated by well-meaning donors and their families to serve the interests of medical science and the entire Texas community. Anatomical facilities, which are authorized by Texas law, serve the purpose of allowing first responders, physicians and other health care providers to train using such donated tissue in order to save lives and heal others.

No court date is listed for Ali yet. Buis next court appearance is currently set for June.

Ali speaking at Texas Senate committee

KXAN learned more about Alis business from his testimony at the Texas Capitol earlier this month. For about six minutes, Ali spoke in front of the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on April 16. He said MedtoMarket is a state-approved anatomical facility.

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We work closely with physicians, first responders, military personnel, FBI and other healthcare providers to offer essential cadaver-based training, Ali said to senators.

He spoke on Senate Bill 2721, also known as the Human Dignity Act. It focuses on regulating the treatment of human remains and anatomical donations for educational and research purposes.

It institutes inspections. It demands transparency and accountability, said Texas Sen. Tan Parker.

The bill would set new standards for body acquisition facilities, create a criminal offense for violating the regulations, and establish a secure electronic database to track bodies and parts under the Texas Funeral Service Commission.

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One of our primary concerns is the absence of healthcare professionals on the commission, Ali said.

During Alis testimony, KXAN learned more about what he said happens inside MedtoMarket.

You go to a lecture room where you get lectured by physicians on the procedures youre going to be working on, Ali said. Once theyve been trained in a didactic room, they change into scrubs, go through locked doors, lock sliding glass doors to a real OR facility that has non-porous floors with cadavers that are from authorized facilities and donors.

When asked about their intake of bodies, Ali claimed to only accept authorized consented individuals.

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They have true authorization paperwork for their donation, Ali said. They are not unclaimed bodies.

A senator asked if they do trainings outside the facility. Ali said they only do them in their facility and specifically train physicians, surgeons and first responders.

We dont train random people. We dont have random people come into our facility, Ali said.

On Tuesday, the committee reviewed SB 2721, made some changes to it and voted to recommend the substitute version to the Senate for further consideration.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The security officers who work at courthouses, police departments, and other Denver government buildings may go on strike as early as Thursday without a contract agreement, according to the union that represents them.

Service Employees International Union Local 105 on Wednesday announced the security officers employed by Securitas at Denver government buildings voted to authorize a strike if Securitas, the worlds second-largest security services company, does not reach an agreement with the union.

At about 10 p.m., SEIU announced it had postponed the planned strike and provided the following statement.

After months of organizing and preparing to strike, our unity and determination have had a powerful impact. Thanks to the strength of our members and overwhelming support across the city, the City of Denver and the Mayors Office have engaged in efforts to help encourage real solutions in our ongoing negotiations with Securitas, the company contracted to staff security officers at City and County buildings. The City understands the serious impact a strike would have on operations at government buildings across Denver. In light of that and the progress made, we are postponing our strike to give space for real solutions. This shows the strength of our movement and the leverage weve built together. Let us be clear: we are ready to do whatever it takes to win the livable wages, safe working conditions, and dignity on the job that every security officer in this city deserves. We remain united, focused, and fully committed to achieving the fair contract weve fought so hard for. SEIU Local 105 Securitas Member Bargaining Team

According to SEIU, Securitas management presented its final offer, which security officers say fails to address their concerns.

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The strike authorization vote included a deadline of Thursday, May 1, to reach an agreement with Securitas.

We keep this city safe, Beverly Rodriguez, a security officer for the last 29 years at the Denver Police Department, said in a press release. Were the first line of defense at some of the most important buildings in Denver, but were being underpaid, disrespected, and left without the staffing or support we need. I love this job because I care about helping people, but the company needs to care about us, too.

ICE to issue $8M in fines to 3 Colorado businesses for illegal employment practices

The union cited high turnover rates, unsafe working conditions, lack of on-the-job support and low wages as key issues behind the strike. The officers want a livable and equitable contract that helps retain quality staff, according to the press release.

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Officers say they regularly face threats, violence and trauma on the job, yet are paid low wages while the cost of living continues to increase in the state.

We put our lives on the line every day, said Ayla Avila, a security officer at the Colorado Department of Human Services government building. Ive responded to people in crisis, been exposed to dangerous situations, and I still show up because I believe in helping people. But its hard to give 100% when youre worried about feeding your kids or getting written up for something you were never trained to do. Were not striking because we want to, were striking because weve been left with no choice.

Officers say they are ready to continue negotiating, but, according to the unions press release, without a serious proposal that addresses their concerns, a work stoppage will begin on May 1st.

FOX31 has reached out to Securitas for comment but has not yet heard back. This article will be updated if and when the company responds.

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FOX31s Heather Willard contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
AUSTIN (KXAN)Rebecca Harrisons Kia Sportage was stolen from her driveway, easily, for the second time in less than a year in Austin. And this time, she thinks the person who took it, left detailed notes of future targets.

Rebecca Harrisons car is in the shop after being stolen and recovered. (KXAN photos/Frank Martinez). Rebecca Harrisons car is in the shop after being stolen and recovered. (KXAN photos/Frank Martinez). Rebecca Harrisons car is in the shop after being stolen and recovered. (KXAN photos/Frank Martinez). Rebecca Harrisons car is in the shop after being stolen and recovered. (KXAN photos/Frank Martinez). Rebecca Harrisons car is in the shop after being stolen and recovered. (KXAN photos/Frank Martinez). Rebecca Harrisons car is in the shop after being stolen and recovered. (KXAN photos/Frank Martinez).

Despite extensive evidence, including surveillance video, Harrison worries police may not catch the person or people responsible. Thats because some items left behind, she believes, by the person who stole the vehicle are still in it.

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Security video shows a car pulling up to a home off Cottonwood Shores Drive in east Austin around 1 a.m. on April 22, according to Harrison. Two people got out of a car and quickly stole Harrisons Kia from her driveway.



I was dumbfounded, Harrison said. Theres no alarm going off. They had no trouble stealing this.

DATA: Auto theft happens across Austin  8% of cases ended in arrest

Harrison said she got Kias anti-theft program installed after the first time it was stolen, but it didnt work.

Vehicle located, items left behind

An Austin Police Department officer called Harrison on April 23, notifying her, that her car had been located.

Leftover items in a stolen car. (Photo provided by Rebecca Harrison).

They [the people who stole it] had like, ripped the handle off, thrown it to the side, Harrison said. Theres steering column damage. The bag of sun chips are not mine, so they must have gotten hungry with all the theft.

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Harrison, joked, in lighter spirits, having dealt with this before. But this time was different when she got her vehicle back.

There were lots of items, left in the vehicle, and some were not mine, she said.

Thats things like mens underwear, a laptop, a backpack and a notebook.

Leftover items in stolen car. (Photo provided by Rebecca Harrison). Leftover items in stolen car. (Photo provided by Rebecca Harrison).





The notebook has hand-written details reading, community, opportunity,

listing neighborhoods in Georgetown, Cedar Park, Lago Vista, Manor and Buda.

And on another page, there are notes about how much certain vehicles cost.

There were also detailed notes about sales strategies. And one page including a repeated sentence written that reads, I enjoy making twenty-five-thousand dollars a month

Notes from notebook left in stolen car. (Photo provided by Rebecca Harrison). Notes from notebook left in stolen car. (Photo provided by Rebecca Harrison). Notes from notebook left in stolen car. (Photo provided by Rebecca Harrison). Notes from notebook left in stolen car. (Photo provided by Rebecca Harrison).

Find the booger face: Austin woman tracks stolen Kia

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This seems premeditated, Harrison said. It seems like maybe theres kind of an organized system around how theyre finding cars to steal.

KXAN asked APD if it would be doing any additional monitoring of neighborhoods mentioned in the alleged thefts notes.

APD utilizes multiple approaches to proactive policing regarding this issue with the resources available, APD said.

Trauma-bonded

Some of Harrisons belongings were found dumped next to another car that was stolen. Harrison posted that stolen car on Reddit and connected with a woman who said the car belonged to her. It was a gift from her late grandfather. The two women are now staying in touch, regarding their separate situations that brought them together.

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The items in Harrisons car remain, though they could be evidence, and Harrison told police the items are not hers.

Nobodys taking a look at it, except for me, Harrison said. My hope is that the police department would take stuff like this more seriously.

Rise in Kia and Hyundai thefts in Austin

APD told KXAN it cant provide too many details on Harrisons case since its an active investigation. However, it did provide some information.

The two vehicles in this case were manufactured by KIA and Hyundai, APD said. These vehicles are considered vulnerable and are commonly stolen by teenage children due to a social media challenge which exposed the vulnerability. Some Kia and Hyundai vehicles were manufactured with a design flaw in which the vehicles were not equipped with an engine immobilizer. This design flaw affects lower-end trim models of KIAs made between 2011-2022, and Hyundais made between 2008-2022.

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This affects approximately 9 million cars worldwide, APD said.

Hyundais: Accent, Rio, and Sportage are particularly vulnerable.

KIAs: Elantra, Forte, K5, Optima, Sedona, Soul, and Sorrento are also vulnerable.

According to APD, the City of Austin has seen an increase in the number of stolen vehicles over the years specifically a rise in Kia and Hyundai Thefts as shown below:

APD also said if theres possible evidence in a stolen vehicle that is found, you should tell the police, which Harrison did.



APD said their policy dealing with evidence found in stolen vehicles, depends on the case.

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Each case has its own unique approach based on available leads and evidence, APD said. When it comes to finding car thieves, if usable video surveillance is available, then detectives will utilize all available means in order to identify the perpetrator. The City of Austin prohibits the use of facial recognition technology. Stolen vehicles are commonly located by Patrol officers during their shifts. In addition, National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) provides Auto Theft unit with investigative leads by utilizing assets at their disposal. Some vehicles are equipped with tracking capability, aiding in locating and recovery.

According to APD, officers use special technology to track down stolen vehicles.

Travis County teaming up with Hyundai for anti-theft event

It should be noted that with [the] introduction of Flock Safetys automated license plate readers (ALPR), APD has seen a substantial increase in recovery of stolen vehicles and apprehension of perpetrators, APD said.

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There are measures in place to curb the number of thefts. In 2024 Austin City Council passed a resolution urging the federal government to recall cars that didnt have anti-theft technology.

Kia and Hyundai models made up 10 percent of Travis County vehicles at the time, but accounted for a third of all stolen vehicles that Austin police process. Only 8% of suspects were arrested in connection to those crimes.

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.
An AMBER Alert has been issued for Skylar Beach, 10, missing from Hamlin on April 30, 2025.

Have you seen Skylar Beach?

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued a statewide AMBER Alert for a 10-year-girl last seen around 4 p.m. Wednesday in Hamlin, about 155 miles west of Fort Worth. Skylar is a white female with red or auburn hair and brown eyes, standing at 5'2" and weighing 78 pounds. She was last seen wearing a navy blue shirt, pink shorts and red converse shoes.

The Hamlin Police Department is also searching for Terry Jeter in connection with the child's disappearance. He is wanted by law enforcement and was last seen with Skylar. Jeter, 53, is a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing at 5'9" and weighing 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.

Terry Jeter, 43, is wanted in connection to the disappearance of Skylar Beach on April 30, 2025.

Jeter is believed to be driving a 2002 black Suzuki Intruder motorcycle with Texas license plate 138A4V.

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Jeter and the child were last seen on the 500 block of NW Avenue G in Hamlin.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Skylar Beach or Terry Jeter, call 911. The Hamlin Police Department can be reached at (325) 823-4604.

ACTIVE STATEWIDE AMBER ALERT for Skylar Beach from Hamlin, TX, on 05/01/2025, TX plate 138A4V pic.twitter.com/ugSLkxvgFp  Texas Alerts (@TX_Alerts) May 1, 2025

Skylar Beach, Terry Jeter's last known location

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas AMBER Alert: 10-year-old Skylar Beach may be on motorcycle
Utah Sen. John Curtis saw his first piece of legislation pass through the U.S. Senate Thursday, a resolution to overturn a Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency rule.

This resolution that was introduced by Curtis in March would undo the rule finalized in September 2024 that reestablished the Once In, Always In policy under the Clean Air Act. After passing through the Senate it will now go to the House.

My resolution restores a common-sense incentive: if you clean up, you get credit for it, Curtis said.

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Curtis resolution allows manufacturers to ask to be reclassified by the EPA if they make improvements that lowers their emissions. Curtis says getting rid of the rule eliminates red tape that penalizes chemical manufacturers, refineries and energy producers for making environmental improvements.

If the resolution passes the EPA rule will be rolled back.

What rule is this resolution undoing?

The rule that Curtis seeks to undo prevents facilities that significantly reduce their emissions of seven hazardous pollutants from being reclassified as area sources.

The rule put forward under the former administration shut the door on progress. It told companies that no matter how much they invest to reduce harmful emissions, they would still be punished with permanent red tape, Curtis said.

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Thats not good science, its not good governance, and it certainly isnt good for the environment, he added.

Under the Once In, Always In framework, these companies are locked into major source requirements, regardless of what improvements they make or their emission reductions.

According to a release from Curtis office, groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers warned that the policy removes incentives for emissions reduction and imposes significant costs without measurable environmental benefit, per the release.

Several state environmental quality departments had submitted formal objections to the rule.

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Those in favor of the rule say its reversal could lead to a large increase in pollution. A Biden-era EPA press release on the rule when it was changed said, Ensuring facilities do not increase emissions of air toxics after being reclassified will help protect communities from air toxics. This proposal will continue to allow facilities to innovate and adopt new ways of reducing emissions of air toxics while maintaining emission reductions after reclassification.

But Curtis says the rule disincentivized companies from investing in improvements. By reinstating regulatory flexibility, Sen. Curtis resolution encourages cleaner practices through innovation and investment  without forcing facilities to comply indefinitely with outdated, one-size-fits-all standards," the release said.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider withdrawing from the Montreal Protocol, which requires countries to phase out the consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances.

Attached to the letter addressed to Rubio, Lee wrote on Wednesday afternoon, America shouldnt tie itself to unscientific environmental treaties that allow China to do whatever it wants. I have asked @SecRubio to withdraw the United States from the Montreal Protocol.

In the letters text, Lee mentions several concerns over the continued participation of the U.S. in the program.

Is the Montreal Protocol outdated or unfair toward the U.S.?

One particular substance the protocol seeks to decrease is hydrochlorofluorocarbon, or HCFC, which is essential for everything from refrigerants to fire suppression, Lee wrote.

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Lee added that when the treaty was signed in the late 1980s, scientists hadnt yet tried using HCFCs for fire suppression.

The second concern Lee touched on is inequality between participating countries. The U.S. has adhered to the treaty, Lee said, but other countries have failed to do the same.

The Montreal Protocol determines what is expected of countries in the program based on whether they are deemed developing or developed. Developed countries have stricter timelines required to phase out ozone-depleting substances, must contribute financially to help developing countries do the same and follow stricter regulatory systems to enforce bans on ozone-depleting substances.

Developing countries have delayed timelines to phase out ozone-depleting substances, receive financial and technical assistance, and are allowed more flexibility while transitioning to alternative substances.

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China is included in the Montreal Protocol as a developing country. At a Montreal Protocol meeting in 2023, the State Department proposed the rightful removal of China from the list of developing countries eligible for assistance from the Multilateral Fund, Lee explained.

As expected, opposition from China and its allies prevented progress on this issue, he said.

Some say the program has helped and will continue to help

Data presented by the U.K.-based nonprofit Our World in Data reported that since the program started in the late 1980s, global emissions have fallen by over 99%.

During the Obama administration, former Secretary of State John Kerry reported that the U.S. has spent over $3 billion to help lesser-developed countries make the transition out of ozone-depleting substances.

Then-Secretary of State John Kerry delivers a speech to the 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, in Kigali, Rwanda, Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. | STR

One X user responded to Lees post, While I agree we should step back from CO2 accords, we should keep the Montreal Protocol. The science is solid, and its actually working. No ozone would be far worse than a warming planet.
Sen. Dean Rummel, R-Dickinson, speaks on the Senate floor next to Sen. Diane Larson, R-Bismarck, on May 1, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The Senate defeated a bill Thursday that would have expanded income tax cuts to more North Dakotans.

Senate Bill 2093, unanimously adopted by the Senate in January, initially sought to provide an income tax exemption on law enforcement retirement benefits for surviving spouses.

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The House amended the bill to increase the number of taxpayers who pay zero income tax, expanding income tax cuts lawmakers approved two years ago. The proposal sought to add about 9,500 more taxpayers to the zero tax bracket, estimated to cost about $20 million for 2025-27.

Rep. Jared Hagert, R-Emerado, a member of the bills conference committee, said House lawmakers have always been steadfast on reducing income tax for North Dakotans.

The best way to provide relief to North Dakotans is to not take it out of their pocket in the first place, Hagert said.

But Sen. Dean Rummel, R-Dickinson, also a member of the conference committee, urged senators to vote no. He said the Senates position on the conference committee was that no one is asking for a reduction in state income taxes.

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We all know the demand is for more property tax relief, he said.

Rummel also raised concerns about the affordability of further income tax cuts.

There are so many concerns that we express, like the impact on the national and state economy with our current administration, the price of oil and the states reliance on carbon fuels, Rummel said. Theres also talk of a possible recession.

Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Grand Forks, said he supports cutting income taxes as a way to recruit businesses and investment to the state.

This is a small step toward the goal of eventually becoming a no income tax state, Meyer said.

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Senate members voted against the bill with a 35-11 vote.

Sen. Diane Larson, R-Bismarck, chief sponsor of the bill, said the Senate had already rejected a previous bill that reduced income taxes.

So they amended that bill into this bill because they saw this as a good bill that maybe could get their bill across the line, Larson said. This is the kind of thing that I think is extremely frustrating, not only for the public, but for other lawmakers like me, too.

Larson said shes disappointed that widows and widowers of retired law enforcement will not see the income tax exemption she proposed, but hopes lawmakers will revisit it next session.

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In 2023, North Dakota lawmakers eliminated state income taxes for lower earners and reduced tax rates for higher earners. Legislators continue to debate expanding a property tax credit for primary residences in the final days of the session.

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The door to the Senate Chamber at the Montana Capitol. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

The Montana Senate started and ended the 69th session with moves that stripped power away from Republican leadership.

This session, a working majority of all Democrats and nine Republicans drove an agenda in the Senate.

Although that coalition didnt always hold together, its members worked together this week in committee to push a change to the way the Senate appoints select committees.

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Previously, the president of the Senate had the power to appoint select committees during the interim, such as the previous, controversial Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform.

However, Sen. Wendy McKamey, R-Great Falls, part of the working majority, proposed a change this week so that select committees be only formed with a majority vote of the Senate.

Republican leadership resisted the change in the Rules Committee on Tuesday  and with help from one Democrat  modified it so that those committees require three-fifths of the members in support instead of a simple majority.

Thats the change the full Senate approved 47-3 on Wednesday, but in committee, the proposal brought up ongoing political tensions in the Senate and the potential it could take several sessions to restore relationships.

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We are really going down a road of distrust in the Senate chambers, said Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson. Were further perpetuating more distrust with something like this.

In the Senate, Republicans have a 32-18 majority, but nine of them, The Nine, joined all Democrats off and on as a working majority through the session.

Responding to McKameys proposal in committee, Sen. Ellie Boldman, D-Missoula, repeatedly urged members of the committee to stick with the change McKamey presented, as members of the Republican majority made other proposals.

At one point, Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, floated the idea to not have any select committees at all to alleviate suspicions from both sides.

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I think it gets everybody out of the Wheres the boogeyman idea, said Glimm, part of the Republican majority.

The committee turned that down.

However, Hertz, also part of the Republican majority, proposed the idea that finally won out, to require approval from three-fifths of the Senate to create and appoint a select committee.

Sen. Derek Harvey, D-Butte, bucked his party in committee and supported the change. Even after Boldman called for a reconsideration, he held his position.

After the committee meeting, Harvey said he was convinced it was a good idea to have a higher threshold to encourage the factions in the Senate to work together.

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I felt thats a fair way to do it, Harvey said.

It means 10 Senators can call for the full body to be polled about forming a select committee, and 30 are required to agree to it.

I think thats the spirit of working together and moving forward and getting past this session, Harvey said.

On the floor Wednesday, Majority Leader Tom McGillvray of Billings presented the proposal out of the Rules Committee as bipartisan and fair, a way to avoid frivolous committees and push for agreement.

It would have to have buy-in from all parties, and we just thought it was a good solution to the question that we had about select committees, McGillvray said.

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On the floor, though, McKamey again tried to push her original proposal, although it didnt pass. She earlier said she thought the three-fifths bar was too high to create a select committee.

Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, told the Daily Montanan he hadt planned the rule change, and he didnt have any select committees in mind that he would want to call into action.

However, Flowers said he didnt want to see a repeat of the most recent interim, with the judicial committee working on outcomes his caucus believed were predetermined and costly, and in which they did not participate.

I do see the value of not giving the president the opportunity to kind of unilaterally create these select committees based on what we saw in the last session, Flowers said.

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Flowers previously worked with The Nine to gain additional power under the Senates permanent rules, by requiring the Senate president to receive approval from the minority leader on the composition of conference committees,

The approval in the Senate was one of the final votes before the chamber adjourned for the 2025 session.
WASHINGTON  The Senate shot down a resolution seeking to overturn the global tariffs implemented by the White House earlier this month, dealing a blow to Democratic efforts to thwart President Donald Trumps agenda.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 49-49 on a proposal to terminate the national emergency used to justify the 10% baseline tariff on all imports as well as some higher tariffs on other select countries, falling short of the majority needed to pass. The measure failed as Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., were absent.

If the pair were present, the resolution wouldve passed.

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Senate Republicans then moved to table the resolution, which would squash the effort altogether. That passed in 50-49 with Vice President JD Vance breaking a tie.

We forced a vote to stop the damage Trumps tariffs are doing to American families, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, said in a post on X. But Senate Republicans just voted to keep the tariffs in place that are hurting families. They are Trumps enablers, his collaborators, his co-conspirators.

The resolution was introduced shortly after the tariffs were implemented on so-called Liberation Day, on which Trump announced the taxes would remain in place until countries made individual trade deals to lower trade costs for the United States.

The tariffs have ignited widespread economic concerns, especially among those who live in farming and agriculture-heavy states.

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The Trump administration sought to ease those concerns ahead of the vote, with both U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer and Vance attending a closed-door Senate Republican lunch on Tuesday.

However, those appeals did little to relieve a handful of GOP senators who ended up voting for the resolution, including Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine.

It is not perfect, I think its too broad, Collins told reporters ahead of the vote. But it sends the message that I want to send: that we really need to be far more discriminatory in imposing these tariffs.

Utah Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis voted against the measure.

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Even if the resolution had passed, the GOP-controlled House was not likely to consider the resolution. Furthermore, Trump has vowed to veto any legislation that reaches his desk seeking to limit his tariff authority.

The Senate passed a similar resolution in the beginning of April to rescind an emergency declaration Trump issued in February, which determined the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration numbers constituted a national emergency. That declaration was used as the justification for 10% tariffs later levied on Canadian imports.

Although that resolution passed the Senate  with the same four Republicans voting in favor  it has yet to be considered by the House.
As a legal matter, President Donald Trump's trade war rests on the claim that imports to the United States constitute an "unusual and extraordinary" threat requiring urgent executive action.

That's an absurd argument, of course. The fact that Americans choose to buy or sell goods across international borders is not an emergencyit's not even a minor worryand certainly should not justify a massive expansion of executive power.

But Trump is going to do whatever he wants until someone stops him. On Wednesday, the Senate had a chance to do that. Instead, Republicans voted overwhelmingly to keep the "emergency" going, and thus to keep the trade war going too.

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The Senate voted 4949 on Wednesday evening to block Sen. Rand Paul's (RKy.) resolution that sought to end the emergency declaration Trump signed on April 2 to impose his so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs on nearly all imports to the United States.

"It is no secret that Congress lacks the fortitude to stand up for its prerogatives," Paul said while speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday in advance of the vote. "I stand against this emergency. I stand against the tariffs. I stand against shredding the Constitution."

Sens. Susan Collins (RMaine) and Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) were the only other Republicans to vote for the resolution, which came up two votes short of passing.

A quick aside about those two votes: Sen. Mitch McConnell (RKy.) missed the vote for health-related reasons. It seems likely that he would have supported the resolutionin a statement released Wednesday, his office said McConnell "has been consistent in opposing tariffs and that a trade war is not in the best interest of American households and businesses." Also missing the vote was Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (DR.I.), who was attending a climate conference in South Korea. He also likely would have voted for the resolution, which was backed unanimously by his fellow Democrats.

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If not for those bits of bad luck, the resolution probably would have passed. That may not have mattered much in the grand scheme of things, however. Trump had already threatened to veto it, and the House GOP has already erected some bizarre procedural hurdles to prevent lawmakers from ending Trump's nonsensical economic emergency.

Still, the Senate vote matters. It was an opportunity for 98 of America's most important elected officials to say where they stand on the trade war.

More accurately: It was a chance for them to say whether they believe a chief executive can unilaterally invent an "emergency" and then use it to slap huge new taxes on Americans, all under the auspices of a law that does not authorize presidents to use tariffs, and all in defiance of the constitution, which requires that Congress approve tax increases.

Nearly all Republicans failed that test on Wednesday. Even so, some opponents of Trump's trade war found reasons to be heartened by the vote.

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"At some point the president will reach the apex of his powers to sway Congress. It is the nature of a term-limited executive," Kent Lassman, president and CEO of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, told Reason. "One signal that we are there is when the Senate Majority Leader is unable or unwilling to hold all of the Republicans in line for a vote on an issue that is important to Trump. Last night we almost saw the moment when Trump's grip would begin to loosen over Congress. It will come."

Until and unless it does, America will remain hostage to Trump's flawed ideas about global trade. For now, the Senate has chosen the path of quiescence.

"There's nothing we can do about tariffs," Sen. Thom Tillis (RN.C.) told a reporter earlier this week. "We've just got to hope that that has been well planned and it's a good outcome."

That speaks volumes, doesn't it? Tillis is one of the most powerful elected officials in the country, and he's chosen to merely shrug and "hope" that things work out. He's also just plain wrong. There is something the Senate could have done, but Tillis and most of his GOP colleagues decided to pass on the opportunity.

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Executive power doesn't reach dangerous new levels purely because presidents seize it, but because legislators go along with it.

The post Senate Republicans Voted Overwhelmingly To Continue Trump's Trade War appeared first on Reason.com.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  The controversy surrounding Terrence Cheng, the outgoing head of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU), system spilled onto the floor of the State Senate on Wednesday afternoon when Senate Minority Leader Steve Harding introduced a measure that would give the state legislature veto power over salaries exceeding $400,000 at CSCU.

CSCU chancellor will transition into new role, Board of Regents says

We believe that the taxpayer money is sacred, Harding said. The tuition money is sacred. It should be used in an efficient and effective manner. And using it in the manner that Chancellor Cheng did is unacceptable. And what the board of regents did is basically is hand him a $440,000 a year salary on the taxpayer dime.

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The measure came in reaction to the news that Cheng would continue to receive his $442,000 salary for the next year, even after he steps down from the top job at CSCU in July. The board that oversees CSCU declined to renew Chengs contract for another term but said on Monday that he would continue to stay on the state payroll as an advisor to the system.

He has been the subject of widespread criticism since last year, when a report published by CT Insider revealed he charged tens of thousands of dollars worth of meals, alcohol and private car services to his state credit card.

Gov. Ned Lamont said that Cheng still has a year left on his current contract and he is obligated to receive his base salary through that period. Rob Blanchard, the governors chief spokesman, responded to Hardings criticism saying in part, As Sen. Harding ought to know, only the [CSCU board] has the power to negotiate the chancellors contract.

Blanchards statement continued, Moreso, he claims to be focused on issues impacting taxpayers, yet he has continuously ignored addressing costly tariffs and federal cuts to public health, libraries and social services that residents on Main Street are felling.

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Hardings measure was shot down by a party line vote, with majority Democrats in opposition. State Sen. Derek Slap, the top senator on the legislative committee that oversees higher education, called Hardings move a gimmick and said lawmakers should instead focus on passing a separate piece of legislation that addresses the type of spending practices Cheng and other CSCU officials engaged in.

We do have a real way to ensure that taxpayer money is better spent when it comes to higher education, Slap said. There is a bill, bipartisan, that passed through the Higher Education Committee  better transparency, better accountability, tackling exactly the type of thing that we saw with Chancellor Cheng. So, lets do that. Thats real. This amendment is just a gimmick.

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.
A Senate vote to scrap President Trumps wide-ranging Liberation Day tariffs narrowly failed on Wednesday, sparing Republicans a second consecutive blow as the presidents trade policy continues to face opposition.

Three Republicans  Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Rand Paul (Ky.)  voted in favor of the resolution alongside every present Senate Democrat.

But Democrats ran into attendance problems. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) was absent, along with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who had voted in favor of a similar bill reversing tariffs on Canada earlier this month.

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The final tally was 49-49.

McConnell and Whitehouse had both missed the two votes earlier in the day. One Senate GOP member told The Hill that McConnell was sick and unable to vote.

The Senator has been consistent in opposing tariffs and that a trade war is not in the best interest of American households and businesses. He believes that tariffs are a tax increase on everybody, David Popp, a McConnell spokesperson, said in a statement

Whitehouse was reportedly traveling from South Korea.

The vote was held open longer than normal amid questions about next steps. The chamber immediately proceeded to a vote that would block off the resolution from coming to the floor once again.

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Vice President Vance eventually was needed to break another 49-49 tie on that follow-up tally, choking off that possibility.

Thune and the Republicans are working to keep Trumps tariffs in place, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters as that vote was under way.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Paul were the lead sponsors of the resolution.

The measure is nonbinding and would have been dead on arrival in the House. Still, the White House sought to avoid a repeat of what had happened earlier in the month. It vowed to veto the measure as Trump tries to navigate the tricky waters of potential trade deals with scores of countries.

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Those trade talks have not quelled concerns among some Republicans. Paul argued that the White House is overstepping its bounds with its emergency declaration to impose the tariffs and has maintained that Congress should have that power.

Tariffs are taxes, plain and simple. Tariffs dont punish foreign governments, they punish American families, Paul said in a floor speech ahead of the vote. When we tax imports, we raise the price of everything, from groceries, to smartphones to washing machines to just about every conceivable product.

Does it make any sense to impose a tax on imports that will make all Americans worse off? he continued, pointing to the idea that the high cost of living and goods helped Republicans win the 2024 elections. Shouldnt we learn from our success?

Senate GOP leaders urged Republicans to vote against the bill, arguing it was focused much more on China rather than Canada.

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That did not push any of the GOP supporters to flip their votes, however.

I think [the resolution is] too broad, Collins said ahead of the vote. But it sends the message that I want to send that  we really need to be far more discriminatory in imposing these tariffs and not treat allies like Canada the way we treat adversaries like China.

Wednesday also marked Trumps 100th day in office, and Democrats have used the occasion to hit the president on his policies, with tariffs as a centerpiece of their argument.

His tariff strategy: Total failure, Schumer said on the floor early on Wednesday. Chinas not coming to the table.  Theres no strategy, only chaos.

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Senate Republicans know deep down that Donald Trumps tariff policies are awful for their states, he continued, adding that Republicans had a choice  to stick with Trump, or stand with your states.

Senate Republican leaders had dismissed the importance of Wednesdays vote.

I think the broad majorities of Republicans are giving the administration  some space to figure out if they can get some good deals. Were awaiting the results of that, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters before the vote. I wouldnt attach too much weight to it.

The Trump administration has touted ongoing discussions with many of the countries targeted by the Liberation Day levies, but many Republicans have fretted about the impact the tariffs are having on their constituents.

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U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer appeared on Capitol Hill to brief Senate Republicans on the state of talks and attempt to quell their concerns.

Greer indicated that talks are progressing with numerous countries and that deals could be revealed in the coming weeks, according to multiple Republican lawmakers.

It doesnt sound like any deals are made yet, but it sounds like theyre feeling as though theyre getting close, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) added, noting that those deals still must get a thumbs-up from Trump himself.

Multiple Senate GOP lawmakers also said there were constant calls throughout the meeting urging Greer and the administration not to wait until the summer to roll out any deals and to instead unveil them as they happen. They cited anxiety among the public as the reason.

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Lets not wait and try to do a grand, total announcement later, Rounds said, describing the mood of members. If youre making progress, why dont you, perhaps, start announcing those deals as theyre being made?

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Earlier this week, we told you that Presque Isle Downs & Casino is in danger of closing, which would have massive implications for the rest of the Erie community.

On Thursday, Pennsylvania Senator Dan Laughlin weighed in on the situation.

Presque Isle Downs & Casino in potential danger of closing  Heres who it will impact

Laughlin said hes been having meetings with the casino since 2017 and has a bill pending now that would reduce the number of slot machines mandated to be out on the floor.

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He also expects Harrisburg to be taking aim at skill games, which are untaxed.

Beyond reducing the number of slots, he said Pennsylvania needs to consider tax relief. The rate right now takes 65% of earnings from the casino.

Now that Ohio and New York are our competing neighbors and are taxing at a much lower rate, its extremely difficult for our casino to try to compete in an environment like that, said Senator Laughlin. I think what people watching right now need to understand is how difficult it is to get a business to locate in Erie County, let alone one that creates hundreds of jobs, and we need to be mindful of that.

Erie Insurance announces new $100 million charitable foundation

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In comments from local house democrats earlier this week, they claimed bills to benefit the casino have died in the Senate.

Laughlin called those claims patently false, saying no bills have been sent to the Senate that have anything to do with gaming relief.

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ALABAMA (WDHN)  Enterprise native Senator Katie Britt has announced the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act, where she aims to eliminate out of pocket expenses for diagnostic breast cancer tests.

Today, the law does require insurance companies to provide no co-pay coverage for breast cancer screenings, but that does not help everyone.

The current law does not extend this factor to the diagnosis testing, which includes 3D mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds.

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Recent reports say that around 10% of mammograms require a follow up diagnostic test.

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifespans.

Also, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health, the breast cancer rate in Alabama is 121%, which is lower than the U.S. rate of 126%.

Experts said they expect over 316,000 new cases of breast cancer will occur across the U.S.

Britt introduced this legislation to the 118th Congress.

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said he will not back out of plans to visit Moscow on Victory Day, as he had given his word to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May  ed.].

Source: Serbian news outlet Tanjug, citing Vucics statements at a press conference in the US on 1 May, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Serbian president said that eight months ago he had promised Putin he would come to Moscow on 9 May. He added that his word binds him not only in an international context but also before his people and everyone else.

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"My word matters. Ive never lied to anyone. No one else has to go, no one else has to suffer. I will go  unless something happens or some threat is directed at Serbia. But my mind is not so easily changed," Vucic stated.

He said that his current visit to the US, as well as visits by European officials to Belgrade, are important for Serbia over the next 15-20 days.

"Numerous European guests will be coming to speak to me about the trip to Moscow, but they havent convinced me yet that I shouldnt go. Thats hard to do with people as hard-headed as we are," Vucic added.

Background:

In April, the European Unions chief diplomat Kaja Kallas called on European leaders not to attend military celebrations in Moscow on 9 May, urging them instead to show solidarity with Ukraine.

The European Union has also issued a clear directive to candidate countries not to attend the Moscow parade or make official visits to Russia.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Dayton Police sergeant who was fired last year is pushing to get his job back.

The Dayton Police Department fired Joseph Setty last August after his conviction on sexual misconduct charges, but the Fraternal Order of Police argues that should not have led to Settys dismissal.

Sheriff places 10 employees on leave after preliminary findings

Nearly nine months after his firing, the FOP filed a grievance on Settys behalf, demanding he be reinstated.

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After reviewing the evidence, an arbitrator agreed with the FOP. But Dayton Police say they will appeal that ruling.

Thats where the union becomes involved, to ensure that whatever steps that management wants to take against their employee is just done fairly and appropriately, and in accordance with the guidelines outlined not only by our contract but by case law, said DPD Sgt. Kyle Thomas, FOP Lodge #44 president.

DPD placed Setty on administrative leave in March 2023, after an individual came forward accusing him of sexual misconduct.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation handled the case, linking Setty to at least three victims, dating back as far as February 2021.

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On May 6, 2024, Setty pled guilty to three criminal charges, including one count of unlawful restraint and two counts of disorderly conduct.

A judge sentenced Setty to up to three years of probation. Following the court sentencing, Dayton Police began its own administrative investigation into Setty. The former sergeant was placed on unpaid leave before eventually losing his job just a few months later on Aug. 9, 2024.

The FOP president says its possible this decision was not justified.

The executive board is tasked with a very hard job. Theyre all peers here, said Thomas. But they have to remove the emotion from whats taking place and they have to make a decision outside of the circumstances as to whether or not the rules were followed and whether or not the action taken by management was within their rights and justified.

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After going through the arbitration process, the arbitrator ruled that Setty was wrongfully terminated, ordering him to be reinstated with back pay, benefits and seniority restored.

The first grievance that was filed was when the city of Dayton placed Mr. Setty on unpaid leave, said Thomas. The second was his termination, so that they breached the contract in the way that they terminated him.

DPD has released a statement expressing disappointment in the decision, adding the serious nature of the accusations should have carried more weight with the arbitrator.

DPD Chief Kamran Afzal wrote in part, My concern is about our officers, this department, and this profession. I strongly believe that the correct decision is and remains that Setty should not work for this department.

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The city of Dayton has 90 days from the date of the Arbitrators decision  March 14  to file an appeal which would take this issue to the common pleas court. While the department says it plans to appeal, theres no word on when that will happen.

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LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Several dogs living in what police described as unsanitary conditions, and another one that was dead, were found on a Lancaster County property Wednesday.

Lancaster Township Police say they found dogs living in unsanitary conditions at a property in the 1000 block of Sterling Place after they got a report about dogs attacking each other and barking a lot at 2:46 p.m.

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Inside a garage, police say they found three dogs in makeshift crates with injuries. Two of them needed to be hurried to Pet Emergency Treatment and Specialties Hospital for treatment of their severe wounds.

Seven more dogs were found in the backyard, living in feces, urine, and they were in poor condition. Police say they were also taken to a treatment facility.

There was also one dog found dead in the backyard, police say.

Man arrested with stolen vehicle after Harrisburg-area State Police chase

Police are investigating and are awaiting a medical evaluation of the dogs and a necropsy of the dead one.

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The Pennsylvania SPCA Police, along with the Pennsylvania State Dog Warden, helped at the scene.

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This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  An overnight incident prompted a number of law enforcement agencies to assist the West Carrollton Police Department.

A department spokesperson told WDTN.com of an incident that reportedly happened in the 500 block of South Elm Street in West Carrollton just after 3:30 a.m. on May 1. According to the spokesperson, a physical altercation occurred, and a vehicle was taken.

Information provided to 2 NEWS claims the vehicle was located in another jurisdiction.

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Police allege a short pursuit occurred, and at least one person reportedly fled on-foot from the vehicle. A search was allegedly conducted, but police say no apprehensions were made.

Officers from Dayton, Miamisburg, and Trotwood police departments assisted West Carrollton police, according to the spokesperson.

WDTN is working to learn additional information.

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As a busy weather pattern continues for portions of the Northeast, Midwest and south-central United States, gusty and drenching storms will repeat in some areas where repairs to previous damage and utility lines are taking place and in locations where prior storms may have weakened trees and lines, AccuWeather meteorologists say.

At peak, over 700,000 utility customers were without power due to scores of downed trees, damaged lines and snapped utility poles on Tuesday evening.

AccuWeather meteorologists have concerns that even if the upcoming storms are less intense than those of Tuesday, significant damage can still occur, especially in areas where storms passed through recently. Crews working on repairs will need to pause operations until the new storms depart.

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Some communities have been without power since the storms rolled through on Tuesday. To add to the difficulties, at least one major cell phone carrier had disrupted service in some areas, leaving some customers without outside communication during the emergency.

The weather patterns driving severe storms will shift slightly by the weekend. On Saturday, the greatest threat of severe weather will shift toward the Atlantic Seaboard from New Hampshire to Florida, as well as the northeastern Gulf coast.

The storms on Saturday will extend westward into portions of western and central Pennsylvania, which were hammered by a fast-moving, powerful wind event, known as a derecho. Landspouts or gustnados along the straight-line long-distance wind event may have also contributed to the extensive damage.

AccuWeather.com

This may mark the first time in several days that severe weather reaches the Atlantic coast in major cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Charlotte and Charleston, South Carolina. Airline delays are possible as storms approach.

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Depending on the behavior of a new storm in the East, a second day of severe weather may affect parts of the mid-Atlantic and the Southeast on Sunday.

AccuWeather.com

The greatest risk of severe thunderstorms to close out the weekend will extend from coastal areas of Georgia to central Pennsylvania.

Even though the setup over the next several days is not conducive for many tornadoes, any severe thunderstorm can produce a brief tornado due to the intense nature of the situation.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
(WJET/WFXP) Strong weather could be on its way to the area, with severe thunderstorm watches and warnings having been issued for Erie and Crawford Counties along with warnings for the aforementioned counties, along with Venango and Ashtabula, OH Counties.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Erie and Crawford Counties, along with Ashtabula. The warning is in effect until 5:30 PM EDT.

Residents can expect damage to vehicles, trees and power lines. For your safety, the NWS advises moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

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Severe thunderstorms are now moving northeast at about 40 mph, and may lead to 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail after being spotted east of Meadville in Guys Mills, Crawford County.

The watches are in effect for Erie, Crawford, Venango and Ashtabula Counties until 7 p.m.

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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY)  Blue is the power color of the day at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center on Denim Day as staff members show solidarity toward sexual assault victims.

The idea of Denim Day dates back to a 1992 assault case in Italy.

There was a rape victim whose assailant was exonerated because she wore tight jeans, and the argument was, she must have assisted in some way and the assailant went free while she was a victim, and she was, in fact, raped, said Sentara Health Chief Nursing Officer Amber Price said.



Arguing the assault was consensual, the judge threw out the case. The next day, women in the Italian parliament showed up to work wearing denim jeans. Its now become an international show of support for those victims.

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Forensic nurses at Sentara Williamsburg, where they have a sexual assault nurse examiner program, are trained to not only conduct an exam but also be there emotionally for victims.



It has to do with respect, Price said. It has to do with making sure that people are believed, and collecting the evidence in such a way that were not traumatizing the patient even further.



Sentara Health Forensic Nurse Betsy Holzworth is one of those collecting that evidence.



Its hard. The patient is either in disbelief, or they have such injuries they cant really speak, Holzworth said. An exam can take [anywhere from] two hours up to eight hours depending on how much theyre willing to give us at that point in time. We have to stop, we have to start. You know, everything is based on how theyre feeling.



Only one of her 50 cases has gone to trial, and the assailant put behind bars.



It was rewarding, Holzworth said. At the start of the case, all you want to do is cry. But you dont. You come in and youre there for them. They just need some support and thats what were there to do.



New legislation taking effect this year aims at removing barriers to seek help after an assault. House Bill 2117 allows for the collection of evidence anonymously without contacting police  giving the victim time to decide if they want to press charges. It also removes the fear of arrest of the victim for minor offenses like drug possession when seeking help.



The most important thing for us is that we can immediately treat and care for a patient, Price said. [It] tends to be that the longer we wait, the worse it is for everybody. We want evidence to be collected as soon as we can get it, and the victim is allowing us to collect it.

They stress the sooner a victim reaches out for help, the more likely they are to avoid lifelong trauma.



We want patients to know theyre not to blame, and that theres someone in their corner, Price said.

If you or someone you know has been a victim, there are resources out there to help. Click here for more information.

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  A 44-year-old man from Shawano County has been sentenced to federal prison for firing a shotgun at a U.S. Postal Service carrier while she was delivering mail.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Benjamin Joos of Tigerton was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the September 2024 incident, which left the postal worker injured and her vehicle damaged.

Beloved Wisconsin chiropractor killed in high-speed crash while walking with family

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Court records show the carrier was delivering mail around 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 24 when her passenger-side window suddenly shattered and she felt pain in her arms. She looked over to see Joos holding a shotgun pointed directly at her, yelling, Get away from my box, and Leave my mail alone.

The carrier immediately left the area and contacted law enforcement. Joos later admitted to consuming four to five whiskey and Coke drinks before the shooting. His blood alcohol content was measured at 0.178more than twice the legal limit for intoxicationhours after the incident.

12-year-old student arrested after handgun found at Wisconsin school

At sentencing, the judge acknowledged Jooss lack of criminal history, strong community ties, and consistent employment. However, the court concluded that the serious nature of the crime and its traumatic impact on the victim warranted prison time.

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In addition to the 18-month sentence, Joos was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay more than $10,000 in restitution to the victim.

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ARCADIA, Wis. (WFRV)  A driver in Wisconsin is reportedly blaming a locked steering wheel for a crash that occurred Wednesday night and resulted in only minor injuries.

According to a release from the Trempealeu County Sheriffs Office, deputies were alerted to a crash with unknown injuries at 6:18 p.m. on County Road A in the Town of Arcadia.

Officials say a Gray Ford Explorer was heading east on County Road A when the driver, 23-year-old Roberto Gonzalez, was unable to negotiate a curve and drove off the roadway into a ditch before crashing into a culvert embankment.

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Beloved Wisconsin chiropractor killed in high-speed crash while walking with family

Gonzalez reportedly blamed the failure to negotiate the curve on the steering wheel, saying that it had locked and caused the vehicle to run off the road.

A passenger in the car, 25-year-old Rejina Gomez, reported a minor hand injury but refused to be taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

No other information is available at this time.

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PLEASANT GROVE, Utah (ABC4)  Blue ribbons now line a neighborhood in Pleasant Grove as friends honor a 9-year-old boy who was killed in a hit-and-run on Tuesday.

Friends and family have identified him as Dalton Gibbs. According to police, Dalton was biking home on Tuesday when he was hit by a driver in his 70s.

Hes amazing. Hes one of my only best friends I have. Ive known him since the middle of the school year and hes a great kid. Ive never seen him once complaining or not being happy or not smiling, shared Tristan, one of Daltons friends.

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Police had responded to the call of a hit and run around 4 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of 900 W and 2600 N in Pleasant Grove. Dalton was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

PREVIOUSLY: 9-year-old killed in Pleasant Grove hit and run crash

We just love Dalton. Hes just a shining light, and its just so hard to even comprehend a world without him in it, said Maren Ingles, a family friend.

Another family friend, Jeff Snider, said Dalton was the kind of person who always brought a smile to others.

The whole familys that way. We just love these people. He wears a little bowtie to church and is just the most adorable little kid, said Snider.

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An investigation is still ongoing. A suspect has been identified and is cooperating with police.

Anytime it involves a kid, its hard, said Captain Britt Smith with Pleasant Grove PD. Pleasant Grove Police Department wants justice for this 9-year-old. This is not a case where this gentleman ran this kid down intentionally and tried to harm him. Thats not whats happened here. This is an absolute accident. That doesnt mean that criminal charges wont be filed in the future because theres a very real likelihood that this individual will be charged criminally.

Smith added that if you have an older family member and notice their cognitive abilities may be declining, its important to speak with them about the potential dangers of driving.

If you have a grandparent or a parent that their skillset is diminishing and you fear that they cant safely operate a motor vehicle, we have an obligation to everybody that we share the roadway with, and the sidewalks with, to have that difficult conversation. We cannot talk about this accident without having that as part of the discussion, Smith said.

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Tristan shared that the last time he saw his friend was in the lunchroom at school.

I was talking to him. Its a really fun experience being his friend. Hes an amazing friends. Once he died, my heart just broke, he said.

Police wrote in a post online that they believe a Tesla was in the intersection when the accident happened, and suspect the Tesla may have captured video evidence with its onboard camera system. They are asking for that driver to come forward so police can review their footage.

A GoFundMe* has been created to help Daltons family during this time.

*ABC4.com is not affiliated with the online fundraiser or the organizers behind it. While this fundraiser is designated as donation protected by GoFundMe, ABC4.com does not guarantee that any funds donated will be used for the person(s) named as beneficiaries of the fundraiser.

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Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this report.

Latest headlines:

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A ship loaded with a unique cargo sailed into Presque Isle Bay.

The 482-foot BBC Houston arrived at the Port of Erie early Thursday morning with a load of 75 turbine blades from India.

Plantscape Greenhouses reopens with new owner offering all gardening needs

According to BoatNerd.com, the Houston departed Montreal on Wednesday for the trip to Erie and another stop in Duluth, Minnesota.

Port officials said each blade is 250 feet long and will be used for a project in New York State. The ship is expected to be in Erie for a week.

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OAK PARK, Ill. (WGN)  A suburban Chicago man will spend five years in prison and pay more than $15,000 in restitution for stalking and harassing a victim he met on a dating app.

Kevin Cruz, a 34-year-old Oak Park resident who pleaded guilty to a federal cyberstalking charge in 2024, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison and ordered to pay $17,313.18 in restitution for the cyberstalking campaign, which lasted nearly two years, the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois announced Thursday.

Prosecutors said Cruz first met the victim in 2021 on the dating app Grindr. The two discussed a potential intimate relationship and at one point, Cruz even sent the victim nude photographs of himself.

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The two had met on several occasions, but prosecutors said the relationship soured when Cruz expressed interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with the victim, who did not express the same feelings.

Things then took a dark turn starting in December of 2021 when prosecutors say Cruz began harassing and intimidating the victim.

The Cyberstalking campaign lasted through mid-2023 and prosecutors said during that period, Cruz created several fake profiles on dating apps in which he impersonated the victim.

While impersonating the victim, prosecutors said Cruz arranged for men to travel to the victims home for sexual encounters and, in some instances, even instructed them to enter the victims home and attempt to have sex with him even if he resisted, telling the men that it was part of a role-playing scenario.

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As a result, prosecutors said numerous men arrived at the victims home seeking sex as a result of their communications with Cruz.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

In addition to the phony meetups, Cruz also sent nude photographs of the victim to the victims family members, including his mother, brother and cousins.

In one instance, prosecutors said Cruz used a spoofed phone number to text the victims mother and falsely suggest the victim had committed suicide.

Defendants conduct shocks the conscience, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shih said during sentencing. He created significant risks that the victim would be hurt, injured, and raped.

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Cruzs sentence was handed down on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger.

The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois did not provide a booking photo for Cruz.

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MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  If it wasnt for a domestic violence victims persistence, theres a chance the Marlboro County clerks office might still not know the sheriffs offices warrant clerk was shredding bench warrants.

It was already happening for around two years before the clerk found out about it in July 2023.

Marlboro County Clerk of Court Joy Williams signs a reissued bench warrant after she and the sheriffs office determined the original was shredded by a warrant clerk inside the sheriffs office. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

When we first interviewed former Clerk Joy Williams in July 2023, she estimated that around 200 failure to appear bench warrants she issued were shredded by Marlboro County Sheriffs Offices Warrant Clerk Sandy Wilkes. Meaning, people who failed to show up for court dates on charges ranging from murder to drunken driving were never arrested and forced into court.

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Up to 200 bench warrants intentionally shredded in Marlboro County: SC Clerk

An internal investigation by Larry Turner, the Marlboro County Sheriffs Offices chief deputy, in July 2023 uncovered the fact that Sandy Wilkes was shredding general sessions bench warrants signed by then-clerk of court, Joy Williams.

Turner said Wilkes admitted whenever she received a bench warrant signed by the clerk, shed shred it. If the warrant was signed by a judge, shed enter those into the sheriffs offices tracking system and have a deputy serve the warrant.

The domestic violence victim who refused to stop calling the clerks office that July demanded to know why her abusers bench warrant was never served on her ex-husband. The clerks office told the victim the court had an active warrant on her abuser, but the sheriffs office hadnt served it.

Marlboro County deputies escorted Demarkest Anderson into a bond hearing on July 26, 2023, after he was arrested on a bench warrant for failing to show up for court on a protective order violation hearing in Marlboro County. (Credit: WJZY/Jody Barr)

When the victim contacted the sheriffs office, Chief Turner went straight to Sandy Wilkes office to find out what happened to the bench warrant.

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State will not restore Marlboro County sheriffs felony assault charge in inmate abuse case

I actually talked to the individual here at the sheriffs office over our warrants and she was advised under the old administration that any warrants that were issued by the clerk of court, they would not serve them and for them to shred them, Turner told Queen City News Chief Investigative Reporter Jody Barr in July 2023.

Turned informed Williams and his own boss, Marlboro County Interim Sheriff Larry McNeil, about what he found out from Wilkes.

McNeil immediately asked SLED Chief Mark Keel to send agents to the county to investigate.

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33-23-0087-Investigative-Report_RedactedDownload

Why would a sheriff in South Carolina give an order to shred a court document? Barr asked Turner, That, I could not answer, Turner replied. I do not know.

Marlboro Countys embattled sheriffs write-in bid fails

Williams told SLED that when she sent a bench warrant over to the sheriffs office, she sent the original document, plus one copy. Turner believed Wilkes shredded the original bench warrant, along with the copy, since he couldnt find either document in Wilkes filing cabinet when he asked her to find the domestic violence bench warrant in July 2023.

The states bench warrant form provides a signature line for either the circuit court judge to sign or the county clerk of court. State law allows elected clerks of court to issue bench warrants once directed by a judge to do so. (Credit: WJZY/Jody Barr)

Wilkes would later admit to SLED agents that she shredded every bench warrant with Joy Williams name on them and did so to carry out an order of then-Sheriff Charles Lemon.

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By the end of the SLED investigation, the clerks office pulled around 1,200 case files to look for a copy of a bench warrant in each file. If they found a copy of a bench warrant in a file, the deputy clerks then had to sort out whether a judge or the clerk signed it. The clerks office believed the warrant signed by a judge was not shredded at the time.

Lost Trust: The unraveling of the Marlboro County Sheriffs Office

The clerks office believes Wilkes had shredded between 100 and 125 bench warrants issued by Clerk Williams by the time SLED finished investigating in the fall of 2023.

WILLIAMS: The sheriff said I would pay for it

When Clerk Joy Williams found out about the warrant shredding, she remembered a conversation she had with a Marlboro County Deputy in 2021. That conversation, according to Williams, happened inside the main courtroom.

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I had a deputy to tell me that  I do not recall which deputy  I dont remember. That Sheriff Lemon said, Im not serving warrants with her (Williams) name on them, with her signature on them, even though the warrant clearly states circuit court judge or clerk of court. Which, I didnt ever sign them until the judge said that I could, Williams told the agents during a recorded statement to agents inside her courthouse office in July 2023.

Marlboro County Clerk of Court Joy Williams is interviewed by a pair of SLED agents in this July 26, 2023, video recorded statement. Williams claimed Sheriff Charles Lemon held a grudge against the clerks office over his belief the employees there did not vote for him. (Source: S.C. Law Enforcement Division)

Williams explained that when defendants failed to show up for court, the sitting judge would order that a bench warrant be issued. The order was documented by the court reporter and placed into the permanent record of the proceeding.

Federal grand jury indicts former Marlboro County Sheriff, deputy in 2020 jailhouse assault

Since Marlboro County no longer had a resident judge, it took between four and six weeks before a judge would return, Williams told the agents. Instead of having to wait for a judge to return to sign last sessions bench warrants, Williams told SLED Assistant Solicitor Elizabeth Munnerlyn to ask the court whether Clerk Williams could sign and issue a bench warrant.

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Both judges told Munnerlyn that an elected clerk had the authority to sign and issue bench warrants when instructed to do so by a judge.

This South Carolina statute shows a court clerk has the authority to issue bench warrants when directed to be issued by the courts of sessions. SLED agents discussed this statute with Marlboro County Clerk of Court Joy Williams during a video-recorded interview in July 2023. (Source: scstatehouse.gov)

Williams also recalled another conversation she had with Lemon around the 2020 election, where she believed he threatened her, politically, which she believed might have been the reason Wilkes shredded her bench warrants.

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Heres a partial transcript of one of the exchanges between SLED and the clerk about Williams political payback theory:

SLED: Did you ever talk to Sheriff Lemon about it?

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WILLIAMS: No.

SLED: Did it ever come back up again?

WILLIAMS: Not as far as I know, not with me it didnt.

SLED: Do you do any research at that time?

WILLIAMS: No.

SLED: Is there any reason you would believe, or that you know, Sheriff Lemon did this as a personal vendetta, that he did it maliciously, or why he would tell

WILLIAMS: Because he knew these girls wasnt going to vote for him.

SLED: What leads you to believe that?

WILLIAMS: Because he told me.

SLED: Lemon did?

WILLIAMS: Uh, huh.

SLED: When did that happen?

WILLIAMS: He didnt specifically say what he was going to do, but he did tell me that I would pay for it in the next election.

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SLED: Why is that?

WILLIAMS: For what my employees were doing.

SLED: Which is what, not voting for him?

WILLIAMS: Uh, huh.

SLED: Where were yall when you had that conversation?

JW: That was in the courtroom upstairs. He came over and sat down beside me.

SLED: Did you ask him why he would say that to you? Like what he meant by you would pay because your clerks didnt vote for him?

WILLIAMS: He told me. Oh, nohe didnt say, he didnt say what he was going to do. He was  matter of fact, after the first election, he confronted me, too.

SLED: Okay, about?

WILLIAMS: About politics and me not voting for him and 

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SLED: How does he know who voted for who?

WILLIAMS: Hes paranoid

SLED: Just assumed?

WILLIAMS: Paranoid.

Williams told SLED the grudge she believed Lemon had against the clerks office started under former Clerk Bill Funderburk. Williams said Funderburk also signed bench warrants, but she never heard of the sheriffs office destroying any of Funderburks warrants.

Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon ignored multiple messages from FOX 46 seeking to schedule an interview. Lemon confirmed in an Oct. 15, 2021, letter that his office did not investigate criminal allegations involving former Marlboro County Deputy Probate Judge Tammy Bullock. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

Former Sheriff Fred Knight was leading the sheriffs office during Funderburks tenure, and Williams worked as a deputy clerk under Funderburk. After 39 years in the clerks office, Williams was elected clerk in 2016, and Lemon won the sheriffs election that same election.

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Funderburk died in November 2023 at the age of 77. The SLED investigative file does not show that agents interviewed the former clerk of court to confirm Williams statements about his tenure before his death.

Former Marlboro County Sheriff Fred Knight walks into the federal courthouse in Florence, S.C., on August 16, 2024, on the second day of suspended Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemons trial. (Source: WJZY/Jody Barr)

Heres a partial transcript of SLEDs interview with Clerk Williams regarding where the grudge between Lemon and the clerks office began:

WILLIAMS: Larry Turner ran at the same time against Lemon.

SLED: The first time Lemon was elected?

WILLIAMS: Yeah, and Bill Funderburk supported him.

SLED: Supported?

WILLIAMS: Larry Turner. And Turner would come up here and meet with Bill at different times, and I think Lemon just assumed  plus Bill put it out on the street that if he found out if anybody voted for Charles Lemon, any of his employees, he was going to fire them.

SLED: Okay.

WILLIAMS: Thats how bad it was. And I hate to speak ill of Bill, but thats just the bottom line.

SLED: So, needless to say, from the moment that Lemon got in office, he had a grudge against the clerks office?

WILLIAMS: Yeah, see, we ran at the same time. Sheriff and clerk run at the same time

SLED: So then, sometime in 2020, after hes already been re-elected, because he was elected in 2016, probablyish, the first time. So, he beats Larry Turner the first time, and then when hes just won his second election, hes in the courtroom with you upstairs, and he tells you that youre going to pay

WILLIAMS: Right before the second election

SLED: Right, that you were going to pay because your clerks didnt vote for him?

WILLIAMS: Yeah.

SLED: But he never explained what he meant by that?

WILLIAMS: No, noand he said it with a smile on his face, too.

WILKES ADMITS TO DESTROYING COURT RECORDS

One of the first things Sandy Wilkes did on July 26, 2023, was get pulled into an interview room at the sheriffs office. She was face-to-face with a pair of SLED agents, explaining why she used a sheriffs office shredder to destroy more than 100 bench warrants bearing the clerks signature.

Wilkes told agents she was following the orders of her boss, then former Sheriff Charles Lemon.

So if it was only signed by the clerk and not by a judge, what did yall do with the warrant? SLED Agent Mike Gifford asked Wilkes, Shred them, Wilkes said without hesitation.

Marlboro County Sheriffs Office warrant clerk Sandy Wilkes told SLED during this July 26, 2023, interview that Sheriff Charles Lemon ordered her to shred any bench warrant that Clerk of Court Joy Williams issued. The clerks office estimates Lemons order caused between 100 and 125 bench warrants to be destroyed. (Source: S.C. Law Enforcement Division)

And, why did you shred them? Gifford asked, Its what he told me to do with them, Wilkes replied. Lemon told you to? Gifford asked, Yeah, because they werent signed by a judge, Wilkes stated.

Wilkes told SLED Lemon started to focus on the bench warrant issue following an annual sheriffs association conference, although she couldnt recall which year the conference happened or the details of what class Lemon attended to pique his interest in Williams signature on the bench warrants.

Heres a partial transcript of the exchange between SLED and Wilkes:

SLED: Did he ever say what was discussed at the Sheriffs Association?

WILLIAMS: It was something about warrants  having to be signed by a judge. His whole focus was, one, protecting himself and the sheriffs office, and things being signed by a judge. Thats what brought this whole mechanism into play. And I have no idea what the class was about or what they said because he was the only one there, so I cant help you with that.

SLED: So as far as you know, it wasnt anything personal between either former sheriff

WILLIAMS: No.

SLED: And either clerk?

WILLIAMS: No, I really believe whatever was said at that conference that he heard is what put that on his radar.

Wilkes told SLED that Lemon decided to shred the clerks bench warrants after a call with the attorney for the South Carolina Sheriffs Association, Jarrod Bruder.

WILLIAMS: We called Jarrod Butler [sic] at the sheriffs association. He explained to us, yes, she has the authority to sign, but be careful because its not signed by a judge. But the ultimate decision was left up to Sheriff Lemon. If to serve it, our understanding is its left up to the sheriff, if to serve or not serve the bench warrant.

SLED: Did you have any hesitation on that?

WILLIAMS: I did not because I heard him when he told him. I had the phone on speakerphone, and it was lying there on the desk. There was no hesitation because I heard Jarrod say it. It was not like I was hearing you say it, and I was like, well, I dont know about that, you know what Im saying?

SLED: So when Jarrod Butler [sic], the attorney for the Sheriffs Association, told you that it was up to Sheriff Lemon to use his own discretion on whether he wanted to honor those bench warrants, you had no hesitation about not honoring them?

WILLIAMS: No.

SLED: If they were signed by the clerk.

WILLIAMS: They were signed by the clerk, I didnt. I mean, his attorney for the sheriffs association, you knowAnd thats kind of when, you know, Sheriff Lemon says well, Im not serving those because theyre not signed by a judge. He said, Id rather err on the side of caution.

SLED: Did Sheriff Lemon say why he wanted you to shred them?

WILLIAMS: We will not serve them.

SLED: Did he instruct you to let general sessions know that yall were not going to serve them?

WILLIAMS: No, he never instructed me to tell them anything.

The day after Wilkes interview, SLED Agent Mike Gifford and SLED Captain Glenn Wood called Bruder, who was the director of the S.C. Sheriffs Association at the time. Bruder told SLED he did not recall a conversation with Sheriff Lemon and Wilkes about whether a clerk could sign a bench warrant, according to the SLED file. Bruder also told agents he never told Lemon to shred anything.

33-23-0087-Case-Management-History_RedactedDownload

The investigation shows the bench warrant shredding might have started as far back as 2021, although neither the SLED file nor the interviews with the clerks show a definitive timeline. Lemons order to Wilkes is as close as the investigation got to nailing down when the shredding started.

Wilkes confirmed, former Sheriff Fred Knight had no problem serving bench warrants signed by the clerk of court:

SLED: Did Sheriff Fred Knight ever tell you to shred them?

WILLIAMS: No.

SLED: What were yall doing with them in that same situation under Fred Knight?

WILLIAMS: Logging them in and putting them in the drawer.

SLED: And Im assuming that you remember there would have been instances under Fred Knight where it was signed by the clerk, but not by a judge?

WILLIAMS: No. Back under Fred, a lot of other stuff  Im not saying there wasnt something signed by the clerk, most of what Id say, 99% of what I seen was signed by a judge.

SLED: What about the other 1%? What did yall do with those?

WILLIAMS: I mean, I still put them in, but they were very cautious of serving them. They were in the drawer if something came up, I mean, you could pull that.

SLED: So its safe to say Fred Knight, when he was the sheriff, you were logging all of the bench warrants in 

WILLIAMS: Correct.

SLED: Even whether they were signed by a judge or a clerk?

WILLIAMS: Correct.

SLED: Did you ever have any anybody question yall shredding them  for instance, I know how this kind of came up was they were looking for one, like its not in the system, you found out it was only signed by the clerk, so you were doing what you have been told to do. Had that ever come up before?

WILLIAMS: No.

Not only did neither Wilkes nor Sheriff Lemon tell the clerks office they were shredding the bench warrants, but Wilkes also never told McNeil about Lemons order when he took over in December 2021.

S.C. Governor Henry McMaster selected former Bennettsville Police Chief Larry McNeil as interim Marlboro County Sheriff following Charles Lemons indictment and suspension in December 2021. McNeil served in the post until August 21, 2024, when the governor rescinded Lemons suspension. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

McNeil took over as interim sheriff the day after the Marlboro County grand jury indicted Lemon and former Deputy Andrew Cook in connection with an inmate assault inside the county jail 18 months earlier.

Once the indictments were handed up, the governor suspended Lemon and appointed McNeil to lead the sheriffs office until the criminal charges against Lemon were resolved.

A federal grand jury indicted Lemon and Cook on a federal civil rights abuse charge in January 2024. Cook pleaded guilty to his charge and agreed to testify against Lemon at the suspended sheriffs trial in August 2024.

This still frame captured from the May 3, 2020, body camera recording of Marlboro County Sheriff Deputy Andrew Cook shows Jarrel Johnson lying naked on the jailhouse floor as hes shocked multiple times with a Taser as Sheriff Charles Lemon orders Cook to Pop it to him throughout the encounter. (Source: Marlboro County Sheriffs Office)

Lemon was acquitted and returned to the sheriffs office days later, but lost in a landslide to McNeil in the November 2024 election. Clerk Williams also lost her re-election bid in the 2024 general election.

It took six months after McNeil took office for his chief deputy to uncover the warrant shredding that Wilkes told SLED she carried out under Lemon. Wilkes still works for the sheriffs office.

Suspended Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon told QCN he was exhausted but thankful after a federal jury acquitted him of abusing an inmates civil rights, finding the U.S. Attorneys Office, the FBI, and the S.C. Law Enforcement Division didnt prove its case against Lemon beyond a reasonable doubt. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

SLED: So dont read too much into this question because it sounds accusatory, its not. Its just factual finding. So when Sheriff McNeil, Interim Sheriff McNeil, took over, did you ask him what you should do with the bench warrants that were only signed by the clerk?

WILLIAMS: No.

SLED: Why is that?

WILLIAMS: Because he told us to proceed as we had been and if he wanted to change anything, he would come to us.

Wilkes spent 45 minutes with the SLED agents in a closed-door interview in July 2023. She disputed the assertion that Lemon was driven by a political vendetta when he ordered Wilkes to shred Joy Williams bench warrants.

Ill be honest with you, I dont think anything was toward anybody with any hard feelings or malice, or anything. I dont think that was the intention, Wilkes told the agents, stating again that she believes whatever Lemon heard at the sheriffs conference was the motivation for him to order her to destroy the court records.

Wilkes did have one favor to ask of SLED at the end of her interview: You have any questions for us? Agent Gifford asked, No, Wilkes responded.

Really? People always have at least one question, the agent joked, No, other than the fact that can yall just tell Jody Barr not to bother me? Wilkes responded. Wilkes didnt appear to laugh in the video, but the SLED agents laughed in the recording.

Stopping someone from asking questions certainly isnt something SLED has the power to do. Hours after Wilkes finished her interview, Barr met her outside the sheriffs office to question her about the warrant shredding. Wilkes remained silent, got into her patrol SUV, and drove away.

CASE CLOSED: Insufficient Evidence

SLED agents spent 90 days working on the investigation into the warrant shredding. In October 2023, SLED submitted its case file to S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilsons office for a prosecutor to review the investigation and decide whether to file charges.

S.C. Attorney Generals Office Senior Assistant AG, Heather Weiss, presents evidence against Marlboro County Charles Lemon during this Dec. 21, 2021, arraignment in Florence, S.C. Lemon was charged with a felony assault charge against an inmate, but the AGs office later abandoned the charge after federal prosecutors sought an indictment against Lemon in January 2024. (Source: WJZY/Jody Barr)

It took the AGs office 14 months to finish its review. In December 2024, just four months after federal prosecutors lost the Lemon civil rights prosecution and Wilsons office gave up pursuing the state felony charges it filed against Lemon and Cook.

After careful review of your investigation regarding the above-referenced matter, we have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to merit criminal prosecution, Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General Heather Weiss wrote to SLED Special Agent Michael Gifford.

Weiss was also the lead prosecutor on the state-level case the AGs office dropped against Lemon and Cook over the jailhouse assault of the inmate.

33-23-0087-Declination-Letter-AG-OfficeDownload

Despite Wilkes admission that she intentionally shredded the court documents  including the original record transmitted from the clerks office  and her statements that Lemon ordered her to do so, the state still has not held anyone accountable for destroying the court records.

Barr asked Weiss to schedule an interview to explain to the public the insufficency of the evidence contained in SLEDs case file, but Attorney General Alan Wilsons press secretary, Robert Kittle, told Barr Weiss was tied up and she stays extremely busy, and could not meet with Queen City News for an interview before our deadline.

Kittle offered to provide a written statement, but has not produced a statement in the 48 hours since our last contact with the AGs office about this.

Clerk Williams told SLED agents during her interview that Wilkes and Lemons destruction of the bench warrants could have gotten someone hurt.

WILLIAMS: But you talking about bench warrants for people on murder charges, all that stuff. Domestic violence, that guy could have been put in jail last October, and something done with the case, and here that girl was scared to death of him, he violated the protection orderstuff like thats dangerous.

Wilkes was referring to the domestic violence case where the victim came forward and revealed the shredding.

SLED: What would happen if a law enforcement officer went out there and shredded an official bench warrant like that?

WILLIAMS: You mean, like a deputy or something? I assume thats against the law.

SLED: Yeah, I would assume so, too.

WILLIAMS: And original, like a warrant or an original bench warrant, or

SLED: I didnt know if you had any case law or anything like that 

WILLIAMS: No, but I know that shredding an actual, or an official court document with an original signature

SLED: Which is what these would have been.

WILLIAMS: Yeah. I questioned Judge Burch on Monday, just to make sure. And he said thats against the law. And I said, well, we were told Friday that SLEDs been called, and he said, well, thats good.

Lemon would not agree to be interviewed in our July 2023 Shredded Justice report. Lemon also refused to interview with SLED for the criminal investigation, according to the SLED investigative report.

Still today, nearly two years after the Marlboro County warrant shredding was uncovered, the case is closed, and no one has been held accountable for destroying those court records.

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.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office is providing safety training for children in the area.

According to the press release, certified instructors will lead interactive workshops demonstrating how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants. Participants will learn to provide basic first aid for injuries, burns, and other common emergencies. Guests will also be taught how to respond to choking incidents and cardiac arrest.

Paid summer internships for college, high school students

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No prior experience is required, and each participant will receive a certificate upon completing the course. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at the Sheriffs Safety Town, located at 8910 Jewella Ave.

Children aged eight to twelve can attend from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Teenagers aged 13 to 16 will receive hands-on training from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.
Looks like Mike Waltz will land on his feet after being pushed out as national security adviser.



President Trump announced on Truth Social Thursday afternoon that he will be appointing Waltz as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio serving as national security adviser in the interim in addition to his other posts of acting administrator of USAID and acting archivist of the United States.

Truth Social screenshot Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter! May 01, 2025, 2:16 PM

The move comes after Trumps first choice for the ambassadorship, Representative Elise Stefanik, withdrew her name from consideration after the Republican majority in the House of Representatives became too thin. Waltzs departure from his national security adviser post along with his deputy, Alex Wong, was announced earlier on Thursday following several scandals in the past few months.

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Most notably, in March, Waltz accidentally invited Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat where Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth discussed attack plans against Houthi targets in Yemen. Later, Waltz was found to have left his Venmo account public, exposing associates including government officials and lobbyists. He was also exposed for having much of his personal data, including account passwords, cell phone numbers, and email addresses, listed online.

Along with Hegseth, Waltz used Signal frequently for work purposes, reportedly being part of at least 20 group chats to discuss issues in Ukraine, China, Gaza, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Privately, Trump was reportedly furious with Waltzs missteps, but evidently not enough to push him out of the administration entirely.

Waltzs new job seems to indicate that there are limits to accountability in the Trump administration. While he lost one job, he arguably got one that comes with less scrutiny. While the Signalgate scandal continues, for now it appears that the only consequences for the White House will be some chairs being shuffled.

This story has been updated.
By Xinghui Kok

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on Thursday for voters to re-elect all members of his cabinet, on the final day of campaigning before an election on Saturday in which some ministers face unusually close fights to keep their seats.

Addressing the country's main labour union, Wong warned of economic turbulence and job losses if U.S. tariffs slow global growth, and said he needed to keep his team intact. His government has warned the trade-reliant economy may face a recession.

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"It will take people in government who have built up trust and close relationships with their counterparts in both America and China," Wong said.

The ruling People's Action Party, in power since 1959, is all but guaranteed a majority, with the main opposition Worker's Party contesting just 26 of 97 seats in parliament.

Nevertheless, the government is facing a groundswell of discontent in the face of a rising cost of living. Some members of the cabinet may face tough battles.

The Worker's Party's secretary-general, Pritam Singh, told his final rally it was necessary to elect alternative voices to parliament for the sake of democracy.

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"The opposition makes its contribution by checking the government of the day, the same thing Lee Kuan Yew did when he was in opposition," said Singh, referring to the country's founding father.

A northeastern ward has shaped up to be a hotly contested constituency, where Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong could lose his seat. Wong has strongly backed Gan, calling him indispensable. Singh said this showed it was irresponsible to have Gan stand in a closely contested seat.

This is the first electoral test for Wong, who took over from long-time premier Lee Hsien Loong last year as leader of the People's Action Party.

Six political parties and an independent candidate held final rallies on Thursday night before 2.76 million voters go to a compulsory poll on Saturday after a short nine-day campaign.

Friday is designated as a "cooling off" day when parties are forbidden from campaigning.

(Reporting by Xinghui Kok, Jun Yuan Yong and Bing Hong LokEditing by Michael Perry and Peter Graff)
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Art Center is being recognized as part of the 2025 Iowa Governors Arts Awards for one of its projects that debuted this past year.

Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer and the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the museum with the Arts Service Award for Amanda Browders Razzle Dazzle project back in August. The project transformed the architecture of the center by installing vibrant textiles made from dozens of recycled, donated, or locally sourced fabrics.

SUX Fly & Drive fly in, car show, and pancake breakfast happening Saturday

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Browder, who lives in Brooklyn, worked with volunteers and artists at sewing events hosted in Sioux City. Razzle Dazzle represents in part the diversity of those who worked on the installation, according to a release.

The Governors Arts Awards are given every other year to recognize outstanding organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts in Iowa.

These awardees exemplify the passion, creativity and leadership that drive Iowas arts community forward, Iowa Arts Council director David Schmitz said. Their work enriches our state, inspires our communities and ensures that the arts continue to thrive for future generations.

10 Iowa individuals and organizations received awards in seven categories. There were over 90 nominees.

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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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
May 1MOSES LAKE  The decision by the Moses Lake City Council to end support for the Open Doors sleep center has prompted a lot of discussion, from the April 22 council meeting to community members to the people who use the sleep center itself.

Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz called it a very complicated issue after about an hour of public comment during the April 22 city council meeting.

"It becomes frustrating for a lot of us because this issue has been wrapped into one thing. What's become fairly obvious is that there are actually a myriad of issues that are going on in our community," Swartz said.

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The sleep center will remain open through June 30, when the state grant that provides the bulk of the funding expires. The city contracts with HopeSource to operate it. HopeSource is a nonprofit organization based in Ellensburg that provides other housing services in and around Moses Lake.

HopeSource officials issued a statement after the April 22 meeting, signed by Chief Executive Officer Susan Grindle.

"As an organization, HopeSource understands the tough decisions our elected officials must face in meeting the needs of the community. HopeSource has worked with the city of Moses Lake for many years on programs that serve that community and looks forward to a continued positive relationship with the city in seeking to meet the residents' needs," Grindle said.

Complex issue

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Jerome, who said he uses the sleep center regularly, said the people who use the sleep center are aware of the complexity.

"The city's dropping it; HopeSource is dropping it. (Another organization may) pick it up, but none of them wants to do it by themselves," he said.

The existing grant is administered by Grant County officials, but Commissioner Cindy Carter said the county's involvement isn't required.

"The county does not have to apply for that money. Whoever wants to run it can just deal directly with (the Washington Department of Commerce)," Carter said.

The sleep center provides overnight shelter but is closed during the day. There is room for a maximum of about 38 people.

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Jerome said that's another problem.

"There are about 20 of us that actually come here, and we stay," he said. "There are other people out there that are just running around town. There are a lot more homeless people than 20."

That was one of the concerns cited by Debbie Doran-Martinez, executive director of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. She presented a letter April 8 from the chamber's board of directors to the council asking that the sleep center be closed. People who aren't using the sleep center are having a direct effect on businesses throughout the community, she said. In a later interview, she said the discussion among business owners and community members about the sleep center predates 2025.

"We have been discussing this for years," she said. "It was supposed to be a temporary fix."

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From the chamber's perspective, the sleep center is not effective in addressing the problem, she said.

"We are spending a lot of money on something that isn't getting us any closer to fixing the problem," Doran-Martinez said.

Swartz said in an earlier interview that the sleep center originally was intended to be the first phase of a larger project that eventually would've offered a wider range of services. Council members and city managers have changed since then, though, and the current council doesn't consider the larger facility to be an option.

Different circumstances

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"I know why it's closing  it's because the city doesn't want to fund it anymore," said a sleep center user who wanted to remain anonymous. "That's because of all the messes and the drug use. But that leaves some of us out. We're tied into a mix that doesn't exactly have anything to do with us."

Not everybody who uses the sleep center is using drugs, he said.

"People are here for different reasons," he said.

Steve and his wife also use the sleep center, and said that family members they had lived with were evicted from their residence. He said closing the sleep center would not, in his opinion, solve the problem.

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"I think everybody is just going to go back to camping on properties they're not supposed to be on," Steve said.

Steve and his wife have some income, he said, but not enough to afford rent.

Jerome also said the lack of affordable housing is a challenge.

"I got income, but I don't have that much to go out and get my own place," he said. "A lot of us don't have the resources to actually get into a place, so this place is actually helping us not do the criminal activities."

Looking for solutions

Steve said people who use the sleep center could be involved in the solution, among other things, by working on city beautification.

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"A lot of the businesses are complaining about the trash," he said. "I heard one of the churches is trying to come up with the idea to pay the homeless people to pick up trash, which I think if they did something along those lines. I'll walk through the town and pick up everything," he said. "It'd be cheaper on the city, and then I don't think they'd make a mess again."

Jerome said a solution may lie in Samaritan Hospital, which is scheduled to move into a new building in spring 2026.

"I heard they're building a new hospital. The old hospital would be ideal for real low-income, or even homeless people, to actually go. They have the facility, they have multiple floors, they can do multiple services. They could do rehab; they could do intake; they could do counseling; all in one building, and not too far from other health services like Renew," he said.

Recent interviews with Samaritan staff indicate that no plan has been established for the old hospital building, once the new one is established. A variety of options are on the table, but nothing is yet set in stone. Staff have said a behavioral or mental health facility may be an option, but no plans have been set.

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City Manager Robert Karlinsey said after the April 22 morning that city officials are working on a plan to address what comes next, what he called a "multi-pronged approach." The city's tentative strategy is expected to be discussed at one of the upcoming May Moses Lake City Council meetings.

"This is not an easy decision. Nor is this the end of this discussion, and we understand that," Swartz said during the council meeting.

"Some people asked the question tonight, 'What are the answers?' And we should be working with other people to discuss those and figure out solutions. I do believe (Grant County) has some responsibility in this. We have the health district, we have Renew, we have the justice department here in the county. I would absolutely love to have a chat with all of those people about some of these issues," he said.

Editor's note: Columbia Basin Herald journalists spoke with unsheltered people who utilize the Moses Lake Sleep Center on Friday, April 25. Those they spoke with asked to have their names held or to only use their first names for a variety of reasons, including personal safety.
More than 75 North Atlantic right whales have been spotted in the shipping lanes south of Massachusetts, prompting NOAA Fisheries to designate a voluntary Slow Zone for mariners, New England Aquarium officials said Thursday.

Mariners are being urged to monitor alerts from NOAA Fisheries and reduce speeds to 10 knots within slow zones and Seasonal Management Areas.

Ship strikes are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths for this critically endangered species, making it crucial that vessels slow down to the recommended speed, New England Aquarium officials said in a statement.

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Scientists from the New England Aquariums Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life were flying an aerial survey on April 23 when they spotted an aggregation of over 60 right whales 55 miles south of Marthas Vineyard, officials said.

The whales, which were likely feeding, were seen in shipping lanes.

A second survey on April 28 saw 40 right whales, including 15 additional individuals not seen on the first survey, officials said.

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Researchers have seen groups of feeding right and sei whales in the springtime in this area over the last few years, although this years aggregation is one of the largest researchers have seen there.

Most of the whales sighted in this aggregation were adults, including several calving females such as Calvin (Catalog #2223).

Associate Research Scientist Katherine McKenna was surprised and pleased to see Calvin on the survey.

This was the first time Calvin had been seen in almost three years, and at her last sighting, she had severe entanglement wounds that were new. A lot of people had given up hope that she was still alive after not being seen for so long, McKenna said.

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In 1992, Calvin was orphaned as an 8-month-old calf after her mother was killed by a large vessel strike. Calvin has since endured eight entanglements and given birth to four calves of her own.

Calvins story illustrates the resiliency of right whales, McKenna said. However, their resiliency alone is not enough for this species to recover. We must reduce the sources of human-caused mortality and injury that are preventing the right whale population from thriving,

As right whales adapt to shifts in the location of their prey, collaborations between researchers, industries, and management officials are essential to minimize the risk of vessel strikes and entanglements for aggregations like this, marine wildlife advocates said.

Vessel strikes are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death for North Atlantic right whales, and the presence of a right whale aggregation amidst the shipping lanes is cause for concern, New England officials said in their statement.

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Some whales were seen feeding just below the surface, making them harder for oncoming vessels to detect.

The survey team saw several large commercial ships utilizing the shipping lanes and was able to alert them to the presence of whales in the area.

The sightings have since triggered a dynamic management area or voluntary Slow Zone, which urges mariners to slow down to 10 knots or less to prevent collisions with whales.

While the location of the whales in the shipping lanes was concerning, in this particular instance, our survey team was able to successfully alert a ship in real time and have them shift course to avoid the right whales gathered together and feeding, Associate Research Scientist Orla OBrien, who leads the aerial survey team at the Aquariums Anderson Cabot Center, said in a statement.

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The winter/spring season marks the peak time of year for right whale sightings in southern New England waters.

In addition to the sightings in the shipping lanes, a large number of right whales are currently feeding in Cape Cod Baymeaning waters off New England are hosting a substantial portion of the population.

The Aquariums aerial survey team has flown 32 surveys throughout New England since December and documented over 168 individual North Atlantic right whales, nearly half of the estimated population of around 370.

Roughly a third of the whales documented in this most recent aggregation were also seen in January in another large aggregation near Jeffreys Ledge, off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire, but sightings by Aquarium aerial surveys south of Cape Cod have been sparse this season until now.

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For more than a decade, the New England Aquarium has conducted aerial surveys over the waters south of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket, collecting data on all marine animals with a focus on protected species of whales and sea turtles.

In recent years, the Aquarium has expanded survey coverage in New England including coastal Maine, the Gulf of Maine, and the Canyons along the shelf break.

These flights help monitor changes in animal populations, identify various species, recognize trends using standardized data, and monitor aggregations.

Determining where right whales occur and how they are using habitats provides crucial information that can be used to better protect endangered species like North Atlantic right whales, New England officials said.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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HAMILTON, Mont. - In an era of rural decline, this town of 5,000 touts art galleries and upscale cafes. Its Main Street, with a homegrown department store still going strong after 75 years, remains a draw not just for locals but for the tourists who come to explore the surrounding mountain wilderness.

But many people worry that the future is at risk. Hamilton has depended for decades on what seemed a reliable economic foundation - the federal government, which employs hundreds at a world-renowned scientific laboratory and in the Bitterroot National Forest. Now staff and funding cuts at both are shaking this pocket of deep-red Montana, prompting its leaders to warn President Donald Trumps administration of dangerous safety and economic consequences and sending citizens into the streets to protest.

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As one saying here goes, locals either have a PhD or a GED. Its wry recognition of the outsize role of federal employment in an area where most alternatives pay little despite a median home price of about $600,000. Hamilton leaders fear researchers at Rocky Mountain Laboratories and forest managers who lose their jobs are likely to leave, taking their salaries, families, firefighting skills and community contributions with them.

They are participating in the local economy. Theyre volunteers for our nonprofits, for our schools. Theyre very engaged citizens, said Robin Pruitt, the city council president. We know that our community would be devastated to lose these community members.

The dynamic has made Hamilton a prime example of the ripple effects of the administrations efforts to drastically shrink the government. The consequences of pink slips always reach beyond the individual employees fired. Yet they feel magnified in a town this size.

This is the small-business, Main Street American economic impact, said Mary Casper, who owns a motel in downtown Hamilton and watched with alarm as the lab canceled bookings for visiting researchers.

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The scope of the firings and buyouts is unclear because the White House has not made numbers public. At the lab, a scientist who is keeping a tally counts at least 25 of 573 people gone, most of them support staff. Fourteen others are expected to leave or be terminated by June, according to the scientist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because workers are not permitted to speak publicly.

At the national forest, some 30 to 40 of 208 employees have been fired or have left through various incentive programs, said Melissa Pingree, a Bitterroot employee whos on the executive council of the local federal workers union.

A spokesperson for the Agriculture Department, which includes the Forest Service, said via email that staffing numbers continue to be finalized; operational firefighters were not offered voluntary retirement and deferred resignation, according to the service. The National Institutes of Health did not respond to a request for comment about staff cuts at the lab.

This spring, the city council moved a listening session on the cuts from City Hall to the middle school, a larger venue to accommodate more than 200 attendees. Though Hamilton leans more blue than the broader Bitterroot Valley, the council had seen its share of ideological battles - a proposed rainbow-painted crosswalk sparked a holy war a few years ago, Pruitt recounted - and its members were unsure how heated the meeting would get.

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All comments were on one side: Protect federal jobs.

The council responded by passing a resolution opposing the cuts and pleading, in letters to the NIH and USDA, to consider its perspective. Were just about as low on the government pecking order as it comes, but we had to do something, said Pruitt, whose position is nonpartisan.

But this is Trump country, and Ravalli Countys three Republican commissioners, who represent a jurisdiction where 69 percent of voters backed the president, see the situation differently. At a recent meeting, dozens of residents urged them to press Montanas congressional delegation to challenge the staff reductions. Some of the people making cuts could not tell the difference between a deer and an elk, a former lab worker said.

Theres some reason for concerns, commissioner Greg Chilcott responded, but at the same time, were $37 trillion in debt as a nation.  Something has to be done.

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His comments were booed.

Like the rest of the lush valley, Hamilton once thrived on timber. Those jobs dried up with the closure of sawmills, and few here expect even tariffs on Canadian lumber to revive the industry.

Luckily, the town had something else: Rocky Mountain Laboratories. It began more than a century ago with scientists in sheds and tents researching Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a deadly tick-borne disease. And while a moat was dug around the facility in its early days to assuage residents fears of tick escapes, the lab has long been a source of pride for many.

It has been at the forefront of infectious-disease research, producing yellow fever vaccine during World War II, identifying the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, and contributing to immunizations for Ebola and the coronavirus. Today its work draws scientists from around the globe. A 2023 University of Montana report found that the lab supports 1,497 Montana jobs, $89 million in after-tax income for households and $232 million in annual business revenue.

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Hamiltons backdrop is the 1.6-million-acre Bitterroot National Forest, a wonderland of hiking, hunting and fishing. Visitation and migration boomed during the pandemic and grew more when the smash television series Yellowstone started filming in the county.

The federal government accounts for 4 percent of jobs but 8 percent of wages in Ravalli - both numbers significantly higher than the statewide figures, according to Bryce Ward, an economist in Missoula.

The combination of solid salaries in a charming town next to an outdoor playground makes this place a coveted assignment. Everyone in Hamilton knows someone who works at the lab or the forest. Some households have two federal salaries. Their children are on teams and in classrooms, where lab employees volunteer in an after-school science program.

Kara Bond landed a job last year as a forest archaeologist. She loved the work, and she loved Hamilton, where she rented an apartment that backed up to the Bitterroot River. She began to imagine staying for the long haul in what she calls the quietest place Ive ever lived.

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But she was still a probationary employee when the Trump administration fired thousands of workers in that category in mid-February. The email came in as Bond was at a chemotherapy session for breast cancer.

She gave up her apartment and moved to her home state for treatment, only to have a court ruling lead to her reinstatement. Now shes working remotely and hoping she will still have the job and be able to return to Hamilton after she has surgery in May.

Nobody knows whos going to get RIFs, she said, meaning reductions in force or more layoffs.

Jeff Burrows, a county commissioner whose district includes the lab, said he feels for those losing jobs. He is also uneasy about the lack of transparency on how deep the cuts will be and how theyre being orchestrated by people in Washington.

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Hes no drain-the-swamp guy; he thinks Forest Service employees have been crucial partners to the county. Still, Burrows said he understands the administrations focus on slashing costs.

I dont think its going to devastate our economy from the proposal so far that Ive seen, he said in an interview.

Yet business owners are already feeling the cuts. Allegra printing has long worked with the Forest Service and the lab, producing signs and materials for presentations. That generated additional business from NIH divisions based elsewhere, said co-owner Michelle Mendenall, who estimated the federal purchases typically make up 10 percent of Allegras revenue.

The lab orders are gone for now, she said. At a community event, a lab employee told her that his department had just a couple of us left.

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Im 20-something years into these relationships, Mendenall said. Youll start a project one week, and youll talk to them on Friday, and you email them on Monday, and theyre not there anymore.

Casper and her husband bought the City Center Motel two years ago and spruced it up, confident it could become profitable and inject more money into downtown. Soon it was getting good reviews, and lab officials started booking rooms for their visitors.

Last year, two people from Africa stayed for three weeks. Nine people came from Europe to attend a four-day conference. In 2024, the motel logged $15,000 in reservations from the lab, about 10 percent of its total. By years end, the 2025 calendar already had $5,000 in lab bookings.

Weeks after the presidents inauguration, a travel freeze led to them all being canceled. Such losses can make or break your year, Casper said.

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Inside the lab, supplies are low because much of the purchasing department has been let go. New experiments are on hold. So are maintenance contracts, meaning critical machines - mass spectrometers, electron microscopes - cannot be fixed if they fail, according to Kim Hasenkrug, a scientist emeritus who remains in close contact with lab employees.

A lot of those experiments are time critical, he said.

At the forest, beyond keeping toilets clean and maintaining trails, there are concerns about how to fulfill the administrations greater focus on timber harvest and fire mitigation with a smaller staff.

You need all the people that know this stuff, said Mary Williams, a retired Bitterroot archaeologist who lives in Hamilton. Theres so much that goes into managing the forest.

Commissioner Burrows does not completely disagree. Ravalli is 73 percent federal land, and he said the Forest Service has struggled to stay on top of trail and road maintenance. In one of the nations highest-risk wildfire areas, Burrows and others are well aware the county relies on federal funding and workers to ensure its safety.

For now, he said, the commission is in wait-and-see mode, trying to keep our roads paved and trying to keep public safety going.

He does wonder where all this will end up.

If youre going to reduce the number of people, if you are going to reduce the cost, you are going to see a service reduction, and what are people going to tolerate? he said. Because its unrealistic, I think, to expect the same level of service with less folks on the ground.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  May is National Chip Your Pet Month. Its a time to focus on a small step that makes a big difference: microchipping your pet.

Every year, about 10 million pets are lost in the United States and many never find their way home. A simple, low-cost chip under the skin is often the only way to reunite with your furry friend if they get lost.

Heres what every pet owner needs to know to keep their pet safe and home where they belong.

1. A microchip is tiny but powerful

About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is a small electronic device implanted just under your pets skin between the shoulders. Its not a GPS. Instead, it holds a unique ID number. When scanned at a vet clinic or shelter, that number connects to your contact informationif youve registered it.

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The chip lasts for life and is safe for dogs and cats of all ages. It doesnt need a battery and doesnt hurt your pet.

2. Registering your info is free and important

Having the chip isnt enough. You must register your name and contact details with the microchip company or through a free database. This is how someone can reach you if your pet is found.

There is no fee to register your basic contact information. Any extra charges you may see are for optional services and not the chip itself.

3. Honolulu law requires microchips for pets

Since 2020, the City and County of Honolulu has required that all dogs three months and older and all cats four months and older be microchipped. This law replaced the old dog licensing system. Unlike a collar or tag, a microchip cant be lost or removed.

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Its a simple, one-time procedure that helps your pet stay in compliance with local rules and safe from getting stuck in a shelter.

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4. You can still use a collar and tag

While microchips are a secure form of ID, theyre not visible. Thats why vets and animal experts recommend that pets, especially dogs, also wear a collar with an ID tag. This way, a friendly neighbor can return your pet without needing a chip scanner.

If your cat goes outside, the law says they must wear a collar and tag starting at six months old.

5. Where to get your pet microchipped

Microchips are available at most veterinary clinics and at animal welfare nonprofits like the Hawaiian Humane Society. The process is quick and similar to getting a vaccination. No surgery or anesthesia is needed, and your pet can go home right away.

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If your pet already has a microchip but you dont know the number, a vet or shelter can scan them to find out.

6. You can add backup contacts

If youre traveling or just want extra peace of mind, you can list more than one contact on your pets microchip registration. This could be a family member, your veterinarian or your pet sitter. If something happens and you cant be reached, someone else can speak for your pet.

This is especially helpful during holidays or natural disasters when people may be harder to reach.

7. You can transfer ownership through the chip

If you rehome your pet or adopt one from someone else, be sure to contact the chips manufacturer and update the owner info. Each company handles this differently, but common ones include AVID, HomeAgain and 24PetWatch.

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The microchip number stays the same, but the information connected to it should reflect the pets new home.

8. Chips help reunite pets years later

Microchips have helped pets get home even after being lost for years. One well-known case involved a cat named George, who was reunited with his family 13 years after he disappeared. That was thanks to his microchip. His story proves just how powerful this tiny tool can be.

Most shelters and animal control officers now scan for chips as a first step when finding a lost pet.

9. Check the chip every year

Once your pet is chipped, ask your vet to scan it once a year to make sure it still works. Chips rarely fail, but its always good to double-check.

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Also, update your contact information whenever it changes. If you move, get a new phone number or change your email address, go online and update your pets microchip record.

10. Chip your pet month is the perfect time to act

Use May as your reminder: Is your pet microchipped? Have you registered your contact info? Do you need to update anything? If youve been putting it off, now is the time.

Take your pet to the vet for a quick chip check. While youre there, spoil them with treats, a walk or a new toy to say thanks for being your best friend.

Your pet depends on you for everything: food, shelter and love. But if something unexpected happens and they wander off, a microchip could be the only voice they have.

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Its small, inexpensive and takes just minutes to get; but it could make all the difference in keeping your family together.

Click here for more information on chipping your pet from the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

This Chip Your Pet Month, do the responsible thing. Get your pet microchipped, check your registration and help spread the word. Because keeping pets safe means keeping them home.

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 KHON2.
Stop me if you think that youve heard this one before. Billy Corgans suburban Chicago tea shop, Madame Zuzus, was hit by a car for the second time. Six months after a vehicle smashed through the front window of the Highland Park tea spot and injured Corgans mother-in-law, the shop revealed that it had been struck again.

Earlier today, there was an accident outside of Madame Zuzus involving a vehicle that struck the front of the cafe, read a statement on Madame Zuzus Instagram page on Wednesday (April 30). Thankfully, no one was injured. Thank you to everyone who checked in and offered support.

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According to WGN, Smashing Pumpkins leader Corgans wife, Chloe Mendel Corgan, said the crash was an honest accident and no one was hurt, but the building did suffer some exterior damage. The outlet posted a picture of the aftermath, which appeared to show some damage to the bricks on the facade of the building.

Corgan also posted a picture of the damage on X on Tuesday (April 29), writing, thankfully no one was injured. Just more damage to the exterior/interior but the shop is open for the rest of the day.

Back in October, Corgan posted a note from his wife in which she said that a car had jumped the curb and smashed into the front window of the shop that opened in its current location in Sept. 2020. This afternoon at Madame Zuzus, a car (in circumstances which remain under investigation) drove over the curb and into Madame Zuzus and sadly injuring one person  my mother, Jenny; who was spending the day and lunching with my son Augustus, wrote Chloe Mendel Corgan after the first crash. Thankfully, he was able to leap out of the way and was not injured.

Corgan will launch his 16-date solo tour with his new band, the Machines of God, on June 7 in Baltimore. The outing will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and the 25th anniversary of the 2000 albums Machina/The Machines of God and Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music.

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The Corgans welcomed their third child in March. Daughter June Corgan joins their son Augustus Juppiter, 9 and daughter Philomena Clementine, 6.

Check out Madame Zuzus statement below.

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SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WFXR)The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is in its 39th consecutive year of monitoring the water quality of Smith Mountain Lake in conjunction with Ferrum College.

The collected data ensures that the lakes water is clean and safe for the community to enjoy, especially as the lake ages.

(Photo Credit: The Smith Mountain Lake Association)

Over 50 SMLA volunteers, including seven environmental scientists and three student interns from Ferrum College, collected water samples at 84 sites on the lake throughout the summer. This generates over 1,000 data points yearly and is then shared with the public, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

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This year, monitoring will begin on May 5, and supplies and training will be provided to new and returning volunteers.

Smith Mountain Lake fundraiser to support ecosystem and wildlife

Water sampling will be on May 18, when volunteers will go out on their own boats to sample their assigned locations. The Ferrum College interns will go out on a boat owned by the college to perform other monitoring tasks.

Water will be tested for phosphorus and chlorophyll-a concentrations. According to the SMLA, Phosphorus is a polluting nutrient, which in high concentrations can spur unwanted excess growth of algae. Chlorophyll-a is a component of algae and serves as a measure of the quantity of algae growing in the water.

(Photo Credit: The Smith Mountain Lake Association)

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The college team from Ferrum performs laboratory analysis of the water sample, along with their own sampling of many lake parameters. There is an analysis of bacterial concentrations of 14 locations on the lake, depth profiles of dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, and conductivity at five locations, and counts of algae species.

The results will be posted to the SMLA website later this year. Visitors can also view results for the lake as a whole.

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 WFXRtv.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A new smoothie bar will have its Grand Opening in Fairborn this May.

Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar will hold its Grand Opening on Tuesday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Franchise owner Daniel Henry shared the announcement with 2 NEWS.

The smoothie bar, 2012 Commerce Center Blvd., is located in the same strip mall as the Chipotle, between the Kroger parking and the street.

The menu will have nearly three dozen smoothies spread among eight categories: Classic, Tropical, High Energy, Citrus, Veggie, Super and Premium Blends. For food options, the smoothie bar will have wraps and blended bowls.

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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.
Japans high-speed bullet train services were halted on its busiest line connecting Tokyo and Osaka after a snake became tangled in the overhead wires, causing a power outage.

The incident occurred between Gifu-Hashima and Maibara station around 5.25pm on Wednesday, 30 April, halting trains to the Japanese capital and the city of Osaka for around an hour and a half, Kyodo News said.

The service disruption occurred on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which also stops at Kyoto and Nagoya, and is considered the most popular and busiest route.

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The snake is thought to have become entangled in a power line, leading to the high-speed service to halt operations on the usually punctual service.

Shinkansen trains operate on a network of high-speed train lines, connecting most of Japans major cities and can run at speeds of up to 285 kilometres per hour.

Tokaido Shinkansen trains usually depart every few minutes for most stations along the route. With the service out of operation for so long, passengers started to form crowds around staff at Nagoya Station seeking explanations for why the trains were delayed, while long queues formed at ticket machines.

Each day, 372 Shinkansen train services usually operate on this line, with around 432,000 passengers using the service.

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JR Central says that its trains are usually punctual, with an average delay time of 1.6 minutes.

Services eventually resumed around 7pm after it was deemed safe to do so, JR Central, a railway operator in Japan, told the publication.

"I use the Shinkansen several times a month, but this is the first time I have experienced suspensions due to a power outage," Satoshi Tagawa, who was due to return to Tokyo, told Kyodo News.

"I am relieved," added 26-year-old Kazutoshi Tachi, after learning that trains were running again. "But I am fed up with the troubles [with Shinkansen services]. I want them to run on time."

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This is not the first time snakes have jeopardised the busy schedule of the Shinkansen services in Japan.

In April 2024, a small snake found its way into a passenger's carriage and was slithering along the floor.

The 40-centimetre snake had been spotted in the carriage of a train which was due to depart for Osaka, but was instead put out of service as a precaution.

While the small reptile only caused a 17-minute delay, over 600 passengers were affected by the train being put out of action.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is under pressure to ditch its senseless nuclear power ban over fears the policy risks hurting the economy.

A poll of Scots by Britain Remade, a campaign group, showed that more than half of SNP voters would like Scotland to make greater use of nuclear power, which has been staunchly opposed by the party since the 1970s.

According to the survey, 52pc of those who voted SNP in 2021 believe nuclear power should be part of Scotlands energy mix to meet Holyroods net zero target in 2045. Overall, 56pc of Scots support nuclear.

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The results are surprising because opposition to nuclear energy has historically been one of the SNPs defining policies.

Britain Remade has called for the rapid construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland to ensure that the technology remains part of its energy mix.

It is also campaigning for the development of Small Modular Reactors in Scotland as the group believes the mini-nuclear reactors can help to secure jobs in the sector and maintain energy security.

Just a third of SNP voters surveyed said they opposed the development of nuclear power while 15pc said they were undecided.

Martin Whitfield, the Labour MSP for South Scotland, said: This senseless policy is harming our energy security, economic potential, and hampering our ability to deliver on Scotlands climate change commitments.

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If we dont act soon to end this ideological opposition, Scotland will lose its nuclear energy capacity entirely, damaging jobs and the economy, including East Lothian.

The results of the polling come as Britain Remade called on the SNP to abandon its opposition to nuclear power stations.

Britain Remade, which campaigns for economic growth, warned that the SNPs opposition to new nuclear power stations could cause Scotland to miss out on significant levels of investment as well as thousands of jobs.

EDF Energy confirmed in December that it would extend the operational lifespan of the Torness nuclear power station until at least 2030. Yet, beyond the end of the decade there is significant uncertainty about the future of nuclear power in Scotland.

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John Lamont, the Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said encouraging the construction of nuclear power stations is basic common sense because it would bring energy bills down for workers, businesses and families.

He added: Everyone seems to be able to see the huge benefits of nuclear energy, except the SNP. John Swinneys government is out of touch with the views of mainstream Scotland.

Scotlands first nuclear power station was opened in 1959, at Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway. It was in operation until 2004.

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Donald Trumpsdismissal of former National Security AdviserMike Waltz on Thursday was immediately felt on social media.

Waltzs departure from the Trump administration comes weeks after The Atlantic reported that he accidentally added a journalist to a group chat in which highly sensitive national security matters were discussed.

Trump saidno one would be fired for the incident, but other media outlets soon learned of other potential security leaks.

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Naturally, there was snark to spare on social media after Waltzs dismissal.

Mike Waltz has left the chat.  Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) May 1, 2025

Mike Waltz in 2021, fired today by Trump. pic.twitter.com/jboj0O5RU9  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 1, 2025

How exactly does one celebrate Trump Fires Mike Waltz Day? pic.twitter.com/TzGjIHxtxR  Jen (@JenTusch) May 1, 2025

Earlier this morning, Mike Waltz retweeted a White House hype video that named him as part of Trumps dream team.



He was just fired. pic.twitter.com/7Yx7dVLvfb  PatriotTakes  (@patriottakes) May 1, 2025

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Mike Waltz refused to shake my hand and now hes fired. #karmapic.twitter.com/AbsUgSTyKV  Jason Selvig (@jasonselvig) May 1, 2025

Ironically, the announcement that Waltz was leaving the Trump administration came just hours after he appeared on Fox News to heap praise on the much-beleaguered secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth.

Mike Waltz was on Fox & Friends just hours before his firing slathering praise on Trump and Pete Hegseth pic.twitter.com/D1Pe1172h0  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 1, 2025

Mike Waltz has been fired.



This is basically an admission by the White House that a breach occurred.



Pete Hegseth must be next.  Skyler Johnson (@SkylerforNY) May 1, 2025

Trump on Mike Waltz a month ago: That man is a very good man and he will continue to do a good job.



Today, Trump fired him.

pic.twitter.com/ZSoDTm9IxS  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) May 1, 2025

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Mike Waltz is out.



Gave up his House seat for 100 days in Trump world. https://t.co/CCl7s6vATF  That Gay Guy Candle Co. (@gayguycandleco) May 1, 2025

Mike Waltz did all that ass-kissing during Trump's cabinet meeting yesterday just to get fired a day later.  Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) May 1, 2025

Related...
IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  A $100 million project to construct a solar farm and energy storage facility could be coming just north of Buckley.

WCIAs partners with the Ford County Chronicle reported that community members gathered at Chris Lutheran High School in Buckley for an informational open house on the proposed project known as the Louis Creek Solar. This project is being developed by Allium Renewable Energy LLC of Chicago, which plans to build it on 380 acres of land in Artesia Township about two miles north of Buckley.

Iroquois County CUSD 9 investigating communication software breach

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Construction of the 50-megawatt solar farm and 10-megawatt battery storage facility would start in early 2026 and finish by the first quarter of 2027, which is when it would be put into full operation.

Louis Creek Solar is currently in the advanced design phase and has reached an agreement to connect to the electrical grid with the host utility company, Ameren, the Louis Creek Solar website said. We are now pursuing the necessary land-use permits and agreements with both Iroquois County and Artesia Township.

The project, estimated to cost $100 million, is expected to produce enough renewable energy to power approximately 8,000 homes each year while creating more than 100 local jobs. It is also supposed to generate economic benefits including an estimated $8-9 million in new local property tax revenue over the projects life span to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda school district, Buckley Fire Protection District, Parkland Community College, Iroquois County and Artesia Township.

Urbana set to host inauguration ceremony for mayor-elect, city council, officials

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On the projects website, it said Allium Renewable Energy LLC was established in 2008 to originate, develop, finance, construct and operate wind farms, solar power plants and energy storage facilities.

With our pipeline of more than 3,500 [megawatts] of solar and wind projects, we are contributing to the countrys energy self-sufficiency  renewably and sustainably powering the future, the website said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
DENVER (AP)  A soldier present at an after-hours nightclub where more than 100 immigrants suspected of being in the U.S. illegally were taken into custody appeared in court Thursday to face charges that he distributed cocaine.

Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, who is assigned to Fort Carson, an Army post near the illegal club in Colorado Springs, was arrested Wednesday evening, the FBI said.

He allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration days before the raid and is accused of working with others to distribute the drug since around September, according to his arrest affidavit.

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Orona-Rodriguez  a member of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the 4th Infantry Division  was dressed in camouflage pants and a khaki T-shirt and held court documents in his handcuffed hands during his brief court hearing. He listened as the magistrate judge explained his rights and agreed to appoint a public defender to represent him.

At the request of Assistant U.S. Attorney Garreth Winstead, Orona-Rodriguez will continue to be held until a hearing to discuss his detention on Tuesday. His lawyer, Josh Lilley, did not address the allegations against him during the hearing and declined to comment after the hearing, citing the public defenders' policy against speaking to the media.

More than 300 law enforcement officers and officials from multiple agencies participated in Sundays operation at the nightclub, which had been under investigation for months, said Jonathan Pullen, special agent in charge of the DEAs Rocky Mountain Division.

Cocaine was among the drugs found, Pullen said at a news conference in Colorado Springs, whose leaders have declared that it is not a sanctuary city for migrants.

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Orona-Rodriguez was one of about 17 active-duty U.S. Army service members who were at the club, known as Warike, when it was raided early Sunday, the affidavit said.

He appears to have held a leadership role in a business that provides armed security at nightclubs, including at Warike, according to the document. However, it did not say whether he was working security there at the time of the raid. It notes that he had been warned by his commanding officer this spring that he could not work for the security company.

According to the arrest affidavit, police received 911 calls related to the club citing a wide variety of alleged crimes, including weapons violations, assault, narcotics, and other violent crime.

Two people wanted in connection with criminal misdemeanor cases were also arrested during the raid, Colorado Springs police said.

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Colorado Springs mayor Yemi Mobolade, a political independent and Nigerian immigrant, has expressed support for the operation, which he said was the result of clear evidence of serious criminal conduct.

Our residents deserve to live in a city where the rule of law is upheld and where illegal behavior is met with firm and decisive action, he said in a statement.

President Donald Trump posted a link to the DEA video of the raid on his social media site, Truth Social. A big Raid last night on some of the worst people illegally in our Country  Drug Dealers, Murderers, and other Violent Criminals, of all shapes and sizes, the president wrote.

Rodriguez received more than a dozen Army awards during his almost nine years in service, including an Army Commendation Medal with combat device, which is earned during a deployment where the soldier was performing meritoriously under the most arduous combat conditions, according to Army descriptions of the award.

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Of the 17 soldiers who were at the venue at the time of the raid, 16 were patrons and one was working there in a security role, a U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. Sixteen of the soldiers there were assigned to Fort Carson, the official did not know where the seventeenth was assigned.

Investigators suspect Orona-Rodriguez was getting cocaine from an unidentified Mexican citizen who is unlawfully present in the United States without admission, according to the affidavit.

Orona-Rodriguez was charged with two drug-related counts, including conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

_____

Associated Press writer Tara Copp in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.
Lee Eutsler trained more than 800 recruits in his time as a drill sergeant back in the 1970s. With 50 years passing this spring, members of a platoon he trained visited him this week in Wapello for his birthday to pay their respects. They found each other online, having lost contact when Eutsler started going by his middle name.

(Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

I had posted my old drill sergeant picture and they had recognized it right off and different guys started contacting me, and then they start planning, Eutsler told Our Quad Cities News.

Two members of the platoon came by a few days before, one traveling from as far away as Virginia, to catch up with their drill sergeant.

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My old thing I used to say to when I got them all off the cattle car: Trainees, I am your father, I am your mother, I am your preacher. I am everything to you,' said Eutsler.

Little did he know that he wasnt far off.

He had a huge impact on me, because every time I saw him, I was just like impressed with the way he looked and always the uniform was always perfect, said Bill Burns, a former member of a platoon Eutsler trained. I was living in orphanages and foster homes at the time, so I was looking for some guidance and some training and teaching of that nature. I got lucky, I got the best.

Burns spent 22 years in the Army, and says he couldnt have done it without Eutslers help. Another member of the same platoon says Eutsler taught him skills he uses every day.

(Lee Eutsler)

The things hes taught me that helped me in my business going forward, (included) how to treat people, the leadership, who you want to emulate and be like, and I always hoped wed be able to make contact again someday, said Kevin Leonard, a member of the same platoon.

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Both Burns and Leonard say theyve spent years trying to reconnect.

I had actually been looking for him for years, said Burns. I wanted to give him a thank you back then, (but) really couldnt. Didnt know that last time I saw him when we had duty together the night before graduation, I didnt know that would be the last time I would see him.

Eutsler was surprised and honored when they contacted him.

I made a big difference in their lives and I didnt know that, said Eutsler. I always wondered how much of a difference (I made.)

Eutsler says after 50 years, the emotions ran high.

We just hugged each other for probably five minutes, said Eutsler. It was hard to be the drill sergeant anymore and keep my composure.

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To make it special, the platoon celebrated his 74th birthday, something Eutsler says he isnt used to.

I havent had a birthday or a birthday party all my life, said Eutsler. I had a birthday cake from a German friend 40 years ago.

Eutsler says it was the best birthday hes ever had.

I love this day, not because its my birthday, but because these guys remembered me.

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ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Five years have passed since Eddie Hernandez Palma was fatally stabbed in Odessa. His home, once a place of weekend car washes and family check-in calls, became the scene of a crime that remains unsolved.

It was just before 1 a.m. on April 17, 2020, when Odessa Police were called to 2502 North Tom Green Avenue. There, they found Palma, 52, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite first responders efforts, he died shortly after.

In the days that followed, investigators pieced together fragments of what happened. Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed Eddie speaking briefly with an unidentified man. The man, described only as a Hispanic male, was driving a silver Toyota Prius, an older model, believed to be from between 1997 and 2003. It had paper tags and a spare tire on the front right side.

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Surveillance footage from OPD:

What was said between the two men remains unclear. Moments after the exchange, Eddie was seen leaving the parking lot. Police believe he was already wounded by the time he returned home, where the 911 call was eventually made.

A life remembered

Eddie Hernandez Palma was born and raised in Odessa. He was a son, a brother, a father, and a grandfather. Known by his family as someone who prioritized his loved ones, he made a habit of calling his children and grandchildren to check in, and he found joy in family gatherings. On Saturdays, without fail, he could be found outside washing his cars, listening to oldies, and enjoying the West Texas sun.

He was also a man of faith, someone who regularly visited St. Marys to light candles in prayer. He had a deep admiration for the U.S. military and took great pride in his brothers service to the country.

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Eddie is remembered not only by his children and grandchildren but also by his girlfriend Vanessa Munoz and the children he helped care for.

His death left a ripple of grief through a large and loving family. His father, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins continue to wait for answers.

Still no arrest

Despite interviews, billboards, evidence reviews, and community outreach, no arrests have been made. The person seen in the surveillance video has never been publicly identified. The silver Toyota Prius, with its spare tire and temporary plates, has yet to lead investigators to a suspect.

Someone knows who this is, said Susan Rogers, CEO of Odessa Crime Stoppers. The person who stabbed him didnt just disappear. Somebody recognizes that car. Somebody knows who was driving it.

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As part of ongoing efforts to solve local cold cases, Odessa Crime Stoppers is renewing the call for information. Investigators believe even a small tip, a memory, a name, a license plate seen at the time, could be the key to justice.

Can you help?

If you have any information about the 2020 murder of Eddie Hernandez Palma, you are urged to contact Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS or visit www.333tips.org to submit a secure anonymous tip.

Tips can also be submitted through the P3 Tips app, and cash rewards are available for information that leads to an arrest.

You will remain anonymous, Rogers emphasized. And your information could help bring peace to a family that has waited four long years.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56)  A drug investigation on Thursday led to a Somerset man being accused of having a backpack that contained methamphetamine, marijuana, and pills during a search on Tuesday.

According to the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office, it all started with the Narcotics Division on Tuesday, April 28, at a local Red Roof Inn.

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Investigators said multiple people went in and out of the building throughout the morning before Robert Glen Coomer, 41, of Somerset, walked out of a room with a backpack and got into the passenger door of a car before heading onto Highway 914.

Authorities following Coomer noted the vehicle he was a passenger in had a verify proof status for its insurance. Detectives saw that the vehicle was going faster than the posted speed limit, so they pulled it over.

Court documents show that deputies asked the driver to search the vehicle, which the driver consented to. Law enforcement found a backpack that allegedly belonged to Coomer, holding 107.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, a hydrocodone tablet, digital scales, baggies, and a glass smoking pipe. He allegedly had $463 in his front pocket.

Pulaski County law enforcement allegedly found drugs, money, scales, and a glass smoking pipe during a search on Tuesday, April 28. (Pulaski County Sheriffs Office)

Coomer was arrested and charged with:

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Trafficking in greater than or equal to 2 grams of methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Possession of marijuana

Possession of an unspecified controlled substance

He was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond.

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The drug investigation remains ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
DENVER (KDVR)  The cold and dark days of winter have come and gone, and the warm and long summer nights are on the way with an 8 p.m. sunset on the horizon.

After the shortest day of the year on Dec. 21, 2024, when Denver only saw just over nine hours of daylight, the sun has begun setting later and later. By March, the sun was setting past 7 p.m.

Does the sun set earlier in Denver because of the mountains?

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By next week, the sun will set past 8 p.m.

Sunset times (KDVR)

According to Time and Date, the sun will set at exactly 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, and by Thursday, May 8, the sun will rise at 5:51 a.m. and set at 8:01 p.m., giving Denver over 14 hours of sunlight.

How you can tell if the sunset will be colorful in Denver

While the sun will set past 8 p.m. on Thursday, theres still over a month until the longest day of the year. The sun will continue to rise earlier and set later until it reaches the longest day of the year on June 20, when the sun will rise at 5:32 a.m. and set at 8:30 p.m., with nearly 15 hours of sunlight.

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After the longest day, the sun begins to set earlier and earlier, with another 8 p.m. sunset on Aug. 11.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)  The South African armed forces said Thursday they had begun withdrawing their peacekeeping troops from rebel-controlled eastern Congo.

The South African National Defense Force said the troops began moving out earlier this week and would travel through neighboring Rwanda to Tanzania and fly home from there.

Peacekeeping troops from Malawi and Tanzania have also started withdrawing from Congo. The three countries contributed soldiers to a southern African peacekeeping force but they had been left trapped in eastern Congo after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels launched an offensive in late January and took control of the strategic city of Goma.

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Fourteen South African and three Malaiwan soldiers were killed in fighting with M23 in January. The southern African regional body decided in March to end its peacekeeping mission early and bring the troops home.

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said on X that his country was providing safe passage and an escort for the peacekeepers and their equipment.

On Wednesday, hundreds of stranded Congolese government soldiers and police officers, along with their families, were also starting to be transferred from Goma back to the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which was escorting them.

M23 controls Goma and a second major city in eastern Congo and is supported by around 4,000 troops from Rwanda, according to experts from the United Nations.

Congo and Rwanda have held talks mediated by Qatar and supported by the United States and say they are working toward a peace agreement.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
SOUTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Attorney General Alan Wilson, along with state lawmakers and sheriffs, are calling for more support for a bill that would crack down on child predators.

The bill would allow the Attorney Generals office to issue and receive electric device subpoenas, which would help law enforcement locate the owner of a device.

Lawmakers say this would be used in child abuse cases.

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Right now, the Attorney General has to go through the US Attorneys Office to get this information. Wilson says this is often a long process.

It gets us to the start line faster. And once we get to the start line, that is when law enforcement can start getting search warrants and all the due process protections under our Constitution are in place, said Attorney General Wilson.

The bill was passed in the state Senate but was amended in the House. It now heads to a conference committee where Wilson hopes its original version will be restored.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
SPRINGFIELD  South Dakota needs a new prison.

How large it ought to be or where are open questions, but a work group appointed to reset discussions on a new mens prison agreed on that much Tuesday during the second of its four planned meetings.

State Attorney General Marty Jackley sat silent through more than four hours of testimony and public comment before asking his fellow members of Project Prison Reset to support a replacement for the penitentiary, the 144-year-old quartzite monolith in Sioux Falls known as The Hill.

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By then, group members had reviewed a dozen potential sites for a new prison, submitted by landowners through a request for information. Theyd also sat through presentations on mental health and occupational programming at Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, heard from city residents on the medium security facilitys value to the Bon Homme County city of 1,900, and had reassured those residents that it would remain a part of the Department of Corrections long-term facility plans regardless of what happens with the penitentiary.

From left, Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, Ryan Brunner of the Governors Office, and Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko listen to testimony at a Project Prison Reset meeting on April 29, 2025, in Springfield.

With The Hill, Jackley said, the path forward is clear. Its overcrowded, outdated and unsafe, he said, citing the case of a correctional officer killed by two inmates in 2011 as evidence of the dangers presented by the status quo.

We cant do nothing, Jackley said. We have to do something.

Group agrees: New prison is necessary

The unanimous vote in favor of Jackleys motion answers the first of three questions posed in the executive order from Gov. Larry Rhoden that created the group. At a special session in July, the group is meant to deliver recommendations on how large a prison is needed and where to put it, using the results of a consultants report on the states existing facilities as a guide.

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Rhoden backed a plan to build an $825 million, 1,500-bed mens facility on a controversial Lincoln County site during this years legislative session. The governor has called the penitentiary gothic, and said the site south of Sioux Falls that inspired an ongoing legal battle from neighbors was a gift from God, but was unable to sway lawmakers skeptical about the size, site and price tag.

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen was appointed to lead Project Prison Reset after the legislative rebuffing. On Tuesday before the vote, Venhuizen said he agrees with Jackley on the need, but pointed out that the groups schedule envisioned a review of the consultants report before answering any of the questions posed to it.

But if you feel that we already know enough to answer the first question, he said, I think that is also very defensible.

Just one work group member suggested otherwise.

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Dell Rapids Republican Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, who announced a 2026 run for governor last week, tried unsuccessfully to convince the group to hold off on supporting a replacement.

Hansen and his announced running mate, Canton Republican Rep. Karla Lems, were vocal opponents of the 1,500-bed plan that failed during the legislative session. Hansen pointed to a presentation on Springfields Governors House program from earlier in the afternoon. Inmates who build those affordable housing units are less likely to return to prison, the group learned.

Why not explore options for reducing repeat offenses through programming before committing to new facilities, he asked?

From everything that Ive studied, were an outlier, and its really high, Hansen said. Before we go jumping into whether we need a new prison, I really think we should pause. Maybe its part of that report  I would presume it is  what are other states doing?

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But Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, said the needs are immediate. Even if the state were to keep The Hill, he said, weve got 365 more people than were supposed to in the building.

Even if you disagree with a few of these members on the panel and say I still think The Hills still viable, etcetera, weve still got to find room for 365 more people, Karr said.

The penitentiary has some supporters. A former inmate who testified Tuesday said he spent time there and at the Federal Correctional Institution of Leavenworth in Kansas, a prison of similar vintage.

The Hill is functional, said Paul Cooper, whos employed as a cook in Sioux Falls. Its clean, productive. I completely disagree with the fact that it needs to be rebuilt.

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Doug Weber, a former penitentiary warden who lobbied lawmakers to vote down the 1,500-bed proposal, told South Dakota Searchlight that The Hill is functional if maintained. Darin Young, the now-former warden who took the job upon Webers retirement, called the building beautiful in a recent interview with The Scouting Report podcast.

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead offered a different take on Tuesday.

I dont need a consultant to tell me that place is a pit, Milstead said. I would not want my son or daughter working there.

Hansen and Lems ultimately joined every other member of the task force in supporting Jackleys motion.

Senior Policy Adviser and Director of Legislative Relations Ryan Brunner points to where the proposed prison site would be on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, down the road from 278th Street & 477th Avenue near Canton, S.D.

Possible locations

Milstead spoke up in favor of consultation with neighbors during the earlier discussions on possible sites.

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The state got 12 pitches from landowners for possible sites through its request for information. Four were outside of Sioux Falls, in Huron, Grant County (northeast of Watertown), Aberdeen and Mitchell.

Another eight were in the Sioux Falls area, including near the Lincoln County cities of Canton and Worthing and in the Sioux Falls development park thats home to the citys Amazon distribution center. The former Citibank campus just north of the current penitentiary was also offered up as an option, and multiple work group members toured that site recently.

Ryan Brunner, a policy adviser for Rhoden, presented the proposals on a spreadsheet and noted that some arrived as recently as Monday evening. The goal, he said, is to fill in the spreadsheet with details on each sites cost, serviceability for utilities and other factors in the coming weeks.

Is there some way you can put in there what the neighbors think? Milstead said. Some of these are in places where homes are going in nearby.

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Brunner said that will be a consideration for any site, as would issues like proximity to 100-year floodplains or interstates and workforce availability. The consultant hired to study the states needs can fully study three sites once the group narrows its options.

As far as public comments, Venhuizen said he doubts neighbors will be silent. Opposition from those who live near the initially proposed Lincoln County site  which is still on the table as an option for the work group  spoke up quickly.

We put this list out yesterday, Venhuizen said. Im sure well know what the neighbors think in pretty short order.

Proposed prison sites

The locations submitted to Project Prison Reset:

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This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota corrections work group formally backs need for new prison
LOXAHATCHEE, Fla.  A Palm Beach County man who had an arsenal of weapons and ammunition and allegedly picked seven different places to conduct a mass shooting has been arrested, authorities said Wednesday.

Damien Blade Allen, 22, was booked into the Palm Beach County jail on Tuesday, facing one count of written threats of a mass shooting, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device and one count of unlawful use of a badge or indica of authority, stemming from impersonating a Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office deputy.

Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office detectives learned of Allen through an FBI Guardian tip, similar to crime stoppers, according to a probable cause affidavit. Throughout the last year, Allen had been communicating on TikTok with the 15-year-old girl who carried out a mass shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, in December, killing a student and a teacher and injuring six other people before shooting and killing herself.

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In early April, FBI agents in Milwaukee reviewed content on the Wisconsin mass shooters cellphone that was found on her the day of the shooting, revealing direct messages with Allen, the probable cause affidavit said.

Their messages between at least May and September 2024 discussed Allens and the Wisconsin shooters weapons and ammunition, possible places to carry out mass shootings and romantic interest in one another, the affidavit showed.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and Capt. Randy Foley at a news conference Wednesday afternoon said Allen had 12,000 rounds of ammunition and what are believed to be fully automatic guns. Investigators are still trying to determine if he owned all of the weapons legally, Foley said.

Unquestionably, this is one of the best arrests that Ive seen in a long time, that has prevented people from dying because I guarantee you, he was going to do that, Bradshaw said.

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Allen wrote in one message to the girl: I got 7 places I would, Strike the police dept. also, (Guerrilla) warfare tactics, Ambushing and blitz, according to the affidavit.

Aside from a police department, the locations Allen mentioned are not specified in the affidavit or in any of the text messages included. Foley said at the news conference that he recalled one being a church and that the others were racially motivated.

In another message last June, about six months before the Wisconsin shooting, Allen wrote to the girl, We go down together. She replied, Correct. I love you, the affidavit said.

Allen had stopping communicating in the chat with the girl prior to the Wisconsin school shooting and had not used it since, according to the affidavit. He had been chatting online almost every day with numerous people.

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Allens social media accounts also showed him wearing an authentic Class B PBSO uniform, the affidavit said, including patches in the proper locations, a name tag that read Allen and an Emergency Field Force pin. He had the same type of gun belt and holsters worn by members of the Sheriffs Office, along with a gun and Taser.

In an Instagram video posted in October 2022, Allen was seen in the drivers seat of a Ford Crown Victoria, a car commonly used by law enforcement, with a computer that looks like a PBSO laptop in a laptop stand, the affidavit said.

FBI agents initially believed that Allen was a deputy based on the social media posts, according to the affidavit. FBI Miami agents contacted the Sheriffs Offices Internal Affairs and determined he was not a deputy.

A PBSO detective filed a petition for a temporary Risk Protection Order in court on Monday, which allows law enforcement to take guns and ammunition from the person who the petition is filed against for a set period of time. A judge granted the request.

Prosecutors are seeking that Allen remain in custody while the case is pending.

_____
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas acting leader, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, said Thursday he is resigning to take on heavier responsibility as expectation mounted he will run in next months presidential election.

Han has emerged as a potential conservative standard bearer as the main conservative People Power Party remains in disarray over the recent ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Observers expect Han to officially launch his presidential campaign on Friday.

I have two paths ahead of me. One is completing the heavy responsibility that I handle now. The other is putting down that responsibility and taking a heavier responsibility, Han said in a nationally televised announcement. Ive finally determined to put down my post to do what I can and what I have to help overcome the crises facing us.

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Han, who Yoon had appointed prime minister, the countrys No. 2 post, is expected to align with the People Power Party to launch a unified conservative campaign against liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung, observers say.

Who is Han?

Han, 75, is a career bureaucrat with about 40 years of public service and a Harvard doctorate in economics. He has held many top posts under both conservative and liberal governments, including trade minister, finance minister and ambassador to the U.S. Hes served as prime minister twice, first under liberal President Roh Moo-hyun from 2007 to 2008 and later under Yoon.

Hans supporters say his extensive government experience, especially on economic affairs, would make him the right leader who can deal with President Donald Trumps aggressive tariff policies and other economic problems. But his critics say Han  who has never had an elected post  has no strong political support base and is too old to become president.

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Lee's main liberal opposition Democratic Party lambasted Han's move. Only the people's severe punishment awaits Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is blind with greed and abandons state affairs, party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae said.

Han is to formally end his term at midnight after he signs a related document, according to South Korean media.

With Hans resignation, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok was supposed to serve as acting leader until a new president is elected on June 3. But Choi resigned Thursday night, after the Democratic Party, which has a majority status at the single-chamber National Assembly, abruptly pushed to pass his impeachment motion. Another Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-Ho is next in line to become acting leader.

Lee's legal troubles

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Lee Jae-myung, who won the nomination of the Democratic Party on Sunday, has been favored to win. But his campaign suffered a blow Thursday after the Supreme Court ordered a lower court to review its earlier cancellation of his conviction over election law violation charges.

While it's unclear the Seoul High Court will come up with a new ruling on Lee before the June 3 election, the development provided his conservative rivals with fodder for a political offensive. Under South Korean law, anyone who receives a fine exceeding 1 million won ($683) for election law violations is barred from running for elections for five years.

The Democratic Party condemned the Supreme Court for allegedly trying to interfere in the election.

After the liberal opposition-controlled assembly impeached Yoon on Dec. 14 over his martial law declaration that plunged the country into turmoil, Han began serving as acting leader.

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But Han quickly clashed with Lees Democratic Party over his refusal to fill three vacant seats on the nine-member Constitutional Court, which was deliberating whether to formally dismiss or reinstate Yoon. A court decision to dismiss Yoon needed support from at least six justices.

In late December, the Democratic Party and other small opposition parties voted to impeach Han, accusing him of obstructing the restoration of the courts full membership and abetting Yoons martial law decree. In March, however, the Constitutional Court overturned Hans impeachment, reinstating him as acting president. The court in early April ruled to dismiss Yoon.

Yoon separately faces a criminal trial for rebellion in connection with his martial law decree. On Thursday, prosecutors added charges of abuse of power, according to a Seoul prosecutors' office.
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's acting leader Han Duck-soo is expected to resign on Thursday in order to clear a path for him to join the race to become the country's permanent president, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

Han is expected to address the nation upon his resignation on Thursday afternoon and formally announce his candidacy on Friday for the June 3 election, Yonhap said, citing unnamed government and former ruling party sources.

After Han resigns, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is expected to stand in as acting president as required by law.

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Prime Minister Han looks set to contest the election so he can leverage his higher profile since being thrust into the top post after the removal from office of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived declaration of martial law.

Speculation had grown that Han, 75, would decide to contest the election after opinion polls showed an increase in support for the experienced technocrat.

The Prime Minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Ed Davies)
Han Duck Soo, the acting president and prime minister of South Korea, announced his resignation on Thursday, fuelling speculation that he may run in the country's upcoming presidential election.

In a live televised address, the 75-year-old conservative politician said he was resigning from his roles but hoped to "take on even greater responsibility" in the future.

While Han did not confirm his intentions, South Korean media widely interpreted the move as a signal he will enter the June 3 race.

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Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang Mok is now acting president.

Han became prime minister since 2022. He assumed the presidency in an acting capacity after Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended as president following his sudden declaration of martial law on December 3, citing vague threats from political opponents.

The martial law declaration, which was only in effect for a few hours before it was rescinded, threw South Korean politics into disarray.

The Constitutional Court has ruled in early April that Yoon abused his power and permanently removed him from office. That decision set the clock running on the presidential election, which must take place within 60 days of the seat becoming vacant.

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While the high court settled the question of whether he could be reinstated president, the legal battles for Yoon are nowhere close to over.

Prosecutors on Thursday announced that an additional charge of abuse of power was being brought against him. They had already indicted Yoon for insurrection over his imposition of martial law.

If convicted, Yoon faces life imprisonment; theoretically, the death penalty is also possible, but South Korea has not executed someone in decades.

On Wednesday, a team of investigators from the prosecutor's office raided the private residence of Yoon and his wife in the South Korean capital, Seoul.
By Joyce Lee and Ju-min Park

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's top court cast doubt on Thursday on frontrunner Lee Jae-myung's eligibility to run for the presidency, while the resignations of the prime minister and finance minister shook the interim government in place since December's martial law.

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho took over as acting president, the third since the martial law decree, barely a month before a snap election. The vote was called after the Constitutional Court removed former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office over his brief martial law attempt.

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The election race was rocked by a Supreme Court ruling that could threaten the candidacy of former opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung, who has dominated all opinion polls.

The court overturned an earlier ruling that had cleared Lee, saying he had violated election law by publicly making "false statements" during his 2022 presidential bid. It sent the case back to the appeals court and ordered it to issue a sentence, which could bar Lee from running for office for up to five years.

South Korea has been led by a rotating cast of acting presidents since Yoon's impeachment on December 14, hampering efforts to steer Asia's fourth-largest economy through the choppy waters of U.S. tariffs.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has been serving as acting president, stepped down on Thursday ahead of an expected entry into the presidential race. Han is expected to declare his presidential run on Friday.

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Han, 75, had initially lasted less than two weeks in the acting post and was himself impeached and suspended on December 27 after clashing with the opposition-led parliament by refusing to appoint three more justices to the Constitutional Court.

However, the court reinstated Han on March 24.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok had assumed the position of acting president while the cases of Yoon and Han were before the Constitutional Court.

Choi had been due to take over again after Han stepped down on Thursday but then abruptly resigned himself after parliament restarted impeachment proceedings against him for decisions he had made as acting president.

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Choi, who has played a leading role in the response to U.S. tariffs, apologised in a statement for not being able to continue his work while the country faces severe economic conditions at home and abroad.

Education Minister Lee, the next in line by law to serve as the country's acting president, took the helm at midnight on Thursday. He ordered the military to stay on alert and vowed to run the government in a stable manner, local media reported.

Lee, 64, an economist and professor, also called on officials to support a fair presidential election on June 3.

PRESIDENTIAL BID IN DOUBT

Thursday's Supreme Court ruling could undermine Lee Jae-myung's credibility to be on the ballot and further deepen divisions in South Korea after months of political turmoil.

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"The defendant's remarks... were judged to be false statements on matters important enough to ruin voters' accurate judgement on the defendant's eligibility for public office," said Chief Justice Jo Hee-de in the verdict.

While the Supreme Court moved unusually fast to consider Lee's election law case, it gave no deadline for the appeals court, which usually takes months to revisit rulings. It was unclear if a decision would come before the June 3 election.

Lee Jae-myung, who has denied any wrongdoing, said he had not expected the verdict to play out this way but pledged to follow the will of the people.

Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University, said the ruling was a blow to Lee and the liberal-leaning Democratic Party.

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"The appeals court will decide whether to disqualify him to run for office or not, but the Supreme Court in effect found him guilty... Moderate voters, 10% of the total, will be swayed by this news," he said.

A Gallup Korea survey on April 25 showed that Lee Jae-myung was favourite to win next month's election with 38%, while former head of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) Han Dong-hoon had 8% and Han Duck-soo was on 6%.

Lee Jae-myung is embroiled in several criminal trials, but the election law case has been in the spotlight because if the appeals court finalises a guilty verdict in line with the Supreme Court's decision, Lee would be barred from contesting elections for at least five years.

The Supreme Court, which can take a year or more to consider a case, made its decision on Thursday only about a month after prosecutors appealed the earlier court's decision to clear Lee.

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The Democratic Party on Thursday criticised the top court's ruling and a spokesperson told reporters there was no chance of replacing Lee as a candidate.

($1 = 1,423.7500 won)

(Reporting by Joyce Lee, Ju-min Park, Cynthia Kim, and Josh Smith;Editing by Ed Davies, Michael Perry, Saad Sayeed, Kate Mayberry and Gareth Jones)
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH)  South Western City Schools rolled out a brand-new logo Tuesday, the first-ever major rebrand since the district was founded in 1956, nearly 70 years ago.

The updated logo has five points representing South Westerns four feeder patterns and the South Western Career Center.

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Evan Debo, the districts executive director of communications, said it was time for a new look.

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Were neighborhood-driven schools, and I think theres a way with some of the symbolism behind the logo as well, too, to really be prideful of that, he said. But again, be representative of something larger than just each individual pathway.

The process took about 18 months and Debo said a brand-steering committee met several times about the new logo.

East Franklin Elementary Principal Dr. Dawn Lauridsen served on the committee and has been with South Western for more than 30 years and was a student before that.

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Ive been around so long, I only know what we had and its interesting to see people who dont have the history, who have a truly outside look talking about our previous logo and then helping shape the new logo, Lauridsen said.

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Debo and Lauridsen said marketing and recruiting were big drivers of the rebrand. They said the logo will help get the best-of-the-best for South Western students.

Recruiting and retention efforts, you know, that was very much a part of our process, Debo said. We want to stand out in the marketplace when we go to recruiting fairs and were working with the Bowling Greens and the OUs and the Ohio States.

I think for the younger generation teachers coming in, they want new; they dont want to look at the logo thats 50, 60, 70 years old, Lauridsen said. Thats not a place they want to go. Theyre not thinking fresh. This is going to help them see we are responsive to the needs of our children.

People in the district had not heard much about the rebrand as of Wednesday, but some were worried about the money that went into this project. Debo did not have an exact number but said the district did not spend a lot on the project, adding the goal was to be as fiscally responsible as possible.

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The 11 biggest weather events in central Ohio history

From a financial stewardship standpoint, I mean, anything that we do, we understand is going to be, you know, it just got to be a part of the fabric of who we are and what we need to represent to be, you know, a financially responsible entity of taxpayer dollars now more than ever, Debo said.

South Western is already in the process of changing the logo on the website, social media, letterheads and fliers. As for the physical signs at the district central office and at schools, Debo said there are no immediate plans to change them.

For more on the South Western City School Districts new logo, click here.

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SOUTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  Local police are urging residents to be on high alert for scams after nearly $100,000 in losses have been reported in town since the start of the year.

According to Southampton Police Chief Ian Illingsworth, schemers have used increasingly sophisticated tactics, some leveraging artificial intelligence, to manipulate victims into surrendering large sums of money.

He noted that one elderly resident lost approximately $76,000 in total before authorities intervened, including $26,000 in cash that was about to be handed over to a scheme artist that showed up at their home. That individual was arrested by Southampton Police in January.

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All age brackets have been affected and understandably so, said Illingsworth. The scammers are brazen, apply threat tactics, and use very sophisticated trickery that involve artificial intelligence such as spoofing phone numbers or AI-generated voice replication of a relative or friend.

These types of crimes are difficult to investigate and prosecute, particularly when perpetrators operate from outside the United States. Because of that, Illingsworth emphasized that prevention remains the most effective line of defense.

Police are educating residents to recognize common red flags associated with scams, including:

A strong sense of urgency or imminent threat, such as claims that a loved one is under arrest or that your computer has been compromised.

Unusual payment requests, such as wiring money, using gift cards or bitcoin kiosks, or handing over large amounts of cash.

Offers that seem too good to be true, like surprise lottery wins or online romantic interests who appear unusually glamorous or claim to be celebrities.

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To better combat the issue, the Southampton Police Department has formed a working group with local banks, the Southampton Council on Aging, the Northwestern District Attorneys Office, and area law enforcement agencies. The group aims to explore public education efforts and possible legislative solutions to reduce scam-related victimization.

Anyone with concerns or questions is encouraged to contact the Southampton Police Department.

Local News Headlines

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A Southwest Airlines flight headed for Houston did not take off from El Paso, Texas, as planned Wednesday morning after one passenger's cellphone caught fire as the aircraft prepared for departure, the airline said.

The plane returned to its gate at El Paso International Airport around 7:50 a.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration told CBS News in a statement Thursday, confirming it will investigate what went wrong.

While the agency characterized the incident as a "passenger disturbance" that crew members reported during the flight's departure taxi, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines said in a separate statement to CBS News that the fire appeared to stem from the battery inside a passenger's cellphone, which appeared to go up in flames as the plane moved down the tarmac.

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"Southwest Airlines Flight 2112 returned to the gate at El Paso International Airport yesterday morning after the battery inside a passenger's cell phone apparently ignited," the Southwest spokesperson said in that statement.

The flight crew was able to extinguish the fire and other passengers on the plane "disembarked normally" once it arrived back at the gate, according to the spokesperson. The statement said Southwest was working with federal and local agencies investigating the incident.

Passengers on Flight 2112 were eventually flown to Houston on a different Southwest plane, according to the airline spokesperson, who added, "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees."

It was unclear whether other federal agencies would open probes into the flight's departure issue outside of the FAA.

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Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  A Soviet-era spacecraft meant to land on Venus in the 1970s is expected to soon plunge uncontrolled back to Earth.

Its too early to know where the half-ton mass of metal might come down or how much of it will survive reentry, according to space debris-tracking experts.

Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek predicts the failed spacecraft will reenter around May 10. He estimates it will come crashing in at 150 mph (242 kph), if it remains intact.

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While not without risk, we should not be too worried, Langbroek said in an email.

The object is relatively small and, even if it doesn't break apart, "the risk is similar to that of a random meteorite fall, several of which happen each year. You run a bigger risk of getting hit by lightning in your lifetime," he said.

The chance of the spacecraft actually hitting someone or something is small, he added. "But it cannot be completely excluded.

The Soviet Union launched the spacecraft known as Kosmos 482 in 1972, one of a series of Venus missions. But it never made it out of Earth orbit because of a rocket malfunction.

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Most of it came tumbling down within a decade. But Langbroek and others believe the landing capsule itself  a spherical object about 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter  has been circling the world in a highly elliptical orbit for the past 53 years, gradually dropping in altitude.

It's quite possible that the 1,000-pound-plus (nearly 500-kilogram) spacecraft will survive reentry. It was built to withstand a descent through the carbon dioxide-thick atmosphere of Venus, said Langbroek of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Experts doubt the parachute system would work after so many years. The heat shield may also be compromised after so long in orbit.

It would be better if the heat shield fails, which would cause the spacecraft to burn up during its dive through the atmosphere, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics' Jonathan McDowell said in an email. But if the heat shield holds, it'll reenter intact and you have a half-ton metal object falling from the sky.

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The spacecraft could reenter anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude, or as far north as London and Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, almost all the way down to South America's Cape Horn. But since most of the planet is water, chances are good it will indeed end up in some ocean, Langbroek said.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Space Force already has at least one Space Ranger and several Space Cowboys whove completed an infamous spur ride with 1st Infantry Division cavalry scouts. But now the newest military service will have its own special operations component.

First reported by Hope Seck for Sandboxx News, the smallest branch plans to stand up its own component inside U.S. Special Operations Command, or SOCOM, which oversees the missions and operations of elite units like Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets.

The Guardians wont be crawling through mud or eating snakes, but they will be teamed up with and work to support special operators under SOCOMs operational control as part of Space Force Special Operations Command.

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There is no definite timeline associated with the standup of other service components, including the Space Force service component to SOCOM, [Space Force Special Operations Command], but the Space Force will continue to identify requirements to meet the growing demands of combatant commanders space needs, a Space Force spokesperson told Task & Purpose. Currently, there is a Space Force Special Operations Element at MacDill Air Force Base that supports SOCOM.

According to a March 26 statement for the record of testimony before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, in 2025 SOCOM established the Space Force Special Operations Command to deliver specialized space personnel and capabilities to our units responsible for campaigning, our [theater special operations commands].

A Space Force spokesperson clarified for Task & Purpose that while the command was technically established in 2025, it has not been stood up or fully manned.

Though the air-conditioned control centers where Space Force guardians watch radar scopes and interpret intelligence signals dont immediately bring to mind the grubby reality of special ops missions, leaders in the special operations world have long seen space ops as their next frontier.

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The Armys top special operations commander, Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, has made a habit of appearing at conferences and other public events with his counterparts who command the Armys space and cyber commands.

Teaming up the brawniest troops with the techiest, Braga said, will be a key in future conflicts.

The Cyber-Space-SOF Triad provides one of these solutions, Braga said in an Army release. It is a Modern-Day Triad designed to converge unique accesses, capabilities, authorities, understanding and effects in many of the same ways we have implemented combined arms operations.

In other words, when special ops guys go charging into a fight, they want as much space-based intel and as many sneaky digital tricks as possible.

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The service is also establishing components to support other commands.

The Space Force is standing up service components to the combatant commands, with six service components activated thus far including [U.S Space Forces  Indo-Pacific], [U.S. Space Forces  Central], [U.S. Space Forces  Europe and Africa], [U.S. Space Forces  Space], [U.S. Space Forces  Korea ], and [U.S. Space Forces  Japan], a Space Force spokesperson told Task & Purpose. These standups are a critical step in normalizing the presentation of space forces and providing clarity of command relationships, roles, and responsibilities in the Joint Force and across all theaters.

The latest on Task & Purpose
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Boys and Girls Club unveiled their newest makeover to their teen wing, made possible by a generous grant.

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The company, Aarons Furniture Company, donated $20,000 to the makeover. They spent Tuesday installing new furniture, arcade games, giant TVs, computers, and gaming systems even a music room for the Boys and Girls Club.

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The teenagers got to tour their refreshed space for the first time on Wednesday. The Boys and Girls Club executive director, Vincent Borello, tells 22News that the goal of this project is to provide teens with a safe, healthy environment that they can call their own. Its important to give kids a choice, give them an opportunity. And again, you cant find it on the streets, but you can find it here at the Boys and Girls Club, says Borello.

This is the 68th renovation Aarons has done with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in the last 10 years. Its part of an $11 million commitment to enhancing youth environments.

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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SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Power outages continue to plague Springfield, after severe weather tore through the city Tuesday morning. This afternoon City Utilities updating customers, reporting about 18,000 total outages. This is down from around 26,000 this morning.

Joel Alexander with City Utilities says this is an all-hands-on deck situation with hundreds of crew members working to restore power.

Were making really, really good progress, Joel Alexander with City Utilities says. This is an all-hands-on deck situation with hundreds of crew members working to restore power. Weve got about 300 individuals that have come in to help us, including our crews as well. Were going to be working throughout the night with some of those crews making sure were still working, reestablishing power, just as quickly as we can to our customers.

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At its peak around 50,000 customers were without power in the city of Springfield. This was the largest number of outages the city has seen since the 2007 ice storm, when 70,000 people lost power. Alexander says there is no timeline for when power will be restored.

We have lots of poles that are down, Alexander says. We have a string of about 11 poles in one area. So, this is going to take a while to put back together.

Wednesday, groups of linemen crews have been working on the damaged power lines, fixing what they could. Much of the work being done was on the northwest side of town. Ozarks First spoke with one woman who lives in the area, she says she doesnt know of anyone in her neighborhood that has power and crews have been in the area since Tuesday night.

About 9:30 last night, a whole troop of white trucks with yellow lights came and they just to see what the pole looked like, Diane Vasso, who has lived in her Springfield home for around 50 years says. Theyll have to replace that one, possibly that one there, too,

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She says this is the most damage shes seen from a storm in decades.

Grabbed my cell phone, grabbed the dog, slammed the front door shut and the rain was here, Vasso says. I mean, there was no lets get ready. It wasnt a gradual rainstorm. It wasnt like that at all. It was here.

With more rain already falling and the potential for more severe weather this week City Utilities says crews will work through it, as long as they can stay safe. Alexander says the damage is severe and widespread enough that a mutual aid call was put in bringing in utility crews from other areas.

When we put our mutual aid call through Missouri Public Utility Alliance, some of those companies are utility companies that come to help us or ones that weve gone to help during storms as well, Alexander says. So, theyre returning that favor and were grateful to them for coming in as rapidly as we did to help us reestablish power to our customers.

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If you are experiencing a power outage you can report that to City Utilities 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
BOSTON (WWLP)  The Springfield Regional Chamber held its Beacon Hill Summit on Wednesdaya chance for western Massachusetts business leaders to engage with lawmakers on critical policy issues.

This group champions business interests throughout the western part of the state through education opportunities, legislative advocacy, and fostering community.

At Wednesdays event, they heard from their state government counterparts.

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Springfield Representative Carlos Gonzalez says this is a perfect time for business leaders to visit the State House, as House budget negotiations are underway.

He spoke to the role of western Massachusetts employers and employees during these important fiscal conversations.

Business impacts us all. It impacts us from micro-business to a small business to a corporation to the hospitals that are having challenges today, said Gonzalez.

Speakers at the Summit ranged from the Senate President to insurance and transportation issues.

The Healey Administrations Housing Secretary spoke to chamber members about how their work within their communities can promote the states housing goals.

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You all are going to have credibility in your local communities in a way that not everybody does. Youre going to be able to speak from an important part of the tax base of the community, said Secretary Ed Augustus.

Chamber members have the opportunity to ask questions of their local lawmakers as well. The Springfield Regional Chamber was also recognized on the House floor, as representatives paused their budget negotiations to applaud.

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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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Springhill Medical Center employee has been arrested after a bomb threat was called into the hospital overnight, according to the Mobile Police Department.

Mobile County Sheriffs Office seeks new info on person missing since 2007

32-year-old Elizabeth Marie Bass was arrested after officers responded to the hospital around 2 a.m. Thursday, May 1, for a report of a bomb threat, according to officials.

A mugshot of Elizabeth Bass (Mobile County Sheriffs Office).

When officers arrived, they said they found that the call was made from inside the hospital, requesting everyone to evacuate the building.

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Officials said they were able to determine that the call was made by a hospital staff member.

Coden man pleads guilty, sentenced on trafficking fentanyl charges

Bass was charged with second-degree making terroristic threats and taken to Mobile Metro Jail.

Neil Costes contributed to this article.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
An opalescent squids experience of motherhood is almost cruelly brief. Towards the end of her life, she engages in a dramatic reproductive spectacle where, under the glowing moon, a mating frenzy draws large numbers of Doryteuthis opalescens into the shallows to spawn. Its a relentless, disorienting ritual characterized by clouds of banana-sized cephalopods flashing red armsa mating signaland blending together in a haze.

The seabed and canyon slope, normally a stable point of reference, shifted underneath us as the squid melded in a living current, says underwater photojournalist Jules Jacobs, who was there to document the story of the mating phenomenon off La Jolla Shores, California, in an event that can be witnessed at night, typically once a year, if at all. The mating event itself is unpredictable in terms of when and where it happens, but in general opalescent squid are most prevalent between the Baja Peninsula in Mexico and Monterey Bay, California, though they extend to British Columbia, Canada.

The red worms make their way into the eggs, ready to eat the jelly-like matrix. Their work makes it easier for the baby squid to hatch. Photograph By Jules Jacobs

Males, sometimes several of them, mate so aggressively with the inundated mother that they weaken her body. The brutal underwater brawls end in the mother and her mates drifting down to their death, bodies littered among the brood. The mothers offspring are contained in tubular white capsules that make up vast, luminous underwater fields. They sway gently in the current, clusters of them covering the sandy slope of La Jolla Canyon.

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These sheath-like capsules are deposited with up to 300 of her developing squid embryos. The marble-like eggs transform into paralarvae, or baby squid, that look like gelatinous orbs with beady little eyes that crowd together in the sac. The eggs are many layers thick, seeded with bacteria left behind by the mother, which make them generally unpalatable for predators like Dungeness crabs and Bat stars. Other than that line of protection, the squid eggs are on their own in the barren sea floor, waiting to hatch.

In such micro worlds, small invasions are easy to miss. From the depths of the sand emerge the marine worms Capitella ovincola, who make their way to the eggs. In a move thats reminiscent of Bruce Lees 1-inch punch, the worms make their heads pointy, then flat, as they jab a hole into the egg and wriggle inside.

Though the purpose of the break and enter seems dubious, the worms arent here to harm the developing babies. Theyre here to act as midwivesthat is, to help, says Lou Zeidberg, lecturer at California State University, Monterey Bay, who studies marine biology. While the worms leave the eggs themselves alone, they eat the gelatinous matrix in between each one, called the choriona honeycomb-like structure that separates the hundreds of embryos. When they do this, it becomes easier for baby squid to hatch. Once there are a few punctures in a capsule created by the worms, saltwater seeps in and expands the whole capsule, thus stretching the capsule sheets thinner, says Zeidberg. Along with better oxygenation, an egg capsule with worms gets soft and squishy, whereas one without them is much more rigid. The paralarvae have an easier time breaking through a softer egg casing where some of the gelatinous matrix material has already been eaten.

The eggs provide nutrients and shelter for the worms, and in turn, the worms facilitate an increased hatch rate for the squid embryos, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between the organisms. This symbiosis results in approximately 17 million extra squid per run that could hatch. Hatching is just the beginning. The life of a baby squid is perilous, and it takes a lot to make it to adulthood, says Zeidberg. Baby squid have a high mortality rate and deal with a medley of challenges before reaching adulthood, from high predation rates to difficult ocean conditions.

On the slope of La Jolla Canyon in California, a mother squid dies after laying her eggs. In the foreground, a group of red Capitella worms waits. Photograph By Jules Jacobs

The first to document this symbiosis between the squid and the worms was Olga Hartman, an American invertebrate zoologist, in 1944. And while some experts like Zeidberg see the worms as midwives now, others have portrayed them more as opportunistic squatters. In a 2002 paper, scientists found that after worm activity, the thickness of the gelatinous matrix was reduced, exposing the eggs and causing premature deterioration. When the squid hatched, they had visible external egg yolk sacs and limited swimming capability, leading to their death shortly after hatching. In short, the paper argued that worm activity harms the egg sheaths, causing the squid to hatch prematurely and increasing their already precarious mortality rate.

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A lot of symbioses live on a continuum and can slide from being beneficial to harmful once the worm infestation gets high enough, says Zeidberg. He suggests that differing levels of worm infestation in the squid eggs likely led to the varied interpretation.

Whether the worms serve as midwives or squatters, their presence reflects the broader health of the ocean. Capitellaworms are well-known to have explosive population growth when there's pollution in the water, says Greg Rouse, professor of marine biology at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. This worm proliferation could either be a welcome addition to developing paralarvae, helping them hatch, or a tax on their survival, causing them to hatch when theyre still underdeveloped. The Capitella worms are often called pollution indicators, proliferating when there are too many nutrients in the water. Their bright red coloring is because of hemoglobin, allowing them to tolerate the low oxygen levels.

The underwater world is filled with these hidden symbioses, and however scientists interpret the role of Capitella ovincola, one thing is clear: The mother squids brood is not alone after her death. Tiny worms are there, ushering them into the world.
St. Louis Blake and Sarah Anyan's story begins as a fairy tale. The high-school sweethearts were expecting their first baby.

The couple chose Mercy Hospital  dubbed The Baby Palace on Ballas  for prenatal care, labor and delivery. They chose the hospital not only because it is known for its obstetrics care, but because Sarah was employed there as a cardiac nurse and Blake worked there as a respiratory therapist.

Sarah's pregnancy was a typical one, with her active baby kicking her often on her nursing shifts. When she went into labor, she headed to the hospital to welcome her baby boy Remi. That's where everything went wrong.

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What happened next would change the couple's lives forever and lead to a record-setting $48.1 million verdict against the hospital for its failures.

Baby suffered severe harm in labor, delivery

Sarah was given an epidural at 10:42 p.m. At 3:50 a.m., she began pushing. Pushing for more than three hours is dangerous. She pushed for 12 hours.

The couple, who trusted their health team, werent offered a C-section or told of the risks of prolonged pushing.

Speaking as a nurse, I was really, really disappointed that they didnt share that with me," Sarah told News Alert 4 in St. Louis.

Read more: Here are 5 must have items that Americans (almost) always overpay for  and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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Another thing the health team didnt reveal? That their baby boy Remi was in distress during the prolonged labor.

To their shock, when Remi was delivered, he was floppy, didn't cry, had poor tone and began having seizures.

We were pretty much blindsided, Sarah said.

Sadly, their son suffered severe and permanent harm. Now 5 years old, Remi has full cognition but cant walk or communicate. He has cerebral palsy.

Its just a major travesty, Blake said. It hurts us as parents, but it also hurts us as care providers. Thats so far away from what weve been taught to do, and what I teach my students to do. Its just heartbreaking.

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The Anyans filed a malpractice lawsuit against Mercy Hospital, its nurses and their obstetrician Dr. Daniel McNeive for medical negligence.

Medical malpractice laws hold providers accountable if the care they provide falls below a professional standard. Birth injuries are a top reason for malpractice claims.

Expert witnesses said expecting a mother in labor to push for 12 hours was inexcusable, adding that the hospital failed to respond properly after Remi was born. One possible intervention  therapeutic hypothermia  could have reduced his injuries by up to 30%.

The couple won their malpractice suit. The jury awarded them $48.1 million in the verdict, of which $20 million was for punitive damages.

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"So grateful that they took what happened seriously and didnt give up faith in Remi, and that they would try and help him move forward," Blake said.

Mercy is appealing the ruling. In a statement, they wrote:

"We stand by the care provided by our team  No evidence was ever introduced suggesting dangerous patterns or practices of behavior by Mercy or Dr. McNeive, nor did the jury make this finding. The case remains pending with the court, and Mercy will continue to seek appropriate resolution for the benefit of the Anyan family.

What can malpractice victims do?

The Anyans aren't the only ones harmed by a medical error. A Johns Hopkins study found that medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the U.S.

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Top reasons for malpractice suits include:

failure to diagnose/delayed diagnosis

radiology errors, such as misreading X-rays

failure to obtain informed consent

surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving instruments inside patients

anesthesia errors

medication errors

Victims of malpractice must demonstrate they were damaged by medical negligence and deserve compensation for losses. If successful, they are owed payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

However, many states cap non-economic damages (for pain and distress) at $500,000 or less.

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If you or someone you love has experienced medical negligence, its important to take legal action quickly. There are time limits for pursuing a claim  usually within one to four years of discovering your injuries  so don't wait.

If legal costs concern you, you can work with a personal injury lawyer on a contingency-fee basis. Such lawyers offer free case evaluations and dont charge legal fees upfront. They subtract legal fees from any compensation they recover on your behalf.

To support your case, gather and maintain all the documentation you can  medical records, names of your care team, and records of any followup care you have received as a result of your injuries.

The Anyans took action not only to advocate for themselves, but to inspire others  as Sarah tells her son Remi.

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Youve got two choices in life. You can be angry and bitter and hang on to that anger your whole life. Or you can choose to inspire people," Sarah said. "And I tell him that all the time  hes going to inspire people."

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Members of the public who listen to St. Paul polices emergency radio dispatches will be met by radio silence beginning this fall.

The police department is moving to encrypt its communications with dispatchers and officers. They say its to meet privacy requirements and for the safety of officers. For scanner listeners, especially those who post in real time on social media about what theyre hearing, they say it takes away transparency.

The move to encryption has been seen around the Twin Cities: Minneapolis main emergency-response communications channels will become fully encrypted Thursday. Dakota, Washington and Hennepin counties previously encrypted law enforcement dispatches, and Anoka County is making plans to do so.

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Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher announced the St. Paul Police Departments plans, before the department had publicized them, during his Live on Patrol livestream on Friday night.

The only way you really have accountability is if you have transparency, Fletcher said in his livestream, adding that hed learned the day before about St. Pauls plans and saying hes opposed to encryption. We think the public ought to be able to hear whats going on. The argument for encryption  has been officer safety, but weve been at this for 45 years, and rarely, rarely are there issues of officer safety because of calls being transmitted.

St. Paul Deputy Police Chief Tim Flynn said in a Wednesday interview that officer safety is always a concern of mine.

When a major incident is quickly unfolding, information is currently publicly dispatched before officers have time to coordinate the switch to an encrypted channel, Flynn said. In a standoff, that could include where officers are located along a perimeter, which could put them at risk, information about negotiations and details about a person whos currently in crisis, Flynn said. And these are things that simply cannot be broadcast.

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State laws, regulations and FBI rules require law enforcement to protect sensitive information about investigations and crime victims, according to Leah Palmer, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safetys Emergency Communication Networks division.

Huge step backwards, says scanner listener group

News media outlets traditionally monitor police scanners, so they know about major incidents and can get to the scene to cover them. There has also been a large increase in people listening to scanners  public feeds are available for free online  and posting about what theyre hearing on social media.

Rick Abbott, founder and owner of MN Crime, has 337,000 followers on Facebook and 125,000 on X (formerly Twitter). He and volunteers listen to emergency radio dispatches and post about them on Facebook and X, updating as they get more information.

Its a huge step backwards in terms of public safety, accountability and transparency, he said Wednesday of agencies deciding to encrypt.  A lot of people rely not only on my group, but several others in the Twin Cities, to find out whats happening.

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Having information in real time can help keep people safer in their neighborhoods or places theyre visiting, and could prompt witnesses to a crime to come forward if theyre aware of a description of a suspect or suspect vehicle, Abbott said.

MN Crime started in 2018. Abbott said hes learned to wait to post, for example, until police respond to a shooting and he hears them dispatch that its safe for medics to come into the scene. He said he doesnt want to jeopardize investigations or the safety of first responders.

In posts about the topic of encryption, Abbott said MN Crimes social-media followers seem split down the middle between thinking its a good idea and disagreeing with the change.

Police radio dispatches also have an oversight purpose, said Matt Ehling, board member of Minnesotans for Open Government.

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For folks that are concerned about  tracking police activity and accountability, these are very useful channels to be able to know in real time what police agencies are up to, he said. Its often the first indication that police are undertaking certain activities.

St. Paul Fire Department also plans to encrypt

There wont be an additional cost to St. Paul police to encrypt its radios, Deputy Chief Flynn said. The radios purchased by the department about four years ago all have encryption capabilities and theyll be programmed by department staff, Flynn added. They plan to start encryption in October and be finished programming in January.

Flynn said hes heard of a success story of an agency that encrypted its dispatches  law enforcement responded to a report of people trying to use stolen credit cards and surprised the suspects when they arrived because theyd had a scanner with them, and expected to hear when law enforcement was dispatched.

The St. Paul Fire Department currently has a limited number of encrypted radios. When the department purchases new radios in batches, as funding is available, they intend to buy ones that will be encrypted, said Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Smith.

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For the rest of Ramsey County, there are plans to encrypt the data channel that airs information that now needs to be encrypted, but not the countys main channels used by other agencies, said Casper Hill, a county spokesman.

The FBI requires that certain information it maintains only be transmitted on encrypted channels, including about people who are convicted and on supervised release, sex offender registry information, missing people and various other types of information that was specified in a January memo from Minnesotas Statewide Emergency Communications Board.

The encryption requirement applies only if information maintained by the FBI is being communicated, the memo said. It does not require that a law enforcement main or county main be encrypted. It may require that agencies use an alternate talkgroup or other means of transmitting such information.

People should be able to call 911 without fear, sheriffs office says

The city of Minneapolis announced April 14 that it was testing encryption to comply with data privacy regulations, and provide additional safety and privacy for first responders and residents; encryption takes effect on Thursday morning. The city rolled out a 911 emergency incidents dashboard, saying it would be updated every 30 minutes with incidents categorized by date, street and block number, and nature of the incident.

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Other local agencies that are encrypted for law enforcement dispatches include: Washington County since June, Dakota County since September 2023 and Hennepin County since 2019.

The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office dispatches for 38 communities. Megan Larson, sheriffs office spokeswoman, said the biggest reason for encryption today is to be in compliance with the FBI requirements.

Additionally, the information dispatched is preliminary information, so the facts often can change when a deputy/officer arrives on scene, Larson said. People should be able to call 911 without fear that their personal information and incident details could be made public on social media, on the news.

The Anoka County Emergency Communications Center-911, which provides dispatch services for the entire county, will encrypt its main law enforcement channels; a date hasnt yet been set, according to Erik Thorson, county spokesman.
Violating a school dress code. Using a cellphone in class. Mouthing off at a teacher.

There was a time when that kind of behavior, called "willfully defiant" conduct, would get a California public school student suspended.

But over the last decade, a sea change in state discipline policy  one born in part out of an understanding that such suspensions disproportionately affect Black, Latino and Indigenous students  largely outlawed that kind of punishment. Instead, schools were advised to turn to practices including conflict resolution and counseling.

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Now, though, an executive order signed by President Trump could presage legal challenges of pioneering California laws that overhauled school discipline by banning willful defiance suspensions for K-12 students.

In his April 23 order, Trump directed the Education Department to root out school discipline frameworks based on "discriminatory equity ideology" and issue new "commonsense" practices in the nations K-12 schools, while criticizing previous guidance from Democratic administrations. President Obama had directed schools to avoid enacting discipline policies that disproportionately punished underrepresented student groups  a stance later supported by President Biden.

Trump has said such rules amount to racial discrimination because, his order stated, the Obama-era directive "effectively required schools to discriminate on the basis of race by imposing discipline based on racial characteristics, rather than on objective behavior alone."

The executive order has sown confusion among educators and attorneys, who wonder about its potential impact on California  with some saying they see it as a corollary to the Trump administration's wide-scale attack on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

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"Shock and awe is the goal here  to shake people up and disrupt," said Pedro A. Noguera, dean of USC's Rossier School of Education. "But ... where's the guidance? Where's the desire to produce evidence that what they are doing will be helpful to children? None of that is here. The public has to insist that before you start tearing something down, you start to build up something that is better for our children."

Read more: California, other states sue Trump administration over anti-DEI funding threat to schools

A spokesperson for California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said in a statement that his office was reviewing the executive order and would monitor its implementation "for compliance with the law.

The California Department of Education expressed firm support for state policies and said that the uneven disciplining of students is "a real concern in our education system that shouldnt be ignored or obfuscated" by the Trump administration. The department said it would continue to address student safety with an "equity lens" to "ensure that students are not disciplined differently because of the color of their skin or their ethnic background."

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"The broad concept of 'equity' is not unlawful," the department said in a statement. "Nor is it the cause of very real school safety issues that require strong leadership and commonsense solutions."

How Trumps order could change discipline

California's discipline laws  and previous federal guidance  stem from a legal doctrine known as "disparate impact theory."

It holds that seemingly neutral policies may adversely affect some racial groups more than others  and can be challenged on those grounds.

But Trump's order directed the government to set aside disparate impact theory and called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to produce new guidance on discipline in schools within 30 days. By the 120-day mark, she is to submit a detailed report on the status of "discriminatory-equity-ideology-based school discipline" that details, in part, a "model" policy that protects "the safety and educational environment of students."

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The executive order has drawn criticism from school advocacy groups and prominent education voices, among them Denise Forte, president of EdTrust, an advocacy organization.

Read more: Trump signs executive orders targeting college accreditation, schools' equity efforts

She said the order and others focused on education that Trump signed last week would "permit school discipline practices that target and punish students of color and students with disabilities at disproportionate rates" and "silence student and parent voices calling for policies that make students feel safe and supported in the classroom."

Asked about the criticism of Trump's directive on school discipline, the U.S. Department of Education provided a statement from McMahon that said the Biden administration's "policies placed racial equity quotas over student safety  encouraging schools to turn a blind eye to poor or violent behavior in the name of inclusion."

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A students success in adulthood starts with how they perform in a classroom, and we should teach our kids to discern right and wrong from a young age," she added.

What school data show

The issue of discipline in education is a thorny one  from preschool to high school  and norms have been changing in recent years, driven in part by data that have illuminated who is suspended.

The Times reported in 2019 that California Department of Education statistics showed that, during the two preceding years, Black students accounted for 17% of total suspensions in California  despite making up less than 6% of the student population.

The data were a prelude to change. In 2019, a new state law halted willful defiance suspensions in public schools for the fourth and fifth grade, and banned them in sixth through eighth grade for a half-decade. The state had already ended such suspensions in kindergarten through third grade.

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In 2023, the state extended the law, banning the suspensions for students in middle and high school. It also forbade suspensions and expulsions for truancy and tardiness. The law noted that the earlier legislation had "a disproportionately beneficial impact on Black pupils."

The bill's author, then-state Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), said at the time, "Instead of kicking them out of school, we owe it to students to figure out whats causing them to act out and help them fix it. The legislation had wide support, passing easily, with only a handful of Republican state senators voting against it.

Educators can still suspend students for more severe actions, such as physical violence, possession or use of drugs, theft or bullying. And teachers are generally able to remove disruptive and defiant students from the classroom, but only via single-class suspensions.

The Los Angeles Unified School District waded into the issue in 2013, when it banned the suspension of willfully defiant students. Instead, officials were required to find other discipline methods. Other California school districts, among them those in Azusa and Pasadena, soon followed suit.

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A spokesperson for L.A. Unified said that it would "continue to follow state law and District policy regarding student discipline, which includes due process for all students regardless of protected category. Race is not a consideration in the application of student discipline policies at the District."

Read more: With Head Start in jeopardy, Trump administration threatens child care for 800,000 kids

Ebony Batiste, who teaches restorative justice at L.A. Unified's 74th Street Elementary School, said discipline should not be meted out with a "one-size-fits-all" approach. "It's like putting a Band-Aid on two students  one just has a cut and the other one has an open wound that's bleeding," she said. "The support needs to be tailored to the individual students or group of students."

She instructs her students on conflict resolution, and shares ways to communicate their thoughts and feelings. She said she has long sought out "alternatives to just punishing all the time."

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"Willful disobedience, usually, if a child is doing that, there's a reason why," Batiste said. "All behavior tells a story, and it's communicating something."

As for Trump's order, she said she isn't worried. "Because it seems like most of [Trump's] executive orders are just expressing his goals and wishes of things that he wants for education," she said. "California is going to continue serving the children like they always have."

But some fear significant changes.

Mayra Lira, senior supervising attorney at Public Counsel, said in a statement that the directive will result in "more students of color being pushed away from and out of learning."

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The order, she said, "undermines decades of progress and goes against a large body of research that shows that punitive, exclusionary discipline does not work." It "leaves educators with no alternatives but exclusion."

It isn't just liberal-leaning organizations that are critical of Trump's order.

Dean McGee, a senior attorney from the Liberty Justice Center, a conservative legal group, said in a statement that "federal mandates on school discipline  regardless of which party is in charge  arent the solution."

"Local schools shouldnt be micromanaged by shifting policies from Washington that change with each new administration," McGee added. "Discipline needs may vary by district, and local school boards and superintendents are better positioned to respond to those needs. When they get it wrong, they can be held accountable by their own communities."

Read more: Trump stopped federal funding to Maine over transgender athletes. Could California be next?

But he also criticized California's ban on willful defiance suspensions, calling it "another example of a top-down policy that risks sidelining the voices of parents, teachers, and local communities concerning the discipline measures they find appropriate for their schools."

McGee proposed a solution: "Empower families with more educational freedom  through school vouchers and scholarships, charter schools, open enrollment, and less burdensome homeschooling regulations."

Project 2025 lurks

The executive order  officially titled "Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies"  is not expected to force an immediate change, with various interested parties monitoring the government's next steps.

But one thing is certain: Despite Trump's previous disavowal of Project 2025  which was created by his allies and touts traditional American values"  the executive order is yet another signal he is taking his cues from the controversial conservative political initiative.

Trump has appointed various figures associated with Project 2025 to roles in the government, among them Russell Vought, an architect of the playbook who was appointed head of the Office of Management and Budget.

Project 2025 has much to say about the use of disparate impact theory in education  and some of its criticisms appeared in Trump's executive order. Both reference  pejoratively  the same Obama administration letter from 2014 that noted disparities in how punishment was administered in schools, and warned against discriminatory discipline.

"Unfortunately, federal overreach has pushed many school leaders to prioritize the pursuit of racial parity in school discipline indicators  such as detentions, suspensions, and expulsions  over student safety," Project 2025 reads. It also lays out several steps that should be taken to correct Democratic "overreach." They include rescinding Biden administration guidance that noted racial disparities in discipline and encouraged school districts to ensure their policies were fair.

Trump's executive order does just that.

Forte said in a statement that the order and others focused on education that Trump signed last week "mirror the blueprint laid out in Project 2025  an extreme policy plan designed to eliminate the federal role in education, resegregate public schools, and relegate higher education to a privilege only afforded to wealthy families."

Noguera, the USC dean, said that he sees parallels between Trump's barrage of executive orders on education and his many anti-DEI directives.

"Their whole strategy appears so driven by ideology and not by a desire to create new policies and programs that are beneficial," he said. "They are not building anything, and their credibility is so suspect."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A driver charges their electric vehicle at a fast charging station in New York City. Oregon's popular program to offer rebates on the purchase of EVs will begin accepting applications again on May 22. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Oregonians hoping to buy an electric vehicle this spring could get thousands of dollars from the state to help pay for it.

Officials at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality announced Thursday they will reopen the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on May 22. Oregonians, business owners, nonprofits and government can take advantage of the two rebates offered under the program.

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The Standard Rebate provides up to $2,500 back on the purchase or lease of a new fully electric or plug-in electric hybrid vehicle or motorcycle.

The Charge Ahead Rebate provides up to $5,000 for a used, or $7,500 for a new, electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid for those with a single household income of $62,600 or less, a two-person household with income of $84,600 or less, or a four-person household with combined income of $128,600 or less.

Cars purchased before May 22 are not eligible to apply, according to a DEQ news release.

The program was open for just two months last year due to overwhelming demand that sapped the programs pot of about $12 million per year. Its funded through Oregons vehicle privilege tax of one-half of 1% on the sale of all taxable vehicles. Legislative Democrats proposed raising that tax to 0.8% as part of their framework for fixing a road funding deficit.

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Under the Biden administration, Oregon received last year a $197 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to fund measures that reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas pollution and provide financial and health benefits to underservered communities. DEQ will use $31 million of the grant this year to fund the Charge Ahead Rebates, so the window to apply will be longer and so more low and moderate-income Oregonians can take advantage of it, agency officials said in the news release.

The department has provided nearly $100 million in rebates since it began awarding them in 2018. Just about 10% of those were Charge Ahead Rebates for low and medium-income Oregonians.

Oregonians seeking a Charge Ahead Rebate can also submit a prequalification application online and receive a voucher to use for purchases at participating dealerships.

The agency is required to close the application window for the program when funds run out. If an applicant is approved but funds run out, theyll be put on a waiting list for payment next spring.

Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, according to the agency.

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Maryland State Police have identified the woman who died in an April 19 crash near Union Bridge.

Teresa Ellen Brashears, 69, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services, according to Maryland State Police.

Brashears was a passenger in a Jeep Cherokee when the vehicle turned onto Md. 31 from northbound Clemsonville Road at around 2:15 p.m.

The Jeep crashed into a Nissan Frontier that was headed east on Md. 31, according to state police.

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The drivers of both vehicles were flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

The Catholic Review reported that Brashears, an Annapolis resident, worked in fundraising for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Illinois State Police provided a series of updates on Thursday on their investigation into Mondays deadly crash in Chatham.

A car crashed into the building hosting the YNOT After School Camp on Breckenridge Road. The crash killed four girls and sent six more people to the hospital. Some of those who were hurt have been released.

Impact Life supports Chatham with blood donations after hospitals ask for extra help

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Speaking to reporters, ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said he could release the following information without interfering in the investigation.

Toxicology testing negative for alcohol and controlled substances

Kelly said the driver and sole occupant of the car was identified as Marianne Akers, 44 of Chatham, and that she was taken to an area hospital. There, she cooperated with investigators and voluntarily gave blood and urine samples before being released.

Initial preliminary toxicology test results were negative for alcohol and controlled substances, Kelly said. The analysis of these samples looked for all forms of alcohol and controlled substances, including:

Acetone

Ethanol

Isopropyl

Methanol

Benzodiazepines

Amphetamines

Cocaine

Opioids

Cannabinoids

Phencyclidines

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Could have been my babies; Chatham community mourns at candlelight vigil

There was no evidence that Akers was under the influence of any of these substances. Kelly also said that investigators had ruled out the possibility of the crash being a targeted attack because there was no evidence that was the case.

Kelly did say there is some evidence indicating a possibility that Akers experienced a medical emergency behind the wheel, but he could not comment on or reveal that evidence without interfering in the investigation.

The investigation of this information and other evidence has not yet concluded and will continue until all leads and research has been exhausted, Kelly said. We want to make sure we follow any leads we get objectively and not reach any conclusions.

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Kelly added that the State Police is working closely with John Milhiser, the States Attorney of Sangamon County. No charges have been filed in connection to the crash and Akers is not in custody.

The entirety of our investigation, all evidence and all ascertainable facts, will be submitted to that office for review at the conclusion of our investigation for a determination of what charges, if any, are appropriate under the law.

IL leaders offer condolences for Chatham after school center tragedy

Crash scene spread out over 1,300 feet

Kelly said that during the crash, Akers car left the road and traveled through a field before striking the YNOT building. As soon as Troopers from the Division of Patrol arrived, they began caring for victims and setting up a perimeter to secure the crash scene so the investigation could begin.

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ISP Crime Scene Services and Traffic Crash Reconstruction officers have been collecting evidence and reconstructing the crash scene, Kelly said. The overall scene was examined and photographed by an unmanned aerial surveillance system and was utilized to capture aerial images, including photography of the vehicles pre- and post-impact path of travel, which measured over 1,300 feet in length.

Data was taken from the cars event data recorder and operating systems, Kelly added, and this data will be analyzed and compared to the physical evidence at the scene. This is a standard, professional investigation of this type of incident, Kelly said.

Kelly addresses impact on State Troopers, commends their compassion

Kelly also took a minute to address the impact of the tragedy on not just the Chatham Community, but his State Troopers and to commend how they responded to the tragedy in the moment.

Our people and all first responders are tough, but when children die, it weighs on their hearts and their minds and their souls, Kelly said. Im beyond proud of their commitment as officers of the law and their compassion as human beings. They have maintained their focus with crystal clarity, but have also found a way to display empathy and sensitivity for those impacted by this horrific incident and also take care of each other along the way.

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Hurting very, very badly: YNOT founder shares statement on Chatham tragedy

Kelly was asked about a moment observed by YNOTs owner, when a State Trooper comforted a crying child at the scene of the crash, and he again commended his troopers for their compassion.

They are human too. They see when people are suffering and theyre not just responding to the emergency and dealing with the situation at hand and ensuring that the integrity of a crime scene is not disrupted in any way, Kelly said. They are also seeing human beings that are in pain and doing what any good person would in trying to comfort them.

Kelly mentioned that critical incident debriefings will be performed for any State Trooper who needs support in the aftermath of the tragedy. he said the strongest tool Troopers have is not their badge or gun, but their mind.

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Even as tough as our people are, they are impacted by what theyre seeing in a tragedy like this, Kelly said. These guys do a great job of lifting each other up, and getting themselves through these difficult things, but we have systems in place, we have services in place, and we have a pretty deliberate process to make sure that were debriefing and people are looking after each other.

Kelly also advised that people can help by thanking a police officer if they see one.

Kelly address reason for releasing drivers name

Kelly explained that State Police decided to confirm the identity of the driver, even though she has not been charged with anything, because her name was already out there in open sources. Releasing the name did not provide any further information that wasnt already known to the public, Kelly added.

He also confirmed that Marianne Akers is a former employee of the Illinois State Police, but said she has not worked for them for seven years.

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The Florida Senate has postponed a vote on repealing Floridas Free Kill Law after a last-minute amendment was rejected.

If approved, it will repeal a law preventing some people from filing wrongful death lawsuits in certain cases of medical negligence.

Advocates are worried about the bills future.

One Florida family has been fighting for the repeal of the law since their mother died almost two years ago.

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However, theyre worried they wont see any change as the vote on this bill remains unclear and has been temporarily postponed.

See more in the video above.

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Texas has one of the largest economies in the world, but it has been, and will continue to be, significantly impacted by President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports.

New data from stock researcher InvestorsObserver have ranked Texas as the third state most exposed to import tariffs on Chinese goods.

Texas imported $35.73 billion worth of goods from China in 2024, accounting for approximately 9% of its total imports and 15% of its gross domestic product. GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced within a state or country over a given time.

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InvestorsObserver compiled data from several federal agencies including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Trade.gov and individual state commerce reports.

A sign at Waterloo Records on North Lamar Boulevard informed shoppers in late March of an upcoming price increase for turntables due to tariffs. A stocks research firm has ranked Texas as the third-most most exposed state to import tariffs on Chinese goods.

With $850 billion in trade in 2024, Texas relies heavily on international commerce, the Dallas Federal Reserve reports. Mexico is the states largest trading partner, accounting for $281 billion in trade last year. The increased cost of imports is expected to have significant ripple effects, particularly for industries along the Texas-Mexico border.

Still, InvestorsObserver said the Lone Star State is uniquely exposed to risks because of its economic dependence on Chinese imports thanks to the growing technology and energy sectors.

California ranked as the top state most exposed to the tariffs, and Illinois came in second. Idaho ranked as the state most likely to be least affected by tariffs on Chinese imports. Only about 3% of the state's total imports come from China.

Some tariffs eased as global trade war looms

Trump announced a slew of tariffs on April 2, or as he coined it, "Liberation Day," as a way to erase a trade deficit between the U.S. and other countries, particularly China. What followed were numerous large reciprocal tariffs, roiling stock markets around the world and raising concerns over economic growth.

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Less than a month after "Liberation Day," several countries, including the U.S. and China, have reversed some of those tariffs.

Last week, China quietly exempted some U.S.-made semiconductors from its 125% retaliatory tariff. On Tuesday, Trump eased some tariffs affecting automakers to keep separate levies, like those on steel and aluminum, from stacking on top of one another.

Still, Trump's message has remained clear, he wants manufacturers to find U.S.-based trading partners and not rely on global trading.

Companies nationwide have alerted consumers that they should expect increased prices. CEOs of three of the nation's largest retailers  Walmart, Target and Home Depot  met with Trump privately last week to warn him about the ramifications of his broader trade policy, including product shortages and price spikes. Walmart's CEO said in April that he's urging suppliers to absorb the extra costs so they don't affect customers.

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"The No. 1 word is uncertainty," Austin Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeremy Martin told the American-Statesman about how tariffs will affect Austin-area businesses and companies.

Local Austin businesses have warned about the potential fallout from the global trade war. Some stores, like Borderless European Market and Asahi Imports, told the Statesman in April that due to being entirely reliant on products from outside the country, they'll most likely have to raise prices. One store, Indian-inspired chocolate company Madhu Chocolate, made the decision to close its doors for good.

Austin-area technology and manufacturing companies are facing potentially damaging tariffs on imports like steel, aluminum and semiconductors.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Chinese import tariffs: The states most affected  Texas ranks third
A new statewide poll shows numbers that suggest President Donald Trumps approval rating is falling, and so is Georgians confidence in how he is handling the economy.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll shows 49% disapprove of Trumps leadership so far.

Republicans are blaming the new economic numbers on former President Joe Biden, as some civil rights organizations here in Georgia are criticizing Trumps job performance over the first 100 days in office.

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Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene doesnt think much of new national polling showing Trumps approval ratings dropping to 39%, according to one poll.

I dont really listen to those fake polls on fake news, Greene told Channel 2s Richard Elliot.

Channel 2 Action News was the only local station at the White House on Monday to interview Trump administration officials about the presidents first 100 days in office.

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Greene accuses those national polls of not telling the truth.

You know what, those polling numbers came out from the same Democratic networks that have lied about President Trump, Greene said.

But new polling in Georgia shows the same thing.

The latest Atlanta Journal-Constitution/University of Georgia poll shows 43% of Georgians approve of Trumps handling of the economy, while 43% also oppose his tariffs.

Most worrying is that 58% of Georgians plan to reduce their spending, which could lead to more economic trouble down the road.

That poll also shows only 43% approve of Trumps job performance while 55% disapprove.

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This comes as new data shows the U.S. economy shrank for the first time in nearly three years, sending more warning flags of possible recession.

100 days of the Trump administration is exhausting, said Margaret Huang, with the Southern Poverty Law Center.

On Wednesday, a collection of civil rights organizations along with veterans and teachers, stood on the steps of Atlantas Big Bethel AME Church to criticize Trumps first 100 days in office.

They promised to fight Trump in the courts and at the ballot box.

Today marks 100 days of the Trump administration. 100 days of chaos. 100 days of cruelty, Huang said.

Traditionally, a recession is declared when the U.S. economy experiences two consecutive quarters of negative gross domestic product.
The White Houses closest link to the white nationalist agenda had a full-blown meltdown Thursday over reports that the administration had been spurned by El Salvador over the requested release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from a Salvadoran gulag.

During a White House press briefing, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed that Abrego Garcia had extensively documented membership in MS-13 and was a clear and present danger to the safety of the American people.

Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. illegally more than a decade ago but was allowed to remain in the U.S. and evade deportation back to El Salvador when an immigration judge ruled in October 2019 that a return to his home country could expose him to violence or persecution from a local gang, Barrio 18. Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, and the only alleged tie between the construction worker and MS-13 stemmed from a 2019 report of a since-fired Maryland police officer.

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Trump himself appears confused about Abrego Garcias connection to Latin American gangs. The president entered into a terse exchange with ABC News Tuesday night when he insisted that a doctored photo of supposed gang tattoos on Abrego Garcias knuckles was real. Experts say the photo is apparently photoshopped.

Trump administration officials acknowledged in court filings last month that Abrego Garcias forced exit from the country was an administrative error. The Supreme Court has ordered the executive branch to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S.

It is a sad reflection on the state of our media and many of the outlets represented in this room that you obsessively try to shill for this MS-13 terrorist, Miller ranted Thursday, chastising American news outlets for allegedly failing to cover the supposed rape, torture, and murder of American citizens at the hands of the illegals that Biden was importing into our country.

Miller then scolded the Biden administration for abiding by the Constitution in providing due process to individuals that the deputy chief of staff derided as Tren de Aragua terrorists, referring to the Venezuelan gang.

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The Trump administration has sworn that every man it had deported to the Salvadoran megaprison known as CECOT was a member of Tren de Aragua, but family members and friends of the deportees claimed thats not true. Some of the men that had been forced to board the planes had no criminal record.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government is paying El Salvador some $20,000 per deportee to imprison the men. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has also insinuated he intends to make more money off the uncharged men: in March, Bukele posted plans to force the immigrants into labor camps under the countrys Zero Idleness program.

In April, a U.S. circuit judge purported that the Trump administrations actions were wildly unprecedented and that the nations current use of a World War IIera policythe Alien Enemies Actto force immigrants out of the country while ignoring their due process rights had treated asylum-seekers worse than prior presidents treated actual German Nazis during World War II.

Miller previously served as the senior adviser for policy and White House director of speechwriting during Trumps first term. The far-right politico has made a name for himself for his vicious anti-immigrant policies, which include proposals to build mass deportation camps and deploy the military and the National Guard to seal the border, promising a forthcoming reality of large-scale raids and throughput facilities.

Hes long been viewed as one of the most apparent and rigid ties between Trump and the white nationalist agenda. Miller, a mentee of Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon, has had a profound impact on the president-elects language and policy on immigration, despite entering Trumpworld with little policy or legal expertise. He was the architect of Trumps first Muslim travel ban and has been a vocal proponent of family separation at the U.S. border, as well as limiting citizenship for legal immigrants. During his time in Trumps first term, leaked emails revealed that Miller promoted white nationalist articles and books, especially on the idea that nonwhite people are replacing white people.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  One of the suspects charged in the deaths of Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler of Hugoton has lost another round in his effort to get a new judge assigned to the case.

Tad Cullums attorney filed a motion for Judge Jon Parsley to recuse himself because Parsley represented fellow defendant Tifany Adams in an unrelated case. The attorney claims that raises questions about the judges ability to be impartial.

Two weeks ago, Parsley denied the motion, saying he represented Adams in a marriage dissolution case that wrapped up in 2011, and Cullum was not involved in that case.

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Kansas declares emergency, waives trucking hours for fuel

Cullums attorney appealed Parsleys decision. Presiding District Judge Tom Newby denied the appeal, finding no basis to recuse or disqualify Parsley.

However, Newby appointed a temporary judge, District Judge Justin Eilers, to Cullums case while the motion continues through the appeals process.

(Courtesy: OSBI)

On March 30, 2024, 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley were declared missing after their vehicle was found abandoned just south of Elkhart, Oklahoma. The two moms were traveling from Hugoton to Eva, Oklahoma, with plans to pick up Butlers children from Adams, the childrens paternal grandmother. The womens bodies were found a couple of weeks later, buried in a chest freezer. They had been stabbed to death.

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Five people have been charged in the case, including Cullum, Adams, Cole Twombly, Cora Twombly, and Paul Grice. The next court date for all five defendants is May 14.

Tifany Adams, Tad Cullum, Cora Twombly, Cole Twombly, and Paul Grice (Courtesy: Texas County Sheriffs Office)

To learn more about Butler and Kelleys case, click here.

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The driver of a stolen Porsche shot to death by NYPD cops in Brooklyn Tuesday as he sped toward them at a Belt Parkway road block was on federal probation for being part of an interstate ring of car thieves, police said.

The driver, Jumaane Wright, 28, and nine other suspects were charged last November in an East Coast auto theft conspiracy ring. The thieves, mostly from Pennsylvania and Maryland, plus one from New Jersey, used electronic key programmers, along with planted cell phones as GPS trackers, to steal high-end muscle cars from dealerships.

According to the indictment, the vehicles were shown off in person at the meetups and on social media and driven in a reckless and dangerous manner, such as spinning and burning out the vehicles, the U.S. attorneys office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said in a press release at the time.

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Wright and several other suspects were due back in court on July 7 for the start of jury selection, according to a Pennsylvania U.S. attorney spokesman.

Wrights pending criminal case, though, apparently did not keep him from continuing his schemes.

On Tuesday night, when officers with the NYPDs Community Response Team spotted a suspicious Porsche with suspicious plates on the eastbound Belt Parkway near the Bay Eighth St. Exit in Bath Beach, they checked the plates, revealing the car had been stolen, NYPD Chief of Department John Chell said after the incident. It was later determined the car had been stolen in Pennsylvania.

When officers attempted to pull the car over, Wright, who was accompanied by a passenger, exited the parkway at a high rate of speed, then got back on again and sped off, Chell said.

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At this point, cops did not pursue the car, but radioed ahead to adjoining police precincts that the stolen vehicle was heading in their direction.

About 10 miles later at the Rockaway Parkway Exit in Canarsie, Wright, still speeding, veered onto the service road and headed in [the] direction of several officers who [had] set up a roadblock to stop this vehicle, the chief continued.

The suspect got too close to one officer, nearly striking him, Chell said, at which point the officer fired a single shot, killing Wright.

The car continued on to a further exit on Pennsylvania Ave., where it struck an NYPD vehicle, Chell said.

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The passenger was arrested and officers performed lifesaving measures on the driver, Chell said. Wright was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital but could not be saved. The chief said the entire incident was captured on police body-worn cameras.

He added that Wright was on federal probation for  interstate transfer of stolen vehicles out of Pennsylvania.

Wrights family declined to speak to reporters following the incident.

Right now, we are not making any comments, a stepsister of his said.

Charges against the passenger, who is from Philadelphia, are pending.
Authorities appealed to the public Thursday for leads in the unsolved 2024 killing of a 21-year-old woman who was gunned down in a South Los Angeles alley.

Lanai Dees was driving her white Mercedes Benz in an alley off Century Boulevard in the Westmont neighborhood at 12:40 a.m. on Nov. 17 when someone in a passing dark-colored SUV opened fire, Lt. Steven De Jong of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

Dees, fatally wounded, crashed into a concrete staircase in the alley, De Jong said.

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At a news conference Thursday near where Dees died, De Jong said the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors was offering a $10,000 reward for leads.

"We believe someone in the community holds key information about this homicide," the lieutenant said, flanked by members of Dees' family.

Read more: Witness says he killed for the Aryan Brotherhood, divulges secrets of L.A.'s underworld

Her mother, Dahlin Dees, said Dees was studying to become a nurse and described her as "the light of our family."

The "cowards" who killed her daughter "just took it and dimmed it," she said. "It's hard to walk past her room every day and know she won't come out and say, 'Good morning, Mom. I love you, Mom.'"

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Dees' grandfather, Odis Sneed, said if such a killing had occurred in the Watts of his childhood, "the hood would not let this get away. Somebody would come forward and say something."

"The street knows who did it," he said. "If you know something and don't say anything about it, that means you're in agreement. If you don't say something, that means you're OK with a 21-year-old child being gunned down in the street like a dog."

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is also offering a $15,000 reward for information about the homicide of Raejonette Morgan. On July 2, 2024, the 22-year-old was shot to death in her white Mercedes Benz on Vermont Avenue, about two miles from where Dees was killed.

De Jong said detectives do not believe the two killings are related. He asked that anyone with information contact homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Canadas postal workers could be gearing up for another work stoppage later this month as two existing labor agreements are set to expire May 22.

On Wednesday, Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) agreed to resume negotiations on two separate contracts for urban postal workers and rural and suburban mall carriers.

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The union went on a month-long strike starting in mid-November before the countrys labor relations board issued a back-to-work order that extended the prior collective bargaining agreements to late May. But new contracts between both parties have still never been ironed out. A first attempt at negotiations kicked off in March, but the talks broke down after two days.

As the talks reignite, Canadian businesses have started to prepare for the potential second labor action that could take place, according to Alison Layfield, director of product development at international parcel and mail shipping solutions provider ePost Global.

Businesses already made up their minds that with this potential threat coming May 22, they have already started shifting volumes, some as early as today, May 1, Layfield told Sourcing Journal. Others are looking at dates next week. And the reason for that is, they dont want to get caught again in that bottleneck of their shipments not moving.

The latest mediator-supervised contract talks took place over a two-day stretch through Thursday, according to both negotiating parties.

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According to Layfield, many retailers were dependent on Canada Post before the winter strike, which ultimately led to some parcel and mail delays around Christmas.

They didnt have alternative options, especially the smaller retailers specifically here in Canada, said Layfield.

She noted that this time is different, highlighting that one shipper partner that was exclusively reliant on the national courier in November has already reached out to another carrier if another work stoppage takes place.

This time around, companies know the threat is real, and theyre taking it much more seriously, Layfield said. As a business, you are impacted in so many areas like your customer service and your operations. What do we do with these parcels if we cant move them via Canada Post? Where do we store them? Theres just so many components of the business that have to be looked at. But again, I think everyone is ready this time around.

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There are still four possible scenarios if a new agreement between Canada Post and the CUPW is not reached.

Canada Post can lock the union out, like what the Canadian ports and railroads did during their respective labor negotiations last year. The postal service could also impose major changes to working conditions or start issuing layoff notices to union members.

For the union, they could strike again if they arent locked out.

According to Layfield, the likelihood of a lockout is higher than a strike at this point due to the costs Canada Post would likely bear if the workers walked off the job.

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They cant afford to pay union wages if their volumes deteriorate like we anticipate they will, because everybody is looking at contingencies, Layfield said. Some have already actioned them, and others in our industry are all looking at what we can do to ensure that our customers find alternatives. We dont have all our eggs in one basket with Canada Post.

Finally, the government could intervene for a second time, similar to how they ended the work stoppages at the ports and on the rail.

Canada Post, like its American counterpart, the U.S. Postal Service, is under significant financial distress. In January, the federal government had to lend $1 billion Canadian dollars ($720 million) to the courier to ensure it can maintain its solvency through the 2025-26 fiscal year.

That month, the struggling Crown corporation terminated three senior executives including chief financial officer Jan Faryaszewski. One month later, nearly 50 non-union managers were laid off.

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Layfield stressed that Canada Post will have to modify its business model as more final mile carriers take up market share and the courier keeps burning through cash.

They cannot compete in the market as it is today. The days of a letter carrier walking down the street putting mail in your mailboxwe all know those are, those are really over, Layfield said. A lot of the neighborhoods have the super mailboxes, so you dont have a letter carrier. You have someone driving up in a Canada Post vehicle, opening those boxes, putting in your parcels and mail. A letter carrier is not going to be lugging around parcels to deliver by hand to these neighborhoods.

For retailers that havent prepared for the possible upcoming work stoppage, ePost is educating customers on nuances including rerouting rural and P.O. box shipments, which only Canada Post can reach.

Weve been recommending to our customers that they make sure that they alert the consumer to use their street address, Layfield said. Putting a little message out on checkout is a good way of sending that message.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Theres an update to the federal court case involving a South Dakota School of Mines student who is fighting to stay in the U.S. to graduate.

Man tied to $57K COVID relief fraud in theft scheme

Priya Saxena is a doctoral student from India, who recently had her visa and student documents revoked.

According to new filings in federal court, shes asking for a temporary restraining order to be extended two more weeks to guarantee she can attend graduation.

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Madison police, DSU plan for Noems appearance

Attorneys for Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have also filed new documents in the case, opposing the request for a preliminary injunction, saying its not necessary because her student status was already reinstated.

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Health officials in Broward County are monitoring a possible tuberculosis exposure at a Fort Lauderdale high school.

School officials said one student recently tested positive for TB and is currently recovering.

Officials say theres no outbreak, but they have started contact-tracing to identify people who may have been exposed.

Only students with parental consent will be tested as a precaution.

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Waco, TX (FOX 44)  Final exam season often causes stress, especially for students facing multiple exams.

McLennan Community College says theyve seen an increase in students seeking support through counseling services.

A lot of the time it tends to be more life, but with academics, especially during those times, its just an added stressor, Director of Student Counseling Center, Lizett LaStrape said. Which does tend to increase the need for additional support.

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Alijah Lopez, a freshman business major, takes advantage of the free counseling center.

The Counseling Center is great about helping out, Freshman, Alijah Lopez said. I see a counselor over there every two weeks. Theyre really, really great. It does help a lot with stress and just overall college life and life in general.

Alijah Lopez, student government president, passes resolutions for all student governments to present to school leadership.

I wrote a resolution on mental health, Lopez said. A lot of that was based here that all the students across Texas in their city governments are taking it to their administration to talk about, and its getting sent to the representatives and legislation.

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Paytin Griffin, a sophomore criminal justice major, said the most stressful part is balancing work and social life.

Being a full-time student takes up a lot of your time, with all the reading and studying, Griffin said. I also like to get really good grades, so trying to balance that with work and your personal life is very hard.

Mental health is different for everyone, Griffin said being active personally helps her mental health.

I have used a gym and that was very helpful for me, Griffin said. It kind of just gives you a place to get away from your homework for a little while or even get away from the reading and just go, have a de-stress, or have a run, have a walk, whatever you need.

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In addition, MCC has other resources for students.

Crew is very present out on our campus with our students and kind of normalizing the need and being accessible to address some basic needs, LaStrape said. That in itself helps reduce stigma for help seeking.

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By Andrew Hay

(Reuters) - Four current and former University of Texas at Austin students sued the college and Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday, alleging they faced unlawful arrest and retaliatory discipline for demonstrating against Israel's assault on Gaza.

The lawsuit is among a wave of legal actions against U.S. universities, law enforcement and state leaders over their handling of pro-Palestinian student protests that erupted in the Spring of 2024.

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Filed in U.S. District Court in San Antonio by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) on behalf of the students, the lawsuit accuses UT Austin President Jay Hartzell, Abbott and law enforcement officers of intentionally suppressing pro-Palestinian speech at an April 24, 2024, campus protest.

According to the filing, Abbott, with the consent of Hartzell, ordered state police in riot gear to carry out mass arrests, violating protesters' First Amendment rights to assemble and express their opinions.

In response to the lawsuit, UT Austin spokesperson Mike Rosen referred to statements the university made after the arrests saying it acted to preserve campus safety, enforce protest rules, and that most arrests were of people from outside the university.

Abbott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a social media post during the arrests, Abbott said: "Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas."

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Two students named in the suit said they wanted to protect others from the physical and mental harm they had suffered.

"It is reclaiming our narrative because we were treated as antisemitic criminals," said Arwyn Heilrayne, a second-year student, who experienced a panic attack after she was knocked to the ground by police and had her wrists tightly zip-tied.

She has since had to leave an internship at the state legislature and been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of her arrest, she said.

Mia Cisco said suing the university took on a new urgency as she watched the Trump administration try to deport foreign students for their pro-Palestinian advocacy.

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"It's really vital and crucial right now to make sure that that we say that it's not okay," said Cisco, a third-year student, who had her hijab forcibly removed by police following her arrest.

Dozens of demonstrators were taken into custody at the protest then released two days later after the Travis County Attorney's Office said charges were dropped due to a lack of probable cause.

All students arrested faced university disciplinary action, according to the lawsuit.

ADC Director Abed Ayoub saw most Americans, especially Texans, backing free speech for pro-Palestinian protesters.

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"Governor Abbott and others are underestimating how much Americans value their First Amendment rights," said Ayoub.

(Reporting By Andrew Hay in New Mexico; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Multiple current and former students at the University of Texas at Austin have sued the university and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) after the arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters last year.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, accuses the school and governor of violating the students First Amendment rights and Title VI during the mass arrests on April 24, 2024.

The complaint came from four former and current students and was filed by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).

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It alleges there was an arrest quota and police used excessive tactics such as tackling protesters, leaving marks on students with zip ties and taking the hijab off of a Muslim woman.

This lawsuit is about more than a single protest; its about safeguarding two of the most sacred rights in our democracy  free speech and peaceful assembly, said Abed Ayoub, ADC national executive director.

Standing beside these courageous students means defending the very pillars of our Constitution and preserving the ideals that define us as Americans. Their bravery in the face of intimidation exemplifies the best of who we are, and this monumental case will help ensure that our fundamental liberties remain strong for generations to come, Ayoub added.

The students are seeking a judgment that the actions of the school and governor were unconstitutional, reverse any disciplinary actions taken against the students and compensation for punitive damages and attorney fees.

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The Hill has reached out to the university and Abbotts office for comment.

Last years pro-Palestinian protests are getting renewed attention as their international participants are being targeted for deportation by the Trump administration, which accuses the activists of supporting Hamas and posing a threat to U.S. foreign policy.

On Wednesday, a judge ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and Palestinian demonstrator who had been arrested at what was supposed to be a naturalization interview.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Newly released data from the Guttmacher Institute shows a growing number of people seeking abortions in North Carolina are coming from out of state amid growing restrictions in neighboring states.

The pro-abortion rights group released its Monthly Abortion Provision Study, which shows the total number of abortions in the United States remained mostly unchanged from 2023 to 2024, rising less than 1%.

It also found the proportion of people traveling across state lines to get a medical or surgical abortion decreased slightly from 16% to 15%.

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However, the proportion of people traveling to North Carolina increased. Data from licensed clinicians reveals that about 36%, or 16,700, of abortions in 2024 came from out of state, the majority of which came from South Carolina and Georgia.

Charlotte mother charged with felony child abuse after 8-year-old found naked, injured: Documents

That nearly doubles the figure from 2020, when approximately 17% of abortions were for out-of-state patients.

States like Kansas, New Mexico, Illinois and Virginia saw similar increases. Data analysts in neighboring states with stricter constraints account for part of the rise in statistics.

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In mid-2023, North Carolina lawmakers instituted a 72-hour waiting period between an initial, in-person, required counseling appointment and the procedure.

State legislators in both North and South Carolina General Assemblies introduced bills during the session to impose further restrictions on abortions.

North Carolinas HB804 aims to make abortion illegal after conception except if the mothers life is at risk, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

South Carolinas H3457 would also ban the procedure at conception with few exceptions.

Both bills are still going through the committee process and are unlikely to pass before the end of the current session.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A local advocacy group has started to measure noise levels in Providence with the hope that city leaders will take further action toward making Rhode Islands capital quieter.

Per the citys code of ordinances, noise levels are not allowed to exceed 65 decibels (dBA) between 7 a.m. and 9:59 p.m. in residential areas. From 10 p.m. until 6:59 a.m. in residential areas, the sound limit is 55 dBA.

The Providence Noise Project wants the city to do more to enforce its rules. The organization said it has deployed a network of sound-measuring devices to gauge the levels in different residential areas of the city.

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Although the projects initial sound monitor has only been deployed for a relatively short period of time, it is already routinely registering noise levels far exceeding the citys legal limits for residential areas, including early in the morning and late at night, as well as during the day, the Providence Noise Project said in a press release.

ALSO READ: Need a smoke alarm? The Red Cross can help

A Brown University study in 2022 found the sound levels in Providence were comparable to big cities like New York City and Washington, D.C. Upper South Providence and South Elmwood were the loudest Providence neighborhoods, while Blackstone and College Hill were the quietest.

The Providence Noise Project believes addressing noise levels is a matter of public health.

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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, noise pollution is unwanted sound that interferes with peoples daily lives. Studies have shown a direct link between noise pollution and health problems like high blood pressure, sleep disruption and hearing loss.

We see some indications that city officials are trying to reduce unhealthy noise levels, Noise Project communications coordinator John Wilner said in the release. There is little evidence that it actually has decreased, and most residents are tired of waiting and hoping for relief.

Mayor Brett Smiley praised the nonprofits work on Wednesday and promised that addressing noise levels is a priority for him.

Weve stepped up enforcement site face noise violations  and by the end of the year, were going to be working on noise cameras to crack down on vehicles with straight pipes, modified exhaust system systems or just loud music, Smiley told 12 News. Everybody in Providence deserves a decent nights sleep.

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MORE: Smiley eyes possible PILOT agreement, second try at noise cameras in 2025

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A new study warns parts of the Pacific Coast, including Western Washington, could sink several feet during a major offshore earthquake.

The impact could dramatically alter shorelines and drastically expand flood zones.

The study was published this week in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The risk of a megaquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone is nothing new, but researchers are shining new light on the impact it could have.

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Communities most at risk for seeing land sink in Washington include areas around Willapa Bay, like Long Beach, Tokeland, Ocean Park, and Raymond, as well as areas in Grays Harbor, like Ocean Shores, Westport, and Aberdeen.

At the moment of the earthquake, the ground in many of those communities is going to go down by as much as two to four, five, six feet all of a sudden, said Harold Tobin, Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network.

Sea levels are already rising gradually due to climate change, but this change would happen in minutes.

The earthquake is expected to first trigger a tsunami. After that clears, researchers say the ground in these coastal areas could be permanently altered. It could change the shape of harbors, make coastal infrastructure unusable, and change the boundaries of land that is habitable.

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That change, researchers say, would dramatically expand the areas at risk for floods.

If a great earthquake struck the Cascadia zone today, researchers predict it would double the flood exposure of residents, structures, and roads.

If the earthquake hit in 2100, when sea levels have risen more from climate change, it could triple that flood exposure, according to the study.

The 100-year-flood will become much more much more frequent, Tobin said.

Scott McDougall, Director of Pacific County Emergency Management, said planning for the big one is constant.

If the Cascadia Subduction Zone does rupture, its going to be probably the most devastating event weve ever seen in the continental United States, McDougall said.

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McDougall said a major priority for coastal communities now is building vertical evacuation zones, where people can escape flood waters or tsunamis.

He said Pacific County currently has one such structure, but none have been completed on the Long Beach Peninsula.

Officials had planned a vertical evacuation zone in Long Beach, but planned to utilize FEMAs BRIC funding to help build it. Then, the program was canceled abruptly earlier this month under the Trump administration.

,Were kind of back at the drawing board right now, he said.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone last experienced a major earthquake in 1700. It swept away villages, triggered a major tsunami, and uprooted trees. On what is now Vancouver Island, USGS data shows only one of more than 600 people survived.

Experts say the zone ruptures every few hundred years, and were currently in the window where it could rupture tomorrow or decades down the line.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  The Newport News Police Department is investigating an incident involving a substitute teacher allegedly grabbing a student by the throat at Richneck Elementary back in December.

According to court documents, a substitute teacher had a verbal altercation with a student on Dec. 17. It escalated once the substitute teacher allegedly grabbed the student by the throat and pulled them into the hallway, where there were no security cameras.

The incident was immediately reported to Child Protective Services. The students mother reported the event to police on March 24.

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According to paperwork, footage obtained by detectives show the substitute teacher grabbing the students neck. The student then attempts to push the teacher away before being pulled out of view of the camera.

Thats alarming because I havent gotten any email about it or havent even heard about that because even if its not my sons grade or in my sons you know, class or whatever, we should still know as parents if that did happen or didnt, a concerned parent said.

This alleged incident happened less than two years after Richneck Elementary School made national headlines. On Jan. 6, 2023, a 6-year-old student brought a gun to school and shot their first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner in the classroom. That case raised serious questions about school safety and accountability within the district.

Richneck Elementary School Shooting Timeline

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Newport News Public Schools is fully cooperating with law enforcement and child protection agencies.

No formal charges have been filed at this time, but the substitute teacher is no longer substituting at Newport News Public Schools.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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More than 540 people have been killed in Sudans North Darfur in just three weeks as paramilitaries intensify their attritional battle for the regional capital of el-Fasher, according to the United Nations.

The horror unfolding in Sudan knows no bounds, said Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, in a statement on the devastating impact of the two-year civil war published on Thursday, signalling that the death toll of 542 over the past three weeks was likely much higher.

Darfur in particular has been a key battleground in the brutal war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has left tens of thousands dead, uprooted more than 12 million and created what the UN describes as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.

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The RSF, which lost Khartoum last month, has in recent weeks mounted multiple attacks on el-Fasher and the nearby refugee camps of Zamzam and Abu Shouk, triggering an exodus of hundreds of thousands of people 60km (37 miles) across the desert to the town of Tawila.

Sudans presidential palace in central Khartoum was shelled Thursday by the RSF, a military source told the AFP news agency, the second such attack on the capital in a week.





Turk pointed to a new attack three days ago by the RSF on el-Fasher and Abu Shouk that killed at least 40 civilians.

He said he feared further violence after the RSF issued a warning of further bloodshed ahead of imminent battles, adding that civilians trapped amid dire conditions in and around el-Fasher needed to be protected.

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Turks statement came as the RSF was on the cusp of seizing control of the strategic city of al-Nahud in West Kordofan, a gateway to the Darfur region, held by Sudans army since the start of the conflict.

Reporting from Khartoum, Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan said that both sides viewed the city as crucial for gaining the upper hand in the conflict.

Its clear that the RSF does not want the army to try to launch attacks on its positions in Darfur, especially since the army has been saying that it wants to retake cities in Darfur  and they want to break the RSFs siege of el-Fasher, she said.

Extremely disturbing

Turk also highlighted reports of extrajudicial executions in Khartoum state, which he described as extremely disturbing.

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He described videos circulating on social media that showed at least 30 men in civilian clothing being rounded up and shot by armed men in RSF uniforms in the al-Salha area in the countrys second-largest city, Omdurman.

In a subsequent video an RSF field commander acknowledged the killings, he said.

The videos followed shocking reports of the extrajudicial execution of dozens of people accused of collaborating with the RSF in southern Khartoum in recent weeks, which had allegedly been committed by the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, a pro-SAF armed rebel group, according to Turk.





The conflict between SAF, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSFs Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti Daglo has divided Sudan in two, with the army holding sway in the north and east, while the RSF controls most of Darfur and parts of the south.

Turk said he had alerted both leaders to the catastrophic human rights consequences of the war, saying it was well past time for this conflict to stop.
Death Row Records co-founder Marion Suge Knight has agreed to pay a $1.5 million settlement to the family of the man whose 2015 death was determined to have been caused by Knight mowing him down in a vehicle.

On Tuesday (April 29), Knight appeared via video at a Los Angeles court hearing concerning a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Terry Carter.

Carter, a 55-year-old businessman, was fatally struck by Knights pickup truck in the parking lot of Tams Burgers in Compton on January 29, 2015.

Tam's Burgers

The incident occurred following an altercation linked to the production of the N.W.A. biopic, Straight Outta Compton, where Knight had a confrontation with Cle Bone Sloan, a consultant on the film.

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Carters widow, Lillian, and daughters, Nekaya and Crystal, were present in the courtroom as their attorney, Lance Behringer, proposed a $1.5 million settlement, allocating $500,000 to each family member.

Knight, whose longtime attorney David Kenner was absent, inquired whether his lack of legal representation would delay the civil trial.

Director Cle Bone Sloan attends the HBO documentary films LA premiere Of Bastards Of The Party at The ArcLight Theater on January 30, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Judge Thomas Long informed him that jury selection was scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 1, and stated, There would be no further continuances. This case is out of time.

Knight ultimately agreed to the settlement, thereby avoiding the trial. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Lillian Carter expressed her dissatisfaction with the outcome, but emphasized her desire to avoid further courtroom proceedings.

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She stated, Im not happy with the outcome of it, at all, but I dont want to give him another opportunity to put on a clown show and act like a bi**h, adding, Maybe somebody will shank him in jail.

Marion Suge Knight appears in Los Angeles court for a pretrial hearing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on January 21, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Knight is charged with robbery and criminal threats after allegedly stealing a photographers camera during an incident September 5, 2014 in Beverly Hills.

In 2018, Knight pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in connection with Carters death and was sentenced to 28 years in prison.

The plea deal included 22 years for the manslaughter charge and an additional six years due to Californias three-strikes law. The fatal confrontation was captured on surveillance video, showing Knight backing his truck into Sloan and then driving forward, fatally striking Carter.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Carters family initially included Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Universal Pictures as defendants, alleging that their actions contributed to the dangerous environment leading to Carters death. However, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube were later cleared of responsibility in the case.

Marion Suge Knight, left, shown with his attorney Albert DeBlanc, appears in court pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in front of Judge Ronald S. Coen at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on September 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Chief Justice John Roberts appears to hold the key vote over whether the Supreme Court will allow the nations first publicly funded religious charter school in Oklahoma. Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes explains the argument.

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WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  Joanne Walsh searched online to find a contractor to build a deck on her home in Warwick. But after she gave the contractor thousands of dollars for the job, he never showed up.

Walsh said the contractor seemed reputable online. He took measurements of her property before they entered into a contract.

He said he will be there in three weeks, and three weeks came and went, and then a month, Walsh recalled.

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Thats why R.I. Department of Business Regulation (DBR) Director Elizabeth Dwyer and Gov. Dan McKee held a press conference on Wednesday. The state leaders wanted to remind Rhode Islanders to make sure a contractor is registered with the state before hiring them to do work on a home or business.

DBR has an online portal where consumers can search a contractors name, business and license number to make sure they are registered and valid to work.

We want you to know that the portal has helped many people, and the state has identified many fraudulent contractors trying to hurt Rhode Island consumers, McKee said.

The website also lists any infractions against a contractor who the state has found to have broken the law.

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Look up a contractor in RI

Walsh said if she knew about the online portal, it would have made a huge difference.

It was like he dropped off the side of the Earth, she added.

Walsh and hundreds of other Rhode Islanders filed contractor complaints with DBR in 2024.

According to the state, out of 413 complaints made to the agency, 32 have been resolved either through an agreement or a hearing officer.

DBR was able to recover $247,775 for homeowners last year, but a large portion of that money is still in limbo. For example, $111,075 has been referred to the attorney generals office for criminal prosecution, and another portion is going through the appeals process.

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In total, DBR was able to give back $76,467 directly to consumers from 2024 complaints.

RELATED: Irish national charged with defrauding RI, Mass. homeowners

Walsh said she feels lucky that the state was able to get her money back.

One day I go out to the mailbox and heres the check, she said.

For those who want to file a complaint against a contractor, they can do it through DBRs website or call their office at (401) 921-1590.

We need to understand what was your interactions with the contractor, any documents that were provided to you or that you provided to the contractor, she said. A full understanding of what happened when we get the complaint, we will look at it.

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File a complaint about a contractor here

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Nina Devillez, the suspect accused of stealing a police car in Chandler and later crashing in Daviess County will soon be sent back to Indiana.

This comes after Devillez was caught on camera allegedly wielding a sword against a Chandler police officer and stealing his cruiser.

Devillez pleaded guilty to her charges in Kentucky and received a two-year suspended sentence.

Commonwealth Attorney Mike Van Meter says Devillez pleaded guilty to amended charges of attempting to flee police, criminal trespass and resisting arrest during her appearance in district court on Wednesday.

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Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman says she will likely be extradited in the next few days to face more serious charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Colombian police arrested a suspect Wednesday in the brutal killing of a transgender woman who was thrown into a creek with broken limbs in a hate crime that sparked angry protests in the South American country.

Sara Millerey, 32, died in hospital after she was pulled out of the creek by firefighters, but not before bystanders filmed a video of her drowning, and circulated it online.

The attack, which happened in Bello, near the western city of Medellin in Antioquia department, has caused an outpouring of shock and anger and fueled fear in the trans community.

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Sandra Borja, Sara's mother, told El Pais that she was with her daughter in her final moments.

"I knelt down and hugged her and told her that I loved her very much," she told the newspaper. "I told her she was going to be with God, because no one in heaven was going to humiliate or discriminate against her for being her."

Demonstrators hold signs and candles during a protest against the transfemicide of Sara Millerey, a trans woman who is tortured and killed, on April 9, 2025. / Credit: Sebastian Barros/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Police said Wednesday it had arrested a first suspect, a member of a gang, who now faces charges of torture and aggravated homicide, and risks 70 years in prison.

President Gustavo Petro has condemned the crime that he said was committed by "ignorant people" trying to "erase the differences" between individuals.

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The office of the ombudsman in Colombia said 13 trans women have been murdered in the country so far this year. However, the Washington Office on Latin America, citing data from the NGO Caribe Afirmativo, reported that more than 24 LGBTQ+ people have been murdered in Colombia so far in 2025.

"This figure is an undercount since many LGBTQ+ cases are not designated as such," the organization said.

In all of 2024, the official number was 31.

The office of the ombudsman also reported 258 cases of violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community last year  a 23 % increase on 2023.

There has been a rise particularly in Antioquia, the birthplace of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, according to Caribe Afirmativo.

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Hate crimes in the region "represent almost half of the national total," it reported.

Congress is discussing a bill seeking to bolster the rights of transgender people and toughen penalties for hate crimes committed against them.

Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

Extended interview: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on deportations involving children and more

Mike Waltz leaving post as Trump's national security adviser | Special Report
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities have arrested a suspect linked to the stabbing of two men in Ocean Beach last month.

The San Diego Police Department said it received a report of the stabbing just after 1 a.m. on April 13 in the area of Bacon Street and Newport Avenue.

Police identify victim in Skyline shooting as father of suspect

When officers arrived at the scene, they found two men with multiple stab wounds. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

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The victims were 36 and 29 years of age, both expected to survive their injuries, according to police.

After receiving tips from the community and conducting a thorough investigation, authorities learned the suspect and the victims knew each other.

They have identified Jana Nicole Halaska, 29, of San Diego, as the suspect in this case. Police arrested her around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of Robinson Avenue.

She was booked into the Las Colinas Detention Facility for one count of attempted murder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

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One of the victims was involved in a confrontation with another person unrelated to the incident before he was stabbed, police added.

Anyone with further information about the incident is asked to contact SDPD at (619) 692-4000 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A suspect accused of shooting a Baton Rouge teen was formally charged Thursday.

Jeremiah Howze, 18, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of obstruction of justice, second-degree murder and handling a firearm/machine gun.

In December 2024, deputies responded to a shooting on Old Hammond Highway. They found a male victim in a car with gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as Kyle Earthly, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Further investigation revealed that Earthly pulled into a gas station parking lot. Shortly after, surveillance footage showed someone getting out of the vehicle and walking away. During the shooting, the car was still in drive and crossed four lanes of traffic until it hit a curb.

Detectives learned that Earthly was last seen with Jeremiah. Footage showed the suspect entering and exiting the store. The suspects description led deputies to identify the suspect as Howze. More details uncovered that Earthlys car picked up Howze before he was shot.

Howze was arrested and booked in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, with a bail set at $150,000. He was later released on bond in January 2025.

In April, a judge ruled that Howze would remain in custody until at least May 12, unless indicted by a grand jury on May 1.

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Family of murder victim Kyle Earthly Jr. speaks out ahead of suspects hearing

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
(FOX40.COM)  A man died after following a police involved shooting in Manteca on Wednesday evening, the Manteca Police Department said.

According to MPD, the incident happened at an In-N-Out Burger chain parking lot at 1490 East Yosemite Avenue at around 5:05 p.m. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a disturbance that involved a male driver in a white van in the restaurant drive-thru line.

Trying to seek justice: Sacramento family grieves after hit-and-run kills loved one

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Officials said when crews made contact with the male driver, the suspect rammed a police vehicle, and after about 20 minutes of trying to de-escalate the situation, the vehicle rammed again into two police cars.

MPD said, This posed an imminent threat to officers and public safety. Subsequently, the officers discharged their firearms.

At this time, the suspect was transported to a local hospital, where his condition is unknown, said MPD. No officers were injured during the incident.

The man was later identified as Charles McGonegal II, 69, of Manteca.

According to MPD, per the standard procedure in this situation, crews had to activate San Joaquin County Officer Involved protocol for this investigation.

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The San Joaquin District Attorneys Office, the California Department of Justice Crime Lab, and the MPD are working together to investigate the cause of this incident.

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Video above: This Nexstar Media video explains the deportation process.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The U.S. Coast Guard apprehended 15 individuals early Wednesday morning in a maritime smuggling attempt off the coast of San Diego, authorities announced.

Around 4:20 a.m., crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Petrel intercepted a 20-foot cuddy cabin-style vessel about 10 miles northwest of Point Loma. The vessel was carrying 15 undocumented immigrants11 adult males and four adult femaleswho all claimed to be Mexican nationals.

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Vista woman sentenced to prison for striking cyclist during human smuggling attempt

According to USCG officials, the operation involved coordination between the Petrel and the larger Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward, both of which are part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal maritime entries along the Southern California coastline.

Following the interception, the individuals were taken into custody by Coast Guard personnel and later transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents for further processing.

Maritime smuggling along the Southern California coast continues to be a concern for federal authorities, who frequently warn that such operations are not only illegal but also hazardous due to overcrowded boats and lack of proper safety equipment.

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CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  A Palmer man caught driving with a suspended license was arrested and faces several firearm and drug charges.

In a news release from the Chicopee Police Department, at around 3:13 a.m. on Wednesday, officers were conducting a property check due to reports of several break-ins in the past at the Market Square Plaza on Exchange Street. Officers observed a vehicle with its lights off, and as soon as the cruiser drove by, the driver turned its headlights on and pulled out of the parking lot.

Three Massachusetts men arrested after police pursuit in South Windsor

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Officers conducted a traffic stop for the suspicious vehicle, and the driver was identified as 36-year-old Samuel Sevilla of Palmer. Due to his license suspension, Sevilla was arrested. Officers performed an inventory check inside the vehicle before it was towed and found a loaded handgun along with several rounds of ammunition.

(Chicopee Police Department)

When officers arrived at the police station, Sevillas phone and a small plastic bag containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine were found on the floor in the back seat.

Sevilla is charged with the following:

Operating with a Suspended License

Carrying a Loaded Firearm Without a License

Possess of Ammunition Without an FID

Possess Class B Drug

Possess Firearm With 2 Prior Violent /Drug Crimes

Carrying a Firearm Without License

Withhold Evidence From Criminal Proceeding

Local News Headlines

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LATEST: Jason Kellar has been charged and booked in jail. Click here for the latest.

Update: 5/2/2025, 10:15 a.m.

MONONGAH, W.Va. (WBOY)  The suspect in Wednesdays standoff in Mannington has been taken into custody.

According to the Marion County detachment of the West Virginia State Police, Jason Kellar was arrested at approximately 9 a.m. Friday.

Troopers located him in Monongah where he was taken into custody without incident; he is currently not listed on court websites, so a list of charges is not available.

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UPDATE: Man arrested after Mannington standoff charged with felony child neglect

Update: 5/1/2025, 9:52 a.m.

MANNINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  Troopers have released the name of the suspect involved in the standoff in Mannington which lasted more than six hours.

According to the Marion County detachment of the West Virginia State Police, the suspect has been identified as Jason Michael Kellar, who was born in 1991, and is described as being a white male standing at 62 and weighing 185 pounds, with blue eyes and black hair.

Originally, troopers had been called to the scene earlier in the afternoon for a domestic situation taking place at a residence on Buffalo Street in Mannington, but when they arrived, Kellar had already left the scene, troopers said.

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As troopers were obtaining a warrant, Kellar returned to the Buffalo Street residence, at which point the standoff occurred and family members were able to be safely evacuated; Kellar had barricaded himself in the residence and was believed to be in possession of a firearm, according to state police.

During that time, Kellar fled on foot and his location is currently unknown; troopers advise that Kellar is not a threat to the public and that his threats were only directed toward law enforcement.

Update: 4/30/2025, 11:56 p.m.

MANNINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  Emergency crews, including the SWAT team, have cleared the scene of a standoff situation in Mannington that lasted nearly seven hours, but they appear to have left empty-handed.

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A 12 News reporter on the scene said SWAT team members breached the building of interest at 174 Buffalo Street equipped with a battering ram, riot shield and K-9 unit, but exited without anyone in custody. Crews cleared the scene at about 11:45 p.m.

Officials with the West Virginia State Police said there is no threat to the public, but they did not provide any additional information regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident or about whether a suspect is at large.

12 News has reached out to the West Virginia State Polices press contact for additional information on this situation and will provide an update when we receive a response.

Update: 4/30/2025, 10:32 p.m.

MANNINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  12 News is still on the scene of a standoff situation in Mannington involving a SWAT team that has been going on for nearly six hours.

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A 12 News reporter at the scene said that SWAT team members have fired non-bullet projectiles at the building of interest located at 174 Buffalo Street, breaking the buildings windows. The reporter added that a robot with the appearance of a large RC car with arms was also deployed at the scene.

Pictures and videos sent by the reporter show SWAT team members with rifles pointed at the building.

This is a developing story. Stick with 12 News for updates.

Original: 4/30/2025, 8:32 p.m.

MANNINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  First responders and the SWAT team were called to the scene of a standoff in Mannington Wednesday evening that has lasted more than three hours.

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Details are limited at this time, but a 12 News reporter on the scene spoke with neighbors who said the SWAT team has been deployed near 174 Buffalo Street, and crews have had a drone flying around the area.

1 flown to the hospital after being hit by truck in Grafton

Officials with the Marion County 911 Center told 12 News that crews have been on scene since 4:51 p.m. They added that no injuries have been reported, and there is no threat to the public at this time.

Other crews on the scene include the West Virginia State Police, Mannington Volunteer Fire Department and the Marion County Sheriffs Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
A leader of Syrias Druze minority has condemned attacks against his community after dozens of people were killed in two days of sectarian clashes south of Damascus.

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri on Thursday denounced the violence in Jaramana and Sahnaya near Damascus earlier this week as a genocidal campaign against the Druze community in Syria.

Syrias Ministry of Information said 11 members of the countrys security forces were killed in two separate attacks.

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The United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a war monitor, said at least 101 people were killed in fighting between security forces, allied fighters and local Druze groups.

The SOHR, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said the death toll included 30 government loyalists, 21 Druze fighters and 10 civilians, including Sahnayas former mayor, Husam Warwar.

In the southern province of Sweida, heartland of the Druze minority, it said 40 Druze fighters were killed, 35 in an ambush on the Sweida-Damascus road on Wednesday.

The clashes broke out around midnight Monday after an audio clip circulated on social media of a man criticising Islams Prophet Muhammad. The audio was attributed to a Druze scholar. But the scholar, Marwan Kiwan, said in a video posted on social media that he was not responsible for the audio, which angered many Sunni Muslims.

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On Wednesday afternoon, the Syrian government said a deal was reached between Druze dignitaries and official representatives after which security forces and pro-government fighters entered Sahnaya and Druze gunmen withdrew from the streets.

Videos on social media showed what appeared to be pro-government armed groups beating Druze men they had captured in Sahnaya and making offensive sectarian remarks.

This collective killing is systematic, clear, visible, and documented, read al-Hijris statement. We no longer trust a group that calls itself a government, because the government doesnt kill its own people through extremist gangs that are loyal to it, and after the massacre claims they are loose forces.





The violence poses a serious challenge to the countrys new authorities, who toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. It comes after a wave of massacres in March in Syrias Alawite heartland on the Mediterranean coast in which security forces and allied groups killed more than 1,700 civilians, mostly Alawite, according to the SOHR.

Syrian authorities reject foreign intervention

Israeli officials have expressed support for the Druze, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning his country would respond with significant force if Syrias new authorities fail to protect the minority community.

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In a later statement, Katz said, Should the attacks on the Druze resume and the Syrian regime fail to prevent them, Israel will respond with significant force.

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Thursday reiterated Syrias rejection of demands for international intervention, posting on X that national unity is the solid foundation for any process of stability or revival.

Any call for external intervention, under any pretext or slogan, only leads to further deterioration and division, he added.

Most Druze spiritual leaders and factions have opted to air their grievances in closed communication with the new government, but concerns have heightened after a crackdown on al-Assad loyalists in Syrias coastal province turned into a series of targeted revenge attacks against the Alawite minority group.

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Videos widely circulated of houses burned down and bloodied bodies of Alawite on the streets. Tens of thousands of Alawite fled south to neighbouring Lebanon, and many are too scared to return.

The Druze have since become reluctant to lay down their arms, which they say they need for protection.




DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri on Thursday harshly criticized Syria's government for what he called an unjustified genocidal attack" on the minority community during deadly sectarian fighting in Druze-majority areas south of Damascus this week.

Syrias Information Ministry said 11 members of the countrys security forces were killed in two separate attacks, while Britain-based war monitor The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 56 people in Sahnaya and the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Jaramana were killed in clashes, among them local gunmen and security forces.

The clashes broke out around midnight Monday after an audio clip circulated on social media of a man criticizing Islams Prophet Muhammad. The audio was attributed to a Druze cleric. But cleric Marwan Kiwan said in a video posted on social media that he was not responsible for the audio, which angered many Sunni Muslims.

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On Wednesday, 15 Druze men were killed in a highway ambush as they were heading to support armed groups south of Damascus against pro-government gunmen. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy.

This collective killing is systematic, clear, visible, and documented, Al-Hijri's statement read. We no longer trust a group that calls itself a government, because the government doesnt kill its own people through extremist gangs that are loyal to it, and after the massacre claims they are loose forces.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Syrian government said a deal was reached between Druze dignitaries and official representatives after which security forces and pro-government gunmen entered Sahnaya and Druze gunmen withdrew from the streets.

Videos on social media showed what appear to be pro-government militias beating Druze men they had captured in Sahnaya and making offensive sectarian remarks.

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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. In Syria, they largely live in the southern Sweida province and some suburbs of Damascus.

Syria's leadership, former insurgents who toppled former President Bashar Assad in December, has promised to protect minority groups but they're led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which has had affiliations in the past with the Sunni Muslim extremist al-Qaida group and is viewed by the minorities with suspicion.

Most Druze spiritual leaders and factions have opted to air their grievances in closed communication with the new government, but concerns have heightened after a crackdown on Assad loyalists in Syria's coastal province turned into a series of targeted revenge attacks against the Alawite minority group. Videos widely circulated of houses burned down and bloodied bodies of Alawites on the streets. Tens of thousands of Alawites fled south to neighboring Lebanon and many are too scared to return.

The Druze have since become reluctant to lay down their arms, which they say they need for protection.

___

Chehayeb reported from Beirut.
Taipei, Taiwan  Taiwan has faith in the support of the United States, a top Taiwanese official has said, despite widespread concern on the island that US President Donald Trump could use the East Asian democracy as a bargaining chip in its dealings with China.

Taiwan and the US have a very strong and solid relationship, and Taiwan has cross-party support from the US Congress, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera.

Unlike the US and China, the US and Taiwan have unprecedentedly close relations, said Chiu, whose cabinet-level portfolio covers Taiwans relations with mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

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Still, Chiu said it was still too early to fully assess the impact of the second Trump administration.

The Taiwan government will continue to observe the Trump administration since it has been less than three months, he said through an interpreter.

Taiwans government has a very consistent position of protecting our sovereignty, our freedom and democracy.

Trump made headlines in Taiwan in 2016 when, as president-elect, he accepted a congratulatory phone call from then-Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, overturning longstanding diplomatic convention.

The US, like most countries, does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.

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Ties between the US and Taiwan continued to deepen throughout Trumps first term and under former US President Joe Biden, with numerous delegations of Democratic and Republican lawmakers visiting the island in recent years.

Since returning to the White House, however, Trump has a launched a series of broadsides at the island, although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remains a firm Taiwan supporter.

The US president has varyingly accused Taiwan of stealing the US chip industry, argued that Taipei should pay for its own defence, and threatened top Taiwanese chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) with a 100 percent tax if it does not expand US-based manufacturing.

Trump also hit Taiwan with a 32 percent reciprocal tariff  which has been paused until July  and expanded existing steel and aluminium tariffs on its exports, among other initiatives.

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But Washington is committed to supporting the islands defence under a 1979 law, though the legislation does not specify an obligation to directly intervene in a conflict.

While Taipei is taking a wait-and-see approach, Trumps America First rhetoric and politics have raised concern among many Taiwanese that he could abandon Taiwan to win concessions in trade talks with China.

In a survey published by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation in March, just 39.2 percent of respondents said they believe the US would send troops to defend Taiwan, down from an all-time high of 65 percent in 2021.

Despite these fears, Chiu said he believes that Washington would never accept an unreasonable request from Beijing to alter the terms of its relationship with Taiwan.

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China has pledged to reunify Taiwan with the Chinese mainland, by force if necessary, although the ruling Communist Party has never directly controlled the island.

Chiu said Taiwan has much to offer the US, from its strategic position within Washingtons first island chain defence strategy aimed at checking Chinese expansion in the Pacific, to its position as the worlds foremost chipmaker.

We think that we can demonstrate to the US people and to the US people that Taiwan is a very good partner, and we are irreplaceable, Chiu said.

Chius cabinet-level portfolio oversees the planning and implementation of Taiwans cross-strait policy, although Beijing has been officially incommunicado with Taipei since the Democratic Progressive Party took power in 2016.

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Beijing considers the DPP separatists and has ramped up military, economic and diplomatic pressure on the island over the past nine years.

United front tactics

Chiu said that Taiwans government continues to try to communicate with Beijing through official channels, as well as liaising through intermediaries from the business world, nonprofit sector and academia.

Chiu, however, criticised Chinas communications with the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which he characterised as part of Beijings divide and rule and United Front tactics employed against Taiwan.

The term United Front refers to both an official department of the Chinese Communist Party and activities carried out by party members to promote the CCP agenda  including convincing Taiwans 23.4 million citizens that unification with China is both inevitable and desirable, despite polling showing most Taiwanese favour the status quo of de facto independence.

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We are constantly facing United Front tactics, infiltration and division in Taiwanese society. They are everywhere, Chiu said.

Taiwans National Security Bureau reported that 64 people were charged with espionage in 2024  primarily active members of the military and veterans  up from 48 in 2023 and 10 in 2022.

Other threats are more immediately obvious, Chiu said, such as the escalation of Chinese military exercises and manoeuvres near Taiwan over the past five years.

China launched more than 5,000 military flights in the direction of Taiwan in 2024 alone, Chiu said, including about 3,000 that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait  an unofficial border dividing the strategic waterway between China and Taiwan.

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Beijing also sent more than 2,500 warships in the direction of Taiwan, with some entering its contiguous waters, he said, referring to the zone that is adjacent to the territorial sea and extends a maximum of 24 nautical miles (44km) from shore.





Chiu said he was most concerned about the leadership style of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi, who is serving a third term as president after eliminating presidential term limits in 2018, is widely viewed as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China.

The Xi regime is a new type of authoritarianism. He has been inciting a fanatic nationalism, and thats why we are seeing military hegemony and wolf warrior diplomacy, Chiu said.

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Mainland China right now is not a very rational decision-making party, and this nationalism poses a great threat to its neighbouring countries, Chiu said.

If you ask me what concerns me the most, I would say that its the essence of the Xi regime, he said.
(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump told NewsNation that more than 100 countries are calling morning, noon and night dying to make a deal with the United States on tariffs, with the first tariff deals with India, South Korea and Japan coming in a matter of weeks.

Were in a great position of strength, Trump said during NewsNations town hall on his first 100 days in office Wednesday. Well make great deals and where we dont make great deals, were just going to set the deals.

Trump said that he could set deals of 40, 50 or 60% with some countries rather than negotiate. However, the United States is currently negotiating with South Korea, Japan and India, he told NewsNation.

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HBCUs will not be subjected to federal spending cuts, Trump says

Trump said that the country will make many, many deals but said that in many cases, he must take a hard line.

Asked when he would announce the first deals, Trump said the U.S. has potential deals in place with countries such as Japan.

While Trumps tariffs have raised concerns with everyday Americans, Trump said the U.S. is in a great position of power when it comes to setting the deals that are right for the U.S. to avoid being taken advantage of. When pressed by political commentator Bill OReilly when the first deals would be in place on Wednesday, Trump replied that he was not as in as much of a rush to get deals done as the former Fox News host.

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We are sitting in the catbird seat, Trump said. They want us. We dont need them. Theyve been ripping us off. South Korea has been ripping us off. We pay for their military, they take advantage of us on trade.

These are friend and foe, and we often do better with foe  meaning the enemy  than we do with the friends. The friends have been brutal to this country on trade.

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Amid assertions that the seismic upheaval caused by its tariff policy will ultimately bolster a resurgence in American manufacturing, the Trump administration has indicated that its willing to leave some industries in the dust.

President Trump is interested in the jobs of the future, not the jobs of the past, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a Tuesday press conference. We dont need to necessarily have a booming textile industry like where I grew up again, but we do want to have precision manufacturing and bring that back.

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In his attempt to defend the administrations recent trade actionswhich have sent markets careening wildly while upending global supply chains and driving up prices at retailBessents comments perhaps inadvertently set off alarm bells within a sector that, while embattled, still employs some 471,000 American workers.

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) wasted no time in hitting back at the assertion that U.S. textile producers are irrelevant to the administrations stated reshoring efforts. The groups president and CEO, Kim Glas, penned an open letter to the Treasury secretary, who hails from South Carolina, a major textile hub, asking for a meeting with the countrys textile stakeholders.

Our industry saw your remarks and were disheartened to hear this sentiment, especially since this industry has been noted by President Trump himself on a number of occasions as critical and strategic, Glas wrote.

The U.S. textile industry was proud to make lifesaving PPE during the first Trump Administration in response to Covid. The U.S. proudly makes over 8,000 different products to the U.S. military alone to ensure we do not have to rely on foreign adversaries to make essential products. This is a strategically important, relevant, and key industry, she added.

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Bessents unprompted slight underscored inconsistencies in the administrations stated strategy with regard to tightening up trade and bringing back U.S. manufacturing. The White Houses press release on reciprocal tariffs earlier this month explicitly pointed to textile manufacturing as an area of focus for reshoring.



Today we write to underscore the importance of our industry and the jobs it offers to thousands of workers, sustaining communities across the United States, Glas wrote to Bessent, noting that 2024 saw the industry produce shipments of man-made fiber, yarns, fabrics, apparel and non-apparel sewn products valued at $64 billion. The U.S. exported $28 billion in textile-related products last year, making it the second-largest exporter of textile and apparel products in the world, she added.

Meanwhile, 145-percent duties on China-made goods and the promise of steep reciprocal duties on most U.S. trade partners have thrown textile and apparel brands and retailers into turmoil; earlier this month, supply chain visibility provider Vizion released data showing that apparel import bookings nosedived nearly 60 percent over the course of one week.

Asked about the possibility that U.S. stores could run out of inventory, Bessent said he was not concerned about the possibility of empty retail shelves at present.

That sentiment is not shared by members of the fashion sector. On Wednesday, the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) requested that Congress intervene to put a stop to the sweeping duties, which it has said represent a potentially crushing burden for U.S. brands and retailers.

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AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar wrote to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urging members to vote in favor of S.J. Res 49, a bipartisan bill that would invalidate President Trumps use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for the purpose of levying widespread tariffs on U.S. trading partners, giving Congress greater authority over matters of trade.

Introduced by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rand Paul (R-Ken.), the bill is slated to come to a vote sometime this week.



This measure, if enacted, would be a much-needed first step to inject Congressional oversight into the Presidents controversial use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ensuring that Congressional primacy on tariff policy is upheld, Lamar wrote. Swift action on this resolution is vital to end the emergency our industry is now experiencing with crushing tariffs announced on April 2 and since then, and which have already damaged American manufacturers, American workers, American consumers, American businesses, American 401k investors, and the American economy.

The administration, for its part, has vowed to veto the bill. On Monday, the Office of Management and Budget released a policy statement stating that the proposal would undermine the administrations efforts to address the unusual and extraordinary threats to national security and economic stability, posed by the conditions reflected in the large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficit.

The statement added that there can be no doubt that S.J. Res. 49if passedwould undermine U.S. national and economic security. If S.J. Res. 49 were presented to the president, he would veto it.

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The resolution is not the first Congressional attempt to wrest back power over tariffs from the White House. Earlier this month, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), alongside Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025, which would limit the presidents authority to impose new tariffs by introducing new oversight requirements. President Trump made similar statements about vetoing that bill in the event of its passage.

However, this weeks effort may have legs, given that Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) indicating that they would support the bill and its objective of limiting the executive branchs power to impose unilateral tariffs without checks from other branches of government.

It is not perfect, I think its too broad, Collins told reporters, according to Politico. But it sends the message that I want to sendthat we really need to be far more discriminatory in imposing these tariffs.
A narrow vote late Wednesday dashed Congress hopes of reining in President Donald Trumps universal and reciprocal tariff schemes, with a bipartisan bill struck down by a 49-49 margin.

Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) were absent from the vote on S.J. Res. 49, which aimed to limit the presidents power to impose sweeping 10-percent to 50-percent duties on most U.S. trading partners. Introduced by Senators Rand Paul (R-Ken.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the bill would have invalidated President Trumps use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as a means of imposing the wide-ranging tariffs.

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Two other GOP lawmakersSenators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine)voted in favor of the bill alongside Paul, its Republican sponsor. McConnell has been vocal about his opposition to the presidents trade strategy, with a spokesperson saying, The Senator has been consistent in opposing tariffs and that a trade war is not in the best interest of American households and businesses.

While the senator made no public statements about his support for this particular bill, his absence, along with Whitehouses, frustrated constituents who believe their votes could have spurred the bills passage.

However, its unlikely that a majority of aye votes in the Senate would have advanced the issue; earlier this month, the House approved a rule allowing it to block a vote on a resolution that would impede the presidents authority to impose duties. And the White House has said that President Trump would veto any bill standing in the way of his duty scheme.

Following the failed resolution, Paul intimated that more Republicans might yet come out against the tariffs, which have rattled the markets and retail alike.

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Most Republicans are just going along with it, but many of them are quietly still on the other side of this, the senator said, according to Politico. They just arent willing to say anything yet. But I think if we went through another quarter of negative growth and or another scare in the marketplace, I think there will be more visible voices against the tariffs.

The president, for his part, remains undeterred by the outcry against the tariffs, even from members of his own party. At a cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday Trump remarked to reporters that Americans can do without products from China.

You know, somebody said, Oh, the shelves are going to be open. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know? And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally, Trump said. But were not talking about something that we have to go out of our way. They have ships that are loaded up with stuff, much of which, not all of it, but much of which we dont need.

But the U.S. Chamber of Commerce isnt convinced. On Thursday, the largest business advocacy group in the country delivered an open letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick pushing for the administration to implement an exclusion process for the forthcoming duties.

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The Chamber requests that the administration take immediate action to save Americas small businesses and stave off a recession, the missive read. The group requested that small businesses be automatically excluded from any new tariffs, as these operations dont have enough margin or capital to pay the new duties or quickly rejigger their supply chains.

The Chamber also pushed for automatic exclusions for any products that cant be produced stateside, and for a process that allows businesses to obtain exclusions expeditiously in the event that they can demonstrate that the tariff poses a significant risk to their ability to employ workers.

With members of U.S. industry (and reportedly, members of the presidents cabinet) wringing their hands over the impact of the tariffs, the Trump administration has repeatedly alluded to discussions with China that might lead to a resolution. But as of Thursday, that hadnt happened; in a morning briefing, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said, As far as I know, China and the U.S. are not engaged in any consultation or negotiation on tariffs.
TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Taylor County Sheriffs Office has announced that a runaway teen has been located and reunited with family.

Madison Lear was last seen entering Dyess Air Force Base, driving a 2018 Grey Ford Fusion. On Thursday afternoon, Detective Weylond Cooley with the Taylor County Sheriffs Office confirmed that Lear has been found safe and is now with family.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered more about a new push to end oversight of the Cleveland Police by a group earning $750 an hour.

On Tuesday, we revealed all federal consent decrees are now under review. So we investigated what this could mean on your streets.

Families share story that brought them together for Donate Life Month

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley spoke out, saying Cleveland Police often hesitate to take back the streets because theyre under too much federal oversight.

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The Prosecutor pointed to video from street takeovers in Cleveland last year. That showed stunt drivers doing donuts around police cars and a crowd jumping on a patrol car with an officer inside. Yet no one at that time got arrested.

OMalley said, The officers are sitting there, humiliated, not being able to act because theyre handcuffed.

He spoke out as President Donald Trump ordered a federal review of all consent decrees.

Lorain woman Sharon Matusiak, 64, killed by train at Leavitt Road crossing

The Prosecutor believes that kind of oversight is no longer needed in Cleveland. He added, There was a reason the Consent Decree was entered into, but were well past that. It seems to me that this has become more about money for those who are monitoring it than benefit to the citizens of Cleveland.

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The Consent Decree in Cleveland has been going on for more than a decade, and it has cost city taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

Councilman Michael Polensek said the total is at least $45.8 million.

The I-Team has shown you time and time again how members of that monitoring team have billed taxpayers for big money. Not just for working on policies and procedures, but simply for watching an awards ceremony, writing a sympathy note after an officer died, and even for talking to the I-Team.

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno recently spoke out to the I-Team, calling for an end to the Consent Decree in Cleveland.

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Browns WR Elijah Moore heading to Bills: Reports

For this story, his office issued a statement.

It said, Under President Trump, law and order is back, and Im grateful that the administration is shining a light on the corruption around consent decrees. Its past time for Cleveland to end its far-left, Obama-era consent decree that put handcuffs on police officers and cost taxpayers millions of dollars  money that is desperately needed to help our communities.

This month, at a city council meeting, activist Brenda Bickerstaff called for police oversight to continue.

She said, The consent decree is important. Why is it not important? I dont understand what is not important.

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In the meantime, City of Cleveland Law Director Mark Griffin said on Wednesday, We are committed to constitutional reform with or without the federal government.

There is no word yet on how officials in Washington will determine if a Consent Decree should end. The review is expected to be done in 60 days.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The Teamsters labor union is pressing Colorado legislators to adopt a bill that would require a trained and licensed human operator in commercial autonomous vehicles.

Colorado has had laws on the books regarding autonomous vehicles since at least 2017, requiring the support of testing and operation of the cars. This measure, which was passed by the House of Representatives last week, was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, which voted to refer the bill to the Senate chamber for a vote.

Denver man dies in crash, leaves behind wife, 2 kids  including daughter battling cancer

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With the things Ive seen in over two decades of driving for a living  both in residential and commercial areas  theres nothing that makes me think automation is a good or safe road to go down, said Chris Sanchez in a Teamsters release. Sanchez is a member of Local 455 who testified before the Transportation & Energy Committee. Automated vehicles dont operate with concern or compassion for other human beings. Teamsters do.

If passed, it would implement fines if an autonomous vehicle were to be found driving without a properly trained individual who holds a commercial drivers license. If the vehicle is carrying hazardous materials, the driver must be in the drivers seat. The person will be tasked with monitoring the vehicles driving and intervening if needed.

This legislation has the support of workers, elected officials, and the general public because its a commonsense guardrail that everyone can get behind, said Spencer Hogue, president of Teamsters Joint Council 3, in a release. Colorado state senators can increase highway safety and protect middle-class prosperity by voting in favor of this bill.

The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the measure, with 55 in favor and only nine voting against the bill. The labor union said it is advocating for similar measures in California, Delaware, Nevada, Oregon and Texas.

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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, in a release. If lawmakers want our support when theyre up for re-election, they need to stand with the Teamsters on this bill.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  Police in Chicago are seeking help from the public in the search for a teen boy who has been missing from his home on the citys West Side for the past two days.

According to Chicago police, 15-year-old Jalil Ahad has been missing from the 1500 block of West Cermak Road, in Pilsen, since Monday morning.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers said the teen boy was last seen around 7:30 a.m. on that day carrying a black duffle bag and backpack.

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Ahad, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs around 130 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 15-year-old Jalil Ahad., who officers say has been missing from the 1500 block of West Cermak Road, in Pilsen, since Monday, April 28, 2025.

A photo provided by police shows the teen with dreadlocks, though it is unclear if he had them at the time of his disappearance.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Police provided details on the teens disappearance in a news release sent out on Tuesday afternoon, however, officers did not say what he was last spotted wearing or where he was last seen.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 15-year-old Jalil Ahad is asked to contact the CPD Area Three SVU at 312-744-8266 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A 13-year-old will stay in custody until hes an adult for murdering an Albuquerque man apparently for fun. The teen admitted he deliberately drove a car into a 63-year-old bicyclist last year. The court heard from family members, friends, and colleagues of Scott Habermehl, the Albuquerque cyclist who was killed by 13-year-old Johnathan Overbay.

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The judge ultimately agreed to give Overbay the maximum punishment of remaining in juvenile jail until he turns 21. Not only did you harm people in this community, you committed a crime and you changed the course of your own life in a very negative way, said Judge Catherine Begaye.

Last year, a video showed 63-year-old Scott Habermehl riding his bike to work at Sandia National Labs before three juveniles, ages 15, 13, and 11, in a stolen car decided to hit him. The driver of that car was Overbay, who recently pled guilty to second-degree murder.

Habermehls family members and friends addressed the court, saying the news of his death was unfathomable. Things like this shouldnt happen to people like Scott. He was a hard worker, he had earned a PhD in physics, contributed to the security of our nation through his brilliant groundbreaking scientific work, said a friend of Habermehl.

Since Overbay is under the age of 14, New Mexico law only allows him to be detained within the juvenile jail until hes 21, which Judge Begay ordered on Wednesday. I ask you to keep in mind what you heard here today as motivation for you to change here in the future, said Begay.

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Habermehls wife said she could never forgive the three youths. I hope that they find some degree of sympathy, empathy, and compassion before theyre released again into the larger community because otherwise the pattern will repeat, said the wife of Habermehl.

She also read a letter in court on Wednesday that she sent to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, saying one of her biggest wishes is for juvenile crime laws to be tougher. 15-year-old William Garcia and 11-year-old messiah Hayes are also charged in the murder; their cases are still pending.

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HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  A teen accused of killing a man at a NYCHA complex was nabbed at a Manhattan high school with a loaded gun, according to police and sources.

The 16-year-old suspect was caught at Philip Randolph High School after staff called police when he showed up to the Harlem school with a loaded weapon, sources said. The school doesnt have gun scanners.

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The teen was arrested Tuesday and charged with murder for allegedly shooting Christopher Jimenez, 34, to death at the Manhattanville Houses on 126th Street in Harlem on April 17, police said.

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Jimenez, who lived at the Manhattanville Houses, was shot in the chest and died at the hospital, officials said. It was unclear what prompted the violence.

Last week, Angel Celpa, 29, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and assault in connection with the incident, police said. Celpa pled not guilty at his arraignment.

His attorney could not be reached Thursday.

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).

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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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A 17-year-old male was killed in a motorcycle crash in Lancaster County on April 23, 2025.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle occurred on Keneagy Hill Road in Paradise Township at 4:28 p.m. on April 23. The motorcyclist, identified as a 17-year-old male from Paradise Township, suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

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The other driver and their infant passenger were uninjured.

State police have not released the identity of the deceased individual, and details regarding the incident are limited at this time.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News 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 ABC27.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  With April over and May underway, life at Lake View High School continues. From reminders for seniors to comments on Texas Education Agency ratings and more, Teens of the Concho Valley provides insights into the latest at the school.

San Angelo ISD is slated to conclude its 2024-2025 school semester in May, meaning that seniors will have plenty of things to do as they finish off their time as students at Lake View High School. Exams, prom, fee and equipment turn-in deadlines as well as other events await graduating students.

The student news outlet also spoke with school officials to learn more about Lake View High Schools 2023 TEA accountability rating that was released on April 24. The high school received an F rating while SAISD as a whole received a D rating, with the district citing a reporting error as a contributing factor for the scores.

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RELATED: SAISD cites reporting error for TEA accountability ratings

The outlet was told that several statistics are taken into account when the TEA determines what a schools accountability rating will be. It stated that fellow students can help improve ratings by attending school, continuing to learn and completing CTE courses.

The outlet shared job suggestions for those looking for work once the school year comes to a close. Restaurants, certain stores and the YMCA of San Angelo were listed as potential employers.

The outlet also discussed the upcoming May 3 mayoral election, providing a summary of each of several candidates and their campaigns.

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If you have a story you would like to be featured in Teens of the Concho Valley, email holly.stovall@saisd.org.

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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
TEMPLE, Texas (FOX 44)  UPDATE: A gas leak in Temple resulted in some road closures for several hours.

Temple Fire and Rescue responded to the area of Nugent Avenue and N Main Street at approximately 4:28 p.m. Wednesday. A construction crew had hit a gas line while working.

Firefighters worked to secure and evacuate a two-block radius around the incident. Oncor advised they might have needed to shut off the power in the area until the gas leak was contained.

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The leak was contained around 9 p.m. and the evacuation order was lifted. Work crews remained in the area to clean up the incident.

Temple Fire and Rescue responded with ten units and 22 personnel. The Temple Police Department also responded to the scene.

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 KWKT - FOX 44.
Terrorist attacks are more common during security and economic crises, but they decrease during humanitarian disasters.

Thats the main finding of our in-depth analysis of global data from 1980 to 2014. Looking at incidents of terrorist attacks during that time period across 169 countries, we discovered that perpetrators focus on what we call ripe moments  circumstances that present unique opportunities for terrorist groups to attack when the state is distracted or weakened.

But the reason why a state may be vulnerable matters to terrorists  opportunities that come with a greater reputation risk are exploited less frequently, our study shows.

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We split ripe moments into three crises categories: security, economic and humanitarian.

Security crises, such as wars or threats from rival states, absorb a states attention and military resources. This creates internal vulnerabilities, and terrorist attacks become more likely.

Similarly, economic crises divert governmental resources toward financial recovery, eroding bureaucratic and military effectiveness. This also reduces the states ability to monitor and counter terrorist threats. Again, we found a clear uptick in terrorist attacks.

In contrast, humanitarian crises  especially natural disasters  trigger a different response. Despite the state being in a weakened state, terrorist activity tends to decrease significantly.

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Our findings show that the chances of a terrorist attack taking place rise significantly  from 35 a year to 57  as a security crisis escalates from low hostility to interstate war, and rise by 1.5 times during financial crises. In contrast, humanitarian crises correspond with a dramatic drop in predicted attacks, plummeting from 43 to less than 1.

The main difference in the three crises  security, economic and humanitarian  is not the states vulnerability but rather the reputational risks involved with exploiting that weakness.

And this supports our core theory going into the study: Terrorist groups act strategically, balancing the benefits of exploiting a crisis against the potential reputational fallout.

Indeed, rather than exploit humanitarian disasters to attack, armed groups use them to win over local populations. For example, during Turkeys 1999 earthquake, the Kurdistan Workers Party  a group designated as terrorist by Turkey and the U.S.  not only refrained from attacking but also offered support and blood donations. Likewise, the Free Aceh Movement in Indonesia declared a ceasefire and provided aid during the 2004 tsunami.

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In these cases, the reputational costs of attacking during a disaster outweighed any perceived benefits. Groups feared alienating their domestic supporters, harming future recruitment or jeopardizing negotiations with the state.

Why it matters

These findings challenge the simplistic narrative that armed groups attack whenever a state is vulnerable.

Instead, armed groups demonstrate calculated restraint based on how their actions will be perceived by the population at large.

This, we believe, has profound implications for how governments can respond to and prepare for terrorism. Understanding the reputation-opportunity trade-off can help governments refine their crisis management and counterterrorism strategies.

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For example, policymakers should not automatically assume heightened terrorism risk during every crisis. Recognizing this nuance could lead to better allocation of security resources and more effective diplomatic responses.

Our study also underscores the importance of media and public perception. During humanitarian crises, public empathy and unity make violent acts particularly repugnant.

This sentiment extends across ethnic, political and national lines. Armed groups are keenly aware of this and often act accordingly. Therefore, positive public diplomacy and transparent crisis management can serve as deterrents to terrorism.

What we plan to do next

While our findings are robust and point to clear conclusions, there are still questions to explore. One major area for future research is the internal decision-making processes of terrorist groups: How do leaders of such groups assess reputational risks? And what role do rank-and-file members play in attack decisions, especially during crises?

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We would also like to explore how third-party sponsors  Iran, for example, in regards to its proxy axis of resistance  influence terrorist behavior during crises. External actors might pressure groups to show restraint or, conversely, to escalate violence.

The degree to which these sponsors value the reputations of their proxies may shape group actions in unpredictable ways.

We would like to follow up our study by looking at other moments besides disasters that influence terrorist groups decisions due to reputational concerns.

Ultimately, we hope our research opens the door to a more sophisticated understanding of terrorist behavior.

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The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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: Seden Akcinaroglu, Binghamton University, State University of New York and Yusuf Evirgen, Binghamton University, State University of New York

Read more:



The authors 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.
The chair of Teslas board has denied the company initiated a hunt for a new CEO last month as Elon Musks attention was on his work with the Trump administration.

Teslas board had reached out to executive search firms to begin a formal process to replace Musk as CEO, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday night, citing people familiar with the discussions. It noted that investors were irritated by Musks focus on his role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency while Teslas stock plunged and sales continued to drop.

Hours after the article was published, Tesla posted a statement on X from its board chair, Robyn Denholm, denying it had contacted recruiters to start a search for a new CEO. This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published), Denholm said, adding that the board was highly confident in Musk.

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Around the same time, Musk suggested in a post on X that the Journals initial report had not included the boards denial, accusing the newspaper of an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS. He also attacked the Journal as a discredit to journalism.

The Journals article initially did note that it had reached out to Musk  as is standard journalistic practice  but had not received a response. It later updated its report with Denholms statement, noting that Tesla had not provided a response ahead of publication.

The Journals reporting about Musk comes during a difficult time for his automotive company. Despite the Trump administrations attempts to boost the company in recent months, Teslas fortunes have sunk and its brand has suffered, in part because of Musks chaotic DOGE cuts to the federal government. Last week, Tesla announced a staggering 71% drop in first-quarter profits, and Musk announced just hours later that he intends to retreat from his government work to refocus his attention on the company.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Tesla has had a rough 2025, so far, and a report from The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday suggested the company's board may be looking to replace CEO Elon Musk.

Tesla's profit plummeted by 71% during the first three months of 2025. This decline was attributed to several factors, including a lack of new models, intense competition from Chinese carmakers, delayed product rollouts, and Musk's controversial support of conservative causes.

Additionally, his role as chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in President Donald Trump's administration may have influenced the company's performance.

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After the first quarter earnings call in April, Musk said he was planning on stepping back from his federal government role as the head of the DOGE.

Now, however, The Journal has reported that about a month ago, the Tesla board had contacted executive search firms to find a replacement for Musk, citing people familiar with the matter.

The chair of the board is now saying that's not true.

Here's what we know about Musk and his future role with his company:

Is Tesla looking for a new CEO?

In short, probably not.

Hours before Tesla's first quarter earnings call in April, an airplane towed a "Save Tesla Fire Musk" banner over the Texas Capitol. Tesla's company saw a 71% dip in profits that quarter brought on in large part due to pushback from Musk's role in the Trump Administration.

In a post to Musk's social media platform X, Tesla posted a statement from the chair of Tesla's board of directors denying The Journal's Wednesday story.

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"Earlier today, there was a media report erroneously claiming that the Tesla Board had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search at the company. This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published). The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead," the board's chair Robyn Denholm said in the statement.

Earlier today, there was a media report erroneously claiming that the Tesla Board had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search at the company.



This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published).



The CEO of Tesla is  Tesla (@Tesla) May 1, 2025

Investors have been rather frustrated with Musk's increased role in federal government while his company has come under mass scrutiny this year and steep drop in sales.

"Musk could do a reversal on his political career and dedicate 100% of his time to Tesla, but the rot has set in," said Sue Benson, CEO and founder of The Behaviours Agency, a marketing firm.

Tesla, which is headquartered in Austin, earned $409 million in the first quarter of 2025, down from $1.4 billion in the same quarter a year ago, according to the company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Tesla also reported an adjusted earnings-per-share of 27 cents, missing market expectations of about 41 cents, and total revenue was down 9% at $19.34 billion.

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More: Elon Musk to take step back from DOGE as Tesla profit sinks 71%

Musk said in the April earnings call that he plans to spend one to two days a week on government affairs and the rest of his time dedicated to his companies. Musk credited the downtick in sales as pushback from his role in DOGE, which "has made a lot of progress in addressing waste and fraud."

After the billionaire made considerable donations to Trump's campaign, the president had Musk head up the new government agency tasked with eliminating government waste. Since then, DOGE has sought to cut funding and employees in several government agencies, causing a backlash across the country. Protests have popped up nationwide, including in Austin, against Musk and DOGE, and Tesla showrooms and vehicle owners have suffered from property damage and vandalism.

 USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Board chair denies that Tesla is looking to replace Elon Musk as CEO
4:43 p.m.: Long was dismissed as a witness, and the jury was released for the day. We will return with live coverage of the trial on Friday at 9 a.m.

3:47 p.m.: Robert Long is continuing his testimony. Defense attorneys asked Long about the aid that he provided on the scene for Nichols.

Long told defense attorneys that Bean may have been the officer sitting next to him in the ambulance transporting Nichols to the hospital. He testified that he did not ask Bean what happened on the scene or for additional information regarding Nichols.

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Ive interacted with MPD before; this just felt different, said Long.

He said he was only informed that Nichols had been pepper-sprayed, tasered, and had run from the scene. None of the officers informed him that Nichols had been punched and kicked multiple times in the head and body.

He agreed that if he had known the extent of Nichols injuries, he would have treated the situation differently.

Are there things you could have done differently had you known about the impacts to his head? asked prosecuting attorney Paul Haggerman.

Yes, sir, answered Long.

He told the jury he had asked to have Nichols released from handcuffs, but the request was denied.

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2:49 p.m.: Former Memphis firefighter and EMT, Robert Long, was then called to the stand. Long was one of the EMTs on the scene responding to the Jan. 7 incident. A few weeks after Tyre Nichols death, he was terminated.

Long said Nichols told him on the scene that he had consumed alcohol, but did not confirm or deny that he had drugs. He said Nichols had a bump on his head, dried blood under his nose, and a busted lip.

Long described Nichols breathing as rapid, as if he had just been running.

He testified that Nichols was alert on the scene for several minutes, but within seconds of paramedics arrival, his response to pain changed. By the time Nichols arrived at the hospital in the ambulance, he had gone into cardiac arrest.

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The judge released the jury for a short break due to technical difficulties.

2:39 p.m.: Court is back in session. The defense has now called Dr. Jane Turner, a forensic pathologist with over 25 years of experience, to the stand.

Dr. Turner testified that through medical records, it was clear that Nichols brain, liver, kidneys, etc., were not functioning properly. They went into shock due to a reaction from the head injury.

Mr. Nichols had no genetic shock. He had a reaction to the head injury that caused his body to overreact to that injury by his heart failing, his lungs failing, his liver failing, his kidneys failing, she said.

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She said CT scans showed he had tissue injuries, but no brain injury. She agreed that blunt force trauma to the head was the cause of his death.

It showed that Mr Nichols had a response to the head injury. He had hemorrhage in his brain eventually. But on the initial imaging scan, he didnt have any visible injuries to the brain. Indicating to me that the hemorrhaging to the brain was a part of a reaction and those hemorrhages werent from the assault itself, otherwise they would have been visible on the initial CT scan, said Dr. Turner.

Dr. Turner said doctors couldnt figure out why Nichols was so sick. The CT scan showed that he was without a functioning heart for 15 minutes before he got to the hospital. That caused the hemorrhage, leading to other issues.

12:34 p.m.: The jury is on lunch break. We will provide updates when court resumes.

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12:23 p.m.: Defense attorneys then called Pastor Keveon Taylor, a colleague of Bean, and former MPD officer Bryant McKinney, who went through the police academy with Bean, to speak on the ex-officers character.

Pastor Taylor described Bean as a humble man of integrity, and a friend. He also described a time when he and Bean, who had become the chapter president of his fraternity at the University of Mississippi, noticed money had been stolen by chapter members, over $3,000.

He said he and Bean went to the bank immediately and confronted the members who had committed that wrong.

Prosecuting attorneys then questioned Pastor Taylor on Beans actions.

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He notified you immediately? You all rectified the situation immediately? You all confronted the people who did something immediately? So he does know how to do all those things right? questioned prosecuting attorneys.

Pastor Taylor agreed, saying, I assume so.

Meanwhile, former officer Bryant McKinney described Bean as a by-the-book kind of guy. He said Bean has always and to this day been that kind of officer.

You never had to second-guess him, said McKinney.

12:11 p.m.: The next witness called to the stand was MPD officer Gregory Turner, who was Tadarrius Beans primary field training officer. He described Bean as a humble guy, well-mannered, and said Bean was one of his favorite trainees.

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He also noted that Bean was a superb guy, and Overall, a good young man during that time frame. Officer Tuner said Bean was well put together and had a good reputation, even referring to him as a good officer.

The defense ended their questioning, and prosecuting attorneys came back with only one question for Officer Tuner.

Good people can make bad choices, right? asked a prosecuting attorney.

Yeah, they can, said Officer Turner.

11:58 a.m.: Defense attorney Michael Stengel, representing Demetrius Haley, called a witness to the stand who had been the victim of a theft in October 2022, months before Tyre Nichols was killed.

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He said his car had been broken into. His wallet, containing multiple debit cards and old IDs, had been stolen. He said he never knew Nichols and had no idea how his ID ended up in Nichols car.

It was previously stated that law enforcement agencies found multiple IDs, debit, and credit cards, not belonging to Nichols, in his vehicle when it was searched after the traffic stop on Jan. 7, 2023.

The witness was dismissed.

11:31 a.m.: Court has resumed after a short break. Prosecuting attorneys have begun cross-examination of former officer Preston Hemphill.

Hemphill told the jury he never saw Nichols driving recklessly, crossing into other lanes. He did mention that Nichols drove for around two miles before pulling over for police.

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He said he never saw Nichols punch, kick, take a swing at, threaten, or curse at officers while they were trying to detain him on the first scene. He previously described Nichols as politely resisting during the traffic stop.

Hemphill testified that he never saw Nichols grab for Emmitt Martins gun, only heard Martin say Let go of my gun while struggling with Nichols. He said Martin later told him that he only felt Nichols tug on his belt.

Hemphill agreed with attorneys that he would not consider Nichols alleged police resistance a fight for officers.

Prosecuting attorneys opened a conversation about what some officers refer to as street tax or street justice, which is described as a payment for making officers get out of their cars or chase an arrestee.

Hemphill told attorneys that this is something he had heard, especially from older officers. He agreed that one punch could be seen as acceptable justice for an officer who had to physically chase.

Though street tax was mentioned, Hemphill agreed with prosecuting attorneys that the punches and soccer kicks to Nichols face were wrong.

Hemphill was dismissed as a witness.

11:00 a.m.: Court is on a brief break.

10:15 a.m.: Hemphill told defense attorneys that in his original statement to police, he described Smith as kind, gentle, and understanding.

Any time I had a question, I would always ask him. He would always help me out to the best of his abilities, said Hemphill.

He said Smith also gave him advice on officers to avoid, which he listened to.

Hemphill agreed with Tadarrius Beans attorney, John Keith Perry, that Bean was characterized as a pretty quiet guy who was shy and didnt talk much. He was asked if Bean had a reputation for excessive force.

I dont recall any excessive force used by Mr. Bean, said Hemphill.

***

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The trial for three former Memphis Police officers continues on Thursday with ex-Scorpion Unit officer Preston Hemphills testimony on the night Tyre Nichols was beaten to death.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith are all facing a second-degree murder charge in the case.

State rests; ex-Scorpion Unit officer testifies in Tyre Nichols murder trial

The state rested its case on Wednesday, opening the floor for the defense to present its witnesses.

Hemphill, one of the Scorpion Unit officers involved in the initial traffic stop, took the stand to testify on the night of Jan. 7, 2023, when he and two other officers pulled Nichols over in what Hemphill classified as a high-risk stop.

Day 2: Desmond Mills testifies in state trial of ex-officers accused in Tyre Nichols death

He told the jury that the officers were struggling with Nichols, who was resisting. Hemphill also noted that Nichols was able to push three men, each weighing between 250 and 280 pounds, off of him to get away.

His testimony will continue on Thursday at 9 a.m., and the states cross-examination is expected to start shortly after.

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 WREG.com.
The public health practice of adding fluoride to drinking water is facing heavy scrutiny from the Trump administration, and toothpaste companies are being pulled into the fray now, too.

The Texas attorney general announced Thursday that he has launched an investigation into two major toothpaste manufacturers  the Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Co., which makes Crest  for illegally marketing their products to parents and children in ways that are misleading, deceptive, and dangerous.

State Attorney General Ken Paxton says that toothpaste manufacturers flavor their products and deceptively market them in ways that encourage kids to ingest fluoride toothpaste and mislead their parents to use far more than the safe and recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste.

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As this investigation continues, I will take aggressive action against any corporation that puts our childrens health at risk, Paxton said in a statement. Paxton announced last month that hes running for a US Senate seat in 2026, challenging longstanding incumbent John Cornyn and forging a rift in the Republican Party ahead of the primary election.

Colgate-Palmolive said in a statement, Our childrens toothpastes that contain fluoride provide important oral health benefits, are safe to use as directed, and provide directions for proper use consistent with US Food and Drug Administration requirements, including appropriate age restrictions and directions regarding the amount of toothpaste children should use.

Procter & Gamble did not respond to a request for comment.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral thats found in soil, rocks and water to varying degrees. It is also a byproduct of fertilizer production. On the recommendation of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, many cities have added fluoride to their treated drinking water for decades to protect teeth from cavities.

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The Texas health department says that community water fluoridation is safe and the most cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to everyone.

Recent research has reignited debate about the health risks associated with exposure to high levels of fluoride  particularly its effect on childrens intellectual development  and in April, the US Department of Health and Human Services and US Environmental Protection Agency Administration announced that they would study the science to make a new recommendation on fluoride. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also said that he will tell the CDC to stop recommending fluoridation for drinking water in communities.

In March, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, and Florida is poised to follow as the second state. Some cities have also gotten rid of fluoride from their water, and more are considering the change.

In October, a report from the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent group that systematically analyzes scientific research, found just a slight benefit in adding fluoride to tap water, leading to slightly fewer cavities in childrens baby teeth  but thats probably because toothpaste had become a better source of protection. The report marks a stark distinction in trends before and after 1975, when toothpaste with fluoride become widely available and more commonly used.

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According to the Texas attorney general, the CDC and the American Dental Association recommend putting small amounts of toothpaste on a childs toothbrush because of the well-known acute and long-term risks associated with fluoride overdose.

The ADA, however, has repeatedly affirmed the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation and supports the practice. Fluoride in toothpaste adds an extra benefit in preventing tooth decay, the ADA says, and toothpastes must contain fluoride to receive the organizations stamp of approval, known as the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

CNNs Brenda Goodman, Jen Christensen and Katherine Dillinger contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
This article is part of Running Out, an occasional series about Texas water crisis. Read more stories about the threats facing Texas water supply here.

MIDLAND  On any given day, energy companies across the vast Permian Basin in West Texas inject millions of gallons of water into the dry brown earth, breaking up layers of rock on the hunt for crude oil.

As oil and gas are extracted, water flows back up. It is all but unusable  unless treated.

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Often referred to as produced water, the grimy backwash is full of dirt, minerals and hundreds of chemicals, some of which can be radioactive. Companies must dispose of it somehow. Most, with state permission, inject it underground. Increasingly, oil producers are cleaning it up just enough to reuse it for more fracking.

Now, amid a growing water crisis, there is interest in oil country  and Austin  to clean the water further for agriculture and other industries.

Texas Pacific Water Resources is one company leading the effort. The West Texas company says it has developed methods to clean the water sufficiently to be released into bodies of water that can be used by farmers. And its seeking state permission to expand its operation, with the hope of sending millions of gallons up the Pecos River to parched farm land.

[Texas is running out of water. Heres why and what state leaders plan to do about it.]

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We've seen in testing the soil and the crops that no contamination was detected, Adrienne Lopez, a research manager at Texas Pacific, said. The soils been perfectly healthy, as well as the plants.

Technical Research and Development Manager Adrianne Lopez gives a tour of the Texas Pacific Water Resources project site greenhouse on Feb. 14, outside of Midland. TPWR conducted an experiment over the course of nine months to test the efficacy of its treated produced water on plants native to West Texas in various types of soil from across the Permian Basin. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

Tanks of produced water sit outside the Texas Pacific Water Resources research and development project site as they undergo oxidation using hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide helps separate out hydrogen sulfide and oil in addition to managing bacteria found in the water. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

The states water supply is under duress from a growing population, climate change and deteriorating infrastructure. In West Texas, as in much of the state, there is not enough water to meet demand if the state is struck by a 100-year drought, according to state data. The states water plan suggests municipal needs, in particular, will grow in this region of the state for decades to come.

And data gathered by the Texas Water Development Board, which monitors the states water distribution, estimates the region will need tens of thousands of acre-feet to sustain the multiple industries  especially the power generators.

Because of this, there is much urgency to find new water supply. Lawmakers are debating a package of bills that would inject billions to secure the state's water future. Meanwhile, supporters of cleaning fracking water, however, caution this effort is years away from saving the state from its water crisis.

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Laura Capper, founder and CEO of EnergyMakers, an oil and gas consulting firm, who has advised on produced water projects for more than a decade, said that the hundreds of millions of gallons of oil and gas wastewater can be reused. But it is years away from pulling Texas out of its water crisis.

We're absolutely not moving fast enough, Capper said. We could be looking at four or five years from now, even if we were full steam ahead before we got big facilities up and running, that could make a difference in these water shortages.

Meanwhile, skeptics warn the effort is not a solution at all.

Decisions regarding produced water discharge should not be driven by urgency, said Jennifer Walker, senior director of the Texas Coast and Water Program at the National Wildlife Federation. She said questions remain about how reliable the treatment methods are, whether there is enough energy to sustain them and the costs.

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We need to take our time and be really, really careful about this and build a lot of trust around it if this is the path that we're going to go down, she said.

Water and fracking

The amount of water that oil and gas companies need to fracture a well can vary.

A federal estimate put it as high as 16 million gallons per well. But Capper said a modern well needs double  up to 34 million gallons. Oil companies rarely use fresh water, instead using brackish or recycled produced water.

The state prohibits oil companies from discharging untreated produced water into lakes and rivers. Instead they must put the resurfaced produced water in a disposal well or reuse it for more fracking.

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Those disposal practices harm the environment in other ways. The Texas Railroad Commission established a connection between disposal in deep disposal wells and seismic activity, resulting in regulators limiting how much water that operators can inject underground. Produced water has also burst through abandoned wells at least eight times.

Scientists have studied produced water for at least a decade. And during the last five years, research has accelerated. The Texas Legislature even put up $10 million to help study the practice.

Chemist and biologist Danielle Smith, left, and Research and Development Supervisor Terry Cargile work in the lab at the Texas Pacific Water Resources project site. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

Produced water from the oilfields is pulled from conex containers, left, and then is introduced to hydrogen peroxide which helps separate out hydrogen sulfide and oil in addition to controlling bacteria contained in the water. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

Inside Texas Pacific Water, rows of pipes line the edges of the floors, walls and ceiling. Theyre connected to water tanks inside a chilly, compact room where Lopez and her four-person crew study produced water treatment methods.

The water is hauled from the 7,000 oil fields that make up this region of the state. And it is just a fraction of the millions of gallons of wastewater produced daily by oil and gas.

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The Texas Pacific Land Corporation, which owns Texas Pacific Water, was founded in the 19th Century. It is one of the largest landowners in the state. The company inherited the land originally owned by a defunct railroad company. For decades, it has managed leases, royalties and land sales.

The water business launched in 2017. Texas Pacific Waters main business is to provide water for fracking. It constructs above-ground source water pits, large trenches filled with brackish water. It sells the water to oil companies drilling wells as far as 70 miles, sending it through pipelines to well sites.

And now it is cleaning up that water.

How to clean produced water

With at least 400 contaminants, produced water is a highly complicated and unpredictable liquid to treat. The amount of chemicals in each sample varies, depending on the layer of rock from which the water escapes. It is up to four times saltier than seawater.

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Texas Pacific Water gets the water from Midland, Loving and Reeves counties, Lopez said, adding that the chemical properties in each varied, allowing them to study more samples.

Most of the produced water it cleans is returned to its customers. Industry leaders estimate that produced water makes up about half of the water that operators use for fracking, with the rest being mostly brackish water. Few use freshwater, experts said, a practice that is frowned upon in the industry.

The scientists start by oxidizing the water, which kills hydrogen sulfide, or H 2 S, a colorless, flammable and incredibly toxic gas. Oxidizing the water also scrubs out the oil and converts any iron into a solid particle. H 2 S, oil and iron are the contaminants that need to be removed from the water to be used for fracking. This step can take a day.

In 2020, they started freezing the water. The method crystallizes the liquid, which forces more impurities out. The temperature at which they freeze the water will depend on its salinity. After freezing, the water is desalinated again.

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Lopez and her team began testing treated produced water on native West Texas plants in August of 2023. Inside a makeshift greenhouse, there were yucca, mesquite and agave plants, and grass. With state permission, they began discharging produced water into a controlled tract of land where alfalfa was grown in February 2024.

The soil and plants were tested again for any toxic contaminants. None were detected.

Lopez, left, and Smith open the gate to a garden patch growing alfalfa with treated produced water. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

Texas Pacific Water Resources hopes to get state permission to release treated produced water into the Pecos River, making it available for farmers. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

The native plants took the water very well, she said. The mesquite trees grew almost out of control.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which regulates air and water pollution, is evaluating four applications requesting to discharge, or release, produced water into the environment. Texas Pacific Water Resources is one of them.

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In a statement, the environmental quality commission said the permits are designed to protect receiving waters and human health, and include monitoring requirements and federally mandated limits on the amount of pollutants that can enter the water. Regulators are also considering information gathered by the Texas Produced Water Consortium, which is conducting similar research in five separate pilot projects.

Dan Muller, an engineer and consultant on produced water projects for over a decade, said the science is not yet there.

You really cannot rush science, he said. I recognize that people are anxious, but we've got to make sure as data is generated, there's good scientific review and frank conversations around that data, what it tells us, what it doesn't tell us, and what the next step is.

Texas Pacific Water Resources is bullish about its method.

Robert Crain, executive vice president of Texas Pacific Water Resources, said the goal was to prove the water can be cleaned and regulated enough and released into other bodies of water that farmers can use.

I think the amount of work that we and one or two other companies have put in has been there to quell the fears in a completely scientific way and say, Look, this is safe water, Crain said.

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A man in Lufkin, Texas, is facing a charge of criminally negligent homicide after he allegedly asked a 10-year-old girl to move his pickup on Sunday, leading to a fatal crash.

While behind the wheel, the girl crashed the Nissan Titan into a porch, and a 6-year-old boy was killed, according to local ABC affiliate KTRE TV.

Clinton Earl Johnson Jr., 31, was arrested Tuesday in connection with the crash, which took place while he and his family were grilling.

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Johnsons 6-year-old stepson was looking at a cellphone on the porch while a 10-year-old girl rode around the driveway on a tricycle, according to an Angelina County Sheriffs Office document obtained by KTRE.

At one point, the girl reportedly griped that Johnsons truck was in her way, so Johnson allegedly told her to scoot it up, according to an arrest document obtained by CBS 19.

HuffPost reached out to the Angelina County Sheriffs Office for more information.

Johnson later told investigators that the girl had driven on backroads previously, according to KYTX TV.

However, the boys mother told the sheriffs department that when her daughter was behind the wheel, she got confused and got on the gas, and the truck slammed into the porch, KTRE reported.

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Deputies from the Angelina County Sheriffs Office found several boards and poles on the ground when they arrived, as well as Johnsons stepson on the ground in front of the truck.

The boy was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

Deputies noted they smelled alcohol on Johnson and the boys mother, and they allegedly admitted to having three or four drinks apiece.

On Tuesday, Johnson was taken to the Angelina County Jail and booked on a charge of state jail felony criminally negligent homicide. He was released after posting a $3,000 bond.

Its unclear whether he has obtained an attorney or when his next scheduled court date is.

Related...
Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to cut off state funding to the city of San Marcos after its leaders agreed to put an Israel-Hamas war ceasefire resolution to a vote next week.

The San Marcos City Council voted April 15 to advance a ceasefire resolution, with a formal vote scheduled for its May 6 meeting. That resolution includes support for ending U.S. military funding of Israel with federal and local tax dollars.

Abbott, in a letter sent to San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson on Tuesday, said there would be consequences if the resolution passes.

Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to cut off state funding to the city of San Marcos after its City Council agreed to put an Israel-Hamas war ceasefire resolution to a vote next week.

The letter states that no governmental entity in Texas may enter into a contract worth $100,000 or more unless it includes a written verification that the contracting entity does not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract.

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Abbott added that the citys proposed resolution seems calculated to violate this law by calling for San Marcos to limit its commercial relations with Israel.

The citys resolution states more than $4.4 million in San Marcos residents' tax dollars went to Israel. Abbott rebutted that statement, calling it hard to believe.

Abbott added that the resolutions call to reallocate those dollars away from Israels military and toward essential domestic priorities are unacceptable and a public expression of a desire to do what state law prohibits.

Despite Abbotts claims, San Marcos' resolution states that it's seeking to curb antisemitism rather than promote it. The resolution ends with the City Council condemning any anti-Palestinian, Islamophobic, antisemitic, and all xenophobic rhetoric and attacks.

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San Marcos officials declined to comment on Abbotts letter, saying they do not provide comment on items that are scheduled for consideration by the full City Council. They said the resolution is still expected to be considered at the May 6 council meeting.

San Marcos leaders plan to hold a discussion regarding a possible resolution calling for the immediate and permanent ceasefire in occupied Palestine, an arms embargo on Israel, recognition of Palestinian sovereignty, and the protection of constitutional rights for all people under national and international law."

Abbott categorized the resolution as pro-Hamas and wrote that, by passing it, San Marcos would be violating state law and disrespecting a Texas ally.

Israel is a stalwart ally of the United States and a friend to Texas, Abbott wrote. I have repeatedly made clear that Texas will not tolerate antisemitism. Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies.

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House Bill 89, which prohibits government entities from conducting business with companies participating in, or planning to participate in, boycotts of Israel, became a Texas law in 2017.

Those government entities include political subdivisions like the city of San Marcos, Abbott wrote. He added that when subdivisions enter into grant agreements with his office, they are required to comply with all state laws, including laws prohibiting government support for boycotts of Israel.

Abbott wrote that his office is already reviewing its active grants with San Marcos to determine whether it has breached terms by falsely certifying compliance with state law. He added that if the city adopts the resolution, his office will not enter into any future grant agreements with the city and will immediately terminate its active grants.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Abbott threatens San Marcos funding over Israel ceasefire resolution
A Texas House panel late Wednesday advanced a bill to tighten regulations on Texas' consumable hemp industry, setting up a potential clash with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Senate, who are pursuing a total ban on THC products.

The latest draft of the lower chambers THC regulation bill would allow retailers to continue selling edibles and drinks, along with low-dose smokable hemp flowers. It would ban vapes and allow counties to vote to ban consumable hemp.

The bill calls for a much tighter regulatory system than what exists today, six years after the GOP-controlled Legislature inadvertently set off the states booming consumable hemp market. It would require products to be sold in child-resistant packaging that does not resemble popular snacks or otherwise appear marketed to kids. And it would establish an age limit that does not exist under the current law, restricting sales to those 21 and older.

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Sales would also be barred within 1,000 feet of a school or certain other areas frequented by children.

Still, the restrictions fall well short of the full ban on THC products that would be codified under the version of the measure, Senate Bill 3, advanced by the upper chamber in March. It is also more permissive than an earlier draft floated last month by the House sponsor, Rep. Ken King, that would have allowed only THC drinks.

Patrick, a Republican who presides over the Senate, has threatened to force an overtime legislative session if lawmakers failed to pass an all-out THC ban.

King, a Canadian Republican who chairs the House State Affairs Committee, described his latest draft as a regulatory bill that is substantially different from earlier versions. The committee advanced the bill on a 15-0 vote. It now heads to the House Calendars Committee, which will decide whether to schedule it for a floor vote.

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Since Patrick launched his crusade to ban THC products in December, hemp industry leaders have turned to the House as the bulwark that would, they hope, pass tighter regulations rather than quash the industry altogether. Hemp retailers have largely backed calls for the regulations included in Kings latest draft of SB 3, such as restrictions aimed at keeping hemp products out of the hands of minors.

The legislation comes in response to the more than 8,000 cannabis retailers that have popped up across Texas since 2019, when the GOP-controlled Legislature authorized the sale of consumable hemp. That law, passed one year after hemp was legalized nationwide, was intended to boost Texas agriculture by allowing the commercialization of hemp containing trace amounts of non-intoxicating delta-9 THC, the psychoactive element in marijuana.

While hemp products are not allowed to contain more than a 0.3% concentration of delta-9 THC  anything higher is classified as marijuana  critics say the industry has exploited a loophole that set the 0.3% threshold for delta-9 THC but not other hemp derivatives.

These other hemp-derived products still look, taste and sometimes have intoxicating effects similar to their more potent sibling. (Hemp and marijuana plants are both cannabis plants; the difference lies in their THC levels.)

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AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Texas is setting itself up to be a leader in regulating the social media sphere.

Today, the Texas House passed a bill 116-25 that would prohibit children from using social media. House Bill 186 requires a strict verification process to ensure account holders are at least 18 years old.

I firmly believe that social media is the most harmful product that our kids have legal access to in Texas, said Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, the bills author.

It is our kids killing themselves

Patterson said HB 186 is the most important one he will lay out this session, citing rising rates of self-harm and suicide amongst minors linked to social media use.

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Patterson previously cited a study conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate in 2022. Researchers created a social media account posing as a 13-year-old user, and interacted with content related to body image and mental health issues. Within 2.6 minutes, content related to suicide was recommended. Within eight minutes, content related to eating disorders was shown.

READ MORE: Education commissioner calls for cellphone ban in Texas schools

ER visits are up, anorexia amongst girls are up, pornography addiction and aggression amongst boys up, said Patterson. It is our kids killing themselves at a clip that weve never seen before in the history of the state of Texas, and its all correlated back to this rapid rise in social media use for young people.

Right before the vote, Patterson dedicated his bill to those who took their own lives after dealing with social media addiction.

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In honor of David Molak and the countless other children who have lost their lives due to the harms of social media, Patterson said.

Maurine Molak, Davids mother, has spent the last nine years advocating nationally and in Texas for stricter reforms.

I lost my son David to suicide nine years ago after he was cyber bullied for months by a group of students on Instagram that were tormenting him, Molak said. I was very moved at [Pattersons] thoughtfulness in remembering David and the pain that David went through.

This law is clearly unconstitutional

Some opponents of the bill feel the verification process will give social media companies too much information.

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What about the concern that this is helping these social media companies collect even more data on us, State Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, asked Patterson.

Patterson said hes concerned about even more data being collected for minors who use social media. He warned that harvesting data from young users is a privacy concern, and is used for targeted advertising and exploitative purposes.

Social media companies know more about you than you know about yourself, Patterson said. Their business is not in connecting people so that they can chat and share cat memes. Their business is data collection.

HB 186 requires that any personal information obtained for verification must be deleted immediately after the process.

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Others voiced concerns about the rights of children.

We believe this law is clearly unconstitutional, attorney Brian Klosterboer with the Texas branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said. HB 186 would ban all social media use by anyone under the age of 18, even if someones parent or guardian wants them to be able to use social media. For example, a lot of young people might be in youth groups or clubs or organizations that connect on social media. They might use social media for research, even to access, maybe tweets from government officials or academic researchers. All of that would be banned under this bill.

However, Patterson believes social media is too harmful to not regulate.

The U.S. Surgeon General came out in 2024 [and] compared this to cigarettes, the addictive nature of these products, he said. So its something that Im going to continue to fight until we finally get something done on this issue.

HB 186 Enforcement

In addition, the bill would empower Texass attorney general to hold social media platforms accountable if they allow underage users. It also grants parents the right to request the removal of their childs existing social media account by contacting the platform directly. Upon receiving the request, the platform must delete the account within 10 days.

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Last session, the legislature passed a bill banning minors from viewing explicit or pornographic content online, enacting a similar age verification process. It also held commercial entities liable if they failed to perform age verification. Patterson believes that banning sites with primarily explicit content is not enough to protect their mental health.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Texas Senate on Wednesday passed SB 2225, which allows for spirit ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) to be sold in grocery and convenience stores where beer and wine beverages with the same alcohol content, limited to 17% alcohol by volume, are already being sold.

The bill passed by a vote of 23-8 and will now head to the House for consideration.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States applauded the Texas Senate for passing the bill.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bill allowing grocery stores, gas stations to sell ready-to-drink cocktails advances out of committee

Texans are one step closer to being able to pick up their favorite spirits ready-to-drink cocktails at grocery and convenience stores right next to their beer and wine, said Corey Staniscia, DISCUS vice president of state government relations. SB 2225 increases consumer convenience and choice by responsibly expanding market access for these low-alcohol spirits products. This consumer- and business-friendly measure has real momentum, and we urge the House to take up and pass this bill in support of market freedom and consumer convenience.

A similar bill was introduced by Reps. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, and John Bucy III, D-Austin, HB 4077. The bill is awaiting a vote in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee.

According to substance detection tech company Mindr, Texas has the fifth most DUI deaths and is 33rd for DUI arrests.

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If passed, the bill would go into effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Although abortion is banned beginning at fertilization in Texas, abortion-inducing drugs continue to flow in from out-of-state prescribers and manufacturers, allowing thousands of Texans to end their pregnancies each year.

With Senate Bill 2880, Republican state lawmakers want to send a message: If you think well continue to let that happen, youre wrong.

The sweeping proposal  considered the most wide-ranging abortion pill crackdown in the country  passed from the state Senate in a party-line vote Wednesday night, with Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, the only GOP member to abstain.

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SB 2880 now heads to the lower chamber, where 38 of 88 House Republicans have signed onto its companion bill, House Bill 5510.

If enacted, the legislation would allow private citizens to sue out-of-state pill prescribers, manufacturers and distributors for $100,000 or more per violation, an unprecedented expansion of Texans' power to enforce state laws outside of Texas bounds. Internet websites and payment processors like Venmo and PayPal, too, would face liability if they facilitate the distribution of abortion pills to Texans.

SB 2880 also makes it a felony to pay for another persons abortion or to destroy evidence of one. As is the case for current Texas laws on abortion, women who terminate their own pregnancies cannot be held liable, and there is an exception for physicians who perform abortions to save a patients life.

Furthermore, the bill would explicitly authorize Texas attorney general to enforce the state's criminal abortion laws  including a ban originating in 1857  by suing violators on behalf of "unborn children of the residents of this state."

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More: Abortion pills by mail surge despite Texas' bans. How long can it last? | Opinion

Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, talks to Chelsey Youman, national director of public policy at the Human Coalition, before he testified Friday at a Texas House State Affairs Committee hearing in favor House Bill 5510, which seeks to prevent abortion medications from reaching Texans.

The bills author, Republican state Sen. Bryan Hughes of Mineola, said the proposal protects women from abortion pills."

Those little unborn babies and those moms who've been lied to, who haven't been told the truth, who are scared and alone dealing with these pills  in most cases, they need someone to protect themselves when they can't, Hughes told his colleagues on the Senate floor Tuesday evening. Thats what the bill does.

Austin Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt vehemently disagreed that the proposal protects women, calling it a "bounty hunter bonanza."

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"I dont feel protected, I feel attacked," Eckhardt said before the final vote Wednesday. "These bills are designed to isolate women, threatening the family, friends, doctors, organizations, lawyers and judges they might turn to for help."

Hughes put Texas at the forefront of anti-abortion legislation in 2021 with SB 8. That law used a private civil enforcement mechanism to circumvent Roe v. Wades federal abortion protections, effectively outlawing the procedure in Texas nine months before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in its Dobbs decision. SB 2880 uses that same mechanism.

Hughes also authored SB 31, clarifying medical exceptions in the state's abortion bans, which unanimously passed Tuesday.

Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, listens to testimony in support of his Senate Bill 2880, which would restrict abortion pills, during a hearing in March. The Texas Senate has now approved the bill.

More: Texas Senate unanimously passes abortion ban clarification bill

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Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson questioned Hughes for nearly an hour about SB 2880s unusual provisions on judicial standing and jurisprudence. The bill significantly limits how its constitutionality can be challenged in court and holds that state district judges can be held liable for at least $100,000 in penalties if they block its enforcement.

Can (the bill) tell the courts you can't review a law for constitutionality, or is this a flagrant transgression of the principle of separation of powers on which this country and state was founded? Johnson, an attorney from Dallas, asked Hughes ahead of the chamber's initial vote on Tuesday.

No, sir, we make the rules, Hughes responded. We set the jurisdiction.

So I suppose on every single law we pass, from now on, we can put a provision in there prohibiting any state court from reviewing what we do for constitutionality? Johnson asked.

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Hughes said the Legislature would have to decide whether that was a good policy on a given bill and said the laws can still be challenged in federal court. The U.S. Supreme Court, part of the federal court system, is the final arbiter of questions on the U.S. Constitution.

Johnson also noted the bill allows lawsuits to be brought against an abortion provider up to six years after an alleged violation. The Democratic senator and lawyer said he had never seen a tort law with such a long statute of limitations, and Hughes acknowledged the typical limit is two years.

On Wednesday, ahead of a vote for final passage, Johnson warned the bill would have far-reaching consequences.

"There will come a day when different people are in power who do not share your agenda, social or otherwise, and at that moment, you are going to wish that you hadn't torn down the walls of government in order to get your way," he said. "That's what this bill does."

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In response, Hughes went back to his intent for the legislation.

"There is a person who is most affected by this bill, and no one, none of our learned friends, said a word about her," Hughes said Wednesday night. "And I'm speaking about that little unborn baby growing inside her mother's womb... I cannot, we cannot, forget about her."

The version of SB 2880 that passed out of the Senate is around 6,600 words long, about 30% shorter than the draft proposal Hughes introduced  and substantially different. The introduced version would have allowed private citizens to sue people who help pregnant Texans travel out-of-state for abortions, and it would have authorized Texas' attorney general to seek criminal charges against abortion providers if a local district attorney declines to pursue them. Those provisions are not included in the approved proposal.

Texas House heard companion bill Friday

The House version of the bill was the subject of passionate testimony Friday before the House State Affairs Committee. Texans submitted 230 pages worth of public comments on HB 5510 by Republican state Rep. Jeff Leach.

Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, left, talks to John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life, at a Texas House State Affairs Committee hearing Friday.

One Texan testified that she was raped as a child and said the bill would have criminalized her mother, who helped her terminate the pregnancy when she was 8 years old. Texas abortion laws do not have exceptions for rape, incest or fatal fetal anomalies.

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There are many survivors of childhood sexual assault, like myself, who have (sought) an abortion, said Yaneth Flores, who testified on behalf of AVOW Texas, an abortion rights advocacy group. Rep. Leach, I am concerned that you are more interested in prosecuting my mother in that instance than my rapist.

Flores called the bill a complete overreach.

Texas abortion ban has not made the need (for abortions) go away, she said. It has only made accessing care a difficult endeavor.

After more than four hours of public testimony, Leach said he appreciated everyone who came to share their thoughts.

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"My main job as a state representative is to ensure that the voices of my constituents and the people of Texas are loud and clear in the Texas House," he said. "And to me, that includes unborn Texans."

More: Texans share emotional testimony on bills to further restrict abortion pills, travel

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Senate passes sweeping abortion pill crackdown bill
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Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D) called out fellow state Rep. Stan Gerdes (R) for wasting government time with the F.U.R.R.I.E.S. Act, a bill that would ban students from using litter boxes in school  a far-right conspiracy theory that has been debunked.

I find it concerning that these types of debunked conspiracy theories are being used by politicians at the highest levels of our government, including in this legislature, who know that theyre incorrect, Talarico said Wednesday during a Texas House of Representatives Committee on Public Education hearing.

Gerdes couldnt name any school that he knew of where students used litter boxes. He said the bill he authored, also known as the Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Educational Spaces Act, would stop it from happening in the first place.

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However, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has claimed without evidence that students are dressing up as cats and using litter boxes in classrooms. Abbott has used conspiracy theories to portray Texas public schools as messes to help him pass statewide private school vouchers. The conspiracy theory also became a GOP talking point with many right-wing politicians claiming students identified as cats, seemingly meant to scare voters into thinking people who are trans or gender-nonconforming will soon begin to identify as animals.

During the hearing on Wednesday, Gerdes insisted the claims were true, however.

My concern is that instead of holding a hearing about student mental health, instead of holding a hearing about school closures across Texas, we are spending precious legislative time toward the end of this legislative session on a bill called the F.U.R.R.I.E.S. Act, Talarico said.

Talarico continued, calling the whole thing just weird and a little creepy.

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And I think thats the point, he said, because this is all, in my opinion, a manufactured, debunked smear campaign against our Texas public schools.

Gerdes didnt respond to a request for comment. In a statement, Talarico said Abbotts lies to discredit public schools must stop.

Texas librarians are not grooming kids. Texas teachers are not indoctrinating kids. And Texas schools are not providing litter boxes to kids, Talarico said. But the Governor knows that  and so does every Texas Republican in the Legislature.

Related...
On April 8, Paul Chambers, a U.S. academic who has lived or worked in Thailand for three decades, was suddenly arrested in Bangkok, after reporting to a local police station in response to a complaint of lese majesteor insulting the monarchyfiled against him by the Thai military. Chambers was released on bail, but his passport was confiscated, and he faces a sentence of 15 years if he is ultimately found guilty. Alternatively, he could be deported to the U.S., meaning he would have to leave his family behind in Thailand.

In the years Chambers has spent in Thailand, he has become one of the worlds leading authorities on the country. In particular, he has focused on Thailands military and the links between it and the countrys monarchy. Over the decades, Chambers has taught courses on these subjects at several Thai universities, including the elite Chulalongkorn University, Payap University and now Naresuan University. He is also a prolific author of books, academic articles and shorter pieces about the Thai military and its relations with the countrys politicians and kings. Many have critiqued the militarys actions and raised serious questions about its relations with the public and the king, among other criticisms.

Nevertheless, Chambers arrest came as a shock because, while Thailand has often used its lese majeste laws to silence domestic critics of the monarchy over the years, it is very uncommon for Thai authorities to pursue charges against foreigners, let alone prominent academics, or try to jail them in the kingdom. For instance, Paul Handleya wire service correspondent who wrote a biography of the late King Bhumibol, the father of current King Vajiralongkornfound his book banned in Thailand and faced lese majeste complaints, which can be lodged by anyone. But he did not return to the country, so the legal process went no further. Similarly, a royalist police colonel filed lese majeste complaints several times in 2008 against BBC Southeast Asia correspondent Jonathan Head. But they were never followed by criminal charges, and after a stint in Turkey, Head has now returned to Thailand.

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For Thai academics and journalists, it can be a tougher environment, with more lese majeste cases pursued against them. Many of the most critical among themlike University of Kyoto professor Pavin Chachavalpongpun, with whom I have frequently worked as a co-authorhave left Thailand as a result.

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Moreover, it is not even clear whether Chambers wrote the tiny blurb that led to the accusation against him, which the New York Times described as a brief online description of a webinar from October about Thailands military and police in which Dr. Chambers was a featured speaker. The Times cited Chambers lawyers as saying he had no hand in writing it.

All of this raises the question of why Chambers has been targeted now, after so many years working on such sensitive issues as the military and the monarchy without encountering any problems. His arrest also raises questions about freedom of speech in Thailand, which had lately been transitioning back toward being a democracyalbeit a highly flawed oneafter its last military coup in 2014.

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Before the source of the complaint against Chambers was clear, knowledgeable observers had already suspected that it originated with a branch of the Internal Security Operations Command, or ISOC, most likely with the approval of the highest levels of the Thai government and perhaps even the king. The ISOC is a powerful domestic military intelligence group known for its brutal tactics that Chambers has criticized in some of his work.

Ultimately, this kind of harassment is unlikely to succeed, as it will negatively affect Thailands external relations and will not be enough to quash the internal movement toward greater freedoms.

Last Thursday it was revealed in the Thai parliament that an ISOC branch in one part of the country had indeed filed the complaint. The head of the parliaments Military Affairs Committeea member of the oppositionfurther discovered that ISOC had largely based its complaint over the supposedly anti-royalist blurb on a random Facebook post by a Thai citizen about it. The head of the committee characterized this as a new low for ISOC, arguing that the process should normally involve running the complaint by top army leaders and possibly even Cabinet-level officials.

But as mentioned above, ISOC is unlikely to have acted alone. After years in which Thailand has seen large-scale protests critiquing the lese majeste laws, and when civilian government officials and academics inside Thailand are talking and writing about sensitive topics more and more, the military and monarchy may be using Chambers to set an example: Jailing someone as prominent as him shows that they can still go after anyone at any time.

Given the willingness of Vajiralongkornan unpopular and openly power-hungry monarchto meddle directly in politics in a way the reserved Bhumibol did not, it is also possible that the often-impulsive king has compiled his own list of anti-monarchists and decided himself to target Chambers, using ISOC as an intermediary.

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Its also possible that the military and monarchy are seeking not just to target big names, but to more broadly roll back the advances made by progressive civil society actors and opposition parties in the years since the latest military coup in 2014. Until the past five years, no large-scale protests or political parties specifically discussed the role of the king and lese majeste. But since 2019, progressive actors have put the issue of lese majeste and even the monarchs role up for public debate. And in the countrys last election in 2023, the Move Forward party won a plurality of votes on a platform that included calls for lese majeste reform, but was ultimately blocked from forming a governing coalition.

According to several sources, the military and possibly the palace may believe that if they crack down on the freedom to criticize the countrys conservative military-palace nexus given to foreign academics in Thailandas well as to a smaller number of Thai academicsit will chill further discussion of both the army and the king. If successful, however, this strategy would also probably undermine Thailands attempts to position itself as a regional education hub for quality university students from other states.

Indeed, Chambers arrest has already put a scare into many other foreign academics, who are rethinking teaching in Thailand or even visiting for a few weeks to do research. As someone who has openly criticized the king and the military for years, I am one of those who is considering whether the boundaries of risk-free discourse have changed and whether foreign scholars will be increasingly targeted.

Ultimately, however, this kind of harassment is unlikely to succeed, as it will negatively affect Thailands external relations and will not be enough to quash the internal movement toward greater freedoms. Chambers case has resonated within the top levels of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, at a time when the U.S. and Thailand have been attempting to discuss tariffs and trade deals. The State Department issued a statement calling for Chambers release, while also slamming Thailand for its continued use of its lese majeste laws to silence dissent. According to several officials, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed deep concern about the treatment of Chambers and is watching the case closely, readying an array of diplomatic and possibly economic weapons at the administrations disposal should the need arise.

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Trump, too, has frequently demonstrated that he is willing to go the extra mile to secure the release of U.S. hostages, which is close to how Chambers has been treated. Thailand was already a focus of Trumps ire over its trade imbalances with the U.S., and the White House abruptly postponed recent talks with Thai leaders about tariffs and trade in the aftermath of Chambers arrest. His case has also been publicized by several U.S. senators, prominent Republicans among them, and it now appears likely that Thai leaders will have to deal with Trumps anger over Chambers arrest in addition to the trade dispute. Indeed, Thaksin Shinawatra, the longtime Thai power broker who is the de facto leader of the ruling party in parliament, recently claimed that Chambers case was a factor in Trumps sudden postponement of trade talks with Thai leaders.

The militarys base of power in Thailands sclerotic political system has shown deep cracks in the past five years that cannot be covered up for much longer. In 2023, it was possible to keep Move Forward from power because it only won a plurality of seats in parliament. But in the next election, a party proposing similar reforms to Thailands lese majeste laws might win a majority in the lower house, which would make it harder for the military and the palace to keep it from governing.

Younger generations in Bangkok and other parts of the kingdom are tired of gerontocracy and hopeless about a future that promises no hope of change. The army has tried to quash their anger. But still it simmers, and it could explode again at any time. Arresting Paul Chambers or others like him wont change that.

Joshua Kurlantzick is senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations and a featured analyst for World Politics Review. His new book is, Beijings Global Media Offensive: Chinas Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World.

The post Thailands Arrest of Paul Chambers Wont Stop the Push for Reform appeared first on World Politics Review.
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's state prosecutor said on Thursday it will not prosecute an American academic who was arrested and charged last month with insulting the royal family, a crime that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in jail, and asked a court to free him.

Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Thailand's Naresuan University, was arrested after a complaint was filed by the royalist army, drawing widespread criticism within Thailand and from the U.S. State Department, which said it was alarmed by the case.

Chambers was also charged with violations of the computer crimes act. He had denied both sets of charges.

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Thailand has one of the world's harshest lese majeste laws, setting jail terms of up to 15 years for anyone convicted of defaming, insulting or threatening King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family.

The Office of the Attorney General said in a statement it had decided not to pursue the two sets of charges against Chambers, asking the court in Phitsanulok to release him. It also said it would seek the opinion of the police force on the decision.

Chambers spent a day in pre-trial detention last month and had to wear an ankle bracelet for weeks following his release on bail after his arrest. He also had his Thai work visa revoked, but was told not to leave the country.

His lawyer, Wannaphat Jenroumjit, said the initial charges stemmed from a blurb published on a website of a research institute outside of Thailand for an online academic seminar last year at which Chambers was a speaker.

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"The swift order from the prosecutor is a good thing as it could alleviate the damages to Paul, which were numerous," Wannaphat told Reuters.

An appeal against the cancellation of Chambers' visa has been filed, but the immigration bureau has not yet made a decision on the matter, Wannaphat said.

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by John Mair)
Feeding South Florida, a food bank that aids millions of food-insecure residents, is asking for the communitys help finding vital kitchen equipment worth thousands of dollars and bringing the men responsible to justice.

Around 4:30 p.m. Sunday, at least two men burglarized Feeding South Floridas Pembroke Park warehouse, running off with two mobile teaching kitchens valued at $15,000 each, the food bank said. The thieves chose the one day a week when the warehouse is closed.

Evan Ross, a spokesperson for Pembroke Park Police, said authorities are in the early stages of investigating the burglary and are combing through surveillance footage, which showed two thieves taking the equipment.

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The food bank uses the portable teaching kitchens to perform hands-on cooking demonstrations directly to families it serves, teaching culinary skills and the importance of healthy food choices.

Feeding South Florida emphasized the burglary could not come at a worse time, as there are about 2.1 million South Floridians who face food insecurities.

Pembroke Park Police are asking anyone with information on the burglary to call the department at (954)- 764-4357 or call Broward CrimeStoppers at 954-493-8477.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Thousands of people marched through the streets of D.C. on Thursday as part of a May Day protest.

The nationwide protest happens annually on International Labor Day. This year, protestors spoke out against policies implemented by the Trump administration. Locally, focuses included the elimination of thousands of federal jobs and the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man sent to prison in El Salvador.

I think the antidote to anxiety is action, Ginge Sivingy, who attended the rally, said. Im coming out every opportunity I can. Anytime I can come and speak up, theres not a more important thing I can be doing in the world than making a point.

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If it somehow sounds like theres anger in my voice, there is: Tensions rise as DC Council waits for the 2026 budget

Sivingy said her main concern is what she called the cruelty of the administration.

Theyre enjoying making immigrants suffer, theyre enjoying making people afraid to leave their homes, she said.

The protest came just one day after the President celebrated his first 100 days in office.

During a speech Wednesday, President Donald Trump touted what he believes are his successes so far.

This week we are celebrating the most successful first 100 days of any administration in American history, Trump said. Its been really amazing I dont think theres been anything like this in the world. Were going to bring back the most beautiful words, made in the USA.

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DC Councilmembers weigh in on Commanders stadium deal

But not everyone agrees.

We are so upset with the 100 days. Trump has ruined our democracy. He is just on a course to end it, said Suzanne Casana, who attended the protest with her husband, John.

I am particularly upset about cutting science funding and especially climate research funding. And medical research funding, John Casana said. Its unbelievable. These are existential issues that are just being cut.

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Thousands of union members and immigrant-rights supporters are rallying in Los Angeles on Thursday to support the annual May 1 tradition dubbed May Day.

Many of those who gathered in the streets were focused on the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration and its effects on families.

Its loud and its crowded, KTLAs Eric Spillman said as he stood at the corner of South Figueroa Street and West Olympic Boulevard at 10 a.m.

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Several people were carrying flags and banners with slogans such as Full Rights for All Immigrants  Stop Deportations in the streets, which were blocked off for the annual event.

Thousands gather on May Day in downtown Los Angeles on May 1, 2025. (KTLA)

The crowd included members from an estimated 90 different organizations, including labor unions, community and advocacy groups, and local teachers.

Its important for us to be here to protect our students, said a Los Angeles Unified School District teacher taking part in the rally. Our students are afraid. Our communities are afraid. Weve seen them deport people with legal status, and were here to make sure that that doesnt continue to happen.

Another teacher told KTLA, Theres no reason why children or families should feel fear  Our district does have a sanctuary policy and we have been able to utilize that to protect our students from being kidnapped by federal agents at two different sites. Right now, its not a matter of if, its a matter of when these situations will happen again.

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The Trump administration has cited national security and public safety for its immigration policies, saying it is focused on the deportation of terrorist gang members who brought unspeakable devastation to our communities, a White House release stated on March 17, 2025.

The downtown L.A. rally includes a march to the Metropolitan Detention Center, which is a federal prison located near East Temple and North Alameda streets, where male and female inmates are held before and during court proceedings.

At least two other May Day rallies in the Los Angeles area were scheduled to take place at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights at 4:30 p.m. and in MacArthur Park in the Westlake neighborhood around the same time.

May 1 has been recognized for decades by activists in the United States as a day for workers rights demonstrations, especially among immigrant and labor rights groups.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (AP)  Neelum Valley in northern Pakistan attracts some 300,000 tourists each summer who marvel at its natural beauty. But the threat of war with nearby India has emptied its hotels.

Gunmen last week killed 26 people in the Indian resort town of Pahalgam, fueling tensions between the nuclear-armed nations after India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge Pakistan denies.

Neelum Valley is less than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir, making it vulnerable to any military activity.

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Hotel owner Rafaqat Hussain said Thursday the crisis has hit the tourism industry hard. Most tourists have left and returned to their cities because there is a risk of war."

Authorities in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir temporarily shuttered dozens of tourist resorts following the attack as a precaution.

No such order has come from Pakistani authorities. Bazaars in the Pakistani border town of Chakothi were open for business, although people were concerned.

First of all, our prayer is for peace, as war always affects civilians first, shop owner Bashir Mughal told The Associated Press, saying he would fight alongside the army in the event of conflict.

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Pakistan used to help residents to build bunkers near their homes during periods of intense cross-border firing. But the population has grown and some homes lack shelters. Local casualties could be devastating if war breaks out, Mughal warned.

Saiqa Naseer, also from Chakothi, shuddered at the childhood memories of frequent firing across the border. Now, as a mother, I find myself facing the same fears, she said.

She remembered Indian shells striking the picturesque valley when the two countries came close to war in 2019. She has a bunker at her home.

If war comes, we will stay here. We wont run away, she said.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  After canvassing nearly 5,000 square miles of the Kona coast over 89 combined hours, the Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing kayak fisherman.

Search continues for missing kayak fisherman off Kona coast

Jared Willeford, 42, was last seen leaving Keauhou Bay on Sunday, April 27, around 8 a.m.

About two hours later, his kayak was found floating about 400 yards offshore, but Willeford was nowhere to be seen.

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The decision to suspend a search is one we approach with great care, weighing every factor and aspect of the situation at hand. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragic event, especially the family and friends of Mr. Willeford. Big Island residents have faced considerable heartbreak in recent weeks with consecutive cases of people missing at sea, and we recognize the heavy toll these incidents have taken on the entire community. Lt. Tyler Peterson, search and rescue mission coordinator

The community said Willeford is considered an expert kayak fisherman and waterman, and even survived a great white shark attack a few years ago.

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He is also the second fisherman to go missing in April off Hawaii Island.

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This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. To reach the 24/7 Crisis Text Helpline, text 4HOPE to 741741.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Three people are dead after what police said is an apparent double murder and a suicide that occurred in the far southeast side of the city.

According to Columbus police, one woman  Giannh Viars, 21  and two men  Aiden David, 19, and the suspected shooter, Michael Hughes, 23  were found dead at the Countryview East Apartment complex on Esquire Drive, off of Refugee Road in the Abby Trails neighborhood.

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Franklinton residents seek modernization, but fear gentrification

According to Columbus police, at approximately 12:20 a.m. Thursday, Hughes fired a gun into Viars apartment and then forced his way inside. Hughes then shot David inside the apartment, killing him. Viars ran from the apartment, but Hughes shot her and she fell to the ground. Police said Hughes then went outside, shot Viars again, and then shot himself.

Police said Hughes and Viars were once married, but had separated, and that Viars had started dating David.

According to police, multiple callers reported that Hughes was the one who shot Viars and then shot himself.

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Esquire Drive is officially open, though the scene was very active with a heavy police presence around the apartment and crime scene throughout the morning. Police ask if anyone has any information on the shooting to call 614-645-4545.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
SPRINGFIELD  The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a donation of $38,300 to the Rays of Hope thanks to proceeds from the live jersey auction and accompanying fundraising elements during the T-Birds 8th Annual Pink in the Rink game on March 8.

Thunderbirds President NathanCosta, Vice President of Sales & Strategy Todd McDonald, and Managing Partner Paul Picknelly presented a check to the Rays of Hope earlier this month inside the MassMutual Center. This years Pink in the Rink game, the eighth annual centerpiece of the T-Birds community calendar, raised another tremendous total through auction sales of the T-Birds pink-themed, game-worn jerseys.

The MassMutual Center also continued its Pink sellout streak, as the crowd reached its maximum capacity of 6,793 fans for an eighth straight Pink in the Rink.

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Pink in the Rink has truly grown into one of Springfields most powerful and uplifting traditions, Costa said. Thanks to our incredible partnership with Baystate Health and the Rays of Hope Foundation, this night continues to unite our community in hope, strength, and support. To see our eighth consecutive sellout is a testament to the heart of our fans and the importance of this cause.

The energy in the Thunderdome is always palpable, the stories are deeply moving, and the courage of the survivors continues to inspire us all. We cant wait to build on this momentum next season  and we hold onto hope for the day a cure is finally found.

Established in T-Birds inaugural season in 2016-17, Pink in the Rink celebrates the commencement of the Rays of Hope fundraising efforts each March to shine a light on breast cancer awareness outside of the traditional October awareness month.

Every year, the fundraising efforts culminate in the annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run in October in downtown Springfield. Since the establishment of this staple night, the Thunderbirds have generated more than $175,000 for the Rays of Hope Foundation, all of which stays local in Western Massachusetts in pursuit of a cure.

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Rays of Hope is very fortunate to have the support of the Springfield Thunderbirds and their fans, said Baystate Health Foundation Director of Annual Giving and Events Kathy Tobin. Thanks to their efforts, Pink in the Rink makes this disease visible and reminds the community that breast cancer is a year-round fight for too many. The generosity of our pink partners allows us to fulfill our mission of ensuring that, through research, medical intervention, and healthy programs, thousands of local survivors receive the care they deserve.

Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has raised over $17.7 million to support the women and men living in Western Massachusetts touched by breast cancer. Funds also support vital research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research.

The T-Birds Foundation was established in 2018 to serve the Springfield community and the Pioneer Valley beyond every win and loss by focusing on providing and supporting initiatives in health and wellness, youth enrichment, and civil service.

During the 2024-25 season, the T-Birds Foundation raised more than $115,000 for charitable causes in Western Massachusetts.

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This years Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer will be held on Sunday, October 19. For more information, visit Baystatehealth.org/Raysofhope or call 413-794-8001.

Read the original article on MassLive.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Happy Thursday, Utah! Itll be a gorgeous day for some and a little gloomy for others.

There will be a few thunderstorms in the south today while the north enjoys picture-perfect weather. A more unsettled pattern is lining up for this weekend.

A cold front swept the region yesterday and was responsible for the showers we saw, but its stalling over southern Utah which means more showers. Precipitation will be favored in southwest and south-central Utah, especially in higher terrain.

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Places like Kanab, Cedar City, Hanksville, and Richfield have a decent shot at a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms, but the Four Corners region and St. George only have a slight chance.

Meanwhile, in the north, were looking at mostly sunny skies and warming temperatures. Temperatures will top out in the upper 60s to low 70s for valleys and upper 50s to low 60s for higher terrain. Southern and central Utah will run a bit cooler with highs in the low to mid-60s for most, but warm spots will climb into the 70s, flirting with 80 degrees in St. George. That puts temperatures right around where wed expect to be this time of year statewide, give or take a few degrees.

On Friday and Saturday, temperatures will climb well above average with highs in the mid to upper 70s for valleys, possibly 80 for Salt Lake City. Temperatures in the typical hot spots wont have as steep of a climb but will still be warm with highs in the low to mid 80s.

Dont let Saturdays gorgeous weather fool you, because by Saturday evening were forecasted to see our first hints of rain as a much stronger storm approaches. A Pacific system will drag moisture across the Great Basin and into the Beehive State and then will take its sweet time exiting the region.

Sunday and Monday are slated to have the most unsettled weather for the entire state with scattered thunderstorms in the cards. Lingering moisture could spell showers as late as Tuesday, possibly even Wednesday for some.

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Well keep you posted on the latest developments in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

Average temps

Sunny north

Isolated thunderstorms/showers in the south

Beautiful weather Fri-Sat

Temps 10-15 above avg Fri-Sat

Showers return Saturday evening

Widespread thunderstorms Sun-Mon

Showers hold for some into Tue-Wed

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Remember that whole Signal group chat where top-ranking US officials discussed "war" or "attack" plans on a non-secure non-government app?

Yeah, it wasn't great!

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

So, Mike Waltz is/was the National Security Advisor, and he's the one who actually invited the journalist into the chat.

Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

Related: People Are Obsessed With Pope Francis's Final, Resounding Message To JD Vance After His Visit To The Vatican

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He was the emoji guy:

He posted on X after the whole thing, admitting to, well, nothing.

Related: Donald Trump Supporters Are Waking Up To The Reality Of Their Ballot Choices, And The Stories Are A Loooooot

So, he's out. It was announced that Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, are leaving their posts.

Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

As Anthony Scaramucci said, "Waltz lasts 9.2 Scaramuccis."

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For context, Scaramucci was Trump's White House Communications Director for 10 days in 2017.

One person with a very similar name I confuse him with all of the time has a viral tweet about the whole thing: Tim Walz.

Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Here's Tim's reaction:

I think this reaction is the only appropriate one to his:

Bye!

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

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Also in In the News: "Honestly Speechless At How Evil This Is": 26 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Week

Also in In the News: Everyone Is Absolutely Losing It Over This Canadian Newspaper Mocking Donald Trump
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Kentuckians are facing a fast-approaching deadline to obtain a REAL ID, with the federal government making it clear: there will be no extension to the May 7th deadline.

I think we ought to be calling it the federal enforcement date, said Governor Andy Beshear. May 7th is a time when the federal government is going to require you to have a form of REAL ID to board an airplane or enter a federal program.

Although the REAL ID Act was passed nearly two decades ago, many have yet to get their hands on theirs.

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REAL ID Delay? Kentucky lawmakers send request to Homeland Security Secretary

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, and it was a direct result of 9/11, said Matthew Cole, Commissioner for the Department of Vehicle Regulation. Real ID sought to basically just reestablish peoples identities to make sure they are who they say they are. So that was the reason why the feds enacted that program.

That deadline appears unlikely to change despite efforts from Kentucky lawmakers. Early this week, the Trump administration signaled there will be no extension for Kentuckians.

I know what the senator was trying to do, and he was looking out for Kentuckys best interest, which we always applaud, Cole said. But at the same time, we know in the end we just have our job to do, and we have to do it regardless.

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Those who have visited a DMV latelywhether for a permit test or an address changeare likely familiar with the frustration of long lines. But according to Cole, there are ways to save time.

If they need to just do a renewal, we have online renewals available. We have mail-in renewals available, he explained. So we encourage people to use those. Or if they just need a replacement or name change, or address change, the mail form can do that as well.

Not everyone needs to rush to get a REAL ID, especially if they dont have immediate travel plans or federal building access needs.

If its yes, then the next question is, Do I need a Real ID now? And they go, You know what, Im not flying to Florida until next summer, 2026, so they dont have to hurry. They can wait for the lines to kind of die down, said Cole.

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Beshear emphasized that there are other forms of a REAL ID you can use.

Those are a passport, passport card, global entry card, military ID, and a veteran health identification card, Beshear added. I want to be clear in this: if you have a passport, you dont need to rush out right now while the lines are as long as they can be or be trying to get that appointment. Youll still be able to fly and be able to get a real ID at a later date.

Cole also advises residents to know before you go, as the document requirements for a REAL ID differ from those of a standard license.

Essentially, you need to have your proof of identity, which is usually the birth certificate. You have proof of Social Security, which is your Social Security card. And then for Real ID, its required to bring in two proofs of address.

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During Thursdays Team Kentucky update, Beshear acknowledged that he isnt happy with how the states licensing offices are operating currently.

In addition to the REAL ID deadline, the General Assembly added vision screening requirements, and 15-year-olds are now able to obtain their permits. All three things are contributing to the hours-long waits, according to Beshear.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Were bringing on more full-time employees and relying less on temporary employees, Beshear said. Im looking at making a couple of HR changes in work weeks and others that can hopefully recruit even more people.

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REAL ID licenses cost $24 for four years or $48 for eight years.

More information or to book an appointment can be found here.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  After about a year of debate, the town council for Fairview, Texas, voted 5-2 to approve the construction of a temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most councilmembers who voted to approve the temple mentioned that they were doing so in the best interests of the town.

This has been an extraordinarily difficult decision, how to deal with this None of us are pleased with this, but it is what we think we need to do, a councilmember said Tuesday night.

Before voting to approve the temple, nearly all councilmembers voiced their displeasure and disapproval of the decision. Councilmembers also explained the provisions under which the temple would be permitted to be built.

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PREVIOUSLY: LDS church applies for smaller temple in Fairview, Texas, after reaching agreement; new rendering released

The Fairview Texas Temple will not be allowed to exceed a height of 44 feet and 7 inches from the ground up to the roof, and its spire will not be allowed to exceed 120 feet from the ground up. The building itself will be limited to roughly 30,700 square feet, and there are also restrictions on the exterior lighting of the building.

We are grateful for the outcome of last nights meeting and extend our sincere appreciation to the Fairview Town Council for honoring the terms of the mediated agreement, Melissa McKneely, a spokesperson for the Church in Texas, said in a statement. We know the temple will be a peaceful addition to Fairview and the surrounding communities.

The approved temple plans were modified from the original blueprints, being scaled down from a 44,000-square-foot building with a reported 174-foot spire. The latest plans from the church indicated a 30,000-square-foot building with a 120-foot-tall spire on 8.61 acres in Fairview.

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On April 28, 2025, the church announced that the name of the temple would be changed from the McKinney, Texas Temple to the Fairview Texas Temple.

Heres a timeline of the Fairview Texas Temple, starting with when it was first announced up to the latest debates and approvals.

October 2022

President Russell M. Nelson announces 18 new temples  one of which is announced to be built in the town of Prosper, Texas. The temple was originally announced as the Prosper Texas Temple.

December 2023

On December 4, 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces the location of the temple. The name is changed to the McKinney Texas Temple, and the temple is announced to be built in Fairview, Texas.

February 2024

A rendering of the proposed McKinney Texas Temple. The temple has faced opposition in recent months after residents brought up concerns about the steeple height and the lighting of the temple. (Courtesy: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The LDS church releases a rendering of the original plans for the McKinney Texas Temple. Original plans called for a 44,000-square-foot building with several stories, to be built on a plot of land larger than 8 acres.

April 2024

An online petition is shared for members of the church and supporters of the temple to explain why they felt the temple should be built in the town after opposition began circulating online.

June 2024

The Fairview Town Council includes a memorandum in an agenda for a town council meeting, claiming the proposed height of the temple, including the spire, would be nearly 174 feet.

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Buildings within the district are limited to a building height of 35 feet, but some exceptions have been made for religious buildings. One such exception that was made in the past was for a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse, with a spire measuring 68 feet tall, according to the memorandum.

In an email from local church leaders (as shown in a screenshot posted online), members had been asked to email the planning manager for the town of Fairview. Leaders said, in part, that the height of the steeple is part of our Religious Observance.

READ MORE: Why this (proposed) LDS temple in Texas is at the center of controversy

November 2024

The town of Fairview and the Church of Jesus Christ enter non-binding mediation and reach a tentative agreement, with the church initially agreeing to a smaller building and shorter spire.

December 2024

On Dec. 3, 2024, Fairview officials have a feedback session regarding the non-binding settlement with the church.

January 2025

A newsletter is sent to Fairview residents discussing the latest developments in the temple debate. The newsletter explains that Fairview had informed church leaders that there was a chance the new temple design would not be approved.

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If this happens, it moves us closer to being sued by the LDS church and the potential dire financial consequences of that action for the Town, should the Town lose in court, the newsletter reads.

March 2025

The LDS church sends a letter to Fairview leaders on March 17, asking the members of the town council to reaffirm the commitments it had made during mediation, and vaguely threatening legal action  saying the church may seek judicial assistance.

Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner responds to the letter, clarifying that the town had not withdrawn its support for the agreement.

The Town has met its commitments coming out of the November mediation meeting. The church has not, Lessner said at the time. They were supposed to have filed documentation associated with the mediated building design on January 13. Instead, they decided to send a notice of a lawsuit letter.

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SEE MORE  Serious inaccuracies: Texas town mayor responds to LDS Church letter in ongoing temple dispute

About a week after the letter was sent, the church releases a new rendering of the temple and how it would look with the smaller footprint on March 25.

A rendering released in March 2025 of a smaller proposed temple in Fairview, Texas. The temple has been at the center of a back-and-forth between LDS church leaders and local town leaders since June 2024. (Courtesy: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

After the Town of Fairview rejected the Churchs first application, the Church and the Town reached a mediated agreement for a smaller temple, Church spokesperson Meliss McKneely said in a statement. The Town Council unanimously endorsed the agreement, but the mayor later called for more concessions.

April 2025

The church announces on April 28 that the name of the temple is changing from the McKinney Texas Temple to the Fairview Texas Temple.

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Fairview Town Council votes to approve the plans for the temple on April 29, with the final dimensions of the temple being discussed in the town council meeting.

The Fairview Texas Temple will not be allowed to exceed a height of 44 feet and 7 inches from the ground up to the roof, and its spire will not be allowed to exceed 120 feet from the ground up. The building itself will be limited to roughly 30,700 square feet, and there are also restrictions on the exterior lighting of the building.

Aubree B. Jennings, Matthew Drachman, and Spencer Mahon contributed to this report.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Tennessee is one of several states monitoring the presence of an invasive insect.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is keeping a close watch on the spotted lanternfly  a spotted black and red insect that could be mistaken for a butterfly depending on its stage of life.

Tennesseans asked to report sightings of invasive spotted lanternfly

The early instar nymphs are more the size of, like, a tick, entomologist Cindy Bilbrey said. As the adults come out, theyre going to be more mobile.

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Researchers said the insect poses a threat to trees by sucking out nutrients. What the insects dont use comes out the other end in the form of a honey dew thats conducive to black, sooty mold. Field crews have been out across the Volunteer State to prevent the insects from spreading.

Theyre scraping egg masses. We have some backpack vacuums that we [use to] suck up the nymphal stage as well as the adults. We also do some chemical treatment with Bifenthrin, Bilbrey told News 2. They dont bite. They dont sting. Theyre not a threat to humans.

The first reported sighting was in Davidson County in Hermitage in 2023, then in Wilson County a few months later.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

A lot of folks dont send a picture. Without a picture, its really hard for us to confirm or deny information that theyre giving us, said Bilbrey. Theyre not common across the state yet and we want to keep it that way.

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You can follow this link to report a sighting.

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.
Heres a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 1, according to the Tribunes archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 90 degrees (1951)

Low temperature: 30 degrees (1943)

Precipitation: 2.35 inches (1873)

Snowfall: 1.6 inches (1940)

Why May Day is an international workers holiday  and how it began in Chicago

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1867: Illinois quickly passed an eight-hour workday law, which went into effect on this date. Workers thought the vague language of the law could be enforced, and employers thought otherwise. Thousands of workers marched through Chicago to support the eight-hour workday, but a failed general strike proved the employers right.

Flashback: Chicagos place at the forefront of labor history

1886: Three days before the Haymarket Affair  in which a bomb was thrown during a Chicago labor rally that resulted in the death of eight police officers and at least four civilians  tens of thousands marched on Michigan Avenue in a campaign to reduce the customary 10- to 12-hour workday to eight hours.

Though the U.S. honors workers in September  with Labor Day, which also has Chicago roots  the May 1886 events are commemorated in Chicago by a memorial on Desplaines Street, north of Randolph Street: A bronze statue of a wagon that served as a speakers platform during the labor meeting.

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1893: The Worlds Columbian Exposition opened in Chicago. Beating out New York to host the spectacular worlds fair was a miracle considering just 22 years earlier the city was in shambles following the Great Chicago Fire.

The Ferris wheel, Cracker Jack and zippers were new-fangled things introduced to the more than 20 million attendees before the fair closed five months later.

1897: Louisa Luetgert, wife of Adolf Luetgert, owner of the A.L. Luetgert Sausage & Packing Co., disappeared. Luetgert was convicted of her slaying on Feb. 9, 1898, and dissolving her body in a vat of lye and sentenced to life in prison.

Poet Gwendolyn Brooks, center, walks unrecognized by people in Chicago in 1961. Brooks lived on the South Side for most of her life. (Chicago Tribune archive) Gwendolyn Brooks writes at a table next to her books, circa 1961. (Robert MacKay/Chicago Tribune) Poet Gwendolyn Brooks at event at Columbia College on June 17, 1963. (Arthur Walker/Chicago Tribune) Poet Gwendolyn Brooks walks out of her home at 7428 S. Evans Ave. in the Grand Crossing neighborhood of Chicago in 1961. Brooks lived in the same house on the South Side from 1953 to 1994. (Robert Mackay/Chicago Tribune) Gwendolyn Brooks, center, and Ald. Leon Despres, are congratulated by Columbia College President Mirron Alexandroff, right, at the commencement exercise where Brooks and Despres were given honorary degrees on June 16, 1964, at the Prudential Building. (John Vogele/Chicago Tribune) Gwendolyn Brooks, of Chicago, was named by Gov. Otto Kerner, right, the new poet laureate of Illinois on Jan. 8, 1968. Brooks, a Pulitzer-Prize winning author and poet succeeds the late Carl Sandburg. (UPI Telephoto) Poet Gwendolyn Brooks, shown here on Aug. 5 1966, won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1950 and gave voice to the experience of African- Americans with her first poetry anthology, "A Street in Bronzeville," in 1954. (Arnold Tolchin/Chicago Tribune) Illinois' poet laureate Gwendolyn Brooks, center, shares her thoughts on verse with poetry award winners at the University of Chicago on June 11, 1981. (Walter Kale/Chicago Tribune) Gwendolyn Brooks reviews papers in a sun-lit area of the Library of Congress on Dec. 13, 1985, in Washington D.C. Brooks is the consultant in poetry to the library. (Paul F. Gero/Chicago Tribune) Gwendolyn Brooks on Dec. 13, 1985, at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. (Paul F. Gero/Chicago Tribune) Poet Gwendolyn Brooks talks with student writers after a poetry reading at Ancona School in Chicago on Feb. 10, 1992. (Ovie Carter/Chicago Tribune) Gwendolyn Brooks, Illinois poet laureate, celebrates her 70th birthday by blowing out the candles on a huge cake surrounded by young aspiring poets at Ida Noyes Hall at the University of Chicago on June 7, 1987. (Walter Kale/Chicago Tribune) The home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks from 1953 to 1994 in the Grand Crossing neighborhood of Chicago, April 29, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Nora Brooks Blakely, daughter of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, left, and sculptor Margot McMahon speak to a group of children about poetry and the new statue of Brooks at Gwendolyn Brooks Park on June 6, 2018, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) A mural on the wall of 316 E. 75th St. celebrates Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks, who lived in Grand Crossing from 1953 to 1994, April 29, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A new statue of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, sculpted by Margot McMahon, stands at Gwendolyn Brooks Park on June 6, 2018, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 17Gwendolyn Brooks, a 32-year-old housewife and part-time secretary, has won the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for Annie Allen, a ballad of Black Chicago life on May 1, 1950. Brooks is the first Black woman to capture one of the famed awards. (ACME photo)Expand

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1950: Poet Gwendolyn Brooks won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1950, for Annie Allen, a collection of works about a Black girl growing into womanhood while wrestling with racism, sexism, poverty and loss.

Gwendolyn Brooks, Chicagos Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, wrote of lifes also-rans

A review in the Tribune praised its quick sense of the life of many people, the small intensities and the big disasters.

1951: Minnie Minoso became the first Black player to play for the Chicago White Sox, homering in his first at-bat against Vic Raschi of the New York Yankees.

1960: Comiskey Parks exploding scoreboard debuted. Al Smith stepped up in the home half of the first inning of a doubleheader on May 1, 1960, and put the defending American League champs ahead with a two-run homer off Jim Bunning. Then the fun began.

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Smith triggered the public debut of owner Bill Veecks biggest, baddest pinball machine  his $300,000 exploding scoreboard. The tradition of saluting White Sox home runs continues to this day.

1974: The Tribune became the first news organization to publish the entire 246,000-word transcript of the Watergate tapes, scooping even the government printing office by several hours.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: The papers role in the demise of Richard Nixons presidency after Watergate

President Richard Nixon resigned Aug. 9, 1974.

1997: WMAQ-Ch. 5 evening news anchor Carol Marin quit after management hired talk show host Jerry Springer to deliver news commentaries. She had been at WMAQ for 19 years. Co-anchor Ron Magers quit two weeks later.

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2004: Farnsworth House, a steel-and-glass masterwork by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rhode, opened for tours after preservationists spent $7.5 million to buy and keep the icon of 20th century modernism in Illinois.

Want more vintage Chicago?

Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com
A toddler in Illinois has died after being struck by a car that had been backing out of a driveway, according to multiple outlets

The two-year-old was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he died three days after the incident

According to WGN-TV, Bolingbrook Chief of Police Mike Rompa said, This is a tragic incident for everyone involved"

A 2-year-old has died after being struck by a car in a neighborhood in Bolingbrook, Ill.

The Bolingbrook Police Department said the toddler, who was not identified, was struck around 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, according to CBS News, WLS-TV, and WGN-TV.

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Officers with the Bolingbrook Police Department arrived on Grand Canyon Drive  a suburban area in Bolingbrook, Ill.  in response to a report of a child struck by a vehicle, police said, per the outlets.

When they got to the scene, they found a 2-year-old child in critical condition. They had been struck by a vehicle that had been backing out of a driveway, according to local radio station WJOL. Officers rendered emergency medical assistance on the scene until paramedics arrived, per the outlet.

Getty Stock image of an emergency room sign. Stock image of an emergency room sign.

Related: 4-Year-Old Dies After 71-Year-Old Woman Loses 'Control' of Car, Colliding with Child on Sidewalk: Police

The child was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, per CBS News.

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The child died in the hospital three days later on Tuesday, April 29, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed to WLS-TV. The outlet identified the little girl as 2-year-old Yunaleska Nival.

The Bolingbrook Police Department and Cook County Medical Examiner's office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

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The Bolingbrook Police Department said, per the outlets, that the incident is still under investigation by its Traffic Unit.

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Bolingbrook Chief of Police Mike Rompa said, per WGN-TV, This is a tragic incident for everyone involved.

Related: Toddler Dies Week After Hit-and-Run Crash that Also Killed Teen Brother; Boys Were Heading to Grandmother's

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) statistics from 2022  the most recently available year  showed that there were over 42,000 traffic fatalities involving children 14 years or younger.

76% of child pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas, including neighborhoods, per the NHTSA. There were six fatalities in 2021 and 2022 involving a child in a driveway access.

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The NHTSA also noted that a majority of these child pedestrian fatalities often occur in broad daylight, with 54% of child pedestrian fatalities occurring during the daytime compared to 40 percent in the dark at night.

Read the original article on People
The May 1 performance of "High School Musical" at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School will be the first time Mariana Martinez's parents attend a school event in which she is playing a role.

They haven't stayed away because they are working, or because they don't care for the theater. They didn't attend because they didn't feel welcome  because they speak little English, she said.

This show will bridge that gap. For perhaps the first time in Palm Beach County, those who speak only Spanish can wear headsets and hear Marianna and three other students voice the characters of Sharpay, Troy, Gabriella and all the other Wildcats in the musical based on the 2006 Disney Channel movie that captured hearts young and old.

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Having the show translated so they can be a part of it got them so excited," said Martinez, a native of Honduras and a freshman at the school.

" 'We can be there because we will understand,'  Martinez recalls her parents telling her.

'I am proud of you': How 10 girls had the quinceanera they thought they'd never get to enjoy

Half the families at Dr. Garcia High identify as Hispanic

Jason Young, the school's theater director, proposed incorporating the headsets with live Spanish translations to make the show truly accessible to those families that speak only Spanish. Almost half the students at Dr. Garcia, on Lyons Road between Wellington and Greenacres, identify as Hispanic.

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Instead of having to take their eyes away from the stage to read the translated text on a playbill, they will hear the Spanish dialogue through the headsets in real time, Young said.

A school has an obligation to serve the community that its students are drawn from, said Young, who won a 2023 Tony Award for excellence in theater education.

When our Spanish-only speaking families come to watch the show they are able to share that experience, just like anybody else, regardless of a language barrier.

The High School Musical production at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School will start on May 1 and run for four weekends.

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Advanced tickets for the show are available online.

'We are not a nightclub': Hispanic restaurants in Greenacres fight new rules on music, dance

Students rehearse for their production of High School Musical at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School on April 28, 2025, west of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Idea of 'High School Musical' came from the students themselves

Initially, the drama club at Dr. Garcia sought to stage "Little Shops of Horrors" this year but when Young found out it required a license agreement, he asked his students for musical suggestions.

Several of them raised their hands to pitch "High School Musical." Young was surprised: He thought the Disney films were dead and gone" but it was the musical his students grew up watching.

It became the perfect show for Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School because  as its closing number, "We're All In This Together" puts into song  it breaks down barriers between people, Young said.

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The idea behind it is that regardless of our differences we need to come together and actually embrace what makes us different, rather than tear each other apart, Young said. That's a perfect message for our kids, especially today.

Sophia Rodriguez, left, Sam Munoz, and Mariana Martinez, right, translate English to Spanish for audience members during rehearsals for High School Musical at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School on April 28, 2025, west of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

When Young opened the auditions for "High School Musical," students started pouring into his classroom. For almost half of the 40 students participating in the show, it will be their first time in a theater production.

Each student has a role in all the on-stage and backstage work. Some act and dance while others design costumes, create scene designs and manage the theaters lighting and sound. Together, they built the red and white replica of the Wildcats' East High cafeteria.

'Honrado': Joel Flores becomes first Hispanic elected to Palm Beach County Commission

What this 'High School Musical' means for Hispanic students

When Young announced the show would include Spanish translations, students were excited but also skeptical. They didnt know how it would work and most had never been involved in a play.

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Martinez and her fellow Latinos in Action students Rebeca Posadas, Samuel Munoz and Gianluca Malo volunteered to be the Spanish voices of the show's characters.

The first step was to create the script. Daleen Torres-Muniz, the school's Spanish and Latinos in Action teacher, worked with the students to recreate the dialogue with accurate translations that didn't sound robotic, but rather how teens would talk to each other.

Even though they are not performing, the students will be on stage sitting on a press box towering over the stage as they do the live narration of the script in Spanish. For them, it's more than just a show.

Posadas, like Martinez a native of Honduras, got emotional thinking of the moment she gets to see her mother sitting in the crowd on opening night.

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"It means everything to me, Posadas said with a weep. "These are tears of happiness because I can show her I am accomplishing new things that I couldnt do in my country.

'We can make it': Teacher's class helps Hispanic students prepare for college, careers

Students rehearse for their production of High School Musical at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School on April 23, 2025, west of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Malo arrived in the United States a year ago from Colombia with his family. He is learning English and is shy about speaking in public but says the show has helped him make friends, get involved with school activities and gain a sense of belonging.

"Before, I came to school and went home, Malo said. Now, I stay after school and I feel looser, more social and talkative.

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Martinez never thought she would be part of a school play. But "High School Musical" is one of her favorite movies and she knew it would be an opportunity to show her family what she was capable of.

"They will be able to see me and my progress, Martinez said. And what it has been like to start my life from zero.

Munoz, a native of Colombia, will bring his father and older brother to opening night. When he got the part to do the Spanish translation, he rushed home to tell them.

They will feel included because they can actually understand what is going on, Munoz said. It's also a chance for them to see how Ive worked on relating myself to others.

'High School Musical' gave Dr. Garcia students sense of community

Before joining the drama club, Gabriela Ortiz-DeSantis said she rarely wanted to be in school. Her mom would constantly have to pick her up because her stomach or her head hurt. Now, she stays in rehearsals until 10 p.m.

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Ortiz-DeSantis and her friend, Madison Howell, auditioned hoping to get casted as the math whiz Gabriela and the drama queen Sharpay, respectively, to match their personalities, but they got the opposite roles. Since then, they have helped each other get in character.

"I like singing with Elio, who's playing Ryan. I love all our duets," in songs such as "Bop to the Top," Ortiz-DeSantis said. "I like to have Sharpay's attitude and be able to show that on stage."

Founding theatre director and teacher Jason Young talks to his students during their production of High School Musical at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School on April 23, 2025, west of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Lisandra Rodriguez, a freshman whose family is from Puerto Rico, is one of the main dancers, and she is expecting a big crowd on opening night. She will bring her mother and her boyfriend, a couple of aunts and her grandmother, along with her sister and several of her cousins.

"This gave my grandma and her sister the ability to be able to come see me," said Rodriguez. Being here, it just feels like I can be myself. Being on stage makes me feel a way nothing else has ever had."

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Elio Fantuzzi  the freshman who is interpreting Ryan, Sharpay's show partner and overshadowed brother  has wanted to play that role since he first saw "High School Musical." But it wasn't until he arrived at Dr. Garcia that he felt comfortable to try acting.

"I didn't really express who I was in middle school. I would usually hide the real me," Fantuzzi said. "But when I got into high school and I found out about theater, I decided I wanted to do this."

For Kiara Godoy, the freshman daughter of Honduras and Brazilian immigrants, it will be her first time playing a role on stage and also the first time her parents attend a school event. She mustered the courage to join the show because of the musical's message.

You should be proud of what you like and what you do, and you should always encourage other people to do the same because, at the end of the day, we only get to experience high school once in our lives, Godoy said.

Armelle Jean Jacques, a freshman whose family is from Haiti, was cast as Ripper, a skater who secretly plays the cello. She only tried out for a character role after her friends from the drama club insisted she audition.

"Before, I was subconscious in myself and didn't have friends who were supportive of me, so I would never try to do anything bigger," said Jean Jacques. "Then, as I was the rehearsals I started connecting with everyone and I felt that I belonged somewhere."

Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 'High School Musical' in Spanish: Dr. Garcia High to translate show live
CHICAGO (AP)  Hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. and around the world rallied Thursday in May Day protests that united many in anger over President Donald Trumps agenda from aggressive tariffs that are stoking fears of global economic turmoil to his administration's immigration crackdowns.

In the United States, organizers framed this years International Workers' Day protests as a pushback against what they see as the administration's sweeping assault on labor protections, diversity initiatives and federal employees. Protesters lined streets in many cities from New York to Philadelphia to Los Angeles and held a boisterous rally outside the White House in Washington.

Huge turnout as US May Day protests focus on Trump

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In Chicago, thousands of people rallied in a West Side park before marching through downtown to the lakefront. Some played drums and danced while others chanted No justice, no peace! The crowd included union workers, immigrant rights advocates, pro-Palestinian activists and students calling for better-funded public schools.

"We need to stand up and fight back, said Latrina Barnes, a 48-year-old certified nurses assistant, adding that worries Medicaid and Medicare might be affected under the Trump administration inspired her to protest in a May Day rally for the first time.

Some rallygoers used humor to protest, displaying a Trump puppet, an inflatable Trump baby chicken and a Trump pinata shaped like a bull.

Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke outside Philadelphias City Hall during a rally after which the crowd marched in the streets. Dozens sat in an intersection wearing signs reading Workers over billionaires," and police began taking some of them into custody, leading them to nearby buses.

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In downtown Los Angeles, thousands of demonstrators marched, hoisting signs saying Immigrants make America great, Migration is beautiful and Its not the time to be silent. With bands playing and flags waving, the gathering had the feel of a celebration.

Were bringing the fight to the billionaires and politicians who are trying to divide us with fear and lies, said April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 2 million workers.

A number of speakers demanded elected officials protect workers and immigrants rights. With the slogan One Struggle, One Fight  Workers Unite, the event was organized by the Los Angeles May Day Coalition, made up of labor unions and community-based groups.

In Atlanta, hundreds gathered at a downtown park across from the state Capitol. The crowd included some retired U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers. The CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and is expected to lose around 2,400 employees due to cuts by the Trump administration.

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We really want to stand up for all of our fellow laborers who were laid off or just fired with no real reason, said Deblina Datta, who worked on global immunization efforts before retiring in 2023. We really want to make a cry that without the CDC, bad things will happen."

In New York City, hundreds of lawyers and their supporters gathered near courthouses in Lower Manhattan for a National Rule of Law Day rally to decry what some called the Trump administrations disrespect of the legal system.

Hours later, a few thousand people were back in the same public square for a May Day march with labor activists, union members and others carrying LGTBQ flags and signs condemning Trumps crackdown on immigrants.

The arrest of Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil sent a message that anyone who disagrees with this president will face consequences, Veronica Salama, the New York Civil Liberties Union lawyer representing him, told the crowd.

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This is about all of us in the face of escalating repression," Salama said. "We recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles.

European rallies target trade policies, rise of far-right

French union leaders condemned the Trumpization of world politics, saying demonstrations throughout the country were fueled by anger over U.S. military and trade influence in Europe. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon accused the U.S. of pushing Europe toward conflict and economic subservience.

If the North Americans dont want our goods anymore, we can just sell them to others, he said.

In Germany, union leaders warned that extended workdays and rising anti-immigrant sentiment were dismantling labor protections. In Bern, Switzerland, thousands marched behind banners denouncing fascism and war  part of a wider backlash against the global surge of hard-right politics.

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In Spain, thousands marched in Madrid, Barcelona and other cities, with demands ranging from a shorter workweek to answers for a historic power outage that blacked out the Iberian Peninsula earlier this week. Trumps name also surfaced.

The world has changed a bit with Trumps arrival, said Angel Lopez, 56, a worker from Madrid. The arrival of the far right to a country like the United States is a major global shift.

Trump-fueled economic fears raised in Asia protests

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te cited the new U.S. tariffs under Trump as he promoted a sweeping economic package aimed at shoring up jobs and industry. In the Philippines, protest leader Mong Palatino warned that tariff wars and policies of Trump threatened local industries and people's livelihoods.

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Some 2,500 union members marched from the Taiwanese presidential office in Taipei, warning that Trumps tariffs could lead to job losses.

This is why we hope the government can propose plans to protect the rights of laborers, said union leader Carlos Wang.

In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers rallied near the presidential palace, where police blocked access with barricades. Protesters demanded wage hikes and stronger protections for local jobs and small businesses.

In Jakarta, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed a cheering crowd at the National Monument Park. The government that I lead will work as hard as possible to eliminate poverty from Indonesia, he said.

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Istanbul mayor's arrest is focus of protests in Turkey

In Turkey, May Day served as a platform not only for labor rights but for broader calls to uphold democratic values.

Tens of thousands gathered on Istanbuls Asian shore where some protested the jailing of Istanbuls opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. His imprisonment in March sparked the countrys largest protests in more than a decade.

Authorities blocked access to central Istanbul and shut down transit lines. Istanbul governors office said 384 people had been detained.

___

Adamson reported from Paris, and Kageyama reported from Tokyo. Contributing to this report were Associated Press journalists Suman Naishadham in Madrid, Nicolas Garriga and Masha Macpherson in Paris, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Joeal Calupitan in Manila, Philippines, Andrew Wilks in Istanbul, Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles, Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta, Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York, Tassanee Vejpongsa in Philadelphia and Taijing Wu in Taipei, Taiwan.
MASHPEE, Mass. (WPRI)  Summer is quickly approaching, which means thousands of people will soon be traveling to Cape Cod.

With more than five million tourists heading out to Cape Cod each year, one town official is proposing that tolls be added to Cape Cod bridges.

Mashpee Select Board Vice Chair David Weeden said there should be a modest rate to charge tourists who cross over the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.

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I think we could generate a lot of money towards helping the local Cape Cod communities address the lack of infrastructure. Were all facing it. Were all recognizing the environment needs help, he said.

Weeden spoke about potentially having a $2 fee on cars, which he says would bring in about $70 million per year.

Massachusetts reaps the benefit of Cape Cod tourism, and its a significant amount of money that comes into the state through the tourism that we receive here on the Cape, Weeden said. And they come over here and leave their stuff behind. And then were left to deal with it.

ALSO READ: RI to double as Cape Cod in M. Night Shaymalan film

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When asked about the idea, Gov. Maura Healey said this is not something she agrees the state should do.

I dont support tolls on the on the bridges. I hope to continue progress on the bridges. Thats been something that, you know, weve prioritized and want to move ahead on. But no tolls on the bridges, she explained.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said they are also not considering tolls on Cape Cod bridges.

In the meantime, construction has started on replacing the bridges on the Cape, which is expected to cost billions of dollars.

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Daily Roundup

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Gov. Maura Healey shot down the idea of charging tolls on the Cape Cod bridges on Wednesday, after a local official raised the idea earlier this week.

Mashpee Select Board Vice Chair David Weeden floated the idea at a meeting Monday.

Id advocate for tolls to be imposed at the bridges, Weeden said. Over 35 million vehicles come across those two bridges combined annually. Even if you did $2 an axle, only calculating cars, youd bring in about $70 million a year. That money should be earmarked specifically to leverage [state revolving fund] funds and go towards coastal and water quality issues.

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Weeden suggested the state could look into just tolling people coming from off-Cape, using EZ Pass technology to identify residents so they could get on and off the bridges without paying tolls.

Massachusetts reaps the benefits of Cape Cod tourism, and its a significant amount of money that comes into the state through the tourism that we receive here, and on the Cape they come over here and they leave their stuff behind, and then were left to deal with it. So, you know, charging a modest rate, Weeden said.

Asked about the idea after an unrelated event at the State House on Wednesday, Healey immediately shot it down.

I dont support the tolls on the bridges, she said.

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Healey talked about her administrations efforts to replace the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. The Healey administration is eyeing 2027 to start work, beginning with the Sagamore Bridge, though the state has so far only secured just half of the two-bridge projects more than $4.5 billion price tag.

I hope to make continued progress on the bridges, Healey said. Thats been something that weve prioritized, to move ahead on. But, no tolls on the bridges.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation told Boston 25 News, MassDOT is not considering tolls on the Cape Cod bridges.

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The Marine Corps highest-ranking officer continues to emphasize the services key mission in crisis response through its expeditionary units, while asking industry to give the Corps affordable and autonomous ways to modernize the force.

Marine Corps Commandant Eric Smith told the audience at the annual Modern Day Marine exposition Thursday that the force design decisions made over the past six years have put new capabilities in the hands of crucial formations, such as the Marine Expeditionary Unit, or MEU.

This is about more than ships, its about deterrence and denial, Smith said. That is why the 3.0 [Amphibious Ready Group] MEU matters, it gives our leaders options.

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A 3.0 presence means a three-ship ARG-MEU, each deployed out of the East Coast, one out of the West Coast and a third on episodic deployments out of Okinawa, Japan.

Top Marines deployment plans face familiar wrinkle: Inert Navy ships

An ARG includes an assault ship, a landing ship with helicopter platform and a dock landing ship. The MEU contains a battalion landing team, ground combat element, aviation combat element and combat logistics element to form a Marine Air Ground Task Force, or MAGTF.

To achieve that, the Corps needs 31 amphibious ships at a readiness level of 80%. Demand is higher from combatant commands, Smith said. The demand is more than five ARG MEUs, the most requested asset behind the Carrier Strike Group.

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Readiness levels hover at around 50%, Smith said in early April at the Navy Leagues annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition. Thats because following two decades of land-based wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Corps had largely not maintained its fleet. Money for maintenance and shipbuilding went to those wars instead.

And Smith wants more capabilities for those MEUs as the service battles an amphibious ship shortage.

What I need is affordable, lethal, autonomous, light and I can fund at budget time, Smith said.

Some of those new developments include the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS, and its lighter version, the L-MADIS.

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The system still needs more autonomous solutions to get after a major threat  drone swarms.

The big thing that really keeps me up at night is swarms, Col. Andrew Konicki, head of ground-based air defense for Marine Corps Systems Command, said Wednesday.

Striking those threats from aboard ship or on shore is vital to keeping Marines alive.

That is how were going to say ahead of the adversary, with autonomy, Smith said.

Thirteen of 21 Light Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems, or L-MADIS, have been fielded over the past three years.

That light system was fielded to the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment in 2024. It handles group I and II drone threats.

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Marine Expeditionary Units have used the system when crossing various maritime chokepoints, and it has proved effective in the maritime environment, despite the system being built mainly as a ground-based air defense system, Konicki said.

Seven more of the larger MADIS system will be fielded by September, bringing the Corps total to 20, with full fielding expected by 2033.

Thats for air defense. For a more offensive approach, the Corps expects to receive four-dozen mobile fires platforms, dubbed the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS.

The NMESIS is made up of a Naval Strike Missile mounted on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle platform with semi-autonomous and autonomous capabilities to launch remotely.

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The 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, a newly created unit for fighting in the littorals, or waters near land, received the first six NMESIS in November.

The Hawaii-based unit formed in 2021. The service then established the 12th MLR on Okinawa, Japan, with plans for a third rotational MLR on Guam.

Six of the NMESIS systems are set to field with 12th MLR beginning March 2026.

All these moves and the push for new, better equipment have a singular aim, he said.

Modernization with a clear purpose  to keep Marines lethal and survivable, Smith said.
Ukraine's top rabbi has issued a direct appeal - in the form of a music video - to U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war, as Russian strikes continue to kill Ukrainians.

A Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Odessa killed at least two people Thursday, wounding 15 others.

The attack came hours after Washington and Kyiv signed an investment agreement giving the U.S. access to key Ukrainian minerals in return for continued military support.

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Earlier, on Sunday, Ukraine's chief rabbi Mosha Azman released a music video for a rock song entitled "Time to fight (Donald Trump)" imploring the president to help put a stop to the war.

The video opens with a Russian strike on a recent Russian strike on Kyiv. Then Azman - in a studio wearing headphones, not his usual Borsalino fedora, sings: "You are the one, the world is watching you, with every step, with everything you do. Don't let the lines of right and wrong grow thin, the light will always rise, the dark won't win."

Moshe Azman sings in his music video imploring Donald Trump to end the Russian war in Ukraine (Screenshot) / Credit: Anatevka TV Screenshot

Dramatically, a cymbal crash coincides with a clip of a strike hitting a building in Ukraine, as Azman belts out the chorus. "Donald Trump it's time to fight, in the name of light, in the name of light."

Later, the video includes a clip of Trump pledging to end the war in Ukraine before a guitar solo screeches over harrowing footage of wounded and bloody Ukrainians.



Moscow launched 170 drones across Ukraine from Wednesday into Thursday, including Iranian-designed drones and five Iskander-M ballistic missiles.

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Ukraine's port city, Odesa, was hit the hardest. The attack left two dead and badly damaged civilian infrastructure including residential buildings, a school and a supermarket.

Meanwhile, Russian drone and bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Region, in the northeast of Ukraine, injured 13 people, eight of whom were children.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the attacks on X Wednesday: "For over 50 days now, Russia has been ignoring the American proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire," he wrote, adding that there were proposals to "at the very least refrain from striking civilian infrastructure."



"Russia has responded to all this with new shelling and new assaults."

Meanwhile, the Russian-appointed governor of the partially-occupied Kherson region in southern Ukraine said a Ukrainian drone attack on a market in the town of Oleshky had killed seven and wounded 20 more.

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Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"

Extended interview: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on deportations involving children and more

Mike Waltz leaving post as Trump's national security adviser | Special Report
Mexican telecoms infrastructure provider C3ntro Telecom has launched a new project to build a fibre network linking Mexico and the US.

Called the Tikva Project, the plan is to establish a state-of-the-art, 2,500-kilometre fibre optic network between Phoenix, Arizona, and Queretaro, Mexico.

Tikva will feature 29 intermediate landing points across key cities in Mexico and the US, including edge data centre capabilities, and also introduces a new diverse cross-border connection via Nogales, to further strengthen regional resilience.

C3ntro says Tikva will be designed with AI-ready fibre technology, multi-duct capacity, and a diverse, low-latency Pacific route, and will deliver a fully underground, redundant cross-border solution.

"This milestone marks the first project of its kind in over 25 years and positions C3ntro as the single provider delivering unified service-level agreements (SLAs) across the US and Mexico, while covering key cities along Mexicos Pacific corridor," the company states in its announcement.

The Tikva network, which began construction in March this year, is slated to be ready for service in Q4 2026, offering hyperscalers, cloud providers, carriers, international operators and enterprises high-capacity, low-latency connectivity, including dark fibre and wavelength services at 100/400/800Gb speeds.

According to C3ntro, Tikva leverages advanced fibre technology with hyperscale-class construction and underground installations to ensure maximum reliability and scalability.

By connecting Phoenix, one of North Americas fastest-growing data centre markets, with Queretaro, Mexicos leading data centre hub, Tikva will enable seamless data exchange across two of the most critical AI data centre regions in the world, C3ntro says.

Tikva is not just a network; its a symbol of hope and progress, said Simon Masri, President of C3ntro Telecom.

This project embodies our commitment to bridging borders with technology and empowering businesses with world-class connectivity.

"We are proud to have one of the worlds largest hyperscalers already contractually committed, which underscores the confidence in our vision.

"With Tikva, we are redefining whats possible in digital infrastructure across Mexico and the United States.
TEXAS COUNTY, MO.  The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued tornado warning for southeastern Texas County until 6:30 p.m.

At 6:03 p.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles north of Willow Springs, moving northeast at 30 miles per hour.

Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

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Locations impacted include Solo, Elk Creek, Clear Springs, and Houston.

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The body of a Ukrainian journalist who died in Russian captivity showed signs of torture, including electric shocks, and was missing organs when it was returned to Ukraine by Moscow.

Victoria Roshchyna, 27, was held incommunicado for months after going missing on a reporting trip in a Russian-occupied region of Ukraine in August 2023.

Her corpse was returned as part of a February body exchange involving 757 dead Ukrainians, labelled incorrectly as an unidentified male who died of heart failure. She was identified by DNA analysis in Ukraine.

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Ms Roshchynas brain, eyeballs, and part of her windpipe were found to be missing after a Russian autopsy, her former colleagues at the Ukrainska Pravda news organisation, said.

They said it could be an effort by Moscow to disguise her cause of death.

People hold portraits of Ms Roshchyna during a commemoration ceremony in Kyiv in October 2024 - Global Images Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine

Ukrainian prosecutors said forensic examination exposed numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment including abrasions and haemorrhages on various parts of the body, a broken rib and possible traces of electric shock.

Yuriy Belousov, who heads the war crimes department at the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office, said experts had established the injuries were sustained while Ms Roshchyna was still alive.

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Investigators said that a bruise was found on her neck, along with a suspected fracture of the hyoid bone, which is a common indicator of strangulation.

Mr Belousov said that the state of the body made it impossible to determine the cause of death, but Ukraine was working with international forensic experts to get more answers.

Ms Roshchyna was deported from occupied Ukraine into Russia, where she was held without charge or trial. Thousands of other Ukrainian civilians have suffered a similar fate.

Ms Roshchyna went missing on a reporting trip in a Russian-occupied region of Ukraine in August 2023 - CHP

Her father raised the alarm when she stopped responding to his messages while on assignment. Moscow admitted it was holding her nine months later.

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By September 2024, she was dead, but her family did not find out until they were notified by Russia a month later.

She reportedly died while being transferred from a notorious detention facility in the southern Russian city of Taganrog to Moscow in preparation for her release as part of a prisoner exchange.

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Ian Galbraith starts every day at the Carlson Block with over 100 pre-made dough balls.

Galbraith, who owns the pizzeria with his wife, Ashley, makes the dough the night before.

If I make 135 dough balls, thats what we have to sell the next day, Galbraith said.

In an interview with The News Tribune on Wednesday, he talked about the pizzeria, what goes on behind the scenes  and what the permanent closure of the state Route 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge means for local businesses.

Carlson Block is one of the businesses in Wilkeson that gets a boost each summer from tourists headed to Mount Rainier National Park. Now, with the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge closed, local businesses are looking for more creative ways to draw the public to their town. Carlson Block Instagram @carlsonblock

The Carlson Block is in Wilkeson, a town with a population of around 500 nestled near Mount Rainier National Park. Galbraith said that, during the summer months, he sees an influx of tourists who stop by on the way to the park.

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In the summer months, with the national park open, we have days where we sell out in 90 minutes. We open at 3 p.m. and there have been days where by 4, 4:30, the lines so long, were sold out, Galbraith said. I think days like that might be gone.

The bridge permanently closed on April 22 when Washington State Department of Transportation officials declared it a safety risk. The single-lane, 103-year-old bridge led to the Carbon River Ranger Station and key areas of Mount Rainier National Park, such as Mowich Lake, Spray Park, the Carbon Glacier Trail and Tolmie Peak.

Now, local businesses in Wilkeson are figuring out how to stay afloat without that rush of tourist traffic.

How is this permanent bridge closure going to affect Mount Rainier visitors?

Missing out on the opportunity to see new faces

Galbraith said The Carlson Block benefits from the tourist traffic every summer.

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We have a great, local clientele  we get a lot of people coming out specifically for us, Galbraith said. [But] we get a big chunk of our business, especially in the summer months, from people who might not necessarily know that were here, and theyre coming to Mount Rainier National Park and they see this pizzeria by the park.

Ian Gailbraith, one of the owners of the Carlson Block pizzeria in Wilkeson, is preparing for a summer without the steady stream of tourists headed to Mount Rainier National Park. Carlson Block Instagram @carlsonblock

Galbraith said that during the summer months, the dough balls sell out by 4 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. Now, he expects they will sell out at 6 or 7 p.m.

I think from a business standpoint, well be in the ballpark of where weve always been  its just unfortunate because, like, were going to be missing out on the opportunity to see new faces come into the restaurant, Galbraith said. [People] who didnt know we were here, it will be a pleasant surprise to them  to see this cool little restaurant in this cool little town and have a good story to tell, and a good meal to remember.

A pizza bakes in the oven at Carlson Block, a pizzeria in Wilkeson. The restaurant is one of the businesses in Wilkeson that gets a boost each summer from tourists headed to Mount Rainier National Park. Now, with the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge closed, local businesses are looking for more creative ways to draw the public to their town. Carlson Block Instagram @carlsonblock

Other businesses are struggling to find their footing amid the bridge closure. For the Simple Goodness Soda Shop, it almost meant keeping their doors shut for the summer season.

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With much apprehension and a little panic we have decided to open as we had planned this Thursday April 24th for the Summer 2025 Season. We put so much heart and money into this season it didnt feel right to not give it a go, Venise Cunningham and Belinda Kelly, the sisters who run the business, wrote on their Instagram page on April 23 . But well be honest, without the tourist traffic, it may not make sense to keep it going while the bridge is closed long term. We want to be optimistic but we also have to be realistic. Theres a lot riding on the next four months.

Simple Goodness didnt immediately respond to the News Tribunes request for an interview on Wednesday.

Business owners on the other side of the bridge are struggling too. Lo Tahoma, which used to offer private campsites in the Carbon Canyon, has shut down its Hipcamp site.

This would have been our 6th year providing a private campsite on our property in the Carbon Canyon, the business wrote in a Facebook post. We werent expecting this news one month before opening, but here we are.

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In the post, Lo Tahoma said the worst part of closing was the loss of personal connections.

[We] put everything we had into making this a special place to camp. We enjoyed meeting people from all over the world who stayed at our modest campsite in the cedar grove, the post said. When Mowich was open, we were booked nearly every single day. It was fun while it lasted.

Bridge to Mount Rainier National Park permanently closed due to safety risks

What now?

Business owners in Wilkeson are working on creative ways to bring people to the area.

Later in their April 23 Instagram post, the sisters at Simple Goodness said they are planning to host new events that they hope will cultivate a community independent of access to the park.

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We have some ideas on how we can help generate traffic to our town, the post said. Already, we host special events like Old Fashioned Fest in May, Garlic and Goats in August and the community hosts the Handcar Races in July. We are also launching a new live music series this summer on Saturday nights that we hope will draw more people who live in the neighboring towns to our small town just five miles up the (now dead end) road.

The Wilkeson Historical District  a building that is under construction and is set to be used as a historical building, event center and AirBnB  announced the launch of Wilkesons Way Forward in an Instagram post on Tuesday. Wilkesons Way Forward is an effort to raise $1 million to buy 137 acres of land near the bridge.

We have the rare chance to secure a vital piece of land  just off Wilkesons historic downtown, that we can transform into trails, parks, and gathering spaces that will serve our town for generations, the campaign said on its fundraising page. A place where families can grow, visitors can experience our small-town spirit, and residents can build new traditions rooted in Wilkesons proud past.

The Wilkeson Historical District didnt immediately respond to The News Tribunes request for an interview on Wednesday.

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While we continue to advocate for the bridges reopening, we must also move boldly toward a future we can shape ourselves, the campaign page says. This campaign is not just a response to adversity, it is an opportunity to invest in the strength and spirit of our community.

As for the bridge, WSDOT previously told The News Tribune it is considering three options for the future. They include:

Keeping the bridge closed and not replacing it.

Building a replacement bridge in the same area.

Re-routing state Route 165 to the east or west of Carbon River Canyon.

WSDOT is in the process of scheduling an in-person open house for the public, which is tentatively scheduled for early June. They are aiming to have an online open house go live shortly after Memorial Day. On WSDOTs website, there is a page about the planning study that will help the agency examine its options.

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Residents can get updates on the study at wsdot.wa.gov.

In the meantime, business owners are looking for ways to draw visitors to their town.

[Were] getting everyone together and getting on the same page  we all realize this is going to affect the town, Galbraith said. Were all united in fighting for Wilkeson, for it to remain viable, for it to be a good place to come out.
After an extensive hiring process, the Valdese Town Council has selected William Todd Herms as its next town manager.

The council voted to hire Herms during a meeting on April 25.

He was selected from a competitive pool of applicants across the region and state, according to Jason Toney, communications manager for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments helped the town of Valdese with the manager search process. The regional planning, service and economic development agency serves the 28 local governments in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.

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Ultimately, the town council chose Herms for the role because of his educational background, experience and personal characteristics, Toney said.

We are excited about Todd joining the town of Valdese as our next town manager, said Valdese Mayor Charlie Watts. He is a manager with a great reputation among his peers in the state.

His experience and knowledge will directly contribute to the projects and opportunities for the town. His successful track record of economic development, as well as his utility and construction management experience, stood out as examples of how he will help the town.

Herms most recently served as county manager for Alexander County, where he oversaw a $56.6 million budget and supervised more than 500 employees. Prior to that, he served as the Maiden town manager for 16 years.

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Herms is a graduate of Western Carolina University, holding a masters in public affairs and a bachelors in political science.

Im truly honored for the opportunity to serve Valdese, Herms said. This is a special place, and I feel incredibly fortunate to join a dedicated group of elected officials and committed staff members.

Its a great community with an amazing story to tell.

Herms starts work as town manager on Thursday.
After the Supreme Court revealed to an astonished nation that women are female, a reader emailed me to say that we seem to be living though a 21st-century re-enactment of The Emperors New Clothes. The parallels are certainly close. But I would say there is a crucial difference between the original fairy tale and our bold modern retelling.

In the old version, after the little child has pointed out that the emperor is naked, all the grown-ups immediately accept that the child is right. In our re-enactment, however, quite a lot of little children spent years pointing out that the emperor was naked  only for lots of furious grown-ups to cancel them, while continuing to reassure the emperor that he was fully clothed, and that his lovely pink frock suited him down to the ground.

But theres more. Because even now, after the Supreme Courts historic ruling, all too many grown-ups are still defiantly gushing over the emperors finery. And, incredibly, some of them are doctors.

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Yes, thats right. Doctors. Baffling though it may seem, our hospitals are apparently staffed by people who, despite holding degrees in medicine, refuse to accept the most rudimentary facts about human biology. Or so I conclude from the staggering statement issued last week by a group of resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) from the medical trade union the BMA (British Medical Association). In the statement, these doctors condemned the Supreme Courts ruling as scientifically illiterate and biologically nonsensical  because, according to them, it has no basis in science or medicine while being actively harmful to transgender and gender-diverse people.

Amazing. All I can say is, I hope that this sort of thinking  for want of a better word  is not endemic throughout the medical profession. Otherwise, the next time I need to call my local surgery, I might ask for an appointment with a Supreme Court judge rather than a GP, because at least the former can be relied on to know the difference between a man and a woman. Which is something that tends to be rather important, in medical matters. After all, if I go in complaining of stomach pains, I dont want a doctor to tell me I must be going through the menopause, or book me in for a hysterectomy.

Well, you cant rule it out. Three years ago, this newspaper reported that an NHS trust had taken to asking men awaiting MRI scans whether they might be pregnant. At the time, though, I assumed that this approach had been instigated by some trendy twit in HR. I didnt think that actual doctors went in for such nonsense.

Anyway, even if the BMA statement is drivel, we need to realise that its also highly significant. After the Supreme Courts ruling, many ordinary people will have breathed a sigh of relief, and told themselves that the toxic gender wars are finally over.

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But theyre not. Far from it. Because, regardless of what the law says, large numbers of people in influential roles remain fervent adherents of gender identity doctrine. Youll find them throughout universities, the BBC, publishing, the arts, politics, the Civil Service  and even high-street cosmetics chains. (Staff at Lush, it was reported this week, slipped booklets promoting trans allyship into party bags for seven-year-old children  so that they too could learn about the joys of being gender-queer, gender-fluid, agender, nongender, third gender, bi-gender.)

All of this is troubling enough. But when you see doctors  people who are supposed to be grounded in rationality and fact  promoting such fantastical beliefs, and claiming that any disagreement is scientifically illiterate, you know were really in trouble. The truth is, trans ideology still has a dangerous grip on our elites  and this is the shocking proof.

On the upside, though, perhaps I can turn it to my financial advantage. We keep being told that Britain is suffering from a terrible shortage of doctors. So Im going to throw on a white coat, sling a stethoscope round my neck  and look forward to collecting my fabulous NHS pension. Admittedly I dont have any medical qualifications, but I dont see why that should stop me. If I say Im a doctor, that means I am a doctor. And if anyone from the BMA disagrees, Ill call them scientifically illiterate bigots.

Besides, Ill be able to tell which patients are women. So if anything, Ill be over-qualified.

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Forgive, but dont forget, my parents used to say to me. Along with cheating boyfriends and wedding invite snubs, this mantra seems applicable to our current Government when it comes to the issue of gender and sex. For the last week, Labour MPs have been pretending that they never really thought trans women were women and that, all along, they were on the sane side of this culture war.

But women are worse than elephants, we really never forget  neither has it passed us by that it took a judgment from the Supreme Court to give huge numbers of our political class the courage to back what us plebs had been saying for years. Keir Starmer might now find the phrase adult human female tripping off his tongue, but we remember when he said that 99.9 per cent of women did not have a penis. We also remember that when Starmer finally came round, he boasted that it was Tony Blair who convinced him of who has a vagina and who has a penis  not his female constituents or indeed women within his own party like Rosie Duffield.

This is not just bitterness on my part  the reason a long memory relating to Labours love-in with trans ideology matters is because the Partys lack of moral clarity on the issue comes with consequences. The Labour line might be to trot out Bridget Phillipson to admit that biological men will  shock horror  have to use mens toilets, but within the ranks there seems to be rebellion.

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Parliamentarians Charlotte Nichols, Kate Osborne, Olivia Blake and Nadia Whittome have all reportedly signed a pledge to stand united against all forms of transphobia, lesbophobia and misogyny.

There is no pride in exclusion, the pledge reads, no feminism without solidarity. We stand firm. We will not be divided. Its unlikely that Whittome and the gang are going to pose a threat to a ruling won by For Women Scotland after a gruelling legal battle. But their pledge, and reports that Dame Angela Eagle and other MPs are grumbling behind closed doors, shows that the Governments reliance on a legal ruling to enforce an ideological shift within itself wont wash.

Its hard to tell what is worse  did MPs really believe the trans women are women chant, and have now changed their minds? Or were they simply too cowardly to say what is plain for the rest of us to see. Either way, Starmer seems to have convinced no one of the sincerity of his Partys change of heart.

Much like Brexit, the trans issue has revealed the disjunct between normal people and the political class. The gender wars werent just a practical nightmare for prisons, swimming pool changing rooms, schools and other places in society where distinctions between the sexes are obvious and important, it also revealed the insubstantiality of politicians allegiances. On the subject of not forgetting, braying Tories enjoying pointing the finger at the Government after the rulings should remember which party it was that introduced the madness of Self ID in the first place. When it suited them, and made them popular, politicians were all for waving trans flags, posing with Stonewall lanyards and declaring themselves allies. Now that the tide has started to turn, theyre all keen to abandon the rainbow ship.

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Labour used to be obsessed with talking about women  I remember arguing with Labour politicians about their gender quotas, women-only shortlists, even women-only train carriages. It was still patronising rubbish but at least there was an understanding that the man-woman binary was not a bigoted belief. But as feminism started to peter out in popularity post-MeToo, and the new trans kid on the block started to gain traction, MPs seemed more than willing to trash their previous soapboxes.

The shame of all of this is that when something so common-sensical as sex distinction becomes a matter for courts, laws, policy protections and bureaucracy, public life is in danger of becoming more stifled.

Its hard to argue that we should all just rub along, letting difference be difference, when women have been told to do all the compromising while trans activists make all the demands.

The toilets dont suit you? Boohoo  try changing a baby while balancing a toddler on a dirty public loo. Sometimes life cant be fair for everyone. Two weeks after the Supreme Court ruling, its a little fairer for women  but we cant forget the ideological cowardice that got us here.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  We are officially one week out from the deadline to get your Real ID  which travelers will need to fly domestically.

Many folks planning on traveling in the coming months are scrambling to get the updated identification by May 7.

While some folks are a step ahead of the deadline, others are still unaware of what the new ID means.

Imma need the Real ID, but Ive got to do some research, I got to do my little homework on that because Im not I dont what it is, Rochester resident Ingram told News 8.

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The DMV in Downtown Rochester has seen a high number of customers in the past few days as residents prepare for the deadline.

My passport was expired, and Im traveling May 10 down to Charleston, so I kind of had no choice to do it, so Im here today, trying to get it before the deadline, Cory Read said.

News 8 spoke with travelers at the Rochester International Airport as well, including one family who just got their Real IDs Monday.

Well, Im coming back on my birthday, May 5, and my license expires that day, so I had to make sure I had it, Tammy Pittinaro said.

With the looming deadline causing some residents to worry about whether or not they will be able to get their Real ID in time, county officials want to make it clear  you do not need your Real ID on May 7, unless you plan on traveling.

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There isnt going to be an end to anything on May 7, its more that theres going to be a new policy if you board a domestic flight, or enter a federal building, and similar things like that, Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo said. You will be able to get a Real ID at any time, it happens any time after May 7, so there is no time that you are no longer going to have access to it.

Romeo does add if you need yours in the coming weeks, you will want to schedule your appointment soon as the process can be complicated and requires quite a few documents.

We really want people to take their time, not rush this, make sure theyre doing their homework, and then theyll be able to go in and have a very smooth transaction, Romeo said.

Its important to note if you dont have your Real ID, you can still get on a plane but youll need your passport or an enhanced license to do so. For a full breakdown of all the documentation you will need for that DMV appointment, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
BAYLOR COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  A Seymour resident is thankful the damage to his home from severe storms on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, isnt worse, despite the fact that a tree fell onto his roof.

WATCH: Severe Baylor Co. storms overturn truck, injures driver, storm chaser assists

Officials with the National Weather Service have yet to confirm if a tornado actually touched down in Knox and Baylor Counties on Tuesday night.

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Emergency management officials said on Wednesday, April 30, that the preliminary reports indicate a tornado may have touched down in Vera in Knox County, then again just northwest of Red Springs, then once again on the north side of Seymour.

Residents of Baylor County arent exactly sure what it is they saw when a tornado-warned storm rolled into the area on Tuesday night, but Jeff Anderle, a resident of Seymour, said hes glad the damage wasnt worse as he recalled the night of April 29, 2025.

A survey of the damage in the City of Seymour can be found in the video player below:

You couldnt see nothing else with all the rain and it getting so dark, Anderle said.

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Anderle said he and his wife were in their home when the storm rolled into town. He said he was looking out the window at a tree in his next-door neighbors yard when he realized just how strong the winds were.

I was just watching her tree, and if it decided to leave, I was gonna leave too, Anderle said. I was going to go the other way.

READ MORE: Why didnt tornado sirens go off in Wichita Falls?

A downed tree fell into a Seymour residents home following severe storms in Baylor County on April 29, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Anderle said his wife made a comment about feeling the wall shake. He soon learned that what she felt wasnt from the storm itself. A tree in the Anderles backyard was pulled by the wind and directly onto the roof of the home.

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It hit right on the corner of the add-on addition to the house, Anderle said. Its about the sturdiest point that it could hit. If it wouldve hit two feet further north, it wouldve ended up inside the house, but it hit a sturdy spot in the house and stopped it right there.

Anderle said several community members sustained damage from the winds, which reached a recorded speed of 106 miles per hour.

A downed tree fell into a Seymour residents home following severe storms in Baylor County on April 29, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

We all sustained a little bit, Anderle said. Some lost car sheds and awnings and stuff off of buildings.

Perhaps the hardest hit structure in Seymour was the Municipal Airport, located on F.M. 1919 on the north side of town.

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A board member with the City of Seymour Municipal Airport told Texomas Homepage that 100 percent of hangars at the airport sustained damage, and 90 percent are destroyed. He added that the airport is closed except for emergency situations.

While power has been restored to most of the city, residents who live outside the city limits were still waiting for electricity to return on Wednesday afternoon, April 30.

SEVERE WEATHER: Several Texoma roadways closed in storms aftermath

Weve been out of electricity since it hit about 7:30, 8 oclock last night, Anderle said.

A downed tree fell into a Seymour residents home following severe storms in Baylor County on April 29, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

According to John Hostas with Baylor County Emergency Management, about a dozen power poles still need some work.

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Hostas said that on Tuesday night, five crashes occurred as a result of the storms. He said many drivers simply couldnt see the road due to the strong wind and rain, and ended up driving into a ditch.

Hostas said no residents of Seymour have reported being displaced from their homes, and thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. Hostas said only one hospitalization was reported, but that individual sustained only minor injuries.

Anderle said no one in his home was injured as a result of the storms.

A downed tree fell into a Seymour residents home following severe storms in Baylor County on April 29, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Were all fine, yes sir, Anderle said. And, our neighbors are fine We checked on all of them, made sure theyre good.

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All things considered, the Anderles, much like the rest of the Seymour community, are just thankful it wasnt worse, and that they dodged a bullet from Mother Nature.

We were very lucky and blessed that thats all it done to us, Anderle said.

Report storm damage to the Texas Department of Emergency Management

Hostas encouraged residents of Seymour whose homes or property sustained damage as a result of Tuesdays storms to report the damage to the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Reports can be made online on the TDEM website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber hosted the second annual State of the Corridor on Wednesday, which officials said is a tri-county event that the organization hosted with the assistance of the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce and the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce.

It brings our community together to get updates regarding the exciting things that are happening, and how we can work together with our bordering counties, Executive Director Karrah Washington said.

A total of nine panelists came to the event, three for each of the three counties representedLewis County, Randolph County and Upshur Countywho were able to speak on economic developments and other important updates that impact these local communities. Following the panel discussion, attendees were able to participate in a Q&A session with the different panelists.

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Bird rescue asks West Virginia anglers to catch fish for its bald eagles

The State of the Corridor event today is an opportunity for three counties along Corridor H that have strong economic ties to get together and talk about the economic development efforts that we have going on in our counties and in our municipalities, Panelist Robbie Morris said. And look at ways that we can coordinate with one another to take advantage of the economic opportunities that are happening as Corridor H continues to be completed.

Morris is the executive director of the Randolph County Development Authority. During the event, he took some time to speak about some of the industrial parks and other projects that are currently under development in Randolph County. Talking about some broadband infrastructure, projects that we have currently under construction, and just giving an overall update on what we have going on in the county, he added.

Its a great opportunity to engage with influential leaders in our communities and gain knowledgeable insights, and contribute to the future prosperity of our communities, said Washington. So we think that its important to get everyone together because we are bordering counties and working together, we can always do more.

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This is the second annual State of the Corridor event, with Washington telling 12 News that the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce had the honors of hosting its inaugural event last year. Next year, the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce will be stepping up to host the event in their county.

Washington said that organizers always want to encourage people in the community to come out and attend the events that they host because they provide great educational opportunities. This specific ones an opportunity to get the county seat mayors together along with commission presidents and development authority directors, so its a unique group of panelists from three counties, she said.

We would always love to have anyone that would want to join us to get those important updates in regards to our communities, Washington added.

Events like this are great to be able to hear from elected representatives, as well as those that are in charge of economic development in your communities to hear what they have going on, hear what the plans are for the future, and how you can help, said Morris.

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Morris added that events such as this one allow the community to share ideas, struggles and hopefully come up with collaborative solutions that can help the three counties to grow and succeed.

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.
LogicMonitor, the leading SaaS-based platform for AI-powered data centre transformation, has shared from its annual Elevate Community Conference a series of significant milestones achieved in the first half of 2025. Together with customers, partners, IT leaders, and industry analysts at its Elevate Community Conference 2025, LogicMonitor is showcasing the latest innovations in Agentic AIOps, new strategic partnerships, and insights on the future of AI-powered observability.

Driving data centre transformation with AI innovation

LogicMonitor recently introduced new AI-driven enhancements to its platform, including important advances in Agentic AIOps within Edwin AI, the AI agent for ITOps. These recent innovations empower IT teams with full visibility into AI workloads and applications, enhancing automation, intelligence, and insights for seamless performance across complex modern data centres.

Expanding global partnerships

LogicMonitor significantly expanded its strategic partner ecosystem in the first half of 2025 with several partnerships and an enhanced global partner program.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) : LogicMonitor signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS to simplify VMware migration journeys and accelerate data centre moderniation for enterprises.

: LogicMonitor signed a with AWS to simplify journeys and accelerate for enterprises. OpenAI : Through a strategic collaboration with OpenAI , LogicMonitor supercharged its platform with cutting-edge AI models, delivering smarter automation and unlocking next-level operational efficiency.

: Through a strategic collaboration with , LogicMonitor supercharged its platform with cutting-edge AI models, delivering smarter automation and unlocking next-level operational efficiency. GIEOM : LogicMonitor partnered with GIEOM , a leader in digital governance solutions, to bolster operational resilience within the highly regulated financial services sector.

: LogicMonitor partnered with , a leader in digital governance solutions, to bolster within the highly regulated financial services sector. Global Partner Program: With a focus on enabling partner growth and success, LogicMonitor enhanced its global partner program, and received multiple industry awards for its leadership in this area.

Advancing federal market commitment with FedRAMP progress

An important milestone for the public sector, LogicMonitor achieved FedRAMP In Process designation, further strengthening its commitment to delivering a secure, scalable AI-powered observability platform that meets security and compliance standards for federal government agencies.

Award-winning excellence recognised across the industry

In the first half of 2025, LogicMonitor received several notable industry awards for its leadership in cloud, AI, and Data Centre innovation, as well as its global partner program. In addition, LogicMonitor was recognised as a Best Place to Work for its commitment to culture and employee satisfaction. Christina Kosmowski, CEO, LogicMonitor, said, "Coming together this week at Elevate with our customers and partners is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible innovations weve introduced in AI-powered observability and Agentic AIOps, the strength of our strategic partnerships, and the outstanding contributions of our global team. LogicMonitor is truly at the epicentre of the AI revolution  and this is just the beginning. The future of IT operations is being written today, and we're proud to be leading the way.

About LogicMonitor

LogicMonitor offers AI-powered data centre transformation. The companys SaaS-based platform, LM Envision, enables observability across on-prem and multi-cloud environments. A Visionary on the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Observability, LogicMonitor provides IT and business teams operational visibility and predictability across their technologies and applications to focus less on troubleshooting and more on delivering extraordinary employee and customer experiences. For more information, visit www.logicmonitor.com and our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Related video: Unduly harsh: Former Crawford County deputy appeals sentence in viral Mulberry arrest case from March 2025

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The jury trial date for a man beaten by Crawford County deputies in a viral video has been set, according to court documents.

Randal Worcester, 28, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, is charged with terroristic threatening, battery, resisting arrest, possessing an instrument of crime, obstructing governmental operations and disorderly conduct.

FILE  Randal Worcester walks out of the Crawford County Justice Center in Van Buren, Ark., on Aug. 22, 2022. An Arkansas law enforcement officer who held down Worcester while two others beat him during an arrest recorded on video is back on the job after he did not face any criminal charges, according to authorities Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew DeMillo, File)

Worcester has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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He made headlines in 2022 when video of his arrest went viral. The video showed him being beaten by sheriffs deputies and a police officer while being handcuffed and was posted to social media.

The deputies in that video, Levi White and Zackary King, pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law causing bodily injury.

White was sentenced to five years in federal prison, and King was sentenced to one year in federal prison with one year of supervised release. White has since appealed his sentence.

Worcester appeared in court on April 30, and his trial is set for June 23.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  After years of attempts from politicians, business owners and residents to change the name of one historic Kansas City avenue, an official hearing has now been scheduled.

On Tuesday, May 6, residents and KC politicians will gather in the Council Chambers of City Hall to discuss changing Troost Avenue to Truth Avenue. The hearing will begin at noon.

Racist flyers posted in Northland neighborhood where teen killed

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Back in August of 2023, a business owner spoke to the Kansas City City Council about the name change. Troost Avenue is named after Dr. Benoist Troost, an 1800s slave owner.

Aside from Troost being a known slave owner, another issue has been brought up time and time again in the Kansas City community. One business owner FOX4 spoke with back in 2023 said that renaming the avenue could be a step in the right direction.

Do you want this city to be known as segregated? Should it be, This is the red line. Black people stay there. White people stay there. Gay people stay there. Hispanic people stay there. Jews stay here. Jewish people stay here. Thats the way its always been, right? So, I dont think that that should be, said Chriss Goode, the founder and CEO of Ruby Jeans Juicery.

Jackson Co. assessor could become elected position if MO voters pass amendment

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Also at the previously mentioned City Council meeting, survey results were released about how people felt about the switch. The results showed that, out of 1,027 people, more than 55% of people said theyd agree with renaming Troost Ave., while just over 44% didnt agree.

Now, another hearing will take place on Tuesday, according to a notice mailed to residents this week. Those wishing to contact an official about the switch can do so by emailing justin.smith@kcmo.org or calling 816-513-8823.

The hearing will be on the 26th-floor Council Chambers, on 414 East 12th Street in KCMO. More information can be found 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.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (WFLA)  The Manatee County Sheriffs Office is investigating a teacher who is accused of sending an inappropriate letter to one of his 11-year-old students.

The school district is also investigating the Gullett Elementary School teacher, who recently resigned.

Former Packers linebacker Mike Neal being held in Tampa jail on sexual battery charges

Nexstars WFLA is not identifying the student for her privacy or the teacher because he has not been charged with a crime.

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This whole nightmare started when we discovered a two-page letter, Ann Mitchell, the students mother, told WFLA on Wednesday.

Mitchell said she gave the letter to investigators at the Manatee County Sheriffs Office.

She also gave WFLA a copy of the letter she said was given to her 11-year-old daughter from her fifth-grade teacher.

(WFLA)

It read in part, You know I truly love you no matter what, that will never change.

The letter is signed, Love, and then the teachers name, with a note encouraging the student to keep the letter a secret.

The girls parents said they were shocked by the letter.

Incredibly upsetting as a father, said dad Jason Mitchell.

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What can I do legally out of frustration from being in receipt of something like this? he said. What more could he have done to my daughter?

School District of Manatee County Director of Communications, Michael Barber, sent the following statement to WFLA. (The teachers name is replaced with [the teacher] in the statement.)

[The teacher] served as a fifth-grade teacher at Gullett Elementary this school year. On Sunday, March 9, 2025, a concerning letter from [the teacher] to a student was reported to the principal. On Monday, March 10, 2025, the district reassigned [the teacher] to a non-instructional facility where he had no contact with students. The district also notified the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Manatee County Sheriffs Office, and the Florida Department of Educations Office of Professional Practices. The Sheriffs Office and school district opened independent investigations into the allegations. In cases like these, the law enforcement investigation takes precedence. Once the Sheriffs Office gave the district authorization, [the teacher] was interviewed by the districts Office of Professional Standards. During that interview, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, [the teacher] submitted his resignation from employment with the district. His resignation was placed on the agenda for the very next school board meeting, Tuesday, April 29th, for personnel action. After public comment and board discussion, the school board approved the resignation so that [the teachers] separation from the district was complete. The Manatee County Sheriffs Office investigation remains open, and the district will continue to fully cooperate with that investigation. Michael Barber, School District of Manatee County

Jason Mitchell said he hoped the teacher would be fired.

To us, we felt termination was tougher language attached to somebody we would hope would never be in a classroom again, he explained.

The girls parents have a message for the teacher.

I would ask him to take a good, hard look in the mirror, truly self-reflect, Jason Mitchell said. I would ask him to get some help.

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Ann Mitchell added, We would want him to read the two-page letter out loud to us as parents, and I want him to look into my husbands eyes, father-to-father, and read that letter about our little girl.

Manatee County Sheriffs Office detectives said the investigation is ongoing. Detectives also said a charge of harassment related to bullying is expected to be filed soon.

We are often as parents teaching our children to listen to teachers, to be respectful, to follow directions, so thats what I taught my daughter, Ann Mitchell said Wednesday to Tampa Bay parents. Come to find out that may or may not be the right lesson to teach our kids.

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.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (WFLA)  The Manatee County Sheriffs Office is investigating a teacher who is accused of sending an inappropriate letter to one of his 11-year-old students.

The school district is also investigating the Gullett Elementary School teacher, who recently resigned.

Former Packers linebacker Mike Neal being held in Tampa jail on sexual battery charges

News Channel 8 is not identifying the student for her privacy, nor the teacher because he has not been charged with a crime.

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Ann Mitchell, the students mother, shared her story with 8 On Your Side Wednesday.

This whole nightmare started when we discovered a two-page letter, she said.

Ann Mitchell said she gave that letter to investigators at the Manatee County Sheriffs Office.

She also gave 8 On Your Side a copy of the letter she said was given to her 11-year-old daughter from her fifth-grade teacher.

It read in part, You know I truly love you no matter what, that will never change.

The letter is signed, Love, and then the teachers name, with a note encouraging the student to keep the letter a secret.

That 11-year-old girls mother and father, Jason Mitchell, saw the letter and told 8 On Your Side they were shocked.

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Incredibly upsetting as a father, Jason Mitchell said.

News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, As a dad, where does your mind go from there? What did that open the door for in your head?

What can I do legally out of frustration from being in receipt of something like this? he responded. What more could he have done to my daughter?

School District of Manatee County Director of Communications, Michael Barber, sent the following statement to 8 On Your Side.

The teachers name is replaced with [the teacher] in the statement because he has not been charged with a crime.

[The teacher] served as a fifth-grade teacher at Gullett Elementary this school year. On Sunday, March 9, 2025, a concerning letter from [the teacher] to a student was reported to the principal. On Monday, March 10, 2025, the district reassigned [the teacher] to a non-instructional facility where he had no contact with students. The district also notified the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Manatee County Sheriffs Office, and the Florida Department of Educations Office of Professional Practices. The Sheriffs Office and school district opened independent investigations into the allegations. In cases like these, the law enforcement investigation takes precedence. Once the Sheriffs Office gave the district authorization, [the teacher] was interviewed by the districts Office of Professional Standards. During that interview, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, [the teacher] submitted his resignation from employment with the district. His resignation was placed on the agenda for the very next school board meeting, Tuesday, April 29th, for personnel action. After public comment and board discussion, the school board approved the resignation so that [the teachers] separation from the district was complete. The Manatee County Sheriffs Office investigation remains open, and the district will continue to fully cooperate with that investigation. Michael Barber, School District of Manatee County

Jason Mitchell said he hoped the teacher would be fired.

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To us, we felt termination was tougher language attached to somebody we would hope would never be in a classroom again, he explained.

Now, the fifth graders parents have their own message for that teacher.

I would ask him to take a good, hard look in the mirror, truly self-reflect, Jason Mitchell said. I would ask him to get some help.

We would want him to read the two-page letter out loud to us as parents, and I want him to look into my husbands eyes, father-to-father, and read that letter about our little girl, Ann Mitchell added.

Manatee County Sheriffs Office detectives said the investigation into the allegations is ongoing.

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Detectives also explained that a charge of harassment related to bullying is expected to be filed soon.

On Wednesday, Ann Mitchell shared her message to Tampa Bay parents.

We are often as parents teaching our children to listen to teachers, to be respectful, to follow directions, so thats what I taught my daughter, she explained. Come to find out that may or may not be the right lesson to teach our kids.

If youd like to send Nicole a tip, you can fill out the form below.

Submit a form.

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.
The Trump administration will not renew Biden-era grants worth $1 billion that were aimed at boosting mental health services in schools, a Department of Education spokesperson confirmed to ABC News.

"These grants are intended to improve American students' mental health by funding additional mental health professionals in schools and on campuses," Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications Madison Biedermann wrote in a statement to ABC News. "Instead, under the deeply flawed priorities of the Biden Administration, grant recipients used the funding to implement race-based actions like recruiting quotas in ways that have nothing to do with mental health and could hurt the very students the grants are supposed to help."

The decision comes as the Trump administration takes sweeping action to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and alleged racial discrimination practices in schools. However, multiple courts have blocked efforts to ensure schools certify compliance with the administration's demands.

PHOTO: Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, April 30, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Biden administration expanding mental health services, personnel in schools

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The department said the grant programs were not advancing administration priorities. Conservative activist Christopher Rufo lauded the administration's decision to discontinue the programs, alleging they intend to advance "left-wing racialism and discrimination."

"No more slush fund for activists under the guise of mental health," Rufo wrote in a post on X.

But American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called it a "direct attack" on the safety and well-being of children.

"They may not have agreed on everything, but Congress secured $1 billion in bipartisan mental health grants to help kids better understand themselves and the world around them," Weingarten wrote in a statement. "The benefits were obvious. Now, with the stroke of a pen, that halting progress has been wiped away, even as the president and his allies insist that improving mental health is the only way to fix the gun violence epidemic."

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The grants were allocated under President Joe Biden's signature Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The BSCA, an anti-gun violence law signed after the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022, used "historic funding" to add more mental health services to schools over five years, according to former White House officials.

PHOTO: The Department of Education building in Washington, March 24, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Biden admin announces more than $300M in mental health funding in part from bipartisan gun bill

ABC News previously reported on the Biden administration prioritizing mental health services in schools during a youth crisis prompted by interrupted learning time and social isolation from the coronavirus pandemic.

The former president had indicated his goal was to double the number of school-based practitioners, including social workers, psychologists and counselors.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, April 30, 2025. (Ken Cedeno/Pool/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Dr. Tish Brookins, a certified social worker in Jefferson County, Kentucky, told ABC News that the Trump administration's decision could result in "missed opportunities, deepened trauma, and diminished futures" for students across the country.

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"This cut undermines every effort we've made to build safe, responsive, and equitable schools," Brookins wrote in a statement.

"Mental health support in schools is not a luxury. It is a necessity," she added.

Trump administration discontinues $1 billion in school mental health grants originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Illustration by Bea Oyster, Photos via Getty Images

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Miro, a 17-year-old high school senior living in Dubai, has dreamed of studying at an American college for as long as he can remember.

After being accepted to several U.S. colleges earlier this year, he was weighing which to attend, proud to be heading to a country where he believed hed meet people from around the world and gain the best job prospects in his planned major of mechanical engineering.

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Then a few weeks ago he saw a video on social media that changed his plans. The clip showed a Turkish graduate student at Tufts University on a street outside her apartment surrounded by plainclothes federal officers who handcuffed her and swept her away in an unmarked SUV.

Miro learned from news reports that the doctoral student doing research on child development, Rumeysa Ozturk, had her visa revoked apparently because of a pro-Palestinian op-ed she cowrote for the student newspaper that federal officials say amounted to support of the group Hamas. Miro soon found other reports of foreign students suddenly losing their legal status to study in America for minor legal infractions, including speeding tickets.

After talking with his parents, Miro said, We decided to rule out the U.S. altogether. He added: I just don't feel safe going to the U.S. right now.

Miro, who asked to be referred to by his nickname because of concern that comments might affect his future ability to get a U.S. visa, now plans to head to a university in Canada that he says he applied to as a safety school. He said he still hopes to transfer to a U.S. university in a couple of years  if things die down.

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If more foreign-born students make calculations similar to Miros, the consequences for some U.S. colleges and universities could be disastrous. International students make up about 6 percent of U.S. college students, and they typically pay 2 to 3 times the tuition of domestic students, effectively subsidizing other campus programs.

Drawing top students from around the world also helps Americas strength in research and innovation, argues Fanta Aw, the executive director of the nonprofit NAFSA: Association of International Educators. More than half of international students in the U.S. pursue STEM fields of study, she said, referring to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And there are not enough American students who are graduating from undergrad with the skills needed in STEM, making it a gap that will be hard to fill.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration revoked the visa status of more than 1,800 international students at 280 institutions, before moving in late April to reinstate the status of many of the students following public criticism and more than 100 lawsuits challenging the revocations.

Related: Interested in more news about colleges and universities? Subscribe to our free biweekly higher education newsletter.

Trump administration officials had described the crackdown as part of the presidents campaign promise to get tougher on immigration.

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U.S. visa holders should know in no uncertain terms that the U.S. governments rigorous security vetting does not end once a visa is granted, wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a Fox News opinion piece this month, stressing that visas are a privilege, not a right. Officials from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, declined requests for an interview.

Civil rights groups and immigration advocates argued that the mass revocations of student status were illegal because officials did not properly follow rules for when records can be revoked, which advocates say set a high bar for such actions. The students had been winning in court: In more than 54 of the cases students won temporary restraining orders, with a federal judge in New Hampshire saying the situation was Kafkaesque.

Administration officials described the restorations of some students visa status through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, as a temporary step while they devised a new system for reviewing and terminating visas for international students, presumably one that is more able to withstand legal challenges. In court filings this week, the administration shared the new guidelines, which immigration attorneys described as a major expansion of ICEs authority, because it gives the government greater discretion to cancel SEVIS status and begin the process of deporting students.

The message seems clear: The administration has removed the welcome mat that made America the most desired place to study in the world. Experts worry that will lead to fewer international students attending American colleges, more international students leaving voluntarily for friendlier countries, and more U.S. students opting to attend college elsewhere, too.

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Nothing like this has happened before, said Rajika Bhandari, a senior adviser to the nonprofit Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, who herself came to the U.S. from India 30 years ago to attend college. We've never seen this large-scale scrutiny and revoking of visas that have already been issued. Its shocking and extremely distressing.

Many international college students say they are now living in fear on campuses that felt safe just a few weeks ago.

Thats the case for Anne, a masters student in supply-chain management at Tennessee State University who is going by her nickname for fear of repercussions. Until recently, she says she proudly talked about her background as a visitor from Brazil. But now, because of that situation, she said, I do not tell anybody.

She has also seen the viral video of Ozturk being detained by ICE officers. And at least 10 students at Tennessee State had their SEVIS records revoked, including two students she knows.

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Anne is now worried every time she leaves her apartment, and especially when driving her car, for fear of committing a minor traffic violation that might affect her immigration status. Before leaving home, I pray. And when I get home, I thank God for making it home, she said of her daily routine.

Her plan was to stay in the U.S. after graduation in May for a job she recently landed. To qualify to work, though, she has to keep up her SEVIS status as part of the Optional Practical Training program, or OPT, a program designed to let student visa holders work in the U.S. after completing their studies. Now she wonders if that will be possible, or if she should head back to her home country to make a life there.

Related: HBCUs open their doors wider to international students

Making things more stressful, misinformation has quickly spread around the campus, said Jewell Winn, executive director for international programs at Tennessee State.

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A student came in here yesterday and told me that some of her friends told her we were going to increase the price of going here in the summer to discourage international students from being here, Winn said. She told the student that not only was that false, but that it went against everything the institution stood for.

The college is one of several historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, that has worked to grow its population of international students over the years, with about 8 percent of its undergrads now coming from overseas.

The university recently held a webinar for its international students to try to alleviate concerns and answer questions. Another goal was just to love on them, as Winn put it. Were going to show that we care because we do.

Theyre preparing for final exams in a week, Winn added. How can you focus on an exam when you dont know if someone's going to bust through a door and take you to a prison somewhere? she said. Its unfathomable.

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Drop cap

Philip Vasto, a graduate student in chemical engineering at North Carolina State University, was doing homework in his living room last month when his roommate Sal walked in with a dazed look on his face, saying the government had revoked his visa.

I thought it was a mistake, recalled Vasto, and I started emailing people around campus.

But it was true. Sal, an international student from Saudi Arabia working toward a masters degree in engineering management, had just gotten word from the university that his SEVIS record had been canceled and that he should not return to campus, Vasto said. He could finish the semester online.

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His folks back in Saudi Arabia advised him to return to Saudi as quickly as possible, said Vasto.

And just like that, Sal was gone, with plans to transfer to a university in another country.

Vasto wrote an opinion piece for his student newspaper urging university officials to do more to protect the legal status of students like Sal. Do we not protect the Pack, or do we stand idly by while members of our community are targeted and expelled without cause? he wrote, referring to the universitys Wolfpack mascot. When one member of our Pack is harmed, are we not all affected?

College leaders, however, say there is little they can do in such immigration matters.

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A persons immigration status is attached to an individual, its not attached to a university, said Aw, head of the NAFSA, the association for international educators. The university can ask questions, but theres not a way the police would allow your university to be your representative. Your immigration status is determined by the federal government. It isnt determined by the university.

Related: Losing international students because of the pandemic will damage colleges financially

Alison Byerly, president of Carleton College, one of more than 500 university leaders who signed a letter criticizing President Trump for what they call overreach into higher education, said that the administration has painted a picture of international college students that runs counter to the reality on campus. While Secretary Rubio has compared international students to disruptive houseguests abusing the countrys hospitality, Byerly said: They tend to be very hard-working, very ambitious, very strong students who really love getting to know American life and often are huge advocates for the kind of experience that we offer here.

Some colleges, meanwhile, are actively helping with immigration enforcement. Several colleges in Florida recently signed agreements with ICE that allow campus police to help question and arrest students for immigration violations.

Once an international student does leave the country, their options to advocate for their visa status become more challenging, said Sirine Shebaya, executive director of the National Immigration Project, which is representing some international students in lawsuits against the Trump administration. Thats because without a valid SEVIS record, a student would have to restart the process of getting a visa.

Chasing out students without due process seems to be the point, though, she argues.

Even some international students with valid visas are rethinking whether they want to stay. The students start getting calls from their parents saying, You need to come home right now, said Shebaya.

International students are also scrubbing their social media accounts for anything that might be seen as political or making their accounts private to avoid government scrutiny, said Kate Ruane, director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology. In March the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced plans to scan social media accounts of visa holders for what it deems antisemitic material.

To Ruane, thats a crisis for free expression.

It truly impacts what the conversation is, and that is in part the point  to eliminate points of view from the public square so that it appears like those points of view are not there and never did exist, she said. There is harm not just to international students but to the rest of us as well. Students come here in part because of our commitment to academic freedom and our independent and world-leading universities.

Drop cap

Trump administration actions are already leading fewer international students to choose U.S. colleges for the fall semester.

This is a terrible time of year for this to be happening because prospective international students are making decisions about whether to study in the U.S. or study in other countries, said Bernard Burrola, vice president of international, community and economic engagement at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Do you want to commit to a U.S. university and spend quite a bit of money, and then worry that you might get your visa revoked for no reason?

While data on college enrollment for the fall wont begin to become available until later this spring, at the earliest, Aw, of NAFSA, is hearing from college officials who say they anticipate seeing fewer international students accept than expected.

A recent survey by StudyPortals, a service used by students to search for colleges, found that the number of international students expressing interest in coming to the U.S. plummeted 40 percent between January and March of this year because of concern about the crackdown on foreign students. An international student recruitment organization called IDP Education, meanwhile, says that U.S. colleges dropped from first to second position in the past five months based on which destinations users are searching for, according to figures provided to The Hechinger Report/Teen Vogue by the company.

Related: Trumps actions to abolish the Education Department, and more

Fear has even reached college students who are U.S. citizens.

Sitting outside of the University of Minnesotas student center on a recent afternoon, first-year student Brenda said shes been watching the news closely and was particularly disturbed by the same video of Ozturk being swept into custody by ICE agents.

Brendas family is from El Salvador, and her friend recently suggested that she carry her birth certificate with her everywhere she goes  just in case.

She remembers being in eighth grade when President Donald Trump took office for his first term and fearing a crackdown on immigrants that didnt turn out to be as severe as some predicted.

Now its like, Wow, this is happening, and its scary.

Contact editor Caroline Preston at 212-870-8965, via Signal at CarolineP.83 or on email at preston@hechingerreport.org.

This story about international students was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, in collaboration with Teen Vogue. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

Check out more Teen Vogue education coverage:
GUEST RESEARCH: Bitdefender researchers have uncovered a surge in subscription scams, both in scale and sophistication, spurred by a massive campaign involving hundreds of fraudulent websites. What sets this campaign apart is the significant investment cybercriminals have undertaken to make these fake sites look convincingly legitimate.

Gone are the days when a suspicious email, SMS, or basic phishing link could easily fool users. As people grow more cautious and cyber-aware, scammers are stepping up their game. They have already begun crafting more complex and convincing schemes to bypass scepticism and lure victims into handing over sensitive information, especially credit card data.

Key Findings:

Incredibly convincing websites, selling everything from shoes and clothes to diverse electronics, are tricking people into paying monthly subscriptions and willingly give away credit card data.

Many of the websites are linked to a single address in Cyprus, likely home to an offshore company.

The scam encompassed more than 200 different websites, including many that are still up and running.

Criminals create Facebook pages and take out full ads to promote the already classic mystery box scam and other variants.

The mystery box scam has evolved and now includes almost hidden recurring payments, alongside links to websites to various shops.

Facebook is used as the main platform for these new and enhanced mystery box scams

Content creators are being impersonated to promote mystery boxes or fraudsters create new pages that look a lot like the originals.

Scammers try to take advantage of people's lack of attention

Scammers know that if a victim has reached the payment step, they're already convinced the scam is real. At that point, hesitation is low and critical thinking is off. Thats when scammers strike again, slipping in a second scam right before the victim hands over the money. Its not just about closing the deal at that point, but rather about stacking the fraud.

What is a mystery box scam?

In real life, the allure of a mysterious box of items on a shelf just waiting for someone to pick it up for a few bucks seems like a scam that would never work. But on the Internet, it really does work  otherwise scammers wouldn't put so much effort into promoting them.

There are quite a few variations of these scams, from boxes left at the post office to bags left at the airport and even to clearance sales from large shopping centres. They all share the same tell-tale sign: all the victim has to do is to pay a minimal sum of money.

The goal, of course, is to collect personal and financial information. Victims willingly provide all that precious information, believing they've made a fantastic purchase.

The Mystery box Scam is evolving

Like most scams, these fraudulent schemes lower their allure as people get used to them, and fewer people fall victim. This drives criminals to devise new ways to obtain money or financial information.

The first step in this evolutionary ladder was the moment scammers added surveys to ensure you're a real person and not a bot. When users see a company taking such steps, it makes the enterprise look more legit.

Now, the mystery box scam has evolved in a new way. Right before you agree to give them money and financial information, you also agree to a subscription model (written in a tiny font) that turns your current mystery shopping adventure into recurring payments.

As our past research shows, these scams have flooded social media, and it's all made possible by sponsored ads.

You will notice that the payment page also references a website called naillr[.]com, where you get a loyalty membership card that gives you discounts and perks. However, this is where the research pointed us in another direction.

The mystery box scam is expanding into new territories

Some of these ads with mystery boxes point to various online shops for a variety of products, like clothes, electronic equipment, beauty products, and many others. At one point, we identified around 140 websites that shared the same business model.

Buy at member price and get FREE access to the best prices in Europe with an account top-up of 44.00 EUR/every 14 days. Skip or shop the top-up read the fine print in one example.

The online shop appears to offer many tiers with all kinds of perks. By following the URLs related by tracker ID, Bitdefender researchers found more than 200 websites in this campaign, many of which are currently still online.

Basically, people might be tempted to pay one of these subscriptions, believing that it will provide them with discounts across the entire website. The shop owners even offer various subscription tiers, but the sums vary from one website to another.

The discounts offered are based on store credits, which are transformed using a 1:1 ratio. So, if you invest $68 you get 68 credits.

It's all very complicated to follow, with store credits, discounts, credits tops every 14 days, and so on. The basic idea is to have a process as convoluted as possible, and to make it sound like a good idea at the same time. By the time the victim is actually paying a subscription, it already seems like an investment.

In many cases, they promise all the best products money can buy, but their offers are ridiculous. One electronic store sold old cables, obsolete technologies, and other devices that could be bought for a fraction of the price from Chinese stores.

It's also important to mention that the contact address mentioned in most of these hundreds of websites (Andrea Kalvou 13, 3085 Limassol) that are still up and running also appears in conjunction with a Cypriot record in the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) Offshore Leaks Database that is associated with the Paradise Papers leak.

The subscription alure is too strong

Criminals have been pumping funds in ads promoting impersonated content creators, using the same subscription model that seems to be now the driving revenue stream of these scams.

Scammers often change the impersonated brands and they've begun expanding past the existing mystery boxes. They are now trying to sell low-quality products or imitation articles, fake investments, supplements, and much more.

We have observed several techniques used to evade automatic detection:

Multiple versions of the ad, with only one being malicious while the others display random product images.

Uploading images directly from Google Drive (so they can be replaced later).

Using cropped images to alter visual patterns.

Relying exclusively on images in ads, with no text in the description (text appears only in the image itself).

Classic homoglyph techniques.

Some of these account pages can be created from scratch with names generated by algorithms, or they've been hacked and taken over, after which they've been renamed.

These stores might not seem to have anything in common, but for the most part they use the same design, the same themes, the same AI agents, and similar registration information, pointing to Cyprus.

While it's difficult to make a direct connection between Mystery Box Scams and this swarm of websites, the fact that the payment screen for some Mystery Boxes have links to Cyprus-registered subscription-based shops is suspicious, to say the least. Especially when these scams share the same subscription idea.

Conclusion

While many of these frauds are seemingly linked to the same operators, a lot of other scammers also figure out that subscription is the new normal. With funds pumped into ads, real-looking websites, impersonations of people and brands, and all kinds of other avenues of attack, we're bound to see these kind of frauds inundate the online world.
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration said on Thursday it is suing four Democratic-led states to prevent them from enforcing "burdensome and ideologically motivated" laws and pursuing lawsuits against the fossil fuel industry over the harms caused by climate change.

The U.S. Department of Justice in a pair of lawsuits argued that recent laws New York and Vermont adopted requiring oil companies to contribute billions of dollars into funds to pay for damage caused by climate change were unconstitutional.

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New York alone hopes to raise $75 billion through its "superfund" law, which the Justice Department called a "transparent monetary-extraction scheme" designed to fund the state's infrastructure projects with money from out-of-state businesses.

The Justice Department filed those cases on Thursday, a day after it launched two preemptive cases seeking to stop Hawaii and Michigan from filing planned lawsuits against major oil companies over climate change, cases the administration said would imperil domestic energy production.

The Justice Department in its lawsuits against Hawaii and Michigan said such lawsuits constitute an "extraordinary extraterritorial reach" that unlawfully undermine federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and the administration's foreign policy objectives.

Despite the Justice Department's announcement, Hawaii plowed ahead with filing a lawsuit on Thursday in state court against companies including BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil and Shell, accusing them of failing to warn about their fossil fuel products climate change danger.

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Numerous other Democratic-led states have in recent years filed similar lawsuits accusing the companies of deceiving the public about the role fossil fuels have played in causing climate change. The companies have denied wrongdoing.

Michigan has not filed a lawsuit to date, but Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel last year retained law firms to represent it in climate change-related litigation. In a statement, she called the Trump administration's preemptive lawsuit "at best frivolous and arguably sanctionable."

"I remain undeterred in my intention to file this lawsuit the President and his Big Oil donors so fear," Nessel, a Democrat, said.

The Justice Department's four lawsuits follow a pledge by Trump's campaign during the 2024 election to "stop the wave of frivolous litigation from environmental extremists."

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The Justice Department in the lawsuits cited an executive order that the Republican president signed on his first day back in office on January 20, declaring a national energy emergency to speed permitting of energy projects, rolling back environmental protections and withdrawing the United States from an international pact to fight climate change.

These burdensome and ideologically motivated laws and lawsuits threaten American energy independence and our countrys economic and national security," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.

The Justice Department's lawsuits said all four states are standing in the way of the administration's efforts to boost domestic energy supply.

"This nation's Constitution and laws do not tolerate this interference," the lawsuits said.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, in a statement defended the state's superfund law, saying it "ensures that those who contributed to the climate crisis help pay for the damage they caused."

The laws New York and Vermont adopted to create an industry-financed "superfunds" are already the subject of ongoing legal challenges by Republican-led states and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which have sued to block the novel laws.

The climate-related litigation against oil companies by states remains in its early stages after years of litigation by oil companies over whether the states could sue in state courts rather than federal court.

The U.S. Supreme Court in March rejected a bid by 19 Republican-led states, led by Alabama, to block five Democratic-led states from pursuing such lawsuits. The Republican-led states raised similar claims as the Justice Department's case.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Franklin Paul, Will Dunham and Diane Craft)
A federal judge allowed for the release of Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi on Wednesday after being detained for nearly two weeks following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Mahdawi, 34, is a pro-Palestinian activist who co-founded a university organization, the Palestinian Student Union, with fellow student Mahmoud Khalil, who has also been incarcerated. On April 14, Mahdawi was arrested while attending his U.S. citizenship interview.

Currently a green card holder, Mahdawi was born and raised in the West Bank and has lived in the U.S. for the last 10 years. He is expected to graduate from the Ivy League school next month and attend a masters program at the universitys School of International and Public Affairs in the fall, according to a habeas corpus petition filed by his attorneys arguing that the federal government had violated Mahdawis right to freedom of speech.

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Following Vermont U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawfords order of release, Mahdawi told a crowd of supporters and press outside the courthouse that his freedom, while his case proceeds, brings a light of hope, per ABC News.

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 whos 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, he added.

People gather outside the Post Office in Brattleboro, Vt., on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to show support for Mohsen Mahdawi, who was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court 11 in Burlington on Wednesday morning. | Kristopher Radder

Crawford related Mahdawis arrest to McCarthyism in the 1940s and 1950s.

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This is not the first time that the nation has seen chilling action by the government intended to shut down debate, the judge said during the Wednesday hearing, according to The New York Times.

But, the Trump administration has argued that the actions by Mahdawi and Khalil, who is currently detained in the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Louisiana, are not just pro-Palestine, but antisemitic.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, posted on social media following Mahdawis release, No judge, not this one or another, is going to stop the Trump Administration from restoring the rule of law to our immigration system.

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, she added. We have the law, facts and commonsense on our side.

College protests: Free speech or antisemitic?

Days before he was arrested by ICE agents, Mahdawi was interviewed by CBS News, where he said he has compassion for the Palestinian people, but also Jews and Israelis. However, he also said the accusation that the Palestinian cause and the pro-Palestine movement at Columbia was antisemitic, is a false accusation and it is (an) unjust accusation.

Pro-Israeli demonstrators chant "Shame" in support of Columbia University assistant professor Shai Davidai, who was denied access to the main campus to prevent him from accessing the lawn currently occupied by pro-Palestinian student demonstrators in New York, Monday, April 22, 2024. | Stefan Jeremiah

His perspective counters that of the federal lawsuit filed by two Columbia University janitors last week after claiming to be held like hostages during the takeover of Columbias Hamilton Hall last April 29 by protesters who used padlocks and furniture to barricade themselves inside.

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In the lawsuit, janitors Mario Torres and Lester Wilson claimed that more than 40 Columbia students and agitators not affiliated with the school terrorize(d) both Torres and Wilson into the early morning of April 30th, assaulted and battered them, held them against their will, and derided them as Jew-lovers and Zionists, reported The Free Press.

The Trump administration made an example of Columbia University last March after stripping the Ivy League school of its $400 million in federal funding for continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.

Since then, the campus has announced that it has either suspended or expelled students involved in a pro-Palestine protest last year, stating that it is committed to enforcing the Universitys Rules and Policies and improving our disciplinary processes, as previously reported by the Deseret News.

Multiple universities, including Harvard, have been accused by the Trump administration of failing to protect Jewish students during campus protests last year over the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip following the Oct. 7 attack against Israel by Hamas.

The lawfare between the White House and the Ivy League is ongoing.
Multiple Trumpworld officials involved in the Defense Departments Signalgate scandal are leaving their posts.

National security adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, are exiting the administration, CBS Newss Jennifer Jacobs reported Thursday. The pair are expected to leave by the end of the day.

But the roles arent likely to stay open for long. Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly in talks to replace Waltz, according to Politico. Witkoff has been busy the last several months attempting to work out a peace deal with Hamas in Gaza and end Russias invasion of Ukraine.

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Other contenders include White House deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, National Security Council Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka, and the special envoy for special missions Richard Grenell. The last of those options served for a handful of months as Trumps acting director of national intelligence during his first term, and was in talks for other top intelligence positions in December as Trump drew up his Cabinet.

Waltz has been the epicenter of several embarrassing episodes for the Trump administration in the last couple of months. In March, Waltz committed an egregious national security flub by accidentally inviting a journalist from The Atlantic to a Cabinet group chat on Signal that discussed sensitive, real-time war details about bombing Yemen.

That news brought the supposed chief intelligence experts myriad other misgivings to light. In the wake of the Signal scandal, an account sharing Waltzs name had seemingly left his Venmo profile public. In doing so, the intelligence official disclosed the names of hundreds of his personal and professional associates, including government officials and lobbyists.

The list also included several major media personalities, such as Bret Baier and Brian Kilmeade of Fox News, Brianna Keilar and Kristen Holmes of CNN, a cable news producer, local news journalists, a national security reporter, documentarians, and noted conspiracy theorist Ivan Raiklin, reported Wired.

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Waltz was also one of several top Trump administration officials caught with their personal datasuch as account passwords, cell phone numbers, and email addresseslisted online, reported the German newspaper Der Spiegel.

And, as it turns out, Waltz regularly used Signal to discuss work, according to Politico. He reportedly had at least 20 group chats to discuss issues in Ukraine, China, Gaza, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Behind closed doors, Donald Trump was reportedly furious with Waltzs pattern of errors and was suspicious that Waltzs contact list apparently included journalists critical of the administration.

The president was pissed that Waltz could be so stupid, one anonymous source familiar with the situation told Politico, in the aftermath of the Signal scandal.

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Still, the Trump administration publicly reiterated its confidence in its intelligence pick, describing Waltz as a good man who had learned his lesson.

Trump has reportedly been sensitive to the idea of ousting Waltz, believing that doing so could be interpreted as a bend to public pressure. One source familiar with the situation at the National Security Council told CBS News that the president believes enough time has passed that the administration can reasonably reframe Waltzs and Wongs departures as part of a reorganization.

Waltzs removal also marks another embarrassing loss for Republicans, who traded the former Florida representative to the executive branch at a cost to their slim majority in the House.

This story has been updated.
President Donald Trumps invocation of a wartime power to summarily deport Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador was unlawful, a federal judge ruled Thursday, blocking the administration from further deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The decision from U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, Jr., a Trump appointee, is the latest sharp rebuke to one of Trumps most aggressive and high-profile efforts to quickly carry out deportations with little or no due process.

Rodriguez said Trump had improperly invoked the law  which gives the president the power to quickly expel nationals of invading countries  to target alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.

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The Alien Enemies Act applies only when the country is facing an armed, organized attack, Rodriguez ruled. Trumps claims about Tren de Araguas activities in the United States fall short of that bar, the judge added.

Trump has described the gang as an international criminal enterprise operating at the behest of the Venezuelan government. But Rodriguez noted that even Trump has not formally claimed that the gang is entering the United States at the direction of Venezuela to conquer the country or assume control over a portion of the nation.

Trump issued a proclamation in March deploying the Alien Enemies Act against Tren de Aragua. The act has been invoked just three other times in U.S. history  during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II.

Trumps proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful, Rodriguez concluded. Trump and other administration officials do not possess the lawful authority under the AEA, and based on the Proclamation, to detain Venezuelan aliens, transfer them within the United States, or remove them from the country.

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Several other courts, including the Supreme Court, have pushed back in various ways against Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act in the past month and a half. But those other rulings have been preliminary and temporary. Rodriguez is the first judge to issue a definitive decision on whether the deportations are justified under the law, and his permanent injunction is more durable than the short-term blocks issued by other judges.

Still, Rodriguezs ruling only covers his southern Texas-based district, and the Trump administration can appeal his decision to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the most conservative federal appeals court in the country.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of Washington, D.C., was the first judge to try to stop the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Boasberg entered an emergency block on March 15, but the administration had already set the first round of deportations in motion. Hours after Boasbergs order, 137 Venezuelan men who had been living in the U.S. were delivered to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

Advocates for the men say that many of them have no ties to Tren de Aragua or any other gang  and that they were given no meaningful opportunity to contest their deportations.

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The Supreme Court lifted Boasbergs block, saying lawsuits challenging Trumps invocation of the AEA had to be filed in different courts, not in Washington, D.C. But the justices also directed the administration to provide meaningful due process to anyone else targeted for deportation under the AEA.

The justices stepped in a second time last month when the administration appeared to be amassing another group of alleged alien enemies in northern Texas and preparing them for hasty deportations with minimal notice. In a highly unusual, middle-of-the-night ruling, the high court ordered the administration not to deport those people until further notice.

Federal judges in Colorado and Manhattan last month also granted broad yet temporary blocks on deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.

Shortly after Rodriguezs ruling, the judge separately denied the administrations request for explicit permission to quickly deport one of the alleged alien enemies  Daniel Zacarias Matos  under a different immigration authority. Though prosecutors said the administration was prepared to move as quickly as Thursday to begin that deportation, Rodriguez said he needed more time to weigh the issues involved.


Republican Lindsey Graham, one of Donald Trumps key allies in the US Senate, claims that over 70 of his colleagues are ready to vote for new "bone-crushing" sanctions against Russia and huge tariffs on countries that assist Moscow.

Source: Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Lindsey Graham stated that 72 members of the US Senate are ready to vote for a bill introducing new "bone-crushing" sanctions against Russia, as well as huge tariffs on countries that purchase Russian energy resources and other core export products, if Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin continues to avoid serious negotiations to end the war.

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Graham said that the bill would also receive sufficient support in the House of Representatives.

"The goal is to help the president," Graham noted.

Bloomberg, which has reviewed the draft bill, reports that it proposes 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, gas or uranium.

Other sanctions would prohibit US citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt.

"I want a negotiated end to the war, honourably and just. I think Trumps the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senates view that we see the primary bad guy being Russia," Graham said.

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He added that Putin "would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump", which is why this bill had been introduced.

"When President Trump believes that weve reached an impasse, then watch for action," said Graham, noting that at that point, Putin will have to choose between engaging in serious negotiations to end the war or facing a scenario in which the Russian economy is "crushed".

Background:

Earlier, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Vatican, Trump criticised Russias recent strikes on Ukrainian cities and voiced doubt that Putin wants to end the war, also threatening him with sanctions.

In an interview with ABC News, Trump did not say whether he trusts Putin but suggested that Putin "would like to stop the war".

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday said "any country or person" purchasing oil or petrochemicals from Iran will be subject to sanctions starting immediately, ramping up pressure on Tehran amid negotiations on the country's nuclear programme.

Anyone doing so "will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

China is seen as the biggest buyer of Iranian oil.

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Trump's announcement came after a fourth round of talks between Washington and Tehran on Iran's nuclear programme was postponed after originally being planned for Saturday.

The talks between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been scheduled to take place in Rome but were delayed "for logistical reasons," according to Oman which is acting as a mediator.

According to US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, however, the US assumes that there will be further talks in the near future.

Trump had initially called for talks with Tehran and threatened military consequences if they failed, stating his central aim was to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons.

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But on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department imposed fresh sanctions on a number of companies in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Iran, accusing them of engaging in the trade of Iranian petrochemicals to third countries and helping Iran evade sanctions.

The State Department also accused Tehran of continuing "to fuel conflict in the Middle East, advance its nuclear program, and support its terrorist partners and proxies." The US was acting to stem revenue flows used to fund these destabilizing activities, it said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the sanctions announced by the Treasury Department and threatened consequences, according to state news agency IRNA.

It was not immediately clear whether the new sanctions were behind Thursday's postponement.

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Iran is growing increasingly sceptical about the United States' seriousness and integrity in ongoing nuclear negotiations, according to Iran Nuances, a news website seen as close to the government in Tehran.

The postponement could also block a round of talks between representatives from Iran, Germany, France and the United Kingdom that was to take place on Friday, according to sources in Tehran.

The European countries are party to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew in 2018. The deal expires in October. The signatories retain the option to implement a so-called "snapback" mechanism that would re-impose stringent UN sanctions on Iran that were lifted when the 2015 deal was agreed.

Under the landmark nuclear deal negotiated under former US president Barack Obama's administration in 2015, Iran was permitted a maximum enrichment level of 3.67% and a stockpile of up to 300 kilograms of uranium.

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After Trump withdrew the US from the agreement during his first term, Tehran also abandoned the commitments. Enrichment was increased to 60%, and stockpiles now exceed 8,000 kilograms.

Iran maintains that it is not pursuing a nuclear weapons programme but refuses to completely forgo civilian nuclear technology.

In recent weeks there had been signs of concessions from Iran, according to observers.

Tehran had been said to be willing to return to the technical requirements of 2015 and to reactivate the International Atomic Energy Agency surveillance cameras in its nuclear facilities.

In return, Iran was demanding an end to US sanctions, which plunged the country into a severe financial crisis.

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Tehran hoped to resume oil exports - its most important source of income - and secure the release of frozen foreign assets, which are estimated to amount to more than $100 billion.

But if Washington succeeds in repelling any last buyers of Iranian oil, this could be devastating for Iran.
President Donald Trump recorded a special message for one of the original hosts of his favorite morning talk show on Thursday, letting Steve Doocy know that hes a special guy and wanted to congratulate the Fox & Friends stalwart on his new and probably enhanced role.

Hi Steve, its your all-time favorite president, Trump said in the recorded tribute. I just think youre a fantastic guy. Youve always treated me fairly  sometimes a little more fairly than other times, but thats okay.

Doocy, who has been with the right-wing networks flagship morning program since its inception, announced at the end of Thursdays broadcast that it would be his last from the famed curvy couch. Going forward, the 69-year-old broadcaster noted, he will work a reduced schedule and appear remotely.

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Comparing his work schedule to that of the famed Dunkin' Donuts commercial actor, he said he has woken up at 3:30 a.m. every day for the past 30 years, prompting his wife to joke that its time to make the donuts. Those days are over now, he added.

Donald Trump delivers a personal message paying tribute to Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy, who is transitioning to a reduced role and will only appear remotely going forward. (Fox News)

After decades of getting up at 3:30 and driving to New York City, today is the last day I will host this show from the couch, Doocy declared. Im not retiring or leaving the show, Im still a host, but it is time for a change.Noting that he had been in conversations with Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott for a while to figure out a way to stay with the show while reducing his workload, he revealed that he would now reduce his schedule to three days a week. Additionally, he is moving to Florida and will no longer appear in the New York studio.

Remember how Johnny Carson worked three days in Burbank? I will be based in Florida, which means you may never see me in a necktie again, he stated.  Florida is strategic, it will make it easier for me to report from Florida and other parts of America that dont get network airtime.Adding that he will also report from other areas across the country, calling himself the coast-to-coast host, Doocy said that this new schedule will afford him more time to be with his family.

When my kids were growing up, I never had breakfast with them, I was always here. Kathy [Doocy] did everything, he remarked. Starting tomorrow, I will have breakfast with my grandkids and children whenever I can. Im transitioning from it is time to make the donuts to it is time to make breakfast, grandpa.

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At the same time, Doocy said the one downside of his new role is that he will miss seeing his friends in Fox News Manhattan headquarters, eventually growing emotional over the prospect of bidding farewell to the studio hes called home for nearly 30 years.

After shouting out the production crew, he went on to address each of his co-hosts, as well as the shows meteorologist Janice Dean and headlines reporter Carley Shimkus.

After a little vacation, I will be back on the show via the magic of television, where somewhere somebody will ask me  is Ainsley really that sweet? I will say, she is, he stated. Is Lawrence really that much fun? He is indeed. Is Janice Dean so sunny? She is. And does Carley really know what crazy transition you guys throw at her? She doesnt, but she always has a snappy comeback. More importantly, I hear this all the time: does Brian Kilmeade really think we need somebody to tell us to get dressed?

Steve Doocy grows emotional as he reveals that he is moving to a reduced role on Fox & Friends that will see him broadcasting from Florida. (Fox News)

Doocy, who has at times positioned himself as a somewhat moderating voice of reason, was then presented with a video message from the president, who seemed to hint at Doocys occasional criticisms of him over the years. Of course, at the same time, the two have been longtime friends, as Trump once had a recurring guest segment on the morning show before he first ran for president in 2015.

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In an interview with Mediaite discussing his transition to a new role, Doocy noted that he continues to have a nice relationship with the president despite the swipes Trump has made over the years about the Fox & Friends host expressing mild skepticism from time to time.

I will say this about Trump  he called me this morning during the show, Doocy told Mediaite. I had called the president recently to get a quote about his first 100 days, looking for information about the tariffs. He called me back about 20 seconds before I was to go on air and introduce Todd Piro. I yelled to Brian Can you introduce Todd Piro so I could take the call, and the president and I had a nice conversation about how Id be more in Florida.

In his taped message to the Fox News star, Trump said that Doocy has been really stellar at what you do and at your craft and that it was an honor to have spent so much time with you and watching you and the whole group in the morning.

After boasting about the shows ratings, calling it the number one show in the business, Trump went on to compliment both Doocy and his son, Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy.

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You are a very, very good man, and your son is gonna represent you well, Trump concluded. Peters of equal talent, at least in fact, you would say hes even better than you. So, just take care of yourself and say hello to your family, especially your wife. I know shes gonna be feeling better really soon, and youre a special guy.

It has been speculated for some time now that Doocy would eventually assume a reduced role or retire altogether. In late 2023, the couch took on a fourth permanent host when Lawrence Jones  who is only 32  was added to the shows roster, prompting whispers that Jones was seen as an eventual successor to Doocy.
The Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelan immigrants accused of being gang members exceeds the scope of the law and runs contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the wartime statute.

Texas District Judge Fernando Rodriguez, who was appointed by Trump himself, ruled on Thursday that the administration cannot rely on the 18th century law to detain and deport alleged Tren de Aragua members, which is unlawful.

The government does not possess the lawful authority under the Alien Enemies Act, based on Donald Trumps proclamation invoking the law for the fourth time in U.S. history, to detain Venezuelan aliens, transfer them within the United States, or remove them from the country, according to the judges 36-page ruling.

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The ruling applies to all targeted immigrants held in his district.

A Trump-appointed judge in Texas found that the presidents use of the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelans is illegal and contrary to the plain language of the law (AFP via Getty Images)

The historical record renders clear that the presidents invocation of the [Alien Enemies Act] through the Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statutes terms, he wrote.

In his proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act last month, Trump stated that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of [Tren de Aragua], are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.

The Alien Enemies Act grants authority to the president to remove immigrants during a declared war or if there is an "invasion or predatory incursion.

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At least 137 Venezuelans who were targeted under the law were deported from Texas to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center on March 15.

But the government did not show that there exists an organized, armed group of individuals entering the United States at the direction of Venezuela to conquer the country or assume control over a portion of the nation, and the administration falls short of describing an invasion or predatory incursion, according to Judge Rodriguez.

The court ruled the president cant unilaterally declare an invasion of the United States and invoke a wartime authority during peacetime, the lead counsel in the case, ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, said in a statement. Congress never meant for this 18th-century wartime law to be used this way. This is a critically important decision that prevents more people from being sent to the notorious CECOT prison.

At least 137 Venezuelans who were targeted under the Alien Enemies Act were deported from the United States on March 15 (US ARMY/AFP via Getty Images)

Rodriguezs preliminary injunction delivers a significant blow to the Trump administrations attempts to swiftly remove immigrants as part of his aggressive mass deportation operation.

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Any appeal of the decision will head to the conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana before moving to the Supreme Court.

The administration has admitted in court filings that many of the people sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador 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.

On April 7, a divided Supreme Court agreed to lift a court order that temporarily blocked the presidents use of the wartime law to swiftly deport people from the country while a legal challenge plays out. But the justices said immigrants marked for removal are entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal in front of a judge in the district where they are detained.

Following that ruling, lawsuits challenging immigrants deportations under the Alien Enemies Act have been filed in several states.
President Donald Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act has faced intense preliminary litigation in courts around the country, leading to rulings such as the Supreme Courts insistence that people potentially subject to the act must receive due process. But a new and significant ruling from a Trump-appointed judge Thursday gets to the heart of the matter, deeming the presidents invocation itself unlawful.

The 1798 act was previously used only during declared wars. The text of the act says its for [w]henever there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government.

Trumps March proclamation targeted the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. In an attempt to tie the gang officially to another country under the act, the proclamation said that Venezuelan authorities had ceded such control to criminal organizations like TdA that it had created a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States.

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But U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. said that Trumps invocation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful. The judge said the administration therefore cant use the act to detain Venezuelans, transfer them within the U.S. or remove them from the country. The ruling applies to a class of plaintiffs in the Southern District of Texas.

The Trump appointee reviewed the historical record from the time of the acts passage and found that the terms invasion or predatory incursion are meant to refer to an organized, armed force entering the United States to engage in conduct destructive of property and human life in a specific geographical area. Applying that background to Trumps proclamation, the judge said TdAs activities as described in the proclamation dont qualify under the act.

While this is just one ruling from one (Trump-appointed) judge in one district, it shows the difficulty the administration could face in ultimately prevailing before the Supreme Court on the merits of the issue. Other trial and appellate court judges around the country could also favorably cite Rodriguezs ruling if they agree with it, though they wouldnt be bound by it. Trial judges are bound by appellate rulings in their circuits, and all judges are bound by the Supreme Court. Rodriguez sits in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the most conservative circuit, which would typically be the next step on the appellate chain if the government chooses to challenge the ruling.

In any event, Rodriguezs decision doesnt prevent the administration from using normal immigration authorities outside the rarely used act to carry out deportations.

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The new ruling also underscores the illegality of the administration having already summarily removed people to El Salvador under the act and deposited them into a notorious prison there. Lawyers are also pressing to get them returned to the United States. And the ruling comes as the administration fights against returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native who was also illegally deported to that country (albeit not under the Alien Enemies invocation).

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
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that the Trump administrations invocation of the Alien Enemies Act in order to deport undocumented migrants without due process is unlawful because the act is predicated on an organized, armed act of war, or other violent action against the United States  none of which are currently happening.

In a Thursday ruling, District Court Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. found that an invasion or predatory incursion as stated in the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) must involve an organized, armed force entering the United States to engage in conduct destructive of property and human life in a specific geographical area, the action need not be a precursor to actual war.

The President cannot summarily declare that a foreign nation or government has threatened or perpetrated an invasion or predatory incursion of the United States, followed by the identification of the alien enemies subject to detention or removal, Hernandez wrote. The Court concludes that a Presidential declaration invoking the AEA must include sufficient factual statements or refer to other pronouncements that enable a court to determine whether the alleged conduct satisfies the conditions that support the invocation of the statute.

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Trump  who has been alleging that his deportation is being stymied by communist, radical-left judges  appointed Rodriguez in 2017.

Rodriguez blocked the Trump administration from detaining, transferring, or removing undocumented migrants party to the West Texas class action lawsuit brought on behalf of migrants who were detained under the Alien Enemies Act.

Last month, a U.S. intelligence report directly contradicted Trumps claims that the government of Venezuela was intentionally coordinating with the Tren de Aragua gang in order to send violent gang members to the United States. The report was a direct blow to Trumps broad targeting of undocumented Venezuelan migrants, some of whom have been accused of terrorism and deported to dangerous prisons in El Salvador under Trumps supposed AEA authority, despite having no criminal records.

The Trump administration has argued that because Trump signed executive orders designating Central American gangs like Tred de Aragua and MS-13 as foreign terrorist groups, the presence of their members in the United States constitutes an invasion that grants him authority to remove them without hearings or an opportunity to challenge their detention.

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Hernandez added that allowing presidents to unilaterally declare an invasion and invoke the act would strip the courts of their traditional role of interpreting Congressional statutes to determine whether a government official has exceeded the statutes scope.

The Trump administrations in-court battles to establish their authority under the AEA  as well as their lack of compliance with court rulings  have resulted in a series of sharp rebukes from judges in federal and district courts. Last week, U.S. District Judge David Briones of El Paso reprimanded the government for attempting to accuse a Venezuelan couple of being members of Tren de Aragua  and in effect alien enemies  without tangible evidence.

Briones wrote that it was absurd the government would base their entire case against Julio Cesar Sanchez Puentes and Luddis Norelia Sanchez Garcia on multiple levels of hearsay, hidden within declarations of declarants who have no personal knowledge about the facts they are attesting to.

This court takes clear offense to respondents wasting judicial resources to admit to the court it has no evidence, yet seek to have this court determine petitioner Sanchez Puentes is guilty by association by being married to his wife, he added.

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In the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia  a Maryland man the Trump administration admitted it sent to a prison in El Salvador by mistake  Judge Paula Xinis accused the administration of engaging in a willful and bad faith refusal to comply with court orders and discovery obligations related to the case.

The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 last month that the government must facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States. While the government has insisted that it has no way to force the government of El Salvador to return him, Trump said in a Tuesday interview with ABC News that he could get Abrego Garcia back if he wanted. He then said it was up to the lawyers.

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GUEST RESEARCH: Trend Micro Incorporated , a global cybersecurity leader, announced new research* revealing a worrying disconnect between recognition of attack surface risk and use of specialised tools to manage that risk. Trend announced the findings at the RSA Conference in San Francisco.

To learn more about Trends latest research, visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/explore/aichangingcyberrisk



The global study of over 2,000 cybersecurity leaders revealed that 60% of Australian leaders have experienced security incidents due to unknown or unmanaged assets. The number of these assets has rapidly increased with the proliferation of generative AI and the increased complexity that comes with it, as well as continued growth in the number of IoT devices used in offices and employees homes.

As a result, 87% of Australian respondents acknowledged that attack surface management is either directly or somewhat connected to their organisations business risk. A large share also recognised that failing to manage risk across exposed assets can have significant negative impacts beyond immediate security threats, including:

Financial performance (45%)

Customer trust/ brand reputation (42%)

Employee productivity (42%)

Operational continuity (38%)

Regulatory compliance and legal risks (36%)

Market competitiveness (33%)

However, despite this apparent recognition, just 45% of Australian organisations use dedicated tools to proactively manage risk across their attack surface, the study revealed. Over one-third (38%) said they do not have a continuous monitoring process in placea must in order to mitigate and contain risk before it can impact operations.

On average, only 23% of responding Australian organisations' budgets are dedicated to managing attack surface risk, yet over three-quarters (80%) of companies claim that their current resources are adequate for addressing these challenges.

Andrew Philp, ANZ Field CISO at Trend Micro: As far back as 2022, organisations globally - including here in Australia - were becoming increasingly concerned that their cyber-attack surface was spiralling out of control. That concern is even more pressing today. Yet while many local organisations understand the impact this has on operational and reputational risk, there remains a concerning gap in proactive, continuous risk mitigation strategies. Managing cyber risk exposure must become a strategic priority for all Australian businesses.

Against this backdrop, Trends survey has found that artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful enabler in the fight against cyber threats. Over half (62%) of Australian respondents are currently leveraging AI-driven tools as part of their cybersecurity strategy, as a strong majority (84%) emphasised the importance of utilising AI for predictive analytics and threat intelligence. Despite this, nearly half (48%) indicated a need for more information and assurances to encourage further consideration and action in this area.

As almost two-thirds (61%) of Australian businesses dont actively monitor and manage their attack surface in real time, this years Trend Micro World Tour 25 has the theme Proactive Security Starts Here. The flagship events will kick off in Sydney on May 7, followed by seven stops in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Suva, Wellington and Auckland. It will bring together Australias top cyber leaders to share exclusive insights into adversary tactics, proactive security, and next-generation SOC strategies.

*Trend Micro commissioned Sapio Research to interview 2250 individuals, including 100 respondents in AU, with responsibility for IT and/or cybersecurityacross multiple verticals, organisation sizes and 21 countries in Europe, North America and APAC.
A federal judge has barred the Trump administration from deporting immigrants on the basis of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, ruling Thursday that the use of the World War II-era policy to banish alleged Tren de Aragua gang members from the country without due process is illegal.

In a 36-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez ruled that Tren de Araguas presence did not constitute an invasion, as Donald Trump had previously claimed. Rodriguez, a first-term Trump appointee, wrote that the administration had inappropriately invoked the law, which only applies when the nation is facing an armed, organized attack by an invading country.

The Proclamation exceeds the scope of the statute and, as a result, is unlawful, Rodriguez decided. [Administration officials] do not possess the lawful authority under the AEA, and based on the Proclamation, to detain Venezuelan aliens, transfer them within the United States, or remove them from the country.

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In March, the White House made a spontaneous decision to defy a court order by deporting more than 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang to El Salvador under the cover of the wartime policy.

Even after a U.S. district court judge ordered that the immigrants should remain in the U.S. as they await trial, Trump officials thwarted the law and sent the men sky bound regardless.

Trump justified the infraction by claiming Venezuelan immigration into the country constituted an invasion, and described the current era as a time of war. The men were taken to a notorious prison in El Salvador known as CECOT, where the U.S. government is paying El Salvador more than $20,000 per deportee to imprison the men.

Many of the accused men believed that they had been targeted for deportation due to their tattoos. ICE officials have admitted that the immigration agency has used tattoos to tie individuals to gangs, despite the fact that experts argue Venezuelan gangs do not use identifying tattoos.

In April, a U.S. circuit judge stated that the Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act to force immigrants out of the country had treated asylum-seekers worse than prior presidents treated actual German Nazis during World War II.
Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed master of the art of the deal, has finally succeeded in getting one part of his grand war-ending bargain with Ukraine over the finishing line. The minerals deal the US signed with Kyiv on Thursday may not be quite as one-sided and crassly exploitative as earlier drafts suggested. Nonetheless, the deal bears all the hallmarks of the Trump administrations approach to ending the conflict.

Washington has secured, once again, a public display of submission by the Ukrainians. Lest anyone think that the US is a chump which randomly hands out cash to democratic nations fighting for their freedom and independence, Trump has locked in a mechanism for its investment in Ukraines war effort to be paid back in full. But most importantly, like everything else in the world of Trumpian diplomacy the minerals deal makes grand claims but actually means little.

To be clear, it was Kyiv itself who started the ball rolling on the idea of a grand joint minerals-extraction deal in the run-up to last years US presidential election. Ukrainian whizz-kids drew up an investor-style pitch deck detailing the great value of the natural resources lying under their countrys soil, ready to be exploited. The idea was to appeal to transactionally-minded Republicans that continuing support for Kyiv would be to Americas Washingtons profit as well as its strategic interest. The bait worked all too well, with many senior members of the Trump team soon parroting fantastical figures.

The problem is that in the real world, the value of mineral reserves isnt calculated by multiplying the estimated tons lying under the ground by the market price. By that measure, Ukraine is sitting on untold trillions. But to get to actual cash value, you have to look at the volume of the global market for any given metal or mineral and work out how much of that market demand you can fulfil. For example, in 2024 the world bought some $29 billion of lithium (used in car batteries) and $39 billion of titanium (used in engineering).

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Ukraine may control some 5 per cent of the worlds lithium but as yet extracts none of it, and around 7 per cent of the titanium, but again produces no refined titanium and exports only much less valuable ore. Ukraines only graphite mine, opened in 1934, closed last December after a collapse in world prices. Theres also uranium ore, but again the real value is in semi-refined yellow cake that is used to create nuclear fuel and as yet Ukraine produces none. As for the famous rare earth metals  a list of fifteen elements used in electronics  Ukraine officially has none, at least according to the US Geological Survey.

Then theres the problem of distribution of these minerals. Geology is no respecter of borders, and many of the largest deposits  for instance of Lithium ore  run from Kyiv-controlled into Moscow-controlled territory. This is especially true of the biggest and most valuable prize of all, a vast and unexploited natural gas field that runs across the Northern end of the basin of the Donets River, now mostly under Russian occupation.

In theory, then, Ukraine does have plenty of mineral resources which will one day generate plenty of wealth  just not immediately, in the words of an old Soviet joke, and not for everybody. The Americans and Ukrainians seem to have opposite visions of exactly who stands to gain.

For many US Republicans, Trump has opened up a new Klondike which will enrich American businesses. For the Ukrainians, the deal will help attract the multiple billions of dollars in investment that will be needed to extract, refine and transport the minerals from mine to market. And ironically, its the Ukrainians who are right  theyve sold Trump a fantasy that his own side will have to pay to make real.

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But Kyiv also hopes that now that the deal is signed the Trump White House will now become more sympathetic to their interests. Good luck with that. Earlier this week the Kremlin  in the person of the granite-faced Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov  grimly re-stated that Russias demands remained completely unchanged after three months of intensive Trump diplomacy.

Trump, from his position of strength, can force his weaker Ukrainian allies to swallow their pride and dance to whichever tune he wishes. Putin, however, remains deaf to Trumps dealmaking, however artful.

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President Donald Trump portrayed a strong image alongside his Cabinet on Wednesday afternoon, a day after he crossed the 100-day mark of his time in office.

Trump sat between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as each member of his Cabinet listed what they see as the administrations accomplishments of the last three months.

As the Deseret News reported, the president has been busy since his inaugration. Hes overhauled the U.S. immigration system, the military and education. Hes banned biological males from competing in womens sports, taken on higher education, eliminated thousands of federal jobs and is remaking the world order on trade and conflict.

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But the economic report from Wednesday morning, showing the nations economy contracted in the first quarter, put a damper on Trumps 100-day celebration with his Cabinet. The president resorted to blaming his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.

Many Trump-appointed officials in the room joked their boss kept them very busy and offered him praise for his work so far.

President, your first 100 days has far exceeded that of ANY other presidency in this country. Ever. Ever. Never seen anything like it, said Attorney General Pam Bondi. She also claimed Trump saved 258 million lives by seizing fentanyl at the southern border, a number she did not back up. Bondi said she is fighting 200 lawsuits and 50 injunctions against the Trump administration.

Musk and his many hats

Billionaire Elon Musk also attended the meeting, even though he isnt a Cabinet member. He works with the Department of Government Efficiency to reduce federal spending, waste and fraud, but is starting to pivot away from his government work.

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We all want to thank you, Trump said to Musk. You really have sacrificed. You have been treated unfairly, but the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you.

Elon Musk, center, listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. | Evan Vucci

The Tesla owner said he sacrificed his cars, which is not great. Teslas shares have dropped while its cars have become the target of vandalism across the country since Musk became a regular at the White House.

Musk wore two hats stacked on top of each other, embroidered with Gulf of America, at the meeting. They say I wear a lot of hats, Musk joked. Even my hat has a hat. He plans to exit DOGE next week, according to reports.

The economy is Bidens mess, Trump says

Wednesday morning, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the U.S. economy contracted 0.3% in the first quarter of this year. This marks the first drop in the gross domestic product in three years.

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As the Deseret News reported, imports surged in recent weeks in advance of the expected price hikes related to the tariffs.

The president wrote a post on Truth Social in the morning, calling it Bidens stock market, not Trumps.

At the Cabinet meeting, he again blamed the Biden administration for the contraction.

I have to start off by saying, thats Biden, thats not Trump, Trump said. Because we came in January."

Andrew Bates, a former spokesperson to Biden, said in a statement to news outlets that despite being handed over the best-performing economy in the world, the U.S. is plummeting toward a Trumpcession.

Trumps trade rep says tariffs are changing the world order

Trump said hed heard about Samsungs interest in building a U.S. facility as he walked into the Cabinet meeting.

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If we didnt do the tariffs, they wouldnt be doing that, he said.

Although Trumps tariff policies made exceptions for the tech industry, the current administration is clear about prioritizing domestic manufacturing. Some tech giants like Samsung would rather not risk the hefty taxes for importing their goods into the U.S.

IBM, also mentioned during the meeting, announced Monday that its investing $150 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.

Jerry Chow, IBM fellow and director of quantum infrastructure, left, and Daniela Bogorin, IBM quantum research engineer, remove the outer chamber from a quantum computer in Yorktown Heights, New York, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. | Ted Shaffrey

China is the only country that faces high tariffs of 145%. The countrys leaders responded to Washingtons move by levying a 125% tax on American products.

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Trump said Beijing is struggling under the Trump White Houses tariff policies.

Theyre sending boats, the biggest boats in the world, carrying cargo like nobodys ever seen before. ... Theyre coming, and theyre turning around in the Pacific Ocean, he said, adding nobody wants to pay the high duty fees.

Speaking to the fears about empty shelves, Trump said: Well, maybe the children will have to have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know? And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.

The bigger picture is that the tariffs are reordering global trade  that hasnt happened since the end of World War II, said U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer.

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Critics opposing such import taxes argued nations would retaliate against the U.S., and opt out of negotiating.

They said no one would have offers. We have dozens of written offers. We have lots of countries in this week, Greer said, before jokingly adding its a break for him to join the Cabinet meeting amid the visits and calls.

The White House was set to host an Invest in America event later on Wednesday.

Vance has an observation for the media

Vice President JD Vance had a finger-wagging message for the media that labeled the Trump White House as chaotic.

I believe that I am the youngest member sitting at the table, he said. The vice president argued that since the time he was born, he has witnessed the U.S. lose its status as the manufacturing hub to China, fail to meet military recruiting goals and allow millions of migrants to enter the country illegally.

Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi listen during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. | Evan Vucci

What has happened in 100 days is that we started to reverse every single one of those negative trends, he added.

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Vance offered another observation. After looking at the data, he said that under Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths leadership, we now have people breaking down the doors to join our military to the media assembled here.

But, the vice president argued, the media spent more time reporting on the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to a prison in El Salvador in March, than ask why military recruitment is higher under Trump.

Garcia entered the country illegally and is allegedly a Salvadorian gang member. Courts have said Garcia should be brought back to the U.S. but the Trump administration hasnt complied nor given any indication of whether they plan to negotiate with El Salvador to bring him back.

I would never tell you that. And you know who else? Ill never tell a judge, said Rubio, when asked about a formal request to bring back Garcia.
(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump called himself a great unifier during a NewsNation town hall Wednesday, pointing to his electoral success among Hispanic voters and other demographics traditionally less supportive of Republican candidates as evidence of his broad appeal.

I think I will be a great unifier. Thats what I want to be, and its very important to me, Trump told NewsNations Chris Cuomo when asked what he needs to do to be remembered as someone who could bring the country together.

Trump: US in transition period to rebalance trade

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Trump, who recently completed his first 100 days of his second term, cited his performance in border states and Florida as proof of his unifying capabilities.

I got the highest Hispanic vote, maybe, I think, ever for a Republican candidate, Trump said. I won every single border state, and it was all Hispanic vote.

While acknowledging the importance of unity, Trump emphasized his priority is addressing what he sees as critical national challenges.

Tariff deals with India, Japan, South Korea in the works: Trump

What I have to do is save the country. The country was going down the tubes, he said, specifically highlighting border security concerns.

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The interview was part of a NewsNation special reviewing Trumps first 100 days in office, featuring analysts Bill OReilly, Stephen A. Smith and others discussing the administrations accomplishments and challenges.

During the exchange, Cuomo referenced reaching out to Trump following the assassination attempt against him during the campaign, noting that American presidents considered historically great have typically been seen as unifiers.

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 NewsNation.
After President Trumps first nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) failed to gain traction with Senate Republicans, he turned to Susan Monarez, a career federal health official who has been leading the agency in an acting capacity since January.

Former colleagues told The Hill that Monarez is an effective leader who has championed data-driven work and diversity, which could make her an awkward fit for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedys Jr.s agency, which has sent mixed messages on the safety of vaccines, gutted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, and questioned myriad public health orthodoxies.

Monarez is well-respected in scientific circles and unlikely to face any resistance when she goes before the Senate for a confirmation hearing, which has not been announced a month after her nomination. Trump pulled his nomination of former Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) on March 13.

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But Monarez almost surely will face controversy in the job, which will require her to navigate the public health establishment on one side and Kennedys Make America Healthy Again movement on the other.

Brett Giroir, former U.S. assistant secretary for health and former acting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, who worked with Monarez during the recent Trump transition, described her as brilliant, data-driven and nonpartisan.

My sense is Dr. Monarez was chosen because HHS leadership understands she will provide an objective, data and science-driven assessment of prospective policy and operational changes that are currently being considered, Giroir, now CEO of Altesa BioSciences, told The Hill.

Among those policy changes was Trumps ban on DEI across the federal government, which led the CDC to pull down data and websites on topics like vaccines, sexually transmitted diseases and LGBTQ health. The Trump administration has also been accused of restricting CDC research and messaging with layers of oversight.

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The CDC is already under heightened scrutiny for its central role in crafting divisive COVID-19 policies during the pandemic. Its response to any public health crisis under Trump  measles being an early test case  will face particular scrutiny given Kennedys history as a vaccine conspiracy theorist and critic of the agency.

Erin Smith, principal at Pont Advisory Group and a former colleague of Monarez at Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), said Monarez was uniquely equipped to perform the duties and balancing acts required of the job.

When theres a room of people talking about an issue or a problem or a crisis  shes a person you want in the room, Smith said.

There arent too many people that have made it through so many administrations at such a high level. And so, every possible permutation of government process she has seen, and she has seen it across many agencies. So, her expertise in intergovernmental workings amongst agencies is probably second to none.

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Prior to her CDC nomination, Monarez was deputy director at the ARPA-H. Despite having a long tenure in the federal government, Monarez would be an unusual choice for CDC nominee, having neither worked at the agency prior to her nomination nor obtained a doctor of medicine degree. If confirmed, she would be the first CDC director in decades to not be a medical doctor.

During her brief time as head of CDC, there have been reports that she hasnt pushed back on directives from the White House to remove certain health data websites. Its also been reported Monarez has not been attending leadership meetings at the CDC, though this may have to do with her new status as a nominee.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond when asked for comment by The Hill regarding reports that Monarez is no longer attending meetings.

Trumps nominees to lead health agencies mostly have medical backgrounds, though they have also challenged the public health mainstream on issues, like COVID-19 lockdowns. A few gained wider fame through regular appearances on Fox News. Marty Makary, the commissioner of the FDA, who was a top surgeon at Johns Hopkins prior to his nomination, has raised eyebrows by increasingly echoing Kennedys skepticism of vaccines and their safety.

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To those whove worked alongside Monarez, she is remembered chiefly as a strong believer in science and wildly enthusiastic about the potential for integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence into health care.

I think with her in this position, weve seen a lot of extremely unqualified people who maybe would undermine the mission and vision of some of these health agencies, one former colleague who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Hill.

And Susan is someone who I very much trust to  even if she needs to be a team player in this position  I dont think she individually, with full autonomy, is going to go out of her way to find opportunities to dismantle the CDC. I do not suspect that of her at all.

Smith, the former ARPA-H staffer, said Monarez was particularly skilled at coordinating private industry partners to all move in the same direction through government regulatory processes.

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We were going to be working on things that  some of them are higher risk and wont be successful but some of them will be very successful, Smith said. And the only way to operationalize scale and then commercialize [it] is if everybody is working together, and I think her ability to see that is not typically found in government.

When asked to describe Monarezs managerial style, Smith said she was collaborative by nature and a scientist by training and has almost no ego. Smith added that Monarezs skills with organization and belief in innovation would make her a good fit for Kennedys Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Monarezs public comments will be closely watched for any breaks with Kennedy, given what appears to be drastically different perspectives on public health. Kennedy has often been dismissive of studies and data that form the bedrock of U.S. health policy.

During one of Kennedys confirmation hearings, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) presented him with a study disputing any links between vaccinations and autism. Kennedy immediately pushed back, saying other studies support a possible connection.

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Former colleagues did not recall Monarez ever expressing her views on vaccinations, though she was repeatedly described as one who would trust science.

Monarezs former colleague who spoke on the condition of anonymity speculated she may be acting pragmatically in response to the Trump administrations directives, trying to identify areas of compromise and strategically mitigating broader attacks on existing data.

This same source recalled Monarez strongly advocated for a Hispanic Heritage Month event to be hosted by ARPA-H. Monarez is not Hispanic, but her husband is.

So Im curious where all of that goes in this new administration, they said.

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US President Donald Trump has approved for the first time in his second term to sell weapons worth US$50 million to Ukraine.

Source: Kyiv Post, a Ukrainian English-language newspaper, citing its sources in diplomatic circles, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kyiv Post says the Trump administration informed Congress on 30 April of its intention to approve the export of military goods to Ukraine via direct commercial sales (DCS) of US$50 million or more. The notice has been submitted to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act.

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The deal covers the sale of military goods, including technical data, as well as certain services.

This marks the first such move in Trumps second term.

The US had approved exports of US$1.6 billion worth of goods and services to Ukraine through this mechanism without any public announcements between 2015 and 2023.

"All DCSs are quiet; they dont get announced publicly like Foreign Military Sales," Colby Badhwar from the Tochnyi Research Group told Kyiv Post in Washington. "The news here is basically that it [US arms sales] is continuing, despite everyone predicting that Trump would cut Ukraine off completely."

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Background:

On 14 April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated his readiness to purchase ten Patriot air defence systems from the US for US$15 billion, adding that European partners were prepared to assist with financing.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, commenting on such a proposal, hinted that Zelenskyy had "started a war".

On 30 April, Ukraine and the United States signed a mineral resources deal.

First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko outlined the key provisions of the final document, which she said meets Ukraine's interests and aligns with the countrys course towards European integration. Amongst other things, it states that Ukraine will retain ownership and control over its resources, the fund will be managed on a parity basis and the agreement contains no mention of any Ukrainian debt.

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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 1 that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is leaving his position and will be nominated as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Trump wrote on Truth Social. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role.

In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take on the role of national security adviser while continuing to lead the State Department, according to the statement.

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Earlier on May 1, Fox News reported that Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were dismissed from the Trump administration, following a high-profile Signal group chat leak involving sensitive military discussions.

Waltz, a former Florida congressman and decorated Green Beret, had been under pressure since March, when the Atlantics editor-in-chief revealed he was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat where top officials, including Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, discussed military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Waltz has also reportedly created and hosted other sensitive national-security conversations on Signal with cabinet members, including those on peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Waltz later took full responsibility for the March incident, calling it embarrassing in an April interview with Fox News Laura Ingraham.

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Previously, Waltz has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting he is not genuinely seeking an end to the war with Russia. He also pressed Kyiv to sign the minerals deal, saying Ukraine "needs to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal."

According to CNN, Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trumps special envoy and longtime ally, is being considered as a possible replacement for Waltz.

Witkoff, a real estate developer with limited diplomatic experience, has raised concerns among some officials due to his alignment with Russian narratives and his informal role in key international negotiations, including U.S. talks with Iran and efforts to end Russian war in Ukraine.

Recently, he has emerged as Trump's de facto personal envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff has been to Moscow at least four times for talks with the Russian president and other top officials.

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Read also: Zelensky says minerals deal signing first result of talks with Trump in Vatican

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National Security Adviser Mike Waltz  who in March accidentally invited a journalist into an unsecured chat where top Trump officials discussed military attack plans  is leaving his post, and his deputy, Alex Wong, will be following him out the door.

Mark Halperin was the first to report the news of Waltzs ouster Thursday morning.

Trump announced later in the day that he is nominating Waltz to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take over as national security adviser on an interim basis. Rubio is also serving as the acting head of the National Archives, after Trump fired its previous leader. Trump previously nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to become ambassador to the UN, but later pulled the nomination, ostensibly so Stefanik could help protect the GOPs narrow majority in Congress.

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Waltz is the first high-level Donald Trump appointee to be booted from his position. The former Florida congressman faced intense scrutiny over his role in the Signalgate scandal, and struggled to defend himself publicly after the story broke. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also come under fire after he shared attack plans against Houthi rebels in Yemen in the unsecured chat, a stunning display of recklessness with sensitive information.

Trump seemed to stick by both of them. He said at the time that Waltz learned his lesson and is doing his best. The scandal has continued to haunt Hegseth, who reportedly sent the plans to his wife in a separate unsecured Signal chat. Trump said in an interview with The Atlantic published earlier this week that the man he put in charge of the military is getting it together.

Its Waltz who appears to be taking the fall, however, possibly because he has curried more disfavor within the administration. Rolling Stone reported in March on the Trump teams exasperation with Waltz, particularly over the comical unforced error of unwittingly adding Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg to the Signal chat. Is Waltz just Jonah from Veep then? wondered one Trump appointee.

CBS News and Politico confirmed later Thursday morning that Trump was planning to get rid of Waltz, with Politico noting that he has lost the confidence of other administration officials. The president could make the move as soon as this week.

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Waltz attended a Cabinet meeting in the White House on Wednesday. Mr. President, the last four years the world experienced a lack of leadership under Biden, and then weve had 100 days of your leadership with respect and with strength, the soon-to-be-former national security adviser told the president.

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President Donald Trump, celebrating the 100-day mark of his second term with his Cabinet, admitted his tariffs could mean higher prices for Americans, but appeared to dismiss the impact on American families, including on children's toys.

"You know, somebody said, 'Oh, the shelves are going to be open.' Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls," Trump said on Wednesday.

"You know, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally," the president continued. "But, we're not talking about something that we have to go out of our way."

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Trump went on to claim Americans didn't "need" many of the products that are imported from China, the world's second largest economy and the United States' third largest trading partner.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who joined press secretary Karoline Leavitt at a special briefing Thursday morning, argued Americans would be willing to pay more for American-made dolls.

"He was making the point that I think almost every American consumer agrees with, which is if they had a choice between a -- and I'm a parent of young children -- a choice between a doll from China that might have, say, lead paint in it, that is not as well constructed as a doll made in America, that has a higher environmental and regulatory standard, and that is made to a higher degree of quality, and those two products are both on Amazon that yes, you probably would be willing to pay more for a better made American product," Miller said.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Trump's comments on dolls came a day after he pushed back on economic anxieties in an exclusive interview with ABC News.

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"Hard times are ahead?" ABC News anchor and Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran asked the president.

"I don't think so," Trump responded. "I think great times are ahead."

Trump's defended his tariff plan -- which includes product-specific levies on steel, aluminum and cars, a baseline 10% tariff on virtually all trade partners and a whopping $145% tariff on China -- as necessary to combat unfair trade deficits with other nations.

He's also argued the taxes will bring a boost in manufacturing as companies will invest to make their products in America instead.

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MORE: Trump pushes back against economic anxieties in ABC interview, says China 'probably will eat those tariffs'

But the administration's bumpy tariff rollout wiped away trillions in wealth as markets tumbled. Businesses continue to warn of possible price hikes and potential product shortages due to the levies. Trump said on Wednesday night, during a town hall with NewsNation, that he was in no rush to negotiate trade deals.

Trump's message for Americans who may have concerns at the prospect of higher prices and other economic impacts was they voted for it -- despite his repeated promises on the campaign trail to bring down prices on Day 1 of his administration.

"With the economy, the number one issue for so many people, for just about everybody. It -- it's one of the main reasons that you're back in this office. And now we have this trade war with China that -- that Moody's and other analysts say is gonna cost American families thousands of more dollars per year. And there is a lot of concern out there. 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?" ABC's Moran asked Trump.

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"Well, they did sign up for it, actually. And this is what I campaigned on," Trump responded. "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."

PHOTO: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks next to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, May 1, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

The president's also repeatedly insisted that China will be hit harder in the trade war.

"You don't know whether or not China's gonna eat it," Trump told ABC on Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning, the Commerce Department reported the U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.3% during the first quarter of 2025.

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MORE: US economy shrank at start of Trump's 2nd term

Trump sought to deflect blame by pinning the contraction on his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.

"This is Biden's Stock Market, not Trump's," he posted on his conservative social media site. (In January 2024, when Biden was still president, Trump took credit for positive stock markets and cited poll numbers that showed him ahead of Biden).

Trump even preemptively blamed Biden for second quarter data as well.

"This is Biden," he said. "And you could even say the next quarter is sort of Biden because it doesn't just happen on a daily or an hourly basis," he said during his Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Trump dismisses concerns about higher prices from tariffs, even on children's toys originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has stated that Ukraine is supposedly prepared to concede the territories occupied by Russia "de facto" but not "de jure".

Source: Kellogg on a Fox News broadcast, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kellogg was speaking about a meeting held in London last week, attended by European and Ukrainian representatives.

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"We had 22 concrete terms that theyve agreed to," he said.

"What they want to, at the very first, and what they have is a very comprehensive and permanent ceasefire that leads to a peace treaty. What I mean comprehensive  sea, air, land infrastructure [ceasefire] for at least 30 days," Kellogg stated.

He said those 30 days are important because they would help stop the killing, which is exactly what Donald Trump seeks.

When asked about Trumps envoy Steve Witkoffs meetings in Moscow and Russias desire to retain the territories seized from Ukraine, Kellogg said that Ukraine had agreed to territorial concessions, but "not de jure, not forever, but de facto", in line with the current situation and the actual frontline map.

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"They [the Ukrainians] are willing to give up the land [occupied by the Russians  ed.]  not de jure, not forever, but de facto, because the Russians actually occupy that land. Theyve agreed to that... And they told me that last week," he said.

"They know that if they have a ceasefire in place, which means you sit on the ground that you currently hold. Thats what they are willing to go to," Kellogg added.

Background: German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the territorial concession proposals being put forward by the administration of US President Donald Trump go too far.

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Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect U.S. National Security Adviser Make Waltz' nomination for US Ambassador to the UN by President Donald Trump.

U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were dismissed from their current roles in the Trump administration, Fox News reported on May 1, following a high-profile Signal group chat leak involving sensitive military discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump later in the day announced Waltz' nomination for as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

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Waltz, a former Florida congressman and decorated Green Beret, had been under pressure since March, when the Atlantics editor-in-chief revealed he was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat where top officials, including Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, discussed military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Waltz has also reportedly created and hosted other sensitive national-security conversations on Signal with cabinet members, including those on peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Waltz later took full responsibility for the March incident, calling it embarrassing in an April interview with Fox News Laura Ingraham.

Previously, Waltz has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting he is not genuinely seeking an end to the war with Russia. He also pressed Kyiv to sign the minerals deal, saying Ukraine "needs to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal."

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Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy and longtime ally, is being considered as a possible replacement for Waltz, CNN reported on May 1 citing undisclosed sources.

Witkoff, a real estate developer with limited diplomatic experience, has raised concerns among some officials due to his alignment with Russian narratives and his informal role in key international negotiations, including U.S. talks with Iran and efforts to end Russian war in Ukraine.

Recently, he has emerged as Trump's de facto personal envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff has been to Moscow at least four times for talks with the Russian president and other top officials.

Read also: US to bring Ukraine, Russia together over the next 100 days, Vance says

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When Native Hawaiian combat veteran Joseph Guzman-Simpliciano got back home to Hawaii from Afghanistan and Iraq, he was shocked at how the burnt-out, abandoned cars lying by the side of the road on the west side of Oahu reminded him of the war zone he had just left.

Joseph and his wife, Carmen, founded Kingdom Pathways to help empower their community to address environmental problems like water contamination and illegal dumping. We founded Kingdom Pathways out of love for our land, said Carmen, who is both Native Hawaiian and Cherokee.

By the end of last year, they had received a $3 million federal grant to help empower their community to shape environmental policy. The money wouldve enabled their organization to hire about a dozen people; train community members on citizen science, such as taking air quality and water samples; and help educate the community on longstanding environmental challenges like how to get rid of cesspools.

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When she found out about the grant, Carmen was shocked. I said, What? Little old us? she said. Im just a mom trying to figure out how to keep my children safe in my community.

Joseph and Carmen Guzman-Simpliciano stand with their son in front of a traditional Hawaiian canoe.

But her excitement was short-lived. Over the course of the first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump has been slashing millions of dollars in federal funding that supports Indigenous peoples and their environmental work. He has changed policies to make it easier for developers to fast-track energy projects and eliminated numerous federal jobs in agencies like Indian Health Services and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. More than $350 million has been frozen for tribal nations and Alaska Native communities, including money to replace asbestos-ridden homes for the Tyonek people in Alaska and upgrade their homes with solar panels to help them offset monthly electric bills that can range from $300 to $800, and funding to prevent an eroding riverbank from swallowing up the homes in the Alaska Native Village of Kipnuk.

The chaos is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration to act quickly regardless of legality and reverse policies when needed, even at the cost of sowing confusion and wasting money. Its been a shitshow, said Matthew Fletcher, a law professor at Michigan State University and member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

More on Trumps first 100 days

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In his home state of Michigan, tribal nations like the Bay Mills Indian Community have experienced the twin effects of both loss of federal funding and consequences of Trumps push to deregulate energy projects. Last year, Bay Mills received a multimillion dollar award to build up its solar infrastructure; in February, that funding was frozen. For years they have been fighting an expansion of the Line 5 oil pipeline that snakes through the Great Lakes; this year, Trump fast-tracked it, prompting Bay Mills and other tribal nations to withdraw from a federal consultation process.

Kingdom Pathways grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wasnt specifically for Indigenous-led organizations, but it was slashed as part of a broader defunding of EPAs Community Change grants that had sought to address climate and environmental justice. Within the past two weeks, a court ruled that the Trump administration violated the law in failing to pay out the grants promised to Guzman-Simplicianos and similar organizations. The money is now flowing again, but its not clear how long thatll continue.

Theres a lot of uncertainty, said Gussie Lord, a managing attorney at the environmental law firm Earthjustice and a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. People dont know what is going on or how its going to impact their programs.

Read Next

Reeds in the water in front of the Mackinac Bridge.

Why Indigenous nations are walking away from pipeline talks in Michigan

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Izzy Ross

The funding cuts have been so severe and widespread that more than 20 Native organizations banded together to form a new Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty to defend their rights amid Trumps rapid-fire federal policy changes. Since February, they have written nearly two dozen letters to the Trump administration and Congress pushing back on budget cuts.

We are not the cause of federal deficits, nor should federal savings be achieved to our detriment, the coalition said in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum last month. In fact, the U.S. should prioritize payment on debt to tribal nations as its original creditors.

Part of the reason Indigenous peoples are particularly affected by federal upheaval is because tribal nations necessarily deal with the federal government more so than non-Indigenous peoples, Lord said. Thats because many tribal nations have treaties with the U.S. that establish ongoing trust responsibilities between the U.S. and Indigenous peoples and guarantee certain rights.

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Many live on federal Indian reservations, land heavily regulated by U.S. agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Their children go to schools funded by the U.S. Department of Education or they receive health care from the federally funded Indian Health Service. Indigenous peoples in Alaska and the Pacific region also rely on federal funding, and in the U.S. territories, they lack voting representation in Congress and the ability to vote for president.

Get in touch with Grist

Have you lost your federal job or funding? Grist wants to hear about how cuts are impacting the environment, health, and safety of communities around the country.

Share your story with us here.

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Allison Neswood, an attorney at the Native American Rights Fund, said the cuts are particularly painful because tribal services have been perpetually underfunded  for example, public safety and justice programs are funded at 13 percent of the estimated need, and health care is funded at half. Because of this, in addition to advocacy and litigation, tribal leaders are also finding ways to work with the Trump administration to resolve their concerns.

I think this is very existential for tribes. You cant just walk away from the administration, Neswood said. These are life-and-death, existential issues. So I think theres a real effort to see where we can find some shared priorities or shared interests with the administration.

The Trump administration says its acting in line with its commitment to efficient spending.

Read Next

An aerial view of green and brown desert

Oak Flat is sacred to Western Apache. The Trump administration intends to approve a plan to destroy it.

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Wyatt Myskow, Inside Climate News

As with any change in administration, the agency is reviewing its awarded grants to ensure each is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and to understand how those programs align with administration priorities, the EPA said in a statement to Grist. Projects are being individually assessed by period of performance, criticality, and other criteria, the Bureau of Indian Affairs echoed.

Lord from Earthjustice said her immediate concern goes beyond funding cuts. An Interior Department announcement last week revealed the agency will shorten timelines for environmental impact analyses, which can take as long as two years, down to 28 days.

Things like mines, pipelines, big oil and gas leases, things that can really impact a huge area of land, and a large watershed  those environmental reviews have been arbitrarily truncated, she said. It really covers a broad swath of industrial activities.

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Fletcher from Michigan State University said such deregulation might benefit a small percentage of tribes who have oil reserves, but that many others will find themselves shut out from decision-making on projects affecting their communities. Trump signed an executive order earlier this year to fast-track energy projects, and is jump-starting a copper mine at Oak Flat to meet growing demand for critical mineral mining, over the objections of the Western Apache people.

Were finding that much of the legal and political infrastructure weve established vis-a-vis the federal government is being systematically dismantled, he said.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Trumps first 100 days shredded millions in funding for Indigenous peoples on May 1, 2025.
After months of intensive and sometimes bitter wrangling, the United States and Ukraine have put pen to paper on a deal that gives Washington control over Kyivs vast natural resources wealth.

The agreement creates a reconstruction investment fund for Ukraine, which essentially gives Donald Trump a stake in the future of the country as he negotiates an end to the three-year war with Russia.

Negotiations over the document were often fraught  even brutal when the US president publicly chided Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, in the Oval Office  but Ukraine has secured some critical concessions.

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However, some expected promises from Washington in exchange for access to the countrys critical minerals are missing from the document, seen by The Telegraph.

Here are four key takeaways from what could emerge as a historic agreement on the path to peace.

What the agreement means for Ukraine  and the US

Early drafts of the document were described as an attempt by Mr Trump to extort Ukraine for its mineral wealth.

He has often claimed the deal would be a way of Kyiv paying back what he says, incorrectly, was more than $300 billion.

Original versions of the agreement handed Washington the whip hand over the future of Ukraines minerals.

But under the agreement, Ukraine has the final say over what minerals are extracted and where from.

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There are also crucial wins recognising key Ukrainian talking points, a considerable win for Kyivs negotiators when many feared Mr Trump was more favourable of the Kremlins rhetoric.

For the first time, the US has been willing to accuse Russia of being the aggressor in the war.

Previously, Washingtons policy had been to describe it as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

But now it has agreed language that calls the war a full-scale invasion and prevents Russia and its allies from benefiting from Ukraines mineral wealth.

This is a sizeable victory for Kyiv, and will go a long way in reassuring the war-torn country and its allies that any future peace deal is not lop-sided in Russias favour.

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Another win secured by Ukraine is a promise that the minerals deal wont be allowed to impede its path to European Union membership.

It makes a specific, and high up, reference to this fact after previous versions of the deal were said to have provided too many legal obstacles to accession of the bloc.

It wasnt all plain-sailing for Kyiv though. One of the most notable exclusions from original draft versions was any mention of security guarantees.

Ukraine wants concrete assurances from the US it will come to its aid if Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, eventually breaks any ceasefire agreement.

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There is no such language in the agreed text.

One potential positive though could emerge as a vague chance that Washington could start shipping weapons to Ukraine, using the minerals deal to fund deliveries.

This signals that possible deliveries of military hardware, such as air defence systems, could be funded through the minerals agreement.



Mr Trumps concerns that Ukraine is receiving this kit for free would be eliminated and it could potentially restart crucial deliveries of Patriot air defence missiles, which only the US can supply.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is nominating national security adviser Mike Waltz as United Nations ambassador while Secretary of State Marco Rubio would take over Waltzs duties on an interim role.

He announced the major shake-up of his national security team shortly after news broke that Waltz and his deputy are leaving the administration. Waltz has been under scrutiny for weeks after reporting from The Atlantic that he had mistakenly added the magazine's editor-in-chief to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.

I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first, Trump wrote on social media.

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In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN.

There is precedent for the secretary of state to serve simultaneously as national security adviser. Henry Kissinger held both positions from 1973 to 1975.

It's not clear how long Rubio will hold both jobs.

But he'll be doing double duty at a moment when the Trump administration is facing no shortage of foreign policy challenges  the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Iran's rapidly advancing nuclear program and an uncertain world economy in the midst of Trump's global tariff war.

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Waltz came under searing criticism in March after revelations that he added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on an encrypted messaging app that was used to discuss planning for a sensitive military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen.

Vice President JD Vance pushed back on characterizations that Waltz was ousted.

The media wants to frame this as a firing. Donald Trump has fired a lot of people, Vance said in an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News Channel. "He doesnt give them Senate-confirmed appointments afterwards.

Trump scrapped first UN pick

Trumps decision to move Waltz to the U.N. comes weeks after he pulled his pick for the job, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, from consideration over fears about Republicans' tight voting margins in the U.S. House.

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Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation, Waltz said Thursday.

His shift from national security adviser to U.N. ambassador nominee means he will now have to face a Senate confirmation hearing.

The process, which proved to be difficult for a number of Trumps Cabinet picks, will give lawmakers, especially Democrats, the first chance to grill Waltz on his decision to share information about an imminent U.S. airstrike on Signal.

Sen. Chris Coons, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, signaled that Waltz will face difficult questions.

I look forward to a thorough confirmation hearing, Coons said on social media.

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Several aides under consideration for Waltz's job

Trump is believed to be weighing several senior aides to eventually take on the national security adviser role, including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Richard Grenell, National Security Council senior director for counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka and senior State Department official Michael Anton, according to several people familiar with the ongoing deliberations.

Witkoff, a fellow New York City real estate maverick who has known Trump for years, has played a key role in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict and has been the administration's chief interlocutor in the Iran nuclear talks launched last month.

Witkoff has expressed no interest in taking the job, which requires hands-on management of numerous agencies, but could, if asked by Trump, assume temporary control of the NSC, according to one U.S. official familiar with the matter.

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The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Witkoff would prefer to stay in his current special envoy role, which is relatively independent and not tied to any particular bureaucracy.

Grenell, in addition to being Trumps envoy for special missions, is serving as the interim president at the Kennedy Center. He served as ambassador to Germany during Trumps first administration, was special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and did a stint as acting director of national intelligence. Hes also weighing running in next years California governors race.

Waltz had previously taken full responsibility for building the Signal message chain and administration officials described the episode as a mistake but one that caused Americans no harm. Waltz maintained that he was not sure how Goldberg ended up in the messaging chain, and insisted he did not know the journalist.

Trump and the White House  which insisted that no classified information was shared on the text chain  publicly stood by Waltz throughout the episode. But the embattled national security adviser was under siege from personalities such as Laura Loomer, who has encouraged Trump to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the Make America Great Again agenda.

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As reports began to circulate that Waltz could be leaving the administration, Loomer appeared to take credit in a post on the social media site X, writing: SCALP.

Hopefully, the rest of the people who were set to be fired but were given promotions at the NSC under Waltz also depart, Loomer wrote in another post.

Waltz gets soft landing with UN nomination

Retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, an analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, said with the U.N. nomination Trump presented Waltz with a soft landing as he removed him from the powerful national security advisory post just over 100 days into the administration.

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The Signal episode hurt Waltz. But even more damaging were the attacks by Loomer and his hawkish views on Iran and Russia, which are more in line with Republican orthodoxy, Montgomery said.

"He hurt himself by having to constantly defend his staff that were under inappropriate attack, Montgomery said. I think Waltz tried as hard as he could to adjust his traditional thinking about foreign policy to the presidents more opportunistic system, but the president is just a hard person to adjust to.

Hegseth continues to face scrutiny

Questions have also swirled around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his role in the Signal chat.

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While Waltz set it up, Hegseth posted times for aircraft launches and bomb drops into the unsecured app and shared the same information with dozens of people in a second chat, including his wife and brother.

The Associated Press reported that Hegseth also bypassed Pentagon security protocols to set up an unsecured line for a personal computer in his office - beside terminals where he was receiving classified information. That raises the possibility that sensitive information could have been put at risk of potential hacking or surveillance.

The Pentagon inspector general is investigating Hegseths use of Signal, and he has faced criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans. It has added to the turmoil at the Pentagon at a time when Hegseth has dismissed or transferred multiple close advisers. Nonetheless, Trump has maintained public confidence in Hegseth.

___

Amiri reported from the United Nations. Associated Press writers Tara Copp, Matthew Lee and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to depart the administration, according to two people familiar with the matter on Thursday, marking the first major staff shakeup of President Donald Trumps second term.

Waltz came under searing scrutiny in March after revelations that he added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which was used to discuss planning for a sensitive March 15 military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen. A far-right ally of the president, Laura Loomer, has also targeted Waltz, telling Trump in a recent Oval Office conversation that he needs to purge aides who she believes are insufficiently loyal to the Make America Great Again agenda.

Waltzs deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to depart, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel move not yet made public. The National Security Council did not respond do a request for comment.

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Waltz, who served in the House representing Florida for three terms before his elevation to the White House, is the most prominent senior administration official to depart since Trump returned to the White House. In his second term, the Republican president had been looking to avoid the tumult of his first four years in office, during which he cycled through four national security advisers, four White House chiefs of staff and two secretaries of state.

The Signal chain also showed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop. Waltz had previously taken full responsibility for building the message chain and administration officials described the episode as a mistake but one that caused Americans no harm. Waltz maintained that he was not sure how Goldberg ended up in the messaging chain, and insisted he did not know the journalist.

Trump and the White House  which insisted that no classified information was shared on the text chain  have stood by Waltz publicly throughout the episode. But the embattled national security adviser was also under siege from personalities such as Loomer, who had been complaining to administration officials that she had been excluded from the vetting process for National Security Council aides. In her view, Waltz relied too much on neocons  referring to hawkish neoconservatives within the Republican Party  as well as others who Loomer argued were not-MAGA-enough types.

Waltz was on television as late as Thursday morning, promoting the administrations agreement with Kyiv that would allow the U.S. to access Ukraines critical minerals and other natural resources. As reports began to circulate that Waltz could be leaving the administration, Loomer appeared to take credit in a post on the social media site X, writing: SCALP.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he would nominate national security adviser Mike Waltz to serve as UN ambassador, after widespread reports that Trump planned to oust him, in the first major staff shakeup since the president took office in January.

The president said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would replace Waltz in the prior role on an interim basis.

Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role, Trump wrote on Truth Social. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department.

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Trump informed Waltz that he was removing him from his role as national security adviser and nominating him as UN ambassador Thursday morning, a White House official told CNN.

Im deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation, Waltz wrote on X after Trumps announcement.

Waltzs job has been in limbo after it was made clear to him earlier this week that his time leading the National Security Council had come to an end, according to a source familiar with the matter. Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser, and other national security advisers are expected to depart their roles as well, per multiple sources familiar with conversations, though timing is unclear.

Rubio now fills four roles within the administration: secretary of state, national security adviser, national archivist and acting administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

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Waltz is heading to a potentially contentious confirmation fight in the Senate. Multiple people close to Trump said the president does not view the UN ambassador role as a high priority. Thats in part why he never intervened early on to speed along the nomination of his first pick, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. Trump also did not move quickly to pick a new person for the role, after Republicans narrow House majority forced Stefanik to remain in Congress.

Waltz had been on shaky ground within the administration  having lost most of his influence in the West Wing  after he inadvertently added a journalist to a messaging app group chat about highly sensitive military strikes.

Trump had considered firing him after the incident, but declined to do so because he didnt want to provide his enemies a perceived victory, and he hoped to avoid the type of chaos that colored his first administration.

But while Trump stood by him at the time, Waltzs standing hadnt ever really recovered, according to four sources, and he lost clout with top aides inside the West Wing. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has privately been one of the officials most unimpressed with Waltz  even before the Signal fiasco.

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At 100 days into his second term, Trump no longer appears as concerned about the appearance of disorder.

Waltzs influence internally had been waning for weeks, illustrated best by Trumps decision to dismiss several staffers from the National Security Council at the urging of far-right activist Laura Loomer, who told him they were disloyal. Loomer told CNN Thursday she had previously tried to raise concerns about Waltz directly with Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office, where Loomer was urging the removal of certain national security officials. She said she planned to show Trump a 2016 campaign ad in which Waltz criticized him, but before she could play the clip on her phone, Waltz entered the room.

Loomer said she had also targeted Wong, citing his past work for Mitt Romneys presidential campaign.

Mark Halperin first reported the news of Waltz being pushed out.

Trumps thinking on Hegseth

Before Trump announced his new plans for Waltz, Democrats on Capitol Hill largely reacted to news of his ouster by saying Trump was going after the wrong national security official. They believed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deserved the boot more after he discussed bomb targets in Yemen in the Signal chat.

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I think theyre holding the wrong guy accountable, Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly said, adding that he thought Waltz accidentally including a journalist on the Signal chat was an unfortunate mistake but that he found it most troubling that Hegseth shared incredibly sensitive information about a strike off of an aircraft carrier, putting pilots at risk.

But Trumps thinking on Hegseth has sharply differed from how he regarded Waltz after the Signal episode, according to people familiar with the matter. The president was never able to move beyond the question of how Waltz invited Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic into the group chat in the first place, people familiar with the matter say.

While Trump did not think Hegseth exercised good judgment in sharing the Yemen war plan in at least two group chats, according to the people familiar, he believed his Defense secretary should not be dismissed after the administration spent so much political capital to confirm him.

Hegseth also has more far support outside the administration through the Trump-inspired MAGA movement than Waltz, who was viewed with deep suspicion among the base. Plus, unlike Hegseth, replacing Waltz does not involve a Senate confirmation fight.

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Still, Hegseth has faced internal scrutiny. Wiles has ordered Hegseth and the Pentagon to step up their performance, offering an admonition weeks ago that there is no room for more mistakes or embarrassments.

But behind the scenes, some administration officials had begun quietly discussing an off-ramp for Waltz over the last several days. Trump has expressed frustration with him on multiple fronts, including the Signal episode. He was also irritated the Florida congressional race to replace Waltz was closer than expected, two sources familiar with the conversations told CNN.

President Trump lost confidence in him a while ago, one source said.

Waltz boarded Marine One with Trump on Tuesday, but when his colleagues boarded Air Force One about 10 minutes later, he instead remained on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews. One White House official said he was never slated to travel with the president to Michigan, but the move was viewed as odd by other aides inside the administration.

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Asked about the impact of Waltzs dismissal as national security adviser, before Rubio was named as a replacement, multiple foreign officials  including some from the Middle East  expressed apprehension about who would fill the role.

Of all of them, we never thought he would be the first [to be fired], said a senior western official.

This story has been updated with additional details.

Manu Raju and Steve Contorno contributed to this report.

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Perhaps no other disagreement about Donald Trump has been more enduring than the one between those who claim he is a warmonger and those, including Trump himself, who argue that he is to the contrary a man of peace. The answer to that debate ultimately explains Trumps approach to the use of military force in U.S. foreign policybut only if you know where to look.

Even before his re-election, those who consider Trump to be a bellicose militarist pointed to his track record from his first term, when he loosened the rules of engagement for U.S. forces in Iraq during the final assault on Mosul; removed constraints on the use of armed drones in Somalia; launched missile strikes on Syria in response to the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime; authorized the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani; and threatened North Korea with fire and fury if it attacked the United States.

Since his re-election, the list has grown even longer and arguably more alarming. Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of military force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal; ordered a ramped-up campaign of missile strikes against the Houthis in Yemen; and threatened Iran with attack if it does not abandon its uranium-enrichment program.

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On the face of it, the case for Trump being a warmonger seems pretty convincing. But one need not be a Trump supporter to find some equally convincing counterexamples and arguments. During his first term, for instance, Trump repeatedly signaled his desire to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and later Somalia, only to be stymied each time by his own military chain of command. He also stepped back from conflict with Iran on several occasions, including after Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike on Iraq-based U.S. troops in response to Soleimanis assassination, but alsoand more dramaticallywhen he called off an airstrike in response to Irans downing of an unpiloted U.S. drone while the U.S. warplanes were already in the air and on route to their targets.

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Trumps diplomatic moves, both in his first term and since his return to the White House, lend further weight to the image of him as an aspiring peacemaker rather than a warmonger. It was Trump who ordered the drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan before subsequently negotiating the deal with the Taliban that led to the U.S. withdrawal there under his successor, Joe Biden. And Trump followed up his bellicose threats toward Pyongyang with diplomatic engagement that culminated in his unprecedented summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

He seems to have repeated the maneuver with Iran this time around, having followed up his threats of military strikes with an offer of talks that opened last week. Just days before taking office he strong-armed Israel into accepting a ceasefire with Hamas, though that has now collapsed, and has tried to do the same with regard to Ukraine and Russia, with even less to show for it. More broadly, though motivated by different reasons, his hostility to U.S. alliances in Europe and Asiaand the moral hazard they create for potentially dragging the U.S. into ill-advised conflictsbear enough of a resemblance to the restraint school of U.S. foreign policy thinking to benefit from its anti-war coding in policy debates.

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Say what you will about the advisability and implementation of Trumps diplomatic initiatives and leanings, but they are not consistent with the image of him being singularly fixated on waging war.

Trump is not only far from being a pacifist but actually susceptible to the appeal of wars that, for those who still believe in the tenets of the liberal international order and the U.S. global role in it, are dumb and illegal.

How are we to make sense of this seeming contradiction? As is often the case with a man whose political identity is defined as much as anything else by being the anti-Obama, the matrix to decipher this enigma can be found in the words and record of his predecessor.

As a candidate in 2008, Barack Obama famously said, I am not opposed to all wars. Im opposed to dumb wars, by which he meant wars that do not advance U.S. interests. And in his speech accepting the Nobel Peace Prize just months after taking office, he pointedly refused to reject all wars by citing just war theory.

Trump reverses both lenses.

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To begin with, Trump rejects the logic that Obama as well as other U.S. presidents and foreign policy analysts use to assess whether a war is smart or dumbnamely, the logic of the global order that the U.S. custom-built for its own benefit in the aftermath of World War II and consolidated following the Cold War. Of course, as Obamas dumb wars remark makes clear, there was always debate within that framework over whether any given military action actually did advance U.S. interests. But whether it is to defend the global orders norms of territorial integrity and sovereignty, as in Kuwait and Ukraine, or advance U.S. interests as defined by its global role, as in NATO, Japan and South Korea, Trump sees any military action or security commitment undertaken to uphold the liberal international order as being played for a sucker.

Meanwhile, Trump also rejects the laws, norms and values that Obama as well as other U.S. presidents, foreign policy analysts and international jurists would use to judge whether a war is just or not. During his first term, Trump said the U.S. should have taken Iraqs oil, and he is now fixated on imperial annexation. As importantly, the cases during his first term in which Trump embraced the use of force, it was in situations where it broke the rules, whether by taking the gloves off where Obama had been too restrictive, as in the aerial onslaught in Mosul; by being tough where Obama had chickened out, as in the missile strikes against Syria; or by simply disregarding U.S. law, as in the Soleimani assassination.

Seen in this light, all of the seemingly contradictory data points of Trumps record on the use of military force align neatly in a matrix that is no less alarming for being more clearly configured. For it leaves us with a president who is not only far from being a pacifist but actually susceptible to the appeal of wars that, for those who still believe in the tenets of the liberal international order and the U.S. global role in it, are dumb and illegal.

Thats clearly bad. But in focusing on Trumps individual flaws, we risk obscuring the structural factors driving the militarization of U.S. foreign policy, of which Trumps record is just the latest and not even the most flagrant example. Those structural factors include a U.S. military budget that dwarfs all other discretionary spending, as well as a culture of strategic thinkingor lack thereofamong the U.S. military chain of command that consistently overestimates the effectiveness of armed force in achieving political objectives.

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These pressures most clearly shaped George W. Bushs foreign policy but also Obamas, which ended up being so militarized that his early Nobel Peace Prize was subsequently viewed as a bitter irony. Indeed, many of Bushs, Obamas and Trumps worst mistakes were made early in their first terms, when as inexperienced commanders-in-chief they were widely perceived to have been rolled by the Pentagon, even if in Trumps case it often aligned with his own preferences. But even though Biden was the most experienced first-term foreign policy president since George H.W. Bush, allowing him to override the chain of command on the withdrawal from Afghanistan, these structural forces significantly shaped his record as well, for better (with regard to Ukraine) and worse (with regard to Israel and Gaza).

Already in Trumps second term, there are signs that the Pentagons demand-side pressure is at work in the gloves-off campaign against the Houthis, in which once again Trump delegated the authority to strike targets to regional and local commanders, allowing them to attack Houthi sites more quickly, according to U.S. military commanders quoted by the New York Times.

So while it is certainly important to try to rein in Trumps worst instincts when it comes to the use of military force, to blame the areas where his record ends up being bellicose on his personal inclinations risks letting the structural forces behind the militarization of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Pentagon, off the hook. And that means the militarization of U.S. foreign policy will remain in place to box in Trumps successors, just as it has him and his more conventional predecessors.

Judah Grunstein is the editor-in-chief of World Politics Review. You can follow him on BlueSky at @judah-grunstein.bsky.social.

The post Trump Is Not the Peacemaker He Portrays Himself to Be appeared first on World Politics Review.
The Trump familys cryptocurrency business just got a $2 billion investment from a firm backed by the United Arab Emirates government. The deal is rife with conflicts of interest.

Zach Witkoffson of Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and founder of the Trump familys crypto firm, World Liberty Financialannounced the deal at a conference in Dubai on Thursday. He was accompanied by Eric Trump, who runs his familys business.

The Emirati firm, MGX, will be using World Liberty Financials so-called stablecoin, USD1, to make a deal with Binance, the worlds largest crypto exchange.

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We thank MGX and Binance for their trust in us, Witkoff said. Its only the beginning.

This is a massive donation from a foreign government to the Trump family that will ultimately go toward a crypto exchange that has been monitored by the U.S. government for two years for money laundering. Binances billionaire founder, Changpeng Zhao, has not so coincidentally been pushing for a Trump pardon after he pleaded guilty in 2023 to violating anti-money-laundering laws.

With this deal, the Trump family will be enriched beyond most peoples comprehension, and they have the UAE government to thank for it. One can predict that Trump is likely to treat the country very favorably from here on out, again demonstrating that his power does have a price.

Trump changed his tune on cryptocurrency and used it to raise millions of dollars for his last campaign. His firm has been incredibly lucrative since, and as Witkoff said, its only the beginning. This current venture is an instance of Trump further thumbing his nose at our flimsy conflict of interest laws and selling his influence to the highest bidder.
The News

President Donald Trump on Thursday ousted his national security adviser, Mike Waltz  only to name Waltz as his next United Nations ambassador.

Waltz, a former Florida GOP congressman, has served as national security adviser for less than four months. He became embroiled in controversy in March, after he inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal group chat on which senior Trump officials discussed sensitive military plans.

He will now have to go through a Senate confirmation vote to take the spot that his former House Republican colleague, Rep. Elise Stefanik, initially planned to occupy. Stefanik withdrew from consideration in March as Republicans worried over whether they could hold her New York seat in a special election.

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Trump announced the Waltz departure on Truth Social on Thursday afternoon and named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as an interim replacement national security adviser. Trumps moves came as a surprise to even some within his administration.

As for Waltz, the tensions that led to his remarkable shift in positions began before the so-called Signalgate affair, according to four people familiar with the situation.

One of those people told Semafor that Waltzs traditionally hawkish views of national security created tension with more isolationist players in the White House  and said that the former Green Beret was on the outs in Trumps network even before the group chat flap.

This person added, in a sentiment confirmed by two others Semafor spoke with, that Waltzs style was seen as imperious and abrasive by White House colleagues.

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A second of the four people described Waltz as too neocon for others in the administration and said White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had raised concerns about the ousted national security adviser to others in the administration.

Another Waltz critic who has made her displeasure very public, right-wing agitator Laura Loomer, celebrated his departure from the White House on X, as well as the expected ouster of Waltz deputy Alex Wong.

SCALP, she posted. It was an apparent reference to what Trump ally Steve Bannon described as a no scalps policy the president had embraced in recent weeks, keeping Waltz on the job in order to avoid giving his critics a victory after the Signal debacle.

Know More

Despite the internal clash that later prompted his exit, Waltz had a positive reputation on Capitol Hill that is expected to make his Senate confirmation somewhat smooth, despite Signalgate.

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Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., told Semafor that Waltz had a good background, so he had factual data, and we thought he was one of those guys who would make good decisions and recommendations based upon fact.

Here we go again, Rounds added.

One subtle sign of Waltzs imminent exit came earlier this week, when he was spotted with Trump at Joint Base Andrews but did not join the presidents Air Force One trip to Michigan. He didnt take the trip after Trump told him not to, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Even before Rubios selection as a replacement became official, speculation was mounting about who might replace Waltz.

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The news was met with bated breath in European capitals, where officials are waiting to make a judgment call on what it means until a successor is named. Lets see who is going to be there instead, one senior European official said in a text message.

One potentially polarizing name in the mix: Ric Grenell, the current envoy for special missions who recently lost a foothold on US-Venezula relations to Rubio.

The White House did not immediately return a request for comment on Wiles role in Waltz and Wongs departure from the White House.

Notable

The Pentagon has also been the scene of staff churn early on in the second Trump administration , with several aides to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaving their posts.

Forty-six percent of US registered voters disapprove of Trumps handling of the war in Gaza, while 52% said the same of his handling of Russias war in Ukraine , according to an Emerson College poll out this week.

Trump had four national security advisers during his first term. The first, Michael Flynn, was fired after less than a month.








National security adviser Mike Waltz is expected to be ousted from his White House role, marking the first major departure in Donald Trump's inner circle this term, according to several reports.

On Thursday, May 1, multiple outlets including Politico, The New York Times, and CBS News reported that Waltz's time in the administration will soon come to an end just months after he abandoned his congressional career to join the White House team.

Waltz's hawkish views on foreign policy have reportedly been too traditional to fit in with the MAGA crew, and the adviser was already on thin ice with the president after making headlines in March for an embarrassing group chat mishap.

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Alex Wong, the principal deputy to Waltz, is reportedly also on the chopping block.



Related: The Atlantic Exposes Trump Officials' Entire Group Chat Exchange About U.S. War Plans in Shocking Security Breach

Kayla Bartkowski/Getty National security adviser Mike Waltz at CPAC on Feb. 21, 2025 National security adviser Mike Waltz at CPAC on Feb. 21, 2025

The anticipated ousters come more than a month after the fallout from a shocking group chat scandal, in which The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal messaging group of top Trump advisers and saw them discussing plans to bomb Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Screenshots published by The Atlantic show that  in addition to mocking the United States' European allies and discussing the rationale of the bombings  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a TEAM UPDATE with the chat, which included time-stamped details and locations about the planned attacks before they happened.

Andrew Harnik/Getty National security adviser Mike Waltz looks at his phone outside the White House on May 1, 2025 National security adviser Mike Waltz looks at his phone outside the White House on May 1, 2025

"There is a clear public interest in disclosing the sort of information that Trump advisers included in nonsecure communications channels," justified The Atlantic, "especially because senior administration figures are attempting to downplay the significance of the messages that were shared."

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Perhaps just as damning for Waltz was one of the first screenshots from the chat, which showed that he was the one to add Goldberg to the group.

Related: Trump's National Security Adviser Struggles to Explain on Live TV How He Added Journalist to Secret Group Chat

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Michael Waltz introduces Pete Hegseth at his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 14, 2025 Michael Waltz introduces Pete Hegseth at his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 14, 2025

The former Florida congressman and Army Special Forces veteran did previously take responsibility for Goldbergs inclusion to the chat, but claimed in a Fox News interview with Laura Ingraham that it was a case of mistaken identity.

Related: Trump Officials Accidentally Add Journalist to Secret Group Chat About U.S. War Plans: Report

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Have you ever had somebodys contact that shows their name and then you have somebody elses number there? Waltz asked the host. Youve got somebody elses number on someone elses contact, so of course I didnt see this loser in the group. It looked like someone else.

Now, whether he did it deliberately, or it happened in some other technical mean is something were trying to figure out, he continued.

Related: Pete Hegseth Confirmed as New Defense Secretary amid Sexual Assault Allegation and Questions About His Past

Kent Nishimura/Getty Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks after being sworn in by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Jan. 25, 2025 Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks after being sworn in by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Jan. 25, 2025

Waltz positioned himself as the fall guy for the mistake, however, he continued to insist that he didn't knowingly add The Atlantic editor.

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I dont know this guy, he said, referring to Goldberg. I know him by his horrible reputation and he really is the bottom scum of journalists. I know him in the sense that he hates the president. But I dont text him, he wasnt on my phone, and were gonna figure out how this happened.

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At the time of Waltzs initial confession, Trump stood by him. "Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and hes a good man," the president told NBC News on March 25.

But in late March, sources told PEOPLE that Waltz  who has not been well-received in the White House by some MAGA hardliners  was standing on shaky ground.

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Donald has asked people around him what they think about both Pete Hegseth and Mike Waltz and assesses their opinions, a Mar-a-Lago source said at the time, adding that Trump was eager for the Signal scandal to "go away."

Related: Trump Has Sought Outside Opinions on Pete Hegseth and Mike Waltz amid Signal Scandal: 'He's Worried' (Exclusive Sources)

A political source said that Trump was "worried about the Signal situation" and "wants to be respected and admired by people in power." The source said that while the president "likes and relates" to Hegseth, he is not as close to Waltz.

If things get worse concerning either man, Trump will steer himself away from the whole thing in a bigger way than he has now, a separate Mar-a-Lago source added, claiming that he will "do what he has to do" to move past it.

Read the original article on People
President Trump said Thursday he is removing Mike Waltz from his role as national security adviser and in the interim replacing him with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump said he's nominating Waltz to instead serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations.

"From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's Interests first," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "I know he will do the same in his new role."

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According to CBS News, the White House offered Waltz a choice of several ambassadorships, including ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He chose the U.N.

Trump added: "In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department."

Earlier in the day, multiple news outlets reported that Trump was planning on ousting Waltz as national security adviser, just over a month after the Signal group chat security breach.

Waltz was photographed using the Signal app during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a day before his departure.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz checks his mobile phone while attending a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 30. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

In March, high-ranking members of the administration accidentally shared plans about a forthcoming U.S. military attack on Yemen with the top editor of the Atlantic magazine in a group chat that Waltz said he created on the Signal messaging app.

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Trump initially defended Waltz, downplaying the security risks and insisting that no classified material had been shared. The day after the breach was made public, the president called Waltz "a good man" who "learned a lesson."

But Politico reported that Waltz had since "lost the confidence of other administration officials."

His exit as national security adviser marks the first major staff shakeup for the second Trump administration.

What happened, exactly?

The Atlantic's editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, revealed in an article published in late March that he knew about U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen hours before they happened, because he was added to a Signal group chat where members of the Trump administration appeared to be discussing such war plans.

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Goldberg said he received a Signal connection request on March 11 from someone whom he believed to be Waltz. Two days later, Goldberg said he was added to a conversation with 18 members of the administration  including Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard  where they talked about plans to bomb Yemen.

U.S. air and naval assets hit multiple Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15.

Goldberg said that he initially did not think the Signal group chat was real. I could not believe that the national security leadership of the United States would communicate on Signal about imminent war plans, he wrote. "I have never seen a breach quite like this.

It is not uncommon for national security officials to communicate on Signal, Goldberg added. But the app is used primarily for meeting planning and other logistical matters  not for detailed and highly confidential discussions of a pending military action. And, of course, Ive never heard of an instance in which a journalist has been invited to such a discussion."

What did Waltz say?

Waltz with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. (Ludovic Marin/Pool via AP)

In an interview with Fox News a day after the Atlantic revelation, Waltz said that he took full responsibility" for the embarrassing security breach, and that he built the group chat himself.

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I take full responsibility.  I built the group, Waltz said. My job is to make sure everythings coordinated.

But Waltz also claimed he doesnt know how Goldberg was added to the chat, nor who Goldberg was.

"I can tell you for 100% I don't know this guy," Waltz said.

Before coming to the White House, Waltz, a former Army Special Forces officer, represented Florida's Sixth Congressional District in the U.S. House.

What about the other officials who were on the Signal chat?

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. (Scott Applewhite/AP)

Hegseth repeatedly bristled at questions from reporters about the breach, and flatly denied sharing any sensitive military information.

Nobodys texting war plans, Hegseth said on March 25. I know exactly what Im doing.

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Appearing before the Senate and House Intelligence committees the same week, Gabbard and Ratcliffe were grilled by Democrats over the breach, which they both sought to downplay.

Gabbard acknowledged the inclusion of a Goldberg on the Signal chat was a mistake, but also said no classified information was shared.

Rubio, however, vowed that there would be reforms and changes to prevent such a leak from reoccurring.

Its not going to happen again, Rubio said on March 25. It cant."
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump plans to unveil his budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year on Friday and send it to Congress, according to a White House official.

The annual White House budget request includes economic forecasts as well as detailed proposals about how much money should be spent by every government agency for the year that starts on October 1.

However, it is the responsibility of Congress to craft spending legislation, and what lawmakers ultimately adopt typically differs dramatically from the White House request.

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The release comes as Republicans in the U.S. Congress are working to bridge internal divisions over proposed cuts in federal spending to pay for a landmark tax-cut bill they hope to enact by July 4. They may also have to factor in growing stress in the nation's economy arising from U.S. tariff hikes that are upending global trade.

Trump, who describes the tax-cut measure "a big beautiful bill," said this week that he would propose a military budget of over $1 trillion, adding that tariffs he has slapped on nearly every country will help boost revenues and offset his plans to cut taxes.

The proposed budget will also include over $160 billion worth of cuts in environmental, renewable energy, education and foreign-aid programs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.

Trump campaigned during the 2024 presidential campaign on reducing the size of the federal government, and his administration - aided by billionaire Elon Musk - has shut down several agencies and slashed the federal workforce by tens of thousands of people. Some of the cuts remain tied up in court.

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Trump won't be in Washington when his budget plan comes out.

The Republican president capped a week-long celebration of his first 100 days in office with a speech to graduates at the University of Alabama on Thursday evening before flying to West Palm Beach for the weekend.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal, Costas Pitas, Brendan O'Brien and Andy Sullivan; Editing by Stephen Coates and Edwina Gibbs)
On Wednesday, the weeks-long will they or wont they saga around Ukraines rare earth metal deal with the US concluded. Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko travelled to Washington and signed a reconstruction investment agreement with America. Svyrydenko and US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent hailed this deal as a potential catalyst for investment in Ukraine and driver of post-war economic growth.

The rare earth metal deal is a short-term victory for both Washington and Kyiv. As Russia has relentlessly continued its offensive actions in eastern Ukraine and the prospects of a durable ceasefire are remote, President Donald Trump can now claim a much-needed diplomatic triumph. The agreements explicit recognition of American military assistance to Ukraine provides Trump with the gratitude that he felt was lacking during President Volodymyr Zelenskys contentious Oval Office meeting in February.

In stark contrast to Trumps typical both sides are at fault approach to the Ukraine War, the agreement unambiguously decried Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This semantical difference is a major victory for Ukrainian officials. More practically, Ukraine can leverage this agreement to secure a new round of US military assistance and lobby Bessent to impose more stringent sanctions on Russias energy sector.

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Despite these major positives for Washington and Kyiv, the longer-term picture surrounding the agreement is murkier. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smyhal confidently stated that the deal will lead to new US military assistance and that this aid would be a contribution to the reconstruction fund. While Trump recently greenlit a $50 million arms transfer to Ukraine in exchange for hard currency, the White House remains sceptical of open-ended military assistance to Kyiv. Providing a financial compensation channel will not assuage the ideological opposition to aiding Ukraine that is embraced by much of Trumps MAGA base.

It is equally unclear whether the US will be able to swiftly profit from Ukraines rare earth metal reserves. In February, S&P Global warned that measurements of Ukraines rare earth deposits were derived from potentially unreliable Soviet-era geological surveys. Industry veterans have described Trumps plans to extract rare earths from Ukraine as fiction and absurd. While the regulation against war financiers profiting from reconstruction could restrict Chinese rare earth access, most of the processing facilities for these metals are based in China.

Zelensky will also have to deal with domestic backlash against the rare earth deal. Zelensky defused the potential for a Ukrainian Parliament rejection of the deal by ensuring that the 50-50 agreement would not take rare earths out of Ukraines custody. Nevertheless, the prospect of a handover of energy assets like the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the US is fuelling nationalist backlash in Ukraine. This could empower Zelenskys chief rival Ukrainian Ambassador to Britain Valery Zaluzhny or a populist nationalist challenger when Ukraine eventually holds presidential elections.

The USs rare earth metal agreement and its extension to the energy sector is major milestone for Ukraines reconstruction process. The big question is whether there will be a stable sovereign Ukraine to invest in once the war ends.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has toughened his rhetoric toward Russian President Vladimir Putin following months of diplomatic efforts by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, Politico reported on May 1, citing unnamed European government sources.

The coordinated effort, led by senior British and French officials, sought to persuade Trump to ease pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky and focus more criticism on Putin, arguing that Moscow's actions were undermining Trump's credibility as a negotiator.

British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell and Defense Secretary John Healey reportedly played key roles, working closely with U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Mark Burnett.

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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he had spoken 13 times this year with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Starmer and Trump held "almost" as many direct conversations.

A former British ambassador, speaking anonymously, said London and Paris continually emphasized to Trump that Putin was "disrespecting him by consistently breaking the ceasefire he claimed to be implementing."

Putin agreed to a 30-day pause of energy infrastructure strikes during a call with Trump on March 18, allegedly ordering a halt of attacks on Ukraine's energy system.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on April 16 that Moscow violated the partial ceasefire more than 30 times.

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Zelensky reinforced that message during a brief conversation with the U.S. president at Pope Francis' funeral on April 26, Axios reported. During the meeting, Trump reportedly told the Ukrainian president he might need to reconsider his approach to Putin.

Trump, who has positioned himself as a broker of a swift peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, has so far avoided condemning Russian strikes or introducing new punitive measures.

On April 24, after Russia launched 215 missiles and drones across Ukraine  killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 87 in Kyiv  Trump labeled the attack "not necessary" and "very bad timing," directly appealing to Putin with: "Vladimir, Stop!"

However, he did not outline any consequences.

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U.S. officials have intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire, warning they may withdraw from mediation if no progress is made soon.

Ukraine accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposed by Washington in March, but Moscow continues to reject the plan, pressing forward with offensive operations.

European officials are now watching closely to see whether Trump's harder line on Putin will hold or fade as his impatience to finalize a deal resurfaces.

Read also: Ukraine, US sign minerals deal

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By Timothy Gardner

(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must stop and any country or person buying any from the country would be immediately subject to secondary sanctions.

"They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form," he wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.

Trump's comments follow the postponement of the latest U.S. talks with Iran over its nuclear program, which had been due to take place in Rome on Saturday. A senior Iranian official told Reuters a new date will be set "depending on the U.S. approach."

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Trump's administration has targeted Tehran with a series of sanctions on entities including a China-based crude oil storage terminal and an independent refiner it has accused of being involved in illicit trade in oil and petrochemicals.

In February Trump restored a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran which includes efforts to drive its oil exports to zero and help prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Secondary sanctions are those where one country seeks to punish a second country for trading with a third by barring access to its own market, a particularly powerful tool for the United States because of the size of its economy.

Analysts have said that to really crack down on Iran's oil exports the U.S. would have to impose secondary sanctions on entities such as Chinese banks that facilitate the purchases of Iranian oil. China is the largest buyer of Iranian crude.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas and Timothy Gardner; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Howard Goller)
President Trump has stepped up his attacks on pollsters since his victory in November, raising concerns for an industry that was already facing challenges to its credibility.

Trumps latest attacks came this week when he called for pollsters to be investigated as many surveys show him with historically low approval ratings for a president 100 days into a White House term. He is already suing longtime pollster Ann Selzer over a poll released before Election Day that showed him trailing in Iowa.

Experts said that while pollsters arent likely to back down from doing their jobs due to Trumps threats, the attacks fuel concerns over free speech and add yet another challenge for an industry already struggling to restore the publics trust in its work.

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A big role of polling is to give a voice to regular people, and if regular people stop trusting that, then thats just one other facet of American political life where people are losing faith in core institutions, and I think thats something we all have to be concerned about, said Michael Hanmer, the director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland.

The past decade has arguably been a rough time for the polling industry.

Trump pulled off an upset victory in 2016 after Hillary Clinton had widely been considered the favorite. While national polling averages correctly predicted Clintons slight popular vote win, Trump was underestimated in the key states that put him over the top.

Pollsters adjusted their methodologies, but many were even further off in 2020, correctly predicting President Bidens win but by a much smaller margin than expected.

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Much attention was on the polls ahead of last November to see whether 2024 would illustrate some of the same issues, and while polling accurately predicted the close race that it was nationally, Trump was the candidate who was slightly underestimated, allowing him to sweep all the key battlegrounds.

With the country closely divided on key issues, pressure has grown on the industry to more accurately capture voter sentiment, said Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion.

The countrys roughly a 50-50 country, and most attentions spent on battleground states, which are the ones that are seen anyway, he said. And I think it makes sense that polls will be asked to be very precise and sometimes beyond whats reasonable to do methodologically. If you had a 60-40 country, if youre off 3 or 4 points, no one cares.

But Trump has ramped up his threats against pollsters as part of a wider attack on institutions, Hanmer noted.

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The president sued Selzer and The Des Moines Register in December for its Iowa poll taken days before the election that showed him behind before he easily won the state. He alleged Selzer and the outlet engaged in deception, violating Iowas consumer fraud laws.

And hes more recently reignited this battle with polling as his approval rating has dropped to among the lowest levels for any president at this stage of their presidency.

The New York Times has only 37% Trump 2024 voters, and the ABC/Washington Post Poll has only 34% Trump Voters, unheard of numbers unless looking for a negative result, which they are. These people should be investigated for ELECTION FRAUD, and add in the FoxNews Pollster while youre at it, he posted 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 a lot of credibility, and then go on cheating and lying for the next cycle, only worse, he added.

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The New York Times denounced Trumps attack in a statement to The Hill on Wednesday, saying it wont be deterred by the administrations intimidation tactics.

Top White House aide Stephen Miller piled on during an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday, telling anchor John Roberts that it is our opinion that Fox News needs to fire its pollster and that the pollster has always been wrong about Trump.

Roberts addressed Millers comments later in the broadcast. He made a remark that was critical of our polling, but here at Fox News, we stand by our polling, as we always have, Roberts said.

Experts said they dont expect Trumps legal challenge to be successful, and pollsters dont seem to be fearful.

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W. Joseph Campbell, a professor emeritus of communication at American University, argued Trump may be undercutting what could be a better argument attacking the polls legitimacy.

If Trump wanted to make some arguments against the polling industry, he could just point to those past [elections] and say, Hey, they underestimate my support. Theyre going to keep doing that, because they just dont know how to reach Trump supporters, Campbell said. That might be a more effective way to counter the polling numbers than to threaten to investigate them or as he did with Selzer.

That raises all kinds of First Amendment issues, he added.

Michael Traugott, a research professor emeritus at the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan, said the credibility issue that Trumps efforts expose is somewhat a reaction to the hyperpolarized times for the country.

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People will tend to find poll results more credible when the results show that a majority of people hold the same view that they do and less credible when they show a majority hold different position, he said.

Traugott said Trump may reap a political benefit in further shoring up his base as his approval declines outside his own party, which is normal for presidents as their term goes on.

Meanwhile, pollsters said transparency is the key to rebutting the criticism, making their process and why they made their methodology decisions clear.

Thats been an age-old struggle to provide clarity and the context within which a poll was taken, Miringoff said. So if youre doing a postconvention poll or a postdebate poll, there may be some short-term music, but its important to provide the audience with context when poll was taken. And, obviously, not all polls are created equally.

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But for the current moment, analysts also noted approval rating polls are different from election polls, and theyre widely showing the same thing right now.

This particular instance of whats going on right now is the public could take comfort in the fact that  polls are all going in the same direction, Miringoff said, adding confidence that the numbers are painting the right picture.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Massive tariffs, an immigration crackdown, and a flurry of executive orders are just a few major moves by President Trump in his first 100 days in office.

On Wednesday afternoon, in Frankfort, some of the presidents biggest supporters gathered on the Capitol lawn to celebrate this chapter of his second term.

I like not only the pace, but the tone of the administration and Donald Trump himself. He has put him and people into positions of power in order to get things done, said event organizer Levi Anderson.

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Some of the things I liked is that hes trying to make the United States safer, added another attendee and CEO of Constitutional Kentucky, Tony Wheatley.

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In his first 100 days, President Trump signed about 140 executive orders, which paced him way ahead of President Biden, who signed 162 such orders during his entire four-year term.

As much as many of his supporters are in favor of these executive actions, Anderson told FOX 56, he would like to see more done legislatively.

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Im not a fan of the executive actionsthe executive order. Id like to see the 535 members of the Senate and House that are more directly connected to the people that vote them in office to be part of the process as well, he said.

The Kentucky Democratic Party released a statement on Tuesday calling these 100 days historic for all the wrong reasons. The statement went on to say the president has been divisive and that his tariffs have tanked the economy.

MORE POLITICAL NEWS:

But those at the celebration said thats just par for the course.

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We are suffering growing pains from them. I know businesses that have been hurt, and some businesses are willing to accept that for the good of the country. I think that, overall, we need to just give it some time, said Wheatley.

Wheatley told FOX 56 that another larger-scale celebration to mark President Trumps 100 days in office will take place at the Kentucky Capitol on Saturday, May 10. Among the slated speakers are a few people who were involved in the January 6 events in Washington, D.C., who will be talking about their experience. Other political figures are expected to attend as well.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Depending on your social-media feed, shipping lanes and port traffic are a hot topic, with varying opinions on whether ports are ghost towns or still buzzing hubs of transport.

Los Angeles Port executive director Gene Seroka told CNBC this week that retailers have just a few weeks before feeling the effects of a trade slowdown from China over the 145% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. He noted a precipitous drop in volume with a number of major American retailers stopping all shipments from China based on the tariffs.

Back in the Puget Sound, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the marine-cargo operating partnership of the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, also has been getting its share of questions about traffic at the ports.

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Kate Nolan is manager of communications and outreach for NWSA. She told The News Tribune in response to questions Tuesday evening via email, We are not currently seeing a reduction, our numbers have actually been up.

Nolan added that the ports also are expecting 32 vessels across both Seattle and Tacoma this week and next, and very few, if any, of those sailings are expected to be voided.

The full tariff effects have yet to be felt as administration officials say negotiations are continuing amid a 90-day pause on full implementation.

We remain concerned about the impact of tariffs on our gateway, and are certainly hearing, especially from exporters, about canceled cargo and stopped orders, Nolan wrote.

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As far as those effects, she said, it could be a few weeks and months before that is shown in the data we have available.

Port representatives from Seattle and Tacoma underscored that concern at a business roundtable with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, held earlier in April at Brown & Haley manufacturing in Tacoma. During that session, Tacoma port commission president and Northwest Seaport Alliance co-chair John McCarthy said they were already starting to see people not having customers to sell.

We are starting to hear stories of shippers wanting their cargo back, he added at that time.

Port of Seattle commissioner Ryan Calkins told Seattles KING 5 TV this week, The last forecast I saw was forecasting out over the next three months, and each month was forecasted to be down around 25% per month.

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A report from Apollo Global Managements chief economist in late April created a potential economic slowdown timeline tied to the shipping, trucking and retail industry, pointing to a recession this summer.

Under the scenario, it predicts container ships coming to U.S. ports stopping sometime in May, affecting trucking demand later that month, with layoffs in trucking and retail potentially emerging in late May/early June.

The Economic Alliance of Snohomish County on Tuesday hosted a recorded meeting about the effect of tariffs on Washington businesses with various business/trade officials. When asked about the current state of shipments at the ports, Port of Tacoma commissioner and NWSA managing member Kristin Ang said, We are very much alive, but shared concerns about the months ahead.

We cant predict all the way through May, but we can see that some of (the ships) are coming with some Chinese exports, but some have been canceled, she said. There has been some challenges, and we did anticipate, even at the beginning of year, that we would see a likely decline in the second half of the year.

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She noted, While impacts vary by sector, the common thread is disruption. Industries rely on a resilient, responsive and reliable supply chain, and that is currently being disrupted and causing all this headache, challenges and costs for everyone involved.

In our Reality Check stories, The News Tribune journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? realitycheck@thenewstribune.com.
US Vice President JD Vance has said in an interview with Fox News that there is a "very big gulf" between Ukraine and Russia regarding their visions of how to end the war, and that Donald Trumps administration will work to "try to sort of bring these two sides closer together".

Source: European Pravda, citing Fox News

Details: Asked to comment on the current state of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Vance said that "the first and necessary step of getting the Russia-Ukraine conflict solved is to get each of them to make a peace proposal".

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Quote: "And that's actually happened. The Ukrainians have said, This is what we want. The Russians have said, This is what we want, and now the work of diplomacy is to try to sort of bring these two sides closer together. Because there's a very big gulf between what the Russians want and what the Ukrainians want."

More details: Vance added that the "peace proposals" have been issued and that his administration is "going to work very hard over the next 100 days to try to bring these guys together".

Background:

Earlier, it was reported that the Trump administration handed over a one-page document to Ukraine in Paris, presented as a "final proposal" for a peace settlement. Among other things, the US is prepared to recognise Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.

On 24 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US had presented its strategy for the Ukrainian territories during talks in London, but that after the US proposal, "another paper appeared" following a conversation between the Ukrainian delegation, the European team and the United States.

Later, Reuters published the text of the proposals to end Russias war in Ukraine which Ukrainian and European officials had handed to the American side during the talks in London.

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Steve Witkoff, Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, former real estate lawyer and investor, has raised concerns among US administration insiders over his approach to negotiations with two of Americas biggest adversaries.

Source: The New York Post citing its sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Witkoff, who has effectively become Trumps personal envoy to Russian leader Vladimir Putin in addition to his Middle East role, has been attending high-level meetings alone  and, according to the sources, has even sometimes relied on Kremlin interpreters, in violation of longstanding diplomatic protocol.

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Ahead of his most recent meeting with Putin last Friday, Witkoff greeted the Kremlin ruler as an old friend  without the usual entourage of advisers, experts and military personnel who typically accompany US officials during negotiations.

Putin, for his part, was accompanied at the meeting by aide Yuri Ushakov and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev.

"Anybody engaging in these kinds of talks with Putin would benefit from having experienced Russia hands on his or her team and bringing them along to meetings with the Kremlin," said John Hardie, director of the Foundation for Defence of Democracys Russia programme.

The report also notes that Witkoff tends to echo Putins statements and spread his narrative, while being unfamiliar with the Ukrainian sides position  as the role of special envoy on Ukraine has been assigned to Keith Kellogg.

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Witkoff, whom allies describe as a tough negotiator, is believed to have more than enough responsibilities without getting involved in Europes worst conflict since World War II.

As special envoy to the Middle East, Witkoff has worked to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, and to renegotiate the nuclear agreement with Iran.

Witkoffs efforts began with success  he helped broker a two-month truce between Israel and Hamas that came into effect just before Trumps inauguration. However, he was unable to extend the ceasefire.

While many Israelis value Witkoffs efforts, his lack of diplomatic experience is seen as a factor clouding his judgment.

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Others are concerned that Witkoff is being given too much responsibility.

"How does Witkoff divide his time with two very demanding negotiations? I think hes a good guy, but the Iran issue is so complex that Im hoping he is bringing more people to the team," said Israeli security expert Danny Citrinowicz, a fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv.

The New York Post also highlights criticism of Witkoffs handling of the Iran issue, quoting former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton, who called Witkoffs negotiations with Tehran representatives "a waste of oxygen".

Background:

Reuters previously reported that some of Witkoffs actions and statements regarding the resolution of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine have drawn criticism from the White House and Republican circles.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Witkoffs remarks about possibly including Ukrainian territories in a peace deal serve to amplify Russian narratives.

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President Donald Trump on Thursday said any country purchasing oil from Iran will be barred from doing business with the U.S., with the threat of secondary sanctions coming amid a bubbling trade war and negotiations over Irans nuclear program.

Trumps threat is an escalation against both Iran and China  the worlds largest importer of Iranian oil.

ALERT: All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW! Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions, the president said in a post on Truth Social. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form.

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Trump did not specifically bring up China in the statement. But the countrys imports of Iranian crude oil reached a record 1.8 million barrels per day in March, according to Vortexa, an energy and freight market analytics company.

Now, Trump appears to be putting the squeeze on the two countries, and it comes with the White House looking to negotiate key deals with each.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The president has made clinching a deal to halt Irans nuclear development program a central part of his foreign policy portfolio, dispatching special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior State Department official Michael Anton to talks with Iranian counterparts. But the president has also threatened military action if talks fail.

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Also on Thursday, a fourth round of U.S.-Iran talks was postponed for technical and logistical reasons, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X.

On Iran's part, there is no change in our determination to secure a negotiated solution, Araghchi wrote. In fact, we are more determined than ever to achieve a just and balanced deal: guaranteeing an end to sanctions, and creating confidence that Iran's nuclear program will forever remain peaceful while ensuring that Iranian rights are fully respected.

China has also been the main target of Trumps global tariff regime. But the two countries remain in a standoff despite Trumps bet that his tariffs would bring China to the negotiating table.

China has rebuffed the presidents calls to open negotiations and made inroads with the European Union in search of unlocking trade talks there.

Weve been ripped off by every country in the world, but China I would say is the leading ... candidate for the chief-ripper-offer,' Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Wednesday.
Tired of waiting for Boeing to make a new Air Force One, President Donald Trumps administration is now revamping a plane once used by the Qatari government, according to a report.

Im not happy with Boeing, the president said in February, referring to the Air Force One program. "We may buy a plane or get a plane, or something."

Now, his administration seems to be doing just that. The federal government is hiring defense contractor L3Harris to refurbish a Boeing 747 previously used by the Qatari government, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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The Independent has reached out to Boeing, L3Harris and the White House for comment.

The president hopes to use the refurbished plane by the fall, sources told the outlet, and is regularly checking on its progress . This aircraft will be an interim solution until the Boeing jets are delivered.

President Donald Trump is tired of waiting for Boeing to make new Air Force One replacement jets, so his White House is revamping a plane used by the Qatari government (Getty Images)

The current presidential jets  which have been in service since the George H.W. Bush administration  are nearing their end of life.

During his first term, Trump commissioned Boeing to manufacture two replacement jets to tune of $3.9 billion. Nearly seven years after Boeing won the contract, the planes are behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget after supplier, manufacturing and engineering setbacks.

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That means, unless Trump finds a way to circumvent the 22nd Amendment as hes mused, he would be out of office before being able to use them.

The move to find an alternative came a few weeks after the CEO of Boeing visited the Oval Office to meet with the president on April 18, the outlet reported.

Even before Trump was inaugurated, the White House Military Office and senior Air Force officials weighed terminating Boeings contract for the new jets, sources told The Journal.

Under the Trump White House, discussions around whether the administration can sue Boeing have transpired, the outlet reported.
When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House in February, he was supposed to leave Washington DC with a coveted agreement that would turn the United States into one of Ukraines major economic partners. A table and chairs were set up in the next room, where presidents Trump and Zelensky would sign the accord and shake hands. We know how that played out. Trump and vice-president JD Vance dressed Zelensky down in full view of the cameras and the Ukrainian president was asked to leave the premises.

Now the US-Ukraine minerals deal is finally done. Weeks of intense talks, in which US and Ukrainian negotiators exchanged drafts, rejected each others maximalist terms and pressed one another in the media, have culminated in a framework that is far more preferable to Kyiv than the Trump administration first sought. The Ukrainians are giddy, if only because they avoided the White Houses original idea, which was essentially a full-blown American capture of Ukraines natural resources.

Based on the terms that have been publicly disclosed, the deal looks like an ordinary US investment pact. Ukraine will retain sovereign control over its natural resources and get to determine when (and where) they are extracted. A joint United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund will be established, with both countries contributing. For the first 10 years, profits from new licenses are expected to be re-invested in Ukraines reconstruction. Any additional US military support to Kyiv will be counted as an investment.

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Its a pretty solid deal for the Ukrainians. Less so for the United States. Trump, who is obsessed with countering the perception that the US is being ripped off by foreign nations, wont be getting paid back for the tens of billions of dollars Washington has already handed Kyiv in the form of military and economic assistance. Nor will the US own Ukraines rare earth minerals; the rights seem to remain firmly in Kyivs hands. Trump will play up this entire scheme as evidence of his amazing deal-making prowess, yet despite the funds joint ownership structure, Trump didnt get the repayment he was once demanding.

In fact, the whole negotiation was a bit odd. It made perfect sense from Kyivs point of view. Zelensky pitched the plan to Trump last year, hoping that offering financial incentives would persuade the US to take more interest in Ukraines long-term future. Trump presumably bought into the idea because it was an investment opportunity of potentially gargantuan proportions, had to do with rare earths (and lets face it: Trump is fixated with rare earths), and gave him the chance to trumpet a big, beautiful economic bonanza that other presidents could only dream of.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trumps plan to reach a minerals agreement in February did not go to plan - SAUL LOEB/AFP

Yet outside scratching a vanity itch, its unclear why Trump devoted the time and attention to such an endeavour in the first place. Indeed, the agreement doesnt really guarantee anything at all. Its implementation depends entirely on whether the war in Ukraine ends. And despite the Trump administrations ongoing diplomacy, there isnt much evidence that a peace deal is any closer today than it was earlier in the year.

Putin is still demanding full Russian control over five Ukrainian regions, three of which Russian forces are still fighting over. He has rejected or stonewalled every US bid to get a serious ceasefire off the ground, first by raising technical questions and then by predicating any halt to hostilities on US and European sanctions relief. Putins unilateral ceasefires, including an upcoming three-day cessation beginning May 8, seem geared more towards softening any future punishments Trump may have in mind than in creating momentum for a genuine peace process.

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Zelensky, meanwhile, remains emphatic that Ukraine will never, ever, formally recognise Crimea or any other Ukrainian region that Moscow now occupies as Russian territory. He wants an immediate 30-day ceasefire to kick off the process, and only then will direct talks occur. The Russians continue to resist this plea, and as much as US officials like Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg are trying to keep talks alive, all of them appear to be getting increasingly frustrated.

In short, the most likely scenario is more war in the weeks and months to come, which means the US-Ukraine economic deal finalised this week will be a stack of documents sitting on the shelf, collecting dust.

Its also ironic that Trump  who has long viewed US stakes in Ukraine to be low, the risks of escalation high, and the entire war as a suck on the US taxpayer  thought it was a smart idea to approve an agreement that entangles Washington further in Ukraines affairs. Trump is setting the stage for further US involvement there in the future, especially if the mooted American investments come under threat.

Is this wise strategically? While Russia hawks in Washington and European capitals will argue that it is, one must weigh it against other long-term considerations. Does this help or hinder any future US administrations efforts to rebuild a working relationship with Russia after the war ends? Will this help or hurt Washingtons professed goal to push Europe into taking far more responsibility for security in its own neighbourhood? More fundamentally, was any of this even debated before Trump green-lit these economic negotiations?

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Trump is going to have a hard time justifying why the juice of Ukraines mineral wealth is worth the squeeze.

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities

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Watch the full interview in the player above.

(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump, in a NewsNation town hall Wednesday, said the country is in a transitional period amid economic uncertainty about his tariff policies.

Asked by Bill OReilly about the publics sentiment toward his policies, Trump responded, Im an honest guy, and blamed the Biden administration for handing over a weak economy.

Despite some concerns that tariffs could hurt U.S. consumers and the economy, Trump insisted theyre necessary to rebalance trade.

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RFK Jr.: Measles cases in US not as bad as in other countries

Weve been ripped off by other countries, he said, vowing to convince Americans that the tariffs are a good thing.

Trump joined NewsNation on Wednesday for a town hall discussing the first 100 days of his second term in office. Trump phoned into the town hall with a live studio audience hosted by Chris Cuomo and OReilly along with Stephen A. Smith.

His comments come as a NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ poll found that immigration remains Trumps strongest issue, but the economy has American voters increasingly concerned.

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Trump calls himself a great unifier

Two main priorities for the president have been immigration and tariffs. The administration is facing multiple legal battles over deportation policies and has criticized judges who have ruled against certain policies.

The president is also facing an increased fear of recession after a first-quarter economic report showing a 0.3% drop in GDP and criticism that tariffs will lead to high prices and empty shelves.

Trump acknowledged the political risk of higher prices but told Cuomo, Theres a very good chance were gonna make a deal, but it has to be on our terms, referencing ongoing talks with China, South Korea, Japan and India.

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If I didnt take this hardline, India wasnt interested in negotiating  now theyre calling us, he said.

82% of voters concerned about recession under Trump: DDHQ poll

He emphasized his flexibility in negotiations, using auto tariffs as an example.

You have to be able to dodge and move, Trump said, claiming he reduced tariffs to give manufacturers more time to shift production to the U.S.

Trump signed an executive order allowing for the reimbursement of tariff costs on foreign-made auto parts.

Automakers and independent analyses have indicated that the tariffs could raise prices, reduce sales and make U.S. production less competitive worldwide. Trump portrayed the changes as a bridge toward automakers moving more production into the United States.

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On entitlements, Trump insisted: Were doing absolutely nothing to hurt Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security. However, he argued that illegal immigration burdens Medicaid, saying, A lot of illegal immigrants are on Medicaid.

Tariff deals with India, Japan, South Korea in the works: Trump

Trump also revealed details of his private meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Rome over the weekend.

I told him its a very good thing if we can produce a deal and you sign it, because Russia is much stronger, Trump said. He criticized Bidens handling of Ukraine funding, claiming, Europe loans the money and Biden handed them all the money with no strings  Europe gets their money back, we get nothing.

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On diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Trump said the U.S. is now a country based solely on merit, and reiterated his position on the recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action: If youve worked really hard and get rejected  thats not fair.

He said that hes received a very, very high Black vote and that many agree with his position on admissions at elite universities including Harvard.

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 NewsNation.
The USDA announced earlier this month it was ending a $3 billion program to help farmers use climate-friendly practices. (Preston Keres | USDA)

In the first months of the administration of President Donald Trump, organizations working to keep Wisconsins environment healthy have seen cuts to key grant programs. Now they are watching for Trumps retreat from environmental protection to hit communities across the state.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it was cancelling the Climate Smart Commodities Program  a $3 billion effort to fund projects across the country to improve soil health, sequester carbon, reduce methane emissions and encourage other climate-friendly farming practices.

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Trump administration officials called the program a Biden era slush fund, saying that not enough of the money went directly to farmers. The USDA cancelled projects that did not meet three criteria: a minimum of 65% of funds needed to be going directly to producers, grants must have had one producer enrolled by the end of 2024 and at least one payment must have been made to a producer by the end of 2024.

The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative was largely built to advance the green new scam at the benefit of NGOs, not American farmers, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. The concerns of farmers took a backseat during the Biden Administration. During my short time as Secretary, I have heard directly from our farmers that many of the USDA partnerships are overburdened by red tape, have ambiguous goals, and require complex reporting that push farmers onto the sidelines. We are correcting these mistakes and redirecting our efforts to set our farmers up for an unprecedented era of prosperity.

A USDA fact sheet published last year states that 28 Wisconsin-based projects were funded by the program. One of the organizations receiving funding was the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, which has worked to protect the Fox and Wolf Rivers  which are connected to Lake Michigan  for more than three decades in the region of the state most densely occupied by industrial agriculture operations.

On April 22, the Alliance received an official termination notice for two grants it had received through the program to share costs with farmers to institute practices such as cover cropping and no-till planting, according to a statement from the alliance. Both practices help farmers maintain soil health and prevent potentially harmful nutrients such as phosphorus from running off fields and into the local water system.

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subhed]Federal fallout[/subhed] As federal funding and systems dwindle, states are left to decide how and

whether to make up the difference.

Read the latest

The grant funding also supported 10 technical support jobs at county land and water departments, Pheasants Forever and the Wisconsin Farmers Union. The loss of the money has resulted in the cancellation of 37 contracts with farmers, 4,000 acres of planned no-till planting going unfunded and, this fall, 16,000 acres of farmland that may not have cover crops planted.

In its statement, the Alliance said that government support for programs like these is an investment that helps farmers long term, even if some of the money doesnt go directly into their hands.

We fully support the goal of directing more resources to farmers. In fact, we design our programs with low overhead to ensure dollars go where they matter most, the Alliance stated. However, the review process did not account for one important factor: technical assistance is direct farmer support.

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Just because the money doesnt go straight to the farmers doesnt mean they dont benefit, according to the Alliance.

Farmers often pay out-of-pocket for the kind of expertise our technical staff provide  support that is essential to the success and longevity of conservation practices, the statement continued. Excluding this from the producer-directed category overlooks the real-world value of those services. Without that guidance, funding becomes a one-time transaction instead of a long-term investment. Fox-Wolfs model is built not just on providing financial support, but on ensuring that practices are implemented effectively and sustained over time. Thats what makes our work effective  and why this funding mattered.

Jessica Schultz, the Alliances executive director, told the Wisconsin Examiner that the goal of the grants was to help the regions farmers transition to these soil-friendly practices beyond just one season, allowing the organization to help protect the watershed, which is suffering from excess phosphorus and sediment loading, in the long term.

These practices also improve soil health, but transitioning to a continuous cover system requires a new approach to farm management. This shift can result in short-term yield losses or necessitate investment in new equipment, Schultz said. The cost-share provided through our grants would have played a vital role in helping farmers overcome these initial barriers. However, to realize lasting water quality improvements in our rivers and lakes, these conservation practices must be adopted consistently  not just for a single season, but year after year  across the majority of farmland in the basin.

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The technical assistance offered through our projects was intended to support farmers through this transition, providing both expertise and access to equipment from across the region, she continued. Our goal was to foster long-term adoption by equipping producers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed  not just for one growing season, but for the future health of our local waterways.

Climate and sustainability grants worth $100K canceled

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance isnt the only organization that has lost grant funding since Trumps inauguration. Wisconsin Green Fire has already had two grants, totaling nearly $100,000, canceled, according to Meleesa Johnson, the organizations executive director.

The first grant, worth about $32,000, was aimed at working with the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy to develop resources for local governments seeking to implement climate change mitigation strategies such as improving stormwater management and planting more trees to reduce heat island effects. The second grant was a $65,000 contract with the USDAs Natural Resources Conservation Service to establish a farm sustainability rewards program. Similar to the alliances grant, that program would have given farmers money in exchange for implementing practices such as no-till planting or reducing the use of nitrogen.

Green Fire had already spent money on getting the farm sustainability program off the ground, and now, according to Johnson, its unclear if the organization will be reimbursed.

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Were not the only ones, she said. Theres a lot of groups out there that have been moving along, doing the work, meeting the benchmarks of contract expectations, and now, well, many of us are, most of us are not being paid for the work that weve all begun. So its hard. Its not impossible for organizations to regroup, but it just makes it more difficult.

Johnson said that this program was about getting money directly to farmers  even if the programs description used the word carbon.

First and foremost, this was about getting money into the hands of farmers either already deploying good conservation practices or wanting to, [who] didnt have the resources to do it, she said. This wasnt about Green Fire. This was about farmers, and we were just developing the metric and the strategies to make sure that high performing farms with good conservation practices were being rewarded for doing really, really good work.

Without programs like these, Johnson said, Wisconsin will continue to see that continual slow degradation of farm fields and water quality.
President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Macomb Community College on April 29, 2025 at Warren, Michigan. Trump held the rally to highlight his accomplishments during his first 100 days in office, including closing the border, job creation and the economy. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Celebrating his 100th day in office Tuesday, President Donald Trump invoked a recent brutal kidnapping case in western Washington to justify his rush to deport Venezuelan immigrants.

The day after Trumps inauguration in January, three men abducted a 58-year-old woman outside her Burien apartment, robbing and shooting her before leaving her for dead along Interstate 90 in Kittitas County, prosecutors allege. Authorities say the men drilled into the womans hand with a power drill to get her to reveal her bank card PIN and phone passcode.

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King County prosecutors have charged two of the suspects, as of Wednesday.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the two men so far charged in the case, who are both Venezuelan citizens, have alleged ties to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. ICE has lodged immigration detainers on them so federal immigration agents can take custody if King County releases them, a spokesperson confirmed.

But under state law and county code, the jail cant release inmates to federal immigration authorities without a warrant.

This case, along with another in Chicago, provided Trumps rationale Tuesday for using a 1798 law to deport non-citizens without due process.

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Thats why weve invoked the Alien Enemies Act to expel every foreign terrorist from our soil as quickly as possible, Trump said to cheers at his Michigan rally.

Were just not taking this crap anymore. We cant, he continued.

Last month, Trump formally invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used law that allows the president to bypass immigration courts to deport people from a hostile nation or government. The president can use the statute in times of war or an invasion of the United States.

In his March 15 executive order, Trump argued Tren de Aragua members unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States.

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The American Civil Liberties Union quickly challenged the order. In response, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., barred deportation of Venezuelans on Alien Enemies Act grounds. The judge also ordered the Trump administration to turn around planes already en route to a prison in El Salvador. The White House didnt follow that order.

The U.S. Supreme Court also got involved earlier this month, pausing the Trump administrations planned deportation of immigrants subject to the Alien Enemies Act.

The ACLU is now asking a judge to force the administration to return more than 130 people still held in El Salvador after deportation.

On Tuesday, the president didnt stop at immigrants from Venezuela: They come in from Africa. The Congo, theyve emptied out their prisons into our country. But they come from Africa, Asia, South America. They come from all over bad parts of Europe.

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The two men charged in the Burien case remained in King County custody Wednesday with bail set at $1 million, as they await trial on attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery charges.

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If President Trump wants to implement the pro-police policies he outlined in his April 29 Executive Order, a good start would be dropping two unjust (but ongoing) federal prosecutions of police.

The two flimsy and politically motivated cases - in Kentucky and Massachusetts - are left over from the Biden Justice Departments war on cops. Trump can make good on his law enforcement-first approach by putting an end to these egregious charges brought by Biden officials (including a now-disgraced Soros DA) and career bureaucrats.

Trumps EO, "Strengthening and Unleashing Americas Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens," lays out the White Houses refreshingly pro-law enforcement approach. In addition to directing more federal resources to local law enforcement, it orders the Justice Department to provide much-needed legal resources to aid the defense of wrongfully accused cops.

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The executive order builds on concrete actions the administration has already taken in pausing burdensome consent decrees and pardoning unjustly prosecuted police officers like D.C. Police Officer Terence Sutton.

But Trump doesnt have to pardon these officers if he keeps his own Justice Department from repeating the same injustices inflicted on Sutton. Like in that case, politics is driving these prosecutions - facts be damned. And worse, these interim U.S. attorneys (who hold office until Trumps picks are confirmed) are doing it all under the noses of a pro-police president and attorney general.

In Massachusetts, a police sergeant with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police, which patrols Bostons subway system, faces federal charges for filing a false report - a rarely charged offense - related to a subordinates minor use of force on a homeless man in 2018. Sgt. David Finnerty, who as shift supervisor was not present and did not participate in the incident, could get 20 years in prison for allegedly lying on the report.

State charges were originally brought in 2019 by Bostons Soros-backed local prosecutor, Rachael Rollins, who had unilaterally decriminalized most public order offenses. After Rollins charged Finnerty and another officer, she got Bidens nod to be Bostons chief federal prosecutor in 2021. The next year, Rollins successor as district attorney dropped the case after uncovering computer evidence that Finnerty had not made the false report edits.

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But Rollins, who has a long history of anti-police animus, wasnt finished. The Soros-funded DA went after Finnerty again for the same offense in federal court, despite the new exculpatory evidence. But Finnertys pursuer resigned in disgrace in 2023 after being found to have engaged in influence-peddling, corruption, and - yes - perjury.

Yet, Rollins case against Sgt. Finnerty remains, more than three months after Trump took office. Career lawyers at the Justice Department plan to try the zombie case in the coming weeks.

In another egregious example of anti-police prosecutions, three Kentucky State Troopers face decades in federal prison over force incidents. The indictment was sought by Michael A. Bennett, the U.S. attorney who took office under Biden. Shockingly, the charges were brought in March 2025 - under the Trump administration - since Bennett remains in charge.

Notably, Bennetts office also led the questionable investigation into the Louisville Police Department, alleging systemic police abuses to justify federal meddling. Thankfully, a federal judge and the Trump Administration kiboshedthat effort.

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The federal case largely stems from two incidents in the spring of 2020. During an April arrest for a domestic violence bench warrant, the troopers James Wright and Thomas Czartorski struck the wanted man and took him to the ground. Czartorski, who struck the suspect on the leg with a flashlight, lost his job and later pleaded guilty to perjury for denying, in a civil suit deposition, that he struck the man.

Wright, who was cleared in an internal affairs investigation and local prosecutors declined to charge, now faces 25 years in federal prison. Lewis is accused of tasing a suspected drunk driver, but was also cleared by police investigators and never charged at the state level. After the federal indictment, the decorated officers (Wright was nominated for Trooper of the Year) were immediately suspended.

In the four officers cases, local officials already imposed consequences (Czartorski) for misconduct or found no basis for prosecution, yet in the wake of the 2020 anti-police unrest, the Biden Justice Department persisted.

The Trump DOJ should not be carrying out an unethical Soros prosecutors vendetta in Boston, nor should it allow Biden holdovers to go after cops in Kentucky unjustly.

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Just like it did with unnecessary police consent decrees, Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi should put an end to these egregious political prosecutions of police in Kentucky and Massachusetts.

Jason Johnson is the president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, which advocates for pro-police policies and provides legal aid to wrongfully accused officers. Johnson is the former deputy commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department.
More than 8,000 children attend preschool as part of Head Start in West Virginia. The program employs about 3,000 people. (Getty Images)

Samantha Casto, a preschool teacher at Ravenswood Head Start, is making the outdoors her classroom this spring. Her four- and five-year-old students are learning about bug habitats and digging their tiny hands into the dirt.

Its not sit down at a desk and learn, said Casto, 33. They get to learn in a fun way.

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Head Start offers free child care, early education, meals and more to thousands of low-income children in West Virginia. There are support services for families, as well.

Under President Donald Trump, the program could be terminated.

The Trump administration is asking Congress to eliminate funding for Head Start, which would shutter programs nationwide.

In West Virginia, it would terminate preschool and services for nearly 8,000 children and cut 3,000 jobs.

I cant imagine how West Virginia would fare  our children, families, even our economy  I dont know how these families would go to work, said Lori Milam, executive director of the West Virginia Head Start Association. It would be devastating. It really would.

Samantha Casto

Casto has worked at Ravenswood Head Start for 11 years. Im devastated and upset, she said.

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The Trump administration has already slashed Head Start staff, closed half the programs regional offices and delayed funding.

Several states, including Pennsylvania, and advocacy groups are suing the Trump administration over the looming Head Start funding cuts. The lawsuit alleges that the actions already taken against the program, including shuttering its regional offices, required congressional approval.

Milam said West Virginia Head Start is waiting on grant money needed May 1 for programs that serve 1,000 children.

Theres no communication because of closing the [regional] Head Start offices, she said.

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A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said in an email, At this point in time, Sen. Capito is continuing to work with [the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] to ensure that West Virginia Head Start centers receive their grant money.

Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio

Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., and Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., did not return comments for this story.

West Virginias Head Start programs are solely reliant on federal funding and received $83 million in 2024.

State Sen. Laura Chapman, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, said she would see if the state could fund the program should the federal cuts go through.

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A cut to Head Start would be devastating, however, I do support the Trump administrations goals in reducing bureaucracy and administrative costs, said Chapman, R-Ohio. If it does happen, I believe that the state should step up and try to fill in the gaps.

I support Head Start and our families, she added.

Head Start closure would worsen states child care shortage

Head Starts potential closure would worsen the states child care shortage. More than 25,000 children in West Virginia dont have access to child care, and hundreds of child care facilities have closed in the state in the last few years.

Northern Panhandle Head Start serves five counties, including Wetzel County, where there is no licensed child care center. The program partners with five nearby child care centers to provide funds that help pay teachers.

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Our Head Start [programs] are some of the only available centers that children can go to, said Jackie Bell, executive director of Northern Panhandle Head Start. Im very concerned about the proposed budget cuts. It threatens the stability and the future of our early childhood education.

Were more than a preschool program, she continued. It allows [families] to go out and get jobs and work during the day and know their child is taking care of and receiving quality programming.

Bell said 120 staff will lose their jobs if her Head Start program is forced to close.

The National Institute for Early Education Research recently ranked West Virginia as fourth in the nation for preschool for four-year-olds, which was influenced by Head Start access statewide.

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Head Start also serves a referral program, connecting young children with free services like speech and physical therapy through the Birth to Three program. Milam worries that children, including children in foster care and those with developmental disabilities, will slip through the cracks without screenings and services before they enter kindergarten.

Program employees also made nearly 44,000 home visits last year to check on children and provide in-home support for parents. The service plays a role in preventing children from entering West Virginias overburdened foster care system, Bell said.

One of the unique pieces of our program is the parent education and training side of it, Bell said, adding that the organization also makes referrals to Child Protective Services when necessary.

Were serving the vulnerable children and families, and thats whats really scary about these potential cuts, she said.

Savannah Shamblin

Milam planned on spending this year celebrating Head Starts 60th anniversary. Now, she is collecting testimonials and calling elected officials in hopes of saving the program.

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I am still very, very hopeful, she said.

Savannah Shamblin, 32, is a Head Start teacher at the Fairplain Center in Jackson County. Her students are learning the alphabet, how to spell their names and how to use silverware.

Whenever that clicks, I get super excited  because I know Im making a difference, and the kids get excited too, she said.

Shamblin is worried about her job, but said, I worry more about the children and families more.

We need to continue it for the next 100 years because its helping children that really need it, she said.

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President Donald Trump has branded himself the 'Fertilization President' and wants Americans to have more children - but his and tariffs could make life for growing families a lot more difficult.

Car seats, strollers and other goods essential for raising an infant will be impacted by Trumps trade war with China, with expectant families stocking up items as baby stores worry about their futures.

Meanwhile, trade associations are trying to get an exemption from the administration.

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Natalie Gordon, found and CEO of Babylist, an e-commerce marketplace for baby items, told The Washington Post, It's a tax on families who are having a baby.

Tariffing these products is completely at odds with that stated goal of increasing birth rate and supporting families, she added.

Babylist and other companies have joined together with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to lobby for a tariff exemption.

The push has included an ad campaign that calls the tariffs a baby tax and a letter to Trump pushes him to exclude all juvenile products from these tariffs on Chinese imports o American parents and caregivers can protect the health and safety of American babies and toddlers.

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The Trump White House has been sharing various ideas on how to increase the falling U.S. birthrate, such as a $5,000 baby bonus to those who have a child. Top officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have focused on the issue. Vance has said on repeated occasions that the falling birthrate should bother people.

Speaking about the notion of a baby bonus in April, Trump said, Sounds like a good idea to me.

Trump has publicly supported the idea of handing $5,000 to families who have kids as a baby bonus (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

At a Womens History Month im March, the president nicknamed himself the fertilization president as he announced the formation of the Republica Womens Caucus in Congress.

"We're gonna have tremendous goodies in the bag for women too, he said. The women, between the fertilization and all the other things we're talking about, it's gonna be great.

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Fertilization. I'm still very proud of it, I don't care, he added. I'll be known as the fertilization president and that's okay."

However, the rising costs is ofter given as the main reason that couples are opting to go child-free.

Trump has agreed to some exemptions to his trade war, providing relief to some carmakers, but he has so far remained steadfast in his trade war with China, in which some tariffs have now reached 145 percent.

The president said it was good that his policies have made it difficult for Americans to buy goods from China, adding that they deserve it, during an interview with ABC broadcast on Tuesday.

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Some experts worry that families will limit their spending, which may lead to unsafe conditions for some children.

The owner of the Washington D.C. boutique baby store Three Littles, Elizabeth Mahon, told The Post, I love the idea of manufacturing in America, and I see the value in it. But, right now, businesses are really struggling.

Its not fearmongering. Its real. I cannot get inventory, she added.

Mahon noted that purchases at her store increased when the tariffs were announced, with families trying to avoid the ramifications of the incoming policy, noting that some bought strollers and car seats before pregnancy. She added the her stores can only stay open for another six months if tariffs continue to impact purchases.

There are products that we sell that we dont have any idea when were going to get more of them, Mahon told the paper. I would happily buy the same products if they were manufactured in America, but they are not, and the problem is the things that were selling are necessities. These arent just willy-nilly purchases. They are keeping kids safe, and if families cannot find car seats, the direct result is that kids are less safe.
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Charles Kushner, the father of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, told U.S. senators on Thursday he could be trusted to exercise good judgment if confirmed as U.S. ambassador to France, despite his past conviction for tax evasion and witness tampering and other federal charges.

"I made a very, very, very serious mistake and I paid a heavy price for that mistake," Kushner, a wealthy real estate developer, said during a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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Kushner pleaded guilty in 2005 to 18 counts, including tax evasion, retaliating against a federal witness and lying to the Federal Election Commission. He served two years in prison, the maximum allowed in a plea deal.

Prosecutors at the time said Kushner learned that his brother-in-law was cooperating with a federal investigation and hired a prostitute to lure him to a motel room for an encounter recorded with a hidden camera and sent the tape to the brother-in-law's wife, Kushner's sister.

Trump pardoned Kushner, whose son is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, in 2020.

When he nominated Kushner for the highly-prized position in Paris in November 2024, Trump praised him as "a tremendous business leader, philanthropist and dealmaker."

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Kushner is expected to be confirmed. Trump's fellow Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and have confirmed every Trump nominee who has come up for a vote since the president's second term began on January 20.

When questioned by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the committee's top Democrat, Kushner noted that he and his wife have made extensive charitable donations and that he eventually would be judged by God.

He also said he felt his experiences would make him a better ambassador.

"I think that my past mistakes actually make me better with my judgment, better in my view of life, better in my values to really make me more qualified to do this job," Kushner told the Senate panel.

The U.S. ambassador to France is typically a major donor or other close ally of a U.S. president.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Paul Simao)
Abigail Slater delivered her first public address as assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice on Monday, where she argued for an "America First Antitrust" policy based on patriotism, textualism, and respect for precedent and the rule of law. Speaking at the University of Notre Dame, Slater claimed her antitrust regime will empower "America's forgotten men and women to shape their own economic destinies in the free market." In reality, her populist antitrust agenda will retard American innovation and economic growth.

Slater, who was an economic policy adviser to Vice President J.D. Vance when he was in the Senate, opened her remarks by thanking President Donald Trump, who has "assailed the use of 'market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans,'" for giving her "the chance to defend the American people's rights at this critical juncture in our history."

Slater explains that the Trump administration is "undertaking deregulation that will unleash innovation in AI and other technologies" but celebrates the DOJ's recent victory in the Google ad tech case, saying, "Our teams more often than not win the battle on behalf of the American people." Embroiling Big Tech firms in expensive antitrust suits stifles innovation by decreasing capital available for R&D and discouraging startup acquisition.

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Slater also condemns the "global labor arbitrage" for trading "American jobs for cheap manufacturing abroad" and "growing profit margins [that] diverted the economic gains for many goods from American consumers and workers to our coastal elites." But the facts contradict Slater's story: The percentage of U.S. households making $35,000 or less decreased from 1967 to 2017, while those making $100,000 or more increased, as explained by Mark Perry, senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute. She also references the decline of manufacturing since the late 1960s, but nationwide manufacturing output steadily increased from 1970 to 2007, where it has since stabilized.

Slater's skepticism of free markets was most prominently displayed when she explained the principles that will guide her approach to antitrust enforcement at the Justice Department.

To Slater, the first objective for antitrust enforcers should be protecting individual liberty from government and corporate tyranny. While Slater rightly identifies freedom of choice as necessary for flourishing, she wrongly likens today's dominant firms to the government-granted monopolies of the colonial period, such as the British East India Company.

Brian Albrecht, chief economist at the International Center for Law & Economics, says "It is very strange to compare a government-granted monopoly to any of the relevant 'monopolies' people worry about today." Ethan Yang, an adjunct research fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, agrees, telling Reason, "Many of the so-called dominant firms that are in the antitrust crosshairs today have achieved their positions almost entirely on enterprise." The British East India Company only "maintained its position because it was granted a legal monopoly on all trade occurring in a certain part of the world by royal charter."

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Second, she believes antitrust enforcement should respect binding precedent and the original meaning of the statute. Slater says antitrust agencies should only enforce laws actually passed by Congressnot laws they wish Congress had passed. Slater invokes this principle to argue that "antitrust laws protect labor market competition." Antitrust has been used in the context of labor, explains Yang, but "its application is tricky becauseit is much more difficult to classify as a market which is necessary to measure competition and the alleged anticompetitive effects of restrictive labor practices." Moreover, Slater's claim that labor antitrust is deeply rooted in common law tradition and Supreme Court precedent is wrong because "most of the labor antitrust has happened in the last 15 years," according to Albrecht.

Slater's third principle is that antitrust litigation can serve as a substitute for regulation. Slater likens the former to a scalpel and the latter to a sledgehammer. Even though Slater rightly recognizes that "anti-competitive regulation can be co-opted by monopolies and their lobbyists" and "sap the free market of dynamism," she does not admit that antitrust's susceptibility to capture and do the same. The empirical record unambiguously shows that "antitrust, at least before the development of the consumer welfare standard, was employed to help competitors and a form of rent seeking," says Albrecht. Yang adds that, while antitrust enforcement may be less susceptible to corporate capture than regulation, it is "highly ideological and partisan because lawsuits can be launched at will byagency leaders who often take direct orders from the President."

Slater credits New Right intellectuals Oren Cass, founder of American Compass, and Sohrab Ahmari, founder of Compact magazine, for "driving the realignment in antitrust policy." Slater's "wish to move away from [a] deeply technocratic and elitist mindset" confounds her support of the New Right, whose economic program is explicitly technocratic, viewing trade and industrial policy as tools policymakers can and ought to use to remake the economy from on high.

Slater is right that "personal liberty and economic liberty are closely connected." But her activist antitrust ideology will violate liberty, not protect it.

The post Trump's 'America First Antitrust' Policy Will Put America Last appeared first on Reason.com.
A deportation flight carrying immigrants to El Salvador took off while a judge was ruling in the case. A mother of two U.S. citizens was sent to Honduras without speaking to anyone other than immigration officials. College students have been suddenly arrested on city streets and sent to detention centers hundreds of miles away.

The Trump administrations promise to carry out the biggest deportation campaign in American history has a distinct and potent hallmark: speed. Officials have fast-tracked deportation proceedings so that some people are removed without speaking to an attorney, family members or without a court hearing at all.

Trumps immigration efforts have broken norms and bent the law as he enacts his agenda with dizzying fervor, seeking to show his supporters hes delivering, even as the overall number of deportations in February lagged behind Biden administration during the same period last year.

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One theme that runs through all the Trump administrations immigration actions this term is its attempt to rush people out of the country without due process or oversight by the courts, said Lee Gelernt, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, who has argued some of the most high-profile immigration-related challenges to Trump during both terms.

Trumps first-term push to drastically reshape the nations immigration system was often stymied by the courts, slowed because of the officials around him or undone over a tide of public criticism. The president has been emboldened in his second term, surrounded by loyalists and governing a nation that has moved to the right on immigration.

This is a much more powerful presidency than I had the first time, Trump told The Atlantic in April. The first time, I was fighting for survival and I was fighting to run the country. This time Im fighting to help the world and to help the country.

Even as Trump slams individual judges publicly, he and his aides have stressed that they will abide by court rulings. Still, administration officials are testing that line.

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"I cant  I cant have a trial  a major trial  for every person that came in illegally," Trump said this week in an interview with ABC News.

In March, after Trump signed an executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act  a rarely used wartime power  to deport men alleged to be members of a Venezuelan gang, a federal judge during an emergency hearing ordered deportation flights to be turned around.

But two planeloads of people were deported anyway, taken to a prison in El Salvador that has a history of human rights abuses. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has since suggested that the deportations appeared to be designed to outrun the judicial system.

Prisoners at the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, in an image released March 31.

A federal judge Thursday ruled Trump could not rely on the act to detain and remove migrants.

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White House officials argue that voters chose this agenda; Americans consistently reported immigration reform as a top priority. More than 100 days into his presidency, the issue still resonates but adults were split, with 49% approving of his handling of border security and immigration and 51% disapproving, according to an NBC News Stay Tuned Poll, powered by SurveyMonkey.

There is still a massive backlog of immigration cases, though Biden-era policies that allowed migrants to stay in the U.S. and work have been rescinded and asylum-seekers once again must wait for their cases across the border.

Trumps team is seeking to fast-track deportation cases so they dont get bogged down this time by legal wrangling.

Youre not going to get an ounce of sympathy from this administration or President Trump, Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff and arbiter of immigration policies, said Thursday.

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The administration has argued that it is not required to provide immigrants due process during arrest and deportation proceedings, citing rarely used provisions, including the Alien Enemies Act of 1789, said Muzaffar Chishti, director of the Migration Policy Institute at the NYU School of Law.

The minimal requirement for due process, as defined by judges over time, is that you know what you are being charged for, you have the ability to present the case against the charge, and you have the right to have a lawyer to that, he said.

By that definition, Chishti said, he doubted due process was met in the speed with which they are executing these deportations.

In a January interview with NBC News, Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, acknowledged that the administrations mass deportation plans would include collateral arrests  immigrants without criminal records who are discovered as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents search for targets.

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Homan said those with criminal records remain the priority, but anyone in the U.S. illegally should consider themselves a target. But some of these recent cases have involved undocumented immigrants arrested during a routine check-in with immigration officials, a significant escalation of the deportation efforts.

Demonstrators protest the deportation of immigrants to El Salvador outside the Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the United Nations in New York City on April 24.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, immigration officers had arrested 151,000 undocumented immigrants, far more than the Biden administration did during the same period last year.

But overall deportations are lagging behind those of the Biden administration during the same period last year.

Trump officials say its because of a drastic drop in border crossings. But theyre looking to keep the pressure up in other ways  through brashness and high-profile arrests.

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And unlike his first term, when after widespread condemnation, Trump backed off the zero-tolerance policy that separated families who crossed the border to seek asylum, there has been no backing down, even as some efforts draw criticism.

The administration has revoked more than 300 student visas; college students have been picked up, in some cases by masked immigration agents, and held in detention centers, sometimes a thousand miles from their homes with little warning and often with few details about why they were being detained.

And last week in Louisiana, three U.S. citizen children from two families were removed from the country with their mothers amid public outcry. One of them is a 4-year-old with stage 4 cancer who was being treated in the U.S.

Homan said Monday that officials sent the children because the mothers requested they depart with them. This was a parental decision. Parenting 101. The mothers made that choice, he said.

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Yet, Sirine Shebaya, the executive director of the National Immigration Project, which has been helping on the cases, insisted the mothers did not choose to have their children removed from the U.S. and that they were given no other alternatives. She said they were not told that there were people on the outside saying they were ready to take their kids with them.

One of the women who was flown out with her 2-year-old U.S. citizen daughter is pregnant. Attorneys said she had a less than two-minute phone call with her husband that Immigration and Customs Enforcement abruptly cut off, so she could not arrange for her child to stay in the U.S. She had been in the country a number of years and checking in with ICE regularly, Shebaya said.

The second was deported with her 4-year-old son who has stage 4 cancer and her daughter, 7, both citizens. Attorneys said the boy was sent out without access to his medications and treatment. The woman's attorney said she did not sign or write anything or give consent to her children being removed from the country with her. He said she wasnt given a phone to call her attorney or family.

Shebaya said normally, theres time for people who are ordered to be deported to make a case to stay, and its highly unusual when children are involved not to make time for decisions to be made about the children.

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But both women had been ordered to be deported after they failed to show for immigration appointments, making them targets for a faster deportation.

The mother with the 2-year-old missed her appointment because she had been kidnapped while waiting in Mexico, said Mich P. Gonzalez, co-founder of Sanctuary of the South, an immigration and LGBTQ civil rights cooperative, who represents her. She was eventually released. The second woman, who had been an unaccompanied minor at 13 and claimed asylum at the border, didnt receive the notice for a hearing, Gonzalez said.

The administration is also ramping up its calls for undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily  or risk being permanently barred from the country if immigration authorities find them first.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said the administration has given parents in the U.S. illegally the opportunity to take control of their departure process with the potential ability to return the legal, right way and come back to live the American dream.

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Linda Rivas, an immigration lawyer in El Paso, Texas, summed up the second-term agenda this way: Law feels like a suggestion. Families and communities are terrified of whats to come.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Heads up, America:

We here in Palm Beach County need to advise you about a recent development involving Donald Trumps alarming fascination with large poles.

As people living in the shadow of Mar-a-Lago, we have a little experience with Trump when it comes to his fixation with flagpole height, a condition that predates his presidency by a whole decade.

Paging Dr. Freud. Paging Dr. Freud.

This is why we are sounding the alarm throughout America over Trumps recent announcement that he will be putting 100-foot flagpoles on both the north and south lawns of the White House.

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Oh, no. Here we go again.

Two flags. Top of the line. And they've needed flagpoles for 200 years," he said. "Paid for by Trump.

Dont hold your breath about the last part.

The alarming part isnt that while President Trump is single-handedly leading America toward a tariff-fueled recession, hes wasting money on garish displays of faux patriotism.

Its that when he starts talking about flagpoles, it tends to be about something else.

A large American flag flies at Mar-a-Lago near South Ocean Boulevard in 2006. (JEFFREY LANGLOIS/Palm Beach Daily News)

In 2006, Trump had an 80-foot flagpole placed in the front yard of his Mar-a-Lago club without seeking a variance and permit approval from the Town of Palm Beach.

The town code restricted flagpole heights to 42 feet  so Trumps pole was nearly double the allowed height.

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Nevertheless, he continued to ignore the $250-per-day fines issued over his flagpole, fines that reached about $120,000.

Instead, he sued the town for the arbitrary, Austin-Powers-like amount of $25 million, saying town leaders were unpatriotic Americans abridging his First Amendment rights.

The town council of Palm Beach should be ashamed of itself, Trump told a national TV audience. Theyre fining me for putting up the American flag. This is probably a first in United States history.

President Donald Trump (L) walks and speaks with staff on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 23, 2025, as he surveys for a location for the installation of what he says will be a 100-foot flagpole for an American flag.

Now that Trump is president, nobodys going to stop him from bringing his tacky, car dealership aesthetic to the White House lawn.

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If the White House lawn starts looking like it ought to have a row of still-stickered new cars on it, sales signs for zero-percent financing, and a couple of windsock figures waving in the wind, well, thats the way it will be with our pre-owned president.

But if this is like 2006, this new exercise in lawn ornamentation isnt really about U.S. flags and flagpoles. It became clear after a while, that the Mar-a-Lago pole was just a way for Trump to negotiate other business he had with the town.

Dropping his $25 million lawsuit over the flagpole was offered in exchange of the town softening some of its rules over the membership at Trumps club during closed-door negotiations.

So, dont fall for Trumps latest patriotism ruse. The giant flags and their poles will be serving as cover for something else.

President Donald Trump talks to reporters after inspecting the North Lawn with members of the White House grounds crew to look for a place to put a 100-foot-tall flag pole on April 23, 2025.

Maybe to distract attention away from the future use of the military against U.S. citizens, a Russia-serving foreign policy, or tax cuts that only help the ultra-rich.

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Dont look at your suddenly tanking 401(k) and get angry. Dont look at his brazen efforts to ignore court rulings, destroy once-functional government agencies, and silence legislators, judges, lawyers and media outlets through fear.

Just look at those giant flags on the White House lawn and get a new sense of pride.

Opinion: Does Florida need a Trump library or are lawmakers worshipping at the altar again?

I will note, while I still have the chance, that if you look at giant flagpoles throughout the world, there is an inverse relationship between the height of the big flagpoles in the country, and the appeal of living there.

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Some of the worst countries on earth to live have the highest flagpoles.

Russia has a 574-foot flagpole. North Korea has a 525-foot pole. Iran has a 490-foot-pole.

The 10 countries with the tallest flagpoles that fly their national flags are, in order of height: Egypt, Azerbaijan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, North Korea, Iran, Turkmenistan, Jordan and India.

Ostentatious flag waving by the government from big poles isnt an indicator of being a good place to live. Its an indicator of countries with people who want to live elsewhere.

So, youve been warned. King Don Uno is having another one of his big flagpole periods.

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Something unsavory is on the horizon.

Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, which is part of the USA Today Network-Florida. He can be reached at FCerabino@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump to install White House flagpoles for 'patriotism' | Opinion
The Trump administration concedes that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran who had lived in the United States since 2012, was illegally deported to his native country on March 15 due to an "administrative error." But it says there was good reason to expel him because he is a member of MS-13, an international criminal gang. That much is clear, President Donald Trump insisted in an interview with ABC News correspondent Terry Moran this week, because Abrego Garcia "had MS-13 tattooed" on "his knuckles."

Abrego Garcia did not have MS-13 tattooed on his knuckles. Rather, he had four tattoos on the fingers of his left handa marijuana leaf, a smiley face with X eyes, a cross, and a skullthat the government has controversially interpreted as evidence of his alleged MS-13 affiliation. In a picture that Trump posted on X last month, the president is holding a photo of those tattoos, captioned "Kilmar Abrego Garcia MS-13 Tattoo" and superimposed with labels that include the characters M, S, 1, and 3 across the fingers. "They said he is not a member of MS-13," Trump wrote, "even though he's got MS-13 tattooed onto his knuckles."

Although Trump clearly mistook those labels for ink that had been injected into Abrego Garcia's skin, he adamantly refused to acknowledge his embarrassing error when Moran pointed it out. That episode poses a puzzle that is apt to come up repeatedly during the next three and a half years: When Trump says something that is clearly not true, does it reflect his longstanding character traits, or does it reflect the sort of cognitive decline that forced Joe Biden to withdraw from last year's presidential race?

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At 78, Trump is four years younger than Biden. But by the end of his term, Trump will be older than Biden was when his disastrous debate performance made it plain that his mental faculties were slipping. And you can be sure that if Biden had displayed the sort of stubborn obliviousness that was evident in Trump's conversation with Moran, Republicans would have cited it as clear evidence of his encroaching senility.

If you think I am exaggerating, watch the interview or read the transcript. The relevant exchange begins when Moran asks Trump about Abrego Garcia, whom he describes as "the Salvadoran man who crossed into this country illegally but who is under a protective order that he not be sent back to El Salvador." Moran notes that "your government sent him back to El Salvador and acknowledged in court that was a mistake." He adds that the Supreme Court has upheld an order requiring the government to "facilitate his return to the United States." Moran asks what the Trump administration is doing to comply with that order.

Abrego Garcia "is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland," Trump says. He is an "MS-13 gang member" with a history of domestic violence who "came into our country illegally." How does Trump know that Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13? Although "he said he wasn't a member of a gang," Trump explains, "they looked" and saw that "on his knuckles he had MS-13.He had MS-13 on his knuckles tattooed."

Moran corrects Trump, saying "he has some tattoos that are interpreted that way." No, Trump insists: "It says 'M-S-1-3.'" That label, Moran notes, was added by "Photoshop." Trump is incredulous: "That was Photoshop?" He thinks Moran is obviously wrong, because Abrego Garcia "had MS-13 tattooed" on his hand.

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Moran wants to "move on," saying, "We'll agree to disagree." But Trump will not let go of the subject. "Do you want me to show the picture?" he says "Go look at his hand. He had MS-13." Moran allows that "he did have tattoos that can be interpreted that way." Trump can't believe how misleading Moran is being: "Terry, no, no. No, no. He had MS as clear as you can be. Not 'interpreted.' This is why people no longer believe the news, because it's fake news."

When Abrego Garcia "was photographed in El Salvador," Moran notes, he had no tattoos like the ones Trump is describing. "Oh, oh," Trump says. "They weren't there, but they're there now, right?" Wrong, Moran says: "They're in your picture."

Moran really wants to talk about Ukraine, but Trump still thinks it is important to set the record straight: "He's got MS-13 on his knuckles." He adds that "you do such a disservice" by denying that supposedly documented fact. "Why don't you just say, 'Yes, he does,' and, you know, go on to something else?" Because that point is "contested," Moran charitably says before finally getting Trump to talk about Ukraine instead.

Trump's manner, tone of voice, and persistence during this exchange suggest he sincerely believes what he is saying. He is not even willing to entertain the possibility that he might be wrong. In Trump's mind, it is Moran who is either mistaken or deceptive.

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You could say that is what you would expect from a man who continues to insist, notwithstanding all the evidence to the contrary, that he actually won reelection in 2020. Trump, after all, has never felt obliged to acknowledge reality when it conflicts with his agenda or self-image. But advancing age can only expand Trump's capacity for self-delusion, and in this tattoo discussion he comes across as a confused old man.

Consider another example: the special tariffs on Mexican, Canadian, and Chinese goods that Trump said were aimed at pressuring the leaders of those countries to help stop the flow of illicit fentanyl into the United States. Although that rationale never made much sense, it was at least comprehensible. The same cannot be said of the explanation that Trump offered on Truth Social last month: The aim of taxing imports from Canada, he said, was to "penalize Canada for the sale, into our Country, of large amounts of Fentanyl, by Tariffing the value of this horrible and deadly drug in order to make it more costly to distribute and buy."

As Reason's Brian Doherty notes, that description suggests "Trump's understanding of what he's even doing is deficient," since he seems to think "his tariffs will be taxing and thus raising the price of the illegal fentanyl he fantasizes is flooding the United States from the north." That misconception goes beyond Trump's intermittent insistence that the cost of tariffs is borne by foreign countries rather than U.S. businesses and consumers. If Trump thinks he is "tariffing the value of this horrible and deadly drug in order to make it more costly to distribute and buy," he imagines that drug traffickers, whose entire business model is based on defying the law, nevertheless are keen to comply with his new taxes by declaring their imports at the border and forking over 25 percent of their value.

Like the highly incriminating but imaginary tattoos that Trump thinks Abrego Garcia has, his assertion that drug smugglers are paying tariffs seems like a fantasy rather than a lie. But given the power that Trump is either exercising (in the case of tariffs) or declining to exercise (in Abrego Garcia's case), these are potentially consequential fantasies. Maybe Trump is just being Trump, or maybe his already tenuous connection to reality is slipping with age. With Trump, it is hard to draw such distinctions.

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Similarly, Trump's frequently puzzling rhetorical detours are not necessarily a sign of cognitive decline, since his style of speech has long been meandering and full of non sequiturs. I am not saying the president is senile. But if he were, how would we know?

The post Trump's Tattoo Fantasy Raises the Question: If He Were Senile, How Would We Know? appeared first on Reason.com.
One of President Donald Trumps top advisers gave a briefing on Thursday, May 1, about the state of the Department of Education, leveling threats at schools that he claims promote communist ideology.



Stephen Miller, Trumps homeland security adviser and deputy chief of staff for policy, outlined the Trump administrations plans to eliminate critical race theory from schools, saying, "For any nation to be successful, it cannot teach its children to hate themselves and their country."



"Children will be taught to love America. Children will be taught to be patriots," Miller said. "Children will be taught civic values for schools that want federal taxpayer funding."



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Related: Trump Wants to Eliminate the Department of Education: What That Means for American Schools

On March 20, Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin taking steps to dismantle the Department of Education to the extent that she is able.



The plan, according to Trumps directive, is to return authority over education to the States and local communities while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.



As funding is returned to the states, Miller clarified in Thursdays briefing, the Trump administration plans to withhold it from any schools they believe are promoting communist ideology."



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"These are a few of the areas in which President Trump has fought the cancerous, communist, woke culture which is destroying this country," he said. "Where we were led to believe that men were women and that women were men, where racial discrimination was good and merit was bad, and that safety and physical security mattered less than liberal ideologues."



The comments from Miller  who has espoused white nationalist views and whose organization America First Legal was initially listed on the advisory board of Project 2025  send a message similar to the one he gave while introducing Trump at a campaign rally in October 2024.

"You have a right to love the community you grew up in," he told the crowd in Aurora, Colorado. "You have a right to love your neighbors as they are. You have a right to want a country that is of, by and for Americans, and only Americans."



Related: How Could a Department of Education Shutdown Impact Book Bans?

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.

Miller also told reporters on Thursday that the Department of Justice is currently coordinating with law enforcement to push back against what he called "child abuse" in American school systems.



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"It is child abuse to change a child's gender, particularly if you do not inform the parents, he said. If a 5-year-old or 6-year-old goes to school, or a 7-year-old goes to school, and the teacher tries to turn the boy into a girl or a girl into a boy that is child abuse, and this administration is treating that as child abuse and a gross violation of parental rights."



Read the original article on People
(FOX40.COM) The family of 26-year-old William Andrew Akens Jr. is pleading for the communitys help after their loved one was struck and killed on Saturday night.

William Akens Sr. said, Were trying to seek justice for my son.

The Sacramento Police Department said that the driver fled the scene before officers arrived at the scene.

Officials identify fatal Sacramento hit-and-run victim

Theyre saying its a hit and run. They said my son was hit by a car, someone stopped and helped him, and another car hit him again after he was already possibly deceased. Williams father explained, This happened on Saturday, and we didnt get notified until Tuesday.

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FOX40 spoke to the victims mother, Wendy Watters, who described her son as a bright light, outgoing, and always smiling.

Image: Marcus Ahmiel Schaffer Image: Marcus Ahmiel Schaffer

Everyone was his friend. Everybody was drawn to him. He had these big, bright eyes. He was a ray of light. He loved everybody, loved people. He was a people person. You know, He was a jokester, said Watters

The family also mentioned that the victim leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter.

He has a little girl whos never going to see him again, and we want justice, Williams father said. Thats all we want is justice.

Now the family is speaking up and working to find answers. They said SPD has not given them any details in regards to the investigation.

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Watters said, We tried to reach out to detectives. We get that were getting nowhere. We just want some answers. We know someone has seen something.

FOX40 reached out to the SPD, and they said,

The Sacramento police departments major collision investigation unit is a group of highly talented detectives, whose purpose comes in the form of investigate fatal and serious injury collisions. A part of this includes maintaining investigative integrity throughout the investigation, so as not to jeopardize any potential future court proceedings. These detectives hold themselves to the high standard of bringing those who violate the law to justice, while showing care and compassion to victims.

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 FOX40 News.
Florida health officials announced this week that an individual at Fort Lauderdales Dillard High School had contracted tuberculosis.

The case was reportedly in a student. Broward County school officials said some other students had also been identified as exposed to the bacterial infection, sparking fears of yet another recent U.S. outbreak. Few details have been released about the student involved.

They did contact tracing and they have identified a certain number of kids that they are thinking have been exposed and theyre going to test those kids based on parental consent to see if theyre actually confirmed cases, also, Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn told reporters.

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Tuberculosis is the worlds deadliest infectious disease, and kills more than one million people every year. While the U.S. has made major strides combatting tuberculosis, recent surges serve a reminder that the preventable illness has not yet been eradicated. Its symptoms can be severe, including coughing up blood, a fever and night sweats.

After taking a tour of the school, which includes 1,900 students, Hepburn said students did not seem particularly worried. Although, the case has had an impact on attendance levels.

Officials have said no action is needed unless students and their parents are contacted directly, according to ABC News.

A student at southeast Floridas Dillard High School has reported contracted tuberculosis. Other students there have been exposed to the bacterial infection. (Google Maps)

Cases have been rising

The announcement comes as cases have been rising, with other health officials reporting infections in Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina and Kansas.

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Last year, the U.S. saw more than 10,000 cases, according to federal data. Thats the highest level in over a dozen years. California, New York, and Texas topped the list. Florida had more than 600 cases in 2024, making it the state with the fourth-highest tally.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still considers the county to have a low risk of infection.

It is unusual to have tuberculosis in our community, Dr. Paul Eckardt told CBS News Miami.

Tuberculosis infections occur as bacteria spreads through the air from person to person. However, many people with inactive cases may not know they have been exposed (Elizabeth S. Mingioli/CDC via AP)

It is preventable and curable

People who are exposed to tuberculosis may experience a weeks-long cough, weight loss, fever, chills, night sweats, chest pain and cough up blood.

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The disease spreads through germs in the air, affecting the lungs, brain or spine. While anyone can become infected, some groups are more impacted than others, including people with weakened immune systems.

However, not everyone who is infected with tuberculosis germs becomes sick. People with inactive cases do not feel sick or have symptoms and cannot spread the germs to others, but the germs can live in their bodies for years. Without treatment, it can develop into active disease at any time.

Tuberculosis is both curable and preventable through different medicines. There are also treatment plans for tuberculosis that are resistant to drugs. Without treatment, it can be fatal.

You can treat it, but its not easy to treat, Eckardt told The Miami Herald. You have to take a bunch of pills a day, but its treatable.
National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbards office is working with NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to investigate the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an interview Thursday on former Fox News host Megyn Kelly's podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, Gabbard also said she wants to end so-called gain-of-function research in which scientists alter pathogens to make them more transmissible or deadly so they can study them.

Gabbard, like many in the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress, believes the pandemic was caused by a laboratory accident in Wuhan, China, rather than by the virus spilling over from animals to people, as many virologists say is more likely.

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The administration last month launched a web page making the case that the pandemic originated in a Chinese lab and accusing former NIH official Anthony Fauci of covering it up.

In her interview with Kelly, Gabbard pointed to NIH grants that went to gain-of-function research to make a case that such research led to the pandemic.

"In the case of the Wuhan lab, as well as many other bio labs around the world, was actually U.S. funded, and leads to this dangerous kind of research that in many examples has resulted in either a pandemic or some other major health crisis," Gabbard said.

Kennedyn argued that a lab leak following U.S.-funded research caused the pandemic in his 2023 book, The Wuhan Cover-Up: And the Terrifying Bioweapons Arms Race.

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Bhattacharya has said regulating risky research is among his top priorities as NIH director.

While the CIA said earlier this year that Covid was more likely to have originated in a lab, it also said that it had "low confidence" in that assessment and would continue to evaluate any new evidence .

Two years ago, the FBI said it favored the lab leak theory with moderate confidence, while the Energy Department also said in 2023 it thought, with low confidence, that a lab leak was more likely. The National Intelligence Council, which advises the director of national intelligence, favored the natural origin theory during the Biden administration.

Gabbard doesnt share that view.

In order to prevent another Covid-like pandemic or another major health incident that could affect us in the world, we have to end this gain-of-function research," she said.
By Tarek Amara

TUNIS (Reuters) - Opponents of Tunisian President Kais Saied protested on the streets of Tunis on Thursday, accusing him of using the judiciary and police to suppress critics, while his supporters held a counter-rally, highlighting a deepening political divide.

The anti-Saied demonstration -- the second opposition protest in a week -- reflects growing concerns among human rights groups that the birthplace of the Arab Spring is sliding toward one-man rule.

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Demonstrators on the capital's main thoroughfare chanted slogans such as "Saied go away, you are dictator" and "The people want the fall of the regime", a slogan reminiscent of the 2011 uprising that toppled former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

On the same street, Habib Bourguiba Avenue, Saieds supporters rallied in his defence, chanting, "No to foreign interference" and "The people want Saied again".

Riot police deployed in large numbers to separate the groups. No clashes were reported.

The demonstrations follow a months-long government crackdown on Saied's critics, including the detention last week of prominent lawyer Ahmed Souab, a fierce critic of the president.

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On Thursday the anti-Saeid protesters marched from the headquarters of the Administrative Court, where Souab had served as a judge before retiring and becoming a lawyer widely respected by all political parties.

They then joined other protesters in a square that is home to the headquarters of the powerful UGTT union, before heading toward Habib Bourguiba Avenue.

Souab's arrest followed prison sentences handed down last week to opposition leaders on conspiracy charges, drawing criticism from France, Germany, and the United Nations.

Saied rejected the criticisms, calling it a blatant interference in Tunisias sovereignty.

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The opposition accuses Saied of undermining the democracy won in the 2011 revolution, since he seized extra powers in 2021 when he shut down the elected parliament and moved to rule by decree before assuming authority over the judiciary.

They described his move as a coup, while Saied says it was legal and necessary to end chaos and rampant corruption.

The leaders of most political parties in Tunisia are in prison, including Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party, and Rached Ghannouchi, the head of Ennahda - two of Saieds most prominent opponents.

The government says there is democracy in Tunisia. Saied says he will not be a dictator, but insists that what he calls a corrupt elite must be held accountable.

(Reporting by Tarek Amara, Editing by William Maclean)
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey rejects any plans that undermine the central government in Syria or threaten its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Turkish sources said, responding to demands from Kurds for Syria to adopt a decentralised system of government.

Turkey backed rebels against former President Bashar al-Assad for years and is seen as the closest foreign ally of Syria's new Islamist leaders, vowing to help them rebuild and stabilise a country devastated by 14 years of war.

Ankara sees decentralisation demands by Syria's Kurds as a threat because of what it says are their cross-border links to Kurdish militants in Turkey, while it looks to end a decades-old conflict with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia.

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Rival Syrian Kurdish parties, including the dominant Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast, agreed at a meeting on Saturday on a common political vision for the country's Kurdish minority and decentralisation, a call rejected by Syria's leadership.

Turkish sources elaborated on comments by President Tayyip Erdogan, who said on Wednesday that decentralisation demands in Syria were "nothing more than a raw dream".

"Turkey does not accept any initiative that targets Syria's territorial integrity, that will damage its sovereignty, or that allows weapons to be carried by others not in the Syrian central authority," a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said.

Turkey, a NATO member, views the U.S.-backed SDF as a terrorist organisation.

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Ankara welcomed a March deal between the SDF and Damascus to merge Kurdish-led governing bodies and security forces with the central government, but said it must also ensure the dismantling of the YPG militia spearheading the SDF, and of the SDF's chain of command.

PROVIDING 'SPACE'

The source said Turkey had provided "the necessary space" for Damascus to address Turkey's concerns over Kurdish militants in Syria. Ankara has previously warned of military action if its concerns are not alleviated.

A Turkish defence ministry source said on Wednesday that demands for autonomy could harm Syria's sovereignty and regional stability.

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"We cannot consent to the disintegration of Syria's territorial integrity and the deterioration of its unitary structure under any guise," the source told a briefing in Ankara.

"We are against autonomous region and/or decentralised rhetoric or activities, just as is the new Syrian administration."

Late on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli said all regional countries must contribute to Syria's security and stability, calling on Israel to halt "its air strikes that harm the unity and integrity of Syria".

Israel has been mounting air strikes inside Syria, which Turkey has called an unacceptable provocation to harm Syria's unity in the post-Assad era. Ankara has been a fierce critic of Israel since it launched the Gaza war.

Ankara also wants all Western sanctions imposed on Syria to be fully lifted and for U.S. troops stationed in the northeast to withdraw.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish police charged May Day protesters in Istanbul on Thursday, detaining hundreds of people and dragging some away in buses after they tried to defy a ban on public gatherings and march towards Taksim Square.

Unions and NGOs had called for protests and marches across Istanbul, which has seen a wave of mass demonstrations in recent weeks over the detention of its mayor and President Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, Ekrem Imamoglu.

On Thursday, protesters attempted to march towards the city centre's Taksim Square, where all protests have been banned for years, in overcast and rainy weather.

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Police blocked them in the central Besiktas and Sisli districts and pushed them back, scuffling with some who attempted to break through barricades.

Footage showed riot police and protesters charging at each other. Protesters held up signs and chanted slogans as police forcefully hauled detainees away to waiting buses.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said police had detained 409 people in total, including 407 in Istanbul. He said a combined 286,584 people had participated in the protests, which were held in 78 provinces.

Gatherings are held every year in Turkey for International Labour Day, but police have often intervened in recent years.

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Last year, police detained more than 200 people attempting to march to Taksim Square. In 1977, 34 people were killed during May Day demonstrations in the square.

Ozgur Ozel, head of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), to which Imamoglu also belongs, said the ban on demonstrations and marches in Taksim Square showed "the ruling party's insecurity and lack of confidence".

"Imprisoning a square with thousands of police shows those who lead the country have no real authority and have turned the state into a police state," Ozel told reporters.

In Ankara, Erdogan hosted representatives from unions and various professional fields to mark May Day. He said his government had, over the years, lifted some restrictions on labourers and implemented several legal amendments to improve working conditions.

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Thousands more rallied in Ankara for largely peaceful marches and demonstrations, while gatherings were held in other cities as well.

(Reporting by Mehmet Emin Caliskan and Murad Sezer; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Hugh Lawson)
Several people were displaced following a two-alarm house fire in Hartford on Wednesday.

Crews responded to a single-family home on Franklin Avenue at 9:52 p.m. on the report of a fire and encountered heavy fire conditions, according to the Hartford Fire Department. A second alarm was activated as firefighters worked quickly to put out the blaze to the 2  story home.

Everyone inside had made it out safely, fire officials said. No injuries were reported.

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The home was deemed uninhabitable following the blaze. The fire departments Special Services Unit is working with the American Red Cross to assist five people that were displaced.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Two Chicago area residents have been diagnosed with measles, the first cases of the highly contagious disease identified in Cook County this year, according to health authorities.

The new cases add to a growing resurgence of measles nationally, which has infected more than 880 people  mostly children  in 29 states since January, according to the latest counts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of the cases have been concentrated in West Texas, where a months-long outbreak has spread to nearby states and even neighboring Mexico.

No cases of measles have been reported in Wisconsin this year, though some state health officials consider it only a matter of time before a resident becomes infected. The Chicago-area cases represent the closest identified cases to the Milwaukee-area this year.

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One of the two new cases is a suburban Cook County adult of unknown vaccination status who sought care at a hospital on April 28, according to a news release issued April 30 by the Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health.

Another is an adult Chicago resident who developed a rash on April 25. That person previously received one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine and had traveled internationally through O'Hare Airport in early April.

Health officials recommend that international travelers ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before traveling.

Measles, which is caused by a virus, is spread through the air and is highly contagious. It is characterized by a rash that spreads over the face and body, though other symptoms, such as fever, a cough and a runny nose, typically precede the rash by a few days, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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In the release, Chicago and Cook County health officials did not say how or where the two residents are believed to have contracted measles.

The Chicago-area health departments are working to identify people who may have been exposed and they released a list of public locations where exposure may have occurred:

Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, on April 21

OHare Airport, especially Terminal 1, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on April 22 and 23

Aldi, 7235 39th St., Lyons, Illinois, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on April 25

Shell, 3901 S. Harlem Ave., Stickney, Illinois, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on April 27

Mobil, 2945 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn, Illinois, between 10:20 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 28

Health officials in Wisconsin have warned that Wisconsin is at risk of a measles outbreak similar to the one spreading in Texas, given that parts of the state have very low vaccination rates.

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"If and when  I think its more of a 'when'  when measles is introduced into the state, we do have pockets of our population that are at extremely high risk," said Kirsten Johnson, secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, during a Q&A in early April.

Last school year, less than 85% of Wisconsin kindergartners were up-to-date on the measles vaccine, compared to nearly 93% of kindergartners nationwide, according to a CDC report. Only Idaho and Alaska reported having lower vaccination rates against measles, though some other states did not submit complete data.

Measles can cause serious illness in young children. In severe cases, the disease can cause life-threatening complications, such as brain swelling and pneumonia.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two Chicago area adults infected with measles, amid resurgence of disease
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Two Daviess County Elementary Schools are among the top in the world when it comes to student leadership. Sorgho Elementary and Country Heights Elementary schools have earned legacy school status. Its a recognition fewer than 30 schools across the globe achieve.

For students, the school day started as any day would. They recited the pledge of allegiance and listened to announcements in the gym. A special message revealed their daily actions toward independence landed them on a list of world leaders.



The two schools joined only 25 others around the world that have achieved legacy status through the Leader In Me program. Legacy status is birthed through a the program is based on a book by the author Stephen Covey. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People discusses life and leadership skills like goal setting, decision making, discipline and teamwork.

Becoming a legacy school requires everyone from administration, teachers and young minds to walk the walk.

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you want to score this on the test? you want to set a goal? you want to make a team?whatever actions youre going to take to get to those goals, says Marjie Pippin, Sorghos Principal.

For Sorgho, the journey started 13 years ago. Muriel Summers, the programs global ambassador, says it takes 8 years of rigorous work before they even think about inviting a school to be considered. She says 100 percent of the students should be involved or leading in some form, and schools answer questions and present data showcasing how they meet the criteria.

Most schools are focused on the academicswhich is our core business. Leaders in these schools are also focused on developing the whole childthe mind, the heart, the body, and the spirit of the child, says Summers, global ambassador for the FranklinCoveys Leader In Me program.

The school was evaluated in February.

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They spent the day with us. They spoke to our students. They spoke to our teachers. They spoke to a couple parents. They gave a testimonial on how the leader has changed their childs life, says Pippin.

From classroom leadership roles to service projects, these schools are teaching more than math and reading. Theyre helping every child see themselves as capable and confident. Summers says thats evident as Kentucky leads the world in the accolade with 6 schools.

Whitesville Elementary School was the first school in Daviess county to earn legacy school status 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Two civilians were killed and one injured in Russian attacks on the settlements of Myrnohrad and Novoekonomichne in Donetsk Oblast on Thursday 1 May.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Details: Russian forces dropped three aerial bombs on Myrnohrad at 00:30 on 1 May. Early reports suggest that the Russians targeted civilians with KAB-250 bombs fitted with UMPK modules, which convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions.

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Apartment blocks have been struck, with one bomb hitting a nine-storey building. A reinforced concrete slab collapsed on a 43-year-old woman in her apartment, causing fatal injuries.

The aftermath of the Russian bombardment

Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office

In addition, Russian forces attacked the village of Novoekonomichne in the Pokrovsk district at 06:30, claiming the life of a 51-year-old man. His 52-year-old wife sustained shrapnel wounds. Information regarding the type of weapon used in the attack is still being gathered.

Nine high-rise buildings and houses have been damaged.

The aftermath of the Russian bombardment

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Photo: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Pokrovsk District Prosecutor's Office has launched pre-trial investigations into war crimes (Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, violations of laws of the warfare).

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An estimated $12,000 worth of surveillance camera equipment was stolen last weekend from 11 MTA subway cars in Queens, the Daily News has learned.

Sources say one or more suspects got away with the cameras and memory systems retrofitted to the cars of an R train after an apparently botched attempt to take the train for a joyride.

Sources say the incident was discovered Sunday when crews discovered that two separate R trains parked along a section of layup track between the Briarwood and Sutphin Blvd. stations on the F line were touching and had sustained some damage to their couplers.

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Data recorders on one of the trains  a 10-car set of R160 subway cars  indicate it had been started and moved without authorization on Saturday, apparently before colliding into the second train at low speed.

When transit workers boarded the train to try to pull surveillance footage, they discovered that all 22 of the trains surveillance cameras  which had been retrofitted to older model cars like the R160 over the past few years  were missing, along with their memory cards.

At least one camera was also stolen from the car on the second train that had been bumped into, sources said.

Transit sources told The News that footage on the cards is stored in a proprietary format, and should be unreadable without the MTAs own software.

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Tim Minton, a spokesman for the transit agency, told The News that the incident was under active investigation.

Cops estimated the missing surveillance equipment cost $12,000. The extent of the damage to the trains couplers was not immediately clear, but sources said the speed of the collision was low.

All New York City subway cars have been equipped with security cameras since December, the result of a 2022 directive from Gov. Hochul to retrofit surveillance technology to every subway car in the fleet.

Theyre gold  they pay dividends every day, MTAs head of security, Michael Kemper, said of the surveillance systems Thursday at a subway safety press conference.

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This weekends incident is the latest in a spate of subway car break-ins.

In January, a group of teens broke into a pair of R trains parked along lay-up tracks in Brooklyn and took them for a joyride.

In that instance, the teens either spray-painted or otherwise covered the trains surveillance cameras.
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.
MARTINEZ, Ga. (WJBF)  Two local private schools are paying tribute to Deputy Brandon Sikes and Deputy Gavin White in a special way.

Deputy Brandon Sikes was scheduled to work at Augusta Prep Wednesday before this weekends tragedy.

Thats why they and Augusta Christian Schools chose to wear blue to honor him.

Sikes spent two years keeping students and faculty at Augusta Prep safe. Thats why Head of School Eric Hedinger says his loss is devastating.

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When we heard the news about Deputy Sikes, it really touched our hearts. Our sympathies immediately went out to the family, said Hedinger.

The school remembers Deputy Sikes as a family man, loved by the Cavalier community, and someone who never knew a stranger.

His warm smile really transferred onto others, and brought smiles into their hearts. We really cared about having him in and amongst our community, Hedinger said.

Hedinger was just named the new Head of School on July 1, 2024, and while he only knew Sikes for a short time, he says his influence extended beyond the school grounds.

He was approachable. So, people saying hi to him was a normal thing. You would see Deputy Sikes in the community, and hed often recognize Prep kids, faculty, and administrators and say hi to us. Thats the warmest part of knowing deputies on campus and seeing them in the larger community, Hedinger added.

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At Augusta Christian, students gathering in the courtyard and circling up for a prayer vigil.

School leaders say they wanted to not only pray for Deputy Sikes family, but showing support for deputies at the school and around the county.

We just want to support our community and wrap our arms around them, not only by wearing blue today as we all are doing for our officers, but also in prayer, said Paige McLemore, Middle School Principal.

She adds how Augusta Christian stands with the men and women and blue, wanting to support them and families through the good times and bad.

We dont have their children here, or have any connections through the school with the officers. But we want their families to know that we are going through this with them. We are here for them, and we are praying for them, McLemore said.

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Several other local schools are also encouraging students to wear blue this week to honor the deputies.

School leaders say they will continue sending thoughts and prayers to Deputy White as he continues his recovery process.

Leaders from both schools are planning to attend Deputy Sikes funeral services next Monday, May 5th.

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AUBURN, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Two men from New Jersey were arrested on Tuesday, April 29, in the Wegmans parking lot in Auburn following a scam investigation.

On March 11, a woman received a pop-up on her computer that she said appeared to be from Microsoft. According to the New York State Police, after the woman called the number provided, she was transferred to individuals posing as Microsoft support, her bank, and a federal official.

NYSP also said the woman was told she was under investigation for identity theft and could be federally imprisoned. She was then directed by the scammer to withdraw money and deliver it to a person in a public parking lot.

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The scammers continued to attempt to extort the woman for additional money, when the SP Auburn Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted controlled phone calls with the woman to ultimately set up another exchange.

On Tuesday, April 29, police arrested two suspects in the Wegmans parking lot in Auburn. The men were arrested while attempting to retrieve a package they believed contained $300,000 worth of gold from an individual whom they believed to be the original victim, NYSP said.

The men arrested, 58-year-old Shabeer Ahmad and 21-year-old Mohammad Zaid Zahi Modan of New Jersey, were each charged with Attempted Grand Larceny 2nd (C Felony).

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Two New York men have been accused of stealing from an elderly man in Windsor Locks in connection with a home improvement scam and trying to do the same thing to another person.

Police on Wednesday received a complaint from a resident on Alicia Terrace in Windsor Locks who claimed that two men who solicited his home offered to seal his driveway for $500, according to the Windsor Locks Police Department. The man agreed and wrote out a personal check.

Soon thereafter when the job was half done, the men allegedly said they needed another $600, according to police. The resident said that told them he didnt have any more money and sent them on their way.

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The man then called police and reported the incident. Officers canvassing the area found the two men on Garry Road. Police alleged that they attempted to scam another individual but no money was exchanged. They were arrested and charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny.

Police identified the suspects as Mitch L. Delmaro, 26, of Islip, New York and Paul C. Delmaro, 28, of East Northport, New York. They were also charged in the Alicia Terrace incident with acting as a home improvement contractor without a license and second-degree larceny, the latter of which police said was elevated based on the victim being elderly.

Both men were being held on $50,000 bonds.
Two people died but their cat miraculously survived after falling nearly 400 feet in a Utah national park.

Matthew Nanner, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, died late Monday or early Tuesday after climbing over a railing at Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park, according to local police.

Detectives are considering all possibilities, but preliminary investigations have not been able to definitively determine the cause of the fall, the Garfield County Sheriffs Office said in a news release on Wednesday.

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There was snow in the area near where the pair fell, likely creating slippery conditions, Fox 13 reports.

The individuals last known place of residency was Florida, and they traveled to Utah after spending a significant amount of time in Arizona, police said.

It appears they were living out of a U-Haul just prior to their deaths, the sheriffs office added.

Police said pair of travelers was living in U-Haul at time of death (Wikimedia Commons / public domain)

Next of kin notifications about the deaths were completed on Wednesday.

Tourists spotted the bodies on Tuesday and notified officials, and a multi-agency effort, including the sheriffs office and Bryce Canyon park rangers, conducted a mission to recover the remains.

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A 12-year-old tabby cat named Mirage was found in a carrier near the bodies, Best Friends Animal Society told KUTV.

The animal appeared in good condition and was able to eat and drink on its own, the society said. Its bloodwork appeared normal and veterinarians have conducted X-rays to examine Mirage for internal injuries.

The cat was matted and a bit sore, but friendly upon examination, Erin OConnor of Best Friends Animal Society told KSLTV.

The last time someone fatally fell in a national park in the Southwest was last year, when a 20-year-old died falling from Pipe Creek Overlook on the Grand Canyon, SFGate reports.
The News

Two top Republicans working together isnt usually a compelling story. Mike Crapo and Jason Smith, two powerful stylistic opposites on either side of the Capitol, are an exception.

The reserved Idahoan senator and fiery Missourian congressman, chairmen of their respective tax-writing committees, share a challenging goal this year: bridging the sometimes-huge divides between the House and Senate to shape a tax deal that President Donald Trump can sign.

But as recently as 2024, the duo were at odds over substance. Crapo, who wasnt yet Senate Finance chair, did not support Smiths bipartisan tax deal with Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. The resulting Republican filibuster of Smiths work led to some bad blood with the House.

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Now, though, thats all in the past.

Smith, the Ways and Means Chair, said on Wednesday that Crapo was the last person I spoke to before I went to bed last night.  Were working hand-in-glove.

If theres a secret to their success so far, its this: Rather than battling over particular policy provisions, theyve focused their energies on process. Crapo convinced most Republicans that they dont need to pay for making Trumps 2017 tax cuts permanent, while Smith got Republicans to roll the presidents entire legislative agenda into one big bill.

Bigger, unanswered questions await both of them, particularly around how to accommodate Trumps requested tax breaks on tips and overtime, as well as his recent desire for beefier corporate tax cuts. But the evident repair of Crapo and Smiths 2024 schism could help avoid a nightmare scenario for Republicans  a House vote for a tax plan that cant pass the Senate.

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Obviously, Crapo wasnt on the same page last year, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told Semafor. But I sense that things are completely different now, and I think its driven by the realization that its an absolute necessity that we be successful here.

Smith and Crapo now talk almost daily, while meeting regularly with GOP leaders and top Trump administration officials and juggling bicameral coordination with their own members. Smith holds lunches for Ways and Means members most weeks while Crapo huddles with his Finance Republicans every Monday.

In Crapos best-case scenario, the Senate makes only minor changes to the Houses tax bill.

Its very possible that we could have some big differences, Crapo told Semafor. Our hope is to minimize the differences.

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Just one year ago, Smith and Wyden linked an expanded child tax credit with benefits for small businesses. But Crapo and Senate GOP leaders blocked it on the floor last August.

With Republicans now in full control of Washington this year, failure isnt really an option: The tax bill is tied to the debt ceiling deadline, meaning avoiding default could require a tax deal.

As of today  I dont want to talk about anything in the past, or what happened last year with the tax bill and all that, but  I think theres real cohesion between the two of them, said Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill.

Know More

Crapo, 73, has served in Congress since 1993; Smith, 44, arrived in 2013. Crapo operates largely behind the scenes, while even senators who dont know Smith personally see him on cable news.

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The contrasts dont end there; Smith is preparing to hold a public committee vote soon on his tax legislation, but Crapo said he wasnt sure whether his committee would do the same.

They are very different personalities, said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who served with both. Mike has the full trust of every Republican senator. Jason, I dont know how you can do better than hes doing with his colleagues, but hes got a bigger challenge.

Smith is pushing through it with a deliberate show of stamina, convening days-long meetings in the Library of Congress where committee Republicans weigh various tax provisions and emerge tight-lipped. He peppers the airwaves with staccato and blunt warnings that the Senates original two-bill plan for Trumps agenda (border first, then tax) was foolish.

Members and aides say that Smith has some flair, too. The House chair has posted photos with friend Paris Hilton and provides witnesses who testify before his committee with custom water bottles emblazoned with his seal. When it comes to Ways and Means members themselves, hes been very generous with swag, LaHood said.

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Hes a great gift-giver  maybe the best in Congress, actually, said House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, who serves on Smiths committee.

Smith beat Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., out for the gavel in a relative upset, but hes set to be the special guest at a fundraiser dinner for Buchanan in late June, a person familiar with the plans said.

One former senior leadership aide observed that Smiths ability to keep his members  and K Street  happy shields him from criticism: Youre not hearing from people because theyre being listened to.

The fact that hes not playing whack-a-mole a week out [from a possible markup] is shocking, the aide added.

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Crapo is comparatively sphinx-like, often declining to publicly weigh in on strategic disagreements (he was agnostic on the agenda strategy that Smith felt so strongly about). Several senators told Semafor that Crapo rarely speaks up in party meetings  but when he does, people listen.

The Finance chief does his fair share of listening, too. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., buttonholed Crapo about a particular tax provision this week in the GOP cloakroom and described his receptivity as a refreshing change from chairmen who act like they discovered gravity. Mikes not like that.

Hes a guy that can sit and tolerate beratement against him and not retaliate  theres a lot of thin-skinned people around here, said Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, who often votes in lockstep with Crapo. He is not one of them.

The View From Burgess and Eleanor

Theres no daylight between Smith and Crapo now  but this is the beginning of the road for them. Its easy to stay in lockstep before any details of the tax bill are locked in.

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And Trump remains a wild card. Smith and Crapo are putting as much effort  if not more  into coordinating with the administration as they are with each other.

As remarkable as their strong working relationship looks now, it wont matter much if they cant produce something the president likes.

Room for Disagreement

Democrats  even those like Wyden, whove worked closely with the two tax chairmen before  see little to celebrate.

My job  is to work with everybody that wants to do the right thing and oppose everybody thats not doing the right thing. Jason Smith in the last congress was there for the right thing, Wyden said.

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And now, Sen. Crapo looks like hes going to be the lead of an approach that would supercharge the 2017 tax cuts, Wyden added.

Notable
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A man was arrested on suspicion of smuggling 12 protected Orange Fronted Parakeets into the United States from Mexico.

Naim Lajud Libien, 54, a Mexican citizen, faces an importation contrary to law charge that has a maximum penalty of twenty years in custody and a $250,000 fine, the United States Attorneys Office Southern District of California said in a news release

The incident occurred Tuesday around 3:10 p.m. at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

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The driver, identified as Libien, was in a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee crossing into the U.S. when it got requested for secondary inspection.

When the suspect exited the vehicle, a Customs and Border Protection officer noticed bulges his ankles.

Authorities conducted a pat down, finding three birds in the defendants right boot and three in his left. All the birds were tied at the feet and wrapped in panty hose.

The birds, some of which appeared to have injuries on their feet, were placed in a bird cage with food and water until they could be cared for by Veterinary Services.

One bird rescued from the nylon stockings. (United States Attorneys Office Southern District of California)

Libien was taken into custody, but on Wednesday, CBP personnel heard bird crying from the suspects impounded vehicle.

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After dismantling the car, authorities found six more orange parakeets wrapped in panty hose and bound inside the seat cushion of the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Two of the birds were found dead, one of the birds appeared to have a broken neck and the other three were still alive but in poor health, according to CBP.

Orange Fronted Parakeets, native to Western Mexico and Costa Rica, are protected and have been listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since 2005.

Libiens concealment of the parakeets would have resulted in their entering the United States without any quarantine period or process, CBP said in the release.

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Wildlife must be subject to quarantine before it can be introduced into the U.S. to prevent disease from animals to humans, per border officials.

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Katie Hobbs in February 2023. Photo by Gage Skidmore (modified) | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Two of Arizonas top public health officials have resigned rather than face an acrimonious confirmation process at the legislature, where Republicans have used agency director hearings to play hardball politics with Gov. Katie Hobbs and stymie her government.

On Wednesday, Hobbs announced that Jennie Cunico, the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, and Carmen Heredia, who heads Arizonas Health Care Cost Containment System, the states Medicaid program, have stepped down from their positions. Heredia was scheduled to go before the state Senates Committee on Director Nominations for consideration on Thursday.

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In her announcement, Hobbs blamed the Republican majority for co-opting the confirmation process to attack her nominations on political grounds.

Unfortunately, the Senates unprecedented politicization of the director confirmation process has ended the directorship of two healthcare professionals who have made our state government run more efficiently and more effectively, she said in a written statement. The people of Arizona are tired of the relentless politics that has undermined good governance in the name of partisan retribution. It should not matter whether the leaders of our state government are Democrats or Republicans; it should matter that our state is run by public servants who do whats right for everyday people.

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Under Arizona law, the governors agency picks are required to be vetted and approved or rejected by the state Senate. The process has historically been uneventful, with candidates facing interviews from lawmakers on committees relevant to the agencies theyve been chosen for, but Hobbs election prompted Republicans to set up an entirely new committee to vet her choices. And that has resulted in aggressive, hourslong interrogations that more closely resemble federal confirmation hearings.

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After several of her candidates resigned or were shot down for political reasons, Hobbs attempted to circumvent the process by appointing them as executive directors. Cunico was appointed in 2023, following the withdrawn nomination of her predecessor, former Pima County Health Director Dr. Theresa Cullen, who underwent a contentious hearing that focused on her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heredia was appointed in late 2022. But a failed court battle over the legality of Hobbs actions meant the duo would eventually need to win approval from the state Senate to continue serving in their roles.

Both Heredia and Cunico cited the contentious confirmation process in their resignation letters as the reason for their decisions to step down, despite their desire to continue working in public health.

Serving the people of Arizona  especially our most vulnerable  has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life, Heredia wrote. However, it has become increasingly difficult to carry out this mission in good faith under the current political climate. I am deeply concerned about the escalating politicization of state agency leadership roles under the Republican-led Legislature. The intrusion of partisan agendas that drag professionals through career damaging hearings is not an effective way to attract and retain qualified people in these critical roles and has made it increasingly challenging to serve Arizona agencies effectively.

It is clear to me that there is no path forward to confirmation, echoed Cunico.

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Cunico, whose confirmation hearing hadnt yet been scheduled, had already faced criticism for a Child Fatality Report that recommended increasing gun safety regulations and advised parents to remove firearms to prevent gun-related deaths. Republican lawmakers accused the department of public health of advocating for stripping Arizonans of their Second Amendment rights. While Cunico was not a part of the team that developed that report, its likely that, as the figurehead of the states public health department, the topic would have been brought up during her confirmation.

Republicans celebrated the resignations. Sen. Jake Hoffman, a Republican from Queen Creek who chairs the Director Nominations Committee and who also heads the legislatures far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus, said they are a testament to the work done by lawmakers to ensure candidates are the best choice for Arizonans.

Hoffman denounced Heredia for what he said was mismanagement of the states Medicaid program and blamed her for the sober home living fraud that targeted Arizonas indigenous community and cost taxpayers $2.5 billion.

Arizona is in the middle of a monumental Medicaid fraud crisis with a loss of more than $2 billion in taxpayer dollars, he wrote. Under Katie Hobbs leadership, Heredias response has been incredibly disturbing, to say the least.

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That widespread fraudulent scheme, under which behavioral health and addiction treatment facilities lured and neglected patients to obtain Medicaid reimbursements, began in 2019 and went unchecked by Republican Gov. Doug Duceys administration. In a bid to clean up the mess and crackdown on fraudulent sober living homes, some legitimate businesses have had their payments suspended by AHCCCS. But officials have said that a process exists to release those payments and the department has sought to correct mistakes when they occur.

Hoffman vowed to continue pushing for stringent reviews of Hobbs candidates.

Since its inception, the Committee on Director Nominations has been committed to honestly, thoroughly, and accurately vetting Katie Hobbs nominees, he wrote. We have served as Arizonans last line of defense against incompetent, unqualified, and highly partisan picks to lead state agencies.

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LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Two Laurens men were arrested and charged with possessing and distributing child sex abuse material.

Related video: What happens when you call 911?

36-year-old Zachary Taylor Westmoreland and 63-year-old Dennis Roland Fallaw Jr., both from Laurens, have been charged with 11 total charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The cases are stated to be unrelated.

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Investigators received reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which led them to both Westmoreland and Fallaw. Investigators stated that Westmoreland and Fallaw both distributed and possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

Westmoreland was arrested on April 24, and is charged with two counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and five counts of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Fallaw was arrested on April 30, and is charged with two counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and three counts of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

These cases will be prosecuted by the Attorney Generals Office.

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To experts in White House Kremlinology the writing was on the wall for Mike Waltz, Donald Trumps national security adviser.

On Tuesday, he was spotted flying with the president aboard Marine One from the White House to Joint Base Andrews, just outside Washington, but did not make it up the stairs to Air Force One for the flight to Michigan and a landmark speech celebrating 100 days in power.

Less than 48 hours later a slew of administration officials quietly confirmed that Mr Waltz, a former special forces Green Beret, had lost the confidence of the president making him the first major scalp of Mr Trumps second administration.

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Officially, the White House kept up a wall of obfuscation all morning. There is no comment at this moment, said Steven Cheung, director of communications, in a reminder that nothing is final until confirmed by Mr Trump.

And then it came in the form of a Truth Social post. The president announced he was sending Mr Waltz to New York to be his permanent representative to the United Nations.

Along the way, Mr Waltz appeared to have fallen foul of two of the key women in Trump world, making his position unsustainable weeks after it was revealed he added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss highly sensitive military plans.

Laura Loomer, a tireless hardline Maga voice, has made it her mission to root out anyone she deemed disloyal to the president. She claimed the scalp on Mr Waltz on Thursday, declaring he had been Loomered.

Laura Loomer told a journalist that she had kept a video of Mr Waltz previously attacking Mr Trump which she intended to show the president - Matt Rourke

But other reports suggested that Mr Waltz had lost the confidence of Susie Wiles, Mr Trumps chief of staff, and the second most powerful figure in the White House.

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A former White House official said three things had undone Mr Waltz.

He had always been on the Russia-sceptic, hawkish wing of the Republican Party, and his hiring of like-minded allies had only further raised suspicions in Mr Trumps Maga world that his America First credentials were unreliable.

Insiders had also questioned his knowledge of key foreign policy areas. Was his experience as a special forces colonel on multiple deployments to Africa and the Middle East enough to make him an expert on the niceties of diplomacy and international affairs?

And then there was Signal-gate. Mr Trumps national security apparatus became a global laughing stock when it emerged that Mr Waltz had accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of the Atlantic magazine, to an encrypted chat about bombing Yemen, apparently after storing his number under the wrong name.

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That made him look JV, said the former official, using an abbreviation for junior varsity, a term of abuse for amateurish behaviour. Usually it is the national security adviser who is the most protective of information and the most cautious about these things.

Mr Waltz had also lost the confidence of Susie Wiles, Mr Trumps chief of staff, according to reports - Anna Moneymaker

Mr Waltz was already short of allies.

The president likes to fill his team with conflicting views so he can step back and let them duke it out before he makes the final decision.

Mr Waltz was one of the few Russia hawks in the administration, arguing internally for sanctions on Moscow if it failed to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.

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That put him in conflict with other Cabinet figures, as well as influential outsiders such as Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, and Steve Bannon, the former White House strategist.

He had come from a more traditional wing of the Republican party. And in 2016 he had even been part of the party establishment trying to block Mr Trump from winning the Republican nomination. In a campaign video, he essentially accused Mr Trump of being a draft dodger.

Mr Waltz worked his way into Trump world only after the presidents 2020 election defeat. Mr Waltz became a familiar face on TV speaking up for the former president and, with his political base in Florida, he became a regular at Mar-a-Lago and its campaign headquarters.

Some of Mr Trumps most loyal supporters had kept the receipts, however, and were waiting for their moment.

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Mr Waltz lost four key staffers at the start of the month after Miss Loomer, whose passion for conspiracy theories saw her barred from Mr Trumps plane at the end of last years campaign, urged the president to fire National Security Council officials for disloyalty.

She reportedly presented Mr Trump with a list of a dozen names and examples of why they should not be trusted.

The president later said Miss Loomer, who once claimed 9/11 was an inside job, had not been involved with the dismissals, but called her a very good patriot.

Since then she has described how Mr Waltz was her eventual target, and told Tara Palmeri, a journalist, that she had kept video of the then Florida Congressman attacking Mr Trump.

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Donald Trump hasnt served this country a day in his life, Mr Waltz says in the 2016 clip. Dont let Trump fool you.

In my interview with @LauraLoomer, she explains that she came to the White House last month with a video that would end Mike Waltz's career as National Security Advisor. The Audio version of our interview is finally LIVE. Follow the show below. pic.twitter.com/R1iMQVZD5b  Tara Palmeri (@tarapalmeri) May 1, 2025

But the bigger problem for Mr Waltz may have been inside the White House where his judgment was being questioned.

Ms Wiles, as a big beast of Florida politics, had helped bring the congressman into the fold. But within weeks they clashed when he tried to keep her out of top-level national security meetings, according to a source.

It triggered a round of briefing that Mr Waltz had become too big-headed for his own good.

The pressure from the Maga base coupled with the internal unhappiness simply made for a perfect storm, said the former White House staffer.

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After the turmoil of the first administration, which lost a national security adviser within 22 days, this White House managed 101 days before its first big departure. And even then. Mr Trump has managed to maintain an aura of stability by finding a high-profile job for Mr Waltz at the UN.

But for a president who relies on key players having access to the Oval Office it is a clear demotion.

And allies in Europe will worry that Mr Trump is now without one of the grown-ups in the room, someone who could be relied on to temper the presidents most isolationist impulses.

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TYLER, Texas (KETK)  The Tyler City Council and Texas Department of Transportation agreed on Wednesday to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Old Jacksonville Highway and Capital Drive.

Tyler PD Officers gather to remember fallen officer

Picture of traffic signal project location, courtesy of Tyler City Council.

A signal warrant in 2023 determined the intersection experiences enough traffic volume, especially with the Brookshire Grocery Companys distribution center expanding near Capital Drive, to warrant a signal. The estimated total construction cost to the city is $314,453, which will be funded through the Citys Half Cent Sales Tax Fund.

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The City of Tyler, TxDot and Brookshire Grocery will work with each other to install this signal and TxDot has plans to widen Old Jacksonville Highway to six lanes, with construction starting 2028.

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The next head of the Nebraska State Patrol is already here.

Gov. Jim Pillen on Thursday named Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh as the next superintendent of Nebraska's statewide police agency.

Waugh, 52, will begin in the role June 2, replacing Col. John Bolduc, who will retire next week when he reaches the State Patrol's mandatory retirement age of 60.

A veteran police officer with more than 30 years law enforcement experience  including the last six years as the police chief in Kearney, which followed a nearly 17-year stint at the La Vista Police Department southwest of Omaha  Waugh is taking Nebraska's second largest police agency as the State Patrol's 19th superintendent in its 88-year history.

Pillen announced Waugh's appointment at a Thursday news conference at the Capitol, where the U.S. Air Force veteran said he was "incredibly humbled, proud and honored" by Pillen's faith in him to lead the agency.

"I will lead with humility, authenticity, compassion and confidence," said Waugh, who earned a bachelor's degree in management from Bellevue University in 2004 and a master's from University of Oklahoma in 2017.

Pillen said he interviewed four candidates for the job  all of whom were already in Nebraska. Bolduc, whom former Gov. Pete Ricketts tabbed to lead the agency in September 2017, had been the police chief of the Unified Port of San Diego prior to his arrival in the Cornhusker State.

"Whenever we are hiring key leadership, we want the best person in the world," Pillen said. "So if it's a Nebraskan, that's fantastic. But we're always wanting to make sure that we have the best possible person. Just happened to be that that person was heading up the Kearney Police."

Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney, who hired Waugh as the city's police chief in 2019 when he served as Kearney's mayor, said his hiring as the State Patrol's superintendent feels "like a proud dad moment to me."

"Bryan refers to me as mayor and I refer to him as chief," Clouse said. "I don't know if we'll ever get over that, but that's OK."

Kearney's longtime mayor, now a first-year lawmaker, said Waugh helped bring an air of professionalism to the city's police force.

"I can tell with the officers that he's hired and just the culture that he changed  it's truly amazing," Clouse said, later adding: "We're going to miss him in Kearney."

Waugh, whose state salary will be $203,000 per year, will take over an agency that saw change and controversy under Bolduc, who inherited a force in turmoil after his predecessor was fired for interfering with internal affairs investigations.

The State Patrol in 2020 moved into the 113,000-square-foot former Verizon Wireless call center in northwest Lincoln and broke ground on a $26 million expansion of its crime lab last year, a move meant to relieve the workload for the lab that examines evidence for about 5,000 cases per year for law enforcement agencies across Nebraska.

And the agency made progress diversifying its ranks under Bolduc, hiring its first Hispanic female trooper in the late 2010s and expanding the number of troopers of color on its payroll following law enforcement's broader racial reckoning in 2020.

But in 2021, Bolduc and his agency's evidence-storage practices came under public scrutiny when Lincoln police linked fentanyl-laced cocaine that led to multiple overdoses to the State Patrols own evidence storage facility.

The State Patrol has also faced lawsuits alleging discrimination and retaliation under Bolduc, including one from a 25-year veteran of the agency who sued the state in December alleging he'd been discriminated against for, among other things, reporting two troopers for using anti-LGBTQ slurs in instant messages on their state-owned computers.

At Thursday's news conference, Waugh said he was aware of the lawsuits but will learn more about them when he begins in his role with the state.

"My goal will be to learn more about those cases, learn more about what we can do differently as an organization, establishing a culture of excellence, establishing a culture of communication, establishing a culture of inclusion," Waugh said. "(And) to make sure that we're doing things for the best interest of the organization, professionally and with integrity and with transparency and trust."

He said the No. 1 issue facing the State Patrol is the same challenge facing police agencies "across the entire country today: we are facing a crisis when it comes to recruiting, hiring and retaining the best and the brightest to serve their communities."

The State Patrol has tread water in its staffing levels in recent years and employs fewer troopers now than it did in 2020. The agency has the funding for 482 troopers but employs closer to 417, a patrol spokesman said Thursday. The agency had 415 troopers in 2023 and 434 in 2020.

"The biggest challenge I will face will be to bring our ranks up to where we need to be, to our authorized strength," Waugh said. "Then we can commit and focus on all the other great work that we're doing to protect Nebraskans and work with our partners across the entire state."

Waugh will join the State Patrol early next month after his tenure in Kearney ends in late May. Until then, Lt. Col. Jeff Roby will serve as the patrol's interim superintendent following Bolduc's retirement next week.
Testimony resumed on the fourth day of the Tyre Nichols state criminal trial on May 1.

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.

One of those former officers testified for the prosecution, which rested its case before lunch on April 30. Defense attorneys began calling witnesses after lunch and are expected to call more witnesses on May 1.

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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.

The most recent updates are at the top of this file.

Defense continues questioning former SCORPION officer

After about an hour-long delay, Preston Hemphill, a former SCORPION Unit officer who was at the first scene where Nichols was pulled over, was back on the stand to start the morning's testimony.

Martin Zummach, Smiths attorney, did not finish his questioning of Hemphill Wednesday and began by presenting an audio recording. The audio seemed to be a recording of the dispatch audio from the night Nichols was beaten.

Former Memphis Police Department officer Preston Hemphill listens to a question from Martin Zummach, defense attorney for former MPD officer Justin Smith Jr., while testifying during the fourth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Hemphill recounted the events as Nichols fled the first scene, with the dispatcher asking what the charges against the suspect were. Zummach asked why Hemphill never said what the charges were.

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"It just slipped my mind, I wasn't paying attention to the radio," Hemphill said.

If you didnt respond to the scene when help was called for, Hemphill said other officers may stop talking to you and you could be disciplined.

As the audio continues, Hemphill provided a play-by-play of the dispatch call. He also, at Zummachs questioning, explained various police language and policies.

Zummach went down a similar route to the federal trial, noting when Smith called for medical assistance before and after trying to arrest Nichols. Zummach also asked Hemphill if dispatchers were constantly quieter than the officers calling it in. Hemphill agreed with that, saying he often had to ask dispatchers to speak up and not mumble.

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As officers start communicating with dispatch about the need for additional cars, Smiths voice comes over the radio.

Stressed, currently fighting, Hemphill said when Zummach asked how Smiths voice sounded.

A point made by defense attorneys in the federal trial is also being argued during the state case. Zummach asked Hemphill if Nichols had been searched prior to fleeing. Hemphill said Nichols was not searched, which Zummach has implied created more danger for officers.

Zummach asked about Smiths reputation, and Hemphill said he was kind and laid back. He, according to Zummach, told the grand jury that Smith was kind and gentle.

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There was a time when I was probably going to be sent off the team because I wasnt making the stats. Instead, he told me to get in his car and get on track, Hemphill said of Smith. He added that Smith had recommended Hemphill avoid certain officers. Hemphill did not say who that was.

John Keith Perry, representing Bean, took over questioning after Zummach. He asked if the DAs office was intimidating, which Hemphill said it was not. Perry said this was different from the Justice Department, which Perry characterized as brow-beating when they interviewed Hemphill.

They wanted you to change your story? Perry asked of the Justice Department. Hemphill said they did.

Perry, who said he was going to be brief, asked for a bit more time to question Hemphill and brought up the Bad Bob drill during Hemphills testimony. Footage of this drill, which shows cadets sprayed with pepper spray before they hit a training dummy in the neck and face area with their elbows and knee the dummy in the stomach, was showed during the federal trial.

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The footage was pulled up to be played during Perry's questioning, but after a recess, the footage was not played.

What happened on the third day of the trial?

Day three saw the prosecution rest its case after calling 5 witnesses. The defense started calling its witnesses to the stand in the afternoon. Those included an investigator from TBI and a former Memphis police officer.

You can find full updates from the trial's third day in this story.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 live blog: Defense calls additional witnesses
American labor unions are calling on El Salvador to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S., calling his deportation by the Trump administration an egregious violation of our brothers rights.

Last month immigration officials wrongly sent Abrego Garcia, an apprentice sheet metal worker who lived in Maryland, to his native El Salvador, where he remains in prison. The Supreme Court has ordered the White House to help bring him back.

Administration officials have acknowledged he was deported due to an administrative error, but so far have tried to wash their hands of the matter. The president has pointed to a photoshopped picture as evidence Abrego Garcia was a member of the gang MS-13, something Abrego Garcias lawyers have repeatedly denied.

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In a joint letter to the Salvadoran embassy Thursday, labor leaders urged the government to return Abrego Garcia to his family and ensure justice for all other workers who have been detained or deported without appropriate legal procedures.

As a labor movement, we categorically reject the vicious attacks on immigrant workers like Kilmar Abrego Garcia being carried out by the Trump administration, they wrote. These dangerous anti-worker, anti-union tactics have been weaponized as a tool to sow fear and division and to distract from the corporate takeover of our democratic and economic systems.

The letter was signed by Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation; James Williams, Jr., president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, or IUPAT; Gwen Mills, president of the hospitality union Unite Here; and Michael Coleman, president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, or SMART, which is Abrego Garcias union.

The letter is notable for including signatories from the building trades. Historically, that wing of the labor movement has not supported immigrants rights to the degree more liberal unions have. But some  IUPAT in particular  have staked out progressive stances on the issue and made public pleas for solidarity with immigrant workers.

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SMART has stood publicly with its member Abrego Garcia for weeks and urged supporters to donate to help his family.

A protester holds a photo of Maryland man Kilmar Abrego Garcia as demonstrators gather to protest against the deportation of immigrants to El Salvador outside on April 24 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images

Abrego Garcia came to the U.S. illegally around 2012. He established a life in Maryland and was later granted protection from deportation by a judge on the grounds he could be harmed by the violent gang Barrio 18 if he was sent back to El Salvador. He was pulled over by immigration officers on March 12 while driving his son, then deported without a hearing three days later.

His wife said she recognized Abrego Garcia in a video the Salvadoran president posted showing deportees being sent to a megaprison.

In their letter Thursday, the labor leaders asked for a meeting with Salvadoran officials by the end of next week to discuss Abrego Garcias situation. They said that democracies are strongest when workers rights are respected.

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The vilification, dehumanization and erosion of rights and due process for immigrants in the United States is a direct threat to the rights of all working people, and we implore nations around the world to resist rather than aid this lawless agenda, they wrote.

Read the full letter:
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Trump administration announced the U.S. has reached a deal with Mexico to boost water deliveries for South Texas farmers.

Mexico is obligated, under the 1944 U.S. Mexico Water Treaty to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water every five years. This five-year period ends on October 24, 2025. So far, Mexico has delivered about 530,730 acre-feet of water.

The Mexican government announced it has agreed to boost water deliveries to the U.S. Mexico plans to deliver 324,000 to 420,000 acre-feet of water over the next five months, according to a release.

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Mexico will deliver to us over a years worth of water over the next 5 months, said Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas).

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said she, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio negotiated with the Mexican government. Rollins said an April 10 Truth Social post from President Trump accelerated negotiations.

The Trump administration decided in March to reject a delivery of water from the Colorado River to the city of Tijuana. The U.S. State Department cited Mexicos failure to uphold commitments to Texas under the water treaty.

Rollins confirmed the U.S. has resumed deliveries from the Colorado river to Tijuana.

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U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston said the Trump administration will use all available diplomatic tools to make sure Mexico honors its commitment, this time around, but added, she doesnt think theyll be necessary.

We have a president who is the ultimate dealmaker, Houston said. I would trust this administration and the deal that has been made.

Houston said, the administration has meetings scheduled, to ensure Mexico is upholding its obligations. She said the State Department also plans on further negotiations with Mexico to make up the rest of the shortfall.

The water shortage has affected farmers who grow citrus, corn and winter vegetables. The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers shut down the last sugar mill in Texas last year, blaming the lack of water provided by Mexico.

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Very sadly, its too little too late for the sugar industry, said De La Cruz. But we saved citrus, and thats equally as important.

De La Cruz said she hopes in the future, Mexicos water deliveries will be more predictable.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, speaks with press while walking into the House Chambers to vote on Feb. 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, is again attempting to add a third Idaho federal district court judge  as part of a broader judgeship expansion bill.

In 1954, Congress approved a second federal district judgeship for Idaho, which has been one of the fastest-growing states in recent years. Since then, Idahos population has more than tripled to over 2 million residents.

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In 2021, the Associated Press reported Idaho had the fewest federal judges of any state.

Simpsons office announced Thursday the longtime congressman has cosponsored the JUDGES Act.

Over the next decade, the bill would create 63 permanent judgeships, including adding a new federal district judgeship in Idaho, Simpsons office said.

With Idahos growing population comes greater pressure on our courts and an increase in cases, Simpson said in a written statement. Adding a third district judgeship will help reduce backlogs and ensure Idahoans receive timely justice. This solution will strengthen our judicial system and better serve the people of Idaho.

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The new bill is similar to another bill Congress passed, and former President Joe Biden vetoed in December.

Simpson has attempted other legislation to add a third Idaho federal district court judge, including a bill introduced in January with U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho.

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The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a major economic agreement granting America preferential access to Ukraines rare earth resources through a jointly run investment fund, signaling improved relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. While the deal avoids framing the aid as debt repayment, it strengthens U.S. influence in Ukraines reconstruction and sends a clear message of ongoing support against Russian aggression.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky seem to have buried the hatchet as their nations sign a long-awaited minerals deal, solidifying Americas aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Since taking over the Oval Office, President Trump has needled the Ukrainian president on how he would repay the billions in military aid supplied to the Eastern European nation after its territory was invaded by Russia.

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The deal agreed to yesterdaywhich would give the U.S. investment powers and preferential access to Ukraines rare earth resourcesis less about settling the debt and more about securing Americas role in Ukraines rebuilding.

Most notably, it gives the U.S. access and voting rights over Ukraines sought-after natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals including titanium, zirconium, graphite, and manganese.

The deal revolves around the establishment of the United StatesUkraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will unlock Ukraines natural resources.

The fund will be run 50-50 by Ukrainian and American representatives, with each nation having three seats on the board.

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A Ukrainian official has described the deal as friendly, a far cry from the barbed outlook when the deal was first tabled.

This agreement is a win-win, and it is written in friendly language. It is about investments, investments, and investments, Ukraines deputy economy minister, Taras Kachka, told Axios.

What does the U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal entail?

While the finer points of the negotiations havent been made public, Ukraines economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, did share some of the headlines on X.

Perhaps the most salient point is that the deal contains no debtnixing President Trumps complaints that Ukraine has a bill to foot when it comes to American aid.

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The agreement does not mention any debt obligations of Ukraine to the USA, wrote Svyrydenko. The implementation of the agreement will allow both countries to enhance their economic potential through equal cooperation and investments.

President Trump previously claimed America has spent approximately $350 billion on supporting Ukraine, though the Council on Foreign Relations has calculated a figure of $128 billion for the war effort.

For example, Svyrydenko confirmed the agreement does not change the status of private or state-owned companiessuch as oil company Ukrnafta or electricity provider Energoatomcurrently operating in the minerals industry.

Other details include the fact that the fund will be replenished solely from new licenses established following the deal and that revenues from already started projects or planned budget receipts are not included.

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The politician added that the agreement is legal and compliant with Ukraines national constitution and does not violate any international laws. Any envisioned changes only relate to the budget.

The agreement is truly a partnership

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal clarified further that any disputes would not be handled overseas: Disputes under this agreement are resolved through mutual consultations. In the previous agreement, this was stipulated [through proceedings in a U.S. court] under U.S. law.

Weve removed this so that the agreement is truly a partnership. This is an important achievement.

And the budget could changelikely for the upside, added Svyrydenko. Thats because the deal not only says America will help attract additional investments and technologies but, Svyrydenko adds: Ukraine contributes 50% of state budget revenues from the new rent on new licenses for new plots.

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Ukraine may also make additional contributions beyond this baseline if it deems it necessary. This pertains to cooperation for decades ahead.

The fund will also be exempt from tax in both Ukraine and the U.S. to ensure maximum returns, added the diplomat.

Does this guarantee military aid for Ukraine?

Like the finer financial details of the agreement, no confirmation of military support has been made public.

However, Trump and Zelenskys tone has warmed up since their famous showdown in Washington, D.C.

While Trump has framed the deal as protecting Americas contribution to Ukraines war effort, his administration has made it clear this is a siding against Russia.

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Trump, for example, told NewsNation on Wednesday that the Ukrainian president signing would be a very good thing because Russia is much bigger and much stronger.

Likewise, in a video released following the deals announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: Todays agreement signals clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.

Its time for the cruel and senseless war to end. The killing must stop, and both the United States and the government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.

Likewise, Svyrydenko added that, as part of the deal, the U.S. will help Ukraine in attracting investments and technologies ... that support our fight against the Russian enemy.

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She further added that in addition to direct funds, America could also contribute to projects like air defense systems.

The deal opens doors for further support and ensures the Trump administration cant pull the rug out from under Ukraines feet.

This has happened previously, with America reportedly temporarily pausing intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March to push Kyiv toward peace negotiations.

The White House did not respond to Fortune's request for comment on any further military aid the U.S. may offer to Ukraine.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he arrives at the White House on Feb. 28, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Credit - Chip SomodevillaGetty Images

After ongoing deliberations and uncertainty, the United States and Ukraine signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, allowing the U.S. preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals in return for an investment fund for Kyiv.

Ukraine has since published the agreement, outlining the specifics of the deal. The document details that the agreement serves as a flagship mechanism for encouraging transparent, accountable, and future oriented investment into critical sectors of Ukraines economy.

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The report also notably refers to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Per a follow-up fact sheet published by the White House, the partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine establishes a fund that will receive 50% of royalties, license fees, and other similar payments from natural resource projects in Ukraine. That money will then be invested in new projects in Ukraine, which will generate long-term returns for both the American and Ukrainian peoples.

The agreement was initially suggested some months ago, but talks soon derailed after a heated argument between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Feb. 28. The Ukrainian Presidents trip to Washington was cut short, and the deal seemed to be in tatters, alongside relations between the two nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky clashed during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 28, 2025. Saul LoebGetty Images

In a press conference on Thursday, May 1, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labelled the agreement as historic, adding: "This partnership represents the United States taking an economic stake in securing a free, peaceful, and sovereign future for Ukraine.

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The deal was signed on Wednesday by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Bessent took to social media after the signing and said: I am glad to announce the signing of todays historic economic partnership agreement.

Bessent added that the deal, called the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, would help accelerate Ukraines economic recovery and that economic security is national security.

Read more: Game Changer: Mineral Deal Raises Hopes of GOP Uniting Behind Ukraine

Svyrydenko relayed "key provisions" of the agreement in an update shared via X, saying: Full ownership and control remain with Ukraine. All resources on our territory and in territorial waters belong to Ukraine It is the Ukrainian state that determines where and what to extract.

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During a call with NewsNation on Wednesday, President Trump spoke about his seemingly pivotal meeting with Zelensky at Pope Francis funeral last week, after which he publicly called out Russian President Vladimir Putin. The President told NewsNation: I told him [Zelensky] its a very good thing if we can produce a deal and you sign it, because Russia is much stronger.

Read More: Trump Publicly Calls Out Putin After Meeting With Zelensky at Pope Francis Funeral

Trump has previously claimed that the U.S. has spent $350 billion dollars on Ukraine since the start of Russias invasion in 2022, but The Kiel Institute argues that the U.S. spent closer to $120 billion on aid to Ukraine between January 2022 and December 2024.

Heres what key political figures have said after the signing of the highly-anticipated and much discussed deal:

Volodymyr Zelensky

Via a statement on Telegram, the Ukrainian President said, per the Kyiv Independent: It is now a truly equal agreement that opens the door to substantial investment in Ukraine and enables major modernization of production within the country, as well as, just as importantly, an upgrade of our legal practices.

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Earlier on Thursday morning, after reports of Russian drone strikes on Odesa, Ukraine, during the night, Zelensky called for increased pressure on Russia to end the war.

In a statement shared via social media, he said: "That is why a strong push for diplomacy is neededcontinued pressure on Russia is essential to force it into silence and negotiations. The more effective the sanctions, the more incentives Russia will have to end the war.

Trump and Zelensky shared a "productive" conversation ahead of Pope Francis' funeral at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on April 26, 2025. Office of the President of UkraineGetty Images

Andrii Sybiha

Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha said that the deal marks an important milestone in UkraineU.S. strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraines economy and security, in a statement on X.

In the same post, Sybiha said he had spoken to the E.U. high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, informing her of the deal. He added he is grateful to the E.U. for its solidarity and steadfast support."

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Read More: Zelensky on Trump, Putin, and the Endgame in Ukraine

Marco Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the signing of the deal, thanking President Trump for his leadership. Rubio also said that the deal is a milestone in our shared prosperity and an important step in ending this war.

Gregory Meeks

In a statement, Democrat Congressman Gregory Meeks called the agreement Donald Trumps extortion of Ukraine deal, adding that he hopes the Administration can now turn to the real roadblock for peace.

Meeks reiterated his support for the Ukrainian President, saying: President Zelensky has shown time and again that he is willing to negotiate to work towards a sustainable peace; now is the time for Trump to put the pressure on Putin where it belongs.

David Lammy

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement that the U.K. welcomes steps taken by the U.S. and Ukraine to sign an economic partnership.

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Lammy also drew focus to the relationship between his country and Ukraine, saying: The U.K.s support for Ukraine remains steadfast. With our 100-year partnership, we are deepening economic and security ties for the future generations of both of our countries.

Dmitry Medvedev

In a post on Telegram, Dmitry Medvedev the deputy chair for Russias Security Council and former Russian President, said the deal was a defeat for Kyiv, stating: Trump has finally broken the Kiev regime into paying for American aid with minerals Now they will have to pay for military supplies with the national wealth of a disappearing country.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The U.S. and Ukraine signed the long-awaited minerals agreement on April 30, paving the way for further American support of Kyiv through a joint investment fund that will contribute to Ukraines reconstruction.

The deal comes after months of sometimes fraught negotiations, including an Oval Office shouting match between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that derailed its signing in February.

While the U.S. officials had pushed for a swift agreement, Ukraine insisted on including security guarantees in the deal, and ensuring any agreement wouldn't be considered as repayment for any previous aid.

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Over the weekend, Ukrainian officials announced that they had managed to secure the removal of any requirement for Kyiv to pay back the U.S. for previous military assistance, but that any future aid would be counted toward the deal.

While the current deal doesnt contain any security guarantees, Ukraines Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko wrote on X to say that in addition to direct financial contributions (to the fund), the deal may also provide new assistance  for example, air defense systems for Ukraine.

Following its signing between Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers published the full text of the agreement on its website.

The agreement signed on April 30 lays the groundwork for the creation of a fund that will operate as a limited partnership with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation on the American side, and the Agency for Supporting Public-Private Partnership representing Ukraine.

A map showing the location of critical raw materials in Ukraine. (The Kyiv Independent)

The future fund will be financed exclusively from new licenses. Fifty percent of revenues from new licenses in the fields of critical materials, oil, and gas, generated after the fund is created, will be directed to it, Svyrydenko said.

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Earlier leaked versions were met with backlash and caused speculation the agreement could have given the U.S. unprecedented access to revenues of state-owned Ukrainian giants, particularly in the energy sector.

The agreement also provides a precise list of 57 mineral resources that the deal applies to, including strategic metals like uranium and lithium, rare earth elements, precious metals such as gold and platinum, oil, and natural gas. This list can be expanded only by agreement of both parties.

The agreement stipulates that Ukrainian authorities must require anyone with mining or infrastructure licenses to share investment opportunities with the American-Ukrainian fund. Other interested parties cannot be offered more favorable terms if the fund shows interest in any investment, the agreement says.

Earlier versions of the agreement also raised alarm over its potential conflict with an earlier agreement signed between Ukraine and the EU on its mineral resources in 2021. The newly signed deal requires any future investments under the fund to comply with Ukrainian and EU laws, without hindering Ukraines EU accession process.

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"If, after the signing of this agreement, Ukraine needs to assume additional obligations related to its European Union accession that could impact this provision, the parties shall consult and negotiate in good faith to adopt adjustments, the agreement reads.

All income, contributions, and payments related to the fund activities in Ukraine will not be taxed, either in Ukraine or the U.S. In turn, the U.S. pledged not to impose restrictive trade tariffs on mineral products that the fund would buy from Ukraine.

The document also guarantees free conversion of hryvnia to dollars for necessary transactions. If Ukraine's financial stability is threatened by foreign exchange shortages, the Ukrainian government may restrict currency conversion and transfers after consulting with the U.S. Treasury.

Opposition MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak, who has had access to versions of the agreement and has been regularly commenting on it on his popular Telegram channel, called the deals signing on April 30 political and just the first step toward further deals.

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This latest agreement requires ratification by Ukraines parliament to come into effect, Zhelezniak said, adding that it could be voted on during parliamentary sessions between May 13-15, if all procedures can be completed in time.

After ratification, two more parts of the mineral agreement will follow  a treaty between the DFC and the Agency from Ukraine, and a technical part.

"Additionally, several laws will need to be amended, including specifically the Budget and Tax Codes," Zhelezniak wrote.

Read also: The full text of the US, Ukraine minerals agreement

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The White House said Wednesday night that it had signed an economic partnership with Ukraine that, after weeks of volatile negotiations, will give Washington access to some of the war-torn nation's critical minerals and natural resources.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the agreement, established as the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, will allow Washington to invest alongside Ukraine to unlock the country's lucrative assets, accelerate its economic recovery and provide the repayment that President Donald Trump has demanded for U.S. military aid.

This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine, Bessent said in a statement.

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President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides commitment to lasting peace and prosperity, he added. No state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signing the minerals deal.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's deputy prime minister and economy minister, said on X that it is the Ukrainian state that determines what and where to extract and that subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership.

Ukraine and the United States will jointly manage and maintain co-ownership of the investment fund, with neither side holding a dominant vote, Svyrydenko said. It will be financed by new Ukrainian oil, gas and critical mineral licenses, with 50% of all revenue from the licenses going toward the fund.

The fund will then invest in extraction projects for critical materials, oil, and gas  as well as in related infrastructure and processing. Specific investment projects will be selected jointly by Ukraine and the US. Importantly, the Fund may invest exclusively in Ukraine, she said on X.

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Svyrydenko suggested in her post that the United States will also contribute to the fund, though she did not elaborate on how much, and added that contributions to the fund will not be taxed in either jurisdiction.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sought to spin the deal as a loss for Kyiv, saying in a post on Telegram that Trump has finally broken the Kiev regime into paying for American aid with minerals.

Now they will have to pay for military supplies with the national wealth of a disappearing country, added Medvedev, who is also the deputy chair of Russias security council.

The quantity and value of Ukraines rare earth elements remain unclear, partly because up-to-date geological surveys need to be carried out. Experts say that maps for Ukraine are up to 30 years old and that, while Trump has referred to Ukraine's mineral wealth as being $500 billion, the value of the country's rare-earth minerals is closer to $12 billion.

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Rare earth is called rare for a reason, and they have a lot," Trump said at a Cabinet meeting earlier Wednesday, "and we made a deal where our money is secure, where we can start digging.

Earth and minerals are loaded onto trucks at an open-pit mine in the Donetsk region of Ukraine in February.

A few weeks ago, the chances of the Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy administrations signing such a deal looked slim. When the Ukrainian president visited Washington in February to discuss and possibly sign the agreement, long-standing personal tensions with Trump exploded into the open in an extraordinary public argument also involving Vice President JD Vance.

Trump suggested Wednesday that the pairs relationship had improved since then, characterizing the meeting as beautiful and expressing confidence that Zelenskyy wants to make a deal to end the war.

Trump said Wednesday that the agreement would serve as an avenue for the United States to recoup funds it has provided to Ukraine throughout its war with Russia, a figure the State Department has placed at $66.5 billion in terms of military assistance.

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Since beginning his second term just more than 100 days ago, Trump has repeatedly insisted that the United States be repaid for at least part of the aid that Washington has sent to Ukraine to help it fight Russia's three-year-long invasion.

Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz said the deal is good for the American taxpayer that is recouping the billions of dollars that weve put into supporting Ukraine. Its good for Ukraine and helping it grow and helping it grow the pie in terms of its development and reconstruction, and its good for its security.

It is unclear how much of the money will go toward repaying the United States. Svyrydenko said in her post that the agreement includes no provisions regarding any Ukrainian debt obligations to the United States.

Despite accusations of treating Moscow more leniently than Kyiv in protracted peace talks with both parties, Trump's ire has recently been directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he criticized for carrying out widespread strikes on Kyiv despite U.S. officials' ongoing ceasefire efforts.

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While Putin on Monday announced a temporary ceasefire due to begin next week, there are few signs that he is planning a more long-term cessation in military activity.

Russian strikes on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa overnight Wednesday killed two people and injured 15 more, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said in a post Thursday on Telegram.

Even so, the minerals deal is a step in the right direction as regards the chances of a more sustainable peace, Waltz said Thursday. Both sides have to want peace. Both sides have to want to stop the fighting, he said. And we think there is still a deal to be had.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  University of California employees are on strike Thursday in protest of a hiring freeze. Organizers said 20,000 UC workers are expected to take part in the strike across the state.

The union representing the University of California said strikes are happening at every UC campus and health center, including UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) claim the hiring freeze is causing a staffing crisis, impacting patients, research and students.

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Oakland teachers reach deal with district, averting strike

People cant afford to live where these jobs are, Todd Stenhouse with AFSCME Local 3299 said. Weve seen a third of the 40,000 people we represent leave their jobs voluntarily in the last three years. Not because they dont love them, not because they dont want them, because they cant afford to live anywhere near where they work.

The two unions represent 96,000 employees in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The UC Office of the President said this is the fourth strike in six months. The office is set to meet with UPTE on May 8 to continue negotiations.

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The UC said it made a final offer to AFSCME Wednesday night, meeting the unions demands of $25 per hour and a 5 percent raise.

UCSF said regular operations will continue Thursday. The impact on patients will be limited.

Picketing on Thursday started at 8 a.m. and is expected to run until 2 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Public discussion of UFOs  the strange airborne craft that many people associate with extraterrestrials  is resuming once again to Capitol Hill.

But whether the objects are piloted by little green aliens isn't necessarily at the forefront of the minds of the slate of experts who are set to appear Thursday, May 1 for a day-long event. Instead, the experts in science, defense and technology will focus on how understanding the unexplained phenomena that has long captivated the public could lead to scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security.

The event comes less than six months after four witnesses testified in Congress about their knowledge of UFOs, which the government now calls unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP.

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This time, though, speakers won't be testifying under oath at a full-blown Congressional hearing. Instead, the event hosted by the UAP Disclosure Fund will feature public briefings with members of Congress on the topic of UFOs.

The briefings "will give Congress a science-first look at unidentified anomalous phenomena and why they matter for national security and U.S. innovation, Yuan Fung, executive director of the UAP Disclosure Fund, said in a statement to the USA TODAY Network. Our goal is to replace speculation with evidence-based discussion so lawmakers can legislate from facts.

Here's what to know about the May 1 briefing and how to watch it:

What does UFO mean?

UFOs are short for unidentified flying objects, and are also commonly referred to by officials as unidentified anomalous phenomena or UAP. The new term is not only less stigmatized than UFOs, but is general enough to reflect that many of the objects in question are seen not just in the air, but the water.

What is the UFO briefing?

The briefing "will examine the implications of UAP for science, national security, and innovation," according to an event description.

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"In an era marked by rapid advancements in aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence, thesignificance of UAP has transitioned from fringe curiosity to a matter of central importance," the DIsclosure Fund said in promoting the event to the public.

Three of those scheduled to appear during the briefing testified in November 2024 before subcommittees of the House Oversight Committee.

That includes Luis Elizondo, a a former military intelligence official who will moderate all three planned discussions.

Also appearing is Michael Gold, a former NASA associate administrator; and Timothy Gallaudet, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy.

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Elizondo, who resigned and went public in October 2017 after 10 years of running a Pentagon program to investigate UFO sightings, is on the Disclosure Fund's board of directors. Gallaudet joined the organization's advisory board in February 2025.

How to watch the UAP briefing on Capitol Hill

The briefing will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET Thursday, May 1 on Capitol Hill. The UAP Disclosure Fund will provide a live stream of the briefing on its website.

What is the UAP Disclosure Fund?

The UAP Disclosure Fund is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for government transparency on UAP reports and findings.

To that end, the organization focused on advancing legislation aimed at declassifying information and protecting government whistleblowers who go public with what they know.

What happened at the November congressional hearing on UFOs?

The hearing followed the latest round of testimony Nov. 14 in the halls of Congress about unexplained objects violating U.S. airspace and shadowy programs to recover and study downed craft.

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During more than two hours of testimony, journalist Michael Shellenberger testified that sources had informed him that intelligence communities are in possession of numerous high-resolution photos and videos of the craft unlike any of the grainy imagery that has so far been declassified.

Elizondo described a decades-long international arms race to obtain and reverse-engineer the strange vehicles so governments can bolster their own technology. In corroborating much of the testimony Pentagon intelligence official David Grusch offered in July 2023, Elizondo also accused the Department of Defense of hiding its UFO programs from Congress while misappropriating funds to operate them.

Elizondo lambasted the intelligence community for its decades of "excessive secrecy" around UAP reports  "all to hide the fact that we are not alone in the cosmos," he said.

Days after the hearing, the leader of the Pentagon's office to investigate UFOs provided testimony of his own. Jon T. Kosloski, the director of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO,) reinforced the agency's stance that it has found no evidence that any of the craft reported were extraterrestrial in nature.

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Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: UFOs talks in Congress today: What to know, how to watch
The Nebraska Supreme Court quietly took up one of the most notorious criminal cases in the state in recent years, hearing arguments over whether Aubrey Trail's motion for post-conviction relief should be allowed to go forward despite filing it two months too late.

Unlike earlier court hearings, there was no talk about the gruesomeness of his crime, the killing and dismemberment of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe of Lincoln.

And Trail, who became known for doing the unexpected in court appearances, including slashing at his neck with a razor during trial, wasn't in the room.

Rather, Wednesday's oral arguments homed in on whether the motion challenging his conviction and death sentence was time-barred by statute because it had been filed more than a year after the mandate in his case.

Nearly a year ago, on May 29, 2024, Saline County District Judge David Bargen found it was, which led to the appeal before the Supreme Court.

Defense attorney Larry Komp, of the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defenders Office, said Trail had been diligent about requesting counsel, even asking the Supreme Court, which rightly directed him to file the request in Saline County, where his case had been tried.

Komp said Trail effectively had been abandoned by his prior counsel, who withdrew before the mandate came down.

He said their departure set the stage for "what became a series of events that deprived him of counsel at a critical juncture."

To which Justice Jonathan Papik asked: "Was he abandoned or did he ask his counsel to withdraw?"

Komp said that's unclear. Regardless, Trail would have needed different counsel to raise issues over his trial counsel's alleged ineffectiveness.

"But abandonment suggests his lawyers sort of left him in the lurch and shouldn't have done what they did," Papik said. "Didn't they need to withdraw in order for him to raise ineffective assistance of counsel?"

"Yes and no," Komp said.

He said the mandate hadn't been issued yet. There was no petition for rehearing by the Nebraska Supreme Court or petition seeking review made to the U.S. Supreme Court.

But Justice William Cassel said that hadn't been raised in the motion eventually filed Feb. 14, 2023.

Komp switched gears.

"The timing here is what's critical," he said.

Komp said Trail, after asking for counsel from the Supreme Court, went to the district court to ask the same. Despite the requests, it still took 60 days.

He said that's because the judge required six months of records showing he was indigent, but the prison where Trail is housed, the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, only could show his books for 90 days. He would need to request it from the administration office.

"Was the delay in appointing counsel in the district court a constitutional violation or a violation of some other law?" Papik asked.

Komp's short answer? Yes.

He said by then the court knew there were matters that could be raised in court, which means he's entitled to counsel. But one wasn't immediately appointed.

Papik pressed.

"At what point did the district court violate the state law?" he said.

Komp said the judge had imposed requirements (six months of records to show proof of indigency) that aren't in state law.

"Are they prohibited by state law?" Cassel asked.

"They're not prohibited," Komp said. "But they do go against what I think the spirit of some of the indigency statutes are."

Cassel said someone could receive money from an inheritance, even if they previously were found eligible for court-appointed counsel.

If that were the case, Komp said, 90 days of records would have been enough to show it. The judge could have granted counsel and asked that the statements be submitted within 45 days.

Justice John Freudenberg said the judge ultimately appointed counsel in early September 2023, three months before the Dec. 15 deadline.

"Was there anything that prevented the filing during that three-month period?" he asked.

Komp said nothing other than all that lost time. He's asking for the court not to count the 60 days, which would make the post-conviction relief motion filed Feb. 14, 2024, still in time.

On the other side, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Stacy Foust said it's the state's position that the district court correctly found Trail's post-conviction time-barred under statute.

"Further, Trail has not preserved any arguments that his motion was timely under any other subsection or legal authority, and he cannot be heard to complain about the lack of due process when he made no attempt to make his timeliness arguments to the district court," she said.

Foust said there had been no state-created impediment to his counsel filing in time.

She said indigency isn't fixed, as Cassel pointed out, and the court had appointed counsel within days, if not the same day, as the court received the required documentation.

Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman said: "So the pieces were in place for success?"

"Yes, absolutely," Foust said.

She said Trail's counsel still had about 120 days to file the motion within the deadline.

Instead, on Feb. 8, he filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court where his attorney raised a number of issues, including Trail's mental health.

That case currently is on hold, pending a decision in the state case.

Loofe's disappearance the night of Nov. 15, 2017, led to a multistate manhunt for Trail and his then-girlfriend, Bailey Boswell, who in Facebook videos claimed to know nothing about it. Their cellphone records, though, led police, deputies and the FBI to fields and ditches in Clay County, where they made the grisly discovery of Loofes remains left scattered in trash bags.

At trial in June 2019, jurors found Trail guilty. Two years later, he was sentenced to death.

Trail, now 58, previously had said he didnt wish to file anything that would stay his execution but expressed frustration that the state effectively has no way to carry out his death sentence currently.

In the summer of 2023, a Lancaster County District Judge threw out a petition in which Trail sought to force the state to set an execution date, which the judge called frivolous because Trail "does not have the right to dictate when the state will execute him."

In 2015, state lawmakers abolished capital punishment, but voters reversed the decision through the referendum process in 2016. In 2018, the state executed Carey Dean Moore by lethal injection but hasnt since been able to secure the drugs necessary to carry out another execution.

A bill introduced in the Legislature this year would require the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services to develop a protocol for nitrogen hypoxia in addition to the existing method of lethal injection. But there has been no movement on the bill since a year in January.
Ukrainian drones struck and destroyed more than 83,000 Russian targets in April, an 8% increase from March, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on May 1.

"In April, units of unmanned systems of the Ukrainian Defense Forces achieved decent results in destroying the enemy," Syrskyi wrote on Facebook. "The damage efficiency increased by another 5%."

Syrskyi said the growing success underscored the need to further expand drone operations.

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"Today's high-tech warfare requires constant movement forward, even greater efficiency, and scaling up of efforts in the area of drones," he added.

The Commander-in-Chief also noted that he had held a regular monthly meeting with commanders of drone units to coordinate improvements.

Ukraine and Russia both rely heavily on drones for surveillance and strikes.

Kyiv has rapidly expanded domestic drone production, integrating them into reconnaissance and combat roles. On Feb. 9, Ukraine's Defense Ministry launched the "Drone Line" initiative to accelerate battlefield deployment.

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Ukraine has also developed long-range missile-drone hybrids, such as the Palianytsia and Peklo models, which use turbojet engines as cruise missile alternatives. President Volodymyr Zelensky has set a target of producing at least 30,000 long-range drones in 2025.

Syrskyi emphasized that prioritizing drones allows Ukraine to inflict losses on Russian forces from a distance while preserving infantry lives.

Read also: US wont abandon peace talks, Ukraine agrees to de facto territorial concessions, Kellogg says

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Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with five Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 170 loitering munitions and decoy drones since the evening of 30 April. Reports indicate that 142 drones have failed to reach their targets.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force on Telegram

Quote: "As of 08:30, 74 Shahed-type loitering munitions (and other types of drones) are confirmed to have been shot down in the east, north, south and centre of the country. A further 68 enemy decoy drones have disappeared from radar (without causing adverse effects)."

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Details: The Russian attack has affected Odesa, Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk and Kyiv oblasts.

Russian forces fired the missiles from occupied Crimea and launched the drones from the Russian cities of Kursk, Millerovo, Oryol and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from Cape Chauda in Crimea.

The aerial attack has been repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare assets and mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian defence forces.

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It provides both good news and optics, but is ultimately a forced deal with a complex future.

Ukraines minerals agreement with the United States stems from months of fraught haggling, and originates in a Ukrainian idea first offered during the amicable climes of the Biden administration. It has since become a persistent thorn in the side of Kyiv and Washingtons febrile relationship. President Volodymyr Zelensky had little choice but to sign something, or risk another seismic rupture in his relationship with President Donald Trump.

Yet the document CNN has seen sets the stage for a longer-term relationship between the US and Ukraine. It does not give an ironclad guarantee of American profits in the next years of the Trump administration.

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The symbolism was, however, largely the point. Trump needed to feel America was getting something back from Kyiv. Ukraine needed to show its relationship with this White House was functional and improving. Ukraines allies needed this done and dusted to remove a distraction from the complex talk of military aid and real peace that must now become their focus.

The deals text also contains two phrases that will be distinctly pleasing to Kyiv. First, it refers to the large-scale destruction caused by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine  an unambiguous statement of blame from a White House that has often preferred to pull its punches. And then it explains how Ukraine might buy arms from the US  vital given the escalating Russian onslaught across the front lines.

It says that if the US gives new military assistance to Ukraine, the capital contribution of the U.S. Partner (to the fund) will be deemed to be increased by the assessed value of such military assistance. In short, Ukraine will use this fund to pay for weapons. Until now, its been unclear whether the Trump administration would provide arms  especially desperately needed Patriot missile interceptors  at all. Here, they are explaining how Ukraine would pay for them.

Earth and minerals are loaded onto trucks at a mine near the front line in Donetsk, Ukraine, in February. - Pierre Crom/Getty Images

It will add to a central message of this beleaguered process: that the pendulum swings of Trumps position as he tries to broker this peace  vacillating between a wider cosiness with Moscow and maintaining US relations with Europe as a whole  have moved back in Ukraines favor. Trump is palpably seeing less progress with Moscow, which continues to reject the US-Ukrainian proposal of a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, itself now nearly 50 days old. The specific terms in the deal of how Ukraine might pay for future arms purchases will ring loud inside the Kremlins walls.

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The symbolic nature of the document is also partially due to its long-term perspectives and how much political change will likely occur in the decades it needs to start really bringing money to US coffers. Neither Kyiv nor Washington will have the same administrations for more than another three years, even if the war ended tomorrow.

New presidents will choose to honor or revisit the deal. And anyone who has worked or done business in Ukraine knows they are masters at interpreting documents and deals in their favor. The world of natural resources is already opaque there, and it is unlikely this high-profile deal will suddenly usher in total business transparency. Itll likely be messy once the immediate demands of the war end, that much is clear.

So it appears wide-ranging, huge, and game-changing, but at the same time its impact is not immediate, it is largely symbolic  an urgent Band-Aid. Contradictory and complex, but likely loud and clear enough for Trump.

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The U.S. and Ukrainian governments touted the signing of a controversial minerals sharing deal as a launchpad for expansive bilateral economic cooperation -- and as a signal of America's long-term investment in a free Ukraine.

American and Ukrainian representatives signed the accord in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday after months of tense negotiations, President Donald Trump long having framed the proposal as means to recoup more than $100 billion worth of aid given to Kyiv since Russia launched its invasion three years ago.

"This partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine to unlock Ukraine's growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraine's investment climate and accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video announcing the deal.

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Details of the agreement were later shared online by some members of Ukraine's parliament, with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expected to present the deal to the body -- known as the Rada -- on Thursday. Shmyhal this week previewed some parts of the agreement, saying it would not undermine Ukraine's potential for accession to the European Union.

The draft published by lawmakers does not include any explicit U.S. security guarantees -- long one of Kyiv's primary demands. However, the agreement "guarantees new deliveries of American weapons, including air defense systems -- their cost will be credited to a joint fund," according to Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

PHOTO: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko pose after signing a deal on Ukrainian minerals in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 2025. (U.s. Department Of The Treasury/via Reuters)

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Thursday that the deal "marks an important milestone in Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraines economy and security."

Podolyak said the deal meant "Moscow has lost: Putins attempt to offer the U.S. a stake in the occupied Donbas mineral wealth has failed. We are strengthening alliances, securing resources to continue our resistance and forcing the world to see Ukraine as an equal player."

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"To sum up, the key outcome of this agreement is that the worlds leading power has become a co-investor in Ukraine," Podolyak wrote.

The deal will need to be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament, members of which suggested on Thursday it was too early to fully evaluate the agreement.

"Judging by the statement of the prime minister, it is better than the initial version," Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker representing Zelenskyy's party and the chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, told ABC News.

MORE: US and Ukraine sign mineral resources agreement

"It seems like we have managed to dodge Trump's idea to turn the previously-provided U.S. military and material aid into Ukrainian debts," he added.

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The lawmaker suggested it was too early to say whether the deal represented a win for both Kyiv and Washington.

"It seems like Trump put pressure on us in an attempt to get a victory in his first 100 days in office," Merezhko said. "The devil is in the details. But politically there are upsides. First, we have improved relations with Trump for whom it's a win."

Other members of parliament suggested that ratification would not be immediate. "I would really like to see the final document of the agreement," lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko wrote on Telegram.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak, meanwhile, suggested it may take until mid-May for the parliament to vote on the minerals agreement -- "and that's only if everything is submitted to the Rada on time," he wrote on Telegram.

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MORE: Why Trump's 'very big' Ukraine minerals deal may not be an easy win

In Russia, Dmitry Medvedev -- the former president and prime minister now serving as the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council -- framed the deal as a defeat for Kyiv.

"Trump has broken the Kyiv regime into paying for American aid with minerals," Medvedev -- who through Russia's invasion of Ukraine has become known for his hawkish statements -- wrote on Telegram. "Now they will have to pay for military supplies with the national wealth of a disappearing country," he wrote.

Nonetheless, Bessent said the agreement "clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term, it's time for this cruel and senseless war to end the killing must stop."

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Bessent also said this deal was because of "President Trump's tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace."

ABC News' Oleksiy Pshemyskiy, Nataliia Popova and Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.

Ukraine, Russia react to controversial US minerals sharing deal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Three out of the nine reactors at Ukrainian-controlled nuclear power plants (NPPs) are undergoing scheduled maintenance and refuelling.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Details: IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi noted that maintenance and fresh fuel loading are being carried out at the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and Pivdennoukrainsk NPPs.

The work is being carried out under the persistent threat of Russian attacks. For instance, on 25 April, the IAEA team stationed at the Pivdennoukrainsk NPP learned that six drones had been spotted just 1.5 km from the facility, with Ukrainian air defence working to shoot them down.

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The IAEA team at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP have heard distant explosions throughout the past week, while the team at the Khmelnytskyi NPP was forced to take cover during an air raid on 30 April.

Grossi also noted that a Russian drone strike pierced the roof of a major containment structure at the Chornobyl NPP on 14 February. The structure was designed to prevent any release of radiation from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 disaster and to shield it from external threats.

He added that temporary repairs to the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl plant are underway. An IAEA team recently visited the site to discuss ongoing efforts to assess the building's structural integrity following the attack. Grossi confirmed that despite significant damage to the shelter, no radioactive release had occurred.

Earlier, Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear energy regulator, reported that repairs at all nine power units at the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and Pivdennoukrainsk NPPs are due to be completed by the end of August.

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The total capacity of the nine power units is 7.88 GW. Six units with a capacity of 6,000 MW at Zaporizhzhia NPP have not been generating electricity since 11 September 2022.

Background: Earlier, it was reported that Energoatom made a net profit of UAH 1.3 billion (approx. US$31.2 million) in 2024. The company plans to use these funds to cover losses from previous years  for instance, it recorded a loss of UAH 11 billion (around US$264.6 million) in 2023  and no dividends are being paid.

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Ukrainian engineers and construction workers are continuing repairs on the confinement structure at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which was heavily damaged by a Russian drone attack earlier this year, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has said.

Source: IAEA website

Details: The IAEA reported that a Russian drone strike on 14 February caused a large hole in the roof of a major containment structure at the Chornobyl NPP. This structure, which was designed to prevent radioactive releases from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 accident, also serves to protect the site from external threats.

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It took several weeks to extinguish the fire and smouldering at the facility.

The IAEA team based at the Chornobyl NPP has recently visited the site.

Quote from Grossi: "The site is now focusing its efforts on assessing the full extent of the damage while also carrying out short-term repairs. It is clear that the confinement structure  constructed at huge expense and with major international support  suffered extensive damage."

Details: He emphasised, however, that no radioactive release had occurred as a result of the damage, and the containment structure remains capable of fulfilling its protective role.

Background:

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that a Russian strike drone carrying a high-explosive incendiary warhead struck the shelter of Unit No 4 at the Chornobyl NPP on the night of 13-14 February. Early estimates suggested that the damage to the shelter was significant, the president said.

The IAEA has confirmed an explosion at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant on the night of 13-14 February. The drone hit the roof of the new containment structure that protects the destroyed Unit No 4 at the Chornobyl NPP.

Ukraine's State Emergency Service noted that radiation levels remain within normal limits following a Russian drone strike on the shelter of Unit No 4 at the Chornobyl NPP.

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal that is expected to give Washington access to the countrys critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia.

According to Ukrainian officials, the version of the deal signed Wednesday is far more beneficial to Ukraine than previous versions, which they said reduced Kyiv to a junior partner and gave Washington unprecedented rights to the country's resources.

The agreement  which the Ukrainian parliament must ratify  would establish a reconstruction fund for Ukraine that Ukrainian officials hope will be a vehicle to ensure future American military assistance. A previous agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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We have formed a version of the agreement that provides mutually beneficial conditions for both countries. This is an agreement in which the United States notes its commitment to promoting long-term peace in Ukraine and recognizes the contribution that Ukraine has made to global security by giving up its nuclear arsenal, Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed the deal for Ukraine, said in a post on Facebook.

The signing comes during what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said would be a very critical week for U.S.-led efforts to end the war that appear to have stalled. Ukraine sees the deal as a way to ensure that its biggest and most consequential ally stays engaged and doesnt freeze military support, which has been key in its 3-year-old fight against Russias full-scale invasion.

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, who signed for the U.S., said in a statement.

Here is a look at the deal.

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What does the deal include?

The deal covers minerals, including rare earth elements, but also other valuable resources, including oil and natural gas, according to the text released by Ukraine's government.

It does not include resources that are already a source of revenue for the Ukrainian state. In other words, any profits under the deal are dependent on the success of new investments. Ukrainian officials have also noted that it does not refer to any debt obligations for Kyiv, meaning profits from the fund will likely not go toward paying the U.S. back for its previous support.

Officials have also emphasized that the agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, and the state will determine what can be extracted and where.

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It does not mention any explicit security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression that Ukraine has long insisted on.

The text of the deal lists 55 minerals but says more can be agreed to.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in Ukraine's rare earth elements, and some of them are included in the list, as are other critical minerals, such as titanium, lithium and uranium.

What are rare earth elements?

They are a group of 17 elements that are essential to many kinds of consumer technology, including cellphones, hard drives and electric and hybrid vehicles.

China is the worlds largest producer of rare earth elements, and both the U.S and Europe have sought to reduce their dependence on Beijing, Trumps chief geopolitical adversary.

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They include elements such as lanthanum, cerium and scandium, which are listed in the deal.

How will the fund work?

The agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund, and both the U.S. and Ukraine will have an equal say in its management, according to Svyrydenko.

The fund will be supported by the U.S. government through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation agency, which Ukraine hopes will attract investment and technology from American and European countries.

Ukraine is expected to contribute 50% of all future profits from government-owned natural resources into the fund. The United States will also contribute in the form of direct funds and equipment, including badly needed air defense systems and other military aid.

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Contributions to the fund will be reinvested in projects related to mining, oil and gas as well as infrastructure.

No profits will be taken from the fund for the first 10 years, Svyrydenko said.

Trump administration officials initially pushed for a deal in which Washington would receive $500 billion in profits from exploited minerals as compensation for its wartime support.

But Zelenskyy rejected the offer, saying he would not sign off on an agreement that will be paid off by 10 generations of Ukrainians.

What is the state of Ukraine's minerals industry?

Ukraines rare earth elements are largely untapped because of state policies regulating the industry, a lack of good information about deposits, and the war.

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The industrys potential is unclear since geological data is thin because mineral reserves are scattered across Ukraine, and existing studies are considered largely inadequate, according to businessmen and analysts.

In general, however, the outlook for Ukrainian natural resources is promising. The country's reserves of titanium, a key component for the aerospace, medical and automotive industries, are believed to be among Europes largest. Ukraine also holds some of Europes largest known reserves of lithium, which is required to produce batteries, ceramics and glass.

In 2021, the Ukrainian mineral industry accounted for 6.1% of the countrys gross domestic product and 30% of exports.

An estimated 40% of Ukraine's metallic mineral resources are inaccessible because of Russian occupation, according to data from We Build Ukraine, a Kyiv-based think tank. Ukraine has argued that it's in Trumps interest to develop the remainder before Russian advances capture more.
Key developments on May 1:

Ukraine destroys 83,000 Russian targets using drones in April, Syrskyi says, up 8% on March

Trump reportedly shifts tone on Putin after UK, France apply diplomatic pressure

US to bring Ukraine, Russia together over the next 100 days, Vance says

Ukrainian army retook 115 positions in April, Syrskyi says

Zelensky says minerals deal signing first result of talks with Trump in Vatican

Ukrainian drones struck and destroyed more than 83,000 Russian targets in April, an 8% increase from March, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on May 1.

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"In April, units of unmanned systems of the Ukrainian Defense Forces achieved decent results in destroying the enemy," Syrskyi wrote on Facebook. "The damage efficiency increased by another 5%."

Syrskyi said the growing success underscored the need to further expand drone operations.

"Today's high-tech warfare requires constant movement forward, even greater efficiency, and scaling up of efforts in the area of drones," he added.

The Commander-in-Chief also noted that he had held a regular monthly meeting with commanders of drone units to coordinate improvements.

Trump reportedly shifts tone on Putin after UK, France apply diplomatic pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump has toughened his rhetoric toward Russian President Vladimir Putin following months of diplomatic efforts by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, Politico reported on May 1, citing unnamed European government sources.

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The coordinated effort, led by senior British and French officials, sought to persuade Trump to ease pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky and focus more criticism on Putin, arguing that Moscow's actions were undermining Trump's credibility as a negotiator.

British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell and Defense Secretary John Healey reportedly played key roles, working closely with U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Mark Burnett.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he had spoken 13 times this year with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Starmer and Trump held "almost" as many direct conversations.

A former British ambassador, speaking anonymously, said London and Paris continually emphasized to Trump that Putin was "disrespecting him by consistently breaking the ceasefire he claimed to be implementing."

US to bring Ukraine, Russia together over the next 100 days, Vance says

The Trump administration is now focused on brokering a durable solution to the RussiaUkraine war within the next 100 days, Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with Fox News Digital published on April 30.

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When asked about the current state of negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, Vance told Fox News "the first and necessary step of getting the Russia-Ukraine conflict solved is to get each of them to make a peace proposal.

We've got the peace proposal out there and issued, and we're going to work very hard over the next 100 days to try to bring these guys together, Vance said, referring to Ukraine and Russia.

The push to broker peace comes after months of diplomacy, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign promise to end the war in one day.



During his presidential run in 2024, Trump repeatedly vowed he would resolve the RussiaUkraine war within 24 hours. After taking office, he revised the timeline to 100 days. That deadline passed this week with no deal in place and heavy fighting continuing along the front lines.

Vance said both sides have now submitted formal peace proposals, claiming there is a very big gulf between what the Russians want and what the Ukrainians want. He added that while European leaders disagree with Trumps policy, they reportedly believe American president is the only person who could have actually forced a peace proposal out of each side, meaning Moscow and Kyiv.

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Read also: Warm words rather than real investment  uncertainty surrounds newly-signed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal

Ukrainian army retook 115 positions in April, Syrskyi says

The Ukrainian army retook 115 positions from Russian forces during April, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on May 1.

"We use active defense tactics: thanks to these actions, our soldiers regained a total of 115 positions over a month," Syrskyi wrote on Facebook.

The main task of the Ukrainian army now is to deter Russian troops in the "threatened areas," primarily Sumy, Kursk, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivsk, he added.

Syrskyi highlighted the continued success of artillery, aviation, and UAVs. "In April, DeepStrike (long-range drones) hit 62 targets in Russia, destroying military facilities and undermining the aggressor's (Russian) military-industrial complex," he said.

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He also noted that the "18-24" mobilization project is progressing, as is the transfer of soldiers from non-combat units to combat ones, with 30,500 soldiers moving to combat roles using the "Army+" application.

Additionally, criminal offenses within the Ukrainian army have decreased by 43% compared to 2024, he said.

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Zelensky says minerals deal signing first result of talks with Trump in Vatican

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 1 that the signing of a long-awaited U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal was the first concrete result of his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Vatican, calling it a historic outcome of their April 26 conversation.

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The 15-minute conversation took place inside St. Peters Basilica after the two leaders encountered each other at the late pontiffs funeral. Zelensky reportedly pressed Trump to return to his original proposal of an unconditional ceasefire as the starting point for peace talks, a move Kyiv has supported but Moscow has rejected.

The discussion marked the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since their tense February encounter in the Oval Office, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zelensky over what they described as a lack of gratitude for U.S. support.

Zelensky said the minerals agreement  which sets up a joint investment fund between Kyiv and Washington  had been significantly revised during months of negotiations to ensure equal terms and benefits for both sides.

It is now a truly equal agreement that opens the door to substantial investment in Ukraine and enables major modernization of production within the country, as well as, just as importantly, an upgrade of our legal practices, Zelensky said.

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Zelensky hailed the agreement as a partnership on fair terms and said it could attract further American support. We expect other results from our (Vatican) talks, he added.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

Read also: Trumps peace effort ignores thousands of Ukrainians still tortured in Russian captivity

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Ukraines Ministry of Defence has set up a commission to oversee the reorganisation of the State Logistics Operator in preparation for its merger with the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA). The commission will be headed by Arsen Zhumadilov, Director of the DPA.

Source: Defence Minister Rustem Umierov on Telegram

Quote: "Today, in order to scale the reforms already underway, I signed a decree to create a commission to reorganise the State Logistics Operator. It will be led by Arsen Zhumadilov, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency. The commission will operate on the DPAs premises."

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Details: Umierov stated that the groundwork is being laid to merge the DPA and the State Logistics Operator before martial law ends, aiming to remove duplicated functions, optimise management and improve the speed of logistical support to the Armed Forces.

Quote: "We are aligning our approaches, adapting legislation and preparing a new operating model so that immediately after victory, we can move to a highly efficient logistics support system. This is part of a broader plan to build a modern armed forces and we are implementing it already."

More details: The minister also reminded the public that the State Logistics Operator, launched in December 2023 as a key element of Ukraines defence procurement reform, has already ensured transparency, saved over UAH 26 billion (approx. US$624m), attracted new suppliers and introduced the modern IT system DOT-Chain.

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(Reuters) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hailed a minerals deal signed with the United States as "an important milestone" in relations with Washington on Thursday and discussed the agreement with the European Union's top diplomat.

The deal, which has been heavily promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump and was signed on Wednesday in Washington, will give the U.S. preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals licences and fund investment in Ukraine's reconstruction.

"This marks an important milestone in (the) UkraineUS strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraines economy and security," Sybiha wrote on X.

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He said he had informed EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas about the signing of the agreement and that they had discussed moves to "coordinate steps ahead of important international events."

"We discussed recent diplomatic efforts and the next steps to achieve a fair and lasting peace," Sybiha said.

The accord signed on Wednesday establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction as Trump tries to secure a peace settlement in Russia's war in Ukraine.

The agreement is also central to Kyiv's efforts to mend ties with Trump and the White House, which frayed after he took office in January.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Alex Richardson and Timothy Heritage)
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, believes that Ukraine will be able to open at least one negotiating cluster before the end of Polands presidency of the EU Council.

Source: European Pravda, citing Stefanishyna in an interview aired on the national 24/7 joint newscast on Thursday 1 May

Details: During a visit to Budapest, Stefanishyna referred to the publicly confirmed agreement with the European Commission that "all negotiating clusters will be opened this year".

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"A great deal of work has been done by the European Commission and the Polish presidency. Unfortunately, the process has not yet been unblocked. But the Ukrainian delegation is working here [in Budapest]," she said.

Stefanishyna said she is confident that the Polish presidency may still conclude with at least some of the negotiating chapters opened.

Polands six-month presidency of the EU Council ends in June 2025.

Background:

Ukraine and the EU Commission initially had ambitious plans for the pace of accession talks in 2025, but the process has been hindered by Hungarys veto. Recently, there have been indications that Moldova and Ukraine could be separated on their path to EU membership.

Following talks in Budapest on 29 April, Ukraine and Hungary agreed to hold regular consultations to address bilateral issues.

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Ukraines Supreme Court ruled that citizens cannot refuse military service during wartime based on religious beliefs, emphasizing that the obligation to defend the nation applies to all Ukrainians during Russias full-scale invasion, the court's press office said on May 1.

The ruling comes from a case involving a member of the Jehovahs Witnesses, a religious group whose doctrine forbids any form of military service. Lower courts had convicted a man for failing to report to a military recruitment office after receiving a summons. He was sentenced to three years in prison under Article 336 of Ukraines Criminal Code for evading conscription during mobilization.

The mans defense argued that his refusal was grounded in deeply held religious convictions and that criminal prosecution should not apply in such a case. However, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction, citing the state of martial law and the urgent need for national defense.

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Ukraine has introduced alternatives to (mandatory) military service in peacetime, and Ukrainian citizens can freely use them, the court said in a statement. However, in wartime, during mobilization and defensive war, the duty to defend Ukraine, which has been aggressively attacked by the Russian Federation, is imposed on all citizens of Ukraine, regardless of their religion.

The court added that Ukraine's current state of defensive war against a far larger and more heavily resourced Russia constitutes an exceptional public need, which justifies limitations on certain freedoms, including religious exemptions from military service.

Citing previous European Court of Human Rights rulings, the Supreme Court acknowledged the importance of balancing freedom of religion with state obligations. It noted that no ECHR decision has addressed a comparable case involving such a large-scale war and national threat.

The ruling comes amid Ukraines broader struggle to address personnel shortages on the front lines. On Feb. 11, the government introduced a one-year voluntary service contract for citizens aged 1824, offering Hr 1 million ($24,000) in one-time aid and monthly payments of up to Hr 120,000 ($3,000). Volunteers also receive housing and travel benefits upon completion of service.

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The initiative aims to attract younger recruits without lowering the draft age from 25 to 18, a move urged by the U.S. but resisted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who argued it could harm Ukraine's long-term future.

Still, the plan has drawn criticism from current service members, who say they receive fewer benefits than new volunteers. Why are those who enlisted earlier in a worse position? asked Alina Mykhailova, a Ukrainian paramedic and soldier in a Facebook post in February.

Read also: Ukraine is failing the mobilization test

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the raw materials agreement between the US and his country "historic", echoing Washington's description of the deal.

"This is the first tangible outcome of that Vatican meeting, making it truly historic," Zelensky said in a statement to Ukrainians on Thursday. He was referring to the talks he held with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of pope Francis' funeral on Saturday.

The agreement is to be ratified soon by the Ukrainian parliament.

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The deal sees Ukraine grant the US access to valuable natural resources in order to keep Washington as an ally in its defence against the full-scale Russian invasion.

"The agreement has changed significantly during the preparation process. It is now truly an equal partnership  one that creates opportunities for substantial investment in Ukraine, as well as significant modernization of Ukraines industries and, equally importantly, its legal practices," Zelensky said in his evening address.

"The agreement foresees no debt. It stipulates the establishment of a Reconstruction Fund that will invest in Ukraine and generate returns here. This means joint work with America, based on fair terms, allowing both Ukraine and the United States, which supports us in our defence, to make money in partnership."
The Ukrainian army retook 115 positions from Russian forces during April, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on May 1.

"We use active defence tactics: thanks to these actions, our soldiers regained a total of 115 positions over a month," Syrskyi wrote on Facebook.

The main task of the Ukrainian army now is to deter Russian troops in the "threatened areas," primarily Sumy, Kursk, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivsk, he added.

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Syrskyi highlighted the continued success of artillery, aviation, and UAVs. "In April, DeepStrike (long-range drones) hit 62 targets in Russia, destroying military facilities and undermining the aggressor's (Russian) military-industrial complex," he said.

He also noted that the "18-24" mobilization project is progressing, as is the transfer of military from non-combat units to combat ones, with 30,500 soldiers moving to combat roles using the "Army+" application.

Additionally, criminal offenses within the Ukrainian army have decreased by 43% compared to 2024, he said.

Earlier on May 1, Syrskyi also reported that Ukrainian drones struck and destroyed more than 83,000 Russian targets in April, an 8% increase from March.

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Syrskyi said the growing success underscored the need to further expand drone operations.

Ukraine and Russia both rely heavily on drones for surveillance and strikes.

Kyiv has rapidly expanded domestic drone production, integrating them into reconnaissance and combat roles. On Feb. 9, Ukraine's Defense Ministry launched the "Drone Line" initiative to accelerate battlefield deployment.

Ukraine has also developed long-range missile-drone hybrids, such as the Palianytsia and Peklo models, which use turbojet engines as cruise missile alternatives.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has set a target of producing at least 30,000 long-range drones in 2025.Syrskyi emphasized that prioritizing drones allows Ukraine to inflict losses on Russian forces from a distance while preserving infantry lives.

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Read also: U.S.Ukraine minerals deal: key points of the newly signed agreement

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The Ukrainian government has released the text of a minerals deal with the United States, available in Ukrainian and English.

Source: the website of Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers (government), as reported by European Pravda

Details: In the Regulatory Acts section, a directive from Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal approving and authorising the signing of the agreement to establish the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund has been posted.

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In addition, the texts of the document were published in Ukrainian and English.

Background:

European Pravda had previously seen the text and revealed the main details of the agreement signed on 30 April in Washington. In particular, it mentions 57 minerals and US military assistance.

The signed agreement largely aligns with the key points made public by Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal earlier that day.

US President Donald Trump stated that the minerals deal will give Washington more than it has spent on supporting Ukraine.

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Ukraine has launched a program that gives points to soldiers who kill Russians or destroy their tanks.

The Ukrainian units can use the points to buy drones and other equipment from an online store.

The store is like "Amazon" but with military technology, a top Ukrainian official said this week.

Ukraine has launched a program that awards points to soldiers who verifiably kill Russian troops or destroy their equipment. They can then use these rewards to purchase drones and other weapons from an online "Amazon"-style marketplace.

Mykhailo Fedorov, who serves as Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, said this week that his government has launched the Brave1 Market, a website that showcases military technology from the defense industry, including drones, robots, and electronic warfare devices, that are available for purchase.

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Ukrainian military units can use their funds to purchase equipment directly from the website, which functions "like Amazon," Fedorov wrote on Telegram on Monday. However, instead of selling common items, the Brave1 Market offers "innovations."

Military units can also use reward points for purchases. Units are awarded points for killing enemy soldiers or destroying Russian military equipment, so long as they confirm the attack with drone footage and upload it to a military situational awareness network.

Ukrainian soldiers use drones as precision weapons to strike Russian troops, positions, and equipment. Stringer/REUTERS

Once the kill is verified, units receive "ePoints;" the amount depends on the target. Eliminating a Russian soldier reportedly awards six points, while destroying a tank earns 40. These points can be exchanged for military equipment through the Brave1 Market.

"The marketplace will significantly simplify the interaction between developers and the military," Fedorov said, per a translation of his remarks on Telegram. He said that military units can choose the right tech in just a few clicks, compare different equipment, contact the manufacturer, and make a deal directly.

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Fedorov said military units are often unaware of certain equipment available to them, so the new site is intended to offer more transparency. He said that over 1,000 different types of equipment, including various drones, ground robots, guns, and electronic warfare devices, are already on the Brave1 Market.

The catalog is extensive  units can even buy cameras, batteries, engines, and satellite communication devices. Much of the material is readily available for viewing on the site, but some sensitive information can only be accessed by certain users.

Alex Eine, the section commander of a drone unit in Ukraine's Separate Presidential Brigade, told Business Insider that the points system works best for soldiers who work with small first-person-view (FPV) or bomber drones on the front lines. More frequent missions mean a greater chance of earning points.

Ukrainian soldiers are incentivised to destroy Russian tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment. Alexander Ermochenko/REUTERS

Eine's unit, known in English as the "Birds of Fury," uses a drone called the Backfire to strike Russian positions behind the front lines. The drone is available on the Brave1 Market for around $60,000 for a pack of three; its value in points is unclear.

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A popular bomber drone called "Baba Yaga" costs around 43 points, according to Politico, which cited Fedorov's comments at a recent tech conference in Kyiv. The Ukrainian government will pay for the drones ordered with points and deliver them to the units.

Fedorov said one unit, Magyar's Birds, had already accumulated over 16,000 points, enough to buy hundreds of drones. The unit's front-line drone operations are well known. The Brave1 Market website lists the unit as the top earner of combat points in March.

Other high-earning units include the 59th Separate Assault Brigade, part of the Unmanned Systems Forces, and the 3rd Separate Special Purpose Regiment, part of the Special Operations Forces.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  We are going to keep fighting until things change for the better. said Jae Regan of the Lafayette Inclusion Task Force.

On UL campus, The Lafayette Inclusion Task Force organized a protest to show solidarity and show that inclusion on any University campus is important and needs to be recognized.

Regan said this protest is in response to the executive order which terminated all government diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; an order which many schools across the country have followed.

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Were out here protesting to spread awareness to the rollbacks on inclusion. Regan said. But also to call attention to the fact that UL really doesnt have a plan for where they want to go, where they want to reallocate the resources and what theyre actually going to do to protect our students.

Three UL students visas have been revoked

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Jolie Daigle with UL GLASS said these Inclusion programs were essential to make students feel seen.

Theyre really something that helps to the survival of marginalized groups here on these campuses and nobody knows about it. Daigle said. So were trying to bring as much attention as possible.

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Immigration attorney speaks on international students visa revocation

To bring attention students marched from campus to downtown Lafayette and back with signs for the world to see.

Following todays protests, those involved said the biggest thing they hope for is simply answers from the university.

I just want them to be able to reflect on everything that theyre doing, everything thats happened. Regan said. And I want them to be able to come to the students with a better plan, with a better vision for how theyre going to keep who are diverse, how theyre going to protect their students, and how theyre going to offer a high-quality education that these students are paying for, that they deserve. We are going to keep fighting until things change for the better.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
UN aid coordinator Tom Fletcher on Thursday called on Israel to lift a blockade preventing aid from reaching the Gaza Strip that has been in force for almost two months.

"Yes, the hostages must be released, now. They should never have been taken from their families," Fletcher said.

He added: "But international law is unequivocal: As the occupying power, Israel must allow humanitarian support in." Aid should never be a "bargaining chip," Fletcher said.

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"Blocking aid starves civilians. It leaves them without basic medical support. It strips them of dignity and hope. It inflicts a cruel collective punishment," Fletcher said.

"To the Israeli authorities, and those who can still reason with them, we say again: lift this brutal blockade. Let humanitarians save lives," the UN coordinator concluded.

Israel has blocked aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip since March 2. More than 2 million people in the sealed-off coastal area remain in desperate need after more than 18 months of war.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP)  The United Nations top court ordered Venezuela on Thursday to refrain from holding elections for officials who supposedly would oversee a resource-rich area in neighboring Guyana that both countries claim as their own.

The ruling by the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands comes at the request of Guyana, which accused Venezuela of violating an earlier ruling by planning to hold elections on May 25 for a governor and other officials to administer the Essequibo region.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali said he welcomed the ruling.

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Once again, Guyanas position has prevailed, he said.

Venezuelas press office did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

The Essequibo region represents two-thirds of Guyana and is rich in gold, diamonds, timber and other natural resources. It also is located close to massive offshore oil deposits, with current production averaging some 650,000 barrels daily.

The dispute between the South American neighbors over Essequibo began more than a century ago, when an international tribunal in 1899 drew the border between them.

In 2018, Guyana went to the International Court of Justice and asked judges to uphold the 1899 ruling.

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The case is still pending in court while tensions between the two countries keep rising.

In late 2023, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro threatened to annex the region by force after holding a referendum asking voters if Essequibo should be turned into a Venezuelan state.

Days later, Caribbean leaders, joined by Brazil and the U.N., held an emergency summit where Guyana and Venezuela agreed to refrain from using force.

But the territorial dispute remained unresolved, and tensions have continued to escalate since the summit.

In March, Guyanas president denounced an incursion by an armed Venezuelan naval vessel in disputed waters that are home to a major offshore oil deposit being developed by ExxonMobil.

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Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez disputed Alis claims and called ExxonMobils oil installations illegal.

____

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President Donald Trumps drive to deport immigrants and block new arrivals could chip away at Social Securitys finances at a time when the program is already on shaky financial footing, experts say.

In addition to Immigration and Customs Enforcements push for more removals, the Trump administration is also trying to convince certain immigrants to self-deport. The efforts include entering more than 6,000 immigrants names into the Social Security Administrations database used to track dead people, which effectively cuts them off from being able to work, access financial services and receive public benefits. The move targets those who may have entered under programs that have ended, such as the Biden administrations temporary work initiatives.

These actions, however, could cut off a funding stream for Social Security.

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Immigrants overall actually help bolster the finances of Social Security, said Jack Smalligan, a senior policy fellow at the Urban Institute and co-author of a proposal to address Social Securitys trust fund shortfall in part by increasing employment and family-based visas. Immigrants are very important right now, especially as we see a very low birth rate among Americans. Immigrants tend to be younger and contribute to Social Security throughout their lifetime.

Legal immigrants and many undocumented workers without employment authorization pay Social Security taxes, analyses show. Some undocumented immigrants use fake Social Security numbers or ones they may have had before their work permits lapsed.

In 2022, for example, undocumented immigrants paid nearly $100 billion in federal, state and local income taxes, including nearly $26 billion in Social Security taxes and $6.4 billion in Medicare taxes, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank. (The report takes into account both employer and employee contributions to Social Security and Medicare taxes.)

But they are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits if they are not lawfully in the US.

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The federal government is essentially receiving free money from these undocumented immigrants, said Marco Guzman, senior analyst at the institute. They are contributing to a system they will not benefit from. Who is benefiting? Its American citizens.

The Trump administration has claimed, without evidence, that many undocumented immigrants are illegally collecting benefits and has said it will put an end to that fraud. Experts, however, say Social Security fraud is relatively rare.

Legal immigrants, including recent migrants who obtain work authorization, also help fund the Social Security system.

For instance, the surge of immigrants in recent years is expected to boost Social Securitys revenues by $348 billion between 2024 and 2034, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis released last year. Over the same period, these folks will collect only about $1 billion, the CBO projected.

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(The analysis estimated the surge would take place between 2021 and 2026, though border crossings to the US dropped in the last year of Bidens term and are expected to remain low during Trumps term. It also noted that the immigrants will be younger and therefore less likely to qualify for programs that serve the elderly, such as Social Security, during the coming decade.)

Social Securitys actuaries have also examined the impact of immigration on the programs trust funds, which are projected to be exhausted by 2035, at which time it will only be able to pay 83% of benefits owed to retirees, survivors and people with disabilities.

The agency assumes annual net immigration of 1.2 million people, on average. If that figure increases by about 400,000, it would reduce the programs 75-year shortfall by about 11%, according to Kiran Rachamallu, a research assistant at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, who analyzed the trustees 2024 report. Conversely, reducing net immigration by around 400,000 people would increase the shortfall by nearly 11.5%.

They are actually helping all of us by increasing the solvency of the trust fund, he said of immigrants.

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However, the overall impact of the payroll taxes paid by undocumented immigrants or by a potential increase in immigration is relatively small, said Andrew Biggs, a senior fellow at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute and former deputy commissioner at the Social Security Administration in the George W. Bush administration.

It pales in comparison to the amount of benefits paid, he noted. Americans received a total of more than $1.5 trillion in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments during the last fiscal year, according to agency data. And increasing or decreasing annual net immigration by about 400,000 wont change the trust funds insolvency date, the trustees report found.

At the end of the day, the numbers arent big enough to matter, he said. There is no imaginable level of increased immigration is going to make a really big dent in Social Securitys funding gap.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A twice-deported, undocumented worker was arrested last week after stealing nearly a dozen new iPhones from the construction firm where he worked through a third-party cleaning vendor.

According to the Berkeley Police Departments probable cause statement, the theft happened on the evening of April 24 at Clayco headquarters on Evans Avenue.

Police met with members of Claycos IT department on April 25 for a reported theft. Witnesses told police that a box containing 11 new iPhone 16s (worth approximately $1,050 each) was missing from the department, which had been secured.

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The companys head of security told police he had obtained a surveillance video of an employee, Erik Munoz, entering the secure IT area and taking the box of phones. Munoz placed the box in the loading area and then took the box home at the end of his shift.

Blues beat Jets 5-2 in Game 6 to force Game 7; Hellebuyck rattled again

Police executed a search warrant at Munozs home and truck, but investigators only found five empty iPhone cases in a trash bag behind the residence.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Munoz with stealing  $750 or more. Munoz was jailed on a $15,000 cash-only bond. He has a bond reduction hearing scheduled for May 7 and a preliminary hearing on May 29.

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FOX 2 News reached out to Clayco for comment on this story. A company spokesperson said Munoz has never been an employee of Clayco and was part of a third-party cleaning company, 4M.

Clayco has a zero-tolerance policy for employing undocumented workers and abides by all state and federal employment laws, the company statement said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Union Pacific has unveiled its Abraham Lincoln commemorative locomotive, honoring the president who signed the bill creating Union Pacific as part of the transcontinental railroad.

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) exists because President Abraham Lincoln wasnt afraid to ask, Whats possible? Union Pacific Chief Executive Jim Vena said at a ceremony Wednesday in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Our employees move the critical goods Americans use each day. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to sharing this special locomotive with the communities and people along the 23 states where we operate.

Officials attending the event included Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge, North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick and Lincoln Presidential Foundation Chairman Emeritus Sergio Pecori.

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The color scheme of locomotive No. 1616  numbered to reflect Lincolns service as the 16th president  is a nod to steam locomotive No. 119, one of two to take part in the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869. The locomotive, painted at the railroads Downing B. Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock, will serve as a traveling ambassador, the railroad said. It will make its first public appearance on May 10 at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, as part of National Train Day. The railroad will announce additional details on the trip on its website and on social media.





The railroad in February had announced plans for the locomotive, its second presidential diesel following No. 4141, honoring George H.W. Bush. That unit is now displayed at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.

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CPKCs first-quarter profits rise despite trade war

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT)  President Donald Trump will deliver a commencement address at the University of Alabama on Thursday. This ticketed event for graduating seniors is set to take place inside Coleman Coliseum at 6:30 p.m.

The event was added to the graduation ceremonies already scheduled to take place by the individual colleges May 2 through May 4.

Nick Saban and University President Stuart Bell are also planning to speak at the event.

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UA Senior Clara Hurst says she does not plan to attend his commencement address.

I just feel like my values do not align with his and not something that I want to go to, Hurst said.

I just dont want to deal with the hassle, another student, Stephen Adkins, said. Either way, its cool for a sitting president to come and do a commencement speech at Alabama.

I think its a cool opportunity for students, especially being a graduating senior. Its something that Ill look back on, Senior Andrew Stovall added.

The UA College Democrats have planned a peaceful protest from 4- 8 p.m. at Snow Hinton Park. The protest will feature former Representative Beto ORourke, former Senator Doug Jones and U.S. Senate candidate Kyle Sweetser.

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More information, as well as updates, can be found on the UACDs social media pages.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin gives update on efforts to reduce blighted houses

Riley Mcardle, the Executive Director of the UA Republicans, said hes excited about the presidents visit. While hes only a junior, he will get to attend the event.

First and foremost, I think he should be giving so much honor and praise to our graduates who have worked so hard to get here, McArdle said, also noting that he would be okay with President Trump discussing his accomplishments.

Braden Vick, President of UACD, said he would not be opposed to a republican commencement speaker as long as they had ties to the University of Alabama.

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But this is Donald Trump, Vick said. This is a guy who has defiled the office of the Presidency throughout his political career. This is a guy who has no real special personal interest in the success of this university, but now hes using it as his playground. We dont exactly take kindly to that around here.

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(WSPA)  Universities across the Upstate have responded to the devastating news of Limestones closure.

On April 16, Limestone University announced the consideration of closure due to financial issues. The school managed to raise a little over $2.1 million in pledged donations, but still did not reach the $6 million goal in order to remain open.

The university announced on Tuesday that they will close at the end of the 2025 spring semester.

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While some colleges are providing transfer scholarships, students who took out student loans while attending Limestone University may have the option for loan forgiveness.

Erskine College

Erskine College in Due West announced on Wednesday that they will offer students of Limestone University a yearly, $25,000 scholarship.

Upstate college offers Limestone students $25,000 scholarship

We are deeply sympathetic toward the situation Limestone students find themselves in right now, Paul Bell, Erskines Vice President for Advancement and Interim Vice President of Admissions, said in a statement. We want to do everything we can to help them continue their education.

Converse University

Converse University, in Spartanburg, made a post on their website that they are committed to supporting Limestone University students during their transition.

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The university also announced a scholarship for Limestone students, The Saints Scholarship. Students can receive up to $22,000, based on their GPA and number of credit hours that were completed at Limestone.

Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University, located in Greenville, released the following statement on Wednesday:

Bob Jones University is saddened by the news of Limestone Universitys closure and the impact on its students, faculty, and staff. We have reached out to Limestone officials and stand ready to assist students considering a transfer to BJU. Our admissions team is committed to making their transition as smooth as possible, with generous financial aid availableincluding free tuition for eligible South Carolina residents.

North Greenville University

North Greenville University, located in Tigerville, released the following statement:

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North Greenville University is continuing to pray for Limestone University students, faculty, and staff, along with the greater Limestone and Gaffney communities, following the announced closure of this historic institution. We stand ready to provide assistance as needed.

NGU has already been actively engaged with a number of Limestone University students as they are exploring NGU to continue their educational pursuits.

We will be working closely with Limestone students who are near the completion of their degree path. Our goal is to streamline the pathway at NGU by maximizing credits already earned. Our admissions team has created a priority application review process for Limestone students exploring NGU, waving our application fee.

Our financial aid office is maximizing available scholarships and grants for students transferring from Limestone.

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Our university will assist students seeking to take classes and live in campus housing in Tigerville.

NGU is also working directly with those at Limestone responsible for the online and graduate programs by assisting students who may want to explore NGUs program options.

As an additional resource, NGU will be hosting Transfer Tuesday events in May that will allow Limestone students and other transfer students an opportunity to visit campus and get assistance with the steps toward enrollment at NGU.

Students and parents can contact the NGU Office of Admissions at 864-977-7001 or by emailing admissions@ngu.edu.

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Two weeks after lawmakers failed to advance a bill legalizing and regulating medical marijuana, the Legislature's General Affairs Committee moved a compromise measure to the floor Thursday.

The amended version of Sen. Ben Hansen's bill (LB677) implementing the language of a pair of successful ballot initiatives passed by Nebraska voters last fall advanced on a 5-3 vote during an executive session.

Two senators who voted against advancing the bill in April  Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue and Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney, both registered Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Legislature  joined registered Democrats on the committee to send the latest version of the bill to the floor.

Holdcroft, the committee chair, said while voters have passed medical marijuana, he wanted the Legislature to get a chance to debate LB677, which would provide patients with a legal way to access cannabis.

"My intent is to be responsive to the will of the people," Holdcroft told the committee. "They have asked for medical marijuana, and we should enact it."

Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, applauded the committee's action, calling it "a huge win and a huge step forward for Nebraska patients."

"We saw lawmakers on many sides of the issue come together today to say this issue should be debated by the full legislative body," Eggers said. "As advocates, we have been working for over a decade to have a conversation about what medical cannabis looks like.

"While the details of the bill and the amendments to come on the floor are unknown, I believe we have a bill that represents what people passed and is a huge step in the right direction," she added.

The amendment adopted by the committee Thursday keeps in place much of the Blair lawmaker's original bill, while making small changes that helped both sides reach an agreement.

Under the amended version, doctors, physician assistants or certified nurse practitioners who are licensed and practicing in Nebraska would be able to recommend cannabis to patients with "qualifying medical conditions."

The bill will allow qualifying patients to access and possess up to 5 ounces of cannabis products such as edibles, tinctures or other nonsmoking methods, while also allowing them to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis plant products  removing a sticking point in past discussions.

LB677 would not allow patients to smoke marijuana, but would allow for marijuana to be inhaled through vaporization or atomization, which committee members said would honor the ballot measure language.

The version of the bill that advanced from committee also maintains the list of 15 medical conditions that would qualify a patient to be recommended cannabis, but did not include post-traumatic stress disorder.

It also kept in place the regulatory framework for patients to access cannabis with oversight from the Liquor Control Commission, which will license and regulate marijuana dispensaries.

Those dispensaries will be subject to routine safety inspections and a 5.5% sales tax, the proceeds of which will go into property tax relief.

Dispensaries will also pay a licensing fee to operate in the state, and will become part of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, meaning the amount of marijuana they sell to patients will be tracked by the state under the version advanced to the floor.

Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh, who did not support a prior amendment he believed was too restrictive, said he still held reservations about some parts of the latest version but believed it reflected a compromise made in good faith.

"I plan to support it, even with my reservation on PTSD (not being included), because I think it's a good compromise," Cavanaugh said, adding he also believed voters intended to allow patients to smoke cannabis, which was left out of the amended bill.

Clouse, who did not support the earlier amendment or the bill when the General Affairs Committee last met on April 17, said he believed the Legislature should have a chance to debate it on the floor, though he said he wasn't sure how many senators would ultimately support it.

Two other senators continued to urge the committee to wait until a case against the ballot initiative's sponsors reaches resolution before the Nebraska Supreme Court, however.

Sen. Jared Storm of David City and Sen. Bob Andersen of La Vista argued that should Attorney General Mike Hilgers prevail in a case seeking to have the petitions circulated by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana deemed insufficient, the ballot measure could be invalidated.

The lawsuit was filed by former state Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell and later joined by Hilgers. A Lancaster County District Court judge said last November there wasn't evidence to show widespread fraud as both claimed, however.

But, Storm and Andersen said, if the Legislature acted and the state's highest court sided with the attorney general, medical marijuana would have been legalized through another mechanism.

Holdcroft disagreed, however, pointing to the losses handed down by lower courts and saying the delay tactic was only meant to boost the attorney general's case before the Nebraska Supreme Court.

LB677 has been designated a priority by the General Affairs Committee and is important to Hansen, Holdcroft said, and he aimed to put a bill on the floor for debate that could pass this year.

Voting for the amendment and the bill were Holdcroft, Cavanaugh, Clouse, Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue and Sen. Dan Quick of Grand Island.

Along with Storm and Andersen, Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara opposed both the amendment and advancing the bill.

Thursday marked Day 72 of the 90-day legislative session.

Nebraskans will have their chance to offer feedback to lawmakers at a series of public forums planned for this weekend in La Vista, Omaha and Lincoln.

Meeting dates and times include:

* Saturday: 1-3 p.m. at the Carpenters Union Hall, 10761 Virginia Plaza, La Vista.

* Sunday: 1-3 p.m. at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St., Omaha.

* Monday: 5-7 p.m. at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, 8800 O St., Lincoln.

Lawmakers will begin debate over the state's biennial budget when they reconvene Tuesday for Day 73.

Speaker John Arch said all three rounds of the budget debate are expected to consume roughly two of the four weeks remaining this legislative session.

Other bills currently advancing through the process will also be scheduled for debate, he told the Legislature before adjournment Thursday.

Eggers said state lawmakers have an opportunity to create a safe, legal way for patients to access cannabis for medical purposes.

"We are encouraged by continuing to have a conversation," she said.
As many as 1,000 jobs at the United States Armys Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, or STRI, headquarters in Orlando could be on the chopping block as the Department of Defense eyes large-scale reductions and streamlining of the branch.

According to a memo obtained by Breaking Defense, a military-focused outlet, the Army, in partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has listed STRI as a possibility for elimination, as the branch seeks to reduce the number of generals in its ranks.

STRI is one of the Armys 13 Program Executive Offices scattered across the country. The memo stated the goal of cutting that number down to nine through both reductions and consolidations.

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The memos leak came after United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave remarks to cadets at the Army War College, where he previewed his efforts to focus on warfighting.

He said DOGE has identified $5.1 billion in cost-saving measures that theyre just beginning to enact.

This is how you plan and prioritize as you look where you can do more with less, he said.

STRIs job is to contract out simulation and training programs for soldiers around the world. Its responsible for $3 billion of the Orlando areas $7 billion in simulation and technology-related spending.

The 1,000 employees are mostly civilian positions and do not include the hundreds of contractors at companies like Lockheed Martin that compete for contracts doled out by the division.

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Most of the jobs within STRI pay north of $100,000 per year, the National Center for Simulations George Cheros said. He added that most of the contractors that work in Orlandos simulation industry are small businesses.

Closure is the absolute worst case, Cheros said. I dont think thats what its going to be.

Cheros said the simulation largely consolidated around Orlando and now encompasses four branches of the military and close to 30,000 workers. Space Forces recent shift toward Patrick Space Force Base was largely driven because that branch wanted to be close to the industry as well, he explained.

Theres the benefit of collaboration, he said.

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When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Army said nothing had been finalized.

The decision-making process is ongoing, and details of any realignment at this stage are pre-decisional, the spokesperson wrote in an email.

Breaking Defense reporter Ashley Roque, who obtained the internal memo and who has reported on the military for more than 20 years, said pre-decisional could mean anything from the lack of a formal signature to an entire overhaul of the plan.

Ive heard from people from Orlando. Ive heard from people out in Austin, Texas, where Army Futures Command is, or Huntsville, Alabama, she said. Theres a larger shake up everywhere, and everyone seems very uncertain right now about what their job security is.

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Roque said STRI could be in the crosshairs because the Army believes that much of its functions can be transferred to other offices that deal with different parts of training programs, like hardware.

STRI has also been mired in controversy in the past, with some programs bogged down in glitches for years. Last June, the office was connected to a raid by Army investigators. Details about the investigation behind the raid have been closely guarded and never confirmed.

Roque summed up the looming cuts as growing pains.

Everything from multibillion dollar weapon systems to the structure of the Army to potentially eliminating general officer positions, sort of all seems in flux, she said.

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The US wants to equip all Army divisions with drones by the end of 2026.

The move appears to be heavily influenced by the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, crewed aircraft and ground vehicles like Humvees are set to be scaled back.

Every division of the US Army should be equipped with drones by the end of 2026, according to an official memo released by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

The move is part of a raft of measures that aim to "restore the warrior ethos" and "reestablish deterrence," Hegseth wrote.

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Crewed attack helicopter formations are also to be restructured and augmented with "inexpensive drone swarms capable of overwhelming adversaries," he said.

The memo signals a shift from yearslong procurement cycles for large-scale, multimillion-dollar equipment, to what appears to be a more nimble and responsive approach, wrapping in much cheaper and more adaptable systems.

While the announcement referred only to the goal of deterring China in the Indo-Pacific, it appears to be heavily influenced by the war in Ukraine.

As BI's Jake Epstein reported, Ukraine's use of drones against Russia has become a blueprint for modern warfare on a budget.

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Ukraine says it's the world's leading producer of drones, which it fields in their thousands. These range from large attack drones to commercial off-the-shelf drones used by soldiers for surveillance and target acquisition.

Russia is also heavily deploying drones. One Ukrainian drone pilot told BI that there are so many drones in the skies that soldiers can easily find themselves confused about who they belong to.

Drones for all divisions

Each combat division of the US Army is set to receive about 1,000 drones, the Pentagon confirmed to Business Insider.

These are for use in attacks, moving supplies, and surveillance, The Wall Street Journal reported.

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"Land warfare has transitioned to drone warfare," Jack Keane, a retired general, told the Journal. "If you can be seen, you can be killed."

Hegseth's announcement also directed the Army to ramp up the use of counter-drone capabilities, as well as AI and 3D printing across units.

In March, Breaking Defense reported that the US was already 3D printing small drones for training purposes.

Along with the high-tech push, Hegseth's memo also laid out plans to "cancel or scale back ineffective or redundant programs," including in areas like crewed aircraft, outdated drones, and ground vehicles such as Humvees.

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Other "wasteful" projects earmarked for scaling back include sustainment of legacy items and what the memo described as "unnecessary climate-related initiatives."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Trump administration is now focused on brokering a durable solution to the RussiaUkraine war within the next 100 days, Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with Fox News Digital published on April 30.

When asked about the current state of negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, Vance told Fox News "the first and necessary step of getting the Russia-Ukraine conflict solved is to get each of them to make a peace proposal.

We've got the peace proposal out there and issued, and we're going to work very hard over the next 100 days to try to bring these guys together, Vance said, referring to Ukraine and Russia.

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The push to broker peace comes after months of diplomacy, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign promise to end the war in one day.



During his presidential run in 2024, Trump repeatedly vowed he would resolve the RussiaUkraine war within 24 hours. After taking office, he revised the timeline to 100 days. That deadline passed this week with no deal in place and heavy fighting continuing along the front lines.

Kyiv accepted a 30-day U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal in March, but Moscow rejected it, demanding a complete end to Western military support for Ukraine. Despite statements supporting de-escalation, Russia has intensified attacks in recent weeks.

A partial ceasefire covering Ukrainian energy infrastructure, arranged during a March call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has also seen repeated violations from Russian side. On April 16, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Russia had violated a partial ceasefire more than 30 times.

Vance said both sides have now submitted formal peace proposals, claiming there is a very big gulf between what the Russians want and what the Ukrainians want.

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In an interview with Brizilian O Globo, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said it would only join peace talks after recognition of its control over Crimea and four partially occupied Ukrainian regions  Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. He also named a ban on Ukraine's entry into NATO, the country's demilitarization, and changes to Ukraine's legislation that would restore the position of the Russian language, culture, and religious organizations.

The demands, repeated by the Kremlin last week, shows Moscow is sticking to its maximalist demands  terms unacceptable for the Ukrainian side.

Vance added that while European leaders disagree with Trumps policy, they reportedly believe American president is the only person who could have actually forced a peace proposal out of each side, meaning Moscow and Kyiv.

EUs Top Diplomat Kaja Kallas previously admitted some governments are quietly considering following the U.S. if it pulls back from supporting Ukraine, but said that the bloc would not recognize Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

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"On the European side, we have said this over and over again Crimea is Ukraine," Kallas said in an interview with the Financial Times. "But we can't speak for America, of course, and what they will do."

On April 23, 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.

In contrast, the European-Ukrainian proposal reportedly insists that territorial questions should only be addressed after a full ceasefire and start from the basis of the line of control.

Read also: Trump said Ukraine will be crushed very shortly  this is why hes wrong

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The US Congress records have confirmed media reports suggesting that the administration of President Donald Trump is preparing to sell military products to Ukraine worth US$50 million or more.

Source: European Pravda

Details: An appropriate communication, which was first noticed by the Ukrinform news agency, is included in the list of notes and documents for 29 April.

The number EC-859 refers to a memo from a US State Department legal office official to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. In line with the Arms Export Control Act, the memo reports on a proposed licence for the export of "defence articles, including technical data, and defence services to Ukraine".

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Background: Ukrainian English-language newspaper Kyiv Post, citing sources in diplomatic circles, reported that the Trump administration has notified Congress of its intention to approve the export of military goods to Ukraine via direct commercial sales worth US$50 million or more.

This marks the first such instance under the new administration.

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(Reuters) -The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has joined with industry groups in asking a federal court to scrap a Biden-era regulation barring consumer credit reports from including medical debt, according to court papers.

In a motion submitted on Wednesday in a Texas federal court, the CFPB joined two industry groups representing banks, credit unions and credit bureaus in asking a judge to strike down the rule, saying the CFPB had exceeded its legal authority and violated laws governing the crafting of regulations.

The rule is currently due to go into effect in June after the court issued a stay in February.

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If approved by a judge, the move would undo a major policy plank championed by former Vice President Kamala Harris. Officials in the prior administration said it would remove up to $49 billion in medical debts from the credit reports of 15 million Americans.

In the United States, patients seeking medical treatment sometimes borrow to cover the cost because they either lack insurance or their plans require them to pay part of the cost.

Representatives for the CFPB and the Cornerstone Credit Union League, which had sued to block the rule, did not respond to requests for comment.

Dan Smith, president of the Consumer Data Industry Association, also a party to the lawsuit, welcomed the move, saying it would help protect a "full, fair and accurate" credit reporting system.

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Among other far-reaching changes, Trump has worked to reverse much of the Biden administration's marquee consumer safeguards.

Prior CFPB leadership said research showed medical debts, which patients do not incur out of choice, were poor indicators of borrowers' ability to repay but could hinder consumers from accessing loans for cars, homes and small businesses.

However, the industry groups said the evidence did not support the CFPB's decision, and the ban could leave them blind to important information about borrowers.

(Reporting by Douglas Gillison; editing by Pete Schroeder and Cynthia Osterman)
By Valerie Volcovici and Tim McLaughlin

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -As forecasters predict another devastating year of wildfires, a tool developed by Environmental Protection Agency scientists to study the health effects of hazardous smoke has effectively been grounded by a looming Trump administration reorganization, three people familiar with the impact of the planned cuts say.

Kolibri, a sensor the size of a shoebox, was developed by EPA scientists to enable research not being done anywhere else in the world: It can attach to a drone, fly into smoke plumes and measure just about any kind of airborne pollution.

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The future of this project and a range of other research across 50 states is at risk as the EPA prepares a massive agency overhaul, which is expected to include a closure of its Office of Research and Development (ORD), according to more than a dozen EPA scientists who declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

On Thursday EPA ORD staff received an email, which was seen by Reuters, saying there will be an all-hands meeting on Friday late afternoon.

The EPA said its drone program remains active, but the three sources familiar with the Kolibri project said impending layoffs of key staff will halt operations.

Leda Kobziar, a wildland fire science professor at the University of Idaho, praised the Kolibri sensor team as global leaders in their field. Their technology and tools play a pivotal role doing smoke research that no one else right now can do, she told Reuters.

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Internal documents reviewed by the U.S. House Science Committee indicate up to 75% of the EPA's 1,200 Office of Research and Development staff could face layoffs, with the office's closure part of President Trump's plan to cut the agency's budget by 65%.

More than a dozen EPA scientists told Reuters they are operating amid anxiety and uncertainty, as research has stalled across 11 offices due to slashed resources and travel. Projects affected include health risk assessments of "forever chemicals" like PFAS, investigations into respiratory illness in the rural south, and studies on the spread of valley fever, a fungal disease exacerbated by climate change and wildfires.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told reporters last week that ORD reorganization plans are still being discussed.

"I'm going to announce it as soon as I possibly can, but I want to make sure that it's as thoughtful as possible," he said. "This conversation isn't just about the Office of Research and Development. This is about every single office."

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Zeldin said he does not have a specific number goal for cutting agency staff, but the agency needs enough staff to "fulfill our statutory obligations, to fulfill our core mission, to be able to power the great American comeback."

EVERYONE FEELS 'TERRIBLE', SAYS SCIENTIST

One ORD scientist who works out of EPA's headquarters said it has been hard to focus. "Every day we feel like the rug could be pulled out from underneath us," the scientist said.

"Everyone feels really terrible."

Another researcher based in North Carolina said research planning is on pause and the agency is taking away essential tools, such as credit cards and tech services.

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Some scientists working on topics under scrutiny, like environmental justice, have stopped work completely.

An epidemiologist investigating air pollution in the rural south has halted work and community outreach due to exposure-related illnesses linked to a facility. "It's taken me years to build trust with these communities, and now I feel like I have to turn my back on them," the scientist said.

A researcher from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) said its 60-person team remains in limbo. IRIS, which assesses pollutants like PFAS and arsenic, may merge with the EPA's chemical policy office, threatening its independence.

Potential dissolution of ORD could undermine scientific integrity and leave states ill-equipped to address public health risks, according to the EPA scientists who spoke to Reuters.

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Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, a 40-year EPA veteran who led ORD until 2021, said the agencys independence was preserved in prior administrations, including Trump's first term.

A centralized ORD ensures science informs multiple programs, she explained. "This administration isn't focusing on statutory requirements  it's just blowing things up," she added.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici and Tim McLaughlin, Editing by William Maclean)
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Justice accused three of the nation's largest health insurers of paying hundreds of millions of dollars in kickbacks to brokers in exchange for steering patients into the insurers' Medicare Advantage plans.

In a complaint filed in Boston federal court on Thursday, the Justice Department alleged that CVS Health's Aetna, Elevance Health and Humana engaged in a vast kickback scheme with insurance brokers eHealth, GoHealth and SelectQuote from 2016 to 2021.

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The lawsuit alleges the companies violated the False Claims Act, which prohibits submitting a false claim to the government for payment. The Justice Department is seeking unspecified damages and penalties.

Aetna parent company CVS Health and Humana in separate statements said they would defend themselves vigorously. Elevance Health said it was confident its health plans complied with federal regulations and guidelines.

GoHealth said the Justice Department's case was "full of misrepresentations and inaccuracies," and eHealth called the claims "meritless."

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers that are paid a set rate by the U.S. government to manage healthcare for older people looking for extra benefits not included in regular Medicare coverage.

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Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on insurance brokers to help them choose insurance plans that meet their needs and navigate the complexities of the Medicare Advantage program, the Justice Department said.

The Justice Department said that rather than acting in an unbiased manner and in the best interests of patients, the brokers directed Medicare beneficiaries to plans offered by insurers that paid them the most in kickbacks.

Those kickbacks were often disguised and referred to as marketing, co-op, or sponsorship payments, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit alleges the brokers incentivized their employees and agents to sell plans based on the kickbacks and at times refused to sell the Medicare Advantage plans of insurers that did not pay them enough.

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The Justice Department said Aetna and Humana also threatened to withhold kickbacks to pressure the brokers to enroll fewer patients with disabilities, whom the insurers viewed as less profitable.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley of Massachusetts called efforts to drive Medicare beneficiaries away because of their disabilities "unconscionable."

Thursday's case began as a whistleblower lawsuit filed in 2021 under the False Claims Act, which allows whistleblowers to sue companies to recover taxpayer funds paid out based on false claims.

Such cases are filed under seal initially while the Justice Department investigates the claims and decides whether to join the case, which it did this week.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Howard Goller and Leslie Adler)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  The Republican-controlled U.S. House voted Thursday to block California from enforcing first-in-the-nation rules phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

The move comes a day after the chamber voted to halt California standards to cut tailpipe emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as curb smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.

The passage of these resolutions is a victory for Americans who will not be forced into purchasing costly EVs because of Californias unworkable mandates, House Republicans Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Morgan Griffith of Virginia, said in a statement. If not repealed, the California waivers would lead to higher prices for both new and used vehicles, increase our reliance on China, and strain our electric grid.

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California for decades has been given the authority to adopt vehicle emissions standards that are stricter than the federal government's. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020 announced plans to ban the sale of all new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035, as part of an aggressive effort to lower emissions from the transportation sector. Plug-in hybrids and used gas cars could still be sold.

State regulators then formalized the rules, some other states announced plans to follow them, and the Biden administration approved the state's waiver to implement them in December, a month before President Donald Trump returned to office.

This week's House votes fell largely along party lines, though some Democrats joined Republicans to advance them. That would be against the advice of the Senate Parliamentarian, who sides with the U.S. General Accountability Office in saying Californias policies are not subject to the review mechanism used by the House.

Republicans used the Congressional Review Act, a law aimed at improving congressional oversight of actions by federal agencies, to try to block the rules. The Trump administration in 2019 revoked Californias ability to enforce its own emissions standards, but Biden later restored the states authority.

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But the California standards cannot legally be blocked using the Congressional Review Act, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, wrote in a letter to Congress in March.

Newsom said the effort is another signal of Republicans' ideological shift over the decades from an era in which former presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan signed landmark environmental laws to one in which Trump is pushing for environmental rollbacks on everything from clean air to clean water and climate change.

Clean air didnt used to be political," Newsom said in a statement. Our vehicles program helps clean the air for all Californians, and well continue defending it.

A spokesperson for the California Air Resources Board, which passed the vehicle emission standards, said the agency will continue its mission to protect the public health of Californians impacted by harmful air pollution.

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It is unclear what will happen in the Senate. The Senate Parliamentarian in April reaffirmed the GAOs findings that Californias Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the Congressional Review Act, according to California Sen. Adam Schiff's office.

We will fight this latest attack on Californias power to protect its own residents, and I will urge my colleagues in the Senate to recognize the severe implications of proceeding with this violation of states rights, as well as the dangerous precedent it would set by flouting the unanimous opinion of Congress trusted arbiters," the Democrat said in a statement.

Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversitys Safe Climate Transport Campaign, called the use of the Congressional Review Act a backdoor move that shows just how recklessly Republicans behave.

"Republicans may regret opening this Pandoras box, inviting attacks on many other non-rules in the future when theyre no longer in charge, Becker said in a statement.

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But the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers applauded Thursday's vote, calling it a huge win for U.S. consumers."

"Californias unlawful ban should never have been authorized, and Governor Newsom should never have been allowed to seize this much control over the American vehicle market, Mike Sommers, the institute's president and CEO, and Chet Thompson, the manufacturers group's president and CEO, said in a joint statement.

___

Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Tran Nguyen in Sacramento contributed to this report.

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Austin 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. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 approval of California's plans to require a rising number of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks.

The House also voted to repeal an EPA waiver issued in December under former President Joe Biden for California's Omnibus low-NOx regulation for heavy-duty highway and off-road vehicles and engines.

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The U.S. House is set to vote separately on Thursday to bar California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 that has been adopted by 11 other states. The EPA in December issued a waiver under the Clean Air Act for the plan.

One issue remains whether Congress can revoke any of the waivers using the Congressional Review Act. In March, the Government Accountability Office said the waivers cannot be repealed under the CRA, which only requires a majority of the U.S. Senate.

The California Air Resources Board said Wednesday the votes violate the Congressional Review Act and nonpartisan analyses of the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the Senate Parliamentarian.

"CARB will continue its mission to protect the public health of Californians impacted by harmful air pollution," a board spokesperson said.

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Republican Representative John James said the rules would increase vehicle prices for consumers and automakers, and would "force costly transitions to electric trucks, driving up prices for goods and disproportionately burdening working families and truckers across the country."

Under an executive order California Governor Gavin Newsom signed in 2020, California plans to mandate by 2045 that all operations of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles be zero-emission where feasible, shifting away from diesel-powered trucks.

CARB says heavy-duty vehicles greater than 14,000 pounds (6.4 tonnes) comprised 3% of vehicles on California roads, but account for more than 50% of nitrogen oxides and fine particle diesel pollution.

The NOx rule cuts heavy-duty emissions by 90% and is expected to result in $23 billion in health benefits from reduced illnesses and other improvements.

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Transportation is the largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making up 29% of emissions, and heavy-duty vehicles are the second-largest contributor, at 23%.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Stephen Coates)
By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on two entities and three Mexican nationals it said are involved in a drug trafficking and oil smuggling network linked to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion gang.

U.S. authorities say CJNG is one of the two major Mexican drug gangs, along with the Sinaloa Cartel, responsible for pushing fentanyl onto U.S. streets over the past few years.

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The Treasury imposed sanctions on hazardous materials transportation companies Servicios Logisticos Ambientales and Grupo Jala Logistica, saying they have transported fuel and crude oil between Mexico and the United States on behalf of individuals linked to Mexican cartels.

The network generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually benefiting CJNG, through fentanyl trafficking, fuel theft, and smuggling stolen crude from Mexico across the southwest border, Treasury said.

Fuel theft and crude oil smuggling are cash cows for CJNGs narco-terrorist enterprise, providing a lucrative revenue stream for the group and enabling it to wreak havoc in Mexico and

the United States," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He said the U.S. would use all available tools to target the cartels.

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The administration of President Donald Trump in February designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization and specially designated global terrorist.

Attempts by Reuters to reach the companies were not successful.

The sanctions block all U.S. property and interests of the persons and entities and prohibit Americans from any transactions with them.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Rod Nickel)
(Reuters) - Oman said on Thursday that the next round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks provisionally planned for Saturday, May 3 would be rescheduled for logistical reasons.

Washington and Tehran have been conducting negotiations over the past month on a deal to curb Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of financial sanctions.

New dates would be announced when mutually agreed, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said in a post on X.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Alex Richardson)
(NewsNation)  President Trump is seeking to bring manufacturing back to the United States. Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, joins The Hill to discuss how his members feel about those attempts to reshore jobs in the United States. If you do everything correctly  you put all the policies in place that you need to put in  then you will see more investment and job creation here, Timmons 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 NewsNation.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was nominating National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to become the United States ambassador to the United Nations, in the first major government reshuffle since taking office for a second term.

It comes following media reports suggesting Waltz would be sacked from his post over his involvement in the leaking of confidential information on US military strikes in Yemen in a group chat on the encrypted messaging app Signal.

"I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

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"From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nations Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as national security adviser "in the interim," alongside his duties in the State Department, Trump said.

In March, messages were exchanged in a Signal chat between high-ranking US officials about planned US military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Waltz accidentally invited Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine, to the group chat.

In reports released after the strikes took place, Goldberg detailed how he was able to read live plans about the upcoming military action against the Iran-backed Houthi militia in the chat, which also included Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other senior members of government.

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The revelation of the use of Signal by high-ranking members of the government for exchanging sensitive information caused outrage in the US, including calls for Hegseth to be removed from his post.

At a White House event on Thursday, Trump once again explicitly praised Hegseth for his "fantastic" work.

Hegseth came under additional pressure following reports saying he had also shared information on the Yemen attack with his wife and brother in a separate Signal group chat.

Leading opposition Democrat Chuck Schumer told Fox News that Trump had fired the wrong man and should have sacked Hegseth instead.

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Trump's administration has only been in office since January 20.

Waltz's appointment as ambassador to the UN still needs to be confirmed by the US Senate. Trump originally nominated Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for the post, but due to his party's narrow majority in the House of Representatives he withdrew her nomination a few weeks ago.

During Trump's first term in office, his national security adviser Michael Flynn resigned after just over three weeks in the post, following a conversation with the Russian ambassador in Washington about US sanctions.
By Joe Cash and David Lawder

BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has approached China seeking talks over President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media said on Thursday, potentially signalling Beijing's openness to negotiations.

"The U.S. has proactively reached out to China through multiple channels, hoping to hold discussions on the tariff issue," Yuyuan Tantian said in a post published on its official Weibo social media account, citing anonymous sources.

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U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, also expressed hope for progress in easing trade tensions.

Hassett told CNBC that there have been "loose discussions all over both governments" about the tariffs and China's easing of duties on some U.S. goods last week was a sign of progress.

Beijing has made little effort to contain its anger at the tariffs, which it says are tantamount to bullying and cannot stop the rise of the world's second-largest economy. Instead, it has directed its fury at rallying public and global condemnation of the import curbs - showing no interest in a reprieve.

That said, alongside leveraging its propaganda machine to hit back at the duties, China has quietly created a list of U.S.-made products it will exempt from its retaliatory 125% tariffs - including select pharmaceuticals, microchips and jet engines - Reuters has reported, to ease the duties' impact.

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Bessent mentioned no specific talks during a Fox Business Network interview, but said that high tariffs of 145% on the U.S. side and 125% on the Chinese side needed to be de-escalated for negotiations to begin.

"I am confident that the Chinese will want to reach a deal. And as I said, this is going to be a multi-step process," Bessent said. "First, we need to de-escalate, and then over time, we will start focusing on a larger trade deal."

He said that among the first steps would be to revisit China's failure to make good on purchase commitments for American goods made as part of Trump's 2020 "Phase 1" trade deal that ended his first-term trade war with Beijing.

That deal called for China to increase purchases of American manufactured and agricultural products and services by $200 billion annually over two years, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit just after its signing.

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Bessent also said that "insidious" non-tariff trade barriers and intellectual property theft also would be part of negotiations over tariffs with China, adding: "everything is on the table for the economic relationship."

TARIFFS TOO HIGH

Once Trump's tariffs topped 35% they became prohibitively high for Chinese exporters.

Nomura Securities said that some 16 million Chinese people could lose their jobs once the long-term ripple effects of a 50% drop in Chinese exports to the U.S. work their way through the economy.

Bessent said the pressure was on China because it is more dependent on exports to the U.S. than vice versa.

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"They sell us about five times more than we sell them. So their factories are closing down as we speak," Bessent said. "We're going into the holiday season. Orders are placed for that now. So if those orders aren't placed, it could be devastating for the Chinese."

Still, Beijing has been adamant it will stand and fight, rather than rush to the negotiation table - with the foreign ministry likening yielding to Trump's tariffs to "drinking poison."

"Before the U.S. takes any substantive action, China has no need to engage in talks with the U.S.," the post from Yuyuan Tantian added, citing anonymous experts. "However, if the U.S. wishes to initiate contact, there is no harm at this stage for China to engage."

"China needs to observe closely, even force out the U.S.' true intentions, to maintain the initiative in both negotiation and confrontation," it concluded.

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Trump said in a U.S. media interview published last Friday that his administration was talking with China to reach a tariff deal and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him. Beijing last week repeatedly denied such talks were taking place, accusing Washington of "misleading the public".

NO KNOWN TALKS

Guo Jiakun, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Wednesday: "as far as I know, there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the U.S. on tariffs".

Chinese officials have consistently stated that Beijing is open to talks, with the caveat that "dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit."

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Yuyuan Tantian is not among China's most authoritative state media outlets. The Global Times, which is owned by the newspaper of the governing Communist Party, People's Daily, has often been first to report China's next steps in trade disagreements over the past few years.

Trump said on Wednesday he believed there was a "very good chance" his administration could do a deal with China, hours after Xi called on officials to take action to adjust to changes in the international environment, without explicitly mentioning the United States.

(Reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing and David Lawder in Washington; Editing by Michael Perry and Jacqueline Wong)
BOSTON (AP)  Tariffs weren't on the agenda of this week's Robotics Summit, where thousands of tech industry workers mingled with humanoid and other robot varieties and talked about how to build and sell a new generation of increasingly autonomous machines.

Not on the official agenda, at least.

Jump up to the microphones, said keynote speaker Aaron Saunders, chief technology officer of Boston Dynamics, inviting a standing-room-only crowd to ask him questions. "And Im the CTO, so dont ask me about tariffs."

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The crowd laughed and complied. But as they streamed onto the show floor at Boston's convention center, greeted by a remote-controlled humanoid made by Chinese company Unitree, it was hard to ignore the shadow of President Donald Trump's far-reaching global tariffs and retaliatory measures from Trump's biggest target, China.

Tariffs are the No. 1 topic that were discussing in the hallways and at the water cooler with people that Ive known for a long time, said event organizer Steve Crowe, chair of the annual Robotics Summit & Expo. I think its definitely top of mind, because theres so much uncertainty about what is going to come.

That concern is rooted in a robot's complex anatomy of motors and actuators to move their limbs, computers to power their artificial intelligence, and sensing devices to help them react to their surroundings. Sensors, semiconductors, batteries and rare earth magnets are among the array of components most sensitive to global trade disputes.

Tesla CEO and billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk warned investors last week that China's countermeasures restricting shipments of rare earth magnets will delay Tesla's development of its Optimus humanoid robots.

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At the summit on Wednesday and Thursday, some humanoid makers were looking at a potential bright side to the geopolitical shifts as American businesses look harder for domestic supplies of parts and the development of U.S.-based robots that can automate factories and warehouses.

Its added some inconveniences to our own supply chain. But its also opened up opportunities, said Pras Velagapudi, chief technology officer at Oregon-based Agility Robotics, in an interview. The company is starting to deploy its humanoid robot, called Digit, at a U.S. plant run by German manufacturer Schaeffler, a maker of ball bearings and other components key to the auto industry.

Al Makke, a director of engineering for Schaeffler's chassis systems, said tariffs could push many companies toward onshoring production of a variety of items in the U.S.

And if that does happen, then local companies have to deal with high labor costs and a shortage of labor and so automation gets pushed further, Makke said. And one of those faces of automation is humanoids.

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Most of the big industrial robots employed in the U.S. are used to help make cars, and are imported from countries such as Japan, Germany or South Korea.

Automakers in the U.S. installed 9.6% more robots in their plants than a year before, according to new data from the International Federation of Robotics, a trade group.

For now, humanoids are still a niche but one that invites intense curiosity, in part thanks to popular science fiction. Saunders, of Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics, presented an update Wednesday on the development of its Atlas humanoid robot but didn't bring a physical prototype, instead showing off a more familiar pack of its four-legged Spot robots contained in a pen on the show floor.

One humanoid at the conference was Unitree's G1. Marketed for $16,000 and remote-controlled by an employee standing nearby, the robot fluidly shook hands, waved back at people and walked around the show floor, but it won't be moving totes or working in a factory anytime soon.

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Its main customers outside China are academic researchers and some social media influencers, and Trump's current tariffs totaling 145% on China would raise its cost to American buyers to roughly $40,000, said Tony Yang, a Unitree vice president of business development who manages its North American sales. Nevertheless, Unitree's strategy to rapidly develop its hardware and software is a long-term one.

Its still a very narrow market, but I think there's still a huge potential market on the industry side, like for manufacturing and factory and even home use, Yang said.

At a full pickleball court on the show floor, some conference attendees took a break to grab a racket and swing at balls tossed by a wheeled robot. Asked to describe what's inside the Tennibot robot, its maker also had tariffs on the mind.

Injection molded parts, rivets, screws, nuts, wheels, motors, batteries, said Haitham Eletrabi, co-founder and CEO of Tennibot, based in Auburn, Alabama. The supply chain gets very complex. We get parts from all over the world. Tariffs are adding a lot of uncertainty.

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It's not just the U.S.-China trade rivalry that was weighing on some attendees. Francesca Torsiello, of the recruitment firm Adapt Talent, said she's also hearing more wariness from Canadian robotics and engineering candidates about taking jobs in the U.S. amid a tense political environment.

In the past, people in Canada found it attractive to come and work for U.S. companies; right now theyre being very hesitant, Torsiello said.

-

AP video journalist Rodrique Ngowi contributed to this report.
The United States Senate has rejected an effort to block US President Donald Trumps tariffs amid bipartisan concerns about the impact of his trade salvoes on the economy.

The upper house of the US Congress voted 49-49 to knock back the resolution on Wednesday, hours after government data showed that the US economy shrank for the first time in three years.

Three Republican senators  Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  voted for the measure in a rare rebuke of Trump from within his own party, along with all present Democrats and Independents.

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The United States Senate cannot be an idle spectator in the tariff madness, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, who represents Oregon, said ahead of the vote.

The Congress has the power to set tariffs and regulate global trade.

The resolution was widely viewed as a symbolic gesture since it was unlikely to have gained traction in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and would ultimately be subject to Trumps veto power.

Its still a debate worth having, because, you know, if a month from now, we have massive tariffs go on, and we have a massive sell off in the stock market, and we didnt have a first good quarter in growth, and if its worse again in the second quarter, people would start asking, Is it good policy, or is it a bad policy? Paul, who co-sponsored the resolution, said of the failed vote.

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Trump has played down fears that his sweeping tariffs, including a 145 percent duty on China, could tip the US into recession.

The US Department of Commerce on Wednesday reported that the economy contracted 0.3 percent during the first three months of the year, a period that occurred before Trump imposed his steepest tariffs.

A recession is typically defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the minerals agreement with Ukraine ensures that "we get much more than the $350 billion" the U.S. has provided in assistance, in his first public comments on the deal during a May 1 interview with NewsNation.

"I wanted to be protected," Trump said. We are in for $350 billion, or close to it (Former President Joe) Biden handed them $350 billion between cash and military equipment. We got nothing."

"So I said, look, they have great rare earth minerals, materials  they have things that a lot of places do not have And we made a deal today  we get much more, in theory, than the $350 billion. I did not want to look foolish."

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Trump has repeatedly inflated the amount of U.S. aid to Ukraine, with independent tracking by the Kiel Institute putting the total at roughly $130 billion.

The minerals agreement, signed on April 30 and negotiated over several months, excludes provisions tying Ukraines debt or previously received aid to the deal.

Instead, the agreement establishes a 50-50 joint investment fund focused on new critical minerals and energy projects.

According to First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the fund will capture revenues from newly licensed projects, while existing projects and budgeted income remain outside the agreements scope.

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When asked if the agreement could impede Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said that "well, it could."

The deal has been under discussion for months and became a point of tension between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump, who got into a heated argument in the White House on Feb. 28 when the deal was set to be signed by the two leaders.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month that the minerals deal would underscore Washington's commitment to Ukraine as an economic partner and could be used as leverage to encourage Russia to negotiate an end to its war.

Read also: Ukraine Business Roundup  How Russia steals Ukrainian coal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has noted the leadership of US President Donald Trump in signing an agreement with Ukraine to establish the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and said it would be a step towards ending the war unleashed by Russia.

Source: European Pravda; Marco Rubio on X (Twitter)

Details: The secretary of state also noted that the agreement was signed thanks to "Donald Trumps leadership".

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"[This agreement is] a milestone in our shared prosperity and an important step in ending this war," Marco Rubio stated.

Background:

European Pravda previously revealed the main details of the agreement signed on 30 April in Washington. In particular, it mentions 57 minerals and US military assistance to Ukraine.

The signed agreement largely aligns with the key points made public by Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal earlier that day.

US President Donald Trump said that the deal on minerals would give the US more than it has spent on Ukraine.

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By Mike Stone and David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. government has tapped defense contractor L3Harris Technologies to overhaul a Boeing 747 formerly used by the Qatari government for use as an interim Air Force One, a source told Reuters.

President Donald Trump, frustrated by repeated delays on Boeing's Air Force One, wants to have the plane available for use as early as the fall, the Wall Street Journal said, which first reported the plan.

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Boeing did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while L3Harris declined to comment.

In mid-February, Trump expressed his displeasure with the U.S. planemaker but ruled out rival Airbus as an alternative. Around the same time, he toured a 12-year-old 747-8 aircraft near his Florida vacation home to better understand the presidential carrier.

The WSJ report said the White House and military officials had also discussed suing Boeing or cancelling the contract for the new planes before Trump's inauguration in mid-January.

A separate source told Reuters that Trump had raised the delay in his first call with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg last fall.

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Ortberg told Reuters in February that Trump adviser Elon Musk, the head of its space business rival SpaceX, is "helping us a lot" in navigating through delays in delivering Air Force One.

"Elon Musk is actually helping us a lot in working through the requirements...so that we can move faster and get the president those airplanes delivered," Ortberg said.

In February, a senior administration official told Reuters the Air Force One program may be further delayed until 2029 or years later due partly to supply chain problems. Boeing has lost more than $2 billion on the $3.9 billion Air Force One program.

Trump has said he is not happy with Boeing due to delays in delivering Air Force One planes, adding his administration might have to "do something else."

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Boeing's Air Force One program has been troubled by supply chain issues, high costs, and the complexity of the planes that are intended to be an airborne White House.

L3Harris has been a contractor to Boeing, working on communications systems for the pair of replacement Air Force Ones. The interim jet would serve alongside the current pair of aging Boeing jets.

(Reporting by Mike Stone and David Shepardson in Washington; Sameer Manekar and Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Franklin Paul)
By Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The bond market is sending a signal that the Federal Reserve should be cutting interest rates, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday, noting that yields on 2-year Treasury notes were lower than central bank's policy rate.

"We are seeing that two-year rates are now below fed funds rates, so that's a market signal that they think the Fed should be cutting," Bessent said in an interview on Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria" program.

The 2-year note yield on Thursday was about 3.57%, down about 5 basis points on the day and about three-quarters of a percentage point below the daily effective federal funds rate of 4.33%. The Fed's policy rate is set in a range of 4.25% to 4.50%, where it has been since December after it cut rates by a percentage point late last year.

Fed officials have been in a wait-and-see posture since as they assess the effects of President Donald Trump's new policies, particularly on how the sweeping tariffs on imported goods he has imposed will affect inflation, demand and the job market.

The spread between the Fed's rate and 2-year yields, a bond market proxy for expectations for where monetary policy is headed, has widened persistently over the last two months. That has come as fixed-income investors in both Treasuries and interest-rate futures have pivoted to bets the Fed will cut rates by a full percentage point this year - double the most recent median estimate among Fed policymakers themselves - as the economy weakens in the face of Trump's tariffs onslaught.

Indeed, the Commerce Department on Wednesday reported that the economy contracted unexpectedly in the first three months of the year because of a historic rush of imports to beat the tariffs, and many private economists now see a heightened risk of outright recession later this year.

Bessent, who as Treasury secretary typically meets weekly with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, said there had been a notable drop in yields on 10-year Treasury notes, and that is where he and the Trump administration are devoting more of their attention because that more directly influences borrowing costs for households and businesses.

That rate, influential to high-profile borrowing costs such as residential mortgages, has dropped by about half a percentage point since the Friday before Trump's inauguration in January, although bond markets have been particularly volatile over the last month due to the president's erratic implementation of tariffs.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that US President Donald Trump has handed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "royal flush" against Russia by signing the mineral resources agreement.

Source: Bessent on Fox Business

Details: "As President Trump said in the Oval that day to Zelenskyy, 'You have no cards'. You know what? President Trump has now dealt him a royal flush," Bessent said.

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He added that these "cards" can now be shown to the Russian leadership, stressing that there is "no daylight between the Ukrainian people, the American people, between our goals".

Background:

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Ukraine was ready to sign a mineral extraction agreement with the United States, possibly as soon as Wednesday 30 April.

Yuliia Svyrydenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, travelled to Washington to sign the document.

The Financial Times reported that the signing of the framework agreement on the use of minerals between Ukraine and the United States was threatened at the last minute when the Ukrainian delegation left for Washington.

Bloomberg reported that the draft agreement calls for the creation of a joint fund to attract investment in energy, mining, and related sectors of the Ukrainian economy.

On 1 May 2025, Svyrydenko and Bessent signed the minerals agreement.

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The US and Ukraine signed a deal for American companies to access essential natural resources.

The deal gives the US access to aluminum, graphite, and oil that could boost tech and defense.

China's export restrictions on rare earth elements have heightened the deal's strategic importance.

The US and Ukraine struck a major deal granting American companies privileged access to key natural resources in Ukraine  including aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas  that could boost the tech and automotive sectors.

Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent signed the deal in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.

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"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 Treasury Department said in a press release. "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 Treasury Department added that the economic partnership positions Ukraine and the US to "work collaboratively and invest together" to ensure that "our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery."

On social media, Svyrydenko wrote: "Together with the United States we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment into our country."

Bessent later said in a video statement that the deal would help "unlock Ukraine's growth assets."

Trump's trade war heightened the importance of a deal with Ukraine

The agreement comes at a time of rising supply-chain uncertainty amid an ongoing trade war with China, where 90% of the world's current rare earth metals are sourced from.

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On April 4, China restricted exports of seven rare earth elements and related materials in response to Trump's tariffs , potentially affecting critical industries like defense, energy, and automobiles.

Ukraine possesses a rich array of natural resources that are of growing importance to the US. Graphite, lithium, and titanium are vital for EV battery production, solar panels, and military equipment. High-purity neon gas and rare earth metals are critical for semiconductor manufacturing to power the growth of AI systems.

The minerals deal was originally set to be signed on February 28, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Washington ended in acrimony.

The agreement was signed just days after Trump and Zelenskyy met in person on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral, as cease-fire talks between Moscow and Washington continue. Trump on Wednesday called their face-to-face meeting a "moment of solace in a sense" in an interview with ABC News.

The White House and the Treasury Department did not respond to requests for comments.

Read the original article on Business Insider
After months of tense negotiations  including one particularly fiery meeting in the White House Oval Office between United States President Donald Trump and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February  Washington and Kyiv have finalised a long-awaited minerals deal.

The agreement, signed in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, will give the US preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals and natural resources licences. In return, the US will provide financial and military assistance to Ukraine to help the country rebuild after the war.

The deal comes at a critical moment as the US had threatened to step away from its mediation effort to bring an end to the more than three-year conflict.

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Trump, who has heavily promoted the deal, said it represents payback for the $350bn that he claims Washington has spent on supporting Ukraines war effort.

It is unclear how Trump has arrived at the figure of $350bn. Official figures from the US Department of Defense put total spending on Ukraine at $182.8bn between January 2022 and December 2024.

Regardless, in Kyiv, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hailed the agreement as good, equal and beneficial for both sides.





Heres what we know about the agreement so far.

Whats in the minerals deal?

Few details have been released about the precise terms of the deal, which was signed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraines Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Wednesday.

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In a statement after the signing, Bessent said the historic economic partnership would send a clear signal to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process that ends what he called a cruel and senseless war.

Under the deal, the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund will be established. This fund will be jointly managed by Ukraine and the US on an equal partnership basis.

Ukraine will maintain full ownership and control of the countrys resources and will determine what and where minerals may be extracted.

Ukraines Ministry of Economy said the US will contribute to the fund directly or through new military assistance, and Kyiv will contribute 50 percent of revenues from the exploitation of natural resources via new licences in the fields of critical materials, oil and gas. Svyrydenko suggested in a post on X that this could include air defence systems for Ukraine.

 How will the Fund work? The United States will contribute to the Fund. In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance  for example, air defense systems for Ukraine.  Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) April 30, 2025

The Ukrainian statement said: The agreement focuses on further, not past US military assistance, meaning that Ukraine has no debt obligations to Washington  a key point in the lengthy negotiations between the two sides.

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The statement added that Ukraine expects the funds profits and revenues to be reinvested into Ukraine for the first decade.

What minerals does Ukraine have?

According to data from Ukraines Economy Ministry, the country holds deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals classified as critical by the EU. Its critical minerals include precious and non-ferrous metals, ferroalloys and minerals such as titanium, zirconium, graphite and lithium.

Ukraine also holds reserves of rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 metallic minerals including lanthanum, cerium and neodymium, essential for high-tech applications in electronics, defence, aerospace and renewable energy.

According to the United Nations Russian-language news service, Ukraines critical mineral reserves made up approximately 5 percent of the global supply as of 2022.

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Ukraine also accounts for 7 percent of the global production of titanium.

Its lithium reserves are largely untapped and considered one of Europes largest, at an estimated 500,000 tonnes.

INTERACTIVE-UKRAINE-RARE-MINERALS-FEB26-2025-1740574988

Is this a good deal for Ukraine?

Al Jazeeras Rosiland Jordan said the deal can be viewed as a diplomatic win for Ukraine.

This is largely because Trump had initially insisted that Ukraine must pay back the $350bn he claims the administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden, had spent on the country since the start of the war with Russia.

Now, [repaying that amount] was something that the Ukrainians did not want to do, and over the past couple of months, theyve pushed to get that removed from the deal, Jordan commented from Washington, DC. So in a way, it can be viewed as a significant victory for Ukraine that this deal is, as some are putting it, a forward-looking deal, and not one that is looking back to the previous prosecution and financing of Ukraines war against Russia.

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Other analysts also noted that while the negotiations began with the USs desire for access to Ukraines minerals, they have since morphed into a broader investment fund for Ukraines reconstruction.

Ukraine seems to have pulled off some seriously tough negotiating with the Trump administration, wrote Shelby Magid, the deputy director of the Eurasia Center in the Atlantic Council, a US-based think tank. Past proposals from Washington reportedly saw the United States taking partial or total ownership of broad swaths of Ukraines natural resources and infrastructure Now, Ukraine retains full ownership of its assets and has turned the deal into a joint investment fund toward the countrys future reconstruction, with only future  not past  US assistance to Ukraine counting as a contribution to the fund.





Does the deal include US security guarantees?

No. However, under pressure from the US to make peace with Russia, President Zelenskyy has insisted that Ukraine will not enter peace talks until it has security guarantees against another war occurring in the future.

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While the US-Ukraine minerals deal does not include such guarantees, analysts say it reopens the door to military assistance from Washington to Kyiv.

Its not a security guarantee, said Anatol Lieven, the director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. This does not say  and Trump would never offer  to send US troops to defend Ukraine, and Trump has refused to back up European proposals to send European troops to Ukraine. But what it does if its implemented  it ensures that the US will remain interested in Ukraine, he told Al Jazeera.

Lieven said the deal means the US will feel it has a stake in Ukraine.

And although thats not a security guarantee, it certainly ought to be a deterrent to future Russian aggression, because it would mean that if the Russians did launch a new war, the US would certainly impose severe sanctions and would aid Ukraine militarily, he added.

What happens next?

While the Ukrainian cabinet has approved the agreement, it still needs to be ratified by the parliament.

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But more importantly, Lieven said, there needs to be peace for the deal to take effect.

This is about private investment. The money that goes into Ukraine to develop these minerals will be private. It wont be US state money. And of course that raises the question of whether private investors will actually see an economic motive to invest, especially given the risks involved, he said.

So I think this is more of a diplomatic win for Ukraine. Its not necessarily an economic win for Ukraine.
The U.S. and Ukraine have a new economic partnership centered on Ukraines mineral wealth as Ukraine continues to fight off Russias invasion, officials from both countries announced on April 30, 2025.

After a rocky start to negotiations, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two countries had signed an agreement to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraines economic recovery. He described the agreement and establishment of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund as an economic partnership.

The fund, to be financed with 50% of the royalties and fees from new licenses for critical materials, oil and gas extraction, creates a strategic alignment between the two countries as the war continues. It includes provisions for U.S. access to minerals and states that U.S. military equipment sent to Ukraine in the future could count as U.S. contributions to the fund.

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But, what exactly do Ukraines mineral resources include, and how abundant and accessible are they?

The war has severely limited access to data about Ukraines natural resources. However, as a geoscientist with experience in resource evaluation, I have been reading technical reports, many of them behind paywalls, to understand whats at stake. Heres what we know:

Ukraines minerals fuel industries and militaries

Ukraines mineral resources are concentrated in two geologic provinces. The larger of these, known as the Ukrainian Shield, is a wide belt running through the center of the country, from the northwest to the southeast. It consists of very old, metamorphic and granitic rocks.

A multibillion-year history of fault movement and volcanic activity created a diversity of minerals concentrated in local sites and across some larger regions.

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A second province, close to Ukraines border with Russia in the east, includes a rift basin known as the Dnipro-Donets Depression. It is filled with sedimentary rocks containing coal, oil and natural gas.

Before Ukraines independence in 1991, both areas supplied the Soviet Union with materials for its industrialization and military. A massive industrial area centered on steelmaking grew in the southeast, where iron, manganese and coal are especially plentiful.

By the 2000s, Ukraine was a significant producer and exporter of these and other minerals. It also mines uranium, used for nuclear power.

In addition, Soviet and Ukrainian geoscientists identified deposits of lithium and rare earth metals that remain undeveloped.

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However, technical reports suggest that assessments of these and some other critical minerals are based on outdated geologic data, that a significant number of mines are inactive due to the war, and that many employ older, inefficient technology.

That suggests critical mineral production could be increased by peacetime foreign investment, and that these minerals could provide even greater value than they do today to whomever controls them.

Why the US is so interested

Critical minerals are defined as resources that are essential to economic or national security and subject to supply risks. They include minerals used in military equipment, computers, batteries and many other products.

A list of 50 critical minerals, created by the U.S. Geological Survey, shows that more than a dozen relied upon by the U.S. are abundant in Ukraine.

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A majority of those are in the Ukrainian Shield, and roughly 20% of Ukraines total possible reserves are in areas currently occupied by Russias military forces.

Graphite is mined from a quarry that is about 120 meters deep in Zavallya, Ukraine. Arsen Dzodzaiev/Anadolu via Getty Images

Critical minerals Ukraine currently mines

Three critical minerals especially abundant in Ukraine are manganese, titanium and graphite. Between 80% and 100% of U.S. demand for each of these currently comes from foreign imports..

Manganese is an essential element in steelmaking and batteries. Ukraine is estimated to have the largest total reserves in the world at 2.4 billion tons. However, the deposits are of fairly low grade  only about 11% to 35% of the rock mined is manganese. So it tends to require a lot of material and expensive processing, adding to the total cost.

This is also true for graphite, used in battery electrodes and a variety of industrial applications. Graphite occurs in ore bodies located in the south-central and northwestern portion of the Ukrainian Shield. At least six deposits have been identified there, with an estimated total of 343 million tons of ore 18.6 million tons of actual graphite. Its the largest source in Europe and the fifth largest globally.

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Titanium, a key metal for aerospace, ship and missile technology, is present in as many as 28 locations in Ukraine, both in hard rock and sand or gravel deposits. The size of the total reserve is confidential, but estimates are commonly in the hundreds of millions of tons.

Workers operate machinery at an open-pit titanium mine in the Zhytomyr region on Feb. 28, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images

A number of other critical minerals that are used in semiconductor and battery technologies are less plentiful in Ukraine but also valuable. Zinc occurs in deposits with other metals such as lead, gold, silver and copper. Gallium and germanium are byproducts of other ores  zinc for gallium, lignite coal for germanium. Nickel and cobalt can be found in ultramafic rock, with nickel more abundant.

No figures for Ukraines reserves of these elements were available in early 2025, with the exception of zinc, whose reserves have been estimated at around 6.1 million tons, putting Ukraine among the top 10 nations for zinc.

Critical minerals that arent being mined  yet

Geologists have identified potentially significant volumes in Ukraine of three other types of critical minerals important for energy, military and other uses: lithium, rare earth metals and scandium.

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None of these had been mined there as of early 2025, though a lithium deposit had been licensed for commercial extraction.

The largest potential lithium reserves exist at three sites in the south-central and southeastern Ukrainian Shield, where the grade of ore is considered moderate to good. How much lithium these reserves hold remains confidential, but technical reports suggest its on the order of 160 million tons of ore and 1.6 million to 3 million tons of lithium oxide. If most of this could be recovered in a profitable way, it would place Ukraine among the top five nations for lithium.

Smaller volumes of tantalum and niobium, also used in steel alloys and technology, have also been identified in these reserves. Most of Ukraines lithium occurs as petalite, which, unlike the other main lithium mineral, spodumene, requires more expensive processing.

Rare earth elements in Ukraine are known to exist in several sites of volcanic origin and in association with uranium in the south-central portion of the Ukrainian Shield. These havent been developed, though sampling has indicated commercial potential in some sites, while other sites appear less viable.

Despite the ongoing war, many mining companies across the country have continued their operations, extracting resources such as titanium, graphite and beryllium. Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images

Rare earth elements in high demand for superior magnets and electronics  neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium  are all present in varying amounts in these areas. Other critical minerals are associated with these deposits, especially zirconium, tantalum and niobium, in undetermined but potentially significant amounts.

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Finally, scandium, used in aluminum alloys for aerospace components, has been identified as a byproduct of processing titanium ores. Ukraines scandium does not appear to have been studied in enough detail to evaluate its commercial potential. However, world production, about 30 to 40 tons per year, is forecast to grow rapidly.

Ukraines mineral future

Its clear that Ukraine is endowed with valuable resources. However, extracting them will require roads and railways for access, infrastructure such as electricity and mining and processing technology, investment, technical expertise, environmental considerations and, above all, cessation of military conflict.

Those are the true determinants of Ukraines mining future.

This article, originally published March 11, 2025, has been updated with the agreement signed.

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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: Scott L. Montgomery, University of Washington

Read more:



Scott L. Montgomery 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.
The United States and Ukraine signed their long-awaited mineral deal on Wednesday according to the Treasury Department.

As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war, Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement on the signing.

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, he continued.

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The two countries have been working on an agreement for months to secure a long-term U.S. economic investment by harvesting Ukraines raw earth minerals. The deal comes almost a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a deadly drone and missile attack on the countrys capital and days after President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys face-to-face meeting at the Vatican during the Pope Franciss funeral.

Trump and Zelensky were originally slated to sign a deal in February at a White House meeting that ended in confrontation.

Zelensky apologized for the public fallout and resumed talks with U.S. counterparts weeks after departing in hopes of continued U.S. backing to end a three-year war with Russia.

Bessent said that no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.

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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 The Hill.
The United States and Ukraine signed a long-negotiated mineral deal on Wednesday evening, handing Washington future shares of Kyivs natural resources, if the U.S. allocates new money to support its war against Russia.

The agreement was struck after months of negotiations between the two sides, set back a few weeks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys contentious meeting in Washington with President Trump and Vice President Vance.

The deal entails the formation of a joint investment fund that Ukraine sees as a way to harden the U.S. backing for the war-torn country, though it does not include specific security gaurantees, which Kyiv has demanded as part of a larger peace deal.

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It symbolically attaches Trump to the nations future, and according to Washington marks a step toward ending the largest land war in Europe since World War II.

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 centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term, Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement on Wednesday.

Heres what to know about the agreement

The text of the agreement, which was released on Thursday by Ukraines government, covers oil, natural gas, rare earth minerals and other Ukrainian resources.

The deal will allow for an increase in investment opportunities in mining, energy and related technology in Ukraine by investors based in the U.S., the European Union and other countries supportive of Ukraines fight against Russia.

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It would likely take decades for the U.S. to recoup its future investment in Ukraines war, even once peace returns to the war-torn country.

Ukraine will have full sovereignty over its natural resources located in its territory and Kyiv will have the authority to decide where and which minerals can be extracted, according to the 11-page document. The deal only applies to future investments, so the revenue Ukraine is making from the use of existing resources will be untouched.

The deal also indicates that it will not hinder Ukraines path to joining the EU, a priority for Kyiv.

If Ukraine had provided preferential treatment to U.S. investors, it would throw a wrinkle into Ukraines push for EU membership, but Washington acknowledged Kyivs wish to join the 27-member union.

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If, after the signing of this Agreement, Ukraine needs to assume additional obligations related to its European Union accession that could impact this provision, the Parties shall consult and negotiate in good faith to adopt adjustments, as appropriate, the parties wrote in the agreement, signed by Bessent and Ukrainian first deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

The agreement lists 55 minerals, including lithium, uranium and titanium, which is used in making planes.

Ukraine has one of the worlds 10 largest titanium reserves, accounting for seven percent of global production, according to the Ukrainian Geological Survey.

How would the investment fund work

The U.S. can contribute directly into the fund, which could include military equipment that would further assist Ukraine in its effort to repel Russian forces.

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Kyiv is expected to put half of its profits from its natural resources, generated after the funds creation, into the joint venture.

Both nations will have equal control over the funds management.

The Fund is structured on a 50/50 basis. It will be jointly managed by Ukraine and the United States. Neither side will hold a dominant vote  a reflection of equal partnership between our two nations, Svyrydenko wrote on Wednesday evening.

Ukraines economic minister said that for the first 10 years, profits and revenues from the fund will not be distributed, but reinvested into new reconstruction and projects in Ukraine.

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The investment projected will be decided jointly by the U.S. and Ukraine, according to Svyrydenko.

We have shaped an agreement that provides mutually beneficial conditions for both countries, she said on Wednesday evening.

Path to a deal

The agreement was expected to be signed by Zelensky during his late February visit to the White House. The plan fell apart after Trump and Vice President Vance lambasted the Ukrainian leader in front of reporters, accusing him of being insufficiently grateful for U.S. assistance to Kyiv.

The Kiel Institute, based in Germany, has estimated that Washington has dished out nearly $130 billion in government support to Ukraine since the conflict started in February 2022.

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Zelensky has since worked on repairing the relationship, and sat down for a dramatic one-on-one meeting with Trump at the Vatican last weekend.

One of the priorities for Ukraine was to have security guarantees included in the agreement, arguing it would help with pushing back against Russia. The deal does not feature security guarantees.

Trump has suggested that Ukraines future protection should be gauranteed by Europe, not the U.S. or NATO.

The parties said in the agreement that the deal is an expression of a broader, long-term strategic alignment between their peoples and governments, and a tangible demonstration of U.S. backing for Ukraines security, prosperity, reconstruction, and integration into global economic frameworks.

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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 The Hill.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday Washington hoped Pakistan would cooperate with India to hunt down Pakistan-based militants, and that India's response to the recent Islamist militant attack in India-administered Kashmir does not lead to a broader regional conflict.

"Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn't lead to a broader regional conflict," Vance said in an interview on Fox News' "Special Report with Bret Baier" show.

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"And we hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they're responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with," Vance added.

Vance's comments are the closest the U.S government has come since the April 22 attack - in which 26 people were killed - to potentially linking Pakistan to extremism in India.

Top U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the attack, calling it "terror" and "unconscionable," while expressing support for India without directly blaming Pakistan.

India is an important U.S. partner as Washington aims to counter China's rising influence. Pakistan remains Washington's ally even as its importance diminished after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from neighboring Afghanistan.

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In recent days, Washington urged India and Pakistan to work with each other to de-escalate tensions and arrive at a "responsible solution."

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack. Islamabad denies responsibility and is calling for a neutral probe.

The U.S. State Department has said it was in touch with the nuclear-armed Asian neighbors at multiple levels and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held calls on Wednesday with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Hindu nationalist Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish those responsible and Jaishankar has told Rubio that the perpetrators should be brought to justice. Pakistan says military action by India was imminent.

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Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan, with each controlling only part of it and having fought wars over it.

After the attack, India suspended a treaty regulating water-sharing, and both countries closed airspace to each other's airlines. They also exchanged fire across their border.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Ryan Patrick Jones; Editing by Leslie Adler, Costas Pitas and Deepa Babington)
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP)  The Trump administration told a federal judge Thursday that a Georgetown University scholars lawsuit against deportation should be moved from Virginia, where it was filed, to Texas, where hes jailed over allegations of spreading Hamas propaganda.

U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles seemed skeptical of the governments request, which would involve her dismissing the case in Virginia. She raised concerns that a dismissal in her court would void her order in March to keep Badar Khan Suri in the U.S. while his First Amendment case plays out.

David Byerley, a Justice Department attorney, told Giles that he would need to talk to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement about the judges concern. Byerley said he didnt see why ICE wouldnt honor her order against deporting Khan Suri while the case is refiled in a Texas federal court.

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OK, the judge said. Im not going to rely on that. But thank you.

In a government filing before the hearing, U.S. attorneys argued that Khan Suris attorneys filed his suit in Virginia after he was already taken out of state. They said filing his case in Texas is "relatively straightforward application of well-settled law.

The Trump administration said it quickly moved Khan Suri from a facility in Farmville, Virginia, because of overcrowding to a detention center in Louisiana and then Texas.

But the judge seemed skeptical of the government's overcrowding claim. She asked the U.S. to provide details about the number of open beds in Farmville at the time of Khan Suri's arrest as well as the number of people who've been transferred because of overcrowding.

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Khan Suri's attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union told the judge that once in Texas, Khan Suri slept on the floor of an overcrowded detention center for at the least the first few weeks. Khan Suri now has his own bed in a dormitory.

Khan Suris attorneys said the real reason he was moved to Texas was to bring the case before a more conservative judge. The attorney, Vishal Agraharkar, accused the government of whats often called forum shopping.

Unlike the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, federal district courts in Texas and western Louisiana are dominated by Republican-appointed judges. Win or lose, appeals of such cases go to the reliably conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The 5th Circuit is one of 13 federal appellate courts around the nation and has 17 full-time judges. Twelve were appointed by Republican presidents, including six by former President Donald Trump.

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Agraharkar's statements before the judge in Alexandria were echoed by another attorney for Khan Suri, Hassan Ahmad, outside the courtroom after Thursday's hearing.

There is a reason why the detention facilities exist there, Ahmad said, adding, "This kind of rigged game has to stop.

Ahmad was among a group of people who gathered at the courthouse to show support. They included Khan Suri's wife, Georgetown students and faculty and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat who represents the northern Virginia district where Khan Suri lives.

Khan Suri's lawsuit was filed shortly after masked, plain-clothed officers arrested him on March 17 outside his apartment complex in Arlington, Virginia.

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His attorneys say he was unconstitutionally arrested and jailed because of his wife's connection to Gaza. He and his wife, Mapheze Saleh, have been targeted because Salehs father worked with the Hamas-backed Gazan government for more than a decade but before Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Khan Suri's attorneys say.

The ACLU said in the memo that Khan Suri hardly knew the father, Ahmed Yousef.

According to the U.S. government, Khan Suri has undisputed family ties to the terrorist organization, which Khan Suri euphemistically refers to as the government of Gaza.

Khan Suri's arrest also stems from his social media posts about the war in Gaza, in which he expressed support of Palestinian people. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on the social platform X that Khan Suri was accused of spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media and was determined to be deportable.

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The ACLU has argued that arrests on such grounds violated his First Amendment rights.

Khan Suri, an Indian citizen, came to the U.S. in 2022 through a J-1 visa, working at Georgetown as a visiting scholar and postdoctoral fellow. He and Saleh have three children: a 9-year-old son and 5-year-old twins.

Before his arrest, he taught a course on majority and minority human rights in South Asia, according to court records. The filings said he hoped to become a professor and embark on a career in academia.

___

Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia.

___

This story has been corrected to say that Khan Suri now has his own bed in a jail dormitory.
By Idrees Ali

(Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran on Wednesday that it will face consequences for supporting the Houthis, even as the United States has relaunched talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

The United States and Iran have so far held three rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Gulf state Oman, aimed at sealing a deal that would block Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon but also lift crippling economic sanctions imposed by Washington.

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The two sides will reconvene in Rome on Saturday.

"Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing," Hegseth wrote on X. "You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing."

Hegseth, on his personal X account, later re-posted a Trump message on Truth Social from March in which the president said he would hold Iran responsible for any attacks carried out by the Houthi group.

Iran's leader has previously said that Yemen's Houthis act independently.

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The group controls northern Yemen and has struck shipping in the Red Sea in what it says is solidarity with the Palestinians.

The United States has carried out strikes against more than 1,000 targets since it ramped up strikes against the group in March.

The U.S. military has surged assets in recent weeks to reinforce the Middle East. The Pentagon has deployed six B-2 bombers to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia -- which experts say is an ideal position to operate in the Middle East.

Additionally, the U.S. currently has two aircraft carriers in the Middle East and has moved air defense systems from Asia to the region.

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While both Tehran and Washington have said they are set on pursuing diplomacy, they remain far apart on a dispute that has rumbled on for more than two decades.

Trump, in an interview with Time magazine earlier this month, said "I think we're going to make a deal with Iran", but he repeated a threat of military action against Iran if diplomacy fails.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Costas Pitas; Editing by Michael Perry)
U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg said on April 30 that he does not expect Washington to abandon peace efforts despite previous threats from the White House to do so.

"The Ukrainians have already said they're willing to give up the land... not de jure, forever, but de facto because the Russians actually occupy it... That's what they're willing to go to, they told me that last week," Kellogg said in a television interview with Fox News.

The U.S. has intensified efforts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on April 28 a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to 11, which Kellogg on April 29 criticized as "absurd."

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"I don't think so," Kellogg said when asked if the U.S. is ready to walk away from peace talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine.

The U.S. has threatened to walk away from efforts to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia if progress is not made.

"We had 22 concrete terms that (Ukraine) agreed to. What they want... and what they have is a very comprehensive and permanent ceasefire that leads to a peace treaty. When I mean comprehensive, sea, air, land infrastructure for at least 30 days... It could build to an important peace initiative," Kellogg said.

Kellogg noted a ceasefire should last at least 30 days, adding that it is what U.S. President Donald Trump believes should be done.

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"The reason why 30 days is important is that it stops the killing. That's what President Trump wants to do," Kellogg said.

When asked if Putin would be willing to accept the ceasefire, Kellogg said it is "up to" the Russian leader.

"If (Putin) really wants to stop the killing, if he wants this war to end, there is a pathway to do it that has been presented to him," Kellogg said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump met in the Vatican on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral on April 26. Kellogg described the meeting as positive.

"I think it was a very positive discussion, in fact, what the Ukrainians told me was very constructive," Kellogg said.

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The U.S. could partially agree to Russia's maximalist demands towards Ukraine to reach a settlement, the special envoy said.

"People don't understand how violent this war has been. Soldiers alone, when you combine the Ukrainian and Russian soldiers killed and wounded, were over 1.2 million, that is an unheard of number," Kellogg said.

U.S., U.K., German, French, and Ukrainian officials met in London on April 23 to discuss a path toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms. So far, Moscow has refused.

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Zelensky has repeatedly called for a full 30-day ceasefire, saying on April 23, Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."

Read also: Can Russias war machine survive without outside aid?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Recently, the office of Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson shared updated numbers for the signature verification process for the H.B. 267 referendum. A county clerk responded to that post to explain why fewer signatures had been verified in Utah County compared to others.

As of 9 a.m. on April 30, the official numbers were being reported as 183,908 valid signatures gathered. As of noon on April 29, 45,878 signatures had been rejected. The election office also shared the estimated percentages of signatures left to verify in each county.

According to the numbers from Tuesday, Davis County had to verify roughly 20% of its gathered signatures, Salt Lake County had 25% remaining, Weber County had 50%, and Utah County had 83% left.

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RELATED: Utahs collective bargaining referendum hits qualifying thresholds

That means Utah County had only verified 17% of the gathered signatures as of April 29, with about a week until the May 7 statutory deadline. On April 30, Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson posted a response under the election offices post to explain the two reasons why Utah County was behind the other counties.

Davidsons post explained that Utah County was doing a second pass on every signature packet, and that it was reportedly the only county doing so. He said that the second pass was done to make sure the rejected signatures were actually invalid.

That was taking extra time, Davidsons statement reads. All the other counties were only doing a single pass on their packets.

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The second reason he cited was the fact that H.B. 27 required every county to renumber their precinct designations and submit them to the state. Davidson said some precincts had to be manually updated in Utah County, which reportedly caused some delays.

Utah County is now just doing a single pass, and the precinct designation problems have been fixed, Davidson said.

His statement continued on to say that roughly 67% of signatures still had to be verified after making the change to a single pass, and the countys rejection rate was 14% while the statewide average was 21%.

We have no concerns about completing the signature verification by the May 7th statutory deadline, Davidsons response reads.

Background

H.B. 267  called Public Sector Labor Union Amendments  passed the Utah Senate on February 6 and was signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on February 14. Referendum efforts were launched in March 2025.

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In order to qualify for the ballot, the referendum efforts need to collect 140,748 signatures, representing 8% of registered voters in 15 of Utahs 29 Senate Districts.

Earlier this week, the Protect Utah Coalition, which has been leading the referendum push, said groups had met key requirements in making progress to get the referendum on the 2026 ballot: Of more than 320,000 signatures gathered, more than 140,000 had been verified. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson has until June 23 to certify those efforts.

Those who support H.B. 267 recently told ABC4.com that they will be focusing on informing voters about the bill, rather than trying to keep the referendum off the ballot.

Lindsay Aerts and Derick Fox contributed to this report.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Gov. Spencer Cox vetoed six bills from the 2025 Utah Legislative Session, and legislative leaders have decided to move forward without convening a veto override session.

This past session, Cox signed more than 550 bills, but six didnt make the cut. Cox vetoed S.B. 197 Property Tax Amendments, H.B. 306 Precious Metals Amendments, H.B. 315 Elected Official Vacancy Modification, S.B. 106 Utah-Ireland Trade Commission, S.B. 37 Minimum Basic Tax Rates Amendments, and S.B. 296 Judicial Amendments.

The Utah Legislature has until May 6 to convene a veto override session if they wish to overturn any of the governors vetoes. However, legislative leaders have decided not to make the attempt.

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Even when our perspectives differ, we appreciate the governors willingness to find common ground as we build an even brighter future for our great state, a statement by President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz reads.

The leaders said they carefully considered the option of holding a veto override session but ultimately decided against it.

We will focus on constructive dialogue and thoughtful policymaking during the interim to find the best path forward that benefits all Utahns, the statement says.

Schultz previously told ABC4 that they will continue to discuss the vetoed Judicial Amendments bill that would allow the governor and Utah Senate to pick the chief justice of the Utah Supreme Court.

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We respect the governors vetoes. Some of them I agree with, some of them I dont agree with, Schultz previously said.

Lawmakers will convene soon in a special session that Governor Cox has already confirmed will happen in May. The governor sets the agenda for that session and often gets pitched by lawmakers and others to include their issues in his call. If lawmakers wanted to address anything the Governor is unwilling to put on that list they would need to justify an emergency in the affairs of the state to call themselves.

At the very least, the governor and the legislature have agreed in that special session to address two bills dealing with sensitive election materials and county council seats that Cox believes have unintended consequences, and reappropriate $3.5 million that was supposed to go to Sundance before they decided to leave Utah.

A date for the special session is unknown, but lawmakers will gather at the Capitol for the first 2026 Interim meeting day on May 21.

Latest headlines:

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Matthew Drachman contributed to this story.

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FRUIT HEIGHTS, Utah (ABC4)  In the quiet foothills of Fruit Heights, what looks like a regular neighborhood road is actually a dry gulch and a regulatory floodway. This is just one of many areas in Utah where flood risks can sneak up fast and leave homeowners with a mountain of repair costs.

As spring temperatures rise, so does the risk. Peak runoff in Utah typically arrives in late May and early June, and emergency officials say now is the time to take action before its too late.

Kevin Neilson, a longtime Fruit Heights resident, knows the drill. He has lived at the bottom of Shady Lane Way for three decades, and says flooding is a near-annual concern.

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How the cookie Crumbls: Warner Music Group sues Crumbl for using their music on social media

Itll kind of flood just down here behind you where youre standing, he said, pointing toward the lower edge of his property. Maps show this as a 500-year floodplain, and depending on where you are, they want you to have flood insurance if you have a mortgage.

He and his family have grown used to some water creeping into the yard most years. Its why sandbags already line his basement door  just in case.

You never know when a storm is going to be approaching, Kevin said. So we just leave those there.

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Neilson has flood insurance, but his next-door neighbor, Mark Andrus, does not. Andrus said that over the years, hes received conflicting guidance about whether he needed coverage.

Survivor of fatal American Fork explosion sues Dominion Energy for damages

At various times, my mortgage company said I needed flood insurance, so I got it, Mark explained. Then a few years later, I was told I wasnt in a flood zone, so I canceled it. That back-and-forth went on until we finally paid off our home. Now we dont carry any insurance.

Thats a gamble emergency officials urge residents not to take. Genevieve Keys with the Utah Division of Emergency Management says flooding in the state is unpredictable and highly localized.

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Anywhere it can rain, it can flood, she said. Utah flooding is very dynamic. It really changes from place to place depending on where you are.

And when it comes to insurance, timing is everything.

You want to investigate your flood insurance options immediately, Keys said. Theres a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so if you wait until the waters rising, its too late.

Missing 15-year-old last seen in Provo could be heading to Las Vegas, police say

Flooding carries the highest average cost of any natural hazard in Utah, year after year. And while some homeowners assume theyre safe because theyre not in a high-risk zone, the truth is floodwaters dont always follow the map.

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If youre unsure whether your property is vulnerable  or whether your insurance has you covered  its time to find out. Spring runoff waits for no one.

More information about flood insurance and preparedness is available on Utahs flood mapping website.

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April 30 (UPI) -- Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday night broke a 49-49 tie in the U.S. Senate to kill a bipartisan resolution to end President Donald Trump's tariffs.

The resolution came hours after Trump acknowledged during a Cabinet meeting there will be shortages and rising prices, saying: "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. But we're not talking about something that we have to go out of our way. They have ships that are loaded up with stuff, much of which -- not all of it -- but much of which we don't need."

Two senators who would have voted for the resolution, Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, of Rhode Island, were absent.

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Whitehouse was traveling to South Korea and McConnell was ill, The Hill reported.

Voting with all 46 Democrats were Republicans Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul of Kentucky. The approved motion tabled the resolution.

Earlier Wednesday, the Senate rejected a resolution 49-49 to block the president's global tariffs by revoking his emergency order because it needed more than 50% for passage. A baseline tariff of 10% has been imposed on most treading partners with reciprocal tariffs paused until July 9.

The tariff plans were announced on April 2, which Trump called "Liberation Day." China has been slapped with a 145% tariffs though electronics were later exempted and are at 20%.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, of South Dakota, then moved to ensure that tariff opponents couldn't bring the resolution back up for consideration. Vance broke the tie.

Senate Republican leaders had dismissed the importance of Wednesday's vote.

"I think the broad majorities of Republicans are giving the administration ... some space to figure out if they can get some good deals," Thune said. "We're awaiting the results of that. I wouldn't attach too much weight to it."

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, of Virginia, who co-sponsored the resolution, said: "They are so dead set on this tariff idiocy that is wrecking the economy that they're going to bring the vice president over to completely own it. Great, let them do it. Let them do it. The American public needs to know who to blame for this. And they are showing everybody tonight who is to blame for this."

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The measure wasn't going anywhere after a Senate vote with unlikely House passage and a veto by Trump.

"Tariffs are taxes, plain and simple," Paul said before the vote. "Tariffs don't punish foreign governments, they punish American families. When we tax imports, we raise the price of everything, from groceries, to smartphones to washing machines to just about every conceivable product."

Trump said he understands how Americans may be unhappy with the tariffs during an interview on NewsNation.

"You have to be able to dodge and move and be flexible," Trump said.

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He noted that he scrapped auto tariffs after listening to automaker leaders opposed to them.

"And now, if I didn't do that, it would have been very, very tough for them, and so what I am is flexible, and if I didn't do that, it would be very tough for these companies, and these companies," he said. "It's a transition period."

Trump said on NewsNation that there are potential deals with three Asian nations. The scheduled reciprocal ones were India 27%, South Korea 25%, and Japan 24%.

"It can wait two weeks," Trump said.

Despite Americans' opposition to tariffs in polls, Trump said: "I'm an honest guy, and I, we have to save the country."

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He said Republicans could face troubles during the midterms in 2026.

"I've got to explain it," Trump said. "I've got to have people that can explain it, but I can tell you that right now, we have over 100, 100 countries that are calling us like morning, noon and night, dying to make a deal. We're in a great position of strength. We'll make great deals."

The U.S. gross national product contracted at 0.3%, according to data released Wednesday, the worst quarter since 2022.

A recession is defined as consecutive quarters of negative GDP.
Vice President Vance said Russia and Ukraine both face a very big gulf as the two countries make demands to negotiate to end the war.

Vance sat for an interview with Fox News Digital, highlighting the Trump administrations foreign policy efforts and attempts to end the war.

President Trump has sought to cease fighting and get Russia and Ukraine to agree to a deal since taking office in January, but the task has proven difficult.

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He would like to bring the Russia-Ukraine conflict to a durable solution where you dont have 5,000 people dying every single week on both sides of that conflict, Vance said.

He told the outlet that the first step in ending the war is to get each of them to make a peace proposal.

And thats actually happened. The Ukrainians have said, This is what we want. The Russians have said, This is what we want, Vance said. And now, the work of diplomacy is to try to sort of bring these two sides closer together.

Because theres a very big gulf between what the Russians want and what the Ukrainians want.

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Russia announced Monday that its President Vladimir Putin had ordered a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to 11 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Trump has shown growing impatience with Putin over ending the war. He questioned over the weekend if Putin was stringing him along, shortly after Russia launched deadly strikes on Ukraine.

The U.S. is pushing a peace proposal that would freeze the front lines of the war, which would leave much of eastern Ukraine in Russian control. The proposal also would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Its unclear what security guarantees would be offered to Ukraine under the deal.

Putin has demanded official recognition of several Ukrainian territories, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is refusing to give up his countrys land. Ukraine has also dismissed Putins call for the three-day pause in fighting in May.

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Vances conversation with Fox comes as the administration marks its 100th day in office. He noted that while the administration was able to accomplish a lot, particularly in reversing Biden-era actions, the next 100 days are going to require the help of Congress and international partners stepping up to the plate.

I have great confidence in Congress. I have some confidence in our international partners, he said. Well see how it goes.

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Former two-term Myrtle Beach mayor Mark McBride on Wednesday said the citys police chief and top elected official should both be removed for their botched public response to an Ocean Boulevard shooting.

I thank the officers for responding. Its never been about the rank-and-file. Theyve always done their job. Theyve always gone over and above. Its always been a management issue in City Hall, McBride said in a five-minute post to his Facebook page criticizing Mayor Brenda Bethune and police chief Amy Prock.

McBride served as mayor from 1998 through 2006, after that launching unsuccessful bids for the General Assembly and Congress.

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Prock said Wednesday one person remains in critical condition and 10 others between the ages of 13 and 43 sustained gunshot-related injuries as a result of the Saturday night confrontation that left 18-year-old Jerrius Davis dead in an officer-involved shooting.

McBride said Wednesday that 12 people were shot and transported to a local hospital. The city is allocated for 272 officers but currently has 50 openings headed into peak tourism season.

Prock said conditional offers have been made to 17 people.

We have an active recruiting unit, she said, adding that the agency partners with surrounding ones for coverage.

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As your chief of police, I am here to assure you that as long as you are here in our city, so are we, Prock said. Standing here every day, every night. We will preserve the peace.

McBride questioned how thats possible with a 20% vacancy rate across Procks department.

When you have 20% vacancy, you cant fill your department. Thats why you have to go to surrounding cities and the county and everybody else to do the job, he said.

Bethune also refuted claims that the city is unsafe, rejecting the Murder Beach moniker that some have attached to it over the years.

Quite honestly, it disgusts me, she said of the nickname. Thats not who we are. When you look at the millions upon millions of people that come here and you look at the real statistics, you will find out we are a very safe place.

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McBride in 2017 drew both criticism and opposition after suggesting the reallocation of tourism tax dollars from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to city coffers that would help pay for public safety.

McBride, who currently lives in Oconee County, said Wednesday that city leaders should hold a closed-door meeting to review Procks performance and then part ways with her.

Youve been lied to by the mayor of the city of Myrtle Beach. Mayor Bethune needs to resign, and Chief Prock needs to be replaced, he said.

* * *

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.

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VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  A Vermilion County man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to sex crimes against a child.

20-year-old Alexander Sims, formally of Tilton, pleaded guilty to predatory sexual assault of a child on Wednesday.

Angers our community: Officials speak out after 75-year-old woman shot in bedroom

Evidence presented in court showed that on Aug. 18, 2023, the Tilton police responded to a call where a girl reported that she had been raped by Sims. The victim said it happened between November 2021 and July 2023 while the victim was under the age of 13.

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Police interviewed Sims and he confessed to sexual penetration of the minor.

I would like to thank the Tilton Police Department and the Vermilion County Child Advocacy Center for their efforts to bring justice for the victim in this case. The horrendous actions of this sexual predator were deeply harmful. It is my hope that the victim can begin the path toward recovery now that the criminal case has concluded, States Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said.

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Sims was sentenced to 18 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. It will be served at 85%. After he has finished his prison sentence, Sims will serve mandatory supervised release for a term of 3 years to natural life. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life.

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We are grateful for the strength and courage it took for this victim to come forward, and for the perseverance and cooperation throughout the court process, Lacy said. This sentence and lifetime sex offender registration reflect the seriousness of these crimes and should serve to protect our community.

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A Vermont federal judge ordered Wednesday that Mohsen Mahdawi, the Palestinian student activist from Columbia University who was arrested at his U.S. citizenship test, be released from immigration detention on bail while his case proceeds.

Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident, went in for his naturalization interview on April 14, but was instead detained by federal immigration authorities. His attorneys immediately filed a habeas corpus petition that accused the Trump administration of arresting him for exercising his free-speech rights.

In a scathing order, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford said Mahdawi was not a flight risk nor a danger to society, citing his strong ties to Vermont, studies at Columbia and eagerness to pursue American citizenship  even at risk of being detained.

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He also argued that Mahdawis release was in the public interest because his continued detention would likely have a chilling effect on constitutionally protected free speech.

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, he wrote. Our nation has seen times like this before, especially during the Red Scare.

The federal government has accused Mahdawi of being a threat to U.S. foreign policy, which his lawyers deny, saying that he was advocating for Palestinian human rights under the First Amendment.

Outside the courthouse in Burlington, Vermont, Mahdawi welcomed the ruling from the bench: 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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Mahdawi exited the court with a keffiyeh draped over his suit and his two hands in peace signs, where he was greeted by supporters and reporters with their cameras and microphones. The crowd carried Palestinian flags and signs, including one to Abolish ICE.

Im saying it clear and loud to President (Donald) Trump and his Cabinet: Im not afraid of you, Mahdawi said.

Later that afternoon, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security released a statement stressing that it was a privilege to be granted a green card to live in the United States.

In court filings, the federal government pointed to an FBI interview concerning violent, antisemitic remarks Mahdawi had allegedly made to a gun shop owner. Mahdawi and his lawyers vehemently denied the claims, and there were no charges or action against him.

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The Trump administration is committed to restoring the rule of law to our immigration system. No judge, not this one or any other, is going to stop us from doing that, McLaughlin said.

The government requested the court pause Mahdawis release for a week by issuing a stay of the order while they appeal, which the judge rejected. Mahdawi was ordered by the court to reside in Vermont, though he is permitted to travel to New York for educational purposes or to meet with his lawyers.

Mahdawi, 34, 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. Mahdawis direct involvement in the Columbia demonstrations came to an end before the high-profile encampments of last spring, according to court documents.

He is expected to graduate from Columbia with a bachelors degree in philosophy this semester, before starting a masters program in international relations in the fall.

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Mahdawi had feared his U.S. citizenship test was a trap, alerting his government representatives to his situation before his arrest and doing an interview with the progressive news outlet The Intercept. He told reporters on Wednesday that federal authorities seemingly had a plan and orchestrated his detention.

He said the agents processed him before heading to an airport, where they just missed a flight out of Vermont by nine minutes. In the meantime, another Vermont federal judge, William Sessions III, ordered that he remain in the state while his case plays out.

Mahdawi had been detained in the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans.

His attorneys said they would continue to defend his constitutional right to speak out against Israels war in Gaza and fight his immigration case.

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They were trying to silence Mohsens speech solely because he dared to speak about his people, about the atrocities that are going on, and he had the audacity to say it loudly, said Luna Droubi, one of Mahawis lawyers and a partner at Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. The judge saw right through it.

Back in New York City, local immigration advocates celebrated the judges decision.

The governments case should now be thrown out, and Mahdawi should be allowed to move forward with his citizenship application and continue with his studies, said Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition in a statement. All of Trumps other similarly detained political prisoners must be freed as well. The weaponization of the State Department must end.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  For a limited time, local blood donors can earn complimentary tickets to Kings Island.

An annual tradition, Versiti Blood Centers Kings Island ticket giveaway begins Monday, May 5 and will last until Saturday, May 17.

For each donation of blood, donors will receive a free single-day ticket while supplies last. Donors will also earn a local donor T-shirt.

The Kings Island ticket promotion is a fun and meaningful way to kick off the summer. Donors know this is a crucial time to give, and this special thank-you provides even more reason to step up and help, said Tracy Morgan, vice president of Donor Services at Versiti Blood Center of Ohio.

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Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are advised. To schedule an appointment at the Dayton Donor Center, call 937-461-3220 or visit the Versiti Dayton website. The donor center is on 349 S. Main Street in downtown Dayton.

Kings Island recently opened for the 2025 season. Click here for the parks full schedule.

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The shocking part of whats happened over the last couple of weeks is that apparently Trump and Washington are willing to sign off on essentially redrawing international borders at the demands of Vladimir Putin... But I dont think Trump is a Russian agent. I think thats completely childish and stupid

On the latest Planet Normal podcast, which you can listen to using the audio player above, columnists Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson discuss the war in Ukraine with historian and author Owen Matthews as negotiations for peace continue.

The author of Overreach: The Inside Story of Putins war on Ukraine sees the war between Ukraine and Russia at a stalemate but also at a grim moment. He says: The Russians have been attacking and advancing, and Ukrainians have been pushed back in certain places... Theres a sense that the Ukrainians are exhausted. They havent got enough men. They havent got enough ammunition

Without continuing support from the US, Owen says the burden will fall to closer allies. There is no way for Ukraine to make any major military advances without a full commitment of the West.

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Asked to assess the chances of a ceasefire in the coming weeks, Owen concludes  I think actually, yes, given what we know. Its an extraordinary sort of piece of geopolitical luck that suddenly, for internal American reasons, the US administration suddenly sort of landed in his [Putins] lap. Its turned his way. The world has turned his way.

Planet Normal, a weekly Telegraph podcast featuring news and views from beyond the bubble. Listen on the audio player above or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast app.

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.
VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A popular Chinese restaurant in Vestal, which closed earlier this year following some serious health code violations, is reopening.

Buffet Star on Old Vestal Road announced on Facebook that it plans to reopen on Friday, May 9th at 11 a.m. The restaurant is advertising a variety of special deals to celebrate its grand reopening.

It abruptly closed on February 3rd as the owner posted a notice on the front door saying he wanted to upgrade the restaurants interior and take some personal time to spend with his growing family. This came exactly one month after the Broome County Health Department cited Buffet Star with 12 health code violations, two of which were considered critical.

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Buffet Star in Vestal closed until further notice

The first critical violation was for food from unapproved source, spoiled, adulterated on premises. The second was for canned foods found in poor conditions. The 10 non-critical violations were cited for lack of cleanliness, improper food storage, improper design, and insects.

Buffet Star charged with critical health code violations

However, the Health Department tells News 34 that it did not order the closure of the restaurant and that the owner did so voluntarily. Public health officials say approval to operate was given yesterday after a pre-operational inspection.

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Buffet Star opened 15 years ago.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS) Its been 50 years since the fall of Saigon signaled the end of the Vietnam War, one of the deadliest wars in world history. Almost 60,000 Americans lost their lives fighting in Vietnam.

The fall of Saigon was a day of celebration throughout the foreign nation, with millions taking to the streets to mark what they called a war for independence. In Colorado Springs, veterans gathered on Wednesday, April 30 to honor their time in service and remember those who did not make it back home.

We have what we call a brotherhood, and we help each other, said Thomas Dowell, a Vietnam veteran.

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50 years later, the memories are still as clear as ever for thousands of veterans.

I never forgot the day when I got my letter saying that your neighbor selected you to go into the military, and I was kind of upset with my neighbors, why would they do that to me? But basically, you just go and serve your time, said Jerry Bryant, a Vietnam veteran.



Photo by: Jack Young

Nearly 60,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice during the war.

I was lucky I got back, but now it was my job to go to funerals, said Lyle Hagelberg, a Vietnam veteran.

Hagelberg spent Wednesday remembering when he lost his boss during the war.

They never found his body, and so I always felt bad because he was a good guy, he said.

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George Miriam spent the afternoon reflecting on when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 from Agent Orange.

I wish I had known about the things that we were exposed to a long time before we found out, said Miriam.

Many veterans say the pain of how they were treated after returning home still lingers.

People were being, just verbally attacked or spit on and stuff like that and called them baby killers and other things, said Miriam.

Photo by: Jack Young

That is why this group of veterans spent the day together reflecting.

It really energizes me to be around people that know what I did and know what your experiences were, and they had similar ones, and you can relate to them because, you know, like being there wasnt fun, said Miriam.

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Their mottoNever again will one generation of veterans abandon one another.

If you are a veteran looking to find community or resources click here.

We just dont want sympathy from the public, we want them to recognize us as being soldiers and airmen and sailors and Marines who served this country with honor, said Dowell.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Today marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. For some veterans, the memories and wounds still feel fresh. KSN spoke with some after a Kansas Honor Flight who had enlisted, as well as others who had been drafted, about their thoughts five decades later.

They say an anniversary like this one is a chance for them to reclaim their roles as service members after facing a less-than-warm welcome home half a century ago.

As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, Robyn Boyes knows the war brings up complex memories.

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When I was little, he didnt talk about it, Boyes said.

Tune into KSN News at 10 every Wednesday for our Veteran Salute

I cant explain it to you  I mean, Im sorry  Its hard to remember, Boyes father and Vietnam veteran, Dan, said.

The 58,000 that didnt come home, Ed Roberts, another Vietnam veteran, said. Thats the hardest part.

The connection of brotherhood built on the battlefield was overshadowed by the memory of the loss of fellow servicemembers and hostility from other Americans upon their return.

It was not a real good time, we was an unpopular war and it showed, Sample said.

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Spending the anniversary with fellow veterans allows veterans to reclaim their past and get a true welcome home.

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Authorities have identified the victim in the fatal stabbing at a Clarksville construction site on April 29.

Clarksville Police Department identified Ivan Villa Contrera, 27, of Guthrie, Kentucky, as the man fatally stabbed at the site.

CPD responded to an assault call shortly after 9:30 p.m. at 1663 Old Russellville Pike.

Contrera was transported to Tennova Healthcare where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect, 24-year-old Cristian Noe Moreno-Hernandez, of Springfield, was charged with criminal homicide and booked into the Montgomery County Jail without bond.

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He was was taken into custody without incident and was interviewed by detectives at the department's Special Operations Unit.

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 is a developing story.

Kenya Anderson is a reporter for The Leaf-Chronicle. She can be contacted at kanderson@gannett.com or on X at kenyaanderson32. Sign up for the Leaf-Chronicle to support local journalism at www.theleafchronicle.com.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Victim identified in fatal stabbing at Clarksville construction site
An Indian Land woman, who did not want to be identified, says that in August 2024, she was sexually assaulted. She wanted to press charges and build a case, so she says police told her to go to the hospital and see a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, more commonly called a SANE or SANE nurse.

The woman says he drove to Novants Ballantyne hospital.

Before even checking in, I asked them at the desk, Do you have this type of nurse available? she said. The lady there, she actually made a phone call somewhere, and it was a few moments, and she said, Yes. This person is here.

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However, that person was not there, and it took nearly seven hours to find that out.

I was ashamed. I was embarrassed, she said. I was lost and confused.

She says during that time at Novant Ballantyne, she had to keep re-telling her story of sexual assault. Each time, she heard a different reason as to why a SANE nurse wasnt available.

I was given all kinds of reasons as to why this person wasnt there, she said. Were looking for this person. Were waiting for them to answer the page. Someone may be in the facility that can do it, and it just kept changing. And I kept waiting because I need this done.

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After seven hours, she says a nurse came in and gave it to her straight.

She just kind of felt bad for me, and she came in and she pretty much told me, No one is here. No one is coming, she said.

She says she was told to come back the next morning and that she would be prioritized.

So she left, didnt shower, and returned the next day.

It was just like insult to injury, she said.

Again, no SANE nurse was available.

I was told then that these nurses, or this nurse, was at some sort of convention, she said. It was a SANE nurse convention. I never heard anything of a sort.

She says she felt defeated.

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No one touched me, she said. No one looked at me. I really needed that evidence.

She filed a complaint with North Carolinas Department of Health and Human Services. The agency conducted an unannounced site visit in December and found Novant Ballantyne did not have a SANE nurse available to do a sexual assault examination.

Novant declined to speak with Channel 9 on camera for this report.

Our emergency medicine teams, including physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses, are always equipped and available 24/7 to provide care for patients who have experienced sexual assault, a Novant spokesperson said. These exams are offered whenever clinically appropriate, at all Novant Health medical centers, with the utmost concern for each patients dignity, safety, and healing.

The sexual assault survivor wants to know, if thats the case, why wasnt an exam offered to her?

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This is the part that I dont understand, she said. You would think they would have a female doctor just come in like, you know, humor me or something.

Novant did not answer follow-up questions about her care and said they do not have a way to confirm if all of its SANE nurses were at a convention.

An online registration page shows there was an International Conference on Forensic Nursing that weekend in Colorado.

Neither North nor South Carolina require hospitals to have a specialized SANE nurse on duty. Theres no easy way for patients to find out if theres one available at a given moment.

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I think that there is an ongoing need for sexual assault nurse examiners, not just across the state. I do think Mecklenburg County as well, said Safe Alliance Chief Program Officer Cori Goldstein.

Cori Goldstein with Safe Alliance says while an ER doctor may be able to perform the exam, there are advantages to seeing a SANE nurse.

A SANE nurse is going to have extra training around ensuring that theyre not only meeting the medical pieces and meeting the medical obligations, but theyre also going to be working in that trauma-informed manner in supporting a survivor throughout the process, she said.

According to the International Association of Forensic Nurses, only 17%-20% of American hospitals have SANEs on staff.

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In 2022, then North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, announced a new program aimed at training 50 North Carolina nurses to serve as SANE nurses.

State Sen. Woodson Bradley, who is a sexual assault survivor, says North Carolina should find ways to get more SANE nurses in hospitals.

No person in the greatest time of need, having this amount of trauma, should go seeking help and not find the qualified person that they were told was going to be there, she said.

The sexual assault survivor who sought care at Novant Ballantyne says she was not able to move forward with criminal charges in her sexual assault case because she didnt receive an exam during those two days. Now she says she wants to be a voice for others, so they wont go through what she did.

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I need to know that this is going to be fixed, she said.

Safe Alliance is building the Umbrella Center in east Charlotte. The center will provide services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and abuse. One of the services which will be offered is access to a SANE nurse.

VIDEO: Game changer: Novant Health helps pioneer new Parkinsons treatment
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Fifty years ago today, South Vietnams capital city, Saigon, was captured, bringing an end to the brutal years-long Vietnam War.

It was inevitable. We had no chance. It was a political war, said Army codebreaker Robert Hughes. I wasnt surprised at all. But I cried.

News Channel 11 asked every veteran featured in our 10-part series on The Vietnam War: 50 Years Later about their thoughts on the Fall of Saigon as people who served there, even though the United States had pulled out two years before.

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To lose Saigon and the whole South like thatit was a disgrace because we were better fighting men than that, said Army veteran Lowell Cable. They didnt have the equipment that we had. We were fighting a conventional war with guerrilla warfare. Its like it was all for nothing. And that really gets disheartening when you think of it that way.

More than 58,000 servicemembers were killed in the war. Fifty years later, how it ended still stings to those whose lives were forever changed because of it.

They died. Whatd they die for? I dont know, said Navy Seabee John White. Im very disappointed in the way it all turned out.

The U.S. exited militarily in 1973.

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These South Vietnamese senior officers, generals, were leaking information to the North Vietnamese; thats why I could never get a B-52 mission that would go in and take out bridges and parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in the truck parts, said Master Army Aviator Thomas Reeves.

Reeves was stationed in the headquarters in Saigon with one of the highest security clearances someone could get at the time.

It was coming well before April of 1975, we had so much of our troops out and we lost a lot, Reeves said. The Vietnamese training was going poorly. They were never going to be able to take over. They folded and ran, and I realized that this war was going to end. We were never going to win it.

Others also saw the Fall of Saigon coming well before it happened.

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We were turning stuff over to them. And, you could see some of the boats come back and their equipment, itd be gone missing. You could see the writing on the wall, said Navy Brown Water River-Rat TJ Miles. We didnt lose the war. Washington lost the war for us.

Those feelings that had been suppressed for decades resurfaced in 2021 when the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan.

Vietnam was a different situation. The enemy was in charge of the country long before we ever pulled out and leaving all the weaponry and the ammunition and everything in tact for them to have, said Army Airborne Ranger Ed Johnston. When we pulled out of Afghanistan the way we did, that brought all that feeling right up to a big boil in a hurry because there was no sense in that withdrawal.

While each veteran News Channel 11 spoke with had a different duty in Vietnam, they all had similar feelings about what happened on this day 50 years ago, even though they had already returned home.

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They just turned their back on them. Left. All the equipment thats left, and we havent learned anything. We did it again in Afghanistan, said Army veteran Bill Blankenship. Everybody that served feels that way. They turned their back on all the guys who fought, died. 

The next segment of The Vietnam War: 50 Years Later airs Thursday at 5 p.m.

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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  50 years ago, the Vietnam War came to an end with the Fall of Saigon, where many soldiers faced backlash during their return, but since then, a drastic shift in veteran recognition has taken place.

70 years ago conflict between the communist government of North Vietnam and South Vietnam led the United States armed forces to intervene, and nearly 3 million American soldiers went to combat.

Air Force veteran David Applewhite recalled the moment he decided to serve his country. One of my best friends, I had grown up with. In February, after he had served one month in Vietnam, he was killed, Lieutenant Danny Gilstrap, said Applewhite. I went to his funeral in February here in Kilgore and in May I joined.

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Sadly, 2.7 million people were killed during warfare and of that number, more than 58,000 were American men and women who served in the United States military. Of the thousands of casualties, five were individuals who attended Kilgore High School.

Theres a certain amount of guilt to the fact that I came home at all. Why he had to go or why she had to go and I didnt, Air Force veteran Stan Wiley said. Wiley continued by stating that you never know why it is always the people who have the most to lose that never return.

Those who were lucky to return home in the 70s were resented by many for losing the war. American citizens were divided by the politics that occurred during the Vietnam era and that led to soldiers facing backlash and criticism as they set foot back on American soil.

Keith Rothra, a United States Navy veteran, expressed the experience of many U.S. servicemen and women. Rothra said, People were spitting on Vietnam veterans, people were throwing ugly things at them.

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50 years later, the recognition of Vietnam War veterans has changed. Many are acknowledged via the Honor Flight Network, through multiple memorials across the nation, and servicemen now say they are now gladly welcomed home by their community members.

I took my lawn mower over to my lawn mower mans house one day, and he was going to repair my lawn mower. His fourteen-year-old son came out, stuck his hand out and said Welcome home, sir and of course, I lost it, said Applewhite.

After decades of change in the public perception, one sentiment never wavered among the men: they will always be proud to have served their country.

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.
Von Tran speaks at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Dozens of Vietnamese Americans gathered at a senior center in Norcross Wednesday to mark the 50th anniversary of what Von Tran called a dark day in history.

Its a day of suffering, of separations of family, of death, of thousands and hundreds of thousands killed and forced into reeducation camps and imprisoned, Holocaust-style, if you can imagine that, said Tran, CEO of First Senior Center of Georgia, which hosted the event. Some were imprisoned for five years, 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, trying to brainwash them into communist ideology.

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In Vietnam, April 30, 1975, is celebrated as Reunification Day, when North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, uniting the nation under socialist rule. But to members of the Vietnamese diaspora who fled South Vietnam after its fall, April 30 is marked as the Fall of Saigon, a day to lament the end of South Vietnam and to remember the people who died fighting for the nation.

Vietnamese service members participate in a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Tran is part of that diaspora. She left Vietnam in 1983 at 9 years old, packed on a fishing boat with more than 60 others, including her parents and five siblings.

Tran said her family often relied on charity to make sure everyone was fed during her early days in the U.S.

I went to the food pantry at the church every Sunday, six of us, to get six chickens so my mother would be able to cook for us, because my father in 1985 was only making $3.54 an hour, she said. He couldnt feed seven mouths. I jokingly say all the time, that Ive been converted so many times at church pantries, from Catholic to Lutheran to Methodist to, you name it, just for a chicken.

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Thanks to those charity chickens and a lot of hard work, Tran found success in the business world and now runs her own food pantry out of the senior center, delivering literal tons of food to thousands of households every week, with a special focus on seniors.

In addition to the food bank and recreational facilities, the center has areas for arts and crafts as well as medical services, including acupuncture. While the ceremony honoring the fall of Saigon took place, a few old timers sat in the back and played board games like xiangqi, or Chinese chess.

Many of the people who fled Vietnam around the fall of Saigon are getting older, and the center helps with tasks like translation, transportation and signing up for government assistance programs.

Seniors play games like Chinese chess at the First Senior Center of Georgia in Norcross. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

A lot of them are low-income, so we cater to those who dont have the means to  whether because of a language barrier or transportation limitations  take them to doctor appointments, schedule a doctor appointment for them, apply for all the different social services, food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, and translation, interpretation. We also give them coffins. We bury them, give them a cemetery plot. We cremate them. These are all free services.

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Many of the people who came out Wednesday were members of South Vietnams military, including some who wore their old uniforms. They saluted the flag of South Vietnam and delivered speeches and sang songs in Vietnamese. Members carrying battery-powered candles walked to the front of the centers common area and placed them on a large map of Vietnam.

Tom Nguyen, a retired mechanical engineer, served six years in the South Vietnamese Navy, but he came to the ceremony in a suit and tie instead of his fatigues.

Im glad the war is over, he said. Im glad that the future is growing better over there and over here, because I was there to see many people killed. Theres no reason for that. I hate war. I hate war. It just destroys things and communities and the economy.

Nguyen has lived in the U.S. since 1975 and Georgia since 1978. Every now and then when he speaks, a little bit of a southern drawl rises up from beneath his Vietnamese accent. If you ask him about it, hell smile and pull down the collar of his shirt.

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Cant you see my neck is red? he says with a laugh.

Nguyen may not be American by birth, but hes a red-blooded patriot. He said he wants the next generation of Vietnamese Georgians to honor their roots but also appreciate their new country.

Were trying to tell them today is a better life for you, especially you here in America, you have a better future, you have a long life, and you have education, you can perform, and you can achieve as you wish, because here is opportunity for everybody, America is number one, I put it that way, he said.

Hanh Kim Dang, a realtor and past president of Vietnamese Community of Georgia, said shes also thinking about the next generation. She got out of Vietnam April 26, 1975, just days before the fall of Saigon.

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She says she counts herself lucky that she and her sister were able to fly out of Vietnam because her aunt worked for the U.S. government. Many others made a perilous trip by boat or on foot.

Dang, who was 20, had studied some English in school, but she was far from fluent.

It was very rough, she said. I was in the third year of law school, then I went back here and started all over again. I tried to go to high school because thats where I thought I could learn English and use it more to get better. But they said, no, your age, you have to go to community college.

Dang turned that community college education into a degree in information and computer science from Georgia Tech. After a 19-year career, she entered the business world and now owns several nail salons and food courts.

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Dangs three children are all in their thirties now. Theyre all conversational in Vietnamese, if not fluent.

When they were growing up, I hired nannies who were Vietnamese, and I told them, please use Vietnamese language at home, so they pick it up, so they can save it, but its more like daily conversation, not writing, not literature, she said.

They have some understanding of why were here, but understanding deeply the reason why we sacrificed, we left everything behind, its hard for them because theyre born here, she added. They adopted the culture, language, everything here, but they do understand, they see what the people have been through through photos, videos, movies.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

The end of the Vietnam War was a pivotal moment in U.S. history  and one that brought a wave of refugees to Chicago, forever changing the landscape of the city.

There is a section of Chicagos Uptown neighborhood known as Asia on Argyle, a neighborhood whose seeds were planted a half century ago, 87,000 miles, and a world away.

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Doug Nguyen was just 10 years old on April 30, 1975, when communist North Vietnamese forces captured the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon.

More: Full special: Vietnam  A Lost Generation

You saw people climbing over barbed fencing around the American embassy, he said. You saw people trying to jump on the back of cargo planes taking off.

U.S. ally South Vietnam surrendered, bringing an end to the Vietnam War, as the final helicopter left the American embassy.

That shot is the epitome of the Vietnam war. The shot of the people boarding that helicopter, Nguyen said.

Nguyens father, a South Vietnamese soldier, was killed in the war. He and his mother escaped the conflict and were brought to a refugee camp in Arkansas.

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We left everything we had behind. You just had your clothes on your back, Nguyen said. We left on a cargo plane, they pushed everybody in as much as they could, to fly us out of Saigon.

Eventually, he moved to Chicago.

Special Section: Vietnam and the Fall of Saigon

The refugees found themselves in these ethnic enclaves, like Uptown, and formed their own communities, Nguyen said.

The Uptown neighborhood became a community of thousands of Vietnamese refugees who settled in the area and created a new home. Along the way, they blended Vietnamese culture with Chicago style and found a common thread that helped tie them to the city.

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Sports became something that unified young people, Nguyen said.

Illinois now has 40,000 residents of Vietnamese descent, half of them are in Chicago. It is a lasting legacy of the Fall of Saigon including the vibrant Asia on Argyle area of Uptown, where shop owners trim trees and make bubble teas.

Van Huynh is the executive director of the Vietnamese Association of Illinois.

More: Rediscovered footage is changing the way we remember Vietnam

To be able to come to a new land to be resettled in a country in which you dont know the language, you dont understand the culture, there might be some political context that youre not filled in on, and to revitalize neighborhoods and communities, so you see little Saigons all over the United States as a result of the work that Vietnamese refugees have built, Huynh said. I think April 30 has always represented a very somber and heavy moment in my family.

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She said April 30 is a time to both reflect on the end of the war and recognize the new beginning it brought.

Often times when people think about Vietnamese people, they think about the Vietnam War, but obviously its more than that, Huynh said. April 30 is about more than the end of a war but about how people sought to rebuild after that.

On Saturday at St. Augustine College, the Vietnamese Association of Illinois will host a series of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. There will be speakers, panel discussions, cultural performances and more from 9 a.m.  1 p.m.

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.
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Nurse anesthetist Christine King discusses her article, The heartbreaking pandemic story I will never forget. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic five years later, she shares the profound impact of collective trauma through personal and professional lenses. Christine recounts a moving encounter with a musician patient who endured extreme isolation and depression during the pandemic, revealing that only his responsibility towards his cats kept him from suicide. She discusses the emotional toll on health care workers, including witnessing troubling shifts in colleagues attitudes towards the pandemics severity and vaccine science due to misinformation, alongside her own grief from losing her mother during visitor restrictions and feelings of betrayal over community vaccine refusal. Despite the lingering pain and disillusionment, Christine holds onto hope for a future with more mutual listening, trust in science, and appreciation for one another.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Christine King. Shes a nurse anesthetist. Todays KevinMD article is The heartbreaking pandemic story I will never forget. Christine, welcome to the show.

Christine King: Thank you. Thank you very much.

Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us a little about your story briefly, and then the article that you wrote on KevinMD for those that didnt get a chance to read it.

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Christine King: Sure. So I am a nurse anesthetist. Im based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was a nurse in critical care for about 12 years. When I went to anesthesia school, it was a personal goal to attain a masters degree. I wanted to work more autonomously. And it felt like it was the top of the nursing profession, so thats why I chose that path.

Kevin Pho: All right. And your article is about COVID-19. Tell us your story.

Christine King: Yes well, it was five years ago, so I was reflecting upon that and Ive seen a lot of articles lately about COVID-19 because we hit the five year mark. And actually, this story occurred after things had kind of settled down. The vaccine was available. This gentleman came in and he just told us this story that was just very, very [impactful]: he was how lonely and isolated he was during the pandemic and how he really had decided that he was going to end his life. And the only thing that kept him alive was the fact that he had cats to take care of at home.

And that got him through. And it just really touched me because he was so vulnerable in that moment. And this was when people were just coming back to start routine testing again, because a lot of people avoided the hospital during the pandemic. And it just made such an impression on me when he told me that story.

Kevin Pho: And what was the setting where he said this? Was he admitted to the hospital and how did he talk?

Christine King: Oh, he was an outpatient for a colonoscopy, a GI procedure. Sure. So it was because during the pandemic we only really took care of inpatients in that department. We didnt really have outpatients. So it was scary times.

Kevin Pho: So as he was telling you this story about how this patient was thinking about taking his life and the only thing preventing him from doing so were his cats. So as he was relaying the story to you, what was going through your mind?

Christine King: I just felt so much compassion for him because as difficult as things were during the pandemic for health care workers, we went into work every day. We werent isolated. We had each other to rely on and to depend on. And there were so many people that didnt have that. I think the pandemic hit all of us in very different ways, but at least I had the support of my coworkers at that time.

Kevin Pho: So you were a nurse anesthetist. I assume that you did a lot of inpatient procedures, surgeries, critical care things, certainly during the pandemic. What was it like for you during those dark times?

Christine King: It was very difficult because before the vaccine was available you just felt very exposed. One of our GI department usually did about 10 cases a day, 10 to 12 cases a day. And one of the doctors said, out of the 10 patients were taking care of today, one of them will probably be COVID positive and not know it. We took a lot of precautions but we were still, even though that is our job to take care of people, we were still exposed to something that really wasnt well known at all. And we were coming home to our families and had to find a way to protect them as well, which made it difficult too.

Kevin Pho: And how did that whole experience living through COVID and all the uncertainty through COVID, how did that change you as a clinician?

Christine King: I think it changed me in a lot of ways. I was very surprised at how many of my coworkers and clinicians in general became very anti-mask and very anti-vaccine very, very quickly because when the vaccine first came out, there was so much relief in the hospital. Just this, I remember people posting on social media about how relieved they were and about how happy they were to finally have this, because it was a long time between March and end of December, beginning of January when that was available, and how quickly that changed. And that surprised me a lot. I did not expect that.

Kevin Pho: And you could almost say that its a reflection, of course, of our greater society, where right now theres just a lot of skepticism against the vaccines, a lot of skepticism towards masking. And in a way theres a lot of loss of trust in our public health institutions and our medical professional institutions. So now that youve had time to reflect five years out from COVID, what are you seeing about the attitudes towards health care professionals, towards public health and some of the lessons that the public seems to have learned or not about the whole pandemic experience?

Christine King: Oh, I think that things are fairly bleak. I listened to your podcast yesterday and your guest mentioned violence against health care workers. I think that has gotten much worse, and I do think the pandemic is partially responsible because we went from health care heroes to villains so, so quickly. And I think people, just measles coming back is very, very, very frightening to me. I have twin grandsons who have gotten all their vaccines and I actually printed the CDC schedule of pediatric vaccines because I wasnt sure when everything changed two months ago. I wasnt sure if that information was going to be available and I wanted to make sure that we had it.

I think COVID vaccine skepticism has become mainstream. Even the Novavax vaccine, which is a different mechanism that people are suspicious of that. Thats more of a traditional vaccine thing. People are very suspicious of it. COVID hasnt gone away. Measles is coming back. H1N1 is in the background. And I still think that the supply chain is not ready for another pandemic to come down the line. And I dont know, because everythings been cut if people are even tracking that anymore. Its very difficult. Things are changing very fast and its very frightening to me.

Kevin Pho: So are you personally witnessing some of that hostility and some of that anti-medicine sentiment during your normal day as a nurse anesthetist? Are you seeing that personally?

Christine King: I dont think, I think most of the patients that come into the hospital are very, very happy to have the care that they receive. OK. I have pulled back a lot from friendships in the workplace because of that type of opinion. I am starting to call things out like I was in a social situation where people started to not necessarily say anything about the vaccines, but they were talking about masks in general. And I work in an OR; we wear masks all the time. So to hear someone say masks dont work, I am starting to speak out respectfully, but just say to people, if you have surgery, I would wear a mask in the room for you to prevent infection. Weve done that for a hundred years, well before the pandemic. Or specifically the COVID pandemic. So, I am starting to respectfully call people out for their views sometimes.

Kevin Pho: As you said, its costing you your personal relationships with some people.

Christine King: Absolutely. I have family members that have really been very, really cut me out of their life and friendships that really have just changed. Theyre not the same.

Kevin Pho: And thats purely because of differing stances when it comes to things like masking and vaccines?

Christine King: Absolutely, yes. So I have found a group of people who are supportive of it and its just changed so much. I never expected the amount of change.

Kevin Pho: Do you see a path forward for those who have lost trust in medical professionals and lost trust in public health? Do you see a path forward to perhaps sway them back, like you said, for the next pandemic?

Christine King: I think one thing is the service you provide with your website and with this podcast because I think journalists in general are communication majors and they dont understand the medical system and they dont understand how things work in health care. And to have experts that are able to kind of explain those concepts to the general public, instead of a journalist whos trying to figure out how that works and communicate it, I think that type of thing is going to help.

And I also, and its unfortunate, but I think that as more people get sick and are affected by not having these vaccines, that its going to change a lot of minds too. And thats unfortunate that it has to come to that.

Kevin Pho: I completely agree with you when you say that because when its online and on social media, its very easy to be polarized because everyone is in their own individual silos. But when its face to face, like you said, you havent witnessed a lot of personal animosity against you when youre face-to-face with patients, for the most part, theyre very appreciative of the care they receive, and thats my stance as well. Whenever I talk to patients even if they dont agree with things like vaccines and masks, its always a very civil discussion, and at least it gives me the opportunity to plant that seed in their mind that perhaps the next time this happens again, they may reconsider.

Christine King: And I agree with that because again, with the mask conversation, when people are just thinking about masks in response to COVID its different. But when you say, oh, we wear them in the OR all the time and always have to protect you, to protect you from infection, I think that does make an impact because it makes people think, OK, well were using this in a different circumstance and they do work. So, it just gives them a different perspective.

Kevin Pho: In your article you wrote about the phrase, Im glad that youre still here and it hits different now, five years from the pandemic, so tell us more about that.

Christine King: I just, this gentleman was just so vulnerable and I just felt that he really needed to hear that. Somebody, even a stranger was happy that he was there and he had somebody to talk to. Because I think really at the end of the day, all we have is being kind to each other, and that makes a huge, huge difference. So I think we have to have more of that in the future. No, were not going to agree on everything, but we can be kind when we talk to each other about our differences.

Kevin Pho: And as health care professionals, were in a unique position to do that because a lot of times in primary care, when they come see me for their appointment, its really the social highlight of their day. Not to say that anyones in anyones social highlight, but a lot of times when I ask them what else do they have to do today, really coming in to see me, to see the physician is all theyre doing socially that day. So it does give us a unique opportunity.

Christine King: Oh, absolutely. I think theres even without the pandemic, I think people in general are really lonely and I noticed that too. You can always tell an older person who hasnt had a person to talk to for a long time because they really want to have a deep conversation with you.

Kevin Pho: Now from a behavioral health standpoint, you mentioned all the emotional turmoil and stress that health care professionals had gone through during the pandemic. They were at first heroes and now theyre in some cases villains. How do you yourself manage that and talk about some of the support that you have needed or gone through to help make it through the pandemic era from a behavioral health standpoint?

Christine King: Well, I journaled a lot through the pandemic effect. In preparation for this today, I was leafing through it and just some of the things that happen. Its amazing how you forget even in five years how much you actually forget. And therapy helped. So thats, Im a big believer in that.

Kevin Pho: Were talking to Christine King. Shes a nurse anesthetist. Todays KevinMD article is The heartbreaking pandemic story Ill never forget. Christine, lets end with some take home messages that you wanna leave with the KevinMD audience.

Christine King: I think that Im going to go back to just be kind and also there is a public good that we have to be aware of. And yes, individualism is important, but we also have an obligation to look after each other.

Kevin Pho: Thank you so much for sharing your story, perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming on the show.

Christine King: Thank you very much.
On Tuesday, Ashland Police were called to a situation in east Ashland. The call started as a burglary. The suspect ran out of the back of a house.

Ashland place located this suspect in a car in the parking lot of a church on Blackburn Avenue. The location is the former 45th Street area  a few hundred yards off Winchester Avenue.

Once police confronted the man with the gun, officers tried to negotiate a peaceful surrender.

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Unfortunately, the suspect was shot and killed. We cant determine the last time an Ashland Police officer shot someone causing death. Insofar as we can determine, it was during the 1930s.

Police Chief Todd Kelley wisely turned over the investigation to the Kentucky State Police. KSP has something called a special response team. They determine the facts surrounding the shooting.

The officer involved in the shooting is on administrative leave with pay during the investigation. This is a universal standard protocol for police departments when this happens. Once the investigation is concluded, the incident will be turned over to the grand jury for disposition. Once again, this is in accordance with Ashland Police policy and is a universal policy used by police departments throughout the country.

There are several reasons why an officer is placed on administrative leave following a shooting. One is because it is a traumatic event. Obviously, no police officer goes to work planning to kill a person. However, it could happen at any time. Police receive extensive training on how and when to use firearms in the police academy.

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We think Chief Kelley made the right decision to turn the investigation over to KSP. It keeps the cards on top of the table and preserves the integrity of his police department.

Police shootings are not common in this area. Policing remains a dangerous profession. It is getting harder and harder to recruit police officers.

We have every reason to believe KSP will conduct a comprehensive and fair investigation.
ANSON, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A viral picture of migrants forming the letters SOS in the yard of a detention facility in Anson is getting national attention.

News outlet Reuters flew a drone over the Bluebonnet Detention Facility on E 2nd Street April 28 and took the picture, which shows 31 men standing in formation for the drone.

Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th-century wartime law

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This comes one week after a group of Venezuelan immigrants that were set to be deported by the Trump administration under the Alien Enemies Act were turned around and sent back to the Bluebonnet Detention Facility after an emergency Supreme Court ruling.

Congressman Jodey Arrington visits ICE Detention Facility in Anson

These prisoners are subject to being sent to a notorious maximum security prison in El Salvador if the deportations ever happen. Currently, the Supreme Court ruling is temporary.

The Reuters photograph is now being shared by news agencies and social media users across the Country.

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Read more about whats happening at the Bluebonnet Facility here.

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ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  As we head into summer, another season of elections and early voting is getting ready to kick off throughout the Commonwealth.

The Virginia State Board of Elections has announced that in-person early voting for the June 17 primary elections will kick off on Friday, May 2, through Saturday, June 14.

You can vote early at your assigned registered location, as all locations will be open for 45 days starting Saturday, May 3. If any registrar offices are scheduled to be closed, they must offer early voting on May 2.

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If you plan on voting early in person, present your ID and cast a ballot. A list of acceptable forms of identification can be found online. (Do I need an ID to vote?)

Senate passes bill to repeal Biden-era rule on energy standards for appliances

Voters should check Early Voting Office Locations, as each locality sets its own early voting location, with some jurisdictions offering multiple satellite locations throughout the voting period. Dates and times vary by jurisdiction.

The Commonwealth also offers curbside voting for those with disabilities and those over 65 who wish to vote in person. Contact your general registrars office for more information regarding voting hours, additional locations, and ballot drop boxes.

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Requested absentee ballots, including ballots to registered military and overseas voters, will begin being mailed out no later than May 2.

The deadline to have an absentee ballot mailed is June 6 and can be requested without an explanation and in person, by mail, online (Citizen Portal), or by contacting their general registrars office. After receiving your absentee ballot, you can drop it off at the general registrars office or designated dropbox location during the early voting period or at polling locations on Election Day. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than June 17 and received by noon on June 20.

Some Social Security recipients could get 3 checks in May

Electronic marking tools are also available for submitting an absentee ballot for anyone with a visual or manual dexterity impairment.

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The voter registration deadline for casting a regular ballot is May 27. Afterward, voters can register and vote through same-day registration and cast a provisional ballot. Anyone who needs same-day registration will need to do so in person at an early voting jurisdiction location that they plan on registering at or at their designated polling location on Election Day.

Voters with questions about absentee or early in-person voting can call their general registrars office or the Department of Elections at 1-800-552-9745 or email info@elections.virginia.gov.

All 133 Virginia counties and cities will have a Democratic primary, but only 31 will have a Republican primary.

On the ballot this year in Virginia are Democratic Party primaries for lieutenant governor and attorney general, as well as primaries for both Democratic and Republican nominees for House of Delegates seats and local races. Since only one gubernatorial candidate for each party qualified for the ballot, there will be no primary election for governor. Only those House of Delegates districts where more than one candidate qualified for the ballot will have a primary election.

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Trumps war with judiciary dominates first 100 days

Important dates for the June 17 election cycle:

May 2  Early voting begins.

May 27  Deadline to register to vote and cast a regular ballot.

May 28  Same-day registration begins. Anyone registering and voting at the same time will have to cast a provisional ballot.

June 6  Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail or online.

June 14  Last day of early voting.

June 17  ELECTION DAY

June 20  All mailed ballots must be received by the general registrars office by noon.

June 23  Deadline for the local electoral board to certify provisional ballots.

July 1  State Board of Elections certifies results.

A full list of candidates in all 2025 races can be found online. Virginia Dept. of Elections: Candidates & Referendums.

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AMHERST COUNTY Va. (WFXR)  What if when you were in school, your classroom was a river and some of your teachers were fish?

You can find the answer to that in various schools across Virginia that are taking part in the Virginia Trout in the Classroom program. It comes courtesy of Trout Unlimited and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Amherst County Public Schools have adopted the program. Students there are raising brook trout in their classrooms and eventually releasing them into the Pedlar River, a native trout stream.

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We get eggs from the Department of Wildlife Resources in the fall, and they hatch those eggs and raise them in the classroom in tanks, said Amherst County Public Schools Superintendent William Wells. The trout that make it into the spring are about an inch to two inches long; we put them here in Pedlar River.

Dr. William Wells helps a Temperance Elementary student release a brook trout into the Pedlar River as part of the Virginia Trout in the Classroom Program (Photo: George Noleff)

Wells actually leads the streamside study that includes releasing tiny brook trout, then surveying the river for other aquatic life, and assessing the water quality in the stream. On this day, it was a third grade class from Temperance Elementary School releasing their trout.

I think Im going to find a couple of crawfish, maybe like those, maybe like mayflies, or minnows, said third-grader Grace Ramsey.

After releasing her brook trout, she was one of several students who broke up into groups to flip rocks to collect was then flowed downstream in a net. Based on the types of aquatic life they found like insects or other macro invertebrates, the students could follow a formula to measure water quality.

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Based on what they discovered, the student found the quality of water in the Pedlar River to be in the excellent range.

Students and teachers from Temperance Elementary in Amherst County, Virginia survey aquatic wildlife to determine water quality (Photo: George Noleff)

The program is stealthy in the way it teaches. The children thought they were just having fun, but in reality, they were getting lessons in chemistry, biology, math, hydrology, earth science, and a host of other academic disciplines.

Its definitely hands-on, said Dr. Wells.

And, because it is hands-on, the lessons are likely to stick. Education experts have found children who practice hands-on learning develop a connection to and a better grasp of the concepts involved. That translates to greater knowledge retention.

That is good for the kids and good for the rest of us, because these are lessons that will last a lifetime.

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They need to understand that as stewards of the environment they have to be able to take care of what we have, and if we dont take care of it, no one else will, Dr. Wells said. As much as I can get the kids out here to experience this, I think the better we are.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR)  19 Virginia Tech international students and alumni had their legal statuses restored by Monday, April 28.

In early April, the federal government revoked the legal statuses of thousands of international students. At Virginia Tech, spokesperson Mark Owczarski says that impacted four undergraduate students, ten graduate students, and five recent graduates.

While their status changed, they were still able to go to school and continue with their studies but with the pressure and concern they were facing, he said.

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Students say it created an atmosphere of uncertainty on campus.

Because we werent being told why it was happening. In the cases where a reason was given, it felt sort arbitrary or purposely selected to be a broad range that would apply to the most international students in general, said one graduate student who knew multiple people impacted.

Virginia Tech now offering on-campus recovery housing for students

Tech has more than 3,000 international students and only 19 were reported to be affected. Owczarski says theyre from several different countries. The university was not told why individual students had their statuses changed.

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Records were restored after several lawsuits were filed around the U.S. 11 Hokies had their legal status returned Friday and another eight by Monday. However, the government says theyre working to adopt a formal policy to revoke records.

Owczarski says Virginia Tech will continue to assist students as needed.

While ones visa status might change, their status as a student at Virginia Tech will never change, he explained.

He says international students are important to the universitys mission of learning and research.

International students, international scholars are critical to that effort because they bring the perspectives and the diversity of thought that is so essential, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Starting in 2026, visitors to Hawaii will be paying a bit more for paradise. But its not more than another price hike; its a major shift in how the state funds its future.

Under a new law passed by the Hawaii State Legislature, the transient accommodations tax (TAT) will increase for hotels; short-term rentals; time shares; and, for the first time, cruise ship passengers.

Are you wearing the right color lei for Lei Day? Kumu Lum explains

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Why the change? Climate change is already hitting Hawaii hard. Droughts, flooding, hurricanes and rising seas threaten the islands environment, infrastructure and economy.

Lawmakers believe that protecting Hawaiis natural beauty is good for the earth and its essential to the states economy and identity.

Sick of $8 tomatoes? Build a lanai garden, eat for (almost) nothing

Heres what you need to know about the new tax, why its happening and what it means for residents and visitors alike.

1. The tax rate is going up for most short-term stays

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the state TAT will rise from 9.25% to 10% for hotels, short-term vacation rentals and time shares. That means if your room costs $300 a night, youll pay $30 in state taxes. this is not including county surcharges, which vary from county (island/s) to county.

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8 things to know about why thousands will garden naked Saturday

This is the first state-level increase in more than a decade. The goal is to use the added revenue for balancing the budget and much, much more. Lawmakers have tied it directly to environmental goals and better visitor management.

2. Cruise ships will pay their fair share

For the first time, cruise passengers will be taxed on the portion of their fare tied to time spent in Hawaii. The new tax will be 11% of the prorated cruise fare for days docked in the islands. In 2024, Hawaii saw nearly 1 million cruise passenger port calls; but until now, cruise companies didnt pay TAT on those visits.

The new law defines a cruise fare to include lodging and most onboard services but not optional extras like spa treatments or off-ship excursions. Lawmakers say this levels the playing field with hotels and rentals and makes sure all visitors contribute to Hawaiis upkeep.

3. The money will fund climate resilience and tourism management

Heres where it gets different from a regular tax increase: the new revenue is earmarked. Beginning July 1, 2025, the governor must request that a matching amount of general funds  equal to the estimated revenue from the increased TAT  go to specific projects.

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These include:

Protecting native forests, reefs and coastlines.

Making buildings and infrastructure more climate-resilient.

Reducing damage from wildfires and flooding.

Improving parks, trails and beaches.

Making tourism more sustainable and less harmful.

The bill legally requires this spending plan be part of the states budget each year.

4. Tourism is being redefined as part of the solution

This law reflects a big shift in how the state views tourism. For decades, Hawaiis economy has depended heavily on visitor spending. But unchecked tourism has put intense pressure on natural and cultural resources.

This legislation states clearly: economic growth must support, not undermine, environmental health. That includes investing in destination management. Thats a strategy that focuses on quality over quantity of visitors, encouraging respectful behavior and giving residents more say in how tourism is handled.

5. Native ecosystems and Native Hawaiian culture are central

Hawaiis natural environment is incredibly scenic and sacred. The bill makes clear that protecting forests, coral reefs and freshwater sources is also about protecting Oiwi culture and practices. By restoring native ecosystems, the state helps ensure that traditional knowledge systems and cultural practices from hula to farming and fishing can continue.

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That cultural connection sets Hawaii apart from other destinations, and its something lawmakers say have decided to support rather than sideline.

6. Environmental inaction costs more in the long run

While this is about being green, its more importantly about math. Lawmakers indicate that failing to act now will lead to far greater costs later. Think: damaged roads and buildings, rising insurance costs, declining biodiversity and health issues from heat and pollution.

In other words, prevention is cheaper than disaster recovery and smarter, too.

7. This law positions Hawaii as a global leader in sustainable tourism

By linking tourism revenue directly to climate action and cultural preservation, Hawaii is setting a model other destinations may follow. The law invites sustainable businesses and investors to see Hawaii as a hub of innovation and stewardship as well as a vacation spot.

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It also responds to a shift in what many travelers now want: experiences that are responsible, meaningful and in harmony with local communities and nature.

8. The new tax is about direction as much as its about dollars

Hawaii is choosing to invest in its future and is asking visitors to understand their responsibility to their visiting destination.

You can click here to read the Senate Bill 1396.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

The next time you come to the islands, your stay will cost a bit more. But a commitment to the land, the people and Hawaiis future.

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NEWTON COUNTY, Mo.  24 hours later, the recovery effort continues after a storm swept through Newton County.

Very small tornado. I dont think it actually hit the ground. It certainly clipped the trees and took out some small buildings, said Monna Roberson, Wentworth mayor.

NWS rates Tuesday tornado in southwest Missouri

While authorities continue investigating what caused the damage in Wentworth, theyre working to pick up the pieces.

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Woman across the street, I see her garage collapse, and she has roof damaged by evidence of tarps. One of our trustees had a big tree down, and theyve got roof damage. And so I think more the damage was caused by falling debris than anything else, said Roberson.

Volunteers are helping to speed the process.

But theyre still waiting for the lights to go back on.

Those customers are among the hundreds of Liberty customers still without power in Newton and McDonald counties on Wednesday.

Lightning strike disrupts tornado sirens in SE Kansas town

Meanwhile, New-Mac Electric Cooperative has even more that theyre working to restore.

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We had mutual aid crews in here with all of ours, as well as our contractors in here, which we have numerous ones of them. And they went out with construction heavy trucks and started setting poles. And theyve been doing that all day long. And were going to run them 18 on, off six, said Mark Rakes, New Mac Elec.

The Neosho Fire Department reports there were 29 calls for service in just the first three hours after the storm passed Tuesday morning.

That was everything from residents trapped in buildings and traffic accidents  but thankfully no serious injuries.

Were grateful, thankful for that. Had no loss of life. Reported lots of lots of electric lines down, telephone calls, light bulb snaps, roofs that were taken off of buildings. It was quite a mess for a little while, but in the grand scheme of things, is property, and theres no loss of life, so were grateful for that, said Aaron Houk, Neosho fire chief.

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As of this afternoon, Liberty still had more than 800 customers without power in Newton and McDonald counties, while New Mac has about 27 hundred to restore.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Voters in the 21st Judicial District elected a new juvenile court judge on Saturday, May 3, after the race advanced to a runoff following the initial election on March 29.

Residents in Livingston, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa parishes elected Republican candidate Jenny Richardson Fore for the seat for Division I, a juvenile court within the district court system currently held by Judge Mary C. Devereux. Fore was elected with 13,323 votes, according to complete but unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of States Office.

Heres a look at the two runoff candidates:

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Jenny Richardson Fore (Republican) Graduated from LSU in 2010 and graduated from the Southern University Law Center in 2013. Has represented children in juvenile court for the past decade. On her campaign website, she says she understands what it takes to address rising youth crime from a legal perspective. Read more on Richardson Fores campaign Facebook page.

Jessica Ledet (Republican) Endorsed by Gov. Jeff Landry. Earned a law degree from the Southern University Law Center. On her campaign Facebook page, she says she wants to add programs for youth, their parents, schools, and the broader community. Read more on Ledets campaign Facebook page.



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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DES MOINES, Iowa  Students in the Des Moines metro were taking part in the National Day of Action before school started Thursday morning.

Students were joined by elected leaders, educators, and members of the community at rallies around Des Moines. They gathered outside schools, with some protesters holding up signs reading, Honk for Schools.

The walk-in was sponsored by the National Education Association and the Iowa State Education Association in protest of cuts to public education. One teacher, who attended a rally outside Central Campus, said its important for kids to learn about how the government works because they will eventually help shape it.

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Sky-high ticket prices for Caitlin Clarks return to Iowa for Fever preseason game

Because theyre eventually going to be voters and they need to develop their critical thinking and have arguments and discussions about yes or no, pro or con. And this was a heated debate right along with should we wear uniforms. So that was a big conversation as well. And I think that this is something theyll always remember, said Kathleen Feeney, a 4th-grade teacher at Des Moines Downtown School.

Feeney spoke about the parents support for student participation, saying, Also the parents endorse this and they wanted to be a part of it. They thought it was a great idea. You know, we joked that we cant get them off screens and then I cant keep their attention. Im not clickbait, you know, I dont have any coins. They cant level up with me. So the parents were excited for them to have these hard discussions. We call them Socratic discussions and pick a side and stick to it, you know, so the parents appreciate it.

The rallies wrapped up in time for the kids to get to class. Organizers said 70 schools participated across Iowa, including 12 in Des Moines.

Metro news

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Signalgate may have been the tipping point for national security adviser Mike Waltz, but his downfall began before he accidentally added a journalist to a private chat about a U.S. attack on Yemen.

From the early days, senior administration officials were irked by his approach  seeing him as too cocky. Hes a staff, but he was acting like a principal, one person close to the White House who was granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics said. National security advisers, while powerful, support presidents but do not run an agency like Cabinet secretaries.

In the wake of the Signal chat scandal in late March, outsiders called for his immediate firing over the apparent security breach, but some White House insiders speculated that the bad headlines would paradoxically buy Waltz time.

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Trump views the media, including Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, as the enemy, and did not want to look like he was reacting to coverage of Goldbergs inclusion in the Signal chat by firing someone involved in the scandal.

Waltz has been on thin ice for a while. This made the ice thinner but at the same timemay actually save him for now because they dont want to give Goldberg a scalp, one White House ally said at the time.

But he had lost enough allies that his eventual departure was all but certain  the only question was when hed go.

Trump announced on Truth Social Thursday that he is tapping Waltz to be his ambassador to the United Nations.

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Rep. Elise Stefanik (R -NY) was nominated for the role, but was asked to withdraw because of Republicans thin margins in the House.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was also taking heat for his role in disclosing attack plans on Signal. But he had more White House support than Waltz, and was harder to fire because replacing him would require Senate confirmation. National security advisers do not require confirmation, making them more expendable to Trump.

I know that Pete has a lot more friends in the West Wing than Mike has,  said another person familiar with the dynamics.

Waltz relationship with fellow Floridian Susie Wiles had eroded, at least in part due to his too big for his britches attitude, one of the allies said. He did have backers on Capitol Hill, with some GOP lawmakers relieved by Waltzs presence in the room. He was seen as a serious person with real credentials for the role, and more sympathetic to traditional defense hawks. But even as many old-school Republicans supported him, MAGA warriors were skeptical. Many viewed him as an outsider to their movement.

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Even from his first days in office, Waltz struggled to fill key NSC roles with Republican foreign policy experts viewed as more traditional defense hawks. Waltz's choices for the person to be NSC senior director for African Affairs, for example, were blocked three times in a row by other White House officials want wanted more full-throated MAGA acolytes to staff the NSC.

"The view was 'Wait why is he picking secret neocons for these jobs, that's not how this administration is going to work, said one person close to both Waltz and Alex Wong, Waltz's deputy. Which is bullshit, but that was the view and that set the stage for vibes of distrust and tension," This person was granted anonymity to discuss internal White House matters candidly.

Right wing activist Laura Loomer took relish in suggesting that she helped oust some of his staffers. The New York Times reported Loomer brought a list of names to Trump, deeming members of the NSC staff insufficiently loyal. A number of them were fired shortly after that meeting.

On Thursday, minutes after Waltzs removal was disclosed by POLITICO and other outlets, she sent POLITICO a one-word text: Loomered.

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After three months of relative restraint, Trump may be ready to fire others.

A planned wave of White House firings may come as early as late next week, two administration officials familiar with the matter granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations said.

Inside the West Wing, aides have started referring to the potential shakeup as The Purge, one administration official said. The plan, according to the official, is to carry out the firings in a single, decisive wave rather than to do it piecemeal.

The president is surrounded by highly talented and qualified patriots working to execute his agenda, a White House official said, responding to a request for comment. Mike Waltz will continue these efforts, and Secretary Rubio will excel in this new role.

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While Trumps second term has so far avoided the backstabbing and high churn that defined his first term, the planned shakeup  likely beginning with mid-level White House staffers  would signal a dramatic shift shortly after the 100-day mark.

A lot of firings are about to happen, the second official said.

Jake Traylor contributed reporting.
On the 20th of January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that initiated a freeze on foreign aid, including the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This abrupt suspension of funding has triggered a global health crisis, undermining decades of progress in combating HIV/AIDS and endangering millions of lives across the globe.

PEPFAR and its global success

Launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has saved 26 million lives by providing HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services in 54 countries. The DREAMS initiative (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) successfully reduced new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women through education programs empowering them about their reproductive health rights and access to services.

PEPFAR has been instrumental in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, strengthening overall health care infrastructure, and training thousands of health care workers in regions most affected by the epidemic.

Despite these successes, PEPFAR has always been vulnerable to U.S. political shifts. The Trump administrations decision to freeze foreign aid funding, including support for HIV/AIDS programs, threatens to reverse years of progress in HIV prevention and treatment.

Immediate consequences of the funding freeze

The impact of this decision has been swift and devastating, particularly in low- and middle-income countries that rely on PEPFAR funding:

HIV/AIDS treatment access has been abruptly cut off in clinics across sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, clinics that heavily depend on this support have faced closures and left thousands of patients without life-saving antiretroviral medications.

In Mozambique, over 20,000 health care providers received stop-work orders, effectively halting HIV/AIDS treatment programs overnight.

The supply of preventive toolssuch as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms, and public health education campaignshas been disrupted, increasing the risk of new HIV infections.

Health experts warn of a surge in new cases, especially among vulnerable populations such as young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.

Long-term implications for global health

The suspension of PEPFAR and other HIV/AIDS programs will lead to long-term consequences that extend beyond immediate service disruptions. These include:

Treatment interruptions put people living with HIV at a higher risk of developing AIDS and transmitting the virus to others.

Gaps in treatment increase the likelihood of drug-resistant HIV strains emerging, threatening global epidemic control.

Many PEPFAR countries have fragile health care systems. The sudden withdrawal of U.S. funding places additional strain on these systems, potentially leading to higher mortality rates not only from HIV/AIDS but also from related conditions such as tuberculosis and opportunistic infections.

The freeze on HIV/AIDS funding also damages the reputation of the U.S. as a global leader in health and humanitarian assistance. PEPFAR has long been a symbol of Americas commitment to fighting global epidemics, and its suspension signals a retreat from international cooperation.

The disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations

Not all communities bear the consequences of this funding freeze equally. Women and children in sub-Saharan Africa are most at risk. Women aged 1549 years form 61.9 percent of new HIV infections. The loss of PEPFAR-supported clinics and outreach programs will exacerbate maternal health risks, teen pregnancies, and barriers to reproductive care.

LGBTQ+ communities and sex workers will suffer as clinics and outreach programs disappear. These individuals already face significant stigma and barriers to health care. These populations often rely on community-based health organizations funded through PEPFAR, which provide medical care along with support services to fight discrimination and violence.

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Next steps: Mitigating the damage

While the uncertainty of the future of PEPFAR looms, advocacy and action taken by global health organizations and policymakers has put pressure on the U.S. administration to reverse this policy. Advocacy efforts should emphasize not only the humanitarian impact but also the long-term cost-effectiveness of continued investment in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

Additionally, alternative funding sources must be explored. While PEPFAR has been the cornerstone of the global HIV/AIDS efforts, theres an urgent need for other nations and private donors to step up in filling the financial void created by the U.S. governments retreat. Organizations like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which has declared its intention to continue distributing anti-HIV jabs for poorer countries, show the commitment the world needs in these dire times. The European Union and other philanthropic organizations can play a critical role in sustaining HIV/AIDS programs until a policy reversal is achieved.

Conclusion

The foreign aid freeze is a major setback in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This policy not only endangers millions of lives but also reverses decades of progress made in reducing infections and expanding treatment access. The international community must act swiftly to mitigate the damage, advocating for policy changes and exploring alternative funding sources. This will ensure that those in need continue to receive life-saving treatment.

Now is not the time for complacency. The fight against HIV/AIDS has always required political will, global cooperation, and sustained funding. The Trump administration must recognize the catastrophic consequences of this decision and restore its commitment to one of the most successful global health initiatives in history. Lives depend on it.

Koketso Masenya is a graduate student.
There was zero doubt as to which faction of the modern-day Republican Party felt like it came out ahead on Thursday after the announcement that Mike Waltz, President Donald Trumps national security adviser, was out of his job.

SCALP, declared conspiracy theory-lover and right-wing activist Laura Loomer in a tweet posted after reports of his removal as NSA and shortly before news that he would be moved to the now-vacant position of ambassador to the United Nations.

The writing was on the wall for Waltz long before news of his imminent ouster from his security role broke on Thursday. His new position puts him out of the White House, and out of Trumps inner circle of advisers.

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The late-March revelation that he had nearly singlehandedly caused the second Trump administrations first real scandal of 2025 by accidentally adding the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a group chat about an imminent military attack in Yemen, was always seen as a greater unforced error for the administration than any of the damaging headlines in the days following which conveniently surrounded a top Waltz rival in the administration, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

And thats likely the key to understanding the national security advisers move. More than anyone else in the White House or broader administration, Waltz suffered under the image of being a suspected leaker  something Trump and his lackeys hate more than just about anything. News of his fate on Thursday came just one day after a piece critical of a man floated as his replacement, Steve Witkoff, was published in the New York Post citing unnamed administration sources decrying his effectiveness in negotiations with Iran and Russia.

The paper quoted a member of Trumps first administration saying of Witkoff: Nice guy, but a bumbling f***ing idiot.

Michael Waltz was seen as one of the highest-ranking Republicans with ties to the establishment GOP within the White House (AP)

Waltz, according to CNNs Kaitlan Collins, was fighting [for his job] all week and in early April he was seemingly the target of a declaration of war from Loomer, who has organized a new far-right outfit aimed at hunting down leakers and other administration officials seen as disloyal to the president. Loomer stormed into the White House (at Trumps invitation) and presented the president with a list of names of staffers, including several under Waltzs direction at the national security council. Within hours, they were sacked.

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Loomer has been publicly calling for Alex Wong, Waltzs top deputy also reported to be getting the boot, to be ousted since March. In a lengthy tweet two days after The Atlantics editor-in-chief published a story detailing the contents of the Signal chain involving Waltz and other top administration officials, Loomer released a lengthy statement identifying Wongs wife Candace Chiu Wong as a former US attorney invovled in prosecuting January 6 rioters. New York Magazine reported that Loomer pushed directly for Wong and Waltz to be fired during her meeting with Trump.

And in a recent interview with journalist Tara Pamieri, Loomer explained that she had nearly shown Trump a video of Waltz, a former congressman from Florida, denouncing the presidents comments about servicemembers following the then-Republican candidates 2015 attack on Senator John McCain, who had survived years in a Vietnamese prison camp: Hes not a war hero, said Trump, who had avoided serving in Vietnam. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured.

Loomer said she was only prevented from showing the video to the president because Waltz himself happened to walk into the room.

The reasoning for trying to ditch Waltz seems clear: MAGA loyalists, partly out of their own long-held disdain for establishment Republican figures and partly out of a desire to protect Hegseth and others seen as their allies, turned fire on him as soon as Signalgate erupted. And the combination of Waltzs own role in that scandal and his reputation as a possible leaker meant he had no support from the president or his closest circle, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Steve Witkoff, center, with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A former Trump administration member said Witkoff was a nice guy  but had a less complimentary assessment of his abilities (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The real question is whether Trump, by ousting his national security adviser, is making a true final pivot away from that GOP establishment. Some of his outside observers and allies seem to think so.

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The Waltz ejection was nigh inevitable  Signalgate was open, opera bouffe incompetence (and then he baldly lied about it). But the apparent sacking of Alex Wong, an arch-hawk former Cotton and Romney staffer, signals a wider *ideological* reshuffle, as well, wrote Curt Mills, executive director of The American Conservative magazine.

As The Independent reported previously, the debate over Waltz and Hegseths roles in Signalgate was swept up in a broader discussion over the second Trump administrations posture towards Iran. Though Trump, begrudgingly according to reports, reinstated his maximum pressure campaign in February, his Middle East envoy Witkoff is now engaged in the first talks aimed at reaching an agreement to constrain Irans nuclear weapons program since the Obama era.

That conversation pitted Waltz against the faction of the GOP more closely aligned with Trumpworld that views foreign military intervention with skepticism. And many indirectly accused him of weaponizing the press against his ideological foes within the administration.

Just days after media reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discouraged President Trump from attacking Iran, multiple media stories have dropped claiming incompetence and worse on his part, wrote Ron Paul, long an icon of libertarian-ish Republicans, on Twitter, adding: Is Hegseth about to learn what happens when you cross the neocons?

Waltz reportedly lost support from both Trump and the presidents chief of staff, Susie Wiles, after Signalgate (Getty Images)

Trump, at the urging of natsec hawks like Mike Pompeo, Lindsey Graham and others, ripped up the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA shortly after taking office last time around. In 2025, he is taking a markedly different course as he threatens Iran to come to the table while at the same time reportedly waving off voices urging him towards direct military action  voices which include the Israeli government.

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Waltzs departure from the White House, along with Wongs, is likely to be a further blow for supporters of Ukraine and US involvement in Europe going forward. The national security adviser was one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine among Trumps senior foreign policy staffers, having called for the Biden administration to take an even tougher stance against Russia during his time in the House.

His demotion also marks the second time a Trump administration has begun with the purging of its own national security adviser within the first few months of being in office.

Michael Flynn, who served during Trumps first term, resigned after just 23 days on the job after it was revealed that hed lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Russias ambassador to the US. He went on to become a QAnon conspiracist and called on Trump to institute martial law during his attempts to overturn the 2020 election based on falsehoods.
WAMEGO (KSNT)  Wamego High School completed its 14th honor flight on Thursday, April 30, giving veterans the chance for closure.

It was a first-class homecoming celebration for 25 students and veterans, returning home from Washington D.C.; which also falls on the same day for the 50th anniversary for the end of the Vietnam War.

Both students and veterans were able to visit war memorials, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and more. Student Guardians accompanied veterans on the trip, learning about each veterans unique experience firsthand. Suzanne Sprenkle, who is the flight coordinator, has been working with the Wamego Honor Flight since 2014.

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Teacher accused of slapping student at Shawnee County school

Since then, she has been able to see the impact of sharing this experience across generations.

Its very different for them to be surrounded by their comrades and others that understand what they went through and are willing to listen, Sprenkle said. And then they have their student guardian that that listens to them as well and ask questions and is very inquisitive.

For the Flerlage Family, this once-in-a-lifetime trip, was a family affair. James A. Flerlage, a Vietnam War veteran, was accompanied on this trip by his grandson. Mason Flerlage is a senior at Wamego High School and a member of the National Honor Society.

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His favorite part of the trip was visiting the Vietnam War memorial with his grandfather.

Youre there and youre actually there with the veterans and youre seeing them all and never had that chance to kind of have that closure and that healing, Mason Flerlage said. And from a second perspective, watching that healing happened first-hand. Its very sad, but its also a very happy thing to see because a lot of them came home and never got closure.

Kansas starts program to cut costs for community centers

James A. Flerlage was able to shade and trace over the names, at the Vietnam War memorial, of some of the people he served with that lost their lives.

James A. Flerlage and Mason Flerlage shading over names at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C.

I saw some names on there of gentleman that I served with that didnt make it, James Flerlage said. We were able to sketch their names, and I am going to present them to their families so they can get some closure. Really humbling

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Mason will be following in his grandfathers footsteps and joining the Air Force after graduation.

Kansans reflect on President Trumps 100 days of his second term

For me, just to be with him, experience that with him because hes my biggest role model ever, Mason Flerlage said.

Wamego students of all ages were able to take part in the homecoming, spending time in the classroom and outside, welcoming the veterans and students home. For more information about participating in or donating to the next honor flight, click here.

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.

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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH)  A wanted felon was arrested Wednesday in Bridgeport, according to police.

Man stabbed multiple times in Bridgeport, police searching for suspect

Police arrived to a house on Gregory Street at around 1:30 p.m. to find 27-year-old Nicholas Allwood chasing a female victim out of the house with a knife. Police said they did not know that the woman was being held hostage, and she was unharmed.

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He was arrested and charged with the following:

Kidnapping in the First Degree

Assault in the Second Degree

Carrying a Dangerous Weapon

Unlawful Restraint in the First Degree

Threatening in the Second Degree

Assault on a Public Safety Officer

Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell

Police said that Allwood is a suspect in a serious stabbing on Hanover Street and another stabbing on State Street. He also has several felony warrants from numerous states, including attempted murder in New York.

He was charged with four counts of being a fugitive from justice in regard to the outstanding warrants.

His bonds total $1.25 million.

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On Thursday, police said that Allwood has also been charged with attempted murder.





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NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  Law enforcement officers with the New Bern Police Department arrested a wanted fugitive on April 29.

Jose Angel Alvarado, 26 years old, was arrested Tuesday after being wanted since 2022 for his involvement in sex crimes against a minor. The US Marshal Service helped the department try to locate Alvarado during the three years, but he evaded capture by frequently travelling between the US and Mexico.

Law enforcement received word that Alvarado was spotted back in North Carolina, working at a business in Emerald Isle. Officials with the NC Alcohol Law Enforcement agency were able to apprehend Alvarado.

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Alvarado was charged with felony indecent liberties with a child and felony statutory sexual offense with a child less than 15 years of age. He also had an unrelated active order for arrested for driving while license revoked. Alvarado is being held at the Craven County Jail under a $1,250,000 bond.

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The signing of a long-awaited minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine has come after months of tense negotiations as Kyiv worked on resetting its tumultuous relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The key deal, inked on April 30, creates an investment fund and grants the U.S. special access to new projects developing Ukraines natural resources, such as oil and gas, lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements.

Trump, who has been looking to secure a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, had been pushing Ukraine to sign the agreement, arguing that the U.S. should benefit more from its assistance to Ukraine. The country has been heavily reliant on U.S. aid since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

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To the relief of many in Ukraine, the final deal avoids many elements present in earlier drafts viewed by experts as exploiting Ukraine.

We dont see very problematic things in the deal, said George Popov, a research analyst at the National Association of Extractive Industry of Ukraine. The main highlight is: we are very happy that we solved the conflict with Trump.

He cautioned, however, that the signing is only the first step in a long process before the agreement is implemented. The success of the plan depends on technical aspects that still need to be hammered out.

We see a lot of political moments that the agreement is trying to solve, and not business and administrative points, Popov added.

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The Ukrainians managed to take out the worst excesses of the deal.

Notably missing from the deal is one of the provisions most desired by Kyiv  security guarantees that could effectively deter further aggression from Russia after a ceasefire. It is also unclear how much investment will flow into the fund.

The Ukrainians managed to take out the worst excesses of the deal, said Timothy Ash, an associate fellow at Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Program, who called the initial deal "extortion."

Yet the new deal, he said, is "warm words rather than real investment. I cannot see any big and meaningful investment in Ukraine until security is assured. And this deal does nothing there.

First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and other officials attend the signing of a critical minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 2025. (Yulia Svyrydenko / X)

Positive signs in a stormy saga

Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly pressured and threatened Ukraine in his attempts to secure a peace deal, while mostly avoiding making demands of Russia.

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The natural resources deal has remained a point of contention in the months since a hostile exchange in the Oval Office between Trump and President Zelensky on Feb. 28. Zelensky had flown to the U.S. to sign an earlier version of the deal, but left without doing so in the wake of the argument.

A month later, Trump said to reporters aboard Air Force One, (Zelenskys) trying to back out of the rare earth deal, and if he does that, he's got some problems. Big, big problems.

In recent days, however, Trump has made several comments suggesting his previous hardline stance against Ukraine is softening, while his patience with Russia is thinning. In signing the natural resources deal, Kyiv hopes to further increase cooperation and improve relations with the Trump administration.

"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," First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed on behalf of Ukraine, said.

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One of the key wins for Kyivs negotiating team was removing earlier provisions that put Ukraine on the hook to pay back Washington for aid already sent. The total aid provided by the U.S. is roughly $130 billion, according to independent tracking by the Germany-based Kiel Institute, and was granted with no expectation of repayment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signs a memorandum of understanding on a minerals deal with the U.S. on April 17, 2025. (Yulia Svyrydenko / Facebook)

Another major victory for Kyiv is new language in the deal that allows it to be altered if it interferes with Ukraines accession to the European Union. Earlier versions raised alarms after experts noted it could become a roadblock to Ukraines long-standing ambition to join the bloc because it would privilege the U.S. over other foreign partners.

Ukraine gives half of the revenues from new licenses for natural resources to the fund, which reduces potential revenues for the Ukrainian budget for many years.

The Commission takes note that todays agreement includes specific provisions aiming to safeguard Ukraines application to join the European Union, and to avoid conflicts with its current obligations under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, Thomas Reigner, European Commission spokesperson, told the Kyiv Independent. We look forward to these being implemented rigorously.

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Ukraine applied to join on Feb. 28, 2022, four days after Russias invasion, a move widely supported by Ukrainians.

The current deal also gives Ukraine full control over its land, infrastructure, and resources, and does not apply to existing projects. Questions about Ukraines autonomy and the independence of existing companies had sparked fears for many of its supporters during negotiations.

Read also: US-Ukraine minerals fund could begin operating within months, Economy Minister says

We are waiting for the details

In addition to an absence of security guarantees, opposition MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak, who heads Ukraine's Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy, pointed out several other potential risks introduced by the deal on his public Telegram channel.

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Ukraine gives half of the revenues from new licenses for natural resources to the fund, which reduces potential revenues for the Ukrainian budget for many years, he wrote after the deal was publicized. The deal could also limit Ukraines ability to choose the best commercial terms and partners for investments, and may limit financial independence by guaranteeing conversion and transfer of funds, he noted.

Earth and minerals are loaded onto trucks at an open-pit mine near the frontline, despite the threat of Russian bombing, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Feb. 26, 2025. (Pierre Crom / Getty Images)

We are waiting for the details, Zhelezniak told the Kyiv Independent. I dont think theres enough in the text to evaluate it yet, he said.

The deal still needs to be ratified by parliament, which would happen May 13-15 at the earliest, according to Zhelezniak. Then, parts of Ukraines tax and budget codes will need to be adjusted to accommodate the deal.

More information about the deal is likely to be revealed in two future documents, Zhelezniak added. First, an agreement between the agencies appointed by each country to administer the fund, and then a technical document that will explain how the process will work and how money will be distributed to partners.

The multi-billion-dollar question mark

One of the biggest outstanding questions is whether this deal will actually attract additional investment to Ukraines energy and mining sectors. Investment in Ukraine plummeted after Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, and dropped again after the full-scale invasion in 2022.

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While revenues from Ukraines licenses will be added to the fund, it remains unclear how the Trump administration will encourage America's private sector to invest in Ukrainian projects. Unlike Ukraine, the U.S. does not have government-led mining or gas companies.

Although past assistance is excluded from the fund, future military aid from the U.S. could count as a contribution. However, this would not contribute to the fund's goal of funding deeper investment in Ukrainian resource development.

To the extent that the deal contributes to keeping the Trump administration engaged in supporting Ukraine, militarily and otherwise, it is a good thing, Edward Chow, a non-resident senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the Kyiv Independent. I think the parties are probably just happy that they have something to sign.

The question is, what does this agreement do from a potential investors point of view that would make the investor want to invest more in Ukraine?

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For example, he said, the deal doesnt include provisions like providing risk insurance at a reasonable price that could attract investors.

The additional details in further agreements would have to address concerns from the business side before significant investment occurs.

Clearly there was work done in negotiations, but I still dont see a really comprehensive agreement that, from an industry investor point of view, says, Okay, this changes everything, Chow said.

Alex Cadier contributed reporting.

Read also: U.S.Ukraine minerals deal: key points of the newly signed agreement

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
LEETONIA, Ohio (WKBN)  A warrant was issued for the arrest of a former Leetonia bus driver after an investigation resulted in a voyeurism charge.

Read next: Mishap at Girards Prom Promise event sends 1 to hospital

Scott Andre was relieved of his duties in February due to a pending investigation that has now resulted in charges. Court records show Andre is charged with a third-degree misdemeanor charge of voyeurism and a warrant was issued Thursday for his arrest.

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The school district released the following statement at the time he was initially relieved of duty:

Mr. Andre has not been permitted on school grounds and therefore has not had contact with students during this investigation. Our school district is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this matter. It should also be expressly noted that the safety of our students and staff is our chief priority and we will continue to follow protocols and procedures that ensure those principles are upheld. We encourage our families and staff to communicate any additional concerns through the proper channels.

A release from the Leetonia Police Department stated the investigation involved issues with juveniles and some other females who are now adults.

Kristen Hephner contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  David Earl Gipson, 40, the man accused in a Washington County murder that prompted a massive manhunt, appeared before Judge Colby Peel Thursday morning on a series of additional felony charges.

Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews announced that Gipson now faces six charges in total, several of which carry no bond:

Open Count of Murder  Held Without Bond

Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older  Held Without Bond

Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon  $250,000 Bond

Sexual Assault with Weapon or Force  Held Without Bond

Abuse of a Dead Human Body  $250,000 Bond

Kidnapping/False Imprisonment of an Adult  $250,000 Bond

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These charges stem from a violent attack that took place Monday evening in Vernon, Florida. According to Sheriff Crews, Gipson is accused of murdering 74-year-old Lettie Cooper Collins and severely beating her daughter-in-law in what investigators describe as a premeditated and savage assault.

Manhunt ends with arrest of murder suspect in Washington County

Deputies responded around 5:20 p.m. Monday after a passerby discovered the injured daughter-in-law walking along Douglas Ferry Road. She had escaped captivity after being allegedly abused and confined in a makeshift container in Gipsons yard, with her legs bound and plywood weighing down the box.

According to investigators, Gipson, who knew the victims, entered their home demanding repayment for a debt he claimed was owed by family members.

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[Gipson] stated, your husband and brother-in-law are thieves and owe me money, and Im here to take it, Sheriff Crews said. He beat Ms. Collins to a pulp.

A multi-agency search ensued, involving the Holmes, Bay, and Jackson County Sheriffs Offices, U.S. Marshals Service, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The manhunt ended Tuesday afternoon when Gipson was found hiding in a muddy ditch in an attempt to evade scent-tracking dogs.

He got down in a mud hole and tried to cover himself in mud, said Sheriff Crews. He was just trying to throw the scent off. But it didnt work, and we got him.

Gipson, who has a long criminal history, had been released from jail just two months earlier in March.

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The surviving victim is currently recovering and is expected to make a full recovery.

Gipson remains in custody at the Washington County Jail. Additional court proceedings are pending.

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Watch the full town hall in the player above.

(NewsNation)  During NewsNations town hall examining Donald Trumps first 100 days of his second term, the president defended his controversial tariff strategy, arguing the measures put America in the catbird seat for international trade negotiations despite concerns about their economic impact.

The economy took center stage during the town hall hosted by Chris Cuomo, with panelists including Bill OReilly, Stephen A. Smith and political strategists from both parties.

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Trumps administration is confronting worries about a potential recession after a first-quarter report showed a 0.3% drop in GDP. A NewsNation/DDHQ poll found that a large majority of U.S. voters  82%  are worried about a potential recession under the Trump administration.

Ill be able to convince people how good this is. This is what other countries have done to us. We have been ripped off by other countries, Trump said when questioned about potential economic fallout from the tariffs.

Trump: US in transition period to rebalance trade

The president acknowledged the tariffs could affect Republicans chances in upcoming midterm elections but insisted he was willing to be the one that has to make permanent changes regarding U.S. trade policy.

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When pressed by OReilly about stock market reactions to his trade policies, Trump was dismissive, saying the market can wait two weeks, and emphasized that other countries need us more than the reverse.

Were in a great position of strength, Trump said, citing ongoing negotiations with South Korea, Japan and India.

Trump repeatedly emphasized flexibility in his approach to tariffs, pointing to adjustments hes already made for auto manufacturers who told him they couldnt immediately move all production to the United States: You have to be able to dodge and move and be flexible.

Tariff deals with India, Japan, South Korea in the works: Trump

Trump promises no change to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

Trump also firmly denied any plans to cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, stating, Were doing absolutely nothing to hurt those program. He did, however, claim many immigrants in the country are illegally benefiting from Medicaid.

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Business perspectives at the town hall were divided. Entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David supported Trumps approach to China, warning, We can never lose the level of paranoia with China.

Meanwhile, podcast host Mark Mendenhall said he was willing to let Trumps trade strategies play out despite daily reports of adverse effects.

When asked about the biggest mistake of his first 100 days, Trump replied it was the toughest question because I do not really believe I have made any mistakes.

Trump calls himself a great unifier

RFK Jr. streamlining, recalibrating HHSs trajectory

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also joined the town hall and said that despite the more than 800 measles cases in the country, the U.S. has been doing better with the disease than other countries. Kennedy has been criticized for giving conflicting views regarding vaccines.

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Kennedy said there are other illnesses, besides measles, that pose a threat to young Americans.

Smith asked how slashing 20,000 jobs in his agency will help, Kennedy said Health and Human Services will be streamlined. The agency was filled with redundancies, he said.

Kennedy said Americans got sicker after the Biden administration grew the federal agency by 38%. After slashing jobs inside the agency, Kennedy said the streamlined HHS will focus on ending the nations issue with chronic illness.

Trump: Id love to see Stephen A. Smith run for president

Strategists and politicians debate effectiveness of Trumps policies

Democratic strategist James Carville criticized Trumps rapid-fire claims during the town hall, saying the president was speaking 200 words a minute with gusts up to 350 words a minute. Carville also said Trump had abandoned an initiative for the U.S. to join Pacific nations that were economically unifying against China.

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Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, appearing remotely, defended the presidents economic approach, arguing middle-class Americans would benefit from Trumps trade initiatives while accusing Democrats of catering to billionaires.

Ronna McDaniel, former RNC chair, and former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu predicted Trump would eventually raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans to provide relief to the middle class that supported him in the election.

Former Ohio state legislator Nina Turner said some people cant wait for the results Trump promises.

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., and U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., sparred over Trumps handling of the economy. Auchincloss hammered the administration over tariffs and stock market turmoil while McCormick encouraged Americans to give Trump time.

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UPDATE: Classes are canceled for the Northwest Early College High School on Thursday, May 1, as the repair to the water rupture was unsuccessful, Canutillo ISD said in a statement.

We remain in close contact with EPCC regarding the situation, though this issue is beyond the control of Canutillo ISD. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please be advised that all events scheduled at the NWECHS campus, including middle school visits, have also been canceled, the school district said.

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ORIGINAL: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A main water rupture has canceled high school and college classes on Wednesday, April 30, in Northwest El Paso.

According to the Canutillo Independent School District on Facebook, a water main rupture, caused by contractors at the El Paso Community Colleges Northwest Campus, has canceled classes for Northwest Early College High School for the rest of the day.

Parents may pick up their children at any time and school buses are en route to return students home, according to Canutillo ISD.

According to EPCC on Facebook, the Northwest Campus was closed immediately. Classes and operations were moved online.

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EPCC said the main water rupture only affects the Northwest Campus.

In addition, the college said to follow Tejano Alerts for updates on evening classes and the reopening of the campus.

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WAURIKA (KFDX/KJTL)  The City of Waurika has issued a voluntary evacuation notice for homes that could be affected by the full release of the dam flood gate on Waurika Lake.

The Army Corps of Engineers notified city officials of the impending full release on Thursday, May 1. The release timing is unknown, but it could occur within the next 24-48 hours, giving residents and businesses a chance to prepare.

Water levels are expected to exceed current levels due to flooding. Once the floodgates are opened, the evacuation will become mandatory.

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Waurika first responders have been in contact with the SWIFT Water Team, the Red Cross, and additional emergency personnel who are prepared to assist if needed.

Sandbags are available for distribution at the Jefferson County District 1 Barn at D Avenue and Highway 81.

For those who need temporary housing due to evacuations, the Jefferson County Fair Building will be available.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Every year on May 1, Hawaii celebrates something special. Its not just another spring day. Its May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii; and its a time to give, wear and honor lei.

Kumu Brad Lum said this day means more than most people realize.

May Day is very important for me and for my hula halau, he said. Well be performing and honoring the May Day court. This is an exciting time to honor the lei.

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This year, hes not just making lei. Hes helping open the event with an oli, performing hula with his halau at Kapiolani Park and even serving as the male oli for the day.

Here are eight things Kumu Lum said you need to know to fully understand and celebrate Lei Day in Hawaii the right way.

1. Know that Lei Day is a celebration of aloha

The whole idea behind Lei Day is about sharing aloha. Its a big time to show your aloha for Lei Day, Kumu Lum said.

People across Hawaii celebrate by making lei, wearing lei, giving lei and dancing hula. Its an exciting time to honor the lei, Kumu Lum added. Were all excited.

2. Each island has its own special lei

Each island has a lei, said Kumu Lum. And a lot of people dont know this.

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For example:

Niihau has the niihau lei that is made with shells. Its color is white.

Kauai has mokihana, and its color is purple.

Oahu has ilima, which is bright yellow.

Molokai has kukui, which is green and silver.

Lanai has kaunaoa, an orange vine.

Kahoolawe has hinahina, which is gray. Of course, no one lives on Kahoolawe, said Kumu Lum, but we still honor it.

Maui has loke lani, a pink rose.

Hawaii Island has lehua, and its main color is red.

That lehua flower is beautiful, said Kumu Lum. But just a reminder, if you ever go and travel, you cant take it from island to island. They may give you a fine.

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3. The flower colors are meaningful

Each islands flower comes with a color, and those colors are part of the celebration.

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Kumu Lum said it helps people connect to where theyre from. It all depends on what island youre coming from, he said. The colors signify that.

4. May Day celebrations start before May 1

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii started back in March, said Kumu Lum. They picked the Lei Day queen, and that was such a beautiful event.

He described it with pride. It was beautiful. It was so professionally done. It was such a great experience. I wish more people could show up.

The City and County of Honolulus Parks and Recreation department organizes the event. Kumu Lum said he hopes more people get involved each year. Please, please do that, he said.

5. There are Lei Day events all over town

One of the biggest celebrations is at Kapiolani Park. Thats where Kumu Lums hula halau will dance.

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Im very, very, very honored this year, he said. Well be performing and honoring the Li Day court.

Another major celebration is at Kaimana Beach Hotel.

They have a huge Lei Day event coming up on May 1 and May 2, said Kumu Lum. Kaimana Beach Hotel is hosting Kalani Pea. (Click here for more details.)

He added that the hotel even holds a lei contest. Yours truly will be a part as one of my lei will be in the contest as well, he said with a smile.

6. Even dry places grow special flowers

Some island flowers grow in surprising places. Theres a specific lei that only is planted on the plateaus of Lanai, said Kumu Lum.

It has to be dry. Thats the only way that plant can thrive, he explained.

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Even Kahoolawe, which no one lives on today, is included. Theres a lot of hinahina all over the place on Kahoolawe, he said. So, we honor that.

7. Celebrate by showing up, not just dressing up

Kumu Lum encouraged everyone to take part, not just wear a lei for the day.

I want you to come to the park on Lei Day, he said. Were all excited.

If youve never been to a Lei Day event, he said now is the time. If youve never experienced the May Day is Lei Day queen contest, then please do that, he said. Its so beautiful.

8. Remember, its not just about flowers; its about meaning

Lei Day is a chance to pause and reflect on aloha, culture, and where we come from.

May Day is very important for me, said Kumu Lum. Because I totally understand what May Day is all about.

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To him, the lei is more than something to wear. Its a way to honor people, places, and history. This is an exciting time to honor the lei, he said. So come, give a lei, wear a lei, show your aloha.

9. final word from Kumu Lum:

Mahalo, he said. May Day is Lei Day. Give a lei. Wear a lei. Show your lei. Be there.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

You can click here for more information on the Lei Day court. You can click here for a documented history of Lei Day.

Happy Lei Day, Hawaii nei!

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened sanctions on anyone who buys Iranian oil, a warning that came after planned talks over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program were postponed.

Trump wrote on social media, All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW! He said any country or person who buys those products from Iran will not be able to do business with the United States in any way, shape, or form.

It was unclear how Trump would implement such a ban as he threatened to levy secondary sanctions on nations that import Iranian oil. But his statement risked further escalating tensions with China  Irans leading customer  at a time when the relationship is severely strained over the U.S. presidents tariffs.

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Based on tanker tracking data, the U.S. Energy Information Administration concluded in a report published last October that China took nearly 90% of Irans crude oil and condensate exports in 2023. Trump has separately placed 145% tariffs on China as a way to raise federal revenues and rebalance global trade.

Trump's social media threat came after Oman announced planned nuclear negotiations for this coming weekend had been postponed. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi made the announcement in a post on the social platform X.

For logistical reasons we are rescheduling the US Iran meeting provisionally planned for Saturday May 3rd, he wrote. New dates will be announced when mutually agreed.

Al-Busaidi, who has mediated the talks through three rounds so far, did not elaborate.

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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also blamed logistical and technical reasons for the postponement.

On Irans part, there is no change in our determination to secure a negotiated solution, he wrote on X. We are more determined than ever to achieve a just and balanced deal: guaranteeing an end to sanctions, and creating confidence that Irans nuclear program will forever remain peaceful while ensuring that Iranian rights are fully respected.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, newly tapped to take over the duties of national security adviser in addition to his current role as America's top diplomat, reiterated that if Iran wants nuclear power plants, it can import enriched uranium.

Iran simply needs to say, Weve agreed to no longer enrich, Rubio said on Fox News Channels Hannity on Thursday night. About the talks, he added, This is the best opportunity theyre going to have.

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Meanwhile, a person familiar with the U.S. negotiations said America had never confirmed its participation in a fourth round of talks in Rome. However, the person said the U.S. expected the talks to occur in the near future. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations.

Rome will see the Vatican begin its conclave next week to pick a new pope after the death of Pope Francis. Two other rounds of U.S.-Iran talks have been held in Muscat, the capital of Oman.

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. The negotiations have been led by Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

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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The U.S. president with his threat on social media would be going after Iran's major economic resource. It produced an average of 2.9 million barrels a day in 2023 of crude oil, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers did limit Tehrans program. However, Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018, setting in motion years of attacks and tensions. The wider Middle East also remains on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues an airstrike campaign, called Operation Rough Rider, that has been targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, who long have been backed by Iran. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth early Thursday warned Iran over the rebels.

Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing, he wrote. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of  and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.

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Last Saturday's round of talks, which included experts drilling down into the details of a possible deal, also took place as an explosion rocked an Iranian port, killing at least 70 people and injuring more than 1,000 others.

___

Associated Press writers Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, and Matthew Lee and Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.
US President Donald Trump has stated that signing a critical minerals deal with Ukraine could potentially generate more revenue for Washington than the US$350 billion he claims has been spent on supporting Kyiv.

Source: European Pravda, citing Trump at a phone-in with NewsNation, an American cable news network

Details: Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US has spent about US$350 billion on assistance to Ukraine, although the actual figure is believed to be lower.

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The US president noted that European nations have spent US$100 billion on supporting Ukraine, adding that their funds are secure due to Russian money in their banks.

"[Former US President Joe] Biden handed them [Ukraine  ed.] US$350 billion in between cash and military equipment... and we got nothing," Trump added.

That's why, Trump said, he felt "foolish" and highlighted Ukraine's "great rare earths".

"And we made a deal today where we get much more, in theory, than the US$350 billion," Trump said.

He also expressed his desire to help quickly reach a lasting peace agreement to end the deaths of soldiers on both sides and civilians.

Background:

At the end of the day on 30 April, it was officially announced that Ukraine and the United States had signed a critical minerals deal.

The signed agreement largely aligns with the key points made public by Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal earlier that day.

European Pravda reported that the agreement on the establishment of the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund outlines the basic political parameters of bilateral cooperation but leaves several important provisions unspecified.

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WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A West Haven police officers use of deadly force on a man in 2023 was deemed justified by the Office of the Inspector General, according to a report released Thursday.

The inspector general found officer Alex Triscritti was confronted with a sudden, unexpected, and dangerous situation when Jovan Washington reached under his mattress and grabbed a handgun, then shot another officer in the leg.

Office of Inspector General releases body cam footage of officer-involved shooting in West Haven

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I am frank to admit that I cannot understand why Jovan Washington would grab a gun and fire it at police. I suppose it was an act of desperation of some kind. Given the threat he posed, however, Officer Triscrittis actions were appropriate and necessary to eliminate that threat, Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr. said in the report.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2023, when police responded to a domestic complaint at an apartment on Terrace Avenue.

Officers spoke with a woman who said 33-year-old Washington attempted to strangle her and would not let her leave the apartment.

The Price of Life: The battle with health providers to keep their loved ones alive

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Body camera showed officers go into a bedroom to speak with Washington, telling him he was going to be taken into custody and asking him if he wanted to put on a pair of pants.

Washington got out of bed, moved toward a closet and suddenly turned to reach for a gun under the mattress, authorities said. A struggle ensued, and Washington fired one shot, striking Officer Cody Bacon in the leg. Triscritti then fired multiple rounds, striking Washington.

Washington was pronounced dead at a hospital. Bacon was released from the hospital the next day.

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(FOX40.COM)  The West Sacramento Police Department is asking the community to avoid the Summerfield Park area as officers are working on an active crime scene.

Video Above: What is a ghost gun

Police said the crime scene is regarding a shooting that happened at the Summerfield Park.

Police thank the community for their patience and cooperation.

This is a developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  In West Virginia, 250 AmeriCorps members lost their jobs over the weekend due to cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), yet the state has declined to join a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over the cancellation of that funding.

The Tygart Valley United Way said earlier this week that DOGEs budget cuts would have a direct effect on its AmeriCorps members, as 80% of its Flipside Afterschool Program was employed by AmeriCorps members.

The Flipside Afterschool Program provides one-on-one interventions, support, and tutoring for fifth through eighth-grade students at four middle schools in Marion County. Staff of the program were notified of these cuts only 4 weeks before the end of the school year.

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12 News spoke with Shannon Yost, Flipside Afterschool Director at the United Way, on how these cuts will impact students of the program.

That puts not only an undue hardship on our Afterschool Program and us having to scramble and figure out what the next four weeks are going to look like because we dont want service to be interrupted for these students who need help Afterschool, who need a safe place to go after school. We dont want this to affect them; however, thats a majority of our staffing is AmeriCorps, said Yost.

DOGE cuts AmeriCorps programs across West Virginia

Thirteen members of AmeriCorps worked with Tygart Valley United Way directly and immediately lost their contracts as the cuts hit.

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There are six key areas of AmeriCorps service, from environmental stewardship to financial stability, to education, to veteran and military families, so not only is our program being affected by these cuts, but 32,000 individuals have suddenly lost their positions. Americorps members are not considered employees of the organizations with which they served, so they are not eligible for any sort of unemployment compensation, Yost said.

Most states lost the entirety of their AmeriCorps programs, though Yost said that West Virginia was fortunate enough to keep a few. Nationally, 1,000 programs were terminated due to DOGEs cuts.

This is not an abuse of funding, these are members who are working for very low wages. They are just making enough to get by, and who are the people that go into southern West Virginia when it floods and help with cleanup efforts? They are working with veterans and their families to make sure that they have all of the resources they need. They are answering the phones at our United Way when people call the 211 line and need resources to pay their bills, said Yost.

Yost is encouraging the public to contact Congress and local legislators to help in pursuing change for the fate of AmeriCorps.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  In a weekend marked by reverence and reflection, Catholics from around the world gathered in St. Peters Square to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who died earlier this month at the age of 88. Among the hundreds of thousands in attendance were several dozen pilgrims from the Diocese of Buffalo, whose journey to the Vatican took a profoundly unexpected turn.

Originally in Rome to witness the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis  poised to become the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church  the group found themselves instead participating in the funeral mass for the late pontiff. Despite the change in plans, members of the group described the experience as deeply moving and spiritually purposeful.

We were pilgrims, not tourists, said Father Leon Biernat of St. Gregory the Great Parish, who has been leading the group through Rome and surrounding cities. Pilgrims are meant to be here to experience this and thats exactly what happened.

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The trip, planned since July, was organized around the life and legacy of Acutis, a young Italian Catholic known for his devotion to the Eucharist and use of technology to spread the faith. His canonization, originally expected to be presided over by Pope Francis this month, was postponed following the popes death.

A lot of the young church was really excited for this canonization, said Kyle Lucey, one of the pilgrims. A lot of us look up to Carlo as a pillar in the young church.

Despite the shift in focus, group members said the spiritual depth of the experience was undeniable. Lucey and fellow pilgrim Gregory James recalled waking up before dawn on Saturday to secure a place in St. Peters Square for the funeral Mass, joining over 250,000 others in a moment of global communion.

One of the highlights was seeing 250,000 people partaking in the Eucharist together, Lucey said. It was a beautiful thing.

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The whole square went quiet, and you could sense that reverence, James said.

Just a day earlier, the group had walked through the Sistine Chapel  a poignant moment as the conclave to elect the next pope approaches.

There was definitely a mix of emotions, Lucey said. We were aware that soon, the heads of our church will gather in this space to choose the successor to the seat of Peter.

Despite their solemnity, the group described a sense of joy and unity throughout their time in Rome, pointing to public expressions of gratitude and hope from mourners.

To be among the people who were present to pray our Holy Father into heaven  there was great joy in that, James said.

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People were applauding, cheering, singing, Biernat said. From balconies and buildings, banners were unfurled reading Grazie. It felt like a celebration of a life well lived, people knew he had done what he was called to do.

The canonization of Acutis will be rescheduled following the election of the next pope. The papal conclave, during which cardinals from around the world will choose the new pontiff, is set to begin on May 7.

Latest Local News

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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WESTLAKE, Ohio (WJW)  Westlake city officials are reminding residents to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe from coyotes.

The Westlake Police Department took to Facebook Wednesday afternoon, stating theyve received two separate reports recently of coyotes attacking small dogs in the city.

Police officials urged pet owners to keep their small animals in sight when letting them outside, especially in the evening, night and at dawn.

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Holistic pet care: How its helping some animals live longer lives

Coyotes are common across all of Ohios 88 counties. Since they are nocturnal animals, coyotes are most active between dusk and dawn.

While they primarily hunt small mammals like rabbits and mice, your pets could also be at risk.

Wildlife experts said there are several other steps pet owners can take to keep their four-foots safe.

First, according to ODNR, remove all attractants like garbage and outdoor pet food before dusk. You should also bring in small dogs and cats at night when coyotes are most active.

If a coyote comes onto your property, ODNR suggests shouting or clapping loudly to scare it off.

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If the coyote isnt afraid of humans, you may need to reach out to a nuisance trapper. You can find one near you by calling the Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders surprises students at Cleveland high school

In rural areas, they can also be handled through legal hunting and trapping. Learn more about those regulations here.

Westlake city officials said although attacks on humans are extremely rare, parents should let their kids know what to do if they see a coyote.

City residents with further questions are asked to contact animal control officer Jim Wang at 440-871-3311.

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Learn more about coyotes in Ohio at the ODNR website.

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WESTMORELAND (KSNT)  One year ago today a powerful tornado tore through the town of Westmoreland. The storm leaving behind a path of destruction, and one person didnt survive.

Nearly three dozen homes in total were either damaged or destroyed. 27 News was on the grounds in the aftermath of this tornado, our crews capturing the damages firsthand.

The community having to pick up the pieces, changing lives forever.

This town looked very different a year after the deadly tornado. 27 News spoke to people in the community about that day and how they are continuing to recover.

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On April 30, 2024, an EF3 tornado tore through this community, changing the lives of people in the town. Multiple first responders were quick to help the community that day. The support from the community has not stopped.

Manhattan traffic light breaks in severe storm

Over the course of a year Westmoreland has come together to rebuild.

I think were doing really well, Westmoreland pharmacist Heath Eisenbarth said. You know, a lot of the houses, you know, I cant remember the exact number, maybe. 22 homes were completely destroyed. Something along those lines. Several of those have already been built. People were able to move back into their homes even before Christmas.

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Despite the large amount of progress in reconstruction, the emotional toll that the community members face is still prevalent.

We came together really good, worked together to clean it up and give emotional support as needed, first responder Vanessa Parker said. Yeah, youd be surprised what people do.

Dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed and one person unfortunately, did not survive.

Anna Miller, 58 of Westmoreland, lost her life that day. The town is planting a tree in memorial for her.

Topeka Dream Home helps St. Jude patients across the U.S.

She was a good friend and amazing community member, so we do miss her, Eisenbarth said.

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She was a part of the community, local business owner Nick Cooper said. Its a pretty tight knit community. Small town, so everybody knows everybody and dont want her memory to go away.

From 6;7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, the community is holding a town potluck at the Frank Memorial Shelter in the Oregon Trail RV park to remember that day and reflect on the progress they have made. Although there is still work to be done, this disaster represents the towns commitment to one another.

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.

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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH)  A Wethersfield woman waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Wednesday for her involvement in a scheme to defraud Medicaid.

According to evidence and testimony, Suhail Aponte, 38, was the sole principal registered agent of Minds Cornerstone LLC, dba Minds Cornerstone Behavior Therapy Services, an Autism Specialist Group, which was registered with the State of Connecticut in June 2021.

Starting around Nov. 2021, Aponte was involved in a scheme in which she and a co-conspirator used Minds Cornerstone to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid Program by submitting fraudulent claims for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

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The scheme involved billing for Medicaid for services purportedly rendered to patients when company payroll records indicate employees were not compensated for the associated services. Such services included direct supervision services purportedly provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) of a behavioral technician, when the corresponding procedure code for behavioral technician services was not billed; services purportedly rendered to patients who were actually in an inpatient hospital; and services purportedly rendered when parents of patients and former employees of Minds Cornerstone confirmed those services did not occur.

Between Nov. 2021 and Jan. 2025, Aponte, who is not a licensed provider, and her co-conspirator submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid which resulted in the Connecticut Department of Social Services to lose approximately $1,876,617.

From around May 2022 until Nov. 2024, Aponte was also employed by the State of Connecticut in the Office of Policy and Management.

Aponte pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, which carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison.

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As part of her plea, Aponte has agreed to forfeit of about $459,000 in funds seized from various bank accounts she controlled, as well as her interest in additional bank accounts and two parcels of land in Hartford.

Aponte was released on a $100,000 bond since her arrest on Jan. 16, 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for July 30.

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Pamela Smart was at the center of one of the most high-profile crime stories of the 1990s after her husband, Gregg Smart, was slain at the hands of a boy with whom she was in a sexual relationship.

Gregg, a 24-year-old insurance agent, was found dead in the couples New Hampshire condo on May 1, 1990. He had been shot in the head.

As police investigated the crime, they began to focus on his 22-year-old wife, Pamela Smart. She was a media coordinator at a nearby school, and investigators soon learned that she had been engaging in a sexual relationship with an underage student, William Billy Flynn.

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The teenager admitted at trial that he was the gunman, but maintained that he did it at the direction of Smart  an allegation she has denied. Flynn pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Smart. She was then convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and two other crimes in 1991.

It took me many years to see my own responsibility, Smart told PEOPLE in a prison interview in 2014. It was easy to blame everybody else  the judge, the jury, the media. Even though I didnt want my husband killed and didnt pull the trigger, my bad behavior helped load the gun."

Smart's case went on to inspire the 1992 book To Die For, which was later adapted into a movie starring Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix.

Heres everything to know about Pamela Smart, the murder of her husband in 1990 and where she is now.

Who is Pamela Smart?

Susanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Pamela Smart stands trial on charges of being an accomplice to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder at the Rockingham Superior County Court on March 11, 1991 in Exeter, NH. Pamela Smart stands trial on charges of being an accomplice to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder at the Rockingham Superior County Court on March 11, 1991 in Exeter, NH.

Pamela A. Smart (nee Wojas) was born in Coral Gables, Fla., on Aug. 16, 1967. She lived in Miami until her family moved to New Hampshire when she was in eighth grade, per Oxygen.

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In high school, Smart was a cheerleader and an honors student. She attended Florida State University, where she studied communications and had a college radio show, according to the Crime Library.

In 1986, Smart met Gregg, and they bonded over their mutual love of metal music. The pair lived together in Florida during Smarts senior year, moving back to New Hampshire after she graduated. They bought a condo together in Derry and were wed in 1989.

At the time of her husbands death, Smart was employed as a media coordinator at Winnacunnet Regional High School.

How was Pamela Smarts husband, Gregg Smart, killed?

Tom Landers/The Boston Globe via Getty Pamela Smart enters the courtroom for the verdict in her trial at the Rockingham County Superior Court on March 22, 1991 in Exeter, N.H. Pamela Smart enters the courtroom for the verdict in her trial at the Rockingham County Superior Court on March 22, 1991 in Exeter, N.H.

Gregg Smart was found dead in his and Smart's Derry condo on May 1, 1990.

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Police said that Flynn, a teenager Smart was having a sexual relationship with, forced Gregg to kneel down in the apartment foyer. His friend, Patrick Pete Randall, restrained Gregg and held a knife to his throat, per WMUR9. Flynn then shot Gregg in the head with a hollow-point bullet.

Two other friends, Vance J.R. Lattime Jr. and Raymond Fowler, were also enlisted to help Flynn with Greggs murder.

Prior to her arrest, Smart said in a television interview that Gregg must have been shot by "some jerk, some drug addict person looking for a quick 10 bucks," according to The New York Times.

Why did Billy Flynn kill Pamela Smart's husband?

Jim Cole/AP William Flynn testifies how he shot Gregory Smart in the head and killed him on March 13, 1991 in court in Exeter, NH.

Flynn was a 15-year-old sophomore at the high school where Smart worked. The two met working on the drug awareness program Project Self-Esteem and began having sex. Smart was 22 at the time.

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She has acknowledged that her illegal relationship with Flynn was wrong, telling PEOPLEs Steve Helling in a 2016 jailhouse interview for Murder Made Me Famous that she was constantly punishing herself for it.

I knew better, and I did it anyway, she said.

Flynn later admitted to being the gunman. He has always claimed he shot Gregg because Smart directed him to do so, as she feared a divorce would cause her to lose everything. Smart has maintained her innocence, saying she never told Flynn to kill her husband.

I feel like even though I didnt tell him to kill Gregg and even though I didnt give him the gun, I feel like I put the bullets in there by having this relationship, Smart told Helling. Does that make me responsible for his death? In my mind, yeah. A lot. Am I legally culpable? No. But do I blame myself? I do all the time. And thats really hard to live with.

Who was convicted of the murder of Gregg Smart?

Mark Wilson/The Boston Globe via Getty Pamela Smart during a press conference. Pamela Smart during a press conference.

Smart was arrested on Aug. 1, 1990. Flynn, Randall and Lattime all pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Smart. Fowler  who sat in a nearby car during the murder  pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and attempted burglary.

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A fifth teenager, Cecelia Pierce, Smarts intern at the high school, cooperated with the police in supplying evidence, including recorded conversations with Smart. In one, Smart reportedly said that if one of the teenage boys hadnt bragged about the crime, "this would have been the perfect murder," per The New York Times.

Smart has always asserted her innocence, claiming that Flynn acted in retaliation after she ended their sexual encounters to work on her marriage. She also disputed portrayals that she was a calculating woman who was after her husbands $140,000 life insurance and wanted to avoid a messy divorce.

Flynn and Randall were sentenced to life in prison with a possibility of parole, while Smart was sentenced to life with no chance of parole for conspiracy to commit murder, being an accomplice to first-degree murder and witness tampering.

"I feel like a victim of this brutal media blitz," Smart told The Boston Globe in 1991. "Because of all the media attention, the public's opinion of me was one of guilt. The jurors came from the public, and to say the media didn't at least have some kind of subliminal effect on them is the most preposterous notion I have ever heard. The fact that they were not sequestered right from the start blows me away."

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Randall and Flynn were released on lifetime parole on the same day in 2015, while Fowler was released in 2003 and Lattime in 2005.

If I didnt get involved with Bill Flynn, then my husband would probably still be alive, and thats something I have to live with, Smart told PEOPLE in 2014. But the person who murdered him is getting out while Im stuck in here for the rest of my life, and that just doesnt seem fair.

That year, Greggs brother Dean told PEOPLE that Smarts conviction and sentence were just.

We all believed that these boys would never have done this on their own, he said. I believe the sentence was fair.

Where is Pamela Smart now?

Courtesy of HBO Pamela Smart in HBO's documentary 'Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart'. Pamela Smart in HBO's documentary 'Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart'.

Smart has been behind bars since her 1990 arrest and has tried to appeal her conviction for decades. After being incarcerated in New Hampshire, she was transferred in 1993 to the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in Westchester County, N.Y., per The New York Times.

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Smart told The Boston Globe in 1991 that she didnt expect to spend the rest of her life in prison. "I thought there were two options: I would be found not guilty or there would be a hung jury," she told the outlet. "I never conceived this would become a reality."

In prison, Smart earned a doctorate degree in ministry and three masters degrees, became an ordained minister and has tutored her fellow inmates, according to PBS.

Each day thats in front of us is an opportunity to do something with our lives, wherever we are, Smart told PEOPLE in 2014.

She has maintained that she did not know Flynn was going to kill her husband. In a 2021 appeal, however, she took responsibility for Greggs death and apologized to his family, saying, Im to blame.

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"I regret that it took me so long to apologize to the Smart family, my own family, and everyone else," she said in a recorded statement in December 2021. "But I think that I wasn't at a place where I was willing to own that or face that. I was young and selfish and I wasn't thinking about the consequences of what I was doing."

In April 2022, PEOPLE confirmed that Smart was denied the sentence reduction. A New Hampshire state council rejected her request in a 5-0 vote.

In the state's response, Jeffery Strelzin, associate attorney general, wrote that Smart had told a false narrative for over 30 years and her apology "does not mean that she has truly changed and fully acknowledged all the crimes she committed as an accomplice and conspirator in her husband's murder, and the perpetrator of witness tampering.

Smart doubled down on the admission of responsibility in a June 2024 statement, per PBS.

Read the original article on People
The Trump administration is looking to deport people to prisons in more countries in addition to its standing deal with El Salvador.

I say this unapologetically, we are actively searching for other countries to take people from third countries, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday at a Cabinet meeting.

Not just El Salvador, Rubio continued. We are working with other countries to say, We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries.

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The proposal would apply to migrants who have criminal records, but the Trump administration has already mistakenly deported a man with no convictions, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to El Salvador and refused to return him.

Rubio didnt name any countries specifically, but he did assert, the further away from America, the better.

CNN reported Wednesday, citing unnamed sources, that the Trump administration has discussed the possibility with officials in Libya and Rwanda.

Additionally, theyve also discussed a safe third country agreement, which would transport asylum-seekers taken into custody at the U.S. border to Libya.

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State Department officials met with Libyan officials earlier this week.

Earlier this month, the U.S. deported Omar Abdulsattar Ameen, an Iraqi refugee, to Rwanda.

Previously, Rwanda had an agreement with the U.K. under which asylum-seekers were sent to the East African country, but British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shut the program down in 2024.

CNN also reported that other countries were in talks with the US, but its unclear which.

The new details come as Trump vilifies immigrants as dangerous criminals  though data shows many people targeted for deportation dont have any serious criminal history.

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He invoked the controversial Alien Enemies Act in March, successfully sending more than 200 Venezuelan men to an infamous prison in El Salvador, and potentially more in the future. The Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), the mega maximum security prison where most of the deportees have been sent, is known as a one-way destination for those who are locked up there.

The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that the men they sent to El Salvador were criminals and gang members, though in multiple cases, family members and lawyers say the men were simply targeted because they have tattoos. Among those Trump has deported are 30-year-old Kilmar Abrego Garcia and a 20-year-old man named in court only as Cristian.

Judges have ordered the return of both Abrego Garcia and Cristian, but both remain in El Salvador. Trumps deportations are also at the center of a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union, which claims that the administration is not giving people adequate notice before deporting them, violating a Supreme Court order.

The State Department and the White House did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Related...
The White House has created a website to amplify favorable news articles about President Donald Trump, prompting critics to accuse the administration of running a taxpayer-funded propaganda outlet.

Your propaganda straight from the tap! one person cracked on X.

The White House has its own wire now.



Read what we're reading  https://t.co/4FKzXvskXbpic.twitter.com/vk7ryBSKh0  The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 1, 2025

The White House Wire, or WHWIRE, mostly features stories from conservative outlets such as Fox News and the Daily Caller  and all are complimentary takes on the president and the administration. Government staffers also contributed reports.

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One headline that appeared early Thursday, 100 Days Of Hoaxes: Cutting Through The Fake News, didnt link directly to a story.

Its a place for supporters of the presidents agenda to get the real news all in one place in a shareable and readable format, a White House official told Axios. The website will be a one-stop shop for news and is part of the Trump administrations effort to provide transparency and institute policies that put America first.

The development comes amid a report that MAGA influencers now attend press briefings exclusively for them at the White House.

Axios wrote the website represents the administrations latest effort to circumvent the mainstream media and present itself in a positive light.

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Others on social media saw the White House Wire (which some, including Matt Drudge, said looked similar to The Drudge Report) as essentially a spin-control arm for the president.

Gov owned news   Ricky Ortiz (@itsthatraw) May 1, 2025

News without filters? You mean news without fact-checks. Ill stick to sources that dont rewrite reality, thanks.  Mike Young  (@micyoung75) May 1, 2025

So state sponsored propaganda basically?  Levi (@TheRealLevi___) May 1, 2025

Government controlled media?



Im sure this ends well.  TY (@TYfromMi) May 1, 2025

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You created your own propaganda outlet?

What do you think about Trump being asked about Harvard and answering about Harlem and how all the Blacks love him?    Lucy Reporting fr the Resistance (@LucysOnIt) May 1, 2025

Related...
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rhode Island U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse wound up as an inadvertent ally of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, and Democrats arent happy about it.

The Senate deadlocked 49-49 on a joint resolution to end Trumps tariffs, protecting the administration from a bipartisan rebuke of the controversial policy. Three Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the measure.

Whitehouse could have provided the crucial final vote to pass the resolution, but he wasnt in attendance. His office eventually disclosed that he was traveling back from South Korea, where he had attended an annual conference about oceans.

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Senator Whitehouse is on his way back from representing the United States at the Our Ocean summit, where he was the sole American official, Whitehouse spokesperson Meaghan McCabe told 12 News late Wednesday afternoon.

The senator expressed Americas continued support for the Blue Economy, climate solutions, fisheries, and maritime security, even as the Trump administration cedes leadership on the oceans to the rest of the world, she said.

Whitehouse also missed a second procedural vote on the tariff resolution that again tied at 49-49. Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote to defeat the measure.

Whitehouses office had not announced in advance that he would be out of the country. The potential fallout from his travel began to be noted by Capitol Hill reporters in the hours before the vote Wednesday.

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Whitehouse has attended the Our Ocean conference several times before, traveling to Norway for the 2019 summit, Palau for the 2022 summit and Panama for the 2023 summit.

On social media, Whitehouses post about his trip was met with a wave of angry replies questioning why he was abroad for a conference rather than at his desk in the Senate. Some commenters suggested they would support a primary challenger against Whitehouse, though he won a new term last fall and wont be up for reelection again until 2030.

Saikat Chakrabarti, a former chief of staff for New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, wrote on social media: Sheldon Whitehouse missed this vote because he was attending a conference in South Korea. This is what it looks like to be completely unserious about your job.

The senators office did not respond to a follow-up question asking whether he regretted that his trip had tipped the balance on the tariff resolution.

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Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, another critic of tariffs, also missed the vote.

Andrew Desiderio, a reporter for the Beltway outlet Punchbowl News, reported Wednesday night that there was some consternation among rank-and-file Democratic senators at the partys leadership, which had agreed to schedule the vote for Wednesday evening despite apparently knowing in advance that Whitehouse would be absent.

Whitehouse voted in favor of a previous resolution to end Trumps tariffs on Canada, which passed the Senate 51-48 on April 2. Republican leaders have so far blocked that measure from advancing in the House.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

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An earlier version of this article mischaracterized the resolution as nonbinding; it would have been binding if passed by the House and 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 WPRI.com.
TUPPER LAKE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  A Whitesboro man was arrested on Wednesday after a Tuesday night chase with New York State Police in Tupper Lake.

New York State Police were stationed on Park Street in the Village of Tupper Lake at approximately 7:15 pm on Tuesday, April 29. As they were patrolling, they noticed a vehicle  driven by 33-year-old Aaron Brown of Whitesboro  allegedly violating a vehicle and traffic law. Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Brown failed to comply.

The chase ended when Brown eventually pulled over. Brown and another passenger  28-year-old Nichole Slattery of Oneida  were taken from the vehicle and taken into custody. Further investigation found that Brown had multiple active warrants.

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Both Brown and Slattery were taken to the State Police station in Tupper Lake for processing. Brown was ultimately charged with:

four counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, a Class E Felony

second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Skimmer Device Intended for Identity Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor,

third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon from a previous conviction, a Class D Violent Felony,

third-degree Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a Class A Misdemeanor, and

several vehicle and traffic violations.

Slattery was charged with:

two counts of seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class A Misdemeanor.

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Slattery was issued appearance tickets, returnable in the Village of Tupper Lake Court later in the month of May.

Brown was arraigned in the Town of Tupper Lake Court and was remanded to the Franklin County Correctional Facility in Malone in lieu of $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 secured bond, or a $20,000 partially secured bond.

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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is doubling down on her work with the Trump administration, defending her recent appearances with the president while emphasizing their disagreements.

Whitmers comments this week come as the governor  widely considered a possible contender to run for president in 2028  has been slammed by critics in her own party on her outreach to the White House.

It doesn't mean I've abandoned any of my values. It doesn't mean that I'm not gonna stand my ground, Whitmer said in a Pod Save America interview released on Thursday. This is one of those moments where as a public servant, you're reminded your job is to put service above self, and that's what it was all about.

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The Michigan Democrat toed the line on her conciliatory approach with President Donald Trump, who announced a new fighter mission at the Selfridge National Guard Base in Macomb County on Tuesday, which Whitmer said was a BFD for my state to POLITICO earlier this week.

Whitmer said on the podcast that she seized an opportunity during the National Governors Association Dinner, where she was seated next to Trump, to get the defense investment to her state. That led to a meeting with the president in the Oval Office in early April, where Whitmer said she unexpectedly found herself watching Trump sign executive orders targeting some of his key adversaries from the 2020 election.

No one reported that I left the room to go talk to my staff person. I said, we gotta get word out because the stuff that's going on in there  I cannot be associated with that. I do not endorse that. I'm not here for that, Whitmer said. But I had to stay and have my meeting after that was done.

The governor backed her decision to meet with the president  and what she called the infamous picture of her covering her face with a folder in the Oval Office that was taken by a photographer for The New York Times.

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One of the things that I've learned is I've gotta put the people in Michigan first over my self-interest, over maybe what people assume are gonna be my political interests, Whitmer added.

The controversy over Whitmers working relationship with Trump raised questions on which direction the Democratic resistance should take going into the midterms and the next presidential election. Whitmers approach is at odds with other Democrats even from her own state, with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel posting online that appeasement is not workable strategy with a fascist a day after Whitmer appeared in the Oval Office. (The Nessel post does not mention Whitmer by name.)

Whitmer appeared at Trumps press conference at Selfridge this week, where she said she was damn happy to be there. And Selfridge wasnt her only victory this week, as the Trump administration eased tariffs on automakers  a move Whitmer had been lobbying the White House for.

The governor has also aligned herself with one of her partys rallying cries under Trumps second term. She said Democrats should approach Trump prepared to fight over what she and others described as a brewing constitutional crisis.

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The thought that we've got an administration that is just blatantly violating court orders should, I think, scare everybody, Whitmer said on the podcast.

When asked if she had talked with the president about Trumps targeting of diversity policies and freezing federal funding, Whitmer said she had not had a conversation about it but that she is not afraid to do that.

Its still unclear what Whitmers next political move will be, being term limited next year and having already stated shes not considering a Senate bid.

Whitmer said she doesnt think appealing to the Trump administration will hurt her in Michigan, the purple midwestern state that Trump won in the 2024 presidential election.

It means showing up at the Oval Office and maybe having people, pundits take shots at me for being there, Whitmer said. They don't care whether or not I held a folder in a picture, they don't care. They care if they're gonna have a job.
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD)  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered Friday to honor Army Staff Sgt. Troy Smith Knutson-Collins.

The 28-year-old was one of four soldiers killed during a tactical training exercise in March in Lithuania.

Community invited to honor soldier who died in Lithuania

Three of the soldiers were found dead in their armored vehicle. It took seven days for rescue teams composed of multiple military agencies to find the remains of the fourth soldier, Knutson-Collins.

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Knutson-Collins was a father of five and grew up in the Battle Creek area. He was stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia. His family says he enlisted in the Army in 2017 when he was 20 years old.

Sergeant Knutson-Collins represented the best of Michigan as he served our nation in uniform, Gov. Whitmer said in a statement. A fierce friend and proud son, he leaves behind a legacy we should all strive to live up to. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers.

Lithuanians bid farewell to 4 US soldiers who died during training exercise

Flags will be lowered on Friday to coincide with his funeral. They will return to full staff on Saturday.

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To lower flags to half-staff, they should be hoisted to full staff, held there briefly and then lowered to half-staff. The process is reversed when they are lowered at the end of the day.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
An aerial image taken on Sunday, March 30, 2025, documents flooding impacts to the Burns Paiute Reservation. (Photo courtesy of the Tribes Natural Resources Department and Trey Wall.)

Possibly no place in Oregon has a more rugged, individualistic, even anti-governmental attitude than Burns, a small city in the middle of the states southeast desert country.

This is an area of old-style ranchers and resource industries, or at least has been. It votes as conservative and Republican as it can, and political people who argue for smaller government and less by way of cooperative efforts are those who get the votes. Its a cowboy ethic kind of place.

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The recent big event in Burns might not demolish that world view. But theres a fair chance it could generate some second thoughts.

An absence of government action, regulation and ownership and of a strong mutual cooperative effort among people locally - in contrast to what one person called kind of a group-hug scenario  is why, in late March and early April, a lot of Burns was overrun by a flood.

Such a disaster might have been notable in other places, but it overwhelmed Burns. According to the American Red Cross, the flooding abated only after several weeks, affected 952 homes (some of those may have been on Burns Paiute Tribe lands), and the flood area ran through most of the downtown area. Burns is home to just 2,736 people as of 2023, and there are just 1,438 total homes.

The city reported a complete sewer failure from the Paiute Reservation to the Triangle Park, and other infrastructure was hit too. Evacuation orders affected almost half of the people in town.

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This was not damage to only a small part of the community but, directly or indirectly, to all of it. And it happened in a place more than an hours drive from any other city as large, and two hours away from any that are larger. Help is not close by.

Beginning the task of making sure this doesnt happen again starts with understanding why this flood hit so hard.

Its natural causes are clear and not unusual. Although the Burns area is arid, heavy rains occur periodically, and the right timing for snowpack melt in the region can cause the Silvies River, which flows from the mountains to the north, to run high.

The river borders a residential area on the northeast side of town, and high flows there are intended to be contained by an old and informally developed system of levies.

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Actually, there is no system in a comprehensive sense. The 2.4 miles of levees  barriers against the water, to keep it channeled  stretching across the north and east side of town apparently were built not by a government or formal organization but by local residents, and the approach was not thoroughly organized. Even the history is foggy: There are no clear records of when the levees were built, or exactly by whom.

A 2019 report submitted to Harney County officials warned that the levees needed upgrading and repair, but that didnt happen. One reason is that no one specific person or group had the specific obligation to respond: No federal, state or local agency or private entity, and none had the specific authority to enter the private property along the river to make improvements. Everyone could pass it off to someone else.

The do-it-yourself approach remains in place today. During the flooding, a public notice from the city asked residents to stop diverting water onto other properties.

Do not erect barriers in the streets to divert the water, the citys notice said. This can be a hazard as these are evacuation routes and you could be charged with disorderly conduct in the 2nd degree in addition to being liable for any damages to the neighboring property or properties by that diversion. We understand that these are very scary and unsure times and people are wanting to save their homes and property, but please do not put yourself or other people in danger or damage someone elses property by trying to do so.

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This isnt unique to Burns.

Colin Rowan, planning director for the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District in Portland, told Oregon Public Broadcasting that the kind of levee system Burns has had can be found in many places all across Oregon including the Willamette Valley, many built a century or more ago.

Theres not clear responsibility, Rowan told OPB. Theres also sometimes unclear funding. How would you actually pay for it? Even if it was privately-owned land or publicly-owned land, they might not even know that repairs are needed.

Sometimes organized and expert help is whats needed. Even in communities like Harney County.

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Former GOP Congressman Adam Kinzinger has been warning for years about what another Trump presidency might look like. But even he didnt think it would be this bad.

Its way worse than anything I couldve imagined, he told Katie Couric in a new interview for her podcast, Next Question. I was trying to warn the Democrats basically between Trumps victory and inauguration day  like, you guys need to get your ducks in a row.

Looking back, hes still frustrated by how unprepared Congress was in those crucial early days. One of my biggest frustrations  and I think its why so many Democrats are angry now  is that Trump gets inaugurated, DOGE is created out of thin air, and then Congress goes on recess. Democrats just went home, he said. And all this stuff started happening without any organized opposition. It was infuriating.

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For Kinzinger, it wasnt just chaos  it was predictable. We told you this was coming. Its Project 2025. The playbook was already out there.

Kinzinger became a household name for his break with Trump after the January 6th attack on the Capitol. He was one of just 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting the insurrection, and he later served on the House committee investigating it. That decision sparked fierce backlash from his own party  the Republican National Committee censured him, and his family received threats.

Eventually, that pressure, among other factors, led him to step down from Congress. (His term ended in 2023.) Though he still considers himself a Republican, he admitted to voting straight-ticket Democrat in the last two elections. He jokingly calls himself a proud RHINO  a twist on the insult RINO, or Republican In Name Only.

Kinzinger tells Katie that most Republicans are still afraid to speak out. Theyre frozen in fear, he said. We forget  Trumps been in the system for about 10 years now. In that time, theyve pushed out anyone with independent thought, anyone with courage, anyone willing to tell the truth. Whats left is a party shaped in his image  a kind of cult.

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Despite the partys continued loyalty to Trump, Kinzinger sees glimmers of hope. He praised Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as one of the shining stars in the GOP  someone, he said, whos willing to tell the truth and vote her conscience. He also applauded Reps. Don Bacon and Brian Fitzpatrick for their very aggressive support of Ukraine.

For more of Kinzingers take on the second Trump administration  including his thoughts on the ongoing immigration crackdown and the fallout from Trumps tariff policies  watch the full interview above.

The post Why Adam Kinzinger Thinks Trumps Second Term Is Way Worse Than He Ever Imagined appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Earlier this year, while boarding a flight out of Houston, Texas, I noticed my slightly overfilled, bulging backpack wouldnt quite fit in the space between my feet. I bent down, trying to smoosh it into placeonly to realize I couldnt actually reach the cabin floor without my face slamming into the seat in front of me. For a brief, heart-racing moment, I was stuck, looking like a MythBusters crash dummy bracing for impact. Were airline seats always this cramped? Or had I just gotten that much bigger?

It turns out, I wasnt alone. Nearly everyone Ive spoken to since has had a similar thought. Plane seats, they argue, have definitely gotten smaller. Experts interviewed by Popular Science confirm that hunch: some seats are indeed shrinking, even as passengers are, on average, getting larger. Meanwhile, airlines are capitalizing on minimal seat-size regulations to pack more people into each flight. The result? Higher revenues for top carriers and supposedly cheaper tickets.

But experts warn that shrinking airplane seats may also come with potential health risks for some passengers. Worse still, smaller seats and fuller flights could make emergency evacuations more difficultand potentially more dangerous.

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Weve been extremely lucky, Senior Fellow for the American Economic Liberties Project William McGee told Popular Science. Americans are getting larger, the seats are getting tighter, the planes are getting fuller.

Its not your imagination  airline seats and legroom are shrinking

McGee has kept tabs on shifting seat sizes over the past two decades and says they are indeed getting more cramped. According to his analysis, American, Delta, Southwest, and United have each lost between 2 and 5 inches of legroom and around 2 inches of seat width since the 1980s. The average legroom on those carriers today is 31 inches, down from 35 inches in the late 20th century. Theres even less roomjust 28 incheson budget airlines like Spirit and Europes Wizz Air, McGee notes. This shrinking has occurred gradually over the years, a process he compares to the metaphor of a frog slowly boiling in water.

They [airlines] just kept whittling it down until finally it got to the point where just about everybody noticed it.

Now, at full boil, travelers are increasingly complaining about an unreasonable lack of legroom and other basic comforts. As of 2022, according to the passenger rights organization FlyersRights, less than half of U.S. airline passengers can reasonably fit in economy seatsa figure that dips even lower for budget airlines. When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opened a public comment period about seat sizes, it reportedly received more than 26,000 overwhelmingly negative responses describing seats as crammed, miserable, terrible, and potentially hazardous to health.

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The average human can barely sit cross-armed and holding in all their parts as much as possible, one commenter wrote, according to Forbes.

Passengers on a jumbo jet in 1960. Image: Touring Club Italiano/Marka/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Marka

Americans are getting bigger

Airplane seats are getting smaller just as Americans, on average, are getting larger. As of 2015, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average U.S. adult weighs 15 pounds more than they did 30 years ago. Adult women now weigh roughly as much as men did in the late 1990s. Americans have also grown slightly taller during that time, though those increases have tapered off in recent years And yet, FlyersRights President Paul Hudson tells Popular Science that airline seats have remained shockingly similar (or smaller) in size since the 1960s. Hudson says the airline industrys lack of adjustment to changing body sizes is unique.

Every other place where you look at the seating, the seats have gotten bigger to match the fact that people are getting bigger, Hudson said. If you look at theaters, you look at automobile seats, [or] any other venue seats have gotten larger. Only on airlines have they gotten smaller. So theyre going the opposite way from where the human body is going.

Deregulation and profit maximization may be to blame

It might be hard to imagine now, but flying wasnt always so stress-inducing. Vanderbilt University law professor and researcher Ganesh Sitaraman attributes much of the airline industrys apparent dysfunction to one pivotal piece of legislation: the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Until then, Sitaraman writes in his 2023 book Why Flying Is Miserable: And How to Fix It, the industry was dominated by a handful of major carriers, and basic servicesnot just safetywere heavily regulated. Tickets generally cost more than todays cheapest options, but they included many optional services, such as checked baggage, that are now charged a la carte. Overall standards for seat comfort and customer service were also arguably higher. Unlike today, Sitaraman notes, airlines were regulated as a public utility, meaning they were treated differently from other everyday goods or services in a free market.

Jimmy Carter signs Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Image: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images HUM Images

That changed in 1978. Critics of the old system argued it created a cartel-like environment, where large, inefficient companies were able to consolidate due to a lack of competition. By deregulating, the theory went, more upstart airlines would enter the market leading to lower ticket prices and better service for consumers. That seemed to hold true, at least initially.

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Deregulation, Sitaraman notes, led to an initial major burst of competition followed quickly by a wave of consolidation. Wages across the industry declined, and less profitable routes to smaller cities were reduced or axed altogether. The promise of copious amounts of profitable new airlines, meanwhile, evaporated like jet fuel on a hot tarmac. Today, the Big Four airlines (United, Delta, American, and Southwest) control around 80 percent of the US market.

Deregulation was a transformative, radical, sweeping policy, Sitaraman writes. In just a few short years, the airline industry went from being structurally regulatedentry, routes, pricesto deregulatedFees are higher, seats are smaller, and the experience of flying seems to be getting worse.

[Related: Why do we still have to use airplane mode?]

Experts speaking with Popular Science say changes in the regulatory environmentalong with the FAAs refusal to set minimum seat size requirementsare central to why airline seats continue to shrink. Today, with seats so cramped, its become routine for airlines to charge passengers extra for upgraded tiers of economy, with names like Economy Plus, which offer slightly more legroom and space. This system allows airlines to advertise rock-bottom base fares on booking sites like Expedia, while still pulling in more revenue from travelers willing to pay for a bit more comfort.

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All of that, McGee says, has created a dual-tier system of haves and have-nots, with a small group of well-treated business travelers at the top and a much larger pool of infrequent fliers being nickel-and-dimed for seating space that used to be standard.

The strategy is to make it so that you have a choice of torture class versus somewhat humane class, Hudson added.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing the major airlines, did not immediately respond to Popular Sciences requests for comment but previously told CNN it considers safety a top priority.

Airlines continue to invest in a wide range of innovative technologies to maximize personal space in the cabin while maintaining a level of comfort passengers expect, the group said in a statement sent to CNN.

Smaller seats arent just uncomfortable; they could be dangerous

Though small seats may be a bearable nuisance on short flights, both McGee and Hudson warn they could become potentially dangerous on longer hauls of five hours or more. Prolonged sitting in cramped conditions, they say, increases the risk of blood clotsparticularly for people with obesity. In rare cases, those clots can lead to serious conditions like pulmonary embolism or venous thromboembolism. CDC guidelines recommend passengers move around every two to three hours to reduce this risk, but anyone whos flown through extended turbulence knows thats often easier said than done.

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But experts said smaller, cramped seats also risk making it harder to safely evacuate planes during emergencies. FAA regulations require airlines to demonstrate that a full plane can be evacuated in 90 seconds. Thats challenging under ideal conditions, but todays crowded cabins make it even harder. Flights are more packed than everpartly because of smaller seatsand with standard bag fees, theres now more carry-on luggage crammed into overhead bins and under seats. Add in service animals, loose phone chargers, and other cabin clutter, and you have what McGee describes as a potential recipe for disaster.

If you look at all of these factors, the fact is that the challenge of safely evacuating a plane in a life and death emergency keeps increasing, McGee said.

The FAA, the airline industrys top regulator, has the authority to mandate a minimum seat size if it determines that cramped seating contributes to safety risks, like longer evacuation times. In 2019, the agency conducted a test simulation of an emergency evacuation to answer that question and concluded that seat size and spacing did not adversely affect the success of emergency evacuations.

Following extensive reviews, studies and input from public comments, the FAA determined that new seat-dimension regulations are not necessary for passenger safety, an FAA spokesperson told Popular Science. The FAA will continue to study real-world evacuations to inform its future decisions and will convene an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to examine potential improvements to evacuation standards.

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But Paul Hudson, who sat on a committee that observed the simulation in person, takes issue with the tests methodology. The simulation, he claims, was conducted in a mock-up structure set up in a parking lotnot in an actual aircraftand did not include any volunteers over the age of 60, children under 18, or people with physical disabilities. The test was also conducted in groups of 60 individuals, far fewer than the average full commercial flight. According to Hudson, it also excluded individuals over 250 poundsa significant segment of the U.S. population that often struggles with standard seat sizes.

Hes not alone in his concerns. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth reiterated Hudsons criticisms and even introduced legislation in 2022 urging the FAA to revise its emergency evacuation testing procedures to better reflect real-world conditions.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) speaking about her Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act during a press conference at OHare International Airport on December 16, 2022. Image: Scott Olson/Getty Images Scott Olson

Imagine being on a crowded flight when the worst-case scenario happens: the crew tells you that you have 90 seconds to evacuatebut how can more than 150 passengers on a crowded flight actually safely evacuate in less time than it takes to brush your teeth? Duckworth said in a statement.

McGee echoed that sentiment in blunter terms.

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It was a very half-ass study, he said

How travelers mitigate the effects of small seats

Its unclear whether individual airlinesor the FAAhave any intention of changing their approach to seat sizes anytime soon. In the meantime, experts say there are a few steps passengers can take to give themselves a bit more breathing room. For starters, McGee says travelers who can afford to upgrade to tiers like Economy Plus should consider doing so, especially for longer flights. Larger passengers have also, for years, opted to purchase multiple adjacent seats, and some airlines will even try to actively accommodate those requests. That approach, McGee says its worth noting, is risky. Even if someone buys two seats assuming theyll be side by side, airlines often reserve the right to alter seat placement up until departure.

Hudson, meanwhile, recommends that passengers take every opportunity they can to stand up and move around the cabin. He personally makes a habit of getting up whenever someone else in his row does, whether he originally planned to or not, noting that such opportunities can be unpredictable. Hudson also advises individuals who believe they may be at risk of clotting to consider taking over-the-counter blood thinners before flying to reduce that risk. At the end of the day, he says, travelers need to use their best judgment to counteract the potential health effects of being confined in cramped conditions for extended periods.

Our bodies were not built to be sitting for a long, for hours on end in confined spaces, Hudson said.

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This story is part of Popular Sciences Ask Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know? Ask us.

Correction: The original version of this story incorrectly identified William McGees place of work. We regret the errror.
May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day, a day perhaps of greater significance this year when journalists around the globe are under more fire than ever.

With jobs, sources of funding, and editorial independence all being cut and under threat, every bit of support matters, including that of the Golden Globe Foundation, which includes support of journalism and free speech among its charitable priorities. The foundation, which was established in 2023 following the sale of the Golden Globes and the dissolution of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, has funded over $60 million over the last 30 years, including 83 grants last year to organizations including Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, International Women's Media Foundation, Los Angeles Press Club, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, ProPublica, Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Journalism students have also received grants and scholarships, like those at Cal State Los Angeles (pictured above).

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"The Golden Globe Foundation champions freedom of the press and expression, recognizing them as essential pillars to our democracy," says Henry Arnaud, president of the Golden Globe Foundation. "We're committed to supporting the vital role journalists play in safeguarding our communities, disseminating important information, uncovering truths and holding power to account, often at great personal risk.

The scope of the grants, which are funded partly by the licensing fees from the awards show, is wide, from film restoration to film schools to institutions that help and support the press. We try to see where the impact is going to go the furthest, says Miriam Spritzer, a member of the board which disperses the grants. But for her, the cause is personal. We're all international journalists; we're all foreign correspondents to outlets outside of the U.S. she says. And I think as journalists, one of the common beliefs [among us] is that freedom of press and the First Amendment are very important. It was a sentiment that a lot of [members] had that we should be helping our colleagues and our industry in a way that was to support freedom of press and to support journalists so that they are able to do what theyre supposed to do.

Italian journalist Silvio Bizio, who has been on the committee dispensing grants since the HFPA era, has seen first-hand the impact the donations can make. I have personally known so many students and aspiring journalists whose lives have really been helped tremendously or changed by the amount of scholarships and support that we've given them, she says. Bizio recounts meeting a student from India who was granted a scholarship to the University of Southern California. She was just overjoyed at the idea of being there, she recalls. She said never in a million years in her wildest dreams as she thought that she could have ended up in Los Angeles.

Another GGF grantee is the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, a 25-year-old independent non-profit organization which works with investigative reporters from around the world on breaking global stories. Gerard Ryle, who heads the ICIJ, credits the annual $100,000 grant from the GGF for literally allowing them to keep the lights on  the organization has a building in D.C. that serves as a home base for working reporters. We dont just bring journalists the story, he says, we build the technology and tools that allow them to work. He points to the Panama Papers and the Pandora Papers as examples of projects they led where millions of pages of documents could be parsed by journalists around the world. A more recent example was a story about dissidents around the world being targeted by China, which was shared with The Guardian, The Washington Post, and Le Monde. The essential role that I think investigative reporting plays is really telling the world something's wrong so that the world can help make it right. So our role is really to expose abuses, foster transparency, and contribute to trust building but most importantly of course it's holding power to account.

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But funding, like that provided by the GGF, is increasingly rare, says Ryle  especially support that comes with no demands of editorial control. Were very careful not to take any funding where someones telling us what to do, he says. Were suffering because we used to get funding from the U.S. government through the State Department, and weve just lost that.

The need for rigorous journalistic training is more important than ever, says Bizio, pointing to the recent Los Angeles wildfires, where local reporters delivered critical safety news to Los Angelenos. I was glued to the TV, watching them brave fires right in front of them, and I was thinking, thank goodness that they exist, she recalls. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't know what's going on. it's so important the role of journalists in today's world. So I hope they can continue to exist and have the access and the means to make it to survive as journalists.

But the risk has never been more profound than now, in the current political climate. There has been a natural reaction that a lot of people are concerned about freedom of press and the security of journalists, says Spritzer. The job of the journalist is to go and ask the hard questions and kind of be of almost like a watchdog to power. I think that that's becoming harder and harder throughout the world to actually have a say, to have an impact, to be able to even have the access to ask the hard questions.

International journalists report fearing the fallout not just from the administrations anti-press stance but also the anti-immigration stance as well. There is a difference between being a citizen and someone with a visa, says Spritzer. My lawyer explained to me that as a foreigner with a work visa, you have a privilege, not a right. It's different from when you when you're an American citizen. And I remember that that was a big insight for me.

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International journalists are sharing advice on social media sites about whether or not to leave the country, what to store on their phones, or whether to even be on social media at all. Journalists are not getting back into the country, says one reporter, who asked not to be named. A couple of people I know, when they went through immigration, were being asked to hand over their phones. And if there was anything negative about [President Donald] Trump, they were detained. Shes now thinking twice, she says, about covering the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, over fears about being let back into the U.S.

But beyond just the privilege of festival travel, some international journalists interviewed by Gold Derby said theyd think twice about writing about a film critical of the president, like last years The Apprentice. I think it would definitely impact my decision on whether to write about it and how I'd write about it, said one journalist. It just wouldnt be worth me writing the story.

For Ryle, the main concern is media literacy, which has never been more critical. We have to teach the upcoming generation the difference between real and not real, he says. Youve got to fund the journalism, but youve got to fund the people that are educating the future generation.

What advice do you give to journalists that are coming into the field now?

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Says Spritzer: Brace yourself.

Note: Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge and Penske Media Corporation, which owns Gold Derby.

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U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in June 2022 in Kyiv. (Screenshot from Instagram video)

Although U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, is one of those congressional lifers who does not have a particularly distinguished record on domestic issues, he has exercised good sense on some national security issues. He has long seen the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance as an essential component of Americas national defense. For instance, in 2023 he called NATO the most successful political and defensive organization thats ever been on the face of the planet. He elaborated: NATO is important because the national security of the United States of America is the most important issue that the federal government exists for. And there is nothing that gives us better security than the NATO organization.

Risch has correctly understood that the national security of the United States and other NATO nations would be seriously endangered if Russia were to win its genocidal war against Ukraine. In December of 2022, the senator listed a long list of actions he had taken that year to ensure Ukraine has the equipment and support it needs to win. It included his Senate Resolution 713, condemning Putins genocidal war against the Ukrainians, including countless heinous crimes against humanity.

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Risch has sounded the alarm that, Putin is not going to stop with Ukraine if he wins the war. If we end up in war with Russia, what were spending here is a drop in the bucket by comparison. That is, a win by Russia in Ukraine would lead to a follow-on attack against some of our NATO partners, which would require the United States to enter the hostilities. It does not get more serious than that.

The U.S. has stood strong with Ukraine because of the threat the war poses to U.S. security. President Biden could have been more forceful in providing sophisticated weapons and few restrictions on their usage. Nevertheless, the Ukrainians were able to hold their own, largely because they were fighting for their very freedom and existence. The U.S. was filling the support role that France had played during the dark days of Americas Revolutionary War, a role that was instrumental in the birth of our nation.

Tragically, that all changed on Jan. 20, 2025, when Donald Trump assumed the presidency and began unraveling the NATO alliance, as well as our support for Ukraine. We have seen American support for Ukraine evaporating at an alarming rate.

Trump consistently pushes the false claim that Ukraine started the war. His United Nations delegation even joined Russia, North Korea, Iran and 13 other cut-throat nations in voting against a resolution condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine. Trump has floated a so-called peace plan that will give Putin practically everything he wants, while seriously endangering the future existence of Ukraine as a sovereign and free nation. The peace deal would leave all of the NATO nations on the Russian border in imminent danger.

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As this disastrous situation plays out at a rapid and frightening pace, we hear very few Republican voices in Congress speaking out and sounding the alarm. One who stands out is U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican and retired Air Force brigadier general, who implored Trump and Congress to continue our support of Ukraine and advance Americas long-term national interests in the process.

With his strong past support for NATO and Ukraine and a clear understanding of the approaching calamity, it is inexplicable that Sen. Risch, the chairman of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would not be raising the roof and demanding a change of course. If we sell out Ukraine and allow it to fall to Putins atrocious war, it will be a disaster for that gallant nation and a contemptible stain on Americas honor.

If Putins war is genocidal, as both Risch and I believe, silence and non-action on the part of one who is in a position to speak out and avert it is cowardice of the first order. It amounts to complicity in the slaughter and enslavement of Ukrainians that will inevitably follow. What could possibly explain Rischs failure to rally opposition to this travesty? Perhaps a change of heart on the critical importance of Ukraine and NATO?

Or, maybe a pat on the head and a coveted endorsement from Trump for six more years in the prestigious U.S. Senate?

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African Americans boarding a newly integrated bus through the once-forbidden front door, following Supreme Court ruling ending successful 381 day boycott of segragated buses, Dec. 5 1956, Montgomery, AL. Credit - Don CravensGetty Images

In a 1857 speech celebrating the 25th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Britains Caribbean colonies, Frederick Douglass made one of his most famous statements: Power concedes nothing without a demand. The force of the point was not lost on the largely Black crowd that had gathered in upstate New York to hear Douglass speechthey had yet to win their struggle against slavery in the United States. In fact, Douglass was writing in the wake of significant setbacks for the abolitionist cause, including the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which denied people freed of slavery basic rights of trial by jury or habeas corpus while allowing them to be hunted across state lines. Douglass, however, was reminding his audience not to confuse outward and hollow seemings of humility and repentance with the real target of social change: By concerted, protracted struggle, in whatever forms were necessary.

Todays protesters and advocates against police brutality and structural racism are the inheritors of this same moral force. As in Douglass day, activists are hoping to make major structural changes: to substantially reform or even totally abolish institutions like prisons and police. And as in Douglass day, they face an uphill battle against entrenched political and financial interests. For them to succeed, they need to heed Douglass warning: That for protests to succeed, they must be backed by movements with the ability to promise to withholdlabor, debt payments, rent payments, or consumer supportand to follow through if demands arent met. Protests by such movements consequently morph into real, tangible promises: demonstrations of an ability to escalate, backed by strategic leverage.

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References to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his iconic 1963 I Have a Dream speech are ubiquitous in American politics, as are the images and moral legacy of the peaceful marches for justice associated with his approach to politics. We who protested in the summer of 2020 after the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade lived up to this aspect of the legacy, drawing vast multitudes of people to demand an end to injustices. By one estimate, 15 to 26 million people participated in the protests that raged that summer. And, just as in Selma in 1965, demonstrators were confronted with violence: indiscriminate use of pepper spray, tear gas, and life-altering rubber bullets to stand up against police brutality under the banner of slogans like defund the police and Black lives matter.

The protests werent for nothing: 20 cities cut police funds in some form in at least a temporary fashion; protestors in Seattle were able to win tens of millions toward a grassroots effort to let the public decide directly what and how to spend its money on public safety. But despite mobilizing an unprecedented number of Americans to the cause, and a brief interlude filled with the symbolism of task forces on racism and shoring up of diversity commitments from corporations, the political landscape that has developed in the years since is antithetical to the chants and signs of the 2020 protest movement. Local police were not defunded; besides the 20 holdouts, police budgets generally increased the very next year after the protests, and the recent pivot of President Donald Trumps administration to a project of mass deportation has begun to draw local law enforcement into the 100 mile border zone in which federal immigration enforcement agents are allowed to execute its full powersa zone that encompasses fully two thirds of the American population. The Trump administration has also engaged in a full-scale assault on laws and executive orders that were key victories in the Civil Rights era struggle against segregation and discrimination.

Whats missing from the formula this time was a promise to withholda tactic that also proved successful, but perhaps less commonly heralded, in the civil rights movement::: For instance, the I Have A Dream speech was made at a march for Jobs and Freedompairing a fight for fairness and inclusion with a fight over wealth and economic opportunity. Accordingly, the March for Jobs and Freedom was initiated by labor organizer and union founder A. Philip Randolph and organized by unionists in the Negro American Labor Council. In fact, the march itself was modeled off a plan Randolph and his co-workers had made back in 1941, the credible threat of which forced then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to concede the important anti-discrimination executive order to desegregate the war industry to avoid Randolphs promised strike (executive orders which Trump repealed in his very first days of his second term).

For the 1963 version of the march, the Negro American Labor Council brought together an important group of organizational allies pairing King (representing the Southern Christian Leadership Conference) with support from organizations including the NAACP, the Urban League, and the United Auto Workers. What was key to the success of that march was also what the 63 march shared in common with the planned march in 1941: The credible threat of disrupting business as usual that the organizations behind it represented. Such mobilizations might start with marches, but could advance elsewherefor instance, Kings SCLC had itself been born out of the proven success of the Montgomery bus boycott, and the inclusion of the Negro American Labor Union alongside major unions like the UAW meant the possibility of major strike actions if the demands were not met, including the possibility of a general strike across all workers, like the UAW has called for today.

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They were demonstrations in the fullest sense of the wordproof of how many people these organizations could mobilize, and how militantly they could be mobilized. They were promises about the kind of escalation the powers that could be expected if demands were not met, not just performances of dissatisfaction. The 2020 protests involved a lot of commitment by brave citizens, but largely did not have this kind of organizational basethe kind that could potentially impose the costs of a concerted strike or boycott. This helps to explain why the protests got the the low-hanging fruit of symbolic transformation, as Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor wrote a year after the George Floyd protests, in response rather than loftier goals like, say, defunding the police.

Those of us disappointed about the outcomes of the 2020 matches are not alone. As Vincent Bevins chronicles in his 2024 book If We Burn, many protest movements across the world in recent years have faced similar drawbacks, for similar reasons: decentralized, social media-based approaches were effective in harnessing attention and organizing street demonstrations. But they couldn't steer the response of the system in the protests intended direction because there was no organizational support. All we got was black squares on Instagram. The very commitments that allowed the movements to garner attention and spectacle proved stumbling blocks once the cameras stopped rolling and only tanks and bullets remained.

None of this means that weve run out of time to course correct. There are encouraging signs even amid the worsening political landscape: While the protests may not have swayed policymakers, history suggests that the initial conservative backlash of the public was followed eventually by a progressive shift in voting behavior. This evidence suggests that, as with the civil rights movement, the long run may favor the movementat least those people and organizations that survive long enough to reap the benefits of a more favorable audience. The organizations that survive may be able to direct political conversation and set the agenda for course correction in the aftermath of continued overreach from the present administration.

Above all, they can apply an approach to politics more like the one that succeeded in the civil rights movement or in Douglass vision of abolitionprotests that withhold and promise, rather than merely perform. This may prove indispensable in the years to come.

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Taiwo is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University and a fellow at the Climate and Community Institute. He is the author of the critically acclaimed books Elite Capture and Reconsidering Reparations.

This project was created in partnership with the Center for Policing Equity.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Relations between Algeria and its former coloniser, France, have rarely been straightforward.

After hitting a low point in July when France supported Algerias regional rival Morocco over its claim to the disputed territory of the Western Sahara, relations appeared to be recovering.

But then the April arrest in France of an Algerian consular official along with two other men for alleged involvement in the kidnapping near Paris of Algerian government critic Amir Boukhors has triggered a new wave of tensions.

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So why are diplomats now being expelled, and what does this mean for relations between Algeria and its former coloniser?

Lets break it down:

Who is Amir Boukhors?

Boukhors, or Amir DZ, is an Algerian online influencer and critic of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune with more than 1 million subscribers on TikTok.

The French government gave Boukhors political asylum in 2023.

But as far as the Algerian government is concerned, hes a fraudster and a terrorist, who theyve been seeking to extradite from France since 2016.

Algeria has tried to extradite Boukhors nine times. All attempts have been declined by France.





Why would an Algerian consular official allegedly want to kidnap him?

Speaking to the newspaper Le Parisien in an interview published on April 9, Boukhors said that on returning to his home in Val-de-Marne near Paris during the evening of April 29, 2024, he was stopped by an unmarked car with flashing lights.

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Four men in civilian clothes handcuffed him and threw him into the vehicle.

They first told me that an Algerian official wanted to talk to me, that that was why they were taking me. Then they told me the plan had changed and that I was going to Amsterdam, Boukhors told the newspaper.

Boukhors said he was then forced to swallow sleeping pills and was held in a container for more than 27 hours before being released without explanation.

A subsequent investigation by Frances counterespionage agency uncovered information leading to the arrest on April 11 of three men with a fourth still reportedly at large.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been a frequent target of Boukhorss online criticism [AP Photo]

No information has been released about two of the men. However, the third was an Algerian consular employee, French officials said.

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Algeria issued a statement the following day strongly denying its officials involvement and protesting the persons arrest in public  without notification through the diplomatic channels.

The statement denounced what it charged was a far-fetched argument based on the sole fact that the accused consular officers mobile phone was allegedly located around the home of Boukhors.

All three suspects were later charged with kidnapping or arbitrary detention  in connection with a terrorist undertaking.

What was the diplomatic response?

On April 14, Algeria announced that 12 French consular officials had 48 hours to leave the country.

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The statement, read on public television, confirmed the expulsions had been ordered in response to Frances arrest of the Algerian official.

According to the statement, the arrest had been intended to humiliate Algeria, with no consideration for the consular status of this agent, disregarding all diplomatic customs and practices.

France responded in kind the following day, expelling 12 Algerian consular officials from its territory and recalling its ambassador from Algiers.

A statement from the office of French President Emmanuel Macron described the Algerian decision as incomprehensible and unjustified and said Algiers should resume dialogue and take responsibility for the degradation in bilateral relations.





Why have relations between France and Algeria historically been poor?

France colonised Algeria for 132 years, killing Algerian civilians and creating a class structure in which European settlers and their descendants were on top.

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The French refused to leave Algeria, considering it an integral part of France. It was only after a war of independence that France finally left in 1962. Algeria is still referred to as the country of a million martyrs because of the number of people killed by France during the fight for independence.

But the dispute has not ended there. The issue of the Western Sahara is also causing tension, not just between France and Algeria but also across North Africa.

Western Sahara  a disputed territory in northwestern Africa  is at the centre of the poor relations between Algeria and Morocco. Rabat claims the territory as its own and occupies the majority of it while Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front and has taken in tens of thousands of Sahrawi refugees.

What has Frances position on the Western Sahara been?

France has largely backed Morocco  despite the United Nations not recognising Rabats sovereignty over the Western Sahara. And last year, Macron said Frances position was that it supported Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.

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At the time, Algeria voiced its deep disapproval of Frances unexpected, ill-timed and counterproductive decision to endorse Moroccos autonomy plan for Western Sahara and recalled its ambassador.

However, relations between the two were thought to be improving since then.

Speaking in early April after a series of talks intended to restore relations after the rift, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: We are reactivating as of today all the mechanisms of cooperation in all sectors. We are going back to normal and to repeat the words of President Tebboune: The curtain is lifted.'

But the Boukhors case and the diplomatic expulsions that have followed it have made it clear that the curtain has fallen right back down.




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Weve heard a lot lately about how miserable young Americans are. In the recently released World Happiness Report, the United States dropped to its lowest ranking since that survey beganand that result was driven by the unhappiness of people under 30 in this country. So whats going on?

I have some skepticism about these international rankings of happiness. The organizations that produce them always attract a lot of attention by answering Which is the worlds happiest country? They derive that answerusually Finland, with Denmark and other Nordics close behindby getting people in multiple countries to answer a single self-assessment question about life satisfaction. I dont place much stock in this methodology because we cant accurately compare nations based on such limited self-assessment: People in different cultures will answer in different ways.

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But I am very interested in the change within countries, such as the falling happiness of young adults in America. New research digs deeply into this issue, and many others: The Global Flourishing Study, based on a survey undertaken by a consortium of institutions including my Harvard colleagues at the Human Flourishing Program. This survey also uses self-reporting, but it collects much more comprehensive data on well-being, in about half a dozen distinct dimensions and in 22 countries, from more than 200,000 individuals whom it follows over five years. Most significant to me, the survey shows that although young peoples emotional and psychological distress is more pronounced in wealthy, industrialized nations such as the United States, it is occurring across the world.

Scholars have long noted that happiness tends to follow a U-shape across the lifespan: Self-reported happiness declines gradually in young and middle adulthood, then turns upward later in life, starting around age 50. The Dartmouth University economist David G. Blanchflowerwho, together with his co-author, Andrew J. Oswald, pioneered the U-shape hypothesis in 2008has reproduced the result in 145 countries.

The left-hand side of the U-shape would suggest that adolescents and young adults were traditionally, on average, happier than people in middle age. But given the well-documented increase over the past decades in diagnosed mood disorders among adolescents and young adults, we might expect that left side to be pushed down in newer estimates. And sure enough, this is exactly what the new GFS study finds, in the U.S. and around the world: The flourishing scores dont fall from early adulthood, because they now start low; they stay low until they start to rise at the expected age.

Thats the bad news, which is plenty bad. But there is some good news. The flourishing survey discovers one notable exception to this global pattern: a more traditional U-shaped curve among those young people who have more friends and intimate social relationships. This dovetails with my own research into how young adults in todays era of technologically mediated socializing are lacking real-life human contact and lovewithout which no one can truly flourish. This exception created by greater human connection is the starting point for how we might address this pandemic of young peoples unhappiness.

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[Arthur C. Brooks: Eight Ways to Banish Misery]

A plausible explanation for the more pronounced happiness problem that wealthy Western countries like the U.S. have is growing secularizationmeasured in the increasing numbers of so-called nones, people who profess no religious affiliation. In the United States, the percentage of the population with no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 2007, to 29 percent. Scholars have long found that religious people are, on average, happier than nonreligious people.

How to account for this paradox that a practice that gives so many people a tangible well-being boost is in such clear decline? Researchers have hypothesized that the phenomenons predominance in well-to-do countries is essentially a function of that affluence: As society grows richer, people become less religious because they no longer need the comfort of religion to cope with such miseries as hunger and early mortality.

I have my doubts about this economic-determinist account. As one would expect from past studies, the new survey shows that people who attend a worship service at least weekly score, on worldwide average, 8 percent higher in flourishing measures than nonattenders. But it further reveals that this positive effect is strongest among the richest and most secular nations. This finding suggests that, contrary to the materialist hypothesis, wealth is not a great source of metaphysical comfortand the well-being effect of religious attendance is relatively independent of economic factors.

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This leads to the question of what exactly is missing for so many people in wealthy countries when religion declines. Community connection and social capital are two answers. But a deeper answer is meaning, one of the studys categories of flourishing, which it measures by asking participants whether they feel their daily activities are worthwhile and whether they understand their lifes purpose. GDP per capita, the survey finds, is inversely correlated with this sense of meaning: The wealthier a country gets, the more bereft of meaning its citizens feel.

Others have previously observed this pattern as well. Researchers writing in the journal Psychological Science in 2013 looked at a far larger sample of nations (132) and came to the same conclusion as the GFS: In answer to the question Do you feel your life has an important purpose or meaning?, respondents to the survey in higher-income nations expressed much weaker conviction than those in lower-income countries. The researchers also found that these results were likely explained by secularism in richer nations.

This raises the issue of whether something about material success in a society naturally drives down religion or spirituality, and thus meaning, and so also flourishing. Many writers and thinkers throughout history have made this case, of course. Indeed, we could go back to the Bible and the New Testament story in which a rich young man asks Jesus what he needs to do to gain admission to heaven. Jesus tells the young man to sell all he has, give it to the poor, and follow him. At this the mans face fell, the Gospel says. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

[Arthur C. Brooks: Nostalgia is a shield against unhappiness]

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The Global Flourishing Study exposes many interesting patterns and will undoubtedly stimulate additional research for years to come. But you dont have to wait for that to apply the findings to your lifeespecially if you are a young adult living in a wealthy, post-industrial country. Here are three immediate things you can do:

1. Put close relationships with family and friends before virtually everything else. Where possible, avoid using technological platforms for interactions with these loved ones; focus on face-to-face contact. Humans are made to relate to one another in person. 2. Consider how you might develop your inner life. Given the trend toward being a none, which Ive written about in an earlier column, this might seem a countercultural move. But lets define spirituality broadly as beliefs, practices, and experiences not confined to organized religioneven a philosophical journey that can help you transcend the daily grind and find purpose and meaning. 3. Material comforts are great, but theyre no substitute for what your heart truly needs. Money cant buy happiness; only meaning can give you that.

That last is a truism, I know. But truisms do have the merit of being trueand the flourishing survey reveals how were in danger of forgetting these important verities. Sometimes, the cold, hard data are what we need to remind us of what we always knew but had come to overlook.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJLT)  The latest reports from the National Weather Service Thursday morning show that the Wichita River is expected to crest later than originally predicted.

RELATED STORY: Wichitans prepare for potential flooding following rains

City officials said there are currently no plans to preemptively cut off electricity in the city limits, and there is no need for evacuations since there is only minor street flooding within the city limits.

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City officials assure residents that all local agencies are staged and ready to activate if the situation changes.

One concern due to the recent rains is the increase in the mosquito population. While the large mosquitoes usually seen in floodwaters are nuisance mosquitoes and not disease carriers, residents are still encouraged to wear an EPA-approved repellent. Larvae packets are available for free at the Health District during regular business hours.

Spraying for mosquitoes will begin as soon as weather conditions allow for the best results.

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 Texomashomepage.com.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Wichita State University hosted an important event for local high school students on Wednesday.

WSUs College of Engineering hosted the third annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, where high school students were invited to participate in hands-on activities, listen to keynote speakers, and work with mentors.

Theyre going to be able to relate the idea of being an engineer to their own personal life in a way that makes it definitely seem like something theyre capable of doing whether you are great at math and science or its something you struggle with it gives them the idea that they can still become an engineer because they have this community and network of people to support them, Taylor Cazabat, the undergrad event coordinator for the College of Engineering at WSU, said.

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Kansas WWII paratrooper to make his final jump this weekend

The goal is to inspire them to pursue careers in fields like science, engineering, and math.

The idea of the event is to try and just make it so all students can identify with the idea of engineering from an early age. Engineering is a group activity, and it takes all mindsets and all perspectives, Cazabat said.

Surveys after last years event showed more than half of those who attended decided to study engineering or computing at WSU.

Cazabat says that about 120 students from Wichita and the surrounding area were at the event.

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.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Throngs of dachshunds strut their stubby stuff in Hungary on Thursday as they tried to fetch a record for the country's biggest ever single-breed dog walk.

Hundreds of dogs and their owners gathered at the Budapest City Park and walked in a long, noisy loop in the spring sun. The parade of pups was under the observation of the Hungarian Records Association, which was tasked with determining whether the canine cavalcade could be officially entered into the record books.

Istvan Sebestyen, registrar and president of the association, said his organization would carefully tally the number of participating dogs  a challenge, he said, when so many hounds and humans were gathered in one place.

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We dont usually take dachshunds on walks in droves, so this experiment has to correspond to our system of rules, he said.

Dachshunds, a short, muscular breed with stubby legs, were first bred in Germany, and remain one of Hungary's most popular dog breeds.

Also known as wiener dogs or sausage dogs for their long, low-slung bodies, they were initially bred for hunting badgers and other burrowing creatures. But their loyal, curious and playful nature has also made them popular as family pets.

In Munich, Germany in 1972, a rainbow-colored dachshund named Waldi became the first official mascot in the history of the Olympic Summer Games.

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Last September, the German city of Regensburg set the current world record for the largest dachshund dog walk as hundreds of the breed paraded through the medieval town center.

While some counts from Regensburg put the number of dogs at 1,175, Guinness World Records could only confirm 897.

On Thursday, Lili Horvath and her 1-year-old dachshund Zabos participated in the walk in Budapest. She said her furry friend "has very deeply human qualities and is very loyal, hes really a love bomb.

Valeria Fabian, who was walking her dachshund Zsebi, saw it differently.

Few people are capable of giving this kind of selflessness, because people dont have as much love and self-sacrifice as a dog can give a human, she said.

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By the end of the record-seeking walk, the Hungarian Records Association determined that 500 dachshunds had been present  enough to set a Hungarian record, but still short of the Guinness mark set in Regensburg.

Organizers, undeterred, vowed to try again next year  giving them plenty of time to muster more mutts for another shot at the title.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The wife of a U.S. Army veteran was found guilty for her connection to her husbands murder in 2022, officials said.

After a three-day trial, a jury found Theary Lim guilty of first-degree premeditated murder on Wednesday, April 30, for the shooting death of her husband  Sothon In.

JAN. 2022 | Woman charged after man shot, killed in Clarksville home

In, 38, was found deceased in the familys Clarksville home in the 2200 block of Ladd Drive on Jan. 3, 2022. According to District Attorney General Robert Nash, In was found with a single gunshot wound to his head. He added that Lim and the couples two young children were also at the home when the shooting occurred.

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While being questioned by officers with the Clarksville Police Department, Lim reportedly said the shooting was an accident. In addition, News 2 previously reported that Lim allegedly told a detective that she was lying next to In in bed while playing with a handgun when it fired.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County

However, Nash said surveillance video showed Lim lock the front door of the home at 12:15 p.m. and close the living room blinds with what appeared to be the murder weapon in her hand immediately after the surveillance footage captured the sound of a single gunshot. Lim was reportedly seen unlocking the door at 12:59 p.m.

In a 2022 interview with News 2, Ins brother said Sothon wanted to join the U.S. Army from a young age and was deployed at least three times to the Middle East.

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After the jury read the verdict Wednesday, Judge Robert Bateman sentenced Lim to life with the possibility of parole.

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.
The silhouette of a drill head, backlit by a vibrant sunset, is visible from Route 550 just outside Farmington, N.M., on Oct. 26, 2021. (Photo by Isabel Koyama / Howard Center for Investigative Journalism)

New Mexico oil and gas operators averaged a spill every seven hours in the beginning months of 2025, according to a recent report released by a local environmental group.

Santa Fe-based nonprofit WildEarth Guardians compiled the spill data reported between January and March 2025 by oil and gas operators to the states Oil Conservation Division, and found 75,000 barrels of liquids had spilled across six counties in the San Juan, Bravo Dome and Permian basins.

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The report concludes these spills, mostly from active wells, threaten drinking water aquifers, soil health, air quality and the well-being of frontline communities and ecosystems.

We want to make sure that the public and policymakers are aware that this is an environmental crisis hiding in plain sight, Rebecca Sobel, a campaign manager at WildEarth Guardians, told Source. These spills are happening as the regular cost of doing business, theyre not exceptions  theyre the rule for oil and gas operations in New Mexico.

Of the 75,858 barrels of liquid spilled, operators lost about 10% of the waste into the environment.

That loss means its spilled and not recoverable from the environment, Sobel said. Thats permanent contamination.

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A spokesperson for the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department, which oversees the states Oil Conservation Division, said in a written statement that the department would not comment on specifics in the report.

We cannot speak to the specifics of the Wild Earth Guardians report, EMNRD spokesperson Sidney Hill wrote. However, the Oil Conservation continues to enforce its rules requiring operators to report and properly remediate all releases on land under its jurisdiction. The OCD also issues violation notices and fines when operators fail to properly remediate a release.

The report urged state and federal regulators to issue meaningful fines, deny permits for repeat violators, and publicly report the outcomes for violations around spills.

Nearly two thirds of the spills were of produced water  the wastewater from oil and gas fracking  which can contain radioactive materials, cancer-causing or toxic chemicals, heavy metals. Produced water also contains unknown chemicals used in the fracking process which do not have to be disclosed to the public or regulators under trade secrets protections.

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Its hard to do any kind of remediation or cleanup when you dont know what youre cleaning up, Sobel said.

Additionally, 90 of the spills included crude oil  which contains cancer-causing components such as benzene and metals such as nick, arsenic and mercury. Finally, 28 spills contained condensate, the entrapped liquid hydrocarbon mixtures, and a byproduct of oil and natural gas production, which contains benzene, as well as emissions that can cause health effects.

About half of the spills causes  152  were listed as equipment failure, followed by 66 incidents of corrosion and 29 human error spills.

Nearly 90% of the spills happened in the states southeast corner, split nearly evenly between Eddy and Lea Counties in the Permian basin. Next highest were San Juan and Rio Arriba counties in the San Juan. Finally, one spill each occurred in Harding and Union counties in the Bravo Dome basin.

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The majority of spills were listed on federal public lands at 199 spills, followed by 66 incidents on private land and 65 releases on state trust land.

This is the first of quarterly reports WildEarth Guardians expects to release this year.

Our hope is that by tracking these spills, making them publicly available and accessible, folks start to take them seriously and regulators enact meaningful enforcement and regulation, Sobel said.

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Apr. 30WILKES-BARRE  Residents of an East Union Street apartment building that included King's College students were forced to vacate their homes this week after the building was condemned due to significant building code violations.

A sign taped to the door of 16-22 East Union St. said the building was unfit for human occupancy as of Tuesday.

The notice, signed by Wilkes-Barre Building Code Official Dan Kratz, said a roof leak and plumbing issues were among the reasons for the posting.

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The building also does not have a fire alarm and is an electrical hazard, he said.

Additionally, Kratz told the Times Leader that the elevator does not have current certification.

According to a work permit posted to the window, the building is owned by Juanta Raja LLC, Janti Rani LLC, and Kathal Realty LLC.

City Administrator Charlie McCormick said the building was inspected about a month and a half ago due to a complaint about the roof leaking into an apartment.

Inspectors then found other issues that needed to be addressed.

The issues were not fixed when inspectors returned this week, McCormick said.

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McCormick said he believed some residents were students of King's College and that the school had a process with which to find alternative housing for them.

King's College Public Relations Manager Will Skaggs told the Times Leader that 12 students in total were displaced, all of whom were offered emergency on-campus housing as well as help securing on-campus housing for next year.

In addition, Skaggs said the college will provide them with food and parking assistance as needed.

City Health Department Social Worker Gail Malloy, a registered nurse, offered additional help, directing residents to various community resources.

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McCormick stated that no one would be able to move back into the building until all of the violations were resolved.

Efforts to reach the building owners for comment Wednesday were not immediately successful.
Harvard University became the first institution to resist the Trump administration when it publicly refused federal demands and filed a lawsuit in response to its threats to withdraw billions of dollars in funding.

However, Harvards image of resistance began to diminish in the eyes of some members of its community when it renamed its Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging to Community and Campus Life and said it would no longer fund, staff or provide space for affinity graduations, according to internal emails.

Renaming the office was based upon findings in a campus survey on inclusion and belonging called the Pulse Survey, according to official communications from Harvard. In an article discussing the surveys findings in the Harvard Gazette, Harvards official news outlet, it was revealed that it was President Alan Garbers decision to rename the office.

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But some at Harvard believe the recent decisions are tied to recent federal pressures, including an April 11 letter to Harvard with a direct demand to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Harvard as an institution has a repeating history of using covers to make changes that they know may be controversial. I absolutely believe that the survey was a cover and part of a greater effort to kind of capitulate to the demands that the Trump administration has been making recently, said Eli Johnson, a Harvard junior and LGBTQ student.

Harvards primary goal is to protect itself and its reputation, Johnson said.

On the other hand, Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, said that changing the name of the office doesnt necessarily mean Harvard is kowtowing to the Trump administration  as long as it continues to uphold a mission of supporting a diverse campus community.

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Read more: Harvard hands over foreign student info to feds amid threat from Trump admin

Harvard isnt the first institution in Massachusetts to rename its DEI office.

After President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending federal DEI programs and placing federal DEI staffers on paid leave, Northeastern University changed the name of The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on Northeasterns website to Belonging at Northeastern.

It also scrubbed much of its DEI language from its website.

Is Harvard caving to the Trump administration?

Harvard senior Victor Flores was more excited to celebrate his upcoming graduation this month with other Latinx students at Harvard than to attend the main graduation.

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Theres nothing like celebrating in community, especially with peers of similar backgrounds and similar experiences, Flores said.

But that has become more difficult following Harvards decision to stop providing space and funding for affinity group graduation celebrations.

To have Harvard take back a tradition that Flores said has been going on for many years was disheartening. Now he is helping to organize one for Latinx students independently.

With only a month left to do so and as full-time students about to enter our finals season, the bandwidth is tight. But this is important to us and were going to make it happen whether or not Harvard gives us the resources to do so, he said.

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Flores sees the renaming of the DEI office and the elimination of support for affinity celebrations as signs of Harvard caving to the Trump administrations demands.

Harvard further gave in to federal demands on Wednesday, when the institution announced Wednesday evening that it had provided the Department of Homeland Security information required by law about foreign students illegal activity and records.

I, of course, am part of the collection of students that is all incredibly happy at the way that Harvard has said that they will take a stand, but I also knew that that was a promise that was going to be conditioned in some way, Flores said.

He pointed to other ways he sees the university giving way to Trump and outside voices, including the Harvard School of Public Health cutting ties with Birzeit University in the West Bank amid repeated claims that the university was tied to Hamas  and the dismissal of faculty at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies as critics claimed they failed to adequately represent Israeli perspectives.

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Its clear that whether its a Trump administration or individual and vocal private donors, the university is willing to capitulate, Flores said.

When Cornell William Brooks, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School, heard about the recent Harvard decisions, his reaction was one of both surprise and even greater disappointment.

While he commended the institution for fighting back against Trump, he believes the recent decisions were political missteps.

Why do you need to rename and rebrand that what you have long said is right as though it were wrong? Harvard has long said that it supports diversity, said Brooks, who was the former NAACP president and CEO.

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Harvard became a place of prestige when it focused on diversifying its student body outside of New England, into the U.S. and outside of the country, Brooks said.

By renaming the DEI office, the institution is playing into the rhetoric of DEI being a vice, when DEI offices are the first line of defense for students, according to Brooks.

The administration has literally painted DEI offices in a kind of political Black face, Brooks said.

Read more: Harvard hands over foreign student info to feds amid threat from Trump admin

The name of an office is more than just a name  it is what it symbolizes, Brooks said.

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Harvard gives a great deal of thought to its name. We have lawyers who protect our name. We have lawyers who prevent copyright infringement of our name. Names symbolize values and virtues, and to change your name in response to political pressure, represents some sacrifice of identity, he said.

Johnson, who is a junior at Harvard, said the DEI office name change showed that the university is covering all of their bases to kind of limit the scope of future attacks that Trump can do, Johnson said.

Its signaling that if theyre willing to capitulate on some demands, then theyre likely to capitulate in the future. This kind of sends confused, mixed signals to students, Johnson said.

Johnson, who is the co-president of Harvard College Queer Students Association, said the organization is meeting with the Harvard Foundation director and BGLTQ office director on Friday to talk about the future for students, if theyre going to continue to have funding and what might change under the new name.

Whats in a name?

Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, doesnt see Harvards decision to change the name of the DEI office as retreating from its work.

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A change in the name of an office or a title of a role in and of itself is not evidence of retreat from its mission, its values or commitment to a diverse student body or campus experience, Granberry Russell said.

The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education is a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Trump administrations anti-DEI executive orders.

Offices doing DEI work have had a range of names at different institutions, including offices of multicultural affairs or affirmative action offices, she said.

The renaming of DEI offices isnt new and has been going on for years, as states have passed legislation attempting to weed DEI work out of education.

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While she disagrees with how the acronym of DEI has been demonized and weaponized, she said the turn to Community and Campus Life at Harvard makes sense because the key to building diversity on campus includes creating a sense of community and supporting campus life through programming.

What matters more than a name is its actions, she said.

Words that we use in our daily lives include community, and people understand community more than they do an acronym, Granberry Russell said.

How Harvards decision could affect other colleges

Across the state, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, women, gender and sexuality studies professor Laura Briggs doesnt want to theorize whether Harvards decisions were a result of what is happening federally.

Briggs said DEI is important in higher education, even though she doesnt think Harvards decisions will impact UMass Amherst directly.

At the end of the day, many, maybe most of us who teach in non-elite universities recognize the extent to which race, class, and  in certain fields  gender are markers for systematic forms of discrimination and disadvantage, beginning in preschool and certainly a factor by the time students are applying for college, Briggs said in an email. We at UMass care about serving all the taxpayers and residents of the Commonwealth who pay our salaries, and so are not inclined to readily relinquish the principles that ensure fairness in how the university treats students.

Briggs, who received a masters in theological studies from Harvard, pointed to a resolution passed by the faculty senate on April 10 about attacks at the federal level against DEI.

In it, the UMass Amherst faculty senate reaffirmed its dedication to DEI as part of the institutions mission.

We will not be deterred in the pursuit of our mission, the faculty senate said.

We want all members of our community to be welcomed and supported by the university, especially in the current climate, the senate said.

Brooks, the Harvard Kennedy School professor, disagreed with Briggs, saying what Harvard does will have systemic impacts across higher education.

To Brooks, it opens the doors to substantive retreat, because if Harvard changes its DEI name, it implies DEI work is unlawful or immoral.

The change sets a scary precedent for higher education and the respect for freedom of speech on college campuses, said Flores, the Harvard senior.

Harvard, unlike other institutions, is shielded by its massive endowment, name brand and alumni network, he said.

When Harvard is willing to capitulate even on what may, on its surface may seem like small things like affinity graduations, I think it does set a terrible precedent for other universities moving forward in terms of their appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion on campuses, for its support of marginalized communities and minoritized communities on these campuses and for its appreciation for descent and the expression of freedom of speech on this campuses, Flores said.

MassLive reporter Trea Lavery contributed to this story.

More Higher Ed

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Completed in November 2023, the renovation of the Willows Courthouse in Glenn County achieved upgrades to the building without compromising the facilitys historic integrity.

Recognizing this achievement, the California Preservation Foundation recently awarded the renovation project with its Preservation Design Award for Rehabilitation, which honors the best historic preservation projects in California. The foundation will honor this years recipients at an award ceremony on May 9 at the California Museum in Downtown Sacramento.

The renovated historic building is more efficient, secure

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Originally built in 1894 and located at 526 West Sycamore Street in Willows, the renovated and expanded historic courthouse consolidates court operations from three facilities in two cities, hearing all case types and providing a full range of court services to residents of Glenn County.

The renovation project not only increased operational efficiency for the court, but also improved security and seismic strength, and upgraded mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

The buildings improved security features include entrance screening of all court users, and improved fire and life safety systems. The courthouses sustainability features include energy-efficient lighting, drought-tolerant landscaping, and water-efficient irrigation and plumbing systems.

The courthouse also has a self-help center, mediation and settlement spaces, and holding facilities for in-custody defendants.

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Expansion project preserved the historic nature of the building

After gaining title to the property from the county in 2011, the state Judicial Council acquired additional land to the rear of the building to construct the annex that allowed the court to consolidate its operations at one location.

The council, the court, and the construction vendors worked together to add a two-courtroom annex that would complement the original historic structure. As required by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards, the new two-story addition is compatible with the historic buildings size, scale, and architectural features but different enough to preserve the original buildings character.

The court is very pleased that the California Preservation Foundation has chosen to recognize and honor this unique historic courthouse renovation project that preserves the courthouses identity and its place as a central and iconic fixture of the City of Willows and the Glenn County community, stated Presiding Judge Donald Cole Byrd.

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Part of a statewide courthouse construction program

The courthouse renovation project was ranked as an Immediate Need in the judicial branchs capital-outlay plan, making it among the branchs highest-priority infrastructure projects. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 35 new courthouse projects, with another 18 projects underway and in various stages.

These include new court facilities in both large and small counties, as well as urban and rural areas across the state.

For more information on the Willows Courthouse, visit the California courts website at www.courts.ca.gov/facilities-glenn.htm.
CONCORD  A 51-year-old Windham man was sentenced Friday in federal court to 36 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a financial scheme to steal $6.7 million from the United Way.

After a two-week trial in October, Imran Alrai was convicted of 12 counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering, said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack in a statement.

As part of his sentencing, he was ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution.

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For six years, the defendant carried out a calculated and sophisticated scheme to steal millions from a non-profit dedicated to uplifting our most vulnerable communities, McCormack said. He exploited the organizations trust, fabricating companies, employees and invoices  all to line his own pockets at the expense of those the non-profit was meant to serve.

Between 2012 and 2018 while employed as an IT professional at United Way, Alrai obtained around $6.7 million in payments for IT services supposedly provided to United Way by an independent outside contractor, DigitalNet Technology Solutions, which he owned and controlled. In early 2013, he rigged the bidding process for a major contract so that DigitalNet was chosen.

Alrai then gave fake references and information about DigitalNet to United Way and fraudulently concealed his connection with DigitalNet from his colleagues.

For the next five years while serving as United Ways Vice President of IT Services, Alrai steered additional IT work to DigitalNet, so that his company soon became United Ways second-largest outside vendor, receiving more than $1 million annually.

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(Alrai) used his technical expertise to craft an elaborate fraud scheme that went undetected for years, allowing him to siphon millions to fulfill his own greed, said Michael Krol, Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge.

When the fraudulent activity came to light in June 2018, officials at the United Way confronted Alrai and terminated him. Federal agents then executed a search and seizure warrant on his home office in Windham where they seized incriminating documents and data and around $2.2 million in fraud proceeds in bank and investment accounts.

During the scheme, Alrai wired $1.2 million in fraud proceeds to DigitalNet bank in Lahore, Pakistan. According to expert testimony at the trial, United Way lost at least $5 million as a result of DigitalNets excessive billing, duplicate billing and billing for services not delivered.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  WRTA is celebrating its fourth annual Give Small Business a Lift campaign

This year, 12 local small businesses were highlighted with their stories featured on buses and signs at Federal Station.

This years winner is J.E. Washington Funeral Services. The business will receive extra advertising, including a social media push and a TV campaign donated by WKBN.

WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris says the campaign keeps growing, with hundreds of nominations coming in.

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Weve kind of grown the event itself to really showcase a little better because we got a good feel for how to do it, and its just a very positive thing. And then our past winners are so thankful because they have been recognized, Harris said.

More than 200 Valley businesses have participated in the first three years of this event.

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.
A Wisconsin man who made bogus emergency phone calls designed to draw SWAT team responses in an elaborate scheme involving hacked doorbell cameras was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison Thursday.

Kya Christian Nelson, 23, of Racine, Wis., pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy and two counts of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information. The swatting incidents he organized in 2020 took place in California, Michigan, Montana, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Illinois, Florida and Alabama.

Nelson has been in federal custody since August 2024 and was previously serving a prison sentence in Kentucky after being convicted in state court there in an unrelated case.

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Read more: Oxnard 'swatting' call, with police taunted via Ring camera, is part of federal indictment

Nelson and co-conspirators hacked into a dozen Ring home security camera accounts, and placed bogus emergency calls to police. They then livestreamed the officers armed responses on social media. They also taunted responding police officers and victims through the Ring devices during several of the incidents, officials said in a news release Thursday.

The victims were strangers to Nelson and his co-conspirators, officials confirmed Thursday.

Nelson and others were able to get into the Ring accounts by illicitly obtaining usernames and passwords for Yahoo email accounts and identifying individuals who used the same credentials for their Ring home security systems. Two of the victims were in Southern California.

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Read more: L.A. County 18-year-old pleads guilty to making 375 'swatting' calls throughout the U.S.

One house in West Covina was targeted in November 2020, when Nelson and his co-conspirator placed a call to the citys police department claiming to be a minor child in the home. They told police the childs parents were drinking and shooting guns inside the home and that they had multiple firearms there. Police cleared the residents from the home at gunpoint.

Three days later, an Oxnard home was targeted, with Nelson making a call to local police, again claiming to be a child, saying his father had a handgun in the house. Nelson then made a second bogus call to police to report hearing shots fired at the victims residence.

Once police responded, Nelson used the Ring camera to threaten and taunt the police officers, prosecutors said.

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Read more: 'Swatting' calls spark panic, fear, massive police responses. Can California finally crack down?

In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors described what Nelson and those he worked with did as terrorizing innocent people around the country from behind their keyboards.

One of Nelsons indicted co-conspirators, James Thomas Andrew McCarty, 22, of Kayenta, Ariz., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in June 2024. His sentencing included both his role in this case and additional charges in Arizona.

In a statement to The Times in 2022, when Nelson and McCarty were indicted, Ring said it takes the security of our customers extremely seriously and has taken steps to strengthen protections, including requiring customers to verify their identity when logging in and scanning the web for stolen Ring passwords.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, a Republican, has filed paperwork to run for governor and has planned an event for Sunday where he is expected to announce his bid.

Schoemann, 43, is the first candidate from a major party to throw his name into the 2026 arena. He will enter the race for governor not knowing who his potential Democratic opponent will be, should he prevail in a GOP primary. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term in the election 18 months from now.

Schoemann, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who lives in West Bend, was first elected county executive in 2020 after holding the jobs of county administrator and county manager for six years.

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According to his biography on the Washington County website, Schoemann earned an Army Commendation Medal and received an honorable discharge in October 2008 from the Army National Guard.

Schoemann has scheduled a "summer kickoff cookout" event on Sunday afternoon in West Bend, where he is expected to announce his campaign for governor.

Schoemann's filing comes two weeks after Bill Berrien, a Whitefish Bay manufacturing businessman, launched a political action committee as he considers a run for governor.

Berrien is a Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision in New Berlin.

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Wisconsin politics Q&A: Is Gov. Tony Evers running for a third term and which Republicans might challenge him?

Also considering campaigns for governor is U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Minocqua who represents the 7th Congressional District.

Alexander Kent of La Crosse also registered a campaign for governor this week as an independent candidate, according to state campaign finance records. Kent registered the committee under the name "Voter Directed Democracy," which is also the title of a book he authored.

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Republican Josh Schoemann files for 2026 governor's race
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  Are you ass nurse or have you ever considered becoming a one? If so, have you ever done online searching for nursing jobs? If you are in the Upper-Midwest, the answer is probably no.

A new study from CheapNursingCEUs found that the state of Colorado sees the most Average Monthly Google searches for nursing school or employment and Wisconsin showed the least amount of interest in nursing searches. Researchers tracked monthly Google searches across all states for terms like nursing school near me, online nursing programs, and how to become a nurse. This was then scaled to per 100,000 residents to allow for comparisons regardless of population. Colorado had 329.83 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents, while Wisconsin had only 105.83.

While the state of Wisconsin seemingly has the lowest interest in Nursing as a profession, we have one of the healthiest nursing employment rates, 22.22 nurses per 1,000 jobs. For reference, Delaware has one of the highest employment rates at 27.82 per 1,000 jobs, while Idaho has one of the lowest at 17.21.

The Top 5

Colorado came out on top as the state with the highest level of nursing career interest, recording 329.83 Google searches per 100,000 residents. Unfortunately, this state is without Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) nursing employment data for May 2024.

Virginia was second with 287.64 searches per 100,000 residents. Current BLS records show Virginia employs 19.05 registered nurses for every 1,000 jobs across the state.

Ohio placed third for nursing career interest with 281.73 Google searches per 100,000 residents. The state maintains a robust nursing workforce, with 25.04 registered nurses per 1,000 jobs according to the latest figures.

Florida ranked fourth with 265.52 nursing career searches per 100,000 residents. The state currently supports 22.21 registered nurses per 1,000 jobs.

Delaware recorded 257.78 Google searches per 100,000 residents. Despite its small size, the state has one of the highest nursing employment rates nationally, with 27.82 registered nurses per 1,000 jobs.



The Bottom 5

Wisconsin showed the least interest in nursing careers, with just 105.83 Google searches per 100,000 residents. This, despite Wisconsins healthy nursing employment rate of 22.22 nurses per 1,000 jobs.

Iowa ranked second-lowest with 106.46 searches per 100,000 residents. Iowa maintains 21.44 registered nurses per 1,000 jobs according to BLS data.

Montana placed third-lowest with 110.57 searches per 100,000 residents while employing 20.67 registered nurses per 1,000 jobs.

New Mexico registered the fourth-lowest search interest with 121.04 Google searches per 100,000 residents and currently supports 20.34 registered nurses per 1,000 jobs.

Idaho completed the bottom five with 122.54 searches per 100,000 residents. With just 17.21 registered nurses per 1,000 jobs, Idaho has one of the lowest nursing employment rates among all states.

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MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida nurse was sentenced to life in prison following her conviction in the 2018 murder of her 7-year-old adopted daughter, a report from NBC affiliate WTVJ said.

Gina Emmanuel, a 56-year-old Miami-Dade registered nurse, was convicted April 15 of first-degree murder for 7-year-old Samaya, and the abuse of her two other adopted children, court records show.

2 Florida hikers die after falling from cliff face in Utah

According to WTVJ, prosecutors said Emmanuel abused her children for several months, forcing them to eat human waste, burning their hands on a stove, taping them to a chair, chaining them and withholding food and water. She also reportedly locked the fridge and restricted them to specific meals.

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In the trial, Dr. Emma Lew, a retired medical examiner, told jurors Samaya had injuries from her face, down to her neck, down to her chest, abdomen, back, both arms and both legs, the news outlet reported.

Lew ruled the childs cause of death as acute and chronic physical and emotional abuse, WTVJ said.

7-year-old Samaya (Credit: NBC affiliate WTVJ)

One of the survivors, Emmanuels former adoptive daughter Ayanna Gordon, 18, spoke out in the trial, saying Emmanuel got what she deserved.

Operation Snow Storm leads to 19 arrests in Pinellas County

If you cant do the time, I am letting God take this wheel, she said. And with that being said, I wish you well in hell.

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WTVJ reported that Emmanuel never apologized during Wednesdays sentencing, as Gordon told the outlet that the women knew exactly what she did.

Even though she hurt me, she did teach me a lot of things. I can carry some of that in the future, but something I will not carry is if I ever have children, I wont make the same mistake she did, Gordon told WTVJ. Like I said, she said she was a tough cookie. Im tougher.

According to WTVJ, the two surviving children are doing well. Gordon will be graduating from high school and plans to go to college to major in Business.

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Esteemed Comrades of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs! Today we ask you to review your files for any communications you may have had with unreliable elements who are critical of our Party and our leader. If you have had contact with journalists, researchers, or other subversives, we ask you to report these interactions in full to the senior comrades responsible for the important work of ideological vigilance. Also, please indicate if you have encountered any suspicious use of the following terms 

Thats not actually how Acting Undersecretary of State Darren Beattie communicated his request for information to a small office at the State Department, but he may as well have. Beattie is one of President Donald Trumps self-styled ideological commissars in the executive branch, and he seems to be taking to his duties with gusto.

According to the MIT Technology Review, on March 11 Beattie circulated a document among the then-staff of the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference hub, known as R/FIMI, an office that once tracked and countered foreign disinformation campaigns, and has since been shut down. As the MIT Technology Review described the request, Beattie wanted all staff emails and other records with or about a host of individuals and organizations that track or write about foreign disinformation, as well as all staff communications that merely reference Trump or people in his orbit, like Alex Jones, Glenn Greenwald, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In addition, it directs a search of communications for a long list of keywords, including Pepe the Frog, incel, q-anon, Black Lives Matter, great replacement theory, far-right, and infodemic.

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[Read: Inside Mike Waltzs White House exit]

Among the some 60 figures and organizations targeted by Beattie were the former U.S. cybersecurity official (and Trump appointee) Christopher Krebs, the entrepreneur Bill Gates, the open-source-journalism organization Bellingcat, the commentator Bill Kristol, the Stanford Internet Observatory, and my Atlantic colleague Anne Applebaum.

Beatties duties put R/FIMI under his purview. The office itself was the successor to the State Departments Global Engagement Center, created during Barack Obamas administration to counter disinformation efforts from abroad. As The Guardian noted, The GEC had developed AI models to detect deepfakes, exposed Russian propaganda efforts targeting Latin American public opinion on the Ukraine conflict, and published reports on Russian and Chinese disinformation operations. Republicans defunded the GEC last yearof course they did, with a record like thatand R/FIMI replaced it.

Now R/FIMI is gone as well: Secretary of State Marco Rubio closed it two weeks ago after he accused it of trying to silence and censor the voices of Americans they were supposed to be serving. Rubio offered no evidence of this censorship, but the larger project might be more closely related to the Trump administrations ongoing efforts to stop anyone from looking too closely at foreign, especially Russian, manipulation of the American political system.

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According to anonymous State Department officials in the MIT report, Beatties stated goal in trying to dragnet this information from his subordinates was to create transparency, and presumably show that these people and groups were in cahoots with American diplomats to criticize and undermine Trump and his agenda. Beattie reportedly compared his efforts to Elon Musks Twitter Files project: After he took over Twitter in 2022, Musk funded a group of journalists to review the companys earlier internal communications in order to reveal ostensible manipulation and censorship on the platform.

Its strange that Beattie chose to emulate Musks Twitter Files, which ultimately revealed very little, but perhaps Beattie never intended to find anything of substance. (Renee DiResta, a professor at Georgetown, wrote about the Twitter Files for The Atlantic; she, too, was on Beatties list.) Instead, as one State Department official put it, Beattie seemed to be on more of a witch hunt, to see who at State talks to people outside of State, and to determine exactly what theyre talking about.

Such a project could serve two purposes: One is that it would help Beattie and others to build a blacklist of people who should be frozen out or even targeted by the administration as enemies. (As Kristol said to the MIT Technology Review when he found out about the creation of such a list: What would be the innocent reason for doing that?) The other possibility is that Beattie was trying to chill any contact between his office and people or organizations who have not passed the administrations political purity tests.

Considering how obsessed Trumps top people are with calling everything communism, its ironic how much this whole business seems like a page from Soviet history, with Party commissars trying to identify ideological saboteurs in their midst. Under Stalin, such contacts with unapproved persons, or even with people once trusted who had fallen under suspicion, could carry fatal consequences. Trumpism is more like the later regime under Leonid Brezhnev: Apparatchiks who ran afoul of new guidance or who might have been associated with people now out of favor could find themselves out of a job, demoted to menial work, or even prosecuted for petty infractions of the law. As Ambassador Daniel Fried, who was also on the list of people Beattie sought information about, put it to the MIT Technology Review, Beatties efforts reminded him of Eastern European Communist Party minder[s] watching over the untrusted bureaucracy.

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[From the June 2025 issue: I run the country and the world]

Beattie, like so many of Trumps appointees, has had his own troubles. He earned a doctorate in philosophy from Duke, and he taught at Duke for a year. He then landed a job as an aide and a speechwriter in the first Trump White House, but left in 2018 after CNN revealed that hed attended a conference that featured prominent white nationalists. In 2019, Beattie took a job with then-Representative Matt Gaetznot exactly a promotion after having a White House badgeand became a January 6 truther, arguing that FBI agents were in the crowd as provocateurs. (He also has continued to make racist and sexist comments: Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work, he wrote on X six months ago.)

In other words, he was an excellent Trump 2.0 appointee: Driven out and then brought back, full of ideological fervor, determined to find conspiracies and root out deep state enemiesa profile for a true-believing commissar.

American officials have now been explicitly asked to make lists of their contacts with other Americans, for no practical, legal, or national-security reason. Federal employees have also been provided a list of words and names that presumably trigger suspicions of disloyalty among their superiors, including those acting on behalf of the president himself. This should be a scandal, but instead it will likely be filed away by many Americansif they notice it at allas just the clumsy zealotry of a minor official rather than yet another assault by one of Trumps servants on American constitutional freedoms. Unfortunately, Trumps mania for loyalty above all else almost guarantees that Beatties disgraceful attempt will not be the last such effort at Soviet-style political policing in the United States government.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is causing concern within the White House over his unconventional approach to high-stakes diplomacy with Russia and Iran, the New York Post reported on April 30, citing unnamed sources.

Witkoff, who has emerged as Trump's de facto personal envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin and concurrently handles Middle East affairs, has participated in solo meetings with foreign leaders, bypassing typical diplomatic protocol, according to the report.

According to New York Post sources, Witkoff has even used Kremlin translators during discussions with Putin  a breach of standard U.S. diplomatic practice.

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Another source described Witkoff as a "nice guy, but a bumbling f***ing idiot," adding: "He should not be doing this alone."

Ahead of his April 25 meeting with Putin, Witkoff greeted the Russian president informally and without the customary entourage of advisers, military officials, or experts that typically accompany senior U.S. negotiators.

In contrast, Putin was joined by his aide Yuri Ushakov and Russian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriev.

Witkoff's posture has alarmed officials because he frequently echoes Putin's narratives while reportedly lacking a clear understanding of Ukraine's position. The role of special envoy for Ukraine remains assigned to Keith Kellogg.

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Following an April 11 meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg, Witkoff said discussions focused on a potential peace deal concerning "five territories."

Though he did not name them explicitly, he appeared to reference Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, and the partially occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, which Moscow claimed in 2022.

"I think we might be on the verge of something that would be very important for the world at large," Witkoff said in an April 14 interview with Fox News.

Read also: Trump claims 5,000 Russian, Ukrainian soldiers killed each week. Heres what the numbers say

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Beyond his role in the Ukraine-Russia negotiations, Witkoff has also been tasked with brokering Middle East ceasefires and revisiting the Iran nuclear deal.

He helped secure a two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that began shortly before Trump's inauguration but was not extended. However, his limited diplomatic background has sparked doubts about his capacity to handle complex international negotiations.

"Steve Witkoff is simply someone Trump trusts," Alexandra Filippenko, a U.S.-Russia relations expert, told the Kyiv Independent. She noted their relationship dates back to the 1980s Manhattan real estate scene. "Trump values that kind of loyalty," she said.

Filippenko emphasized that Witkoff's prominent role in such sensitive negotiations, despite operating outside the State Department, remains "an unusual arrangement."

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Read also: Who are Russias allies, and can Kremlins war machine survive without them?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
UPDATE: Bond was set for Latoriania Lindsey at $1 million.

*****

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The woman accused of killing a teen at a downtown Memphis food festival appeared before a judge on Thursday morning.

Standing at 54, 120 pounds, 18-year-old Latoriania Lindsey is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Anthony Smith.

Woman arrested in deadly Tom Lee Park shooting

Youre charged now in this case with first-degree murder, which is a capital offense, said Judge Louis Montesi.

According to Memphis Police, the shooting happened April 13 at Riverside Drive and Beale Street during a food festival where crowds of people gathered downtown. Smith died on the scene.

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A witness told police he saw Smith arguing with two females. He and one of the females brandished guns at each other and Anthony said, Ill do it to ya! according to police.

The females walked away, but one, identified by witnesses as Lindsey aka Tee da P, walked back with a gun before several people yelled and shots rang out, according to an officers statement.

A witness said Lindsey fired several shots at Smith and one struck him in the back. Police said surveillance video captured her running away from the scene.

Lindsey was captured two weeks later in Midtown while riding in a stolen vehicle.

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Enough is enough, Mayor Young responds to Tom Lee Park fatal shooting

Both Lindseys attorney and a relative who appeared in court declined to speak on her behalf.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, leading to calls for justice from city officials and the victims family.

The way they did him, I mean like, that was a lot of hatred, and its sad its that much evil in the world, said Shamena Alson, the victims relative. My nephew didnt deserve it, he didnt. I promise he didnt. He was a great kid.

Family honors teen killed in Tom Lee Park shooting

Lindsey is due back in court for a report date on May 8. In court, her attorney says they plan to schedule a preliminary hearing during that appearance.

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She is currently being held in jail with no bond, but she will have a bail review hearing on Friday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A 42-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday in a Northeast D.C. stabbing, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Officers responded to reports of a stabbing at 5:35 p.m. Monday in the 800 block of Bladensburg Road NE.

There, a man was found suffering from a stab wound and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Man dies, two hurt after shooting in Northwest DC, police say

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MPD said officers used surveillance footage from the area to identify the suspect as Grace Shanita Hilliard.

An officer familiar with the case located Hilliard on Tuesday. She was taken into custody and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

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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.
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  A Cranston woman charged in connection with her 9-month-old sons death more than four years ago was convicted last week, according to prosecutors.

Tim Rondeau, a spokesperson for Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, told 12 News a jury found 30-year-old Katherine Castaneda guilty of manslaughter on Friday.

Castaneda was taken into custody in June 2022, more than a year after her son was found unresponsive inside her Lincoln Avenue home. The baby was rushed to Hasbro Childrens Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

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The R.I. Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) later determined that the infants death was a result of maltreatment.

Rondeau said an autopsy revealed that the boy died from a complex skull fracture and an epidural hematoma.

Castaneda was released on bail and has a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 25.

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A naked and battered Florida woman was found on a desolate road after escaping from a storage container where she was being held

A man her family knew allegedly came to her home, demanded money he was owed, fatally beat her mother-in-law before taking the woman to his house where he raped her

Authorities allege that he placed the victim in a storage container where she thought she was going to suffocate and die

A Florida woman who was kidnapped, brutally attacked and held captive in a storage container managed to escape  and now the man who allegedly assaulted her and is also suspected of having killed her mother-in-law is in custody, authorities say.

On Monday, April 28, the Washington County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call at about 5:20 p.m. from a passerby who found a victim of a brutal attack on Douglas Ferry Road, Sheriff Kevin Crews told reporters at a press conference Tuesday morning.

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Per Crews, when deputies arrived on the scene, they found a lady in distress" who was still naked and was in need of medical attention.

The victim allegedly told deputies that David Earl Gipson, of Caryville, came to her house on Sunday and claimed that her husband and brother-in-law are thieves and owe me money and Im here to take it.

After removing some items from the home, he allegedly attacked the woman, handcuffed her and removed her clothing. While she lay helplessly on the floor, she claims he began beating her 74-year-old mother-in-law, Lettie Cooper Collins, whose eyes were left swollen shut from the attack.

Gipson, 40, then allegedly dragged the woman to a vehicle, put duct tape on her mouth, put a gun to her head and forced her to have sex with him, telling her that he would kill her.

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When he got to his house, he allegedly dragged her to a shed and put her in an oversize tool box, if you will, Crews told reporters, adding that the suspect then put a rope around her neck and tucked her legs up underneath her while she was still handcuffed and naked.

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If you can picture what a hog tie looks like, thats what he did to her. She stated she got very hot and thought she was going to suffocate and die, the sheriff said.

Several hours later, she managed to free her legs and kicked plywood and other debris off the box and escape. Still handcuffed, she used a tree to scrape the duct tape off of her mouth, Crews recounted, noting that she got out of the shed and then ran for her life.

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After making her way to the edge of a roadway, a passerby stopped when he saw her and immediately called 911.

After being called to the scene, deputies found Collins dead on a bed inside the home where the woman had been kidnapped. She was beat to a pulp, Crews claimed.

Authorities believe the attack took place throughout Sunday night.

After an "around the clock" search, Gipson was apprehended in a wooded area just north of Douglas Ferry Road, the sheriff confirmed.

"First of all, on behalf of the Washington County Sheriffs Office we are all so sorry that this horrific event has happened to this family," Crews said on Thursday, per the WCSO. "May all our prayers be with this family at this time as we continue to work through this investigation for a successful prosecution."

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On Wednesday, Gipson was charged with aggravated battery, sexual assault and false imprisonment, before he received additional charges of homicide, aggravated battery and abuse of a corpse on Thursday, according to online court records.

Gipson has 33 previous felony charges dating back to 1999 and has been to prison eight times in his adult life, the sheriff said, with online court records showing that he was found guilty of arson, resisting an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to authorities, Gipson is being held without bond while he awaits trial. It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.



Read the original article on People
RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV)  A woman has been indicted for the December 6, 2024 fatal crash that resulted in the death of a young mother.

According to Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the crash happened around 4:00 p.m. on GA 25/US 17 at Ponderosa Road. GSP said a driver, who was under the influence of alcohol, was traveling south on GA 25 in an SUV when they struck the rear of another vehicle, then lost control and hit another SUV that was stopped at a stop sign.

The passenger sitting in the front seat of the vehicle that was rear-ended was pronounced dead at the scene, according to GSP. Shes identified as 35-year-old Donna Pitts, of Richmond Hill. WSAV talked with her family about the incident a few days after.

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Pitts grandmother, Donna Bocook, was injured in the crash as well. According to the indictment, the crash caused Bocook to suffer fractures in her left arm, shoulder and back.

Jacqlyn Bacot, 36

A grand jury indicted 36-year-old Jacqlyn Bacot on March 20, 2025.

WSAV obtained the True Bill of Indictment with seven counts total:

COUNTS 1 & 2: Homicide by vehicle in the first degree (Felony)

COUNTS 3 & 4: Serious Injury by vehicle (Felony)

COUNT 5: Driving under the influence (Misdemeanor)

COUNT 6: Reckless driving (Misdemeanor)

COUNT 7: Making a false statement (Felony)

According to the indictment, the grand jury found that Bacot did cause the death of Pitts through reckless driving at 30 miles per hour over the posted 45 mile per hour speed limit in heavy traffic after drinking alcohol.

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A woman is dead after being hit by a vehicle near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border early Thursday morning.

New Hampshire State Police troopers received a report of a pedestrian struck on the southbound side of the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Nashua, just over the Massachusetts border.

State troopers arrived and pronounced the woman deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado stopped in the breakdown lane and remained at the scene.

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The southbound travel lanes were closed for several hours while an investigation was conducted.

The womans identity has not been revealed pending notification of kin.

Members of the Nashua Police Department and Nashua Fire Rescue are assisting state police troopers in the investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Brian Knell at (603) 223-8490 or Brian.D.Knell@dos.nh.gov.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities are investigating after a woman was found dead in San Diegos Colina del Sol neighborhood Monday night.

The San Diego Police Department said it received a call about an unresponsive woman on Euclid Ave. near El Cajon Blvd. shortly before 9 p.m.

Officers from the departments Mid-City Division arrived at the site and determined the woman was dead. They conducted a preliminary investigation and the San Diego County Medical Examiner was called to the scene.

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Since the woman showed no obvious signs of trauma, the Homicide Unit was not contacted, according to SDPD.

The following day, investigators learned the woman had been involved in an unspecified altercation before her death. Authorities have since deemed the circumstances surrounding the womans death suspicious.

The victim was identified as Jadeline Laurent, 28. The cause and manner of her death have yet to be determined by homicide detectives and the Medical Examiners Office.

According to police, Laurent may have been married to or in some sort of relationship with a 39-year-old man named Jean Tercier. They have identified Tercier as a person of interest in the investigation.

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Tercier is described as a 511 man of Haitian descent, weighing about 180 pounds. Police are asking the public to help them locate Tercier.

San Diego Police are searching for Jean Tercier, 39. (San Diego Police Department)

Anyone with more information about Terciers whereabouts or the incident is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

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 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  Manchester police are looking for two people who they say impersonated utility workers to gain access to homes to rob them.

Detectives are looking for Christina Costello and Nicholas Miller, who police said are wanted in connection with a recent burglary.

Costello is accused of a robbing a home in the 300 block of Morewood Drive in the City of Manchester on April 27.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, a woman later identified as Costello came to the victims home and told her she worked for a tree service company and was contracted with Ameren UE.

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Costello reportedly told the victim that she needed to look at trees near powerline in the victims backyard. After that, the victim left her front door unlocked and accompanied Costello outside for a time.

Blues beat Jets 5-2 in Game 6 to force Game 7; Hellebuyck rattled again

When the homeowner let Costello inside, police said a man followed behind and stole jewelry worth hundreds of dollars.

Some time later, the victim returned inside her home and noticed something suspicious: a clock sitting on top of her jewelry box had been moved and that at several high-value pieces of jewelry were missing.

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The victim told police that Costello had arrived in a white minivan and exited and entered her vehicle from the front passenger side.

Manchester police are warning people about scams involving criminals impersonating utility workers.

Were kind of working that on the back end to figure out exactly how these individuals are being victimized from burglary, Detective Jeff Lang, Manchester Police Department, said. A lot of them are part of church groups that go grocery shopping on Sundays. Were not really entirely sure where theyre being targeted or how theyre being followed.

Det. Lang said a minivan was seen in the neighborhood the same day as the burglary. Court documents said Costello rented a white Chrysler Pacifica minivan in Indiana, which was later found abandoned in St. Louis County. Costellos name was listed as the renter.

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The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Christina Costello, 33, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, with stealing ($750 or more) and second-degree burglary in connection with the investigation.

Investigators believe Costello is actively avoiding law enforcement, per court documents. Its unclear how many others may be linked to the burglary on Morewood Drive or similar crimes.

She is facing burglary second charges. She is currently at large, which basically means that she is not in custody quite yet, but were hoping to work with Indiana State Police, as well as she had ties to Chicago as well to try to get her in custody, Lang said.

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Following this reported incident, an Ameren Communications spokesperson shared the following information with FOX 2 as tips for customers to consider:

Never allow anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment with Ameren or the person has proper identification. Customers call always call Ameren to verify.

Ameren employees always carry photo identification, which includes name, employee number and an official Ameren logo.

A logo on a shirt does not count as identification.

If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000, Ameren Missouri at 1-800-552-7583 or local law enforcement.

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The wrong-way driver fatally shot by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper repeatedly raised and lowered her hands after displaying a gun, according to additional footage from the trooper's body camera.

New body camera and dash camera footage was released by highway patrol late Wednesday, April 30, after Union Township Police released theirs earlier that day. The footage shows the lead-up to the fatal shooting between the trooper and 34-year-old Kelsey Hildal on April 1, who highway patrol troopers said was traveling north in the southbound lanes of the interstate around 11 p.m. that night.

The trooper, whose identity has not been released, comes upon the Blue Ash woman driving in the wrong direction on the highway and turns around to catch up to her. Hildal, driving in the shoulder with her hazard lights on, brakes as the trooper intentionally crashes his cruiser into her car, wedging it next to a concrete barrier to stop her.

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As the trooper calls in that he's stopped Hildal, she raises her hands with what appears to be a pistol in her right hand, pointed toward her car roof.

"She's got a gun," the trooper yells out over his radio.

"Show me your hands! Show me your hands now!" the trooper yells out toward Hildal, who drops the gun but continues to raise and lower her hands.

The trooper makes several commands to Hildal to not move or reach anything, eventually stepping out of his cruiser and holding her at gunpoint. Hildal continues to raise and lower her hands out the driver's side window, and at one point, the trooper fires.

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Twelve shots ring out in rapid succession, but 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. In footage released by Union Township Police, who were also on the scene, its officers mention at one point that the trooper and woman exchanged shots with one another.

As the footage continues, Hildal screams, the trooper pauses for roughly fifteen seconds and then fires another shot at her, yelling out for the woman to show her hands again.

Video footage from Union Township police show 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. The trooper, with urgency, breaks the passenger window to get in the car and open the door. One of the dogs jump out as officers 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.

Hildal is seen wearing what appears to be a type of black tactical, possibly bulletproof vest and had a helmet nearby.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Watch: Woman displayed gun to trooper in fatal I-275 shooting
Natali Khomenko shared a TikTok video claiming she discovered a man hiding under her bed in a hotel room in Tokyo

"I thought that he will choke me or rape me or kill me in those seconds. I was like, thats it. Thats it," Khomenko explained.

Khomenko says she is speaking out to help prevent further incidents from happening to other female solo travelers

Natali Khomenko always wanted to travel to Japan. So, to celebrate her 32nd birthday, she and her husband made a plan to travel there in the spring. However, at the last minute when her husband couldnt join her because of work, she decided to go alone.

It was a present to me to go to Japan, she tells PEOPLE.

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The Ukrainian creative producer flew from her home in Thailand and arrived in Tokyo on March 29, checking into her hotel around 10 p.m. The next morning, she left her hotel around 10 a.m. to take in Tokyos temples, Ueno Park, food markets and cafes. She arrived back at her hotel around 7:30 p.m.

Natalia Khomenko Natali Khomenko Natali Khomenko

I was so tired, she says by the time she returned to her hotel. I just laid down on my bed with my phone. I wanted to book a train from Tokyo.

Then she noticed a weird smell.

It was rotten. It was like a dead animal but a sweet odor, she says. I realized the smell was coming from under the bed. And without any bad thoughts I just leaned forward to check under the bed. I leaned forward and I just saw him. I saw the eyes.

Natalisi Taksisi/TikTok; Natalisi Taksisi/Instagram Natali Khomenko; hotel room Natali Khomenko; hotel room

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Khomenko says the man, who appeared to be in his 20s or 30s, was lying on his belly. His arms were bent a little bit. One of his legs was a little bit bent. He was very quiet. It was only the smell that helped me to spot him.

She immediately screamed and watched in horror as the intruder dressed in all black crawled out from under the bed, stood up and stared at her.

He was quietly staring at me for three seconds while I was screaming, she says. And then he started to scream. I thought that he will choke me or rape me or kill me in those seconds. I was like, thats it. Thats it.

Khomenko says she was absolutely paralyzed with fear. I could not move, she says. I was just screaming and standing very stiff.

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Seconds later, the intruder turned around and dashed out the hotel room door. She attempted to call the front desk. I started to dial the reception, but I could not because I was in panic mode, and I couldnt understand which number I should dial.

Getty Woman walking around Shijuku district illuminated at dusk with Cocoon tower building in the backdrop, Tokyo, Japan Woman walking around Shijuku district illuminated at dusk with Cocoon tower building in the backdrop, Tokyo, Japan

Travelers in the next room heard her screams and called hotel staff, who then called police.

Khomenko says after a search of the room they found the intruders power bank and a USB cable under the bed.

Its just my thought that he definitely wanted to spend the night, she says. Maybe he wanted to record me and thats why he took the power bank. Because the camera is taking a lot of batteries from the phone and thats why he needed to recharge it. He was prepared.

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Khomenko says she asked the hotel staff how the man could have gained access to her room. How did it happen that this person entered my room? And she didnt have an answer for me. She was like, I dont know. I dont know.

After she spoke to the police, Khomenko says she checked her luggage to see if anything was missing.

He didnt take anything, she says.

She immediately checked out of the hotel and her husband booked her into another one. However, the rest of her trip was filled with anxiety. I didnt sleep at all in the new hotels, she says. I was in shock. I could not sleep. I was talking to my relatives till 4 a.m.

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The hotel would later tell her that it didn't have cameras, making it difficult for police to identify the intruder. The hotel declined her request for $1,600 to recoup her expenses after the incident, she said, but did reimburse her for the three nights she planned to stay there.

Khomenko reached out to the Ukrainian embassy and on April 25 spoke out about the incident on TikTok in a post that has since gone viral.

It was very scary, she recalls. It was an absolute violation. All my experiences, my birthday, everything was ruined.

Part of the reason she has spoken out, she says, is to prevent this from happening to other female solo travelers.

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I wanted to bring awareness," she noted. "A lot of solo travelers wrote to me that theyre grateful that I shared with this this story because they could not imagine that it could happen, especially in Japan.



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CHICAGO  American Airlines has been hit with a civil lawsuit after a woman claimed she was sexually assaulted during a flight by a passenger who has been accused in similar incidents.

Barbara Morgan said the incident unfolded in April of 2024 while she was traveling from San Fransisco to Dallas on an American Airlines red-eye flight to visit her son.

Barbaras trip that day was supposed to be a celebration, an opportunity to be with her family, but instead her flight turned into a nightmare, Romanucci & Blandin attorney Daisy Ayllon said.

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According to Morgan, after the plane took off, the man who was seated next to her sexually assaulted her.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Its hard to describe what its like to have a stranger touch you, Morgan said. You dont know how to react because you dont think its possible.

According to court documents, 54-year-old Cherian Abraham, a Texas resident, allegedly rubbed his arm against Morgans torso, touched her breasts and placed his hand on her upper thigh before he began fondling her genital area.

Morgan said amid the alleged assault, she yelled at the man to stop but was scared to report the incident during the flight.

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Once the flight landed, Morgan said she rushed to get off the plane to alert the gate agent and even pointed out the man as he left the plane.

I told her That man, that man just assaulted me, he touched me and he violated me on the flight. And she told me that there is nothing they can do now that the plane has landed and hes out. And it was my responsibility while on the flight to stop him and to notify people, Morgan said.

The attorney representing Morgan said it was an issue she faced repeatedly following the incident.

American Airlines ignored Barbara when she reported assault. Barbara sent letters to top executives to notify them of her assault and to plead with them to do something so that this didnt happen to other women. American Airlines did nothing and of course, it happened again, Ayllon said.

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At the end of March, the FBI charged Abraham with abusive sexual contact for repeatedly touching another woman on an American Airlines flight from OHare to Seattle.

During that incident, the 22-year-old victim said Abraham allegedly reached under her arm and touched her breast several times. She then got out of her seat and alerted a flight attendant who moved her to another seat.

They had every opportunity to take those threats seriously. Instead, they allowed him to become a serial predator under their watch and on their airplanes, Romanucci & Blandin attorney Sarah Raish said.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

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The FBI found that Abraham had also been accused of inappropriately touching passengers twice before,

In addition to Morgans case and the incident from March, Abraham had also been accused of inappropriately touching a passenger in October of 2023. In that case, the victim did not want to pursue charges.

Morgan said she hopes her lawsuit will lead to real action and protection for passengers.

The spotlight is on you American Airlines, youve ignored the warnings, youve ignored the survivors. What will it take for you to act? Romanucci & Blandin attorney Patrick Driscoll said.

Morgans attorneys say they would like to see the airline publish internal data regarding sexual misconduct complaints on its flights, report every complaint to law enforcement and train flight crew to monitor the cabin and intervene when necessary.

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When asked about the incident, a spokesperson for the airline issued the following statement: The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority. We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation.

Abraham goes to trial in the case on the flight out of Oahre in August.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  After two years of construction, Women & Infants Hospital has officially unveiled its new labor and delivery facility in Providence.

The hospital hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Thursday morning to celebrate the milestone, which marks an expansion of obstetric care in Rhode Island through the new Brown University Labor and Delivery Center.

According to Care New England, approximately 700 babies have been born at the facility since it opened at the end of March.

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MORE: First baby born in Women & Infants new labor and delivery center

This addition marks a new era in maternal and neonatal care, offering expanded birthing options, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered approach to ensure the safest and most comfortable birth experiences, a Care New England spokesperson wrote.

Exterior of Brown University Labor and Delivery Center at Women & Infants Hospital

Ribbon Cutting for Brown University Labor and Delivery Center at Women & Infants Hospital

The state-of-the-art, three-story building includes 20 labor and delivery rooms, private birthing suites, advanced medical resources, and dedicated spaces for health care professionals, including nurses stations, a staff lounge, and management offices.

The Womens Health Research Institute will also use the facility to study maternal health disparities and help improve outcomes for families across the region.

Brown University Labor and Delivery Center at Women & Infants Hospital Brown University Labor and Delivery Center at Women & Infants Hospital Brown University Labor and Delivery Center at Women & Infants Hospital Brown University Labor and Delivery Center at Women & Infants Hospital Brown University Labor and Delivery Center at Women & Infants Hospital

NEXT: Union members at Women & Infants ratify new contract

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Every year on May 1, activists across the globe take to the streets to mark May Day, also called International Workers Day. In the U.S., this years protests have taken on new meaning, becoming yet another outlet for some Americans to voice their opposition to Donald Trump and what organizers call his administrations war on working people.

Many of Thursday's nationwide protests were organized by May Day Strong, a coalition of local groups, including labor unions, teachers associations, and national organizations such as MoveOn, Womens March and the 50501 movement.

A statement on the groups website accuses the Trump administration of defunding our schools, privatizing public services, attacking unions, and targeting immigrant families with fear and violence.

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Working people built this nation and we know how to take care of each other, the statement continues. We wont back downwe will never stop fighting for our families and the rights and freedoms that propel opportunity and a better life for all Americans. Their time is up.

Organizers said more than a thousand events are planned across the country for Thursday, including large-scale demonstrations in major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C. Sen. Bernie Sanders, whos been crisscrossing the nation as part of his Fighting Oligarchy tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is set to speak at an event in Philadelphia.

This years May Day comes as Trumps top campaign donor, billionaire Elon Musk, continues to use the Department of Government Efficiency to gut the federal budget, leaving tens of thousands of federal workers without jobs. May Day Strong said part of its goal was to demand a country that puts our families over their fortunes.

Thursdays protests aren't the first major demonstrations against the president. In April, thousands participated in a series of Hands Off protests across the country, marking the largest single-day, nationwide display of resistance against the second Trump administration.

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Along with the mass demonstrations, Trump continues to battle record-low approval ratings. According to an average of 16 independent national polls conducted over the last two weeks, Trumps job approval rating stands at just 43%, placing him at the bottom of the list of modern presidents at this same point in their term.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
House and Senate Republicans remain miles apart on whether to make significant cuts to Medicaid in President Donald Trumps proposed one big, beautiful bill.

The US House of Representatives passed a version of the budget resolution that Senate sent right before the April recess. But that is just the beginning of the real fight.

The House wants to find $1.5 trillion worth of spending cuts to pay for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, renewing the tax cuts that Trump signed in 2017.

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But one major sticking point is that the House version of the legislation requires the House Energy & Commerce Committee to find $880 billion worth of spending cuts. Republicans have said they will not touch Medicare, the health insurance program mostly for people 65 years and over, while budget reconciliation, the process through which the Senate can pass legislation and avoid a filibuster, prohibits changing Social Security.

The nonpartisan congressional budget office has said that when Medicare is removed from the table, Medicaid  the program for poorer Americans, pregnant women and people with disabilities  makes up 93 percent of the money the committee governs.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told Axios during a sit-down that he wants to focus on reducing waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid. Johnson said he hoped to see $500 billion worth of cuts.

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri is one of a handful of Republicans who worries about cuts to Medicaid hurting his constituents (Getty Images)

You eliminate fraud, waste and abuse, you bring in work requirements, and you tighten up the program, and you can find a lot of savings, Johnson said. The number came after Politico reported that Rep. Don Bacon, a mainstream Republican from Nebraska, would not accept any more than $500 billion in cuts to Medicaid.

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But some Senate Republicans also fear that the cuts might go too deep.

I'm very worried about that, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri told The Independent. I won't vote for that.

Hawley has said in the past he would support work requirements for Medicaid, but not outright benefit cuts. In 2020, Missouri voted to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, for people who have incomes of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

In return, the federal government matches up to 90 percent of the cost for the population under expansion. Numerous states with Republican governors or that voted for Trump either expanded Medicaid by ballot referendum or via their state legislatures.

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Hawley, a populist Republican who has sought to make GOP policy more amenable to working-class voters, is not the only member of his party worried about Medicaid cuts. Susan Collins of Maine faces re-election in 2026.

I certainly want to make sure that vulnerable citizens, whether it's seniors or people with disability or children or low income families are covered, she told The Independent.

Trump for his part has said he does not want to touch Medicaid benefits for Americans.

There are a lot of illegal aliens that are getting Medicaid that shouldnt be getting it, Trump said during a town hall on NewsNation on Wednesday evening. And nobody objects to taking people off Medicaid that arent allowed to be there.

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Some states use state funds to increase eligibility for undocumented immigrants, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. But federal dollars are already not allowed to be used to cover undocumented immigrants.

But some hardline conservatives want to see concrete cuts. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, a hardline fiscal hawk and member of the House Freedom Caucus, posted on X about the need to change Medicaid.

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he wants to focus on reducing waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid (AP)

In the last 10 years, improper payments for Medicaid have exceeded HALF A TRILLION dollars, he said. That equates to $4,300 per household. Medicaid MUST be reformed.

Others like Rep. Andy Harris, the House Freedom Caucus chairman, insist there will not be major cuts.

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Only in Washington is the slight decrease in the increase of a program called a cut, Harris said on a House floor speech.

Republicans hope to wrap up legislation before the X-date, the proposed date when the United States will hit the debt ceiling, given that Republicans included a debt limit increase in the final legislation. They also hope to finish the bill by the end of the year to avoid letting the 2017 tax cuts expire.
When a businessman ordered a 6am taxi for an extra early shift one summer morning, he was surprised to hear his Uber driver explain how this was not his only job of the day.

After finishing his shift, the man was off to his second profession  as a salaried employee of the local council.

Similar tales of staff moonlighting, and people working two jobs simultaneously, are becoming increasingly common across Britain.

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So-called polygamous working is on the rise as home working makes it easier to hold down another job in secret  and officials in the public sector are growing increasingly suspicious of the trend over the risk to taxpayers.

Thats because there are concerns that the public sector, where home working rules are particularly lax, is most vulnerable to abuse.

As online forums buzz with tips about how to covertly juggle multiple jobs without anyone knowing  such as by pretending to have food poisoning when theres a diary clash  council bosses are trying to stay ahead of the second-jobbers.

Wakefield, Enfield and Kensington and Chelsea councils all say they have caught staff holding down multiple jobs in secret.

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Croydon Council, one of Londons largest, has started cracking down on the practice, making it explicit in staff contracts that second jobs are banned without approval, and forcing workers to regularly be in the office.

The National Fraud Initiative, the government fraud squad, has so far identified half a million pounds in overpaid salary payments and 23 cases of deception inside London boroughs because of second-jobbers.

Recent figures also show that civil servants have been allowed to work as far afield as Australia, Japan or the Maldives to visit lovers and extend holidays, increasing the threat of double jobbing.

Amid fears that Labours support for more flexible working could mean the trend catches on, some are calling for immediate action to stamp it out.

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The TaxPayers Alliance wants councils and Whitehall departments to introduce better record keeping and communication between public bodies so taxpayers arent being ripped off.

Taxpayers have every right to be outraged by civil servants moonlighting in multiple full-time roles, said John OConnell, the chief executive.

While hard-pressed families are tightening their belts, some public sector staff are taking taxpayers for a ride.

Councils and Whitehall departments must get a grip, root out this kind of abuse, and ensure every penny is spent on delivering services, not funding secret second jobs.

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Its a problem that was almost unheard of before the Covid lockdowns. However, flexible working has opened the door for greater abuse.

Shortly after Covid restrictions were lifted, moonlighting from your real job was described by Kensington and Chelsea as a new and emerging fraud type triggered by lockdowns.

Gemma Young, Enfield councils former head of internal audit, also said at the time that remote working, and in particular the reduced oversight of employees, has helped enable new types of fraud.

While side-hustles are perfectly legal and growing in popularity, employment lawyers stress how simultaneously working for multiple employers in secret  pocketing full-time salaries while only putting in a fraction of the hours for each  is considered gross misconduct.

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Staff typically need an employers consent for a second job, such as evening or weekend work, while HMRC needs to be informed in order to work out someones total tax bill.

Civil servants privately admit that the system is open to abuse, and they are keeping an eye out for any red flags.

Earlier this year, Cabinet Office documents revealed that a senior civil servant had tricked the Government into paying him for three full-time jobs  going undetected for at least two years by working from home. Another civil servant accused of holding down three full-time jobs in different government departments is set to face trial next year.

Meanwhile, a social worker who was secretly working for two councils  Hampshire and Southend  was busted after she was heard answering the phone on an unmuted video call with Hampshire council saying; Hi, youre through to Southend childrens services.

Difficult to keep an eye on remote workers

It is not always so easy to root out such cases, especially in an era of muted video calls and home working, lawyers say.

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Qarrar Somji, an employment lawyer at Witan Solicitors, says one reason the public sector is more open to abuse in this area is because many organisations are stretched thin.

A lot of local authorities and public bodies are focused on keeping essential services running, usually with limited staff and tight budgets, he said.

This means they do not always have the resources, training or systems in place to closely monitor things like polygamous work, especially with more roles now being done remotely.

Understandably, for line managers, it can be difficult to keep an eye on remote workers without feeling like theyre overstepping or risking a breach of employment laws around privacy and trust. In some cases, theres simply a lack of investment in the development of internal talent, making it even harder to spot and deal with these issues early on.

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Bosses will likely crack down on remote working as they become more alert to the possibility of home-working fraudsters, meaning pressure will rise on civil servants and others to put in more face-time despite union chiefs pushing back on targets forcing staff back in to offices.

Important to protect the public purse

As Chris Keesing, chairman of the London Boroughs Fraud Investigators Group, said recently: Its really important to protect the public purse. People who are committing this abuse are taking money away from people in the community who really need it.

Still, the increased frequency of polygamous working doesnt mean the problem is rife within taxpayer-backed organisations.

One civil servant argues that everyone is too busy to work multiple jobs and it would be hard to do another job at the same time  even if someone wanted to. A source from the Foreign Office also said that mid-week there is a mad scramble to get a desk, with most gone by 9am.

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But employers across the country are now increasingly aware of the risk that home working employees could hold secret second jobs, especially as a growing number are taking to online forums to try and influence others.

Some are claiming to earn over 1m a year by juggling five jobs at a time.

Secret polygamous workers also share tactics online to help others seeking to do the same.

Do all you can to not get caught. Use a different computer, keyboard, mouse, headset and even a monitor for each job, advises one person on Reddit.

Request meetings that conflict with another to be rescheduled whenever possible. Be a good worker that does not draw a lot of attention to one selves [sic]. Set a good pace for your work and deadlines. Do not over-deliver or under-perform. Just be middle of pack. And yes, feign ignorance if questioned.

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Former M&S boss Lord Stuart Rose has long branded himself an unreconstructed get-back-to-work man, claiming the practice of working from home is damaging both the economy and employees wellbeing.

Now, the 76-year-old businessman may have another reason to oppose remote working  with the arrangement possibly putting one of Britains best-loved retailers, and his former employer, at the mercy of hackers.

Since Easter weekend, M&S has been reeling from a major cyber attack that has paralysed online orders, disabled contactless payments in-store, and wiped nearly 700 million off its market value.

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And M&S is not the only retailer that has been subjected to such an attack. Earlier this week, the Co-op said it was having to fend off hackers and, on Thursday evening, luxury department store Harrods said they had recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of their systems. In a statement, the store added: Our seasoned IT security team immediately took proactive steps to keep systems safe and as a result we have restricted internet access at our sites.

Harrods said all its stores remained open and it is unknown if the three attacks are related.

Though M&S bosses have yet to reveal the cause, questions are mounting over whether the hackers were able to penetrate the multibillion-pound firms cyber defences through one of its remote workers.

It would not be a surprise as for years security experts and intelligence agencies have warned that hackers are targeting remote workers as the weakest link in the chain in a companys digital infrastructure.

In 2024, M&S warned that WFH was increasing its risk of cyber attacks - Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Indeed, just last year the retailer  which is understood to allow staff to work two days a week at home  warned in its annual report that WFH was increasing its exposure to cyber attacks.

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But why? The answer is simple  computers in most corporate offices have a vast array of tough defences installed to keep bad actors out, from firewalls to secure internet routers, all of which are kept under close watch by the on-site security team.

Yet such protection wanes as soon as staff are out the revolving doors. Suddenly, the onus falls instead on the employee, whether its keeping their devices updated or being vigilant when using unsecured public WiFi while working in cafes.

A survey by Malwarebytes Lab, carried out around six months after the first Covid lockdown, found one in five businesses had faced a security breach as a result of a remote worker.

Four years later, a poll by Absolute Security in 2024 revealed three out of four bosses still believed staff working from home was their biggest weakness when trying to defend against cyber attacks.

How do the hackers get in?

Experts believe M&S was infected by a ransomware called Dragonforce, a malicious software that locks a user out of their computer or network and scrambles the data  with the criminals demanding a fee to unlock it.

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In its rush to contain the attack, M&S bosses quickly moved to lock remote-working staff out of the companys internal IT systems. But could these remote workers have also been the crucial weakness that let the hackers in?

To infect a computer, hackers need to find a chink in digital defences  and staff working from home can often be easy prey. A common target is through a virtual private network (VPN), used by remote employees to securely connect to their office networks.

Such software is only useful if its kept up-to-date and uses multi-factor authentication, which requires several forms of verification to access. In 2021, investigators traced the huge ransomware attack that took down the Colonial Pipeline  which supplies 45 per cent of United States fuel on the East Coast  to an old version of a VPN account commonly used by remote employees.

The same year, a hacker gained control of the Oldsmar water treatment plant in Florida, and tried to poison the supply by increasing the chemical content, through a remote access software called TeamViewer. All the plants computers were using the same password for remote access, and were running on an outdated Windows operating system.

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In other words, both were ripe for exploitation. In 2022, an alert by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance warned that the Microsoft software, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), that linked millions of Britons to their company networks, was one of the top ways Russian hackers could potentially gain a crucial foothold within critical infrastructure, from the NHS to nuclear power stations.

In July 2020, a 17-year-old boy was able to hack into Twitter and access 130 celebrity accounts, including those of Barack Obama and Kim Kardashian - PA Wire

Yet often, the real weakness is not a system flaw but the people behind the systems  either the security team or the employees themselves. One of the most popular methods of gaining unauthorised access is social engineering, which involves tricking humans into compromising their security.

Such tactics were used in the attack on Twitter in July 2020 when a 17-year-old boy was able to gain access to 130 celebrity Twitter accounts  including Barack Obama, Kim Kardashian, and its future owner Elon Musk  to promote a Bitcoin scam.

An investigation by the New York State Department of Financial Services found the teen had directly exploited Twitters shift to remote working by calling up employees and pretending to be from the IT department to get access to the internal systems.

Who carried out the M&S attack?

Earlier this week it was revealed the Met Police are investigating whether the M&S attack was carried out by a hacking collective called Scattered Spider. The group first appeared in 2022 and have already been linked to more than 100 targeted attacks, including US casino operator Caesars, which paid over 11 million to restore its network.

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Unlike the majority of such gangs, who are generally based in places such as Russia, the group are English-speaking and known to include UK and US citizens, some as young as 16. Their motivation is said to be as much about bragging rights as money.

According to the FBI, the groups modus operandi is tricking people into letting them into their systems, from impersonating IT staff to sim swapping, a tactic in which a fraudster persuades their victims mobile provider to transfer the phone number to a sim card under their control.

Scattered Spider have been linked to dozens of attacks over the last few years and their clever tactics often target the human element, Jake Moore, global security advisor at cybersecurity software company ESET, tells The Telegraph. Moore points to remote workers in particular as a potential target. Working from home adds yet another attack entry point which has limited control.

Hybrid work has made enforcing security standards a minefield

He reveals how, as a test, he once hacked into the work account of a superintendent simply by calling the Police HQ help desk. They asked me two security questions, which were easy to find out the answers to online  vehicle registration and shoulder number  and then I was able to convince them I was the superintendent and had forgotten my password after being on holiday for two weeks.

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They reset the password to a new string of text and gave me the password over the phone. I then logged in and had full access to the police networks. At this point I made the chief constable aware of this vulnerability.

Ciaran Martin, the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, denies that remote working makes organisations vulnerable to attack - John Lawrence

The heightened danger of WFH on M&Ss cybersecurity is not a view shared by all however. Thats total BS as far as Im concerned, says Ciaran Martin, ex-chief executive of the UKs National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). I dont have a strong view on either side of the culture war, but its not a thing, so far as I understand the details in this incident specifically.

I was head of the NCSC when lockdown one happened, and I was stunned at how little rise there was in cyber harm when we went on an unplanned, short-notice experiment in home working. Turns out the bring your own device security and other remote working things wed been doing for years before 2020 worked pretty well. We have many systemic problems in cyber security but remote working isnt on my list!

But the NCSC is clearly aware of the vulnerabilities, saying in an advisory note published in April 2020 that the surge in home working has increased the use of potentially vulnerable services amplifying the threat to individuals and organisations.

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Often, remote workers are the first in line to have their access removed from internal systems when there is an attack  suggesting security teams are wary of the threat. As it battled to contain damage from its cyber attack, on Wednesday, Co-op told staff they could no longer log on to the companys IT system from home, a proactive measure it explained after detecting third parties trying to break in over the weekend. Co-op staff have also been ordered to keep their cameras on during remote meetings to make it easier to verify attendees.

Indeed, experts warn the threat to companies from remote work is only rising with the advent of generative AI, the technology behind chatbots. Not only is it making social engineering easier, both in terms of scale and its believability, but it is also inadvertently giving away vast swathes of confidential company data to third parties that in-house security teams have no ability to protect.

Hybrid work has made enforcing security standards a minefield, says Arkadiy Ukolov, co-founder of Ulla Technology. Employees increasingly rely on AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT  often outside corporate oversight  unaware that these systems may quietly harvest client data to train their models. This opens doors to data leakages where third parties gain access to very sensitive information.

The risk isnt theoretical  its happening in the background, right now, he adds. In response, the London-based firm has developed an AI-powered assistant that can be integrated into a companys infrastructure to keep the data private. The most vulnerable industries are the legal sector, government departments and the NHS.

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Their employees manage highly sensitive information such as intellectual property, corporate secrets and medical documents on a daily basis. For them, poorly managed hybrid working systems pose an existential security threat.

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A multi-year push to finally repeal what critics have called Floridas free kill law involving negligent doctors appears to have faltered again following emotional pleas and a dramatic vote in the Senate.

And it may have been done to avoid putting Gov. Ron DeSantis in an awkward spot.

By a one-vote margin, the Senate on Wednesday shot down a move by organized medicine and business interests to place a $1 million cap on noneconomic damages in wrongful death cases involving medical malpractice.

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After dispatching the amendment to HB 6017, (which was supported by Senate President Ben Albritton) the Senate agreed to roll the bill to third reading, a procedural move prepping it for final passage.

But sponsor Sen. Clay Yarborough moved to temporarily pass the bill  pausing debate  so we can continue to work on details related to the bill.

The move, coming with just days left in session, suggests the legislation may be dead for the year.

The measure, one of several bills caught up in a tense behind-the-scenes fight involving trial attorneys, has drawn 80 lobbyist registrations, House records show.

Speaker Daniel Perez via Florida House

A top priority for House Speaker Daniel Perez, HB 6017 eliminates a longstanding ban blocking parents of single, childless, adult children from suing for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering arising from alleged medical malpractice.

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Florida also bans adults (defined as 25 and older) from pursuing wrongful death claims for single parents who die from medical malpractice, and the bill would remove that ban, too. The Legislature adopted the ban during the 1990s as the state wrestled with rising malpractice premiums.

There has been a concerted effort in recent years, though, to eliminate the ban. And that push has coincided with recent efforts by organized medicine, business, and insurance lobbyists to reinstate caps on pain and suffering in all medical malpractice lawsuits.

Florida had previously passed caps but the Florida Supreme Court in 2017 ruled them unconstitutional. The makeup of the high court has changed since then, with the majority of the justices now appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The medical community is eager to put the rejuggled court to the test.

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DeSantis has been harshly critical of the trial bar but vetoing the bill would disappoint grieving family members.

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Throughout the 2025 session, Yarborough has steadfastly opposed linking damages caps in exchange for eliminating the ban on some medical malpractice cases.

So it was quite the surprise when Yarborough sponsored the caps.

Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo. (Photo courtesy Florida Senate)

I think youre being held hostage in negotiating with terrorists right now,  Sen. Jason Pizzo said, explaining that the quid pro quo does not bode well for the policy at large.

After the Senate narrowly voted down the caps, Pizzo pointed into the chamber gallery to those who had been pushing to change the law limiting medical malpractice lawsuits.

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He said that legislators should send DeSantis a clean bill and force him to explain to family members backing the bill why he was opposed to it.

One of those supporters is Cindy Jenkins from Jacksonville, who said the amendment to limit noneconomic caps on all medical malpractice cases should have been its own separate bill.

To smack an amendment on today and kill our good bill that was literally on track to pass and go to the governors desk is wrong, said Jenkins, whose 25-year-old daughter died from alleged malpractice.

Theres three branches of government for a reason. If theyre concerned that the governor would veto it when it hits his desk, let it get there and let him veto it. We will handle that separately.

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Tallahassee resident Beth Young said her mother died at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in 2023 after falling into a coma. She blamed the death on negligence and understaffing but she was banned from filing a lawsuit because of the law.

HB 6017 wouldnt help Young but she said its not about her or her family.

I just want all people to be able to get justice. Its about accountability, its not even about the money.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  West Virginia is known for its beauty, scenery and the good hearted citizens that populate it. On the flip-side of that coin, the population is aging quickly.

According to The Robert Graham Center, West Virginia will need to increase by 190 medical providers, or 14%, to keep up with population demand by 2030.

WVU Tech is seeking to combat the nursing shortage here in the Mountain State. In the past few years, the Nursing Program has begun using incentives to populate their classrooms.

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One of these incentives is waiving the NCLEX fee for those who successfully pass their first attempt.

Gov. Justice: Access to education fuels dramatic graduation from nursing programs

The testing fee is $200, and if they pass that licensure exam on their first attempt, then will reimburse them that $200. So thats been really effective for us and its a great kind of start for the nurses, said Hilllary Parcell, the CBSN Program Chairperson.

Parcell said that the class size for the Nursing Program at WVU Tech has grown by around 5 students per year since the COVID pandemic.

Parcell said that choosing the best college and asking questions for prospecting future nurses is the first step.

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Researching your work and nursing programs, youre wanting to look at things like who are we seeing on campus who wont be going far away from home? What are some area resources? Scholarships. Also things like the NCLEX that you want to make sure youre going to the school thats accredited and has a good NCLEXpass rate. Those kinds of things, said Parcell.

How West Virginias aging population affects the nursing shortage

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission offers up to $40,000 in loan forgiveness to medical students who agree to practice in state.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Applause erupted in Nashville International Airport Wednesday afternoon as 16 World War II veterans made their way down the terminal.

The veterans, alongside high schoolers from Clarksville, are headed to The National Word War II Museum in New Orleans.

[It was] a very rewarding and fulfilling career, and I would do every minute of it over again, expressed WWII Veteran Joseph Peterburs.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

Peterburs, 100, served for 36 years in the U.S. Army Air Corps and then the United States Air Force. He is a WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War veteran.

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All I know is that I am feeling good and looking forward to the next 100 years, Peterburs told News 2.

Before the age of 21, Peterburs flew 49 missions over Germany in WWII, became a prisoner of war after his plane was shot down, but escaped. He then joined the Russian tank unit in Berlin, Germany, and was later rescued by American troops.

Peterburs later returned home to marry the love of his life.

Then I flew 76 missions, combat missions in Korea in the P51 Mustang, and then later I went into command and control, and I served in Vietnam, Peterburs continued.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

On Wednesday, Peterburs and 15 other WWII veterans flew together to The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, which was paid for by The Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) and American Airlines.

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I think Im the only Air Force in this group, but I feel a bond with them, Peterburs said.

Joining the veterans on the flight are 20 Clarksville students from Rossview High School.

We wanted to expose these children to an opportunity that they are not going to get in school, traveling to a World War II museum with somebody who actually lived through that experience is unlike anything you can get, founder of the Sinise Foundation, Gary Sinise, told News 2.

For the students, this trip is a lesson in sacrifice, resilience, and courage.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The children that are with them are going to be impacted greatly, not only by, you know, what they learn about during World War II and what they did, all these gentlemen did when they were just teenagers, but you know how they have lived their lives, Sinise expressed.

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Peterburs advice for high schoolers is to never give up.

What I used to tell my troops and what I believed in is if you have a goal in life, you do the best you can at it, Peterburs said. Dont let fear or apprehension do it, just keep your eye on the ball and get the job done.

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.
WYTHEVILLE, Va. (WFXR)  The Claytor Lake Drug Task Force has announced the successful arrest of three people and seizure of drugs and weapons during a narcotics surveillance operation carried out on April 30th.

On Wednesday, law enforcement carried out a traffic stop in the Town of Wytheville, which allegedly led to the discovery of what is believed to be fentanyl pills, powder fentanyl, a large amount of cash, digital scales, and materials commonly used for drug packaging.

(Photo Credit: Wytheville Police Department)

After the traffic stop, a search warrant was served at a home in Wytheville. During the search, multiple firearms, as well as additional pressed fentanyl pills, were allegedly found.

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This operation underscores the serious and growing threat that fentanyl poses to our community, stated Wytheville Chief of Police Joel Hash. The presence of these highly potent and often deadly substances, along with the associated firearms, highlights the dangerous nature of drug trafficking and its potential for violence within our neighborhoods. We are committed to aggressively pursuing those who introduce this poison into our community and endanger the lives of our citizens.

25-year-old arrested after setting brush fire in Lynchburg

Police said they want to emphasize the danger associated with fentanyl, even in small amounts can be lethal.

The collaborative efforts of the Claytor Lake Drug Task Force are vital in our fight against the opioid epidemic, Chief Hash added. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partner agencies to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics, hold offenders accountable, and raise awareness about the potentially fatal consequences of fentanyl use. We urge our community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

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The Claytor Lake Drug Task Force includes the Wytheville Police Department, Virginia State Police, Pulaski County Sheriffs Office, and Pulaski Police Department.

Police said this is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are pending.

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 WFXRtv.
X has a lower European Union active user base now than it did when Elon Musk took over the social media platform, according to a new report.

A Social Media Today analysis of a transparency report released by X found the platform has lost 10.5 million users since August. The heaviest losses were in France, Poland, Germany and Spain, respectively.

Before Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, thenrebranded it as X, the platform had more than 100 million European users. Mashable said its active user base is now under 95 million and is likely declining in the United Kingdom as well.

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The EUs Digital Services Act requires tech companies to provide content moderation transparency reports sharing internal data those companies are not required to share in other places.

Musk admitted in March 2023 that X had declined in value from $44 billion to around $20 billion since he bought it in October 2022, though some former advertisers did appear to return when President Trump, with financial backing from Musk, was reelected in November.

He claims that worldwide, X has 600 million active users and has gained popularity in some areas. Social Media Today questions Musks numbers based on what theyre seeing in Europe.

The 53-year-old entrepreneur has since experienced a worldwide backlash to his companys at home and abroad after he became more active in right-wing politics.

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Images of Musk simulating what appeared to be a Nazi salute at a Trump inauguration rally have gone viral. Though the X owner insists thats not what he was doing, days later he appeared via video at a rally for Germanys far-right AfD party. His Tesla automobile company has been dubbed the maker of The Swasticar.

Musk has also been accused of promoting varying versions of the Great Replacement Theory  suggesting immigrants are taking power from nativists in the US and elsewhere. The Anti-Defamation League notes that premise once largely relegated to white supremacist rhetoric has worked its way into the mainstream.

Musks Tesla car dealerships have been targeted by activists whove vandalized cars and buildings with paint and lit some vehicles on fire. The Trump administration has referred to those demonstrations as acts of terror.
A New York legislative candidate named Petros Krommidas has been reported missing.

Krommidas's Facebook page says he is a "Democrat Running for Nassau County Legislator for the 4th District."

Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Louis Imbroto wrote on Facebook, "Petros Krommidas has been missing. He is a Chaminade alumnus and works in government. He was last seen in Baldwin on Wednesday night at 9:00PM and was reported to NCPD as missing at 7:35PM last night."

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He added, "Petros is described as 6'2 tall, 230 lbs, with brown hair & brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a camouflage print sweatshirt & gray sweatpants. He is believed to be in the Long Beach area. If anyone has any information on his whereabouts, please contact NCPD Missing Persons Squad at 516-573-7347 or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous."

According to The New York Post, Krommidas's family has revealed he "likely swam in the sea while training for an upcoming triathlon." The Post reported that he was last seen when he left for the swim, and his locked car was found at a local hotel.

"He locked his car, took a towel, and around 10:30 p.m. walked onto the beach to exercise, just as he had done many times before, his family wrote on social media, according to The Post. The police found his towel, clothes, and phone left on the beach. Since then, search efforts have been ongoing, but we need the publics help.

Krommidas's last post came on April 22, 2025. "I had the opportunity to speak at last nights Nassau County Young Democrats' monthly meeting alongside Joe Scianablo, whos running for Town of Hempstead Supervisor. Thank you to the Nassau County Young Democrats for having mealways great to be with such a thoughtful, engaged group committed to making a difference in our community," it reads.

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A person wrote on his page comment thread before he went missing, "I knew when I first met you that you were destined for great success. Im proud of you Petros."

A post in the Long Beach City Facebook group reads, "My friend Maria is looking for her son Petros Krommidas and is hoping for extra eyes and volunteers to assist in any way they can. She is unconsolable and desperate to find her boy and bring him home."
ALBANY, New York  Gov. Kathy Hochul shored up her public safety agenda this week when state lawmakers agreed to loosen the legal standard for involuntary commitment of the mentally ill  a major victory for the Democrat and a sign that political winds on the issue are shifting to the center.

Under the agreement, the state will fund pilot programs that dispatch unarmed first responders to mental health emergencies and will convene at least four panels to review incidents in which responders are accused of using excessive force, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter who were granted anonymity to share details of the deal. Those details, which have not been previously reported, come in addition to a tentative requirement that law enforcement officers receive specialized training to improve their response to mental health emergencies, according to one of those people.

The foundation of the new policy is that New York state will be able to authorize first responders to forcibly hospitalize mentally ill New Yorkers who cannot meet their own basic needs such as food, shelter or medical care. Hochul announced Monday she came to an agreement with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie on a budget deal that includes the new standard.

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In a post-Covid world, there have been very difficult examples of mental health issues, and weve been trying to address those issues in every possible way, Stewart-Cousins told reporters Tuesday. I think it was a natural evolution of thought based on what appeared to be an unusual uptick  again in a post-Covid world  for something that we could have addressed.

Democratic officials nationwide have increasingly embraced civil commitments in recent years as a way to address the colliding crises of homelessness, mental illness and crime in their communities. California created a new pathway to court-ordered treatment several years ago, and Oregon officials are debating whether to broaden their own civil commitment law. Hochuls successful push this year shows the coalition backing involuntary treatment continues to broaden, as politicians struggle to convince the public they are making progress on a complicated issue often associated with public safety.

It might be a sign that the countrys just moving a little more to the center of the road and is losing patience and faith in the fact that community-based services are the way to go, Patrick Wildes, Hochuls former assistant secretary for human services and mental hygiene, told POLITICO.

New Yorks forthcoming policy change, which is part of a $254 billion state budget deal announced Monday, effectively codifies 2022 state guidance saying that individuals who appear to be mentally ill and who display an inability to meet basic living needs could be taken against their will to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

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Vocal resistance from civil rights and mental health advocacy groups long left many New York Democrats reluctant to touch the issue, but that has slowly shifted in recent years. As New York emerged from Covid, a series of high-profile violent crimes  like the death of Michelle Go, who was shoved in front of a passing subway car in January 2022  prompted some Democrats to revisit the issue. That same year, Hochul faced an unexpectedly close election after her Republican challenger leaned hard on crime amid a continuing drumbeat of headline-grabbing random attacks. She bought some goodwill with a $1 billion mental health plan the following year.

Now Hochul is setting the stage for her 2026 reelection bid, when she is expected to face tough challenges from the left and the right. And legislative leaders were willing to play ball, agreeing to the new gravely disabled standard for involuntary hospitalization as part of a broader package of reforms to the mental health system.

Lisa Dailey, executive director of the Treatment Advocacy Center, which is pushing for more involuntary treatment of mental illnesses, said the new commitment standard puts New York in step with nearly all other states.

This will help New York first responders and hospitals to act consistently and be inclusive of those who are the most ill, she said in a statement to POLITICO.

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The shifting approach remains contentious, though. Assembly Mental Health Chair Jo Anne Simon said the involuntary commitment policy was inserted in the budget against her wishes, although she considers the inclusion of pilot programs and incident review panels a step in the right direction.

The governor sees her proposal as a win, but I think, frankly, too many New Yorkers will end up losing, Simon told POLITICO. I don't like the idea of compromise when that means that we're doing something that I feel is fundamentally flawed. On the other hand, sometimes people need to see that it's fundamentally flawed.

Without significant investment in post-discharge resources such as housing and outpatient care, Simon said the expansion of involuntary commitment will have little success, as it only focuses on one part of the problem.

I think that if all youre doing is beefing up one leg of a three-legged stool, its going to wobble, right? Simon said.

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Wildes, who now serves as director of Albany Law Schools Government Law Center, said the change seems to be more about expediency than addressing homelessness and mental health issues in the long term.

If you really want to fix some of these problems, youre talking about sustained investments, he said. Its really hard to sell that politically.
In his bid to unseat Rep. Andre Carson, the 50-year-old Democrat who has represented Indianas 7th Congressional District since 2008, 34-year-old challenger George Hornedo has argued the Democratic Party isnt working, nationally or locally.

Some voters in the district are open to hearing him out.

Maria Langston, a 69-year-old retiree and longtime Carson supporter, said she would be open to voting for Hornedo. She added that she wanted Carson to increase his visibility within the neighborhood and play more of a role in building the Democratic Party, which is out of power across all branches of Indianas government and has few pockets of political clout outside Indianapolis, the solidly blue population center in the deep-red state.

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We have to rebuild our leaders. We have to identify the leaders, she said. A lot of people have become too complacent, and that might be some of our Democratic leaders.

Putting a finer point on her message to the party, Langston added: Come on, Democrats  lets do something.

Hornedo is part of a growing wave of young Democrats who have launched bids to shake up the partys ranks by ousting incumbent House members in deep blue seats. They see voter frustrations with what theyve described as Democrats ineffective response to President Donald Trumps actions as a mandate to remake the party.

Leaders We Deserve, a group led by Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg, is planning to spend $20 million to boost young candidates, including some seeking to oust Democratic incumbents in safe seats. Justice Democrats, the organization that supported New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs successful 2018 primary run, announced its first challenge of the 2026 cycle Monday. So far, more than half a dozen young Democrats have launched campaigns against those in the party they say arent doing enough to combat Trumps agenda.

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Many of those candidates are making cases for generational change.

It is about needing new energy in Congress to actually meet the moment where we are, said 37-year-old Jake Rakov, who is challenging his former boss, 15-term Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman of California. We just need people who are more active communicators, who can move the party into the 21st century and dont operate like its 1996.

Democratic congressional candidate Jake Rakov, center. - From Jake Rakov for Congress

Kat Abughazaleh is seen in this still from in an interview with CNN earlier this month. - CNN via Cisco Webex

For others, its about tactics  and volume.

The 26-year-old social media star Kat Abughazaleh, who launched her run against Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky before reports the 80-year-old progressive planned to retire, said frustration with Democrats response to Trump is probably what unites a lot of us who are taking on House incumbents.

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Were done with this administration and we dont think that Democrats are doing enough, she said. We cant be like Chuck Schumer and write a bunch of strongly-worded letters for a president who doesnt like reading.

Abughazaleh said she has spoken with a number of other Democrats considering their own campaigns, and is planning a May video call to talk with many of them. Schakowsky, meanwhile, said in a statement she has not yet made a decision and will announce whether she will seek reelection in a May 5 speech.

The spate of primary challenges comes amid a broader debate within the Democratic Party about how best to counter the president and reach the voters who handed Republicans full control of Washington in last years elections. In some cases, the push for younger leaders has also extended a difficult conversation about age and fitness in the wake of President Joe Bidens late exit from the 2024 presidential race.

The debate is playing out in midterm races, within the Democratic National Committee and in the earliest stages of the 2028 presidential primary contest, as potential contenders use rallies, speeches and podcasts to begin to position themselves and test messaging.

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The House primary races could test how strong the Democratic electorates appetite is for fresh faces, and whether any new approaches are effective. The internal tensions come as the party faces questions about its image with voters  fueled by dissatisfaction within its own ranks. A recent CNN poll found just 38% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents approve of the partys leadership while anger with politics has swelled to 70% among Democratic-aligned Americans.

Challenging the politics of loyalty and seniority

As of now, the various primary efforts arent connected. But they all share a common theme: a complaint that many of the Democratic Partys current leaders are relying on an outdated political playbook and failing to address the perceived overreaches of the second Trump administration with sufficient energy.

Justice Democrats is returning to its roots of supporting primary challenges to Democrats after spending the 2024 cycle focused on protecting progressive incumbents. (Two of its endorsed candidates  former Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush  lost their primaries last year.) The group is actively recruiting candidates.

We feel like there is a mandate for us, based on the results in November, to help reshape and transform this Democratic Party, as weve tried to do since the start of this organization, Usamah Andrabi, Justice Democrats communication director, said in an interview.

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The groups first target is two-term Michigan Rep. Shri Thanedar, a 70-year-old multimillionaire the group plans to frame as the Elon Musk of Detroit. Justice Democrats is backing 32-year-old state Rep. Donavan McKinney in the Detroit-area 13th Congressional District.

In this November 2022 photo, Donavan McKinney speaks as Wayne County Board of Canvassers meet in Detroit. - Junfu Han/Detroit Free Press/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

As he confronts fresh political pressure from the progressive wing of the party, Thanedar this week introduced articles of impeachment against Trump. We cannot wait for more damage to be done, he said in a statement. Congress must act.

The current wave of young primary challengers shares some common themes with the 2018 midterm election cycle, when candidates backed by Justice Democrats such as Ocasio-Cortez, Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley and other progressive lawmakers who are part of The Squad beat longtime incumbents or won crowded primaries for safe seats. Now, however, candidates and organizations pushing for new leaders say the stakes are higher and the anger and frustration of the party base is more intense.

Saikat Chakrabarti, a co-founder of Justice Democrats who is now challenging former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, said hes in contact with other young Democrats running for office and has encouraged other would be challengers to launch campaigns.

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The 39-year-old said he was inspired to challenge Pelosi, 85, after she maneuvered to block Ocasio-Cortezs bid to become the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. The member Pelosi backed, 75-year-old Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, announced this week that he would step down from the leadership post on the committee due to health concerns and retire at the end of his term.

We need our best fighters in there, Chakrabarti said. This is long past the time of the politics of loyalty and seniority.

A spokesperson for Pelosi declined an interview request for this article.

Hogg, however, said he would not support primary challenges against members like Pelosi, who he credited with leading House Democrats resistance to Trump in 2018 and who he said needed to be there to mentor the next generation of Democrats. He is also not backing candidates who are running to the right of safe seat incumbents.

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Still, Hogg has angered party leaders by attempting to launch his own wave of challengers while being a party leader. The national party, they argue, should project neutrality. Later this year, the committee will consider an expanded neutrality clause that would force Hogg to choose between challenging incumbents and maintaining his leadership role. Hogg has said he believes the committee is preparing to remove him.

Despite the controversy, Hogg has argued Democrats need to challenge what he deems ineffective lawmakers in safe seats to rebuild the party and improve its standing with voters.

Were going to have to challenge people. Were going to have to shake things up, especially if our approval rating is at 27, he said. There is no amount of messaging that is going to get us out of that.

Somebodys got to do something

Sherman, as well as other critics of the primary efforts, argue that Democrats could jeopardize their chances of retaking the House if they have to direct resources toward defending party members, and that incumbents in safe seats would have to spend money on themselves that could go toward flipping GOP-held seats. He also pushed back on the idea that Democrats need to radically transform the party.

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The fact is, we are doing a hell of a job, he told CNN.

We are winning, and maybe were winning because the other side is screwing up, or maybe were winning because were doing a good job, but the polls right now are very good, he added, referencing Trumps declining approval ratings and Democrats standing on the generic ballot.

Rep. Brad Sherman during a news conference in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2024. - Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg/Getty Images

But Democratic challengers are calling for more urgent and engaging representation in Congress.

Everton Blair, a 33-year-old Georgia educator, announced a bid to unseat 12-term incumbent Democratic Rep. David Scott in Georgias heavily Democratic 13th Congressional District last month, arguing voters there are fed up and need an alternative.

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Scott, 79, was first elected to Congress in 2002 and fended off multiple Democratic primary challenges in past cycles. In 2024, Scott secured enough votes to avoid a primary runoff when he faced six Democratic challengers in a district that was redrawn months prior.

But Blair, a former chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Education, said this years contest is different.

Somebodys got to do something, and I think weve witnessed what running the same tired playbook gets us, said Blair, one of several Democrats planning to challenge Scott in 2026. Its on us now. If we dont learn from this lesson and if we dont bring up a new bench of leaders, then we are the ones to blame when we dont succeed.

Only time I see him is on TV

In interviews with Democratic primary voters in Indianapolis, conversations about the contest between Carson and Hornedo quickly shifted to concerns about the partys larger leadership vacuum.

On a recent Saturday morning, Hornedo volunteered to clear invasive plants from an Indianapolis park. Several other volunteers said theyd gotten to know him through neighborhood association meetings.

Thuriya Sai, a 29-year-old nonprofit worker who moved to Indianapolis last year and plans to vote in next years Democratic primary, said hell be closely watching where the two candidates funding comes from.

He said he is looking for candidates who say what theyre thinking and wont just be bootlickers to established Democrats.

Erica Johnson, a 62-year-old Indianapolis resident, said shes met Hornedo three times at neighborhood association meetings.

As for Carson, she said: Only time I see him is on TV.

Hornedo, she said, has already earned her support.

Democratic congressional candidate George Hornedo, center. - From George Hornedo for Congress

He deals with the people, Johnson said of Hornedo. He doesnt shy away. He comes to the meetings, he answers our questions, he stays. So of course Im going to vote for him.

Carson, though, has the tried-and-true advantages of incumbency and deep connections to community leaders on his side  and those political assets could prove too much to overcome in a primary contest featuring a first-time candidate taking on an incumbent who is universally known in the district.

His grandmother, Julia Carson, held the 7th District seat until her death in 2007. Andre Carson won a 2008 special election to replace her, and has held the seat since. No opponent has ever come within single digits of Carson in a primary or general election.

At a recent Light of the World Christian Church event honoring the career of Bishop Tom Garrott Benjamin Jr., an influential Black leader in the city, Carson  who is Muslim  was invited on stage.

We live in a world where everyones trying to amass power, but the power lives with the people, he told the crowd. Your job as a leader isnt to lord and master and rule over other people.

In an interview, Carson said Democrats in his district are looking for activism in taking on Trump, but it comes with a Hoosier sensibility.

He touted his role in securing federal funding for $1 billion in projects in Indianapolis, as well as presiding over a House Intelligence subcommittee holding the first congressional hearing on UFOs in more than 50 years. Carson also said he was open to debating Hornedo or participating in forums.

Most attendees CNN approached said they strongly support Carson, and many said they know him personally  some for decades.

I think hes a great leader. So was his grandma, said Donna Perkins, 69, a retiree.

Anytime theres anything in the community, he shows up if you need him, she said. I think hes in the fight for us.

John Hall, a 78-year-old retiree who calls himself a political independent, said he has voted for Republicans for other offices but likes Carson and considers him one of us.

Im talking about whos lived in this area, whos lived in this district, whos worked in this district, before you even become a representative, he said.

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A top aide to Glenn Youngkin's political operation has stepped down from his post leading the PAC, Spirit of Virginia, according to a person familiar with his departure and granted anonymity to describe internal matters.

Matt Moran, a longtime Youngkin staffer, had become the center of a political firestorm in recent days after allegations emerged that John Reid, the presumptive GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, had maintained a social media account with pornographic images of naked men.

Reid, the first openly gay Republican nominee for statewide office in Virginia, has argued that efforts to remove him from the Republican ticket are rooted in discrimination against his sexuality and has denied the account was his.

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Youngkin reportedly asked Reid to drop out of the race, prompting outrage in the GOP, as grassroots Republicans rallied around the embattled candidate.

The controversy has fueled dysfunction in a state where the Republican Party was already facing an uphill battle in November and could tarnish Youngkins efforts to position himself as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

A longtime GOP operative and Trump loyalist, Reid held a rally on Wednesday night with a crowd of hundreds of loyalists where he condemned the Richmond swamp that does not like it when they encounter a different type of person who they can't control.
GIRARD, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown police officer received his sentence Thursday in a case where he had been accused of driving while intoxicated.

Read next: Man sentenced in Trumbull County crash that injured 3

Joshua Rivers was convicted of a lesser offense of physical control while under the influence as part of a plea agreement. Charges of improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle and speeding were dismissed, according to Girard Municipal Court records.

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Court records state that the gun seized during the traffic stop, a Sig Sauer P320, will be returned to Rivers. His drivers license suspension was also lifted, court records state.

Rivers was ordered to pay fines and court costs, as well as attend a 72-hour driver intervention program in lieu of serving three days in jail. He will be on non-reporting probation for two years, court records state.

A trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol pulled over the vehicle Rivers was driving on state Route 11 in Liberty Township just before midnight March 15. The trooper reported that River was speeding and driving erratically and that Rivers refused to undergo field sobriety tests.

Rivers had been working at the police department but was taken off the road following his arrest. Youngstown Police Staff Lt. Brian Butler said Rivers status remains unchanged and that he has been working with judicial driving privileges but now that the case has been adjudicated, he will face administrative disciplinary action.

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Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown State University professor is looking to the skies to help discover the building blocks of galaxies.

Dr. Patrick Durrell is part of an international team of astronomers who used the Hubble Space Telescope to capture a rare discovery.

For decades, Dr. Durrell has been asking himself the question, What makes galaxies tick? As an astronomer regularly working with the Hubble Space Telescope, hes helping find the answer.

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In his small office inside the Ward Beecher Planetarium, he showed off his teams latest research on the far reaches of the universe.

We thought, Oh, maybe were seeing, you know, the merging of star clusters.'

The galaxies might not look like a big deal because they are dim, but they hold a big secret.

Theyre still very important. You know, numerically, these are the most populous galaxies out there, Dr. Durrell said.

The international team of researchers captured images of over 80 galaxies, getting a look at a rare process for how nuclear star clusters are formed. A long-held hypothesis is that smaller star clusters can move towards the center of a galaxy, pulling other stars and clusters into their orbit, creating the nuclear cluster  something thats been difficult to prove until now.

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Its really hard to catch in the act and it looks like we found five galaxies where we are indeed catching it in the act. Were actually seeing this process in these high-resolution images from Hubble, Durrell said. Were actually seeing this. Were not just saying theoretically this should happen.

The main point of the original project, Durrell says, was to study star clusters in the galaxy, but discovering that theyre actually merging together was an added bonus.

Its kind of one of the fun things in science. Its not just discovery but youre kind of going, you know, what else is in the data? Oh, will ya look at that.'

Their latest research has been published in the scientific journal Nature. Durrell has been working with the international team for over a decade. He helped coordinate capturing the Hubble images for this project and he has several more going on this summer.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Severe weather warnings covered swathes of New Zealand on Thursday with heavy downpours prompting a state of emergency for the South Island's largest city, Christchurch, while forecasters recorded destructive gales in the capital, Wellington.

Heavy snow and large waves lashed other parts of the country. No deaths or serious injuries were reported. The extent of damage was not clear by afternoon, but evacuations were not widespread.

Thursdays red wind warning for Wellington, at the southern end of New Zealands North Island, was the first time the capital  famous for its gusty gales  has ever faced the most severe alert level. Residents were urged to stay indoors, avoid travel and keep away from doors and windows as gusts of up to 150 kph (93 mph) posed a threat to life from falling trees and flying objects, the forecaster Metservice said.

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Flights to and from Wellington were cancelled throughout Thursday and passenger ferry sailings between the North and South Islands were halted until at least Friday afternoon. Metservice expected 5 meter (16 foot) swells in the Cook Strait, the body of water between New Zealands two largest islands.

About 1,000 properties were without electricity Thursday afternoon in the wider Wellington region, which has a population of 550,000. The citys largest university closed for the day, the Royal New Zealand Ballet cancelled an evening performance, and several schools sent students home.

Wellington is New Zealands windiest city -- registering gusts at gale speeds of 63 kph (39 mph) on about half the days of the year. But Wellingtons emergency management chief, Dan Neely, warned residents to take the warnings seriously because the southerly tempest was unusually strong and could threaten lives, Radio New Zealand reported.

In the city of Christchurch, the largest on the South Island, and in some nearby rural areas, heavy deluges caused rivers to spill over their banks, closing roads and prompting fears the floodwaters could reach homes. Local states of emergency were declared Thursday, including in Christchurch, Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told reporters.

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Orange-level warnings -- the second most serious -- were issued across parts of both islands for severe rain and large sea swells, and in some South Island districts for heavy snow. The storm system that lay across much of the country Thursday was due to ease Friday.

New Zealanders are accustomed to wild winter conditions because of geographic features that produce variable and sometimes extreme weather across the country of 5 million people. But it was unusual that such widespread warnings were issued.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed new sanctions against a number of individuals and entities, including former presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych, pro-Kremlin commentators, and several major Russian companies, according to presidential decrees published on May 1.

The move puts into effect a May 1 decision by Ukraines National Security and Defense Council that imposes economic and other restrictive measures on the individuals.

The sanctions target Arestovych, a former freelance adviser to the Presidents Office. Since his resignation in January 2023, Arestovych has positioned himself as a critic of the Ukrainian government and has hinted at possible political ambitions, drawing sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials and civil society groups, some of whom accuse him of spreading narratives that echo Kremlin talking points.

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The restrictions were also imposed on blogger Myroslav Oleshko, political analyst Kostiantyn Bondarenko, and Dmytro Vasylets, the former head of the banned political party Derzhava.

Political commentator Oleksandr Skubchenko, known for appearances on channels linked to pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, and Pavlo Onishchenko, head of the pro-Kremlin group Slobozhanska Sich were also sanctioned.

Two Russian journalists, Stanislav Bernwald and Anastasia Kashevarova, were also included in the sanctions list, as was Oleksii Azarov, son of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, who led the government under pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

A number of Russian citizens are also subject to new restrictions, including the head of Russias state nuclear corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev, and Russian journalists Stanislav Bernwald and Anastasia Kashevarova.

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In addition to individuals, the sanctions affect several Russian enterprises, including the Novolipetsk Steel Plant, Novatek, Arctic LNG, Stoilensky Mining and Processing Plant, Volzhsky Abrasive Works, and Magnitogorsk Electrode Plant.

The measures include asset freezes, full trade bans, suspension of economic and financial obligations, restrictions on transit and transport across Ukrainian territory, and prohibitions on capital outflows. Additional steps include revoking Ukrainian state awards, banning sanctioned media in Ukraine, and suspending licenses and permits.

Entities and individuals under sanctions are also barred from participating in privatization auctions, leasing state property, or acquiring land in Ukraine.

Read also: Zelensky warns Russia is preparing something in Belarus under guise of military drills

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 1 that the signing of a long-awaited U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal was the first concrete result of his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Vatican, calling it a historic outcome of their April 26 conversation.

The 15-minute conversation took place inside St. Peters Basilica after the two leaders encountered each other at the late pontiffs funeral. Zelensky reportedly pressed Trump to return to his original proposal of an unconditional ceasefire as the starting point for peace talks, a move Kyiv has supported but Moscow has rejected.

The discussion marked the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since their tense February encounter in the Oval Office, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zelensky over what they described as a lack of gratitude for U.S. support.

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Zelensky said the minerals agreement  which sets up a joint investment fund between Kyiv and Washington  had been significantly revised during months of negotiations to ensure equal terms and benefits for both sides.

It is now a truly equal agreement that opens the door to substantial investment in Ukraine and enables major modernization of production within the country, as well as, just as importantly, an upgrade of our legal practices, Zelensky said.

The agreement, signed April 30 in Washington by Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, creates a reconstruction-focused fund operated as a limited partnership between the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the Agency for Supporting Public-Private Partnership representing Ukraine.

The future fund will be financed exclusively from new licenses. Fifty percent of revenues from new licenses in the fields of critical materials, oil, and gas, generated after the fund is created, will be directed to it, according to Svyrydenko.

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The minerals deal, which now awaits ratification by Ukraines parliament, includes a list of 57 strategic resources and ensures compliance with Ukrainian and EU laws, addressing earlier concerns about sovereignty and conflicts with existing EU agreements. Ukrainian officials also succeeded in removing any repayment obligations for past U.S. military aid.

Opposition MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said the deal could be voted on during parliamentary sessions between May 13-15, if all procedures are completed in time.

While the current deal doesnt contain any security guarantees, Svyrydenko wrote on X to say that in addition to direct financial contributions (to the fund), the deal may also provide new assistance  for example, air defense systems for Ukraine.

Zelensky hailed the agreement as a partnership on fair terms and said it could attract further American support. We expect other results from our (Vatican) talks, he added.

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Read also: Warms words rather than real investment  uncertainty surrounds newly-signed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that the mineral resources agreement was among the topics he discussed with US President Donald Trump during their meeting at the Vatican.

Source: Zelenskyys address on 1 May, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy thanked the Ukrainian negotiating team involved in finalising the mineral resources deal.

Quote: "We discussed Ukraines readiness to sign the agreement with the president of the United States, with Donald Trump, during our meeting at the Vatican. In fact, we now have the first result of that Vatican meeting, which makes it truly historic."

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More details: The president expressed hope that "other outcomes of our conversation" would also be implemented.

Zelenskyy added that the agreement underwent significant changes during the drafting process. "Now it is a truly equal agreement that enables investment in Ukraine  substantial investment  and, in addition, allows for the modernisation of Ukraines industrial production and, just as importantly, its legal practices," he noted.

Until now, it had not been officially confirmed that the mineral resources deal was discussed by the presidents of Ukraine and the US at the Vatican. Axios previously reported that Trump had allegedly pressured Zelenskyy during their conversation to expedite the signing of the agreement.

Background:

On 30 April, Ukraine and the US signed a framework agreement on economic partnership. Earlier, European Pravda revealed key details of the deal, which includes provisions on 57 critical minerals and US military assistance.

The terms of the agreement match most of the key points previously shared by Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

US President Donald Trump stated that the mineral deal would bring the US more benefits than it had spent on Ukraine.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the sanctions he imposed on Thursday 1 May are targeted at companies and individuals involved in servicing Russian military production, supplying Moscow's armed forces, and spreading propaganda.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "The first [package of sanctions imposed today] concerns 36 companies and 5 individuals operating in various jurisdictions  not only Russian  but catering to Russian military production. In particular, these are titanium suppliers, metallurgical enterprises, companies working in the energy sector and in mechanical engineering. Some of them are already under sanctions imposed by our partners. Overall, we are synchronising our sanctions pressure with the world's sanctions against Russia for the war.

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The second sanctions package today concerns 106 entities that actively support the presence of the occupier in our Crimea, and in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, and who are involved in supplying the occupation army."

Details: Zelenskyy also elaborated on the seven Ukrainians included in the latest sanctions, stating that they "have aligned themselves with Russian state propaganda, justify the war, and conduct active information operations that harm Ukraine and our defence in this war".

The Ukrainian leader has also ordered that further sanctions be prepared.

Background: On 1 May, Zelenskyy enacted a decision of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council to impose personal sanctions on several well-known Ukrainians, including Oleksii Arestovych, former non-staff advisor to the head of the President's Office, political analyst Kostiantyn Bondarenko and blogger Myroslav Oleshko.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised the need for diplomatic efforts and greater pressure on Moscow, noting that Russia has ignored both a US proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire and Ukraines own initiatives for over 50 days.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "For over 50 days now, Russia has been ignoring the American proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. There were also our proposals  at the very least, to refrain from striking civilian infrastructure and to establish lasting silence in the sky, at sea and on land. Russia has responded to all this with new shelling and new assaults.

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That is why a strong push for diplomacy is needed  continued pressure on Russia is essential to force it into silence and negotiations. The more effective the sanctions, the more incentives Russia will have to end the war. The stronger Ukraine's defence and our air defence forces are, the more lives we will be able to save  and the sooner we will be able to guarantee lasting security. I thank everyone around the world who is helping."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that rubble is still being cleared from a building struck by a Russian drone in Odesa, where multiple fires broke out overnight. Overall, 21 drones attacked the city. Sadly, fatalities have been reported.

The Ukrainian leader added that Russian forces had also targeted the city of Kropyvnytskyi and Odesa, Kyiv, Sumy, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv and Cherkasy oblasts. Firefighters are still battling a blaze in Kharkiv Oblast. He said that on that night alone, Russia launched 170 drones on Ukraine, including over 100 Shahed loitering munitions.

Background: Russian forces had attacked Ukraine with five Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 170 loitering munitions and decoy drones since the evening of 30 April. Reports indicated that 142 drones failed to reach their targets.

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For generations, whenever a pope dies, the tailors of Gammarelli have swung into action with their scissors and sewing machines, stitching together creamy white cassocks in time for the election of the next pontiff.

Having no idea who it might be, they hedge their bets, producing three cassocks in different sizes  small, medium and large  hoping that one of them will fit whoever is selected to be the leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

But this time, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday and with the conclave  the secretive election that is held in the confines of the Sistine Chapel  due to start next Wednesday, everything is different.

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The small atelier in the historic centre of Rome, which for seven generations has counted Popes among their clientele, has received instructions from the Holy See that no new cassocks are needed.

Instead, spare cassocks left over from previous papal elections will be dusted off and reused.

Deeply loyal to the Vatican, the tailors are not about to start lamenting the break in tradition, but they do admit that they are a little upset.

Massimiliano Gammarelli, 63, is one of four cousins who own the shop, which was established in 1798. He said: Were a bit disappointed. We would put them in the window for a few days of exposition. Many clients are asking if we will display them, but this time we wont.

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It is slightly upsetting. Its part of the history of Rome to see the cassocks before the Pope is elected. For us, it is a privilege and a challenge. All of our employees are proud to tailor for the Holy Father. Everybody likes to work on the Popes cassock.

Massimiliano Gammarelli said to be able to tailor for the Pope is a privilege and a challenge - Nick Squires for The Telegraph

While the Holy See has not given a reason for the break in protocol, the tailors suspect it is down to the late Argentinian Popes aversion to extravagance and waste  why make new cassocks when perfectly serviceable old ones can be recycled and reused, he would have argued.

Had tradition been upheld, the tailors of Gammarelli would have produced three pure wool cassocks in the days immediately after the death of Pope Francis.

The vestments would by now have taken pride of place in the front window of their shop, which is tucked away in a tiny piazza just behind the Pantheon.

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Instead, the display window is empty, apart from a white skull cap known in Italian as a zucchetto that was made for Pope Francis.

Gammarellis display window now displays a white skull cap known in Italian as a zucchetto that was made for the late Pope Francis - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Gammarellis cabinets are heavy with bolts of coloured cloths and fabric - Andrej Isakovic/AFP

Bolts of coloured cloth line the walls of the atelier, where cabinets display cufflinks for bishops and monsignors, communion goblets, gold cardinals rings, silken stoles and swords, which are bought by members of the Knights of Malta, a chivalric order that originated in the Holy Land in the 11th century.

Across town, a rival tailor says he is busy making new cassocks for the next Pope  despite not being officially commissioned to do so by the Vatican.

Raniero Mancinelli, who operates out of a tiny atelier near the Vatican, is preparing small, medium and large versions.

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He is working away in his tailors shop in the Borgo, the village-like quarter that lies a couple of hundred yards from St Peters Square, but concedes that he has not had a formal commission from the Holy See.

This is the first time in nearly 50 years that the Vatican has not ordered a new set of cassocks for the soon-to-be-elected pontiff.

The Vatican has declined to explain exactly why no new cassocks have been commissioned. I dont think I need to speak on behalf of businesses, said Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman. Not every curiosity needs to be answered.

The cream cassocks play a key role in the election of the new pontiff.

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Once cardinals have chosen a successor to Pope Francis after voting in the conclave, and assuming that their brother cardinal accepts the job, he is taken into a side room.

It is called in Italian la stanza delle lacrime, the Room of Tears, and is so named because many have wept at the enormity of the task they face.

There, the newly elected pontiff is given help to take off his scarlet cassock and change into the cream cassock of the papacy.

He then steps out onto the balcony of St Peters Basilica, where a Vatican official proclaims to the world Habemus papam  We have a Pope.

Mr Gammarelli thinks the conclave next week could be a long one, and that cardinals will struggle to come to a swift agreement on who should succeed Pope Francis.

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That is because there are 133 cardinal electors, making this conclave the biggest in history.

They come from 71 nations, and many have never met.

And yet they must come to a two-thirds majority agreement on who among them will be the next Pope.

Mr Gammarelli said: For them, it is complicated because they dont know each other very well.

I think it will be hard work for the cardinals. Im afraid it will be a long conclave.

Cardinals are pushing a very different narrative  that the division between progressives and conservatives is exaggerated, that they are in constant dialogue and that a decision will not take long to come to.

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Louis Raphael Sako, the cardinal of Baghdad, said: It will be brief  at most, two or three days.

Jean-Paul Vesco, the French cardinal and the archbishop of Algiers, said: I dont believe it will be a long conclave.

The Church will be looking for a steady, compromise candidate who will be more predictable than the mercurial Pope Francis.

I think we will have a man of consensus. Francis shook up the Church a lot and we now need a bit of peace, he said.

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Jason John Seabrook Moss appears via Zoom in Yakima County Superior Court on Friday, June 2, 2023. Moss, who is already facing robbery charges in a Zillah home invasion, is accused of a January 2022 Yakima home-invasion robbery.
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Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work.
Artist Joe Feddersen, a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, has garnered a lot of acclaim over the years. The last four years have been particularly busy, with a big traveling retrospective, a recently released book, a 2024 Governors Arts & Heritage Award, and now, an exhibition at studio e gallery in Seattle. (Courtesy Joe Feddersen)
Power lines are seen from the SoDo area in Seattle on Jan. 28. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times)
Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley.
International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is a global celebration of workers rights, achievements, and contributions to society. Observed annually on May 1st, this day honours the labour movement and advocates for fair treatment, decent working conditions, and social justice for workers around the world.

As we approach Labour Day 2025, here's everything you need to know about the date, origin, theme, and significance of this important occasion:-

Labour Day 2025 Date

- Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025

- Observed In: Over 80 countries including India, the UK, France, Germany, and Brazil

Origin and History of International Labour Day

Labour Day has its roots in the labour union movement of the 19th century. It originated in the United States during the struggle for an eight-hour workday.

- The date May 1st commemorates the Haymarket Affair of 1886 in Chicago, where workers protesting for better conditions were met with violence.

- In 1889, the International Socialist Congress declared May 1st as a day to recognize workers worldwide.

Since then, May Day has evolved into a global symbol of unity and solidarity among workers.

Theme of Labour Day 2025

Theme of the Labour Day is "Honouring workers and recognizing their contributions to society".

Significance of Labour Day

Labour Day is more than a public holidayits a reminder of the historic struggles and hard-fought rights that benefit workers today.

Key Reasons Its Celebrated:

- Honours the labor force that drives economies and societies.

- Raises awareness about workers' rights and welfare.

- Highlights issues like minimum wage, job security, gender equality, and workplace safety.

- Celebrated with marches, parades, speeches, and sometimes strikes in various countries.

Labour Day in India

In India, Labour Day is known as "Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas" or "Kamgar Din".

- First observed in Chennai on May 1, 1923, by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

- It's recognized as a national holiday in many Indian states.

- Celebrations include trade union rallies, awareness campaigns, and community programs.

How Its Observed Around the World

- United Kingdom: Rallies and speeches by trade unions.

- Germany: Known as "Tag der Arbeit", marked with parades and political discourse.

- France: Citizens often march with lily-of-the-valley flowers symbolizing solidarity.

- USA: Celebrated separately on Labour Day (first Monday in September).

Why Labour Day Still Matters Today

Even in 2025, workers continue to face challengesfrom job insecurity to automation and wage disparities. Labour Day serves as a timely reminder of the need to protect human dignity in the workplace, ensure safe environments, and support economic equality.

Labour Day 2025 is not just a date on the calendarits a global tribute to the resilience and contribution of workers everywhere. Whether you're an employee, employer, or activist, May 1st is a time to reflect on how far we've come and what more can be done to create just and equitable workplaces.

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
Tesla New CEO: American Automative Company Tesla's board of directors has reportedly initiated a search for a potential successor to the CEO Elon Musk, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), which cited sources familiar with the matter. The alleged move comes amid growing internal tensions following a sharp decline in Teslas profits and stock value, as well as mounting investor concerns over Musks increasing involvement in political activities.

However, just hours after the report was published, both Musk and Tesla issued strong denials. Musk responded angrily on social media, accusing The Wall Street Journal of an "EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS" and labeling the story a "DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE."

It is an EXTREMELY BAD BREACH OF ETHICS that the @WSJ would publish a DELIBERATELY FALSE ARTICLE and fail to include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors! https://t.co/9xdypLGg3c  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 1, 2025

Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm also dismissed the claims, calling any suggestion of an active CEO search absolutely false. She reaffirmed the boards full confidence in Musk, stating he remains focused on executing the companys growth strategy.

Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, who openly supported Donald Trump during his campaign. Musk spent a whopping $250 million on Trump's campaign last year. Musk has also been given a new role at the White House. He has been put in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a team focused on cutting federal spending and making sure all US government departments work more efficiently.

Even though Elon Musk runs several big companies like SpaceX, Neuralink, xAI, and X (formerly Twitter), Tesla is still his most valuable business. But recent financial issues have raised concerns about whos leading the company.

Tesla reported a sharp 71% drop in earnings for the first quarter, with both sales and profits falling. After the earnings report, Musk said he would step away from his government role to focus more on running Tesla.
Kerala SSLC Result 2025: The Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan will announce the Kerala SSLC (Class 10) Result 2025 on May 9, 2025. However, the exact time of the result declaration has not been shared yet. Students who appeared for the exam can check their results on the official website  results.kite.kerala.gov.in. This year, a total of 4,27,021 students took the SSLC exams. The exams were conducted at 2,964 centres across Kerala, with 9 centres in Lakshadweep and 7 centres in Gulf countries. Among the candidates, 1,42,298 were from government schools, 2,55,092 from government-aided schools, and 29,631 from unaided institutions. Additionally, 447 students appeared from Lakshadweep and 682 from the Gulf region. The Kerala Class 10 exams were held from March 3 to March 26, 2025.

Kerala SSLC Result 2025: Websites to check result

Apart from the official website, students can also check the Kerala Board Class 10 results on several other portals, including prd.kerala.gov.in, results.kerala.gov.in, examresults.kerala.gov.in, pareekshabhavan.kerala.gov.in, results.kite.kerala.gov.in, and sslcexam.kerala.gov.in.

Kerala SSLC Result 2025: Steps to check marksheet here

Go to the official website: results.kite.kerala.gov.in Click on the link that says "Kerala SSLC Results 2025" on the homepage. Enter your login credentials and click on the 'Submit' button. Your SSLC result will appear on the screen. Review your result and download the page. Take a printout for future reference.

The overall pass percentage for the Kerala SSLC 2025 exam stands at 99.69. Out of 4,27,153 students who appeared for the Class 10 board exam, 4,25,563 have passed. A total of 71,831 students scored A plus in all subjects.

Among districts, Kottayam recorded the highest pass percentage at 99.92, while Trivandrum had the lowest at 99.08. Pala education district achieved a perfect score with a 100 pass rate, whereas Attingal reported the lowest among education districts at 99.
HYDERABAD: Calling for action against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday said that the central government should eradicate terrorism, and this time instead of their rhetoric "ghar me ghus ke maarenge", they should "ghar mein ghus kar baith jana."

"BJP says 'ghar me ghus ke maarenge'. If you (central government) are taking action this time (against Pakistan), 'toh ghar mein ghus kar baith jana'. It is the resolution of the Indian Parliament that PoK is ours. All opposition parties are telling the government that terrorism should be eradicated," Owaisi said, addressing the media in Hyderabad.

Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the Centre's zero tolerance policy against terrorism, saying the fight against the menace will continue until terrorism is completely uprooted. "Terrorists should not think that they have achieved their big victory. This fight is not over yet. Chun chun ke badla lenge (we will take revenge on all terrorists)," Shah said while addressing an event in the national capital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday, 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 convened for the second time following the Pahalgam attacks, discussed security preparedness.

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.

The cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were discussed in the briefing to the CCS. 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 has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment

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.
Pahalgam Attack Fallout: Amid the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has been in continuous touch with the United States. A day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterpart Marco Rubio, now, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic call with United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said the Defence Ministry where the US leader backed India's right to defend itself.

"The U.S. Secretary of Defence @PeteHegseth spoke to Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh earlier today and expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S. stands in solidarity with India and supports Indias right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the U.S. government in India's fight against terrorism," said Defence Ministry in a statement.

The Defence Ministry further said, "During the conversation, RM told the @SecDef that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. He further said that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism."

The U.S. Secretary of Defence @PeteHegseth spoke to Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh earlier today and expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.



Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S.    / RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) May 1, 2025

The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir saw terrorists killing 26 people, mainly tourists. While India is chalking up its retaliatory action plan against terrorists and their sponsors, the Pakistani military is continuing its build-up on the borders with India and has deployed air defence and artillery units at forward locations.

Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan talked over the hotline on Tuesday to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan, defence sources said on Wednesday. They said India warned Pakistan against the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LOC) and the International Border.

The Indian Army has effectively responded to the 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 (J-K), officials said.

On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with US counterpart Marco Rubio and discussed the recent terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Jaishankar stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack must be brought to justice."Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," Jaishankar posted on X.

During the talks, Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

The talks between the two leaders come as there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 brutal attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists killed 26 people and injured many others. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC.

Following the attack, India has taken several 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. Earlier, on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra 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.

The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Government sources said PM Modi 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 meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. (With ANI inputs)
By Puja Mehrotra

After the Modi government's announcement to conduct a caste census, political parties across the country are claiming it as their victory. On this, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav, saying that they were in power for long but why did they not conduct a caste census then.

Chirag Paswan has been a key player in Bihar politics and is now vocally saying that his future is in Bihar. In an exclusive conversation with India.com, Chirag Paswan said, I entered politics with the strategy of Bihar First, Bihari First, and I see my future not at the Centre but in Bihar.

Before the Bihar elections, PM Narendra Modi has fired the caste census bullet  something the BJP had avoided for years, even once labelling it as urban Naxal. On this, Chirag candidly says, This attempt to claim that the BJP was avoiding caste census is just a narrative-setting exercise to make it seem like the BJP didnt want it.

I have myself supported caste-based census many times. I was often told that my views didnt align with my alliance. BJP thinks differently, and you think differently  I was cornered many times like this. But I want to say that when the caste survey took place in Bihar, all the MLAs and ministers openly supported it. However, at the national level, the full credit for conducting this census goes to Hon'ble Modi Ji, said Chirag. He adds that the BJP has been working on this for a long time  to determine when the caste census should be conducted.

On Congress' Claim Of Caste Census

The last caste-based census was conducted in 1931, and since then, there have been significant demographic changes in the country. The population has increased massively. For this census to be done properly, infrastructure and transparency are essential, which requires thorough preparation. But now, this decision has been taken at the right time.

Paswan said that ever since the announcement to conduct the caste census, theres been a race to take credit. Rahul Gandhi says their pressure made the government act. Then I want to ask  your party was in power after independence, why didnt you conduct the caste census? Forget the party  your family had three Prime Ministers. Also, in most states, your party ruled. So why didnt you get it done? Forget caste census  you didnt even conduct a survey. This reflects the thinking of such leaders and parties.

On Lalu Yadav

He questioned Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav saying, Your party ruled for 15 years and you were the Chief Minister yourself  so why didnt you conduct the caste census?

He said, These people have jumped into the race to pressure the Modi government on caste census, but the statements by Rahul and Lalu Ji only expose the contradictions within their parties. All these people have used this issue as a political tool and brought it up only during elections, raising questions on reservations and setting false narratives.

On Lok Sabha elections

Chirag admits that these false narratives created by parties caused damage to their alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. Referring to Uttar Pradesh, he said that due to the Constitution, false narratives, and the caste census issue, they suffered losses there. But today Akhilesh Yadav is calling the caste census his victory, so I want to ask him  you were the Chief Minister yourself, Prabhu, why didnt you conduct this census in your state?

He said that all credit for conducting the caste census goes solely to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Announcement Amid Pak Tension

The announcement by PM Modi came amid anger over the Pahalgam attack and is being seen as part of the Bihar election strategy. On this, Chirag says, If not today, the announcement was bound to happen eventually. What we must see is how our Prime Minister is making decisions regarding border tensions while also having the ability to deliver welfare schemes to the poor even in adverse conditions.
In a major crackdown on terror associates, Srinagar Police on Thursday stated that searches were conducted at multiple locations in the city in connection with cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), days after the Pahalgam terror attack.

A police spokesperson, in a statement, said that Srinagar Police conducted searches at the residences of several individuals involved in various terror-related cases.

The searches were conducted in accordance with proper legal procedures, in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses, under the supervision of officers from the J&K Police.

The statement added that the searches aimed to seize arms, documents, digital devices, etc., with the objective of gathering evidence and intelligence to detect and deter any conspiratorial or terrorist activity threatening national security.

This decisive action by the J&K Police is intended to dismantle the terrorist ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by identifying and taking legal action against individuals involved in anti-national and criminal activities.

Srinagar Police remains committed to maintaining peace and security in the city. Any individual found promoting violence, disruption, or unlawful activities will face strict legal consequences under the law, the statement concluded.
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A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court has given the nod to the agency to take voice and handwriting samples of Tahawwur Rana, the suspected co-conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana, who was extradited recently from America, is in NIA custody.

Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh sanctioned the agency's plea on Wednesday, a major breakthrough in the continuing probe into the fatal 26/11 attacks that killed more than 170 people.

Earlier this week, the court had also extended Rana's custody with the NIA by another 12 days to allow for further questioning. At the hearing, the NIA informed the court that Rana had been presented with a "voluminous" amount of records and evidence related to the attacks but was being obstructive while being questioned. The agency contended that custodial interrogation was necessary to elicit important information regarding his supposed role.

Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and Special Public Prosecutor Narender Mann argued on behalf of the NIA, while Rana was represented by Advocate Piyush Sachdeva, who was assigned through legal services. Rana's counsel argued against extending remand, deeming further custodial interrogation to be unnecessary.

Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani origin and aged 64, has been charged with assisting the principal conspirators in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. His extradition from the US last month has been regarded as a significant step in India's quest to put all the conspirators behind bars.

The NIA keeps investigating Rana's suspected associations with individuals engaged in planning and executing the attacks, which included targeting various points in Mumbai such as hotels, a railway station, and a Jewish center.
To investigate the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local resident, Sadanand Date, Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), visited the attack site in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, on Thursday. His nearly three-hour assessment marks a critical phase in the ongoing investigation into the incident that occurred on April 22.

During his visit, DG Date and his team meticulously examined the site, gathering crucial forensic evidence aimed at identifying those responsible for the gruesome terrorist attack. The investigation is being further strengthened by intelligence reports suggesting that 15 local Over Ground Workers (OGWs) may have provided logistical support to the attackers.

The NIA officially took charge of the investigation last week, following directives from the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to sources, the NIA conducted 3D mapping of the site as well.

Sources indicate that these terrorist associates are affiliated with groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). NIA teams, supported by forensic experts, are conducting thorough searches throughout the area to uncover evidence that could shed light on the conspiracy behind this brutal attack.

The Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taibas proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for this heinous act.

Although the NIA formally assumed control of the case five days after the incident, its team had already visited the site a day after the attack to assist the Jammu and Kashmir Police with the initial inquiries.
NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reiterated the Centre's zero tolerance policy against terrorism, saying the fight against the menace will continue until terrorism is completely uprooted. "Terrorists should not think that they have achieved their big victory. This fight is not over yet. Chun chun ke badla lenge (we will take revenge on all terrorists)," Shah said while addressing an event in the national capital.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Shah said that the Modi government is committed to eliminating terrorism from every part of the country. "Har vyakti ko chun chun ke jawab bhi milega, jawab bhi diya jayega..." "This is the Narendra Modi government; no one will be spared. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished...," said the Union Minister.

"If someone thinks that by their cowardly attack they have their big victory, then understand one thing, this is the Narendra Modi government, no one will be spared. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished. In this fight Not only 140 crore Indians but the whole world is standing with India in this fight, all the countries of the world have come together and are standing with the people of India in this fight against terrorism. I want to reiterate the resolve that until terrorism is eradicated, our fight will continue and those who have committed it will certainly be given appropriate punishment," Home Minister Shah said.

Home Minister Amit Shah was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the road and statue to honour the legacy of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma. Shah said the central government has followed a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in Kashmir since the 1990s and warned that those responsible for the Pahalgam attacks will face a strong response.

"Today, I want to tell the public that we have been fighting strongly on the policy of zero tolerance against those who have been running terrorism in Kashmir since the 90s. Today, they (terrorists) should not think that they have won the battle by taking the lives of our citizens. I want to tell all those who spread terror that this is not the end of the battle; every person will be given a befitting reply," Shah said.

Tension escalated between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. 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 has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment

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.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday amid the simmering tensions between India and Pakistan and urged both of them to de-escalate tensions along the LoC following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which left at least 26 people, mostly tourists, dead and scores of people injured.

Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism while asking Sharif to condemn the "unconscionable" Pahalgam terror attack and "de-escalate tensions" with India to "maintain peace and security" in South Asia.

Speaking about his conversation with the US state secretary, Jaishankar said that he discussed the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. He stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack must be brought to justice. "Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," Jaishankar posted on X.

Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 1, 2025

During the talks, Rubio expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam and also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. Citing "cross-border linkages" to the horrific attack, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the strike.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today. The Secretary 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  ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025

In his talks with the Pakistan PM, Rubio also encouraged the neighbouring country to cooperate with investigation efforts and re-establish direct communications with New Delhi, according to a statement from US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence, Bruce said.

Today, Secretary Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia: US State Department spokesperson Tammy  ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025

It comes as there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 brutal attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others.

Indian security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Both India and Pakistan have also blocked each other's airlines from using their airspace.

India has also taken a raft of measures against Pakistan for supporting 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.

The Indian Army has effectively responded to the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC. The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22.

(With agency Inputs)
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack case, media reports citing the probe agency sources claimed that the terrorists behind the heinous attack remain active and hidden in south Kashmir.

Meanwhile, media reports citing senior officials also suggested that the perpetrators of the attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left several others injured, were present in Baisaran Valley two days before the attack. The reports also claimed that the disclosure was made during the interrogation of one of the arrested Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in connection with the attack.

There is credible input suggesting that more terrorists may still be hiding in the region, according to the reports. They further stated that during the attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley, there were suspicions of more terrorists present maintaining a distance, possibly to provide cover fire in case security forces responded rapidly. The terrorists reached Pahalgam on April 15 and carried out reconnaissance of at least four locations. The locations include the picturesque Baisaran Valley.

The other three potential targets, Aru Valley, the local amusement park, and Betaab Valley, were also under surveillance by the terrorists. According to the reports, tight security arrangements in these zones deterred the terrorists from executing the attack there. Meanwhile, NIA Director General Sadanand Date on Thursday arrived at Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam as the agency began its probe into the matter.

Earlier on Sunday, the national probe agency took over the Pahalgam terror attack case from Jammu and Kashmir Police and began its investigation into the deadly attack that resulted in the killing of 26 tourists, sources told news agency ANI.

The central anti-terror agency formally registered a fresh FIR late Saturday following an order issued from the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) division of the Ministry of Home Affairs considering the gravity of the case, as Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy, the Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The NIA took over the case five days after the incident and four days after its team visited the attack site and started supporting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in probing what is considered the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in almost twenty years.

Official sources privy to the development told ANI that "the NIA has formally taken over the case from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and stated its investigation." The team of the probe agency is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the attack site, collect forensic evidence, and help in identifying those responsible for the carnage. The NIA's move comes amid intelligence agencies compiling a list of 14 local terrorists actively operating in the Union Territory.

These individuals, aged between 20 and 40 years, are actively aiding foreign terrorists from Pakistan by providing logistical and ground-level support, ANI reported, citing sources. The identified operatives are reportedly affiliated with three major Pakistan-backed terror outfits: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Among them, three are associated with Hizbul Mujahideen, eight with LeT, and three with JeM.

ANI sources revealed the names of these individuals as Adil Rehman Dentoo (21), Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28), Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23), Haris Nazir (20), Aamir Nazir Wani (20), Yawar Ahmed Bhat, Asif Ahmed Khanday (24), Naseer Ahmed Wani (21), Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27), Aamir Ahmed Dar, Adnan Safi Dar, Zubair Ahmed Wani (39), Haroon Rashid Ganai (32), and Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29). The identification of these local terror aides comes as agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the support networks facilitating cross-border terrorism.

Security forces have launched coordinated operations across South Kashmir, particularly in Anantnag and Pulwama districts, where many of the listed individuals are believed to be operating. Senior officials indicate that these names are part of a larger intelligence dossier being used to preempt further attacks and disrupt terror logistics in the Valley.

(With ANI Inputs)
Indian-origin British Member of Parliament Priti Patel on Thursday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which took 26 lives, as a "murderous act of terrorism" and called upon the British government to stand with India at this moment of crisis.

Speaking to the House of Commons, Patel expressed condolences and urged that the UK support India in tackling cross-border terrorism. "My condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with all those affected by the violent terrorism in Pahalgam, she said. We must call this what it is  terrorism  and stand in lockstep with our friends in India."

Patel underscored the long-standing India-UK security partnership, citing important milestones like the New Delhi Declaration (2002), the Strategic Partnership agreement (2016), the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022), and the UK-India 2030 Roadmap. "Security arrangements have been watertight," she said, adding, "We must always be aligned with India in the face of such attacks."

My thoughts continue to be with those affected by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We must stand with our Indian friends at this time. In the House of Commons I pressed the UK Government on what they are doing to support the Government of India in response, and how we can work pic.twitter.com/3ksQ2eUe4Y  Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) April 30, 2025

In a sharply phrased intervention, the Conservative MP asked the UK government to clarify its intelligence on the attackers. "Does the government believe the proscribed group Lashkar-e-Taiba was responsible, or are there confirmed cross-border links to Pakistan?" she wanted to know, requesting the UK's analysis of the origin of the attack.

Patel also raised the timing of the attack, which occurred during a visit to India by US Vice President JD Vance and his family. "Is this coincidence or part of a broader pattern of deliberately timed attacks?" she questioned.

Raising wider concerns, Patel asked if the UK has evaluated connections between terrorist groups in Kashmir and international networks like Hamas, warning of potential consequences for British national security. She also requested steps against communal tensions from spilling over into the UK and requested information on security in the Indian High Commission in London.

Lastly, Patel called upon the UK to use its diplomatic powers to assist in diffusing increasing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Aftermath Of The Pahalgam Attack

The Pahalgam terrorist attack took place amidst the scenic Baisaran Valley, also called "Mini Switzerland." Terrorists armed with automatic weapons fired at tourists, shooting dead 26 individualsincluding a Nepali citizenand leaving several others seriously injured. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as tourists fled in terror into the open landscape.

India responded by taking quick diplomatic and strategic measures, such as indefinitely suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and ejecting all the Pakistani nationals in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to track down the perpetrators and their backers, declaring: "Terrorism will not go unpunished."

Pakistan's tit-for-tat action by shutting its airspaces to Indian airlines led a like response in New Delhi, followed by a downgrade of diplomatic representation between the two countries and increased international apprehension regarding deteriorating volatility within South Asia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to unequivocally condemn the "unconscionable" Pahalgam terror attack and act to defuse increasing tensions with India, the US State Department said on Thursday.

In a recap of the call, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reported that Rubio also urged Pakistan to work with investigation attempts into the attack and reopen direct diplomatic communications with India. "Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts," Bruce further added.

The diplomatic initiative comes after the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 individuals, including mostly tourists, and injured several others. The attack has triggered a sharp decline in India-Pakistan relations.

Escalating Cross-Border Tensions After The Attack

Following the Pahalgam incident, India has witnessed a rising tide of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC). Indian security forces have accelerated counter-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley, along with a reaction to cross-LoC firing in Kupwara, Poonch, Tutmari Gali, and Rampur sectors.

India has been taking a series of retaliatory steps, such as suspending the Indus Water Treaty, stopping operations at the Attari Integrated Check Post, closing Pakistani airspace access, and lowering diplomatic representation in both nations.

India's Stern Warning Against Terrorism

After the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged that India would pursue and punish all of them. "India will pursue terrorists and their backers to the ends of the Earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished," he said.

A day later, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened to discuss the scenario. Officials apprised the CCS of cross-border connections between the attackers, pointing out that the attack was during successful Jammu and Kashmir elections and along its trajectory of economic recovery.

The US call for restraint and responsibility comes against a backdrop of increasing international unease regarding South Asian stability.
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 Kapoors generous and gracious nature during the films 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 wasnt 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, Im 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: Streaming platform, Ullu, latest reality show, House Arrest has gone viral on social media for its explicit content, triggering outrage among numerous users.

Hosted by former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan, a viral clip from the show shows Khan instructing participants to perform various sex positions on camera. The clip has drawn severe criticism online for being "crass," "distasteful," and "deeply offensive." In one segment, when a female contestant expressed her unfamiliarity with sexual acts, Khan reportedly encouraged other contestants to demonstrate them live on camera, further fuelling public outrage.

One user commented, They talk about on-camera sex positions. All this is shown on TV while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting remains silent. Such shows must be stopped immediately.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi voiced concern over the lack of regulatory action, stating on X (formerly Twitter), I have raised this in the Standing Committee that apps like Ullu and Alt Balaji have managed to evade I&B ministrys ban on obscene content. I am still awaiting their response.

I have raised this in the standing committee that apps such as this, namely, Ullu App and Alt Balaji have managed to escape the ban by I&B ministry on apps for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply. pic.twitter.com/evZS1LFvLZ  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) May 1, 2025

Legal action has also been initiated. Advocate Vineet Jindal filed a formal complaint with the MIB and Delhi Police, calling the show highly objectionable and offensive. He urged authorities to take strict action against the platform, its producers, and participants. Such vulgar content must not be allowed to circulate unchecked, Jindal stated.

A complaint has been filed by Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) with @MIB_India and Delhi Police against the Ullu app web series House Arrest, featuring Ajaz Khan and other individuals.



The content of the program has been found to be highly objectionable, offensive, and in pic.twitter.com/swG30yomqB  Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) May 1, 2025

BJP Yuva Morcha Bihar chief Barun Raj Singh also appealed directly to Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, citing the show's potential harm to minors. In this show, girls are made to take off their bras and panty . As the girls take off their underwear, the host of the show and the rest of the people boo and clap, he wrote on X.

There is a show called House Arrest hosted by #EijazKhan.



In this show, girls are made to take off their bras and panty .



As the girls take off their underwear, the host of the show and the rest of the people boo and clap.



They talk about on camera sex position



All this is pic.twitter.com/OL9Ps04VlF  Barun Raj Singh (@barunrajsingh) May 1, 2025

Critics also highlighted the platforms broader track record. The Ullu app, owned by founder and CEO Vibhu Agarwal, is known for targeting young audiences with bold content. It lacks proper age verification systems and risks violating the POCSO Act, wrote one user.

The Ullu app is owned by Vibhu Agarwal, who is also its founder and CEO.

This app targets school children with explicit content, violating the POCSO Act and lacking age verification systems. The Ullu app is popular for its bold, adult-oriented content.@PMOIndia @narendramodi  Mission Team Fitness (@TeamFitness12) May 1, 2025

As calls intensify for regulatory action, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to determine the future of such content on Indian streaming platforms.
New Delhi: Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were recently spotted stepping out for dinner in Mumbai, and it seems the occasion was special - welcoming Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram. According to reports, the power couple were papped by photographers as they exited their dinner welcoming Adam to India and were seeing seeing him warmly post dinner. This marks an important occasion as the social media giants head meets the power couple of Bollywood.

Sharing a picture on Instagram, Adam wrote, "I got to meet the amazing and charismatic power couple that is @deepikapadukone and @ranveersingh this evening in Bombay, and enjoy some unreal food at @papasbombay."

While details about Adam Mosseri's trip to India and his specific meetings with Deepika and Ranveer aren't publicly available, it's clear that the Instagram head's visit has generated significant interest. The couple's dinner outing was captured by paps, showcasing their adorable chemistry and effortless charm.

The power couple's interaction with the head of Instagram could potentially be related to collaborations or initiatives.
As the series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar turned 1 on Thursday, actress Manisha Koirala took a trip down memory lane and recalled that playing the character of the fiery Mallikajaan was about fully understanding a strong woman.

Manisha, who played the chief courtesan of Shahi Mahal Mallikajaan, took to Instagram, where she shared a still from the series, which marked the OTT debut of Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Playing Mallikajaan in #Heeramandi was more than just acting. It was about fully understanding a strong woman who leads with determination and holds everything together with an iron will, Manisha wrote in the caption section.

She talked about the experience of exploring the character.

The experience of exploring her strength and vulnerability has been truly meaningful for me. Thank you all for your love and support. #SanjayLeelaBhansali #1YearOfHeeramandi #HeeramandiTheDiamondBazaar #HeeramandiOnNetflix

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar series is about the lives of tawaifs in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore during the Indian independence movement against the British Empire.

It also stars Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal Mehta, Adhyayan Suman, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman and Taha Shah Badussha.

Manisha on April 30, reflected 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Mumbai: 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, Pakistans neighbour along its western border, has offered to mediate the talks between India and Pakistan.
Hollywood star Robert De Niro said that he loved and supported Aaron as his son, and now he loves and supports daughter Airyn, who has come out as transgender.

I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I dont know what the big deal is, Robert De Niro told variety.com in a statement.

He added: I love all my children.

Airyn De Niro discussed stepping into this new identity, during a conversation with the publication Them. She also talked about growing up as one of seven children in the De Niro household.

Theres a difference between being visible and being seen, Airyn De Niro said. Ive been visible. I dont think Ive been seen yet.

She went on to say that no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.

In the same interview, Airyn De Niro discussed her inspirations for going public with her transition. Among them was actress Laverne Cox.

She went on to say that no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.

Airyn De Niro also talked about her inspirations for going public with her transition. Among them was actress Laverne Cox.

Robert De Niro has been feted with various accolades, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award as well as nominations for eight BAFTA Awards and four Emmy Awards.

He was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2003, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2009, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2011, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2019, and the Honorary Palme d'Or in 2025.
Aadhaar, PAN, Ration Card Not Valid Proofs of Indian Citizenship: In a major policy update after the Pahalgam terror attack, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards will no longer be accepted as proof of a persons Indian citizenship if they are allegedly living illegally in the Capital. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the Delhi Police has confirmed that only Voter ID cards or passports will now be considered valid documents to establish Indian citizenship.

This move has been taken following instructions from the central government, according to a senior Delhi Police official. Since October last year, an extensive verification drive has been underway, during which authorities identified numerous foreign nationalsespecially individuals from Bangladesh and the Rohingya communityfalsely claiming Indian citizenship using Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards.

Moreover, India issues various identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards, these do not serve as definitive proof of Indian citizenship. Meanwhile, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified that Aadhaar establishes identity and address but not nationality.

Similarly, PAN cards are issued for taxation purposes, and ration cards are primarily used for availing subsidized foodneither of which confirm one's citizenship status.

The government considers birth certificates and domicile certificates as key documents for establishing Indian citizenship. Under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, authorized authorities can issue birth certificates, which serve as proof of citizenship if the individual was born in India.

Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the central government has decided to cancel visas issued to Pakistani citizens. Only those with medical, diplomatic, or long-term visas (LTV) are exempt. However, all medical visas will become invalid after April 29.

Furthermore, Delhi Police and intelligence agencies have been directed to identify all Pakistani nationals living in the national capital and issue immediate departure orders. The government also clarified that Hindu Pakistani citizens who already have long-term visas will not be affected by this decision.
An American woman who has been living in Delhi for the past four years has opened up about why she prefers raising her children in India rather than in the United States. Kristen Fischer, a content creator at SkyFish Development and mother of three, recently shared eight reasons she believes her children will "benefit greatly from growing up in India."

In a post on Instagram, Fischer wrote, Here are just a few of the ways theyll be better off spending their childhood here instead of in the USA.

Among the reasons she highlighted were increased cultural awareness and adaptability, exposure to multiple languages, and the early development of resilience and independence in children.

She believes that life in India will give her children a broader worldview. Theyll learn about global issues, local challenges, and diverse ways of living, which will help them understand and connect with people from all backgrounds, she wrote.

Fischer also pointed to several other key factors:

Emotional Intelligence: According to Fischer, growing up in India fosters an understanding of diverse people and cultures. She feels this environment will help her children develop empathy, improve social skills, and strengthen their ability to relate to others.

Strong Family Ties: She noted that Indian culture places great value on close-knit family relationships, which can provide children with a deep sense of belonging and emotional supportsomething she finds lacking in the more individualistic American culture.

Gratitude and Simplicity: Experiencing life in a country with noticeable economic contrasts, Fischer believes, can teach children to appreciate simplicity and be more grateful for what they have.

Global Connections: She added that living in India allows her children to meet peers from various parts of the world, helping them form a global network that could benefit them later in life.

Previously, Fischer posted a video explaining her decision to leave the U.S. and settle in India. She first visited the country in 2017 and says she found more joy, community, and cultural richness in India compared to the U.S.

She described American society as individualistic and socially detached, whereas India felt vibrant, supportive, and community-oriented. She appreciated how people in India look out for one another, creating a nurturing environment for her children.

Although she acknowledged that financial opportunities might be more abundant in the U.S., she emphasized that her sense of fulfillment comes from belongingsomething she found in India.
Coup In Pakistan? The Government of Pakistan is facing a biggest threat, not from India, but from its own Army. With three new moves by General Munir, signs of a coup are now emerging in Pakistan. According to sources, after the Pahalgam terror attack, tensions between the army and the government in Pakistan have escalated. The situation is such that General Munirs army could stage a coup at any moment. In Pakistan, on General Munirs orders, the National Security Advisor was appointed overnight. ISI Chief Asim Malik was made the National Security Advisor (NSA) to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It is believed that ISI Chief Asim Malik is close to Army Chief Asim Munir. Before becoming the ISI Chief, Asim Malik also served as the Adjutant General at the Pakistani army headquarters. During his tenure there, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arresteda fact that remains unchanged as he is still in jail. Today, we will analyze in simple language General Munirs Musharraf Model of coup.

General Munir has prepared a foolproof plan for a coup in Pakistan. Even Shehbaz Sharifs loyalists are now following Munirs orders. Shehbaz Sharifs ministers are reading scripts written by General Munir in front of the media.

You should carefully watch a video from Pakistan shown in today's DNA espisode. In this video, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is holding a press conference with a military officer. During the press conference, a journalist asked Ishaq Dar a question. Instead of answering, Dar began shuffling papers. Then, Pakistani Army spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, sitting next to him, passed him a slip. Dar read the note and then answered. This video clearly shows that even the countrys Deputy Prime Minister is being told by the army what to say. It confirms that General Munir now has full control over Shehbaz Sharifs cabinet. When Pakistani journalists noticed Shehbaz Sharifs absence during a critical time, they asked questionsquestions that left both the army and the Deputy Prime Minister speechless.

In today's DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, of Zee News, analysed the possible coup plan by General Asim Munir in Pakistan:

Watch Full DNA Episode Here

General Asim Munirs coup plan can be referred to as the Musharraf Model. He has given three major signals within the last 24 hourslet's understand them:

First signal: Munir appointed his trusted ISI Chief as Pakistans NSA.

Second signal: Munir has taken command of Shehbaz Sharifs senior ministers.

Third signal: Munir himself plotted the Pahalgam attack, for which evidence is now coming from within Pakistan.

Lets now understand the meaning of each of these three signals. Just a day ago, a major announcement was made in Pakistan. The post of National Security Advisor, vacant since April 2022, was filled by appointing the ISI Chief. ISI Chief General Mohammad Asim Malik will now hold dual responsibilities. Just seven months ago, General Munir appointed his preferred general as the ISI Chief. Now, the same officer has been made the NSAthe person who will advise the Prime Minister on defense matters, who will guide Shehbaz Sharif on what decisions to take in which situations. Earlier too, Shehbaz Sharif couldn't take decisions without Munirs approval. But with the ISI Chief now also the NSA, Munir's control over the country has strengthened further. This is the first time in Pakistan that an ISI Chief has been appointed to two major posts, proving this decision was not Shehbaz Sharif's, but Munir's. By doing so, General Munir has tightened his grip around Shehbaz Sharif.

Here are some facts about Pakistans new NSA, General Mohammad Asim Malik, that help explain why Asim Munir placed the country's top spy next to Shehbaz Sharif.

Just before becoming ISI Chief, General Mohammad Asim served as Adjutant General at Pakistan Army headquarters. It was during this period that Imran KhanMunirs number one enemywas arrested and remains in jail. General Munir and General Mohammad Asim will also retire at the same time. Earlier, Pakistans new NSA commanded the infantry division in Balochistan and the infantry brigade in Waziristan. His father, Ghulam Mohammad, was a former Pakistani military officer who served in the wars against India in 1965 and 1971both of which Pakistan lost. This means Pakistans new NSA harbors a generational hatred against India. Leaders who wish to avoid war with India are seen as enemies by him.

With this NSA appointment, all power centers in Pakistan have now come under Munirs control, and Shehbaz Sharif has weakened. General Munir has used terrorism as a weapon for the coup. After the Pahalgam attack, the whole world is calling General Munir a terrorist. You should listen to former Pentagon official Michael Rubin today, who compared General Munir to Osama bin Laden.

Now understand how significant ISIs role could be in a potential coup in Pakistan. The ISI Chief enjoys full support from the military. ISI has deep involvement in internal security and foreign policyit plays a central role in policies related to Afghanistan, India, and Kashmir. The ISI also controls the media and politics in Pakistan. During a coup, this power of the ISI will work in General Munirs favor. To understand the ISIs role in coups, one must look into the history of military takeovers in Pakistan.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: The tensions are high along the Line of Control. Both India and Pakistan have mobilised their armies towards the border following the Pahalgam Terror attack in Kashmir where 26 people lost their lives. Following the heightened tension, Pakistani ministers have claimed that an Indian attack is imminent and it could happen anytime. While Pakistan is urging the global community to help de-escalate tension with India, its notorious spy agency ISI and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) are spreading fake propaganda to malign India's image.

ISI-sponsored handles are carrying out cyber war against India and all Pakistani leaders are sharing those content online. Notably, the Pakistan-sponsored handles are sharing a fabricated document claiming it to be leaked from India's intel agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). To hide Pakistan's failure and save its terror face from getting exposed, they are claiming that India itself planned the Pahalgam attack and now the Indian Army is planning an incursion along the LoC.

However, Pakistan's propaganda was soon exposed by netizens with many handles sharing evidence of the deep-state collusion between the social media handles and the ISI/ISPR. "These fictional screenshots were first planted on Telegram by The Resistance Front (TRF), which carried out the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam," said an X handle.

And it was for the PSF and other ISPR handles to take over, which they seemed wouldnt be caught in plain sight. If a lame propaganda had a face, this joint terror-ISPR joint psy-ops disinformation collaboration would be the one! Thinking they wouldnt get caught red-handed. pic.twitter.com/1LB11Krtox  OSINT (@OSINTWa_com) May 1, 2025

The TRF is a terror organisation backed by ISI and Al-Qaeda and is responsible for carrying out terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. " If a lame propaganda had a face, this joint terror-ISPR joint psy-ops disinformation collaboration would be the one! Thinking they wouldnt get caught red-handed," the handle exposing them said.
China struck a defiant stance this week in response to American concerns about Beijings 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 yesterday [Macau time] in Chiles capital of Santiago, Chinas 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 Chinas state-run National Astronomical Observatory and Chiles Catholic University of the North to work on a powerful space observatory in the countrys vast northern Atacama Desert. The proposed high-resolution telescope would be able to observe near-Earth objects, which are classified as asteroids or comets.

But the project quickly became entangled in Chinas spiraling rivalry with the Trump administration.

Worries in Washington have mounted over Chinas clout on Americas doorstep, as Beijing builds infrastructure, boosts investment in agriculture, energy, mining and other sectors across Latin America and displaces the U.S. as the regions biggest trading partner.

During his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this month, Brandon Judd, Trumps nominee for U.S. ambassador to Chile, raised alarm about Chinas 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.

In grilling Judd, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire described Chinas 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.

Ambassador Niu dismissed those fears yesterday, 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 ambassadors remarks.

Chiles government spokesperson, Aisen Etcheverry, said authorities were talking with both the private Catholic university in the countrys 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 regions 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. NAYARA BATSCHKE, SANTIAGO, MDT/AP
The Legislative Assemblys Third Standing Committee continued reviewing the family dispute mediation bill, with government representatives clarifying that only social workers from public agencies or NGOs will serve as mediators. The government plans to offer training programs. Committee chair Vong Hin Fai said concerns remain over mediator eligibility if a social worker changes jobs. Lawmakers also raised whether parental support claims could be included. If passed, the law is expected to take effect in January 2026.

Related
The annual 3.5-month fishing moratorium in the South China Sea begins at noon today and runs through August 16. Ahead of the ban, the Marine and Water Bureau, along with other agencies and fishing associations, visited local vessels to promote awareness of fire, theft, pollution, and hygiene prevention. Nearly 30 fishing boats are now docked in the Inner Harbor. Authorities urged compliance with mooring regulations to ensure safety and property protection during the suspension.

Related
Macaus gaming revenue (GGR) rose unexpectedly in April, signaling a potential boost in tourism ahead of Chinas Golden Week holiday.

According to data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) released today (Thursday), gross gaming revenue reached 18.86 billion patacas ($2.36 billion) last month, marking a 1.7% year-on-year increase.

This figure surpassed analyst expectations, which had projected a 1.25% decline, Bloomberg says. Despite the improvement, Aprils revenue remains approximately 20% below pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.

Tourism played a key role in Aprils performance, with Macau welcoming around 520,000 visitors during the Easter holiday, a 28% increase from the previous year. March had already seen strong tourist activity with 3.1 million arrivals  roughly 91% of the citys pre-pandemic volume  though Aprils full data is still pending.

The real test, however, will come during the five-day Labor Day holiday, beginning Thursday, which historically draws a significant influx of mainland Chinese tourists. Analysts anticipate a 1% drop in gaming revenue for May, citing broader economic uncertainties, Bloomberg reports.

JPMorgan analysts, including DS Kim, cited by Bloomberg, noted that while Macau is not directly affected by U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, the city could feel the impact of a slowing Chinese economy and weakening yuan. These second-order effects may dampen consumer spending, including gaming. Meanwhile, stagnant gaming growth is straining casino margins.

The combined profits of Macaus six major gaming operators are expected to fall by 5% in the first quarter. Reflecting broader concerns, the Bloomberg Intelligence index for Macau casinos dropped 6.5% in April, compared to a 4.3% decline in the Hang Seng Index.

MDT
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 have become 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 altogether.

The 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 companys games were featured in Oprahs 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 Games production is done in China. The tariffs have brought the past 25 years of healthy growth to a screeching halt.

Over the past three weeks, WS Game has 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. And theres not much Silva can do about it.

As a small business, we dont have the runway or the capabilities to move manufacturing on a whim, said Silva, who has 22 employees. He said the tariffs have 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.

Were really hoping that cooler heads prevail, he said.

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%. But Rice is expecting 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 somewhere else, Rice said.

Rice ordered his holiday decor early this year. But 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 dont know what were 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.

Theres nowhere to turn, theres nothing to do, he said.

Tea in Michigan

A tea shop in a Michigan college town is also caught in the middle of the ongoing tariff fight.

Its basically just put a big pit in my stomach, said Lisa McDonald, owner of TeaHaus, located in Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan. McDonald has owned TeaHaus 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 isnt 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 says her customer base is from all over the U.S. and the world. But she worries there is a limit to what theyll spend. Her premium teas can cost up to $33 for a 50-gram bag.

I dont think I can charge $75 for a 50-gram bag of tea, no matter how amazing that tea is, she said.

McDonald understands Trumps rationale for wanting to use tariffs to spur U.S. manufacturing but says it doesnt apply to the tea industry.

We cant grow tea in the U.S. to the extent that we need. We cant just flip the industry and make tea great again in America. It just cant happen, she said.

MAE ANDERSON, NEW YORK, MDT/AP
Vietnam yesterday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future.

The fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 marked the end of a Vietnam divided into the communist North and U.S.-allied South, and the countrys top official told crowds the past decades had led to ever increasing unity.

All the Vietnamese are the descendants of Vietnam. They have the rights to live and work, to have freedom to pursue happiness and love in this country, said To Lam, the Vietnam Communist Partys general secretary.

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.

Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former South Vietnamese capital, which was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, to get the best vantage point for the parade. Many lingered on the streets later in the afternoon and had picnics while waiting for drone and fireworks shows scheduled for the evening.

The red and yellow of Vietnams national flag was everywhere in the city  fluttering from buildings, painted on the faces of eager teenagers and on the T-shirts of those who had traveled to the city from all over the country.

Now its time for peace, said spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.

One float carried the mythical Lac bird, Vietnams emblem, another a portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

Chinese, Laotian and Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, including some wearing uniforms similar to what was worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war. Helicopters carrying the national flag and jets flew over the parade near Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the gates on the final day of the war.

And all the while, the crowds soaked it in. They had gathered outside the barricades and at some street corners where giant screens had been set up. Those at home huddled over their television sets. Phones raised and eyes wide, they waved and cheered at the marching soldiers.

Sitting next to Vietnams leader were Cambodias former leader Hun Sen and Laotian Communist Party General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith.

To Lam said beyond a victory over the U.S. and South Vietnam, the fall of Saigon was a glorious landmark that ended a 30-year fight for independence that began with the fight to oust French colonial troops.

He said Vietnam owes its position in the world today to support from the Soviet Union, China and solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, as well as progressive people all over the world including the U.S., he said.

Vietnams changing global approach

The emphasis on reconciliation and not, like previous years, on military victory reflected how Vietnam was approaching the changing tides of the global economy and geopolitics today, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapores ISEASYusof Ishak Institute. He added that the Vietnam War remains central to how the Communist Party framed its legitimacy, not just as a military triumph but also as a symbol of national unity. But To Lams comments underlined that the reconciliation remains unfinished.

The war still defines Vietnams unity, and its unresolved divides, Giang said.

For Pham Ngoc Son, a veteran who fought for the communists, today there is only space for peace and friendship between the U.S. and Vietnam.

The war is over a long time ago, said the 69-year-old who, during the war, served as an army truck driver bringing troops and supplies from the north to the south along the Ho Chi Minh trail  the secret supply route used by North Vietnam.

Passage of time

This year also marks the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the U.S.

In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relations with the U.S. to that of a comprehensive strategic partner, the highest diplomatic status it gives to any country and the same level of relations as China and Russia.

There are new signs of strain in the relationship with Washington, however, with President Donald Trumps imposition of heavy tariffs and the cancellation of much foreign aid, which has affected war remediation efforts in Vietnam.

Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the U.S. 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 USAID.

Moreover, the export-dependent country is vulnerable in a global economy made fragile amid Trumps tariff plans.

Vietnam was slammed with reciprocal tariffs of 46%, one of the highest. This puts a big question mark on what the U.S. wants to achieve in Asia, said Huong Le-Thu of the International Crisis Group think tank.

Previously, close ties with Washington have helped Vietnam balance its relations with its much larger and more powerful neighbor China, she said.

Vietnam is one of the countries, along with the Philippines, that has been involved in direct confrontations with China over conflicting maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Focus on economic and not strategic competition may mean that Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia become less important for the U.S.

It really will be shaping up (on) how the new administration sees the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and where countries like Vietnam would fit in, she said.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce yesterday [Macau time] refused to comment on reports that the Trump administration had discouraged diplomats from attending anniversary events. Im not going to discuss what has been suggested or not suggested, she said.

The Embassy in Hanoi said U.S. consul general in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns had attended the event. U.S. ambassador Marc E. Knapper didnt attend.

Who took part in the parade?

About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veteran s and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets and passed the U.S. Consulate.

A video of Chinese troops singing the iconic song 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 Trump. ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL, HO CHI MINH CITY, MDT/AP
Three Chinese astronauts landed back on Earth yesterday after six months on Chinas space station.

The crews landing module came down slowly after separating from the return vehicle, descending on a red-and-white parachute, in Dongfeng, in Chinas 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.

Chinas space program is controlled by the Peoples 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 worlds longest, during their mission, Chinas space agency said.

The countrys 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. MDT/AP
The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam, yesterday reaffirmed the governments commitment to pre-installing underground pipe galleries in future road projects, starting with a pilot project on Rua dos Mercadores.

We will pre-install pipelines in undeveloped areas where road works are planned [] The positive response received allows us to confidently proceed with the pre-installation of underground pipe galleries, which will be convenient for everyone and reduce the need for repeated road excavation. While this may slightly extend the road closure period, it will ultimately minimize the frequency of excavation efforts, Tam stated during yesterdays legislative session.

According to him, following the establishment of the Roadwork Coordination Taskforce, three successful meetings were held.

The first meeting involved all coordination group members, including senior management, to outline the groups future direction. The second meeting focused on discussions with the heads of several utility companies, while the third gathered six representatives from construction-industry groups.

Emphasis has been placed on the related work involving building design and water supply and drainage arrangements, all of which have received positive feedback from the industry, Tam added.

The Secretary reaffirmed the significance of the project in reducing the frequency of road excavations.

This way, when development occurs in the future, the scope of excavation can be minimized. The industry will only need to excavate the roads in front of their plots to connect to the relevant facilities, Tam said.

Rua dos Mercadores will serve as the first pilot project for this initiative.

You may have observed that any construction work on Rua dos Mercadores may require road closures. Since road closures are unavoidable, we aim to reserve space for the necessary facilities in areas designated for future development, he said.

Tam emphasized the governments commitment to investing resources in the development of old quarters, building upon the progress achieved in new districts.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Ella Lei highlighted the importance of public works, emphasizing that more opportunities should be given to local businesses and workers to participate.

In response, Tam stated that various projects of different scales would be launched in the future, with written consultations planned to encourage local business involvement. He noted that when drafting tender documents, the proportion of local workers would be considered, and legal provisions would be included to effectively manage future outsourcing projects.
Public housing developments currently under construction in Zone A of Macaus new landfills are scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027, Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam said during a Legislative Assembly debate on the 2025 Policy Address.

According to Tam, the two projects will offer a total of 4,088 housing units, which he believes will meet current demand. He noted that the average waiting time for public housing is about 18 months, a period his department aims to shorten.

Responding to questions about Macaus real estate market, Tam said the government is considering adjusting the ratio of units offered under the five categories of public housing to reflect recent trends in the private sector, where housing prices have continued to decline.

While Tam did not provide specifics, he said the adjustment may involve reducing the number of units in certain categories and increasing others, depending on demand.

Asked about reportedly low public interest in the governments affordable home ownership schemes, Tam rejected the claim, saying the performance of recent sales aligns with previous public housing developments. RM
Its a little-known fact, but The Cardinal Bar, besides having amazing cocktails, has excellent food.

And its all done in a tiny, 300-square-foot kitchen in the front of the historic Downtown building.

I had one of my all-time favorite cocktails there a few months ago, a brown butter gin sour ($13) with homemade brown-butter fat-washed gin. Its an involved process, but butter is heated until it browns, whisked with gin, left to sit for an hour or two, then frozen until the fat solidifies. The complex drink also has fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and sage.

When I returned to the Cardinal recently, I found that theyd just switched to their spring cocktail menu and that masterpiece of a drink was gone. But surely they still could make it, right?

Turns out they couldnt because they didnt have all the ingredients. The good news is, co-owner Anthony Rineer said others have been asking for it, so they might add it to their classic cocktail list soon.

On that earlier visit to see the extraordinary Tony Castaneda Latin Jazz Band, which plays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, my friend ordered an enjoyable margherita pizza ($14), with red sauce, mozzarella and basil.

Then, on my recent visit, some friends and I shared the prosciutto ricotta pizza ($14), which was notable for its crispy lean prosciutto and thick layer of ricotta cheese. The arugula was AWOL, but honey and a balsamic drizzle enhanced it. The crust was thick and crisp, and I enjoyed this pie even though I usually dont go for pizzas without tomato sauce.

The cauliflower wings (six for $8 or 12 for $12) were another standout. Six were plenty, and they werent in six distinct pieces, but fell apart and became just a big mass of food. Described on the menu as oven-cooked, they were unexpectedly soft and tender and much more flavorful than what normally passes for bar food. They were served with ranch dressing and equal to Mint Marks celebrated roasted, deep-fried cauliflower.

The artichoke dip ($12), even though it doesnt have spinach in the title or description, is an incredible spinach artichoke dip topped with baked parmesan and served with unusually good seasoned bagel chips.

Empanadas (one for $4, three for $10) come in three varieties. I went with the Cubano (slow-cooked pork, spicy mustard, ham, pickles and Swiss cheese) and liked how it was compact with a delicious shell that wasnt as thick and crusty as most empanadas. It came with a nice little chipotle aioli.

Rineer, who since 2014 has been the co-owner of Teddywedgers, the unequaled State Street takeout pasty restaurant, said the empanadas arent too big a stretch for him considering how many Teddywedgers hes made.

It isnt the same dough recipe he uses for the traditional pasties; instead, its the dough recipe for Teddywedgers vegan pasties. One of the other empanada varieties at the Cardinal is vegan, a chickpea masala (coconut masala with chickpeas, cauliflower and onions).

Rineer owns the bar with his wife, Carrie Tobias, and Andy Hansen, and he credits his wife for many of the menus cool aesthetic touches and charming descriptions. For instance, the food menu is called bird food and the sandwich category is between two slices.

There are eight sandwiches, all served with the Cardinals fantastic roasted potatoes, and a side of chipotle, pesto, or lemon garlic aioli. Pesto doesnt come any better, and Rineer said the pesto aioli is homemade, but they dont always have it.

The tikka chicken sandwich ($14) featured breaded, fried chicken, the ciabatta bun soaked in tikka masala sauce. I dont love ciabatta, as its usually too thick for me, but it gave the sandwich a certain elegance.

Back to clever menu headings, the cocktails are displayed online under Drinks You Cant Put Down. That was certainly true of the spicy margarita ($11) with Fiero serrano (pepper) tequila, cointreau (orange-flavored liqueur) and fresh lime juice. It has lots of different flavors, but its not too sweet, said my friend.

Whole Lada Matcha ($13) was also easy drinking with Plantaray 3 Star Rum, matcha, cream of coconut, pineapple juice and fresh lime juice. It could also double as a dessert. The Paper Plane ($12) with 4 Roses bourbon, aperol, Amaro Ramazotti and fresh lemon juice is another worthwhile choice.

Rineer, Tobias and Hansen took over the Cardinal in the summer of 2022 from longtime owner Ricardo Gonzalez, and reopened it a year later, reestablishing it as an inclusive community space, cocktail bar and dance club featuring Latin jazz music and electronica. The new owners restored the bar and the striking mosaic tiled floor that defines the place.

They werent sure at first if theyd offer food because of the small kitchen, but Rineer said theyre using some compact commercial ventless devices, so they dont need much space. Teddywedgers is small, so it kind of feels normal for me.

The owners include a Google review on the bars website: Such a wide variety of ages and demographics here, and their dance scene is everythinggg.

I would argue that the brown butter gin sour is everythinggg, but until it returns, the spicy margarita is where its at. You could even add a few more Gs.

Diner's scorecard Restaurant: The Cardinal Bar Location: 418 E Wilson St. Phone: 608-298-7306 Website: thecardinalbarmadison.com Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. until midnight Sunday Prices: Appetizers $4 to $14, sandwiches $14, pizza $14 Noise level: Can be loud depending on what's going on. Credit cards: Yes Accessibility: Yes, in the back through the dance hall. There are steps in front. Outdoor dining: Yes, once it gets warmer. New furniture on order. Delivery: No Online ordering: No Drinks: Full bar Gluten-free: GF bread and a few other options Vegetarian offerings: Many Kids menu: No Parking: Street parking Service: Excellent Bottom line: It's a bit of a secret, but The Cardinal Bar, known for music and dancing, has exceptional cocktails and food.
Madisons north-south Bus Rapid Transit route, a project that had been expected to receive about three-quarters of its funding from federal grants, is still scheduled to open in 2028, despite the Trump administrations steep spending cutbacks, Metro Transit officials said this week.

A year ago, the U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Transit Administration recommended awarding $118 million to Madisons second BRT route. The east-west Rapid Route A launched in September after receiving $110 million in federal funds.

Right now, the direction that weve been getting from the Federal Transit Administration is that nothing has changed, Mike Cechvala, Metros capital projects manager, told the citys Transportation Commission last week. Funding for the north-south BRT is still in the pipeline.

Metro is working under the assumption that Rapid Route B will still receive federal support, Cechvala said. If that funding falls through, We do have alternative approaches and ways to bring BRT to the north-south corridor, he said. It may look a little different. It may come together in different ways.

Some elements of the new route have already been completed, Cechvala said. Route B, which stretches about 12.5 miles from Kennedy Road on the North Side to McKee Road in Fitchburg, will share about 3.5 miles with Route A through the Isthmus. And the city will not have to buy any more buses to serve the new route, he said.

Cechvala added in an email to the Wisconsin State Journal that without federal funding, the planned reconstruction of Park Street would still proceed and would include BRT improvements, but the rest of the line may have to be scaled back, delayed or paid for with other grants.

The Park Street reconstruction was originally slated to extend from Fish Hatchery Road to Badger Road, Cechvala said. Its now likely to stop closer to Wingra Creek due to funding constraints, he said, though the sidewalk will be widened all the way to Badger Road to accommodate bicyclists.

Were also looking for creative ways to fund the original project limits from Badger to Fish Hatchery, he said. If that comes together, well be able to reconstruct that whole stretch, and avoid having to come back for another round of reconstruction in the future.

Other planned changes to accommodate BRT include adding several traffic signals and removing about a dozen left turns. Park Street has more left turns than other BRT corridors like Mineral Point Road and East Washington Avenue, but its also narrower than those corridors, Cechvala said.

Removing some of these left turns will reduce conflicts with pedestrians and improve overall traffic flow, and it will provide space for the BRT stations in the medians, he said.

However, it will inconvenience some drivers who will need to turn at a different intersection, so its a trade-off. We tried to maintain all the left turns that have higher use or dont have good alternative routes.

Design work for Route B is expected to continue through 2026, with construction starting in 2027, Cechvala said. Opening the route by 2028 is pretty optimistic, but its possible, he said.

There is a lot of work to do between now and then, and many things can cause delays to construction projects, such as funding issues or construction delays.

Metro will seek public input on the project design at public meetings over the next few weeks, beginning with a virtual meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday (to register, visit go.madison.com/north-south-brt).

Two in-person meetings on May 1  one at 11 a.m. in the Student Activity Center Caucus Room at 333 E. Campus Mall and another at 4:30 p.m. at Warner Park Community Recreation Center  will be followed by additional in-person meetings at 4:30 p.m. on May 13 at the Madison Labor Temple and at 4:30 p.m. on May 15 at Fitchburg City Hall.

Well kind of focus on the areas where the meetings are, Cechvala said. For example, the Fitchburg meeting will focus on the route in Fitchburg, South Madison will focus on that part of the line including the Park Street reconstruction, and the meeting at Warner Park will focus on the north part of the line. But somebody can go to any one of the meetings and get whatever information theyre looking for.

Questions and comments can also be submitted to Metro by calling 608-266-4466 or emailing brt@cityofmadison.com.
This years 25 April celebration, marking eighty years since Italys liberation from fascism, was one of the most well-attended in recent times, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets across Italy. In town squares across the country, we saw Palestinian flags, overwhelming enthusiasm, and young people and workers eager to discuss how to change the situation.

[Originally published in Italian at rivoluzione.red]

The Meloni government and its constant provocations and repressive attacks  most recently Minister Musumeci's ridiculous call for sobriety over the death of the Pope  have contributed to creating an even more combative atmosphere. [Editor: the Italian government deliberately extended the period of mourning for Pope Francis in order to cut across the 25 April mobilisations, whilst the minister in questions talk about sobriety was a clear attempt to subdue large, angry protests.]

Everywhere we went, we encountered widespread anger against the government, against the increase in military spending proposed by the European rearmament plan, and against the general worsening of life under capitalism in Italy.

The Partito Comunista Rivoluzionario (PCR), Italian section of the Revolutionary Communist International, took part in 49 demonstrations in over 30 cities. Our slogans and banners put anti-fascism back at the centre. Unlike the reformist parties or the Democratic Party (PD) and its satellites, our anti-fascism is not a facade or a piece of empty political propaganda for its own sake. They wave the flag of the resistance and then support European rearmament, defend the bosses and bankers, and help lay the foundations for a new war in Europe.

The Partito Comunista Rivoluzionario (PCR), Italian section of the Revolutionary Communist International, took part in 49 demonstrations in over 30 cities / Image: PCR

Ours is a class-based anti-fascism. The Italian resistance was an expression of the class struggle that exploded in our country with the workers' strikes of March 1943. Its strength lay in thousands of young people and workers who fought against the war, against fascism and against those who had supported and financed the fascists, i.e. the bosses, the bankers, and the capitalist system as a whole.

It was a struggle for communism, betrayed by the Stalinist bureaucracy in agreement with the capitalists. The partisans did not die for the bourgeois democracy that today wages wars and genocide around the world in the name of the profits of a few parasites!

This is the spirit we brought to the 25 April demonstration.

In the weeks leading up to the march, we organised discussions in all our local branches about what fascism was and how it was defeated. We also organised blocs for the march which, with continuous chants and lively slogans, attracted dozens and dozens of young people and workers to our slogan of Peace among peoples, War on the bosses.

In Milan, where over 100,000 people took part in the march, we organised a bloc with a huge red banner emblazoned with the hammer and sickle, which also attracted the attention of the cameras. We had also set up gazebos, stalls and mobile carts, which attracted about twenty people who now want to join the party. Not only that, it was also an opportunity to promote the intervention we are planning for May Day.

In Naples, we repeated this success. We intervened in the rally with almost 200 communists  most of them young comrades  who had been prepared in advance with strong slogans, songs and extensive political discussion in the days leading up to the event.

In Rome, between the demonstration organised in the Centocelle district and the official demonstration, we took part in rallies in four squares across the city!

In Bologna, between demonstrations in the districts of Pratello, Montesole and Bolognina, and various marches and popular festivals, we ended the day having sold 375 newspapers and 600 worth of books and pamphlets, along with numerous donations and dozens of discussions.

In Mestre, Pavia, Cosenza, Catania, Salerno, Crema, Parma, Modena and beyond: everywhere we intervened, we encountered an interest in communist ideas and people linking yesterday's Resistance to today's struggles.

Below are some messages written by comrades about our interventions in various cities:

Crema: There were about forty of us in the square, comrades and sympathisers. While the official demonstration stopped for the Pope's mass, we held our own rally, which attracted many passers-by. At least sixty people followed the rally, showing that they liked our speeches and slogans! They sold 28 copies of our newspaper, Rivoluzione and met two people interested in joining.

Milan: There were well over 100,000 people in the square. We mobilised on several fronts. The night before, a team put up posters along the route of the march that said Join the PCR along with posters that advertised our May Day celebrations. At the march, we had a bloc with two banners, a gazebo at the start, a gazebo at the finish, two carts selling drinks and newspapers, and several teams distributing the newspaper. Our bloc was a red patch in the march, continuously chanting combative slogans, so much so that it even ended up on television. We met more than 20 people who were interested in joining, distributed about 200 copies of Rivoluzione and sold 2,000 euros worth of books and pamphlets.

Parma: As always, the demonstration was very well attended and, this year, was enlivened by many Palestinian flags. We prepared our intervention meticulously. Our bloc was dynamic, combative and maintained a good political level thanks to the megaphone speeches by comrades with slogans against the Meloni government, against violence against women and in defence of the working class. This also allowed us to get in contact with several people who wanted to join.

Modena: Our party bloc was made up of about eighty comrades and was the only one with a large presence of young people under the age of 25. The bloc, headed by our banner which said 1945-2025: the struggle for communism continues, was lively and punctuated by slogans, speeches and revolutionary songs. At the end of the march, we entered the final square singing the Internationale. Even the final photo we took in the square attracted a lot of attention. We met a total of seven people who wanted to join.

Bologna: The 25 April in Bologna always offers many activities, all of which are very well attended. We took part in four different events, as well as an evening event in Imola, the march in Ferrara and, for the first time, the march in Rimini. Our bloc saw good participation from our younger comrades. They sold 60 newspapers and took the addresses of four potential members. Throughout the day, we got the details of 21 people interested in joining and sold 375 copies of Rivoluzione, as well as more than 600 worth of books and pamphlets.

Rome: In addition to covering various activities in different cities in the province, we organised a militant bloc led by young comrades of the PCR, which involved over 70 people chanting slogans and songs of struggle. We were the main communist force to arrive in the official square and our arrival with chants and red flags attracted the attention of everyone present. Some comrades broke away to spread out in the march, particularly to talk to the younger attendees. We took the details of 16 people interested in joining the party, sold 165 copies of Rivoluzione and 360 worth of books and pamphlets.

We ended the day with about 2,000 copies of Rivoluzione sold across Italy, over 5,000 collected for our fundraising and dozens of people who left us their contact details / Image: PCR

Naples: The march was the most well-attended in recent years. There were between 5,000 and 7,000 people in the square. It was clear that many had taken to the streets to protest against the government as well as to celebrate liberation from Nazi-fascism. There were about 200 of us. In the days leading up to the march, we worked hard to invite people, which was crucial to the success of our bloc in the march. Our fighting spirit in the square and the effectiveness of our slogans also played a role. We were the only section of the march that gave a voice to the workers and talked about class struggle. We also succeeded in distributing the newspaper, with 120 copies of Rivoluzione sold and met 20 possible new members.

We ended the day with about 2,000 copies of Rivoluzione sold across Italy, over 5,000 collected for our fundraising and dozens of people who left us their contact details to continue the discussion! For us, this shows the possibilities open to us to build the Revolutionary Communist Party.

Join us in this work to build the forces of communism!
Since 1889, May Day has been taken up by the workers of the world as a day of celebration and struggle for the emancipation of labour. In this year of unprecedented crisis for the capitalist order, the Revolutionary Communist International sends its revolutionary greetings to our readers and to all those organising for socialist revolution around the world.

This May Day, we are also taking the opportunity to republish the following article by Trotsky. Written in 1918, it explains the development of International Workers Day from its militant, revolutionary origins to its transformation into an occasion for radical-sounding speeches by social-democratic politicians and labour movement bureaucrats, but with no connection to the international struggle of the proletariat, under the leadership of the parties of the Second International.

As Trotsky explains, the epoch of class war opened by the First World War and Russian Revolution necessitated that communists reclaim May Day as the festival of the international working class in its revolutionary struggle to overthrow capitalism.

Today too, there is a need to reclaim the genuine traditions of May Day. Every year, communists organised in the International have taken to the streets worldwide, joining thousands of other workers and young people. Last year, we were involved in demonstrations in over 23 countries, selling thousands of papers and, more importantly, meeting hundreds of potential communists.

This year, we expect to make an even bigger splash, especially as, for the first time, we will be attending these demonstrations as the Revolutionary Communist International. All around the planet, sections of the RCI will be hosting parties, rallies, and marching in demonstrations with the intention of connecting with and organising the most radical workers and youth.

To help us reclaim the revolutionary legacy of May Day, join us in these demonstrations and get involved with the building of the forces of genuine, revolutionary communism wherever you are.

The following article was originally published in the collection First Five Years of the Communist International, which brings together all of Trotskys speeches and writings from the first four congresses of the Third International. Get your copy from Wellred Books here!

May Day and the International

Leon Trotsky, May 1, 1918

The character of the entire workers movement during the era of the Second International is reflected in the history and the fate of the May Day holiday.

May 1 was established as a holiday by the Paris International Socialist Congress in 1889.

The purpose of designating it thus was, by means of a simultaneous demonstration by workers of all countries on that day, to prepare the ground for drawing them together into a single international proletarian organisation of revolutionary action having one world centre and one world political orientation.

The epoch of class war opened by the First World War and Russian Revolution necessitated that communists reclaim May Day as the festival of the international working class / Image: public domain

The Paris Congress, which had taken the above decision, was treading the path of the International Communist League and of the First International. For the Second International to adopt the pattern of these two organisations was impossible from the start. In the course of the 14 years which had passed since the days of the First International, class organisations of the proletariat had grown up in every country which carried out their activity quite independently within their territory and were not adapted to international unification on the principles of democratic centralism.

The celebration of May Day should have prepared them for such a unification and therefore the demand for the eight-hour working day was introduced as its slogan, which was conditioned by the development of the productive forces and was popular among the broad working masses of all countries.

The effective task which was assigned to the May Day holiday consisted of facilitating the process of transforming the working class as an economic category into the working class in the sociological sense of the word, into a class, conscious of its interests in their totality, and striving to establish their dictatorship and the socialist revolution.

From this point of view, demonstrations in support of the socialist revolution were most appropriate to May Day. And the revolutionary elements at the congress achieved this. But at the stage of development through which the working class was then passing the majority found that the demand for the eight-hour working day provided a better answer for carrying out the task in front of them. In any case, this was a slogan capable of uniting workers of all countries.

Just such a role was also played by the slogan of universal peace which was subsequently put forward.

But the congress proposed and the objective conditions of the development of the workers movement disposed.

The May holiday gradually turned from the means of struggle of the world proletariat into a means of struggle of the workers of each separate country for their local interests. And this was made more possible by putting forward the third sloganuniversal suffrage.

In the majority of states, May Day was celebrated either just in the evening after work was finished or else on the following Sunday. In those places where the workers celebrated it by a stoppage of work, as in Belgium and Austria, it served the cause of realising local tasks but not the cause of closing the ranks of workers of all countries into one world working class. Side by side with progressive consequences (as a result of bringing together the workers of a particular country) it had therefore a negative conservative sideit linked the workers too tightly with the fate of a particular state and in this way prepared the ground for the development of social-patriotism.

The task which had been placed on the order of the day by the Paris Congress has not been realised. The formation of an International as the organisation of international revolutionary proletarian action, with one centre and with one international political orientation, had not been achieved. The Second International was merely a weak union of workers parties which were independent of each other in their activity.

May Day turned into its opposite and with the war its existence came to an end.

Such were the consequences of the inexorable logic of the dialectical process of development of the workers movement.

Wherein lies the cause of this phenomenon? What guarantee is there against its repetition? What is the lesson for the future from this? Of course the basic cause of the failure of the May Day holiday lay in the character of the given period of capitalist development, in the process of its deepening in each separate country and the struggle conditioned by this process for the democratisation of the state system and for the adaptation of the latter to the needs of capitalist development. But even in the development of a capitalist or of any other type of system there exist tendencies of two sorts the conservative and the revolutionary.

With the working class, which is the active participant in the historical process, its vanguard, the socialist parties, is destined to go ahead of this process and counterpose its revolutionary tendency to the conservative trend at every stage of the workers movement and to put forward and defend the overall interests of the whole proletariat in its totality independent of nationality. This is the very task which the socialist parties during the period of the Second International did not fulfil and this had a direct influence on the fate of the May Day holiday.

Under the influence of the party bosses made up of intellectuals and the labour bureaucracy, the socialist parties in the period described concentrated their attention on very useful parliamentary activity which was in its essence national and not international or of a class character. The organisations of workers looked on their activity not as a means of class struggle but as an end in itself. It is sufficient to recall how the leaders of German Social-Democracy argued for transferring May Day to the following Sunday. They said that one could not expose an exemplary party organisation, parliamentary activity and numerous rich trade unions to danger merely for the sake of a demonstration.

The present epoch is directly contrary in character to the past epoch. Opened by the war, and in particular by the Russian October Revolution, it reveals itself as the epoch of the direct struggle of the proletariat for power on a world scale.

Its character is favourable to May Day fulfilling that role to which the revolutionary elements at the Paris Congress of 1889 attempted to assign it. It is presented with the task of facilitating the formation of a Third Revolutionary International and of serving the cause of the mobilisation of proletarian forces for the world socialist revolution.

But to assist in the carrying out of this great role, the lessons of the past and the demands of the present epoch powerfully dictate to socialists from all countries:

A radical change in their policy, Putting forward appropriate slogans for May Day.

In the first instance, the following steps are necessary:

Concentrate efforts on the formation of the Third Revolutionary International; Subordinate the interests of each country to the general interests of the international proletarian movement and subordinate parliamentary activity to the interests of the struggle of the proletarian masses.

The main slogans of May Day in the present epoch should be:
Since Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine three years ago, a flood of lies has gushed forth from western governments and the billionaire press alike to obscure the real nature of this war.

[Click here for a comprehensive reading list on the background to the Ukraine war.]

Painting it as a simple battle between good and evil, they have remained totally silent about the fact that behind Ukraine is the world's foremost imperialist power, which has led Ukraine to the slaughter in pursuit of its interests.

Moreover, in their attempt to paint Zelensky as a beloved hero of democracy and Putin as a tyrant, they have concealed the real cause of the war, which did not begin in February 2022 but is the product of the aggressive thrust of western imperialism into Ukraine in the wake of the collapse of the USSR.

Today, Ukraine is shattered. Tens of thousands of young Ukrainians have been massacred in the trenches. As people around the world begin to ask, What was it all for?, it is vital that communists can explain what lies behind the conflict.

To explain who was really responsible for the destruction of Ukraine, Jorge Martin and Hamid Alizadeh from the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International met for another episode of Against the Stream, the weekly current affairs podcast of the RCI.

This episode premiered on YouTube. Tune in every Thursday at 6pm GMT, or catch up on Spotify or Apple Music.
Kenyan Member of Parliament Charles Ongondo Were was shot dead in Nairobi on Wednesday in what police described as a targeted and predetermined attack. The opposition legislator was killed by gunmen on a motorcycle who had been trailing his vehicle before one assailant dismounted and shot him at close range.

The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement. Local media reported that Were had complained about threats to his life two months before the attack.

The shooting occurred near a busy roundabout frequently monitored by traffic police and equipped with security cameras. Though critically wounded, Were was rushed to Nairobi Hospital by his uninjured driver and bodyguard but was pronounced dead on arrival.

President William Ruto has ordered a thorough investigation, stating that those responsible must be held to account. Senior police commanders and detectives have already visited the scene and launched an investigation.

Were represented the Kasipul constituency in western Kenya as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by veteran politician Raila Odinga. In a statement, Odinga condemned the killing, saying the legislator was mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin.

We have lost a gallant son of the soil! Odinga added.

Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula described Were as a fearless and distinguished legislator, calling his shooting devastating. Fellow lawmakers expressed shock and outrage, demanding swift investigations and justice.

The killing occurs in a complex political context. Odinga lost to President Ruto in the 2022 election and initially rejected the results due to alleged irregularities. However, the opposition leader later struck a political deal with Ruto that brought some opposition members into the cabinet in what is referred to as the broad-based government.

The assassination has raised concerns about political violence in Kenya as investigations continue.
The US Government has approached Libya and Rwanda to explore the possibility of relocating migrants with criminal convictions who are currently in the United States, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

These proposals represent a significant expansion of the Trump Administrations efforts to curb migration by deporting individuals to distant nations. President Donald Trump had previously signed an executive order in January 2025 urging officials to secure international agreements to redirect asylum seekers, and these latest talks suggest a more aggressive approach.

Among the proposals under consideration is a safe third country agreement with Libya, which would permit the US to send asylum seekers intercepted at the border to the North African nation. However, no final decisions have been made, and it remains uncertain which nationalities would be affected. The State Department has also been in discussions with other, unnamed countries about similar arrangements. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly stated that the administration is seeking nations willing to accept deportees, emphasizing a preference for locations far from American borders to prevent re-entry.

Rwanda, meanwhile, has engaged in separate talks with the US about accepting migrants who have already served prison sentences in America. Unlike Libya, Rwandas proposed model would involve integrating deportees into society rather than detaining them, offering financial support and job assistance. A test case occurred in March when an Iraqi refugee was deported to Rwanda, setting a potential precedent. However, such plans may face legal hurdles, particularly after a recent US court ruling temporarily barred deportations to third countries without due process. Rwandas previous agreement with the UKa similar scheme that was later scrappedhighlights the complexities and controversies surrounding such policies.
South Africa is poised to confront the shadows of its past as President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized a judicial inquiry into longstanding claims of political interference in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes.

This pivotal move comes in the wake of a legal suit filed by survivors and families of victims who accuse successive Governments of willfully neglecting justice. While the 1996 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) laid bare the horrors of apartheidincluding murder, torture, and forced disappearancesfew cases ever made it to court, leaving wounds unhealed and justice deferred.

The inquiry forms part of a court-sanctioned settlement with 25 plaintiffs, including the son of Fort Calataone of the Cradock Four, a group of anti-apartheid activists murdered by security forces in 1985. Their killers confessed to the TRC but were denied amnesty, and yet, no formal charges followed. All six implicated officers have since died, deepening public frustration. Now, with $9 million in damages sought by the families and renewed attention on the absence of legal redress, the presidency affirms its commitment to establish the true facts and bring the matter to finality.

For decades, critics have accused the post-apartheid African National Congress (ANC) leadership of forging clandestine agreements with remnants of the white-minority regime to shield perpetrators from prosecutionallegations the ANC continues to refute. Nonetheless, Wednesdays presidential statement concedes that claims of undue influence and obstructed investigations have dogged previous administrations. A formal appointment to head the inquiry, alongside a definitive timetable, is expected imminentlysignalling what may be South Africas last earnest attempt to reconcile its democratic future with the ghosts of its apartheid past.
Malis military ruler, General Assimi Goita, has secured the endorsement of key political allies to remain President for the next five yearspotentially extending his grip on power until 2030.

This follows recommendations from a National Dialogue convened by the ruling junta, though the event was boycotted by leading opposition parties. Gen Goita, who has staged two coups since 2020, was initially installed as Transitional President in 2021 with a pledge to organize elections the following year. That promise has since been abandoned, casting fresh doubt on the countrys democratic trajectory.

The Conferences proposals, seen as an orchestrated move to legitimize the generals long-term rule, have raised alarm both domestically and internationally. Human rights organization Amnesty International strongly condemned the reported suggestion to dissolve political parties, calling it a flagrant attack on freedom of expression and association. Opposition leader Mohamed Salia Toure also warned that undermining the multi-party system would be a historic error. Although the junta has yet to comment publicly, observers fear these developments mark a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions in favour of military entrenchment.

Meanwhile, Gen Goita continues to steer Mali further from traditional allies, having exited the ECOWAS bloc alongside Burkina Faso and Niger while forging deeper ties with Russia. The regime justifies its authoritarian drift by citing ongoing insecurity posed by jihadist groups affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda. Since his rise to power, the 41-year-old leader has elevated himself from colonel to five-star general, cementing his authority amid a regional pivot away from France and Western influence.
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A health-related query on Google is displayed on a computer screen in New York on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Sison

Dr. Google is often on call for worried patients, but it may not give the best advice.

Doctors say internet searches for medical information should be done cautiously, especially with artificial intelligence playing a growing role.

Information from the right websites can teach patients about symptoms and prepare them for a doctor's visit. But a poorly done search might inflame anxiety well before someone reaches the waiting room. It's important to know the source of the information you find and to avoid trying to diagnose your health issue.

Here are questions to keep in mind if you seek medical help online.

What's your source?

When you do a search, don't automatically click the first link. It may not contain the best answers.

Some companies pay to have their websites listed at the top of a results page. Those links may be listed as sponsored.

Scroll for results that come from a source you can trust for medical information. That can include big health systems like the Mayo Clinic or sites run by government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We've gotten so used to clicking on that first link," says John Grohol, a psychologist who specializes in online behavior. "For your health information, especially when it is personal, you want to think about it."

Should I use AI?

That depends on what it tells you.

More people are using artificial intelligence to get quick answers pulled from a variety of internet sources. Some searches also will generate an AI summary at the top of the results page.

But an AI answer may not say where it got the information. That makes it hard to judge credibility.

AI also can be prone to " hallucinations," an industry term for issues that cause the technology to make stuff up. Be especially wary of this if no source is cited.

What should I ask?

How you phrase a question plays a big role in the results you see. Doctors say patients should search for information based on symptoms, not an expected diagnosis.

"You've got to ask at the very beginning the right questions," said Dr. Eric Boose of the Cleveland Clinic.

That means asking, "What could cause a lump to form under my skin?" instead of "Is the lump under my skin cancer?"

Focusing on a diagnosis means you may miss other explanations, especially if you just click the first few links listed in the results.

For some issues, you should skip the search altogether. If you are having chest pains, experiencing dizziness of showing signs of a stroke, seek help immediately.

"You don't want to delay something that should be treated within a certain amount of time," said Dr. Olivier Gherardi, medical director of Brown University Health Urgent Care.

Can the internet diagnose a problem?

No. Leave that to the real doctors who are trained to ask questions that lead to a diagnosis.

Blood in your urine could mean cancer. It also might be caused by kidney stones or an infection.

Unexplained weight loss also could be a sign of cancer. Or it could reflect an overactive thyroid or a new job that causes you to move around more.

Some testing and a visit with a doctor who knows your medical history may be the best medicine in these situations.

"There are a lot of symptoms that overlap between minor conditions and major medical problems," said Dr. Sarah Sams, a board member with the American Academy of Family Physicians.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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When someone accused of a crime in this small northwestern Montana town needs mental health care, chances are they'll be locked in a basement jail cell the size of a walk-in closet.

Prisoners, some held in this isolation cell for months, have scratched initials and the phrase "love hurts" into the metal door's brown paint. Their pacing has worn a path into the cement floor. Many are held in a sort of limbo, not convicted of a crime but not stable enough to be released. They sleep on a narrow cot next to a toilet. The only view is a fluorescent-lit hallway visible through a small window in the door.

Lake County Attorney James Lapotka stood at the cell's center talking about the people he helps confine here. He stretched out his arms, his fingertips just shy of touching opposite walls. "I'm getting anxiety just being in here," Lapotka said.

Last year, a man sentenced for stealing a rifle stayed in that cell for 129 days. He was waiting for a spot to open at Montana's only state-run psychiatric hospital after a mental health evaluator deemed he needed care, according to court records.

A man in the next cell around the same time was on the same waitlist roughly five months. He faced near-daily stints in the jail's emergency restraint chaira steel contraption wrapped in foam with straps for his shoulders, arms, and legs. He regularly saw the jail's mental health doctor. Still, Joel Shearer, a Lake County detention commander, said the man routinely experienced psychotic episodes and asked to be locked in the chair when he felt one coming on and stayed there until his screams subsided.

"Somebody who's having a mental health crisisthey don't belong here," Lapotka said. "We don't have anywhere else."

Lake County's two, roughly 30-square-foot isolation cells are an example of how communities nationwide are failing to provide mental health servicescrisis care, in particular. Nearly half of the people locked in local jails in the U.S. have a mental illness.

More than half of Wyoming's 23 sheriffs told lawmakers there that they were housing people in crisis awaiting mental health care for months, WyoFile reported in January. Nevada has struggled despite a $500 daily fine for each jailed patient whose treatment is delayed. Disability Rights Oregon has said delays in that state continue after two people died in jail while on the state's psychiatric waitlist.

In Montana, counties are jailing mental health patients they're not equipped to handle when the Montana State Hospital is at capacity. Few local hospitals have their own inpatient psychiatric beds.

As a result, people arrested for anything from petty theft to felony assault can be jailed for months or longer as their mental health worsens. Many haven't been convicted of a crime.

Montana officials have known for years they have a problem. State officials have said they don't have space for all the people ordered to the hospital. The psychiatric hospital has 270 beds, with 54 for people in the criminal justice system. Staffing shortages can shrink that capacity further.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services backed two bills this legislative session that would shield the state from liability for delays when the Montana State Hospital is full. Ahead of the bills, the agency wrote the hospital has "struggled to maintain appropriate levels of care" due to money and staffing constraints, a lack of community-based services, and having no control over the flow of patients Montana courts send its way.

The agency also announced on April 23 that $6.5 million was available through one-time grants to help set up jail-based mental health stabilization services.

Officials have said patients deserve care closer to home, in less restrictive settings. But counties say the local services needed don't exist.

"You have to do the hard things first," said Matt Kuntz, executive director of the Montana chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "You have to build the beds."

Health advocates have backed a proposal that would require the state to pay for community commitments. That measure is headed to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte after passing the state House and Senate. Another bill that was still pending would create a new psychiatric hospital for people in the justice system. But implementing those ideas could take years.

The number of inpatient beds for people with a serious mental illness nationwide has plummeted. At one time, that drop was intentional, part of a movement away from locking people up in state-run mental hospitals. But the intended fix, local homelike centers, hasn't filled the void.

One of Montana's biggest providers, Western Montana Mental Health Center, had to close some of its crisis sites because of money problems, said Western's CEO, Bob Lopp. That includes a facility less than a mile from the Lake County jail.

"If that's not where the funding is, you can't just do it for the sake of argument and hope that it comes," Lopp said.

Gianforte has promised to pour money into rebuilding the state's behavioral health system. Mental health workers in small towns find such promises hard to trust after seeing local services come and go for years.

Health department spokesperson Holly Matkin said the agency is proud of its work to fix "systems that have been broken for too long" and that it will improve services for people who need inpatient care in their communities.

Lake County is known to outsiders as an Instagram-worthy stop on their way to Glacier National Park. It overlaps with the Flathead Indian Reservation, land of the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai tribes. It's home to a slice of the Rocky Mountains and a gateway to millions of acres of wilderness. Polson, the county seat and site of the jail, is a town of 5,600 on the southern shore of Flathead Lake, one of the largest lakes west of the Mississippi River.

Vincent River has worked as the jail's sole mental health clinician for 25 years. He said he's not always available because he's the only psychologist in four northwestern Montana counties evaluating whether a person in jail needs psychiatric care.

Some are released without care if they linger too long on the state hospital's waitlist.

"I talk to these family members. I hear them plead with me with their fear in their voices and tell me all that's been going on for days or weeks or months," River said. "And then I can't get people into the hospital. That is a giant crisis."

It's not just the state hospital. River said he can't get people into any psychiatric bed in Montana because there are too few. Instead, he tries to stabilize people while they're jailed. That has shortfalls.

The jail can't force someone with psychosis to take medication without a court order and a qualified doctor on hand to administer the prescription. Lake County's aging facility has faced lawsuits because of poor conditions amid overcrowding, and River has to see patients wherever there's room.

There isn't even space for the jail's restraint chair. Jail workers leave strapped-down prisoners in a hallway or locker room.

River said many gradually get better and leave isolation. Some don't.

"They languish there, psychotic and lonely," he said, "at the mercy of what the voices are telling them."

Locals are working to fill some gaps. A mobile team launched in February is staffed by people who have lived with mental and substance use disorders to provide peer support. But someone truly in crisis has only two options: jail or an emergency room.

The room reserved for people in crisis at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson leaves patients both isolated and without privacy. The locked door's thick glass looks onto a busy emergency room hallway.

Those who deteriorate enough to be deemed dangerous to themselves or others are sent down the road to jail.

Rebecca Bontadelli, an ER physician, said patients can be housed in the room for days as hospital staffers scour Montana and nearby states for an open psychiatric bed. Some reject care in the meantime.

"We're not really helping them," Bontadelli said. "They feel like they're in prison."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A specialized model used by researchers is becoming a valuable tool for studying human brain development, diseases and potential treatments, according to a team of scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

Known as chimeric brain models, these laboratory tools provide a unique way to understand human brain functions in a living environment, which may lead to new and better therapies for brain disorders, researchers said in a review article in Neuron.

Scientists create models by transplanting human brain cells culled from stem cells into the brains of animals such as mice, thereby creating a mix of human and animal brain cells in the same brain. This environment is closer to the complexity of a living human brain than what can be simulated in a petri dish study.

"These chimeric models have become invaluable tools for neuroscience research," said Peng Jiang, an associate professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and the corresponding author of the review. "By observing human cells within the active environment of a living brain, we can better understand how human neural cells develop and how they may play a role in neurological disorders."

Jiang and his team have been developing and using chimeric brain models for nearly a decade. He and other lab members focus on studying human neural development and neurological disorders using these models. They have created human-mouse chimeric brain models to investigate conditions such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.

Chimeric brain models have been a powerful tool in neuroscience research for several decades, but recent advancements have greatly improved their precision and impact, Jiang said.

The co-first authors, doctoral student Ava Papetti and postdoctoral associate Mengmeng Jin, said that creating human-rodent chimeric brain models has provided new insights into the unique features of human neural cells and their roles in various neurological conditions.

Among the critical findings are discoveries about the unique functions of human brain cells known as neurons and glia, non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and nourish neurons. These brain cells have been found in experiments using chimeric models to behave differently from their mouse counterparts, offering potential clues into the higher cognitive functions that set humans apart from other species.

In another important advance enabled by the special models, researchers have identified specific cellular alterations associated with autism spectrum disorders, offering a deeper understanding of the condition's underlying mechanisms.

The chimeric models also have helped scientists uncover aspects of Alzheimer's disease that affect human brain cells but not mouse cells. Jiang said the findings underscore the importance of studying human neurons and glia in a living brain environment to gain a full understanding of the disease's underlying mechanisms. It also may guide researchers to develop effective treatments, he said.

Advances in the treatment of neurological disorders have been stymied by the differences between humans and other animals, according to Jiang. Understanding and treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease has been difficult, in part because many treatments that seem effective in animal models don't translate well to humans.

"Traditional animal models, like mice, are valuable and instrumental in neuroscience research, but a gap exists because they can't fully capture the biological complexities of human brain cells," Jiang said.

Employing chimeric brain models offers a promising way to address the problem.

"By creating human-rodent chimeric brain models, researchers gain a more accurate view of human brain development, cognitive function, and how neurological diseases progress," Jiang said. "These chimeric models also offer new opportunities to explore human stem cell-based therapies, such as approaches to replace damaged or dying human neural cells in neurodegenerative diseases."

Other Rutgers scientists contributing to the review included doctoral students Ziyuan Ma and Alessandro Stillitano. All are with the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience.

More information: Ava V. Papetti et al, Chimeric brain models: Unlocking insights into human neural development, aging, diseases, and cell therapies, Neuron (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2025.03.036 Journal information: Neuron
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When the anesthesiologist put Angelica Vance under for her cesarean section, she had no way of knowing what she'd encounter when she woke.

If everything went perfectly, the baby would be on a ventilator, and the doctors would have a plan to remove the growth that was impairing her daughter's breathing. If things went wrong, Vance might be recovering from severe bleeding, while a machine pumped blood through her daughter Chloe's body.

"If ECMO didn't work, she wouldn't make it," Vance said of the blood-pumping machine. "That morning was intense."

Vance, of Fort Collins, said her third pregnancy had progressed relatively normally until the final trimester, when pain and a jump in the circumference of her belly pointed to an excessive buildup of amniotic fluid.

Her doctor removed two liters of fluid and kept her for further testing, because an increase that fast usually points to a bigger problem, she said. An ultrasound and MRI found a growth in the baby's chest and neck, which kept her from swallowing amniotic fluid and would prevent Chloe from taking her first breath.

While a baby is inside and supported by the placenta, breathing isn't a concern, because the mother supplies oxygen through the umbilical cord, said Dr. Chris Derderian, a pediatric and fetal surgeon who treated Vance and Chloe at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Once the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, the baby needs to breathe on its own, giving a relatively tight window to open the airway, he said.

Derderian offered Vance an ex-utero intrapartum treatment, or EXIT, procedure, during which he would partially deliver Chloe via cesarean section, and a team would work to open her airway while she remained attached to her mother.

The procedure is relatively risky because the anesthesiologist has to give medication to relax the uterus, preventing the placenta from tearing loose, but increasing the odds of serious bleeding.

The Children's Hospital performs only about one EXIT procedure each year, in cases where the baby has no other options, but has a good enough chance of survival that the hospital can give the family a choice about whether to accept the risks, he said.

After Vance went under general anesthesia on Oct. 15, Derderian and his team delivered Chloe's head and shoulders by cesarean section. That started a clock of about 90 minutes that the placenta could act as life support.

About 40 people from various specialties crowded into the room in case they needed to handle possible complications, including a cardiac surgeon who could open the baby's chest if the growth put too much pressure on her lungs.

The airway was about the width of the tip of a pen, so the emergency medical technicians inserting the breathing tube had to use one that would push back against the pressure from the growth, Derderian said.

At that point, they had no way of knowing whether the airway was open, however slightly, through its full length or was completely closed at some point. If it was closed, they'd have to cut a hole in her neck to insert the tube.

And then, in about 15 minutes, the worst was over. The tube went down; Chloe turned pink as the ventilator pushed oxygen into her body. Some of the specialists dispersed, while others took Chloe to the neonatal intensive care unit or sewed up Vance and prepared for her to wake.

"I don't think we have got a better scenario," Derderian said.

When Vance woke up, she learned the hospital had planned another surgery to remove the growth once Chloe was three days old.

That also went better than she feared, taking about two hours instead of the six that the doctors projected, she said. The growth wasn't cancerous, and it hadn't wrapped too tightly around her daughter's airway, making removal easier.

Chloe spent about 10 days on a ventilator before transitioning to less-invasive oxygen support, Vance said.

After six weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, she went home without oxygen, though she did need a feeding tube because of difficulty swallowing, she said. Fetuses essentially practice breathing and swallowing during the third trimester, and the mass around her neck limited that preparation.

Now, Chloe is relatively healthy, though she still receives therapy every day to work on her swallowing and to build up her neck muscles, Vance said. She said she wanted to speak about her experience because she'd never heard of a mother who went through the same thingand, at the beginning, their family's future looked bleak.

"It feels like playing a lot of catch-up, but she has come a long way," Vance said. "It helps you to see something positive."

2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: The Kids Research Institute Australia

A life-saving meningococcal vaccine covering all five common strains of the deadly disease could soon be available thanks to vital research demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of a combination Men ABCWY vaccine.

Conducted by the Wesfarmers Center of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, alongside national and international collaborators, the global research published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and Clinical Infectious Diseases found the combination vaccine to be highly effective in providing universal protection for young adults and teenagers.

A rare but very serious disease, meningococcal can result in death if not recognized and treated quickly, and children who survive are often left with life-changing health complications such as brain injuries, deafness, severe scarring or amputated limbs.

Professor Peter RichmondHead of the Vaccine Trials Group at the Wesfarmers Center, Head of Pediatrics at The University of Western Australia's Medical School and a pediatrician at Perth Children's Hospitalsaid the introduction of the Men ACWY vaccine to the National Immunization Program (NIP) in 2018 saw a significant reduction in cases caused by the W and Y strains, and the B variant had become the most common cause of meningococcal in Australia.

"There is no single vaccine available that covers the five common strainsA, B, C, W and Yand while meningococcal B vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in children and young adults, the low incidence of the disease means it hasn't been considered cost-effective for inclusion on the NIP," Professor Richmond said.

"Parents wanting full protection against all five strains of disease must purchase a separate Men B vaccine privately at a significant cost of at least $100 per dose, with each child needing two or three doses depending on age of vaccinationsomething that may be out of reach for many families.

"Our aim was to show that a combination 'pentavalent' vaccine containing the A, B, C, W and Y strains of meningococcal in one injection was safe and would provide the equivalent levels of immunity as the meningococcal B and Men ACWY vaccines given separately when tested against over 100 variants of the disease.

"Thanks to the success of this research, the combination vaccine was recently approved by the FDA for use in the US for older children and young adults aged 10 to 25 years, and we hope to see it licensed in Australia in the near future.

"Ideally, we would like to see this vaccine replace the current Men ACWY vaccine given to all teenagers in Year 10 at high schools throughout Australia, and our research going forward will focus on studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy for babies and toddlers in the hopes of future inclusion on the NIP from 12 months of age.

"This would be the best way to eradicate meningococcal disease in children and give parents the peace of mind that their child has the highest possible protection against this devastating diseasean outcome we are certainly looking forward to achieving in coming years," Professor Richmond said.

More information: Terry Nolan et al, Breadth of immune response, immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety for a pentavalent meningococcal ABCWY vaccine in healthy adolescents and young adults: results from a phase 3, randomised, controlled observer-blinded trial, The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00667-4 Terry Nolan et al, Immunogenicity, Reactogenicity, and Safety of a Pentavalent Meningococcal ABCWY Vaccine in Adolescents and Young Adults Who Had Previously Received a Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine: A Phase 3, Randomized Controlled Clinical Study, Clinical Infectious Diseases (2024). DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae622 Journal information: Clinical Infectious Diseases , Lancet Infectious Diseases

Provided by The Kids Research Institute Australia
China's National Health Commission answers questions on white paper from press

Xinhua) 10:12, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In the years since legalization, there has been a tremendous surge in the number of cannabis products available to Canadian consumers, many offering tailored experiences to enhance seemingly any mood or activity.

Do you want something calming or uplifting? Are you looking to inspire focus, spark creativity or get a good night's sleep? Do you prefer full-spectrum extracts or THC isolates?

But how does one plant produce so many different experiences? Like many of its botanical relatives, cannabis is rich in active compounds. The prevailing view is that these compounds work together to shape the overall experience, a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect."

From a consumer standpoint, the idea of custom-tailored experiences guided by key active ingredients is appealingand it certainly makes things easier. But in reality, it's not so cut-and-dried.

Making informed decisions as a cannabis consumer can seem overwhelming, and navigating a product menu can feel like it requires a chemistry degree. But how much do we really know about how cannabis works? And how well are we able to predict individual experiences based on a product's composition?

What's in a high?

Most research into cannabis' effects has focused on two key compounds, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is non-intoxicating and thought to underlie many therapeutic effects of cannabis, whereas THC is the primary compound responsible for the classic cannabis high.

Until recently, the most pertinent information available to cannabis consumers was the THC:CBD ratio, and from a regulatory standpoint, these are the only compounds required by Health Canada for product labels. But the cannabis plant produces over 500 potentially bioactive compounds, most notably cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, with increasing emphasis being placed on how they interact to drive different experiences.

The idea that the different components of cannabis work in concert, modulating one another's activity to influence the overall experience, has been termed the "entourage effect." Simply put, it seeks to explain the effects of cannabis beyond those of any individual component, such as THC or CBD, and offers an elegant explanation for a common question: how can products with the same amount of THC and CBD produce different effects?

Indeed, the medical cannabis community has long-favored full- and broad-spectrum products (those containing a varied chemical profile) over single-compound isolates such as purified THC or CBD, based on claims of superior safety and efficacy.

Ask your local budtender for a recommendation and you will likely get a crash-course on terpene nomenclature, hearing words like limonene, myrcene, pinene and linalool.

While this modern embrace of terpene pharmacology and natural product chemistry reflects a growing appreciation for the complexities of the cannabis plant, claims of entourage effects remain largely speculative, highlighting how much we've yet to learn.

Sound science or smoke and mirrors?

Initially coined by scientists in Israel and Italy in a study published in 1998, the term "entourage effect" described interactions among endogenous cannabinoids (THC-and CBD-like molecules produced by the human body). The idea was that some of these compounds, which are inactive on their own, could enhance or modulate the activity of others, resulting in combined effects greater than the sum of their parts.

It is important to note that this study did not examine plant-derived cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but rather structurally related compounds produced naturally in the brain and body. As such, the idea of cannabis-specific entourage effects did not emerge directly from the data itself, but from broader inferences drawn from that research that provided a rationale for the diverse effects often reported by cannabis users.

Since then, and despite a lack of supporting evidence, the term has been widely adopted and adapted by the cannabis industry, often leveraged to differentiate products in an overly crowded market.

The available support for entourage effects in humans is limited to a few small clinical and observational studies and meta-analyses that suggest whole-plant extracts may outperform isolates for conditions like chronic pain and pediatric epilepsy.

However, these studies often use non-standardized extracts and are therefore unable to identify which chemical interactions are driving the effects. Further, direct comparisons of full-spectrum and isolate products are lacking, with most claims rooted in inferences made from pre-clinical (in other words, non-human) research and from studies of non-cannabis-derived phytomolecules.

That said, the entourage effect is a valid hypothesis and arguably the most promising in terms of explaining cannabis's varied and nuanced effects. Similar effects have been described for other drug classes, though these interactions are often termed synergism and potentiation and typically involve just a few well-characterized compounds. In contrast, unlocking cannabis synergy requires untangling the interactions of hundreds of different molecules, many of which are still poorly understood.

That complexity is what I've spent my career trying to understand. Researching how cannabis-derived compounds work in the brain and body, I have gained a considerable appreciation for how far our understanding of cannabis has come, how much we have still yet to uncover and how easy it is for enthusiasm to outpace evidence.

Reading between the product lines

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, consumers need to approach product claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. There is no doubt the cannabis plant is a treasure trove of unexplored and underexplored bioactive molecules, and that we will continue to uncover interesting and unexpected interactions among them. But we are far from a complete picture.

At present, the entourage effect remains a hypothesis more often co-opted for marketing than grounded in evidence. That doesn't mean it's wrong, but it does mean we should resist conflating convenient narratives with established science. This highlights an important question: where does the onus of responsibility for generating this new knowledge fall?

If the cannabis industry continues invoking the entourage effect for marketing and product differentiation, then it should support and contribute to research that furthers the state of evidence.

Relying solely on existing pre-clinical and academic studies in lieu of directly advancing the science and validating real-world product claims risks perpetuating hype at the expense of credibility. But industry is not alone in its duty. Government must also remedy the regulatory bottlenecks that impede new research.

Establishing a credible, science-backed cannabis marketplace means moving beyond hype. It requires action, from industry and government, to generate the information consumers need to make informed decisions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Combinatorial PRMT5 targeting results in synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis through excessive DNA damage accumulation. Credit: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025). DOI: 10.1172/JCI184283

Northwestern Medicine scientists have identified a key driver of chemotherapy resistance in advanced ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Although treatments have improved greatly in recent decades, a large subset of patients experience cancer recurrence and develop chemotherapy resistance, said Mazhar Adli, Ph.D., the Thomas J. Watkins Memorial Professor of Tumor Genomics and an assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, who was senior author of the study.

"Chemotherapy resistance is the biggest clinical challenge for physicians to treat this type of cancer," Adli said. "Initially, it's very sensitive, but quickly it becomes chemoresistant. We need to figure out how the cells become chemoresistant, why they're becoming chemoresistant and what kind of molecular mechanisms are enabling these cells to survive under harsh chemo treatments."

Previous research from the Adli laboratory showed an abundance of PRMT5an enzyme known for its role in regulating gene expressionin chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer. In the current study, Adli and his collaborators employed intracellular immunostaining and CRISPR screening to better understand PRMT5's role.

The scientists found that the protein KEAP1 is a key regulator of PRMT5, according to the findings. Under normal conditions, KEAP1 binds to PRMT5 and initiates its degradation, maintaining balanced protein levels. However, in treatment-resistant tumors, this regulation is disrupted, leading to elevated PRMT5 levels.

PRMT5 is highly expressed in OC and associated with poor patient survival. Credit: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025). DOI: 10.1172/JCI184283

Further experiments found that PRMT5 influences the activity of stress response genes, fostering a cellular environment that supports drug resistance, according to the findings.

Finally, investigators combined PRMT5 inhibitors with chemotherapy drugs and found that the treatment increased cancer cell death and reduced tumor growth in mice with ovarian cancer.

"It turns out that KEAP1 is one of the regulators of stress response in these cells," said Adli, who is also a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. "If cells are under stress, then they suppress this KEAP1 pathway. The chemotherapy creates stress on the cells, KEAP1 gets suppressed and then PRMT5 becomes upregulated."

The study establishes combination treatment targeting PRMT5 as a potentially promising therapy option for ovarian cancer, Adli said.

"The next step, I think, is to start a clinical trial," Adli said. "We have shown that this is a really therapeutically exploitable target, and we have several good inhibitors for this one. We show that we need to combine these inhibitors with existing chemo to make them really therapeutically relevant. There are currently clinical trials underway testing the inhibitors alone, and we think testing them alone may not be as effective."

More information: Harun Ozturk et al, High PRMT5 levels, maintained by KEAP1 inhibition, drive chemoresistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025). DOI: 10.1172/JCI184283 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation
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Florida state lawmakers have approved a bill to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, a move that public health experts say could harm dental health across the state.

The bill now heads to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval. DeSantis has criticized fluoridation in the past, calling it "forced medication." The aim of fluoridation is to prevent tooth decay, especially in kids.

If signed, the law would make Florida the second state to ban water fluoridation. A ban in Utah is set to begin May 7, The Washington Post reported.

The fluoride ban is part of a larger farm bill and would prevent local governments from using any additives in drinking water, even if they are necessary to improve quality or meet safety standards.

A group representing dentists sharply criticized the move.

"Water fluoridation has been researched for more than 80 years, and overwhelming, credible scientific evidence consistently indicates that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective at preventing and repairing tooth decay," Jeff Ottley, president of the Florida Dental Association, said in a statement.

Earlier this month, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he would stop the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from recommending fluoride, though HHS later said it would form a task force to study the issue.

Kennedy recently cited an August 2024 federal report that linked high fluoride levels with lower IQs in children.

"The more you get, the stupider you are, and we need smart kids in this country," he said.

The report emphasized that the findings don't apply to the low levels of fluoride found in U.S. drinking water, however.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also plans to re-examine the research on fluoride's potential health risks.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo became the nation's first top state health official to publicly oppose fluoride in water. Since then, more than a dozen other Florida communities have ended fluoridation.

Supporters of the ban say it should be about personal choice, The Post reported.

"This is not about fluoride. This is about your liberty," Republican state Rep. Danny Alvarez told The Post.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a Democrat, said the move ignores guidance from dentists and medical experts.

"Ending fluoridation will have long-lasting impact on healthespecially for our most vulnerable families," Cava said in a statement on X.

In Louisiana, a similar bill is gaining support, backed by Republican Surgeon General Ralph Abraham.

More information: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has more on fluoride in drinking water.

 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When it comes to our health, we're constantly being warned about being taken in by misinformation. Yet for most of us what we believe ultimately comes down to who we trust, including which "experts" we trust.

The problem is that not everyone who presents themselves as an expert is actually an expert. And an expert in one area isn't necessarily an expert in everything.

The reality is that we often rely on superficial cues to decide who to trust. We're often swayed by how confidently someone speaks, their perceived authority, or how compelling their story sounds. For some, it's simply the loudest voice that carries the most weight.

Even if we feel we have some understanding of science, few of us have the time or the capacity to verify every claim made by every so-called "expert."

So how can we distinguish credible experts from those that are not? Here are four things I look out for.

1. Dodgy experts don't acknowledge uncertainty

One thing that separates trustworthy experts from dodgy ones is their humility. They have a healthy respect for the limitations of science, the gaps in the evidence, and even the limitations of their own expertise.

And importantly, they communicate this clearly.

In contrast, one of the most common characteristics of the dodgy expert is that they are misleadingly certain. They often present issues in overly simplistic, black-and-white terms, and they draw conclusions with misplaced confidence.

This, of course, is part of their appeal. A neat clear-cut message that downplays uncertainty, complexity and nuance can be persuasiveand often even more persuasive than a messy but accurate message.

One of the clearest examples of unfounded certainty was the confident claim by some "experts" early in the pandemic that COVID was no worse than the flu, a conclusion which ignored uncertainties in the emerging data.

2. The dodgy expert doesn't strive to be objective

Credible experts follow a well-established and disciplined approach when communicating science. They present their understanding clearly, support it with evidence, and endeavor to remove emotion and bias from their thinking.

A core principle of scientific thinking is striving for objectivityand language reflects this. Experts generally aim to provide high-quality information to assist the public to make informed decisions for themselves, rather than manipulating them to reach specific conclusions.

Dodgy experts often rely on overly emotional language, inject political agendas, or resort to personal attacks against critics in order to elicit strong emotions. This is a powerful tool for manipulating opinions when the evidence is lacking.

One of the most harmful examples of this is the use of emotional testimonials by dodgy experts who claim people have "beaten cancer naturally," offering false hope and often leading patients to abandon proven treatments.

3. Dodgy experts cherry-pick evidence

Despite what those seeking to mislead you would have you believe, scientists only reach consensus when a large body of high-quality evidence points in the same direction.

So one of the most crucial skills experts possess is the ability to critically evaluate evidence. That means understanding its strengths and weaknesses, assessing its reliability, and synthesizing what the full evidence base indicates. This task requires a deep understanding of their area of expertise.

Dodgy experts don't do this. They tend to dismiss inconvenient evidence that contradicts their narrative and readily embrace flawed, or even discredited, studies. In short: they often cherry-pick evidence to suit their position.

Unfortunately, this tactic can be hard to spot if you don't have an understanding of the full evidence base, which is something dodgy experts exploit.

A red flag that you are being misled by a dodgy expert is when there is a clear over-reliance on a single study, despite its low quality.

Perhaps the most well-known example of cherry-picking is the way dodgy experts rely on a single, discredited study to push the false claim that the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine causes autism, while ignoring the vast body of high-quality evidence that clearly shows no such link.

4. Dodgy experts don't change their mind when the evidence changes

Dodgy experts are often rigidly attached to their beliefs, even when new evidence emerges.

In contrast, genuine experts welcome new evidence and are willing to change their views accordingly. This openness is often unfairly portrayed as weakness, but it reflects an expert's desire to understand the world accurately.

A striking example of this is the shift in our understanding of stomach ulcers. For years, ulcers were blamed on stress and spicy food, but that changed when Australian gastroenterologist and researcher Barry Marshall, in a bold move, swallowed Helicobacter pylori to demonstrate its potential role.

His self-experiment (which is generally not recommended!) was the first step in a broader body of research that ultimately proved bacteria, not lifestyle, was the primary cause of ulcers. This ultimately led to Marshall and his colleague, pathologist and researcher Robin Warren, being awarded a Nobel Prize.

As this example highlights, when presented with the evidence, clinicians and scientists acknowledged they'd got the underlying cause of stomach ulcers wrong. Clinical practice subsequently improved, with doctors prescribing antibiotics to kill the ulcer-causing bacteria.

This is how science informs practice so we can continually improve health outcomes.

In a nutshell

True expertise is marked by intellectual humility, a commitment to high-quality evidence, a willingness to engage with nuance and uncertainty, flexibility, and a capacity to respectfully navigate differing opinions.

In contrast, dodgy experts claim to have all the answers, dismiss uncertainty, cherry-pick studies, personally attack those who disagree with them, and rely more on emotion and ideology than evidence.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Motor Function and Physical Activity Time of Children with CDH. Credit: Keiko Itano

A study by Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan suggests the importance of tailored exercise programs for school-age children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a defect in the diaphragm that causes the abdominal organs to herniate into the chest cavity.

Although recent advances in perinatal care have improved survival rates, many children still suffer long-term complications, especially in physical activity. To analyze its effects, the group performed motor and functional tests and gait analyses of young children.

Their findings, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, showed that compared to healthy children, children born with CDH performed worse in all the tests except gait analyses. Impairments were found in limb muscle strength, balance, and endurance.

"Our findings show that even school-aged children with CDH who were not given any medical restrictions tended to engage in very little physical activity, which may explain their reduced motor function," Ito said.

"This decline in quality of life due to limited opportunities for exercise is concerning," he continued. "Encouraging these children to participate in regular physical activities, especially those that focus on muscle strength, balance, and endurance could help improve their motor abilities."

Although the study focused on CDH and did not directly compare other conditions, the findings may be relevant to other congenital surgical conditions that require neonatal intensive care such as esophageal atresia and congenital pulmonary airway malformation. As the Graduate School of Medicine has treated these patients, the group hopes to investigate exercise interventions for a range of conditions.

More information: Takamasa Mitsumatsu et al, Motor and functional characteristics in school-age survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a cross-sectional observational study, Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition (2025). DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327942
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STRIVEs sentinel site in Sausi in Madang Province, one of eight clinics within the STRIVE sentinel site network. Credit: STRIVE

Partners from the Burnet Institute, the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), the National Department of Health and the University of Papua New Guinea are working to understand how to better support local health care workers to overcome barriers to improve surveillance and response to vector-borne diseases in Papua New Guinea.

Through the STRIVE (Stronger surveillance for vector-borne pathogens) project, the team is identifying ways to strengthen frontline health care workers' capacity to detect, track, and respond to emerging threats and local outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.

Published today in PLOS Global Public Health, the study is titled "Baseline assessment of front-line health system capacity in vector-borne disease surveillance and response in Papua New Guinea."

One of the study's lead authors, Burnet researcher Rachael Farquhar, said that by strengthening local health care systems, health care workers would be better equipped to manage outbreaks.

"Surveillance is critical for the early detection and containment of outbreaks," she said.

"By applying a health systems lens, we identified practical ways to support health care workers to improve the availability, quality, and use of data for real-time decision-making."

The study highlights that strengthening existing systems and investing in local health workers and provincial health roles are key to embedding new skills and technology that enhance surveillance for malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

Zebedee Kerry, lead author from PNGIMR, said upskilling frontline health care workers was crucial to ensuring timely responses to outbreaks.

"By investing in the capacity of frontline health care workers in reporting, notification, and response to vector-borne diseases, we can better equip them to manage febrile illnesses, respond to early outbreaks, and contribute to a more resilient health system," he said.

Farquhar emphasized the importance of finding space and platforms to work with health care providers to collectively interpret and act on real-time disease data.

"Providing targeted training, ongoing support, and creating regular forums to collectively review and discuss data are critical steps to ensure health care workers and provincial health teams can respond effectively as new information emerges," she said.
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A health worker prepares a dose of the measles vaccine in shopping mall in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Christian Chavez

Dr. Hector Ocaranza knew El Paso would see measles the moment it began spreading in West Texas and eastern New Mexico.

Highways connect his border city with the epicenter of Texas' massive outbreak, which is up to 663 cases. They're the same roads used by thousands of families and commercial truckers who cross into Mexico and back each day.

"Diseases know no borders," said Ocaranza, El Paso's top public health doctor, "so as people are mobile, they're going to be coming and receiving medical attention in El Paso but they may be living in Juarez." It took a couple of months, but El Paso now has the highest measles case count in the state outside of West Texas with 38. Neighboring Ciudad Juarez has 14 cases as of Monday.

North America's three biggest measles outbreaks continue to balloon, with more than 2,500 known cases; three people have died in the U.S. and one in Mexico. It started in the fall in Ontario, Canada; then took off in late January in Texas and New Mexico; and has rapidly spread in Chihuahua state, which is up to 786 cases since mid-February.

These outbreaks are in areas with a notable population of certain Mennonite Christian communities who trace their migration over generations from Canada to Mexico to Seminole, Texas. Chihuahua health officials trace their first case to an 8-year-old Mennonite child who visited family in Seminole, got sick and spread the virus at school. And Ontario officials say their outbreak started at a large gathering in New Brunswick involving Mennonite communities.

A health worker stamps a vaccination card at the health center where measles vaccinations are given in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Christian Chavez

Mexican and U.S. officials also say the genetic strains of measles spreading in Canada match the other large outbreaks.

"This virus was imported, traveling country to country," said Leticia Ruiz, director of prevention and disease control in Chihuahua.

North and South American countries have struggled to maintain the 95% measles vaccination rate needed to prevent outbreaks, said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, director of the Pan American Health Organization. And a recent World Health Organization report said measles activity in the Americas region is up elevenfold from the same time last year and that the risk level is "high" compared to the rest of the world's "moderate" level.

Measles cases have been confirmed in six of the region's countriesArgentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, the United States and Mexicoand investigating the disease's spread is labor-intensive and pricey. The response to each measles case in the U.S. costs an estimated $30,000 to $50,000, according to Dr. David Sugerman, a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientist.

A health worker gives a child a measles vaccine at the health center in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Christian Chavez

Measles at the U.S.-Mexico border

The cases in Ciudad Juarez have no direct connection to the Mennonite settlement in Chihuahua, said Rogelio Covarrubias, a health official in the border city. The first measles case in El Paso was in a child at Fort Bliss, Ocaranza said.

More than half of El Paso's cases are in adults, which is unusually high, and three people have been hospitalized. The health department is holding vaccination clinics in malls and parks and says hundreds have gotten a shot. The vaccines are freeno questions asked, no matter which side of the border you live on.

Communication about measles between the two health departments is "informal" but "very good," Ocaranza said. Covarrubias said his team was alerted last week to a case of someone who became sick in El Paso and returned home to Juarez.

"There is constant concern in Ciudad Juarez  because we have travelers that pass through from across the world," Covarrubias said. "With a possible case of measles without taking precautions, many, many people could be infected."

A sign outside Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, warns residents to call ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital if they think they have the measles. Credit: Geoff Robins/The Canadian Press via AP

A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Credit: Geoff Robins/The Canadian Press via AP

Measles at the U.S.-Canada border

Michigan health officials said the outbreak of four cases in Montcalm County are linked to Ontario.

The state's chief medical executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, expects to see more cases. Michigan has a 95% vaccination rate for measles, mumps and rubella, but it hides weak spotscounties with 70% vaccination rates and individual schools where just 30% of kids vaccinated.

"If we think about measles as a forest fire, we've got these burning embers that are floating in the air right now," Bagdasarian said. "Whether those embers result in another wildfire just depends on where they land."

In Canada, six out of 10 provinces have reported measles cases. Alberta has the second-most with 83 as of April 12, according to government data.

Case counts in Ontario reached 1,020 as of Wednesday, mostly in the southwest part that borders Michigan. In one of the hardest-hit regions, Chatham-Kent Public Health officials announced a public exposure at a Mennonite church on Easter Sunday.

"It sometimes feels like we're just behind, always trying to catch up to measles," Dr. Sarah Wilson, a public health physician for Public Health Ontario. "It's always moving somewhere."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Correlated Factors Psychopathology ModelNote. Each item mapped to one factor, with loadings 0.20 depicted. Associations between factors denote simple correlations. See the online article for the color version of this figure. Credit: Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science (2025). DOI: 10.1037/abn0000967

Common mental health conditions are more closely related to people's personalities than previously thought, a study published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science suggests.

Personality traits explain about 25% of the overall risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and phobias, the study found.

Researchers say the findings show personality is one of the most reliable predictors for the onset and persistence of mental health problems.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Tartu in Estonia analyzed data from more than 16,000 members of the Estonian Biobanka collection of health data from volunteers across the country.

They surveyed people's personality according to the five traits psychologists define as the main dimensions of human personality: extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, openness to experience and agreeableness.

They also looked at more nuanced personality traitssuch as tendencies to feel embarrassed, needing reassurance and needing help from othersas predictors of general mental health problems.

The researchers also looked at both the general risk of experiencing different types of mental health problems and the risk of some specific problems that only some people experience, such as fear, sleeplessness, fatigue, inattention, and hyperactivity.

Each participant described their personality traits and mental health, and each participant was also rated by someone else who knew them well.

They found that personality traits were more strongly related to mental health problems than suggested by previous studies.

About 25% of the differences in people's risk of mental health problems could be traced to their personality traits. On top of the general risk, personality traits explained another quarter of the risk for specific mental health problems.

People with a higher general mental health risk tended to have higher neuroticisma tendency to feel negative emotions. They also tended to have higher agreeablenessa positive orientation towards other peopleand lower conscientiousnessa tendency to be organized and hardworking.

However, specific mental health problems varied in their associations with personality traits. Some areas of mental health, such as sleep problems, were not particularly strongly correlated with any aspect of personality.

Senior Researcher, Professor Rene Mottus, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, said, "By combining data from two sources, we were able to overcome common problems in personality assessments, such as response bias and other types of measurement error. This allowed us to estimate the associations much more accurately."

The researchers stress that people's personalities do not determine their mental health problems.

Lead author, Helo Liis Soodla, of the University of Tartu, said, "Many people whose traits might statistically predict poor mental health report great well-being. Conversely, many people who experience mental health problems at some point in their lives do not appear to be at risk based on their personality traits.

"In any given individual, a number of things can affect mental health, from genetic risk variants to stressful childhood events. Each factor on its own accounts for only a tiny proportion of the risk of poor mental health. And much is simply down to luck."

The researchers say the more we know about the potential of traits to increase mental health risk, the more likely we are to be able to design successful interventions to reduce the risks.

More information: Helo Liis Soodla et al, Assessing the overlap of personality traits and internalizing psychopathology using multi-informant data: Two sides of the same coin?, Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science (2025). DOI: 10.1037/abn0000967
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The delivery method of probiotics (i.e., pill or suppository) may impact whether bacterial cultures make it to their intended targets alive and functional. Credit: Pexels.com

The term "probiotics" appears on the packaging of yogurts, kimchi, kombucha, sodas and supplements. If you eat or drink any of these products, beneficial bacteria will make their way to your gut and help with digestion. Consuming probiotics is synonymous with having good gut health for many of usexcept that our definition of probiotics is incomplete.

Probiotics are more than a mix of gut-friendly bacteria. They are a blend of live microorganisms with benefits to the bodybeyond the health of the digestive tract. For example, the skin, mouth, penis and vagina have unique microbiomes of their own. While commercial probiotics catering to all of these microbiomes do not yet exist, vaginal probiotics do. They dominate the shelves of drugstores and supermarkets with the notion that "vaginal" probiotics can boost vaginal health, similar to how "gut" probiotics can improve gut health.

Vaginal probiotics promise to seed the vagina with "good" microbes that keep the pH and odor in check and support the health of the vaginal and urinary tract. However, most of the claims lack scientific evidence to support them. Some small-scale clinical trials have tested the use of vaginal microbes (probiotics) to treat bacterial, yeast and sexually transmitted infections, but none have demonstrated effectiveness that supports FDA clearance and large-scale marketability.

Claims without rigorous scientific proof, though, have permeated the supplement industry, with vaginal probiotics being advertised for their supposed health benefits. While manufacturers cannot claim that supplements treat diseases, they are allowed to suggest health benefits from their products without needing any proof. As a result, vaginal probiotics, available in the form of oral pills and vaginal suppositories, create the illusion of improved vaginal health to their customers.

Still, vaginal probiotics may turn into therapeutic solutions as the composition of vaginal microbiome and conditions that lead to dysbiosisan imbalance in vaginal microbiotaare better understood. More research in the vaginal microbiome field will help to create strategies for improving the effectiveness of vaginal probiotics in the future.

What does a healthy vaginal microbiome look like?

The vaginal microbiome is not static. Microbial communities shift with different seasons of life, including birth, pre-puberty, puberty and menopause. Genetics, geography, ethnicity and lifestyle factors also impact vaginal microbiome populations.

Defining a disease-free vaginal state is, therefore, complicated; but, in general, the vaginal microbiota can be classified into 5 community state types (CSTs). These CSTs can be thought of as the 5 most likely combinations to make up the vaginal microbiota in women of reproductive age.

Lactobacilli species dominate the vaginal microbiome

Lactobacilli species occupy about 70% of the healthy vaginal microbiome during reproductive years, but Lactobacilli found in the vagina are not the same as the ones that reside in the gut. In fact, although 250 types of Lactobacilli are known in nature, 4 out of 5 CSTs are dominated by Lactobacilli species: L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners and L. jensenii, which are generally known for their protective qualities.

For instance, these organisms convert sugars in the vaginal walls to lactic acid, generating a slightly acidic environment that is hostile to incoming pathogens. Additionally, they produce antimicrobial peptides, such as bacteriocin, to kill competing microbes, and can even physically take up space to keep pathogens from establishing themselves.

CST-IV consists of a low proportion of L. iners and abundant anaerobic bacteria, often linked to an increase in susceptibility to vaginal infections. For example, bacteria known to be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV)a vaginal infection characterized by an unusual discharge, fishy odor and vaginal discomfortare commonly found in this CST.

Bifidobacterium's protective role in vaginal health

Although Lactobacilli dominate a healthy vaginal microbiota, another bacterial species with the ability to release lactic acid, Bifidobacterium, seems to play a protective role in the vagina as well. These bacteria can exist side-by-side with Lactobacilli. But reports find Bifidobacterium-dominant microbiome in 5%10% of healthy reproductive-aged women, suggesting they could potentially correspond to a new CST.

Overall, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are indicators of a healthy vaginal microbiome, but there are limited data to support whether using probiotics to replenish either of these species can improve vaginal health and alleviate infections.

What makes the vaginal microbiome unhealthy?

A single microbe cannot define a healthy or disease-free vagina, and categorizing microbes as exclusively "good" or "bad" is often misleading. More broadly speaking, vaginal infections are a result of dysbiosis, which may be caused by (or related to) oscillating hormone levels, douching and sexual activity. The process begins when Lactobacilli-induced acidic surroundings are disrupted, and other microbes start taking residence in the vagina, ultimately causing infections.

Microbes that lead to bacterial vaginosis

For example, facultative and obligate anaerobes, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae and Prevotella can lead to BV. Yet, not all people of reproductive age who harbor G. vaginalis and A. vaginae develop symptoms. Studies also show that G. vaginalis can coexist with Lactobacilli in a healthy vagina, blurring the lines between a healthy and diseased vaginal state.

Microbes that lead to aerobic vaginitis

If aerobes, such as Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus colonize the vagina, the outcome could be aerobic vaginitis (AV) with symptoms similar to BV. Presence of these atypical microbes raises the vaginal pH to be greater than 4.5, disturbs the balance of non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbial members and induces host inflammation.

Even in the case of AV patients, Lactobacilli species, such as L. gasseri, can dominate 25% of the microbes in the vagina, and a high prevalence of Lactobacilli species has been observed in women with severe vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) fungal infections. Such complexity suggests the need to understand community dynamics rather than focusing on a few microbes as indicators of good vaginal health.

Can probiotics be used to supplement a healthy vaginal microbiome?

Yet, currently sold vaginal probiotics rely on the idea that more "good" microbes will translate to better health, and they fail to shift the microbial population of the vaginal microbiome toward a healthy state. Microbial population research indicates that appropriate doses of a number of beneficial microbes (as opposed to the introduction of only a few Lactobacilli species) might be needed to shift the state of dysbiosis in the vagina. Could probiotics seed beneficial microbes at the site of infection and aid in removal of pathogens?

Preventing High Recurrence of Infection After Antibiotic Treatment

Antibiotics are the standard-of-care treatment for vaginal infections, but they only offer temporary relief. For example, 50% of women experience a recurrence of BV within 6 months of antibiotic therapy. The high rate of recurrence is tied to way that antibiotics act; they not only eliminate pathogens, but can also disrupt healthy microbiomes.

Several trials have explored the use of probiotics to prevent the high recurrence rates observed in patients with BV. However, many of these studies use probiotic formulations specific to gut microbiota, rather than those tailored to the vaginal microbiome.

Differences between gut and vaginal lactobacilli species

Some scientists argue that the differences in the efficacy to treat vaginal infections could be a result of use of gut-specific Lactobacilli that aren't inherent residents of the vagina. For example, in a study examining the effects of probiotics on BV, pregnant women with BV were given oral gut probiotics, L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, and their outcomes were compared to those of a placebo group.

No significant differences were found between the 2 groups. In another case, L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 showed effectiveness as compared to L. rhamnosus GG in healthy women to restore vaginal flora in case of asymptomatic BV.

Probiotic delivery method: Surviving or avoiding stomach acids

Oral supplementation, in part, can also lower the chances of probiotics making it to the vagina. Not all Lactobacilli species can tolerate stomach acids and bile salts. To avoid the shortcomings of oral pills, (i.e., limited survival through the gastrointestinal tract), researchers have started to study the impact of introducing probiotics directly into the vagina and even combining them with antibiotic therapy to enable recolonization after the clearance of pathogens. This strategy has shown limited success, despite its promising approach.

Scientists examined whether L. rhamnosus and L. gasseri can colonize patients with BV through vaginal application following antibiotic therapy. They ran the study in 2 different populations, one from Scandinavia and the other from South Africa.

The cure rates for BV were inconsistent in the 2 populations, suggesting that vaginal application is not the only deciding factor to treat vaginal infections. Scientists would need to find the reason behind the variability in outcomes among patients from different parts of the world.

Recently, trials have begun using L. crispatus, a vaginal Lactobacillus species considered to be the most protective for vaginal health. Lactin-V, a L. crispatus intravaginal suppository probiotic, showed a reduction in repeat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and BV.

Although these studies only involved a few hundred participants, they combined antibiotics with probiotics and showed L. crispatus could successfully colonize the vagina. Additionally, another L. crispatus strain was shown to halve the recurrence of BV in patients compared to the placebo group.

What is needed to make probiotics effective therapeutics for vaginal health?

Assessing Probiotics as Short- or Long-Term Interventions: Taken together, studies (to date) demonstrate the promise of vaginal probiotics in treating a series of hard-to-treat vaginal infections. Probiotics can colonize the vagina and improve recovery rates, but identifying how probiotics can remain effective long-term is crucial to making them a successful intervention. It has been challenging to determine the reasons behind the success or failure of multiple studies, due to variations in the strains of Lactobacilli used, dose, type (oral or vaginal) and length of intervention.

FDA Approval: Having FDA-approved vaginal probiotics could be a game-changer, not only for treating vaginal infections, but also for decreasing the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, spontaneous preterm birth, pelvic inflammatory disease and gynecological cancers that are linked to dysbiosis. Until then, over-the-counter vaginal probiotics cannot claim or be expected to effectively treat vaginal infections.

Effectiveness and Optimal Dosing: Standards need to be set on how to test vaginal probiotics for their effectiveness. Manufacturers should identify the optimal dose of different vaginal probiotics to colonize the vagina, whether taken orally or inserted vaginally. Further, there needs to be evidence that microbes (probiotics) in the blend are able to shift the vaginal microbiome toward a healthy state for a given period of time and treat dysbiosis. Such strategies will both improve the quality of existing probiotic supplements and their potential to become FDA-approved therapeutics.

Finally, while manufacturers claim that vaginal probiotics "optimize vaginal health," there is no conclusive evidence on how to optimize the vaginal niche in healthy individuals. There is a gap in the understanding of how microbial populations can transition from a healthy to a diseased state. Until more is known, it is best to allow vaginal microbes to maintain their natural balance. While taking a probiotic may not harm the vaginal microbiota, it is unlikely that current supplements have any significant benefit.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When Dr. Shoshana Hallowell, a breast surgeon with McLaren Health System in Lapeer, Michigan, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. She knew it put all of her first-degree relatives at higher risk of developing the same condition.

Having a parent, sibling or child with breast cancer almost doubles one's risk of the cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, so Hallowell had her sister, Janet Greaves, get an MRI for her breasts.

Greaves had already had a mammogram six months earlier, which came back normal, but the MRI revealed something her mammogram didn't: a 3 cm tumor. The mass was likely hidden among dense breast tissue, since both appear white on the scans.

"I asked to see her mammograms, and actually, her mammograms for the last five years read that she had extremely dense breasts, and she was never notified," Hallowell said.

While Michigan law has required facilities to inform patients about breast density in a letter since 2015, the Food and Drug Administration updated its policies and made this the national standard last fall.

And yet, insurers in Michigan vary as far as who covers additional screenings for women with dense breast tissue. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Michigan's largest insurer with over 5 million members across all 50 states, covers 3D mammography or 2D mammography starting at age 40, as well as additional imaging for tactile abnormalities or abnormal mammograms, but is now reviewing its policies after the National Comprehensive Cancer Network released new guidance for patients with extremely dense breasts earlier this spring.

"This guidance recommends patients with normal results from a mammogram receive a screening breast MRI with and without contrast beginning at age 50," Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement. "This new guidance is currently being reviewed by our medical policy team."

Michigan Medicaid, which provides coverage to low-income residents, also only covers mammograms.

Thirty-six states have insurance laws on the books for coverage of 3D or supplemental screenings for breast cancer based on risk factors like breast density, according to Dense Breast Info, an educational nonprofit based in New York, but Michigan is not one of them.

Advocates say uneven coverage is a barrier for women with dense breasts, and many can't afford to pay out-of-pocket for additional screenings beyond a mammogram. There's also a lack of education about dense breast tissues among some patients, which is another obstacle.

"The more information a patient has, the more they can advocate for themselves and make clear, informed decisions when it comes to health care," said Gretchen Awad, executive director of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization in northwest Ohio and Michigan. "But the letter of information about breast density is only really one step. The next step would be ... equal and equitable mammogram policies in each state."

When physicians read mammograms, breast density falls within four categories: almost entirely fatty, scattered fibroglandular elements, heterogeneously dense, and extremely dense, said Dr. Sabala Mandava, Chair of Radiology at Henry Ford Health. Heterogeneously dense tissue refers to tissue that is mostly dense but also has some areas of fatty tissue.

When physicians talk about dense breast tissue, they are typically referring to the latter two categories: heterogeneously dense and extremely dense, she said.

"If you have dense breast tissue ... it's one of the risk factors for breast cancer, so you will have an increased risk," Mandava said. "Because the tissue is dense, it's harder to see through."

On a mammogram, dense tissue appears white and fat appears black, Mandava said. The issue is that cancers also appear white.

"If you have more dense breast tissue, then it's harder to differentiate between a cancer and the tissue," Mandava said.

50% with dense tissue

About 40% of women 40 or older have heterogeneously dense breast tissue, while 10% have extremely dense tissue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast density refers to the amount of fibroglandular tissue, or the fibrous connective tissue and milk ducts and lobules, found in the breast, according to the National Cancer Institute.

"When you look at women who have fatty tissue ... the pickup rate for cancer in those women is about 90%, but when you look at the women with dense tissue, the ability to find the cancer goes down to about 50%," said Dr. Murray Rebner, a Corewell Health diagnostic radiologist. "So that's a big difference, and that's why we recommend doing the extra testing."

The federal Mammography Quality Standards Act was amended by the Food and Drug Administration on Sept. 10, 2024. Under the new standards, all facilities must send patients a letter classifying their breast density after administering a mammogram.

If a patient's tissue is classified as dense, they must be informed that it can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, make it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram, and that other imaging may help find cancer. The letter must also encourage the patient to talk to their provider, according to the FDA.

People with dense breasts should undergo extra screening, in addition to a mammogram, Rebner said. Doctors like to tailor imaging for patients based on their overall lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, which is based on several factors, including tissue density and genetic predisposition, Rebner said.

Supplemental screening can range from ultrasounds to molecular breast imaging with radioactive dye, and MRIs, Rebner said. Some techniques, like contrast-enhanced mammography, are still under investigation but may prove to be almost as good as MRIs at finding breast cancers, Rebner said.

"For high-risk women, women who, let's say, have a greater than 20% lifetime risk of getting breast cancer, those patients we typically recommend doing MRIs on," Rebner said. "MRI is really, right now, the best test at finding the most number of cancers for women who need an additional screening test."

Often, physicians will recommend that patients undergo a breast cancer risk assessment if they have dense breast tissue, Mandava said.

"That will basically show if you are at high risk, and if you are, then there are supplemental tools," Mandava said. "You can get an MRI, you can do a whole breast ultrasound. There's a new modality coming out, or it has come out, but it's still new, called contrast-enhanced mammography."

Screening is currently the best tool available to fight breast cancer, Rebner said. Finding cancers earlier also allows physicians to treat them more efficiently, potentially avoiding chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or extensive surgeries, he said.

"The purpose of screening is to find breast cancer at its earliest point of development," Rebner said. "By finding cancers earlier on ... if you do that, you reduce mortality."

Additional screenings, out-of-pocket

Michigan is one of 14 states that has no insurance law for coverage of 3D or supplemental screening for breast cancer, according to Dense Breast Info.

Advocates such as Awad applaud the recent FDA mammography notification changes but say it's only the first step.

Awad, who lives in Ohio, said she was informed that she has dense breast tissue, and she pays an additional out-of-pocket fee for a more advanced mammogram. Not everyone is able to access additional screening methods, can afford out-of-pocket costs if their insurance doesn't cover it, or is aware of what their screening options beyond regular mammograms are, she said. Coverage varies by both state and insurance provider, Awad said.

"It's very important to not forget that everyone's accessibility to health care is different," Awad said. "While I might live or you might live in an area with high-quality and highly trained technicians ... not everyone does."

Coverage varies

In Michigan, coverage varies for additional screenings, which can range from $250 to $1,000 out-of-pocket for a breast MRI to $250 to $400 for a breast ultrasound.

Priority Health said they cover 3D mammography as a preventive measure, and have done so since Michigan's Breast Density Notification law passed in 2015.

"MRIs or whole-breast ultrasounds are used as part of diagnostic measures and may include member cost sharing," Priority Health said in a statement.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, which covers digital breast 3D mammography or 2D mammography starting at age 40, said its medical policies are also reviewed annually, or when significant evidence is released.

Michigan's Medicaid program, for low-income residents and some with disabilities, covers mammograms for screening purposes in accordance with guidelines from the American Cancer Society and United States Preventive Services Task Force, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said. But she said there "is not enough evidence for the Task Force to recommend for or against additional screening with breast ultrasound or MRI."

"Women are generally told that they have dense breasts after they've had a mammogram. These women deserve to know whether and how additional screening might help them stay healthy," the task force's recommendation, which was published last April, said. "... We are urgently calling for more research on whether and how additional screening might help women with dense breasts find cancers earlier."

Sutfin also said that Michigan Medicaid has a process to support coverage of diagnostic mammograms at different intervals, ages, or frequencies when needed.

Aetna said its coverage of supplemental breast imaging for both medical and preventive care complies with federal and state regulations, as well as plan-specific benefits, spokesman Phillip Brando wrote in an email.

Health Alliance Plan and Meridian did not respond to requests for comment.

A nonprofit is born

Hallowell, moved to act by her sister's diagnosis, founded a nonprofit called Operation Breast Density to educate people about what breast density is, how people can determine their breast density, and how to talk to their physician about it. The nonprofit also hosts an annual symposium to educate clinicians and raise funds to help people pay for supplemental imaging when their insurance doesn't cover it, she explained.

"Seeing someone that knew how to advocate for ... themselves and knew what should be done, and still they weren't given the correct service, I decided to start the nonprofit to educate women," Hallowell said.

People with a diagnosis of breast density from a mammogram within the last two years, and a prescription for supplemental imaging from their physician, can reach out to the nonprofit for financial assistance, Hallowell said. They partner with imaging companies across Michigan to provide the scans at discounted rates.

"It's a huge barrier; women are getting delayed diagnoses," Hallowell said.

Hallowell also pointed out that it is cheaper to pay for an ultrasound or MRI and catch a cancer early, rather than months or years of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

After undergoing chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy, Greaves is now in remission, Hallowell said.

"When women get that letter, really the first thing to do is to do their risk assessment, calculate their lifetime risk of breast cancer," Hallowell said. "If you have dense breasts, you need annual, so every year, you need something else to image your breasts, whether it's an ultrasound or an MRI, besides the mammogram."

2025 www.detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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CT scans are a common test used by radiologists to examine what's happening inside the body. These scans use a small amount of radiation, raising concerns that they could cause cancer.

Mark Supanich, Ph.D., director for diagnostic medical physics at Rush, sets the record straight.

"If you're getting a CT scan, you're getting it for a medical reason," says Supanich, who focuses on the safety and quality of CT scans at Rush. "And we have safety measures put in place to ensure we're getting the information we need to care for your condition, all while prioritizing your health and using the lowest amount of radiation that is reasonable."

What they're used for

A computerized tomography scan, more commonly known as a CT scan, is a quick, painless test that takes about 15 minutes. It uses X-rays and a computer to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including bones, blood vessels and soft tissues.

CT scans show more detail than regular X-rays and can help your doctor find problems like injuries, infections or tumors. They're also used to plan surgery, radiation therapy and other procedures and treatments.

"CT scans help doctors get fast, clear answers when it matters most. The scans can catch cancer early and even keep you from needing surgeries or other procedures by showing exactly what's going on," he says. "It's a tool that helps doctors make the best decisions for your care."

The risks

With any medical procedure, whether it's a simple blood draw or complex surgery, there's an element of risk.

During a CT scan, you're briefly exposed to a type of energy called ionizing radiation, Supanich explains. It's similar to the small amounts we're exposed to every day from cosmic rays, the ground, food and even the air we breathe.

Some studies have suggested a link between CT scan radiation and cancer, but Supanich says that research comes from studying people who were already exposed to very high levels of radiation, like survivors of the atomic bomb attacks in Japan. These studies often compare those high doses to the much lower doses used in CT scans, which he says is still an area of scientific debate.

"There isn't an established link between the two," Supanich says. "And the risks for anyone receiving a CT scan are minuscule compared to the current cancer rates."

Personalizing CT scans

During a CT scan, the machine can actually adjust the amount of radiation.

"When you come in for a CT scan, the imaging team will adjust the amount of radiation the system uses based on the reason you're getting a CT scan and your physical size," he says. "The machine will then automatically adjust based on those conditions to ensure you're getting the right level of radiation that is safe for you and your condition, while answering the question at hand."

Some health issues, like a small spot of cancer on the liver, for example, are harder to see on a scan than something like a kidney stone and require a higher level of radiation. At the same time, Supanich cautions that using too little radiation can be a problem.

"If the radiation dose is too low, you might not get a clear answer, and that's wasted radiation," he says. "The risk of missing something importantand early onis much higher than the small risk from the scan itself."

Your safety comes first

Imaging experts have worked for years to make sure CT scans are used safelyand only when needed, Supanich says.

"We're continuing to work hard to get the best image quality for each scan while using less radiation," he says. "And being able to offer the latest CT technology at Rush, helps us lower the dose even more."

If you have concerns about safety and your CT scan, Supanich suggests talking with your doctor about the reason for the exam.

"Find out how the CT scan will inform your diagnosis or treatment plan, and what question it's answering," he says. "And if you're able to get that answer, know that going through with the CT scan has a benefit that far outweighs any future risk, and that your doctor's priority is your health and safety."
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Graphical abstract Credit: Cell Metabolism (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.04.002

In his recent Netflix documentary, Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, tech millionaire Bryan Johnson reveals that he includes NAD precursors in his expansive supplement routine, totaling more than 50 pills a day.

There's a good reason for thatNAD is an essential molecule that cells use to generate energy and many other vital cellular processes. Levels in skeletal muscle decline by up to 30% with age, which has led to speculation that NAD supplementation can support health and counteract aging.

New research from the Treebak Group from the NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen suggests that it may be a waste of money. In a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, scientists found that reducing skeletal muscle NAD+ levels in mice by 85% did not accelerate aging or impair whole-body metabolism.

"Our results suggest that skeletal muscle can tolerate substantial NAD depletion without loss of function or accelerated aging," says Associate Professor Jonas Treebak, corresponding author of the study. "This challenges the prevailing view that NAD+ decline is a primary driver of muscle aging and frailty."

NAD helps mitochondria in cells produce energy in the form of ATP. However, scientists do not fully understand the extent to which the decline in NAD affects mitochondrial function and aging in general. For example, how low can NAD levels drop before an effect can be noticed?

Healthy skeletal muscle function not reliant on high NAD levels

To study these questions, the scientists created a special type of mouse whose NAD levels could be reduced specifically in skeletal muscle after they became adults. This allowed the scientists to test the effect on mature muscle, avoiding any confusion with how NAD might affect muscle as it develops.

Even though these mice had much lower NAD in their muscles, their muscle size, overall health, strength and exercise performance were all normal. Detailed studies of the cell's genes, proteins, mitochondria and DNA markers, called DNA methylation, remained normal despite the low NAD levels.

While the mice with low muscle NAD did show increased energetic stress during exercise and some minor changes in how they processed energy, the overall markers of their whole-body and muscle health stayed the same as regular mice, even after they lived their entire lives with low muscle NAD.

"Contrary to what might have been expected, healthy skeletal muscle function is not as reliant on high levels of NAD as previously thought. Importantly, our findings indicate that reducing muscle NAD levels well beyond the modest drops seen with normal aging does not cause muscle weakness or make the muscle age faster," says Sabina Chubanava, who carried out the research as a Ph.D. student and Postdoc in the Treebak Group.

More information: Sabina Chubanava et al, NAD depletion in skeletal muscle does not compromise muscle function or accelerate aging, Cell Metabolism (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.04.002 Journal information: Cell Metabolism
A judge told a Butte man Thursday that even though he was being sent to prison, he was fortunate to be alive and so were two Montana troopers he doused with bear spray following a high-speed chase in Butte.

Youre lucky youre standing here, thats all I can say, District Judge Frank Joseph told 29-year-old Colby Tanner Zier after he sentenced him to 20 years in the Montana State Prison.

Prosecutor Kaitlyn Lamb played police cam footage of the incident that shows the troopers getting sprayed as they approached Ziers car, which had stopped momentarily in an alley on the night of Feb. 14, 2024. Zier then took off again.

What bothers me most is after you sprayed these officers, they were incapacitated, said Joseph. I know you cant see anything. Everything is burning. Everything hurts. And then you backed up and took off again.

What scares me most is that one of these (troopers) is down on their hands and knees and youre going to run over them, he said.

That didnt happen but Lamb said it was a violent act nonetheless and Joseph agreed, saying it was really no different than shooting a gun.

Joseph agreed with Lambs recommendation and sentenced Zier to 10 years in prison for spraying one trooper, 10 years for spraying the other and 30 years for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, with 10 of those years suspended.

The sentences all run concurrently for a total of 20 years in Montana State Prison with 10 additional years suspended.

Ziers attorney, Josh Demers, said his client had taken responsibility and was apologetic but it was never his intention to cause them any type of death or fear of death in any way, shape or form.

Demers wanted a 20-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections with all but five years suspended, saying his client was 29 years old and had a checkered past but needed addictions treatment more than anything.

Mr. Zier made a terrible mistake, Demers said. Mr. Zier did the wrong thing in this situation. He doesnt disagree with that. I dont think theres any indication through his history or through this process or anything here that he deserves to spend the next 20 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, police were trying to locate a suspect vehicle outside a casino on Harrison Avenue that night when they spotted the car and tried to make a stop.

They say Zier drove into an alley behind Elm Street then drove directly at a troopers car and hit it. When that trooper got out, Zier rolled down his widow and sprayed both troopers with the bear spray.

Dispatch was advised that an officer was down but prosecutors say it was because of the bear spray, not because any gunshots were fired. Ziers car was blocked for a moment but he got traction and took off again.

He soon ran over spike strips, lost control of the car on Garfield Street, bailed out and fled on foot. Shoe prints in the snow gave him away and he was found laying under the deck of a house.

He was wearing empty holsters for a knife and gun but a .357 revolver was found in his car, along with $1,170 in cash, small baggies, bear-spray caps, four pills and powder suspected to be fentanyl, prosecutors say.

Lamb said since that night, Zier has had 24 behavioral writeups at the Butte-Silver Bow jail and told an interviewer who conducted his presentence report that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I sprayed my way to get out.

The defendant wasnt in the wrong place at the wrong time, Lamb told Judge Joseph on Thursday. He created it.

She said Zier had committed two violent offenses, injured two officers and had fentanyl with intentions of dealing it.

We have seen the damage fentanyl has had on this community and it is not a victimless crime, Lamb said.

Joseph asked Zier if he wanted to say anything to the court but he declined.
After being held by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for nearly a week, a Venezuelan man who was detained in Whitefish and sent to an out-of-state facility was released Wednesday evening with no explanation, the Montana State News Bureau has learned.

What started as a traffic stop on Whitefishs Highway 93 turned into a days-long stint in federal custody and a terrifying experience for Beker Rengifo del Castillo, who arrived in the country last year under a legal immigration status.

He spent at least four nights in the ICE detention center in Tacoma, Washington, before being told he could leave Wednesday around 6 p.m. with no further explanation about his detainment.

Andrea Sweeney, a Missoula-based immigration attorney representing Rengifo, who called the detention "unlawful," confirmed that federal authorities had given no explanation as to why he had been taken into custody. She did not get a heads up that he was set to be released, and there had been no charges filed.

Were all just scratching our heads this morning and wondering what happened, Sweeney said on Thursday.

Rengifo told the Montana State News Bureau on Wednesday evening he was surprised when one of the officers inside the detention center told him he was free to go. He was given a bag with his clothing, but his drivers license and other documents were not immediately returned at that time, he said.

Attorney: Man legally in Montana taken into immigration custody in Whitefish This is the first case in Montana that a Missoula immigration attorney is aware of involving a person with lawful status being detained by federal immigration authorities.

I was very scared, Rengifo said. I was nervous about what would happen. (Interviews were conducted in Spanish and translated into English for publication.)

ICE did not respond to requests for comment about why Rengifo had been released or why he was detained in the first place.

Rengifo was pulled over on April 24 by the Whitefish Police Department while driving home from work. An incident report from the law enforcement agency says it was a traffic stop, but provides no further details. According to Rengifo, his attorney and an eyewitness, law enforcement officials said the original pullover was due to a broken tail light.

Whitefish PD did not respond to requests to provide additional detail on the nature of the stop.

An online database run by ICE registered Rengifo as being in federal custody starting last Friday; there was no record of his ever being held Wednesday evening within hours of his release.

Immigration authorities did not respond to questions about whether erasure of a persons record is typical practice or if any information about his case is available to the public.

Documents show Rengifo came legally to the United States through a Biden-era humanitarian parole program set aside for Venezuelans and migrants from three other countries. The Trump White House tried to revoke this status through an executive order, but a federal judge halted the measure, meaning humanitarian parolees are still legally allowed to be in the country.

The Department of Homeland Security granted Rengifos application for work authorization on Aug. 13, 2024, giving him permission to work in the country until July 14, 2026, and other documents reveal Rengifo had a pending asylum application and had been scheduled for a biometrics appointment  an early step in that process  the same week he was detained.

A relative of Rengifo, whose name is being kept private for fear of retaliation, said the experience has made him think there is no guarantee that having all the right documents will protect someone from being scooped up by federal immigration authorities.

But if I stay home because of the fear, I cant make any money, he said, noting he has family to take care of in Montana and back in Venezuela.

As reported by the Montana State News Bureau last week, text messages from Rengifo around the time of the WPD stop suggest the police called border patrol officers within minutes of pulling him over.

Law enforcement agencies are required to provide translation services to people who dont speak English, and local immigration authorities are considered a suitable option for doing so.

Immigration has become a focal point of the Trump Administration since it took over earlier this year, and that rhetoric has made its way to the Flathead Valley, where a flurry of arrests made in recent weeks have put more eyes on immigrants in the community.

According to Rengifo, he was handed off to Whitefish Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before being transported in the back of a vehicle from Whitefish to Tacoma by way of two other detention sites. They picked up other detainees along the way, reaching a total of six people headed to the federal ICE facility in Tacoma, he said.

During the roughly day-long trip, Rengifo said he was not given any food or water.

The thirst was the worst, Rengifo said. There were too many thoughts going through my head to be hungry.

He recalls feeling scared and desperate because he didnt know what would happen or if hed be sent back to Venezuela. Rengifo couldnt speak with his family there or his relatives who live in Montana, he said.

Neither CBP nor ICE responded to questions about the conditions.

Washington resident Jane Gill caught wind of what had happened through social media and some personal connections she has in the Flathead Valley. Though she had never met Rengifo, Gill was so appalled at the situation that she decided to go visit Rengifo in the ICE center.

She was able to visit twice, speaking to Rengifo from the other side of a plastic barrier with the help of a translator from a local advocacy group.

Gill said Rengifo looked scared and perplexed the first time they met, even worse for wear after a night spent up with stomach pain and vomiting. But by the second day, Gill noticed he was a bit more upbeat, having had the chance to change clothes and eat food.

News of Rengifos release surprised Gill, who hustled over to the detention facility. They celebrated at McDonald's, where Rengifo ordered a combo meal and lemonade.

Rengifo intends to make his way back to Whitefish in the next couple days, but things will be different. He hopes to get a new job closer to where he lives because hes very afraid hell get stopped by the police again. (Rengifo lives in Kalispell but would drive to his construction job in Whitefish most days).

Even with everything that has happened, I am still grateful to be in this country, he said.
What started as a modest $100,000 measure to bolster trade relations between Montana and Ireland has transformed into a multi-million-dollar mammoth landing place for a slew of ideas, including some that didnt have the support to survive on their own at the Montana Legislature.

As House Bill 863, sponsored by Conrad Republican Rep. Llew Jones, snaked through the Legislature, it picked up all kinds of bells and whistles  a few hundred thousand dollars for historic preservation, funds for recruitment that will flow through the governors office and much more.

Once a six-page proposal, HB 863, which cleared its final legislative vote on the last day of the 2025 session Wednesday, became a twenty-pager that touches many corners of Montana law. In some Capitol circles, its earned the nickname the Irish Twin, a tribute to its origin and newfound resemblance to the state's primary budget bill.

Some of whats in HB 863 was voted down by lawmakers during the session and was brought back through this receptacle. Other parts are designed to fix mistakes made earlier in the session, said Jones, the chief engineer of the states budget and chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

Its an empty vessel to solve the problems at the end of the session, Jones said. There were just pieces that fell off the plate that we needed to reach out and pick back up.

Though this technique is tried-and-true in the twilight of a session, HB 863 did not split lawmakers along party lines; it incited ire and gained support from both sides of the aisle. Critics say its emblematic of savvy legislators exploiting loopholes in the bill-making process to push through priorities and a less transparent way to balloon an already-hefty state budget.

Missoula Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr said she felt like the line items were really good policy, but could not support it.

I'm really concerned here about the way the process was done. I think it does a great disservice to the people of Montana, Zephyr said. I can tell it's probably time to sine die when I find myself nodding along with the folks on the far right.  Its probably time to go home back to Missoula and recharge.

Nothing is dead until sine die

At the Montana Legislature, theres a saying that nothing is dead until sine die (the procedural term for final adjournment). That's because items from bills that were voted down can be worked into others that are still alive  exactly as happened with HB 863.

Alarmed by what they described as a lack of public input, some legislators who signed on as cosponsors in the bills early days have withdrawn their support.

Rep. Bill Mercer, a Billings Republican, said he was really sorry he put his name on the bill. He lamented how the largest changes to the bill were made on the Senate floor, not in a place where there was time to air out ideas or hear from the public.

Other Republicans called the process disgusting and disturbing.

Supporters argued the items that had been in other bills already had public hearings, and that its standard for public scrutiny to wane later in the session when committees meet less frequently.

Senate Finance and Claims Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, conceded that shell bills are a common tool, but took issue with how late changes were added, meaning legislators knew little about the behemoth they chose to pass.

We have no idea what were passing, he said. Its embarrassing.

Line items

Republican Gov. Greg Gianfortes budget office was a major winner in HB 863.

It received $350,000 in general fund dollars to study executive agency functions, including how state-owned health care facilities operate, and nearly $26 million from a variety of funding sources to develop a recruitment and retention contingency fund to help with employee turnover at government agencies.

Those in favor of the proposal, including Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula, say they see the forest for the trees.

Theres nothing in the bill I find objectionable, he said, pointing to the need for more money to address employee turnover. I think its insane rhetoric around this bill.

That money has been subject of back-and-forths between the executive and the Legislature throughout the session, and was ultimately cut from the budget before being weaved back into law through HB 863.

Critics described the bill as a black box and shiny thing, whereas supporters characterized it as responsible and good business practice.

Lawmakers had also previously decided there wasnt room in House Bill 2, the states main budget bill, for a $7.4 million proposal to fund community-based mental health evaluations ordered by the courts. They found a place for it in HB 863.

Rep. Fiona Nave, R-Columbus called it outrageous that the bills architects wanted to use the money for these purposes instead of taking care of citizens of Montana.

HB 863 contains smaller projects, too, often put there with little explanation: tourist bed tax money to renovate the Miles City Train Depot; half-a-million dollars for historic commission projects at Helenas Reeders Alley and Virginia Citys Grace Methodist Church; and a cost-of-living study.

The money for the recruitment, retention and cost of living study spurred AFL-CIO and its affiliate the Montana Federation for Public Employees to lobby multiple lawmakers to back the proposal.

The drama

The heavy hand and far-reaching influence of Jones (the majority leader called him a powerhouse and said Wednesday were going to be talking about Rep. Jones for 20-30 years from now) was ever-present in discussions about HB 863.

In the Senate, floor debates devolved into what has become well-trod commentary on the rifts between two major factions in the chamber  23 hardline Republicans and the remaining 27 senators, 18 Democrats and nine GOP allies.

There was particular focus on the inability of Sen. Josh Kassmier, a Republican from Fort Benton and ringleader of The Nine, to explain his hefty changes to the bill.

Kassmier has worked as Jones counterpart in the Senate for HB 863, which passed through the chamber 28-21 last week.

Over in the House, opponents put up more of a fight. It took multiple floor votes to get HB 863 across the finish line, though Jones never publicly broke a sweat.

One Republican lawmaker encouraged her colleagues not to vote for the bill just because Jones told them it was a good proposal.

The pleas werent enough to sway a majority of the body to vote against the bill  and, by extension, Jones.

HB 863 passed the House 55-45 on Wednesday and now heads to Gianforte for his approval.
Joining a medical first responder organization may not be the most obvious choice for Eagles looking to become involved in student groups. But for those on the Emory Emergency Medical Service (EEMS) team, its an experience unlike any other with folks who become family.

This spring, EEMS outstanding work has been recognized with four different awards, in addition to Director Sam Shartar earning the Georgia EMS Director of the Year.

At the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA) ceremony, EEMS was named Georgia Emergency Medical Service of the Year. The award is given to a service that exemplifies outstanding professionalism on the local, regional and state levels, as well as service to the community. Specifically, its given to those who go above and beyond the call of duty, whether in community engagement or the delivery of patient care.

This award is really in recognition of all the volunteers, including past ones starting in 1992, says Martinna Roldan, chief of Emory EMS. We have a lot of alumni who helped make this program what it is, and this award is the culmination of everyones work.

Roldan, an international student from Ecuador, is a senior studying economics and human health. As chief, she oversees the entire agency  a team of more than 70 volunteers who operate under Emorys Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR). During her first year at Emory, a friend had a scooter accident and EEMS answered the 911 call.

I was amazed at how compassionate and professional they were as they guided us through things, she remembers. I asked if they were doctors, and they said no but they were here to take care of us. Since the application period had closed, she joined the next year, as soon as she could.

Roldan, who began her studies on the premed track, explains that EEMS changed her goals. She now wants to pursue emergency management.

EEMS has shaped my career, she says. After working very closely with CEPAR and Sam, and just being behind the scenes of a big agency, I want to pursue emergency management and strengthen the system for patients and providers. You cannot take care of others if youre not first taking care of yourself and your community. I love that EEMS has taught me that.

Alex Dolle, the division chief of training and education and incoming chief of EEMS, also had an early encounter with the group.

Now a junior majoring in human health and on the premed track, he stayed at the Emory Conference Center Hotel while touring Emory during high school and could see the EEMS vehicles stationed at the headquarters. He was already working as an EMT in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, so was qualified to join EEMS. Before I even oriented to Emory, I was here a week early with the EMS and building community there. It was incredible and a quick way to become part of Emorys community.

As the person who wrote the application for GEMSA, Dolle was clued in a few seconds early that EEMS had won the top title based on the verbiage the announcers were using. I started filming and Ill always remember the gasps and the look on everyones faces, he says. We were up against some great services, including Grady EMS, and it was overwhelming to know that all our hard work has gotten us this external recognition.

Excelling at the collegiate level

The group also earned multiple recognitions at the collegiate level during the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) ceremony. There, EEMS was awarded EMS Ready Campus: Silver Tier, HEARTSafe Campus and Collegiate EMS Week Celebration of the Year.

Rachel Goldberg, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the division chief of support services. The senior, majoring in neuroscience and behavioral biology, was in charge of the applications  and she knew going for five awards would be a stretch. To win three awards after spearheading our applications was so happy and fulfilling. I think I actually cried when it was announced.

The NCEMSF awards also represent the hard work of many. The HEARTSafe campus certification requires confirming that more than 5% of the campus population is certified in CPR, an endeavor only made possible through the dedication to community education and widely available classes.

While EEMS had already obtained EMS Ready Campus status at the bronze level, the group was determined to move up a tier.

That required more training, extra certifications, incident command drills and activation of emergency protocols, and additional events. It was a big undertaking by the training and education division, says Goldberg.

And winning the Collegiate EMS Week Celebration of the Year?

That just goes to show how much these volunteers love their community. While the majority of that week focused on thanking community partners, Friday was an internal celebration. We spent most of the week thanking other people and we wanted the last day to be something for our volunteers, for all the work they do for us, says Goldberg.

EEMS biggest fan

Most participants are only EEMS members for three or four years, but Shartar has ushered multiple groups of students through the experience. Its an honor to be nominated and awarded Director of the Year (at GEMSA), but it was even more meaningful because the students nominated me, he says.

Roldan explains that Shartars nomination was a no-brainer, thanks to his mentorship.

Hes always been our biggest advocate and number one fan. Hes the steady, experienced voice we often need in such a leadership role at this young age. He gives us the freedom to lead while offering the guidance and wisdom he has to help us grow, Roldan says. Hes passionate about what we do and that passion is contagious. He deserves recognition for the hours hes poured into EEMS.

Cementing his status as top fan, Shartar says he was most excited to watch the students be recognized.

They put in a lot of work, he says, and its been great to see that recognition grow and its outstanding that the remarkable amount of work theyre doing is being recognized.

He points to the fact that EEMS is both staffed and managed by students who are caring for their peers and can facilitate effective peer education. What theyre doing is a textbook example of servant leadership.

Photos provided by Emory EMS
Start with a handful of restless teenage girls in a small Georgia town.

Add a splash of Salem witch trials and a hefty dose of #MeToo. Mix it all together with an infectious dance sequence, and what do you get?

Answer: Seven Tony Award nominations for a play written by Emory playwright Kimberly Belflower, assistant professor of dramatic writing in the theater studies and creative writing programs.

Just weeks into an acclaimed Broadway run, Belflowers John Proctor is the Villain is nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

In Tony nominations announced May 1, the play also received nods for Best Direction of a Play, for Dayna Taymor; Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, for Sadie Sink; Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play, for Gabriel Ebert; and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, for Fina Strazza.

Rounding out the Tony nominations for John Proctor are Best Sound Design of a Play, for Palmer Hefferan, and Best Lighting Design of a Play, for Natasha Katz and Hannah Wasileski.

"I grew up in a small town in rural Appalachian Georgia; as a teenager, and for a long time after, I felt like I needed to shed my Southern-ness to be taken seriously as an artist, Belflower told People magazine. For 'John Proctor is the Villain,' a play about Southern teenage girls, to be nominated for seven Tony awards is so special I can hardly believe it.

She has previously described John Proctor as a play that came from my guts and my home and has been held by so many people on its journey.

The Tony Awards recognize excellence in live theater in 26 categories. Best Play winners through the years include Death of a Salesman, Long Days Journey into Night, Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Angels in America.

This years Tony winners will be announced on Sunday, June 8.

If Belflowers play wins a Tony, shell join Emory alumnus Jonathan Demar in the Tony Award pantheon. Demar, who graduated with a bachelors degree in music in 2013, has earned four Tonys for Broadway plays hes co-produced.

He also co-produced John Proctor is the Villain.

Demar said hes excited that Belflowers play is getting the recognition it deserves.

The play is hitting a zeitgeist that rarely we see Broadway hit, he said, and I'm thrilled to be associated with something that happens to be written by someone who teaches at Emory.

An urgent new play

Since its April 14 debut at the Booth Theatre, John Proctor is the Villain has garnered no small amount of social media buzz as well as critical acclaim. A review by the New York Times called it an urgent new play about a group of students battling for the right to be the narrators of their own lives.

The play has also received four Drama Desk Award nominations, including Outstanding Direction of a Play, for Taymor; Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play, for Amalia Yoo; and Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play, for Katz.

Set in 2018, the work follows a group of high-school girls assigned to read The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The situation escalates when they start to notice connections among events in their own lives and the burgeoning #MeToo movement, as well as the Salem witch trials described in Millers play.

Belflower wrote John Proctor is a Villian after reading about the witch trials, just before the explosion of accusations of sexual harassment and assault that became the #MeToo movement.

Before its Broadway premiere, John Proctor enjoyed critically lauded runs at Studio Theater in Washington, D.C., and Huntington Theatre in Boston.

Belflowers previous plays include Gondal, Lost Girl (winner of the Kennedy Center Darrell Ayers Playwriting Award), The Sky Game and Only Reason (formerly titled Teen Girl FANtasies and co-written by Megan Tabaque). Her work has been commissioned, produced and developed by theaters around the country.
Nearly 2,000 students will be honored at SIU Carbondales commencement exercises

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The academic achievements of nearly 2,000 Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will be celebrated during spring 2025 commencement exercises May 9-10.

Festivities start with the SIU Simmons Law School commencement on Friday, May 9, at Shryock Auditorium. On Saturday, May 10, Banterra Center will hold two commencement ceremonies.

As of mid-April, there are 1,971 candidates for degrees and certificates, including 1,299 candidates for bachelors degrees, 419 candidates for masters degrees, 100 candidates for doctoral degrees, 71 law degree candidates, 81 candidates for associate degrees and three candidates  two of whom are also completing degrees  for undergraduate certificates.

There are two 78-year-old degree candidates, three 19-year-old degree candidates and a 20-year-old masters degree candidate from Benton, Illinois, who earned her bachelors degree in agribusiness economics in May 2024. The candidates represent 13 different countries.

Commencement shows how Salukis imagine what is possible and then achieve it, said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. It is such a proud moment for our graduating students and their families, which is why its my favorite time of year. I look forward to seeing the many smiling faces on students faces and hearing a lot of applause and cheers from their loved ones.

There is no ticketing for guests, and guest seating for all of the ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed at commencement.siu.edu/videos. The video stream will begin 15 minutes before each May 10 ceremony begins.

Here is the ceremony schedule and honorary degree and distinguished service award recipients where applicable.

Saturday, May 10

9 a.m.  College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences; College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics; College of Arts and Media, and the School of Education

Edward M. Benyas, who was at SIU Carbondale for 29 years and is now executive director of the Cascade Symphony Orchestra in Edmonds, Washington. Benyas is founder and director of the Southern Illinois Music Festival, which will celebrate its 21st year May 23-June 8, 2025. Benyas will receive a Distinguished Service Award in association with the College of Arts and Media.

1 p.m.  College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Business and Analytics, College of Liberal Arts, and the School of Medicine (SOM Ph.D. and masters degrees only).

Reginald E. Petty, an advocate for social justice and international development for decades that includes working for the Peace Corps, is a two-degree SIU Carbondale alumnus  earning a bachelors degree in sociology in 1956 and a masters degree in secondary education in 1963. Petty will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in association with the College of Liberal Arts.

Medallions, honor cords and veterans cords reflect achievement

A total of 567 students who are participating in commencement exercises will wear special medallions and honor cords during the ceremonies that reflect significant academic achievement.

Among the students earning recognition:

260 will receive cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.749.

151 will receive magna cum laude distinction, signifying a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.899.

156 students will receive summa cum laude distinction, carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.9 to 4.0.

85 students will earn degrees with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

57 University Honors Program students will receive a certificate for completing 18 honors credit hours while maintaining a 3.3 GPA; four of those students also completed a 3-IN

28 Saluki student-athletes will earn Latin honors, and two student-athletes will also receive an honors program certificate.

In addition, graduating students in active military service or military veterans will wear red, white and blue cords provided by the university in recognition of their sacrifice, commitment and service to our country.

More information is available at commencement.siu.edu.
The share of Assets Under Management (AUM) from India's top cities and states saw a marginal decline during the quarter ended March 2025, according to a report by Geojit. The report highlighted a dip in overall AUM across the country, with notable shifts in both equity and debt fund contributions from different regions. As per the data, the AUM share of India's Top-10 cities stood at 62.19 per cent as of March 2025, slightly down from 62.25 per cent in the previous quarter. A year ago, this figure was 62.14 per cent, while it was 64.18 per cent two years ago and 66.26 per cent three years back. Despite this overall dip, Mumbai and Delhi saw a growth of 0.11 per cent in their AUM share, reaching 39.65 per cent of the total Pan-India AUM. This share was 39.37 per cent in March 2024, 41.23 per cent in March 2023, and 43.49 per cent in March 2022. The report said, "Indian MF industry's Top-10 cities' AUM share marginally declined during the quarter ended Mar '25. Mumbai and Delhi's AUM share grew" The report also noted a decline in the AUM share of the Top-30 cities, which came down to 69.64 per cent from 69.81 per cent in the previous quarter. This is similar to levels recorded a year ago. However, the AUM share from cities ranked 30 to 100 saw a marginal increase to 7.12 per cent, up from 7.10 per cent in the previous quarter and 7.04 per cent a year ago. In terms of equity AUM, most states witnessed a decline during the quarter. Among the Top-15 states, Telangana, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu recorded lower equity AUM. Other states such as Mizoram, Tripura, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli also saw a decline, albeit from a lower base. States like Goa, Puducherry, Jharkhand, and Punjab experienced a sharper fall in equity AUM. On the debt side, New Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab performed relatively better among the Top-15 states. In the smaller states and union territories, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, and Mizoram recorded higher growth in debt AUM. Conversely, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat saw a sharper decline. Overall, the report noted that total AUM declined across the states during the quarter. Among the Top-15, New Delhi, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu managed to restrict the fall to a lesser extent. Among the others, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep performed better, while Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, and Puducherry witnessed a larger fall in AUM. (ANI)
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 1: IIFL Finance, a leading non-banking financial company today said that the company is listed among India's Top 25 Best WorkplacesTM in BFSI for the year 2025 by Great Place To Work India. This marks a significant leap from last year's ranking among Top 50 in BFSI -- a true reflection of the amazing culture IIFL Finance has built. IIFL Finance is also Great Place To Work Certified in India for the period between February 2025 - February 2026. This marks 'Great Place to Work' recognition for IIFL Finance for the seventh time in a row. Great Place to Work (GPTW) certification is the gold standard in terms of employer branding in the industry. Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions. "Our people are the heart of IIFL Finance and the key to our success. This double achievement is not just a badge of honor -- it is a celebration of hard work, trust, and dedication that has shaped our inclusive, performance-driven culture. At IIFL Finance, we are committed to creating a supportive and innovative environment where our employees can thrive, through our core values - Fairness, Integrity and Transparency. We focus on continuous Growth, Inclusivity, and Collaboration, ensuring everyone feels valued and empowered. We are proud of this achievement and will continue to strive for excellence in the NBFC sector." Ms. Preeti Kannan, CHRO, IIFL Finance The certification is a culmination of rigorous assessment methodology of the Great Place to Work Institute and employee feedback. IIFL Finance scored 89 in terms of Trust Index, credibility management and respect for people segments, while fairness at work place and camaraderie between people also scored a high 88. The 'pride' score was a high 90. The pride dimension measures employees' sense of pride in their work by assessing the feelings employees have toward their jobs, team or work group, and the company. At IIFL, a caring work environment is about nurturing a culture of trust, respect, and belonging. It's about empowering employees, recognizing their contributions, and fostering a sense of purpose. This intangible asset translates directly into tangible benefits - higher customer satisfaction, improved operational efficiency, and, ultimately, a stronger financial performance. About IIFL Finance IIFL Finance Ltd is one of the leading retail focused diversified NBFC in India, engaged in the business of loans and mortgages along with its subsidiaries - IIFL Home Finance Limited and IIFL Samasta Finance Limited. IIFL Finance, (along with its subsidiaries), offers a wide spectrum of products such as Home loan, Gold loan, Business loan, Microfinance, Capital Market finance and Developer & Construction finance to a vast customer base of over 8 million+ customers. IIFL Finance has widened its Pan-India reach through extensive network of branches spread across the country and various digital channels. About Great Place To Work Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Their mission is to help every placebecome a great place to work for all. Their recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Their proprietary methodology and platform enable organizations to truly capture, analyze, and understand the experience of all employees. Our groundbreaking research empowers organizations to build cultures that retain talet and unlock the potential of every employee. Since 1992, their Certification, Best Workplaces Lists, and global benchmarks have become the industry standard, built on data from more than 100 millionemployees in 150 countries around the world. Media Contact - Sourav Mishra | Head of Corporate Communications | IIFL | sourav.mishra@iifl.com (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)
The Ministry of Development of North-East Region stated on Thursday that meetings held on April 30 were aimed at promoting investment in the North Eastern Region ahead of the upcoming "Rising Northeast Summit 2025," scheduled to take place in New Delhi on May 23-24 at Bharat Mandapam.

A statement from the Mnistry said, "The Union Minister held a series of meetings in Mumbai on Wednesday (April 30, 2025), with leading industrialists, including Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries), Kumar Mangalam Birla (Aditya Birla Group), and N. Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons)".

The industrialists expressed interest in exploring opportunities in the Northeast.

Scindia highlighted the government's strategic plan to develop the Northeast as India's new growth engine.

"The goal is to integrate the eight states into one unified development goal as India's growth engine," he said during the interactions.

He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in bringing sustainable development to the region.

The minister also spoke about several initiatives taken by MDoNER, including the creation of a High-Level Task Force with the Chief Ministers of all eight North eastern states and the establishment of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in each state to facilitate private sector investment.

Dharmvir Jha, Statistical Advisor to the Ministry of DoNER, also gave a presentation to industry leaders. He outlined various investment opportunities available in the Northeast, focusing on region-specific sectors such as agro-based industries, textiles, and tourism.

The meetings in Mumbai form part of a larger effort to build momentum ahead of the Rising Northeast Summit 2025. The summit will bring together investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders to unlock the economic potential of the region.

With growing interest from major industrial houses, the government is hopeful that the Northeast will emerge as a major destination for investments in the near future. (ANI)
NewsVoir Manipal (Karnataka) [India], May 1: Manipal Group of Institutions celebrated the 127th birth anniversary of its founder Dr TMA Pai in solemn and respectful ceremony held at Manipal on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Paying rich tributes to the remarkable legacy of Dr TMA Pai on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Justice S Abdul Nazeer, His Excellency the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, described him as a 'legendary visionary' whose pioneering efforts in education and healthcare have transformed lives and continue to inspire generations. He remembered Dr. Pai as a multi-faceted personality, an educationist, banker, philanthropist, and a true nation builder. "Dr. Pai believed that poverty could be eradicated by eliminating illiteracy and ill health. Dr. Pai is a true Karma Yogi. He viewed educated children not just as assets to their families, but as the pillars of a progressive nation," he added. On a heartfelt personal note, the Governor also shared his connection to Dr. Pai's legacy. "I am a proud alumnus of Mahaveera College at Moodbidri, an institution founded by Dr. T.M.A. Pai. His vision shaped my educational journey and career," he said. The celebration was also attended by dignitaries from the Manipal Group comprising of Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Trust, Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust, Registrar, Academy of General Education & Chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), Bengaluru, Mr T Ashok Pai, President of Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal, Mr T Satish U Pai, Executive Chairman, Manipal Media Network Ltd., & Vice President, AGE, Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE & President, AGE, Manipal, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal. The event was also graced by several senior officials from the Manipal Group, making it a significant celebration of Dr TMA Pai's lasting legacy. Each year Manipal Group of Institutions celebrates Founder's Day on April 30th on his birth anniversary to honor and remember the legacy of Dr TMA Pai, the visionary founder of the Manipal Group, who transformed the once barren hilltop of Manipal into a globally renowned educational hub. This year's celebration featured several programs, beginning with a heartfelt floral tribute to Dr TMA Pai by all the distinguished guests and dignitaries. Welcoming the august gathering, Dr HS Ballal, President-AGE Manipal & Pro Chancellor-MAHE, said, "We are reminded of the extraordinary vision of our founder Dr TMA Pai that has shaped not just an institution, but an entire educational ecosystem. Dr Pai's anticipation into establishing self-financing educational institutions in the 1950s was revolutionary for its time and continues to inspire our approach to education today. Today, as we honor his memory, we entrust ourselves to his principles of accessible quality education, innovation, and service to society that have become the traditional hallmark of the Manipal experience." Addressing the audience, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said, "As we celebrate the 127th birth anniversary of our founder, Dr TMA Pai, we reflect on a legacy that continues to guide our institution's mission and vision. Dr Pai's remarkable journey from establishing a single medical college to creating this comprehensive educational ecosystem exemplifies what visionary leadership can accomplish. His basic belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic differences, remains central to the base of our institution. In the past year, we have further strengthened our commitment to this vision through expanded scholarship programs, research initiatives addressing societal challenges, and international collaborations that provide our students with global perspectives." The event featured several award presentations, including the "Kundapur Mohan and Latha Bhandarkars' Merit-cum-Means Scholarships", the "Smt. Sharada M Pai - Dr Padma Rao Memorial Award" for the Best Nursing and Anganwadi Service, the "Smt. Sharada M Pai - Dr Padma Rao A- MMS Diamond Jubilee Award" for the Best Female Warden/Caretaker (Non-Teaching Staff), and the "Smt. Geetha K Nayak Memorial Award" for the Senior Nurses of Kasturba Hospital. The event also honored rank holders from AGE Colleges, recipients of Kadambi Scholarships, and Manipal Scholars. Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology & Science, MAHE, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to making the celebration a success. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable academic track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life and for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent. (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)
SMPL New Delhi [India], May 1: Symbiosis Law School, Pune, and Symbiosis Centre for Advanced Legal Studies & Research (SCALSAR), SIU, in association with Symbiosis Law Schools in NOIDA, Hyderabad, and Nagpur, proudly hosted the 13th Symbiosis Annual International Research Conference (SYMROLIC 2025) on "Rule of Law in Context: Just World Order, Digital Life, AI, and Emerging Technologies" on April 25th and 26th, 2025. The event commenced with a solemn moment of condolence for the lives lost in the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, as the gathering expressed heartfelt solidarity with the victims and their families. This was followed by the ceremonial watering of a Bilwa sapling, symbolizing growth and peace. The conference was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis Society, and Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University); Prof. Dr. Amar Pal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow; Prof. Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Fulbright Scholar, Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Dean, Faculty of Law, SIU, and Jean Monnet Chair (EUC_LAMP co-funded by EU), who delivered the welcome address; Dr. Paul McConnell, Professor of Global Legal Education, Birmingham Law School; and Ambassador (Retd.) K P Fabian, who joined the event virtually. Directors from Symbiosis Law Schools in NOIDA, Hyderabad, and Nagpur also participated, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the Symbiosis family. A key highlight of the inaugural session was the felicitation of SLSP alumni, Mr. Moksh Ranawat (AIR 215), Mr. Devansh Saraswat (AIR 374), and Ms. Rupal Jaiswal (AIR 512), for their remarkable achievement in clearing the Civil Service Examination 2024. Mr. Moksh Ranawat, present in person with his family, addressed the gathering and fondly recalled the instrumental role played by Symbiosis Law School in shaping his journey. The event also featured the release of the SLSP E-Newsletter LexEt (July-December 2024), an Abstract Compilation for SYMROLIC 2025, and the unveiling of the book "International Law in Pursuit of Global Justice," edited by Dr. Shashikala Gurpur and Aakarsh Banyal. The book evaluates the influence of international law on India and its positioning in the global world order, while presenting a roadmap for India's pursuit of global justice. The plenary sessions set the tone for the conference, with Dr. Ketan Kotecha delivering a compelling talk on AI's transformative impact, Dr. Subhojit Basu discussing global regulatory challenges, and Prof. Dr. Shashikala Gurpur outlining the conference theme. Workshops on AI in arbitration and internationalization of legal curricula further enriched the academic discourse. The conference received over 110 research paper submissions from prestigious universities, including the University of Oxford, of which 68 were selected for presentation across six tracks. The tracks covered diverse themes such as human behavior in law, business and trade, international law, public governance, and the intersection of law with innovation, science, and technology. The valedictory session marked the culmination of the two-day conference. Prof. Dr. Shashikala Gurpur delivered the concluding remarks, reflecting on the event's success and its contribution to advancing legal research and education. Dr. YSR Murthy, Vice Chancellor, Royal Global University, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in AI governance and the need for a global treaty on AI regulation. Adv. Dinyar Jalnawalla was felicitated for his contributions to the legal field and his generous donation of books to the institution. The winners of the research tracks were announced during the valedictory session: * Track 1: Arunbaby Stephen (NUALS Kochi) * Track 2: Aditya Singh and Dr. Atmaram Shelke (SLS Pune) * Track 3: B. Namita Varshini (SLS Pune) * Track 4: Ankit Srivastava (SLS NOIDA) * Track 5A: Vipra Daswani and Mithika Kataki (SLS Pune) * Track 5B: Anushka Sahu and Dr. Ujwal Nandekar (SLS Pune) * Track 6: Sejal Verma, Farhana Sayed, Prof. Abhijit Mitra, and Dr. Aparajita Mohanty (SLS Pune) The conference concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Atmaram Shelke, Associate Professor, SLS Pune, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, dignitaries, speakers, panelists, faculty members, and all participants for their contributions to the success of SYMROLIC 2025. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SMPL New Delhi [India], May 1: Symbiosis Law School, Pune is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of three of its alumni who have successfully cleared the prestigious UPSC 2024 Civil Services Examination. Their success is a reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and the institution's commitment to nurturing excellence. Moksh Ranawat, from the 2017-22 batch, has brought great pride to the institution by securing an exceptional All India Rank (AIR) 215. His hard work and commitment to his goals have been truly commendable. Devansh Saraswat, a distinguished alumnus from the 2016-21 batch, has achieved an outstanding All India Rank (AIR) 374. His dedication and academic brilliance have been exemplary, and his success serves as an inspiration for many aspiring civil servants. Rupal Jaiswal has secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 512 in her second attempt. Her determination and focused efforts have led her to this significant milestone, making the Symbiosis family immensely proud. Symbiosis Law School, Pune has always been committed to fostering a culture of excellence. The institution systematically inducts and orients students who show interest in public services, facilitates mentor links, and emphasizes policy reform and governance research. These initiatives aim to provide a strong foundation for students aspiring to contribute to the nation through public service. The entire Symbiosis family extends heartfelt congratulations to Moksh, Devansh, and Rupal for their incredible achievements. We wish them the very best as they embark on this noble journey of serving the nation. May they continue to inspire others and make a meaningful impact in their respective roles. Symbiosis Law School, Pune, remains dedicated to empowering its students and alumni to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the betterment of society. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 9 million units in domestic sales since the company's inception in 1996. The announcement comes as HMIL marks a strong start to the new fiscal year with total sales of 60,774 units in April 2025, including 44,374 units sold in the domestic market and 16,400 units exported. This milestone underscores Hyundai's steady growth and deepening presence in the Indian automobile market over nearly three decades. Notably, the company's export operations continue to flourish, with a 21.5 per cent year-on-year growth in exports for April 2025, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the 'Make in India, Made for the World' vision. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL, "As we enter the 30th year of our operations in India on 6th May 2025, we are proud of our commitment to our country, that has led us to achieve the milestone of 9-million-unit sales in the Indian market since our inception in 1996. While the domestic market continues to face headwinds on account of various macro-economic factors, we continue to champion 'Make in India, Made for the World' emphasizing HMIL's strong focus on exports." He added, "This has resulted in a robust 21.5 per cent YoY growth in export volumes in April 2025 and 16.2 per cent growth during January to April 2025 as compared to same period in the previous year. Overall, we remain dedicated to enhancing value for our customers as we gear up to commence operations at our new plant at Talegaon in Q4 of this calendar year." Garg acknowledged the challenges in the domestic market due to macro-economic headwinds but emphasized the company's continued focus on delivering value to customers and strengthening its export portfolio. He also highlighted a 16.2 per cent growth in export volumes for the January-April 2025 period compared to the same timeframe last year. Looking ahead, HMIL is preparing to expand its production capabilities, with operations set to begin at its new plant in Talegaon in Q4 2025. (ANI)
PNN New Delhi [India], May 1: N.MAHI Films Production proudly announces the release of its highly anticipated film JANKI Part-1, a powerful Action mass entertainer making its nationwide release on June 13, 2025, across theatres in India. With high-octane action, rooted storytelling, and a star-studded ensemble, the film promises to be a game-changer in cinema making its mark on the national stage. The poster makes a strong visual impact, capturing the film's intensity and scale. At the center of the poster stand lead actors Dilesh Sahu and Anikriti Chowhan, clad in saffron-toned costumes that exude both cultural pride and cinematic power. Both characters hold weapons, bloodied and battle-worn, suggesting a narrative deeply rooted in revenge, resilience, and righteous rage. The background is ablaze in fiery hues, with symbolic elements like divine iconography and destruction, hinting at a mythological or spiritual undercurrent to the story. The typography of JANKI is rendered in a bold, golden texture with subtle blood splatters, reinforcing the theme of action and drama. The title appears in both English and Hindi, symbolizing the film's ambition to reach audiences across linguistic boundaries. Headlined by Action Star Dilesh Sahu, the film also features Anikriti Chowhan, Jeet Sharma, Neeraj Uke, Nitin Gwala, Bindas Bahurani, Amit Goswami, Sumitra Sahu, Anunay Sharma, Diwana Patel, Mohit Joshi, Papu Chandrakar, Tejram Sahu, and Amar Das in pivotal roles. The film is produced, with the story and action design led by Mohit Kumar Sahu, under the N.MAHI Films Production banner. The project is co-produced by Gajendra Dewangan, Aashish Kumar Goel, and Ravi Mahawar. Directed and written by Kaushal Upadhyay, the film blends traditional storytelling with modern cinematic scale. Speaking about the project, Upadhyay said, "JANKI is more than a film--it's a celebration of our roots, power, and pride. We've crafted something that resonates with mass audiences and offers strong emotional depth." Lead actor Dilesh Sahu, known for his action-packed performances, shared, "This is the biggest and most emotionally powerful film I've done. The character of Janki represents strength, struggle, and spirit. It's a story that will inspire audiences across languages." Actress Anikriti Chowhan added, "Being part of JANKI has been a transformative experience. It's a film that brings small town or village culture and talent to a national platform with scale and emotion." With music by Toshant Kumar and Monika Verma, and choreography by Baba Baghel, JANKI Part-1 combines striking visuals, adrenaline-pumping action, and soul-stirring music. Get ready to witness a cultural revolution on the big screen this June 13 2025. (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)
Kia India, reported 23,623 units sold in the domestic market in April 2025, registering 18.3 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth over 19,968 units sold in April 2024. The Sonet led Kia's sales with 8,068 units, followed by the Seltos at 6,135 units. The Carens maintained its strong demand with 5,259 units, while the newly launched Syros added a promising 4,000 units to the total. The premium MPV Carnival Limousine contributed 161 units to the monthly figures. In CY'25, following the successful launch of the Syros, Kia India has received a tremendous response from customers, recording a 16.2 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth compared to the same period last year. Hardeep Singh Brar, Sr. VP and Head of Sales and Marketing, said, " We are pleased by the strong start to CY'25, underscored by the enduring success of the Sonet and the positive market response for the new Syros." He added, "This performance reaffirms the growing trust our customers place in Kia's product excellence and brand promise. As we look ahead, our unwavering focus remains on delivering progressive, customer-centric mobility solutions that resonate with evolving aspirations". Kia India is all set to unveil its new offering, 'Clavis,' on May 8. This innovative product is poised to set new standards in the segment, specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. In April 2017, Kia India signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility at Anantapur District. Kia commenced mass production in August 2019 and has an installed annual production capacity of 300,000 units. In April 2021, Kia India reimagined itself in line with its new brand identity, "Movement that Inspires" aimed at offering customers meaningful experiences backed by innovative products and services. Under the new brand identity, Kia has set out to find ways to achieve new benchmarks and inspire consumers to be more and do more. Till date, Kia India has launched seven vehicles for the Indian market - the Seltos, the Syros, the Sonet, the Carens, the Carnival, the EV6 and the EV9. Kia India has completed almost 1.6 million vehicle dispatches from its Anantapur plant, including over 1.2 million domestic sales and over 3.67 lakh exports. With more than 4.5 lakh connected cars on Indian roads, it is among the connected Car leaders in the country. The brand has a widespread network of 725 touchpoints across 315 cities and is focused on strengthening its footprints across the country. (ANI)
The Adani Group's ports business will continue to invest across businesses in 2025-26. In a video message announcing the results for 2024-25, Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd on Thursday pegged the capital expenditure (capex) guidance for the current fiscal 2025-26 at Rs 11,000-12,000 crore. In 2025-26, Adani Ports and SEZ expects a significant growth across ports, logistics and marine business lines. "We have guided FY26 revenue at Rs 36,000 to Rs 38,000 crore driven by growth in port volumes and 3x to 4x increase in trucking and 2x increase in marine revenue. FY26 EBITDA is expected to be between Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 22,000 crore," Gupta said in the video message. In his video message, he also highlighted the strategic milestones it had achieved. Within India, APSEZ closed the acquisition of Gopalpur port, commenced operations at Vizhinjam port, India's first fully automated transshipment port that has already crossed the milestone of 100,000+ TEUs in a single month, the company statement noted. APSEZ also commenced O&M operations at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port's Netaji Subhas dock and won concession agreement with Deendayal Port Authority to develop Berth No. 13. APSEZ also expanded its international footprint significantly during the year. APSEZ commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), located at the port of Colombo. This is the first deep-water terminal in Colombo to be fully automated, designed to enhance cargo handling capabilities, improve vessel turnaround times and elevate the port's status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia. APSEZ's Board approved the acquisition of North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT), Australia. NQXT is a critical export gateway for producers in resource-rich Queensland, Australia and has current capacity of 50 MTPA. APSEZ also signed a 30-year concession agreement to manage container terminal at Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania. Adani Ports and SEZ on Thursday reported an all-time high net profits in the just concluded financial year 2024-25, the company's earnings results showed. The Adani Group's ports business logged a net profit (profit after tax) worth Rs 11,061 crore in the entire fiscal, up 37 per cent. In the January-March quarter, the net profits rose 50 per cent to Rs 3,023 crore. In the January-March quarter of 2023-24, the net profits were at Rs 2,015 crore. Coming to revenue from operations, Adani Ports and SEZ reported a 16 per cent rise in revenue to Rs 31,079 crore, as against Rs 26,711 crore in 2023-24. In the January-March 2025 quarter, the revenue from operations were at Rs 8,488 crore, up 23 per cent from Rs 6,897 crore in the year ago period. The ports business of Adani Group reported an all-time high cargo volume at 450 million tonne; Mundra became the first port in India to cross 200 million tonne in a single year. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) announced results for the quarter and twelve months ending March, 2025. Adani Ports and SEZ is the largest port developer and operator in India with 7 strategically located ports and terminals on the west coast (Mundra, Tuna Tekra and Berth 13 in Kandla, Dahej, and Hazira in Gujarat, Mormugao in Goa, Dighi in Maharashtra and Vizhinjam in Kerala) and 8 ports and terminals on the East coast (Haldia in West Bengal, Dhamra and Gopalpur in Odisha, Gangavaram and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Kattupalli and Ennore in Tamil Nadu and Karaikal in Puducherry), representing 27 per cent of the country's total port volumes The company is also developing a transshipment port at Colombo, Sri Lanka and operates the Haifa Port in Israel and Container Terminal 2 at Dar Es Salaam Port, Tanzania. (ANI)
According to the government data released on Thursday, the total gross GST revenue was 2.10 lakh crore in April of the current year.

The data shows that the GST revenue from the domestic transactions saw an uptick of 10.7 per cent to about Rs 1.9 lakh crore.

The revenue from imported goods was up 20.8 per cent to Rs 46,913 crore, as the data suggests.

The data shows that the refund issuances saw an uptick of a staggering 48.3 per cent to Rs 27,341 crore during the month.

The Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for March 2025 stayed at Rs 19,56,034 crore (Rs 1.96 lakh crore), surging 9.9 per cent.

The data revealed that collections in March were 6.8 per cent higher than the Rs 1.84 lakh crore recorded in the previous month.

Observing the GST data, Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner, EY India, said, "The record GST collections underscore the Indian economy's underlying strength in the face of global economic uncertainties."

"While a potential moderation in absolute GST collections is anticipated next month due to the current global economic climate, the overall outlook for the Indian economy remains optimistic," he added.

The recent GST collections reflect a positive trajectory for India's economy, underscoring robust domestic consumption and buoyant import activity. The figures bode well for the country's fiscal health and economic recovery efforts, signalling resilience amidst global uncertainties.

The Goods and Services Tax was introduced in the country with effect from July 1, 2017, and states were assured compensation for loss of any revenue arising on account of the implementation of GST.

The GST Council, a federal body comprising the Union Finance Minister as its Chairman and Finance Ministers of all States as members, has played its part in the forum. The latest meeting of the GST Council was held on December 21 at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. (ANI)
NewsVoir Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 1: In a significant stride towards affordable healthcare, Medkart Pharmacy has unveiled India's first comprehensive online platform dedicated to comparing your brand of medicines prescribed by the doctor with quality generic medicines. This pioneering initiative empowers consumers to make informed choices by providing transparent information on drug prices, compositions, and alternatives. Bridging the Knowledge Gap Generic medicines, which contain the same active ingredients as their branded counterparts, offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising efficacy. However, a lack of awareness and prevailing misconceptions have hindered their widespread adoption in India. Medkart's new platform addresses this challenge by offering a user-friendly interface where individuals can: * Compare Prices: Evaluate the cost differences between branded and generic medicines. * Understand Compositions: Access detailed information on drug compositions and therapeutic uses. The level of detailing at Medkart is unprecedented as it is the only platform to provide and map the release pattern between two medicines. * Identify Alternatives: Discover generic substitutes for prescribed branded medications. By facilitating easy comparisons, Medkart aims to demystify generic medicines and improve their acceptance among the masses. A Vision Rooted in Affordability Founded in 2014 by Ankur Agarwal and Parasharan Chari, Medkart Pharmacy has consistently championed the cause of affordable healthcare. With over 100 retail outlets across Gujarat and Rajasthan along with a robust online presence www.medkart.in, the company has served more than 11 lakh families, helping them save an estimated Rs. 650 crores on medicine expenses till date. "Our mission has always been to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable. By launching this comparison engine, we're taking a significant step towards empowering consumers with the knowledge they need to make cost-effective choices," said Ankur Agarwal, Co-founder of Medkart Pharmacy. "If a diabetic patient has been prescribed Empagliflozin, they can simply search the brand name or the molecule name and get all the alternatives available, and compare the prices," explained Parasharan Chari, Co-founder of Medkart. "This will enable the consumer to make an informed decision and be rest assured of the quality as each generic medicine retailed on Medkart is from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers." Features Tailored for the Indian Consumer Understanding the diverse needs of Indian consumers, Medkart's platform offers: * Multilingual Support: Available in English, Hindi, and Gujarati to cater to a broader audience. * Mobile Accessibility: A dedicated app allows users to compare and order medicines on-the-go. * Authenticity Assurance: All medicines are WHO-GMP certified, ensuring quality and safety. Aligning with National Healthcare Goals Medkart's initiative resonates with the Indian government's emphasis on promoting generic medicines to reduce healthcare costs. By providing a transparent platform for comparison, Medkart not only aids consumers but also supports national objectives of making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Looking Ahead As healthcare costs continue to rise, tools that offer clarity and choice become indispensable. Medkart Pharmacy's comparison engine stands as a testament to the power of technology in bridging gaps and fostering informed decisions. With plans to expand its reach and features, Medkart is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping India's pharmaceutical landscape. For more information or to explore the comparison tool, visit www.medkart.in/compare-medicines. (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)
NewsVoir Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 1: In a landmark moment of recognition, Dolphin (PG) College, Chandigarh, was honoured with the title of "Emerging Paramedical College of North India" at a prestigious award ceremony held on April 30, 2025, at Hotel Hyatt, Chandigarh. The award ceremony was held as part of Education Conclave 2025: Taleem which brought together prominent education leaders from across the region. The event not only celebrated institutional excellence but also served as a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions on emerging trends, innovations, and challenges in higher education and healthcare delivery. The awards were presented by the Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Punjab's Education Minister, Sardar Harjot Singh Bains, who attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Er. Vibhav Mittal, Vice Chairman of Dolphin (PG) College, received the award on behalf of the institution. This accolade stands as a powerful endorsement of the college's unwavering commitment to excellence in Allied health sciences education. Over the years, Dolphin (PG) College has carved a niche for itself as a centre of academic and professional excellence. With a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the college attracts students from across India and neighbouring countries. Its strong academic foundation is supported by a highly qualified faculty, many of whom hail from premier institutions such as PGIMER and AIIMS. Emphasizing hands-on learning, the college boasts state-of-the-art laboratories and training facilities, enabling students to gain essential practical skills. Furthermore, the college has signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading hospitals and diagnostic centers in Chandigarh Tricity and major cities across Punjab, ensuring that students receive real-time clinical exposure and professional training. Speaking at the event, Er. Vibhav Mittal said, "This recognition reinforces our mission to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values required to become competent healthcare professionals. We dedicate this award to our faculty, students, and industry partners who have been instrumental in our journey." With a legacy of academic excellence and industry collaboration, Dolphin (PG) College, Chandigarh, continues to lead the way in shaping the future of paramedical and allied health sciences in India. Dolphin PG College, is located near Mohali at Chunni Kalan. Dolphin PG College is a premier institution committed to providing high-quality education in the fields of science, agriculture, and life sciences. Affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala / MRS-PTU Bathinda, the college is duly recognized by University Grant Commission (UGC) & is also NAAC accredited. The college emphasizes a balanced approach to learning-fostering intellectual growth alongside personal and professional development. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, a dynamic learning environment, and a dedicated faculty, Dolphin PG College prepares students to become responsible global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. For more information please visit : www.dolphinlifesciences.com. (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)
AS Suresh Babu, former managing director and chief executive officer of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL), has said that Adani Group's expertise and experience helped deal with difficulties and hurdles in the work related to Vizhinjam Port project, which will be inaugurated on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation, Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, worth Rs 8,900 crore. As India's first dedicated container trans-shipment port, it represents transformative advancements in the country's maritime sector, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat. "Given the difficulties and hurdles faced during the construction period, only Adani (Group) could have completed this project. They understand Indian conditions, particularly those in Kerala. Their expertise and experience in building and operating ports was crucial in the project and making it operational," Babu told ANI. The Vizhinjam Port holds strategic importance and is a key priority project. It will strengthen India's position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment. With a natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and its proximity to one of the world's busiest sea trade routes, the port further bolsters India's global trade capabilities. AS Suresh Babu said the port will foster a new industrial culture in the region and generate significant employment opportunities. "As far as Thiruvananthapuram is concerned, this is a significant development. We are getting an international trans-shipment port here. Supporting infrastructure, such as the outer ring road, rail connectivity, and links to national highways, is in the planning stage. With these developments, I foresee a bright future for area development and the emergence of a new industrial culture, generating substantial direct and indirect employment," he said. "This project is not just for Thiruvananthapuram or Kerala--it is for India. It represents a major infrastructure milestone in the maritime sector. With Adani's experience and expertise, I am confident they will do an excellent job," he added. (ANI)
Veteran actor Robert De Niro showcased "love and support" for his daughter Airyn De Niro, after she recently came out as a transgender, reported Variety. In a statement to Variety, De Niro said, "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don't know what the big deal is." The actor further stated that he loves all his children. "I love all my children", he added as quoted by Variety. In a recent sit-down, Airyn De Niro discussed "stepping into this new identity," as well as growing up as one of seven children in the De Niro household, reported Variety. "There's a difference between being visible and being seen," Airyn De Niro said. "I've been visible. I don't think I've been seen yet," added Airyn De Niro as quoted by Variety. Airyn De Niro also expressed gratitude to her parents for keeping her away from the limelight during her childhood. "No parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible," said Airyn De Niro as quoted by Variety. In the same interview, Airyn De Niro discussed her inspirations for going public with her transition. Among them was actress Laverne Cox. "Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success," she said. "I'm like, 'You know what? Maybe it's not too late for me," as quote dby Variety After the interview went live, Airyn De Niro took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the support of her fans. "Thank you to everyone who's been so sweet and supportive! I'm not used to all these eyes on me," she wrote. "Also, for the folks asking if I have representation or signed to anyone, I am literally just a girl with a phone, so sorry if I miss your messages!" said De Niro. Robert De Niro is known for movies like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and The Irishman. (ANI)
CPI national general secretary D Raja has said that the Centre has decided to conduct a caste census due to the "consistent campaign" of the opposition parties. He also pointed out that his party was among the first to demand a caste census at the national level. "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," Raja told ANI. "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," he added. Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah said that the caste census was overdue in the country. "It was overdue because the government was not agreeing to do that, though we were demanding this for long time. Our idea is to understand the actual situation of our population. As in our country, the population is divided into different castes, their economic, political and social situation is different...So if we know the number, it will help," Hannan Mollah told ANI. 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. "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. "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," he added. The Union Minister said caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence. (ANI)
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has slammed the opposition, saying there's a "race" among the opposition to take credit for the Cabinet's decision to hold the caste census. He further questioned Rahul Gandhi over why the caste census has never been conducted under Congress governments since independence. "There's a race between Congress and INDI-Alliance parties to take credit for it (Union Cabinet's decision on caste census). I want to ask Rahul Gandhi ji why the caste census never happened under the Congress government," Chouhan said on Wednesday evening. He claimed that the country's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru was not a "supporter of reservation on the basis of caste." He added Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh also did not work in its favour. "First PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji had written in a letter to CMs that he is not the supporter of reservation on the basis of caste. He always opposed caste and caste census. Congress has always oppossed the caste census. In 1980, when the Mandal Commision came, Indira Gandhi opposed it. Manmohan Singh had assured that he would discuss the caste census, but it never happened," the Union Agriculture Minister said. "To spread lies and confusion is in Congress' DNA. Now he (Rahul Gandhi) is jumping to take credit, but first he will have to answer why Congress didn't do a caste census," Chouhan added. He assured the public that the census would be conducted in a transparent manner and would benefit every section. "Caste census will be transparent. It will be done by considering the benefits of each section. On the basis of the right information, the schemes for the welfare of each section will be formed," he said. Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended party support for the government's decision to conduct caste enumeration during the forthcoming population census, but asked the BJP to specify a timeline. Addressing a press conference here, Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, 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% 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. 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. (ANI)
Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited the Indira Gandhi International airport on Thursday to extend his congratulations and best wishes to departing Haj pilgrims. Speaking to the mediapersons, Rijiju said, "I am here at the airport to congratulate the Haj Yatris. Around 400 people will leave today. The management has been good." He also informed of the presence of the Deputy Chief of Mission from Saudi Arabia. On Tuesday, Kiren Rijiju extended his heartfelt wishes to all 1,22,518 pilgrims undertaking the sacred Haj journey. The first flights took off with 288 pilgrims from Lucknow and 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad. In a post on X, the Union Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India remains committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless Haj pilgrimage. He also prayed for a safe, blessed and spiritually enriching pilgrimage. "As #Haj2025 begins, heartfelt wishes to all 1,22,518 pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey. The first flights took off today, 288 pilgrims from Lucknow & 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad. Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the Government of India remains committed to ensuring a smooth & seamless Haj pilgrimage for all. Prayers for a safe, blessed & spiritually enriching pilgrimage," the Union Minister said. Earlier on April 22, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, inaugurated the orientation-cum-training programme of selected Haj deputationists of Haj 2025 for two days on 22nd and 23rd April, 2025, at SCOPE Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. In his inaugural address, the Minister of State, appreciating the role of Haj deputationists as crucial enablers in successful Haj operations, exhorted the deputationists to perform the duties assigned to them with utmost sincerity and commitment. In total, 620 deputationists (266 administrative and 354 medical) have been selected this year to assist CGI Jeddah in effective Haj management in Saudi Arabia, to serve Indian Haj pilgrims. These deputationists have been chosen through a rigorous selection process. During the orientation-cum-training programme, they are trained on various issues, including an overview of Haj operations, the role of deputationists, health issues, crowd and disaster management, and the Haj Suvidha App, before being deputed to Saudi Arabia. Special emphasis is being placed on acquainting the deputationists with the functioning of the Haj Suvidha App, which was introduced during Hajj 2024 and played a crucial role in disseminating information and addressing grievances of Indian Hajj pilgrims. Building on the success of the App during Hajj-2024, the Government intends to further realise its potential by effectively providing training to the deputationists. Furthermore, since the management of the Indian Haj pilgrimage is the largest logistical exercise managed by the Government of India outside the country's borders, the orientation-cum-training programme for Haj deputationists will contribute to helping Indian pilgrims successfully perform Haj. (ANI)
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi participated in a symbolic protest by switching off the lights at his residence, aligning with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board's (AIMPLB) call against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. Speaking on the protest, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, "This call by the AIMPLB has been successful...I thank all for this. This protest is being organised to send a message to PM Modi's government that this Act will undermine the Waqf Board. The law that was made is unconstitutional... After one to two weeks, a human chain protest and some round table conferences will be organised..." Earlier on April 27, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act in Karnataka's Kalaburagi. On April 25, the Union Government filed its preliminary affidavit in the Supreme Court, seeking the dismissal of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, as it stated that the law does not violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The Centre stated that the amendments are solely intended to regulate the secular aspects of property management. Therefore, there was no violation of the religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The Central government asked the court not to stay any provisions of the Act, stating that it is a settled position in law that constitutional courts would not remain a statutory provision, either directly or indirectly, and would decide the matter finally. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively, was passed in both Houses and later received the President's assent on April 5, after which it became law. Meanwhile, Owaisi also addressed the recent Pahalgan attack, saying, "I outrightly condemned what happened in Pahalgan, and I'll continue to do that. I also said that it all happened as Pakistan was behind it, their government was behind that attack... the saddest part was that people were being killed in front of their families and after being asked their religion, Hindus were killed... Even AIMPLB condemned that attack and we paused our protest for 3 days..." (ANI)
Odisha Congress Chief Bhakta Charan Das has raised serious concerns over the increasing number of cases involving missing women in the state. While addressing the issue on Wednesday, Das said to ANI, "We will train 100 women who will fight for themselves. We want to awaken the public and make them aware of things." Last month, Congress leader Pawan Khera had raised concerns over the alleged rising number of missing women and young girls in Odisha, alleging government inaction and suppression of protests. Addressing the issue, Khera stated, "This is a very serious matter. Everyone across the country is surprised by what they have done to a beautiful state like Odisha...In the last 5 years of the BJD regime, 44000 women and young girls went missing. It has been 8 months since the BJP came to power, and 20000 women and young girls went missing. They replied on this in the Assembly. These are not Congress's data. This means that 4 women go missing every hour. What can be more serious than this? He further criticised the government's refusal to form a House Committee on the matter, saying, "We demand a House committee, but they don't want to form that...All 14 of our MLAs were suspended, and when our leader and workers took to the streets, they were beaten up...DGP is issuing political statements. It is not the work of bureaucracy to stand as a shield of the ruling party. When women used to go missing during the BJD regime, the BJP used to stay silent. Now when it is happening during BJP rule, BJD is silent...This is a silent understanding between them. Congress will expose this understanding and raise its voice." Khera also alleged police brutality against Congress leaders, stating, "I'm coming from the hospital. Our leaders are lying injured there, and some are in the ICU." During a press conference, Congress leader Pawan Khera also raised concerns over the safety of girls in the country. "How are the girls missing? Is there an organ trade happening? Where have they been? How did they get missing? It is shocking to know that a 6th-grade girl in a government school hostel got pregnant...Is this a joke? And then you say, save your daughter, educate her. We know where that fund goes. It doesn't go for the welfare of the daughters," Khera said, questioning the government's efforts and the allocation of funds meant for the welfare and education of girls. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Gujarat on the occasion of Gujarat Day, lauding the state's rich natural resources, historical and cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1917759422144672066 In a post on X, he wrote, "Many greetings on Gujarat Day to all the sisters and brothers of Gujarat, famous for its diverse natural resources, historical and cultural heritage, and hospitality. Gujarat has always attracted people from all over the world with its talent, hard work and practical skills. I pray to Dada Somnath for the continued progress and upliftment of the people of Gujarat, who have made pioneering contributions to nation building from the Bhakti movement to the freedom movement and modern times." Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also extended warm greetings to all Gujaratis on Gujarat State Foundation Day, also known as 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas', celebrating the state's rich legacy and contributions. Highlighting the significance of this year's Gujarat Gaurav Diwas, Patel announced a roadmap to mark the decade from 2025 to 2035 as the "Utkarsh Gujarat Diamond Festival," culminating in the Diamond Jubilee of Gujarat's formation in 2035. https://x.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/1917763043313766546 In his X post, Gujarat CM wrote, "Best wishes to all Gujaratis on the occasion of Gujarat State Foundation Day - 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas'. Gujarat is the holy land of public servants like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shyamji Krishna Varma, Ravi Shankar Maharaj, Induchacha and Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi. Every Gujarati has contributed to the success story and rich heritage of Gujarat. This is a day to remember all the proud Gujaratis, both famous and unknown, who have contributed to the formation of Gujarat." He added, "This year's Gujarat Gaurav Diwas is a path-finder for us. After a decade, in 2035, we will celebrate the Diamond Festival marking the establishment of Gujarat. We have prepared a roadmap to celebrate this entire decade from 2025 to 2035 as "Utkarsh Gujarat Diamond Festival". This Diamond Festival is intended to be a public festival celebrating the rich history and cultural values of Gujaratis while honouring them." The Chief Minister, further under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, hailed Gujarat as a national growth engine and pledged to build a developed Gujarat. "Under the guidance of Hon'ble Modi Ji, Gujarat has become a role model and growth engine of the country. Now, under his guidance, it is our determination to build a developed Gujarat for a developed India. With the shared effort and public consciousness of all Gujaratis, we will take Gujarat to the highest peak of development. Hail, hail, proud Gujarat," he added in a post. May 1 is celebrated as the foundation day of Maharashtra and Gujarat, commemorating the establishment of the two states. Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed in 1960, following the division of the state of Bombay after the passage of the Bombay Reorganisation Act, which came into effect on May 1, 1960. (ANI)
Pakistani national Seema Haider's lawyer AP Singh has dismissed allegations linking her to the recent Pahalgam incident. In a self-made video, Singh on Thursday said, "When she was in Pakistan, her divorce happened. After the death of her father, she befriended Sachin...in Nepal, they got married as per Santana Dharma...after coming to India, she converted to Sanatana Dharma legally and then got married following all the rituals." "Their daughter is named Meera. All her documents are with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)," he added. Singh further emphasised that Seema has not visited any place in India apart from her in-laws' residence and a hospital. "Linking her to the Pahalgam incident is completely wrong," he said. Seema, a Pakistani national, entered India with her four children to marry Indian national Sachin Meena, whom she had befriended through the online gaming platform PUBG Mobile. The 27-year-old woman crossed into India illegally in May last year to move in with Sachin Meena via Nepal. The couple started living together in Greater Noida. Haider, however, got arrested on July 4, 2023, for entering India without a visa, while Sachin was put behind bars for sheltering the illegal immigrants, but was released later. On Thursday, India closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan and those operated by Pakistani airlines, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), another major step following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday, confirming the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, from April 30 to May 23 (estimated duration). Both India and Pakistan have now blocked each other's airlines from using their airspace, as the neighbouring country had already announced this step six days ago. Notably, there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indian Army has effectively responded. (ANI)
Delhi Police have solved a hit-and-run case by arresting 55-year-old Rajesh Mehta, a property dealer from Paschim Vihar. The car involved, a Hyundai Alcazar, was also recovered. On April 26, at around 10:00 PM, an unknown vehicle hit a man in a road accident near Hotel Hyatt Regency on Ring Road, Bhikaji Cama Place in New Delhi. The victim was taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre but was declared dead on arrival. Police later identified the deceased as 34-year-old Mulu, a resident of Laroun village in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, through an Aadhaar card found near the spot. His family was informed, and the body was handed over to them after the postmortem. Initially, the investigation team found it challenging to spot the vehicle involved due to heavy traffic and the lack of CCTV cameras at the accident site. However, several vehicles on the Ring Road between Dhaula Kuan and AIIMS during that time were later examined. Police eventually spoke to a driver who said he saw a white car hit the man. Based on this clue, police reviewed CCTV footage of all white cars in the area. One vehicle, with the last digits '232' and a fresh dent on the driver's side, was seen on multiple cameras. The car was tracked through CCTV footage from Ring Road to Africa Avenue, Aurobindo Road, the central and then the west districts of Delhi, and finally in Shiv Vihar colony at Rohtak Road in Paschim Vihar. Local inquiries revealed that the car belonged to Seema Mehta. Her husband, Rajesh Mehta, later admitted to driving the vehicle on the night of the accident. He confessed to hitting a man near the Hyatt bus stop while speeding and fleeing the scene. Mehta was arrested, and the car was seized. Further investigation is ongoing. (ANI)
The Chairperson of District Development Council of Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, holding Pakistan responsible for it, and saying that the neighbouring country "cannot tolerate the progress and development of Jammu & Kashmir." Dharanter Singh, the Chairperson of the DDC, told ANI on Thursday that raids have also been conducted on the people who have been suspected of being involved in connection with the terror attack. "Our neighbouring country cannot tolerate the progress and development of Jammu & Kashmir. Today, the entire country in one voice condemns the terror attack and wants action. The government has a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism. In the Doda district, raids have been conducted on those suspected of having a connection with terrorist activities," Singh told ANI. The Jammu and Kashmir police on April 28 carried out raids at 13 locations in the Doda district to bust terrorist hideouts and take action against individuals linked to terror activities, officials said. This comes as the security concerns intensify after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepalese national, and left many injured. Earlier, the Srinagar Police conducted extensive searches at multiple locations across the city at the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terrorist associates of proscribed terrorist outfits and in the furtherance of an investigation into cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to a police statement, the Srinagar Police conducted searches at the residences of 63 individuals. The searches were conducted in accordance with proper legal procedures in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses under the supervision of the officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The searches were carried out to seize weapons, documents, digital devices, etc., with the objective of evidence collection and intelligence gathering to detect and deter any conspiratorial or terrorist activity against the security of the nation. (ANI)
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Anand Dubey welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census but questioned the timing of the decision, suggesting it may be linked to the upcoming Bihar elections. Dubey, in a self-made video on Wednesday, emphasised the Opposition's long-standing demand for a caste census and urged the government to conduct it swiftly for the betterment of society. "PM Modi and his government have agreed to this. The opposition has been demanding a caste census for a long time; we welcome this," Dubey said. "But I want to ask why PM Modi took this decision so late... Did you take this decision only because of the Bihar elections? ... We want the caste census to be conducted as soon as possible for the betterment of society," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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. "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. "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," he added. The Union Minister stated that caste has been excluded from all census operations conducted since India's independence. (ANI)
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan paid tribute to the great social reformers of Maharashtra on the occasion of the 65th Maharashtra Foundation Day in Mumbai on Thursday. In his speech, Governor Radhakrishnan said, "I pay my respect to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Lokmanya Tilak, Veer Savarkar, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and other great social reformers of Maharashtra." Additionally, the Governor paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepalese national, and left many injured. He further informed that the Maharashtra government has taken appropriate action to bring back all tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Jammu and Kashmir safely. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement at Hutatma Chowk on the occasion of the 65th Maharashtra Foundation Day in Mumbai. "Maharashtra Day is an important occasion for India's most progressive state. Maharashtra, which follows the path shown by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Balasaheb Ambedkar, is determined not to stop. Our effort is to make it a trillion-dollar economy," CM Fadnavis said. He added that details of a new 100-day development initiative will be announced soon. Meanwhile, in Pune, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar unfurled the national flag at the City Police Headquarters Parade Ground. In another ceremony held in Mumbai, former Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais also hoisted the national flag and paid homage to the state's foundation day. Furthermore, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also unfurled the flag at Saket Maidan in Thane and paid homage to the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. Samyukta Maharashtra Parishad was the predecessor organisation of Samyuktha Maharashtra Samithi, created with the claim for a distinct Marathi-speaking state out of the State of Bombay with Bombay as its capital. It was established on November 1, 1955, under the leadership of Keshavrao Jedhe in Pune. Further, the Maharashtra CM said that the cabinet has also decided to help those from the state who were killed in the Pahalgam attack on April 22."Today, the cabinet decided to help those who were killed in the Pahalgam attack. Our government will provide compensation of Rs 50 lakhs to the families of the deceased...Where there is no earning member, we will provide a government job to the immediate family member of the deceased," CM Devendra Fadnavis said. CM Fadnavis officially announced during the cabinet meeting that Pahalgam terrorist attack victim Santosh Jagdale's daughter will be given a government job. This move follows discussions in which the government had previously mentioned offering a job to the victim's daughter; now, through the Chief Minister's special authority, the decision has been made. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha extended heartfelt greetings to workers on International Labour Day on Thrusday. He highlighted the critical role of workers in nation-building and accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government of undermining their rights. https://x.com/kharge/status/1917765549440000150?t=-Naxtecw42Q-YhR05JqglA&s=08 Taking to X platform, Kharge wrote, "Today is a very special day for me because today is Labour Day. The development of any country is impossible without workers. Heartiest wishes and congratulations to the millions of workers across the country on International Labour Day. I started my life advocating for the rights of workers. It is the power of Indian democracy that a son of a mill worker like me got the opportunity to handle the labour ministry in the central government. By dedicating themselves to nation building through hard work and struggle, our labourer brothers and sisters strengthen the foundation of the country with their own hands." He reiterated the Congress Party's commitment to workers, stating, "For the Congress Party, 'Shramev Jayate' is not just a slogan. "For the Congress Party, 'Shramev Jayate" is not just a slogan; it is our resolve to provide justice and social security to crores of workers. Today, the future of the country's workers, labourers, and hardworking youth has been put in danger by the Modi government," Kharge wrote in his X post. Kharge further raised three key concerns regarding the struggles of workers under the Modi government. "First, MNREGA - which is the Congress guarantee to employ the most vulnerable workers, has been continuously axed by the Modi government. The budget has been reduced. 7 crore workers were dropped from MNREGA. Daily wages were not increased. We demand that MNREGA workers should get Rs 400 per day and their working days should be increased from 100 to 150 days," he said on X post. He added, "Secondly, Labour Unions are totally against the Labour Code of the Modi Government because in it, the government has increased the daily working hours and has given permission to fire up to 300 factory workers at one time. All the internationally accepted provisions like Minimum Wages, Retirement Benefits, Social Security, and 8 Hours of Work - the Labour Code of the Modi government has abolished all of them. Our demand from the government is that all these provisions should be restored after talking to the Labour Unions." He further added, "Third, unemployment is the biggest problem in the country. With the coming of the Modi government, the country's youth have been trapped in a labyrinth of paper leaks, recruitment exam rigging, corruption, and unemployment. There are 10 lakh vacancies in the Central Government alone, in which 50% of SC, ST, OBC, and EWS youth can benefit. Additionally, those with employment have not seen any increase in their income. By selling PSUs, the government has eliminated 5.1 lakh regular jobs, and there has been an increase of 91 per cent in contract/casual hiring in the Central Government posts." Kharge also praised Congress-led state governments for enacting laws to support gig workers and unorganised sector labourers, while accusing the Modi government of failing to provide social security. "Congress and state governments have made laws for gig workers and labourers of the unorganised sector, but the Modi government has not given them any social security. Big claims are being made only on paper. Today, we must once again resolve to fight and struggle for the rights of workers. The Congress Party will ensure "labour justice" so that the self-respect of the workers is protected. Jai Hind #LabourDay," he said on X post. (ANI)
After taking over the investigation related to the Pahalgam terror attack case, National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Date on Thursday arrived at Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam as the agency began its probe into the matter. Earlier on Sunday, the NIA took over the Pahalgam terror attack case from Jammu and Kashmir Police and began its investigation into the deadly attack that resulted in the killing of 26 tourists, sources told ANI. The Central anti-terror agency formally registered a fresh FIR on late Saturday following an order issued from the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) division of the Ministry of Home Affairs considering the gravity of the case, as Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy, the Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the attack. The NIA took over the case five days after the incident and four days after its team visited the attack site and started supporting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in probing what is considered the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in almost twenty years. Official sources privy to the development told ANI that "the NIA has formally taken over the case from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and stated its investigation." The NIA team is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the attack site, collect forensic evidence, and help in identifying those responsible for the carnage. The NIA's move comes amid intelligence agencies compiling a list of 14 local terrorists actively operating in the Union Territory. According to sources, these individuals, aged between 20 and 40 years, are actively aiding foreign terrorists from Pakistan by providing logistical and ground-level support. The identified operatives are reportedly affiliated with three major Pakistan-backed terror outfits: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Among them, three are associated with Hizbul Mujahideen, eight with LeT, and three with JeM. Sources revealed the names of these individuals as Adil Rehman Dentoo (21), Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28), Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23), Haris Nazir (20), Aamir Nazir Wani (20), Yawar Ahmed Bhat, Asif Ahmed Khanday (24), Naseer Ahmed Wani (21), Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27), Aamir Ahmed Dar, Adnan Safi Dar, Zubair Ahmed Wani (39), Haroon Rashid Ganai (32), and Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29). The identification of these local terror aides comes as agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the support networks facilitating cross-border terrorism. Security forces have launched coordinated operations across South Kashmir, particularly in Anantnag and Pulwama districts, where many of the listed individuals are believed to be operating. Senior officials indicate that these names are part of a larger intelligence dossier being used to preempt further attacks and disrupt terror logistics in the Valley. (ANI)
As the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) directed the Punjab government to release 8500 cusecs of water to Haryana, Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia on Thursday accused the BJP of "betraying the farmers of Punjab," and termed it a robbery of the rights of the people of the state. He also criticised Congress for being silent on the issue, while reaffirming Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's stance of "not even giving a drop." "BJP has once again betrayed the farmers of Punjab - the decision to take away 8500 cusecs of water from Punjab through BBMB is a robbery of the rights of the people of Punjab! This is the same water which belongs to the farms of Punjab and the farmers of Punjab," Sisodia wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/msisodia/status/1917797018115924282 "Congress is silent, BJP is involved in loot. The people of Punjab will never forgive those who usurp their rights. The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Government has clearly said that the water of Punjab will remain only for Punjab. Will not give even a drop," his post added. Sisodia was replying to a post by Punjab CM, where he staunchly opposed the BBMB order. "The entire Punjab strongly opposes the decision to give water that is the right of Punjab and Punjabis to Haryana through BBMB. The BJP government of the Center and Haryana have united against Punjab. We will not tolerate another robbery of our rights by BJP at any cost. BJP should be ready to face opposition. BJP can never be the own of Punjab and Punjabis," Mann's post read. The Bhakra Beas Management Board regulates the supply of water and power from Bhakra Nangal and Beas Projects to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh. Earlier on April 30, Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains defended CM Mann's decision not 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," the Punjab minister told ANI. On April 26, Haryana CM Nayab Saini 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, the Punjab CM had given his assurance on that matter, however later on no action ahd been taken and Punjab government officers stopped responding to Haryana government officers too. After that, today Delhi Minister Parvesh Singh accused the Punjab government of triggering a water crisis, calling it a politically motivated move to block water supply to Haryana and Delhi. In a post on X he said, "The Punjab government has resorted to dirty politics by stopping the water supply to Haryana and Delhi. After losing in Delhi, now they want to create a water crisis in Delhi." (ANI)
After the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Director General of Prisons, Tihar, and the Home Secretary of Delhi, the Office of the Director General of Prisons has invited applications for the appointment of 14 law officers on a contractual basis. The advertisement was published on April 26, 2025, and requires applications to be submitted within seven days of the publication date. This development follows the Delhi High Court's notice issued on April 17, 2025, in response to a petition by Advocate Amit Sahni, a social activist, seeking the revival of a contempt case concerning the termination of 14 ad-hoc law officers. These officers had been appointed in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Sahni. The bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan issued notices to the Home Secretary of Delhi and the Director General of Prisons, scheduling the matter for hearing on May 9, 2025. The petition asserts that the abrupt discontinuation of law officers' services, without creating permanent positions, constitutes contempt of court. In September 2019, while ruling on a petition filed by Advocate Sahni, the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court directed the respondents to complete the appointment process for law officers in Delhi prisons within 12 weeks of receiving a copy of the order. However, the plea contends that these directives were not executed within the prescribed timeframe, prompting Sahni to file a contempt petition against the authorities for non-compliance. During subsequent proceedings, the respondents informed the court that 16 law officers had been appointed on an ad-hoc basis, leading to the closure of the contempt petition on December 21, 2021. The petitioner now argues that despite more than five years since the 2019 order and over three years since the contempt petition was dismissed, no efforts have been undertaken to establish regular law officer posts. Furthermore, the plea highlights that even the temporary ad-hoc appointments of law graduates performing law officer duties were abruptly terminated through an order issued on April 2, 2025, by the Office of the Director General (Prisons), Government of NCT of Delhi. According to Sahni, this action constitutes willful disobedience of the court's directives. The petition also emphasises that under the Delhi Prisons Act, 2000, every prison is required to have a designated law officer. However, Delhi currently has only one law officer overseeing all 16 jails, stationed at the Tihar prison headquarters. Additionally, it was noted that between August 2016 and February 2019, no law officer was appointed at the prison headquarters. Section 6 of the Delhi Prisons Act, 2000, mandates that every prison must have a superintendent, a deputy superintendent, a medical officer, a law officer, a welfare officer, and other essential personnel as deemed necessary by the government. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the strictest action against Pakistan. Speaking to ANI, Dy Shinde said, "For the first time, PM Modi has taken the strictest action against Pakistan." Five people were removed from the High Commission, and the Indus Water Treaty was suspended. The Attari Border was closed, and Pakistani nationals were asked to leave. Three branches (of the Indian Armed Forces) are given free hand to save the country. Has this ever happened before?" he added. Referring to India's response after the Pulwama terror attack, Shinde said, "Who carried out surgical strike after Pulwama attack?... This time also, Pakistan will get a befitting reply." He criticised the Congress party, accusing it of lacking the courage to act against terrorism. "Congress never had the guts to give a befitting reply to Pakistan or take action against terrorists because of vote bank politics. Lakhs of soldiers lost their lives due to vote bank politics," Shinde said. Deputy CM Shinde also welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include a caste census in the upcoming national census. He said that this will truly open the doors to social justice. Speaking to ANI, Shinde described the decision as "historic." "Yesterday's decision is historic for all the people of the country...people who belong to backwards classes can be brought to the mainstream...everybody will get justice from this...Shiv Sena welcomes this decision," 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. Taking a jibe at the opposition, he accused the Congress Party of vote bank politics. "Those people who are claiming that this decision was taken due to them, I want to ask them, you were in power for 60 years, what did you do? Who had tied your hands?...because you wanted to do vote bank politics...those working part-time come and speak, and then they go abroad. Part-time politics won't help in the betterment of the country...", he claimed. Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unfurled the flag at Saket Maidan in Thane and paid homage to the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. Samyukta Maharashtra Parishad was the predecessor organisation of Samyuktha Maharashtra Samithi, created with the claim for a distinct Marathi-speaking state out of the State of Bombay with Bombay as its capital. It was established on November 1, 1955, under the leadership of Keshavrao Jedhe in Pune. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described the recent attack in Pahalgam as deeply tragic and noted the loss of six Maharashtra residents among the 26 people who were gunned down by the terrorists on April 22. Pawar highlighted the efforts of the state and central governments to prevent such incidents. He outlined the decisions made at the recent cabinet meeting to provide financial aid and employment assistance to the families of the victims. Pawar emphasised the Maharashtra government's commitment to supporting affected families. "The attack in Pahalgam was deeply tragic, and the central and state governments continuously strive to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. Maharashtra lost six lives in this unfortunate event. We made some decisions at the last cabinet meeting, including those related to financial aid and employment assistance. We understand that those who have passed away will not return, but the Maharashtra government is committed to supporting the affected families, which is why this decision has been taken...Various measures are being taken at both the national level and within Jammu & Kashmir regarding this incident. People across the country feel that action should be taken in response, but every aspect is carefully considered and approached peacefully. All such efforts are being carried out at the Prime Minister's level in Delhi," he said. Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, and the government has given armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the response to the brutal 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. (ANI)
India's recent agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for its naval fleet will significantly bolster its defence capabilities and exert strategic pressure on Pakistan, particularly in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, according to defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava. The deal, finalised amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, is seen as a critical step to enhance India's maritime and air dominance. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Srivastava emphasised the timing of the deal, noting its psychological and strategic impact on Pakistan, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. "During such a time, when there is a lot of tension going on between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, the signing of this deal is going to mount pressure on Pakistan... In the coming days, whatever action India takes against Pakistan, Rafale will play a key role," Srivastava said. "This deal will strengthen India's defence position against Pakistan, and it will keep pressure on them also... The aircraft will be operating from India's two aircraft carriers, which are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030. But this has happened amid tension and it will, without any doubt, keep the adversaries under pressure," he added. On Monday, India and France signed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for procurement of 26 Dassault Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The contract comprises 22 single-seat Rafale M aircraft and four twin-seat Rafale D aircraft. The comprehensive agreement also includes training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and a five-year Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) support package, according to the Embassy of France in India. It further provides for additional equipment for the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of Rafale aircraft. According to the Embassy of France, the signing ceremony was jointly presided over by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, and Rajesh Kumar, Secretary of Defence of India, in the presence of a distinguished delegation comprising senior officials, military officers, and representatives from the defence industry. On this occasion, supporting agreements were also concluded between the two governments and with industry partners, further strengthening the comprehensive scope of the cooperation. Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale M is a proven carrier-based combat aircraft. Deliveries of the Rafale M jets are expected to begin in 2028 and are anticipated to be completed by 2030. The Rafale M jets will operate from INS Vikrant and support the existing Mig-29 K fleet. The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft acquired under a separate deal signed in 2016. These aircraft are based at Ambala and Hasimara. The new deal will raise the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62, significantly boosting the country's fleet of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft. (ANI)
Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh has alleged that Punjab is deliberately blocking water supply to both Haryana and Delhi in a politically motivated move. In a post on X he said, "The Punjab government has resorted to dirty politics by stopping the water supply to Haryana and Delhi. After losing in Delhi, now they want to create a water crisis in Delhi." He further asserted that the Delhi government is making continuous efforts to ensure clean water reaches every household and accused Punjab of seeking "revenge" on Delhi's residents. "We are working day and night to provide clean water to every household in Delhi and now the Punjab government wants to take revenge on the people of Delhi in this way. Stop this dirty politics or else you will be expelled from Punjab as well." The remarks come amid reports of reduced water flow to Delhi at a time when the national capital is already facing rising temperatures and growing demand for water. Earlier, Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lashed out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after he refused the release of more water to Haryana and 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 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. (ANI)
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday lauded the Central Government's decision to conduction a caste enumeration exercise along with the national census, highlighting how with this cabinet decision people saw the difference between "empty slogans and true intentions," in a jibe towards Congress' long standing demand for a caste census since they have been in the Opposition. "Yesterday the people of India saw the difference between empty slogans and true intentions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the decision was taken for conducting caste census for the good of society, this is a big step taken by the government. Friends, this this was not one-day decision, this decision was taken after several years of discussion and work," Pradhan said during a press conference in the national capital. As he continued his attack on the Congress, he claimed that reservation would not exist today if Babsaheb Ambedkar would not be there, because former PM Jawaharlal Nehru was against it. "When this decision was taken, some people got disturbed. They said that the government is theirs but the system is ours. Now the country should know the truth. In 1951, whose government and system was it? This was well known, if Babasaheb and Bapu if there was no issue on social sensitivity in their mind then there would not have been any reservation in the country. Why? Because Jawaharlal Nehru was opposed to caste based reservation, this was not only present in his statements but he had written to other Chief Ministers too," the Union Minister said. He also trained his gun on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that his father, Rajiv Gandhi had also opposed OBC reservation, adding, "he should first see who opposed OBC reservation, his father Rajiv Gandhi. He is saying many things, but Congress is always against backwards classes of our society" He further highlighted the work of the government, and the motto of development for everyone, with everyone being a philosophical base for them, which makes sure that every person gets the facilities and conveniences scientifically. "In the last 11 years, the work done regarding government and service, sabka sath sabka vikas has the philosophical base of the government. Every work done has been with the idea of social justice in mind, so that everyone gets the facilities, goods, and conveniences and reach through a scientific method. On that issue, after a long time OBC commission has been given a statutory, constitutional status," he said. Remembering how that this decision has not been made in a day, in fact the announcement of it was made a year ago by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He mentioned, "This policy decision has been taken the first time since the first census after Independence that along with the census a caste enumeration exercise will happen. The census was supposed to happen in 2021, but had to be put on hold due to Corona. The Home Minister (Amit Shah) had talked about this decision a year earlier. This shows that that PM Modi-led NDA government is committed to give the rights to the backward sections of society." The Cabnet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by PM Modi had decided to conduct a caste census along with the national census. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced the decision on Wednesday during a press briefing on cabinet decision. Vaishnaw had said, "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." (ANI)
The National Human Rights (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that more than 100 children fell ill after consuming mid-day meal in a government school, in the Mokama area of Patna in Bihar on 24th April, 2025. Reportedly, the cook served the food to the children after removing a dead snake from it, as per a release. The Commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the students. Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna, Bihar, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the children. According to the media report, carried on 25th April, 2025, about 500 children had consumed the mid-day meal. The news about the children falling ill due to the consumption of the mid-day meal led to the blocking of the road by the protesting villagers. (ANI)
Cabinet minister and AAP Punjab President Aman Arora has criticised the BJP-led Central Government for allegedly allocating Punjab's share of BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) water to Haryana. He termed the decision as "wrong" and strongly condemned the central government. In a video on his official account on X, the AAP leader on Thursday alleged, "Like every time, the BJP-led central government has betrayed Punjab once again." Arora asserted that the Punjab government, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the 30 million people of Punjab "will go to any extent" but will not tolerate this betrayal. "Our water is dearer to us than our blood," he said, adding that the Punjab government is committed to protecting the state's water resources. On Wednesday, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains 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 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, officials from Punjab were showing reluctance in implementing this decision, he said. Saini had 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 stated that by 2 pm the next day (April 27), Punjab government officers had taken no action and even stopped responding to calls from Haryana Government officers. Saini wrote a letter to Mann to apprise him of the facts. Saini said he is astonished that instead of responding to his letter within 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 emphasised 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 accused Mann of trying to "politicise" the issue and 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)
Assam Police have so far arrested 36 individuals, including a sitting MLA from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), for reportedly expressing pro-Pakistan sentiments on social media and other platforms. In a post on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests on Thursday. He said, "#Update on Crackdown against traitors for defending Pakistan on Indian soil- 21.30hrs | 30.04 Najibul Islam arrested by @bongaigaonpolic Sanaj Hussain arrested by @sribhumipolice Total 36 Anti Nationals put behind bars in Assam. We are strictly monitoring all mediums." Among those arrested is Aminul Islam, AIUDF MLA from the Dhing Assembly constituency. The arrests were carried out across multiple districts. On April 30, two individuals, Najibul Islam in Bongaigaon and Sanaj Hussain in Sribhumi, were detained. The highest number of arrests was reported from the Cachar district, where six individuals were taken into custody. Sribhumi district police arrested four individuals, while two were detained each in Chirang, Goalpara, Hailakandi, Kokrajhar, Kamrup (Rural), Nagaon, and Tamulpur. One person was arrested from each of the following districts: Barpeta, Biswanath, Darrang, Dhubri, Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Sonitpur, Sivasagar, South Salmara, and Udalguri. On Friday, a local court in Assam's Nagaon district remanded AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam to four days' police custody after he was produced before the court here. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed about the detailed information of those arrested and has vowed stringent action against individuals supporting or defending Pakistan in connection with the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. On Thursday, the Nagaon police in Assam arrested AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam over his "derogatory remarks" about the Pahalgam terror attack. According to Nagaon SP Swapnaneel Deka, a video surfaced on social media in which AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam made a very wrong statement on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Deka stated that in the video he was defending the terrorists, due to which the police have taken cognisance of the video and have arrested him by registering a case. Deka added that he will be presented in court on Friday. Islam was booked under section 152/196/197(1)/113(3)/352/353 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS), according to an official 'X' post by Assam police. "On the basis of a misleading & instigating statement by Dhing MLA, Sh Aminul Islam in public, which went viral & had potential to create an adverse situation, NagaonPS Case 347/25 was registered for offences u/s 152/196/197(1)/113(3)/352/353 BNS. He has been arrested accordingly, "Assam Police's 'X' post said. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vishvas Sarang on Thursday said that strict action would be taken against the accused in the alleged rape and blackmail case in Bhopal so that people would be afraid of committing such a crime again. According to information, private college girls were allegedly targeted by some former students of their college, who lured them into a friendship trap and then raped them. The accused also shot their obscene videos and blackmailed them to introduce their classmates to them. So far five victims have come forward to report the incident and based on their complaints, FIRs were registered. The police have arrested four accused in the matter so far and different SITs (Special Investigation Teams) have also been constituted to probe the matter. "The matter reported in Bhopal was immediately investigated and the accused have also been caught. We have taken love jihad seriously earlier as well and made a law for the same. Love jihad will not be tolerated at any level in Madhya Pradesh. If innocent daughters are lured and motivated to change their religion, then it is unforgivable and will not be tolerated. Such a strict action will be taken that people will be afraid of doing this," Minister Sarang told ANI. The minister also said that SITs are investigating the whole matter and further arrangements will be made at college and school level so that girls can communicate with a lady teacher to explain if they are trapped in any situation. "It seems as if there is an entire gang behind this and therefore SITs have been formed and the accused are being caught. Girls who were in hiding are also coming forth and without revealing their names, action is being carried out. Arrangements will be made at college and school level that the lady teacher should establish a communication with girls, because we see that girls are usually afraid of revealing when they are trapped in such situations. So, a system will be made so that they can communicate with a lady teacher or someone," Sarang said. He further added that strict action would be taken in the matter so that no such incident would occur again. Such an incident will not be tolerated at all. (ANI)
Posters of Rahul Gandhi were put outside the AICC headquarters in the national capital on Thursday after the Centre announced that the forthcoming population census will include a caste census. On April 30, Rahul Gandhi said that the party supported the government's decision to conduct the caste enumeration during the population census, but should specify a timeline. Addressing a press conference, the Congress leader said that 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 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 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. 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 educational institutions. This is already a law. We want the NDA-BJP Government to begin implementing it," he added. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. (ANI)
On International Workers' Day, ASHA workers in Kerala intensified their ongoing protest, which entered its 81st day outside the state Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The rally, demanding better pay and working conditions, began on February 10 and has become one of the longest-running demonstrations by ASHA workers in the state. While the hunger strike was called off after 43 days, the movement is entering a new phase. ASHA workers have announced a large-scale rally from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. It is scheduled to take place from May 5 to 17. Meanwhile, the protest has received growing public support from Mallika Sarabhai, a well-known classical dancer and chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university of art and culture. She expressed her solidarity with the ASHA workers in a Facebook post, criticising the restrictions placed on her freedom of expression. She also acknowledged a citizen-led crowdfunding initiative headed by writer Sarah Joseph aimed at raising funds to supplement ASHA workers' salaries. "Today I got my first taste of what it means to be the Chancellor of a University. Restricted speech. There is an ASHA workers' agitation on in Thrissur about increasing their pay. I believe these workers everywhere do very important work and are ill paid and used. Sarah Joseph is leading a citizens' crowdfunding to increase their salary." Sarabhai wrote. Sarabhai, further added, "I was asked for my opinion and gave it as me, as I have done all my life. Oh, not allowed any more. Hmmm. How do I stop being me? Do I even want to?" ASHA workers in Kerala are on an indefinite strike over several demands, including better pay and improved working conditions. Following the protests by ASHA and Anganwadi workers, women police rank holders have also been protesting. Candidates from the Women Civil Police Officer (CPO) rank list, of which less than 30 per cent have been appointed, staged a protest in front of the Secretariat. According to reports, out of over 900 candidates on the Women CPO rank list, only around 200 have received appointment recommendations so far. The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers were protesting in Kerala against the Left Democratic Alliance (LDF) government, demanding a monthly honorarium of Rs 21,000 per month and a retirement benefit of Rs 5 lakh. On International Women's Day, they organised a massive demonstration in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, joined by women from across Kerala and various women's organisations, further intensifying the agitation. In an attempt to pacify the workers, the Kerala Health Department decided to release two months' pending dues and relax certain eligibility criteria for honorarium payments. However, ASHA workers refused to back down, insisting on a substantial salary hike. (ANI)
According to defence sources, warships are on high alert, with multiple anti-ship and anti-aircraft firings executed recently to demonstrate combat readiness and deter potential threats in the region.

The Indian Coast Guard has also deployed vessels in forward areas near the international maritime boundary off the Gujarat coast, working in close coordination with the Navy to enhance surveillance.

Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Navy warships carried out multiple successful anti-ship missile firings, as per a statement by the Indian Navy.

Taking to the social media platform X, the spokesperson of the Indian Navy stated that the firings were done to revalidate and showcase the operational readiness of platforms, systems, and crew for long-range precision offensive strikes.

The exercise was aimed at demonstrating the Navy's combat readiness and its capability to safeguard India's maritime interests. The warships were deployed in the Arabian Sea.

"Indian Navy Ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long-range precision offensive strike. Indian Navy stands Combat Ready, Credible and Future Ready in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests Anytime Anywhere Anyhow," the post stated.

This came in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed, following which tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated.

Earlier, the Indian Navy's warship INS Surat carried out a successful test firing of the Medium range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) air defence missile system in the Arabian Sea.

The test has taken place before the scheduled surface-to-surface missile testing by the Pakistan Navy in the Arabian Sea. The MR-SAM is highly effective against surface-to-surface missiles and other aerial targets.

"Indian Navy's latest indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Surat successfully carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea skimming target, marking another milestone in strengthening our defence capabilities," the Indian Navy wrote on X. (ANI)
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has filed an affidavit in a plea challenging the proposal for auditing the accounts of Khadim's Society at Ajmer Sharif Dargah, calling the petition misconceived and without merit. This affidavit has been filed in response to a plea challenging the order of the CAG for the audit of the account of the society at Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Justice Sachin Datta took the affidavit on record and granted the petitioner time to file a rejoinder. The Delhi High Court is hearing a petition challenging the CAG's order for an audit of the accounts of Ajmer Sharif Dargah for the financial years 2022-23 to 2026-27. This petition has been submitted by Anjuman Moinia Fakhria Chistiya Khuddam Khwaja Sahib Syed Zagdan Dargah Sharif, Ajmer, through advocate Ashish Singh. The petitioner society had filed a petition challenging the decision of March 15, 2024, by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to conduct the audit. However, the Ministry of Finance issued a communication on January 30, 2025, and entrusted the Audit to the CAG, the plea stated. A petition seeking a direction not to conduct an audit of the petitioner society is contrary to the provisions of the Comptroller and Auditor General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971 and the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is stated that the present writ petition is misconceived, misplaced, and without merit, as the petitioner has already preferred two separate actions before this Court against the audit, and no fresh cause of action has arisen for the filing of the present writ. The affidavit emphasised that no order has been impugned in the present petition, and the petition has only been filed to obtain an interim order for a stay of the audit, as the Court did not grant any interim relief in the previous litigation. It is further stated that section 20 of the Comptroller and Auditor General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, provides for 'Audit of accounts of certain authorities and bodies to undertake the audit of the accounts of certain authorities or bodies or authorities, the section provides that if requested by the President or Governor of a State or the Administrator of a Union territory, the CAG can undertake the audit of the account of such body or authority which has not been entrusted to the CAG by a legislative Act. It is also stated in the affidavit that the Director General of Audit (Central), Ahmedabad, Branch Office Rajasthan, Jaipur, which is a part of the CAG of India, New Delhi conducts both Financial and Compliance audit of Dargah Khawaja Saheb, Ajmer for which said office receives re-entrustment from the Ministry of Finance. It is also submitted that the latest re-entrustment of the audit of accounts of Dargah Khwaja Saheb, Ajmer, to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India covers the period from 2023-24 to 2027-28 under Section 20 (1) of the CAG's DPC Act, 1971. It is further submitted that apart from the statement that provisions of the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, have not been followed, the petitioner has failed to point out what the alleged infirmity was in the procedure adopted by the respondents. The only ground mentioned in the petition is that presidential authorisation was required, but it was not given to the respondent. It is pertinent to mention here that the presidential authorisation has been received, and the same was duly informed to the respondent herein by the Ministry of Finance vide letter dated January 30, 2025, as stated in the affidavit. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Opposition parties for claiming credit for the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census. Speaking to ANI, Deputy Chief Minister Maurya said, " Opposition ....whatever they say, but they had enough time when they were in power....10 years, Rahul Gandhi ran the Manmohan Singh govt at the Centre, Akhilesh Yadav backed Congress led government, RJD also backed Congress led govt but none of them did anything for backward people." Maurya further lauded PM Modi as one who works for the backward classes and various communities. "PM Modi is the one who worked for backward class people...he has done a lot of work for various communities...", he said. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include a caste census in the upcoming national census. He said that this will truly open the doors to social justice. Speaking to ANI, Shinde described the decision as "historic." "Yesterday's decision is historic for all the people of the country...people who belong to backwards classes can be brought to the mainstream...everybody will get justice from this...Shiv Sena welcomes this decision," he said. On Tuesday, Maurya criticised Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, claiming that in the 2027 Assembly elections, the public would make the "Samajwadi Party" a "Samaptwadi Party." Maurya told reporters, "Whether the Samajwadi Party fights the 2027 elections alone or with the INDI alliance, they should keep in mind that after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, elections have been held in Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and BJP's lotus has bloomed... In 2027, the public will make the 'Samajwadi Party' a 'Samaptwadi Party." Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the opposition of focusing on family interests and caste-based politics instead of national welfare. "The previous government only gave diseases, caused unemployment by closing down sugar mills, and instigated riots. They limited their thoughts to their family. They talk about caste development, but when in power, they only focus on their family's development," Adityanath said, referring to SP's rule in the state. Adityanath also accused both Congress and SP of using divisive rhetoric and undermining efforts to combat terrorism. He urged for unity in the country, calling for support under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership to fight terrorism. "Whenever divisive politics arise, SP and Congress leaders cross all limits of appeasement, as they are doing now. The whole nation should unite, condemn these actions, and, under PM Modi's leadership, resolve to fight terrorism. We must rise above political differences for the sake of our country and people. But we can't expect that from them," Adityanath added. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the BJP won 255 seats, SP won 111 seats, and other parties, including RLD, ADS, and NINSHAD, won a combined total of 27 seats out of 403. The 2027 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly elections are expected to be held in February or March to elect all 403 members of the state assembly. (ANI)
The man was wanted in a firing case registered at Police Station Division No. 2 in Ludhiana.

Police said the accused was critically injured in retaliatory firing and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Earlier on April 29, another accused, identified as Akshay, was arrested in the same case.

Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav wrote, "Punjab Police remains resolute in its mission to eliminate organised criminal networks and safeguard public peace and security."

Additionally, on March 18 this year, three Landa Gang members were arrested with half a kilogram of heroin after a brief encounter in Dode village of Tarn Taran district. (ANI)
Congress leader Harish Rawat on Thursday welcomed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census, crediting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's nationwide campaign for putting pressure on the government. "Rahul Gandhi held a national campaign and put pressure, and this is the result that PM Modi accepted to conduct a caste census. We welcome this decision," he said Rawat, however questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting that it might have been made for political motives. "But, the timing of this is raising several questions, one is, Bihar elections, there, the BJP is going to lose, so the BJP has chosen this time (to announce this decision). Following the Pahalgam attack, there is also pressure from the public. The opposition has also said that they are with the government, and action needs to be taken, so they are under pressure. To divert attention from this, they have chosen this time, " he added. Meanwhile, posters have been put up outside the Congress office, showing Rahul Gandhi, who has long-standing demands for a caste census. The poster read, "Didn't we say? Modi Ji will have to conduct the caste census -- we will make sure it happens!" and "In a world that bows, we need someone who can make it bow." Earlier on Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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. "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. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday visited the site of the devastating fire at Hotel Rituraj in Kolkata's Burra Bazar area, where 14 people tragically lost their lives on the night of April 29. In her speech, Banerjee announced the formation of a committee to investigate the tragedy. "We are going to make a committee to investigate this incident...The hotel owner and the manager have been arrested," she informed. She also issued a strong warning to the accomplices, adding, "If any local representative from any party or administration is found to have assisted them, then no one will be spared." On Wednesday, DG Ranvir Kumar of the fire and emergency services stated that the fire extinguishing system in the building was in a defunct condition. "A large area of around 100 square metres of the first floor was being renovated. They were probably trying to extend the area. For this, plywood and other combustible materials were stored there. Some fire was initiated, probably while the work was being done, and it spread. We believe that the smoke became trapped in the stairs and travelled to the second and third floors due to the fire. That is why the casualties there were more," DG Ranvir Kumar said. "The fire extinguishing systems here were in a defunct condition. None of the sprinklers, the fire detection system, or the alarms worked... The hotel authority had taken an FSC (Fire Safety Certificate) in 2016 and renewed it for the subsequent few years. But it had not been renewed in the last 3 years... A complaint has been registered at the police station, and an FIR has been lodged," he added. The West Bengal Chief Minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 Lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. Earlier, in a statement on X, CM Banerjee said, "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 firefight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. Fourteen died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. An investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim's families and solidarity for all affected," she added. Meanwhile, in response to the tragedy, Kolkata Police has formed a special investigation team to determine the cause of the 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 hospitalised. (ANI)
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha on Thursday lauded the decision of the Cabinet Committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct caste enumeration exercise together with the national census, termng it a decision for the "upliftment of future generations." "The decision taken by Prime Minister Modi in the national interest was taken in Bihar under the leadership of Chief Minster Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi. The Prime Minister has taken a decision for the upliftment of the future generation," Sinha told reporters in Patna. Sinha also attacked Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav for not implementing a caste census like the JD(U)-led government did while his party was in power. "Tejashwi Yadav had the opportunity for 15 years, why did he not take the decision when he was in power? There is no consistency in his words and actions," he added. Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary also hit out at Congress, saying that it was PM Modi who is going to finally do the work of "fulfilling everyone's dreams." "Whether it is Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Prasad or our CM Nitish Kumar, Prime Minister Modi has done the work of fulfilling everyone's dreams," Choudhary said. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal took a sarcastic jibe at the Opposition, saying that the leaders of INDI alliance are gradually becoming supporters of the PM. "Prime Minister Modi's plan was that when the census will be done, there will also be a caste census so that all castes can be given their rights in the future. This is the first time that the entire opposition has burst crackers on the decision of Prime Minister Modi. All the leaders of the INDI alliance are gradually becoming supporters of the Prime Minister," the BJP state president told reporters. 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. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while announcing the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs had also highlighted how while some states conducted their own caste census, he worried about their transparency or intent, claiming that some census were conducted "purely from a political angle." "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. Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana have already conducted a caste census in their respective state. Telangana has also implemented a 42 pc Backward Classes reservation for people in the state. (ANI)
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Union Cabinet's decision to include the caste census in the national census, while launching a sharp attack on the Congress saying the PM washed away "countless sins" of Congress by approving caste census. Speaking to ANI in Patna, Singh said, "From Nehru to Manmohan Singh, the Congress government has committed many sins towards the poor and social equality. PM Narendra Modi has washed away these sins by approving the caste census..." He alleged that successive Congress governments, including those led by Rajiv Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, failed to prioritize caste-based data despite invoking Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy. "From Nehru to Manmohan Singh, the Congress governments have committed countless sins against the poor and social equality. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has washed away those sins by approving the caste census," Singh said. Acknowledging Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's consistent support for a caste census, Singh also added that had previous Congress governments implemented it, the situation would have been an OBC secretary in Delhi. Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was already supporting the census... If Rahul Gandhi's father or grandmother had implemented it, then today there would have been an OBC secretary in Delhi. He should chant PM Narendra Modi's name for working for social equality without any discrimination," said the MP from Bihar's Begusarai. Earlier, in a sharp rebuttal to the RJD's claims that the BJP would take credit for the caste census, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said, "Jisko jo credit lena hai wo le lein" (Let whoever wants the credit, take it). Speaking to ANI, Chirag Paswan hit back at the RJD amid a political tug-of-war over the caste census 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. "They (Opposition) are the people who were pointing fingers at us and our Prime Minister, saying that we will not do the caste census. They used to go from house to house and raise slogans saying that the Centre wouldn't have done it. However, 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," Paswan told ANI. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. (ANI)
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) founder Vaiko on Thursday welcomed the Union Government's decision for the caste enumeration in the forthcoming census, but noted that the census should have been conducted way back in 2021. Addressing reporters in Chennai, Vaiko said the demand for a caste census had been raised several years ago. "Caste census should be taken. It had been demanding for long. It should have been done in 2021. Four years have gone; now the central government has announced it, so we welcome it," Vaiko said. Earlier today, echoing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's call for a clear roadmap and timeline for the caste enumeration in the forthcoming census, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for just providing a "headline without a deadline". "Like what Rahul Gandhi said yesterday, 'headline toh de diya, lekin deadline kaha hai?' Our PM is an expert in giving headlines without deadlines. He said that caste will be involved, and Rahul Gandhi asked for a roadmap for it... We have been asking for it for the last six years," he said. Addressing a press conference, Ramesh questioned the government's intent and preparedness, pointing to inadequate budget allocations for the operation and a lack of clarity on implementation details. He highlighted discrepancies in funding, noting that the budget allocated to the census commissioner's office for this year was Rs 575 crore, which contradicts PM Modi's 2019 claim of requiring Rs 8254 crore for the national census. "In 2025-26, the census commissioner's office in the Home Ministry, which has been given the responsibility of conducting the caste census, was allocated Rs 575 crore in the budget. But on 24 December 2019, PM Narendra Modi's government said that Rs 8254 crore is required for the national census... So, what is the purpose and the intent? Only a headline? No details. No Budget... This is the reality," he stated. Earlier on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi called to specify a timeline for the caste enumeration during the forthcoming census. "We completely support it but we want a timeline. We want to know when this will happen. This is the first step," Gandhi said during a press conference yesterday. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday 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. "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. "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," he added. The Union Minister stated that caste has been excluded from all census operations conducted since India's independence. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday criticized the Indian government's directive for Pakistani nationals to leave the country following the Pahalgam attack, calling it "inhuman" and "against the spirit of humanity," especially in cases where individuals have lived in India peacefully for decades. Speaking to the media, Abdullah sympathized with the people living in India for the last 70 or 25 years. "This action is not good; this is against humanity. Some people have been staying here for the last 70 years, 25 years, their children are here, they never hurt India, instead they have submitted themselves to India," Farooq said. The JKNC Chief also raised concerns over the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan. "We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Today, two countries are getting ready for a fight. Attempts are being done to ensure this doesn't happen and a solution can be found to catch them (terrorists) and those who are behind it," Faroor Abdullah said. Meanwhile, 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. "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. The terror attack, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans. (ANI)
In a grand tradition, the construction of Lord Jagannath's chariot for the annual Rath Yatra festival has commenced in Puri, Odisha. The construction began on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya, April 30, marking the beginning of the preparations for the revered festival. The Rath Yatra, also known as the "Festival of Chariots," is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is taken out in a grand procession on chariots through the streets of Puri. The festival attracts millions of devotees from around the world. The construction of the chariots is a meticulous process, with skilled artisans and craftsmen working tirelessly to complete the intricate designs and structures. The chariots are built using traditional techniques and materials, adhering to the ancient rituals and customs associated with the festival. This year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will commence on June 27. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) in the month of Ashadh. As the construction of the chariots progresses, preparations for the Rath Yatra are underway in full swing. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration is working diligently to ensure that all arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the festival. Devotees are eagerly awaiting the Rath Yatra, a celebration of Lord Jagannath and his siblings' divine journey. The festival is a testament to Odisha's rich cultural heritage and traditions and is expected to draw large crowds to Puri. The festival is celebrated with great fanfare from New Zealand to London and South Africa. It encompasses the Holy Trinity's onward journey to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi's Temple, and culminates in their return journey after eight days. In reality, the festival spans from the day of Akshaya Tritiya and culminates with the return of the Holy Trinity's journey to the Shree Mandir premises. (ANI)
As part of the Gujarat Gaurav Divas 2025 State Level Celebrations, the Gujarat Police on Thursday organised an Arms Exhibition under Police Expo - 2025. According to a CMO statement, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the exhibition and reviewed the state-of-the-art weaponry and equipment on display. The exhibition featured a diverse range of modern arms, with the Chetak Commando Force showcasing non-lethal weapons and firearms with ranges up to 1000 metres. The BDDS squad set up six stalls to display various IED Devices, searching and disposal equipment, offering in-depth information on explosive devices and safety procedures. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) exhibited rescue operation equipment across eight stalls, highlighting preparedness for natural disasters. The Gujarat Marine Task Force showcased modern maritime security tools and weaponry through six stalls. Seven additional stalls were dedicated to presenting the contributions of the Panchmahal Traffic Police, women police personnel, and police technology, including wireless equipment, body-worn cameras, and the latest drones. The Special Force of Gujarat Police, established in 1992, was renamed the Chetak Commando Force in 2008. This elite unit is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and modern equipment to tackle terrorist attacks effectively. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to Gujarat's people on their Statehood Day. PM Modi lauded the state for its rich culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and dynamism, noting that Gujaratis have excelled in various fields. His X post wrote, "On the proud occasion of their Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of Gujarat. The state has distinguished itself for its culture, spirit of enterprise and dynamism. The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress." Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Gujarat on the occasion of Gujarat Day, lauding the state's rich natural resources, historical and cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. (ANI)
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Thursday described the Centre's decision to include caste-based census with national census as a "victory" for the persistent efforts of party leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. He accused the BJP of attempting to delay the process but said Congress remained committed to ensuring justice for every section of society. "This is the victory of Rahul Gandhi. This is the victory of the proposal passed by Mallikarjun Kharge on April 9... BJP is still not revealing the deadline. It is a ground reality that they have to do the caste census... They are still trying to run away from this, but Congress is resolved to bring justice to every section of the society... I believe this is the victory of the tireless efforts of Congress...," he said. Caste enumeration was a regular feature of census exercises during British rule from 1881 to 1931. However, after independence, the practice was discontinued except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The last attempt at collecting caste data at a national level was in 2011 through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), but the findings were never fully released or utilized. Responding to criticism from BJP leaders who accused Congress of failing to conduct a caste census while in power and using the issue for political gain, Tiwari hit back sharply. "They should send their address, I would send the cutting of the statement made by Kharge ji and Rahul ji in parliament demanding caste based census, they should read it and put in their homes. And their minister also had made a statement in parliament that they don't intend to conduct a caste census," he said. Meanwhile, echoing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's call for a clear roadmap and timeline for the caste enumeration in the forthcoming census, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for just providing a "headline without a deadline." "Like what Rahul Gandhi said yesterday, 'headline toh de diya, lekin deadline kaha hai?' Our PM is an expert in giving headlines without deadlines. He said that caste will be involved, and Rahul Gandhi asked for a roadmap for it... We have been asking for it for the last six years," he said. Addressing a press conference, Ramesh questioned the government's intent and preparedness, pointing to inadequate budget allocations for the operation and a lack of clarity on implementation details. He highlighted discrepancies in funding, noting that the budget allocated to the census commissioner's office for this year was Rs 575 crore, which contradicts PM Modi's 2019 claim of requiring Rs 8254 crore for the national census. "In 2025-26, the census commissioner's office in the Home Ministry, which has been given the responsibility of conducting the caste census, was allocated Rs 575 crore in the budget. But on 24 December 2019, PM Narendra Modi's government said that Rs 8254 crore is required for the national census... So, what is the purpose and the intent? Only a headline? No details. No Budget... This is the reality," he stated. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. (ANI)
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', the Gujarat Government, under the leadership of CM Bhupendra Patel, is actively preserving the state's rich heritage. A notable testament to this effort is Gujarat's vibrant and diverse handloom and handicraft legacy, which continues to flourish as a result of the government's proactive initiatives. In order to establish a distinct identity for Gujarat's handicrafts and handlooms at both the national and international levels, while simultaneously preserving and fostering their development, the Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (GSHHDC) has been diligently nurturing this ancestral legacy for over 52 years. Through its 'Garvi-Gurjari' emporiums, traditional rural art and craft enterprises within the state have experienced notable advancement. 'Garvi-Gurjari' serves as a vital conduit between skilled artisans from remote villages and the wider public, presenting exemplary handloom and handicraft creations, and consistently endeavouring to enhance the visibility and commercial success of their products. During the financial year 2023-24, Garvi-Gurjari recorded unprecedented sales exceeding Rs 25 crore, marking the highest turnover in the past 50 years. In the subsequent financial year, 2024-25, this benchmark was further surpassed, with estimated sales reaching approximately Rs 31.70 crore. Notably, the corporation is affiliated with over 8,000 artisans from across the state. During the year, it procured products valued at Rs 20.89 crore from these artisans, thereby reinforcing its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship. This mission has proven to be a significant source of support for the artisan community. Through its sales centers located both within Gujarat and beyond, the corporation facilitated product sales amounting to Rs 14.46 crore. Furthermore, to enhance market accessibility, the corporation regularly organized fairs and exhibitions at various locations across the state and the country, generating additional sales exceeding Rs 17.24 crore. Regarding this historic achievement, the Managing Director of the corporation, Dr Prashant Jilova, stated, "We are extremely proud of this milestone, which is a testament to our team's dedication and hard work, continuous government support, and the unmatched craftsmanship of our artisans. As we celebrate this remarkable success, we remain committed to empowering local artisans, enhancing sustainable livelihoods, and preserving Gujarat's rich handloom and handicraft heritage." Along with preserving the ancestral heritage of the state, GSHHDC also embodies a spirit of commitment to the nation and national unity. Valuable support from government buyers has played a crucial role in elevating sales to new heights. Through initiatives such as One District One Product (ODOP) and Vocal for Local, the government has made a significant impact in preserving handicrafts and boosting the market presence of handloom products. In addition, the corporation has undertaken the aesthetic decoration of various artworks of Gujarat's handlooms and handicrafts at Swarnim Sankul-1, Gujarat State Electronics Mission (GSEM), Gujarat Medical Services Corporation (GMSCL), and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education of Gujarat. To further promote the state's handicrafts and handlooms, the corporation has launched new Garvi-Gurjari showrooms at (1) Smritivan, Bhuj (2) Dandi Kutir, Gandhinagar (3) Nadabet (4) Shalghar Choraniya Limbdi (5) Salangpur. Alongside, Garvi-Gurjari has delivered an excellent experience to buyers across the country through exhibitions held at various locations this year. This year, apart from Gujarat, the highest number of exhibitions were seen in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Amritsar, Faridabad (Haryana), Mysore, and Chandigarh. It is important to highlight that, in recognition of the critical role of skill development in empowering artisans and enhancing product quality, Garvi-Gurjari entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to facilitate design training. Furthermore, skill enhancement workshops were conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID), and the quality of training was significantly strengthened through the involvement of NIFT-trained master artisans. These initiatives have effectively equipped artisans with the requisite skills and knowledge to produce high-quality handloom products aligned with evolving consumer preferences. (ANI)
Calling the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census as LoP Rahul Gandhi's "victory," Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday said that the caste census will give positivity to the scenario of democracy. "Caste census will give positivity to the scenario of democracy here. Rahul Gandhi's slogan is that there should be as much participation as the population... This will change the picture of development. This is a welcome step, but it should be time-bound; the government has to give a time frame... This is Rahul Gandhi's victory... The government could not bear the pressure mounting from the whole country and announced it (caste census)," Tariq Hameed Karra told ANI. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal welcomed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census and credited Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi with continuously advocating for one. "At last they (central government) agreed that the caste census is the need of the country and the need of the hour. Since the last 3-4 years, (Lok Sabha) LoP Rahul Gandhi has been continuously batting for a caste census and raising the genuine issues of the people of this country...Whenever he does that, the BJP attacks him in a very bad manner...Our PM had told that in this country, only four castes are there, then what is the need for a caste survey?... We are very happy," Venugopal said. 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. On Wednesday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while announcing the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, also highlighted how while some states conducted their own caste census, he worried about their transparency or intent, claiming that some censuses were conducted "purely from a political angle." "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. Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana have already conducted a caste census in their respective state. Telangana has also implemented a 42 pc Backward Classes reservation for people in the state. (ANI)
An Indian passport holder, Sharmeen Irfan, is attempting to return to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border crossing in Amritsar. Irfan, who has been married to a Pakistani national for 12 years and has a young child, came to India to visit her ailing mother. Irfan obtained a visa from the Pakistan embassy, which advised her to cross the border on the same day. She is now trying to return to her husband and child in Karachi. Irfan condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack, calling for an end to terrorism and strict action against those responsible. "The incident which happened (in Pahalgam) was wrong. Terrorism should be ended, but why is the common man being troubled?" she questioned. Irfan expressed frustration over the complexities of border crossings and the impact on ordinary people. She hopes to return to her family in Pakistan soon. Another woman, a half-Pakistani national, also expressed her frustration over the separation of families due to border restrictions. She appealed to the government to allow her to return to Pakistan with her children. "Those who did this attack should be severely punished. But what is our fault in this? Why are our families being separated? Who will talk about what is happening with cross-border families? I appeal to the government to let me go to Pakistan with my children. I am a half-Pakistani national. I obtained the Pakistani visa yesterday," she said. The terror attack, which claimed 26 lives was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Following the Indian government's decision to cancel Pakistani visas, many Pakistani citizens, including Suraj Kumar, a Pakistani Hindu, are returning to Pakistan through the Attari border crossing. Kumar expressed his desire to reunite with his family and criticised the suffering of common citizens due to border tensions. He said, " ...once the border opens, we will go home, to our children...what happened is wrong (Pahalgam attack)...if discussions happen, then only solutions can be found...we common citizens are suffering...I had come here to meet my family members, I couldn't visit everyone...I wanted to take my mother to Haridwar...I stay in Balochistan and belong to a Hindu family" On the other hand, India has closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan and those operated by Pakistani airlines, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), another major step following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday, confirming the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, from April 30 to May 23 (estimated duration). Both India and Pakistan have now blocked each other's airlines from using their airspace, as the neighbouring country had already announced this step six days ago. (ANI)
Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar on Thursday, relinquished the Command of the Indian Army's Northern Command on Wednesday, after completing an illustrious career of four decades in the Indian Army. In a solemn ceremony on his departure, the GOC-in-C paid homage to the Bravehearts for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, according to the Ministry of Defence. An alumnus of Sainik School, Bijapur and NDA, Khadakwasla, the General Officer was commissioned into 1 ASSAM Regiment on 8th June 1985. He has a rich and versatile experience of Conventional and Counter Terrorism/ Insurgency operations in Northern and Eastern Command theatres of the country. His command appointments were all in J&K that includes command of a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, an Infantry Brigade, a Division and a Corps. He assumed the appointment of GOC-in-C, Northern Command on February 19, 2024. During his command, he provided Strategic guidance and Operational oversight for the planning and execution of sustained operations along the northern and western borders, besides orchestrating the dynamic Counter-Terrorism operations in J&K, the ministry said. He ensured a balanced operational situation on the borders and hinterland. Under his leadership, training evolved to align with the changing operational dynamics, preparing personnel for both current and futuristic challenges. Under his command, efforts were also made to galvanise resources as per Veterans Engagement programs to assist Veterans, 'Veer-Matas' and 'Veer Naris' within Northern Command Areas. Other key areas of focus under his leadership were facilitating upliftment of the youth, women empowerment and development of the local communities to include 'Gujjars' and 'Bakkerwals' through Operation Sadhbhavna. Multiple infrastructure projects were undertaken for the upliftment of the local communities. In his farewell address, the General officer complimented all ranks for their selfless service and exhorted them to continue their good work in the finest traditions of the Indian Army. The Indian Army wishes the General Officer and his family the very best in their future endeavours. (ANI)
Congress workers in Hyderabad celebrated and showered milk over the posters of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and party MP Rahul Gandhi, along with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy as a gesture of reverence and gratitude after the Centre announced that the forthcoming population census will include a caste census. The Congress workers also burst crackers, danced and distributed sweets (laddoos) as part of the celebrations. Chanting slogans in support of social justice and the Congress leadership, party workers gathered at various locations across the city, calling the move a "victory of Rahul Gandhi's vision." The celebration highlights the Congress's longstanding demand for a caste-based census to ensure the fair distribution of resources and representation. Posters of Rahul Gandhi, who has long advocated for a caste census, were displayed outside the state Congress party office. The poster read, "Didn't we say? Modi Ji will have to conduct the caste census -- we will make sure it happens!" and "In a world that bows, we need someone who can make it bow." Similar posters of the Congress MP were also displayed in the national capital outside the AICC headquarters. On April 30, Rahul Gandhi said that the party supported the government's decision to conduct the caste enumeration during the population census, but should specify a timeline. Addressing a press conference, the Congress leader stated that Telangana has established a model for conducting a caste census, and it can serve as 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 stated in Parliament that we would implement the Caste Census. We 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 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," he added. Gandhi stated that the caste census is the first step, and a new development paradigm is needed. "I would like to reiterate that the caste census is the first step. Our vision is to bring a new development paradigm through the 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 mentioned one more thing: Congress had raised one more point, which was also mentioned in the manifesto, specifically Article 15(5) - reservation in private educational institutions. This is already a law. We want the NDA-BJP Government to begin implementing it," he added. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy welcomed the Central government's decision to conduct a caste census and urged the Union Government to establish a group of ministers and a committee of experts to study how different states have conducted their own censuses and conduct a detailed study for a nationwide caste census. Telangana, which has recently completed a comprehensive caste census, said," Under pressure, today, the central government has taken this decision. We won't do politics at this point. We welcome this decision under the leadership of PM Modi...we request that if they want to conduct a caste census, they should constitute a committee of union cabinet ministers and then an expert committee and conduct a study." Earlier on Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 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. "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. (ANI)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to carry out trials on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. The IAF will showcase its operational readiness with take-off and landing exercises with its advanced fighter and transport aircraft, including the Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage. According to a release, the IAF will carry out these drills on Friday on a 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip in Shahjahanpur, part of the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The exercise aims to assess the expressway's potential as an alternative runway during times of war or national emergencies. "Notably, this will be the first airstrip in the country designed to support day and night landings of fighter aircraft, making it a strategic asset for defence preparedness. It will also serve as the Air Force's training and rehearsal base," the release read. To ensure comprehensive security, around 250 CCTV cameras have been installed on both sides of the airstrip. In preparation for the air show, the Indian Air Force has taken over operational control of the airstrip, with personnel from the Air Force and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) coordinating efforts. According to the district administration, the air show will be conducted in two phases--during the day and at night--to test the strip's night landing capabilities. Fighter jets will perform low fly-pasts at an altitude of just one meter, followed by landing and take-off drills. The same sequence will be repeated from 7 PM to 10 PM. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Minister of State for Cooperation JPS Rathore, public representatives, and senior Air Force officials will also attend. "The Ganga Expressway is set to become Uttar Pradesh's fourth expressway equipped with an airstrip facility. Previously, airstrips have been constructed on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Unnao, the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur, and the Bundelkhand Expressway near Etawah. These strategically located airstrips serve as alternative runways for the Indian Air Force during wartime or emergencies," the release read. However, the Ganga Expressway stands out as the first in Uttar Pradesh and across the country to offer night landing capabilities. This advancement will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's ability to conduct operations around the clock. "The upcoming air show will assess the expressway's readiness for use as an alternate runway and demonstrate the IAF's rapid response capability and strength in executing multi-domain operations," the release read. This exercise marks a crucial step in reinforcing India's defence preparedness. Leveraging strategic infrastructure, such as the Ganga Expressway, underscores a new era of civil-military synergy and enhances the nation's military strategy. (ANI)
A girl student from Nepal who was studying at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, was found dead inside her hostel room on Thursday evening, police said. According to the police, upon receiving the information about the alleged suicide, the body of the girl was recovered from her hostel room, which is inside the campus. The body was found in a hanging position. "Today, we have received information that a girl from Nepal has died by suicide at the KIIT University...we reached there and investigated the matter. A detailed investigation will be conducted into the matter...The scientific team reached there, and all the details were collected. Her family has been informed. The body has been sent to AIIMS for the post-mortem," said Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh. Police further said that the Nepal Embassy has also been informed about the incident. Odisha government also extended condolences over the death of the girl and assured that necessary action will be taken in the matter. "Information about the alleged suicide of a girl student from Nepal, studying in the first year B Tech, Computer Science, KIIT University, was received from local police at about 8.10 pm today. The parents of the girl were informed about the incident immediately by the university authorities. In this hour of distress, the State Government extends its support to the family of the deceased and offers its condolences to them," the Information and Public Relations Department said. "On receipt of the information, senior officers, including the Commissioner of Police and Revenue Divisional Commissioner, rushed to the site to enquire into the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident and take necessary action in the matter. The forensic team is at the spot to collect evidence," it added. Earlier this year, a Nepali student from the same university was found dead in the hostel on February 16, leading to Nepalese students staging a protest. The protesting students had alleged that a fellow student had harassed her and that the college had failed to act despite multiple complaints. Later, the accused student was arrested on February 17. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma extended condolences on the demise of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Girija Vyas. The Chief Minister said that she will always be remembered as a popular leader. "Girija Vyas's life was dedicated to public service. Due to her gentle behaviour, she will always be remembered as a popular leader. Her death is an irreparable loss for state politics. I pray to God to give the departed soul a place in His Param Dham and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this grief," the Chief Minister said. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the demise of Vyas. While Kharge said that her death is an irreparable loss to the Congress, Gandhi remembered her contribution in the fields of education, social justice, and women's empowerment. "The news of the demise of former Union Minister, former State President of Rajasthan Congress and senior Congress leader, Dr. Girija Vyas ji is extremely sad," Kharge said in a post on X. "She served the country and the Congress Party in many important capacities as Union Minister, MP, MLA, Chairperson of the Women's Commission, Chairperson of the AICC Ideology Department and Editor of Congress Sandesh. An intellectual politician, an influential orator and an able administrator, his demise is an irreparable loss to the Congress family," he added. The Congress President said that as a true Gandhian, Vyas set an inspiring example of women empowerment while performing her duties. "From becoming a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly at the age of just 25, she dedicated four decades to the Congress and public service in various constitutional and organisational roles. As a true Gandhian, she set an inspiring example of women empowerment while performing her duties. In this sad hour, I express my deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers and pray for the peace of the departed soul," Kharge said. According to reports, Vyas recently suffered severe burns in a fire while performing the aarti at her home in Udaipur. Girija Vyas, a seasoned Congress party leader, has held prominent roles in both state and central governments. She has served as the state president of Congress in Rajasthan and chaired the National Women's Commission. Throughout her political career, Vyas has held several key positions within Congress. In 1991, she made her way to Parliament by securing a victory from the Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency. She also served as a union minister for the government led by Narasimha Rao. Girija Vyas was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha from Rajasthan's Chittorgarh constituency. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the death of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Girija Vyas. Both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi termed her death an "irreparable loss" to society. "The news of the demise of former Union Minister, former State President of Rajasthan Congress and senior Congress leader, Dr. Girija Vyas ji is extremely sad," Kharge said in a post on X. "She served the country and the Congress Party in many important capacities as Union Minister, MP, MLA, Chairperson of the Women's Commission, Chairperson of the AICC Ideology Department, and Editor of Congress Sandesh. An intellectual politician, an influential orator, and an able administrator, his demise is an irreparable loss to the Congress family," he added. The Congress President said that as a true Gandhian, Vyas set an inspiring example of women's empowerment while performing her duties. "From becoming a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly at the age of just 25, she dedicated four decades to the Congress and public service in various constitutional and organisational roles. As a true Gandhian, she set an inspiring example of women's empowerment while performing her duties. In this sad hour, I express my deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers and pray for the peace of the departed soul," Kharge said. Rahul Gandhi remembered her contributions in the fields of education, social justice, and women's empowerment. "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of former Union Minister and our senior leader Dr. Girija Vyas ji. Her contribution in the field of education, social justice, and especially women's empowerment has been very important. Her demise is an irreparable loss for all of us. In this sad moment, I express my deepest condolences to her family, supporters, and well-wishers," he said in a social media post. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief at the death of Girija Vyas. In a post on X, Gehlot asserted that Vyas had made a great contribution to education, politics, and social service. "The demise of former Union Minister and former Congress State President Dr Girija Vyas is an irreparable loss for all of us. Dr Girija Vyas has made a great contribution to the field of education, politics, and social service. His untimely demise in such an accident is a big shock for all of us. I pray to God to grant his soul a place at his feet," Ashok Gehlot said. According to reports, Vyas recently suffered severe burns in a fire while performing the aarti at her home in Udaipur. Girija Vyas, a seasoned Congress party leader, has held prominent roles in both state and central governments. She has served as the state president of Congress in Rajasthan and chaired the National Women's Commission. Throughout her political career, Vyas has held several key positions within Congress. In 1991, she made her way to Parliament by securing a victory from the Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency. She also served as a union minister for the government led by Narasimha Rao. Girija Vyas was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha from Rajasthan's Chittorgarh constituency. (ANI)
Pakistani, Indian fighter jets in brief standoff: Pakistani security sources

Xinhua) 10:17, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
Rajasthan Intelligence has arrested a Jaisalmer resident, Pathan Khan, for allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), an official release said. As per an official release, authorities stated that the accused Pathan Khan visited Pakistan in 2013 and came in contact with officers of the Intelligence Agency of Pakistan. A case has been registered against the Pathan Khan under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. In Pakistan, Khan was lured with money and received training for espionage. Even after 2013, he continued meeting Pakistan Intelligence Agency officers by going there and kept sharing sensitive and confidential information related to the Jaisalmer International Border with Pakistan handlers, the press note stated. Meanwhile, amid mounting tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, villagers who live near the international border in Rajasthan are bracing for all possibilities and say they are ready to provide all assistance to the Indian Army. In some of the last villages on the Indian side before the Indo-Pak international border in Rajasthan, preparedness and patriotism continue to go hand in hand. Bunkers have already been constructed to shelter both civilians and security forces in the event of a military escalation, say locals in these villages. The presence of the Indian Army in the region serves as a constant reminder of the state of preparedness. Locals in the area condemned the April 22 Pahalgam killings and urged the government of India to retaliate accordingly to the situation. Speaking to ANI, Arjun Singh, a local villager, said, "It is absolutely necessary to respond to Pakistan. They keep provoking us, and what they did in Pahalgam, killing unarmed civilians, is unacceptable. The army must strike back." The elderly man recalled the 1971 war, stating, "I was in Ramgarh when bombs were falling. Back then, we helped the army in every way possible. Today also, we are ready to assist, no matter the hardship." Meanwhile, the Pakistani military is continuing its build-up on the borders with India and has deployed air defence and artillery units at forward locations. The Pakistan Air Force is currently conducting three exercises simultaneously: Fiza-e-Badr, Lalkar-e-Momin, and Zarb-e-Haidari. These exercises involve all major fighter aircraft fleets, including the F-16, J-10, and JF-17. On Tuesday, the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan talked over the hotline to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan, defence sources said on Wednesday. They said India warned Pakistan against the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LOC) and the International Border. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the 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. Tension have escalated between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. (ANI)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. It comes as there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (Loc) in Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 brutal attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others. 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. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the 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 the 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. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to condemn the "unconscionable" Pahalgam terror attack and "de-escalate tensions" with India to "maintain peace and security" in South Asia. In his talks, Rubio also encouraged Pakistan to cooperate with investigation efforts and reestablish direct communications with India, according to a statement from US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence, Bruce said. It comes as there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (Loc) in Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 brutal attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others. Indian security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Both India and Pakistan have also blocked each other's airlines from using their airspace. India has also 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. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the 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. Earlier, in the aftermath of the brutal attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that India would identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their backers. He said that India will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. "I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to make sure that justice is done. The entire nation is one in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us." The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) also 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. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Thursday detected 34 sorties of People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official ship operating around Taiwan. According to the MND, 27 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, "34 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 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, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." 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). China and Taiwan have frequently accused one another of spying, and Taiwan has arrested several people it says Beijing has hired to get intelligence or sway public opinion. According to RFA, Beijing usually rejects any role in espionage operations against Taiwan, referring to the charges as "politically motivated" or "groundless. Taiwan's President and Chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, Lai Ching-te, had declared that all party members are now required to report in advance and submit a follow-up report if they visit China or interact with individuals connected to the Chinese government."Any betrayal of the party's core values for personal gain must be met with strict disciplinary action and the harshest legal consequences," Lai told the party's weekly meeting, as quoted by the RFA report. Lai announced steps, including enhanced internal education for party members to increase their knowledge of national security and legal responsibilities, as well as the requirement to disclose visits to China. He also called for tighter control over parliamentary and local council aides, with party caucuses being entrusted with creating certain procedures and training courses, according to the RFA report. The actions follow the DPP being the target of previous Chinese espionage investigations. (ANI)
The Middle East's largest steel producer, Mobarakeh Steel Group, has urged the Indian government to grant market access to Iranian companies in the world's fastest-growing major economy. 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, "India is the world's second-largest steel producer. With India undergoing rapid infrastructure expansion, we request the Indian government to facilitate Iranian companies by granting them a small share in the steel import market." "We are neighbours, and this cooperation could help both countries. We seek only a minor share to export steel or other goods needed by the Indian people. This will help us continue our business, despite the sanctions imposed on Iran. We specifically request access to export semi-finished products, such as steel slabs, to the Indian market," Alvandi added. Mobarakeh Steel Group is the largest steel producer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the world's leading producer of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). The company supplies over 50 per cent of Iran's steel, catering to key sectors including automotive, construction, household appliances, and packaging. Alvandi highlighted the impact of US and European Union sanctions on Iranian exporters. "Due to these restrictions, 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. On the significance of the Iran Expo, Alvandi said, "Events like this offer a vital platform for Iranian companies to showcase their products and explore global opportunities, especially with neighbouring countries. This is the 7th edition of the Iran Expo, and it plays a key role in connecting Iranian exporters with international importers." (ANI)
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)
India and Egypt held the 4th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism in Cairo on Wednesday. They agreed to strengthen joint efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Egypt reaffirmed its full support for India in confronting all forms of violence, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release. India and Egypt strongly condemned the recent "heinous terrorist attack" in Pahalgam that targeted tourists. In a press release, the MEA stated, "India and Egypt strongly condemned the recent heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam that targeted domestic and international tourists. Egypt reaffirmed its full support for India in confronting all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining the country's security and stability." "Both sides agreed to strengthen joint efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides exchanged views on terror threats in their respective countries and regions," it added. The two delegations were led by Ambassador KD Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs, and Ambassador Walid Al-Fiqi, Director of the Department of Counter Terrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, and included representatives from various agencies of both nations. The two nations discussed ways to strengthen areas of cooperation to counter new and emerging challenges like the use of technology for terrorist purposes and financing of terrorism, including cryptocurrencies, unmanned aerial systems and misuse of cyberspace by terrorists for spreading terrorist propaganda. India and Egypt agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in anti-money laundering efforts, drug trafficking and organised crime. The two nations agreed to deepen cooperation in training and capacity building, cyber security, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for counter-terrorism, the exchange of best practices, and information sharing. The two nations discussed strengthening multilateral cooperation in countering terrorism, including the United Nations and BRICS. The next meeting of the Joint Working Group shall be held in India on a mutually convenient date. In a press release, MEA stated, "The two sides also discussed strengthening of multilateral cooperation in counter terrorism, including in the United Nations, BRICS, the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and FATF." "In this context, both sides exchanged views on how to enhance the effectiveness of the GCTF and reiterated the commitment to early finalisation and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)," it added. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with US counterpart Marco Rubio on Wednesday and discussed the recent terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Jaishankar stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack must be brought to justice. "Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," Jaishankar posted on X. https://x.com/drsjaishankar/status/1917761451789369613 During the talks, Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. The talks between the two leaders come as there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 brutal attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists killed 26 people and injured many others. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC. Following the attack, India has taken several 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. Earlier, on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra 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. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Government sources said PM Modi 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 meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. (ANI)
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in its annual highlighted a troubling decline in civic freedoms, deteriorating law and order and marked strain on federalism, Dawn reported. The State of Human Rights in 2024' report released on Wednesday, the HRCP has noted that the elections held in February last year were compromised by allegations of electoral manipulation. The government that assumed office subsequently ceded space to undemocratic forces in the form of several hurriedly passed and flawed laws. According to the report, fatalities related to the terrorist incidents in 2024 rose to more than 2500, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounting for the majority of such attacks. At least 24 deaths were reported due to vigilante mobs, some of which were connected to allegations of blasphemy in Swat and Sargodha. In his remarks at the launch of annual report, HRCP chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt highlighted continued state-sanctioned violence in 2024, with at least 379 officially reported new cases of enforced disappearance, two extrajudicial killings of persons suspected of blasphemy and 4,864 staged police encounters in Sindh and Punjab only. Former HRCP chairperson Hina Jilani said that enforced disappearances were not justified in any circumstances, "including war or insurgency." She further said that the human rights community continues to stress that all acts of violence should be dealt in accordance with the law, Dawn reported. She said, "No cause can justify violence or acts of terrorism. The human rights community insists that all acts of violence be dealt with in accordance with the law." More than 1200 people were imprisoned on charges of blasphemy, having been entrapped by far-right groups into sharing allegedly blasphemous content on social media sites. The Ahmadiyya community reported at least six faith-based killings and the desecration of more than 200 graves and worship sites. The continued ban on the social media platform X, arrests of journalists reporting on politically sensitive issues, repeated enforcement of Section 144 to stop public gatherings, the ban on Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and the use of disproportionate -- and on occasion, lethal -- force against assemblies in Pakistan demonstrated that it was a state not ready to accept criticism or dissent. Slamming the government's law-making in 2024 and its effect on freedom of expression, HRCP co-chair Munizae Jahangir said that public officials should not be protected from legitimate criticism by ordinary citizens. Pakistan's judicial system remained heavily burdened during 2024, with 2.4 million cases pending nationwide, Dawn reported. HRCP Secretary-General Harris Khalique said that miners, sanitation workers and polio workers faced increased safety risks, with at least 172 work-related deaths in 2024 in these sectors alone. Violence against women and children continued in 2024, with at least 405 honour killings, 1,641 domestic murders, 4,175 cases of rape, and 1,630 incidents of violence against children. The Pakistan government continued to repatriate Afghan nationals amid concerns from the international community that such deportations did not meet international standards of consent and dignity. HRCP Islamabad vice-chair Nasreen Azhar voiced concern over the 26th constitutional amendment that had resulted in executive overreach in the judiciary's affairs. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul over the phone on Thursday. During the talks, Jaishankar underlined the need to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Jaishankar thanked him for South Korea's support and solidarity in light of the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, "Spoke with @FMChoTaeyul of South Korea this morning. Thanked him for RoK's support and solidarity in light of Pahalgam terror attack. Underlined the need to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1917824439363788975 The Pahalgam attack, which took place on April 22, left 26 people dead and several others injured after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. 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 persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. Additionally, the central government decided to cancel any visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistani officials to leave the country within 48 hours. India has also suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from April 27, 2025, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs in a press release. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the country that the terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired to commit it, will face punishment beyond their imagination. Speaking at a gathering in Bihar's Madhubani on April 24, PM Modi declared, "The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination," stressing that the time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. "The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror," the PM emphasised. He also affirmed that everyone who believes in humanity stands with India during these times. He further stated, "We will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers, pursuing them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism, and terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served, and the entire nation is firm in this resolve against terrorism." (ANI)
China on Wednesday accused the US for originating COVID-19, claiming America was trying to "shift the blame" after US President Donald Trump said that the disease was leaked from a Wuhan lab, New York Post reported. The Chinese government has said that "substantial evidence" suggested that COVID might have emerged from the US earlier than the outbreak in China, while insisting the lab leak theory was "extremely unlikely" in a white paper. Chinese officials said, "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 politicising SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing." According to the report, COVID-19 circulated in the US earlier than it was officially determined. The Chinese government's allegations against the US follow the White House revamped its COVID-19 information earlier this month to push the statement that COVID-19 leaked out of a lab in the Wuhan Institute of Virology. A section on the new White House webpage stated, "A lab-related incident involving gain-of-function research is the most likely the origin of COVID-19," New York Post reported. Earlier in January, the CIA said that COVID-19 was more likely to have begun in a lab rather than in nature, after it previously could not come to a determination. However, the agency warned that it had "low confidence" and made clear that the lab origin and natural origin both remain possible. A House panel and other federal agencies, like the FBI, reached a similar conclusion regarding the lab leak theory. However, in the white paper, China mentioned that a joint study carried out with the World Health Organisation in the past found that COVID-19 was probably transmitted from bats to humans through another animal, New York Post reported. The Chinese report, which also analysed the prevention and control of the disease, criticised the US for not doing more to combat COVID-19. China said, "It has severely undermined joint international efforts in the fight against the pandemic and become a weak link in global public health governance." Notably, China has faced accusations that it covered up the severity of the COVID-19 virus in the early months. In the report, Chinese officials said that the US cannot continue to "turn a deaf ear to the numerous questions over its conduct." (ANI)
Tibetan Government-in-Exile President Sikyong Penpa Tsering held two consecutive high-level discussions on Capitol Hill, which included a meeting with Representative Michael McCaul, the former Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a discussion with current Chair Representative Brian Mast, as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). During his meeting with Mast, Sikyong provided an update on conditions within Tibet, emphasizing ongoing repression and the geostrategic relevance of the Tibetan plateau. He and his team also discussed the effects of recent budget reductions on programs aimed at bolstering Tibetan resilience, stressing that the results of these efforts and the soft power that Tibet offers are worthy of continued US support, according to the CTA report. Representative McCaul, a long-time advocate for the Tibetan cause, graciously received Sikyong and his team, which included Representative Namgyal Choedup from the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC, and Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet. As a symbol of his unwavering support for Tibet, McCaul proudly showcased a framed picture of his meeting with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in his office, according to the CTA report. Sikyong presented a copy of his recent communication with the US Secretary of State and offered an overview of the financial framework of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), pointing out the share of funding sourced from the United States. He underscored the necessity for ongoing and well-structured support for the Tibetan issue, especially given the changing geopolitical landscape, as mentioned in the CTA report. A significant point of conversation was the appointment of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Sikyong highlighted the strategic importance of this role and advocated for it to be directly overseen by the Secretary of State within the new administrative framework. He also expressed concerns regarding the ongoing challenges faced by Radio Free Asia (RFA), Voice of America (VOA), and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), noting their crucial role in promoting Tibetan voices on a global scale, as reported by the CTA. In his subsequent meeting with Representative Brian Mast, the focus shifted to enhancing congressional involvement in Tibet-related policies, further strengthening bipartisan backing for Tibet within the US Congress. This was Sikyong's second interaction with Brian Mast; the first occurred in December 2024 after the House Foreign Affairs Committee's renaming ceremony. Chairman Mast and his staff warmly welcomed the delegation. (ANI)
A Chinese individual has been arrested in the Philippines for using a surveillance device close to the offices of its election commission, just under two weeks ahead of the nation's midterm elections, which adds to the ongoing between the two nations, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA). Tensions between China and Philippines have been fueled by competing flag-raising events on the contested Sandy Cay in the South China Sea. "This was the third occasion he had visited Comelec," stated Ferdinand Lavin, spokesperson for the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, referring to the election commission, according to the RFA report. This recent arrest occurred as Manila formalised a pact with New Zealand that enables the stationing of troops in each other's territories, a decision aimed at enhancing security in a "deteriorating" strategic landscape, which is expected to aggravate China further. Judith Collins, New Zealand's Minister of Defence, said that the agreement signifies a commitment grounded in recognising "the risks to the international rules-based order." She mentioned that both nations "understand that the strategic environment we operate in is deteriorating," as quoted by the RFA report. China asserts almost the entirety of the sea under its "nine-dash line," a claim that was rejected by an international tribunal in 2016, which upheld the Philippines' stance that China's claims were unlawful. Despite the tribunal's ruling, China has continued to reinforce its presence through patrols, island construction, and militarisation, while the Philippines has sought to uphold its claims through diplomatic protests and military alliances. The agreement with New Zealand exemplifies how the Philippines is reinforcing its defence and diplomatic relationships with like-minded partners as its tensions with China are continuously challenged by recurrent encounters between their coastguard vessels in the contested South China Sea, according to the RFA report. On Tuesday, the Philippines and Japan committed to strengthening their security collaboration, agreeing to initiate discussions on a defence treaty and improve intelligence sharing while collectively opposing any attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas by force. Reports also suggest that Manila is in negotiations with Canada and France to explore possible defence agreement. (ANI)
The human rights defenders mechanism of the European Union, ProtectDefenders.eu, has voiced serious concerns regarding the arbitrary detention of female Baloch human rights defenders (WHRDs) and the judicial persecution of two lawyers, highlighting that the situation in Balochistan poses "significant threats to civic space and the rule of law," as per a report from The Balochistan Post (TBP). "We have received alarming information about the deteriorating condition of WHRD Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who has been imprisoned since her arrest by the Balochistan police on 22 March 2025 during a peaceful protest," the organisation stated, The Balochistan Post reported. Mahrang Baloch is a well-known advocate for the rights of the Baloch people and a key member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). ProtectDefenders.eu characterised her arrest as "a clear retaliation for her protest against police killings and the ongoing harassment of Baloch human rights defenders under false claims of national security and counterinsurgency." The organisation noted that the protest on March 22 was initiated in response to "police violence against demonstrators the previous day, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals, injuries to seven others, and the arrest of Baloch human rights defenders." The organisation also expressed concern over the "attempted arbitrary detention" of WHRD Sabiha Baloch on April 5, stating that her family has since been threatened, which seems to be "a direct retaliation for her human rights advocacy in Balochistan." Meanwhile, a group of more than a dozen UN human rights experts released a joint statement on Tuesday, expressing their concern regarding Pakistan's counter-terrorism actions in Balochistan and warning that the government is "merging legitimate human rights activism with terrorism," according to The Balochistan Post report. They described the widespread practice of enforced disappearances as "a significant violation of human rights and an international crime" and urged Pakistan to create "independent and effective search and investigation mechanisms." Earlier in March, a cohort of UN experts also called on Pakistan to promptly release detained Baloch rights defenders, including Mahrang Baloch, and to cease its repression of peaceful protests. (ANI)
Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) took 24 hours to shut off the water supply of the pipeline that had ruptured on Tuesday.

Due to KWSC's delayed response, several university roads became submerged, and water even entered the Chemistry Department's laboratory, resulting in the immediate closure of the university, The Express Tribune reported.

Flooding damaged chemicals and equipment worth millions of rupees. Furthermore, around 15 faculty members were impacted by the flooding. KWSC stated that 200 MGD of water would not be supplied to the city.

The affected neighbourhoods include Mehmoodabad, Gulshan, Johar, Old City Area, PIB Colony, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, DHA, and Clifton. KWSC CEO Ahmad Ali Siddiqui visited Karachi University and urged citizens to use water judiciously during this crisis, The Express Tribune reported.

Earlier, 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, Dawn reported.

He stated that KWSC Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddiqui had instructed relevant teams to initiate repair work without delay, Dawn reported. 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. (ANI)
A large gathering of monks, bhikkhunis, diplomats and the Sangha today offered chanting and special prayers to the Holy Buddha Relic at a protected enclosure of the National Museum in New Delhi. The Sacred Relic of the Buddha will be sent from New Delhi to Vietnam by a special Indian Air Force aircraft. Vietnam's Ambassador to India, Nguyen Thanh Hai, and Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Priyanga Wickramasinghe, also offered prayers in Delhi. The relics will be in Vietnam from May 2 to May 21 and will travel through four cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, where the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) event will be held, according to communique from Ministry of Culture. The Indian delegation will be led by Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs. The Holy Buddha Relic will be ceremoniously enshrined, venerated, and worshipped at important sites, including Thanh Tam Monastery, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, Quan Su Monastery, Hanoi and Tam Chuc Monastery in Ha Nam Province. The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), is holding a first-time exposition of the Sacred Buddha Relic in four cities of Vietnam to coincide with the celebrations for UN Vesak Day. This Holy Relic of the Buddha is enshrined in Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath and was excavated in Nagarjuna Konda, Andhra Pradesh. It is believed to be dated older than 246 CE. The relic was brought from Varanasi to Delhi with complete state honours. It was placed at a special spot at the ceremonial lounge at IGI airport before being escorted to the National Museum. Earlier, Banthe Sevalee Thero, General Secretary and Chief Monk of the Mahabodhi Society of India, while speaking to ANI, said, "This is the first time we are taking the sacred relics to Vietnam. These relics, discovered by the British between 1927 and 1931, were entrusted to the Mahabodhi Society of India, as there were hardly any Buddhist temples in India at the time. Since then, they have been enshrined at a temple built by Annagarika Dharmapala and managed by our society." He added that daily rituals and offerings are made to the relics at the Society's premises. "This is a significant moment. We believe this is how India, the land of the Buddha, is spreading the message of peace and harmony across the world," he said. Abhijit Halder, Director General of IBC, said, "Vietnam is a country with a majority Buddhist population, and for them, the relics are not just symbols but the Buddha himself. The timing is also significant--it coincides with Vietnam's National Day and the Wesak Day celebrations." He added, "Very few people realise that Buddhist artefacts from India, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD, have counterparts in Vietnam. We are also organising a comparative exhibition to showcase these shared histories." According to Halder, over three million devotees are expected to pay homage to the relics during the 20-day exhibition in Vietnam. The relics will first be displayed in Ho Chi Minh City from May 2 to 8 and then travel to three other locations until May 21. "This sends a powerful message of peace and compassion to the world. As the Prime Minister often says, Buddha Dhamma brings peace, not just to the mind, but to politics and society at large," he said. Ashish Goyal, Director General of the National Museum, said, "We're honoured to be entrusted once again with the responsibility of escorting these sacred relics. Last year, we took them to Thailand and witnessed an overwhelming public response and blessings. We're confident that this year's journey to Vietnam will have a similarly profound impact." Goyal said the occasion represents "love, friendship and peace," and that taking this message to Vietnam is significant. "Especially in these times, this message is more important than ever," he told ANI. (ANI)
President Laurenco will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses, and the media.

During the visit, the Angolan President will be accorded a ceremonial welcome, call on the President, and hold restricted and delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister. Both leaders will also address key business issues of both countries.

Several MoUs are expected to be signed in the fields of traditional medicine, agriculture, and cultural cooperation.

In October 2015, the Vice President of Angola, Manuel Vicente, visited India to participate in the 3rd India-Africa Summit, during which he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit to Johannesburg to attend the BRICS Summit, Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco met PM Modi on July 26, 2018.

India established formal diplomatic relations with Angola in 1985. Since then, it has maintained robust ties with the country. This year marks the 40th anniversary of these relations.

Angola is the Chair of the African Union for the year 2025.

EAM S Jaishankar and Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio met in Kampala on January 18, 2024, on the sidelines of the NAM Ministerial meeting.

Mos VK Singh visited Luanda on July 15, 2015, as the PM's special envoy to personally hand over an invitation for the IAFS III. During the visit, he called on Vice President Manuel Vicente.

MOS (M.J. Akbar) visited Angola on March 15-16, 2018, and held a bilateral meeting with Domingos Custodio Viera Lopes, Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities, on March 16, 2018. The MOU on ICT was signed during the visit.

Angolan Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo de Miranda visited India in May 2006, and his successor, Georges R. Chikoti, visited India in February 2011 to attend the India-LDC Ministerial Conference in Delhi.

There have been regular political exchanges between India and Angola, including several visits by their dignitaries such as the Agriculture Minister, Finance Minister, Health Minister etc. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, on Thursday, according to defence ministry officials. This comes amidst mounting tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people were killed. The Pakistani military is continuing its build-up on the borders with India and has deployed air defence and artillery units at forward locations. Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan talked over the hotline on Tuesday to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan, defence sources said on Wednesday. They said India warned Pakistan against the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LOC) and the International Border. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the 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 (J-K), officials said. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with US counterpart Marco Rubio and discussed the recent terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Jaishankar stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack must be brought to justice."Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," Jaishankar posted on X. During the talks, Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. The talks between the two leaders come as there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 brutal attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists killed 26 people and injured many others. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC. Following the attack, India has taken several 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. Earlier, on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra 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. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Government sources said PM Modi 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 meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. (ANI)
The Shake Hand Forum between India and Hokkaido was held in Tokyo, with Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George playing a key role in strengthening ties between the two countries. The northern prefecture of Hokkaido responded positively to his recommendations. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, said, "These are 1500 success stories. I am very happy that this number is growing very fast. When I was talking to His Excellency, the governor, whose name is Suzuki, I was told that in India, we have so many Suzuki cars. Anywhere you go in India, you see a society. But it's second. So I have invited him to visit India, leading a business delegation and a delegation of the members of the assembly from here." Governor of Hokkaido, Naomichi Suzuki, said, "As the Governor of Hokkaido, I am truly delighted by this event. Hokkaido welcomes approximately 2.3 million visitors annually, as it is one of Japan's most attractive sightseeing destinations. In winter, visitors can enjoy breathtaking snowy landscapes, which are among the region's most iconic attractions. With its distinct four seasons, Hokkaido offers experiences that are uniquely different and often unprecedented compared to those in Tokyo or Kyoto." Satoru Nakayama, Hokkaido Tourism Organisation, said, "The charms of Hokkaido lie in its dynamic natural beauty, rich food culture, and unique traditions. Indian people deeply love cinema, and Hokkaido offers a stunning backdrop for Indian film productions. I hope many Indian visitors will come to explore these filming locations and experience Hokkaido's culture, cuisine, and natural wonders." In Hokkaido, the Japanese semiconductor company Rapidus is striving to produce 2-nanometer semiconductors. Foreign IT engineers from warmer countries are working there with great satisfaction. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, said, "We need to increase the numbers. Increase the number of Japanese companies in India. For that, we need to get the small and medium-scale companies to come forward. And there are the medium-scale companies. These are in the prefectures. Hokkaido has a large number of smaller, medium-scale companies that use high technology. So I am looking at getting these companies to work with India so that we can expand the relationship in terms of number and quality. So, quality and quantity both are what I am looking at." Indian and Japanese participants shared their experiences practising Indian yoga, which is known for promoting good health and physical strength. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], May 1 (ANI/ WAM): The second edition of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) concluded with a renewed commitment to transforming the way the world thinks about, invests in and supports longer healthier lives for their populations. With a focus on digital health and AI, prevention, personalisation, precision medicine, and longevity, ADGHW marked a milestone in the emirate's mission to advance the future of health and well-being. Held under the patronage of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and curated by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), ADGHW brought together 14,290 visitors, 1,295 delegates from global organisations, 140 exhibitors, and 271 visionary speakers from 95 countries. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, said, "Born from Abu Dhabi's bold vision to transform health, ADGHW connects people, possibilities, and purpose. With leaders from policy, research, technology, and care uniting here to shape the future of health together, together we are moving the conversation from prevention and diagnostics to longevity and healthspan. With Abu Dhabi's commitment to good health for all, underpinned by collaboration, innovation, data-led insights and action, health knows no boundaries." ADGHW was attended by 11 health ministers from countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Korea, Russia, Greece, Armenia, Georgia and Nepal, as well as prominent international figures in the field of health and scientific research, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee, and included 69 panel discussions on digital health, prevention, healthy ageing, artificial intelligence and precision medicine. The programme featured 69 sessions and facilitated the signing of 33 strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), aimed at advancing data-driven health systems that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to detect, prevent, and manage diseases; extending healthy lifespans through innovations in precision medicine, early intervention, and personalised care; building more resilient and equitable healthcare ecosystems that are sustainable, future-ready, and inclusive; and accelerating investment in life sciences to scale innovation where it is most needed. These cross-sector, cross-border collaborations, with partners including M42, PureHealth, Illumina, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Masdar City, Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC), Gilead Sciences and others, demonstrate Abu Dhabi's growing role as a trusted global health convener and a driving force behind scalable, future-focused solutions. ADGHW also served as a launchpad for innovation. The dedicated Startup Zone and Smart Health Hackathon offered health tech startups an opportunity to directly engage with investors, mentors, and platforms to scale. The ADGHW Innovation Awards recognised pioneering contributions to health and longevity, awarding a combined $200,000 prize to solutions tackling the sector's most pressing challenges. As new threats emerge and longstanding challenges persist, Abu Dhabi remains committed to championing a future of health that is proactive, data-driven, and built to benefit all, reimagining what is possible for the well-being of every person, everywhere. (ANI/ WAM)
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (local time) that he's nominating Mike Waltz to serve as United States Ambassador to the United Nations, shifting from his role as national security adviser. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will assume the additional responsibility of serving as National Security Advisor while continuing to lead the State Department. In a post on his social media account 'Truth Social', he wrote, "I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress, and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role." "In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added. Trump's presidency has witnessed significant turnover in the role of National Security Adviser. Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser, served for just 25 days before resigning amid controversy over his communications with Russia, CNN reported. Flyn's replacement, HR McMaster, lasted longer in the role, serving for over 13 months before departing due to personal tensions and differences in style with Trump. Trump announced McMaster's departure in a post on social media and simultaneously announced John Bolton as his replacement. According to CNN, Bolton's tenure as NSA was also short-lived, ending in disagreement with Trump over policy positions. Robert O'Brien took over as National Security Adviser in 2019 and served until the end of Trump's presidency in 2021, providing relative stability in the role compared to his predecessors. (ANI)
Trump said such countries will face secondary sanctions, and these nations won't be allowed to do business with the United States going forward.

In a post on his social media account Truth Social, "ALERT: All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW! Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions."

"They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form. Thank you for your attention to this matter," it added.

Two weeks earlier, the US imposed sanctions on Shandong Shengxing Chemical Limited, a Chinese refinery, for buying over USD 1 billion worth of Iranian crude oil.

The sanctions also targeted companies and vessels involved in shipping Iranian oil to China.

According to the US State Department, "United States is today sanctioning Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co, Ltd, a China-based independent 'teapot' refinery, for purchasing more than a billion dollars' worth of Iranian crude oil."

"The President is committed to driving Iran's illicit oil exports, including to China, to zero. The United States is also imposing sanctions on several companies and vessels involved in facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China as part of Iran's 'shadow' fleet," it added.

This is the United States' second action against an independent China-based teapot refinery since President Donald Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4.

Further, the statement noted that all sanctions will be fully enforced under the Trump Administration's maximum-pressure campaign on Iran.

As long as Iran attempts to generate oil revenues to fund its destabilising activities, the United States will hold both Iran and all its partners in sanctions evasion accountable, US State Department said. (ANI)
AMHERST  A jury began hearing evidence Wednesday in the case of a Rockbridge County man accused of first-degree murder in his wifes shooting death in Amherst.

Frederick Wiggington Jr., 38, maintains his innocence in the killing of Elsie Mae Wiggington, 45, a nurse who worked at the Fairmont Crossing Health and Rehab Center in Amherst and was last seen alive in June 2023. Wiggington, who also pleaded not guilty in Amherst Circuit Court to using a firearm in commission of a felony, was arrested in August 2024 around the time his wifes remains were found under a concrete slab of a mobile home property on Pendleton Drive in Amherst where they lived.

Amherst County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Adam Stanley told the jury around the timeframe of June 23, 2023, Fred Wiggington Jr. shot his wife in the back of the head, wrapped her body in a blue tarp, secured it and buried her under the concrete slab on their property. Stanley said the case is more than a missing person and a murder.

It is a cold-blooded execution of Elsie Wiggington, Stanley said.

Stanley said the defendant lived a lie for nearly a year in telling people she had left him.

But the truth, like her body, would not be hidden forever, Stanley said.

Family members and friends of Elsie Wiggington could not believe she would walk away from them and a job she was devoted to, and knew something had gone terribly wrong, Stanley said.

In May 2024, a massive investigation began into Elsie Wiggingtons disappearance, he said. Fred Wiggington Jr. made bizarre statements that Elsie Wiggington was murdered in Virginia Beach, Stanley said, to which four witnesses testified they heard the defendant say.

Stanley said a search warrant was executed at the couples trailer at 673 Pendleton Drive in summer 2024. In June 2024, the prosecutor said Fred Wiggington Jr. told law enforcement he woke up to find she was gone and left behind her phone and wedding ring, among other items.

In July 2024, Stanley said more details emerged from another interview with the defendant and investigators learned some items had been pawned at a Lexington business, including a .22 caliber firearm that is a key piece of evidence.

On Aug. 14, 2024, the Amherst County Sheriffs Office executed another search of the Pendleton Drive home with cadaver dogs and excavators, and found Elsie Wiggingtons remains under the concrete slab bound and discarded, Stanley said.

A medical examiner will testify she was shot in the back of the head, he said.

Carlos Hutcherson, Fred Wiggington Jr.s attorney, said no evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, blood, hair samples or a note can connect his client to the homicide. He asked the jury to pay attention to what evidence doesnt show and to give his client a fair opportunity to defend himself.

John Wayne Goff, a neighbor of the Wiggingtons who lives next door, testified around June 23 or June 24, 2023, he observed from his deck Elsie Wiggington in her yard carrying what appeared to be wood and Fred Wiggington Jr. saying something to her that Goff couldnt make out.

Goff said the remark made Elsie Wiggington stop and say in a loud tone What the [expletive] did you say to me, Fred? She dropped the items, went into the mobile home as Fred Wiggington Jr. followed; Goff never saw her again after that, according to his testimony.

She was very loud about it, Goff said of observing the exchange.

Goff testified he later saw a woman he mistook as Elsie Wiggington, whom he later learned is Patricia Wiggington, the defendants ex-wife, sometime later at the home. Patricia Wiggington is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the case; she is free on bond awaiting a preliminary hearing this summer on those charges.

Goff testified he didnt become aware of Elsie Wiggingtons disappearance until the investigation that ramped up in spring 2024 and others in the neighborhood didnt either.

I didnt even know the poor girl was missing, Goff said.

Goff testified he did not hear a gunshot or any yelling from inside the home after last seeing Elsie Wiggington, noting it is highly common to hear people shooting firearms in that area.

Sativa Rucker, Elsie Wiggingtons daughter, testified her mother was an amazing mom who loved her two grandchildren. Rucker said she sent her mother a text on June 25, 2023, and became concerned with not being able to reach her.

Rucker testified she last saw Elsie Wiggington around June 19, 2023, and Fairmont Crossing called her to say her mother didnt show up for work. Shortly after that call Rucker said she talked to Fred Wiggington Jr., who was upset and told her Elsie Wiggington left him.

Rucker testified Fred Wiggington Jr. didnt say anything about the relationship being over and couldnt recall any issues between her mother and Patricia Wiggington.

Tracey Coleman, a Baltimore resident and foster sister of Elsie Wiggington, testified on June 23, 2023, Elsie called her sounding stressed and saying she needed to come to Maryland.

Coleman said she expected to see her foster sister that weekend and became concerned when she didnt show up.

A deputy who worked for the Amherst County Sheriffs Office in June 2023 testified he received a call from Fred Wiggington Jr. about his missing wife, advising the officer the two had an argument, she packed up and left and posted on Facebook she was at the beach. The officer testified it didnt meet the criteria at the time for a missing person case.

Another Amherst County Sheriffs deputy testified later that summer he fielded phone calls from Elsie Wiggingtons sister, Victoria Seal, and the father of her two children, Troy Rucker, who were concerned. The officer testified he could not make contact with Elsie Wiggington, but the matter still did not rise to level of a missing person case and Fred Wiggington Jr. told him she left him and a divorce likely was on the way.

The officer testified the defendant told him he believed Elsie Wiggington came back to the home to gather belongings from June 26 to July 7, 2023.

A few colleagues of Fred Wiggington Jr. testified to hearing him tell them he had to go to Virginia Beach to identify the body of his wife who had been murdered. One of those witnesses, an employee of the Hampton Inn in Lexington, testified Fred Wiggington Jr. told him his wife was shot in the chest, put under a pier at Virginia Beach and she emptied his bank account.

The witness recalled the defendant saying it with kind of a smirk on his face like it was a joke, adding he thought it really weird Fred Wiggington Jr. was not more upset after making such a claim. A manager of the same Lexington hotel who interviewed the defendant for a job said she found his statement one of the more interesting things I heard in a human resources interview.

Virginia State Police Special Agent Jon Cromer testified he interviewed Fred Wiggington Jr. on June 3, 2024, and the defendant told him on June 24, 2023, the couple watched a movie, and he went out to get something to eat. Fred Wiggington Jr. told Cromer he fell asleep afterward, awoke to find she wasnt there, and she left behind belongings, the agent testified.

Cromer said the defendant told investigators when Elsie Wiggington left, he withdrew a remaining amount of money because she left me high and dry. Fred Wiggington Jr. said he observed her with a large amount of cash in her purse, which he thought was almost $10,000, the Friday before she went missing.

During the interview Fred Wiggington Jr. was emphatic he didnt know where she was, suggested Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks may be where she went and stated she had family in California, but when pressed he didnt know who they were, Cromer said.

When asked about what he told people in the community about her whereabouts, Fred Wiggington Jr. maintained she had left and at one point said, I hope shes not dead, while also stating he had told no one she was murdered, Cromer testified.

Fred Wiggington Jr. said during the interview someone deleted the joint Facebook account me and her had and didnt know who when pressed for more information, Cromer said. The defendant told Cromer he moved to Lexington later in 2023, stating when she left, I pretty much started from scratch, the agent testified.

The prosecution called a dozen witnesses Wednesday and will continue calling more when the trial resumes Thursday.
Six months after the State of Nebraska revoked a nurses ability to practice there for posing a significant risk to public safety, Iowas Board of Nursing has agreed to let the woman continue practicing in this state.

Iowa Board of Nursing records indicate Brandy Wicks, a registered nurse from Treynor, was working at an unspecified acute care hospital in 2023 when she admitted to pulling controlled and non-controlled medications from the electronic medication dispensing machine and placing the drugs in drawers in patient rooms for administration at a later time.

The board also alleged Wicks pulled a dose of oxycodone out of the medication dispensing machine and documented administering the drug to a patient who later said they never received it.

The board charged Wicks with misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate medications, failing to properly document or perform the disposal of medications, and failing to properly safeguard or secure medications.

To resolve the case, Wicks recently agreed to a settlement with the board that will allow her to keep her Iowa license, although it we be placed on probationary status for two years.

Records from Nebraskas Division of Public Health show that Wicks ability to practice nursing in that state was revoked in October 2024.

The division alleged Wicks was working for a Council Bluffs hospice agency, St. Croix Hospice, when a patients spouse noticed the patients morphine pills were missing after Wicks had visited. After the spouse inquired about the missing drugs, Wicks allegedly went back to the patients home and returned the drugs, saying they must have fallen off a table unnoticed into her bag.

Eight pills were missing from the patients supply after Wicks returned them, according to the division.

In 2023, the division alleges, Wicks was working with patients at Nebraska Medicines trauma center when she charted that she had given a patient Oxycodone, which the patient later denied receiving. A subsequent audit allegedly revealed that over 15 days, there were 52 discrepancies in medication records involving 17 patients cared for by Wicks.

According to division records, Wicks was fired from Nebraska Medicine and later failed to appear for a hearing on licensing charges. A hearing officer, Robert E. Harkins, revoked Wicks ability to practice in Nebraska, stating that her actions were serious and constitute a significant risk to public safety.

The decision was affirmed by the chief medical officer of Nebraskas Division of Public Health.

Wicks told the Iowa Capital Dispatch she didnt feel the Nebraska division fairly characterized her actions at the trauma center. They made it out to sound, like, almost like I was taking the medications  which I was not, she said. That was not the case.

As for the home-hospice clients missing morphine, Wicks said, I believe that was a set-up. I think the family took the medication and blamed it on me. I have never taken medications from a patient, ever.

Wicks said shes currently dealing with some personal issues, but plans to resume working as a nurse soon, possibly at a nursing home in the western Iowa town of Oakland.

Court records indicate Wicks is currently facing a charge of child endangerment, which, after nine continuances, is scheduled for trial on May 27. A related charge of domestic abuse assault was dismissed and a related charge of violating a no-contact order is currently on hold, according to court records, pending the resolution of the child endangerment case.

Boards diverged in previous case

Earlier this year, the Iowa Board of Nursing allowed another nurse to keep her licenses after her privileges had been revoked in Nebraska. In that case, the Iowa board charged Kristine Brammer of Clearfield in 2024 with misappropriating medications or property, having her license to practice nursing revoked or suspended by another authority, and unauthorized possession or use of a controlled substance.

The board alleged that while employed as a nurse at an unspecified care facility in May 2023, Brammer failed to complete the required medication counts and that narcotic medications were later found to be missing. While employed at a different care facility in June 2023, Brammer allegedly documented the administration of narcotic pain medications to patients who later denied receiving them.

On Aug. 30, 2023, the State of Nebraska revoked Brammers ability to practice there. The Nebraska records indicate that in 2022, she was fired or lost her privileges while working at two separate health care facilities and then failed to report those matters to the state.

In January 2025, the Iowa Board of Nursing resolved its 2024 case against Brammer by issuing her a warning and advising her that if she failed to continue her participation in the Iowa Practitioner Health Program, she may be subject to further discipline.

Separate board actions

Other nurses recently sanctioned by the Iowa Board of Nursing include:

 Judith Gonzales, an advanced registered nurse practitioner who works in the Des Moines area and is certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse. Gonzales was charged by the Iowa Board of Nursing with engaging in behavior which constitutes unethical conduct or practice harmful or detrimental to the public.

She was also charged with demonstrating professional incompetence by failing to meet state standards related to controlled substances, and committing an act which causes physical, emotional or financial injury to the patient or client.

Recently, the board resolved the case with a settlement agreement with Gonzales. In that agreement, the board says it charged Gonzales with professional boundary violations; prescribing or administering drugs in an unsafe manner by failing to accurately document the action and assess the patient; prescribing or administering drugs to individuals who werent patients or who were outside her area of specialty; and committing an act that caused physical, emotional, or financial harm to a patient.

The settlement agreement makes no mention of the charge of professional incompetence.

According to the agreement, Gonzales employer, who is not named by the board, received patient complaints that Gonzales was not maintaining proper physical or emotional boundaries with her clients and was oversharing her personal matters in their sessions.

Further investigation subsequently revealed Gonzales had not adequately documented her patient sessions or her prescribing of pharmaceuticals, the board alleges.

The board has placed Gonzales license on probation for two years, during which time she must complete three separate six-hour courses on professional boundaries, recordkeeping, and prescribing practices.

 Emma Fedler, a licensed practical nurse from Adel. Board records give conflicting accounts as to when Fedler was first issued an LPN license, with some documents indicating 2013 and some stating 2023. In 2023, Fedlers license was placed on 12 months of probation after the board charged her with an excessive use of alcohol that might impair her ability to practice nursing. That charge was tied to a criminal conviction for second-offense drunken driving, according to the board.

On April 30, 2024, the board alleges, it received information that Fedler stole her co-workers prescribed Adderall and was fired from her place of employment, which the board has not named. The board subsequently charged Fedler with engaging in behavior that is contradictory to professional decorum, and being involved in the unauthorized possession or use of a controlled substance.

To settle the case, Fedler has agreed to submit to a multidisciplinary fitness for duty assessment that includes a substance abuse evaluation. Her license will again be placed on probation, this time for two years, and she will be required to submit to chemical screening.
Never let the guy with the broom decide how many elephants can be in the parade. Even if I was the guy with the broom, Id have 10 elephants. Youve got to love a parade, and if you or your kids or your grandkids havent already done so, this is the year to be part of the walking party cal
Several European countries are considering the closing of the Polisario representations amid mounting reports sounding the alarm over the Algeria-backed militias ties with terrorist groups in the Sahel and the Middle East.

According to European security sources cited by Paris-based news outlet Sahel Intelligence, investigations conducted by European intelligence services showed financial and logistical connections between the leaders of the Polisario and terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), as well as jihadist networks and Iranian proxies operating in Syria, Yemen, Iran, and Iraq.

The European investigators have found evidences of money transfer operations, equipment shipping and paramilitary training in camps in the Middle-East. These findings have pushed European governments to hold emergency consultations to ensure EU security against terror threats posed by the Polisario armed militias.

The EU interior ministers are expected to address this issue during their next meeting within a broader plan against hybrid and transnational threats.

According to intelligence experts, the EU is likely to take precautionary and preventive measures against the Polisario to protect its citizens and territories as it cannot afford to tolerate organizations with links to terrorism.

Several influential politicians and analysts from Europe, Latin American, the United States are pressing the Trump administration to designate the Polisario as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) like the Houthis, Hamas, and other Iranian proxies posing a direct threat to American security interests.
The strategic Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, recently rebranded as the Atlantic Africa Pipeline, is attracting significant international interest, with both the United States and China vying for involvement in the $25 billion venture.

During the IMF and World Bank Spring 2025 meetings in Washington, Nigerian Finance Minister Wale Edun revealed growing American interest in the megaproject. The principal areas of interest include American investments in Nigerias natural gas sector, particularly the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline, given the countrys vast gas reserves, he was quoted by Moroccan LEconomiste as telling media in Washington.This American positioning may represent a geostrategic response to Chinas increasing influence in Africa. Chinese industrial giant Jingye Group has already announced its participation through its British subsidiary, Jingye British Steel, which will supply steel for the pipelines construction.

The project is entering a key investment phase in 2025. Amina Benkhadra, Director General of Moroccos National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), confirmed significant acceleration in development, with the first sections expected to be progressively commissioned by 2029.

Detailed engineering studies have validated the economic feasibility of the project, which aligns with international standards. In Morocco, the land section will connect Dakhla to the Maghreb-Europe network near Ouezzane, according to ONHYMs 2025 action plan.

Morocco has launched a $6 billion tender to develop its gas infrastructure and connect its network to the Atlantic Africa Pipeline. The platform will play a key role in transporting natural gas and green hydrogen between Africa and Europe, supporting energy transitions at various scales.

Moroccan Energy Minister Leila Benali said that feasibility and FEED studies have been completed for the pipeline. She emphasized that this project illustrates Moroccos new vision for energy security, highlighting the importance of early access to the international LNG market, signing upstream gas contracts, and developing infrastructure like the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline.

Beyond energy concerns, the project represents an ambitious South-South cooperation strategy aligned with Moroccos diplomatic doctrine focused on continental solidarity and strengthening regional integration.
A delegation of diplomats from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad have expressed admiration for the development drive in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, as well as in the other southern provinces.

Following meetings with the Secretary-General of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regions Wilaya, Abderrazak El Gourji, and the Vice-President of the Regional Council, Moulay Boutal Lembarki, the African diplomats highlighted the promising prospects opened by the Royal Atlantic Initiative for the Sahel countries.

Mbodou Seid, an official from the Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the Dakhla Atlantic port as a major opportunity for landlocked African countries.

The project will not only boost the economy of the Sahel region but also strengthen South-South cooperation and promote co-development that will benefit the entire African continent.

Tassiou Laouali Oumal Hairy from the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs also acknowledged the expected economic dynamic around the future of the Dakhla Atlantic port.

She also hailed the Royal Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI for the countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, as well as those in the Sahel who have no access to the sea.

Similarly, diplomat Hien Kounbeyole Francis from Burkina Faso emphasized the strategic importance of this project, which is part of the Royal Atlantic Initiative.

Such a major project paves the way for a more united, responsible Africa focused on its own development.

Vice-President of the Regional Council, Moulay Boutal Lembarki, told the press that the meeting showcased the ongoing efforts in advancing port, road, and energy infrastructure.

He pointed out that the meeting offered the African delegation an opportunity to get informed about investment prospects in key productive sectors.

The African diplomats were briefed on the development dynamics in the region in various fields as well as major infrastructure projects aimed at connecting the territory and unleashing its potential.

They also gained insight into the investment opportunities and the incentives offered to investors and economic operators.

The African diplomats visit to the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region aimed to familiarize them with the major structural projects completed or those under construction in the Kingdoms southern provinces.

It is worth recalling that the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have visited Rabat earlier this week and were received in audience by King Mohammed VI.

The three officials reaffirmed their full endorsement of the Atlantic Initiative, put forward by the King to help them access global trade and address their development challenges and expressed thanks to the Monarch for his initiatives in favor of Sahel development.

Through this ground-breaking Atlantic initiative, Rabat voiced readiness to offer its infrastructure, rail network, and ports to help African peers access global trade.
Niger authorities have reaffirmed their condemnation of Algerias mistreatment of African migrants, as authorities rounds up migrants

Nigers official media relayed the condemnation by senior officials including the countrys interior minister, who complained to the International Organization for Migration.

At least 5000 African migrants have been bussed in inhumane conditions and abandoned in the harsh desert on the border with Niger, according to rights groups.

These migrants have been thrown on the border without prior notice to Nigers authorities, the national radio reported, citing officials.

As Algeria rounds up and busses Sub-Saharan migrants, racism is on the surge on social media, and diplomatic relations worsen between Algeria and its southern neighbors.

Niger together with its allies in the alliance of Sahel States, Mali and Burkina Faso, condemned Algeria when it shot down a Malian drone tracking terrorists in the north.

The three states recalled their ambassadors to Algiers, which responded with banning all Malian flights from crossing its airspace. Mali took a similar decision.

Anti-migrant sentiment is on the rise in Algeria, whose youth are ironically increasingly attempting the hazardous illegal sea crossing to Europe. Public transportation and private companies refuse access to Sub-Saharans.

In recent years, Sub-Saharans have been accused by senior officials, including former prime minister, of spreading diseases in the country.
British MPs from across the board in both houses of the Westminster parliament expressed their support for the autonomy plan put forward by Morocco, to put a definitive end to the artificial conflict created around the Kingdoms territorial integrity, highlighting this plan as a real catalyst for development and stability across the region.

At a meeting held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the British legislative institution with elected representatives from the regions of Dakhla-Oued Dahab, Guelmim-Oued Noun and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, British MPs welcomed the momentum created by the international drive to recognize Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, while inviting the British government to join the momentum.

The meeting with elected representatives from Moroccos southern provinces is of great importance, as it will provide an opportunity to showcase to the British Parliament and decision-makers, the efforts Morocco is making to promote development, security and stability across the region, with a view to urging the UK government to join the worldwide momentum to recognize Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, Andrew Murrison, a member of the House of Commons (lower house of the British Parliament), told MAP.

This plan remains the best solution and the only realistic step forward for resolving the Moroccan Sahara issue and guaranteeing stability across the region, Murrison stressed.

For his part, Charlie Dewhirst, Member of the House of Commons, stressed that the autonomy plan represents a catalyst for development throughout the region, emphasizing the major opportunities offered by the economic partnership between the UK and Morocco, particularly in projects in the Kingdoms Southern provinces.

Morocco is a secure and strategic ally for the UK, he said, noting that it is important for the UK to be on the right side of history when it comes to supporting the autonomy plan as the only solution to this regional dispute.

The port of Dakhla Atlantique is one of the illustrations of this virtuous development dynamic led by Morocco, noted Mr. Dewhirst, deeming that such projects will change the face of the entire Atlantic seaboard.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of Moroccos participation in the Innovation Zero World Congress in London, members of the Moroccan delegation gave comprehensive presentations on the all-round development of the Kingdoms Southern provinces.
The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council has officially reinstated on April 30 Gabon into its fold, lifting all sanctions following a favorable review of the countrys political transition.

The decision, taken during the Councils 1,277th meeting, acknowledged that Gabons post-coup processes were generally successful, according to PSC Chairperson Rebecca Amuge Otengo.

The country had been suspended from AU activities after the military ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba on 30 August 2023 in what was deemed an unconstitutional change of Government.

Speaking from AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Gabons Foreign Minister, Regis Onanga Ndiaye, heralded the development as a moment of honor and pride for the nation. Representing transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Ndiaye said Gabons return to the continental bloc restores its full participation in AU activities and major international engagements. The minister underscored the move as a key step in re-establishing Gabons standing within the global diplomatic community.

General Nguema, who led the coup last year, subsequently oversaw a return to constitutional order through elections in which he secured 94.85 percent of the vote. The AUs endorsement follows this electoral process, with Nguemas inauguration scheduled for 3 May in Libreville. His victory and the AUs decision mark a significant shift toward regional acceptance and signal Gabons intent to resume its role in continental affairs.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are working toward a peace agreement aimed at ending the violent conflict in eastern Congo, with both nations setting a target date of May 2.

On April 25, the Foreign Ministers of both countries, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Olivier Nduhungirehe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Washington, facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The MoU marks a potential step forward in resolving the crisis, with both nations hoping to foster regional economic collaboration, particularly in the mineral sector, with American investments playing a central role.

Despite this diplomatic milestone, skepticism abounds. Critics point to past failed ceasefire attempts and the lack of firm commitments in the latest deal. Jakob Kerstan of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Kinshasa expressed concerns, noting that there is no clear agreement on the withdrawal of M23 rebels from occupied territories, a key issue in the conflict.

The ongoing instability in South Kivu, where recent fighting has reignited despite ceasefire agreements, underscores the fragility of the peace process. Analysts argue that the conflict is deeply rooted in historical, ethnic, and political complexities, with some calling for a broader, locally-driven peace process. While the US-brokered peace talks may provide an initial framework for resolution, experts warn that the road to lasting peace will require far more than political agreementsit will need genuine commitment to disarmament, reconstruction, and addressing the root causes of the violence.
The Moroccan government is seeking parliament approval to inject an additional 13 billion dirhams, or 1.4 billion dollars, in the 2025 budget to support key state institutions, including water and electricity utility ONEE.

Speaking to members of parliament, minister in charge of the budget Fouzi Lekjaa said the additional funds were needed to help ONEE keep water and electricity tariffs stable.

The government will earmark 4 billion dirhams to ONEE to help meet the goals of its development plan.

Lekjaa said the new budget was designed to boost the purchasing power of citizens, as part of other measures including public payroll wage hikes.

As part of the budget amendment, 5,5 billion dirhams will be injected into other state institutions.

The new budget reform will not impact the fiscal deficit, he said citing that the funds are a result of higher tax revenue.

Tax revenue increased to 17.4 billion dirhams in the first three months this year, up 21.5% compared with the same period last year, he said.

Despite higher spending, more tax revenue would help Morocco cut the fiscal deficit to 3.2% in 2025, from 3.9% in 2024, he said.
Most west central Nebraska counties, including Lincoln County, would come out ahead fiscally under projected impacts of a bill to partly shift their inheritance-tax income to county fees or state taxes.

State senators Tuesday voted 27-10 for first-round approval of a revised Legislative Bill 468, Elmwood Sen. Rob Clements latest attempt to move away from the tax that some rural Nebraskans say discourages children from taking over family farms and ranches.

He circulated an analysis that estimates Lincoln County would gain $202,389 more than its five-year average of inheritance taxes through his latest combination of lower tax rates, higher estate exemptions and replacement revenue for counties.

Sandhills counties in The Telegraphs traditional coverage area account for the top three and four of the top five counties statewide that would gain in income by percentage under LB 468.

But five Telegraph-area counties and 23 statewide would wind up with less income under LB 468 than their five-year averages, according to the bills analysis.

Arthur Countys funding, with the help of more than a dozen replacement-revenue increases in county fees or state taxes, would quintuple over its five-year inheritance tax average of $9,659.

McPherson and Grant counties ranked next, with Logan Countys percentage return ranking fourth in the region and fifth among all 93 Nebraska counties.

Lincoln County led the region and ranked 11th statewide in gains in actual dollars under the analysis circulated by Clements. Cherry, Keith, Custer and Dawson counties also would gain more than $100,000 over their five-year inheritance tax averages.

None of the five regional counties projected to lose ground would lose more than 15%. But Red Willow County would lose $92,141 for the steepest statewide percentage loss at 14.1%.

Chase County would lose 6% of its five-year average, equaling about $30,000 less in dollars. Hitchcock, Dundy and Frontier counties would lose less than $10,000 each.

Details and impacts

Before advancing Clements bill, lawmakers voted 27-3 to adopt the Revenue Committees rewritten scheme of inheritance tax cuts and offsets.

The bill now would raise the tax exemption for inheritances from parents, grandparents, siblings or children or their spouses from $100,000 to $150,000. The 1% tax rate above that level would be unchanged.

But tax rates would fall and exemptions rise for less direct relatives and other heirs under LB 468.

The rate would fall from 11% to 3% on inheritances from uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews or their spouses, with exemptions raised from $40,000 to $50,000.

For unrelated heirs, rates would drop from 15% to 3% and exemptions would double from $25,000 to $50,000.

LB 468 would raise more than a dozen state taxes or county fees in exchange, with their additional income sent to counties.

Marriage licenses would cost $50 instead of $25, for example, with costs of copies of those licenses raised from $9 to $20. Sheriffs ownership inspections of out-of-state vehicles being relicensed in Nebraska would at least triple from their current $10.

Counties also would retain more from motor vehicle taxes and proceeds from documentary stamp taxes on real estate sales.

Among state-level changes, wind farms would pay more than double their current state nameplate capacity tax based on their electricity output.

All proceeds from that tax already go to counties, which under LB 468 would get 25% instead of 10% of the proceeds from the state insurance tax fund.

Clements failed to win advancement last year of a bill to abolish inheritance taxes. Only four other states still use it.

He still hopes to eliminate inheritance taxes completely in 2026, if possible, he said in an attachment to the fiscal analysis of LB 468s impacts.

But Clements told senators the new income for counties will be much more stable than the inheritance tax, which fluctuates by how many people die each year and the worth of their estates.

He thanked county leaders and the Nebraska Association of County Officials for helping him find an acceptable mix of other taxes and fees.

NACO Executive Director Jon Cannon confirmed his groups support of LB 468s. We have worked really hard with Sen. Clements on finding replacement revenue and support the path forward for sustainable and adequate revenue streams for counties, he said in a text Tuesday.

Fighting brain drain

All five western Nebraska lawmakers voted to advance LB 468, including Whitman Sen. Tanya Storer, a rural Cherry County rancher and county commissioner.

Seven of every 10 buyers of Nebraska agricultural land are coming from outside the state, Storer said. Inheritance taxes not only discourage children from continuing family operations but also make more land available to out-of-staters, who buy at premium prices further raising their taxable values.

Now we can argue if thats good or bad or not, she said. But if were going to talk about how we keep families and how we keep our young people in Nebraska and how we get our young people back to our rural communities, then we cannot ignore the impact that inheritance taxes are having on that on that very issue.

Though Clements bill moved forward Tuesday, disagreements remained how or whether lost inheritance tax income for counties should be made up.

Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte said county boards would have to raise their property tax requests if they partly or fully lose their only other substantial revenue alternative.

If we remove this (tax) entirely and didnt have the pay-fors, it would result in higher property taxes, said Jacobson, vice chairman of the tax-writing Revenue Committee.

Ive said from the beginning, I will continue to say my constituents are concerned about one thing: lowering their property taxes.

Some skeptical senators said LB 468 might trigger property tax increases anyway. Counties typically use inheritance taxes for roads and bridges  the reason the tax was founded in 1901  or as emergency funds.

Others said Clements list of higher county service fees amounts to an unfair tax shift.

The taxes are being paid by the people that are inheriting the money, said Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha. In this case, what it does is it spreads out the tax obligations to all Nebraskans.

Clements acknowledged that some counties will end up on the short end. Its not a perfect bill, and Im willing to look at alternatives before second-round debate, he told lawmakers.

Madison County, which includes Norfolk, would lose the most in actual dollars at $224,252. Projected losses under LB 468 would be $207,084 for Hamilton County, just east of Grand Island, and $138,040 for Douglas County, Nebraskas largest.

Nebraskas other two metropolitan counties, Lancaster and Sarpy, would gain the most with respective estimates of $1.13 million and $1.06 million.

Some Lincoln senators nonetheless led LB 468s opposition Tuesday, with Sen. and former Lancaster County Commissioner Jane Raybould saying the County Board there opposes the bill.

Eliminating the inheritance tax does not result in tax savings for hard working Nebraskans, she said. Just take a look at the fees, at the fees that you are going to see increased.

Raybould lost a 30-2 vote on an amendment to limit the inheritance tax cuts for more distant relatives and nonrelatives.

Sen. Eliot Bostar was equally unsuccessful with two amendments of his own. A proposal to phase out the tax over 10 years lost 32-4, while a follow-up amendment to let county boards impose an 0.25-cent sales tax to make up their lost revenue failed 33-2.
Protecting NIOSH

The recent HHS layoffs at NIOSH significantly jeopardize the research, standards, and training that form the foundation of workplace safety.

If youre a regular reader of OHSonline.com and our eNewsletter, then you caught the recent news about the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) layoffs, but in case you missed it, lets review:

On April 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented significant workforce reductions that included 873 positions at NIOSHabout two-thirds of the institutes staff. HHS said these cuts are part of a broader restructuring plan, with a probable effective date for the layoffs of June 30.

This worries me, given NIOSHs essential role in workplace safety. Established in 1970, NIOSH has been instrumental in conducting research and developing interventions to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Its work supports various sectors by providing critical data, safety standards, and training programs that protect millions of workers across the nation. The reduction of NIOSHs workforce is expected to have far-reaching consequences:

Research limitations. The downsizing may hinder ongoing and future research initiatives aimed at identifying and mitigating occupational hazards

The downsizing may hinder ongoing and future research initiatives aimed at identifying and mitigating occupational hazards Safety standard development. With fewer personnel, the capacity to develop and update safety standards could be compromised, potentially affecting worker protections.

With fewer personnel, the capacity to develop and update safety standards could be compromised, potentially affecting worker protections. Training program support. NIOSHs ability to support worker training programs, which are essential for educating employees about safety practices, might be diminished.

Various safety organizations have expressed deep concern over these cuts. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) President Pam Walaski emphasized in a public statement that weakening NIOSH could lead to a profound loss for workers, businesses, and our nation as a whole. Similarly, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) Executive Director Jessica Martinez added in another statement that changes to its [NIOSH] structure must not compromise its mission or the well-being of workers.

As professionals dedicated to occupational safety, it is crucial to take proactive steps to support NIOSHs mission:

Contact your legislators. Reach out to your congressional Representative and Senators via the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to express your concerns about the impact of these cuts on worker safety and public health. Engage with professional associations. Participate in advocacy efforts organized by professional bodies as they coordinate efforts to influence policy decisions. Raise public awareness. Your expert voice matters. Use social media, industry conferences, and community forums to inform others about the importance of NIOSH and the potential consequences of its downsizing.

By collectively voicing our support, we can hopefully encourage HHS to reverse its course and ensure that NIOSH continues its vital role in advancing worker safety and health.

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
A Hybrid Approach: Fire Training That Works

How combining hands-on experience with tech-enhanced methods improves fire response readiness.

Effective fire training goes beyond classroom lectures and compliance checklists. To prepare workers for emergencieswhether its a Class A blaze involving paper and wood, or a Class B fire fed by flammable liquidssafety professionals must offer practical, scenario-based instruction. Thats where a hybrid approach, combining traditional hands-on training with the latest technological tools, can help employees retain critical fire response skills and boost workplace preparedness.

These were some of the insights shared during the March 11 webinar, Mastering Fire Safety: Class A and B Fire Training, hosted by Occupational Health & Safety Magazine. The presentation featured Kevin Shea, a veteran firefighter and technical rescue expert, and Matt Gardner, Director of Marketing at LION Group Inc., who shared effective training strategies. The full webinar archive is available at ohsonline.com/webinar.

The Power of Hands-On Fire Training

When it comes to fire response, theory has its limits. The best training is the training people will actually do, Gardner emphasized. That means replacing passive instruction with physically engaging exercises.

Hands-on trainingwhether live fire drills or extinguisher exercisesallows employees to build muscle memory. This is especially important for high-pressure incidents where panic can override logic. By practicing fire extinguisher use, evaluating escape routes, and responding to alarms in real time, workers become more confident and capable.

Shea, a retired FDNY firefighter, explained that the effectiveness of hands-on training comes down to its realism. People dont rise to the occasion; they fall to their level of training, he underscored. Shea said that in his experience, both in municipal firefighting and industrial settings, confidence under pressure is forged in drills that replicate the stress and constraints of real emergencies.

Live fire training still has a role to play, particularly for fire brigades or facilities with significant Class B hazards such as petrochemicals or LP gas storage. But as Gardner noted, these scenarios require more logistics and risk management.

Live fire is valuable, but its the most difficult to achieveit requires safety measures, weather coordination, and often creates a mess, he said. Its also the least inclusive. Some people are afraid to participate in that kind of training.

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
NIOSH Staff to Temporarily Return to Morgantown Safety Research Facility

Select employees will resume work as discussions continue over recent federal workforce reductions.

Some employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) facility in Morgantown are set to return to work temporarily, following federal discussions regarding recent workforce reductions.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito announced Tuesday that limited functions at the Morgantown research center will resume with select staff returning this week. Capito, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, said she has been in contact with officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the matter.

Some NIOSH functions for coal miners and firefighter safety are slated to resume, Capito said in a statement. My focus will continue to be on working with HHS on permanently restoring these functions and personnel in the most efficient and effective manner.

Earlier this month, Capito sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern over an April 1 reduction-in-force (RIF) notification affecting HHS agencies and programs, including NIOSH. Approximately 200 positions at the Morgantown site are at risk as part of a broader nationwide reduction affecting around 2,400 NIOSH roles.

NIOSH, which operates under the CDC, conducts research on occupational health risks, including respiratory diseases and traumatic injuries in coal mining and firefighting. The Morgantown facility has long been recognized for its work on Black Lung disease and mine safety studies.

HHS has not yet confirmed a long-term plan regarding the staffing or future scope of the Morgantown NIOSH facility.

U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, also representing West Virginia, submitted a similar letter to HHS last week, urging consideration of the facilitys contributions to national occupational health and safety research.

While some operations will resume temporarily, the status of the broader workforce and long-term activities at the Morgantown center remains under review.
Global oil markets are entering a pivotal phase as exploration-driven reserve replacement lags. With only a few bright spots like Namibia and Guyana, estimates suggest that just 2530% of the oil consumed each year is currently being offset by new discoveries. This growing shortfall, combined with forecasts that US shale production will peak in the 2030s, sets the stage for a tightening global supply outlook. If no major new discoveries are made, the world could face an 18 million barrels per day deficit by 2040, assuming demand projections hold. In this context, attention inevitably shifts back to countries with vast, proven and economically extractable reserves. In that category, two stand apart: Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, though their respective abilities to act as swing producers in the 2030s differ significantly.

Saudi Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia, manages over 283 billion barrels of remaining recoverable resources, much of it low-cost, conventional crude. Aramcos ability to increase or decrease production with precision, backed by world-class infrastructure, consistent investment and significant spare capacity, positions Saudi Arabia as a key stabilizing force in global oil markets. As US shales flexibility fades and exploration results remain limited, Saudi Arabia is well-placed to resume its traditional role as the global swing producer, with the capacity to influence supply and price throughout the next decade.

Meanwhile, Venezuela holds what some consider the worlds largest oil reserves, with estimates ranging as high as 300 billion barrels. Most of this resource is concentrated in the Faja de Orinoco, a vast belt of onshore extra-heavy crude. While technically recoverable, these resources require complex upgrading, robust infrastructure and long-term investment. Production, including from the national oil company PdVSA, has declined significantly in recent decades, due to underinvestment, operational challenges and international sanctions. Still, recent activity by select international companies, including Chevron, indicates that some areas remain commercially viable under the right conditions and with external technical support.

Unlocking Venezuelas full potential as a major supplier would likely require broader structural changes at the institutional level. The operating environment for foreign investment has been severely constrained, and long-term recovery would depend on institutional stability, clear regulatory frameworks and an overall improved business climate. While it is difficult to predict political developments, any meaningful resurgence in output would likely hinge on a more normalized environment that can attract sustained capital and technical expertise, particularly from the United States and other Western nations. Given such conditions, Venezuela could re-establish itself as a significant supply source in the global oil mix.

Both Saudi Arabia and Venezuela were founding members of OPEC in 1960 and remain members today. Saudi Arabia continues to play a central leadership role within the group, while Venezuela's influence has diminished in recent years due to its lower production and limited market reach. In a heretofore unseen Venezuela, re-engaging with the global oil sector becomes fundamental, putting future alignment with OPECs production framework in question. Strategic flexibility, particularly for attracting external investment or managing new output, could eventually prompt a reevaluation of its role within the organization.

With global exploration underperforming and US shale nearing its production ceiling, the next decade will likely be shaped by those countries with existing, accessible reserves. Saudi Arabia is expected to anchor this phase, but Venezuelas future remains an important variable. Should the country establish the conditions for recovery, its return into the global oil market could introduce new dynamics into what is otherwise becoming a more concentrated supply landscape. The evolution of these legacy producers may define the next chapter of global oil, not through new discoveries, but through the return and reinvention of those already holding the largest resource bases.

By W. Schreiner Parker, Managing Director for Latin America at Rystad Energy.

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Low inventories reported today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) did nothing to staunch the bleeding, with WTI getting gutted nearly 4% on the day, and Saudi rumors throwing another spanner in the works, while new U.S. economic data suggests more pain is in store for the sector.

Three weeks ago, eight OPEC+ countries unveiled plans to phase-out their voluntary oil output cuts by ramping up output in May by 411,000 barrels per day--equivalent to three monthly increments. The announcement came at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on more than 90 countries across the globe, roiling oil markets. The eight OPEC+ countries are due to meet on 5 May to discuss production levels for June, just days after Washington released a worrying economic report. The U.S. economy shrank at an annualized 0.3% clip in the first quarter, marking the first contraction in three years, due to surging imports as companies rushed to stock up before Trumps 90-day pause on elevated tariffs comes to an end. Thats a sharp turnaround in fortunes compared to the final quarter of 2024 when the economy expanded by 2.4%.

Related: Ukrainian Economy Minister En Route To DC to Sign Critical Minerals Deal



Further, reports on Wednesday indicated that Saudi Arabia is planning to push for increased production during the May 5th meeting, and it will most likely get its way, with Riyadh reportedly saying it could easily sustain lower oil prices for a longer period.

And now commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have predicted the weakness in oil markets is likely to persist thanks to U.S. tariff policy despite oil inventories remaining low.

According to the latest weekly report by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. oil inventories remain low, with the deficit in combined U.S. crude oil, distillate and gasoline inventories below the five-year average widening to 47.4 million barrels (mb). The deficit has now more than doubled over the past three weeks to the widest in 20 months. StanCharts proprietary U.S. oil data bull-bear index is currently highly bullish (i.e., in the strongest 15% of all data releases since 2013)--for three weeks in a row. StanChart notes that the last time a run of data was this strong was in early 2022, helped by strong tailwinds from pandemic recovery. Whereas complete OECD inventory data comes with more of a lag, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has noted that February was the sixth consecutive month of draws, with inventories at their lowest since September 2022.

Tight prompt conditions are also evident in oil futures markets, with Brent spreads remaining firmly backwardated for all but brief periods over the past year.

StanChart notes that oil-price swings lower normally start from a position of oversupply and rising inventories; however, the fact that the current weakness has coincided with low and falling inventories is a strong signal that the oil market thinks U.S. economic policy coupled with Iraqi and Kazakh supply policy are both potentially unusually disruptive events for medium-term balances. Previously, we reported that Kazakhstans crude output hit a record high of 2.12 million barrels per day in February, good for a large 13% increase from January volumes and well above its OPEC+ quota of 1.468 million bpd. For the May meeting, StanChart says the default option is to proceed as per the schedule with a single months increment (about 138 kb/d). However, StanChart says a further acceleration in output is warranted, with low inventories leaving scope to add to short-term supply.

Whereas the latest Kazakh compensation schedule is more front-loaded than the previous one with the total amount of compensation 43% higher, the commodity experts note that the challenge for Kazakhstan so far has been to deliver any compensation at all. Kazakh government statements over the past week have varied from stating that cuts are impossible to saying that they are still policy. Its highly doubtful that Kazakhstan has yet managed to rebuild sufficient trust from its partners in the OPEC+ eight, leaving the option of accelerated production increases very much on the table.

Meanwhile, the European Union has kicked off the injection season on a strong footing, with gas inventories rising faster than last year for the past 11 days and even faster than the five-year average on 13 of the past 16 days. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data, EU gas inventories clocked in at 44.72 billion cubic metres (bcm) on 27 April, with the w/w build of 1.9 bcm being 25% more than the five-year average build.

However, inventories are now 26.67 bcm lower y/y and 11.68 bcm below the five-year average. Europe's gas storage is currently at 38.4% full, much lower than 61% at this time last year. Europes gas prices have continued falling, with natural gas futures falling below 32 per megawatt hour, near a nine-month low.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Venezuela saw its oil exports slump by nearly 20% in April from March to the lowest level in nine months, after state-owned oil firm PDVSA canceled cargoes for Chevron, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing shipping documents and tanker-tracking data.

Last month, the country holding the worlds largest crude oil reserves exported just 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude and fuels, according to the data.

A total of 32 vessels departed from Venezuelas ports in April, shipping an average of 698,767 bpd of crude and fuel, as well as 357,000 metric tons of oil byproducts and petrochemicals, per LSEG vessel monitoring data cited by Reuters.

PDVSA revoked in early April authorizations to U.S. supermajor Chevron to load and export crude from Venezuela, following the Trump Administrations increased sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports and tariffs on its oil buyers.

The Trump Administration has already revoked Chevrons license to operate in Venezuela and export oil from its oilfields, with May 27 the deadline for Chevron to wind down its operations in the South American country.

U.S. President Donald Trump has also announced that any country that buys oil or gas from Venezuela will pay a 25% secondary tariff on trades with the United States.

The cancellations of the authorizations to Chevron by PDVSA were the first impact the U.S. supermajor saw from the U.S.-Venezuela standoff because the company has a license until May 27, allowing it to load crude in April.

But the withdrawn authorizations cut the May 27 deadline, and Venezuelas oil exports plunged in April.

Further declines in Venezuelas oil shipments are expected in May and going forward, as the U.S. Treasury has revoked a license for French oil firm Maurel & Prom to operate in Venezuela and is no longer allowing firms, including Eni and Repsol, to receive oil from PDVSA in lieu of payments.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Europes goal to pursue a net-zero agenda is depriving citizens of reliable and affordable energy in a choice made by politicians, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says.

Years ago, Western Europe, as well as the Biden administration, chose one side of a fork in the road which deprives consumers of choice, Secretary Wright said this week in a keynote address at the Three Seas Business Forum in Warsaw, Poland.

The energy transition policies imposed by the UK government and the European Union (EU) institutions have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but Europe accounts for just 8% of global emissions anyway, said Wright, the founder and former CEO of fracking services company Liberty Energy.

The top-down imposition of mandates for the energy system actually impoverishes the countries choosing to pursue net-zero emissions. Its unlikely to spread globally because it has created two highly undesirable factorsdeindustrialization and more expensive energy for consumers and businesses, the top U.S. energy official told the audience in Poland.

This top-down imposition of enforced climate policies is justified as necessary to save the world from climate change, Wright said.

But I can say that climate alarmism has clearly reduced energy freedom, and, hence, prosperity and national security across Western Europe.

Related: Repsol Affirms Buyback and Dividend Policy as Profit Beats Estimates

The previous U.S. administration worked hard to move the United States onto that same fork. The fork with mandated, top-down, expensive, unreliable energy that would drive de-industrialization of America, Wright noted.

The U.S. official reiterated that climate change is a real physical phenomenon, but climate change isnt even close to being the worlds most urgent problem.

Today, folks struggling to pay their bills while aspiring to live highly energized lifestyles like you and I is a far bigger global challenge than climate change. Energy access is far too important to get wrong.

In many energy-consuming economies, energy affordability and reliability have taken precedence over sustainability since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Major emerging economies such as China and India continue to rely on coal for power generation, despite China being the undisputed leader in renewable energy installations, too.

China and India have been sustaining global coal demand growth this decade. They even plan additional coal-fired capacity to support their respective renewables booms with 24/7 baseload power and avoid power crunches or blackouts like the ones they suffered in the early 2020s.

In Europe, some countries are considering boosting nuclear power generation  or, in Italys case, a return to nuclear after 40 years  for reliable zero-carbon energy, except Germany, the biggest economy, which shut down all its nuclear power plants two years ago.

Europes net-zero targets and rush to bet on renewable energy in the wake of the 2022 energy crisis have backfired, with energy costs for industry four to five times higher than in the United States, which can count on cheap and abundant domestic natural gas.

Deindustrialization in Europe has been taking place since the energy price spike three years ago, eroding what little competitive advantage it had over Chinese and U.S. manufacturing.

The net-zero agenda is not the only culpritgeographical and geological realities are that Europe depends on imports for the natural gas it consumes. Before 2022, it was Russian pipeline gas, now its (mostly American) LNG.

The EU Green Deal and the more recent Clean Industrial Deal from earlier this year aim to boost Europes competitiveness while decarbonizing at the same time. Competitiveness cannot be achieved when costs are several times higher than those of competitors, while following the climate policies to the letter doesnt reduce these costs.

Emissions reductions and decarbonization arent happening overnight.

Secretary Wright told the Three Seas Business Forum in Poland that It turns out to be very hard to transform energy systems. Decarbonization will likely take generations. Only time and innovation will deliver the low-carbon affordable, reliable secure energy that will gain widespread adoption.

Wright called on Central Europe to choose energy freedom and join the U.S. on Team Energy Freedom and prosperity for citizens.

The U.S. official also reiterated the Trump Administrations view that The two biggest climate solutions in the coming decades are the same as they were in the last two decades, natural gas and nuclear, for the simple reason that they work. They supply affordable, reliable, secure energy.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Winter is over in the northern hemisphere, and demand for heating is in decline, to the likely chagrin of LNG exporters. Demand for the fuel in the key Asian and European markets has weakened this month as peak demand season easesbut the weakening is temporary.

Europe imported a record 7.04 million tons of liquefied natural gas from its top supplier, the United States, last month, but this has dropped to 5.88 million tons this month, data from Kpler, cited by Reuters Clyde Russell has shown. This is still significantly higher than the EUs average monthly imports of U.S. LNG for last year. Those stood at 3.76 million tons, meaning the 2025 average so far represents a hefty increase that President Trump might like. After all, U.S. LNG has come to account for 55% of Europes total LNG imports since the start of 2025.

Europe has managed to reduce its overall gas imports over the first quarter through demand destruction, a climate think tank said in a new report earlier today. Per the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, total imports of gas, both pipeline and LNG, were at the same level as last year over the first three months of 2025. The makeup of these imports still featured a sizable contribution of Russian gas to the total import mix despite attempts by the EU to give up all Russian hydrocarbons.

In Asia, meanwhile, China already made the news by suspending any and all LNG imports from the United States, which has had to look for other buyers in its second-biggest market after Europe. Fortunately for all involved, Asian countries are all big buyers of liquefied gas. Japan and South Korea are already major buyers of American liquefied gas and India may well join them as top buyer as it seeks to reduce and hopefully eliminate its trade surplus with the U.S. per President Trumps plans.

Indeed, Trumps trade policies seem like a major tailwind for LNG demand on a global scale. But there may be a problemstemming from other Trump policies. The warning came from the LNG industry earlier this month and concerned the introduction of restrictions on Chinese-built ships calling at U.S. ports in the form of port fees. Announced by Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the rules aimed to boost American shipbuilding but it stressed LNG exporters who currently have no alternative to Chinese-built tankers.

There are currently no US-built vessels capable of shipping LNG and no surplus capacity at US shipyards to build LNG carriers by the deadline of 2029, the Financial Times reported, citing unnamed industry sources. This is problematic for exporters even with the federal governments provision for a gradual phase-in of locally manufactured carriers.

The Baltic and International Maritime Council, one of the largest shipping industry associations globally, also warned against the restrictions. In a letter, PIMCO said that Charging fees on ships calling at US ports due to Chinese origin of the calling ships, Chinese domestication of the operator, the operators fleets percentage of Chinese origin ships and the operators order books percentage of Chinese contracts, will significantly increase the cost of seaborne transport to and from the United States of America  even if operators are pursuing avoidance strategies.

The situation with vessel availability is particularly tight in LNG due to the relatively fast surge in demand for the fuel, which shipbuilders are currently trying to catch up, which will take years.

Demand for LNG tankers surged by 25% last year, industry data showed in January, with the bulk of the new orders going to South Korean and Chinese shipbuilders. Korean companies were in the lead, with 68 orders, and Chinese shipbuilders trailed them with 41 orders. Over the long term, then, U.S.LNG exporters could use South Korea-built vessels, but they need to ship their gas in the short term as well and this might become a problem unless the new port fee rule is tweaked to ensure the continued flow of U.S. LNG abroad.

Thats an immediate concern because the current lull in shipments is a temporary occurrence. Soon enough, Europe will need to start refilling its storage caverns. With its plans to give up Russian gas entirely, it will need to step up U.S.LNG imports further, apparently regardless of cost, which will inevitably rise with the jump in demand. The good news for Europethis time the price rise may be a little smaller thanks to the tariff war and Chinas retaliatory tariffs on U.S. energy that saw it cut all imports of American liquefied gas.

The bad news is that with every U.S. trade partner seeking more LNG imports to reduce its surplus with the worlds biggest market, the price can and likely will change soon enough and not in a favorable direction for the Europeans. For U.S. LNG exporters, however, its smooth sailing aheadjust as soon as the Trump administration takes care of that port fee problem.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Ukraine views this minerals deal not only as an economic partnership but also as a potential pathway to ensure continued American support, including the provision of military aid such as air defense systems.

The agreement stipulates that 50 percent of the income from new licenses for critical materials and oil and gas projects will be directed into the newly formed United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.

The United States and Ukraine have entered into a significant agreement that provides the US with access to Ukraine's valuable rare minerals and establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraines reconstruction and economic stability.

The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement giving the US access to Ukraines valuable rare minerals in a deal that Ukraine hopes will ensure continued American support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

The agreement establishes the United-States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which the US Treasury Department said will allow the two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraines economic recovery.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a news release that 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 called the establishment of the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund a historic economic partnership and credited US President Donald Trump with pushing for it to be signed as part of his efforts to seek an end to the war.

"As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war, Bessent said.

Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations. The US State Department on April 29 tried again to get both sides to move more quickly and warned that Washington could step back from the talks if there's no progress.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's economy minister and deputy prime minister, signed the agreement with Bessent, the Treasury Department said. Svyrydenko said the agreement "can provide success for both our countries" and "will attract global investment into our state" in highlighting its key points in a post on Facebook.

Svyrydenko said the investment fund will be filled with income exclusively from new licenses. This involves 50 percent of the funds from new licenses for critical materials and oil and gas projects, which will come into Ukraine's budget once the fund is established.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andryi Sybiha wrote on X that he had briefed EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas about the minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States.

"This marks an important milestone in UkraineUS strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraines economy and security," he said in his post.

Roman Kostenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and special forces commander, told Current Time that the question of security guarantees in connection with the US-Ukraine minerals deal "remains open."

"Perhaps there were certain nuances that prevented their inclusion in the minerals deal, even though it was a demand from our side," he added.

Military Aid?

Beyond its monetary aspects, Ukraine also sees the agreement as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid.

"In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance -- for example air defense systems for Ukraine," she said on X.

The agreement is in accordance with the Constitution and does not change Ukraine's European integration course, she added. It also states that all resources on Ukraine's territory and in territorial waters belong to Ukraine, and Kyiv alone will determine where and what to extract.

The Ukrainian cabinet approved the agreement earlier on April 30, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament before it can take effect.

The Treasury Department's news release said the department and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work with the government of Ukraine to finalize the programs governance and advance the partnership.

Speaking on Ukrainian television earlier on April 30, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called the deal "truly a good, equal and beneficial international agreement on joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine."

Shmyhal said on Telegram that each side will have 50 percent voting rights in the Reconstruction Investment Fund, and the fund's profits will be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine.

Meeting a key concern for Ukraine, he said Kyiv would not be asked to pay back any "debt" for the billions of dollars in US weapons and other support since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to Ukraines rare earth materials as a condition for continued US support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid that Washington has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a tense Oval Office meeting, which ended in acrimony with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance verbally attacking each other.

The US is seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests. Among them are 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 deposits of lithium, graphite, and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

Trump said the deal in theory means that the US will get more from Ukraine than it contributed.

I wanted to be protected, he said in an interview on NewsNation, adding that he didnt want to be looking foolish by not getting money back for the investment.

Trump said earlier at a cabinet meeting that the American presence will "keep a lot of bad actors out of the country or certainly out of the area where we're doing the digging."

By RFE/RL

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Californias 2035 gas car ban just got torched by the U.S. House, which voted 246164 on Thursday to kill the EPA waiver that let the Golden State set stricter tailpipe rules than the federal government. The decision doesnt just mess with Californiait upends the dozen other blue states that hitched their EV ambitions to Sacramentos regulatory wagon. Now the Senate will get a turn at the wheel, but its already swerving around a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian that says this repeal isnt even allowed.

For years, California has acted like its the de facto EPA. Under Newsoms zero-emission-or-bust vision, gas cars were set to become fossils by 2035.

"This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change, California Governor Newsom said in 2020. For too many decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe. Californians shouldnt have to worry if our cars are giving our kids asthma. Our cars shouldnt make wildfires worse  and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldnt melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines."?

Except the federal government no longer appears to be on board.

Meanwhile, the actual driver of the EV revolution, Elon Musk, is watching the drama unfold from Texaswhere he moved Teslas HQ after tiring of Californias red tape and high taxes. Left-leaning pundits once praised Musk as a green tech saviorthe one to someday send gasoline engines to the grave.

Now theyre setting fire to Teslas (literally), slamming him for his role with DOGE, andjust this morningcheering a Wall Street Journal article claiming Teslas board was preparing to oust him as CEO.

Musk says the claim was bogus and that Tesla told the WSJ that before publication. The paper ran the piece anyway.

Tesla stock has been bleeding for months, in part due to his newfound position as the lefts punching bag, and in part because the EV market has matured, subsidies are waning, and some are coming to the realization that the green revolution is a lot more complicatedand expensivethan campaign speeches suggest.

And somewhere in Texas, Elons probably retweeting the news with a flamethrower emoji, displaying the delicious irony of the EV king pushing back against the political class that he bashes dailyeven when they were previously rooting for Teslas success. Musk has been an advocate of a gradual transition and has shied away from demonizing the oil and gas industry.

The alliances have scrambled. The EV King is at war with climate crusaders, while Republican fossil fuel champions are rushing to buy Teslas in solidarity with Musk. Teslas founder is now the darling of oil-patch Twitter, and the party of states rights and deregulation just torpedoed a policy they mightve embracedif only it hadnt come from a state they loathe, targeting an industry they love.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multi-national endeavor to build a system to experiment with nuclear fusion, has just completed the final component of its pulsed superconducting electromagnet system, the worlds largest and most powerful, in a landmark moment for fusion research.

ITER, which includes China, the European Union, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States, is an international joint experiment in fusion aimed at building and operating  beginning in the 2030s  the ITER experimental device, where a demonstration fusion reactor can be designed.

Fusion is the natural process that heats the Sun and all other stars, in which a huge amount of energy is produced by the fusion of light atoms, such as those in hydrogen, into heavier elements like helium.

Nuclear fusion has long been considered the answer to zero-emission by-product-free energy generation. However, no one has cracked the nuclear fusion code yet because of the challenges associated with the environment in which the process could take place.

Now the final, sixth component of the ITER pulsed magnet system has been built and tested in the United States, ITER said on Thursday.

The final component was the sixth module of the Central Solenoid, which will be assembled at the ITER site in Southern France. When assembled, this Central Solenoid will be the systems most powerful magnet, strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier.

The fully assembled pulsed magnet system will function as the electromagnetic heart of ITERs donut-shaped reactor, called a Tokamak.

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, ITER said.

Nuclear fusion research and development have gained momentum in recent years after several momentous breakthroughs and achievements. The global race to overcome the engineering challenges to achieving zero-emission power from a nuclear reaction without risking disaster and radiation has heated up.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Senator Lindsay Graham wants the U.S. to impose more sanctions on Russia and also punish its trade partners for doing business with it by imposing tariffs on those that buy Russian oil and gas.

Graham told the Wall Street Journal in an interview that he had prepared a bill to that effect and that the bill had garnered support from more than 60 co-sponsors in Congress. According to the Republican hardliner, he could get support from 67 co-sponsors by the end of the week, which would make the bill immune to a presidential veto.

The bill envisages primary and secondary sanctions on countries that support Russias foreign policy, to be put into effect if, per the Wall Street Journal, the Russian government refuses to negotiate a peace agreement, violates a peace agreement or invades Ukraine again in the future.

The bill also includes a stipulation about tariffs of 500% on imports into the United States from Russian trade partners in the energy business, including uranium.

The report suggests that the sanctions and tariffs would only be enforcedif the bill passesin case the ongoing peace talks about Ukraine fail. I let him know what were doing, Graham said, referring to President Trump. And Im not going to speak for the president, but I will say that I hope hes successful. I am somewhat optimistic we can get there. But we cant let this go on forever.

The United States, the European Union, and several other allies have imposed over a thousand different sanctions on Russia since 2022s invasion of Ukraine, making it the most heavily sanctioned country in history. The energy industry has been a preferred target for sanctions due to its share in Russian budget revenues, which stands at around 30%. So far, however, none of the sanctions have had the desired effect of devastating Russias income from energy exports.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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OPEC just pulled a plot twist. Instead of raising production as planned, the cartels April output dropped by 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 27.24 million bpd, according to a new Bloomberg survey published on Thursday. Half the decline came from Venezuela, where Chevron and other producers are winding down ahead of renewed U.S. sanctions. But the real head-scratcher? The UAE and Saudi Arabiawho had clearance to pump morebarely budged.

The UAE actually cut oil production by 80,000 bpd, despite securing a carve-out to raise production. Riyadh added a mere 20,000 bpdfar below its quota bump. The worst offendersIraq and the UAEare still over their targets.

This is a full-blown credibility test. OPEC+ recently vowed to offset 4.57 million bpd of overproduction by June 2026, mostly through reductions this year. At the same time, they tripled Mays planned output hike to 411,000 bpd, a move that most suspected was engineered by Saudi Arabia to punish quota-busting members. All while Brent plunged below $65 (and below $60 at one point today).

Reuters suggested via five anonymous sources that Saudi officials have been telling allies that theyre done propping up oil prices and can handle lower revenue. The production dip would suggest thats not entirely true. But just how low Saudi Arabias budget can handle and for how long is still in question. Saudi Arabias budget breakeven is $90 per barrel. Actual price? ~$61.

Meanwhile, media sources close to OPEC+ have suggested that the group hasnt settled on any course of action yet.

This sets the stage for Mondays OPEC+ meeting, where another supply hikeor rather, plans for a supply hikecould land. Whether this is a managed unwind or a quiet price war depends on who you ask. As for the phantom briefers whispering about Saudi strategy? The Kingdom had a message via Argus Media:

Phantoms are being briefed by phantom briefers.
Russia expects 24% lower revenues from oil and gas this year compared to earlier estimates, following the oil price crash that began in early April and sank the price of its flagship Urals crude close to the $50 per barrel mark.

Russia now sees its oil and gas revenues at about $101.7 billion (8.32 trillion Russian rubles) for 2025, according to the finance ministrys latest update. Thats lower than the $133.7 billion (10.9 trillion rubles) expected earlier.

Oil and gas income  a key pillar of Russias budget revenues  is now expected to account for 3.7% of gross domestic product (GDP), down from 5.1% of GDP expected until the most recent oil price slide.

As a result of lower oil prices, Russias finance ministry has also tripled the estimate of its budget deficitto 1.7% of GDP for 2025, up from a deficit of just 0.5% of GDP previously expected.

In the latest forecast, Russia slashed its expected price of Russian crude from $69.70 per barrel to $56 a barrel for 2025.

Oil prices have slipped by about $10 per barrel over the past month, with Brent Crude prices barely holding to the $60 a barrel mark early on Thursday, amid concerns about the global economy in the trade wars and Saudi hints that the worlds top crude exporter the OPEC+ leader could raise oil production faster than expected and could be prepared to suffer a period of low oil prices.

Russia, also a member of OPEC+, will also suffer, especially as it is pouring more money into the war in Ukraine while its crude oil is priced at discounts to Brent due to the Western sanctions on its exports.

The lower price that Russian crude fetches could hit Russias economy, Russias Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina warned last month.

If the escalation of the tariff wars continues, this usually leads to a decline in global trade and the global economy and, possibly, demand for our energy resources. Therefore, there are risks here, Nabiullina was quoted as saying.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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S&P Global Ratings has revised down its credit outlook on Woodside Energy after the Australian firm took the final investment decision on the $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG export project.

The rating agency cut the outlook to negative from stable as the go-ahead to the project has limited Woodsides rating upside in the absence of a material sell-down of its offtake exposure.

Earlier this week, Woodside Energy announced the final investment decision for the Louisiana LNG project and plans to start production in 2029.

The facility is designed to have three liquefaction trains with a total capacity of 16.5 million tons annually. This would boost Woodsides total LNG capacity to 24 million tons annually by the next decade, the company said. Woodside also has permits to expand the Louisiana LNG facility by another two trains, which would boost its capacity to a total of 27.6 million tons annually.

Woodside bought the former Driftwood LNG project as part of its acquisition of Tellurian for $1.2 billion last year. The deal adds a scalable US LNG development opportunity to our existing approximately 10 Mtpa of equity LNG in Australia, Woodside chief executive Meg ONeill said at the time. Then, this year, reports emerged that Woodside was looking for partners in the projects, seeking to sell up to 50% of the ownership.

Last month, Woodside sold 40% in Louisiana LNG to infrastructure investment firm Stonepeak. Under the terms of their deal, Stonepeak will provide $5.7 billion of the total capital expenditure for the project, accounting for 75% of total capex for the project this year and next.

We are continuing to progress discussions with additional partners at the integrated project level, ONeill said at this weeks call announcing the FID.

This will further reduce Woodsides capital and accelerate the value of the project.

On Thursday, Woodside said it signed an agreement with BP for the integrated energy major to supply natural gas to the Louisiana LNG project.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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U.S. LNG exports jumped by 20% between January and April from a year earlier as buying activity in Europe remained strong amid a cold winter and low gas inventory levels.

U.S. LNG shipments hit a record high for the January-April period of 34.6 million metric tons, according to data from Kpler cited by Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire.

For most of the past winter, European benchmark gas prices were higher than Asian spot LNG prices for delivery into north Asia, attracting more cargoes to European import terminals. Additionally, LNG demand in China and the rest of Asia has been tepid at best, which has helped Europe as competition for cargoes hasnt been as fierce as in previous years.

At the end of the winter heating season, Europe had its natural gas storage sites depleted to levels last seen three years ago as a cold winter and low renewable energy output, with low wind speeds and little sunshine, forced countries to use more gas than in the past three winters.

At the same time, supply from America is growing with the start-up of Venture Globals second facility, Plaquemines LNG, in Louisiana, and the commissioning of Chenieres Corpus Christi Stage 3 project. Both Plaquemines LNG and Corpus Christi Stage 3 achieved first gas in late December 2024 and are expected to ramp up operations and exports throughout this year.

LNG exports from the United States have increased every year since 2016, rising from 0.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2016 to 11.9 Bcf/d in 2024, making the United States the worlds largest LNG exporter in 2023 and 2024.

U.S. LNG gross exports are expected to further increase by 19% to 14.2 Bcf/d in 2025, and by 15% to 16.4 Bcf/d in 2026, according to EIA estimates.

The start-up timing of two additional export plants  Plaquemines LNG Phase 2 and Golden Pass LNGcould significantly affect the forecast because these facilities represent 19% of incremental U.S. LNG export capacity in 202526, the EIA said last month.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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President Donald Trumps executive order to access critical deep-seabed minerals is raising concerns among the international authorities with jurisdiction over resources in international waters.

Last week, President Trump issued an executive order to unleash Americas offshore critical minerals and resources. The executive order prioritizes U.S. leadership in seabed mapping and mineral exploration with the aim of ensuring reliable access to critical minerals like manganese, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

Days after the executive order, The Metals Company (TMC) USA submitted applications to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for two exploration licenses and one commercial recovery permit under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA).

The application area for the commercial recovery permit covers a total combined area of 25,160 square kilometers (9,714 square miles) in the Clarion Clipperton Zone.

However, the ClarionClipperton zone, an environmental management area of the Pacific Ocean, is being administered by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations-affiliated body.

In a statement on Thursday, Leticia Reis de Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, said that the executive order regarding deep-seabed mineral resources raises specific concerns because while the Order primarily addresses domestic political and policy matters, its reference to applicability in areas beyond national jurisdiction becomes a matter of the rule of law within the global ocean governance framework known as UNCLOS (the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea).

These concerns have been made more severe by the fact that the recent permit request is for mining in the deep sea outside of the jurisdiction of the United States.

A direct corollary of the legal status of the UNCLOS is that no State may claim, acquire, or exercise sovereignty or sovereign rights over any part of the Area or its mineral resources, Reis de Carvalho said.

This includes a prohibition on appropriation and alienation by any State, or by any natural or juridical person.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signed the minerals deal that President Trump insisted on as a condition for continued U.S. support for the Ukrainian government.

Per a Reuters report on the news, the deal is important for the Ukrainian government, which hopes to appease President Trump and motivate him to extend U.S. aid of all sorts. Indeed, Svyrydenko wrote on X, as cited by Reuters, that In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance - for example air defense systems for Ukraine.

The U.S. side has not made such specific suggestions, however.

What the deal amounts to is the establishment of a joint investment fund, which will grant the United States preferential access to Ukraines mineral resources, which Trump has hyped as massive. So has Ukraine, but some doubt the validity of the data. Per that data, the country is home to some $15 trillion worth of metals and minerals, including the largest reserves of lithium, titanium, and uranium in Europe.

Time magazine recently cited some concerns about the reliability of the resource data, saying that The U.N. says Ukraine holds 5% of the worlds rare earth minerals, including 22 of the 34 most critical for national security. But assessments of Ukrainian minerals are based on outdated Soviet-era data and models that may not be accurate.

Whats more, the lead times for developing these deposits are rather extensive, as they are with most mining projects, taking up as long as 18 years. In a further complication, a solid part of these resources are in the eastern part of the country, which the Ukrainian government just signaled it was ready to recognize as Russian, for a time.

President Trump insisted on the deal as repayment for the massive financial and material aid the U.S. has provided to the Ukraine over the past three years or, as the Treasury described it in the announcement of the deal, 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.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)



In Nahas Tsuboya District, youll find a street dedicated to the ancient craft of Okinawan Yachimun, or pottery in Ryukyu dialect.

Yachimun Dori runs roughly 400 meters between Kokusai Street and Route 330, cutting through Tsuboya. Tsuboyas kanji spelling, , translates to pottery shop in Japanese.

(Map by Stripes Okinawa)



As the name suggests, this area is home to roughly 20 pottery shops and studios. The history of this street dates to 1682 when the Ryukyu Kingdom consolidated Yachimun kilns in several locations in the southern part of Makishi Village in what is now known today as the pottery district.

Ikutouen, originally Takaesu Pottery Factory until 1988, is one of the pottery shops dating back six generations, according to their website. I discovered this place after I was inspired by a social media post of L.A. Dodgers players Teoscar Hernandez and Mookie Betts on a date night with their wives trying wheel throwing at a pottery studio somewhere in California or Arizona during spring training.

Although they seemed to have a lot of fun, Betts looked a bit distraught with a disfigured block of clay on the wheel before him. If even a pro MLB player can struggle and still try, I shouldnt be worried about failure, I thought to myself and began searching for a class. Luckily, I found Ikutoens website and signed up to give pottery wheel throwing a try.

Youll find Ikutoens dojo inside a traditional Okinawan flat building with a tile red roof, nestled down a back street branching off Yachimun Dori. I almost got lost going on the maze-like street, but that was part of the fun of exploring this neat area.

Though the word dojo, commonly associated with a place to train for martial arts, made me nervous, I was relieved when I went inside and was welcomed by relaxing Hawaiian music and nothing intimidating.

At the reception desk, I signed in for my Rokuro lesson, which costs 4,950 yen (about $33.22). Ikutoen also offers workshops to make pottery Shisa lions for 4,400 yen, tebineri molded plates for 3,850 and etsuke pottery drawing for 3,850 yen.

Kotone Watanabe, an employee at the dojo, helped me to get a vinyl apron and to my seat in front of the potters wheel. To get started, I used a foot pedal to get the electric potters wheel moving as I attempted to throw, or mold, the chunk of clay already set up before I sat down.

Yachimun Street (Shoji Kudaka)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

Shoji at pottery (Shoji Kudaka)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)



The first step was to make a vertical hole by pushing the clay from the top with my thumb. I was planning to make a coffee cup.

After moistening my fingers in a bowl of water, I put my thumb on the clay. The moment my fingers touched the clay, I was surprised at its firm texture.

From the pottery-making I had seen in movies and TV, I was under the impression that the clay would be malleable. The clay on my wheel felt a bit stubborn, requiring a bit of effort when I applied pressure to drill my thumb into it. From time to time, I had to soak my fingers in the water again to prevent them from rubbing against the clay too hard.

After a few minutes, my clay finally had a hole in the center, too wide for a coffee mug, however. It looked like a chunky rice bowl instead. Though I didnt spin out like the Dodgers Right fielder Betts did when he was pottery throwing, I was lamenting how clumsy my work of art was looking. Watanabe advised me to wrap my hand around the turning clay to help bring in the sides. After a few turns, I was relieved because the piece was looking closer to a mug.

My next task was to carefully thin the walls of the mug by smoothing the clay between my thumbs and my other fingers.

I was advised to move my hand upwards as I maintained my pressure on the clay to keep the cups profile vertically to the ground. I tried to keep the angle, but the mouth of the cup started to widen in the direction of looking like a bowl again. This process was much more difficult than I imagined, and the clay went back and forth between the shape of a coffee cup and that of a rice bowl.

Once again, Watanabe stepped in, correcting the shape of the cup with a stick, which rescued me from the endless spiral.

At this point, the clay could be safely recognized as a coffee cup, but it was still a little on the chunky side. I was a bit embarrassed about the cups thickness, but Watanabe assured me it was supposed to look like that.

According to her, Okinawas red soil is a different consistency of the soil used for other clays.

Because of that, [Yachimun pottery] would lose its shape if you made it thin, Watanabe added. She also said the clay shrinks about 20 percent after its baked and dehydrated in the kiln.

Now that my cup was at the point where I was content, I detached it from the wheel with a cord. There is more work to do to complete the piece of pottery, but in this beginners workshop, the rest of the steps are left to the professionals.

Watanabe said the next part involves letting the pottery dry for a couple of days, gouging the bottom while the top is covered with a soil plate called a shitta. After this process is completed, then an artisan draws designs on the sides before it is left to dry some more. Next, the pottery is baked between 800-850 degrees Celsius. Finally, Watanabe said, the piece is glazed and baked in a kiln at a scorching 1550 degrees Celsius for three days.

Usually, this process would take a couple of weeks to complete, but the pottery workshops at Ikutoen mean there are many pieces in queue for completion creating a months-long backlog, Watanabe said.

Though Ill have to wait a few more months for my mug, I cant wait to see the finished, thinner and smoother piece I made.

Ikutoen offers shipping for workshop creations for an extra fee, depending on how many pieces of pottery and destination. For example, sending two pieces of Yachimun to a shipping address in Okinawa typically costs about 1,000 yen. International shipping (including APO) is also available but more expensive than domestic shipping.

Finished Yachimun pieces are available for purchase at the dojo, but I recommend checking out their retail shop on Yachimun Dori after class because it has a bigger selection.

Challenge yourself to wrapping your hands around this time-honored Ryukyu Kingdom craft in Nahas Tsuboya District.

Tsuboya Yachimun Dojo (Ikutoen)

GPS Coordinates: N 26.21357, E 127.69212

Hours: 10 a.m.  5 p.m., closed Jan. 1-2

There are several paid (coin) parking areas around Yachimun Dori, which typically cost 300 yen per hour with a maximum at 1,300 yen for 12 hours.

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Ikutoen (retail shop)

GPS Coordinates: N 26.21251, E 127.69245

Hours: 10 a.m.  6 p.m., Closed Jan. 1-2

Website

TOURIST SPOTS AROUND YACHIMUN STREET

Arakaki Residence

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)



This building used to belong to a craftsman working in the districts pottery industry. The Arakaki family is believed to have moved to this location when the consolidation of Yachimun pottery kilns took place in 1682. Now this traditional house with a roof tiled in red is designated as a nationally recognized cultural property.

GPS Coordinates: N 26.21255, E 127.69294

Open on Fri., Sat, Sun., and holidays *Closed during New Year holidays (Dec. 28  Jan. 4) and some other holidays.

Hours: 1 p.m.  5 p.m.

Free admission

Fenukma

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)



Meaning the kiln of the south, this big noborigama kiln is thought to be the only one remaining from the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Noborigama kilns are unique because they are built on a slope. The kiln at Fenukma is no longer in operation, but it is now designated as an important prefectural property. Next door is a cafe and access to the kiln is via a slope leading to a parking space.

GPS Coordinates: N 26.21347, E 127.69092

Yogi Koen (Park)

Steam locomotive (Shoji Kudaka)

bridge (Shoji Kudaka)



This park is located about a 10-minute walk from the southeast end of Yachimun Dori. Its draw is a D-51 steam locomotive on display which was brought here in 1973. This park is also known for its several cherry blossom trees.

GPS Coordinates: N 26.208453, E 127.692373

No parking is available on site.

Yamaka Stand

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)



This small joint is a good place to stop by if you want to take a break from your stroll on Yachimun Dori. My recommendation is the scone topped with blueberry and cream cheese (380 yen) and Indonesian Mandarin coffee (580 yen).
A crew of volunteers has been putting the finishing touches on a large locomotive inside Florence City Hall this week.

The elaborate and luxurious train is the set for the 60th anniversary Florence Days melodrama, staged in the far-north Omaha neighborhood by the Florentine Players every May since 1965.

This years show, Ticket to Ride, or Heard Her on the Florient Express, opens Thursday night at the hall, 2864 State St.

And actors, stagehands and others have been going all out on the production to celebrate their landmark birthday.

Because its the 60th, I wanted to make this an impressive feat, director Derek Kowal said. When people come, I want there to be a wow factor. We wanted to make it look like a real train in the 1920s. When you look at that bad boy, its very impressive.

Kowal also wrote the script, and its a doozy. An out-of-work cowboy gets a job on a train during the Depression, and brings along a cousin and his Vaudeville troupe to help.

Theyre not great train workers, so we get comedy out of that when they check the brakes or take care of customers, Kowal said.

A notorious gangster is also on the train en route to a bootlegging trial in Chicago and, predictably, hes up to no good. When he takes over the train, our hero (the cowboy) somehow gets booted off, and drama and laughs follow in his effort to get back on.

About 35 actors are involved  another thing that will enhance the 60th year, the director said.

A big cast brings a big audience. For the 60th, I really wanted to make sure that we got a lot of people to it, he said.

The melodramas  along with an annual parade  have been drawing healthy crowds to Florence Days since the beginning. The parade was moved to May 17 this year due to Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

There also used to be a carnival, and Kowal said many folks would like to figure out how to bring that back.

But the acting troupes roots go back way further than 60 years, said John Lemen, whos one of its oldest members. He said his mom was in Florence plays as a teen in the late 1920s and early 1930s, and their onstage group called itself the Florentine Players.

Florence, which is bounded by the Missouri River, Redick Avenue, 45th Street and the north line of Douglas County, was a separate city until it was annexed in 1917.

Its known as the 1846 Winter Quarters for 2,500 Mormons who were migrating from Illinois to Utah. A particularly brutal winter killed nearly 400 of the pilgrims, and they are buried at Mormon Pioneer Cemetery at 34th and State Streets.

Because of that, the neighborhood is the home to a number of historic places, such as the Florence Bank (the oldest bank in the state), the Florence Mill, the Florence Depot and the Florence Fire Barn.

The Florence Historical Foundation bought the depot in 1965 and moved it a block south, which triggered the rebirth of the Florentine Players.

It was a wreck, Lemen said. They needed to have a fundraiser to restore it. My mom said the productions in the 1930s were a blast, so lets do one of those.

Longtime Florence residents Dick Collins, State Sen. Dan Lynch and pharmacist Paul Bogard wrote Where Is My Wandering Girl Tonight, and the Players performed it. It was supposed to be a one-year thing.

But it made money hand over fist, Lemen said. People passed the hat, and it did really well. People just loved it. They booed the villain and cheered the hero. They probably threw popcorn back then, but they dont allow that anymore.

Because it was a mess, said Lemens wife, Diane.

Like six other married couples, the Lemens met while working with the Florentine Players.

I started building sets, and John came down to help me. I was standing on a ladder, and he thought he liked what he saw and thought we should go out, Diane said.

Theyve now been married for 34 years. Every other married couple who met in the Players is also still together.

Some families have multiple generations of performers. Both Kowal and Lemen are among several examples. Kowal brought his infant son Caden with him to rehearsals for his first melodrama  I wore him like a little papoose, he said  and 20 years later, Caden is still involved.

And Lemens daughter, Sandy, studied theater at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has performed with the troupe.

The fact that we have so many families that keep the tradition alive  thats one of the things I love about it, Kowal said.

A couple of other things set the troupe apart from other melodrama performers. First is the live band, which is onstage with the cast and is part of every performance.

And another is the troupe has a regular season of comedies and dramas apart from the melodrama. Sandy Lemen, Johns daughter, was the lead in one of those plays, Errorplane (a spoof of the movie Airplane) in 2024.

The Lemens said they realize that a new generation is crucial to keeping the Players alive. Theyve done just about everything for the theater from writing scripts to acting and even cooking.

Now theyre content to build and paint sets and let the younger people carry on the tradition onstage.

Of the current active members, John Lemen said, I guess Im the old goat.

As such, he helped Kowal create a historical slideshow that will be shown at this years performances, which are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, plus May 8, 9 and 10 at Florence City Hall, 2854 State St. Tickets, $15, are available at florentineplayers.com

Kowal said the band also has prepared 20 more minutes of music than usual and the playlist will change each night.

That way, he said, you can come more than one time.
In an Omaha mayors race, its not typically big news when a business group endorses a Republican and a union supports a Democrat.

But the Omaha Federation of Labors recent endorsement of John Ewing comes with the vocal backing of another prominent former candidate for mayor.

As president of the Omaha Federation of Labor, Im supporting John Ewing for mayor, said Mike McDonnell, the union leader and former state senator who finished third in the recent mayoral primary.

And the Greater Omaha Chambers backing of Jean Stothert represents a rare public expression of support for a candidate from the prominent business organization, which has not made a mayoral endorsement in recent history.

The open support for the 12-year incumbent mayor underscores the importance and the urgency the chamber sees in maintaining the citys current economic momentum, said Heath Mello, the chambers president and CEO.

Theres a tremendous amount of community development work and projects currently underway that we want to make sure move forward, Mello said in an interview. We feel Mayor Stothert has been leading that effort in a very collaborative, thoughtful manner.

As it happens, Mello is himself a former mayoral opponent of Stotherts, having given Stothert her closest race to date when they ran head-to-head for mayor in 2017.

Both organizations endorsements could be critical in whats shaping up to be a close battle in the May 13 general election, with early voting already having started Monday.

Stothert, a registered Republican in the officially nonpartisan race, edged Democrat Ewing by just over 2,600 points  3 percentage points  in the primary. The two are now battling it out for the one-third of voters who backed other candidates in the primary and other voters just now tuning in.

A nuanced endorsement for Ewing

In voicing support for Ewing in an interview with The World-Herald, McDonnells words were nuanced, as he said he wasnt making the endorsement as former candidate for mayor Mike McDonnell but as union president.

But its also noteworthy that McDonnell, as a member of the unions political education committee, personally supported the Ewing endorsement. The recommendation then went to a vote of the unions delegates, who supported it last week.

The endorsement also means the candidate who received 20% of the vote in the mayoral primary will be working on behalf of the unions thousands of members in support of Ewing.

McDonnell said he will be educating the public on Johns strong position of supporting working men and women in the city of Omaha.

Crystal Rhoades, a spokesperson for Ewings campaign, said the federation endorsement is also significant because it comes with financial support.

McDonnell, a Republican who was a Democrat as recently as two years ago, acknowledged its a unique situation for him to be both a union leader and a former candidate in the race.

The union had backed McDonnell in the primary after McDonnell recused himself from the selection process. Ewing had sought the unions endorsement, while Stothert did not take part in the process, which involved a questionnaire and interview.

Mello said the Omaha chambers political action committee has provided financial support for Stothert in her three previous runs for mayor. But the chamber this time also decided to publicly speak out in support of Stothert as the candidate they see as best fostering Omahas growth and competitiveness, he said.

The endorsement was made in March by the chambers executive committee, made up of representatives of some of the citys most prominent businesses.

Under Stotherts leadership, Omaha has seen significant infrastructure investments, a public safety focus and strong public-private partnerships, all of which have contributed to the citys thriving and competitive business climate, the chamber said in a statement.

The chamber also lauded the mayors support for key chamber initiatives, including the Urban Core Strategic Plan  which included the modern streetcar currently under construction  and efforts to attract and retain talent.

Mayor Stotherts continued leadership is critical to ensuring the long-term economic health and vitality of the community, the chamber said.

Stothert touted the endorsement in a statement, saying she and the chamber share a vision of keeping Omaha one of the best cities in America to live, to work and to raise a family.

Other notable endorsements

Ewing and Stothert have been garnering other endorsements since the primary  with Stothert gaining the backing of one of the other primary candidates.

The Rev. Terry Brewer, a pastor of a North Omaha church and political independent who received under 1% of the primary vote, has endorsed Stothert.

She has a heart for the city, he said.

Jasmine Harris, a nonprofit executive and Democrat who received 10% of the primary vote, has not made an endorsement in the general election.

Ewing has other labor backing, including from the Nebraska AFL-CIO, the Building and Construction Trades Council and the city firefighters union.

The Omaha Professional Firefighters Local 385 had endorsed McDonnell  a former firefighter and Omaha fire chief  during the primary.

Trevor Towey, president of the union, said: Ewing understands our issues best and is willing to work for us.

The Omaha police union, which also backed McDonnell in the primary, is not making an endorsement in the general election.

Patrick Dempsey, president of the Omaha Police Officers Association, said the unions executive board decided to stay out of it, in part due to the limited time between the primary and general elections.

Stothert has touted her backing from the local chapter of the National Latino Police Officers Association as well as Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer.
LINCOLN  Nebraska senators will have a full debate on how to regulate medical cannabis, a major milestone in a decade-long campaign to legalize the treatment that many see as a safer alternative to opioids and other prescription drugs.

Voters overwhelmingly passed legalization of medical cannabis in November, but the process of enacting legislative regulations has been laborious with negotiations, compromises and other officials weighing in on the issue. The Legislature's General Affairs committee had a breakthrough Thursday, voting to advance the bill to a floor debate. The vote was 5-3, with two Republicans joining the three Democrats on the panel supporting the bill. Deliberations displayed an array of opinions on the subject that indicate hours of debate ahead.

Legislative Bill 677 from Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair has the backing of the Nebraskans who worked for more than a decade to legalize medical cannabis. The initiative passed with 71% of votes, but it has faced challenges from the states attorney general and drew concerns about leading to recreational use and legalization.

Crista Eggers, director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, lost her breath and took a minute to gather herself after learning the bill advanced. "I am extremely happy personally and as a representative of the campaign and the people who spoke so loudly," she said. Eggers' son has severe epilepsy that causes numerous seizures daily. She's advocated for him and other patients to have a wider choice for treatment.

Eggers also acknowledged the bill still has a challenging road.

The bill and amendment that advanced from the committee would allow for vaporizing, infused edibles, ointments and tinctures of liquid. The legislation would not allow for smoking, but it would let people possess flower and bud that they can ingest in other ways, with recommendation from a doctor, physician assistant or certified nurse practitioner. Hansen initially had smoking in the bill, but agreed to amend it out, gaining support from Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue and Sen. Stanley Clouse of Kearney. Hansen also agreed to reduce the allowable amount to possess from 5 ounces to 2 ounces.

Holdcroft's amendment added a list of ailments for which a health professional could recommend cannabis as treatment, but on the recommendation of the Nebraska Medical Association, it did not include post-traumatic stress disorder. Sen. John Cavanaugh said he wanted to see that as an included ailment, but he would support the bill advancing from committee. Floor debate on the bill is certain to draw numerous amendments to add or remove various treatments, delivery systems and other regulations.

Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha and Sen. Jared Storm of David City were vocally opposed to the proposal, particularly allowing for flower and bud and for allowing vaporizing. They suggested the goal behind the ballot initiative was to make way for recreational use, and also said the Legislature should heed the attorney general's advice and not act until the Supreme Court ruled on the suit that argues the ballot initiative was fraudulent. Holdcroft, chair of the committee, said that case already lost in a lower court and that the Legislature should be responsive to the people's vote rather than wait for a ruling.

Cavanaugh said, "The attorney general is losing in the court and trying to win in the Legislature," and, "We can't let him bully us."

The session ends in about four weeks, and the ballot initiative enacts on July 1. Hansen has said without a bill, Nebraska will be the Wild West for cannabis.

After the vote, Hansen said with all the changes and compromises, no senators may like the final bill. But he said that's not the main issue. "Let's not primarily just think about how we feel about something, but also listen to what the people need," Hansen said.

Holdcroft agreed, saying, "Personally, I'm not a big fan of medical marijuana, but if that's what the people want we should try to provide the best possible program." He shared reservations about allowing for up to 30 dispensaries, people getting addicted to cannabis and moving in the direction of Missouri, which legalized recreational marijuana soon after legalizing medical use.

Progressive and conservative senators are hosting forums in upcoming days to hear Nebraskans' thoughts about medical cannabis and to share progress on the legislation and process ahead.

"I believe that we have lawmakers who are listening, and they're seeing the importance of this, and they know that we have to do something," Eggers said.

The forum dates and locations are:

1-3 p.m. Saturday at Carpenters Union Hall, 10761 Virginia Plaza, in La Vista

1-3 p.m. Sunday at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St.

5-7 p.m. Monday at Southeast Community College, 8800 O St. in Lincoln
By Oregon State Representatives Boomer Wright and Court Boice

April 30th, 2025

Today, Senate Bill 147 A received a work session in the Joint Subcommittee on Natural Resources. Coastal Republicans, Representatives Boomer Wright (R-Coos Bay) and Court Boice (R-Gold Beach), opposed the bill, which would transfer 83,000 acres of the Elliott State Forest from the State Board of Forestry to the State Land Board with the provision that it be designated for research. The Elliott State Forest, located in Coos Bay, was founded in 1930 and is Oregons first State Forest.

When you dont manage your forests properly, you get wildfires, said Rep. Boice. Due to the State Board of Forestrys management of forests like the Elliott State Forest, Coos County has gone nearly 40 years without any major wildfires. Now, with the transfer between agencies and the designation of the Elliott State Forest as a research forest, responsible forest management is under threat, putting thousands of acres and Oregonians on the south coast at risk  not to mention the tremendous loss to our Common School Fund.

Oregon State University was originally set to manage the research forest. However, OSU backed out, citing differences between the State Land Board, Tribal Nations, Counties, timber companies and other stakeholders.

It is time for the Elliott Forest mismanagement to stop and give these trust lands back to our children. This process has been one mistake after another and has shown government bureaucracy at its best, said Rep. Wright. The environmental non-profit for-profit organizations have supported and pushed their agenda of forest mismanagement of the Elliott over our childrens education, safety from wildfires, and costing rural communities good-paying jobs that put food on their tables, clothes on their backs and roofs over their heads. Oregon State University seems to be the only sane member of this idiocy and said NO to the project feasibility, and so should the legislature.

SB 147 A passed out of the Joint Subcommittee on Natural Resources and is now headed to the full Committee on Ways and Means.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

This last week, it made front page news that the many top executives at the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) were fined for cheating/mishandling their liquor inventory.

At the exact same moment, several Oregon Senators rolled out their plan to massively expand OLCC power buy allowing them to handle much of the vaping businesses by forcing certain vaping products to be only sold in liquor stores. They are pushing Senate Bill 702.

It is as though the politicians were trying to salvage the reputation of the scandalized OLCC.

Even worse, the call to arms to rally behind more OLCC power was supported by mostly politicians themselves. Just look at who responded to their Instagram town-hall on expanding OLCC power.

Here is the inside details.

Liquor stores do not want anything to do with this project.

Vaping stores do not wish to go bankrupt by being forced to surrender to their product sales to liquor stores.

The only people who want this big power-grab are state politicians.

Just look at the OLCC scandals recently:

 Abuse of government power: Forces private businesses to shut down and move their product to other private businesses to make a profit.

 Liquor benefit raises serious ethical questions. Are they lobbying to use government power to carve out this product exclusivity?

 Handing more power to a non-stop scandal agency: OLCC has been involved in several scandals involving (1) their rare liquor inventory cheated customers (2) failure to control illegal marijuana sales (3) financial mismanagement of their new building by tens of millions of dollars and (4) transparency scandal and (5) improper executive conduct at a recent liquor control conference.

Was this helpful? Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).
During Grabowskis trial, while sitting in the courtroom with other observers, Marianne Bachmeier smuggled a small pistol into court.

In a stunning act of vigilante justice, she pulled out the weapon and shot Grabowski seven times, hitting him six times and killing him on the spot.

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Witnesses described the womans tears, fury and calm as she carried out the shooting.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A linear depth quantum circuit that implements general duality transformations in one dimensional quantum lattice models. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.130403

In the context of quantum physics, the term "duality" refers to transformations that link apparently distinct physical theories, often unveiling hidden symmetries. Some recent studies have been aimed at understanding and implementing duality transformations, as this could aid the study of quantum states and symmetry-protected phenomena.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge, Ghent University, Institut des Hautes Etudes Scientifiques and the University of Sydney recently demonstrated the implementation of dualities in symmetric 1-dimensional (1D) quantum lattice models, outlining a method to turn duality operators into unitary linear-depth quantum circuits.

Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, is part of a larger research effort aimed at better understanding symmetries and dualities in quantum lattice models.

"In recent years, there has been a lot of progress in our understanding of how symmetries can interact with the locality structure inherently present in a quantum lattice model," Laurens Lootens, co-first author of the paper, told Phys.org.

"In particular, studies showed that symmetries do not necessarily need to act in an on-site manner, but that they can also create correlations between neighboring degrees of freedom and entangle them. Such operations are very naturally described as matrix product operators, a type of tensor network that explicitly encodes the non-trivial entanglement structure in these more general symmetry operators," Lootens added.

As part of their earlier studies, Lootens and his colleagues showed that one can systematically construct matrix product operator symmetries, using mathematical objects called fusion categories and their corresponding representation theories. This led them to the realization that duality transformations can also be written as matrix product operators.

Ultimately, they uncovered the entanglement structure of duality transformations. This inspired their recent studies, which were aimed at writing these transformations as quantum circuits that could be implemented on quantum hardware.

"The conventional wisdom has been that dualities are not reversible; some information is lost when performing the duality transformation," explained Lootens. "In specific cases where these dualities leave the theory unchanged, this has earned them the name of 'non-invertible symmetries.' Mathematically, this implies that these transformations cannot be represented as unitary operators, which prohibits them from being written as a quantum circuit."

In their earlier studies, Lootens and his colleagues showed that when they allowed a duality transformation to act on the boundary condition of its corresponding theory, no information was lost and when they inverted the transformation they ended up with the original theory. This essentially entails that by including the boundary condition as a degree of freedom, which essentially enlarged the space in which the transformation acted, the transformation became unitary.

"Together with the matrix product operator representation of the duality, this allowed us to write this seemingly non-invertible transformation as a unitary quantum circuit," said Lootens. "Since dualities can turn local operators into non-local string operators, we knew the depth of the circuitthe number of consecutive steps needed to implement ithad to scale at least linearly with the system size."

A schematic representation of the sequence of quantum gates and measurements that implement so-called "nilpotent dualities" in constant depth. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.130403

In the explicit construction produced by the researchers, the depth of the circuit was found to be equal to the system's size. This suggests that the circuit they realized is optimal.

"The dualities we consider essentially amount to generalized gauging procedures of (possibly non-invertible) symmetries," Clement Delcamp, co-first author of the paper, told Phys.org. "As such, these are typically non-invertible operations in closed boundary conditions, and a fortiori non-unitary. So, what kind of operations do these correspond to?

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"Using our previous results, we demonstrated that the duality operators can be realized as unitary linear-depth quantum circuits when supplementing the Hilbert space with ancillary degrees of freedom that keep track of the various sectors, and subsequently measuring the ancillary degrees of freedom so as to project input and output states into definite sectors."

Lootens, Delcamp and their colleagues showed that the non-unitarity of an operator is explained by the necessity to measure ancillary degrees of freedom. This implies that dualities are typically encoded into quantum channels.

"What makes this result especially noteworthy is that we were able to show it for arbitrary dualities between arbitrary (1+1)d models possessing arbitrary internal symmetries," explained Delcamp.

This recent study could soon open new opportunities for research focusing on symmetries and dualities in quantum lattice models. Lootens and Delcamp now plan to continue conducting research on this topic, building on their recent efforts and results.

"For the one-dimensional (1D) case, there is still an open question concerning what exactly characterizes those dualities that can be performed in constant depth, independent of the system size," said Lootens. "We showed that for a certain class of dualities that we refer to as 'nilpotent,' this can be done through an intricate sequence of quantum gates and measurements, but we know from examples that this is not the most general classification."

In their future work, the researchers also hope to demonstrate that their results can be generalized across higher dimensions. This could prove challenging, as it will entail the use of higher category theory and its associated mathematical tools have only very recently been developed.

"For specific examples, however, quantum circuits have already been devised and used to great success in the preparation of exotic topological states of matter on real quantum devices," added Lootens. "We are thus hopeful that the ideas in our paper can be used to obtain a similarly general theory in these higher-dimensional settings as well."

More information: Laurens Lootens et al, Low-Depth Unitary Quantum Circuits for Dualities in One-Dimensional Quantum Lattice Models, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.130403 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

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California sea lion Ronan at UC Santa Cruz's Long Marine Laboratory. Credit: Colleen Reichmuth; NOAA/NMFS 23554

Animal research on biomusicality, which looks at whether different species are capable of behaving in ways that show they recognize aspects of music, including rhythm and beat, remains a tantalizing field at the intersection of biology and psychology.

Now, the highly trained California sea lion at UC Santa Cruz who achieved global fame for her ability to bob her head to a beat is finally back: starring in a new study that shows her rhythm is just as preciseif not betterthan humans.

Ronan first shimmied onto the world stage in 2013, when researchers at the university's Long Marine Laboratory reported that, not only could she bob her head to a beat, but adjust her nods to tempos and music she hadn't heard before.

In this new study, published in Scientific Reports, Ronan's research team showed that her synchronization was as good or better than humansand that her consistency in performing the beat-keeping task was better than that of humans.

To best match Ronan's way of responding to a beat, a head bob, researchers asked 10 UC Santa Cruz undergraduates to move their preferred arm in a fluid, up-and-down motion to the beat of a percussive metronome. Three tempos were playedat 112, 120, and 128 beats per minutewith Ronan not previously exposed to 112 and 128 bpms.

At 120 bpm, Ronan's most practiced tempo, she on average hits within 15 milliseconds of the beat, according to the new study's lead author, Peter Cook, a longtime researcher with UC Santa Cruz's Institute of Marine Sciences. Ronan's variability in timing beat-to-beat is also around 15 milliseconds. By contrast, the blink of a human eye takes about 150 milliseconds.

"She is incredibly precise, with variability of only about a tenth of an eyeblink from cycle to cycle," said Cook, also a comparative neuroscientist at the New College of Florida.

"Sometimes, she might hit the beat five milliseconds early, sometimes she might hit it 10 milliseconds late. But she's basically hitting the rhythmic bullseye over and over and over again."

The researchers emphasize that Ronan is in complete control of her participation. She is not deprived of food nor punished for choosing not to engage, and her training structure reflects this autonomy: She begins each session by climbing onto a designated ramp station, where she relaxes while waiting for the experiment to begin.

Once ready, she positions herself and signals her readiness to start. If she chooses to disengage at any point, she is free to return to her pool without any negative consequences.

Recapping Ronan's career

Ronan was born in the wild in 2008, but stranded repeatedly due to malnutrition. After three such strandings, and being spotted walking down Highway 1 in 2009, regulatory agencies finally deemed her to be non-releasable. So UC Santa Cruz adopted her in 2010 and she became a permanent member of the Pinniped Lab.

The lab, led by UC Santa Cruz research scientist and adjunct professor Colleen Reichmuth, uses cooperative training methods to study behavior and physiology in marine mammals.

Resident research animals, including Ronan, participate in a wide range of projects that help teams explore their amphibious subjects' inner worlds. Examples include studies on learning and memory, sensory biology, and diving physiology.

In other words, Ronan isn't just working on her rhythm every day in the lab. The team estimates that, over the past 12 years, she has participated in about 2,000 rhythm exerciseseach lasting just 10 to 15 seconds. And sometimes, years went by between these sessions while she focused on other areas of research.

"She definitely wasn't overtrained," Cook said. "Realistically, if you added up the amount of rhythmic exposure Ronan has had since she's been with us, it is probably dwarfed by what a typical 1-year-old kid has heard."

Ronan's original rhythm study was inspired by work by Ani Patel at Tufts University, along with colleagues who studied intermittent beat keeping in Snowball, a pet cockatoo who spontaneously "danced" to the Backstreet Boys.

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Because humans and cockatoos are both vocal mimics, the parrot work led to a theory that brain changes to support vocal learning were required for moving in time to music.

Sea lions haven't shown the ability to learn new vocalizations, so Ronan's 2013 study made a huge splash because it challenged the vocal-learning theory of rhythm. But in the study's wake, some prominent theorists in biomusicality claimed that her performance was not as precise and reliable as human performance.

They suggested that Ronan might not be doing exactly what humans were, and that, therefore, she could not rely on the same biological mechanisms for perceiving and moving in time to rhythm. That prompted Cook and Reichmuth to test Ronan again to see if she had improved, and to compare her performance to people performing a similar task with the same sounds.

Study co-authors Andrew Rouse, Peter Cook, and Carson Hood with Ronan. Credit: Colleen Reichmuth; NMFS 23554

What they found, as reported in today's new study, is that Ronan was more precise and consistent at every tempo they tested. And in a head-to-head battle of the beats with the UC Santa Cruz students, she more than held her own. The study's authors then used the students' performance to model the theoretical performance of 10,000 humans conducting the same rhythmic behavior.

Based on that model, Ronan was in the 99th percentile for beat-keeping reliability.

Now, at 170 pounds and age 16, the team says Ronan is "grown up and in her prime" for a female sea lion in managed care. Being with her day in and day out, over more than a decade, the researchers have become extremely attuned to Ronan. They know she is intelligent, but also exuberant. And just like us, her performance gets better with practice.

"One of the most important outcomes of the study is the fact that maturation and experience matter," Reichmuth said. " It's not just a test of rhythmic performance. It reflects her cognitive behavior and her ability to remember and refine it over time."

Another thing: Ronan also wants to perform well. Every time she mounts her test platform, it's because she wants to, Reichmuth explained. If Ronan's not feeling it, there's no test that day. "She's motivated. To her, it's a game she knows how to win," Reichmuth said, "and she likes the fish that come with it."

Ronan's ripple effect

Ronan's research progression has had far-reaching impacts in the scientific community, contributing to a growing body of work in comparative cognition. Her journey from an eager and curious orphaned sea lion to a key figure in rhythm-perception studies has exceeded all expectations. Her abilities challenge existing paradigms about which species can perceive and produce rhythm, opening new doors for research on the cognitive capacities of animals.

The team's 2013 paper inspired follow-up studies across various species, including primates, elephants, birds, and yes, humans. As UC Santa Cruz researchers continue to analyze and share findings, they remain committed to fostering a broader understanding of rhythm perception across speciesand Ronan's recent work will further that goal.

Not a fluke

Ronan's story is not just about one sea lion. A question Cook says he often hears is why can't dogs dance. Our canine companions are frequently exposed to music, and yet, they don't seem to respond with rhythmic movements like Ronan. Cook responds by asking his own question: How many people try to train their dog to dance in an explicit rhythm-based way?

The answer: not many. "If you're going to say dogs can't dance, you have to empirically assess thatreally give the dog many opportunities to receive very precise feedback on rhythmic movement and see how they do," Cook said. "I would be very surprised if you couldn't get a border collie to do something like what Ronan does if you spend enough time on it."

But this isn't about teaching animals a cool party trick for fun. What Cook and researchers like him around the globe seek to better understand are the evolution of cognition, the universality of pattern recognition, and the intricate ways in which brainsboth human and non-humanprocess the world around them.

"Ronan's new study highlights the importance of experience, maturity, and really fine-grained training in a controlled laboratory setting to assess these questions," Cook concludes.

Other co-authors of the paper include researchers Carson Hood and Andrew Rouse, who are also jointly affiliated with UC Santa Cruz's Institute of Marine Sciences and the New College of Florida.

More information: Peter Cook, Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-95279-1. www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-95279-1 Journal information: Scientific Reports
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It can be challenging to distinguish between tiny powdery pollen grains. Credit: UTA

Imagine trying to tell identical twins apart just by looking at their fingerprints. That's how challenging it can be for scientists to distinguish the tiny powdery pollen grains produced by fir, spruce and pine trees.

But a new artificial intelligence system developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Nevada and Virginia Tech is making that task a lot easierand potentially bringing big relief to allergy sufferers.

"With more detailed data on which tree species are most allergenic and when they release pollen, urban planners can make smarter decisions about what to plant and where," said Behnaz Balmaki, assistant professor of research in biology at UT Arlington and co-author of a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Big Data with Masoud Rostami from the Division of Data Science at UTA.

"This is especially important in high-traffic areas like schools, hospitals, parks and neighborhoods. Health services could also use this information to better time allergy alerts, public health messaging and treatment recommendations during peak pollen seasons."

Pollen analysis is a powerful method for reconstructing historical ecosystems. Preserved pollen grains in lakebeds and peat bogs offer detailed records of past plant communities. Since plant distribution is tightly linked to environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall and humidity, identifying the types of pollen present in different layers of sediment can reveal how ecosystems have responded to natural climate fluctuations over time and how they might react in the future.

Pollen is a strong indicator of ecosystem health Credit: UTA

"Even with high-resolution microscopes, the differences between pollens are very subtle," Dr. Balmaki said. "Our study shows deep-learning tools can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of pollen classification. That opens the door to large-scale environmental monitoring and more detailed reconstructions of ecological change. It also holds promise for improving allergen tracking by identifying exactly which species are releasing pollen and when."

Balmaki adds that the research could also benefit agriculture.

"Pollen is a strong indicator of ecosystem health," she said. "Shifts in pollen composition can signal changes in vegetation, moisture levels and even past fire activity. Farmers could use this information to track long-term environmental trends that affect crop viability, soil conditions or regional climate patterns.

"It's also useful for wildlife and pollinator conservation. Many animals, including insects like bees and butterflies, rely on specific plants for food and habitat. By identifying which plant species are present or declining in an area, we can better understand how these changes impact the entire food web and take steps to protect critical relationships between plants and pollinators."

For this study, the team examined historical samples of fir, spruce and pine trees preserved by the University of Nevada's Museum of National History. They tested those samples using nine different AI models, demonstrating the technology's strong potential to identify pollen with impressive speed and accuracy.

"This shows that deep learning can successfully support and even exceed traditional identification methods in both speed and accuracy," Balmaki said. "But it also confirms how essential human expertise still is. You need well-prepared samples and a strong understanding of ecological context. This isn't just about machinesit's a collaboration between technology and science."

For future projects, Balmaki and her collaborators plan to expand their research to include a wider range of plant species. Their goal is to develop a comprehensive pollen identification system that can be applied across different regions of the United States to better understand how plant communities may shift in response to extreme weather events.

More information: Masoud A. Rostami et al, Deep learning for accurate classification of conifer pollen grains: enhancing species identification in palynology, Frontiers in Big Data (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2025.1507036
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NICER time-averaged spectrum of all monitoring observations (20232024) of IGR J12580+0134. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.18558

Using the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) onboard the International Space Station (ISS), astronomers have observed IGR J12580+0134, which is the closest tidal disruption event. Results of the observational campaign, presented April 17 on the preprint server arXiv, shed more light on the nature and behavior of this event.

Tidal disruption events (TDEs) are astronomical phenomena that occur when a star passes close enough to a supermassive black hole and is pulled apart by the black hole's tidal forces, causing the process of disruption.

Such tidally disrupted stellar debris starts raining down on the black hole and radiation emerges from the innermost region of accreting debris, which is an indicator of the presence of a TDE. All in all, the debris streamstream collision causes an energy dissipation, which may lead to the formation of an accretion disk.

Therefore, TDEs are perceived by astronomers as potentially important probes of strong gravity and accretion physics, providing answers about the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes.

IGR J12580+0134 is a TDE that occurred in November 2010 in the nucleus of NGC 4845a nearby spiral galaxy, at a distance of some 59 million light years. Previous observations of this TDE have suggested that it likely involved the disruption of an object with a mass of about 1430 Jupiter masses by a massive black hole of ~ 3 x 105M  with an estimated mass of some 300,000 solar masses.

In order to get more insights into the nature of IGR J12580+0134, a team of astronomers led by Ashkbiz Danehkar of the Eureka Scientific research corporation in Oakland, California, monitored this TDE between March 2023 and February 2024 with NICER. Their study was complemented by data from ESA's XMM-Newton satellite.

The observations of IGR J12580+0134 detected X-ray brightening flares from March to June 2023, which was followed by a period of reduced luminosity in 2024. These flares turned out to be much fainter than the observed TDE.

Furthermore, the study identified two distinct spectral components. The first one corresponds to a heavily absorbing power-law spectrum in the TDE, as its light curve increases when the TDE occurs. The second component is likely associated with thermal emission features originating from collisionally ionized plasma. The astronomers assume that these features may be caused by a colliding wind or jet.

The researchers noted that the detected X-ray flares could be associated with extremely weak accretion onto the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in NGC 4845. This suggests that the galaxy may host a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (AGN).

Therefore, the authors of the paper highlighted the need for long-term monitoring of host galaxies of TDEs, like NGC 4845, to understand the possible connection between TDEs and AGN activity.

More information: A. Danehkar, IGR J12580+0134: The Nearest Tidal Disruption Event and its Faint Resurrection, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.18558 Journal information: arXiv

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Southern right whale cow-calf pairs off Western Australia. Credit: Joshua Smith

Australia's population of southern right whales has experienced substantial growth since the late 1970s when they began to recover from whaling, but a new study reveals troubling signs in their numbers visiting Australia's coastlinepotentially marking a turning point in the population's recovery.

Published in the journal Global Change Biology, the study raises concerns about the recovery of the species, which was driven to near extinction by historical whaling.

"From the 1800s, southern right whales were the preferred quarry of whalers and by the time whaling of this species was banned, only a few hundred animals remained worldwide," said lead author, Anne Grundlehner, who is a postgraduate researcher at the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).

"Despite a substantial increase in southern right whale numbers in Australia since the 1970s, their population recovery seems to have recently stalled at a level far below the pre-whaling levels."

Southern right whales are migratory baleen whales. Each year they visit the shallow coastal waters of Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa. Sheltered waters in these regions provide a safe haven for females to give birth and nurse their calves.

"The southwest coast of Australia hosts one of the world's few southern right whale populations that appeared to recover well after whaling. We knew their numbers were increasing since the 1970s but, given recent signs of slowing birth rates in southern right whale populations elsewhere, it was important to re-assess how their recovery was progressing in Australia," Grundlehner said.

"We analyzed 49 years of aerial survey data from 1976 to 2024 stretching across more than 2,000 kilometers of coastline, available from long-term monitoring efforts initiated by the late John Bannister. And we were very concerned to find not only slowed growth in births in this population, but an actual halt and what looks like the onset of a decline.

"We found that annual births began to stagnate around 2016 and observed declining trends in the number of animals visiting the coast. While the number of mothers and their calves that visit the coast has only shown a minimal decline to date, the number of other individuals that visit has dropped by 66% between 2011 and 2024," she said.

IMAS researcher and co-author, Associate Professor Stuart Corney, said that the population is still far below pre-whaling levels.

"Because this species is considered endangered in Australian waters, understanding the causes behind the stalling population growth will be critical to inform appropriate conservation actions.

"We don't yet understand the exact causes for their population growth stalling, but the southern Ocean ecosystem must have substantially changed in response to the large-scale removal of whales in the past."

Grundlehner said, "the reality is that despite the removal of whaling pressure, the present ecosystem may not be able to support the thriving population of southern right whales we saw in the past.

"Meanwhile, climate change and other human impacts are putting pressure on marine ecosystems, which could also be playing a role."

More information: Anne Grundlehner et al, The End of an Era? Trends in Abundance and Reproduction of Australian Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) Suggest Failure to ReEstablish PreWhaling Population Size, Global Change Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.70218 Journal information: Global Change Biology
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Late-instar Callophrys irus larva beginning to feed on the epidermis of a Baptisia tinctoria stem. Credit: Journal of the Lepidopterists Society. https://images.peabody.yale.edu/lepsoc/jls/2000s/2007/2007(2)61-Albanese.pdf

Biologists waded through knee-high vegetation in Florida until they reached a spot where purple flowers grew in cone-like formationsthen the team got out the glow-in-the-dark caterpillars.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced on April 30 that biologists had released caterpillars of the frosted elfin butterfly in Ichetucknee Springs State Park earlier in the month.

"This handsome butterfly is now rare or has disappeared from most of its historic range in the eastern U.S. and southern Canada," the FWC said in a news release. "Florida has the largest remaining population in the Southeast."

The release of the caterpillars, which glow under UV light, has been years in the making.

"Using wild-caught elfins from the Florida Panhandle, a captive breeding program was established at the Florida Museum of Natural History to produce individuals to release into goodbut elfinlesshabitat in north Florida," officials said.

FWC staff visited the popular springs about an hour's drive from Gainesville to deposit the small, green caterpillars onto their host plant, the purple sundial lupine.

Biologists waited until the caterpillars were old enough that they were nearly ready to begin metamorphosis, then they placed them onto the plant to eat and shortly after choose a leaf to build a chrysalis.

Once the caterpillars were placed, the team put up a mesh enclosure around some of them to see whether that will help them survive.

They will spend about nine months in the in-between stage transitioning from caterpillar to butterfly before emerging next spring, according to the FWC.

Surveyors will look to see if they emerge next year from February to April.

Biologists are carrying out these efforts as the species is being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act.

2025 The Charlotte Observer. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Aerial view of Ontake Volcano, Honshu Island, Japan. Credit: Dr. Koshun Yamaoka.

For communities living in the shadow of a volcano, early warning systems are a lifelinebut mistrust in these warnings can have deadly consequences. To avoid false alarms, it is vital that scientists seek more reliable ways to monitor volcanoes.

A new study published this week in the journal Seismica by University of Oxford researchers has investigated a seismic signal known as shear-wave splitting for providing scientists and communities with an essential early warning of a dangerous eruption.

Large movements of magma and rock inside a volcano cause seismic waves to be released, but these signals can be challenging to untangle. The goal of this research was to seek a usable parameter which could not only predict if an eruption was set to occur, but also if the eruption was going to be particularly damaging.

Shear-wave splitting

Shear-wave splitting is a phenomenon where seismic shear-waves travel at different speeds depending on their polarization. Cracks and fractures inside the rock can slow down seismic waves, but have a larger delaying effect on seismic waves that travel across the cracks and fractures. If the cracks are aligned in one direction, then the amount of shear-wave splitting increases.

Magma and fluids moving beneath a volcano exert stresses on the surrounding rocks, causing cracks to open in certain orientations and close in others. Examining changes to shear-wave splitting through time can be really useful for scientists, as it tells them where these cracks are opening and closing.

Ontake Volcano covered with snow. Credit: Dr. Shinichiro Horikawa.

But the research team wanted to take this a step furtherand test whether the larger stress changes during an explosive eruption also caused a more significant change to the amount of shear-wave splitting.

"Seismic anisotropyor the effect of rock composition and internal fractures on the speed of shear-waves oscillating at right angles to each otheris a well-documented phenomenon," said Professor Mike Kendall (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford).

"When we reflected on how anisotropy increases as the pressure inside a volcano builds, we were excited to explore if we could detect these changes, and if this could be a distinctive signal which could be applied to early warning systems."

Observations at Ontake volcano

The research team put this theory to the test by examining seismic signals during two eruptions of Ontake Volcano, on Honshu Island in Japan. The 2007 eruption was small and had much less of an impact on the surrounding community, whereas the 2014 eruption was larger, more explosive, and sadly more deadly.

They were excited to discover that during the smaller eruption, the amount of shear-wave splitting remained constant throughout, but during the larger eruption the amount of splitting doubled just before Ontake exploded. The team believe that the larger stress change during the 2014 eruption increased the observed shear-wave splitting, indicating a useful relationship between the amount of splitting and the size of the eruption.

View of Ontake Volcano in the distance. Credit: Dr. Shinichiro Horikawa.

Co-author Professor Toshiko Terakawa (Nagoya University) noted, "The focal mechanisms of volcano-tectonic earthquakes changed drastically before and after the 2014 eruption. Integrating data from shear-wave splitting and earthquake focal mechanisms could provide deeper insights into conditions required for an eruption to occur."

Co-author Professor Martha Savage (Victoria University of Wellington) added, "The records around two eruptions on Ontake volcano in Japan have been able to show that the method can not only show changes before eruptions, but that they can potentially help to predict the size of an eruption. This work was an example of how cooperation among people from around the globe can address important societal problems."

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A valuable early warning system

Because the change in shear-wave splitting occurred before the eruption of Ontake began, scientists monitoring the volcano will be able to use this parameter as both a vital early-warning system and an indicator of how damaging the eruption could be. This offers a new way to protect local communities from the devastating impacts of a volcanic eruption.

"We expect to see these effects at other volcanoes across the globe, not just at Ontake Volcano," said co-author Dr. Tom Kettlety (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford).

"As changes in volcanic stress occur prior to an eruption, we anticipate that we would see changes in shear-wave splitting. This could be a valuable tool for early warning of volcanic eruptions, especially for local communities."

This work is part of a vibrant research program in volcanology and geothermal energy at Oxford. Recently published work based on the "zombie" volcano Uturuncu has shown unique insights into the architecture of volcanoes, which complement the type of hazard monitoring conducted at Ontake volcano.

More information: Michael Kendall et al, Changes in seismic anisotropy at Ontake volcano: a tale of two eruptions, Seismica (2025). DOI: 10.26443/seismica.v4i1.1101
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Artist's concept of CAPSTONE, which is a CubeSat and most common type of nanosatellite, currently orbiting the moon. Credit: NASA

How can nanosatellites help advance lunar exploration and settlement? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference hopes to address as a team of researchers from Grahaa Space in India investigated the pros, cons, and applications for using nanosatellites on the moon. This study has the potential to help scientists, engineers, mission planners, and future lunar astronauts develop and test new technologies for advancing lunar exploration, and possibly beyond the moon.

For the study, the researchers discussed how nanosatellites in lunar orbit could provide a myriad of applications, including mapping, navigation, lunar resources, Earthmoon and inter-settlement communications, lunar weather, human settlements, scientific research, AI and machine learning, and future system expansion. The researchers argue that nanosatellites provide a cheaper and more efficient method for conducting future lunar exploration activities, for both scientific and human exploration purposes.

Nanosatellites are much smaller than traditional satellites with average measurements of 10 x 10 x 10 centimeters (3.9 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches) and often weigh between 1 to 10 kilograms (2.2 to 22 pounds). The most common type of nanosatellite is a CubeSat and have already been used for commercial and scientific purposes orbiting Earth and the moon. A commercial example includes Planet Labs while NASA has used a CubeSat for its LunaH-Map mission in 2022.

The study concluded by stating, "The potential applications of nanosatellite technology for lunar exploration and settlement represent a paradigm shift in our approach to space exploration. By leveraging the advantages of small, cost-effective, and highly capable satellite systems, we can overcome many of the challenges associated with establishing a permanent human presence on the moon."

This study comes as several private space companies have teamed up with NASA as part of the agency's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, including Firefly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, Blue Origin, Dynetics, SpaceX, and Astrobotic, and more. Each of these companies are currently working to establish a lunar infrastructure by developing landers, rovers (robotic- and human-driven), resource mining technologies, and human landers.

Of those companies, Firefly Aerospace is the only one to successfully land a spacecraft on the lunar surface, which it accomplished earlier this year. While Intuitive Machines have launched two landers to the lunar surface, both ended in failure after tipping over upon landing, with the first lander coming in too fast and breaking off one of its legs and the second lander partially touching down in a crater and subsequently tipped over.

Along with CLPS, NASA is also preparing to land humans on the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972 with its Artemis program, which is slated to land the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface. Therefore, establishing critical technologies that could be used to help future astronauts achieve mission objectives and a permanent human presence on the lunar surface, resulting in developing critical technologies for an eventual human mission to Mars, as outlined in NASA's Moon to Mars Architecture.

NASA is targeting the lunar south pole for the Artemis program due to its various locations of water ice in deep craters, known as the permanently shadowed region (PSR). However, communications from the south polar region are difficult due to the reduced line-of-sight that the dayside of the moon constantly has towards Earth since the moon and Earth are tidally locked. Therefore, establishing seamless communications and locating critical resources for human settlements using nanosatellites could prove useful if humanity wishes to establish a long-term presence on the moon, and eventually on to Mars.

More information: Leveraging nanosatellite technology for lunar exploration and settlement: Applications, challenges, and future prospects. www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2025/pdf/2180.pdf
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Maria Astolfi, a doctoral student from Manaus in the Amazon, standing in front of a soapbark tree outside Wheeler Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. Astolfi worked on the biosynthesis of a chemical currently extracted from the bark of the tree, which is native to Chile. She is wearing an earring of macaw feathers  a tradition among her ancestral Amazonian people  made from small feathers shed normally by the birds. Credit: Robert Sanders, UC Berkeley

As a descendant of an Indigenous Amazonian tribe, Maria Astolfi was concerned about research she conducted as a graduate student at UC Berkeley involving an extract of a plant long used for medicinal purposes by the Mapuche peoples of Chile.

The research in the lab of Jay Keasling, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, sought to reproduce in yeast a molecule from the Chilean soapbark tree that is used as an adjuvant or enhancer in many vaccines. A totally biosynthetic version of the chemical, called QS21, would avoid felling native trees to extract it.

But when Astolfi began working on the project a few years ago, she raised a sensitive issue that resonated with Keasling: Even though the gene sequences for QS21 and the soapbark enzymes that make it had been obtained from an online database, the researchers should not forget that the Indigenous people of Chile had discovered the medicinal uses of the tree and stewarded the plant for thousands of years and hundreds of generations.

"If this product comes from traditional knowledge, and we are putting genes from that plant into yeast to manufacture them sustainably so companies don't have to cut the trees in Chile, what about the community? What about the biodiversity in Chile?" Astolfi said. "Are there ways that the supply chain and the product that we develop can connect back to Chile and to that community? What are the best practices for doing that?"

In the early 2000s, Keasling took a small step in that direction when working with another potential drug, prostratin, which is derived from the native Samoan mamala tree and thought to have potential as an anti-AIDS drug. Keasling and the UC Berkeley campus signed an agreement with tribal leaders in Samoa to divide equally any commercial proceeds from efforts to produce the drug in yeast. That research did not pan out, Keasling said. Nevertheless, he fully understood Astolfi's concernshe was just unsure how to address them.

"I think it's good to put those ideas out in the worldthat if a culture or people develop something through the years, and we find out what the active ingredient is, yeah, we should make sure they're dialed into the compensation," said Keasling, who is also a faculty scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and director of the Joint Bioenergy Institute (JBEI). "Educating their culture, getting them involved with it, all of these things help to raise the tide."

The discussion led Astolfi to collaborate with Indigenous scientists from Hawai'i, Ecuador and Mexico, with the support of the Lab to Land Institute in Truckee, California, to explore how "to close the loop between what we do in the lab and stewardship of nature," she said.

In a Comment that was published March 27 in the journal Nature Communications, Astolfi, Keasling and their colleagues argue for a new type of partnership with Indigenous peoples to create a more ethical bioeconomy, one that will sustain Indigenous biodiversity and bring these communities into science as equal partners.

One of Astolfi's co-authors was Keolu Fox, a Kanaka Maoli (native Hawai'ian) and assistant professor of anthropology at UC San Diego (UCSD). He co-founded a biotech company called Variant Bio that has cut revenue-sharing deals with more than 25 Indigenous groups around the world to use their genomes to discover new targets for drugs. Partner communities have already received over $1 million, which Fox hopes will help them buy back land expropriated by colonizers centuries ago.

"We are providing 4% of proceeds from any revenue and intellectual property that we create, and we give free access to any pharmaceutical drug that hits the market," said Fox, who is also co-founder of UCSD's Indigenous Futures Institute.

"That's a path toward health equity. That's a path toward cultural revitalization, having a place to speak your language. That's a path toward nurturing and being a custodian of biocomplexity and biodiversity, which is ultimately a path toward climate resilience. It's like, win, win, win, win, win. This is the first time anyone has ever done this."

The paper holds up Variant Bio as one example of how biotech companies can be more ethical.

"Variant Bio and a company in the UK, Basecamp Research, are applying principles of benefit sharing in their pipeline as inspiration for socially responsible biotech businesses," Astolfi said.

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Benefit sharing

Astolfi's mother is a member of the Kambeba/Omagua Nation, which lives on floating platforms along the often-flooded Amazon River. She grew up along the river, in Manaus, Brazil, and came to UC Berkeley as a graduate student in 2021, joining Keasling's lab.

"I was born and raised in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and grew up in awe of nature," she said. "Since then, I have dreamed of translating biodiversity as a source of innovation. I believe nature has the answer for the most challenging diseases, but we haven't explored its full chemical potential."

Those dreams drew her to Keasling as a mentor. He is a pioneer in the field of synthetic biology, which involves adding multiple genes to microbes in order to tweak their metabolism to produce chemicals, including drugs, that they don't naturally produce. The adjuvant QS21 is one such chemical that is now being commercialized by a large pharmaceutical company. Artemisinin, an antimalarial drug, was another. Keasling created a biosynthetic version that was eventually produced by Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company that delivered 15 million free doses to Africa.

"The artemisinin commercialization was perhaps the first example of benefit sharing in synthetic biology," Astolfi said.

Astolfi's main focus in Keasling's lab is using artificial intelligence to search genome databases and mine existing biodiversity for new drugs, work for which she received a 2024 BioEnginuity Impact Grant from Bakar Bio Labs, a campus incubator for life-science-focused startups.

It has been estimated that 40% of commercial drugs today derive from plants and traditional medicine. The Nagoya Protocol, adopted in 2010 by many nations (though not the U.S.), laid out ethical and equitable ways for drug companies to use and acknowledge Indigenous peoples that are a source of genetic material, whether from their own genomes or the genomes of plants or animals they use as food or medicine.

Yet such returns often come late in the process and don't always benefit the broader Indigenous groups, Fox said.

"These companies have a spotty record," Fox said. "But benefit sharing is a great path forward. Not only does it speak to historical injustice and exponentially build trust, but it also improves the quality of the science. We have shown that you can expedite research and development by recruiting people faster and cutting through these data sets faster. And we're parting with a percentage of the revenue, which is actually having an awesome impact on the quality of the communities that participate in our research projects long term."

Benefit sharing, the authors argued in the paper, can involve co-ownership of the intellectual property and sharing of licensing fees or royalties, but also co-authorship on scientific papers; investing in local development, including building local laboratories; conservation efforts; and equitable distribution of medicines. All of these can help sustain Indigenous communities and cultures increasingly threatened by the environmental disruptions caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

"When we're talking about creating circular economic feedback loops, this enables more land to be put into conservancy under the jurisdiction and guardianship of Indigenous people," Fox said. "And that's good for climate resilience."

While philosophically open to these ideas, Keasling said that academic labs are usually involved at very early stages of research, far before any profits from commercialization. Since many DNA sequences come from online databases, it may not even be obvious which genomes are culturally significant. But he said it's worth it to plan ahead to ensure that benefits accrue for Indigenous communities.

"We usually work on molecules because somebody else has found that they are important," he said. "But even at this early stage, that doesn't excuse us from being a part of this."

"If we're able to commercialize QS21 in an ethical way, it can inspire the makers of other biodiversity-based products to do the same, and that would become a standard across the industry," Astolfi said.

Other co-authors of the paper are Wari-Nkwi Flores, co-first author and a native Ecuadorean Kara/Kichwa doctoral student at the University of Arizona; Rolando Perez, of Mexican heritage and a bioengineering researcher at Stanford University; Ulises Espinoza, a Latinx and Black postdoctoral research associate in anthropology at Princeton University; and Teal Zimring, executive director of the Lab to Land Institute in Truckee, California.

More information: Maria C. T. Astolfi et al, Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples for an ethical bioeconomy, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57935-y Journal information: Nature Communications
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Norman Wildberger at his laptop. Credit: UNSW Sydney

A UNSW Sydney mathematician has discovered a new method to tackle algebra's oldest challengesolving higher polynomial equations.

Polynomials are equations involving a variable raised to powers, such as the degree two polynomial: 1 + 4x  3x2 = 0.

The equations are fundamental to math as well as science, where they have broad applications, like helping describe the movement of planets or writing computer programs.

However, a general method for solving "higher order" polynomial equations, where x is raised to the power of five or higher, has historically proven elusive.

Now, UNSW Honorary Professor Norman Wildberger has revealed a new approach using novel number sequences, outlined in The American Mathematical Monthly journal, with computer scientist Dr. Dean Rubine.

"Our solution reopens a previously closed book in mathematics history," Prof. Wildberger says.

The polynomial problem

Solutions to degree-two polynomials have been around since 1800 BC, thanks to the Babylonians' "method of completing the square," which evolved into the quadratic formula familiar to many high school math students. This approach, using roots of numbers called "radicals," was later extended to solve three- and four-degree polynomials in the 16th century.

Then, in 1832, French mathematician Evariste Galois showed how the mathematical symmetry behind the methods used to resolve lower-order polynomials became impossible for degree five and higher polynomials. Therefore, he figured, no general formula could solve them.

Approximate solutions for higher-degree polynomials have since been developed and are widely used in applications, but Prof. Wildberger says these don't belong to pure algebra.

Radical rejection behind new method

The issue, he says, lies in the classical formula's use of third or fourth roots, which are radicals.

The radicals generally represent irrational numbers, which are decimals that extend to infinity without repeating and can't be written as simple fractions. For instance, the answer to the cubed root of seven, 37 = 1.9129118 extends forever.

Prof. Wildberger says this means that the real answer can never be completely calculated because "you would need an infinite amount of work and a hard drive larger than the universe."

So, when we assume 37 "exists" in a formula, we're assuming that this infinite, never-ending decimal is somehow a complete object.

This is why, Prof. Wildberger says he "doesn't believe in irrational numbers."

Irrational numbers, he says, rely on an imprecise concept of infinity and lead to logical problems in mathematics.

Prof. Wildberger's rejection of radicals inspired his best-known contributions to mathematics, rational trigonometry and universal hyperbolic geometry. Both approaches rely on mathematical functions like squaring, adding, or multiplying, rather than irrational numbers, radicals, or functions like sine and cosine.

His new method to solve polynomials also avoids radicals and irrational numbers, relying instead on special extensions of polynomials called "power series," which can have an infinite number of terms with the powers of x.

By truncating the power series, Prof. Wildberger says they were able to extract approximate numerical answers to check that the method worked.

"One of the equations we tested was a famous cubic equation used by Wallis in the 17th century to demonstrate Newton's method. Our solution worked beautifully," he said.

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New geometry for a general solution

However, Prof. Wildberger says the proof for the method is, ultimately, based on mathematical logic.

His method uses novel sequences of numbers that represent complex geometric relationships. These sequences belong to combinatorics, a branch of mathematics that deals with number patterns in sets of elements.

The most famous combinatorics sequence, called the Catalan numbers, describes the number of ways you can dissect a polygon, which is any shape with three or more sides, into triangles.

The numbers have important practical applications, including in computer algorithms, data structure designs, and game theory. They even appear in biology, where they're used to help count the possible folding patterns of RNA molecules. And they can be calculated using a simple two-degree polynomial.

"The Catalan numbers are understood to be intimately connected with the quadratic equation. Our innovation lies in the idea that if we want to solve higher equations, we should look for higher analogs of the Catalan numbers."

Prof. Wildberger's work extends these Catalan numbers from a one-dimensional to multi-dimensional array based on the number of ways a polygon can be divided using non-intersecting lines.

"We've found these extensions, and shown how, logically, they lead to a general solution to polynomial equations.

"This is a dramatic revision of a basic chapter in algebra."

Even quinticsa degree five polynomialnow have solutions, he says.

Aside from theoretical interest, he says, the method holds practical promise for creating computer programs that can solve equations using the algebraic series rather than radicals.

"This is a core computation for much of applied mathematics, so this is an opportunity for improving algorithms across a wide range of areas."

Geode's unexplored facets

Prof Wildberger says the novel array of numbers, which he and Dr. Rubine called the "Geode," also holds vast potential for further research.

"We introduce this fundamentally new array of numbers, the Geode, which extends the classical Catalan numbers and seem to underlie them.

"We expect that the study of this new Geode array will raise many new questions and keep combinatorialists busy for years.

"Really, there are so many other possibilities. This is only the start."

More information: N. J. Wildberger et al, A Hyper-Catalan Series Solution to Polynomial Equations, and the Geode, The American Mathematical Monthly (2025). DOI: 10.1080/00029890.2025.2460966
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Credit: Flinders University

A growing threat of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens poses a critical public health threatand drinking water plumbing systems serve as significant but overlooked reservoirs of these problematic microbes.

Despite international efforts to combat AMR, surveillance has primarily focused on clinical cases, while environmental reservoirssuch as drinking water plumbing systemsremain poorly understood.

A recent study by researchers from Flinders University and other leading institutions revealed alarming findings about bacterial persistence in Australian drinking water plumbing, and identified significant transmission risks in both hospital and residential environments.

"The presence of these antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in residential and hospital plumbing systems highlights a pressing public health concern that requires immediate attention," says Flinders University's Professor Harriet Whiley.

Published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, the study assessed the prevalence of key AMR threatsbeing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), plus carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanniiin hospital and residential drinking water and biofilm samples across Australia.

Key findings showed:

73% of residential water and biofilm samples tested positive for at least one AMR pathogen, compared to 38% of hospital samples.

45% of residential drinking water plumbing fixtures had at least two of the targeted AMR pathogens, highlighting the risks in home environments.

Drain biofilms were identified as a major reservoir for AMR bacteria, contributing to their persistence even after disinfection efforts.

Carbapenem resistance genes were found in biofilm samples that tested negative for P. aeruginosa, suggesting biofilms may act as long-term reservoirs for AMR genes, which will allow resistance to spread even after the original bacteria have died.

MRSA, typically associated with dry, high-touch surfaces such as bed rails and doorknobs, was detected in both water and biofilm samples. This indicates that AMR pathogens that are not traditionally considered waterborne may thrive in plumbing systems.

Antimicrobial resistance is among the most pressing 21st century global health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that by 2050, AMR infections could cause 10 million deaths a year, and would therefore surpass cancer as the leading cause of death worldwide.

Resistant infections already lead to prolonged hospital stays, higher medical costs and an increasing reliance on last-resort antibiotics, which are becoming less effective.

"Our research underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions to mitigate the risks posed by AMR pathogens in drinking water systems, especially in home health care settings," said lead researcher Dr. Claire Hayward.

This study calls for improved strategies to manage AMR risks in water infrastructure, particularly in environments housing vulnerable populations, such as hospitals and aged care facilities.

Strengthening water system hygiene, routine monitoring, and innovative biofilm control methods could play a crucial role in addressing this growing threat.

More information: C. Hayward et al, Drinking water plumbing systems are a hot spot for antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, Journal of Hospital Infection (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.018
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A skeletal reconstruction of a comb-jawed pterosaur walking across an ancient mudflat, its posture and movement informed by fossil trackways. Credit: University of Leicester

Fossils of footprints over 160 million years old have helped paleontologists at the University of Leicester to narrow down when pterosaurs adapted to live on the ground.

These awe-inspiring flying reptiles of the Mesozoic era are often imagined soaring over the heads of dinosaurs. But new research shows that some of these ancient creatures were just as comfortable walking on the ground.

In a study published in Current Biology, scientists at the University of Leicester have successfully linked fossilized footprints to the types of pterosaurs that produced them. By using 3D modeling, detailed analysis, and comparisons with pterosaur skeletons, the team has shown that at least three different types of tracks match up with distinct groups of pterosaurs.

The new study supports the idea that pterosaurs underwent a major ecological shift during the middle part of the Age of Dinosaurs, about 160 million years ago, with several groups becoming more terrestrial.

Lead author Robert Smyth, a doctoral researcher in the Center for Paleobiology and Biosphere Evolution (School of Geography, Geology and the Environment at the University of Leicester), explained, "Footprints offer a unique opportunity to study pterosaurs in their natural environment. They reveal not only where these creatures lived and how they moved, but also offer clues about their behavior and daily activities in ecosystems that have long since vanished."

Pterosaur tracks meet their match. Where ancient footprints meet their maker. A side-by-side comparison of a pterosaur's hand and foot with 155-million-year-old tracks from Wyoming, U.S.. The false-color depth map reveals the shape and pressure of each step, showing that these creatures bore more weight on their hands while walking. Credit: University of Leicester

The study uncovered three distinct types of pterosaur footprints, each shedding light on different lifestyles and behaviors. By linking footprints to specific groups, scientists now have a powerful new way to study how these flying reptiles lived, moved, and adapted to different ecosystems across time.

Co-author Dr. David Unwin from the School of Museum Studies, University of Leicester explained, "Finally, 88 years after first discovering pterosaur tracks, we now know exactly who made them and how."

Perhaps the most striking discovery comes from a group of pterosaurs called neoazhdarchians which includes Quetzalcoatlus, with a 10 m wingspan, one of the largest flying animals ever to have existed.

Their footprints have been found in coastal and inland areas around the world, supporting the idea that these long-legged creatures not only dominated the skies but were also frequent ground dwellers, inhabiting the same environments as many dinosaur species. Some of these tracks are present right up until the asteroid impact event, 66 million years ago, which led to the extinction of both pterosaurs and dinosaurs.

Pterosaur tracks meet their match. Where ancient footprints meet their maker. A side-by-side comparison of a pterosaur's hand and foot with 155-million-year-old tracks from Wyoming, U.S.. The false-color depth map reveals the shape and pressure of each step, showing that these creatures bore more weight on their hands while walking. Credit: University of Leicester

Life reconstruction of the comb-jawed pterosaur Balaeonognathus. Tracks left by animals similar to this one are among the most common, suggesting these pterosaurs were well adapted to life on the ground. This peculiar pterosaur sported nearly 500 needle-like teeth and likely fed by sieving tiny prey from shallow waters, much like modern flamingos. Credit: Rudolf Hima

One group of pterosaurs, ctenochasmatoids, known for their long jaws and needle-like teeth, left behind tracks most commonly found in coastal deposits.

These animals likely waded along muddy shores or in shallow lagoons, using their specialized feeding strategies to catch small fish or floating prey. The abundance of these tracks suggests that these coastal pterosaurs were far more common in these environments than their rare bodily remains indicate.

Another type of footprint was discovered in rock layers that also preserve the fossilized skeletons of the same pterosaurs. The close association between the footprints and skeletons provides compelling evidence for identifying the print makers.

Known as dsungaripterids, these pterosaurs had powerful limbs and jaws, with toothless, curved beak tips designed for prising out prey, while large, rounded teeth at the back of their jaws were perfect for crushing shellfish and other tough food items.

Smyth explains, "Tracks are often overlooked when studying pterosaurs, but they provide a wealth of information about how these creatures moved, behaved, and interacted with their environments. By closely examining footprints, we can now discover things about their biology and ecology that we can't learn anywhere else."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Research from a University of Nottingham sociologist has revealed that "homosecular" assumptions can influence and shape the credibility of asylum-claim assessments for LGBTIQ+ claimants who identify with a religious faith.

"Homosecularism" refers to the misguided belief that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) people are at odds with religion.

Dr. Diego Garcia Rodriguez, a Research Fellow in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, hopes to conceptualize this new term to bring about new policy implications and change how faith shapes asylum journeys.

The sociologist analyzed the experience of 51 LGBTIQ+ religious people seeking asylum in the U.K. to challenge the assumption that religion and queerness are incompatible, and the results were published in the journal Ethnic and Racial Studies

The study offers a new perspective on how religion shapes the experiences of LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum and highlights how the British Home Office often relies on secular ideas of queerness that fail to recognize the legitimacy of identities rooted in both faith, gender and sexuality.

"This research shows the urgent need for training that moves beyond Western-centric, normative and secular assumptions about queer identities in the U.K. Asylum officers must be equipped to recognize the diverse and coexisting realities of faith and queerness among people seeking asylum, rather than treat them as contradictions," says Dr. Garcia Rodriguez, School of Sociology and Social Policy.

In the U.K., while the sexual orientation of claimants is recorded, gender identity is not. Home Office data reveals that claims based on persecution related to sexual orientation as lesbian, gay, or bisexual accounted for 2% (1,377) of all asylum claims in 2023.

Unlike other people seeking asylum, these individuals face unique challenges due to, among other factors, intersectional stigma, limited support networks, fears of being outed leading to mental health challenges, and housing and detention risks. Given the unique challenges faced by this population, it is critical to examine their lived experiences.

Isaac, a 40-year-old West African Catholic gay man, described his attempt to explain his overlapping identities during an interview with asylum officers. He revealed the skepticism from the interviewer: "I was asked, 'You are a gay man and also a Christianhow is this possible?' I said to him, 'Yes, I was born in a Christian family, and my feelings are a personal thing. I can't throw my personal feelings away.' I was crying sometimes, it's difficult for me to make a decision."

Powerful statements like Isaac's highlight the real-life implications of institutional bias and the need for asylum officers to be trained on cultural, gender and sexual diversity to recognize the co-existence of faith and queerness.

Dr. Garcia Rodriguez explains that while having a religious faith is not automatically a barrier to a successful asylum claim, many LGBTIQ+ applicants reported being questioned by Home Office officials about whether they had renounced or struggled with their faith, reflecting skepticism about the possibility of being both religious and LGBTIQ+.

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This scrutiny inevitably makes some asylum seekers feel marginalized, invalidating their gender, sexuality and religious identities. They feel they are not "LGBTIQ+ enough" for the Home Office when expressing a religious identity, while also not being "authentically religious" for faith communities because of their gender and sexuality. This has led to some applicants experiencing depression, anxiety and trauma.

Dr. Garcia Rodriguez advocates for alternative assessment practices that genuinely account for and respect the diverse lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ individuals. Such approaches must move beyond rigid "homosecularist" expectations and instead prioritize empathetic, personalized and contextually sensitive engagements that fully acknowledge the complex and fluid ways in which religious belief and queer identities coexist.

More information: Diego Garcia Rodriguez, You are a gay man, and you're also Christian  how is this possible? Homosecularism, religion and LGBTIQ+ asylum in the UK, Ethnic and Racial Studies (2025). DOI: 10.1080/01419870.2025.2484415 Journal information: Ethnic and Racial Studies
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As droughts worsen and water shortages hit communities worldwide, a new study in the journal Decision Analysis has uncovered a smarter way to get people to save waterwithout breaking the bank.

Researchers found that raising awareness and using social influence can be more powerful than just offering cash incentives. The study, "Differential Game Theoretic Models for Designing Water Conservation Incentives," shows how conservation groups can cut costs, maximize impact and make water-saving programs way more effective.

"We're running out of fresh water, and we need a better way to get people to conserve," says Behnam Momeni of George Mason University. "This study gives us a playbook on how to do it smarter, faster and cheaper."

Using differential game theory (basically, a way to analyze how people make decisions over time), the researchers developed a model that helps organizations figure out who to incentivize, when and how. Their method is also faster than previous approaches, solving problems that used to take more than 24 hours, in just minutes.

Right now, major water sources such as the Colorado River are running dangerously low and governments are scrambling for solutions. This research provides a clear strategy for cities, farmers and conservationists to work together to make water-saving efforts that actually work.

"Water is life. If we don't start using it wisely, we're going to run out," says Shima Mohebbi of George Mason University. "This model helps us plan for the future, before it's too late."

This model could also be applied beyond waterhelping with renewable energy incentives, climate action and sustainability efforts worldwide.

More information: Behnam Momeni et al, Differential Game Theoretic Models for Designing Water Conservation Incentives, Decision Analysis (2025). DOI: 10.1287/deca.2024.0208
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

South Asia, home to some of the vulnerable agricultural regions, is already experiencing the harsh impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are particularly affecting the rain-fed farming systems in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, where over half of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.

With unpredictable weather patterns and a steady decline in crop production, the need for effective climate adaptation is critical. However, smallholder farmers often living in remote areas with limited resources are the least equipped to cope with these challenges. Understanding what drives their ability to adapt is essential for developing policies that protect their livelihoods and ensure regional food security.

Published in the Journal of Geographical Sciences, a recent study brought together researchers from Tribhuvan University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other regional institutions to examine the factors that shape the adaptive capacity (AC) of smallholder farmers in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.

Led by Prof. Prem Sagar Chapagain and Dr. Linshan Liu, the study offers an in-depth analysis of how farmers across these three countries cope with climate change. Their findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to create effective climate resilience strategies in South Asia.

To uncover what drives smallholder farmers' ability to adapt to climate change, the researchers conducted household surveys, focus groups, and interviews with 633 farming families across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Using principal component analysis, they identified eight key principal factors (PFs) that together explain the variation in AC across the three countries.

In Nepal, AC was strongly influenced by factors such as landholding size, participation in skill-development training, knowledge of improved seed varieties, and social networks. In India, access to crop insurance, agricultural-input information, and the flexibility to shift planting schedules were prominent. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's farmers showed higher resilience when they had access to financial institutions, community support, and trustworthy weather forecasts.

Common across all countries were barriers like limited access to timely and reliable weather data, inadequate infrastructure, and low participation in training programs. While nearly 90% of farmers in Bangladesh and Nepal reported experiencing negative climate impacts, few had access to the resources needed to respond effectively. Notably, farmers who diversified their income sources or received remittances from abroad exhibited greater resilience, highlighting the importance of financial security and flexibility in managing climate stress.

These findings point to the need for targeted policies that address specific barriers, such as improving financial access and enhancing the availability of climate-resilient agricultural inputs.

Prof. Prem Sagar Chapagain, a researcher from Central Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University, emphasized the importance of understanding the broader socio-economic contexts of farmers' adaptation efforts: "This study shows that adaptation isn't just about access to resources, it's about the networks and systems in place to help farmers use those resources effectively.

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"It's clear that farmers need more than just technical knowledge; they need access to financial services, better infrastructure, and reliable weather data, and a greater role in framing to make informed decisions. These findings should guide national and regional policies aimed at increasing resilience," said the researcher.

The insights from this study have significant implications for both local and national policymakers. To strengthen farmers' resilience, governments must prioritize improving access to financial services, including crop insurance, and ensure better infrastructure, especially roads and weather stations. Providing farmers with timely, accurate weather data is crucial for effective decision-making, while expanding access to agricultural extension services can boost knowledge of climate-resilient farming practices.

Additionally, supporting income diversification through rural development programs and remittances can help buffer the effects of climate shocks. Ultimately, addressing these systemic barriers will be essential for empowering farmers to adapt to the changing climate and secure their futures in the face of growing uncertainty.

More information: Prem Sagar Chapagain et al, Factors affecting smallholder farmers' adaptive capacity to climate change: A comparative study of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, Journal of Geographical Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11442-025-2326-3
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The Blok-L upper stage booster before encapsulation. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/FRS Vetlana/Creative Commons 4.0 Share-alike license.

Launched way back in 1972, Kosmos-482 is about to meet a fiery end.

It's one straight out of the history books. After more than 50 years in space, the late Soviet Union's Kosmos-482 mission is set to reenter Earth's atmosphere early next month. Stranded in Earth orbit, there are just a few weeks remaining to see this enigmatic relic of a bygone era.

We wrote about this doomed mission in 2019, and the prospects for reentry. Launched on a Molniya-8K78M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 31, 1972, the mission was likely meant to head to Venus. A similar launch involving the successful Venera 8 mission occurred on March 27, 1972, just four days earlier.

We say "likely" as the Soviet space program of the 60s and 70s was largely silent concerning missions and launches until they were successful. This was the era of Cold War, when relations between the East and West were at a nadir. The Soviet Union never acknowledged the launch failure, and the simple "Kosmos-482" designation remained.

It's thought that a timer anomaly stranded Kosmos-482 in launch orbit. The payload separated into four pieces shortly after launch, several of which reentered over New Zealand on April 3, just three days after launch. This sort of failure would repeat itself during the failed Phobos-Grunt mission, which crashed back to Earth on January 15, 2012. Though the Soviet Venera program to Venus was largely successful, the post-Soviet, Russian-era space program has yet to successfully field a lunar or planetary mission.

The reentry, though uncontrolled, poses little risk to those on the ground. The remaining payload in orbit weighs in at 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds); for context, the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) spacecraft, which reentered on September 24, 2011, weighed in at a bulky 5,900 kilograms. The Kosmos-482 lander may well still be attached to the Blok-L upper stage that failed to send the mission on its way to Venus.

"As this is a lander that was designed to survive passage through the Venus atmosphere, it is possible that it will survive reentry through Earth's atmosphere intact," says satellite observer and analyst Marco Langbroek in a recent blog post. "There are many uncertain factors in this though, including that this will be a long, shallow reentry trajectory and the age of the object."

Tracking Kosmos-482

In a 52 degree inclination 156 by 394 kilometer orbit, Kosmos-482 orbits Earth once every 90 minutes. The ID for the mission is 1972-023A/6073, and Space-Track currently has a TIP message for the reentry up for the days centered on and around May 10. As is the case with most reentries, we'll start seeing more accurate predictions as we get closer to reentry time. Reentry is still projected for a pretty wide swath, from 52 degrees north to 52 degrees south latitude.

The mission starts a series of early dawn twilight passes for North America, right around reentry time.

Heavens-Above now has predictions for the mission on their main page.

It's getting crowded up there as well. Satellites in low Earth orbit go all the way back to the U.S. Vanguard 1, launched in 1958. And the burden of space junk is getting exponentially more critical in 2025. SpaceX continues to launch large Starlink batches at an exponential pace, and these are now joined by China's 1,000 sails, OneWeb, and just this week, Amazon's Kuiper Project, which completed a first launch on April 28 as the company's bid for its very own mega-satellite constellation.

There's no need to call in the Six Million Dollar Man to do battle with the "Venus Death Probe" yet. Be sure to catch sight of Kosmos-482 while you can, as a piece of space history lights up an increasingly crowded sky.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new study shows how damaging it can be for college students in introductory STEM classes to compare how hard they work to the extent of effort put in by their peers.

Researchers studied students in an introductory chemistry class, one of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. They found that those who thought they had to work harder than others in class were less likely to believe they had the ability to succeed in science.

This focus on comparative effort was bad for both men and women in the class. But women showed positive effects of thinking they tried hard in the classas long as they weren't comparing themselves to others.

When students, particularly women, believed they tried hard, without comparing themselves to others, they even tended to do better in class.

The message is clear, said lead author Hyewon Lee, who did the work as a Ph.D. student in educational studies at The Ohio State University.

"Students in introductory STEM classes need to focus on their own work, rather than comparing themselves to others, and to think about how their hard work is connected to their success," said Lee, who is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of California, Irvine.

The study was published online recently in the journal Contemporary Educational Psychology.

The difference between comparing your effort to that of your classmates (comparative effort) and simply thinking you're working hard in the course (criterion effort) is an important distinction, said co-author Shirley L. Yu, associate professor of educational psychology at Ohio State.

"Criterion effort is essentially the belief that you work hard to learnbecause that effort is required to understand the course material," said Yu, who leads Ohio State's SPARKS Lab (STEM Participation, Achievement, and Resilience through Knowledge and Skills).

"However, if you're comparing your effort to others and feel like you have to work harder, it can imply that you must make up for a lack of ability. That can harm your science self-concept and make it harder to succeed."

In this study, science self-concept was defined as students' belief that they had the ability to succeed in science.

The study involved 690 undergraduate students at Ohio State enrolled in three sections of an introductory chemistry course.

Criterion effort, comparative effort, and science self-concept were measured three times during the course of the semester. Midterm and final exam scores for the students were assessed to measure achievement.

Prior achievement on ACT and SAT exams, demographics, and pandemic impact (the study was conducted in the fall of 2020) were also taken into account.

Findings showed that the extent to which students compared their efforts to others had a significant impact on science self-concept. Specifically, both men and women tended to interpret higher effort than others as a sign of low scientific ability.

In other words, they were more likely to agree with the sentiment that they were not good at science because they had to work harder than others in science class.

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For women, criterion effortthe perception of trying hardwas related to a more positive science self-concept, but that was not true of men.

The researchers believe that women students may realize that they have to work hard to overcome gender stereotypes that women are not good at science, so the perception of hard work is positive for them.

However, men's perceptions of trying hard did not affect their confidence in science. Instead, their confidence was more influenced by how well they had actually performed earlier. Perhaps because men already have strong and durable confidence in their science abilities, their achievement mattered more, the study authors said.

The relationship between criterion and comparative effort and achievement on the midterms and finals was complex.

But in general, the two types of perceived effort and achievement were related reciprocally, with more pronounced patterns among women.

For example, criterion effort was linked to high midterm scores, which in turn was related to an increase in students' criterion effort. A focus on comparative effort, on the other hand, was linked to lower chemistry performance.

"We found this feedback loop between perceived effort and performance that was significant," Lee said.

"It shows the importance of early positive experiences for undergraduate students, particularly women, in their understanding of the effort they invest and how it is connected to success."

A key contribution of the study is that it is the first, to the knowledge of the authors, to explore the relationship between the two types of perceived effort, science self-concept, and achievement in actual undergraduate classes.

These findings can show how to help students in these early STEM classes, which often act to "weed out" students who don't feel they can succeed in science and lead them to switch majors.

"These early classes have rigorous coursework and typically a competitive climate," said Yu.

"We need to find ways to take away barriers that may keep qualified students, particularly women, from succeeding."

Other co-authors, all at Ohio State, were Tzu-Jung Lin, professor of educational psychology, and Minjung Kim, associate professor of quantitative research, evaluation and measurement.

More information: Hyewon Lee et al, "Am I trying hard or harder than others?": Gender differences in reciprocal relations between perceived effort, science self-concept, and achievement in chemistry, Contemporary Educational Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2025.102349
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Piles of smelly seaweed have washed ashore on Miami Beach and Key Biscayne, a stinky reminder that this is sargassum season.

The brown seaweed is a common sight across the Caribbean and on South Florida beaches.

Researchers who track seaweed blooms expect 2025 to be another "major sargassum year" for the Atlantic Basinbut how much seaweed washes ashore on South Florida beaches depends on winds and currents.

Sargassum season runs from March through October.

"All it takes is the right currents, the right winds, to push a particular patch on shore and create an inundation," said Brian Barnes, research assistant professor at the Optical Oceanography Lab, part of the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science.

In the ocean, seaweed offers an important habitat for marine life. But when seaweed washes ashore, the rotten egg smell can put a damper on beach days.

Washed-up seaweed can also cause health problems for people with chronic respiratory conditions.

Here's what else to know:

Why does seaweed smell so bad?

The brown seaweed that washes up on Florida beaches is known as sargassum. Once seaweed washes ashore, the piles start to rot and release hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs.

What's the Florida seaweed forecast?

While it's common to see some seaweed on the beach, sargassum season can bring large amounts ashore.

Predicting which Florida and Caribbean beaches will be inundated with seaweed, and when, is complicated. That could soon change.

Barnes, for several years, has led a project to create a forecast model meant to help predict when and where large patches of seaweed will wash ashore.

He expects a test version of the model will be released later this year, with the initial forecast set to focus on the Florida Keys and the rest of South Florida. A similar model for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will likely be released in 2026.

The forecast model is part of a five-year $3.2 million grant awarded in 2023 from the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Barnes' USF team has been working on the model with researchers from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System, NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning.

But what does current data tell us?

"There's a lot of sargassum offshore, off the Keys, and even in the Gulf of Mexico," said Barnes, noting that seaweed often collects in these areas before winds and currents shift the blooms toward the Florida Keys, Key Biscayne and Miami Beach. Whether the seaweed remains offshore or eventually floats onto beaches is what the future forecast model hopes to predict.

In Miami Beach, for example, "stronger than usual easterly and southeasterly winds have likely contributed to the increased amount of sargassum washing ashore," city spokeswoman Melissa Berthier said in an email statement to the Miami Herald. "The prevailing winds push floating mats of seaweed closer to our coastline, resulting in the heavier deposits we have seen along our beaches recently."

Are there seaweed hot spots in Miami?

While Florida might see blooms of seaweed this season, that doesn't mean all beaches will be full of it through October. The sargassum will show up on beaches in clumps when the tide is high and the wind is blowing from east to west, pushing the seaweed toward shore.

The biggest accumulations of sargassum on Miami-Dade beaches happen during high tide twice a day, according to Miami-Dade County's sargassum webpage. County crews generally get rid of smelly seaweed early in the morning, before most beachgoers arrive. "Unfortunately, when the second tide arrives in the afternoon, depending on the winds, it often brings another wave of Sargassum to the shoreline," the county said.

Key Biscayne had large swaths of seaweed wash ashore on April 24. Some parts of Miami Beach's shoreline have also seen more seaweed buildup recently compared to other areas.

On April 28, the Greater Miami and Miami Beach website's webcam showed dark pockets of seaweed in the water and shoreline in the beach area of 17th and 18th streets in the early morning. The 10th Street beach area, on the other hand, didn't have much seaweed in the water or shoreline, Berthier said.

While it's hard to predict which beach will get a blanket of seaweed, Miami-Dade County has identified four seaweed hot spots: Haulover just north of Haulover Cut; Bal Harbor just south of Haulover Cut; Miami Beach between 26th and 31st streets; and beaches along the South Pointe jetty.

Sargassum season also coincides with Miami-Dade's sea turtle nesting season. That means sea turtle nests need to be marked before any seaweed cleanups can begin in Miami Beach, considered a crucial nesting habitat for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.

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Health problems from hydrogen sulfide

The hydrogen sulfide gas seaweed releases when it rots can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. Tiny sea creatures living in the seaweed, like jellyfish and sea lice, can also cause skin rashes and blisters.

"If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, you will be more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide. You may have trouble breathing after you inhale it," according to the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County.

People who are exposed to hydrogen sulfide for long periods in an enclosed space, like workers in wastewater treatment plants, can get ill with dizziness, headache, an upset stomach and apnea, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"However, hydrogen sulfide levels in an area like the beach, where large amounts of air flow can dilute levels, is not expected to harm health," according to Monroe's health department. There's also no indication the gas causes cancer in humans. Anyone experiencing severe trouble breathing should call 911.

Miami-Dade County is also keeping an eye on evolving information about the relationship between sargassum and a warm coastal bacteria that can cause rare and severe life-threatening infections, including an infection known as "flesh-eating bacteria."

A recent study involving researchers at Florida Atlantic University suggests this warm coastal water bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, can sometimes "stick" to microplastics, which are commonly found in our oceans and can get stuck in sargassum.

Scientists found that the Vibrio bacteria in the open ocean have similar genetic characteristics to the Vibrio species that can cause disease in humans, according to NBC News. People usually get infected with the bacteria by eating raw shellfish, especially oysters, or through an open wound that has direct contact with saltwater.

"I don't think everyone should be running away from sargassum as if it's going to kill them," Linda Amaral-Zettler, a marine microbiologist at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and one of the authors of the recent study, told NBC News. "That's simply not the case. But I think we need to think responsibly about the potential risks."

What should you do if your nearby beach has a lot of seaweed?

Health officials usually recommend people who live near the beach keep their windows and doors closed when a lot of sargassum washes ashore. Florida Keys health officials have recommended anyone with asthma or other respiratory problems stay awayor reduce their timeat the beach if there is seaweed. If you don't want to risk getting stung by an animal living in the seaweed, don't touch it and stay away.

And before you think about taking some seaweed home to cook, think again.

Florida's health department said that's not a good idea because sargassum might contain "large amounts of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium."

2025 Miami Herald. 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:

This composite view of the active galaxy Markarian 573 combines X-ray data (blue) from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and radio observations (purple) from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico with a visible light image (gold) from the Hubble Space Telescope. Markarian 573 is an active galaxy that has two cones of emission streaming away from the supermassive black hole at its center. Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/A.Paggi et al; Optical: NASA/STScI; Radio: NSF/NRAO/VLA

Did you know some of the brightest sources of light in the sky come from the regions around black holes in the centers of galaxies? It sounds a little contradictory, but it's true. They may not look bright to our eyes, but satellites have spotted oodles of them across the universe.

One of those satellites is NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Fermi has found thousands of these kinds of galaxies since it launched in 2008, and there are many more out there.

Watch a cosmic gamma-ray fireworks show in this animation using just a year of data from the Large Area Telescope (LAT) aboard NASAs Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Each objects magenta circle grows as it brightens and shrinks as it dims. The yellow circle represents the sun following its apparent annual path across the sky. The animation shows a subset of the LAT gamma-ray records available for more than 1,500 objects in a continually updated repository. Over 90% of these sources are a type of galaxy called a blazar, powered by the activity of a supermassive black hole. Credit: NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center/Daniel Kocevski

Black holes are regions of space that have so much gravity that nothingnot light, not particles, nadacan escape. Most galaxies have supermassive black holes at their centers, and these black holes are hundreds of thousands to billions of times the mass of our sun.

In active galactic nuclei (also called "AGN" for short, or just "active galaxies") the central region is stuffed with gas and dust that's constantly falling toward the black hole. As the gas and dust fall, they start to spin and form a disk. Because of the friction and other forces at work, the spinning disk starts to heat up.

The disk's heat gets emitted as light, but not just wavelengths of it that we can see with our eyes. We detect light from AGN across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from the more familiar radio and optical waves through to the more exotic X-rays and gamma rays, which we need special telescopes to spot.

In the heart of an active galaxy, matter falling toward a supermassive black hole creates jets of particles traveling near the speed of light as shown in this artists concept. Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

This artist's concept shows two views of the active galaxy TXS 0128+554, located around 500 million light-years away. Left: The galaxy's central jets appear as they would if we viewed them both at the same angle. The black hole, embedded in a disk of dust and gas, launches a pair of particle jets traveling at nearly the speed of light. Scientists think gamma rays (magenta) detected by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope originate from the base of these jets. As the jets collide with material surrounding the galaxy, they form identical lobes seen at radio wavelengths (orange). The jets experienced two distinct bouts of activity, which created the gap between the lobes and the black hole. Right: The galaxy appears in its actual orientation, with its jets tipped out of our line of sight by about 50 degrees. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Blazar 3C 279's historic gamma-ray flare in 2015 can be seen in this image from the Large Area Telescope on NASA's Fermi satellite. During the flare, the blazar outshone the Vela pulsar, usually the brightest object in the gamma-ray sky. Credit: NASA/DOE/Fermi LAT Collaboration

About 1 in 10 AGN beam out jets of energetic particles, which are traveling almost as fast as light. Scientists are studying these jets to try to understand how black holeswhich pull everything in with their huge amounts of gravitysomehow provide the energy needed to propel the particles in these jets.

Many of the ways we tell one type of AGN from another depend on how they're oriented from our point of view. With radio galaxies, for example, we see the jets from the side as they're beaming vast amounts of energy into space. Then there's blazars, which are a type of AGN that have a jet that is pointed almost directly at Earth, which makes the AGN particularly bright.

Fermi has been searching the sky for gamma ray sources since 2008. More than half of the sources it has found have been blazars. Gamma rays are useful because they can tell us a lot about how particles accelerate and how they interact with their environment.

So why do we care about AGN? We know that some AGN formed early in the history of the universe. With their enormous power, they almost certainly affected how the universe changed over time. By discovering how AGN work, we can understand better how the universe came to be the way it is now.

Provided by NASA
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Joel Harrison Gayford, a marine biologist at James Cook University, in Australia, who specializes in research focused on chondrichthyan evolution and ecology, has published a paper in the journal Royal Society Open Science regarding two unusual forms of reproduction in chondrichthyans and possible reasons for them.

Prior research has shown that chondrichthyans, which include sharks, rays, chimaeras and skates, have existed much longer than most other creatures on Earth. This tenure, Gayford notes, has allowed them to develop a wide variety of reproductive methods.

Unlike most other animals that have evolved a single means of reproducing, different chondrichthyans have wildly different ways of reproducing. Some lay eggs, for example, while others have live births, and some almost always produce twinsone species in Australia delivers its babies with an attached placenta.

In this new effort, Gayford focuses on two unique ways that some chondrichthyans reproduce: The first is via facultative parthenogenesis, where no males are involved, and the other is when females lay eggs where there are multiple embryos per egg case (MEPE).

Gayford notes that females producing offspring without assistance from males is not unheard of in other species and is relatively common in sharks, though it seems that sharks can choose when to do so. MEPE is less common. What is not known, he notes, is what evolutionary advantage is conferred by these two methods of reproduction.

Having multiple embryos in an egg case means less work and energy expenditure for the mother, he points out, but it also suggests more risk for the embryos. If the egg case is found and eaten, she will lose all her offspring in a single gulp. He suggests more work is required to better understand the advantage for the species.

Facultative parthenogenesis, he suggests, is a little easier to appreciate, though still not completely understood. Female sharks have been known to use it even when males are around, suggesting they feel replicating themselves would produce better offspring than the available male gene pool.

Gayford suggests that learning more about why chondrichthyans have evolved so many ways to reproduce, and why some have developed in such unique ways, could help to better understand long-term evolution in general.

More information: Joel Harrison Gayford, The adaptability of facultative parthenogenesis and 'multiple embryos per eggcase' as alternative reproductive strategies in Chondrichthyes, Royal Society Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.242030 Journal information: Royal Society Open Science

 2025 Science X Network
MOREAU  The man who was shot in the shoulder by a state trooper in South Glens Falls last week appeared for a preliminary hearing in Moreau Town Court. The case is expected to go before a grand jury.

Billy G. Cassell III, 45, of Kingsbury, was arrested April 23 and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class C felony; menacing a police officer, a class D felony; unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, a class A misdemeanor; fourth-degree criminal mischief, a class A misdemeanor; and second-degree reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor.

Cassell appeared in Moreau Town Court for Tuesdays preliminary hearing wearing a green jumpsuit and his right arm in a sling along with his defense attorney, Sam Breslin.

The charges against Cassell stem from an incident that allegedly occurred last week on April 23 when, according to state police, shortly after noon troopers were attempting to locate Cassell because of an active warrant which had been issued out of Washington County.

Police reported that Cassell had been driving a vehicle in South Glens Falls near State Route 9 and attempted to stop the vehicle, and when he failed to comply, a vehicle pursuit began. Cassells vehicle crashed into a residence at the intersection of State Route 9 and Catherine Street. According to state police, Cassell then exited the vehicle and fled on foot with what was later found to be a loaded Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun.

Cassell was located a few minutes later attempting to conceal himself in front of a resident. Police say that troopers instructed Cassell multiple times to drop the firearm, and that he did not follow those commands. At that time a trooper used his department issued gun and shot Cassell in the right shoulder. Troopers immediately provided medical aid until EMS arrived and transported him to Albany Medical Center. Cassell was released from the hospital Wednesday night, and was transported to state police in Wilton for processing.

Cassell was released from the hospital later that evening and charged.

Cassells defense attorney, Sam Breslin, said that the prosecution did not present any evidence from anyone with direct knowledge of Cassells possession of a weapon. He also said that he and his client would like to wave the matter out of local court. The case will be heard next by a grand jury.

Saratoga County First Assistant District Attorney Alan Poremba called state trooper Kenneth McKeighan Jr. and state police investigator Carson Salaway who were at the scene of the incident on Saratoga Street in South Glens Falls last week to the stand to testify at Tuesdays preliminary hearing.

McKeighan told the court that he had observed the gun at Cassells feet after he and his partner, trooper Jason Flynn, had found Cassell after he had fled the scene of the crash. State police reported last week that Flynn is on voluntary leave after Wednesdays incident.

He [Cassell] had a firearm at his feet, and I attempted to kind of kick it to the side as I jumped on him to take him into custody, McKeighan said.

McKeighan said that while he was rendering aide to Cassell he asked trooper Jason Flynn if he was okay.

Trooper Flynn said yes, he pointed the f***ing gun right up at me, McKeighan said. At which point, when I was having a conversation with trooper Flynn, Mr. Cassell interjected, stating, I did it. I wanted to go. You dont understand.

Breslin asked McKeighan if he had ever seen the gun in Cassells hand, or if he had only seen it at Cassells feet, to which the trooper said he had not seen it in Cassells hand, but it had been close enough to Cassell that he could have reached it.

Investigator Salaway spoke about how he had seen the loaded gun at the scene after it had been secured. Salaway said he had also observed body camera footage from troopers who had been at the scene and he had test-fired the gun earlier this week, and that it was in proper working order.

Breslin told the court that the people who testified at the preliminary hearing did not have first-hand testimony where they saw Cassell in possession of the gun.

The people did not present any evidence by anyone who had direct knowledge of Mr. Cassells possession of the weapon, Breslin said.

Poremba also presented the court with three certificates of conviction which were from previous instances when Cassell had been convicted of crimes. Cassell had previously been convicted of a burglary in Saratoga County Court in 2007, criminal mischief in Saratoga County Court in 2009, and seventh-degree criminal possession in Moreau Town Court in 2021.

Moreau Town Court Judge Jeffrey McCabe thanked the attorneys for their participation in the preliminary hearing and said that after reviewing the facts of the case, he has determined that the defendant will be held for the grand jury.
U.S. marine in Japan's Okinawa indicted for sexual assault

Xinhua) 10:19, May 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie)
ATLANTIC CITY  For the people who think the resort offers only casinos, the beach and Boardwalk, the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, inside the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, has stood as a place chronicling the citys Black residents and more for the past 12 years.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority will thank the museums founder and president, Ralph E. Hunter Sr., with its Spirit of Hospitality Award for his many years of contributions to the Atlantic City tourism and hospitality industry May 7 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

City Council President and 1st Ward Councilman Aaron Sporty Randolph, 70, said he has known Hunter, who lives in his ward, for at least 40 years. Hunter deserves the recognition, he said.

Mr. Hunter has been a real pillar to this community. He has brought people to this town, Randolph said. This man has contributed to the heart of Atlantic City and the fabric of Atlantic City.

Hunter, 87, has received more than 200 awards during the past 25 years. He said one of the awards that means the most to him was given to him about 20 years ago by Asbury United Methodist Church in Atlantic City, which was honoring people in the arts.

It was one of the first acknowledgments he received after opening the first African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey in 2002 in the Newtonville section of Buena Vista Township, which is still open.

Besides the 20,000 people annually who stop by the museum in Atlantic City, Hunter said he also gives exposure to Americas Favorite Playground through his mobile museum exhibits that visit a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 100 schools during the academic year, which translates to more than 100,000 people seeing the exhibits annually.

Five different museum exhibits travel to various schools in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and New Jersey, Hunter said.

People say to me, We didnt know there was any history in Atlantic City, Hunter said.

When people stop by the African American Heritage Museum branch in Atlantic City, Hunter has visitors sign in and say where they are from. Tourists have come to the museum from as far away as Canada, Ireland, China and Japan, he said.

Its really, really remarkable the number of people who come to the casinos and also come to see us, Hunter said.

By having a branch of the museum inside of the Noyes Arts Garage, each entity is able to piggyback off each others crowd, Hunter said.

When Hunter heard he would be receiving the Spirit of Hospitality award, he said he didnt know what was going on.

I thought someone was pulling my leg, he said.

Hunters museum highlights the accomplishments and impact of African Americans in South Jersey and around the country, said Maisha Y. Moore, CRDAs deputy executive director.

The museum at the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City provides unique exhibits and experiences representing and recognizing the importance of African American history and has become a popular attraction for both local residents and visitors alike, Moore said.

20 Black male artists' work on display at African American museum in Newtonville The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey's Newtonville location is hosting the work of a multigenerational blend of Black male artists who work in a variety of mediums.

All of the museums 33,000 pieces of memorabilia have been cataloged with assistance from Stockton, Hunter said.

If Hunter receives a chance to talk in accepting his award, he said he would appeal to the community at large for two things: approximately $100,000 to have appraised all of the items in both museum collections and in storage, and to raise money so the Atlantic City branch could have its own 15,000-square-foot, stand-alone building.

This will be the 26th year the CRDA has held the Atlantic City Host Awards, Moore said. There have been several years when the Spirit of Hospitality Award was not awarded due to various reasons, such as COVID-19.

Among the people who received the award previously were Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire; Anthony Catanoso, president and owner of Steel Pier; and Jean Muchanic, executive director of the Absecon Lighthouse.

I feel truly humbled and amazed that they would think about little old me, Hunter said.
Rock Island residents gave their ideas on how to spend $40,000 to improve the West End at a meeting Tuesday, ranging from historic preservation to encouraging business investment.

The meeting, which had more than 100 attendees, was held by West End Revitalization at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.

West End Revitalization is an effort to build a network of West End community members and supporters, including many students from Rock Island schools, to help revitalize the West End culturally and financially and make it a preferred place for families to live.

Tuesday's meeting introduced the public to the idea of participatory budgeting, where community members directly decide how to spend a portion of a public budget.

"We've been awarded a $50,000 grant," said Thurgood Brooks, one of the three coordinators of West End Revitalization along with Avery Pearl and Virginia Jarrett.

Of that grant, Brooks said $10,000 is going to the Thurgood Marshall Learning Center.

"The other $40,000 is going to the greater community," he said. "So, we have a phase where we build groups behind the issues and figure out ways to spend this money collectively."

Pearl took the crowd through what West End Revitalization accomplished in the past 13 months since its inception, including two tree plantings and cleanup efforts, one in the fall and one this past Saturday.

In addition, partnerships had been developed with schools, businesses and organizations, including Augustana College, MidAmerican Energy, Ascentra Credit Union, Project NOW, Black Hawk College, Rock Island-Milan School District, Clean River Advisory Council, Prairie Rivers Network, and the Rock Island Housing Authority, Pearl said.

Working with MidAmerican Energy, Pearl said they came up with a program which provided 30 single-family homes, 10 businesses and three multi-family homes in the West End with energy efficiency audits, repairs and upgrades that were done at no cost to the residents and businesses.

Tuesday's meeting also introduced the idea of participatory budgeting and beginning the collection of ideas.

Once the ideas have been collected, Pearl said, the next phase will be for the community to vote on those ideas "and we'll disperse the money as the community has decided."

Jarrett was tasked with telling the crowd how the process would work. People wrote their ideas on a sticky note and placed them on one of five placards that were on the wall of the center. The categories were Vision and Aspirations, Needs and Challenges, Engagement and Participation, Economic Development and Cultural and Social Aspects.

"Building relationships is the biggest part of this endeavor," Jarrett told the crowd. "It's not about individuals; it's about us as a community. It's about us making it work for our youth. I thank God for the youth because they're our tomorrow and if we don't pour into them, we're going to lose our tomorrow."

The meeting, she said, was about people talking and brainstorming, working together and then writing out their ideas.

When all of the ideas are compiled, everyone will come back together to vote on the ideas in each category. The ideas that receive the most votes will be the ones that receive the money.

Kevin Johnson said he would like to preserve the history of the West End and bring back some of the activities that he once enjoyed.

"For the longest time I was on the drill team, they had as a positive youth program," Johnson said. "Drill team is a passion of mine and I remember the Saturday mornings at the Martin Luther King Center, we worked, and we had a parade and we learned. I'd like to bring that back."

Jim Kerr said he would like to see more economic development, but with an eye on preserving the history of the West End.

"We need to have more meetings like this to get more people involved," he added.

Students of Augustana College will be compiling the ideas that were provided during Tuesday's meeting. Once all the ideas have been categorized, another meeting will be held to discuss the ideas and vote for which should receive funding.
A national nonprofit announced Thursday Rapid City Hospital has earned an A rating for safety.

The hospital earned the highest grade in the state among facilities evaluated in the Leapfrog Group's spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grade. The A comes on the heels of Bs in the 2024 ratings, which Leapfrog issues twice a year.

The independent nonprofit said it evaluated almost 3,000 hospitals on their ability to prevent medical errors, accidents and infections.

"Achieving an A rating from the Leapfrog hospital safety grade is a tremendous accomplishment for us. The grade looks at our quality measures related to patient outcomes. It looks at operations within the hospital, evaluates our safety program, our patient safety program," Jill Tice, vice president of Quality, Safety and Risk Management for Monument Health, told media during an event at the Monument Health corporate headquarters on Wednesday. "It evaluates different components including nursing excellence, how we manage and run our ICU and many different pieces of our operation. So it's a great combination of clinical measures, patient outcomes and then also how we approach managing other operations within the hospital."

The organization said it uses around 30 national performance measures from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and information from other supplemental data sources. Leapfrog said its methodology is peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Patient Safety.

CMS  headed by physician and TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz  issues a hospital star rating based on a broader swath of measures each year. Tice said the hospital recently heard from CMS it earned a 4-star rating, though an official announcement isn't expected until this summer.

The hospital's scorecard shows better than average marks for infection prevention, practices to prevent errors, avoiding problems with surgery, avoiding safety problems and on staff training, communication and responsiveness.

Rapid City Hospital was the only one in the state to receive an A from Leapfrog. South Dakota was 44th in Leapfrog's state rankings. The local hospital improved after receiving a C in Leapfrog Group's spring and fall 2023 report cards. It improved to a B in spring and fall 2024.

"We have an incredibly safe hospital. Not only have we been able to deliver really high quality care to our community, so our community can stay local, but they can be assured that we are a very, very safe hospital, safer than the majority of hospitals in the country," said Dr. Michael Huot, the hospital's chief of staff and an anesthesiologist and chronic pain specialist.

In its rankings, Leapfrog graded the hospital on a number of topics, including infections, problems with surgery, safety problems and practices to prevent errors. Staff was graded on communication, responsiveness and leadership in preventing errors.

"We actually want to continue to improve. We're the safest hospital in South Dakota. That is not our goal, our goal is to be perfect, and that's what we're going to continue to try to strive for," Huot said. "We've instituted a tremendous amount of quality improvements, but at the core of it, it's having an administration that supports employees on every level, our physicians on every level, to make real-time decisions that impact health care."

Tice said, "It's really creating structures and foundations within our medical staff, within our operational departments, bringing caregivers and physicians to the table on issues or items that are posing safety threats to our patient, and brainstorming and coming up with solutions and testing those solutions. She said changes the hospital has made over the years to improve its grade include making sure correct documentation is in place, making sure staff are warming the patient appropriately by best practice standards, and ensuring proper timing on antibiotics pre- and post-op.

Asked about the practical application of safety measures  what difference, if any, does a patient experience?  Huot said, "I think the culture of empowering every single employee in our organization has really lifted the spirits of that," saying patients will experience the difference.

"One challenge we have is as a hospital have been around for a long time, and so if somebody had a bad experience 10 years ago they might keep reflecting on that experience," he said. "But what's nice about this Leapfrog grade rating is that it really allows this organization to look basically under the covers as what is actually happening. And how do we actually compare to other hospitals in the country? So having one experience at our hospital is one thing, but having an organization give us an A grade rating" is another.

Across South Dakota, eight hospitals received a C grade and one received a D. Monument Health Spearfish Hospital was among the Cs. Tice said the hospital was hurt by a low patient count during the reporting period, which meant Spearfish was unable to submit data in all of the quality measurements. She noted some datasets on the Leapfrog website note information was "not available," which is because a program or particular case type didn't qualify, not because the hospital withheld information.

Utah came in at No. 1 again, after taking the top spot in the fall 2024 rankings.
The 69th Montana Legislature adjourned Wednesday after passing sweeping property tax legislation and a far-reaching spending bill, but not before a final dose of drama in the Senate.

The headlining policies such as property tax relief and the GOPs judicial reform agenda were the fodder of the final days after a contentious, often bitter Legislature.

This session was marked by huge bill packages that caused tough debates and deep divisions within the Republican party, particularly in the Senate.

Republican Senate President Matt Regier described the past four months as an extraordinary session in the most literal sense of the word.

The 2025 Legislature fell into so many melees that it was almost an afterthought by Wednesday that one Republican legislator in the House resigned over disagreement with his party leaders about vaping bills. Another was banned by his peers from the Senate floor for life for his attempts to steer a state contract toward a longtime friend who wasnt qualified for the work.

This is the worst session Ive seen, said Alan Olson, a lobbyist for NorthWestern Energy and former lawmaker who has been coming to the Capitol since the mid-1980s. Nobody can express a civil word to anybody else up here.

The Senates habitual streak of division continued on the sessions last day.

Lawmakers devolved into speeches arguing against the sine die motion to adjourn due to lasting frustration over rifts among GOP senators and a brief fight over rules that govern the body. The first Senate vote to adjourn failed 8-42 after some scathing remarks from hardline Republicans against their mostly moderate counterparts who allied with Democrats again and again this session.

Were going to quit because were done? Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, said in a fiery speech. I dont think weve even shown up. So with that, I'm a hard no, because again, massive failure. Whatever this was, if this is how we legislate, we have a problem. This is how D.C. does it.

Moments later, the final sine die motion passed 36-14.

Over in the House, the sessions close was relatively uneventful, save for a few moments where tensions rose. And a move to make Montanas courts partisan  one of the most hot-button issues of the session  made a quiet last-minute appearance after being defeated elsewhere.

The only sine die motion passed easily in the lower chamber.

But many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers were united on at least one thing on the final day: There was frustration over what some described as predetermined outcomes on key votes.

The cake is baked and a string of metaphors inspired by the adage became common refrains throughout the Capitol this session, including on its final day.

During the final House floor debate, there were references to making new layers of cake, and even stepping in cake. A couple days earlier, one Republican lawmaker from Great Falls made dozens of cupcakes that read baked in as a cheeky nod to the feeling that much of what comes out of the Capitol is decided before votes are cast.

One of the policies that instigated the accusations that the outcome was predetermined was property tax relief, the main task legislators had to deliver on this session.

When we got here, this policy was already decided, said Rep. Jane Gillette, R-Three Forks, who voted against the legislation. You know, unfortunately it's our constituents that have to eat that stale, moldy piece of cake now that were about to give them. And Im just, again, disappointed in what we've done.

The property tax package lawmakers passed Wednesday is set to lower residential property tax bills for primary residences across Montana and provide a $400 rebate for most primary residences this year. Those with second homes and short-term rentals will see their bills go up, as will the states largest businesses, utilities and pipeline companies, a feature of the legislation that incited last-minute anger and accusations of an unfair tax shift.

The other major piece of legislation that was passed in the sessions final minutes was House Bill 863, which also spurred lawmakers to return to their cake metaphors. The bill, sponsored and steered by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, started as a proposal worth $100,000. It is now worth millions and acts as a landing place for a number of items, some of which were voted down earlier in the session.

HB 863 split Democrats and Republicans and incited ire on both sides of the aisle. Opponents were critical about the process, lamenting the revival of legislation the chambers had already voted down.

Jones saw it differently.

Its an empty vessel to solve the problems at the end of the session, he said. There were just pieces that fell off the plate that we needed to reach out and pick back up.

Frustration over predetermined outcomes was inextricably linked to Jones, who often shoulders much of the blame for brokering deals, whipping votes behind the scenes and using novel strategies to ensure none of his priorities die off.

House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, called Jones a powerhouse Wednesday.

Were going to be talking about Rep. Jones for 20 to 30 years from now, he said.

Months before Wednesdays adjournment, lawmakers took care of another chief task: deciding whether or not to renew Medicaid expansion. Lawmakers chose to continue the joint federal-state program that provides health care to roughly 77,000 low-income Montanans, and removed the sunset date that forced legislators to vote on whether or not to maintain the program every few years.

Another priority policy issue for Republicans this session was judicial reform, born out of frustration from the GOP toward the courts, where many of their most controversial policies have been struck down on legal challenges. The majority of those proposals were defeated, save for a few of the smaller measures.

The crown jewel of that package was a number of bills to make nonpartisan judicial races partisan affairs. That proposal came in multiple forms and was repeatedly defeated by Republicans who joined all Democrats.

For a brief moment Wednesday, the Legislature stalled because some lawmakers were anticipating Gov. Greg Gianforte was going to insert an amendment into a still-alive bill to create partisan courts in Montana. That amendment ultimately never came. Republican Speaker of the House Brandon Ler said the measure did not have the votes to prevail in the last moments of the session, but that it was worth the shot.

I wasnt gonna give up on it easy, he said.

The governors office did not immediately respond Wednesday to requests for comment.

Whispers of a sine die motion being called on Wednesday had become an open secret days before lawmakers entered the building.

Some lawmakers wore flashy ties with sine die written down the front. The Capitol snack bar had a hand-drawn forecast by the cash register calling for 100% chance of mild chaos and 90% chance of sine die. A handful of legislators living in rental units said their cars were already packed since their leases were up that day, April 30.

As is tradition, lawmakers who will term out of their respective chambers gave speeches.

Sen. John Esp, the Big Timber Republican and the longest-serving Senate member, read an excerpt from a 2001 journal entry he wrote during his first session in Helena.

We get few chances in life to experience something like this, he read.

Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers remarks struck a similar chord. The Belgrade senator shared a story of his first summer in Montana spent doing forest work near Ovando that impressed upon him a simple truth hes since held onto as a legislator.

In simple terms, what that taught me is that Montanans take care of each other, Flowers said.

Democrats saw more opportunities to advance their priorities this session than the last, when Republicans wielded a supermajority in both chambers. House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, made note of the better footing on Day One.

This has been a night-and-day difference, she told reporters. ... It has been because of the 12 more seats weve had in this building that Democrats have been able to bring these issues to the table.

Yet for all the last-day nods to nostalgia and bipartisanship, the Senates working majority tried to flex its power one final time in a last-minute bid to resurrect a bill that would have charged luxury vehicle owners higher registration fees. Proceeds would have gone toward local bridge projects and victims of crimes.

Senate Bill 324 was sponsored by Sen. Josh Kassmier, the leader of The Nine and an ally this session of Jones and Gianfortes office.

Earlier that day, he told the Montana State News Bureau that any suggestion the cake had been baked this session was a fallacy, despite countless votes over the last four months that illustrated otherwise.

There are so many independent thinkers, Kassmier said. Theres no way you can guarantee a vote on the Senate floor.

That appeared to be true in the final vote of the 2025 legislative session.

What had been a nearly impenetrable voting bloc with Kassmier at the helm fractured.
The controversy surrounding John Reid, the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, has energized his base, as shown by the hundreds of supporters who packed a Wednesday night rally in Henrico County.

The entire GOP ticket originally was to appear at the venue, Atlas 42, alongside Gov. Glenn Youngkin  before Youngkin asked Reid to step down and canceled his own appearance.

Supporters holding I stand with John Reid signs packed the event center to the brim.

Reid, calling himself a conservative fighter, immediately addressed the controversy, which began Friday when Youngkin asked him to step down over a Tumblr account that shares a username with Reids other social media and contains reposted images of other nude men. Reid denies the online profile is his and has accused the governor of staging a coup against a gay man.

Weve seen it over and over: the politics of personal destruction. Theyve done it to President Trump every day of the last decade, since he came down that escalator, Reid said at the rally, referring to Trumps arrival at his 2015 presidential announcement at Trump Tower.

The Richmond swamp doesnt like it when they encounter a different type of person who they cant control, Reid said, drawing boisterous cheers. Thats whats happened here. They have now tried coming after me, threatening me, pressuring me with every trick in the book. And I want to thank you for standing with me  standing with me against the corrupt political machine thats been hindering Virginias success for years.

Reid is the first openly gay person to be a nominee on a Virginia statewide ticket. He has long been open about his relationship with his partner of eight years, Alonzo Mable, who was at Wednesdays rally.

The truth is, this isnt just about me anymore, said Reid, a longtime conservative radio host in Richmond. Its about us  This is bigger than whos white or Black, whos old or young, whos evangelically strict or not, whos married or single, whos gay or straight, Reid said.

This is about the good men and women of Virginia standing up and saying, no more. No more politics of hate, no more politics of personal destruction, no more politics of dirty tricks, no more politics of failure. It is time for us to come together as a party, because the real battle is coming in November. Too much is at stake.

Reid said he will be voting for the other Republican nominees: Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor, and Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is running for reelection.

He said Virginia needs Republicans in those chairs.

Miyares has not publicly responded to the controversy surrounding Reid. Earle-Sears followed Youngkins lead Tuesday, by saying the controversy is a distraction from bigger issues but the decision about whether to stay in the race is up to Reid.

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, who has said he is standing by Reid, was in attendance at Wednesdays rally.

Several Reid supporters before the rally spoke with the Richmond Times-Dispatch about their support for Reid, and each said they support Reid because of his transparency and honesty. They also said they were disappointed in Youngkin for asking Reid to step down, many citing Reids sexuality as the reason.

Even those who said they dont agree with Reids gay lifestyle said that it shouldnt matter.

Ive been following him on the radio for years, and so I know his history and all that, but Im not voting to canonize a saint, not voting for the pastor of my church, said Glen Allen resident John McGurn. Im voting for a candidate that expounds the great conservative ideals of our country, and he does that.

Glenn Wilson, a Short Pump resident, said everybody already knew about Reids sexuality because hes been transparent about his partner of eight years.

He has that lifestyle which I dont agree with or espouse but Im voting for the policies, not the personality, Wilson said. His policies, to me, are the kind of policies that make Virginia great.

When Reid referenced what he called the corrupt political machine in Richmond, someone from the crowd shouted: Moran has got to go, referencing Youngkins adviser Matt Moran.

The rally came hours after Moran issued a sworn affidavit denying Reids accusations that he defamed or attempted to extort him over the sexually explicit images reposted to an account allegedly linked to Reid.

In between taking photos and signing autographs following the rally, Reid told The Times-Dispatch he would address the affidavit very soon.
Matthew Moran, senior political adviser to Gov. Glenn Youngkin, issued a sworn affidavit on Wednesday denying accusations that he defamed or attempted to extort Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Reid over sexually explicit images on an online account allegedly linked to the candidate.

The images prompted Youngkin on Friday to ask Reid to withdraw from the race. Reid says the Tumblr account is not his and that he did not repost the images. He says he is staying in the contest.

Moran, a longtime political consultant and adviser to two former Republican speakers of the House of Delegates, says he was trying to help Reids campaign after the candidate clinched the GOP nomination with Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herritys withdrawal from the race.

He said he connected Reids campaign with an outside group that would, among other things, conduct a study to identify any potential political vulnerability that could threaten the candidates viability if discovered by his opponents. He said the campaign had full knowledge of the study, which was solely based on the fact that John was a radio host with an extensive history of public comments.

Moran said that on Friday the preliminary vulnerability study included information from an online Tumblr account which would put John in a negative light and impact the viability of his candidacy regardless of its veracity. He said that other political individuals and organizations were aware of this information. He said he called Reid and arranged to meet with him, but he never showed up.

Reid, who is openly gay, refused to withdraw from the race, publicly rebuked Youngkin and accused Moran of orchestrating a public smear campaign against him to force him to step down and threatening to release additional information if he did not.

On Monday, Reids lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter to Moran, executive director of Youngkins political action committee, warning him to stop publishing lies about Reid.

Ive known John Reid for years and consider him a friend, Moran responded in a social media post on Wednesday. The post included the affidavit and a letter from his attorney in response to the cease-and-desist letter.

I was actively supporting and assisting John as the Lt. Governor nominee of the Republican Party, Moran wrote in the post. Let me be clear, facts matter, and they will demonstrate the accusations against me are unfounded.

George Terwilliger, Morans lawyer and former assistant and acting U.S. Attorney General, told Reids attorney, Washington lawyer Charles Spies, that Moran strongly denies that he has defamed Mr. Reid in any manner whatsoever.

The facts, evidence and witnesses would demonstrate that Mr. Moran never attempted to extort, coerce, or pressure Mr. Reid directly or indirectly, but rather as a seasoned professional endeavored to provide sound advice regarding the viability of Mr. Reids candidacy to someone he counted as a friend, Terwilliger told Spies.

Reids campaign asserted Wednesday night that Moran issued a fake affidavit that does not include a declaration under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Reid camps letter

In a letter to Moran on Monday, Reids lawyer, Spies, accused him of providing information accusing our client of owning a Tumblr account containing unsavory images to multiple news organizations. While this account shared a common username with our clients Instagram, he is not and never has been associated with the account.

The lawyer also alleged that Moran had threatened to share additional content with news outlets if Reid did not drop out of the race by Saturday. Spies cited a meeting on Sunday in which he said Moran made clear that you only intend to stop sharing smears against Mr. Reid if he drops out of the race, and if he stays in the race, you intend to continue attacking and smearing him.

Moran, in his affidavit on Wednesday, said the lawyers account of the meeting is false.

He said he had agreed to meet directly with Reid on Sunday, but the candidate did not show up.

Instead, Moran said he met on Sunday with Alonzo Mable, Reids longtime partner; Noah Jennings, his campaign manager; and a mutual friend who had arranged the meeting. Moran did not identify the friend, but said he would vouch for the truth of his account of the meeting.

It was clear in the meeting that I had acted on the information as a friend and a colleague of John Reid, and adamantly deny the characterization of the meeting, Moran said.

I never attacked John and did not threaten or coerce him, he said in the affidavit. I communicated what I truly believed was in his best interests in my judgment.

Mutual threats

Reid gave a different account in a video on Sunday afternoon in which he 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.

Reid and Moran threaten to sue each other over the dispute.

Spies, in his cease-and-desist letter on Monday, demanded that Moran retract all defamatory statements made to the press and cited case law on defamation.

Terwilliger, Morans lawyer, demanded on Wednesday that Spies retract Reids erroneous allegations.

We reserve all rights to pursue appropriate legal remedies should this matter unnecessarily escalate, and that includes any statements and social media messages defaming Mr. Moran, he said.

However, Terwilliger offered to discuss with you how we can work together to de-escalate the situation.
John Reid is gobsmacked that the leopard attempted to eat his face.

Reid is the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in the November election. He earned this distinction when his lone opponent dropped out of the race because of health issues. This turn of events resulted in the most diverse statewide ticket in Virginia history: Black female, white gay male and Hispanic male.

It was a historic show of diversity by a Republican Party whose hostility toward diversity, equity and inclusion has become its calling card. A gay nominee was destined to produce tension in a party that has become captive to white Christian nationalism.

And so it came to pass.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a man who wears his Christian faith as loudly as his red fleece vest, asked Reid to drop out of the race over explicit photos that Reid denies he reposted on social media, a story first reported by The Richmonder. Youngkin, explaining himself later, said: Its a distraction for campaigns and its a distraction from people paying attention to the most important issues.

Never mind that Youngkin, in getting ahead of his skis by undermining his partys ticket, became the biggest source of the distraction. Reid responded that he wasnt going anywhere, and accused Youngkin and his operatives of seeking a coup against a gay man whom they didnt want to be their nominee but didnt have the guts to run against.

As a longtime political conservative, Reid  cast as a victim of anti-gay bias  makes for a complicated narrative. But there was no mechanism, and seemingly little grassroots fervor, to remove him. Youngkin backed down after stating the obvious: The decision is Johns and up to John.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the GOPs standard-bearer for governor, said pretty much the same thing after a notable silence, before adding: We all have our own race to run  hardly a rousing declaration of ticket solidarity. The third member of the ticket, Attorney General Jason Miyares, remained silent.

The heartburn about Reids candidacy seems to be more keenly felt among the faith-forward wing of political conservatives embodied by The Family Foundation.

Anyone not alarmed by Christian nationalists taking a wrecking ball to the wall between church and state apparently missed our disproportionately Catholic U.S. Supreme Court as it leans toward signing off on the establishment of the nations first religious public charter school. Team MAGA likes its shot of fascism with a theocracy chaser.

Youngkins attack on Reid wasnt tactically smart on a number of levels beyond his status as a lame duck governor of waning influence. Reid, a popular talk radio host, former news anchor, and the son of a longtime GOP lawmaker, Jack Reid, has accumulated substantial people capital.

But diversity has its limitations, and identity politics can be puddle shallow. The policies we advocate on behalf of others carry more meaning than our identity. Reids nonsupport for the transgender community is an example of how facile labels can be.

Reid is the standard-bearer of a political party whose then-governor, Bob McDonnell, led the charge in inserting into the state constitution a ban on same-sex marriage.

Actions beyond Virginias control began to undermine the discrimination inserted into our constitution. In 2011, the administration of then-President Barack Obama announced that it would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) provision  not unlike that in our state constitution  defining marriage as only between a man and a woman.

Attitudes shifted and the resistance to marriage equality began to unravel. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges guaranteed the right of same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. With the court declaring marriage equality the law of the land, Congress subsequently passed the Respect for Marriage Act overturning DOMA. The states whose senators voted against were mostly red.

When the Supreme Court, in striking down Roe v. Wade, said the right to privacy did not apply to abortions, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas said Obergefell should be revisited under the same rationale. GOP lawmakers in other states have taken Thomas position to heart as they call on the Supreme Court to overturn gay marriage, according to ABC News. All of this lends urgency to Virginias effort to place marriage equality in its constitution.

The Republican Party, in my lifetime, has been a latecomer or opposer to every movement for social change. Youngkin, Earle-Sears and Miyares, in neither pronouncements nor policy, can be viewed as friends of the LGBTQ community. The anti-DEI agenda of the MAGA movement is inherently anti-LGBTQ.

That Reid himself apparently has enough juice to weather this assault says little about the broader support for LGBTQ rights within the Republican Party. Just as complimentary racism is a real thing, its possible for people to like and support Reid, but not the larger LGBTQ population. Bigotry carves out exceptions for individuals that it believes will serve its end.

Reid calling out a coup against his own individual ambitions ignores the extent in which the party he claims has waged war against the rights and aspirations of LGBTQ people.

I dont know, and dont particularly care, about the accusations surrounding Reid and social media. But the clutching of pearls from GOP colleagues in thrall to Donald Trump would be hilarious if it werent so rife with hypocrisy. Any Trump supporter whod balk at backing Reid because of this controversy is taking situational morality to absurd levels.

Republicans are fond of inveighing against identity politics. But what theyre offering voters in November is a case of cognitive dissonance disguised as diversity. The Black woman at the top abides the anti-DEI erasure of Black jobs, Black history and protections against anti-Black discrimination.

The attorney general, whose mother fled from Fidel Castros Cuba, is apparently OK with America not only turning a blind eye to migrants fleeing desperate circumstances, but deporting immigrants and permanent residents without due process.

Meanwhile, members of the electorate  including Black, Hispanic, Arab and LGBTQ people  are shocked that the leopard they voted for is now making a meal of their face.

The Republican Party lacks a single openly gay member among the dozen LGBTQ people in Congress. The lone recent exception, former U.S. Rep. George Santos, is facing more than seven years in prison. Reid is launching his bid from a brittle platform, amid dubious company.

The issue is not Reids right to represent the GOP on this ticket. Its more like, why would he want to?
Mexico and the U.S. announce Rio Grande water agreement

Mexico City, Mexico  Mexico and the United States announce agreement on Rio Grande water allocations under the 1944 Treaty. The governments of Mexico and the United States have reached an agreement to address the issue of Rio Grande water allocations.

The agreement involves the current five-year water delivery cycle, which began on October 25, 2020, and concludes on October 24 of this year. Mexico has agreed with the United States to implement a series of measures aimed at mitigating potential shortfalls in water deliveries from Mexico toward the end of the cycle, providing for immediate water transfers, as well as during the upcoming rainy season.

All of these actions have as their fundamental premise the assurance of water supplies for human consumption for the Mexican populations that depend on the waters of the Rio Grande.

The actions that will conclude at the end of this cycle were defined within the framework of technical meetings involving authorities from both countries and will be formalized within the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

The Mexican section of IBWC will also monitor both the implementation of these actions and the evolution of the basins conditions in conjunction with the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) with the goal of generating a plan for the next cycle of the 1944 Treaty that ensures compliance with Mexicos commitments arising from this and the next cycle, including a mechanism for high-level annual consultations.

The governments of Mexico and the United States also agreed that the 1944 Treaty offers benefits to both countries, so its renegotiation is not considered necessary.
This article contains spoilers for Careme.

Apple TV is describing Marie-Antoine Careme, the eponymous hero of its new French biographical drama, as the first celebrity chef, a sort of 19th-century Anthony Bourdain, an innovator and a rebel. Its an image greatly helped by star Benjamin Voisins Jagger-esque pout, early 90s Damon Albarn mod haircut, and cheekbones you could microplane lemon zest on. But Caremewidely considered to be the originator of French haute cuisinewas not so much a celebrity in the contemporary mass media sense as a darling of the 19th-century elite, becoming the personal chef for, among others, Czar Alexander I and Britains Prince Regent.

The series itself is a sort of mashup of Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette (period-perfect interiors combined with very modern sexual attitudes and workplace demographics), The Bear, and James Bond. This is because when not revolutionizing French cookery, Careme is sent by his employerthe wily and devious diplomat and political fixer Talleyrandto plant or filch various documents central to Talleyrands power games. And, naturally, gaining access to said documents seems to involve an unlikely amount of seducing society beauties.

But if Caremes activities as an undercover agent are somewhat historically dubious, his primacy as a chef is not. Here, we take a look at whats fact and whats invention in Careme.

Did Careme Undertake Dangerous Work for Talleyrand to Save His Adoptive Father?

In the series, Sylvain Baillya patissier (pastry chef) who became the young Caremes adoptive father, teaching him the secrets of pastry-making and promising to leave Careme his thriving cake shopis overheard making anti-Bonapartist remarks and is arrested by Fouche, Napoleons fearsome head of police determined to stamp out any dissent. Talleyrand promises to use his influence to get Bailly out of Fouches clutches if Careme will sneak into the private quarters of the aristocrats hes cooking for and, at great personal risk, steal or copy their personal papers.

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In reality, Careme was indeed taken on by Bailly in 1798 as an apprentice in his patisserie restaurant. This was a step up for the young Careme, who had been thrown out by his desperately poor family at the age of 10. (There were 15 more mouths to feed.) Fortunately, he was able to find work as a kitchen boy and general dogsbody in a working-class chophouse. Patisserie was the most highly regarded form of cooking at the time and Bailly was one of the top practitioners, with a shop that attracted starry customers like Talleyrand.

However, if Careme did take on nonculinary tasks at Talleyrands urging (and there is no proof that he did), it would not have been to rescue Bailly. For one thing, although he felt he owed Bailly a lotnot least for encouraging him to become literate and allowing him to spend time in the nearby Bibliotheque Nationaleafter three years he went to work for the competition, a celebrated patissier called Gendron, partially because Gendron was relaxed about Caremes moonlighting as a freelance caterer for important clients. However, by 1803, when the series has him working as Talleyrands in-house chef and risking his life for the diplomats schemes, Careme had in fact opened his own shop, which he operated for the next 10 years while continuing to work as a pastry cook and later as a chef de cuisine at great social and official banquets.

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Did Careme Get His Big Break Cooking for Napoleon After Saving the Generals Life?

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While delivering pastries to a brothel restaurant frequented by French soldiers, Careme learns that Napoleon, who is also on the premises, is having some kind of seizure. He whips up an herbal remedy that helps the general recover. The next day, Napoleons aide-de-camp visits Baillys patisserie and offers Careme a job, but the anti-Bonapartist chef refuses.

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However, eager to see his protege do well and aware of the consequences of incurring Napoleons displeasure, Bailly urges Careme to accept, and soon Careme is working in the kitchens of the Tuileries under the direction of Napoleons chef, the alcoholic and somewhat shambolic Laguipere, who has the hotshot pastry chef start at the bottom by peeling hundreds of onions.

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In fact, Careme is not known to have ever been officially employed by Napoleon, although his services were lent by Talleyrand for special occasions, such as the wedding of Napoleons brother Jerome to Katharina of Wurttemberg in 1807 and, three years later, the second marriage of Napoleon himself to Marie Louise of Austria, for whom Careme created an impressive wedding cake. As the leading chef of his day, Careme is thought to have cooked for Napoleons coronation celebration in 1804, but this is not confirmed. However, he worked for the emperor only on a freelance basis. Far from despising Laguipere, Careme paid tribute to him in his 1822 book Le maitre dhotel francais, writing that it was at the Elysee Napoleon under the auspices of Messrs. Robert and Laguipere that I learned the elegance of modern cookery and the running of a large establishment.

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Did Talleyrand Woo Careme Away From Napoleon by Making Him His Head Chef?

Fed up with working for a boss with low standards at a job where he is not valued, Careme accepts Talleyrands offer to take charge of the foreign ministers kitchen as head chef. Even more compellingly, Talleyrand promises to use his influence to help free Bailly.

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Although Careme was indeed hired by Talleyrand as chef patissier, he was never in charge of the chateaus kitchen. Instead, from about 1803 to 1814, he worked under Talleyrands head chef, Boucher. Napoleon had no particular interest in food, but Talleyrand was a renowned gourmet, spending an hour each morning going over the menu for the day. Before hiring Careme, Talleyrand challenged the young chef to produce menus for the entire year with no entrees repeated and all taking the very modern approach of being based on local and seasonal ingredients. He achieved this, though not without considerable input from Talleyrand himself.

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A Spanish writer, Manu Ruiz de Luzuriaga, maintains that Careme was never actually hired full time by Talleyrand and worked only on an on-demand basis, which gave him time to operate his pastry shop. The assertion that Careme was employed by Talleyrand, de Luzuriaga says, arises from Caremes dedicating his 1815 book, Le patissier royal parisien, to Boucher, controleur de la Maison de Talleyrand and listing his own position as chef de bouche du prince de Talleyrand without making it clear he was strictly a consultant chef de bouche.

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Talleyrands predilection for a good banquet was motivated by more than his love of food. He saw the grand, haute cuisinestyle service as an opportunity to pick up useful gossip from dinner guests. Footmen/waiters were responsible for pouring drinks, removing empty glasses, and ensuring that guests received their courses at the same time, all the while keeping their ears open. The next day, the waiters scrupulously reported to Talleyrand what they had overheard at dinner. This may be the kernel of the shows conceit that Careme doubled as Talleyrands spy.

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Did Empress Josephine Host Upmarket Orgies?

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In an effort to visit Bailly in prison, Careme, who has seen Talleyrands young illegitimate daughter at the house, sends a note to Fouche confirming her existence. Sure enough, Fouche soon arrives to lecture Talleyrand about the immorality of the foreign secretarys having a love child, especially when said foreign secretary is a former bishop, and to pressure him into marrying his long-term partner, Catherine Grandthe last thing Talleyrand wants. A furious Talleyrand fires Careme and promises to blacklist him. Careme says he can put everything right if he can cook for a party Josephine is throwing. Almost every dish Careme provides is prepared with lots of alcohol, especially the dessert, and as the guests get increasingly drunk, the party degenerates into an orgy, with attendees having sex right in front of the wife of the most powerful man in France. Careme himself seduces Josephine, makes sure they are discovered, then blackmails her into adopting Talleyrands position on divorce reform in the civil code Napoleon is currently writing.

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Although this scenario is possible, Josephines borrowing Careme for anything other than to create boozy desserts for a party is highly unlikely. As a not particularly rich, not particularly well-connected divorced mother of two during an especially dangerous and unstable period (the French Revolution and its immediate aftermath), Josephine made the most of her assets as a beautiful woman and accomplished networker to gain the protection of powerful men. In the interim between the execution of Robespierre and Napoleons ascendancy, she gained a reputation for extravagance and decadence as the lover of Paul Barras, the commander of the Army of the Interior and the police, known for his high-rolling lifestyle.

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While Josephine certainly led a sophisticated life, there is no evidence for her hosting or permitting orgies. This rumor is partially the result of anti-French propaganda by British cartoonist James Gillray, who created an 1804 drawing depicting Josephine and the wife of another powerful man dancing naked for Barras at a party. The grain of truth behind the slurs was that once a week Josephine would throw a lavish party for Barras and his friends, with large amounts of meats, flowers, and exotic fruitsa display that did not go down well when ordinary citizens were finding it hard to make ends meet, giving rise to rumors of other forms of hedonism. Clearly, slut-shaming a woman as a political weapon to get to a powerful man is nothing new.

Did Careme Invent the Vol-Au-Vent?

At a party where Talleyrand really needs to impress, Careme unveils his new creation, which doesnt even have a name until the end of the event: the vol-au-vent, or flight in the wind, because of its lightness.

This is true. Careme invented not just the vol-au-vent but the croquembouche and

mille-feuille, as well as codifying the four grand saucesbechamel, veloute, espagnole, and hollandaisethat are the foundation of French haute cuisine.
When I think of autism representation that reflects my own experience as a diagnosed autisticDale Cooper, Data, Alan Grant, Yakko Warner, Paulie Walnuts, David Byrne (specifically David Byrne in True Stories), Bob Dylan in the Must Be Santa music video, and GokuI rarely think of characters or texts where the disorder is explicitly named, or even alluded to. If you can say one thing about the spectrum with any certainty, its that its slippery and a little amorphousyou grab at your version of it wherever, and whenever, you can. But the versions presented in works that claim to home in on the autistic experience with intentionality often make the mistake of being clinically specific, in a way that leaves its autistic character feeling more like an anthropomorphized passage from the DSM than a fully realized being. Characters like Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor are so cringe, they find me practicing eye contact for prolonged periods alone in my room so that I cant be found aspy by association. Theres an earnestness to these well-intentioned portrayals that have infused the popular notion of autistic identity with corniness, stemming from a failure by neurotypical creators to understand something wily about realizing autism in their works: The autistic experience isnt so much a matter of content, but form.

The 2016 action thriller The Accountant, starring Ben Affleck, and its newly released sequel The Accountant 2, by contrast, make up a surprisingly successful depiction of autistic ways of being. These honest, if goofy, tributes to the autistic experience treat being on the spectrum not as a disability, but as a weapona refreshing and, frankly, fun take at a time when autism is increasingly being demonized in the public sphere.

The Accountant, written by Bill Dubuque and directed by Gavin OConnor, admittedly does run head-first, stimming, into some of the problems common to cliche representations of autism. Affleck plays Christian Wolff, a high-functioning autistic CPA who moonlights for the worlds most dangerous criminal organizations to help them cook their bookswhile also covertly tipping off the feds to their goings-on. He happens to also be a super-warrior assassin, raised since boyhood by an ex-military-psy-ops father to be a killing machine who is at one point forced to unleash Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat on his likely scarred-for-life 12-year-old bullies.

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Wolffs autism is central to both the plot and his characterization. It is depicted as a semi-torturous superpower (as autism often is) that allows him to crack insanely baroque tax-fraud puzzles, but also railroads him onto revenge plots fueled by a compulsive need to finish the puzzle. It is a dour, regularly grim, only occasionally tongue-in-cheek (when Anna Kendrick is on screen, at least) portrayal of autism, sitting within an overstuffed mid-tier action film that is as silly as it is self-serious.

And yet, upon rewatching The Accountant recently, I found myself oddly moved by its examination of autistic loneliness. Sure, it is given a babys-first-Travis-Bickle treatment, but within its depiction of the relationship between Wolff and his equally deadly, if infinitely more charming, younger brother, Braxton (Jon Bernthal), is a gently honest approach to the quintessentially autistic experience of Sorry, Im doing my best.

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But where this relationship is only really explored in the final moments of The Accountant, The Accountant 2, which was released in theaters on April 25 and will eventually stream on Amazon Prime, wisely gives itself over to it, trading the first films sluggish sternness for a cheekier riff on the autistic-plus-neurotypical-buddy-cop dynamic. With Bernthal to bounce off, Affleck has room to transform Wolff from a one-note, cliche, robot autistic into a real-enough (the reality of these films being unequivocally bonkers) person who just happens to be autistic.

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In this way, the sequel approaches the often comic nature of intimate autistic and non-autistic relationships with something approaching joyousness. Theres a scene at the films midpoint where its labyrinthine plot detailing cartel conspiracies and human trafficking and super-assassinsthe film revolves around the hunt for the killer of a prominent character from the first filmthrows its hands up, as if to say Hey, we dont really know whats going on, either, and decides to let its overstimulated audience take a breather. Braxton convinces Christian to head out for drinks. The film all but opens with Christian rigging the algorithm of a speed-dating night, then proceeding to whiff 50-ish dates with his autistically blunt vibes (been there, brother!), as much of the movie focuses on Christians attempts to fit in and forge community in a society that makes that all but impossible. But, out with his rambunctious, BDE-imbued little bro at a honky-tonk L.A. saloon, Christian finds himself mesmerized by, then memorizing, the line-dancing steps, then joining in beside the hot waitress he awkwardly hit on, to Braxtons enthusiastic encouragementThats my big brother up there!

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Its a warm scene following an earlier, quieter exchange when the brothers reunite. It turns out they havent seen each other since the events of the last film, which ended with Christians promise to keep in contacta turn of events that I, embarrassingly, found extremely sad. Braxton, the very picture of a mans man mercenary, has tears in his eyes as he asks his older brother outright: Is it because of you or because of me? Christian looks confused, and Braxton elaborates: You just dont, like  miss me. Is that because of you or me? Is it because of  yknow  your condition? to which Christian replies, gently: Im just me.

It is a sweet little moment in an otherwise grisly film that has more Mozambique Drills than Rain Man has autistic tics. You should not tear up watching The Accountant 2, but heck, I did: I know what it is to want to meet the neurotypical world halfway, to apologize for inadequately letting a loved one know just how deeply you love them, for misunderstanding the social cues at a shoot-out. The Accountant franchise gets at these true autistic experiences by way of John Grisham, but hell, Ill take it.

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But where The Accountant 2 truly blossoms into an autistic text is in its awkward, inscrutable clunk. Its secondary villain is an acquired savant who essentially gained super-autism via a head injury. The franchises guy (or gal) in the chair tropeChristians childhood friend, a nonverbal autistic named Justine (the autistic actor Allison Robertson, recast from Alison Wright, who still provides Justines voice)is now a Professor X of sorts, running our protagonists international spy rig from the home for autistic children her father founded, which is heavily subsidized by Christians ill-gotten earnings, and overseeing a pack of child autists (all played by children on the spectrum) as they hack military drones and change the L.A. traffic lights to a highway of green for Christian to race through.

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It is unwieldy and odd and giddily over the top in a way that feels, to me, recognizably autistic in its methods of hyper-imagination. This is autism as shonen animea power fantasy, with autism supercharged and wielded by the neurodivergent to run loops around what Justine calls the NTs (neurotypicals) and/or normies (phrases that are, granted, so corny that I can only respond with her catchphrase: Heavy sigh).

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This is stupid in the way that the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! or JoJos Bizarre Adventure are stupid, which is to say that, ultimately, its fun. Critics have decried The Accountant 2 as being mean-spirited, badly shot schlock, on the edge of seeing his autism as nothing more than a punchline, and a very Hollywood treatment of autism, but, at the risk of corniness myself, I found it empowering. Within the context of the American governments fascistic war on autismwith that melted-rubber buttplug of a Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. practically preaching the language of eradication when it comes to people like myselfit is nothing short of thrilling to see a Goku-esque version of autists go beast mode on child-trafficking cretins.

Afflecks depiction isnt perfect. But the search for perfect autistic representation will lead us nowhere, because it does not exist. Christian Wolffs autism is just as valid as mine, while being totally distinct and infinitely more kill-shot-riddled. As autistic viewers, theres little point in driving ourselves mad chasing the ideal simulacrum of an experience as diverse as it is digressive, when sometimes an indulgent fantasy will suffice. Like Christian, I long to share a beer with my bro atop a converted Airstream trailer stocked with high-end weaponry and priceless art. Until then, Ill settle for a line dance.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Amazon Prime Videos recent World War II miniseries, is traumatizing in multiple ways. One of those ways involves Jacob Elordi, the extremely tall Australian actor whose starring role in this has tricked some of his fanswho want to see him in a romantic historical drama and arent pacified by sneak peeks from the set of Wuthering Heightsinto watching a show that is, to put it lightly, incredibly bleak. Amazons cover image is really misleading, said a Redditor. I keep seeing posts from Prime with ONLY the romantic scenes, another said. Posting TikTok ads with clips of Dorrigo and Amy captioned bring back men who yearn is crazy business and sells a super distorted vision of what the show really is. Other, wiser fans know their limits: I saw a DELICIOUS gif of Jacob Elordis back from this show on twitter but unfortunately I dont watch war films, one such commenter added. (Here is the GIF, and its NSFW.)

The five-episode series, which is adapted from Richard Flanagans 2014 Man Bookerwinning novel of the same name, is a gorgeous, moody historical show that has been flying under the radar since its April 18 release, even while maintaining very high Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd ratings. (The first two episodes premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, and the shows director, Elordis fellow Aussie Justin Kurzel, comes from film, most recently directing 2024s well-reviewed The Order; that is to say, this series is ambitious.) Maybe thats an artifact of the streaming era, when we all just have too much television to watch, or maybe its because the story is grim in the extreme, and although it twines a love story with a war story, its still quite hard to fit into the period romance genre, no matter how much Prime Videos marketing team tries.

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The story follows the life of Dorrigo Evans (played by Elordi, primarily), a twentysomething doctor who has a brief, hot affair with his uncles young wife, Amy (Odessa Young), while hes engaged to another woman, Ella (Olivia DeJonge), then immediately ships out to fight, spending most of the Second World War as a prisoner of the Japanese army in Thailand, the commanding officer of hundreds of miserable, starving men. Afterward, he comes home, marries Ella, and never speaks to Amy again. Flanagans father spent three years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, working on the ThaiBurma Railway, a doomed project that cost the lives of 90,000 civilians and 16,000 prisoners of war, and the character of Dorrigo is based partially on him and partially on real-life surgeon and officer Edward Weary Dunlop. Because of this grounding in real life, the publication and the Man Bookerification of Narrow Road was a huge literary and historical moment in Australia; accordingly, the miniseries features many Australian actors and was filmed in New South Wales.

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The show has three timelines, with three distinct visual and aural milieus. Theres the seaside, near Adelaide, where Dorrigo visits his uncles pub during the time right before hes shipped out, and carries out his love affair with Amy. These scenes, backed by the sound of rushing waves, have a golden heat to them. You can see the pubs midcentury lack of air conditioning in the sweat on the actors bodies, and in Amys desperate gulping-down of a glass of water before her first tryst with Dorrigo. (Its these scenes, and the chemistry between Elordi and Young, that are inspiring those yearning Elordi TikTok edits.)

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Then theres the jungle, loud with nature sounds and constantly dripping wet. Theres an indelible image when Dorrigo, having first arrived with his men at the prisoner-of-war camp, still in a flush of Maybe well get through, if we keep up our morale delirium, glimpses a group of emaciated prisoners in rags whove been there longer. This is his future: diminishment, hunger, beriberi, lice, ringworm, suppurating ulcers. When you see this group of skeletal men, the contrast between the look of their prisoners bodies and the relentless activity of the jungle conveys a deep sense of foreboding. The other jungle-camp scenesan amputation without anesthesia; a beheading; a protracted beating thats terrible to watchare brown and green with foliage and mud, both monotonous and unbelievably upsetting.

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The third timeline, with Ciaran Hinds as an older Dorrigo and Heather Mitchell as his long-suffering wife Ella, takes place in Sydney in the 1980s, mostly in this miserable couples gorgeous modernist house. Dorrigo, now a surgeon and a public figure, is working on a speech he needs to give at the opening of a gallery show exhibiting the drawings that one of his men did of their time on the railroad. The dominant impression is upper-class, poisonous silence. This series gives me anxiety of being in a loveless marriage and not being chosen, one commenter on TikTok said of the show, and although others mocked this user for focusing on the romance rather than the war, its true that the ennui of Dorrigo and Ellas later life is a sad mirror of the trapped, traumatic feeling of the camp. I dont think Dorrigo has friends, Ella says; in one dreamlike visual, he hovers in the air 6 feet over her as they sleep in bedwhats between them is an impassable separation.

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This is not a typical Man comes home from war and suffers PTSD story, however. The novel, which offers far more character development than the miniseries (thats what novels are good for), poses this possibility: Maybe Dorrigo was never virtuous or good, and his suffering taught him nothing. Flanagans novel is, as some Redditors have correctly assessed, a classic great book I never want to read again. Its not just that the things Dorrigo Evans and his soldiers suffer are awfulway more awful on the page than the screen, by the way; I guess passages like The mans buttocks were little more than wretched cables, out of which his anus protruded like a turkshead of filthy rope arent good candidates for streaming TV adaptationthough they are. Its also that Dorrigo, as a character, experiences two remarkable things in his life, both in his 20s, then stalls out into meaninglessness.

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Related From Slate Apple TVs Acclaimed Crime Drama Pulls Off a Shocking, Satisfying Ending Read More

The first of those things is a love that, he thinks at the time, is transcendent, singular, and pure. But its also one thats transgressive, amplified by its forbidden nature and the wartime setting; you wonder whether Dorrigo and Amys torrid romance would have mattered this much if the two had met under different circumstances. Then, hes put in the impossible situation of the POW camp, where he is tested and becomes the leader his men call Big Fella but also develops a view of the world that sees all that sorrow, suffering, and heroism as contingent, random, and maybe ultimately pointless. In the novel, Dorrigo dies only partially redeemed; he is, to put it bluntly, kind of an asshole, who lies to himself about how much his self-delusion has hurt his wife and children.

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But Flanagan surrounds Dorrigos postwar story with that of other characters who also experience the war and come away with very little greater understanding of lifemost memorably, the Japanese officers who ran the POW camp, and who never truly regret it, and the Korean guard most hated by the prisoners, who (we find out) was forced into service by his familys extreme poverty under Japanese colonial rule. The awful scene at the crux of the novel, which also anchors Episode 4 of the TV adaptation, is this guards beating and killing of Darky Gardiner (his name is sanitized in the TV series into Frank), a likable, young, part-Aboriginal soldier who turns out to have been connected to Dorrigo in an intimate way that he comes to understand only years later.

You might think these artfully conveyed backstories, connections, or novelistic revelations would make things make sense, but none of them do very much to help the reader escape the storys dominant sense of gloom. War, the novel argues, is not about redemption, and heroes like Dorrigo are just regular people who happened to find that in impossible circumstances, performing their duty made them feel better than giving up. In one memorable passage early in the book, Flanagan speaks directly to the reader: Horror can be contained within a book, given form and meaning. But in life horror has no more form than it does meaning. Horror just is. And while it reigns, it is as if there is nothing in the universe that it is not.

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This is near impossible to re-create for the screen: Justin Kurzel and Shaun Grant, the series writer, cannot put Jacob Elordi into a beautiful Amazon Prime production about love and war that leaves people with a Horror just is vibe. And so, many big and small tweaks are duly made. Ella is much more likable in the show than in the book, which makes Dorrigos choice to stay with her after the war more understandable. Rather than resisting the idea of preserving his soldiers drawings after his deathbecause, as novel Dorrigo thinks, telling the story will do nothingTV Dorrigo smuggles his sketchbook out as a matter of course. And in the final episode, at the gallery opening where people come to see Dorrigo talk about the drawings, he amends the speech hes written, to make it scan a bit better to people who want some kind of wisdom and resolution. Our memory is the only true defense against repeating the miseries of history, he says, and the camera pulls back to show a wide view of the gallery, with the ghosts of the skeletal POWs surrounding him, in a sort of tacit scene of approval and witness. This is exactly the kind of sop to our latter-day sensibilities that the novels Dorrigo would disdain.

Still: Jacob Elordi is in an Amazon Prime miniseries about a corner of World War II unfamiliar to many Americans. Its gorgeous, ugly, and stirring, with parts that seared themselves into my brain, and it got me to read a really good novel. At least Kurzel did not give its doomed love story a happy ending, though this must have been tempting. This was a great use of Amazons money, and I hope the romance-first watchers recover soon.
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The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that members of Teslas board of directors had reached out to several executive search firms about beginning an effort to find Elon Musks successor at the company. This action would make sense, because Musks recasting of himself as a right-wing political kingmaker has alienated a lot of people who might have otherwise been Tesla buyers. The companys sales numbers are bad, and Musks personal behavior has hurt its stock price.

But Tesla denies it. In a short X post signed by Teslas board chair, Robyn Denholm, the company said the Journal was erroneously claiming that the Tesla Board had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search at the company. This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published). The board chair said the group is highly confident in Musk and left it that. (She left herself a bit of semantic breathing room, denying that the Tesla Board put out feelers but not that any individual directors ever poked around.)

Well, its true that if no one has even started looking into a plan to replace Musk, that is a shortsighted decision. A Tesla without a post-Musk plan is a Tesla without a plan at all.

The big reason the Tesla board needs a plan is that Musk is a danger to Teslas stock. Perhaps this gets complicated because Musk is also, like it or not, the single most important factor in favor of Teslas stock. The recent cratering of the companys stock price (down 25 percent year to date) belies that the stock still trades way, way higher relative to Teslas earnings than any of its peers would ever dream of. That it has a celebrity CEO surely helps.

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Hence, Musk is allowed to make himself nationally unpopular, spend a bunch of his time not just on his other companies but taking a chain saw to the federal government, and alienate the one specific half of America that is much more likely to buy electric cars. You can see how, in the Tesla boards cost-benefit analysis on Musk, all of that is very bad but not bad enough to kick Musk to the curb, because he is pumping up the stock by drawing breath. As a bonus, the thing about Musk that has received nationwide outragehis unaccountable remaking of the government and the favors he gets from Trumpcarry obvious benefits for Tesla. The Trump administration just rolled back reporting requirements for certain types of self-driving vehicle crashes. Guess whose cars qualify for that reporting exemption? If you smooth out all the ups and downs and just look at where Teslas stock is now compared with a year ago, the line still goes upa lot.

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That longer-term trend might not hold forever, though. Theres plenty of time left in the second Trump administration for Musk to get much less popular, even if he soon spends less time on his government work, as he says he will. Theres plenty of time for the market to spank Musk even more than it has the past few months. Theres also time for Democrats to win back the House and start holding hearings about Musk and Tesla on a regular basis. Theres time for one of them to win the White House in the future, and who knows how the next Democratic president might feel about a right-wing billionaire who will have spent most of the previous decade trying to marginalize Democrats? To not be thinking about what to do in the case that politics becomes less hospitable to Musk would be malpractice.

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These are fresh dynamics to consider, but the need for Tesla to think about a post-Musk existence is not. Four years ago, a business professor told me that Tesla was the mother of all meme stocks, and Ive often thought about that since. Most people dont talk about Tesla as a largely character-driven stock in the same way they do, for example, GameStop. The leading American electric car company is a slightly easier pitch, in practical terms, than a video game retailer that took a while to figure out the internet. But Teslas stock depends heavily on retail investors counting on Musk to conjure up market belief, which hes been exceptionally good at. The stock often trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of well over 100. Thursday, it was about 167. General Motors was around six; Ford, seven. Musk, by coming off as visionary and futuristic to enough people, has helped Tesla sell itself not as a car company and not even as a tech company but as some singular representation of the future.

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Thats why Teslas stock has prolonged downturns when Musk embarrasses himself in other arenas, be they his purchase of Twitter in 2022 or his Department of Government Efficiency initiative this year. When the public starts to distrust Musk, or at least remembers that it distrusts him, investors wobble too. There is also the matter that Musk will eventually die  maybe even sooner rather than later. He has used a bunch of recreational drugs and sometimes looks, at public appearances, as if hes not of sound mind. He appears to sleep very little. He himself has claimed, though not with evidence, that hes the No. 2 assassination target after Trump. Does this seem like a CEO whose directors wouldnt, or shouldnt, keep an eye toward a succession plan?

That said, Tesla may not be able to dig up the kind of future CEO it will need by going through an executive search firms typical process. If there is a charismatic, fundamentals-breaking Musk successor out there who can keep the stock high despite Teslas inability to sell that many cars, they are probably not the kind of person whom headhunters traditionally present for major executive roles. Imagine some unheralded CEO candidate walking into a boardroom and explaining to Teslas search committee that he has a long history of generating solid annual results and getting his companys stock to trade at competitive prices, because he has a keen sense for investor relations. Cool, but thats a far cry from the stock-supercharging that Musk does just by existing as his attention-grabbing self. Maybe Tesla should be targeting GameStops Ryan Cohen or AMC Theatres Adam Aron, who years ago appeared on a video call in his underwear in an effort to boost his companys stock. Maybe Catturd can run Tesla next.

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It is really tough to create a plan to succeed a person who defies planning, and maybe thats why Teslas board has bent over backward for Musk at so many turns in his long leadership of the company. What comes after Musk might be ugly, but if nothing else, it is unknown. If you are a Tesla board member in 2025, you might be beside yourself that you cannot get someone with a 12-figure stake in your company to prioritize that company. But youd probably rather not get into a public fight with that person, where the possible outcomes are that you win (and the stock probably goes down, at least for a bit, because markets still on the whole love Elon Musk) or you lose (and you find yourself out of a cushy board job sooner rather than later). Its not a high-upside game of chicken.
Guy Joseph Leonard, Jr., 49 of Great Mills, MD died suddenly April 24, 2025. He was known affectionately by his family as Joey, and Guy to his friends and community.



He was born January 10, 1976, at Patuxent River Naval Hospital, MD, to Jane (nee: Bridges) Leonard of North Little Rock, AR and the late Guy Joseph Leonard, Sr. He grew up in St. Mary's County and is a 1994 graduate of St. Mary's Ryken High School.



After graduating high school, Guy attended York College in York, PA where he met the love of his life. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998, majoring in International Studies with minors in government studies and French. He quickly landed a job with Interact Nova Group as a teacher, taking him to Fukushima, Japan, where he taught conversational English to groups of students from beginner to advanced and business level conversational English to the more advanced students. After one year, he returned to the United States, and began his career in journalism as a staff writer for The Gazette Newspapers in Laurel, MD. He was a contributing writer for the team that was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for their superior coverage on the "Beltway Sniper" story. He was also responsible for covering over 200 public schools within the Prince George's County educational system for two years, exposing the severe truancy problems plaguing the County; with truancy court established soon thereafter.



On October 7, 2006, he married his college sweetheart, Tegan Christine Buckley in Minersville, PA. The couple moved to St. Mary's County, and into Guy's family home. In 2007, he began the second leg of his career as a staff writer with The County Times Newspaper, working diligently to make the start-up newspaper one of the most trusted and reliable sources of news locally in St. Mary's County. Guy was a detail-oriented writer, always protecting his sources, upholding the highest level of ethics in fairness, accuracy and integrity, in all his publications. He was highly respected among his colleagues, politicians, and community members alike for his dedication to breaking numerous stories with precision and impartiality.



Guy was an avid reader, enjoying most genres, with his favorite author being Stephen King. He had an extensive Star Wars and Lego collection. He was an excellent cook, and started cooking early in his childhood, helping his mother shop for groceries and prepare meals. A favorite specialty he made was Ratatouille. He was a history buff and was well-studied on wars and the weaponry used. He was fascinated with learning all the intricate details of the guns and knives, including precise measurements, improvements, abilities, etc. He also enjoyed action movies, camp-outs with the Church, and vacations to see family members. He had a huge soft spot for his many beloved cats, whom he took excellent care of.



He is a 20-year active, faithful member of Patuxent Baptist Church in Great Mills, MD where he participated in worship services and bible study. He was a member of Sanner's Gun Club and a current member of Flat Broke Shooters Club, where he enjoyed shooting with his friends.



Guy is survived by his beloved mother, Jane, loving wife, Tegan, uncles, James "Jim" Bridges (Diann) of Sherwood, AR whom he had a close bond with, and Douglas "Doug" Bridges (Kate) of Pensacola, FL; his step-mother, Sandra Leonard of LaCrosse, WI; his in-laws, Peter and Joyce Buckley of Pottsville, PA; sister-in-law's, Tara Wheeler (Alfie) of Manteo, NC and Dr. Cali Buckley of New York, NY; many beloved fur babies; and extended friends and family. In addition to his father, he is also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Mary Jane Bridges and paternal grandparents, Harry and Alberta Leonard.



Family will receive friends on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a Funeral Service celebrated by Pastor Rick Connor at 1:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be private.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Feral Cat Rescue, Inc. http://www.feralcatrescuemd.org/ ; St. Mary's Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) https://smawl.org/ ; Patuxent Baptist Church building fund in memory of Guy Leonard Jr. https://www.patuxentbaptistchurch.org/give .
After reeling off nine consecutive stakes wins to end his rookie season, Brooksforreal picked up right where he left off and posted a 1:53.1 win in his three-year-old debut, taking one of two $13,889 first-round Maryland Sire Stakes divisions for sophomore pacing colts on Wednesday, April 30 at Rosecroft Raceway.

In line to Jared Moyer, Brooksforreal sat off a :27.3 first-quarter duel between Hungry Cougar (Jonathan Roberts) and Rustys Lancelot (Eric Davis) before brushing three-wide to the lead with a lap to go. Once in control, the Rustys For Real-Brooks Range gelding clicked off middle splits of :55.2 and 1:24.4 before fending off a resurgent Hungry Cougar by a half length. Rustys Lancelot finished third after failing to convert a pocket bid off the home turn.

Stacey McLenaghan trains Brooksforreal, now a 10-time winner with $239,682 in earnings from 14 starts, for Lucky Lilly Belle Stable of Culpeper, Virginia. He paid $2.10 to win as the overwhelming favourite.

Classic Cougar ($7.40) won the other male pacing division, posting a gate-to-wire 1:54.1 score over Dont Say Maybe (Frank Milby). William Carter drove the homebred Cougar Hall-Classic Mosee gelding to his second career victory for trainer Joe Offutt, who shares ownership with Karen Offutt with Woodsboro, Maryland.

Woodys Girl ($9.40) took the speed badge among pacing fillies, sustaining a first-over push off the home turn to collar 1-5 favourite Toys Little Tinker (William Carter) by a neck in 1:55 in line to Tim Deaton. Trainer Kasey Bendix co-owns the homebred Rustys For Real-Scootin Woody filly, now a three-time winner, with Virginia Marvel of Willards, Maryland.

Post Jolene ($3.80) captured the other pacing filly split, pulling the pocket on pacesetter Mygirlmia (William Carter) and vaulting clear to break her maiden by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:56. Jonathan Roberts drove the Nuclear Breeze-Positive Post filly for trainer, owner and breeder Winston Williams of Eden, Maryland.

On the trotting side of the ledger, TJ Jadster (Il Mago-Marlene And Grace) and driver William Carter was deemed a 2:09 winner for trainer Billy Carter and Caret, Virginia owner Elwood Tignor in the three-horse male trot after racing a distant third behind Yall Keep Dreaming (Johnathan Ahle) and Roan Ridge (Fern Paquet Jr.) through splits of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:27.4 and inheriting the lead in mid-stretch after Yall Keep Dreaming broke stride and Roan Ridge collided into him and subsequently fell.

In the subsequent filly trot, Yall Just Love Me and Johnathan Ahle made steady late inroads to collar K J The Thirteenth (Fern Paquet Jr.) in the final yards of a 1:57.1 mile. The hombred Yall Beneath Me-Likeavirgin Lindy filly is trained and owned by Richard Hans of Westminster, Maryland.

On the heels of his five-win effort on Monday, driver Jonathan Roberts reeled off five more victories on Wednesday's card. In addition to Post Jolene, the Maryland mainstay also won with Ideal Wish (1:55.4, $36.40), Tater Tot Hanover (1:55.2, $2.20), Whatineedisaman (1:55, $2.80) and Auntmillysmartini (1:54.1, $4.40).

Roberts' 10-win week propelled him to the top of the Rosecroft driving standings, and he now leads Russell Foster, 58-49, with five programs remaining in the meet. Johnathan Ahle is third, with 41, followed by Roger Plante Jr. in fourth (29) and William Carter and Hugh O'Neil tied for fifth (27).

Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Saturday, May 3 when the 11-race card will feature a $3,448.45 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5, offered in race 10. First post is 7:15 p.m.

(With files from Rosecroft Raceway)
Members of the 36th American Legion can be found at numerous events all around Gering throughout the year, but one event they really proud of is when they get to teach children about how to fold American flags.

On Monday, 129 Gering Public Schools fifth graders gathered at the Gering High School auxiliary gym for a flag-folding ceremony led by 36th American Legion honor guard commander Eldon Kramer.

Kramer and Legion volunteers presented the colors and showed students how to fold a flag properly.

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles of which the United States was originally founded, Kramer said.

In short, Kramer explained the symbolism of the folds. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance. The fifth fold is an acknowledgement to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mothers Day. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, In God We Trust.

Kramer posed a question to students what to do if a flag is worn out beyond repair. A student from Northfield answered partially true in that flags are burned, but that they are burned in a respectful ceremony, such as one offered by Legion members.

Kramer noted that the Legion, both in Gering and Scottsbluff, have a Community Disposal box for retired flags.

We fold all of our flags up the same way we do the American flag when we retire, Kramer said. So if you got a Denver Bronco flag, a Gering school flag, POW flag, you fold all of our flags the same way, and we will retire your other flags, not just American flags.

Before the students got to practice folding, he mentioned programs that are available to students through the Legion, including junior shooters, oratorical contests and Girls and Boys State.

Lincoln Elementary teachers shared how important they feel the ceremony is for kids.

Kristi Mueller and Sarah Cline have participated a combined 16 years.

I think the kids really enjoy it, Cline said. And it teaches them some respect that they dont necessarily get for the flag.

In addition to teachers and paras from the schools, there were about five Legion members available to help students practice folding.

Students were able to each keep a flag of their own.

Kramer added that theyve done similar presentations in Minatare and other small towns near Gering.

... We love doing it.
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Few months back, just before the onset of winter, I ordered two jackets online. Both belonged to the brand Allen Solly. One was a little bit costlier and the other was comparatively cheap. The products were received in due course of time. I have a habit of always checking the labels after I receive any product online. To my surprise, while one was manufactured in India, the other was manufactured in Bangladesh. By that time, doldrums in Bangladesh had already started and mental and physical torture on Hindus were on the rise and became a routine. Invariably, I became furious and my blood started to boil. I started to think why should an Indian brand, Allen Solly, which is owned by Aditya Birla Group, have their manufacturing facility outsourced from Bangladesh. Then I realized it is all about business where nationalism takes a back seat.

When I cooled down, I started to think what could be the pressing factors that made Aditya Birla outsource a portion of their manufacturing to Bangladesh. As a practicing cost accountant, I tried to figure out what could be the cost advantage to Bangladesh vis-a-vis India that an India company favored Bangladesh with the manufacturing activities which could have been easily undertaken in India? As I studied, I gathered knowledge about certain cost advantages for the Bangladeshi garment manufacturing industry and I also realized India had a very big role to play to offer such cost advantage to Bangladesh.

However, that cost advantage to Bangladeshi garment manufacturing industries had drastically been curtailed with just one stroke of a decision made by the Indian Government where a restriction has been imposed on the transshipment facilities enjoyed by Bangladesh for exporting their manufactured garments to various countries at a lower logistics cost using Indian ports.

Not very long back, the Bangladeshi garment manufacturing industry gained significant global traction due to several cost advantages and India, despite being a competitor, also played a supporting role, especially in logistics and supply chain infrastructure.

In terms of cost advantage, Bangladesh has some of the lowest wages in the garment-producing world. In 2023, the monthly minimum wage was around $95 (approximately INR 7,790), much lower than what was prevalent in India, Vietnam, or China. This kept per-unit production costs very low, especially in labour intensive garments like T-shirts, shirts, and trousers. In addition, Bangladesh, as a Least Developed Country (LDC), enjoys duty-free access to the EU, Canada, Australia, and some other countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Over and above, Bangladesh focused on volume-based production of basic wear like T-shirts, jeans, undergarments etc. which allowed for economies of scale and the manufacturing process being less complex, it made training cheaper and faster. There were also clustered industrial zones in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Narayanganj which reduced internal logistics costs. Moreover, earlier in its growth phase, Bangladesh had relaxed labour and environmental compliance enforcement which reduced operational costs but nonetheless raised some ethical concerns.

As stated, even though India and Bangladesh are competitors in the global garment trade, India has been a vital enabler for Bangladeshs supply chain, especially in respect of supply of raw material like cotton and yarn. India is one of the largest cotton producers globally and Bangladesh imports 5070% of its cotton and yarn from India. Since these two countries are geographically close, it becomes cost-effective. Indian ports like Kolkata and Petrapole serve as major transit points for these materials.

Indian companies also export textile machinery, dyes, and chemicals used in garment production which reduces Bangladeshs dependency on distant suppliers like China or Europe. Indias land ports serve as critical trade points and improved bilateral trade agreements and infrastructure investments like BBIN corridor, enhance speed and cost-efficiency of cross-border trade.

For some of Bangladeshs export shipments, Indian ports like Kolkata and Haldia are used for transshipment, particularly when Chittagong Port faces congestion. Moreover, India has helped Bangladesh meet energy demands via cross-border electricity trade, which supports the energy-intensive textile industry.

However, since Dr. Yunus took over charge of Bangladesh after a significant political upheaval in July and August 2024 which resulted into ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and minorities there, particularly Hindus started to face a torrid time, the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh started to show strains and most of the triggers were from Bangladesh only. However, the last nail on the coffin was the very controversial and provocative statement of Dr. Yunus during his visit to China where he said that Seven states of India, Eastern part of India called seven sisters, they are landlocked country. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the ocean in this region. This opens up huge possibilities. This could be an extension of the Chinese economy  Build, produce and market things, bring it back to China, export to the rest of the world. This evoked sharp response from the Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Royal Scion and Founder of the Tipra Motha Party, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma of Tripura.

This was enough for India to press the button and Indias Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) officially withdrew the transshipment facility for Bangladeshi export cargoes via its land borders, effective April 8, 2025. This decision rescinded the 2020 circular that had permitted Bangladeshi goods to transit through Indian land customs stations to seaports and airports for onward shipment to third countries. The reasons for the withdrawal were stated to be logistical congestion because of Bangladeshi consignments which resulted in delays, increased air freight rates, and reduced capacity for Indian exports, particularly in the apparel sector. Indian exporters raised concerns that the transshipment of Bangladeshi goods was prioritizing foreign cargo over domestic shipments, leading to losses to Indian exporters.

The withdrawal of the transshipment facility is expected to disrupt Bangladeshs export trade, especially in sectors like readymade garments, and increase logistical costs for exports to countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Bangladesh relies heavily on its garments manufacturing industries which account for more than 80 percent of its export. Experts have also noted that this move could strain regional trade cooperation and may raise concerns regarding compliance with World Trade Organization rules on transit freedom for landlocked countries. However, India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

In further retaliation, the Bangladesh government has banned import of yarns from India to the country via land ports through a notification from the National Board of Revenue. The notification states import of yarn has been banned through the land ports at Benapole, Bhomra, Bangabandha, Burimari and Sonamasjid with immediate effect. Import from air and sea routes are still permitted. However, this further jeopardizes the already fragile sector in respect of cost disadvantage and makes the future of the textile industry in Bangladesh more uncertain. Chittagong, which houses most of the textile industries is in turmoil over religious issues and Dhaka is witnessing violent protests against low wages. These are not making things better either. Bangladesh which was once the second largest exporter of textiles with China on top, now losing the ground under its feet very fast mainly because of the arrogance, vindictiveness and short sightedness of its political establishment, religious extremism and disrespect for law and order.

Simultaneously, this move will benefit Indian domestic exporters and textile industries and units which are mainly in Tirupur in Tamil Nadu are witnessing sudden surge in export order book. International apparel brands suspect disrupted supply chain from Bangladesh and are obviously looking up to India for a steady and uninterrupted supply. Fortunes are also opening up for industries in Surat, Ludhiana, Jaipur and Noida.

This move by India may or may not have impacted the arrogant and stubborn Dr. Yunus but it has hit where it hurts. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has formally requested the Indian government to withdraw this decision saying that Bangladesh and India are neighbors and are good partners. He also said that Bangladesh imports huge quantity of their fabrics, dyes, chemicals, machinery and yarns from India and India should acknowledge that. He reiterated that Bangladesh has good relationship with India.

All said and done, people should understand that in the present times, international trade does not survive on nonsensical emotions. Apart from strong economics and cost management, it needs a stable, understanding and visionary political dispensation. Bangladesh is a prime example of a country which digs its own grave. The political class and the common people both are partners in this crime. The sooner they understand it, the better. But the chances seem to be slim. Till the time, let India make a fortune out of it.

But at the end, the biggest question it, should I throw away my jacket which has a label of my dislike?
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A comparison chart of system costs across different scenarios, which clearly demonstrates the economic advantages of combining both networks. Credit: Hofmann et al.

Over the past decades, many countries worldwide have been trying to gradually transform their energy systems, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) transport networks, infrastructures designed to transport hydrogen gas and captured CO 2 , could support the shift towards climate-neutral energy systems.

Researchers at Technical University Berlin carried out a study aimed at better understanding the extent to which hydrogen and CO 2 transport networks could contribute to the future de-carbonization of the European energy system. Their paper, published in Nature Energy, suggests that both these types of networks could play a key role in establishing a sustainable and clean European energy system.

"In our view, we are envisioning a climate-friendly economy which relies as little as possible on fossil fuels and respects socio-economic considerations," Fabian Hofmann, first author of the paper, told Tech Xplore.

"To achieve this, there is a general knowledge gap when it comes to the question of how we decarbonize the 'hard-to-abate' sectors. While it is clear that electrification and building out renewables (along with energy storages and transmission capacities) is the main route for most sectors, there are certain energy-intensive areas of the economy where we need to find alternative solutions."

Hydrogen fuel is often viewed as a promising alternative to synthetic fuels for providing green energy in some industries. Two key examples are the aviation industry, which relies on high amounts of synthetic fuels, and the cement industry, which is known to emit large amounts of CO 2 .

"Here carbon management becomes equally important: for synthetic fuels, where does the carbon come from; for the process-based emissions, where do we put them?" said Hofmann.

"Naturally, the question arises whether it's beneficial to fully integrate carbon management, including transport and storage, into the overall energy system. In our paper, we want to quantify this potential benefit and examine how hydrogen and carbon networks might complement or compete with each other."

The key objective of the recent study by Hofmann and his colleagues was to shed light on the extent to which hydrogen and CO 2 networks could collectively contribute to future climate-neutral European energy systems.

To investigate this, the researchers built a detailed model of Europe's energy landscape, using an open-source software platform called PyPSA-Eur.

Using this platform, they compared four different scenarios. In the first scenario, there were no specialized networks, in the second only a CO 2 network, in the third only a hydrogen network and in the latter, both types of networks.

"Our model represents Europe as a network of 90 interconnected regions, where energy can flow between regions through transmission lines, pipelines, and other infrastructureeach with its own capacity constraints and losses," explained Hofmann. "For hydrogen and CO 2 pipelines, we considered realistic physical properties like compression energy requirements and transport losses."

The researchers ran a full-year simulation with a temporal resolution of three hours. This simulation was computationally feasible, yet it still allowed them to capture enough of the variability associated with renewable energy sources, as well as the complex interplay between the two types of networks.

A map showing how hydrogen and carbon dioxide would flow across Europe in our optimal scenario, illustrating the complementary nature of the two networks. Credit: Hofmann et al.

"For each scenario, we calculated the most cost-effective mix of technologies and infrastructure to meet Europe's energy needs while achieving net-zero emissions by 2050," said Hofmann.

"This approach helped us identify whether it makes more economic sense to move hydrogen to where carbon is available, or to move carbon to locations where hydrogen can be produced cheaply, all while accounting for the real-world constraints of geography, weather patterns, and infrastructure limitations."

The simulations run by Hofmann and his colleagues yielded some very interesting results. Firstly, they found that while both hydrogen and CO 2 networks individually reduced costs compared to scenarios in which neither of them is present, a combination of both networks was the most cost-effective, saving an estimated 41 billion euros annually.

"The hydrogen network primarily serves to transport low-cost hydrogen from regions with very good renewable resources to industrial centers and to facilities that produce synthetic fuels," added Hofmann.

"Meanwhile, the carbon network efficiently moves captured carbon dioxide from inland industrial sites to storage locations near coastlines. For policymakers and energy planners, our results emphasize the importance of coordinated planning across different energy sectors and national borders."

The findings of this recent study could inform future interventions within the energy industry. Specifically, they suggest that instead of viewing hydrogen and carbon infrastructure as separate or competing investments, policymakers and engineers should view them as complementary systems, as their positive impact is significantly greater when they are combined.

"Importantly, we found that these network configurations remain effective even when tightening climate targets to achieve net-negative emissions, providing a robust foundation for long-term infrastructure decisions," said Hofmann.

"While I've moved to a new position outside academia, I remain involved in energy system modeling, focusing more on developing the PyPSA software tools. My colleagues at the Technical University Berlin are working on a follow-up study that directly builds upon our findings."

The new research that Hofmann's colleagues are conducting explores the practical implications of their recent results, by evaluating the performance of PCI-PMI projects (Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest), focusing specifically on hydrogen and CO 2 infrastructure.

The team's results, gathered using a myopic modeling approach, will offer new insight into how planned infrastructure projects could help to meet European policy goals across different time horizons (i.e., 2030, 2040, and 2050).

"An important aspect of my colleagues' work is quantifying the economic 'regret' or cost implications if pipeline deployments are delayed by one period, if they aren't developed at all, or if certain policy targets are abandoned," added Hofmann.

"This research will provide valuable insights for policymakers on the practical implications of infrastructure planning decisions and their alignment with Europe's climate objectives."

More information: Fabian Hofmann et al, H 2 and CO 2 network strategies for the European energy system, Nature Energy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01752-6. Journal information: Nature Energy

 2025 Science X Network
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Credit: ThisIsEngineering from Pexels

Almost 80% of U.K. adults support national security agencies collecting and processing personal data to investigate terrorism and serious crime, according to new research by the Center for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) at The Alan Turing Institute, in collaboration with Savanta and Hopkins Van Mil, published on Tuesday.

Professor Marion Oswald MBE from Northumbria Law School at Northumbria University, is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Center for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) and was a co-author on this study. Her research covers the interaction between law and digital technology, and has made distinctive contributions in respect of privacy, fair decision-making and artificial intelligence (AI) and the way that data is acted upon by the public sector, focusing on policing and national security.

A representative survey of more than 3,000 U.K. adults was conducted alongside a citizens' panel, measuring public attitudes to national security agencies processing personal data. It is the first study of its kind to look at public trust in U.K. intelligence agencies' use of data.

The research measured public support for data processing across several different purposes, ranging from investigating individuals suspected of terrorism and serious crime to the use of data to create automated tools for predicting future behaviors.

Public support ranged across these contexts and was not universal. For example, 28% are opposed to personal data being used to train a new automated tool for predicting future behaviors.

In the survey, 75% support national security agencies collecting and processing personal data to detect foreign government spies, and 69% support it to investigate a crime for which they are suspected to be connected.

Other contexts have less public support. For example, only half support data collection and processing to shape long-term strategies and policies of national security agencies, 42% support its use to create automated tools to predict future behaviors, and less than a third support it in the context of sharing with commercial organizations.

Professor Oswald explained, "Our research showed that the public is generally unaware of what powers intelligence agencies have to collect data about them. As a result, many assume that intelligence agencies receive minimal oversight and were therefore surprised and reassured to learn about the hoops agencies need to jump through before collecting data.

"This research comes at a critical time in which emerging technologies are transforming national security data processing. Policymakers and other stakeholders must develop a clear understanding of public priorities and concerns in this area to make informed decisions about whether and how to automate different aspects of national security data processing."

Alongside looking at the purposes for use of data, the research also looked at support for processing a range of datasets for a person of interest to security services or police, including public posts on social media sites, biometric data, identifiable medical data and private text messages among others.

The research showed that support for national security data processing is widespread but not universal, with a sizeable minority opposed across the board. For each dataset tested, more than 20% of UK adults are opposed to national security processing, and more than 25% are opposed to police processing. This applies even for data that is already in the public domain (i.e., public posts on a social media site).

Support also varies significantly across age groups and demographics. Young adults and vulnerable adults are less supportive of national security data processing compared to other groups.

Only half of 18- to 34-year-olds support national security agencies processing public posts on a social media site, compared to 61% among ages 55 and over. This is reflected in comparisons of support from vulnerable adults (52%) to non-vulnerable (62%).

The study is also the first to compare public attitudes to human versus machine processing of data in a national security context. Insights from both the survey and the citizens' panel of 33 members of the public showed that there is no indication that the public finds automated data processing to be inherently more or less intrusive or fair than human processing.

Indeed, a strong appetite for technological innovation in U.K. national security was identified, with panel members supporting the use of machine-learning techniques provided there are assurances around accuracy, fairness, safeguards and human oversight are involved.

Rosamund Powell, Research Associate at The Alan Turing Institute, said, "This research is the first of its kind examining public attitudes to data processing in a specifically national security context. It demonstrates that there is not just one public perspective on privacy, and that agencies must continue to seek a nuanced understanding of the factors that shape public preferences in order to ensure that data processing remains proportionate in the eyes of the public."

Sir Brian Leveson, Investigatory Powers Commissioner, said, "In an era of rapid technological change, in which the U.K. embraces cuttingedge capabilities to protect the public and strengthen national security, we must ensure these tools operate under the rigorous legal scrutiny that sustains public trust. I welcome this opportunity to deepen our understanding of public attitudes to U.K. national security and hope this research will provide a foundation for balanced dialogue and informed decisionmaking."
A mental health warrant had gone out the morning of June 16, 2023, after Glenn Earl Smallwood, a Black man suffering psychiatric issues, walked into a mental health services clinic in Lufkin in eastern Texas seeking medication. After refusing to voluntarily go to a psychiatric hospital, he ran off, refusing food, water and care.

The mental health warrant authorizing law enforcement to take Smallwood into custody for mental health evaluation and potential commitment to a treatment facility was never executed. Instead, he was arrested on a public intoxication charge that evening. Just hours later, shortly after midnight, Smallwood, 33, an Army National Guard veteran, was dead, after losing consciousness in front of jailers in the Angelina County Detention Center in his own vomit and blood while strapped to a restraint chair.

On video from the jail, guards are seen laughing, and a vocational nurse charged with his care left him and went home for the night. His family and lawyers, who provided Lee Enterprises with copies of the video and mental health warrant, said Smallwood should never have died inside the jail.

But no real medical care was provided, as the jail put him in a detox cell, they said. What happened in the hours between the warrant, which should have alerted police to his condition, and his death is now the subject of a 39-page federal lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Lufkin Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Angelina County, a for-profit health care company and individuals accused of medical neglect and violating Smallwoods civil rights.

Smallwoods is not an isolated case in the state or in the county of about 87,000, where the Angelina Detention Center handles about 250 inmates daily.

Angelina County has an obligation to ensure that the people in its jail get necessary medical care, said Smallwoods younger brother, John, 29, who brought the lawsuit. My brother is not the first person to die in that jail. I want to make sure hes the last.

Just this year, there have been at least 38 deaths in Texas jails and more than 100 in prisons in the state, which has the highest pretrial detention rate in the country. The list, according to the Texas Jail Project, does not include inmates shipped for detainment in other states, including Louisiana. In 2023, the year Smallwood died, there were well over 200.

Across the country, there is no current jail-death count, as many states do not report such deaths to the Department of Justices Bureau of Justice Statistics, as required by law. In 2019, the last year the bureau reported a full count, there were about 1,200 in the nations 3,100 counties.

Almost 80% of those inmates had not been convicted and were awaiting trial, the bureau reported. And, like Smallwood, 40% died within a week of being jailed.

Smallwoods death was ruled an accidental overdose from methamphetamine, a drug that his family and lawyers said he took to ease his depression and schizophrenia when he was out of medicine.

The case highlights the ongoing failure of our nations county jails to safely and humanely confine mentally ill people, said Erik Heipt of the Seattle firm Budge & Heipt, which filed the lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of Smallwoods estate. Its the sort of atrocity that should never happen in an American jail. Yet it continues.

The suit names Southern Health Partners, a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based for-profit health care provider to correctional facilities; Angelina County; Licensed Vocational Nurse Alecia Lewis; and Angelina County Sheriffs Lt. Dayton Rodriguez, who approved, authorized, and participated in putting and keeping Mr. Smallwood in a restraint chair, according to the filing.

Southern Health and the sheriffs office did not immediately return emails or calls.

Mental health struggles

Born in Galveston, Smallwood and his family moved around the state during his childhood, spending a lot of time in Lubbock, according to his brother. Someone who loved to read and was a gifted writer, Smallwood graduated from ODonnell High School about 40 miles south of Lubbock, where he ran track, his brother said.

Glenn was my big brother. I was born into this world knowing him, John Smallwood said. We didnt have much growing up, so he would always make up games for us to play or find things to entertain us, while my mom worked two jobs. I always looked up to him.

After school, Smallwood enlisted in the Army National Guard in Utah, where he served about two to three years before being discharged under honorable conditions. He moved back to Texas and worked construction. Symptoms of mental illness started creeping in. Still, he kept in contact with all of his family.

Our relationship suffered at times because of his mental health problems and my lack of understanding about them, John Smallwood said. But I always loved him, and he loved me.  Looking back, there were signs that he was dealing with depression as a young man, following his military service. I dont know exactly when he started suffering from schizophrenia, but I noticed symptoms about five years before he died.

Smallwoods brother said, to his knowledge, Smallwood was good about keeping on top of his medications, and did well on them. But he suffered terribly when he could not get refills or was off of them for any period. Methamphetamine and alcohol were substances of choice that Smallwood would turn to when he was off his medicine.

June 16, 2023

On the morning of June 16, 2023, out of meds, Smallwood sought help at the Burke Mental Health Services clinic in Lufkin. Before he was placed at a psychiatric hospital, Smallwood tried to leave, only to be coaxed back by an employee. But 17 minutes after he arrived, he said he needed air and went outside under the watch of two employees, according to records from Burke. He then ran, got on a transit bus but quickly got off and took off down the road.

His mental health warrant went out just before 2 p.m.

That evening, two Lufkin police officers respond to a call that Mr. Smallwood is behaving bizarrely in a residential neighborhood, of the city of about 34,000, according to the lawsuit. Upon their arrival, they find him on his hands and knees, crawling around on a public sidewalk, shirtless, speaking incoherently, hallucinating, and bleeding from his mouth.

The filing says Smallwood was able to tell officers he was a psych patient."

"Instead of taking him to a nearby hospital or psychiatric facility for an evaluation (or heeding the mental health warrant), they arrest Mr. Smallwood for public intoxication without incident, the suit says.

He was driven straight to the Angelina County jail.

Booked in jail shortly before 10 p.m., Smallwood was pronounced dead about two hours later at St. Lukes Health-Memorial Hospital in Lufkin. The cause of death was given as toxic effects of methamphetamine, and the manner was listed as accidental.

Heipt and John Smallwood do not see it that way, and their filing demands a jury trial, with the lawsuit laying out steps they say should have been taken to get Smallwood help and save his life. Instead, they say, the first action of jailers was, per department policy for public intoxication, to grab a restraint chair, strap in Smallwood and assign him a detox cell. He was never combative or resistant, according to the suit.

As Defendant Lt. Rodriguez is strapping Mr. Smallwoods ankles to the restraint chair, he becomes drowsy and listless, and his eyes start to roll back in his head.  Shortly after that, Mr. Smallwood begins to retch, loudly and repeatedly, and then vomits in the direction of Defendant Lt. Rodriguez, causing him to quickly move out of the way, and prompting smiles and laughter from the officers, the suit says.

The restraint chair was reclined, making it harder for Smallwood to clear his airways as he was getting sick, the complaint states. He also was bleeding from his mouth, with photos shared with Lee depicting blood gathering on his shirtless chest and stomach.

Heipt said the actions and the behavior of the jailers doomed Smallwood.

Whatever conceivable justification the jail guards had for initially strapping him into the restraint chair evaporated once he began vomiting and losing consciousness, Heipt said. Keeping him in the restraint chair for nearly two hours was unreasonable, excessive, and unconstitutional. It put his life at risk. And it contributed to his death.

He said another contributing factor was the indifference of the jail nurse, Lewis, the lone medical care provider in the facility placed there by Southern Health Partners.

Pursuant to its profit-driven scheme, Southern Health Partners staffed the jail with a single, unsupervised entry-level nurse, Heipt said. Her limited nursing license did not allow her to diagnose patient medical conditions or independently practice medicine. Yet, she did both.

She gave Smallwood a sternum rub, but he did not respond, according to the lawsuit. She then used smelling salts, which Smallwood reacted to briefly before fading back to unconsciousness, according to the complaint. Lewis did not document his condition or her actions, keep precise records or notify higher-level medical care of his deteriorating condition, Heipt said. He called her actions beyond the pale.

The allegations against Lewis include that she determined Smallwoods abnormal vitals were in line with intoxication, and that he just needed to detox, decisions that were outside the scope of her limited nursing license, Heipt said.

Then she went home.

Lewis repeatedly assured concerned guards that Mr. Smallwood was fine and then left the jail for the night  leaving her dying patient alone in a detox cell, senselessly strapped in a restraint chair, with no on-site medical provider at the jail, the suit says. When jail guards entered the detox cell about 15 minutes later, he was dead.

The Texas Rangers investigated the death, as is common for in-custody deaths, and provided its findings to Angelina County. Heipt said even though the investigation is complete, the county has refused to release requested information, including further video and investigative details to his office, saying the investigation is ongoing indefinitely.

Also, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards reviewed Smallwoods case, with an inspector writing July 12, 2023, that she determined there appears to be no violation of minimum standards and no further action is warranted at this time.

But many things that should have taken place upon Smallwoods arrest did not happen, said Krishnaveni Gundu, the Texas Jail Projects cofounder and executive director. Jailers apparently did not follow policies in place across Texas under the Sandra Bland Act or check for previous mental health through the state's Continuity of Care Query system, Gundu said. The jail also did not perform a medical screening typically conducted as part of the intake process because Smallwood was incapable of answering basic questions, according to the suit.

Together, these protocols should have prevented Smallwoods death by checking his mental status upon arrival at the jail, heeding the warrant from the Burke facility and sending him out for needed mental health and medical care, Gundu said.

However, Gundu said the state does not have a process for feeding emergency detention orders into its Continuity of Care system, representing a major gap in mental health data systems.

This is not an outlier, right? she said. And it makes me so mad, because, you know, we see this all the time  mental health-related deaths in custody. I mean, everybody failed him

Medical care lacking

Heipt and John Smallwood echoed that.

What happened to Glenn Smallwood was cruel and inhumane, Heipt said. It was beyond all the bounds of human decency. This is the sort of atrocity that should never happen in an American jail. Ever. Theres no excuse for it.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1976 in Estelle v. Gamble that inmates are entitled to adequate medical care, and that violations amount to a breach of the U.S. Constitutions Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment. And Texas law requires inmates to get access to needed medical services, as overseen by the Correctional Managed Health Care Program, whose protocols govern jails and prisons in the state.

The Fourth and Fourteenth amendments also protect arrestees and inmates from excessive force, both of which Heipt says in the complaint were violated by his restraint in the chair and ultimately his death.

Also, Texas law requires a list of provisions for inmates, including clothing, food, literacy programs and health care.

When I first learned that he died, I didnt jump to conclusions, John Smallwood said. Im a small business owner, and Ive always been a supporter of law enforcement. I was devastated about his death, but I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. But after watching the videos, my faith and trust in law enforcement was shaken. I was disgusted and horrified by how they treated my brother. I still am. The way everything was handled makes me question where my tax dollars are going.
Russian companies have been targeted as part of a large-scale phishing campaign that's designed to deliver a known malware called DarkWatchman.

Targets of the attacks include entities in the media, tourism, finance and insurance, manufacturing, retail, energy, telecom, transport, and biotechnology sectors, Russian cybersecurity company F6 said.

The activity is assessed to be the work of a financially motivated group called Hive0117, which has been attributed by IBM X-Force to attacks aimed at users in Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia spanning telecom, electronic, and industrial sectors.

Then in September 2023, the DarkWatchman malware was once again used in a phishing campaign targeting energy, finance, transport, and software security industries based in Russia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, and Estonia.

Russian banks, retailers and marketplaces, telecom operators, agro-industrial enterprises, fuel and energy companies, logistics businesses, and IT firms were singled out again in November 2023 with DarkWatchman using courier delivery-themed lures.

A JavaScript-based remote access trojan, DarkWatchman is capable of keylogging, collecting system information, and deploying secondary payloads. It was first documented in December 2021.

"The fileless nature of the DarkWatchman malware, and its use of JavaScript and a keylogger written in C#, as well as the ability to remove traces of its existence on compromised systems when instructed, are evidence of somewhat sophisticated capabilities," IBM noted in 2023.

The latest set of attacks involves sending phishing emails containing password-protected malicious archives that, once opened, deliver a variant of DarkWatchman with improved capabilities to evade detection.

Ukraine Targeted by New Sheriff Backdoor

The disclosure comes as IBM X-Force said an unspecified entity within Ukraine's defense sector was targeted in the first half of 2024 with a previously undocumented Windows backdoor called Sheriff.

"The threat actor used a popular news portal in Ukraine, ukr.net, to host the Sheriff backdoor," security researcher Golo Muhr said in a report published in late March 2025. "The modular backdoor can execute actor-directed commands, collect screenshots, and covertly exfiltrate victim data using the Dropbox cloud storage API."

"The malware focuses on exfiltrating data and taking screenshots while maintaining a low profile designed for prolonged compromises."

It's suspected that the website may have been breached to stage the malware in early March 2024. Sheriff is equipped to download and manage multiple components, including a screenshot module, with commands and configuration values received as ZIP file comments.

"A threat actor's access to Ukraine's largest news portal would position them to conduct a range of high-impact attacks and operate with enhanced obfuscation," Muhr said. "In this specific incident, the threat actor may have abused the trusted domain to stage malware without raising suspicion."

The backdoor also comes fitted with a "suicide" function that, when invoked remotely by the operator, ceases all activity and deletes the directory containing the malware and the folder on Dropbox used for command-and-control (C2) communications.

IBM pointed out that certain aspects of the malware overlap with that of Turla's Kazuar and Crutch, as well as Operation Groundbait's Prikormka and Bad Magic's CloudWizard.

"Both CloudWizard and Sheriff contain a function 'GetSettings'/'get_Settings' to retrieve each module's configuration," the company said. "CloudWizard, Prikormka, and Sheriff share the same screenshot taking intervals of 15 minutes. CloudWizard and Prikormka's file listing modules are called 'tree,' which is the name Sheriff uses for exfiltration of a list of files."

The discovery of the backdoor follows a report from Ukraine's State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection (SSSCIP), warning of a 48% increase in the number of incidents in the second half of 2024 (2,576), compared to the previous six-month period (1,739).

In total, 4,315 cyber incidents were registered in 2024, up from 1,350 in 2021, 2,194 in 2022, and 2,543 in 2023. The number of critical and high-severity incidents, on the other hand, dropped significantly to 59, a decline from 1,048 in 2022 and 367 in 2023.

"Russian hackers are actively implementing automation, employing supply chain attacks for infiltration through software vendors, and combining espionage and sabotage techniques," SSSCIP said. "The primary focus of attacks is the collection of intelligence that could influence the operational situation at the front. In particular, the adversary is targeting situational awareness systems and specialized defense enterprises."
Fifty years after the fall of South Vietnam, Hall County delivered a first-class salute to those who served.

A Tribute to Our Vietnam Veterans was presented Wednesday afternoon in front of the Hall County Courthouse.

The moving ceremony was attended by about 180 people. That group included six women holding flags, standing atop the parking garage across the street.

The day began with seven members of the Nebraska Army National Guard marching from Hall County Veterans Park to the courthouse. The flags they carried were in memory of the Hall County natives who died in Vietnam.

At the end of the ceremony, some of the flags were claimed by relatives of the fallen heroes.

Claiming one of the flags were Judy Jorgensen of Grand Island and Don Gillham of St. Paul, who were first cousins of Richard Gerald Gillham. That Grand Island native died on Jan. 10, 1969, at the age of 20.

Jorgensen and Don Gillham are sister and brother. Their father, Leo Gillham, was the brother of Richard Gillhams father, Gerald.

Jorgensen remembers looking up to Richard Gillham. Don Gillham doesnt remember Richard because he was only 4 when he died.

He was a great guy. He was fun  a fun cousin, said Jorgensen, who was 10 when Richard died.

For the family, the loss of Richard Gillham was very hard, especially on his dad, Don said. Richard was Geralds only biological child. Richards mother was Ursula Gillham.

They plan to bring the flag to Richards sister, Barb Evans, who lives in Lincoln.

The highlight of Wednesdays program was a talk by Jim Seim of Grand Island, who served in Vietnam.

Seim, now 79, described what it was like for a kid from Nebraska to be sent to a far-off war. His comments made it clear how difficult it was.

Sixty years ago, thousands of us, barely a year or two out of high school, were sent around to the other side of the world, to a place called Vietnam, Seim said. We werent sure what we were ready for, for those of us who were boots on the ground  soldiers in the combat area. Youre never ready for whats around the corner.

We werent sure about the people there  whether they wanted us there. They were poor people. They lived in a desolate area. They worked like they had for hundreds of years  by hand. They walked everywhere they went. They had no equipment, no transportation. And they lived in grass shacks, Seim said.

The first time we landed in Vietnam, we were sent to a base up along the DMZ, which was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. At this base, we got our first glimpse of the enemy. The base had been hit, and they had a handful of captives. These guys werent 5 foot tall, didnt weigh 80 pounds. They looked like 14-year-olds back in America. We werent ready for that, said Seim, who sometimes fought back tears as he spoke.

The sounds of war became prevalent, he said. We heard every gun, every weapon, every sound. And they got worse and worse, week by week, month by month. And the only sound we really wanted to hear was the sound of silence, he said.

On Christmas of 1967, North Vietnam decided to give us a 24-hour cease fire, for our Christmas  one complete day with all quiet. And about 9 oclock that night, the Good Lord blessed us with a moonlit clear sky full of stars. Sixty of us from different states all over America sat on top of our bunker and looked up into the stars and dreamed about the day wed come home.

Seim talked about his time at Khe Sanh. Army Gen. William Westmoreland traveled to many bases, including Khe Sanh.

Thousands of North Vietnamese troops were moving south toward the South Vietnamese border.

Westmoreland warned us, Seim said. He told the soldiers to honor the Chinese New Year.

But he said, Dont let your guard down. He said theyre planning something massive, Seim said. And they hit us with everything they had.

Khe Sanh became the deadliest, longest battle of the war.

It was said that there was more bombs dropped over Khe Sanh than over Germany during all of World War II, Seim said.

An estimated 20,000 North Vietnamese hit that base. Only 3,000 Marines were there, he said.

The Tet offensive continued month after month. We lost track of time, he said.

So many soldiers in bunkers, foxholes and trenches lived in their uniforms for weeks without changing, barely able to take their boots off, he said.

Dont get me wrong, Seim said. A lot of soldiers had it a lot worse than I ever did.

Back in the States, we werent sure what was really happening. The information that was being fed back home was either misinterpreted or it was false, he said. And we werent ready for the way we were going to be treated when we (came) home.

People all over America were protesting the war. Many protesters seemed to know when we were coming home. At least in California they did, he said.

At one airport, he remembers hundreds of protesters, who yelled at the returning soldiers, calling them names, and threw things. They blamed the soldiers for the war.

For those of us who were getting out, we hung our heads, took off our uniforms. We threw them in the corner. And we didnt talk about the Vietnam War for 40 years.

For 50 years, Seim was friends with a man named Larry Kelly. We worked together for more than 30 years, and we never once mentioned that wed been in the war.

Later, we found out that wed been in the same places at the same time.

But about 10 years ago, America did a major flip-flop, he said. In cities all over the country, people raised money to send planeloads of veterans to Washington, D.C., to say thank you.

People in Hall County probably put more into that effort than anywhere, he said.

Seim recalled his emotional experience taking a Hero Flight to Washington.

Gathering at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport, we were greeted by volunteers who reached out to shake our hand and say thank you for your service.

For three days, the Vietnam veterans were taken all over Washington. They received special treatment everywhere they went.

Grade school kids came out by the busloads just to shake our hand, he said.

The trip, of course, included a visit to the Vietnam memorial. And there at the wall, 80 of us Vietnam veterans stood gazing at that beautiful black onyx wall.

They searched for the names of buddies, comrades and in some cases relatives.

As Seim stood at the wall, I saw my own reflection  an old man standing there looking at the onyx wall.

He tried to picture the young men he knew who did not come home. I tried to see a little bit of a smile on their face.

Some of those soldiers he knew only for a few short months. Others he knew for a couple of years.

He knew some of them only by their nicknames.

Seim talked about the triumphant reception they received at the Grand Island airport.

A giant flag flew, and the Northwest High School band played one patriotic song after another. Members of a veterans support group, standing by their motorcycles, lined the route the veterans took as they hit the tarmac. Behind a fence stood thousands of people.

Unlike the protesters, who told them they were not welcome, those Nebraskans welcomed them home.

Seim stood next to his wife and tried to take it all in.

He thought about the men who didnt come home, or who returned in bad shape. He realized that any one of them could have been standing there instead of me.

To all of those who had a part in organizing that welcome, or who attended Wednesdays ceremony, I just want to say thank you, he said.

The other speakers at Wednesdays event were Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele, Dan Naranjo and John Larson. Don Shuda was the master of ceremonies, and Pastor Luke Biggs gave the invocation. Doug Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Looking down from above was Hall County Commissioner Gary Quandt, who organized the program. Quandt spent 50 hours on the roof of the courthouse this week. Standing next to him during the ceremony was fellow Hall County Commissioner Pam Lancaster, who sang the national anthem and America the Beautiful.

The marchers from the National Guard belong to the 1-376th Aviation Regiment. Carrying the flags were Derek Zulkoski, Brady Masters, Nicki Mihm, Jessica Kinghorn, Justin Chadwick, David Gerhardus and Parker Gilbert.

Marching with them were three members of the United Veterans Honor Guard. Covering the two miles were Pete DeLeon, Ron Callihan and Dan Halverson.

In front of them, as they marched, was a Grand Island Police Department vehicle. In back was a unit from the Hall County Sheriffs Department.

Wednesdays program ended with a 21-gun salute, and the sounding of Taps.
In recent weeks Americans have been inundated with the lefts accusation Trump isnt providing due process rights to illegal immigrant criminal gang members being deported. Several District Court judges have agreed with the Democrats and ruled against the administration. This has gone so far as District Judges ordering the President to return deported illegal immigrant gang members, with threats to hold administration officials in criminal contempt.

The left has driven the question of who is entitled to due process and what level of due process for alleged enemy aliens and/or illegal immigrant criminal gang members. The more important question under these unique circumstances should be which branch gets to decide due process when it involved national security.

Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access.

Accused MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant Kilmar Garcia is the most prominent case right now. Kilmar illegally crossed the US border in 2011, and two courts have since denied him bond while determining he was in the US illegally.

Observations traveling to Turkey and Greece over Easter An article discussing the unique cultural contrasts between East and West, focusing on historical perspectives and the impact of individual influence.

One court determined that because Garcia was an MS-13 gang member, his deportation to El Salvador should be held up as Garcia could be harmed by rival gang members. Gang units determined Garcia was an MS-13 gang member and Garcias wife reported him for domestic abuse twice and took out two restraining orders on him. https://www.foxnews.com/us/deported-illegal-alien-suspected-ms-13-gang-member-transferred-from-notorious-el-salvadoran-megaprison Under the Enemy Aliens Act and for being a member of a foreign terrorist organization, the Trump administration deported Garcia to El Salvator.

OPINION: Congress can check judges who overstep authority In second Trump admin, faced 68 injunctions from Dem-appointed judges. Proposed check on activist judges by Congress. Concerns arise over judiciary's encroachment on executive authority.

Unbelievably, Obama appointed District Court judge James Boasberg issued an injunction on Garcias deportation in an order filed after Garcia was in flight to El Salvador. Due process was Boasbergs alleged issue with the deportation, despite the earlier court hearings and determinations. The DOJ claims Garcia is not entitled to any further due process, yet Democrats have made Garcia the poster child and now treating him like a Medal of Honor recipient.

USAID was created to counter communism, but came to a nearly opposite agenda Summary: Recent revelations expose misuse of taxpayer funds by USAID for ideological agendas instead of its original anti-communism mission. ```

So who has the right to due process: The US Constitution begins with the words We the People of the United States. The words of the United States becomes important to understanding those rights enshrined in the Fifth Amendment due process clause, which reads in part: Nor shall any person be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. Any person clearly did not mean any person (anywhere in the world at any time) without caveat.

We must go beyond any person to at least limit to those within the United States, or citizens outside the United States (outside territorial waters, for example) who commit crimes and prosecuted in the US. We must also consider the preamble which defined the people as being of the United States. Native Americans who didnt consider themselves part of the new nation wandered within and outside of the borders of the new nation stretching to the Mississippi. Similar groups from other nations contested US land but were within our boundaries.

Around a decade after the Constitution was ratified and during non-war hostilities with both the Britian and France, Congress passed the Enemy Aliens Act. This allowed for the deportation of enemy aliens without due process. No issue from the Court then.

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln suspended Habeas Corpus and detained hundreds without due process. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court held that Lincoln did not have the authority for suspending Habeas Corpus, but Lincoln disagreed. The Constitution provides: The Privileges of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. Lincoln believed he had the clear right and this was a national security issue for the executive.

Though the Constitution does not provide for the Courts to be the sole arbiter of due process and what level, the Supreme Court has actively sought to monopolize this issue. It has generally ruled that illegal immigrants should receive a level of due process rights, but caveats with subjective determinations of connections to the US and other factors.

The courts rulings have gone back and forth with inconsistency and contradictions on both due process and level of due process for illegal immigrants. As late as 2024, multiple courts of appeal held that illegal immigrants did not have the right to bear arms, which removes due process for one of our most basic rights. https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/23/23-40336-CR0.pdf In the case of Abraham Lincoln by suspending due process for a class of actual citizens by suspending Habeas Corpus, Lincoln believed the Court did not have authority over his action.

Though the Courts have actively sought to control the due process issue, including even in national security situations, the Constitution is clear they are outside their lane. Decisions about due process rightfully fall under the other branches in certain situations, particularly when national security is at stake.

Our founders never intended one branch to reign supreme, and the judiciary is not god. We do not owe enemies of the United States all of our sacred rights because some wish to misinterpret what all persons meant with due process. We the People put our ultimate faith in God, and not the courts.
Gia xang dau trong nuoc hom nay (3/7) uoc du bao co the giam tu 6,8 - 7,5% so voi ky ieu hanh truoc o. Cu the, gia ban le xang E5 RON 92 co the giam 1.412 ong (6,9%) ve muc 19.118 ong/lit; xang RON 95-III co the giam 1.440 ong (6,8%) ve muc 19.670 ong/lit. Trong khi o, dau hoa co the giam 7,5% ve muc 17.631 ong/lit; dau mazut co the giam 7,2% ve muc 15.730 ong/kg; dau diesel co the giam 7,1% ve muc 17.977 ong/lit.
The first 100 days of Donald Trumps second presidency has laid the groundwork for sweeping changes to numerous federal agencies.

Primarily through executive orders and directives, he targeted agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Education, Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; while empowering agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Government Efficiency.

The president has issued 143 executive orders in his first 100 days in office, according to The American Presidency Project.

The far reaching effects of the new administration also reached the Equality State, and Wyoming leadership is praising the new administration.

After 100 days, one thing is clear: Republicans are keeping our promises. We are getting America back on track, Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso said on the Senate floor on Tuesday.

DOGE

Trump has promised to take on what he called waste, fraud and abuse in government. He tapped Elon Musk to lead the effort.

Musk turned his plan for a Department of Government Efficiency into one of the most polarizing and consequential pieces of Trumps first 100 days, according to the AP.

The billionaire entrepreneur approached the task with a tech mogul ethos: break things, then see what you want to fix. Firings were widespread and indiscriminate. Programs were eliminated with limited analysis.

It is unlikely that Musk will accomplish his grand-scale goals. His plans for slashing $1 trillion out of the budget were pared back to $150 billion, the AP reported.

DOGE cuts in Wyoming, especially to leases, have created confusion as some leases listed online have later been taken down without notice.

DOGE additionally cut a more than $500,000 USDA grant to the Food Bank of Wyoming.

Immigration

Cracking down on illegal immigration was the anthem of Trumps campaign, and he sought crackdowns and tightening of rules around immigration.

Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport immigrants with limited due process, then used it to justify sending hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador in defiance of a court order, according to the AP.

The administration also pledged to end birthright citizenship, while proposing gold cards that would allow foreigners to buy American citizenship for $5 million, the AP reported.

Illegal border crossings dropped precipitously.

Republicans in Congress are committed to protecting American families. That is why we continue to work with President Trump to get Border Patrol agents the tools they need, Barrasso said on Tuesday. Our agenda puts us on a path to finish the wall. It will boost Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing. It will build more detention space for lawbreakers.

The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Colorado last week filed a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement to obtain records regarding the agencys potential plans to expand immigration detention across Colorado and Wyoming.

We refuse to allow ICE and other federal agencies to hide their work from the public, ACLU of Colorado Legal Director Tim Macdonald said. ICE cannot continue to withhold basic information about its operations and plans for expanded immigration detention from journalists, advocacy organizations, and our communities.

Immigration advocacy groups in Wyoming have been holding information sessions and legal clinics across the state.

The Mexican Consulate in Denver has begun offering mobile services across the region following direction from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. The consulate completed its first offering in Casper last weekend.

Public health

At the Department of Health and Human Services, 10,000 jobs are gone. Billions of dollars in research sent to scientists and universities was shut off. Public meetings to discuss flu shots and other vaccines have been canceled, according to the AP.

Fluoride in drinking water may be the next to go, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has indicated.

Kennedys resistance to launching a vaccination campaign as a growing measles outbreak has worsened, so far infecting hundreds and leaving two young children dead, has elicited concerns from doctors, public health experts and lawmakers, the AP reported.

The Wyoming Department of Health in late March was notified that federal funding provided through a handful of grants  totaling roughly $40 million  was ending right away.

While we continue to seek more clarification and work through timing issues, at this point we expect to lose more than $39 million in grant funding for our Public Health Division and less than $1 million for our Behavioral Health Division, Public Information Officer at the Wyoming Department of Health Kim Deti said days after the cut was announced.

She added that the funding includes COVID-19 related grants for immunizations, epidemiology and laboratory operations, health disparities and substance abuse prevention.

It should be noted, while this supplemental funding was made available as a result of the pandemic, its purposes went beyond specific pandemic response activities, Deti said.

Grant specifics were not provided to the Star-Tribune but much of the grant funding in question has been going out to what we call subrecipients across the state, Deti said.

Energy and environment

Trump has reversed Bidens focus on slowing climate change to pursue what the president calls U.S. energy dominance in the global market.

He created a National Energy Dominance Council, and directed it to move quickly to drive up already record-high U.S. energy production, particularly fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, and remove regulatory barriers, according to the AP.

Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is rolling back landmark regulations.

Barrasso praised Trumps actions he says will unleash American energy potential.

In 100 days, this administration, along with Congress, have taken over 50 actions to unleash Americas energy potential, he said.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon in April attended the signing of four executive orders regarding energy.

The orders aim to strengthen the electric grid, temporarily slash federal regulations from 2027 to 2029, direct the attorney general to stop the enforcement of state and local laws that regulate the development or use of energy resources and reinvigorating Americas beautiful clean coal industry.

One of the orders state that coal will be a vital energy source to meet the rise in domestic electricity demands.

Wyoming is the top coal producer in the nation but the energy source with the highest carbon emissions rate has been in decline for decades.

These Executive Orders will be impactful for our states coal industry and will help ensure Wyoming coal is available to help meet our nations growing energy demand, Gordon said following the signing of the orders.

Education

The federal Department of Education is set to be dismantled following Trump signing an order in late March.

The executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the department, but the order adds that it will maintain core necessities.

This move isnt about shutting down education, it is about relocating it  back to the states and to the people who educate our kids. Empowering local leaders is the Wyoming way, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder said after the order was signed.

Wyoming public schools received 13% of their funding from the federal government during the 2021-22 school year. Total federal funds expected for 2025-26 are roughly $351 million, according to information provided by the Wyoming Department of Education.

It remains unclear whether there will be any cuts to the funding the state receives.

Economy

Trump has tried to bend the U.S. economy to his will. But one force is unbowed: the financial markets, according to the AP.

The president has said his tariffs will eventually be beautiful. So far, its been a difficult three months with consumer confidence plummeting, stock markets convulsing and investors losing confidence in the credibility of Trumps policies.

He has imposed hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs, including on Americas two largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada. Goods from China are getting taxed at a combined 145%, the AP reported.

He has rewarded the coal and oil sectors by attacking alternative energy, yet his tariffs pushed up the price of the steel and other materials that the energy industry needs to build out production.

Retribution

Trump entered office pledging to bring retribution for his supporters, according to the AP.

He made good on that on his first day and virtually every week since, taking aim at the prosecutors who investigated him and the law firms that employed them. He went after former officials who criticized him or correctly asserted that he had lost the 2020 presidential election to Biden. And he targeted elite universities whose policies irked him.

Trump ordered the suspension of the security clearances of the more than four dozen former intelligence officials through an executive order signed his first day in office.

The Justice Department fired the prosecutors who investigated him as part of special counsel Jack Smiths team and demanded the names of FBI agents who participated in investigations into the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, according to the AP.

Executive orders targeted some of the countrys elite law firms, in some cases because they employ or once employed prosecutors who investigated Trump.

Courts, judges and the rule of law

Trump has consistently said he would follow an order from federal judges, but that hasnt stopped talk of a possible constitutional crisis over defying the courts, according to the AP.

His executive orders reshaping the federal government so far are facing more than 150 lawsuits on issues from fired federal workers and immigration to transgender rights.

Judges have ruled against the administration dozens of times, blocking parts of his agenda for now. The administration has argued that individual judges should not be able to issue nationwide injunctions.

Trump issued an extraordinary call for the impeachment of a federal judge who ruled against him the case of Venezuelan immigrants accused of being gang members. That prompted a rare rebuke from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Diplomacy and international relations

Trump has rejected the post-World War II order that has formed the basis for global stability and security.

He has rejected long-standing alliances and hinted at scaling back the U.S. troop presence in Europe. Longtime allies such as Germany and France have suggested they no longer can depend on Washington, according to the AP.

Trump also pledged a swift end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, but no deal has been reached yet.

At the same time, he has repeatedly called for the U.S. to annex Greenland, to retake control of the Panama Canal and to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

Congress

Trump is testing, challenging and even bullying Congress in unparalleled ways  slashing government agencies, deporting legal immigrants, investigating perceived enemies and churning the economy  and all but daring lawmakers to object, according to the AP.

The president has issued nearly 10 times as many executive orders as the first five presidents combined, bypassing Congress. DOGE is slashing programs, jobs and entire agencies, including the Department of Education, that by law receive funding under the purview of Congress.

Military

For the past three months, the Pentagon has been rocked by the removals of top military leadership, including its only female four-star officers, its Joint Chiefs chairman  a Black general  and its top military lawyers, the AP reported.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been floundering in controversy. He was a key participant in the Signal chat set up by national security adviser Mike Waltz, sending details of sensitive military operations over the nonsecure channel. Hegseth also used a second Signal chat to send similar information to a group that included his wife and brother.

Trump issued an executive order to remove transgender service members, which has been stalled by the courts, according to the AP.

Barrasso on Tuesday said that Trump is projecting strength across the world.

President Trump stands firmly with Israel. Houthi terrorists attacked our service members and our ships. President Trump struck back, he said. Under President Trump, America stands tall. We will not be bullied. We back our friends. We confront our foes. This keeps America safe.
Bilateral trade between Trinidad and Tobago and India reached a record TT$1.2 billion (US$368.96 million) in the last fiscal year, according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

She disclosed this as she announced that her Government aims to expand exports to tap into Indias market of 1.4 billion consumers, and will pursue a Partial Scope Trade Agreementthe first from a Caricom countrywhile laying the foundation for a new Bilateral Investment Treaty.
ON Thursday night, when hosted at the Diplomatic Centre, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an experience that has been preserved by the nations diaspora for 180 years.

In images that have since gone viral, Modi was seen eating on the leaves of the sohari (Calathea lutea).

In a social media post to Angelo Bissessarsinghs Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page, Patricia Bissessar said the serving of food on the leaves of the sohari is a practice rooted in Indo-Trinidadian cultural heritage, particularly among the Hindu community.